News Staff A Wharton County Grand Jury has indicted 21-year-old Jasmine Renee Latson for capital murder in the April death of her two-year-old daughter, Zayla Laitkep. The child was rushed to OakBend Medical Center with breathing issues on April 10 and later died. An autopsy revealed she had been beaten, sparking an in-depth investigation by Wharton Police … Read more
In Boling, Wharton County deputies are actively investigating the theft of a light gray utility trailer along with valuable drilling equipment from a business located on FM 442. The trailer, known for its solid metal floor and walls, was stolen sometime between May 9th and July 11th. The stolen equipment is crucial for local drilling … Read more
A routine mowing job turned dangerous last week on Ellwood Street in El Campo. A lawn mower caught fire while being started, sparking a blaze that quickly engulfed a detached 20-by-20-foot garage. Two witnesses tried to put it out, but the flames spread fast. El Campo firefighters arrived in time to keep the fire from … Read more
Wharton ISD narrowly avoided deep budget cuts thanks to a late $1.2 million payment from the state. The funds came through Chapter 313 agreements, where solar farms received tax breaks but triggered increased state aid. Since less local tax money was collected, the state made up the difference. The district added the money to its … Read more
For the third year in a row, Wharton County farmers will go without Colorado River water. The Lower Colorado River Authority confirmed no interruptible water will be available this year for farmers in Wharton, Colorado, and Matagorda counties. Despite recent floods near Austin, upstream rainfall hasn’t restored reservoir levels enough to lift the ban. The … Read more
Bay City Police launched its first-ever Junior Police Academy this month after receiving 45 eager applications. The three-day program quickly expanded to two sessions. Young cadets will log 14 hours learning patrol basics, CPR, and crime scene skills from 19 veteran instructors. Graduations are set for July 23rd and 30th at the Bay City Service … Read more
Bay City police arrested 39-year-old Mykle Randon on Sunday morning after he returned to a 7th Street store he had reportedly stolen from earlier. Officers recognized Randon from a prior theft case and knew he had an outstanding warrant. When told he was under arrest, Randon took off on foot, tossing drugs from his pockets … Read more
Bay City Council has locked in vendor contracts to buy road repair materials needed for summer and fall street work. The deals include hot-mix asphalt, limestone, emulsified sealants, and more, all at competitive prices. Supplies will be bought as needed through January of ’26. Public Works Director Gabriel Lopez says this move ensures Bay City … Read more
Louise High School football kicks off its season with “Midnight Madness” just after midnight on Sunday, Aug. 4. In line with UIL rules, it marks the first official day of team conditioning. Athletic Director Cameron Murrah says the team is ready to go and wants the whole community there to help launch the season. Locals … Read more
Wharton City Council is set for two meetings this week at City Hall. Today’s agenda includes a proposed Downtown Regulation Ordinance tied to the city’s new master plan, affecting the area near Caney and Elm Streets. On Tuesday, the second budget workshop continues, with funding requests expected from local groups like the Women’s Crisis Center, … Read more