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August 1, 2019 - Shelby County Commissioners heard from Shelby County Game Warden Austin Cryer during their July 31, 2019 meeting about Shelby County receiving a new 22 foot boat for working the river and for water rescues.
Game Warden Cryer explained, “What we are looking at is we have a new boat coming probably December of this year. It is a big bay boat that can handle rough water; its going to have a side engine and a sonar system.” He included it is also the most beneficial boat to work on the river searching for people who are boating while intoxicated.
“If you ever get down to Sabine and San Augustine they just got a new 25 footer, real big boats for working a big part of Toledo and a big part of Rayburn,” said Cryer. “So these boats are going to be also beneficial because of their size. Rescues in rough water out there… if the occasion causes for which it does happen.”
“We have no where to put the boat, it won’t fit in DPS’s hanger which they’ve kinda kicked us out anyways. The door on that shop is only 10 foot tall and we need at least a 12 foot door on a building to get this big boat in there.”
He continued explaining it is a 22 foot boat and he had investigated the cost of a 40x40 foot shop on a concrete slab.
“One of the shop doors needs to be at least 12 foot tall by 12 foot wide to fit this big boat in, the shop can have smaller doors big enough to get a truck and smaller boats in and also have a walk in door."
Currently the game wardens are in the process of securing a two-year lease agreement to house the boat; however, they wanted to make county officials aware so they can plan ahead for other possible options. The game wardens could make an interagency contract with the county for housing of the boat. Cryer talked to several companies around and got estimates as low as $30,000 and as high as $40,000, “They all may go cheaper when we get them in a bidding war. But conservative investment will cost at least $30,000 for the shop.”
“So that is what I have for you today gentleman, if y’all have any questions for me if I don’t know the immediate answer I will write them down and get back to you. Not asking for a yes or no, just putting it out there y’all can call me anytime.”
No action was taken concerning the boat storage item.
Agenda items approved during the meeting included: 1. Pay weekly expenses. 2. Resolution for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas. 3. Adjourn. Agenda items tabled during the meeting include: 1. Putting speed limit signs on county roads.
July 24, 2019 - Construction of a new building for the Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 office was approved by the Shelby County Commissioners during their July 24, 2019 meeting.
The proposed building construction is set to begin October 1, 2019 at the beginning of the new budget year. The company awarded the bid for the construction was EZ Way Services out of Shelbyville.
The commissioners collective opinion is a structure built on site would be more beneficial to the county than a pre-fab building which Commissioner Tom Bellmyer suggested would potentially have the county revisiting the issue again in 15-18 years.
A motion carried by the commissioners to approve the $73,815 project by E-Z Way Construction to build the new Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 structure.
At this time the property the county is considering placing the new structure on is just next door to the current location on Nacogdoches Street and was donated to the county by Rick Campbell in 2018.
The representative of EZ Way Services stated it should take 30 days once they begin construction to complete the project.
It was also brought up by Commissioner Bellmyer, there may need to be some additional alteration to the new Shelby County Sheriff's Department fence in relation to the new Justice of the Peace office.
After the motion was approved for the construction of the new structure another motion carried to reject bids previously presented to the commissioners for the remodel of the Juvenile Probation office building.
Commissioner Bellmyer proposed adding reduced speed limits to some of the county roads in his precinct. He said without posted speed limits, as is the current state on most county roads, there isn't much ability to enforce the speed limit.
He said there is a section in the transportation code which would allow for the county to adjust the speed limits on those roadways. (Click here to view the transportation code).
"It gives the county the right to set a lower speed limit than the maximum set by the state," said Bellmyer. "It needs the discussion and it needs approval by the court and it allows the commissioner or the road superintendent to establish those lower speed limits."
Bellmyer says he has some roads in his area that are more narrow than would be preffered and some that are high traffic. He just said he would like the ability to help slow some of the traffic.
Commissioner Jimmy Lout agreed he would like to be able to make similar adjustements in his precinct.
A motion carried to table the item for further investigation and discussion.
Members of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas spoke with the commissioners about their tribe and the positive impact of Naskila Gaming on Deep East Texas. Representatives of the tribe have been traveling east Texas seeking support.
Quinn Poncho, with the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe, spoke about supporting the gaming facility so it can stay open.
Judge Allison Harbison remarked the majority of the counties in the Deep East Texas Council of Governments have already signed resolutions of support.
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribal Council issued a letter which was shared with the commissioners to explain their desire of support.
The following pertains to the bill which the tribe was seeking support of: The resolution is in support of H.R. 759 amending the tribe's 1987 Restoration Act under Sec. 301. Rule of Construction: "Nothing in this Act shall be construed to preclude or limit the applicability of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.) This bill will clarify the Pueblo and Tribe are permitted to offer Class II electronic bingo, under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act ("IGRA"), just like the other federally recognized tribe in Texas, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas in Eagle Pass, in operation since 1996. H.R. 759 is specific to the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe and will have no impact on any other federally recognized Indian tribe.
A motion carried by the commissioners to approve supporting the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe.
The meeting was adjourned.
Agenda items approved during the meeting incluide: 1. Pay weekly expenses. 2. Current Payroll. 3. Resolution Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas to address the court. 4. Commissioner Pct. 1 to purchase a new Cataerpiller Motor Grader Model 140M3. 5. $73,815 project by EZ Way Services to build the new Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 structure. 6. 2 year extension on the current Depository Contract with Farmers State Bank. 7. Resolution for 2 year extension on current Depository Contract with Farmers State Bank. 8. Enter into an agreement between the State of Texas (TXDMV) and Shelby County to issue license plates and audit paper. Angela Norton was also named custodian. 9. Renew annual agreement with Computer Information Concepts for Tax Office. 10. Adjourn. Tabled: 1. Speed limits on some of Pct. 4 County Roads.
August 1, 2019 - Update - 6:21pm: SH 103 at SH 147 in San Augustine County is clear and open for travel following an earlier crash. Drive safely.
Alert: SH 147 at SH 103 in San Augustine County continues to be blocked due to a crash involving two 18-wheelers. Motorists are urged to choose alternate routes or prepare for delays.
The road will be closed for an undetermined amount of time as this scene clears. Check drivetexas.org or @TxDOTLufkin on Twitter for updates.
August 1, 2019 - Weather statistics for July 2019 are prepared and submitted by Ann Forbes, U.S. Weather Service Observer.
Highest Temp was 96 degrees Recorded on 7-17 and 7-23-2019
Highest Temp on Record was 110 degrees on 7-26-1954
Lowest Temp was 61 degrees Recorded on 7-24-2019
Lowest Temp on Record was 55 degrees on 7-15-1967, 7-07-1970 and 7-08-1972
Rainfall Recorded was 1.25 inches
Average Monthly Rainfall is 3.31 inches
Below Average by 2.06 inches
Highest Recorded for this Month was 10.19 in 2002
Lowest Recorded for this Month was 0.19 inches in 1947
Rainfall Recorded through July is 38.78 inches
July 2018 had 11 Triple digit days!!!
July 30, 2019 - The Center Police Department has issued a press release relating to a shooting incident and resulting pursuit into Louisiana which resulted in the arrest of four. Those individuals arrested include Tarrius Denzell White, 25, charged with fugitive from justice; Latrina Shawntay Wiggins, 34, charged with aggravated flight from officer and fugitive from justice; Marveze Deon Latin, 31, charged with fugitive from justice; and Howard C. Latin, Jr., 32, was charged with fugitive from justice
Center Police Department Officers responded to a call of semi-automatic gun fire in the area of Kindle Street on July 29, 2019 approximately 1:40pm. Upon arrival Officers witnessed a burgundy Yukon and a blue Chevrolet Lumina car, leaving the scene at a high rate of speed.
One officer pursued the blue car to the area of Netherly St. where five black male subjects exited the car and ran into the adjacent wooded area. A later inventory of the car revealed several weapons including a semi-automatic AR-15 assault rifle.
The other officer pursued the burgundy Yukon from the City of Center into Louisiana, where Desoto Parish Deputies took the lead, and were able to lay out spike strips on FM 3015 in Desoto Parish, near the city of Mansfield La.
The four suspects in the Yukon, were arrested without incident, and transported to Desoto Parish jail. An inventory of the Yukon did reveal one semi-automatic AK-47 assault rifle with two magazines.
One victim sustained a wound to the neck as a result of the gunfire.
The Center Police Department urges anyone with any additional information concerning this act of violence to please notify the Center Police Department 936-598-2788.
July 29, 2019 - The Center Police Department received numerous reports of Burglaries of motor vehicles in the general San Augustine St. area from mid-June to July 24th.
Several firearms were taken from the vehicles, along with other items.
On July 24th at approximately 10:15pm Officer Spencer Anderson made a traffic stop on a subject riding a bicycle in the middle of Hurst St.
During the stop, Officer Anderson discovered the subject to be in possession of a semi-automatic pistol.
The pistol serial number was checked through Dispatch and was found to be recently stolen from a vehicle off of Pine St.
The subject was identified as Brandon Morano, 23, of Longview, TX. Morano was placed in custody for unlawfully carrying a firearm, and possession of a stolen firearm.
Morano was booked into the Center Police Department holding facility without incident.
Through further investigations, Moreno has also been charged with a total of 10 criminal offenses.
Special thanks to Corporal Steve Thornburgh, Officer Spencer Anderson, and Officer Angela Neal.
July 29, 2019 - On July 23, 2019, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the City of Tenaha public water system, NO. 2100002, 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. The 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 July 29, 2019.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Stacey Cranford or Amanda Treat, City Secretary at 936-248-3841 238 North George Bowers Drive Tenaha, Texas 75974.
July 23, 2019 - Due to a break in the main water line caused by construction, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the City of Tenaha PWS ID NO. 2100002 public water system to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., 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 like this notice.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this 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 Stacey Cranford or Amanda Treat, City Secretary at 936-248-3841, 238 North George Bowers Drive, Tenaha Texas 75974.
July 28, 2019 - The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to a fatal crash yesterday morning, July 27, 2019 on US 59 involving a commercial motor vehicle, about one and a half miles north of Timpson.
The preliminary crash investigation indicates at approximately 11:45 a.m., a 2008 Ford passenger car was traveling north in the outside lane. A 2016 Volvo truck tractor semi-trailer was also traveling north in the outside lane and failed to control speed and struck the Ford from behind.
The driver of the Ford is identified as 62-year-old Yolanda Enene from Houston. Enene was pronounced deceased on the scene by a Shelby County Justice of the Peace. A passenger traveling with Enene was also pronounced deceased at the scene and is identified as 80-year-old Joyce Bryan, also from Houston.
The driver of the truck tractor is identified as 28-year-old Yakul Soni from Ontario Canada. Soni was not injured during the crash.
This crash remains under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.
July 26, 2019 Angelina County - The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to a report of a two vehicle crash yesterday afternoon on US 69, just north of Zavalla.
The preliminary investigation indicates at approximately 3 p.m., an Angelina County Sheriff’s Department marked patrol car was traveling south when a northbound 2009 Nissan passenger car attempted to pass another vehicle in a no passing zone and struck the patrol vehicle head-on off the west side of the roadway.
The driver of the Nissan was pronounced deceased at the scene by an Angelina County Justice of the Peace and is identified as 17-year-old Tyler Duke from Lufkin. Three additional passengers in the Nissan are identified as 20-year-old Charity Lawson from Orange, 16-year-old Faith Lawson, also from Orange and a one-year-old female. Charity Lawson was transported to a Conroe hospital by medical helicopter for treatment. Faith Lawson was transported to CHI St. Luke’s Hospital and later transferred to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. The one- year-old female passenger was properly secured in an appropriate child passenger safety seat system and was transported to CHI St. Luke’s Hospital for minor injuries.
The driver of the patrol vehicle is identified as 51-year-old Stacy Seymore from Wells. Seymore was transported to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Beaumont by medical helicopter for treatment.
This is an ongoing investigation. No additional information is available at this time.
July 24, 2019 - Officer Brian Wright of the Center Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a black Chevrolet Cruz for defective tail lamps at approximately 2pm on Thursday, July 18, 2019. Officer Wright also knew the driver to have an invalid driver’s license from previous encounters.
Upon speaking with the driver Luis Argudo, 25, Officer Wright developed reasonable suspicion that contraband was present in the vehicle. Officer Wright requested a K-9 be deployed. Captain Joey Hudnall of the Tenaha Police Department arrived and prior to deploying the K-9 could himself detect the odor of marijuana in the vehicle.
The officers conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle and approximately 18 ounces (over a pound) of high quality marijuana and six cartridges of THC was located in the trunk of the vehicle.
Argudo had a passenger with him a Javier Gonzalez, 28. Neither of them would claim ownership of the contraband.
Both subjects were placed in to custody and charged with delivery of marijuana > 1/4 oz <= 5 lbs (State Jail Felony) and Manufactory/ Delivery of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 2 or 2A >= 4G <400G (F-1).
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