News Staff El Campo City Council has approved a new program allowing free access to the El Campo Aquatic Center for Medicare and United Healthcare Optimum Fitness members. This initiative, which passed with a 6-0 vote, aims to boost both community wellness and city revenue by leveraging insurance reimbursements. Each qualifying visitor’s entry fee is covered by … Read more
Sales tax rebates across Wharton County varied widely, with El Campo experiencing a sharp 21.7% drop compared to last November, amounting to a loss of nearly $163,000. Meanwhile, East Bernard saw a modest 11% increase in its rebate, gaining just over $6,000. Wharton held steady with a slight 0.38% decrease, less than $1,000 below last … Read more
In Ganado, Blake Patrick Petrash, 40, received a 40-year prison sentence for theft and forgery after admitting to embezzling $3.4 million from Hurt’s Wastewater Management, where he worked. Prosecutors revealed that Petrash had been siphoning funds since ’16, using fake loans under his relatives’ names to cover expenses. Much of the stolen money was reportedly … Read more
Bay City will light up with color this Saturday as residents gather for a Color Fun Run, aimed at raising funds for local swim facilities. Organized by Wellness Matagorda County and the YMCA, the 5k run begins at 9 a.m. from Schulman’s Movie Bowl and Grille, following an 8 a.m. registration. Participants, decked out in … Read more
Sargent’s new community center is progressing, with plans to complete it by September next year. Precinct 2 Commissioner Mike Estlinbaum says the project, initially planned as a renovation, shifted to a new build due to cost. The $1.5M project, funded through certificates of obligation, will provide a much-needed gathering space for the community. It will … Read more
Bay City recently hosted two intensive training sessions for city staff and police to prepare for active shooter scenarios. Sergeant Ruben Gutierrez led the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events course for civilians, offering strategies to stay safe during an attack, and conducted life-saving ALERRT training for officers. The training provided critical skills, like when … Read more
The Lavaca-Navidad River Authority has temporarily closed part of FM 3131 through December 20th, for construction on the dam’s embankment. The affected area spans 0.8 miles west of FM 1593 to 1.1 miles south of FM 1822. Crews will drill and install instrumentation along the roadway and shoulder. Drivers should follow detour routes on SH … Read more
The El Campo Boys & Girls Club claims it was overcharged $4,000 on its water bill and is asking the city for a refund. Although the city already granted a $2,829 adjustment due to high summer use, city officials say that’s all local ordinances allow. CEO Jill Hearne addressed the council, highlighting the impact on … Read more
Bay City’s CAST Theatre is bringing festive laughs to town next week with their final show of the year, Christmas Belles, a holiday comedy centered around a chaotic church Christmas program in a small Texas town. Directed by Daran Norris, the play features a lively cast navigating fall’s hectic schedules to bring this story of … Read more
The Wharton County Junior College’s senior program, which offers meals and social services to around 200 seniors in Wharton and Colorado counties, is facing a funding crisis and risks closure by year-end. Relying mostly on state and federal grants, the program’s costs have outpaced its budget, with a decision on its future expected by Dec. … Read more