News

Kountze city administrator terminated

With two alderpersons recusing themselves, the Kountze City Council voted 3-0 to end the employment of longtime City Administrator Rod Hutto during the elected body’s Aug. 28 special meeting at City Hall. Hutto served as Kountze City Administrator since 2004 under Mayor Fred Williams.

City reports water ‘taste, color changes’ no need for alarm

The city of Beaumont public water system, while reportedly temporarily converting the disinfectant used in the distribution system from chloramine to free chlorine, is advising residents that the water coming through the pipes may seem different than it had previously.

LU, a century in the making

Situated just a few yards from its original location 100 years later, Lamar University’s humble beginnings sparked in 1923 when Beaumont welcomed the then-named South Park Junior College with a whopping 125 students enrolled its first fall semester.

Miss SETX 2023 crowned

Alesandria Marie Cardenas was crowned Miss Southeast Texas 2023 on Aug. 26 at the Julie Rogers Theater in Beaumont. Cardenas, 16, is a junior at Port Neches-Groves High School. She also received a $1,500 scholarship.

Tax breaks, pension increases on November ballot

While Southeast Texas’ ballot is still not set in stone, the state has cemented its constitutional amendment election. Texans will be asked to vote on 14 amendments during the Tuesday, Nov. 7, election.

Longest-running tennis tourney returns

Southeast Texas Tennis Association (SETTA) is celebrating the longest running tennis tournament in Texas, the 103rd Annual SETTA Labor Day Tennis Tournament, on Aug. 25-27, at the Beaumont Municipal Tennis Center.

NTSB releases cause of cargo ship collision

A loss of propulsion due to a false alarm led to cargo vessels colliding near Port Arthur last year, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently reported by TheDigitalShip.com. While transiting the Sabine Pass on Aug.

TxDOT announces record transportation investment

Southeast Texas counties will received $1.

Stark venues host Volunteer Fair

The Stark Foundation invites the public to a Volunteer Fair for the nonprofit’s four cultural venues, which includes Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, The W.H. Stark House, Stark Museum of Art and the Lutcher Theater. The event is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug.

LISD recognized by USDA Foods

Lumberton ISD Department of Child Nutrition was recognized as a Prime Player from USDA Foods. LISD’s nutrition department was first in Region 5 ESC and also received a second congratulations as part of the USDA Foods Challenge for using 97.62% of their allocated USDA Foods.