El Campo is gearing up for its 37th Annual Christmas Parade tonight at 7 p.m., featuring Santa Claus as the star. Themed “A Christmas Story,” the event will showcase 61 floats, led by the American Legion 251 and Grand Marshal retired Gunnery Sgt. Andrew Merta, a Marine veteran who once served in Ronald Reagan’s secret … Read more
A brazen $30,000 theft in Ganado on November 25th is part of a rising trend called “jugging,” where criminals follow bank customers carrying large sums of money. Ganado Police Chief David Merritt reported that a local business owner was targeted after leaving a Sugarland bank. The suspects trailed him to his J&J store, where they … Read more
The Crisis Center resale shop reopened in El Campo, attracting dozens on Monday night’s grand opening. The Rethink Resale shop at 107 E. Monseratte showcased clothing and Christmas decor. Renovated by Castro Construction, the shop offers affordable items to those in need. More than 200 people attended the opening, enjoying a catered feast. Executive Director … Read more
As the new year approaches, 23rd District Judge Ben Hardin will retire after nearly 30 years on the bench. Forced to step down due to age limits, Hardin reflects on his career, emphasizing justice and fairness. Appointed by then-Governor George W. Bush, Hardin handled notable cases, including the first Vioxx personal injury trial. He will … Read more
Edna residents now have a weekly brush pick-up service by White Trash Services. To schedule a Wednesday pick-up, call City Hall by noon Monday. Tree limbs and brush must be 4 to 6 feet long and placed at the curb, away from obstructions. This service is included in the solid waste fee. Additionally, the city … Read more
A holiday project in Bay City has blossomed into a lifeline for dozens of families across Matagorda County. The Bay City Junior Service League’s Angel Tree program, which started in ’21 helping 35 children, now supports 74 kids from Bay City, Van Vleck, and Tidehaven ISDs. The initiative works with school counselors to identify children … Read more
Attorneys for Rafael Govea Romero, accused of murdering 16-year-old Edna resident Lizbeth Medina last December, have requested a mental health evaluation and a trial delay. They argue Romero’s sanity must be assessed to determine his ability to stand trial and the reasons behind his actions. Originally scheduled for December 2nd, the trial is now set … Read more
A faulty HVAC unit sparked a fire in a Bay City apartment early Monday, displacing a grandmother and her two grandchildren. The blaze began around 6:30 a.m. in the 5000 block of Avenue F after the resident turned on the heat and heard popping sounds before spotting smoke. Firefighters quickly contained the flames to the … Read more
Matagorda County officials reinforced a strict burn ban during Monday’s Commissioners’ Court, citing super dry conditions that could spark wildfires. Precinct 4 Commissioner Charles “Bubba” Frick debunked rumors that residents can burn with commissioner approval, emphasizing no exceptions to the ban. With a drought index of 575 and abnormally dry weather tied to a La … Read more
In Wharton County, local businesses embraced Black Friday and Small Business Saturday to draw shoppers despite the rise of online holiday deals. Southern Belle Boutique in El Campo saw steady crowds, offering discounts throughout the day. Nearby, Bohemian Rhapsody II in Wharton featured sales tailored by its vendors, while 3 In 1 Fit Center highlighted … Read more