The Bay City Tribune

01/25/2025

A historic gem in Palacios is getting the recognition it deserves. The Luther Hotel, a treasured seaside lodging with a rich 120-year legacy, is being honored with a meticulously crafted 3-D printed replica, now showcased at the Smithsonian's 'Crossroads' Exhibit in Rockport through March 9.

PALACIOS — While the Luther Hotel’s newest owner gets to business renovating the historic hotel, the Palacios Preservation Association has been busy creating a small-scale replica of the seaside lodging.

01/24/2025

Officials are investigating how a virus breached their systems through an unauthorized access point early Friday morning. County officials say at this point there's no evidence personal data of residents has been compromised, and they're working closely with cyber security experts and law enforcement.

Officials are investigating how a virus breached their systems through an unauthorized access point early Friday morning and disrupted some operations.

01/22/2025

Officials are cautioning residents to stay off roads if at all possible until the afternoon, when ice will have melted.
“Each location could look different,” said Mitch Thames, Matagorda County’s public information officer. “If you must get out please slow down and increase distance between vehicles. Ice is more dangerous than the snow from yesterday.”

01/21/2025

Send us your snowy photos for a chance to be featured in the next Bay City Tribune edition! ⛄️

01/21/2025

The early bird gets the snow! Your Bay City temperature is a chilly 28 degrees with a feels like 11! Snow is expected to last for at least another hour as of 8:20. Stay warm and safe friends.

01/21/2025

Over 50 years later, Dr. King's message still resonates. A heartwarming tribute brought the community together in unity this brisk morning at an MLK Celebration.

BAY CITY — Dozens of community members braved the cold Monday morning and gathered at the Hilliard High Alumni Association building to honor human rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King

01/20/2025

We want to wish everyone a warm Martin Luther King Jr. Day and inform readers The Bay City Tribune office will be closed Tuesday as well, out of the safety of our employees. Our Wednesday edition has been sent to the printers early, but no official word yet if the inclement weather will delay a Wednesday delivery. We will keep you posted.

01/18/2025

A trailer fire that left two brothers looking for a new home and claimed the lives of six pets on Wednesday night is being blamed on an old space heater, fire officials said. As wintery weather is set to chill the county next week, officials are cautioning using safe heating practices when it comes to space heaters.

VAN VLECK — A trailer fire that left two brothers looking for a new home and claimed the lives of six pets on Wednesday night is being blamed on an

01/17/2025

Matagorda County schools, Bay City and Palacios announced closures for the beginning of next week Friday afternoon as freezing temps and precipitation are forecasted to come the county’s way. The paywall has been removed for this article to allow residents to make preparations for next week's weather.

Matagorda County schools, Bay City and Palacios have announced closures for the beginning of next week Friday afternoon as freezing temps and precipitation are forecasted to come the county’s way.

01/17/2025

Police are investigating a Bay City man who has been accused of sexual assaulting a child under 14 years of age. Detectives say it's possible more charges are to follow.

BAY CITY — Police say a 41-year-old Bay City resident has been accused of continuously sexually assaulting a child under 14.

01/17/2025

Here they are — the big winners of tonight's Chamber of Commerce winners!
Woman of the Year - Julie Estlinbaum
Man of the Year - Lindsey Thompson
Matagorda's Citizen of the Year - Constable Keith Sullivan
Sargent's Citizen of the Year - former Constable Ricky Bort
Bay City ISD Student and Teacher of the Year - Victoria Sliva and Linda Smith
Van Vleck ISD Student and Teacher of the Year - Madilyn Ashworth and Randy Mau
Tidehaven ISD Student of the Year - Travis Riendeau
Matagorda ISD Teacher of the Year - Moira Gesford
Holy Cross Catholic School Teacher of the Year - Paula Montero

Not pictured: Palacios Chamber of Commerce winners who will celebrate their own banquet in Palacios on Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. at the Palacios Rec. Center.
Man of the Year: Troy Lewis
Woman of the Year: Mary Van Borssum
Business of the Year: Trull Services Company

01/16/2025

This year's MLK Day Silent Unity March has been cancelled due to freezing temps set to blanket the county, but a program honoring the civil rights activist is still scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday.

*Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect the 9:30 a.m. silent march planned for 1/20 has been cancelled due to inclement weather. A program scheduled at 10 a.m.

01/15/2025

Bay City continued rolling in its hot start to the 2025 season winning 3 out of 4 matches in the Gulf Coast Classic.

CLUTE — While the weather certainly improved, Bay City continued rolling in its host start to the 2025 season.

01/14/2025

Matagorda County and Bay City officials are cautioning residents to be aware of the upcoming freezing temperatures set to hit Sunday. Wind chill values are expected to get as low as 18 degrees Monday.

After getting through the first wintry blast of cold weather last week, officials are cautioning residents to prepare for even colder temps to come this weekend.

01/14/2025

01/13/2025

The Bay City Public Library is reinventing the beloved book club tonight with 'Mocktails and Talk Tales'. Dive into literary discussions while enjoying themed mocktails during afternoon and new evening meetings. The first read, 'The Frozen River' by Ariel Lawhon is a historical fiction that intertwines mystery and intrigue.

Bay City Public Library’s revamped book club, Mocktails and Talk Tales, is for people who like to read and want to connect with others in a warm and welcoming space.

01/11/2025

Six years have passed since Tamira Jean Stone, 33, was found deceased in her vehicle on New Year’s Eve, leaving her family in search of answers. The family continues to hold out hope for closure, clutching onto the memory of a devoted mother and sister who never came home. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Matagorda County Sheriff's Office at 979-245-5526.

WADSWORTH — Authorities continue to stay tight lipped on the death of a mother of three found in her car six years ago on New Year’s Eve.