In Louise, Eddie “Doc” Escamia Jr., who admitted to neglecting his son leading to his death, faces potential jail time. Initially given eight years of probation in June, Escamia was rearrested in November for violating probation terms like unpaid fees and missed classes. The Wharton County Assistant DA, Mark Racer, is now pushing for prison … Read more
Matagorda Regional Medical Center has managed to avoid surgery cancellations despite a national IV fluid shortage caused by Hurricane Helene’s impact on Baxter’s North Carolina plant. They conserved supplies by monitoring usage and prepared to cancel elective surgeries if necessary. Local efforts included using oral fluids for hydration when possible. Baxter has resumed production, and … Read more
A Houston man has been indicted by a Wharton County Grand Jury for allegedly stealing over $7,000 worth of diesel fuel from an El Campo gas station in 2021. Nilson Omar Quintanilla, 33, faces charges of violating motor fuel tax laws and using a criminal instrument unlawfully. Police say he damaged a gas pump lock … Read more
El Campo ISD is moving forward with a reconfiguration plan for its elementary schools rather than consolidating campuses. Architects from Parkhill proposed adding a second-grade wing to Northside Elementary, keeping Myatt Elementary for early childhood and pre-K programs, and expanding Hutchins Elementary with new classrooms and facilities. This $81–83 million plan also includes $52 million … Read more
A twin-engine Piper PA-31 crashed into a Victoria intersection Wednesday afternoon, leaving one person in critical but stable condition at an out-of-town hospital. Three others were treated and released. The crash at Mockingbird Lane and Zac Lentz Parkway damaged three vehicles, though the pilot, the plane’s sole occupant, was unharmed after being examined at the … Read more
Longtime Edna resident Kenneth Pyle, a senior detective from the Port Lavaca Police Department, has been named Edna’s new police chief. Pyle will replace Rick Boone, who was elected Jackson County Sheriff in November. The two are collaborating this month to ensure a smooth transition before Boone takes office in January. Pyle brings over two … Read more
An El Campo teen, Robert Carlos Padilla, 17, faces up to 20 years in prison for allegedly causing a fatal drunken crash. The Wharton County Grand Jury indicted him for intoxication manslaughter after he rear-ended Johnnie Leon Fisher’s motorcycle on April 20th on Hwy. 71 South in Danevang. Fisher, 62, died on April 24th from … Read more
Wharton will have “Snow on the Square” on December 20th, with 36,000 lbs. of snow on the courthouse lawn. The three hour event, starting at 5 p.m., includes Santa, vendors, and food trucks. Lt. Ben Guanajuato says the event, which began in ’16, attracts about 2,000 people annually. Volunteers ensure safety as children play in … Read more
The Wharton County DA’s office seeks a $26,000 grant for the upcoming trial of Angel Nicole Castro of El Campo, accused in the ’21 death of 19-month-old Roselynn Coates. The child died from a fall under Castro’s care. Assistant DA Christine Patty presented the request to offset costs for out-of-state witnesses. The trial, delayed by … Read more
A Jackson County jury sentenced 27-year-old Melissa Lynn Walker of Edna to 25 years in prison for injuring her infant son, Jacob, who suffered broken ribs and a fractured tibia. A Pediatrician testified that Jacob’s injuries were caused by forceful handling. Despite Walker’s denial and defense arguments, she was convicted of Intentional and Knowing Bodily … Read more