Murder Charge 21 Years Later

A 42-year-old man has been charged with murder for a fatal stabbing that happened over two decades ago in Victoria. Ramiro Dominguez was arrested in Georgia on December 18th and extradited to Victoria County, where deputies took custody of him. The case dates back to July 30, 2003, when police responded to a stabbing on … Read more

Correctional Officer Job

The Wharton County Sheriff’s Office is hiring Correctional Officers with a starting salary of over $53 thousand and benefits starting on the first day. Applicants must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and meet Texas Commission on Law Enforcement requirements. A background check, psychological evaluation, and physical/drug screening are required. … Read more

’25 General Election

The City of El Campo announced that candidate packets for the ’25 General Election are now available for pickup at City Hall or online. Four District Council Member positions are up for grabs, with candidates required to live in the district they aim to represent. The elected members will serve from May ’25 to May … Read more

Rice Belt Conference

On January 15th, El Campo will host the annual Western Rice Belt Production Conference. The event, free and open to all, kicks off at 8 a.m. at the El Campo Civic Center, with registration and refreshments starting at 7:30 a.m. This year’s theme is “The Sweeter Side of Rice.” Participants can earn two Texas Department … Read more

First Baby of 2025

Bay City welcomed its first baby of 2025 when Tammi Salinas gave birth to Prince Angel Orta at Matagorda Regional Medical Center after 22 hours of labor. Delivered via cesarean section, Prince arrived at 4:51 a.m., weighing 5 pounds, 14 ounces, and measuring 18.5 inches. Proud parents Tammi and Renee Alberto Orta celebrated their New … Read more

The Nutcracker Delivered

Victoria Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker delivered a local spotlight with two Edna residents taking center stage. Charlotte Watkins starred as Clara, fulfilling a dream she’s had since she began dancing at age two. Meanwhile, 12-year-old homeschooler Andrew Tinsley brought energy to the role of Fritz, a part he says offered more dancing and excitement than … Read more

Constable Bill Orton Dilemma

Newly-elected Precinct 6 Constable Bill Orton says he can’t start his job because he doesn’t have access to patrol vehicles, a Polaris, or a boat. The equipment is locked in the Precinct 2 County Barn while Commissioner Mike Estlinbaum is on vacation until Monday. Orton said he contacted HR in December about the transfer, but … Read more

Edna’s New Finance Director

Valerie Callaway, a lifelong Edna resident, is now the City of Edna’s Finance Director. With years of experience at Farquhar Financial Services and Victoria Electric Co-Op, she brings strong financial expertise to the role. Known for founding Jackson County Relay for Life and serving on the Youth Fair Board, Callaway has deep ties to the … Read more

Annual Hoop Shoot

The El Campo Elks Lodge is hosting its annual Hoop Shoot for kids aged 8 to 13 on January 11th at Ricebird Gym. Young hoopers from Wharton County and nearby areas can join this free event starting at 8:30 a.m. The competition will test free throw skills, with winners advancing to district, state, regional, and … Read more

Russell Family TV Debut

Bay City’s Russell family couldn’t believe it when America’s Funniest Home Videos picked their clip. At a birthday party in March, twin sisters Crawford and Ellison were about to blow out their candles when sibling Monroe got too close. Crawford’s hilarious “It’s not your birthday!” shout, captured on video, won national attention. Jessica Russell submitted … Read more