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JULY 6 -BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT TO HELP CANCER TREATMENT AND RECOVERY FOR KOURTNI MORROW -JULY 6TH

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PRESS RELEASE

Cuero, Texas — The Cuero Municipal Golf Course is set to host the charity golf tournament on July 6th, 2024. This exciting event aims to raise funds to support Kourtni Morrow’s battle against colon cancer.

Event Details:

  • Date: July 6th, 2024
  • Time: 9 AM registration, 10 AM tee time
  • Location: Cuero Municipal Golf Course
  • Format: 4-person scramble
  • Entry Fee: $400 per team

Prizes:

  • Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.
  • Special categories include men’s and women’s longest drive and closest to the pin.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

  • Hole Sponsor: $100
  • Flag Sponsor: $500

Contact Information:

For those interested in playing or sponsoring, please reach out to:

  • Megan Boehl at 361-218-6221
  • Megan Castillo at 361-564-4818

Deadline for Sponsorship:

Become a tournament sponsor by June 31, 2024.

Join us for a day of golf, camaraderie, and community support. Let’s make a difference in Kourtni’s journey toward recovery!

JUNE 29,2024 Lifeway Jesus Jamboree: A Celebration of Worship and Community

Cuero, Texas — June 22, 2024

Join Us for a Joyous Family Event!

The Lifeway Jesus Jamboree is here, and we’re ready to celebrate our freedom to worship together. This family-friendly gathering promises an evening filled with fellowship, fun, and faith.

Event Highlights

  • Light Food: Enjoy delicious bites as we break bread together.
  • Games: Fun activities for all ages!
  • Music: Lift your spirits with soul-stirring melodies.
  • Devotional: A moment of reflection and inspiration.
  • Fireworks: A dazzling display to light up the night sky!

Practical Details

  • Date: Saturday, June 29
  • Time: 6:00 PM onwards
  • Location: The Gohmert’s home at 9897 N US Hwy 183, Goliad, TX

Bring Your Lawn Chairs

To ensure everyone’s comfort, we encourage you to bring your lawn chairs. Settle in, relax, and soak in the spirit of community.

RSVP 

Please let us know if you’ll be joining us. Contact Lifeway Baptist Church to confirm your attendance. We look forward to seeing you and your family at this uplifting event!  RSVP by clicking the FB link and click on the Going button:

(1) Lifeway Jesus Jamboree! | Facebook

JUNE 29, 2024 Rally with Ruby – FREE CONCERT SATURDAY, DOWNTOWN CUERO

Howdy folks! The feathers are fluffin’, the tunes are strummin’, and the excitement is building! Join us at the Rally with Ruby for an unforgettable evening of music, merriment, and turkey-themed fun.

Event Details:

  • What: Rally with Ruby
  • When: Saturday, June 29th, 7:00 PM
  • Where: Downtown Cuero (Main Street)

Live Music by VHS: From 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM, the band VHS will transport you back to the roaring ‘90s with their foot-stompin’ jams. And guess what? It’s FREE AS A BIRD! So bring your dancing shoes and groove under the starlit Texas sky.

 

Turkey Races and Ruby Begonia: Before the music kicks off, don’t miss the turkey races at 7:00 PM. These feathered speedsters are sure to ruffle some feathers! Plus, we’ll select the next Ruby Begonia—our hometown hero—to race against Worthington, Minnesota’s Paycheck for the coveted title of Turkey Capital of the World at Turkeyfest (October 11th-13th).

Food, Drinks, and More: While you tap your toes to the tunes, indulge in tasty grub and sip on cool drinks. It’s a feast fit for a flock!

5D Travelin’ Tavern Sponsors the Fun: A big ol’ thank you to 5D Travelin’ Tavern for making this gathering possible. It’s just the way we turkeys like it in Cuero—full of flavor, camaraderie, and good ol’ Texas hospitality.

🦃Gobble Gobble!  We can’t wait to see all you fine folks there. Let’s celebrate community, music, and the spirit of Cuero. Bring your friends, your family, and your best turkey dance moves!

 

About VHS: VHS is a high-energy band that blends nostalgia, rock, and soul. Get ready to groove with their infectious beats!

Calvary Baptist Church Hosts Vacation Bible School for Children

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cuero, Texas — Calvary Baptist Church is excited to announce its upcoming Vacation Bible School (VBS). The event will take place from June 10th to June 14th, with sessions running from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM each day. VBS is open to children who have completed kindergarten through fifth grade.

Event Details:

  • Dates: June 10th – June 14th
  • Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Age Group: Completed kindergarten through fifth grade

Join us for a week of fun, learning, and fellowship! For more information and registration, visit our website at Calvary Baptist Church.


Feel free to share this news with your community!

Cuero Majors Softball Stages Incredible Comeback, Advances to Face Hallettsville

By Pat Trevino | June 17, 2026

The Cuero Majors Softball team delivered one of their most impressive performances of the season, rallying from a 13–0 deficit to secure a thrilling 23–14 victory. What looked like a runaway game early quickly turned into a showcase of grit, heart, and pure determination as the team chipped away at the lead and stormed back in commanding fashion.

Cuero’s bats came alive in the middle innings, stringing together hit after hit while tightening up defensively to shut down the momentum on the other side. Once the comeback started rolling, the energy in the dugout and stands shifted — and the Majors never looked back.

With the win, Cuero now prepares for a crucial matchup against Hallettsville tomorrow at 7 p.m. in Hallettsville. It’s a high‑stakes scenario:

  • Win tomorrow, and Cuero forces a rematch on Thursday for the championship.
  • Loss, and the tournament run comes to an end.

Either way, the Majors have already shown they’re a team with fight, resilience, and the ability to rise when it matters most.

(Courtesy photo)

Cuero heads into tomorrow’s game with confidence — and a whole lot of momentum.

“Pedro” Pete L. Flores Sr. – February 23, 1944 to June 14, 2026 (82)

“Pedro” Pete L. Flores Sr., 82 of Haltom City, Texas passed away Sunday, June 14, 2026. He was born February 23, 1944 in Cuero to Lucio and Benita Hernandez Flores. He was employed by Tandy Corporation as a carpenter and worked for Radio Shack. He married the late Eva Villa on May 10, 1963 in Cuero. He was a member of Haltom City senior center. He played the guitar and accordion and loved Tejano and Country Music. After retirement from the Tandy Corporation/Radio Shack, he opened Pete’s Lawn Service and enjoyed being his own boss.

He is survived by his daughter, Sandy Flores of Venus; son, Pete L. Flores Jr. of Fort Worth; sisters, Rosie Leech of Abilene, Lydia Flores of Abilene and Toni Leal of Cuero; brother, Lucio Flores of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Chelsey Nicolle Flores of Crowley, Abel Lucio Trevino III of Haltom City, Vanessa Longoria of Fort Worth and Channel Flores of Reno, NV and 6 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eva Villa Flores; daughters, Shirley Ann Longoria and Susie Flores ; brothers, Jerry Flores, Johnny Flores, Domingo Flores, Rick Flores and Joe Flores.

Visitation will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026, 9:30 AM at Freund Funeral Home with Funeral Services beginning at 10:30 AM.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Community Healthcare of Texas- Hospice House at Huguley, 301 Medpark Cir. Burleson, TX 76028.

How DeWitt County Schools Compare: TEA Performance Meets Niche Rankings

Cuero Online News | June 15, 2026

DEWITT COUNTY, Texas — June 2026. With the 2026 Texas Education Agency (TEA) accountability ratings still pending, families and community members are turning to the most recent available data to understand how local schools are performing. Alongside TEA’s official accountability dashboards, the independent school‑rating platform Niche provides another lens for evaluating academic proficiency, class size, and overall district quality.

A review of both sources shows a diverse performance landscape across Cuero ISD, Yoakum ISD, Yorktown ISD, and Westhoff ISD, with each district demonstrating unique strengths.

What Is Niche?

Niche is a national education‑data platform that compiles information from:

  • State test scores
  • Federal education data
  • Parent and student reviews
  • Teacher‑to‑student ratios
  • College readiness indicators
  • Community and demographic factors

Niche assigns grades and rankings to schools and districts to help families compare educational options. Unlike TEA, which focuses on accountability and growth, Niche blends academic data with community feedback and school environment indicators.

District‑by‑District Breakdown

Cuero ISD

Niche Summary:

  • Students: 1,888
  • Student–Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Math Proficiency: 37%
  • Reading Proficiency: 53%
  • Overall Rating: Above Average

TEA Dashboard Highlights (Cuero High School):

  • Overall Rating: B
  • Student Achievement: B
  • School Progress: B
  • Academic Growth: F
  • Closing the Gaps: A
  • STAAR Meets: 58%
  • STAAR Masters: 21%
  • Graduation Rate: 98.6% (4‑year), 100% (5‑ and 6‑year)

Analysis: Cuero ISD shows strong academic performance at the high school level, especially in reading and advanced STAAR performance. The district’s biggest challenge is academic growth, where TEA scored Cuero High School an F. Graduation outcomes remain among the strongest in the region.

Yoakum ISD

Niche Summary:

  • Students: 1,458
  • Student–Teacher Ratio: 11:1
  • Math Proficiency: 45%
  • Reading Proficiency: 45%
  • Overall Rating: Above Average

TEA Dashboard Highlights (Yoakum High School):

  • Overall Rating: B
  • Student Achievement: C
  • School Progress: B
  • Academic Growth: D
  • Closing the Gaps: A
  • STAAR Meets: 54%
  • STAAR Masters: 14%
  • Graduation Rate: 100% (5‑year), 99.1% (6‑year)

Analysis: Yoakum ISD performs consistently across subjects, with balanced math and reading proficiency. TEA data shows strong equity outcomes and progress, though academic growth remains an area to watch. Long‑term graduation rates are excellent.

Yorktown ISD

Niche Summary:

  • Students: 574
  • Student–Teacher Ratio: 11:1
  • Math Proficiency: 47%
  • Reading Proficiency: 53%
  • Overall Rating: Average

TEA Dashboard Highlights (Yorktown ISD):

  • Student Achievement: B
  • School Progress: C
  • Academic Growth: D
  • Closing the Gaps: C
  • STAAR Meets: 48%
  • STAAR Masters: 16%
  • Graduation Rate: 91.9% (4‑year), 100% (5‑year)

Analysis: Yorktown ISD posts solid proficiency scores, especially in reading, and maintains a strong 5‑year graduation rate. Growth and subgroup performance lag behind Cuero and Yoakum, but overall achievement remains competitive.

Westhoff ISD (Westhoff Elementary)

Niche Summary:

  • Students: 85
  • Student–Teacher Ratio: 11:1
  • Math Proficiency: 81%
  • Reading Proficiency: 83%
  • Overall Rating: Top Rated

Context: Westhoff ISD is a small rural district with only 85 students and recently added its first year of high school. Its size creates a unique academic environment with extremely small class sizes.

Analysis: Westhoff stands out dramatically in proficiency rates, outperforming all other districts in both math and reading. Its small size may contribute to individualized instruction and higher mastery levels. As the district expands into high school grades, future TEA accountability ratings will provide a clearer picture of long‑term performance.

Countywide Comparison: Key Themes

Academic Proficiency (Niche Data)

  • Westhoff leads by a wide margin (81% math, 83% reading).
  • Yorktown and Cuero show similar reading proficiency (53%).
  • Yoakum leads Cuero in math proficiency (45% vs. 37%).

Advanced Performance (TEA STAAR Masters)

  • Cuero leads with 21%.
  • Yorktown follows with 16%.
  • Yoakum trails slightly at 14%.

Graduation Outcomes

  • Cuero and Yoakum show near‑perfect long‑term graduation rates.
  • Yorktown maintains strong 5‑year completion.
  • Westhoff does not yet have high school graduation data.

Growth & Equity

  • Yoakum and Cuero both earned A ratings in Closing the Gaps.
  • Yorktown scored C, indicating more variability among student groups.

Overall Picture

DeWitt County’s school districts each bring different strengths to the table:

  • Cuero ISD excels in advanced academics and graduation consistency.
  • Yoakum ISD shows balanced proficiency and strong equity outcomes.
  • Yorktown ISD performs solidly in proficiency but needs improvement in growth.
  • Westhoff ISD, though small, posts the highest proficiency rates in the county.

As the community awaits the release of 2026 TEA ratings, these combined data sources offer a clear, multi‑angle view of how local schools are performing — and where future efforts may be focused.

DeWitt County 4‑H Members Shine at Leadership Lab; Jana Elected District Officer

SHERIDAN, Texas — A DeWitt County 4‑H member, Jana, has been elected to serve as the 2026–2027 District 11 4‑H Public Relations Officer, earning a seat on the District 11 4‑H Council following officer elections at this year’s Leadership Lab.

Jana completed a formal interview, delivered a campaign speech, and was selected by voting delegates from across the district. Her new role places her in a key leadership position representing youth from 18 counties across South Texas.

Jana and fellow DeWitt County 4‑H member CJ attended Leadership Lab at Splashway in Sheridan over the past several days. The annual event brings together youth from across District 11 for advanced leadership training, team‑building activities, community service projects, and district officer elections.

Participants took part in workshops focused on communication, problem‑solving, and public‑speaking skills, while also collaborating on new ideas to bring back to their home counties for the upcoming 4‑H year.

Local 4‑H leaders expressed pride in both members’ accomplishments and their commitment to representing DeWitt County.

“We are so proud of Jana and CJ,” volunteers said. “They stepped up, worked hard, and represented DeWitt County with leadership and enthusiasm.”

DEBRA “DEBBIE” JEAN BURNETT – NOVEMBER 21, 1956 TO JUNE 8, 2026 (69)

Debra “Debbie” Jean Burnett, of Smiley, Texas was born on November 21,1956 in Nixon, Texas to Harold Eugene Burnett and Virginia Ann Bundick, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026, in Seguin, Texas at the age of 69.

Debbie attended Smiley Schools and graduated in 1975. She played basketball, volleyball and participated in track. She was a member of the Smiley Bantamette Drill Team, the Annual Staff, Newspaper Staff, FHA, Speech and Drama Club, One act play crew, and the Rodeo Club. She also attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos where she received her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and Coaching graduating in 1979. Debbie was involved with the Old Chisum Trailride and loved riding horses.

Debbie was a Coach and Teacher for the Runge ISD, Hallettsville ISD, Stockdale ISD and Cuero ISD. She coached basketball, volleyball, and track and field.

Debbie loved sporting events and would attend her nephews and niece’s events when possible. She would also be found up in the stands pulling for her students at football games. She made trips out of state to watch Dusty and Aimee compete at their track meets. She dabbled in photography for a while as well.

Debbie and Robert loved to go dancing, eating out and watching movies. She traveled with her dear friends Rachel Kelley, Joann Havemann and her cousin Karen Mayer.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Harold Eugene Burnett and Virginia Ann Burnett and by her cherished companion Robert Birchum.

Survivors include her brothers and sister and their spouses: David Burnett and wife Janie, of Calvert, TX, Dickey Ray Burnett and wife Trayce of Smiley, TX, Donna B. Vasbinder and husband Theron, of LaVernia, TX; cousin; Karen Mayer; nephews and niece: Dusty Jonas and wife Marusa, David “Houston” and wife Bridgette, Clay Taylor Burnett and wife Sarah, Aimee Hunt and husband Kevin, Layne Hicks, Luke Hicks and wife Amber; great nephews and nieces: T.C. Burnett, Bentlie Burnett, Kyra Hunt, Quinn Hunt, Max Jonas, Audrey Burnett, Camille Burnett, and Jonathan Burnett; dear friends: Rachel Kelley, Joann Havemann, Diana Weise, and many other relatives and friends who Debbie loved dearly.

Debbie was a member of the First Baptist Church in Smiley. She will be loved and deeply missed by all.

Memorial Services at the First Baptist Church of Smiley, TX on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Marvin Miles officiating.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Smiley, 106 N FM 108, Smiley, TX 78159.

VALERIA “VAL” (ALEX) BUESING – OCTOBER 7, 1934 TO JUNE 3, 2026 (91)

Valeria “Val” Alex Buesing, 91, of Yorktown, passed away on June 3, 2026, in Victoria. She was born on October 7, 1934, in Westhoff to the late Frank P. and Rosie Helen Henkes Ebrom. She was raised with strong family values and a hardworking spirit.

She married Albert Alex on October 9, 1952, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Yorktown; they shared many years of marriage until his passing in 1987. Val found love again and married Floyd Buesing on January 19, 2012, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Nordheim. Together they enjoyed attending church, dancing at feasts, playing dominos, ranching, and eating at Weesatche Hall & Corner Store Café.

Val and Albert owned and operated a café in Yorktown for many years. She also worked at the Yorktown nursing home and Hermann Sons Hall. She enjoyed a few cold ones with family and friends. Val treasured time spent with those she loved, especially gathering with family at Easter. She loved her siblings, nieces, and nephews, but her niece Donna held a special place in her heart.

Val is survived by her husband, Floyd; sisters, Irene Mueller and Helen Hotz; brother, Eddie Ebrom; stepchildren, Judy (David) Ford, Larry (Dorena) Buesing, Peggy (Bud) Cryer, and Nancy (James) Egger; step‑grandchildren, Stacy (Brad) Yanta, Kris (Angie) Ford, Chad (Danielle) Cryer, Marcus (Ashlyn) Egger, Tyler (Allyson) Egger, Crystal Buesing (fiancé Matt), and Brad Buesing; step‑great‑grandchildren, Kaylin, Kalli, and Brody Yanta, Jonah Ford, Ethan and Jade Cryer, Adelynn Egger, and Logan Egger; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband; brothers, Paul “PT,” Jacob, Walter, and Ben Ebrom; sisters, Dorothy Schaffner, Janie Goehring, Cecilia Lockstedt, and Elnora Lincke.

Val will be remembered for her warm smile, her generosity, and her love of family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the community she cherished.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Finch Funeral Chapel in Yorktown. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral chapel, with interment to follow at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Larry Mueller, Darvin Mueller, Jimmy “Bubba” Hotz, Paul “Sonny” Ebrom, Alvin Ebrom, Kris Ford, Brad Buesing, and Chester Buesing. Honorary pallbearers are Brandon Mueller, Steve Cummings, Don Simecek, Greg Bunjues, Donna Brandstetter, Judy Mueller, Stacy Yanta, Crystal Buesing, Chad Cryer, Marcus Egger, Tyler Egger, the step‑great‑grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial contributions may be given in Val’s honor to St. Paul Lutheran Church–Nordheim, St. Paul Lutheran Church–Yorktown, Yorktown EMS, or donor’s choice.

LORETTA FAY KOOPMANN BURGE – JUNE 28, 1941 TO JUNE 12, 2026 (84)

Loretta Fay Koopmann Burge passed away June 12, 2026 at home with family and friends at her side.

Loretta was born June 28, 1941 at home in Gruenau to Anton and Antonia Wild Koopmann. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Yorktown.

She was a member of the Yorktown High School class of 1959. After high school she ventured away from Yorktown, finding her way to Washington D.C. There, she worked at the US Treasury, and watched the White House Flag go to half-staff the day President Kennedy was assassinated.

It was also in the Washington D.C. area that she met Neal Burge, a sergeant in the US Air Force. They married on January 2, 1964. They spent the first three years of their marriage in England when Neal was stationed at Chicksands AFB. The last stop in Neal’s USAF career took them to St. Louis, MO. During the five years in St. Louis, Loretta became an Avon Lady who served the military housing area.

In 1974 Neal retired and the family moved to Yorktown. Loretta spent the first years as a homemaker. She served as a room mother for both of her children’s classes, volunteered at the Primary Campus, and was involved in PTO as an officer and event organizer. Away from the school, Loretta also participated in the creation of the Chamber of Commerce’s yearly floats, painting, hammering, stapling, and glittering a lot of plywood to help capture that year’s theme. In later years, Loretta and Neal would help greet parade entrants before the Grand Parade during Western Days. For two years, she served as a Girl Scout leader for her daughter’s troop.

Loretta picked up her involvement with the Yorktown Independent School when she took the job as the Band Assistant helping the band director. She transitioned into working at the YISD main office, and finally was the Federal Programs and clerical person for the cafeteria. For many years she knew every student in the school thanks to checking off their names as they went through the breakfast and lunch lines every day. She retired after twenty years of service to YISD. Loretta also worked at the local grocery store as a bookkeeper through three of its ownership changes.

Loretta was predeceased by her parents and husband.

She is survived by son, Richard Burge and wife Shanna of Lindenau, TX; daughter, Pamela Burge of Yorktown, TX; granddaughter, Tracy Burns of Jonesboro, AR; grandson, Sean Burge and wife Vanessa of League City, TX; brother, Arvid Koopmann and wife Susan of Dallas, TX; many nieces; a multitude of cousins; and many beloved friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 28, 2026 at Gruenau Hall. The service will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a meal served at 5:00 p.m. Pastor Frances Ann Koopmann will be presiding.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Harbor Hospice for their kindness and guidance. Special thanks goes to nurse Misty Orsak and CNA Dulce Villegas. For their loving hands and hearts, thanks go to Yvonne Torres, Alexis Torres and Jessica Boyd for the hours of care and Lisa Ledwik for being ready to step in when needed. And to Becky Banda, the family is grateful for the guidance and assistance in setting up around the clock care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Loretta’s honor to her favorite charity, The Yorktown Firemen’s Association (PO Box 284, Yorktown, TX 78164) of the donor’s choice.

MARY LOU GERHARDT – APRIL 8, 1931 TO JUNE 12, 2026 (95)

Mary Lou Gerhardt, 95, of Yorktown passed away Friday, June 12, 2026. She was born April 8, 1931 in Graysburg, TX to John Jr. and Louise Fox Harris. She married the love of her life Gerald Gerhardt on August 28, 1949 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Kenedy.

She is survived by her children Donna (Ronnie) Matejek of Yorktown and Jeffery (Diana) Gerhardt, DDS of Austin. She is also survived by grandchildren Deanna Warwas, Joseph Matejek, great grandchildren Gavin and Gabriel Torres and brother Bill Harris.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Gerald Gerhardt, son Larry Gerhardt, brother John Harris III and sister Erlene    .

Funeral service 2 pm Monday, June 15, 2026 at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Interment to follow at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church or donor’s choice.