A six-year-old in Sweeny went missing after school dismissal in early November, sparking safety concerns. Zachary Jr. accidentally joined the walker line and walked nearly a mile through construction and traffic before a driver found him crying near train tracks. His parents, alarmed when he didn’t get off the bus, criticized the school’s dismissal procedures. … Read more
The Bay City Police Department’s Community Food Drive is wrapping up, and more donations and volunteers are needed to help nearly 400 local families enjoy a Christmas dinner. Food donations ended on Friday, but monetary contributions are still being accepted to purchase items like turkeys. Volunteers will sort and pack meals on Wednesday, and distribution … Read more
El Campo is embarking on a new beautification project to combat blight, approved unanimously by the city council. Dubbed the “blight fight,” this initiative will introduce welcome banners, directional signs, and more, all funded through community donations. The Keep El Campo Beautiful Board, behind this effort, aims to revitalize the town’s look with signs in … Read more
Wharton ISD has completed its final payment to former superintendent Michael O’Guin, fulfilling a retirement agreement. O’Guin, who retired at the end of the 2024-25 school year, was succeeded by Olatunji Oduwole as acting superintendent. O’Guin faced challenges during his tenure, including the COVID-19 pandemic, low test scores and disciplinary issues. Despite requesting a year’s … Read more
At the Matagorda Economic Development Corporation’s year-end meeting in Bay City, two local women were celebrated for their community service. Jessica Russell, the Bay City Community Development Corporation’s Executive Director, received the George Holst Award for her economic leadership. Kandas Graham, President of the Sargent Chamber of Commerce, was honored with the Tiger Lane Community … Read more
A Wharton man convicted of capital murder is seeking a new trial. Daveon Marqui Allen, 29, was sentenced to life without parole on Oct. 30th for the ’21 Thanksgiving shooting death of Larry Joe Guerra, 25, during a robbery at Meadows Apartments in Wharton. Allen initially pleaded to a lesser charge but withdrew it, leading … Read more
In Matagorda County, officers brought holiday cheer to 45 children at the annual “Shop with a Cop” event, where each child received $200 to shop for Christmas gifts at Walmart. Funded by donations from residents, businesses, and city officials, the program has grown since starting in 2013 with just 13 kids. Officers view the event … Read more
In Louise, Eddie “Doc” Escamia Jr., who admitted to neglecting his son leading to his death, faces potential jail time. Initially given eight years of probation in June, Escamia was rearrested in November for violating probation terms like unpaid fees and missed classes. The Wharton County Assistant DA, Mark Racer, is now pushing for prison … Read more
Matagorda Regional Medical Center has managed to avoid surgery cancellations despite a national IV fluid shortage caused by Hurricane Helene’s impact on Baxter’s North Carolina plant. They conserved supplies by monitoring usage and prepared to cancel elective surgeries if necessary. Local efforts included using oral fluids for hydration when possible. Baxter has resumed production, and … Read more
A Houston man has been indicted by a Wharton County Grand Jury for allegedly stealing over $7,000 worth of diesel fuel from an El Campo gas station in 2021. Nilson Omar Quintanilla, 33, faces charges of violating motor fuel tax laws and using a criminal instrument unlawfully. Police say he damaged a gas pump lock … Read more