Horse Theft Ring Busted

Two Jackson County horse theft cases ended with quick recoveries thanks to the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and local law enforcement. Special Rangers Nathan Hale and Robert Fields helped Ganado Police find three stolen horses in Victoria County and another in Brazoria County. Elizabeth Marie Jameson, 56, and Hayden Morton, 17, were arrested … Read more

El Campo OKs CDC Funds for Sewer Line Fix

El Campo City Council voted 6-0 to use the City Development Corporation’s funds instead of tax dollars to replace failing sewer lines between North Mechanic and Washington streets. The $228,000 project will protect wastewater service to key local businesses such as Zoya Shopping Center, Dr. Anderson’s Dental Practice, Home Away From Home Day Care and … Read more

Domestic Shooting Leaves Man Hospitalized

Deputies say a domestic dispute in Louise turned violent Monday morning, leaving a man hospitalized and his wife behind bars. Wharton County deputies and El Campo EMS rushed to a home on Fourth Street around 11 a.m. Authorities say 42-year-old Melanie Rae Bell shot her husband in the back with a 9-millimeter handgun after an … Read more

Bay City Police Probe Critical Hit-and-Run

Bay City Police are investigating a serious hit-and-run that left a 71-year-old woman critically injured early Saturday morning. Officers found her lying in the median of the 1800 block of Palm Village around 2:25 a.m., with belongings scattered nearby. Police believe she was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene. She was first taken … Read more

Soil Health Field Day

Matagorda County farmers and ranchers can get hands-on training in soil conservation at the upcoming Soil Health Field Day on October 16th at El Maton National Hall. Organized by the county’s Soil and Water Conservation District, the $25 event starts at 8 a.m. and includes farm tours, lunch, and three education credits. Attendees will visit … Read more

Tenaris Boosts WCJC Training

Wharton County Junior College’s Manufacturing Technology Program is getting a major upgrade with $36,000 worth of hydraulic equipment donated by Tenaris in Bay City. The equipment lets students train with the same tools used in local industries, boosting job readiness after graduation. Tenaris has supported WCJC since ’15, contributing more than $1 million in funding, … Read more

Blackcats Eye 4-0 Start at Sealy

Bay City’s Blackcats are chasing their first 4-0 start since ’04 as they head to Sealy Friday night for a 7 p.m. kickoff. Coach Robert Jones’ team has fought through tight wins over Sweeny, Edna and Columbia, including last week’s 28-20 victory. The Blackcats’ defense sealed the deal in the second half, but Jones says … Read more

Bar Fight Ends in Injuries and Arrests

A Sunday night disturbance at Froggy’s Bar in downtown Victoria led to injuries and arrests, highlighting safety concerns for patrons. Police said the trouble began around 8:19 p.m. when staff cut off drinks to two men who became confrontational. Another customer tried to calm things down but was shoved into a glass surface, shattering it. … Read more

Burn Ban Begins Thursday

Wharton County leaders are moving quickly to protect residents from wildfire danger as drought conditions worsen. A countywide burn ban is set to start at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, unless heavy rain arrives first. Officials say the Keech-Byram Drought Index has climbed above 500, signaling an extreme fire risk. The Office of Emergency Management is closely … Read more

WCJC Faculty Showcase

Wharton County Junior College is bringing local talent center stage with its first faculty-led concert in a decade. The free “Faculty and Friends” show begins at 7 p.m. Sept. 30th, inside the Horton Foote Theatre on the Wharton campus. WCJC Choir Director Karl Paoletti, Band Director Jeffrey Anderson, and other faculty will join guest performers … Read more