News Staff 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
First Baptist Church in Edna is busy with Operation Christmas Child, packing thousands of red and green shoeboxes full of toys, school supplies, and personal care items for children in need worldwide. Led by Jan McClanahan and her team of 28 volunteers, this effort continues year-round, with monthly donation themes. Since McClanahan took over as … Read more
Scotty Jones has officially been named Bay City’s new city manager after nine months in the interim role. The Bay City Council reached a consensus, led by Mayor Robert Nelson, commending Jones for her accomplishments and vision. With over 20 years of experience, Jones is committed to fostering partnerships and aligning efforts to enhance public … Read more
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