10 Years ago
July 22, 2010: Orange County Emergency Services District #1 continues to fine tune the new Fire Station #1.The new utility storage building in the back yard is nearing completion and will house the rescue boat, medical response trailer and the four-wheeler used in fighting wildfires.
15 Years Ago
July 21, 2005: Two four-lane spans will replace the current IH-10 bridge over the Neches River by 2010, according to John Barton, Beaumont district engineer for TxDOT. Deteriorating roadway and high maintenance costs led to the decision to replace the current bridge. Exterior work on the new Best
Exterior work on the new Best Western motel in Vidor is nearing completion. The motel is expected to be completed by mid-September.
20 Years Ago July 20, 2000: The Orange County grand jury indicted four people in the murder of Mark Jimijo Neese, whose body was found in a Rose City area sand pit shot, stabbed and weighted down in September 1999. Authorities allege Neese, a former Vidorian living in Houston, was killed so his drug trafficking routes could be taken over by the accused.
25 Years Ago
July 20, 1995: A low flying helicopter with DPS narcotics officers on board searched Orange County for marijuana plots and prompted numerous calls about the craft from concerned citizens.
Vidor ISD trustees were told they must shave approximately $1.6 million from their preliminary 1995-96 budget to balance projected revenues and expenditures.
30 Years Ago
July 19, 1990: Enforcement of state regulations governing on-site sewer systems is having an effect on Orange County. Regulations require a minimum of 150 feet between a septic system and a well, meaning some landowners may not be able to sell their property if it doesn’t meet standards. Stat-CARE Vidor announced it was reopening with Dr. Don Quillen operating his own family practice.
35 Years Ago
July 18, 1985: Vidor City Council voted 4-1 to begin advertising for a
city manager following the resignation of Public Works Director Robert Ewart. Salary would be $30,000 to $35,000.
The Vidor ISD reported they spent approximately $2,700 per student based on the average daily attendance of 5,537 recorded for 1983- 84.
A special session of the Vidor City Council was called to seek an architect to come up with plans for the renovation of the Vidor Public Library on East Bolivar. City crews were pictured laying a hot mix asphalt surface on Moreland St. with Filmore, Lowe, Denver and East Courtland due a similar treatment. First Texas bank reported assets of $20,038,000 for the period ending June 30.
40 Years Ago
July 24, 1980: Efforts to collect delinquent taxes owed the city of Vidor have not improved, according to a study which indicated a 99 percent collection rate in 1969 had fallen to 91 percent in 1978-79.
45 Years Ago
July 24, 1975: County Commissioners approved a $50 per month pay increase for all county employees when the new budget year begins January 1.
Just prior to condemnation proceedings, a Vidor landowner agreed to accept a $1,716 offer for eight parcels of land needed for widening FM 105 from Tram Road to FM 1132.
50 Years Ago
July 23, 1970: County Auditor Luther Sebren refused to pay a Vidor contractor’s bill of $6,961 for flooring repairs at the Vidor subcourthouse. The auditor said the County Commissioners’ actions in letting the contract was illegal because bids were not sought by public notice.
Commissioners had approved the bids on a cost plus basis.
In a statement of condition, as of June 30, Vidor State Bank reported deposits of $7,189,858 and assets totaling $8,099,746.
55 Years Ago
July 23, 1965: Vidor’s five year wait for a four lane Main Street with curbs and gutters finally ended with Trotti and Thompson, contractors, moving in with equipment to tear out the street and cutting the surface for a new grade. Work between Orange Street and IH-10 is expected to take 120 working days. Elmo Smith, 1965 Vidor High School graduate, was recognized for his perfect attendance during his twelve years of school. He earned a football scholarship to Lamar State College.
Vidor’s Past 10-15-20-25-30-35-40-45-50-55 Years Ago