News Staff Due to the ongoing dry weather and extreme heat, the county has issued a burn ban to prevent potential wildfires. This ban prohibits outdoor burning unless it’s in a fully enclosed space. Backyard barbecues are allowed, but extra caution is needed. Experts at the University of Texas at Dallas advise residents to avoid fireworks, properly … Read more
Bay City High School is helping students register to vote this week, led by retired teacher Julie Estlinbaum, who continues to assist government teachers with the process. Estlinbaum, who was mentored by a previous organizer, is passing the baton to teachers like Gena Herrera, who believes educating students about voting is a crucial step in … Read more
Wharton’s City Council is considering zoning changes that could take effect in two years as part of applying for a $300,000 grant from the Texas General Land Office’s Resilient Communities Program. City Manager Joseph Pace supports the move, citing growth and investor concerns over the lack of zoning. If approved, zoning would require updates to … Read more
Bay City Council rejected a wind farm’s plan to build five new turbines near the regional airport, citing concerns over aviation safety. The council voted 5-1 against the project, despite data from the FAA and wind company RWE indicating no hazards. Local aviation experts, including the airport manager, disagreed, warning of potential risks to pilots … Read more
El Campo police are investigating a stabbing that took place on Sue Street early last week. A 51-year-old man was flown to Houston’s Memorial Hermann Hospital by LifeFlight and remains in critical but stable condition. Police say the man’s wife was involved in the disturbance but is not a suspect. A video of the incident … Read more
Daniel Christopher Rodriguez III, a 19-year-old from Eagle Lake, was sentenced to five years in prison by Wharton County’s District Court for the aggravated sexual assault of an 11-year-old child. The sentence, delivered on Sept. 19 by Judge Randy Clapp, came after Rodriguez pleaded guilty last October. The District Attorney recommended a 25-year sentence, but … Read more
Bay City police arrested 42-year-old LaJames Bryant of Van Vleck on Saturday night for drug possession after officers conducted surveillance at the South Texas Inn Motel. They observed suspicious activity around Bryant’s vehicle, leading to a traffic stop on 9th Street. During the stop, police found multiple drugs, including meth, and marijuana in plain sight. … Read more
The Texas Retired Teachers Association of Wharton County met on Sept. 11th at the Wharton County Historical Museum. President Renee Cavazos led the meeting, sharing updates on reduced premiums for Medicare Advantage starting in ’25. She also held a 9/11 memorial, distributing flag pins to honor the day. The group sang patriotic songs and observed … Read more
Matagorda County United Way has opened applications for nonprofit agencies in Matagorda and Wharton counties to apply for funding. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must focus on improving local health, education, or financial stability. Applicants need to run cost-effective programs with strong financial management. The review process is strict to ensure funds are used efficiently. Details and … Read more
Wharton High and Junior High students facing minor legal issues can be judged by their peers through Teen Court, an alternative to the district attorney’s office. Wharton ISD Police Chief Landy Williams requested $45,000 in grant funds to support the program. Teen Court, part of the Texas Juvenile Justice & Truancy Prevention Program, offers a … Read more