News Staff Bay City has rescheduled its HomeTown Christmas Lighted Parade to Thursday, December 12, at 7 p.m., after adjusting for the Bay City Blackcats and Tidehaven Tigers’ playoff games on Friday night. The route, entry numbers, and staging area remain the same. Officials encourage residents to cheer on the teams during the UIL Football Regional Championships. … Read more
A proposed tire shop on South Mechanic Street in El Campo faces public and Planning & Zoning Commission review this week. Castro Tire began setting up without the required special use permit, violating local zoning rules. The City Planning Director stated that while the shop meets most criteria, owner Felipe Castro Osorio did not complete … Read more
El Campo’s City Council voted 5-1 to cover the Civic Center rental fee for the annual Christmas Mall fundraiser this weekend, saving the local chamber of commerce $5,275. This comes after financial turmoil for the chamber, including a theft investigation, unpaid payroll taxes, and loss of $51,000 in city funding. New chamber leader Kelly Balthrop … Read more
Downtown Wharton welcomed over 2,000 attendees Tuesday night for the 44th annual Small Town Christmas parade, featuring festive weather, local vendors, and vibrant floats. This year marked a new chapter as Karen Smith led the event for the first time, taking over from longtime organizer Ron Sanders. With 75 parade entries, the procession flowed seamlessly. … Read more
Bay City police arrested a 46-year-old George Hawkins Sr., on Tuesday evening in the 1700 block of Palm Village for outstanding felony warrants and drug possession. Officers found him with Hydrocodone, Xanax, and cocaine, which Hawkins reportedly tried to hide during the search. He was booked into Matagorda County Jail on multiple charges, including drug … Read more
Drunk driving crashes spike during the holidays in Texas, with nearly 28% of traffic deaths linked to impaired drivers during this time. To combat this, the Texas Department of Transportation launched its “Drive Sober. No Regrets.” campaign, featuring mobile exhibits at Walmart stores and statewide PSAs. The initiative aims to prevent tragedies like that of … Read more
Matagorda County District Attorney Steven Reis has been awarded a scholarship to join the Texas Association of Counties’ Leadership 254 program. This statewide initiative, starting in February, equips county officials with advanced leadership skills to tackle unique challenges. Participants from various counties will engage in four intensive modules over 14 months, focusing on self-reflection, growth, … Read more
Kim Willett’s Thanksgiving food drive drew an overwhelming turnout in Bay City, with cars wrapping around Bay City Plaza on Saturday morning. Within 20 minutes, almost all food items, including 100 turkey vouchers and holiday meal sides, were distributed. Partnering with H-E-B and Evangelist Temple Church, Willett ensured supplies were handed out efficiently by organizing … Read more
Bay City residents with average water use will see an 11% rise in their water bills starting December 15th, as the city upgrades its aging water and wastewater systems. The increase, about $7.90 for a typical monthly bill, funds critical projects like a new water well, wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation, and waterline repairs. Officials say … Read more
Downtown Bay City lit up on Thursday with holiday cheer during the annual Christmas Around the Square event, featuring the Matagorda County Museum’s Festival of Trees open house. Dozens of Christmas trees decorated by local schools, businesses, and nonprofits dazzled visitors. The exhibit is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 1 to 4 p.m., until Dec. 21st. … Read more