The Wharton Tigers kicked off football season with a scrimmage against Bay City. The varsity squad fell 2-1 during set plays. Ja’Keon Jackson provided Wharton’s lone touchdown, while Brandon Sims and Anthony Hatchett added key plays. The defense, led by Layden Wynn, Derek Austin, and Triston Washington, held strong under a new scheme. Coach Jason … Read more
Jackson County honored longtime 911 dispatcher Joy Zacek as she retires after 30 years of service. Joy first joined the team in ’78 and has answered thousands of calls, from emergencies to escaped cattle. Known as the “first first responder,” she remained calm in crises to help save lives and protect officers she knew personally. … Read more
Three people were arrested last Saturday after a Lavaca County deputy stopped a vehicle near Highways 111 and 77 South for an equipment violation. Deputies say an adult woman had an outstanding felony warrant, leading to a search of the car. Officers found 5.5 grams of meth, 30 Xanax pills, and 17 Trazodone pills hidden … Read more
The Wharton County Library wrapped up its Summer Reading Program, ending a season full of learning and fun for local families. Thanks to community donations, the library hosted activities for all ages, including arts and crafts, Zoofari animal shows, and Ranger Mike’s programs. Kids also enjoyed unique options like live-action role-playing and club events for … Read more
Authorities arrested a woman early Wednesday during a drug raid at a home on South Wells Street in Edna. Jackson County deputies and Edna Police carried out the search as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. Officers say they found meth, ecstasy, drug paraphernalia, and cash inside. The woman faces multiple charges for manufacturing or … Read more
Wharton County is under a burn ban. Officials say the county’s drought index hit 508, which means the area faces extreme wildfire danger. Emergency crews report dry conditions, especially on the east side. The National Weather Service predicts a little over an inch of rain this week, but nothing is certain. Until then, residents should … Read more
A Wharton County Grand Jury indicted 32-year-old Brandon Dwayne Stephens for the deadly June 29th gas station shooting in El Campo. Investigators say Stephens shot 37-year-old Nikko Ray Deases after an argument at the Beverage Wall on Palacios Street. Police believe a 9mm handgun recovered during Stephens’ arrest the next day in Brazoria was the … Read more
A Wharton County jury has convicted former El Campo babysitter Angel Nicole Castro for causing serious injury to a child in her care. The ’21 incident led to the death of 19-month-old Roselynn Coates after a fall inside Castro’s home. Prosecutors said Castro waited 45 minutes before calling 911. She avoided a capital murder conviction … Read more
The long-delayed murder trial of Fernando Acosta Jr. is finally set to begin September 8th in Victoria. Acosta is accused in the ’21 death of Amanda Johnson, a 38-year-old single mother and former Victoria ISD teacher. Johnson was found shot inside her burned SUV in Matagorda County, discovered by hunters. Investigators tied Acosta to the … Read more
Bay City Council has approved the Service and Assessment Plan for the Russell Ranch subdivision on the east side. The plan sets yearly payments from property owners to cover infrastructure such as roads and utilities within the 50-acre development near Hubbard Road and Old Van Vleck Road. Created in ;21, the district allows the city … Read more