Good morning, Beaumont.

Today, Judge Raquel West sentenced 23-year-old Augusta Simon Jr. to 40 years in prison for the September 9 murder of Leroy Smith—killed in an alley on Calder Avenue near The Park on Calder.

A day after a 61-year-old Hardin County woman deliberately crashed her Toyota Tacoma into Infant Jesus Catholic Church in Lumberton, local volunteers restored the building in time for mass while police and the FBI continue their investigation — she was treated for minor injuries and no charges have been filed.

On July 16 at 4:47 p.m., Beaumont police found a decomposing body on a bed inside an abandoned garage on the 3100 block of Sabine Pass Avenue – they later identified it as 46-year-old Martin Joseph.

Beaumont ISD will enforce a phone-free policy using Yondr pouches at secondary schools this fall under a new state house bill—students must keep their phones locked away during school hours and may face consequences such as having a parent retrieve the device or a $30 fee for a lost pouch.

In Nederland, superintendent Stuart Kieschnick announced his retirement effective December 19 after a 35-year career in education.

The retiring leader, who earned the Texas Association of School Boards' 2023 Superintendent of the Year award, will be honored with a celebration in December.

The Texas Department of Transportation is launching its Be Safe.

Drive Smart campaign from July 18 through Aug. 3 to slow speeding and lower crash rates—law enforcement will focus on drivers in areas like work and school zones.

The Beaumont Bond Committee finalized its recommendations for projects totaling $210.5 million to be reviewed by City Council for a November bond issue—these include drainage work, a sports complex, a fire station and improvements to parks and infrastructure.

Council will make the final decision on proposals such as an extension to Dowlen Road and upgrades to Tyrrell Park while not considering a downtown hotel or riverwalk.

Beaumont’s Bond Advisory Committee recommended a $210.5M bond package to upgrade parks, roads, safety facilities, and downtown infrastructure, and the City Council will review the proposal until August 8 before deciding if it goes on the November ballot—if approved, homeowners with a $150,000 home would pay an extra $11.24 per month in property taxes.

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church 2025 Golf Tournament

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Tyrrell Park — No Refunds — Enjoy a fun day of golf at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church tournament.

Wayne Toups & Stalekracker Cajun Music Fest

12 p.m. — The Venue at Belle Oaks — All tickets include food — Celebrate a Sunday funday with Grammy winner Wayne Toups and live cooking by Stalekracker.

SETTA Summer Tennis Day Camp

2-5 p.m. — 6475 College St, Beaumont, TX — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of tennis training hosted by SETTA and Lamar University.

Teacher Appreciation Happy Hour

5-6:30 p.m. — McFaddin-Ward House Historic Museum — Free entry — Celebrate and appreciate local educators with a friendly gathering at the museum.

Classic Movie Night: Adventures in Babysitting

7-10 p.m. — Jefferson Theatre — $6 — Enjoy a nostalgic movie night featuring a babysitter's urban escapades with kids in tow.

First Thursday Cinema Club: Rushmore

7-10 p.m. — Jefferson Theatre — $6 for adults — Enjoy a classic film about love, rivalry, and quirky high school antics.

Tommy Davidson: Here Goes Nothing Tour

7-8:30 p.m. — Jefferson Theatre — Tickets from $37 — Comedian Tommy Davidson brings his humor to Beaumont with his Here Goes Nothing tour.