James Wesley aka “Jack” Black, 95, of Nixon, Texas, passed away on August 11, 2025. He was born on April 15, 1930, in Leesville, Texas, to Harvey Black and Ina O’Neal Black.
Jack married the love of his life, Joyce Young, on March 21, 1952. Together, they had four children. He loved deer hunting, fishing, and gardening, and was an avid fan of the Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys. He worked at Exxon for over 42 years, working for Delbert Deason, then later, Earl Kenedy. He became manager of the full-service station, he later retired in December 1991.
He is survived by his children: Theresa Flores, James A Black (Mary), Beth Laqua (Louis), Timothy Black; 8 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joyce Young Black; grandson, Travis Jordan; granddaughter: Rosie Black; siblings: Wilburn Black, Sybel Muennink and Tony Black.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 14, 2025, 4:00pm-7:00pm at the Finch Funeral Chapel-Nixon, Texas.
On the first day of school in Leander ISD, northwest of Austin, a tragic rollover crash involving a school bus left 12 people injured, including elementary-aged children and the driver.
What Happened
Around 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, the bus veered off Nameless Road—a rural two-lane stretch—and rolled onto its side into an embankment surrounded by trees.
The bus was carrying 42 children and one adult, all en route home after school had let out. No students had been dropped off yet.
Injuries and Emergency Response
12 people were hospitalized, including one with life-threatening injuries and two with potentially life-threatening injuries.
Others sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to a reunification center for evaluation and to reconnect with families.
Emergency services deployed six ambulances, two STARFlight helicopters, and additional support from Travis County ESD.
Bus Details and Safety
The bus was a 2024 Bluebird model, equipped with state-mandated seat belts, which students are required to wear.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but officials noted the bus left the roadway “for an unknown reason”.
Community Response
Leander ISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing expressed deep concern and support:
“We want each of those students and their families to know that our prayers are with them… we will do everything that we can in our power to support them.”
CUERO, TX — August 13, 2025
The Cuero High School Trotters Dance Team didn’t just dazzle on the field this week—they stirred up community spirit with a bake sale that was as sweet as their signature moves.
Held during the recent athletic event hosted by the Cuero All Sports Booster Club, the Trotters set up a vibrant table of homemade goodies, from classic brownies and cookies to colorful cupcakes and lemon bars. The recent event, drew a steady stream of supporters eager to indulge and invest in the team’s upcoming season.
The fundraiser not only helped raise money for uniforms, travel, and choreography expenses—it also showcased the Trotters’ commitment to community engagement. Known for their precision, pride, and infectious energy, the dance team has become a symbol of Gobbler spirit both on and off the field.
As the 2025–2026 season kicks off, the Trotters are ready to leap into action—with a little extra sugar-fueled momentum.
Wendell Scott Sullivan, 53, of Yorktown passed away Tuesday, August 12, 2025. He was born on May 7, 1972 in Texas City to David Lee and Carol Chambers Sullivan.
He spent his younger years in Refugio, Texas before moving to Friendswood, Texas. He took much pride in being the quarterback in football for Friendswood High. He graduated in 1991.
Scott married Carla Blair on November 15, 2003 and had 2 sons, Konnor Scott and Kason Jay. They moved to Yorktown, Texas in 2013 where he became an animal control officer for the city of Cuero.
Scott enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, watching high school football, trips to the Frio River and spending time at the Barn near Refugio.
He is survived by his wife, Carla; sons Konnor and Kason, mother Carol Sullivan, brother John David (Wendy) Sullivan; nephews Kelden and Shawn; niece Whitney Jo; cousins James (Kelly) Fortenberry and Dede (Donald) Reese along with many other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father David Lee and stepmother Judy Sullivan.
Memorial service will be August 30, 2025 at 1 pm at Teaglach Meadows 2099 Spies Rd, Yorktown, Texas.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Pet Adoptions of Cuero.
Carlton A. Hoefling, 79, of Port Lavaca, Texas, passed away on August 12, 2025. Carlton was born on December 20, 1945, in Yorktown, Texas, to Carl and Otha Hoefling. He grew up in Yorktown with three brothers and three sisters.
Carlton married Laurel Sydney Calk on July 4, 1965, and together they raised three children in Port Lavaca. They had just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past Fourth of July.
Carlton raised a big and beautiful family. He was a dedicated member for many years of the Calhoun County Livestock Show and Calhoun County (Houston) Go-Texan. He worked hard all his life for his family, coached baseball for his children and their friends, and traveled across the United States to support them in showing cattle. He adored his grandchildren-there wasn’t a softball game, county fair, or baseball game he would miss.
Over the years, Carlton built many friendships that became like family. If you knew him, you might recognize some of the surnames-Blinka, Falksen, Lewis, Strakos, Blain, Horny-and the list could go on and on. He enjoyed spending afternoons sitting outside in the driveway in Long Mott with a beer, visiting with anyone who happened to stop by-or stopping you himself just to chat.
He is survived by his wife, Sydney; children, Brent (Kim) Hoefling, Shawna (Kevin) Lamprecht, and Heath (Stacey) Hoefling; grandchildren, Jordan (Tyler) Willemin, Kyle Hranicky, Shyanne (Raeley) Debord, Kynli (Parker) Goebel, Gracey Hoefling, Gavin Hoefling, Kaydynce Lamprecht, and Skyland Lamprecht; great-grandchildren, Daegyn Debord, Kelbi Goebel, Brakkyn Debord, and Reece Debord; and siblings, Roy (Marian) Hoefling, Linda (Ray) Tampke, Carolyn Semper, JoAnn Wendel, and Mary Hoefling.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Otha Hoefling; brothers, Phillip and Norman Hoefling; brother-in-law, Leo Semper; and nephew, Paul Semper.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, August 17, 2025. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m., with the funeral to follow at 3:00 p.m., at Massey Funeral Home in Yorktown, Texas. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Cuero, Texas.
Pallbearers will be Kyle Hranicky, Gavin Hoefling, Tyler Willemin, Parker Goebel, Raeley Debord, and Charles “Bubba” Chatham.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Calhoun County Fair Association or Calhoun County Go-Texan.
The family would like to thank all of their friends and extended family for their care and support during this time.
Dr. Hampton D. McAda, a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and passionate veterinarian, peacefully passed away on August 10, 2025, at the age of 70.
Born and raised in a small town in Texas, Dr. McAda’s love for animals began early in life. Following the footsteps of his father, he graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and joined his father in practicing veterinary medicine in Yorktown, Texas. His career was defined by a deep compassion for both animals and the people who loved them. Dr. McAda was known for his unwavering dedication to his patients and the pride he took in his work.
Outside of his veterinary practice, Dr. McAda had a deep pride in his land, the family farm, and was an avid woodworker, creating beautiful pieces that reflected his meticulous craftsmanship. He took great pride in his crafting skills, making various decorations, puzzles, and furniture in his woodshop.
Special memories of his life with his family include countless hours spent fishing at GG Miller’s Pond, the Duderstadt Ranch, and Goose Island with his sons, Wayne and Spenser, when they were younger. Those escapades, which were referred to as “Boys Day out” were filled with laughter, shared experiences, and lasting memories.
Dr. McAda is survived by his wife, DeeDee McAda, his two sons, Wayne (Kelly) McAda of Kenedy, Texas and Spenser (Susan) McAda of San Antonio, Texas, wonderful grandchildren William E. McAda and Gideon E. McAda, his expected granddaughter Elaine Lillian McAda who will arrive soon, and his siblings Vickie (Dr. Mike) Jacob, Dr. Wesley (Marilyn) McAda, and David (Jenni) McAda, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his parents Dr. William and Pauline McAda and in-laws Wayne and Betty Eason and Ernest W. (Dawn) Eason.
A private memorial service, led by Reverend Dr. Paul Kacsur of The First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio, will be held to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations made in Dr. H.D. McAda’s name be sent to the Pet Adoptions of Cuero or the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine to support future generations of veterinary professionals.
Ken Paxton wants you to believe he’s the law’s last line of defense. Just this month, He asked a judge to jail Beto O’Rourke, accusing him of defying a court order and running a “misleading financial-influence scheme” to support Democratic lawmakers who fled the state during a redistricting standoff. Paxton called it bribery. Called it criminal. Called it contempt.
But let’s be honest: look who’s calling the kettle black.
This is the same Attorney General who was impeached by the Texas House in 2023 on 20 counts—including bribery, abuse of office, and obstruction of justice—and later acquitted by the Senate. The obstruction charge, which alleged Paxton used his office to shield a donor and retaliate against whistleblowers, was dismissed not for lack of evidence, but because the Senate—dominated by his own party—refused to convict him. The evidence was there, the witnesses were there, the paper trail was there! But Political Loyalty won out over accountability.
Meanwhile, in 2020, eight of Paxton’s senior aides reported him to the FBI. Four were fired and sued under the Texas Whistleblower Act. In April 2025, a judge ruled in their favor, awarding them $6.6 million for lost wages, emotional distress, and legal fees.
What 6.6 million will buy @ $6/meal → 1.1 million meals. That’s enough to feed 3,000 seniors one hot meal every day for a full year.
And who’s paying that bill?
Not Paxton. Not the donor. Texans are. Unless the Legislature blocks it, public funds will cover the judgment. If they don’t, the payout accrues interest—up to $1.2 million by 2027. Either way, we pay.
Just when you think the scandals couldn’t get more personal, Paxton’s wife—State Senator Angela Paxton—filed for divorce in July 2025, citing “biblical grounds” and accusing him of infidelity. She said she had “earnestly pursued reconciliation,” but that “recent discoveries” made it impossible to honor God or herself by staying in the marriage.
This isn’t just a political unraveling. It’s a moral one.
And it’s not just happening in Texas.
In January 2025, Donald Trump rescinded Biden’s ethics order. The order of banning gifts from lobbyists and restricting post-government lobbying. Trump overturned this order. Why are we allowing this? The rollback legalized shadow lobbying and reopened the revolving door between private interests and public power. Since then, Trump has accepted a $400 million luxury jet from the Qatari royal family, which he plans to use as Air Force One and later donate to his presidential museum. Critics—including some of his own allies—have called it a bribe.
At the same time, Trump’s family cryptocurrency empire is booming. A publicly traded firm is buying $1.5 billion worth of the Trump family’s proprietary token, $WLFI, while foreign investors who purchase Trump-affiliated meme coins are being granted private dinners and White House tours. The president earned $57.4 million last year from crypto holdings alone. Don’t tell me this is being a good business man. It’s not! It’s being a Con Man!
This is legalized bribery. This is influence for sale.
Meanwhile, convicted sex offenders reportedly enjoy yoga classes and public work programs, while nonviolent Americans remain locked away under the guise that they are illegal immigrants. ICE detentions continue under policies that aren’t transparent and leave the public in the dark. The FBI faces allegations of backroom deals. And the Commander-in-Chief—regardless of party—issues executive orders with little transparency or accountability. And we have yet to see the Epstein Files!
What example are they setting?
That power protects. That truth is negotiable. That justice is selective.
Come on, Texas. We can do better.
Public office should be a place of service, not a sanctuary for misconduct. If we want integrity in leadership, we must demand it—not just in campaign seasons, but in courtrooms, budgets, and ballots. Because when lawlessness becomes the norm, democracy becomes the casualty.
“We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.”— Aesop
Let me be clear: not all public servants fit this mold.
Texas is home to many principled, hardworking leaders—some of whom I’m proud to call friends. Their integrity is the reason this critique matters. Because when corruption goes unchecked, it tarnishes the work of those who serve with honor. The public trust isn’t a privilege to be taken lightly. Those who hold it must meet a standard so high that even the appearance of impropriety is unacceptable.
Pat Trevino – Blog Writer, Photographer, Published Author & Genealogist
In a decisive move during this Special Session, the Texas Senate passed all 18 bills listed on the Governor’s call, including three top-priority flood preparedness measures and a sweeping education reform proposal. While some bills have cleared both chambers, most still await action in the Texas House before becoming law. For Cuero residents, these developments signal both progress and the need for continued civic attention.
Flooding Response Rooted in Local Voices
Senate Bills 1, 2, and 3—championed by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and shaped by testimony from the Senate Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding—aim to strengthen Texas’s response to deadly floods like those recently seen across South Texas.
SB 1 requires campgrounds in floodplains to adopt flash-flood evacuation plans, install rooftop emergency ladders, and establish clear lines of emergency management succession. Senator Lois Kolkhorst, who serves our district, added an amendment mandating evacuation plans for camps—an important safeguard for rural communities like ours. This bill has passed both chambers and will become law on September 1, 2025.
SB 2 ensures outdoor warning sirens are installed in flood-prone areas, giving residents early alerts to protect lives and property. It has passed the Senate and awaits a vote in the House.
SB 3 provides funding to implement the initiatives outlined in SB 1 and SB 2. It also awaits House action.
These bills reflect direct input from Texans, including a 13-hour hearing in Kerrville where residents, first responders, and local officials shared their experiences and concerns.
Goodbye STAAR? Not Yet.
Another headline-grabbing proposal is SB 8, which would eliminate the STAAR test and replace it with a more instruction-driven assessment system. The new model promises real-time feedback for students, teachers, and parents—without the stress and bureaucracy of standardized testing.
For Cuero ISD families, this could mean a shift toward more meaningful classroom engagement and less time “teaching to the test.” However, SB 8 is still in committee and has not yet been voted on by the Senate.
Redistricting and Political Tensions
The Senate also passed SB 4, the redistricting plan. Notably, several Democratic senators left the floor during the vote, registering as “absent, not voting.” This move signals opposition to the bill, likely rooted in concerns about fairness and representation. Despite their absence, the bill passed the Senate and now awaits House consideration.
Other Bills Address Justice, Mental Health, and Water Conservation
The final five bills on the Governor’s call—SB 43, SB 13, SB 6, SB 10, and SB 16—cover a range of issues including:
Affirmative defense for victims of human trafficking
Impact fee credits for water conservation and reuse
Confidentiality protections for law enforcement personnel
Improvements to juvenile justice and mental health access
Streamlined permitting for flood-control dams and reservoirs
While all five have advanced through the Senate, some remain in committee or await House votes. Each carries implications for rural counties like DeWitt, where infrastructure, justice reform, and water management remain pressing concerns.
What Happens Next?
Though the Senate has completed its work, most bills must still pass the Texas House and be signed by the Governor to become law. The House’s response—especially on education and redistricting—will be closely watched.
For Cuero residents, this legislative package represents both momentum and a reminder: civic engagement doesn’t end with a Senate vote. Whether it’s flood safety, classroom reform, or judicial fairness, these bills touch the heart of our community’s resilience and future.
📊 Bill Status Summary
Bill
Topic
Senate Status
House Status
Law Yet?
SB 1
Disaster preparedness
✅ Passed
✅ Passed
✅ Becomes law Sept 1, 2025
SB 2
Flood warning systems
✅ Passed
⏳ Pending vote
❌ Not law yet
SB 3
Funding for SB 1 & 2
✅ Passed
⏳ Pending vote
❌ Not law yet
SB 8
STAAR test replacement
⏳ In committee
❌ Not yet voted
❌ Not law yet
SB 4
Redistricting
✅ Passed
⏳ Awaiting action
❌ Not law yet
SB 43
Flood-control dam permitting
✅ Passed
⏳ Awaiting vote
❌ Not law yet
SB 13
Water infrastructure incentives
✅ Passed
⏳ Awaiting vote
❌ Not law yet
SB 6
Law enforcement confidentiality
✅ Passed
⏳ Awaiting vote
❌ Not law yet
SB 10
Human trafficking protections
✅ Passed
⏳ Awaiting vote
❌ Not law yet
SB 16
Judicial reform
✅ Passed
⏳ Awaiting vote
❌ Not law yet
📝 Editor’s Note
This article reflects verified legislative status as of publication, based on official records from the Texas Legislature and public statements from elected officials. Cuero Online News remains committed to accuracy, transparency, and timely updates on issues that affect our community.
Cuero Regional Hospital is inviting the public to a special evening of connection and community as it welcomes two exceptional physicians to its growing medical team. The event will take place on Tuesday, August 19, at the Cuero Medical Clinic, located at 2500 N. Esplanade, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
Guests are encouraged to stop by for light refreshments and casual conversation as they meet:
Dr. Angela Watts Powell, DO – Specializing in Family Medicine and Obstetrics, Dr. Powell offers a compassionate, whole-person approach to care, with a focus on women’s health and family wellness.
Dr. Philip Suarez, MD, FACOG – A seasoned Gynecologist, Dr. Suarez is recognized for his clinical expertise and dedication to empowering patients through every stage of life.
Whether attendees are seeking a new provider or simply wish to extend a warm welcome, the event offers a relaxed setting to connect with the physicians who will be serving Cuero and surrounding communities.
Healthcare is personal—and Cuero Health continues to emphasize the importance of building relationships between providers and the people they serve. This gathering reflects a shared commitment to trust, accessibility, and community care.
All are welcome to attend and help give Dr. Powell and Dr. Suarez a heartfelt Cuero welcome.
