News Staff The El Campo ISD school board will close out the year with major updates impacting students, staff, and taxpayers on Wednesday . Trustees will review progress on the $81 million bond projects at Hutchins Elementary and El Campo High School, approved by voters in May. Construction at Hutchins is set to begin in January, replacing … Read more
In East Bernard, the hometown Brahmas saw their inspiring playoff run end Thursday night with a 74-20 loss to the powerful Newton Eagles in the Class 3A Division II state semifinal at New Caney. Missing their star running back Luke Anderson, the Brahmas fought hard but couldn’t stop Newton’s explosive big plays. The Eagles racked … Read more
Bay City is looking to freshen up its Tourism Advisory Board for next year by adding new voices from the local tourism scene. The city just updated the board’s spots to better cover key areas like hotels, restaurants, shops, arts, outdoor fun, and eco-tourism across Bay City and Matagorda County. There’s also one open seat … Read more
El Campo city council unanimously voted to name a pavilion in Willie Bell Park after longtime former councilwoman Gloria Harris, who served District 2 for 30 years and helped bring the structure to life. One resident, Paula Bell, niece of the park’s namesake—a beloved Negro League baseball star—objected, suggesting it honor another family member instead. … Read more
Matagorda County ranchers and landowners are being urged to stay alert after state officials confirmed a new invasive insect has reached local pastures. The pasture mealybug, never before found in North America, is already damaging grazing land in South Texas, with nearby Victoria County reporting the worst impacts so far. Agriculture leaders warn the pest … Read more
Texas Seafood in Victoria is preparing once again to serve hot meals to the homeless on Christmas Day, continuing an eight-year tradition that began after Hurricane Harvey. Owner Ben Pham says he wants to “keep a little corner of Victoria warm” by offering comfort to those who have nowhere else to go. The effort has … Read more
Ganado is gearing up for its ninth annual Car Show and Christmas in the Park Market on Friday, December 19, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Devers Creek Park. Organizers say every dollar raised goes toward scholarships for Ganado’s ’26 graduates. The event will feature dozens of cars, trucks, and specialty entries, with awards at … Read more
The Plaza Theatre in downtown Wharton honored longtime board member Henry Baade for two decades of volunteer service. Baade officially stepped down after the November annual meeting, closing a chapter marked by major upgrades he helped lead, including weatherproofing the building, repairing the iconic marquee, and expanding the Stage Door area for more lobby and … Read more
Wharton County residents living outside El Campo, Wharton and East Bernard will be allowed to launch fireworks this holiday season, thanks to safe drought levels. County Judge Phillip Spenrath said the county’s drought index is low enough to permit aerial fireworks, but he urged everyone to be extremely careful. Local fire chiefs reminded families to … Read more
Louise Junior High students brought their robotics skills to Texas City last weekend, giving kids a hands-on taste of high-tech competition. Three Louise teams took part in the VEX IQ Stingmas event, where student-built robots raced to stack colored pegs for points. The Hornets placed mid-pack, but coaches said the real win was the experience … Read more