News Staff Mark Anthony Vargas, 51, from El Campo, received a 25-year prison sentence after a jury found him guilty of breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s home with intent to harm her. In March of ’22, Vargas forced his way into her Betty Street residence, but she defended herself, firing a single shot that struck him in the … Read more
The Lavaca-Navidad River Authority (LNRA) has announced a temporary closure on FM 3131 for dam embankment construction work. Starting Monday and lasting until December 20th, crews will work between FM 1593 and FM 1822 to install safety equipment along the roadway. Drivers should expect delays and follow detour signs via SH 111 and SH 172. … Read more
Wharton County Sheriff Shannon Srubar secured his third term in office, winning decisively over Wharton PD Lieutenant Ben Guanajuato with a final vote count of 11,600 to 4,429. Srubar, a Republican, led from early and mail-in voting and has served as sheriff since ’16, with a background as El Campo PD and as a former … Read more
South Texas florist and owner of The Petal Express in Victoria, Adrian Franco, will again showcase his talent by helping decorate the White House for Christmas. The Petal Express celebrated the news on social media, expressing pride in Franco’s return to Washington. The store, which specializes in floral designs and event décor, also marked a … Read more
El Campo High School and Louise High School bands are gearing up for area UIL competitions starting today, hoping to secure spots at the state contest in San Antonio. Louise, competing in Odem, has a darker musical theme called “Machines,” focused on AI’s dangers, a student choice. The 2A division band will perform in both … Read more
Bay City will host a heartfelt Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony this Saturday, organized by VFW Post 2438 and American Legion Post 649. After years of weather cancellations, volunteers are excited to bring the event back, honoring those who served. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the Bay City Service Center and will be … Read more
After over a year of investigation, 22-year-old Kalen Fortuna has been charged with capital murder for the death of 27-year-old Joshua Muniz in Bay City. Fortuna was transferred from a Florida jail, where he was held on unrelated charges, to the Matagorda County Jail. On June 6, ’23, authorities responded to Cypress Avenue after reports … Read more
The Port Lavaca Calhoun Sandcrabs pulled off a crucial 22-10 win over the El Campo Ricebirds, scoring 22 unanswered points in a pivotal district matchup. El Campo’s offense stalled repeatedly, turning the ball over on downs five times despite early momentum and a 10-0 lead. Calhoun’s triple-option offense wore down the clock, limiting possessions and … Read more
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar will visit Bay City on Nov. 9th for a Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Bay City Civic Center. As part of his Good for Texas Tour, Hegar will discuss how $125 million in grants, authorized by Senate Bill 22, are benefiting rural law enforcement and prosecutor offices. These funds address … Read more
El Campo city leaders are moving urgently to prevent sewer line collapses, hiring Urban Engineering to investigate aging, high-risk lines. Heavy rains in January caused a major sewer failure on South Wharton Street, serving 40% of the city and costing $500,000. Urban Engineering was chosen unanimously, despite no fixed cost, based on qualifications. The firm … Read more