Bustamante Released from Jail

Former El Campo High School teacher and coach Audie Bustamante, 60, was released from Wharton County Jail on June 4th after serving 1,216 days. This time fulfilled his three-year prison sentence for exposing himself to an 8-year-old girl. Arrested in January 2021 for continuous sexual abuse of a child, Bustamante had been indicted for crimes … Read more

Hadash Graduates from FBI Academy

Lieutenant Christian Hadash from Bay City Police has completed an elite FBI training program in Virginia, alongside 200 other seasoned officers. The 10-week course sharpens leadership and communication skills, preparing them for top roles. Hadash, with a lifelong ambition for this achievement, now brings his advanced training back home.

Truck Hit a Horse

In a tragic early morning accident near El Campo, 79-year-old truck driver Joe Banda lost his life when his truck hit a horse on the highway. The collision happened just after 4 a.m. on Highway 71, causing his truck to veer off the road, hit a mailbox, and flip over in a ditch. Despite quick … Read more

Body Found near Needville

In Fort Bend County, construction workers found a body Tuesday afternoon near FM 361 and Pine Meadow, north of Needville. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed the discovery by a drainage ditch and a bike. Investigators suspect the person was hit by a car and believe the body had been there for about a month.

Mental Health Facility

Victoria County has delayed a decision on developing a mental health facility near the airport, seeking guidance from health authorities on regulations. The county may build the facility on its own land but needs to confirm if it can be sold in the future. Meanwhile, the county is moving forward with downtown parking improvements, inviting … Read more

Wally Gator Sighting

In Victoria’s Riverside Park, an alligator was seen in the duck pond. The local Parks & Recreation Department has notified wildlife officials, who generally don’t remove alligators unless they’re a threat. Visitors should expect wildlife sightings and are advised to keep a safe distance, especially with pets and children. Swimming is not allowed in the … Read more

Trial for Former Baseball Players

The trial for four former Industrial High School baseball players begins on August 26. Cullen Stumfoll, Christopher McCrory, Zachery Kuchler, and Braxton Warren face charges of organized criminal assault. They allegedly attacked a fellow student on April 27th of last year, while returning from an away game, according to Industrial ISD.

Recent Arrests in Three Counties

In Calhoun County, a 36-year-old Blake McMillian was detained on Saturday for evading police in a vehicle and carrying a weapon illegally. He’s held on a $100,000 bond. Meanwhile, in Victoria, a 20-year-old, Zackariah Martinez, was caught for stealing from a grave. And DeWitt County officers arrested 28-year-old Korey Gonzales for a home burglary with … Read more

Freedom Fireworks

On July 4th, Bay City will mark America’s birthday with a free event at Le Tulle Park from 6 to 9:30 p.m called “Freedom Fireworks”. The celebration includes live music, a variety of games, and food trucks offering delicious treats. The grand finale will be the largest fireworks show in the county. Remember to bring … Read more

Clark Sentenced to 6.5 Years

Matthew Clark, a former energy executive from Needville, has been sentenced to 6.5 years in prison for a kickback and insider trading scheme. He must also pay over $14 million in restitution and forfeitures. Clark’s case is part of a larger investigation involving several guilty pleas, showcasing the FBI’s dedication to cracking down on financial … Read more