News Staff The El Campo City Council has decided against moving forward with a $3 million proposal for a new Public Works building. Councilman David Hodges emphasized that such a decision should be left to voters, not just the council. Concerns over high costs, including $451–$501 per square foot, were raised by Councilman Thomas Coblentz, who works … Read more
Bay City Council meets Tuesday at 5 p.m. to vote on a public improvement district (or PID) for the Meadow Lake subdivision. The PID would speed up developer reimbursements compared to tax increment reinvestment zones. Property owners would cover costs through assessments. Proposed amenities include a walking trail and fishing pond. If approved, work starts … Read more
A new exhibit at the Wharton County Historical Museum honors Lloyd Shoppa, a local businessman and philanthropist. Family, friends, and community leaders recently gathered for a ribbon-cutting, with the display now open to the public. The exhibit includes photos, personal artifacts, and a video about his life. His wife, Betty, called the tribute emotional, while … Read more
Six Ganado High School students are heading to the 2A State Solo and Ensemble contest, showcasing their dedication to music. Seniors Kara Tupa and Julie Sulak, junior Chandler Gabrysch, sophomores Trace Green and Gracie Moore, and freshman Alex Briones make up the ensemble performing Edge of the World. Sulak and Briones are also competing in … Read more
Wharton County and its cities received positive news with February sales tax rebates showing growth. El Campo saw the largest check at $656,609, reflecting $43.8 million in taxable sales. Wharton enjoyed the biggest increase, with a 29.28% rise from last year. East Bernard shoppers contributed to a $69,845 rebate. Overall, the county’s February rebate was … Read more
The annual Rodeo Queen Contest started at Matagorda County Fair Grounds on Saturday despite cold weather. Past winner Addison Fuller was honored with applause and a prerecorded message as she passed the spotlight to new contestants. Local riders showcased their skills in the 81st annual fair’s competition. After two laps with a white flag, the … Read more
Investigators in Wharton County have released a forensic sketch of a young murder victim found in ’21 near CR 225, hoping someone recognizes her. The girl, believed to be 15 to 19 years old, was shot multiple times in the head and left in a remote area months before she was discovered. Despite DNA testing, … Read more
Matagorda County’s brightest talents took center stage Sunday at the Van Vleck ISD Auxiliary Gym for the annual Talent Show & Public Speaking Contest. In a historic first, Hayden Joins and Emma Kubecka tied for first in Junior Public Speaking. Scollie Saha, fresh off a Rodeo Queen Contest runner-up finish, won Senior Public Speaking. Taelynn … Read more
Wharton County hired an architectural firm to address its overcrowded jail problem. The firm will guide the county on whether to build a new jail or expand the current one. Commissioners approved a $50,000 study for costs, location, and standards. Sheriff Srubar emphasized the need for future planning. The current jail, with 144 beds, often … Read more
Authorities are investigating after a 75-year-old Alvin man was found dead in the Intracoastal Canal near the FM 457 bridge in Matagorda County. Gerald Porter’s SUV went off the road, crashed through wooden barriers, and sank Friday afternoon. Boaters discovered his body nearby hours later. Crews recovered his vehicle Saturday morning. DPS, the U.S. Coast … Read more