News

Pay up or else

Jefferson County, looking at a roughly $4 million shortfall between budget requests and revenues, could use some more money in the coffers. While raising taxes may be one way to accomplish that feat, according to Tax Assessor/Collector Allison Getz, another way to raise funds would be for delinquent property owners to pony up their fair share of taxes.

“About 98 percent of taxpayers pay their taxes,” Getz said. “It’s not fair to them not to go after the 2 percent that doesn’t.”

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Police seek felony forgery, robbery suspect

A woman presenting a fake ID and someone else’s checkbook to a cashier at a local department store barreled through loss prevention personnel, injuring two store employees, reports Sgt. Burt Moore of the Beaumont Police Department. Now, police are searching for the suspect, 28-year-old Katrina Casey Rossow of Highland, who they identified from video surveillance footage and who currently has five outstanding felony warrants for forgery and robbery.

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Hospitality house welcomes new director, public at open house

Reaud Guest House Executive Director Brooke Morrow

Whether it’s two in the morning or two in the afternoon, trips to the hospital are tiring, not only for the patient but also for those who are there to offer support to their loved one in a time of need. Waiting-room chairs and sofa beds stationed in busy lobbies and crowded hospital rooms leave little escape for the patient support group wanting some long-awaited shuteye or a refreshing shower.

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Ford Park subsidy requests increase as county debates deficit

If Jefferson County departments budget requests are fully funded this year, according to County Auditor Patrick Swain, the county is looking at a $4 million shortfall. Among the requests for increased funding are various capital improvement projects throughout the county, increases to cover healthcare premiums, and more than a half-million dollars in requested additions for the SMG-managed and county-owned Ford Park Entertainment Complex, which already loses more than $2 million annually.

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Dr. Seuss books come to life during summer camp

Dr. Seuss books come to life during summer camp

The Christus Southeast Texas Wilton P. Hebert Health and Wellness Center will once again offer Dr. Seuss Week to the youth of Southeast Texas. The camp will offer teamwork, communication, sportsmanship and fun while providing recreational, motivational and engaging adventure for all.

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Bornean orangutans now critically endangered, with change blamed on palm oil

Orangutans not only share 98 percent of our DNA, but they are also treasured and beloved animals – and they need help in order to survive the decline.

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BISD Board workshop canceled

The Aug. 20 meeting for the community and prospective candidates interested in running for the Beaumont ISD Board of Trustees has been canceled. This meeting will be rescheduled, and the public will be notified as soon as an alternate date has been established. The meeting will be hosted by Region 5 Education Service Center and held at Edison Plaza in downtown Beaumont. 

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FBI offering $5,000 reward for information to locate suspect in soldier’s murder

Update: The search for murder fugitive Jason Earl Armstrong,

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Port Arthur city employee, school board trustee charged with six felony counts

In an ongoing battle against public corruption, police in Port Arthur arrested another city employee July 19, the latest in a series of arrests of city government staffers accused of abusing their power and pilfering taxpayer dollars from the city that supplied their salaries.

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Sheriff's office investigates teen stabbing

Deputies of the Orange County Sheriff's Office are still investigating and have yet to make an arrest related to the stabbing of a 17-year-old in Vidor on July 18, reports Capt. Thomas Ray. 

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