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From left: Lieutenant Andrew Williams, Chief Jim Albers, Assistant Chief Ricky King, and Officer Conner Gilpatrick
May 15, 2024 - The Center Police Department held a promotions ceremony on Monday, May 13 in the training room at the police department.
Center Police Department Chief Jim Albers welcomed everyone, “We are gathered here to promote a couple of guys that’s been with my department a long time. Lieutenant Ricky King is being promoted to Assistant Chief (AC); he’s put in 20 years with this department, I think he has held every rank. He has become like my right hand man and Andrew [Williams] has become his right hand man. They have really jumped into this department’s business and grabbed ahold of it and are doing a wonderful job handling the business of this department and I appreciate it. And that’s why we are promoting them today.”
Denny King pins badge onto her husband, AC Ricky King
Pinning on the badge for Assistant Chief King was his wife Denny King.
Next, AC King then spoke about his history with Sergeant Williams, “I get the honor of presenting to you today a tenure officer who luckily I can also call a close friend. We actually have an extensive history - I sat on the board that hired him in 2015. I voted to add him to this family.” He continued, “I was his first line supervisor, I can honestly say we did work in the trenches together. I recommended him to promote to detective where I also got to supervise him for a little while and I recommended him for patrol sergeant. In every role that we threw at him, he has exceeded and impressed. Nine years and some change later and a few gray hairs… I am privileged to introduce to you the youngest lieutenant in Center PD history, Andrew Williams.” AC King then pinned the Lt. badge onto Williams' uniform.
AC King pins badge for Lt. Williams
“Conner [Gilpatrick] was our fourth cadet that we’ve put through the program,” explained Lt. Williams. “Conner came to us and we put him through the program. He successfully passed the Police Academy and won the P.T. award. I think you are going to do great things here bud and I’m real privileged to have you on board with us."
Lt. Williams then pinned on Officer Gilpatrick's first badge as a new patrol officer.
Lt. Williams pins on badge for Officer Gilpatrick
May 15, 2024 - The Shelby County Commissioners agreed during their May 8, 2024, meeting to an increase in funding to the Shelby Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).
Chris Crenshaw, NRCS District Conservationist, presented a report on the SWCD and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for the commissioners
Crenshaw said they went back to the year 2020 and the flood control structures have taken general maintenance since 2020.
“Site 11 required the spillway to be cleaned with the total dollar amount that the SWCB has spent, is $49,535,” said Crenshaw. “We did the emergency action plans for sites 9 and sites 12. Site 9 is in Timpson, and site 12 is in Stockman.”
Crenshaw explained both sites are high-advance which means they do have development downstream, and require an emergency action plan.
“We're waiting on approval for those from TCEQ. This fiscal year, we're planning $29,752 of maintenance and a lot of that is going to be preparing, clearing, rebuilding, fencing on sites 8 and 9, and Timpson, and mulching the spillways on both of those sites,” said Crenshaw.
He described additional maintenance, such as, general spraying and mowing that’s done every year.
According to Crenshaw, all of the sites were built in the mid to late '70s and are all reaching the point to that they need attention.
“Fencing is just kind of dilapidating. So the upcoming years are gonna need a lot more of that. So the SWCDs. expenditures going to increase quite a bit.
Crenshaw said that engineers have put together an extensive plan for site 7, which the landowner has removed exclusion fencing, and Crenshaw said that has caused major erosion and it’s going to need a total rehabilitation.
“It's not in danger of failing downstream, the dam’s still protecting it. I don't want you thinking it's going to blow out, we don't think that. It just needs some major attention,” said Crenshaw.
An NRCS estimate for construction was presented by Crenshaw, including materials, labor at a cost of $335,881.
SWCD doesn’t have the needed resources for the project and Crenshaw said there are ways to gain funding for the project in the state.
One program Crenshaw mentioned, is available through the State Soil and Water Conservation Board; however, it's highly competitive and Crenshaw said that right now, most of that funding goes towards places such as Tarrant County, and Harrison County where land development is constant.
“[In those] places these flood controls structures were put in in the '70s and '80s, you know, and it was all farmland or pasture land, and now it's developing faster than you can blink,” said Crenshaw.
The erosion at Site 7 in Timpson is so extensive that Crenshaw warned it is going to need attention.
“At some point it is going to be crucial that something gets done out there, so if they can't get funding, we'll at least need to replace the fencing and patch some of this erosion to get a little further down the road,” said Crenshaw.
Terry Allen, SWCD Vice-Chairman, and Crenshaw both referenced an issue with a landowner removing their fence and letting animals graze on the area. It was stated that the Sheriff’s Department would likely need to get involved in the situation.
“A lot of people aren't aware of how much positive impact we have within the county for local producers. Since 2020, we have allocated $2.5 million in financial assistance funding for local just local resource concerns, pasture planning, tree plane, cross -fencing, erosion, things like that for private landowners,” said Crenshaw.
He reminded the commissioners the Emergency Watershed Production Program allocated $2.7 million for Shelby County roads, assisting residents.
Actually, we are accepting application right now for that program, due to the recent flooding,” said Crenshaw.
Crenshaw reiterated that since 2020, NCRS has invested $5.2 million into Shelby County to provide a positive impact on the area.
Commissioner Tom Bellmyer moved to raise the contribution to the SCWD by $3,000 for a total of $10,000. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jimmy Lout and the motion carried.
The commissioners discussed a resolution in support of the application for the Texas Historical Commission Courthouse Grant for Project Planning and Full Restoration Grants. Rayford Copelin with the Shelby County Historical Commission spoke with the commissioners about why the resolution was necessary.
Copelin explained it was just putting on paper what they’ve already decided to do in reference to the courthouse.
“Just a side note, I have had several people in the community have really been commending y'all in your efforts to do that, so it’s been positive,” said Copelin.
Commissioner Bellmyer moved to pass the resolution in support of the historical courthouse renovation. Commissioner Lout seconded the motion and it carried.
Copelin then spoke to the commissioners about granting a preservation easement to the Texas Historic Commission upon the receipt of the Courthouse Preservation Program Grant.
“The Easement, again, doesn't do anything other than, it doesn't give THC Texas Historical Commission, any other jurisdiction than what they currently have,” said Copelin. “When we do work on the courthouse. or anything like that, or any historical structure, you're supposed to get permits from them. These are state antiquities, landmark structures, and everything, so there are some restrictions. They don't really keep you from doing anything. They just want you to get a permit to do it and make sure it's done correctly.”
A motion by Commissioner Bellmyer to grant the easement was seconded by Commissioner Lout, and it carried.
The commissioners were presented with a TIPS qualified quote from A-Lert Roof Systems for replacement and installation of a new roof system for the Courthouse Annex.
The county submitted the request through the TIPS systems which then sought bids on behalf of the county, and the county was presented with a bid in the amount of $59,670 for work to be performed on the Annex building which houses the District and County Attorney offices.
After discussing with County Auditor Clint Porterfield where the funds could come from to pay for the project, and he recommended recognizing funds from the interest account of $100,000, which would make the budget $400,000 and then the commissioners could budget $100,000 to courthouse repairs to then make the payment.
Since it was not on the agenda to make that decision, Porterfield suggested going forward and put the action on the agenda in the future to make that budget adjustment when needed.
Commissioner Bellmyer moved to go forward with the bid from A-Lert for $59,670, and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Stevie Smith. The motion carried.
When the commissioners discussed the weekly expenses, Commissioner McSwain noted that Panola County Treasurer is receiving around in this payment $20,000 for inmates. Ann Blackwell, Shelby County Treasurer, commented it’s been that way for the past couple months leading up to the meeting.
Commissioner Tom Bellmyer moved to pay the weekly expenses, and his motion was seconded by Commissioner Stevie Smith. The motion carried.
The commissioner went into executive session at 10:09am and returned to open session at 10:39am.
Commissioner McSwain stated they spoke about the Sick Leave Policy during the executive session and it was necessary due to discussion of some individuals who have been on medical leave.
They also discussed the recent custodial services contract.
Commissioner Bellmyer moved to give two weeks’ notice to terminate the current contract for custodial services for the county buildings. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Smith and it carried.
The meeting adjourned at 10:40am.
Officers’ reports for the month of April as presented by Ann Blackwell, County Treasurer:
Fees for the month of April 2024
- Debora Riley, Tax Assessor Collector - Property: $163.405.22; Motor Vehicle: $67.195.95; Total: $30,601.17
- Jennifer Fountain, County Clerk - $0,457.68
- Lori Oliver, District Clerk - $15,811.86
- Donna Hughes, JP1 - $23,401.37
- Marla Denby, JP2 - $1,049.30
- Melba Rodgers, JP3 - $12,242.00
- Dee Dee Green, JP4 - $,3,066.40
- Tracy Broadway, JP5 - $6,519.50
- Zack Warr, Constable 1 - $2,210.00
- James Hagler, Constable 2 - $0.00
- Roy Cheatwood, Constable 3 - $270.00
- Taylor Fanguy, Constable 4 - $270.00
- Josh Tipton, Constable 5 - $180.00
- Sheriff’s Fees - $2,535.46
- Total of $338,614.74
Total investments of $19,006,921.97
Total interest earned on investments of $82,507.78
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Approve the minutes of April 5, 2024 Special meeting, April 10, 2024 Regular meeting, April 17, 2023 Special meeting, and April 24, 2024 Special meeting, of the Shelby County Commissioner’s Court. 2. Pay weekly expenses. 3. Current payroll. 4. Officers Report. 5. Increase in the County’s yearly contribution of $7,000 to $10,000 to the Shelby County Soil and Water Conservation District #449. 6. Adopt the Resolution in Support of the application for The Texas Historical Commission Courthouse Grant for Project Planning and Full Restoration Grants. 7. Agree to grant the Texas Historic Commission a preservation easement upon the receipt of the Courthouse Preservation Program Grant. 8. TIPS qualified quote from A-Lert Roof Systems for replacement and installation of a new roof system for the Courthouse Annex. 9. Two weeks’ notice to terminate the current contract for custodial services for the county buildings. 10. Adjourn at 10:40am.
May 15, 2024 - Shelby County has received an allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds from the U.S. Department of Treasury and has elected to use these funds to complete eligible projects. This solicitation is for (4) four day cab haul trucks equivalent to the Mack Pinnacle 64T Day Cab. The solicitation may be provided when requested via e-mail to the address below. Bids must be received no later than June 10, 2024 12:00PM. Please submit your sealed bid, including 1 marked original(s) and 2 copies to Ann Blackwell, County Treasurer, 200 San Augustine St Box 5 Center, TX 75935, and email to: ann.blackwell@co.shelby.tx.us.
It is the responsibility of the submitting firm to ensure that the bid is received in a timely manner. Submissions not received by the specified date and time will be rejected. The County reserves the right to negotiate with any and all individuals or firms that submit bids and may award a contract to multiple service provider(s). Residents and Businesses, Minority Business Enterprises, Small Business Enterprises, Women Business Enterprises, United States Veterans and Labor Surplus Area firms are encouraged to submit proposals. Shelby County is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
May 13, 2024 - The National Weather Service, Shreveport, LA issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook at 3:27pm, Monday, May 13, 2024.
A flood watch is in effect through Tuesday morning. (See below)
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north central Louisiana, northwest Louisiana, east Texas and northeast Texas.
This afternoon and tonight, scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms will be possible this evening over Deep East Texas and Central Louisiana, in advance of another upper level disturbance that will shift east into the area. While an isolated severe thunderstorm threat will be possible through this evening, with damaging winds and large hail possible, the threat for locally heavy rainfall will continue. Given the saturated grounds, any additional rainfall will quickly run off, and could cause flash flooding.
Tuesday through Sunday, additional showers and thunderstorms will develop and spread across the region Thursday and Friday, and could again pose a heavy rainfall and flood threat across Deep East Texas and North Louisiana. This threat should diminish by next weekend, as hotter and drier conditions return.
Spotter activation may be needed late this afternoon and this evening across Deep East Texas and Central Louisiana.
Flood Watch
At 2:33pm, Monday the National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch to remain in effect through Tuesday morning.FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING...
Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible for portions of northwest Louisiana, including the following parishes, Natchitoches and Sabine; and Texas, including the following counties, Angelina, Cherokee, Nacogdoches, Sabine, San Augustine and Shelby.
Through Tuesday morning, excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Additional showers and thunderstorms have developed this afternoon over Central and Southeast Texas, and will spread east northeast into portions of Deep East Texas and Central Louisiana late this afternoon through this evening. Locally heavy rainfall again is possible, with additional rainfall amounts of up to an inch possible. Grounds are saturated, with any additional rainfall quickly running off and could cause flash flooding.
http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
May 13, 2024 - The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Choice public water system, 2100005 to issue a Boil Water Notice on April 29, 2024, 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 05/06/2024
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact, Matt Di Verdi 936-591-4346.
April 29, 2024 - Due to a broken water main the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the CHOICE Water system, ID# 2100005 to notify customers that were without water April 29, 2024 on CR 1049, CR 1057, CR 1030 (anyone without water) to boil their water, prior to consumption (e.g., washlng hands/face, brushlng 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 Matt Di Verdi 936-591-4346.
May 12, 2024 - (Update: 9:09pm): as of 9:01pm, a Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Texas Attoyac Bayou Near Chireno affecting Rusk, Shelby, San Augustine and Nacogdoches Counties.
For the Attoyac Bayou including Chireno, minor flooding is forecast.
Precautionary/Preparedness Actions: Do not drive cars through flooded areas. Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks. Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas.
For more hydrologic information, click here
The next statement will be issued Monday evening at 9:15pm CDT.
Flood watch remains in effect through Tuesday morning.
What: Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.
Where: Portions of northwest Louisiana, including the following parishes, Bossier, Caddo, De Soto, Natchitoches, Red River and Sabine and Texas, including the following counties, Angelina, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Nacogdoches, Panola, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Upshur and Wood.
When: Through Tuesday morning.
Impacts: Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Additional Details: Showers and thunderstorms, some of which may cause heavy rainfall, will continue this afternoon and tonight across East Texas and Western Louisiana along and south of the Interstate 20 corridor, before diminishing late. However, additional showers and thunderstorms will redevelop over these areas Monday afternoon, and may produce heavy rainfall.
Additional rainfall amounts of one to two inches, with isolated higher amounts possible. Given that the grounds are saturated, this additional rainfall will run off and could produce flash flooding.
Click here for additional safety information
Precautionary/Preparedness Actions: You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
May 10, 2024 - The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the whereabouts of Tammy Sue Sims, 41, of Center. Sims is described as a 5’5 inch white female and weighs approximately 165 pounds.
Sims has an active warrant for theft, a state jail felony offense.
The SCSO is seeking assistance from the public in locating Sims. If you have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact the SCSO (936) 598-5601, or call/text SCSO CID Sergeant Aaron Jones at 936-572-7559. Pictured is the truck Sims is known to be driving.
If anyone is found to be hindering the apprehension, harboring or concealing, providing or aiding with any means of avoiding arrest or effecting escape, or warns Sims of impending discovery or apprehension, will be arrested and charged in accordance with Penal Code 38.05, Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution, a Felony 3 offense.
May 9, 2024 - Severe Thunderstorm Watch 224 is in effect until 12am CDT for the following locations.
Texas counties included are: Anderson, Angelina, Bastrop, Bell, Blanco, Brazos, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Cherokee, Falls, Freestone, Gillespie, Grimes, Hays, Henderson, Houston, Lee, Leon, Limestone, Llano, Madison, Milam, Nacogdoches, Navarro, Panola, Polk, Robertson, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Travis, Trinity, Walker, Williamson.
May 9, 2024 - This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for south central Arkansas, southwest Arkansas, north central Louisiana, northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, east Texas and northeast Texas.
Day One - Today and tonight: Showers and thunderstorms are expected to redevelop this afternoon and evening near the slow moving front, with the severe weather threat for damaging winds, hail and an embedded tornado or two over the region.
Days Two Through Seven - Friday through Wednesday: End of the week and into the start of the weekend will begin quiet as high pressure dominates the local area. Showers and thunderstorms return Sunday afternoon and to start next week.
Spotter Information Statement: Spotter activation will likely be needed.
May 8, 2024 - A hearing held in the 273rd Judicial District Court May 7, 2024, saw Ethan Myers plead guilty to the 2022 murder of Sarah Hopson.
Through plea agreement, Myers received a sentence of 60 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division (TDCJ-ID) for the murder of Sarah Hopson which was reported on November 13, 2022.
In court, Myers was present with his attorney Holly Hammons. As the hearing began Myers, Hammons and District Attorney Karren Price approached the bench of Honorable Judge James Payne and Price asked that Myers, for the record, state whether or not he committed the acts alleged in the indictment against him. As asked, Judge Payne inquired of Myers if he was indeed pleading guilty to those charges included in the indictment and if he was pleading guilty, because he is guilty and Myers agreed that he committed the acts in the indictment and that he is in fact guilty.
Price requested also that Myers state the name of his victim, and he complied, stating her name was Sarah “Hospon,” and Judge Payne asked him again to repeat her name to which he once again said Sarah “Hospon.”
Judge Payne accepted Myers' plea and accepted that the evidence supported his plea, and Judge Payne convicted Myers of the murder and sentenced him to 60 years incarceration in the TDCJ-ID with credit for time served of 527 days.
As the court was set to adjourn, Price asked for clarification on the record from Judge Payne of a finding of a deadly weapon, and he concurred.
Myers was then escorted out of the courtroom by Shelby County Sheriff’s Captain D.J. Dickerson, Chief Chad Hooper and Deputy Misty Ray.
District Attorney Price was available for comment on the case, and the resulting conviction of Myers.
Myers was sentenced to 60 years in prison, and many may wonder how long that actually means he would have to spend in prison. Price confirmed he will be in prison for 30 years before being considered for parole.
“That’s the importance of the deadly weapon finding, that we went back on the record to be sure that the judge understood, that there’s a deadly weapon finding in the judgment,” said Price.
If this hadn’t been noted, there would have been a possibility Myers could have been released whenever Pardons and Paroles deemed acceptable, and probably a third of the sentence. In this case, half will have to be served before he will be eligible.
Price said that no one gets parole the first time around, and when there’s a deadly weapon finding in a case the parole board really will look intently at that factor. When an individual becomes eligible for parole, the board is required to set it a second time within 10 years of the first time they deny parole for an inmate.
“He’s probably looking at close to 40 [years], which is essentially life for him,” said Price.
There was no statement from Myers as to his reasoning for killing Hopson, or why he did it in the way that he did.
“20 minutes after he’s arrested until today when he actually mentioned Sarah’s name in court he had no memory of any of that, which is why I wanted him to say her name on the record,” said Price. “Some admission, that yeah, he knew exactly what he was doing.”
Price referred back to the phone call Myers made to his mother after Hopson was murdered, telling her, “Sarah wanted him to sacrifice her.” Through testimony of different sources, Price learned that Sarah was in love with Myers and thought he “hung the moon.”
Price contends that if Hopson were aware of the “sacrifice,” Myers wouldn’t likely have drugged her and then struck her in the head with a rock before proceeding to dismember her.
Hopson’s mother was looking forward to closure, said Price, and Price really wasn’t looking forward to she or Myers' mother being exposed to the evidence presented in court, due to its terrible nature.
“In my 40 years here, there's only been one other that matches it in so far as gruesomeness goes,” said Price.
Price said she couldn’t find any ritualistic material to indicate the murder was part of any satanic worship and she hasn’t found any evidence to support that suggestion.
Myers was examined by two separate doctors not connected to one another, and each came to the same exact conclusion that he’s a narcissist personality.
Price believes Myers said “Hospon” in court because he really didn’t know her last name, “she wasn’t important to him.”
Although drugs were detected in Hopson’s system, according to Price, no drugs were found to be in Myers system.
“He was stone cold sober when he killed her. She was not,” said Price.
Teresa Louviere and Allen Price, co-defendants with Myers, have been determined to not be complicit in Myers’ crime as no DNA evidence connected either one of them to the room where Hopson was murdered.
The charges to each of murder, first degree felony; and tampering with physical evidence, second degree felony, have all been dismissed against them.
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