Shannon Crabtree

3 days ago | journal-spectator.com | Shannon Crabtree

Causing a deadly 2020 Hungerford wreck will mean two years on probation for the Killeen man after he pleaded guilty in the 329th District Court. Only if he fails to abide by the probationary will 50-year-old Ariel Marin Hernandez, also listed as Ariel Hernandez-Marin, of 2304 Goode Circle, face the possibility of time behind bars. This is despite the fact Marin had already been arrested Dec. 15, 2022 for being a bondsman off bond for the original manslaughter charge he faced.

3 days ago | journal-spectator.com | Shannon Crabtree

Signs restricting people with concealed firearms from entering El Campo City Council Chambers have been removed following an Texas Attorney General ruling. The change is a victory, according to Dustin Cruz who has lobbied for the signs’ removal during the public comments of several council sessions. For El Campo Police Chief David Marcaurele and his staff, the lack of signage makes little difference. It’s the law that’s important, he said, and the law is what his officers will be enforcing.

3 days ago | journal-spectator.com | Shannon Crabtree

Wharton County’s law enforcers laid it on thick Thursday night – and the public came back for more, seconds, that was, of the tasty hand-made sauces at the annual 100 Club Spaghetti Supper in Crescent. People braving the rain to come to the event held on the Wharton County Youth Fair grounds Thursday received assurances from all eight law enforcement cooking teams that they had created the tastiest pasta topping of all times.

1 week ago | journal-spectator.com | Shannon Crabtree

Power shoppers statewide help cities and counties pay for everything from streets to staff boosting total revenues about 4% this year, but not Wharton County. El Campo, East Bernard and Wharton along with Wharton County have seen less-than-hoped-for revenue from sales tax rebates, their largest income source, throughout the calendar year 2025.

1 week ago | journal-spectator.com | Shannon Crabtree

Incumbent El Campo District 4 Councilman John Hancock Jr. easily defeated two-time challenger John Bieltz during the May 3 election. Only 415 of the more than 2,000 District 4 voters came to the polls throughout the two-week early voting period and Election Day. The counting revealed Hancock had collected 324 votes to Bieltz’ 91 earning a fifth and final consecutive term on city council.