Last Saturday, the Wharton County Sheriff’s Department and state troopers stopped a vehicle on U.S. 59 near Wharton, seizing six bundles of suspected heroin. The stop, made by DPS Trooper Brian Gingles on his first solo day, followed signs of suspicious behavior. The investigation is ongoing, and several people were detained. This action is part … Read more
At the Matagorda County Fair’s junior livestock auction, families came out to support young cowboys and cowgirls. Steers, pigs, chickens, and goats were auctioned off, with bids rising as auctioneer Colt Adams worked the crowd. For many, the event was deeply personal. Dan Tucker honored his late wife, Charlotte, who had attended the fair for … Read more
Ten contractors hospitalized after an ammonia vapor release at a Bay City plant Friday have been treated and released. Officials say a valve over-pressurized during testing, briefly exposing workers before sealing itself. Those affected were taken to local hospitals for observation as a precaution. Others were treated on-site. Röhm, the plant’s owner, confirmed all individuals … Read more
El Campo Volunteer Fire Department hosted its Annual Appreciation Supper on Monday at the El Campo Civic Center. The event featured a fried fish and oyster meal as a thank-you to donors who help fund the department. While ECVFD receives some tax dollars, it relies heavily on community support. Current donors already had tickets, but … Read more
A wildfire burned over 100 acres west of Midfield in Matagorda County last Tuesday, but no structures were damaged. Eleven fire departments responded, and crews remained Wednesday to put out hot spots. Officials suspect an electrical pole sparked the fire, though it’s unconfirmed. Bay City also saw three small fires from sparking power lines, quickly … Read more
Wharton County has launched a free tool to help homeowners guard against property fraud. PropertyCheck, approved by commissioners in January, alerts residents when official documents are filed on their property. The service is now live. While no cases have been reported locally, nearby Harris County has seen major fraud schemes, with scammers stealing homes and … Read more
Senior Citizens Day at the Matagorda County Fairgrounds brought local seniors together recently for a lively afternoon of fun, food, and friendship. Guests from area nursing homes received welcome gifts like blankets and mugs before enjoying live country music and iced tea. A catered meal kept spirits high as seniors and caregivers bonded over laughter … Read more
Bay City residents can now file simple police reports online, saving time and resources for both the public and law enforcement. The Bay City Police Department launched the system to improve efficiency and better allocate personnel. Residents can report incidents like harassment, identity theft, and criminal mischief through the secure LexisNexis Coplogic Solutions platform. Chief … Read more
A 53-year-old El Campo woman, Lorene Everne Baylor, was found dead last Monday evening in the parking lot of El Campo Memorial Hospital. Her family had been searching for her after she left home at 2:40 p.m., saying she would be right back. Baylor had visited the ER twice over the weekend for pain but … Read more
A chemical leak at the Röhm USA facility in Matagorda County injured multiple workers Friday afternoon after a valve failure in a brine cooler released ammonia into the plant and air. Ten workers were hospitalized, one by helicopter, while others received precautionary treatment on-site. Emergency systems activated as designed, preventing further risk. Officials confirmed there … Read more