Special Use Permit for Castro Tire

El Campo City Council approved a special use permit for Castro Tire Shop’s new location on S. Mechanic Street, requiring all work to be done indoors to support the anti-blight initiative. Despite their history in the city, the council voted 6-1 to impose these restrictions. Planning & Zoning had approved the business plan with conditions, … Read more

Middle School Teacher Resigns

An El Campo Middle School teacher resigned Wednesday amid an ongoing investigation into an alleged inappropriate relationship with a student. El Campo police, with assistance from the Texas Rangers, are examining evidence primarily involving electronic communications. The investigation began after a high school parent filed a complaint Monday, expressing concerns about the teacher’s relationship with … Read more

Head-on Collision

A head-on collision shut down Highway 60 in Bay City for nearly two hours Tuesday evening, leaving two people airlifted to hospitals. The crash happened around 5:45 p.m. in the 100 block of Avenue F North. Emergency crews used the jaws of life to rescue a 72-year-old Bay City woman trapped in an overturned pickup. … Read more

New Ricebird Turf

El Campo ISD’s football field will get a major upgrade next year after the school board approved a $1.15 million bid for new turf. Construction starts after soccer season, with completion set for next football season. The field will feature Hellas’ Matrix turf system, used by NFL teams like the Cowboys and Texans, along with … Read more

Traffic Stop Drug Arrest

A traffic stop in Bay City led to the arrest of 50-year-old Brandon Osborne. Police found 2.13 grams of unidentified prescription pills and 2.36 grams of methamphetamine in his pockets. Osborne was initially defensive but complied with officers. He spent a night in Matagorda County jail before posting a $7,000 bond. Osborne, son of Matagorda … Read more

Luddeke New Head Football Coach

Matthew Luddeke, who previously coached at Industrial High School in’18, has been hired as the new head football coach and athletic director for the Cobras. After gaining experience as defensive coordinator and powerlifting coach, Luddeke returned to Industrial when the opportunity arose. The Industrial ISD Board unanimously voted him in on Monday. Luddeke expressed his … Read more

Wreaths Across America

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2438 honored over 1,000 fallen service members with Christmas wreaths at Cedarvale Cemetery last weekend. This is part of the Wreaths Across America initiative in Matagorda County. Kenneth Thames led the ceremony, emphasizing the sacrifices made for freedom. The event also honored POWs and MIAs. Nearly 4,150 wreaths were … Read more

Holiday Traffic Enforcement

Texas highway troopers are gearing up for their annual holiday traffic enforcement, which starts today and lasts through New Year’s. With roads busier than usual, troopers will be watching for speeders, seat belt violators, and drunk drivers, as well as other traffic offenses. Colonel Freeman Martin says stay alert, avoiding distractions, and following laws like … Read more

Palacios Police Chief Graduates

Palacios Police Chief Tobie Bias was one of 257 officers to graduate from the FBI’s prestigious National Academy in Virginia. The 11-week program is known for its tough requirements, including physical tests, leadership courses, and college-level classes. Bias, with over 20 years of experience, took courses on leadership, constitutional law, and officer wellness, earning 18 … Read more

Stabbing Attack

A 21-year-old man is recovering after being stabbed early Saturday morning while walking to a friend’s house near Avenue M and 13th Street in Bay City. The attack happened around 5:30 a.m., and the man was treated at Matagorda Regional Medical Center for knife wounds after fighting back against the unknown assailant. Police are investigating … Read more