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November 15, 2016 - U.S. Highway 84 outside of Tenaha was the scene of a single-vehicle crash into a creek Tuesday, November 15, 2016.

According to Tenaha City Marshall Jimmy Wagstaff, at 9:15am a red 2003 Nissan Altima driven by Anna Segovia-Mendoza, 18, of Tenaha was westbound on U.S. Highway 84 through Paxton 4/10 of a mile west of FM 699. Segovia-Mendoza stated there was a bee inside of the car and when trying to roll a window down to prevent the bee from stinging her seven day old baby she lost control of the car.

The Nissan traveled off the roadway to the right and struck a mailbox as the car spun around and traveled in reverse back across the road and exited the highway again into a creek where the car landed on the rear, causing major damage and pivoting back around coming to rest on the other side of the creek facing west.

Segovia-Mendoza and her passengers Rosa Segovia, 26, and Flora Mendoza, 37, as well as the seven day old baby were all transported by ACE EMS to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department as a precaution and for treatment of injuries.

No citations have been issued at this time.

ACE EMS representatives Dale Alexander (far right) and David Chandler (second from right) are seen speaking with the Shelby County Commissioners.

November 14, 2016 - The Shelby County Commissioners approved the continuation of a contract with ACE EMS for 9-1-1 ambulance services at their Monday, November 14, 2016 meeting as well as extending the burn ban until further notice.

Additional proposals were expected from other ambulance services; however, they were not presented to the county. Representing ACE EMS were David Chandler, Dale Alexander and Jesse Griffith.

Chandler stated from January 1, 2016 to November 14, 2016 that the company has responded to 1,791 emergency calls of which 96% were response with lights and sirens. Total calls to date are 2,291.

"We have not failed to answer anything," said Chandler.

He confirmed with Griffith there have been four mutual aid calls they have participated in and they have assisted in other areas with mutual aid. Judge Harbison asked how many mutual aid agreements ACE EMS has and Chandler responded they have mutual aid agreements with all neighboring counties, including DeSoto Parish in Louisiana.

Chandler stated there are two fully staffed ambulances available at all times and they have the ability to get a third crew available when necessary. Griffith stated the dispatchers are also capable of going on calls.

"We changed up our on call system that we'd been using where we actually had a scheduled crew on call, which they had 30 minutes to respond. We no longer do that, we just discontinued it and we have certified EMTs as dispatchers," said Alexander.

Alexander explained with Griffith in the office, EMT dispatchers and an EMT living across the street from their office the response time is five minutes. Chandler stated they try to have every angle covered so they can take care of everyone.

Judge Harbison stated she knows there have been several automobile accidents lately and during that time EMS was stretched pretty thin. Chandler agreed that was the case during that time and it is bound to happen sometimes.

"ACE EMS is the first company, first EMS service, and I've been here for 20-plus years. ACE EMS is the first EMS service that has dedicated their trucks to Shelby County. Other services that have been here, they have been in Lukin, Nacogdoches, San Augustine. Everywhere else," said Griffith.

Chandler and Alexander confirmed they have had offers from other areas, but their focus continues to be Shelby County.

Gary Rholes, County Attorney, stated he could like for the agreement to continue under a contract as it has in the past. Judge Harbison said she would like to present that at a meeting either in late November or early December.

A motion carried to accept the ACE EMS proposal.

Judge Harbison stated she received several calls over the weekend from the Sheriff's Department dispatch in relation to controlled burning which was done over the weekend. These calls were due to the fact Shelby is and has been under a burn ban.

According to Judge Harbison, as of Thursday November 10 at 4pm the county was still at a high level of the drought index at 575 while the highest is 800. She stated she didn't get any rain in her area over the weekend.

"I don't like putting a burn ban on, I promise you, I hate that we have to do that. But, I think we need to be safe," said Judge Harbison.

She said rain is in the forecast for later in the week, but that is no promise of enough rain.

"I did find out that if they are being conducted by prescribed burn managers certified under the 153.048 of the Natural Resources Code, that they can do a controlled burn, but they have to be a certified burn manager," said Judge Harbison.

Judge Harbison asks any certified individuals performing a controlled burn during the burn ban fax a copy of their certificate to the Sheriff's Department and inform of when and where they are performing the burn.

A motion carried to continue the burn ban.

Ryan Andreasen (left) with Spillman Technologies is seen with Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell (middle) as he speaks with Roscoe McSwain (right), Commissioner Precinct 1.

The commissioners discussed the purchase and license agreement with Spillman Technologies, Inc. to purchase an integrated software system for the Shelby County Sheriff's Department.

Shelby County was eligible for a grant of $26,750 which, when applied to the cost for the software of $218,687 it comes to a total of $191,937. The company has also extended an offer of an interest free plan for three years to pay for the software.

Judge Harbison explained the software is necessary because modules have been mandated by the state to be installed by 2019, and at this time the Eagle software the Sheriff's Department uses is nowhere near compliant as explained by Sheriff Willis Blackwell.

Ryan Andreasen, Spillman Technologies Representative, answered some questions for the commissioners about the software contract. Judge Harbison explained there are current liabilities with the county involving Eagle as one issue is there is no electronic way to track arrest warrants.

Rholes stated if ever there was a day Clint Porterfield, County Auditor, was needed it was for the meeting.

"We spoke Thursday, and he said 'This money is simply not budgeted, it's not unforeseen,' I mean we've been looking at it forever," said Rholes.

He said it sounded like the commissioners are considering obligating funds for a future budget to make a second payment and he didn't think the county can make that obligation.

Judge Harbison said when she spoke with Porterfield the week before the meeting he suggested paying all of it out of the contingency fund or a CD.

"If that were done, that would wipe out our contingency for the year," said Rholes.

Roscoe McSwain, Commissioner Precinct 1, asked if Rholes was saying the commitment of $65,000 for the following year is illegal, which Rholes agreed and said,"I don't think we could bind the county at this point to do that. You can't obligate money you don't have on hand unless you levy a tax at the same time."

The commissioners approved the purchase of two pieces of equipment earlier this year on a three year lease and McSwain asked how that was possible.

"Probably shouldn't have, I've never been asked that," said Rholes.

McSwain said it was budgeted for this year.

Judge Harbison suggested the possibility of amending the budget.

McSwain suggested a review of the contract from Spillman. Rholes said he really would like to have the County Auditor present for discussion on the purchase, because he has strong opinion on the issue.

McSwain said, "He has opinions just like everybody else, everybody's got one, but with every computer system we got is a damn five year agreement. We pay it out every year. What's different?"

A motion was carried to table the contract.

As the meeting progressed a similar issue to the contract with Spillman was thought to be mirrored with that of the licensing agreement between Shelby County and Serenity Software, Services LLC for case management for the District Court and the five Justice of the Peace offices.

This resulted in a motion carrying to table the Serenity Software agreement.

A motion carried for the appointment of Dr. Joe Shannon and Laurie King with Portacool to the Workforce Development Board, to represent Shelby County.

Proposal from the ALTEC Environmental Consulting, LLC to perform an asbestos assessment for the county hospital building located on Hurst Street was rejected by the commissioners citing the need to conserve funds at this time.

Lori Oliver, District Clerk, made a request to hire a full-time employee. A motion carried to table her request at this time.

A motion carried by the commissioners denying an invitation by the Deep East Texas Legislature Reception for a sponsorship in the amount of $500.

The county has received a bid on 0.517 acres in the Wesley Hill Survey in the city limits of Center. The bid was submitted by Mary Louise Wall in the amount of $2,000.

A motion was carried approving the bid.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:39am.

Agenda Items Approved During the Meeting:
1. Minutes of the October 10, 2016 regular meeting, the October 24th, 2016 special meeting, and the special meeting on October 31, 2016 of the Shelby County Commissioners' Court.
2. Pay monthly expenses.
3. Officers' Reports.
4. Appointment of Dr. Joe Shannon and Laurie King with Portacool to the Workforce Development Board, to represent Shelby County.
5. Bid by ACE EMS for 9-1-1 Ambulance Services.
6. Bid by Mary Louise Wall in the amount of $2,000 on 0.517 acres in the Wesley Hill Survey.
7. Continue the burn ban.
8. Adjourn at 10:39am.

Agenda Items Tabled During the Meeting:
1. Purchase and License Agreement with Spillman Technologies, Inc. to purchase an integrated software system for the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.
2. Licensing Agreement between Shelby County and Serenity Software, Services LLC for case management for the District Court and the five Justice of the Peace offices.
3. Request from Lori Oliver, District Clerk to hire a full time employee.
Fees collected per office for October:

    Deborah Riley, Tax Assessor/Collector, office: Property - $1,917,901.92 Motor Vehicle - $29,023.36 Total of $1,946,925.28
    Jennifer Fountain, County Clerk: $33,933.46
    Lori Oliver, District Clerk: $14,422.51
    Maxie Eaves, Justice of the Peace Precinct 1: $10,230
    Marla Denby, Justice of the Peace Precinct 2: $586
    Margie Anderson, Justice of the Peace Precinct 3: $7,511
    Jenny Hicks, Justice of the Peace Precinct 4: $1,717
    Mike Crouch, Justice of the Peace Precinct 5: $5,041
    Zach Warr, Constable Precinct 1: $625
    James Hagler, Constable Precinct 2: $180
    Billy Hearnsberger, Constable Precinct 3: $450
    Bryan Gray, Constable Precinct 4: $270
    Grand total: $2,021,891.25

Center firemen are seen temporarily capping the line which was broken.

November 14, 2016 - The Center Fire Department and Police Department were dispatched to a potentially volatile situation on Nacogdoches Street (State Highway 7 West) Monday, November 14, 2016 when workers struck a gas line.

As policemen arrived at the scene and gas was seen spewing from a line located by a house which was being worked on, the officers began going door to door and alerting neighbors of the gas leak.

Center Police officers went door to door and notified neghbors the line had been broken and was leaking gas.

Police officers also commenced to blocking Nacogdoches Street at Southview Circle to just west of the leak location. Center firemen arrived and were quickly able to cap the leaking line until Centerpoint could arrive to repair the damaged line.

David Masteron, who is working at the house, stated it was their understanding the gas to the house had been shut off and when the line was struck he and his crew got out of there as fast as they could. He is working on the house for Tammy Steptoe and he said the wood from the house is being taken down and recycled for use on a house on Timpson Street.

The firemen returned to the station at 1:46pm.

November 14, 2016 - Construction to begin on US 96 intersections to repair ruts according to a statement from the Texas Department of Transportation's Lufkin District Public Information Officer Rhonda Oaks. Drivers should use caution when traveling through any construction area.

TxDOT is working near the intersections on US 96 to rehabilitate the roadway with hot mix where rutting has recently occurred. We believe that to have happened due to heavy truck and vehicle traffic stopping at the intersections.

This is not an unusual occurrence on heavily traveled roadways. It will require some reapplication and we chose to do this work ahead of any wet, winter weather that could occur later into the season, rather than putting it off until spring.

Moore Brothers is beginning that work today, November 14th and motorists should expect delays and lane closures during this time.

November 13, 2016 - The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) was dispatched to a single-vehicle rollover on FM 417 Friday, November 11, 2016 just under two miles from Shelbyville.

According to Texas DPS State Trooper Dustin Ramos, at 10:50pm a 2004 Nissan Murano SUV last reported to have been owned by Salia Rosas of Lufkin was eastbound left the roadway to the right through a curve.

The driver over corrected left coming back across the road and rolled coming to rest against a tree. Upon arrival at the scene, it was determined the driver had fled the crash.

At this time the incident remains under investigation.

November 13, 2016 - The West Shelby Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to an industrial mulcher fire at 1374 CR 1286 Friday, November 11, 2016 at 6pm at the residence of Stacey McSwain.

It was reported to the firemen the mulcher was being hauled onto the property and as it traveled through the entrance gate it bottomed out and a tire caught on fire and caught other portions of the machinery.

The firemen worked to extinguish the blaze; however, diesel was leaking and continued to relight until the firemen ran out of water. A tanker truck was driven to the scene and foam was applied to the fire, finally extinguishing the flames and preventing it from causing any additional property damage.

November 13, 2016 - ACE EMS was dispatched to the scene of an incident where a man was run over by a pickup truck just under two and a half miles north of the Center city limits on U.S. 96 North.

The driver was northbound on November 11, 2016 around 5pm when the transmission went out in the pickup truck he was driving. Attempts were made by the driver and other parties to push the truck away from the road when the vehicle began traveling down an incline and ran over the driver.

When EMS arrived it was determined a life flight was needed. Center Fire Department was dispatched to Center Christian Fellowship Church near where the incident occurred and set up the area as a landing zone for the helicopter.

No further information pertaining to the driver or anyone else involved is available at this time.

November 10, 2016 - Hurst Street at the intersection of Nacogdoches Street in Center was the scene of a three-vehicle crash Thursday, November 10, 2016 which provided major damage to the vehicles and traffic delays during a high traffic time period.

Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies responded quickly to the scene which was located at their front door and began directing traffic to prevent further incidents. Officers with the Center Police Department quickly arrived thereafter and investigated the crash while ACE EMS personnel began checking on those involved in the crash.

According to Center Police Officer John Welch, at 5:35pm a three-vehicle crash occurred at the intersection of Nacogdoches Street and Hurst Street. Maritsa Gonzalez Aldaco, 49, of Center was driving a silver Dodge Avenger and Aaron Tello, 17, of Center was driving a Buick Rendezvous and it appeared the two vehicles collided head-on which caused the Avenger to collide with a Peterbilt.

The Peterbilt, owned by Harkness Litter Service, was driven by Christopher Steoptoe, 28, of Center and was stopped at the stoplight facing south. The Buick came to rest on Nacogdoches Street on the west side of Hurst Street and the Avenger remained in the middle of the southbound traffic lanes.

No injuries were reported as a result of the crash and Tello was issued a citation for no driver's license. The incident remains under investigation at this time. Center firemen were dispatched to the scene to help rinse debris from the roadway.

November 9, 2016 - The Timpson Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a barn fire on Sunday, November 6, 2016.

When the firemen arrived at Birds and the Bea's Poultry Farm on CR 4777 just before 10am, a chicken litter barn on the property was on fire. The firemen extinguished the flames and removed tin from the end of the building where the litter was on fire.

Once the remainder of the building was salvaged and the flames were put out, the firemen returned to the station at 11:30am.

November 9, 2016 - Center Police Officers responded to the entrance of Wal Mart and McDonalds on Hurst Street for a two-vehicle crash.

While ACE EMS personnel checked on the occupants of the vehicles, the police officers directed traffic away from the Wal Mart entrance to prevent further incident.

According to Center Police Officer Spencer Anderson, at 2:21pm a maroon 2004 GMC Yukon driven by Janice Newby, 65, failed to yield right of way when exiting the Wal Mart parking lot and drove into the path of a tan 1995 Ford Explorer traveling south and driven by Cleophus Solomon, 85, with passenger Shirley Polley, 65.

The Explorer collided with the the Yukon causing damage to the left rear quarter panel of the Yukon and major damage to the front left quarter panel of the Explorer.

ACE EMS transported Solomon and Polley to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department for treatment.

Once they were transported from the scene, officers pushed the Explorer out of the middle of the roadway until a wrecker arrived to remove it from the scene.

No citations have been reported at this time.

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