YOAKUM, TX — The City of Yoakum has officially welcomed Fred Rosales as its new Animal Control Officer, marking an important step in the city’s continued commitment to public safety and compassionate animal care.
Rosales joins the Yoakum Police Department with a clear passion for responsible stewardship and a dedication to serving both residents and animals across the community. His background in public service and his strong understanding of animal welfare positions him as a valuable addition to the city team.
A Sweet Welcome! The Yoakum Police Department celebrated Fred Rosales’ first day as Animal Control Officer with cake and warm smiles. Pictured here, Fred cuts into a delicious symbol of new beginnings—serving the community with heart and dedication. Yoakum, Tx – July 28, 2025.
As Animal Control Officer, Rosales will oversee pet safety enforcement, assist in community outreach and education efforts, and respond to local animal welfare concerns. His role is essential not only in protecting pets and wildlife but also in maintaining harmony across neighborhoods and public spaces.
Community members are encouraged to introduce themselves and offer a warm welcome as Rosales begins this new chapter of service in Yoakum.
YOAKUM: Bruce Allen Kelly, age 53, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025.
He was born September 28, 1971, in Austin to Curtis Kelly and Novella Iretta Boultinghouse.
He was a handyman. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, cooking, traveling, being on the beach and dogs.
Survivors: son, Zachary Duffield; sisters, Agnes Mraz (Robert) and Dorothy Matejek (Kristopher); nieces and nephews; close friends, Cappri Friedrich, Heather Friedrich, Joe Gonzales and Richard Stark (Sherry).
Preceded in death by: parents; brother, William Curtis Kelly.
NIXON, TX — The community of Smiley is mourning the loss of longtime postmaster Israel Perez, who passed away Friday, July 25, following injuries sustained in a house fire earlier this month. The blaze, which occurred on July 14 at Perez’s residence on East 4th Street in Nixon, is now believed to have been deliberately set.
Perez, 62, was the sole occupant of the home at the time and suffered extensive third-degree burns. He was transported to San Antonio Military Medical Center, where he remained in critical condition until his passing.
Authorities have confirmed that Delia Ann Trigo, Perez’s wife, was arrested shortly after the incident and initially charged with aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury to a family member, as well as arson. She remains in custody at the Gonzales County Jail.
On Monday morning, County Attorney Eddie Escobar confirmed that charges against Trigo are expected to be upgraded to capital murder, pending final review of the medical examiner’s report and additional evidence gathered by investigators.
The case has drawn widespread attention across DeWitt and Gonzales counties, where Perez was known for his decades of service and warm rapport with residents. Community members have expressed shock and sorrow over the tragic turn of events.
The investigation is being led by the Nixon Police Department in coordination with the Texas Department of Public Safety Rangers and the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Officials have stated that the fire’s origin and physical evidence point to intentional ignition.
A memorial service for Perez is expected to be announced later this week. The community continues to rally in support of his family and colleagues as they navigate this devastating loss.
CUERO, TX — Downtown Cuero came alive Saturday evening as the beloved “Rally with Ruby” event brought laughter, music, and a dash of airborne drama to Main Street. The highlight of the night—the Ruby Begonia turkey race—delivered more than just fast feet. One particularly spirited turkey made headlines by leaping onto the roof of a downtown storefront, sending trainers and spectators into a flurry of improvisation.
As the crowd cheered and snapped photos, event staff attempted to coax the feathered daredevil down using a long stick or pole. When that failed, one of the Turkey Trot trainers climbed onto the canopy to safely retrieve the bird, drawing applause from the amused and supportive audience.
The race itself was part of Cuero’s annual tradition celebrating Ruby Begonia, the town’s famed racing turkey. The event kicked off at 6 PM with food trucks and refreshments from The 5D Travelin’ Tavern. By 7:30 PM, the birds were off and running—or in one case, flying—through the heart of downtown.
Following the race, the celebration continued with live music from the Staudt Brothers, whose performance kept the energy high and the crowd dancing well into the evening. Families, visitors, and longtime residents mingled under the lights, enjoying good food, cold drinks, and the unmistakable charm of Cuero’s community spirit.
“Rally with Ruby” once again proved that in Cuero, even a turkey on a rooftop can bring people together.
CUERO, TX — The Cuero Select Track Club is celebrating a major win as its 12U girls 4×100-meter relay team blazed their way to a state meet qualification. The team—made up of Raelynn C. (1st leg), Cora M. (2nd leg), Ke’Annah G. (3rd leg), and Dalori B. (anchor)—delivered a powerful performance at the regional qualifiers, earning their spot among Texas’s top youth athletes.
Cuero Select Track Club – July 27, 2025
Alternates Emilee and Cambriah have also been recognized for their readiness and support, reinforcing the depth and dedication of this standout squad.
Cuero Select Track Club – July 27, 2025
Their qualification adds to Cuero Select’s growing legacy of athletic excellence. With the state meet set to take place in College Station, the team is now focused on refining baton exchanges and building momentum for the big stage.
Community members, coaches, and families are rallying behind these young athletes, whose teamwork and determination continue to inspire. Cuero is proud—and ready to cheer them on as they represent the town at the state level.
YOAKUM, TX — The Friends of the Carl and Mary Welhausen Library are rallying community support this summer with a heartfelt Necessity Drive aimed at uplifting Yoakum’s senior citizens. Throughout July, residents are encouraged to donate essential items that will be distributed to the local Senior Citizen Community.
The drive is part of the Library’s broader mission to serve as a hub for compassion, education, and civic engagement. Donations may be dropped off during regular library hours at 810 Front Street.
Items Needed Include:
Nutritional supplements such as Ensure and protein bars
Hygiene products including toothbrushes, toothpaste, denture cleaner, and adult diapers
Household essentials like laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, and trash bags
Comfort and safety items such as box fans, cooling towels, and first aid supplies
more items listed above
All contributions must be new and unopened. Expired or used items will not be accepted.
The Friends of the Library, a dedicated nonprofit group, have long championed initiatives that strengthen Yoakum’s sense of community. This drive reflects their ongoing commitment to ensuring that vulnerable residents—especially seniors—have access to the resources they need to live with dignity and comfort.
Donations will be delivered to the Yoakum Senior Center, with a pickup day scheduled following the conclusion of the drive. For more information, visit the Library’s official website or check out their July newsletter.
YORKTOWN, TX — As the countdown to the new school year ticks down to just a few days, Yorktown FFA is already sowing seeds of innovation and opportunity thanks to a productive week at the Texas Ag Teachers Association Conference held in Corpus Christi.
Representing Yorktown’s commitment to agricultural excellence, Ms. Alatorre and Mr. Crum immersed themselves in hands-on trainings, collaborative planning, and educational workshops geared toward elevating student opportunities and program growth.
Ms. Alatorre began her journey early by attending the Tarleton Today Dual Credit training on Sunday, bringing back exciting news: Yorktown will offer dual enrollment for the Advanced Animal Science class this year. On Monday, she tackled the Tractor Tech Career Development Event (CDE) workshop—mastering component identification, sample exams, and even the contest’s intricate debugging section.
Mr. Crum arrived Tuesday for the conference’s General Session, then participated in Area and District meetings focused on preparing for the 2025–2026 academic year. Throughout Wednesday and Thursday, both advisors explored workshops on student leadership, contest preparation, and ag curriculum development—ensuring Yorktown FFA remains at the forefront of agricultural education.
Among the highlights, Mr. Crum connected with industry experts to evaluate cutting-edge ag mechanics machines and tools, generating valuable insight as Yorktown prepares for upgrades to its mechanics facility.
Beyond the workshops, the week proved vital for networking and collaboration. Both advisors shared ideas and built relationships with ag educators across Texas, reinforcing Yorktown FFA’s vision of excellence through teamwork and innovation.
With their leadership and enthusiasm paving the way, Yorktown FFA is poised for another landmark year—rooted in opportunity, hands-on learning, and community pride.
CUERO, TX — The Cuero Development Corporation has awarded a $10,000 Community Service Program Grant to the Cuero Sportsman Club, providing a significant boost to the Club’s 100-yard shooting range. The funding reflects the city’s dedication to strengthening public safety, spurring economic growth, and fostering community partnerships.
The Cuero Sportsman Club, a Texas nonprofit established in 2013, continues to evolve under a dynamic and locally rooted leadership team. As of August 2024, the Club’s officers include:
President: Brian Gomez
Vice President: Jacob James
Secretary: JD Smith
Treasurer: David Cheek
Directors: Patrick Frank, Mike Hess, Tim Kirkland, Michael Leck, and Tyler Cronquist
These leaders have steered the Club with a strong emphasis on community engagement, public service, and responsible recreation. With nearly 70% of its members coming from outside Cuero, the Club has become a regional asset that brings recurring revenue to local restaurants, hotels, and businesses.
Expanded Range = Expanded Impact:
No-cost access for essential groups such as the DeWitt County Sheriff’s Department, Cuero Police Department, church security teams, 4H participants from Yoakum and Yorktown, and Cuero’s Citizens Police Academy.
Economic ripple effects driven by event hosting and increased out-of-town membership.
Sustainability and retention, as improved facilities encourage renewals and long-term support for Cuero’s shooting sports culture.
Enhanced safety, both on-site and throughout the surrounding community, especially as nearby residential development continues to grow.
As Cuero continues to invest in infrastructure that serves public good and civic cohesion, the Cuero Sportsman Club’s role in shaping local resilience and pride remains vital. This grant not only funds an upgrade—it acknowledges the power of strategic leadership, vision, and collaborative commitment to a stronger Cuero.
In a nearly 12-hour joint hearing that drew testimony from top state agencies and emergency officials, the Texas Senate and House Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding took decisive steps toward crafting legislation aimed at strengthening the state’s emergency response infrastructure. Held in Austin, the hearing marked a pivotal moment in an ongoing effort to improve coordination, communication, and life-saving preparedness in the face of Texas’s increasingly frequent natural disasters.
Markers of loss, reminders of duty—these crosses honor lives cut short and underscore the urgent need for stronger disaster preparedness across Texas. (Kerr County, Tx July 2025)
Testimony was presented by Nim Kidd of the Texas Department of Emergency Management, along with leadership from the Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks and Wildlife, TXDoT, the Public Utility Commission, and the Texas Water Development Board. These agencies addressed critical issues, ranging from disaster timelines and warning protocols to infrastructure resilience and inter-agency coordination.
Of particular focus was the exchange with the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, which oversees operations along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. The dialogue highlighted the importance of river gauge technology, early alert systems, and cross-agency best practices in flood-prone regions. Testimony from additional river authorities reinforced the need for consistent standards and local empowerment in water management strategies.
Kerr County, Tx – The aftermath of the deadly flood July 4, 2025.
In a deeply technical yet urgent final panel, lawmakers zeroed in on radio interoperability—a key factor in ensuring first responders can seamlessly communicate across jurisdictions during emergencies. The discussion underscored the vital role that communication infrastructure plays in both immediate response and long-term recovery efforts.
Committee members—including journalists, lawmakers, and emergency management advocates—acknowledged the emotional weight of the hearing. Many spoke to the courage of first responders who risked their lives and the tireless dedication of volunteers aiding in recovery across impacted communities.
Next week, committee members will travel to Kerrville to hear firsthand from local officials and residents who experienced the recent tragedy. This upcoming hearing represents not just a fact-finding mission, but a continued commitment to listening and legislative action informed by community voices.
Standing where memory lives—members of Texas Search & Rescue pay quiet tribute at a fence transformed into a shrine for disaster victims. (Kerr County, July 27, 2025)
The road ahead may be complex, but the tone set in Austin signals meaningful change. Texans can expect future legislation to reflect both technical innovation and heartfelt testimony, as lawmakers work to protect lives and strengthen resilience statewide.
PUBLIC NOTICE FOR DEWITT COUNTY * AUGUST 6TH HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE
Dewitt County invites residents to take part in shaping the updated Hazard Mitigation Plan—because readiness starts with us.
The Texas Republican County Chairmen’s Association (TRCCA) has welcomed its newly elected 2025–2027 Board of Directors. With officers and regional directors spanning counties across Texas, the association enters a new season committed to strengthening local coordination and voter engagement.
Executive Leadership
President: David Stein (Smith County Republican Chairman)
The Texas Republican County Chairmen’s Association (TRCCA) continues to fortify the foundation of conservative leadership in the Lone Star State by supporting the 254 Republican County Chairs who serve as the party’s #GrassrootsGenerals. These local leaders play a pivotal role in organizing elections, mobilizing voters, and promoting Republican values in their communities.
At the heart of TRCCA’s mission is a commitment to education, training, and strategic guidance. Whether newly elected or seasoned in their roles, County Chairs benefit from a statewide network that equips them to lead effectively and uphold the integrity of Texas’s electoral process.
This summer, TRCCA hosted its annual leadership conference, bringing together County Chairs from across the state for workshops, peer collaboration, and policy discussions. The event underscored the organization’s dedication to fair and free elections and its role in advancing Republican principles—one county at a time.
TRCCA’s efforts reflect a broader movement to empower local voices and ensure that grassroots leadership remains strong, informed, and united in shaping the future of Texas.
🌍 Regional Directors
Region
Director
County
Reg 1
Dan Rogers
Potter
Reg 2
David Andrews
Jones
Reg 3
David Hale
Hunt
Reg 4
Donnie Wisenbaker
Hopkins
Reg 5
Vacant
—
Reg 6
Robert Porter
Brown
Reg 7
Curtis Courtney
Bastrop
Reg 8
Michael McCracken
Angelina
Reg 9
Dana Dobbs
Goliad
Reg 10
Sandra Kindt
Washington
Reg 11
Toni Trevino
Starr
With Region 9’s representation by Goliad County’s Dana Dobbs, residents of DeWitt and surrounding areas may find added relevance in this board’s regional outreach. The vacancy in Region 5 also signals an opportunity for emerging voices.
Looking Ahead
TRCCA’s new leadership aims to:
Improve training for county chairs
Expand voter outreach and education
Increase transparency between local and state party platforms
