CUERO, TX — The Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC) closed out the 2025–26 school year with a meaningful end‑of‑year gathering at La Bella Tavola, where Mayor Emil Garza honored the seven graduating seniors who have served on the council since its inaugural year. The evening highlighted both the accomplishments of the students and the continued growth of the youth‑leadership program.
(photo by Jennifer Dodds) Major General (ret.) Bradley Spacy and Chief Master Sergeant (ret.) Dr. Jose Lugo Santiago, co‑authors of Stars and Stripes, address the group during the MYC event.
The MYC was established to give Cuero high school students a direct role in local government, civic engagement, and community service. Members participate in leadership workshops, volunteer projects, city events, and discussions with municipal leaders. Students apply annually through the City of Cuero’s youth leadership program, submitting academic information, activity involvement, short‑answer responses, and a letter of recommendation. The program seeks motivated students who demonstrate leadership potential, community interest, and a willingness to serve.
This year’s MYC included 13 students — seven seniors and six juniors — who contributed to community initiatives, attended city meetings, and represented Cuero at various civic events. Mayor Garza praised the group for their commitment and emphasized that the inaugural seniors played a defining role in shaping the direction and expectations of the MYC.
(Photo by Jennifer Dodds) Mayor Emil Garza presents senior MYC member Jaiden Dean with a signed copy of Stars and Stripes at the MYC year‑end gathering.
As a gesture of appreciation, Mayor Garza presented each graduating senior with a signed copy of Stars and Stripes, a military leadership book he contributed to and co‑authored. The book’s primary authors, Major General (ret.) Bradley Spacy, USAF, and Chief Master Sergeant (ret.) Dr. Jose Lugo Santiago, USAF, traveled from San Antonio to meet with the students, share leadership insights, and autograph each copy. Their presence underscored the importance of mentorship, service, and character — values central to the MYC’s mission.
The graduating seniors recognized during the ceremony were Julian Henson, Sawyer Fuchs, Landon Crain, Jaida Dean, Tanner Lucas, Everette Odom, Jossiah Taylor
(Contributed photo) Mayor Emil Garza gathers with MYC members, Councilman ShaNon Henson and wife Mary Jane Henson, parent Lori Lucas, Dr. Cynthia Orozco, Judy Adams, families, and visiting authors Major General (ret.) Bradley Spacy and Chief Master Sergeant (ret.) Dr. Jose Lugo Santiago during the youth council’s end‑of‑year event.
With six juniors expected to return next year — and with hopes of welcoming new members — the MYC continues to expand opportunities for youth leadership in Cuero. The program remains committed to empowering students, strengthening civic awareness, and building the next generation of community leaders.
Mary Helen Barrera Torres, 83, formerly of Yorktown, passed away May 10, 2026, in Victoria, Texas. She was born in Yorktown, Texas July 22, 1942, a beloved daughter to the late Francisco Barrera and Braulia Soto Barrera.
A devoted Catholic, Mary Helen lived with compassion, kindness, and a deep love for God and those closest to her.
She was a faithful member of the Guadalupanas at San Luis Catholic Church, where she also served as a Eucharistic Minister and joyfully shared her voice in the Church choir. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she found great comfort and happiness serving her Church community.
Mary Helen treasured time spent with her family above all else. She especially adored her grandbabies and cherished every moment with them. She looked forward to shopping trips with her children, family dinners, and going out to eat together, creating memories filled with laughter and love. She also had a deep appreciation for mariachi music, which brought joy to her heart and spirit.
She is survived by her children, Alex (Reanna) Torres, Yvonne Torres, Norma (Raul) Torres, Roger (Norma) Torres, Lorina Torres, Richard Torres, Debbie Torres, and Timothy Bailey Torres; siblings, Adelina Cerda, Lupita Serenil (Isabel Serenil, Jr.); 19 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 1 great great-grandchild on the way; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
Mary Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Francisco and Braulia Barrera; siblings, Jose Gamez, Alfredo Gamez, Irene Mungia, Ofelia Sanchez, Alice Monsivias, and Abelino Barrera.
Funeral Mass was May 15, 2026, at San Luis Catholic Church in Yorktown with Father Scott Hill Officiating. Interment will follow at the San Luis Catholic Cemetery.
Those serving as pallbearers are Nicholas Torres, David Villarreal, Rex Marin, Elias Torres, Matthew Torres, and Joshua Torres.
YOAKUM: LaVernia Lucille Harrison, 51, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026. She was born January 2, 1975, in Yoakum, TX, to Lee Bud and Gerline (Blackmon) Harrison. She worked for 18 years as a CNA, most recently at Stevens Nursing Home in Yoakum.
She loved spending time with her kids and grandkids, talking to family and friends on the phone and shopping.
Survivors are her children, sons, Chris Price (Angelica) of Yoakum, DeVante Price (Paige) of Victoria; daughter, TaNeshia Price of Yoakum; grandchildren Karter Price and Mya Price; father of her children, Calvin Price; sisters, Linda Fay White (Johnny) of Victoria; Rosalie Wilson (James) of Victoria; numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by parents; sisters Carolyn Johnson and Georgia Ann Jackson.
Rev. Dewayne Arkadie and Bobby Mesa officiated. She is buried at Yoakum Oak Grove Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Tyrone Johnson, Cordell Johnson, Brittany Johnson, Dee Johnson, Terriyon Johnson and James Wilson.
YORKTOWN, TX — The DeWitt County Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1029 will honor fallen service members during its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25, 2026, at the DeWitt County Vietnam Veterans Memorial located at the intersection of Highway 72 and Main Street in Yorktown. The ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m.
This year’s guest speaker is Brigadier General Clinton T. Anderson, U.S. Army (Ret.), who will address attendees on the meaning of Memorial Day and the importance of remembering those who gave their lives in service to the nation.
The event is open to the public, and organizers encourage families, veterans, and community members to attend. The memorial grounds feature a prominent Vietnam-era helicopter display and are surrounded by flags honoring local service members, offering a solemn setting for reflection.
Following the ceremony, the chapter will hold a gun raffle and auction, with proceeds supporting local veterans’ initiatives. Attendance prizes will also be awarded. Approximately 3,150 square feet of covered seating will be available to ensure comfort for guests.
The DeWitt County Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1029 hosts the ceremony each year as part of its mission to preserve the legacy of Vietnam veterans and to ensure that the sacrifices of all American service members are never forgotten.
CUERO, TX — The Class of 2026 took the field at Gobbler Stadium on Friday, May 22, for a night filled with pride, reflection, and celebration — but no two students stood more prominently at the heart of the ceremony than Valedictorian Landri Kay Dyer and Salutatorian Cole Hollis Moore.
The official program placed their names front and center, listing “Cole Hollis Moore — Salutatorian” and “Landri Kay Dyer — Valedictorian.” Both delivered the evening’s keynote student addresses, offering messages that captured the spirit and resilience of their graduating class.
(Contributed photo) Landri Dyer
A Standout Night for Valedictorian Landri Kay Dyer
Landri’s presence was felt from the very beginning of the ceremony. Before she ever stepped to the podium for her valedictory address, she performed the National Anthem, noted in the program as: “NATIONAL ANTHEM — Landri Dyer, Choir Member.”
Her voice opened the ceremony with a sense of unity and pride, setting the tone for the night.
Later, as she delivered her valedictory speech — listed simply as “ADDRESS — Landri Dyer, Valedictorian” — she reflected on the class’s shared journey and the meaning behind their chosen motto: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the end.” — C.S. Lewis
Landri graduates as a Summa Cum Laude scholar and National Honor Society member, marked in the commencement program as “Landri Kay Dyer *** +”. Her academic excellence, leadership, and artistic contributions made her one of the defining figures of the Class of 2026.
(Contributed photo) Cole Moore
Salutatorian Cole Hollis Moore Opens the Ceremony’s Student Addresses
Before Landri took the stage, Salutatorian Cole Hollis Moore delivered the first major student speech of the evening. His role appears in the program as: “ADDRESS — Cole Moore, Salutatorian.”
Cole’s message set the tone for the ceremony — thoughtful, grounded, and forward‑looking. Like Landri, he graduates with the highest academic distinction, listed as “Cole Hollis Moore *** +”, indicating Summa Cum Laude honors and membership in the National Honor Society.
His speech served as a moment of gratitude and reflection, acknowledging the challenges the class overcame and the opportunities ahead.
Student Leaders Shape the Ceremony
The Class of 2026’s student officers played key roles throughout the evening:
Kendall Helms, Student Body President — led the Pledge of Allegiance/Texas Pledge
Sawyer Fuchs, Student Body Vice President — delivered the Invocation
Melaney Vela, Student Body Secretary — offered the Benediction
These contributions appear in the program’s ceremony order, including: “PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/TEXAS PLEDGE — Kendall Helms” and “INVOCATION — Sawyer Fuchs.”
Their participation highlighted the leadership and unity within the senior class.
A Ceremony Marked by Pride and Accomplishment
The evening followed a traditional commencement structure — processional, student addresses, certification of the class, and recessional — all culminating in the moment each senior crossed the stage to receive a diploma.
The program’s closing note emphasized student voice and independence: “The students who shall be speaking at the graduation ceremony were selected based on neutral criteria… The content… is solely and entirely the private expression of the individual student.”
It was a reminder that the night belonged to the students — and especially to the two who led them academically.
A Memorable Finish for the Class of 2026
As the class exited the field to their chosen song, “Where Did All the Time Go?” by Dr. Dog, the graduates stepped into the next chapter of their lives — guided by the example set by their top scholars.
For Landri Kay Dyer and Cole Hollis Moore, the ceremony marked the culmination of years of dedication. For their classmates, it marked the beginning of new possibilities.
The Class of 2026 leaves Gobbler Stadium with pride, accomplishment, and a legacy shaped by two exceptional student leaders.
The Graduating Class of 2026
Noe Aguirre Romo
Aiden Joseph Alcazar+
Julia Kay Aleman ** +
Anthony Michael Almazan
Merari Abigail Andino-Romero
Mayzee Elianna Arzate Rodriguez
Isaiah Kobe Barbontin
Imari Ski Barefield
Andrea Elizabeth Beltran
Yescas# Kyle
David Bias Addison
Julianna Chapa#+
Sean Carter Courreges#
Julianna Kate Cox+
Landon Robert Crain#+
Emeree Giselle Dasilva+
Jaida Lanai Dean*
Kimberly Lynn Deleon-Gutierrez
Weldon Walker Dietze+
Kayden Alan Dorotik
Karlie Rene Dudley
Ayden Anthony Dworczyk#
Landri Kay Dyer *** +
Kyle Arren Ellis
Joceline Esparza Diaz#
Mariposa Reymunda Flores
Nathaniel Ray Foreman#
Emma Anne Franklin#
Sawyer Denton Fuchs *** +
Avory Leanne Galindo
Alexis Jade
Raelynn Gamez
Jayden Rae Garcia
Jaelen Ray Garibay#
Eli Lamar Garrett ** +
Caitlyn Nicole Geigle *** +
Tyasia Debrae Haynes#
Garrett Wesley Helfer
Kendall Kathryn Helms+
Robert Scott Henkes
Julian Zen Henson#
Bradley Dale Hill
Brittany Elaine Hill
Tyler Eugene Jackson
Skylynn Raeign
JamesAmayah La Don Jones ** +
Caroline Grace Kubesch *** +
David James Leinen
Kaimarye Javion Lopez
Mia Isabella Lopez
Tanner Layne Lucas
Wyatt Alvin Luddeke*
Zachery Manuel Maldonado
Connor Milam
Malina Jaxxon
Kyle Marie#
Dalton Shane Molands
Nevaeh Amore Montes#
Elijah Leonard Montgomery
Cole Hollis Moore *** +
Bailey Wren Morrow+
Everett Rutherford Odom *** +
Colton James Ohrt
Gracie Lynn Orsak
Martin John Padilla, Jr.
Juan Diego Palma
Sawyer Jake Parker#
Karlie Grace Parr#
Ty William Paul
Ambri Dae Pawlik#
Landon Wade
Pelot Johnathan
Alberto Perez
Kato Antonio Perez
Preston Keith Perez
Spencer Allen Pierce
Aisling Grace Provow#
Jessica Ramos#+
Trent Dillon Reed+
Jaiyden Lorisa Rheinschmidt+
Eayon Rhylee Rivera
Ethan Nathaniel
Jama Robinson+
Amari Nevaeh Rodriguez#+
Moses Xavier Rodriguez
Jasey Mckayla Rogers ** +
Alexea Joe Ruibal
Caleigh Ann Ruiz
Sunitha Luv Salas#+
Lucian Anthony Salazar *** +
SeanDylan
Daniel Salazar
Furman Saldaña, Jr.
Marisol Salinas
Segura Heron Sanchez, Jr.
Joel Rene Sanchez, Jr.
Nevaeh Nickole Sanchez
Skyler Martin Sanchez
Kyler Wyatt Schley#
Joshua Jayden Schorre
Joshua Emmanuel Serna#
Everett Scott Smart ** +
Fredric Samuel Smith-Holman
Adrian Soto-Tejeda
Mason David Spies
Aiden Daniel Stafford
Bailey Marie Staten#
Aiden Michael Strecker
Colton James Suter *** +
Dorothy Ann Taylor
Jossiah Lee Taylor#+
Brynna Colleen Thomas#
Madisyn Joy Timpone+
Heath Thomas Toney
Kirsten Jo Trevino ** +
Dayvon Azaya
Varela Nicolas
Andrew Varela
Melaney Jo Vela
Roel Velasquez III
Joselyn Jesus Villanueva-Luna#+
*** Summa Cum Laude ** Magna Cum Laude* Cum Laude #Honor + National Honor Society
Ken Curl, 85, passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2026. He was born November 5, 1940, in Dallas County to Redrick Key and Joan Shadix Curl. Ken graduated from Victoria High School in 1958. He joined the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1962. He married Linda Vogt in 1961 and was married for 65 years.
After the Navy he worked for the City of Victoria building the roads for Riverside Park. He then began working for Dupont for the next 35 years when he retired due to health issues.
Ken loved his family and his family farm in Bluffdale Texas. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. When he no longer hunted and fished, he started woodcarving. He loved to carve, build things, spend time at his farm, and he loved telling family history stories to anyone who would listen. Ken was a member of the Victoria Woodcarvers Club and the Texas Woodcarvers Guild. He taught sharpening classes at the woodcarving events with the sharpening rigs he would build.
Ken was a member of First United Methodist Church in Victoria. He was a youth sponsor while his children were young and loved to cook for any event the church was having. Ken also taught a bible study class and adult Sunday school.
Left here to cherish his memories are his wife of 65 years, Linda, children: Kim (James) Farrow, Kelly (Michael) Reyna, and Key (Shannon) Curl, his grandchildren Austin Farrow, Stephen Farrow, Sarah (Travis) Stehling, Emily (Brett) Wellmann, Keyton Curl and Kaylan Curl. He has four great grandchildren, Rylee Stehling, Cameron Stehling, Cole Wellmann, and Claire Wellmann, due any day now. He is also survived by his sister Kathy (Mike) Redmond, nieces and nephews: Karry (Jennifer) Drozd, Keith (Amy) Drozd, Kristi (Lance) Olenius, and Kyle (Kim) Drozd.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held 2 pm Thursday, May 28, 2026, at First United Methodist Church of Victoria. Funeral Services will begin at 3 pm. Rev. Celia Halfacre will be officiating.
Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church, Victoria, TX or Hospice of South Texas.
YOAKUM: Willie Ray Moses passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the age of 72. He was born in Port Lavaca, Tx. on March 11, 1954, to the late Richard A. and Dorothy A. Stuart Moses.
Willie was a member of Austin Street Baptist Church in Yoakum, Tx and retired from Formosa. He loved his western movies and watching the Astros play. He was a member of the South Texas Trail Riders Association and was an avid storyteller. He took great joy in living the life of a rancher.
Willie is survived by his wife, Shirley Moses; his daughters, Amy Moses, Kristi Allen(Daryl), Tina Arguellez(Carlos); his son Michael Allen(Erica). Willie is also survived by his sisters: Sue Debord, Earlene Knight(Mike), Jeannie Grumbles(Lonnie) and also 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Janelle Miller and his brothers: Fred Moses, Babo Moses and Glen Moses.
Frankie Garza, 70, of Yorktown, Tx passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2026. He was born April 16, 1956 in Yorktown to Irene Garza. He married the love of his life Rosie Flores on March 19, 1977.
Frankie is survived by his wife of 49 years Rosie Garza, children Elizabeth Garza, Crystal (Marcos) Arguellez, and Franklin (Angela) Garza, grandchildren Chrysta (Josh) Longoria, Devin Beltran, Blakelynn Turnipseed, Rianna Arguellez, Jase Arguellez, Frank Garza and Lanesea Garza. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Joshua Joel Longoria and Cayden Phillip Longoria, siblings Berta Cavazos, Amber Ortiz, Diana Ratcliff, Joe Solis, and Ruben Solis.
He is preceded in death by his mother Irene Garza, brothers: Antonio Cavazos, Adam Cavazos and Robert Solis.
Visitation 5-7 pm Friday, May 29, 2026 with Rosary at 7 pm at Massey Funeral Home. Funeral Mass 10 am Saturday, May 30, 2026 at San Luis Catholic Church. Interment to follow at San Luis Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be: Devin Beltran, Frank Garza, Chris Flores, Johnny Flores, David Jose Ochoa, and Armando Villarreal. Honorary pallbearers will be Franklin Garza, Jase Arguellez, Marcos Arguellez, Mike Flores, Joe Hernandez, Joshua Longoria, and Roy Garza.
Memorials may be given to San Luis Catholic Church.
You are invited to sign the online guest book at www.masseyfh.com
Arrangements by Massey Funeral Home, Yorktown, Texas 361-564-2900.
The DeWitt County Historical Commission recognized four Yoakum Jr. High seventh graders on Tuesday, May 19, during its meeting at the DeWitt County Courthouse Annex. The students were selected as top entrants in the Letters From The Alamo essay contest, held in conjunction with the upcoming installation of the Alamo Society’s Travis Letter plaque on the courthouse grounds.
The Commission’s History Appreciation Committee invited seventh graders across DeWitt County to write first‑person essays imagining themselves as defenders during the final days of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. Due to STAAR testing, most schools were unable to participate; however, Yoakum Jr. High’s seventh‑grade class, taught by Mrs. Jennifer Chumchal, submitted an impressive 72 entries.
Committee Chair Brenda Lord said the judging process was both emotional and inspiring. “The essays were heart‑felt and mostly historically accurate. They were deeply moving. Some made us cry and some made us smile, and all made us proud,” she shared.
Four students earned top honors. Madelyn Rosas received first place, Walter Zepeda earned second, and Kaliyah Kloesel placed third. Daniel Flores received special recognition with an honorable mention for his diary‑style narrative written from the perspective of an Alamo defender.
Each student received a certificate and a cash award. Presenting the honors was DeWitt County resident Bill Blackwell, a member of the statewide Alamo Letter Society. Also representing DeWitt County in the organization is Fain McDougal.
Work is currently underway to dedicate a granite historical marker featuring William Barret Travis’s famous letter to Gen. Sam Houston, written from the Alamo in 1836. The marker will be placed in front of the DeWitt County Courthouse. The dedication ceremony, to be coordinated by the DeWitt County Historical Society and the DeWitt County Commissioners Court, will be scheduled in the near future. Recent rains have caused delays in completing the project.
