The Texas Retired Teachers Association in Wharton County recently held their January meeting at the Heritage Center in El Campo. President Renee Cavazos announced the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision, restoring Social Security benefits. Members were encouraged to join Red Day at the state capitol on March 26 to support retired teachers. Sheriff Shannon … Read more
El Campo honored EMS Director Garret Bubela as Employee of the Year for his leadership and dedication to the community. Known for fostering teamwork and professionalism, Bubela played a key role during Hurricane Beryl, managing emergency efforts, securing FEMA funding, and saving the city millions in grants. City Manager Courtney Sladek praised his ability to … Read more
Bay City is gearing up for its 9th annual Camofest on Saturday, celebrating local artist Forrest Bess while raising funds for downtown revitalization. The event will feature live music, wine tastings, a food camp with wild game samples, and new additions like an ArtWalk and artist demos. Local bands, including Zydeco Dots and Bubba Westly, … Read more
El Campo sophomore Luke Dornak became the school’s first-ever male diving district champion after nailing 11 dives at Brazosport High. His win gives the Ricebirds a boost heading into the District 12 swim meet. Dornak credits his success to hard work and support from his coach and parents. Starting diving just last year, he’s made … Read more
Two brothers in Van Vleck lost their home and six pets to a trailer fire Wednesday night, which officials blamed on an old space heater. The fire on Camino Del Arroyo began while they were out, starting in a bedroom where a turned-off but plugged-in heater’s damaged cord shorted. The brothers tried to save their … Read more
Legendary coach Jackie Sherrill, a two-time national champion, spoke at the El Campo Rotary Club about his positive experience with stem cell therapy at Celltex Therapeutics. Sherrill, who also led Texas A&M to three straight championships, shared how the therapy helped him avoid surgery and lengthy recoveries. He encouraged everyone, from athletes to the elderly, … Read more
In Bay City, 41-year-old Matthew Joseph Brown was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a child under 14. Police served arrest and search warrants at his home on Cottonwood. The victim reported the abuse on Dec. 30th, and detailed the assaults to the Bay City Child Advocacy Center on Jan. 7th. The abuse reportedly began in … Read more
The intersection of 4th and Helen Streets in Bay City, will be closed until Tuesday due to recent rainfall and upcoming weather conditions. The Street and Bridge department has taken this precaution to ensure the area has sufficient time to properly set and avoid potential issues. The city urges drivers to remain cautious when passing … Read more
Wharton County’s growth is driving business opportunities, but upgrading aging properties can be costly. The TX-PACE program, adopted locally in ’23, helps businesses finance energy and water efficiency improvements through long-term, low-risk loans through private equity. Payments are treated like taxes, offering flexibility and immediate savings to repay the loans. Local leaders view TX-PACE as … Read more
Longtime Victoria judge Jack W. Marr retired on January 1st, closing a 50-year legal career, including 11 years on the bench. Marr, who presided over thousands of cases in the 24th District Court, reflected fondly on his journey, from practicing family law to his unexpected path to the bench. Marr became a respected figure in … Read more