Beginning April 1, 2026, Texans who receive SNAP food benefits will no longer be able to use their Lone Star Cards to purchase candy or sweetened drinks at grocery stores and other retailers across the state. The change is part of a broader effort by Texas lawmakers and state health officials to encourage healthier food choices among SNAP recipients, while also aligning the state with new federal policy shifts around nutrition and public assistance. What’s Changing for SNAP R

Kirbyville High School is proud to recognize Freshman Ashunti Williams as Student of the Week for February 2–6, 2026. Ashunti is described by her teachers as one of the most dedicated, hardworking, and polite students on campus. Known for her strong work ethic, she consistently gives her best effort in every assignment and activity, approaching each day with focus and determination. Though quiet in nature, Ashunti stands out for her respectfulness and willingness to go the ex

Joseph Wayne Willis, of Buna, TX – Age 50 Assault Family/Household Member – Impede Breath/Circulation Arresting Agency: Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 4:23 AM Johanna Marie Dugue, of Kirbyville, TX – Age 42 Bail Jumping and Failure to Appear (two counts) Arresting Agency: Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 3:21 PM Ashley Nicole Martinez, of Jasper, TX – Age 31 No Driver’s License (When Unlicensed) Child under 8 years old and under 4’9” not secured in child passenger safety

December 21, 1958 - February 5, 2026 Earl Endsley, 67, of Colmesneil, Texas passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026. The Obituary for Earl Endsley, is forthcoming. Cremation Services for Earl Endsley, are under the Professional Care of Coleman's Family Mortuary 409 South Magnolia Woodville, Texas 75979 and CFM Jasper Funeral Home and Cremations 601 W. Gibson St. Jasper, Texas 75951 / (409) 283-3031 / www.colemansfamilymortuary.com

June 18, 1948 — February 4, 2026 U.S. Veteran Leon Byerly, 77, of Jasper passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 peacefully in Jasper. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Shultz Funeral Home in Jasper. The family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m. until time of service. Leon was born on June 18, 1948 in Port Arthur, Texas to Alton & Willie Byerly. He grew up in Port Arthur and moved to Jasper in 1977. He worked as a Multi-craft Pip

Voters in the Jasper Hospital District will elect four board members in the upcoming election scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026. All four positions on the ballot are at-large seats, meaning candidates represent the entire hospital district rather than specific precincts. Current board members Sam Job, Deborah Harris, and James Gunter, along with Ron McMurray, whose seat is now vacant following his passing, hold the positions that are up for election. Candidate filing for th