State lawmakers met Monday at the El Campo Civic Center to address two major threats facing Texas farmers — the deadly screwworm and the rice-destroying delphacid. The screwworm, a fly that attacks open wounds on animals, recently resurfaced near the U.S.–Mexico border after decades of control. Experts warned an outbreak could devastate livestock across South … Read more
Boling ISD started construction on a brand-new Newgulf Elementary, set to open in Spring of ’27. The $32 million school will replace the nearly century-old campus built in 1929. Unlike the old building, the new school will house all classrooms under one roof, with grade clusters, dedicated restrooms, and special education hubs. Features include a … Read more
Bay City Police will hold a free community training on December 3rd, aimed at preparing residents for active shooter situations. The Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events course, led by Sgt. Ruben Gutierrez, begins at 5:30 p.m. at the police department. The program follows the Avoid, Deny, Defend model, teaching people how to stay safe … Read more
The Wharton Tigers came up short Friday night, falling 36-6 to La Marque during the Cougars’ homecoming in Texas City. Senior tailback Cory Hosea proved unstoppable, rushing for more than 200 yards and scoring four touchdowns. Wharton’s only highlight came in the first quarter when Brandon Sims, Jr. punched in a three-yard run. Despite solid … Read more
Union Pacific has filed plans to build about five miles of new track in south-central Matagorda County, aiming to connect directly with LyondellBasell’s polymer plant near Wadsworth and Bay City. The project, called the Wadsworth Industrial Lead, would add a second rail option for the plant, which is now only served by BNSF Railway. Union … Read more
Wharton County has been fortunate with steady rainfall this year, but officials warn dry conditions like those in ’22 and ’23 can quickly return. The Coastal Bend Groundwater Conservation District says the Gulf Coast Aquifer, which supplies most of the county’s water, must be protected. About 96 percent of local groundwater is used for farming, … Read more
An El Campo police chase ended Saturday night with the arrest of 41-year-old Edwin John Hernandez of Del Valle. Officers say Hernandez resisted arrest and assaulted two officers before being taken into custody near Zip In Zip Out in Palacios. He now faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault on police, family violence with a weapon, … Read more
Bay City’s Civic Center was filled with flavor Saturday night as the Matagorda County Museum marked 20 years of its Gourmet Guys fundraiser. Tables showcased dishes from every corner of the U.S., with locals serving everything from Louisiana shrimp to Texas frito pies. The annual event brought together home cooks, restaurants, and food trucks, all … Read more
Markham Elementary in Tidehaven ISD has been named a Lone Star Ribbon School, one of only 28 across Texas to earn the new honor. Announced by Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Education Agency, the award recognizes campuses with top academic performance and progress in closing learning gaps. Markham leaders say the recognition reflects the … Read more
Wharton County deputies are under review after a deadly Sunday night encounter on County Road 255. Deputies say they were responding to a disturbance when 39-year-old Theodore Speaker allegedly pointed a gun at them. One deputy fired, hitting Speaker, who later died at a nearby hospital. No deputies were hurt. The involved deputy is now … Read more