JASPER COUNTY, Texas — A swift investigation by Jasper County Sheriff’s Office investigators led to the arrest of two Brookeland men and the recovery of a stolen Brookeland ISD (BISD) utility vehicle earlier this week. According to Sheriff Chuck Havard, his office was contacted on October 14, 2025, by officials with Brookeland ISD after school staff discovered a theft at the district’s maintenance shop that occurred October 9, 2025. The stolen property included a utility veh

Tyler Dain Payne, of Buna, TX – Age 25 MTR / Evading Arrest or Detention Assault Causing Bodily Injury Arresting Agency: Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 9:08 AM Gecoby Djuan Elam, of Silsbee, TX – Age 22 Sexual Assault of a Child Arresting Agency: Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 9:23 AM Gecoby Djuan Elam, of Silsbee, TX – Age 22 Bail Jumping and Failure to Appear (Felony) Arresting Agency: Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 9:33 AM Triston Matthew Carrell, of Silsbee, TX –

JASPER COUNTY, Texas — The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office has recognized Major Steve Crowell as its Employee of the Month for September, honoring his outstanding leadership, commitment, and service to the citizens of Jasper County. Sheriff Chuck Havard commended Major Crowell for his dedication both to the department and to the community, describing him as a key figure in the daily operations of the sheriff’s office. “I’ve known Steve for 27 years. When I got to DPS, Steve h

BUNA, Texas — A major four-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon on State Highway 62 near County Road 826 left several people injured, including one woman who was airlifted to a Houston hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The preliminary DPS investigation indicates that around 4:15 p.m., a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse was traveling north on Highway 62, followed by a 2013 Honda Odyssey. Troopers say the Honda attempted to pass t

James Mark Herrin, 62, of Kirbyville. CALL JUNCTION, Texas — A Kirbyville man wanted on a felony warrant was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon after law enforcement officers tracked him down at a residence in Call Junction. According to Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard, deputies received information around 3 p.m. that James Mark Herrin, 62, of Kirbyville, was wanted for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, a second-degree felony. Sheriff Havard and Kirbyville Police

JASPER COUNTY, Texas — Jasper County Sheriff’s Office deputies hit the streets today in their brand-new uniforms, marking a fresh chapter in the department’s appearance and professionalism. The updated look includes new uniforms, badges, and shoulder patches — a project Sheriff Chuck Havard says has been in the works since January. “These uniforms, weapons, and accessories were purchased with prisoner reimbursement funds and a weapon seizure account,” Havard said. “They give

The following individuals were booked into the Jasper County Jail on Tuesday, October 14, 2025: Joshua Sallee, of Lumberton, TX – Age 35 Driving While License Invalid with Previous Convictions/Suspension/Without Financial Responsibility Arresting Agency: DPS at 10:52 AM Tashun Denise Brown, of Jasper, TX – Age 27 Interference with Public Duties Arresting Agency: Jasper Police Department at 11:28 AM Warrant: 25-01015 Jasmine Carly MacFarlane, of Call, TX – Age 40 Driving While

East Texas Banner File Photo Volunteer fire departments across East Texas are set to receive new trucks and equipment through record Texas A&M Forest Service funding. Twelve departments across Jasper, Tyler, and Newton counties were included in the $3.2 million allocation. EAST TEXAS — Volunteer firefighters across three East Texas counties are getting a major boost, as more than $3.2 million in new state funding will deliver modern trucks and firefighting equipment to 12 rur

The new Dixie Station in Beech Grove will soon house the department’s first-ever new fire apparatus, made possible through $345,000 in Texas A&M Forest Service grants. BEECH GROVE, Texas — Beech Grove Volunteer Fire Department is celebrating a major milestone this week after receiving two state grants totaling $345,000 through the Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. The grants include $300,000 for a new tanker truck and $45,000 for

Jasper County Commissioner Dennis Marks has been recognized for completing an advanced course of study in county government through the Commissioners Court Advanced Curriculum (CCAC). Marks received his Certificate of Achievement from the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas (CJCAT) during the organization’s 103rd Annual Conference held Oct. 6–9 in Galveston County. The CCAC program represents the highest level of voluntary education available to county offici

Newsflash: As of 8 a.m. this morning, a BURN BAN is in effect! This past week I, along with my staff attended the National Night Out hosted by the Jasper Police Department at Sandy Creek Park. This annual event promotes neighborhood safety through community building and provides a stronger partnership between law-enforcement and our community. I’d like to give a big shout out to JPD Chief Garrett Foster, his staff and other officials for coordinating and hosting this event.

JASPER COUNTY, Texas — Jasper County is now under a burn ban following a local disaster declaration issued early Tuesday morning by County Judge Mark Allen. Allen said several factors led to the decision, including ongoing drought conditions, weather forecasts, and a recent increase in grass and brush fires across the county. “Several factors are involved in issuing a burn ban, including the drought conditions, weather forecasts, and numbers of increasing fires throughout th

JASPER — Long before most folks had their morning coffee, Jasper County Jail trustees were already putting in the work — this time lending a hand at the Jasper County Senior Center on North Fletcher Street. Under the supervision of Jail Administrator Kenny Widner and Captain Joe Pomponio, trustees helped move a Coke machine for the center, part of their ongoing service work that often goes unseen but makes a big difference in the community. “Most people in our county aren’t

Joni Waldrup, 47, of Kirbyville — courtesy of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. KIRBYVILLE, Texas — On Sunday afternoon, October 12, 2025, at approximately 3:37 p.m., Jasper County Sheriff’s deputies were taking a report of a stolen vehicle in the Kirbyville area when the case took an unexpected turn. While the complainant was still on the phone with deputies, they spotted the vehicle traveling north on U.S. Highway 96 toward Kirbyville. Kirbyville Police quickly located an

The following individuals were booked into the Jasper County Jail on Sunday, October 12, 2025: Victoria A. Kilcrease, of Jasper, TX – Age 28 Theft Class C Arresting Agency: Jasper Police Department at 5:25 PM Joni Michelle Merkelz, of Kirbyville, TX – Age 47 Possession of Controlled Substance PG 1/1-B ≥1G < 4G Possession of Controlled Substance PG 3 < 28G Arresting Agency: Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 7:54 PM Omar Kawan Richards, of Jasper, TX – Age 36 Failed to Maintain

The following individuals were booked into the Jasper County Jail on Saturday, October 11, 2025: Kellian Ray Weathered, of Jasper, TX –...

KIRBYVILLE, Texas — Jasper County Sheriff’s deputies have recovered a stolen ATV and arrested a Kirbyville man in connection with the...

SUSAN FERN BLACK April 21, 1947 - October 10, 2025 Susan Fern Black, 78, of Buna, died Friday, October 10, 2025. She was born on April 21, 1947, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to Marion Fern Pearson Parker and Gladwin “Bud” Parker. Susan worked for Evadale Independent School District for over twenty years. She was a member of New Beginnings Assembly of God Church in Evadale, where she had a passion for children’s ministry. Survivors include her loving husband, Bill Black; children, K

JASPER COUNTY, Texas — Ray Lewis has formally announced his candidacy for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, in the upcoming 2026...

The following individuals were booked into the Jasper County Jail on Friday, October 10, 2025: Roylee Solomon Fontenot, of Port Arthur,...