El Campo Middle School students are proving big talent can come from small stages. The school’s theater program earned an “Excellent” rating at the UIL One Act Play contest in Vanderbilt after performing the comedy “Suite Surrender.” The fully student-run production was led by first-year teacher Julia Kovar and featured seventh- and eighth-graders handling acting, … Read more
A former Bay City High School football star is coming home to coach in a big all-star game. Beau Trahan, who grew up playing under his dad, legendary coach Warren “Bull” Trahan, will lead the East Texas all-stars in the Bayou Bowl. The game pits top recent high school grads from East Texas against Greater … Read more
In Wharton County, locals have fully restored the 1987 veterans memorial on the courthouse grounds after years of crumbling and mold. Community members raised nearly $122,000, with a key $20,000 dollar grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority completing the project.They replaced the old limestone with durable dark granite and steel reinforcements to make it … Read more
Today is day two of temporary daytime closures along Nichols Avenue in Bay City due to a tree-trimming project. Crews are continuing from Sparks Road toward State Highway 35. Nichols Avenue remains closed during work hours, along with intersections from Sparks Road through 6th Street. All areas are expected to reopen at the end of … Read more
Bay City residents have a chance to recognize the young professionals shaping Matagorda County’s future. Nominations are now open for the third annual Leaders Under 40, a joint effort by the Bay City Tribune and the Bay City Chamber of Commerce. The program honors local entrepreneurs, volunteers, nonprofit leaders, and public servants making a quiet … Read more
Bay City wrapped up ’25 with major progress on roads, utilities, and new development. City officials report nearly 68 million dollars in construction and repair work completed across Bay City. Neighborhood growth continued in areas like Valor Park, Russell Ranch, and Meadow Oaks, while several new restaurants and businesses moved into construction along 7th Street … Read more
El Campo city leaders are changing how local parks and facilities are managed. City Council voted unanimously on December eighth to dissolve the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Board after low public participation made meetings difficult to hold. City staff will now handle park, pool, and civic center decisions directly to improve efficiency. The Keep … Read more
An El Campo man convicted of a violent home burglary in Wharton County has been granted the right to appeal his 25-year prison sentence. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ruled that 52-year-old Mark Anthony Vargas can move forward after his appeal was previously rejected on a filing deadline issue. Vargas was found guilty of … Read more
A Wharton County family dispute turned deadly December 19th after an argument spread across multiple locations. Authorities say 21-year-old Anthony Jay Martinez of Wharton is charged with murder in the shooting death of 38-year-old James Thomas Wilson Jr. The conflict reportedly began in Wharton, moved through El Campo, and ended at a family home on … Read more
Bay City leaders are moving forward with plans to strengthen the city’s water system for future growth and reliability. City officials considered a resolution this month to apply for up to fifteen million dollars in low-interest funding from the Texas Water Development Board. The money would help pay for major upgrades tied to the North … Read more