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City of Cuero Announces Utility Rate Increase in Line with National Trends

News Release

Cuero, TX – The City Council of Cuero, Texas, has proposed an increase in utility rates through Ordinance No. 2024-24 which had its first reading during a regular City Council meeting August 12, 2024.  The new schedule of electric rates is set to go into effect on October 1, 2024.

City Manager Wayne Berger emphasized the importance of this amendment, stating, “The existing electric schedule of rates needs revision to better serve the citizens of Cuero.” After careful review and deliberation, the City Council adopted the amended schedule of new electric rates.

This proposed increase comes at a time when the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects U.S. residential electricity prices to increase by about 1% in 2024, the slowest rate of year-over-year growth since 2020. The decline in natural gas prices since late 2023 has contributed to this slower growth, as lower natural gas prices are now being factored into retail electricity rates. Natural gas, which provides the largest share of U.S. electricity generation, has seen falling prices, resulting in lower costs of producing electricity.

Electricity prices in Texas are influenced by several factors, including the cost of generating electricity, transmission, and distribution infrastructure expenses, weather conditions, fuel prices (such as natural gas), and regulatory policies. Additionally, the Texas electricity market is deregulated, allowing consumers to choose their electricity providers with the exception of cities such as Cuero that own and regulate their own utilities and are exempt from deregulation but have the power to opt in.

The City of Cuero provides electrical service to its citizens and regulates the electric distribution under the provisions of the City’s Code of Ordinances.

Texas Outpaces Nation In Annual Job Growth Rate

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August 16, 2024 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today celebrated Texas growing jobs at a faster rate than the nation over the last 12 months following the release of July employment data. Texas also again set new records for the number of Texans working and the size of the Texas labor force.

“Our skilled and growing workforce is a magnet for innovative businesses and entrepreneurs seeking to expand and succeed,” said Governor Abbott. “As a result, Texas employers added jobs at a faster rate than the nation over the last 12 months and more Texans are working than ever before. The diversity of industries growing across our great state is a testament to the resilience of Texas businesses and the Best Business Climate in America. With increasing investments in education, innovation, and workforce training, we continue to build a bigger, better Texas for all.”

July employment data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Texas Workforce Commission shows:

  • Texas reached a new high with the largest labor force ever in the state’s history at 15,353,700, after growing by 248,900 people over the last 12 months.
  • Texas reached a new high for Texans working, including self-employed, at 14,731,400.
  • Texas added 265,500 non-farm jobs from July 2023 to July 2024, outpacing the nation as a whole in annual growth rate.
  • The Texas unemployment rate in July of 4.1 percent was 0.2 percentage points below the national rate.
  • According to the Texas Workforce Commission, there are more than half a million job listings in the state. Job seekers are invited to explore opportunities at WorkInTexas.com.

Governor Abbott also recently championed the unique business opportunities that continue to attract companies to Texas during a fireside chat for the Portland Chamber of Commerce.

Cuero Regional Hospital is Nationally Recognized for its Commitment to Providing High-quality Stroke Care

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Hospital news | Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Contact: Tamara Kainer

The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus award for proven dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care

Cuero Texas, 2024 — Cuero Regional Hospital has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

“Cuero Regional Hospital is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” Kelsey Kelley, BSN, RN, Emergency Department Director and Stroke Coordinator at Cuero Regional Hospital. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in Cuero can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Cuero Regional Hospital for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

About Cuero Regional Hospital:

Cuero Regional Hospital is located at 2550 N. Esplanade in Cuero, Texas and offers an ED- Level IV Trauma Center, on-staff General Surgeon, and a TeleStroke program. For more information, please visit www.cuerohospital.org or call (361) 275-6191.

About Get With The Guidelines®

Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 12 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

(This article was initially published in the Cuero Regional Hospital website)

Downtown Cuero Enhances Accessibility With Upgraded Sidewalks

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August 14, 2024 – If you haven’t visited downtown Cuero, Texas recently, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. The area is currently undergoing a major transformation, with ongoing concrete work aimed at improving accessibility and navigation throughout its streets.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the urban landscape, making it easier for residents and visitors to move around. One of the most notable improvements is the installation of handicap-accessible sidewalks. These new concrete pathways are designed to provide smoother and safer navigation for everyone, including those using wheelchairs, scooters, or other mobility aids. The upgrades also benefit families with strollers and pedestrians of all ages, promoting a more inclusive environment.

Throughout the construction process, workers have been dedicated to ensuring that the project meets high standards of quality and safety. Photos capturing the hardworking men at work showcase their commitment to revitalizing the downtown area and creating a welcoming space for all.


The ongoing project showcases the dedication and hard work of both the workers and city planners. The new sidewalks not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of Cuero’s downtown but also foster a sense of community by encouraging more foot traffic and local business patronage.

As this project progresses, residents can look forward to a more navigable and accessible downtown area, reflecting Cuero’s commitment to inclusivity and urban rejuvenation. The enhanced sidewalks will undoubtedly serve as a vital link between blocks, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the charm and offerings of this vibrant Texas town. Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting development in downtown Cuero!

Disabled Texans Qualify For The Talking Book Program

The Talking Book Program was born in 1918, when the Texas Legislature appropriated $1,000 for the State Library to purchase raised-lettering books for visually impaired Texans. Over the years, the program has expanded into complete library service for all residents unable to read standard print.

The Talking Book Program (TBP) provides free library services to qualifying Texans with visual, physical, or reading disabilities. TBP is part of the National Library Service to the Blind and Print Disabled, a program administered by the Library of Congress. The TBP collection consists of more than 100,000 titles, including hundreds of titles in Spanish, and some in French, German, Russian, and other languages.

A Historical Look

  • In 1918, service began when the Texas Legislature appropriated $1,000 for the State Library to purchase raised-lettering books.
  • In 1931, the Library of Congress selected the State Library to participate in a regional system established to provide service nationwide to adults who were blind. The State Library was one of the original 18 libraries chosen (Pratt-Smoot Act).
  • In 1952, library service for children who were blind was added.
  • In 1966, Texans with physical disabilities, preventing them from holding a book or turning pages, were included.
  • In 1974, service was expanded to include individuals with learning disabilities of an organic nature.
  • In 1978, a Volunteer Recording Studio is founded to record Texas materials for the network.
  • In 2006, Talking Book Program celebrated 75 years of service with a ceremony at the Capitol and a reception at the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building.
  • In 2009, the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) website launched for patrons to download books from a computer.
  • In 2011, TBP was selected as the National Library Service Library of the Year.
  • In 2013, the BARD Mobile app for iOS devices was released, followed by Android in 2015.
  • In 2018, the Volunteer Recording Studio celebrated its 40th anniversary
  • In 2021, NLS and TBP will celebrate 90 years of helping people with a print disability read throughout the country.

The Talking Book Program is available to Texans with visual, physical, or reading disabilities that prevent them from reading standard print. In order to receive free services, please fill and/or print out the Talking Book Program application, sign the agreement (electronic typed signature accepted), complete the information, and have the form signed by a professional (“certifying authority”) who can certify that you meet one of the following criteria for service:

Application for Talking Book Services

Internal Links
Eligibility / Certifying Authorities / Veterans / Application Forms/Aplicación / Address

External Links
School Service

Related Links
Student Resources for Reading Disabilities / Want to become a Demonstration Site? / Getting Started with the Talking Book Program / Loan Policy / National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped

Today, the Talking Book Program provides library books and magazines in special media to more than 16,000 Texans of all ages and backgrounds across the state.

Property Values in DeWitt County increase by 10% As County Officials propose Giving Themselves a Raise For Fiscal Year 2024-2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cuero, Texas – As DeWitt County officials prepare their budget for 2025, it has become abundantly clear that costs are on the rise. The overall property values in DeWitt County have increased by 10% this year.  Commissioners Court will discuss and vote on the new budget and tax rate at a public hearing scheduled for August 26, 2024, at 9 a.m.

A public hearing is scheduled to discuss the proposed tax collection rate for 2024 and county budget for fiscal year 2024- 2025. According to the DeWitt County Public Notice, county officials propose to give themselves a raise. The proposed salary increases are as follows:

  • County Judge: $89,320 (an increase of $2,602)
  • County Clerk: $84,357 (an increase of $2,457)
  • District Clerk: $84,357 (an increase of $2,457)
  • Justice of the Peace Precinct #1: $78,309 (an increase of $2,281)
  • Justice of the Peace Precinct #2: $78,309 (an increase of $2,281)
  • County Treasurer: $84,357 (an increase of $2,457)
  • Tax Assessor/Collector: $84,357 (an increase of $2,457)
  • County Attorney: $86,196 (an increase of $2,511), State Supplement $25,666 (an increase of $2,333)
  • County Constable Precinct #1: $30,677 (an increase of $894)
  • County Constable Precinct #2: $30,677 (an increase of $894)
  • Sheriff: $84,357 (an increase of $2,457), Rural Sheriff’s Office Grant – $8,436 (an increase of $8,436)
  • County Commissioners #1, #2, #3, #4: $84,357, (an increase of $2,457 which includes the recently voted-in Commissioner)

Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion. This is an opportunity for the community to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the proposed budget and tax rate.

JUDGES SALARIES AND HOW THEY COMPARE WITH OTHER TEXAS COUNTIES WITH SIMILAR POPULATION

SHERIFF SALARIES AND HOW THEY COMPARE WITH OTHER TEXAS COUNTIES WITH SIMILAR POPULATION

AUDITORS SALARIES AND HOW THEY COMPARE WITH OTHER TEXAS COUNTIES WITH SIMILAR POPULATION

 

COUNTY CLERK SALARIES AND HOW THEY COMPARE WITH OTHER TEXAS COUNTIES WITH SIMILAR POPULATION

 

DISTRICT CLERK SALARIES AND HOW THEY COMPARE WITH OTHER TEXAS COUNTIES WITH SIMILAR POPULATION

TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR SALARIES AND HOW THEY COMPARE WITH OTHER TEXAS COUNTIES WITH SIMILAR POPULATION

 

COMMISSIONERS SALARIES AND HOW THEY COMPARE WITH OTHER TEXAS COUNTIES WITH SIMILAR POPULATION

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE SALARIES AND HOW THEY COMPARE WITH OTHER TEXAS COUNTIES WITH SIMILAR POPULATION

CONSTABLES SALARIES AND HOW THEY COMPARE WITH OTHER TEXAS COUNTIES WITH SIMILAR POPULATION

*SOURCE: TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES 2024 SALARIES SURVEY

Democratic Women Hold Postcard To Voters Party Sunday August 11, 2024 !!!

The Democratic Women of Dewitt and Lavaca Counties extend an invitation to those interested in assisting with writing to voters about our candidates. We welcome you to join us on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at 1 pm, in the party room of Maya’s Restaurant in Cuero, Texas.

We’ll provide postcards, pens, and writing samples. Bring along a friend! Make an effort to come and encourage others who might be interested in helping. It’s important that we write and send off the postcards promptly.We will also have a short meeting.

Fatal Explosion leads to $1,000,000 lawsuit filed in the 135th District Court

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A lawsuit seeking $1,000,000.00 in damages has been filed in the 135th District Court of DeWitt County. Plaintiffs for the case names the widow and minor children of 41-year-old Larry Kevin Hendricks of Beeville, who tragically lost his life May 17, 2024, in the explosion at the Advantek Waste Management Services L.L.C. oilfield saltwater disposal plant.

The massive explosion led to the evacuation of Westhoff residents as firefighters from Westhoff, Nixon, Yorktown, and Cuero labored for hours to put out the blaze and secure the area after the explosion.

Defendants named in the lawsuit are Advantek Waste Management Services, LLC; Advantek Eagleford, LLC;  Drillwell, LLC., Total Safety U.S., Inc; Trillium OTR, LLC; and Victor Blanco individually.

Curtis Wayne Fitzgerald, II from Corpus Christi, Texas is the attorney representing the Hendrick family.  Attorneys for the defendants are Edward J. Hennessy, Chaz Klaes, Kevin Robinowitz of Dallas, Texas.

The DeWitt County Justice of the Peace ordered an autopsy for Larry Kevin Hendricks, and the investigation into the explosion’s cause is ongoing. Larry Kevin Hendricks, aged 41, died on Friday, May 17, 2024. Born on July 3, 1982, he leaves behind his wife, Charlotte Hendricks of Beeville; sons, Tristan Hendricks of Joaquin and Mikah Hendricks of Beeville; and daughter, Avery Hendricks of Beeville.