The Camofest committee resigned after Bay City decided to bring the Main Street Program back under city control. The resignations began with Clint Hewitt on August 26, followed by all committee chairs on August 28. Concerns were raised about the decision being made without consulting the Camofest board. Despite assurances from city officials that festival … Read more
Jean Schoeneberg was killed during her daily walk 25 years ago in Wharton County. Despite extensive investigations, her killer remains unidentified. Detective Sgt. Scott Grosser believes the attack was personal, as the killer approached without alarming her. Schoeneberg, a Ganado High School teacher, had no known enemies or threats. She was attacked near CR 311 … Read more
The Wharton County Veterans Memorial, dedicated on November 11, 1986, needs urgent repairs. Originally envisioned with granite panels, the design was simplified. Currently, the memorial suffers from broken bricks, rusting chains, and grime. Although donations go to the county fund, maintenance has been unclear. Local businesses like Stockwell Construction are offering help. With Veterans Day … Read more
Authorities have arrested 19-year-old Kanye Williams from Bay City in connection with a fatal crash that killed two teens on Sunday. Williams is facing charges for the deaths of 17-year-old Haleigh Matchett and 19-year-old Kylie Folmar. The crash occurred at 12:35 a.m. on Highway 35 when Williams, driving a BMW, collided with a Cadillac. The … Read more
The Victoria ISD Child Nutrition team served 130,000 meals in June and July through local schools and partners. The Summer Meal Program provided free meals to children under 18, with no income proof needed. Meals were distributed at Aloe Elementary twice a week. This program transitions into free meals for all students in the 2024-25 … Read more
Blessing Hotel’s Restaurant and Coffee Shop has reopened after a major repair job following Hurricane Beryl. The café, which was closed for repairs from July 8th, resumed normal hours on August 26th. Damage from the hurricane and earlier storms included issues with the ceiling, roof, and flooring. Thanks to funds from the hotel’s car show … Read more
Customers at the El Campo Sonic Drive-In on North Mechanic saw smoke coming from the tall sign late week. Owner Jeff Rogers and firefighters quickly responded, finding no flames, just an electrical issue. The sign was damaged by Hurricane Beryl in July. Rogers plans to move the business to a new location next to Taco … Read more
Matagorda County schools and nearby communities are rallying to support the families of two teenage girls killed in a Van Vleck car crash. A prayer vigil was held Monday for Van Vleck High School senior Haleigh Matchett, 17, and recent graduate Kylie Folmar, 19. The crash, involving a speeding BMW and a Cadillac, shut down … Read more
El Campo residents can expect a two-cent increase in their property taxes after the latest city council meeting. The new rate, 46.606 cents per $100 in taxable property, is slightly lower than initially proposed but is needed to fund emergency repairs on Wharton Street, employee pay raises, and two crucial new city jobs. Some council … Read more
Amari Franklin, 20, was identified as the victim of a shooting on Allendale Street in Victoria. On Friday, August 30, around 5:00 p.m., police responded to the scene where Franklin had been shot. EMS treated him on-site before rushing him to a local hospital, where he later died. Authorities believe this was an isolated incident … Read more