Bay City has landed $15 million in state funding to build a new North Water Treatment Plant and a 12-inch transmission line. The money, coming through the Texas Water Development Board, will improve water pressure, fire protection, and overall system reliability. It also completes a citywide looped water system to handle peak demand and emergencies. … Read more
After nearly a decade, Freedom Fest returns to Wharton this Saturday at Guffey Park. Organized by local veteran-owned businesses and the Chamber, the event kicks off at 6 p.m. with a prayer and 5K run. A military tribute at 7 honors all five branches and hometown hero Roy Benavidez. Vendors, classic cars, and museum exhibits … Read more
Bay City is set to host its largest Fourth of July celebration at Le Tulle Park on Friday, evening starting at 6. Freedom Fireworks will feature games, food vendors, and live music from The Beat Bandits, playing crowd favorites through the decades. At 7 p.m., the Tenie Holmes Elementary Choir will perform the National Anthem, … Read more
El Campo city staff has outlined over $32 million in critical upgrades over the next 15 years, from roads to collapsing sewer lines. Nearly half of that—$15.9 million—is needed in just the first five years. City leaders are exploring a partnership with the El Campo Development Corporation to help fund high-priority work, including water lines … Read more
Oktoberfest hits Bay City on Saturday, September 20th, bringing a full day of festive fun to the Civic Center. Hosted by the MRMC Foundation, this lively event features traditional German food, brews in the Biergarten, Lebkuchen cookies, and live music by Isaac Klaus & the Lederhosen Junkies and Off the Grid. The day kicks off … Read more
Just outside Bay City, Todd and Kristen Hart turned a simple plot of land into Hartland Oaks Sanctuary, a growing rescue farm and education center. Starting with baby chicks in ’20, the sanctuary now houses goats, cows, pigs, and more. Their goat yoga classes draw in locals for laughs and stress relief. Beloved goat Mira … Read more
El Campo quietly turned 120 recently with no official celebration. The town began as “Prairie Switch” in the late 1880s, sparked by a railroad stop. It officially incorporated on June 19th, 1905. From a depot and water tank grew a bustling hub of trade and agriculture. Once home to just 100 residents, El Campo now … Read more
El Campo police are actively searching for Brandon Dwayne Stephens of Rosenberg, accused of fatally shooting Nikko Ray Deases just before dawn Sunday. The deadly incident took place in a store parking lot on Palacios Street. Stephens is considered armed and dangerous, and law enforcement is urging the public to stay alert. Anyone who may … Read more
Charles Austin, born in Bay City and raised in Van Vleck, rose from small-town beginnings to Olympic high jump gold. Starting track only in his senior year of high school, Austin’s natural talent led him to a scholarship at Southwest Texas State University. After overcoming a serious knee injury, he stunned the world by winning … Read more
Wharton residents can stay confident in their city water after a recent E. coli positive result came from a raw water sample in a local well. Public Works Director Roderick Semien clarified the test was on untreated water taken before it goes through the disinfection process, which is standard procedure. Once treated, water samples showed … Read more