The Crossroads Regional Public Defender Office’s Oversight Board agreed to keep Brian Watson as the public defender. He’s set to serve Victoria, Jackson, Lavaca, and Refugio counties. Despite facing an allegation of “misuse of official information,” Watson was appointed last month. Watson is scheduled to begin his duties on May 6.
On Tuesday afternoon Bay City police were called to 1700 Baywood after a robbery. A 59-year-old woman said two guys in ski masks threatened her for her stuff. Cops found the suspects: Dontre M. Brown, 17, and a 15-year-old. They arrested Brown and took the other to juvenile detention. Both face robbery charges. Police are … Read more
Victoria is celebrating its 200th anniversary with a week of events, starting with a history symposium and ending with a community volunteer day and a market with live music downtown. The symposium will explore Victoria’s past, present, and future, featuring notable speakers and discussions at the University of Houston-Victoria.
Wharton’s city council has renewed the contract of Medical Director Dr. Jeffery Gubbels for two more years, with a pay raise to account for the cost of living. He’ll earn $2,705 monthly and continue overseeing emergency medical services. The council also amended a jail-services contract and set a public hearing for a local development project. … Read more
In El Campo, a driver hit several motorcycles at a restaurant and fled. Bikers chased him, but he escaped. Another driver, Omar Reyes, tried to block the bikers but was caught by police. He’s charged with causing over $2,500 in damages. The police are searching for the first driver. Three motorcycles were damaged, totaling over … Read more
Matagorda County is set to build a new Blessing Community Center, funded by federal dollars. Commissioner Frick announced the $920,740 project, which has been planned for over five years. The center will double as an emergency relief hub, equipped with a generator and drive-through services. The current center, built in 1921, will close on June … Read more
A former school cafeteria worker in El Campo was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to sexual assault charges related to possessing illegal images of minors. 46-year-old Robert Gonzales, who had worked at a middle school and a grocery store, was given credit for time already served and will face eight more years behind bars.
In Bay City, a student was unexpectedly attacked by peers using Orbeez guns, which are toys that shoot gel beads. This incident occurred during a game of Splashin, a mobile app that uses GPS to track players. The victim, who wasn’t a participant in the game, suffered minor injuries. The police warn that the game … Read more
In El Campo, folks who’ve dedicated their lives to community service will be celebrated at the upcoming Chamber of Commerce event on Thursday evening. The honorees, though, are a well-kept secret until the big reveal. Alongside them, an Achiever of the Year will also be recognized. The honoree must attend the event, but it’s kept … Read more
Last week in El Campo, a concerned citizen assisted local police in apprehending a suspected child pornographer. Marco Antonio Franco, aged 20, now faces potential imprisonment of up to 10 years for possessing child pornography involving a child younger than 10. Though he’s currently out on a $15,000 bond, authorities reassured that local children were … Read more