The story headline links to a better view of the story and share features.
News
September 4, 2015 - In a response to Gov. Greg Abbott's statewide call to stand with law enforcement in Texas, officers in Shelby County met with that request.
Law enforcement from all agencies in Shelby County, EMS and Center firemen advanced on the Center square where they gathered their vehicles in acquiescence to Gov. Abbott's request and at 11am on Friday September 4, 2015 they turned on their red and blue flashing lights in honor of fallen Harris County Deputy Darren Goforth at the time his funeral was set to begin.
The lights were flashing as the crowd of officers and other emergency personnel gathered at the Shelby County Veterans Memorial by the Historic 1885 Courthouse. DJ Dickerson, Shelby County Sheriff's Department Investigator, led a prayer for all who put their lives in jeopardy for the protection of others every day.
Following Dickerson's prayer, everyone stood for a moment of silence and dispersed.
In a press release from Gov. Abbott's office, he made the following statement, “Respect and pride in our law enforcement must be restored in this state and nation,” said Governor Abbott. “It is time to unite in solidarity to support the men and women who serve and protect our communities. I ask that communities across Texas support this cause for unity and remember the essential role that law enforcement plays in keeping Texas safe and strong.”
September 4, 2015 - The driver involved in a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 7 was transported to the hospital for treatment of his injuries Friday, September 4, 2015.
Center Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and handled traffic control as a lot of debris was in the westbound traffic lanes. While the firemen prevented traffic from driving through the crash scene, EMS took care of those involved in the crash and DPS investigated the incident.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Anthony LaCount, at 8:47am a blue 2012 4-door Toyota pickup truck driven by Sergio Juarez Alvarez, 23, was traveling east on State Highway 7 West near the roadside park
Passengers in the vehicle Martin Juarez, 59, and Angel Villanueva, 22, of Center stated to Trooper LaCount it appeared that Alvarez was having a possible heart attack when he grabbed his chest and took his hands off the steering wheel. At that point the vehicle swerved to the left into oncoming lanes of traffic and exited the roadway eventually striking several trees with the final one head-on, and actually snapping the tree in half.
A large amount of tile, cement mix and tools was distributed from the back of the truck across the roadway.
Upon striking the last tree front and center the truck spun around to face the roadway. Alvarez was transported by ACE EMS to Nacogdoches Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. No citations have been issued at this time.
A witness at the scene, Les Brockelman, transported Juarez and Villanueva back to Nacogdoches, which is from where they were traveling at the time of the crash.
September 4, 2015 - Larry Hume emailed Shelby County Today concerning an email he received with 'Notice to appear in Court #000540624' in the subject field and a file attached.
Hume researched the email and found it to be a scam with a computer virus attached. The attachment was a zip file which is a compressed file that is used to make large files and/or collections of files more manageable to the user. Always use caution with zip files because you cannot see what type of file is attached whether it is a photo or an executable file which automatically runs when the zip file is open.
Advise given by Hume - courts do not operate by email so my advice is to not open the file, delete it immediately and ignore.
Email message below:
You have to appear in the Court on the September 04. You are kindly asked to prepare and bring the documents relating to the case to Court on the specified date.
Note: The case may be heard by the judge in your absence if you do not come.
You can find the Court Notice is in the attachment.
Regards,
Isaac Weaver,
Clerk of Court.
September 4, 2015 - The 20th Annual Miss Merry Christmas and Mister Happy Holidays Pageant will be held December 5 at the Center Middle School Auditorium in Center, Texas.
There is age groups for boys 0-5 and girls 0-19. This is a natural beauty pageant and only one outfit is required. This is the perfect first beauty pageant and no talent is required. Children will wear their favorite holiday or Christmas wear. All children will receive crowns, custom Bailey's Pageant tote bags and candy bags.
For more information call Tonya at 936-590-0120 or Shelia at 332-9610 or email shelia0505@yahoo.com. You can also pick up forms at M&M Insurance on Hurst St across from Walmart in Center or check Facebook - Baileys Pageants.
September 2, 2015 - Shelby County Today has received multiple reports from viewers concerning a new phone scam involving the threat of having your water disconnected.
Michael Lee was called at 7:30pm and the caller ID displayed 'City of Houston' and the phone number 713-371-1400. The caller informed Lee he needed to pay his water bill immediately over the phone or his water would be disconnected.
Another SCT viewer received a call with the caller ID displaying city hall. The caller threatened water cut off immediately if payment wasn't made. When advised payment had already been made, the caller said the check was returned due to insufficient funds and demanded immediate payment to avoid disconnect.
Utilities will not call customers demanding payment of service over the phone or suffer disconnect. Notices are typically mailed out to customers which warns of a disconnect date. Payments should only be made when you know you are speaking to a representative of the utility such as when you call the company yourself or when going to the place of business. Don't trust a caller who demands payment immediately especially when the call is outside of regular business hours.
September 2, 2015 - Authorities were alerted of the discovery of human remains on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at a residence on Hurst Street in Center. Center Police Chief Jim Albers said, "We have skeletal remains found and we are in the process of processing the crime scene."
Center police officers, Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies and Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers could be seen late Tuesday evening as they searched the area with flashlights.
According to an unofficial report, a dog dragged the remains into the yard where the resident on the property then discovered them.
Shelby County Today was on scene and witnessed law enforcement leaving the area at 10:15pm Tuesday. The search began again Wednesday morning, September 2, 2015 with the arrival of Texas Ranger Travis Brazil and the DPS crime lab trailer. Also on scene were Center police officers and Detectives along with JP1, Maxie Eaves.
Albers confirmed cadaver dogs have been requested to assist with searching the area. Additional information will be posted as it is made available.
August 31 - Low Cost Spay/Neuter and Pet Wellness Clinic one Thursday each month and every fourth Saturday from 10-3p. The next clinic will take place on Friday, September 4th at Tractor Supply in Center, Texas located at 1155 Tenaha Street. We offer dog/cat vaccines, heartworm tests/prevention, flea/tick prevention, microchips, and nail trims.
Now offering low cost spay/ neuter and pets must have appointment for surgery. Information can be found at www.dehartvetservices.doodlekit.com or call (903)590-7722.
September 1, 2015 - LUFKIN – The Texas Transportation Commission last week approved 91 construction projects statewide totaling more than $535 million, and includes five within the Lufkin District that total $16.8 million.
Of the 91 projects, 22 were approved using $304 million of Proposition 1 funding. Two Lufkin District projects were included in the latest round of Proposition 1 funding and totaled $11.7 million. The funds are used for roadway construction, restoration and rehabilitation and will improve mobility, safety and connectivity.
“The Commission and TxDOT continue to deliver needed transportation projects that will greatly benefit Texas drivers and the state’s economy,” said TxDOT Executive Director LtGen Joe Weber, USMC (Ret). “The message from community leaders and local planning organizations, as well as the message sent by voters when they approved Proposition 1 last November, is that transportation concerns must be addressed in a manner that is both efficient and effective. Our efforts continue to prove we hear and understand that message.”
The two Proposition 1 projects approved in the Lufkin District were:
A $7.3 million construction project in San Augustine County designated to add passing lanes and reconstruct the roadway on US 96 along a 6.1 mile section from the Shelby County line to FM 3451. Moore Brothers Construction Company will serve as contractor.
A $4.4 million construction project in Trinity County that includes pavement reconstruction on a portion of US 287 from Harrison Street in Groveton to FM 355; and a pavement reconstruction on US 287 from FM 355 to Vickery Street in Groveton. Smith & Company will serve as contractor.
Other approved projects for the Lufkin District included bridge replacements and approaches in Polk, Nacogdoches and Shelby counties. Those bridges set for replacement include:
A $1.9 million project in Polk County that will replace bridges on Leggett Road at a tributary of Big Sandy Creek; on Jack Pate Road at a tributary of McManus Creek; and on East Clamon Road at Bear Creek. Longview Bridge and Road will serve as contractor for the project.
A $1.7 million project in Nacogdoches County that will replace bridges on FM 95 at Parallel Creek; and on FM 95 at Dog Creek. Longview Bridge and Road will serve as contractor for the project.
A $1.3 million bridge replacement in Shelby County on FM 415 at Bear Bayou. Longview Bridge and Road will serve as contractor for the project.
Also approved was $165,000 in grant funding for the Center Municipal Airport that is earmarked for planned airport improvements, including lighting, engineering and design. The project costs will be funded through the city of Center and TxDOT’s Aviation Facilities Grant Program, which preserves and improves the state’s general aviation system.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.
September 1, 2015 - Flat Fork Creek bridge on U.S. 96 North was the scene of a two-vehicle crash on Tuesday afternoon, September 1, 2015 following heavy rainfall.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) State Trooper Keith Jones, at 2:50pm on September 1, 2015 a 2008 black Dodge Nitro SLT driven by Samantha Joanne Steptoe, 25, of Shelbyville was traveling south on U.S. 96 North.
The vehicle was crossing Flat Fork Creek bridge when it hydroplaned due to unsafe speed and crossed over the center stripe into oncoming traffic. The left rear quarter panel of the Nitro struck the front of a 2011 white GMC Terrain driven by Bobby Gene McDonald, 88, of Carthage causing the vehicles to come to rest against the wall of the bridge.
ACE EMS arrived on scene with DPS Troopers. The drivers and Steptoe's passengers including a 2-year-old male and 3-month-old female were examined at the scene and refused treatment.
Steptoe was issued a citation for unsafe speed. Assisting at the scene were DPS Troopers Dustin Ramos and Taylor Buster.
September 1, 2015 - Weather Stats for August 2015 prepared by Jim and Ann Forbes, U.S. Weather Observers
Highest Temp was 105 degrees on August 10th and 11th
Highest Temp on Record was 110 degrees on 8-18-1951 and 110 degrees for 4 days in 2011
Lowest Temp was 62 degrees on 8-26-2015
Lowest Temp on Record was 52 degrees on 8-31-1986
Rainfall Recorded was 1.75 inches
Average Monthly Rainfall is 3.52 inches
Below Average by 1.77 inches
Highest Recorded for this month was 15.10 inches in 1997
Lowest Recorded for this month was 0.00 in 1951
Total Rainfall through August, 2015 is 52.88 inches
Average Rainfall through August is 34.76 inches
6 Triple Digit days: 100 degrees on the 7th, 101 degrees on the 8th and 9th, 105 degrees on the 10th and 11th, and 101 degrees on the 12th of August, 2015
Pages
