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January 4, 2016 - Huxley was the scene of a single-vehicle crash Saturday night, January 2, 2016. Upon arrival of emergency personnel, the driver of the vehicle was unable to be located and blood was visible inside the cab of the pickup truck.
A search was conducted in the woods surrounding the wrecked truck by law enforcement and area residents. ACE EMS was dispatched to the scene to provide medical care for anyone involved in the crash; however, no one could be located.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) State Trooper Taylor Buster, sometime before 11:30pm a silver 2011 Ford F-150 was traveling southbound on FM 3172, 3/4 of a mile from FM 2694, when the driver lost control of the vehicle and left the road to the right in a side skid and down into a low barrow ditch where it struck several trees. The truck struck a final larger tree causing major damage to the front right quarter panel and spun the truck around leaving it facing west, into the woods.
The DPS Troopers, assisted by additional law enforcement units from the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, attempted to locate the driver of the vehicle for an extended period of time to confirm his condition before he was finally located. Cameron Copelin, 31, was determined to have been the driver and was later located at Nacogdoches Medical Center in Nacogdoches at around 2am on Sunday, January 3, 2016 where he was being treated for several injuries.
No citations have been reported at this time and the crash remains under investigation. DPS Trooper Buster was assisted by DPS Trooper Anthony LaCount.
January 4, 2016 - Shelby County Sheriff's Department Investigators are actively investigating several thefts and burglaries that were reported in the Joaquin area recently. Investigators are following up on all tips and information that is provided.
Center Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information. Anyone who has information regarding this crime should call Center Crime Stoppers at 936-598-SAFE (7233) or submit a tip online at www.centercrimestoppers.com. Remember you don't have to give your name. All calls and cash rewards are completely anonymous. Rewards will only be paid on tips submitted through the Center Crime Stoppers system.
If a caller does not wish to remain anonymous or receive a reward, they may call the Shelby County Sheriff's Department at 936-598-5600 and speak with Sergeant Investigator DJ Dickerson at 936-572-1468 or Investigator Kevin W. Windham at 936.572.1972.
DJ Dickerson, Sergeant Investigator
January 1, 2016 - Several changes to gun laws in Texas will go into effect on January 1, 2016. These laws are varied and are featured in nine different bills passed by the Texas House and Senate respectively.
Most notable of these changes is the allowance of licensed individuals to openly carry handguns on their hip. Until now, license holders were only allowed to carry a handgun if it was concealed and this license was called the Concealed Handgun License. The new license is called the License to Carry as it encompasses both open and concealed carriers of handguns. Unconcealed handguns, loaded or unloaded, must be carried in an approved shoulder or belt holster. (HB 910)
One change which has been directly considered in Shelby County Commissioners' Court is the prohibition of state agencies or political subdivisions from posting 30.06, which related to concealed carry, and 30.07, which relate to open carry, signs prohibiting license holders from carrying their handgun. Posting these signs make such entities subject to civil prosecution with the initial penalty being $1,000 to $1,500 and any subsequent penalty to those government agencies being a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $10,500. (SB 273)
It's important for anyone who would like to exercise their right to open carry or carry a concealed firearm in a place that is legally allowed, they first must seek a license. To do this one must first take a hangun license class and be informed of all the laws which effect those that carry firearms to prevent breaking the law.
For a list of new legislation relating to the carry of handguns, the Texas Department of Public Safety has compiled a page displaying the new changes and it can be viewed by clicking here.
House Bill 910, which is the Open Carry act, can be viewed by clicking here.
Update: January 14, 2016 - According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper - Public Information Officer - David Hendry, the Texas Rangers have completed their investigation into the death of the inmate at the Center Police Department. Hendry stated the Rangers have determined the death to have been suicide and the inmate was Sammie Smith, 39, of Logansport.
Update: January 1, 2015 - According to the Center Police Department jail log, Sammie Cole Smith, 39, of Logansport was booked in on December 23, 2015 for possession of a controlled substance. The log shows the final disposition on December 28, 2015 as deceased.
Shelby County Today will continue to seek additional information on this incident and provide it as it is either made available or is discovered.
December 30, 2015 - Unofficial reports received by Shelby County Today are that a 37-year-old man from Logansport was found dead in a jail cell at the Center Police Department due to hanging.
ACE EMS ambulances were witnessed passing the Shelby County Today office as they were en-route to the Center Police Department located at 1020 Shelbyville Street in Center at 5pm on Monday, December 28, 2015.
At this time the Center Police Department has not released any information surrounding the circumstances of the man's death and the Texas Rangers are currently investigating.
Shelby County Today will provide further information on this incident as it is made available.
December 29, 2015 - Three people involved in a single-vehicle crash were transported to the hospital on Saturday, December 26, 2015. Emergency personnel from Timpson were dispatched as well as Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) State Troopers.
According to Texas DPS State Trooper Cpl. Jimmy Faulkner, at 9:50am Therrin Keele, 24,of Tenaha was traveling east on FM 1645 in a blue 2003 Ford Ranger when he failed to drive in a single lane, lost control of the vehicle, and left the roadway to the right. Keele over corrected left and traveled across the westbound traffic lane before leaved the roadway on the north side overturning and striking a tree.
Keele and his passengers Tiffany Scott, 26, and a 7-year-old male passenger were transported from the scene by ACE EMS to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department for treatment of injuries.
Timpson Volunteer Firemen assisted with the vehicle and traffic control at the scene. Keele was issued a citation for fail to drive in a single lane, and driving with a suspended license.
Trooper Faulkner was assisted at the scene by Trooper Keith Jones.
December 29, 2015 - Citizens of Timpson were shocked when toward the end of the city council meeting held on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 Mayor Debra Pate Smith announced her resignation.
The final catalyst for this decision appeared to be the council's reluctance to adopt an ordinance and enter into a contract with a collection company to represent the city, and through which the city potentially could gain almost $1 million in revenue. What the law firm Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP. was offering to do for the city is collect on fines and fees owed to the Timpson Municipal Court after they reach an eligible maturity of 61 days. As prescribed by state law through the court of criminal procedure, to provide no cost to the city in collecting these fines and fees, a 30% fee would be added to each fee being collected to compensate the firm for the service provided. This is a service Shelby County recently adopted at Commissioners' Court.
Council members Yvonne Ramsey and Kyle Allen made a motion to approve the ordinance and when it was put to a vote, council members Ronnie Wolfe, Janell Baker, and George Grace all voted against the ordinance.
Allen implored the council members voting against the ordinance to provide an explanation "Can y'all please just explain why? Other than, is it just sabotaging anything that anyone else has an idea that, I mean, is that irritating to you guys? What's the point of not going along with this?"
Allen, Ramsey and Smith continued their questioning of the silent council members as to why they would not vote in favor of the ordinance.
"We're literally not going to do something that costs us no money? The legality isn't even on us that an outside collection agency is going to do. It's free! We're just not going to do it and the last few months all we've talked about is money and how much things cost and how expensive things are. Here's a life raft coming to us saying, 'Hey, free money! Come, come on, let's get it,' and we just stand here and we say no? I mean this absolutely makes me feel like everyone on this council, I mean that members of this council don't care about the town, they don't care about what's good for the town. I come down here, take time out of my day, I'd rather be home with my family. I'd rather be eating dinner with my family, but instead I come here and I get reactions this to what, if you can tell me it's a bad idea I would love to have a conversation about that. I would love to, but it's always just silence and no and that's the end of it."
Mayor Smith asked the silent council members if there was anything James Guest, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP representative, could explain to them, or if they have any questions or comments that could help everyone understand why they would not want to collect on $910,000 in fines as recent as July 2015 and dating back to 2004. Ramsey stated to Wolfe he has had a lot to say about the city finances and asked why he would not want the money collected.
"I've had a lot to say since last November about the financial status of the city, I have nothing to say now," said Wolfe.
The phlegmatic and disrespectful nature of the majority of the council when asked why they would not enter into the contract left the audience in bewilderment. Guest even pleaded with Wolfe for a reason to take back to his employers; however, he was met with silence.
"Mr. Wolfe, I understand that there are maybe some discrepancies among the court. I truly hope that you'll allow us to help the city grow, there are things that our law firm that's going to help the city of Timpson, and as a sign of good faith we want to help you and I would ask that you allow us to do that," said Guest. "To go back and have to explain to the law firm now why were unable to provide this free service to you is going to be somewhat difficult for me to explain; however, I hope that you would take advantage for your constituents, for the people of the city. We'll do whatever we can to improve the quality of life for the citizens here of Timpson."
Guest asked Wolfe if he could address anything in the contract with the law firm for him, because the firm would like to know the reason why the council would not want such a benefit," Is there something that we could do better that we could bring to the city?"
Allen stated after a long silence, "I can answer it. Why don't you tell them that you're dealing with a group of crazy people? That no matter how much you explain things to them, they don't really care what you tell them."
Mayor Smith moved the meeting forward from there, to the next item on the agenda, hiring a Financial Auditor for FY 2014-15 from sealed bids. The bids included Frank Campos $10,500-$10,950; Donald L. Allman $12,000-$12,500; Murrey, Paschall, and Caperton, PC. $15,000; David K. Godwin $18,000; Gollob, Morgan, Peddy $20,300; Halls, Johnson McLemore and Redfield LLP. $24,000.
A motion was made by Yvonne Ramsey, seconded by Kyle Allen followed by no discussion. The motion failed with Ramsey and Allen for the hire of Campos and Wolfe, Janell Baker and George Grace voting against his being hired.
Wolfe then made a motion to hire Murrey, Paschall, and Caperton, PC. for $15,000. The motion was seconded by Baker. During discussion, Allen asked if anyone could explain to him why the council was seeking to spend an additional $4,500, which was once again met with no response. When put to a vote Wolfe, Baker and Grace were all for the hire while Ramsey and Allen were opposed. The motion carried.
After someone in the audience made an expletive statement directed at the council members, Mayor Smith requested the individual silence himself. Wolfe asked Mayor Smith if the man was in order, and she stated, "I just told him to be quiet, but that's okay, you can tell him he's out of order because I just resigned as mayor."
Not long after Smith made her announcement, Wolfe requested it in writing, to which Mayor Smith promptly obliged him.
December 29, 2015 - Hurst Street in front of Wal Mart in Center was the scene of a two-vehicle crash on Tuesday, December 22, 2015.
According to Center Police Officer Jake Gross, at 4:46pm a call was received of a crash at the 800 block of Hurst Street. A 2007 Chevrolet Impala driven by Bridgette Parks, 28, of Center was crossing Hurst Street from Foster Street to enter the Wal Mart parking lot when a 2006 Dodge pickup truck driven by Johnny Glaze, 48, of Joaquin was traveling south on Hurst Street in the outside lane.
Parks failed to yield right of way at a stop sign crossing the roadway, being struck by the Dodge causing major damage to both vehicles.
Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers Dustin Ramos and Ricardo Segura assisted Center Police Sgt. Duane Gordon with traffic control.
No injuries were reported as a result of the crash. Parks was cited at the scene for failure to yield right of way at a stop sign.
December 29, 2015 - (Update) January 6, 2016 - It is no longer necessary for the customers on McClelland water in the Dreka community that were without water on 12/28/15 and 12/29/15 to boil their water.
Due to a water main break, the TCEQ has required our water system McClelland water to notify customers of the need to boil their water prior to consumption.
This is for customers that were without water on 12-28-2015 and 12-29-2015 in the Dreka community on FM 2427.
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 minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the water system officials will notify you that the water is safe for consumption. Instructions to discontinue boiling will be issued in the same manner as this notice. If you have any questions concerning this matter, you may contact the water office at 936-590-9177 or Vince Di Verdi at 936-591-1205.
December 28, 2015 - The Shelby County Commissioners' Court voted to remove the gun restriction signs on the courthouse at their meeting held Monday, December 28, 2015 and to comply with current changes to state gun carrying laws.
Due to the changes in gun carrying laws allowing for the open carry of firearms by licensed individuals in Texas, which was passed earlier this year and comes into effect on January 1, 2016, county officials across the state are having to consider the possibility of upholding the new law as it stands or imposing their own restrictions for the safety of citizens attending such public places as courthouses.
County Judge Allison Harbison says the county has received an opinion from the Attorney General's office and Gary Rholes, County Attorney, is looking into what possibilities there are for the county, "I don't know that we need to do anything right this minute, I think we need for the signs to come down and off by the 1st, or I guess by next Monday we'll need to remove those signs, but we need to discuss how we're going to handle it."
Judge Harbison asked if anyone had any suggestions or discussion on the matter and Roscoe McSwain, Commissioner Precinct 1, agreed the law as it stands should be followed, "Take the signs down and follow the Senate Bill 273 as it's written and the law plainly states out where they can and can't have a weapon on them. That's all that has to be said about it, just follow the law as it's written," said McSwain.
Bradley Allen, Commissioner Precinct 5, said he didn't feel there is a choice in the matter. Judge Harbison agreed, especially with the threat of possible civil lawsuits.
District Attorney Ken Florence was in the audience during the meeting and Judge Harbison asked him for his opinion on the matter. Florence agreed with following the law and stated he has read two opinions issued by the Attorney General's office regarding the issue, "I guess the question is courts and essential offices, obviously tax and title office is not an essential office, but the question really is, is the District Clerk's Office and County Clerk's Office an essential office? In the opinions the Attorney General's like, 'I really can't answer that, that's up to the court,' and so it really sort of directs the District Clerk's office to get the opinion of say, the District Judges."
Florence said if the county were to prohibit firearms at the District Clerk's office and the County Clerk's office and an individual were to complain, the county would have three days to remove the signs and avoid a liability issue. On top of that, the Attorney General's office would be notified and inform the county within 15 days to remove the signs.
Judge Harbison shared what she has read on the Judge and Commissioner listserv suggesting if anything other than the courtrooms and clerk's office are designated as areas where firearms are not permissible, the District Judges must approve such a plan and present it to the court.
"As far as the Commissioners' Court, I think since we're going to be the ones that's sued probably, that we need to take the signage down and just follow the law as basic as it is and if problems arise we'll meet them then," said Judge Harbison.
Jimmy Lout, Commissioner Precinct 2, in reference to security said, "Well, we won't need any security downstairs anymore will we?"
Judge Harbison and McSwain suggested waiting to see what develops in the approaching two weeks as some counties are going to be more proactive on the issue and fight the status of the current law. Travis Rodgers, Commissioner Precinct 3, said it is his understanding if someone were to enter the courthouse carrying a firearm on their side, they would be subject to having to show their license which allows them to carry said firearm.
Judge Harbison asked Walter Shofner, Bailiff/Courthouse Security, for his suggestion of what to do. There is someone checking individuals at the courthouse door during days there is District Court and County Court, Judge Harbison asked if that is going to change.
"That's kind of up to y'all. You've got to remember too, you have court on the second floor at times, you have court in your office sometimes, so we'll do whatever y'all want us to do. We may just have to feel it out and go from there," said Shofner.
Lout pointed out individuals could enter the courthouse with a gun on their hip, but not with a knife in their pocket.
"We never said that made sense," said Judge Harbison. "I don't know, I think that's probably true."
McSwain stated a constable has been spoken to who stated he would be glad to help fill in at the courthouse and he felt certain others would help with that as well.
A motion was carried to take the signage down from the courthouse and follow the Senate Bill as it is written, as well as work on a schedule to check people at the door.
Agenda items receiving approval include:
1. Pay monthly expenses.
2. Public Comments on Agenda items.
3. Regarding the Open Carry Act, effective January 1, 2016 take the signage down from the courthouse and follow the Senate Bill as it is written, as well as work on a schedule to check people at the door.
4. Adopt a mileage rate of .54 per mile for travel to comply with IRS guidelines.
5. Adjourn.
Fees collected per office for November:
Reported during December 14, 2015 meeting
1. Deborah Riley, Tax Assessor/Collector office: Property Division - $3,067,504.72; Motor Vehicle Division - $28,577.79 for a total of $3,096,082.51
2. Jennifer Fountain, County Clerk: $38,238.89
3. Lori Oliver, District Clerk: $13,889.90
4. Maxie Eaves, Justice of the Peace Precinct 1: $6,805
5. Marla Denby, Justice of the Peace Precinct 2: $942.60
6. Margie Anderson, Justice of the Peace Precinct 3: $3,313
7. Jenny Hicks, Justice of the Peace Precinct 4: $382
8. Mike Crouch, Justice of the Peace Precinct 5: $4,464
9. Zach Warr, Constable Precinct 1: $805
10. Jamie Hagler, Constable Precinct 2: $270
11. Billy Hearnsberger, Constable Precinct 3:
12. Bryan Gray, Constable Precinct 4: $270
13. Stanley Burgay, Constable Precinct 5:
Grand total: $3,165,462.90
CDs generated $18.20 for a total book value of $60,078.70
Money Market generated $353.43 total market value of $1,720,287.58
Total investments of $1,780,366.28
December 28, 2015 - The Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a trailer house fire on CR 2024 on Monday, December 28th at 2:35pm and arrived on scene to see a home fully engulfed in flames. The trailer house belonged to Martell Moore.
Although the home was lost, responding firemen Chris Koltonski and Keith Windham began trying to extinguish the flames to prevent it from spreading to any other nearby homes or structures. Due to the recent amount of rain, the fire truck could not be driven close to the burning house making it where fire hose had to be pulled across the soft ground in order to dampen the already destroyed home. Family on scene helped the firemen pull the hose.
The fire department left the scene at 3:45pm and the cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
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