El Campo, TX

PDF of print edition DWI driver gets 90 years for murder Defense preparing for appeal of jury sentence decision By BARRY HALVORSON news@leader-news.com       After learning her husband, Needville ISD Police Chief Ernest Mendoza, had been killed in a twovehicle wreck, Susie Mendoza said she put her faith in the judicial system. More ... City won't stop election without court order By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com       The city of El Campo's upcoming Council election will proceed as planned unless the 13th District Court of Appeals issues a stay, City Attorney Ronny Collins said Tuesday. More ... Down The Drain       A Hellas Construction Co. worker sweeps gravel off the synthetic material into the French drain type system designed to carry water from the new synthetic turf at Ricebird Stadium to the city storm sewer along West Norris Street. The stadium project includes drainage, artifical turf and new track.... More ... 120 teams to fire up grills at fair By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com       The sheer spectacle, outlandish fun, good music and food of the Wharton County Youth Fair Bar-B-Cue Cook- Off, and the roaring delight of the 2nd Annual Antique Tractor Pull and Show are ready to roll next weekend. The hugely popular cookoff drew a record 117 teams last year and this year 120 tea... More ... Missing deejay not forgotten with new air search in plans VANISHED: El Campo polka personality Bobby Jones vanished last June, but the hunt for him was stymied by high water levels on the Colorado River. By BENJAMIN C. SHARP news@leader-news.com       With the Colorado River expected to fall near 10 feet today, law enforcement officials may once again take to the skies in search of clues into the mysterious disappearance of polka music icon Bobby Jones. Lt. Daniel Marek of the Wharton County Sheriff's Department said a Department of Public Sa... More ... Houston rodeo hires EC man Hancock takes GM post for 2009 run of show By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com       El Campo cattleman Joe Bruce Hancock has been named general manager of the 2009 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo after more than 25 years of volunteering his efforts. More ...