A former Wharton ISD teacher’s aide avoided jail time after admitting she struck two Life Skills students in her care. Judge John Maher sentenced 68-year-old Donna Kay Plunkett to four years of deferred probation, community service, and a ban from working around children. The incident happened at Sivells Elementary in ’22, where classroom cameras captured … Read more
El Campo City Council has approved a nearly $150,000 utility line expansion to support growing medical services near El Campo Memorial Hospital. The project extends new sewer mains from Sandy Corner Road to the West Loop, strengthening wastewater capacity for the hospital, dialysis clinic, and nearby offices. City leaders said the upgrades will help prevent … Read more
U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls announced he will not run for reelection in 2026, opening the door for new leadership across Fort Bend, Brazoria, Harris, Wharton, and Matagorda counties. His twin brother, Trever Nehls, quickly entered the race, saying he plans to continue the family’s political path. The decision comes just days before the filing deadline, … Read more
Downtown El Campo will light up Thursday night as the annual Christmas parade rolls through town. Temperatures should sit in the upper 50s when 67 groups make their way down Washington, loop around Monseratte by Evans Park, and finish on Mechanic Street. This year’s theme is “Santa’s Southern Stop,” and the Chamber says it will … Read more
El Campo families who host exchange students are pushing back after the UIL moved to block foreign students from playing varsity sports. The rule still needs state approval, but locals say it would strip visiting teens of a key way to fit into small-town Texas life. One host mom says sports help students like Belgian … Read more
The Matagorda County Birding Nature Center is giving locals a closer look at wildlife with a new high-definition livestream of a bald eagle nest along the Colorado River. The free feed, available on the center’s website and YouTube channel, shows the adult eagles taking turns warming a newly laid egg. Visitors at the Nature Center … Read more
Bay City Police are reminding residents who pre-registered for the upcoming Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events class that training begins tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. The session will take place at the Bay City Fire Department on 6th Street and will teach civilians how to react and stay safe during active-shooter situations. Officers say the … Read more
Wharton is gearing up for a festive night as the 45th Annual Holiday Parade brings “Holiday Movie Magic” to downtown this evening. More than 65 floats will roll out at 7 p.m. from the Wharton County Courthouse Annex and make their way toward Monterey Square. Retired Wharton ISD trustee Sherrell Speer will serve as parade … Read more
El Campo’s downtown will stay busy today as 21 local shops take part in the Chamber’s Hometown Holiday Shop Hop. Stores will stay open until 8 p.m., giving residents a full day to browse Christmas gifts, grab deals, and enter giveaways. Anyone who spends $25 or more at participating businesses can enter to win over … Read more
Wharton ISD is taking another step to fix its troubled finances by considering a new financial advisor. A representative from Live Oak Public Finance, a firm that works with districts across South Texas, outlined how the company could help manage debt and long-term planning. The board will vote later, but leaders signaled support. The district … Read more