News Staff

At tonight’s meeting, Wharton City Council will discuss funding for new signage and key upgrades across city facilities. Proposed updates include a $61,000 dollar high-resolution sign for the Civic Center, replacing aging air conditioning units in the City Manager’s office and council chambers, and a $70,000 dollar roof and gutter repair for Public Works. Wharton … Read more

In Wharton County, early voting turnout surged as a quarter of registered voters cast their ballots before polls opened for the November 5th General Election. With 6,735 early votes submitted across El Campo, Wharton, and East Bernard, turnout may surpass previous records, according to Elections Administrator Cindy Richter. During the last presidential election year, over … Read more

In Wharton, jury selection begins today for the capital murder trial of 29-year-old Daveon Marqui Allen, charged with the Thanksgiving ’21 shooting of Larry Joe Guerra during an attempted robbery. After initially pleading guilty, Allen retracted his confession last month, pushing the case to trial. A jury of twelve, plus alternates, will be selected from … Read more

Bay City’s Valiant Pool has avoided demolition thanks to a new agreement between the city and YMCA, which will relieve Bay City of maintenance costs. Rising expenses had put the pool’s future at risk, but the YMCA, local nonprofit Wellness Matagorda County, and the Bay City Gas Company stepped up to cover costs. The gas … Read more

Late last week multiple law enforcement agencies were seen investigating a potential crime scene along US Highway 59 southbound, just south of Edna. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed that an overnight incident led to a death, calling it a possible homicide. No details about the victim, suspect, or arrests were provided. Agencies involved … Read more

El Campo City Council is debating a $5.4 million road project for the Town & Country neighborhood, despite a city manager’s recommendation to reject the high bid. The original estimate was $3.8 million, but Councilman Steve Ward argues the city has funds to proceed without rebidding. The council narrowly voted against rejecting the bid, meaning … Read more

Moises Rodriguez, assistant principal at El Campo Middle School, has been named Region 3 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals. Rodriguez, now in his third year at ECMS, was brought in by principal Sandra Fellers to help stabilize the school after multiple leadership changes. Under his … Read more

Edna said farewell to longtime City Councilman Anthony Wayne Callis, 77, as he was laid to rest almost a week ago. Callis, who passed away on October 7th, dedicated years to serving District 2, with five two-year terms. Raised in Edna, he attended George Washington Carver School and later Wharton County Junior College. A military … Read more

Bay City’s Ability Beyond Disability is set to host its annual Halloween party for adults with special needs on October 31st. The nonprofit, dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities since 2009, uses events like these to build community and help their clients thrive. The party will feature a costume contest at 11 a.m., with prizes … Read more

Three officers from the Wharton Police Department were recently honored for completing advanced leadership training. Detective David Hunter earned the Trilogy Award from the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, joining past local recipients. Sergeants Marshall Johnson and Anthony Rome completed the Texas Sergeant’s Academy, enhancing their leadership skills. Police Chief Terry Lynch emphasized the … Read more