News Staff El Campo families who host exchange students are pushing back after the UIL moved to block foreign students from playing varsity sports. The rule still needs state approval, but locals say it would strip visiting teens of a key way to fit into small-town Texas life. One host mom says sports help students like Belgian … Read more
The Matagorda County Birding Nature Center is giving locals a closer look at wildlife with a new high-definition livestream of a bald eagle nest along the Colorado River. The free feed, available on the center’s website and YouTube channel, shows the adult eagles taking turns warming a newly laid egg. Visitors at the Nature Center … Read more
Bay City Police are reminding residents who pre-registered for the upcoming Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events class that training begins tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. The session will take place at the Bay City Fire Department on 6th Street and will teach civilians how to react and stay safe during active-shooter situations. Officers say the … Read more
Wharton is gearing up for a festive night as the 45th Annual Holiday Parade brings “Holiday Movie Magic” to downtown this evening. More than 65 floats will roll out at 7 p.m. from the Wharton County Courthouse Annex and make their way toward Monterey Square. Retired Wharton ISD trustee Sherrell Speer will serve as parade … Read more
El Campo’s downtown will stay busy today as 21 local shops take part in the Chamber’s Hometown Holiday Shop Hop. Stores will stay open until 8 p.m., giving residents a full day to browse Christmas gifts, grab deals, and enter giveaways. Anyone who spends $25 or more at participating businesses can enter to win over … Read more
Wharton ISD is taking another step to fix its troubled finances by considering a new financial advisor. A representative from Live Oak Public Finance, a firm that works with districts across South Texas, outlined how the company could help manage debt and long-term planning. The board will vote later, but leaders signaled support. The district … Read more
An El Campo man will avoid prison time after admitting he deliberately hit a pedestrian nearly four years ago. Robert Abel Johnson, 23, pleaded guilty in Wharton County’s District Court and received eight years of deferred adjudication probation. Judge Randy Clapp also ordered community service, a $500 fine, drug and alcohol evaluation, and anger management. … Read more
The historic Louise rice mill is getting a major upgrade that will help bring year-round community events back to the site. Local leaders secured a nearly $16,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority, along with matching funds from the Louise-Hillje Chamber of Commerce, to install a new metal roof on the landmark building. The … Read more
Jury selection begins today in Wharton County as a local man faces charges for allegedly threatening a Wharton ISD police officer. Prosecutors say the incident happened on February 1st, of ’24, leading to a retaliation charge against 41-year-old Jealous Jones Mayberry of Correll Street. Judge John Maher will oversee the case in the 23rd District … Read more
El Campo police are investigating a late-night shooting that targeted a family’s vehicles on East Third Street a week ago Sunday. Officers say someone walked up a backyard driveway just before midnight and fired at least 10 shots into a pickup and two sedans. No homes were hit, and the shooter took off on foot. … Read more