Wilson County News

Congratulations to the following teams in the Wilson County News coverage area for making the playoffs!   Bi-District   •Falls City TBD •Floresville v Gonzales – Thursday, Oct. 30, 7 pm, in Floresville •La Vernia v Uvalde – Thursday, Oct. 30, 6 pm, in La Vernia •Nixon-Smiley v. Columbus – Thursday, Oct. 30, 6:30 pm, in Yoakum •Poth v Industrial – Thursday, Oct. 30, 5 pm, in Cuero •Stockdale v Halletsville – Thursday, Oct. 30, 7 pm, Victoria East HS  Article Link

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Join the Poth Education Foundation on Saturday, Nov. 15, for the Sail Away Gala fundraiser in the Kosciusko Hall. This annual event raises funds benefiting classroom teachers and student in the Poth Independent School District. Doors open at 5 p.m., with dinner served at 6 p.m. The evening also will include silent and live auctions, prize drawings, and a dance with music by the “Rocky King Band.” Individual tickets are per person. Tables for eight guests also are available: •Bronze — 0 •Silver — [post_excerpt],000, includes a gift per couple •Gold — ,000, includes a 0 gift per...Article Link

One of Poth's own is diving into national waters! Poth High School graduate and San Antonio Fire Department veteran Dustin Titzman will appear on ABC's hit series, “Shark Tank,” with his family on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 9 p.m. CST. Titzman, along with his wife Michelle and their four children — Penelope, 10; Everly, 8; Adeline, 6; and Stokes, 4 — will pitch their family business, Warrior Kid Medic, to the Sharks in hopes of reeling in an investment to help share their lifesaving mission nationwide. Warrior Kid Medic teaches children and families how to respond with confidence in an...Article Link

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Valerie Enriquez, a special education teacher in the Poth Independent School District, is truly “special”! She was honored Oct. 3 by the Wilson County News and Firstmark Credit Union as the Educator of the Quarter, at a pep rally at Poth High School. “First and foremost, it takes a ‘special' teacher to teach special students,” according to the community member who nominated her. “The special students at … Poth High School are those with disabilities. Enriquez displays a high level of passion for her work, the nomination continues, and she distinguishes what each student needs, creating a safe environment so...Article Link

The Children's Alliance of South Texas-A Child Advocacy Center (CAST) invites community members to a purse bingo event on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Karnes City. Individual tickets are and include one bingo booklet. Additional booklets will be available for purchase at the event for each. Reserved tables are available for 0. The Knights of Columbus Hall is located at 517 E. Calvert St. in Karnes City. For information, go to www.castcac.org/events.Article Link

See Ballet Nepantla's “Mistica” on Thursday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m., in Southwest Legacy High School Theatre, 4495 S.W. Verano Parkway, Building 100, in Von Ormy. “Mistica,” the New York-based dance company's latest production, commemorates traditions of Día De Muertos, transporting the audience into the afterlife through the use of blacklight, as well as ballet folklorico and contemporary dance. The event is free and open to the public. For information, go to balletnepantla.com or follow Ballet Nepantla on Facebook.Article Link

The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners are having a plant sale on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on the Central Plaza Square in downtown Seguin during Pecan Fest. Attendees are invited to stop by and ask gardening questions from Master Gardeners and peruse plants and garden décor for sale. Information about the next Master Gardeners class, which starts in January, also will be available. Admission is free.Article Link

Redeemer United Church invites everyone to its Harvest Festival at the Bexar Social Hall, 15681 Bexar Bowling Road, in Marion, on Sunday, Oct. 26. The day will begin at 10:30 a.m. with worship, followed by a turkey dinner at 11 a.m. for drive-thru, or 11:30 a.m. for those who dine in. Plates will be each. The festival will include live and silent auctions, a bake sale and country store, and children's activities. For information, call 830-914-2168 or visit www.RedeemerZuehl.org.Article Link

Everyone is invited out to the Floresville Event Center, 600 S.H. 97 West, on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24-25, to the Future Generations Championship Pow Wow. Hosted by the Society of Native Nations, the American Indian Movement of Central Texas, the city of Floresville, and the Floresville Economic Development Corp., the popular family-friendly event is open to the community at 5 p.m. on Friday, and from noon to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, and features Native American dancing and culture. Admission is free.Article Link

Plan to attend Mama Mo's second annual BBQ Cook-off on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at American Legion Post 539 in St. Hedwig. The event will include giveaways and drawings, music, local vendors, kids' activities, and family fun. American Legion Post 539 is located at 14290 F.M. 1346.Article Link

Calling all mystery detectives! Gather the family and enjoy a free mystery night hike at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center on Saturday, Oct. 25. Become a Mitchell Lake mystery detective and help solve wildlife and nature mysteries you encounter on your night hike. Take your flashlight and walk along the center's education trail at your own pace. At each mystery table, read the clues and examine the evidence to solve the mystery! Come early for twilight mystery-solving or after dark to test your nocturnal trail skills. Earn candy or stickers as you go and return to the Visitor Center for a...Article Link

Mark your calendars for the inaugural Music in the Park on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Floresville Event Center Amphitheater. The event is sponsored by the city of Floresville, in partnership with the Floresville Chamber of Commerce and the Floresville Economic Development Corp., in memory of the late Floresville city Councilman Gerard J. Jimenez. Admission is free. Attendees will enjoy live music by “April Hall Trio” Band, giveaways, and access to food trucks. While there's no cost to attend, local businesses will be participating in a Golden Ticket giveaway. The first 150 tickets will receive special parking and reserved seating...Article Link

Enjoy an afternoon of fun with Rockin' Bingo and Silent Auction at The Rock United Methodist Church on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is at the door and includes bingo cards and lunch. A silent auction will also be available for bids. The Rock United Methodist Church is located at 1784 E. Loop 1604 S. in St. Hedwig. For information, call 210-573-4519.Article Link

Spend a day of family fun at Sutherland Springs' 36th annual Old Town Days celebration, Saturday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day begins with a parade at 11 a.m., a children's costume contest at noon, and a pet costume contest at 2:45 p.m. A scholarship presentation and royal court farewell will take place at 3 p.m. The day wraps up with birthday cake and pinatas in the Sutherland Springs Community Building at 411 Fourth St. For vendor information, call Terrie Smith at 830-557- 2607. For additional information, visit the Sutherland Springs Community Association Inc. on Facebook.Article Link

One of the best parts of cooler weather is breaking out the go-to holiday recipes, including this delicious Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread. This mouthwatering dessert is great to share with a friend or neighbor. Wilson County News reporter Rachel Draper found this recipe on sallysbakingaddiction.com in 2022, but her family has been using a “near-exact” recipe since early 2000. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp. ground cloves 1/4 tsp. ground ginger 3/4 tsp. salt 2 large eggs, at room temperature 1/2 cup granulated sugar...Article Link

Wilson County News' WCN Live fans receive their prizes from C Street Gift Shop after commenting during a live broadcast hosted on Facebook every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Stay tuned for the next WCN Live and be sure to comment to be entered in the drawing. Rewatch WCN Live episodes at www.wilsoncountynews.com/wcnlive.Article Link

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Scenes from the 2025 Coronation of the ‘Court of Texas Enchantment,' Goober Games, and the Grand Parade held Oct. 7-11 in FloresvilleArticle Link

Looking for a way to celebrate fall, or get into the “spirit” of Halloween? Here are some area events to check out! Falls City •Halloween Dance — Saturday, Oct. 25, 8 p.m. to midnight, Falls City Community Hall, 306 S. Front St. Enjoy family fun, food, a costume contest, and prizes, with music by a DJ; cash bar also available. Admission ; ages 12 and under, free. •Falls City Fall Festival — Thursday, Oct. 30, 3:45-5:30 p.m., Luther Thomas Elementary School parking lot, hosted by Falls City Education Foundation. Spooky parade, costume contest, games, food, cake walk, and silent auction....Article Link

Editor: Recently, I participated in the “No Kings” protest in San Antonio. Like many others there, I oppose authoritarianism in all its forms, including the idea of any individual, Trump or otherwise, rising above democratic accountability. After the event, KLRN reported that a few MAGA supporters showed up with a sign that read, “Trump for King,” and that some protesters forcefully pulled it down. In response, I posted on KLRN's Facebook page: “MAGA has a right to be heard ... no matter how much you disagree.” To be clear, I do not support Trump's agenda. I marched precisely because I...Article Link

Editor: Vinyard Funeral Home would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Deacon Mark O'Toole, Roger Garza, the City of Floresville, Wilson County, and the community members who came together to honor and lay to rest Jane Doe, an unidentified woman whose life mattered. Your presence, compassion, and respect ensured that she was not forgotten and was given the dignity every person deserves. In moments like these, we are reminded of the strength and kindness within our community. Thank you for standing together to show that every life has value and that no one is ever truly alone. Sincerely, VINYARD...Article Link

At this writing 20 remaining living Israeli hostages have been released by Hamas. Thank God. Twenty-four dead remain still to be released. These of the 251 taken hostages on that infamous Oct. 7, 2023, day. President Donald Trump is taking legitimate credit, thanks to his insurmountable will and prodigious negotiating skills, for this breakthrough. But with all the joy, there remains the hurt and disappointment. Disappointment that this could have happened two years ago. For two years, a deeply confused and lost world has given credibility to the depraved Hamas terrorists and murderers as legitimate negotiating partners. While hostages were...Article Link

Fresh from his triumph in the Middle East, President Donald Trump returned to Washington and reverted to playing the vengeful monarch, holding a press conference in the White House to announce his enemies' list and demand that they be prosecuted — for something. Having put in place a personal lawyer of his with no prosecutorial experience who was willing to bypass the Department of Justice, her predecessor and career prosecutors to indict former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, and now having secured the indictment of former National Security Adviser-turned-Trump critic John Bolton, Trump had...Article Link

Fats “If you still believe that butter, beef, and full-fat cheese clog your arteries and are damaging your health, it's time to relearn everything you know about these fat sources.” (from Mercola.com) It's interesting to look back at how federal guidelines and recommendations for healthy eating have changed over the years. There was a time when we were told that all “saturated fat was deadly.” Advertisements pushed eating healthier by using “margarine” instead of butter. Margarine was supposed to be the new magic ingredient for the modern household. We were told that it was good for you, and we were...Article Link

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Siblings Monroe Sickenius and Florence Baumann pose regally with the historic Floresville's “giant peanut” on the courthouse square Oct. 13, after being crowned as Prairie Meadows Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center Peanut Festival King and Queen. The royal brother and sister were crowned Oct. 10 by the 81st Court of Texas Enchantment. Baumann is the great-grandmother of the Floresville Peanut Festival's 2025 Queen Tunaep Kambri Angle.Article Link

A sign honoring Charlie Kirk, the founder of conservative advocacy organization Turning Point USA who was assassinated Sept. 10, goes up Oct. 3 on a site between U.S. 87 and Chihuahua Street in La Vernia. Kirk, 31, was shot and killed while speaking at an event on the campus of Utah Valley University. Wilson County residents also honored Kirk's memory at a candlelight vigil Sept. 13 in the La Vernia City Park. The nonprofit Turning Point USA plans a “faith, family, and freedom” event next February, opposite the NFL Super Bowl halftime program.Article Link

Are you a Granado or Pacheco family descendant? If so, you are invited to a reunion on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 11 a.m. to midnight at the Floresville Event Center. This year, the big Pacheco family reunion — for descendants of Maria Robaina de Bethencourt, one of the initial Canary Islander families who came to Texas (the 14th family) — invites their Granado cousins to join in the fun. Those who are not sure if they are Granado family descendants are welcome to attend and find out! The last Pacheco family reunion, held 10 years ago, drew more than 1,000...Article Link

The Stockdale Ex-Students and Teachers Association invites all to a Homecoming Meet & Greet on Friday, Oct. 24, from 5:30-7 p.m., in the Stockdale High School Food Court. Light refreshments will be served. The football game begins at 7 p.m. Presentation of the Homecoming Court will be made at halftime, and classes ending in “5” will be honored on Bobby Russell Field. Donations and memorials to scholarships for graduating seniors can be made at the event or sent throughout the year to Babs McGuffin, 4325 C.R. 334, Stockdale, TX 78160.Article Link

The Polish American Council of Texas will hold its annual meeting on Saturday, Nov. 15, in the Polish Heritage Center, 13909 N. F.M. 81 in Panna Maria. The day will begin with a membership meeting at 8:30 a.m. and a welcome reception at 9 a.m. Opening ceremonies start at 10 a.m. A procession to the historic oak tree for a group photo will start at 10:45 a.m. Lunch and award presentations begin at noon. Dance performances and a silent auction will also be featured. The day will conclude with Mass at 4:30 p.m. Meal tickets are online or ...Article Link

A store manager overheard a clerk saying to a customer, “No, ma'am, we haven't had any for some weeks now, and it doesn't look as if we'll be getting any soon.” Alarmed, the manager rushed over to the customer who was walking out the door and said, “That isn't true, ma'am. Of course we'll have some soon. In fact, we placed an order for it a couple of weeks ago.” Then the manager drew the clerk aside and growled, “Never, never, never say we don't have something! If we don't have it, say we ordered it and it's on the...Article Link

Members of the Wilson County Republican Women's Club and guests listen to Carson Clayton's presentation Sept. 23 on Texas Energy Strategy; he was the guest speaker at the club's monthly luncheon at Jack's Café in Floresville. He serves as campaign director for Life: Powered, a national initiative of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.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: •Wilson County Emergency Services District 5, Oct. 14 and 17 •Floresville Electric Light & Power System, Oct. 15 workshop •Falls City ISD, Oct. 15 •Floresville El Camino Trail Committee, Oct. 15 •Elmendorf City Council, Oct. 16 •East Central ISD, Oct. 16 Wilson County Memorial Hospital District Meeting: Regular meeting, Oct. 16, 5-7:17 p.m., executive session 6:47-7:15 p.m. Actions: •Approved repairs to fluoroscopy equipment and a related two-year service contract at a combined...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 “Dog Days of Summer” photo contest. WANT TO JOIN THESE WINNERS? Read the Wilson County News every week to find a variety of different promotions and contests that include chances to win! Subscribe today! Visit wilsoncountynews.com/subscribe/ or call 830-216-4519.Article Link

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Dear Dave, My wife and I recently learned she's pregnant. She's about to begin her second trimester, and we're both really excited. There is a bit of concern, though. During a detailed ultrasound, the doctor found an issue that might mean our baby could need minor surgery soon after delivery. Financially, we're in Baby Step 2 of your plan. With the extra bills after the baby's born, should we save money in a sinking fund for the added expenses while we continue paying off debt? Jared Dear Jared, Congratulations on the new baby! I know you're both probably on an...Article Link

The following defendants were among those listed on recent dockets for the 81st District Court in Wilson County: •Sarah E. Rivas, 35, of Floresville pleaded nolo contendere (no contest) Sept. 9 to a charge of fraudulent transfer of a motor vehicle, after allegedly acting with intent to harm or defraud the vehicle's owner in January 2023 by taking possession of a vehicle valued at between ,000 and 0,000 in an oral agreement to arrange its transfer to a third party in January 2023. She was sentenced to six days in Wilson County Jail and ordered to pay court costs and...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 •Oct. 11, Jesus R. Pacheco, 29, of Floresville was arrested in the 6900 block of U.S. 181 and charged with violation of an occupational driver's license. •Oct. 12, Carl E. Cleveland, 32, of Poteet was arrested at the intersection of U.S. 181 and F.M. 775 and charged with possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana and possession of a prohibited substance or items in...Article Link

Ferman Chavez of Floresville has received a sentence of 99 years, which must be served day-for-day without a possibility of parole. The sentence was handed down Oct. 16 by 81st Judicial District Judge Jennifer Dillingham, following a bench trial in which she found Chavez guilty of continuous sexual assault of a child under 14 years of age. District Attorney Audrey Louis said Chavez's conviction resulted from an investigation led by the Floresville Police Department, with particular recognition to former Investigator Perry Hayden. Children's Alliance of South Texas forensic interviewer Andrea Regalado also provided key expert testimony on behalf of the...Article Link

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the dedication of Juan Seguin's statue in the city named after him Sunday, Oct. 26, and the Texas hero's birthday at the same time. The celebration will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Seguin Event Center, 950 S. Austin St. in Seguin. The event will feature two speakers: •Frank de la Teja, who will talk about Seguin's mother, Maria Josefa Becerra Seguin •Janice Woods Windle, author of the award-winning book and miniseries, “True Women.” Twenty-five special prizes will be awarded to commemorate the anniversary. There also will be mariachis, dancers, refreshments,...Article Link

Members of Holy Name Societies from throughout the Catholic Archdiocese of San Antonio will be converging on St. Gerard parish in the Alamo City Nov. 2 for a special Mass for the deceased. Rev. Thanh Nguyen, pastor of St. Gerard Church, will celebrate the Sunday Mass at 3 p.m. in the church, located at 1523 Iowa St. in eastside San Antonio. Anyone is welcome to attend this memorial. Afterwards, visitors may also view a new statue and shrine dedicated to St. Gerard Majella in anticipation of the 300th anniversary of his birth in 1726. In addition to coordinating annual events...Article Link

Corrections: The property-tax rate of [post_excerpt].0746 adopted by the Nixon-Smiley Consolidated Independent School District is a decrease from the prior, 2024- 25 tax rate, and not an increase as stated in the Oct. 15 article, “Nixon-Smiley CISD voters to decide on tax rate proposal.” If voters approve the ballot measure, the district will raise more in revenue for maintenance and operations than the prior rate. Readers can alert the Wilson County News to any errors in news articles by emailing nkilbey-smith@ wcn-online.com or by calling 830-216-4519.Article Link

The Wilson County Republican Women invite the public to attend their monthly meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 11:30 a.m., at Jack's Cafe in Floresville. Guest speaker will be Michelle King, Development Director of Children's Alliance of South Texas (CAST). Attendees are asked to bring an item for donation. A list of donation items can be found at wilsoncountyrepublicanparty.org. Jack's Cafe is located at 507 10th St. (U.S. 181) in Floresville.Article Link

Get ready for an exhilarating night at the 24th Annual Veterans' Day Hangar Dinner Dance, hosted by the Commemorative Air Force, Central Texas Wing! This annual event, set for Saturday, Nov. 8, is a chance to honor and applaud the heroic Veterans who have given so much for our freedoms. This year, the event celebrates the 80th anniversary of the World War II victory and the 250th anniversary of our U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps! Swing to the beat of authentic '40s music, surrounded by Commemorative Air Force historic WWII aircraft, in the heritage charm of the CAF WWII...Article Link

The Joshua D. Brown Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas will meet at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 27, in the First United Methodist Church Kerrville, at 321 Thompson Drive. The chapter is pleased to welcome fourth-generation Texan and lifetime Kerrville resident Clifton Fifer as guest speaker. His topic will be “History of the Buffalo Soldiers.” Fifer is a graduate of Howard Payne University and was a beloved coach at Peterson Middle School for 33 years. Among his list of accolades are being a featured storyteller at the George Bush Presidential Library, a board member of the...Article Link

Leanne Marshall, Floresville Independent School District Family and Community Specialist (second from left), accepts a donation of “belongings bags” from Wilson County Mu Chi Chapter members (l-r) Marilyn Bohach, Renee Caro, and Beverly LaFrance. The handmade belongings bags will go to foster children enrolled in Floresville schools. Mu Chi Chapter is comprised of Key Women Educators, both retired and currently teaching, from Wilson County. The bags were one of several projects the members enjoyed working on this summer. For information about the chapter, call LaFrance at 210-823-6868.Article Link

Volunteers work hard Sept. 25 to remove vegetation and trash from a creek bed crossed over by Triple Tree Drive in China Grove. The four-hour cleanup effort, taken to preclude a future drainage problem, involved at least 15 conscientious citizens and filled up two large dumpsters.Article Link

The Texas Veterans Commission invites applications for the fiscal year 2027 Fund for Veterans' Assistance grants. An estimated million in grant funding is available. The grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations and local government agencies that provide direct services to veterans. The application period will close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2. New this year, the term of the grant will align with the state fiscal year covering 12 months; funding limits are equal across all grant programs up to 0,000, with a minimum of ,000; and applicants are eligible to apply for and be awarded up to...Article Link

Students can earn community service hours by helping the Children's Alliance of South Texas with its Nov. 1 “Dia de los Muertos Purse Bingo.” Volunteers will be needed both Thursday, Oct. 30, and the following Saturday, the day of the event, at Columbus Hall, 517 E. Calvert St. in Karnes City. On Thursday, from 4-7 p.m., student volunteers can help set up tables and chairs and place table decorations in preparation for the main event, which will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers should plan to arrive Saturday at 8 a.m. to sign in and receive...Article Link