Jefferson County, Beaumont | featured news

West Brook High School took on College Park at "The Butch" during Thursday's homecoming game. The 2017 homecoming court was introduced and the queen announced during pre-game activities.

Police slowly are beginning to ticket more drivers caught texting behind the wheel since a statewide ban went into effect on Sept. 1. The new law prohibits drivers from using their phones to "read, write, or send an electronic messages while operating a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is stopped." The state law allows motorists to use a phone to utilize mapping programs, text in an emergency and control car stereo functions. Violations can lead to a fine up to $99 for a first offense, with costs rising for subsequent offenses.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The mayor of flood-weary New Orleans has set an afternoon news conference to discuss preparations for Tropical Storm Nate, which forecasters said could hit the central Gulf Coast this weekend as a hurricane. Mayor Mitch Landrieu's Thursday afternoon news conference follows summer flash floods in parts of the city that revealed weaknesses in the pumping system that drains New Orleans. Worries over Nate weren't limited to New Orleans. Gov. John Bel Edwards planned to meet with state emergency officials in the afternoon, prior to a news conference in Baton Rouge.

Almost 4,000 people have signed a Change.org petition to save Silsbee's Pines Theater.

The Vautrot's are back serving up their Cajun classics and simultaneously feeding the spirit of the community. The family managed to borrowed cousin Deanna Mings' food truck, which is only used during crawfish season, and re-opened for business in the lot behind the flood ravaged restaurant on TX 105. Martha Vautrot,son Nicholas, family and employees had a huge turn out for Tuesday's opening, as word quickly spread on social media. "People just kept coming, and by evening the place was full," Martha said. "People were laughing, talking, sharing their own stories of loss.