Government

Here are all the local contested Orange County races and new representatives running:

Orange

District 4

• Mary McKenna (Incumbent)
• Alan Mesecher

At-Large Place 5

• Reginald Broussard
• George Mortimer

Vidor

Mayor

• Trevor Daughtry
• Ashley Hall
• Misty Songe Hart (Incumbent)
• Kenneth Lee
• Nicole McGowen
• Shawn Volkmann

Ward 1

• Kelly Carder
• Jerrod Nash

Ward 6

• Kathryn Weldon (Incumbent)
• Deborah Gatlin

Bridge City

Place 5

• Christopher Bouley
• Lucy Fields

Vidor ISD

Position 4

• Natalie Long (Incumbent)
• Michael Helms

Position 5

• Brooke Gilthorpe (Incumbent)
• Matt McPayne

The Orange Convention and Visitors Bureau (Explore Orange) is inviting the community to share their thoughts and ideas to help improve and enhance city events! Residents and visitors are encouraged to participate in a short, anonymous survey to help shape future events that reflect what the community wants to see.

Why Participate?

• Your Feedback Matters! These events are created for you, your family, and your visiting friends—help us make them even better.
• Have a Say! Share what types of entertainment, activities, and experiences you’d love to see at future Orange events.
• Support Your Community! By giving feedback, you’re helping us plan events that bring people together and make Orange a fantastic place to live and visit.

Take the Survey Today!

Survey Link: https://forms.office.com/r/2JQJfS1RG5

Your input will help shape the future of local festivals, markets, concerts, and more! The survey is quick and anonymous, so take a moment to share your thoughts today.

The Orange City Council has approved several key economic development initiatives, including supporting local businesses, expanding affordable housing, and improving animal welfare services. These decisions reflect the city’s ongoing commitment to community growth and improving the quality of life for its residents.

$50,000 Economic Development Grant for Child’s Hardware

The City Council approved a $50,000 grant from the Orange Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to Child’s Hardware, located at 3704 North 16th Street. The store, owned by District 2 Councilor Brad Childs, will use the funds for business improvements and expansion. Per ethical guidelines, Councilor Childs recused himself from the vote.

Support for Affordable Senior Housing – Orange Trails Apartment Complex

The Council also passed a resolution endorsing the Orange Trails Senior Apartment Complex, a proposed 62-unit housing development by Trinity Housing Development. If the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs approves the complex for tax credits, it will provide affordable housing for senior residents with incomes between $27,000 and $37,000 per year. Rent prices are expected to range from $700 to $1,000 per month, depending on unit size and tenant income.

The complex is planned for 4438 27th Street, located within the city’s Interstate Development Corridor, providing accessibility to essential services and amenities.

$46,200 ASPCA Grant for Animal Shelter Improvements

In a positive step for local animal welfare, Fire Chief John Bilbo announced that the City of Orange has been awarded a $46,200 grant from the ASPCA. The funding will be used to construct a fenced exercise and meet-and-greet area at the city’s animal shelter. The space will include sunshades and benches, creating a more comfortable environment for the animals and prospective adopters. Notably, this project requires no city funding.

These initiatives, alongside the recent $400,000 economic development grant for USG Paper’s $715 million investment in the former International Paper plant, highlight the City of Orange’s dedication to fostering economic development, supporting local businesses, and improving the quality of life for its residents.

The City of Orange has identified 17 buildings slated for demolition as part of its ongoing efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and remove deteriorating structures. The City Council has accepted bids from various contractors to carry out the demolitions, which will take place in the coming weeks.

Kelvin Knauf, Director of Planning and Community Development, emphasized the city’s commitment to improving local areas by removing eyesores. “Over the past decade, the City of Orange has invested in demolishing approximately 250 unsafe and blighted structures. This next phase continues our mission to enhance the safety and appearance of our community,” said Knauf.

The demolition contracts have been awarded to multiple bidders, including Ceaser Landscaping & Construction, Lark Group, C&C Works, Inc., and Manshack & Sons. The cost of the upcoming demolitions ranges from $1,899.99 to $23,100, with projects expected to be completed within 3 to 5 days.

The properties slated for demolition include:

• 1018 4th Street (Ceaser Landscaping & Construction) – $1,999.99
• 2308 4th Street (Ceaser Landscaping & Construction) – $2,000.00
• 2607 7th Street (Ceaser Landscaping & Construction) – $2,999.99
• 1310 9th Street (Lark Group) – $2,500.00
• 712 10th Street (C&C Works, Inc.) – $6,750.00
• 4408 Bob Hall Road (Lark Group) – $4,200.00
• 1602 Carter Street (Lark Group) – $4,800.00
• 2419 Clark Lane (Lark Group) – $3,375.00
• 802 Dupont Drive (Ceaser Landscaping & Construction) – $3,800.00
• 1110 Dupont Drive (Ceaser Landscaping & Construction) – $2,999.99
• 1227 Dupont Drive (Lark Group) – $3,700.00
• 1003 Elm Avenue (Lark Group) – $23,100.00
• 207 Myers Street (Ceaser Landscaping & Construction) – $2,300.00
• 2220 Norwood Drive (Manshack & Sons) – $5,000.00
• 735 Old Timers Road (Ceaser Landscaping & Construction) – $1,899.99
• 910 Rein Avenue (Ceaser Landscaping & Construction) – $2,999.99
• 2303 Simmons Drive (Ceaser Landscaping & Construction) – $1,999.99

City officials stress that removing these structures is a crucial step toward community enhancement. “These efforts are part of a broader plan to create safer and more attractive neighborhoods for residents and businesses,” added Knauf.

Demolition work is expected to begin soon, and all projects will be completed within the designated timeframe. The City of Orange remains committed to revitalization and will continue to address abandoned and unsafe buildings in the future.

The City of Orange will begin a citywide water flushing operation on Monday, January 13, 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance water quality for residents and businesses. The operation is expected to continue throughout the week.

During the flushing process, residents may notice fire hydrants discharging water, along with occasional fluctuations in water pressure and slight discoloration. These changes are temporary and pose no health risks.

The flushing operation involves releasing water at high pressure through the city’s fire hydrants to remove sediment and maintain the overall quality and integrity of the water distribution system.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Run cold water taps for a few minutes if discoloration occurs to clear the water.
• Avoid doing laundry during periods of discoloration to prevent staining.

The City of Orange appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation during this essential maintenance process, which is a proactive step in ensuring a reliable and high-quality water supply for all.