El Campo, TX

PDF of print edition 1,000+ cast early May ballots By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com       Early voting in hotly contested El Campo city and school board races drew to a close Tuesday with vote turnout besting most recent showings. "It's been steady, we've been busy," one poll worker said Monday afternoon while processing the half dozen people waiting to cast ballots. More ... Annexation voting still issue of pending lawsuit By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com       The civil suit trying to force recent El Campo city annexations to a vote isn't over - despite the Texas State Supreme Court's decision not to hear the case. More ... WCYF action continues this week with varied events By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com       The Wharton County Youth Fair & Exposition is up and running at the fairgrounds in Crescent, heading towards a couple of major events later this week. On Thursday, a big crowd is expected for the 26th annual Agricultural Appreciation Banquet held at 6 p.m. More ... Rice growers may reap benefits of sown market concerns By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com       Rumors of rice shortages in some parts of the country have little to nothing to do with this year's crop. Bob Little, general manager of Rice Farmers Coop, said he'd heard reports people were hoarding rice in California, but said he has no idea if it's a serious situation or not. More ... Rotary Club to pay final pool note soon By CHRIS BARBEE cbarbee@leader-news.com       El Campo Rotary Club board members looked at the numbers and determined the club could pay off the note on the El Campo Aquatic Center this year. The $1.9 million facility opened to the public Jan. 8, 2005. "YES! We are going to pay it off! More ...