A routine mowing job turned dangerous last week on Ellwood Street in El Campo. A lawn mower caught fire while being started, sparking a blaze that quickly engulfed a detached 20-by-20-foot garage. Two witnesses tried to put it out, but the flames spread fast. El Campo firefighters arrived in time to keep the fire from … Read more
Wharton ISD narrowly avoided deep budget cuts thanks to a late $1.2 million payment from the state. The funds came through Chapter 313 agreements, where solar farms received tax breaks but triggered increased state aid. Since less local tax money was collected, the state made up the difference. The district added the money to its … Read more
For the third year in a row, Wharton County farmers will go without Colorado River water. The Lower Colorado River Authority confirmed no interruptible water will be available this year for farmers in Wharton, Colorado, and Matagorda counties. Despite recent floods near Austin, upstream rainfall hasn’t restored reservoir levels enough to lift the ban. The … Read more
Bay City Police launched its first-ever Junior Police Academy this month after receiving 45 eager applications. The three-day program quickly expanded to two sessions. Young cadets will log 14 hours learning patrol basics, CPR, and crime scene skills from 19 veteran instructors. Graduations are set for July 23rd and 30th at the Bay City Service … Read more
Bay City police arrested 39-year-old Mykle Randon on Sunday morning after he returned to a 7th Street store he had reportedly stolen from earlier. Officers recognized Randon from a prior theft case and knew he had an outstanding warrant. When told he was under arrest, Randon took off on foot, tossing drugs from his pockets … Read more
Bay City Council has locked in vendor contracts to buy road repair materials needed for summer and fall street work. The deals include hot-mix asphalt, limestone, emulsified sealants, and more, all at competitive prices. Supplies will be bought as needed through January of ’26. Public Works Director Gabriel Lopez says this move ensures Bay City … Read more
Louise High School football kicks off its season with “Midnight Madness” just after midnight on Sunday, Aug. 4. In line with UIL rules, it marks the first official day of team conditioning. Athletic Director Cameron Murrah says the team is ready to go and wants the whole community there to help launch the season. Locals … Read more
Wharton City Council is set for two meetings this week at City Hall. Today’s agenda includes a proposed Downtown Regulation Ordinance tied to the city’s new master plan, affecting the area near Caney and Elm Streets. On Tuesday, the second budget workshop continues, with funding requests expected from local groups like the Women’s Crisis Center, … Read more
For the first time in league history, Palacios’ 10U Minor Boys All-Star team is heading to the Texas State Tournament. Over the weekend, the town rallied behind the team with a packed fundraiser featuring car washes, baked goods, and local sponsors. Support poured in from residents and businesses like Amerapex, Formosa, and Duran’s Cajun Cuisine, … Read more
Job growth and new business upgrades are on today’s El Campo City Council agenda. Council will review $450,000 in proposed incentives for Junior’s Texas Best Smokehouse and Sonic. Junior’s plans a $17 million expansion at Meisel Industrial Park, creating 15 new jobs annually. Sonic is building a modern site on N. Mechanic, keeping 23 jobs … Read more