Used Christmas trees dump

The city trash service is still accepting live Christmas trees set curbside through the end of the month. Leaf bags or other bundled trash, however, will require either a scheduled heavy trash pickup or a trip to the dump. Texas Disposal Systems, the city’s trash provider, says trees more than 5-feet tall need to be … Read more

State axes tax relief

Texas schools have lost a key draw for businesses, if the legislature doesn’t take action to reinstate the program. With the end of 2022, and after the extension died in the Texas Senate, schools are losing the ability to issue 313 tax abatements to businesses moving forward. The program was intended to draw businesses to … Read more

JC adds deputies

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has welcomed two new faces – one a little furrier than the other. Deputy Dakota Smith and K9 Hunter have joined the team and look forward to working in Jackson County. Deputy Smith is an Army veteran who was deployed to the Middle East as a Cavalry Scout. Upon leaving … Read more

County passes over volunteer for seat

Following a bit of confusion, Wharton County commissioners opted for a EMS instructor over a man at court volunteering his services when appointing an Emergency Services District No. 3 board member last week. That vote took place after Manuel DeLuna spoke during public comment, introducing himself, offering his services and promising to be at meetings … Read more

$1.5M grant possible

The deadline for a $1.5 million public works grant application has El Campo city council members gathering at noon Thursday to approve an application to the General Land Office for its Community Development Block Grant program. The funds would be used for drainage and to improve declining infrastructure in South El Campo’s low and moderate-income … Read more

Trial to start

Monday will mark Robert Allen Satterfield’s return to Wharton County’s District Court and the restart of his capital murder trial. The 13th District Court of Appeals lifted its stay last Thursday, allowing the trial halted on Nov. 28th to proceed. The jury already selected will be sworn in that morning, and the case will continue … Read more

Power outage reported in the Nursery area

Victoria Electric Cooperative reported a power outage Monday afternoon in the Nursery area. Soon after a lineman was on duty- and restored the power to the area an hour later. Some customers reported power restoration at about the same time, however the VEC reported that power was restored to most of the area, except Love … Read more

County hires firms to oversee drainage projects

The Wharton County Commissioners Court approved a pair of resolutions to formally hire an administrator and three engineering–architectural firms to manage three drainage projects in the county during their meeting Dec. 27th. Although the commissioners had previously selected the companies the new resolutions were the formal hiring of the firms to manage the $11.8 million … Read more

County approves PCC Chemicals

Matagorda County approved PCC Chemicals tax abatement during its final meeting. During the public hearing for the approval, all citizens and interested persons were encouraged to present their views to the Commissioners Court. And they did just that. The new manufacturing facility will encompass approximately 120 acres on the Port of Bay City’s land. The … Read more

5-star RB Rueben Owens

El Campo running back Rueben Owens had an incredible high school career for the Ricebirds. Though he is headed to Texas A&M for college, the five-star prospect has one more order of business before Aggieland. Owens will be playing in this week’s All-American Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday at noon Central time. It will … Read more