Sargent’s New Community Center

Sargent’s new community center is progressing, with plans to complete it by September next year. Precinct 2 Commissioner Mike Estlinbaum says the project, initially planned as a renovation, shifted to a new build due to cost. The $1.5M project, funded through certificates of obligation, will provide a much-needed gathering space for the community. It will … Read more

Intensive Training Sessions

Bay City recently hosted two intensive training sessions for city staff and police to prepare for active shooter scenarios. Sergeant Ruben Gutierrez led the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events course for civilians, offering strategies to stay safe during an attack, and conducted life-saving ALERRT training for officers. The training provided critical skills, like when … Read more

FM 3131 Road Closure

The Lavaca-Navidad River Authority has temporarily closed part of FM 3131 through December 20th, for construction on the dam’s embankment. The affected area spans 0.8 miles west of FM 1593 to 1.1 miles south of FM 1822. Crews will drill and install instrumentation along the roadway and shoulder. Drivers should follow detour routes on SH … Read more

Boys & Girls Club wants Refund

The El Campo Boys & Girls Club claims it was overcharged $4,000 on its water bill and is asking the city for a refund. Although the city already granted a $2,829 adjustment due to high summer use, city officials say that’s all local ordinances allow. CEO Jill Hearne addressed the council, highlighting the impact on … Read more

Christmas Belles Comedy

Bay City’s CAST Theatre is bringing festive laughs to town next week with their final show of the year, Christmas Belles, a holiday comedy centered around a chaotic church Christmas program in a small Texas town. Directed by Daran Norris, the play features a lively cast navigating fall’s hectic schedules to bring this story of … Read more

WCJC Senior Program Crisis

The Wharton County Junior College’s senior program, which offers meals and social services to around 200 seniors in Wharton and Colorado counties, is facing a funding crisis and risks closure by year-end. Relying mostly on state and federal grants, the program’s costs have outpaced its budget, with a decision on its future expected by Dec. … Read more

Sargent Beach Closure

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has shut down public access to Sargent Beach and nearby facilities, citing safety concerns after severe erosion from recent storms. Matagorda County officials report that the road to the beach has been too damaged to maintain safe access. A beach restoration and breakwater project, led by the Corps, aims … Read more

Annual Texana Chili Spill

The 23rd Annual Texana Chili Spill is underway at the Brackenridge Main Event Center near Edna, running through Saturday. Festivities began Thursday with a Veterans Appreciation Dinner and a fireworks display. The event, sponsored by the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority and Jackson County Go-Texan Committee, will feature salsa and margarita competitions today, followed by a full … Read more

Blue Santa Project

The Wharton Police Department’s Blue Santa Project is gearing up to bring holiday cheer to children across Wharton County. The toy drive, which has grown over 11 years to now serve over 1,000 kids annually, has already raised $43,000 toward its $50,000 goal. Local stores like Walmart and Dollar General are offering donations and discounts, … Read more

Retro 5K Glow Run

In Wharton, despite rainy weather, the first-ever Retro 5K Glow Run lit up Guffey Park last Saturday, with about 50 locals braving the rain to run or walk. The event featured three groups—competitive runners, run-walkers, and walkers—all starting under a haze of purple smoke. The course wound past E. Santa Fe and Abell, circled the … Read more