In observance of Memorial Day, City of Vidor offices, except for the Police and Sanitation Departments, will be closed. The Sanitation Department will run its normal Monday route. Customers are advised to have their cans out by 6:00 a.m. Anyone desiring to make a payment to either the Sanitation Department or the Municipal Court may use the appropriate drop box located in the rear parking lot of City Hall Municipal Building.
By Annie Johnson |
BILOXI, MS (WLOX) - Detective Jeff Courts drove hours from Vidor, Texas to make sure fallen Biloxi police officer, Robert McKeithen, received a proper send off.
"It's always an honor to be there to send a fallen brother off the right way," Courts said.
Courts, who has been playing the bagpipes at police funerals for the past 27 years, says playing for his fellow law enforcement officers is a privilege.
"They never get any easier. It's a hard thing to do. But it's what I do, and I'm happy to do it," he explained.
Even though Detective Courts is honored that he can be a part of making sure the officers get the proper ceremonial treatment, he says the task never gets any easier.
"I've done a lot of them, and it gets tougher and tougher for me. The worst part of any of them... and it kills me... is the last call. It tears me apart every time. I think it affects almost all officers when they call the officer's number and he doesn't answer," Courts said. "That really just brings everything into focus.
Over the years, Courts has played for almost 28 funerals for officers who were killed in the line of duty. A number Courts says is too many.
"I've been doing this job going on 34 years. It brings everything into perspective. It's a dangerous job, and it's lately becoming more and more dangerous," he said.
Throughout WLOX's coverage of the funeral and burial, many viewers pointed out how the bagpipes stood out to them and caused them to get more emotional.
"Bagpipes affect people on a primal level. They're an instrument of war. It's a very mournful sound," he explained.
Detective Courts was unaware his bagpipe playing would play such a crucial role in remembering others. He started playing simply because he wanted to learn.
"From as long as I can remember, I always wanted to learn how to play the pipes. I fell in with another group of guys who was learning to play," he said. "I learned from a book and a cassette tape on how to play the pipes, and that's been 28 years now."
Court was proud he could offer support to Officer McKeithen, who died May 5, 2019 after he was killed while on duty in front of the Biloxi Police Station.
The City Of Vidor would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Ms. Ann McCamnon who volunteered her time and resources to spruce up the planters here at the front entrance of City Hall and they look fantastic!
May 6-10, 2019
Orange County Justice of the Peace Courts 1-4, and the Municipal Courts for the cities of Orange, West Orange, Pinehurst, Bridge City, and Vidor, as well as the District Attorney's Office (hot checks) are encouraging people with Class C misdemeanor warrants for their arrest (traffic warrants, etc.) to "resolve" these warrants during the week of May 6 through May 10, 2019.
DO NOT BE AFRAID TO APPEAR BEFORE THE COURT!! YOU WILL NOT BE ARRESTED FOR CLASS C WARRANTS WHEN YOU APPEAR TO RESOLVE YOUR CASES!!!
Taking care of your warrants will protect you from being arrested while driving, at home, at work, or in front of your children.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY
During this week, the courts will work with you to resolve your warrants. Fines may be reduced and community service may be offered as an option to help you take care of your cases,
PAY IN PERSON:
Orange Municipal Court — 901 Main Avenue, Orange, Texas
Vidor Municipal Court — 1330 First Street, Vidor, Texas
Bridge City Municipal Court — 110 Rachal Avenue, Bridge City, Texas
Pinehurst Municipal Court — 2497 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr., Orange, Texas
West Orange Municipal Court — 2700 Western Avenue, West Orange, Texas
Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1 — Orange County Courthouse, 801 Division, Orange, TX
Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2 — 3500 Edgar Brown Dr., Orange, TX
Justice of the Peace, Pct. 3 — 2524 Hwy. 87 South, Orange, TX
Justice of the Peace, Pct. 4 — 190 Camp St., Vidor, TX
District Attorney's Office (HOT CHECKS) — Orange County Courthouse
The goal of this planning effort is to create an action plan for restoring and improving the parks of Orange County with the purpose of preserving and improving natural resources and wildlife habitat and enhancing recreational facilities and gathering places for families, social groups and individuals of all ages and abilities.
This effort will be focused on the following parks:• Claiborne West Park • Gould Walking Park
• Bluebird Fish Camp • Baileys Fish Camp
Public outreach and communication will occur through a number of outlets, including public open houses, news media, the Orange County Parks website and social media.
Orange County Parks serve many people by enhancing connections to nature and recreational experiences while providing habitat for wildlife. This planning process will aim to balance the needs of the community with providing safe and accessible public spaces among natural systems.
Public Meetings with Open House:
When: Tues & Wed May 14-15 5:30pm-6:30pm (Same meeting-two chances to attend)
Where: The Expo Center, 11475 FM 1442 Orange, Texas 77630
Why: To provide information on the project and to hear about your interests and goals or park improvements. We encourage you to attend!
You can purchase certain emergency preparation supplies tax free during the 2019 Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday.
There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase, and you do not need to issue an exemption certificate to claim the exemption.
This year's holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 29.
- Portable generators
- Emergency ladders
- Hurricane shutters
- Axes
- Batteries, single or multipack (AAA cell, AA cell, C cell, D cell, 6 volt or 9 volt)
- Can openers - nonelectric
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Coolers and ice chests for food storage – nonelectric
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kits
- Fuel containers
- Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
- Hatchets
- Ice products - reusable and artificial
- Light sources - portable self-powered (including battery operated)
- Examples of items include: candles, flashlights and lanterns
- Mobile telephone batteries and mobile telephone chargers
- Radios - portable self-powered (including battery operated) - includes two-way and weather band radios
- Smoke detectors
- Tarps and other plastic sheeting
- Batteries for automobiles, boats and other motorized vehicles
- Camping stoves
- Camping supplies
- Chainsaws
- Plywood
- Extension ladders
- Stepladders
- Tents
- Repair or replacement parts for emergency preparation supplies
- Services performed on, or related to, emergency preparation supplies
Additional Charges Affect Purchase Price
Delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges are part of the sales price. If the emergency preparation supply being purchased is taxable, the delivery charge is also taxable. Consider these charges when determining whether an emergency preparation supply can be purchased tax free during the holiday.
For example, you purchase a rescue ladder for $299 with a $10 delivery charge, for a total sales price of $309. Because the total sales price of the ladder is more than $300, tax is due on the $309 sales price.
For more information, contact us at Tax Help, or call 1-800-252-5555.
Meet one on one with:
Texas General Land Office (GLO) - Endeavors Catholic Charities - Lone Star Legal Aid - Spindletop Center - Triangle Area Network - YMCA - Habitat For Humanity - Julie Rogers Gift Of Life - Mental Health America of SE Texas.
Anyone that is a senior citizen or disabled may vote by mail. To do this you must call the Orange County Election Administration Office at (409) 882-7973 to request a ballot. This must be done by April 22 which is Monday. The Election Administration Office will send you a ballot then you simply mail back in.
You must call for a ballot even if you have received them in the past without asking for one.
This year Early Voting and Election Day voting for the May 4, 2019 General Election will be held at the Raymond Gould Community Center, 385 Claiborne Street, Vidor, Texas instead of the VISD Administration Building for Early Voting and the Vidor Junior High School Cafeteria for Election Day.
Note: Two additional Early Voting locations (Orange Public Library, 220 North 5th Street, Orange, Texas and Bridge City ISD Administration Building, 1031 W. Roundbunch Road, Bridge City, Texas) were also added this year.
Voting days/hours are as follows:
Early Voting:
Monday (4/22):
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday (4/24):
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Monday (4/29):
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Election Day:
Saturday (5/04):
7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Voting days/hours are as follows:
Early Voting:
Tuesday (4/23):
8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Thursday (4/25):
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Friday (4/26):
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday (4/30):
8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
In observance of Good Friday, City of Vidor offices, except for the Police and Sanitation Departments, will be closed.
The Sanitation Department will run its normal route. Customers are advised to have their cans out by 6:00 a.m.
Anyone desiring to make a payment to either the Sanitation Department or the Municipal Court may use the appropriate drop box located in the rear parking lot of City Hall Municipal Building.
Some big changes are coming starting with the May 4, 2019 General Election. We are going from paper ballots to the new ES&S ExpressVote voting machines.
Voting locations are also changing. Early Voting is moving from the VISD Administration Building to the Raymond Gould Community Center. Election Day voting will also be moving from Vidor Junior High School to the Community Center.
This is Cammie, she is about 4 to 5 years old Lab mix. To adopt contact Vidor Animal Control at 769-8718 or come by the shelter on Watts Street between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Adopter has to pay a $30.00 adoption fee, $15.00 for a prepaid rabies shot, and sign a contract to have the animal neutered.
Cost: $5 per swimmer without a membership or season pass (2 & under is free)
*Refunds are only given if the customer has not went into water when bad weather occurs.
*Rain Checks are given when we clear the pool to close it down for an unforeseen reason (such as bad weather) and you have only been at the facility for 3 hours or less.
*If it is lightning, we will clear the pool for 20 minutes after the last lightning strike/thunder (we also watch our radar)
Seniors 55 and over, free on Thursdays
Military active and Veterans swim free everyday, with proof.
Resident of the City limits of Vidor: $20 for up to 6 family members living in same household. This allows each member to enter the pool at $3 a visit (must have proof of address)
Non-Resident: $30 for up to 6 family members living in same household. This allows each member to enter the pool at $3.50 per visit
Season Pass: $100 per swimmer
Red Cross Swim Lessons:
*for all ages, class size depends on age and abilities, anywhere from 5-10 swimmers in a class.
*must pre register for class, sign paperwork and pay before the first day of class. Use the following link to start your registration:
https://goo.gl/forms/oli9XHZODIwdK8mw1
Cost: $50 per swimmer
Hours: 9-9:50a.m., 10-10:50a.m. and 11-11:50a.m.
Days: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.
*We also offer Red Cross Lifeguard and CPR classes upon request, follow the following link for lifeguard classes or contact us if you need a different date than is listed on the link:
https://goo.gl/forms/p5gIEjDsRJg51hrd2
Private Parties
Cost: $78 1-20 Swimmers
$98 21-40 Swimmers
$118 41-60 Swimmers
Hours: 9am-11:55a.m.
Days: Saturday and Sunday
(if anyone wants to stay after party, they must pay the entry fee)
*Night Parties (same price)
Hours: 7pm-10pm
Days: Friday and Saturday
Non Private Parties
Cost: $20 plus $3 per swimmer
Hours/Days: anytime during open swim for 3 hours (if anyone wants to stay after party, they must pay the entry fee)
*Must make reservation and pay party in full when making reservations. If you are a no show without 24 hour notice, you will lose your party fee. If for some reason you are not able to have your party and it is beyond the facilities control, you will get a full refund of your deposit.
*You may bring cake, food and drinks for a party as long as there is no glass, alcoholic beverages, drugs and etc.
Summer 2018 Closing day, August 17, 2019
*If it is lightning, we will clear the pool for 20 minutes after the last lightening strike/thunder (we also watch our radar)
*Prices/dates/times could change.
*Manager/Staff has the right to make needed changes.
This is Dan , he is a 1½ year old yellow Lab.
To adopt contact Vidor Animal Control at 769-8718 or come by the shelter on Watts Street between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Adopter pays a $30.00 adoption fee, $15.00 for a prepaid rabies shot, and sign a contract to have the animal neutered.Okay Guys and Gals!! Lots of fun things happening today AND tomorrow in Vidor at the Crossroads plaza shopping center! Today H&R Block is doing a "No Empty Bowl" drive accepting donations for local animal shelters, hopefully getting some adoptions AND THERE WILL BE PUPPIES!!
Cricket will be linking up with them today to help them promote their drive, and to get the word out for our BIG event tomorrow( Saturday March 23rd) with BIG DOG 106 helping us celebrate our 20th birthday at Cricket Wireless and you're all invited! So come out today and be a helping hand, donate some puppy items, come adopt a puppy and be its furever home, or just come spread some love for them!
Pirate Pride Park will be getting some TLC on Saturday, March 23 starting at 9 am. Derrick Barber invites the public to join members of Eastgate United Pentecostal Church as they clean up and freshen up Pirate Pride Park. Barber cautions the public that the use of some of the playground equipment and tables may be restricted as to allow any new paint to dry. Mayor Kimberly Stiebig stated, "I appreciate Eastgate organizing this clean-up. This is what the City's Pride and Progress campaign is all about, making our city a better place to live."
So, if you have some time Saturday morning, come on out and lend a hand. Pirate Pride Park is adjacent to the Vidor Public Library, 440 East Bolivar. Just look for the water tower.
Friday, March 1, 2019 was Jefferson Energy Companies Day in the City of Vidor. At the Vidor City Council meeting on Thursday, February 28th, Mayor Kimberly Stiebig read the proclamation recognizing Jefferson Energy Companies contribution to the Vidor community. Jefferson Energy Companies' terminal, located on the Orange County side of the Port of Beaumont, has been a major provider of jobs and tax revenue, resulting in a stronger Vidor. Mark Viator of Jefferson Energy Companies was on hand to accept the proclamation.
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) allocated $100 million in Community Development Block Grants for Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to reimburse homeowners for up to $50,000 in out-of-pocket expenses to repair their Hurricane Harvey damaged homes.
To be eligible for this program, the home must be the owner's primary residence and eligible repairs must have been completed prior to the application launch date of Feb. 28, 2019. Please read the attached flyer to see how to apply.
Applications are anticipated to outnumber available funds, so apply quickly!
In observance of Texas Independence Day, City of Vidor offices, except for the Vidor Police and Vidor Sanitation Departments, will be closed.
The Vidor Sanitation Department will run its normal Friday route. Customers are advised to have their cans out by 6:00 a.m.
Anyone desiring to make a payment to either the Vidor Sanitation Department or the Vidor Municipal Court may use the appropriate drop box located in the rear parking lot of Vidor City Hall Municipal Building.