Deadly Plane Crash

A deadly small-plane crash shook the Louise community in Wharton County on Saturday night. Authorities say the aircraft went down around 8 p.m. near County Road 382 and Ward Street, southwest of Houston. Federal officials report the plane appeared to stall in midair before trying to land and crashing. Two people were killed. Their names … Read more

Demolition Funds Cut Spurs Debate

El Campo’s fight against blight is sparking debate at City Hall. City staff propose cutting next year’s demolition budget by 70 percent, dropping it from $23,238 to $6,950. Staff say more property owners now handle their own demolitions, saving city funds. District 4 Councilman John Hancock Jr. argues the city isn’t proactive enough in tackling … Read more

Prairie Days Returns

El Campo is gearing up for the return of Prairie Days at Alamo Park on Saturday, October 4th. Hosted by the El Campo Chamber of Commerce, the free-admission festival honors local heritage with food, shopping, live music and a large kids’ zone featuring pony rides, inflatable slides, a train ride and carnival games. Festivities start … Read more

Hometown Coach Hits 100 Wins

Tidehaven’s football success is being fueled by one of its own. Head Coach David Lucio, a ’96 Tidehaven graduate, has turned the once-struggling program into a powerhouse since taking over nine years ago. Last Friday’s 35-7 win over Hallettsville marked his 100th career victory. The Tigers are unbeaten this season after lopsided wins over Palacios … Read more

Ricebirds Fall in Overtime

The El Campo Ricebirds suffered their first loss of the season Friday night in a nail-biting 36-35 overtime thriller at home against Needville. After trailing 28-7 at halftime, El Campo stormed back with three second-half touchdowns to tie the game at 28-28. Running back Kylon Taylor led the charge with 219 rushing yards and two … Read more

Sheriff Warns of Phone Scam

Matagorda County residents are being warned about a phone scam where callers pose as Sheriff’s Office staff demanding fake fine payments. Officials say the caller uses the name “Kevin Brown,” but no such employee exists. Deputies will never call to demand money or threaten arrest. Anyone getting these calls should hang up and verify claims … Read more

Wharton Tax Hearing Tonight

Wharton City leaders will hold a key public hearing tonight at 7 on the city’s new tax rate and ’25-’26 budget just days before the new fiscal year begins. The proposed tax rate of $0.42411 per $100 is slightly lower than last year but would still raise the average home’s bill by about $26 to … Read more

Coast Guard Rescues Three

Three people were rescued after a 17-foot boat flipped near Sargent on Saturday morning. The U.S. Coast Guard says a helicopter crew from Houston and a response boat from Freeport rushed out after an alert came in just after 11 a.m. Rescuers found two men and a boy perched on the overturned craft and safely … Read more

Ricebirds, Bluejays Set for High-Stakes Rematch

The El Campo Ricebirds put their unbeaten streak on the line tonight at home as they welcome the surging Needville Bluejays for a rematch of last year’s thriller. El Campo narrowly won 31-28 in double overtime, but Needville broke the Ricebirds’ three-game series streak with a big win that season. Now 2-1, the Bluejays shocked … Read more

Deadly Crash Closes SH 36

A deadly crash Thursday morning shut down part of State Highway 36 near Dannhaus Road in Needville. Fort Bend County deputies say a car and an 18-wheeler collided, forcing traffic to be diverted for hours. A medical helicopter rushed one person from the scene, but officials later confirmed the male driver of the car died … Read more