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Margaret Brant – December 31, 1953 to October 28, 2025 (71)

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SAN ANTONIO: Margaret Brant, 71, passed away on October 28, 2025.  She was born on December 31, 1953, in Los Angeles, CA, to Ernie Donald Brant and Doris Ruth (Long) Brant.

Margaret is remembered by those who knew and loved her as a, “free spirit”.  She attended the University of Illinois where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. What brought her the most joy and sense of accomplishment was being a Special Education Teacher. She will be dearly missed.

Survivors are her brother, Mark Brant, his wife Sunny and their children Angela and Daisy Brant; sister, Melany Brant; Uncles, Jim Tom Long and AJ Long.

Preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

Funeral Service 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, with Minister Bob Long officiating. Burial to follow at Yoakum Oak Grove Cemetery.

Edmund Rafael Vahalik III – April 17, 1949 (76)

YOAKUM: Edmund Rafael Vahalik III, passed away Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the age of 76. He was born April 17, 1949 in Yoakum to the late Edmund R. Vahalik Jr. and Magdaline (Hermes) Vahalik.

Edmund was a veteran having served in the US Air Force and serving in Vietnam. He married his beloved Kathy on July 9, 1970 and for the next 52 years they worked together raising their two sons, Johnny and Jerry, owning and operating their business, Shiner Automatic Transmission and ranching on the side. Edmund never shied away from work and proudly became Kathy’s caregiver when her health declined. His commitment to his family is a legacy we will remember and we rejoice that “they are together again” May he rest in peace.

Survivors are his sons, Johnny Vahalik and wife Michelle of Yoakum and Jerry Vahalik of Yoakum; 6 grandchildren, Nick, Brittany, Katelin, Tommy, Lauren, Mia and Hannah; 1 great-grandson, Stetson; sisters, Rebecca Cyr (Frank), Nelda Kaiser (Vernon), Sarah Hamilton (Mike), Barbara Ward (Anthony) and Emily Drozd (Mark); brothers, David Vahalik (Melitta) and Charles Vahalik (Debra);numerous extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Kathy; 2 sisters, Joyce Holster and Mary DeBord; and niece Amy Shaftner.

Visitation 4 to 6 p.m. with Rosary recited at 6 p.m., Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home.

Funeral Mass 10 a.m., Thursday, November 6, 2025 at St. Ann Catholic Church with Rev. Matthew Huehlefeld officiating. Burial to follow next to Kathy at St. Ann Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to St. Ann Catholic Church or St. Ann Cemetery.

DeWitt County Officials Recognized for Emergency Management Training

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by Tricia Garcia | November 5, 2025

CUERO, TX — During the October 27 meeting of the DeWitt County Commissioners Court, two county officials were formally recognized for completing specialized emergency management training programs designed to strengthen local disaster response and public communication.

Billy Jordan Jr. Completes Training

DeWitt County Emergency Management Coordinator Billy Jordan Jr. received a Certificate of Completion from the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) for successfully completing the NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Awareness training course. The program equips emergency personnel with foundational knowledge to identify, assess, and respond to hazardous materials incidents in accordance with national standards.

Jordan’s training enhances the county’s ability to respond to chemical, biological, and radiological threats—especially critical during wildfire season and industrial transport emergencies.

Blair Duran Completes FEMA Public Information Training

Blair Duran, who serves in a public information capacity for the county, was also recognized for completing the Public Information Basic training course through the FEMA National Disaster & Emergency Management University. The course focuses on effective communication during emergencies, including media coordination, public messaging, and rumor control.

Duran’s certification supports the county’s commitment to transparency and timely information sharing during crisis events.

Commissioners commended both officials for their dedication to professional development and public safety. The court voted to formally receive the certificates and expressed appreciation for the proactive steps taken to strengthen DeWitt County’s emergency readiness.

Emma M. Lee – October 7, 1938 to October 23, 2025 (87)

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YOAKUM:  Emma M. Lee, 87, passed away on October 23, 2025.  She was born on October 7, 1938, in San Antonio, TX, to George Clarence Henderson and Cora B. (Mooney) Henderson.

She was a homemaker and in her earlier years she worked for the telephone company in Los Angeles, CA.  Emma was known for her beautiful smile and enjoyed the music of Tom Jones and Johnny Mathis.  She was quite the dancer and was a ballerina for several years.  Her love of music included attending the opera.  Emma also played softball and was known as “Shot-Gun Henderson”, for her ability to throw the ball.  Emma will be missed terribly by those who knew and loved her.

Survivors are her son, Keith Lee (Karetta) of Yoakum and the state of Florida; daughter, Judy Lee of Yoakum; grandchildren Sable Lee, Lamar Lee and Onell Lee; five great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her husband, Roger Lee; her parents; and eight siblings—Jim Henderson, Meryl Glascow, George Henderson, Gordon Henderson, Fred Henderson, Frank Henderson, Blanche Gant, and Carl Henderson.

Funeral Service to be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, on November 5, 2025, at 2 p.m., where she will be laid to rest with her late husband, Roger Lee.

Seniors Lead the Charge at November 7 Pep Rally

Staff Writer | October 5, 2025

CUERO, TX — The energy is building, the colors are flying, and the Gobblers are ready to charge into Friday night lights. On Thursday, November 7, Cuero High School will host a Senior Pep Rally at 2:18 PM in The Roost. 

This isn’t just any pep rally—it’s a Class Color War showdown, with each grade decked out in their designated hues:

  • Freshmen (9️⃣) – Red
  • Sophomores (🔟) – Purple
  • Juniors (1️⃣1️⃣) – Blue
  • Seniors (🎓) – White

The rally will spotlight the Class of 2025, giving every senior a chance to participate and shine. From chants and cheers to surprise performances, the event promises to be a high-energy sendoff as the Gobblers prepare to face Robstown on the gridiron.

Adding to the excitement, senior parents and families are warmly invited to attend and celebrate their students’ final year of high school spirit. It’s a moment to honor their journey, their leadership, and their legacy.

Whether you’re a proud parent, an alum, or a community supporter, this is your chance to show up, show out, and show what Gobbler pride is all about.

Let’s pack The Roost, wear your class colors, and make some noise—Go Gobblers!

Jewell Smith – September 16, 1957 to October 28, 2025 (68)

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SHINER: Jewell Smith, 68, passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 16, 1957 in Beeville to the late Floyd Smith Sr and Bessie (Dvorak) Smith.

She was a beloved lifelong partner of 45 years with Dale Dolezal, a great sister, aunt and friend to many. Jewell worked as a cosmetologist who later on worked at Howard’s, just to pass time, but also  enjoyed going there to drink a “Beast” and talk to all her friends. Anyone who knew Jewell, knew that she was always willing to help others. One of her favorite things was on Saturdays, when she would get with her sisters and play games and go get their weekly lottery tickets or take a fun trip to Louisiana.

She is survived by her sisters, Brenda Leck (Robert), Janet Satterfield, Vickie Fric (Daniel) and brother, Floyd Smith Jr (Janine); 17 nieces and nephews, as well as numerous extended family. We cannot leave out her 2 beloved fur babies, Spanky and Omar.

She is preceded in death by her parents Floyd Sr. and Bessie Smith; her lifelong partner, Dale Dolezal, nephew, Dustin Smith; great-great niece, Serenity Gray and brother-in-law, Bill Satterfield.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Neita Ward – 1947 to October 2025

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YOAKUM: Neita Ward passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025 at the age of 78. Neita was born in Houston, Tx to the late Leslie and Dorothy (Sims) Rutland.

Neita is survived by her husband of 35 years,  Michael Ward; Neita’s children, daughter,  Pam Konvicka and husband Mark  and son, Kenny Reed and wife Wendy; Michael’s children, daughter, Jacque Pasqua and husband Lawrence and son, Chad Ward. She is also survived by her sister, Carolyn Hancock and brother Leslie Rutland and lastly her 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Neita is proceded in death by her parents and her sister Dorothy Turner.

A private burial for family will be held.

Pallbearers are John Ward, Zach Ward, Philip Ward, Keegan Ward, Dan Ward and Jacob Pasqua.

Yoakum ISD Calls Tax Ratification Election for November 4

Staff Writer | November 4, 2025

The Board of Trustees of the Yoakum Independent School District has officially ordered a Tax Ratification Election to be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The election will allow registered voters in DeWitt, Gonzales, and Lavaca Counties to decide whether to approve the District’s adopted ad valorem tax rate of $1.04385 per $100 of taxable property value.

What’s on the Ballot?

Proposition A asks voters to ratify the District’s current tax rate, which includes:

  • A debt service rate of $0.34695
  • A maintenance and operations rate of $0.69690 (the legal maximum under current Texas law)

Despite the ballot language stating “THIS IS A TAX INCREASE,” the proposed rate actually reflects a decrease in maintenance and operations tax revenue—down 10.5920% from the previous year, amounting to a reduction of approximately $1.29 million.

The funds are intended to support District salaries and instructional enhancements.

Voting Details

  • Election Day: Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Early Voting: Dates, times, and locations will be listed in Exhibit A of the official order and may be updated as needed.
  • Vote by Mail: Applications must be received by October 24, 2025. Voters may submit applications via mail, fax, or email—but must also mail the original if faxed or emailed.

Election Oversight

The election will be conducted jointly with other political subdivisions and administered by election officials in each county:

  • DeWitt County: Deidra McCollum
  • Gonzales County: Gwen Schaefer
  • Lavaca County: Tenia Hudson

Each county will appoint poll workers, translators, and tabulation staff as required by law. Materials will be available in English, Spanish, and other necessary languages.

Legal Notes

The Board confirmed that the election complies with Texas Education and Election Codes, including recent legislation (Senate Bill 1025) and disaster-related exemptions. The order also allows for technical adjustments and joint election agreements to ensure smooth execution.