DeWitt County voters have until Monday, October 6, 2025, to register to vote in the upcoming November 4 election, which will decide the fate of 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution.
These amendments cover a wide range of issues affecting property taxes, infrastructure funding, education policy, water conservation, and more. While no statewide candidates are on the ballot this cycle, the decisions made in this election will shape how Texas allocates resources and governs key public systems.
Locally, voters may also see propositions or runoff races depending on municipal and school board filings. The DeWitt County Elections Office urges residents to check their registration status and ensure their information is up to date.
Long-term impact on public funding, education, and infrastructure
Eligible residents can register in person at the DeWitt County Elections Office or by mailing a completed voter registration form postmarked by Oct. 6. Forms are available at libraries, post offices, and online at VoteTexas.gov.
For questions or assistance, contact the DeWitt County Elections Office at (361) 275-0859.
Cuero, Texas — A late-night shooting near South U.S. Highway 87 and Radio Road has left a Cuero woman hospitalized and sparked an active investigation by the DeWitt County Sheriff’s Office.
At approximately 11:41 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, deputies responded to reports of gunfire and discovered the female victim in front of U & I Donuts, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. A Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper stationed in DeWitt County administered life-saving aid on the scene before the victim was transported to a local hospital. She is currently listed in stable condition.
Preliminary findings suggest the victim was traveling southbound on Highway 87 when an unidentified vehicle approached and opened fire into her car. The suspect vehicle fled before law enforcement arrived. Authorities have not released a description of the suspect or vehicle, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Sheriff Carl Bowen is urging residents to remain vigilant, especially while traveling at night. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact:
DeWitt County Sheriff’s Office: (361) 275-5734
DeWitt County Crime Stoppers: (361) 275-0880 (anonymous tips accepted)
Agencies Involved
The investigation is being supported by:
Cuero Police Department
Texas Department of Public Safety
Cuero Emergency Medical Services
Further updates will be released as the investigation progresses.
Howard Weise, 82, of Yorktown passed away Friday September 26, 2025. He was born October 19, 1942 in Yorktown to Albert and Jane Hohn Weise.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Ralph Weise and Carolynn Frank.
He is survived by his daughter Wendy Barefield, sons Wade Weise and Benjamin (Phoebe) Weise, sister JoBeth Knezek and grandchildren Savannah Richards, Ryan Wilson, Jake Barefield Jr, Karly Wilson, Joshau Barefield, Mackenzie Barefield, Averie Barefield, Triston Barefield, Aidan Weise and Bentley Weise. He is also survived by many great grandchildren.
Visitation will be 5-7 pm Wednesday October 1, 2025 at Massey Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be 10 am Thursday October 2, 2025 at Massey Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Westside Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Ty Sinast, Wade Bolting, Travis Ehrlich, Scott Podsim, Nathan Frank and Gunnar Frank.
A Cuero family of four is recovering after a fire destroyed their home Thursday afternoon on Old Cheapside Road. No injuries were reported.
The initial call came in at approximately 1:33 p.m., reporting smoke in the area. The caller noted they could not see flames at the time. When first responders arrived, the residence was fully engulfed.
Crews from Cuero Fire Department and Cuero Volunteer Fire Department worked for several hours to contain the blaze. Officials later confirmed the scene was safe to enter.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Multiple agencies assisted in the response, including the DeWitt County Sheriff’s Office, Cuero Police Department, Cuero City Government – Electric, DeWitt County Precinct #1, Cuero Regional Hospital EMS, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and the DeWitt County Office of Emergency Management. All first responders are safe.
Local churches and nonprofit organizations are providing temporary housing, clothing, and meals for the displaced family. Officials say the family is in good spirits and grateful for the community’s support.
CORRECTION: [Headline and time of fire. (9/30/2025 @ 1:38 a.m.)]
A 27-year-old man has been charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of Aarron Lee Sellers, 37, on Monday, September 22.
According to law enforcement officials, Sellers sustained two stab wounds during an altercation that occurred at a residence at the 600 block of Krauge in Yorktown, DeWitt County. Emergency responders arrived on scene but were unable to save Sellers, who was pronounced dead shortly after.
The suspect, identified as Santana Cruz Ureste, was taken into custody later that day. Authorities have not released details regarding a possible motive or the nature of the relationship between Ureste and Sellers. The investigation remains ongoing.
Ureste is currently being held in the DeWitt County Jail. Bond information has not yet been released. Authorities have confirmed that Santana Cruz Ureste and Aarron Lee Sellers were acquainted prior to the fatal incident. While the nature of their relationship has not been publicly detailed, investigators indicated that the two men were familiar with one another, suggesting the stabbing was not a random act. Law enforcement continues to examine the circumstances surrounding their interactions leading up to the altercation.
Officials are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact investigators. Cuero Online News will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.
Mary Alma Burgess, 81, of Cuero passed away September 17, 2025. She was born March 31, 1944 in Cuero to Charles Tellander and Lola Tolbert. She married the love of her life Michael Burgess on June 1, 1963 in Goliad, TX. Mary was a legal secretary for 41 years. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Mary is survived by her husband Michael Burgess, daughter Elizabeth Doner, son Michael Burgess, grandchildren Jaden Burgess, Eden Foss, Kian Burgess and great grandson Cassisan Burgess. She is also survived by sisters Susan Gainan, Jean Rubin, Kris Kenealy, and brother Timothy Tellander.
She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Jeff and John Tolbert.
Graveside service 10 am Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Hillside Cemetery in Cuero, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to donor’s choice.
Delores Mary Hanke, born in Wharton County, Texas, on April 7, 1940, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025, after a short illness. She was 85 years old.
Delores was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Norman E. Hanke; her parents, Joe and Clara Kalmus; her brother, Lawrence Kalmus; her sister, Eline Pekar and her grandson, Jimmy Ihle.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Darlene Jordan and Karen Ramirez; her cherished grandchildren; Dylan Ramirez, Anthony Ramirez, and Logan Jordan and her brother, Jimmy Kalmus.
Delores lived a life full of love, creativity, and adventure. She and Norman shared a passion for travel, spending many joyful years exploring the country together in their RV.
She had a keen eye for beauty and captured countless memories through her love of photography. Music filled her home and heart, and she found great joy in cooking, gardening, and taking care of her beloved fur baby Toby.
Above all, Delores treasured time with her grandchildren. She especially loved celebrating holidays, making each one magical with her thoughtful touches, delicious meals, and joyful spirit. Her warmth, strength, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and devotion that will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, October 2, 2025, 1:00 PM at Freund Funeral Home. Funeral Services will begin at 2:00 PM with Chaplain Rand Bentson officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Michael’s Catholic School.
VICTORIA, TX — On Thursday evening, September 25, Club Westerner was packed wall-to-wall as Democrat State Representative James Talarico brought his campaign message directly to South Texas. The rally, held from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at 1005 W Constitution St, drew a diverse and energized crowd — including several attendees from Cuero who made the short drive to hear him speak.
Photo by Pat Trevino — Supporters gather to hear James Talarico’s campaign message.
Talarico didn’t mince words when addressing what he sees as the true fault line in American politics. “The biggest divide in our country is not left versus right,” he told the crowd. “It’s top versus bottom.” He argued that the ultra-wealthy — the billionaires who own social media platforms, cable news networks, and political influence — have a vested interest in keeping everyday Americans angry and divided. “Our unity is a threat to their wealth and their power,” he said, drawing cheers from the audience.
“In that big ugly bill, they gutted our health care, they defunded schools, and they did all that to cut taxes for their donors”
Photo by Pat Trevino — Victoria County Democrats organize event for James Talarico’s campaign message.
This theme has become central to Talarico’s Senate campaign. In recent interviews and speeches, he’s repeatedly called out what he terms “billionaire megadonors” for manipulating public discourse. “Their algorithms tear us apart,” he said. “They want us focused on how different we are instead of how much we have in common.” Talarico’s critique spans both parties — he’s denounced donor influence across the aisle, insisting that concentrated wealth has corrupted the political system and drowned out the voices of regular Texans.
Photo by Pat Trevino — Supporters gather to hear James Talarico’s campaign message.
By reframing the political struggle as one between concentrated power and everyday people, Talarico is tapping into a growing hunger for systemic change. “It’s been ten years of politics as bloodsport,” he said. “Politics that tears families apart and leaves us all feeling terrible.” His call for a “politics of love” — one rooted in compassion, shared values, and economic justice — resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom said they were ready to help build that movement from the ground up.
Photo by Pat Trevino — Supporters gather to hear James Talarico’s campaign message.
He invoked his faith as a moral compass, urging listeners to love their neighbors — not just those who look, vote, or worship like them, but all neighbors. “Despite our differences,” he said, “we all want the same things: a safe neighborhood, a good job, a well-funded public school, and the ability to see a doctor when we need one.”
“There is something broken in America,” Talarico said, drawing loud applause. “Our economy is broken, our political system is broken. Even our relationships with each other feel broken. That’s because the most powerful people in the world want it that way.”
The crowd responded with cheers and standing ovations throughout the evening, especially when Talarico declared, “There is a deep hunger in this state and in this country for a different kind of politics — not a politics of hate, not a politics of tribes, not a politics of division, but a politics of love.”
Photo by Pat Trevino — Supporters gather to hear James Talarico’s campaign message.
After his speech, most attendees stayed to meet Talarico, take photos, and share personal concerns. Among them were numerous Cuero residents who said they felt moved by his message and immediately signed up to volunteer for his campaign.
“I came here skeptical,” said one Cuero volunteer. “But when he spoke about healing what’s broken in America, I felt that and I’m ready to help.”
Photo by Pat Trevino — After his speech, James Talarico meets with supporters for photos and conversation.
Talarico’s campaign appears to be gaining traction in DeWitt County, with Cuero residents now organizing local volunteer efforts. As the race heats up, South Texas may prove to be a pivotal region — not just for votes, but for a renewed vision of civic unity.
For more coverage on local politics and community events, visit Cuero Online News.
HALLETTSVILLE: Larry Wayne Evans, also known as “Pop”, entered into his eternal rest, surrounded by his loving family on September 23, 2025 at the age of 75. He was born October 13, 1949 in Yoakum to Joe and Maggie Mae (Martin) Evans.
Larry grew up in Lavaca County, never wandering too far way. On October 21, 1972, he married Delores Ann Young and they welcomed two children, Terri Lynn and Brian Wayne Evans. Years passed and he gained another son, when Terri married Nick Bennetsen. Larry’s work as a truck driver kept him on the roads. He never met a stranger and would stop to talk to everyone. He always had a story to tell and a smile on his face. He loved to talk about the good old days. He was proud of his kids, but nothing compared to his pride of having grandchildren, Keene Chase “Boog” and Arielle Paige “Tootie Mae”. They truly were the light of his life. He loved riding the country backroads with Keene and holding on for dear life. He was always ready to ride shotgun with Terri and tell her how to drive the entire time. He was a proud Hallettsville Brahma and attended many Lady Brahma volleyball games and track meets for Arielle and football games for Caleb. He was even a model for Britt when he let her trim his hair. Larry loved going to deer camp with his boys, playing dominoes, watching westerns, and convincing you to let him have dessert before dinner. He went on many adventures, but his last trip was to see his “Tootie” graduate from Texas State University in May.
Larry is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Delores Evans; daughter, Terri Bennetsen and husband Nick; son, Brian Evans; grandson Keene Bennetsen (Brittany Baker); granddaughter, Arielle Bennetsen (Caleb Cuellar); very loved grandpup, Whiskey; sisters, Judy Jernigan and Linda Boedeker; brother, Joe Lee Evans.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe Evans and Maggie (Martin) Gordon and step-father, Allen Gordon; beloved grandparents, Tom and Elizabeth Martin.
Visitation 4 to 6 p.m., with Memorial Service at 6 p.m., Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home with Richard Crain officiating. Private burial to be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Children Hospital, St. Jude’s Children Hospital or Hospice of South Texas.
His family would like to give special thanks to the Hospice of South Texas staff who provided the wonderful care and attention to our Pop.
