News

Lifetime of crime predates masked kidnapping

Appearing at the federal courthouse in Beaumont accompanied by a U.S. Marshal on July 18, Putnam Darwin Richardson, 79, of Orange, stood before Judge Zack Hawthorn for his initial appearance following allegations of kidnapping local attorney Mel Shelander three days prior.

BISD test drives AI reading assistant

According to Beaumont ISD Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Jenny Angelo, the district may soon be considering an artificial intelligence resource for purchase and permanent use to assist students struggling with reading.

Jasper coach shot, killed in San Antonio bar

A Jasper High School coach was shot and killed after she was struck by gunfire on the patio of Smoke Skybar in San Antonio, according to media reports. As reported, Ayden Rose Burt, 29, was a volleyball and track coach, as well as a teacher, at Jasper Junior High School.

BREAKING: Details of masked kidnapping and ransom revealed in Shelander kidnapping

New details were revealed in court Tuesday, July 23, at the preliminary and detention hearing of 79-year-old Orange resident Putnam Richardson charged with kidnapping local attorney Mel Shelander last week.

Port of Beaumont issues $382M in revenue bonds

The Port of Beaumont and Jefferson Energy Companies, a subsidiary of FTAI Infrastructure, announced July 9 a strategic partnership to develop Jefferson Terminal South, a “state-of-the-art blue ammonia facility that will enhance the region’s ability to produce and transport clean energy.

Recovery group releases new app to help with disasters

Since 2017, Jefferson County has been impacted by its share of disasters — Hurricane Harvey (2017), Tropical Storm Imelda (2019) Hurricanes Laura and Delta (2020), Winter Storm (2021) and Hurricane Beryl (2024). — just to name a few.

TPWD deploys materials for new artificial reef

The addition of a fourth artificial reef site to the Sabine Pass area should attract more saltwater anglers, divers and tourists to Jefferson County.