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79-year-old Orange County man facing federal charges for kidnapping Beaumont attorney
BEAUMONT, Texas — A 79-year-old man from Orange has been charged in federal court with kidnapping a Beaumont attorney who defended him on kidnapping charges 40 years ago. Putnam Darwin Richardson, 79, of Orange, kidnapped Beaumont attorney Mel Shelander, 72, on Monday morning, according to a statement from his family.
Chemical release from railcar triggers shelter-in-place for West Orange, Bridge City, Orangefield
WEST ORANGE, Texas — Officials have announced that the source of a chemical odor in West Orange, Bridge City and Orangefield is due to a release from a railcar at a repair facility about half a mile south of West Orange-Stark High School. A railcar at Eagle Railcar Services...
Vidor Police, FBI investigating after masked man with gun robs bank Thursday morning
BEAUMONT, Texas — Vidor Police and the FBI are investigating a bank robbery Thursday morning and looking for a suspect who fled in a Ford pickup. Just after 11 a.m. Thursday morning Vidor police received a report of an armed robbery happening at the First State Bank of Texas at 1384 North Main, according to Vidor Police Chief Rod Carroll.
Former Kountze city secretary turns self in on 2023 theft, forgery charges following indictment
KOUNTZE, Texas — The former city secretary of Kountze was arrested this week on forgery and theft charges dating back to the spring of 2023. Sonya Arline, 57, turned herself in to deputies at the Hardin County Jail this week on charges of theft of property between $2,500 and $30,000 and forgery of a financial instrument. Both are state jail felonies.
Southeast Texas shrimpers say Hurricane Beryl has created a slow start to the season
PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Shrimping season is beginning, but many local shrimpers are being forced to stay onshore. Southeast Texas shrimpers have voiced their frustrations with the influx of cheaper imported shrimp in the past, but local shrimpers say that isn't the only culprit in the slow start to the season.
Three Big Thicket trails closed due to downed trees, washouts following Hurricane Beryl
KOUNTZE, Texas — Three Big Thicket trails are currently closed due to significant damage from fallen trees and washouts following Hurricane Beryl. The Big Thicket National Preserve announced that Birdwatchers, Woodlands and Big Sandy Trails are closed as crews work to clear downed trees and other potential hazards. Kirby,...
'It was just terrible' | Kirbyville church starts GoFundMe to help rebuild after flooding
KIRBYVILLE, Texas — A Kirbyville church is still rebuilding more than three months after the April 2024 floods. Their meeting house flooded with several feet of water after nearly 13 inches of rain fell in a single night. The church was completely gutted and it's a total loss. The...
Orange Recreation Center hosting its 'Remember and Honor Dodgeball Tournament'
ORANGE, Texas — The Orange Recreation Center is hosting its "Remember and Honor Dodgeball Tournament" to show appreciation to local law enforcement, firefighters, military and healthcare workers. The tournament will take place on Saturday, September 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1405 W. Orange Avenue. This event...
'Please get him a home' | Man fatally shot by police leaves behind note asking that dog be taken care of
BEAUMONT, Texas — Before a 68-year-old Beaumont man with a gun had a fatal encounter with police in the street in front of his Old Town home on Monday, he leashed his dog and left a note asking that a home be found for him. The handwritten note was...
Texas man tried to lure girl, who was actually an officer posing as child using age-regressed photos, feds say
SNYDER, Texas — A Texas man who tried to lure a child -- who was actually an officer posing as a minor and sending the man age-regressed photos -- has been found guilty on federal enticement charges, authorities announced Wednesday. Jose Luis Espinoza Jr., 38, of Snyder, was convicted...
Beaumont Police seeking women they say beat up Wingstop employee over incorrect order
BEAUMONT, Texas — Beaumont Police are looking for help to find three women who police say assaulted a Wingstop employee in Beaumont over an incorrect order nearly two weeks ago. The clerk was assaulted at the Wingstop at College St and Interstate 10 at about 11 p.m. on Thursday,...
Layne's Chicken Fingers set to open in former Mazzio's in Nederland
BEAUMONT, Texas — The last location in Southeast Texas of a popular pizza restaurant shut down in May leading to speculation over what might replace it. At one time there were multiple Mazzio's restaurants located throughout the Golden Triangle but by 2024 only the Nederland restaurant, across from Central Mall, remained.
Southeast Texas republican delegates sound off at Republican National Convention
BEAUMONT, Texas — Local republican delegates were excited to have former President Trump inside the arena again Tuesday night. "Everybody was kind of in shock and at the same time relieved to see him doing well," said republican delegate David Stone Jr. After an assassination attempt on Saturday, security...
Port Arthur mayor makes push to extend mayoral term limit
PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Port Author Mayor Thurmond Bartie submitted his petition to change the charter to run for re-election at around 4 p.m. Tuesday. Back in May, Bartie said that the change was not only for him. Many candidates have been pushed out due to the current term limits.
Weather Impact Alert day due to chance of heavy rain now only includes Thursday
BEAUMONT, Texas — The 12News meteorologists have declared a Weather Impact Alert for Thursday in Southeast Texas. The alert has been issued for all of Southeast Texas due to the potential for locally heavy rainfall and isolated areas experiencing street ponding. Rain coverages Thursday will be around 60%-70% throughout...
Orange County sheriff's deputy resigns amidst investigation by Texas Rangers
ORANGE COUNTY, Texas — An Orange County deputy who is under investigation by the Texas Rangers resigned earlier this month. Ken Bost officially resigned on July 3, 2024, according to the sheriff's office. He was hired in July 2020 and previously worked as the Rose City Marshal. 12News reached...
FEMA's Disaster Recovery Center working to get Jasper residents back on their feet
JASPER, Texas — Since hurricane Beryl and previous severe storms, FEMA's Disaster Recovery Center in Jasper is working in overdrive to help hundreds of of Southeast Texans recover from storm damages. "Where applicants can come and speak one on one with trained staff to help them navigate through the...
Trial begins for man accused of 2021 shooting that left one dead, another paralyzed
BEAUMONT, Texas — The trial of a Beaumont man accused of a 2021 murder has begun on Tuesday, July 15. Elijah Guillory pleaded not guilty to the shooting death of Matthew Dragulski, 37, of Beaumont. On August 25, 2021, shortly after 11 p.m. Beaumont Police responded to the 2300...
Humble woman gets 10 years for intox manslaughter in 2020 death of Beaumont woman
BEAUMONT, Texas — A 48-year-old woman from Humble was sentenced to 10 years for the intoxication manslaughter death of a 26-year-old Beaumont woman four years ago. Tonya Bowman, 48, of Humble was sentenced Monday by Judge Larry Thorne in Jefferson County's Drug Impact Court as part of a plea deal.
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