Drug Trafficking Arrest

In Victoria, Ignacio Figueroa, 50, and Lee Taylor, 39, were arrested for drug trafficking. On August 13th, police stopped them for a large air freshener hanging from their rearview mirror. A search revealed a handgun, marijuana, methamphetamine, and a backpack with large amounts of meth, cocaine, and Xanax. The drugs were packaged for sale. Both … Read more

Killed by Boyfriend

A makeshift monument in front of a California art gallery honors Patricia Portella-Wright, an El Campo High School graduate believed to have been killed by her boyfriend. Her alleged killer, Brent Clifford, is the son of Doug Clifford from Creedence Clearwater Revival. Portella-Wright, 48, was found dead on August 15. Clifford is held without bail … Read more

Wrapping up Debris Cleanup

Wharton County is wrapping up debris cleanup from Hurricane Beryl, with Friday as the final day for roadside pickup. Equipment and manpower shortages slowed the process, but four trucks are now working to clear the debris. Residents are reminded to separate storm debris from other trash. For pickup scheduling, contact the county judge’s office

Distinguished Service Award

The Matagorda County Historical Commission received a Distinguished Service Award for their exceptional work last year. This award, based on a statewide assessment, highlights their above-average contributions. Commissioners publicly recognized the award at a recent meeting. Last year, historical commissions across the state contributed 341,463 volunteer hours, valued at over $10.8 million.

Life in Prison

Joey Angel Gonzales, 25, from El Campo, was sentenced to life in prison for his role in a deadly ’22 home invasion. He pleaded guilty last week in a packed courtroom. Gonzales will be eligible for parole after 30 years. Gonzales admitted to killing 80-year-old Emil James Korenek Jr. during the robbery. Gonzales has been … Read more

Rescheduled Public Hearing

Matagorda County Commissioners have rescheduled a public hearing for the Midfield Solar and Storage project after a tied vote on land incentives. County Judge Bobby Seiferman emphasized the importance of not rejecting potential revenue, highlighting the project’s $23 million benefit over 20 years. The hearing is set for September 9th.

Man Arrested

A 22-year-old man from Telferner, Brian Young, was arrested for attempting to meet a 15-year-old girl for sex, according to the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office. On August 8th, Young arranged to meet the girl at a Dollar General, but the “minor” turned out to be an undercover Texas Department of Public Safety special agent. Young … Read more

Patti Welder School Honored

Patti Welder Middle School in Victoria has been honored by the Healthy South Texas program for its health classes for students, staff, and parents. Launched by Texas A&M in 2015, the program aims to reduce preventable diseases. The school received a proclamation from the Victoria County Commissioners Court, recognizing its commitment to community health and … Read more

New School Board Trustees\

Van Vleck ISD appointed new school board trustees on Monday night after canceling the upcoming November election. With no opposing candidates, the board declared the current candidates elected. Casey Kile will remain in Position 5, while Charlie Hill and Dane Evans will fill Positions 6 and 7, respectively, replacing outgoing trustees Terry Blackmon and Paul … Read more

New YMCA

The Bay City Community Development Corporation and the regional YMCA are teaming up to build a Family Aquatics Center and YMCA behind the Civic Center. Executive Director Jessica Russell announced the project, highlighting its benefits for the entire county. The Board has given the green light to proceed with the development.