YOAKUM, TX — On September 15, 2025, the Yoakum Police Department experienced a temporary outage of its primary phone line, 361-293-5234, disrupting routine communication for several hours. During the outage, calls to the main number were not redirected to backup lines, prompting the department to issue an urgent advisory with alternative contact numbers.
Residents were instructed to use 361-293-5235 and 361-293-5236 for non-emergency matters while technicians worked to resolve the issue. Emergency calls to 911 remained unaffected throughout the disruption.
The department acted quickly to notify the public via social media and local channels, urging residents to share the information widely to ensure vulnerable community members were informed. The outage coincided with a busy week of Homecoming events and increased public activity, making timely communication especially critical.
As of now, the issue has been fully resolved, and the main line is back in service. Officials thanked the community for its patience and cooperation and emphasized the importance of staying connected during infrastructure challenges.
This brief disruption served as a reminder of the need for contingency planning and rapid public outreach in small-town law enforcement. The Yoakum Police Department has since reviewed its protocols to ensure smoother transitions in future emergencies.
CUERO, TX — Every Friday morning in October, the Cuero Regional Hospital Café is flipping more than just pancakes—they’re flipping the script on how a small-town breakfast can fuel a big message.
From 7:00 to 9:00 AM, the café is hosting its “Think Pink, Eat Pancakes!” fundraiser in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For just $4.49, patrons can enjoy a plate of two fluffy pink pancakes crowned with whipped cream and sprinkles, served alongside two slices of crispy bacon and a complimentary cup of coffee.
Hospital staff say the event is designed to bring the community together around a shared cause while offering a cheerful start to the day. “It’s about more than breakfast,” said a spokesperson for the hospital. “It’s about visibility, solidarity, and reminding folks that early detection saves lives.”
The pink pancakes are more than a novelty—they’re a symbol. Each bite serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against breast cancer and the importance of regular screenings, education, and support for those affected.
Local residents have already begun marking their calendars, with many planning to attend in honor of loved ones. The café expects a strong turnout from hospital staff, patients, and community members alike.
Whether you’re stopping by before work or making it a family outing, the message is clear: come hungry, leave happy, and show your support—one pink pancake at a time.
CUERO, TX — The Cuero ISD Education Foundation is turning up the volume on community impact with its annual Concert for Classrooms, set for November 8 at 7 p.m. at the Cuero ISD Performing Arts Center. This year’s headliner none other than ABBAMANIA, the world’s #1 ABBA tribute band, bringing disco fever and educational funding together in one unforgettable night.
From “Dancing Queen” to “Waterloo,” ABBAMANIA’s internationally acclaimed show promises pitch-perfect harmonies, dazzling costumes (designed by the original Mamma Mia seamstress), and a full-scale concert experience that’s already wowed audiences alongside the San Diego, Boston, and London Symphonies.
But this isn’t just about music—it’s about mission. Every dollar raised supports innovative classroom grants, student programs, and professional development across Cuero ISD. These funds help educators go beyond traditional budgets to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences for students.
Sponsorship Spotlight: “One Hit Wonder” ($500)
For those looking to make a meaningful impact without breaking the bank, the “One Hit Wonder” sponsorship offers:
🎟️ Two VIP concert tickets with prime seating
🌟 Your name featured in event lights and printed program
🍽️ Access to the exclusive VIP Party at Cuero Country Club (4:00–6:30 PM)
❤️ The satisfaction of knowing your support fuels real change in local classrooms
🎫 Tickets go on sale September 29—and with ABBAMANIA’s global reputation, they won’t last long. Whether you’re a lifelong ABBA fan or a proud supporter of Cuero’s educators, this is your chance to dance, donate, and make a difference.
To sponsor or learn more, visit the Concert for Classrooms page or contact a Foundation board member at 361-275-4628.
📅 Mark your calendars: November 8, 7 PM.
Because in Cuero, even a one-hit wonder can help shape a lifetime of learning.
By Cuero Online News | Hispanic Heritage Month Feature
It is Hispanic Heritage Month across the United States. The month-long observance that began on Monday, September 15, and ends October 15 honors the contributions and achievements made by generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. Here in Cuero we would like to shine a spotlight on local artist and muralist Rafael Acosta Jr., whose artistic legacy and dedication to public art have made a lasting impact across DeWitt County and South Texas.
Rafael Acosta Jr. – Cuero, Tx
Acosta’s murals and paintings are more than aesthetic—they’re declarations. They speak to the land, the people, and the layered history of a region shaped by the people of this community. Acosta art depicts rugged Texas terrain, wildlife, cowboys, turkeys, longhorns, horses, roosters, cacti, and scenes of rural life.
Raised in Cuero and a graduate of Cuero High School’s Class of 1976, Acosta was known early on for painting portraits of his classmates. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, he continued developing his craft as a self-taught muralist. While he’s traveled extensively—visiting 46 countries—his artistic focus remains grounded in the everyday imagery of small-town Texas. His murals capture the spirit and deep connection to his South Texas roots.
Acosta returned to Cuero around 2018, and his first public mural—a rustic depiction of a young girl and her dog—was commissioned by Kleider-Shranks Antiques and Gifts and painted on the building’s façade. Soon after, he began collaborating with the Cuero Main Street program on a series of public mural projects, marking the start of a prolific chapter in his artistic career.
Rafael Acosta Jr. Cuero, Tx
His work has since been featured across numerous South Texas towns, blending regional pride with universal themes. That same year, he was commissioned to update an existing mural behind City Hall—a project that sparked the creation of Art Alley, now an iconic stretch of public art that draws visitors from across the region. By 2019, Acosta had completed a two-story mural honoring the 1912 Cuero Turkey Trot, cementing his role as the town’s lead muralist and cultural storyteller.
Rafael Acosta Jr. – Cuero Main Street Project.
Today, his work can be found in Cuero, Kenedy, Seguin, Edna, Nixon, and most recently, Yoakum, where his grand-scale mural at The Grand Theater and Game Room was completed in the summer of 2025. The piece is now the city’s first official public art installation.
Muralist – Rafael Acosta Jr. 200 Block of West Main St. Yoakum, Texas – Commissioned by Theater owner Tammy Steinmann
When reflecting on the people who shaped his artistic path, Rafael Acosta Jr. points to several early mentors: Cuero High School art teachers Kenneth Liesmann and Dorothy Adcock, as well as his Uncle Eugene Acosta, whose own creative legacy left a lasting impression. Eugene’s sculptural work once earned a place of honor in the Rotunda of the Nebraska State Capitol, where his bust of President John F. Kennedy was publicly displayed. For Rafael, that kind of recognition wasn’t just inspiring—it affirmed that artistic talent ran deep in the family.
But his deepest influence came from his mother one that shaped his decision to pursue art full-time. It was generational wisdom that had been passed down from his grandfather to his mother and now she to him, “Son, my father once told me, that any work done with integrity elevated it to nobility.”
Muralist – Rafael Acosta Jr.
That became a defining moment in Rafael’s life. He said it erased all doubt about his path and gave him the clarity to commit fully to his craft. It wasn’t just about using his talent—it was about respecting it and pushing it as far as it could go.
As Hispanic Heritage Month continues, Acosta’s story stands as a tribute to the power of Latino creativity. His murals don’t just decorate—they document. From Cuero’s alleyways to Yoakum’s theater wall, Rafael Acosta Jr. has painted South Texas in full color. His work is a living archive—a testament to the artistry, endurance, and cultural richness of the region’s historic communities.
Cuero Online News is proud to sponsor Hispanic Heritage Month coverage through October 15. Each week, we’re spotlighting a Hispanic individual who has made an impact—whether through art, leadership, community work, or cultural influence. Nominees can be living or historical figures, including those who have passed but left a lasting legacy in DeWitt County. If you know someone whose story deserves to be told, send your nomination to cueroonlinenews@gmail.com. We welcome submissions from every corner of DeWitt County.
Cuero’s Friday night road trip to Buc Stadium wasn’t just a win—it was a declaration. In a 56–19 dismantling of Corpus Christi Miller, the Gobblers delivered four quarters of relentless, disciplined football that left no room for doubt. This wasn’t about flash. It was about fundamentals. And Cuero executed them with surgical precision.
From the opening whistle, quarterback Jaxxon Marie set the tone. With 316 total yards—151 on the ground and 165 through the air—Marie was both conductor and catalyst, orchestrating an offense that never flinched. His dual-threat performance kept Miller’s defense guessing and gasping, while Walker Dietze’s 86 receiving yards added a vertical threat that stretched the field and punished soft coverage.
(Sponsored by Alfphalyfe) 2025–26 season, #14 for the Cuero High School Gobblers is D’Zayvin Bonner, a junior – Corpus Christi, Tx Sept 19, 2025.
But Cuero’s dominance wasn’t just offensive. It was systemic. The Gobbler defense, anchored by Aiden Strecker’s 18 tackles, suffocated Miller’s momentum from start to finish. With 74 total tackles and a key sack, Cuero’s defensive unit didn’t just respond—they dictated. Miller managed brief sparks, but each flicker was met with a flood of resistance.
(Sponsored by Alfalyfe) With the snap set by Jayce Guajardo (#9), Angel Hernandez (#80) steps into the kick—Cuero precision, frame by frame. – Corpus Christi, Tx – September 19, 2025.
Cuero’s scoring wasn’t slow and steady—it came in waves. Big plays, defensive stops, and explosive drives stacked up fast, leaving Miller scrambling to respond. Their 19 points came in scattered bursts, but Cuero’s control of the game never wavered. It wasn’t just a win—it was a demonstration of what happens when discipline meets firepower.
Now sitting at 4–0, the Gobblers aren’t just building a season—they’re shaping a standard. In a district where noise often drowns out substance, Friday’s win wasn’t just a victory—it was a blueprint on how to dominate without drama.
Cuero didn’t just outplay Miller—they outworked them. And if this team keeps stacking wins with this kind of discipline, the rest of the district better stay ready.
Barbara Fay Audilet, 73, of Yorktown, TX joined her Lord and Savior September 17, 2025, at her home, surrounded by family. She was born October 22, 1951 to Claud and Mildred (Dreyer) Arnold. Barbara earned her Master’s Degree in Primary Education from UHV and taught for the next 43 years. As testament to her love of teaching, she often taught multiple generations of families.
In 1970, she married the love of her life, Douglas Audilet, and had 54 blissful years together. They had three children, Cassie (Tony), Blaze, and Barrett Audilet. She was devoted to God, her family and friends but most of all, she enjoyed spoiling her dogs, grand-pups and grandchildren, Skyler (Skylar) Audilet and Justin Audilet. Barbara is survived by her brother Ray (Karen) Arnold, sister Claudia Deborah and brother-in-law Clem Waskow.
She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Doris Waskow and brother-in-law Jerry Deborah.
Memorials may be given to the Yorktown Public Library or Cuero Pet Adoptions.
A celebration of life will take place Monday, September 29, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Massey Funeral Home in Yorktown, TX.
It’s not about bragging—it’s about trust. Our readers know they’ll see real stories, not the same recycled faces and voices. We spotlight the full spectrum of Cuero and DeWitt County—not just the usual suspects. That’s why our coverage resonates. That’s why it’s growing.
Advertisers and sponsors take note: when you support Cuero Online News, you’re aligning with a platform that values diversity, transparency, and fearless storytelling. We don’t just report—we reflect the community as it truly is. Email your news or announcements to: CueroOnlineNews@gmail.com
As part of Texas state law, public schools across the state—including those in DeWitt County—are conducting mandatory health screenings throughout the academic year. These screenings are designed to identify potential health concerns that could impact a student’s ability to learn, participate, and thrive in the classroom.
Screenings Include:
Vision and Hearing Tests: These help detect impairments that may hinder a child’s academic performance or social development.
Acanthosis Nigricans Screening: A skin marker often associated with insulin resistance, this screening can flag early signs of Type 2 diabetes risk.
Spinal Screening: Typically conducted in middle school grades, this helps identify abnormal spinal curvature such as scoliosis.
Who Is Screened?
Students in designated grade levels as outlined by the Texas Department of State Health Services
All new students enrolling in Texas public schools
These screenings are not diagnostic but serve as an early alert system. If a concern is identified, parents are notified and referred to appropriate healthcare providers for follow-up.
Why It Matters
Early detection of vision or hearing issues can dramatically improve a child’s classroom experience. Identifying spinal irregularities or signs of insulin resistance can lead to timely interventions and better long-term health outcomes.
For more details on the screening schedule and procedures, families are encouraged to visit their school district’s health services page or contact the campus nurse directly.
School nurse giving hearing test to student patient.SOURCE: Cuero ISD
HUTTO, TX — When 47-year-old Maria Alvarez checked her patient portal during a lunch break, she expected routine bloodwork results. Instead, she was met with a clinical note: “Suspicious mass consistent with malignancy.” No phone call. No explanation. Just a few lines of medical jargon—and a wave of panic.
“I was sitting in my car outside the grocery store,” Alvarez said. “I didn’t even know what the words meant at first. I Googled them. Then I cried.”
Her physician hadn’t yet seen the results. Under federal rules, the lab was required to release them immediately. By the time the doctor called two days later, Alvarez had already spiraled through worst-case scenarios, alone.
Stories like hers prompted the Texas Legislature to pass Senate Bill 922 , which took effect September 1, 2025. The law requires a 72-hour delay in the electronic release of certain sensitive test results, including those that may indicate cancer, genetic risk factors, or other serious conditions.
What the Law Changes
Under SB 922:
• Sensitive results will be withheld from patient portals for up to 72 hours, giving providers time to review and prepare.
• Routine results—like cholesterol or basic labs—will still be released immediately.
• Providers may still share results directly with patients before the delay ends, if appropriate.
“This isn’t about withholding information,” said a spokesperson for the Texas Medical Association. “It’s about ensuring patients receive life-changing news with context, compassion, and support.”
The law responds to unintended consequences of the 21st Century Cures Act, a federal mandate that required immediate release of test results to promote transparency. While well-intentioned, the policy led to thousands of patients receiving serious diagnoses—like cancer or Huntington’s disease—without warning or guidance.
Physicians across Texas reported cases of:
• Patients misinterpreting results and assuming the worst
• Emotional breakdowns triggered by raw data
• Missed opportunities for doctors to prepare patients for next steps
SB 922 aims to restore a critical buffer between raw data and human impact.
What Patients Should Know
✅ Most routine results will still appear immediately
✅ Sensitive results may be delayed for up to 72 hours
✅ Providers may still contact patients directly before portal release
✅ The goal is to protect patients from unnecessary trauma
Healthcare providers across the state are updating their systems to comply with the new law. Patients with questions are encouraged to contact their clinic or hospital directly.
As for Alvarez, she supports the change.
“No one should learn they might have cancer from a screen,” she said. “We deserve better than that.”
All proceeds will go directly toward funeral costs.
If you are unable to attend but would still like to contribute, please send donations to the following CashApp
No amount is too small, and every contribution is appreciated during this difficult time. Organizers extend sincere thanks to all who support the effort. Every dollar goes toward honoring Elisa’s life with the dignity she deserves.
Email your news or announcements to: CueroOnlineNews@gmail.com
