Amanda Finch, 39, of Kirbyville, is escorted by investigators following her arrest on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in connection with an investigation into contraband smuggled into the Jasper County Jail, according to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. Photo Courtesy of Jasper County Sheriff's Office. JASPER, Texas — A contract nurse working inside the Jasper County Jail was arrested Monday afternoon following an investigation into contraband being smuggled into the secured area o

William Kett Boughner, of Newton, TX – Age 39 Possession of Marijuana <2 oz Arrested by the Texas Department of Public Safety on December 28, 2025, at 2:52 PM Jeremiah Rashun Larkin, of Jasper, TX – Age 23 Possession of Marijuana <2 oz Arrested by the Texas Department of Public Safety on December 28, 2025, at 11:35 PM

Photo Courtesy of East End VFD JASPER COUNTY, Texas — Firefighters with East End Volunteer Fire Department responded early Monday morning to a reported tree fire involving a power line along Highway 63 East near County Road 277. According to East End VFD, the call came in at 3:24 a.m. reporting sparks and a small fire caused by a tree that had fallen onto a power line. Upon arrival, crews found a small tree draped over the energized line and evidence of a nearby grass fire.

Felicia Nicole Adams, of Jasper, TX – Age 28 Unlawful Carrying Weapon Possession of Marijuana <2 oz Arresting Agency: Texas DPS at 1:19 AM Henry Thomas Kent, of Kirbyville, TX – Age 56 Driving While License Invalid Arresting Agency: Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 1:48 AM Lejih Arceneaux, of Spring, TX – Age 28 Driving While Intoxicated Interfering with Public Duties Arresting Agency: Texas DPS at 2:51 PM Blake Beaumont, of Jasper, TX – Age 48 Criminal Trespass Arresting Ag

As 2026 begins, a wave of new state and federal laws is set to take effect, bringing changes that will touch nearly every corner of daily life in East Texas. From business taxes and employment to schools, law enforcement, and emerging technology, these measures carry real-world consequences for residents, employers, and local governments. Here’s a breakdown of the most significant laws taking effect in the coming weeks — and what they mean locally. Federal “Big Beautiful Bill

January 1, 1944 - December 24, 2025 A Celebration of the life of Barbara Drake, 81, of Jasper, Texas will be held at 2:00 p. m. Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at First Methodist Church in Jasper, Texas with burial following in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, December 29, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home.