Newton County Courthouse Newton County Judge’s Administrative Assistant Courtney Lott has resigned and filed a complaint with the TWC and the Ethics Committee. Newton County Judge Ronnie Cochran said the resignation stems from an audit performed by the Newton County Auditor’s office surrounding the rentals of the Newton civic center. According to Judge Cochran, if money is brought into the office, it must be turned into the treasurer’s office by the end of the workday. Cochra

JASPER, Texas - Voters across East Texas will have the opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking to represent Senate District 3 during a public debate scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the VFW Hall in Jasper. The debate will feature Trent Ashby  and Rhonda Ward , who are competing for the District 3 seat held by Senator Robert Nichols in the Texas Senate. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the debate set to begin promptly at 7 p.m. The debate is designed to give r

The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Danger Statement for Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Newton, Orange, and Tyler counties due to elevated wildfire risk. The statement is in effect Saturday morning through Saturday evening, as dry conditions combine with weather factors that could allow fires to ignite easily and spread rapidly. What Residents Should Know According to the National Weather Service: Winds:  North around 10 mph Relative Humidity:  As low as 20–30% Fuel Co

April 12, 1990 - January 11, 2026 Dustin Ray Arrant passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at UTMB in Galveston. Dustin was born on April 12, 1990 in Galveston, TX to Dennis Arrant and Vicki Galloway. He is survived by his father Dennis Arrant, mother Vicki Galloway of Silsbee; brother Drake Arrant and Taylor of Silsbee, sister Desirae Arrant of Silsbee, nieces and nephews Harper, Taitum, Cobe, Nova. He is preceded in death by his step-father Drew Galloway. Cremation is un

February 27, 1956 - January 11, 2026 Arlethia B. Middleton went home to her heavenly Father Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the age of 69. Services for Ms. Middleton will be Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Armstrong Memorial CME Church located at 648 County Road 114, Jasper, Texas. The visitation will be at 12:00 P.M. prior to the funeral at 1:00 P.M. The interment will follow in the Campground Cemetery located at 1859 County Road 139 N., Jasper, Texas. Services are under the dire