Some members of Kendleton City Council were surprised during Thursday’s budget workshop when they discovered a new city secretary, Dominique Spears, had been hired without their knowledge. Mayor Darryl Humphrey Sr. made this decision without council input. Christina Flores, the previous secretary, had been fired on August 23, with reasons undisclosed, though some council members … Read more
The 77th annual Rice Festival is returning from Oct. 19 to Oct. 22, and the 2023 Rice Festival Queen’s dress, sponsored by OQ Chemicals, was revealed at the Lions Club luncheon at Bay City Country Club. New Beginnings Bridal in El Campo donated the queen’s crown, and Green Bros. Jewelry of Bay City donated the … Read more
In Matagorda County, a new Texas law, Senate Bill 22, effective from September 1st, aims to support law enforcement in rural areas with a historic $330 million grant. This grant targets 236 counties with populations below 300,000, offering funds for salaries, hiring more deputies, purchasing equipment, and vehicles. However, the main challenge is attracting and … Read more
Water line breaks are escalating in El Campo due to Wharton County’s ongoing drought, and repair parts are in short supply. Crews are now fixing 10 to 12 leaks per week, double the July average, using clamps to seal and reinforce the damaged pipes. Unfortunately, the clamp supply is running low due to drought conditions … Read more
A family is seeking answers following the death of Reyes Vargas, 23, in Matagorda County Jail on August 26th. Vargas was arrested on August 25 after a police chase and faced multiple charges. He urgently asked his family to bail him out. Later, he was treated for an injury after an altercation with another inmate. … Read more
Stolen holy items from St. Robert’s Catholic Church were partially recovered last week. An El Campo man, Jose De Jesus Manuel Jaramillo, 29, was arrested after being found hiding in a home. He’s facing charges for theft and criminal mischief in a place of worship. Police are still searching for one or possibly two other … Read more
The 45th Annual Colorado County Fair in Columbus started last night. The livestock show and sale will continue until Saturday, with the junior sale happening at 1 p.m. on Saturday. The pageants for Fair Queen, Membership Queen, and more took place last night. The Membership Queen will be crowned on September 14th. Next week, enjoy … Read more
On Saturday, Sept. 16th, from 10 to 2 p.m., it’s the fourth annual “Touch-A-Truck” event hosted by Bay City Parks and Recreation at Hardeman Park. Kids can explore big trucks and machinery that keep our cities running. There’s food, fun, and even a sensory-friendly hour from 10 to 11 a.m. Be cautious around these working … Read more
A lucky Texan from Wharton won $2 million and eight dollars dollars in the August 30th Powerball drawing, minus taxes. The winning ticket, bought at Austin’s Player Club on Lamar Boulevard, matched all white ball numbers but missed the red Powerball (4). The Power Play number was 2. The anonymous winner also scored an extra … Read more
A 62-year-old man, Michael David Elliott, convicted of murder and facing parole violation charges, was recently apprehended in Southeast Texas, as reported by local authorities. Elliott had been believed to be in the Bay City area and was also wanted on multiple warrants in Calhoun County. While there was no immediate threat to the public, … Read more