News Staff The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has shut down public access to Sargent Beach and nearby facilities, citing safety concerns after severe erosion from recent storms. Matagorda County officials report that the road to the beach has been too damaged to maintain safe access. A beach restoration and breakwater project, led by the Corps, aims … Read more
The 23rd Annual Texana Chili Spill is underway at the Brackenridge Main Event Center near Edna, running through Saturday. Festivities began Thursday with a Veterans Appreciation Dinner and a fireworks display. The event, sponsored by the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority and Jackson County Go-Texan Committee, will feature salsa and margarita competitions today, followed by a full … Read more
The Wharton Police Department’s Blue Santa Project is gearing up to bring holiday cheer to children across Wharton County. The toy drive, which has grown over 11 years to now serve over 1,000 kids annually, has already raised $43,000 toward its $50,000 goal. Local stores like Walmart and Dollar General are offering donations and discounts, … Read more
In Wharton, despite rainy weather, the first-ever Retro 5K Glow Run lit up Guffey Park last Saturday, with about 50 locals braving the rain to run or walk. The event featured three groups—competitive runners, run-walkers, and walkers—all starting under a haze of purple smoke. The course wound past E. Santa Fe and Abell, circled the … Read more
Jim Williams of Boling, owner of V8 Ranch, will soon be honored as an inductee into the prestigious Saddle & Sirloin Portrait Gallery, agriculture’s top accolade. Recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to cattle breeding and ranch management, Williams has advanced livestock genetics worldwide, with V8 Ranch cattle now in over 50 countries. He has led … Read more
A routine traffic stop in Lane City led Wharton County deputies to seize over 4 pounds of marijuana, 152 grams of meth, and 44 grams of crack cocaine, resulting in three arrests. Around noon Friday, officers pulled over 50-year-old Jacinto Solis from Bay City for a violation, discovering he had a warrant. While searching his … Read more
Mark Anthony Vargas, 51, from El Campo, received a 25-year prison sentence after a jury found him guilty of breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s home with intent to harm her. In March of ’22, Vargas forced his way into her Betty Street residence, but she defended herself, firing a single shot that struck him in the … Read more
The Lavaca-Navidad River Authority (LNRA) has announced a temporary closure on FM 3131 for dam embankment construction work. Starting Monday and lasting until December 20th, crews will work between FM 1593 and FM 1822 to install safety equipment along the roadway. Drivers should expect delays and follow detour signs via SH 111 and SH 172. … Read more
Wharton County Sheriff Shannon Srubar secured his third term in office, winning decisively over Wharton PD Lieutenant Ben Guanajuato with a final vote count of 11,600 to 4,429. Srubar, a Republican, led from early and mail-in voting and has served as sheriff since ’16, with a background as El Campo PD and as a former … Read more
South Texas florist and owner of The Petal Express in Victoria, Adrian Franco, will again showcase his talent by helping decorate the White House for Christmas. The Petal Express celebrated the news on social media, expressing pride in Franco’s return to Washington. The store, which specializes in floral designs and event décor, also marked a … Read more