Mom Facing Murder Charge Arrested Again

Wharton police say a woman already charged in her toddler’s death is back in trouble. Officers arrested 22-year-old Jasmine Renee Latson of Wharton on Feb. 1st, accused of leaving the scene of a January car crash at Grove and East Caney streets. Investigators say the other driver snapped a photo of her license plate before … Read more

Voters to Weigh $9 Million Cafeteria Bond

Louise ISD voters will decide in May whether to approve a $9 million bond for a new cafeteria and equipment upgrades. The plan would raise property taxes by about $160 a year on the average home. Superintendent Richard Wright says the 400-seat cafeteria would replace the cramped 1961 building, which forces students to eat in shifts … Read more

New Patrol Corporal Steps Up

Bay City Police celebrated one of their own Thursday as Officer Dillon Wakefield was promoted to Patrol Corporal. The ceremony, held at City Hall, drew fellow officers, city staff, and family members. Police Chief Christella Rodriguez praised Wakefield for his integrity, teamwork, and calm leadership—qualities shaped by his four years in the U.S. Navy. Since … Read more

Statewide Effort to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse

The Crisis Center and Children’s Advocacy Center has been chosen as one of only five programs in Texas to launch a new child abuse prevention effort with the University of Texas–San Antonio and CACTX. The goal is to help pediatric clinics teach parents how to talk with their kids about body safety and boundaries. The … Read more

County Eyes Jail Expansion & Grant Funding

Wharton County leaders meet this morning after last month’s freeze delayed talks on key projects. Commissioners will hear plans to either expand or replace the county jail, built back in 1996. Financial options will be outlined by U.S. Capital Advisors. Sheriff Shannon Srubar will request two major grants—one for deputy overtime and a new K-9 … Read more

Elderly Couple Rescued From Burning Home

Firefighters in East Bernard pulled off a dramatic rescue Thursday night after a double-wide mobile home went up in flames on Sycamore Circle in the Bernard Timbers area. An elderly couple trapped inside were pulled to safety through a window as heavy smoke filled the home. Both suffered smoke inhalation — one was taken by … Read more

Still Waiting for a Post Office

Frustration is growing again in Matagorda, where folks have gone nearly six years without a post office. The old building closed after its lease expired, and while a new one was set up last year, the doors have never opened. That’s forcing residents—many of them seniors—to drive about 20 miles round trip to Wadsworth just … Read more

Annual Seafood Dinner and Auction

El Campo’s Rotary Club is gearing up for its 46th Annual Seafood Dinner and Auction on Thursday, March 5, at the El Campo Civic Center. This year’s fundraiser honors long-time Rotarian Melvin “Bubba” Parker III for decades of community service. The $20 dine-in meal includes fried fish, shrimp étouffée, and more, with drinks and desserts … Read more

City Voids Deed to Disbanded Girl Scout Troop

Bay City’s council cleared up a property mix-up. At its Jan. 27th meeting, members voted to rescind a ’23 deed that mistakenly transferred city-owned land to a now-disbanded Girl Scout troop. Officials discovered that local troops can’t legally hold property, since only the regional Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council can do so. The council … Read more

El Campo Seeks State Grants

El Campo is hoping state grant money—not local taxes—will pay for more than $150,000 in police upgrades. At its Jan. 26 meeting, the city council backed two grant requests for a new records and dispatch system, plus protective rifle plates for officers. Police Chief David Marcaurele said the city’s 20-year-old system slows both police and … Read more