Wharton ISD will begin its next football season under fresh leadership as Athletic Director Alvin Dotson II steps down after three years. Dotson, who revitalized the Tigers’ program following two winless seasons, cites family as his reason for leaving. During his tenure, Wharton ended a 22-game losing streak and nearly reached the playoffs last season. … Read more
Matagorda County is vying for the title of “Birding Capital of Texas,” a designation now under review by the state legislature. Approved by county commissioners, the proposal celebrates the county’s 26,000 acres of bird habitats, including renowned refuges like Big Boggy and Mad Island. With 150 bird species visiting annually, local birding has bolstered tourism … Read more
Texas is facing its worst measles outbreak in decades, with cases soaring from two to 146 in a month. One child has died, 20 are hospitalized, and experts warn it could get worse due to falling vaccination rates. While health officials set up vaccine clinics, state leaders, including Gov. Greg Abbott, have remained silent. Unlike … Read more
Bay City voters will decide on three proposed Charter amendments in a special election set for May 3rd. The measures aim to improve city governance. The first proposal seeks to stagger City Council elections so that two positions are up each year, improving stability. The second measure would reduce mandatory Council meetings to one per … Read more
El Campo police are searching for two men who robbed a Wharton resident at gunpoint Saturday night on Thrift Street. The suspects took a small amount of cash, a cellphone, and the victim’s car keys but did not steal the vehicle. Police believe the incident was isolated and say there is no ongoing threat. Authorities … Read more
The El Campo City Council has decided against moving forward with a $3 million proposal for a new Public Works building. Councilman David Hodges emphasized that such a decision should be left to voters, not just the council. Concerns over high costs, including $451–$501 per square foot, were raised by Councilman Thomas Coblentz, who works … Read more
Bay City Council meets Tuesday at 5 p.m. to vote on a public improvement district (or PID) for the Meadow Lake subdivision. The PID would speed up developer reimbursements compared to tax increment reinvestment zones. Property owners would cover costs through assessments. Proposed amenities include a walking trail and fishing pond. If approved, work starts … Read more
A new exhibit at the Wharton County Historical Museum honors Lloyd Shoppa, a local businessman and philanthropist. Family, friends, and community leaders recently gathered for a ribbon-cutting, with the display now open to the public. The exhibit includes photos, personal artifacts, and a video about his life. His wife, Betty, called the tribute emotional, while … Read more
Six Ganado High School students are heading to the 2A State Solo and Ensemble contest, showcasing their dedication to music. Seniors Kara Tupa and Julie Sulak, junior Chandler Gabrysch, sophomores Trace Green and Gracie Moore, and freshman Alex Briones make up the ensemble performing Edge of the World. Sulak and Briones are also competing in … Read more
Wharton County and its cities received positive news with February sales tax rebates showing growth. El Campo saw the largest check at $656,609, reflecting $43.8 million in taxable sales. Wharton enjoyed the biggest increase, with a 29.28% rise from last year. East Bernard shoppers contributed to a $69,845 rebate. Overall, the county’s February rebate was … Read more