Crisis Center Seeks City Support

The Crisis Center asked Wharton City Council for $7,000 in funding to help meet new state laws supporting domestic violence victims. This year, the center has already given over 7,000 shelter nights and 300 forensic child interviews across Matagorda and Wharton counties. Future plans include doctor training, expanded prevention services, and new transitional housing in … Read more

Taiton Fundraiser Unites Counties

SPJST members from Matagorda County joined forces with others across District 6 on Saturday, raising $1,760 in just three hours for Warrior’s Weekend. The fundraiser in Taiton drew over 75 people for food, fun, and support for wounded veterans. Youth launched rockets, cookies were auctioned, and veterans’ healing retreats in Port O’Connor will benefit. Organizers … Read more

El Campo Targets Urgent Sewer Repairs

El Campo is investing over $800,000 to fix aging sewer lines in three high-priority neighborhoods. The repairs, approved Monday, will use leftover utility bond money from under-budget street work. Ram Rod Utilities of Spring will handle construction, expected to begin in three to four weeks. City officials say these lines were at risk of failing. … Read more

Swimmers Qualify for Texas State Games

Six swimmers from the Wharton Tiger Shark Swim Team are heading to the annual Texas State Games in Bryan-College Station, set for July 31st through August 3rd. Athletes from East Bernard, New Gulf, and Wharton earned state spots after top finishes at regionals. Events range from freestyle and breaststroke to relay races. Henley Matula and … Read more

Colvin Named New IISD Superintendent

The Industrial ISD Board unanimously selected Mike Colvin as its next superintendent after a July 8th closed session. Colvin, currently with Comfort ISD, brings more than 20 years of experience and was Region 13’s Principal of the Year, two years ago. A June community survey helped shape the decision, emphasizing leadership, integrity, and student focus. … Read more

WCJC Launches Major Campus Upgrades

Wharton County Junior College is investing in major upgrades across its campuses to improve student life and fix aging structures. A new $6 million student center in Wharton will replace the old Hutchins building, adding a coffee bar, lounge, bookstore, and modern dining areas. Over in Richmond, nearly $1 million is going into foundation and … Read more

Man Arrested After Machete Threat

An Edna man is in custody after a tense standoff Thursday night that drew both local officers and Victoria’s SWAT team. Police responded to Harlem Street after reports of 59-year-old David Hawkins threatening his mother with a machete. Hawkins barricaded himself inside the home, warning he’d harm her if she tried to leave. Officers helped … Read more

El Campo Sees Modest Sales Tax Rebound

El Campo saw a small but welcome 1.39% boost in July sales tax revenue, ending a months-long decline. The city received over $530,000 this cycle, though it’s still down 8.5% for the year. City officials say the rebound helps but won’t close the budget gap, and a tax increase is likely unless property values rise. … Read more

YMCA Campers Win Nature Hunt

Campers from the Palacios YMCA took first place Monday during a nature scavenger hunt at the Matagorda County Birding and Nature Center near Bay City. The kids searched trails and gardens for local plants, insects, and even hidden plastic critters. The hands-on event blended fun with environmental education, sparking curiosity and teamwork. Camp leaders used … Read more

County Braces for Midweek Flood Threat

Matagorda County officials have activated emergency protocols as a Gulf-bound weather system brings a risk of flash flooding through the weekend. Though tropical development remains uncertain, heavy rain is expected across the area. Bay City and Palacios crews are on alert, with local agencies closely monitoring conditions. Residents in low-lying areas should secure property, gather … Read more