The Orange City Council learned prices on several previous suggestions on projects for the city, including a sports and recreation complex that would cost $9 million to nearly $12.5 million. No one supported that proposition, but the council members want to build a new replacement pavilion at Lions Den Park and the boat ramp. In addition, the council informally agreed to install a fence at Sunset Park along 16th Street. In June, the council held a workshop to discuss future projects to improve the city and quality of life. City Manager Dr. Shawn Oubre said in 2019 the city will have … [Read more...] about Improvement Projects Not Cheap

The Commissioners Court met this week and will have another closed meeting on Monday with Assistant County Attorney Doug Manning concerning the county’s appeal of the Montano lawsuit. The next hearing of the appeal will be at the end of August. The county appealed the case to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, and the appellate court has granted oral arguments which will be heard in Oxford, Mississippi on August 30. According to Manning a decision could be rendered by the appellate court towards the end of the year or even possibly the beginning of next year. “We feel pretty … [Read more...] about Commissioners Discuss Montano Lawsuit

A black woman Orange patrol officer is under a department investigation because she posed for photographs with black demonstrators on 16th Street July 9. One person at the demonstration used the photographs in a rap music video that has been posted online. The lawyer for Officer Veronica Woodle said she did not know she was being filmed for a video. Thursday evening, several dozen people attended a rally on the front lawn of Orange City Hall to support Officer Woodle. Orange District 4 Councilor Annette Pernell attended the rally and said the complaint was filed by another council … [Read more...] about Citizens Rally For Officer

Orange City Manager Dr. Shawn Oubre has corrected information in KOGT's story about the Christian nativity scene at city hall. He said the town that lost a lawsuit against a display of a nativity on public property paid a $20,000 judgment. Dr. Oubre said he talked to two outside groups on the phone who wanted to help the city defend keeping the manger. "Neither would pay any judgments," he said. "They only offered free legal services." Referring to local lawyer Jim Bearden, who offered on social media to represent the city for free, Dr. Oubre said "Mr. Bearden came to my office and apologized … [Read more...] about Clarification on Council Meeting