Unincorporating the City Proposal

Keith Murphy, an El Campo resident, proposed unincorporating the city to lower taxes during a city council meeting. He cited Highlands, Texas, which never incorporated and has lower taxes. Murphy suggested a vote by property owners and a study on redundant services. The council did not respond directly but noted that a petition signed by … Read more

Arrest Summaries

In Victoria, Sophia Jackson was arrested for cutting a man with a box cutter at Crossroads Inn and Suites on August 4th. The man had asked her to leave, leading to the altercation. Police confirmed his injuries and found none on Jackson. She was taken to Victoria County Jail. Separately, on August 6, Seth Cuellar … Read more

Luther Hotel SOLD

The Palacios Preservation Association has announced the sale of the historic Luther Hotel to J.P. Bryan, a historian with deep Texas roots. Bryan, related to Stephen F. Austin, aims to preserve the hotel’s heritage. The Luther Hotel, built in 1903, has been a significant landmark in Palacios. Bryan’s vision will transform it into a cultural … Read more

Luther Hotel Sold!

In Palacios, historian J.P. Bryan has purchased the historic Luther Hotel, saving it from demolition. Bryan, related to Texas founder Stephen F. Austin, plans to restore the 1903 landmark as a cultural and economic asset for Palacios. The sale follows a grassroots campaign to “Save the Luther” after it was nearly demolished in 2022. Bryan’s … Read more

Cross-Country Season Kicked Off

The new cross-country season kicked off with Bay City and Van Vleck schools at the Frio Friday Night Lights meet in Sealy on August 9th. In the boys’ division, Van Vleck took second place and Bay City came in third. For the girls, Van Vleck finished fifth, while Bay City ended in seventh place.

Rueben Owens May Miss Season

Former El Campo Ricebird star Rueben Owens may miss the ’24 season with Texas A&M due to a lower-body injury sustained in practice, according to multiple reports. ESPN has confirmed the likely season-long absence. Texas A&M has not yet commented officially. Owens’ mother, Kristin Kimble, shared on social media that he remains positive and hopeful. … Read more

Nehls will Speak

U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls will speak at a Bay City Chamber luncheon on Thursday. Representing Texas’ 22nd Congressional District, Nehls will discuss recent bipartisan bills, including the Save Our Shrimpers Act and Railroad Safety Enhancement Act. The event, promoting local engagement, will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Bay City Civic Center. Tickets are … Read more

Retro 5k Fun Run

Wharton will host a new festival, the Retro 5k Fun Run, on Saturday, Nov. 2nd at Guffey Park. Internal Fortitude 2.0, a local wellness center, proposed the event to promote community engagement and health. The city council approved the event, waiving fees and providing support. The run aims to boost local businesses and foster community … Read more

Flesh-Eating Bacteria

Nearly a dozen people in Brazoria and Galveston counties have been infected with flesh-eating bacteria this year, but Matagorda County remains unaffected. The Texas General Land Office monitors bacteria levels along the Gulf Coast, including Matagorda beaches. Despite higher bacteria levels at some local beaches, no infections have been reported in Matagorda County.

End of COVID Funds

Local school leaders assure that the end of federal COVID funds won’t affect student safety. Most districts used the funds to upgrade HVAC systems and for training. No recurring expenses were covered by these funds. El Campo ISD and Wharton ISD superintendents confirmed that air quality systems will remain funded by regular budgets, with no … Read more