By Pat Trevino — August 21, 2025

CUERO — The storm rolled in fast, but the lightning came faster.  Outside, the rain had come down hard for just a few minutes—brief, but intense. The kind of sudden downpour that soaks the street and vanishes just as quickly. Though it didn’t register as a full-blown storm on radar, the conditions were ripe: hot, humid, and unstable. A textbook setup for a rogue lightning strike. 

Then at around 5:30 p.m. Thursday evening, Jerry Pierce was inside his home when the sky cracked open with a thunderclap so loud it rattled his windows. “The sound was loud, really loud like it had hit something,” Pierce said. “And it was close.”

Moments later, he stepped outside and caught the sharp scent of something burning. He scanned the street—and that’s when he saw it. Flames licking the roofline of the yellow two-story house on the corner of Sarah and Clinton.

Mr. Pierce rushed across the street, he said he heard his wife say something about the front door. That’s when he realized he’d left it wide open—but he was already in motion, halfway to the fire. He chuckled as he recounted the moment to Cuero Online News reporter.

He said he banged on the door, and inside his neighbors a retired couple, sat unaware that lightning had struck their home.

“They didn’t even know,” Pierce said. “They were there, calm as could be. I told them, ‘Your house is on fire. We need to call 911— and y’all need to get out, now.’”

The couple quickly called 911 and within minutes, Cuero Fire Department and EMS were on the scene. Two fire trucks roared down Clinton Street, sirens piercing the stormy air. Firefighters worked quickly to contain the blaze, while police officers blocked off the road to keep neighbors safe and give crews room to work.

Thanks to Pierce’s fast thinking and the rapid response of emergency personnel, the fire was contained before it could spread further. The couple stayed at a safe distance and no injuries were reported.

When it comes to fire, it’s not just the flames—it’s the response. The readiness. The quiet resolve of those who show up before the rest of us even know to worry.

CORRECTION: CLINTON 8/22/2025

CUERO, TX | August 18, 2025

Just weeks after a string of vandalism rattled downtown Cuero, several businesses have once again been targeted in a wave of property damage that occurred sometime between late Friday evening and early Sunday morning. Cuero Police Chief Steve Ellis confirmed the incidents and stated that investigators have identified a person of interest after reviewing surveillance footage from the area.

Among the affected properties was the Edward Jones building, located prominently at the corner of Gonzales and Main. Landlord Frank Burns had just completed repairs to the building’s glass façade on Friday—only to find it damaged again days later. The timing has left many business owners frustrated and concerned about the safety of the downtown corridor.

“This is not just about broken windows,” said one local merchant. “It’s about the sense of security we’re trying to rebuild.”

Chief Ellis emphasized that the Cuero Police Department is actively pursuing leads and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses. He urged residents and business owners with cameras to check for any suspicious activity during the time frame when the vandalism likely occurred.

“We’re asking anyone with surveillance cameras in the area to please review their footage from late Friday evening until early Sunday morning,” Ellis said. “Even small details could help us move this case forward.”

This latest incident mirrors the July 21st vandalism spree that left windows shattered at Wells Fargo Bank, Primrose Cottage Boutique, and the Edward Jones building. At that time, authorities suspected the damage may have been caused by thrown rocks and possibly coordinated.

The recurrence of vandalism has reignited calls for increased patrols and community vigilance. While no arrests have been made yet, Chief Ellis assured Cuero Online News that updates will be provided as soon as a suspect is taken into custody.

Residents with information or footage are encouraged to contact the Cuero Police Department directly at (361) 277-3552 or via Messenger, rather than posting leads publicly.

As Cuero continues to invest in revitalizing its historic downtown, incidents like these serve as a reminder of the importance of community cooperation and swift response. For now, business owners like Frank Burns are left repairing damage and hoping for accountability