Telling the story of what's going on in Wilson County, Texas!
Dance the night away to the music of “Cactus Country” at the Falls City Community Hall on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 8 p.m. to midnight. Enjoy a family friendly local venue that's continuing the small-town Saturday night dancehall tradition. The hall is located at 306 W. Front St. (U.S. 181) in Falls City. Admission is cash per person, with children 12 and under admitted for free. Mrs. C's Street Kitchen will be outside providing dinner options from 6-10 p.m. Beer, wine, coolers, seltzers, and mixers are available at the cash bar. Liquor bottles are welcome. For more information, call...Article Link
Mark your calendars and get ready to kick off the holiday season with the city of Elmendorf's annual Christmas in the Park Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6, at noon. Gather your friends and family and secure a spot along Old Corpus Christi Road, starting from Loop 1604 all the way to Felix B. Guerra City Park, 16555 Old Corpus Christi Road, where the parade will conclude and festivities begin. Free park activities will be from 1-4 p.m. and will feature pictures with Santa, rides, and free tamale plates while supplies last.Article Link
The Stockdale Chamber of Commerce and the Masonic Lodge invite all to Mistletoe on Main, Saturday, Dec. 13, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Main Street in Stockdale. The Stockdale Masonic Lodge No. 470, located at 105 Main St., will kick things off with its annual Pancake Breakfast from 7:30-10:30 a.m. Then shop vendor booths and enjoy a full day of holiday fun, community cheer, and your favorite small-town holiday events, entertainment, market, and arts and crafts along Stockdale's Main Street. Tickets for the Pancake Breakfast are available for in the Wilson County News office in Floresville. Admission...Article Link
Shop the Kenedy Market Day Saturday, Dec. 6, and enjoy a “Christmas Spectacular.” The event, in Joe Gulley Park at 398 Bellaire Blvd. in Kenedy, offers lots of family fun from 2-7 p.m. Browse the wares by local vendors, enjoy music and delicious food, and get in the holiday spirit. Vendors are welcome to sign up at kenedymarketday@gmail.com.Article Link
Sacred Heart Catholic School will host a purse bingo fundraiser Sunday, Dec. 7, from 1-7 p.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church parish hall in Floresville. Individual tickets are . Reserved tables are available for 0, and VIP Experience tickets may be purchased for [post_excerpt],000. Enjoy prize drawings stacked with accessories, gift cards, and goodies you'll actually love. Whether you come with your girlfriends, coworkers, or family, this is the perfect excuse for a fun night out while supporting Sacred Heart Catholic School's students. Every ticket helps the school grow its mission of faith, learning, and community. For tickets, go to...Article Link
Gingerbread is synonymous with the Christmas season — from the spices to gingerbread houses and gingerbread men. An 18th-century recipe — from Hannah Glasse in The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Simple in 1796 — advises bakers to: Take three pounds of flour, one pound of butter rubbed in very fine, two ounces of ginger beat fine, one large nutmeg grated, then take a pound of treacle, a quarter of a pint of cream, make them warm together, and make up the bread stiff; roll it out … Here's a 21st-century version of this holiday favorite, from Colonial Williamsburg....Article Link
It's an intriguing photograph of children playing sometime in the first part of the 20th century. Wilson County News reporter Gregory Ripps' late grandmother thankfully labeled the back of many of her family's photographs. Almost every one has names, a date, and a location. But one photo of children at play is a mystery. “Two of the children are identified by name, but I don't know who they are,” Gregory said. “They appear to be at a party, but there are no other photos of the same event.” On the back of the photo is a stamp that reads “Potchernick-Birdsong...Article Link
Editor: Several new Texas laws go into effect this December and January. Strong communities start with informed voters, and these changes impact our schools, our public safety, and our families. Effective Dec. 4: • House Bill 8 — transforms the old STAAR system into three shorter assessments across the school year. A step toward reducing testing stress and focusing on real learning • House Bill 7 — strengthens enforcement against the distribution of abortion-related drugs in Texas by allowing civil action against manufacturers or distributors • House Bill 18 — holds lawmakers accountable for abandoning their duties by creating consequences...Article Link
Editor: Twenty-nine years after retiring as a teacher from Floresville High School, I returned to serve as a trustee. In the intervening interval, I had a real estate career, medical interventions, and became a member of John Q. Public. I know how things were in 1996 and now I was being “brought up to speed.” I was delighted to see all of the infrastructure progress in the “skilled trades” — nursing, welding, cybersecurity, and auto mechanics. All were probably up to the edge of the possible in offering in a society with an overabundance of attorneys. I also noticed that...Article Link
Rahm Emanuel wants to take leadership of the Democratic Party and capture its nomination for president in 2028. He shares his thoughts in a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed. It's the first time a Democrat has made me smile since President Bill Clinton announced in his 1996 State of the Union address that “The era of big government is over.” Emanuel has a stellar political resume that includes senior adviser in the White House to Clinton, chief of staff to President Barack Obama, member of Congress, mayor of Chicago and ambassador to Japan. He has a reputation for political astuteness,...Article Link
Since President Richard Nixon declared a “War on Drugs” in 1971, federal, state and local governments have spent an estimated [post_excerpt] trillion fighting it — and losing. Donald Trump now seems fully engaged in that futile conflict, adding his own twisted brand of violence. It's not enough to bomb boats “suspected” of ferrying drugs to the United States. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the military, after the initial strike, to “kill” survivors clinging to life rafts on the waters below. Shocked lawmakers, both Republican and Democratic, are calling such actions “war crimes.” The law of war authorizes the use...Article Link
MAHA “President Trump's Executive Order 14212 established the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to address the nation's escalating childhood chronic disease crisis.” (from Mercola.com) The commission cited four key areas as contributing to the problem of the increasing numbers of childhood diseases. Some of these are common sense, such as poor diet. Much attention has been given to the fact that Americans are no longer eating balanced meals. Home cooking is a thing of the past as fast foods are substituted for balanced meals. Prepackaged...Article Link
On Oct. 13, the Karnes Electric Co-op team came together for All-Employee Day with a shared purpose: giving back to the community. Employees proudly partnered with local organizations to take part in a variety of service projects, demonstrating what it truly means to be Powered to Serve. “This meaningful day reflects our ongoing commitment to making a positive impact across our region,” said Strategic Communications Coordinator Kimberly Sanchez. Employees volunteered at projects across the cooperative's service area, including: •Atascosa County Show Barn •Children's Alliance of South Texas •Pleasanton Woman's Club Thrift Shop •Oasis Equine Assisted Therapy Center •San Antonio River...Article Link
Psalm 100: “Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” (NKJV) One of the overriding messages of Psalm 100 is that we sing...Article Link
The Falls City Community Hall is selling tickets for a New Year's Eve Fundraiser to be held on Wednesday, Dec.31, at the New Year's Eve Dance. Prizes include a K Polaris gift certificate, a shotgun valued at [post_excerpt],500, and four gift cards totaling [post_excerpt],750. Tickets are 0 each, but only 400 will be sold.Proceeds of the fundraiser will go towards the continuing renovations and upgrades to the hall. Tickets are available at Falls City Milling Co., Frank Nieschwietz Enterprises, Falls City Supply, Pollok's Deli, and Jansky's Service Station or by calling 830-237-2807.Article Link
Help make the season merry and bright for residents of Country Care Manor Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation by donating items on the nursing home's “wish list”! Donations of the following are invited: •Tablet computers or iPads (new or gently used) •Books, historical nonfiction •Crafts and notebooks •Beanies, gloves, and scarves •Handmade cards from kids •Trail mix and healthy snacks. Drop off your donations during business hours at La Vernia City Hall through Friday, Dec. 12. City Hall is located at 102 Chihuahua St. in downtown La Vernia.Call 830-779-4541 for information.Article Link
Through Saturday, Dec. 20, you can get a free 12-inch pizza at Bubba's 33 restaurant on S.E. Military Drive in San Antonio by donating a toy for the Elmendorf “Blue Santa” event. Formerly the Flores Christmas Event, hosted by Larry and Frances G. Flores, the event provides gifts for children in need in and around Elmendorf. The event has grown each year, and now the couple has partnered with the Elmendorf Police Department for this annual effort. Toy donations of or more are invited. Drop off toys at Bubba's 33, 2638 S.E.Military Drive in San Antonio. Toys will be...Article Link
The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, partnering with a coalition of energy industry companies, proudly announces the launch of two new STEM Center programs in the Eagle Ford region — at Luther Thomas Elementary School in Falls City and Yorktown Junior High School. These innovative learning hubs aim to spark curiosity, encourage innovation, and prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), highlighting the crucial role these fields play in the oil and gas sector. The new STEM Centers are made possible through the generous support of Baytex, bpx energy, ConocoPhillips, Devon Energy, GHD, Flogistix, Liberty Energy,...Article Link
Volunteers sort and stack paint, varnish, solvents, cleaners, chemicals, and other material Nov. 22 to be safely disposed of, during the household hazardous waste event hosted by the San Antonio River Authority at the Wilson County Expo and Community Center in Floresville. In addition to chemicals and paints, county residents were able to dispose of tires, batteries, electronics, medications, and pharmaceutical waste at the event.Article Link
The Wilson County News receives recognition on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives Nov. 20, as Rep. Monica De La Cruz shares the history and mission of the Floresville-based newspaper that serves communities and residents of Wilson County and parts of five adjacent counties. WCN Publisher Elaine Kolodziej and her staff received this special recognition for more than 40 years of service in community journalism. Congratulations! Learn more about the Wilson County News at https://www.wilsoncountynews.com/staff-history.Article Link
A new mural is taking shape in Floresville, thanks to muralist Rosy Rosalba McCain of Canvas Kids/Mixed Media by Rosalba, the Wilson County Beautification Association, Floresville Beautiful, many volunteers, and generous sponsors, including the Floresville Economic Development Corp., Floresville Electric Light & Power System (FELPS), H-E-B and Walmart in Floresville, the City of Floresville, and Tieken Outfitters. The colorful mural, located on the Third Street wall of Mrs. Annie's Peanut Patch one block from the Wilson County Courthouse, depicts Wilson County's agricultural heritage, the Floresville Peanut Festival, the Wilson County Courthouse, local wildflowers, and a photo spot with a bright...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: •Poth City Council, Nov. 24 View WCN's video coverage of these meetings online at wilsoncountynews.com/meeting-coverage/. Evergreen Underground Water Conservation District Meeting: Regular meeting, Nov. 21, 9-11:59 a.m.; public hearings, 9:12-9:28 a.m. and 9:29-9:42 a.m. Actions: •Approved new drilling and production permits for two water wells in Wilson County and one in Frio County for irrigation use, and one in Wilson County for public supply use, and approved amendments to increase production on...Article Link
Scott Jensen Jr. graduated Oct. 30 from U.S. Navy basic training. He completed his basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes near Chicago, Ill. The sailor is the son of Scott Jensen Sr. and Julia Salas.Article Link
The Wilson County Democratic Party will host Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendal Scudder at a special meeting on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 12 p.m. in the Wilson County Justice Center conference room; the justice center is located at 800 10th St. (U.S. 181) in Floresville. Joined by Texas House of Representatives District 31 candidate Jennifer “JJ” Dominguez, Scudder will provide an update on the multitude of accomplishments he and his team have achieved over the last eight months since he took the helm, along with his vision and goals for the future. For more information, email WilsonCountyDemocraticClub@gmail.com, or call 830-534-8693.Article Link
An Adkins resident claimed a top prize-winning ticket worth [post_excerpt] million in the Texas Lottery® scratch ticket game 500X. The ticket was purchased at Refuel 325, located at 11595 Sulphur Springs Road in Adkins. The claimant elected to remain anonymous. This was the 11th of 15 top prizes worth [post_excerpt] million to be claimed in this game. 500X offers more than 9 million in total prizes. Overall odds of winning any prize in the game are one in 3.36, including break-even prizes. The Texas Lottery's functions and activities are administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), the...Article Link
The Wilson County Area Friends of NRA committee held a fundraising event Oct. 18 at the La Vernia Chamber of Commerce Hall. The 501(c)3 organization is a grassroots program that fundraises for the National Rifle Association of America (NRA), which works to preserve the Second Amendment. The Oct. 18 event offered area residents an opportunity to learn about the organization, while enjoying a night of auctions, prize drawings, firearms, and fun. Friends of NRA is an exciting fundraising program that fosters community involvement and raises money for the NRA Foundation. The Wilson County 4-H Shooting Sports Clubs have benefited from...Article Link
The following defendants were among those listed on recent dockets for the 81st District Court in Wilson County: • John D. DeLeon, 36, of Floresville was found incompetent to stand trial Nov. 11 for a charge of injury to an elderly individual, after an alleged incident in May 2023. DeLeon was ordered Nov. 21 to an inpatient Maximum-Security Unit of Health Service, not to exceed 120 days, for the objective of attaining competence to stand trial. • Neah R. Aguirre, 25, of Floresville pleaded nolo contendere (no contest) Nov. 18 to a charge of assault of a peace officer or...Article Link
Area law-enforcement agencies have reported the following recent activity: Editor's Note: All individuals arrested and charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. Floresville Police Department •Nov. 17, Justin L. Marshall, 35, of Floresville was arrested in the 800 block of Peach Street on a parole warrant. •Nov. 17, Sarah E. Rivas, 35, of Floresville was arrested in the 800 block of Peach Street and charged with assault causing bodily injury in family violence. Wilson County Sheriff's Office •Nov. 17, Cole W. Duval, 27, of Bastrop was arrested in the Wilson County...Article Link
The Wilson County Grand Jury met Nov. 14 and returned indictments in 21 cases. The following 11 individuals are among the defendants scheduled for arraignment Dec. 10: •Joe V. Neaves, 28, of San Antonio was indicted on a charge of accident involving serious bodily injury and two charges of accident involving injury, after allegedly leaving the scene of an accident May 10 in which three individuals were injured. •Anthony D. Pedrotti, 40, of Adkins was indicted on a charge of burglary of a building and a charge of theft of less than 10 head of livestock valued at less than...Article Link
The 81st Judicial District Mental Health Court has been awarded a 7,346.08 grant from the Office of the Governor. This grant is fully funded with no county match required and will significantly enhance mental health services for individuals within the district's justice system. The program will begin in Atascosa County with a purposeful, structured expansion throughout the district as capacity increases. The mental health court's goal for 2025-26 is to work intensively with an initial group of participants, comprising individuals who are competent to stand trial but who demonstrate clear mental health challenges, who have met the criteria to go...Article Link
Dear Dave, My wife and I have been married for less than a year, and we're already having disagreements over money. I love her, and one of the reasons I do is because she has such a giving heart. The problem is I feel like she's taking this too far. Often, she will give money to family and friends. Most of the time I wouldn't mind this, as long as the person really needed help. But often she will do this, and we end up short when it comes to taking care of our bills, paying off debt and saving....Article Link
Plan now to attend one or all of Aging Gracefully's December events on Wednesdays: •Dec. 3 — White Elephant Gift Exchange •Dec. 10 — Potluck •Dec. 17 — Christmas Songs with Joyce Emily Aging Gracefully is a senior lunch program sponsored by the La Vernia United Methodist Church. The weekly program is held every Wednesday, and begins with line dancing at 10 a.m., an activity at 11 a.m., and lunch at noon. The program is free and open to adults ages 50 and older and takes place in the Family Life Center of the church, located at 210 Bluebonnet Road...Article Link
About 1 million Texans over the age of 45 who receive health insurance coverage through the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) will likely face monthly premiums of more than [post_excerpt],000, the Austin American-Statesman reported. That accounts for one-fourth of the state's 4 million ACA enrollees. The Republican-led Congress has thus far refused to extend pandemic-era subsidies that reduced ACA premiums, a factor in the recent government shutdown. Part of the deal to reopen the government includes a promise to hold a vote on the issue in December, but it appears unlikely to pass. Texas insurers have raised ACA premiums by...Article Link
Calma Coffee Folk mobile beverage vendors Massimo Costigliola of Italy (left) and Calvin Cothill of South Africa check out the Wilson County News during a break between customers at their site in London, England. The newspaper was shared by Sara Canady, former Wilson County Pct. 2 justice of the peace, as she visited England in early September.Article Link
The Floresville Peanut Festival has announced its executive board for the 2026 festival! Members announced in mid-November include (l-r) Past President Albert Saenz, Parliamentarian Carolyn Palacios, Secretary Brenda Treviño, President Linnci Angle, Vice President Michelle Tackitt, Second Vice President Hannah Dugi, and Treasurer Julie Dillard.Article Link
The Floresville Independent School District trustees (back) join Superintendent Jason Gilstrap (front, l-r) in honoring David and Joyce Stinson with the Community of Character award, alongside Family and Community Specialist Leanne Marshall. The Stinsons began what has become the district's Helping Hands Hygiene Closet, which gives access to essential needs items for Floresville ISD families. With the support and compassion of the Floresville United Methodist Church, the Stinsons have raised more than ,000 to help families in need.Article Link
The East Central Independent School District (ISD) is experiencing a population boom, and it's showing no signs of slowing down. That was the news shared Nov. 20 with district school board members by Dr. Stacy Tepera, president of Population and Survey Analysts. Tepera presented an update on a demographics study, based on the organization's most recent survey of the East Central ISD population. “We take your students and their addresses, and we place the student on the map and that's geocoding the student population,” said Tepera. “We use that to determine the density of students per home and every single...Article Link
“I want people to have a little refuge, a little retreat,” said Leo Ornelas of her Tiny Chapel in the Woods on her farmland in Floresville. Inspired by a “little tiny church” she saw on the way to Corpus Christi and her “city folk” grandchildren's love of the outdoors, Leo created a little chapel for people in need of a space for prayer and meditation. Every morning at 8 a.m., Leo opens the gate to her property, allowing visitors to enter and enjoy the refuge that her tiny chapel offers. Both former schoolteachers, Leo and her husband, Pastor Sil Ornelas,...Article Link
“The nation is paying attention to how Texas is doing emergency management,” said Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd (third from left) at the ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 1 of the new Wilson County Emergency Operations Center on U.S. 181 in Floresville adjacent to the Wilson County Sheriff's Office. Kidd was joined (l-r) by Wilson County Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator Kenneth Miller, State Rep. Ryan Guillen's District Director Veronica Romo-Arriaga, Wilson County Judge Hank Whitman, Broaddus Construction CEO Dr. James A. Broaddus, and Wilson County Emergency Management Coordinator Cindy Stafford. The 8,341-square-foot, state-of-the-art building provides a space for first...Article Link
Floresville Peanut Festival “Court of Texas Enchantment” King Wesley Kotzur and Queen Kambri Angle and members of the Children's Court are enchanted Nov. 29 by burros Pancho and Rosie, during Christmas on C Street, hosted by the Wilson County News and Bluebonnet Book Shop. The event was held in conjunction with the Floresville Christmas tree-lighting and parade in downtown Floresville. See page 1B for more photos.Article Link
Poth native Dalton Perry is one of 16 players on the Angelo State University Rams football team who garnered 18 All-Lone Star Conference accolades for their performances during the 2025 regular season. Three Rams made the All-LSC second team, including senior center Perry. The Rams finished the season at 6-5 overall and 4-5 in the LSC.Article Link
If you were wandering around Helton Park Saturday, Nov. 8, you might have been surprised. More than 100 middle school to high school Girl Scouts were there for a unique training experience aptly titled, “Be Prepared, Not Scared.” The event was made possible by the San Antonio River Authority and the Order of the Silver Trefoil, an alumnae organization in the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (GSSWT) Council. The program aimed to equip older Girl Scouts with essential skills to prepare for and to respond to emergencies and catastrophic events, all with a twist of excitement. Using an engaging Zombie-style,...Article Link
Wilson County 4-H archers recently received their State Postal Awards. Texas 4-H Postal season runs November through March each year. 4-H members in the Shooting Sports Project who shoot archery, rifle, shotgun, pistol, or muzzleloaders can shoot their discipline at four different dates, keep their scores, and — once they have completed four shoots — can register and enter their scores on the Texas 4-H Online site. They then wait until the scores are tabulated for all 4-H shooters across the state. Awards are sent to the county's Agrilife Extension office to be distributed to participants. The Texas 4-H website...Article Link
Floresville Middle School sixth-grader Sofia Agquiz receives prizes Nov. 22 presented by Joey Perry (left), vice president and executive director of Professional Martial Arts Conference (ProMAC), and Manuel Obregon, owner of Sidekick Karate School USA, after she won the Beginners Division ages 10-11 at the ProMAC 2025 National Championship in Grand Prairie. Sofia has a passion for martial arts and has been training alongside her father, Enrique Agquiz, since the age of 5. Together, they take pride in being Filipino American martial artists. Sofia will next compete Dec. 6 in the Suzuki Cup in Dallas.Article Link
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