The story headline links to a better view of the story and share features.
News
June 21, 2023 - The Shelby County Commissioners recognized June as Hunger Awareness Month during their meeting held June 7, 2023.
Sherry Harding, Executive Director of Shelby County Outreach Ministries (SCOM), shared that Shelby County Outreach Ministries has been serving the community for over 26 years, and their mission is to feed the hungry and assist the needy in Shelby County.
She said that their motto is, “striving to be the hands and heart of Christ in the community.”
In 2022, SCOM estimates that over $300,000 went back into the community in the form of food, utilities, volunteer hours, and other forms of client assistance. Harding says that in 2022 they distributed 2,785 emergency food boxes, feeding 5,309. In that same year, Harding reports they met 4.594 different needs in the community.
Thus far, in 2023, they have distributed 1,207 emergency food boxes, feeding approximately 3,000 people. To date of the meeting, SCOM numbers indicated meeting a total of 1,416 needs in the community.
Harding said during the month of May they fed 30 extra families, and they are averaging 250-300 emergency food boxes going out on a monthly basis.
“We all know children are at home right now during the summer, we also know that the rising cost of inflation is affecting everyone,” said Harding. “We’ve had an opportunity to look into some of the senior citizens that we’re serving, and the majority of our people are living on $600 and less a month.”
Harding described how many of the programs offered by SCOM are a benefit to people in the community, with only nine full-time employees.
“We are honored today that we are proclaiming June as Hunger Awareness Month,” said Harding.
She stated there are different activities to support feeding the hungry which are ongoing during June and including assisting the needy. Some local businesses will have donation jars and containers for food items to be donated.
Anyone interested in making a donation, Shelby County Outreach Ministries is open Monday through Friday from 9am until 4pm and is accepting food items or monetary donations. Shelby County Outreach Ministries is located at 930 Shelbyville Street in Center.
A motion carried to declare June as Hunger Awareness Month.
J.J. Ford, representing Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT), gave a report on recent activities at the Historic 1885 Courthouse, where the DRT are now the courthouse docents.
She stated that during the months of April and May, 2023, the 1885 Courthouse welcomed 56 visitors to the courthouse. The visitor who had traveled the furthest was from England at an estimated distance of 4,839 miles. The second furthest visitor was from Anchorage, Alaska at a distance of 4,155 miles estimated.
Overall, the courthouse had 13 out-of-state visitors from Alaska, Florida, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Then there was the one out-of-country visitor from England.
The first group of the visitors were the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors for their meeting on April 19 and the courthouse was their program along with the DRT Traveling Trunk.
The busiest day for visitor traffic at the courthouse not from a singular group was on Friday, May 19 with 14 visitors. There was one social media photographer to visit who highlight the courthouse on their social media account.
The DRT had 10 volunteers donate 159 volunteer hours as Docents of the courthouse and keeping it open to the public.
Event that are scheduled and upcoming include:
- June 23 - CRT Convention at the 1885 Courthouse
- July (date pending) - Rotary Club to Meet at the Courthouse for tour
- August 18-20 - Wedding Booked
- August 25-27 - Wedding Booked
Merle Howard, DRT President, reported if there would be any reason the CRT couldn’t meet upstairs in the courthouse due to air conditioning repairs, there is an alternate option of utilizing the Community House.
Vickie Martin, DRT member, stated it has been an honor to be able to share Shelby County History with visitors and she thanked the Commissioners’ Court for appointing the DRT as Docents for the courthouse.
Commissioner Tom Bellmyer remarked Tom Smeltzer has been working on the sprinkler system at the courthouse and it’s fully operational now.
Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison stated that three years ago iPads were purchased for elections and the county has now received notification the iPads will no longer be supported by Apple, which leaves the county with 33 iPads which are no longer useful for use during elections. The company that originally sold those original iPads to the county for the Elections Administration office has offered the possibility of a three-year lease of iPads.
A motion carried by the commissioners to table the iPads for review of the lease.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:15am.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Pay weekly expenses. 2. Current Payroll. 3. County Treasurer to attend on-line NACO Enterprise CyberSecurity Leadership 12-week course to be paid from General Fund Records Management. 4. Proclamation declaring June as Hunger Awareness Month. 5. Texas Association of Counties Blue Cross Blue Shield group health insurance plan for FY2024. 6. Adjourn at 10:15am. Agenda items tabled during the meeting include: 1. Leasing or purchasing iPad’s for the Election Administration office.
June 20, 2023 - On Saturday June 17 at approximately 2:45pm the Center Fire Department was notified of a fire at the Portacool Manufacturing Plant located at 711 FM 2468.
Center Fire Dept immediately responded and found heavy smoke coming from the structure and a second page was sent out asking for all available help. The fire began to spread quickly and ultimately the main production building was a total loss.
Firefighters worked together for over 8 hours battling this blaze. I would like to thank all of the Shelby County Volunteer Fire Depts along with DeSoto Parish, Nacogdoches, San Augustine, and Carthage Fire Departments for their assistance with manpower and apparatus.
Also thanks to Allegiance EMS, our local law enforcement, and TDEM Liaison Officers. Thank you Center ISD for providing school buses for fire personnel to sit inside to cool down and Feed Trough Cafe and Shelby County Ag Mechanics Foundation for the food and rehab trailer.
To all others whose name I failed to mention; if you were there providing food, drinks and support, thank you very much. Our prayers go out to all of the employees at Portacool.
Keith Byndom
City of Center / Fire Chief
Related Articles:
Voluntary Conservation Notice Effective Tuesday, June 20 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. CT
June 20, 2023 – The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) is echoing a notice from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) asking Texans to voluntarily reduce electricity use, if safe to do so, due to extreme temperatures and forecasted record demand. The Voluntary Conservation Notice is in effect from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. CT today, Tuesday, June 20.
ERCOT is not experiencing emergency conditions. Voluntary conservation is a widely used industry tool that can help lower demand during a specific period of time, typically late afternoon, and evening.
ERCOT is requesting all government agencies (including city and county offices) to implement all programs to reduce energy use at their facilities.
Today’s Voluntary Conservation Notice is part of ERCOT’s Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS), which alerts the public of grid conditions. Last week, ERCOT issued a Weather Watch from June 15 – June 21 due to increased temperature and high demand.
ERCOT and the PUCT are asking Texans to take simple power conservation steps to reduce demand on the grid. The PUCT’s Power to Save website has tips for reducing electricity use in homes and businesses and other energy saving tips are available at TXANS (ercot.com).
On June 19, 2023, ERCOT broke the June peak demand record, unofficially, with 79,304 MW, surpassing the June 2022 record of 76,718 MW. Last summer, ERCOT set 11 new peak demand records. The current all-time record of 80,148 MW was set on July 20, 2022.
ERCOT will continue to use all tools available to manage the grid reliably, including using reserve power, calling upon reductions by large electric customers that have volunteered to lower their energy use, and bringing more generation online sooner.
June 19, 2023 – Portacool, LLC, a global leader in portable evaporative cooling solutions and Evaporative Media Technologies, experienced a serious fire incident at one of its manufacturing facilities in Center, Texas, on June 17, 2023.
We express our gratitude to the local and surrounding area fire departments and emergency responders for their swift action and tireless efforts in containing the fire and ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
Portacool is committed to minimizing the impact on our customers, team members, and the local community. Our dedicated team is working diligently to assess the damage, enact the company’s contingency plans and ensure continuity of operations.
We would like to assure our valued customers and suppliers that we are taking all necessary measures to mitigate any potential disruptions to our production and supply chain. Our experienced team is actively communicating to address their concerns, provide alternative solutions, and minimize any potential delays in fulfilling orders.
Portacool recognizes the importance of our manufacturing plant to the local economy and remains fully committed to the community. We are providing support to our affected team members and their families during this difficult period.
Portacool will continue to provide updates on the situation as more information becomes available.
About Portacool, LLC
Established in 1990, PortacoolTM is a global leader in portable evaporative cooling solutions and Evaporative Media Technologies. Based in Center, Texas, with a distribution facility in Wilmer, Texas, Portacool has revolutionized the cooling industry through innovative product design and media technology, catering to various cooling applications. Portacool and Kuul® evaporative technologies are industry leaders in evaporative cooling. Our portable evaporative coolers have proven highly effective across diverse sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, manufacturing, industrial, business, entertainment, sports, home, and hobby, offering practical and cost-effective cooling alternatives to traditional air conditioning. Backed by an extensive network of distributors spanning 50 U.S. states and 56 countries, Portacool, LLC remains at the forefront of the cooling solutions industry, continually redefining global cooling standards.
June 19, 2023 - Until Saturday, the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department had not had a single call for the week of June 11th through 17th. The call received Saturday evening however, would prove to be more than enough to make up for the week’s lack of call volume. Here’s a description of what transpired.
Saturday at 3:13pm the JVFD was called to aid Center FD with a fire at the Portacool manufacturing plant on FM 2468. Joaquin joined several other departments from Shelby County and surrounding areas that were responding to the call. The tower of smoke rising from the facility could be seen from miles away.
Upon arriving, the Joaquin VFD positioned its apparatus at the back of the plant near the truck bays and ran an attack line into one of the few buildings still standing. Firefighters donned full bunker gear and air packs to go inside to prevent this building from succumbing to the flames.
With the temperature outside being in excess of 100 degrees it did not take long for firefighters to become exhausted and need to take a break to cool down. Thankfully, EMS and good samaritans were on scene to provide water and cooling towels as needed.
At last count there were 35+ apparatus and 80+ personnel on scene to fight this fire. By around 9:00pm most departments that were there for mutual aid were able to pack up their equipment and clear the scene. Joaquin VFD pulled back into their station at about 10:30pm.
Events of this magnitude do not happen often, especially in this area. Fortunately, no one was inside the facility when the fire broke out. The Joaquin VFD sends their thoughts and prayers to all of the people whose lives will be effected as a result of this fire.
With that, this edition of the report will come to a close. The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department hopes everyone has a great and safe week going forward.
Related article:
Firefighters Working to Extinguish Portacool Fire; Statement from Company (Updated)
June 18, 2023 - Josh Tipton, Constable Precinct 5, is seeking the whereabouts of Roderick Grace, 37, who has been missing for three to four weeks.
Grace was possibly last seen in the Timpson area traveling to Garrison or the Nacogdoches area.
He is described as a black male, 6ft tall and 170 lbs, with tear drop tattoos on the left side of his face and two stars going down the right side of his face.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is encouraged to please contact Constable Tipton at 936-615-8223 or the Center Police Department at 936-598-2788.
June 17, 2023 - (Photo Album) - The Center Fire Department along with the assistance of neighboring fire departments including West Shelby County VFD, Tenaha VFD, Timpson VFD, Shelbyville VFD, Joaquin VFD, Huxley VFD, San Augustine VFD, DeSoto Fire District 1, Carthage FD and Nacogdoches FD have been fighting a fire at the Portacool Plant in Center since not long after 2:45pm. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time as firefighters continue to contain the blaze while protecting nearby buildings and houses.
The Media, Plastic and Shipping building appears to be mostly down and firefighters have continued to work to save the Production building and its contents.
Several members of the community brought ice and water to help keep everyone there and firefighters from overheating.
Shelby County Sheriff's Department Deputies, and Center Police Department have been assisting with traffic control at both ends of FM 2468.
Statement from Portacool:
"Today at approximately 2:45pm, there was a fire that swept through the Portacool manufacturing facility. This is currently being investigated. It has been confirmed that no one was in the plant at the time of the fire.
This article is copied from Shelby County Today without permission.
The safety and well-being of our employees and surrounding neighbors are our top priority. As more information becomes available, we will provide updates.
Please keep the Portacool family in your prayers."
Related article:
- Joaquin VFD Reports on Response to Portacool Fire
- Center FD Reports on Portacool Fire, Offers Thanks for Assistance
- Portacool LLC Manufacturing Employee Information Update
Courtesy photo
June 17, 2023 – Early morning storms on Friday left catastrophic damage in East Texas and Northwest Louisiana including significant impacts to transmission lines, the backbone of SWEPCO’s energy delivery network. The storm included a National Weather Service confirmed EF-1 half-mile wide tornado that touched down in Panola County, Texas and crossed into Caddo Parish, Louisiana.
At its peak, close to a quarter of a million SWEPCO customers lost power after the hurricane-force winds caused significant damage to the power delivery system across its service area. As of 1:30 p.m., Saturday, approximately 53,000 customers have had power restored; an estimated 197,000 SWEPCO customers remain without power.
An additional line of severe storms is forecast for late this evening, with the potential of up to 75 mph winds.
Friday’s severe storm caused major damage to SWEPCO’s transmission system with nearly 60 Transmission and Distribution stations impacted and nearly 50 transmission lines forced out of service due to tree and structure damage caused by the extreme weather. SWEPCO’s utility poles and distribution wires serving individual homes and businesses also experienced extensive damage.
Transmission lines deliver high-voltage power over long distances from power plants to substations where the power is converted to voltages appropriate for use in homes and businesses. Damage to the transmission lines can result in significant outages.
SWEPCO has activated an all-in response and are being joined by more than 2,800 utility professionals to help rebuild its power delivery system, including crews from AEP Texas, Appalachian Power, Indiana & Michigan Power, and Kentucky Power as well as other support from Missouri and Oklahoma. SWEPCO is grateful for all the crew members who have left their families to help in this historic restoration effort.
As restoration work on the system continues, additional outages could occur until SWEPCO’s transmission system is stabilized. Customers should prepare to be without service for an extended period.
Following initial damage assessments, restoration estimates for areas impacted by the storm are below. Restoration areas and times will be updated as crews continue working to restore power.
- Natchitoches District in Louisiana – 10 p.m., Tuesday, June 20
- Texarkana District in Texas – 10 p.m., Wednesday, June 21
- Longview District in Texas – 10 p.m., Friday, June 23
- Shreveport District in Louisiana – 10 p.m., Saturday, June 24
As we get more specific information for your area, we will update this information.
Safety Reminders:
- For your safety and for the safety of our crews, please refrain from approaching them while they are working.
- Contact our customer service personnel with any questions about your service.
- Your safety and the safety of our crews are paramount. Stay away and keep children and pets at least ten feet away from downed lines. Treat all downed power lines as if they are energized and dangerous.
- You can report downed lines and other hazards to SWEPCO at 888-218-3919 or online at https://www.swepco.com/outages/report/
- Downed power lines - Never touch a downed line, or go near it, no matter how harmless it looks. The line could be energized. Call SWEPCO or 911 immediately.
- Portable generator safety – If you use a portable or RV generator, do not plug the generator into your circuit box. Portable generators can "backfeed" electricity up the line and risk the lives of repair workers and the public. Follow the manufacturers' instructions carefully and plug essential appliances directly into the generator.
About Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO)
SWEPCO, an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, serves more than 551,144 customers in Northwest and Central Louisiana, Northeast Texas and the Texas Panhandle, and Western Arkansas. SWEPCO’s headquarters are in Shreveport, La. News releases and other information about SWEPCO can be found at SWEPCO.com. Connect with us at Facebook.com/SWEPCO, Twitter.com/SWEPCOnews, Instagram.com/swepco, Youtube.com/SWEPCOtv and LinkedIn.com/company/swepco.
About American Electric Power (AEP)
American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is powering a cleaner, brighter energy future for its customers and communities. AEP’s approximately 16,700 employees operate and maintain the nation’s largest electricity transmission system and more than 224,000 miles of distribution lines to safely deliver reliable and affordable power to 5.5 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation’s largest electricity producers with approximately 31,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including more than 7,100 megawatts of renewable energy. The company’s plans include growing its renewable generation portfolio to approximately 50% of total capacity by 2030. AEP is on track to reach an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 and has committed to achieving net zero by 2045. AEP is recognized consistently for its focus on sustainability, community engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion. AEP’s family of companies includes utilities AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. For more information, visit aep.com.
June 17, 2023 - The National Weather Service out of Shreveport, LA forecasts Shelby County will have a marginal chance for isolated thunderstorms this evening and overnight.
Another round of strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible tonight across Deep East Texas and Northcentral Louisiana along a stationary front. Damaging winds, large hail, and locally heavy rainfall will be the primary threats.
The primary weather impact today is the heat index as oppressive heat builds across the area. An excessive heat warning is in effect until 8pm this evening.
Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
- Heat and humidity combo can make it hard for your body to cool off while at work or play.
- Prepare yourself by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after exposure to the heat.
- Heat index values will range from 111 to 117.
Many power outages have affected Shelby County. The City of Center power outage ended shortly before noon on Saturday which included two of the nursing homes in the area, the assisted living facility, and the Dialysis Center.
If you remain without power, precautions should be taken to protect you and yours with shade and breeze. Drink lots of fluids and if possible try to get to a location with power during the heat of the day.
Be sure to remember any pets or animals outside. Make sure they have a good supply of drinking water available.
June 16, 2023 - A Shelby County jury in the 273rd Judicial District Court with honorable Judge Jim Payne presiding has handed down sentencing Friday, June 16, 2023, for Michael Masterson following his guilty conviction on Thursday.
After hearing testimony from several individuals, including Masterson, the jury deliberated for just under an hour and returned their verdict.
Masterson was sentenced to 20 years on each of the five manslaughter charges, and on the aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge. The jury also imposed a $10,000 fine with each sentence.
This article is copied from Shelby County Today without permission.
Masterson was placed into custody of the Shelby County Jail pending transport to prison in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Criminal Institutions Division to serve his time.
Following the sentencing David Hogan, Joe Parks and Masterson's ex-wife Lauren Mitchell each gave victim impact statements.
“All you fathers, I know you can relate. It saddens me to the core I can't even put into words to justify what it feels like to have your only child taken from you in such a way as to neglect of being a civilized parent and responsible parent, or operating a motor vehicle at an unsafe improper manner with children in the vehicle just blows my mind,” said Hogan.
Hogan further stated, “Victoria, if you’ve never met her, she was an amazing little girl. It took two seconds for you to just lay eyes on her and when she walked up to you with that big ol’ smile and said ’Hiii’ that’s all it took.”
This article is copied from Shelby County Today without permission.
Parks stated he has had questions on what happened for three years leading up to the trial, and he’s heard rumors, while wondering what the truth really is.
“Before this trial came up, I went to my church and I asked them to sit down and pray with me because I wanted all the malice in my heart removed, and believe me son I’ve had malice towards you,” said Parks, “All I knew, is I knew that you were speeding, and I knew you were in the wrong lane, and it caused the accident.”
Parks continued, “In this courtroom I’ve seen that you lost three loved ones yourself, I understand, I want you to know that. But, I also want you to know that, when God gave you those three children and you looked down into that cradle and you catch them asleep and you see their fingers and toes, that’s a miracle, that’s something that he gave you. He gave me the same thing.”
When McKenzie Parks came into this world, Parks explained she touched his heart and took care of her little brother, who was only one year younger, better than he could.
“My wife, I want you to know that she served her church also, she played pianos for probably 30 years ... and she never went anywhere that she didn’t want to talk about the Lord,” said Parks.
All statements were directed to Masterson and Mitchell addressed much about their life together and during the resulting tragedy of the crash.
“Things that used to be so easy for me now are so hard, and I’m lonely, I’m tired,” said Mitchell.
This article is copied from Shelby County Today without permission.
She said she stayed with Masterson for an entire year until she found out more facts of the incident and she directed her statement toward his attorney, “You told me that he was going 83 mph and that I couldn’t come to see the discovery without the videos. You literally told me that I couldn’t go see and they put a summary together, that’s what I was going to go see and he said I could not go Monday and [I] went and filed for divorce.”
Mitchell went on to elaborate on the changes that have taken place, “Our life changed that day, I changed that day, I will never be the same person I was that day and that is something that you can’t seem to understand.”
She further talked about her children and the loss she has endured, “I gave you those children, those are my children Victoria, Ella and Mason are my children. You’ve taken enough from me, you’ve taken so many memories in fact.”
Related articles:
Pages
