Near Wharton in Stafford, fierce winds struck early Thursday, destroying Rolando Lopez’s weekend cottage on Everett Lane. Lopez had been renovating the uninsured home when it was swept off its foundation. Across many county roads, about 20 homes suffered damage, including five with roofs torn off. Wharton volunteer firefighters rushed to help, but no injuries … Read more
Matagorda County declared a state of disaster Thursday morning after heavy storms dropped up to seven inches of rain, causing severe flooding and power outages. The hardest-hit areas—Palacios, Blessing, and La Ward—saw flooded roads and overflowing creeks forcing closures on State Highway 35 and FM 1862. Over 4,000 residents faced power outages with crews working … Read more
A Bay City man was arrested after a high-speed chase last Monday night ended in a head-on crash in Matagorda County. Ernest McCullough, 45, of Bay City, was spotted driving 86 mph in a 50 mph zone on Highway 71 near Danevang. When deputies tried to stop him, he fled east on FM 2431 into … Read more
Just after midnight Friday, Tyree AME Church in Bay City went up in flames. A driver saw fire on the roof and called 911. Firefighters arrived quickly, but the blaze had already spread through the attic. Crews kept it from reaching the nearby parsonage and worked for hours to put out hot spots. The church … Read more
A birthday celebration hit a snag when Bravo Party Center abruptly closed its doors due to a lease dispute. Victoria’s Kiana Canales, who booked the venue last year for a joint party with her mother, lost her $475 deposit and her party location. The venue posted a notice about lease issues, and the owner says … Read more
State Representative AJ Louderback visited Bay City on Thursday, for a Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Bay City Civic Center. Louderback, a Republican from nearby Jackson County and former sheriff, discussed key bills he helped pass during the recent Texas legislative session. His work focused on education, border security, and water infrastructure, among other … Read more
Jackson County deputies and Edna Police raided Blizzy n Blend last week, seizing gambling machines and THC products they say were illegal, with THC levels above the legal limit. Authorities cited growing concerns about minors vaping, especially with risks of fentanyl-laced products. The raid follows a state push to ban recreational hemp. Charges are pending, … Read more
Texas lawmakers have greenlit a $20 billion proposal to boost the state’s water supply, with a billion dollars annually starting in ’27. Voters will decide its fate this November. The plan targets new sources like desalination, along with conservation and infrastructure repairs. El Campo’s water system—some over 100 years old—faces $41 million in needed upgrades. … Read more
El Campo’s finances are strong, with assets exceeding debts by $21.3 million, according to the latest audit. The city ended Fiscal Year ’24 with $8.6 million in funds, including $3.7 million available for use. Debt rose to nearly $45 million, mainly due to Hurricane Beryl costs, but FEMA reimbursed most expenses. Sales tax and property … Read more
As spring planting finishes up in Matagorda County, local farmers are reminded to file their crop acreage reports with the Farm Service Agency by July 15th. These reports are vital for qualifying for federal support programs, including disaster aid and crop insurance. The main crops reported include rice, cotton, sorghum, soybeans, corn, and forage grasses. … Read more