Faith, Justice, and the Politics of Conscience: The Tug-of-War Within
By Pat Trevino
June 29, 2025
There’s a battle that often plays out quietly inside our hearts. It’s the tension between loyalty and conviction, between going along with what our political party promotes—and pausing to ask if it reflects God’s heart. For many, the “Big Beautiful Bill” may feel like a victory: economic boosts, national security, bold reforms. But Scripture beckons us to look deeper.
What does God’s justice look like? And are we living it out in how we vote, speak, and advocate? Deep down, most of us want to live in a way that honors what’s right, just, and good. But doing the right thing isn’t always simple—especially when our convictions collide with our loyalties. We find ourselves caught between conscience and party lines, between what feels politically strategic and what tugs at our moral center.
The “Big Beautiful Bill” is a perfect example. On the surface, it’s packaged with promises: tax relief, strong borders, economic strength. It aligns with many conservative values, and for loyal Republicans, supporting it might feel like the obvious choice. But when we sit quietly with Scripture—when we hear the voices of the poor, the sick, the foreigner—we might start to wonder: Just because it’s politically right, does that mean it’s biblically right?
In a culture that often rewards partisanship over principle, we’re faced with a difficult but essential question: Are we choosing what’s comfortable for our party, or what’s faithful to God? As followers of Christ, we’re called to wrestle with that tension, not ignore it.
You decide, here are the facts:
What Is the “Big Beautiful Bill”?
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is a sweeping Republican-backed legislative package championed by President Donald Trump. It recently passed a key procedural vote in the Senate and is expected to be finalized by July 4. Here are the major components:
- Tax Cuts:
- Makes permanent many of Trump’s earlier tax breaks.
- Adds new provisions like no taxes on tips and increases the standard deduction and child tax credit.
- Spending Cuts:
- $267 billion cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) over 10 years.
- Major reductions to Medicaid, with new work requirements that could affect millions.
- Border & Security Funding:
- $350 billion allocated to national security, including mass deportation efforts and border wall construction.
- Healthcare & Rural Hospitals:
- Creates a $25 billion rural hospital fund to offset some Medicaid cuts.
- Energy Policy:
- Rolls back many green energy tax credits from the Biden era.
- Debt Ceiling & Budget:
- Raises the debt ceiling while adding trillions to the national debt, according to nonpartisan analysts.
How Does It Compare to Biblical Principles?
Let’s look at some key biblical values and how they might relate to this bill:
1. Justice for the Poor and Vulnerable
“The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.”
— Proverbs 29:7
- Analysis: The bill’s deep cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs disproportionately affect the poor, elderly, and disabled. This raises concerns when viewed through the lens of biblical justice, which consistently calls for protecting society’s most vulnerable.
2. Wise Stewardship and Debt
“The borrower is slave to the lender.” — Proverbs 22:7
- Analysis: The bill is projected to add trillions to the national debt. While the Bible doesn’t prohibit debt, it warns against excessive borrowing and calls for fiscal responsibility.
3. Welcoming the Stranger
“Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.” — Deuteronomy 27:19
“The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself.” — Leviticus 19:34
- Analysis: The bill’s emphasis on mass deportations and border fortification conflict with biblical teachings on compassion toward immigrants and refugees.
4. Fair Wages and Economic Justice
“Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy.” — Deuteronomy 24:14
- Analysis: While tax relief for tipped workers may help some, critics argue the bill favors the wealthy and corporations, potentially widening economic inequality.
Final Thoughts
The “Big Beautiful Bill” is a bold and controversial package. Supporters argue it strengthens national security and promotes economic growth. Critics—including some Republicans—say it sacrifices the well-being of the poor and future generations for political gain.
From a biblical perspective, the bill raises serious ethical questions about justice, compassion, and stewardship. Biblical justice is deeply concerned with how society treats the least powerful—immigrants, orphans, widows, and the poor. Whether one supports or opposes it, the Bible challenges us to ask: Are we loving our neighbor, caring for the least among us, and acting with wisdom and humility?
Averta “Betty” White – February 26, 1961 to June 14, 2025 (64)
VICTORIA – Averta “Betty” White passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at the age of 64. She was born February 26, 1961 in Cuero, Texas to the late John and Ramona Rodriguez. She was a hard worker and a devoted Christian. She was a loving a wife, mother, grandmother, and dedicated to her family.
Averta is survived by her husband Ronnie W. White, Sr., her sons Ronnie White, Jr, Dominic White, and Jeremaine W.; her daughters Dominique White and Angel White; her brothers Martin Rodriguez and John Rodriguez; and her sister Margie Rodriguez (Pompa). She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild.
In addition to her parents, Averta is preceded in death by her brother Joe Rodriguez, and her sisters Angie Rodriguez (Amador) and, Viola Rodriguez (Lugo).
A visitation for family and friends was held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a church service at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Cuero, TX. Interment to follow at Guadalupe Cemetery, Mission Valley.
Shake-Up Reported at DeWitt County Appraisal District Amid Auditor Presence, Staffing Changes
By Trisha Garcia
June 28, 2025
CUERO, Texas — A wave of uncertainty has hit the DeWitt County Appraisal District following reports of sudden staffing changes and the arrival of outside auditors. According to information shared on social media and corroborated by additional sources, a senior official within the district—identified as the deputy chief appraiser—was recently terminated under circumstances that have not been publicly explained.
An anonymous tip submitted to local media, along with posts on the watchdog page “Corruption Watch Texas,” allege that the former deputy chief may have been involved in the misappropriation of public funds, including the use of a county-issued card for personal purchases and the petty theft of office supplies. These claims have not been officially confirmed, but sources suggest that an investigation may be forthcoming.
Adding to the speculation is the reported presence of representatives from Pritchard & Abbott, Inc., the firm contracted to appraise mineral, industrial, utility, and personal properties for the county. Their on-site activity has raised questions about whether a formal audit or internal review is underway.
Calls placed to Chief Appraiser Denise Moore late Friday afternoon were not returned. The appraisal district’s offices were closed for the weekend, and no official statement has been issued regarding the termination or the nature of the alleged misconduct.
Oversight of the appraisal district falls under the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), chaired by Shannon Franke, who also has not responded to requests for comment as of press time.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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CHS Cheerleaders Wrap Up UCA Camp with Energy, Unity, and All-American Honors
By Trisha Garcia
June 28, 2025
CUERO, Texas — The Cuero High School Cheerleading squad is kicking off the 2025–2026 season with spirit and determination after an action-packed week at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Summer Camp.
The team has been hard at work this summer, preparing for the year ahead with high energy, strong teamwork, and unwavering dedication. Cheer Camp officially launched this week, with the first day setting the tone for what turned out to be a fun, rewarding experience for the squad.
By Day Two, the CHS cheerleaders were hitting their stride, refining their routines and building camaraderie. The theme for Day Three, “Your Adventure Starts Here,” brought extra excitement as the team embraced the spirit of the camp with themed costumes including pirates, flight attendants, princesses, and girl scouts.
The camp concluded with a showcase that highlighted the growth and grit of the Cuero squad. Several cheerleaders earned All-American honors, a prestigious recognition awarded by UCA for standout performance, leadership, and technique.
With camp now behind them, the CHS cheerleaders are officially ready to take on the season, bringing spirit and pride to Cuero High. Go Mean Green!
Text-to-9-1-1 Services Temporarily Affected During Regional System Upgrades
By Staff Writer
June 28, 2025
DEWITT COUNTY, Texas — The DeWitt County Office of Emergency Management and Floodplain Administration has shared a regional notice regarding temporary disruptions to Text-to-9-1-1 services, scheduled to occur throughout the month of July 2025. The notice was issued in coordination with the Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission, which is overseeing a major upgrade to the area’s emergency communications infrastructure.
As part of this system-wide enhancement, several counties—including DeWitt, Victoria, Jackson, Goliad, Gonzales, and Lavaca—may experience intermittent outages in the ability to send text messages to 9-1-1 during their designated upgrade periods.
While Text-to-9-1-1 may be temporarily unavailable, officials stress that voice calls to 9-1-1 will remain fully operational, and residents should not hesitate to call in the event of an emergency.
For individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech impairments, TTY (Text Telephone) and TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) services are still accessible and unaffected by the upgrade.
“This is a temporary inconvenience with a long-term benefit,” officials noted. “The upgrades aim to create a faster, more resilient 9-1-1 system that better serves all residents in the Golden Crescent Region.”
Residents are advised to be aware of the potential temporary service limitations and to inform family, neighbors, and at-risk individuals who may rely on text-to-9-1-1 communication.
For more updates, residents can follow the DeWitt County Office of Emergency Management online or monitor local government communications. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560901268578
Sylvia Moreno – September 7, 1928 to June 26, 2025 (96)
YOAKUM: Sylvia Moreno, passed away at the age of 96 on Thursday, June 26, 2025. Regrettably, our mother has been living with the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia for the last 15 years. Sylvia was born September 7, 1928 in Dryer, Texas to Eligio and Delfina (Canales) Martinez. She was the oldest of four children.
Sylvia grew up on a farm in Hochheim and spoke of having to walk through several pastures past the cows she always feared to get to the little school house in the country. She completed school up to the 8th grade at Prairie View in Hochheim. While she was in grade school, she was friends and walked to school with the person who would become her future husband, Victor Moreno, and his younger siblings, Raul and Mary. Of her chores on the farm, she hated picking cotton the most & tried to avoid it as much as possible. She also did not care for cooking much, so her mother and grandmother were fine with her staying out of the kitchen; and instead do her part by helping drive the tractor or truck for her father while he toiled in the fields growing cotton, corn and hay to support the family.
In 1944 when Sylvia was 16 years old, she moved to Yoakum and got a job hand tooling leather and developed her talent through the years working for several leather companies in Yoakum. She worked hand tooling saddles, belts, billfolds, purses and anything made with leather for Tex Tan, Cow Country and Circle Y as well as doing custom work for individuals and family members. She also did leather tooling work for the Carl Ammerman family who had their own leather business in the country. She designed and hand tooled special custom saddles given as prizes to rodeo champions for years. Victor built Sylvia a work room and tooling tables for her leather work at home. She also taught her youngest children, Cynthia and Carlos, to hand tool and help out with her leather work at home when necessary. Sylvia worked tooling at home until the early 2000’s.
Sylvia was a faithful Catholic who believed in the Sacraments of the Catholic Church. She believed in going to church regularly, praying the rosary and praying to St. Jude on behalf of her children and loved ones. Sylvia and Victor were both loyal members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. They both participated in various functions through the years that supported the church. Sylvia helped in the church thrift store while Victor was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Sylvia was a helper to Father Charles Kram who resided and served as chaplain in the old Huth Memorial Hospital. She would sometimes assist him when he held mass in the hospital.
Sylvia married Victor M. Moreno on October 21, 1946 at Santa Ana Church in Yoakum. They were together for over 64 years until Victor’s death on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011. They are survived by all their five children; Daniel Moreno & wife Yolanda, Linda Zamora & husband Richard, Victor (Jim) Moreno & wife Holly Gordon, Cynthia Moreno & husband Larry Hobbs, Carlos Moreno & wife Julie; 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; sister, Delia Moreno, brother, Rudy Martinez & his wife Lucy and brother, Paul Martinez; sister-in-law, Mrs. Mary Martinez
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, June 30, 2025 with Rosary recited at 7 p.m. at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home.
Funeral Service 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Matthew Huehlefeld officiating. She will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Catholic Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Our family would like to thank Sylvia’s long time friends and former co-workers from Yoakum, Lorene Roznousky and Doris Ann Simper for all their letters and cards through these past years. Their love and consideration for our mother is so appreciated. We want to thank the staff at University Village Memory Care in Round Rock who gave mom so much care and attention these last 6 years. They helped her and our family during difficult times. The nurses and staff from Valerian Home Health and Hospice gave her the extra care she needed to stay comfortable as her body declined to her final day on June 26th.
Little Saints Crowned Division 4 Champions in Red & White League
By Staff Writer| June 27, 2025
CUERO, TX — The Little Saints of Cuero wrapped up their season with a well-earned Division 4 Championship title in the Red & White Basketball League. With steady improvement and strong teamwork, they closed things out on a high note—earning recognition from families, friends, and the wider community.
From their first practice to the final game, the Little Saints showcased more than just basketball talent—they played with heart, hustle, and humility, embodying the values at the core of the Little Dribblers program: sportsmanship, character, and a deep love for the game.
The Red & White League’s season was filled with fierce competition, but the Little Saints rose to the occasion. With sharp ball movement, tenacious defense, and remarkable teamwork, the team powered through tight matchups and high-pressure moments to earn the top spot in Division 4.
The community came together to recognize the Little Saints of Cuero for their hard work and successful season. Their efforts throughout the year didn’t go unnoticed, and it was a solid run to be proud of.
Frank Dworaczyk Jr. – October 18, 1943 to June 24, 2025 (81)
Frank Dworaczyk Jr., age 81, of Bryan, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on June 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, followed by interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visitation was held Thursday, June 26, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan.
Born on October 18, 1943, in Runge, Texas, Frank was the son of Frank and Frances (Jendry) Dworaczyk. A proud graduate of Yorktown High School, he pursued further education at Victoria College, earning his First Class Radio Operator’s License. He went on to enjoy a distinguished 35-year career with AT&T as a communications technician, serving in Victoria, Austin, and Yorktown, before retiring in 1999.
Frank’s life was filled with devotion—to his family, his faith, his community, and the land. Beginning in 1967, he lovingly supported his widowed mother on the family farm while balancing his professional career. He found joy in music, coastal fishing, deer hunting, dancing, gardening, and cherished family camping trips along the Frio River. Known for his musical talents, Frank played guitar and led worship music at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Yorktown and St. Peter and Paul in Meyersville. He also brought joy to residents at the Yorktown Nursing Home through song.
After relocating to Bryan in 2012, Frank shared his time generously with others. He helped create and maintain the butterfly garden at Camelot Park, served as the inaugural president of his neighborhood homeowners association, and contributed regularly as a board member. At St. Joseph Catholic Church, he remained a faithful servant through Eucharistic ministry, sacristan duties, and chapel adoration.
Among the most meaningful moments in his spiritual life was a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in the 1980s, where he had the honor of playing music during a Mass at St. James Catholic Church—the very place where Our Lady is said to have appeared.
Frank and his wife, Patricia, shared a deep love and sense of adventure, traveling to the Northeast, Maine’s rugged coast, the American Northwest, Banff, and on two memorable Alaskan cruises.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Eugene Dworaczyk; and sisters, Margaret Brysch and Lorraine Dworaczyk.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia; their son and daughter-in-law, James and Dawn Dworaczyk; beloved grandchildren, Abigail and Dylan; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Theresa and Victor Warwas, Patricia and Ray Barton.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff of Traditions Health Hospice for their exceptional care and guidance.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church Meal Ministries or the Church Building Fund.
Frank’s legacy is one of service, faith, family, and music—a life well lived, and a soul deeply loved.
Bubbles and Books: Yorktown Library’s Summer Reading Event Brings Smiles and Snow Cones
By Staff Writer, June 26, 2025
YORKTOWN, TX — The Friends of the Yorktown Public Library hosted an unforgettable Summer Reading gathering, filled with laughter, foam, and frosty treats. Families poured into the library grounds for an afternoon that bubbled over with excitement—literally.
The highlight of the day came courtesy of Big Time Bubbles – Amazing Foam Parties, whose interactive foam experience transformed the space into a cloud of joy. Children played and danced through the bubbles, leaving a trail of giggles and sudsy footprints behind.
To cool off under the Texas sun, attendees enjoyed delicious snow cones served up by Kathy Chappell, generously sponsored so that every guest could enjoy a sweet, refreshing treat—on the house. Organizers expressed heartfelt gratitude to community sponsors who made this possible, noting that their support continues to bring these moments to life.
A special round of applause went to Daisy, the lucky winner of the week’s prize drawing, earning cheers from the crowd.
Library staff reminded everyone that the Summer Reading fun isn’t over yet. Participants are encouraged to continue turning in their reading logs each week to stay in the running for more exciting prizes.
With bubbles in the air and books in hand, the Yorktown Library proved once again that reading is anything but boring.