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Elizabeth Jane Bennetsen – May 31, 1943 to November 16, 2025 (82)

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YOAKUM — Elizabeth Jane Bennetsen, age 82, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 31, 1943, in Shiner, Texas, she was the daughter of George Antone Orsak and Millie (Kucher) Orsak.

Elizabeth married Morris Bennetsen in 1962 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Yoakum, beginning a devoted union that spanned 46 years until Morris’s passing in 2008. Together, they raised six children and built a life centered on faith, family, and love.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Elizabeth was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She instilled in her family a strong spiritual foundation and a love for Jesus. Her kindness, gentle spirit, and radiant smile touched everyone who knew her.

Elizabeth found joy in spending time with her eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, and she was a devoted “mom” to her cherished fur babies, JoJo and Marcy. Her life was a testament to unconditional love, resilience, and grace.

She is survived by her children: Curtis Bennetsen (Karen) of Yoakum, Michael Bennetsen of Yoakum, Nick Bennetsen (Terri) of Hallettsville, Darlene Kay Hartman (Gary) of Shiner, Marlene Kay Jaks (David) of Shiner, and Milissa Ann Mischer (Mike) of Yoakum; grandchildren: Cody Bennetsen, Kaylee Barrera, Ashley Bennetsen, Alexis Jaehne, Sander Jaks, Keene Bennetsen, Hunter Mischer, and Arielle “Tootie” Bennetsen; great-grandchildren: Addison Bennetsen, Alex Bennetsen, Allen Bennetsen, Avery Judd, Noah Barrera, Zoey Barrera, Scarlett Cerny, Korbyn Cerny, and Stetson Jaehne; and sisters: Maryann Kacir and Margie Pesek.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, and granddaughter Amber Bennetsen.

A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Yoakum. Burial will follow at St. Ann Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, St. Joseph Catholic Church, or St. Ann Catholic Church.

Bobby Pulido Wins Latin Grammy for Best Tejano Album — Capping His Music Career with a High Note as He Steps Into Public Service

 November 14, 2025

Las Vegas, NV — Bobby Pulido, Tejano icon and candidate for Congress in Texas’ 15th District, was awarded the 2025 Latin Grammy for Best Tejano Album today for his live album “Bobby Pulido & Friends Una Tuya y Una Mía.”

This win marks Pulido’s second Latin Grammy in the same category, following his earlier win for “Para Que Baile Mi Pueblo.” It is a milestone moment for the South Texas native as he closes out his celebrated music career and channels his energy into public service.

“This couldn’t have happened without my amazing team,” Pulido said. “I am so thankful for this incredible blessing and for everyone who has been with me through it all — especially my fans, who motivate me to keep going. For decades, I used my voice to bring people together — through music, through culture, through pride in who we are. Now I’ll use my voice to fight for the people of South Texas because that’s the stage that matters most now.”

Pulido’s decades-long career has helped define modern Tejano music, bringing the sound of South Texas to international audiences. Today’s win reinforces his place among the most celebrated artists in the genre.

As he steps away from the stage and into a new chapter, Pulido says the mission is simple: use his voice to fight  for the community that shaped him.

Cuero ISD Seeks Assistant Band Director for January 2026 Start

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Staff Writer | November 13, 2025

CUERO, TEXAS — Cuero Independent School District is actively seeking an enthusiastic and qualified Assistant Band Director to join its music education team beginning January 2026. This full-time position is open to all instrumental specialties and will involve team teaching at both the high school and junior high campuses.

🎓 Perfect for December Graduates

This role is especially well-suited for December 2025 graduates who are currently completing their student teaching and looking for a seamless transition into a professional teaching position.

🏫 About Cuero ISD

  • Cuero ISD is a smaller 4A/2C district known for its strong community spirit and commitment to excellence.
  • Located 1.5 hours east of San Antonio and 30 minutes from Victoria, Cuero offers a welcoming environment for educators and students alike.

📌 Position Highlights

  • Start Date: January 2026
  • Campuses: Cuero High School and Cuero Junior High
  • Specialties: All instrumental backgrounds welcome
  • Teaching Model: Collaborative, team-based instruction

📝 How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply through Cuero ISD’s Human Resources portal:

👉 Cuero ISD Job Postings and Application Portal

For more information, applicants may contact Jessica Hernandez at (361) 275-1914.

Edgar “Joe” Foerster – February 4, 1935 to November 7, 2025 (90)

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Edgar “Joe” Foerster, 90 of Yorktown passed away Friday, November 7, 2025.  He was born February 4, 1935 in Sarco, Tx to John Otto and Laura Ann Dohmann Foerster.  The family later moved to Weesatche.  Joe was one of seven children and grew up in Weesatche where he graduated from Goliad High School in 1953.  A year after high school, Joe volunteered for the United States Navy. After his service he was honorably discharged.

Joe married Verda Mae Podsim on July 19, 1959 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Goliad. Joe spent his working years at the Texas Highway Department where he served as an engineering technician. Upon retirement he raised goats and sheep, teaching his grandchildren the art he enjoyed so much.  Besides his love for beekeeping, cattle, ranching, hunting, gambling trips to Eagle Pass and a good game of dominos, Joe’s greatest joy and most cherished treasures were his grandchildren, of whom he was immensely proud.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years Verda Mae; his parents John Otto and Laura Ann Foerster, brother Creston Foerster and his wife, Janet; in-laws Mary Foerster, Ervin Kainer, Gary Podsim and wife Lana.

He is survived by his two children Pamela Mokwa (Larry) and Kurt Foerster (Anna) of Yorktown and five grandchildren Heather and Jonathon Mokwa, Trent, Maesen, and Reece Foerster.  He is also survived by his brothers Hubert Allan Foerster of Victoria, Gerald Foerster (Dorothy) and Danny Foerster of Weesatche and his sisters Valerie Kainer of Yorktown and Waldine Heine of Weesatche.

Pallbearers are Jonathon Mokwa, Trent Foerster, Phil Hughes, Paul Gaida, Ricky Hilbrich, and James Semper.  Honorary pallbearers are his granddaughters Heather, Maesen, Reece, nieces and nephews, and friend Keri Hilbrich.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 15th at 1 pm. Funeral services to follow at Massey Funeral Home at 2 pm. Interment to follow at Westside Cemetery where he will be buried next to his wife.

Memorials can be made to the Yorktown Fire Department, The Giving Garden at Holy Cross Catholic Church or Donor’s choice.

Cuero Police Seek Public’s Help Identifying Individual in Photo

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Trisha Garcia | November 13, 2025

CUERO, TEXAS — The Cuero Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying an individual captured in recently released photographs. The man, seen with a bicycle, is not currently linked to any known incident, but officers are seeking to confirm his identity as part of an ongoing inquiry.
At this time, no details have been released regarding the nature of the investigation, and the department emphasizes that the request is strictly for identification purposes.
If you recognize the individual or have relevant information, please contact:
• Sgt. Galindo or
• Officer Gonzalez
📞 (361) 275-5734
Important: Do not leave any identifying information in public comment sections or social media posts. All tips should be directed to the officers listed above to protect privacy and ensure proper handling.
The Cuero Police Department thanks the community for its continued support and vigilance.

Barbara Joyce Warzecha (Striedel) – July 1, 1934 to November 9, 2025 (91)

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Barbara Joyce Warzecha (Striedel), 91, of Cuero passed away at her home on Sunday, November 9, 2025.  She was born July 1, 1934 in Nopal to Johnnie and Elsie Kirchner Striedel.  She married Vincent J. Warzecha on December 11, 1966 at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Cuero.

As one of eleven children, she was the oldest girl.  She was no stranger to hard work, but the family meant everything.  She worked for years outside on the family farm, as a bellhop, waitress and general manager for HEB’s GM department.  Her two children were blessed to grow up within this large family that still remains close.  When she married Vincent, she and her two children moved to the country of “Mustang Mott”.  After she settled in to the new life, she quit her job to help Vincent in the Farm and Ranch operations.  Vincent later adopted her children.

She was a long standing member of St. Michaels Catholic Church, Altar Society, American Legion Auxiliary and VFW Auxiliary of Yorktown.

She is survived by her daughter, Peggy Stanchos (Donald) of Cuero; grandsons, Jeremy Stanchos (Amy) of Cuero and Clifford Stanchos (Madeline) of Austin; granddaughters, Summer Schrieber (Paul) of Shiner, Fallon Kloesel (E.J.) of Yoakum and Clara Warzecha (Jessie James) of Yoakum; nine great-grandchildren; brothers, Roland Striedel (Patsy) of Cuero and Anthony Striedel (Mary Ann) of Yoakum; sister, Susan Wade (Joe) of Waco and dad’s “fur baby” Felix the Cat.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 56 years, Vincent; son, Johnnie D. Warzecha; brothers, Johnnie “Sonny”, Norman, Dalton (Carol-Sue) and Charles and her sisters, Roberta “Jean” Shows (Raymond, Dorothy Lane and Sharon Strain (Danny).

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 13, 2025, 5:00 – 7:00 PM with a rosary to be recited at 6:30 PM.  Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, 10:00 AM at St. Michael’s Catholic Church with Father Caleb Krischke officiating.  Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Jeremy Stanchos, Clifford Stanchos, E.J. Kloesel, Paul Schrieber, Richard Lane and Mark Lane.

Honorary Pallbearers include Forrest Striedel, Sue Lyn Warzecha Carter, Gary Warzecha, Jackson Stanchos, Dayton Kloesel and Jessie James.

The family wants to thank Dr. Jennifer Gonzales and Hospice of South Texas.  A special thanks to her caregivers Cynthia Rother, Martha Gamez and Deborah Williams for their excellent care.  We were truly blessed.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Michaels Catholic Church or St. Michael’s Catholic School or donor’s choice.

Yorktown Shooting Suspect Sentenced to 45 Years in State Prison

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by Trisha Garcia | November 9, 2025

Cuero, TX — A DeWitt County jury delivered swift justice this week in the case of Cody Allen Eggemeyer, the Yorktown man arrested in connection with a violent 2023 shooting and high-speed chase. The criminal case was set for trial on November 3, 2025, and proceeded before a jury in the 24th Judicial District Court. After just over an hour of deliberation, jurors returned guilty verdicts on all counts, including Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon causing Serious Bodily Injury, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, and Evading Arrest or Detention in a Motor Vehicle—each enhanced as habitual felonies.

With assistance from the U.S. Marshals’ Apprehension Unit, Eggemeyer was located and arrested on October 18, 2023. He was booked into custody on multiple felony warrants, including attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and evading arrest.

The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Brian Michael Cromeens, who took office in January 2025 and now leads the 24th Judicial District. Prosecutors presented evidence of Eggemeyer’s violent history and prior convictions, qualifying him for habitual felony enhancement.

On Thursday, Judge Kemper Stephen Williams imposed the following sentences:

  • 45 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for Aggravated Assault
  • 25 years for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
  • 25 years for Evading Arrest in a Motor Vehicle

All sentences will run concurrently, meaning Eggemeyer will serve 45 years total.

The case marks a decisive moment for the 24th Judicial District, reinforcing its commitment to public safety and accountability in DeWitt County.

Westhoff Students Join American Legion Auxiliary to Honor Veterans

By Trisha Garcia | November 9, 2025

WESTHOFF –  On November 5, a quiet but powerful act of remembrance unfolded in Westhoff as local 6th–8th grade students joined members of the Westhoff American Legion Ladies Auxiliary to place American flags on the graves of veterans who served our country.

The event, held in advance of Veterans Day, brought generations together in a shared gesture of gratitude. Students walked respectfully among the headstones, guided by Auxiliary members who offered stories and context for each name and service branch. With each flag placed, the group honored not only the individual but the legacy of service that continues to shape their community.

“This is about teaching respect, history, and pride,” said one Auxiliary member. “We want these young people to understand that freedom isn’t free—and that these flags represent real lives, real sacrifice.”

For many students, the experience was both humbling and eye-opening. Some recognized family names; others asked questions about wars and service eras. Teachers and volunteers encouraged reflection and dialogue, turning the morning into a living history lesson.

The Westhoff American Legion Ladies Auxiliary has long upheld traditions of remembrance, from Memorial Day ceremonies to care packages for active-duty service members. Their partnership with local youth is part of a broader effort to instill civic values and honor those who have served.

As the flags fluttered in the autumn breeze, the cemetery became a quiet tableau of patriotism and community connection. In a time when headlines often divide, this small-town act of unity stood as a reminder: gratitude endures, and the next generation is watching—and learning.

 

Carl & Mary Welhausen Library Launches Food & Necessity Drive to Support Yoakum Families

Trisha Garcia | November 9, 2025

YOAKUM, TX — In a heartfelt gesture of community care, the Carl & Mary Welhausen Library has kicked off a Food & Necessity Collection Drive to support Yoakum citizens in need during the holiday season. From November 10 through December 5, the library will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items and essential supplies, with a special free shopping day scheduled the following week for local residents facing hardship.

The drive invites residents to contribute canned goods, hygiene products, baby items, and other necessities that can make a meaningful difference for families navigating tough times. Donations can be dropped off during regular library hours:
🕗 Monday–Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
🕗 Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Library staff emphasized that the upcoming shopping day will be open to all Yoakum citizens in need, offering a dignified, no-cost opportunity to select items that best suit their household. The event reflects the library’s broader mission to serve not only as a center for learning, but also as a lifeline for community support.

“We want every neighbor to feel seen and supported,” said a library spokesperson. “This drive is about more than donations—it’s about solidarity.”

Community members, local businesses, and civic groups are encouraged to participate. Whether by donating goods or spreading the word, every contribution helps ensure that no family in Yoakum goes without this season.

For more information or to coordinate large donations, contact the Carl & Mary Welhausen Library directly or visit during operating hours.

Young Trotters Steal Hearts at Youth Football Celebration

CUERO – Earlier this season, the Mini Trotters lit up the field with a spirited halftime performance during Youth Football Night on October 17. Trained through a special camp led by the Cuero Gobbler Trotter Dance Team, these young performers—some as young as five learned choreography, practiced with the team, and brought big energy to the field

The final rehearsal took place on Thursday, October 16, where the Mini Trotters joined the varsity Trotters for one last run-through. It was more than just a practice—it was a celebration of mentorship and community, with older students cheering on their younger counterparts and helping them polish their moves.

Their enthusiasm was contagious, and the crowd responded with loud applause. Parents, grandparents, and fans filled the stands, proud to see the next generation of Cuero spirit in action.

In addition to their performance, participants received pre-ordered T-shirts and photos—personal keepsakes that added to the excitement of the evening. The event was a standout moment in the youth football season and a powerful reminder of how early experiences in teamwork and performance can inspire lasting confidence.

The Mini Trotters’ halftime spotlight wasn’t just about dance—it was about community, tradition, and the joy of being part of something bigger. Their performance lit up the field and left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance