Wharton County Junior College Foundation is entering a new chapter with Gary Gillen as board president and Bruce Krauskopf as vice president. Gillen, a long-time local business owner, aims to strengthen scholarships, alumni connections, and campus initiatives. Under his leadership, WCJC is launching the Former Students and Friends Association to reconnect alumni and enhance support … Read more
Van Vleck ISD’s Board of Trustees welcomed new leadership Monday night as Charlie Hill and Dane Evans joined to fill Positions 6 and 7, respectively, replacing outgoing members Terry Blackmon and Paul Kevin Ward. Casey Kile was reelected for Position 5, with all candidates unopposed, prompting the board to cancel the November 5 election earlier … Read more
Dollie Coleman, a seasoned educator with over 22 years of principal experience across El Campo, Bay City, and Eagle Lake, has stepped in as substitute principal at Wharton Junior High after retiring in ’19. Coleman is focused on creating a safe, welcoming environment for students amid leadership changes. She prioritizes building relationships with students and … Read more
Bay City’s annual Christmas Around the Square event is set to bring holiday cheer to Historic Downtown Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. Local businesses, restaurants, and food trucks will showcase their offerings with festive decor, live entertainment, and holiday treats like chili, crawfish étouffée, and hot chocolate. Kids can meet the Grinch, with parents … Read more
Bay City’s Christmas food drive is back after a pandemic break, bringing holiday meals to struggling families. Spearheaded by the Bay City Police Department and First Methodist Church, the effort provides free turkey dinners with all the fixings. Donations of canned goods and money are being accepted until December 18th to purchase supplies. Volunteers, including … Read more
El Campo is refunding over $4,000 to the local Boys & Girls Club after discovering a billing error. The club faced a massive water bill, with one day showing 146,851 gallons used—an impossible figure, according to CEO Jill Hearne. Despite minor plumbing checks and a meter replacement, no major leaks were found, and water usage … Read more
Matagorda County is gearing up for a community-wide job fair on Thursday, offering residents a chance to connect with employers and explore new career opportunities. Hosted at the Bay City Civic Center from 10 to 2, the event aims to address unemployment and underemployment by pairing job seekers with businesses ready to hire. Participants should … Read more
The future of a senior citizen social and Meals on Wheels program serving Wharton and Colorado counties may be decided Tuesday night by the Wharton County Junior College board. WCJC officials say funding shortages have forced the college to spend $200,000 annually to keep the program afloat. Despite partial reimbursements from the Houston-Galveston Area Council, … Read more
In Wharton County, residents are rallying to restore the weathered veterans memorial outside the courthouse by next year, aiming to give it a durable granite finish as originally intended. The Citizens for the Restoration of the Wharton County Veterans Memorial has raised $66,000 of its $100,000 goal to honor the county’s veterans, including 109 who … Read more
The El Campo Ricebirds enter a tough playoff opener Friday night against the Calallen Wildcats in Port Lavaca. Calallen, the District 16 champ, has an 8-2 record with a potent offense averaging 33.8 points per game, relying on a heavy ground attack led by quarterback Sebastian Dennis. El Campo, struggling with a recent three-game losing … Read more