News Staff Wharton County residents scheduled for jury duty in the 329th District Court on Monday, Feb. 24th, can disregard their summons after the cases were settled, according to District Clerk Kendra Charbula. The cancellation spares residents a trip to the courthouse, but officials remind everyone that jury duty is still a civic responsibility. Anyone summoned for … Read more
Two students from Industrial High School, Christopher Garza and Trevor Ledbetter, recently performed at the 3A Association of Texas Small School Bands in San Antonio’s Lila Cockrell Theatre. Selected from over 10,000 auditions, both excelled—Ledbetter took first chair, Garza fifth. Band director Larry Firmin commended their dedication, noting their extra practice before and after school, … Read more
Wharton County school children enjoyed a cultural treat Wednesday with a visit from the Houston Grand Opera’s “Opera to Go” program at the Plaza Theatre. The event featured the world premiere of “Mo Willems’ Bite-Sized Operas!” designed for students in grades 2-8. This marked the first Opera to Go performance in Wharton since the COVID-19 … Read more
El Campo is seeking $1.4 million from the state to upgrade its police department’s mapping system and purchase three new patrol vehicles. Police Chief David Marcaurele informed the council that the current system, used for over 20 years, is outdated. The funds would cover a new Records Management System and Computer Aided Dispatch System for … Read more
The sixth annual Riverside Smoke-Off in Bay City is now accepting registrations. With a total payout of $2,600 for first-place winners, spots are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The event, hosted by the Bay City Parks and Recreation Department, will feature categories for both adults and kids. Participants will prepare … Read more
Jeremiah Joshua Pace, 43, from El Campo, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for possessing and promoting child pornography. He pleaded guilty in court last week. Arrested in ’19 after a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, authorities found incriminating files on his cell phone. His sentence began on … Read more
Governor Abbott wants Congress to pay Texas $11 billion for border projects under Operation Lone Star. The state is offering over 100 miles of border wall and other assets to the federal government. Abbott argues this is not a reimbursement, but a payment for services that benefit the entire country. Texas Republicans are supporting the … Read more
Wharton County Junior College’s Drama Department is putting a comedic twist on the classic tale of Dracula with a free performance of Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors this week. The fast-paced play features exaggerated characters, quick-witted dialogue, and gender-swapped roles, making for a fresh and hilarious take on the legendary vampire. Drama Instructor Greg McLarty … Read more
Palacios ISD has named Travis Hoffer as the new head football coach and athletic director for the Sharks. Hoffer, who spent 11 seasons as Needville’s defensive coordinator, replaces Chad Graves after seven seasons. Under Graves, Palacios made three straight playoff appearances but struggled in recent years. Last season, the Sharks finished 4-6, their best since … Read more
A person was shot and killed during a string of robberies at a Bay City apartment complex last Thursday evening, according to Bay City police. Officers responded around 5:25 p.m. to reports of multiple aggravated robberies at the complex on Palm Village Blvd., where they found the victim dead. Authorities have not released any details … Read more