News

Spindletop Center opens new housing for clients

In an effort to combat homelessness and provide safe, affordable housing for clients in need, the Spindletop Center opened the doors of the Courtyard at Spindletop, a new independent-living apartment complex in Beaumont, on Thursday, Oct. 25. The group invited interested community members to join them for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening of the new complex that morning.

Port Arthur murderer Elroy Chester loses appeal

On Oct. 29, the United States Supreme Court rejected a last-ditch plea to re-hear evidence related to the conviction of Elroy Chester, who was sentenced to die for the 1998 murder of Port Arthur firefighter Willie Ryman III. Chester was alleged to have killed the firefighter when Ryman came to the rescue of his two nieces while Chester was raping the teen girls in their home.

Ousted Orange cop continues fight for job

More than two years have passed since 28-year-old Marine veteran James Whitehead was fatally shot outside an Orange auto parts store by off-duty police Captain Robert Arnold, but the legal battles surrounding the homicide are far from over.

Health care takes center stage

As Gwen McClelland walked out of Ubi Caritas, a clinic for the underinsured and uninsured in Beaumont, her two children fidgeted excitedly about being out of the clinic’s waiting room.

“I actually have four kids,” she said.

On leave

Speculation and suspicion have been swirling around Port Arthur Independent School District Superintendent Johnny Brown’s abrupt leave of absence. According to district assistant superintendent Mark Porterie, Brown has been out of the office since last week, and a return date has not been set.

Fed Up

A damning June audit performed by the HUD Office of the Inspector General has resulted in people leaving the Port Arthur Housing Authority.

Port Arthur murderer loses Death Row appeal

The United States Supreme Court rejected a motion to re-hear evidence related to the 1998 Death Row conviction of Elroy Chester, who was sentenced to death after he was convicted of shooting a Port Arthur firefighter. Chester was alleged to have killed the firefighter, Willie Ryman III, when the man came to the rescue of his two nieces while Chester was raping the teen girls in their home.

LU, Beaumont Foundation honor Walter Umphrey with scholarship

Lamar University and the Beaumont Foundation of America have announced the 15th in a series of Southeast Texas Legends Scholarships, this one honoring Walter Umphrey, founding partner of Provost Umphrey Law Firm. The $100,000 endowed scholarship will assist underserved Lamar University students, said Lamar President James Simmons.

Election 2012 early voting totals roll in

Early voting is in full force in Jefferson County.

Red carpet looks: Lexus GS 450h

The all-new Lexus 2013 GS 450h continues to be a leader in the hybrid-powered luxury sport sedan category it created six years ago. Combining bold, dynamic styling, 338 total system horsepower and a spacious interior, the GS 450h offers the best of all worlds with its performance, connectivity and comfort features.