Palacios ISD has named Travis Hoffer as the new head football coach and athletic director for the Sharks. Hoffer, who spent 11 seasons as Needville’s defensive coordinator, replaces Chad Graves after seven seasons. Under Graves, Palacios made three straight playoff appearances but struggled in recent years. Last season, the Sharks finished 4-6, their best since … Read more
A person was shot and killed during a string of robberies at a Bay City apartment complex last Thursday evening, according to Bay City police. Officers responded around 5:25 p.m. to reports of multiple aggravated robberies at the complex on Palm Village Blvd., where they found the victim dead. Authorities have not released any details … Read more
After 14 years in the making, Wharton drivers have a straight shot from Boling to U.S. 59 as the FM 1301 extension opens today. The new road, spanning 37 acres annexed by the city in ’22, was built by TxDOT for $14.5 million. Officials, including Mayor Tim Barker, will mark the occasion with a ribbon-cutting … Read more
El Campo Police have an unusual lost-and-found case—a small stash of narcotics dropped Monday at H-E-B on N. Mechanic Street. If it’s yours, they’d love to hear exactly how much you “misplaced” and what it was in. If you know the forgetful owner, be ready to prove they were at the store. Police remind pranksters … Read more
Job-seekers packed the El Campo Civic Center last week for the Wharton County Job Fair, connecting with nearly 60 employers despite the weather. Hosted by Workforce Solutions and local economic groups, the event drew over 140 attendees eager to meet businesses, law enforcement, military recruiters, and schools. Organizers emphasized the value of face-to-face networking in … Read more
Bay City’s Wilderness Run returns Saturday, with a scenic 2K and 5K course winding through Riverside Park’s hayfields, wooded trails, and camping areas before ending at the Ranger Station. The 2K starts at 9:30 a.m., and the 5K follows at 10:15 a.m. Walkers and hikers are welcome, along with strollers and leashed dogs. After crossing … Read more
Matagorda County is gearing up for its 2025 Fair season, “Buckles and Bandanas,” promising plenty of food, livestock shows, and family fun. The events kicked off Saturday with a Halter Heifer/Longhorn show at 9 a.m., welcoming participants of all ages. Livestock competitions ran throughout the fair, leading up to the Jr. Livestock Auction on Saturday, … Read more
Wharton County deputies, with the help of K-9 Nero, seized over 17 pounds of marijuana from a vehicle on U.S. 59 near Louise on Feb. 5th. The driver, 35-year-old Octavio Elizondo III of Edinburg, was arrested and could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Deputies from the Criminal Interdiction Unit stopped his … Read more
A fundraiser happened Sunday to support a family of five who lost their home in a devastating fire. The blaze burned for five hours before reigniting twice, stretching the destruction over three days. Homeowner Michael Byrn praised deputies for saving the family’s vehicles and thanked local fire departments and county workers for their efforts. Though … Read more
El Campo’s plan for a new public works facility stalled after the city council rejected its $3 million price tag and a proposed nonvoter-approved bond. City Manager Courtney Sladek tied the request to a $1.5 million wastewater treatment plant upgrade, warning the city must issue debt to stay in compliance with TCEQ. While that project … Read more