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
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
El Campo’s defense stole the spotlight Thursday night, powering the Ricebirds to a 58-0 rout of Fort Bend Dulles and a 3-0 start for the first time since ’19. The team forced two interceptions, allowed only 131 total yards, and stopped the Vikings at the one-yard line to secure its second straight shutout. Senior Jeremy … Read more
Bay City police arrested four people last week after a late-night street race on Avenue F escalated into a major public safety issue. Officers say 19-year-olds Jose Flores Jr. and Pedro Montes Jr. were caught racing a Dodge Challenger and a Chevrolet Camaro, while Flores’ passenger and a woman at the scene also faced charges. … Read more
El Campo City Council delayed its expected budget and tax rate vote last week after questions surfaced about funding cuts and rising costs. Leaders will hold a public workshop at 7 tonight to address concerns before bringing the plan back for approval on Sept. 22. The proposal raises the city’s tax levy from 46.006 cents … Read more
Firefighters from Wharton, Bay City, and several nearby counties battled a massive fire last Wednesday morning at the Maximum Egg Farm on FM 442 near Boling. Wharton crews arrived just after 8:24 to find the large commercial building fully involved. Mutual aid departments quickly joined as Wharton police used drones to guide efforts from above. … Read more
A deadly crash on U.S. 59 near the Jackson County line claimed the life of 48-year-old Rockport resident Amber York on Wednesday evening. Authorities say York was driving south in the northbound lanes when her car collided head-on with a Tesla Cybertruck driven by 41-year-old Brandon Brickley of Houston. Multiple drivers swerved to avoid her … Read more
Edna High School cheerleaders honored the memory of Liz Beth Medina with a scholarship created in her name. The Edna High Class of 1983 started the fund last year to support cheerleaders and keep Liz Beth’s spirit alive. This season, all 21 cheerleaders, along with mascot Howdy, received scholarship money from Liz Beth’s mother before … Read more
Wharton County’s first-ever First Responders Ball will bring law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS together tomorrow night at the Wharton Civic Center. Guests will enjoy dinner from Hinze’s Country Kitchen, music by DJ JP Express, and a keynote from State Representative Stan Kitzman. The event was organized by Pastor Michael Limas with support from local chambers … Read more
Downtown Edna is celebrating a big step forward as the historic Edna Theatre gets a brand-new roof. Crews from Peak Roofing rolled in Monday with materials to begin replacing the old structure with modern decking, insulation, and a durable TPO roof. The project marks a major milestone in Phase One of the theatre’s restoration, which … Read more