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
The ABC Construction Exhibition brought textbooks to life for high school sophomores from Matagorda and Brazoria counties. Held annually by the Associated Builders and Contractors Texas Gulf Coast division, the event offers hands-on experiences in various skilled trades like welding, electrical work, and crane operation. Students engaged in interactive stations, learning about career paths while … Read more
At tonight’s meeting, Wharton City Council will discuss funding for new signage and key upgrades across city facilities. Proposed updates include a $61,000 dollar high-resolution sign for the Civic Center, replacing aging air conditioning units in the City Manager’s office and council chambers, and a $70,000 dollar roof and gutter repair for Public Works. Wharton … Read more
In Wharton County, early voting turnout surged as a quarter of registered voters cast their ballots before polls opened for the November 5th General Election. With 6,735 early votes submitted across El Campo, Wharton, and East Bernard, turnout may surpass previous records, according to Elections Administrator Cindy Richter. During the last presidential election year, over … Read more
In Wharton, jury selection begins today for the capital murder trial of 29-year-old Daveon Marqui Allen, charged with the Thanksgiving ’21 shooting of Larry Joe Guerra during an attempted robbery. After initially pleading guilty, Allen retracted his confession last month, pushing the case to trial. A jury of twelve, plus alternates, will be selected from … Read more
Bay City’s Valiant Pool has avoided demolition thanks to a new agreement between the city and YMCA, which will relieve Bay City of maintenance costs. Rising expenses had put the pool’s future at risk, but the YMCA, local nonprofit Wellness Matagorda County, and the Bay City Gas Company stepped up to cover costs. The gas … Read more
Late last week multiple law enforcement agencies were seen investigating a potential crime scene along US Highway 59 southbound, just south of Edna. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed that an overnight incident led to a death, calling it a possible homicide. No details about the victim, suspect, or arrests were provided. Agencies involved … Read more
El Campo City Council is debating a $5.4 million road project for the Town & Country neighborhood, despite a city manager’s recommendation to reject the high bid. The original estimate was $3.8 million, but Councilman Steve Ward argues the city has funds to proceed without rebidding. The council narrowly voted against rejecting the bid, meaning … Read more
Moises Rodriguez, assistant principal at El Campo Middle School, has been named Region 3 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals. Rodriguez, now in his third year at ECMS, was brought in by principal Sandra Fellers to help stabilize the school after multiple leadership changes. Under his … Read more