News Staff Matagorda County Commissioners have pledged $300,000 annually starting in ’26 toward building a regional aquatic center, joining efforts with the Bay City Community Development Corporation and Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation. The funding aims to enhance the county’s tourism and development while benefiting local schools and residents. The project has strong community backing, with the … Read more
Scotty Jones, Bay City’s City Manager, announced that S&P Global Ratings has upgraded the city’s long-term rating from A+ to AA-. This change reflects the city’s strong financial health, including solid operating results and growing reserves. Jones praised the teamwork of the Council and staff in improving the city’s fiscal stability. This upgrade not only … Read more
Wharton ISD celebrated the opening of its new $31.5 million junior high campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday. VIP tours began at 10:30 a.m., followed by a public open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Construction faced delays due to asbestos removal, missing utility maps, and supply chain issues for steel. The state-of-the-art facility … Read more
Despite missing the playoffs, the Louise Lady Hornets saw standout performances this season, led by sophomore Paige Lutringer, who earned second-team all-district honors from District 27 coaches. Lutringer delivered 68 assists, 13 aces, and 12 kills, impressing with her consistency and defensive reads, according to coach Ethan Zezula. Lutringer was joined by seniors Rhiley Drozd … Read more
A local pastor is uniting Wharton County with its first-ever First Responders Ball, set for June 28th at the Wharton Civic Center. Michael Limas, pastor of Grace Community Fellowship, says the event is a long-time dream to honor first responders for their dedication. Open to all county first responders, the event will feature first-class catering … Read more
A six-year-old in Sweeny went missing after school dismissal in early November, sparking safety concerns. Zachary Jr. accidentally joined the walker line and walked nearly a mile through construction and traffic before a driver found him crying near train tracks. His parents, alarmed when he didn’t get off the bus, criticized the school’s dismissal procedures. … Read more
The Bay City Police Department’s Community Food Drive is wrapping up, and more donations and volunteers are needed to help nearly 400 local families enjoy a Christmas dinner. Food donations ended on Friday, but monetary contributions are still being accepted to purchase items like turkeys. Volunteers will sort and pack meals on Wednesday, and distribution … Read more
El Campo is embarking on a new beautification project to combat blight, approved unanimously by the city council. Dubbed the “blight fight,” this initiative will introduce welcome banners, directional signs, and more, all funded through community donations. The Keep El Campo Beautiful Board, behind this effort, aims to revitalize the town’s look with signs in … Read more
Wharton ISD has completed its final payment to former superintendent Michael O’Guin, fulfilling a retirement agreement. O’Guin, who retired at the end of the 2024-25 school year, was succeeded by Olatunji Oduwole as acting superintendent. O’Guin faced challenges during his tenure, including the COVID-19 pandemic, low test scores and disciplinary issues. Despite requesting a year’s … Read more
At the Matagorda Economic Development Corporation’s year-end meeting in Bay City, two local women were celebrated for their community service. Jessica Russell, the Bay City Community Development Corporation’s Executive Director, received the George Holst Award for her economic leadership. Kandas Graham, President of the Sargent Chamber of Commerce, was honored with the Tiger Lane Community … Read more