NEWTON, TEXAS — Newton County has officially announced the dates for its 2026 County Fair, with the local tradition scheduled to run from April 3 through April 11, 2026. The fair, a significant fixture on the county’s annual calendar, will bring nine days of entertainment and agricultural tradition to the community. Featured Arena Events and Competitions This year's program features a variety of youth and community competitions, including: • Mutton Bustin’ and the Calf Scramb

Photo Credit: Shannon Brown It was a long night in Newton County on election night for everyone involved. The evening started as usual on the courthouse lawn, gathered around the gazebo and waiting for JP Mike Greer to walk out the County Clerk’s office with paper in hand. Dry erase marker in the other. Newton County still uses the Dry Erase Board method of notifying the watchers of the election results. One on looker said, “I’m 74 years old and Newton County was using this s

NEWTON, TX – A welfare check on Monday morning resulted in the arrest of a local man on felony drug charges, according to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. At approximately 10:20 a.m. on March 2, 2026, Deputy Jacob Walters was dispatched to County Road 2018 following reports of a man passed out inside a van. Upon arrival, Deputy Walters and Sheriff Colton Havard made contact with the driver, identified as Raymond Jerry Westcott. During the initial interaction, deputies obse

NEWTON — Youth hunters from across Newton and Jasper counties gathered Saturday night to celebrate the inaugural Newton & Jasper County Texas Youth Big Buck Contest, highlighted by a record-book 172-inch buck and a keynote address from a nationally recognized wildlife expert. The banquet marked the conclusion of the first annual contest, drawing what organizers described as a strong turnout of participants, families and community supporters. Jack Rhodes claimed first place ho

Photo Credit: East End VFD A brush fire sparked by a downed powerline temporarily shut down a portion of Highway 63 Wednesday evening, creating hazardous conditions and forcing traffic to halt in western Newton County. At approximately 5:10 PM, the Burkeville Volunteer Fire Department requested assistance from East End VFD for a rapidly moving brush fire along Highway 63, about four miles east of the Jasper–Newton County line. According to East End VFD, windy conditions playe

Photo Credit: Newton VFD Newton Volunteer Fire Department responded Monday afternoon to a mutual aid call assisting Burkeville VFD on a woods and structure fire along County Road 2107. According to Newton VFD, crews were dispatched at 4:27 p.m. after a small trash pile reportedly ignited and spread to a nearby outbuilding located close to a wooded area. Firefighters worked quickly to contain the blaze before it could extend further into the surrounding wood line. Officials sa

NEWTON COUNTY, Texas - Two Men were arrested Monday night following weeks of complaints about a vehicle driving erratically, endangering motorists across Newton County. Newton County Sheriff Colton Havard said, "Deputies had received multiple reports in recent weeks about a black Chevrolet Silverado with the words "The Mechanic" on the rear glass. Callers allege the vehicle was being driven recklessly and placing drivers in danger. At approximately 7:43 pm Monday evening, Hav

Jail Activity Report for February 15, 2026 – February 22, 2026 Burks, Brandon Eugene III, 39, of Kirbyville Forgery Government/National Instrument/Money/Security Tamper/Fabricate Physical Evidence w/Intent to Impair Bond: $10,000 (each) Not in custody Carey, William Joseph, 46, of Sulphur, LA Possession of Controlled Substance PG 1/1-B ≥4g <200g In custody Davis, Jeremy William, 49, of Newton Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Member In custody Fontenot, Meagan Simone, 32, o

2/23/2026 It’s been a busy week across the county, and our jailhouse is full, but still accepting guests. Thursday evening, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Newton Police Department, responded to 390 County Road 4056 just south of Bleakwood to serve arrest warrants on Garry Lee Scambler II. Scambler was wanted on multiple charges stemming from a foot pursuit earlier in the week. Sergeant Chad Ainsworth and K-9 Rhino had a busy weekend. Friday eveni

BLEAKWOOD, TX —  A routine traffic stop Friday resulted in the arrest of a Newton County man on felony charges after counterfeit currency was allegedly discarded along a state highway. According to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, on February 20, 2026, Sergeant Chad Ainsworth observed a black Harley-Davidson motorcycle traveling northbound on State Highway 87 near FM 2460 without a visible license plate. Authorities reported that as Sgt. Ainsworth followed the motorcycle,

NEWTON COUNTY, TX  — A wanted fugitive who previously fled deputies by jumping into Big Cow Creek was taken into custody Thursday following a coordinated effort by Newton County and Newton Police officers. On Monday, February 16, 2026, at approximately 12:02 p.m., deputies with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence off County Road 4056 in the Singletary Sites community in reference to a theft in progress at a camp house on Big Cow Creek. Sergeant C

Golfers from across Southeast Texas are invited to hit the links for a cause as CASA of the Sabine Neches Region hosts its 6th Annual CASA Classic Golf Tournament on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Wildwood Golf Course. The four-person scramble will begin with a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start, offering participants a day of competition set against the scenic backdrop of the Big Thicket’s towering oaks and pines. Proceeds from the tournament benefit CASA volunteers who advocate for abused

Jail Activity Report for February 9, 2026 – February 15, 2026 Bles, Shari Marie , 56, of Burkeville Public Intoxication Not in custody Childers, John Joseph, 47, of Orange Probation Violation (DWI 3rd or More) In custody Locascio, Cody Michael, 36, of Burkeville Collision Involving Damage to Vehicle ≥ $200 Bond: $2,000 Not in custody Melvin, Veronica Zhane, 31, of Lufkin Possession of Controlled Substance PG 1/1-B ≥1g<4g In custody Rogers, William Dakota, 37, of Kirbyville U

2/16/2026 Hopefully everyone fared well through the thunderstorms Saturday night. I know it was rough at my house! Luckily, there was no damage. Please keep the Biscamp family in your prayers. Jesse passed away last week from injuries he sustained in an industrial accident. You won’t find a better family than the Biscamps. Let’s see what’s been happening around the county. On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Deputy Brent Sonnier conducted a traffic stop on State Highway 12 in De