Telling the story of what's going on in Wilson County, Texas!
Update: Per the Wilson County Office of Emergency Management: Residents of Wilson County who feel they may be in danger from flooding are advised to voluntarily evacuate at this time or any time during this flood event. The Wilson County Office of Emergency Management has announced an emergency alert regarding flooding in the wake of the heavy rain this week. A potential exists for flash flooding along the San Antonio River, Cibolo Creek, and other low-lying areas in Wilson County through Saturday, July 18. The flood threat could impact areas from Elmendorf to Floresville and Falls City, and... Article Link
The Wilson County Sheriff's Office invites the public's assistance for information related to a July 11 hit-and-run. Sheriff's office personnel responded to a vehicle-pedestrian accident at approximately 9:43 a.m. Saturday in the 100 block of Champions Boulevard near La Vernia. Deputies determined that an elderly male had been struck by a white Jeep Rubicon, license plate 4588DV6. The driver, identified by the sheriff's office as Stacy Lynette Gunter of La Vernia, allegedly fled the scene without stopping to render aid or provide information. The injured man sustained multiple serious injuries and remains hospitalized. The Wilson County... Article Link
Some dogs come into your life and change it forever. Mento is one of those dogs. At 5 years old, this handsome white Pit Bull Terrier mix has left the puppy chaos behind and grown into the sweetest, most devoted companion you could ask for. He's neutered, obedient, eager to please, and walks beautifully on a leash, making him the perfect partner for neighborhood strolls or quiet evenings by your side. He's gentle, affectionate, and loves being close to his people. Ready to meet your new best friend? Submit an application at: https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/WCNK/Dog. Make an appointment to visit us! You're... Article Link
Several members of the Stockdale FFA Chapter earned recognition during the 98th Annual Texas FFA State Convention, held July 6-10 in Fort Worth. Emily Hrubetz was awarded the Sheep Proficiency Award at the State Convention. The Proficiency Awards program encourages members to set personal goals and learn practical skills. The program provides recognition to FFA members for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs. The Supervised Agricultural Experience program, an individualized application of classroom learning beyond scheduled class time, has been a standard part of agricultural education since 1917. Students' SAEs may be entrepreneurial enterprises, employment... Article Link
Start your holiday shopping early at the Christmas in July Craft Show & Market on Saturday, July 25, at the Lubianski Feed Store, 13640 F.M. 1346 in St. Hedwig, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The festive celebration will feature handmade baked goods, local crafts, unique gifts, and much more. For additional information, call 210-667- 1145. Article Link
The Comal Country Music Show will take place on Tuesday, July 21, at the Columbus Club Hall, 111 Landa St. in New Braunfels. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for the show, featuring country music performances by Denise Steele and Conrad Gonzales from 7:30-10 p.m. The cover charge is , and sandwiches, candy, coffee, and soft drinks will be available for sale. No outside food or drinks will be permitted inside. All profits will go to charity. Article Link
Join the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Trail Ride Committee Saturday, July 25, in Floresville for its annual Trail Ride Two-Step fundraiser. Doors of the Floresville Event Center will open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner served from 6-7 p.m. The evening includes music by Jake Hooker and “The Outsiders,” and dancing, and a live auction at 9 p.m. This event is restricted to ages 21 and older. Tickets include dinner and open bar; prices are 0 per person. Reserved tables for eight are available for 0, or VIP tables for [post_excerpt],000, which includes dinner, open bar, and food and... Article Link
The Falls City Community Hall will have its next market day this Saturday, July 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event includes garage sales, crafts, and farmer's market items and is held inside the air-conditioned hall located on U.S. 181 in Falls City. Breakfast tacos and complimentary coffee will be available in the morning, and Mrs. C's Street Kitchen will be on-site for lunch. The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center will bring their mobile unit to accept blood donations during the event. Walk-ins are welcome. Bring the whole family and enjoy a day of shopping, visiting, and... Article Link
Loyal readers visit the Wilson County News office to receive gift certificates or gifts from local businesses, which is their prize for participating in WCN's “Summer Fun” promotion. Article Link
I remember as a child picking up one of my grandmother's hats and promptly feeling pain in one of my fingers. “Ouch!” While my grandmother examined my hand for a tiny drop of blood to apply a cotton ball with alcohol, I became fascinated with the source of my very minor emergency: A 4-inch-long black hatpin. Why was it there? It didn't hold anything in place and it wasn't visible enough to be a decoration. Why have something so sharp so easy to reach? It was then that “Munner” told me that women wore hatpins in their hats for personal... Article Link
Despite the heat, area community members were happy to gather July 4 to celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. From parades in the city of La Vernia to entertainment and fireworks at the Floresville Event Center, La Vernia City Park, Stockdale City Park, and Karnes City, the hometown celebrations were spectacular! Article Link
Dear Dave, I've never had a credit card in my life. I do have a 0 monthly car payment right now, and it's my only debt. I owe ,000 on the vehicle. Currently, I have a six-month emergency fund saved, plus ,000 in a regular savings account. I'm in sales, so my pay often fluctuates from month to month. Should I pay off the car from savings, or hang on to that money just in case things in my job take a downturn? Mike Dear Mike, I'm proud of you for never caving in to the temptation of credit cards.... Article Link
Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced that cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts would be sent [post_excerpt].3 billion in local sales-tax allocations for June, 7.4 percent more than in June 2025. These allocations are based on sales made in April by businesses that report tax monthly. Receipts for local entities collecting sales-tax revenues include: Article Link
Editor: I would like to thank the City of La Vernia for hosting such an outstanding celebration of our nation's 250 birthday on July 4th! This was my family's first time attending this annual event, and we are glad we did. We appreciate all of the effort that went into making this such an outstanding event. The information on social media beforehand was very helpful, with maps of the grounds and the many parking locations. It was extremely well-organized and had so much to offer in the way of vendors, food and drink trucks, entertainment, rides, and an opportunity to... Article Link
On Wednesday, Mr. Trump had a new word to describe our adversary's leaders: “scum.” “They are sick people. They're led by sick people, and they're vicious, violent people,” he said, adding, “As far as I'm concerned, it's just a waste of time dealing with them.” So, what are we supposed to do? What we did was hit them with two of the worst days of bombing since the war started. And what has that accomplished? Brought us to the brink, or back from the brink, the brink being the place that mediators between us and Iran say we are on.... Article Link
JD Vance has served admirably as Donald Trump's vice president and has been a true asset to the administration. Right now, he's favored to be the next Republican nominee for president when 2028 rolls around. But there are many other viable contenders. That's why his latest deep-dive interview on his views on the economy is highly disturbing. In Vance's interview last week with The Daily Wire, he sounded much more like a Mitt Romney, big-government RINO than a Trump or Ronald Reagan. Decide for yourself. Here are some of Vance's misguided views on economics and the future of the GOP:... Article Link
In the woird we lvie in tehre are tihngs thai smoetiems jsut dno't seem rihgt. Tehre are otehr tiems when things are blatantly wrnog, and stcik out lkie a sroe thmub. Hvae you eevre ntoiecd that wehn you are porof redaing soemthnig taht you hvae written, taht yuor eye deos not cacth an erorr? Geiv it 10 somoene else to raed and tehy sopt it rihgt aawy. Why is tihs? Colud it be taht we are too colse to the sitaution? Okay, enough with the fun. However, I hope you do see what I'm trying to convey with the overemphasizing... Article Link
Atascosa County Judge Weldon Cude (left) looks on during a public information meeting July 7 in Atascosa County as Fire Marshal Ronald Sanchez responds to an audience question asking if local firefighters are trained to handle BESS (battery energy storage system) fires. County officials held the meeting to discuss current businesses, future growth, county authority, and infrastructure with residents. Look for more on this meeting in the July 22 edition of Wilson County News. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXXdZsI_vnwM&si=v4N6VhcL1b-jZVw- Article Link
Area law-enforcement agencies have reported the following recent activity: Editor's Note: All individuals arrested and charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. Department of Public Safety •July 4, Jose M. Chavez, 48, of San Antonio was arrested on U.S. 87 and charged with two counts of manufacture or delivery of between 4 and 200 grams of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 1. •July 5, Bobby G. Mays, 49, of Leander was arrested on S.H. 123 in Stockdale and charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession of less than... Article Link
The cause of a Sunday-morning crash on S.H. 97 in Wilson County that killed a Luling man remains under investigation. According to Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Highway Patrol Sgt. Orlando De Luna Jr., the crash occurred at approximately 3 a.m. July 12, on S.H.97 near mile marker 558 in eastern Wilson County. According to the preliminary investigation, Kristopher Colby Adam Alfaro, 20, of Luling, was traveling west on S.H. 97 in a 1999 Ford Taurus. For an unknown reason, the vehicle veered into the oncoming lane; the driver overcorrected, lost control, and rolled over. Alfaro, the sole occupant... Article Link
A crash June 25 that killed four people on U.S. 181 in Karnes County was caused by a driver being “fatigued or asleep,” according to the final crash report filed with the Texas Department of Transportation. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Highway Patrol responded to the crash that Thursday morning, which occurred at approximately 8 a.m. Fernando Espinoza, 23, was the driver of a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling north on U.S. 181 near Hobson Road. The report indicates that, due to being asleep or fatigued, he lost control of the vehicle, veered into the oncoming lane, and... Article Link
Five individuals remain at large, following action by sheriff's office personnel from Bexar and Wilson counties Saturday afternoon. Wilson County Sheriff's Office personnel were contacted July 11 at approximately 2:40 p.m.by the Bexar County Sheriff's Office to assist with the execution of a search warrant in the 1000 block of C.R. 108 northwest of Floresville, according to the Wilson County Sheriff's Office. Wilson County deputies provided traffic control and temporarily closed the roadway while Bexar County personnel executed the warrant. However, multiple individuals apparently fled the location, according to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. Wilson County deputies alerted the community... Article Link
View WCN's video coverage of these meetings online at wilsoncountynews.com/meeting-coverage/. Commissioners Court July 13 Floresville Council July 8 Atascosa Water Meeting July 7 Wilson County Emergency Services District 2 (North central Wilson County) Meeting: Regular meeting, July 6, 5-6:50 p.m. Actions: •Approved June 3 regular meeting minutes as presented •Approved the monthly financial report as presented, including 19 bills for payment, and 36 payments for ratification •Approved to continue to develop the overlay campaign for fiscal year 2027; this is to present to voters a proposal for a second, separate ESD to separate the fire and EMS services •Approved appointing... Article Link
An 18-wheeler fire on July 1 caused a closure of U.S. 87 East near Loop 1604 near Adkins. According to Bexar County Emergency Services District (ESD) 12 Chief Lawrence Padalecki Jr., four units were dispatched to the scene of the fire at 7:03 p.m. U.S. 87 was closed in the area and traffic rerouted while first responders worked to contain the blaze, and emergency medical service remained on standby. Crews worked for several hours to safely extinguish the fire and clear the roadway, and the last unit cleared the scene by 11:23 p.m. The cause of the fire is unknown,... Article Link
The county's vision for a “Shelter of Last Resort” evacuation center at the Wilson County Expo and Community Center in Floresville has an undetermined future. Wilson County commissioners approved during their regular meeting July 15 to terminate the county's [post_excerpt].28 million contract with the Texas General Land Office. The funds were announced in August 2025, designated for enhancements to the county's expo center, which would allow the site to be used as an evacuation center in the event of major disasters or crises, such as floods or hurricanes. Wilson County Judge Hank Whitman and Assistant County Attorney Evelyn Huron told... Article Link
Wilson County Judge Hank Whitman (standing, right) administers the oath of office to Xavier Salas (left) and Richard L. “Dickie” Jackson during the July 13 meeting of Wilson County Commissioners Court. Salas was appointed by commissioners to the Wilson County Emergency Services (ESD) District 5 board, following the resignation of Mike Jackson; Dickie Jackson was appointed to the ESD 1 board to replace Quinten Kiolbassa. Article Link
A new shooting range has just opened in southwest Wilson County. As visitors drive onto the property of Center Mass Pistol & Archery Range — located at 1421 C.R. 213 in McCoy, a short drive southwest of Floresville — flags representing each branch of the U.S. military are visible, anchored to the stalls of the range. This, said owner and U.S. Army veteran Phillip Clemons, represents the welcoming atmosphere he hopes will encourage military personnel and first responders to sharpen their skills and exercise focused training. Clemons, a former police officer and deputy sheriff from Ohio who went on to... Article Link
Dr. Bethany Bayer is a recent graduate of the Texas A&M College of Medicine, not Texas A&M University-San Antonio, as stated at the end of the article, “Dr. Bethany Bayer advocates for rural healthcare,” in the July 8 Wilson County News. Readers can alert the Wilson County News to any errors in news articles by emailing nkilbey-smith@wcn-online.com or by calling 830-216-4519. Article Link
Preliminary data indicates Texas home insurers earned a 22 percent profit on premiums collected last year, according to the Houston Chronicle. It was the best year insurers have had in two decades and follows several years of double-digit rate increases and flat or slightly negative returns for insurers due to increased natural disasters. Insurance rates increased statewide by an average of 4.3 percent last year, according to the Texas Department of Insurance, which was significantly lower than the rate increases of preceding years. Homeowners were still paying about 80 percent more for home insurance in 2025 than they paid in... Article Link
Visitors to the downtown Floresville area may have already noticed a very pink change — Sisters Boutique and Gifts owners Stacey Cameron and Kaitlyn Tieken have announced the opening of a third storefront, Sisters Out West. The all-western-themed women's “microstore” next to Lil Sisters on Third Street will offer a variety of eclectic and affordable western wear and accessories, beginning Aug. 1. Stacey and Kaitlyn say they're excited to bring more foot traffic to downtown Floresville, and have also just announced a partnership with Prince Blakaj, owner of Morea Italian Steakhouse, to open a brunch spot in the old Trail... Article Link
Congratulations to Squeak's Convenience Store in Floresville, recently awarded Texas Treasure Business recognition by the Texas Historical Commission! This award honors well-established businesses that have been in continuous for-profit operation for at least 50 years and their historical contributions to communities across the state. It also recognizes their important role in preserving the heritage and character of their community. “We are incredibly grateful to our loyal customers, employees, family, and community for your support,” said owner Traniece Merecka. “Thank you for helping make Squeak's a true Texas Treasure.” Koepp Chevrolet in La Vernia was honored with the award in 2023,... Article Link
The fixed-route transit service helps connect residents with key destinations in Floresville and access to hospitals, doctors' offices, city and county offices, shopping, and other public locations and services. Article Link
[Video below] The Floresville Economic Development Corp. (FEDC) board continues to be in fluctuation, following more action by the Floresville City Council. During the July 8 council meeting, council members addressed reconsidering an approval from their June 25 meeting. Last month, Daniel M. Tejada was appointed by Councilman Jake Lamberth to the FEDC board and approved by the council. Councilman Frances Flores said she requested the discussion because the vote she originally cast “did not reflect her intended position,” and she wanted to reconsider the appointment. Councilmen Mario Morones and Jake Lamberth asked questions related to their ability to each... Article Link
Approximately 160 bales of hay went up in smoke July 3, after flames erupted on property near Sutherland Springs. The hay bales were located on private property on C.R. 333 off F.M. 539. The fire alarm was sounded at 3:51 p.m. that Friday, according to Fire Battalion Chief Matt Quigley of Wilson County District 1 Fire & Rescue. Within 10 minutes, the firefighters arrived on the scene. District 1 provided four brush trucks, an engine, a (water) tender, and two command vehicles. A Wilson County Emergency Services District 5 Fire & Rescue brush truck and a New Berlin Volunteer Fire... Article Link
FLORESVILLE — A 78-year-old Wilson County woman has been found safe after an 11-hour search on the Fourth of July. Carolyn Perkins of Floresville was reported missing from her care home residence in northwestern Wilson County at approximately 11:40 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, July 4. Shannon Perkins knew that her mother-in-law, an elderly woman suffering from dementia, would be unable to find her way back to her own property near C.R. 158 in Floresville. “She just went outside and didn't come back,” Shannon said. Carolyn, who worked at NASA for 51 years, was not “into nature,” “not a... Article Link
Texas Connections Academy celebrated 1,250 graduates from across the state during its commencement ceremony at the University of Houston Ferttita Center on June 5. Among the graduating class were three students from Wilson County. The local graduates include: •Chase Garcia •Destinee Howard •Sophia Martinez. The Class of 2026 secured more than million in scholarships and awards. Texas Connections Academy's Class of 2026 consists of graduates from cities and towns across the state who have benefited from a high-quality online education. Among this year's graduates, 51 percent plan to attend two- or four-year colleges or universities. Additionally, 17 percent plan... Article Link
The Floresville Independent School District invites applications from eligible households for free and reduced priced meals for students. Starting in mid-July, the district will distribute letters to households of the children in the district regarding eligibility benefits. Applications are available at www.linqconnect.com. Children in households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are eligible. Additionally, foster children, migrant children, children who are enrolled in Head Start or Even Start, and those who meet the income guidelines of the program based on the Federal Income Chart, are eligible. Families may apply any... Article Link
The Wilson County Soccer League is holding in-person registration for the fall season now through Saturday, July 25, for kids ages 3 to 18. Registration dates include: •Saturday, July 25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Farmhaus Table, 2239 F.M. 3432, in Adkins. •Late registration will be offered on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for an additional fee, at Camden's Adventure Zone, at 2954 F.M. 775 in La Vernia. Registration also is available online through Friday, July 31. Games begin Saturday, Sept. 19, and will be held at Camden's Adventure Zone in La Vernia. Coaches are also... Article Link
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Gov. Greg Abbott is calling for a ban on data center construction in rural neighborhoods, according to the Houston Chronicle. Opposition to the facilities is growing because they require large amounts of electricity and water and can be noisy. The governor had previously touted Texas as "the epicenter of AI development." A recent poll by the University of Texas at Austin found that 62% of rural Texans, who vote heavily Republican, support the measure, the paper noted. Seven counties — Hays, Caldwell, Henderson, Hill, Hood, Somervell and Van Zandt — have now called for either a special session or for... Article Link
Do you have a secret family recipe for homemade ice cream? Or maybe you love to eat ice cream. Either way, join the Wilson County Public Libraries for their annual Ice Cream Freeze-Off in the Floresville Library, on Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m. to noon. Contestants are invited to be in place by 10 a.m. in the Sam Fore Jr. Wilson County Public Library, and are asked to take enough ice cream for everyone to sample. The library will provide sampling supplies. Prizes will be awarded for top three flavors. Also happening this month, enjoy mini golf inside the... Article Link
Do you have a secret family recipe for homemade ice cream? Or maybe you love to eat ice cream. Either way, join the Wilson County Public Libraries for their annual Ice Cream Freeze-Off in the Floresville Library, on Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m. to noon. Contestants are invited to be in place by 10 a.m. in the Sam Fore Jr. Wilson County Public Library, and are asked to take enough ice cream for everyone to sample. The library will provide sampling supplies. Prizes will be awarded for top three flavors. Also happening this month, enjoy mini golf inside the... Article Link
As we continue the celebration of our nation's 250th birthday, here's a recipe that ties in with our country's history. Senate Bean Soup has been served in the restaurant of the U.S. Senate for more than 100 years. It's a simple soup of navy beans, ham hocks, and onion that's on the menu every day. According to a Wikipedia entry about the soup, during World War II rationing left the Senate kitchen without enough navy beans to serve the soup on Sept. 14, 1943; this was reported in the Washington Times-Herald the next day. Somehow, by the following day, “more... Article Link
Visit the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum in Cuero and relive the classic 1989 mini-series “Lonesome Dove” exhibit on Saturday, July 11. This is a rare opportunity to see the story through a series of compelling, sepia-toned photos taken on set by the movie's producer, Bill Witliff. The Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum is located at 302 N. Esplanade St. in Cuero, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The exhibit is free with a museum admission of for adults and for children ages 5-17. Military, current members, and children under the age of 5... Article Link
As we continue the celebration of our nation's 250th birthday, here's a recipe that ties in with our country's history. Senate Bean Soup has been served in the restaurant of the U.S. Senate for more than 100 years. It's a simple soup of navy beans, ham hocks, and onion that's on the menu every day. According to a Wikipedia entry about the soup, during World War II rationing left the Senate kitchen without enough navy beans to serve the soup on Sept. 14, 1943; this was reported in the Washington Times-Herald the next day. Somehow, by the following day, “more... Article Link
It was a spark that changed everything! On June 19, 1915, electricity came to Floresville and changed the landscape of Wilson County forever. According to a brief history of the Floresville Electric Light & Power System (FELPS), at https://www.felps.us/about-us/about-felps/, Floresville Mayor S.V. Houston pressed the button that lit up Floresville in the night. Three young ladies of the community — Nora Houston, Robbie Smith, and Clara Culpepper — were selected by secret ballot votes to assist at the ceremonial event at the new power plant in downtown Floresville. A large crowd attended the celebration and received a full explanation of... Article Link
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