Our beloved ”Daddy” passed away suddenly on September 5, 2025, at the age of 74. Paul Daniel Blankenship was born on November 9, 1950, to Eugene and Lillie Blankenship in Vidor, Texas. He was raised and attended school in Vidor. Paul enlisted in the United States Army and served proudly during the Vietnam War in the 545th Transportation Company. There, he learned to drive trucks in the transportation unit, which would become the catalyst of his professional career. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Paul returned to Vidor where he met our “Momma,” Clara, who was a friend of … [Read more...] about Paul Daniel Blankenship
Cody Wilson
In Loving Memory of Cody Wilson Cody Malosi Wilson of Orange, Texas passed away on August 31st, 2025, in Orange at the age of 30. Cody was born in Wiesbaden, Germany on December 10th, 1994, to Jerry Wilson and Mo’o Wilson. Cody graduated from Mountain View High School in 2013. At that time, he was already an avid storyteller and jokester who enjoyed the spotlight. After graduating, he went on to join the military in 2014. He later married his high school sweetheart, Sidney Wilson, in 2018. Their marriage was a true love story; a beautiful partnership as best friends, lovers and … [Read more...] about Cody Wilson
Stroud Out In Pinehurst
After a combined three hours behind closed doors Tuesday night, the Pinehurst City Council came out and voted to relieve Steven Stroud of his duties, with pay, as Police Chief and City Administrator. Stroud was hired just over a year ago as the new police chief and then in June he talked council into a second paycheck as they hired him to become the city manager after the retirement of Jerry Hood. When Stroud was hired as chief the small staff of officers were either fired, replaced or quit. When he became city administrator some left and several others were rumored to be looking … [Read more...] about Stroud Out In Pinehurst
Tuesday Volleyball Scores
The Lady Bears traveled to Silsbee to begin district play and improved to 1-0 winning in 3 straight sets with scores of 25-19, 25-23, 25-16. Leaders on the night were: Aces - Miya Hoy (2), Cyra Johnson (1), Blocks - Paisley Angelle (1), Kills - Paisley Angelle (15), Cyra Johnson (10), Assists - Miya Hoy (19), Jada Montagne (16), Digs - Aubrey Temple (17), Miya Hoy (15). The Freshman and JV teams both lost in 3 sets. The varsity will be off the rest of this week, while the JV and Freshman will travel to Vidor for their final tournament of the year. - The Lady Bobcats opened … [Read more...] about Tuesday Volleyball Scores
Looking For Armed Robber
On September 2, 2025, at 10:07 P.M. The gas station located at 811 Strickland Drive was robbed at gun point. The suspect is a possibly light skinned black male with a stocky build. If anyone recognizes the subject, please contact the City of Orange Detective Division at 409-883-1095. Information may also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas at 409-833-TIPS (8477), online at 833TIPS.com, or through the P3 TIPS app. Tipsters will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. … [Read more...] about Looking For Armed Robber
Teacher Arrested On Multiple Charges
Kerri Simon Kelly, a cosmetology teacher at West Orange-Stark HS, was arrested recently by Vinton Police on multiple charges. On September 8, 2025, around 10:19 PM officers of the Vinton Police Department were dispatched to the 1400-blk of East Street for a disturbance. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Kerri Kelly, 44, of Vinton for Resisting an Officer by Force or Violence, Battery of a Police Officer, Domestic Abuse Battery, and Possession of CDS II. Kelly was booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center. The bond for Kelly is pending. … [Read more...] about Teacher Arrested On Multiple Charges
HITP Booth Reservations
CITY OF WEST ORANGE ACCEPTING BOOTH RESERVATIONS FOR 2025 “HOLIDAY IN THE PARK” Booth registrations will be open to the public beginning Monday, September 15, 2025 for this year’s “Holiday in the Park” festival hosted by the City of West Orange. The festival is scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 in the park next door to West Orange City Hall (2700 Western Avenue; West Orange, Texas). This home-town, community festival brings in people from around the area wanting to kick off the holiday season. The event will have food booths, craft booths and local … [Read more...] about HITP Booth Reservations
Fuller (Maurice) Williams
Fuller (Maurice) Williams, age 91, of Orange, Texas passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, September 7, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Maurice was born on September 23, 1933, in Fairdale, Texas, to Willis Owen Williams and Essie Pearl Travis. He spent part of his early life in Lake Charles, Louisiana before returning to Fairdale, where he met the love of his life, Willie Reba Ladner. The two were married and shared 68 beautiful years together. Maurice and Reba made their home in Orange, Texas, before settling into their own slice of heaven—their farm in Newton, Texas. Maurice … [Read more...] about Fuller (Maurice) Williams
Ernest “Ernie” Edward Corbello
Ernest “Ernie” Edward Corbello, 82, of Vinton, Louisiana, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025. He was born to his late parents, Wilton and Ruby Corbello on October 30, 1942 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He was a Rice and Soybean farmer, along with his own construction company, Ernie Corbello Farms, Inc. Some of his hobbies included hunting and fishing, and was happiest on a tractor and watching his fish feeders going off. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Patricia Corbello; two children, Beverley Simon (Lance) and Brian Corbello (Tammy), both of Vinton, Louisiana; four … [Read more...] about Ernest “Ernie” Edward Corbello
Linemen of the Week
Each week during the 2025 football season we recognize an offensive or defensive linemen as the KOGT Linemen of the Week brought to you by Jasper American Overhead Door. Congratulations to this weeks tops in the trenches. - … [Read more...] about Linemen of the Week
Social Media