News Staff The Tidehaven community is rallying around the family of former Tiger Ricky Rubio, whose passing over Thanksgiving has left a deep hole in Matagorda County. Friends, coworkers, and former coaches are sharing memories of his upbeat spirit while also stepping in to help his loved ones. Nearly fifteen thousand dollars has already been raised to … Read more
The East Bernard Chamber of Commerce says time ran out to join this year’s Christmas parade. The deadline to register was Friday, and so far only 16 entries are signed up, with no floats yet. Locals are encouraged to help make the evening memorable. This year’s theme is “Deck the Decades.” The parade rolls out … Read more
Matagorda County voters are bracing for a major shift in political representation after the U.S. Supreme Court cleared Texas to use its new congressional map in the ’26 midterms. The ruling overturns a lower court that tried to block the map over racial gerrymandering concerns. Local leaders say this decision could reshape who speaks for … Read more
Wharton County Commissioners met Monday in Wharton and moved ahead with key equipment plans. They approved looking into a ’26 Chevy police pickup costing about $51,600 and a John Deere tractor and shredder for $140,000 to help with drainage. They reviewed $44,000 in road damage in Precinct 4 and shifted Precinct 2 machinery money toward … Read more
Mike Wilkinson has come full circle, returning to Wharton County Junior College as its new Chief of Staff. The Bay City native and former WCJC student will lead strategic planning, accreditation, grants, and community partnerships. He brings years of student-focused leadership from universities in Texas and Alabama. Wilkinson says community colleges change lives, and he’s … Read more
East Bernard pulled off a stunning upset Friday night, knocking off undefeated Tidehaven 34-31. A month after losing 59-6, the Brahmas flipped the script with two touchdowns in the final three minutes. Quarterback Dan Bartlett threw for 412 yards, including the go-ahead score moments after East Bernard recovered an onside kick. A late interception sealed … Read more
El Campo City Council will meet tonight with two big items. Members will consider renaming the Willie Bell Park pavilion after Gloria Harris, the first Black woman to serve on the council and a District 2 leader for 30 years. They will also review stricter Civic Center rules banning confetti, fireworks, fog machines and anything … Read more
Cold wind chills didn’t stop families from filling downtown El Campo Thursday night as more than 70 brightly-lit floats rolled through the Christmas parade. Crowds bundled up along the streets for the “Santa’s Southern Stop” celebration, cheering dancers, classic cars, and school bands. Kids raved about the Grinch floats, fire trucks, and a visit from … Read more
Wharton’s Monterey Square Business Association is planning a snow-filled holiday night downtown from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19t. The group expects food trucks, vendors, face painting, Christmas music, Santa, and real snow. City Council will be asked this evening to close South Fulton, waive fees, and provide cleanup supplies. Council will also … Read more
The East Bernard Brahmas are back in the regional finals for the first time since’19, and the entire town is buzzing. Standing in their way is top-ranked Tidehaven, the same squad that crushed East Bernard a month ago. But the Brahmas say they’ve been waiting for this rematch and expect a battle tonight at Freedom … Read more