Days before Christmas, Bay City Police arrested Armando Lara for stealing a brand new Kia Telluride from a parking lot and crashing it into a Walmart pole. The car’s owner, Tiffany Sanchez, left it running while shopping. Lara, 38, was identified after fleeing the scene and later apprehended on Seventh Street. He’s charged with unauthorized … Read more
Rasmussen Farms Distillery in El Campo is set to receive up to $50,000 in economic development funds to expand its site. The distillery, known for transforming rice into vodka, plans to add a restaurant to its location on U.S. 59 Frontage Road. This project is expected to create 10-12 full-time jobs and boost local economic … Read more
Tenaris teamed up with Matagorda County United Way to support 27 local families, including 86 children, through the Adopt-a-Family program this holiday season. Tenaris employees donated gifts like bicycles, clothes, shoes, electronic devices, and games for children of all ages. Community and Regulatory Affairs Manager Scott Savage expressed pride in the employees’ generosity, highlighting the … Read more
Lawrence Herald, a 78-year-old El Campo resident, had his life sentence for fentanyl possession upheld on appeal. Convicted in ’23, Herald argued ineffective counsel but was denied. Arrested in ’19, his home search yielded fentanyl, cash, and a pistol. Herald fled before his trial’s second day but was recaptured. He faced an enhanced charge after … Read more
Jose Miguel “Mike” Salazar of Edna was indicted for the murder of Jasmine Ramirez and aggravated assault. The indictment alleges that on October 16th, Salazar beat Ramirez and ran her over with a vehicle while intoxicated with two children present. He was arrested the following day on Highway 59 near County Road 300. Salazar faces … Read more
Richard and Hope Bustamante were honored as the El Campo Garden Club’s Yard of the Month for December. They’ve transformed their front yard into a vibrant flower bed and plan future projects like a carport and water feature. The couple enjoys gardening together, with Hope attributing their success to regular watering and care. Despite Richard’s … Read more
Bay City honored its top volunteer firefighters at the annual Christmas awards dinner. Camilo Reyes was named Firefighter of the Year, while Bill Luder received recognition for 50 years of service and Ronald Gomez for 25. The Top 10 Response Team included Bill Luder, Libbie Cruz, Fred Van Wie, Jeremy Boyce, Vincent Lara, Ronald Gomez, … Read more
Bay City Volunteer Fire Department made Christmas special for two local families by raising over $1,000 for a Walmart shopping spree. Firefighter Libbie Cruz, who participated as a child, continues the tradition. The department collects donations year-round, matching contributions to provide groceries and gifts. This year, extra donations allowed the five children to get more … Read more
El Campo City Council approved a special use permit for Castro Tire Shop’s new location on S. Mechanic Street, requiring all work to be done indoors to support the anti-blight initiative. Despite their history in the city, the council voted 6-1 to impose these restrictions. Planning & Zoning had approved the business plan with conditions, … Read more
An El Campo Middle School teacher resigned Wednesday amid an ongoing investigation into an alleged inappropriate relationship with a student. El Campo police, with assistance from the Texas Rangers, are examining evidence primarily involving electronic communications. The investigation began after a high school parent filed a complaint Monday, expressing concerns about the teacher’s relationship with … Read more