ISD Freezes Tax Rate, Approves $39M Budget

El Campo ISD is keeping its tax rate steady for the fourth straight year, following promises made during the $81 million bond election in May. The board approved a rate of $1.0527 per $100 of taxable property value and unanimously adopted a $39.2 million budget for the new school year. Most of the $1.7 million … Read more

Sold-Out Murder Mystery Night

Tickets are gone for the “Murder at the Manor” event at Texana Education Center, promising a night of mystery and fun. On Saturday, those attending will step into a live-action whodunit, complete with costumes, scripts, and plenty of twists. Some will play suspects, while others act as detectives, piecing together clues to solve the crime. … Read more

RV Park Faces Strict Rules for Reopening

An RV park on East Jackson Street in El Campo may reopen, but only if it meets all city requirements and secures a new Special Use Permit. Planning officials say the former Quick N Easy 3 RV Park must add gravel roads, green space, trees, laundry and restroom facilities, and rodent-proof dumpsters. The Planning and … Read more

Bay City Sets Hearing on Property Tax Rate

Bay City residents can weigh in on the city’s proposed property tax rate during a public hearing Sept. 16th at 5 p.m. at City Hall on 5th Street. The proposed rate is $0.55772 per $100 valuation, slightly lower than last year but still above the no-new-revenue rate. Rising property values mean most homeowners will pay … Read more

Ricebird Stadium Unveils Major Upgrades

El Campo’s Ricebird Stadium will debut major upgrades Friday for the home opener against Bryan-Rudder. A new 28-by-34-foot video scoreboard, 50% larger than the old one, is now in place after delays from weather. The $504,960 project includes sponsor panels and was partly funded by a $150,000 donation from Prosperity Bank. The district also replaced … Read more

Student Charged After Gun Threat

A Wharton High School student is facing a felony charge after allegedly threatening staff during a suspension meeting last week. Police say 17-year-old Ezekiel Bowsier told staff he would get his cousin and a gun, which could force a lockdown. Officers quickly responded, searched him for weapons, and made an arrest. No one else was … Read more

Flock Cameras Help Nab Theft Suspect

Wharton Police credit high-tech Flock cameras for stopping a major crime Saturday. The system flagged a stolen car near U.S. 59 and County Road 229. Officers tried a traffic stop, but two men ran, leaving the car and a stolen gun behind. With help from Texas DPS, police arrested 18-year-old Dontre Malik Brown of Bay … Read more

Off-Duty Officer Foils AC Theft

An off-duty Bay City officer stopped a theft last week on 7th Street. Officer Cody Janssen had just finished a 12-hour shift when he saw a man dragging an air conditioner from an empty business. Police say 36-year-old Desmond Randle ditched the unit when officers arrived but was arrested nearby. He now faces felony theft … Read more

El Campo High Aims for Record Blood Donations

El Campo High School kicked off its first blood drive of the school year recently, collecting 129 units for the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. The event was organized by HOSA Future Health Professionals, led by teacher Kaydi Kacer. Last year, El Campo ranked among the state’s top 10 schools for donations, with 430 units … Read more

Wrestling Meets Music at Bay City Blast

Bay City Blast is set for October 25th at the Matagorda County Fairgrounds, promising an evening of wrestling and live music. The Bay City Lions Club and Rice Festival teamed up to bring back 360 Pro Wrestling, starting at 5 p.m. Fans can expect family-friendly matches, including a Texas Heavyweight Title defense tied to the … Read more