TS Edouard Preparations Suggested by Chambers Co Emergency Mgmt
Posted by Melanie Thibodeaux on 04 Aug 2008
Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia announced today that the Department of Emergency Management was following the developments of Tropical Storm Edouard. Current projections include winds possible from 35mph to 70mph at landfall and that it could reach Cat 1 strength. Tropical Storm winds forecast to arrive at 5-6am Tuesday morning, 70mph winds around 9am. A 3ft Tide at Smith Point is projected, as is 3-5” of rain, 10” in isolated areas. There will be possible tornado activity late tonight and possible power outages.
In making preparations for the storm, county officials suggested securing loose items in yard, or items that may blow in the wind. Be prepared for power outages. And, citizens living in extreme low-lying areas, un-anchored mobile homes and RVs, are recommended to relocate. Three wind shelters will be open in Chambers County: East Chambers Jr. High, Anahuac Middle School, and Barbers Hill Middle School. Shelters will not open until 7pm this evening. Persons going to a shelter must bring their own supplies, such as food, water, medications, and bedding. They reiterated that SUPPLIES WILL NOT BE PROVIDED AT THE SHELTERS.
Information may be obtained by calling the County Emergency Information line at 409-267-3737 (recorded messages) or the EOC at 409-267-8295.
Winnie Murder Suspect Arrested in Oklahoma
Posted by Melanie Thibodeaux on 07 Jul 2008
The suspect in the Sunday murder of Winnie's David Davis, Devan Meeks was just located and arrested by police in Muskogee, Oklahoma, for the Auto Theft out of Port Arthur, Texas. Melina Perry was found with Meeks and is safe. Both are being detained there until investigators from Texas can interview them. The truck has also been recovered there. No charges relating to the homicide in Winnie have been filed yet, but the investigation continues.
Winnie Homicide Under Investigation
Posted by Melanie Thibodeaux on 07 Jul 2008
Chambers County Deputies, along with the Winnie Stowell Fire Department were dispatched to a house fire at 1329 Rose Street in Winnie yesterday, Sunday morning. A newspaper delivery person noticed smoke coming from the residence and attempted to make contact with the resident, at which time the deceased body of the homeowner was discovered just inside the front door. The fire department extinguished a smoldering fire that appeared to have been intentionally set to the living room furniture.
In a joint investigation conducted by the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Rangers, it appears that the victim, 43 year old David Davis of Winnie was killed sometime during the early morning hours of July 6, 2008. Justice of the Peace Yale Devillier ordered an autopsy, and the cause of death is pending the outcome of that autopsy.
According to family and friends of the victim, Davis had been caring for the 16 year old female daughter of a friend. That juvenile, Melina Nicole Perry (w/f, 09-27-1991, 5’4”, 150 lbs, Brown hair, hazel eyes) has not been seen or heard from since Mr. Davis’ murder.
It is believed that Davis had been in an ongoing disagreement with Perry’s 19 year old boyfriend, Devan Meeks (w/m, DOB 04-17-1989), who Davis did not want hanging around the house. Information received after Davis’ murder lead investigators to believe that Perry’s life may also be in danger. Authorities are attempting to get a multi-state Amber Alert issued for Perry. Meeks is a person of interest in the homicide and missing juvenile case. Additionally, Meeks is a suspect in the theft of a family member’s grey 2000 Chevrolet ½ ton single cab truck with Texas LP 76Y-WX5, which is reported stolen out of Port Arthur PD. Anyone with information in this case is asked to contact the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office at 409-267-8331 or 409-267-8319, or Eastex Crimestoppers at 409-724-TIPS.
Kaitlyn Hale is Number Two in State
Posted by Melanie Thibodeaux on 04 May 2008
East Chambers Senior Kaitlyn Hale traveled to Austin last weekend to compete in State UIL Journalism competition. She placed second in News Writing and then came back to place third in Headline Writing. In a unique twist, while other schools brought multi-member teams to compete, Kaitlyn was the only journalism representative from East Chambers, and this single-member EC Journalism Team won Third Overall.
Neighborhood News salutes Kaitlyn Hale for her successful climb to state recognition. Congratulations!
W-S Hospital Board to Hold Special Meeting Tues 4/22
Posted by Melanie Thibodeaux on 21 Apr 2008
The Winnie-Stowell Hospital District Board has a special called meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at noon at the East Chambers County Courthouse Annex on Broadway. The special meeting will address the doctor retention program the board has been discussing. The meeting is open to the public.
Commissioner's Court Addresses Parks and Rec Activities
Posted by Melanie Thibodeaux on 27 Mar 2008
Chambers Co Commissioners Court met Tuesday in regular session. Among some of the business discussed was the purchase of playground equipment for Fort Anahuac Park. On the east side of the county, Parks & Recreation will be responsible for the removal of the aluminum bleachers at the East chambers High School football stadium. These bleachers will be re-installed at Winnie-Stowell Park and other venues throughout the county.
The Commissioners also set the date for Chambers County Day in Austin for next year. It will be Tuesday, February 10th.
In EMS funding from the sales tax, the second quarter payment to each of the EMS departments will be $74,375. Other items were discussed and business handled for the various county departments. The next Commissioners Court meeting will be April 8, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. at the Courthouse in Anahuac.
W-S Hospital District Meeting on Wednesday, Mary 26
Posted by Melanie Thibodeaux on 23 Mar 2008
The Winnie-Stowell Hospital District has a regular meeting tomorrow (Wednesda, Mar 26) at the Winnie Sub-Courthouse Annex on Broadway at 6pm. Take the opportunity to find out what your elected officials are doing to assist your local health care providers with your tax dollars. There is an election in less than 60 days. Attend the meeting and make an informed decision at the polls.
Family Entertainment at Chambers Co Sesquicentennial Celebration Saturday
Posted by Melanie Thibodeaux on 23 Mar 2008
The Chambers County Sesquicentennial celebration will be this Saturday, March 29th at Fort Anahuac Park from 10am until Midnight. Admission is free. Afternoon family entertainment includes pony rides, petting zoo, artisans and craftsmen, wagon rides, gospel singing and lots more. The Chambers County Economic Development office is heading up the event and they are encouraging everyone to bring their lawn chairs, relax and spend the day (and evening). There will be a street dance and fireworks that night (BYOB). Entertainers include The Electric Blues Crew, Cheap Whiskey and Al White and Chaparral. For more info, contact Eco Development at (409) 267-8225.
Local Sixth Grader Killed in Tragic Accident
Posted by Melanie Thibodeaux on 19 Mar 2008
Twelve-year-old Dustin Kershaw was killed in the early hours of Wednesday (3/19) morning as he and at least one other friend were crossing the road. According to sources close to the family, Kershaw was the only one in the roadway when a woman was driving eastbound on Hwy 73 and struck Dustin, who died at the scene. Dustin was the son of Laurie Kershaw. No charges had been filed as of press time. More details will be available on the website later.
Tracking Dogs Used to Arrest Wilcox Pharmacy Burglar
Posted by Melanie Thibodeaux on 18 Mar 2008
On Thursday, March 13, 2008, at approximately 1:30am, Chambers County Deputy Melody Kelley was dispatched to Wilcox Pharmacy, located at 415 Highway 124 in Winnie, Texas in reference to an alarm. Upon Deputy Kelley’s arrival, it was found that Wilcox Pharmacy had been burglarized. The actors stole cash, along with a fire proof safe, coins, two lap top computers and prescription medications. After viewing the surveillance video, it appeared that the actors were five black or Hispanic males, wearing black shirts with hoods. Investigator David Rabalais called in Fort Bend County’s tracking dogs, which led Investigator Rabalais to the front door of one of the suspects. On Friday, March 14, 2008, Investigator Rabalais, Deputy Tony Rosetta, and Constable Dennis Dugat arrested 17 year old black male Troy Baxter Stelly Jr. of Winnie, Texas for Burglary of a Building. Troy Baxter Stelly Jr. is currently in the Chambers County Jail with a $20,000 bond.
Comeaux, Kahla Face Off in Constable's Run-off Election
Posted by Melanie Thibodeaux on 17 Mar 2008
Early voting for an important run-off election on the Bolivar Peninsula begins March 31st and lasts through April 4th. And on Tuesday, April 8th, Pct 9 Constable candidates William Comeaux and Rodney Kahla will face each other for the nod of the Democratic party.
Comeaux and Kahla are vieing for the Constable's seat, as there is no Republican challenger in the November general election. The primary race on March 4th saw Comeaux pick up 37 percent of the vote and Kahla, 36 percent.
Both candidates have backgrounds in criminal justice and are lifelong residents of the Bolivar Peninsula.
Local Law Enforcement Learns More About DWI Investigation, Prosecution
Posted by Melanie Thibodeaux on 14 Mar 2008
Chambers County Attorney Cheryl Swope Lieck teamed up with The Texas District and County Attorneys Association, Anheuser-Busch, and the Texas Department of Transportation on Friday, March 7, to help train local law enforcement personnel in DWI investigation and prosecution.
The training, Guarding Texas Roadways DWI Summit, was the first of its kind. It was a state-wide effort which was broadcast live on Anheuser-busch’s internal satellite network to more than 1200 law enforcement officers and prosecutors.
At 1677 deaths, Texas has the nation’s highest numbers of alcohol-related traffic fatalities. While the number of deaths may have decreased 10% since 2000, there is still more work to be done.
many challenges arise during a DWI and/or intoxication manslaughter case: complex, constitutional, legal, and procedural and scientific issues, as well as social attitudes. Local law enforcement officers received training on traffic stops, roadside sobriety testing, breath and blood sample testing and trial testimony.
Most law enforcement agencies in Chambers county were represented at Friday’s summit including: Chambers county Sheriff’s Office, Baytown Police Department, Mont Belvieu Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Additionally, all six constables attended as well: Don R. Langford, Cecil (Popeye) Oldham, Donnie Standley, Dennis Dugat, Ben L. (Butch) Bean, and Robert Barrow.
EC Youth Football to Elect Board Officers
Posted by Melanie Thibodeaux on 13 Mar 2008
EC Youth Football League will be holding Board Member elections on March 24th at 6:30pm in Trinity Church’s “Hitching Post” located in the Market Basket strip center next to Dairy Queen. The following Board Positions are open: Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Coaches Representative.
Those interested in a board position should call David McBride 409-296-4220.
Anyone with a child who played in the league last year will be eligible for office and eligible to vote. Please come by and support our league.
Chambers Co Library Coloring Contest Winnier Announced
Posted by Melanie Thibodeaux on 13 Mar 2008
The Chambers County Library in Anahuac held a coloring contest for kids ages 7-11 to win the latest Nintendo Wii game, “Endless Ocean.” The winner was D'shaun Richardson. Nintendo of America has partnered with the Chambers County Library in its efforts to promote gaming in the library by donating a Nintendo Wii and advance copies of Wii games. All kids are welcome to come play the Nintendo and Xbox 360 after school or on Saturdays.
Voters to Elect Trinity Bay Directors by Precinct
Posted by Melanie Thibodeaux on 12 Mar 2008
Trinity Bay Conservation District clarified today to Neighborhood News that voters will be allowed to cast their ballot for director only in the precinct in which they live, not all directors' races. TBCD precincts, however, do not follow regular county precinct lines. The election polling officials will have voter lists with proper precinct numbers on election day. TBCD staff are working to provide a way for voters to determine their precinct prior to election day. Neighborhood News will have a map available next week on the website.
Local Elections See Variety of Candidates
Posted by Melanie Thibodeaux on 11 Mar 2008
Local municipalities will have contested races in their May 10th elections. They include the Trinity Bay Conservation District, the Winnie-Stowell Hospital District, and the East Chambers ISD. The deadline for filing for the elections was Monday, March 10th.
Trinity Bay has three positions whose terms are expiring. Pct 4, held by Joe Nelson of Smith Point, will be uncontested. However, Trinity Bay Board President Peanut Gilfillian, who represents Pct 5, will be challenged by Dorothy Fay Hamilton. Both incumbent and challenger are from Stowell. Richie Devillier of Winnie, who represents Pct 2 on the board, is being challenged by Matt Oldham, also of Winnie.
The Winnie-Stowell Hospital District has two positions open. Candidates do not run for a specific position. The two candidates who garner the most votes will fill those positions. Filing for the election are incumbents Sharon Burgess and Annette Rayburn, both of Winnie. Two challengers have filed to run for the board, as well, which include David Hillyer of Winnie and Bobby Way of Stowell.
ECISD Board of Trustees positions held by Gary Hoffpauir and James Gibson expire. 18 year incumbent Hoffpauir will run unchallenged. ECISD Board President James Gibson's position is being challenged by local businessman Chuck O'Brien. All are Winnie residents.
From the Desk of Chambers Co Sheriff Joe LaRive
Posted by Melanie Thibodeaux on 11 Mar 2008
March is Poison Prevention Month and we urge families to take steps to protect against poisonings. From safely storing household chemicals, to posting the Poison Control Hotline Number, Home Safety Council research shows that most families are not taking the proper measures to reduce the risk of home poisonings. The Home Safety Council recommends reading product labels and locking away those with the words ‘Caution,’ ‘Warning,’ or ‘Danger ‘on the label; keep dangerous products away from food and drinks; properly use and maintain fueled appliances; install a Carbon Monoxide alarm near sleeping areas; and put the POISON CONTROL help number (1-800-222-1222) and other emergency numbers next to every phone and store them in cell phone directories. Also remember that prescription medication in the hands of children can be deadly.
SO's Winnie's Crime of the Week
Posted by Melanie Thibodeaux on 11 Mar 2008
On or about March 1, 2008, unknown suspect(s) stole a utility trailer from a residence located off of Carolyn Street in Winnie, Texas. The trailer is described as a 1989 20ft Well Utility Trailer with Texas Plates 85ZJWJ. If you know anyone who has recently acquired any property that matches this description or know anything about this case or any other case you are urged to call the Chambers County Sheriffs Office at 409-267-8318 or EasTex Crime Stoppers at 409-724-TIPS (8477) or log on to www.724tips.com to leave a tip. EasTex Crime Stoppers will pay cash for information leading to the arrest or conviction of anyone that has committed a crime. Remember you will remain anonymous when you contact EasTex Crime Stoppers.
SO's Anahuac Crime of the Week
Posted by Melanie Thibodeaux on 11 Mar 2008
On or about Wednesday, February 20, 2008, unknown suspect(s) threw a piece of broken concrete slab through the window of the new H & R Block building. This building is located between the Dollar General Store and Hill’s Grocery. If you know anything about this case or have any information about any other case you are urged to call the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office at 409-267-8318 or EasTex Crime Stoppers at 409-724-TIPS (8477) or log on to www.724tips.com to leave a tip. EasTex Crime Stoppers will pay cash for information leading to the arrest or conviction of anyone that committed a crime. Remember you will remain anonymous when you contact EasTex Crime Stoppers.
SO's West Chambers Co Crime of the Week
Posted by Melanie Thibodeaux on 11 Mar 2008
Fisher Road Baptist Church was hit by vandals recently. On or about Sunday, February 17, 2008, unknown suspect(s) busted out the front window of the church. The unknown suspect(s) also attempted to pry open a door on a building next to the church. If you know anything about this case or any other case you are urged to call the Chambers County Sheriffs Office at 409-267-8318 or EasTex Crime Stoppers at 409-724-TIPS (8477) or log on to www.724tips.com to leave a tip. EasTex Crime Stoppers will pay cash for information leading to the arrest or conviction of anyone who has committed a crime. Remember you will remain anonymous when you contact EasTex Crime Stoppers.
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