A fatal crash between Victoria and Bloomington has claimed one life. The victim is 59-year-old Ronnie Alan McGhee, who was driving a white van. Authorities say the van struck the rear of a dump truck that had stopped to let a school bus unload children, then rolled into a bar ditch on the south side … Read more
El Campo’s top swimmers are in San Antonio this week for the 4A State Swim and Dive Championships. Preliminary rounds start today at the Josh Davis Natatorium. The Ricebirds will race in several relays, with standout performances expected from Kyndahl Pierce in the 200 and 500 freestyle, and Joey Freeman and Gus Respondek in the … Read more
The Lavaca-Navidad River Authority will award $15,000 in scholarships to 14 Jackson County students this spring. The program supports both graduating seniors and current college students continuing their education at universities or technical schools. Thirteen scholarships are worth $1,000 each, with an additional $2,000 Kay Frels Memorial Scholarship. Each of the county’s three school districts … Read more
Bay City voters are gearing up for Texas’ ’26 primary election. Early voting runs February 17th through the 27th at the Bay City Service Center on Avenue M and the Navigation District building in Palacios. Polls on Election Day, March 3rd, will open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters will pick candidates for state, … Read more
El Campo residents are remembering Councilwoman Gloria Harris, who passed away February 6. In 1987, Harris made history as the city’s first Black woman elected to the council, representing District 2 for three decades. Known for her faith and firm leadership, she guided decisions that shaped El Campo’s growth and unity. Friends say her deep … Read more
A wild moment at the Fort Bend County Rodeo in Rosenberg made social media buzz over the weekend. Bay City rapper “That Mexican OT” was tossed by a bull during a rodeo stunt captured on camera and posted online. Despite being knocked into the air twice, he says he’s fine — even joking about his … Read more
Firefighters from Markham and Bay City spent the early hours of Tuesday battling a stubborn house fire on 10th Street in Markham. The call came in around 3:45 a.m., drawing a large response with 13 emergency vehicles rushing to the scene. Flames and heavy smoke were visible for hours, and by 5:15 a.m., crews were … Read more
El Campo city leaders met Monday night to consider adding nearly $1 million in new sidewalks along Wharton Street. The proposal would line both sides between Jackson and Mechanic streets, including ADA-compliant ramps, lighting, crosswalks, and push-button signals for safety. It’s tied to the state’s planned road rebuild of FM 653, expected to start in March of ’27. Officials say the work could come … Read more
Bay City rapper That Mexican OT is turning to his hometown for help with his next music video. The 27-year-old artist is looking for a young boy and a woman who resemble him and his late mother to portray their early years on screen. OT lost his mom in a Bay City drunk-driving crash when … Read more
No one was hurt when an El Campo police cruiser rushing to back up another officer crashed into an SUV in downtown late last week. The collision happened Thursday evening at Mechanic and Jackson streets. Investigators say the officer had lights and sirens on while heading south on Business 59 when the patrol unit struck a Chevy Tahoe … Read more