Due to the extreme wildfire conditions that exist in Orange County resulting from the drought like weather conditions, the county is under a Burn Ban.  Locations of burn ban signs.

The West Orange Volunteer Fire Department will brave the heat this Fourth of July to fill their boots, aiding in the fight against neuromuscular diseases. The firefighters will be in the parking lot of the West Orange Wal-Mart, located at 3115 Edgar Brown Dr. Since 1954, Fill-the-Boot campaigns are among the primary ways in which firefighters across the country have raised nearly $200 million nationwide for MDA’s fight against neuromuscular diseases. Proceeds raised during the Fill-the-Boot campaign will help support MDA research programs and services, including purchase of medical equipment, clinic visits, support groups and sending children to summer camp. Show your support for the West Orange Volunteer Firefighters and help MDA assist local families with neuromuscular diseases. For more information about Fill-the-Boot or about MDA’s programs, contact the MDA office in Beaumont at (409) 838-4545.

From the City of Orange: It is unlawful for any person to possess or discharge any fireworks in the City of Orange. Section 5.402 of the Code of Ordinances calls for the seizure of any fireworks found inside the City of Orange, except in permitted locations. In addition to the seizure of any fireworks, those in possession of or those discharging fireworks are subject to the issuance of a citation that could result in a fine of up to $500. Given the current drought situation the Orange Fire and Orange Police Departments will be enforcing this ordinance even more strictly and more aggressively than it has been enforced in previous years. We are asking the public to be aware of this law and of the dangers associated with the use of fireworks, especially in the drought conditions we are currently facing. Residents are encouraged to report any violations by calling the Orange Police Department at (409) 883-1026.

The Orange County Grand Jury has indicted 41 year old James Edward Holden of Deweyville for capital murder in the 1995 murder of Theresa Foskey.  She was 28 when parts of her body were found floating in the Sabine River.  It is believed she was murdered in a mobile home in Bridge City, where a large amount of blood was found.  Orange County District Attorney John Kimbrough said bond has been denied.  more

On June 7, 2009 at approximately 12:30 AM an Orange County Sheriff’s Patrol Deputy was stopped by a subject who reported witnessing a homicide that had just occurred at 4575 East Railroad. Deputy’s responded to this location and discovered two deceased persons. MARTIN FOX, 43, was arrested on June 7, 2009 on 2 counts of homicide. The case was submitted to the Orange County Grand Jury on July 1, 2009 and the Grand Jury returned an indictment for Capital Murder on FOX, who is currently in the Orange County Jail.  Bail has been denied.  More Indictments

Bill Smith happily gave the gavel to Joel Ardoin who becomes the 72nd President of the Orange Lions Club.  District Governor Charles Tarver of Silsbee (center) inducted Ardoin, who also received the Texas Lions' Fellow Award.  Also receiving awards: Randall Morris, Lion of the Year; Pam Crew, Jack Wiech Award; Bill Smith, Outgoing Presidential Plaque, and Tony Barrientos, Rookie of the Year.  Keith and Marlene Merritt also received a Fellow Award but were not present for the photo.

Shangri La will celebrate Independence Day with free watermelon and a free patriotic concert for the public on Saturday, July 4. Shangri La will be open during normal Saturday operating hours, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with admission to the gardens and nature center ending at 6 p.m. Standard admission rates will apply. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., visitors attending the patriotic concert by the Orange Community Band will be allowed free admission. The concert begins at 7 p.m., and visitors are welcome to bring folding lawn chairs. Throughout the day, guests may enjoy a stroll through the gardens as well as a trip through the cypress/tupelo swamp, which is offered every hour. The Shangri La staff will serve free watermelon at the Orientation Center from 2-3 p.m., or while supplies last. Food and drinks will be available throughout the day and during the concert at Shangri La’s Star and Crescent Moon Café, and the Garden Store will also be open for guests wishing to purchase memorabilia of their visit.

A Large Band, not a Big Band, the Farewell Tour for an International Hit, America’s Favorite Romantic Pianist and a Critically Acclaimed Trumpet Player highlight the Frances Ann Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts thirtieth season.   Nine “Incredible Events” are featured on the main season with two family shows as extras to the season. Season Ticket holders are currently renewing their orders and new season orders begin July 12.  The season will open with Lyle Lovett and His Large Band. more

The new Bridge City water tower near City Hall celebrates the cities two state championships.  Chief Wilson's 1966 football team featuring Steve Worster and Coach Rick Miller's 2004 Cross Country team that won the 3A title with Aaron Brannen finishing second individually.

On Monday, June 29, 2009 at approximately 1:48 pm, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the resident at 18790 FM 1130 in Little Cypress reporting a burglary in progress. The caller, Roy Manley, stated that 2 white males had entered his garage and loaded 8 air conditioner coils into a white Ford F-150 truck. They were attempting to steal those items when they were confronted by the homeowner. The homeowner held the two suspects at gunpoint and contacted the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. When Deputies arrived they observed air conditioner coils in the bed of the truck which were identified by the homeowner as belonging to him and being removed from his garage. The suspects were taken into custody and transported to the Orange County Correctional Facility and all stolen items were returned to the owner. The suspects were identified as a 31 year old Thomas Norris (left) and a 29 year old Brad Hoffman, both from Vidor. Anyone with information on any felony crime is urged to call EasTex Crime Stoppers at 409-724-TIPS. You will remain anonymous and you could earn a cash reward.

Look Left and "Cast Your Vote"

Everitt Baxter, 70, of Vidor, passed away Sunday after he was run over by his own lawnmower on Friday. He had been mowing in the 4700 block of Cleveland St. in Beaumont. Baxter served in the U.S. Marine Corp. Reserves and was a retired general manager of Jack’s Tire Service. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor, with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at Memorial Funeral Home.

A 57-year-old Houston man has been sentenced for hurricane-related fraud. MICHAEL WAYNE NORDSTROM pleaded guilty on Mar. 13, 2009, to making a false claim against the government and was sentenced today to 5 years probation by U.S. District Judge Thad Heartfield. Nordstrom was also ordered to pay $12,963 in restitution to FEMA. According to information presented in court, on Sept. 28, 2005, Nordstrom submitted an application for disaster assistance to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requesting monetary assistance for his primary residence at 4180 Lakeview Cutoff Street in Vidor, Texas. Nordstrom claimed the residence sustained major damage from Hurricane Rita, rendering it uninhabitable, and that he also sustained damage to his personal property. As a result of this application, Nordstrom received a $2,000 payment on Oct. 3, 2005, a $10,963 payment on Nov. 3, 2005, and a FEMA trailer was placed on the Vidor property. Further investigation revealed that the property was actually rental property that Nordstrom owned and that the renters evacuated before Hurricane Rita and did not return. The investigation also revealed that Nordstrom actually maintained a primary residence in Houston, Texas, for which he claimed a homestead exemption. Various other public records, including his driver license records and other filings, indicate the same Houston address to be Nordstrom's primary residence. Nordstrom was indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 19, 2008.

LOCAL WEATHER RADAR

The members of the Orange County Sheriff Posse are proud to announce the presentation of five scholarships to area high school students who graduated with the Class of 2009. They are Kevinique Walker and John Jefferson from WOS, Amber Deranger from LCM, Jason Fikes from OF, and Kyle Marshall from BC. The Gus Harris Memorial Scholarship Fund Committee, as well as the rest of The Posse members, all feel our youth is a worthwhile investment. Over the years, the Orange County Sheriff Posse has awarded over $50,000 in scholarships. Orange County area businesses and professionals have helped to make this possible through donations to our rodeo and other activities. The OCSP 2009 Rodeo will take place on July 17th and 18th.

Fifty magnificently embellished and historically important American firearms are currently being displayed at the Stark Museum of Art in a special exhibition Pistols: Dazzling Firearms. The Museum will also host an exhibition celebration for the public Saturday, June 27, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Stark Museum of Art. Pistols: Dazzling Firearms was organized by the Museum of the American West in Los Angeles.  more

One person was killed and another was injured on Friday evening in a three-vehicle pile up about 5 miles north of Jasper. State Trooper Rick Reynolds said the crash occurred shortly before 8pm, when a 1988 Toyota sport utility vehicle, failed to yield right of way and pulled on to Highway 96, in front of a southbound 2001 Dodge pick up truck. According to Reynolds, the driver of the Dodge tried to avoid the crash and swerved to the left, but hit the Toyota. Reynolds said the Dodge then bounced off the Toyota and broad sided a northbound 2002 Land Rover. The Land Rover almost immediately burst into flames and it’s driver 47 year old Anita Thomas Hinds, of Orange, was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers believe that a gasoline can being carried on the pick up truck, flew into the Land Rover and burst into flames. The driver of the Dodge pick up truck, Phillip Alexander Edgerton, 20, of Newton, was taken by ambulance to the Jasper County Airport, where he was loaded onto a helicopter and transported to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, where he was at last word still undergoing treatment. The driver of the Toyota, Jessica Elena Perky, of Brookeland, was not injured in the crash, which scattered metal debris and wreckage over a large area.

Preliminary Plans for the new Elementary School in Bridge City have been viewed by the BCISD Board and approved. Architect, Mark Magnuson, presented a design layout of the projected exterior style and floor plans for the new school with a 585 foot width and a 14 foot elevation, explaining each phase. Superintendent, Jamey Harrison, said all the requests made by the teachers, collectively, as to what they needed or would like to have in each classroom, have been put into this plan. Over all, a lot of natural light will be allowed. A plan has been provided to eliminate traffic congestion. Security has been well planned and a permanent Emergency Generator will be installed. After the construction design phase, Owen Taylor Engineering has been selected and is responsible for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing. Todd Taylor, mechanical engineer, said the new school is designed energy efficient. John White, the electrical designer was also present. Supt. Jamey Harrison said plans needed to get rolling so the kids will be out of the portable buildings and into the new school. The projected time date is December 2010.

The Orange Public Library is pleased to announce the start of their annual Summer Reading Program for 2009.  The library is offering a Read-to-Me Program for children going into kindergarten and younger and a Texas Reading Club for those children going into 1st through 6th grade. more