Brandon James, now 19, is going on trial next week for a 2021 robbery in El Campo, where he and four others allegedly ambushed and killed Shane Singleton. Singleton was there to buy something he found on social media but was shot instead. James, who was 16 at the time, was later deemed unfit for … Read more
In Van Vleck, an 18-wheeler crashed into a ditch, but the driver, Roberto Almaguer, is stable. No other cars were involved. It could’ve been worse; he nearly hit the school. Luckily, quick action kept everyone safe. The district and officials are working on traffic safety solutions. They’re considering signs, lights, and maybe even a traffic … Read more
Louise ISD’s Superintendent, Garth Oliver, is stepping down, costing taxpayers $175,000. He’ll keep getting paid for four months and can stay in his district-owned house. He’s getting $125,000 in severance pay. Despite two and a half years left on his contract, the board decided he had to go. His resignation was finalized in a meeting … Read more
Matagorda Bay’s TX-11 area is closed for oyster harvesting due to a low number of legal-sized oysters. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will reopen it when the oyster count improves. You can check the status on the Texas Department of State Health Services website.
In Angleton, a mother and son, Darla Murrell, 66, and Devin Murrell, 37, were shot and killed at an industrial facility. The suspect, Bradley Jones, 35, fled the scene but was later arrested near Surfside Beach in a silver Chevy Silverado. Jones’ wife used to work at the facility, Thermal Polymer.
In El Campo, six candidates, including two current council members, are vying for mayor in May’s election. Among the challengers are John Bieltz, Cody Guynes, Frances Roemer, and Kyle Wallis. With Mayor Chris Barbee retiring, the candidate with the most votes will become the new mayor.
Demontae Williams, 28, from Wharton, got life in prison for killing three people at a Houston club during an open mic night. He and another man, Le Dadrine Hall, snuck in with guns, started an argument, and started shooting. One victim wasn’t involved in the fight but got hit by a stray bullet. Hall’s case … Read more
Early voting for the March 5 primary in Victoria started on Tuesday and ends at 7 p.m. on March 1st. The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. You can vote at the Elections Office at the Dr. Pattie Dodson … Read more
At a recent Wharton School District meeting, it was decided to replace the leaky roof of Wharton High School’s band hall, auditorium, and common areas, costing $193,850. The construction manager emphasized the importance of fixing all areas at once to avoid future leaks. This repair will be updated in the district’s ongoing facility survey.
Wharton County Junior College is launching a new, user-friendly website this week. It’s the result of two years of hard work by a dedicated team. The site has a modern design, works on all devices, and makes enrolling easier. The team will keep improving it after the launch, focusing on things like sports pages and … Read more