News Staff Wharton County is getting a new mobile app for emergency alerts, thanks to a unanimous vote by the county commissioners. The app will provide detailed information about potential hazards and emergencies, such as chemical spills, train derailments, and flooded roadways. This is an upgrade from the current system, aimed at improving public communication and response … Read more
Citizens Medical Center’s board members approved a rolling three-year contract for CEO Mike Olson. The board chair says Mr. Olson is doing a very good job and exceeded meeting expectations in every category. Olson was selected as CEO for Citizens in 2015 and oversees all functions of the hospital with more than 1,200 employees and … Read more
Wharton City expanded by approving the Wharton 55 group’s request to add 51.421 acres near Wharton Lakes. The City Council okayed the annexation at the intersection of S. Alabama Rd and E. Milam. Homes in the new Wharton Lakes neighborhood may start at $275,000, but prices could fluctuate with the market. The decision came after … Read more
This weekend, the 36th Annual Christmas Mall at El Campo Civic Center offers a variety of gifts from fishing lures to outdoor art. With over 80 vendors, you’ll find handmade goods and holiday apparel. Open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Don’t miss out on the festive … Read more
A 16-year-old girl named Hailey Bustamante from El Campo, who had been missing for over a week, was found safe. She had left home voluntarily and was initially considered a runaway. The police were concerned because she needed medication. She didn’t have a cell phone but had her prescription. No Amber Alert was issued as … Read more
Chick-fil-A is now open in Bay City, ending the wait for local fans. The new spot brings 105 jobs and operates from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Mon-Sat. Chick-fil-A is giving $25,000 to Feeding America for the opening and honoring 100 local heroes with free meals for a year.
Elijah Hogston, a 29-year-old father from Boling, is accused of killing his three-month-old daughter, Amara, who choked to death while being fed by him. Authorities disagree with Hogston’s claim that Amara began to spit up during feeding. After a thorough autopsy, Hogston was charged with capital murder due to blunt force trauma, also known as … Read more
Van Vleck ISD plans to demolish two old school buildings due to high annual upkeep costs. A recent community meeting highlighted issues with the buildings, failed repair attempts, and a survey revealed strong community support for demolition. The school buildings, which are O.H. Herman, E. Rudd, and the old Field House, have serious structural issues … Read more
An 18-year-old Boling High School student, Max Eric Sanchez, tragically lost his life Monday night after an alleged armed robbery involving two THC-laced vape pens worth $80. The incident occurred at a dead-end gravel driveway in Boling. Authorities, including the Wharton County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Rangers, are investigating the case.
A teenager was arrested after a fatal shooting in a Fort Bend County home. The victim, 17-year-old Hannah Layton, was found dead in the house. The 16-year-old suspect, who claimed to be Hannah’s friend, was present during the incident and is now facing murder charges. The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation.