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!
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:
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!
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.
CUERO, Texas —What should have been a routine Turkeyfest season erupted into one of Cuero’s most unexpected controversies, complete with allegations of misconduct, claims of children being left out, tense exchanges at public events, and a wave of social‑media drama that left families divided. At the center of the conflict is a name that has been part of Cuero tradition for more than forty years: Miss Cuero.
Today, two legally valid pageant organizations operate under similar branding. Both say they exist to support youth development. But the path that led Cuero to this moment is tangled with misunderstandings, leadership changes, and a name that was never legally protected. The result was a community caught in the middle, unsure which group was “official,” and left to navigate a season filled with confusion and emotion.
The Chamber Era Ends, Leaving a Name Unclaimed
For decades, the Miss Cuero Pageant operated under the Cuero Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber never registered “Miss Cuero” as a standalone business, nonprofit, or assumed name. It was simply a program, not a legal entity. When the Chamber discontinued its pageant sponsorship in 2023, the name “Miss Cuero” was left unclaimed. No state entity existed. No DBA existed. No legal owner existed.
This gap created the perfect conditions for confusion once new groups stepped in.
In 2024, the Cuero Chamber of Commerce announced a collaboration with the Miss Golden Crescent organization to continue the Miss Cuero Pageant tradition. The partnership allowed the pageant to operate with Chamber endorsement while maintaining local residency criteria, but the Chamber still did not register “Miss Cuero” as a separate business entity. The collaboration effectively positioned the Burmeister‑run group as the pageant’s successor, even though legal ownership of the name remained unclaimed.
The Burmeister Filing in 2024
On April 30, 2024, Jamara Burmeister filed a DBA with the DeWitt County Clerk to operate under the name “Miss Cuero Pageant.” The filing is county‑level, not a corporation or nonprofit, but it legally allows the Burmeister family — who have directed the Miss Golden Crescent Pageant for six years — to use the name for local pageant operations.
With this filing, the Burmeister group became the first to legally register a name connected to the Miss Cuero tradition after the Chamber stepped away.
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The Hopkins Filing in 2026 — And the Real Source of the Split
More than two years later, in August 2026, Kelsey Hopkins registered a state‑level entity with the Texas Secretary of State called Miss Cuero Royalty Court. A state‑level filing creates a formal legal entity recognized across Texas. It does not conflict with the Burmeister filing because the names are not identical.
The timing, however, created the perception of competition — and in this case, it was competition.
Hopkins had previously served as a Director within the Burmeister‑run Miss Cuero Pageant. According to Hopkins and several parents, tensions arose over fundraising expectations, including raffle‑ticket quotas that some families felt were excessive or unclear. They described the environment as uncomfortable and said those concerns contributed to their decision to leave and form a new organization.
Burmeister, in a written statement, disputed that characterization. He said the departures “involved much more than raffle ticket sales or concerns regarding our parade float,” citing documented issues with missed appearances, dress‑code compliance, communication, and adherence to signed participation agreements. He emphasized that assistance was offered to families struggling with fundraising and that the organization’s goal was “to help every family succeed, not to create unnecessary hardship.” Burmeister also stated that two individuals participated in the Turkeyfest float without authorization while still holding titles under his organization, raising concerns about misrepresentation. He said probationary notices were being prepared but that the families “voluntarily withdrew” before they were issued.
Both sides agree the split occurred before Turkeyfest 2026, but they differ sharply on the reasons. Hopkins and her supporters describe the departure as a response to pressure and unfair expectations; Burmeister frames it as a voluntary withdrawal following repeated participation concerns. Each organization now operates independently under separate filings — one continuing the Burmeister direction, and one formed by those who felt pushed out.
The Drama: Allegations, Exclusion Claims, and Social‑Media Firestorms
As both groups began appearing at community events, confusion spread quickly. Parents were unsure which organization represented the historic Miss Cuero lineage, and Turkeyfest volunteers struggled to determine which queen belonged where. Supporters of each group defended their own participants, and misunderstandings soon escalated into public accusations.
Allegations circulated throughout the community, including claims that certain youth were left out or excluded and accusations of misconduct by adults. Social media intensified the tension, with some users even alleging assault, while others complained about inappropriate interactions between pageant representatives and described tense exchanges during Turkeyfest activities. Online commentary accused adults of favoritism, misrepresentation, and attempting to overshadow or replace the other group, fueling a narrative that grew more heated with each new post.
Screenshots spread, rumors outpaced facts, and emotions ran high. The absence of clear public communication from either organization allowed speculation to fill the gaps. Law enforcement later confirmed that a police report was filed regarding one of the allegations circulating online. According to Cuero Police Department Lt. Steve Ellis, officers gathered information from both parties, interviewed witnesses, and attempted to obtain video of the alleged incident. The report has been forwarded to the DeWitt County Attorney’s Office for review to determine whether any charges will be pursued. No charges have been filed at this time, and no additional information will be released until prosecutors complete their review. Police are requesting that anyone with video of the incident contact Sgt. Rubio at 361‑277‑3552 ext. 804 or email crubio@cityofcuero.com.
What the Records Actually Show
The legal filings tell a simple story beneath the drama. Burmeister’s group filed first, in 2024, at the county level. Hopkins’ group filed later, in 2026, at the state level. Neither group owns the name “Miss Cuero” outright, because the Chamber never registered it. Both filings are legally valid. Both groups have the right to operate under their respective names.
The conflict did not arise from fraud or wrongdoing. It arose from two legally recognized organizations operating in the same space, using similar branding, and drawing from the same historical tradition — without realizing how unclear the legal landscape had become.
The Most Important Part: Both Groups Serve Youth — Boys and Girls
Pageants today are not just for girls. Many programs include boys divisions, youth ambassadors, royal courts, and leadership roles for all genders. Despite the tension, both organizations share the same core purpose. They help young people grow. They build confidence. They encourage community involvement. They teach responsibility and leadership. They give youth — boys and girls — a chance to shine.
Cuero is not dealing with a scandal. It is dealing with two groups trying to do good work in the same space, without realizing how much confusion would result from overlapping names and unclear history.
A Community With Room for Both
Cuero has always been a place where tradition matters. But it is also a place where people step up to support youth. The emergence of two pageant organizations is not a crisis — it is an opportunity. More mentorship. More representation. More chances for young people to grow.
As long as both groups communicate clearly and operate respectfully, Cuero can benefit from twice the support for its young people. And that is something worth celebrating.
CUERO, Texas — This follow‑up report provides additional details on Wednesday morning Oct 2nd major accident in front of Cuero High School that prompted a brief lockdown, a large emergency response, and an extensive roadway cleanup effort involving multiple agencies and local wrecker crews.
Shortly before 9 a.m., the Cuero Police Department responded to a major accident with a rollover in the 900 block of East Broadway, directly in front of the Cuero High School Administration Building. Officers arrived to find a 2001 GMC pickup that had flipped twice and landed on its roof after colliding with a 2006 Lexus SUV traveling eastbound in the inside lane.
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Investigators determined the GMC pickup, driven by Randy Rhodes of Bandera, was traveling westbound when he failed to control his speed and maintain a single lane of travel, causing the collision. Rhodes was cited for failure to control speed, failure to maintain a single lane, and operating a vehicle with an expired driver’s license.
Because of the severity of the crash and debris scattered near the school entrance, Cuero High School initiated a precautionary lockdown at 9:56 a.m. Dispatchers reported multiple emergency units responding, traffic being diverted around the campus and nearby businesses, and additional ambulances requested due to the number of injured occupants.
Cuero EMS and Sacred Heart EMS transported a total of eight individuals to Cuero Regional Hospital. All injuries were described as non‑life‑threatening.
Wrecker Crew Praises Firefighters and City Employees for Rapid Cleanup
Bobby Lee Hranicky, owner of Bobby’s Auto Body and Wrecker Service, shared that he and fellow wrecker operator Eddie responded to recover the vehicles involved. Hranicky emphasized that the roadway was cleared significantly faster thanks to the coordinated assistance of Cuero firefighters and City of Cuero employees.
“We were able to concentrate on recovering the vehicles while the firemen and the city helped with some of the cleanup,” Hranicky said. “It got the roadway open at least two to three times faster than if it had just been Eddie and myself alone. Big shout to them and the Cuero PD and all the DPS, etc., that helped control the traffic so we could work safely.”
Agencies Assisting
The Cuero Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Texas Department of Public Safety, DeWitt County Sheriff’s Office, Cuero Fire Department, Cuero EMS, Yorktown EMS, Sacred Heart EMS, DeWitt County Emergency Management, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and Bobby’s Auto Body and Wrecker Service.
Authorities cleared the scene after removing the vehicles and debris, restoring normal traffic flow.
Sharon Hallmark Mollenkopf, 71, of Cuero left her earthly home to join the angels in heaven on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. She was born May 7, 1955, in Cuero to the late Elliott John Hallmark and Helen Boehl Hallmark. She graduated from Cuero High school in 1974. After graduation, she worked at Keesler’s Café for many years and later owned it. She served as the Vice President of Cuero Downtown Association and was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Cuero where she served on the altar guild. She loved Snoopy, Woodstock and all of The Peanuts Gang.
She is survived by her husband, Albert Mollenkopf; daughter, Misty Adair Gardner (James); sisters, Kathy Hallmark Kueker, Judy Hallmark Keefe (Joe) and Debra Hallmark Hernandez; grandchildren, Kyle Mollenkopf (Rebecca), Corey Wade (Destiney), Tyler Law, Jordyn Law and Mariya Roy and great-grandchildren, Daylani Adore Wade and Daisley Amore Wade; sister-in-law, Linda Dittfurth (Barry); as well as numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Jean Hallmark Kann; brothers, Curtis Lee Hallmark, Claude Allen Hallmark, Delbert Don Hallmark and Glenn Dewayne Hallmark; granddaughter, Desiree Nicole Ross; sister-in-law, Sandra Ricks; in-laws, Marion and Eugene Mollenkopf; niece, Amber Leigh O’Shia and nephew, Troy Hallmark.
Family and friends are invited to a graveside memorial service at Glendale Cemetery in Goliad on Saturday, October 24, 2026, 10:00 AM. A Reception will follow at St. John Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Goliad.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pet Adoptions of Cuero or Acts 6 Fund at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church – Cuero.
Registration for Victoria College’s Spring 2027 traditional classes – those that lead to a degree, certificate, or university transfer – begins Monday, Oct. 12, with registration periods continuing through March 12, 2027.
VC’s Spring 2027 semester is made up of several terms, including Winter Interim (Dec. 21-Jan. 6), 16-Week (Jan. 19-May 13), First 8-Week (Jan. 19-March 12), and Second 8-Week (March 22-May 13) courses.
Eligible students can register online via the Pirate Portal or by scheduling an appointment with an advisor. Appointments can be scheduled by visiting VictoriaCollege.edu/Advising.
Payment plans are available, and students can apply for financial aid and scholarships.
Administrative offices for Victoria College will be closed Nov. 21-29 for Fall Break and Dec. 19-Jan. 3 for Winter Break.
SAN ANTONIO — Cuero walked into Edgewood Veterans Stadium on Friday night with a perfect record and walked out looking every bit like a team determined to keep it. The Gobblers overpowered the San Antonio Memorial Minutemen 58–12 in a game defined by speed, precision, and a relentless offensive rhythm that never gave the home team room to breathe.
Cuero wasted no time asserting control. The Gobblers struck early and often, piling up 23 points in the opening quarter. Memorial’s defense struggled to contain Cuero’s tempo, and by the time the second quarter ended, the Gobblers had added 21 more, building a 44–6 halftime lead that left little doubt about the outcome.
Jarvis Williams delivered one of the most efficient performances of the season. Working in a hybrid quarterback role, Williams completed 11 of 12 passes for 226 yards and five touchdowns. His poise in the pocket and ability to extend plays kept Memorial guessing all night.
D’Zayvin Bonner turned in a standout receiving performance, hauling in seven passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns. His route running and yards-after-catch ability repeatedly broke open drives and energized the Cuero sideline. Running back C. Perez added 43 rushing yards on just four carries, helping Cuero maintain balance and control of the clock.
Memorial managed a touchdown in the second quarter and another in the third, but Cuero’s defense tightened quickly, shutting down any hope of a rally. The Gobblers held the Minutemen scoreless in the fourth, closing out the game with disciplined play and a deep rotation that kept fresh legs on the field.
The win pushes Cuero to 6–0 on the season, continuing a dominant stretch that has showcased both explosive offense and steady defensive execution. Memorial falls to 1–5.
Cuero now turns its attention to a non‑district matchup against Gonzales on October 16, where the Gobblers will look to keep their momentum rolling as the season enters its mid‑October grind.
A quiet but powerful act of conscience is unfolding inside the U.S. military. At least six service members — and possibly more than 180 — are preparing to seek religious exemptions from participating in the planned firing‑squad execution of Nidal Hasan, scheduled for December 3 at Fort Hood. Their objections are not about defending Hasan but about defending their own moral integrity. These soldiers, Catholic and Protestant alike, are raising a question that reaches far beyond military protocol, asking whether any human being should be compelled to participate in a televised execution.
Nidal Malik Hasan, convicted of the 2009 Fort Hood massacre, is at the center of a national debate as soldiers seek religious exemptions from participating in his planned firing‑squad execution.
Their concerns come as Catholic bishops condemn the plan, Senator Mark Kelly calls for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s removal, and JD Vance publicly states he will not watch. The controversy is no longer about Hasan alone; it is about what kind of nation we become when an execution is turned into a public spectacle.
Hasan was a U.S. Army psychiatrist who had treated soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Over time, he became deeply disturbed by what he saw as the moral and spiritual consequences of those wars. Hasan’s writings and statements before the attack showed that he viewed himself as defending Muslims from what he considered unjust wars. He believed killing soldiers preparing to deploy overseas would prevent further harm to Muslims abroad. That distorted reasoning — combined with his growing isolation, resentment, and radicalization — led him to open fire on his fellow service members at Fort Hood, killing 13 and wounding 32.
Many Americans grew up hearing the Sixth Commandment as “Thou shalt not kill,” yet the original Hebrew says something very different. The commandment reads Lo tirtzach, meaning “You shall not murder,” a word that refers specifically to unlawful or immoral killing. The Hebrew Bible uses another term for killing in war, self‑defense, or judicial punishment, which is why the Old Testament permits capital punishment in certain circumstances, allows warfare under strict moral conditions, and distinguishes between accidental killing, combat, and murder. When these soldiers say the commandment conflicts with participating in a firing squad, they are not claiming the Bible forbids all killing; they are saying this particular act feels like murder, not lawful combat or defense, but a personal, punitive killing carried out in front of cameras. One soldier reportedly told advocates he does not want his children watching him pull the trigger, a statement that reveals not a legal argument but a profound moral injury.
Catholic teaching helps explain why two of the objecting soldiers feel torn. For centuries the Church permitted capital punishment in rare cases, believing it could be justified when no other means existed to protect society. Over time, especially in the modern era, the Church’s position shifted. Today the Catechism teaches that the death penalty is inadmissible because it violates the dignity of the human person. Catholic bishops have already condemned the plan to livestream Hasan’s execution, arguing that broadcasting a killing violates the Church’s insistence that even the guilty possess God‑given dignity. Catholic moral theology also holds conscience as sacred, meaning a Catholic may not participate in an act they believe is intrinsically immoral. Forcing a Catholic soldier to take part in a televised killing places them in direct conflict with their faith.
Protestant traditions vary widely on capital punishment, with some denominations supporting it as a legitimate function of government, others opposing it entirely, and many falling somewhere in between. Yet across Protestant ethics, one theme is remarkably consistent: executions must never become entertainment. Public spectacle is condemned in nearly every major Protestant tradition, and for Protestant soldiers the issue is not only the killing but the broadcasting, the sense that the state is asking them to participate in something that resembles vengeance rather than justice.
Jewish teaching adds another dimension. While Jewish law technically permits capital punishment, the rabbis placed so many restrictions on its use that it became nearly impossible to carry out. They required multiple eyewitnesses, unanimous agreement, and advance warnings, and they considered a court that executed more than once in seventy years to be bloodthirsty. Judaism teaches that taking a life must never be done lightly, publicly, or triumphantly, and a livestreamed execution would violate the spirit of Jewish ethics, which emphasize restraint, solemnity, and the preservation of human dignity even for the guilty.
There is another layer to this crisis that goes beyond religion. Religion often teaches obedience — do this or be punished, follow the rule or face consequences — but morality is different. Morality is doing the right thing because it is right, not because one fears hell or hopes for heaven. These soldiers are not refusing out of fear; they are refusing out of conscience. They are not rejecting this assignment because their religion demands obedience, but because their morality demands integrity. That distinction matters. It is the difference between following orders and being human.
Soldiers are trained to kill in war, but under strict moral conditions, in defense of others, under lawful authority, and in situations where killing is not personal. A firing squad is different. It requires a soldier to aim at a restrained, defenseless human being and pull the trigger. It is not combat, not defense, not chaotic or accidental, but deliberate, intimate, and final. When cameras are added, when the timing is chosen to match the moment Hasan began his attack, when the act is prepared for public viewing, the execution begins to resemble vengeance rather than justice. For many soldiers, that crosses the line from killing to murder, not legally, but morally.
Whatever one’s views on capital punishment, the decision to broadcast the execution is the most disturbing element. Livestreaming risks turning justice into entertainment, exposes children to violence, invites political exploitation, and degrades the dignity of everyone involved, including the executioners. It places service members in a position no American soldier has ever faced, being filmed while killing a restrained prisoner. That is not justice; that is spectacle. And these soldiers — Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish alike — are right to question it.
And maybe that is what strikes me most deeply about their stand. I have been Catholic for sixty‑seven years, and all my life I have believed capital punishment to be nothing more than legalized murder, not justice, but murder carried out with paperwork. The Church once tolerated the death penalty in rare cases, but today it teaches what many of us have always known in our hearts, that human dignity does not disappear, even in the guilty. These service members are not refusing out of fear of hell or hope for heaven; they are refusing because conscience still matters, because morality is not obedience, because doing the right thing is supposed to come from the soul, not from the threat of punishment. And when the government asks its soldiers to kill a restrained man on camera for the nation to watch, it is not just the condemned whose dignity is at stake — it is ours.
Publisher – Cuero Online News, Photographer, Published Author
Rodney Allen Chatman, 50, of Cuero, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on October 3, 2026. Born in Kerrville, Texas, to Clara (Palmer) and William Chatman, he spent his life in Cuero, the community he loved. Known for his warm and welcoming personality, he left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
A graduate of Cuero High School, Rodney was a standout defensive lineman who played with determination and heart. He carried that same grit into his adult life, working in security roles and later at a meat processing plant, where he was known for his friendly nature and ability to make coworkers feel like family.
Rodney was passionate about barbecuing and spent years perfecting his skills at the pit. He was also a devoted fan of both the Houston Texans and Texas Longhorns, consistently cheering them on through every season. His faith in God grounded him throughout his life and shaped the kindness he showed to others.
He was the proud father of three daughters, Kiana Barnes, Tionna Chatman, and Alesia Chatman, and was also survived by his parents, William and Clara Chatman; and his siblings, Jerry Warren Jr., Gina Crain, Anthony Warren, Dalana Childs, and Toya Gonzalez.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, October 18, 2026, with viewing at 1:30 p.m. and services at 2:30 p.m. at Freund Funeral Home, 213 N. Gonzales St., Cuero, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Outreach for Souls Church, Cuero, TX.
The Yoakum Police Department and Yoakum Fire Department welcomed families, neighbors, and community supporters to the City Park Pavilion on Tuesday evening for this year’s National Night Out, an event focused on strengthening neighborhood ties and promoting public safety. The gathering, held from 6 to 8 p.m., brought together residents of all ages for an evening of connection, conversation, and hands‑on interaction with local first responders.
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The pavilion stayed busy throughout the night as children explored police units, fire trucks, and EMS vehicles, guided by officers, firefighters, and EMTs who took time to answer questions and demonstrate equipment. Music played in the background while families visited with one another, enjoyed free hot dogs and refreshments, and took part in the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere created by both departments.
National Night Out is designed to build stronger neighborhoods through positive engagement, and Yoakum’s event reflected that spirit. Officers and firefighters spent the evening talking with residents about safety, community concerns, and the shared goal of keeping Yoakum strong. Many attendees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to meet first responders outside of emergency situations and to learn more about the work they do every day.
The Yoakum Police Department and Yoakum Fire/EMS emphasized that community partnerships are essential to creating a safer, more connected city. Tuesday’s turnout demonstrated that Yoakum residents continue to value those relationships and the chance to come together in support of one another.
As the evening wrapped up, organizers thanked everyone for attending and reaffirmed their commitment to working “better together” to keep Yoakum safe. The event closed with smiles, full plates, and a renewed sense of community pride.
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Connor Thigpen delivered one of the most remarkable performances ever recorded at the National Skeet Shooting Association’s 2026 World Skeet Championships in San Antonio, capturing the High Over All title with an extraordinary 499×500. The achievement places him among the most elite competitors in the sport’s history, with multiple national outlets confirming the magnitude of his accomplishment.
Thigpen, a high school senior from Cuero, Texas, entered the World Championships representing Team Remington and quickly established himself as the shooter to watch. Across the week‑long competition, he demonstrated unwavering focus, technical mastery, and mental endurance — qualities essential for success in skeet shooting’s most demanding events.
His HOA victory came in a field of 587 shooters, with no other competitor surpassing 498 targets. He followed that triumph by winning the High All Around title, finishing regulation tied at 596×600 with teammate Sheaffer Stanfill before securing the championship in a shoot‑off. Earlier in the week, Thigpen also claimed the Mini World HOA crown, posting 399×400 to set the tone for his historic run.
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According to multiple reports, Thigpen missed only five targets out of 1,100 thrown throughout the championship — a level of consistency rarely seen at the world level. He credited his success to disciplined preparation, weekly practice sessions leading up to the event, and the reliability of Remington’s STS ammunition across all gauges.
For Team Remington, Thigpen’s sweep of major titles underscores the strength of its rising talent. His performance not only elevates his own standing within the sport but also highlights the depth of skill among Remington’s competitive shooters.
As the dust settles on the 2026 World Skeet Championships, Connor Thigpen’s near‑perfect performance stands as a defining moment — a championship run that will be remembered for years to come.
Sister M. Mildred Truchard, 89, died on October 3, 2026. She was born May 13, 1937, in Sealy, TX, to the late Joe and Lillie (Schneider) Truchard. She was the eldest in a family of two girls and five boys.
Sister Mildred attended Mentz Public School and Columbus High School and Nazareth Academy from which she graduated. She entered Nazareth Convent and became a postulant on December 8, 1954, received the habit on August 24, 1955, and professed her first vows on August 6, 1957. She received a BA degree with a major in English and a minor in History and an MA degree with a major in Biology and a minor in Education from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio. She earned a Masters of Education in Administration from Our Lady of the Lake University and an MA in Pastoral Ministry from Oblate School of Theology both in San Antonio.
During her 69 years as a professed member of the congregation, Sister Mildred ministered as a teacher and/or principal at St. Michael School in Weimer, Immaculate Conception School and Sealy Public School in Sealy, St. Leo School and Blessed Sacrament Academy in San Antonio, Sacred Heart in Hallettsville, St. Joseph High School and Nazareth Academy in Victoria. She was instrumental in opening a Multi-Learning Center as an alternative high school at Blessed Sacrament Academy in 1989. Then she was in parish ministry at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Ganado. She also served as Local Superior at Incarnate Word Convent and as a General Councilor from 2008-2012 and served as a Vocation Director for a number of years.
Sister Mildred’s hobbies included gardening, painting, arts and crafts and reading. She used her computer skills with the formulation and updating of the IWBS web page for the Congregation and shared her Sisterly Thoughts in the Victoria Diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Lighthouse. She has resided at Incarnate Word Convent Health Care since 2022.
Sister Mildred was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Francis John Truchard and Denis Truchard. She is survived by her sister Anne Marie Linville (Jim) and brothers Anthony Truchard (Jo Ann), Joseph Truchard (Sally), James Truchard (Marci), and sisters-in-law Barbara and Nancy, many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be nieces and nephews of Sister Mildred.
Visitation and rosary will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, at Incarnate Word Convent and a Wake Service with Evening Praise and Sharing of Memories will be held at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. at Incarnate Word Convent on Friday, October 9, with Bishop Brendan Cahill as presider. Burial will follow at Catholic Cemetery #3.
Memorial donations may be made to Incarnate Word Convent, Blessed Sacrament Academy, Nazareth Academy, Hospice of South Texas, or donor’s choice.
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!
