Matagorda County is the top spot in the U.S. for bird species count, with 225 species recorded in the Audubon’s 124th Christmas Bird Count. The count might go up to 226 due to a hummingbird sighting. The county has been leading for 15 years, making it a favorite among bird enthusiasts. The data collected helps … Read more
Blake Roehl was sworn in as a new member of the Louise ISD school board, replacing Gary Yackel who resigned due to a conflict of interest. In November 2024, five board seats, including Roehl’s, will be up for election. Additionally, Monica Flores was hired as a third-grade teacher to fill a retiring teacher’s position.
Bay City warns of upcoming traffic changes on State Hwy 35 near McDonald’s. The rail crossing will close for 3 days, starting late January or early February, for safety replacement. Use detours on Six St. or Eighth St. Dates will be announced, and signage will guide. This aims to fix wear and tear issues, providing … Read more
A new fast-food restaurant project in El Campo needs rezoning approval from the Planning & Zoning Commission. The Vaquero Ventures development plans to use a small area currently owned by Paradigm on the Prairie. To proceed, they must change the zoning from residential to commercial. City officials are optimistic about growth, and $150,000 has been … Read more
Palacios Marine Agriculture Research, established by the Ed Rachal Foundation, aims to distribute 15 billion oysters along the Texas coast by 2025. The organization believes that oysters can improve the health and productivity of our bays. The Ed Rachal Foundation bought the Luther Hotel in Palacios last year.
After 30 years with Dallas Fire-Rescue, George Gamez is leaving his deputy chief role to become the new chief of the Victoria Fire Department. Having served in various positions in Dallas, Gamez seeks new challenges and leadership opportunities. He noticed similarities between the two departments, prompting his decision.
16-year-old Kiersten McWilliams from Fort Bend County disappeared on December 15th after getting on a school bus and turning off her iPhone’s location. Her family is leading the search, suspecting she might be with a boy. Despite authorities calling it a runaway case, her mother insists it’s not like Kiersten.
In local crime news, 32-year-old Freddie Anderson from Wharton faces Aggravated Assault charges in Harris County, held on a $50,000 bond in Wharton County Jail. Meanwhile, El Campo resident Blair Couey Jr., 43, may get up to 20 years in prison for a bar scuffle 18 months ago. Couey is indicted for Aggravated Assault with … Read more
The Matagorda Regional Medical Center has announced that Lorenzo Cruz Zapata was the first baby born there in 2024. At birth, Lorenzo was 9 lbs, 5 oz and 20 inches. He was born at 9:14 p.m. on Jan. 1st, to parents Reagann Sewell & Eric Zapata. He has one brother and one sister. MRMC provides … Read more
Bay City Fire Marshal’s Office warns on social media: Despite fewer cases since the ’80s, home heating fires are still a big threat, causing 190 deaths, 625 injuries, and $440 million in losses last year. Stay warm but practice fire safety as temperatures drop.