Contagious Horse Virus Reaches Wharton County

State officials are warning local horse owners after a fast-moving equine virus linked to a recent Waco rodeo reached Wharton County. One horse here has tested positive for the neurologic strain, and nine others are now under quarantine. Fort Bend County has also confirmed a case. The outbreak has grown to 27 infections across seven … Read more

Public Input Seeked on New Pet Rules

Bay City leaders are inviting residents to weigh in on new animal control rules during a public session on Tuesday, December 16th, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Bay City Service Center on Avenue M. The city wants local input before finalizing updates that would limit households to five total dogs or cats, tighten … Read more

Wharton Honors First Responders

Wharton city leaders shined a spotlight on local heroes Monday night after the River Bend Apartments fire. Officers Juan Hernandez, Zachary Smith, and Cpl. Timothy Helton were honored for rescuing Chrissy Trevino, who was trapped on a second-floor balcony as flames closed in. Their quick teamwork helped her jump to safety. Council members also voted … Read more

El Campo Welcomes 360 Service Members

El Campo will welcome more than 360 service members on December 9th as they arrive for the Norwegian Foot March at the Roy Benavidez Armory. Local leaders say the community has a chance to show its hospitality as soldiers stay in town and nearby areas. The 18.6-mile march honors Texas history and military endurance, drawing … Read more

Help Shape Long-Term City Growth Plan

El Campo residents still have time to help shape the city’s long-term growth. A new comprehensive plan outlines how local leaders hope to guide the next 15 to 20 years, from roads and parks to housing and disaster planning. The draft shows El Campo’s population has grown nearly 6% in the past 15 years, with … Read more

“Small Business Season”

El Campo leaders are urging residents to keep their holiday spending close to home as “Small Business Season” kicks off across the city. Mayor Eugene Bustamante says local shops rely heavily on November and December sales to stay strong into the new year. City and chamber officials are asking residents to shop, dine and order … Read more

New “Tourism Friendly” Status

Bay City leaders say the town earned a major boost, as Mayor Pro-Tem Jim Folse officially proclaimed the city a “Tourism Friendly Community.” Local businesses and attractions are being credited for helping bring in visitors and support the economy. City officials say the recognition shows Bay City is ready to welcome more travelers to its … Read more

Multi-County Robbery Spree

Brazoria County deputies arrested a 21-year-old Palacios man after a string of robberies that stretched from Matagorda County into Sweeny. Deputies say a masked gunman hit a convenience store on Highway 35 last Wednesday afternoon and took off in a blue Tahoe. A short time later, deputies stopped the SUV and identified the driver as … Read more

Wharton High to Get New Intercom

Wharton ISD is moving quickly to fix a serious safety concern at Wharton High School. The school board voted 5–1 on Thursday to replace the campus’ broken intercom system, which has failed in several buildings since Hurricane Beryl and even going back to Harvey. Parts of the school are no longer hearing announcements, raising safety … Read more

Police Close In on Suspect

El Campo police say they are closing in on a suspect after a man was killed in a hit-and-run on West Fifth Street over a week ago. Officers were called after a resident spotted 50-year-old Jose Olvieda lying in a ditch. First responders later learned he had been hit by a blue Ford pickup that … Read more