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March 11, 2024 - FM 2140 was the scene of a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on March 8, 2024, in the Neuville area.

The driver reached out to a co-worker, Kris Risinger, as they were both driving in separate vehicles to meet their boss, Rafael Soto, to receive payment for their labor.

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) State Troopers were alerted of the incident and Trooper Dustin Ramos was dispatched to the scene.

According to the Texas DPS, at 2:03pm Troopers were dispatched to the scene and upon arrival it was determined a 2001 Harley Davidson motorcycle ridden by Cody Akers, 27, of Joaquin was southbound on FM 2140 at an unsafe speed.

Akers missed the right curve and traveled off the roadway through a ditch and came to rest in a field.

Akers refused treatment by EMS and was not reported to have received any injuries. He was issued citations for unsafe speed, no insurance, and no driver’s license.

Just after Trooper Ramos issued citations to Akers he continued his investigation, while Soto and Risinger left, and following the investigation Akers was arrested.

Hughes Wrecker Service then towed the motorcycle from the location.

According to the Shelby County Jail log, Akers was arrested for possession of marijuana <2oz, misdemeanor b.

Sheriff Reports Arrest of Vehicle Theft Suspects

March 8, 2024 - Shelby County Sheriff Kevin W. Windham reports the arrest of Tiffany Parker, 26, of Shelbyville, and Elizabeth Barton, 27, of Shelbyville.

Tiffany Parker On March 8, 2024 at approximately 5 a.m., Deputy Cody Muse with the sheriff’s office responded to a disturbance on County Road 2799 in Shelbyville, where a vehicle had also been reported stolen by Parker and Barton. At 8 a.m., CID Lieutenant Chad Hooper and CID Sergeant Aaron Jones began working on the case.

“Due to excellent work done by Deputy Muse, by 11am, investigators were able to locate the vehicle both suspects in Lauderdale County, Mississippi, where they were arrested and taken into custody.”

Elizabeth Barton Both suspects will be extradited back to Shelby County, where they face charges of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (SJF) and Robbery (F-2).

“I would like to commend Deputy Muse, as well as Lieutenant Hooper and Sergeant Jones for their quick response time to bringing this investigation to an end.”

The SCSO would like to thank Lauderdale County for their assistance.

Two Shelby County Bridges Closed for Replacement

Two additional bridges also slated for replacement later in the year.

March 8, 2024 – Two Shelby County bridges are currently closed as work began this week to construct new bridges.

County Road 4760 at the Attoyac Bayou Relief, and CR 3047 at Prairie Creek are closed for the bridge replacement project that is scheduled to be complete by August, weather permitting.

Two additional bridges are scheduled for replacement later this year as part of the same project. Other bridges slated for replacement are located at CR 271 at Naconiche Creek and CR 526 at La Nana Bayou. Work to replace these bridges should be completed by February 2025. THK Construction, Longview TX, is serving as contractor for the $2 million bridge replacements.

As work begins at each location, motorists are urged to stay alert, plan to take alternate routes and obey all traffic control.

SC Grand Jury Indicts 19 Cases; Formerly Sealed Case Now Open

March 8, 2024 - A Shelby County Grand Jury handed down 19 indictments on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. The grand jury was impaneled for the January 2024 term of the 123rd/273rd Judicial District Courts.

In addition, a previously sealed indictment handed down July 26, 2023 from the grand jury impaneled for the July 2023 term of the 123rd Judicial District Court is included. Jerry Curtis Lewis was indicted for publish/threat to publish intimate visual material, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on April 27, 2023, Lewis without the consent of and with intent to harm an individual intentionally disclosed visual material, namely photographs, depicting the individual engaged in sexual conduct and the visual material was created under circumstances in which the individual had a reasonable expectation of privacy that the visual material would remain private. The indictment further alleges, the disclosure of the visual material caused harm to the individual, namely, by disclosing the photograph to the individual's spouse and the disclosure of the visual material revealed the identity of the individual. The photograph captured the individual's recognizable facial features, and accompanying text indicated the individual's identity. (123rd Judicial District Court)

Urias Federman Molina-Merlo was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on November 19, 2023, Molina-Merlo threatened Dylan Molina Torrez with imminent bodily injury by using and exhibiting a deadly weapon, namely a knife.

David Morgan Creel was indicted for obstruction or retaliation, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on February 25, 2022, Creel threatened to harm another, to-wit: Gabriel Arndt, by an unlawful act, to-wit: leaving video messages to her relaying a threat to, "get back with me or I will have 15 cartel come to your house and do some vicious [expletive] to you," in retaliation for or on account of the service of Gabriel Arndt as a public servant, to-wit: Child Protective Service (CPS).

Mitchell Lynn Lawson was indicted for assault by choking, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on January 3, 2024, Lawson recklessly caused bodily injury to Jeffrey Lawson a member of the defendant's family, by impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of Jeffrey Lawson by applying pressure to his throat or neck. (273rd Judicial District Court)

Benjamin Jemel Utley was indicted for fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on April 13, 2016, Utley with intent to defraud or harm another and without consent of LouTex, obtained and used less than five items of identifying information of LouTex, namely financial institution account number. (273rd Judicial District Court)

Andrew Taylor Potter was indicted for assault peace officer/judge, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on September 20, 2023, Potter recklessly caused bodily injury to Shelby County Sheriff's Investigator Aaron Jones by hitting Investigator Jones' hand with his head, and Potter knew Jones was a police officer and Jones was lawfully discharging an official duty, namely trying to restrain Potter. (123rd Judicial District Court)

Johnny Ray Taylor was indicted for assault family violence enhanced, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on October 11, 2023, Taylor caused bodily injury to Olivia Canipe, a person with whom Taylor has or has had a dating relationship as described by the Texas Family Code, by striking her in the eye. Before the commission of the charged offense, Taylor had previously been convicted of a similar offense under the laws of another state to-wit: Louisiana. (123rd Judicial District Court)

Andrew Taylor Potter was indicted for obstruction or retaliation, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on September 20, 2023, Potter threatened to commit an offense involving violence to a person, namely, "sick his dogs on Officer Jones," and, "you better watch your family when I get out of jail," with intent to place Aaron Jones in fear of imminent serious bodily injury, and Aaron Jones was a peace officer of the Shelby County Sheriff's Office. (123rd Judicial District Court)

Mark Dewayne Hubbard was indicted for credit card or debit card abuse, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on November 27, 2023, Hubbard knowingly used a debit card, namely, Doches Credit Union debit card with knowledge the card had not been issued to Hubbard with knowledge that said card was not used with the consent of the cardholder, namely, Kaneisha Berry/Daniels. (273rd Judicial District Court)

(Some of the following content contained within indictments is of a sensitive nature and may not be suitable for younger viewers.)
Ty Camden Spurlock was indicted for indecency with a child sexual contact, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on August 1, 2022, Spurlock engaged in sexual contact with a child less than 17 years of age with intent to arouse and gratify the sexual desire of Spurlock. (123rd Judicial District Court)

Ty Camden Spurlock was indicted for indecency with a child by exposure, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on August 1, 2022, Spurlock exposed his genitals or any part thereof knowing a child less than 17 years of age was present with intent to arouse and gratify the sexual desire of Spurlock. The indictment further presents, Spurlock caused the alleged victim to expose their genitals. (123rd Judicial District Court)

Ty Camden Spurlock was indicted for sexual assault, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on April 14, 2023, Spurlock caused the penetration of the female sexual organ of a child younger than 17 years of age and not the spouse of Spurlock by means of Spurlock's sexual organ. The indictment further alleges, Spurlock caused [oral sexual contact] of a child younger than 17 years of age and not the spouse of Spurlock. (123rd Judicial District Court)

(Dates in parenthesis indicate the date of the alleged incident):

Gustavo Angel Pallares, possession of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 2 (PG2) (psilocin), second degree felony (January 2, 2023). (123rd Judicial District Court)
Daniel Boyd Eaves, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=4G<200G (methamphetamine), second degree felony (June 1, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
Lawrence David Pierce, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=1G<4G (methamphetamine), third degree felony (October 3, 2022). (273rd Judicial District Court)
Sherri Shires Lewing, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B <1G (methamphetamine), state jail felony (October 1, 2023). (123rd Judicial District Court)
Michael Anthony Ratcliff Jr., possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B <1G (methamphetamine), state jail felony (August 24, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
Juan Carlos Salvador-Perez, felony driving while intoxicated, third degree felony (October 21, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
Clfford Neal Ruth, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B <1G (phencyclidine), state jail felony (November 26, 2023). (123rd Judicial District Court)
Keith Issac Clary, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B <1G (methamphetamine), state jail felony (January 6, 2024). (123rd Judicial District Court)

Indictments and Information are not a conviction, and are a matter of public record. All individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

Storm Passing Through Shelby County Causes Downed Trees, Power Lines

March 8, 2024 - Update: As of around 1:30pm, Nacogdoches Street was cleared and traffic is flowing normally again. Crews are working to clear trees, debris and power lines in Lakewood.

State Highway 87 South is also clear and traffic is operating normally again.

12:10pm: Nacogdoches Street (SH 7 West, Nacogdoches Highway) in Center is currently blocked off from Southview Circle to Loop 500 as of 12-noon due to a storm which has blown through and taken down many trees, as well as power lines.

The entrance to Lakewood is also blocked by trees. Travelers should be careful and consider taking an alternate route until Nacogdoches Street is cleared.

There are also several trees down in the roadway on 87 South as of 12-noon. Drivers should use caution and consider alternate routes until the highway is clear.

Trees across roadway on SH 87 South. (Submitted photo)

(Submitted photo)

Center FD Fights House Fire on CR 3760

March 6, 2024 - Center Fire Department fire personnel responded to a house fire on Wednesday morning, March 6, 2024.

According to Center fire Chief Keith Byndom, the call was received at 7:30am and when they arrived at the residence in the 500 block of CR 3760 the fire was fully involved and no one was home.

As the firefighters worked to extinguish the fire, Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative was requested to disconnect service to the residence.

Fire personnel were able to bring the fire under control in 30 minutes and an electrical short is believed to possibly be the cause.

No injuries were reported to have resulted from the fire.

N.E.W. Water System Rescinds Boil Water Notice

The water on N.E.W. WSC no longer requires boiling.

March 6, 2024 - On February 28, 2024, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the N.E.W. Water Supply, #2030034, 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.

N.E.W. Water Supply 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. We have also provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of March 6, 2024.

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.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

If a customer, individual or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512)239-4691.

February 28, 2024 - Due to an electrical issue at Plant 1, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required the N.E.W. Water Supply Corporation PWS # 2030034 to notify all customers on FM 711, CR 202, CR 203, CR 205, CR 223, Harmony, Kellyville, Fountain Town and Woodland Acres Communities to boil their water prior to consumption (eg., washing hands/ 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.

Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.

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 N.E.W. Water Supply Corporation at 220 W. Columbia Street, San Augustine, Texas, 75972, or call 936-288-0489 or Charles Sharp at 936-201-5001.

DPS Investigates Crash on SH 7 West

March 6, 2024 - (Photos courtesy WSCVFD) - West Shelby County Volunteer Fire Department (WSCVFD) and Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers were dispatched to a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 7 West approximately one mile west of Farm-to-Market Road 711 on February 29, 2024.

When emergency personnel arrived at the scene, the truck involved was on its side and the trailer it was hauling had detached from the vehicle.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Dustin Ramos, at 8:10am, a white 1998 GMC pickup truck driven by Alma Tippins, 79, of Nacogdoches towing a bumper pull trailer was eastbound on State Highway 7 West.

As the truck was traveling through a curve in the roadway its load shifted and caused the driver to lose control and travel into the north ditch where it overturned.

Tippins, her passengers Angel Bello, 73, and Salvador Acosta, 59, were transported by ambulance to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

No citations were issued.

2024 March 5th Primary Election Results (All Boxes Reported)

The Sheriff's race and Constable Precinct 3 race will be in a runoff election May 28, 2024.

March 5, 2024 - The March Primary Elections are here and results are in! Election results are unofficial until they are convassed by the Commissioners' Court.

(Early voting numbers include mail in ballots as well as early voting.)

Click links below to go straight to each categories election results:

County Elections (All on Republican Ballot)
Democrat Federal and State results
Republican Federal and State results
Republican Propositions

Ballot Election Statistics

Ballots Cast (Total) - 4,765
Democratic Party (Total) - 214
Republican Party (Total) - 4,551
Early Voting (Total) - 1,764
Absentee (Total) - 151
Election Day (Total) - 2,850

COUNTY ELECTIONS

COUNTY ATTORNEY

John L. Price (Won) - 64.31%

Early 1,160 | Election Day 1,566 | TOTAL 2,726

Jeff Adams - 35.69%

Early 561 | Election Day 952 | TOTAL 1,513

SHERIFF

J.R. "Jimmy" Faulkner (Runoff) - 37.04%

Early 563 | Election Day 1,057 | TOTAL 1,620

Willis Blackwell - 20.51%

Early 374 | Election Day 523 | TOTAL 897

Gerald Corbell (Runoff) - 42.46%

Early 821 | Election Day 1,036 | TOTAL 1,857

COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR

Debora Riley (Won) - 100%

Early 1,501 | Election Day 2,250 | TOTAL 3,751

COUNTY COMMISSIONER PRECINCT 1

Roscoe McSwain (Won) - 100%

Early 516 | Election Day 490 | TOTAL 1,006

COUNTY COMMISSIONER PRECINCT 3

Stevie Smith (Won) - 60.08%

Early 313 | Election Day 486 | TOTAL 799

David Cheatwood - 39.92%

Early 201 | Election Day 330 | TOTAL 531

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PRECINCT 4 - Unexpired Term

Dee Dee Green (Won) - 54.44%

Early 38 | Election Day 103 | TOTAL 141

Cristi Estes - 45.56%

Early 29 | Election Day 89 | TOTAL 118

COUNTY CONSTABLE PRECINCT 1

Zack Warr (Won) - 100%

Early 906 | Election Day 784 | TOTAL 1,690

COUNTY CONSTABLE PRECINCT 2

Jamie Hagler (Won) - 100%

Early 180 | Election Day 350 | TOTAL 530

COUNTY CONSTABLE PRECINCT 3

Roy Cheatwood (Runoff) - 47.75%

Early 142 | Election Day 304 | TOTAL 446

Fern Thomas Jernigan Jr - 21.31%

Early 77 | Election Day 122 | TOTAL 199

Scott Burkhalter (Runoff) - 30.94%

Early 62 | Election Day 227 | TOTAL 289

COUNTY CONSTABLE PRECINCT 4

Taylor Fanguy (Won)

Early 56 | Election Day 173 | TOTAL 229

COUNTY CONSTABLE PRECINCT 5

Josh Tipton (Won) - 100%

Early 83 | Election Day 375 | TOTAL 458

REPUBLICAN COUNTY CHAIR

Leigh Porterfield (Won) - 100%

Early 1406 | Election Day 2,062 | TOTAL 3,468

DEMOCRATIC COUNTY CHAIR

Patsy Handy (Won) - 100%

Early 98 | Election Day 100 | TOTAL 198

DEMOCRAT FEDERAL AND STATE RESULTS

Note: Results don't include 1-S

PRESIDENT

Star Locke - 0.00%

Early 0 | Election Day 0 | TOTAL 0