Kevin Collins, 62, of Cuero passed away Sunday, October 12, 2025. He was born July 30, 1963, in Corpus Christi to Kenneth and Mildred Miller Collins. He married Lisa on March 25, 1995.
He is survived by his wife of thirty years, Lisa; daughter, Alexis Collins; sons, Connor Collins and Carter Collins and granddaughter, Bela Collins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Debbie Mikulenka and brother, Michael Collins.
Services will be held at a later date.
On October 15, 2025, dozens of Pentagon reporters walked out after refusing to sign new media restrictions issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Reporters assigned to the Pentagon are now required to agree not to publish or pursue any information unless it has been formally cleared for release by the Department of Defense—even if that information is unclassified. Failure to comply could result in the loss of press credentials.
At 4 p.m. on Wednesday, approximately 50 reporters from major outlets, including ABC, CNN, Reuters, The Washington Post, CBS, and Fox News, turned in their Pentagon press badges and vacated their workspaces. This marked the first mass departure of the Pentagon press corps in modern history.
The walkout was in response to a new credentialing policy issued by Secretary Hegseth. The policy required reporters to:
Journalists and media organizations widely condemned the policy as a violation of First Amendment protections and a threat to independent reporting. The Pentagon Press Association called it “a message of intimidation,” and nearly every major news outlet refused to sign the agreement.
Reporters who have covered the Pentagon for decades publicly announced their resignations from the press corps. ABC’s Martha Raddatz posted, “I turned in my Pentagon pass today after 30 years because ABC will not sign the new restrictive requirements.” NPR’s Tom Bowman wrote, “Did I as a reporter solicit information? Of course. It’s called journalism.”
Retired General Jack Keane criticized the policy on Fox News, calling it an attempt to “spoon-feed information” and restrict transparency.
The policy was introduced amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to limit media access and control narratives around national security. Hegseth, a former Fox News host and vocal administration ally, has held only two press briefings in the past year and has restricted access to senior officials.
With the press corps now operating from outside the Pentagon, reporters say they will continue covering defense issues but without the institutional access that has historically supported in-depth reporting.
Pat Trevino | October 16, 2025
Cuero Online News
In Cuero, where civic pride runs deep and community relationships matter, one group continues to quietly support public safety from behind the scenes: the Cuero Citizens Police Alumni Association (CCPAAA).
Formed by graduates of the Cuero Citizens Police Academy, CCPAAA is a volunteer-based organization that partners with the Cuero Police Department to promote transparency, education, and community engagement. While not a law enforcement body, the association plays a supportive role in non-enforcement activities — helping with logistics, public events, and outreach efforts.
The Citizens Police Academy offers residents a structured introduction to law enforcement operations, including patrol procedures, investigations, and community policing. Graduates who choose to join CCPAAA continue their involvement by volunteering time and energy to support the department and foster positive relationships between officers and the public.
While specific member activities vary, CCPAAA volunteers have historically assisted with public-facing events such as National Night Out, safety fairs, and community fundraisers. Their presence helps reinforce the idea that public safety is a shared responsibility — one that includes citizens, not just sworn officers.
In small towns like Cuero, visibility and trust go hand in hand. CCPAAA’s role is not to enforce laws but to serve as a bridge — helping residents better understand police work and encouraging respectful, informed dialogue. Their work contributes to a culture of transparency and mutual respect.
The association also provides a pathway for civic-minded individuals to stay engaged with public safety long after their academy training ends. Whether assisting with traffic flow at events or helping distribute educational materials, CCPAAA members offer valuable support that allows officers to focus on core duties.
The next Citizens Police Academy class is expected to open in early 2026. Graduates will be eligible to join CCPAAA and participate in future volunteer opportunities. For more information, interested residents can contact the Cuero Police Department or follow official announcements through city channels.
YOAKUM: Roberto “Tito” Maciel, 72 of Yoakum was called home to Heaven on Oct 6, 2025. He was born on Dec 31, 1952, to Macedonio and Maria Maciel.
Robert started working at a young age and he did not shy away from hard work. He was a long-time road construction worker with Clark Construction of Texas. Robert enjoyed meeting people and talking and making friends. His good friends knew him as Festus. He lived life on his own terms with no regrets. In his retirement he enjoyed the simple things. He liked movies, lottery scratch-offs and fried chicken.
Robert is survived by his son Robert Maciel Jr. and granddaughter Halen; brothers: Frank Maciel (Jill), David Maciel (Rebecca), Alex Maciel, and sisters: Paula Ramirez, Rose Mata (David), Josie Garcia, Mila Nolte (James), Mary Loa (Daniel), Celia Mauric, Helen Soto and Dobie Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Macedonio and Maria Maciel, brothers: Maurice (Bubba) Andrew Maciel Sr., Macedonio (Junior) Maciel Jr., Thomas R. Maciel; sisters: Manuela (Dorothy) Sanchez, and Alice (Honda) Nunez and his Ride or Die cousin and best friend Fernando Mata.
Family visitation will begin at 1:00 pm., Oct 25, 2025, at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, followed by Funeral Service at 2:00 pm. with Deacon Dennis Kutach officiating.
Summary: Grants property tax exemptions for homes and structures damaged or destroyed by natural disasters.
✅ Pros:
Provides financial relief to families recovering from fires, floods, or hurricanes.
Encourages rebuilding and community stability.
Recognizes the hardship of disaster survivors.
❌ Cons:
Reduces local revenue for schools and emergency services.
May create inconsistencies in tax assessments across counties.
Could be exploited without strict damage verification.
Summary: Expands access to state-funded education vouchers for families choosing private or charter schools.
✅ Pros:
Empowers parents to choose the best educational fit for their children.
Increases competition and innovation in education.
Supports students in underperforming districts.
❌ Cons:
Diverts funding from public schools, especially in rural areas.
Lacks accountability for private institutions receiving public funds.
Could deepen educational inequality.
Summary: Offers tax breaks and funding for solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects across Texas.
✅ Pros:
Promotes clean energy and reduces carbon emissions.
Supports job growth in emerging energy sectors.
Helps Texas diversify its energy economy.
❌ Cons:
May disadvantage oil and gas industries central to Texas’s economy.
Could raise costs for rural utilities and consumers.
Risk of uneven implementation without statewide oversight.
Summary: Adds voter ID requirements and mandates post-election audits for statewide elections.
✅ Pros:
Aims to strengthen public trust in election outcomes.
Standardizes audit procedures across counties.
Addresses concerns about voter fraud.
❌ Cons:
Could suppress turnout among elderly, disabled, and low-income voters.
Adds administrative costs and complexity to local elections.
May be used to justify restrictive voting laws.
Proposition 14 – Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
Summary: Creates a state-funded institute dedicated to dementia research and prevention, allocating $3 billion from Texas’s general revenue over 10 years.
✅ Pros:
Establishes a long-term commitment to fighting Alzheimer’s and related diseases, which affect over 450,000 older Texans.
Supports medical innovation, early detection, and care strategies that could reduce long-term healthcare costs.
Backed by the Alzheimer’s Association and public health advocates as a proactive investment in aging populations.
❌ Cons:
Pulls $3 billion from the general fund without offsetting cuts, potentially increasing future tax burdens.
Creates a new government-controlled entity with limited legislative oversight.
Critics argue it duplicates existing federal research efforts and risks bureaucratic inefficiency.
Official Explanatory Statement
You can read the full legal summary from the Texas Secretary of State here:
2025 Explanatory Statements (PDF)
Editor’s Note:
These are propositions 10, 11, 12, 13, & 14 in a multi-part series examining the 17 constitutional amendments on Texas’s November ballot.
Check back tomorrow as Cuero Online News breaks down more Propositions giving voters the facts they need to make informed decisions before heading to the polls.
Proposition 1 https://cueroonlinenews.com/breaking-down-the-17-constitutional-amendments-what-texas-voters-need-to-know/
Proposition 2 thru 6 https://cueroonlinenews.com/breaking-down-the-17-constitutional-amendments-what-texas-voters-need-to-know-2-6/
Proposition 7 thru 9 Breaking Down the 17 Constitutional Amendments: What Texas Voters Need to Know (#7, 8, & #9) – The Voice of Cuero,Texas
Staff Writer | October 13, 2025
CUERO, TX — A trailer hauling hay bales caught fire Monday afternoon on Highway 77A near Lockhart Cemetery Road, prompting a swift response from local emergency crews and a temporary road closure.
The blaze began under unknown circumstances around 4:45 PM and sent thick smoke across the highway and adjacent fields. Firefighters from the Cuero Volunteer Fire Department and DeWitt County Emergency Services responded to the scene and worked to contain the flames and prevent further spread.
Authorities urged drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes. A spokesperson from the DeWitt County Sheriff’s Office stated, “For your safety and theirs, please steer clear of Highway 77A near Lockhart Cemetery Road. Give emergency responders the space they need to work.”
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remained under investigation as of Monday evening.
Residents nearby reported hearing loud popping sounds and seeing flames engulf the trailer. The hay bales, stacked high and tightly packed, intensified the fire and complicated containment efforts due to their flammability and density.
Traffic was rerouted, and officials indicated that updates would be provided as more information became available.
Sherrie Lynne Blank 66, of Victoria, passed away Thursday, October 9, 2025. She was born November 8, 1958, in Roseville, CA to Ed and Patsy (Melton) Cates.
Sherrie is survived by her children Patricia (Sam) Saunders, Rene (Johnny) Monreal, Deana Blank, Gary (Joyce) Blank, grandchildren Brayden Jones, Mila Monreal, Kaylee Verhoeven, Curtis Verhoeven Jr., Jacob Verhoeven, Natalie Verhoeven, Christopher Mudd, Joseph Shelton, Dakota Blank and Shyanne Blank. She is also survived by her sisters, Shannon (Carlton) Tillery, Alice Cates, Mary Ann Cates, Patsy (Billy) Copeland and friends Sharon Ambrosia, Darlene Hauboldt and Bud and Doris Davis.
She is preceded in death by her parents, grandchildren Catherine Nicole, William Austin and Isa Marie.
Gathering of family and friends will be 10 am – 4 pm, Saturday November 8, 2025, at the house of Trish and Sam Saunders, 23 Primitive Baptist Church Rd., Yoakum, Texas 77995.
Staff Writer | October 14, 2025
CUERO, TX —The Cuero Police Department has announced the addition of two new members to its team.
Officer Alejandro Gonzalez joins the department with six years of prior experience at the Gonzales Police Department. According to the department, Gonzalez is expected to begin patrol duties in approximately one week.
Ethan Adcock has also joined the department and is currently undergoing cadet training. He is scheduled to attend the police academy in January.
The department encouraged residents to welcome both individuals as they begin their service in the community.
Kathleen Lynn Luker Hahn 76, of Cuero died on Saturday, October 11, 2025. She was born on April 19, 1949, in Cuero to the late George H. and Mary Irene Sims Luker; she was born the second of ten children, six girls and four boys. Kathy married Delbert D. Hallmark in 1965. She married James W. Hahn in 1967, and they made their home in Cuero where they raised their family. Kathy was a homemaker and also worked as a Licensed Vocational Nurse for several years at Whispering Oaks Manor and Cuero Nursing and Rehab.
She is survived by her husband of fifty-plus years, James W. Hahn, and three children; daughters Linda J. Hallmark Zengerle (Gerald) and Victoria A. Hahn, both of Cuero, and son Michael W. Hahn (Cindy) of Victoria; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings and their (spouses); Gaynell Goehring, Deborah (Kenny) Mills, Susan Earp, James Luker and Billy Luker, all of Cuero; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Mary Thornton and Nancy Sims; and brothers, Harvey Luker and John Luker.
The family wishes to express their appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at Alzcare of DeWitt County for their steadfast care of Kathy over the last year of her life.
The visitation will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Freund Funeral Home at 10:00 AM followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM, with the Rev. Terry Brown officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s disease Research Foundation, the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) or a cause of the donor’s choice.
By Pat Trevino — October 14, 2025
(6 – 8 min read)
I’ve seen this moment before. Not in a war room or a summit hall, but in a delivery room.
My daughter had been in labor for over six grueling hours. One nurse stayed by her side the entire time—checking vitals, adjusting monitors, offering comfort, and making sure my unborn granddaughter was safe. Then, just minutes before the birth, the doctor walked in, gloved up, and caught the baby. He got the applause. The nurse got a nod.
That’s what this so-called “historic” Gaza ceasefire feels like.
Yes, President Trump stood in front of the cameras in Cairo, flanked by world leaders, signing a 20-point peace declaration. Yes, he delivered a speech to the Israeli Knesset and declared the dawn of a “new Middle East.” And yes, the final 20 living Israeli hostages were released—an undeniably emotional moment for families who had waited in anguish for two years.
But the real work—the strategic diplomacy, the shuttle negotiations, the backchannel pressure—was done by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He was the nurse in the room. Trump just caught the baby.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t the first ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. It’s not even the tenth. Ceasefires have come and gone like desert winds—each one hailed as a breakthrough, each one collapsing under the weight of unresolved truths.
So, before we clap, before we cheer, let’s ask: what exactly has been born here?
The release of hostages is real, the signatures are real—but the peace? That’s staged. Trump didn’t broker it—he choreographed it.
No Palestinian Statehood
The agreement makes no mention of a path to sovereignty for Palestinians. Gaza remains under siege, the West Bank fragmented, and the dream of a two-state solution as distant as ever.
No Accountability
Over 67,000 Palestinians—many of them children—have died in this war. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble. There is no mechanism in this deal for justice, reparations, or even acknowledgment of that loss.
No Representation
Neither Hamas nor Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were at the table. The Palestinian Authority was present but sidelined. This was a deal made about people, not with them.
No Guarantees
Within days of the signing, Israeli forces opened fire on civilians near Gaza’s border. Hamas has not disarmed. The ink wasn’t dry before the cracks began to show.
Yes, the deal is real—but it was brokered and signed primarily by international actors, not the direct parties to the conflict. That’s exactly why its legitimacy is being questioned.
Signed in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt on October 13, 2025, by:
These leaders acted as mediators, not combatants. The deal was announced after Hamas released the final 20 living Israeli hostages and Israel freed nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. But neither Hamas nor Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the summit, and the Palestinian Authority was present but sidelined, with no direct role in shaping the terms.
That’s the heart of the controversy. A peace deal signed without the primary belligerents at the table is fragile at best. It’s real in the sense that documents were signed, hostages were exchanged, and international leaders declared victory—but it’s also deeply flawed:
For Trump, this is legacy-building. A photo op. A headline. A chance to say he ended a war—without ending a war. For Rubio, it’s a masterclass in quiet diplomacy. He built the bridge. Trump walked across it with the cameras rolling.
And yes, the hostage release matters. It’s a moment of relief for Israeli families and a humanitarian win. But it’s also a moment that risks being used to mask the absence of deeper change.
For the people of Gaza and southern Israel, this isn’t a victory. It’s a pause. A breath. A moment to bury the dead and count the missing. The release of hostages is real, the signatures are real—but the peace? That’s staged. Trump didn’t broker it—he choreographed it.
Until Israel and Palestine confront the truths buried beneath the rubble—about land, power, and human worth—this ceasefire will remain a photo op, not a turning point. We’ve seen this before. The world may broker deals, but without the people who bleed for it, it remains political theater—serving politicians who seek headlines, not healing.
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