Downtown Bay City was full of Halloween spirit as families packed the Bay City Public Library’s annual Trunk or Treat celebration on Saturday. Fifteen contestants transformed their vehicles into spooky, creative displays, with the Popcorn-themed trunk earning top honors after hundreds of online votes. Library staff called this year’s event one of the most successful … Read more
A Wharton home’s garage went up in flames a week ago after a lawn mower exploded, but no one was hurt. Fire crews were called to 515 Mockingbird Lane, where the homeowner said she was refueling the mower after cutting the grass when it caught fire. Firefighters contained the blaze to the garage of the … Read more
Leaders from Wharton and Matagorda counties will take a major step Friday toward launching their new regional public defender’s office. The newly formed seven-member oversight board will meet at 9 a.m. at the Matagorda County Courthouse in Bay City to begin its search for a chief public defender — the attorney who will lead legal … Read more
Wharton ISD is taking steps toward academic recovery after years of failing grades from the Texas Education Agency. At last week’s “Let’s Talk About It” meeting at Wharton Elementary, parents heard from district leaders about new programs aimed at boosting student success in and out of the classroom. Superintendent Olatunji Oduwole described the district’s improvement … Read more
After rain canceled the Rice Festival Parade in October, the newly crowned Rice Festival Queen and her Court will finally get their parade moment — this time honoring local heroes. They’ll ride in Bay City’s 8th Annual Veterans Appreciation Parade on Saturday. The parade starts at 10 a.m. from the Bay City Service Center, followed … Read more
Turnovers and missed chances cost El Campo a big home win Friday night as Calhoun rallied late for a 35-31 victory. The Ricebirds led early behind two touchdowns from Vlad Garcia, but costly fumbles and a heartbreaking late turnover sealed their fate. With the loss, El Campo drops to 6-3 overall and 2-2 in district … Read more
El Campo residents will get a first look at the city’s future plans this Thursday evening. A public meeting starts at 5:30 at the El Campo Civic Center, where officials will present a draft of the city’s updated Comprehensive Plan. The short presentation will be followed by open discussion for residents to share ideas and … Read more
A 16-year-old boy is facing several charges after Bay City police say he broke into a home and tried to run from officers Tuesday afternoon. Around 4 p.m., police responded to a burglary call on Avenue E. When officers arrived, the teen took off on foot, then grabbed a bike to keep fleeing. A nearby … Read more
The El Campo Volunteer Fire Department quickly responded Tuesday evening after cotton modules caught fire at United Ag in Danevang. Company officials say high winds sparked the flames, but the burning modules were isolated and posed no risk to nearby buildings. Crews contained the fire before it spread, and United Ag thanked local volunteers for … Read more
Wharton County leaders are taking steps to keep heavy truck traffic out of the Newgulf subdivision. Commissioners will hold a public hearing November 10 at 9:45 a.m. to discuss adding “No Thru Truck Traffic” signs at key intersections near County Roads 190 and 195. Officials say large trucks following GPS routes have flipped into ditches, … Read more