Local Roundup - page 5

Take a look at all the holiday Festivities happening in Orange County this year!

Are you planning a Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Yule, or New Year’s celebration for 2024? If so, we’d love to list it in our article about Holiday Festivities in Orange County. Please send details (press release, flyer, or link to Facebook event page) to support@orangeworthy.com. Please DO NOT send the info via FB messenger.

November 13, 2024 – January 11, 2025

• Spirit of Bethlehem: The Boehm Porcelain Nativity, Stark Museum of Art, 712 Green Ave., Orange

November 19, 2024 – December 12, 2024

• Fill the Truck, City of Orange Fire Department, Central Fire Station, 501 N. 7th, Orange

November 20 – December 21, 2024

• Reindeer Trail, Stark Museum of Art, 712 Green Ave., Orange

November 22 – December 7, 2024

• Passport to Vidor, various locations

November 30-December 24, 2024

• 25 Days of Christmas with the Orange County Economic Development Corporation, Various locations

November 30, 2024

• 5th Annual JingleFest Market, The Cottage Boutique, 11701 Hwy 62-N, Orange

December 1, 2024

• Christmas Bingo at the Depot, Orange Train Depot, 1210 Green Ave., Orange

December 2 – 20, 2024

• 15 Days of Frosty Scavenger Hunt, various locations in Vidor

December 3-21, 2024

• Christmas Strolls, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 2111 W. Park Ave., Orange

December 3-24, 2024

• Story Time and Letters to Santa, Chik-Fil-A, 3130 N. 16th St., Orange

December 5, 2024

• Annual Toy Coffee, Service League of Orange, 803 6th St., Orange

December 6, 2024

• Christmas in the Park Tree Lighting, Bridge City Community Center, 105 Parkside Dr., Bridge City
• Reverse Santa, Bridge City’s Christmas in the Park, 105 Parkside Dr., Bridge City
• Hometown Holidays Christmas Celebration, Vidor City Hall, 1395 N. Main St., Vidor
• Christmas at Calvary Concert, Calvary Baptist Church, 2402 Western Ave., West Orange

December 7, 2024

• Reindeer Trail Open House, Stark Museum of Art, 712 Green Ave., Orange
• Stark Family Christmas Open House, W.H. Stark House, 610 Main Ave., Orange
• Red, White, and Blue 75th Annual Christmas Parade, Kiwanis Club of Orange, Downtown Orange
• Breakfast with Santa, Spanky’s Bar & Grill, 1703 N. 16th St., Orange
• Hometown Holidays Christmas Cruise and Car Show, City of Vidor,  Woods Plaza Event Center, 185 W. Main St., Vidor
• Gumdrop Shop Holiday Market, 201 N. 7th St., Orange
• Reindeer Trail Open House, Stark Museum of Art, 712 Green Ave., Orange
• Meet and Greet with Buddy the Elf and the Grinch, Stark Park, Orange
• Christmas Strolls, Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center, 2111 W. Park Ave., Orange
• Christmas Parade, Bridge City

December 8, 2024

• Santa Paws, Heritage House of Orange County, 905 W. Division, Orange
• Candlelight Tours, Heritage House of Orange County, 905 W. Division, Orange
• Light Up Vidor, Eastgate Church, 18905 I-10, Vidor

December 10, 2024

• Family Movie Day, Orange Public Library, 220 N. 5th St., Orange

December 14, 2024

• Reindeer Games Day, Stark Museum of Art, 712 Green Ave., Orange
• Visit with Santa, Scratch Kitchen, 1575 Texas Ave., Bridge City

December 18, 2024

• Holiday Night, W.H. Stark House, 610 Main Ave., Orange

December 21, 2024

• Christmas in Orangefield, F.L. McClain Stadium, Orangefield High School, 10058 FM 105, Orangefield
• Uplifting Our Families Event, Navy Park, Morrell Blvd., Orange

December 22, 2024

• Candlelight Communion Service, Bridge City First, 201 Roberts Ave, Bridge City

December 31, 2024

• Cajun Masquerade New Year’s Party, VFW Post 2775, 5303 N. 16th St., Orange

Past Events

November 22, 2024

• Open House, Edward Jones Investments, 1815 Texas Ave., Bridge City
• Thanksgiving Blood Drive, Edward Jones Investments, 1815 Texas Ave., Bridge City

November 23, 2024

• Christmas Bazaar, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 945 W. Roundbunch, Bridge City

The City of Orange is informing residents about adjustments to their upcoming utility bills, which may result in slight changes to the overall charges. These adjustments are part of their commitment to maintain high-quality service while accounting for seasonal and operational cost factors.

Key Factors Affecting Utility Bills:

• Winter Averages: Annual billing adjustments based on winter water consumption may impact monthly charges, reflecting usage trends during the colder months.
• Increased Water Usage: Many households have been using more water recently, particularly for lawn and garden watering due to seasonal changes.
• Sanitation Costs: An increase in Waste Management fees has been implemented, contributing to a small rise in the sanitation portion of the bill.
• Water Costs: The base cost of water has been adjusted slightly to accommodate rising operational expenses.

To help clarify these changes, a comparison of base bills before and after the rate adjustments has been provided. Residents are encouraged to review this example for a better understanding of the differences they may see in their next bill.

For additional questions or concerns about your utility bill, please contact 409-883-1081.

With deep gratitude and a heavy heart, Wright’s BBQ announces the closure of its beloved restaurant at 1096 N Main St. in Vidor by the end of 2024. A cherished part of the community for nearly 60 years, Wright’s BBQ has been a local favorite since it was first opened by Cooper and Mabel Wright in 1966. Their son, Jackie Wright, has carried on the tradition, serving up the iconic barbecue that generations of Vidor residents have come to know and love.

Wright’s BBQ has long been a gathering place for friends, families, and barbecue enthusiasts, known for its smoky flavors, friendly service, and rich history. The restaurant will be offering its famous Smoked Turkeys for Thanksgiving one final time, along with the full regular menu. Customers are encouraged to place their orders early by calling (409) 769-3812.

“For nearly six decades, the Vidor community has been like family to us,” said Jackie Wright. “We are deeply thankful for all the love and support throughout the years. It has been a privilege to serve this town, and we hope to see many familiar faces come by before we close our doors.”

Wright’s BBQ invites customers to stop by for one last meal, whether it’s their popular chipped beef sandwich or another favorite dish. The restaurant will remain open through the holiday season, giving patrons a chance to enjoy a final taste of the “Wright Tradition” and wish Jackie well as he heads into retirement.

Wright’s BBQ extends heartfelt thanks to the Vidor community for 60 wonderful years.

For more information or to place your Thanksgiving orders, please call (409) 769-3812.

Lamar State College Orange unveiled its newest addition to campus on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, with a Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony. The new 55,000-square-foot Academic Building was designed with students’ success and growth at its core. This state-of-the-art facility marks a transformative moment for LSCO, representing an investment not only in modern educational resources but also in the future of the students and the community.

Equipped with eight advanced lab spaces, eight flexible classrooms, two computer labs, faculty and information technology offices, and multiple student commons areas, the Academic Building is more than just a physical structure. It is a hub where curiosity, creativity, and collaboration can thrive. “This building is for you,” LSCO President Dr. Tom Johnson said, emphasizing that the new space was created to support and inspire students’ academic journeys. “It’s a space where ideas will flourish and where your hard work will continue to elevate this campus.”

The thoughtful design of the Academic Building reflects LSCO’s commitment to a holistic educational experience. By providing dynamic learning environments that promote critical thinking and hands-on exploration, the college aims to prepare students not only for academic success but also for real-world problem-solving and innovation. Dr. Wendy Elmore, Provost and Executive Vice President, articulated this vision, saying, “We strive to cultivate a space where students can learn to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively. ”

The significance of this facility is deeply felt by the students, who see it as a beacon of opportunity. Joshua Taylor, president of the Student Government Association, shared how the new building creates an environment where student potential can flourish. “It encourages students to take a more active role in their educational experience,” he noted. For many, the building represents a chance to be part of a community that believes in their aspirations and invests in their dreams.

From conception to completion, the Academic Building embodies a promise to continue transforming lives through education. It is a testament to LSCO’s unwavering dedication to providing students with the resources and spaces they need to achieve greatness.

Classes are slated to begin in the new space in the Spring of 2025.

Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, is expanding its footprint in Orange County with two new store openings: Petsense by Tractor Supply in Pinehurst and a new Tractor Supply store in Vidor.

Petsense, a specialty pet retailer and subsidiary of Tractor Supply, will be opening its doors on MacArthur Drive in Pinehurst this December, just in time for the holiday season. Founded in 2005, Petsense caters to pet owners by offering a wide selection of pet food, supplies, and services, including grooming. In addition to premium products, Petsense also features small animals such as hamsters, fish, and snakes, providing a comprehensive, tailored experience for pet enthusiasts.

With 198 locations across 23 states, Petsense primarily serves the southeastern U.S. The new Pinehurst location will be the first of its kind in the region, with the nearest stores currently located in Sulphur, LA, and Magnolia, TX.

In addition to Petsense, Tractor Supply Company will open a new store in Vidor, slated for completion in May 2025. The Vidor location, at 1550 North Main Street, will be situated just north of Walmart, making it convenient for local residents. The new store will offer Tractor Supply’s signature array of products, from farm and ranch supplies to outdoor lifestyle goods.