Orange County Stories

01/29/2025

New company to take International Papers’ spot?

USG Paper, LLC is a market leader in wallboard and gypsum products. They are expanding their existing paper manufacturing capabilities to Orange, Texas at the former International Paper location.

The City of Orange EDC Board of Directors and the Orange City Council approved an EDC incentive with USG Paper, LLC for the expenditure of funds for eligible infrastructure improvements at 1750 IP Way in an amount not to exceed $200,000 per year over a two-year period for the purpose of economic development.

USG Paper, LLC, represented by Sean Rooney of Ryan Consulting, has proposed an estimated capital investment of $715 million in equipment, land, infrastructure, and new facilities during the initial 10-year period. The company estimates hiring 120 – 150 new, full-time positions, with construction beginning as early as the fall of 2025 and operational by early 2028.

(Info-City of Orange)

Editor’s note- there has been a surge of new businesses building in Little Cypess. From truck-stop sized convenience stores to Red’s Liquor’s new complex near the skating rink. Could this be why?

(Sponsored by The Horseman's Store, Mother Hen Weather, CASA of the Sabine Neches Region, HR People)

01/29/2025

Veterans Bridge lane closure -

(Sponsored by CASA of the Sabine Neches Region, The Horseman's Store, Mother Hen Weather, HR People)

01/26/2025

Weather update from Janet at Mother Hen Weather -

Well, Orange County, that don't look so good!
The Sunday NWS forecast for SETX/SWLA through Monday evening looks like this:
∆ This Afternoon
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4 pm. Cloudy, with a high near 67. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
∆ Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 4 am, then a chance of showers. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 54. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
∆ Monday
A 20 percent chance of showers before noon. Patchy fog before 8 am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. North wind around 5 mph.
∆ Monday Night
Patchy fog between 1 am and 3 am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Calm wind.•••
It's going to be messy and warmer with fog dropping in to make driving a little more difficult.
Days are gonna fluctuate between mid (down to) low 60's and then back to low 70's. While the nights are going ping pong from low 50's to mid 60's then back down to low 50's over the 7 days.
The ever popular roller coaster ride of temperatures in a SETX/SWLA winter. 🥶🤔😢

This weather break is brought to you by: The Horseman's Store, CASA of the Sabine Neches Region

01/26/2025

A literal “brush with fame”!

Madison Alaniz, owner and stylist at Growth Hair Studio here in Orange, posted this pic of her client, country music’s LeAnn Rimes!

“I’m so glad I didn’t get a “real job”.” Alaniz wrote.

“Thursday I got a text asking to do LeAnn Rimes hair. I thought it was a scam…”

Rimes was in Orange for her performance at The Lutcher Theatre, finding Alaniz through Instagram to book a quick touch up before her performance, which happened last night.

(Orange County Stories Sponsored by The Horseman's Store, CASA of the Sabine Neches Region, Mother Hen Weather)

01/23/2025

Press Release
January 23, 2025

Orange County Road and Bridge is reporting that the East Roundbunch Swing Bridge in Precinct #3 is now back open to regular vehicular traffic.

01/23/2025

So, how did y’all fare in this winter blast?!

Remember- we are open and carry all your cold-weather gear! No matter your mode of transportation!

01/22/2025

Get a bird's-eye view of Orange during our historic snowstorm, courtesy of Kimberly Manning Images!

(Sponsored by CASA of the Sabine Neches Region, The Horseman's Store, Mother Hen Weather)

Kimberly Manning Images documents Winter Storm Enzo in Orange, Texas, showing some of the local landmarks through photography and arial video.

01/21/2025

HAVE YOU EVER.....

1. Seen snow in the French Quarter of New Orleans?

2. Seen snow on the beaches of Galveston?

Well now you have!!

01/21/2025

What’s this?! Snow? In SE Texas?!?! Stay off the roads, but bundle up with your kids or dogs in your yard, and make some memories!!
Share your pics below!

01/21/2025

From City of Orange:

Due to forecasted winter weather, City of Orange offices will be closed on Tuesday, January 21st and Wednesday, January 22nd and will reopen when weather permits. City closures include:

- City Hall
- Municipal Court
- Neighborhood Facility Building
- Orange Public Library
- Orange Recreation Center
- Wastewater Dump Station

01/21/2025

From Mother Hen Weather-

Well, Orange County can you hear the "rain on the roof"? Oops, NO, wait a minute, that's NOT rain, that's sleet! 🥶

Brr-rrrr and the WIND is kicking up a fuss, too!

Y'all be careful out there! DON'T GO OUT IF YOU DON'T "HAVE TO"!
IF YOU DO:
SLOW DOWN! Use your LOW Beams!
REMEMBER: Not everyone's defroster works as well as yours!
Assignment: Arrive Alive!

This weather break is brought to you by:
CASA of the Sabine Neches Region, The Horseman's Store

01/20/2025

Press Release
January 20, 2025

Due to the forecasted inclement weather and freezing temperatures, all non-emergency Orange County offices will be closed on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, and Wednesday, January 22, 2025. The decision has been made in the interest of public safety and in response to anticipated hazardous road conditions.

The county urges all residents to stay home and avoid travel during this time, as roadways, bridges, and overpasses are expected to ice over, making travel dangerous. Citizens should only travel if absolutely necessary and exercise extreme caution if they must go out.

Local authorities and emergency services will continue to operate as usual, and critical services will remain available. The public is encouraged to stay informed by checking official county communications and local weather updates.
Stay safe and remain indoors as much as possible during these extreme conditions.

01/20/2025

Illegal to leave your pets outside once temps drop -

When temperatures drop in Texas, it's not just people who need protection—state law mandates that pets be brought indoors during extreme cold. The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, passed in 2021, requires pet owners to provide adequate shelter, including protection from freezing weather, or face penalties.

(The Horseman's Store, Mother Hen Weather, CASA of the Sabine Neches Region)

01/20/2025

School Closures for Orange County-

Schools are already closed today for MLK Day.

(The Horseman's Store, Mother Hen Weather, CASA of the Sabine Neches Region)

01/18/2025

How are you preparing for this upcoming snow? Jambalaya? Insulating pipes? Stocking up on food and good books?

Here’s our pic of Orange County’s last snowfall…share yours!

01/17/2025

Roundbunch swing bridge to be closed-

Press Release
January 17, 2025

Orange County Road and Bridge officials are advising the public that the East Roundbunch swing bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning at approximately 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 19th, 2025, due to forecasted inclement weather and will reopen on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. The weather conditions may include ice and sleet, which could make the bridge and surrounding roads hazardous for travel.
Officials will continue to monitor the weather and assess road and bridge conditions throughout the week. Motorists are urged to plan ahead for potential delays and seek alternative routes. Safety remains a top priority, and updates on the bridge’s status will be provided as necessary.

(The Horseman's Store, CASA of the Sabine Neches Region, Mother Hen Weather)