News Staff El Campo and East Bernard saw significant drops in their sales tax rebates for January. El Campo’s rebate fell by nearly $120,000, a 23.76% decrease from the previous year. Despite the conservative budget, City Manager Courtney Sladek urged locals to shop locally to help stabilize the economy. Wharton saw a minor increase of 0.96%, receiving … Read more
The Edna ISD Board of Trustees extended Superintendent Robert O’Connor’s contract through ’26 during their recent meeting. January is when most districts review superintendents, followed by campus administrators in February and faculty in March. Trustees also reviewed academic reports, financials, and governance policies, held a public hearing on Texas Academic Performance Report data, and approved … Read more
El Campo police are searching for two suspects who robbed an elderly man of $100 on Alamo Street last Friday afternoon. The victim was walking home when the suspects approached and took his money, but he was not seriously hurt. Police say the suspects were unarmed. The robbery happened around 2:40 p.m. in the 100 … Read more
Carrie Fromme, a 23-year-old Lynn Group employee, plans to run for 24 hours straight in Cat Spring to raise funds for a village in La Ceiba, Honduras. The Lynn Group is building homes with clean water and sanitation for locals living in dire conditions. Inspired by her visit to La Ceiba, Fromme aims to highlight … Read more
In Wharton, Police Chief Terry Lynch faced undisclosed disciplinary action. The Wharton County Leader-Journal filed a Freedom of Information request to learn more. City Manager Joseph Pace and Chief Lynch haven’t commented on the matter, nor did Pace return calls. The city confirmed Lynch was on administrative leave but is back on duty. The Texas … Read more
Hackers hit Matagorda County’s computer systems early Friday, encrypting files and disrupting county services in a ransomware attack. Officials say no personal data appears compromised, but all county computers are being examined. Authorities, including state and federal agencies, are investigating, and a disaster declaration was issued. The county is working with cybersecurity experts to restore … Read more
Two Victoria men are behind bars after an early morning robbery at the Vista Sol Apartments on Sam Houston Drive led to a swift police response. Officers stopped a vehicle tied to the crime, but the situation escalated when one passenger bolted on foot, prompting a brief chase before his arrest. Jerry Ross, 21, and … Read more
El Campo Police are asking for help identifying a suspect shown in a photo on it’s social media page. Tips can be shared by calling Sgt. Whitley or anonymously through the P3 website at p3tips.com. West Wharton County Crime Stoppers also accepts anonymous tips, and you must follow up with them to claim any reward. … Read more
The 6th Annual Riverside Smoke-Off will heat up Riverside Park on March 28th and 29th, featuring a Texas-style BBQ competition. With $2,600 in guaranteed payouts, the event invites BBQ enthusiasts, from seasoned pitmasters to first-timers, to compete in various categories like brisket, pork ribs, and beans. Kids can join in with rib-eye steak and pork … Read more
Several Matagorda County swimmers advanced to the regional meet after competing in the District 12-4A Championship. Held on January 17th, the El Campo team won, while Bay City, Palacios, and Van Vleck also saw success. Notably, Van Vleck’s Curtis Goodman earned several top finishes, and Bay City’s Genaro Flores set district records in his events. … Read more