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Congratulations to the following varsity boys basketball teams in the Wilson County News coverage area for making the playoffs. Bi-District •East Central v United South, Feb. 24 •Falls City v Junction, Feb. 24 •Floresville v La Vernia, Feb. 24 •La Vernia v Floresville, Feb. 24 •Nixon-Smiley v Industrial, Feb. 24 •Poth v Rice Consolidated, Feb. 24 Watch for playoff updates at wilsoncountynews.com.Article Link
Paul Lindley captured this colorful sunset Jan. 5 in Converse and wanted to share it with Wilson County News readers. We love sharing readers' stories and photos! Email your news or photos to reader@wcn-online.com, or visit wilsoncountynews.com and select “Send it to us” at the top of the page to fill in a submission form.Article Link
Can you identify this plant? Send your best guess to Plant ID, Wilson County News, 1012 C St., Floresville, TX 78114, or email to nkilbey-smith@mywcn.com, with “Plant ID” in the subject line. Please include your name, hometown, and a daytime phone number where you can be reached. To be eligible for the prize, a gift certificate from My Mom's Savory & Sweet Treats north of Floresville, your correct entry must arrive by Monday at 9 a.m. following the photo's issue date. In the case of more than one correct answer, a drawing will determine the prizewinner. Congratulations to Monica...Article Link
Can you identify this plant? Send your best guess to Plant ID, Wilson County News, 1012 C St., Floresville, TX 78114, or email to nkilbey-smith@mywcn.com, with “Plant ID” in the subject line. Please include your name, hometown, and a daytime phone number where you can be reached. To be eligible for the prize, a gift certificate from My Mom's Savory & Sweet Treats north of Floresville, your correct entry must arrive by Monday at 9 a.m. following the photo's issue date. In the case of more than one correct answer, a drawing will determine the prizewinner. Congratulations to Monica...Article Link
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, the Susanna Dickinson chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) held its regular meeting and welcomed some special guests. The meeting room at the La Vernia Church of Christ was decorated with Valentine's hearts, pink and red tablecloths, and centerpieces. A light buffet was provided for guests and members. Pink carnations were available for each member and guest in attendance by hostesses Nancy Scull, chapter secretary, Debbie Owen, and Chaplain Pascalle Bippert. Regent Lydia Jones welcomed the members and guests, and introduced Nannette Kilbey-Smith and NSDAR District VIII Director Karen Nauschuetz, M.D. Nannette is...Article Link
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, the Susanna Dickinson chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) held its regular meeting and welcomed some special guests. The meeting room at the La Vernia Church of Christ was decorated with Valentine's hearts, pink and red tablecloths, and centerpieces. A light buffet was provided for guests and members. Pink carnations were available for each member and guest in attendance by hostesses Nancy Scull, chapter secretary, Debbie Owen, and Chaplain Pascalle Bippert. Regent Lydia Jones welcomed the members and guests, and introduced Nannette Kilbey-Smith and NSDAR District VIII Director Karen Nauschuetz, M.D. Nannette is...Article Link
Paul Lindley captured this colorful sunset Jan. 5 in Converse and wanted to share it with Wilson County News readers. We love sharing readers' stories and photos! Email your news or photos to reader@wcn-online.com, or visit wilsoncountynews.com and select “Send it to us” at the top of the page to fill in a submission form.Article Link
What or where (WOW) is this? The first correct guess drawn Monday, March 16, will win a prize package that includes a one-year subscription. Send entries — including your name, hometown, and a daytime telephone number — to WOW!, Wilson County News, 1012 C St., Floresville, TX 78114, or email reader@lavernianews.com, putting WOW in the subject line. Entries must be received by 9 a.m. on Monday, March 16.Article Link
Applications for a place on the May 2 ballot have been submitted. Below is a list of the candidates campaigning in the Wilson County News coverage area in the upcoming election. Cities •Floresville — Marissa Ximenez is challenging incumbent Gloria Morales Cantu for Mayor. Daniel M. Tejada is running against Dora Barrera Cantu for Place 1. Incumbent Mario Morones is unopposed for Place 2. •Poth — Johnny Garza DeLa Zerda is challenging incumbent Chrystal Eckel for mayor. Incumbents Steven Wiatrek and Lex Poth are running unopposed for two at-large seats. School boards •Falls City Independent School District (ISD) — Benny...Article Link
Congratulations to the following varsity girls basketball teams in the Wilson County News coverage area for their playoff bids. Area •(2/19) Floresville fell to Lago Vista, 37-50 •(2/20) La Vernia fell to Davenport, 54-60 •(2/20) Poth fell to Jourdanton Bi-District •(2/17) Falls City fell to Harper, 34-35 •(2/16) Floresville def. Gonzales, 54-50 •(2/16) La Vernia def. Somerset, 71-46 •(2/16) Poth def Hallettsville, 50-24 •(2/16) Stockdale fell to Tidehaven, 30-45Article Link
Fabiola Mendez of Fairview (Floresville), visits the Wilson County News office to receive her prize, a solar lantern from La Vernia Country Store, for participating in WCN's weekly Plant ID contest. See page 1B for your chance to enter the contest.Article Link
Congratulations to the following varsity girls basketball teams in the Wilson County News coverage area for making the playoffs! Bi-District •Falls City v Harper, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 6:30 pm, Boerne HS Gym •Floresville v Gonzales, Feb. 16, 5:30 pm, Seguin HS •La Vernia v Somerset, Monday, Feb. 16, 6:30 pm, Somerset HS •Poth v Hallettsville, Monday, Feb. 16, 6 pm, Seguin HS SAC Gym •Stockdale v Tidehaven, Monday, Feb. 16, 6:30 pm, Weimer HS Watch for playoff updates at wilsoncountynews.com.Article Link
Editor: I was saddened to read that Elaine Kolodziej won't be writing as much on the editorial page of the Wilson County News. A deadline can weigh on anyone after a while and getting away a little is likely a good thing. Opinion will never go away but writing in the time of Donald Trump is more challenging than most times. You might think one way one day and get out the quill and ink and, well that messes up most screens, by the time you finish, Trump has gone another direction, slapped another tariff, taken off three more, and...Article Link
Editor: I was saddened to read that Elaine Kolodziej won't be writing as much on the editorial page of the Wilson County News. A deadline can weigh on anyone after a while and getting away a little is likely a good thing. Opinion will never go away but writing in the time of Donald Trump is more challenging than most times. You might think one way one day and get out the quill and ink and, well that messes up most screens, by the time you finish, Trump has gone another direction, slapped another tariff, taken off three more, and...Article Link
Can you identify this plant? Send your best guess to Plant ID, Wilson County News, 1012 C St., Floresville, TX 78114, or email it to nkilbey-smith@mywcn.com, with “Plant ID” in the subject line. Please include your name, hometown, and a daytime phone number where you can be reached. To be eligible for the prize, a certificate for tax preparation from H&R Block in Floresville, your correct entry must arrive by Monday at 9 a.m. following the photo's issue date. In the case of more than one correct answer, a drawing will determine the prizewinner. Congratulations to Rebeca Tennison of...Article Link
Can you identify this plant? Send your best guess to Plant ID, Wilson County News, 1012 C St., Floresville, TX 78114, or email it to nkilbey-smith@mywcn.com, with “Plant ID” in the subject line. Please include your name, hometown, and a daytime phone number where you can be reached. To be eligible for the prize, a certificate for tax preparation from H&R Block in Floresville, your correct entry must arrive by Monday at 9 a.m. following the photo's issue date. In the case of more than one correct answer, a drawing will determine the prizewinner. Congratulations to Rebeca Tennison of...Article Link
Fabiola Mendez of Fairview (Floresville), visits the Wilson County News office to receive her prize, a solar lantern from La Vernia Country Store, for participating in WCN's weekly Plant ID contest. See page 1B for your chance to enter the contest.Article Link
Congratulations to the following varsity girls basketball teams in the Wilson County News coverage area for making the playoffs! Girls basketball Bi-District •Falls City v Harper, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 6:30 pm Boerne HS Gym •Floresville v Gonzales, TBD Feb. 16-17 •La Vernia v Somerset, Monday, Feb. 16, 6:30 pm, Somerset HS •Poth v Hallettsville, Monday, Feb. 16, 6 pm, Seguin HS SAC Gym •Stockdale v Tidehaven, Monday, Feb. 16, 6:30 pm, Weimer HS Article Link
Editor: Re: “Something old, something new — Wilson County News takes some new turns,” Jan. 14 Please reconsider writing your opinions! Your opinions could help those see another way to positive views. I miss reading your column along with many other dedicated readers. LAURA DAVISAdkinsArticle Link
Editor: Re: “Something old, something new — Wilson County News takes some new turns,” Jan. 14 I was a little perturbed reading that the editor was stopping with writing weekly opinions. Please don't stop. It seems we are losing voices of common sense and I've found lots of good reasoning reading Wilson County News since arrival here a few years ago. I see less good news in the other media. Local news and events on the TV are not available for reading later as I relax after the evening meal. I can pick up my paper and surprisingly discover things...Article Link
Editor: Re: “Something old, something new — Wilson County News takes some new turns,” Jan. 14 It was so disappointing to read about your decision to eliminate the editorial section of your fine newspaper. The editorial page is where I get most of my real news. Being very old, my social life is limited, so the editorial page and “Letters to the Editor” is also where I sort of keep up with what other folks are thinking and saying about the conditions we live under. I do hope you bring back the editorial section, and especially your personal “One Opinion”...Article Link
[Video below] La Vernia Independent School District trustees have denied a Level 3 parent grievance stemming from an incident that occurred during an Oct. 23 football game against Beeville's A.C. Jones High School. Parents and students showed up to the Feb. 2 special board meeting, filling the high school cafeteria in support of Bryden Walter, the La Vernia player who was involved in the incident. (See “Altercation at football game prompts UIL investigation” Oct. 29, 2025, Wilson County News.) The special meeting was called by school board trustees to hear Walter, who played for La Vernia High School's junior varsity...Article Link
Wilson County Auditor Brenda Treviño and Pct. 3 Commissioner Jeffery Pierdolla have been denied further motions related to their alleged offenses. Pierdolla and Treviño were scheduled in court Feb. 4 for a pretrial hearing — along with third defendant Clinton Wyatt — related to an equipment sale and purchase in 2025 (see “Equipment sale, purchase turn into indictments for Wilson County officials, Aug. 27, 2025, Wilson County News.) During the hearing, a judge denied Pierdolla's application for a “Writ of Habeas Corpus” — which can prevent a defendant from being subjected to a criminal trial for specific reasons, if granted....Article Link
Can you identify this plant? Send your best guess to Plant ID, Wilson County News, 1012 C St., Floresville, TX 78114, or email it to nkilbey-smith@mywcn.com, with “Plant ID” in the subject line. Please include your name, hometown, and a daytime phone number where you can be reached. To be eligible for the prize, a gift certificate, courtesy of L. Jansky's Service Center in Poth, your correct entry must arrive by Monday at 9 a.m. following the photo's issue date. In the case of more than one correct answer, a drawing will determine the prizewinner. Congratulations to Fabiola Mendez...Article Link
Wilson County News is proud to announce the return of our very popular annual “Plant ID/Mystery Plant Contest”! Can you identify this plant? Send your best guess to Plant ID, Wilson County News, 1012 C St., Floresville, TX 78114, or email it to nkilbey-smith@mywcn.com, with “Plant ID” in the subject line. Please include your name, hometown, and a daytime phone number where you can be reached. To be eligible for the prize, a solar cage garden lantern valued at , courtesy of the La Vernia Country Store, your correct entry must arrive by Monday at 9 a.m. following the photo's...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
Tune in to Telemundo news on Wednesday, Feb. 4, to catch local Apple Pie and Salsa author Julia Castro of Floresville. The San Antonio news station will air a feature about Castro during the newscasts that evening at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Castro penned the popular “Apple Pie and Salsa” column in the Wilson County News from 2008-2022. The former director of the Head Start program in Floresville, Castro shared stories of her youth and raising her family in her column, along with recollections of Floresville's past. The newspaper, working with Castro and her family, published the columns in...Article Link
The Wilson County News invites candidates in the March 3 Republican and Democratic party primaries to participate in our print “Candidates' Forum.” There is no charge for inclusion in the Candidates' Forum, planned for publication Wednesday, Feb. 11. Due to space limitations, this is restricted to candidates in contested races within their own party for: •Federal and state offices, including U.S. Senate and U.S. Rep. District 35; Texas governor and lieutenant governor, Senate District 21, comptroller, various judicial roles, and state agriculture, land, and railroad commissioners •Wilson County offices — County judge and Pct. 3 justice of the peace. Questions,...Article Link
The Wilson County News invites candidates in the March 3 Republican and Democratic party primaries to participate in our print “Candidates' Forum.” There is no charge for inclusion in the Candidates' Forum, planned for publication Wednesday, Feb. 11. Due to space limitations, this is restricted to candidates in contested races within their own party for: •Federal and state offices, including U.S. Senate and U.S. Rep. District 35; Texas governor and lieutenant governor, Senate District 21, comptroller, various judicial roles, and state agriculture, land, and railroad commissioners •Wilson County offices — County judge and Pct. 3 justice of the peace. Questions, deadline...Article Link
The Wilson County News invites candidates in the March 3 Republican and Democratic party primaries to participate in our print “Candidates' Forum.” There is no charge for inclusion in the Candidates' Forum, planned for publication Wednesday, Feb. 11. Due to space limitations, this is restricted to candidates in contested races within their own party for: •Federal and state offices, including U.S. Senate and U.S. Rep. District 35; Texas governor and lieutenant governor, Senate District 21, comptroller, various judicial roles, and state agriculture, land, and railroad commissioners •Wilson County offices — County judge and Pct. 3 justice of the peace. Questions, deadline...Article Link
Derek and Lauren Gaudlitz of Floresville, pose with the Wilson County Newspaper in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France on Dec. 5. The trip marked the fulfillment of a longtime dream for Lauren, made possible shortly after she became a travel agent. Judah, the couple's son, also accompanied them on the trip. They're our Read All Over winners! 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
Editor: Re: “Something old, something new — Wilson County News takes some new turns,” Jan. 14 Never has the thought been more true — absence makes the heart grow fonder! I have been a little behind in my own opinions. I have been sidelined for most of 2025 in some unfortunate circumstances — put the blame on me. Finally I have a grip and am moving ahead. Let me explain. I have been a loyal reader for over a half century. I have no problem with change and, over the years, change has been your strength. However, your two recent...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 “Last Minute Shopping” promotional drawing.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 “Last Minute Shopping” promotional drawing.Article Link
Editor: Re: “Something old, something new — Wilson County News takes some new turns,” Jan. 14 Never has the thought been more true — absence makes the heart grow fonder! I have been a little behind in my own opinions. I have been sidelined for most of 2025 in some unfortunate circumstances — put the blame on me. Finally I have a grip and am moving ahead. Let me explain. I have been a loyal reader for over a half century. I have no problem with change and, over the years, change has been your strength. However, your two recent...Article Link
What or where (WOW) is this? The first correct guess drawn Monday, Feb. 16, will win a prize package that includes a one-year subscription. Send entries — including your name, hometown, and a daytime telephone number — to WOW!, Wilson County News, 1012 C St., Floresville, TX 78114, or email reader@lavernianews.com, putting WOW in the subject line. Entries must be received by 9 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 16.Article Link
Floresville High School students Isley Draper (l-r) and Brooke Ximenez attend a Corpus Christi Ice Rays versus Shreveport Mud Bugs hockey game Jan. 10, while visiting the area for a soccer tournament. They're our Read All Over winners! 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
Wilson County News' WCN Live fans receive their prizes from C Street Gift Shop after commenting during a live broadcast hosted on Facebook every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Stay tuned for the next WCN Live and be sure to comment to be entered in the drawing. Rewatch WCN Live episodes at www.wilsoncountynews.com/wcnlive.Article Link
Editor: Re: “Something old, something new — Wilson County News takes some new turns” Jan. 14 Well, I don't like it, not one bit. My favorite part of the Wilson County News was the editorial section. I looked forward to Wednesdays to read the letters, columns, and the editor's “Shorts and Stops.” I have liked it less since the Left columns were added but still enjoyed reading what the other side had to say. “Hate speech,” you say? What's wrong with “heated political debate,” except for the fragile feelings of snowflakes that can't tolerate the heat of truth? Most of...Article Link
Editor: Re: “Something old, something new — Wilson County News takes some new turns,” Jan. 14 I can completely understand your decision to eliminate the political columns. Your explanation was perfect. I agree, it makes more room for local news and leaves the politically heated discussions for another venue. I thoroughly enjoyed Nannette Kilbey-Smith's column; a fresh approach to giving our bodies and appearances the same prayerful thought as we give to decorating the church at Christmas! You amaze me. Thank you for being the best local newspaper. We are so blessed to have the WCN! ELAINE M. STEPHENSLa VerniaArticle Link
Vendors are now being accepted for the 19th annual South Texas Home and Garden Show, presented by the Wilson County News, on Saturday, March 21, in the Floresville Event Center. The event brings together folks from all over to share their love of gardening and to learn more about its benefits. Gardening provides health benefits, including growing your own food in your backyard garden. It also encourages spending time outdoors and exercising while beautifying your home, yard, and the countryside. The variety of vendors at the show will introduce new products for your home and garden while exchanging ideas and...Article Link
Some changes are easier to accept than others, but always changes require some adjustments to routine. A biggie was last year when the Wilson County News first combined the La Vernia News within the pages of the Wilson County News. The news and reporting from La Vernia City Council and schools continued to be included as before, but the format and appearance were not the same. When we first made the change to combine the two publications, we published a second “front page” inside as the La Vernia News. Now that readers are more comfortable with the idea of getting...Article Link
Wilson County News' WCN Live fans receive their prizes from C Street Gift Shop after commenting during a live broadcast hosted on Facebook every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Stay tuned for the next WCN Live and be sure to comment to be entered in the drawing. Rewatch WCN Live episodes at www.wilsoncountynews.com/wcnlive.Article Link
Loyal reader, Samantha Jones of Floresville, visits the Wilson County News office to receive a gift basket from Hog Wild Junktique, which is her prize for participating in WCN's “Last Minute Shopping” promotional drawing.Article Link
Interested in serving as an elected representative on our local city council or school board? Below is a list of cities, school districts, and other elected bodies in the Wilson County News coverage area planning May 2 elections. Candidates can apply beginning Wednesday, Jan. 14; the deadline to file is Friday, Feb.13. Applications are available at city halls and school administration offices; these also can be found on local entities' websites. Cities •China Grove — Two at-large seats; serving currently are aldermen Fred Bean and Eddy Perez •Elmendorf — Mayor and council places 3 and 5, currently held respectively by...Article Link
Wanted: One storage building. Wilson County Emergency Services District 3 (ESD 3) needs more storage space for its mobile integrated health (MIH) program. “The storage room MIH currently uses is small and we are running out of space to store items donated to be used for patients in need, such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, etc.,” District EMS Chief David Rice told the Wilson County News. The program received a large donation of blankets from the Greater La Vernia Chamber of Commerce in mid-December. But space to store them, in addition to other items to assist patients in need in the...Article Link
Olivia Leal (l-r), Julie Oltjendiers, and Yvonne Moseley overlook the Colosseum while on pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi, Florence, and Venice, all in Italy, with a group organized by the Guadalupanas of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Floresville. They're our Read All Over winners! 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
From manhunts and car chases, to murder and crimes against children, offenses filled the headlines of the Wilson County News in 2025. Manhunt Law enforcement pursued Kevin S. Higgins of Floresville over a period of three days after he allegedly fled during an attempted traffic stop June 29. Higgins evaded arrest by hiding in a wooded area near his residence in the Shannon Ridge subdivision north of Floresville and was apprehended by law enforcement July 1, with the assistance of K9 Officer Bohoc from the La Vernia Police Department (see “Shannon Ridge manhunt results in arrest,” July 9, 2025, Wilson...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 “Christmas Shopping in the Country” and “Last Minute Shopping” promotional drawings.Article Link
Wilson County News' WCN Live fans receive their prizes from C Street Gift Shop after commenting during a live broadcast hosted on Facebook every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Stay tuned for the next WCN Live and be sure to comment to be entered in the drawing. Rewatch WCN Live episodes at www.wilsoncountynews. com/wcnlive. WANT TO JOIN THESE WINNERS? Read the Wilson County News every week to find a variety of contests and different promotions that include chances to win! SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Call 830-216-4519 or visit wilsoncountynews.com/subscribe/.Article Link