Chance Alan Kerr, of Burkeville, TX – Age 30 Possession of Controlled Substance PG 1/1-B <1g Theft of Property <$2,500 (2 or More Previous Convictions) Theft of Property <$2,500 (2 or More Previous Convictions) Arresting Agency: Jasper Police Department at 12:04 AM Vernon Heath Morton, of Vidor, TX – Age 38 Driving While License Invalid with Previous Conviction / Suspended / Without Financial Responsibility Arresting Agency: Texas Department of Public Safety at 4:34 PM Kaden

JASPER, Texas - East End Volunteer Fire Department held its annual Officer Installation Banquet on Tuesday night at the Jasper Volunteer Fire Department station, recognizing service, welcoming new members and highlighting accomplishments from the past year. The event featured a meal prepared by Eddie Robinson of Rue’s BBQ and a keynote address by Joe Bill Adams of the Holly Springs community, a former East End firefighter with about 15 years of service. Adams, whose father an

Amanda Renee Wilson, 43, of Buna, was arrested on a felony theft warrant involving a stolen Ford Bronco. A Buna woman was arrested Monday night after authorities confirmed she was wanted on a felony theft warrant involving a stolen Ford Bronco that had already been recovered in Jasper County. According to the Jasper County Sheriff's Office, deputies were notified at approximately 8:30 p.m. on January 5, 2026, by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office that a wanted individual was

Dr. Ron McMurry, President of the Jasper Hospital District and a longtime family physician in Jasper. Photo courtesy of the Jasper Hospital District. Dr. Ron McMurry, President of the Jasper Hospital District Board of Directors and a longtime family physician in Jasper, has passed away. McMurry brought decades of medical experience and passionate advocacy for rural healthcare access to his leadership role with the hospital district. Born and raised in Jasper, McMurry came fro

Photo Courtesy of Jasper County Sheriff's Office A Silsbee woman was taken into custody Tuesday morning after deputies confirmed she was wanted on multiple felony warrants out of Hardin County. According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, on January 6, 2026, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Deputy Harrell observed Courtney Lisenby, 35, of Silsbee, walking through residential yards along U.S. Highway 96, just north of Evadale. Deputy Harrell made a consensual stop and requested

Photo Courtesy of Jasper County Sheriff's Office BUNA, Texas — A Buna man was arrested Monday night after Jasper County deputies located a handgun concealed inside a residence during a disturbance call, according to the Jasper County Sheriff's Office. On January 5, 2026, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Deputy Harrell was dispatched to County Road 740 in Buna in reference to a verbal disturbance. Upon arrival, the deputy observed Richard Johnson, 58, standing next to a vehicle on

Jermario Deyun Thomas, 21, of Jasper Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility; No Driver License; Unlawful Carrying Weapon; Possession of Marijuana <2 oz Arresting Agency: DPS at 12:28 AM Richard Keith Johnson, 58, of Buna Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon Arresting Agency: Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 12:29 PM Joseph Smith, 22, of Nederland Aggravated Kidnapping; Parole Violation Arresting Agency: Out-of-County at 3:23 PM Tanner Reed Doucet, 28, of Orange Moti

Photos courtesy of MLF5. Howe brothers celebrate a big showing at the Sam Rayburn BFL season opener. SAM RAYBURN RESERVOIR — The 2026 tournament season got off to a strong start on Sam Rayburn Reservoir as the Howe family turned in an impressive performance during the Phoenix Boats Bass Fishing League Cowboy Division opener. Evan Howe of Keatchie, Louisiana, topped the field with a five-fish limit weighing 20 pounds, 3 ounces, securing the Cowboy Division win and marking his

Clendon Antajuan Dasean Spikes. Photo Courtesy of Jasper County Sheriff's Office. A Jasper County fugitive was taken into custody Monday after deputies spotted a vehicle connected to him while assisting with a separate traffic crash. According to Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard, on January 5, 2026, Jasper County deputies were assisting the Jasper Police Department with a traffic crash on Premier Drive near Lowe’s when a deputy observed a vehicle associated with a known fug

Photo Courtesy of Jasper County Sheriff's Office The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office has announced the addition of a new jail nurse, bringing expanded medical and mental health support to the Jasper County Jail. Stephanie Redd Thomas of Kirbyville has joined the jail’s medical staff and will be responsible for providing healthcare services to individuals incarcerated at the facility. In addition to medical care, Thomas will work closely with professionals from Spindletop to as

Eric James Carr, of Buna, TX – Age 55 Driving While Intoxicated Arresting Agency: Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 4:42 AM Timmareah Michelle Riggs, of Houston, TX – Age 39 Theft of Property ≥ $750 < $2,500 Arresting Agency: Jasper Police Department at 1:50 PM Tara Smith, of Jasper, TX – Age 51 Evading Arrest or Detention Arresting Agency: Jasper Police Department at 6:00 PM Melvin Brim Jr., of Jasper, TX – Age 69 Driving While Intoxicated – 2nd Offense Arresting Agency: Jas

Jake Tyrone Neal, of Buna, TX – Age 44 Parole Violation Arrested by: Out-of-County Agency Arrested on January 2, 2026, at 11:52 AM Tiffany Marie Scott, of Trinity, TX – Age 48 Tamper/Fabricate Physical Evidence with Intent to Impair Possession of Controlled Substance PG 1/1-B <1g Motion to Revoke Probation – Manufacture/Delivery CS PG 3/4 <28g (Drug-Free Zone) Arrested by: Out-of-County Agency Arrested on January 2, 2026, at 3:15 PM Jerrod Barclay Lenderman, of Conroe, TX – A

Photo Courtesy of Jasper County Sheriff's Office BUNA, Texas — Jasper County deputies recovered a stolen vehicle Friday afternoon while responding to a call in the Buna area, according to Chuck Havard. On Friday, January 2, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m., deputies were dispatched to a residence in Buna’s Cougar Country in reference to a possible emotionally disturbed person. When deputies arrived, no individuals were located at the residence. However, deputies observed a 2

CASA of the Sabine Neches Region has launched a new community outreach and marketing initiative aimed at bringing its mission directly into the communities it serves across Southeast Texas. The initiative, titled “Kickin’ It with CASA,” will take representatives of CASA of the Sabine Neches Region on the road twice each month to visit all six counties in its service area: Orange, Jasper, Hardin, Newton, Sabine, and Tyler counties. Through the outreach effort, CASA will spotli

Photo Courtesy of Jasper County Judge Mark Allen JASPER, Texas — Jasper County officially welcomed Maegan Pope as its newest County Auditor during a swearing-in ceremony held the morning of January 1, 2026. The ceremony was opened by Delinda Gibbs-Walker, who welcomed attendees before the invocation was delivered. Judge Gibbs-Walker then administered the oath of office to Pope, with her husband, Heath Pope, holding the Bible as she was sworn in. County officials, staff, and

Residents across East and Southeast Texas are being urged to use extra caution with outdoor activities as elevated fire weather conditions develop across much of the region, according to state and federal fire and weather officials. While the most extreme fire danger — known as Red Flag conditions — is focused farther west in Texas, dry air, gusty winds, and warm winter temperatures are creating higher-than-normal wildfire potential on Thursday and Friday, including in Deep E

Jake Tyrone Neal, of Buna, TX – Age 44 Burglary of Habitation (Felony) Arresting Agency: Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 8:42 PM on January 1, 2026 Warrant: FM25-0022J6 Kaleb Odomes, of Houston, TX – Age 27 Assault / Family Member Arresting Agency: Texas Department of Public Safety at 10:15 PM on January 1, 2026 Warrant/Ref #: 2549574 All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Jake Neal, 44, of Buna, was arrested on January 1, 2026, on a warrant for Burglary of a Habitation (Felony 2). JASPER COUNTY, Texas — A Buna man was arrested on New Year’s Day following an investigation by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office that stemmed from multiple tips from the public. According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, on January 1, 2026, deputies received several tips regarding the whereabouts of a wanted individual. The suspect was identified as Jake Neal,

The remains of a camper are seen following a fire Wednesday night on County Road 226 near Lake Rayburn. The camper was serving as the home of Richard Cole and was a total loss. BROOKELAND, Texas — A camper fire Wednesday night has left a Jasper County man with nothing after flames destroyed his home, vehicle, and wheelchair. According to family members, the fire occurred late Wednesday night on County Road 226 near Lake Rayburn, when a camper serving as the residence of Rich