Shelby County Today

April 3, 2020 - In efforts to help slow the COVID-19 outbreak, Shelby County announces a temporary closure to the public of county offices.

We will have staff in the offices to answer the phones and any questions that you may have. We apologize for any inconvenience but the safety of our staff and our county residents are a main concern at this point.

Each Elected Official has the discretion for their office and may set additional guidelines such as setting up appointments.

April 2, 2020 - (Photos by Talia Matthews) - FM 417 west of Shelbyville was the scene of a single-vehicle motorcyle crash the afternoon of Sunday, March 29, 2020.

According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Keith Jones, a 2013 Harley Davidson motorcycle ridden by Bradlee-Duane Hudson, 26, of of San Augustine was eastbound on FM 417 at an unsafe speed when the motorcycle traveled off the roadway to the left and came to rest in a ditch.

Hudson was transported by ambulance to Nacogdoches Medical Center for treatment and was later released. He was issued a citation for unsafe speed.

April 1, 2020 - U.S. Highway 96 North just past Loop 500 was the scene of a single-vehicle crash Friday, March 26, 2020.

Emergency responders with the Shelby County Sheriff's Department were alerted to the scene of the crash.

According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Justin Sikes, at just before 12-noon a black GMC Sierra was southbound on U.S. Highway 96 headed to the emergency room, when the driver stated he passed out due to a previous injury.

The GMC left the roadway to the right where it traveled over a culvert and flipped over before coming to rest on its top.

Fitzgerald was transported to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for treatment.

Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies directed traffic at the scene until the vehicle was clear.

April 1, 2020 - The Shelby County Commissioners met April 1, 2020 and addressed several regular items for consideration. Allison Harbison, Shelby County Judge, stated before the meeting she had spoken with medical representatives in Nacogdoches who have indicated Shelby County would be getting a testing facility for COVID-19 and additional information is forthcoming.

"The one they're doing in Nacogdoches is, you call in and you're screened, and if you meet the criteria then you're given an appointment," said Judge Harbison. "We're hoping it's the rapid tests that are 24 hours."

Judge Harbison then called the meeting to order for the 1st day of April. She welcomed guests at the meeting and invited Bro. Rob Merriman to say a prayer. 

Harbison suggested they put off the bid presentations by bidders - one was having to drive from Houston. They have three and all three have different types of roofs they are offering. They passed on the item until a future meeting.

Judge Harbison read aloud a Proclamation Declaring April as Child Abuse Awareness Month to the commissioners' court.

Whereas during the month of April 2020, Shelby County Advocacy Center will observe National Child Abuse Awareness Month to raise awareness of child abuse neglect and create strong communities to support the strengthening and healing of abused children and their non-offending family members.

And Whereas, each year hundreds of Shelby County children are confirmed victims of child abuse and neglects, and its prevention is a community-wide responsibility. 

And Whereas, Shelby County's Children's Advocacy Center serves hundreds of abused and neglected children, as well as their non-offending family members each year.

And Whereas, it is important to remember that children are our future. We must nurture and protect them and provide a safe environment in which they can grow and prosper. 

Now therefore, be it resolved, that the Shelby County Commissioners' Court hereby recognizes and proclaims April 2020 to be Child Abuse Awareness month in Shelby County, Texas and urges all citizens to work together to help significantly reduce child abuse and neglect in our community.

A motion then carried by the commissioners to approve recognizing April 2020 as Child Abuse Awareness Month.

"I want to make a statement that how much I appreciate the advocacy center here in Shelby County. I think that we have a great, great center and I'll put it up against anybodys in the state, in the nation," said Judge Harbison.

Precinct 1 and 2 commissioners have been discussing the 6-month lease of a 2020 belly dump trailer. Roscoe McSwain, Commissioner Precinct 1, explained each of the two precincts would be paying $3,000 into the lease agreement for a total of $6,000. 

A motion carried to approve the contract with Brazos Trailer Manufacturing L.L.C and the payment of $6,000.

Discussions have been ongoing for the rental of space for the Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace and Constable. A contract has been approved by Gary Rholes, Shelby County Attorney, and Judge Harbison explained the contract could be re-negotiated at the end of the year. 

A motion carried to approve the contract for the rental.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:46am.

Agenda items approved during the meeting include:
1. Pay weekly expenses.
2. Current payroll.
3. No public comments.
4. Venders bidding on roof repairs - Tabled.
5. Proclamation declaring April as “Child Abuse Awareness Month.”
6. 6-month lease between Commissioner Pct. 1 and Commissioner Pct. 2 with Brazos Trailer Manufacturing L.L.C for a 2020 Belly Dump Trailer.
7. Rental space for Justice of the Peace and Constable for Precinct 3.
8. Adjourn.