Change of Name – Vibrance Health

After 25 years, Matagorda Episcopal Health Outreach Program (MEHOP) is now Vibrance Health. They opened Vibrance Health Pharmacy on Wednesday. Celebrations happened in Bay City and Wharton, marking a new era for the Community Health Center. CEO Celeste Harrison says it’s time for a change as the old name no longer fits.

Eyeing a district championship

Bay City’s Blackcats beat the 9th-ranked Needville, their first loss this season, with a 50-17 score. Now, they’re eyeing a district championship, their first since 2004. If they defeat the undefeated Pioneers at home Friday night, they’ll secure a playoff spot and be on track for the title.

VISD Passes

The Victoria School District received high ratings in the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas for the 2022-23 school year, scoring 98 out of a possible 100 points. The rating determines the level of efficiency at which a school district is operating financially, with a score of 70 deemed as passing.

Arson Arrest

David Rainosek, a 36-year-old homeless man, was living in a closed Family Dollar store in Boling. He was arrested on a single count of arson after he allegedly started a fire near the building. The fire, which was about three feet from the building, put the structure in jeopardy. The incident occurred in the early … Read more

Early voting

On the first day of early voting in Wharton County, only 136 people voted. They’re deciding on 14 state-wide issues, including raising the Homestead Exemption from $40,000 to $100,000 for school district taxes, easing farming restrictions in cities, and allowing judges to run past 75 years old.

Russell Ranch

Russell Ranch, a new housing project in Bay City, is on track after some delays.The development celebrated its groundbreaking on Monday. It aims to add 189 homes, prioritizing no harm to neighbors. Despite concerns over dirt displacement from rain, issues have been addressed.

Day of the Dead festival

Bay City is hosting a two-day Day of the Dead festival, starting on November 3rd. It’s not Halloween, but a vibrant Mexican tradition to honor deceased loved ones with food, music, and dance. The festival, first held in 2018, aims to boost city tourism.

Drug Dealers Busted

Matthew Ryan Loya, a 30-year-old man from Victoria, was arrested on Friday. He’s suspected of making or delivering a controlled substance between 4-200 grams. He was also charged with violating probation in a case involving tampering with evidence. He’s in Victoria County Jail with a $60,000 bond. Also on Friday, suspected drug dealer, Jesse Lee … Read more

New public defender office

Victoria County, along with Jackson, Lavaca, and Refugio counties, are setting up a new public defender office. The first step was to pass an agreement allowing these counties to use the program. The next steps include appointing an oversight board and hiring a chief public defender who will recruit 25 staff members. The Texas Indigent … Read more

Christmas Holiday Parade

Laurance Armour III, the boss of the historic Pierce Ranch and a key figure in local businesses, will be Parade Marshal for 43rd Annual Christmas Holiday Parade in Wharton. The parade kicks off at 7 p.m. on Nov. 21st, with pre-parade entertainment starting at 6. The parade route circles the county courthouse and ends at … Read more