News Staff A 17-year-old Wallis man, who was certified as an adult on Monday now sits in the Wharton County jail facing a capital murder charge. James Eli Gutierrez stands accused of shooting to death his mother and stepfather while they were sleeping. 34 year old John Vasquez Jr. and 35 year old Blanca Vasquez, were found … Read more
Wharton Volunteer Fire Department firefighters put out a pickup truck that was on fire at Bucee’s Sunday afternoon. The driver from Houston was getting gas when he noticed flames and moved the vehicle as far away from the pumps as he could. There were no injuries and no damage to the gas pumps.
El Campo’s proposed utility fee hike was approved 6-1 during Monday’s council session over District 2 Councilwoman Gloria Harris’ heated objection, saying “We call citizens to give us input, but then we don’t listen to them … We have an obligation to listen to them.” She, however, did not vote against the measure. District 1 … Read more
The El Campo Police are putting together its annual Trunk or Treat, and always looking for more volunteers to help spook up the free event. The Trunk or Treat offers a space for young goblins to collect candies in a safe place under police supervision regardless of weather. Businesses, churches or clubs that want to … Read more
A Life Flight helicopter responded to the scene of a three-vehicle accident Monday afternoon on FM 102 near CR 259. FM 102 was shut down for an extended period during the investigation and accident clearing/debris removal. The incident involving a tractor, pickup truck and 18-wheeler is under investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety. … Read more
A Wharton County constable continues to struggle in ICU to recover from injuries sustained in a crash on Highway 59 while working an off-duty job. Precinct 3 Constable Robert Holder suffered injuries to his head and body in the crash Aug. 31st, near the intersection with Carroll Road. Since then, the former El Campo police … Read more
The Secretary of the Bay City Lion’s Club Doc Campbell performed eye screenings last Thursday at John Cherry Elementary School. It’s a program he started in 20-11 and plans to keep overseeing as long as he’s able. He services all of Matagorda County. The scanner checks for abnormalities or deficiencies in the eyes and recommends … Read more
Tickets are now on sale for the 7th Annual Full Moon Food Truck Festival coming to the Matagorda County Birding Nature Center on Saturday, October. 15th from 5-10 p.m. The festival will feature food trucks ready to wow foodies with their mouthwatering specialties. The ever-popular band, Emotions, will perform all the 1980s pop and country … Read more
Receiving no public comment during two public hearings Monday morning, the Wharton County Commissioners Court unanimously adopted the tax rate and budget for next year. The tax rate of $.39056 per $100 of property valuation is down 3.4 cents from the current rate but is sufficient to fund the $28.1 million budget for 20-23. Included … Read more
As of last Sunday, 14 adults with COVID-19 were hospitalized with 508 total staffed hospital beds in Trauma Service Area ‘S’, according to the state health department. Nineteen ICU beds were available and two were occupied in the trauma service area, which includes Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Jackson, Lavaca and Victoria counties.