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August 27, 2019 - The portfolio of state historic sites operated by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) is set to expand.
Beginning Sept. 1, 2019, eight historic sites across the state of Texas will transfer to the THC.
Seven of the properties are currently managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). These properties were transferred by the 86th Texas Legislature on the recommendation of the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission. The action will allow both the THC and TPWD to improve efficiency by focusing each agency on its core mission—THC’s role as the state historic preservation office, and TPWD’s as steward of the state’s impressive natural resources and hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation attractions.
“Our primary goal as stewards of these sites has always been the preservation of these iconic landmarks for the enjoyment of current and future Texans. We entrust the future care of these notable parks to the capable hands of the THC and know they will continue these high standards of maintenance and operations going forward,” said Carter Smith, Executive Director of TPWD. “TPWD is proud to have been the caretakers of these historic sites for many decades, and we will continue to care for the hundreds of historic buildings, archeological sites, and other cultural resources that exist within state parks and natural areas across Texas.”
TPWD sites transferring to the THC include San Jacinto Monument and Battleground in Harris County; Washington-on-the-Brazos and Barrington Plantation in Washington County; Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill in Fayette County; Lipantitlán in Nueces County; Fanthorp Inn in Grimes County; and the Port Isabel Lighthouse in Cameron County.
“Texas Parks and Wildlife and their professional staff have done impressive work stewarding these historic places,” said Mark Wolfe, THC Executive Director. “We welcome this challenge to build on their legacy and continue the preservation of these unique sites for new generations of visitors to enjoy. We are pleased that we will be able to work with many of the same staff who have operated and maintained all the transferring sites. We welcome them and these sites to the Texas Historical Commission family.”
Additionally, the 86th Legislature turned management of the Star of the Republic Museum in Washington County (part of the Washington-on-the-Brazos complex) to the THC, effective Jan. 1, 2020. The THC is working with the site’s owner, Blinn College, on management logistics. The THC may assume operation of the museum prior to the beginning of the year.
The addition of the new sites means that the THC now manages 31 state historic sites representing nearly every era of Texas’ storied history—from the legends and culture of the original American Indian inhabitants of Texas, to the epic stories of the state’s revolution and independence, to the humble birthplace of one of the nation’s greatest leaders, President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
To learn more about these sites or to plan your next trip, visit StoriedSites.com.
August 26, 2019 – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) investigated a one vehicle fatal crash on SH 7, about twelve miles west of Center, on August 25, 2019.
The preliminary crash investigation indicates at approximately 3:15am, a 2008 Ford pickup was traveling east when the pickup drove off the roadway to the right and struck a tree before overturning. The driver is identified as 28-year-old Julio Vazquez from Center, TX.
Vazquez was transported to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department in Center where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.
This crash remains under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.
August 24, 2019 - Just before the U.S. Highway 96 overpass in Tenaha was the scene of a truck fire Saturday, August 24, 2019.
When firemen with the Tenaha Volunteer Fire Department arrived at around 4:45pm, the truck was engulfed in flames. While firemen and law enforcement with Tenaha Police Department and Texas Department of public Safety directed traffic directed traffic, the fire was extinguished.
The driver had been working on repairs to the truck, and took it out for a test drive when he stated the truck began smoking. He was traveling northbound at that time and pulled off to the side of the road when the truck began smoking. He attempted to put the truck into park; however, he had to engage the parking brake to prevent it rolling.
Once he escaped, the truck went up in flames.
No injuries were reported and once the fire was out, the firemen traveled to a grass fire off U.S. Highway 59 south of Tenaha.
When the firemen arrived at a property just off U.S. Highway 59 at CR 4644, a fire had traveled through a fence row toward neaby railroad tracks.
Tenaha Volunteer Firemen, and Timpson Volunteer Fire Department extinguished the flames and moved on from the location.
At this time no burn ban has been put in place countywide; however, anyone planning to burn should use common sense and consider waiting until weather conditions aren't as dry as they are currently.
August 24, 2019 - A traffic stop in Center resulted in an arrest on drug related charges. Center Police Officers and Detectives conducted an investigation Thursday afternoon at the end of Field Street where they discovered the illegal substance.
According to Detective Kenneth King, on August 22, 2019 at around 1:18pm a Center Police Department patrol unit noticed a silver GMC Canyon pickup truck make a traffic violation in the area of Pine Street and King Street.
The officer initiated a traffic stop, and the driver brought the truck to a halt at the intersection of Field and Baldwin Streets.
As the officer was approaching truck, he noted the driver was making furtive movements toward the center of the vehicle. As the officer asked him to exit the vehicle, the driver continued the previous action toward the center of the vehicle.
Once he got out, the officer identified the driver as James Christopher Flow, 34, of Center with a female passenger.
While the officer was interviewing Flow, a second officer arrived to back him up and as the second officer noticed in plain view inside the truck a clear bag with a crystal like substance he recognized to be methamphetamine.
A probable cause search was conducted at that time, and it was determined Flow had been tearing baggies of methamphetamine and dumping it between the seats.
Flow was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance over 1G> <4G, and tampering with physical evidence.
The passenger in the vehicle was not determined at that time to have involvement and was released.
Although Murphree admitted to taking more than 30 documents, the above
photo is of those which were recovered including a check and money order
that found their way into a creek.
August 23, 2019 - The case against a former deputy District Clerk who was arrested July 10, 2019 for tampering with a government record has reached a disposition as of August 20, 2019.
Documents which were meant to have been filed in the District Clerk’s office were instead thrown into a Shelby County creek and were later discovered by a resident who reported the find to authorities.
Murphree admitted to Texas Rangers she had taken the documents as well as 30 others.
According to Gary Rholes, Shelby County Attorney, Shelly Murphree pled guilty to Tampering with a Government record on August 20, 2019. The charge regarded records missing from the Shelby County District Clerk’s office.
Murphree paid $500 up front to pay for a missing money order for a child support payment, though it was not alleged that Murphree cashed the money order. Immediate payment of this amount, however, will allow this child support to be quickly disbursed to the parent entitled to this amount.
Additionally, Murphree was ordered to pay $500 fine, $262 court cost, perform 20 hours of Community Service and turn over any District Clerk records as conditions of her 12 month Community Supervision. Compliance with the terms of the probation would allow Murphree to avoid a sixth month sentence in the Shelby County Jail.
Compliance would also allow Murphree to avoid a judgment making a formal finding of guilt on her record. The punishment assessed was agreed to by County Attorney Gary Rholes, Ryan Deaton, Murphree’s attorney, and was approved by Judge Allison Harbison.
Rholes stated that he appreciates the citizen leading authorities to evidence in the case and the investigating work of Constable James Hagler and Texas Ranger James Hicks. Rholes also added that he hopes this sends a signal that official misconduct committed by public servants will not be ignored in matters over which he has jurisdiction. “Ignoring such misconduct sends the absolute wrong signal to everyone.”
Related article:
Former Deputy District Clerk Charged for Tampering with Government Record
August 22, 2019 - The water on Denning Rural Public Water System no longer requires boiling. On August 20, 2019, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Denning Rural Public Water System, #2030004, 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.
Denning Rural Public Water System 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 August 21, 2019.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Denning Rural Water System at 220 W. Columbia Street, San Augustine, Texas, 75972, or call 936-288-0489 or Charles Sham at 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.
Effective August 20, 2019 until further notice
August 20, 2019 - Due to electrical problems at the plant, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required the Denning Rural Water System PWS #2030004 to notify all customers 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.
Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.
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 Denning Rural Water System at 220 W. Columbia Street, San Augustine, Texas, 75972 or call 936-288-0489 or Charles Sharp at 936-201-5001.
August 20, 2019 - Did you receive a letter in the mail about your Homestead Exemption?
How to make sure you are not being scammed when applying for your Homestead Exemption:
- The Shelby County Appraisal District is the only entity that can add any property tax exemptions to your property.
- There is NEVER a fee to apply for an exemption. If you are ever asked to pay for an exemption, this is a SCAM.
If you ever have any questions about your property tax exemptions, contact the Shelby County Appraisal District office.
724 Shelbyville Street
Center, Texas 75935
(936) 598-6171
scad@sbcglobal.net
August 20, 2019 - The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in solving the 2012 murder of Ashton Randle.
On or about May 20th, 2012, the body of 23-year-old Ashton Randle of Logansport, Louisiana was located in a wooded area off of FM 139 in Shelbyville, Texas. It was discovered that Mr. Randle had been fatally shot.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office initiated a homicide investigation and the investigation has continued over the past 7 years with various leads and collection of additional evidence. Despite the passing of 7 years’ time, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has not forgotten about Mr. Randle and his untimely death, nor did his family and friends.
Although the homicide of Mr. Randle is seven years old, there is no statute of limitations for homicide in the State of Texas. The pursuit for justice continues.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is asking for any information that will lead them to further evidence in this case and/or further information that will assist in securing a conviction for the suspect(s) involved, so justice can be served and bring the much-needed closure for Mr. Randle’s family.
You are encouraged to please contact SCSO Cold Case Investigator DJ Dickerson at 346-233-3309. Any information will be greatly appreciated and remember that you can remain anonymous.
August 19, 2019 - Hurst and Foster Streets in Center were the scene of a two-vehicle collision Monday, August 19. Center Fire Department Firemen and Center Police Department officers were quickly dispatched to the location.
According to Center Police Officer Chris King, at 12:40pm a white Nissan driven by Latoya Wallace, 35, of Shreveport, LA. was northbound on Hurst Street in Center approaching Foster Street.
A blue Ford Expedition driven by Ruth Duke, 72, of Center crossed the roadway from the Walmart entrance to Foster Street and crossed in front of the Wallace causing the Nissan to collide with the right rear quarter panel of the Expedition.
The Nissan came to rest facing south and the Expedition traveled off the roadway into a culvert.
Duke refused medical evaluation at the scene by EMS.
Wallace and her passenger Angelina Smart, 35, were both transported by ambulance to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for treatment of their injuries.
That particular location has been a common spot for traffic incidents over the years. According to TxDOT traffic statistics over a five year time period:
- There were 21 Crashes including 43 units and 71 persons
- 61.9% of those crashes occurred during clear conditions, 23.8% were during rain conditions, and 14.3% were reported as having been in cloudy conditions.
- 57.1% of the crashes took place at a stop sign.
- 61.9% of the crashes occurred on the northbound side of the street by Foster Street.
- 52.4% of the crashes were reported to have no injury, 33.3% had possible injury, 9.5% had non-incapacitating injury, and 4.8% had suspected serious injury.
August 19, 2019 - On Thursday, August 15, 2019, officers with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), operating off of a tip, went to a residence off of County Road 2703 in Shelbyville. The SCSO had received information regarding a fugitive being at the residence. Earlier in the week, officers were at the residence and a subject fled out of the back of the house and another was taken into custody on warrants.
Officers arrived at the residence and made entry into the home with the permission of the homeowner. Upon entry, officers recognized Christopher Askew, 34, of Shelbyville. Askew was wanted by the Board of Pardons and Parole in Marshall. At the time of contact, Askew appeared to try and go to a different area of the residence. He was immediately taken into custody.
Askew was found to be holding a bottle with a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine. An additional search of Askew for weapons turned up additional bags of a crystal-like substance, small baggies, and pills in two unmarked containers. A set of scales along with the baggies were taken as evidence as well. These items indicate Askew was packaging the substance into smaller portions to distribute.
The crystal-like substance was field tested and tested positive for methamphetamine. The aggregate weight of the substance was 135.3 grams. The pills were identified as Ecstasy (MDMA), weighing .8 grams and Alprazolam (Xanax), weighing 11.4 grams.
Along with the parole violation, Askew was charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Penalty Group 1 (F-1); Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Penalty Group 2 (F-3); and Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Penalty Group 3 (SJF).
The SCSO was assisted at the scene by Constable Pct. 3 Roy Cheatwood.
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