News Staff Bay City Lions Club crowned Marin Bolton the ’25 Rice Festival Queen. Bolton, who also won Best Evening Gown, topped a field of 26 contestants. Joining her court are Kella Beyer, Ansley Kubecka, Savannah Remmy, and Layla Perez. Remmy also earned Miss Photogenic, while Penelope Maldonado was named Miss Congeniality. In the younger divisions, Natalia … Read more
A Wadsworth family is leaning on faith and community after losing nearly everything in a weekend house fire. Assistant Fire Chief Steven McClelland, his wife Marina, and their three young children escaped unharmed, but flames destroyed their home, belongings, and several pets. Friends have since rallied support, raising more than $10,000 through GoFundMe. McClelland, known … Read more
A convicted El Campo child abuser is asking the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals for a new trial after a lower court upheld his 25-year sentence. Forty-five-year-old Adam Dave Abelar was convicted last year for choking and beating a child with a belt. His appeal claims his trial lawyer failed to object to testimony from … Read more
The El Campo Ricebirds hit the road Friday to face Floresville, hoping to keep momentum after a dominant 45-7 homecoming win over Beeville Jones. Head coach Travis Reeve says the team’s focused on improving and staying sharp as district play heats up. Floresville, led by quarterback Drake Coronado, enters the matchup 3-3 after falling to … Read more
A City of Victoria trash truck narrowly avoided disaster this week after a load suddenly caught fire during a morning route. The driver acted fast, dumping the burning trash in an empty parking lot while firefighters rushed in to put out the flames. No one was hurt, but city officials say it’s a serious reminder … Read more
A Montgomery County woman remains behind bars after authorities say she shot her four children inside a vehicle in Brazoria County earlier this month. Investigators say 31-year-old Oninda Romelus called 911 herself after the attack, which killed her 13-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter. Two other children survived and are recovering. Deputies say Romelus appeared paranoid … Read more
Ganado fans are gearing up for Friday night’s home game as the Indians take on the Schulenburg Shorthorns at 7:30. The Indians have been on fire, piling up 128 points in their last three games, including a 49-8 rout of Weimar last week. Sophomore quarterback Landyn Arriaga led the charge with six total touchdowns, while … Read more
Wharton County’s home-delivered meals program for seniors received a $98,000 boost this week. County Judge Phillip Spenrath accepted the Texans Feeding Texans grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture on Monday. The funding helps offset past financial losses and keeps meals going to homebound seniors through Wharton County Junior College’s program. Commissioners also approved a … Read more
Eight people linked to Houston-area health clinics are facing indictments for allegedly running illegal abortion operations and practicing medicine without licenses. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the charges, which include Yaimara Hernandez Alvarez — whose bond bars her from being near clinics in Bay City, though no illegal activity is tied to that area. … Read more
A former El Campo High School athletic trainer is behind bars after being charged with indecency with a child by contact. Authorities say 26-year-old Shamond Hamilton was arrested in Garland on a warrant from El Campo police. Investigators believe the incident involved a 16-year-old girl during the summer, but not on school grounds. Hamilton left … Read more