El Campo city leaders are changing how local parks and facilities are managed. City Council voted unanimously on December eighth to dissolve the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Board after low public participation made meetings difficult to hold. City staff will now handle park, pool, and civic center decisions directly to improve efficiency. The Keep … Read more
An El Campo man convicted of a violent home burglary in Wharton County has been granted the right to appeal his 25-year prison sentence. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ruled that 52-year-old Mark Anthony Vargas can move forward after his appeal was previously rejected on a filing deadline issue. Vargas was found guilty of … Read more
A Wharton County family dispute turned deadly December 19th after an argument spread across multiple locations. Authorities say 21-year-old Anthony Jay Martinez of Wharton is charged with murder in the shooting death of 38-year-old James Thomas Wilson Jr. The conflict reportedly began in Wharton, moved through El Campo, and ended at a family home on … Read more
Bay City leaders are moving forward with plans to strengthen the city’s water system for future growth and reliability. City officials considered a resolution this month to apply for up to fifteen million dollars in low-interest funding from the Texas Water Development Board. The money would help pay for major upgrades tied to the North … Read more
Bay City leaders are considering a plan that could bring a life-saving air ambulance to the Bay City Regional Airport. The proposal would allow Allegiance Mobile Health to base a helicopter and flight crew locally, cutting response times for serious emergencies. City officials say having an air ambulance on site would help residents reach trauma … Read more
Wharton County leaders are quietly exploring what could become a major economic project in the southeast part of the county. County Judge Phillip Spenrath called a special commissioners court meeting on Wednesday at the courthouse annex to discuss development. Sources say the focus is Precinct One, including Boling, Newgulf, and parts of Wharton. Wharton ISD … Read more
Victoria police are investigating after a missing man was found dead Friday morning at a north Victoria motel, though authorities say there is no danger to the public. Officers responded just after 9 a.m. to a welfare check at the Super 8 Motel along U.S. Highway 59 North. Police found a 61-year-old man deceased inside … Read more
Holiday cheer spread throughout Palacios Medical Center last Friday as the Palacios Police Department hosted its annual Christmas with a Cop event. Local officers visited patients, families, and hospital staff, delivering smiles, conversation, and holiday spirit. The event brought comfort to those spending Christmas time in the hospital and offered a welcome break from daily … Read more
Bay City residents still have time to enjoy one of the season’s most popular holiday attractions. The Wilderness Trail of Lights remains open for nine more nights at the Bay City Parks and Recreation area. The free, walk-through light display is open nightly from six to nine p.m. and runs through January first. City officials … Read more
Wharton County Republican voters will see a crowded local ballot in the March 3rd primary, with several offices up for grabs after longtime officials stepped aside. The open Precinct 4 Commissioner race has four local candidates, including former school board and justice of the peace leaders. Contested races are also set for justices of the … Read more