News Staff In Palacios, a 21-year-old man is recovering after being shot early Tuesday morning. The incident took place on Morton Street, and the victim was later airlifted to Houston, where he is in stable condition. Palacios Police identified 19-year-old Mason Rodriguez as the suspect. Rodriguez turned himself in and is charged with aggravated assault with a … Read more
The Wharton County Commissioners received a grim report on the courthouse’s 102-year-old pecan trees. Agriculture Extension Agent Corrie Bowen declared the trees beyond saving, citing severe rot, mower damage, and improper pruning among 20 trees. The committee recommended immediate removal for safety. A public hearing is set for September 9, but dead limbs will be … Read more
Earlier in the week, deputies pulled over a maroon Ford Expedition on U.S. 59 near CR 231 in Wharton for a traffic violation. They quickly detected the smell of marijuana. A search revealed marijuana and a bag of multi-colored pills, suspected to be MDMA. Driver Jacob Blackwell, 25, of Tomball, and passenger Jewelianna Potts, 24, … Read more
Wharton City Council unanimously approved a hike in utility charges starting October 1. Water and sewage rates will see increases, with the first 2,000 gallons of water now costing $37.95, up from $34.50. Sewage fees will rise similarly. Deposits will jump 50%, with new residential customers paying $150. Seniors will see their deposit increase to … Read more
Bay City is addressing ongoing issues on Nile Valley Road, a vital route opened in ’05 to improve local transportation. Persistent problems due to base deficiencies have caused safety concerns, prompting temporary repairs on the stretch between Roberts Road and Highway 60. This work will involve surface removal and base restoration over three days, possibly … Read more
The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce moved into the old jail on August 1st. They hosted an open house and member appreciation lunch last Friday. The Chamber occupies the bottom area, including two bathrooms, a kitchenette, and an office. The new entrance is on Ed Linn Street, with Erin Harper greeting visitors. There’s also a … Read more
In Victoria, Ignacio Figueroa, 50, and Lee Taylor, 39, were arrested for drug trafficking. On August 13th, police stopped them for a large air freshener hanging from their rearview mirror. A search revealed a handgun, marijuana, methamphetamine, and a backpack with large amounts of meth, cocaine, and Xanax. The drugs were packaged for sale. Both … Read more
A makeshift monument in front of a California art gallery honors Patricia Portella-Wright, an El Campo High School graduate believed to have been killed by her boyfriend. Her alleged killer, Brent Clifford, is the son of Doug Clifford from Creedence Clearwater Revival. Portella-Wright, 48, was found dead on August 15. Clifford is held without bail … Read more
Wharton County is wrapping up debris cleanup from Hurricane Beryl, with Friday as the final day for roadside pickup. Equipment and manpower shortages slowed the process, but four trucks are now working to clear the debris. Residents are reminded to separate storm debris from other trash. For pickup scheduling, contact the county judge’s office
The Matagorda County Historical Commission received a Distinguished Service Award for their exceptional work last year. This award, based on a statewide assessment, highlights their above-average contributions. Commissioners publicly recognized the award at a recent meeting. Last year, historical commissions across the state contributed 341,463 volunteer hours, valued at over $10.8 million.