Wharton ISD school board, led by Ann Witt, is seeking volunteers to improve first graders’ reading skills at Sivells Elementary. Currently, 13 volunteers, including board members Doris Teague and President Garland Novasad, are participating. Texas Education Agency’s report highlighted below-average third-grade reading scores for Wharton ISD, which dropped further from ’23 to ’24. Witt hopes … Read more
A Matagorda County grand jury will decide if a local resident should face charges for fatally shooting 23-year-old David Perez, who allegedly broke into an apartment in Bay City’s Palm Village area on February 13th, after reportedly stealing a vehicle and robbing another person at gunpoint. The homeowner managed to take Perez’s gun and shoot … Read more
Four years ago, on McGrew Street in El Campo, Eric Dupree Perry Jr. used a green laser sight to open fire on a parked car, injuring two people he may not have known. Despite police being unsure of the motive, Perry, now 29, pled guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. As of Friday, … Read more
Bay City residents with outstanding warrants can now visit the Municipal Court to settle their costs without facing arrest. The 2025 Warrant Resolution initiative runs until March 14, allowing residents to discuss payment plans and options. Municipal Court Administrator Katie Plunkett hopes this approach, which replaces the old “warrant roundup,” will better serve the community. … Read more
A house fire in Matagorda on Thursday morning claimed one life despite efforts from multiple fire departments. A neighbor spotted smoke near Fisher and Mulberry and feared the homeowner was inside. Fire crews battled the blaze for four hours but could not rescue the victim. The home was a total loss, valued at $165,000. Investigators … Read more
The Daughters of the American Revolution, Comfort Wood Chapter, honored top seniors from Wharton County’s high schools at their Community Service and Good Citizens reception. Boling High’s Kaden Lunford, East Bernard High’s Taylor Viktorin, El Campo High’s Meredith Gold, Wharton High’s Jeremiah Williams, and Louise High’s Lake Wadsworth were recognized. Additionally, Daphanie Pinkston received a … Read more
Matagorda County football shined in the Texas Sportswriters Association’s All-State teams, with five selections and four honorable mentions across 3A and 4A. Bay City had its best season in over 20 years, winning its first outright district title since ’03 and reaching the regional final. Wide receiver Xylan Williams earned 4A second-team honors after a … Read more
Wharton County residents scheduled for jury duty in the 329th District Court on Monday, Feb. 24th, can disregard their summons after the cases were settled, according to District Clerk Kendra Charbula. The cancellation spares residents a trip to the courthouse, but officials remind everyone that jury duty is still a civic responsibility. Anyone summoned for … Read more
Two students from Industrial High School, Christopher Garza and Trevor Ledbetter, recently performed at the 3A Association of Texas Small School Bands in San Antonio’s Lila Cockrell Theatre. Selected from over 10,000 auditions, both excelled—Ledbetter took first chair, Garza fifth. Band director Larry Firmin commended their dedication, noting their extra practice before and after school, … Read more
Wharton County school children enjoyed a cultural treat Wednesday with a visit from the Houston Grand Opera’s “Opera to Go” program at the Plaza Theatre. The event featured the world premiere of “Mo Willems’ Bite-Sized Operas!” designed for students in grades 2-8. This marked the first Opera to Go performance in Wharton since the COVID-19 … Read more