WHARTON COUNTY KBDI STILL GOOD
Today's KBDI average value for Wharton County is 272. The index ranges from 7 to 490 across the county.

Outdoor burning in Wharton County is currently allowed during daylight hours. Please notify the Wharton County Sheriff's Department if you are having a controlled burn.
 
For a complete list of burning rules posted by the TCEQ please go to http://www.tceq.texas.gov/publications/rg/rg-049.html and click on the pdf file for a complete set of the outdoor burning rules.


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WHARTON CHAMBER BANQUET
The Wharton Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture’s 93th Annual Banquet will be on Thursday, March 8th, at the  Wharton  Civic Center. Table sponsorships are still available, individual tickets are $35. To reserve your seat call the Wharton Chamber of Commerce at 979-532-1862 or email them at admin@whartonchamber.com.


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CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE FORUM
Local business will be the focus of a Congressional candidate forum Thursday at the Dow Academic Center at Brazosport College.

The forum, hosted by three area chambers of commerce, will feature 10 candidates who are seeking the seat being vacated by longtime U.S. Congressman Ron Paul, R-Lake Jackson. The candidates will be introduced at 4:30 p.m., then answer a few questions relating to Brazoria County business.


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BLOOD DRIVE
Knights of Columbus Council 2490 in El Campo will hold a community blood drive Wednesday at the KC Hall on Armory Road from 3 - 8pm. Anyone who gives blood will receive a complimentary t-shirt. Pre-register at www.giveblood.org, group drive number 5911. For more information you can contact Greg at 979-543-1884.


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WOUNDED WARRIORS COMING
Sargent VFW Post 2412 has requested the assistance of the Matagorda County Cavalry to organize an escort for a group of over 20 Wounded Warriors. These American Heroes will be treated to a skeet shoot at the VFW Post shortly after arrival Friday, and then a goose hunt on Saturday.

The escort will begin at LeTulle Park and is expected to come through downtown Bay City at around 1:30pm Friday.  Lets all line Highway 35, wave our flags and let these heroes know how much we appreciate their sacrifices.

The 1st Annual Hunt for Wounded Soldiers Dance will take place Saturday evening at the VFW Hall in Sargent with music by Texas Legacy Czech Band. See Happy Radio's Event Schedule for more information.


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HOG HUNTING CONTEST
Entries for the Dennis Krenek Family Hog Hunting Contest must be postmarked by Friday. The Hog hunt takes place Friday-Sunday, February 17-19, weigh-in is from 9 - 11am at the Wharton County Fairgrounds.

For entry forms and complete rules, contact Jake Daniell (979)453-0466 or Mack Wade Dromgoole (979) 533-0003 or email krenekhoghunt@yahoo.com.


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SMOKING BAN PROPOSED FOR EL CAMPO
A proposed smoking ban in El Campo’s bars, restaurants and other public buildings could be decided February 13th without input from public vote.

Staff recommended the issue be put on the May 12 ballot, but city leaders instead requested a proposed ordinance be drafted. That ordinance will be among the subjects of a workshop before the 7pm regularly-scheduled Feb. 13 session. At that meeting Council could vote on the proposed ordinance or decide to send it to voters.  Many cities, have made the decision on whether to enact a smoking ban at the City Council level.

The City Attorney is drafting the ordinance.  Eateries and bars that have a designated and separate smoking area supported by an independent heating/air-conditioning system will be exempt from the ban.

When a possible smoking ban was introduced, Mayor Richard Young encouraged Council to put the question before the general public.
He said “I personally prefer a ballot. I’d like to have the citizens’ views. Personally, I have a problem with government being involved in matters like this.”

Councilman Steve Ward agreed with Mayor Young.  Councilman Ed Erwin made the motion calling for a proposed ban.


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TIME CAPSULE OPENED
Monday at Our Lady of Victory School in Victoria, students and former students gathered for the unveiling of a time capsule buried by a group of eighth graders, 25 years earlier

The capsule was located, dug up and cut open to reveal the contents as well as a stench that caused the viewers to quickly cover their noses.

Inside the time capsule was the technology of the period. Not a cell phone, but a floppy disk. Also inside were baseball cards, photographs and writings by students, a photo of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson's royal wedding, a drawing of the school, Garbage Pail Kids cards and a Victoria Advocate newspaper.
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