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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.
October 1, 2020 - The Shelby County Sheriff's Department is reported to have had an incident involving an inmate on Saturday, September 19, 2020.
As information released by the Center Police Department was deemed inaccurate by the Sheriff's Department relating to an incident in the Shelby County Jail, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has released information regarding the report which involved the inmate on September 19, 2020.
An inmate was using a designated inmate telephone in the jail. The inmate knocked on a secured door to gain entrance into the hallway. Upon hearing the knock, Correctional Officer Daniel Mendez approached the inmate to address the situation. The control board operator unlocked the hallway after seeing that Mendez was present with the inmate. The inmate entered the secured hallway at 14:31.
Once in the hallway, the inmate began demanding requests from Mendez. Knowing the inmate has a history of violent tendencies; Mendez began talking to the inmate in the hopes of deescalating the situation and removing him from the hallway.
- At 14:32, Correctional Officer Adam Ramirez entered the secured hallway to provide assistance.
- At 14:52, 21 minutes after the inmate entered into the hallway, dispatch phoned the only SCSO deputy to assist with the situation. At the time of the call, the deputy was responding to an incident on FM 417 in Center. The deputy immediately left the scene and went in route to the SCSO. (The original release stated dispatchers were unable to reach SCSO deputies due to limited radio communication, and that information was incorrect.)
- At 14:52, Correctional Officers Lucas Brazzel and Hayden Jordan entered into the secured hallway to assist Mendez and Ramirez. The officers began to escort the inmate from the hallway and the inmate became combative. The inmate began assaulting the officers.
- At 14:53, dispatch phoned the Center Police Department and requested immediate assistance from any available officer.
- At 14:53, correctional officers deployed pepper spray on the inmate to regain control of the situation.
- At 14:54, correctional officers removed the inmate from the hallway and secured him in a cell.
- At 14:57, CPD Officer Michael Davidson arrived at the SCSO.
- At 14:59, Officer Davidson entered the SCSO front door and entered through the secured hallway and was inside the jail at 15:00.
- At 15:02, Officer Davidson exited the secured hallway and went out of the front door of the SCSO.
- At 15:02, CPD Officer Bubba Lee arrived at the SCSO but never entered the facility.
- At 15:03, the SCSO deputy arrived at the jail and entered the facility.
EMS was then contacted and arrived at the Shelby County Sheriff's Department to examine the jailers for head injuries.
Sheriff Willis Blackwell stated, “The training and quick response our correctional officers executed, diffused what could have produced a much more dangerous situation. I am very proud of their actions and commend these four men on an excellent job done.”
“I am so proud of the job done by our correctional officers,” stated Jail Administrator Jericka Moore. “These men will never receive the credit they are due for the protection they provided our jail. Even after being injured, they joined together and secured our jail from any further danger. I am grateful for their actions, and I am honored to have such a strong group of correctional officers at this jail.”
According to Shelby County Jail records Landon Yarbrough, 32, of Center has been charged as of September 22, 2020, with two counts of assault on a public servant, felony 3; criminal mischief, misdemeanor b; and escape, felony 3. Yarbrough was issued another charge of escape, felony 3, on September 23, 2020, suggesting a second attempt.
September 29, 2020 - The Shelby County Sheriff's Department is reported to have had an incident involving an inmate on Saturday, September 19, 2020.
At this time, information has not yet been released. What is known is an inmate allegedly assaulted two jailers and dispatchers had difficulty reaching deputies for assistance with radio communications being limited.
Center Police Officers were requested for immediate assistance at around 2:56pm, as the inmate had been released from his cell and allegedly injured the jailers by the time Center Police Officers Robert Lee and Michael Davidson arrived.
The inmate was immediately restrained and escorted back to his cell by the Center PD officers without further incident.
EMS were then contacted and arrived at the Shelby County Sheriff's Department to examine the jailers for head injuries.
According to Shelby County Jail records Landon Yarbrough, 32, of Center has been charged as of September 22, 2020, with two counts of assault on a public servant, felony 3; criminal mischief, misdemeanor b; and escape, felony 3. Yarbrough was issued another charge of escape, felony 3, on September 23, 2020, suggesting a second attempt.
Once further information has been gathered, it will be added to this report.
September 30, 2020 - The funeral of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Ginsburg took place yesterday at Arlington National Cemetery. Flags should now be raised.
September 22, 2020 - Presidential Proclamation: As a mark of respect for Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the United States, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, including section 7 of title 4, United States Code, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
September 29, 2020 - FM 2026 and U.S. Highway 96 North was the scene of a two-vehicle crash Tuesday, September 29, 2020.
According to Texas Department of Public Sarfety State Trooper Keith Jones, at 5:14pm a black 2013 Chevrolet Cruz driven by Madison Diane Lee, 21, of Tenaha was stopped at the intersection of U.S. Highway 96 North on FM 2026 and failed to yield right of way entering U.S. 96.
The Chevrolet traveled into the path of a southbound blue 2016 Ford Fiesta driven by Kelly N. Holder, 43, of Deridder, LA. The two vehicles collided and came to a halt in the middle of FM 2026 and U.S. 96.
Lee was transported by ambulance to Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital for treatment of her injuries and Holder was transported by ambulance to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for treatment of her injuries.
Center Fire Department personnel and Center Police Department officers assisted by diverting traffic around the crash scene until it was clear
September 23, 2020 - As of Wednesday, September 23, 2020 the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reports Shelby County now has a cumulative case count of 474. The increase is 19 new cases since our last COVID-19 report on September 13, 2020. The cases had been a gradual increase until today's numbers surged with 11 new cases overnight.
September 13th - 0 new cases (cumulative total 455)
September 14th - 0 new cases (cumulative total 455)
September 15th - 0 new cases (cumulative total 455)
September 16th - 3 new cases (cumulative total 458)
September 17th - 2 new cases (cumulative total 460)
September 18th - 1 new case (cumulative total 461)
September 19th - 1 new case (cumulative total 462)
September 20th - 0 new cases (cumulative total 462)
September 21st - 0 new cases (cumulative total 462)
September 22nd - 1 new case (cumulative total 463)
September 23rd - 11 new cases (cumulative total 474)
DSHS also reports 27 deaths for Shelby County due to COVID-19 which is an increase of 6 since September 13th.
September 21, 2020 - State Highway 87 (SH 87) North just over 3 miles south of Timpson was the scene of a major one-vehicle crash Monday, September 21, 2020 which left a man trapped beneath the vehicle.
Timpson Volunteer Fire Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers were dispatched to the scene and Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies also responded to the incident. Upon arrival, a pickup truck was found to be on top of a barbed wire fence and a small tree with a man still under the truck.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Keith Jones, at around 10:15am a red 2003 Ford F150 driven by Alfred Layne Cantrell, 26, of Timpson was northbound at an unsafe speed on SH 87 just before CR 4020.
Another vehicle, also traveling northbound, was preparing to turn and in realizing there wasn't enough time to stop Cantrell made a legal pass to avoid striking the vehicle. The Ford hydroplaned and left the roadway to the left where it went into a side skid, overturned and ejected Cantrell from the vehicle. The truck then came to rest on top of Cantrell and a cluster of tallow trees.
Fire personnel with Timpson VFD and Center Fire Department took great care in utilizing air lifting bags and blocks to raise the truck off of Cantrell, and they were succesful in working with EMS personnel in moving Cantrell to a waiting ambulance.
Cantrell was then transported by ambulance to a hospital for treatment.
He was issued citations for unsafe speed and no seat belt.
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