Wharton County’s Stray Pet Outreach Team (SPOT) is in urgent need of community support as it faces financial strain. With rising care costs and over 80 animals in foster homes, SPOT has paused new intakes and aims to raise $25,000 to keep operating. President Christine Stransky will step down this month after 16 years, adding … Read more
Local chefs are set to showcase their best dishes at the Matagorda County Museum’s annual Gourmet Guys fundraiser on September 28th, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Bay City Civic Center. This year, chefs will have free rein over their menus, preparing their signature dishes. The event raises funds for museum operations, including … Read more
Several Victoria city officials, including Maria Bell from Municipal Court and detectives from the Victoria Police Department, have been certified as child passenger safety technicians. This certification, granted by Texas’ Safe Riders Program, equips them to teach locals how to properly install car seats and boosters for kids. They earned this qualification after completing intense … Read more
A second suspect has been charged in connection to the Aug. 27th shooting of Johnny Martinez, 21, in Palacios. Jared Constancio, 21, was arrested on Sept. 6, facing multiple charges, including aggravated kidnapping and robbery. He is held in Matagorda County Jail on $180,000 bond. Mason Rodriguez, 19, had earlier turned himself in for the … Read more
A Bay City resident has become a millionaire after buying a $2 million-winning Powerball ticket at Speedy Stop Food Store on Seventh Street. The Texas Lottery confirmed the winner matched five out of six numbers in Monday’s draw, missing only the Powerball. Thanks to the Power Play feature, the prize doubled from $1 million to … Read more
An 18-year-old from Bay City, Clarence Kimble Small, is scheduled for trial on October 1st, facing murder and aggravated robbery charges. The trial will take place at the Matagorda County Courthouse, with jury selection set for September 30th. Small is accused of fatally shooting Jared Aplin, 25, at the old Linnie Roberts Elementary School in … Read more
On Monday, the Sheriff’s Office was informed by Federal Law Enforcement that a threat to the Tidehaven High School had been posted on Social Media. Tidehaven ISD Police were notified and multiple agencies went to the Tidehaven High School to assist. A 17 year old student is detained in reference to the online threat. The … Read more
Despite recent rainfall, the Wharton levee project along the Colorado River is progressing smoothly. While rain has occasionally slowed machinery use, workers have shifted focus to other jobs, keeping delays minimal. The project, 40% complete, is expected to finish Phase 1 by March ’25. Crews are working on land clearing, excavation, and dirt work near … Read more
Construction on a major green fuel facility in Bay City has been delayed due to regulatory issues at state, federal, and international levels. High Innovative Fuels (HIF) plans to supply green methanol, a clean fuel made from renewable energy, to the shipping industry. The company is also eyeing future partnerships in aviation. HIF’s USA CEO … Read more
Wharton County homeowners will see a slight drop in their tax bills next year after a 5-0 vote by county commissioners. The property tax rate will decrease from 36.418 to 35.239 cents per $100 of value. This cut is due to increased property appraisals and $8 million in new solar farm developments, bringing in $2.7 … Read more