Despite recent showers, conditions remain dangerously dry — and one illegal burn just scorched 12 acres. Photos Courtesy of Tyler County Emergency Management Office Tyler County officials are warning residents that the burn ban is still in full effect across Newton, Tyler, and Jasper counties. Emergency crews were called out Sunday after a fire in the Spurger area grew out of control when someone tried to burn trash during the ongoing dry spell. According to Tyler County Emer

JASPER COUNTY — When a Jasper Police Department officer suspected a driver might be hiding narcotics during a traffic stop on Monday afternoon, October 20, 2025, he called for backup — and the help of a four-legged partner whose nose doesn’t miss a thing. Lieutenant Chad Ainsworth with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and his K9 partner Rhino responded to assist at Highway 190 and Main Street. The driver had refused consent to search the vehicle, prompting the JPD officer

Jasper County  — The Jasper County Commissioners Court met in regular session Monday, October 20, covering a wide range of county business — from law enforcement updates and grant projects to extending the local disaster declaration and countywide burn ban amid worsening drought conditions. Christie Hutchison Appointed Interim Precinct 3 Constable Commissioners voted to appoint Christie Hutchison as the interim Precinct 3 Constable, filling the vacancy left by Scott Jacks, wh

JASPER COUNTY — A Buna man was taken into custody Saturday night after deputies discovered what they believe to be methamphetamines during an investigation into reports of gunfire. According to Sheriff Chuck Havard, the incident occurred around 9:34 p.m. on October 19, 2025, when Deputies Gray and Morgan responded to a call about shots fired in the 2700 block of County Road 786. While deputies were on scene, they observed a vehicle driven by Paul James Taucer, 38, of Buna, t

Brayden Mahathay, of Kirbyville, TX – Age 19 Aggravated Assault Date/Family/House w/Weapon SBI Arresting Agency: Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 4:34 AM Azion Chrisitian Ray Mahathay, of Kirbyville, TX – Age 21 Aggravated Assault Date/Family/House w/Weapon SBI Arresting Agency: Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 4:52 AM All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Devante Treveon Collins, of Jasper, TX – Age 27 Driving While License Invalid with Previous Conviction/Suspension Without Financial Responsibility Arresting Agency: Jasper Police Department at 5:00 PM Darren Javon Spikes, of Jasper, TX – Age 32 Driving While License Invalid with Previous Conviction/Suspension Without Financial Responsibility Possession of Controlled Substance PG 2-A ≤ 2 oz Arresting Agency: Texas Department of Public Safety at 8:25 PM and 10:59 PM All subject

KIRBYVILLE, Texas — Two brothers were arrested late Saturday night after Jasper County deputies responded to reports of gunfire during a fight in Kirbyville. According to Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard, deputies Gray, Roy, Morgan, and Kaylor, along with Kirbyville Police Officer Lilly, were dispatched around 10:52 p.m. on October 18 to the 3700 block of County Road 443 for a disturbance involving shots fired. When officers arrived, they found Azion Mahathay, 21, and his

Photo Courtesy of Beechgrove VFD Beech Grove Volunteer Fire Department crews and local residents work together Saturday afternoon clearing fallen trees along County Road 149 after a fast-moving storm downed trees and damaged a barn in the area. BEECH GROVE, Texas — What started as a string of scattered weather calls turned into hours of road-clearing and damage response for Beech Grove Volunteer Fire Department (BGVFD) on Saturday afternoon. At 2:57 p.m., BGVFD was dispatched

Joshua Champaign, 38, of Silsbee, was arrested by Jasper County deputies on Oct. 17 in the Buna area. BUNA, Texas — Jasper County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a Silsbee man Friday night after responding to a trespassing call in the Buna area that led to multiple criminal charges. According to Sheriff Chuck Havard, Deputies Harrell and Hoke were dispatched to a county road near Buna on October 17 in reference to a trespasser. When they arrived, they located the subject

EAST TEXAS — Week 8 of high school football brought drama, grit, and plenty of hometown pride across the Pineywoods — including three homecoming celebrations and one rivalry showdown that stretched into double overtime. Evadale 44, Deweyville 36 (2OT) It doesn’t get more East Texas than this. The 10th River Bowl between Evadale and Deweyville was one for the record books — a slugfest that went not one, but two overtimes before the Rebels came out on top. Deweyville’s powerfu

Photo Courtesy of UMC of the Pines JASPER, Texas — What a difference a few hours can make. Volunteers from across East Texas rolled up their sleeves Saturday to pack an incredible 12,000 meals for local food banks serving Jasper, Newton, Sabine, and San Augustine counties. Hosted by United Methodist Church of the Pines, the “Feeding East Texas” event turned fellowship into full-on community impact — with 320 bags of rice, 20 bags of oats, and 20 bags of beans boxed and ready

Lacherica Lasha Robinson, of Beaumont, TX – Age 29 Driving While License Invalid with Previous Conviction/Suspension Without Financial Responsibility Arresting Agency: Texas Department of Public Safety at 12:47 AM Corey Sullivan, of Broaddus, TX – Age 41 Driving While License Invalid with Previous Conviction/Suspension Without Financial Responsibility Arresting Agency: Texas Department of Public Safety at 7:33 AM Deshailyn Kaalid Gasaway, of Jasper, TX – Age 26 Speeding 51 MP

JASPER, Texas — The Jasper County Emergency Services District No. 4 met Monday evening at 6 p.m., with Vice President Joe Morgan calling the meeting to order in the absence of President Sam Job. Commissioner Todd Parsons opened with prayer before the board turned to a full agenda of financial approvals, departmental updates, and new equipment discussions. New Board Member Appointed Vice President Morgan introduced Steve Smith as the district’s newest board member, filling the

KIRBYVILLE, Texas – Kirbyville High School is proud to recognize Senior Jeremiah Gregory as the Student of the Week for October 13–17, 2025. Jeremiah has spent his years at KHS demonstrating unwavering dedication and true Wildcat pride in everything he does. In the classroom, he’s known for his quiet leadership and respectful attitude — a model student who consistently leads by example. A multi-talented and dependable contributor, Jeremiah has served as a Manager for the Wil

Amy Raylyn Myers, of Kirbyville, TX – Age 48 Driving While Intoxicated Arresting Agency: Jasper Police Department at 5:22 AM Steven Dwayne Gilbert, of Jasper, TX – Age 62 Theft < $100.00 Arresting Agency: Jasper Police Department at 12:17 PM Madison Folsom, of Lake Charles, LA – Age 24 Bail Jumping and Fail to Appear Arresting Agency: Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 1:34 PM Paula Jones, of Jasper, TX – Age 29 Possession of Controlled Substance PG 1/1-B <1G Arresting Agency:

Here’s a brief roundup of the top stories you may have missed this week.

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