The News

Kidnapping victim recounts harrowing escape

At first glance, there’s nothing physically imposing about Viet Tran. In a blue T-shirt, dark blue denim jeans and black Chuck Taylor sneakers while sporting black, rectangular rimmed glasses, it’s not far-fetched to envision him as a college student working on his second degree while also repairing computers to keep a little spending money in his pocket.

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Beaumont man gets automatic life sentence as repeat sex offender

Leon Phillips

Leon Phillips, 41, last known to reside at 2435 Beech St. in Beaumont, was sentenced Wednesday, Aug. 8, to life in the state penitentiary in connection with a 2010 aggravated sexual assault of a child. The sentence was automatic upon conviction because of the fact that Phillips been previously convicted of aggravated sexual assault in 1990 and sexual assault in 2000.

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Todd Wayne Edgerly dies at 48

Todd Wayne Edgerly

Todd Wayne Edgerly, 48, of Bridge City passed away Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012, at his parent’s home. Todd was born on Sept. 2, 1963, in Port Arthur to Gene and Flo Edgerly.

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Lamar University to confer 577 degrees Aug. 18

State Senator Robert Nichols

Keynote speaker will be state Sen. Robert Nichols 

Lamar University is scheduled to confer 577 degrees at summer commencement Saturday, Aug. 18, in the Montagne Center. District 3 State Senator Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, will be the keynote speaker. Nichols is a 1968 graduate of LU.

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Lamar president retiring in 2013

Dr. James M. Simmons

“I’m just here to confirm a rumor,” Lamar University President James M. “Jimmy” Simmons told LU faculty, staff and members of the media in a meeting held at the Gray Library on Friday, Aug. 3, at 10 a.m.

The “rumor” in question was his retirement. Simmons announced that, after a 14-year tenure as president of the university, he will officially step down on Jan. 31, 2013.

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