Telling the story of what's going on in Wilson County, Texas!
The Nixon Lions Club is proud to present its annual Fourth of July Independence Day Weekend Fireworks Show on Saturday, July 5, at the Nixon-Smiley High School baseball field. Head over to the baseball field and settle in for the fireworks, presented free, thanks to a host of community sponsors. The show starts at 9:15 p.m.Article Link
The County Line Community Band presents “1775: The Fight for Freedom” on Sunday, June 29, at 3 p.m., at The Rock United Methodist Church, 1784 E. Loop 1604 S. in St. Hedwig. This free concert will feature songs from during the wars that have kept the nation free. For more information, visit therockumc.com.Article Link
Watermelon is one of the flavors of summer, and here's a different way to enjoy it! Try this Savory Watermelon Salad from the Taste of Floresville, Second Edition, cookbook from the Floresville Chamber of Commerce. The book is , available at the C Street Gift Shop in downtown Floresville, or through the chamber of commerce; call 830-251-0944. Savory Watermelon Salad 1 tsp. grated lime zest 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice 1/4 tsp. salt 5 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1/2 cup diced red onion 1/2 cup diced English (seedless) cucumber 3 Tbsp. fresh basil, thinly sliced 1/3 cup...Article Link
The Wilson County News was spotted in the Tulsa International Airport in Tulsa, Okla.! La Vernia Independent School District paraprofessional Christy Hinnant and her oldest daughter, Rebecca, an eighth-grader at La Vernia Junior High, went to visit family. Rebecca enjoyed flying for the first time since she was a baby, and is eager to travel more. 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
This “glimpse of the past” comes from Clarence Ehlers of Floresville. When going through my father's old stuff, I came upon old dance tickets he had saved from when he was probably 18 to 20 years old, which would have been 1940-42. Two groups of tickets are shown here. This was pre-line dancing in the days of two step, waltzes, polkas, cotton-eyed Joe, put-your-little-foot, Paul Jones, and Grand Marches. In those days, every small town had a dance hall, such as Poth, Kosciusko, Czestochowa, Three Oaks, Sokol Hall, etc. There was always one place, or more, to go dancing on...Article Link
The 2025 Stockdale Watermelon Jubilee June 20-21 included a host of hometown fun — from the Watermelon Crawl 5K and fun run, to a parade with visiting festival royalty from across South Central Texas and Stockdale's own Queen Melone and her court, a carnival, car show, and watermelon-eating and seed-spitting contests, along with the rodeo and concerts, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Take a look at at the fun and festivities from the 81st annual Stockdale Watermelon Jubilee!Article Link
It's the biggest birthday party — and it's celebrated across the entire country! That's right. Independence Day is July 4, and you don't have to go far to find the fun. Wilson County communities are gearing up to celebrate with hometown fun, fabulous music, and fireworks! Check out where you can celebrate the Fourth of July close to home! Floresville Head to the Floresville Event Center on Friday, July 4, for free family-friendly fun and entertainment at the Fourth of July Festival, hosted by the city of Floresville and the Floresville Economic Development Corp. The doors open at 3 p.m....Article Link
Editor: Let me preface that the following are my own views and, to some, probably obviously somewhat tainted. Life experience can do that to any person. First, let me join you in asking, as a Bible believer and a “retired” pastor, “What would Jesus do?” But you must also join me in my processing as I also served for over a decade having been present on scenes as a police chaplain amid blood, destruction, heartache, and death. Couple this with the years behind guard tower fences of a prison, walking through the minds of those who chose selfishness with life-altering...Article Link
Per the U.S. State Department, in a statement issued in April 2025, “Iran remains the leading state sponsor of terrorism in the world and has financed and directed numerous terrorist attacks and activities globally, through its IRGC-Qods Force and proxies such as Hizballah and Hamas.” On Sunday, Fox host Bret Baier interviewed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and asked him why Israel attacked Iran. Netanyahu explained the “existential threat” to his country, as well as to the whole world, from Iran on the verge of having nuclear weapons. Further, Netanyahu explained Israel's concerns about Iran producing larger quantities of ballistic...Article Link
If you've been a reporter long enough, you learn that when people say you're a “member of the Fourth Estate,” they mean to insult you and to let you know they read a book once. The only exception is lawyers, who use the term the same way they use Latin, as a way to remind you that they've read a lot of books. And in America, we can afford a Fifth Estate, which is bloggers, Substack geniuses, “citizen journalists” and “independent journalists.” A citizen journalist is someone who has nothing on his/her resume except being born in America. An independent...Article Link
Let me offer some rare praise for Donald Trump. His attack on Iran's nuclear development sites was carefully executed. Nobody outside a tight circle knew about it in advance. And he was wise in shifting the talk into calls for peace. We don't know whether the bunker busters reached all the near-bomb-grade uranium or if other sites for fuel enrichment remain hidden. But analysts believe the Iranian nuclear program has been turned back years. Israel had been degrading Iran's nuclear capabilities, but it didn't have the 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrators needed to blast deep inside the mountains housing Iran's nuclear...Article Link
The Central Texas Philharmonic has announced creation of the Charlotte Barbini Legacy in Arts Management Award, a new initiative aimed at supporting the next generation of arts administrators. This annual scholarship will be open to undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in arts management, performing arts administration, or related degree programs at accredited universities throughout Texas. Named in honor of longtime patron of the arts Charlotte Barbini, president of the philharmonic's board of directors for its first six years, the scholarship reflects her enduring commitment to the sustainability and growth of the arts through strong, visionary leadership behind the scenes....Article Link
Make plans to attend a special presentation highlighting Polish history, culture, and heritage on Thursday, July 3, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Polish Heritage Center in Panna Maria. Featured guest speakers will be Professor Przemyslaw Czarnek, on the “Position of Poland in the Contemporary World” and Waldemar Biniecki, on “The History and Role of American Polonia.” A lunch will follow the program. The Polish Heritage Center is located at 13909 North F.M. 81 in Panna Maria. RSVP by Tuesday, June 24, by calling 830-310-8612. For more information, visit polishheritagecentertx.org.Article Link
There is a charming story concerning the noble statesman, William Ewart Gladstone. Crossing the frontier between France and Belgium, he was interrogated by an officious customs officer: “Have you anything to declare?” “Only a bunch of grapes,” replied the Englishman. The officer countered, “You cannot pass with those grapes, sir. They are dutiable.” “I will pay no duty!” retorted Gladstone. “Then you must leave the grapes behind,” said the customs examiner. “No, I shall pass, grapes and all,” insisted Gladstone. Whereupon, to the astonishment of the officer, he started slowly eating the grapes, until they disappeared. “Now,” he said with...Article Link
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Here is an opportunity to recognize a Wilson County first responder who goes “above and beyond.” The Wilson County First Responders Association has begun accepting nominations for its First Responder of the Year; the deadline is Friday, July 11. The first responder may serve in law enforcement, including 911 dispatch, or EMS, or as a firefighter, but must serve within Wilson County. There are no other requirements. To nominate an outstanding individual: •Request a nomination form by emailing Coy Martin at coy.martin@wcfra.org or Matt Demmer at matthew.demmer@wcfra.org, or •Print out a nomination form from the Wilson County First Responders Association...Article Link
It's time to nominate your favorite teacher for Educator of the Quarter. The deadline is Monday, June 30, for the second quarter of 2025. Whether it's a teacher who inspired you or a mentor who made a difference, show your appreciation by filling out the nomination at our website at www.wilsoncountynews.com/edu. Share why they deserve recognition, and let's celebrate their dedication together. He or she could win “Educator of the Quarter” recognition and a 0 gift card in the contest sponsored by the Wilson County News and Firstmark Credit Union in La Vernia. Our team will choose the winner based...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. Poth police •June 12, Felipa D. Amador, 43, of San Antonio was arrested in the 200 block of South Storts Street (U.S. 181) following a traffic stop for speeding and a defective license plate light. During the stop, the officer observed marijuana sitting on the console of Amador's car, which she tried to dispose of by throwing it underneath the vehicle. She was also found to be driving with...Article Link
The following defendants were among those listed on recent dockets for the 81st District Court in Wilson County: •Adam Sanchez, 42, of Floresville was originally charged with prohibited substance in a correctional facility, when he allegedly possessed alprazolam in the Wilson County Justice Center in July 2016. He was granted a motion to dismiss the charge May 28, due to conviction in another case. •John G. Champion, 28, of Floresville pleaded nolo contendere (no contest) June 2 to two charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, after allegedly shooting at two individuals in August 2021. He was sentenced to...Article Link
The Wilson County Sheriff's Office has arrested a Floresville man after a multi-agency stand off. Deputies responded to a call June 12 in the 1200 block of C.R. 304 near Floresville, where a resident reported that a neighbor had been firing weapons near their property throughout the day. On arrival, deputies found Bryan S. Holcombe, 38, exhibiting erratic behavior and refusing to cooperate. Deputies also discovered a woman — later determined to have been assaulted with a handgun on the head — and a child inside the residence. Both were safely removed, at which point Holcombe barricaded himself inside, prompting...Article Link
Dear Dave, My wife and I are on Baby Step 7, and we have a household income of 7,000 a year. We have an older dog who has had some very expensive vet bills recently. It has us both wondering how far, financially speaking, we should be willing to go to keep him alive. We both really love our dog, so we would appreciate your thoughts in the event we have to make a really hard decision somewhere down the road. Jeff Dear Jeff, Wow ... You're really trying to get me into trouble, aren't you? First of all, let...Article Link
In observance of Independence Day on Friday, July 4, city halls will be closed in Elmendorf, Floresville, La Vernia, Poth, and Stockdale, as well as all Wilson County offices, with the following exceptions: •Wilson County Collections Facility will close at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, and remain closed until Tuesday, July 8. •Wilson County Tax Office will close at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, and reopen on Monday, July 7. Additionally, all Wilson County Public Libraries will be closed on Friday and Saturday, July 5, including Sam Fore Jr. Public Library in Floresville, Jane Yelvington McCallum Public Library...Article Link
Jacob Kessler, lead agricultural mechanics teacher at East Central High School, has been named one of the Top 50 National Finalists in the 2025 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding skilled trades educators in U.S. public high schools. Kessler was selected from a competitive pool of more than 900 applicants nationwide. As a finalist, Kessler is now in the running for a 0,000 grand prize—,000 of which would go directly to the high school's ag mechanics shop to support student-led learning, innovation, and growth. Winners will be announced this fall. To learn...Article Link
View WCN's video coverage of these meetings online at wilsoncountynews.com/category/video-vault for ESD 2 June 16, Commissioners June 23 Wilson County Emergency Services District 2 (North central Wilson County) Meeting: Regular meeting, June 16, 6:02- 6:46 p.m. https://youtu.be/Pf0cnq3GVV0 Actions: •Approved May 20 meeting minutes as presented •Approved October through May financial nan- reports as presented •Approved Pruski's Automotive in Poth to perform repairs to the 2011 Ford F-450 Medic 21, at a cost not to exceed ,000 •Approved Commissioner Chris Thuneman as District 2 Emergency Services Inc. treasurer •Approved the addition of Thuneman as a signer on the South Trust Bank...Article Link
[Video below] Wilson County commissioners are considering utilizing reserve deputy constables. During the commissioners' June 23 meeting, Pct. 1 Constable Santiago “Jimmy” Morales — with the support of Bexar County Constable Ruben Tejeda — discussed the need for additional help and the function of deputy constables. While the program is still under development, Morales said that the positions would be on a “volunteer” basis, and the deputies would assist with civil process, including court security. They would provide their own vehicles and equipment. The individuals selected also would be required to hold a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) license....Article Link
Gov. Greg Abbott just before the midnight deadline Sunday vetoed a bill on THC products and said he would call a special legislative session to regulate products containing the substance, the Austin American-Statesman reported. The veto angered the bill's chief champion, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. The governor's decision was being closely watched by both supporters of the bill, including law enforcement, and opponents, the latter of which included those in the hemp industry, libertarian conservatives, and veterans' groups. The veto came about 30 minutes before the midnight deadline. “At worst, Senate Bill 3 would be permanently invalidated by the courts,”...Article Link
Curl Up & Dye salon — located on Bentwood Drive at U.S. 181 north of Floresville which houses several beauty, cosmetic, and personal care shops — welcomes members of the Floresville Chamber of Commerce and others June 1 to an open house event. Some of the shops housed in the Curl Up & Dye building include The Palm, which was celebrating its first anniversary in business, along with Drop Your Pants Here Dry Cleaners, Hairy Noodle, and Bare Nails. Find them all at 1801 Bentwood Drive.Article Link
[Video below] Members of the Floresville Peanut Festival 2025 “Court of Texas Enchantment” attend the June 12 meeting of the Floresville City Council. Pictured (l-r) are Councilman Mario Morones, Peanut Festival Association President Albert Saenz, Councilman Marissa Ximenez, Prince-elect Jordan Perez, Princess-elect Merlina Perez, Princess-elect Lyla Smith, Queen-elect Kambri Angle, Mayor Gloria Morales Cantu, Princess-elect Madison Harden, Prince-elect Nolan Garcia, Princess-elect Alyssa Salazar, and Councilmen Frances Flores, Felix Cantu, and Jake Lamberth. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzuTABS4GaBzzgVOY8BVnPkUevVi8Rp4c&si=Ps9B0wFZm4MAl2CbArticle Link
In the heat of a Texas summer, it's hard to contemplate a walk that takes you beyond the mailbox. But one Floresville man recently returned from a walk that took him across Italy — 322 miles from Florence to Assisi to Rome — via the Cammino di Francesco, also known as the St. Francis Camino or the Way of St. Francis. Tom Yingst III, 69, is a U.S. Air Force veteran who retired to Floresville with his wife in 2006. His interest in long-distance walking was sparked when he saw the film, “The Way,” written, directed, and produced by Emilio...Article Link
FLORESVILLE — The River Bend subdivision is now home to a Flock license plate recognition (LPR) system, following an uptick in vehicle burglaries and thefts in the golf course community. The security system — which was purchased and installed at the expense of River Bend One Homeowners Association (HOA) — detects and captures license plates and communicates data with local law enforcement. According to its website, the Flock system also identifies make, model, and color of the vehicle entering the area, and other vehicle “fingerprints,” such as decals or a toolbox on a truck. Floresville police Chief Anthony Flores hosted...Article Link
Timber! The old elevated water storage tower that served the city of La Vernia for many years and let folks know exactly where they were for decades teeters and tumbles to the ground June 16. No longer serviceable, it was replaced by a new elevated water storage tower, built in 2019, adjacent to the Woodbridge Farms subdivision.Article Link
Texas will be the first line of defense in the fight to battle a major threat to the U.S. economy and food supply. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is establishing a New World Screwworm (NWS) sterile fly facility in Texas. The facility will take shape at Moore Air Field in Hidalgo County, the USDA announced last week. “The United States has defeated NWS before and we will do it again,” said USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins as the decision was announced June 18. “We do not take lightly the threat NWS poses to our livestock industry, our economy, and our...Article Link
Junior High School Sixth six weeks Sixth grade All A's: Aubrey Bailey, Libby Bourne, Case Cooke, Landri Helmke, Tynley Kotara, Logan Kotzur, Mckenzie Moy, Emerson Posey, Connor Pruski, Corbin Smolka, Trace Tackitt, Jason Tellez, Joseph Ulrich. A/B: Teagan Arruda, Dreadyn Bautista, Emilee Brown, Breelee Buehring, Faith Canseco, Amber Cantu, Blaise Cooke, Milena De La Zerda, Kenzi Dziuk, Blake Felux, Teigan Felux, Brylee Garcia, Valerie Gaytan, Brandy Hernandez, Jase Kline, Conner Korb, Enly Kosub, Liv Labus, Aiden MacFarland, Connley Martin, Aiden McGirr, Presleigh Ortmann, Katherine Pruski, Brody Reed, Sammie Salas, Anthony Sanchez. Seventh grade All A's: Ailey Castillo, Kylie Castillo, Charlize...Article Link
The following students at Poth High School were honored May 6 at the school's annual Honors and Awards Assembly for completing a CTE (Career and technical education) Program of Study: •Agribusiness — Falin Parson •Animal Science — Colette Connally, Antonio DeHoyos, Audrey Felux, Kaileee King, Edgar Lujan, Macrae Meek, Ace Naeglin, Kate Phillips, Ian Thames, and Lucas Vizza •Business — Melanie Mutz and Lana Ramirez •Early Learning — Brooke Molina •Healthcare — Justin Castellon, Addison Castillo, Frida Espinoza Maltos, Jay Friesenhahn, Trinity Gonzales, Shae Gorzell, Conley Harris, Allie Hausenfluke, Kamryn Hernandez, Karlee Kroll, Kenli Luna, Keegan Wallace, and Olivia West...Article Link
Poth High School held its annual Awards Assembly May 6 in the high school gym. Various awards and recognitions were presented, including the following. UIL. Scholar Awards The University Interscholastic League Scholar Award was created to recognize and honor those students who have shown the ability and demonstrated the discipline necessary to perform academically and yet participate in extracurricular activities. This award restates the commitment of the UIL to “Academic Excellence through Competition.” This award was given to graduating seniors in the top 10 percent of the 2025 class and who also participated in at least one UIL academic, music,...Article Link
At the annual Awards Assembly held May 6, the following Poth High School students received Outstanding Student Awards for the 2024-25 academic year: English I H—Christian Lingua English II H — Isabella Serna English III DC — Berklie Urbanczyk English IV H — Emily Reynolds English I — Brody Neville English II — Cash Curl English III — Kylie Dziuk English IV — Allie Hausenfluke Business English — Addison Castillo Pre-Calculus H — Kenzie Wiatrek Geometry H — Collin Korb Algebra I — Brianna Holder Algebra I R—Wyatt Kurtz Algebra II — Landon Davis Algebra II H — Travis Reynolds...Article Link
Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) has released the names of several local students who made the President's List, Dean's List, and Honor Roll for the spring 2025 semester. President's List •Emma Lynn Kotzur of Adkins •Madelyn Irene Wallace of La Vernia Dean's List •Luke Allen Shaffer and Matthew W. Stulting of Falls City •Nicola Jean Swenson of Floresville •Tristan Alton Neatherlin of La Vernia Honor Roll •Keirsten Alley Popham of Floresville •Jacob Paul Swierc of Hobson •Alicia Renae Osuna of Karnes City •Samantha Paige Hensley of La Vernia •Katherine Claire Metz of Stockdale. The President's List requires a grade point average...Article Link
Floresville Independent School District trustees (back) join Superintendent Jason Gilstrap (front, l-r) in recognizing Zelda Pineda, Ruby Segovia, Skye Lopez, and Reagan Walston, for their participation in the Future Chef Culinary Competition; they were joined by Food Service Director Kristina Buck during the June 2 school board meeting. Jenna Brysch, Maddison Rios, and Robi LaFance, the first- and second-place winners, respectively, were not present.Article Link
The Father Leopold Moczygemba Foundation proudly announces the winners of its 2025 Silesian Texans Essay Contest. This year's recipients are: •Jessica Rogers of La Vernia High School, who will be attending Texas A&M Corpus Christi •Matthew Moczygemba of Floresville High School, who will be attending Texas A&M University at College Station •Oren Lowak of Tom C. Clark High School in San Antonio, who will be attending Texas A&M at College Station •Bryce Ferrell of La Vernia High School, who will be attending Texas A&M at College Station. Each winner will receive a [post_excerpt],000 scholarship. The Father Leopold Moczygemba Foundation has...Article Link
Know a young leader who cares about the environment, or are you one? Applications are now open for the Young Texan Ambassador Program, a unique statewide opportunity for youth ages 15–25 to grow as environmental leaders — no matter where in Texas they live. This nine-month, fully remote program — from August to May — empowers Ambassadors to take action in their own communities while connecting with peers across the state. Participants will gain leadership experience through: •Frequent webinars on topics like Leave No Trace, Litter Audits, and exploring environmental career and education paths •Organizing a litter cleanup in their...Article Link
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) has named the following students to the Spring 2025 honors lists: •President's List — Ava Bellinger, Makayla Lackey, David Rios, and Ian Santos of Floresville and Isaac Mokrane of St. Hedwig. •Dean's List — Ava Bellinger, Chloe Egyed, Makayla Lackey, David Rios, and Ian Santos of Floresville, Talan Dodson of La Vernia, and Isaac Mokrane of St. Hedwig. To be named to the President's List, undergraduates must have achieved a perfect 4.0 grade point average in all work attempted while enrolled in not less than 12 semester hours. To be named to the Dean's List,...Article Link
The Nixon-Smiley Mustang baseball team is proud to share its District honor selections. The Mustangs have a young team with all starters returning next year, and they will have a handful of seniors next season for the first time in two years. Head Coach Daniel Pierce shared that he was very proud of all his players and is looking forward to the team growing together. District honors Julian Amaya: First teamJaydin Munoz: Second teamAdan Zavala: Second teamOscar Gamez: Honorable mentionZechariah Munoz: Honorable mention Academic All-District: Axel MoralesZechariah MunozOmariel Baez CruzChristopher MejiaOscar GamezAdan ZavalaFederico VazquezCruz PompaCash DavisArticle Link
The Floresville Peanut Festival Association attended the annual Senior Awards Ceremony on May 6 at the Floresville High School Competition Gym, where members of the 2024 Court of Rooted Legacies were presented scholarships. Congratulations to these outstanding students who excelled in the classroom, as well as serving as ambassadors in the community! Participating in the presentation are (l-r) association First Vice President Linnci Angle, Prince Bryan Cardenas (Coastal Bend College), Princess Ava Salazar (Texas Tech University), Prince Tyler Mutz (Texas A&M University), First Runner-Up Princess Macie Talley (Texas A&M University), Queen Madelyn Bingham (Texas A&M University), King Maddux Cantu (Texas...Article Link
Since 2010, Stockdale High School has hosted HOPE Day, a day where we get together to give back to someone in our community who needs help and HOPE. This year, the event was held May 15. Stockdale Student Council assisted the HOPE Day committee in organizing and running the event. With the help of the Student Council and the community at large, the committee raised ,000 for Sofia Gonzales, a Stockdale High School junior who has been battling undifferentiated sarcoma — a rare, soft-tissue cancer — for the past year. Some HOPE Day committee members and Student Council officers were...Article Link
The Susanna Dickinson Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) presented participation certificates May 21 to 14 eighth-graders at Stockdale Junior High School. The students wrote essays on the Boston Tea Party and the Edenton Tea Party, in celebration of America's 250th birthday. The winner of the Chapter's essay contest was Jillian Cunningham. She received a certificate for winning, a DAR medal, and a prize. A certificate was also presented to the teacher responsible for encouraging the students, Jennifer McCall. Information provided by Linda Saidler with the Susanna Dickinson Chapter, NSDAR.Article Link
The Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) has announced the 2024-2025 THSCA Softball Super Elite Teams. Among those receiving this recognition is East Central High School's Tessara Harrison. The award recognizes student-athletes across Texas for their exemplary athletic achievement in the 2024-25 UIL softball season. The THSCA Super Elite Teams consist of high school players nominated by current professional members of the association. Nominations are reviewed and chosen by the THSCA sport-specific advisory committee and Super Elite Team (S.E.T.) Committee. The S.E.T. Committees are comprised of 808 coaches in the eight THSCA regions throughout Texas. Based on the recommendations from...Article Link
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