Citizens recognized for crime-fighting efforts

Beaumont Police Department Chief Jimmy Singletary (far left) and Jefferson Count

During a ceremony at the Jack Brooks Regional Airport Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office aviation hangar Friday, April 19, JCSO honored three individuals for assisting law enforcement in apprehending two shooting suspects in a manhunt April 4.

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School districts face new accountability system for 2013

Michael Williams

Texas Education Commissioner Michael Williams announced Wednesday, April 24, that the agency will be transitioning the way it rates school district accountability. According to Williams’ statement, the new 2013 state accountability system for school districts, campuses and charters in Texas will be based on four components, giving parents and taxpayers a more comprehensive overview of school district accountability. The first ratings under this system will be issued by the Texas Education Agency on Aug. 8. 

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Port Arthur ordered to pay for environmental violations

This 2005 photo shows the condition of the site prior to the removal action.

The city of Port Arthur and a handful of companies operating within the municipality have entered into an agreement with the Department of Justice to pay more than $1 million in damages for their role in “releases of hazardous substances at the State Marine Superfund Site near the city of Port Arthur, Texas,” announced DOJ filings Tuesday, April 23. The announcement from the governmental entity now opens a 30-day public comment period on the allegations made by the DOJ or the resulting settlement with the alleged offenders.

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