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August 19, 2026 - State Highway 7 West (SH7) was the scene of a two-vehicle crash incident near FM 711 on August 18, 2026, at approximately 3:30pm.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) State Trooper Ashley Hughes, a traffic stop was being initiated by Trooper Hughes on a grey 2021 Chevrolet Traverse driven by Ava Silva, 21, of San Augustine which was traveling eastbound on SH7 West. At that time, Silva attempted to change lanes when unsafe in front of a white 2017 Kia Forte driven by Crystal Forbes, 62, of Shelbyville and caused the vehicles to collide.
The Kia came to rest in the eastbound ditch and the Chevrolet came to rest in the inside eastbound traffic lane.
Forbes and her passenger Frankie Slaight, 65, of Shelbyville were transported to Shelby Emergency Department for treatment of possible injuries.
Silva was issued a citation for change lanes when unsafe.
Multiple units with DPS were on scene to assist with the investigation and traffic control, as well as units with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, Center Fire Department and West Shelby County Volunteer Fire Department.
August 19, 2026 - Abuse of precinct dumpsters has forced action to be taken to prevent, and/or capture the identity of those who choose to take advantage of a public service provided by the county.
At the completion of the August 12, 2026, meeting of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court Roscoe McSwain, Commissioner Precinct 1, advised that individuals have been disregarding posted signs and have been throwing tires away in the dumpster maintained at his county barn.
“You try to help the public and this is what you get, one person keeps trying to mess things up,” said Commissioner McSwain.
Once tires have been thrown away in the dumpster, this requires Precinct 1 employees to remove them before the garbage company will unload the dumpster.
With the addition of high-speed internet to the Precinct 1 barn, surveillance equipment is being installed that will hopefully be a preventative to future abuse; however, in the event someone does add something to the dumpster that is illegal their identity will be known and legal action can then be taken against them.
“The next time this happens and if we get their license plate, or [ID] the person we’re going to seek whatever remedy we can to punish them,” said McSwain.
Continued abuse will likely result in the dumpster no longer being available for the use of the public.
August 18, 2026 - A traffic stop on a Buick Le Sabre passenger vehicle led to the arrest of three individuals on narcotics charges on August 10, 2026, in Center.
Clarence Martin
Those arrested include Clarence Martin, 63, of Jasper for possession of a controlled substance penalty group 1/1-B >=4G<200G, felony 2; Allison Roesch, 26, of San Augustine for possession of a controlled substance penalty group 1/1-B >=4G<200G, felony 2; and Ricky Fountain, 65, of Center for possession of a controlled substance penalty group 1/1-B >=4G<200G, felony 2.
Allison Roesch
Ricky Fountain
Center Police Sgt. Brian Wright and Officer Weston Meier along with K-9 Enzo were involved in the traffic stop on Hurst Street at sometime before 11am.
While conducting the traffic stop illegal narcotics were allegedly discovered in the vehicle. During the investigation, Fountain was transported by ambulance to the Shelby Emergency Department.
It appeared the officers located a cigarette pack containing baggies of a crystalline substance.
Investigators Jerry Payne and John Clevenger also arrived at the scene and were seen speaking with Roesch and Martin before they were taken into custody.
The vehicle was later towed from the scene by Hopkins Wrecker Service.
According to Shelby County Jail information, each of the arrested parties bonded out of the Shelby County Jail on August 10 and August 11 on $5,000 bonds.
August 18, 2026 - State Highway 7 West just near the intersection of FM 711 is a scene of a two vehicle crash as of 4pm on August 18, 2026.
By 4:23pm, the roadway was reopened tk the normal flownof traffic once all emergency units and those vehicles involvwd had been moved from the incident scene.
Related Article: SH7 West Near FM 711 Scene of Two-Vehicle Crash
Photo courtesy WSCVFD
August 17, 2026 - State Highway 7 West (SH7W) was the scene of a vehicle fire early Thursday morning, August 13, 2026.
The fire was in the 7000 block of SH7W where West Shelby County Volunteer Fire Department (WSCVFD) personnel, and Shelby County Sheriff’s Department responded at 4:08am.
A cause for the fire wasn’t immediately determined, but was suspected to have been electrical in nature.
No injuries were reported to have resulted from the fire.
Photo courtesy WSCVFD
Photo courtesy WSCVFD
August 17, 2026 - The driver involved in a single-vehicle crash in the Shelbyville area was transported by helicopter for medical treatment on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Emergency responders with the Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) and Shelby County Sheriff’s Department were first to arrive at the scene of the incident on County Road 2625, just east of County Road 2623, where the driver was reported to be trapped in the vehicle.
Shelbyville VFD established a landing zone at the Shelbyville Elementary School parking lot where a medical helicopter could land. After being transported there by ambulance, Barnes was flown to a hospital.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, at approximately 7:47am, a 2022 Honda Civic driven by Mary Barnes, 61, of Center was traveling west at an unsafe speed, left the roadway, struck a steep embankment, and partially over-turned.
Barnes was transported to LSU Shreveport for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
According to DPS, this is an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
DPS Trooper Josh Gradburg investigated the incident.
August 16, 2026 - A Heat Advisory will remain in effect across our entire Four-State Region through at least Tuesday, as afternoon heat indices will average between 105 to 109 degrees each day. Heed all heat safety protocols if you plan to spend extended time outdoors!
Hot and dry conditions will contribute to increased fire danger Today across the entire Four State Region. Follow burn guidance of local officials, as Shelby County and several counties/parishes are currently under burn bans.
Another day of triple digit temperatures as most all areas should see afternoon highs ranging from near 100 to near 104 degrees. Afternoon maximum heat indices will climb to near 105 to 109 degrees as well. Use precautions if outdoor activities are planned.
The National Weather Service, Shreveport, LA issued at 11:46pm Saturday, August 15, 2026 a Heat Advisory which now is in effect until 8pm Tuesday.
Heat index values up to 109 are expected for portions of south central and southwest Arkansas, north central and northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, and east and northeast Texas.
Until 8pm Tuesday, hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Precautionary/Preparedness Actions:
- Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
- Take extra precautions when outside.
o Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing.
o Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
o Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
FOUND
Updated at 10:50am - The Shelby County Sheriff's Department advises Joseph Pate was been found this morning deceased. Prayers for the family during this difficult time.
August 15, 2026 - The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a Silver Alert for a missing older adult, Joseph Pate, last seen at the 3000 block of FM 2787, Joaquin, Texas at 10:30am on August 14, 2026.
Joseph Pate, 77 years of age, white male with hazel eyes, white hair, weighing 160 lbs and 5'11" tall. He was last seen wearing a SFA ball cap, blue plaid shirt and dark pants.
The alert was issued by the Shelby County Sheriff's Department. If you have information please contact the Sheriff's office at 936-598-5600.
August 14, 2026 - The Shelby County Sheriff's Department is requesting assistance in locating Joseph Pate who is a white male, 76 years of age, 5'9" tall, weighing 160 lbs. He was last seen Friday morning at his residence, in the Fellowship Community, near Joaquin wearing a long sleeve blue plaid shirt, dark colored jogging pants, and an SFA ball cap.
According to the Sheriff's Department, he was possibly walking on FM 2787, south of FM 139, at some point today or in the area of CR 3569. He will possibly have a large brown-colored dog with him.
Pate is an Alzheimer's patient and his face will possibly appear more slender than in photo. He also has a full beard as well.
It is possible that someone could have given him a ride from this area.
If anyone has any information concerning his whereabouts, please contact the Sheriff's office immediately at 936-598-5601, option 1. Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide.
Along with Shelby County Constables and the Sheriff's Department, area fire departments have been assisting by searching the area south of the FM 2787 and FM 139 intersection heading towards the Campti area. DeSoto Parish has a helicopter on scene to provide a birds eye view.
August 12, 2026 Update - Escalating heat concerns have prompted a Heat Advisory extension for our entire Four-State Region through Sunday for late morning, afternoon and evening heat indices averaging 105 to 109 degrees each day. Heed all heat safety protocols if you plan to spend extended time outdoors!
With oppressive heat expected to continue through much of this week, remember these heat safety tips.
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
Dangerous Heat Returns Mid-Week
August 10, 2026 - Dangerous heat returns mid week with Heat index values soaring to the mid and upper 100s. This will increase flash drought risks across the area.
Expect hot and mostly dry conditions. Temperatures will increase a degree or two each day throughout the week and heat index values will return to dangerous levels.
For those with outdoor activities, especially work related or sports, watch for any signs of heat related illnesses which can occur in as little as 30 minutes. Children, pets and the elderly as especially susceptible to the heat.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the heat - postpone or reschedule outdoor activities.
- Stay hydrated. Hydrate before going into the heat and during heat exposure.
- Double check before you lock your car!
- Check on the elderly, especially those that may live alone, in mobile homes, or closed up apartments.
Take frequent breaks, drink water regularly, and find locations to cool down in air conditioning if possible.
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