Wharton residents may see a slight drop in property tax rates but higher utility bills under the city’s early budget plans. The proposed tax rate is $0.41319 per $100 in value, down from last year, but rising property values could still mean bigger tax bills. Water and sewer rates could increase up to 10 percent, … Read more
Houston Fire Department is teaming up with Wharton County Junior College to train its next wave of paramedics. Forty-four HFD firefighters graduated from WCJC’s Richmond campus program this summer, marking a 90% success rate for the first class. HFD leaders credit the college’s flexibility and hands-on teaching for the high retention. WCJC expanded staff to … Read more
With school now in session, the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office is urging everyone to put safety first around buses, schools, and crosswalks. Sheriff Rick DeLeon reminded drivers to slow down in school zones, watch for children, and stop for school buses when lights are flashing. Parents are encouraged to teach kids safe habits, like arriving … Read more
Bay City ISD kicked off the new school year with a spirited convocation celebrating staff and community pride. Former Denver Broncos star and Bay City High graduate Simon Fletcher headlined the event, sharing a powerful message about perseverance and the role local educators played in his success. The Bay City Education Foundation served breakfast, fueling … Read more
Wharton ISD is rolling out a strict new cellphone policy this school year, following a unanimous school board vote and a new state law. Superintendent Oduwole says students bringing devices will get a barcoded, magnetic-lock case they carry all day. The case unlocks only at designated school stations or during parent checkouts. Lost or damaged … Read more
Bay City police are investigating a shooting that left a juvenile hospitalized last Wednesday afternoon. Officers responded to the 2100 block of Sago Street just after 4 p.m. following several 911 calls about gunfire. The victim was taken to the hospital in a personal vehicle and is in stable condition. Detectives processed multiple scenes in … Read more
Students across Wharton County are getting ready for the first school bell of the year. Wharton ISD kicked off classes Monday, followed by St. Philip the Apostle Catholic School on today. The busiest day will be tomorrow, when El Campo, East Bernard, Louise and Boling all return. Faith Christian Academy will start later, on Aug. … Read more
Bay City nonprofit Diane’s Hope handed out 200 free backpacks stuffed with school supplies during its annual Back-to-School event recently at New Horizon Baptist Church. Kids also enjoyed a giant water slide while families connected with local support. Founded in ’20 by Diane Robinson, the group started with food drives during the pandemic and has … Read more
El Campo city leaders are weighing a proposed property tax rate of 49.144 cents per $100, a 3.128-cent increase from last year. Officials stress this is not a tax hike under state rules, but a move to offset falling sales tax revenue. The lean budget includes no raises and minimal changes, reflecting slow revenue growth. … Read more
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has rejected a bid by El Campo native Demond Bluntson to overturn his conviction for killing two children in Laredo in ’12. Bluntson’s attorney argued he was wrongly denied the right to represent himself during trial. While his death sentence was thrown out in June over faulty jury instructions, … Read more