Starting January 1st, most Texas drivers will no longer need annual safety inspections for their vehicles after state lawmakers passed House Bill 3297. Supporters say the inspections were inconvenient, while critics warn the change could compromise road safety. Although the $7.50 inspection fee will still be collected during vehicle registration under a new name, annual … Read more
Weekend rain showers brought enough relief to Matagorda County’s dry conditions for officials to lift the long burn ban on Monday. Emergency Management Coordinator Amanda Campos reported the county’s drought index dropped to 433, below the threshold of 500 that triggers a ban. However, Campos urged residents to remain cautious, especially with fireworks during New … Read more
East Bernard Volunteer Fire Department Chief Randy Kresta was honored as the annual Firefighter of the Year during the department’s annual Christmas party on Dec. 11th. President J.A. Szymanski presented the award, highlighting Kresta’s dedication and behind-the-scenes contributions. Kresta, who joined the department in ’87 and became chief in ’01, was chosen for the honor … Read more
Matagorda County officials will increase patrols to catch impaired drivers during the New Year holiday. A wrecked car display at Highway 35 and County Road 457 aims to warn against drunk driving. Police Chief Christella Rodriguez urges residents to keep Texas roads safe. Lt. Stephen Lunsford highlights the high cost of DWIs and the ability … Read more
West Wharton County faced tornado scares Thursday as funnel clouds formed, damaging two barns near Pierce. No injuries were reported. Alerts were issued at 2:30 p.m., urging residents to seek shelter. The first funnel was seen near U.S. 59 and Highway 71. High winds caused minor damage at Mikeska’s Bar-B-Que. Emergency responders found no major … Read more
Days before Christmas, Bay City Police arrested Armando Lara for stealing a brand new Kia Telluride from a parking lot and crashing it into a Walmart pole. The car’s owner, Tiffany Sanchez, left it running while shopping. Lara, 38, was identified after fleeing the scene and later apprehended on Seventh Street. He’s charged with unauthorized … Read more
Rasmussen Farms Distillery in El Campo is set to receive up to $50,000 in economic development funds to expand its site. The distillery, known for transforming rice into vodka, plans to add a restaurant to its location on U.S. 59 Frontage Road. This project is expected to create 10-12 full-time jobs and boost local economic … Read more
Tenaris teamed up with Matagorda County United Way to support 27 local families, including 86 children, through the Adopt-a-Family program this holiday season. Tenaris employees donated gifts like bicycles, clothes, shoes, electronic devices, and games for children of all ages. Community and Regulatory Affairs Manager Scott Savage expressed pride in the employees’ generosity, highlighting the … Read more
Lawrence Herald, a 78-year-old El Campo resident, had his life sentence for fentanyl possession upheld on appeal. Convicted in ’23, Herald argued ineffective counsel but was denied. Arrested in ’19, his home search yielded fentanyl, cash, and a pistol. Herald fled before his trial’s second day but was recaptured. He faced an enhanced charge after … Read more
Jose Miguel “Mike” Salazar of Edna was indicted for the murder of Jasmine Ramirez and aggravated assault. The indictment alleges that on October 16th, Salazar beat Ramirez and ran her over with a vehicle while intoxicated with two children present. He was arrested the following day on Highway 59 near County Road 300. Salazar faces … Read more