Sharinna Byrd

1 week ago | 12newsnow.com | Gabby Gaspard |Sharinna Byrd

PORT ARTHUR, Texas — The Port Arthur Police Department is recognizing the vital role of its dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, celebrating the unseen voices who provide critical help in emergencies. Among them is Ralph Odom, a veteran dispatcher who has been answering emergency calls for 46 years. “The most important thing is make sure we answer the phones in a timely manner within one or two rings,” Odom said.

2 weeks ago | 12newsnow.com | Sharinna Byrd |Mark Armstrong

BEAUMONT, Texas — The Maury Meyers Bridge, which has connected Beaumont’s West End to Old Town for decades, will permanently close Friday as demolition begins. While the bridge is being removed, the family of the late mayor says his legacy will stand. “It was the biggest honor in our lives,” said Arline Meyers, widow of former Mayor Maury Meyers. The bridge, named in his honor, has carried traffic over Interstate 10 in Beaumont for years.

2 weeks ago | 12newsnow.com | Sharinna Byrd |Claydra Rhodes

BEAUMONT, Texas — A 16-year-old boy has been arrested for murder in the shooting death of Terry Lee Thompson, 63, who was gunned down Tuesday evening while riding his bike with a friend at the corner of Pipkin Street and Chaison Avenue. The deadly shooting in Beaumont's South Park neighborhood has left residents shaken. "I've been in this area on this corner for over 40 years. I've raised my family and now I'm retired and I can't even feel safe," said one neighbor.

4 weeks ago | 12newsnow.com | Sharinna Byrd |Kayla Choates

BEAUMONT, Texas — A Jefferson County program designed to educate teens about the criminal justice system is being recognized as a key strategy to combat youth crime. The initiative, known as the Judicial Academy, is making strides to empower young people by giving them a first-hand look at legal careers and the judicial process. Precinct 1 Place 1 Justice of the Peace Judge Naomi Doyle is at the forefront of this effort.

1 month ago | 12newsnow.com | Sharinna Byrd |Kayla Choates

PORT ARTHUR, Texas — The Rainbow Bridge will close at 10 p.m. tonight for an 18-month construction project, forcing drivers onto a detour and increasing commute times for thousands. The Texas Department of Transportation is reinforcing the steel structure and installing new railings due to growing safety concerns. A temporary detour for westbound traffic into Port Arthur has been set up, but many commuters are concerned about the extended travel times.