News Staff The City of Wharton has approved its 2023 tax rate and budget, which includes a General Fund of almost 7 million in estimated revenues and over 8 million in appropriations. The city council unanimously voted to levy a tax rate of 0.45386 per $100 of appraised value. This amounts to an effective increase of 8.68 … Read more
In response to a FEMA study revealing the Matagorda Volunteer Fire Department’s need for more fire prevention resources, County Judge Bobby Seiferman, the Bay City Port Authority, and the Le Tulle Foundation joined forces, collectively donating thousands of dollars. Their generous contributions made it possible for the department to acquire a Munson Boat, significantly enhancing … Read more
Wharton County’s rural sheriff department has a chance to upgrade with new Tasers thanks to a state program. They’ve been allocated $330 million for rural law enforcement, and Wharton County could receive up to $350,000. Sheriff Shannon Srubar plans to seek approval from county commissioners when the application opens on January 1st. If successful, they … Read more
Recent rains in Wharton County are giving rise to a new batch of mosquitoes. It usually takes about a week for these pesky insects to become noticeable. Public Works Director Kevin Thompson is getting ready for the upcoming hatch, as they’ve received a few complaints and are proactively checking problem areas. Public education on eliminating … Read more
K9 Thor of the Wharton County Sheriff’s Office is set to receive a life-saving bullet and stab protective vest, courtesy of Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. This nonprofit’s mission, dating back to 2009, is to safeguard law enforcement dogs across the U.S. with these custom-fitted, NIJ-certified vests. Funded by the Iron Pigs Motorcycle Club Olympia … Read more
Three men, Juan Antonio Vasquez (24), Andres Reyes (28), and Elias Hernandez (29), were arrested in Victoria County for suspected human smuggling during a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 59 on Sunday. They were driving a stolen GMC pickup truck and had eight migrants from Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala onboard. The trafficking victims … Read more
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services’ Child Care Investigations Division is looking into an incident at Bright Start Learning Academy’s second center on Friday in Victoria. Their goal is to assess if there was potential abuse, neglect, or violations of state standards. Fortunately, the injured child is now stable after being taken to … Read more
Matagorda County Tax Assessor Collector, Becky Barrett Cook, is thrilled to introduce the new Online Tax Sales platform, offering free, 24/7 access for Matagorda County property owners. Powered by Realauction, this cost-free service is a game-changer. It allows users to research and bid on properties from anywhere, with easy-to-use tools. The first online tax sale … Read more
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Monday that classes at Edna Independent School District were canceled due to extensive storm damage. Sunday night’s storms wreaked havoc in Edna, causing downed powerlines, fallen trees, and debris-filled streets. Emergency crews are working hard to restore power. Residents are urged to be extremely cautious in these hazardous conditions, … Read more
The Lower Colorado River Authority’s General Manager, Phil Wilson, addressed the Bay City Chamber Luncheon about Arbuckle Reservoir and the ongoing drought in south Texas. Arbuckle Reservoir, a 90,000-acre project in Wharton County, is nearly complete, set to be operational by December. It will provide more capacity for firm water customers, reducing pressure on the … Read more