On Wednesday, 300 barrels of oil and diesel spilled at the Port of Victoria. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality found no public concern. There’s no need for locals to take precautions. The spill source was a tank at the Shamrock Victoria Port Terminal. TCEQ is investigating and overseeing cleanup, with containment measures in place. … Read more
Matthew Resendez has been named the 2023 Firefighter of the Year by the Wharton Volunteer Fire Department. The award was presented to him by WVFD Chief Hector Hernandez. Resendez was recognized for his hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Matthew Resendez on this well-deserved honor.
El Campo Police Officer Beamer, a black lab, is retiring after nearly a decade of service. He worked alongside his handler, Captain Mark Biskup, conducting narcotics searches and community education. Biskup, who recently retired, will work at St. Philip Catholic School, while Beamer’s future role is uncertain.
Wharton residents can voice their opinions tonight about expanding the city by 50 acres. The Wharton City Council is meeting at 7 to discuss the annexation of land where the new Wharton Lakes neighborhood is being built The development could bring in $61 million in tax revenue. After the hearing, the council will vote on … Read more
Camilo Rodriguez, a 40-year-old from El Campo, who was on the state’s most wanted list for sex offenses, is now going to prison. Given his past crimes, the authorities hope he’ll serve most of his 25-year sentence.The parole board will consult with the victims. Rodriguez admitted to two instances of child sexual assault. The victim … Read more
The search for a missing 13-year-old girl is over. Karley Smart, the subject of an Amber Alert, was found hours after last seen near her home. The Angleton Police Department suspected a runaway incident, contradicting the initial report of her getting into a blue truck. Authorities located Karley, but details remain undisclosed.
The Victoria Chamber of Commerce and the Victoria Advocate are hosting a Q&A session for the six mayoral candidates. It’s on January 17th, 5:30 p.m., at the Walker Auditorium, University of Houston-Victoria. If you have questions for the candidates, email them to deliverydesk@vicad.com with the subject “mayoral forum” by January 10th at 5 p.m.
Victoria City Council is making progress on their 2035 plan, with 16 of 43 goals achieved, including a downtown master plan and a public safety HQ. They’re now preparing for the next phase from 2024-2026. They’ve also applied for a waste management grant and announced voting precincts for the upcoming mayoral election.
The Lower Colorado River Authority is giving away grants of up to $50,000 for community projects like helping first responders. Nonprofits, schools, and civic groups can apply. If you need more than $5,000, you have to pitch in 20% of the project cost. The project should benefit the whole community and enhance a capital asset. … Read more
Kendleton Mayor Darryl Humphrey is facing trial for two misdemeanors. He’s accused of not fulfilling an open records request and overcharging an RV park owner in July. Despite controversy, including unapproved pay raises and calls for his resignation, Humphrey remains in office. His trial is set for Monday, January 8th but the mayor’s lawyer anticipates … Read more