Telling the story of what's going on in Wilson County, Texas!
Local K9 hero Gerben is preparing for a new chapter in his life — retirement! Gerben, K9 officer for the 81st Judicial District Attorney's Office, returned home Dec. 11 from a leg amputation, after the discovery of bone-eating cancer on one of his front legs. While no additional cancer was found, District Attorney Audrey Gossett Louis said his diagnosis means he will be retiring on Jan. 16, 2026, complete with a celebration to honor his service to the community.Article Link
During the Wilson County Republican Party's Christmas party Dec. 18, the Wilson County Republican Women's Club officers for 2026-27 took their oath of office, administered by County Judge Hank Whitman. Pictured with the judge following the oath-taking are incoming club officers (l-r) Treasurer Dawn Polasek Barnett, Vice President-Political Activities Joyce Miller, Vice President-Americanism & Armed Services Marguerite Griffin, President Anna Willis, Vice President-Legislative Melissa Moczygemba, Vice President-Membership and Texas Federation of Republican Women director for Senatorial District 21 Ruby Manen, Vice President-Awards Sharon Meyer, and First Vice President and Secretary Sarah Gella.Article Link
The Nixon-Smiley Education Foundation expresses its deepest gratitude to Magnolia Oil & Gas Operating LLC for its generous donation of [post_excerpt],500 to the foundation. The foundation is dedicated to partnering with the community to enhance the quality of education for all students and promote innovation in teaching across Nixon-Smiley Consolidated Independent School District (ISD).This vital funding will directly support the Nixon-Smiley Education Foundation's mission to: •Fund innovative teaching grants — Providing teachers with resources to launch creative programs •Enhance student experiences — Creating valuable opportunities that go beyond the standard curriculum •Recognize excellence — Acknowledging the district's dedicated staff for...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. Floresville Police Department •Dec. 17, Geremith M. Ballesteros, 22, of Floresville was arrested at the intersection of I.H. 10 and Fiesta Trails and charged with driving without a license, driving at an unsafe speed or too fast for conditions, and aggravated sexual assault of a child. •Dec.17,CassandraMarro quin, 36, of Floresville was arrested in the Wilson County Sheriff's Office on an arrest warrant; she was charged with forgery of...Article Link
The following defendants were among those listed on recent dockets for the 81st District Court in Wilson County: •Rafael L. Garcia, 60, of Floresville pleaded nolo contendere (no contest) Dec. 18 to one charge of sexual assault of a child and one count of sexual assault, for allegedly sexually assaulting a child under the age of 17 on or about May 17, 2010, and an alleged sexual assault on or about Dec. 2, 2010. He was sentenced to 15 years for each charge, to be served concurrently, in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice Correctional Institutions Division facility. Due to...Article Link
A Floresville woman has been charged in the 2024 death of a pedestrian. Victoria Ortiz, 33, of Floresville was arrested at a retail establishment on Dec. 17 by Floresville police on a warrant. Ortiz was the driver of a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban that struck pedestrian Virgil Harmon, 68, as he walked along the shoulder of 10th Street (U. S. 181). (See “Vehicle-pedestrian accident kills Floresville man,” Dec. 25, 2024, Wilson County News). Ortiz has been charged with manslaughter. newsroom@wcn-online.comArticle Link
A La Vernia man is facing multiple charges after leading Wilson County Sheriff's Office deputies on a chase that ended in Nixon. Officers attempted Dec. 18 to conduct a traffic stop on a motorcycle near the intersection of U.S. 87 and Cibolo Way near La Vernia. The operator of the vehicle, Bradley Hodges, 39, of La Vernia, allegedly failed to stop, ignoring emergency lights and sirens; he continued eastward on U.S. 87 with deputies from the Wilson County Sheriff's Office, Stockdale Marshal's Office, and Nixon Police Department in pursuit. Hodges ultimately stopped in Nixon. Investigation by deputies determined that Hodges,...Article Link
Thanks to a historic investment by the 89th Texas Legislature, fire departments in and around Wilson County are among the 687 departments receiving Texas A&M Forest Service grants from an approved total of .6 million in funding for fire and rescue equipment grants and 66 dry hydrant grants awarded through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program in early December. Departments receiving ,000 fire and rescue equipment grants include: •Ata-Bexar County Line Volunteer Fire Department, Bexar County •Blackhill Volunteer Fire Department, Atascosa County •Cibolo Fire Department, Guadalupe County •District 2 Emergency Services Inc., Wilson County •Falls City Volunteer Fire Department,...Article Link
The Wilson County Office of Emergency Management welcomed local and area state, county, city, and school district employees and elected officials Dec. 3 to its first tabletop exercise held at the new Emergency Operations Center. The multijurisdictional exercise included scenarios and discussions of how to facilitate a safe and effective community evacuation in a flood situation. Members of the Sam Houston State University Institute for Homeland Security brought state-of-the-art Sim Table mapping to assist with visual representations at various flood stages during the exercise.Article Link
A number of milestones and anniversaries were reached in areas in and around Wilson County in 2025. Here are some. Milestones and anniversaries Connally Memorial Medical Center celebrated 20 years of providing healthcare to Wilson County at its campus on 10th Street (U.S. 181) in in Floresville and on the same day, March 7, opened the doors to its new medical offices, adjacent to the hospital. Formerly the Wilson County Memorial Hospital, it was founded in the 1950s — and was renamed when it moved to its current location. The Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital in Kenedy celebrated its 50th anniversary...Article Link
The Texas Legislature made a host of major decisions in 2025, as The Dallas Morning News reported. Here are the highlights: •Homeowners received a break on their property taxes after approving a proposed constitutional amendment in November. The homestead exemption was increased to 0,000 from 0,000. People 65 and older were given an additional ,000 exemption on top of that. •A major public school funding bill was passed, pumping .5 billion into raises for teachers and support staff and additional operational funding. Lawmakers also approved a statewide school voucher plan with [post_excerpt] billion in initial funding. Eligible families can use...Article Link
Surrounded by family, friends, and members of the Floresville Chamber of Commerce, Lauren Gaudlitz (third from right) cuts a ribbon Nov. 15, celebrating the first anniversary of her business, Signature Destinations, and her membership in the Floresville Chamber of Commerce. The ribbon-cutting was held at Bluebonnet Book Shop in downtown Floresville. Signature Destinations specializes in helping individuals, couples, and families plan meaningful travel experiences while also offering an opportunity for those interested in building a flexible travel-based business. For information, contact Gaudlitz at 510-842-7546 or SignatureDestinationsbyLauren@gmail.com.Article Link
OKLAHOMA CITY —Every sailor's story of naval service is unique. For Petty Officer 3rd Class Isaac Flores, this story began in Floresville, where skills and values learned there would be foundational to success in the U.S. Navy. “I learned growing up playing sports the importance of pride and a strong work ethic,” Flores said. “In the Navy, it is important to be prideful about what you do, because it helps you do everything to the best of your ability.” Flores graduated from Floresville High School in 2023 and joined the Navy two years ago. “I joined the military because I...Article Link
As the community prepares to ring in the New Year, Wilson County News takes a look back on the headlining events that shaped 2025. Eyes on Floresville Floresville was formally recognized as a Film Friendly Texas community, as announced June 12 by Gov. Greg Abbott. The designation aims to attract media-driven economic opportunities to the city. Floresville welcomed U.S. Army veteran Orlando Gill — who was injured in Iraq in 2003 — to the community June 7, as the recipient of a specially adapted Homes for Our Troops home in the Shannon Ridge subdivision. Gill and his wife, Maria, chose...Article Link
The Floresville Electric Light & Power System (FELPS) will no longer accept payments over the phone. Based on new federal requirements by the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard — which guides standards to protect payment account data — the utility will only accept in-person payments or online through the payment portal. FELPS also recently announced two new options for payment, which will become available in 2026: •“PayGo” — will allow customers to make payments at specific participating retailers, such as H-E-B and Walmart •Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System — an automated system which securely processes payments without a live...Article Link
Two Christmas angels were seen at Leroy's Trading Post on Main Street in downtown Stockdale on Christmas Day. Benny and Sonia Campbell shared a special meal to celebrate Christmas with anyone who was going to be home alone on this special day. Anyone who had lost a loved one was invited to this special Christmas lunch. There, I saw Roman Ortiz very much at peace while speaking with others and enjoying the company. Roman and his wife, Clara, were devoted supporters of the Stockdale Museum. Clara passed away last April, and Sonia Campbell's mother recently passed on to eternal life....Article Link
Staff of the Wilson County News gather after work Dec. 17 to enjoy Christmas festivities in the home of Publisher Elaine Kolodziej. Ready to enjoy a holiday meal and gift exchange are (clockwise from front left) Helen Cheever, Kim Johnson, Nannette Kilbey-Smith, Brandy Hawkins, Marie Korus, Rebecca Rodriguez, Dolores Rodriguez, Pam Smith, Taryn Smith-Morales, Erica Soto, Elaine Kolodziej, and Rachel Draper. Brandon Johns arrived later; Kristen Weaver is behind the camera. Some staff members were unable to attend.Article Link
The yuletide season was in the air of the Floresville United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall before the Dec. 9, Floresville Musical Club meeting. The tables were decorated with white tablecloths and red table squares. Each square held a festive potted poinsettia embellished with a musical notes ribbon, black musical notes, and peppermint candy canes. Each place setting sported a colorful poinsettia napkin and emerald, green velvet bag that held an individual, decorated Christmas tree cake. The head table was adorned with Christmas table runners, a beautiful red amaryllis in full bloom, and elegant Santas. The meeting was called to order...Article Link
The Father Leopold Moczygemba Foundation has announced the election of new board President Eric Opiela and the addition of three new directors: Joyce Pawelek Rives, Peggy Krawietz Lindley, and Benny Lyssy. Immediate Past President John William Moczygemba and Vice President Jackie Moy Moczygemba have been elected as advisory directors. Welcoming them were current board members, Foundation Secretary Elaine Mazurek Stephens, Treasurer Tom Dupnick, Bertha Dworaczyk Korzekwa, and Judy Jarzombek Scheffler. The foundation was established in 2002 to: •Strengthen and deepen the relationship between Texas and Silesia — a region in Europe, now a part of Poland •Serve as a unifying...Article Link
The Seguin Art League will accept entries for its 10th annual Fiber Show on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. to noon. Entry fee is per submission with a limit of two. Ribbons will be awarded. For information, call 830-491-0778, visit the gallery at 104 S. Austin St. in Seguin, or go to www.seguinartleague.com.Article Link
Enjoy an afternoon of bingo, food, and fun on Sunday, Jan. 4, with American Legion Auxiliary Unit 539 at 14290 F.M. 1346 in St. Hedwig. Doors of the Legion Hall open at 2 p.m., prior to the start of bingo at 3 p.m. Four sessions of eight games will be played, with a short break between the second and third sessions. Cash prizes will be awarded. Card costs vary. Only cash or checks will be accepted. Food will be available for purchase, and the bar will be open to purchase beverages. For more information, call 210-296-1990 or email doegealatx@gmail.com.Article Link
Say farewell to 2025 and welcome to 2026 at the Falls City Community Hall's annual New Year's Eve Dance Wednesday, Dec. 31. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the dance is from 8 p.m. into Jan. 31 at 12:30 a.m. Live music will be provided by “The Tailgaters.” The hall's cash bar will offer beer, wine, coolers, seltzers, and mixers. Bring your own appetizers and liquor bottles. The hall is located at 306 W. Front St. (U.S. 181) in Falls City. Admission is cash per person, with children 12 and under admitted for free. For more information or to...Article Link
This tropically inspired cocktail was a hit as the Draper family gathered for its annual Christmas white elephant gift exchange in December. Elaine Liserio Draper shared the recipe for Painkiller, enjoyed responsibly by adult family members. Painkiller 1 large bottle (64 oz.) pineapple juice 1 regular-size bottle (46 oz.) of orange juice, no pulp One squeeze bottle (approx. 16 oz.) cream of coconut 1/2 bottle dark rum Grated nutmeg, to taste Cinnamon sticks Fresh cranberries Orange slices Mix ingredients together in large bowl or container. Stir; serve over ice. Note: Don't put ice in the container with the punch, as...Article Link
Robby (l-r) and Joyce Mainz along with their friends, Sherry Rakowitz (l-r) and Bonnie Wyrwich enjoyed a long road trip (3,762 miles) to California to see the beautiful sights. Even though the government was shut down, the national parks were still open. The friends visited Joshua Tree, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite national parks. They're our Read All Over winners! Take your photo with the Wilson County News at a famous landmark or location. Email it, along with names, information, and your phone number, to reader@wcn-online.com. If it is published, you may visit the WCN office to claim your prize.Article Link
Loyal readers visit the Wilson County News office to receive gift certificates or prizes from local businesses, which is their prize for participating in WCN's “Christmas Shopping in the Country” and “Last Minute Shopping” promotional drawings.Article Link
Former Floresville Mayor Daniel Tejada, while clearing some emails recently, came across one about the origins of the city's lighted night parade for Christmas. He shared this “blast from the past.” “2007 was our third year of the night parade,” Tejada said. “The first one was in 2005, with World Champion boxer Jesse James Leija as the grand marshal.” At the time, Tejada was serving as president of the Floresville Economic Development Corp. (FEDC). “I was given a budget by the FEDC to purchase ribbons for parade entries,” he recalled. “Actually, when I suggested a night parade, a few...Article Link
Christmas looks a little different this year for the Cantu family of Floresville, after Frank G. Cantu Jr.'s passing in late December 2024. Since the 1970s, Frank and his wife, Mary, decorated their lawn each December to bring joy to their children and grandchildren, adding special pieces year-by-year, including a Christmas tree to honor the victims of the Uvalde school shooting, a tribute to the Wilson County No Kill Animal Shelter — and a replica of the Wilson County Courthouse, added in 2024 before Frank passed away (see “Cantu family spreads Christmas joy with hand-created lights display,” Dec. 23, 2024,...Article Link
This photo is from a postcard sent from Floresville to Pleasanton in 1906 that I found on eBay. The photo shows the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and rectory. After finding this photo, I was given a copy of a book, Wilson County History, that was compiled and published by Louise Stadler in 1990. Within this book, there was an article on Father Zarb's Garden, together with articles on Father Peter Zarb and Sacred Heart Church in Floresville. The combination of the photo and these historical articles sparked this article. The information that follows is from the Wilson County History book....Article Link
Rep. Elise Stefanik, Republican candidate running to unseat New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, announced she is pulling out of the race and will not seek re-election for her congressional seat, in which she is now serving her sixth term. It's been a rough couple of years for Stefanik. After President Donald Trump's reelection, she was named to be the new U.S. ambassador to the U.N. However, this never happened because she returned to the House to alleviate the thin Republican majority to get the One Big Beautiful Bill passed. Last month she announced her bid for the governorship, thinking...Article Link
Marjorie Taylor Greene's early exit from Congress reveals that her tough-broad persona was very much an act. After she angered Donald Trump by demanding release of the Epstein files, she became target of the slings, arrows and threats unleashed by the president and his enforcers. Her response? Flight. “Once I left her, she resigned,” Trump said. “She would never have survived a primary.” Maybe. Maybe not. But the woman who posted a picture of herself holding a rifle alongside photos of three liberal congresswomen turned tail. Greene held a good number of lunatic beliefs, but her push to get to...Article Link
Last week, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) filed a petition with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) that essentially seeks unrestricted pricing authority for Market Dominant postal products including periodicals for which it has a statutory monopoly. As an alternative, the USPS indicates it would accept additional pricing authority up to 22 percent above current rate increase authority combining CPI with the density adjustment and underwater surcharge imposed on periodical rates. This is unacceptable, and National Newspaper Association (NNA) members are encouraged to contact their representatives and senators to condemn this filing by the USPS and to ask them to support...Article Link
Santa makes a stop Dec. 20 at the Sutherland Springs Historical Museum on U.S. 87 to hear Christmas wishes from children in the community.Article Link
Only in Texas … Santa — on horseback, and not in a sleigh — works his way through holiday traffic in the parking lot of H-E-B in Floresville Dec. 20. Maybe he was stopping for stocking stuffers, as he prepared for his annual Christmas Eve flight.Article Link
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We are on the cusp of a new year. The past year has been another unusual and stressful time in the history of the United States and the world. It has challenged us in many ways. Now we look ahead to the new year. We cannot possibly know what awaits us. But we can establish standards, boundaries, goals, and markers. Some people call these resolutions. Goals are a good thing. Just the process alone can help us identify strengths and weaknesses. So, as you look at 2026, and as you assess your present situation, wherever you may be, what resolutions...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 Dec. 22 Wilson County Emergency Services District 1 (Eastern Wilson County) Meeting: Regular meeting, Dec. 12, 8:33-9:43 a.m., executive session 9:04-9:29 a.m. Actions: •Approved minutes from Nov. 14 meeting and monthly financials as presented •Signed, following executive session discussion, an offer on a 1-acre property, and authorized Treasurer George Jones to explore financing options for real property and to return to the board with those options...Article Link
Share your pet or friend; email reader@lavernianews.com.Article Link
Tis the season — for wild game! Looking for a different take on how you prepare venison harvested by family or friends? Here's a recipe from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, shared in the 1992 Country Secrets — Wild Game Cookbook by Texas Game Wardens. This was contributed by Mrs. F.E. Pritchett of Stephenville. Venison in Beer Marinade 2 large onions, sliced 2 carrots, sliced 2 stalks celery, diced 2 cloves garlic, diced 2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. pepper, fresh ground 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 tsp. cloves, allspice, and basil 2 bay leaves 1 Tbsp. parsley, chopped 1 quart...Article Link
Celebrate the new year with the Rick Rice Band on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at Lubianski Feed Store's New Year's Eve Dance. Doors open at 8 p.m. Admission is . Lubianski Feed Store is located at 13646 F.M. 1346 in St. Hedwig.Article Link
Here's a little glimpse of what Christmas was like in Sutherland Springs in 1899. According to his 1898-1900 Journal, on Dec 5, 1899, Jesse Tiner sent a .95 money order to Sears and Roebuck “for cape for our daughter Frances I want to try and get it in for Christmas holidays.” I hope Frances got it in time for Christmas. Susan Frances Tiner would have been 14 years old that year. The cape described as Model 17T406 in the Sears & Roebuck Catalogue cost .95. Perhaps this was the cape he ordered. On Dec. 27, Jesse Tiner recorded that his...Article Link
Antonio O. Luna, a native of Poth, celebrates his 100th birthday Dec. 15 with family, which includes his children, Antonio Luna Jr., Johnny Luna, Joe Luna, Mary Jane Ortiz, and Diane Bair.Article Link
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