News Staff The El Campo Rotary Club served a BBQ lunch to 300 lineworkers at the Civic Center on Thursday. The lunch thanked American Electric Power workers and first responders for restoring power post-Hurricane Beryl. Local businesses donated food. By Friday, 97% of power was restored. The Rotary Club also provided pizzas to Wharton County Electric Cooperative … Read more
Officials reported the first local death related to Hurricane Beryl. A 66-year-old man in Bay City died from heat stroke without air conditioning. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick assured residents that state officials are providing aid, including meals, water, and cooling stations. Power restoration is ongoing, but some areas, like Sargent, may be without power for … Read more
Wharton County residents, already hit by Hurricane Beryl and July heat, now face a mosquito invasion. Local governments, including El Campo’s “Mosquito Assassins,” are combating the pests with nightly city-wide spraying. Public Works Director Kevin Thompson aims to curb the mosquito population before it spikes. Residents are urged to eliminate standing water to prevent breeding.
Late Tuesday, Lavaca County EMS was called by the state’s emergency medical task force. Due to an overload of 911 calls in Houston, four paramedics and two ambulances were sent from Lavaca County. They joined EMS teams from across Texas at NRG Stadium and were assigned to the Manvel area to assist.
AEP Texas is restoring power to the last customers affected by Hurricane Beryl. They ask those still without power to call the Customer Solutions Center. 94% of the 35,500 affected customers have power back. Customers are reminded to stay away from crews and downed power lines, and to follow safety instructions for portable generators. Sign … Read more
Bay City police announced help for Hurricane Beryl damage — free cleanup services. Volunteers can cut fallen trees, remove drywall, flooring, and appliances, tarp roofs, and mitigate mold. The hotline is open until July 19th. Services aren’t guaranteed due to high demand and don’t cover social services like food, clothing, shelter, or insurance. For more … Read more
Despite most of El Campo being without power after Hurricane Beryl, the Little League Texas East State Softball Tournament proceeded at Zlotnik Park, which had power. District 18 administrator Paul Sanders confirmed the games are on, though he is concerned about hotel availability for visitors. The tournament started Thursday with opening ceremonies.
Carlos Morales, 44, from Humble, was arrested on June 28th for smuggling people after a traffic stop on Hwy 59. When pulled over, several individuals fled into the brush. Morales was detained, and a search of his vehicle revealed a Ruger 380 pistol and items linked to human smuggling. He faces additional charges for unlawful … Read more
Four former Industrial High School baseball players pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily injury. They received 12 months deferred adjudication, 50 hours of community service, and a $1,000 fine. The charges stemmed from an organized assault on a younger teammate last year. Their attorney stated that the plea deal was the best option to avoid … Read more
Wharton successfully avoided a worst-case scenario with Hurricane Beryl. The Assistant City Manager reported minimal structural damage, mainly from fallen tree limbs, and the city’s infrastructure remained intact. The Wharton Volunteer Fire Department, on standby during the storm, mainly dealt with downed power lines and gas leaks. The main job now will be restoring power … Read more