Telling the story of what's going on in Wilson County, Texas!
Notes from his foster family: Noah is an outside dog, we have not allowed him to come into the house. He loves being around people. He is very friendly around other people, our adult kids, our grandchildren, and other service providers. He wants to be petted and have human contact. There have been no biting issues to date. He is territorial with other dogs and animals that come up to our property, (porch area) but has had no biting issue or fighting with other animals. He is playful with a few toys, but takes off running with them when we...Article Link
It's Lent. That means many area Catholic churches are hosting a fish fry on Fridays. Abstaining from eating meat on Fridays is a longtime Christian practice. Fasting and abstinence, says Whitney Hetzel at goodcatholic.com, “are not about dieting or deprivation — they are about detachment, discipline, and journeying with Christ to Easter.” Not eating meat on Fridays “reminds us of Christ's sacrifice. We give up something good (meat) to turn our hearts toward the greater good — God Himself,” she says, as she shares several easy Lenten meals, including this one for baked ziti. “A family favorite that's easy to...Article Link
Charles Wesley Westerman moved around quite a bit before ultimately settling down in Wilson County a few years after the Civil War. Among many things, he was a farmer, soldier, wagoner, lawman, churchman, and builder, whose story was researched and compiled by his great-great-granddaughter, Margie Hayden of Fairview. Charles was born April 18, 1834, in Lincoln County, Tenn., two months after his father was shot and killed in a case of mistaken identity. Subsequently, his mother moved herself and her five children along with her late husband's brother and his family to Red River County on the northeast Texas border....Article Link
Can you identify this plant? Send your best guess to Plant ID, Wilson County News, 1012 C St., Floresville, TX 78114, or email to nkilbey-smith@mywcn.com, with “Plant ID” in the subject line. Please include your name, hometown, and a daytime phone number where you can be reached. To be eligible for the prize, a gift certificate from My Mom's Savory & Sweet Treats north of Floresville, your correct entry must arrive by Monday at 9 a.m. following the photo's issue date. In the case of more than one correct answer, a drawing will determine the prizewinner. Congratulations to Monica...Article Link
Can you identify this plant? Send your best guess to Plant ID, Wilson County News, 1012 C St., Floresville, TX 78114, or email to nkilbey-smith@mywcn.com, with “Plant ID” in the subject line. Please include your name, hometown, and a daytime phone number where you can be reached. To be eligible for the prize, a gift certificate from My Mom's Savory & Sweet Treats north of Floresville, your correct entry must arrive by Monday at 9 a.m. following the photo's issue date. In the case of more than one correct answer, a drawing will determine the prizewinner. Congratulations to Monica...Article Link
In December, the Wilson County Extension Master Gardeners (WCEMG) celebrated the achievement of eight Class No. 02 trainees who became certified as Extension Master Gardeners; this includes Ann Ciccarelli, Shaina Hassold, Vicki Kimball, Molly Kollodziej, Ron Phillips, Elsa Rodrigues, Kathleen Titus, and Sayama Turner. On Jan. 22, the group had its first 2026 presentation and monthly meeting led by their newly elected board of directors — President Betty Freasier, President-elect Ron Phillips, Vice President Molly Kollodziej, Secretary Shaina Hassold, Treasurer Ann Ciccarelli, Past President Teri Burnham, and Membership Chair Vicki Kimball. The WCEMG Program is grateful for the past Board...Article Link
In December, the Wilson County Extension Master Gardeners (WCEMG) celebrated the achievement of eight Class No. 02 trainees who became certified as Extension Master Gardeners; this includes Ann Ciccarelli, Shaina Hassold, Vicki Kimball, Molly Kollodziej, Ron Phillips, Elsa Rodrigues, Kathleen Titus, and Sayama Turner. On Jan. 22, the group had its first 2026 presentation and monthly meeting led by their newly elected board of directors — President Betty Freasier, President-elect Ron Phillips, Vice President Molly Kollodziej, Secretary Shaina Hassold, Treasurer Ann Ciccarelli, Past President Teri Burnham, and Membership Chair Vicki Kimball. The WCEMG Program is grateful for the past Board...Article Link
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, the Susanna Dickinson chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) held its regular meeting and welcomed some special guests. The meeting room at the La Vernia Church of Christ was decorated with Valentine's hearts, pink and red tablecloths, and centerpieces. A light buffet was provided for guests and members. Pink carnations were available for each member and guest in attendance by hostesses Nancy Scull, chapter secretary, Debbie Owen, and Chaplain Pascalle Bippert. Regent Lydia Jones welcomed the members and guests, and introduced Nannette Kilbey-Smith and NSDAR District VIII Director Karen Nauschuetz, M.D. Nannette is...Article Link
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, the Susanna Dickinson chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) held its regular meeting and welcomed some special guests. The meeting room at the La Vernia Church of Christ was decorated with Valentine's hearts, pink and red tablecloths, and centerpieces. A light buffet was provided for guests and members. Pink carnations were available for each member and guest in attendance by hostesses Nancy Scull, chapter secretary, Debbie Owen, and Chaplain Pascalle Bippert. Regent Lydia Jones welcomed the members and guests, and introduced Nannette Kilbey-Smith and NSDAR District VIII Director Karen Nauschuetz, M.D. Nannette is...Article Link
On Veterans' Day, middle schoolers from 39 states competed to be crowned the next champion of the National Civics Bee. I was fortunate enough to emerge as the champion of 2024's inaugural edition of the Bee. As I walked off the stage then, it hit me that I, an eighth grader from Alaska, had just shown the country that young people can and should shape our democracy. My journey into civics started with something deeply personal. I was born with a congenital condition that requires costly dental procedures. Too often, insurance companies refuse to cover them. Instead of just accepting...Article Link
On Veterans' Day, middle schoolers from 39 states competed to be crowned the next champion of the National Civics Bee. I was fortunate enough to emerge as the champion of 2024's inaugural edition of the Bee. As I walked off the stage then, it hit me that I, an eighth grader from Alaska, had just shown the country that young people can and should shape our democracy. My journey into civics started with something deeply personal. I was born with a congenital condition that requires costly dental procedures. Too often, insurance companies refuse to cover them. Instead of just accepting...Article Link
Editor: In Deuteronomy, Moses tells the Israelites that if they remain loyal to God, God will enable them to conquer the Canaanites who already live in the “promised land.” If they fail to obey, they will perish. In this context, God functions as the rallying force behind a military campaign. “Choose life” effectively means to obey God so you can succeed in taking the land, including driving out or killing its current inhabitants. In later centuries, however, religious traditions reframed this language. The church now interprets these passages as a call to conquer moral evils rather than people. The “enemies”...Article Link
Editor: In Deuteronomy, Moses tells the Israelites that if they remain loyal to God, God will enable them to conquer the Canaanites who already live in the “promised land.” If they fail to obey, they will perish. In this context, God functions as the rallying force behind a military campaign. “Choose life” effectively means to obey God so you can succeed in taking the land, including driving out or killing its current inhabitants. In later centuries, however, religious traditions reframed this language. The church now interprets these passages as a call to conquer moral evils rather than people. The “enemies”...Article Link
Editor: A recent move to expand access to non-dairy milk in school lunch programs is a long-overdue step toward healthier, more inclusive nutrition. Millions of students are lactose intolerant, allergic to dairy, or come from families that avoid animal products for ethical or cultural reasons. Offering plant-based milk isn't radical — it's practical. These options provide essential nutrients without the saturated fat and cholesterol found in dairy, and they come with a much smaller environmental footprint. School meals shape lifelong habits. When we normalize plant-based choices early, we teach children that compassion, health, and sustainability can coexist on the same...Article Link
Editor: A recent move to expand access to non-dairy milk in school lunch programs is a long-overdue step toward healthier, more inclusive nutrition. Millions of students are lactose intolerant, allergic to dairy, or come from families that avoid animal products for ethical or cultural reasons. Offering plant-based milk isn't radical — it's practical. These options provide essential nutrients without the saturated fat and cholesterol found in dairy, and they come with a much smaller environmental footprint. School meals shape lifelong habits. When we normalize plant-based choices early, we teach children that compassion, health, and sustainability can coexist on the same...Article Link
When President Donald Trump's border czar Tom Homan held a press conference on Feb. 12 to announce a drawdown in federal enforcement in Minnesota, he reported that during their surge, ICE agents “located 3,364 missing unaccompanied alien children — children that the last administration lost and weren't even looking for.” Speaking separately on Fox, Homan said they have located 145,000 of the over 300,000 missing children from a 2024 Homeland Security report. It sounds like a success story. But try to find the network anchors and reporters focusing on missing children —you won't find it. It's a zero. The broadcast...Article Link
When President Donald Trump's border czar Tom Homan held a press conference on Feb. 12 to announce a drawdown in federal enforcement in Minnesota, he reported that during their surge, ICE agents “located 3,364 missing unaccompanied alien children — children that the last administration lost and weren't even looking for.” Speaking separately on Fox, Homan said they have located 145,000 of the over 300,000 missing children from a 2024 Homeland Security report. It sounds like a success story. But try to find the network anchors and reporters focusing on missing children —you won't find it. It's a zero. The broadcast...Article Link
It's just that they are so shameless about it. On Thursday, the Commission of Fine Arts will welcome the newest, youngest, and least qualified member in its 116-year history. She is Chamberlain Harris, the president's 26-year-old receptionist/executive assistant, the only job she has ever had. She has zero background in the arts and architecture. The fine arts commission, whose initial slate of members included the architects and urban planners Daniel Burnham and Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. — who designed much of Washington D.C. — is supposed to review the president's new ballroom plan, along with the National Capital Planning Commission....Article Link
It's just that they are so shameless about it. On Thursday, the Commission of Fine Arts will welcome the newest, youngest, and least qualified member in its 116-year history. She is Chamberlain Harris, the president's 26-year-old receptionist/executive assistant, the only job she has ever had. She has zero background in the arts and architecture. The fine arts commission, whose initial slate of members included the architects and urban planners Daniel Burnham and Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. — who designed much of Washington D.C. — is supposed to review the president's new ballroom plan, along with the National Capital Planning Commission....Article Link
Paul Lindley captured this colorful sunset Jan. 5 in Converse and wanted to share it with Wilson County News readers. We love sharing readers' stories and photos! Email your news or photos to reader@wcn-online.com, or visit wilsoncountynews.com and select “Send it to us” at the top of the page to fill in a submission form.Article Link
Paul Lindley captured this colorful sunset Jan. 5 in Converse and wanted to share it with Wilson County News readers. We love sharing readers' stories and photos! Email your news or photos to reader@wcn-online.com, or visit wilsoncountynews.com and select “Send it to us” at the top of the page to fill in a submission form.Article Link
A Falls City Milling Co. vintage calendar quilt will be auctioned off Feb. 28 during the Floresville Opry Johnny Bush 91st Birthday Bash at the Floresville Event Center. The quilt features vintage dish cloth calendars collected by Viola Henke's mother, Edna Guenther, and includes calendars from the '70s, '80s, and '90s. The quilt was pieced together by Ginger Livingston and was quilted by Dustin Lowak of the Boys Longarm Quilting Service. Tickets are still available for the Johnny Bush 91st Birthday Bash celebrating Bush's life and music. Reserved tables are available starting at 0 for a VIP table of 10...Article Link
A Falls City Milling Co. vintage calendar quilt will be auctioned off Feb. 28 during the Floresville Opry Johnny Bush 91st Birthday Bash at the Floresville Event Center. The quilt features vintage dish cloth calendars collected by Viola Henke's mother, Edna Guenther, and includes calendars from the '70s, '80s, and '90s. The quilt was pieced together by Ginger Livingston and was quilted by Dustin Lowak of the Boys Longarm Quilting Service. Tickets are still available for the Johnny Bush 91st Birthday Bash celebrating Bush's life and music. Reserved tables are available starting at 0 for a VIP table of 10...Article Link
Congratulations to Floresville High School teacher Mike Billings, named Educator of the Quarter in the Firstmark/ Wilson County News contest. Billings is an agriculture teacher in the school's Career and Technical Education department. Ken Hartlein of Floresville, a photographer for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo's Junior Agriculture Mechanics Committee, nominated Billings for the recognition. “I have taken hundreds of photos of Mr. Billings with his students and their projects over the past several years,” Hartlein said. “It is very apparent that his students respect and admire Mr. Billings for his leadership and guidance both as a teacher and...Article Link
Congratulations to Floresville High School teacher Mike Billings, named Educator of the Quarter in the Firstmark/ Wilson County News contest. Billings is an agriculture teacher in the school's Career and Technical Education department. Ken Hartlein of Floresville, a photographer for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo's Junior Agriculture Mechanics Committee, nominated Billings for the recognition. “I have taken hundreds of photos of Mr. Billings with his students and their projects over the past several years,” Hartlein said. “It is very apparent that his students respect and admire Mr. Billings for his leadership and guidance both as a teacher and...Article Link
Head over to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church this Friday, Feb. 27, for the annual Lenten fish fry, hosted by the parish's ACTS retreat ministry. Fried fish plates, each, will be available in the parish hall to dine in or take out from 4-7 p.m. Proceeds benefit the parish ACTS ministry, which hosts spiritual retreats. For more information, contact the parish office at 830-484-3302. The church is located at 488 W. Westmeyer St. in Poth.Article Link
Head over to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church this Friday, Feb. 27, for the annual Lenten fish fry, hosted by the parish's ACTS retreat ministry. Fried fish plates, each, will be available in the parish hall to dine in or take out from 4-7 p.m. Proceeds benefit the parish ACTS ministry, which hosts spiritual retreats. For more information, contact the parish office at 830-484-3302. The church is located at 488 W. Westmeyer St. in Poth.Article Link
Congratulations to Poth FFA member Brayden Ramzinski, who exhibited the Grand Champion turkey tom in the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo turkey show! Other Poth FFA members also have fared well in the San Antonio show; including: •Brody Gunn, eighth Place, turkey tom •Wells Orth, 15th place, turkey tom; 15th place, turkey hen •Colton Gunn, 25th place, turkey hen •Brandon Pape, 21st place, broilers •Hayden Pape, 32nd place, broilers. Each also earned a spot in the show's Auction of Champions on Feb. 27. In addition, the chapter's Dairy Cattle Judging Team placed 17th overall, with Monica Gonzalez taking 21st...Article Link
Congratulations to Poth FFA member Brayden Ramzinski, who exhibited the Grand Champion turkey tom in the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo turkey show! Other Poth FFA members also have fared well in the San Antonio show; including: •Brody Gunn, eighth Place, turkey tom •Wells Orth, 15th place, turkey tom; 15th place, turkey hen •Colton Gunn, 25th place, turkey hen •Brandon Pape, 21st place, broilers •Hayden Pape, 32nd place, broilers. Each also earned a spot in the show's Auction of Champions on Feb. 27. In addition, the chapter's Dairy Cattle Judging Team placed 17th overall, with Monica Gonzalez taking 21st...Article Link
Hadley Blandford of Poth FFA placed fifth in class 8 and made the sale at the Feb. 18 Market Wether Show at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. This is Hadley's third year showing market wethers with Poth FFA.Article Link
Hadley Blandford of Poth FFA placed fifth in class 8 and made the sale at the Feb. 18 Market Wether Show at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. This is Hadley's third year showing market wethers with Poth FFA.Article Link
Poth Junior High School's One Act Play has again earned the District Championship — for the fourth straight year! In competition Feb. 4 in Karnes City with their production of “Any Body for Tea?”, the play's cast and crew also earned individual honors, including: •Best Performer — Owen Stewart •All-Star Cast — Kenzi Dziuk and Bethany Holloway •Honorable Mention All-Star Cast — Brooklyn Smolka, Katy Pruski, and McKenzie Moy •All-Star Crew — Zoei Hartmann. Congratulations to the 20 talented seventh and eighth graders who put a lot of hard work and dedication into this year's production!Article Link
Poth Junior High School's One Act Play has again earned the District Championship — for the fourth straight year! In competition Feb. 4 in Karnes City with their production of “Any Body for Tea?”, the play's cast and crew also earned individual honors, including: •Best Performer — Owen Stewart •All-Star Cast — Kenzi Dziuk and Bethany Holloway •Honorable Mention All-Star Cast — Brooklyn Smolka, Katy Pruski, and McKenzie Moy •All-Star Crew — Zoei Hartmann. Congratulations to the 20 talented seventh and eighth graders who put a lot of hard work and dedication into this year's production!Article Link
Take a look around where you're sitting and find five things that have blue in them. (Go ahead and do it). With a “blue” mindset, you'll find that blue jumps out at you: a blue book on the table, a blue pillow on the couch, blue in the painting on the wall, and so on. In like fashion, you've probably noticed that after you buy a new car, you promptly see that make and model of car everywhere. That's because people find what they are looking for. Financial experts tell us our homes are our largest asset. An average house...Article Link
Take a look around where you're sitting and find five things that have blue in them. (Go ahead and do it). With a “blue” mindset, you'll find that blue jumps out at you: a blue book on the table, a blue pillow on the couch, blue in the painting on the wall, and so on. In like fashion, you've probably noticed that after you buy a new car, you promptly see that make and model of car everywhere. That's because people find what they are looking for. Financial experts tell us our homes are our largest asset. An average house...Article Link
Dear Dave, I talked to my dad the other day, and he wants me to pay for his life insurance policy. He says I should look at it as an investment, and he doesn't want to pay for it himself anymore, since he'll never get any benefit from the policy. My dad is 65 and in pretty good health. I'm 24 and not sure how I feel about his request. Can you give me some advice on handling the situation? Frankie Frankie, This is really weird. I'm sure it was doubly weird for you to hear it from your dad!...Article Link
Dear Dave, I talked to my dad the other day, and he wants me to pay for his life insurance policy. He says I should look at it as an investment, and he doesn't want to pay for it himself anymore, since he'll never get any benefit from the policy. My dad is 65 and in pretty good health. I'm 24 and not sure how I feel about his request. Can you give me some advice on handling the situation? Frankie Frankie, This is really weird. I'm sure it was doubly weird for you to hear it from your dad!...Article Link
Learn to prepare meals for better health with a “Heart to Heart” Healthy Cooking Class at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, at the Connally Memorial Medical Center Classics Café. Live cooking demonstrations, presented by cardiologist Dr. Devraj Nayak and Dr. Hetal Nayak, will feature heart healthy recipes like overnight oats, vegan chili, and refreshing watermelon salad. Connally Memorial Medical Center is located at 499 10th St. (U.S. 181) in Floresville.Article Link
Learn to prepare meals for better health with a “Heart to Heart” Healthy Cooking Class at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, at the Connally Memorial Medical Center Classics Café. Live cooking demonstrations, presented by cardiologist Dr. Devraj Nayak and Dr. Hetal Nayak, will feature heart healthy recipes like overnight oats, vegan chili, and refreshing watermelon salad. Connally Memorial Medical Center is located at 499 10th St. (U.S. 181) in Floresville.Article Link
Calling on all military retirees! The 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio will host a Retiree Appreciation Day in your honor. The event will take place on Saturday, March 7, from 8 a.m. to noon at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Service Center at 1100 Wilford Hall Loop, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio. Enter Lackland from Military Drive West through the gate closest to U.S. 90. This appreciation day, dedicated to military retirees and their families, also will present a special opportunity to connect with fellow retirees, access valuable resources, and enjoy a morning of camaraderie. A...Article Link
The Wilson County Emergency Management Office invites community members to participate in a Stop the Bleed course, on Friday, March 6 at 6 p.m. Stop the Bleed is a national initiative designed to teach individuals how to recognize and control life-threatening bleeding until help arrives. The free class will be presented at the new Emergency Operations Center at 802 10th St. (U.S. 181) — next to the Wilson County Sheriff's Office — in Floresville. Preregistration is required as space is limited to 20 participants. To save your spot, visit form.jotform.com/260054091667154. For more information, call 830-393-8503 or email wgrant@wilsoncountytx.gov.Article Link
Now is the time to get your team ready for the May 9 Joseph Mitchell Memorial First Responder BBQ Cookoff. Cookoff teams can enter either the Pork Ribs or the Chef's Choice categories and compete for cash prizes for first, second, and third place. Entry fee is 0 per team. Sponsors are also needed for this event, which honors the memory of Joseph Mitchell and other fallen first responders while raising funds for scholarships for future first responders. The May 9 family-friendly event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. at the Cactus Land Brewery, 368 C.R. 325 in...Article Link
Bring your household hazardous waste to the Wilson County Expo and Community Center, 435 S.H. 97 E. in Floresville, on Saturday, March 7, from 8 a.m. to noon. This free and safe disposal event, sponsored by the San Antonio River Authority, is limited to Wilson County residents, who must bring proof of address; businesses will not be included. Household quantities will be accepted at no charge on a first come, first served basis for the following items: Household hazardous waste: •Acids •Antifreeze •Car and light truck tires with no rims, but not tractor tires •Batteries •Used motor oil and filters...Article Link
What or where (WOW) is this? The first correct guess drawn Monday, March 16, will win a prize package that includes a one-year subscription. Send entries — including your name, hometown, and a daytime telephone number — to WOW!, Wilson County News, 1012 C St., Floresville, TX 78114, or email reader@lavernianews.com, putting WOW in the subject line. Entries must be received by 9 a.m. on Monday, March 16.Article Link
Applications for a place on the May 2 ballot have been submitted. Below is a list of the candidates campaigning in the Wilson County News coverage area in the upcoming election. Cities •Floresville — Marissa Ximenez is challenging incumbent Gloria Morales Cantu for Mayor. Daniel M. Tejada is running against Dora Barrera Cantu for Place 1. Incumbent Mario Morones is unopposed for Place 2. •Poth — Johnny Garza DeLa Zerda is challenging incumbent Chrystal Eckel for mayor. Incumbents Steven Wiatrek and Lex Poth are running unopposed for two at-large seats. School boards •Falls City Independent School District (ISD) — Benny...Article Link
Early voting in the Republican and Democratic party primaries continues through Friday, Feb. 27. As of close of early voting Feb. 22, Wilson County voters had cast a total of 1,846 Republican ballots and 754 Democratic ballots at the two early voting locations — the Elections Office in Floresville and the La Vernia Church of Christ fellowship hall in La Vernia. For the list of candidates and early voting times and locations in Wilson County, see below. Election Day is Tuesday, March 3; the polls will be open that day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at polling locations across...Article Link
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