Governor Abbott Expands Texas Disaster Declaration to 219 Counties Amid Winter Storm
Governor Greg Abbott has expanded Texas’ winter storm disaster declaration, adding 85 additional counties to ensure affected communities can quickly access state emergency resources as severe winter weather continues across the state. The amended declaration brings the total number of counties under disaster status to 219, reflecting widespread impacts from freezing temperatures, snow, and icy conditions. “Communities across the state have been impacted by this weekend’s wint
Rita Shipp
Jan 25
Man Arrested for Burglary of Habitation During Ice Storm as Power Outages Impact Jasper County
Jason Lane Baldwin, 28, of Jasper JASPER COUNTY, Texas — A Jasper man was arrested Sunday morning following a reported burglary on FM 3714, an incident that occurred as much of the region remains under an ice storm warning with widespread power outages affecting Jasper County and surrounding areas. On Sunday, January 25, 2026, at approximately 9:00 a.m., Deputy Gray responded to 1498 FM 3714 in reference to a burglary that had just occurred. During the investigation, Deputy
Rita Shipp
Jan 25
Jasper County Activates Emergency Response, Urges Caution as Winter Storm Fern Continues
Photo Credit: East Texas Banner Jasper County officials are responding to ongoing impacts from Winter Storm Fern, including power outages, downed trees, and hazardous conditions, according to an update from Mark Allen, Jasper County Judge. Power Outages and Reporting Guidance Judge Allen said the latest reports show: Jasper-Newton Electric Cooperative with 3,590 Jasper County connections without power Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative reporting approximately 950 homes wi
Rita Shipp
Jan 25
Red Cross Supports Texas Gulf Coast Communities During Winter Storm Fern
The Texas Gulf Coast Red Cross continues to support communities impacted by Winter Storm Fern through sheltering, feeding, and logistics operations in coordination with state, county, and local partners. According to the Red Cross, more than 149 trained responders are currently supporting readiness efforts across the region. Local teams are assisting with 43 warming centers and shelters — 21 of which are Red Cross-managed — and are staffing four Emergency Operations Centers.
Rita Shipp
Jan 25
Jasper County Arrest Report – Saturday, January 24, 2026
Noah Essmeier, of Brookeland – Age 31 Driving While License Invalid with Previous Conviction / Suspension / No Financial Responsibility Arrested by Jasper Police Department at 6:17 a.m. on January 24, 2026 Dustin Hatfield, of Kirbyville – Age 34 Parole Violation Arrested by Kirbyville Police Department at 9:20 p.m. on January 24, 2026 All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Rita Shipp
Jan 25
Winter Storm Fern Triggers Widespread Power Outages Across East Texas
Information as of 2:00 PM, January 25, 2026. As Winter Storm Fern moves through the region, thousands of East Texas residents are without power, with some counties reporting outage percentages exceeding 50 percent early Sunday. According to outage tracking data, more than 91,000 customers across Texas were without electricity as of Sunday morning, with East Texas among the hardest-hit areas. Counties Reporting the Highest Outages Several East Texas counties are experiencing s
Rita Shipp
Jan 25
