Burn Ban

A burn ban is now in effect across Matagorda County. County officials say the decision comes amid dry weather, safety concerns, and state air quality rules. The ban covers all outdoor burning — from trash piles to campfires and controlled burns — and no exceptions will be made. The measure follows state environmental guidelines to … Read more

Major New Community

Big plans are underway in Fort Bend County as national builder M/I Homes prepares to launch a new neighborhood called Wild Oak near Needville. The company recently bought more than 200 acres off Highway 6 and Paddon Road, about 40 miles southwest of Houston. Construction starts in late ’27 with over 400 homes planned inside … Read more

Family Killed in Highway 59 Pileup

Victoria police have released the names of three people killed in Sunday’s massive pileup on U.S. 59 north of town. They’re identified as Marcos and Roxana Ybarra from Robstown and Roberto Barrera from Corpus Christi. Investigators say their SUV was hit by a semi-truck, triggering a chain reaction that involved four other vehicles. Three others … Read more

Bay City Cops Nab Fugitive

In Bay City, police arrested a 38-year-old man last Wednesday morning after a short foot chase. Officers were called to Sims Street around 10 a.m. when a resident reported Zachariah Bonner trying to break into a home. Police say Bonner had several active warrants, including aggravated robbery and child endangerment. He ran but was caught … Read more

Jackson Scores Big at National All-Star Bowl

Wharton High’s Ja’Keon Jackson made the town proud earlier this month, shining on a national stage at the 40th Blue-Grey All-American Bowl in Arlington, Texas. Playing at AT&T Stadium, Jackson hauled in two catches for 64 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown that tied the game in the third quarter. Though his West team fell 22-14, … Read more

Ag Conferences Roll Into El Campo

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is bringing several big agriculture events to El Campo this month. The Western Rice Belt Production Conference kicks things off today at the El Campo Civic Center with experts covering new rice research, farm policy, and drone use in agriculture. Next, the Upper Gulf Coast Grain Handlers Conference runs Thursday with … Read more

Deadly Crash On Highway 59 North

A deadly chain-reaction crash on U.S. 59 north of Victoria left three people dead and four others hurt early Sunday afternoon. Police say an 18-wheeler and four cars collided around 12:20 p.m. in a backup caused by an earlier hazmat wreck. Officers shut down all northbound lanes for hours, redirecting traffic to Burroughsville Road. Investigators … Read more

Bay City boosts Cottonwood Lift Station

In Bay City, officials have okayed extra construction on the Cottonwood Lift Station after crews discovered unexpected deterioration during repairs. The City Council approved a $389,000 change order last week, authorizing the mayor to sign off with LEM Construction. The Cottonwood station handles wastewater from much of the north and southwest sides. The added work … Read more

100 Club Honors Local Heroes

The 100 Club of Wharton County is getting ready to salute the men and women who keep the community safe. On January 29th, the group will host its annual Law Enforcement Awards and Membership Banquet at the Wharton Civic Center. Dinner and awards start at 7 p.m. as local agencies, including Wharton County Sheriff’s Office … Read more

Final Homecoming

A cold rain fell last Tuesday at Evergreen Memorial Park as Master Sgt. James Calfee was finally laid to rest—58 years after he went missing in action during the Vietnam War. Calfee, originally from Newgulf, served with the Air Force at a secret radar site in Laos in 1968 when his post was overrun. Remains … Read more