Shelby County Today

February 27, 2024 - On February 24, 2024, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the East Lamar WSC public water system, 2100006, 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.

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 February 27, 2024.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Alison Rhone at 936-332-4439.

February 26, 2024 - Due to low water pressure, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the East Lamar WSC public water system to notify county road 1001, county road 1000, county road 1431 and Greenwood drive. 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Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.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 Alison Rhone at 936-332-4439. 

February 25, 2024 - A Shelby County Grand Jury handed down 20 indictments on Monday, January 8, 2024. The grand jury was impaneled for the January 2024 term of the 123rd/273rd Judicial District Courts.

In addition, a previously sealed indictment of October 5, 2023, from the grand jury impaneled for the July 2023 term of the 123rd Judicial District Court was unsealed following the arrest of the individual, Kendell Mardis, on January 24, 2024, on the charge of murder, first degree felony. The indictment alleges on July 27, 2023, Kendell Mardis intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Camo Morton by shooting Morton in the head. (123rd Judicial District Court)

Ralph Charles Breen was indicted for injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on August 23, 2023, Breen intentionally or knowingly caused bodily injury to a child 14 years of age or younger, by grabbing her around the neck. (273rd Judicial District Court)

Spencer Raysean Watts was indicted for obstruction or retaliation, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on November 7, 2023, Watts intentionally or knowingly threatened to harm (Center Police Officer) [Donna] Ruppert by an unlawful act, namely criminal homicide, in retaliation for or on account of the service or status of Officer Ruppert as a public servant, namely, a peace officer. (123rd Judicial District Court)

Spencer Raysean Watts was indicted for obstruction or retaliation, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on November 7, 2023, Watts intentionally or knowingly threatened to harm (Center Police Officer) [Luis] Acuna by an unlawful act, namely criminal homicide, in retaliation for or on account of the service or status of Officer Acuna as a public servant, namely, a peace officer. (123rd Judicial District Court)

Luis Alberto Escobedo was indicted for evading arrest in a motor vehicle, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on October 3, 2023, Escobedo intentionally fled from Constable Taylor Fanguy, a person Escobedo knew was a peace officer who was attempting lawfully to arrest or detain Escobedo. (273rd Judicial District Court)

Andria Charmaine Hubbard was indicted for assault on a public servant, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on November 1, 2023, Hubbard recklessly caused bodily injury to (Center Police Officer) Brandon Tyler by kicking him in the face, and Hubbard knew Tyler was a public servant lawfully discharging an official duty. Namely, trying to detain and arrest Hubbard. (273rd Judicial District Court)

Joseph Leon Parker was indicted for unlawful possession of firearm by felon, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on September 14, 2023, having previously been convicted of the felony offense of theft in 2017, Parker intentionally and knowingly possessed a firearm following the fifth anniversary of Parker's release from confinement, in a location other than Parker's residence. Namely, on a public road. (123rd Judicial District Court)

Andria Charmaine Hubbard was indicted for assault on a public servant, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on November 1, 2023, Hubbard recklessly caused bodily injury to (Center Police Officer) Brian Wright by kicking him in the leg. Hubbard allegedly knew Officer Wright was a public servant, namely a police officer with the Center Police Department, and that Officer Wright was lawfully discharging an official duty, namely in the process of detaining and arresting Hubbard. (273rd Judicial District Court) 

Johnny Ray Taylor was indicted for evading arrest in a motor vehicle, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on October 18, 2023, while using a vehicle Taylor fled from Sheriff's Deputy Jordan Ford and [Texas Department of Public Safety State] Trooper Dustin Ramos, persons Taylor knew were peace officers attempting to lawfully arrest or detain Taylor. (123rd Judicial District Court) 

(Some of the following content contained within indictments is of a sensitive nature and may not be suitable for younger viewers.)
Keith Joseph Arnaud was indicted for online solicitation of a minor, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on August 31, 2023, Arnaud being a person who 17 years of age or older and with the intent of committing the offense of indecency with a child, intentionally distributed over the internet or through a commercial online service sexually explicit material. Namely, a photograph of male genitals to a minor. (123rd Judicial District Court)

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

• Ricardo Laguna-Rodriguez, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=4G<200G (methamphetamine), second degree felony (October 11, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
• Ricardo Laguna-Rodriguez, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=1G<4G (methamphetamine), third degree felony (October 11, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
• Buddy Lee Bradshaw, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B <1G (methamphetamine), state jail felony (October 13, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
• Denise Simone Garrett, possession of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 2 (PG2) (methamphetamine), state jail felony (June 17, 2023). (123rd Judicial District Court)
• Tiffany Consuela Barnes, possession of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 2 (PG2) (methamphetamine), state jail felony (November 9, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
• Brandon K. Smith, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B <1G (methamphetamine), state jail felony (July 17, 2022). (123rd Judicial District Court)
• Frankie Lee Slaight, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=4G<200G (methamphetamine), second degree felony (November 12, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
• Hollie Nichole Kulikowski, felony driving while intoxicated, third degree fellony (September 25, 2023). (123rd Judicial District Court)
• Donald Ray Harris, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=1G<4G (methamphetamine), third degree felony (September 13, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
• Jose Luis Mendoza-Baylon, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=4G<200G (methamphetamine), second degree felony (November 12, 2023). (123rd Judicial District Court)
• Martell Benyard Moore, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=1G<4G (methamphetamine), third degree felony (October 6, 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.

February 23, 2024 - The Shelby County Commissioners agreed on a plan to close a road for repairs, and also discussed during their Wednesday, February 21, 2024, meeting a desire for constables to turn in racial profiling reports.

Ann Blackwell, County Treasurer, explained details of some items included in the weekly expenses relating to Paxton Water Supply and funds meant for law enforcement.

“We took care of a couple more bills for the Jackson Well, the Paxton Water Supply, so that just leaves the fence and we will be completed with that project,” said Ann Blackwell, County Treasurer. “Every year the law enforcement gets LEOs grant money and it all comes direct deposit to the general fund account. So, I always write a check back to the Sheriff's Department to put in their education fund so they can track it separately.”

County Judge Allison Harbison confirmed the vehicle for Constable Taylor Fanguy has been purchased.

“The time frame is so long to get it outfitted. We just went ahead and purchased the vehicle, and then whenever the parts, everything to outfit it comes in to Cab Fleet, they're going to ship it to us and Del [Birdwell]’s going to install,” said Blackwell.

Commissioner Stevie Smith moved to pay the weekly expenses, the motion was seconded by Commissioner Tom Bellmyer, and the motion carried.

The commissioners discussed a road closure on County Road 4059 from FM 1645 to County Road 4020 for the purpose of removing a culvert and building a bridge. Commissioner Bellmyer addressed the court and expects the project to take a minimum of two weeks.

“12, 13 years ago from what I understand, there used to be a bridge there and the oil field came in about that time and added some oil field locations beyond this and they tore the bridge out and put this culvert in and like all of the large diameter culverts that are galvanized, it's rusted away and the bottom's collapsing in it and it's... it's got a lot of truck traffic over right now,” said Commissioner Bellmyer.

Commissioner Bellmyer shared he didn't really want to change the culvert and it's not been on his current schedule, but after the rains that Shelby County had the last couple of weeks it's deteriorated quickly. 

According to Bellmyer, Sanders Creek Bridge Construction will be able to mobilize week after next, and the commissioner and his crew will take next week starting February 26 and actually perform the demolition and pre work

Commissioner Bellmyer said he would be informing the United State Postal Service mail delivery and Timpson ISD for any adjustments they may need to make for student transport.

Commissioner Bellmyer moved to make the community aware of the fact that they’re going to close that road between those two locations as aforementioned and will keep the community and the court addressed of the delay if there is one, the motion was seconded by Commissioner Jimmy Lout and it carried.

Bellmyer then presented his interest in the purchase of a truck, referencing Local Government Code 262.0225, subsection D and Local Government Code 262.0245.

Referencing previous approval from the court to purchase a truck, Bellmyer stated he and Treasurer Blackwell utilized the buyboard, found a vehicle he wanted to buy, and it resulted in a possible truck that wasn’t even the kind he wanted with a nine-month delivery time.

“I went to the four local dealerships in Shelby County. The two GM dealerships, the GMC and the Chevrolet dealership, both declined to submit a quote on the truck because neither one of them can sell that truck. It's a 4500 series or with Ford it’s a 450 series,” said Bellmyer. 

Commissioner Bellmyer said he did get two quotes from the local Ford dealership, and one quote from the local Dodge dealership.

“The reason that I cited this out of the local government codes. It's pretty clear from the code that if you have done your due diligence and get no responses back then we can go sort of the route that I've gone that we can go to a sole source,” said Commissioner Bellmyer. 

He related that the Ford dealership bid the truck he requested, and also had a truck on their lot that was a 2023 550 model. Bellmyer understood the 550 to be a savings over the 450 model.

“I think the ARPA funds is somewhat difficult to deal with because I don't know that they really identify this process that I'm proposing, even though the state of Texas does,” said Bellmyer. “So, instead of using ARPA funds what I'm going to ask the court is that I just go out and borrow the money and buy the truck myself.”

Blackwell described some of the complicated sounding process involving all of the necessary paperwork and did say there was a meeting set with the GrantWorks agent in the coming week, but that he could do what he wants to do.

Bellmyer referenced that there have been other projects that it seemed fell by the wayside, like Huber Water Well, and then that the truck isn’t in one piece as after buying the chassis then he would need to buy the bed for the truck.

“I don't have a problem personally with the precinct just going to buy a truck because then I can buy a truck and I can get the bed that I want done,” said Bellmyer. “I can do some things and then figure out how much money I've spent and then I'll go out and borrow the money and take it out on one of my accounts.”

Discussion continued on what options are available for purchasing the truck and a motion was made by Commissioner Bellmyer to table the discussion and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Stevie, and the motion carried.

The commissioners were presented with a racial profiling report for the Constable Precinct 4 office and that turned into a discussion over whether or not all constables in the county should be turning the same report in to the county.

Commissioner Bellmyer started off the discussion with his inquiry, “I have just a question. I know last week we got a racial profiling report from the [Sheriff’s Office] and I know in the past that Constable from precinct four has done, and I know with some history about Tenaha, is that the only constable that's required to do racial profiling reports?”

Judge Harbison remarked that was a good question, and Bellmyer stated he didn't recall that he’s seen others from law enforcement.

District Attorney Karren Price happened to be in the courtroom and Judge Harbison asked for her opinion relating to Bellmyer’s question about racial profiling reports.

“They're all supposed to,” said Price.

Bellmyer further stated, “As a member of the court, I'd like to see a racial profile and report from our other constables within the next 30 days, if that's a request that could be made.”

Price stated her racial profiling report is filed with the Attorney General's office, and it is on file.

“I don't know about that, that’s a county attorney question I’m afraid, but yeah, they’re all supposed to file one,” said Price.

John Price, County Attorney, concurred with DA Price’s statement.

Ruth Gonzales, Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy, followed up with additional information about racial profiling reports.

“I just want to say by state requirements, all departments, law enforcement departments are supposed to file before March 1st, I believe,” said Gonzales. “These guys (constables) only have, they can file exempt, and they can present that to y'all, which that's what I'm aware of that they file exempt and they just say they don't work traffic and that's all they have to do.”

Judge Harbison said they still need to file that exempt report and she and CA Price would reach out to the constables.

Commissioner Bellmyer moved to approve the Constable Precinct 4 racial profiling report, the motion was seconded by Commissioner Roscoe McSwain, and the motion carried.

The commissioners discussed the emergency lighting for the county courthouse that was not included in the original quote for lighting in the courthouse, which was recently replaced.

“This was evidently left off of 4C, but the the lighting in the stairwells is out and I think those are supposed to be replaced every couple of years,” said Judge Harbison. “I didn't realize that they were all totally out until the electricity was out here while back, and it is dark.”

Judge Harbison said there were plans to add new lights to the foyer of the courthouse; however, the new lighting has already improved that area greatly.

According to Judge Harbison, the quote that’s been provided for the emergency lighting is $11,928.

Clint Porterfield, County Auditor, had a question relating to pricing, “This is a question from curiosity, this quote is 52% of the original quote, which was $23,000. The original quote of $23,000 replaced 224 fixtures, which is an average of about $120. This is only 17 fixtures for 52% of that same amount, which is almost a little over $700 a fixture. Do we know why?”

Judge Harbison agreed that she was very surprised by the cost when she received the quote on the previous week. She recommended tabling the item for more information.

A motion by Commissioner McSwain to table the issue was seconded by Commissioner Jimmy Lout, and the motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned.

Agenda items approved during the meeting include:
1. Pay weekly expenses.

2. Closure of CR 4059 for repairs starting Monday Feb 26, 2024.

3. Record Racial Profiling Report for Shelby County Constable. Pct 4.

4. Adjourn

Agenda items tabled during the meeting include:
1. Commissioner Pct 4 to discuss the purchase of a truck, referencing Local Government Code 262.0225, subsection D and Local Government Code 262.0245.

2. Discuss and possibly approve additional and emergency lighting for the County Courthouse that was not included in the original quote.

February 22, 2024 - The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers investigated a crash on State Highway 87, near County Road 4009, that occurred Wednesday, February 21, 2024.

Preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 7:20am, a 2023 Hyundai Elantra driven by Jada Davis, 18, of Timpson was traveling northwest. It is reported that Davis failed to drive in a single lane to the right and then back to the left, causing her to lose control and travel into the south ditch where she struck multiple trees.

Davis was transported to Nacogdoches Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Her passenger Jordan Davis, 18, was also transported to Nacogdoches Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

There is no further information available.