El Campo Police Chief David Marcaurele praised community involvement in policing at the recent 100 Club of Wharton County banquet, highlighting the impact of dedicated locals. Kelly Balthrop, the El Campo Chamber of Commerce executive director, was named Citizen of the Year for revitalizing the struggling chamber after financial turmoil nearly shut it down. Chief … Read more
Wharton native Dr. Mike Sweeney will receive the American Heart Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his work as a cardiovascular surgeon. Growing up playing football for the Wharton Tigers, Sweeney credits his hometown for shaping his success. Now based at Methodist Hospital Houston, Sweeney’s career includes performing Florida’s first heart and heart-lung transplants. His contributions … Read more
Rafael Romero, accused of murdering Edna teen Lizbeth Medina in December of ’23, now faces a trial starting August 11th. The trial, originally set for February 10th, was delayed for further preparation. Judge Jack Marr approved the new date. Romero, in the U.S. on an expired visa, allegedly stabbed 16-year-old Lizbeth, whose absence at a … Read more
Following a Texas law passed in ’23 requiring armed officers in every public school, districts have struggled to meet the requirement due to insufficient funding. This legislative session, lawmakers plan to increase the school safety budget. House Bill 3 initially raised safety funds to $10 per student and $15,000 per school. However, districts argue it’s … Read more
A key member of the Wharton County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Brandy Pavlock, is transitioning to a new role as the county’s grant coordinator starting Feb. 24th. Approved by the Wharton County Commissioners Court, Pavlock stood out among candidates. Having spent three years full-time at the Sheriff’s office and previously seven years grant writing for Victoria … Read more
Bay City’s annual Wilderness Run returns to Riverside Park on February 22nd, offering both a 2K and 5K course through scenic trails and hayfields. Walkers, hikers, strollers, and leashed dogs are welcome. The 2K starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by the 5K at 10:15 a.m. Finishers can enjoy snacks, hot cocoa, and awards for top … Read more
Ganado High junior Kyla Stancik is crafting a massive carbon steel arrow for the Maidens’ softball field scoreboard, with guidance from welding teacher Albert Diaz. As the only girl in her welding class and a player on the team, Stancik took charge of the design, going through multiple sketches before cutting the arrow herself with … Read more
Wharton ISD trustees have extended Superintendent Olatunji Oduwole’s contract through June of ’28 after a strong first performance review. Oduwole, who took over in May of ’24, led the district through Hurricane Beryl’s damage and reinstated a five-day school week. Despite juggling multiple roles, he prioritized student success, launching plans to boost STAAR scores. Trustees … Read more
The Wharton County Junior College Pioneers have kicked off their baseball season with a 4-3 record, showing promise under head coach Trey Porras. Porras sees potential for a strong year, especially with standout performances from pitcher Harrison Wall, who has yet to allow an earned run, and speedster Braylon Mitchell, who has already stolen 10 … Read more
Bay City police arrested 21-year-old Mario Timothy Garza II on Saturday after a narcotics investigation led them to a home on Avenue A. Officers found Xanax pills, leading to drug charges, and discovered Garza had an outstanding felony warrant from Val Verde County for smuggling minors. Police also seized two assault rifles and two handguns. … Read more