The Orange Fire Department responded to a house fire at 402 Knox Wednesday morning around 8:30am. The 85 year old homeowner and her son were having coffee when they smelled smoke coming from the bedroom. Battalion Chief John Bilbo of OFD said early indication is that it was an electrical fire. Unfortunately one of her two dogs did not make it out before being overcome by smoke. Red Cross was called in to assist.     … [Read more...] about Early Morning House Fire Wednesday

The Orange City Council Tuesday approved new ordinances regulating signs and creating new categories of signs. The new categories are "exhibitions signs" and "special event signs." According to the new rules, an "exhibition sign" is for a "cultural or performing exhibition, event or performance of a historic, cultural or artistic nature such as plays, concerts and museum exhibits." Special event signs are "for special events of a community-wide event or activity conducted by, or sponsored by, on or behalf of a unit of local government, an agency of the State of Texas, an accredited … [Read more...] about Orange Approves New Sign Ordinances

Retired city of Orange parks director Joe Will died Tuesday, succumbing to ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig disease. He was 60. Will retired three years ago before the severe symptoms of the disease began. He had worked for the city for 38 years after starting when he was 19 years old. He worked his way up the ladder of city positions to oversee seven different city services. For most of his career, he worked as the parks director. Survivors include his wife, Sue Will, who retired last year after 20 years with the Orange Public Library. Funeral arrangements have not been announced. … [Read more...] about Will Succumbs To ALS

Texas Ranger Bobby Smith and Sheriff Keith Merritt wait outside the Orange County courtroom where a former corrections officer is on trial for aggravated assault of an arrested man in handcuffs.   A former Orange County corrections officer, on trial for aggravated assault as a public official, testified he was "very" surprised when he learned the handcuffed prisoner that he slammed to the ground suffered broken ribs. The man had been arrested for public intoxication and was in what is called the "pat-down area" of the jail. The corrections officer and the victim are … [Read more...] about Jailer Trial Continues

The Commissioners Court approved Tuesday entering into an agreement with Strategic Planning and Project Development, Inc. Scott Young representing the legal finance company which has its expertise in dealing with innovative funding for government entities presented the agreement to the Court. Commissioner Jody Crump believes the agreement will benefit the county. Crump advised that the City of Vidor has used innovative funding with its new abatement program to stimulate residential housing construction. He commented with so many vague state laws concerning financing it will help Orange … [Read more...] about CC Strategic Planning Agreement