Matagorda County schools and nearby communities are rallying to support the families of two teenage girls killed in a Van Vleck car crash. A prayer vigil was held Monday for Van Vleck High School senior Haleigh Matchett, 17, and recent graduate Kylie Folmar, 19. The crash, involving a speeding BMW and a Cadillac, shut down … Read more
El Campo residents can expect a two-cent increase in their property taxes after the latest city council meeting. The new rate, 46.606 cents per $100 in taxable property, is slightly lower than initially proposed but is needed to fund emergency repairs on Wharton Street, employee pay raises, and two crucial new city jobs. Some council … Read more
Amari Franklin, 20, was identified as the victim of a shooting on Allendale Street in Victoria. On Friday, August 30, around 5:00 p.m., police responded to the scene where Franklin had been shot. EMS treated him on-site before rushing him to a local hospital, where he later died. Authorities believe this was an isolated incident … Read more
A 28-year-old woman from Louise, Shaylen McClain, has been missing for 16 days. The Wharton County Sheriff’s Department urges locals to share any information on her whereabouts. McClain, last seen on August 16th around 10:40 a.m., was walking barefoot near FM 1160 in Louise, wearing a red shirt, black shorts, and possibly a black wig. … Read more
In Palacios, a 21-year-old man is recovering after being shot early Tuesday morning. The incident took place on Morton Street, and the victim was later airlifted to Houston, where he is in stable condition. Palacios Police identified 19-year-old Mason Rodriguez as the suspect. Rodriguez turned himself in and is charged with aggravated assault with a … Read more
The Wharton County Commissioners received a grim report on the courthouse’s 102-year-old pecan trees. Agriculture Extension Agent Corrie Bowen declared the trees beyond saving, citing severe rot, mower damage, and improper pruning among 20 trees. The committee recommended immediate removal for safety. A public hearing is set for September 9, but dead limbs will be … Read more
Earlier in the week, deputies pulled over a maroon Ford Expedition on U.S. 59 near CR 231 in Wharton for a traffic violation. They quickly detected the smell of marijuana. A search revealed marijuana and a bag of multi-colored pills, suspected to be MDMA. Driver Jacob Blackwell, 25, of Tomball, and passenger Jewelianna Potts, 24, … Read more
Wharton City Council unanimously approved a hike in utility charges starting October 1. Water and sewage rates will see increases, with the first 2,000 gallons of water now costing $37.95, up from $34.50. Sewage fees will rise similarly. Deposits will jump 50%, with new residential customers paying $150. Seniors will see their deposit increase to … Read more
Bay City is addressing ongoing issues on Nile Valley Road, a vital route opened in ’05 to improve local transportation. Persistent problems due to base deficiencies have caused safety concerns, prompting temporary repairs on the stretch between Roberts Road and Highway 60. This work will involve surface removal and base restoration over three days, possibly … Read more
The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce moved into the old jail on August 1st. They hosted an open house and member appreciation lunch last Friday. The Chamber occupies the bottom area, including two bathrooms, a kitchenette, and an office. The new entrance is on Ed Linn Street, with Erin Harper greeting visitors. There’s also a … Read more