News Staff A tragic accident early Friday morning on US Highway 77 north of Victoria, claimed the life of 25-year-old Jazlyn Martinez. Her vehicle stalled in heavy fog with low visibility, and a Victoria County Sheriff’s deputy, off duty and driving a white pickup, collided with her car, which was unlit. Martinez was pronounced dead at the … Read more
Van Vleck High School students wowed the crowd with their production of Mean Girls Jr. last weekend. The play, a kid-friendly version of the iconic movie and musical, brought Cady Heron’s high school adventures to life. Directed by Gena Lea Smith, the show featured performances Thursday through Sunday. The cast, including senior Hailey Landry as … Read more
In Bay City, creating quiet zones to reduce train horn noise is a costly, complex process, with some railroad crossing upgrades exceeding $250,000, according to project manager Russell McNaught. An alternative is closing certain crossings, like the one on 9th Street, which could bring in a $100,000 contribution from BNSF and TxDOT. However, communication delays … Read more
In Del Norte, Halloween enthusiasts Krisann and Ryan Durbin transform their yard into a Haunted Mansion-inspired graveyard, bringing Disney-level spooks to the neighborhood each October. What started in 2010 as simple decorations for their son’s Halloween birthday has evolved into a beloved community spectacle. Each year, they craft elaborate, moving props and decorate their home … Read more
Angelica Vivas, 41, was charged in Houston with two felony counts for practicing dentistry without a license, following accusations that she performed an unlicensed root canal and anesthesia on patients at her Katy office. One patient reported a traumatic experience where Vivas allegedly pulled two healthy molars while failing to reach the problem tooth. Vivas … Read more
El Campo’s Ricebirds saw an early deficit they nearly overcame, losing 26-20 to rivals Bay City Blackcats in their first district defeat Friday Night. Bay City took a surprising 16-0 lead by the end of the first quarter, including a touchdown from an interception. El Campo’s defense, however, held the Blackcats scoreless late in the … Read more
Wharton resident Terell Jermaine Gilmore, 22, was arrested by Wharton police on October 15th after being spotted by an off-duty officer. Gilmore faced multiple felony warrants in Wharton and Bay City, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, illegal firearm possession, and parole violation. When officers arrived, Gilmore attempted to flee but surrendered nearby. During … Read more
The ABC Construction Exhibition brought textbooks to life for high school sophomores from Matagorda and Brazoria counties. Held annually by the Associated Builders and Contractors Texas Gulf Coast division, the event offers hands-on experiences in various skilled trades like welding, electrical work, and crane operation. Students engaged in interactive stations, learning about career paths while … Read more
At tonight’s meeting, Wharton City Council will discuss funding for new signage and key upgrades across city facilities. Proposed updates include a $61,000 dollar high-resolution sign for the Civic Center, replacing aging air conditioning units in the City Manager’s office and council chambers, and a $70,000 dollar roof and gutter repair for Public Works. Wharton … Read more
In Wharton County, early voting turnout surged as a quarter of registered voters cast their ballots before polls opened for the November 5th General Election. With 6,735 early votes submitted across El Campo, Wharton, and East Bernard, turnout may surpass previous records, according to Elections Administrator Cindy Richter. During the last presidential election year, over … Read more