News Staff This school year El Campo ISD has spent more than $500,000 to ensure children have nothing to fear. Director of Federal Programs Demetric Wells presented a state-of-district security update to the board members including next steps and an estimation of the overall expenses incurred. Cameras have been longer-term projects for school security, with officials predicting … Read more
Karsyn Murray of Bay City represented Matagorda County at the Texas Miss US Agriculture pageant in Temple Nov. 11-13. Murray competed in the essay contest, personal interview, onstage self-introduction, fun fashion, and evening wear, and was awarded the state title. She was awarded $4,000 in scholarships. Karsyn is the daughter of Matt and Katie Murray. … Read more
A former El Campo city council candidate is suing a once business rival claiming defamation based on social media comments and the owner has filed a counter suit. Both cases are pending and no hearing dates have been set thus far. Keith Murphy filed to run as an at-large El Campo city council candidate in … Read more
Emergency 9-1-1 lines are being disrupted at the Wharton County Sheriff’s Office, prompting concern and arrests. Four people have been arrested for inappropriate 9-1-1 calls to Wharton County dispatchers since late October, several more were reported during the summer. The El Campo Police Department dispatchers also have to cope with abusive callers on the 9-1-1 … Read more
A 27-year-old El Campo man who shot his grandparents during a family argument will spend the next 15 years behind prison bars. Kristian Dre Cadriel stood before 23rd District Court Judge Ben Hardin last week to plea guilty to two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Because Cadriel used a deadly weapon, he … Read more
The Luther Hotel in Palacios, a 120-year-old landmark, is in danger of being demolished. With the death of its former owner, Jack Findlay, his estate has now been placed in probate court and the heirs of the Luther Hotel have announced its plans to sell the property. The new prospective owners have contacted the Texas … Read more
Bay City Police Department’s new Chief of Police has been announced and for the first time in the history of the city – it’s a woman. Christella Rodriguez is not only the first woman to be named Chief, but also the first Hispanic to be named to the post. She will be officially sworn in … Read more
Two Las Vegas men face human smuggling and drug charges after Wharton County Sheriff deputies stopped their vehicle for traffic violations last week. One of the men facing charges claimed he didn’t notice the two dirt-covered men riding in the back seat of their Buick sedan while the other opted to flee, ultimately being tracked … Read more
The El Campo Ricebirds and the Kilgore Bulldogs meet again today in round three. The last time the Ricebirds defeated the Bulldogs was in New Caney at Texan Drive Stadium in 2015. The Ricebirds are hoping history might repeat itself. The stadium has a new name, but they’re playing in New Caney again this afternoon … Read more
One of El Campo’s homegrown sons was issued one of the highest honors the National FFA organization can grant. Ryan Williamson, son of El Campo Police Chief Gary Williamson, was selected as Texas’ nominee for the Western Region Vice President in Indianapolis on Oct. 29th. Williamson, now a junior at Texas A&M, was selected as … Read more