Prices rising at the pump
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com
      A recent spike in gas prices may be putting that New Year's resolution about saving money to the test. Nationwide, gas prices rose almost 7 cents in the first week of the new year while in Texas prices were up 6 to 10 cents. Regular self-serve was averaging $2.97 per gallon at pumps in 10 Texas ...
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Gone fishing
      Cesar Chapa, left, and Steve Salazar check their 'catch' - a long yellow string - after sweeping the deep end of the Wharton Municipal Pool. The pair on Monday was conducting regular maintenance and checking chemical levels on the pool, which is kept full through the winter months as a means of pr...
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Bridge, home arson fires remain mysteries
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com
      A county bridge destroyed in a deliberately set fire still has drivers detouring around one section of CR 418 and remains the El Campo Fire Department's greatest mystery of 2007. The Sept. 25 arson remains unsolved despite the best efforts of state and local investigators, but the fire burned sev...
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Advice, stories now sought for bridal section
      Marital advice and unique wedding proposals are being sought for an upcoming bridal section. The Wharton Journal-Spectator, East Bernard Express and El Campo Leader-News are all teaming up to produce its 2008 Bridal Guide next month and is seeking public input.
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A safer crossing
      Ricky Guzman affixes a blinking light at the top of a pole indicating a pedestrian crossing on Junior College Boulevard. Guzman and Jerry Zuber installed four lights and reworked the signs on Monday to draw attention to the crossings in an effort to get passing motorists to stop for students walki...
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