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Jo Nell Podsim November 8, 1943 – June 21, 2026 (82)

By Pat Trevino | June 24, 2026

JoNell Podsim, 82, of Yorktown, passed Sunday, June 21, 2026 at home surrounded by loved ones. She was born November 8, 1943 in San Antonio, Texas to Carmen and Irene Rabenaldt Thompson. She married A.W. Podsim on September 9, 1962.

Left to cherish her memories are her husband, A.W. Podsim, sons Jimmy (Luci) and Roger (Laura) Podsim, grandchildren Kathy (Kevin) Shattuck, Caralyn (DJ) Torres, Devyn (Adrianna) Podsim, great-grandchildren Mariana Torres, Lucas Torres, Konner Shattuck, and KayLaura Shattuck. Honorary grandchildren are Ryan Martin and Mona Nieuwboer.

JoNell is preceded in death by her parents, son Vernon, brothers Roger Thompson and Vernon Thompson.

Pallbearers are Kevin Shattuck, Konner Shattuck, DJ Torres, Pete Dlugosch, Robert Salinas, and Randy Podsim.  Honorary pallbearers are Robert Spears, Lance Mueller, and Mark Brinneman.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her extended family through 5D Steakhouse.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of South Texas or charity of donor’s choice.

Visitation will be 10-11 am Thursday June 25, 2026 at Massey Funeral Home. Funeral Service will begin at 11 am. Interment to follow at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery.

CHEMPACK Training Strengthens DeWitt County’s Emergency Preparedness

By Pat Trevino | June 23, 2026

DeWitt County took an important step forward in community safety today as the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Public Health Region 8 led a comprehensive CHEMPACK Training for local emergency personnel. The session brought together first responders, county officials, and public health partners to ensure the region is fully prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a chemical emergency.

CHEMPACK, a federal program managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provides communities with pre‑positioned containers of life‑saving nerve‑agent antidotes. These supplies are strategically stored across the country so they can be accessed rapidly during a chemical incident, when every minute matters.

Local officials expressed appreciation for the hands‑on guidance and expertise provided by Region 8 staff.

“We appreciate your support in helping strengthen our community’s preparedness and response capabilities for chemical emergencies,” county representatives said following the training. “Thank you for your continued partnership and support in keeping our communities safe.”

The training covered:

  • CHEMPACK deployment procedures
  • Coordination between local, regional, and state agencies
  • Safety protocols for first responders
  • Real‑world scenarios and response timelines
  • Communication strategies during chemical incidents

Participants emphasized that preparedness is a shared responsibility, and today’s training reinforces the county’s commitment to protecting residents.

With ongoing collaboration between DeWitt County and DSHS Region 8, local leaders say they are confident the community is better equipped to respond swiftly should a chemical emergency occur.

DeWitt County Approves $222,000 Economic Development Agreement With Thomaston Volunteer Fire Department

By Pat Trevino | June 22 2026

During their May 2026 Commissioners Court meeting, the DeWitt County Commissioners unanimously approved two actions authorizing a $222,000 economic development loan to the Thomaston Volunteer Fire Department, a nonprofit emergency‑services provider serving residents in DeWitt County.

In a 5–0 vote, commissioners approved Court Order No. 2026‑023, which establishes an Economic Development Agreement between the County and Thomaston VFD. The agreement authorizes the County to loan $222,000 in public funds to the department for the purchase of critical firefighting equipment, including one fire truck and one water tank. Thomaston VFD will execute a Secured Promissory Note, with interest, payable to the County as required under Chapter 381 of the Texas Local Government Code and Chapter 614 of the Texas Government Code.

Commissioner Mr. Carson made the motion to approve the agreement, with Commissioner Mr. Varela seconding. The motion passed unanimously.

The Court then approved Court Order No. 2026‑024, a budget amendment adjusting the FY2026 DeWitt County Budget to authorize the transfer of the $222,000 loan amount. This amendment aligns the County’s financial records with the terms of the Secured Promissory Note executed by Thomaston VFD. The motion, also made by Mr. Carson and seconded by Mr. Varela, passed on a 5–0 vote.

County officials stated that the funding will support Thomaston VFD’s ability to provide adequate fire suppression and emergency response services to the public, strengthening rural emergency‑services capacity across DeWitt County.

MARILYNN MOOD DIETZE – JULY 9, 1937 – JUNE 12, 2026 (88)

Marilynn Mood Dietze, 88, passed away Friday, June 12, 2026 in Boulder, Colorado. She was born July 9, 1937 in Austin, TX. She was the daughter of Mary Lee McCrabb Mood and Francis Asbury “Penny” Mood, the granddaughter of Gladys Estelle Brown McCrabb and John Samuel McCrabb of DeWitt County, TX. She attended schools in Georgetown, TX and Cuero, TX where she graduated high school in 1955. She continued her education at the University of Texas in Austin where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.

Marilynn married Norvan George “Buzzy” Dietze on January 28, 1956. They had two sons, John Frederick “Jeff” Dietze and William Kyle Dietze.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, husband, and both sons, many friends and a number of much loved pets.

She is survived by her granddaughters/adopted daughters, Alexis Estelle Dietze (Clayton) and Christin Nicole Dietze (Courtney), daughters of her son Kyle. Also surviving her are Jeff’s children, John Frederick “Dos” Dietze, Jr. (Maegan), Weldon Waggoner Dietze (Ashley), and Caroline Dietze Bradford (Stephen). Great grandchildren include Weldon Walker Dietze, Waylon Rabalais Dietze, Blakely Elizabeth Bradford, Brittan Kay Bradford, Stephen Wayne Bradford Jr., John Frederick “Drei” Dietze, III, Conrad Kyle Dietze, and Carter Gray Dietze. Marilynn is also survived by her sister, Penny Lee Mood Henderson, her nephew, Frank F. Henderson, Jr. (Donna), and her niece, Elizabeth Henderson Green (Ron).

A visitation will be held at Freund Funeral Home on July 24, 2026 at 1:00pm followed by a funeral service at 2:00 pm and family burial at Hillside Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Bill Adams, Joey Adams, Bill Hickey, Fielding Hickey, Randall Katzmark, Fred Maldonado, Parker Schumacher, and Jeff Steen.

Marilynn’s memory would be best served with a donation to Pet Adoptions of Cuero.

Corruption Watch Texas Files Public Records Request Regarding Reported Mold Concerns at Yoakum ISD

By Pat Trevino  | June 22, 2026

Yoakum, Tx – Corruption Watch Texas has submitted a formal Texas Public Information Act request to Yoakum ISD after receiving anonymously provided photographs that appear to show possible moisture‑related or contamination issues inside a district facility. The organization, which monitors government transparency and public‑sector accountability across the state, noted that it cannot conclude the substance shown in the images or the condition of the facility without a professional evaluation.

(Courtesy photo)

The request seeks a wide range of documents, including HVAC failure reports, mold assessments, moisture‑intrusion findings, environmental testing results, remediation records, consultant recommendations, and communications involving district administrators, maintenance personnel, contractors, and board members. According to the filing, the goal is to determine whether environmental concerns were reported, how the district responded, and what steps—if any—were taken to address potential health or safety issues.

Corruption Watch Texas stated that the purpose of the request is to establish a factual timeline and obtain documentation that may clarify the nature and extent of any environmental problems. The organization noted that only official records, not photographs alone, can confirm whether mold, moisture intrusion, or other hazards are present.

Once Yoakum ISD provides any responsive records, Corruption Watch Texas says it will review the materials and report its findings “accurately, fairly, and in context,” consistent with its mission to promote transparency in Texas public institutions.

(Courtesy photo)

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571888697510&sk=photos

Wellsential Health Regional Teams Gather for Meeting at Corpus Christi Hooks Stadium

By Pat Trevino | June 22, 2026

This week, team members from Wellsential Health’s Central and Crossroads Regions came together for a dynamic regional meeting hosted at the Corpus Christi Hooks Stadium in Corpus Christi, Texas. The event brought together Administrators, Directors of Nursing, regional leaders, and senior leadership for a full day of collaboration, idea‑sharing, and team‑building.

Attendees participated in interactive games, group activities, and discussions focused on strengthening teamwork, enhancing communication, and supporting continued growth across all facilities. The atmosphere was energetic and positive, giving staff an opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the region in a fun and engaging setting.

Representing the Crossroads

Region, Yoakum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center joined fellow facilities in celebrating the spirit of unity and shared purpose that drives Wellsential Health’s mission. Team members expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and build stronger relationships with peers and leadership.

The event highlighted Wellsential Health’s ongoing commitment to fostering supportive work environments and empowering teams to deliver exceptional care.

Yorktown Elementary Educators Attend STEM Conference in Oklahoma

By Pat Trevino  | June 22, 2026

Yorktown Elementary educators Ms. Knight and Ms. Williams traveled to Oklahoma this month to participate in a regional STEM conference focused on innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. During the multi‑day event, the teachers engaged hands‑on learning sessions, explored emerging instructional strategies, and gathered new ideas designed to strengthen student engagement in STEM classrooms. Their participation reflects Yorktown Elementary’s ongoing commitment to expanding high‑quality learning opportunities for all students. The district extends its appreciation to Ms. Knight and Ms. Williams for representing Yorktown Elementary and for their dedication to bringing back fresh, impactful approaches that will benefit students throughout the school year.

WESLEY LYNN ALDIS – FEBRUARY 26, 1943 – JUNE 8 2026 (83)

Wesley Lynn Aldis, 83, of Fordtran, passed away surrounded by his family on June 8, 2026. Wesley was born February 26, 1943 in Cuero, Texas to the late Wesley Scott and Lillian Carmel Laywell Aldis.

As a 1961 graduate of Cuero High School, he remained an avid fan of the Cuero Gobblers and continued to attend football games throughout his life. Wesley spent more than 30 years managing the bookstore at Victoria College and he sincerely loved the work and the people he worked with. He also served as President of the Southwest College Bookstore Association in 1990 and 1991 before he retired. He loved planning for and planting his garden each year and was known for sharing that produce with his friends at the college and their church. He was dedicated to his faith and served as an elder in the church and led a vibrant Single’s Ministry and worked with a traveling choir called “The Children of Light’’ while attending College Church of Christ in Victoria.

Wesley is survived by his wife of 63 years, Naomi Jean Morisse Aldis (whom he married at age of 19, after famously introducing himself as Wesley “all this and some more” so she would remember his last name); daughter, Vicki Medrano and husband, Marcus; sons, Bradley Aldis and wife, Margaret, Jonathan Aldis and wife, Heather; sisters, Pat Striedel and husband, Roland, Kay Pickett and husband, Terry; brother, Jimmy Aldis and wife, Carol. Wesley also leaves behind 23 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild with one additional on the way.

Wesley will be remembered by all for his faith, his lifelong commitment to his bride, and for his love of family.

He is buried at Fordtran Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Nathaniel Medrano, Ethan Medrano, Micah Medrano, Max Aldis, Peter Aldis, Nathan Aldis, Samuel Aldis, Caleb Aldis, Blake Ritchie, Nate Falkenstine.

Memorial donations may be made to Restoration House Ministries – Victoria Texas