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U.S. Mexican Consulate Issues Travel Advisory for Mexico, Warns of Risks Linked to Dating Apps

June 6, 2025

The U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara has issued a renewed travel advisory for Mexico, specifically highlighting security concerns in the states of Jalisco and Nayarit. The U.S. State Department has classified Jalisco under Level 3: Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnapping, while Nayarit remains at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution because of criminal activity.

Officials have also raised concerns about the use of dating apps in Mexico, warning that reports of American citizens being kidnapped have been linked to online platforms. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico confirmed that victims and their families have been extorted for large sums of money following encounters arranged through dating apps.

To mitigate risks, officials urge travelers to take precautions when using online dating services in Mexico. Recommended safety measures include:

  • Meeting only in public places and avoiding isolated locations such as private residences or hotel rooms.
  • Sharing plans with a trusted friend or family member, including details about the person being met and the app used.
  • Trusting instincts—if a situation feels unsafe, individuals should remove themselves immediately.
  • Calling 911 in case of emergency.

The advisory serves as a reminder for travelers to remain vigilant and prioritize personal safety while visiting Mexico. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and encourage U.S. citizens to stay informed about travel risks before making plans.


The U.S. State Department assigns colors to its travel advisory levels to visually indicate the degree of risk:

  • Level 1: Exercise Normal PrecautionsBlue (Lowest risk)
  • Level 2: Exercise Increased CautionYellow (Moderate risk)
  • Level 3: Reconsider TravelOrange (High risk)
  • Level 4: Do Not TravelRed (Severe risk)

These colors help travelers quickly assess the safety level of a destination. If you’re planning a trip, it’s always a good idea to check the latest advisories before traveling.

Enjoy a Morning on the Water at Cuero’s Summer Staycation Event!

June 5, 2025

Looking for a fun, relaxing way to spend your summer morning? The City of Cuero Parks & Golf Administration invites you to take part in Summer Staycation, a special event offering free paddleboat and kayak rentals on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or just looking for a peaceful morning on the water, this event is the perfect opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of Cuero’s parks. Grab your friends or family and come enjoy some outdoor fun—at no cost!

Don’t miss this chance to kick back, paddle around, and soak in the summer vibes. Rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early and make the most of this special event.

For more details, contact Cuero Parks & Golf Administration. We’ll see you on the water! 🚣☀️

Community Invitation: Honoring Kailee Villarreal on Her Birthday

June 4, 2025

Next Tuesday, June 10, at 6 p.m., family, friends, and supporters are invited to gather at Hillside Cemetery in Cuero, Texas to celebrate the life of Kailee Villarreal on what would have been her 17th birthday. We invite the community to stand together in remembrance of a beautiful soul gone far too soon.

Kailee, born June 10, 2008, passed away at just 16 years old on July 19, 2024. She was more than just a daughter—she was a cherished friend, a bright spirit, and the light of her father’s life. A lover of scary movies, coloring, and her beloved cats, Kailee dreamed of becoming a firefighter or EMS worker, eager to dedicate her life to helping others.

Her father, Danny Villarreal, who raised her with endless love and devotion, continues to face this unimaginable loss. He has invited friends, family and all supporters to join him in singing Kailee “Happy birthday”. This memorial is an opportunity for the Cuero community to come together, to show support, and to remind him he is not alone in his grief.

How You Can Help

🔹 Attend the memorial—Join us as we honor Kailee’s life and the profound impact, she had on everyone around her.
🔹 Raise mental health awareness—Kailee’s passing reminds us of the importance of reaching out and supporting one another. If you or someone you love is struggling, help is always available. Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit Mental Health America.

A Message to Our Youth

If you are feeling overwhelmed, lost, or alone, know this: Your life matters. Your feelings are valid, and help is available. Talk to someone—a trusted adult, friend, or counselor. There is nothing too big that cannot be overcome. You are loved, you are valued, and we are here for you.

Let’s Stand Together

Let’s honor Kailee’s memory, uplift her father in this difficult time, and show that our community stands together in love and support. We hope to see you Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Hillside Cemetery.

💙 We Remember Kailee 💙
#ForeverInOurHearts #YouAreNotAlone #CommunitySupport

Yoakum Lady Bulldogs Summer Workouts

Photo of Day 1 Summer Workout turnout

 

Stir Soda Shoppe Expands: A New Location Coming to Cuero!

June 4, 2025

If you’ve noticed the construction up on the hill across from the school and H-E-B, you might be wondering what’s brewing. Well, big news, Cuero! Stir Soda Shoppe is officially expanding, bringing more signature drinks, treats, and good vibes to town!

What to Expect

Stir Soda Shoppe has built a reputation for crafting unique, refreshing beverages—from custom sodas and lemonades to teas, coffee, and even homemade cookies. With this second location in Cuero, locals can look forward to even more delicious options and a bigger space to enjoy their favorite drinks.

Why the Expansion Matters

This locally owned business has been a hit, and the demand for Stir’s creative concoctions continues to grow. The new location will allow more customers to experience the Stir magic, whether they’re grabbing a quick drink or hanging out with friends.

Stay Tuned!

The Stir team is keeping details under wraps for now, but one thing’s for sure—this expansion is coming in hot! Keep an eye out for updates and get ready to stir it up at the newest spot in town.

For more information, visit Stir Soda Shoppe.

VA SLASHING 83,000 JOBS: Stand Up for Our Veterans—Rally on D-Day

On Friday, June 6, the DeWitt Lavaca Texas Democratic Women are calling every American who believes in justice and dignity to join a critical rally to defend our veterans. This is more than an event—it’s a stand against devastating cuts that threaten the health care, stability, and well-being of those who risked everything for this country.

Gather at the Cuero De Witt County Courthouse steps at 4:45 p.m., then march to the corner of Broadway and Esplanade at 5 p.m. Let’s unite in force, raise our voices, and show our unwavering support for our service members—because silence is not an option.

Why We Must Act NOW

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is slashing 83,000 jobs, gutting the very institution tasked with caring for our heroes. This reckless move will:
Devastate VA health care—the lifeline for 9 million veterans, causing longer wait times and reduced access to medical treatment.
Strip thousands of veterans of their jobs—putting one-quarter of VA employees, who are veterans themselves, at risk of unemployment.
Undermine suicide prevention efforts—cutting staff from the Veterans Crisis Line, leaving vulnerable service members with longer wait times in moments of crisis.
Weaken vital medical research—halting studies that improve treatment for mental health, substance abuse, cancer, and heart disease, all of which disproportionately affect veterans.

This is a betrayal—a direct attack on those who fought for our freedom, now abandoned when they need us the most.

This Is NOT About Politics—It’s About People

This rally is non-partisan—because defending veterans transcends political divides. Whether you serve, support, or simply believe in honoring those who sacrificed for this country, YOU ARE NEEDED.

Be present. Be loud. Be part of the movement that fights for justice.

History will remember who stood up and who stood by. Will you answer the call?

For more information contact Wanda Campbell at dewittlavacatxdemocraticwomen@yahoo.com

De Witt Lavaca County Democratic Women to Hold Monthly Meeting

The De Witt Lavaca County Democratic Women are set to host their monthly meeting on Friday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Maya’s Restaurant in Cuero. This gathering offers an opportunity for local Democrats and community members to come together, discuss key issues, and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of their region.

The organization welcomes new and returning members, encouraging participation from anyone interested in advocacy, civic engagement, and political discourse. Attendees will have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and learn more about ongoing initiatives that impact De Witt and Lavaca counties.

The meeting will take place in the restaurant’s back meeting room, providing a comfortable space for discussion. While purchasing food is optional, the event is open to all who wish to attend.

For those looking to get involved or learn more about the group’s mission, visit their official website https://dewittlavacatxdemocratwomen.wordpress.com/

This monthly gathering is more than just a meeting—it’s a chance to build connections, inspire change, and strengthen the local Democratic community. Whether you’re a longtime advocate or simply curious about the organization, all are invited to join the conversation.

Rudy Rocha – 1998 to May 2025 (27)

Yoakum, TX—Rudy Rocha, 27, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of love. Though his time was short, his impact was lasting, especially for his beloved children—Khole (7), Nevaeh (4), and Ezra (1).

Diagnosed three years ago with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Rudy faced his battle with unwavering determination, always keeping a positive spirit and a deep devotion to his family. His resilience was inspiring, and his ability to find joy—even in the hardest moments—was a testament to his strength.

Rudy had a deep love for fishing, often known as the one who always seemed to reel in the best catches. His friends and family joked that luck was always on his side when it came to landing fish, making every fishing trip a memorable experience.

He is survived by his loving wife, Belinda Laredo Rocha, his children, parents Javier Rocha and Consuelo Villanueva, siblings Emma, Christina, Priscilla, and Sylvester, and his extended family, including mother and father-in-law Joe Laredo and Mary Ann Rosales, as well as sister and brothers-in-law Annalyssia, Gabriel, and Michael.

A memorial service to honor Rudy’s life will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, officiated by Pastor Daniel McFarland. His burial will take place at a later date.

Rudy will be remembered for his kindness, strength, and unwavering love for his family. May he rest in peace, knowing he was deeply loved and will never be forgotten.

Brian Baros-February 28, 1972 to June 2, 2025 (53)

Brian Baros, 53, of Cuero passed away Monday, June 2, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born in Yorktown on February 28, 1972.  On November 18, 2006, Brian married Kasey Pfeiffer in Las Vegas, Nevada.  He was a well-known chef and owner of BK Bar-B-Que. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and working security at the church; but above all, spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his parents, Charlie (Donna) Baros, and Beverly (Barry) Breaux; wife, Kasey Baros; daughters, ShyAnne (Wesslie) Davis of Cuero and Emily (Seth) Bubenik of Edna; brother, Brice (Paige) Baros of Cuero; stepsister, Mikah (Marty) Schmitt of Houston; stepbrother, Brian Breaux of Cuero and grandchildren, Cason and Peyton Davis.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025, 10:00 AM, at Lifeway Baptist Church with Pastor Kyle Clinton officiating. Interment will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery in Gonzales County.

Pallbearers include Wesslie Davis, Seth Bubenik, Jimmy Hammack, Mike Machacek, Brice Baros, Charlie Baros, Cliff Davis, and honorary pallbearer, Cason Davis.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Hospice of South Texas or Lifeway Baptist Church Children’s Ministry.