Cuero Independent School District (Cuero ISD) has announced its 2025 summer program, titled “Camp Invention.” The program is free and open to all students currently enrolled in Cuero ISD for the 2024–2025 school year, from Pre-K through 12th grade. Registration is now available, with the district encouraging families to secure a spot for their children.
For safety reasons, only students enrolled in Cuero ISD during the 2024–2025 academic year are eligible to participate. Parents are advised to register each child for their current grade level as of the 2024–2025 school year. Families enrolling multiple children must submit a separate Google form for each participant.
The camp schedule features a variety of programs organized by grade level and location:
Summer 1:
– Hunt Elementary Library (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
– Grades 2–3: June 2–5 and June 9–12
– Grades 4–5: June 16–19 and June 23–26
– Cuero High School Library (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
– Grades 6–12:
– 3D Printing Camp: June 2–5
– Canvas Painting, Crafting, & Sublimation: June 9–12
– Cricut & Sublimation: June 16–19
– Arts and Crafts activities will also be available daily.
Summer 2:
– John C. French Elementary (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
– Grades Pre-K–1: July 14–17 and July 21–24
The Cuero ISD “Camp Invention” program promises to provide students with enriching activities in a safe and creative environment. Parents and guardians are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their children’s summer learning experiences.
Cuero, Texas – The DeWitt and Lavaca County Democratic Women will hold their monthly meeting on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Maya’s Restaurant in Cuero. The meeting will take place in the restaurant’s back meeting room. While attendees are welcome to purchase food at their own expense, it is not required to participate.
The organization warmly invites new members to join and engage in discussions designed to inspire, educate, and motivate fellow Democrats to take an active role in the political process. Their mission is to empower individuals through education, networking, and support, while fostering community involvement and organizing local political activities.
For those interested in joining or learning more, this meeting offers a chance to connect with like-minded individuals and contribute to the group’s efforts.
About a quarter of U.S. adults (24%) say Congress should remove federal funding from NPR and PBS, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted March 10-16. A larger share (43%) say NPR and PBS should continue to receive funding from the federal government, while 33% say they are not sure.
The funding structures for NPR and PBS are complicated, and much of their revenue comes from nongovernment sources like member donations and corporate sponsorships. But the proposed bill would ban all federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which has received $535 million annually in recent federal budgets. The CPB helps to fund NPR and PBS both directly and through individual local public media stations, many of which pay NPR and PBS in the form of membership or programming fees.
How we did this
Republicans are much more likely than Democrats to support ending federal funding for public media. Among Republicans and GOP-leaning independents, 44% say Congress should end funding for NPR and PBS, while 19% say funding should continue and 37% say they are not sure. Republicans ages 50 and older are especially likely to support ending federal funding for public broadcasters.
By contrast, just 5% of Democrats and Democratic leaners say federal funding for NPR and PBS should be cut off, while 69% say funding should continue and 26% are not sure.
There also are large partisan differences in how many people get news from NPR and PBS – and whether they trust these outlets as sources of news.
Overall, 20% of U.S. adults say they regularly get news from NPR, and 21% say the same about PBS. In both cases, Democrats are much more likely than Republicans to say this:
32% of Democrats say they regularly get news from NPR, vs. 9% of Republicans.
31% of Democrats regularly get news from PBS, vs. 11% of Republicans.
These questions were asked as part of a forthcoming study of Americans’ views toward dozens of media brands across different platforms (e.g., television, print, radio and digital). These include a wide variety of news sources with audiences across the ideological spectrum.
Democrats are also more likely than Republicans to trust NPR and PBS as sources of news:
47% of Democrats and 12% of Republicans say they trust NPR as a source of news. By contrast, 26% of Republicans and 3% of Democrats say they distrust NPR.
59% of Democrats and 23% of Republicans say they trust PBS as a source of news. By contrast, 26% of Republicans and 4% of Democrats say they distrust PBS.
The City of Yorktown has officially issued an order for a special election to take place during the upcoming May 3, 2025, elections. This special election will fill a one-year unexpired term for a City Council Member position. Yorktown residents will also vote on several other key positions as outlined in the order:
Mayor
Two City Council Members for two-year terms
Three Trustee Positions in Yorktown ISD
Eligible voters in Yorktown and across DeWitt County have until April 3, 2025, to register to vote for these elections. This is a critical deadline to ensure participation in shaping local leadership and representation.
For additional information regarding the special election or other positions on the ballot, residents can contact the City of Yorktown or their local election office. Don’t miss the chance to have your voice heard in these important local elections.
Faye Sheppard, a seasoned healthcare professional and attorney with over five decades of experience, has officially announced her candidacy for re-election as DeWitt County Hospital Trustee. Sheppard, who is currently serving as Vice-Chairman of the Board, aims to continue her commitment to strengthening healthcare services in the community.
Sheppard’s illustrious career began as a nursing assistant and has spanned numerous roles, including staff nurse, hospital attorney, and system director of risk management. Her academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Florida State, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Texas, and a law degree from Texas Tech University. She has also held prominent leadership positions, such as serving as President of the American Society of Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM) in 2018 and contributing as a member of the National Patient Safety Foundation’s Board of Advisors. Additionally, she has served on numerous healthcare committees and task forces and has been an active faculty member. Sheppard is also a published author and editor on risk management and patient safety topics for both ASHRM and the American Health Lawyers Association.
During her tenure on the DeWitt County Medical District Board, Sheppard has prioritized financial stability, recruitment and retention of qualified healthcare professionals, and the maintenance and modernization of Cuero Regional Hospital’s facilities. She is dedicated to ensuring the hospital remains a cornerstone of healthcare in the community despite the challenging environment facing rural hospitals statewide.
In her statement, Sheppard emphasized her dedication to fostering quality healthcare for all, regardless of demographic or payor status. She expressed her passion for expanding services and enhancing patient safety through innovative practices and technology.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sheppard has deep roots in DeWitt County, where her family has resided and contributed to the community for over 170 years. She has been married to her husband, Joe Sheppard, for 41 years, and together they have one son, Joe IV, who plans to continue the family’s legacy of practicing law and ranching in DeWitt County. Sheppard is a member of Grace Episcopal Church, serving on the church vestry, and enjoys traveling and cheering for her favorite sports teams.
As voters prepare for the upcoming election, Sheppard hopes to continue her impactful service on the Board, advocating for accessible, high-quality healthcare close to home. Her re-election would ensure the continuation of her thoughtful leadership and dedication to the community’s health needs.
SHINER: Preston Arthur Robichaux, Jr., 86, passed away Monday, March 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 11, 1938, in Rosa, Louisiana to Preston Robichaux, Sr. and Gladys (Bebee).
He was a Retreat Center Manager with his wife of 59 years, Johnnie, for Kaleo Lodge. He was a member of New Life Baptist Church. Defined by his faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ and a love for his family, Preston exuded a compassionate gruffiness that endeared him to all throughout his life. He leaves behind a grateful family who will forever cherish his tenderness just as much as they admired his toughness.
Survivors: daughters, Amy Coplen (Paul) of Austin, Ramona Hotman (Rick) of Yoakum and Laura Robichaux (Richard Osteen) of Azle; grandchildren Alex Elliott, Zachary Coplen and Ryan Coplen; great granddaughter Charlene Ann Elliott.
Preceded in death by parents; wife, Johnnie Ree Robichaux; sisters Redina Blanchard, Gloria Bonner and Mary Louise Coyle.
A Family Memorial Service will be held graveside on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 2:30 p.m., at Hochheim Cemetery with Rev. Adam Jaquez officiating.
Memorials may be given to Disabled American Veterans. Preston served in the U.S. Navy, earning an honorable discharge in 1961.
The family would like to thank his caregivers, Diana, Frances and Michelle for their loving care and support.
Arrangements by Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home 361-293-5656.
CONVERSE: Vincent Eugene Lenzy, 56, passed away Thursday, March 27, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was born November 4, 1968 in Yoakum to Barbara Jean Lenzy Ford and Emit Norwood.
Vince graduated in the class of 1988 from Yoakum High School and was a proud member of Yoakum’s Bulldog Football Team (#44), BULLDOGS FOR LIFE! He went onto college to play football at Prairie View A&M University. Then he honorably served in the United States Army
Vince made his home in Chandler, AZ., where he worked as a Car Sales Manager for various dealerships throughout the valley. Vince’s passion was barbequing and watching the Dallas Cowboys while spending time with his family and friends. He often traveled back to Sweet Home for family reunions where he thoroughly enjoyed a high pressure, intense game of dominoes.
Survivors are his wife of 26 years, Cecilia Lenzy; children, Vincent Dashay Lenzy, Briana Barrera and her son, Cavon, Desiree Rodriquez, Vincent Andrew Lenzy “Boo”; mother, Barbara Jean Lenzy Ford; siblings, Chalmon Ford “Jay” (Frankie), Brian Ford “Rudy” (Rhonda), Damon Ford (Denise), Montreal Ford “Scooby” (Destiny), Parthenia Rios (Randy), and John Hammet.
He is preceded in death by his father, Emit Norwood, Roy Lee Armstrong “Daddy Blue”, R.C. Porter “Big Head”, grandparents, Oscar Wayne Lenzy and Exie B Lenzy “Be Be”.
Funeral Service 10 a.m., Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home in Yoakum with Pastor Dr. Mitchell Herndon Sr. officiating. Burial to follow at Yoakum Oak Grove Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Vincent Dashay Lenzy, Vincent Andrew Lenzy, Felton Dilworth, Damion Keith Ratley, Jordon Cook and Trenton Moore.
Arrangements entrusted to Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, 361-293-5656.
Lieutenant Colonel Luther “Lou” Charles Boysen, 91, of Cuero, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 31, 2025. Born on March 9, 1934, in Gonzales County, he was the beloved son of the late Edmund Charles and Georgia Marie Johnson Boysen.
Luther married the love of his life, Edna “Lunnett” Snodgrass, on June 11, 1981, in Cuero. Together, they shared a life filled with faith, devotion, and community service, remaining steadfast members of First Presbyterian Church in Cuero for many years.
A proud patriot, Luther began his military career in 1952 as an enlisted soldier in the United States Army. Through determination and dedication, he rose through the ranks, retiring in 1978 as a commissioned officer with the distinguished title of Lieutenant Colonel. He honorably served two combat tours in Vietnam as a member of the elite 5th Special Forces Group, earning the right to wear the revered Green Beret, along with the Master Parachutist badge. His military career took him across the world, with his final duty station at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Beyond his military service, Luther remained deeply committed to his community and country. He was an active member of The American Legion, the Grand Lodge of the Sons of Hermann, the Cuero Lions Club, the Cuero Pilot Club, the Cuero Gun Club, and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. His passion for mentoring young people led him to work closely with the Boy Scouts of America. He was a devoted leader in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), serving as Commander of Cuero VFW Post 3927 and holding numerous Texas state VFW positions from the mid-1980s through the early 2000s.
Luther’s commitment to public service extended to his hometown, where he spent 15 years as the DeWitt County Emergency Management Coordinator. He played a pivotal role in disaster response and recovery efforts, most notably during the devastating flood of 1998. A man of many talents, he also managed his own real estate businesses, “Boysen and Finch” and “Luchabos” Real Estate,” and worked as a realtor with Eling Realty.
A true outdoorsman, Luther’s love of nature led him to become a Texas Game Warden in the early 1950s. His adventurous spirit carried into his youth, where he excelled as the quarterback for the Cuero Gobblers football team and pitched for the Cuero Trotters baseball team. He also had a flair for the arts, participating in high school theater productions. Never one to sit still, he even served as a volunteer firefighter during the 1970s and 1980s.
Luther’s happiest moments were spent outdoors, surrounded by family, tending to his land and caring for his cows, chickens, turkeys, and his many beloved dogs and cats. He was a gifted cook and gardener, known for his homemade sausage, smoked meats, and wine-making skills. His venison dishes were legendary among family and friends.
Above all, Luther was a man of boundless generosity and kindness. He never met a stranger, striking up conversations wherever he went with his signature charm and warmth. He lived to serve others, often driving fellow veterans across the state for medical appointments, ensuring they had fuel, shelter, or simply a listening ear. His visits to retirement homes brought companionship to those in need, and his unwavering commitment to helping others never wavered.
Luther is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lunnett Boysen; his sister, Geneva Ley; and his parents. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and strength, carried on by his children: Dorinda and Shan Skipper, Ian and Nancy Boysen, Heather Boysen and fiancé Timothy Kilty, Lorre and Stephen Yeary, and Holly Groves. He was a cherished grandfather to Ethan and Faith Johnson, Allison Boysen, Lilly Boysen, Gage Skipper, Emily Skipper and fiancé Justin Torres, Sarah and Jeff Moehrig, Nash Le Hor, Chance Amrhein, Pax Amrhein, Lacy and Marcus Milstead, Kohl Ullman, Sidney Groves, Tanner Groves, Ty Groves (Our angel in Heaven), Addison Yeary, Seth Yeary, and Simone Yeary. His great-grandchildren AmyeFaye Johnson, Evelyn Moehrig, Wyatt Moehrig, Anderson Yeary, Vera Yeary, Case Milstead, and Rhett Milstead will grow up with his spirit and stories in their hearts. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia, and her husband, Arnold Hayes, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Cuero, followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m., officiated by Pastor Kevin Boyd. Luther will be laid to rest with full military honors at Hillside Cemetery.
Luther Boysen was a man of honor, resilience, and unwavering compassion. He leaves behind a world that is better because he was in it. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy will live on in the hearts of those he loved and served.
You may sign the guestbook or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome.com.
Gloris Seifert, 83, of Yorktown gained her angel’s wings and went to be with our Lord on Monday, March 31, 2025. She was born October 12, 1941 in Garfied to Frank and Anita Blaschke Kozielski. She was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.
Gloris was raised in Garfield where she lived a wonderful simple life. Gloris graduated from Yorktown High School where she was crowned homecoming queen in 1958. Afterwards, she attended Durham Business College in San Antonio. Gloris started her long career in bookkeeping and banking earning her way up to Vice President at First National Bank in Yorktown. Gloris also used her bookkeeping expertise to help her husband Frankie launch a successful optical business for 34 years until he retired in 2012. Gloris’ greatest passion in life was being a home maker and seeing those she loved happy. She enjoyed baking, sewing, watching her grandchildren, and many other hobbies all in her favorite place, at home.
Gloris’ Catholic faith ran deep as reflected by the 30 foot cross that you can see glowing at night on what the family refers to as “Holy Hill” in Garfield off of Kozielski Road where Gloris was raised. Gloris was instrumental in helping honor her Garfield neighbor, Harlon Block, as part of the DeWitt County Veterans Memorial at the DeWitt County Veteran Center in Yorktown. Gloris always encouraged her family to attend church and to pray! She was involved in many activities at Holy Cross and was always looking to extend her helping hand in areas where improvements could be made. She embodied Jesus’ word to love one another and to put God first.
On October 8, 1960 she married Frankie (which just happens to be her middle name as well) in Yorktown and they have three children, daughter Dawn (Greg) Gips, sons Wayland Seifert and Kimby Seifert (Christie). She is also survived by her grandchildren Brett (Amber) Gips, Dana (David) Cattano, Connor Gips, Sydney Seifert, Bryce (Emily) Seifert, Britt (Nick) Mowen, great grandchildren Brielle and Brooks Gips, Ava Cattano and brother Flavis (Shirley) Kozielski.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be on Friday, April 4, 2025 from 5 -7 pm with Rosary following at 7 pm at Massey Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Holy Cross Catholic Church at 2pm. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Brett Gips, Connor Gips, Bryce Seifert, Nick Mowen, David Cattano, Darren Seifert, and Kirby Jalufka.
Memorials may be given to Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Yorktown EMS or donor’s choice.
You are invited to sign the online guest book at
Arrangements by Massey Funeral Home, Yorktown, Texas 361-564-2900
She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Grafe Eilers. She was born in Hallettsville on July 2, 1934, and was the eldest of 10 children being blessed with four sisters and five brothers. She completed grade school and one-year of high school at Sacred Heart School, Hallettsville, and then graduated High School from Nazareth Academy.
She entered the postulancy of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament at Nazareth Convent on December 2, 1951, became a novice on June 2, 1952, and pronounced first vows on June 3, 1953. Sister Emilie received a BA degree with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio and an MA in educational administration from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos.
During her 72 years as a professed member of the Congregation she taught at Holy Cross School, Bay City; Assumption School, Ganado; Our Lady of Victory School, Victoria; St. Leo School, San Antonio; and St. Michael School, Cuero. She served as principal at St. Michael School, Cuero, and Our Lady of Victory School and St. Joseph High School in Victoria. Sister Emilie was a member of the Congregational Leadership Team for 18 years.
After a year’s sabbatical at Berakah in New Hampshire in 2002, Sr. Emilie received certification in spiritual direction and served as on-going formation director for the Sisters. She also ministered in the Incarnate Word Convent Health Care as director of spiritual and recreational activities and as a dietary consultant. For a time, she served as president of the Board of the Amor Meus Spirituality Center which she helped to organize. She was instrumental is setting up the Incarnate Word Convent Outdoor Stations of the Cross and Rosary Path with the physical and financial assistance of benefactors. Throughout her life Sister Emilie enjoyed praying, traveling, fishing, boating, gardening, cooking, and socializing. In recent years Sister Emilie resided at Incarnate Word Convent Health Care enjoying time in prayer in the health care chapel or in company with others. She wore her biggest, beautiful smile whenever she was visiting with the sisters, her family, and friends.
Sister Emilie was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Betty Jean Eilers and Shirley Jennings; and her brother-in-law Ronnie Weaver. She is survived by her brothers Joseph “Buddy” (Barbara), Paul (Kathy), Timothy (Lori), Thomas (Cindy), and Michael (Judy), and her sisters Mary Lindig (Johnny), and Cynthia Weaver, and brother-in-law Warren Jennings and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and friends.
Rosary and Visitation was held at Incarnate Word Convent (1101 N.E. Water Street, Victoria, TX, 77901) on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. and a Wake Service with Evening Praise and Sharing of Memories at 6:30 p.m. On Friday, March 28, 2025, a Mass of Resurrection held at 10:00 a.m. at Incarnate Word Convent with Bishop Brendan Cahill as Presider, Sister Emilie’s nephew Reverend Brian Eilers as homilist, and the Sister’s Chaplain Reverend Albert Yankey as Master of Ceremonies. Burial at Catholic Cemetery #3.
Memorials may be made to Incarnate Word Convent, Victoria, Hospice of South TX, St. Joseph High School, Our Lady of Victory School, or donor’s choice. Share memories and condolence with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com
