The aroma of barbecue takes over Crescent today as the Wharton County Youth Fair kicks off its annual cook-off. About 50 teams are firing up their pits for a shot at top brisket honors, and this year the stakes are higher than ever. Now certified by the International Barbecue Cookers Association, the contest is a … Read more
The Bay City Public Library turned spring break into a magical escape Thursday with its annual Harry Potter Book Day. The free family event ran in two sessions, from 4 to 5 and 5 to 6 p.m., with registration limited to 150 people per hour. Organizers transformed the library into a Hogwarts-style adventure with themed … Read more
Two Louise High School powerlifters are headed to the state meet after standout performances at last Friday’s regional in Navasota. Senior Daylan Sless earned the Class 2A Regional Championship in the 114-pound division, lifting a total of 1,010 pounds and taking home the “Best Deadlifter” award with a 510-pound pull. Fellow senior Evan Jacinto placed … Read more
Crews in El Campo have started replacing most of the aging Avenue I sewer line after the city council gave unanimous approval last week. City Manager Courtney Sladek called the timing “fortunate,” noting the line actually collapsed just days earlier. The $477,000 project is being paid from leftover ’24 bond funds, saving the city’s reserves. … Read more
El Campo hosted the 62nd Annual Ricebird Relays on Friday, with the hometown boys and girls varsity teams both finishing second behind Needville. The Lady Bluejays took first with 194 points, while the Lady Ricebirds followed with 158. On the boys’ side, Needville scored 153 to El Campo’s 127. Madison Holmes led the way with … Read more
Wharton County leaders have approved a $76 million plan to build a new 240-bed jail—marking the county’s first debt in 13 years and first tax hike in nearly two decades. Judge Phillip Spenrath says the project on East Elm and North Resident Streets will prepare Wharton County for long-term growth driven by new housing and … Read more
Matagorda County is gearing up for the 10th annual Matagorda Bay Birdfest, April 17th through 19th in Palacios. The celebration comes as the county takes flight with a new title — Birding Capital of Texas through 2035. Each morning features sunrise birding tours through coastal marshes and prairies, with Saturday’s parade, food trucks, and raptor … Read more
Bay City now has its own critical-care air medical base with the launch of Allegiance Air 2. The new helicopter and crew are stationed locally to speed emergency response and patient transport across Matagorda County and nearby coastal communities. Operated by Allegiance Mobile Health and PHI Air Medical, the Bay City base expands Gulf Coast … Read more
Even with weekend rain across parts of Victoria County, the burn ban will stay in place. Fire Marshal Dan Porter told commissioners that over two inches fell in some areas, but months of drought mean it’ll take more time for vegetation to recover. Porter says the rain needs to soak in before grass greens up … Read more
Some El Campo High School students are making headlines for their innovative thinking. Five Ricebirds from the school’s Power Up program took part in the Aggie Invent Junior challenge at Texas A&M in College Station. Competing on mixed teams, students had just one day to tackle real issues in the nuclear industry and build a … Read more