City leaders are back at budget talks tonight, trying to balance public concern over taxes with proposed staff pay raises. Residents must wait until later this summer for the city council’s final decisions. The Wharton County Central Appraisal District will release property evaluations, potentially affecting taxes. Initial estimates showed a $386 million increase in property … Read more
A 21-year-old man from El Campo is facing serious charges after allegedly ramming his car into a teenager outside a local motel. The Wharton County Grand Jury returned a four-count indictment against him for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The incident occurred during an argument with several people in front of the Jackson Inn. … Read more
The El Campo school district is planning to introduce a new dinner program for students, offering them a third meal. This program, set to launch in October, aims to provide a bagged dinner meal to students before they leave for the day. It’s also beneficial for athletes or other students who stay late and need … Read more
This weekend, there’s a small chance of rain finally returning, which firefighters are hoping for, as it’s becoming dangerously dry out there. A burn ban was imposed Thursday. The county needs about five inches of slow, steady rain to be safe from wildfire. The El Campo Volunteer Fire Department is praying for the forecasted rain. … Read more
A year ago, there was a fatal shooting in an apartment, resulting in the death of Kierra Blackshear. The main suspect, Christian Ramirez, was charged with murder by the Wharton County Sheriff’s Office. He allegedly fired the fatal shot and fled the scene along with several witnesses. Initially a minor, Ramirez was later certified as … Read more
Bay City Police Department is on a mission to keep our community safe. They’re offering a fantastic service for our citizens – a drug disposal program. Properly disposing of unused medications and drugs helps protect kids and Bay City’s water systems. No need to worry about questions, just swing by 2201 Ave H, Bay City, … Read more
Bay City Parks and Recreation’s Riverside Park Community Tree Give Away received recognition in the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Water WISE Awards Program. The program celebrates innovative projects, like the action by Scenic Texas and Bay City Parks and Recreation, which gave away 2,000 trees to residents as part of the One Million Trees Across Texas … Read more
On Monday night, a semi-truck carrying corn caught fire on Hwy. 71 near U.S. 59, but thankfully no one was injured. Fire officials believe a mechanical failure, possibly related to the rear brakes, caused the blaze, which seemed to originate close to the rear axle. The truck was traveling from Palacios to Houston when the … Read more
In Matagorda County, Judge Bobby Seiferman and the commissioners are working hard to secure funding and combat human trafficking and drug smuggling from Mexico. They’ve signed a Declaration of Disaster due to the rising border-related crimes, including illegal immigration and sex trafficking. Judge Seiferman emphasizes the urgency of the situation for public safety and hopes … Read more
Wharton County’s cotton harvest is coming up, but the heat and drought stress are causing problems for the crops. Dryland crops are suffering the most. This year, cotton acres in the county decreased by 36% compared to last year due to the challenging conditions. The heat and lack of moisture are taking a toll on … Read more