Q: Before signing with the Dallas Cowboys this month, Beaumont Central graduate PJ Locke spent six seasons with which NFL team?

Downtown Beaumont is set to come alive as artists from across the region turn blank walls into vibrant murals during a two-day festival.

The city’s core will transform into an open-air studio, giving residents and visitors a chance to witness creativity unfold in real time.

This event isn’t just about beautifying buildings—it’s about establishing Beaumont as a cultural hub and offering local artists a high-visibility platform.

Expect to see multiple artists painting live, a welcoming, family-friendly scene, food vendors, and opportunities to interact with the creators as they work.

These new murals are destined to become beloved local landmarks, perfect for photos and daily inspiration.

The Mural Fest invites everyone to experience art in motion across downtown: Saturday and Sunday, March 21–22, centered around 701 Main Street. Admission is free.

"Opportunities don't happen. You create them."

Beaumont native PJ Locke is bringing his NFL journey home, signing a one-year, $5 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys.

Locke, age 29 and a graduate of Beaumont Central High School, has followed a remarkable path since going undrafted in 2019.

After a brief stint with the Steelers, he carved out a role with the Denver Broncos, reaching a career peak with 15 starts and 74 tackles in 2024, then recording an interception during Denver’s playoff run.

Locke reunites in Dallas with defensive coordinator Christian Parker, a familiar presence from Denver who recognizes his physicality, sharp football sense, and special teams skill.

In 90 NFL games, Locke has logged 174 tackles, four sacks, and five forced fumbles—reliable stats for a roster seeking defensive toughness.

For Southeast Texas, Locke represents Beaumont’s proud NFL tradition—and now’s a homecoming hero in a Cowboys jersey.

Why don't they play hide and seek in Beaumont?

Because good luck hiding when everyone knows everyone!

(Okay, okay — it's funny because it's true.)

Jefferson County judges are adopting tougher stances on violent crime, signaling a new era of prosecution and sentencing following recent high-profile incidents like the Rogers Park shooting that left two injured and bullets striking homes and a middle school.

Judge Raquel West, presiding over a teenage robbery case, specifically cited the surge in gun violence as grounds for a harsher sentence, reflecting mounting community concerns.

Judge John Stevens also took a hard line in a child exploitation case, rejecting probation and instead imposing the maximum sentence allowed, demonstrating a wider judicial shift in Beaumont and across Jefferson County.

The immediate focus remains Rogers Park, where broad daylight gunfire stunned residents and prompted swift arrests.

With the expanded bond-denial powers coming in 2026 under new Texas laws, officials have made it clear—violent acts, especially gun violence in public, will face the strictest penalties allowed.

Spring in Beaumont means lively events for everyone, and this week the R.C. Miller Library is buzzing with fresh programs for all ages.

Families can start Wednesday with a Spring Spanish Storytime at 9:45 AM, introducing kids to language through animal tales.

Young artists and crafters can join Crafternoon for colorful paper air balloons or flex their creativity at the Creative Corner.

Teens are invited on a virtual journey through Ireland during Teen Homeschool Hangout, while adults connect during the Crafting Club.

Pop culture fans, don’t miss Till The Next Episode, screening The Last Ship for ages 18 and up.

The South Texas State Fair returns to Ford Park March 26–April 5, combining food, rides, rodeos, and community joy.

Festival season is just beginning in the Golden Triangle, promising even more ways to celebrate.

Support Local Without Spending a Dime:

Not everyone can shop local for every purchase — and that's okay. But you can still lift up Beaumont businesses for free:

• Leave a Google review for a business you love (takes 2 minutes, helps their search ranking for months)

• Share their posts on Facebook or Instagram (exposure is currency)

• Tag them when you mention them in conversation online

• Recommend them in local Facebook groups when someone asks for suggestions

Word-of-mouth is still the most powerful marketing in Southeast Texas. Your voice matters.

Escaping Into Fiction: Lighthearted Books to Brighten Your Day

The reason I love reading in the fiction genre is because it allows me to get lost in a story and escape from everyday life. Sometimes life can feel a little heavy or stressful, and getting immersed in a good book helps take my mind off things. For a while, the worries and stress fade away as I step into someone else’s world.

Below are a few lighthearted reads that are sure to make you laugh and help you forget about everything going on in life—even if just for a little while.

• Matchmaking for Beginners by Maddie Dawson
• Woke Up Like This by Amy Lea
• Till Summer Do Us Part by Meghan Quinn
• White Girl Problems by Tara Brown
• Girl Tripping by Gina LaManna

A: The Denver Broncos. Locke joined the Broncos' practice squad in December 2019 and worked his way up from special teams to starting safety over six seasons. Now he's bringing that experience home to Dallas.

The Beaumont Current | Beaumont in Motion

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