An off-duty Bay City officer stopped a theft last week on 7th Street. Officer Cody Janssen had just finished a 12-hour shift when he saw a man dragging an air conditioner from an empty business. Police say 36-year-old Desmond Randle ditched the unit when officers arrived but was arrested nearby. He now faces felony theft … Read more
El Campo High School kicked off its first blood drive of the school year recently, collecting 129 units for the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. The event was organized by HOSA Future Health Professionals, led by teacher Kaydi Kacer. Last year, El Campo ranked among the state’s top 10 schools for donations, with 430 units … Read more
Bay City Blast is set for October 25th at the Matagorda County Fairgrounds, promising an evening of wrestling and live music. The Bay City Lions Club and Rice Festival teamed up to bring back 360 Pro Wrestling, starting at 5 p.m. Fans can expect family-friendly matches, including a Texas Heavyweight Title defense tied to the … Read more
An El Campo camper fire on Becky Street left two people shaken but safe last week. Firefighters say the blaze started near the back wall of the camper parked next to a small house. Occupants woke to popping sounds and escaped unharmed. Crews battled the flames for 19 minutes, preventing further spread. The cause remains … Read more
Rice farming in Matagorda County is shrinking fast as drought limits water from the Colorado River. The Lower Colorado River Authority often cuts irrigation supplies when lake levels drop, leaving farmers without water for seasons at a time. At its peak, the county grew 55,000 acres of rice; today, it’s down to about 10,500 acres. … Read more
Bay City may soon tighten its animal rules. A proposed ordinance would limit homes to five pets total and require all dogs and cats over six months old to be microchipped. Owners with more pets can apply for a one-time exemption by January 1st. Unaltered pets would need an annual breeder permit, and transferring animals … Read more
The Wharton VFW Auxiliary Post 4474 is collecting new sweatpants, sweatshirts, and hoodies for hospitalized veterans. Donation boxes are set up through Oct. 6 at six Wharton locations, including Ace Hardware, Barbee Electric, and Tractor Supply. All sizes for men and women are welcome, but items must be new. The clothing will be delivered to … Read more
El Campo residents now have a simple way to safely dispose of unused or expired medications through the DEA’s Take Back program at the police department. Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs can be dropped off in a secure metal container inside the police lobby at any time, 24/7, without needing an appointment or to speak … Read more
An Edna murder case is moving forward as a new court date has been set for Rafael Romero, accused of killing 16-year-old cheerleader Lizbeth Medina in December of ’23. A judge reviewed Texas Rangers’ video from Romero’s apartment to decide if it will go before the jury. Attorneys also agreed to review Spanish-to-English transcripts for … Read more
El Campo Branch Library is welcoming fall with a full schedule of events for all ages. Pastor Beryl Southall will host a book signing for her inspirational work, Intentional Living, on September 8th, from 4 to 7 p.m. Later this month, Triska’s Funeral Home will present Putting Your House in Order on September 25, at … Read more