News Staff Wharton ISD has completed its final payment to former superintendent Michael O’Guin, fulfilling a retirement agreement. O’Guin, who retired at the end of the 2024-25 school year, was succeeded by Olatunji Oduwole as acting superintendent. O’Guin faced challenges during his tenure, including the COVID-19 pandemic, low test scores and disciplinary issues. Despite requesting a year’s … Read more
At the Matagorda Economic Development Corporation’s year-end meeting in Bay City, two local women were celebrated for their community service. Jessica Russell, the Bay City Community Development Corporation’s Executive Director, received the George Holst Award for her economic leadership. Kandas Graham, President of the Sargent Chamber of Commerce, was honored with the Tiger Lane Community … Read more
A Wharton man convicted of capital murder is seeking a new trial. Daveon Marqui Allen, 29, was sentenced to life without parole on Oct. 30th for the ’21 Thanksgiving shooting death of Larry Joe Guerra, 25, during a robbery at Meadows Apartments in Wharton. Allen initially pleaded to a lesser charge but withdrew it, leading … Read more
In Matagorda County, officers brought holiday cheer to 45 children at the annual “Shop with a Cop” event, where each child received $200 to shop for Christmas gifts at Walmart. Funded by donations from residents, businesses, and city officials, the program has grown since starting in 2013 with just 13 kids. Officers view the event … Read more
In Louise, Eddie “Doc” Escamia Jr., who admitted to neglecting his son leading to his death, faces potential jail time. Initially given eight years of probation in June, Escamia was rearrested in November for violating probation terms like unpaid fees and missed classes. The Wharton County Assistant DA, Mark Racer, is now pushing for prison … Read more
Matagorda Regional Medical Center has managed to avoid surgery cancellations despite a national IV fluid shortage caused by Hurricane Helene’s impact on Baxter’s North Carolina plant. They conserved supplies by monitoring usage and prepared to cancel elective surgeries if necessary. Local efforts included using oral fluids for hydration when possible. Baxter has resumed production, and … Read more
A Houston man has been indicted by a Wharton County Grand Jury for allegedly stealing over $7,000 worth of diesel fuel from an El Campo gas station in 2021. Nilson Omar Quintanilla, 33, faces charges of violating motor fuel tax laws and using a criminal instrument unlawfully. Police say he damaged a gas pump lock … Read more
El Campo ISD is moving forward with a reconfiguration plan for its elementary schools rather than consolidating campuses. Architects from Parkhill proposed adding a second-grade wing to Northside Elementary, keeping Myatt Elementary for early childhood and pre-K programs, and expanding Hutchins Elementary with new classrooms and facilities. This $81–83 million plan also includes $52 million … Read more
A twin-engine Piper PA-31 crashed into a Victoria intersection Wednesday afternoon, leaving one person in critical but stable condition at an out-of-town hospital. Three others were treated and released. The crash at Mockingbird Lane and Zac Lentz Parkway damaged three vehicles, though the pilot, the plane’s sole occupant, was unharmed after being examined at the … Read more
Longtime Edna resident Kenneth Pyle, a senior detective from the Port Lavaca Police Department, has been named Edna’s new police chief. Pyle will replace Rick Boone, who was elected Jackson County Sheriff in November. The two are collaborating this month to ensure a smooth transition before Boone takes office in January. Pyle brings over two … Read more