News Staff 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
Bay City leaders have declared November as National Aviation Month, recognizing how the aviation industry fuels the local economy and connects the community to the world. Mayor Robert K. Nelson signed the proclamation, highlighting Bay City Regional Airport’s key role in business, tourism, and recreation. The airport serves as a major hub for travel and … Read more
A Louise woman is facing felony charges after allegedly shooting her husband during a domestic dispute two months ago. The Wharton County Grand Jury has indicted 42-year-old Melanie Rae Bell for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury. Deputies arrested Bell at her home on Fourth Street in Louise on September 15. Investigators … Read more
A Wharton family of nine lost their home Monday morning after a fire broke out on Holiness Lane near County Road 166. Fire crews were called just after 9 a.m. and believe the blaze started from an electrical issue in the attic. With limited water supply on the city’s edge, firefighters from Boling, Hungerford, and … Read more
Matagorda County Farm Bureau is putting agriculture to work for local families. Through the statewide Farmers Feeding Families program, the group donated three hogs and two steers—more than 1,200 pounds of fresh meat—to the Bay City Women’s Crisis Center, Calvary Baptist Church, and Harvest House. Each organization serves hundreds of residents weekly, offering warm meals … Read more
Jackson County is getting a major economic boost as Formosa Plastics announced a $150 million investment to build a new C6 production facility near Point Comfort. The plant will create new jobs and supply materials for everyday plastics. Governor Greg Abbott says the project highlights Texas’ strength in chemical manufacturing and global exports. Local leaders, … Read more
Ganado’s star athlete Kyla Stancik is staying close to home, officially committing to Texas A&M–Victoria to continue her softball career and studies. Stancik earned state MVP honors after driving in the game-winning run that secured Ganado’s first-ever state championship last May. She wrapped up the season with 34 hits and 23 RBIs. Outside of school, … Read more
A Wharton mother is starting over after losing nearly everything in a devastating apartment fire early last Wednesday morning. Around 2:30 a.m., River Bend Apartments resident Rossilynn Hayes woke to shouts and thick smoke filling her unit. She grabbed her 18-month-old daughter and escaped just in time. Hayes, who recently moved back to Wharton and … Read more
Wharton Police have identified 61-year-old Sharon Llanes as the woman killed in Friday night’s auto-pedestrian crash on East Boling Highway. Investigators say the driver, 40-year-old Darelle Baxter, immediately called 911 and stayed at the scene, fully cooperating with officers. Police report that sobriety tests showed no signs of intoxication, though toxicology results are still pending. … Read more
El Campo made waves at the Lamar Consolidated Invitational recently. The Lady Ricebirds dominated the pool, earning the team championship with 125 points, while the Ricebirds finished strong in third place with 77. Tuloso-Midway and Victoria West rounded out the girls’ standings, while Victoria West claimed the boys’ title. Coach Kelly Garner praised the full … Read more