BUNA, Texas — Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers have released additional information in connection with a fatal three-vehicle crash that occurred early Monday morning along State Highway 62 near County Road 784 in Jasper County. Troopers have identified the deceased driver as Dustin Spears, 43, of Many, Louisiana. Spears was pronounced dead at the scene by a justice of the peace. The crash occurred at approximately 4:45 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026. Accor

Reader advisory: Images associated with this case shared by law enforcement may be graphic in nature. Donald Lewis, 82, of Kirbyville, faces a cruelty to livestock charge following an investigation by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. JASPER COUNTY, Texas — A Kirbyville man was arrested Monday afternoon following multiple reports of livestock neglect, according to Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard. Sheriff Havard stated that on January 12, 2026, at approximately 12:40 p.m.

Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department firefighters battle a fully involved storage building fire in the 7600 block of FM 252 Monday afternoon. Crews were able to extinguish the blaze before it spread into nearby woods or homes. (East Texas Banner photo) JASPER COUNTY, Texas — Just before 2:30 p.m. Monday afternoon, Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the 7600 block of Farm-to-Market Road 252 for a fully involved storage building fire. The fire was clo