El Campo, TX

PDF of print edition Annexation proceeds with 4-3 vote Sunset Terrace dropped as final vote anticipated Dec. 11 By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com       Residents of the small Sunset Terrace neighborhood on FM 2765 got a reprieve from annexation concerns Tuesday, but those living in the Sandy Corners subdivision may soon be entering the El Campo city limits. More ... Santa's Little Helper      Ryan Marin, 2, was a busy little man Thursday, helping his grandfather Manuel Orta put up Christmas lights at Orta's home. Marin lent a hand in between rounds of trying to drive his toy car into stationary objects. Holiday yard decorating is something of an art form in El Campo and Wharton County. F... More ... Judge orders biodiesel firm to repay $215K loan By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com       As expected, a district judge has ruled in favor of the El Campo City Development Corporation in that agency's lawsuit to recover a $215,000 loan made to a biodiesel promoter. "Now we have to wait and see if we can collect," said Gwen Willis, CDC board president. More ... City Council drops to six voters for next six months By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com       A six-member City Council will be governing the city of El Campo for the next six months. With the resignation of Mayor Pro Tem Kyle Smith Tuesday (please see related story), city government is caught between the requirements of its charter and state law limiting when elections can be held. More ... Extending herself New county agent offering expertise to area By BARRY HALVORSON news@leader-news.com       While she knows the area and is known in the area, new Wharton County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Dianne Gertson is just settling into her new position. "I haven't been out in public a lot yet," she said. "I'm hoping that area civic organizations and clubs will invite me to attend so I ge... More ... EC Chamber Christmas Mall open all weekend       The 21st Annual El Campo Chamber of Commerce Christmas Mall opens this morning at Civic Center.. More than 100 booths are expected again with a wide variety of items running from the Main Hall and Expansion Room through the Myatt and Duson Rooms More ...