An El Campo family is grieving after learning their missing daughter, Trisha Portella-Wright, was murdered in Washoe County, Nevada. Trisha’s boyfriend, Brent Clifford, is accused of the crime. Trisha, a former El Campo High School graduate and photojournalist, was last seen on August 3rd. Clifford was arrested and is being held without bond. The family … Read more
In Bay City, a man faces murder charges for his grandfather’s death on August 4th. George Paul Goodman, 81, was found dead at home. His grandson, Zachary Weigt, 30, was initially arrested for unrelated assault charges but later charged with murder and evidence tampering. Weigt is held on $2.26 million bond as the investigation continues.
Hurricane debris cleanup in El Campo and Wharton is in Phase III and should finish by month’s end. Rural Wharton County is behind schedule. East Bernard has completed its cleanup. Wharton County is working to speed up rural collections. Residents can email debris@co.wharton.tx.us with their details for assistance. Only Hurricane Beryl debris will be collected, … Read more
The El Campo City Council is considering a potential three-cent tax hike next year, contingent on a property base growth of less than 1%. This follows a disappointing report from the Wharton County Central Appraisal District, contrasting sharply with the previous two years’ growth of over 6% and 11%. The council is also debating the … Read more
Victoria College partners with 23 high schools in the Crossroads area to offer dual credit courses, allowing students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously. This program helps students transition smoothly to college and reduces financial burdens. Starting this fall, economically disadvantaged students can take these courses for free through the Financial Aid … Read more
Bay City residents can look forward to a new Rack Room Shoes store opening in Matagorda Plaza near Ace Hardware. The Bay City Community Development Corporation announced the news on social media. While the store aims to open by year-end, weather and construction could affect the timeline. Rack Room Shoes, a major U.S. footwear retailer, … Read more
Thanks to revenue from solar farms, Wharton County residents won’t see an increase in the county portion of their tax bills unless their home values have risen. County commissioners voted 5-0 to lower the tax rate to 35.239 cents per $100 of taxable property. The new budget includes pay raises for county employees and additional … Read more
Bay City is preparing to demolish Valiant Park Pool, with bids going out after August 30th. Interim Parks Director Kelly Penewitt stated that the pool will be taken down to grade level, making future development easier. The city extended the pool’s closure to July for the Aquacats team. The city is awaiting solutions from local … Read more
A local motorcyclist tragically lost his life following a Sunday evening crash that briefly shut down traffic in Bay City. The accident occurred near Avenue F and Golden Avenue around 9 p.m. when a Dodge Ram pickup failed to yield while turning left, colliding with the oncoming motorcycle. Emergency services rushed the severely injured motorcyclist … Read more
Bloomington is getting two full-time sheriff deputies to enhance safety in the area. The Victoria County Sheriff’s Office aims to have a stronger presence and reduce crime. Instead of shuttling deputies between Bloomington and Victoria, the county will fund one position, and the sheriff’s department will cover another. The first deputy will be stationed at … Read more