A traffic stop in Bay City led to the arrest of 50-year-old Brandon Osborne. Police found 2.13 grams of unidentified prescription pills and 2.36 grams of methamphetamine in his pockets. Osborne was initially defensive but complied with officers. He spent a night in Matagorda County jail before posting a $7,000 bond. Osborne, son of Matagorda … Read more
Matthew Luddeke, who previously coached at Industrial High School in’18, has been hired as the new head football coach and athletic director for the Cobras. After gaining experience as defensive coordinator and powerlifting coach, Luddeke returned to Industrial when the opportunity arose. The Industrial ISD Board unanimously voted him in on Monday. Luddeke expressed his … Read more
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2438 honored over 1,000 fallen service members with Christmas wreaths at Cedarvale Cemetery last weekend. This is part of the Wreaths Across America initiative in Matagorda County. Kenneth Thames led the ceremony, emphasizing the sacrifices made for freedom. The event also honored POWs and MIAs. Nearly 4,150 wreaths were … Read more
Texas highway troopers are gearing up for their annual holiday traffic enforcement, which starts today and lasts through New Year’s. With roads busier than usual, troopers will be watching for speeders, seat belt violators, and drunk drivers, as well as other traffic offenses. Colonel Freeman Martin says stay alert, avoiding distractions, and following laws like … Read more
Palacios Police Chief Tobie Bias was one of 257 officers to graduate from the FBI’s prestigious National Academy in Virginia. The 11-week program is known for its tough requirements, including physical tests, leadership courses, and college-level classes. Bias, with over 20 years of experience, took courses on leadership, constitutional law, and officer wellness, earning 18 … Read more
A 21-year-old man is recovering after being stabbed early Saturday morning while walking to a friend’s house near Avenue M and 13th Street in Bay City. The attack happened around 5:30 a.m., and the man was treated at Matagorda Regional Medical Center for knife wounds after fighting back against the unknown assailant. Police are investigating … Read more
A tragic crash near Ganado last week claimed one life and injured two others. Around early evening, a Chevrolet Equinox overturned on the US Highway 59 overpass near the TA Truck Stop. Driver Brian Sparks, 58, and passenger Thereca Clay, 37, were unrestrained and ejected from the vehicle, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. Backseat passenger Daresha Rucker, … Read more
A $19,000 state grant helped Wharton County prevent an estimated $75,000 in damage from feral hogs this year. The grant, secured by County Extension Agent Corrie Bowen after three years of applying, funded six Pig Brig traps and training for local farmers. From January to September, 232 feral hogs were captured and removed, reducing agricultural … Read more
Matagorda County Commissioners have pledged $300,000 annually starting in ’26 toward building a regional aquatic center, joining efforts with the Bay City Community Development Corporation and Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation. The funding aims to enhance the county’s tourism and development while benefiting local schools and residents. The project has strong community backing, with the … Read more
Scotty Jones, Bay City’s City Manager, announced that S&P Global Ratings has upgraded the city’s long-term rating from A+ to AA-. This change reflects the city’s strong financial health, including solid operating results and growing reserves. Jones praised the teamwork of the Council and staff in improving the city’s fiscal stability. This upgrade not only … Read more