News

TSUS regents confirm next LSCPA president

May 28, the Texas State University System Board of Regents confirmed the appointment of Dr. John Hayek as president of Lamar State College Port Arthur.Hayek, who has served as interim president since January, was unanimously confirmed at the board’s quarterly meeting in Austin.Hayek brings more...

Sam Houston launches partnership with LIT

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) and Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) have established a new undergraduate co-enrollment partnership designed to expand educational opportunities and support student success beginning with the Fall 2026 admission cycle.LIT President Sidney Valentine and SHSU...

Gov. Greg Abbott announces first agreement under the Texas Energy Fund with Sam Houston Electric Cooperative

June 2, Gov. Greg Abbott announced the first agreement under the Texas Energy Fund (TxEF) Outside of ERCOT Grant Program (OEGP) with Sam Houston Electric Cooperative.

LU Early Birds garner nearly $30M in scholarships

Lamar University’s Early Bird Admission Program saw major growth in its second year, expanding to more high schools, reviewing more transcripts and awarding nearly $30 million in scholarships to prospective students.The program, designed to simplify the admissions and scholarship process for high...

Congress earmarks $2M for Southeast Texas projects

May 27, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) announced funds for three projects in Texas’ 14th Congressional District were included in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act after the legislation advanced out of the full House Appropriations Committee.

Hardin County treasurer to retire

Longtime County Treasurer Deborah McWilliams will end her tenure June 30 after the Hardin County Commissioners Court approved her retirement at the May 12 meeting.Also, the court approved Angie Smith to fill McWilliam’s unexpired, which ends Dec. 31.

Southeast Texas to update economic strategy

The South East Texas Economic Development District (SETEDD) is currently in the process of updating the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the region, according to Transportation and Environmental Resources Division Director Bob Dickinson, of the South East Texas Regional...

Beaumont man, driver killed in crash

Two drivers, including a Jefferson County man, were killed in a head-on crash May 8 near Bell City in Calcasieu Parish.Louisiana State Police Trooper Roy Jones of Troop D said troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 27 near Natalie Road around 3:30 p.m.The crash claimed the...

Fire claims woman’s life

A 67-year-old woman, Lydia Aaron Reed, died in a house fire in south Jefferson County on May 15.Authorities said the fire was reported about 2:30 p.m. in the 18000 block of Kiker Road between Hamshire and Winnie.