News Staff El Campo’s Volunteer Fire Department showed its appreciation last week with its famous Oyster Supper, serving up 200 gallons of oysters, 900 pounds of fish, and more. More than 2,000 supporters filled the Civic Center, enjoying food, auctions, and fellowship. Mayor Eugene Bustamante, a retired firefighter, welcomed guests. The Staff and George families, with generations … Read more
The El Campo Police Department is reaching out to citizens for assistance in identifying an individual captured in a recent photo posted on social media. They are asking anyone who might have info to contact Sgt. Debo. For those who prefer to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted online through the P3 website at www.p3tips.com, … Read more
Wharton drivers can now use the new FM 1301 extension, but speed is limited to 40 mph. The City Council approved the limit based on TxDOT’s recommendation. Police Chief Terry Lynch says the road may look open now, but future development is expected. The 1.5-mile stretch, linking U.S. 59-Business to U.S. 59, opened Feb. 18th … Read more
Thirteen workers injured in last week’s ammonia release in Matagorda County are suing OQ Chemicals, claiming negligence and seeking damages. The contractors were working at a Bay City plant when equipment failure led to ammonia exposure. Röhm, the plant’s owner, confirmed all hospitalized workers have been released. Some were treated on-site. Officials say the release … Read more
An El Campo man has completed his sentence after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including assaulting jailers in Wharton County. Damion Jermaine Wilkerson, 39, was sentenced to two years on Feb. 26 but had already served his time. Arrested on a parole violation in ’22, Wilkerson became combative at the jail, injuring three officers. He … Read more
A deadly house fire broke out early Sunday morning in Bay City. Around 7:40, first responders arrived at 1216 B Austin St. to find the home engulfed in flames. Neighbors reported a 63-year-old man was still inside. Firefighters worked quickly, but he was found dead. Crews controlled the fire within 40 minutes, with damages estimated … Read more
The Matagorda County Cattlemen’s Association honored Jay and Scott Ledwig as the ’24 “Cattlemen of the Year” during the March rodeo. Lifelong Matagorda County residents, they grew up farming and ranching alongside their father. Today, they manage cattle, as well as rice, cotton, corn, and other crops. Both have deep community ties, with Jay serving … Read more
Edna’s new Shelby Park concession stand-restroom facility is almost ready for its debut. City Manager Gary Broz announced that restrooms are open, and the Little League will start moving equipment into the concession area this week. The old facility was destroyed by severe weather in September of ’23. Temporary restrooms were used for events while … Read more
Wharton County remains measles-free, and local health officials want to keep it that way. Nearly all students in Wharton and El Campo ISDs are vaccinated, with exemption rates under one percent. Statewide, Texas has reported 198 measles cases this year, with one child’s death and 23 hospitalizations. Most cases are in rural Gaines County, while … Read more
Jackson County Hospital’s cafeteria is back and better than ever. After an 18-month, $3.6 million expansion, the dining room reopened Monday, and also a new drive-through on Frederick Drive. An open house is set for late March. The project, funded partly by grants, expanded the kitchen and dining space while adding emergency power for storms. … Read more