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August 19, 2023 - Shelby County Sheriff Kevin W. Windham reports that on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at approximately 10:20PM, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a structure that was on fire, being a residence located at 1673 FM 2140 in Center.
Center Fire and Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Departments were dispatched and responded along with Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies. It was discovered that there were two occupants within the residence at the time of the fire, in which both occupants perished in the fire. Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Investigators responded to the scene and the State Fire Marshal’s Office was also requested to respond to assist in the investigation.
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Donna Hughes performed an inquest and an autopsy for the decedents were ordered. Both decedents were transported to Southwestern Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas for an autopsy.
The decedents were identified as a Joe Hughes, 62, of Center, and a Kathleen Green, 71, of Center.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Related article:
August 19, 2023 - Center Fire Department responded to a trash fire on CR 3736 at 2:30pm on August 19, 2023.
The fire was called in by someone who saw the smoke from the loop and tracked down its origin before calling it in to fire personnel.
When firefighters arrived at the scene of the fire, the resident was not there, and the fire had traveled across the roadway to a neighboring property.
The firefighters were able to prevent spread of the fire to no more than one acre.
The Sheriff’s Department was seeking for the responsible party to issue a citation for violating the burn ban.
The fire department personnel returned to the station at around 4:30pm.
August 19, 2023 - West Shelby County Volunteer Fire Department, Center Fire Department and San Augustine VFD responded to a house fire in the 500 block of CR 1275 Friday, August 18, 2023, at around 10:17pm.
When fire personnel arrived at the scene the house was fully involved in fire and it appeared additional debris around the house had also burned. Surrounding trees and brush were also on fire.
Firefighters worked to extinguish the house and surrounding area and were able to prevent further expansion of the blaze.
The fire departments returned to the station at 12:23am.
A cause for the fire was unknown.
Texas Forest Service aslo assisted with the fire.
August 18, 2023 - The Texas A&M Forest Service reports responding to a total of 11 wildfires during the months of July and August burning a total of 135 acres as of August 18, 2023. The Wildland Fire Preparedness Level is currently at Level 4 with Level 5 being the highest level.
Sunday, August 13th fire off of US 96 South and CR 1021 burned 22 acres.
July - 6 fires burning 89.33 acres
7/15/2023 - .33 acres in the Aiken Community off of SH 7 and CR 1211
7/20/2023 - 1.60 acres off of SH 7 West and Private Road 117
7/23/2023 - 12 acres off of SH 7 near the Grigsby Community near CR 1240
7/23/2023 - 3.10 acres off of Loop 500 and CR 2050
7/25/2023 - 50 acres off of SH 7 near the Grigsby Community near CR 1245
7/28/2023 - 22.30 acres off US 96 North before Flatfork Creek near CR 4293
Forest Service brings in heavy equipment on August 16th to Timpson fire off of N 4th Street in town which involved 4 acres.
August - 5 fires burning 45.75 acres
8/1/2023 - .75 acres in Timpson/Tenaha off of FM 2026 near CR 4263 and 4243
8/1/2023 - 3 acres in Waterman community off of CR 1546
8/5/2023 - 5 acres in Jackson community off of FM 3082
8/13/2023 - 33 acres off of US 96 South and CR 1021
8/16/2023 - 4 acres in Timpson off of N 4th Street in town
Observed energy release component (ERC) values are now above the critical 90th percentile in 11 o the 14 predictive services areas (PSAs). Current ERC forecast indicate eight PSAs will exceed the 97th percentile ERC over the next 7 days. Shelby County is located in the Southeast Texas PSA which is the first to reach an ERC trend of greater than 97th percentile. The Southeast Texas PSA ERC is forecast to set a 16 year, all-time high this week with the onset of accelerated drying. Counties in the Southeast Texas PSA area are Shelby, Nacogdoches, San Augustine, Sabine, Angelina, Polk, Tyler, Jasper, Newton, Liberty, and Hardin.
Timpson VFD work with the Forest Service to contain August 16 wildfire.
Extreme heat will continue to promote an efficient burning environment Thursday and Friday as the upper level ridge of high pressure becomes the dominant weather feature.
Ways to help prevent fires:
- Park in designated spaces and avoid driving over and/or parking on dry grass. The heat from a vehicle can easily ignite the grass.
- When using a cooking fire or campfire, never leave it unattended. Always make sure it is completely out by drowning it with water, stirring it and feeling to ensure it is out cold before leaving.
- When pulling a trailer, ensure the chains are properly connected and do not drag on the road as this can create sparks.
- If you witness suspicious behavior or signs of arson, immediately call the local authorities.
Stay wildfire aware. If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.
For more information about wildfires and how to prepare for them, visit online https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/default.aspx.
Timpson fireman, "Mr. Frank" Chimney, works to extinguish August 16th wildfire in town.
August 17, 2023 - The Center Fire Department responded to two car fires recently in Center.
The first fire took places at Tyson Foods Tuesday, August 15, at 9:05pm just outside the guard shack just off Industrial Ave. When fire personnel arrived at the scene, a white 2012 Volkswagen passenger car was fully involved. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire and prevent involvement of additional vehicles and structures nearby.
Fire appeared to have originated within the interior of the vehicle.
Fire personnel returned to the station at 9:50pm. The Center Police Department was also on scene.
The Center Fire Department was dispatched to a car fire at 8:49pm on the Center square when it was reported a vehicle was on fire in front of the old records building across from All Hours Fitness.
When firefighters arrived, a 2014 Ford Mustang was fully involved in the interior passenger compartment and Center Police Officers assisted in helping to extinguish the blaze.
Once the fire was out, fire personnel continued their investigation to try and determine the origin of the fire.
A Toyota Sienna parked directly next to the Mustang received minor damage from the fire.
The fire personnel returned to the station at 9:32pm.
Voluntary Conservation Notice Effective Thursday, August 17 from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. CT
August 17, 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, forecasted record demand and lower reserves due to low wind-power generation. The Voluntary Conservation Notice is in effect from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. CT today, Thursday, August 17.
ERCOT is not experiencing emergency conditions at this time. Voluntary conservation is a widely used industry tool that can help lower demand during a specific period of time, typically late afternoon and evening.
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 extended a Weather Watch through August 18 due to forecasted higher temperatures, higher demand, and the potential for lower reserves.
ERCOT is requesting all government agencies (including city and county offices) to implement all programs to reduce energy use at their facilities.
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).
If a Texas consumer is experiencing an outage, it is local in nature and not related to overall grid reliability. Customers should check with their local electric provider for more information. If a consumer needs further assistance, they can contact the PUCT’s Customer Protection Division by calling 1-888-782-8477 or emailing customer@puc.texas.gov.
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.
On August 10, ERCOT set a new all-time unofficial peak demand record of 85,435 MW. In 2022, the Aug. peak demand was 78,365 MW. This summer, ERCOT has set 10 new all-time peak demand records. Last summer, ERCOT set 11 new peak demand records.
About the Public Utility Commission
Our mission is to serve Texans by regulating the state’s electric, telecommunication, and water and sewer utilities, implementing respective legislation, and offering customer assistance in resolving consumer complaints. Since its founding in 1975, the Commission has a long and proud history of service to Texas, protecting customers, fostering competition, and promoting high quality infrastructure. To learn more, please visit https://www.puc.texas.gov.
August 16, 2023 - A Shelby County Grand Jury handed down 32 indictments on Monday, July 26, 2023. The grand jury was impaneled for the July 2023 term of the 123rd/273rd Judicial District Courts.
Larry Dewayne Thomas was indicted for burglary of a building, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on January 3, 2023, Thomas had intent to commit theft and entered a building or a portion of a building not then open to the public, without the consent of Abundant Love Church, the owner. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Larry Dewayne Thomas was indicted for burglary of a building, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on December 28, 2022, Thomas had intent to commit theft and entered a building or a portion of a building not then open to the public without the consent of Kenneth Hardy, the owner, and attempted to commit or committed the felony offense of theft. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Larry Dewayne Thomas was indicted for burglary of a building, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on December 31, 2022, Thomas had intent to commit theft and entered a building or a portion of a building not then open to the public without the consent of Kenneth Hardy, the owner, and attempted to commit or committed the felony offense of theft. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Larry Dewayne Thomas was indicted for burglary of a building, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on January 12, 2023, Thomas had intent to commit theft and entered a building or a portion of a building not then open to the public without the consent of SG Communities, the owner, and attempted to commit or committed the felony offense of theft. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Michael Barbee was indicted for deadly conduct discharge firearm, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on March 10, 2023, Barbee discharged a firearm at or in the direction of individuals, namely Richard Phillips and Jennifer Newman. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Giovani Tyrone Johnson was indicted for criminal mischief, >=$2,500<$30,000, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on May 29, 2023, Johnson made a marking on tangible property, to-wit: vehicle located in Center, Texas, without the consent of Niesha Lashay Young, Lamya Shiandrea Lister, Kalyn Leandra Rhodes, and Union Acres, the owners of the property, and did there by cause pecuniary loss of $2,500 or more but less than $30,000 to the owners. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Giovani Tyrone Johnson was indicted for evading arrest, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on May 26, 2023, Johnson intentionally fled from Center Police officer Jerry Payne, a person Johnson knew was a peace officer attempting to lawfully arrest or detain Johnson. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Christopher Scott Taylor was indicted for burglary of a habitation, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on February 9, 2023, Taylor entered a habitation without consent of Tia Caryl, the owner, and attempted to commit or committed theft of multiple items that were on the porch of the home, owned by James Raymond. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Allen Rangel was indicted for assault on a public servant, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on December 15, 2022, Rangel caused bodily injury to jailer Lawhorn by slamming him into the wall and causing injury to Lawhorn's left hand. The affidavit further states Rangel knew Lawhorn was a public servant, namely a jailer in the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, lawfully discharging an official duty, namely trying to get Rangel into a jail cell. (273rd Judicial District Court) Related article: Center PD Arrests Off Duty Officer Following Disturbance Call
Allen Michael Rangel was indicted for assault on a public servant, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on December 17, 2022, Rangel caused bodily injury to Center Police Officer Jerry Payne by grabbing his arm. The affidavit further states Rangel knew Payne was a public servant, namely a peace officer, lawfully discharging an official duty, investigating a call. (273rd Judicial District Court) Related article: Center PD Arrests Off Duty Officer Following Disturbance Call
Allen Michael Rangel was indicted for terroristic threat against peace officer/judge, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on December 17, 2022, Rangel threatened to commit an offense involving violence to Center Police Officer Jerry Payne with intent to place Officer Payne in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. (273rd Judicial District Court) Related article: Center PD Arrests Off Duty Officer Following Disturbance Call
Allen Rangel was indicted for assault on a public servant, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on December 17, 2022, Rangel caused bodily injury to Center Police Sergeant Andrew Williams by head-butting him in the head. The affidavit further states Rangel knew Williams was a public servant, namely a peace officer, lawfully discharging an official duty, investigating a call. (273rd Judicial District Court)Related article: Center PD Arrests Off Duty Officer Following Disturbance Call
Buford Telfair was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on May 10, 2023, Telfair exhibited a deadly weapon, to-wit a Chrysler 200, and did then and there intentionally and knowingly threaten imminent bodily injury to Eric Jerome Jackson, Lawonda Jean Roland, and Umeka Shonte Suell by running over them. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Shana Deanne Bearden was indicted for credit card or debit card abuse of the elderly, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on May 12, 2023, Bearden fraudulently obtained a benefit, present or use a credit card, namely a Discover card, with knowledge that the card had not been issued to Bearden, and with knowledge that the card was not used with the consent of the cardholder, namely Thelma Hendricks. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Gutavo Angel Pallares was indicted for money laundering >=$2,500<$30K, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on January 2, 2023, Pallares possessed the proceeds of criminal activity, namely manufacture or deliver controlled substances, and the value of the funds was $2,500 or more but less than $30,000. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Gary P. Wagner was indicted for misapplication of fiduciary property or property of financial institution, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, pursuant to one scheme or continuing course of conduct that began on or about April 1, 2010 and ended on or about May 31, 2012, Wagner misapplied U.S. Currency of the value of $20,000 or more but less than $100,000 that he held as a fiduciary or as a person acting in a fiduciary capacity, but not as a commercial bailee, contrary to an agreement under which Wagner held the property. The indictment further alleges, this was done in a manner involving substantial risk of loss of the property to Whalen's Fine Dining, LLC, the owner of the property, and the person for whose benefit the property was held, by converting the said property to his own personal use. The indictment additionally references an indictment of Wagner on March 19, 2014 for an offense arising from the same alleged conduct and course of action by Wagner, to-wit, theft of property valued at $20,000 or more but less than $100,000, which remains pending as of the current indictment. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Gary P. Wagner was indicted for theft of property $20,000 or more but less than $100,000, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, pursuant to one scheme or continuing course of conduct that began on or about April 1, 2010 and ended on or about May 31, 2012, Wagner misapplied U.S. Currency of the value of $20,000 or more but less than $100,000 that he held as a fiduciary or as a person acting in a fiduciary capacity, but not as a commercial bailee, contrary to an agreement under which Wagner held the property. The indictment further alleges, this was done in a manner involving substantial risk of loss of the property to Whalen's Fine Dining, LLC, the owner of the property, and the person for whose benefit the property was held, by converting the said property to his own personal use. The indictment additionally references an indictment of Wagner on March 19, 2014 for an offense arising from the same alleged conduct and course of action by Wagner, to-wit, theft of property valued at $20,000 or more but less than $100,000, which remains pending as of the current indictment. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Jodie Miller was indicted for theft of property >=$2,500<$30K, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on December 22, 2022, Miller unlawfully took miscellaneous tools from James Lindley, the owner, with intent to deprive Lindley of the property. The aggregate value of the property obtained is alleged to be $2,500 or more but less than $30,000. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Brandon Curtis Bledsoe was indicted for cruelty to non-livestock animals: kill/poison/serious bodily injury, third degree felony. The indictment alleges on March 27, 2023, Bledsoe recklessly in a cruel manner to kill an animal, namely a dog, by chaining it to a tree leaving him to die. The indictment further states Bledsoe's conduct was not an otherwise lawful for of conduct occurring solely for the purpose of or in the support of fishing, hunting, or trapping; or wildlife management, wildlife depredation control, or shooting preserve practices as regulated by state and federal law; or animal husbandry, or agriculture practice involving livestock animals. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Joshua Clint James was indicted for theft of property >=$30K<$150K, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on April 15, 2023, James took tools, furniture, and appliances valued at $30,000 or more but less than $150,000 from Long and Brenda Ly, the owner, without consent of the owner and with intent to deprive the owner of their property. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Tyquwon Shonta Bussey was indicted for accident involving injury, felony. The indictment alleges, on January 25, 2023, while Bussey was operating a vehicle, and after being involved in an accident that Bussey knew resulted in injury to a person and while knowing an accident had occurred, intentionally and knowingly failed to immediately stop the vehicle he was driving at the scene of the accident or as close to the scene of the accident as possible. The indictment further states the accident resulted in bodily injury to Martha Hooper.
(Some of the following content contained within indictments is of a sensitive nature and may not be suitable for younger viewers.)
Ramiro Rax Xol was indicted for sex abuse of child continuous: victim under 14. The indictment alleges, on September 13, during a period that was 30 or more days in duration namely from on or about December 1, 2021 through March 30, 2022, when the defendant was 17 or older, committed two or more acts of sexual abuse against a child younger than 14. Namely, by penetrating the sexual organ of the victim with his sexual organ on two or more occasions.
James Burke was indicted for possession of child pornography, third degree felony. The indictment alleges on December 21, 2022, Burke possessed visual material that visually depicted, and which Burke knew visually depicted, a child who was younger than 18 years of age at the time the image of the child was made, engaging in sexual conduct, namely deviate sexual intercourse. The indictment further indicates Burke was convicted of the offense of 4th degree sexual assault on October 30, 2014, in the 12th Judicial District 1 Division, Sebastion County, Arkansas. (273rd Judicial District Court) Related article: Child Predator Undercover Operation Catches Timpson Man
Kenith Yeager was indicted for aggravated sexual assault of a child, first degree felony. The indictment alleges, on July 1, 2022, Yeager cause the penetration of a child who was then and there younger than 14 years of age and not the spouse of Yeager, by digital penetration. (123rd Judicial District Court)
(Dates in parenthesis indicate the date of the alleged incident):
- Hunter Newman Wagstaff, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=1G<4G (methamphetamine), third degree felony (December 25, 2022). (123rd Judicial District Court)
- Gustavo Angel Pallares, manufacture or delivery of substance in penalty group 2 or 2A (psilocybin), first degree felony. (January 2, 2023). (123rd Judicial District Court)
- Gustavo Angel Pallares, manufacture or delivery of substance in penalty group 2 or 2A (marijuana), first degree felony. (January 2, 2023). (123rd Judicial District Court)
- Gustavo Angel Pallares, manufacture or delivery of substance in penalty group 2 or 2A (tetrahydrocannabinol), first degree felony. (January 2, 2023). (123rd Judicial District Court)
- Sidney R. Ingram, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=1G<4G (methamphetamine), third degree felony (February 18, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
- Denesia Lynn Permenter, manufacture or delivery of substance in penalty group 1 (methamphetamine), second degree felony. (August 26, 2022). (123rd Judicial District Court)
- Esbeide Jaimes, felony driving while intoxicated, third degree felony. (February 6, 2023). (123rd Judicial District Court)
Related articles:
- Child Predator Undercover Operation Catches Timpson Man
- Center PD Arrests Off Duty Officer Following Disturbance Call
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.
August 16, 2023 - The Shelby County Commissioners heard several financial updates from the county treasurer and were informed on tax rate options to consider by the tax assessor during their August 9, 2023 meeting.
Ann Blackwell, County Treasurer, updated the commissioners on the weekly expenses they were considering. She remarked on one item in the list of weekly expenses, which she indicated to be the cost of housing inmates out of county. This was a payment to the Panola County Treasurer in the amount of $14,850.
Another expenditure Blackwell referenced was for equipment the Sheriff’s Department is getting through an “e grant,” at a cost of $36,045.39. Judge Allison Harbison asked that the equipment is being paid for out of the grant, and Blackwell clarified the county is paying the $36,045.39 with the anticipation of a reimbursement once the county makes a requests.
Blackwell comments the total was $1,100 more than was originally requested.
Another bill for $12,500 from Bladeco LLC was meant to be split between all precincts; however, Blackwell said the total had been charged to Precinct 1 and that would need to be adjusted with each precinct reimbursing Precinct 1.
A motion by Stevie Smith, Precinct 3 Commissioner, to approve the weekly expenses was seconded by Jimmy Lout, Precinct 2 Commissioner, and the motion carried.
Blackwell then gave the officers report for the month of July, and during that report she explained the bank which holds the county’s investments will pay percentage points over what Texpool does, and she will be moving $4,000,000 from Texpool to that account for the county to earn more and provide more diversity in investments.
Blackwell explained to the commissioners there have been some expenditures out of the American Rescue Plan Act fund (ARPA) during July 12, 2023 to August 2, 2023, and the current accounts payable checks totaled $818,525.25 which she said was for motor graders.
She presented the commissioners with a list of projects planned and pending utilizing ARPA funds, and what has been paid to date. Blackwell stated $2,085,223.30 has been paid, with projects pending of $803,123.80 which doesn’t include the expense of the Huber Well or the AgriLife and gym remodel.
Completed projects she referenced for the commissioners include the jail roof, jail sewer, election equipment, and some of the equipment the Road and Bridge departments have ordered. According to Blackwell, the cash balance is $2,823,954.70. The fund balance remaining to obligate is $2,020,830.90.
A motion made by Tom Bellmyer, Commissioner Precinct 4, was seconded by Commissioner Smith, and the motion carried.
Debora Riley, Tax Assessor/Collector, presented the 2023 Calculated rates for the commissioners. She reminded the commissioners that in 2022 they adopted a tax rate of .6948 and as of June 30, 2023, according to Riley her office has collected $12,095,608 which includes current and delinquent taxes for general fund and the special road and bridge. Riley said the collection rate for the 2022 tax year with that included is 99%.
Riley presented the no-new-revenue tax rate for this year of $0.590161 and the voter-approval rate of $0.612816 which is the highest rate the taxing unit can adopt without holding an election unless there’s some unused increment. Riley explained another rate, which is the voter-approval rate with unused increment and that is $0.659302.
The commissioners continued to discuss the tax rate; however, the item was only up for discussion and no action was taken.
The commissioners considered local optional fees, for the calendar year 2023, (Chapter 502 of the Transportation code), which are already in place. Riley explained further these are fees collected through the motor vehicle side of her office and the county commissioners courts are statutorily required to notify the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles yearly regarding the imposition or removal of optional fees.
The Road and Bridge fee is $10 and cannot exceed that amount and the Child Safety fee is $1.50 and cannot exceed that amount.
Roscoe McSwain, Commissioner Precinct 1, moved to keep the fees as they are, and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Bellmyer. The motion carried.
Riley presented the commissioners with an annual contract from Computer Information Concepts which her office uses regularly, and it was at a cost of $4,600.
Commissioner McSwain moved to continue with the contract with Computer Information Concepts, and Commissioner Bellmyer seconded his motion. The motion carried.
The commissioners discussed shelving that was intended for the Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace office and which has been stored at the Sheriff’s Department. Commissioner Bellmyer has some of the shelving, and he recommended Commissioner Smith use some in his new barn.
A motion by Commissioner Smith to retain the shelves and let the commissioners divide the shelves up amongst themselves was seconded by Commissioner Bellmyer, and the motion carried.
Constables Josh Tipton and Taylor Fanguy spoke with the commissioners about the possible exchange of vehicles between their precincts.
Constable Tipton stated they are open to what the commissioners choose to do. He stated the Tahoe he currently has is a very good vehicle. Constable Fanguy said the camera system, radio and radar are what would be coming out of his old vehicle for a new one. Tipton provided the court a quote of $2,400 to install equipment and decals on the Tahoe which came from DeSoto Parish.
Commissioner Smith asked Tipton what vehicle was best, referring to the Tahoe against the Explorer that Fanguy currently has. Constable Tipton said it’s a toss up between the two; however, he said the Explorer is a pursuit vehicle, and he doesn’t want officers in a vehicle that can reach 160 mph. Constable Tipton said to the commissioners his office isn’t going to be in pursuits and things of that nature.
The court asked Constable Fanguy how many times the vehicle he drives has been wrecked, and he only knew of one incident before he took office and possession of the vehicle, and he confirmed for Judge Harbison he hasn’t wrecked the vehicle once.
Discussion continued on the potential of the vehicle being used for courthouse security.
Commissioner Bellmyer moved to turn the Constable Precinct 4 vehicle into the courthouse security vehicle once Constable Fanguy receives his new vehicle, leave the Tahoe in the Constable Precinct 5 office to be upgraded, and the motion was seconded by Commissioner McSwain and the motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 10:13am.
Officers report for the month of July: Debora Riley, Tax Assessor/Collector: Property - $149,444.30; $38,631.86; Total $188,076.16 Jennifer Fountain, County Clerk: $32,912.49 Lori Oliver, District Clerk: $12,311.69 Donna Hughes, JP 1: $6,329 Marla Denby, JP 2: 0.00 Melba Rodgers, JP 3: $4,347 Dee Dee Green, JP 4: $538 Tracy Broadway, JP 5: $5,265 Zack Warr, Constable 1: $270 James Hagler, Constable 2: 0.00 Roy Cheatwood, Constable 3: $360 Taylor Fanguy, Constable 4: $90 Josh Tipton, Constable 5: $180 Sheriff’s Fees: $885 Total $251,564.34 Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Minutes of July 5, 2023 special meeting, July 5, 2023 Budget Workshop,July 12, 2023 Regular meeting, July 26, 2023 special meeting of the Shelby county commissioners court. 2. Pay weekly expenses. 3. Officers Report. 4. Retain local optional fees for the calendar year 2023,$10 for Road and Bridge; $1.50 for Child Safety fee. 5. Renew yearly contract with Computer Information Concepts for the Tax Office. 6. Divide shelving from JP #1's office which are stored at the Sheriff's Office between the commissioners. 7. Turn the Constable Precinct 4 vehicle into the courthouse security vehicle once Constable Fanguy receives his new vehicle, leave the Tahoe in the Constable Precinct 5 office to be upgraded. 8. Appoint Kerri Shofner as Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator. 9. Adjourn. 10:13
The water on Denning Rural WSC no longer requires boiling.
August 15, 2023 - On August 8, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Denning Rural Water Supply, #2030004, 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.
Denning Rural Water Supply has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of December 9, 2022.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact the office: 220 West Columbia Street, San Augustine, Texas, call 936-288-0489, or Charles Sharp 936-201-5001.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
If a customer, individual or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512)239-4691.
August 8, 2023 - Due to a low chlorine residual, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required the Denning Rural Water System PWS# 2030004 to notify customers to boil their water prior to consumption (eg., washing hands/ face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children, seniors and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.
In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customer that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received the notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Denning Rural Water System at 220 W. Columbia Street, San Augustine, Texas, 75972, or call 936-288-0489 or Charles Sharp at 936-201-5001.
August 15, 2023 - Utility crews repaired a water main located on Martin Street. Due to the nature of the repair, various water main valves were closed to reduce loss in the water storage tanks throughout our system. Fire hydrants in the surrounding area were opened to alleviate pressure in order to make the repair safe and completed as quick as possible.
After repairs are made, utility crews will be flushing surrounding areas and monitoring the water quality. You may notice a slight cloudy appearance due to the air in the line still being flushed out of the system. Disinfection residuals are normal, however, if the air is still noticeable after a period of time, contact City Hall.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our Public Works Department at 936-598-2941.
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