News Staff On Saturday, Bay City voters decided on three charter amendments, with about 8% of registered voters participating. Proposition A passed with 82%, changing City Council elections to staggered terms, ensuring more continuity. Proposition B narrowly passed with 51%, reducing required Council meetings from two to one per month, allowing for better flexibility without cutting transparency. … Read more
Wharton County Junior College has received its first-ever National Science Foundation grant, totaling $1 million over four years, to enhance its geology program. The grant, part of a partnership with the University of Houston, will give students hands-on field experience using industry-grade tools. Already, WCJC has purchased drones and a workstation to process aerial images. … Read more
El Campo voters approved an $80.9 million school bond on Saturday, with 1,045 in favor and 464 against. The bond funds a new, safety-compliant wing at Hutchins Elementary and major upgrades at El Campo High School, including replacing outdated buildings with one connected structure. No tax increase is needed, thanks to old bond payoffs. Planning … Read more
The City of El Campo invites everyone to the Second Annual Touch-a-Truck Event on Saturday, May 17th, at Alamo Park. From 9 AM to noon, attendees can get up close with a variety of vehicles, such as fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, trash trucks, and construction machines. This hands-on experience lets kids and adults explore … Read more
The City of Bay City is hiring a Crime Scene Technician for its Police Department. This full-time role supports criminal investigations by collecting and preserving evidence, photographing scenes, and testifying in court. Applicants must be at least 21, pass a background check, and have crime scene or law enforcement experience. The position may involve long … Read more
El Campo city leaders are raising red flags about street damage caused by heavy trucks. Council members say garbage and construction vehicles have worn down roads like Sue, Town & Country, and Meadow Lane. Officials warn new projects could mean more damage. Some suggest requiring builders to post bonds, like the county does, but worry … Read more
After 31 years in education, East Bernard Junior High Principal David Janecek is retiring at the end of the school year. A 1980s EBHS grad, Janecek spent the last seven years leading the junior high, following 17 years teaching and coaching. He’s handing the reins to Mary Trochta from Louise. Janecek, a lifelong Brahma, says … Read more
The El Campo City Council is planning for a potential loss in sales tax rebates, which have dropped by about $185,000 this fiscal year. This loss, linked to a 3% rebate increase in the budget, could force the city to adjust next year’s budget or even raise property taxes. Wharton County is also facing a … Read more
Wharton’s tennis teams dominated the district meet on their home court, winning both the boys’ and girls’ championships. The Tigers secured titles in mixed doubles, girls’ doubles, boys’ doubles, and girls’ singles. Coach Roben Eller praised the team for their hard work and dedication, as 10 players advanced to regionals. The boys’ team scored 11 … Read more
Baytown Little Theater performed the award-winning Tuesdays with Morrie on Sunday at The Plaza Theatre in downtown Wharton. The emotional production, based on Mitch Albom’s bestselling memoir, followed a journalist’s weekly visits with his dying professor. Admission was free, with donations supporting their upcoming trip to nationals in Iowa. The moving play, directed by Carrie … Read more