"Unofficial Christmas bird count: 225 species" by: Jessica Shepard

   Unofficially, Matagorda County has 225 bird species reported for the 124th Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count – also known as the Matagorda County Mad Island Marsh Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on Monday, Dec. 18.

"County OKs abatements for 2-phase solar farm at plant" by: Mike Reddell

   Commissioners Court approved 10-year, 100% tax abatements for Project Bravo I and II at the court’s regular meeting Monday, Dec. 18.   Project Bravo I is a $51 million solar farm on 600 acres that will provide 50MW of electricity for the LyondellBasell (LYB) Matagorda Complex.

"BCISD OKs staff stipend" by: Jessica Shepard

   Bay City ISD trustees unanimously approved a one-time $500 retention stipend for employees at a special meeting Dec. 11.   The retention payment resolution outlines payments for “each individual employed with the district full-time as of Dec. 11.

Christmas closings

   This year, Christmas Eve falls on Sunday, Dec. 24, and Christmas Day is Monday, Dec. 25.   That means that many local businesses are closed in observance of the holiday starting Friday, Dec. 22, and will re-open at regular business hours Tuesday, Dec. 26.

Escapee captured at FM 521 Park

   An inmate escaped from a Brazoria County prison unit Sunday evening and led law enforcement on a manhunt before being captured early Monday in Matagorda County.   Deputies around 8:30 a.m. captured the  man, Robert Dean Yancy Jr.

"Retiring Finlay swears in Sullivan" by: Mike Reddell

   Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Suzanne Sullivan was sworn in as Associate Municipal Court Judge by longtime Municipal Court   Judge Mark Finlay at City Council's regular meeting Dec. 12.    Finlay was honored at the meeting for his years of service to the city as municipal court judge.