Hospital Shifts to Upgrades

El Campo Memorial Hospital has officially dropped its plan for a new $46 million, three-story facility and will instead focus on upgrading its existing building on Avenue F. Hospital leaders say rising construction costs and strict federal loan rules made the original plan unrealistic for a rural community. The hospital now plans phased renovations and … Read more

Linnie Roberts Students Rally

Linnie Roberts Elementary celebrated another year of strong community support after raising 1,600 dollars for breast cancer awareness in Matagorda County. The school spent October rallying students, parents, and staff through weekly dollar fundraisers and “Fill the Boot” collections in the morning car line. Local families also donated items for students to buy. Teachers Jennifer … Read more

African Children’s Choir to Bring Holiday Spirit

The African Children’s Choir is bringing its holiday tour to Needville this Thursday night. The free concert starts at 7 at Creekside Christian Fellowship on Highway 36. You will hear Christmas music mixed with African rhythms, colorful Ugandan costumes, and lively dancing. The group travels the country to raise support for children in need, helping … Read more

Bay City Locates Hit-and-Run Suspect

Bay City police have confirmed they’ve located 48-year-old Marcy Levorice Eaton, the suspect tied to a serious crash that injured an elderly resident back in September. Officers had asked the community for help after Eaton was wanted for leaving the scene of an accident with major injuries. The update brings relief to families who were … Read more

Boaters Deliver Holiday Cheer

Boaters from across the Gulf Coast teamed up again this December for the annual Freeport-to-Port O’Connor Toy Run, a 72-mile trip that brings Christmas to local kids in need. Organizers thanked everyone who donated toys, helped transport them, or supported the group’s summer fundraiser. Last year’s run delivered gifts to more than 2,000 children through … Read more

Community Honors Ricky Rubio

The Tidehaven community is rallying around the family of former Tiger Ricky Rubio, whose passing over Thanksgiving has left a deep hole in Matagorda County. Friends, coworkers, and former coaches are sharing memories of his upbeat spirit while also stepping in to help his loved ones. Nearly fifteen thousand dollars has already been raised to … Read more

East Bernard Parade This Week

The East Bernard Chamber of Commerce says time ran out to join this year’s Christmas parade. The deadline to register was Friday, and so far only 16 entries are signed up, with no floats yet. Locals are encouraged to help make the evening memorable. This year’s theme is “Deck the Decades.” The parade rolls out … Read more

Ruling Reshapes Voting Map

Matagorda County voters are bracing for a major shift in political representation after the U.S. Supreme Court cleared Texas to use its new congressional map in the ’26 midterms. The ruling overturns a lower court that tried to block the map over racial gerrymandering concerns. Local leaders say this decision could reshape who speaks for … Read more

Equipment Purchases & Road Repairs

Wharton County Commissioners met Monday in Wharton and moved ahead with key equipment plans. They approved looking into a ’26 Chevy police pickup costing about $51,600 and a John Deere tractor and shredder for $140,000 to help with drainage. They reviewed $44,000 in road damage in Precinct 4 and shifted Precinct 2 machinery money toward … Read more

Wilkinson Returns to Lead WCJC

Mike Wilkinson has come full circle, returning to Wharton County Junior College as its new Chief of Staff. The Bay City native and former WCJC student will lead strategic planning, accreditation, grants, and community partnerships. He brings years of student-focused leadership from universities in Texas and Alabama. Wilkinson says community colleges change lives, and he’s … Read more