El Campo, TX

PDF of print edition Traffic stop nets more than $1M in cocaine DPS trooper finds drugs on U.S. 59 near Louise By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com       A state trooper stopped a tractor-trailer rig near Louise that contained more than $1 million in cocaine, bagged, bundled and bound for the Windy City. Trooper Alfred Ochoa stopped the vehicle around 9 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 on U.S. More ... LHS Softball Team's New Home Louise volunteers making softball field reality By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com       The Louise community truly is stepping up to the plate to create a softball field for its high school girls, going from bare land to sod and red dirt in only a few weeks. "We've had unbelievable contributions from the community," Superintendent Andy Peters told trustees Monday night. More ... City stops anti-annex effort, group cries foul AT ISSUE: City Attorney Ronny Collins advised Council that considering annexation petitions would be illegal; however opposing council Jason Ryan is saying the law has changed. By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com       Petitions challenging recent El Campo annexations were all but shredded Monday night when City Council was warned that taking any action on them would be a breach of state law - although opponents are saying that the case law cited is out of date. More ... Easy Does It, Honey       Honey bees find all sorts of places to build their hives. Mostly wherever the queen decides to land. Readers are cautioned to be careful when using power equipment around trees where bees could be hidden behind leaves or in hollow cavities. This nicely shaped hive was revealed recently when the le... More ... Firefighters battle grass fires despite lack of 'danger' By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com       Although state drought indicators say Wharton County isn't in any wildfire danger, El Campo volunteer firemen spent the weekend battling three grass fires that consumed almost 200 acres. Winter frosts have ensured there is plenty of fuel, firefighters say, despite soil moisture levels being too w... More ...