A murder victim found over three years ago in Hungerford still has no name. Her body, discovered in June of ’21 off CR 225, was badly decomposed, with multiple gunshot wounds to the head. Authorities are now turning to a forensic sketch, hoping someone will recognize her. The victim, believed to be 15 to 19 … Read more
El Campo is bringing Derby-style charm to the Civic Center on April 24th for the annual Chamber of Commerce Gala. The event features live music from the Rick Evans Band, Southern-inspired food, and classic Mint Juleps. It’s more than a party—it’s a major fundraiser that honors community leaders with awards like Citizen of the Year, … Read more
A Wharton County jury recently convicted Demitri Xavier Chambers-Lee, 26, of East Bernard for an ’18 robbery. Having already served over five years of a nine-year sentence, Chambers-Lee also pleaded guilty to another robbery in Fort Bend County. Both cases will run concurrently, and he awaits transfer to the Texas Department of Corrections. Local courts … Read more
The Wharton County Historical Museum is celebrating its 20th annual Gourmet Guys fundraiser on Saturday with a Texas-themed event. Unlike previous years featuring global dishes, this year focuses on local flavors, showcasing about 20 cooks offering a variety of Texas cuisine, from chicken fried steak to Tex-Mex. The event, which starts at 7 p.m., will … Read more
A possible measles scare in El Campo turned out to be a false alarm. A local man was tested at Mid Coast Medical Center last week after developing a rash. Though he lacked vaccination records, two separate labs confirmed he did not have measles. Experts say the rash mimicked measles but lacked key symptoms like … Read more
Bay City High School’s Tanna Fair is headed to the Region IV golf tournament after a strong two-day showing at the District 29-4A meet. Fair shot a 187 total, with rounds of 95 and 92 at Freeport Municipal and Rio Colorado Golf Course in Bay City. She posted the best individual score among non-qualifying teams. … Read more
A major $26.9 million dollar project is underway on State Highway 35, replacing the bridge over the Colorado River. The Texas Department of Transportation is leading the 3.5-year effort, with construction split into two 18-month phases. Mitch Thames from the Bay City Chamber of Commerce emphasized that while the bridge isn’t in immediate danger, it’s … Read more
A tragic accident at the Wharton County Youth Fair claimed the life of 24-year-old bull rider Dylan Grant from Laramie, Wyoming. He was fatally injured Thursday night after being stepped on by a bull during the Extreme Bulls event. El Campo EMS and firefighters responded quickly, airlifting Grant to a Houston hospital, where he died. … Read more
In response to a spike in drug-related 911 calls in Bay City, a new shelter is giving addicts a second chance. Crucible Recovery Center, led by former missionary Scott Patten, now offers food, shelter, and support to those struggling with addiction. Patten, once an addict himself, uses the donated property to guide others toward recovery. … Read more
An El Campo woman is charged with murder after allegedly supplying fentanyl that caused a deadly overdose. Samantha Nicole Martinez, 35, was arrested April 2nd during a traffic stop near U.S. 59 and FM 961. She’s accused in the February death of 34-year-old Destinee Pesina. Wharton County officials say this is their first murder case … Read more