Good morning, Beaumont.

Beaumont Police said a driver struck and killed a man crossing the Eastex Freeway service road near Dowlen at about 1:30 Saturday afternoon — he later died at a hospital as officers investigated the incident.

Larry Wells, owner of Big Boy Kustoms and Restoration, makes unique sneakers in his home studio to honor Autism Awareness month and give customers custom shoes they cannot find elsewhere.

He works as an in-school suspension teacher by day and plans to rebuild his online business after an Instagram shutdown — his work has drawn attention from well-known athletes and local families.

The Better Business Bureau will host the 2nd Annual Spark Leadership Summit on April 10th at the Holiday Inn Beaumont Plaza on Walden Road—leaders from Southeast Texas will join a full day of professional sessions, panels and a keynote address to boost their skills.

An inmate, 31-year-old Amadeo M.

Lailes, died at a Beaumont hospital after staff found him unresponsive at 4:30 p.m. last Saturday at USP Beaumont—BOP officials noted that no one else was injured and the FBI was notified.

Jacorian Flemings, 21, turned himself in at the Jefferson County jail on April 4 after Beaumont police issued a murder warrant for his arrest in connection with the January killing of Deshawndrey Bowman—who was fatally shot on Jan.

24.

Tom Flanagan’s attorney told a judge on Monday at 9 a.m. that a local engineering firm is now the buyer for the fire-damaged 123-year-old Gilbert Building and that the city did not oppose extending the Temporary Restraining Order until July 16.

City officials declared the building an imminent danger on March 18 and will require the new owner to join a work program before demolition can proceed—ensuring that safety repairs continue.

West Brook coach Michael Thomas led his team to a historic overtime win over Birdville for the state championship on April 7 and was named both the Beaumont Enterprise Super Gold Boys Basketball Coach of the Year and the Class 5A-I Coach of the Year by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches—honors earned during a 38-2 season.

West Brook’s Elijah Garrett was named the 2025 Beaumont Enterprise Super Gold Boys Basketball Player of the Year after he led the Bruins to a state championship run—averaging 19.5 points, 4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 3 steals.

He will return for one more season as he prepares for a senior title push.

Neches River Festival 77th Coronation

6-8 p.m. — Julie Rogers Theatre — More details coming soon — Celebrate the tradition of the Neches River Festival with the grand coronation event.

Stoney LaRue Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — The Venue at Belle Oaks — Cost info not provided — Experience the unique sound of Texas country music with veteran artist Stoney LaRue.

Hadestown Musical Performance

7:30-10 p.m. — Lutcher Theater-Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the Tony Award-winning musical where fate is a tune away.

Scott McGill & Cocomeaux

8 p.m. — MacKenzie's Pub — $12 cover charge — Enjoy a night of favorites with Scott McGill and Cocomeaux returning to the stage.

Port Neches RiverFest

6 PM – 12 AM — Port Neches Riverfront Park — Various prices — Experience the excitement of Thunder on the Neches tunnel boat racing and more at this dynamic festival.

Beginners Stained Glass Workshop

10 AM – 2 PM — The Art Studio Inc — Cost not specified — Explore the art of stained glass construction in this hands-on beginners workshop.

Rare and Classic Automobile Display

4:30-6 p.m. — The McFaddin-Ward House Historic Museum — Free entry — Discover a unique collection of vintage vehicles at this community showcase.