The East Texas Banner is inviting residents across Jasper, Newton, and Tyler Counties to help shine a light on the incredible teachers who make a difference in classrooms every day. The East Texas Teacher Spotlight Giveaway, sponsored by El Charrito Mexican Restaurant in Jasper, celebrates educators who go above and beyond for their students — from late-night grading to early-morning pep talks and everything in between. Community members can submit nominations now through 11:

KOUNTZE, Texas — The Hardin County Commissioners Court voted unanimously Monday morning to extend the countywide burn ban for another 30 days. The decision came during a special session held at 9 a.m. as drought conditions continue across the region. Although parts of the county received some rain Tuesday, officials said it was not enough to relieve the severe drought. Additional rainfall is expected this weekend, and officials remain hopeful for a soaking rain without flood

Paul James Taucer, of Jasper, TX – Age 37 Possession of Controlled Substance PG 1/1-B ≥1G<4G Arresting Agency: Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 3:51 AM Clay Fredrick, of Kountze, TX – Age 44 Assault Family/Household Member Impede Breath/Circulation Arresting Agency: Texas Department of Public Safety at 7:57 AM Mitchell Knight, of Jasper, TX – Age 54 Possession of Controlled Substance PG 1/1-B ≥4G<200G Arresting Agency: Jasper Police Department at 2:18 PM Kenneth Mitchell Woo

The Texas Jail Commission began its annual inspection Tuesday at the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and Jail. JASPER, Texas — The Texas Jail Commission arrived at the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday morning to begin the department’s annual jail inspection, a comprehensive review required by state law. According to Sheriff Chuck Havard, the inspection covers every aspect of jail operations — from record-keeping and inmate care to facility maintenance, policies, and comp

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office unveiled new uniforms this past week. We have been collaborating with uniform vendors since January 1st, 2025, and we are thrilled to finally wear our new uniforms, badges, and shoulder badges. We are waiting on leather gear and holsters for our new weapons. Everything was purchased with prisoner reimbursement funds and a weapon seizure account. The Texas Jail Commission arrived this morning to conduct an annual jail inspection. We are c

Photo Courtesy of Jasper Police Department JASPER, Texas — Detectives with the Jasper Police Department’s Safe Streets Division, working alongside the Southeast Texas Violent Crime Task Force, apprehended a wanted parolee Monday afternoon following a brief vehicle pursuit through Jasper. Around 3:00 p.m., investigators located a vehicle driven by Kenneth Mitchell Woods, who was wanted by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles for violating parole on his original charge of As