El Campo will soon use an unmanned mower for difficult-to-reach areas like ditches and creek beds, approved by the city council. The radio-controlled mower will reduce the use of herbicides, saving around $34,000 annually. City Manager Courtney Sladek highlighted its safety, as it can navigate steep slopes and water. Public Works Director Kevin Thompson noted … Read more
Jackson County officials are moving forward with plans to upgrade boater access at the Lavaca River near FM 616. Commissioners approved a $500,000 grant-funded agreement with Freese & Nichols, Inc., to design shoreline preservation and improvements to the boat ramp and parking area. Additional funding could come from Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act resources. … Read more
The Wharton Police Department is enhancing public safety with new technology. The City Council approved their request to apply for a grant to add five Flock cameras, boosting the city’s network to 14 units. These AI-powered cameras scan and log vehicle details, aiding in tracking stolen cars and criminal activity. Police Chief Terry Lynch called … Read more
In October, Linnie Roberts Elementary School in Bay City raised $1,720 to help local women access mammograms through the Matagorda Regional Medical Center Foundation. Each week, students, families, and staff collected donations and sold items, with proceeds going towards updating 3D software and providing mammograms regardless of patients’ ability to pay. Principal Marissa Wendel emphasized … Read more
Wharton County Junior College Foundation is entering a new chapter with Gary Gillen as board president and Bruce Krauskopf as vice president. Gillen, a long-time local business owner, aims to strengthen scholarships, alumni connections, and campus initiatives. Under his leadership, WCJC is launching the Former Students and Friends Association to reconnect alumni and enhance support … Read more
Van Vleck ISD’s Board of Trustees welcomed new leadership Monday night as Charlie Hill and Dane Evans joined to fill Positions 6 and 7, respectively, replacing outgoing members Terry Blackmon and Paul Kevin Ward. Casey Kile was reelected for Position 5, with all candidates unopposed, prompting the board to cancel the November 5 election earlier … Read more
Dollie Coleman, a seasoned educator with over 22 years of principal experience across El Campo, Bay City, and Eagle Lake, has stepped in as substitute principal at Wharton Junior High after retiring in ’19. Coleman is focused on creating a safe, welcoming environment for students amid leadership changes. She prioritizes building relationships with students and … Read more
Bay City’s annual Christmas Around the Square event is set to bring holiday cheer to Historic Downtown Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. Local businesses, restaurants, and food trucks will showcase their offerings with festive decor, live entertainment, and holiday treats like chili, crawfish étouffée, and hot chocolate. Kids can meet the Grinch, with parents … Read more
Bay City’s Christmas food drive is back after a pandemic break, bringing holiday meals to struggling families. Spearheaded by the Bay City Police Department and First Methodist Church, the effort provides free turkey dinners with all the fixings. Donations of canned goods and money are being accepted until December 18th to purchase supplies. Volunteers, including … Read more
El Campo is refunding over $4,000 to the local Boys & Girls Club after discovering a billing error. The club faced a massive water bill, with one day showing 146,851 gallons used—an impossible figure, according to CEO Jill Hearne. Despite minor plumbing checks and a meter replacement, no major leaks were found, and water usage … Read more