List of Notices, Closures, Cancellations Due to COVID-19
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June 10, 2020 - Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison shared a nursing care facility in the county will be included in a re-testing of 14,000 tests given in Texas which reportedly turned up abnormal through a particular lab.
"They're going to have to all be re-tested because one of the labs that tested over 14,000 cases in the state of Texas are going to have to be re-tested," said Judge Harbison. "The good news is, our numbers may go down if those tests are false positives." (Related Dallas Morning News article).
Although Judge Harbison didn't name the facility, she stated the facility is one which has several cases.
Commissioner Tom Bellmyer asked if there have been any cases in the Shelby County Jail and Judge Harbison stated there was a scare early on; however, there haven't been any cases.
As a result of the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund, Shelby County is set to receive $188,000 according to Judge Harbison.
"Anything that we have spent on the Coronavirus can be reimbursed, and this is money that they're going to send to us $188,000," said Judge Harbison. "What we don't use at the end of the year we'll just write them a check and send it back to them."
Judge Harbison said the City of Center has already received $58,000. She suggested the county could replace the metal detectors in the courthouse with sensors to check temperature. Sheriff Willis Blackwell has expressed interest in having one at the Sheriff's Department and Judge Harbison suggested one for the Historic Courthouse.
The estimated cost of the scanners would be $8,000 to $8,500.
"Before we spend any money, we are going to have confirmation from the government that it will be reimbursed," said Judge Harbison.
Judge Harbison outlined for the commissioners several of the expenses which should call under the CARES Act funding including things like, gloves, masks, and hand sanitizer.
"Any elected official that has bought anything to do with the safety and prevention and everything of your employees to do with Corona," said Judge Harbison.
Judge Harbison also hopes indigent care funding that may have gone to cover expenses of someone dealing with COVID-19 will also be reimbursed, so that funding can continue to help those fighting other serious conditions.
A motion carried to move forward with making the application for the funding to allow for reimbursing and to establish a fund.
A request was made of the commissioners to consider closing County Road 1546 which runs through the H.L. Bryce Family Farm. Norrell Thomas, whose wife owns property adjoining that property stated the Commissioners' Court previously closed another road that accessed the property.
"We did have a road access from the other side and y'all closed that one, for some reason. Somebody told you they owned it on both sides of the road, which they didn't," said Thomas. "We don't have any access to our property, that's all there is to it, they put in a gate so the county doesn't maintain that road anymore so I've been maintaining it."
Thomas claimed he has spent $30,000 on maintaining the roadway since the gate was installed. Judge Harbison asked if Thomas has spoken with the other property owner and Thomas said the man approached him with a contract allowing access on the road, but with approval of whatever was done on the road, and that there would not be a chicken farm on the Thomas property.
Commissioner Roscoe McSwain stated Thomas should never have had to maintain the roadway and the 911 system has the road going to the Thomas property.
"I want to resume maintenance of the road of what I have on 911," said McSwain. "What an ambulance is supposed to be able to go to and what a mail carrier is supposed to be able to go to. I'm going to contact this fellow, and he can take the gate down or I'm going to tear it down."
Judge Harbison said she has done extensive research on the roadway and found no record of it ever being closed.
A motion carried to resume maintenance of CR 1546.
The commissioners considered a HAVA (Help America Vote Act) grant resolution during the meeting regarding safe election procedures and practices for County Elections.
"The government's going to give us some money to make our elections COVID-free I suppose," said Judge Harbison. "It's totally possible that when November gets here and it's the Federal governments election that they may require us to do all sorts of crazy things for this COVID."
Judge Harbison explained Jennifer Fountain, County Clerk, hasn't received any requirements for November safety protocols.
"This is just in anticipation for equipment, goodness only knows what, if we have to hand everybody a mask that comes in who knows. This at least will give us some funds to be able to do this," said Judge Harbison.
A motion carried by the commissioners for a HAVA Grant resolution.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Minutes of the May 6, 2020 Special meeting, May 6, 2020 Workshop, May 13, 2020 Regular meeting, May 20, 2020 Special meeting, May 26, 2020 Special meeting, of the Shelby County Commissioner’s Court. 2. Pay weekly expenses. 3. Current payroll. 4. Officers Report. 5. Shelby County to resume maintaining County Road 1546. 6. HAVA (Help America Vote Act) Grant Resolution regarding safe election procedures and practices for County Elections. 7. Resolution for the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund allowing application for funds allocated for Shelby County. 8. Master Software License and Services Agreement with KNOWink, LLC for election poll books. 9. Adjourn.
June 10, 2020 - The Shelby County Emergency Management office reports as of 8:50am on Wednesday, June 10, 2020, TxDSHS has reported 2 new cases, 216 cumulative cases of COVID-19, 103 recoveries, and 6 deaths for a total of 107 active cases.
(The TxDSHS has yet to report 2 additional deaths for Shelby County which is showing on the DSHS COVID-19 statistics website. The website has displayed 8 deaths for the county since Sunday.)
DSHS also reports of the 216 cumulative cases, 35 of those cases are "lost to follow" which means DSHS has not been able to contact them to follow up on their recovery.
Breakdown of cumulative cases by zip code and ages:
Cases in each zip code:
Center (75935) - 158 (2 New)
Joaquin (75954) - 8
Shelbyville (75973) - 12
Tenaha (75974) - 21
Timpson (75975) - 17
Ages of Confirmed Cases:
Ages 1 to 20: 12 cases
Ages 21 to 40: 67 cases
Ages 41 to 60: 77 cases, 4 death
Ages 61 to 80: 39 cases (1 New), 2 death
Ages 81 to 100: 16 cases (1 New)
Age unknown: 5 cases
The water on San Augustine Rural WSC no longer requires boiling.
June 9, 2020 - On June 9, 2020, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the San Augustine Rural Public Water System, #2030007, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
San Augustine Rural Water has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of June 9, 2020.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation. If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact the office: 220 West Columbia Street San Augustine, Texas. 936-288-0489 or Charles Sharp 936-201-5001. If a customer, individual or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512) 239-4691.
June 8, 2020 - Due to a break in the Main Water Line, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required San Augustine Rural Public Water System PWS #2030007 to notify all customers on Hwy 21 East, FM 353, including the White Rock Area, and Sunrise Community to boil their water prior to consumption (eg., washing hands I face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children, Seniors and Persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.
In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received the notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact San Augustine Rural Water System at 220 W. Columbia Street, San Augustine, Texas, 75972, or call 936-288-0489 or Charles Sharp at 936-201-5001.
June 9, 2020 - The Shelby County Emergency Management office reports as of 9:00am on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, TxDSHS has not reported any new cases, recovered cases, or lost to follow cases in the past 24 hours so the case numbers are the same as yesterday. Shelby County has 214 cumulative cases of COVID-19, 103 recoveries, 6 deaths, and 105 active cases.
June 8, 2020 - The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in the investigation of the murder of Curtis Price II.
On Saturday, November 9, 2019, at approximately 11pm, the Shelby County Sheriff's Office received a call regarding an individual lying on the side of the roadway on County Road 2020. Deputies responded to the location and found a male subject deceased who was identified as Curtis Price II.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office initiated a homicide investigation and the investigation has continued over the past seven months with various leads and collection of additional evidence. Despite the passing of seven months’ time, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has not forgotten about Mr. Price and his untimely death, nor did his family and friends. The pursuit of justice continues.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is asking for any information that will lead them to further evidence in this case and/or further information that will assist in securing a conviction for the suspect(s) involved, so justice can be served and bring the much-needed closure for Mr. Price's family.
You are encouraged to please contact the Shelby County Sheriff's Office at 936-598-5600. Any information will be greatly appreciated and remember that you can remain anonymous.
June 8, 2020 - The Shelby County Emergency Management office reports as of 9:00am on Monday, June 8, 2020, TxDSHS has reported 0 new cases, 214 cumulative cases of COVID-19, 103 recoveries, and 6 deaths for a total of 105 active cases.
DSHS also reports of the 214 cumulative cases, 35 of those cases are "lost to follow" which means DSHS has not been able to contact them to follow up on their recovery.
Breakdown of cumulative cases by zip code and ages:
Cases in each zip code:
Center (75935) - 156
Joaquin (75954) - 8
Shelbyville (75973) - 12
Tenaha (75974) - 21
Timpson (75975) - 17
Ages of Confirmed Cases:
Ages 1 to 20: 12 cases
Ages 21 to 40: 67 cases
Ages 41 to 60: 77 cases, 4 death
Ages 61 to 80: 38 cases, 2 death
Ages 81 to 100: 15 cases
Age unknown: 5 cases
June 5, 2020 - As the Center square remains under construction, the direction traffic is allowed to flow is ever changing.
The current situation at the intersection of Tenaha Street, Logansport Street and Nacogdoches Street where the Rio Theatre is located has traffic flowing east on Logansport Street and north on Tenaha Street; however, traffic is blocked from traveling west on Nacogdoches Street.
Many travelers are not noticing the detour sign and are turning right onto Nacogdoches Street only to run into a barricade blocking the roadway.
This may change in the near future; however, it is possible the roadway will remain closed and drivers should consider taking an alternate route. Businesses located on Nacogdoches Street in that area still have parking and are taking customers.
The intersection of Austin Street and Nacogdoches Street has also been barricaded, preventing travel off the square from Austin Street onto Nacogdoches Street and vice versa onto Austin Street from Nacogdoches Street while pavement is cut by a saw.
Further updates will be made on Shelby County Today as work continues its progress.
Company is Committed to Disclosing Test Results to Help Keep Team Members and the Community Safe
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – June 4, 2020 – Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) announced today the results of COVID-19 testing of team members at its Center, Texas poultry facility. The company conducted onsite testing of 1,212 team members from May 27 to May 29 during which it identified 17 positive cases, none of whom showed symptoms and otherwise would not have been identified.
This is in addition to 94 positive cases identified since March among team members tested by the Department of Health or when seeking care through their own health care providers. Of the total 111 team members who have tested positive, 87 have been through their required absence and have now returned to work. Team members who test positive receive paid leave and may return to work only when they have met the criteria established by both the CDC and Tyson.
The Center facility is among more than 40 production facilities in the United States, where Tyson is rolling out advanced testing capabilities and enhanced care options onsite to team members in partnership with MATRIX MEDICAL, a leading medical clinical services company, and other partners. The company is prioritizing communities with a higher prevalence of COVID-19 and will assess additional needs based on significant risk factors and access to testing.
“We value Tyson’s partnership in keeping our community safe and healthy,” said Chad Nehring, Center’s City Manager. “Our Tyson plant was communicating enhanced protocols prior to the State’s disaster declaration and the additional safety measures they have put in place are helping to manage the spread of the virus.”
As it is doing at the Center facility, Tyson will disclose test results at other plants where it is conducting facility-wide testing to health and government officials, team members and stakeholders as part of its efforts to help affected communities where it operates better understand the coronavirus and the protective measures that can be taken to help prevent its spread.
“At Tyson, we are committed to the health and safety of our team members, and we are focused on ensuring they feel safe and secure when they come to work,” said Tom Brower, Senior Vice President of Health and Safety for Tyson Foods. “Our test results demonstrate that we are well past the peak of active COVID-19 cases at our Center facility and believe that by sharing this data with local officials we can help to support the wellbeing of our communities.”
Team members at Tyson’s Center facility have access to daily clinical screenings, nurse practitioners and enhanced education. Tyson has also put in place a host of protective steps that meet or exceed CDC and OSHA guidance for preventing COVID-19. These include symptom screenings for all team members before every shift, providing mandatory protective face masks to all team members, as well as a range of social distancing measures, including physical barriers between workstations and in breakrooms.
“We are proud of the work our team members do to help feed the nation and we are giving them the support they need to do their jobs safely,” said Vince Lucas, Complex Manager for Tyson in Center. “We have seen a continuous decline in positive cases in our Center facility, and we are continuing to take protective measures that meet or exceed CDC and OSHA guidance for preventing COVID-19.”
Tyson Foods has increased short-term disability coverage to 90% of normal pay until June 30 to encourage team members to stay home when they are sick. The company also has doubled its “thank you” bonus for its frontline workers. Team members who cannot come to work because of illness or childcare issues related to COVID-19 will continue to qualify.
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. is one of the world’s largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein. Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson and grown under three generations of family leadership, the company has a broad portfolio of products and brands like Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells®, ibp® and State Fair®. Tyson Foods innovates continually to make protein more sustainable, tailor food for everywhere it’s available and raise the world’s expectations for how much good food can do. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the company has 141,000 team members. Through its Core Values, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity, create value for its shareholders, customers, communities and team members and serve as a steward of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it. Visit TYSONFOODS.COM.
June 5, 2020 - The Shelby County Emergency Management office reports as of 8:00am on Friday, June 5, 2020, TxDSHS has reported 0 new cases, 214 cumulative cases of COVID-19, 98 recoveries, and 6 deaths for a total of 110 active cases.
DSHS also reports of the 214 cumulative cases, 33 of those cases are "lost to follow" which means DSHS has not been able to contact them to follow up on their recovery.
Breakdown of cumulative cases by zip code and ages: (Difference since June 3rd report)
Cases in each zip code:
Center (75935) - 156
Joaquin (75954) - 8
Shelbyville (75973) - 12
Tenaha (75974) - 21
Timpson (75975) - 17
Ages of Confirmed Cases:
Ages 1 to 20: 12 cases
Ages 21 to 40: 67 cases
Ages 41 to 60: 77 cases, 4 death
Ages 61 to 80: 38 cases, 2 death
Ages 81 to 100: 15 cases
Age unknown: 5 cases
June 4, 2020 - The Shelby County Emergency Management office reports as of 8:00am on Thursday, June 4, 2020, TxDSHS has reported 6 new cases, 214 cumulative cases of COVID-19, 96 recoveries, and 6 deaths for a total of 112 active cases.
DSHS also reports of the 214 cumulative cases, 28 of those cases are "lost to follow" which means DSHS has not been able to contact them to follow up on their recovery.
Breakdown of cumulative cases by zip code and ages: (Difference since June 3rd report)
Cases in each zip code:
Center (75935) - 156 (5 New)
Joaquin (75954) - 8
Shelbyville (75973) - 12 (1 New)
Tenaha (75974) - 21
Timpson (75975) - 17
Ages of Confirmed Cases:
Ages 1 to 20: 12 cases
Ages 21 to 40: 67 cases (4 New)
Ages 41 to 60: 77 cases (2 New), 4 death
Ages 61 to 80: 38 cases, 2 death
Ages 81 to 100: 15 cases
Age unknown: 5 cases
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