A birthday celebration hit a snag when Bravo Party Center abruptly closed its doors due to a lease dispute. Victoria’s Kiana Canales, who booked the venue last year for a joint party with her mother, lost her $475 deposit and her party location. The venue posted a notice about lease issues, and the owner says … Read more
State Representative AJ Louderback visited Bay City on Thursday, for a Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Bay City Civic Center. Louderback, a Republican from nearby Jackson County and former sheriff, discussed key bills he helped pass during the recent Texas legislative session. His work focused on education, border security, and water infrastructure, among other … Read more
Jackson County deputies and Edna Police raided Blizzy n Blend last week, seizing gambling machines and THC products they say were illegal, with THC levels above the legal limit. Authorities cited growing concerns about minors vaping, especially with risks of fentanyl-laced products. The raid follows a state push to ban recreational hemp. Charges are pending, … Read more
Texas lawmakers have greenlit a $20 billion proposal to boost the state’s water supply, with a billion dollars annually starting in ’27. Voters will decide its fate this November. The plan targets new sources like desalination, along with conservation and infrastructure repairs. El Campo’s water system—some over 100 years old—faces $41 million in needed upgrades. … Read more
El Campo’s finances are strong, with assets exceeding debts by $21.3 million, according to the latest audit. The city ended Fiscal Year ’24 with $8.6 million in funds, including $3.7 million available for use. Debt rose to nearly $45 million, mainly due to Hurricane Beryl costs, but FEMA reimbursed most expenses. Sales tax and property … Read more
As spring planting finishes up in Matagorda County, local farmers are reminded to file their crop acreage reports with the Farm Service Agency by July 15th. These reports are vital for qualifying for federal support programs, including disaster aid and crop insurance. The main crops reported include rice, cotton, sorghum, soybeans, corn, and forage grasses. … Read more
A major paperwork error could spare El Campo’s Demond Bluntson from Texas’ Death Row, despite killing two young boys in ’12. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ruled jury instructions were flawed during his sentencing. Though convicted of capital murder, he now awaits a new punishment trial in Webb County. Bluntson was arrested after killing … Read more
A late-night rescue in Matagorda County ended safely after a drifting boat with a child aboard was recovered in East Bay. Around midnight Saturday, a family’s boat came unanchored near Brown Cedar Cut. Local deputies, Game Wardens, and fire crews launched a coordinated search from Joey’s Bait Camp. After combing Mitchell’s Cut and beyond, responders … Read more
In Wharton, 21-year-old Jasmine Latson has been charged with capital murder in the April death of her 2½-year-old daughter. Police say Latson surrendered last Friday after learning of the warrant. The child was taken to Oakbend Medical Center with breathing issues and later died. Wharton Police and Texas Rangers are investigating. Capital murder in Texas … Read more
Bay City Police are reminding residents to follow the city ordinance on golf cart use. Only drivers with a valid license can legally operate golf carts on public roads. Allowing unlicensed individuals—especially minors—to drive is a violation and could result in fines up to $500. Officers will focus on educating the public but won’t hesitate … Read more