UT exhibit honors life of Roy Benavidez
      The life of Medal of Honor recipient Master Sgt. Roy P. Benavidez is honored in Benavidez: Forty Years Later, an exhibit at the Center for American History at The University of Texas at Austin.
More ...

Free kids' vaccines available through May
      Tomorrow and every Thursday in May El Campo children can receive free immunizations courtesy of the Fort Bend Family Health Center. Shot are available from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. at the center, 505 Foerster in El Campo.
More ...

Very Much Appreciated
      The entire student body of Northside Elemetary School gathered recently to show their thanks for their brand new marquee sign, which was purchased for the school by its parent-teacher organization. The group held numerous fundraisers to gather the money to purchase the marquee for the school.
More ...

Cost to mail letter rising one cent Monday
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com
      This is the last week a 41- cent stamp will get your letters where they need to go. Effective Monday, May 12, the U.S. Postal Service cost for a standard 1 ounce letter goes up a penny with other adjustments made for shipping packages.
More ...

Request to waive late tax penalty denied
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com
      El Campo ISD trustees decided businesses need to mind their tax deadlines when they refused to waive a late tax fee for an oil company. During its April 15 regular monthly meeting, the board considered a request from Kirkwood & Darby, a tax management and consulting firm, asking trustees to waive...
More ...

Historical marker dedication set for May 17
By BENJAMIN SHARP news@leader-news.com
      The Wharton County Courthouse has received the highest honor the state awards to historic structures, and a ceremony this month will allow area residents to join in the celebration. At 10 a.m.
More ...

Well permit request creates confusion
By BENJAMIN SHARP news@leader-news.com
      The Coastal Bend Groundwater Conservation District has generated plenty of response by warning well owners they could be fined if they don't apply for a permit by the end of this month. Problem is, the wrong people are responding.
More ...

The Visitors' Side
      This 2,300-pound Beefmaster bull went on an extended mosey through the neighborhood west of Hwy. 71 on Monday afternoon, ending up temporarily penned in St. Philip School's Pioneer Statium. The bull's owner, Russell Rod, said he was taking the big fella from Taiton to visit some lady friends south...
More ...

You Can Pet Him Too
      Emily Glaze, 2, of El Campo wasn't completely sure of the animals at the Wharton County Youth Midway attraction Martha's Fair petting zoo, but got a little encouragement from one of the goats. As Mom Laura Glaze cheered her along and one of the billy goats provided an example, she happily joined i...
More ...