When, where to vote for Nov. 4 Special Election

   EDITOR’S NOTE: As of Friday, Oct. 24, a total of 450 early votes had been cast in Matagorda County, County Clerk Stephanie Wurtz said.  Voters who want to cast an early ballot still have Thursday-Friday, Oct. 30-31, to do so.

"County Clerk reminds court Monday was start of early voting" by: Mike Reddell

   County Clerk Stephanie Wurtz reminded Commissioners Court that Monday was the start of early voting on Texas’ 17 statewide propositions – most of the proposed constitutional amendments address tax cuts for homeowners and businesses.

"2025 Rice Festival opens 4-11 Thursday" by: Jessica Shepard

   The 79th Annual Bay City Lions Club Rice Festival opens from 4-11 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Matagorda County Fairgrounds.  “The Rice Festival is about more than food, music, and entertainment - it’s about community,” said Bay City Lions Club President Michael Griffith.

"Weekend events kick off Thursday" by: Jessica Shepard

   This weekend is shaping up to be busy across the county with many annual events starting Thursday, Oct. 23.  The 79th Annual Bay City Lions Club Rice Festival opens from 4-11 p.m. Thursday, at the Matagorda County Fairgrounds, 4511 FM 2668 in Bay City.  Kenny’s Funland carnival opens from 5-10 p.

"Townsend: BCISD facing ‘historic’ financial challenges" by: Jessica Shepard

   About 100 people attended the Bay City Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture luncheon with Bay City ISD Superintendent Chris Townsend who stressed transparency regarding the district’s financial status last Thursday.  “It is my mission to save our district and student opportunities,” he said.

"Council issues COs as part of TWDB financial assistance for city’s water system improvements" by: Mike Reddell

   City Council approved issuing certificates of obligation – not to exceed $3,735,000 – in connection with the city’s financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for the city’s water system improvements, at council’s special meeting Tuesday, Oct. 14.

"Markham Elementary a ‘Lone Star Ribbon School’" by: Jessica Shepard

   Tidehaven ISD Superintendent Dr. Patrick Talbert told trustees that Markham Elementary was one of four rural schools chosen as a “2025 Lone Star Ribbon School” during their meeting last week.  Stuart Lynn was the only school board member absent from the meeting.

Texans to vote on water on Special Election Proposition 4

Running Out: Texas’ Water Crisis  Texas voters have final say on $20 billion package to secure state’s water supply   No new taxes would be collected for the package that would give the state’s water department $1 billion to spend on projects like cleaning salty water, flood control and reservoirs.