The Wharton County Library wrapped up its Summer Reading Program, ending a season full of learning and fun for local families. Thanks to community donations, the library hosted activities for all ages, including arts and crafts, Zoofari animal shows, and Ranger Mike’s programs. Kids also enjoyed unique options like live-action role-playing and club events for … Read more
Authorities arrested a woman early Wednesday during a drug raid at a home on South Wells Street in Edna. Jackson County deputies and Edna Police carried out the search as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. Officers say they found meth, ecstasy, drug paraphernalia, and cash inside. The woman faces multiple charges for manufacturing or … Read more
Wharton County is under a burn ban. Officials say the county’s drought index hit 508, which means the area faces extreme wildfire danger. Emergency crews report dry conditions, especially on the east side. The National Weather Service predicts a little over an inch of rain this week, but nothing is certain. Until then, residents should … Read more
A Wharton County Grand Jury indicted 32-year-old Brandon Dwayne Stephens for the deadly June 29th gas station shooting in El Campo. Investigators say Stephens shot 37-year-old Nikko Ray Deases after an argument at the Beverage Wall on Palacios Street. Police believe a 9mm handgun recovered during Stephens’ arrest the next day in Brazoria was the … Read more
A Wharton County jury has convicted former El Campo babysitter Angel Nicole Castro for causing serious injury to a child in her care. The ’21 incident led to the death of 19-month-old Roselynn Coates after a fall inside Castro’s home. Prosecutors said Castro waited 45 minutes before calling 911. She avoided a capital murder conviction … Read more
The long-delayed murder trial of Fernando Acosta Jr. is finally set to begin September 8th in Victoria. Acosta is accused in the ’21 death of Amanda Johnson, a 38-year-old single mother and former Victoria ISD teacher. Johnson was found shot inside her burned SUV in Matagorda County, discovered by hunters. Investigators tied Acosta to the … Read more
Bay City Council has approved the Service and Assessment Plan for the Russell Ranch subdivision on the east side. The plan sets yearly payments from property owners to cover infrastructure such as roads and utilities within the 50-acre development near Hubbard Road and Old Van Vleck Road. Created in ;21, the district allows the city … Read more
Bay City is adding its own flair to the statewide tradition of art walks with the return of the Matagorda County ArtWalk this Saturday. The free event runs from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Bay City Civic Center and carries a “Summer Blues” theme. Visitors can enjoy live music from Man of Sky, art … Read more
Bay City is taking steps to ease downtown traffic by backing a state study on a possible truck relief route for Highway 35. Council approved the move last week, clearing the way for TxDOT to look at bypass options that would steer heavy trucks, including those with hazardous loads, out of the city center. Local … Read more
El Campo City Council has cleared the way for a new neighborhood across from Friendship Park. Prairie Park Estates will be built in two phases, starting with nine homes on Franke Street. Developer Edward Vallejo the 4th received approval for a 27-lot plat, though one lot is undersized and awaits state review before Phase II … Read more