Last weekend Wharton County deputies made three arrests during routine traffic stops, but reported no major incidents. Late Friday night on Ogden Street, a driver was pulled over and arrested for DWI, and deputies seized a handgun. Saturday night on FM 102, another driver was taken to jail after deputies found THC in a vape … Read more
Bay City police are urging residents to take an active role in protecting local children by reporting any signs of abuse or neglect. Officials say Texas law requires anyone who suspects mistreatment to contact law enforcement or the state’s child abuse hotline, not just tell a school or neighbor. Reports made in good faith are … Read more
Wharton County leaders put off a vote on banning aerial fireworks this week, choosing to wait and see how ongoing rain affects fire danger. They said heavy showers are expected to continue across the county, with the National Weather Service predicting up to two more inches by week’s end. The Commissioners Court will revisit the … Read more
A former Wharton ISD teacher’s aide avoided jail time after admitting she struck two Life Skills students in her care. Judge John Maher sentenced 68-year-old Donna Kay Plunkett to four years of deferred probation, community service, and a ban from working around children. The incident happened at Sivells Elementary in ’22, where classroom cameras captured … Read more
El Campo City Council has approved a nearly $150,000 utility line expansion to support growing medical services near El Campo Memorial Hospital. The project extends new sewer mains from Sandy Corner Road to the West Loop, strengthening wastewater capacity for the hospital, dialysis clinic, and nearby offices. City leaders said the upgrades will help prevent … Read more
U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls announced he will not run for reelection in 2026, opening the door for new leadership across Fort Bend, Brazoria, Harris, Wharton, and Matagorda counties. His twin brother, Trever Nehls, quickly entered the race, saying he plans to continue the family’s political path. The decision comes just days before the filing deadline, … Read more
Downtown El Campo will light up Thursday night as the annual Christmas parade rolls through town. Temperatures should sit in the upper 50s when 67 groups make their way down Washington, loop around Monseratte by Evans Park, and finish on Mechanic Street. This year’s theme is “Santa’s Southern Stop,” and the Chamber says it will … Read more
El Campo families who host exchange students are pushing back after the UIL moved to block foreign students from playing varsity sports. The rule still needs state approval, but locals say it would strip visiting teens of a key way to fit into small-town Texas life. One host mom says sports help students like Belgian … Read more
The Matagorda County Birding Nature Center is giving locals a closer look at wildlife with a new high-definition livestream of a bald eagle nest along the Colorado River. The free feed, available on the center’s website and YouTube channel, shows the adult eagles taking turns warming a newly laid egg. Visitors at the Nature Center … Read more
Bay City Police are reminding residents who pre-registered for the upcoming Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events class that training begins tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. The session will take place at the Bay City Fire Department on 6th Street and will teach civilians how to react and stay safe during active-shooter situations. Officers say the … Read more