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November 19, 2016 - Emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene of a single-vehicle rollover crash about 600 feet west of the Joaquin square on U.S. Highway 84 Friday, November 18, 2016.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Cpl. Jimmy Faulkner, at 2:25pm on U.S. 84. a white Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Annette Eaves, 29, of Center was traveling east in rain at an unsafe speed.
The Tahoe skidded off the roadway to the left traveling over a culvert and overturned onto its top in a ditch.
Eaves and four passengers including a 26-year-old female and three children ages five, three and two were all checked by ACE EMS and no injuries were reported to have resulted from the crash.
Citations were issued to Eaves.
Joaquin Volunteer Firemen assisted and directed traffic until the scene was clear.
November 18, 2016 - The water on San Augustine Rural WSC no longer requires boiling as of November 18th. On November 16th, we issued a Boil Water Notice due to a major leak in the City of San Augustine's Water Main. This included all customers on San Augustine Rural Water, and was issued for safety precautions. The problem has been corrected and we've tested the water. The tests were good, therefore, the Boil Water Notice is lifted.
Our system has take the necessary actions to be sure of adequate pressure, disinfectant levels, and/or bacteriological quality and has provided TCEQ with testing results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling as of November 18th.
If you have any questions, please contact Charles Sharp at 936-288-0489. Thank you for all your patience and cooperation.
November 18, 2016 - The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is actively investigating several fraud cases throughout the county. The caller is stating that the sheriff’s office is requesting pledges for various law enforcement related funds and/or charity.
The SCSO will never call asking for monetary donations. If you receive a call of this type or a call that sounds suspicious DO NOT give the caller any credit card or banking information. Call the SCSO at 936.598.5601 immediately.
Submitted by Leah Chase
SCSO Public Relations
scsotx.org
November 17, 2016 - Two vehicles collided on U.S. 59 in Timpson sending one into the side of a medical clinic Thursday, November 17, 2016.
Timpson PD Officer Jake Metcalf was dispatched at 4:46pm to a vehicle crash at the intersection of Jacob Street and U.S. Highway 59. Upon arrival and investigation Officer Metcalf learned the crash involved two vehicles.
According to officer Metcalf, a blue 2004 Ford pickup truck driven by a 16-year-old male, of Timpson, with a 16-year-old male passenger, of Tenaha, was southbound on U.S. 59 when the driver disregarded a red light and struck a green 1997 Plymouth driven by Lewis Cravens, 73, of Timpson causing major damage to both vehicles and sending the Plymouth into the side of the Texas Quick Care building.
No injuries were reported as a result of the crash. The driver of the Ford was issued citations for no driver's license and disregarding a red light.
The Timpson Volunteer Fire Department Timpson Volunteer Ambulance Service were also dispatched to assist at the scene.
November 16, 2016 - Due to a major leak in the City of San Augstine's water main, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires our water system, San Augustine Rural Water Supply - #2030007, to notify the customers of the need to boil their water prior to consumption effective Wednesday, November 16th until further notice.
This is for all San Augstine Rural Water Supply customers, including all former Bland Lake Customers.
This is just a safety precaution due to a line breakage that occurred in the City of San Augstine, Texas.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking and making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to use. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two (2) minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottle water from some other suitable source.
Customers will be notified thru radio and television when the notice is lifted.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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