The Wharton Tigers came up short Friday night, falling 36-6 to La Marque during the Cougars’ homecoming in Texas City. Senior tailback Cory Hosea proved unstoppable, rushing for more than 200 yards and scoring four touchdowns. Wharton’s only highlight came in the first quarter when Brandon Sims, Jr. punched in a three-yard run. Despite solid … Read more
Union Pacific has filed plans to build about five miles of new track in south-central Matagorda County, aiming to connect directly with LyondellBasell’s polymer plant near Wadsworth and Bay City. The project, called the Wadsworth Industrial Lead, would add a second rail option for the plant, which is now only served by BNSF Railway. Union … Read more
Wharton County has been fortunate with steady rainfall this year, but officials warn dry conditions like those in ’22 and ’23 can quickly return. The Coastal Bend Groundwater Conservation District says the Gulf Coast Aquifer, which supplies most of the county’s water, must be protected. About 96 percent of local groundwater is used for farming, … Read more
An El Campo police chase ended Saturday night with the arrest of 41-year-old Edwin John Hernandez of Del Valle. Officers say Hernandez resisted arrest and assaulted two officers before being taken into custody near Zip In Zip Out in Palacios. He now faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault on police, family violence with a weapon, … Read more
Bay City’s Civic Center was filled with flavor Saturday night as the Matagorda County Museum marked 20 years of its Gourmet Guys fundraiser. Tables showcased dishes from every corner of the U.S., with locals serving everything from Louisiana shrimp to Texas frito pies. The annual event brought together home cooks, restaurants, and food trucks, all … Read more
Markham Elementary in Tidehaven ISD has been named a Lone Star Ribbon School, one of only 28 across Texas to earn the new honor. Announced by Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Education Agency, the award recognizes campuses with top academic performance and progress in closing learning gaps. Markham leaders say the recognition reflects the … Read more
Wharton County deputies are under review after a deadly Sunday night encounter on County Road 255. Deputies say they were responding to a disturbance when 39-year-old Theodore Speaker allegedly pointed a gun at them. One deputy fired, hitting Speaker, who later died at a nearby hospital. No deputies were hurt. The involved deputy is now … Read more
Wharton County is rolling out virtual reality to steer at-risk teens toward careers instead of trouble. County commissioners approved leasing three VR training headsets for $17,400 to use in the juvenile probation classroom. The devices simulate more than 300 tasks in industries like health care, aviation and construction. Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Billie Jean Bram … Read more
El Campo homeowners will soon pay more in city property taxes after the City Council voted to raise the rate. The average home value rose from about $197,000 to $203,000, adding roughly $91 to a typical annual bill. The new rate climbs to 49.144 cents per $100 in taxable value, with nearly half going to … Read more
El Campo ISD is moving ahead with a major overhaul at Hutchins Elementary after voters approved an $81 million bond in May. The school board has now signed off on a tentative plan to add two new wings and a gym that meet fire and ADA standards, replacing outdated 1960s sections. About $25 million is … Read more