News Staff The El Campo City Council gave the green light for a major sidewalk project along North Wharton Street—teaming with the state in a unanimous vote last week. The $5.2 million upgrade, fully grant-funded at no cost to local taxpayers, will add sidewalks, lighting, and crosswalks to improve safety near Friendship Park. Construction will tie into … Read more
Wharton ISD leaders say a recent state accreditation warning isn’t a setback but a chance to show progress. The Texas Education Agency flagged the district after failing grades in ’24 and ’25, but Superintendent Oduwole says the district’s finances are now back in the black for the first time since ’19. He trimmed nearly $1 million … Read more
Bay City’s Parks and Recreation team is getting statewide recognition for its popular “Rally on the River” event at Riverside Park. The Houston-Galveston Area Council honored the program in its 20th annual Parks and Natural Areas Awards. The family-friendly event is known for getting folks outdoors to paddle, play games, and learn how to protect … Read more
Troopers are investigating a deadly crash that claimed the life of a Victoria man Friday afternoon on U.S. 77, about six and a half miles south of Refugio. The Department of Public Safety says 33-year-old Nicolas Rodas lost control of his Toyota Corolla and crashed into the back of a semi-trailer just after noon. Rodas … Read more
The Wharton Lions Club is flipping pancakes for a cause this Thursday at the Wharton Civic Center. From 5 to 7 p.m., the all-you-can-eat pancake supper serves up hotcakes, sausage, and syrup for just ten dollars a plate. Proceeds fund college scholarships and eye care programs for local residents. Dine in for live performances from … Read more
Longtime Wharton attorney Paul Webb was honored last week at the Wharton Chamber of Commerce banquet for more than 50 years in law — 33 of them as city attorney. The El Campo native joked he’s been practicing half as long as the city’s held banquets, and says helping bring Walmart, Buc-ee’s, and new business … Read more
High school baseball fans in Wharton County are in for a busy weekend. El Campo and Wharton High Schools will co-host a 12-team varsity tournament this Thursday through Saturday. Games will be split between Legacy Field in El Campo and Ciruti Field in Wharton, featuring teams from across the region — including Bay City, Bellville, … Read more
An East Bernard family is without a home after a weekend fire police say started as a burglary. Around 2 a.m. Saturday, a resident on Koym Street called for help saying someone had broken in. Deputies say 22-year-old Rylie Claire Bean of East Bernard refused to leave, so the homeowner escaped. Moments later, the house … Read more
Wharton County’s stepping into spring with style this weekend. The Wharton County Historical Museum hosts its 21st Annual Gourmet Guys and Gals event at 7 p.m. this Saturday. This year’s theme—*A Night at the Derby*—promises big hats, bow ties, and a touch of Kentucky charm. Guests can enjoy gourmet dishes, drinks, and a live auction, … Read more
Wharton County voters have one last shot to make their voices heard in today’s March Primary. Less than 3,000 of the county’s 26,500 registered voters have turned out so far — about 11%. Despite that slow pace, election officials say there’s still time to decide key races, especially on the Republican ballot, where several county-level … Read more