A Wharton County Grand Jury indicted 53 year old Gabriel Bustamante for an August ’24 armed robbery in El Campo. Bustamante and his family, involved in a dispute over a window air conditioner, face serious charges. Police say Bustamante held two people at gunpoint hours after a transaction over the unit. If convicted, Gabriel Bustamante … Read more
Bay City High School sophomore Dawson Hudgins has made history as the first choir student in 15 years to be selected for the prestigious Texas Music Educators Association All-State Choir. The Choir Director praised Hudgins’ dedication, noting he competed against thousands of talented students in rigorous auditions since September. Hudgins, a member of the school’s … Read more
At El Campo Country Club, friends and family gathered to celebrate Rita Radley’s 100th birthday. Known for her significant contributions to El Campo, Radley was the first female president of the Lower Colorado River Authority board and played a key role in local economic development. Her efforts led to the creation of the El Campo … Read more
The city of Wharton is advancing efforts to make streets safer for pedestrians by applying for a grant to upgrade sidewalks and crossings. The City Council approved a preliminary grant application for the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2025 program. Previously awarded in ’23, the grant funded a 3.5-mile sidewalk expansion along U.S. 59-Business. If selected, … Read more
Sweeny police are investigating the death of 28-year-old Michaela Tyler, who was found with a fatal gunshot wound to the head at her Silverleaf Road apartment on November 15th. The Galveston County Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death, and police believe it occurred around noon that day. Michaela had just left work and called … Read more
Ganado ISD trustees took multiple actions to celebrate and support their community following the district’s first-ever Class 2A Division I state football championship. To ensure hourly staff didn’t lose wages during school closures on Dec. 19 and 20 for the UIL State Championship game, the board approved compensating those employees. Trustees also voted to purchase … Read more
El Campo faces another sewer line collapse, but the North Fahrenthold Street issue won’t cost as much as last year’s South Wharton disaster. The El Campo City Council approved $150,000 for repairs. Crews found the damage while fixing a minor issue. Public Works Director Kevin Thompson explained a temporary fix is in place, but it … Read more
Bay City is gearing up for its spring general election with several public office positions available. The filing period for the mayor’s seat and three council positions is open until February 14th. Mayor Robert Nelson seeks reelection, while Councilman Blayne Finlay plans to run again for Position 5. Councilwoman Becca Sitz has termed out and … Read more
Palacios officials are investigating a suspected arson after a garage fire broke out Saturday afternoon on Welch Street. A passing driver called 911 around 4 p.m., and firefighters arrived 19 minutes later. The fire, which damaged the garage roof and contents, was extinguished in 45 minutes. The loss is estimated at $5,000. No injuries were … Read more
Congressman Troy E. Nehls, representing Wharton County, has been appointed Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation. This subcommittee oversees civil aviation matters, including safety and infrastructure. Nehls aims to ensure the effective implementation of the FAA Reauthorization Act of ’24. He looks forward to working with colleagues to enhance safety and … Read more