In Fort Bend and Wharton Counties, OakBend Medical Center has earned local spotlight for its impressive growth and community-focused care. CEO Joe Freudenberger shared how the hospital system expanded from one campus to three, adding dozens of clinics and services tailored to residents. OakBend stands out with its true no-wait emergency rooms in Richmond and … Read more
In El Campo, the city council has unanimously voted to honor longtime former councilwoman Gloria Harris by naming the pavilion at Willie Bell Park after her. The 83-year-old Harris, who served the southwest precinct for 30 years as the city’s longest-serving member and its first Black woman on council, expressed gratitude for the recognition while … Read more
In Victoria, sheriff’s deputies teamed up with a regional drug task force for a major win against traffickers last Friday on Highway 59. During a simple traffic stop, they uncovered 44 pounds of cocaine cleverly hidden in a secret compartment built into the vehicle. The people inside the car were quickly arrested on serious charges … Read more
Wharton County landowners with small agricultural tracts are getting a heads-up about changes coming to ag exemptions, but officials say there is no reason to panic. Starting January 1st, minimum acreage requirements will increase for livestock, cropland, turf farms, and orchards. The Central Appraisal District says properties can still qualify through leases or active agricultural … Read more
The holiday season brought help and cheer to El Campo as the Blessing Cup’s Trim-A-Tree food drive continued last weekend. More than forty decorated trees were displayed at El Campo Mid-Town Medical on North Mechanic Street. Families visited, donated non-perishable food, enjoyed Christmas music, and took photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. All donations went … Read more
Downtown Wharton is turning the courthouse square into a winter playground this Friday evening. Snow on the Square runs from five to eight at the Wharton County Historic Courthouse. Organizers are adding a quieter, early snow play window for toddlers and people with special needs during the first thirty minutes. The event is free, with … Read more
In Victoria, a dedicated mom named Amanda Licerio is fighting for better school nursing support for kids with severe disabilities. Her daughter relies on a tracheostomy tube for breathing, needing constant cleaning day and night. The Victoria Independent School District provides a full-time nurse only on Thursdays and Fridays, forcing Licerio to hire private help … Read more
Holiday cheer was on full display in Bay City during the annual Shop With a Cop event hosted by the Bay City Police Department. Officers partnered with law enforcement agencies and nonprofits from across Matagorda County to help local children shop for holiday gifts. The annual event focused on supporting families and building positive connections … Read more
Local swimmers made a strong showing at the Brazosport Invitational recently, led by Palacios and Bay City athletes. The Palacios girls finished fifth overall, while Bay City placed ninth. On the boys’ side, Bay City earned seventh place. Bay City freshman Lily Wurtz delivered a standout performance, winning the 200-yard freestyle and adding a third-place … Read more
The El Campo ISD school board will close out the year with major updates impacting students, staff, and taxpayers on Wednesday . Trustees will review progress on the $81 million bond projects at Hutchins Elementary and El Campo High School, approved by voters in May. Construction at Hutchins is set to begin in January, replacing … Read more