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October 7, 2020 - San Augustine Street in Center was the scene of a single-vehicle crash Tuesday night, October 7, 2020 after which the driver was arrested.

Center Police Department dispatched a reckless driver was entering the city from State Highway 7 West at 9:33pm onto San Augustine Street and Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers responded. 

According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Jesse Fountain, as a white 2019 Ford Expedition driven by Jennifer Davlin, 44, of Stonewall, LA entered San Augustine Street it traveled off the roadway to the right. 

The Expedition traveled over a sidewalk before striking a road sign and then traveled over a telephone pedestal before returning to the roadway. 

When Troopers arrived, the vehicle was located around 300 yards away from the crash incident at the GMC dealership located on San Augustine Street just past Field Street. It had damage to the front of the vehicle, as well as two flat tires on the passenger side.

During investigation, Davlin was found to be intoxicated and she subsequently was taken into custody and transported to Shelby County Jail.

October 7, 2020 - Center Police Department officers and Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers were at a residence on the 1000 block of Louisiana Street in Center October 6, 2020 at 8:20pm for a reported deceased individual.

According to the Center Police Department, during the investigation it was  determined to be an unattended death at a residence on Louisiana Street inside the city limits. 

Investigators determined that there were no apparent signs of foul play, yet an autopsy and toxicology has been ordered

The deceased was transported from the scene by Watson & Sons Funeral home, and no additional information is available at this time.

October 7, 2020 - (Updated 2:40pm) - The Shelby County Sheriff's Department has released information relating to the incident, and it is as follows: Deputies with the SCSO responded to a residence on CR 3801 in Joaquin in reference to a gunshot wound sustained by a juvenile on Oct. 6, 2020. 

Investigation into the incident revealed that the weapon was fired accidentally by the juvenile and a single bullet entered the juveniles left shoulder. 

The juvenile was transported by EMS to the Center ER where he received treatment for injury and was released to a family member.

No further information is available.

Leah Chase, SCSO Media Relations


October 7, 2020 - The 1000 block of CR 3801 outside Joaquin was the scene of a shooting incident involving a teenager Tuesday, October 6, 2020.

Emergency personnel with Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, Constable Precinct 3, Department of Public Safety, and Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department all responded to the location at around 5:15pm.

While EMS were assessing an individual in an ambulance, Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies cordoned off a location behind the residence with crime scene tape.

EMS transported someone from the scene at 6pm and deputies were seen interviewing neighbors.

Two DeSoto Parish Deputies later arrived at the scene. They advanced with their K9 Rex and other officers into woods located behind the house.

Information will be updated on this incident as it’s available.

October 5, 2020 - As the fight against COVID-19 continues, and everyone tries to move forward with life as best they can under the current circumstances, differing opinions have a tendancy to arise which can at times contradict facts.

Shelby County Today reached out to Dr. Florencio Singson, Shelby County Local Health Authority, about what the proper course of action is in relation to COVID-19.

Dr. Singson offered recommendations for the public at large, businesses, and local government as to what proper protocols are when a positive case is discovered.

"If an employee appears to have COVID-19 symptoms, they should be immediately separated and sent home. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body ache, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. One should take into consideration that symptoms from seasonal allergies and other respiratory infections can overlap with COVID-19. 

"For the majority of cases, the business does not need to close the facility. If it has been less than 7 days since the sick employee has been in the facility, close off any areas used for prolonged periods of time by the sick person.  The business should wait 24 hours or longer before cleaning and disinfecting the area to minimize potential exposure to respiratory droplets. If it has been more than 7 days since the sick employee was in the facility, additional cleaning and disinfection is not necessary. The business should follow CDC cleaning and disinfection recommendations.

"Determine which employees may have been exposed to the virus and take appropriate precautions." 

Dr. Singson was asked, if it’s realized someone has been around a positive case, what would be the proper proactive course of action for that individual to take? 

"You should identify and track people who were exposed to the individual with confirmed COVID-19. Those directly exposed should be immediately quarantined to prevent the spread of the virus that can happen before a person knows that they are sick. Healthy individuals without symptoms can be carriers of the virus and unknowingly spreading the virus. People who are quarantined should stay home, separate themselves from other people and family members, monitor their health, if they have symptoms for COVID-19 then call or notify their physician."

When you have tested positive for COVID-19, it is important that you stay home. Most people with COVID-19 will be able to recover at home. Once you have completed the quarantine and are without symptoms, there is no need to be tested to return to the workplace.

We also asked Dr. Singson, if an individual has received a positive test, once they complete their quarantine time, should they get retested to confirm a negative result?

"Most people to do not require testing to decide when they can be around others. However, depending on the situation, your healthcare provider may recommend additional testing and will provide additional recommendations depending on the results. 

"In general, you can be around others after 10 days of symptom onset and 24 hours without fever without use of fever-reducing medications and other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving. Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and does not require continued isolation. 

"These recommendations do not apply to people with severe COVID-19 or with weakened immune symptoms and should follow with their health care providers for additional guidance."

October 5, 2020 (Printable sample ballot- October 1st, the County Clerk's office mailed out almost 700 ballots that were requested to be mailed. So if you have requested a ballot to be mailed to you, be on the lookout!

Remember, the deadline to request a ballot by mail is October 23, 2020. You may only request a ballot by mail if you are over 65, disabled, or expected to be out of the county during the Early Voting period and Election Day. Unfortunately, being weary of Covid-19 is not considered a disability. However, if you are susceptible to Covid due to a weakened immune system, you can come to the voting location and we will be more than happy to allow you to vote curb side, meaning we will bring your ballot out to your vehicle.

Also, please note, you may bring your mail ballots and turn them in in person to the Shelby County Clerk's Office at 124 Austin St, Center, TX, 75935. You must bring your own ballot in, present your ID, and sign a form to prove that you turned your ballot in. If you do not wish to bring it in, you may still mail it as always.

The last day to register to vote is Monday, October 5, 2020. You may register at the Tax Office at the Shelby County Courthouse, 200 San Augustine St, Center, TX 75935.

Attached below is the Sample Ballot along with the list of Declared Write In candidates that may be written in on the ballot. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the County Clerk's Office at 936-598-6361.

Click here to see the sample ballot.

Click here to view the list of Write In Candidates.

October 2, 2020 - Monday is the deadline day for two important 2020 events: Census and Election.

2020 Census

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the results of the 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding flow into communities every year for the next decade. That funding shapes many different aspects of every community, no matter the size, no matter the location. Participating in the census is really easy and quick. Visit the U.S. Census Bureau at https://2020census.gov/en.html to complete your information online; the process only takes a few minutes. You have the option of completing the questionnaire by phone. To begin, call 844-330-2020, or call the number associated with your preferred language here from their language support list at https://2020census.gov/en/ways-to-respond/responding-by-phone.html.

2020 November General Election

If you want to voice your opinion in the November 3 general election, the deadline to register by mail is October 5; it must be postmarked by October 5. The deadline to register to vote in person is also October 5 at the voter registration office - Shelby County Tax Assessor-Collector's office, Debora Riley, at 200 San Augustine St., Center 75935. Complete an application using the SOS Online Voter Registration Application. Simply fill in the required information, print, sign and bring or mail directly to your county election office by October 5. For more information on registering in person, call (936) 598-4441.

Don't delay because Early Voting starts October 13 and ends October 30. Election day is November 3rd!

October 3, 2020 - The 2020 Shelby County Poultry Festival Broiler Show Sale is underway and the first five places have raised over $24,000 so far!

Grand Champion - Jacie Lee, Center FFA, bought for $7,500 by Farmers State Bank
Reserve Champion - Laura Anne Scull, Shelby Co. 4-H, bought for $6,000 by East Texas Poultry and ACE Hardware
3rd place - Molly Scull, Shelby Co. 4-H, bought for $4,750 by McAdams Propane
4th place - Autum Andrusick, Shelby Co. 4-H, bought for $3,500 by Spartan Structures
5th place - Mason Hughes, Joaquin FFA, bought for $3,000 by Pilgrims Pride

6th place - Carter Greer, Shelby Co. 4-H, bought for $3,250
7th place - Klayton LaRock, Center FFA, bought for $3,500
8th place - Logan Williams, Shelbyville FFA, bought for $3,500 (Highest placing senior and he will receive a $500 scholarship from Shelby Savings Bank)
9th place - Brayden Britt, Center FFA, bought for $3,000
10th place - Collin Lloyd, Shelbyville FFA, bought for $4,500

11th place - Cale Cornelius, Shelby Co. 4-H, bought for $3,500
12th place - Kolton Smelley, Timpson FFA, bought for $3,000
13th place - Alexis Truitt, Center FFA, bought for $3,000
14th place - Megan Gutermuth, Timpson FFA, bought for $3,500
15th place - Gracie Boyd, Shelby Co. 4-H, bought for $3,000

16th place - Taylor Gutermuth, Timpson FFA, bought for $3,500
17th place - Addison Lloyd, Shelbyville FFA, bought for $3,000
18th place - Hollie Hamilton, Joaquin FFA, bought for $3,000
19th place - Chance Shuemaker, Joaquin FFA, bought for $3,250
20th place - Lance Holloway, Center FFA, bought for $6,000

21st place - Landree Jousan, Shelby Co. 4-H, bought for $3,500
22nd place - Sayre Hall, Center FFA, bought for $3,000
23rd place - Mason Fults, Joaquin FFA, bought for $2,500
24th place - Addison Whiteside, Shelby Co. 4-H, bought for $2,500
25th place - Tucker Meyer, Center FFA, bought for $2,800

26th place - Trista Britt, Center FFA, bought for $2,500
27th place - Naomie Meyers, Joaquin FFA, bought for $2,500
28th place - Hannah Hicks, Tenaha FFA, bought for $3,100
29th place - Mason Perry, Center FFA, bought for $2,700
30th place - Kenson LaRock, Center FFA, bought  for $2,500

31st place - Emma Reese Whiteside, Shelby Co. 4-H, bought for $2,700
32nd place - Clayton Hinton, Shelbyville FFA, bought for $2,500
33rd place - Eli Bush, Shelby Co. 4-H, bought for $2,700
34th place - Emilee Elliot, Center FFA, bought for $3,500
35th place - Jase Bird, Center FFA, bought for $3,000

36th place - Carter Bell, Shelby Co. 4-H, bought for $2,500
37th place - Baylee Whiteside, Shelby Co. 4-H, bought for $2,250
38th place - Kadence Polley, Shelby Co. 4-H, bought for $2,500
39th place - Cori Lawson, Shelby Co. 4-H, bought for $3,250
40th place - Camille Greer, Shelby Co. 4-H, bought for $3,000

The sale has ended.

October 3, 2020 (Overall Results, Photos: Album1, Album2, Album3, Album4, Album5, Album6) - The Poultry Festival Chicken Trot was held at Portacool Park Saturday morning, October 3rd with Jacob Garcia being the top male runner and Caroline Chadwick being the top female runner. 

Overall First Finishers

Male:
1st Place – Jacob Garcia, age 19 from Center, 18:38
2nd Place – Andres Leon, age 22 from Center, 20:58
3rd Place – Jesus Gonzales, age 19 from Center, 21:18 

Female:
1st Place – Caroline Chadwick, age 26, from Center, 25:43
2nd Place – Deborah Chadwick, age 58, from Center, 25:51
3rd Place – Emma Kaluza, age 14, from Timpson, 26:03

Overall Winners by Age Group (Bib #, Name, Time)

Male 0 - 11
1st place - #276, Alan VAladez, 00:29:03.42
2nd place - #240, Kason Brooks, 00:32:32.81

Female 0 - 11
1st place - #305, Alaina Dean, 00:26:28.87
2nd place - #277, Zoey Belrose, 00:42:33.30
3rd place - #222, Hadley Sims, 00:42:48.32

Male 12 - 19
1st place - #297, Jacob Garcia, 00:18:38.50
2nd place - #298, Jesus Gonzalez, 0:21:18.04
3rd place - #299, Fabian Morales, 00:22:05.02

Female 12 - 19
1st place - #296, Emma Kaluza, 00:26:03.66
2nd place - #272, Rylynn Bizzell, 00:26:16.48
3rd place - #208, Kalie Brooks, 00:30:02.94

Male 20 - 29
1st place - #278, Andres Leon, 00:20:58.68
2nd place - #281, Julian Jimenez, 00:24:26.51
3rd place - #291, Miguel Noriega, 00:31:31.49

Female 20 - 29
1st place - #294, Caroline Chadwick, 00:25:43.96
2nd place - #206, Chloe Brown, 00:33:06.17
3rd place - #264, Evelyn Campos, 00:32:52.04

Male 30 - 39
1st place - #205, Greg Perry, 00:25:19.18
2nd place - #279, Howard Bennett, 00:27:08.78
3rd place - #292, Steve Dodge, 00:30:20.15

Female 30 - 39
1st place - #274, Maria Benavides, 00:26:19.15
2nd place - #275, Luciana Moreno, 00:26:30.94
3rd place - #245, Stephanie Waller, 00:28:23.74

Male 40 - 49
1st place - #282, Luke Garrett, 00:28:04.26
2nd place - #216, Kelly Brooks, 00:32:33.65
3rd place - #248, Keith Davis, 00:52:58.84

Female 40 - 49
1st place - #300, Delia Diaz, 00:29:41.72
2nd place - #238, Sena Dubea, 00:35:13.52
3rd place - #295, Lynn Kaluza, 00:37:04.57

Male 50 - 59
1st place - #234, Thomas Morris, 00:26:46.30
2nd place - #217, Harry Perry, 01:04:14.83

Female 50 - 59
1st place - #237, Deborah Chadwick, 00:25:51.64
2nd place - #215, Beth Nichols, 00:36:08.82
3rd place - #239, Tina Anderson Estes, 00:36:15.98

Male 60 - 100
1st place - #262, Jim Sawyer, 00:32:03.51
2nd place - #226, Jackie Kirkwood, 00:37:00.49

Female 60 - 100
1st place - #285, Debrah Worsham, 00:46:43.83
2nd place - #241, Kathryn Bailey, 00:52:59.36
3rd place - #210, Phyllis Reed, 01:01:33.93

September 25, 2020 - The City of Huxley public water system, (PWS) ID 2100019, will temporarily convert the disinfectant used in the distribution system from chloramine to free chlorine. The conversion will begin on September 28th, 2020 and continue through October 28th, 2020. During this period, you may experience taste and odor changes associated with this type of temporary disinfectant conversion.

Public water systems are required to properly disinfect their water and maintain an adequate disinfectant residual in the distribution system. Chloramine, free chlorine combined with ammonia, is widely used as a disinfectant because it persists for long periods while also limiting the formation of disinfection by-product contaminants. Prolonged use of chloramine coupled with other factors that can affect water quality, such as high temperatures or stagnation of water, may result in the growth and/or persistence of organic matter within the pipes of the distribution system, which may hinder the ability to maintain an adequate disinfectant residual. A temporary conversion to free chlorine, partnered with flushing activities, helps to rid distribution pipes of this organic matter and improve the quality of your water overall.
 
The City of Huxley has chosen to implement a temporary disinfectant conversion to free chlorine for Annual Preventative Maintenance.
 
It is important to understand that during this temporary change there may be some discoloration or cloudiness in the water and possibly a slight chlorine odor or taste. If this is experienced, customers may want to run the water through the tap until it is clear. Minor pressure fluctuations and small air pockets may also occur. Flush valves should remove a majority of the color and odor, but some may reach customer lines during the process. Any odor and color issues should subside as the flushing is complete. Customers who use tap water for kidney dialysis at home should consult their doctor to advise them if any changes are necessary in their residual disinfectant neutralization procedures.
 
Please share this information with all people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (i.e., people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
 
If you have questions regarding this matter, you may contact Kevin Jacobs at (936)368-2633 or Justin Belrose at (936)368-2266 during normal business hours.

October 1, 2020 - The water on San Augustine Rural WSC no longer requires boiling.

On September 28, 2020, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the San Augustine Rural Public Water System, #2030007, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

San Augustine Rural Water has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of October 1, 2020.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact the office:
220 West Columbia Street
San Augustine, Texas.
936-288-0489
or
Charles Sharp 936-201-5001.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

If a customer, individual or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512)239-4691. 


September 28, 2020 - Effective September 28, 2020

Until further notice

Due to a break in the water line, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required San Augustine Rural Public Water System PWS #2030007 to notify  Customers in the North and North West Areas  to boil their water prior to consumption (eg., washing hands / face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc).  Children, Seniors and Persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. 

In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes. 

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received the notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact San Augustine Rural Water System at 220 W. Columbia Street, San Augustine, Texas, 75972, or call 936-288-0489 or Charles Sharp at 936-201-5001.

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