Bay City residents gathered last Saturday morning at the Walking Trail for a 5K hosted by local police in honor of National Police Week. The run paid tribute to fallen officers, especially Bay City’s own Detective Juan Delgado, who died from COVID complications in 2021 after 43 years in service. Many wore blue to show … Read more
A Killeen man will serve two years of probation for causing a fatal semi-truck crash near Hungerford in ’20. Ariel Marin Hernandez, 50, pleaded guilty in Wharton County court to criminally negligent homicide. Investigators say Marin drove the wrong way at the U.S. 59 weigh station, crashing head-on into another truck and killing 65-year-old William … Read more
In El Campo, signs banning concealed firearms from City Council meetings were removed after a ruling from the Texas Attorney General. This is seen as a win by local advocate Dustin Cruz, who pushed for the change. El Campo Police Chief emphasized that it’s the law, not the signs, that his officers will enforce, including … Read more
Ganado has a new city secretary—Perri Raz, a longtime resident who moved from Louise in ’01. She brings 23 years of local business experience and deep community roots through her church and family. Raz, whose children graduated from GISD, is stepping into public service with excitement and a focus on community events like Christmas on … Read more
In Edna, Ramon Palacios was sentenced to 50 years for the ’24 murder of his ex-girlfriend, Roseann Martinez. He pled guilty to first-degree murder with a deadly weapon. Martinez’s family filled the Jackson County courtroom as her mother tearfully described the loss. Palacios, arrested after a neighbor reported gunfire, had confessed on scene. As part … Read more
Shoppers can expect to pay more for steaks, burgers, and chicken as Memorial Day weekend kicks off grilling season. Beef prices have hit record highs, with ribeyes up nearly 45% from last year. Ground beef and chicken prices are climbing too, despite steady production. Experts say strong demand and a smaller U.S. cattle herd are … Read more
The City of El Campo is hosting its Second Annual Touch-a-Truck Event at Alamo Park on Saturday. This family-friendly event invites everyone to explore a variety of vehicles, from fire trucks and police cars to construction trucks. Attendees can take photos and learn from the professionals who operate these vehicles. The event, which is free … Read more
Wharton County is recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month with a resolution passed at Monday’s commissioners court meeting. The resolution urges residents to learn about mental health, get trained in first aid, challenge stigma, and foster open conversations. In addition, County Judge Phillip Spenrath swore in Stephen F. Cooper as chairman of the Lower … Read more
Ryan Hickl of El Maton has been named runner-up in the Area 3 Conservation Farmer category by Matagorda County Soil and Water Conservation District #316. Hickl was honored for using sustainable farming methods like no-till, strip-till, and planting cover crops to protect soil health and water quality on his farm. The recognition comes through the … Read more
Wharton ISD faces a $2.5 million shortfall to end the school year, with only $4.3 million left in reserves—far below recommended levels. Enrollment has dropped by 400 students since ’19, cutting state funding. COVID relief funds are gone, but spending never slowed. Payroll alone now consumes the entire $20 million budget. Superintendent Oduwole plans to … Read more