Warrants Resolved Arrest-free

Bay City residents who may have unpaid Class C warrants now have a chance to clear them without being arrested. The Bay City Municipal Court is holding its annual Warrant Resolution period now to March 16th. During that time, residents can call or visit the court at 1824 6th Street to work out payment plans … Read more

Smoker Sparks Small Backyard Fire

Fire crews in El Campo quickly stopped a backyard blaze Thursday evening near Avenue J and Rebe Sue. Around 6 p.m., thick smoke rose behind a fence at 611 Avenue J, drawing neighbors outside. When El Campo firefighters got through the gate, they found a metal shed and part of a boat cover burning. Volunteers … Read more

Traffic Relief Input Sought

TxDOT is asking Bay City residents to share feedback Thursday on a proposed relief route designed to ease traffic and improve safety around town. The open-house meeting runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Bay City Civic Center on 7th Street, with no formal presentation planned. A virtual option will also open at 4:30 … Read more

Raven Storage Project

East Bernard is getting a high-tech addition just north of town. Virginia-based Apex Clean Energy is building the Raven Storage Project, a 100-megawatt battery facility off Highway 60. Crews have already poured the foundation, and the company expects to finish construction by October, with operations starting in December. Apex told Wharton County Commissioners that the … Read more

Palacios Extends Alcohol Sales

Palacios bars and restaurants can now stay open later. The city council has passed a new ordinance allowing alcohol sales until 2 a.m. for businesses with the required state late-hours permits. City leaders say the change simply brings Palacios in line with Texas law and gives local establishments a clear framework for extended service. The … Read more

Fog Blamed in Deadly Crash

A Bay City man was killed in a foggy morning crash Friday near Port Freeport. Police say 20-year-old Carson Dilleree was riding his Harley-Davidson when a Hyundai Sonata turned into his path around 6:40 a.m. on FM 1495. Both drivers were rushed to St. Luke’s Health-Brazosport Hospital in Lake Jackson, where Dilleree later died. Freeport … Read more

Early Voting Opening

Early voting opens Tuesday across Wharton County for the March party primaries. All 26,000 registered voters can choose either a Republican or Democratic ballot with valid photo ID. Elections Administrator Marsha Barbee says those with mobility challenges can vote curbside or be moved to the front of the line. A big turnout is expected, especially … Read more

Deputy Cleared in Fatal Shooting

A Wharton County deputy cleared in a deadly September ’25 shooting is back on duty after a grand jury decided not to indict him. Investigators say Cpl. Timothy Helton shot 29-year-old Theodore Speaker outside a County Road 255 home after Speaker aimed an illegal rifle at his sergeant. Sheriff Shannon Srubar says Helton’s quick action saved … Read more

El Campo Gears Up for KidFish

El Campo families can look forward to a fun morning outdoors as KidFish ’26 returns to Legacy Pond on Saturday, March 21st, from 8 a.m. to noon. The free event gives kids a chance to drop a line, learn fishing basics, and maybe even catch their first fish. City staff say it’s all about introducing … Read more

VFW Gets $2,500 Boost

In Victoria, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4146 recently received a $2,500 boost to fix up its historic hall on Lova Drive. The donation came from Michael Barnes with the local U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club. The 75-year-old building will get much-needed repairs and a new coat of paint. Barnes says the VFW hall is … Read more