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April 13, 2019 - SWEPCO crews are working to restore power as safely and as quickly as possible to the nearly 14,000 customers who remain without power after severe storms with high winds struck the Ark-La-Tex Saturday.
The outages include approximately 11,000 customers in Louisiana, 2,500 in Texas, and 400 in Arkansas. About 16,700 customers were without power at 4 p.m. Saturday.
Additional storms may delay repairs already underway and cause additional outages.
Power is expected to be restored to 95 percent of customers by:
Louisiana
- Shreveport – 11:59 p.m. Sunday
- Bossier City – 11:59 p.m. Saturday
- Benton – 11:59 p.m. Sunday
- Haughton – 11:59 p.m Sunday
- Plain Dealing – 10 p.m. Saturday
- Vivian – 10 p.m. Saturday
Texas
- Longview – 2 p.m. Sunday
- Marshall – 2 p.m. Sunday
- Gilmer – 10 p.m. Saturday
- Gladewater – 10 p.m. Saturday
- Kilgore – 10 p.m. Saturday
Employees are assessing damage in and around Mansfield, Natchitoches, and Hornbeck. SWEPCO will share estimated restoration times for these areas once they are available.
Public safety reminders:
- Downed power lines - Never touch a downed line, or go near it, no matter how harmless it looks. The line could be energized. Don’t touch anything in contact with the line, such as trees, fences or puddles of water. Stay away, and keep others away, especially children and pets. Call SWEPCO at 1-888-218-3919 or 911 immediately.
- Portable generator safety – If you use a portable or RV generator, do not plug the generator into your circuit box. Portable generators can "backfeed" electricity up the line and risk the lives of repair workers and the public. Follow the manufacturers' instructions carefully, and plug essential appliances directly into the generator.
How to report, track outages
- Use the SWEPCO app, available for download via the App Store or Google Play.
- Visit SWEPCO.com/OutageMap to find detailed information without logging into your account
- Sign up for text and email updates, including estimated time of restoration, at SWEPCO.com/Alerts.
- Call 1-888-218-3919 to report your outage
For updates and photos, follow SWEPCO on Facebook and Twitter.
Update: As of 8:45 PM, Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative is reporting 2,700 members without power.
April 13, 2019 - Due to the afternoon storms, Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative is reporting over 4,000 power outages.
Crews are currently working to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible. Above all, DETEC encourages everyone to keep safety a priority. Should you encounter a downed line, consider it live and dangerous. Please report all downed lines and outages to DETEC at 1(800) 392-5986.
At 311 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 6 miles north of Shelbyville to 7 miles west of Pineland, moving east at 25 mph.
At 313 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Woodlawn to 6 miles south of Joaquin, moving east at 35 mph.
At 258 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Center to near Rockland, moving east at 30 mph.
At 246 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Longview to near Timpson, moving east at 35 mph.
Radar indicates possible 70 mph wind gusts. Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.
April 13, 2019 - The National Weather Service issued at 2:58pm, CDT Saturday, April 13 a severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until 3:45pm CDT for Southeastern Nacogdoches, Central Shelby, Southeastern Angelina, San Augustine, and Southwestern Sabine Counties.
At 258 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Center to near Rockland, moving east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and nickel size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.
Locations impacted include... Center, San Augustine, Pineland, Rosevine, Macune, Shelbyville, Bland Lake, Neuville, Zavalla, Chireno, Broaddus, Hurstown, Denning, James, Jericho, Calgary, Bronson, McElroy, Arcadia and Chinaquapin.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM CDT for eastern Texas.
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.
April 13, 2019 - Hazardous weather roadway alerts:
- Shelbyville VFD is clearing a tree on FM 2694 across roadway
- Water over road 3 miles down FM 2026.
April 12, 2019 - The jurors scheduled to return to the 123rd Judicial District Court, Shelby County, Texas, on Tuesday, April 16, 2019, are released and need not appear. The Defendant entered a plea of guilty and waived the right to a jury trial.
Thank you for your time, service, and commitment to your community.
April 11, 2019 - The City of Palacios Police Department contacted the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) on Monday, April 8, 2019, and requested assistance is apprehending a suspect who was wanted in a violent aggravated sexual assault case that occurred in their city.
The SCSO began gathering information on the suspect, Rogelio Avila Romero, 55, of Joaquin and requested the assistance of Constable Precinct 3, Roy Cheatwood and Deputy Constable Newton Johnson in locating Romero. Due to the nature of the charge, the suspect was known to have violent tendencies.
SCSO Lieutenant Del Birdwell, along with SCSO deputies Ruth Gonzales and Tanner Peace met Cheatwood and Johnson Wednesday, April 11 and traveled to the 1200 block of FM 139 in Joaquin where Romero was known to reside.
As officers approached the residence, a vehicle pulled out of the driveway. After a positive identification was returned, officers initiated a traffic stop and located Romero in the vehicle. Romero was arrested transported to the Shelby County Jail.
The SCSO would like to extend their thanks to Constable Cheatwood and Deputy Constable Johnson for their assistance in this situation.
April 10, 2019 - The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department is phasing out our “alternate” emergency phone number, 936-269-3800. This number should Not be used in an emergency.
Instead, we would like to encourage all residents in the Joaquin area to utilize the Shelby County 911 System in the event of an emergency. This was a difficult decision because the 3800 number has been synonymous with the Joaquin VFD since 1973. However, changing technology has rendered the phone system for that number obsolete, and we are no longer able to repair it when it breaks.
Calling 911 is the fastest way to get help in an emergency. We also recommend that residents save the Sheriff’s Office number (936)-598-5600 in their cell phones in the event of a 911 malfunction.
The Sheriffs Office dispatchers operate the 911 system, and they are the ones dispatching first responders to an emergency. Again, please do Not use 269-3800 for an emergency. Instead, dial 911.
April 9, 2019 - Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) deputies Josh Tipton and Jimmy Wagstaff, while on routine patrol, observed a suspicious vehicle parked in a car wash stall in Timpson on Monday, April 8, 2019 at approximately 12:45 p.m., .
As officers approached, a male subject exited the vehicle and attempted to walk away. While walking away, Deputy Tipton observed the subject throw an object in a trash can. Deputy Tipton detained the subject, identified as Phillip Lucas, 31, of Mt. Enterprise. The driver was identified as Ashley Phillips, 30, of Timpson.
Drug paraphernalia was identified in plain view in the vehicle. Through a further search of the vehicle and discarded item officers located 8.5 grams of methamphetamine, 2.05 grams of pills listed in Penalty Group 2 and over four (4) ounces of marijuana. The paraphernalia found included scales and small bags for distribution.
Lucas was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance PG 1 with Intent to Deliver (F-1) $150,000 Bond; Possession of Marijuana with intent to Deliver (SJF) $10,000 Bond; and Possession of a Controlled Substance PG 3 with intent to Deliver (SJF) $10,000 Bond.
Phillips was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance PG 1 with Intent to Deliver (F-1) $500,000 Bond; Possession of Marijuana with intent to Deliver (SJF) $10,000 Bond; and Possession of a Controlled Substance PG 3 with intent to Deliver (SJF) $10,000 Bond.
The SCSO would like to thank the Timpson Police Department for their assistance.
April 9, 2019 - Hurst Street in Center was the scene of a major three-vehicle crash Tuesday morning, April 9, 2019 just before 8am.
Center Police Officers and ambulance personnel responded to the location at the intersection of Arcadia Road where two of the vehicles remained located.
A third vehicle involved was located in a parking lot just past Arcadia Road on Hurst Street.
According to Center Police Officer Spencer Anderson, at 7:53am a white Ford F-150 driven by Monte Griffith, 49, of Center was southbound on Hurst Street when he failed to control speed and collided with the rear of a red Pontiac driven by Evan Lutz, 36, of Center which was stopped at the Arcadia Road traffic light.
Subsequently, the Pontiac then collided with the rear of a black Ford F-350 driven by Russell Furnace, 36, of Uvalde causing damage to both vehicles.
No one involved in the crash was reported to have been injured, and no citations were issued.
April 6, 2019 (Photos- Album1, Album2) - For the second year in a row and the fourth time Oley Willis, All Smoked Up cook team, was the Overall winner of the Shelby County Grill Fest barbecue cooking competition held for the first time at the Shelby County Expo Rodeo Arena and sanctioned by Lone Star Barbecue Society, Saturday, April 6, 2019. All Smoked Up clinched the grand champion bragging rights by winning first place in the Chicken and the Ribs divisions and fourth place in the Brisket division. Willis won Grand Champion in 2015, 2016, and 2018.
Chase-n-Moore Smoke 1 was the reserve champion in the overall results. Chase-n-Moore Smoke 1 was tied for overall points with 3rd place team Tiger BBQ; however, their first place in Brisket gave them the lead. The team also placed 2nd in the Chicken Division, 5th in Ribs, and 10th in Beans. Tiger BBQ took overall place with a 2nd place title in Ribs and in Brisket and 4th place in Chicken.
Overall Team Results:
Grand Champion - All Smoked Up, head cooker Oley Willis
Reserve Grand - Chase-n-Moore Smoke 1, head cooker Shawn Moore
3rd Place - Tiger BBQ, head cooker David DePriest
4th Place - Tipsy Texans, head cooker Joshua Campbell
5th Place - Farmers State Bank, head cooker Joey Lawson
6th Place - Slab Doctors, head cooker Tyson Johnson
7th Place - Hound Dawg Harris, head cooker Robert Harris
8th Place - Belrose Real Pit BBQ, head cooker Tim Belrose
9th Place - East Texas Smokers, head cooker Scotty Bryce
10th Place - Late Nites BBQ, head cooker Kenneth Toney, Jr.
People's Choice - Shelby County Outlaw Cookers, head cooker Rachel Moorman
Chicken Division:
1st Place - All Smoked Up, head cooker Oley Willis
2nd Place - Chase-n-Moore Smoke 1, head cooker Shawn Moore
3rd Place - Tipsy Texans, head cooker Joshua Campbell
4th Place - Tiger BBQ, head cooker David DePriest
5th Place - Farmers State Bank, head cooker Joey Lawson
6th Place - Late Nights BBQ, head cooker Kenneth Toney, Jr.
7th Place - Belrose Real Pit BBQ, head cooker Tim Belrose
8th Place - Chase-n-Moore Smoke 2, head cooker Lisa Moore
9th Place - Slab Doctors, head cooker Tyson Johnson
10th Place - Ray Jones Chevrolet, head cooker Marlin Jones
Ribs Division:
1st Place - All Smoked Up, head cooker Oley Willis
2nd Place - Tiger BBQ, head cooker David DePriest
3rd Place - Farmers State Bank, head cooker Joey Lawson
4th Place - Tipsy Texans, head cooker Joshua Campbell
5th Place - Chase-n-Moore Smoke 1, head cooker Shawn Moore
6th Place - Hound Dawg Harris, head cooker Robert Harris
7th Place - Belrose Real Pit BBQ, head cooker Tim Belrose
8th Place - Smoking Tugs, head cooker Jason Haynes
9th Place - Shelby County Outlaw Cookers, head cooker Rachel Moorman
10th Place - Ray Jones Chevrolet, head cooker Marlin Jones
Brisket Division:
1st Place - Chase-n-Moore Smoke 1, head cooker Shawn Moore
2nd Place - Tiger BBQ, head cooker David DePriest
3rd Place - Slab Doctors, head cooker Tyson Johnson
4th Place - All Smoked Up, head cooker Oley Willis
5th Place - Tipsy Texans, head cooker Joshua Campbell
6th Place - East Texas Smokers, head cooker Scotty Bryce
7th Place - Hound Dawg Harris, head cooker Robert Harris
8th Place - Shelby Saving Savings Bank, head cooker Will Lucas
9th Place - Real Smoke BBQ, head cooker Duane Anderson
10th Place - Smoking Tugs, head cooker Jason Haynes
Beans Division:
1st Place - Late Nights BBQ, head cooker Kenneth Toney, Jr.
2nd Place - Hound Dawg Harris, head cooker Robert Harris
3rd Place - Smoking Tugs, head cooker Jason Haynes
4th Place - Real Smoke BBQ, head cooker Duane Anderson
5th Place - Farmers State Bank, head cooker Joey Lawson
6th Place - Chase-n-Moore Smoke 2, head cooker Lisa Moore
7th Place - Blowin' Smoke, head cooker Adam Bradshaw
8th Place - East Texas Smokers, head cooker Scotty Bryce
9th Place - Shelby Savings Bank, head cooker Will Lucas
10th Place - Chase-n-Moore Smoke 1, head cooker Shawn Moore
42 Tournament Results:
1st Place - Don Lovell and Royce Johnson
2nd Place - Louise Johnson and Lynn Johnson
In round one team Adam Pleasant and Troy Keele defeated Shelby Johnson and Evelyn Hufferd. Pleasant and Keele then felt defeat in round 2 against the tournament winners, Lovell and Johnson.
The Lovell and Johnson team defeated Will Lucas and Clay Blacksher in round 1 while Charles Hughes and Richard Livingston were defeated by Louise Johnson and Lynn Johnson. Johnson and Johnson team who played Mitchell Holloway and Walter Anderson in round 2 and defeated them to play in the finals.
Washer Tournament Results:
1st Place - B.C. Taylor and Toby Taylor
2nd Place - Josh Jones and Josh McAdams
Twelve teams completed in the washer pitching tournament. In the first round team Taylor Boys defeated Brian Dean and Joey Lawson and then out tossed Allen Loftin and Ronald Loftin to advance to round 3. The next team the Taylor Boys defeated was Jeff Adams and Bec Khan for a chance to play in the finals against Josh Jones and Josh McAdams, team J & J. Team J & J's road to the finals included defeating team Outlaw Cookers, Jody Matthews and Ed Moorman, in the first round and team MRE, Alanea Hooper and Collin Mathews in round two.
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