KOGT Mardi Gras Treasure Hunt Begins Monday!

The Shangri La Trash-Off scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4 has been postponed to Feb. 18th because of the weather.

Deweyville band members Jenna Davis and Alexis Barnes seek shelter Friday as they prepare to perform for the swing bridge dedication (see story below). Saturday's forecast includes a 70% chance of thunderstorms with a high 72/ low 51. Winds will switch to the north Saturday night bringing a chance of rain Sunday with cooler temps 61/43.

Deweyville now has a site on the National Register of Historic Places. Friday morning, some 50 people gathered to dedicate a marker at the 1936 swing bridge on Texas Highway 12 at the Sabine River. The bridge replaced a ferry crossing that had been there for more 100 years. The event included a performance by the Deweyville High School Band and the unveiling by Newton County Judge Truman Dougharty and Pam Wright from the Newton County Historical Commission. County Commissioner Leonard Powell and Sheriff Joe Walker also attended.

A Dodge dually collided with this car Friday morning on 1442 by Bessie Heights Rd.  The patient in this car had a major head injury.  In the pickup, one person had a dislocated knee and two others suffered minor injuries.

The diesel fuel was stolen out of several pieces of heavy equipment at the site of the new First Baptist Church Construction. About 410 gallons worth $2,000 was taken. Orange police were called to the site at 7637 Martin Luther King Drive at 7:43 a.m. Thursday by an employee of S&H Construction. The company is preparing the construction site. The fuel was gone from a dump truck, back hoe, two bull dozers and a track hoe.

Rachel Scott was the first victim of the Columbine High School shootings on April 20, 1999. Thirteen people lost their lives on that tragic day, and the world witnessed what bullying could lead to. Rachel made an impact in the lives of others during her life by performing small acts of kindness and showing compassion. She had a vision that she was going to impact the world and touch millions of people’s hearts even after her death.  Shortly after her death, her father, Darrell Scott, found an essay that Rachel had written entitled “My Ethics, My Codes of Life”. MORE

Orange County had planned to start the 2012 battle against mosquitoes Thursday night. The surprise January attack by the tiny flying vampires caught the county's mosquito control department in the maintenance mode. The eight spray trucks and the spray plane had been undergoing the annual maintenance as required by the state and federal regulations. The plan also has to meet annual Federal Aviation Administration maintenance tests, said Mosquito Control Director Patrick Beebe. more

A new slate of officers was elected for 2012 by the Board of Directors at the annual meeting of the Sabine River Authority of Texas (SRA) recently held in Orange. Earl Williams (seated) of Orange was elected as Board President. Other elected officers include Vice President David Koonce of Center, Secretary/Treasurer Cliff Todd of Carthage and Secretary Pro Tem Mac Abney of Marshall. Other members of the SRA Board include Past President Don Covington of Orange, Stan Mathews of Pinehurst, Connie Wade of Longview, J. D. Jacobs, Jr. of Rockwall, and Connie Ware of Marshall. President Williams is CEO of Tool Tech Machining in Beaumont, partner of Cypress Bayou Industrial Painting and President of Cypress Bayou, Inc. in Orange. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Howard Payne University, a Master's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and completed post graduate work at Texas A&M University. Mr. Williams was appointed to SRA's Board of Directors by Governor Rick Perry in 2001. He previously served on SRA's Board from 1994 to 1999. Mr. Williams and his wife, Suzanne, have two children and live in the Orange area. The Sabine River Authority of Texas is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors appointed by the Governor of Texas. The Board is responsible for overseeing the development of water resources in the Sabine River Basin. Members of the Board are required to reside within a county situated wholly or partially within the watershed of the Sabine River. They are leaders in their communities dedicated to serve as active participants in the water issues being addressed by the Sabin River Authority of Texas. Created by the Legislature in 1949, the Sabine River Authority is an official agency of the State of Texas. The Authority was created as a conservation and reclamation district with responsibilities to control, store, preserve, and distribute the waters of the Sabine River and its tributary streams for useful purposes.

Thursday morning KOGT received several reports of black soot on vehicles and in the air in the Little Cypress area.  The carbon black plant on Echo told officials at LCM that they came out and took a sample and believe it is from their plant although they will test it.

Haven't seen this in a while! A noon rain downpour Wednesday added to the two-day total in Orange County. The National Weather Service gauge at the OC Airport had 1 inch between noon and 1 p.m. Wednesday. That gauge had about ½ inch on Tuesday afternoon and evening. The Sabine River Authority lab near the Inland-Orange plant in northeast Orange County recorded a total of 1.82 inches from 7 a.m. Tuesday to 7 a.m. Wednesday. The SRA gauge on Pier Road near downtown Orange had a little more than an inch from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday afternoon.

Some Orange County residents with State Farm insurance will find out soon whether or not they will be able to renew their homeowners’ policies. State Farm Texas spokesman Kevin Davis in Austin said the company will not renew the policies for 11,000 homeowners in five coastal counties, including some in Orange County. No policies will be canceled, he said. Instead, beginning May 1, the company will not renew specific yearly policies when they expire. Davis said the nonrenewals will apply to houses along the coast or bays and will not include all State Farm policyholders in the counties. Other counties included in the nonrenewal area are Jefferson, Chambers, Galveston and Brazoria. Some policy holders have been notified of the changes. Davis said local State Farm agents will be working with their customers to help them find alternatives. Davis said State Farm has the largest number of homeowner policies in the state and will continue to have thousands in the affected counties. The nonrenewal decision was made so the company has the "ability to meet our obligations" with other policies and to control "our exposure better."

What's happening around town?  Look left and click on our Happenings page!

The body of a man believed to be in his early 60s was found inside a travel trailer next to a house off the 500 block of Park Avenue in East Orange. Orange Police Major Sparky Robinson said an autopsy is set for Thursday to determine the cause of death. "Nothing visible" indicates a suspicious death, but the body had started decomposition, he said. Police believe they know the identity of the man; however they will wait until the autopsy for confirmation. The property owner notified police because he had not heard from the man, the major said. The travel trailer was next to one house in a group of small, century-old houses at Park and Fourth. The particular house faced the Park Alley. The call to police came about 10:30 a.m. and officers worked part of the investigation in a rain downpour. Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace David Peck pronounced the victim dead and ordered the autopsy. City animal control officers gathered up several dogs at the house.

Kindergarten and First Grade classes at Deweyville Elementary celebrated the "100th Day of School" by dressing up as 100 year old people as well as participating in many different activities. We had a parade around the school, completed 100 piece puzzles, made a line of 100 people read books, sang songs, counted 100 items, etc.

	Found in the Oak Creek Village Addition. Call 886-5729. FOUND! This puppy, her Mom and sibling were found with collar but no tags at 440 Texas Ave. Call 735-4646 and ask for Ashley.

36-year-old George Throop has walked halfway across the country, traveling west to east from one coast to the other. The most dangerous part of his walk came Tuesday in the drizzling rain in Orange. He said he came close to being struck by cars while walking across the Texas 87 overpass at the railroad tracks. The overpass doesn't have lanes for pedestrians or bicyclists. more After reading our story, Libby Green and Carrie Chambliss saw George and stopped to take a picture with him.

	Mauriceville MS choir students competed at UIL Solo and Ensemble competition at Vidor Jr. High on Saturday, January 28th. Monica Daleo, Octavia Weimer, Jada McMackin, Jennah Dumesnil and Kaylee Pattillo all received Superior ratings. Lacci Simmons, Faith Doyle received Excellent ratings. They are under the direction of Angela Greer.

Recently MADD recognized officers who led the area in DWI enforcement in 2011. Kathy Bell-Schexnaider presents awards to Sgt. Richard Teague and Officer Timothy Reeves of the Bridge City Police Dept.

26-year-old Nevil Meghani of Vinton died Tuesday night when he lost control of his motorcycle and ran into the back of an SUV on wet highway. The Texas Department of Public Safety reports he was not wearing a helmet. The accident was about 7 p.m. at the intersection of Texas 62 and FM 105 between Orange and Orangefield. The victim was driving a Yamaha motorcycle northbound on Texas 62. The 1999 Chevrolet SUV was stopped at the traffic light, according to DPS Trooper Stephanie Davis. The driver of the SUV, Raymond Butler of Orange, was not injured. Meghani was pronounced dead at Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital-Orange.

A strike at the Valero refinery in Port Arthur and other union plants in the oil and petrochemical industry has been averted. Last night, the United Steelworkers, which represents the workers, agreed to a new contract. Union members will now vote on the contract as the union has agreed to 24-hour contract extensions to give time for the voting. The union had given notice of a strike at the Port Arthur plant and another refinery in Billings, Montana. The United Steelworkers union has about 3,000 members in Southeast Texas and about 30,000 nationwide.

Orange County Deputy Fred Ashworth, who was shot while on duty last week, may be released from a Beaumont hospital in a few days. Sheriff's spokesman Chad Hogan said Tuesday morning that doctors are pleased with Ashworth's progress and expect him to get out of Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital soon. Ashworth was shot twice in the upper left chest this past Thursday morning at the Minnie Rogers Juvenile Detention Center outside of Beaumont. He had been transporting a 16-year-old boy from a court hearing in Orange back to the detention center. The youth got out of his handcuffs and managed to get Ashworth's service weapon. The incident was in a closed sally port area and officials got the youth to surrender the pistol. He was arrested and charged for attempted capital murder of a peace officer.

Shirley Bonnin has been serving on the West Orange City Council for 15 years and has the position of mayor pro tem. She told KOGT’s Glenn Earle Tuesday that she plans to file for re-election on Monday, the first day of filing, to seek another term. Earle said there is no word on whether incumbents Mike Shugart and Dale Dardeau will run for re-election to their seats. The city council election will be in May.

Congratulations to Community Christian School’s 2012 Homecoming Court. This year’s theme for homecoming was “A Moment In Time” and was a great success thanks to Student Council and all of the volunteers that helped put it all together.  The masters of ceremony, teacher Adam Strandberg and teacher/counselor Rusty Dollar kept the crowd going with a hilarious video and their quick humor during the Senior Roast.  The food, catered by Romano’s, was delicious and the music sung by alumni Amy Benoit and Community Church member/Bridge City student Kristin Ivey was beautiful. more

Ms. Kalli Curry was selected as the Teacher of the Month for Orangefield Junior High. Kalli is a 2006 graduate of Orangefield. Ms. Curry has been teaching for two years. Kalli has been employed by the district for five years. She worked as a graduate assistant coach and bus driver, prior to earning her teacher certification. Curry currently teachers keyboarding , computer technology, and physical education to 5th - 8th grade students. Coach Curry also coaches 7th and 8th grade girl athletes. When asked about her favorite part of the job, Curry replied, "My favorite thing about teaching is the unlimited opportunities we have to teach, learn from, and affect the ever changing lives of our students. Every day we have the opportunity to embrace the most unique and dynamic individuals with all of the greatest potential the world has to offer. We get to inspire character and integrity. We get to guide, motivate, and witness all of the amazing accomplishments of our students. What a life!"

Fifteen Little Cypress Junior High choir students went to University Interscholastic League (UIL) Solo and Ensemble Contest on Saturday, January 28, and brought home fourteen medals for receiving “Superiors,” which are the highest ratings to be achieved in the contest, and an “Excellent,” which is also a very prestigious rating. Seventh graders bringing home medals are Chase Courtier, Maddie Morphew, Chandler Peveto, Tyler Regan, Keegan Sonnier, Caitlyn Sulak, and Hannah Hodges. Those in eighth grade earning Superior Honors are Mindi Borel, Skylar Daniels, Matthew Frederick, M'Kenzie Jones, Adrienne LaCombe, and Abigail Noah. Alia Brown earned an “Excellent” rating on her solo. Stephanie Teague is the choir director for LCJH. After every student has auditioned, judges select one outstanding vocalist from all of those who have performed for the judge during the contest. Three of Teague’s singers were selected for this honor. They are Hannah Hodges, Matthew Frederick, and Chase Courtier. Picture - Bottom row, left to right: Abigail Noah, Mindi Borel, Talya Alvarez, Caitlyn Sulak, and Chase Courtier. Top row: Keegan Sonnier, Chandler Peveto, Matthew Frederick, Maddie Morphew, Tyler Regan, Skylar Daniels, Hannah Hodges, M'Kenzie Jones, and Alia Brown. Adrienne LaCombe is not pictured.

The Jefferson Refinery is planning to spend $75 million to $100 million on a crude oil station on the Orange County side of the Neches River. The land is part of the Port of Beaumont. A company spokesman went before Orange County Commissioners Court Monday to talk about the company issuing bonds for the project. Commissioners said they will fully cooperate with the project. Edward Salazar said the company bought an old refinery in Hampshire and hopes to have it online in 2013. The refinery is expected to process 70,000 barrels of crude oil each day. The oil will be taken to the refinery by pipeline, ship or barge. He said the terminal on the Orange County side of the Neches will include a deep water port, rail service and storage tanks. The company will pay taxes to Orange County. In other business, commissioners agreed for the county to apply for a grant to get the Orangefield Water and Sewer District to provide services to the Victory Gardens area outside of Bridge City. The water and sewer district cannot apply for the grant. County Judge Carl Thibodeaux said an oil drilling company has revised a plan to build a road into Claiborne West Park for drilling. The 532-acre county park is mostly undeveloped woods. The company had planned to cut down large trees to build the road for equipment to the drilling site. Park Director Donna Scales had been scheduled to talk to commissioners about the plan to cut down the trees. However, Thibodeaux said the company found an alternative route that would require removing only young trees. Commissioners gave transportation director Paula Anders permission to hire a driver for one of the county’s small transit buses. The driver will replace one who resigned. The position is posted in the county’s personnel office and pays $8.76 an hour with retirement benefits.

Precinct 1 Commissioner David Dubose told KOGT’s Glenn Earle that he has a plan to save the county money. He has talked to Waste Management, the company the county pays to removed trash and garbage from the Orange County Landfill drop-off site. The company is willing to provide a trash compact to use for a while at the landfill. Dubose said the county pays Waste Management to take away three loads a week. The compactor could press the refuse down to one load a week. The county will have to pay only for the electricity needed to run the compactor during the test period. If the trial is successful, the county might be able to rent or buy a compactor.

2012 Mardi Gras King and Queen Randy and Kathy Brown are congratulated by the 2011 King & Queen Kim and Ebb Moore as they take their seats at the throne of Saturday nights Ball. photo by 20/20 photography.  See more in the KOGT Photo Gallery.

KOGT.com only carries summations of news stories.  For the full story including interviews, tune in to KOGT Vocal News at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, and 11:50am, as well as 4:30 and 5:30pm weekdays.