Scammers are targeting Texans with fake text messages claiming drivers owe unpaid tolls. Victims say the messages look real — complete with court seals, case numbers, and QR codes that lead to phony payment sites. In some cases, people in smaller communities like Matagorda County have been tricked into giving up banking details. Experts warn … Read more
After sixteen years of dedication, the small town of Louise celebrated a big piece of its past. Local volunteers and Wharton County officials unveiled a Texas Historical Marker at the 129-year-old Louise Community Cemetery on County Road 319. Once forgotten and overgrown, the gravesite was rediscovered in ’09 and restored by Bill Sanders and historian … Read more
Wharton County leaders have changed how local businesses qualify for tax breaks. In a close 3–2 vote, commissioners approved new guidelines that lower the minimum investment needed for county tax abatements — $500,000 for existing firms and $1 million for new ones. County Judge Phillip Spenrath says the standards can still change case-by-case, aiming to lure … Read more
In Wharton County, a death row appeal for convicted triple-murderer Robert Allen Satterfield has hit a snag. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is now demanding answers from his attorney over missed filing deadlines. Satterfield was sentenced to die for killing Rayshawn Hudson Sr., Maya Rivera, and their young son near Burr in ’18, before … Read more
In Wharton, a 31-year-old man is facing two felony charges after police say he had an unlawful sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl. Investigators say the abuse began back in ’13. Detectives seized Timothy Mills’ cell phone and, with a warrant, found explicit images of the victim. Judge Jared Cullar issued arrest warrants for Sexual Assault of a … Read more
The Wharton ISD school board meets Thursday night to chart next year’s plans. Members will look at adding new classes in pharmacy and horticulture for the next school year and may approve early-resignation incentives to help balance staffing and budgets. The board will also act on a state-mandated bus safety measure requiring all buses to … Read more
Wharton City Council hit the brakes on a plan to reroute Highway 60 traffic out of downtown. The proposal would have swapped Milam Street with Alabama Street, shifting truck traffic away from busy Monterrey Square near the courthouse. Though TxDOT already approved the change, concerns rose about heavier traffic near Sivells Elementary and nearby schools. With … Read more
El Campo police can now unlock cell phones legally once a warrant is signed — and they’re one of the few small departments in the region with that power. The city council voted unanimously to ask for a five-year extension of an $88,000 Operation Lone Star grant that funds the technology through 2032. Police chief says the Cellebrite … Read more
El Campo soccer fans have plenty to cheer about this week, as both the Ricebirds and Ladybirds kick off their playoff runs Thursday in Sugar Land. The boys face Fort Bend Almeta Crawford at 5:30 p.m., followed by the girls at 7:15 p.m. at Edward Mercer Stadium. The Ricebirds finished tied atop District 22-4A with a 15-4-3 record, while the Ladybirds took second at 17-5-2. … Read more
Quick thinking by a Wharton County deputy likely prevented a serious crash recently on Highway 60 south of Wharton. Around 2:30 a.m., deputies found a black Chevy Malibu stopped in the middle of both lanes near Woodcove Road, the driver passed out with his foot still on the brake. Authorities say 41-year-old Johnny Arana-Cienfuegos of Lane City appeared intoxicated and … Read more