Blaze After Beryl

In Sargent, a house caught fire after power was restored post-Hurricane Beryl. Officials believe the electricity caused the rental home on Canal Drive to ignite. The fire was extinguished, but the house is a total loss. One firefighter was injured. The home was unoccupied at the time. Power restoration and storm damage are suspected causes

Wally Gator in Legacy Park

An alligator was found in Legacy Park’s pond on Thursday, just before the Texas East Softball Tournament. No one was harmed as alligator hunter Larry Janik safely removed it. The sighting quickly spread on social media. The pond overflowed due to storm waters, attracting the alligator. The city will monitor the park to ensure safety. … Read more

Thank You Lunch

The El Campo Rotary Club served a BBQ lunch to 300 lineworkers at the Civic Center on Thursday. The lunch thanked American Electric Power workers and first responders for restoring power post-Hurricane Beryl. Local businesses donated food. By Friday, 97% of power was restored. The Rotary Club also provided pizzas to Wharton County Electric Cooperative … Read more

Death related to Beryl

Officials reported the first local death related to Hurricane Beryl. A 66-year-old man in Bay City died from heat stroke without air conditioning. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick assured residents that state officials are providing aid, including meals, water, and cooling stations. Power restoration is ongoing, but some areas, like Sargent, may be without power for … Read more

Mosquito Assassins

Wharton County residents, already hit by Hurricane Beryl and July heat, now face a mosquito invasion. Local governments, including El Campo’s “Mosquito Assassins,” are combating the pests with nightly city-wide spraying. Public Works Director Kevin Thompson aims to curb the mosquito population before it spikes. Residents are urged to eliminate standing water to prevent breeding.

Lavaca County EMS Called Up

Late Tuesday, Lavaca County EMS was called by the state’s emergency medical task force. Due to an overload of 911 calls in Houston, four paramedics and two ambulances were sent from Lavaca County. They joined EMS teams from across Texas at NRG Stadium and were assigned to the Manvel area to assist.

Power Restoration Update

AEP Texas is restoring power to the last customers affected by Hurricane Beryl. They ask those still without power to call the Customer Solutions Center. 94% of the 35,500 affected customers have power back. Customers are reminded to stay away from crews and downed power lines, and to follow safety instructions for portable generators. Sign … Read more

Free Cleanup Services

Bay City police announced help for Hurricane Beryl damage — free cleanup services. Volunteers can cut fallen trees, remove drywall, flooring, and appliances, tarp roofs, and mitigate mold. The hotline is open until July 19th. Services aren’t guaranteed due to high demand and don’t cover social services like food, clothing, shelter, or insurance. For more … Read more

East State Softball Tournament

Despite most of El Campo being without power after Hurricane Beryl, the Little League Texas East State Softball Tournament proceeded at Zlotnik Park, which had power. District 18 administrator Paul Sanders confirmed the games are on, though he is concerned about hotel availability for visitors. The tournament started Thursday with opening ceremonies.

Arrested or Smuggling People

Carlos Morales, 44, from Humble, was arrested on June 28th for smuggling people after a traffic stop on Hwy 59. When pulled over, several individuals fled into the brush. Morales was detained, and a search of his vehicle revealed a Ruger 380 pistol and items linked to human smuggling. He faces additional charges for unlawful … Read more