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National Weather Service Shreveport, La
3:28pm CDT Thu Oct 15, 2015
October 15, 2015 - A cold front will move across the area early Friday bringing gusty northerly winds and reinforcing the dry air mass already in place. The combination of afternoon minimum relative humidity values below 30%, wind speeds gusting up to 20MPH, and dry vegetation will lead to high fire danger area wide. Wind speeds should diminish during the weekend; but, a lack of rainfall will keep dry fuels and low values in place through the weekend.
The fire weather watch is in effect from Friday morning through Sunday evening for all of Southeast Oklahoma, Southwest and Southern Arkansas, East Texas, and Northwest and North Central Louisiana.
Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is currently banned in all counties and parishes in the four state region.
A fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warning.
October 15, 2015 - The 7th Annual Angelina Wheelin’ Sportsmen Event for people with disabilities will be December 11-12 at the Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest, Winston Tree Farm and Alazon Wildlife Management Area.
The two-day deer and hog hunt is sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Wheelin Sportsmen program, U.S. Forest Service, National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, April AWOL and Pineywoods NWTF Chapters.
Applications are available at Forest Service Ranger’s Offices in Zavalla, Hemphill, New Waverly, Kennard and Decatur, at the Forest Supervisor’s office in Lufkin, or online www.fs.usda.gov/texas.
Deadline for submitting an application is November 20, and can either be mailed or dropped off at the Angelina National Forest Ranger Office, Attn: Jason Engle or Mandy Chumley, 111 Walnut Ridge Road, Zavalla, Texas 75980.
Individuals with physical disabilities may apply and there is no cost to attend. Twenty participants will be drawn for the event and they must provide their own transportation, lodging, and have a valid Texas hunting license. Volunteers and instructors will be on hand to assist. Meals will be provided for participants and two guests.
For more information, contact Jason Engle or Mandy Chumley at 936-897-1068.
On the Internet: NFGT: www.fs.usda.gov/texas
National Wild Turkey Federation: www.nwtf.org.
October 15, 2015 - The Shelby County grand jury for the July Term of the 123rd Judicial District Court met Tuesday, October 13, 2015 and after hearing 52 cases, indicted all presented including cases involving former Shelby County educators.
Johanna Grace Vickers was indicted for 18 second degree felony counts over a course of three separate dates. Total charges include: sexual assault - child victim (6 counts), indecency with a child by contact (3 counts), and improper relationship between educator and student (9 counts). The sexual assault - child victim charges, allege incidents on or about March 28, 2015, April 27, 2015, and May 9, 2015 with a child who was then and there younger than 17 years of age. The indecency with a child by contact alleges on or about March 28, 2015, April 27, 2015, and May 9, 2015 the defendant caused the child who was then and there younger than 17 years of age to engage in sexual contact. The improper relationship between educator and student alleges on or about March 28, 2015, April 27, 2015, and May 9, 2015 the defendant who was an employee of a public secondary school, to-wit: Shelbyville High School, did then and there engage in sexual intercourse and deviate sexual intercourse with a person who was enrolled in the said Shelbyville High School. It also alleges the defendant engaged in sexual contact with the person who was enrolled in the said Shelbyville High School.
Jennifer Rhodes Cassell was indicted for improper relationship between educator and student, second degree felony, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, third degree felony. The indictment alleges on or about August 5, 2015 the defendant did then and there, while the defendant was an employee of a public secondary school, to-wit: Center High School, intentionally and knowingly engage in sexual intercourse with a person who was enrolled in the said Center High School. The indictment for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence alleges on or about August 5, 2015 the defendant did then and there, knowing that an investigation or official proceeding was in progress, to-wit: a police investigation, intentionally or knowingly destroy records, to-wit: deleted cell phone communications, with intent to impair its availability as evidence in the official proceedings.
Deron Vodre Bowlds was indicted for two charges: aggravated kidnapping, first degree felony, and assault - family violence - occlusion, second degree felony. The indictment for aggravated kidnapping alleges on or about June 30, 2015, Bowlds did then and there, intentionally or knowingly abduct Jessica Barber, by restricting the movements of Barber without her consent so as to interfere substantially with her liberty, by confining her with the intent to prevent her liberation, by using or threatening to use deadly force, namely, by participating in holding the victim against her will after she had been struck in the face resulting in serious bodily injury as well as impeded her breathing by choking her around the neck, rendering her incapable of escape and/or defense. The indictment for assault - family violence - occlusion alleges Bowlds did then and there on June 30, 2015 intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause bodily injury to Jessica Barber a person whom the defendant has or had had a dating relationship, as described by Section 71.0021 (b), Family Code, by intentionally knowingly, or recklessly impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of Barber by applying pressure to the throat or neck and/or blocking the nose or mouth of Barber.
Joey Walker Zorn was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, second degree felony. The indictment alleges on or about July 1, 2015 Zorn did then and there intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause bodily injury to Timothy Wesley Zorn by threatening to kill him, and the defendant did then and there use or exhibit a deadly weapon, to-wit: .22 Marlin Rifle, during the commission said assault.
Stephen Henry Hagler was indicted for two charges: aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, second degree felony, and injury to a child, elderly or disabled individual, first degree felony. The indictments allege on or about June 11, 2015, Hagler did then and there, intentionally or knowingly cause serious bodily injury to Ann Hagler by beating and striking her in the head several times with his fist. The second charge for injury to a child, elderly or disabled individual is due to the individual being 65 years of age or older.
Joseph Randell Gipson was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, second degree felony. The indictment alleges on or about December 3, 2014, Gipson did then and there intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause bodily injury to Eva Lewing by hitting her in the arm, and the defendant did then and there use or exhibit a deadly weapon to-wit: a board, during the commission of said assault.
Elizabeth Ann Suell was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon,, first degree felony. The indictment alleges on or about April 8, 2015, Suell did then and there, intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause serious bodily injury to Travis Wayne Patton, Sr. by stabbing him in his left arm, and the defendant did then and there use or exhibit a deadly weapon, to-wit: knife, during the commission of said assault, and the said Patton, Sr. was a person with whom the defendant has or has had a dating relationship, as described by Section 71.0021 (b), Family Code.
Preston Malone was indicted for two charges: evading arrest, third degree felony, and abandoning or endangering a child, state jail felony. The indictment alleges on or about December 27, 2014, Malone did then and there, while using a vehicle, intentionally flee from Sgt. Scott Burkhalter, a person the defendant knew was a peace officer who was attempting to lawfully arrest or detain the defendant. During the course of the alleged incident, the defendant did then and there, intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence, engage in conduct that placed a child younger then 15 years of age, in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment, by evading from the police in a vehicle and not properly restraining the said child in the vehicle.
Dakota Lee Amburn, Taunua Reenee Amburn, Austin Bryan Estes, Taylor Kathleen Hodges, and Linda Ann Parent were each indicted for hindering apprehension or prosecution, third degree felony. The indictment alleges on or about December 29, 2014, each aforementioned defendant did then and there, with the intent to hinder the arrest, prosecution, conviction, or punishment of Dustin Estes for the offense of burglary of a building, harbor or conceal Dustin Estes.
Caddrius Xzavian Evans, Travor Hubbard, and Tony Pernell McCollister were indicted for burglary of a habitation, second degree felony. The indictment alleges on or about December 8, 2014, each aforementioned defendant then and there, intentionally or knowingly entered a habitation, without the effective consent of James Hicks and Nathaniel Hicks, the owner thereof, and attempted to commit or committed theft of property, to-wit: Sony Playstation 4 game console with controller, Playstation 4 games, X-Box One Advanced Warfare Edition console with controller, X-Box One games, Kimber Custom II Semi-Automatic 45 caliber pistol owned by James Hicks and Nathaniel Hicks.
Tony Ray Smith, Jr. was indicted for possession of a controlled substance, second degree felony. The indictment alleges on or about May 30, 2015, Smith, Jr. then and there, intentionally and knowingly possessed a controlled substance, namely, methamphetamine, in an amount of four grams or more but less than 200 grams, by aggregate weight. Smith, Jr. was also indicted for evading arrest, third degree felony. The indictment alleges on or about May 30, 2015, the defendant used a vehicle to flee from Investigator Kevin Windham, a person the defendant knew was a peace officer who was attempting to lawfully arrest or detain the defendant.
Curtis Bryan Estes was indicted for burglary of a building, a state jail felony. It alleges on or about November 10, 2014, Estes then and there, intentionally or knowingly entered a building or a portion of a building, without the effective consent of Regency Energy Partners, the owner thereof, and attempted to commit or committed theft of property, to-wit: (1) Galenfeha-GLFH-1240-CW Battery, owned by Regency Energy Partners.
Larry Bruce Hendricks was indicted for theft, a state jail felony. It alleges on or about December 4, 2014, Hendricks did then and there, stole property, to-wit: a propane torch including 2 bottles, hoses and gauges, a brown welding hood, approximately 200 ft. of welding leads, a diamond plate tool box with assorted tools, booster cables, 2 boxes of welding rods, a 6 ft. box blade for tractor, 1-5 gallon bucket of hydraulic oil, 1-red metal gas can, 1 receiver hitch with a two inch trailer ball, trailer dolly, grease gun, come a longs, 6 bags of sheet metal screws, 2 round bales of hay, of the value of $1,500 or more but less than $20,000, from Jimmy McCauley, the owner thereof, without the effective consent of the owner namely, Jimmy McCauley.
Joe Jr. Parks, III was indicted on burglary of a habitation, second degree felony. The indictment alleges on or about June 13, 2015, the defendant did then and there, intentionally and knowingly enter a habitation, without the consent of Joe Parks, II, the owner thereof, and attempted to commit or committed theft of property, to-wit: food, owned by Joe Parks, II.
Karla Ruth Standfield was indicted for theft, a state jail felony. The indictment alleges on or about December 10, 2014 the defendant stole property, to-wit: two stainless and aluminum meat lockers, nine aluminum radiators, farm all tractor, welding machine, acetylene torch tips, of the value of $1,500 or more but less than $20,000, from Herman L. Johnson, Jr., the owner thereof, without Johnson's consent.
Stephanie Louise Jackson was indicted for two charges: tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, third degree felony, and possession of a controlled substance, state jail felony. The indictments allege on or about November 17, 2014, Jackson did then and there, intentionally or knowingly possess a controlled substance, namely, methamphetamine, in an amount of less than one gram, by aggregate weight and on the same day did then and there, knowing that an official proceeding was in progress, to-wit: a traffic stop, did then and there, intentionally or knowingly conceal drugs, to-wit: place methamphetamine in a fountain drink with intent to impair it's legibility or availability as evidence in an official proceeding.
Jerry Glynn Bell was indicted for two charges: burglary of a habitation, second degree felony, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The indictment alleges on or about January 19, 2015 the defendant did then and there intentionally, knowingly enter a habitation, without the effective consent of Airiel Burleson, the owner of thereof, and attempted to commit or committed an assault against Charles Edward IV. The indictment alleges Bell caused bodily injury to Edward IV, by striking him with his fist multiple times in the facial area, and the defendant did then and there use or exhibit a deadly weapon, to-wit: a knife, during the commission of said assault.
(Dates in parenthesis indicate the date of the alleged incident)
Geana Sue Cheshire, Possession of Controlled Substance, state jail felony (April 18, 2015)
Thomas Justin Brown, Possession of Controlled Substance, state jail felony (October 16, 2014)
Jason Madison Samford, Evading Arrest, third degree felony (December 8, 2014)
Gregory Frazier, Possession of a Controlled Substance, state jail felony (December 12, 2014)
(Cases filed on information)
Deron Vodre Bowlds, Aggravate Kidnapping (Filed October 8, 2015)
October 14, 2015 - Emergency personnel rushed to the scene of a two-vehicle crash Wednesday, October 14, 2015 three miles south of Center on U.S. Highway 96 South.
When officials arrived it was reported a man had been ejected from one vehicle involved. The vehicle was located off the roadway and the man was lying at the edge of a wooded area. First responders quickly went to the aid of the man and others from the same vehicle. Working together, emergency personnel loaded injured parties onto backboards and then carried them to waiting ambulances.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) State Trooper Anthony LaCount, at 12:51pm Parker Baker, 30, of Nacogdoches was driving a black Ford F-150 4X4 truck north on U.S. Highway 96 and was stopped to make a left turn into XTO Energy. A grey Ford F-150 driven by Vernon Bailey, 49, with passengers Treven Bailey, 24, and Carrie Bailey, 76, all of Center were also traveling north behind Baker.
Vernon Bailey became distracted during conversation while cresting the top of a hill before the crash scene and by the time he realized Baker was stopping, he attempted to slow down and struck the rear of the truck Baker was driving causing major damage to both vehicles. The truck Bailey was driving veered off the roadway to the right, struck a guardrail and flipped one to two times, according to witnesses, before coming to rest upright and facing the roadway.
While Center firemen and Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies worked traffic control a landing zone was established on the XTO Energy property. Carrie and Trevon Bailey were transported to Nacogodoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department. Carrie Bailey was later flown to a hospital in Tyler and has since been released. Vernon Bailey was given a life flight to LSU hospital for treatment of his injuries. Treven Bailey has also been released from the hospital. Baker was not reported to have received any injuries.
Trooper LaCount was assisted at the scene with his investigation by DPS Troopers Keith Jones, Ricardo Segura and Taylor Buster. TxDOT representatives were quick to respond to the scene and remove the debris of the severely damaged guardrail.
October 14, 2015 - A house fire south of Shelbyville resulted in a total loss for Melissa Nichols Olsen and Thomas Spears on Sunday, October 11, 2015. The Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD) was dispatched at 3:07pm to the fire located just over a mile south of FM 139.
When the firemen arrived at 3:25pm, the house was fully involved and the two Shelbyville Volunteer firemen to arrive on scene did their best to knock back the flames and save some of the house. Bradley Greer, a neighbor even assisted the firemen in fighting the fire.
As their water supply ran low, the Huxley Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) arrived at 3:58pm with three grass trucks to support the needs of the SVFD and a second SVFD tanker truck also arrived at that time with a third SVFD fireman. Although the HVFD provided much needed assistance, the fire had overtaken the majority of the home and the remainder of the time the firemen were there was spent trying to extinguish what was left of the fire.
Center Fire Department was dispatched later to the scene and arrived at 6pm with more water to help finish the job. Jamie Hagler, Constable Precinct 2, was also on scene to assist the firemen.
October 14, 2015 - A $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the murder(s) in reference to Charles Howard Thorn in 1960 and/or information leading to the confirmed identification of the murder(s). Contact Sargent Chris King of the SCSO at 936-598-5600.
This reward is being offered by James T. Thorn and the Thorn Family, 1348 F Street NE, Washington D.C. 20002. Contact number 202-230-6455.
See more information in a related article - http://scttx.com/articles/sheriffs-office-opens-cold-case-investigation-...
October 14, 2015 - Dustin Ramos, Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper for the Shelby County area, was recently awarded with the 2015 Officer of the Year Award at the 2015 DPSOA Annual Conference at the Omni Hotel in Corpus Christi on Saturday, October 10, 2015.
The honor was bestowed upon Trooper Ramos following his receipt of the Director's Citation for his actions on May 4, 2014. Trooper Ramos was en-route to assist a Shelby County Sheriff's Deputy in searching for a stolen truck when he discovered the vehicle on the roadway. A chase ensued starting at County Road 2420 with Trooper Ramos in the lead, Chief Shad Sparks, Deputy Jeremy Pope followed the vehicle and attempted to pull it over; however, the driver refused to stop.
The pursuit continued to County Road 2164 and then onto State Highway 87 South where the driver continued to fail to stop. Center Police Department Sgt. Duane Gordon placed a spike strip on the roadway, which the truck did travel over causing the driver's side front tire to go flat; however it continued traveling north on State Highway 87 and Sgt. Gordon joined the chase.
A second Texas DPS Trooper, Zach Mills, put down a spike strip in the roadway just before FM 139 East to again try to disable the truck's tires. Evading the spike strip, the truck traveled left of the strip and struck Mills leaving him injured and lying by the roadway. Gordon traveled ahead of the other pursuit vehicles and struck the truck from the rear turning it to the left, where the truck traveled into a field across from Lout Town Grocery towards a home occupied by a young family located at the top of a hill.
While law enforcement and witnesses helped Mills, Gordon and Ramos fired on the suspect mortally wounding him and ending the chase which lasted for about 30 minutes and 25 miles.
Ramos returned to the scene of his injured partner, where Chief Sparks and other witnesses were, and remained there until EMS arrived. Mills endured surgeries and a long healing process. He was later awarded the Purple Heart for his personal sacrifice and efforts to apprehend a dangerous suspect. Sgt. Gordon was also presented with the Director's Award for his efforts to rescue an injured officer and apprehend a dangerous suspect.
October 12, 2015 - U.S. Highway 96 South was the scene of a two-vehicle crash at 11:25am on Sunday, October 11, 2015 with all parties involved being taken to the hospital.
Officers with the Shelby County Sheriff's Department, Center Police Department and Zach Warr, Constable Precinct 1, were first on scene at the crash. Shelby County Today was on scene as the officers provided traffic control three miles south of Center at County Road 1024 where the roadway was blocked while ACE EMS checked those involved for injuries.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Anthony LaCount, a black Ford Ranger driven by Gary Belrose, 67, of Center was traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 96.
Belrose stated be felt like he blacked out, he crossed the roadway to the left into oncoming traffic and struck head-on a red Chevolet C1500 pickup truck driven by James Lumen, 49, causing major damage.
Lumen, his passenger James Halbert, 32, and Belrose were all transported by ACE EMS to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department for treatment of minor injuries.
Belrose was issued a citation for driving on the wrong side of the roadway in a no passing zone.
Copyright 2015 SCT. All rights reserved. Do not rebroadcast or reprint these stories without consent of ShelbyCountyToday.com
October 12, 2015 - FM 139 just before the intersection of State Highway 7 near Joaquin was the scene of a major crash on Sunday, October 12, 2015 from which the driver of the vehicle was transported by life flight.
The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) personnel were dispatched to the scene of the crash at 1:13am where it was reported a vehicle had rolled over and the driver was trapped within.
According to Texas DPS State Trooper Keith Jones, at 1:10am a tan 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by Lauren Richards, 26, of Center was traveling southbound on FM 139 at an unsafe speed half mile from State Highway 7.
When the Chrysler entered a curve, it left the roadway to the right and entered a sideways skid, overturning right and top, coming to rest on its right side with major damage.
Joaquin VFD firemen used the Jaws of Life to help extricate Richards from the Chrysler following which a landing zone was established at the Joaquin baseball fields. Richards was then transported by Life Air Rescue to LSU Hospital in Shreveport for treatment of her injuries.
Copyright 2015 SCT. All rights reserved. Do not rebroadcast or reprint these stories without consent of ShelbyCountyToday.com
October 12, 2015 - (Update): As of Saturday afternoon, October 10, 2015 the boil water notice for Huxley has been lifted.
Due to conditions which have occurred a leak and water line break, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the system to notify customers in the Oakdale and Possum Trot areas to boil their water prior to consumption.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption, 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, 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 questions regarding this matter you may contact City Hall at 936-368-2266.
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