Wharton County leaders are getting closer to deciding the future of their jail. On January 26, architects from the Dallas firm Brinkley Sargent Wiginton will present options to county commissioners — whether to expand the 1996 facility or build a new one. The current jail holds 168 inmates, and state officials say that number needs … Read more
Former Disney Channel actor and Victoria native Matthew Prokop is facing more legal trouble. Police say the 35-year-old was arrested at a home on Milam Street after violating bond conditions tied to earlier charges from ’24. Those charges include resisting arrest and assaulting a family member. On Christmas Eve, Prokop was booked again, this time … Read more
A major green energy project could soon bring jobs and clean technology to Victoria’s port. New York–based First Ammonia Corp. is asking for a long-term tax break as it plans a $1.3 billion plant that would turn air and water into “green ammonia.” The eco-friendly fuel would be shipped overseas to power industries in Europe. … Read more
Texas rapper That Mexican OT is trading the booth for the bull ring once again. The Bay City native, known for his viral hit “Johnny Dang,” is set to perform—and fight a bull—the same night at the 3rd Coast Bucking Festival in Rosenberg on February 7th. Fans can expect more than music, with live bull … Read more
A new state report says family income plays a bigger role than race or gender in whether Texas students earn college degrees. The study followed 400,000 eighth graders statewide and found only 16% of low-income students earned degrees, compared to 36% of others. Here in Wharton County, districts like East Bernard, Boling, and Louise outperform … Read more
Wharton’s Runnin’ Tigers fell to 0-2 in District 29-4A after a heartbreaker in West Columbia, losing 58-57 on a last-second shot. The Tigers battled back from a 17-13 first-quarter deficit to lead 28-26 at halftime, then held a narrow 40-39 edge heading into the fourth. Columbia outscored Wharton 19-17 in the final period to take … Read more
Bay City residents are invited to the Be Heart Smart Luncheon on Feb. 11th at the Bay City Country Club ballroom. The event will feature Dr. George P. Hanna, who will explain how early heart health screenings can detect problems before symptoms appear. The luncheon will highlight the Calcium Score Test, a quick CT scan … Read more
Boling residents filled a Wharton County meeting last Wednesday to hear about a potential Amazon Web Services data center near FM 1301 and FM 442. County leaders said the project is still in its earliest stages, with no land purchased, and emphasized the company would bring its own water and power, addressing concerns about shortages … Read more
In El Campo, a shocking New Year’s Eve twist gave babysitter Angel Nicole Castro a second chance. The 31-year-old was facing five years in prison after a jury convicted her of seriously injuring 19-month-old Roselynn Coates, the toddler she babysat. The child died in January of ’21 from liver damage after falling at Castro’s home. … Read more
El Campo leaders will consider tightening safety rules at the Civic Center during tonight’s city council meeting, focusing on protecting crowds and equipment at one of the city’s busiest venues. The proposal would ban confetti, smoke, fog, fireworks, sparklers, and most open flames, while also blocking anything that interferes with security cameras. City staff says … Read more