MOULTON: Bennie Polasek Jr., age 75, passed away Monday, May 26, 2025. He was born June 19, 1949 in Shiner to Bernard and Vlasta Malatek Polasek.
He was a house painter in his younger years and retired from the City of Moulton after 26 plus years. While working for the City of Moulton he obtained his State water and waste water license. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, working in the yard, fishing and he was known for making great fried pork steaks. He was a former member of the Moulton Volunteer Fire Department for many years. He was a former Emergency Care Attendant for the ambulance service in Moulton for many years.
Survivors: wife of 52 years, Dianna Meisetschleager Polasek; daughter, Tasha Mezik (Mark); grandchildren, Grace Mezik and Christian Mezik; sisters, Doris Hofferek (Bo) and Irene Oakes (Mike) and a brother, Leroy Polasek (Bobbie Jean).
Preceded in death by: parents; sisters, Pat Miller and Lorene Gast
Visitation at 9:00 a.m. with a rosary at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Service on Friday, May 30, 2025 at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home with Rev. Michael Rother officiating. Private burial at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Moulton.
John Dale Hurst, age 81, of Yorktown, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025. He was born in Houston on August 19, 1943 to the late James Lea “Jimmie” and Carlyn Hurst. The family resided in Houston for several years before returning to Yorktown.
John was confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Yorktown on April 14, 1959. He graduated from Yorktown High School in 1961 and then attended Southwest Texas State College (now Texas State University), earning a bachelor’s degree in 1965 and a master’s degree in 1971. He spent his entire 36-year career in education as a teacher and high school counselor. He was employed by schools in Nordheim, Liberty-Hardin, Bandera and Hobbs, New Mexico, where he spent 25 years guiding students. Upon retirement, John returned to the family home in Yorktown.
John was a true globetrotter. He traveled extensively across the United States and around the world, ultimately achieving the rare feat of visiting all seven continents. John met so many people, never one being a stranger for long; his list of friends is endless. And those sugar cookies! He was famous for always baking many batches of various holiday cookies. They were given to friends and family with some even being shipped many states away.
The church played a vital role in John’s life. He was an active member of the Lutheran Churches in both Hobbs and Yorktown. His spirit of community involvement led him to serve in several local charitable organizations.
John is survived by his brother Thomas (Sally) Hurst of San Antonio and sister Carlea (Fred) Hahn of Yorktown. He is also survived by his nephew and nieces, Chad (Kim) Hahn of Yorktown, Kara (Brett) Bennett of Goliad and Robin Hahn of Yoakum. Also surviving are great-nephews and great-nieces: Macey, Braden, Kellan and Annie Hahn; Tristan, Trevor, Trenton and Kaylyn Bennett.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at Massey Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025 at 11 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Yorktown with Pastor Tim Muehlbrad officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in memory of John may be given to Yorktown, EMS, Yorktown Fire Department, or the donor’s choice.
It was April 30, 2020 and the night was thick with tension, the air charged with something unseen. Bryan Haynes, 38, gripped his weapon, his pulse hammering in his ears. He had been chased for miles, pursued by figures that weren’t human—their movements unnatural, their presence suffocating.
He had warned his family. He had told them about the aliens, the ones who had been tracking him, waiting for the right moment to strike. They had come in an ATV, their vehicle marked with firefighter decals, but Haynes knew better. He knew what they really were.
When the figures emerged near Tenney Creek Road in Tilmon, he didn’t hesitate. He emptied his magazines, firing round after round, but they wouldn’t die. They kept coming, their bodies absorbing the bullets like they were impervious to pain. He aimed for the middle, the head, determined to stop them before they could take him.
Later, investigators would find over 50 shell casings at the scene. The victims—Klayton Manning, 18, and Landin Robinson, 16—had no weapons. Manning was a volunteer firefighter with the Southeast Caldwell County Volunteer Fire Department, and Robinson was his cousin. They had simply been checking for signs of smoke, responding to a call when they encountered Haynes.
Klayton Manning – 18 years oldLandin Robinson 16 years ol
A little under 48 hours, authorities located Haynes at his father’s residence, where a tense standoff unfolded. Texas Ranger Reid Rackley spearheaded the negotiations, carefully working to ensure Haynes surrender and secure his arrest.
During the trial, Vanessa House, Haynes’ former fiancée and mother of his child, described a significant shift in his behavior in the months before the killings. She recalled how he became increasingly fixated on alarming conspiracy theories, spending hours consumed by videos on bizarre and unsettling topics. His paranoia escalated as he stockpiled canned goods, medical supplies, and other survival items, seemingly preparing for an impending catastrophe. House’s testimony provided insight into Haynes’ deteriorating mental state, painting a picture of a man descending into fear-driven delusions.
House revealed that Haynes did not return home the night of the murders but contacted her the next day, instructing her to meet him at their Georgetown property. But then changed the route to his father’s home.
During cross-examination, the defense presented follicle testing results showing no drugs in Haynes’ system. In late 2024, a jury ruled him competent to stand trial, determining that he understood the charges against him. However, the defense called two expert medical witnesses, arguing that Haynes should be found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Haynes did not deny the killings, but his legal team sought to prove that he was legally insane at the time.
After the guilty verdict was read and the sentence was handed down, the courtroom turned somber as family members took the stand to express the deep pain and loss they had endured. Their statements reflected the irreparable impact of the crime, painting a vivid picture of grief that would linger for years to come.
Throughout the proceedings, Haynes remained expressionless, offering no outward reaction to the testimonies or the judgment. However, as Haynes was led from the courtroom, he briefly turned toward his brother, his expression unchanged. His hand lifted in a small wave, a moment of recognition amid the gravity of the situation. Yet, there was an eerie detachment in his movement—as if he acknowledged his brother but remained disconnected from the reality of his actions. The weight of the trial, the verdict, the lives lost—none of it seemed to register in that fleeting gesture
On May 22, 2025 a Caldwell County jury of six men and six women found 38-year-old Bryan Haynes guilty of two counts of capital murder for the 2020 shooting deaths of volunteer firefighter Klayton Manning and his cousin 16 year old Landin Robinson near Luling on April 30, 2020.
Haynes now sits behind bars, sentenced to life in prison without parole. A sentence that pales in comparison to the torment of his fractured mind. For Haynes the aliens still linger in the corners of his thoughts, silent and unseen to all except him. They are there Waiting! And Watching him!
Yorktown Junior High students are making the exciting transition to Yorktown High School, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey. As they prepare for the next chapter, students, families, and educators reflect on their achievements and look forward to new opportunities in high school.
The Class of 2029 will soon begin their high school experience, embracing new challenges and experiences that will shape their future.
The Commissioners Court has officially appointed Lindsay R. Ruppert as Justice of the Peace, Precinct One, following the adoption of Court Order No. 2025-021 during its May 12 meeting. Ruppert will step into the role previously held by Justice Peggy Mayer, who retired in March after 19 years of public service.
The appointment fills an unexpired term that will run through December 31, 2026. Ruppert brings extensive experience to the position, having served for over nine years as a civil and criminal justice court clerk in Lavaca County before transitioning into her new role as a public servant.
A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 28 in the county courtroom, located on the First Floor of the courthouse. The public is invited to attend and meet the newly appointed justice.
For more information, residents may contact the Commissioners Court office or visit the official county website.
Britt Ray Black, 60, of Nixon, Texas, passed away on May 22, 2025. Britt was born on November 2, 1964, to parents, Elder Ray and Wanda June Black. He loved hunting, fishing, Nascar and his beloved dogs.
He is survived by his wife; Betty Beames: stepchildren; Jody Beames, Megan Bienek (Kyle): grandchildren; Noah Riedel, Rylie Bienek: Sister; Brenda Jurach (Ricky): Niece; Tiffani Cumberland (Matthew): Nephew: Chase Jurach; numerous friends and extended family.
Proceeded in death by his parents; Elder Ray and Wanda June Black: grandparents; Ira and Jessie Pearl Black and Loyal “Strang” and Beatrice Pullin.
Memorial Service will be on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 10:00 am at the Funeral Chapel-Nixon, Texas. Friends and family will gather at Betty and Britt’s home immediately following the service.
The Cuero Police Department is investigating a report of shots fired at the Wildflower Inn during the early morning hours of May 27. Authorities are seeking assistance from the public in identifying a person related to the investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Cuero PD office at (361) 277-3552. Officials remind the community not to leave any identifying information on social media posts regarding the case.
Further details have not been released as the investigation remains ongoing. Cuero PD encourages residents to remain vigilant and report any relevant information that may assist in the case.
Cuero’s own Sylvia Orozco, a distinguished artist and cultural advocate, will be recognized for her contributions to the arts and community at a special celebration in Austin on May 27. The event, held at Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live)—a renowned music venue that hosts the legendary Austin City Limits television series, currently airing its 50th Anniversary broadcast season and serving Downtown Austin.
As part of the celebration, Orozco will be honored with the Meredith Powell Award for Community Culture, an annual recognition given by the Downtown Austin Alliance to individuals who champion authentic and inclusive arts, culture, and sense of place in downtown Austin. Named after Meredith Powell, a visionary advocate for the arts, the award highlights the contributions of those who elevate community voices and strengthen the city’s cultural identity. Powell herself has played a key role in integrating art into urban spaces, fostering creativity, and making Austin a dynamic hub for artistic expression.
Photo of earlier years working at the museum Sylvia Orozco is in her creative space, surrounded by artwork, a classic typewriter, and tools of her craft. Cuero’s own visionary, already shaping the future of Latino art in 1987. – University of North Texas Libraries. Sylvia Orozco Working. 1987. The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth303987/m1/1/?q=sylvia%20orozco. Accessed 27 May 2025.
Growing up in Cuero, Texas, Orozco developed an early passion for art and creativity. She graduated from Cuero High School (CHS) before continuing her studies at The University of Texas at Austin, where she pursued painting, art history, and photography. Her artistic journey was shaped by her upbringing in Cuero, where she showed remarkable talent and perseverance in overcoming financial hardships to pursue her dreams.
Orozco’s dedication to Latino art led her to co-found Mexic-Arte Museum, which has since become a cornerstone institution in Austin. As Executive Director, she has played a pivotal role in showcasing Mexican, Mexican American, and Latino artists, helping to preserve and promote cultural heritage through exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach. Her leadership has elevated the visibility of Latino artists, making their work an essential part of Austin’s thriving art scene.
Mexic-Arte Museum (Austin, Tex.). [Jorge Sedeño, George Bush, and Sylvia Orozco at the Governor’s Mansion], photograph, December 1999; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth304436/: accessed May 27, 2025), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Mexic-Arte Museum.The upcoming celebration will highlight Orozco’s lifelong commitment to art, culture, and representation, honoring the deep roots she holds in Cuero and the lasting impact she has had on Latino arts in Texas and beyond.
Cuero residents can take pride in knowing that one of their own is making waves in the art world. Her recognition at ACL Live highlights her dedication and the meaningful influence of the community that shaped her path
The Yoakum City Council has voted to amend its ordinance regarding livestock and fowl within city limits, reducing the number of fowl permitted per parcel of land.
Previously, property owners within the Yoakum city limits were allowed to keep up to 20 fowl. Under the new ordinance, the number of fowl is now limited to 10 per parcel of land for properties one acre or smaller. Additionally, properties larger than one acre may keep 10 fowl per additional acre.
The council also addressed setback requirements for fowl enclosures. The previous ordinance allowed fowl to be kept at a minimum distance of five feet from a property line. The amended ordinance increases this requirement to ten feet, aiming to minimize potential disturbances between neighboring properties.
The amendment was introduced at the May 13 council meeting, marking the first reading of the ordinance. A second reading is scheduled for June, where the council will finalize the changes.
Violations of the updated ordinance would be categorized as a Class C Misdemeanor, potentially resulting in fines or other penalties for non-compliance.
City officials stated that the revisions are part of an ongoing effort to balance agricultural practices with urban living standards. Residents interested in further details or wishing to provide input can attend the upcoming council meeting in June.
For more information, visit the Yoakum City Council website or contact City Hall.
MISSION: Irene R Gonzales, 81, passed away on May 25, 2025, peacefully in the comfort of her home in Mission, Texas, surrounded by family—the place she loved most and made so welcoming for everyone who came to visit.
Irene was born on July 1, 1943, to the late Leonides Reyna & Mercedes Reyna. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and a dear friend to many. She was the quiet heart of the family—kind, generous, humble and full of life. Like her own mother, she showed her love through the meals she prepared, always taking care to make birthdays and family gatherings special with the dishes her children and grandchildren loved most. She had a beautiful way of remembering the little things—favorite snacks, thoughtful gestures, and small traditions—that made everyone feel seen and cherished. Her tamales were especially loved, a favorite among many, shared with joy and pride. Irene also found peace and happiness in her garden. She cared for her plants, roses, and cacti with the same tenderness she gave to those around her. Her garden, always blooming, was a quiet reflection of her gentle, nurturing spirit.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Pete (Pito) Gonzales, her four children—Arthur Gonzales (Anna), Gloria Trowbridge, David Gonzales (Janie), and Alicia Gonzales Lynch (Mike); siblings–Linda Guajardo, Al Reyna, Joe Reyna, Daniel Reyna, Elizabeth Garza and Irma Reyna. She also leaves six cherished grandchildren—Louis Gonzales, Robert Gonzales, Alyssa Rodriguez, Gena Esparza, Sara Gonzales, and Aaron Gonzales—and seven great-grandchildren.
A visitation for Irene will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Home on 1477 Carl Ramert Dr. Yoakum, Texas. A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM at New Life Baptist Church, 104 Koether Dr, Yoakum, TX 77995 with Rev. Pete Guajardo Jr. officiating. Interment to follow at Yoakum Restland Cemetery, Yoakum, Texas.
Pallbearers include her grandsons, Louis Gonzales, Robert Gonzales, Aaron Gonzales, and grandson-in-laws Juan Rodriguez, Jesus Guiterrez, and Joey Esparza.
Memorial contributions may be given to New Life Baptist Church.
