News Staff Wharton ISD trustees have extended Superintendent Olatunji Oduwole’s contract through June of ’28 after a strong first performance review. Oduwole, who took over in May of ’24, led the district through Hurricane Beryl’s damage and reinstated a five-day school week. Despite juggling multiple roles, he prioritized student success, launching plans to boost STAAR scores. Trustees … Read more
The Wharton County Junior College Pioneers have kicked off their baseball season with a 4-3 record, showing promise under head coach Trey Porras. Porras sees potential for a strong year, especially with standout performances from pitcher Harrison Wall, who has yet to allow an earned run, and speedster Braylon Mitchell, who has already stolen 10 … Read more
Bay City police arrested 21-year-old Mario Timothy Garza II on Saturday after a narcotics investigation led them to a home on Avenue A. Officers found Xanax pills, leading to drug charges, and discovered Garza had an outstanding felony warrant from Val Verde County for smuggling minors. Police also seized two assault rifles and two handguns. … Read more
Firefighters from multiple departments, with help from state agencies, battled a fast-moving fire that scorched 60 acres near Blessing in Matagorda County last week. Officials say the blaze started from a controlled burn that spread due to dry conditions, destroying about 100 hay bales and threatening nearby structures. Crews managed to contain the fire, ith … Read more
El Campo voters will decide on May 3rd whether to approve an $80.9 million bond for school upgrades. The school board unanimously backed the plan, which includes nearly $53 million for new buildings at El Campo High School, replacing key facilities and upgrading Career and Technology Education. Hutchins Elementary would also see major renovations. While … Read more
Van Vleck senior Nicole Ryman made history, signing her national letter of intent with McMurry University on National Signing Day, while also securing her third straight trip to the state swim meet. The ceremony at Van Vleck High School was emotional for both Nicole and her mother, Ingrid, who has coached her throughout high school. … Read more
El Campo City Council will decide Monday whether to replace a 1942 Public Works building with a new $3.5 million facility, which would require a tax rate hike of one cent. The issue stalled during summer budget talks but is back on the table with no staff recommendation. If approved, funding would come from a … Read more
A Bay City family lost their home to a fire last Tuesday night, just hours after their HVAC unit was repaired. They returned from dinner to find smoke filling the house, with alarms blaring. Fire crews battled the flames for five hours on Private Road 821 before containing the estimated $150,000 loss. Investigators determined the … Read more
Wharton City Council will hold a zoning workshop today at 5 p.m. with Bret Keast of Kendig Keast Collaborative presenting future zoning possibilities. The city is considering zoning to qualify for certain General Land Office grants. At 7 p.m., Walmart’s Flor de Maria will request a variance to build a 100-foot sign along U.S. 59, … Read more
Former El Campo Chamber of Commerce leader Rebecca Grace Munos was arrested Thursday for allegedly stealing over $21,000 from the organization. Munos, 45, turned herself in at the El Campo Police Station and later posted a $10,000 bond. She had worked for the chamber for 14 years before resigning in April. Police say missing funds … Read more