News Staff Following a Texas law passed in ’23 requiring armed officers in every public school, districts have struggled to meet the requirement due to insufficient funding. This legislative session, lawmakers plan to increase the school safety budget. House Bill 3 initially raised safety funds to $10 per student and $15,000 per school. However, districts argue it’s … Read more
A key member of the Wharton County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Brandy Pavlock, is transitioning to a new role as the county’s grant coordinator starting Feb. 24th. Approved by the Wharton County Commissioners Court, Pavlock stood out among candidates. Having spent three years full-time at the Sheriff’s office and previously seven years grant writing for Victoria … Read more
Bay City’s annual Wilderness Run returns to Riverside Park on February 22nd, offering both a 2K and 5K course through scenic trails and hayfields. Walkers, hikers, strollers, and leashed dogs are welcome. The 2K starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by the 5K at 10:15 a.m. Finishers can enjoy snacks, hot cocoa, and awards for top … Read more
Ganado High junior Kyla Stancik is crafting a massive carbon steel arrow for the Maidens’ softball field scoreboard, with guidance from welding teacher Albert Diaz. As the only girl in her welding class and a player on the team, Stancik took charge of the design, going through multiple sketches before cutting the arrow herself with … Read more
Wharton ISD trustees have extended Superintendent Olatunji Oduwole’s contract through June of ’28 after a strong first performance review. Oduwole, who took over in May of ’24, led the district through Hurricane Beryl’s damage and reinstated a five-day school week. Despite juggling multiple roles, he prioritized student success, launching plans to boost STAAR scores. Trustees … Read more
The Wharton County Junior College Pioneers have kicked off their baseball season with a 4-3 record, showing promise under head coach Trey Porras. Porras sees potential for a strong year, especially with standout performances from pitcher Harrison Wall, who has yet to allow an earned run, and speedster Braylon Mitchell, who has already stolen 10 … Read more
Bay City police arrested 21-year-old Mario Timothy Garza II on Saturday after a narcotics investigation led them to a home on Avenue A. Officers found Xanax pills, leading to drug charges, and discovered Garza had an outstanding felony warrant from Val Verde County for smuggling minors. Police also seized two assault rifles and two handguns. … Read more
Firefighters from multiple departments, with help from state agencies, battled a fast-moving fire that scorched 60 acres near Blessing in Matagorda County last week. Officials say the blaze started from a controlled burn that spread due to dry conditions, destroying about 100 hay bales and threatening nearby structures. Crews managed to contain the fire, ith … Read more
El Campo voters will decide on May 3rd whether to approve an $80.9 million bond for school upgrades. The school board unanimously backed the plan, which includes nearly $53 million for new buildings at El Campo High School, replacing key facilities and upgrading Career and Technology Education. Hutchins Elementary would also see major renovations. While … Read more
Van Vleck senior Nicole Ryman made history, signing her national letter of intent with McMurry University on National Signing Day, while also securing her third straight trip to the state swim meet. The ceremony at Van Vleck High School was emotional for both Nicole and her mother, Ingrid, who has coached her throughout high school. … Read more