OFFICIAL BLOG OF JEFFORTIZ.COM

Beaumont Enterprise: Land's commercial value appeals to Nederland

2010-02-23T10:38:00.002-06:00

Link to Beaumont Enterprise story is below.

CREDIT

Beaumont Enterprise: National chains eye Lumberton sales potential

2009-02-15T11:40:00.001-06:00

Good for City of Lumberton. That city has flourished in the past years.

The high tax revenue mustered by businesses in the city of Lumberton has encouraged national chain owners to take a second look at the city's potential earnings.

The owner of the Beaumont Comfort Suite locations and LaQuinta Suites locations are among some of the owners who have taken advantage of the business boom.

"We obviously hope to do well, and we believe the hotel will offer the city of Lumberton more living options. They had one hotel before we started to build, and we think that the fact that we are a national chain will interest area residents," owner Vijay Patel, 35, said in an interview Thursday.

The hotel, which is located at 104 N. LHS Drive, will offer residents the options of a swimming pool, a spa, a business center and a meeting room.

It will also feature the extra amenities of microwaves, refrigerators, coffee machines, flat screen TVs in every one of its double bed, king and regular suites.

Prices for the rooms have not been determined.

Construction for the hotel started around November of last year, Patel said, and workers are currently working to in-stall pipelines and electrical units.

Patel said he hopes to have the hotel completed by June or July of this year.

Lumberton mayor Don Surratt said he expected the city's revenue to go up and make a positive change in the com-munity.

"The future of Lumberton looks really good. These business are feeding further growth for the city and we hope to continue to grow and make improvements," Surratt said.

Other hotels and business coming to the Lumberton area include a new Sonic location, Best Western Suites, Family Dollar and the 57 Express Oil Change, according to city officials.

"This is just the beginning. We are still negotiating with other business. Residents will benefit from these changes for sure," Surratt said.

Source

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-23T17:45:00.001-06:00

US Mayors Economic report

2008-12-19T14:06:00.002-06:00

Economic Report
We will talk about this soon.

-Jeff

Have a great weekend! Support Lamar Athletics this weekend!

Houston Mayor plans to fun for U.S. Senate

2008-12-17T07:33:00.000-06:00

Houston Mayor Bill White used a Web video to announce his plan to run for U.S. Senate today.

The video can be found at his campaign Web site.

State suspends bond guarantee program, Nederland school district could be affected

2008-12-17T05:30:00.000-06:00

According to the Beaumont Enterprise, The state has suspended its school bond guarantee program which means that schools districts will face higher interest rates and administrative fees, said David Bradley, Southeast Texas' representative to the State Board of Education.

The suspension does not affect school districts that already have bonds in progress, for example, the Beaumont and Port Arthur school districts, Bradley said.

Nederland City Council meeting tonight at 6:00 PM

2008-12-15T02:45:00.000-06:00

Agenda

PANEWS: Council votes to continue First Friday funding

2008-12-14T00:17:00.001-06:00

Earlier last week, the Groves City Council chose to continue to fund "First Friday". I support this type of funding and believe that it is needed to support our local businesses.

________________________________________________________

Groves City Council members agreed that First Friday in Groves has drawn the community into the downtown area to promote business and camaraderie.

After discussion at Monday’s meeting, they also agreed to continue funding the monthly event with hotel occupancy tax revenues, not to exceed $600 a month.

Read the full story here

Houston Chronicle: White eyes Hutchison's U.S. Senate seat

2008-12-13T01:31:00.000-06:00

Mayor Bill White has decided to seek the U.S. Senate seat held by Kay Bailey Hutchison, should the two-term Republican resign next year to challenge the sitting governor, the Houston Chronicle has learned.

Ending months of speculation about his political future, White plans to announce his intentions at an event next week, according to several sources close to the mayor.

White declined to confirm his intentions during an interview Friday evening, saying it would be inappropriate to discuss his political future on the day the city buried a police officer. He said he plans to make an announcement next week.

He also said that it's "possible, but unlikely" he will change his mind over the weekend.

Source

2012 presidential bid unlikely for LA Gov. Jindal

2008-12-13T00:49:00.000-06:00

I certainly don't think anyone who is wishing to make a run in 2012 would be making any type of annoucement this early for President. It's definalty something to be watching later on.

____________________________________________________

The AP reports, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal said Wednesday he's not interested in a 2012 Republican presidential bid and will seek a second term as governor in 2011.

Jindal, who appeared at a news conference to back Virginia Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell, was asked if he was interested in being president.

"No," he replied.

Hurricane forecasters predict 14 named storms in 2009

2008-12-12T00:07:00.001-06:00

Hurricane forecasters at Colorado State University today predicted above-average activity in the Atlantic next year: 14 named storms, including seven hurricanes — three major.

The 50-year average is 9.6 named storms, 5.9 hurricanes and 2.3 major hurricanes.

Researchers William Gray and Phil Klotzbach said in their extended-range forecast there is a 63 percent chance that at least one major hurricane will make landfall on the U.S. coastline.

The long-term average probability is 52 percent.

Down Helicopter off the cost of Sabine Pass, TX

2008-12-11T11:25:00.014-06:00

According to scanner reports, the Port Arthur Fire Department have been dispatched
to the United States Coast Guard Station in reference to a helicopter crash that was called in by the U.S Coast Guard. The chopper went down off the coast of Sabine Pass, TX.

UPDATE: According to scanner reports, the helicopter that went down belongs to PHI which according to their website provides aviation services to the offshore oil And gas, onshore mining, international, air medical and technical services industries.

UPDATE: According to scanner reports, five people were on board. As of 11:40AM, there has been one recovery.

UPDATE 11:42AM: PA News has the story

UPDATE 11:54 A.M.: Port Arthur Dispatchers are contacting the Justice of the Peace.

UPDATE 12:05PM: Beaumont Enterprise has the story

Snow! Snow! Snow!

2008-12-11T10:29:00.002-06:00

For over four hours, the City of Nederland and surrounding communites saw snow. Below are some pictures I took.

Nederland Christmas Parade Tonight!

2008-12-11T04:03:00.000-06:00

Don't forget! The Nederland Christmas Parade is tonight!

Enterprise: Animal control to move under police department's umbrella

2008-12-11T00:45:00.000-06:00

Hey folks! Leave your comments regarding this story! It is of my opinion that all Animal Control department should be under the Police Department.

____________________________________________________

By BLAIR DEDRICK ORTMANN
December, 10, 2008

The Beaumont Police Department is taking over the direction of Beaumont Animal Control Unit from Public Health as of Monday morning, according to a press release from the police department.

The move comes as Daniel Parker, the man responsible for the city's Animal Control Department, has been accused of allowing thousands of animals to be improperly euthanized and could face criminal charges.

A case has been submitted to the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office and charges could be filed by the end of this week.

The charges allege that Parker instructed employees to inject dogs and cats with sodium pentobarbital without first sedating them, an instruction that is contrary to a 2004 law that requires sedation when using the drug. Those instructions would violate a regulation included in the Texas Administrative Code regulating euthanasia, a Class B Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail or both.

Detective Tina Lewallen, the officer who investigated the case, said Tuesday there are no other charges pending against any other Animal Control employees. She also said that she had heard that Parker resigned, although had not received official confirmation.

The press release from Beaumont PD stated the decision to put Animal Control under the direction of the police was made by City Manager Kyle Hayes in conjunction with Public Health Director Ingrid Holmes and Police Chief Frank Coffin.

The transition comes as part of a complete review of all Animal Control operations, the release stated. According to police, it is common for police departments to overseen the daily operation of Animal Control Units.

Police "will be reviewing all aspects of the Animal Control Operations and will be implementing appropriate measures," in order to "increase proficiency and provide better services to the citizens of Beaumont," according to the release.

Hours of operation and contact phone numbers for Animal Control will remain the same until further notice. No changes are expected to daily service.

Source

Envelope with white powder sent to Gov. Perry's office

2008-12-10T23:00:00.000-06:00

Gov. Rick Perry's office received a suspicious envelope today, with a white powder in or on it, but preliminary results show the substance was not harmful, a spokeswoman for the governor said.

The envelope was similar to those that the Associated Press reported appeared this week in Alabama, Alaska, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana and Rhode Island.

It wasn't immediately clear whether the Texas incident was related.

Source

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CST THURSDAY

2008-12-10T16:36:00.001-06:00

..WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CST THURSDAY...

AN UPPER LEVEL STORM SYSTEM CURRENTLY OVER CENTRAL TEXAS WILL
MOVE EAST TONIGHT AND THURSDAY MORNING. THIS SYSTEM...COUPLED WITH
OVERRUNNING RAIN AND COLD AIR ALOFT...WILL YIELD A MIXTURE OF RAIN
AND SLEET THIS EVENING...FOLLOWED BY A RAIN OR SNOW MIXTURE AFTER
MIDNIGHT THROUGH MID MORNING THURSDAY.
..WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO
9 AM CST THURSDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LAKE CHARLES HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO
9 AM CST THURSDAY.

INTERMITTENT LIGHT RAIN WILL CONTINUE EARLY THIS EVENING. THE RAIN
WILL BEGIN TO INTERMITTENTLY MIX WITH SLEET FROM WEST TO EAST
LATER THIS EVENING. AFTER MIDNIGHT...THE RAIN WILL LIKELY CHANGE
OVER TO A RAIN AND SNOW MIXTURE...POSSIBLY CHANGING OVER TO ALL
SNOW FROM WEST TO EAST TOWARDS SUNRISE THURSDAY. DUE TO THE WARM
GROUND TEMPERATURES...AND THURSDAY MORNING LOW TEMPERATURES
REMAINING ABOVE FREEZING...ACCUMULATIONS ARE NOT EXPECTED. HOWEVER...BRIEF
ACCUMULATIONS LESS THAN A QUARTER OF AN INCH WILL BE POSSIBLE ON
EXPOSED SURFACES...SUCH AS BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES...EARLY THURSDAY
MORNING BEFORE QUICKLY MELTING.

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW...SLEET...OR
FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR
SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.

Beaumont Enterprise:Port Arthur reaches $20M in tax agreements with petro-chemical industry

2008-12-10T00:40:00.000-06:00

The Beaumont Enterprise reported, that the City of Port Arthur has reached a $20 million dollar tax agreements with petro-chemical industry.

Click the link below to read the story.

Source

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich accused in deal to name Obama successor

2008-12-09T14:01:00.000-06:00

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested today on charges he brazenly conspired to sell or trade the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama to the highest bidder in what a federal prosecutor called a "corruption crime spree."

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald told a news conference prosecutors make "no allegations" Obama was aware of any alleged scheming.

Nederland Christmas Parade Rescheduled

2008-12-08T16:23:00.002-06:00

The Nederland Christmas parade that was scheduled for tomorrow night has been rescheduled for Thursday.

Nederland City Council meeting today at 3

2008-12-08T11:33:00.001-06:00

Agenda

PANEWS: Fate of NISD bond still undecided

2008-12-05T05:05:00.001-06:00

NISD Board of Trustees are asking financial advisors to take a second look at figures associated with a $126 million bond that was postponed in late September.

Once the numbers are reanalyzed, they will be put before the Nederland ISD Citizens Bond Committee for recommendation on whether to go forward with a May 2009 bond election.

According to the Beaumont Enterprise, the bond would finance the construction of three new elementary campuses, renovations to the alternative education center, a new C.O. Wilson Middle School, field turf and a new press box at Bulldog Stadium; upgrades to Central Middle School; and restoration work at Nederland High School.

A call for a May bond election must be made by March 1, Krohn said.

Source

City of Nederland Christmas Announcement

2008-12-05T00:32:00.000-06:00

Nederland City Hall, located on Boston Avenue, will be the site of the North Pole Christmas festivities this Saturday, Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Activities will include free arts and crafts, a moon walk, games, door prizes and portraits with Santa Claus.

A movie night will follow at 5:30 p.m. with a showing of the movie "Elf" in the Bank of America drive through.

For more information, call (409) 723-1503.

Hutchison launches gubernatorial committee

2008-12-04T19:06:00.000-06:00

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison today launched a committee to explore a run for governor in 2010.

Hutchison’s paperwork, filed at the Texas Ethics Commission, names Allan “Bud” Shivers Jr. of Austin as her campaign treasurer.

Although the paperwork doesn’t mean Hutchison has officially declared she’s running, it allows her to raise money in anticipation of challenging Gov. Rick Perry, a fellow Republican.

State study: Red light cameras appear to cut collisions

2008-12-04T00:42:00.000-06:00

Interesting story on red light cameras. The City of Nederland entertained the thought of installing red light cameras some months ago. I'm unsure as to how the cams reduce overall collisions but it's worth a read.
______________________________________________________

Red-light cameras apparently reduced overall collisions at dozens of monitored intersections across Texas, according to a state transportation study.

The report, released today by the Texas Department of Transportation, concludes that crashes declined overall by 30 percent at a sampling intersections, many of them in Houston.

"While these results cannot conclusively determine that red light cameras are responsible for the overall reduction in crashes," the report reads, "the presence of the treatment provided some effect on the frequency of crashes at the selected intersections for the limited time period of this analysis."

The study examined crashes from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008 at select intersections at 12 cities required to report crashes under a new state law.

The data show that right-angle collisions reduced by 43 percent, while rear-end collisions increased by 5 percent, mirroring some other studies across the nation.

The study comes as the Houston Police Department is preparing to release a study of the city's 70 red-light cameras. Mayor Bill White said last week that the cameras appear to reduce the rate of reported accidents at monitored intersection approaches.

matt.stiles@chron.com

Source: Houston Chronicle

This Week's Lamar Basketball Games Available On National Level

2008-12-02T18:21:00.001-06:00

For Lamar students, alumni and fans looking for a way to watch the Cardinals' games with Kentucky and Louisville this week, there are a number of opportunities if you can't make it to the Bluegrass State.

Wednesday's game at Kentucky will be shown live on FSN South and ESPN360.com, and is available for ESPN Full Court subscribers. For DirecTV subscribers, FSN South is channel 646.

ESPN360.com is available completely free to any student on Lamar's campus network (in fact, to any student on any U.S. college campus -- nearly 18 million people).

Next Monday's contest at Louisville will be shown in the Louisville area on WHAS-TV while also carried on ESPN360.com, ESPN Full Court and SportsNet New York, which is channel 639 on DirecTV.

All of Lamar's games this season will be broadcast throughout southeast Texas on KLVI 560-AM, while also being available on the internet at LamarCardinals.com. For fans with XM Satellite Radio, Kentucky's broadcast on Wednesday will be on XM Channel 199.

Former Nederland substitute sued

2008-12-02T18:00:00.001-06:00

The Beaumont Enterprise is reporting Kerry Foulk, a former Nederland Independent School District substitute teacher, has been sued by the family of a girl she pleaded guilty to having a sexual relationship with earlier this year.

Please read the enterprise for more information.

Source: Beaumont Enterprise

I'm Back

2008-12-02T17:29:00.001-06:00

Hello readers.

I'm finally back. It's been since Hurricane Ike since I've last posted anything. Sorry about the delay.

I've been working 7 twelves since after the storm.

Hope everyone is well.

Jeff

Special Announcement

2008-09-30T01:40:00.002-05:00

Yesterday afternoon, I filed my campaign treasurer appointment to run for Nederland City Council in May of 2009. Filing doesn’t begin until February 2009 but I decided to get the ball rolling sooner rather than later.

I have updated www.jeffortiz.com to reflect my candidacy.

I hope to count on you in the future.

God Bless,

Jeff Ortiz

Nederland City Council meeting Monday @ 3PM!

2008-09-27T12:26:00.001-05:00

AGENDA

Nederland City Council meeting tonight at 6PM

2008-09-22T00:32:00.000-05:00

AGENDA

Jefferson County Evacuation Canceled

2008-09-21T00:15:00.001-05:00

Hurricane Ike Coverage will discontinue. I'll be posting regular articles beginning Monday.

Thanks to everyone for their readership.

Jeff

High Resolution Pictures

2008-09-19T09:25:00.005-05:00

They can be found at http://ngs.woc.noaa.gov/ike/IKE0000.HTM

PANEWS: City Updates

2008-09-19T09:25:00.004-05:00

PORT ARTHUR
Police:
21 curfew arrests 12 Theft/Organized crime arrests Fire:
9-18-08, 4141 6th Ave, 8:00 am, Carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator. A man and woman in their 60’s had a generator in the attached garage with all windows closed in the garage. They were both transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital. The woman never regained consciousness during transport. The couple were admitted to ICU. (Please Push Generator Safety Again)
* Numerous medical and alarm calls
* Burning inside the city limits is still not allowed
General:
* Water is still drinkable with no problems
* Most of the sewer system up with generator power
* Trying to get water to Sabine Pass; HOWEVER IT WILL BE A BOIL WATER SITUATION IN SABINE PASS IF IT OCCURS
* Some sections of the city are beginning to receive electric powerDrivers need to exercise extreme caution at intersections and treat all intersections as 4-way stop intersections.

GROVES
Currently the streets of Groves are clear of debris and water services are available though a boil water notice is in place. Sewer service is available city-wide with all city services operating on generators.
Garbage service is operating on a very limited basis. Residents are asked to separate green waste from other garbage and those with rotted food are asked to bring those items to the Public Works Center, 4925 McKinley.
The annual Pecan Festival has been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date.
Renaissance Hospital is not open at this time but is expected to open when water and electricity is restored.
Groves Post Office is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with le Ttter carriers covering some routes.
A curfew remains in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
A Point Of Distribution will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, at the First baptist Church on the corner of 39th Street and Grant. each vehicle will receive two bags of ice, one flat of water and one case of Meals Ready to Eat.
A Red Cross feeding location will be set up at Van Buren Elementary School, 6300 Van Buren. For more information, call 962-4460.

PORT NECHES
Due to limited services and lack of electricity, residents of Port Neches are asked to remain at their evacuation site at this time. A dusk to dawn curfew is in effect.
Water and sewer service is available but a boil water notice is in effect. During this time water should be brought to a vigorous boil for three minutes, officials said.
Garbage and trash collections have resumed in the city and residents are asked to separate green waste from construction and demolition waste. All waste from freezers and refrigerators should be bagged into manageable sized bags and placed on the curb.

NEDERLAND
The city of Nederland has normal water service operating on generator power.
The wastewater treatment plant is operating on generator power, however, the collection system is restricted until power is restored.
Garbage collection has resumed in the city.

ORANGE
Mayor Brown Claybar expressed concerns for the city of Orange.
Although he did say they have made great strides in getting the city operational and helping the citizens.
The city council held an emergency meeting Thursday afternoon to pass an a declaration allowing Claybar to act on everybody’s behalf for another seven days.
City Manager Shawn Oubre announced he is working on a contract for the removal of silt.
City officials are working on making the city back to it’s feet. Claybar said, "The city of Orange is basically like two cities. There are those who have water in their homes and lost everything while there are also those who are only inconvienenced because of lack of power."
The division of the two cities is about 50 percent for those who were flooded to about 50 percent who were not, Claybar said. The hardest regions of Orange are the Cove addition, the east side and the downtown area.
But, Claybar assures the city is making progress.
The city sewer plant is not operational at this time because of lack of power, but Claybar hopes to have the issue resolved by Friday.
The central fire station is said to be a total loss, but is insured. Officials are hoping to rebuild. The Orange Police Department took on four inches water to the first floor. Officials have moved to the second floor.
City resources such as equipment fared well with the exception of one dump truck that was damaged while trying to rescue people from the raging flood waters.

BRIDGE CITY
As of Thursday, September 18, 2008, FEMA has a Mobile Emergency Registration Center located at the Bridge City High School, 2690 Texas Ave. Bridge City, Texas.
The Mobile Emergency Center is to help people register for FEMA assistance and is one of the first in Texas for Hurricane IKE.
If you are without power or are having difficulty contacting FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or www.fema.gov, please visit the registration center.

PINEHURST
About 70 percent of Pinehurst residents have electricity restored, said Mayor T.W. Permenter. City services had also resumed.
Thanks to some generators received from grant funds after Hurricane Rita, the sewer and water plants remained operational. "We are the luckiest city in Orange County," Permenter said. However, not all Pinehurst residents fared as well. About 20 residences in the Camelot addition had up to five feet of water in thier houses, Permenter said.

WEST ORANGE
Mayor Roy McDonald of West Orange reports the city is doing fairly well after the storm.
More than 70 percent of the city received flood damage. However, city officials are ready to get back on track and re-opened city hall Thursday morning. They have also worked on resuming city services.
"We have started debris pickup," McDonald said.
In order for the city cleanup to work efficently, McDonald said residents should take their white goods to the Schulman plant on Burnett Street. The goods should be emptied and taped up. He also urges residents to put their green waste to the curb separate from the other garbage.
McDonald reports the search and rescue efforts are completed. Although emergency personnel were forced to stop to answer more than three house fire calls. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blazes fairly quickly to resume their other efforts.

Nederland Plan to Resume School Next Week

2008-09-19T09:25:00.003-05:00

Superintendent Gail Krohn says faculty and staff should return on Wednesday, September 24 and students should return for the start of classes on Thursday, September 25 at their regular hours.

Neches Update

2008-09-19T09:25:00.002-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Neches Federal Credit Union Update on Branch Openings

9/17/08 – Attention all Neches Federal Credit Union members. Operations at our 776 Magnolia Branch in Port Neches have resumed from 9am-5pm.

We will resume at our 1955 Dowlen Branch in Beaumont on Thursday, September 18th beginning at 9:00 am.

ATM Services at 776 Magnolia and 1955 Dowlen are now fully operational.

Neches Federal Credit Union has implemented their disaster recovery plan to operate their main computer system and live call center out of their offsite location in Irving, Texas. Neches Federal Credit Union has resumed full operations and is open via the live call center from 8:00am-5:00pm and can be reached by dialing toll free at 1-800-851-5132.

All Neches FCU online services, mobile banking, and 3,400 branches are available for members across the nation.

Neches FCU can receive Direct Deposit/Payroll, and FEMA checks via ACH by using the routing number @ 313187636.

Furthermore, all loan payments are being deferred for 1 month excluding real estate and home equity loans.

Please continue to check nechesfcu.org for updates.

Interview with Nederland Mayor Dick Nugent from Radio Free Texas

2008-09-19T09:25:00.001-05:00

Interview

Neches Federal Credit Union Update

2008-09-19T00:43:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Neches Federal Credit Union Update on Branch Openings and online blog

9/19/08 – Attention all Neches Federal Credit Union members. Operations at our 776 Magnolia Branch in Port Neches and 1955 Dowlen Branch in Beaumont have resumed Monday thru Friday from 9am-5pm and Saturday from 9am-12pm

ATM Services at 776 Magnolia and 1955 Dowlen are now fully operational.

Neches Federal Credit Union has also posted an online blog titled the ‘Hurricane Care Team’ at nechesfcu.org that visitors can use to share their personal story or request needed supplies or information. Other users of the blog can respond to those questions using the message board to point them in the right direction of how to fulfill those needs.

Neches Federal Credit Union has implemented their disaster recovery plan to operate their main computer system and live call center out of their offsite location in Irving, Texas. Neches Federal Credit Union has resumed full operations and is open via the live call center from 8:00am-5:00pm and can be reached by dialing toll free at 1-800-851-5132.

All Neches FCU online services, mobile banking, and 3,400 branches are available for members across the nation.

Neches FCU can receive Direct Deposit/Payroll, and FEMA checks via ACH by using the routing number @ 313187636.

Furthermore, all loan payments are being deferred for 1 month excluding real estate and home equity loans.

Please continue to check nechesfcu.org for updates.

Neches Federal Credit Union Update

2008-09-18T09:25:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Neches Federal Credit Union Update on Branch Openings

9/16/08 – Attention all Neches Federal Credit Union members. Operations at our 776 Magnolia Branch in Port Neches will resume Wednesday September 17th from 9am-5pm.

We anticipate resuming operations at our 1955 Dowlen Branch in Beaumont on Thursday, September 18th beginning at 9:00 am.

In the meantime Neches Federal Credit Union has implemented their disaster recovery plan to operate their main computer system and live call center out of their offsite location in Irving, Texas. Neches Federal Credit Union has resumed full operations and is open via the live call center from 8:00am-5:00pm and can be reached by dialing toll free at 1-800-851-5132.

All Neches FCU online services, mobile banking, and 3,400 branches are available for members across the nation.

Neches FCU can receive Direct Deposit/Payroll, and FEMA checks via ACH by using the routing number @ 313187636.

Furthermore, all loan payments are being deferred for 1 month excluding real estate and home equity loans.

Please continue to check nechesfcu.org for updates.

Beaumont Enterprise: Power restored to much of Lamar University

2008-09-16T16:00:00.001-05:00

CREDIT

Power has been restored to much of the Lamar University, but no start date has been set, according to the university's Web site.

Crews continue working to restore power to the Cardinal Village dorms and the Montagne Center, the story states.

Technology staff are also working to restore the university's intranet system, myLAMAR, and student information system.

KFDM: City of Beaumont Update

2008-09-16T15:54:00.001-05:00

CREDIT

City Manager Kyle Hayes' report to Beaumont City Council at today's Beaumont City Council meeting.

1. The City of Beaumont water treatment plant, located on Pine Street, has power without generators. A boil-water notice, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the EPA, is currently in effect and will remain for an estimated 3 to 5 more days. There is saltwater intrusion in the water system at this time as a result of the storm surge. The saltwater could damage home appliances such as dish washers and washing machines.

2. The City of Beaumont sewer treatment plant on Lafin Rd is currently being powered by generators and the system is currently at 90% capacity.

3. Crews from the City of Beaumont and Jefferson County Drainage District 6 have done an excellent job of clearing the streets as well as Beaumont citizens. Nearly all roadways in Beaumont are drivable. The City has entered into a contract for debris removal. A notice to proceed has been issued.

4. The City landfill on Lafin Rd is not open at this time. Lafin Rd has downed power lines that are being cleared by Entergy crews. The landfill will be open to the general public after Lafin Rd is cleared.

5. The curfew is still in effect from 8 PM to 6 AM. The curfew is working very well.

6. Restaurants are opening quickly as well as food stores. These establishments need to contact the Public Health Department at 980-7280 to schedule an inspection before opening.

7. A report by Entergy this morning stated that 80% of power or electricity is anticipated to be restored in Beaumont by September 30.

Beaumont Public Health officials want to remind persons with medical issues related to salt intake to limit drinking Beaumont water during this time. The salt water intrusion of the City of Beaumont water intakes has caused a high salt content of the Beaumont water.

This content may last another 3 to 5 days before clearing.

There is still a boil water notice for the City but boiling the water does NOT remove salt content

The City of Beaumont is anticipating that Entergy will clear Lafin Road sometime today. That will clear the roadway to the city landfill. At that time, citizens will be allowed to take garbage to the landfill.

There will be no public dumpsites for household garbage and spoiled food. The City anticipates beginning garbage pick-up service tomorrow. You must place your spoiled items in your automated garbage can and place it out by the roadway. The trash pick-up will run 2 days behind.

Debris placement - sort yard debris. Stack green waste(as in trees and bushes) so that it may be processed through a wood chipper into one pile, Construction and demolition material needs to be placed into a separate pile.

Refrigerators and Freezers should be emptied and then sealed with duct tape before being placed for pick-up. Sealing them with duct tape may prevent a child from getting into one and getting trapped.

Do not put you trash/debris/refrigerators/freezers onto the roadway or in a ditch. Place them as close to the roadway as possible. If these items are mixed, your debris will not be picked up. Debris will begin shortly in the city.

Do not dump trash, debris,rotting food, refrigerators and freezers. It becomes a health and safety issue. Due to the health and sanitation issue of a large amount of rotting food being collected in dumpsters, there will not be dumpsters placed throughout the city. Each household should individually dispose of their food.

KFDM: City of Beaumont Update

2008-09-16T15:54:00.000-05:00

NECHES FCU

2008-09-16T12:22:00.000-05:00

Attention Members:

Operations at our 776 Magnolia Branch in Port Neches will resume Wednesday September 16th from 9am-5pm.

We anticipate resuming operations at our 1955 Dowlen Branch in Beaumont on Thursday, September 18th beginning at 9:00 am.

Neches Federal Credit Union has implemented their disaster recovery plan to operate their main computer system and live call center out of their offsite location in Irving, Texas. The credit union has resumed full operations and is now open via the live call center from 8:00am-5:00pm and can be reached by dialing toll free at 1-800-851-5132.

Neches Federal Credit Union may be reached toll free at 1-800-851-5132 for any questions regarding their accounts or for loan requests such as applying for a loan.

All debit and credit cards, online services, share drafts, direct deposits, and ACH transactions are fully operational.

The credit union can receive Direct Deposit/Payroll, and FEMA checks via ACH by using the routing number @ 313187636.

All consumer loans will be receiving a one month extensions with the exception of real estate and home equity.

Members may access their accounts via the following:

Shared branch network: Access your Neches FCU account via 3,400 different credit union locations nationwide. Click here to learn more and access the service center locator to find a shared branch close to you.
Neches FCU home banking via our website or mobile banking via your cell phone at www.nechesfcu.org.
By using your Neches Federal Credit Union debit card and credit card at all participating merchants.
Surcharge free ATM’s at any of the following locations.
Our audio response telephone teller may be reached for balance inquiries or transfers at 1-866-337-6158 and dial 222.
By speaking to a Neches Federal Credit Union member service rep in real time toll free at 1-800-851-5132.
Neches Federal Credit Union is processing direct deposits via routing number: 313187636.

Please check www.nechesfcu.org on a regular basis as we will be posting updates for our members.

Beaumont Enterprise: Vidor ISD Out until further notice

2008-09-16T12:02:00.001-05:00

CREDIT

The Vidor ISD School will be out until further notice due to wide spread outage and damage for our communities.

Patrons are asked to stay tuned to the local news outlets, the Vidor ISD websites and Region 5 ESC at www.esc5.net

PANEWS: Orange County residents allowed to view damage

2008-09-16T11:49:00.001-05:00

CREDIT

The Orange County Office of Emergency Management released a statement informing Orange County citizens that they will now be allowed to return to the respective cities and unincorporated area of Orange County "for the sole purpose of evaluating damage to their property."

The 6 p.m. - 6 a.m. curfew will remain in effect until further notice and residents who return will have to leave each night at 6 p.m. for law enforcement

Residents who return should be aware that there will be no food, water, ice or fuel available and residents who choose to return will be required to be self-sufficient.

Residents should not drink any water unless it is bottled.

Entergy: Restoration Timeline

2008-09-16T10:59:00.001-05:00

Restoration Timeline:

*Beaumont, Bevil Oaks, Sour Lake - October 6

*Saratoga - October 5

*Silsbee, Lumberton, Kountze - September 29

*Woodville - September 29

*Mid Jefferson County - September 23

*Winnie - September 25

*Vidor - September 21

Restoration will continue after October 6 for rural areas and other locations where a small number of customers are without power.

Areas where floodwaters make it impossible at this time to restore power include Sabine Pass and Bolivar Peninsula.

Hey Friends

2008-09-16T10:07:00.001-05:00

My family and I made to the ranch in Junction, TX. While we visited Nederland, we took numerous pictures which we will try and upload. The internet connection is very slow as is the cell phone service so bare with me.

Hope all everyone is doing well.

Have a great day and be on the look out for more posts as soon as possible

-jeff

Hello All

2008-09-15T00:27:00.000-05:00

I'll be driving back into Nederland, today to assess any damage I may have. After I complete that, I'll be driving to Junction, TX until power is restored.

With that said, I won't be posting much while I'm in Nederland. If I have cell phone service, I'll post pictures to this site. I should arrive in Nederland no later than 2 P.M.

God Bless,

Jeff

Beaumont Enterprise: Roadblock Update

2008-09-14T23:24:00.001-05:00

Jefferson County:

The Texas Department of Public Safety does not have any active roadblocks for Jefferson County. On September 13, 2008, at 9:00 pm, County Judge Ron Walker advised The Texas Department of Public Safety to remove roadblocks throughout the county. As per orders from county officials, the roadblocks were removed by the Department. This agency is still urging motorist to remain at their evacuation locations, because there is still a mandatory evacuation notice in place for Jefferson County.

Orange County:

Orange County is still under a mandatory evacuation notice and entry into this county is discouraged. Any roadblocks or barricades on the roadways are due to high water or debris on the roadway. As of 10:00 am this date, Sergeant Frye, DPS-Orange, stated that there is no entry into Bridge City including those who have HOLOGRAMS. Questions should be addressed to Bridge City Officials.

Hardin County:

Citizens are being allowed into this county per Hardin County Sheriff’s Office. The Texas Department of Public Safety has no active roadblocks for this county.

Jasper County:

Citizens are being allowed into this county and The Texas Department of Public Safety has no active roadblocks for this county.
Tyler County:

The Texas Department of Public Safety has active roadblocks in Tyler. State Troopers are assigned to roadblocks at the following locations:
US 190 EAST AND WEST
HWY 287 IN CHESTER
US 69 NORTH AT FM 255
(NEAR ROCKLAND)

For all other counties, the evacuation orders still remain in effect and re-entry will be discouraged until those orders are suspended.

As of 2:00 p.m., this date, State Troopers are blocking the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge into Bridge City due to flooding and high water. This message is by the authority of Lt. McDaniel.

As of 2:00 p.m., this date, State Troopers were removed from roadblocks in the City of Port Arthur per authority of Lt. McDaniel.

Beaumont Enterprise: Montagne Center among Lamar's damaged buildings

2008-09-14T23:22:00.001-05:00

The Montagne Center and Cardinal Stadium are among the most seriously damaged buildings at Lamar University, thanks to Hurricane Ike, but it appears much of the rest of campus may have escaped the worst, President Jimmy Simmons said.

“We’re in the process of evaluating all that right now,” Simmons said. “Restoration and repair crews came in this morning. We’re going to assess the conditions and assess the situation as quickly as possible.”

Of all the buildings on campus, it appears the Montagne Center suffered the most crippling blow. Saturday afternoon, just hours after Ike made landfall, the 24-year-old building showed its scars: blown-out windows and massive holes in the southwest corner, through which the the ceiling and inside seats were visible; more damaged glass in the southeast corner; and dozens of white tiles ripped off the façade on the outside of the arena.

Cardinal Stadium had turned into a lake, with standing water on top of the playing field. Ironically, Higgins Field House -- scheduled for demolition -- appeared to have emerged from Ike unscathed.

From the outside, other buildings on campus, including the Gray Library, the Setzer Student Center and the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Center, looked like they survived with little or no outside damage.

Siding is missing in some areas of Cardinal Village, but the dormitories looked otherwise unharmed from the outside.

“A few academic buildings had some damage, but it doesn’t look like we had the same kind of damage we had from Hurricane Rita (in 2005),” Simmons said. “That’s probably because of the roof repairs we’d made (after Rita).”

Simmons said he doesn’t yet know when classes will resume. The university still has to inspect each of the 80-plus academic buildings and 1,000-plus dorms, one by one.

Then there’s the issue of bringing back faculty, staff and students.

“We think we’ll have a better idea tomorrow (Monday) of when we can start back up,” Simmons said.

The university will post updates on its Web site, www.lamar.edu.

Beaumont Enterprise: County by county conditions

2008-09-14T23:19:00.001-05:00

The Texas Department of Public Safety provided the following information about Southeast Texas Counties as of Sunday night.

Newton County:

Mandatory evacuation still in effect
Roads are passable – watch for patches of water
No electricity

Jasper County:

Mandatory evacuation still in effect
No electricity
No Fuel
No Water
SH 96, SH 190 and SH 87 are passable

Liberty County:

No electricity
No telephone service
Cannon Fuel supply store on 321 between Dayton and Cleveland is the only fuel source
Impassable Roads due to flooding:

163 in Tarkington
East River Drive (CR 370)
CR 3709
CR 1413 off 1413 (Dayton area)
CR 470 off 1409
CR 677 off 321

Shelby County:

Parts of Center have electricity, rest of county has no electricity
Roads are passable

Angelina County:

All roads are passable
Part of the county has electricity

San Jacinto County:

Main roads are passable
No electricity
No fuel

Polk County:

Major roads are open
FM 942 is not passable due to trees
Jack Station Road is not passable due to trees
Holiday Lake Estates is not passable due to trees

Nacogdoches County:

80% of county has no electricity
Fuel stations available within city of Nacogdoches
Many county roads impassable
All State Highways and FM roads are passable

Trinity County:

All roads passable
No electricity
No fuel
Boil water notice

Sabine County:

All main roads passable
Working to clear all service roads
Partial power in Hemphill
Brookshire Brothers and Fat Freds has fuel

Beaumont Enterprise: County by county conditions

2008-09-14T23:19:00.000-05:00

KFDM: http://www.kfdm.com/video/index.php?bcpid=1138292619&bclid=1137896012&bctid=1794986854

2008-09-14T17:00:00.001-05:00

VIDEO

IKE Aftermath Videos

2008-09-14T16:40:00.002-05:00

PANEWS: Forecaster says water will stay

2008-09-14T15:55:00.000-05:00

CREDIT

Water associated with the storm surge from Hurricane Ike has been steadily receding.

Although in some areas, the water is still covering the roadways.

"It is gradually receding and hopefully will be out of the worries hit areas by late (Sunday) tonight," said Jonathan Brazzell, hydrologist/meteorologist."In some areas the water may not recede until Tuesday."

According to Brazzell, Orange and Bridge City received the most flood damage.

The rain gauge posted near the Rainbow Bridge topped out at 9.6 feet before it stopped measuring the water, Brazzell said. Additionally the water from Cow Bayou measured 11 feet above flood stage.

However, there are been significant amounts of rainfall throughout the day Sunday, but it is expected to end soon but not before some areas receive up to five inches, he added.

Even though there may be some rainfall it is not enough to stop the water from receding, Brazzell said.

"There has been widespread rainfall with showers and thunderstorms which may produce heavy rainfall," Brazzell said. "The chances of rain is expected to decrease and it looks pretty good for the rest off the week."

Temperatures will be in the mid 80s with lows in the upper 60s for the next few days, he said.

Beaumont Enterprise: Residents urged to stay out

2008-09-14T14:51:00.001-05:00

CREDIT

Officials in Jefferson and Orange counties are continuing to ask residents to keep out.

DPS troopers are stopping motorists at roadblocks in and around Orange and Bridge City and forcing them back on the road towards higher ground.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, return evacuees are not being admitted because of high water on roads and in homes.

"We are not even allowing people with hologram stickers into Bridge City," a DPS spokesperson said Sunday.

In Jefferson County, DPS roadblocks have been suspended per request of County Judge Ronald Walker, according to DPS' official statement.

"We are still urging motorists to stay away," the statement continues.

That is a sentiment Beaumont Mayor Becky Ames shares.

During a press conference Sunday, Ames said all residents who are not participating in emergency response efforts should stay out of the Golden Triangle. Those who rode out Ike in their homes are being encouraged to leave, as the region is still without electricity and water and sewer in places.

No roadblocks are up in Hardin County.

Reporter Dee Dixon contributed to this report.

Beaumont Enterprise: Mayor Ames: If water use continues people can expect sewer backups in their home

2008-09-14T14:49:00.001-05:00

CREDIT

Beaumont Mayor Becky Ames had stern words for businesses that were open and residents who stayed behind and continue to use city water to flush and handle everyday business.

She said shortly after noon that because of a breach in the system that she could not guarantee that people could continue to flush their toilets and run their water for another hour without facing sewer backups in their homes.

She said any business that is open should be assisting emergency operations and not conducting routine business.

Before any business can open legally it must be inspected, city health director Ingrid Holmes said. Otherwise, it will be closed and fined.

Port Arthur Mayor Deloris Prince and Orange County Judge Carl Thibodeaux said that there is no guarantee that city water and sewer facilities can support emergency operations, much less the entire region.

Thibodeaux said Orange County was devastated, with Bridge City, Orange and West Orange bearing the brunt of the Hurricane Ike's force.

He said emergency crews continue to perform search and rescue operations.

Bridge City Mayor Kirk Roccaforte said that about 9,000 people evacuated, but about 500 who remained were rescued Saturday.

Federal and state organizations continue to help with search and recovery efforts there.

No deaths have been reported by local officials. However, they planned to do a house-by-house search where there was flooding to see if residents required rescue.

Anybody in Beaumont who wants to evacuate can call the Beaumont Fire Department at 880-3905 and they will be evacuated.

The region remains under a mandatory evacuation order.

Homeland security secretary Michael Chertoff, who has toured the region and was speaking at a news conference in Beaumont Sunday afternoon, could not give a time frame for when federal assistance will be in the area to help people who did not evacuate.

However, there are plans to establish three regionwide drop-off locations yet to be announced.

Gas supplies could remain tight because before stations will be refueled they must be inspected. This complicates not only filling up cars but maintaining a gas supply to run generators.

Emergency officials stress that if people cannot sustain themselves they need to leave.

There is also discussion of evacuating area hospitals because of the water and sewer system problem.

Those with internet access can log onto the Port Arthur Police Department Web site to get in contact with family members still in the area.

KBTV 4: Military Unit Staging at Parkdale Mall

2008-09-14T14:47:00.001-05:00

KBTV News has learned a military convoy is staging outside our studios at Parkdale Mall. Just after 1:00p.m. Sunday, a convoy of nearly 100 military vehicles assembled in the parking lot of Parkdale Mall.
This unit of the Texas National Guard is being deployed in the Golden Triangle area to assist in Hurricane Ike recovery. This National Guard group is prepared to assist in search and rescue, recovery, or whatever support is needed.

Members of the unit tell KBTV they were originally headed for the Galveston and Bolivar Peninsula area, but were called back to the Golden Triangle to assist with recovery efforts here. They say Galveston and Bolivar were both inaccessable at this time.

2008-09-13T20:04:00.000-05:00

2008-09-13T19:19:00.000-05:00

2008-09-13T12:33:00.000-05:00

Pizza hut in bridge city.

Beaumont Enterprise: Rising water threatening homes in Port Arthur

2008-09-13T11:57:00.000-05:00

CREDIT

Water lapped at foundations of homes along the east end of Procter Street from Stadium Drive to Fourth Avenue Saturday morning.

Hurricane Ike hit land this morning just south of Galveston but sent surging waters and rain out 200 miles.

Also, five homes in Port Arthur near Ninth Street and Stilwell Boulevard had burned to the ground by Saturday morning.

The area was under an evacuation order for Hurricane Ike and no injuries were reported.
There were damaged roofs and other house and car damage from Ike’s wind and rains.

There underpass at Memorial Boulevard at the railroad tracks was flooded.

Beaumont Enterprise: Bridge City officials as for help with rescues

2008-09-13T11:55:00.001-05:00

CREDIT

Bridge City Mayor Kirk Roccaforte was asking the military to help rescue people trapped in their homes from Hurricane Ike’s flood waters.

The surge put Adams Bayou and the Sabine River above their banks.

A convoy of dump trucks was attempting to get through the flood waters to the stranded residents.

City of Orange employees were starting to gather boats to rescue those stranded in the Cove area.

Downtown Orange was like a lake, according to officials.

INFO

2008-09-13T11:40:00.003-05:00

jeffortiz.com has recieved reports of some parts of hwy 73 is flooded as is HEB on hwy 365.

Cove in West Orange underwater dont know about the depth.

Hwy 62 and 105 impassible. No one being allowed in.

We are recieving devasting reports from Bridge City, TX.

I'm not in the SETX area to confirm this report. The report is being sent to me from the area.

Soon, i'll be posting a picture from Bridge City.

Overall Damage Assessment

2008-09-13T10:14:00.003-05:00

SOUTHEAST TEXAS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

From: Holmes/Apple/Penisson Date: 09-13-08 Time: 8:40 a.m.

Emergency Management Officials are sending out local assessment teams to assess the damage to our Southeast Texas area.

Initial reports from Groves indicate that there is no storm surge damage. However, they do have downed trees, downed power lines and no electricity. FD Chief Dale Jackson advised that they have not found any levy or surge problems. Mayor Brad Bailey asked that citizens shelter in place until given the all clear. They have low hanging lines, downed lines and no medical assistance at this time.

Reports from Nederland FD Chief Gary Collins state that the bay doors at the FD itself were blown in and they will have to cut some of the emergency equipment out of the station. There are many downed power lines and trees. There is no electricity in the area. Water and Sewer is down. No medical assistance at this time.

Reports from Port Neches FD Chief Steve Curran indicates that they have observed downed trees, power lines, fences, carports, etc. There is no electricity. Water and Sewer is down. Pt. Neches also responded to a house fire at 8:00 p.m. last night in the 2100 block of Tenth Street. The firefighters were able to rescue 6 people from the home and shelter them during the storm. The cause of the fire was misuse of a generator.

The seawall in Port Arthur held back the storm surge. There appears to be no extensive flooding except for Sabine Pass which has extensive flooding. The south end of Pleasure Island has some flooding. On the north end of the Pleasure Island water seems to be receding. Police personnel are unable to access Pleasure Island due to high winds. Tropical Storm winds are still high in the City and all of the City is without power.

Mayor Prince has issued an order banning the sale of alcohol in the City until further notice. If you are in the City stay in your homes and do not ride around. Police and Fire personnel are trying to assess the damage. Do not return to the City if you have evacuated. Re-entry into the City of Port Arthur is prohibited at this time. We will be posting updates as soon as they become available.

The City of Beaumont has experienced storm surge in some area's. Assessment teams are moving into low lying area's to check on citizens. There are unconfirmed reports of several tornadoes that struck Beaumont. There are downed tree's, downed and low hanging power lines, some structural damage to homes and businesses, Citizens are asked to remain in their homes and not to venture onto city streets. Emergency response and medical assistance is limited at this time. If you are out of town, Do Not Return until given the all clear.

Orange County has experienced significant storm surge damage with some people reported to be trapped in their homes. Downtown Orange is experiencing storm surge flooding. Bridge City in particular has reports of high water in some homes with citizens needing assistance. They have downed trees, power lines, some structural damage to businesses and homes, etc.

We have no updates at this time for rural area's of Jefferson County.

Citizens are urged to comply with the following safety rules:

**Stay inside until advised that it is all clear.
**Emergency Response is limited, take safety precautions.
**Heed Generator Safety. Do not use a Generator inside a home or on a porch. The CO fumes from the generator can seep into the eaves and filter down into the home.
**Do Not venture into standing water.
**If you have an emergency, call 911. For updated information, log onto www.setinfo.org. You can also access your local city and county websites.

BEAUMONT

JEFF CO COURTHOUSE ROOF PEELED OFF
NO POWER
TREES DOWN ON HOMES
STREET SIGN DAMAGE
DAMAGE TO ELEGANTE HOTEL
STREET FLOODING REPORTED IN SOUTH BEAUMONT AT ST ANTHONY & FLOWER STREETS

CHAMBER'S COUNTY HWY 124 & 73
SIGNIFICANT FLOODING VIEWER ESTIMATED WATER DEPTH OVER 6 FEET

CHINA SHINGLES BLOWN OFF ROOFS
POWER LINES DOWN

FANNETT
I 10 & 365
TREES DOWN - POSSIBLE
NO HIGH WATER REPORTED

GROVES
NO STORM SURGE
NO POWER
SHELTER IN PLACE

KIRBYVILLE
HIGH WINDS - POSSIBLE TORNADO
POWER OUT

KOUNTZE 326 @ 421
POWER LINES DOWN
TREES DOWN

LA BELLE ON HWY 365
FLOODING OCCURING: 4 FEET RISE AT VIEWER'S LOCATION ALONG TAYLOR'S BAYOU SINCE 6 AM

MAURICEVILLE
FM 1130 NO SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE

NEDERLAND
NO POWER
NO SEWER
FIRE DEPARTMENT DOORS BLOWN IN

ORANGE

PER ORANGE COUNTY JUDGE CARL THIBODEAUX
SOUTH SIDE OF BRIDGE CITY SIGNIFICANT FLOODING
MILESTONE PLANT - 5 FEET OF WATER REPORTED
RESOURCES ON THE WAY

SIGNIFICANT STORM SURGE
DUPONT DRIVE 5 FEET
DOWNTOWN UNDER WATER
SIGNIFICANT FLOODING AT VETERAN'S MEMORIAL BRIDGE
FARMER'S MARKET COMPLETELY FLOODED
COUPLE TRAPPED AT 6710 PATILLO CIRCLE

PORT ARTHUR
EXTENSIVE FLOODING
PEOPLE ON ROOFS

VIEWER REPORT NO FLOODING ON 9TH AVENUE

SILSBEE
SHINGLES OFF ROOFS
WINDOWS BLOWN OUT
FENCES DOWN
TREES DOWN

Beaumont Enterprise: Levee holds in Jefferson County; Neches River rising

2008-09-13T10:07:00.000-05:00

CREDIT

KFDM: Nederland Mayor Dick Nugent gives update

2008-09-13T10:03:00.000-05:00

Click here

KFDM: No Flooding in Nederland/Port Neches

2008-09-13T09:41:00.001-05:00

According to the pictures I've recieved/posted there was some flooding at Port Neches Park.

ENTERGY: Entergy Reports Catastrophic Damage: "Much Worse Than Rita"

2008-09-13T09:00:00.001-05:00

Entergy Texas is reporting catastrophic damage to its system in Texas, with nearly all of its 395,000 customers in Texas without power and a spokesman telling customers not to come home because it could take weeks to restore power following a storm that he describes as "worse than Rita" because of its impact on the electric grid.

CREDIT

LIVE FROM BEAUMONT to GALVESTON

2008-09-13T00:30:00.001-05:00

ATTN ANN: Triumph Church

2008-09-13T00:13:00.002-05:00

Triumph Church in Nederland is not open as a shelter.

Triumph Church located in Beaumont is open as a shelter. The Church is located in the old building that was the Palace passed Parkdale Mall going toward Lumberton.

Surge update: 'Serious water problems'

2008-09-13T00:04:00.002-05:00

MSNBC is reporting that the storm surge could be much worse within the City of Port Arthur and as of midnight Beaumont, TX has power.

My prayer is that everyone evacuated.

AM 560 LIVE Broadcast

2008-09-12T23:28:00.001-05:00

Can be found to the right.

Beaumont Enterprsie: Recent storm surge and wind speed reports

2008-09-12T23:17:00.002-05:00

CREDIT

The Lake Charles office of the National Weather Service reported the following surge levels at 12:20 p.m.:

- Cameron, La., 11.51 feet , which is 10.11 feet above normal

- Sabine Pass, 11.96 feet, which is 10.94 feet above normal

- Port Arthur, 9.04 feet, which is 8.78 feet above normal

- Rainbow Bridge, 6.69 feet, which is 6.59 feet above normal

At 10:45 p.m., the storm surge levels were as follows:

- Sabine Pass, 10.81 feet, which is 10.04 feet above normal

- Port Arthur, 7.71 feet, which is 7.76 feet above normal

- Rainbow Bridge, 5.77 feet, which is 5.68 feet above normal

- Cameron, 10.81 feet, which is 10.04 feet above normal

Update from Sabine Pass

2008-09-12T22:55:00.002-05:00

MSNBC just reportd that Sabine Pass has just passed the Audrey and Rita water levels. This is not good news for the Port Arthur area.

Network Reporters in Beaumont/Port Arthur

2008-09-12T22:53:00.001-05:00

If your wanting updates from the networks. MSNBC is in Beaumont and the Weather Channel is in Port Arthur.

2008-09-12T20:04:00.000-05:00

Neches River at Port neches park

NEW Pictures from Port Neches Park in Port Neches, TX

2008-09-12T14:52:00.004-05:00

If you're in SETX feel free to email pics to us at jeffjortiz@aol.com or send them to 409-293-5001. WE will post once we receive them. If you do not plan on evacuation Please tell emergency officials where you will be so if you may need help they will know where to find you.

KBTV 4: Southeast Texas Emergency Management

2008-09-12T13:00:00.002-05:00

CREDIT

Sgt. Ken Carona of the Port Arthur Emergency Management Division advises that emergency transportation out of the City of Port Arthur will cease at 12:00 p.m. today. This is due to the anticipated arrival of tropical storm force winds shortly thereafter.

Port Arthur residents who need transportation to a safer shelter should make their way to the Bob Bowers Civic Center NOW. DO NOT WAIT!

Port Arthur Officers advise that they have 6 residents in Sabine Pass who refuse to leave. Just minutes ago, Port Arthur Officers in high water vehicles advised that Sabine Pass was now impassable.

Again, if you plan to evacuate using the emergency transportation buses, you need to get to the Bob Bowers Civic Center now.

River at Port Neches Park rising in Port Neches, TX

2008-09-12T12:57:00.001-05:00

KBTV 4: 11:25 a.m. Central Garden residents are urged to fill up bath tubs with drinking water

2008-09-12T12:56:00.001-05:00

Central Garden residents are urged to fill up their bath tubs, pots & pans with drinking water due to the water plant shutting down.

CREDIT

11am Video Storm Surge Update from Bridge City

2008-09-12T12:51:00.000-05:00

11AM Storm Surge Video from Bridge City, TX

Beaumong Flooding Anticpated

2008-09-12T12:47:00.000-05:00

News Release From Beaumont EOC

Flooding Anticipated in Beaumont The Beaumont Office of Emergency Management is concerned with the anticipated flooding event due to the storm surge of Hurricane Ike and its' effect on Pine Island Bayou and the Neches River.

Specifically, areas east of Pine Street including Manning St., E. Gill, and Pollard are at risk. Also the following streets have experienced significant flooding in October 2006 and are also at risk: Bigner St., Stonetown, Old Voth, Broadoak, Carpenter, Oak Ridge and Loop Rd.

In Beaumont's south end, the Tyrrell Park area is anticipated to flood due to the impact of the storm on Hillebrandt Bayou. Residents in these areas are urged to evacuate if they have a vehicle in which to evacuate in. If they cannot evacuate themselves, it is recommended that they seek higher ground. Shelter should be sought with friends, family members or even co-workers who may have also stayed behind.

Beaumont Police Officers will be going into these neighborhoods and alerting residents to the threat. They will be using the police cars' public address systems and talking to those they encounter as they are driving through these neighborhoods.

Officers will be stressing the importance of either evacuating or seeking higher ground.

'LIVE' News Coverage of Hurricane IKE

2008-09-12T10:30:00.000-05:00

Can be found at www.jeffortiz.com

Weather Service: Leave Or Face 'Certain Death'

2008-09-12T09:23:00.000-05:00

Leave Or Face 'Certain Death', Officials Warn
People in single-family or two-story homes in some parts of coastal Texas who do

not heed evacuation orders will face certain death, the weather service says.

ATTENTION

2008-09-12T09:13:00.002-05:00

I urge all citizens to leave Southeast Texas immediately. It is not safe.

Storm evac info

Don't forget KHOU Live Streaming can be found in the right column

2008-09-12T09:10:00.001-05:00

KFDM: Water Beginning to Cover Roads, Highways

2008-09-12T09:07:00.001-05:00

CREDIT

Water from the Gulf of Mexico is already beginning to spill over Seawall Boulevard in Galveston, and some roads and highways in Southeast Texas are also becoming covered with water.

People are urged to get out of Bridge City and Port Arthur if they haven't already done so. The City of Port Arthur is using buses to help evacuate remaining residents who weren't able to leave on their own.

The City of Port Arthur Emergency Management Division advises that due to a number of citizens who arrived at the last minute, they are going to access school buses and continue to provide transportation out of town for as long as the weather allows.

Citizens in Port Arthur who need emergency transportation out of town should make their way to the Bob Bowers Civic Center now. Due to impending arrival of Tropical Storm Force winds, the window of opportunity for transportation is getting small.

Again, Port Arthur citizens wishing to utilize the emergency transportation to an out of town shelter should go to the Bob Bowers Civic Center now.

As of 7:27 a.m., The Texas Department of Public Safety had confirmed reports of water over several roadways.

State Troopers are monitoring the highways within Jefferson, Orange and Chambers counties.

The following information has been received from State Troopers currently on patrol.

•1. At 7:00 a.m., roadway to Sabine Pass (Inter Coastal): Impassible

•2. At 4:57 a.m., there was approximately 8 inches of water on Hwy 87, 17 miles South of Winnie

•3. At 7:26 a.m., Hwy 124 in High Island: Impassible

•4. At 7:25 a.m. water levels at Rainbow Bridge and Veteran's Bridge were good

KFDM: Coastal Residents Warned about Dangerous Storm Surge

2008-09-12T00:03:00.000-05:00

CREDIT

It has become a dangerous situation along the Southeast Texas Coast. The National Weather Service is now predicting a 20 foot storm surge.

Such a surge would breach the levee system that protects Mid and South Jefferson County. Other coastal areas like Bridge City would also be impacted.

The situation is so serious, Groves Police and Firefighters are driving through neighborhoods using their public address systems to warn people to get out as soon as possible.

Chief Meterologist Greg Bostwick is urging people who live south of Interstate 10 to make plans to leave as soon as possisble.

Greg Bostwick: The Storm Surge in Detail

2008-09-11T23:41:00.001-05:00

Video

KBTV 4: Ike Expected To Produce Dangerous Storm Surge For Port Arthur & Sabine Pass

2008-09-11T21:54:00.001-05:00

KBTV 4 has reported the following:

Reported by: News Staff
Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 @09:09pm CST

The National Weather Service in Lake Charles is forecasting a 20 foot storm surge in Port Arthur and Sabine Pass, all the way to Bridge City.
The seawall in Port Arthur is 14 feet high.
Forecasters estimate a higher than 10 feet storm surge for Orange.

PANEWS: Port Arthur officials now say evacuation transportation will continue

2008-09-11T21:43:00.001-05:00

CREDIT

Port Arthur evacuation transportation from the Civic Center will continue as long as weather permits and resources are available, according to a press release.

If citizens need transportation to the civic center they should call 983-8767, and 983-8794.

Citizens should arrive at the Civic Center with photo ID and try to limit their baggage as much as possible with only essential needs including prescription medication. No weapons, including firearms. This no firearm rule applies to those persons with Concealed Handgun licenses.

PANEWS: Beaumont evacuations to stop Friday

2008-09-11T21:40:00.001-05:00

CREDIT

The City of Beaumont Emergency Management Office has set a time of 6 a.m. Friday morning to cease transportation operations for evacuating citizens to safety.

PANEWS: DD7 set, ready for Ike flooding

2008-09-11T21:37:00.000-05:00

Credit

The storm surge associated with Category 2 Hurricane Ike will test Port Arthur’s sea wall and hurricane levee system.

Shelter

2008-09-11T19:54:00.001-05:00

Sources close to the situation has confirmed to us that the City of Port Arthur has requested that Triumph Church in Nederland be a shelter for individuals who might need this assistance.

Not sure when this will take place..waiting for more details..

Curfews in Orange & Jefferson Counties

2008-09-11T19:53:00.000-05:00

CREDIT

SOUTHEAST TEXAS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Story Created: Sep 11, 2008 at 4:40 PM CDT

Story Updated: Sep 11, 2008 at 4:40 PM CDT

Officials from Orange and Jefferson County have ordered a curfew to go into effect on Friday, September 12, 2008. This is in an effort to protect citizen's property in their absence.

The curfew in Orange county effects only the rural area's of the county. The curfew will be in effect from dusk til dawn until further notice. (see attached document)

The curfew in Jefferson County not only effects the unincorporated area's of the county, but it's cities as well. These cities include Nederland, Port Arthur, Port Neches, Groves and Beaumont. The times set for the Jefferson County curfew is from 8:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. daily until further notice. (see attached Jefferson County Document).

Anyone caught violating the curfew is subject to investigation and possible arrest.

7PM NHC Update & KHOU LIVE STREAMING Can be found in the right column

2008-09-11T19:01:00.003-05:00

000
WTNT34 KNHC 112359
TCPAT4
BULLETIN
HURRICANE IKE INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY NUMBER 43A
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL092008
700 PM CDT THU SEP 11 2008

...NO CHANGE IN STRENGTH YET AS IKE HEADS TOWARD THE NORTHWESTERN
GULF...

A HURRICANE WARNING IS IN EFFECT FROM MORGAN CITY LOUISIANA TO
BAFFIN BAY TEXAS. HURRICANE CONDITIONS COULD REACH THE COAST WITHIN
THE WARNING AREA BY LATE FRIDAY.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING AND A HURRICANE WATCH ARE IN EFFECT FROM
SOUTH OF BAFFIN BAY TO PORT MANSFIELD TEXAS.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FROM EAST OF MORGAN CITY
TO THE MISSISSIPPI-ALABAMA BORDER...INCLUDING THE CITY OF NEW
ORLEANS AND LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...INCLUDING POSSIBLE
INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS...PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED
BY YOUR LOCAL WEATHER OFFICE.

AT 700 PM CDT...0000Z...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE IKE WAS LOCATED NEAR
LATITUDE 26.2 NORTH...LONGITUDE 89.9 WEST OR ABOUT 475 MILES...760
KM...EAST-SOUTHEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI TEXAS AND ABOUT 370 MILES...
595 KM...SOUTHEAST OF GALVESTON TEXAS.

IKE IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 12 MPH...19 KM/HR...AND
THIS MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS...WITH A
TURN TO THE NORTHWEST EXPECTED LATE FRIDAY. ON THE FORECAST
TRACK...THE CENTER OF IKE WILL BE VERY NEAR THE UPPER TEXAS COAST
BY LATE FRIDAY. HOWEVER...BECAUSE IKE IS A VERY LARGE TROPICAL
CYCLONE...WEATHER WILL DETERIORATE ALONG THE COASTLINE LONG BEFORE
THE CENTER REACHES THE COAST.

DATA FROM BOTH NOAA AND AIR FORCE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT INDICATE
THAT MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS REMAIN NEAR 100 MPH...160 KM/HR...WITH
HIGHER GUSTS. IKE IS A CATEGORY TWO HURRICANE ON THE
SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE...BUT IS FORECAST TO BECOME A MAJOR HURRICANE
PRIOR TO REACHING THE COASTLINE.

HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 115 MILES...185 KM...FROM
THE CENTER...AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 275
MILES...445 KM.

THE LATEST MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE MEASURED BY THE AIR FORCE
HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT WAS 954 MB...28.17 INCHES.

COASTAL STORM SURGE FLOODING OF UP TO 20 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TIDE
LEVELS...ALONG WITH LARGE AND DANGEROUS BATTERING WAVES...CAN BE
EXPECTED NEAR AND TO THE EAST OF WHERE THE CENTER OF IKE MAKES
LANDFALL...EXCEPT AT THE HEADS OF BAYS...WHERE SURGE FLOODING OF UP
TO 25 FEET COULD OCCUR. COASTAL STORM SURGE FLOODING OF 6 TO 8 FEET
ABOVE NORMAL TIDE LEVELS...ALONG WITH LARGE AND DANGEROUS
WAVES...CAN BE EXPECTED WITHIN THE TROPICAL STORM WARNING AREA
ALONG THE NORTHERN GULF COAST. ABOVE NORMAL TIDES IN THE EASTERN
GULF OF MEXICO SHOULD GRADUALLY SUBSIDE OVER THE NEXT DAY OR SO.

IKE IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 5 TO 10 INCHES ALONG
THE MIDDLE AND UPPER TEXAS COAST AND OVER PORTIONS OF SOUTHWESTERN
LOUISIANA...WITH ISOLATED MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 15 INCHES POSSIBLE.

REPEATING THE 700 PM CDT POSITION...26.2 N...89.9 W. MOVEMENT
TOWARD...WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 12 MPH. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...100
MPH. MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...954 MB.

THE NEXT ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER AT
1000 PM CDT.

$$
FORECASTER KNABB

Arrived

2008-09-11T18:58:00.000-05:00

I have arrived to Vicksburg, MS. I'll be updating beginning with the next NHC update.

ATTENTION

2008-09-11T08:56:00.004-05:00

There will be no posts until I get to Vicksburg, MS.

I will continue with providing information as much as possible before and after landfall.

If you have pictures or need information feel free to contact me at jeffjortiz@aol.com or 409-293-5001

-Jeff Ortiz

Mandatory Evacuation Ordered

2008-09-11T06:16:00.000-05:00