News Staff The Bay City Council has signed off on major updates to its Animal Control Ordinance after months of community input. Police Chief Christella Rodriguez presented the final version last Tuesday, following a public survey and meeting late last year. The changes modernize local rules on pets and animal services, giving the city authority to collect … Read more
Tenaris has wrapped up an $8 million upgrade to its Bay City pipe mill with a new water filtration system aimed at cutting water use and improving quality. The system handles up to nine thousand gallons a minute and increases the plant’s already high recycling rate. Company leaders say it’s part of their commitment to … Read more
Candidate filing is open in El Campo for the May city election, which will decide three at-large City Council seats and, by extension, the mayor’s post. Mayor Eugene Bustamante has filed to run again. Bustamante made history as the city’s first Hispanic mayor and says he’s eager to keep serving El Campo. Incumbent councilmen Blake … Read more
More than 400 people packed the Wharton Civic Center Thursday night to honor local heroes and celebrate law enforcement achievements. The 100 Club of Wharton County marked a milestone year—funding new vests, scholarships, and boosting officer life insurance benefits. Wharton Police Chief Terry Lynch praised his team for lowering crime and saving lives during last … Read more
After six years of police work, Jackson County K9 Hunter is enjoying a well-earned retirement. The 8-year-old Dutch Shepherd has worked with Sgt. Dakota Smith since ’20, tracking suspects and helping seize more than $1 million in drugs. Smith noticed Hunter slowing down, and arthritis plus a bowel condition made it time to rest. Now, … Read more
The Bay City Police Department is hiring a new detective, offering a $5,000 sign-on bonus and the chance to serve in a growing community. Applicants must be TCOLE certified with at least three years of full-time experience. The role includes a four-day work week, competitive pay, health benefits after 60 days, and paid holidays. Officers … Read more
Boling senior shortstop Parks Macek is starting his final high school baseball season with big recognition. He’s been named to the Texas High School Baseball Class 3A Region III “Players to Watch” list. The longtime Bulldog standout, now committed to Dallas College, has stacked up district and academic honors since his freshman year. Last season, … Read more
El Campo city leaders are gearing up to revisit their garbage contract, and a hometown business wants a seat at the table. Jim Jack Phillips with Trust Waste Solutions urged the council for a chance to submit a proposal, noting his company’s deep local roots. The city’s current trash service is handled by Texas Disposal … Read more
A Wharton County grand jury has indicted a 29-year-old East Bernard woman in connection with a deadly drunk driving crash. Courtney Michelle Smith is charged with intoxication manslaughter and manslaughter in the October ’25 death of 25-year-old Citlali Perez Hernandez. Investigators say Hernandez was walking along Dill Street near College when Smith’s Toyota Camry hit … Read more
Shoppers across Wharton County helped boost local budgets with stronger sales tax rebates this month. Money returned from November shopping shows El Campo, Wharton, and most nearby towns saw increases, while East Bernard was the only community reporting a drop. Wharton County led the region with nearly a 14 percent jump in rebates from last January. Wharton’s … Read more