News Staff Local officials say sales tax numbers across El Campo and East Bernard continue to lag, adding pressure on already tight budgets. Wharton was the only city in the area to see a strong increase this cycle, with its rebate jumping nearly 23 percent. The county also posted a solid gain, marking its third strong month … Read more
Bay City is gearing up for one of its biggest crowds yet as the 10th Annual Wild Game and Wine Camofest returns downtown on Jan. 31. The event marks a decade of community pride and showcases how far the historic district has come. From noon to 6 p.m., visitors can expect live music, wine tastings, … Read more
Bay City’s MAGA Burger is pushing back against national reports claiming the Trump-themed chain has shut down. Staff say the local store has stayed open through weeks of online rumors, political backlash, and confusion tied to legal issues involving founders in Texas. Management says false reports and social media speculation have hurt business and even … Read more
El Campo police chased down two local teens after gunfire broke out during a disturbance on Lilly Street just after 9 p.m. on Nov. 7th. Officers say the group, some wearing ski masks, ran toward Bravo Street before finally surrendering near Charlie Street. A .22 rifle was recovered, and two juveniles were also detained. In … Read more
El Campo police and federal immigration officers locked down Hutchins Elementary and El Campo High School Friday morning after a man refused to exit his Roberts Street home. Officers were attempting to detain 41-year-old Victor Reveles on a federal deportation order after a chase ended at his house. Police said there was no threat to … Read more
A Port Lavaca family is heartbroken after two handmade memorial picnic tables were tossed into Bayfront waters last weekend. The tables, built by Ken Reese and Rhonda Braun to honor their late loved ones, had been a symbol of family and community along the shoreline. City worker Al Alborro spent his Saturday helping recover the … Read more
Ganado’s Pride of the Tribe marching band hit a high note this year, placing 10th at the State competition on November 4th. It marked the sixth straight year the band has advanced to State. Director Mandy Keen says the 99-member group tackled one of its toughest shows yet, filled with tricky time signatures and complex … Read more
It’ll be a family showdown tonight as El Campo Head Coach Travis Reeve and his Ricebirds face his brother Charlie’s Calallen Wildcats in the Class 4A Division I bi-district playoffs. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. at Phil Danaher Stadium in Corpus Christi. El Campo, now 6-4, looks to avenge last year’s 35-14 playoff … Read more
Keith Wittig, a Boling High School graduate and local business owner, has been sworn in to the Boling ISD Board of Trustees, winning the Position 7 seat with 268 votes to 131 over Walter Popisil. Wittig, co-owner of Central Turf Farms in Wharton, says he’s eager to give back to the schools that shaped him. … Read more
El Campo city leaders say major grant funding is transforming local infrastructure while saving taxpayers millions. City Manager Courtney Sladek told council that the city has secured over $22 million in grants—nearly matching its $28 million annual budget. The funds support drainage, street, and sidewalk upgrades, including Phase 2 of the $14.8 million Tres Palacios … Read more