Cuero’s First Responders were honored on Patriot Day with an appreciation lunch prepared and served by H-E-B, recognizing their dedicated service.
DeWitt County Republicans To Hold Rally in Yoakum
Dewitt County Republicans invite you to join them to a Political Rally on September 28, 2024. This event is a fundraiser to help support Republican candidates and for 2025 operating expense.
Date: September 28, 2024
Location: Yoakum Community Center 105 Huck St. Yoakum, Texas 77995
Ticket Information:
- General Admission: $20
- Reserved Tables for 8: $1000, $800, and $600
The Taste of Liberty Social Hour: Enjoy drinks and specialties from 12 restaurants across 3 counties, a cheese tasting table by Lira Rossa Cheeses, Sangria provided by Majek Winery, and Mock Cocktails by Hodge Podge.
Silent Auction: Bid on high-quality items and support a great cause.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call or text Brenda at 361-772-1442 or email bac@gvec.net.
Come and enjoy an evening of fun, food, and fellowship with fellow patriots. We look forward to seeing you there!
HOSTED BY REPUBLICAN WOMEN OF YOAKUM
MAKE SURE TO GO TO THE TOP OF THIS PAGE AND SHARE TO YOUR FACEBOOK OR EMAIL YOUR FRIENDS
NEWS TIPS: Do you have a local news tip? Email: Ihavenewscuero@gmail.com
EARLY LEARNING CLASSES HAVE RESUMED
The Early Learning Program has resumed their classes and invite parents to join them every Wednesday at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM in the CIS Library for a delightful mix of education and play. The Early Learning Program is designed to engage and inspire young minds.
Details:
- When: Wednesdays at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
- Where: CIS Library, 502 Park Heights Drive
- Who: Children ages 0-4 and their families
- Cost: FREE for all families
For more information, please contact Mrs. Botello at 361-275-1900 ext. 413.
Community Meet and Greet Celebrates Debate Success
Cuero, TX – The atmosphere was electric at Millie’s in downtown Cuero Wednesday evening as DeWitt County voters gathered for a highly anticipated meet and greet event. The event was graced by the esteemed judges from the 13th Court of Appeals, who were the guest of honor and candidates running for reelection. The excitement was palpable, fueled by the good news from the previous day: Democratic candidate Kamala Harris had performed exceptionally well during Tuesday night’s debate.
The presence of these Judges added a touch of prestige to the gathering, and attendees were eager to engage with them. Alongside the judges, two area candidates also attended, making the event a significant occasion for political discourse and community bonding.
A Day of Celebration and Engagement
The meet and greet provided a platform for community members to express their joy and optimism following the debate. Many attendees shared their thoughts on the candidate’s performance, highlighting key moments that resonated with them. The positive feedback created a sense of unity and shared purpose among the participants. DeWitt County Registered voter Jose Trevino said that one of his favorite moments of the debate was at the very beginning seeing Kamala Harris walk up to Trump and extend her hand to offer him a handshake.
“That gesture right there spoke volumes for me, said Trevino. It communicated her confidence. She walked right up to that bully, and I call him that because we have all seen him and have heard how he talks to people especially his political opponents, but Harris set the tone and communicated not only her grace but also showed respect. Because that’s what is missing in her opponent, among other things of course. Everyone deserves respect the rich, the poor, the immigrant, the Republican and the Democrat and even Donald Trump.”
Candidates from the 13the Court of Appeal
- Justice Gina Benavides, currently the senior justice serving on the Court of Appeals, is
running to fill the open position of Chief Justice. Justice Benavides is a graduate of the
University of Houston School of Law. Gina is active within her community of McAllen.
She and her husband count their eight grandchildren as the light of their lives. - As an incumbent for Place 2 on the Court of Appeals, Nora Longoria has deep Texas
roots. She is the daughter of a South Texas rancher and a school teacher. Longoria earned an undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University and a law degree from the
University of Texas. While serving on the Court of Appeals, Justice Longoria has written
and jointly authored over 1200 opinions. - Running for Place 4 is Joe Martinez, a lifelong Texas resident and a graduate of the
University of Texas School of Law. Martinez and his wife Josie have been married for 40
years and are the proud parents of 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Martinez has 42 years of legal experience in civil, criminal and appellate law. - Vying for an open position, Place 5, is Regi Richardson, who advanced in the Democratic
primary for the right to run in this position. Regi is a 2002 graduate of Texas Southern
University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law and has worked for more than 20 years as
an attorney in the Edinburg area.
Honoring Judge Linda Yanze
A special highlight of the event was the presence of Judge Linda Reyna Yañez, the first Hispanic judge ever appointed in the state, a historic appointment made by Governor Ann Richards in 1993. She was also the first Hispanic Woman to serve on an appeals court in the history of the state of Texas and is the first woman to serve on the 13th Court of Appeals. Judge Yañez received her LLM from the University of Virginia Law School, Juris Doctorate from Texas Southern University Law School and her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas Pan American. Before embarking on her judicial career, she served as a clinical instructor at Harvard Law School and as the Regional Counsel for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund in Chicago.
Judge Linda Yanze is a retired Appellate Senior Justice but continues to serve as a traveling judge. She also works closely with Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star. She shared insights about her role in managing migrant cases explaining how federal officers with the Biden Administration will make arrest and turn them over to the State where they are being processed and documented as state captures, but then the state turns right around and returns these immigrants to federal authorities. The federal government has sole authority to enforce immigration laws.
However, according to an investigation by The Texas Tribune, ProPublica and The Marshall Project, the state has been counting arrests and drug charges physically distant from the border, and unrelated to criminal activity at the border and not investigated by DPS or the Texas Military Department.
The Texas Tribune went on to explain that hundreds of people arrested and detained under Operation Lone Star were not charged with a crime for weeks, and dozens were not given a lawyer for more than a month. Texas law dictates that criminals must be assigned an attorney within three days of asking for one, and that state law requires that defendants be released from jail if prosecutors delay cases by not filing charges quickly. Because most imprisoned migrants are charged with simple trespassing, that deadline would be 15 or 30 days, depending on the severity of the charge.
Area Candidates in the Spotlight
The two area candidates present at the event also received a warm reception. They took the opportunity to outline their platforms and answer questions from the community. The candidates emphasized their commitment to addressing local issues and working towards the betterment of the community. Their presence underscored the importance of local elections and the impact of grassroots political involvement.
Vote Stephanie Bassham | Texas House District 30 (votebassham.com)
A Unified Community
The meet and greet was more than just a political event; it was a celebration of community spirit and democratic engagement. The success of their candidate in the debate had clearly energized the attendees, fostering a sense of hope and determination. As the event concluded, many expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to connect with their representatives and the esteemed judges.
The community left the event with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to support their candidate and engage in the democratic process. The meet and greet was a testament to the power of community and the importance of staying informed and involved in local politics.
DeWitt County and Surrounding Area Updates
SHINER
- When Wendel’s Jewelry of Shiner enlisted a locksmith to unlock and install a new combination lock on an old metal safe, a surprising discovery was made: the safe contained an old-style booby trap. The trap consisted of two clear glass cylinder vials, each about nine inches long. Safe manufacturers from the late 1800s to the 1950s sometimes installed such traps to thwart burglars. It is believed that these particular vials were filled with a chemical that would turn into gas upon contact with air. Consequently, the Shiner Police and Fire Departments were summoned to safely remove the potentially dangerous material.
-
Spoetzl Brewery of Shiner held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new cocktail bar, lounge.
CUERO
- The City of Cuero, represented by Mayor Emil Garza, has issued a proclamation celebrating the 50-year anniversary of their State football Championship. Proudly known as the “Home of the Fightin’ Gobblers,” the city holds special honor this year, 2024, marking half a century since Cuero ISD’s inaugural State Football Championship victory. 6196 (cityofcuero.com)
- The DeWitt County Commissioners have approved a Field Agreement for Predatory Animal Control, set to commence on October 1, 2024. This contract involves DeWitt County, the USDA, Texas AgriLife Extension, and the Texas Wildlife Damage Management Association Inc. It will be in effect until September 30, 2024, or until the expenditure reaches $8,000, whichever occurs first. The contract employs trackers to set traps during the coyote mating season, and to prevent undue harm to livestock. Trackers will be paid $250 per day.
- The position of DeWitt County Elections Administrator is no longer listed on the county’s website. Judge Fowler has stated that the position remains vacant, and the Elections Commission has conducted interviews with applicants, planning to extend an offer to one of them after the November General Election. By default, the responsibilities of conducting elections and voter registration fall to the county clerk and the tax assessor/collector, respectively.
- Last week, an update was announced regarding the approval of a new position in the elections office. Following the General Election, the DeWitt County Elections Office will be staffed with two full-time employees and one part-time employee.
- Unfortunately, the additional staff being hired in the Elections Office comes a little too late for the previous Elections Administrator, Melissa Alcazar. Alcazar was terminated May 6, 2024, she had been in that position since April 2018, and all appeared to be running smoothly until Judge Fowler refused to allow Alcazar to attend her own grandmother’s funeral. Fowler said that he was concerned that they would not be in compliance and said that he sat in her office until specific task were completed. He appeared to have regretted his handling of the situation. According to Judge Fowler the task in question were essential for the March 4th Primary Election.
- Shortly thereafter Alcazar tendered her letter of resignation. However, the Elections Commission did not accept Alcazar’s resignation and encouraged her to stay. Then on May 7, 2024, a news release was posted to the DeWitt County Elections Office website. In bold print it read: COMMISSIONERS COURT RATIFIES THE TERMINATION OF THE COUNTY ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR. Press Release (dewitt.tx.us)
- The former Elections Administrator said that she was blindsided with this news and denied the validity of their complaints. Fowler in a phone interview said a complaint was received from the Nordheim ISD. *(commissioners court minutes of complaint are shown below)
- After Alcazar’s termination one of our staff writers contacted the Elections Commission for an interview. The Elections Commission is made up of the following people: County Tax-Assessor Ashley Mraz, County Clerk Natalie Carson, County Judge Daryl Fowler, DeWitt County Democratic Party Chairman Joe Sheppard and DeWitt County Republican Party Chairman Jeannie Seidel
- Natalie Carson referred us to Judge Fowler, Jeannie Seidel refused to answer any questions and referred us to the DeWitt County Attorney, and Joe Sheppard never responded despite several phone calls and emails. Sheppard was the only member who voted against Alcazar’s termination. (Notes for Ashley Mraz were not available)
- Melissa Alcazar was eligible for unemployment benefits despite the county’s attempt to deny her claim.
YOAKUM
- The Yoakum American Legion is set to hold a rededication ceremony for their World War II cannon, an M1 57 MM Anti-Tank Gun, on September 19, 2024, at 5:30 pm in Cannon Park, situated between the Yoakum Community Center (YCC) and the Yoakum Police Department (YPD). The local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post No. 2456 originally acquired the cannon around 1951 and 1952. In December 2000, the VFW Post members decided to formally hand over the monument to the city of Yoakum. The Legion financed the cannon’s restoration, with the LCRA contributing expertise, equipment, and labor for its refurbishment. The United States Army’s 10th Mountain Division (LI) at Fort Drum, New York, also provided additional technical support. The cannon will be placed in the triangular area between Huck St. and Business 77A, near the YCC and YPD.
-
Downtown Battle of the Bands! Come savor the food, enjoy the drinks, and partake in local festivities as you dance into the night at Yoakum’s 137th Birthday Celebration! Join the Birthday Bash and Street Dance on Saturday, September 21, from 7 to 11 pm.Specialty Food/Drink Trucks *$10/person & kiddos 48” and under free; Gates open at 6pm. BYO Lawn Chair. No coolers or outside beverages please!
YORKTOWN
An Interlocal Agreement between DeWitt County and the City of Yorktown for 24-hour law enforcement services for a one-year term was approved
*
DeWitt/LaVaca Democratic Women to Host a Meet and Greet the Candidates for District 13 Court of Appeals
The Thirteenth Court of Appeals serves the Corpus Christi and Edinburg, Texas area. The court consists of six Justices hearing cases out of twenty counties.
The Thirteenth Court of Appeals was created in 1963 by amendment to Article 1817, V.T.C.S., pursuant to authority granted by Article 5, Section 1, Texas Constitution. The Court is composed of a Chief Justice and five justices. This Court has intermediate appellate jurisdiction in both civil and criminal cases appealed from lower courts; in civil cases where the judgment exceeds $100, exclusive of costs, and in criminal cases, except in post-conviction writs of habeas corpus and where the death penalty has been imposed. The Thirteenth Court of Appeals serves a twenty-county area and maintains offices in Corpus Christi and Edinburg.
Press Release
On Wednesday Sept. 11 th , the DeWitt/LaVaca Democratic Women will host a meet and greet for candidates for District 13 Court of Appeals from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at “Millie’s on Main” at 115 E. Main in Cuero. District 13 serves thirteen counties along the Texas coast from Matagorda County to Cameron County. The public is invited to meet the following Democratic candidates:
- Justice Gina Benavides, currently the senior justice serving on the Court of Appeals, is
running to fill the open position of Chief Justice. Justice Benavides is a graduate of the
University of Houston School of Law. Gina is active within her community of McAllen.
She and her husband count their eight grandchildren as the light of their lives. - As an incumbent for Place 2 on the Court of Appeals, Nora Longoria has deep Texas
roots. She is the daughter of a South Texas rancher and a school teacher. Longoria earned an undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University and a law degree from the
University of Texas. While serving on the Court of Appeals, Justice Longoria has written
and jointly authored over 1200 opinions. - Running for Place 4 is Joe Martinez, a lifelong Texas resident and a graduate of the
University of Texas School of Law. Martinez and his wife Josie have been married for 40
years and are the proud parents of 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Martinez has 42 years of legal experience in civil, criminal and appellate law. - Vying for an open position, Place 5, is Regi Richardson, who advanced in the Democratic
primary for the right to run in this position. Regi is a 2002 graduate of Texas Southern
University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law and has worked for more than 20 years as
an attorney in the Edinburg area. - For more information contact Margaret Vandeveer at
dewittlavacatxdemocraticwomen@yahoo.com. Or visit the organization’s website at
https://dewittlavacatxdemocratwomen.wordpress.com/
Cuero Gobbler Trotters Receive Recognition
Congratulations to Trotter of the Week: Rookie – Nadia Light
and Officer of the Week: Isai Zamarripa, 1st Lieutenant
Domestic Terrorist Group Indicted In The Solicitation Of Murder And Hate Crimes Based On Race, Religion, National Origin, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity
For Immediate Release
Office of Public Affairs
The Justice Department announced today that Dallas Humber, 34, of Elk Grove, California, and Matthew Allison, 37, of Boise, Idaho — leaders of the Terrorgram Collective, a transnational terrorist group — were charged with a 15-count indictment for soliciting hate crimes, soliciting the murder of federal officials, and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. Humber and Allison were arrested on Friday by law enforcement officials.
“Today’s indictment charges the defendants with leading a transnational terrorist group dedicated to attacking America’s critical infrastructure, targeting a hit list of our country’s public officials, and carrying out deadly hate crimes — all in the name of violent white supremacist ideology,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Today’s arrests are a warning that committing hate-fueled crimes in the darkest corners of the internet will not hide you, and soliciting terrorist attacks from behind a screen will not protect you. The United States Department of Justice will find you, and we will hold you accountable.”
“We allege that the leaders of Terrorgram charged today are a threat to public safety and the rule of law,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “Using the Telegram platform, they advanced their heinous white supremacist ideology, solicited hate crimes, and provided guidance and instructions for terrorist attacks on critical infrastructure and assassinations of government officials. Today’s action reaffirms that the Department of Justice will not tolerate this alleged abhorrent conduct. It has no place in America or anywhere else. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to identify, apprehend, and hold accountable anyone who engages in such activity, no matter where they are located.”
“These defendants are alleged to be the leaders of Terrorgram Collective, a transnational terrorist group that our investigation found is responsible for soliciting hate crimes and the murder of government officials and providing support to terrorists,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Whether motivated by racial bias or antagonism toward government and societal norms, such behavior will not be tolerated. Terrorism is still the FBI’s number one priority, and working with our partners we are committed to investigating and holding accountable those who break the laws and assist violent actors in lethal plots.”
“Hate crimes fueled by bigotry and white supremacy, and amplified by the weaponization of digital messaging platforms, are on the rise and have no place in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This indictment charges the leaders of a transnational terrorist group with several civil rights violations, including soliciting others to engage in hate crimes and terrorist attacks against Black, immigrant, LGBT, and Jewish people. Make no mistake, as hate groups turn to online platforms, the federal government is adapting and responding to protect vulnerable communities. The Justice Department is committed to protecting the civil rights of all Americans, and we will resolutely strive to bring to justice those who seek to threaten, undermine, or extinguish it.”
“As alleged, Humber and Allison, the leaders of Terrorgram, conspired to provide material support and solicited attacks on federal officials and critical government infrastructure, including federal buildings and energy facilities,” said Matthew G. Olsen of the National Security Division. “Today’s charges demonstrate the Justice Department’s resolve to bring every available tool to bear in countering threats of violent extremists and protecting Americans.”
“The defendants solicited murders and hate crimes based on the race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, and gender identity of others,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “They also doxed and solicited the murder of federal officials, conspired to provide material support to terrorists, and distributed information about explosives that they intended to be used in committing crimes of violence. My office will continue to work tirelessly with our partners in law enforcement and in the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute those who commit such violations of federal criminal law. I would like to thank the FBI and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and National Security Division for their partnership in support of the common mission to keep our people and public officials safe from hate-fueled crimes of violence.”
According to the indictment, which was unsealed today, Humber and Allison are the leaders of the Terrorgram Collective, a transnational terrorist group that operates on the digital messaging platform Telegram, where it promotes white supremacist accelerationism: an ideology centered on the belief that the white race is superior; that society is irreparably corrupt and cannot be saved by political action; and that violence and terrorism are necessary to ignite a race war and accelerate the collapse of the government and the rise of a white ethnostate.
The indictment alleges that Humber and Allison, as leaders of the Terrorgram Collective, contributed to and disseminated several Terrorgram videos and publications that provide specific advice for carrying out crimes, celebrate white supremacist attacks, and provide a hit list of “high-value targets” for assassination. The hit list included U.S. federal, state, and local officials, as well as leaders of private companies and non-governmental organizations, many of whom were targeted because of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Humber and Allison are alleged to have operated Terrorgram channels and group chats, where they solicited Terrorgram users to commit attacks in order to achieve Terrorgram’s goals of accelerationism and white supremacy and provided instructions and guidance to equip Terrorgram users to carry out those attacks. These attacks include but are not limited to:
- Bias-motivated attacks against those deemed by Terrorgram to be enemies of the white race;
- Terrorist attacks on government infrastructure, such as government buildings and energy facilities, which Terrorgram believes will ignite a race war and help accelerate the collapse of government and society; and
- Attacks on “high-value targets” — like politicians and government officials — whose murders Terrorgram believes would sow chaos and further accelerate the government’s downfall.
- They also incited Terrorgram users to commit attacks in furtherance of white supremacist accelerationism, including the following individuals who were allegedly inspired or guided by Humber, Allison, and other members of the Terrorgram Collective to carry out attacks or were planning to do so when they were arrested by law enforcement:
- An individual who shot three people (killing two) outside of an LGBT bar in Slovakia;
- An individual who planned an attack on energy facilities in New Jersey; and
- An individual who stabbed five people near a mosque in Turkey.
The indictment charges Humber and Allison with a total of 15 counts, including one count of conspiracy, four counts of soliciting hate crimes, three counts of soliciting the murder of federal officials, three counts of doxing federal officials, one count of threatening communications, two counts of distributing bombmaking instructions, and one count of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.
If convicted of all charges, Humber and Allison each face a maximum penalty of 220 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Sacramento Field Office and FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Boise Resident Agency, investigated the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and a variety of foreign and domestic law enforcement agencies.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, National Security Division, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
- View the indictment here.
Cuero Gobblers Dominate La Vernia in Thrilling Friday Night 35-28 Victory
In an exhilarating Friday night football game, the Cuero Gobblers emerged victorious against the La Vernia Bears. The Gobblers showcased their skill and determination, securing a well-deserved win that had fans on the edge of their seats.
The game was a thrilling display of athleticism and teamwork, with both teams giving their all on the field. The Gobblers’ offense was relentless, while their defense held strong against La Vernia’s advances.
Key plays and standout performances from Cuero players:
Dayvon Varela #4 Offensive Player of the Game. Dayvon is ranked in the top 93 in Division 4A-2 for 1 stat, top 9 in 4A-2 Region IV District 15 for 1 stat.
Landon Pelot #19 Defensive Player of the Game. Landon is ranked in the top 18 in 4A-2 Region IV District 15 for 1 stat.
Jimmy Mejia #32 Special Teams Player of the Game. Jimmy is ranked in the top 74 in Texas for 1 stat top 26 in Division 1 for 1 stat, and top 3 in Division 4A-2 for 1 stat.
Jaxon Marie #6 who threw for 178 yards, rushing 65 yards and scoring 3 touchdowns earning him Player of the Game. Jaxxon is ranked in the top 54 in Region III for 1 stat, top 19 in Division 4A-2 for 1 stat, and top 1 in 4A-2 Region IV District 15 for 2 stats.
Walker Dietze #12 picked up 99 receiving yards and scored 2 touchdowns earning him Touchdown Player of the Game. Walker is ranked in the top 87 in Region IV for 1 stat, top 33 in Division 4A-2 for 1 stat, and top 2 in 4A-2 Region IV District 15 for 1 stat.
Trevor Seals#21 made 1 fumble recovery, 5 solo tackles, and 8 total tackles. Trevor is ranked in the top 7 in 4A-2 Region IV District 15 for 1 stat.
Jace Gamez #26 consistently exceled in racking up tackles with 8 solo tackles, 11 total tackles. Jace is ranked in the top 78 in Division 4A-2 for 1 stat, top 1 in 4A-2 Region IV District 15 for 1 stat.
This victory marks the first win of the season for the Gobblers, setting a promising tone for their upcoming games. Despite last week’s defeat by the Columbus Cardinals with a score of 65-24, the Gobblers have shown resilience and determination. Congratulations to the Cuero Gobblers on their fantastic win!
CUERO TOTAL YARDS 353
PASSING YARDS 178
RUSHING YARDS 175
LA VERNIA TOTAL YARDS 292
PASSING YARDS 87
RUSHING YARDS 205
STATS: MaxPreps