Telling the story of what's going on in Wilson County, Texas!
The Wilson County News' Newspapers in Education program will start distributing hundreds of newspapers to classrooms Aug. 19, and each week during the school year to area school districts and private schools. The program is funded by business sponsors and readers to provide newspapers to classrooms at no charge to teachers or students. To request newspapers, teachers may use the online form at https://wilsoncountynews.com/nieteacher. The Wilson County News asks questions to help establish how the newspaper is being used, which subjects are taught, and in what grade levels, to help gauge newspaper use. Learn more about the NIE program at... Article Link
The Poth Independent School District (ISD) invites applications from eligible households for free and reduced-priced meals for district students. Starting Aug. 12, the district will distribute letters to households of the children in the district regarding eligibility benefits. Applications are available online at www.pothisd.us; they also are available at all district campuses and the administration office, 510 Titcomb St. in Poth. Children in households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are eligible. Additionally, foster children, migrant children, children who are enrolled in Head Start or Even Start, and those who... Article Link
The Stockdale Independent School District (ISD) invites applications from eligible households for free and reduced-priced meals for district students. The district began on July 27 to distribute letters to households of the children in the district regarding eligibility benefits. Applications are available online at https://linqconnect.com/public/meal-application/new; policy guidelines are available at each district campus and the district's central office, 503 S. Fourth St. in Stockdale. Children in households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are eligible. Additionally, foster children, migrant children, children who are enrolled in Head Start or Even Start,... Article Link
The Nixon-Smiley Lady Mustangs ushered in the 2026 volleyball season by creating a new tradition, hosting the program's first-ever Midnight Madness practice to celebrate the official start of UIL volleyball workouts. Held as a closed practice in the Nixon-Smiley High School Gym, the event marked a memorable milestone for the Lady Mustang program. The late-night practice was designed to energize, excite, and give purpose to the opening day of the season while reinforcing the team's commitment to hard work and unity. Players took the court just after midnight, engaging in high-intensity drills, competitive team activities, and skill development sessions as... Article Link
Poth's Brody Reed earned third place in boys shot put 13-year-old division at the Track and Field Junior Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa Aug. 5. Coming into the meet, he was ranked #9, so he knew that he needed to perform his best to make the finals, which is the top 8. He dug deep and threw a new Personal Best of 43' 3” even in the wet, slick ring. Brody is in eighth grade at Poth Junior High School. Congratulations! Article Link
Two Wilson County siblings returned home with state championships after representing their community at the 2026 SPJST State Youth Showcase in Temple. Tillie and Colt Lynn proudly represented SPJST Lodge 107, Floresville and Wilson County. They competed against youth from across Texas and earned multiple state titles. The annual Showcase brings together SPJST youth ages 5 to 18. Members compete in creative arts, STEM, photography, culinary arts, talent, and leadership. The event encourages creativity, confidence, and lifelong learning through friendly competition. Tillie competed in the kindergarten through second-grade division, winning the Handicraft championship with her macaroni art project, “Coral Garden.”... Article Link
Football is officially back in Nixon as the Nixon-Smiley Mustangs began preparations for the 2026 season with an energetic and competitive first week of practice. After months of offseason work, summer strength and conditioning, and preparation, the Mustangs finally returned to the practice field, helmets on, with a new season ahead. The opening week brought strong attendance, plenty of energy, and a palpable sense of excitement throughout the program. From the first practice, the Mustangs wasted little time setting the tone. Practices have been physical and competitive as players battle through conditioning, position work, individual drills, and team periods, while... Article Link
At just 11 months old, this beautiful black Terrier mix is full of life, love, and excitement for whatever adventure comes next. She's already spayed and more than ready to find the forever family she's been dreaming of. Here's why you'll fall in love with Savannah: walks beautifully on a leash, great with other dogs, loves kids, friendly, affectionate, and eager to make everyone her friend, young, playful, and ready for life's next adventure. Ready to meet your new best friend? Submit an application at: https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/WCNK/Dog. Make an appointment to visit us! You're welcome to see our adoptable pups at... Article Link
LULING — Women are invited to participate in the Family Structure Does Matter initiative's sociological survey to harness women's informative experiences and utilize them to determine root causes of human suffering within families and society. Through real-life accounts, observations, lessons learned and wisdom gained, the initiative hopes to find solutions that can address and help heal common societal issues. Women ages 18 and up of all walks, realms, and ages of life are invited to participate; their responses will be assessed professionally by a statistician and mathematician to better understand the intricate dynamics of family structure, both positive and negative,... Article Link
Dance to your favorite tunes at the Comal County Country Music Show on Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 7:30-10 p.m. in the Columbus Club Hall located at 111 Landa St. in New Braunfels. Doors will open at 6 p.m. The show will feature guest performers Gabe Galvan and Courtney Eoff. Soft drinks, candy, sandwiches, and coffee will be available. Admission is with all proceeds going to charity. Article Link
Enjoy free camping for the weekend Friday- Sunday, Sept. 11-13, at Helton Nature Park, 15662 F.M. 775 north of Floresville. All campsite fees are waived for the weekend. Registration is required. To reserve a free campsite, visit www.sariverauthority.org/parks-trails/ reservations/. Article Link
The community is invited to American Legion Post 539 in St. Hedwig for a fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 14410 F.M. 1346 in St. Hedwig. Pulled pork plates with potato salad/chips will be available for per plate. Proceeds will benefit a Legion member's daughter who is facing lumpectomy surgery and recovery. For more information, call Riley Harpool at 512- 786-7441. Article Link
Wilson County News' WCN Live fans receive 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
SHARE YOUR ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENTS in the Wilson County News! Access submission forms online at wilsoncountynews.com (click on “Submission Forms”). Your announcement is free with a fee for the photo. For more information, call 830-216-4519. Article Link
Volunteers (l-r) Josh Scribner, JJ Birdwell, Becky Scribner, and Brooke Locker take a brief break July 27 while sorting and hanging donated clothing at Blessed Again Thrift Ministry at Christ Methodist Church in Stockdale, as the ministry hosted a bag sale. Find Blessed Again Thrift Ministry at 102 W. Main St. in Stockdale. Article Link
Members of the Coffee, Cars & Veterans group gather July 30 at the Dairy Queen in Floresville to share their classic vehicles and enjoy Blizzard frozen treats, during Dairy Queen's nationwide fundraiser for the Children's Miracle Network. Article Link
Some members of the Floresville Peanut Festival Association's 2026 “Court of Confectionery Creations” court-elect take time Aug. 1 to enjoy Kids' Day at the Floresville H-E-B. The Texas grocery chain is one of the association's largest sponsors. Article Link
Miss Jewel Westerman was born in the Fairview community in western Wilson County in October 1896. She graduated from Baylor University. She was a schoolteacher, a librarian, a historian, a Christian. She had a master's degree at a time when it was rare for anyone, especially a woman. She was fluent in Spanish. Miss Jewel was a member of First Baptist Church in Floresville and financially supported several missionaries and missions; for example, Lottie Moon and Teen Challenge. The church library was filled with wonderful books for all ages. Thanks to Miss Jewel, she was the first to catalog them... Article Link
“I kind of see music like a puzzle; you have to find the right chords,” said 11-year-old Hailey Grace Ochoa, an upcoming sixth grader at Floresville Middle School. Hailey is the granddaughter of Raymond R. Narro Jr., a Tejano Roots Hall of Fame bajista, or bass player. His father, Raymond G. Narro Sr., was a Tejano conjunto musician who established a band in 1957, “Cielo Azul,” which now includes young Hailey Grace. In the genes Stephanie Ochoa, a lifelong musician herself, knew her daughter had the music genes early on when she and her husband, David Ochoa Jr., heard Hailey,... Article Link
Editor: I recently opened a petition to bring Aldi to Floresville to get our town more options for cost-friendly grocery shopping. Throughout the years, I have depended on Aldi to help as I don't make a whole lot of money and they make it easily accessible. I have since moved to Texas from South Carolina and would like to have an Aldi close by. I hope we can bring something great to Floresville. You can find the petition here: https://c.org/Cng9CnNvRF. Not only would this offer Floresville and the surrounding areas with more cost-friendly grocery store options, but it also cuts... Article Link
Editor: Congress continues to spend billions subsidizing industrial meat and dairy production even as these industries contribute significantly to climate change, water pollution, and other environmental problems (Euronews, Feb. 23, 2026). Instead of addressing the root causes of these impacts, policymakers are investing even more in a system that increasingly relies on technological fixes rather than meaningful reform. Americans are encouraged to recycle, drive less, and reduce their carbon footprints, yet taxpayer dollars continue to prop up industries that undermine those same climate goals. Imagine if even a fraction of those funds were redirected toward plant-based innovation, sustainable agriculture, conservation,... Article Link
Editor: Re: “Serving for a century: Poth Volunteer Fire Department celebrates 100 years,” Aug. 5 Congratulations and a huge thank you to our Poth Volunteer Fire Department on celebrating 100 years of service. Poth is blessed to have such a dedicated volunteer organization. While many of our citizens leave town every day to work elsewhere, I have always felt our city was in good hands while we were away, knowing that our VFD was taking care of our community. A special thanks to Lawrence Jansky, who has served our community throughout the years. NELL LYSSYPoth Article Link
Newspapers' webpages are being overrun with bots. Content written by and for real people is grabbed by millions of automated crawlers that continually comb the internet. These automated crawlers often are from foreign countries — China being one of the main culprits — that essentially steal content from those who created it. These bad bots slow down pages for users and undermine the painstaking work by human publishers and reporters to provide quality local coverage of news and events for readers. The Stealth Bot Prohibition Act now in Congress would require bots to disclose their identity, thus giving content producers... Article Link
Anthony Fauci is an American hero. He spent his entire life in public service. He took on impossible challenges — and impossible people. He saved millions of lives around the world. And what does he get for it? A comfortable, well-earned retirement to spend as he pleases with family, friends and colleagues? No, he is consigned to lawyers' conference rooms preparing to defend himself from a deranged man and his cowardly compatriots. What can you say about Rand Paul? He believes what he chooses to believe. It has absolutely nothing to do with science. Every expert has told him that... Article Link
COVID-19 was a traumatic experience for our families, small businesses, schools and country. Understandably, people don't like thinking or talking about it. But we must. We now know, thanks to Sen. Rand Paul's doggedness and Anthony Fauci's supreme arrogance that he freely expresses in his diary, almost every decision made by the medical industrial complex was exactly the wrong thing to do. Fauci has blown himself up, and almost overnight he has gone from hero to antihero. Politicians and the media didn't take note of the fact that Fauci had a track record of hysterical and erroneous predictions about viruses... Article Link
FLORESVILLE — The Wilson County Democratic Party has announced that State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic nominee for Texas governor, will be the keynote speaker at their “We The People…Rural Rally” on Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 7-9 p.m. at the Floresville Event Center, 600 SH 97 W. in Floresville. “We are excited to welcome Gina Hinojosa to Wilson County,” said Sarah Guevara, chair of the Wilson County Democratic Party. “Rural communities deserve to have a voice in the conversations shaping the future of Texas, and that begins with bringing candidates directly to the people. I encourage our residents to take... Article Link
Wilson County Republican Women's Club President Anna Willis (center) receives a recognition July 11 commemorating the club's 25 years as a member organization of both the National Federation of Republican Women and the Texas Federation of Republican Women. Presenting the recognition are Karen Newton, first vice president of the National Federation of Republican Women (left), and Ruby Manen, Texas Federation of Republican Women Executive Board member at large. The presentation took place during the third quarter meeting of the Texas Federation of Republican Women. Article Link
During the heat of a Texas summer, many families opt to spend time cooling off — splashing in a pool, tubing a river, wading the waters on a Texas beach. But Nikki Hardwick, clinical operations manager and community paramedic with Wilson County Emergency Services District 3 (ESD 3), and her two kids turned out on a hot Saturday morning July 11 with a group of other volunteers to make life a little easier for a community member in need. They assisted the Texas Ramp Project, helping construct and install a ramp to help an individual with mobility needs. Through her... Article Link
At the climax of a graduating commencement ceremony in a certain Bible Institute in India, the entire graduation class rises to commit themselves to the Lord's work with these words: “Today, I stand as a dead man. I declare that in Jesus Crist, I am saved by His blood, and thus I am dead to sin, and no longer dead in my sin. Today, I stand and declare that I surrender my will and my life to His will and His life. I shall go where He sends me, without asking questions. I shall go to whomever He sends me,... Article Link
Wilson County Historical Commission Chairman Anthony Delgado (left) displays the Land Legacy Award with County Judge Hank Whitman Aug. 10, after county commissioners approved the historical commission's recommendation that the award to go to Ruth Mueller Ander. Her grandfather acquired over 200 acres of land on both sides of Cibolo Creek near Sutherland Springs in 1915; the family has continued to own the land since then. The Legacy Land Award honors families who have stewarded the same piece of land in Wilson County for at least 75 or 100 years. Article Link
Wilson County Historical Commission members (top row, l-r) Anthony Delgado, Jed Elrod, Steve Raabe, Tambria Read, Elaine Stephens, Sandy Migl, and Nicki Stohr join Wilson County Commissioners Aug. 10, after County Judge Hank Whitman presented the commission with the Texas Historical Commission's Distinguished Service Award (in foreground). The award recognized the commission for its accomplishments in 2025, including installation of the Rancho Pataguilla historical marker and the Daughters of the American Revolution America250 marker, producing a tri-county symposium, and conducting an African- American “story gathering” day. Article Link
The following defendants were among those listed on recent dockets for the 81st District Court in Wilson County: •Zane A. Sanchez, 25, of Floresville was charged with assault of a family or household member by impeding breath or circulation for an alleged incident in May 2023. After he waived his right to a jury trial Aug. 3 and pleaded nolo contendere (no contest), he was sentenced to one year of deferred adjudication-community supervision and ordered to pay fines, court costs, reimbursement fees, and restitution. •Juan H. Montoya, 55, of Floresville was charged with assault of a family or household member... 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 •July 27, John M. Alfaro, 28, of Floresville was arrested at the intersection of Hospital Boulevard and F St. on a parole warrant. •July 29, Paul R. Ximenez, 39, of Floresville was arrested by officers who responded to a report for mail theft on Third Street. Footage from a security camera at a business across the street from the location enabled officers to identify Ximenez as... Article Link
Gov. Greg Abbott recently selected multiple qualified candidates to serve on behalf of Texans; appointments include: •Third Business Court Division — Reappointed Melissa Andrews and Patrick K. Sweeten to the Third Texas Business Court Division to new two-year terms beginning Sept. 1, 2026; the 27-county Third Business Court Division includes Gonzales and Guadalupe counties, among others. •Fourth Business Court Division — Reappointed Marialyn Barnard and Stacy Sharp to the Fourth Texas Business Court Division to new two-year terms beginning Sept. 1, 2026; among the counties comprising the Fourth Business Court Division are Atascosa, Bexar, Frio, Karnes, and Wilson. Article Link
Texas Comptroller Don Huffines today said state sales tax revenue totaled .6 billion in July, 10.1 percent more than in July 2025. The majority of July sales tax revenue is based on sales made in June and remitted to the agency in July. Calendar year-to-date sales tax revenue was .6 billion, up 7.4 percent compared to the same period a year ago. Sales tax is the largest source of state funding for the state budget, accounting for 58 percent of all tax collections. Texas collected the following revenue from other major taxes: •Motor vehicle sales and rental taxes — 7... Article Link
Do you have an interest in what students learn in your school district, or how the district is run? Now's your chance to serve! The East Central and Floresville independent school districts (ISD) will hold elections for school board trustees in November. The filing period to secure a place on the Nov. 3 ballot closes Monday, Aug. 17. Generally, to be eligible to serve as a school district trustee, individuals must be a U.S. citizen at least 18 years old, be a resident of Texas for at least 12 months, and be registered to vote in the relevant school district.... Article Link
Dear Dave, I've spent most of my marriage not being involved in our family finances. To be honest, I've not been a very good husband. After being introduced to your show and your books by a friend, I realized how irresponsible I've been. When I talked to my wife about it and apologized, I heard for the first time that we have about 0,000 in debt, plus ,000 in debt on a new car and motorcycle I did know about. Of course, we also have a mortgage on our home. She apologized for making a mess of things, but I... Article Link
Area residents can have their say about proposed budgets and tax rates at upcoming public hearings. These meetings are open to the public. The meetings present taxpayers with an opportunity to see what local taxing entities plan to spend tax revenue on in the coming fiscal year, and the proposed tax rates to support the budgets. Upcoming hearings include: • City of Sandy Oaks — Thursday, Aug. 13, 6:30 p.m. City Hall, 22870 Priest Road in Sandy Oaks. The city council will consider a property-tax rate of 56.8357 per 0 of taxable value, an increase of nearly 23 cents from... Article Link
View WCN's video coverage of these meetings online at wilsoncountynews.com/meeting-coverage/. Commissioners, Aug. 10 Falls City Independent School District Meeting: Working meeting, July 27, 6:30-8:26 p.m. Discussion, no action: •Heard and discussed a bond steering committee recommendation; no action was taken. In attendance: Board trustees BJ Sekula, Robert Hons, Stephen Moczygemba, Greg Crawford, David Lee, Kevin Lyssy, and Benny Bordovsky; and Superintendent Todd Pawelek. Information per Business Manager Kalyn Moczygemba. Floresville Electric Light & Power System Meeting: Regular meeting, July 29, 8:33-11:03 a.m., executive session 10-10:55 a.m. Actions: •Approved the June 24 meeting minutes •Approved a ,000 scoreboard sponsorship with a... Article Link
What CEO Elon Musk says will be the world's largest computer chip manufacturing plant is planned for Grimes County, east of College Station, the Austin American-Statesman reported. In a joint announcement last week, Space X and Tesla unveiled an initial .8 billion investment in a plant called Terafab. It is expected to employ at least 3,000 people. Many of those jobs are expected to go to residents of Grimes and neighboring Brazos counties. “We're now embarking on the most epic chip-building effort,” Musk, CEO of both companies, said in a statement. “The Terafab is bringing cutting-edge manufacturing to America, creating... Article Link
Check your pockets and your glove compartment! A jackpot-winning Texas Two Step® ticket worth 0,000 for the drawing held on March 9 will soon expire. The ticket, matching all four of the white ball numbers drawn (1-2-21-23) and the red Bonus Ball (19), was purchased at H-E-B Food Store 079 Convenience, located at 909 10th St., in Floresville. The prize remains unclaimed and the ticket will expire on Saturday, Sept. 5, if not validated by the deadline. If choosing to claim the prize in-person, the ticket holder must do so at a Texas Lottery claim center by 5 p.m. local... Article Link
What about it — shall we refresh the paint on our historic building by painting the horse on the Wilson County News building? The faded image was repainted when we restored the building in 2001. The image includes lettering indicating that this building once was Frank Vela's saddle shop. What do you think? Email reader@wcn-online.com. Article Link
[Video below] Data center expansion skeptics took an opportunity to voice their opinions at an Aug. 10 meeting of Wilson County commissioners. They spoke out during a comment period preceding anticipated action by commissioners on a contract with the Wilson County Economic Development Corp. (WCEDC). Four proponents of the contract spoke first, each describing the economic benefits of such an organization in general terms. Each also noted what they characterized as misrepresentations of the WCEDC on social media. “We want to bring collaboration … recruit employers, create jobs,” WCEDC President Jason Talley said. “No money has been spent on projects... Article Link
He's 5 feet tall, likes to snack on puffy Cheetos and Triscuit crackers, and loves to take a dip in a pool. And he's been missing since Aug. 1. “Peanut,” a 7-year-old red kangaroo, went “walkabout” from his home in the Whispering Oaks subdivision north of Floresville. Owners Margaret and David Browder have been scouring Wilson County for their fully domesticated marsupial, who has a partner, Ohana, and baby waiting at home for him. Help is invited from members of the public to find the missing kangaroo and return him to his Wilson County home. Peanut disappeared after an air-conditioning... Article Link
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