In Wharton County, residents are rallying to restore the weathered veterans memorial outside the courthouse by next year, aiming to give it a durable granite finish as originally intended. The Citizens for the Restoration of the Wharton County Veterans Memorial has raised $66,000 of its $100,000 goal to honor the county’s veterans, including 109 who … Read more
The El Campo Ricebirds enter a tough playoff opener Friday night against the Calallen Wildcats in Port Lavaca. Calallen, the District 16 champ, has an 8-2 record with a potent offense averaging 33.8 points per game, relying on a heavy ground attack led by quarterback Sebastian Dennis. El Campo, struggling with a recent three-game losing … Read more
First Baptist Church in Edna is busy with Operation Christmas Child, packing thousands of red and green shoeboxes full of toys, school supplies, and personal care items for children in need worldwide. Led by Jan McClanahan and her team of 28 volunteers, this effort continues year-round, with monthly donation themes. Since McClanahan took over as … Read more
Scotty Jones has officially been named Bay City’s new city manager after nine months in the interim role. The Bay City Council reached a consensus, led by Mayor Robert Nelson, commending Jones for her accomplishments and vision. With over 20 years of experience, Jones is committed to fostering partnerships and aligning efforts to enhance public … Read more
El Campo City Council has approved a new program allowing free access to the El Campo Aquatic Center for Medicare and United Healthcare Optimum Fitness members. This initiative, which passed with a 6-0 vote, aims to boost both community wellness and city revenue by leveraging insurance reimbursements. Each qualifying visitor’s entry fee is covered by … Read more
Sales tax rebates across Wharton County varied widely, with El Campo experiencing a sharp 21.7% drop compared to last November, amounting to a loss of nearly $163,000. Meanwhile, East Bernard saw a modest 11% increase in its rebate, gaining just over $6,000. Wharton held steady with a slight 0.38% decrease, less than $1,000 below last … Read more
In Ganado, Blake Patrick Petrash, 40, received a 40-year prison sentence for theft and forgery after admitting to embezzling $3.4 million from Hurt’s Wastewater Management, where he worked. Prosecutors revealed that Petrash had been siphoning funds since ’16, using fake loans under his relatives’ names to cover expenses. Much of the stolen money was reportedly … Read more
Bay City will light up with color this Saturday as residents gather for a Color Fun Run, aimed at raising funds for local swim facilities. Organized by Wellness Matagorda County and the YMCA, the 5k run begins at 9 a.m. from Schulman’s Movie Bowl and Grille, following an 8 a.m. registration. Participants, decked out in … Read more
Sargent’s new community center is progressing, with plans to complete it by September next year. Precinct 2 Commissioner Mike Estlinbaum says the project, initially planned as a renovation, shifted to a new build due to cost. The $1.5M project, funded through certificates of obligation, will provide a much-needed gathering space for the community. It will … Read more
Bay City recently hosted two intensive training sessions for city staff and police to prepare for active shooter scenarios. Sergeant Ruben Gutierrez led the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events course for civilians, offering strategies to stay safe during an attack, and conducted life-saving ALERRT training for officers. The training provided critical skills, like when … Read more