News Staff 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
Kindergarteners at Van Vleck Elementary kicked off Thanksgiving early last Friday with a creative Turkey Parade, featuring handmade “floats” crafted from decorated potatoes. Held in the school parking lot, the festive event delighted fellow students and parents. Superintendent Christie Dement praised the parade, humorously calling it better than the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The event … Read more
El Campo ISD employees will receive a $1,500 retention bonus this December, thanks to a unanimous school board vote. The bonus, aimed at showing appreciation for staff, follows the district’s recovery from a $1.1 million budget shortfall caused by a Central Appraisal District error. With the Texas Education Agency reallocating missing funds, the district will … Read more
The holiday spirit is in full swing in Wharton as the Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture prepares for its 44th annual Christmas parade tonight. New Chamber president Karen Smith is leading the event for the first time, following the retirement of longtime president Ron Sanders, who served for 17 years and will be honored as … Read more
Bay City Fire Marshal Dan Shook is urging residents to stay safe as home fires spike. He highlighted that candles, space heaters, cooking mishaps, and dry holiday greenery are major fire risks. Shook advises keeping candles away from anything flammable and using glass jars with lids to extinguish them safely. He also recommends space heaters … Read more
El Campo’s City Council will decide tonight whether to allocate $5,275 from hotel/motel tax funds to cover the Chamber of Commerce’s rental of the Civic Center for the annual Christmas Mall. The event, set for Dec. 7-8, attracts regional shoppers and spikes local sales tax revenue. Other agenda items include approving an ambulance order to … Read more