An attempted fraud involving El Campo ISD was thwarted when a woman tried to cash a forged check at a Prosperity Bank in Houston. Security protocols from both the bank and the school district prevented any financial loss. Originally issued last year for $160, the check—missing since a winter mail backlog in Missouri City—had been … Read more
Jackson County enacted a 90-day burn ban due to worsening drought conditions, with potential for an early lift if significant rain arrives. Temperatures have consistently run 4-8 degrees above normal, and rainfall has dropped to 0-25% of typical levels, though recent storms may offer some relief. Despite record-dry September, the county is still above its … Read more
El Campo’s Fall Sweep event helped residents clear 35.83 tons of debris, much of it leftover from Hurricane Beryl. City Planner Krystal Hasselmeier says 11 roll-off trucks collected the waste, which came from over 100 vehicles lined up early Saturday morning. With local EMS and volunteers assisting seniors who couldn’t bring items themselves, the event … Read more
A tragic accident early Friday morning on US Highway 77 north of Victoria, claimed the life of 25-year-old Jazlyn Martinez. Her vehicle stalled in heavy fog with low visibility, and a Victoria County Sheriff’s deputy, off duty and driving a white pickup, collided with her car, which was unlit. Martinez was pronounced dead at the … Read more
Van Vleck High School students wowed the crowd with their production of Mean Girls Jr. last weekend. The play, a kid-friendly version of the iconic movie and musical, brought Cady Heron’s high school adventures to life. Directed by Gena Lea Smith, the show featured performances Thursday through Sunday. The cast, including senior Hailey Landry as … Read more
In Bay City, creating quiet zones to reduce train horn noise is a costly, complex process, with some railroad crossing upgrades exceeding $250,000, according to project manager Russell McNaught. An alternative is closing certain crossings, like the one on 9th Street, which could bring in a $100,000 contribution from BNSF and TxDOT. However, communication delays … Read more
In Del Norte, Halloween enthusiasts Krisann and Ryan Durbin transform their yard into a Haunted Mansion-inspired graveyard, bringing Disney-level spooks to the neighborhood each October. What started in 2010 as simple decorations for their son’s Halloween birthday has evolved into a beloved community spectacle. Each year, they craft elaborate, moving props and decorate their home … Read more
Angelica Vivas, 41, was charged in Houston with two felony counts for practicing dentistry without a license, following accusations that she performed an unlicensed root canal and anesthesia on patients at her Katy office. One patient reported a traumatic experience where Vivas allegedly pulled two healthy molars while failing to reach the problem tooth. Vivas … Read more
El Campo’s Ricebirds saw an early deficit they nearly overcame, losing 26-20 to rivals Bay City Blackcats in their first district defeat Friday Night. Bay City took a surprising 16-0 lead by the end of the first quarter, including a touchdown from an interception. El Campo’s defense, however, held the Blackcats scoreless late in the … Read more
Wharton resident Terell Jermaine Gilmore, 22, was arrested by Wharton police on October 15th after being spotted by an off-duty officer. Gilmore faced multiple felony warrants in Wharton and Bay City, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, illegal firearm possession, and parole violation. When officers arrived, Gilmore attempted to flee but surrendered nearby. During … Read more