10 Years ago
July 29, 2010: Long time Orange Police Chief Sam Kittrell has announced his retirement from the Orange Police Department. Chief Kittrell spent twelve years in the Vidor Police Department where he worked on some big cases and developed the skills that led to his being named as Orange Police Chief.
Rose City resident John Smith is credited with saving Vidorian Larry Ward from drowning in the Neches River. The two had only recently been introduced and were working on Ward’s boat when the incident happened.
15 Years Ago
July 28, 2005: The proposed widening of FM 105 South from Vidor to Hwy 87 could provide a substantial amount of flood relief for Vidorians in addition to improving traffic flow in western Orange County. TxDOT representatives met with council members recently to discuss the possibility.
Two-a-days are scheduled to begin next Monday, August 1, for high school football teams.
20 Years Ago
July 27, 2000: A planned $2.9 million improvement to the Orange County Water Control & Improvement District’s water system may not be able to handle the increasing needs of local residents. Norman Blackman, engineer with Carroll and Blackman of Beaumont, said the district would need to add elevated water storage capacity and another water well to meet state standards.
25 Years Ago
July 27, 1995: Members of the Ku Klux Klan will not be allowed to adopt a portion of FM 105 south after the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans upheld the April 1994 decision of Judge Joe Fisher that favored TxDOT.
30 Years Ago
July 26, 1990: The Texas Highway Department began work on highway improvements along old Hwy 90 from FM 105 and a 200 foot section in front of Vidor Elementary. A turn lane will also be added at the intersection with Sargent.
For the first six months of 1990, the city permit office reports valuation of all types of construction is near the $4 million mark with a total of $3,984,915.
35 Years Ago
July 25, 1985: A mother and her 4-year old twins were left homeless after a fire gutted their apartment at the Vidor Villas. Investigators said a child playing with a cigarette lighter was the probable cause of the blaze.
The appraisal district reported tax collections in the county averaged a 95.54 percent collection rate with Bridge City having the best rate with 97.55 percent. The Vidor ISD had collected 90.97 percent of the $5.5 million due in property taxes while the city of Vidor had collected almost 88 percent of the $524,821 it was due.
40 Years Ago
July 31, 1980: A tax increase of 20 cents is in Mayor Al Briggs’ proposed city budget for 1980-81. The budget total slightly more than $1.2 million and includes a $125 per month pay increase for all full time employees. If adopted, the city’s tax rate will go from 42 cents to 62 cents per $100 valuation based on 80 percent of true market value.
45 Years Ago
July 31, 1975: Vidor city Council has reviewed nine applications for the city manager, or “City Clerk” as defined by the city charter. Mayor Robert Watts said four more applications will be reviewed before a short list will be considered for personal interviews. Council members have expressed a desire to hire someone from outside the Vidor area. An $11,000 grant from the federal Manpower Act will help fund salary for the position.
50 Years Ago
July 31, 1970: Congressman Charlie Wilson said interest is strong in East Texas for the nation’s bicentennial with numerous cities planning special celebrations for the country’s 200th birthday.
Orange County constables appeared before county commissioners requesting a $1,400 annual boost in car allowances, currently set at $2,200.
In addition to Community Vocational Education program, VISD is considering an Adult Basic Education program to prepare adults for a General Education Degree examination.
55 Years Ago
July 29, 1965: Plans underway by the Vidor city Council include construction of a new city hall, take over the present water district and create a city water department and create a municipal fire department to replace the current volunteer fire department.
VHS Pirate coach Len Burton is faced with hiring a first assistant and backfield coach due to the unexpected resignation of Bob Perry.