Rita Coverage a service of KOGT Radio and Public Net Exchange

Listen to the Astros at 7:20pm tonight on KOGT Radio

10/13- The Lutcher Theater has announced that due to the damage from Rita, "Oklahoma" scheduled for Oct. 31 has been cancelled. Tickets already purchased will be refunded.

10/12- KOGT has asked the question about people who have already taped up their freezers and put them on the curb and those who want to.  We were told that FEMA's cleanup contract includes picking up those white goods with food inside but that the brush is getting first priority so it could be sometime before they pick them up.

New Face Of Orange

Water is potable in Mauriceville, Pinehurst, Orange, Bridge City, Vidor, Orangefield, and West Orange. Water in the North Orange Water Dist. is not drinkable as of Tuesday, Oct. 11. 10/11- The curfew in Orange Co. has been lifted. Judge Thibodeaux has informed KOGT that courthouse employees should return to work on Oct. 17 and the courthouse will open to the public on Oct. 18. There is still a burn ban in the county and there is always a burn ban in the cities.  Many believe that will be able to burn in the city limits at some point but that is not going to happen according to Joe Mires of the hurricane info offc.  But the county commissioners do have the burn ban on the agenda for Monday's meeting and could lift it then for residents outside of the city limits. SCHOOL NEWS

Debris removal news from FEMA...more

Many insurance companies will need a copy of the local state of emergency declaration for Orange County.  You can get your copy here.

Local Lions Club members are reminded about a Work Day at the carnival grounds on Sat, Oct. 15 at 8am.  Bring your tools!

The GOACC Board of Directors Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 19th has been postponed until Wednesday, October 26th at 11:30 A.M. Due to the restaurant damages from the hurricane, we will meet at the Chamber Office. There will not be a regular Chamber Agenda, but will focus on the Business Community and supplying Members with the resources they will need to continue in business. As a business owner, we are requesting the resources in which you may have in order to help assist our Small Business Members. If your are a board member unable to attend this meeting, please let me know in advance for an excused absence.

LCM has announced that their homecoming game has been rescheduled for Oct. 25 vs. Ozen.

Fed Ex is picking up and dropping off now at PNX.  UPS is still not operating in the Orange County area.

Post offices are open in the county from 12-3 and most are delivering. 

NEW football schedules for 24-3A on Sports Page.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has moved its temporary operations from the Mauriceville Elementary School to the West Orange Intermediate School on Western Ave. The move will cause a change in the phone numbers that people will need to used if they need to report something to the Sheriff’s Office OR TO CALL 911. The Numbers are as follows: 670-0710, 670-0718, 670-0739, 670-0746, 670-0721, 670-0727. These numbers will be active after 2PM Tuesday, October 11.

DuPont to restore power at Sabine River Works Plant
October 9, 2005: DuPont Sabine River Works will begin the process of safely restoring power to the plant’s operating units on Monday, October 10th. This will be a phased process that is expected to last up to 14 days. There will be several visible signs of our plant restart process, such as noise levels, steam venting and plant flare systems -- which are indications that our safety systems are operating properly.  "Our plan is to safely restart the plant using strict operating discipline and within our core values of safety, health, and environmental stewardship,” said Plant Manager Jerry Ehrman. DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people’s lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

10/10- OC Judge Carl Thibodeaux says he's not sure when county employees will be told to come back to work or when the courthouse will be open for business because of the damage, mainly water damage.

Janie Johnson of the Orange Co. Chapter of the American Red Cross announced on KOGT that they have altered their door to door delivery of debit cards.  They will still go door to door but from 9am-5pm each day, you'll be able to call their office 883-2322 to register and your card will be delivered to you.  Be prepared and patient with the busy signal!  And you will not be allowed to register at the office.

The OC Health and Human Services office at 2222 Gloria Dr. will be open Mon-Fri. 8-5.  You'll register and will have your Lone Star card activated in about 24 hrs if you qualify according to Jennifer from the state HHS office in Austin.

10/7- Judge Thibodeaux announced on KOGT that the debris collectors would not be able to travel down private roads or driveways to pick up debris.  It must be set on the side of a public road.

Entergy will be opening a Customer Service Center at the Armory on Meeks Dr. beginning Monday.  They'll have one in BC at the City Hall and in Vidor, at the Vidor High School. Each center will be open from 1-5pm Monday thru Friday and they will not be able to tell you when your power will come on but other questions and concerns will be welcomed.