News Staff Paul Blumrick and Kylee Gresham were celebrated during the Louise-Hillje Chamber of Commerce banquet at the Rustic Chandelier. Blumrick, Citizen of the Year, was recognized for decades of service to Louise, including his work with the fire department and water board. Gresham, Educator of the Year, has inspired Louise Elementary students for 13 years with … Read more
The Wharton County Youth Fair is packed with family fun this week. Sunday highlights included the Chute & Barrel Rodeo, CRC Youth Rodeo, and a lively Wee Folks Pet Show on the midway. Creative Arts, poultry shows, and barnyard games lead into rodeo action and live music throughout the week. Wednesday honors veterans with free … Read more
Bay City police are still waiting on DWI blood test results for a driver involved in a high-speed crash. The car lost control on Avenue F, flipping multiple times before hitting a daycare. Officers said the male driver showed signs of intoxication, leading them to obtain a blood warrant at the hospital. The woman passenger … Read more
Wharton City Councilmember Burnell Neal, 61, faces assault charges but remains in office as legal proceedings unfold. Neal turned himself in to Wharton police after allegations of assaulting his wife, daughter, and an elderly relative on March 22nd. Despite the charges, Neal’s position is secure unless convicted of a disqualifying offense under Texas law. City … Read more
Residents of Bay City gathered downtown for a peaceful “Rally for Democracy,” organized by the 50501 Movement. The event united people across political lines, including former Republicans and Independents, to voice concerns about what they see as a decline in democratic values and accountability. Vietnam veteran William Younger highlighted his peaceful protest method of flying … Read more
Wharton City Councilmember Burnell Neal, 61, was arrested early Monday morning after allegedly assaulting three family members, including an elderly person and an 11-year-old child, at his home on Harris Street. Neal, in his first term as District 1 councilman, faces charges of assault causing bodily injury and felony injury to a child, elderly, or … Read more
The Texas High School Powerlifting Championships wrapped up at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene, with Bay City and Van Vleck schools participating. Bay City earned six points, thanks to Jakob Pesina’s silver medal in the 275-pound class, lifting 1,825 pounds, just five shy of first. Jeremey Maradiaga placed fifth in the super heavyweight … Read more
Thomas James Graham, 54, from El Campo, will avoid prison time after pleading guilty to stealing a golden tabernacle from St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church in September of ’23. Instead, he was sentenced to five years of probation. The decision followed input from the church’s priest, Father Philip Brune, who emphasized forgiveness. Graham, along with … Read more
A high-speed chase and armed robbery led to multiple felony charges for a suspect now in Wharton County Jail. Juan Carlos Arroyo-Mendez, 36, was arrested Sunday after a robbery at Love’s Travel Stop in Hungerford. Authorities say he stole gas at gunpoint, then fled south on U.S. 59. A DPS trooper later stopped him in … Read more
A car crashed into Discovering Minds Child Development Center in Bay City early Sunday morning, causing major damage. Security footage showed the driver lost control near Highway 60, flipping multiple times before slamming into the daycare’s kitchen. Fortunately, the building was empty at the time. Construction crews quickly began repairs, reinforcing the structure. A worker … Read more