News Staff Wharton celebrated the opening of the FM 1301 extension with local officials and residents attending the event last week. This project, decades in the making, finally began construction in ’22. Mayor Tim Barker highlighted the road’s benefits for improved infrastructure and transportation. Former City Manager Andreas Garza, who contributed significantly to the project, expressed his … Read more
The 45th Annual Seafood Dinner and Auction, hosted by the El Campo Rotary Club, will take place March 6 at the El Campo Civic Center. The fundraiser, honoring late Rotarian John Petty, will feature a $20 per plate dinner and exciting live and silent auctions. A highlight this year is a chance to win nine … Read more
Bay City High School hosted a Career Fair last week to help students explore local career opportunities. The event, organized by the school’s counselors, featured a variety of businesses and organizations, from chemical plants to law firms, offering insight into possible careers within Matagorda County. The fair provided students with valuable information, handouts, and even … Read more
Wharton ISD school board, led by Ann Witt, is seeking volunteers to improve first graders’ reading skills at Sivells Elementary. Currently, 13 volunteers, including board members Doris Teague and President Garland Novasad, are participating. Texas Education Agency’s report highlighted below-average third-grade reading scores for Wharton ISD, which dropped further from ’23 to ’24. Witt hopes … Read more
A Matagorda County grand jury will decide if a local resident should face charges for fatally shooting 23-year-old David Perez, who allegedly broke into an apartment in Bay City’s Palm Village area on February 13th, after reportedly stealing a vehicle and robbing another person at gunpoint. The homeowner managed to take Perez’s gun and shoot … Read more
Four years ago, on McGrew Street in El Campo, Eric Dupree Perry Jr. used a green laser sight to open fire on a parked car, injuring two people he may not have known. Despite police being unsure of the motive, Perry, now 29, pled guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. As of Friday, … Read more
Bay City residents with outstanding warrants can now visit the Municipal Court to settle their costs without facing arrest. The 2025 Warrant Resolution initiative runs until March 14, allowing residents to discuss payment plans and options. Municipal Court Administrator Katie Plunkett hopes this approach, which replaces the old “warrant roundup,” will better serve the community. … Read more
A house fire in Matagorda on Thursday morning claimed one life despite efforts from multiple fire departments. A neighbor spotted smoke near Fisher and Mulberry and feared the homeowner was inside. Fire crews battled the blaze for four hours but could not rescue the victim. The home was a total loss, valued at $165,000. Investigators … Read more
The Daughters of the American Revolution, Comfort Wood Chapter, honored top seniors from Wharton County’s high schools at their Community Service and Good Citizens reception. Boling High’s Kaden Lunford, East Bernard High’s Taylor Viktorin, El Campo High’s Meredith Gold, Wharton High’s Jeremiah Williams, and Louise High’s Lake Wadsworth were recognized. Additionally, Daphanie Pinkston received a … Read more
Matagorda County football shined in the Texas Sportswriters Association’s All-State teams, with five selections and four honorable mentions across 3A and 4A. Bay City had its best season in over 20 years, winning its first outright district title since ’03 and reaching the regional final. Wide receiver Xylan Williams earned 4A second-team honors after a … Read more