Lake Pinkston Estates Boil Water Notice - July 7, 2008
Submitted by Jackie L. Fountain, Operator

Due to a water break on the Lake Pinkston Estates on July 6, 2008, there will be a boil water notice for the residents of the Lake Pinkston Estates until further notice.

Apparent Suicide After Standoff - July 6, 2008

At 12:17 PM, Sunday, July 6th, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a lady stating that she and her father had had an altercation in which a gun was involved and that a shot had been fired. She went on to state that she had gone to a neighbor's house to call the Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Newton Johnson and deputies responded to the call in the Byrd Town Community. After arriving on the scene, they were told that Robert Gann was in the house and would not come out. Texas Ranger, Tom Davis; District Attorney, Lynda K. Russell; DPS Officers, Game Wardens, Shelbyville Fire Department and the Center Fire Department were on the site in addition to Sheriff Johnson and his deputies.

Officers could not talk to Gann by telephone because it had been disabled in the house so they attempted to talk to him by loud speakers from their cars. After trying to talk to him for over two hours, with no response; tear gas was used on the house. Still no response was received. Officers then entered the house and found Mr. Gann with what appeared to be a self inflicted fatal gunshot wound.

Justice of the Peace Pct. 2, Bert Furlow, pronounced Mr. Gann, 60 years of age,dead at the scene. His body was taken to Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. An autopsy has been requested.

Truck/Travel Trailer Crashes Texas State Bank- July 2, 2008

At approximately 3 PM, Tuesday, July 2, a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500, pulling a new travel trailer, hit the corner of the Texas State Bank Drive-In on Tenaha Street, causing the complete awning to come to the ground. Luckily, the driver of the Dodge, Mickey Miller, of Garrison and his 10 year old son were able to exit their vehicle uninjured.

According to Miller he was circling the bank to park on the other side when the corner of his travel trailer caught the corner of the bank awning. Next thing he heard was a rumble as the awning started falling against his driver's side door. Somehow he was able to unbuckle the seat beat and exit the other side of his truck as it was falling.

Mark Ivy of Texas State Bank stated that the main lobby would be open for business while the drive-in is being repaired. For more photos Click Here

Four employees of the Center Police Department were recognized at the 57th Annual East Texas Peace Officers Association Banquet on July 1, 2008 at the Fredonia Hotel in Nacogdoches.

• Narcotics Officer of the Year- Detective Ricky King
• Telecommunications Officer Of the Year- Genera Bolton
• Peace Officer of the Year- Detective Sergeant Nicole Faulkner
• Rookie of the Year- Officer Donnie Dickerson, Jr.

17 Year Old Arrested For Dog Fighting - July 2, 2008
Submitted by Center Polcie Department

On June 10, 2008, Center Police Department received a call in reference to Cruelty to Animals in the area of Matlock St. in Center, Texas. Upon the officers arrival it was discovered that seven pitt bull dogs had injuries that were not being treated. It was also found that several of the animals did not have any food or water. The dogs were removed from the property and have been seized by the Center Police Department. Center Police Department executed a search warrant on the property and found evidence that led police to believe that the property had been used for fighting the dogs. Officers arrested 17 year old Travis Patton Jr of Center. Patton has been charged with Cruelty to Animals, and two charges of Dog Fighting. This investigation is ongoing and will be forwarded to the County and District Attorney’s Office for prosecution

June 2008 Center Rainfall Report - July 1, 2008
Submitted by Jim & Ann Forbes

According to a weather report prepared by Jim and Ann Forbes, Center has received 4.78 inches of rainfall during the month of June 2008. To see the full report, click here.

Leadership Shelby County Applications Being Accepted

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce will soon establish the Leadership Shelby County 2008-2009 class participants. Applications are currently being accepted for Leadership Shelby County, a year long program designed to identify potential leaders and develop within these individuals the knowledge, skills and vision necessary to enable them to actively participate in the enhancement of their communities. Anyone throughout Shelby County who is interested in community trusteeship may apply. Participants will meet for one day each month to study specific topics including education, local & state government, health & human services, economic development, quality of life and heritage.

For more information or to have an application sent to you, please contact the Chamber office at (936) 598-3682 or e-mail info@shelbycountychamber.com. Applications will be accepted until July 17, 2008.