Second Time Around Resale Robbed

A thief hit the Second Time Around Resale Shop in El Campo, stealing electronics, clothes, and a household dryer from the nonprofit store that supports people with disabilities. Assistant Manager Crystal Muñoz worries the theft might discourage donations, as people often drop off items after hours. El Campo police are reviewing security footage and believe … Read more

Upgrading Traffic Signals

Bay City is upgrading traffic signals at key intersections to improve safety and efficiency, but the project has caused temporary delays, lane closures, and signal issues. City Manager Scotty Jones acknowledges frustrations but says the TxDOT-led project will ultimately benefit drivers and pedestrians. Work on SH60/Ave. F and SH35/7th St. is ongoing. Completion is expected … Read more

Appeal Denied for Lights

A Texas court has refused to hear an appeal from Raymond Charles Lights, a Simonton man convicted of causing a deadly crash in Wharton County. In ’21, Lights, who was on parole from a 95-year prison sentence, led police on a high-speed chase from Fulshear to East Bernard before crashing, killing his passenger, Julia Moreno. … Read more

Palacios Kidnapping Arrest

A Palacios man was arrested Tuesday night after allegedly breaking into a woman’s home, attacking her with a knife, and kidnapping her. Police say 50-year-old Huy Dinh forced the victim into her car and drove toward Houston. The victim’s daughter called 911 after finding the home in disarray and her mother missing. Palacios police, with … Read more

Wharton County Growth\

Wharton County is on the rise, with I-69 expanding and national chains setting up shop closer than ever. Once, residents had to drive to Houston or Victoria for big-name businesses, but now, places like Home2Suites by Hilton in El Campo signal rapid growth. Wharton and El Campo offer strong incentives to attract new businesses while … Read more

Robotics Competition

Louise Middle School’s Robotics Team, consisting of 11 students, will compete at the VEX IQ Robotics Competition in Texas City on Saturday. The team, led by science teacher Kole Kopnicky and director Denise Weber, will compete in a timed contest where student-built robots shoot balls into a goal. This marks the team’s second in-person event. … Read more

Sales Tax Rebates Down

El Campo and East Bernard saw significant drops in their sales tax rebates for January. El Campo’s rebate fell by nearly $120,000, a 23.76% decrease from the previous year. Despite the conservative budget, City Manager Courtney Sladek urged locals to shop locally to help stabilize the economy. Wharton saw a minor increase of 0.96%, receiving … Read more

Edna ISD Contract Extension

The Edna ISD Board of Trustees extended Superintendent Robert O’Connor’s contract through ’26 during their recent meeting. January is when most districts review superintendents, followed by campus administrators in February and faculty in March. Trustees also reviewed academic reports, financials, and governance policies, held a public hearing on Texas Academic Performance Report data, and approved … Read more

Two Suspects Sought

El Campo police are searching for two suspects who robbed an elderly man of $100 on Alamo Street last Friday afternoon. The victim was walking home when the suspects approached and took his money, but he was not seriously hurt. Police say the suspects were unarmed. The robbery happened around 2:40 p.m. in the 100 … Read more

Running for Honduras Village

Carrie Fromme, a 23-year-old Lynn Group employee, plans to run for 24 hours straight in Cat Spring to raise funds for a village in La Ceiba, Honduras. The Lynn Group is building homes with clean water and sanitation for locals living in dire conditions. Inspired by her visit to La Ceiba, Fromme aims to highlight … Read more