Telling the story of what's going on in Wilson County, Texas!
Three Oaks 4-H Club members Brody Gunn and Ryker Bauer (front, second and third from left) — flanked by their brothers, Colton Gunn (left) and Colt Bauer — stand proudly with their buyers at the Houston Livestock Show and Sale. With assistance from their siblings, Brody placed 49th with his turkey tom and Ryker took 49th place with his turkey hen, earning them a place in the show sale. “A rare sight to have two kids have the same placing and sell together from the same community,” said Ryker's dad, Brandon, of the two youngsters from Poth.Article Link
Although she hasn't lived anywhere near Floresville for decades, Patty Flora Sitchler of Lakewood, Colo., maintains a connection to the community where her mother grew up. “My grandfather, James E. ‘Jim' Tipton, moved to Floresville some time between 1910-20,” Patty shared. “My grandmother, Jettie Lou Cole Tipton, was also connected to the Wilson County community through her father, G.B. Cole, and mother, Mary Belle Stout Cole.” The Coles originally lived on the northeast side of S.H. 97 in Marcelina around 1900, and both are buried in the Marcelina Baptist Church Cemetery, according to Patty. Her grandfather's family, the Tiptons, appear...Article Link
Soon, it will be Easter Sunday. Join area churches for Holy Week events to commemorate Christ's Passion and special services to celebrate His Resurrection. Easter is Sunday, April 5. Holy Week will begin with Palm Sunday, March 29, and includes Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday and Good Friday, April 2-3, and Holy Saturday, April 4. Adkins St. Mark Lutheran Church, 210-649-1370, will hold Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services at 7 p.m. A brunch will follow the Easter Sunday service at 10:15 a.m. Cestohowa Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 830-745-2633, will celebrate Holy Week starting with Holy Thursday at...Article Link
Delilah Salinas, 2, excitedly shows her dad, Justin, one of the eggs she found, as she joins the Easter egg hunt March 14 outside the Wilson County Courthouse during The Market in Floresville. Look inside this issue of the Wilson County News for more egg-hunting opportunities in the area!Article Link
Editor: Re: “County animal shelter presses onward amid change,” March 18 We want to be completely transparent regarding the debts we inherited when we took over this organization. We feel it is only fair to the community to show our dedication to overcoming these challenges and doing what is best for the animals in our care. The new board of Wilson County Adoption & Rescue Services, formerly the Wilson County No Kill Animal Shelter, was elected Jan. 18. As of Feb. 23, our known debts include the following: •Spay/neuter services, ,716 •Deason Animal Hospital, ,490 •Kennel building, ,489.09 •MWI (medical...Article Link
Editor: Re: “Large political contributions generate unusually high returns,” March 18 The author has shown his hand. He wishes to increase the taxes of those he finds offensive by “substantial” amounts. Now he calls out corporations and wealthy individuals. I will point out that all progressive liberals call for higher corporate taxes, while refusing to believe that higher corporate taxes lead to higher consumer prices. To whom do these corporations pass on their higher taxes? The author also calls for higher taxes on individuals. Generally, these folks consider anyone who makes more money than them to be wealthy. I do...Article Link
Editor: Re: “Misae founder aims to alleviate data center projects concerns,” March 11 As a community member whose property sadly shares our back property line, I've been told our property is one that is at ground zero of the Misae AI Hub, solar farm and gas powerplant, and they have already destroyed the area. They have cut down all the trees and started burning. The wildlife is already reacting to the disruption they have caused to their natural habitat. Not to mention that those of us in the immediate area no longer have peace of mind; the rural life we...Article Link
Editor: Re: “Misae founder aims to alleviate data center project concerns,” March 11 Wilson County has long been defined by its open skies, working ranches, and tight-knit communities. It is a place where generations of families have built lives rooted in agriculture, stewardship of the land, and a quality of life that is increasingly rare in modern Texas. The proposed introduction of large-scale data centers in our county puts all of that at serious risk, and our residents deserve a full and honest conversation before any permits are approved. The concerns are not abstract. Data centers are among the most...Article Link
CNN's Brian Stelter exemplifies the media pattern of constantly claiming Donald Trump is an existential threat to democracy that must be curbed. The comedy never ends. Trump was supposedly going to end democracy throughout his first term, and the fact that democracy never ended never slows Stelter & Co. down. On March 18, Stelter played up a new report out of Sweden that America is “rapidly autocratizing” in Trump's second term. It looks like the Democrats are going to try to make “End of Democracy” a campaign issue again in the midterms, even though it accomplished nothing in 2024. But...Article Link
President Donald Trump has a problem with the Supreme Court, which finally said no to him on tariffs. He doesn't like an independent judiciary. He thinks Justices should do what the president who appointed them wants. He thinks the Founding Fathers were wrong. And the Constitution. “The decision that mattered most to me,” he wrote this week on Truth Social, “was TARIFFS! The Court knew where I stood, how badly I wanted this Victory for our Country and instead decided to, potentially, give away Trillions of Dollars to Countries and Companies who have been taking advantage of the United States...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 “Plant ID” 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! 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 “Super Bowl Trivia” promotional drawing.Article Link
The Alamo's archaeology team has unearthed a fully intact, solid cannonball that can be traced to the Battle of the Alamo era. The discovery was made on March 5 — the day before the 190th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo, which took place on March 6, 1836. The Alamo's archaeology director, Dr. Tiffany Lindley, said the 4-pound, solid bronze cannonball was found approximately 3 feet below ground in an excavation unit outside the Alamo church. She described the unit as a “clean deposit,” meaning the layers of soil over time are clearly visible. “It gives us an, almost...Article Link
Dan Hosage provided the community with a gardening questions-and-answers session at the Feb. 26 meeting of the Wilson County Extension Master Gardeners (WCEMG). Bringing over 45 years of gardening experience, community members were provided with phenomenal gardening strategies for the upcoming season! Attendees also celebrated the program's newest certified Master Gardener, Laura Hamblen! On March 3, WCEMG President Betty Freasier provided a presentation to the Wilson County Retired School Personnel on “pruning tips.” This educational gardening presentation provided community members with pruning techniques and how to care for trees. On March 7, the WCEMGs were doing amazing work in the...Article Link
Dear Dave, My wife and I are in our mid-thirties, and the only debt we have is a combined ,000 in student loans and credit card payments. We've got almost 0,000 in our 401(k) plans, plus we have no children. What steps can we take toward becoming even better investors? Curt Dear Curt, Whether you're building a house or building wealth, a rock-solid foundation is an absolute must. Without a firm foundation, everything can easily fall apart. So, while you two aren't off to a bad start investingwise, let's talk about the “construction” process a little. The first brick you...Article Link
It's time to nominate your favorite teacher for Educator of the Quarter. The deadline is Tuesday, March 31, for the first quarter of 2026. 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
Wilson County Adoption and Rescue Services will host a special “Fur-ever Home” fundraising event on Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Joseph Creek Homes. Help support the local no-kill animal shelter while also enjoying a bake sale, prize drawings, meet and greet, model tours, and free burgers and hot dogs. All proceeds from the event will support the organization's mission to provide food, medical care, and a second chance for animals to find their “fur-ever” home. Joseph Creek Homes is located at 108 Pradera Ridge Dr. in Floresville.Article Link
GOLIAD — The Texas Historical Commission's Presidio La Bahía State Historic Site will once again bring the Texas Revolution to life during the 40th Annual Goliad Massacre and Living History Program Saturday and Sunday, March 28-29, when reenactors and living history interpreters recreate the dramatic moments of March 1836. Step into the world of the Texian and Mexican armies as reenactors portray real soldiers whose lives were shaped by the Texas Revolution. The program recounts the moments surrounding March 27, 1836, when 342 captured Texian soldiers were massacred by order of Mexican Gen. Antonio López de Santa Anna at the...Article Link
March is Texas History Month as designated by the Texas Legislature in 2003, and the Joshua D. Brown Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) encourages all Texans to fly the Texas flag and promote the celebration of the five Texas Honor Days that fall during the month of March, as three of them are among the most critical events in the formation of the Texas Republic. The first event celebrated is CRT Founders Day, commemorating the Children of the Republic of Texas charter on March 1, 1929. Its purpose is to encourage the study of Texas...Article Link
“We still have his room set up, with his barber chair and everything in there,” said Monica Montoya, sister of Octavian Estrada. “Tave,” as he was known by many members of the community, was a beloved barber in Floresville for many years before he was killed by a gunman outside a gas station in Elmendorf in March 2025. He was only 39 years old. Tave was more than just a barber though, said his two sisters, Monica and Sonia Estrada; he was a family man, and one who lived with generosity at his core and was always willing to help...Article Link
The following defendant was among those listed on recent dockets for the 81st District Court in Wilson County: •Jesus Garcia Jr., 39, of Floresville pleaded guilty March 10 to a charge of sexual assault of a child, after an alleged incident in April 2024 involving a child under the age of 17. He was sentenced to 10 years of deferred adjudication-community supervision, ordered to pay court costs and fees, and to register as a sex offender. What is deferred adjudication? Deferred adjudication is a type of probation offered for defendants who plead guilty or nolo contendere (no contest). The agreement...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 •March 9, Sarah R. Garza, 38, of Corpus Christi was arrested on S.H. 123 and charged with possession of between 4 and 400 grams of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 2. •March 15, Kenneth R. Miller, 30, of Converse was arrested at the intersection of S.H. 123 and C.R. 434 north of Stockdale and charged with possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana...Article Link
A Floresville woman is facing felony charges, after an undercover operation in Floresville. The Wilson County Sheriff's Office Operation Lone Star Task Force, assisted by the Floresville Police Department, La Vernia Police Department, the 81st District Attorney's Office, and the Karnes County Sheriff's Office, executed a search warrant March 11 at the Purple Haze Vape & Smoke Shop on 10th Street (U.S. 181) in Floresville. The warrant was the result of an undercover operation of the business conducted over the past few months by the sheriff's office's Drug Enforcement Administration Sergeant Task Force Officer. Investigators seized more than 400 grams...Article Link
The Poth Police Department shut down an illegal game room March 19 inside an establishment in the 1000 block of N. Storts Street. Law-enforcement personnel were alerted to information regarding suspected gambling activity inside the establishment. Upon investigation, officers observed four gambling slot machines in a back room, along with an ATM cash-dispensing machine, which is prohibited under Texas law, according to the Poth Police Department. Poth police Chief Gerald “Jerry” Sanchez obtained a search warrant, and officers involved in the investigation seized ,590 in suspected gambling proceeds, multiple illegal gambling devices, and supporting documentation. According to the Poth Police...Article Link
The Wilson County Sheriff's Office commends community members for reporting suspicious activity which led to a Floresville man's arrest. Sheriff's office personnel responded to Bradley's Food Mart in northwestern Wilson County just after midnight on March 17, after a caller reported that someone had driven a vehicle into the business, which was closed. According to the caller, an individual was in the process of stealing merchandise from the store, located at F.M.1303 and F.M. 2579 northwest of Floresville. When deputies arrived, the individual had fled the scene; the vehicle was found abandoned in the vicinity. The deputies continued their search,...Article Link
Four high school boys afflicted with spring fever skipped their morning classes. After lunch, they reported to the teacher that their tardiness was due to a flat tire. Much to their relief she smiled and said, “Well, you missed a test today. so take seats apart from one another and take out a piece of paper.” Still smiling, she waited for them to sit down. Then she said, “First question: Which tire was flat?” It was statesman Benjamin Franklin who said, “Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.” What...Article Link
Sign up now to enjoy a day of driving excellence for hometown healthcare during the Consolata Healthcare Foundation's 11th annual Golf Tournament set for Saturday, April 25, at the River Bend Golf Club in Floresville. Proceeds from the event benefit patient services and experience at Connally Memorial Medical Center in Floresville. Registration is 0 per four-person team and includes green fee, cart, range balls, two mulligans per team, breakfast and lunch, and hospitality bags. Extra mulligans also will be available for purchase. Cash prizes will be awarded for first through third places, Best Dressed Team, Putting Contest, and Longest Drive....Article Link
Stockdale voters will go to the polls May 2 to decide if they want to support a bond package for the Stockdale Independent School District. The district board of trustees approved, in a 6-1 vote on Feb. 9, to call for a .5 million bond election. If approved, the package will include a new 10,000-square-foot wing at the elementary campus with classrooms, meeting spaces, and restrooms, as well as a new engineered metal building for a band hall. The district says that due to increasing enrollment and program requirements, the elementary campus is out of space. “We have taken on...Article Link
Wilson County will offer free training for volunteers who would like to assist in local disaster response. Volunteers must attend two Incident Command Systems Training classes (ICS-100 and ICS-200), to be conducted on Thursday, April 2, and Thursday, April 16, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wilson County Emergency Operations Center, 802 10th St., (U.S. 181) in Floresville. The training capacity is limited to 40 attendees; priority will be given to volunteers new to emergency management. To participate in the free training, register for a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) student identification at https://cdp.dhs.gov/femasid/ register. For more information...Article Link
The Wilson County Emergency Management Office invites community members to participate in a Stop the Bleed course, on Friday, April 10, at 6 p.m. Stop the Bleed is a national initiative designed to teach individuals how to recognize and control life-threatening bleeding until help arrives. The free class will be presented at the new Emergency Operations Center at 802 10th St. (U.S. 181) — next to the Wilson County Sheriff's Office — in Floresville. Preregistration is required as space is limited to 20 participants. To save your spot, visit form.jotform.com/260054091667154. For more information, call 830-393-8503 or email wgrant@wilsoncountytx.gov.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. View WCN's video coverage of these meetings online at wilsoncountynews.com/meeting-coverage/. – Commissioners Court Mar. 23 Falls City Independent School District Meeting: Regular meeting, March 18, 6:30-8:17 p.m., executive session 7:52-8:17 p.m. Actions: •Approved a resolution related to Senate Bill 546 regarding school bus seat belt requirements •Approved the 2026-27 school calendar; Aug. 12 will be the first day of school for students •Approved to select Gallagher construction services as the program manager for future bond projects, provided...Article Link
[Video below] Another solar farm company has its sights on Wilson County. Representatives from Scout Clean Energy, based in Boulder, Colo., gave a presentation March 23 on the company's “Moonstone Solar” project to the Wilson County Commissioners Court. Assistant Project Manager Kaszandra Walker-Daniels explained that the projected 145-megawatt Moonstone Solar will be located off of F.M. 1303 between Floresville and Calaveras, which is expected to power 30,000 homes. “Right now, we have signed about 2,600 acres with private landowners,” Kaszandra said. “We plan to use about 1,100 to 1,200 acres for our project design.” The company is targeting 2029 as...Article Link
Four Islamic schools have been admitted to the Texas voucher program after a federal judge ordered the state to invite the schools to apply, the Houston Chronicle reported. The judge also ordered the application deadline for families be extended to March 31, citing concerns that no Islamic schools had been approved for the program. “We received an invitation to register yesterday from Odyssey. We were able to register, and we got approval immediately upon finishing the registration form,” Hamed Ghazali, principal of the Houston Quran Academy, said. “In addition, our school appeared on the parents' portal and some of our...Article Link
The Floresville Economic Development Corp. (FEDC) will discuss its executive leadership during a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, at Floresville City Hall. Slated for discussion during executive session is the FEDC interim executive director's resignation; the position has been held by Charlotte Ximenez-Nelson, who took the interim role after Courtland Holman's resignation in September 2024. The FEDC has operated without an official executive director since then. Another item scheduled for discussion and possible action is placing Michelle Tackitt in the position of FEDC assistant executive director, effective March 30. Tackitt, who currently works as an assistant...Article Link
Kai FaKtor of Floresville is among the 13 artists taking part in KLRN's award-winning digital series, “City Showdown,” in its third season. City Showdown is a friendly battle of the bands that celebrates San Antonio's vibrant music scene and encourages civic awareness. Last season, District 6's “INOHA” won a decisive victory with their song, “Saturday Nights,” and this year's winner is anyone's guess. Each contestant represents a San Antonio city council district with an original music video, showcasing talent from across the city. In addition to FaKtor, musicians from Helotes and Windcrest have joined the competition, representing other cities in...Article Link
An air of elegance welcomed the ladies of the Floresville Musical Club to their March 10 meeting. White tablecloths covered the tables while light green table toppers held a bud vase with a lovely pink rose, baby's breath, and greenery. Delicate tea pots and dainty china cups and saucers surrounded by a string of white pearls further embellished the tables. Each place was adorned with a gold trimmed pastel pink napkin, a gold fork, and a lace paper doily. The head table held a beautiful flower arrangement on a silver tray encircled by more exquisite tea pots. President Barbara Trevino...Article Link
Individuals who were bitten by an aggressive dog breathed sighs of relief last week, after receiving word that the creature was not rabid. On the morning of March 14, several people approached a loose dog, described as a shepherd mix, near the entrance of the Shannon Ridge subdivision north of Floresville, with the intent of helping the animal. However, according to multiple reports, the dog lunged at his would-be helpers when they drew close and bit two of them. Responding to calls, Wilson County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived at the scene, where the dog also bit one of them. “Deputies...Article Link
When Lisa Winslow and her family moved to the Stockdale area in 2019, she never imagined that her peaceful, quiet home would become the neighbor of a massive industrial project. What was once land holding cattle pastures and abundant wildlife is now “ground zero” of the Misae Energy Hub — a proposed AI data center, solar farm, and gas plant — with which the Winslows share a property line. Lisa recalled returning home from a trip in May 2025, unaware of what was to come. When she returned home after a week away, the view from her kitchen window was...Article Link
POST PRINT UPDATE: Lillian “Lilly” Palome (also goes by Lilly Plett), missing since March 13 from Floresville, has been located. According to the Floresville Police Department, the 16-year-old was found Monday and is “in good health.” Police Chief Anthony Flores expressed thanks for the “support and vigilance” of the community as the search for the missing teen was conducted. No further information has been made available at this time. See original print story below. Help find Floresville teen Lillian Palome It's been more than 10 days since a Floresville family has seen their missing daughter. Lillian “Lilly” Plett, who also...Article Link
The Floresville Lions Club Cubs line up on the stairwell in the Wilson County Courthouse after completing a tour March 10. The Cubs handed out flowers, candy, and thank you notes to the employees. The Cubs hold monthly meetings and activities and are led by Floresville Lions Bonnie Sario and Katelund Allen. For information on joining, visit www.floresvillelionsclub.org/cub-club.Article Link
Junior Catholic Daughters of America (JCDA) from Sacred Heart Catholic Church celebrate the 100th anniversary of JCDA by reading a proclamation during Mass on Feb. 22. Catholic Daughters of America joined them in support.Article Link
Congratulations to Stockdale Lady Brahma powerlifting athletes Abby Chavez (fourth place) and Vivian Gonzalez (ninth place) on their State performance!Article Link
Stockdale High School announces three senior Lady Brahma basketball players being named Academic All-State. Congratulations to Paige Martinez, Brianna Tomerlin, and Kendra Hummel for receiving First Team Academic All-State by the Texas High School Coaches Association.Article Link
Congratulations to the following boys and girls teams in the Wilson County News coverage area that are competing in the soccer playoffs. Area Girls•Floresville vs Davenport, March 24•La Vernia vs Long Creek, March 24Boys•La Vernia vs Davenport, March 24 Bi-District Girls•(3/19) Floresville def. Gonzales, 2-0•(3/19) La Vernia def. Uvalde, 5-1Boys•(3/20) Floresville fell to SA Memorial,1-2•(3/20) La Vernia def Somerset, 2-0 Watch for playoff updates at wilsoncountynews.com.Article Link
Floresville High School sent four girls to compete at the THSWPA 4A-Division 1 Championship meet March 20. Payton Austin finished 15th in the 114-pound class, Joselyn Avila finished 16th and Kambri Angle finished eighth in the 165-pound class, and Gabrielle Honesto placed third in the 220-pound class. Congratulations! This week, Floresville will send five boys who qualified to compete at the Boys THSPA Div 2-4A State meet on Friday, March 27, at 8 a.m. Tiger State qualifiers are Josh Martinez, 148-pound class; Carlos Reyes, 181-pound class; Matt Cottrell, 198-pound class; Ethan Williams, 220-pound class; and Omar Torres, 242-pound class.Article Link
The Nixon-Smiley Mustang baseball team lost their District opener, falling to the Stockdale Brahmas as they started District play March 20. Despite the tough result, the Mustangs aim to quickly regroup and move forward as they prepare for another key District game. Nixon-Smiley shifted focus to March 24, as the Mustangs headed to Luling to face the Eagles, hoping to secure their first District win of the season. The Mustangs will host the Karnes City Badgers on Friday, March 27, at 7 p.m. wcnsports@wcn-online.comArticle Link
The Nixon-Smiley Lady Mustangs softball team secured a big District win on Friday night, March 20, defeating the Stockdale Lady Brahmas 18-8 in an offensive showdown. Nixon-Smiley came out swinging early and never let up, maintaining constant pressure on the Lady Brahmas throughout the game. The Lady Mustangs' bats were active from top to bottom in the lineup, and their aggressive approach at the plate contributed to one of their strongest offensive performances of District play. A major highlight of the night was Jazmin Granados, who hit a home run to spark the Lady Mustangs' explosive effort. Her powerful swing...Article Link
The Nixon-Smiley Lady Mustang powerlifting team concluded an exceptional season at the THSWPA 3A Division II State Championship in Edinburg, showcasing a strong team effort highlighted by a historic individual accomplishment. Leading the way was sophomore standout Ruby Mendez, who etched her name into the Nixon-Smiley record books by becoming only the second female State Champion in school history. Competing in the 114-pound weight class, Mendez dominated the field with an impressive 780-pound total, including lifts of 295 in squat, 190 in bench press, and 295 in deadlift, securing the gold medal. Her total was only 705 at the Regional...Article Link
© 2020-2026 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
