top of page
Profile
Join date: Feb 4, 2024
About
0 likes received
0 comments received
0 best answers
After relocating to Jasper County in 2023, I brought my passion for photojournalism and community reporting with me. I currently serve as a journalist with the East Texas Banner, where I cover a wide range of stories — from city council meetings and community events to breaking news like wrecks, fires, and law enforcement activity.
In addition to my role at East Texas Banner, I also work in the public sector — a background that strengthens my connection to the community and fuels my passion for clear, compassionate communication.
My background includes years of volunteer service with Toys for Tots, and I now serve as a Community Coordinator for both Tyler and Newton Counties.
Whether I’m behind the camera or reporting from the front lines, I’m committed to keeping our community informed, connected, and inspired through meaningful, real-time coverage.
Posts (957)
Oct 20, 2025 ∙ 0 min
Tyler County Arrest Report - 10/13/25 - 10/19/25
34
0
Oct 20, 2025 ∙ 1 min
Obituary of Ross Shoemake
November 16, 1941 - October 18, 2025 Ross Shoemake passed away on October 18, 2025. He was born on November 16, 1941, to George and Ruby Shoemake. He was preceded in death by wife, Billie Shoemake, father, George Shoemake, mother, Ruby Shoemake and daughter, Rosemary Whitehead. He leaves behind daughter, Roxane Bossley and husband, David Bossley, daughter Julie Cochran and sister, Joyce Gilbert. 8 grandkids, Justin Birdsong and wife, Stacey Birdsong, Cody Bossley, Dillon Bossley and wife,...
213
0
Oct 20, 2025 ∙ 1 min
Deputies Arrest Buna Man on Methamphetamine Charge
JASPER COUNTY — A Buna man was taken into custody Saturday night after deputies discovered what they believe to be methamphetamines during an investigation into reports of gunfire. According to Sheriff Chuck Havard, the incident occurred around 9:34 p.m. on October 19, 2025, when Deputies Gray and Morgan responded to a call about shots fired in the 2700 block of County Road 786. While deputies were on scene, they observed a vehicle driven by Paul James Taucer, 38, of Buna, traveling down the...
448
0
Oct 20, 2025 ∙ 1 min
Jasper County Arrest Report – Sunday, October 19, 2025
Brayden Mahathay, of Kirbyville, TX – Age 19 Aggravated Assault Date/Family/House w/Weapon SBI Arresting Agency: Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 4:34 AM Azion Chrisitian Ray Mahathay, of Kirbyville, TX – Age 21 Aggravated Assault Date/Family/House w/Weapon SBI Arresting Agency: Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 4:52 AM All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
116
0
Oct 19, 2025 ∙ 1 min
Employment Opportunities: Tyler County Hospital Hiring Across Multiple Departments
WOODVILLE, Texas — Tyler County Hospital is expanding its team and currently accepting applications for several positions across multiple departments. The Admissions Department is seeking both PRN Admissions Clerks and a Full-Time Night Admissions Clerk for 12-hour shifts. These roles include weekend and night availability. Apply online at: https://tchospital.us/job/admissions_clerk_prn/ Or for the full-time position: https://tchospital.us/job/admission-clerk_ft_nights/ TCH is also accepting...
336
0
Oct 19, 2025 ∙ 3 min
Obituary of Ammon Ra Whalin
February 5, 2005 - October 15, 2025 With profound sorrow and aching hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved son, Ammon Rah Whalin, who departed this life on October 15, 2025, at the age of 20. Born on February 5, 2005, in Kotzebue, Alaska, Ammon was a radiant soul whose presence brought warmth, laughter, and meaning to all who knew him. In 2016, Ammon moved with his family to Liberty County, Texas, where he built lasting friendships and found new passions. He attended Hardin Junior...
1719
0
Oct 19, 2025 ∙ 1 min
East Texas College & Career Night Set for Nov. 4 in Jasper
JASPER, Texas — The JE Collective Nonprofit Network is inviting students and parents across Jasper, Newton, and Hardin Counties — and surrounding areas — to attend the upcoming College & Career Night on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 5 p.m. at the Lone Star Community Center in Jasper. This free community event offers career planning workshops, FAFSA assistance, scholarship information, and direct access to college admissions representatives from institutions across Texas and Louisiana. High...
26
0
Oct 19, 2025 ∙ 1 min
Jasper County Arrest Report – Saturday, October 18, 2025
Devante Treveon Collins, of Jasper, TX – Age 27 Driving While License Invalid with Previous Conviction/Suspension Without Financial Responsibility Arresting Agency: Jasper Police Department at 5:00 PM Darren Javon Spikes, of Jasper, TX – Age 32 Driving While License Invalid with Previous Conviction/Suspension Without Financial Responsibility Possession of Controlled Substance PG 2-A ≤ 2 oz Arresting Agency: Texas Department of Public Safety at 8:25 PM and 10:59 PM All subjects are presumed...
1144
0
Oct 19, 2025 ∙ 1 min
Two Kirbyville Brothers Arrested After Shots Fired During Late-Night Fight
KIRBYVILLE, Texas — Two brothers were arrested late Saturday night after Jasper County deputies responded to reports of gunfire during a fight in Kirbyville. According to Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard, deputies Gray, Roy, Morgan, and Kaylor, along with Kirbyville Police Officer Lilly, were dispatched around 10:52 p.m. on October 18 to the 3700 block of County Road 443 for a disturbance involving shots fired. When officers arrived, they found Azion Mahathay, 21, and his brother, Brayden...
1258
0
Oct 19, 2025 ∙ 3 min
Applied Atomics Joins USA BioEnergy Project in Bon Wier, Bringing Clean Nuclear Power to Newton County
Image courtesy of USA BioEnergy Concept rendering of the Bon Wier Industrial Park in Newton County, where USA BioEnergy and Applied Atomics plan to combine clean nuclear power, green hydrogen production, and renewable fuel manufacturing. BON WIER, Texas — In September 2025, the East Texas Banner reported on the long-anticipated $2.8 billion biofuel facility planned for Bon Wier — a project described as “years in the making.” Read our earlier coverage here. Now, that same project is taking...
346
0
Oct 19, 2025 ∙ 1 min
Chester ISD Enhances Campus Security With New Panic Alert and Intercom Systems
New emergency alert buttons have been installed in every Chester ISD classroom as part of the district’s recent safety upgrades. Photo Courtesy of Chester ISD. CHESTER, Texas — Chester ISD is making big strides in campus security this fall, rolling out new technology and infrastructure upgrades aimed at keeping students and staff safer than ever. During the district’s fall break, every classroom was outfitted with a new Safety Panic Alert Button system — giving teachers the ability to...
25
0
Oct 19, 2025 ∙ 2 min
Beech Grove Firefighters Work for Hours Clearing Roads After Sudden Storm
Photo Courtesy of Beechgrove VFD Beech Grove Volunteer Fire Department crews and local residents work together Saturday afternoon clearing fallen trees along County Road 149 after a fast-moving storm downed trees and damaged a barn in the area. BEECH GROVE, Texas — What started as a string of scattered weather calls turned into hours of road-clearing and damage response for Beech Grove Volunteer Fire Department (BGVFD) on Saturday afternoon. At 2:57 p.m., BGVFD was dispatched to multiple...
129
0
Oct 19, 2025 ∙ 1 min
Silsbee man arrested in Buna for DWI, drugs, and weapons charges
Joshua Champaign, 38, of Silsbee, was arrested by Jasper County deputies on Oct. 17 in the Buna area. BUNA, Texas — Jasper County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a Silsbee man Friday night after responding to a trespassing call in the Buna area that led to multiple criminal charges. According to Sheriff Chuck Havard, Deputies Harrell and Hoke were dispatched to a county road near Buna on October 17 in reference to a trespasser. When they arrived, they located the subject inside a vehicle...
967
0
Oct 18, 2025 ∙ 3 min
Obituary of James Kenneth Stringer
December 4, 1944 - October 17, 2025 U.S. Veteran James Kenneth Stringer, 80, of Woodville, went peacefully home to be with his Lord and Savior surrounded by his loving family on Friday, October 17, 2025. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. service time on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Dogwood Hills Baptist Church in Woodville. Military honors burial will be 3 p.m. at Self Cemetery in Hornbeck, LA. Officiating will be Brother Les Steubing and Brother Larry Trest. Serving as...
715
0
Oct 18, 2025 ∙ 2 min
Friday Night Lights: Overtime Thrillers and Homecoming Wins Across East Texas
EAST TEXAS — Week 8 of high school football brought drama, grit, and plenty of hometown pride across the Pineywoods — including three homecoming celebrations and one rivalry showdown that stretched into double overtime. Evadale 44, Deweyville 36 (2OT) It doesn’t get more East Texas than this. The 10th River Bowl between Evadale and Deweyville was one for the record books — a slugfest that went not one, but two overtimes before the Rebels came out on top. Deweyville’s powerful ground game had...
108
0
Oct 18, 2025 ∙ 2 min
Feeding East Texas: Jasper Volunteers Wrap Up 12,000-Meal Mission
Photo Courtesy of UMC of the Pines JASPER, Texas — What a difference a few hours can make. Volunteers from across East Texas rolled up their sleeves Saturday to pack an incredible 12,000 meals for local food banks serving Jasper, Newton, Sabine, and San Augustine counties. Hosted by United Methodist Church of the Pines, the “Feeding East Texas” event turned fellowship into full-on community impact — with 320 bags of rice, 20 bags of oats, and 20 bags of beans boxed and ready to deliver to...
87
0
Oct 18, 2025 ∙ 1 min
Jasper County Arrest Report – Friday, October 17, 2025
Lacherica Lasha Robinson, of Beaumont, TX – Age 29 Driving While License Invalid with Previous Conviction/Suspension Without Financial Responsibility Arresting Agency: Texas Department of Public Safety at 12:47 AM Corey Sullivan, of Broaddus, TX – Age 41 Driving While License Invalid with Previous Conviction/Suspension Without Financial Responsibility Arresting Agency: Texas Department of Public Safety at 7:33 AM Deshailyn Kaalid Gasaway, of Jasper, TX – Age 26 Speeding 51 MPH in a 35 MPH...
1028
0
Oct 18, 2025 ∙ 2 min
JASPER COUNTY ESD #4 Welcomes New Board Member, Approves Financials, and Tables Key Agreements
JASPER, Texas — The Jasper County Emergency Services District No. 4 met Monday evening at 6 p.m., with Vice President Joe Morgan calling the meeting to order in the absence of President Sam Job. Commissioner Todd Parsons opened with prayer before the board turned to a full agenda of financial approvals, departmental updates, and new equipment discussions. New Board Member Appointed Vice President Morgan introduced Steve Smith as the district’s newest board member, filling the vacancy left by...
181
0
Oct 18, 2025 ∙ 1 min
Kirbyville High School Honors Senior Jeremiah Gregory as Student of the Week
KIRBYVILLE, Texas – Kirbyville High School is proud to recognize Senior Jeremiah Gregory as the Student of the Week for October 13–17, 2025. Jeremiah has spent his years at KHS demonstrating unwavering dedication and true Wildcat pride in everything he does. In the classroom, he’s known for his quiet leadership and respectful attitude — a model student who consistently leads by example. A multi-talented and dependable contributor, Jeremiah has served as a Manager for the Wildcat Football...
21
0
Oct 18, 2025 ∙ 1 min
Obituary of Ronald Lee Latil, Sr.
June 14, 1953 - October 16, 2025 Ronald Lee Latil, Sr., 72, of Sour Lake, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025. Born in Beaumont, Texas, to Alex and Mable Latil, he spent his entire life working on oil rigs, eventually building his own company. After retiring from the oilfield, he joined the Railroad Commission, where he retired after many years of service. Ronald enjoyed hunting and camping, as well as traveling to see new and interesting places. But he was known in the cooking...
138
0
Rita Shipp
Editor
Admin
Journalist/Reporter/Editor
More actions
bottom of page