2026 ‘Tax Free Weekend’ starts Aug. 7
News Staff
Texas shoppers can save money on clothes and school supplies during the state’s sales tax holiday Friday-Sunday, Aug. 7-9.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Lifestyle
"Reel Reviews: Greek epic ‘The Odyssey’ deserves worldwide No. 1 status"
News Staff
I’m not even going to pretend to remember the last time I read the actual “Odyssey” epic myth by Greek poet Homer. But, I’m sure it was sometime during high school or early college and I have since come across plenty of pop culture references in the meantime.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Contributed photo Texas Parks & Wildlife Department signage for the Palacios Paddling Trail.
TPWD launches 100th Texas Paddling Trail in Palacios
News Staff
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is launching four new paddling trails in Palacios, marking the 100th paddling trail added to the Texas Paddling Trails program.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Wharton County Junior College this fall will begin offering an associate's degree and two certificate programs in Artificial Intelligence. Pictured is Dr. Muna Saqer, Program Director of WCJC's Computer Science, IT and Networking programs. WCJC Photo
WCJC to offer AI degree
News Staff
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Contributed photo Matagorda County Retired Teachers Association's Barbara Evanicky, above left and Barbara Gordon, above right, delivered over 200 books to various places in Bay City and Van Vleck. Evanicky and Gordon are pictured with Cherry Elementary coach Terrance Flagg, center, while dropping off books at YMCA. Other locations include: Harvest House, Women’s Crisis Center, Vibrance Women’s and Children’s Health Center, Matagorda General Hospital’s Newborn Unit and Van Vleck Elementary.
MCRTA donates books
News Staff
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Air Liquide withdraws abatement application
News Staff
Commissioners unanimously accepted the withdrawal of Air Liquide’s tax abatement application and canceled the application’s Aug. 3 required public hearing Monday morning.
Monday, July 27, 2026
Sentinel Photo/Jessica Shepard
"Aquatics Center celebrates groundbreaking milestone" by: Jessica Shepard
News Staff
Community members and business professionals filled the Bay City Civic Center lobby as part of “The Aquatics Center of Matagorda County” groundbreaking ceremony Monday afternoon.
Thursday, July 23, 2026
"Court hears data center concerns, OKs 3 insurance plans" by: Mike Reddell
News Staff
Matagorda County Commissioners Court listened to more concerns about data centers and approved three insurance plans at the court’s regular meeting Monday, July 20. There were four people addressing the court on economic development issues.
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Sentinel Photo/Jessica Shepard Bronze, Silver, and Gold Star award winners were recognized at the "2026 4-H Annual Awards Banquet" on Thursday, July 16. From left are: Collin Holub, Scollie Saha, Kaitlyn Gilbert, Kinsley Kubecka, Laney Kubecka, and Keelie Holub.
"Matagorda County 4-H recognizes youth, adults" by: Jessica Shepard
News Staff
Countywide 4-H awards were handed out to children and adults during the annual “4-H Awards Celebration” Thursday, July 16. This year featured $4,000 total in scholarships awarded to 4-H members Kaitlyn Gilbert and Ansley Kubecka.
Thursday, July 23, 2026
"Israel leads Main Street board in SWOT workshop training" by: Jessica Shepard
News Staff
Main Street Program Manager Tina Israel led the board through SWOT (Strength Weakness Opportunity Threats) training last week as part of finalizing the annual strategic planning process last week.
Thursday, July 23, 2026