Staff Writer – Cuero, TX – July 5, 2025
The Cuero community is mourning the loss of Ruth Anne Killough, the elderly woman tragically struck and killed by a vehicle during her morning walk on July 4 near the intersection of E. Morgan Avenue and Stockdale Street.
Authorities confirmed her identity late Friday evening after notifying her family. Ruth Anne, a longtime educator and beloved community member, was known for her daily walks and active involvement in local groups. Her death has left a deep void in the hearts of many who knew her.
According to sources, the male driver involved in the incident contacted police immediately following the collision. As of this writing, no charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing. Officials have not released further details about the driver or the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Community members have shared that Ruth Anne may have been deaf or partially deaf, a factor that could have contributed to her vulnerability near roadways. The intersection where the incident occurred was closed for several hours as investigators worked to piece together what happened.
In the wake of this tragedy, Ruth Anne’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover immediate expenses and to establish scholarships in her name—an effort that reflects her lifelong dedication to education and service.
Governor Greg Abbott today provided an update during a press conference at the Hill Country Youth Event Center on Texas’ response to severe flooding impacting Kerr County and surrounding communities. The Governor also issued a disaster declaration for 15 counties affected by this severe weather event.
“This is a time when we, as a state, need God more than ever,” said Governor Abbott. “The one thing I hear the most are the prayers that are being sent for those who are in harm’s way. There is an extraordinary collaboration to make sure that we address everybody’s concern as quickly as possible. As part of this, I am signing a disaster declaration to ensure counties have access to every tool, strategy, and personnel that the State of Texas can provide to them, which will be limitless.”
The Governor was joined by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd, Adjutant General of Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer, Texas Department of Public Safety Colonel Freeman Martin, Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring, and other local officials.
During the press conference, Governor Abbott emphasized that Texas remains in a search and rescue posture. The Governor also assured local officials that the State of Texas will provide all necessary resources to help locate and account for every missing person. Additionally, Governor Abbott noted that the federal government has offered support and resources to assist in response efforts.
The counties in the Governor’s declaration include Bandera, Coke, Comal, Concho, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Reeves, San Saba, and Tom Green. Additional counties may be added at a later date.
Kerrville, Tx July 4, 2025
The State of Texas has deployed more than 1,000 state responders and more than 800 vehicles and equipment assets, and more than 15 state agencies are currently responding to the flooding threat across the state.
Yesterday, TDEM increased the readiness level of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center (SOC) to Level II (Escalated Response) and activated additional state emergency response resources as portions of West and Central Texas prepared for continued heavy rainfall and flash flooding threats. On Wednesday, TDEM deployed state emergency response resources ahead of the rain and flooding threat.
Texans are encouraged to follow instructions from local officials and can find flood resources online in the Texas Disaster Portal at disaster.texas.gov.
YOAKUM: Lois Marie Zimmermann, 93, passed away Thursday, July 3, 2025, with her family at her side. She was born April 8, 1932, in Moulton to Anton and Caroline (Blaschke) Moeller.
Lois was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was the second oldest with 5 siblings. She attended school until the 8th grade, then stayed at home with the younger siblings while her parents worked. Her biggest joy was her family. She loved cooking, canning and gathering for all occasions and always made the best homemade bread and rolls.
Lois is survived by her children, Harry Zimmermann Jr. (Mae), Robert Zimmermann (Rinda), Donald “Duck” Zimmermann, Richard Zimmermann (Staci), Donna Zimmermann Kelley (Kim), and Mark Zimmermann (Angela); 10 grandchildren, Anthony (Monica), Dwayne (Jennifer Leigh), Rex Allan Kelley (Brittany Miears), Justin Kelley (Britany), Kate Zimmermann (Eric Crapnell), Robert Dale Zimmermann (Brooke), Jordan Zimmermann (Kayla Novosad), Ava Zimmermann, Nickolas Zimmermann (Keki), and Matthew Zimmermann(Courtney); 13 great-grandchildren, Cassidy Zimmermann, Wyatt Zimmermann, Blaine Zimmermann, Mia Zimmermann, Lilly Zimmermann, Gracie Zimmermann, Waylon Zimmermann, Adelyn Zimmermann, Luke Kelley, Matthew Kelley, Hannah Kelley, Jaxtyn Zimmermann, and Hank; sister, Caroline Harrington (Larry)and JoAnn Pannabec (Ronney); brother, Johnny Moeller (Bonnie); numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Caroline Moeller; husband Harry Zimmermann; mother and father-in-law, Erna and Emil Zimmermann; sister, Ellen Hirsch and husband Victor; brother, Max Moeller and wife Lucille.
Visitation 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, July 7, 2025, at Thiele Cooper Funeral Home.
Funeral Service 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home with Pastor Cecil Deadman officiating. Burial at Moulton City Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to Donor’s Choice.
Pallbearers are Anthony Zimmermann, Dwayne Zimmermann, Rex A. Kelley, Jordan Zimmermann, Robert Dale Zimmermann and Matthew Zimmermann.
YOAKUM: Bobbie Elder Aitkens, age 87, passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2025. He was born June 15, 1938, in Westhoff, Texas to Leonard and Veronica Rethaber Aitkens.
He was a truck driver for many years driving for Gulf Oil Company and Johnson Oil Company. He served in the Army National Guard. He was a member of the Sweet Home American Legion. He enjoyed playing his keyboard, fishing, wood working and spending time outdoors.
Survivors: daughters, Marsha Herchek (Mark) and Karen Beasley; son, David Aitkens; grandchildren, James Herchek, Tasha Beasley, Marshall Aitkens, Samantha Olvera, Aimee Cantrell, Dale Beasley and John Aitkens along with six great-grandchildren; sister, Sue Trammell; brother, Leonard Aitkens Jr.
Preceded in death by parents, wife, Linda Aitkens.
Graveside service 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Hebron Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Mark Herchek, James Herchek, David Aitkens, Marshall Aitkens, Chase Cantrell and Hector Olvera.
Memorial contributions may be given to Hebron Baptist Church or Hebron Cemetery Association.
CUERO, TX (July 4, 2025) – A quiet Fourth of July morning turned tragic in Cuero when an elderly woman was struck and killed by a vehicle while out on her routine walk near the intersection of E. Morgan Avenue and Stockdale Street.
Photo by Pat Trevino – July 4, 2025 Cuero, Texas – Morgan St.
The incident occurred shortly before 9:00 a.m. in the 305 E. Morgan block. Witnesses from the neighborhood told reporters that the woman was known for taking morning walks in the area. Emergency responders arrived at the scene quickly and blocked off the roadway. Upon arrival, Cuero Online News observed that the woman’s body was already covered. While several emergency vehicles were present, it was not immediately clear which vehicle was involved, and there appeared to be no visible questioning of any individuals at the time.
Sources with knowledge of the incident confirmed that a male driver involved in the collision contacted police to report an accident. However, no name or further identifying information about the driver has been released and it is unclear whether any charges will be filed.
Community members have since shared that the victim may have been deaf or partially deaf, which may have contributed to her vulnerability near roadways. Her identity has not yet been released publicly as officials work to notify her family.
Photo by Pat Trevino – July 4, 2025, Cuero, Tx. Morgan St.
The intersection remained closed for a time as authorities conducted an investigation. The exact circumstances and potential contributing factors to the crash have not yet been detailed in any official statement.
This is a developing story, and Cuero Online News will provide verified updates as they become available.
(Change made to story for clarity: While several emergency vehicles were present… 7/4/2025 @ 1:36 pm)
(Change made to story: Remove blurred photo and replaced it with a photo taken at the scene. Request from family member – 7/4/2025 @5:40pm)
CUERO, TX (July 4, 2025) – As heavy rainfall affects much of the Hill Country and San Antonio area this Independence Day, the DeWitt County Office of Emergency Management and Floodplain Administration is keeping a close eye on flood conditions and water levels—reassuring residents that local river activity remains normal.
According to the latest data shared by Floodplain Administrator Billy Jordan, Canyon Lake is currently measured at 877.87 feet, which stands 31.13 feet below its typical pool level of 909 feet. While upstream rainfall is expected to increase inflows into the lake and surrounding rivers in the coming days, officials say there are no immediate concerns for DeWitt County.
“This isn’t cause for alarm, but it’s important that our community remains aware,” posted Jordan. “We’re watching the forecast, and our thoughts are with those upstream already impacted by high water and flooding.”
Local emergency officials urge residents to stay informed as the situation develops. They recommend taking a few proactive steps in case conditions shift closer to home: review your emergency plan, check supplies, and monitor official weather and safety updates over the holiday weekend.
With the July Fourth celebrations in full swing, residents are reminded to use caution around rivers, creeks, and low-lying areas where water levels can change unexpectedly.
DeWitt County’s emergency management team will provide additional updates as needed through official channels. For more information and preparedness resources, visit the DeWitt County Office of Emergency Management and Floodplain Administration online at:
🔗 https://www.co.dewitt.tx.us/page/dewitt.Emergency
As of July 1, 2025, Texas has officially retired its paper license plates, ushering in a new era of metal plate issuance at the point of sale—a sweeping change brought about by . Signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in 2023, the bill aims to crack down on widespread fraud and criminal misuse of temporary paper tags.
Why HB 718 Was Needed
For years, Texas law enforcement agencies and transportation officials raised alarms about the rampant abuse of paper license plates, which were easily forged and sold illegally online. These counterfeit tags were often used to:
Evade tolls and registration fees
Conceal stolen or unsafe vehicles
Obstruct law enforcement investigations
Facilitate crimes such as carjackings and robberies
What the Law Changes
Under HB 718, all licensed Texas car dealers must now issue metal license plates at the time of sale. Temporary paper tags are no longer permitted. Instead, buyers will receive one of several color-coded metal plates, depending on their situation:
These plates are tracked through the webDEALER system, ensuring each tag is tied to a verified buyer and vehicle.
Cost and Compliance
Metal plates cost $10 and replace the former 30-day and one-trip permits
Dealers must maintain an inventory of plates and issue them immediately upon sale
Buyers must keep their purchase receipt in the vehicle until their registration sticker arrives
A Win for Public Safety
Law enforcement officials have praised the law as a major step toward reducing vehicle-related crime. By eliminating the anonymity of paper tags, HB 718 enhances traceability and accountability on Texas roads.
What Drivers Should Know
If you buy a car from a Texas dealer after July 1, you’ll leave with metal plates already installed
Paper tags are no longer valid after their expiration date
Private vehicle sales are not affected—sellers must still remove their plates and file a transfer notice
In the age of artificial intelligence and predictive policing, the line between national security and civil liberty is growing dangerously thin. At the center of this debate stands Palantir Technologies, a data analytics firm whose software is now deeply embedded in U.S. immigration enforcement—and poised to expand into local law enforcement across the country.
From Immigration to Infiltration
Palantir’s latest contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a $30 million initiative called ImmigrationOS, a platform that gives ICE “near real-time visibility” into the lives of immigrants and their families. It integrates biometric data, financial records, travel patterns, and even social media activity to build detailed profiles of individuals, many of whom have not committed any crime.
While Palantir claims it does not conduct deportations, its tools are used to identify, track, and facilitate the removal of undocumented individuals, often sweeping in U.S. citizens connected to them. In Mississippi, for example, Palantir’s software was used in mass workplace raids that separated hundreds of families.
The Risk of Expansion
What happens when this technology—originally designed for counterterrorism and immigration enforcement—is handed to local police departments?
Documents show that Palantir’s platforms are already being used by state and local agencies to share license plate data, DMV records, and arrest histories with federal authorities. In sanctuary cities, this has allowed ICE to bypass local protections and detain individuals as they leave jails or attend court hearings.
If expanded further, this infrastructure could be used to monitor political activists, journalists, or anyone deemed “suspicious” by a future administration. The same tools that track undocumented immigrants today could be used to suppress dissent tomorrow.
As one protester in Palo Alto put it:
“Today, Palantir and the Trump administration are targeting immigrants. Tomorrow, it’ll be anyone who disagrees with the MAGA agenda. The day after that it will be anyone who disagrees with whoever is in power.”
No One Is Safe
The danger isn’t just theoretical. Palantir’s CEO has admitted that the company’s software is used “on occasion to kill people” in military operations. And leaked documents show that ICE agents use Palantir’s mobile apps to scan fingerprints, extract phone data, and track family relationships in the field.
This level of surveillance—once the stuff of dystopian fiction—is now a reality. And if it falls into the wrong hands, or is abused by corrupt officials, it could be used to destroy families, silence critics, and erode the very freedoms it claims to protect.
Profiting from Deportation
Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that high-ranking political officials are financially invested in Palantir’s success.
Stephen Miller, Trump’s Deputy Chief of Staff and architect of the mass deportation agenda, owns up to $250,000 in Palantir stock.
At least 11 other White House officials hold shares in the company.
Members of Congress—including Rep. James Comer (R-KY) and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA)—have also traded Palantir stock in recent months.
These financial ties raise serious ethical concerns. When lawmakers and executive officials profit from the very surveillance systems they help expand, the incentive to protect civil liberties disappears.
Trump’s Deputy Chief of Staff and architect of the mass deportation agenda, owns up to $250,000 in Palantir stock.
A Call for Oversight—and a Line in the Sand
Palantir insists it is not building a “master database” and that its tools are used within legal boundaries. But history tells us that surveillance powers are rarely rolled back—and often abused. From COINTELPRO to PRISM, the U.S. has repeatedly turned its tools inward, targeting the very people it claims to protect.
The passage of the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” would be a turning point—and not for the better.
This bill doesn’t just unlock funding for defense and AI infrastructure; it gives agencies like ICE and their tech partners a green light to expand surveillance deeper into American life—into schools, courthouses, workplaces, and eventually our neighborhoods.
Once this infrastructure spreads to local law enforcement—as it’s poised to do—families across this country, especially in vulnerable or marginalized communities, could find themselves pulled into the dragnet with no warning and no recourse.
This is not just about immigration. It’s about total access to our lives. And it’s why this bill must not pass.
Because in a world where data is power, no one is truly safe.
YOAKUM, TX — On Saturday, June 28, women from across the region gathered at The Gin, a newly opened venue in Yoakum, for the inaugural Refresh Women’s Conference — a free, faith-filled event designed to Refocus, Renew, Restore, and ultimately Refresh the hearts and minds of attendees.
Contributed photo – Women’s Conference Yoakum, Tx June 2025
Organized by Sisters of Strength, a diverse Christian women’s group founded by Sonya Jones, the conference welcomed women from all denominations and walks of life. The event was rooted in the message of Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
From 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., attendees experienced a powerful lineup of worship, prayer, and testimony. The atmosphere was one of unity and spiritual revival, as churches came together to praise as one body — transcending denominational lines in celebration of a shared faith in Jesus Christ.
Contributed photo – Pictured is SharDae Walters @ Women’s Conference Yoakum, Tx June 2025
💗 A Sea of Pink and a Spirit of Grace
Guests were encouraged to wear any shade of pink, creating a vibrant and joyful visual that matched the event’s uplifting tone. A meal was provided, and the event remained entirely free of charge — a reflection of the group’s mission to serve without expectation.
Contributed photo – Women’s Conference Yoakum, Tx June 2025
🕊️ Healing Through Shared Experience
One of the most impactful moments came during a grief session led by a speaker from the ministry Picking Up the Pieces, offering comfort and connection to women navigating loss. Many attendees shared heartfelt testimonials about how the conference had touched their lives and renewed their faith.
Contributed photo – Women’s Conference Yoakum, Tx June 2025
“This conference was born out of prayer,” said organizer SharDae Walters. “We believed God wanted us to refocus our attention on Him so He could begin the restoration process in our lives. And that’s exactly what happened — women left refreshed and empowered.”
Contributed photo – Women’s Conference Yoakum, Tx June 2025
For more information about Sisters of Strength or future events, contact SharDae Walters at 361-212-3846.
VICTORIA: Juanita Dell Edwards, 87, passed away peacefully Monday, June 30, 2025. She was born October 7, 1937, in Hallettsville to Hubert Vernon Long and Myrtle Ruth (Harold) Long.
Juanita was born into a large, loving family with ten siblings, and from the beginning, family remained the cornerstone of her life. She was feisty, strong-willed, and embraced life with joy and determination.
She shared 48 wonderful years of marriage with the love of her life, Walter “Glen” Edwards, until his passing in 2020.
Juanita was a talented seamstress, a gifted cook, and found joy in fishing, camping, and hosting family gatherings. She had an ear for all kinds of music, loved the thrill of a good rodeo, and delighted in people-watching. Ever enchanted by the magic of Hollywood, she admired its glamour and sparkle with wide-eyed wonder.
Survivors are her daughter, Bobbie Sue Green and husband Pete of Victoria; 6 grandchildren, Theresa Poff (Chris), Larry Castellow (Christy), Chase House (Elizabeth), Nikki Booher (Logan), Christopher House (Stephanie) and Nicholas House; 10 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren; 5 siblings, Lanell Ryland of Old Ocean, Vernon Long Of Yoakum, Margie Friedel of Yoakum, Billy Long (Susie) of Gonzales and Wesley Long (Tammie) of Montgomery; special family, Chris Green (Connie), Vickie Fric (Daniel), Karlleen Helweg and Dan Infante; numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.
Preceded in death by her parents, husband, Glen Edwards; sons, Robert Murray House in 2008 and Michael Walter House in 2012; sisters, Shirley Fuller, Wanda Williams and Lynda Long; brothers, Kenneth Long and Leon Long.
Visitation 1 to 2 p.m. with Funeral Service at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 3, 2025 at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home with Pastor Daniele McFarland officiating. Burial to follow at Hochheim Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Dylan Castellow, Charlie Castellow, Chris Green, Theresa Poff, Chris Poff, Holly Long, and Joe Castellow.
The family wishes to thank the “earth angels” of Harbor Hospice, Misty, Brianna, Plachette, Tina and Carrie who took the finest care of our Mom.
