Telling the story of what's going on in Wilson County, Texas!

Do you recognize this woman? The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Highway Patrol invites help from the public to identify this female pedestrian, killed in a crash on U.S. 181 north of Floresville in July. At approximately 2:35 a.m. July 19, this female walked into the roadway on U.S. 181 about three-quarters of a mile north of F.M. 775 and was struck by a vehicle. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. Efforts to identify the woman since the crash have been unsuccessful. An image of the woman was captured on video at a Subway...Article Link

Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) have issued an alert to Texas horsemen of an outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) reported by Texas veterinarians after the recent World Championship Barrel Racing (WPRA) Finals held Nov. 5-9 in the Waco area. All horse owners, trainers, and venue operators who attended or were in proximity to the event, or who have recently returned from any large equine gathering in the Waco region in the last 14 days are urged to act swiftly, monitor their animals carefully, and implement heightened biosecurity measures. A particularly aggressive strain of...Article Link

The Children's Ballet of San Antonio presents “The Polar Express: The Musical” on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m. The production will take place at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, located at 226 N. St. Mary's St. in San Antonio. The Children's Ballet also presents “The Children's Nutcracker” on Friday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m. The production will take place at The Lila Cockrell Theatre, located at 200 E. Market St. in San Antonio. To purchase tickets...Article Link

RoundUp4Charity invites the community to their second annual Boots & Bling Gala on Saturday, Dec. 6, 5-10:30 p.m., at Columbus Club Hall, 111 Landa St., in New Braunfels. General admission for the event is per person and includes dinner. Tables for 8 may also be purchased starting at 0. Music will be provided by “Whiskey 2 Step.” Other events planned for the holidays include a Christmas Party with Dale Watson on Dec. 13 in Martinez Social Club and a New Year's Eve Dance Party with “County Line Band” on Dec. 31 in Columbus Club Hall. Tickets are available now...Article Link

Magik Theatre invites families to get into the holiday spirit with their heartwarming stage adaptation of “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Nov. 22 through Dec. 24. Tickets range from .50 to .50, with various showtimes. A pre-show party in the park in partnership with Hemisfair will take place on Saturday, Nov. 22, and includes holiday music, themed activities, treats, and “Peanuts” photo ops. Magik Theatre is located at 420 S. Alamo St. in San Antonio. To buy tickets, or for more information on special performances for American Sign Language, Sensory- Friendly, or Pay What You Wish, visit https://www.magiktheatre.org.Article Link

Enjoy a Craft Show and rummage sale at Lubianski Feed Store in St. Hedwig on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking and admission are free. For more information, call 210-677-1145. Lubianski Feed Store is located at 13640 F.M. 1346 in St. Hedwig.Article Link

Join the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners at the AgriLife Extension office, 210 E. Live Oak St. in Seguin, on Thursday, Nov. 20, for “Five Theme Gardens with Native Plants,” presented by Certified Arborist Nancy Masterson. The meeting is free and open to the public. Members and guests can arrive at 5:45 p.m. for social time, followed by a business meeting at 6:15 p.m. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. For more information, visit guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.Article Link

As the holidays approach and there's so much running and doing, it's nice to have a meal you can assemble and cook all in one dish. With a little prep, this “Hands-Off Spaghetti and Meatballs” frees up the cook for a little while as it bakes — maybe allowing for visiting, wrapping, or decorating. This recipe serves four and comes from One Pan Wonders by Cook's Country. Hands-Off Spaghetti and Meatballs 12 oz. spaghetti, broken in half 1 24-oz. jar marinara sauce 2 c. water, plus extra hot water as needed 1 lb. 90-percent lean ground beef 3/4 c. panko...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 “Go Nuts” promotional drawing.Article Link

Clarence Ehlers of Floresville recently shared information from the City of Floresville Centennial program. The city celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1990; a special program took place Oct. 13, 1990, on the courthouse square. Floresville Peanut Festival Queen Nicole Pruski gave the opening comments; “The Village Band of Floresville” — now the “County Line Community Band” — provided music. Floresville Mayor Roy G. Sanchez offered the welcome. Dignitaries included U.S. Rep. Kika De La Garza, Texas Sen. Judith Zaffirini, and State Rep. Eldon Edge. Former U.S. Ambassador and Chief of Protocol for the White House Abelardo Valdez was the guest...Article Link

Send photos from community events to reader@wcn–online.com for possible publication.Article Link

Editor: On Thursday, Nov. 6, I attended the Wilson County Historical Society's wonderful Floresville Opry, as I do every month. That evening, I experienced an unexpected medical incident. I was so fortunate! My close friends were nearby to protect me from falling to the floor, nurses and an EMS individual from the crowd rushed to stabilize me, the on-premises security guard assisted, and 911 was called. The Wilson County ESD 4 EMS arrived, took charge, and eventually helped me exit the building to perform vital sign tests in their vehicles. Gratefully, these tests were normal, and I was released from...Article Link

Reading commentary about the recent elections, I thought of an observation of Nobel prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman. Feynman said, “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself, and you are the easiest person to fool.” That is, we must always be disciplined in looking at things as they are and not bend to the temptation to see them as we wish them to be. After the recent Democratic election sweep, we are hearing that there is unhappiness out there. But is this really news? Currently Gallup reports that 27 percent of the Americans are satisfied with the direction...Article Link

Why start something that you don't have the guts to follow through with? Why grab defeat from the jaws of victory? Barely a week after the best election night Democrats have had in years, with the president's approval ranking hitting new lows, with voters deserting him on the economy and immigration, what do Democrats do? They cave, or at least eight of them did. By carefully (self?) selecting to include no one who is up for re-election (and two who are retiring), they gave the president the victory he wanted, and he claimed. Why did they do it? Because the...Article Link

Rebates? “Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday provided more details about a potential ,000 tariff-derived dividend that was floated by President Donald Trump on Sunday and Monday, suggesting there would be an income limit.” (TheEpochtimes.com) Leave it to the Trumpster to be thinking outside the box. That is a good thing about the way Trump leads. He is not afraid to throw out new ideas, knowing they may not always work. He keeps his eye on the end game, even as he has to go back to the drawing board searching for another idea that will work. While Bessent said...Article Link

Wilson County employees and elected officials gather Nov. 12 for a toy donation drive, arranged by county Judge Hank Whitman. County employees donated toys to be given for Christmas to foster children in the Belong Community-Based Care program through SJRC in Wilson County. Participants also enjoyed a potluck meal.Article Link

Semester 1 Cycle 2 Sixth grade All A's: Case Akin, Gianna Asti, Jaxon Brantley, Violette Bruno, Baylee Buck, Miraculous Campbell, Calvin Chew, Bria Cochrum, Jase Cotter, Mazy Dougherty, Hadley Dugi, Sawyer Griego, Candace Hastings, Emma Hastings, Falynn Jenkins, Yeats Lambeth, Adam Legard, Annabelle Musser, Ainsley Oliver, Zoey Osborne, Kinslyn Scheel, Levan Scheel, Madelyn Sekula, Ethan Skinner, Slade Smith, Addison Stavinoha, Avery Urrabazo, Weston Wiatrek, Mazie Wyatt A/B: Kaidyn Alvarez, Jagger Bass, Case Burt, Camden Clerc, Mason Dean, Braxton Drew, John Esquivel, Maci Freeman, Scarlett Gawlik, Lillian Gustafson, Hannah Jovanovic, Blake Mills, Nicolas Perez, Dani Shaw, Ramzie Valentine, Juan Veliz Seventh...Article Link

The Stockdale Blue Bonnet Club held its monthly meeting on Monday, Oct. 13, at the lovely home of Barbara Wiatrek. The meeting was called to order at 4:40 p.m. President Lana Wilson welcomed our newest member, Valerie Marrou, and introduced one visitor, Vickie Wiatrek. Minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved. Mary Denson gave the treasurer's report. There was no new correspondence. Member Dana Zella will assume the duties of mailing sympathy/ get-well cards to local community members. Valerie Marrou will assume Memorial Committee duties, due to a member's leave of absence. New club member information cards and...Article Link

Jane Jackson (left) and Cindy Lighty ring up the first official sale Nov. 15 as Blessed Again Thrift Ministry opens its doors in Stockdale. Located at Christ Methodist Church, 102 W. Main St., the thrift ministry is open Mondays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon; use Person Street entrance at the rear of the church. Sales currently are cash only. The ministry is not accepting donations at this time.Article Link

April Gilchrist of the Stockdale Chamber of Commerce (right) welcomes Chef Nicholas Foreman of Down and Out, accompanied by his wife, Elizabeth, and their children, as Stockdale's newest eatery opens Nov. 15 inside the Brahma Express on S.H. 123. Down and Out is open Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. The menu includes a variety of sandwiches, including smash burgers and pulled pork.Article Link

Help the Floresville Lions Club — in conjunction with the Floresville Food Pantry — feed families during the holiday season by donating food items. “Care and Share Floresville Food Pantry” drop-off stations have been set up to accept donations at five Floresville businesses: •The Wilson County News, 1012 C St. •Jack's Café, 507 10th St. (U.S. 181) •Dollar General, 540 10th St. (U.S. 181) •The UPS Store, 923 10th St. (U.S. 181), Suite 101 •Anytime Fitness, 528 10th St. (U.S. 181). Food items especially wanted include: •Regular-size canned goods, such as vegetables, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin •Boxed stuffing...Article Link

The Floresville Ministerial Alliance invites everyone to its annual Community Thanksgiving Worship Service on Sunday, Nov. 23, at 6 p.m. at Floresville United Methodist Church. Gather for a special night for churches and community to come together as one to worship. The service will feature a message from Rev. Betsy Careaga, with Rev. John Conrad coordinating the order of worship and inviting various ministers to lead in scripture, prayer, and the offering. Floresville United Methodist Church is located at 1205 B St. Participating Floresville church ministers include: •Rev. Tom Bonham — Church of Christ of Floresville •Rev. Betsy Careaga —...Article Link

Wilson County Auditor Brenda Treviño and County Judge Hank Whitman have partnered with the San Antonio Food Bank to host an emergency food distribution on Tuesday, Nov. 25, starting at 9 a.m. The event will take place at the Wilson County Expo and Community Center, located at 435 S.H. 97 in Floresville. Distribution is open to all county residents, while supplies last. Registration is required to ensure food availability. Register at freshtrak.com/events/list/78114/. For more information, call 830-393-7303.Article Link

The Floresville Police Department invites one and all to its third annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday, Nov. 23, from 5-7 p.m. in the Floresville Event Center. Officers with the department will prep, fry, and carve the turkeys, while the department's administrative assistant, clerks, spouses, and family members prepare all the fixings. Community members are invited to enjoy a heartwarming evening of food, fellowship, and gratitude, as the department members serve the community they're proud to be part of. The event is dine-in only; no to-go plates. This is a special function, focused on sharing community and conversation. Doors open...Article Link

Floresville Food Pantry and Resource Center Director Rose Holcombe (center) picks up contributions from Roy and Sylvia Madero after their Halloween event, “The Dark Side of F Street.” The Maderos collected more than 0 in donations and 13 boxes of food for the food pantry at their annual event, which is sponsored by the Floresville Lions Club and Madero-Martinez Productions.Article Link

The seventh annual Christmas Craft Show will be held in Falls City on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This fun community event takes place in the Falls City Community Hall on U.S. 181 and offers residents a place to shop, visit with their neighbors, and enjoy delicious food. There will be 60 vendors offering jewelry, holiday décor, quilts, wood crafts, homemade jellies and jams, and much more. Santa Claus and his elves will visit from 1-2 p.m., and parents are invited to take photos with their children at no cost. Breakfast tacos and complimentary coffee will...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. These entities also met recently: •Floresville Economic Development Corp., Nov. 10 •Falls City City Council, Nov. 12 •Wilson County Appraisal District board, Nov. 13 •La Vernia Municipal Development District, Nov. 13 •Wilson County Emergency Services District 1, Nov. 14 View WCN's video coverage of these meetings online at wilsoncountynews.com/meeting-coverage/. Floresville ISD Nov. 10 Floresville City Council Nov. 13 Floresville Independent School District Meeting:: Regular meeting, Nov. 10, 6:30-7:44 p.m. Actions: •Canvassed and approved results from the Nov....Article Link

While working this past week preparing my Sunday morning lesson, all of a sudden, I found myself without internet service. I rely on my service for office phones and auto backup of my work, along with gathering materials for my PowerPoint presentations. I immediately knew what happened. A boring crew was installing a new underground fiber optic cable one street over. They accidentally hit and broke the cable my internet service is on. Well, to make a long story short, I got my service back 24 hours later and I was way behind in my work. Of course, wouldn't you...Article Link

Firstmark Credit Union, in partnership with The Lonnie Walker IV Foundation and HUB Investment Partners, gave away free holiday turkeys, goodie bags, and more, to 1,000 educators Nov.8 at their sixth annual Turkeys for Teachers event. With cars making their way through different giveaway stations, educators and their families got to enjoy live performances from local school bands, mascots from local spots such as Las Palapas and KSAT-12, and tons of volunteers showing them appreciation for all they do.The turkeys were provided by Firstmark, The Lonnie Walker IV Foundation handed out all the side dishes, and there were countless donations...Article Link

If you want to help preserve the legacy of World War II aviation, the ‘Tex' Hill Wing of the Commemorative Air Force wants you! The organization — based at Stinson Municipal Airport, 8535 Mission Road, Hangar 3, in San Antonio — is conducting a drive throughout November for new members to play a role in keeping history alive through restoration, education, and flight. Anyone interested in joining should email texhillwing@gmail.com. The wing is named after David Lee “Tex” Hill, an American flying ace who served with the Flying Tigers and later in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War...Article Link

Coffee, Cars & Veterans, is proud to continue its mission of giving back to those who have served. As part of the organization's latest initiative, Coffee, Cars & Veterans is looking to provide CCV First Responder Boxes to qualified veterans in Wilson County. “A CCV First Responder Box is a secure, wall-mounted box that holds a key to a residence,” said Glen Mabe with Coffee, Cars & Veterans. “In the event of a medical emergency, it allows first responders immediate access without needing to break down the door. This can save precious time and lives as well as the repair...Article Link

Children's Alliance of South Texas, A Child Advocacy Center (CAST-CAC) held its “Dia de los Muertos Purse Bingo,” Nov.1 at the Columbus Club in Karnes City.The event was sold out, with approximately 250 guests in attendance. More than 20 new designer purses were won, modeled by The Karnes City Royal Court, along with door prizes. Guests had the opportunity to participate in the live and silent auctions that boasted incredible items donated by individuals, companies, and organizations across CAST-CAC's service areas — Atascosa, Frio, Karnes, LaSalle, and Wilson counties. During the live auction, Randy Witte, volunteer auctioneer, successfully sold a...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. Wilson County Sheriff's Office •Nov. 4, Diego O. Amezquita, 24, Juan B. Barrera, 34, and Marcus J. Hernandez, 38, all of Floresville and currently inmates in the Wilson County Jail, were each charged with aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, following an incident in the jail in which a victim suffered a broken nose. •Nov. 4, Nickolas Carvajal, 34, of Pleasanton was arrested near the intersection of Fourth and...Article Link

A teacher formerly employed by the Runge Independent School District (ISD) has been arrested and charged with having an improper relationship with a student. The Karnes County Sheriff's Office arrested Andrea Melba Rodriguez, after receiving information Nov. 7 and investigating the allegations; the investigation reportedly uncovered digital evidence confirming the relationship. Rodriguez may face additional charges of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, after investigators discovered evidence that she tried to destroy or alter case-related materials. Runge ISD, in a Nov. 10 statement, advised that Rodriguez was removed from campus and is no longer employed by the district. “The district...Article Link

A Floresville teen faces multiple charges, after fleeing from Wilson County Sheriff's Office personnel. According to the sheriff's office, a deputy attempted a traffic stop at approximately 2 a.m. on Nov. 12 on a white Dodge Ram truck near Enchanted Oak Drive and Rolling Hills Drive near La Vernia. “The driver fled at a high rate of speed, eventually driving through a fence and immobilizing the vehicle in the brush,” said Public Information Officer Zach Garcia. Deputies located the truck, which was unoccupied. A search for the individual by Wilson County deputies, assisted by the Gonzales County Sheriff's Office K-9...Article Link

Gov. Greg Abbott has reappointed Weldon Riggs to the Evergreen Underground Water Conservation District for a term set to expire on Feb. 1, 2029. The District is required to preserve, protect, conserve, and recharge the underground water in Wilson, Atascosa, Karnes and Frio counties. Weldon Riggs of the Black Hill Community in Atascosa County is a cattle rancher, raising Angus cattle in Atascosa and Bexar counties. He is a member and former director of Independent Cattlemen's Association of Texas and member of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the Texas State Teachers Association. Additionally, he is a committeeman...Article Link

Dear Dave, My girlfriend and I have been dating seriously for a little over a year. We're both 28, and I know I love her, but there's something that worries me. She's very smart, but at the same time, she's not very responsible with money. I know that no one is perfect, but sometimes she'll get behind on her bills in order to do things like buying clothes or going to concerts. How should I approach talking to her and explaining my concern about this? I'd like to ask her to marry me sometime next year. Lincoln Dear Lincoln, Congratulations...Article Link

In observance of Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, all city and county offices and many other businesses will be closed. Below is a list of closures provided as a service to the community. Wilson County Public Library Sam Fore Jr. in Floresville, Jane Yelvington McCallum in La Vernia, and Sarah Bain Chandler in Stockdale —Closed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Nov. 27-29. City halls Elmendorf — Closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27-28 Floresville — Closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27-28 La Vernia — Closed noon on Wednesday, Nov. 26, and all day Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27-28 Poth — Closed Thursday and...Article Link

More than four-fifths of Texas public schools received an ‘A' rating for their financial practices, according to the Texas Education Agency, which released the final financial accountability ratings for the latest school year last week. A total of 969 school districts and charter schools, or 81 percent, received the top rating for their financial management practices. “By maintaining strong financial practices, these school systems are building brighter futures for the students and communities they serve,” a news release stated. Ten percent of school districts got ‘B' ratings, while 6 percent received ‘C' ratings. Failing grades were given to 18 school...Article Link

FLORESVILLE — The Future Land Use plan for the city of Floresville has been formally amended to include a commercial retail district near Pecan Park. The Floresville City Council met Nov. 13. On the agenda were several items related to recent zoning changes (see “Floresville Council OKs business zoning near Pecan Park, Oct. 29, Wilson County News); this included amending the city's Future Land Use Plan. This amendment formally allows for three properties to be zoned from residential to business — including 1295 Hospital Blvd., newly occupied by Nickel BBQ; 1100 Hospital Blvd., occupied by Floresville Flower Shop; and 1901...Article Link

Wilson County Judge Hank Whitman (l-r) administers the oath of office to newly elected Floresville Independent School District trustee Terrell “Terry” Schellhase and incumbent Craig Mutz at the Nov. 10 meeting of the school board. Schellhase won a seat on the board after defeating three opponents in the Nov. 4 election, while Mutz was unopposed for re-election. See more from the meeting on page 12.Article Link

“It was a godsend,” resident Ronald Baker said about the new roof on his Floresville home. The U.S. Army veteran is a recent recipient of a complete roof replacement through the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project, in partnership with Purple Heart Homes. After “11 years, 11 months, and 29 days” of active duty in the U.S. Army and another 16 years of civil service, Baker was “medically boarded,” due to a broken back, and retired to Floresville. Earlier this year, Baker hired a private contractor to paint his house on C.R. 331 and replace his roof. After the roofer started...Article Link

FLORESVILLE — “I'm requesting my evaluation be done as a public hearing,” Floresville Interim City Manager Monica Veliz told the Floresville City Council Nov. 13. After 11 months in the position, a review of Veliz's duties and performance was scheduled for an executive session, along with City Attorney Daniel Santee, who later told the council he put his own name on the agenda. “Requesting my item as a public hearing allows the opportunity for the public to give comment as well,” Veliz said. City employee Alfredo Sendejo thanked Veliz for her leadership and equal opportunity. City Planning & Zoning Chairman...Article Link

The La Vernia Lady Bears volleyball team members celebrate their State Semifinal Championship win Nov. 15 over Bellville. The Lady Bears' 3-0 win over the Brahmanettes secured their appearance in the final four of State competition on Friday, Nov. 21. La Vernia will face Decatur in the 4A Division I State Championship game, at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland at 4 p.m. Watch for playoff updates at wilsoncountynews.com. Read Lady Bear game coverage on page 8B.Article Link

Second six weeks Ninth grade All A's: William Band, Logan Bosquez, Brevyn Brockman, Kara Calhoun, Elena Chapa, Jiovanny Chapa, Joshua Clark, Cam Cordes, Knox Dziuk, Taylon Felux, Massy Garza, KP Gaylor, Maggie Gorzell, Teagyn Hosek, Cooper Kotzur, Addison Kurz, Rylee Lyssy, Kimberly Mata, Sloan Neudorfer, Delaney Pape, Emma Powell, Aidan Pruski, Caitlyn Pruski, Brayden Ramzinski, Abigail Skloss, Charlotte Smith A/B: Landon Arruda, Raina Diaz, Riley, Laila Enriquez, Jayden Flores, Emilio Garcia, Chelsea Gorzell, MJ Gorzell, Hunterleigh Hartmann, Reese Heerwald, Dominik Jansky, Nathan Laskowski, Emily Lingua, Rafael Mata, Abel Mata Garcia, Jhan Mata Maldonado, Kyle Miller, Kade Moczygemba, Aria Olivarez, Sidney...Article Link

Young Texans in grades 4-12 are invited to participate in Letters About Literature, an annual writing competition administered by the Texas Center for the Book. Students select a book, book series, essay, play, poem, short story, or speech and write a letter to an author — living or dead — explaining how his or her work changed their view of themselves or the world. Submissions will be accepted through Jan. 26, 2026. The contest is open to all Texas students including public, private, and homeschool. First- through third-place winners are awarded in three categories: grades 4-6, grades 7-8, and grades...Article Link