A Louise toddler is about to hit the big screen in Times Square. One-year-old Levi Koudela will be featured September 6 in a National Down Syndrome Society video, shining a light on Down syndrome awareness. His mom, Taylor, says Levi’s smile lights up every room, and the family hopes to show the beauty in all … Read more
Wharton ISD is working on strategies to boost its academic performance after receiving a “D” grade from the Texas Education Agency. The district scored 64 this year, up from last year’s failing score of 57. To improve, WISD is partnering with Region 3 Education Service Center for teacher training in more subjects, including science and … Read more
A 17-year-old Victoria teen is behind bars after a deadly shooting Sunday evening. Police say Jonathan Joe Partida was arrested and booked into the Victoria County Jail around 9:43 p.m. He’s being held without bond, charged with the murder of 19-year-old Gabriel Gonzales. Officers were called to a home on Sycamore Street around 5:15 p.m. … Read more
Matagorda County now falls under Congressman Michael Cloud’s district after recent changes to Texas boundaries. Cloud, a Victoria resident, has served since ’18 and is known for his conservative stance on small government and fiscal responsibility. He currently sits on the House Appropriations Committee, helping secure millions for Gulf Coast infrastructure, including airport upgrades and … Read more
Matagorda and Wharton County residents are invited to weigh in on a regional plan to improve air quality. The Houston-Galveston Area Council will host a public meeting on Tuesday, September 9th, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Wharton County Library on North Fulton Street. The plan aims to cut greenhouse gases and boost community … Read more
Bay City drivers are facing several road closures as the Street and Bridge Department works on key repairs to improve local roads. Heatherglen Drive near 4105 Heatherglen is closed through September 5 for restoration after a water line fix. Drivers should use Lanarkshire or Glen Meadows as detours. A separate concrete repair on 16th Street … Read more
El Campo schools have reason to cheer as the Texas Education Agency released new accountability ratings. El Campo High earned an “A” with a score of 90, joining only a third of Texas high schools at that level, while Northside Elementary earned a “B” with multiple top distinctions. Overall, El Campo ISD scored a “B.” … Read more
Barrio Energy, a Houston company, will build two new 10-megawatt data centers in Matagorda County, bringing the coastal community into the fast-growing digital economy. The first site is expected to open by late this year, with the second in early ’26. These centers will support advanced computing and cryptocurrency mining while boosting the county’s tax … Read more
Wharton County farmers are wrapping up a strong harvest despite a summer of extreme heat and heavy rains. AgriLife Agent Corrie Bowen said grain crops have produced solid yields thanks to well-timed rainfall. Cotton remains a challenge with low prices, but growers are waiting on USDA quality tests that could boost profits. Corn has become … Read more
Wharton’s push to shop local is paying off as the city saw a major boost in August sales tax rebates. Wharton collected over $289,000, up 27% from last year, helping balance next year’s budget after months of flat returns. El Campo and East Bernard weren’t as lucky. El Campo’s rebate dropped 1.5%, and East Bernard … Read more