News Staff Ganado’s Clara Gutierrez celebrated her 96th birthday with a hot pink party at the Ganado Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, drawing nearly 100 guests. Known for her deep faith, decades of church service, and enduring spirit, Clara has survived great loss, serious illness, and even COVID-19. She is the oldest member of Ganado’s Assumption Catholic Church … Read more
A 32-year-old El Campo man has been indicted for attempted murder after a May arrest in Ganado. Police say Andrew Longoria sent violent text threats to his ex-wife and her boyfriend, claiming he was on his way. Officers later stopped him for reckless driving and found him intoxicated with three handguns, two AR-15 rifles, and … Read more
El Campo’s flood-prone District 2 is set for major upgrades after City Council approved a $1.2 million drainage project fully funded by a state grant. Constar Construction of Victoria will improve ditches, replace culverts, and add underground storm sewers along 10 southwest-side streets, including Wright, Grace, and West Fifth. The work aims to reduce flooding … Read more
Three stolen horses from Ganado are now safe after being found in Victoria County, thanks to quick action from law enforcement and the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. The animals were taken from a local pasture on August 1, prompting a community search. By the next day, officers had recovered them and identified a … Read more
Wharton County Judge Phillip Spenrath has proposed a balanced $39.45 million budget for ’26, with a slightly lower property tax rate of 34.517 cents per $100 value. The plan includes a 3% cost-of-living raise for county workers, more road maintenance funding, and new vehicles for law enforcement. Disagreements remain over how to divide $2 million … Read more
Matagorda County residents are bracing for a seasonal allergy spike as fall’s cooler mornings roll in. Local experts warn ragweed pollen and mold spores will surge, fueled by the county’s humid Gulf Coast climate, heavy rains, and decaying leaves. These allergens can trigger sneezing, congestion, and asthma flare-ups, especially in children, seniors, and those with … Read more
Wharton residents may see a slight drop in property tax rates but higher utility bills under the city’s early budget plans. The proposed tax rate is $0.41319 per $100 in value, down from last year, but rising property values could still mean bigger tax bills. Water and sewer rates could increase up to 10 percent, … Read more
Houston Fire Department is teaming up with Wharton County Junior College to train its next wave of paramedics. Forty-four HFD firefighters graduated from WCJC’s Richmond campus program this summer, marking a 90% success rate for the first class. HFD leaders credit the college’s flexibility and hands-on teaching for the high retention. WCJC expanded staff to … Read more
With school now in session, the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office is urging everyone to put safety first around buses, schools, and crosswalks. Sheriff Rick DeLeon reminded drivers to slow down in school zones, watch for children, and stop for school buses when lights are flashing. Parents are encouraged to teach kids safe habits, like arriving … Read more
Bay City ISD kicked off the new school year with a spirited convocation celebrating staff and community pride. Former Denver Broncos star and Bay City High graduate Simon Fletcher headlined the event, sharing a powerful message about perseverance and the role local educators played in his success. The Bay City Education Foundation served breakfast, fueling … Read more