Bay City Police celebrated one of their own Thursday as Officer Dillon Wakefield was promoted to Patrol Corporal. The ceremony, held at City Hall, drew fellow officers, city staff, and family members. Police Chief Christella Rodriguez praised Wakefield for his integrity, teamwork, and calm leadership—qualities shaped by his four years in the U.S. Navy. Since … Read more
The Crisis Center and Children’s Advocacy Center has been chosen as one of only five programs in Texas to launch a new child abuse prevention effort with the University of Texas–San Antonio and CACTX. The goal is to help pediatric clinics teach parents how to talk with their kids about body safety and boundaries. The … Read more
Wharton County leaders meet this morning after last month’s freeze delayed talks on key projects. Commissioners will hear plans to either expand or replace the county jail, built back in 1996. Financial options will be outlined by U.S. Capital Advisors. Sheriff Shannon Srubar will request two major grants—one for deputy overtime and a new K-9 … Read more
Firefighters in East Bernard pulled off a dramatic rescue Thursday night after a double-wide mobile home went up in flames on Sycamore Circle in the Bernard Timbers area. An elderly couple trapped inside were pulled to safety through a window as heavy smoke filled the home. Both suffered smoke inhalation — one was taken by … Read more
Frustration is growing again in Matagorda, where folks have gone nearly six years without a post office. The old building closed after its lease expired, and while a new one was set up last year, the doors have never opened. That’s forcing residents—many of them seniors—to drive about 20 miles round trip to Wadsworth just … Read more
El Campo’s Rotary Club is gearing up for its 46th Annual Seafood Dinner and Auction on Thursday, March 5, at the El Campo Civic Center. This year’s fundraiser honors long-time Rotarian Melvin “Bubba” Parker III for decades of community service. The $20 dine-in meal includes fried fish, shrimp étouffée, and more, with drinks and desserts … Read more
Bay City’s council cleared up a property mix-up. At its Jan. 27th meeting, members voted to rescind a ’23 deed that mistakenly transferred city-owned land to a now-disbanded Girl Scout troop. Officials discovered that local troops can’t legally hold property, since only the regional Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council can do so. The council … Read more
El Campo is hoping state grant money—not local taxes—will pay for more than $150,000 in police upgrades. At its Jan. 26 meeting, the city council backed two grant requests for a new records and dispatch system, plus protective rifle plates for officers. Police Chief David Marcaurele said the city’s 20-year-old system slows both police and … Read more
Bay City’s historic downtown came alive Saturday as crowds packed the streets for the 10th Annual Wild Game and Wine Camofest. From noon to six, visitors enjoyed live music, local art, and plenty of wild game dishes while celebrating a decade of the event’s success. The Wild Game Food Camp stole the show again, with … Read more
Residents in Matagorda County can once again burn outdoors after officials lifted the burn ban on Monday. Controlled burns and campfires are now allowed, but they must follow county and state safety rules. Emergency officials thank the public for cooperating during the ban and remind everyone that fire danger can change fast. They urge residents … Read more