News

Feds target official oppressors

David Yager, 29, pleaded guilty July 12 in federal court in the Eastern District of Texas to violating a detainee’s civil rights by using excessive force against him. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; U.S.

Orange PD arrests teen for manslaughter

Friday, July 8, at about 3:30 a.m., the Orange Police Department Detective Division arrested a 16-year-old for manslaughter in the death of a 22-year-old Orange man. Thursday, July 7, at 10:40 p.m.

LPD reports several arrests

The Lumberton Police Department reported several people were arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges recently. Daryl Dee Thatcher, 53, of Lumberton, was arrested July 11 for indecency with a child (sexual contact). He was released from jail on a $50,000 bond.

Local inmate dies under unreported circumstances

A 54-year-old inmate at the Richard P. Leblanc Unit prison in Beaumont died July 12, according to family members who said they have received few details in the days since.

Vet goes from substitute teacher to principal

After a 22-year military career, a veteran finally saw his goal of becoming a school principal come to fruition. Chris Bottoms, a retired U.S. Air Force officer, was named as the new principal at Kountze Middle School on June 29. He replaces Michael Hatton who became principal in Spurger ISD.

Author returning home for book talk, signings

A Hardin County native will appear at a couple of libraries July 14 for book discussions and book signings. Author Hal Evans will be at the Silsbee Public Library, 295 N. Fourth St., from 9-11 a.m. and at the Kountze Public Library, 800 Redwood St., from 1-3 p.m.

Overtime pay is biggest increase in HCSO's budget

Because of staff storage, fuel and food price increases, the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office requested $45,000 more budgeted for the Fiscal Year 2023 budget for jail operations and law enforcement services.

Sports shorts: Week of July 14, 2022

Little League Baseball Bridge City Little League is sending not one, not two, not three, but four teams to the Texas East Little League State Tournament at Faulkner Park in Tyler, Texas. The Bridge City 10U will play Saturday, July 16, against Washington County Little League (Brenham) at 8 p.m.

Local education service center announces top performers for 2022

The Region 5 Education Service Center, which serves Beaumont and beyond to encompass more than half a dozen counties in Southeast Texas, has named the School Board of the Year in East Chambers ISD, and the Superintendent of the Year as Lisa Meysembourg of Woodville ISD.

More mailbag questions

Last week, instead of writing a column centered around just one Social Security topic, I decided to just reach into my electronic mailbag (my email inbox) and answer whatever questions I pulled out of there. But I ran out of column space before I ran out of questions.