El Campo police arrested an 18-year-old man after finding drugs during a traffic stop on North Mechanic Street. Officers say Sebastian Gonzales was pulled over for speeding when they smelled marijuana coming from his truck. A search turned up a half-ounce of marijuana and more than 21 grams of THC wax. Gonzales faces felony drug … Read more
Flags are flying at half-staff across Calhoun County in honor of Precinct 1 Commissioner David Hall, who died in his sleep Sept. 2nd at age 54. Governor Greg Abbott ordered the tribute until Hall’s burial on Thursday. Hall, a Wharton High School graduate and former deputy of 25 years, was elected commissioner in ’16. Friends, … Read more
Palacios is bringing seafood to center stage with the third annual Taste of Palacios Seafood Festival on Saturday, Oct. 25. The event runs all day at Main and 4th Street with live music, local seafood, and family activities. Guests can sample Gulf oysters, shrimp, and fish from area producers, enjoy food trucks, and sip local … Read more
Bay City is riding high after a 48-14 win over Sweeny, but the Blackcats face a big test Friday night at Edna. The Cowboys have beaten Bay City four straight years, including last season’s 35-6 rout, and are coming off a 46-2 win over Vanderbilt Industrial. Edna, now led by new coach Jamie Dixon, has … Read more
The Matagorda County Rice Festival is gearing up for its 77th year, and the Queen’s Pageant is already making headlines. The Bay City Lions Club revealed the traditional white Rice Queen gown at a luncheon Friday, keeping an 80-year-old tradition alive. Sponsored by New Beginnings, the dress and crown honor the festival’s heritage while adding … Read more
A Wharton County deputy is being praised for saving a man’s life after a stabbing in East Bernard. Authorities say 39-year-old Richard Wendland was stabbed during a roadside argument on U.S. 90-A August 29. Deputy Laura Staude arrived within minutes, arrested the suspect, 36-year-old Christopher Jones, and applied pressure to stop the bleeding until EMS … Read more
The El Campo Ricebirds dominated their home opener Friday night, shutting out Bryan Rudder 30-0 and avenging last year’s narrow loss. Junior tailback Vlad Garcia scored twice in the first quarter, including a 62-yard screen pass, to spark the early lead. The Ricebirds added a field goal before halftime and two more touchdowns in the … Read more
El Campo EMS is rolling out a fresh look with its ambulances now sporting the city’s signature red “EC” logo. The new design, created with OnSiteDecals, will debut in October and be shown off at Ricebird football games. Officials say $6,000 per unit will update several ambulances, funded by increased call volume and billing revenue—not … Read more
Four new murals are coming to El Campo’s Friendship Park, thanks to Keep El Campo Beautiful and local donations. The murals will be painted on the tennis and pickleball court walls facing the skate park. Artist and board member Pam Clapp will lead the project, with the first mural set for October. Each design will … Read more
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