FBI Releases Annual Internet Crime Report
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has released its latest annual report. The 2024 Internet Crime Report combines information from 859,532 complaints of suspected internet crime and details reported losses exceeding $16 billion—a 33% increase in losses from 2023.
The top three cybercrimes, by number of complaints reported by victims in 2024, were phishing/spoofing, extortion, and personal data breaches. Victims of investment fraud, specifically those involving cryptocurrency, reported the most losses—totaling over $6.5 billion.
According to the 2024 report, the most complaints were received from California, Texas, and Florida. As a group, people over the age of 60 suffered the most losses at nearly $5 billion and submitted the greatest number of complaints.
“Reporting is one of the first and most important steps in fighting crime so law enforcement can use this information to combat a variety of frauds and scams,” said FBI Director, Kash Patel. “The IC3, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is only as successful as the reports it receives; that’s why it’s imperative that the public immediately report suspected cyber-enabled criminal activity to the FBI.”
To promote public awareness, the IC3 produces an annual report to aggregate and highlight the data provided by the general public. The quality of the data is a direct reflection of the information the public provides through the IC3 website. The IC3 standardizes the data by categorizing each complaint and analyzes the data to identify and forecast trends in internet crime. The annual report helps the FBI develop effective relationships with industry partners and share information for investigative and intelligence purposes for law enforcement and public awareness.
The IC3, which was established in May 2000, houses nine million complaints from the public in its database and continues to encourage anyone who thinks they’ve been the victim of a cyber-enabled crime, regardless of dollar loss, to file a complaint through the IC3 website. The more comprehensive complaints the FBI receives, the more effective it will be in helping law enforcement gain a more accurate picture of the extent and nature of internet-facilitated crimes.
The FBI recommends that everyone frequently review consumer and industry alerts published by the IC3. If you or your business are a victim of an internet crime, immediately notify all financial institutions involved in the relevant transactions, submit a complaint to www.ic3.gov, contact your nearest FBI field office, and contact local law enforcement.
Learn more about the history of IC3 by listening to this previously released FBI podcast episode: Inside the FBI: IC3 Turns 20.
The full 2024 Internet Crime Report can be found here: ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2024_IC3Report.pdf
Irene Mary Pustka – August 11, 1947 to May 3, 2025 (77)
SHINER: Irene Mary Pustka, age 77, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025. She was born August 11, 1947, in Shiner to John and Annie Hanzelka Vincik.
She was a 1965 graduate of St. Paul High School. On August 12, 1967, she married Jerome Pustka and they lived in Houston. While in Houston she was a secretary for Kyle Curtain & Company. When they moved back to Shiner she was a German machine operator for Tex-Tan and a homemaker. She was later a babysitter and was a member of Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church. She enjoyed her cold beer after a days work, being around family and the family trips to Port Lavaca, playing bingo, gardening & canning, making homemade noodles & pig in the blankets, fishing and playing dominoes. In her younger years she always had her nails done and was a sharp dresser.
Survivors: daughter, Kelly Pustka (Peter); sons, Bradley Pustka (Kathy) and Brian Pustka; grandchildren, Addison Pustka, Kaitlyn Maroney, Hunter Maroney and Mason Maroney; sisters, Martha Maeker (Tinky), Angie Mayer (George) and Liz Ladshaw (John); brother, Pat Vincik (Colette).
Preceded in death by parents, husband, Jerome Pustka; sister, Rosalie Walcott and brothers, Dennis Vincik and Johnnie Vincik.
Rosary 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Funeral Home.
Funeral Mass 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 9, 2025, at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church with Rev. Jacob Mendoza officiating. Burial Shiner Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church.
Jo Ruth (Morisse) Neutzler- June 9 1925 to May 7, 2025 (99)
Jo Ruth (Morisse) Neutzler passed away peacefully at the age of 99 on May 7, 2025, in Cuero, Texas. She was born on June 9, 1925, in Yorktown, Texas, at Dr. H.C. Eckhardt Hospital, with Dr. Eckhardt and nurse Edith Roeder attending her birth.
Jo Ruth was the beloved daughter of Henry and Johanna (Tips) Morisse of Nordheim, Texas, and was welcomed by her older brother, Henry Dick Morisse. Her grandparents were Burghard and Elise (Janssen) Morisse, and Alfred and Mathilde (Lenz) Tips.
She was baptized at home on November 6, 1925, by Rev. Homer Freeland of the First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown, beginning a lifelong commitment to faith and community.
Jo Ruth attended Buesing School, earning her DeWitt County Grammar School Diploma on May 21, 1938, before graduating from Yorktown High School in 1942. That same year, she officially joined the First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown, where she proudly earned perfect attendance pins for many years.
In pursuit of higher education, she left home in September 1942 to attend Texas State College for Women in Denton for a year, later transferring to Trinity University in San Antonio. She then took a position at the Nordheim bank, where she worked for several years.
Jo Ruth endured heartbreak early in life with the passing of her brother, Henry Dick Morisse, who lost his life in World War II when his plane crashed in Ireland on October 10, 1943, at the age of 22. He was laid to rest in Nordheim, Texas, on July 27, 1948.
On February 24, 1947, Jo Ruth married Elmo Neutzler at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Nordheim, officiated by Rev. Louis Kramer. Together, they built a loving home on the family farm near Cottonpatch, raising their four children: Marian Ruth, Elmo Clinton, Shirley Lynn, and Charles Henry.
In 1966, Jo Ruth began working at Nordheim School as a secretary and bookkeeper, dedicating 22 years to the institution while remaining a loyal fan of the Nordheim Pirates.
After moving to Nordheim from the family farm in 1978, she and Elmo cherished their time on the front porch, sharing conversations with friends and neighbors. Their marriage lasted 59 years, until Elmo’s passing in 2006.
Jo Ruth was a dedicated servant of St. Paul Lutheran Church, actively contributing to the church newsletter committee and Young at Heart. She was a member of the Nordheim Garden Club, Nordheim Volunteer Fire Department, and a lifelong member of the Nordheim PTA. In recognition of her commitment, she recently received her 75-year pin from Hermann Sons Life-Nordheim.
In 2021, Jo Ruth moved to AlzCare at Cuero, where she continued her tradition of enjoying time on the front porch. She was deeply grateful to Mrs. Strait and the staff for their kind and compassionate care.
Her love for Nordheim was honored in 2022, when she proudly served as one of the Grand Marshals for Nordheim’s 125th Anniversary Parade, calling it “one of the best days of my life.”
Jo Ruth was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and Oma. She was the heart of her family, caring for loved ones in sickness and health. Her children, granddaughters, and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, and her legacy of love will continue through them.
Jo Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Johanna Morisse, her brother, Henry Dick Morisse, her husband, Elmo Neutzler, and her children, Elmo Clinton Neutzler Jr. and Marian Ruth Neutzler.
She is survived by her daughter, Shirley Karnei, and her husband, Rodney Karnei; and her son, Charles Neutzler, and his wife, Janette Neutzler. Her granddaughters include Sarah and her husband, Derrell Skillman; Kimberly and her husband, Jeremy Pierce; Lisa Karnei; Jackie and her husband, Drew Crow; and Charlsie and her husband, Chase Nickerson. Her great-grandsons are Trey and Devin Skillman; Tucker, Preston, and Eli Pierce; Wesley Nickerson; and Henry Crow. Her great-granddaughter is Ella Crow.
Pallbearers: Drew Crow, Chase Nickerson, Jeremy Pierce, Tucker Pierce, Derrell Skillman, and Trey Skillman. Honorary pallbearers: her granddaughters and great-grandchildren.
Pastor Kevin Karnei officiating funeral services. Interment will follow funeral services at Nordheim Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church of Nordheim, Nordheim ISD Education Foundation, or the donor’s choice.
May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.
Yoakum’s Annual Tom-Tom Festival Returns for 2025
Yoakum, Texas– is gearing up for another unforgettable Tom-Tom Festival, celebrating 97 years of tradition, community, and fun! From June 5th to June 8th, 2025, locals and visitors alike will gather for a weekend packed with rodeo action, live music, delicious food, and family-friendly entertainment.
The Tom-Tom Festival has long been a cherished event in Yoakum, honoring the town’s rich tomato-growing heritage while bringing together generations of families and friends. Over the years, it has evolved into a must-attend celebration, featuring parades, cook-offs, carnival rides, and top-tier musical performances.
Festival-goers can take advantage of the Early Bird Special from April 24th to May 15th, with wristbands priced at $15 per day or $25 for the weekend. Wristbands can be purchased in person at the festival office Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 4 PM, or online at Outhouse Tickets.
Festival Highlights
This year’s lineup promises non-stop entertainment for all ages. Here’s what’s in store:
Thursday, June 5th
👑 Tom-Tom Royalty Pageant – 6:30 PM at the Yoakum Community Center
🤠 Team Roping Qualifiers – Yoakum Rodeo Arena
🎡 Carnival Kickoff – 5 PM – 9 PM at the Rodeo Arena
Friday, June 6th
🍅 Kiddie Parade – 6 PM on Lott St.
🥩 BBQ Cookoff – Yoakum City Park
🍔 Food Vendors – A feast for all!
🎤 Live Music – Featuring Shiner’s 2nd Wind, Dawson DeBord & Southpaw, and Roger Creager
🤠 Lester Meier Rodeo Company – Yoakum Rodeo Arena
🎡 Carnival Fun – 5 PM – 10 PM
Saturday, June 7th
🏃🏽♀️ 5K Run – 7:30 AM at the Yoakum Community Center
🍅 Grand Parade – A must-see tradition!
🛍️ Arts & Crafts Vendors – Shop local treasures
🚗 Car Show – Classic rides on display
🍅 Cornhole Tournament & Kids’ Games – Fun for all ages
🎤 Live Music – Featuring The Barditch Hippies, Tumble Dry Low, Carson Jeffrey, and Jon Wolfe
🤠 Lester Meier Rodeo – More rodeo action!
🎡 Carnival Continues – 4 PM – 10 PM
Sunday, June 8th
🤠 Ranch Rodeo – Wrapping up the festival with a bang at the Rodeo Arena
Join the Celebration!
Whether you’re here for the rodeo, the music, the food, or just the community spirit, the Tom-Tom Festival is the place to be. So, grab your wristbands, bring your friends and family, and let’s Tom-Tom, y’all! 🍅🎶
For more details, visit the Yoakum Area Chamber of Commerce and get ready for an unforgettable weekend!
Lonnie Maywald- April 7, 1942 to May 6, 2025
Lonnie Maywald was born on April 7, 1942, in Cass, TX to Luther and Frances Kilgore (Phillips) and spent most of her youth growing up in Corpus Christi and Port Lavaca, Texas. She attended Calhoun County High School and Victoria College. She married Richard Ficklen and was blessed with three children: daughter, Toni and sons, Lindsey and David. The family attended the Baptist church regularly and Lonnie and Richard participated in the Order of the Eastern Star and the Masonic Lodge.
After Richard’s passing in 1987, Lonnie met Roger Maywald, and they were married in August of 1988. They too were involved in the Order of the Eastern Star and the Masonic Lodge organizations in Cuero. She was active with the ladies of the Presbyterian Church, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Hospital Auxiliary and various other civic functions.
A career as a Lab and X-ray Technician at the Port Lavaca Clinic was very fulfilling. Outside of work, Lonnie had a passion for painting and genealogy. She truly enjoyed taking art classes from her wonderful friend, Barbara Burkett . Most of all, she has always loved to be with people and laugh!
She is survived by her husband of thirty-seven years, Roger; daughter, Toni Ficklen Day (Randy) of Discovery Bay, CA; step-daughter, Lea Ann Griffis (Mike) of Florence, CO; sons, Lindsey Ficklen (Pam) of Cuero and Dr. David Ficklen (Teri) of Iola; sister, Anita Feutral (Stacy) of Queens City; brothers, Luke Kilgore (Sue) of Queens City and Rodney Kilgore (Rebecca) of Springtown; grandchildren, Matt Day (Jessica) of Magnolia, Austin Day (Shelly) of Brentwood, CA, Erika Breuer (Tanner) of Cleveland, Marco Pardo (Jenna) of Iola, Amanda Johnson (Taylor) of Dumas, Ryan Ficklen (Signe) of Iola, Jacob Ficklen of College Station, Justin Ficklen (Kirsten) of College Station, Adam Ficklen of College Station, Jeri Elizabeth Ficklen of College Station, Ashlee Hallock (Dreesen) of Little Elm, Mackenzie Wyble (Bo) of Azle and Dalton Griffis (Jacqi) of Florence, CO and fourteen great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Richard Ficklen and a great-granddaughter.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, 10:00 AM in Cuero, TX. Interment will follow at Green Lawn Gardens Cemetery in Port Lavaca, TX.
Memorial Contributions may be made to The National Alzheimer’s Association.