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March 24, 2015 - The 2015 Center Rotary Club 'Fun For Funds' fundraising event for the Catherine Pinkston Roughrider Scholarship Foundation was held at the John D. Windham Civic Center on Tuesday night March 24. The preliminary results are in and indicate at the close of the online auction the event brought in $33,300 for Center students.
For four hours Rotarians worked the phones, commentated on the internet, television, and radio to raise funds to help further the educations of those students worthy of receiving the benefit.
Leading up to the event, Rotarians acquired items from willing businesses and individuals who wish to support the scholarship program. Further information will be provided on the outcome of the fundraiser once all monetary donations have been received.
If you would like to make a monetary donation in honor of someone or in memory of someone, it's not to late. Go to www.funforfunds.org and click on 'Monetary Donation'. Or you can contact J.J. Ford, Rotary Club President, at rotaryclub.center@gmail.com with your donation request.
March 24, 2015 - Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports that on Monday March 16, 2015 Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Kurtes Lawrence, while on routine patrol in the Joaquin area, discovered methamphetamines on a man on County Road 3315.
During the course of a traffic stop, Deputy Lawrence received information that the driver has been known in the past to be in possession of narcotics. Deputy Lawrence conducted a consensual search of the vehicle and found a small plastic bag that contained a white crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamines.
A field test was conducted and showed a positive result. The driver, Benjamin “Bubba” Malone, 28, of Joaquin was arrested for possession of a controlled substance as well as two outstanding warrants and transported to the Shelby County Jail. Justice of Peace Pct 1, Maxie Eaves, set bond at $3,000 for the Possession of Controlled Substance.
March 24, 2015 - A Chireno man lost his life in Center as the result of an industrial incident Monday. Emergency crews responded to a call at CenTex Manufacturing (Dragon Inc.), located at 946 Loop 500 in Center, at 2:32pm when it was reported a tank had fallen on an employee.
According to a press release from the Center Police Department, at 2:46pm it was discovered that Steven Lawrence Garcia, 24, of Chireno had fallen into a piece of machinery.
When emergency personnel arrived, it was learned Garcia had fallen into an industrial auger and suffered injuries resulting in his death.
Responding to the scene were the Center Police Department; Center Fire Department; ACE EMS; Maxie Eaves, Justice of the Peace Precinct 1; and Mangum Funeral Home.
This investigation is ongoing with the Center Police Department and CenTex Manufacturing.
March 23, 2015 - A crash involving a Grand Marquis and a large body of water occurred on Sunday in the Moodyville area.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Jimmy Faulkner, on Sunday, March 22 at 3:30am Deron Bowlds, 31, of Logansport was traveling east in a cream 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis on State Highway 7 East when, according to Bowlds statement, he swerved left to miss a deer in the roadway.
The Marquis traveled off the roadway to the left and down a hill where it struck a tree and continued down the hill and into a large pond where it came to rest in three feet of water.
Bowlds was able to escape from the vehicle and no injury was reported as a result of the crash. He was issued a citation for no driver's license.
March 23, 2015 - Rosehill Road in Timpson was the scene of a house fire early Sunday morning which the Timpson Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) was dispatched to fight.
Just before 5am the firemen were dispatched to the scene of the fire at the residence of Bobby "Bud" Hendricks with the Timpson Police Department and Timpson Volunteer Ambulance Service also at the scene to provide support. Upon arrival at the scene, the fire was fully involved and after the firemen fought the fire for some time, the assistance of the Tenaha VFD was requested at 5:30am.
A tanker truck was delivered by Tenaha VFD and the two departments worked to extinguish the flames and prevent further spread of the fire.
It's believed the fire started in either the kitchen or living room of the house and the cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
March 20, 2015 - Prior to the start of Joaquin City Council meeting, Mayor Mike Woods made a presentation to three Joaquin citizens who have over the past year proved to be a valuable asset to the city before council began discussion of changes to Water and Gas Rates.
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Mayor Wood expressed appreciation first to Taylor Wilkerson, "During our Centennial Celebration we had a young lady who worked extra hard, every time you looked around she was accomplishing something along with the committee but she worked to make things fall into place and it was just a great experience for everybody and she had a lot to do with it. So at this time, we would like to show our token of appreciation by giving Taylor Wilkerson a [plaque]." The plaque said - Your timeless effort during the celebration of our town's Centennial helped make the occasion a great success. May your future be bright, successful, and God's speed."
The second individual to be recognized was Donna Fitzgerald. Wood said, "When I took office, there was some confusion going on and we were fortunate to get Donna Marshall Fitzgerald to come in as our city secretary along with a really good city council. We have had a pretty good couple of years of peaceful and accomplishing city government. As Mrs. Fitzgerald retires here in March, I would like to give her this award on behalf of the city council." The plaque says - To Donna Fitzgerald, your work as city secretary from March 2010 through March 2015, the City of Joaquin is grateful for your contributions and hope you enjoy a happy retirement, peaceful days ahead.
"And last but not least," finished Mayor Wood. "The previous mayor was kind enough to award me with a distinguished service award and I feel like we have a guy here who as fire chief has earned that so he is the second person to get this and its well deserved. I know that our citizens are well protected and that his efforts, which many of you never see, are appreciated by all of us. We owe a lot to our fire chief, Perry Pugh." The plaque said - Distinguished service award, Chief Perry Pugh. Grateful recognition for outstanding dedication to the citizens of Joaquin as a fire fighter and a fire chief. Always going above and beyond the call of duty to do the three things that fire fighters do: save lives, protect property, and suppress fire. God's speed Perry Pugh. Presented by a grateful mayor and city council of Joaquin, Texas, March 2015.
Following the recognition of Wilkerson, Fitzgerald, and Pugh, the Joaquin City Council meeting was opened by Mayor Wood. Council members present were Bill Baker, Pat Gray, Pat Gray, and Lee Vern Stotts-Gilliam. Not present at the meeting was Ben Brittain and Mike Atkinson.
Discussion of the Water and Gas rates was held and a three part motion was made and approved to adjust Water and Gas Rates. The three part motion was to (1) increase the current $50 water connect fee to $100 with a $100 deposit to stay the same for a total of $200 for new water service; (2) no longer accept letter of credits from other utility companies; and (3) no longer offer customers summer vacation rates for gas service. Customers already on summer vacation will remain so and just have the $25 reconnect fee. Once reconnected, the customer would then be charged each month at least the minimum amount during the whole year. 'Summer vacation' was allowing a customer to put their account on hold for an average of 7 months a year and not be charged the base amount of a little more than $14 per month during those 7 months.
After the approval of rate changes, a Joaquin citizen, Earlene Polley, spoke to the council concerning what she says is the horrible condition of East Saddle Street. The road has terrible pot holes, needs cleaning up of garbage and clearing of weeds. Mayor Wood apologized that the council would not be able to repair the road completely at this time due to funding; however, he said they would do what they could including clearing the weeds and patching the holes as best as possible. After the meeting adjourned, Lee Vern Stotts-Gilliam offered to assist Polley with scheduling a clean up day to help with getting the trash dumped in the area cleaned up.
To end the meeting, Mayor Woods expressed his appreciation to the council, "You know I have been a missing face for two weeks and I appreciate y'all carrying on without me, you do a good job. I could not ask for a finer council and I will try to be here next month."
Action Taken on Agenda Items: 3. Approved previous month's minutes. 4. Approved payment of bills with a correction - remove entry for a payment pertaining to Christmas Festival which was on the financial report in error. 5. Tabled till next meeting Discussion and Action on Gas Supply Agreement. 6. Approved changes on Water and Gas Rates - increase water connection fee to $100, no longer accept letter of credits, and no longer offer 'summer vacation'.
March 20, 2015 - According to a press release from the Shelby County Sheriff's Department a property owner had his stolen property returned following an investigation by the Sheriff's Department and Stanley Burgay, Constable Precinct 5, which led to of arrest of two suspects.
Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports Shelby County Sheriff's Department Investigators DJ Dickerson and Kevin Windham and Constable Stanley Burgay have been investigating theft of property from the Timpson area.
During the course of the investigation, it was found that a Kenneth Dewayne Hendrick and a Horace Roger Hendrick, both of Timpson, had sold property that was positively identified as property which was stolen from the Edwards' property.
Kenneth Dewayne Hendrick, 39, was arrested for the charge of Theft >= $1500<20k, Enhanced, Felony 3. Horace Roger Hendrick, 41, has an active warrant for his arrest for the charge of Theft >= $1500<$20k, Enhanced, Felony 3.
The property that was recovered, being 150 creosote poles and (4) rolls of barbed wire were recently relinquished to the owner Mr. Lawrence Edwards. the owner Mr. Lawrence Edwards.
April 17, 2015 - Commissioners, County Judge, law enforcement, and members of the community attended a public hearing in the community room of the Shelby County Courthouse on Thursday, April 16, 2015 concerning trash and public nuisances in unincorporated areas of the county.
The prompting for the public meeting being held was because of the number of calls fielded by County Officials concerning trash and public nuisances. Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison explained, "We are aware of the (trash) problem and are very concerned about the problem."
Harbison opened the meeting up inviting the members of the audience who signed to speak to address the commissioners. First to speak was Donnis Adams who addressed health issues he says he has had as the result of dead chickens being dumped on his road. Adams said, "I was diagnosed with Avian TB (tuberculosis) from my neighbor dumping his dead chicken carcasses. If you go out by my driveway right now, I just mowed my yard, there is a pile of white chicken feathers right beside my drive. Now, I want to make sure anything you guys may do does encompass dead animals being dumped in the county." Adams listed health issues he states he now has because of Avian TB which included glaucoma and deteriorated vision leading to blindness in one eye, a hole in his lung the size of a golf ball, hearing problems which he said are the results of the treatments he has undergone to try and kill the Avian TB. He continued to speak about the dumped dead carcasses stating, "It's dangerous to you and it's litter."
Another concerned citizen spoke and also addressed an issue they are having with their neighbor who has farm animals. According to the concerned citizen, the neighbor is disposing of the guts of animals being slaughtered right next to the their property and at times on their property. Photographs were presented to Commissioner Jimmy Lout since it was occurring in his precinct.
Buren Lowe was the last concerned citizen to speak, "Its embarrassing to say that it seems like our county has become so trashy. It's heartbreaking to go down some of our back roads and see the amount of trash that is throwed out." Lowe suggested the county instigate some kind of program which would encourage people to not throw out trash much like the Texas litter campaign - Don't Mess With Texas. "We don't have any place in Shelby County for people to dispose of their goods. I commend the commissioners for being on board again about the recycling program which is a great asset to recycle some of our waste; its really great. I would love to see Shelby County have a landfill that would afford the people of Shelby County [a place] to take their goods because we've got to dispose of them somewhere, there's really no place to dump them," expressed Lowe. He finished saying, "It's just really, really embarrassing being a Shelby County person to drive down our roads and see how bad it looks."
Commissioner Precinct 2 Jimmy Lout spoke about the dumpsters being available; however, the dumpsters don't allow tires or household trash. Sheriff Willis Blackwell said, "That's mainly what we run into on the road is household garbage. That's were the problem is; they don't have anywhere to go with them black sacks coming out of the kitchen." Chief Deputy Shad Sparks expounded on the procedure the Sheriff's Department has when trash dumping is reported, which included, after the investigation reveals to whom the trash belongs, is to give them an opportunity first to pick it up. He said they often find that many of the people dumping don't have the funds to afford monthly trash pickup which means they are also not going to be able to afford a ticket for dumping either. Sparks said, "If they don't pick it up or they are repeat offenders, we write them a dumping ticket. If they can't pay for it, they get an FTA (Failure to Appear) and they go to jail."
The discussion of using prisoners to clean up on work detail was brought up and Sheriff Blackwell answered, "There has to be a certified peace officer to take those prisoners out of that jail and go somewhere with them, so it's not a question of whether a jailer could take them out and work them, we can't. It has to be a certified peace officer with them." Sparks added saying "We would love to have a work detail, that's not an issue with us, everybody is just short-handed right now." It was mentioned that cleaning up the roadways has been used for community service time for people who couldn't pay citations off or for teenagers who had gotten in trouble as a learning lesson or as a deterrent.
There were a number of citizens from Huxley who were unable to attend the meeting. Harbison said, "In the last three and a half months, the ones that I have heard the most about are close to Toledo Bend or on Toledo Bend... I have three or four different things (letters with photographs) here from the same community and I've done some research on it and I have a paper that was prepared by the legal council of the Texas Association of Counties and there are actually laws on the books already that covers public nuisance. It defines the public nuisance and everything that we've talked about today is classified in this as a public nuisance."
"I think that we probably just need to start an abatement program to utilize the laws that are already in the health and safety code. One of the laws says that it's a public nuisance if they're keeping, storing or accumulating rubbish including newspapers, abandoned vehicles, refrigerators, stoves, furniture, tires, cans on the premises in a neighborhood or within 300 feet of a public street for 10 days or more," stated Harbison. She continued, "There are laws already there and I think we should look at enforcing them. I think turning a blind eye to them is not the best way to do it. I just want to let the public know I empathize with their problems and that I really do want to work towards a solution."
Harbison spoke on behalf of the commissioners' court saying, "We really don't want to have a law that impedes anybody from doing anything on their private property because you bought that property and you paid for that property."
The way the law works would be a citizen would file a complaint with the commissioners and they would decided during commissioners' court if it is in fact a public nuisance. If it is approved to be a nuisance, the court would send out a notice giving the property owner a time period to clean it up. If the property owner fails to comply, they can be fined. In the long run the county could hire someone to clean it up and a lien could be placed by the county against the person's property. It would be a civil case.
"I'm not for telling anybody what to do on their property, but if you're living 300 feet of a public road, if it's dead carcasses by your property that is impeding your well being and your health, I think it's our duty to look into this and to do what we can to help the community. I may be dead wrong but I don't think it's infringing on anybody's private rights if the laws that are already on the books are enforced," stated Judge Harbison.
Take pride in your community and help keep it beautiful. Lowe suggested a new slogan - "Don't Trash Shelby County"
- Educate all your family and friends about littering and how bad it is.
- If you see a litterbug, you can report it on the Don't Mess With Texas and Texas will send the litterer a Don’t mess with Texas litterbag along with a letter reminding them to keep their trash off of our roads.
- Form a community service group to help with picking up litter.
- Foster respect for a clean city among school children, visitors to parks, patrons of fast-food, and smokers.
March 18, 2015 - Leslie Leathers was chosen to be the new City Secretary in Timpson at their recent meeting held on Tuesday, March 17, 2015. A quick departure of former City Secretary Barbara Hunt was seen on the previous week as she was expected to hold the position through April 30. Following the interview process of several candidates in executive session, the council returned from executive session and chose Leathers as the full time city secretary.
Several employees of the City of Timpson have reached milestones in their time working with the city. Mayor Smith stated Charlotte Broadway has been working with the city for 31 years as of February 1. Paula Mullins will reach her 6th year with the city on April 7 and January was Timpson Police Officer Jacob Metcalf's first year with the city.
A motion was passed by the council naming Paula Mullins Interim City Secretary from March 18 to June 16, 2015 while the new city secretary gets associated with the daily activities of the city.
Paul Smith, Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) President, provided the council with information on upcoming events. The TACC meeting will be in the Timpson Library Public Library on Austin Street at 5pm; March 28, starting at 10am will be the 6th Annual Citywide Easter Egg Hunt held at the Community Building in SoSo Park, sponsored by the Timpson Order of the Eastern Star #1144 and the TACC, "Parents should bring an Easter egg basket for your children, your camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny. Last year over 5,000 eggs were hidden and we expect it to be that many or more this year."
Smith continued by informing the TACC Job Fair will be held on Wednesday, April 1 at the Community Building from 1pm to 3pm, "Anyone seeking a new job or needing a new job in the future is invited. Shelby County Workforce [Solutions] will be present, Timpson Go Center Vernett Richardson will be there along with CJ Baxter Group and E-Tech will sponsor short seminars on how to get and keep a job."
The TACC is currently planning the Annual Barbecue Contest for May 16 and tentatively expects to be held at the Timpson RV Park. Smith also stated he is excited about this upcoming Frontier Days. There will be a laser light show once again and vendors are already signing up for the event.
Ronnie Wolfe, Councilman, asked the council to consider the need to have a separate dedicated checking account for the purpose of tracking Timpson Police Department expenses. Mayor Debra Pate Smith stated on the agenda she would add the item to the next agenda if two other council members agree. Council members George Grace and Janell Baker expressed their desire to have the item on the agenda.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Cecil Parks made comments regarding Mayor Smith and an allegation he has made toward Timpson Police Chief Kent Graham and Timpson ISD Police Chief Kim Graham. The Texas Rangers opened an investigation into his allegations and found no wrongdoing on the part of the Grahams. Parks made a formal complaint to the city and he feels the action taken is to "sweep it under the rug." Parks also disputes Mayor Smiths statement she contacted the Rangers as the report only mentions Parks contacted the Rangers.
"I don't know what it's going to take to make this a serious situation here," said Parks. "As far as the last time that I put on the deal for the agenda, no concern for the public safety. Beyond a doubt this situation happened, whether you want to believe it or take it as the truth, or make it another lie but it did happen, it did happen and all that's happening around it is smoke and mirrors."
During the meeting Resolutiun 03172015-01 was approved, removing Barbara Hunt as an authorized signer on each Austin Bank checking account and naming Mayor Debra Smith, Paula Mullins, Charlotte Broadway and Mayor Pro Tem Ronnie Wolfe as signatories on the account. The accounts include the general fund, payroll, and a grant account.
Police Activity Report for the month of February: 33 agency assists; 16 motorist assists; 2 escorts;. 6 extra patrol requests; 2 loose livestock; 8 animal complaints; 12 warrants served; 3 thefts; 1 unauthorized use of a motor vehicle; 1 driving while intoxicated; 14 disturbances; 1 public intoxication; 5 suspicious persons; 6 suspicious vehicles; 3 reckless drivers; 8 investigations; 1 possession of marijuana; 2 possession of a controlled substance; and 2 crash investigations. 129 total calls for service, and 11 total arrests. Municipal Court Report: For the month of February 2014, 60 citations issued, 77 violations, 6 citation to a minor, 0 citations to a juvenile. Total amount reported $16,539.66 for the Police Department with the City’s portion estimated at 55% or $9,096.81 Upcoming Election Information: There were 5 completed candidate packets submitted for the General Election, May 9th. Candidates drew for positions on the ballot on March 6th: 1st on the ballot is incumbent Kyle Allen, 2nd on the ballot is Kenny Walker, 3rd on the ballot is Linda Hancock, 4th on the ballot is incumbent Janell Baker, and 5th on the ballot is incumbent George Grace. Early Voting begins April 27th at City Hall and ends May 5th; weekdays only April 28 and May 5th are extended hours – 7am – 7pm other days are 8am – 5 pm Mar 11 – April 24 Dates to apply to receive a ballot by mail. |
Items on the agenda receiving approval include:
1) FY 2013-2014 Audit as presented by Frank Campos.
2) Consent Agenda items A-F:
A. Minutes from the Regular Meeting from Jan 20, 2015
B. Minutes from the Regular Meeting from February 17, 2015
C. Minutes from the Special Meeting held on February 17th
D. Financial Statement for the month ending February, 2015
E. March Accounts Payable – Unpaid bills for February, 2015
F. Use of the Community Bldg for the Easter Egg Hunt March 28, and for the TACC Job Fair on April 1, 2015.
3) Renewal of the 1 year term of Judge James Bogue (04/01/2015 – 04/01/2016).
4) Renew Contract on the mowing contract for the parks, RR row, and other city property currently on contract with Gareth Yoder for $23,860 per year paid monthly $1988.33.
5) Request Bids for Annual Fire Hydrant Audit.
6) Name Paula Mullins as interim City Secretary from Mar 18 – June 16, 2015.
7) Authorize the Mayor to have new Resolution of Authority, Resolutiun 03172015-01, drawn up on each Austin Bank checking account removing Barbara Hunt as an authorized signer and naming Mayor Debra Smith, Paula Mullins, Charlotte Broadway and Mayor Pro Tem Ronnie Wolfe as signatories on the accounts.
8) Appoint Barbara Wester as Election Judge, Shannon Ramsey as the alternate Judge and Clerk, Susan Miller, Sherry Angelo, and Vernett Richardson, and two others as clerks. Pay them $12-$15 per hour.
9) Amend the Order of Notice, General Election to be held on May 9, 2015 to elect three City Council Members. Remove Barbara Hunt’s name as Early Voting Clerk and replace with Leslie Leathers.
10) Placement of a building by Shelby County allowing the placement of a portable building on City of Timpson property adjacent to the Cobb Lumber building for the purpose of a Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 and/or county office. The City would waive rent, but would collect all fees associated with city utilities. The County would hold harmless the City in all respects to property and or liability insurance and understands should the property sell they would have a 60 day notice to relocate the building.
11) Hire Goodwin Lasiter Strong, at the cost of $9,500-$13,000, to provide services necessary to properly engineer, acquire permits where needed, and request bids to repair the collapse of a section of 6" main sewer line near the intersection of Archie Street and 2nd Street.
12) Hire Leslie Leathers as a full time City Secretary for Timpson.
13) Amend the Order of Notice, General Election to be held on May 9, 2015 to elect three City Council Members. Remove Barbara Hunt’s name as Early Voting Clerk and replace with Leslie Leathers.
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March 19, 2015 - A group of area residents were present at the Shelby County Courthouse on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 to attend a hearing in county court regarding a resisting arrest charge against Nick Rushing.
The charge against Rushing turned out to have not made it on the docket for that day. Rushing was accompanied by Justin Bennett, and Kennis Henderson and they all feel they have been wronged by the Center Police Department.
An attorney representing Rushing, Samuel L. Milledge, II of Houston and a New Black Panther Party member called "Solo" were present to show support for Rushing. Milledge shared some of his concerns about the cases in question and the handling of bonds.
"We have these people that are steadily getting arrested, you're taking their money, bonds are being paid for, expensive bonds, but yet these cases are rightfully being dismissed," said Milledge.
Milledge continued by questioning the reason for case dismissals, "Are they being dismissed after the bond is set and bond is paid and not before, and who's in charge of intake?"
Although the charge is a misdemeanor and would be heard in county court, the group spent a good portion of the day in front of the District Attorneys office. A visit was made to the Center Police Department as well. They later dispersed when no answers could be derived in relation to Rushing's charges.
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