News Staff “Taste & Tunes” is serving up a full day of flavor and fun Saturday in Matagorda County. From noon to 6, guests can enjoy live music, great food, and local vendors for just five dollars. The highlight—Chef Alley—features top cooks donating their time and ingredients for a $35 tasting ticket at the gate. Cold drinks … Read more
A Van Vleck High School student is bringing hometown pride to the Texas music stage. Senior band member Jakob has once again earned a spot in the elite Texas All-State Music Ensemble — the highest honor for young musicians statewide. Out of nearly 60,000 who audition, only about three percent make the cut. This marks … Read more
The El Campo ISD board of trustees has unanimously extended Superintendent Bob Callaghan’s contract through June of ’29. Callaghan, who’s led the district since ’20, says he’s proud of the team’s progress—highlighting five national showcase school awards and top TEA ratings for El Campo High. His current salary is just over $200,000 a year, with … Read more
Two drivers are facing DWI charges after Wharton County deputies spotted them driving dangerously over the weekend. Around 12:30 Sunday morning, a sergeant had to swerve to avoid a head-on crash on FM 102 north of Wharton. Deputies say 46-year-old Nicole Jackson, who has two prior DWI convictions, was arrested for a third or more … Read more
The Matagorda Regional Medical Center Foundation is bringing back its big spring fundraiser, Power of the Purse – Pop Under the Big Top, on Thursday, April 23rd, at the Bay City Civic Center. From 6 to 8 p.m., guests can enjoy live and silent auctions to raise money for the hospital. Donations of purses, jewelry, … Read more
A weekend shed fire in Bay City caused about $35,000 in damage, according to the Fire Marshal’s Office. Crews were called just before noon Saturday to a home on Oak Drive after the resident spotted smoke from her porch. Firefighters quickly knocked down the blaze, which started in an extension cord powering several devices. The … Read more
Fire crews from four departments spent hours battling a massive house fire early Sunday near Louise, off FM 1160. The blaze tore through the home of Kurt Pratka and his family around 1 a.m., but everyone made it out safely. Sadly, a family dog is still missing. Investigators believe an outdoor wood heater on the … Read more
Wharton County leaders are getting closer to deciding the future of their jail. On January 26, architects from the Dallas firm Brinkley Sargent Wiginton will present options to county commissioners — whether to expand the 1996 facility or build a new one. The current jail holds 168 inmates, and state officials say that number needs … Read more
Wharton County leaders are getting closer to deciding the future of their jail. On January 26, architects from the Dallas firm Brinkley Sargent Wiginton will present options to county commissioners — whether to expand the 1996 facility or build a new one. The current jail holds 168 inmates, and state officials say that number needs … Read more
Former Disney Channel actor and Victoria native Matthew Prokop is facing more legal trouble. Police say the 35-year-old was arrested at a home on Milam Street after violating bond conditions tied to earlier charges from ’24. Those charges include resisting arrest and assaulting a family member. On Christmas Eve, Prokop was booked again, this time … Read more