News Staff Matagorda County is gearing up for its 2025 Fair season, “Buckles and Bandanas,” promising plenty of food, livestock shows, and family fun. The events kicked off Saturday with a Halter Heifer/Longhorn show at 9 a.m., welcoming participants of all ages. Livestock competitions ran throughout the fair, leading up to the Jr. Livestock Auction on Saturday, … Read more
Wharton County deputies, with the help of K-9 Nero, seized over 17 pounds of marijuana from a vehicle on U.S. 59 near Louise on Feb. 5th. The driver, 35-year-old Octavio Elizondo III of Edinburg, was arrested and could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Deputies from the Criminal Interdiction Unit stopped his … Read more
A fundraiser happened Sunday to support a family of five who lost their home in a devastating fire. The blaze burned for five hours before reigniting twice, stretching the destruction over three days. Homeowner Michael Byrn praised deputies for saving the family’s vehicles and thanked local fire departments and county workers for their efforts. Though … Read more
El Campo’s plan for a new public works facility stalled after the city council rejected its $3 million price tag and a proposed nonvoter-approved bond. City Manager Courtney Sladek tied the request to a $1.5 million wastewater treatment plant upgrade, warning the city must issue debt to stay in compliance with TCEQ. While that project … Read more
The Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office proudly promoted Irene Campos to Jail Sergeant. Sgt. Campos brings four years of experience, including three years at Wharton County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, the department recently welcomed Heather Lewis as a new Deputy Sheriff, who has extensive law enforcement experience. The department praised both women for their commitment to public … Read more
Texas is pushing to end the practice of changing clocks twice a year. Lawmakers have filed bills to adopt daylight saving time year-round. Senator Judith Zaffirini is proposing Texas use standard time all year, aligning with federal rules. The shift aims to reduce traffic accidents and health issues linked to time changes. Representative Will Metcalf … Read more
Nathan H. Haller, a former slave, made history as one of the few Black Texans to serve in the state legislature after the Civil War. Representing Brazoria and Matagorda counties in the Texas House of Representatives, Haller’s contributions are honored year-round at the Columbia Historical Museum. Born into slavery, he gained freedom in June of … Read more
El Campo Police Chief David Marcaurele praised community involvement in policing at the recent 100 Club of Wharton County banquet, highlighting the impact of dedicated locals. Kelly Balthrop, the El Campo Chamber of Commerce executive director, was named Citizen of the Year for revitalizing the struggling chamber after financial turmoil nearly shut it down. Chief … Read more
Wharton native Dr. Mike Sweeney will receive the American Heart Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his work as a cardiovascular surgeon. Growing up playing football for the Wharton Tigers, Sweeney credits his hometown for shaping his success. Now based at Methodist Hospital Houston, Sweeney’s career includes performing Florida’s first heart and heart-lung transplants. His contributions … Read more
Rafael Romero, accused of murdering Edna teen Lizbeth Medina in December of ’23, now faces a trial starting August 11th. The trial, originally set for February 10th, was delayed for further preparation. Judge Jack Marr approved the new date. Romero, in the U.S. on an expired visa, allegedly stabbed 16-year-old Lizbeth, whose absence at a … Read more