Musical Playground at Friendship Park

El Campo’s Friendship Park is set to become Wharton County’s first musical playground, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority. The new play area, costing $50,000 with city matching funds, will feature interactive instruments like hand drums, a metallophone, and calypso drums. Designed to be fully ADA-compliant, it will offer an … Read more

Woman Faces Nearly a Century in Prison

A Louise woman faces up to 99 years in prison for allegedly stealing more than $300,000 from Energy Construction in El Campo. Sarah Wendel, 47, worked as a secretary at the company and is accused of writing unauthorized checks and using company credit cards without permission between ’16 and ’22. The Wharton County Grand Jury … Read more

Gambling Raid Leads to Arrests

On May 29th, law enforcement officials in Victoria raided a business on Kern Drive, leading to the arrest of three people on charges tied to illegal gambling. Tiffany Beltran, Alexis Madrigal, and Huhiny Bennett-Merlin face serious allegations including money laundering and organized criminal activity. Bennett-Merlin remains in Victoria County Jail on a $40,000 bond, while … Read more

Ladybirds Make History

The El Campo Ladybird soccer team capped off their best season in school history with major honors in District 22. Senior Madison Gaona earned MVP after scoring 44 goals, while foreign exchange junior Henrietta Kovacikova was named Defensive MVP. The Ladybirds placed several on first and second team, including Lizzie Erwin, Alexia Pena, and Heather … Read more

Teacher Banned from Classroom

Former Louise High School science teacher Keri Jones admitted to stealing $9,000 from the school’s FFA Booster Club while serving as treasurer. In a Wharton County plea deal, she received nine months deferred probation, must repay the full amount, perform community service, and surrender her teaching license. Jones, who taught in Louise ISD for over … Read more

Bay City Battles in New Baseball District

In Bay City, the new 29-4A district brought fierce baseball competition with teams like Sweeny, El Campo, and Needville. Sweeny clinched the championship under new coach Todd Foley, with star player Kaden Jammer earning MVP honors. El Campo took second, while Bay City’s Blackcats, led by junior Robert Reed and senior Keaton Nunez, doubled their … Read more

Ganado Softball Wins First State Title

Ganado’s softball team made history by winning their first-ever state championship, beating the Riesel Indians 5-4. Junior Kyla Stancik was the star, hitting the game-winning two-run single in the final inning. The Ganado baseball team also had a strong season, reaching the regional semifinals before falling to Danbury. The Indians finished with a 20-8 record … Read more

Prepare Early for Hurricane Season

The Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that hurricane season is underway and runs through November 30th. Locals should review their home and flood insurance now. It’s important to update emergency kits and know evacuation routes and shelter locations nearby. Staying tuned to reliable weather updates will help keep everyone safe. Pet owners should also … Read more

El Campo Seeks Residents

The City of El Campo is calling on local residents to apply for open seats on its Boards and Commissions. These volunteer roles let locals shape city policies, address needs, and build valuable experience. Applicants must live in El Campo and commit to monthly meetings. The deadline to apply is noon on June 5th. Applications … Read more

Sixth Graders Shine in Art Contest

Sixth graders in Jackson County took center stage in the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority’s 22nd Annual Water Conservation Poster Contest. Over 170 students submitted original artwork showing ways to protect and preserve water. LNRA awarded participation ribbons to all entrants and top honors to Edna’s Riley Scarborough and Industrial’s Zowie Gray. Their posters advanced to a … Read more