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BEAUMONT, Texas – An Orange, Texas convicted felon sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M.

In recent weeks the Vidor Police Department responded to many calls. What follows are but a few of the incidents that required police action. Readers should remember that a person who was arrested has not been found guilty of any wrongdoing. At a future date a court, a jury or a judge, may convict the person or acquit the person on the charges for which they are arrested. A person charged may plead guilty or choose not to contest the charge, or the charge may be dismissed by a judge or no billed by a grand jury.

This past weekend was pleasant, though a bit muggy at the beginning but by Sunday morning a cool snap greeted us all, which was enjoyable-while I did mutter a few indiscernible grumblings… something about having to wear a jacket to feed livestock! Honestly, this gardener enjoys our temperature shifts during spring, as they help to motivate me into working outdoors, getting things in order before the ‘blistering’ begins. There is always something requiring my focused attention outdoors, due to my varied gardening interests that necessitate time commitments, such as lawn maintenance, flower bed and vegetable garden amendments, weed removal, harvesting vegetables, greenhouse, and numerous other tasks. Most days, and almost every weekend requires dedication and failure to spend time outdoors, for example to travel to see family or for a much needed vacation) will ensure pangs of guilt…mine! Self-imposed guilt from gardening? Gardeners, who knew this could ever happen to us! Perhaps I’m over-reaching by saying this and I’m going out on a limb here (pun intended), but I’m certain I’m not the only gardener who feels this way (hahahaha), and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Dear Rusty: I am 74 years old, retired and receiving Social Security. My wife will be 65 in January of 2025. Our hope was to start paying off some credit card expense by her receiving SS when she turns 65, however it appears there would be a substantial reduction to her benefits. Her work income is $37,500 a year, and she wasn’t planning on retiring from work at age 65. Because I am 11 years older, we felt it makes sense to use her Social Security as a means to lower our debt. We have $27,000 in credit card debt, and I don’t really want to use my 401(k) funds due to taxes. We pretty much live on my Social Security and pension. Signed: Seeking Suggestions

Four Vidor High School Students received the Honesty and Integrity Award from the Masonic Lodges of Vidor and Pine Forest this month. A.J.

Recent acquisitions by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have added more than 9,000 acres to the public lands managed by the National Wildlife Refuge System in Texas. From Columbia bottomlands on the Gulf Coast to grasslands in Central Texas and coastal prairie in the Rio Grande Valley, these newly acquired properties aim to protect habitat for a diversity of wildlife and benefit the public for generations to come.

Congratulations to VHS Automotive Tech seniors John Thibodeaux and Brooklyn Freeman on advancing to the state Automotive Skills USA competition in Corpus Christi. These two young men placed in the top 10 Auto students in the state of Texas. VHS is very proud of Mr. Waits, John & Brooklyn for all your hard work preparing for this event. Great job!

Early voting in the May 4, 2024 Vidor ISD School Board and OCESD #1 Local Sales and Use Tax elections got underway Monday at four locations across Orange County. After two days of voting 564 total ballots have been cast with most of the in-person ballots cast in the Orange area where West Orange Cove is conducting a $72 million bond election, Orange County Drainage District Precinct 2 and 3 Directors are being voted on and Bridge City has a contested mayor’s race.