War on drugs tools

A password breaker and portable x-ray machine are the latest weapons in the El Campo Police Department’s war on drugs Leader News reports. Criminals who carry smart phones and tablets, sometimes store data about their operations. Recent court resolutions allow authorities access to those records using a search warrant when it is determined they have … Read more

Local school news

In local school news, congratulations to Van Vleck High School student, Emily Rodgers, for placing 5th out of 23 for the recent Voice of Democracy State Competition Contest. Marco and Jadira, two first graders from Linnie Roberts Elementary School, were given $25 Gift cards for Perfect Attendance for the Fall Semester. Holy Cross Catholic School … Read more

Armed man’s surrender

A 33-year-old El Campo man is in custody and undergoing an evaluation after barricading himself into a Shimek street home Tuesday afternoon, according to Leader-news. The armed gunman held police at bay in a rain storm for several hours before finally surrendering to authorities. Myatt and Northside elementaries were placed into lockdown due to Webb … Read more

CR 410 also joins the list

Wharton County has added one more road to its no-through truck traffic zone ordinance — CR 410. A public hearing was held Monday, and it was unanimously approved following the hearing following two people who spoke in favor. In November, commissioners court created no-through truck traffic zones on portions of county roads 406, 407 and … Read more

Frito Pie Fundraiser

The Morales Community Center is holding its annual Frito Pie Fundraiser at the Center on Friday. Serving will start at 6 p.m. with the auction starting at 7. Donations for the food will be accepted at the door and the money raised by the event will be used in maintenance and preservation of the building … Read more

Rivet named Executive Director

Last week Mike Rivet officially took over the role of Executive Director and Site Manager overseeing the Formosa Plastics Corporation in Point Comfort. He is replacing Vice President and General Manager Rick Crabtree who is retiring. Rivet graduated from Louisiana State University in 1984 and joined Formosa Plastics Corporation, Louisiana in 1985. Rivet has worked … Read more

Hotel is temporarily safe from demolition

The Luther Hotel in Palacios, built in 1903, is temporarily safe from demolition following a judge’s ruling delaying demolition until after Feb. 2nd. In reality the destruction of the Luther Hotel is still not off the table – but it’s at least not going to happen this month. A charitable group, the Ed Rachal Foundation, … Read more

POLICE SEEK INFO ON POSSIBLE HOMICIDE

On Tuesday morning the Bay City Police Department received a report of a suspicious vehicle at the former Linnie Roberts Elementary School. Bay City ISD Officers were initially dispatched to the call and located a deceased male inside the vehicle. The Bay City Police Department Patrol Division responded as well as Crime Scene Investigation teams. … Read more

NISOD Excellence Award recipients

Eight Wharton County Junior College instructors are receiving the 2023 National Institute of Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Awards. Recipients include Gary Bonewald, instructor of emergency medical services; Geoffrey Shine, instructor of government; Nicole Parks, instructor of mathematics; Dr. Hector Weir, instructor of Spanish; Dr. Jessi Snider, instructor of English; Peter Anderson, instructor of geology; … Read more

Wharton Chamber banquet

The Wharton Chamber of Commerce will honor Wharton’s own with three awards presented at the 104th Annual Banquet on March 9th. The award recipients will be: Baird Properties – Business of the Year. Fritz Zarate – Educator of the Year – and Karen Smith – Community Service Award, according to the Journal-Spectator. This years theme … Read more