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June 14, 2024 - Law-enforcement officials went on high alert when an inmate from the Shelby County jail escaped Thursday evening at around 6pm.
The Shelby County Sheriff's Department shared, "Sheriff Kevin Windham reports the escape of Torin McSwain on Thursday, June 13. McSwain was caught by correctional officers within 10 minutes of his escape. He was treated for injuries he sustained during his escape, and returned to the Shelby County Jail."
The inmate was apprehended on Nacogdoches Street in Center, and from there was then transported to the Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for medical evaluation.
Assisting in the short search was the Center Police Department and Texas Departments of Public Safety State Troopers.
Customers on CR 1095, Center, Texas
June 14, 2024 - Due to a broken water line, on June 5, 2024, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the McClelland Water Supply Corporation, TX 2100011, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees ON CR 1095, Center TX, 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.
The public water system 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 14, 2024
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Renita Hudman at McClelland Water Supply, 936-598-9781.
June 5, 2024 - Due to a broken water line on June 4, 2024 through June 5, 2024, caused by heavy rainfall, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the McClelland Water system to notify customers on CR 1095, Center TX, to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., 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 this 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 Renita Hudman at 936-598-9781
June 14, 2024 - (Update - 4:39pm): Commissioner Smith states the roadway is now open.
Stevie Smith, Commissioner Precinct 3, announces that County Road 3199 and Carroll Street will be closed today June 14, 2024, to thru traffic while crews install a water main tap.
The road will be re-opened as soon as work is completed.
June 12, 2024 - The intersection of Hurst Street and Wheeler Avenue in Center was the scene of a two-vehicle crash on June 5, 2024.
According to the Center police Department, at 11:23am the intersection of Hurst Street and Wheeler Avenue was the location of a two-vehicle crash. Due to a recent power outage, the traffic light was out at Hurst Street and Wheeler Avenue, and drivers were treating it as a four-way-stop.
A silver 2006 Chevy Silverado driven by Sean Nixon, 25, of Singer, LA was northbound on Hurst Street and a 2010 Chrysler minivan driven by Ozzlynn Langford, 31, of Center was westbound on Wheeler Avenue and had stopped at the intersection. As the Chrysler entered the intersection, the Chevy failed to yield right of way and collided with the Chrysler leaving both vehicles in the middle of the roadway.
Nixon, Langford and her minor passengers were not reported to have been injured due to the crash.
Both vehicles were towed from the scene and no citations were issued.
The incident was investigated by Center Police Officers Bobby Hudnall and Micah Buzbee.
June 11, 2024 - The Shelby County Commissioners’ Court met June 5, 2024, and declared June 10, 2024 - June 16, 2024, as Men’s Health Week in Shelby County.
Men's Health Month began in 1994 with the Congressional passage of Men's Health Week, sponsored by Senator Bob Dole (KS) and Congressman Bill Richardson (NM). Men's Health Week was signed by President Clinton, and became Public Law 103-264 on May 31, 1994.
The proclamation reads as follows:
Whereas Men's Health Month is part of an ongoing international effort to educate men, boys, and their families about receiving regular disease prevention screenings and living healthier life styles; and
Whereas Nationwide, life expectancy for men averages five years fewer than that of women, with men experiencing higher rates of health problems such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, heart disease, and premature mortality; and,
Whereas The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on men's health in the United States, dropping men's life expectancy by two years; and,
Whereas Men's Health Month is a time for the public to recognize the mental and physical health needs of men and boys while encouraging fathers to be role models for their children through preventive health screening, healthy living and seeking needed help; and
Whereas The growing epidemic of suicide and substance abuse requires special effort to raise awareness of unrecognized and undiagnosed depression and mental stress in boys and men; and
Whereas The centerpiece of Men's Health Month is National Men's Health Week, a special awareness period passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bill Clinton on May 31, 1994.
Now, therefore be it resolved that we, the Commissioners Court of Shelby County, do hereby proclaim the week of June 10 through June 16 as Men's Health Week in Shelby County.
The commissioners considered the proclamation and Roscoe McSwain, Commissioner Precinct 1, moved to approve the proclamation and Stevie Smith, Commissioner Precinct 2, seconded the motion.
When the commissioners considered the payment of weekly expenses Ann Blackwell, County Treasurer, indicated there were two bills not included because she didn’t know from where the funds were to be paid from.
The expenses were for the new Precinct 3 barn and she said she was awaiting clarification from the GrantWorks representative, Jessica Johnstone, on how to pay for the expenses. one bill was from Darrell Alford for welding in the amount of $728 and plumbing supplies from Borders Poultry Supply in the amount of $1628.78.
The commissioners moved to approve the weekly expenses with the inclusion of the two additional Blackwell informed them about with Commissioner Smith moving to pay the bills and Commissioner Tom Bellmyer seconding the motion. The motion carried.
Nancy Adams, Elections Administrator, updated the court on the recent runoff election stating that it went pretty well. Judge Allison Harbison inquired if anyone lost electricity during the day while the runoff was ongoing and Adams confirmed a location in Shelbyville lost power for a couple of hours, but the machines have a battery backup that runs for around four hours, and the power returned before that power was depleted.
Judge Harbison remarked that out of 16,087 registered voters 1,953 voted to which Adams commented was sad and Judge Harbison agreed it was not good.
the meeting was adjourned at 9:46am.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Approve and pay weekly expenses. 2. Current payroll. 3. Adopt a Proclamation declaring June 10th – June 16th as Men’s Health Week in Shelby County. 4. Adjourn. Agenda items tabled during the meeting include: 1. Donation of a 2017 Dodge Truck for Constable Pct. 5. 2. Estimate for the additions to the 2017 Dodge Truck.
June 11, 2024 - The Center Police Department confirms a shooting incident which took place Tuesday, June 4, 2024, on Riggs Street in Center.
According to the Center Police Department, at 9:29pm officers were dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of Riggs Street in reference to a report from the resident who awoke to find somebody stealing something out of his yard, and that he subsequently shot the suspect.
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With the extent of injuries being unknown, officers and EMS responded and arrived by 9:32pm, they found a 59-year-old male approximately 100 yards from the back yard of the reported residence with gunshot wounds to his lower legs, from the knees down. The man who was shot was transported by ambulance to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for treatment and then to a Tyler hospital.
The resident, a 66-year-old male, was released to EMS due to a medical emergency he was experiencing.
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This incident is still pending investigation.
June 10, 2024 - (Update: 9:30) - Sheriff Kevin Windham reports that at 8:32pm this evening, SCSO Chief Deputy Chad Hooper and Game Warden Sam Anderson located Mr. Martin and his boat in the waters of Toledo Bend. While this isn't the outcome anyone had hoped for, we are grateful to be able to bring him home to his family.
The SCSO extends our sincere heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Martin. May God be with all of you during this time.
To the citizens, Texas and Louisiana Parks and Wildlife, Huxley VFD, and Desoto Parish Sheriff's Office, we are forever grateful for your assistance.
The Shelby County Sheriff's Department has made a public plea Monday as they are searching for a man that has been missing since Sunday, June 9, 2024.
The Sheriff's Department has issued the following statement in reference to the search, Sheriff Kevin Windham reports that the Shelby County Sheriff's Office along with Texas and Louisiana Games Wardens, are continuing to search the Huxley area of Toledo Bend on land and water in efforts to locate John Martin, Jr., 64, of Joaquin. Martin went on the water by boat Sunday, June 9, 2024 and has yet to return.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Chief Deputy Chad Hooper at 936-572-5045 or the SCSO at 936-598-5601.
June 8, 2024 - State Highway 87 South was the scene of a two-vehicle crash June 3, 2024, which resulted in both parties involved going to the emergency room.
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According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Dustin Ramos, a maroon 2019 Jeep Cherokee driven by Sandra McDaniel, 56, of Center was northbound on State Highway 87 near CR 3012 when she was stopped in the inside lane preparing to make a left turn into a private driveway. At that time a black 2008 Pontiac G5 driven by Carmen Torres, 53, of Center was also northbound and approached from behind before colliding with the Jeep.
The Pontiac came to rest in the middle of the roadway and the Jeep came to rest on the southbound shoulder against a fence.
McDaniel and Torres were both transported by ambulance to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for treatment of possible injuries and they were later released.
Torres was issued a citation for failure to control speed, no driver’s license and no insurance.
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Jamie Hagler, Constable Precinct 2, and a Shelby County Sheriff’s Department assisted at the scene with traffic control until the vehicles were removed.
June 3, 2024 - Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers are investigating a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 87 South just before CR 3012 Monday, June 3, 2024, at 6pm near Borders Poultry Supply.
Drivers should use caution, drive slowly and expect delays until the scene has been cleared.
June 7, 2024 - A Shelby County Grand Jury handed down 26 indictments on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. The grand jury was impaneled for the January 2024 term of the 123rd/273rd Judicial District Courts.
Jakevion Buckley was indicted for hindering apprehension or prosecution, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on May 3, 2024, Buckley with intent to hinder the arrest, prosecution, conviction, or punishment of Franydrick Buckley for the offense of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, warned Franydrick Buckley of impending discovery or apprehension. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Elizabeth Ann Barton was indicted for theft of property >=$2,500<$30K, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on December 15, 2023, Barton took multiple items that were in a portable building, of the value of $2,500 or more but less than $30,000 from James Brodie Steptoe, the owner, without the effective consent of Steptoe and with intent to deprive him of the property. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Emerson Sanatio Evans was indicted for assault by choking, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on March 2, 2024, Evans intentionally, knowingly and recklessly caused bodily injury to a member of Evans' household as described in the Texas Family Code, by recklessly impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of the complainant by applying pressure to the throat or neck of the complainant.(273rd Judicial District Court)
Ashley Cagle was indicted for abandoning or endangering a child, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on April 20, 2024, Cagle engaged in conduct, by omission, that placed a child younger than 15 years of age in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment by allowing the child to leave a room and walk across a high traffic area to a nearby store in search of food, and Cagle had a legal duty to act, namely, making sure the child was taken care of under adult supervision.(123rd Judicial District Court)
Elizabeth Ann Barton was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on February 18, 2024, Barton caused bodily injury to Justin Taylor by stabbing him in the arm with a knife during the commission of said assault. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Russel Ray Chism was indicted for burglary of a building, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on February 20, 2024, Chism entered a building or portion of a building without the effective consent of Brandy Rowland and Regina Hightower, the owner, and attempted to commit or committed the felony offense of burglary of a building.(123rd Judicial District Court)
Kalem Becks was indicted for arson, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on July 25, 2021, Becks with intent to damage or destroy a habitation located in the 6000 block of Hwy. 87 N. in Shelby County, started a fire by igniting paper towels and putting them in the habitation, knowing that the habitation was located on property belonging to Thomas Stockstill.(273rd Judicial District Court)
Frankie Lee Slaight was indicted for theft of property >=$2,500<$30K, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on December 21, 2022, Slaight took two 19 Crosscut saw, $300; Forney mig welder, $500; Plasma cutter, $450; cooler, $200; small tote with tools, $200; fertilizer spreader, $79; four Abu Garcia fishing reels, $1200; and four Ugly Stick fishing rods, $140; of the value of $2,500 or more but less than $30,000 from James Lindley, the owner, without the consent of Lindley.(273rd Judicial District Court)
Aaron Matthew Allan was indicted for unlawful possession of firearm by felon, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on December 18, 2023, Allan possessed a firearm after the fifth anniversary of his release from confinement or supervision at a location other than his residence, a public road. The indictment further states Allan was previously convicted of the felony offense of burglary of habitation with intent to commit theft on June 18, 2004, in the 145th Judicial Court of Nacogdoches County.(273rd Judicial District Court)
Ricardo Lagunas Rodrigues was indicted for injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on August 2, 2023, Rodriguez caused bodily injury to a child 14 years of age or younger by striking the child in the face and throwing the child off a couch.(273rd Judicial District Court)
Amos Martin Bergeaux was indicted for criminal mischief impair or interfere with public service <$30,000, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on January 4, 2024, Bergeaux caused a lock to be busted off a natural gas meter cut out of a water pipe and PVC put in its place to secure performance of a service, namely, natural gas and water of the value of $2,500 or more but les than $30,000 from the city of Joaquin, intending to avoid payment for the service. (123rd Judicial District Court)
David Scott Emanis was indicted for burglary of a building, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on December 18, 2023, Emanis entered a building or portion of a building without effective consent of Rick Ehrenzeller, the owner, and attempted to commit theft or committed theft.(273rd Judicial District Court)
Terry Wayne Goodman was indicted for terroristic threat against peace officer/judge, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on May 6, 2024, Goodman threatened to commit an offense involving violence to Deputy Ingram by busting him in the mouth, with intent to place Deputy Ingram in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. The indictment further states, Deputy Ingram was a peace officer with the Shelby County Sheriff's Department. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Ryan Travell Brown was indicted for burglary of a building, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on April 24, 2024, Brown entered a building or a portion of a building without effective consent of Danbert Collum, the owner, and attempted to commit or committed theft of property, to-wit: $150 cash, owned by Danbert Collum owner of The Forge. (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.)
Kerry Dale Hite was indicted for sex abuse of child continuous: victim under 14, first degree felony, enhanced to 25 years to life. The indictment alleges, on January 9, 2024, Hite during a period lasting 30 days or more in duration, namely on or about January 1, 2013 through May 30, 2013, when Hite was 17 years of age or older, intentionally committed two or more acts of sexual abuse against a child younger than six years of age.(273rd Judicial District Court)
Miguel Garcia-Jimenez was indicted for indecency with a child by exposure, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on July 21, 2023, Garcia-Jimenez engaged in sexual contact with a child younger than 17 years of age. (273rd Judicial District Court)
(Dates in parenthesis indicate the date of the alleged incident):
- Douglas Hooper, manufacturing or delivery of substance in penalty group 1 (methamphetamine), first degree felony (January 5, 2024). (273rd Judicial District Court)
- Jason Duane George, prohibited substance or item in a correctional facility (methamphetamine), third degree felony (January 5, 2024). (123rd Judicial District Court)
- Amber Brook Bigger, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B <1G (methamphetamine), state jail felony (November 29, 2022). (273rd Judicial District Court)
- Kelsey Lynn Frazier, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=1G<4G (methamphetamine), third degree felony (January 5, 2024). (123rd Judicial District Court)
- Denise Simone Garrett, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B <1G (phencyclidine), state jail felony (December 14, 2022). (123rd Judicial District Court)
- Deborah K. Jacob, manufacturing or delivery of substance in penalty group 1 (methamphetamine), first degree felony (January 5, 2024). (273rd Judicial District Court)
- Chad J. Averett, prohibited substance or item in a correctional facility (Shelby County Jail) (methamphetamine), third degree felony (March 24, 2024). (123rd Judicial District Court)
- Donald Yarborough, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B <1G (methamphetamine), state jail felony (January 1, 2024). (123rd Judicial District Court)
- Annette Marie Eaves, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B <1G (methamphetamine), state jail felony (March 24, 2024). (123rd Judicial District Court)
- Hector Balcazar Garcia, felony driving while intoxicated, third degree felony (December 23, 2023). (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.
June 7, 2024 - County Road 1090 in Precinct 1 has received considerable damage to a bridge as a result of recent flooding.
Roscoe McSwain, Commissioner Precinct 1, advises the public on June 7, 2024, to be cautious on this roadway as the commissioners continue to assess the damage across the county and work on repairs.
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