News

PA homeless coalition not meeting, says mayor

Several council members expressed concern for the lack of meetings conducted by the Port Arthur Coalition/Advisory Board for the Homeless during the elected officials’ Jan. 7 council meeting.

Flooded Lumberton City Park nears reopening

Storms in early November 2024 dropped more than a foot of rain on Lumberton, flooding neighborhoods, as well as the city park at 1300 FM 421, causing the city to close the park for safety concerns.

Beaumont hospital hit by cyberattack

Jan. 25, patients attempting to receive services reported that “Baptist Hospital computers have been hacked and are down,” also relaying that, while delayed, care was received.

Beaumont wastes time, money on impact fee study

Just one day after an extensive presentation alerting the Beaumont community of the need for higher fees to provide water utilities for new construction, the plan was summarily nixed.Prompting backlash and an about-face of increasing fees, Jan.

Homeless hard hit during arctic front, remainder of the year

As an unforgiving Arctic blast swept through Southeast Texas this week, temperatures plummeted into the teens at night, leaving Beaumont’s homeless population facing a brutal fight for survival.

Tattoo parlor collecting winter gear for needy veterans

An all-veteran tattoo parlor is hosting a drop-off event for collecting winter clothing and camping gear to help local, needy veterans during the cold days impacting Southeast Texas.

Council divided on Gilbert Building’s fate

Although the possibility of demolishing the 100-year-old Gilbert Building in downtown Beaumont has been looming for months contingent on progress at the fire-gutted eyesore, the elected leaders of City Council granted another extension to local investor and arson suspect Tom Flanagan during its Jan.

Big Thicket by lamplight

Nature enthusiasts will have the opportunity to experience the Big Thicket at night on an illuminating rangerguided hike Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. Guests are invited to discover the mysteries of the Big Thicket after dark on a special nighttime hike.

LSCO president announces retirement

Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) President Dr. Tom Johnson, ED.D., announced his retirement in an email sent to faculty and staff Jan. 6, according to Daniel McLemore, director of Marketing Communications. “Chancellor (Brian) McCall has accepted my request to retire at the end of August.

Hardin County elevates oversight of victim center

At the Dec.