News Staff Alexis Grace Gibbens, a recent Van Vleck graduate, was named a student hero by the State of Education Board for her community service. She founded SR’s to Seniors, aiding local senior citizens, and coached the Aquacats Swim Team. Gibbens, also the Class of ’24 Salutatorian, credits her community for her service mindset. The Van Vleck … Read more
The Victoria City Council is set to nominate a new member for the Central Appraisal District board after Jodie Sandoval’s resignation. Each taxing entity can nominate a candidate, and the board will choose one. The council will also award a $7.3 million contract to Clark Construction for the Tanglewood Phase 1 Street Reconstruction Project, which … Read more
Wharton County commissioners hired Andy Kirkland as a part-time deputy emergency management coordinator on Friday. Kirkland, with 25 years of experience, will assist Russell McDougall. The county praised its disaster response and extended the disaster declaration. Debris cleanup will occur in three phases, with burning prohibited in city limits. The county reported $191,200 in damages.
The Blessing Hotel Cafe, known for only closing on Christmas, is now shut indefinitely due to Hurricane Beryl. The 117-year-old hotel sustained severe damage. Jedie Pierce, a descendant of the founder, expressed the emotional toll and the need for community support to repair the café. The hotel remains partially open, and an annual fundraiser is … Read more
Just hours after Hurricane Beryl hit Wharton County, the City Council met and approved new body cameras for the police department. The 20 HALO cameras, costing $25,200, are funded through forfeiture funds, not taxes. They also approved an air-conditioning unit for the fire department. Plus, two new EMS vehicles were approved, and a committee was … Read more
In Sargent, a house caught fire after power was restored post-Hurricane Beryl. Officials believe the electricity caused the rental home on Canal Drive to ignite. The fire was extinguished, but the house is a total loss. One firefighter was injured. The home was unoccupied at the time. Power restoration and storm damage are suspected causes
An alligator was found in Legacy Park’s pond on Thursday, just before the Texas East Softball Tournament. No one was harmed as alligator hunter Larry Janik safely removed it. The sighting quickly spread on social media. The pond overflowed due to storm waters, attracting the alligator. The city will monitor the park to ensure safety. … Read more
The El Campo Rotary Club served a BBQ lunch to 300 lineworkers at the Civic Center on Thursday. The lunch thanked American Electric Power workers and first responders for restoring power post-Hurricane Beryl. Local businesses donated food. By Friday, 97% of power was restored. The Rotary Club also provided pizzas to Wharton County Electric Cooperative … Read more
Officials reported the first local death related to Hurricane Beryl. A 66-year-old man in Bay City died from heat stroke without air conditioning. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick assured residents that state officials are providing aid, including meals, water, and cooling stations. Power restoration is ongoing, but some areas, like Sargent, may be without power for … Read more
Wharton County residents, already hit by Hurricane Beryl and July heat, now face a mosquito invasion. Local governments, including El Campo’s “Mosquito Assassins,” are combating the pests with nightly city-wide spraying. Public Works Director Kevin Thompson aims to curb the mosquito population before it spikes. Residents are urged to eliminate standing water to prevent breeding.