Ricebirds Defense Dominates

El Campo’s defense stole the spotlight Thursday night, powering the Ricebirds to a 58-0 rout of Fort Bend Dulles and a 3-0 start for the first time since ’19. The team forced two interceptions, allowed only 131 total yards, and stopped the Vikings at the one-yard line to secure its second straight shutout. Senior Jeremy … Read more

Street Race Ends in Four Arrests

Bay City police arrested four people last week after a late-night street race on Avenue F escalated into a major public safety issue. Officers say 19-year-olds Jose Flores Jr. and Pedro Montes Jr. were caught racing a Dodge Challenger and a Chevrolet Camaro, while Flores’ passenger and a woman at the scene also faced charges. … Read more

Budget Workshop Tonight

El Campo City Council delayed its expected budget and tax rate vote last week after questions surfaced about funding cuts and rising costs. Leaders will hold a public workshop at 7 tonight to address concerns before bringing the plan back for approval on Sept. 22. The proposal raises the city’s tax levy from 46.006 cents … Read more

Maximum Egg Farm Fire

Firefighters from Wharton, Bay City, and several nearby counties battled a massive fire last Wednesday morning at the Maximum Egg Farm on FM 442 near Boling. Wharton crews arrived just after 8:24 to find the large commercial building fully involved. Mutual aid departments quickly joined as Wharton police used drones to guide efforts from above. … Read more

Wrong-Way Crash Kills Rockport Woman

A deadly crash on U.S. 59 near the Jackson County line claimed the life of 48-year-old Rockport resident Amber York on Wednesday evening. Authorities say York was driving south in the northbound lanes when her car collided head-on with a Tesla Cybertruck driven by 41-year-old Brandon Brickley of Houston. Multiple drivers swerved to avoid her … Read more

Liz Beth Cheer Scholarship

Edna High School cheerleaders honored the memory of Liz Beth Medina with a scholarship created in her name. The Edna High Class of 1983 started the fund last year to support cheerleaders and keep Liz Beth’s spirit alive. This season, all 21 cheerleaders, along with mascot Howdy, received scholarship money from Liz Beth’s mother before … Read more

First Responders Ball

Wharton County’s first-ever First Responders Ball will bring law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS together tomorrow night at the Wharton Civic Center. Guests will enjoy dinner from Hinze’s Country Kitchen, music by DJ JP Express, and a keynote from State Representative Stan Kitzman. The event was organized by Pastor Michael Limas with support from local chambers … Read more

Edna Theatre Roof Milestone

Downtown Edna is celebrating a big step forward as the historic Edna Theatre gets a brand-new roof. Crews from Peak Roofing rolled in Monday with materials to begin replacing the old structure with modern decking, insulation, and a durable TPO roof. The project marks a major milestone in Phase One of the theatre’s restoration, which … Read more

Wharton County Passes Lower Tax Rate

Wharton County leaders have approved the ’26 budget and ’25 tax rate, keeping with an 18-year streak of not raising property taxes. The new rate is slightly lower at 34.5 cents per $100 of value, dropping the average homeowner’s bill by about $13. Rising property values helped the county balance a $39 million budget without … Read more

Northside upgrades funded

El Campo City Council has approved $100,000 to help upgrade the Northside Education Center auditorium, part of the ongoing renovation of the city’s oldest school campus. The money will cover new audiovisual equipment and lighting, creating a modern space for workforce training, business programs, and community events. The Northside campus already houses the library, Boys … Read more