The El Campo Boys & Girls Club claims it was overcharged $4,000 on its water bill and is asking the city for a refund. Although the city already granted a $2,829 adjustment due to high summer use, city officials say that’s all local ordinances allow. CEO Jill Hearne addressed the council, highlighting the impact on … Read more
Bay City’s CAST Theatre is bringing festive laughs to town next week with their final show of the year, Christmas Belles, a holiday comedy centered around a chaotic church Christmas program in a small Texas town. Directed by Daran Norris, the play features a lively cast navigating fall’s hectic schedules to bring this story of … Read more
The Wharton County Junior College’s senior program, which offers meals and social services to around 200 seniors in Wharton and Colorado counties, is facing a funding crisis and risks closure by year-end. Relying mostly on state and federal grants, the program’s costs have outpaced its budget, with a decision on its future expected by Dec. … Read more
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has shut down public access to Sargent Beach and nearby facilities, citing safety concerns after severe erosion from recent storms. Matagorda County officials report that the road to the beach has been too damaged to maintain safe access. A beach restoration and breakwater project, led by the Corps, aims … Read more
The 23rd Annual Texana Chili Spill is underway at the Brackenridge Main Event Center near Edna, running through Saturday. Festivities began Thursday with a Veterans Appreciation Dinner and a fireworks display. The event, sponsored by the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority and Jackson County Go-Texan Committee, will feature salsa and margarita competitions today, followed by a full … Read more
The Wharton Police Department’s Blue Santa Project is gearing up to bring holiday cheer to children across Wharton County. The toy drive, which has grown over 11 years to now serve over 1,000 kids annually, has already raised $43,000 toward its $50,000 goal. Local stores like Walmart and Dollar General are offering donations and discounts, … Read more
In Wharton, despite rainy weather, the first-ever Retro 5K Glow Run lit up Guffey Park last Saturday, with about 50 locals braving the rain to run or walk. The event featured three groups—competitive runners, run-walkers, and walkers—all starting under a haze of purple smoke. The course wound past E. Santa Fe and Abell, circled the … Read more
Jim Williams of Boling, owner of V8 Ranch, will soon be honored as an inductee into the prestigious Saddle & Sirloin Portrait Gallery, agriculture’s top accolade. Recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to cattle breeding and ranch management, Williams has advanced livestock genetics worldwide, with V8 Ranch cattle now in over 50 countries. He has led … Read more
A routine traffic stop in Lane City led Wharton County deputies to seize over 4 pounds of marijuana, 152 grams of meth, and 44 grams of crack cocaine, resulting in three arrests. Around noon Friday, officers pulled over 50-year-old Jacinto Solis from Bay City for a violation, discovering he had a warrant. While searching his … Read more
Mark Anthony Vargas, 51, from El Campo, received a 25-year prison sentence after a jury found him guilty of breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s home with intent to harm her. In March of ’22, Vargas forced his way into her Betty Street residence, but she defended herself, firing a single shot that struck him in the … Read more