Bay City voters will address five propositions in the May election to update the city’s charter. Changes include staggering council terms, adjusting meeting rules, and revising residency requirements for the city manager. These updates aim to improve efficiency and reflect the city’s government structure. While some residents raised concerns online about the residency rule, officials … Read more
The El Campo ISD school board has extended Superintendent Bob Callaghan’s contract through June 2028 after a unanimous 6-0 vote on Jan. 22nd, with one member absent. Callaghan, who has led the district since July of ’20, guided schools through the pandemic and key administrative changes. He may also oversee a possible historic bond election. … Read more
Texas coaching legend Chad Morris has joined ANSRS as a senior advisor to the CEO, bringing decades of experience to help coaches streamline game planning with advanced data and video tools. Morris, who led Bay City to state titles and revived SMU’s program, will focus on expanding ANSRS’ reach and developing training programs for young … Read more
A thief hit the Second Time Around Resale Shop in El Campo, stealing electronics, clothes, and a household dryer from the nonprofit store that supports people with disabilities. Assistant Manager Crystal Muñoz worries the theft might discourage donations, as people often drop off items after hours. El Campo police are reviewing security footage and believe … Read more
Bay City is upgrading traffic signals at key intersections to improve safety and efficiency, but the project has caused temporary delays, lane closures, and signal issues. City Manager Scotty Jones acknowledges frustrations but says the TxDOT-led project will ultimately benefit drivers and pedestrians. Work on SH60/Ave. F and SH35/7th St. is ongoing. Completion is expected … Read more
A Texas court has refused to hear an appeal from Raymond Charles Lights, a Simonton man convicted of causing a deadly crash in Wharton County. In ’21, Lights, who was on parole from a 95-year prison sentence, led police on a high-speed chase from Fulshear to East Bernard before crashing, killing his passenger, Julia Moreno. … Read more
A Palacios man was arrested Tuesday night after allegedly breaking into a woman’s home, attacking her with a knife, and kidnapping her. Police say 50-year-old Huy Dinh forced the victim into her car and drove toward Houston. The victim’s daughter called 911 after finding the home in disarray and her mother missing. Palacios police, with … Read more
Wharton County is on the rise, with I-69 expanding and national chains setting up shop closer than ever. Once, residents had to drive to Houston or Victoria for big-name businesses, but now, places like Home2Suites by Hilton in El Campo signal rapid growth. Wharton and El Campo offer strong incentives to attract new businesses while … Read more
Louise Middle School’s Robotics Team, consisting of 11 students, will compete at the VEX IQ Robotics Competition in Texas City on Saturday. The team, led by science teacher Kole Kopnicky and director Denise Weber, will compete in a timed contest where student-built robots shoot balls into a goal. This marks the team’s second in-person event. … Read more
El Campo and East Bernard saw significant drops in their sales tax rebates for January. El Campo’s rebate fell by nearly $120,000, a 23.76% decrease from the previous year. Despite the conservative budget, City Manager Courtney Sladek urged locals to shop locally to help stabilize the economy. Wharton saw a minor increase of 0.96%, receiving … Read more