Bay City welcomed four new hometown heroes to its police force after a swearing-in ceremony on December 29th. These fresh graduates from Wharton County Junior College’s police academy include Nicholas Ybarra and Jonathon Schafer, who grew up loving Matagorda County’s outdoors—fishing, hunting, and all that good stuff—plus Vanessa Guerrero from a nearby ranch and Matthews … Read more
Several new laws in ’26 are changing everyday life for residents across the state. Small and medium-sized businesses get a big break with a property tax exemption now covering up to $125,000 in equipment and inventory. County sheriffs must partner with federal immigration agents to help enforce laws in local jails, backed by state grants. … Read more
Palacios police are urging families to keep new Christmas gift gas-powered minibikes off city streets. These popular rides for kids and teens lack required safety features like lights and brakes, making them illegal on public roads under state law. Officers have received multiple complaints about young riders zooming around town. Parents could face tickets if … Read more
Bay City residents are gearing up for a chilly tradition that brings everyone together with laughs and bravery. On Saturday brave folks will jump into the cold water at Hilliard Pool for the annual Polar Plunge, starting at 9 a.m. Participants often wear fun costumes before splashing in, then warm up with hot cocoa and … Read more
The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship March is Saturday, January 17th, kicking off at 9 a.m. from the historic county courthouse. In its 44th year, the community walk heads to the Boys and Girls Club with speeches, music, and parts of King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Ninety-year-old founder Mozelle Stephens is still … Read more
Wharton County residents are being warned about scam phone calls targeting local families. The Wharton County Sheriff’s Office says callers are pretending to be deputies and claiming people are under investigation. The scammers then demand money be wired immediately. Officials stress this is a scam. The Sheriff’s Office will never call residents to demand payment. … Read more
Boling firefighters will soon be able to refill their own air tanks without leaving town, cutting response delays during emergencies. A fifty-thousand-dollar Lower Colorado River Authority grant, plus local matching funds, will pay for a new air compressor at the Boling Fire Department station. The upgrade means volunteer crews can stay ready for back-to-back calls … Read more
Construction is now underway in El Campo on a major sidewalk project aimed at improving safety and access near East Jackson Street and Alamo Park, home of Prairie Days. The $3.7 million TxDOT-funded project will add more than a mile of new sidewalks, wheelchair ramps, decorative lighting, a pedestrian crossing, and a footbridge at Rotary … Read more
Former Bay City High School boys basketball coach Nathan Janak is adding another chapter to a story many locals remember well. Janak, now leading Clear Brook, guided the Wolverines to the Brazosport ISD Holiday Classic championship in Freeport, upsetting two state-ranked teams along the way. For Bay City residents, Janak is also remembered for returning … Read more
Residents in Wharton and Matagorda counties can enjoy a tasty chicken fried steak dinner while helping survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. The Crisis Center hosts its 18th annual fundraiser on Friday, January 16th, at the Bay City Civic Center. Drive-thru pickup starts at 4 p.m., with dine-in doors opening at 5 … Read more