Archives for 2018

Some people living in western Orange County went through post-Harvey traumatic stress as heavy rains Tuesday morning flooded streets and sent water into houses. Orange County and the American Red Cross opened a shelter at the Expo Center on FM 1142 for people who have flooded houses. Thirty cots were initially set up. A tropical wave of moisture has been hanging over Southeast Texas for three days. A heavy band stayed over the Port Arthur-Beaumont area, along with Bridge City, Orangefield, Vidor, and Rose City in Orange County. Some 5-10 inches fell in the western part within six hours. … [Read more...] about Orange County Sees More Rain Than Predicted

Following a workshop on Tuesday the Commissioners Court approved during its regular meeting for the county to take over the operations at the Orange County Airport.  The current operator at the airport Sabine Aviation informed the county its last day will be June 30. The Commissioners Court considered seeking another commercial Fixed Based Operator (FBO) or have the county assume the responsibility.  County Judge Dean Crooks thinks it is in the best interest of Orange County to operate in house and the Commissioners unanimously agreed. Missy Pillsbury the airport supervisor asked that … [Read more...] about Commissioners Meet; Take Over Airport

At approximately 7:45a.m., the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) received a report of a multiple vehicle crash on SH 87 in Orange County.  The crash occurred near the Sabine River Authority offices. Preliminary reports indicate that a Ford Edge was stopped southbound on SH 87 waiting to make a left turn onto LP Way.  A 2000 GMC pickup truck was traveling southbound on SH 87 and observed the stopped vehicle.  The driver of the GMC passed the stopped vehicle on the right shoulder and attempted to maneuver back onto the main traveled portion of the roadway, but lost control.  The GMC … [Read more...] about Fiery Crash Shuts Down Hwy. 87N

Tuesday's rain is causing travel problems in the area with roads being under water.  There have also been reports of heavier rain in the Bridge City, Orangefield and Vidor areas where many home owners are reporting water in their homes.  As of 11:45am this is a list of roads that have water over them according to the OC Emergency Management office.   Check back for updates... Bell Ave. - B. C. Turner Road off FM 1442 & FM 1442 @ 105 in Orange Under Water Hillcrest - B.C. Texas Ave. @ Roundbunch under water- B.C. Bessie Heights- B.C. Tyler Estates- B.C. Flooded entrance  … [Read more...] about Rain Causing Problems In Orange County

On Friday, June 15th the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Special Services Division responded to a travel trailer in the 300 block of Smith Lake Road in Vidor to serve a federal felony warrant on 34 year old Thomas Charles Jones for “possession with intent / and distribution of a controlled substance”. The officers could hear an unusual amount of movement as they knocked on the door of the residence.  Jones opened the door and officers observed a white female also inside the residence. Upon further investigation, officers located an ounce of methamphetamine and numerous items of drug … [Read more...] about OCSD Serves Federal Warrant In Vidor

A hazard mitigation specialist will speak to the Orange City Council Tuesday about federal programs to help property owners avoid future flooding. The council has a special called meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the council auditorium next to the Orange Public Library. Greg Wobbe of MPTX Inc., a consulting company specializing in mitigation programs, will give a presentation and answer questions about the different programs. The council agenda says the council will discuss and possibly take action on the "criteria for buyouts, acquisitions, mitigation reconstruction and mitigation … [Read more...] about Council To Hear About Mitigation Programs

Newton County Sheriffs Report by Sheriff Billy Rowles   I would like to start off by saying thanks to everyone that helped with the fish fry held last Friday for Deputy Lewis “Sonny” White.  Sonny is in the hospital in Beaumont but doing better.   Received a 911 call about drowning at Backwoods Beach on Saturday.  Special thanks to Trout Creek Fire, our Game Wardens and our Deputies.  Game Wardens Spacek and Maupin located the victim about 2 hours after we got the call.  Please remember the Devonta Jones family in your prayers.   There’s a scam going around.  … [Read more...] about Newton Co Sheriffs Report