News Staff In Bay City, Kainos Academy is giving locals a fresh start through its six-week Resilient Futures training program. The nonprofit, led by founder Stuart Lynn, covers up to $2,500 in trade school tuition for every graduate who completes the course. Instructor and director Ronda Espinosa, a former Marine and teacher, says it’s about restoring dignity … Read more
Bay City saw major crime drop sharply last year, even as police handled two homicides after reporting none the year before. The department’s annual report shows total crimes down about 40% from ’24 — the biggest dip in years. Property crimes like break-ins and car thefts fell the most, while assaults and rapes also declined. … Read more
El Campo ISD families will not see a May school board election this year because both open seats drew only one candidate each. Board Secretary Susan Nohavitza keeps her Position 7 seat, and Brian Moreno steps into Position 6, replacing outgoing Vice President Anthony Dorotik; both will be sworn in Wednesday, May 11. The board … Read more
Fire crews in El Campo spent last Tuesday afternoon battling a blaze that leveled a vacant home on West Monseratte Street — a house that had been taken over by squatters. When volunteers arrived around noon, the one-story wooden home was already engulfed in flames. Firefighters from El Campo, Louise, and Danevang worked together and … Read more
In Bay City, police and fire officials wrapped up a free hands-only CPR training Thursday evening at the Bay City Volunteer Fire Department on 6th Street. The class began at 5:30 and brought in residents who had pre-registered with the Bay City Police Department. Instructors demonstrated step-by-step CPR techniques and allowed attendees to practice with … Read more
In Edna, high school senior Austin Sommerfeld has earned one of the highest honors in Scouting—the rank of Eagle Scout. Only about six percent of Scouts nationwide reach that level. Sommerfeld, a member of Troop 138, completed his project by designing and building two sturdy L-shaped benches for the Texans Museum, improving safety and seating … Read more
In his State of the Union address, President Trump turned to a small Texas town for a powerful example in his renewed call for tougher immigration action. He highlighted the ’23 murder of 16-year-old cheerleader Lizbeth Medina from Edna, whose mother attended the speech in Washington. The teen was stabbed to death by Rafael Romero, … Read more
A full crowd turned out in Bay City last weekend for a sensory-friendly painting class designed for teens and adults with autism or special needs. The session, held Saturday at Timeless Grace Event Center on Nichols Avenue, offered a calm, supportive space led by Art Hauz and organized by Bay City Texas Autism & Special Needs. Founder Julie Bustamante, whose daughter is on … Read more
The Edna School District is once again in transition after Superintendent Robert O’Connor stepped down earlier than expected. The board has named veteran educator Billy Boyd as interim superintendent. Boyd brings more than 40 years of experience, having served as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent across districts big and small. He says he believes … Read more
Matagorda County Sheriff Rick DeLeon is taking on a new statewide role. Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock appointed him to the newly formed State Law Enforcement Advisory Panel. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, DeLeon also served as sergeant-at-arms in the Texas Senate. The panel aims to boost cooperation between the comptroller’s office and law enforcement … Read more