🌱 Riverside Park Closes Due To Floods + Victoria's New Police Chief

Hello all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Victoria Patch newsletter.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Humid with a t-storm in spots. High: 83 Low: 67.
• Wednesday: Humid with a t-storm in spots. High: 87 Low: 63.

Here are the top three stories today in Victoria:

1. As a result of the weekend rains leading to heavy flooding of the Guadalupe River, officials in Victoria made the decision to close a significant portion of Riverside Park. The park's roadways and pedestrian sidewalks were submerged, and there were reports of displaced animals. The National Weather Service in Corpus Christi stated that although a "slight risk" of flash flooding remained in South Texas on Monday, it would decrease to a marginal risk by Tuesday, May 16. (Victoria Advocate)
2. Chuck Young, who has served as Deputy Police Chief for the City of Victoria since 2021, was sworn in Monday, May 15 as the newly elected Victoria Police Chief. With over 42 years of law enforcement experience, Young began his career in 1980 with the Dallas Police Department, rising to the rank of Major. Throughout his remarkable tenure, he has received numerous accolades, including Officer of the Year and five life-saving awards, and most recently, the Leadership Award from the Victoria Police Department for his notable contributions and progress within the department. (Cross Roads Today)
3. Victoria Police Department detectives are investigating an assault incident that took place on May 14, at a residence on Melrose Ave. The suspect fled the scene on foot with their one-year-old child before being located by the police in the Halsey Street area. The child was unharmed and returned to the mother's custody. However, the suspect faces multiple charges, including child endangerment, family violence, burglary, and kidnapping. (Cross Roads Today)

Today and tomorrow in Victoria:

Tuesday, May 16:

• Baby Time At Victoria Public Library (9:30 AM)

Wednesday, May 17:

• Victoria Farmers Market At 2805 N. Navarro (9:00 AM)
• Toddler Time At Victoria Public Library (9:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• In honor of National Police Week, the Victoria Police Department and neighboring law enforcement agencies will come together for a memorial ceremony at DeLeon Plaza on May 18 at 9 a.m. The ceremony will pay tribute to Texas officers who have bravely given their lives in service. (City of Victoria)
• The Victoria Country Club is offering an exciting summer program for kids, consisting of four weeks of fun-filled activities. The Kids All Sports Camp welcomes both members and non-members to participate. Each day of the camp includes snacks and lunch for the attendees. (All Events)
• The former Sears space at the Victoria Mall will soon open as Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply this summer. Construction of the site will involve the use of a heavy-lift helicopter on May 9 from 8:00 a.m. to noon in order to lift HVAC materials onto the building's roof. The Victoria Mall will remain open and accessible, but the public is advised not to attempt to enter the construction area where the helicopter is operating. (City of Victoria)

That's it for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early soon with your next update.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.