News Staff Palacios bars and restaurants can now stay open later. The city council has passed a new ordinance allowing alcohol sales until 2 a.m. for businesses with the required state late-hours permits. City leaders say the change simply brings Palacios in line with Texas law and gives local establishments a clear framework for extended service. The … Read more
A Bay City man was killed in a foggy morning crash Friday near Port Freeport. Police say 20-year-old Carson Dilleree was riding his Harley-Davidson when a Hyundai Sonata turned into his path around 6:40 a.m. on FM 1495. Both drivers were rushed to St. Luke’s Health-Brazosport Hospital in Lake Jackson, where Dilleree later died. Freeport … Read more
Early voting opens Tuesday across Wharton County for the March party primaries. All 26,000 registered voters can choose either a Republican or Democratic ballot with valid photo ID. Elections Administrator Marsha Barbee says those with mobility challenges can vote curbside or be moved to the front of the line. A big turnout is expected, especially … Read more
A Wharton County deputy cleared in a deadly September ’25 shooting is back on duty after a grand jury decided not to indict him. Investigators say Cpl. Timothy Helton shot 29-year-old Theodore Speaker outside a County Road 255 home after Speaker aimed an illegal rifle at his sergeant. Sheriff Shannon Srubar says Helton’s quick action saved … Read more
El Campo families can look forward to a fun morning outdoors as KidFish ’26 returns to Legacy Pond on Saturday, March 21st, from 8 a.m. to noon. The free event gives kids a chance to drop a line, learn fishing basics, and maybe even catch their first fish. City staff say it’s all about introducing … Read more
In Victoria, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4146 recently received a $2,500 boost to fix up its historic hall on Lova Drive. The donation came from Michael Barnes with the local U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club. The 75-year-old building will get much-needed repairs and a new coat of paint. Barnes says the VFW hall is … Read more
In Bay City, family movie nights are making a fun return to local parks. The Parks and Recreation Department will host free Movies in the Park featuring “Moana” on February 20th at Le Tulle Park starting at 6:30 p.m., and “Minions” on March 13th at Riverside Park at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring … Read more
The El Campo Lady Ricebirds capped off a strong season Tuesday night by capturing the District 29-4A girls basketball title with a 55–40 home win over Columbia. The Lady Ricebirds controlled the game from start to finish, locking up the district crown in front of a packed local crowd. Next up, they’ll take on Calhoun … Read more
A fatal crash between Victoria and Bloomington has claimed one life. The victim is 59-year-old Ronnie Alan McGhee, who was driving a white van. Authorities say the van struck the rear of a dump truck that had stopped to let a school bus unload children, then rolled into a bar ditch on the south side … Read more
El Campo’s top swimmers are in San Antonio this week for the 4A State Swim and Dive Championships. Preliminary rounds start today at the Josh Davis Natatorium. The Ricebirds will race in several relays, with standout performances expected from Kyndahl Pierce in the 200 and 500 freestyle, and Joey Freeman and Gus Respondek in the … Read more