The El Campo City Council is considering a potential three-cent tax hike next year, contingent on a property base growth of less than 1%. This follows a disappointing report from the Wharton County Central Appraisal District, contrasting sharply with the previous two years’ growth of over 6% and 11%. The council is also debating the … Read more
Victoria College partners with 23 high schools in the Crossroads area to offer dual credit courses, allowing students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously. This program helps students transition smoothly to college and reduces financial burdens. Starting this fall, economically disadvantaged students can take these courses for free through the Financial Aid … Read more
Bay City residents can look forward to a new Rack Room Shoes store opening in Matagorda Plaza near Ace Hardware. The Bay City Community Development Corporation announced the news on social media. While the store aims to open by year-end, weather and construction could affect the timeline. Rack Room Shoes, a major U.S. footwear retailer, … Read more
Thanks to revenue from solar farms, Wharton County residents won’t see an increase in the county portion of their tax bills unless their home values have risen. County commissioners voted 5-0 to lower the tax rate to 35.239 cents per $100 of taxable property. The new budget includes pay raises for county employees and additional … Read more
Bay City is preparing to demolish Valiant Park Pool, with bids going out after August 30th. Interim Parks Director Kelly Penewitt stated that the pool will be taken down to grade level, making future development easier. The city extended the pool’s closure to July for the Aquacats team. The city is awaiting solutions from local … Read more
A local motorcyclist tragically lost his life following a Sunday evening crash that briefly shut down traffic in Bay City. The accident occurred near Avenue F and Golden Avenue around 9 p.m. when a Dodge Ram pickup failed to yield while turning left, colliding with the oncoming motorcycle. Emergency services rushed the severely injured motorcyclist … Read more
Bloomington is getting two full-time sheriff deputies to enhance safety in the area. The Victoria County Sheriff’s Office aims to have a stronger presence and reduce crime. Instead of shuttling deputies between Bloomington and Victoria, the county will fund one position, and the sheriff’s department will cover another. The first deputy will be stationed at … Read more
East Bernard’s newly elected mayor, Lance Rejsek, faced a significant challenge just 41 days into his term when Hurricane Beryl hit. A lifelong resident, Rejsek took office after the previous mayor, Marvin Holub, retired. Without a pre-existing debris cleanup contract, Rejsek is now focused on improving the city’s storm response. His local roots and commitment … Read more
A Bay City man, Christopher Devon King, will serve 25 years in prison for robbing two El Campo stores at gunpoint in January. Surveillance images captured King brandishing a handgun at clerks in Ritz Drive Inn No. 1 and The Shot Spot. He fled with small amounts of cash, and evidence led authorities to a … Read more
A second FEMA Disaster Recovery Center has opened in Matagorda County for residents affected by Hurricane Beryl. The new center is in Palacios at the Education Pavilion on South Bay Blvd. It operates Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Bay City location remains open as well. The deadline to apply for … Read more