Local
Orange outlines leading candidates, timeline for fire chief hiring process
The City of Orange is closing in on naming a new fire department chief. City Manager Mike Kunst is leading the selection process following the ...
Stephen Hemelt, Author at Orange Leader
Columns
STEPHEN HEMELT — Theft, vandalism at ballfields needs team response
Criminals do not respect municipal or police lines, so it’s imperative for law enforcement to cultivate productive working relationships with neighboring departments. Orange County residents ...
by Stephen Hemelt, Saturday, May 7, 2022 12:20 am
Local
SEE THE PHOTOS — 1st time Miss Miraculous Pageant showcases special needs superstars
PORT NECHES — Miss Miraculous 2022 was more than a pageant, proving to be a stunning success even the inaugural event’s organizers couldn’t believe. A ...
by Stephen Hemelt, Tuesday, May 3, 2022 12:30 am
Local
Lamar State College Orange eyes $70M grant share to energize Orange nursing industry
Dr. Thomas Johnson describes the grant, and more specifically, Lamar State College Orange’s share, as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the nursing needs of Southeast ...
by Stephen Hemelt, Tuesday, April 26, 2022 12:30 am
Columns
STEPHEN HEMELT — Getting started means finishing levee system’s design for Orange County
“The hardest thing about doing big things is getting it started.” That’s what Col. Tim Vail said about the proposed storm surge protection levee system ...
by Stephen Hemelt, Saturday, April 23, 2022 12:32 am
Local
$2.39B plan to protect Orange County from storm surge outlined; open houses set
A host of local, regional and military leaders believe Orange County is on the verge of establishing its best defense against storm surge. Using the ...
by Stephen Hemelt, Friday, April 22, 2022 12:30 am
Local
Jasleigh Montagne earns award in honor of Orangefield’s Bailee Raye
ORANGEFIELD — Jasleigh Montagne’s favorite part of competition is the adrenaline rush she feels each time she operates in the arena. The Orangefield 18-year-old says ...
by Stephen Hemelt, Thursday, April 21, 2022 12:30 am
Local
LNG projects around Orange County gaining steam for major developments
The news was positive this week for a pair of LNG projects that surround Orange County and offer the prospects of new jobs and economy ...
by Stephen Hemelt, Thursday, April 14, 2022 12:32 am
Local
Orange community welcome to free Yoga on Monday
The Greater Orange community is invited to come out, participate and learn about the yoga lifestyle this Monday. Anyone who wants to participate is welcome, ...
by Stephen Hemelt, Wednesday, April 13, 2022 12:30 am
Columns
STEPHEN HEMELT — Orange County Sheriff’s Office talks Vidor drug bust that was months in the making
The 900 block of Leon Street in Vidor was buzzing on the night of March 30. Approximately 20 officers with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office ...