Telling the story of what's going on in Wilson County, Texas!
Update: Roadway has reopened. A major accident on U.S. 181 north of Floresville has closed some lanes to traffic. Drivers on U.S. 181 are urged to approach the vicinity of the scene, near Creekwood Drive, with caution. Northbound traffic on the highway is being turned around as law-enforcement personnel and first responders attend the scene of the crash. Drivers heading toward San Antonio are advised to find alternate routes. Southbound lanes remain open. Drivers are reminded to move over or slow down for emergency vehicles. No further details are available at this time. An update will be provided as or... Article Link
The Stockdale Chamber of Commerce invites the community to attend the 82nd Stockdale Watermelon Jubilee & Rodeo Queen's Court Coronation on Wednesday, June 17, in the Stockdale Junior High School gym. Who will be crowned as Queen Melone? Who will serve as Miss Rodeo Stockdale? The 2026 Stockdale Watermelon Jubilee is set for Friday and Saturday, June 19-20, in the Stockdale City Park. Catch this year's court in the parade on June 20, starting at 9 a.m., along Main Street. Meet the candidates for the 2026 court! Queen Melone Peyton Mills is an incoming senior at Stockdale High School, where... Article Link
Here's a mystery for you! Who's that with the Mystery Machine from the “Scooby Doo” cartoons, parked on a Floresville street in late May? It's Wesley Connally — nephew of former Texas Gov. John Connally — and his wife, Liz, visiting Floresville in style after 40 years away! Article Link
This beautiful girl got her name in the sweetest way. When she first came around as a stray, we used cat food to help earn her trust — and “Kitty” just stuck. Now that she knows people can be kind, her true personality shines. Kitty will literally smile at you when she's happy, and she'll happily roll over for belly rubs the second she feels loved. Her soft eyes and gentle spirit make it impossible not to fall for her. Beautiful inside and out, Kitty is ready to leave her stray days behind and finally know what it feels like... Article Link
Education is a subject that is at the core of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas's mission, and the Joshua D. Brown Chapter presented two area graduating seniors with [post_excerpt],500 scholarships at their spring luncheon on May 7 at Riverhill Country Club in Kerrville. Receiving the Joshua D. Brown Scholarship is Landry Rose Meyer, a senior at Blanco High School in Blanco. Landry is the daughter of Chad and Laura Meyer, granddaughter of DRT member Fayrene Craddock, and niece of DRT member Tammy Kneuper. In her four years at Blanco High School, Landry had an impressive record of athletics,... Article Link
It's time to register to participate in the 2026 Watermelon Crawl 5K, part of the 2026 Stockdale Watermelon Jubilee. The 5K run/walk will take place Friday, June 19, at 6 p.m. at Bryce Field in Stockdale's Central Park on William Street. All ages are welcome. The event includes: •Kids Crawl, for ages 10 and under, at 6 p.m. •Watermelon Crawl 5K, ages 11 and up, 6:15 p.m. Age groups for the 5K are 11-15, 16-20, and then age groups in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s. Awards will be presented for the overall top male and female, and... Article Link
Cheer on your favorite local heroes during the First Responder Dodgeball Tournament on Wednesday, June 24, at 5 p.m. at the Floresville High School Competition Gym. Teams from the Wilson County Sheriff's Office, Floresville Police Department, Wilson County Emergency Services District 4, the Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol, and many more will compete for bragging rights and the title of the best of the best. The entry fee is one unused, unwrapped toy per person to support the Blue Santa Program, which provides gifts and other items to families in need during the holidays. Article Link
Stop by and visit with members of the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department at 107 Cooper St. on Monday, June 15, for their annual Flag Day fundraiser. Meal tickets for the event can be purchased at the door for and will include a pulled pork sandwich, chips, and a drink. Serving starts at 4:30 p.m. Baked items will also be available for purchase, as well as tickets for a prize drawing to be held during the event. For more information, contact Ryan Korzekwa at 830-391-5280, or fcvfdtx@gmail.com. Article Link
Q: I have petunias planted in my beds and they look great. Can I leave them for the summer, or do I have to replace them with a summer plant? A: The Texas Superstar site says that most petunias do not hold up to our summer heat and humidity. However, a Texan (Greg Grant) developed the Laura Bush petunia which is able to stand our summers. It is a trailing petunia. Later, two more trailers, Tidal Wave Silver and Tidal Wave Cherry, were introduced. I asked at my local nursery as I bought my periwinkles whether he recommended leaving in... Article Link
Wilson County News Editor Nannette Kilbey- Smith shared this recipe. “I recently came across a little book by Helen Simpson, The London Ritz Book of Afternoon Tea, at a yard sale,” Nannette said. “Thumbing through it took me back to my years living in London and experiencing ‘afternoon tea' in various places. At one time during my years in England, I actually worked in a tea shop, where we served lunches, afternoon tea, and cream teas, including pretty sandwiches and gorgeous cakes. The menu also included seasonal soups, heartier sandwiches, and toasted treats, including this favorite, Welsh Rarebit. “A mix... Article Link
When there's time for a break at the Red Wing Shoe Store on Military Drive in San Antonio, owner Kenny Kaufman and employee Andrea Gonzalez enjoy catching up with the news in Wilson County. Red Wing has been a longtime advertiser in the Wilson County News! (See the ad, page 1C. Kenny comes up with the sometimes serious and often-humorous calendar connections in the ads himself.) Article Link
Community Council of South Central Texas (CCSCT) proudly hosted its second annual Community Heroes Luncheon in Seguin, bringing together community leaders, partner organizations, and distinguished guests to celebrate the spirit of service and recognize individuals and organizations making a lasting impact across South Central and West Texas. A highlight of the luncheon included compelling stories of resilience from CCSCT clients who shared how they have overcome barriers and achieved stability, growth, and self-sufficiency through the support of CCSCT programs and services. The luncheon also included the presentation of the 2026 Community Hero Awards, honoring outstanding contributions to community service. Honorees... Article Link
A Maine potato farmer and a Texas rancher were engaged in conversation at a political rally. The man from the Lone Star State asked, “How much land do you tend?” The Mainer replied, “About a hundred acres.” “I manage about a thousand myself,” said the Texan in a slow drawl. The man from Maine was not overly impressed, so the Texan continued, “I know where there's a much bigger ranch south of San Antonio. To give you an idea of its size, the owner can start off in the morning in his pick-up, and he ain't barely crossed his place... Article Link
As I was leaving the Wilson County News office and heading toward my car May 14, I heard such a ruckus — sounds I'm sure I've never heard before. At first I thought a puppy or some other animal was in trouble; then it sounded like croaking and squawking. I then suspected a large bird of some kind. I looked up, and on the back rooftop of the Wilson County News building in downtown Floresville, I saw this big, black bird obviously fussing at something else that was on the rooftop. I recognized it was a raven, but it took... Article Link
A former Wilson County student has graduated from a top Ivy League school. Hayden Hajovsky, Stockdale High School class of 2022, walked the stage May 26 as a graduate of Princeton University in New Jersey. During his high school career, Hayden — the eldest son of Cynthia Luna and Stephen Hajovsky, and brother to Conner, 18 — was heavily involved in groups such as 4-H and FFA, learning archery, building robots, and competing at the State level in entomology identification. “Not only do I look back on these memories very fondly, but they also gave me the kind of rich,... Article Link
WCN “Meeting Watches” present highlights from recent meetings of some area entities; not all entities, or their actions or discussions, are included here. View WCN's video coverage of these meetings online at wilsoncountynews.com/meeting-coverage/. Commissioners June 8 Floresville City Council June 1 Floresville Planning & Zoning June 3 Stockdale EDC June 4 Wilson County Commissioners Court Meeting: Regular meeting, June 8, 9-11:23 a.m. Actions: •Approved a proclamation naming June 12 as Women Veterans Recognition Day •Approved a resolution for the Help America Vote Act and naming Elections Administrator Olga Marrero as the point of contact for the grant •Approved the use... Article Link
AUSTIN – Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) announced June 2 that .8 million in Fund for Veterans' Assistance (FVA) grants will support 190 grants to 160 organizations across the state. Approved by TVC commissioners, FVA grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations and local government agencies throughout Texas that provide direct services to veterans and their families. The 190 grants are anticipated to serve more than 125,698 veterans and family members statewide. The FVA grants help fund the following services: •Assistive technology •Clinical counseling •Elder care •Family and child support services •Financial assistance •Food meal services •Homeless... Article Link
The Republican Party of Bexar County announced its opposition June 3 to the proposed San Antonio Water System (SAWS) rate increase and called for immediate reforms to improve accountability, transparency, and operational efficiency before asking working families to pay higher utility bills. SAWS is seeking approval of a multiyear rate plan that could increase the average residential water bill by approximately 33 percent over the next four years. SAWS leadership has stated the increase is necessary to support approximately .2 billion in infrastructure investments and system upgrades. The Bexar County Republican Party said that, while it recognizes the importance of... Article Link
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will hold a public meeting in Floresville on Thursday, June 11, for a pending wastewater permit for HK Bella's Ranch. The permit — WQ0016844001 — proposes a wastewater treatment plant to discharge up to 250,000 gallons of treated wastewater per day into Kicaster Creek and on into to the San Antonio River. The meeting will consist of two parts: •Informal discussion — attendees can ask questions of the applicant and TCEQ staff; these questions will not be part of the official record •Formal comment period — attendees will state their comments relevant to... Article Link
George Dziuk Jr. was sworn in May 21 as mayor of Elmendorf, following the resignation of former Mayor Mike Gonzales. Before his appointment as mayor, Dziuk served the city for 10 years, progressing from board and commission appointments to being elected unopposed to Elmendorf City Council Place 3. Gonzales, said Dziuk, “hands me a city that is poised to morph into a great place to live. Much that Mike and previous councils helped developers put in place is already transforming what was once a peanut field and quarry into a fine subdivision,” referencing the Hickory Ridge subdivision. “It is the... Article Link
Editor: Re: Letter, “And so it begins …,” June 3 After kindly informing us all about what he believes is wrong with Ken Paxton, Mr. Yingst states that Mr. Paxton's opponent in the 2026 Texas Senate race, James Talarico, is the only choice for Texas for U.S. Senator. But I noticed that Mr. Yingst does not say why Mr. Talarico is the only choice. Perhaps he, or someone else, might be able to elaborate? Might they do so without mentioning Mr. Paxton or his perceived faults? MARY MORGANLa Vernia Article Link
Editor: Re: Letter, “After John Cornyn, go Ken Paxton,” June 3 Yes, imagine that — losing to a habitual wife-cheater, indicted in 2015 for felony securities fraud, and a 2023 impeachment by the Texas State House for bribery and abuse of office. No thanks. Ken Paxton is the same sicko who gave attorney Adam Hoffman a sweetheart deal. Hoffman was charged with continuously sexually abusing a child for more than three years, a first-degree felony. Instead, Paxton worked out a sweetheart deal for two Class-A misdemeanors and no jail time. A judge ordered him to serve jail time, but he... Article Link
Editor: Re: “And so it begins…,” June 2 Well, election season is upon us and here we go. The author wants to believe that Paxton is walking evil, supported by our President. Perhaps we could have a better candidate for the U.S. Senate, but we are going with Paxton. So, Paxton's life is basically a corruption saga? What about former President Biden? Senator – corrupt, Vice President - corrupt, President – too incapacitated to even be corrupt. No primary for the Democrat candidate and Trump is a walking ethics violation? Right. The author believes that James Talarico is the only... Article Link
Editor: As a school board member, I had the opportunity to hand out a few diplomas recently. It was an exhilarating experience to see the joy on the faces of the graduates. As they begin the next chapter in their lives, whether entering college, the armed forces, or the work force, they will enter another informal school, often called the “school of hard knocks.” If going to college, they need to seek guidance to help direct them into areas of specialization with good employment opportunities, avoiding areas such as gender studies, underwater basket weaving, etc., as they are bad debt... Article Link
Editor: The first screwworm case in Texas was discovered and confirmed by the USDA in Zavala County near La Pryor. It was found in the umbilical area of a 3-week-old calf. The screwworm fly lays eggs at the site of an open wound or opening of the flesh, such as the umbilical area of newborn calves or the gumline. This was a serious problem for many years until the eradication project finally declared them gone in 1966. A massive effort involved sterilizing male flies with a radiation process, then air dropping them by the millions over the entire affected areas.... Article Link
Editor: Our local priorities are completely backwards. Wilson County and Floresville are rapidly approving new housing subdivisions and AI data centers, yet we are completely ignoring our elderly residents. I recently spoke with the Paloma Senior Village apartments and learned they have a massive waiting list. Our seniors, who spent their lives building this community, are being pushed aside and becoming homeless for commercial growth and tech infrastructure. Data centers do not care for our grandparents, and sprawling subdivisions do not help a senior citizen looking for an affordable, safe place to live. Growth is inevitable, but it must be... 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 •May 25, Joe E. Cotter, 22, of Stockdale was arrested at the intersection of F.M. 1922 and C.R. 310 and charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession of between 1 and 4 grams of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 2. Wilson County Sheriff's Office •May 25, Bobby J. Serna, 39, of Poth was arrested at the intersection of F.M. 537 and F.M.... Article Link
Dear Dave, I'm 25, and I work as a property manager making ,000 a year. I'm in the middle of paying off my debts, but I'm struggling to stay intense about it. I'm in a long-distance relationship that forces me to spend a lot of money to see my boyfriend. He's not working right now, and it's been a while since his last job. That means I'm always spending extra on gas and other things to make the eight-hour, round-trip drive twice a month so we can spend time together. We've been together for almost two years, but I'm honestly... Article Link
The County Executive Committee of the Wilson County Democratic Party, led by Party Chair Sarah Guevara, presents a campaign donation check May 21 to Mark Hurd, Democratic candidate for Wilson County Pct. 4 commissioner, at their monthly meeting. Article Link
A two-vehicle accident on U.S. 87 in Stockdale has resulted in three people going to the hospital. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Highway Patrol troopers were dispatched shortly after 4 p.m. June 4 to the accident at the intersection of U.S. 87 and W. Main Street in Stockdale. In addition to DPS, crews from Wilson County District 3 EMS, District 1 Fire & Rescue, and the Wilson County Sheriff's Office responded to the crash. According to DPS Staff Sgt. Orlando De Luna Jr., preliminary information gathered indicated that a white 2000 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by an 80-year-old male, failed... Article Link
[Video below] As Stockdale Economic Development Corp. (EDC) bids farewell to its longtime administrator, its board has approved to seek outside legal counsel regarding a services agreement with the city of Stockdale related to the position. Board president J.C. Hrubetz began the meeting June 4 by addressing a services agreement, which was presented to board members beforehand by City Manager Stephen Mayfield. In the agreement, the position is not referred to as the SEDC administrator, but as the executive director of the SEDC, as well as a city employee. As a city employee, the position comes under the jurisdiction of... Article Link
[2 Videos below] A .6 million proposal for the purchase of a new building to house the Wilson County Appraisal District has generated concerns from the taxing entities which make up the district funding. The proposal led to several of the entities — including Wilson County, which makes up a large portion of the funding — calling special meetings in response to the timing of the proposal, and concerns of lack of transparency (see “Commissioners react to appraisal district proposal,” June 3 Wilson County News). Chief Appraiser Jennifer Coldewey addressed the Wilson County commissioners during a special meeting June 3,... Article Link
Flag Day is this Sunday, June 14. As it does every year, American Legion Post 38 in Floresville, in conjunction with its Boy Scout Troop, will conduct a flag retirement ceremony Sunday morning, beginning at 9 a.m., to respectfully destroy torn and tattered U.S. and Texas flags. Everyone is welcome to attend. The Post has a year-round collection program for worn and tattered flags; these can be deposited in the collection box located near the front entrance of the American Legion Hall at 1412 Fourth St. in downtown Floresville. Anyone in the community with a flag in need of respectful... Article Link
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statewide disaster declaration late last week after the New World screwworm was found in two calves in South Texas, according to The Dallas Morning News. Two cases have been identified in newborn calves in Zavala County, about 5.6 miles apart. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said a strike team was on site and that restrictions were in place to prevent the movement of cattle. “We have, in the past, prevented as well as eradicated this pest, and we can do it again,” Abbott said. The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly that lays eggs... Article Link
The Floresville Chamber of Commerce invites the community to its second annual Bridal Expo and Fashion Show on Sunday, June 14, from noon to 3:30 p.m. Doors at the Floresville Event Center will open at noon. Participants will find everything needed for their big day. Browse an array of vendors and enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, and a fashion show. The event is sponsored by the Wilson County News. Admission is free! For more information, call 830-251-0944 or visit https://www.floresvillechamberofcommerce.com/bridal-expo. Article Link
The Floresville Police Department building on C Street is temporarily closed, as law-enforcement personnel prepare to move into their new headquarters. The department announced the closure June 4, as the current building was scheduled for an onsite inspection to prepare for its demolition. Police Chief Anthony Flores said the new building — adjacent to the current one — may be available to move into in the next two weeks. The department, he said, “thanks the community for their patience and support during this transition.” Officers remain on duty and available to assist the public, operating out of Floresville City Hall... Article Link
Floresville Independent School District is proud to announce Sanjuanita E. Peña as the new principal of Floresville South Elementary. Peña currently serves as Assistant Principal at Floresville Middle School, where she has built strong relationships with students, families, and staff while supporting campus instruction, student discipline, LPAC, and 504 services. She brings more than a decade of experience in education, all rooted in student support, instructional leadership, and campus improvement. “Mrs. Peña is a strong instructional leader who understands Floresville ISD, our students, and our community,” said Superintendent Jason Gilstrap. “Her ability to connect with students, support teachers, and build... Article Link
[Video below] Floresville customers will soon see a rate increase in their water and wastewater utility bills. The Floresville City Council approved the rate change May 28 — which has not changed in 10 years — following a presentation by Kayley Poston of Communities Unlimited. She said the city needs to have at least a 1.0 operating ratio to be considered for grant or state agency funding. “They want to see that the system can pay for itself,” Poston said. “At this point, the water system cannot financially sustain just the financial expenses for the water side.” The new fees... Article Link
Marco Martinez, 11, of Floresville, holds his new Hohner accordion May 30, after securing the win as Champion of the Rising Stars ages 12 and under, through the Texas Folklife's “Big Squeeze” accordion competition (see “Accordionist Marco Martinez is Big Squeeze finalist, April 15 Wilson County News). In addition to earning the title and new instrument, Marco was named the 2026-27 Rising Star Ambassador for his age group, as a musician who embodies the spirit and future of Texas accordion tradition. Article Link
Texas law is clear: A person has a right to access a cemetery, even if it lies within private property. “Any person who wishes to visit a cemetery or private burial grounds for which no public ingress or egress is available shall have the right to reasonable ingress and egress for the purpose of visiting the cemetery or private burial grounds” (Texas Health and Safety Code, Section 771.041). The law encompasses a person's right to visit the grave of a departed relative buried in a family cemetery on land that no longer belongs to the family. As developers of residential... Article Link
“The confirmed detection of New World screwworm in Texas marks a new chapter for our state.” Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening issued this sobering statement June 3, as the USDA confirmed the first case of New World screwworm in the United States, in an outbreak that began in 2023 in Central America and had steadily progressed northward through Mexico. The first case was in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County. As of press time June 8, three more cases had been confirmed in Texas and one in New Mexico. “Texas livestock producers and all Texans must now be vigilant... Article Link
Floresville ISD's Summer Feeding Program allows the district to serve free meals to kids 18 and under and students who continue to be enrolled in school up to the age of 21 and are identified as disabled through a special education program. •Floresville High School, June 2-18, breakfast 7:30- 8 am, lunch 12-1 p.m. •Floresville North Elementary, June 1-30, breakfast 7:30-8 a.m., lunch 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Grab and go options are available at this campus. Both campuses are open to everyone 18 years and under. Article Link
The East Central Independent School District (ISD) has announced four summer feeding locations open this summer. Summer Meals are provided at no cost to all children 18 years of age and younger. Meals are available for collection at the following campuses: •Honor Elementary School, 3610 N. Graytown Road — Monday through Thursday, through June 26, 7:30-9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; child must be present and must eat the meals in the cafeteria •Sinclair Elementary School, 6126 Sinclair Road — Monday through Thursday, through July 16, 7:30-9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; child must be present... Article Link
Wilson County 4-H again is hosting its annual Summer Senior Citizen Cookie Donation event. 4-H'ers are encouraged to sign up for this ongoing service project, to donate cookies for area senior citizens. Youth also are invited to help distribute cookies during the Wilson County Senior Center event Wednesday, June 17, from 11 a.m. at the Wilson County Expo and Community Center, 435 S.H. 97 E. in Floresville. To sign up to donate cookies, visit https://rb.gy/zidgxf. Cookies can be dropped off at the Wilson County AgriLife Extension Office, 1420 Third St., Suite 300 (in the basement of the Wilson County Courthouse)... Article Link
Semester 2 Sixth grade All A's: Case Akin, Violette Bruno, Calvin Chew, Bria Cochrum, Jase Cotter, Mazy Dougherty, Candace Hastings, Emma Hastings, Yeats Lambeck, Adam Legard, Annabelle Musser, Ainsley Oliver, Zoey Osborne, Kinslyn Scheel, Levan Scheel, Ethan Skinner, Slade Smith, Addison Stavinoha, Avery Urrabazo, Weston Wiatrek A/B: Kaidyn Alvarez, Gianna Asti, Jagger Bass, Jaxon Brantley, Baylee Buck, Case Burt, Miraculous Campbell, Mason Dean, Braxton Drew, Hadley Dugi, John Esquivel, Maci Freeman, Lillian Gustafson, Hannah Jovanovic, Blake Mills, Nicolas Perez, Madelyn Sekula, Ramzie Valentine, Juan Veliz, Mazie Wyatt Seventh grade All A's: Saryn Atkinson, Aria Gomez, Collyn Lambeck, Mateo Maldonado, Pieper... Article Link
The Texas 4-H Center in Brownwood will host the My Preparedness Initiative (MYPI) Camp from Sunday through Thursday, Aug. 2-6, offering teens ages 13-19 a hands-on opportunity to develop critical disaster preparedness, leadership and service skills. The Texas 4-H camp, part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, is an award-winning national program designed to build resilience in youth and strengthen communities through education and real-world training. The program's mission is to help prepare individuals, families and communities for emergencies. The cost to attend is 0 per participant, which includes lodging, meals, and certifications on CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED),... Article Link
The Evergreen Underground Water Conservation District has announced the four winners of its 2026 scholarship contest for graduating high school seniors. This year, scholarship contestants were tasked with creating a “call to action” campaign poster that highlights the importance of conserving water and protecting aquifers within their local communities. The contest was open to graduating high school students residing in one of the four counties within the district's jurisdiction — Atascosa, Frio, Karnes, and Wilson. The winners and the amount of their scholarships are as follows: •Kiera Wiatrek, Jourdanton High School, who plans to attend Texas A&M University to study... Article Link
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