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

Photo Courtesy of Newton County Sheriff's Office A Burkeville man wanted in connection with a burglary investigation has surrendered to authorities, according to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. On December 30, 2025, deputies began investigating a burglary of a habitation on County Road 2084 in Burkeville. The victim in the case provided deputies with surveillance footage of the break-in, which allowed investigators to identify the suspect as Ryan Calvin Smith. The Sheriff

Several East Texas students were recognized for their academic achievements at McNeese State University for the Fall 2025 semester, earning placement on either the Honor Roll or the President’s Honor List, according to the university’s Office of Marketing and Communications. Fall 2025 Honor Roll To qualify for the Honor Roll, undergraduate students must earn a 3.0 GPA or higher while completing at least 12 semester hours. Students from East Texas recognized on the Honor Roll

Jail Activity Report for January 5, 2026 – January 11, 2026 Tajiah Cheyne Barnes, 26, of Jasper Charges: Tampering with a government record; Failure to identify – fugitive from justice (refusal) Bond: $3,000 total In custody: No Rodney Allen Blankenship, 35, of Austin Charge: Tampering/Fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair Bond: Not listed In custody: No Donald Arthur Evans III, 41, of Many, Louisiana Charge: Probation violation (unlawful possession of a firearm

January 12, 2026 Hopefully everyone had a great weekend, unfortunately, Monday always seems to come around too soon. Last Tuesday, Chief Deputy Dew and I went to a location off State Highway 63 east of Burkeville and arrested Charles Brandon Rock, who was wanted for Burglary of a Habitation.  Mr. Rock is no stranger to the Burkeville community, nor is he a stranger to the criminal justice system.   Friday evening, we responded to a call where a woman was attacked by a pit bul

Texas students, including those in Newton, Jasper, and surrounding East Texas counties, have an opportunity to receive financial support for college through the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (RodeoHouston) scholarship program, with the application deadline quickly approaching. RodeoHouston officials say scholarship applications are currently open and must be submitted by February 2. The program helps Texas students pursue higher education by providing financial assistance

NEWTON, TX — A fatal shooting early Sunday morning in the City of Newton is under investigation, according to Newton Police Chief Will Jackson. Chief Jackson said officers were called to a location commonly known as “The Hill” on the north side of town after a dispute at a party reportedly escalated into gunfire. One woman, who was reported to be from DeRidder, Louisiana, was transported by ambulance to Jasper Memorial Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. In additi

NEWTON COUNTY, Texas — The Newton Independent School District Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in the theft of a school bus early Thursday morning. According to Newton ISD Police, at approximately 2:40 a.m., an individual pictured in surveillance footage, along with an accomplice in a separate vehicle, stole an unoccupied school bus from Newton Middle School. The bus was later located in Merryville, Louisiana, and was s

Photos Courtesy of Newton VFD NEWTON COUNTY, Texas — Firefighters with the Newton Volunteer Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire Monday morning on Highway 87 South that resulted in a total loss of the truck. According to Newton VFD, the call came in at approximately 9:07 a.m. on January 5, 2026. Upon arrival, firefighters found a pickup truck fully involved. Crews worked to extinguish the fire and secure the scene. No injuries were reported. Officials said the cause o

January 5, 2026 Happy New Year from the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. I want everyone to know it has been an honor and privilege to serve Newton County over the last year. This was our first year in office, and I could not be more proud of the staff here at the Sheriff’s Office for their dedication and hard work. As I look back on my first year in office, I am proud of the positive changes we have implemented within the Sheriff’s Office. Friday night, deputies responded to

Jail Activity Report for December 29, 2025 – January 4, 2026 Johnny Andrew Caldwell, 30 – Bon Wier Discharge Firearm from Public Roadway; Hunt White Tail Deer from Public Road; Hunting Without License; Hunting Without Hunter Education Not in custody Billy Dewayne Collins, 54 – Orange Driving While License Invalid (Previous Conviction/Suspension/No Financial Responsibility) Bond: $2,500 Not in custody Sonya K. Dworaczyk, 58 – Deweyville Aggravated Assault – Family/Household wi

Sonya Dworaczyk was arrested following a domestic disturbance in Deweyville. Photo Courtesy of Newton County Sheriff's Office. DEWEYVILLE, TX — A reported domestic disturbance escalated into gunfire Saturday afternoon, resulting in a felony arrest, according to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. On Saturday, January 3, 2026, at approximately 1:25 p.m., deputies with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence on County Road 3131 in Deweyville in refere

Photo Courtesy of Newton County Sheriff's Office A wanted felon was taken into custody Saturday morning following a coordinated felony warrant service in the Singletary Sites community, according to Newton County Sheriff Colton Havard. On Saturday, January 3, 2026, at approximately 10:15 a.m., Sergeant Cagle, Deputy Graves, and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers responded to a residence on Private Road 8034 to serve multiple felony warrants. Upon arrival, deputies loc

DEWEYVILLE, Texas — A Newton County family is asking to lift them up in prayer after their 5-year-old son was diagnosed with a rare and terminal neurological disease following a sudden and frightening hospitalization. Waylon Sterner, a Deweyville child known for his big personality and loving spirit, was recently admitted to the ICU after complications from the flu, bronchitis, and double ear infections. During his hospital stay, doctors discovered inflammation on his brain

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

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

Two new ambulances called into to start there service at 7pm Wednesday evening in Newton County. ESD 6 President Charles Duckworth said, "This will be a tremendous change..." Newton County passed a 2 cents sales tax that has paved the way for the new ambulance units in Newton. Both Duckworth and Newton County Judge Ronnie Cochran believe that this is a game changer for the citizens of Newton County. One unit will station in Burkeville while the other will station in Trout Cre

Local ESDs and Fire Department updates on the Control Burns going on throughout East Texas. Jasper County Emergency Services District # 4 500 acre control burn Hwy 96 and Hwy 255. Use caution while driving through the area. Dense smoke conditions!! Newton Volunteer Fire Department We are aware of 2 prescribed (control) burns currently being conducted in Newton Co. today 1) FM 1416 Jamestown area 165.9 acres to be burnt. 2) Hyw 87 North near Scrappin Valley 876 acres to be bur

Jail Activity Report for December 22, 2025 – December 28, 2025 Marissa Ann Adams, 26, of Buna • Charge: Assault (Class C) • In Custody: No Brandal Lugene Burks III, 39, of Kirbyville • Charges: – Criminal Mischief ≥ $100 < $750 – Theft of Service ≥ $100 < $750 • Bond: $4,000 (each charge) • In Custody: No Corina Gabrielle Burton, 31, of DeRidder, LA • Charge: Possession of Marijuana (>2 oz ≤4 oz) • Bond: $4,000 • In Custody: No Dakota Paul McCaughn, 28, of Call, TX • Charges:

December 29, 2025 I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and was able to enjoy time with family during the holidays. Last week, deputies took a report of a damaged game camera and deer blind in the Trout Creek community. A short time later, the two suspects contacted the victim and admitted to damaging the items. Deputies obtained arrest warrants and subsequently arrested both individuals. Saturday night, Deputy Brent Sonnier was patrolling in Deweyville and conducted a traffi