News Staff Matagorda County will soon see a major boost to emergency response after FEMA released more than $2.7 million from a Hurricane Harvey grant. The money will buy 13 new patrol vehicles for the sheriff’s office and help 12 volunteer fire departments each buy a new truck. Each fire department will pay a small match. County … Read more
El Campo is turning Evans Park into a dinner spot tonight with its Downtown Dinner event. From 5 to 9 p.m., fifteen food trucks will set up with full meals, desserts and drinks that locals do not usually see in Wharton County. Seating in the park will be limited, so people are encouraged to bring … Read more
The Bay City Lions Club canceled Saturday’s Rice Festival Parade in Bay City because of storms forecast to hit around start time and rain expected all day. Organizers said they made the call Friday to avoid safety risks. Other Rice Festival events at the Matagorda County Fairgrounds still ran through the weekend. The festival began … Read more
Bay City officials are warning people to ignore random text messages that claim to be official city surveys. They say the city never sends surveys by text and urged residents not to click any links. Legit surveys are only posted on the city website, social media pages, or sent directly by city departments. Residents can … Read more
Before a packed home crowd at Ricebird Stadium, El Campo saw its three-game skid in the historic rivalry grow as Bay City used big plays to win 35-17 Friday night in the 122nd meeting of the series. The Blackcats ripped off four touchdowns of 15 yards or more and flipped field position with long returns. … Read more
A Wharton County jury has locked in a life-without-parole sentence for 24-year-old El Campo man Drew Quinonez after finding him guilty in the ambush killing of Wharton resident Shane Singleton. Prosecutors said Singleton drove to an El Campo garage apartment in ’21 to buy an AR-15 from someone he trusted and was met with a … Read more
The Bay City Public Works Department ended a city-wide mosquito spray run Sunday night after three straight evenings of truck crews treating neighborhoods after 7 p.m. The work was ordered after resident complaints and muggy weather boosted mosquito breeding. Officials say the insecticide was state-approved and safer when dry, and people and pets were told … Read more
The Wharton County Junior College Senior Citizens Program is calling on locals to lace up for its annual 5K Stride and Stroll this Saturday at Riverfront Park in Wharton. Organizers say every entry helps keep Meals on Wheels, rides, meals and activities going for area seniors. The walk starts at 8:30 a.m. at the Central … Read more
Wharton County marching bands delivered big at the UIL Region 13 contest at Ricebird Stadium in El Campo, putting the county on the map for the next round. El Campo, East Bernard, Louise and Boling all earned top “1” ratings and are now one step from the State Championships in the Alamodome. Louise and El … Read more
Early voting is now open in Wharton County on a long list of state constitutional changes, including a bigger homestead exemption and new limits on bail. The Leader-Journal printed a voter guide in Wednesday’s paper for anyone who wants the details. Photo ID and prior registration are required. Early polls run 8 to 5 on … Read more