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
Former Louise High School science teacher Keri Jones admitted to stealing $9,000 from the school’s FFA Booster Club while serving as treasurer. In a Wharton County plea deal, she received nine months deferred probation, must repay the full amount, perform community service, and surrender her teaching license. Jones, who taught in Louise ISD for over … Read more
In Bay City, the new 29-4A district brought fierce baseball competition with teams like Sweeny, El Campo, and Needville. Sweeny clinched the championship under new coach Todd Foley, with star player Kaden Jammer earning MVP honors. El Campo took second, while Bay City’s Blackcats, led by junior Robert Reed and senior Keaton Nunez, doubled their … Read more
Ganado’s softball team made history by winning their first-ever state championship, beating the Riesel Indians 5-4. Junior Kyla Stancik was the star, hitting the game-winning two-run single in the final inning. The Ganado baseball team also had a strong season, reaching the regional semifinals before falling to Danbury. The Indians finished with a 20-8 record … Read more
The Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that hurricane season is underway and runs through November 30th. Locals should review their home and flood insurance now. It’s important to update emergency kits and know evacuation routes and shelter locations nearby. Staying tuned to reliable weather updates will help keep everyone safe. Pet owners should also … Read more