Bay City Council has approved an updated agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation to maintain state highways inside the city limits. The new agreement clarifies responsibilities but keeps existing roles mostly the same. TxDOT will continue handling highway surfaces, drainage, and traffic signals, while the city will manage street signs, sidewalks, and local traffic … Read more
Two local rodeo stars from Wharton County Junior College are headed to the national stage next month. Amy Ohrt from Victoria and Thomas Willard of Caldwell earned spots at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming, June 15-21. Amy, a standout in breakaway roping and barrel racing, dominated the Southern Region with top finishes … Read more
Van Vleck baseball capped its best run since ’19, reaching the Class 3A area round and finishing 18-14. The Leopards tied for second in District 24-3A, grabbed the top playoff seed after a big win over Boling, and became the district’s only team to win a postseason series. Senior Javian Fuentes was named Pitcher of … Read more
Van Vleck baseball capped its best run since ’19, reaching the Class 3A area round and finishing 18-14. The Leopards tied for second in District 24-3A, grabbed the top playoff seed after a big win over Boling, and became the district’s only team to win a postseason series. Senior Javian Fuentes was named Pitcher of … Read more
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