Days numbered for old ECHS gymnasium
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com
      It's official: The days are numbered for the old gymnasium at El Campo High School. The El Campo ISD board of trustees voted to demolish the no-longer-used structure Tuesday night. In a 6-1 vote with board member Cecil Davis voting against, the board agreed to add $86,000 for gym demolition and a...
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Who Wants A Soda?
      Adian Sanchez pulled his entire 15-month-old body on top of this cooler during the warmth of the recent Heating It Up for Hospice fundraiser, held at Muldoon's Saloon. The annual event featured a huge barbecue cook-off as well as live music and other entertainment. Adian is the son of Adrian Sanch...
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WISD pleased with superintendent finalist
      As far as Wharton ISD Board of Trustees President Don Erdelt is concerned, the district is getting the best of the best in naming Dr. James Bartosh as the lone finalist in the district's search for a new superintendent. "We had a number of really highly qualified professional educators apply for ...
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Recalled beef reportedly sent to all school districts in county
The list includes the El Campo, Louise, Wharton, Boling and East Bernard school districts.
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com
      Every school district in Wharton County was included in a list released Thursday of school districts and local agencies affected by the nation's largest beef recall. Under pressure from Congress, the U.S.
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Cisneros keynote speaker at HEP April 5
By CHRIS BARBEE cbarbee@leader-news.com
      A San Antonio native who made a huge impact on his city and in Washington will be guest speaker April 5 at the 16th Annual Hispanic Education Banquet.
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Spenrath named to TTC advisory group
      The Texas Transportation Commission this week selected Chandra Spenrath, executive director of the El Campo City Development Corporation, to serve on the I-69 Trans-Texas Corridor Advisory Committee, one of two citizens' advisory committees for the TTC. The other is the I-35/TTC committee.
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Wharton PJ drive aimed at helping displaced youth
By BARRY HALVORSON news@leader-news.com
      While knowing her calling was to help children, it was an episode of the popular daytime program "Oprah" that provided Emily Gertson with the means of expressing that faith.
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Separate museum entrance under debate
"If it's a plausible situation, let's put it on paper," - RWS Architect Malcolm Gaus
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com
      El Campo Museum of Natural History supporters aren't sure they want a separate entrance, but may get one as plans for Civic Center renovations continue. City Council is examining a floor to roof redo of the 1979 building when it closes from August to October which will force the museum to crate e...
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English teacher top Louise-Hillje educator
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com
      English teacher Jim Stanley was named Educator of the Year Thursday night, the honor announced by Louise ISD Superintendent Andy Peters. Stanley was presented a plaque commemorating the award during the 49th Annual Louise-Hillje Chamber of Commerce Banquet.
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