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June 14, 2016 - The Texas Department of Public Safety and West Shelby Volunteer Fire Department (WSVFD) were dispatched to a two-vehicle crash on Saturday, June 11 which resulted in injuries for one person involved.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Sean Smith, at 11:10am Michael Lout, 51, of Lindale was eastbound on State Highway 7 in a blue 2014 Mazda when, as he traveled around a curve the Mazda hydroplaned near CR 1245.
At that time a green 2002 Ford F-150 driven by Sonya Sears, 36, of Center was westbound when Sears witnessed the Mazda hydroplaning. Sears swerved the Ford in attempts of avoiding a collision; however, the Ford began to spin to the right and the rear of the Mazda struck the right rear quarter panel of the Ford causing damage to both vehicles.
The Mazda and the Ford came to rest in the middle of the roadway. The WSVFD initiated traffic control to prevent any further incidents resulting from the crash.
Regina Lout, 48, was traveling in the Mazda and was injured during the crash. She was transported by ACE EMS to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department.
Michael Lout was issued a citation for unsafe speed. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.
June 14, 2016 - The Shelby County Commissioners' Court continued discussions at their Monday, June 13 meeting over the Sheriff's Department's new $7,000 website, which was approved at the May 9 meeting, and concerns of County Attorney Gary Rholes.
At the previous meeting Roscoe McSwain, Commissioner Precinct 1, and Travis Rodgers, Commissioner Precinct 3, initiated the motion which was approved giving the $7,000 website a green light pending the contract approval of Rholes.
Since that time, Rholes reviewed the contract with Lunabyte, Inc. and researched it with another website designer, according to a letter Rholes presented to the commissioners, County Judge Allison Harbison and Sheriff Willis Blackwell.
Rholes expressed concerns in the letter over "vague" language in the proposed contract and the possibility of extra cost. He also said some of the charges seem expensive and the contract contains "very broad clause" shielding the company from liability even for problems the website company might cause.
Sheriff Blackwell stated to the commissioners the proposed Sheriff's Department website is small scale compared to the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Department website at $20,000; Bossier Parish at $30,000 and a television station in Baton Rouge at $100,000.
"They say that this guy is very reputable. I don't know what language needs to be in the contract that's not there that Gary said was vague. He has the man's telephone number, I mean if there's something that he needs to add to it, he'll be glad to add it to it, but he doesn't know what to add to it," said Sheriff Blackwell.
Rholes reaffirmed his concerns in the letter were not just what could be added to the contract. He said by reading the contract he couldn't tell what is included and when the county would be responsible for possible $125 an hour charges.
Judge Harbison asked Rholes to work on the contract and submit it to Lunabyte, Inc. for their approval and McSwain said it would then be in Rholes' hands until that time. Once everyone is in agreement, then Judge Harbison can sign the contract.
Eric Carver, of Axley & Rode, LLP, presented the annual Financial Report for the county, Fiscal Year 2015. He discussed the audit with the commissioners and in looking at the pension he stated the total liability for the county was $12,693,000 which is already set aside and is a well-funded pension.
"You have funded $12,476,000 of that, so basically y'all already set aside over $12 million for your pension fund, which is you only have $216,000 remaining in that liability," said Carver. "So, when I talk about it's a well-funded pension, y'all are in very good shape."
He state nationally most pensions are less than 30% funded with most in Texas being about 80% and Shelby County is at 97%, putting it ahead of the curve.
Carver indicated across the four precincts of the county $3.6 million in construction of roads was done while maintaining healthy fund balances.
According to Carver, the county is in possession of funds being held for "other people," and an issue has developed which Carver says the county needs to address. He said, within these funds, there's a fairly significant amount of money the county holds for other people that can't be identified, more specifically for whom the funds are being held.
"What's happened is, over the years you've gone from a manual records system to an electronic system, some of these records have been lost. You've got several hundred-thousand dollars at a minimum, probably more than that's not– you can't identify exactly who it's owed to," said Carver.
Some of the money may go to the county, state, or individuals and Carver says the county needs to make efforts to find out where the money belongs so it can be cleared from the county books.
"We do continue to have an issue with the segregation of duties of the JP office, we've talked about this over the last several years. I know there have been some changes in those offices but there's still situations where you have one individual controlling and processing financial information," said Carver.
He said as a result there is always a risk that something could occur and there could be a problem, which could also have an affect on grants in the future. Carver mentioned some budgets exceeded their funding this year, and when they exceed their budget, it takes from the funds of others to operate.
A motion was carried by the commissioners to approve the Shelby County, Fiscal Year 2015 report.
Stewart Cobb of First National Bank, Witchita Falls, presented leasing information for road equipment for Precinct 1 and Precinct 2. Following the presentation two motions carried with the first being a motion to approve Precinct 2 to enter into the contract for the purchase of a 140M3 Motor Grader at a rate of $15,000 a year. The second motion was to approve Precinct 1 lease contract for a CAT 926M Wheel Loader at a cost of $18,138.80 a year. Both agreements are at a 2.85% interest rate.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:26am.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Minutes of the May 9, 2016 Regular Meeting and the May 23, 2016 Special Meeting of the Shelby County Commissioners' Court. 2. Pay monthly expenses. 3. Officers' reports. 4. Eric Carver of Axley & Rode, LLP Annual Financial Report for Shelby County, Fiscal Year 2015. 5. Precinct 2 to enter into the contract for the purchase of a 140M3 Motor Grader at a rate of $15,000 a year at a 2.85% interest rate. 6. Precinct 1 lease contract for a CAT 926M Wheel Loader at a cost of $18,138.80 a year at a 2.85% interest rate. 7. Take bids for a 2001 Dodge pickup and a 2008 Mac Truck owned by Precinct 8. Appoint Robert Hairgrove as Constable in Precinct 5 effective July 1, 2016. 9. Accept ROW donation from Emily Viskozki for the bridge on County Road 4564, Hilliard Creek. 10. Approve payment of $1,500 for ROW easement from Red River Nacogdoches II, LP for the bridge on County Road 4256, tributary, Flat Fork Creek. 11. Approve payment of $1,000 for ROW from Glodean Leadon for the bridge on County Road 4564, Hilliard Creek. 12. Accept ROW donation from John Watson for the bridge on County Road 4455, Spinney Creek. 13. Extend data processing agreement with Indigent Health Care Solutions for a period of two years. 14. Enter into agreement with Region 5 Prevention Resource Center of the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council of Deep East Texas. 15. Resolution of the Shelby County Hazard Mitigation Plan. 16. Add two copiers under the office copier contract for the two district courtrooms at a total of $150 a month. 17. Adjourn at 10:26am.
Fees collected per office for May:
Deborah Riley, Tax Assessor/Collector, office: Property: $113.437.85; Motor Vehicle: $181,974.94 for a total of $295,412.79
Jennifer Fountain, County Clerk: $32,882.10
Lori Oliver, District Clerk: $16,985.87
Maxie Eaves, Justice of the Peace Precinct 1: $5,607
Marla Denby, Justice of the Peace Precinct 2: $839
Margie Anderson, Justice of the Peace Precinct 3: $5,543
Jenny Hicks, Justice of the Peace Precinct 4: $1,520
Mike Crouch, Justice of the Peace Precinct 5: $2,415
Zach Warr, Constable Precinct 1: $1,065
Jamie Hagler, Constable Precinct 2: $90
Billy Hearnsberger, Constable Precinct 3: $180
Bryan Gray, Constable Precinct 4:$180
Grand total: $362,719.76
CDs generated $18.29 for a total book value of $60,189.62
Money Market generated $365.67 total market value of $1,722,445.07
Total investments of $1,782,634.69
June 13, 2016 - Nacogdoches County DPS troopers responded on June 10, at approximately 6 p.m., to and investigated a three vehicle crash on US 59 about six miles south of Nacogdoches.
The preliminary crash investigation indicates a 2012 Dodge van failed to yield right-of-way from FM 2864 and was struck by a southbound 2013 Honda CRV. After the initial collision the Dodge van struck a 2012 Ford pickup that was stopped in the turn lane of US 59 waiting to turn onto FM 2864.
The driver of the Dodge van was identified as Gerald Dee Drummond, 60, from Fayettville, AR. Gerald Drummond was transported to Parkland Hospital in Dallas and unfortunately succumbed to his injuries on June 12. Sherry Drummond, 62, was transported to Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital in Nacogdoches where she was reportedly treated and released.
The driver of the Honda CRV was identified as Rita Rosa Steier, 56, from Timpson, TX. Steier was also transported to Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital where she too was treated and released. The driver of the 2012 Ford pickup was identified as Jake Crisp, 16, from Nacogdoches, TX. Crisp was not reported as being injured during the crash. This crash remains under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.
June 13, 2016 - Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports that at approximately 3:24AM on Saturday, June 11th, 2016 Patrol Deputies responded to Backwoods Buggies located at 552 Highway 96 North in Center for an alarm call. Upon arrival, Deputies observed that unknown suspect(s) made entry into the business and stole EFCO weed-eaters as well as a Briggs/Stratton Pressure Washer.
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 or 936-572-1468 and speak with Lieutenant DJ Dickerson.
Submitted by Lt. DJ Dickerson
June 11, 2016 - A two-vehicle crash occurred on Friday, June 10, 2016 in an all too common spot on Hurst Street in Center. Center Police Officers responded to the two-vehicle crash at the entrance to Walmart and McDonalds
According to Center Police Officer Steve Thornburgh, at 2:29pm a silver 2001 Toyota Corolla LE driven by Steve Snyder, 52, of Center, was traveling south on Hurst Street. As Snyder crossed in front of the McDonalds a silver 2014 Jeep Compass driven by Eddie Smith Jr., of Center, failed to yield right of way when Smith exited from the Walmart parking lot, causing the vehicles to collide.
ACE EMS arrived on scene and transported Snyder to Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital for treatment of his injuries.
No citations were issued at the time of the crash and both vehicles were towed from the scene. Officer Thornburgh was assisted at the scene by Center Police Sgt. Scott Burkhalter and Center ISD Police Officer Don Miller.
June 10, 2016 - (Update) - DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Department Press Release - Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle regrets to inform the public that the body located earlier today, June 10, 2016, in the Logansport, LA area has been tentatively identified as that of 21 year-old Maranda Whitton. Whitton was reported missing on June 9, 2016. Following an investigation into Whitton’s last known location, detectives were in the area searching when they located a body, today, June 10, 2016, in a small pond.
The body was found partially submerged in water. A person of interest was identified and he was brought into the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office for questioning. Following questioning, the subject, identified as Jarrod Earl Johnson (W/M – DOB: 07/22/1982), of Logansport, LA, was arrested and booked into the DeSoto Parish Detention Center for the charge of Second Degree Murder. The investigation is still on-going.
June 9, 2016 - Crystal Berg, the aunt of Maranda Leann Whitton, has reported Maranda missing in DeSoto Parish and is seeking to find her whereabouts and know that she is fine.
Maranda Leann Whitton, age 21, 4 foot 11 inches tall, medium brown to blonde hair, hazel eyes, about 115lbs.
Last seen on Old Mansfield Road walking to her cousins. She never made it there. This was late Monday night June 6th.
If you know the whereabouts of Maranda, please contact local law enforcement - Shelby County Sheriff's Department 936-598-5601 or DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office 318-872-3956.
June 10, 2016 - Emergency personnel was dispatched to the scene of a crash involving a car and a cow on Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies Chris Benton and Del Birdwell were first to arrive at the scene.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Taylor Buster, at 9:05pm a black 2003 Fiat driven by Mary Barton Layton, of Joaquin, was headed eastbound on FM 699 five miles east of Center when the vehicle struck a cow in the roadway. The cow was struck with the front right side of the vehicle causing minor damage.
The cow, which received severe injury, was released back to the owner and the vehicle was released to Layton.
No injuries were reported as a result of the crash and no citations were issued.
June 10, 2016 - It is no longer necessary for Shelbyville water customers on HWY 87 S to boil their drinking water.
June 7, 2016 - Due to water main break, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required our water System, Shelbyville Water, to notify customers of the need to boil their water prior to consumption. This is for the customers that were out of water on June 7, 2016 on HWY 87 south of 414 to Shelbyville.
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 Vince Di Verdi at 936-590-9177 or 936-332-7683.
Submitted by Shirley Di Verdi
June 10, 2016 - U.S. Highway 84 outside Tenaha was the scene of a single-vehicle crash on Wednesday morning, June 8, 2016.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Sean Smith, at around 8am Floyie Patricia Broyles, 63, of Tenaha was traveling east on U.S. Highway 84 in a black Ford Ranger just under two miles from Tenaha. At that time the truck left the roadway to the right and Broyles over corrected left, causing the truck to skid across the highway.
When the truck hit the grass on the westbound side of the roadway, the truck rolled onto its right side and bounced back upright before coming to rest facing south.
No injuries were reported as a result of the crash. Broyles was issued a citation for unsafe speed.
June 10, 2016 - Tyson Center Processing Plant Work Schedule for Friday, June 10, 2016
Night shift debone grinder, CVP, bulk pack, trimmers, packers, cutup packers, shipping, and maintenance will work. All other departments will not work.
The plant will not work Saturday, June 11, 2016.
The plant will resume a normal work schedule Monday, June 13, 2016.
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