Matagorda County farmers and landowners can join the Lone Star Healthy Streams workshop on Friday at Bay City Service Center. The event will cover ways to protect local waters by managing feral hogs, improving pond care, and using better livestock grazing methods. Hosted by the Matagorda Soil and Water Conservation District with Texas A&M AgriLife … Read more
A Wharton man may have uncovered proof of a giant ground sloth that once roamed the county. Johnny Valdez found a fossilized claw while walking the Colorado River near Wharton. He says the massive claw, several inches wide, belonged to a sloth species from the Ice Age. Valdez, a water plant manager at Pierce Ranch, … Read more
El Campo could soon see new sidewalks along North Wharton Street—without spending local money. The city is applying for a $4.9 million state grant that would fully cover the project. Plans include ADA-compliant sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and covered drainage to improve school traffic and safety. Utility work is already in progress, and mowing hazards will … Read more
A 41-year-old Lake Jackson man is in custody after a deadly domestic dispute Saturday in the Lake Jackson Farms area. Curtis Gunter is accused of murder, kidnapping, and assault after allegedly forcing one person to the scene at gunpoint, then fatally shooting a relative. The victim later died at a Houston hospital. Gunter turned himself … Read more
Van Vleck ISD recently honored three longtime employees retiring after decades of service. Shirley Martinez, known for her work as an instructional assistant and registrar, was praised for her strong impact across campuses. Teresa Bolton, an instructional assistant at both Van Vleck Elementary and Junior High, was recognized for her steady support and kindness toward … Read more
Bay City is moving forward with a key bridge replacement at Avenue I and 6th Street. The City Council approved a temporary construction easement with International Bank of Commerce to relocate a 12-inch sewer line that’s in the way. This step allows crews to start utility work before the main project begins. The Texas Department … Read more
El Campo’s Friendship Park is set to become Wharton County’s first musical playground, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority. The new play area, costing $50,000 with city matching funds, will feature interactive instruments like hand drums, a metallophone, and calypso drums. Designed to be fully ADA-compliant, it will offer an … Read more
A Louise woman faces up to 99 years in prison for allegedly stealing more than $300,000 from Energy Construction in El Campo. Sarah Wendel, 47, worked as a secretary at the company and is accused of writing unauthorized checks and using company credit cards without permission between ’16 and ’22. The Wharton County Grand Jury … Read more
On May 29th, law enforcement officials in Victoria raided a business on Kern Drive, leading to the arrest of three people on charges tied to illegal gambling. Tiffany Beltran, Alexis Madrigal, and Huhiny Bennett-Merlin face serious allegations including money laundering and organized criminal activity. Bennett-Merlin remains in Victoria County Jail on a $40,000 bond, while … Read more
The El Campo Ladybird soccer team capped off their best season in school history with major honors in District 22. Senior Madison Gaona earned MVP after scoring 44 goals, while foreign exchange junior Henrietta Kovacikova was named Defensive MVP. The Ladybirds placed several on first and second team, including Lizzie Erwin, Alexia Pena, and Heather … Read more