Early Thursday, a police chase on Highway 35 ended with a tense lockdown at Van Vleck ISD after a suspect jumped the elementary school fence during recess. The Van Vleck Police, DPS troopers, and county deputies quickly surrounded the area. The suspect, a passenger fleeing a traffic stop, ran from nearby brush onto the playground … Read more
A wind-driven fire destroyed a family’s trailer home near FM 1161 and CR 247 in Spanish Camp Thursday afternoon. Precinct 2 Constable JA Szymanski arrived first and confirmed everyone and their pets escaped safely. Winds were strong, gusting up to 39 mph in East Bernard, which helped spread the fire. East Bernard and nearby volunteer … Read more
Bay City is exploring new quiet zones to reduce train horn noise in neighborhoods along two rail lines. A public town hall will be held Thursday, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bay City Civic Center. Residents can learn about the ongoing feasibility study and give input. Quiet zones would replace horn blasts with … Read more
A woman and her son escaped serious harm early Saturday in El Campo after police say Juan Antonio Tinoco-Gomez tried to set their mattress on fire. The 36-year-old also allegedly threatened the woman with a knife at a home on South Washington. No one was injured, and the fire department was not called. Tinoco-Gomez was … Read more
Stephen F. Cooper of El Campo is now chairman of the Lower Colorado River Authority board, officially sworn in Monday by Wharton County Judge Phillip Spenrath. Cooper, a local leader since ’15 on the board, also heads the West Wharton County Hospital District and runs local businesses. He pledged to protect water and electricity resources … Read more
Matagorda County took a big step recently by approving a new job description for its first-ever County Fire Marshal. This role will focus on fire prevention, investigating fires, and working closely with local fire departments to keep the community safe. County leaders, including Judge Bobby Seiferman and Commissioner Mike Estlinbaum, see this position as vital … Read more
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