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
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 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
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
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
A Wharton County Grand Jury has indicted 21-year-old Jasmine Renee Latson for capital murder in the April death of her two-year-old daughter, Zayla Laitkep. The child was rushed to OakBend Medical Center with breathing issues on April 10 and later died. An autopsy revealed she had been beaten, sparking an in-depth investigation by Wharton Police … Read more
In Boling, Wharton County deputies are actively investigating the theft of a light gray utility trailer along with valuable drilling equipment from a business located on FM 442. The trailer, known for its solid metal floor and walls, was stolen sometime between May 9th and July 11th. The stolen equipment is crucial for local drilling … Read more
A routine mowing job turned dangerous last week on Ellwood Street in El Campo. A lawn mower caught fire while being started, sparking a blaze that quickly engulfed a detached 20-by-20-foot garage. Two witnesses tried to put it out, but the flames spread fast. El Campo firefighters arrived in time to keep the fire from … Read more
Wharton ISD narrowly avoided deep budget cuts thanks to a late $1.2 million payment from the state. The funds came through Chapter 313 agreements, where solar farms received tax breaks but triggered increased state aid. Since less local tax money was collected, the state made up the difference. The district added the money to its … Read more
For the third year in a row, Wharton County farmers will go without Colorado River water. The Lower Colorado River Authority confirmed no interruptible water will be available this year for farmers in Wharton, Colorado, and Matagorda counties. Despite recent floods near Austin, upstream rainfall hasn’t restored reservoir levels enough to lift the ban. The … Read more