Yorktown’s Brycen Allman Earns 1st Runner-Up Title at Miss Texas Teen USA 2025
May 4, 2025 – Yorktown, Texas, is proud to recognize the accomplishment of hometown senior Brycen Allman, who placed 1st Runner-Up in the Miss Texas Teen USA 2025 beauty pageant, held in Houston. Competing in one of the state’s most renowned pageants, Brycen represented her community with poise and confidence.
The Miss Texas Teen USA pageant serves as the official state qualifier for the Miss Teen USA® competition, part of the prestigious Miss USA®/Miss Universe® system. Contestants are evaluated in three categories—Evening Gown, Personal Interview, and Activewear—with judges selecting an all-around contestant based on poise, personality, intelligence, and beauty.
Earning the 1st Runner-Up title reflects Brycen’s dedication, preparation, and confidence on stage. Competing at this level required poise, determination, and a strong commitment to excellence, all of which she demonstrated among a talented field of contestants from across Texas.
Yorktown congratulates Brycen Allman on her impressive performance and the recognition she earned in such a competitive event. Her hometown is proud of her accomplishment and looks forward to seeing what she achieves next!
Georgie Lee Schultz Clark – February 22, 1930 to May 3, 2025 (95)
YOAKUM: Georgie Lee Schultz Clark, 95, left her earthly home on Saturday May 3, 2025. She was born February 22, 1930, to Rudolf and Edna Wunderlich Schultz in Tivoli, Texas.
She lived her early life in Tivoli helping her grandparents with their service station/ store and helping her mom cotton picking. As a teen, they moved to Yoakum and attended Yoakum High School and was a majorette with the band. She was taught to dance when dating her soon to be husband Gerald Clark. He spied her in a soda shop through the window and told the fella he was walking with; “I’m going to marry that girl “and the pursuit began. They married on Sept. 9, 1948, and made their home in Houston, where she worked in the bookkeeping dept of Curtain & Co. In 1957 she gave birth to their only child, Robin Gayle Clark (Bostwick) and became a devoted stay at home mom. The family moved to Port Arthur when Gerry became a manager with Western Auto. She was very involved with my school activities and helped with my Camp Fire Girls group for many years. Mom sewed all my clothes until I went into high school. In 1972, she went to work as a bookkeeper for the Camp Fire Girls organization in Port Arthur until 1976. Once I enrolled at Lamar University,
Gerry and Georgie became owners of a Western Auto dealer store in Port Lavaca and in 1978 bought the Western Auto store in Yoakum proudly serving the community for 15 years until retirement. While associated with Western Auto, Georgie and Gerry were able to travel to many different places due to Gerry winning trips from his store’s production; Spain, Mexico, Caribbean cruise, and Hawaii were favorite memory trips. Georgie served in many capacities including the Yoakum Pilot club, Yoakum Chamber of Commerce, various dance clubs and Holy Cross Lutheran Women. At Holy Cross Lutheran, she served in the Lutheran Women, Senior Ministry, was a Reader and greeter, the Women’s Quilting group as well as participating with the Golden Nuggets monthly gatherings and trips. She also drove many cancer patients to Victoria for their treatments.
Georgie was a proud Momma, Grandma to 3 and GGMa to 6 (almost 7). She loved her family and was quite a fantastic cook and baker. She taught me to attend Church weekly, cook, insisted I make my bed daily, taught me to keep and balance a checkbook, say Yes ma’am, no sir, and many other things a young woman needed to know for life. Mom had high expectations for me and was quite the disciplinarian. She kept beautiful flower beds, worked a garden and enjoyed many hours on the back porch with Daddy watching the hummingbirds and birds year-round. On our many family vacations to Rockport, Gerry and his son in law Phillip and grandkids would fish in the morning and were greeted by Georgie at the door ready to fry up the morning catch and provide a dessert to enjoy after. Many summers, she and Daddy asked to keep the grandkids for 2 weeks, taking them to the Yoakum library and daily swimming lessons which included popsicles right after.
Mom and Dad really enjoyed their dancing and participated in local dance clubs for years, even winning a jitterbug contest trophy. She and Daddy drank coffee and worked daily crossword puzzles every morning for many years. They were married until June 7, 2020, when Daddy died. Their marriage endured 71 years and 9 months. They were truly blessed with many years of happiness. If you needed a lesson in devotion and commitment to a spouse, they were the perfect example.
Survivors include daughter Robin Clark Bostwick (Phillip), grandchildren Dane Bostwick (Christine) of Georgetown, Tx, Brooke Bostwick Teeter (Jon) of Jacksonville, NC and Dean Bostwick (Jessica) of Mont Belvieu, Tx.; Bro-in-law Wayne Clark (Cora Lee) of Hope, sister-in-law, Lois Clark of Arkansas (formerly Victoria). Nephews: Richard Clark (Ann) of Yoakum, David Fagan (Selena) of Cuero, Reid Clark (Doris) of Arkansas, Mark Clark (Debbie) of Tennessee, Bryan Clark of Hope and niece: Lynell Hamman of Yoakum. Great grandchildren: Logan LeBeouf, Natalie and Riley Bostwick, Addison, Kinsley and Bennett Teeter, and one more to be born later this month baby girl Bostwick.
Preceded in death by her husband Gerald, parents, brothers in law- Malcolm Clark, Kenneth Clark, and Gene Fagan, sister in laws, Emily Clark and Marion Fagan, nephews Ray and Tommy Fagan, and Stephen Clark.
Graveside Service 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at County Line Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice or Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Yoakum, Tx. They can be directed to the Golden Nuggets (Senior Ministry) or the Women’s Quilting Ministry.
Leon James Barton – August 23, 1942 to May 1, 2025 (82)
ROUND ROCK: Leon James Barton, 82, of Round Rock, Texas, passed on to his heavenly father on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Leon was born on August 23, 1942, in Lavaca County to the late Rudolph and Rosie (Rainosek) Barton.
Leon had been married to the love of his life, Margaret (Targac) Barton for 61 years. Leon graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in 1960 and went on to serve in the US Army. He retired from HEB in 1997 after 37 years of dedicated service. His dedication to HEB allowed him to work in Yoakum, Victoria, Corpus Christi, and Round Rock where he provided a range of knowledge as a Store Manager, Produce Supervisor, and Inventory Control Manager.
He also served as Grand Knight at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Yoakum. He established the KJT Society at St. Williams Catholic Church in Round Rock where he served as President and Vice President until his death. Leon was fluent in Czech and loved to sing along to any Czech song. Leon also enjoyed fishing, listening to polka and waltzes, gardening and tending to his plants and flowers. His favorite pass time was sweeping his sidewalks and driveway on a daily basis.
Survivors are his loving wife Margaret (Targac) Barton of Round Rock; sons, Greg Barton and wife Sandra of Point Venture, James Barton and wife Meg of Round Rock; three granddaughters, Amanda Barton, Mercedes Barton (Justin) and Kamry Sanchez-Barton (Myrissa); four great-daughters, McKena Lopez, Leia Lockett, Aleny Lockett and Reese Sanchez-Barton; one sister, Betty Jean Wiggins (Al) of Houston and brother, Raymond (Pat) Barton of San Antonio and niece/daughter Kathy Custer of Victoria.
Preceded in death by his parents, brother, Eugene Barton and his wife Lorene Barton.
Funeral Mass 10 a.m., Monday, May 5, 2025, at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner with Rev. Michael Odarty-Lamptey officiating. Burial to follow at Shiner Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Ronnie Matias, Michael Barton, Jeff Matias, Mark Wiggins, Frankie Targac, Paul Barton and Louie Matias.
Honorary Pallbearers are Amanda Barton, Mercedes Barton and Kamry Sanchez-Barton.
Memorials may be given to KJT or St. Cyril & Methodius Catholic School.
DeWitt Election Office Post Unofficial Election Results
May 4, 2025 -In De Witt County, voters elected two hospital board members for Cuero Regional Hospital. Based on the unofficial results, Martin Leske (440 votes) and Faye Sheppard (392 votes) are the leading candidates for the two available positions, surpassing Pedro Gonzales (213 votes).
Mitch Adams and ShaNon Henson secured seats in Districts 1 and 4 without opposition, ensuring their positions on the council. Meanwhile, the At-Large City Council race saw three candidates vying for the seat. For the two City Councilmember-At-Large positions, Adam Arroyo (436 votes) and Charles Tounely (308 votes) emerged as the top contenders, with Russell Mobley (80 votes) falling short.
Meanwhile, in the Single Member District 1 school board race, Sean Douglas, with 73 votes, secured the seat over MaryJane Henson, who received 54 votes.
Yorktown ISD current board members Jeff Sievers, Christopher Romans, and Aaron Koopmann have been re-elected to serve on the school board.
* Please note that, although these results have been obtained from the DeWitt Elections Office, they are still considered unofficial until further notice.
CORRECTION: 5/05/2025 (spelling of name)
Charlotte Rose Morrow – August 25, 1939 to May 2, 2025 (85)
YOAKUM: Charlotte Rose Morrow, age 85, passed away peacefully at home Friday, May 2, 2025. She was born August 25, 1939, in Yoakum to John and Iva Donnelly Lee.
She retired as the finance director for the City of Yoakum after 47 years of service. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters of America, Altar Society, Pilot Club and Kiwanis Club. She enjoyed taking care of & spoiling her grandchildren and attending their school & sporting activities. She also enjoyed traveling, walking on the beach, watching the San Antonio Spurs play and attending Catholic Daughters conventions. She was a Junior Catholic Daughters leader, cub scout den mother and with the St. Joseph School P.T.C.
Survivors: daughter, Linda Machacek (Mike); sons, John Morrow (Karen) and Van Morrow (Deborah); grandchildren, Craig Morrow (Shay Kelly), Dustin Morrow (Marissa), Nick Morrow (Keeley), Regan Whitley (Blake), Rylee Torres (Taylor), Morgan Hughes (Dustin), Ariel Robinson (Kevin), Adrienne Machacek and Hailey Ryan (Alex); great-grandchildren: Peyton Morrow, Jaxson Morrow, Ciela Morrow, Evie Morrow, Elijah Morrow, Isla Morrow, Mikah Hughes, Livia Hughes, Gemma Hughes, Rogan Robinson, Max Ryan, Major Ryan, Milo Ryan and Memphis Ryan.
Preceded in death by parents; great-grandson, Oliver Morrow; sisters, Aliene Vinklarek and Lois Miller; brothers, Lloyd Lee and Paul Douglas Lee.
Rosary 1:30 p.m. followed with a Funeral Mass at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Msgr. John Peters officiating. Burial St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Craig Morrow, Dustin Morrow, Nick Morrow, David Vinklarek, Dennis Vinklarek and Daniel Vinklarek. Honorary pallbearers will be former and current employees of the City of Yoakum.
Memorials may be given to St. Joseph Catholic Church or St. Joseph Catholic School Operating Fund.
The family would like to thank all of Mrs. Morrow’s loving caregivers, especially Natalie Meza also Advanced Home Health for their great care.
Guadalupanos’ Cinco de Mayo Purse Bingo: A Night to Remember!
By Pat Trevino
CUERO, TX – If you weren’t at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Hall on May 2nd, you missed out on one seriously fun night! The Guadalupanos pulled off an unforgettable Cinco de Mayo Purse Bingo, packing the evening with great food, laughter, and plenty of excitement.
Before the festivities truly kicked off, Connie Trevino led a heartfelt prayer as everyone gathered for dinner. Then later the room fell into a moment of quiet reflection as Father Richard then blessed the food, setting the tone for an evening full of warmth, joy, and togetherness.
Taking center stage was Jon Eric Rodriguez, keeping the crowd entertained as the Master of Ceremonies, while David Varela kept the bingo games rolling as the announcer, calling numbers with flair and keeping everyone on their toes. The purse prizes? Absolutely worth the suspense—some serious bingo magic happened that night!
Before the first bingo card was marked, Dr. Cynthia Orozco took the stage, reminding everyone why Cinco de Mayo is celebrated. She gave a brief but meaningful history lesson, grounding the event in tradition and the resilience behind the holiday. It was the perfect way to reflect on the deeper meaning of gathering, enjoying great food, and celebrating culture.
Of course, the party wouldn’t be complete without the legendary “Grito” contest. Contestants gave it their all, filling the hall with energy and cheers. It was loud, it was hilarious, and it was the perfect way to celebrate.
Major shoutout to the sponsors who helped make the night possible: Ful-O-Pep’s Mr. Greg Gossett, Rhonda Pakabush with Rendezvous Boutique & Marketplace, David Guajardo at Alpha-Lyte’s, Rosa Liendo, Connie Trevino, Mrs. Aguirre, and Ashley Rodriguez. Thanks to their generosity, the night was packed with fun and fabulous prizes.
Let’s not forget the hardworking team behind it all—the Guadalupanos! Special appreciation goes to David and Rose Ann Varela, Sabrina De Leon, Mary Jane and Michael Ruiz, and so many others whose dedication made everything run smoothly. They poured their hearts into the event, and the result. A celebration filled with energy, friendship, and unforgettable moments.
Even Father Richard couldn’t resist getting in on the fun, joining the crowd to celebrate and enjoy the festivities. The smiles, the cheers, the community coming together—it was everything a Cinco de Mayo event should be.
If you missed out, don’t worry—I hear there’s already talk about a Diez y Seis de Septiembre event in the works. If that’s the case, you better stay posted and grab your tickets early because, judging by the success of this Bingo night, it’s bound to be another incredible celebration you won’t want to miss!
WINNERS!!! WINNERS!!!! WINNERS!!! DOOR PRIZES & PURSE BINGO!!!
Shirley Strait – October 10, 1952 to April 26, 2025 (72)
YOAKUM: Shirley Strait, 72, entered into her sunset, Saturday, April 26, 2025. She was born October 10, 1952 in DeWitt County to the late Alvin Ford and Louise Castillo.
She was one of the sweetest ladies you could meet. She was a loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend. She stayed home caring for her children after working years in the health field. She was one of a kind, who will be missed.
Survivors are her daughters, Sheila Strait and Nikia Strait; son, John Strait; grandchildren are Jhontrae Strait, Terano Arkadie, Taji Smith, Aiden Strait, Lexi Strait, Aderena Strait, Taijah Harper and Cameron Pineda; sisters, Lillie Dominguez and Brendolyn Adams; brothers, Stayton Ford and George Ford.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles Albert Strait and son, Derek Strait.
Anthony “Tony” Benedict Warzecha – March 21, 1931 to May 1, 2025 (94)
Anthony “Tony” Benedict Warzecha, 94, of Cuero passed away Thursday, May 1, 2025. He was born March 21, 1931, in Cuero to Vincent and Susie Drzymala Warzecha.
Tony proudly served in the United States Army as a Cryptographer. While being stationed in Yokohama, Japan, he met his future wife, Dawn Sandra Wright who was also a cryptographer. They married in Yokohama, Japan on August 22, 1953, and honey-mooned at the base of Mount Fuji. In civilian life, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1682- and Fourth-Degree Assembly 1128; VFW Post 3972 and The American Legion Dinter Post #3. He was also a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Cuero. He was ordained as permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church by Bishop David Fellhauer on July 21, 2001. Tony has served the Catholic Community of Cuero since then.
He is survived by his son, Michael Warzecha of Longmont, Colorado; grandson, Christopher Anthony Warzecha of Texas City; daughter-in-law, Blanca Warzecha of Texas City; sister, Rose Tam of Yorktown and brothers, Vincent Warzecha of Cuero, Lad Warzecha of Ormond Beach, Florida, Newton Warzecha of Goliad and David Warzecha of Cuero.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Christopher Matthew Warzecha and his beloved wife of 67 years, Dawn Warzecha.
Visitation will be held Monday, May 5, 2024, 9:00 AM at St. Michael’s Catholic Church with a rosary to be recited at 9:30 AM and Funeral Mass to begin at 10:00 AM at St. Michael’s Catholic Church with Father Jacob Mendoza officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery.
Mary “Patsy” Grahmann- January 28, 1949 to April 27, 2025 (76)
HALLETTSVILLE: Mary “Patsy” Grahmann, age 76 passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 27, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on January 28, 1949, in Huntsville, Texas to Henry and Lucille (Pierce) Smith. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
On August 3, 1969, Patsy married the love of her life Kenneth Grahmann at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hallettsville, Texas. Together Patsy and Kenneth raised three children: Kenneth Jr., Darla, and Valorie. They shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and memories with their children.
In her earlier years Patsy owned her own beauty shop in Houston where she also practiced as a beautician for many years. Later In 1985 when they moved back to Hallettsville, Texas Patsy and her husband purchased a convenience store known as K & P’s where many of Hallettsville’s locals came to play dominoes and enjoy cold drinks. Once the store sold, Patsy started working at Tex-Tan in Yoakum. She worked there many years before returning to Houston in 1995. She then started her most loved job which was caring for all her grandchildren and even her great-grandchildren in her later years.
Patsy’s enjoyments included cruising, casinos, and Astros games but most of all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Patsy and her husband have been on over 100 cruises in their years spent together. If they were not on a cruise, you’d find her traveling to Mississippi to the casino. Patsy always wanted her grandchildren by her side. There was not a trip that she went on without them. If you stop by her house during the evenings, you might find her watching the Astros and her wondering why they can’t hit the ball, or you would see her on her phone calling all her children and grandchildren and catching up on their day.
Throughout Patsy’s journey as she battled cancer, she displayed incredible courage and unwavering hope, and she never let it slow her down. Patsy was a loving wife, mother, Nano, Great-Nano, sister and friend. She will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her.
Survivors; husband of 56 years, Kenneth Grahmann; son, Kenneth Grahmann Jr. (Kristi); daughters, Darla Whitman (Steven), and Valorie Schindler (Michael); grandchildren, Joshua Grahmann, Cheyenne Whitman (James), Ashley Pustejovsky (Grant), Arin Brown (Jared), Justin Whitman (Becca), Kaycee and Jayden Schindler; great-grandchildren, Brody and Beau Pustejovsky, Shawn Dwyer; sister, Dorthy Pegoda; brother, Wayne Smith (Theresa) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by parents, Henry and Lucille Smith; brother, Bobby Joe Smith; granddaughter, Kaylen Schindler; great-granddaughter, Lainey Pustejovsky; brother-in law, Gilbert Pegoda.
Visitation 9:30 a.m. with Rosary at 10:30 a.m. then Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Rev. Christopher Bediako officiating. Burial at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Joshua Grahmann, Jayden Schindler, Jared Brown, Justin Whitman, Grant Pustejovsky and James Dwyer.
Memorial contributions may be given to Sacred Heart School Shine Program or Crown Hospice. The family would like to extend an abundance of gratitude to all the nurses and doctors at St. Luke’s Hospital as well as Crown Hospice and Hallettsville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Words cannot come close to the amount of appreciation we have for you.