News Staff Matagorda County is close to fully recovering from a cyberattack that hit two months ago. In January, hackers used ransomware to lock county files, forcing officials to declare a disaster. The final computers are being installed, but some services remain delayed due to a backlog. Essential functions are operating, and officials expect full restoration within … Read more
Justin Hurst, an El Campo game warden killed in the line of duty, will be featured on Oxygen Network’s Prosecuting Evil with Kelly Seigler this Saturday at 7 p.m. Hurst died in March of ’07, in a shootout near Lissie after a high-speed chase. His family, still in El Campo, participated in the episode, along … Read more
A 78-year-old El Campo man is fighting to overturn his life sentence for dealing fentanyl. Lawrence Herald took his case to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in February, claiming his lawyer failed him. He argues he was never told about a plea deal for six years of probation before trial. Prosecutors say court records … Read more
Wharton police are searching for two men who fled after a Saturday night chase, dumping over 22 pounds of marijuana. Officers tried to stop a vehicle with fake plates when the suspects sped off, tossing large bags of marijuana out the windows. They abandoned the car near Wilson and Branch and escaped on foot. The … Read more
After 43 years of serving Ganado, Dr. Joey Bonnot has officially retired from dentistry. On his last day, one longtime patiento reflected on how five generations of her family had sat in his chair since he opened in 1981. A LaWard native and Industrial High graduate, Bonnot built his practice from the ground up, expanding … Read more
Scammers are targeting Bay City residents with fake donation calls. A caller, pretending to represent local law enforcement, is asking for money on behalf of the Bay City Police Department. Officials confirm they never solicit donations over the phone, especially from outside the area. Residents should not share personal or financial information with these callers. … Read more
Wharton County Junior College’s Gloria Mahavier Crockett has been honored with the Yellow Rose of Texas award for her dedication to preserving state history. The recognition, given by the Texas governor, highlights her 15 years of work in Texas history events across the Gulf Coast. She has participated in re-enactments, Alamo events, and Davy Crockett … Read more
During Wharton County Day in Austin, a quick-thinking bus driver saved 53 passengers from a near-tragic accident. Departing from El Campo Civic Center, the bus encountered thick fog on Hwy. 71. A gravel truck turned in front of the bus, giving driver Eboni Holmes little time to react. An 18-wheeler was also approaching in the … Read more
Bay City rapper Virgil Gazca, known as “That Mexican OT,” was honored by the city council last week for his impact on hip-hop and dedication to his hometown. Mayor Pro Tem Becca Sitz declared February 25th, as “That Mexican OT Day.” Gazca, 26, gained fame with his ’23 hit “Johnny Dang,” which led to a … Read more
A Brownsville man was arrested in Wharton on last Wednesday after officers found a large amount of hidden cash during a traffic stop. Fayette County Sgt. Randy Thumann, working with Wharton Police Sgt. Justin Pannell, stopped Raul Melendez, 48, near U.S. 59 and FM 102. A joint investigation led to Melendez being charged with second-degree … Read more