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
Over the past week, volunteers have worked around the clock in Leander—clearing debris, delivering supplies, and standing with families in crisis. Thanks to your donations and prayers, lives are already being lifted. From babies born amid cleanup to families rebuilding from total loss, every story carries the weight of heartbreak and the spark of resilience.
Behind the scenes, there are leaders quietly amplifying this effort. One of them is Jeni Garrett, whose initiative has become a lifeline for dozens of families. She’s mobilized support at an extraordinary scale—and while her resources may look different from most, her heart appears just as rooted in service.
I’m looking to sit down with Jeni soon—not to shift focus away from the families, but to understand how this movement came together so swiftly and powerfully. My hope is that her story can spark even more momentum across Crossroads. – Pat Trevino
Jeni Garrett writes:
LEANDER FLOOD RELIEF UPDATE – JULY 21
Over the past week, teams of volunteers have been working around the clock across the flood zone in Leander—delivering supplies, clearing debris, meeting with families, and doing whatever it takes to help them begin again.
With the help of your donations and prayers, here are just a few of the families that have been served:
Esmeralda & Alejandro – A family of 8 who lost both of their homes. With donated funds, they received cash and gift cards for urgent needs, hygiene supplies, and help pausing utility bills. Long-term housing and rebuilding will be needed.
Allyssa – Was in pre-labor when we met. Her home had flood damage, and our team cleaned and organized her home and now discussing gameplan for flood damaged areas of home with Eli Brachan- amazing humble volunteer who owns Best Water Solutions in Houston (trying to convince her to the name, her baby Eli)
Cisneros-Rojas Family – Lost their home. Caring for their niece and nephew, ages 14 and 16—the boy recently had a heart transplant. Cleanup was near complete when I left and support provided.
Socorro Recio – Lost the home the family lived in for over 25 years and is now hosting us on her land. Donations helped provide a generator, fuel, and financial support. The next step is finding housing for her family of five.
Melanie Morales – Lost everything. This mother of four month old is now starting over. thanks to essentials provided through your support, including special formula for her baby, clothing, and help connecting with local aid groups she can start to move forward.
Yarli Lara – Family of four who lost their rental home. Your donations provided for urgent expenses. They’re currently staying with extended family while searching for a new place.
These stories are just a glimpse.
There’s still so much to do—but we’ve seen what’s possible when people come together with willing hearts and open hands. From diesel fuel to demolition crews, donated meals to baby wipes—every bit has mattered.
And most of all: God has provided at every turn.
If you’ve prayed, given, packed a box, made a phone call, or simply shared this journey—thank you.
We’ll keep showing up. One family at a time.
Wouldn’t it be amazing if the Crossroads Community could BRING FAMILIES HOME BY CHRISTMAS.
(If you would like to help Jeni or offer a donation her link is below)
CUERO, TEXAS — The Cuero Select Track Club is beaming with pride as one of its rising young athletes, Elijah S., secures a coveted spot in the upcoming state track meet in College Station, representing Cuero in the 10u boys 200-meter dash and also serving as an alternate for the 4×100-meter relay team.
Only ten years old and already leaving big impressions on the track, Elijah’s performance in recent regional qualifiers proved he’s not just fast—he’s fiercely focused. His impressive finish in the 200m earned him a solo lane at the state level, and his consistency and teamwork earned him a relay alternate position, a testament to his athletic range.
Cuero Select Track Club – July 25, 2025
Track Club organizers say Elijah’s advancement reflects dedication beyond his years. “He shows up, works hard, encourages his teammates—he’s everything you hope for in a young athlete,” said one observer.
Parents, fellow runners, and community members alike are cheering Elijah on. His achievement adds to Cuero’s growing legacy of nurturing local athletic talent and building opportunities for youth through sports.
As College Station prepares to host the best of the best across Texas, Cuero is already celebrating. Elijah may be running solo in the 200m, but he carries an entire town’s pride with him.
🏁 Good luck, Elijah. Cuero is behind you all the way.
NIXON, TX – Geraldine Beatrice Brown Brigham was one of eight children born to Tom Willis and Annie Ruth Brown in Nixon, Texas, in 1952. At a young age, she accepted Christ and was baptized at Harris Chapel United Methodist Church in Nixon, TX.
She graduated from Brackenridge High School in San Antonio, TX, in 1971. Her passion for learning led her to earn an Associate of Science degree from St. Philip’s College in 1982, followed by a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in 1983, and a master’s degree in 1985—both from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, TX.
Geri was a dedicated and beloved educator, pouring her heart into shaping young minds through the power of mathematics. She taught for 28 years, leaving a lasting legacy at Patti Welder Middle School in Victoria, TX, and Ed White Middle School in San Antonio, TX, before retiring in 2016.
Family was everything to Geri. She cherished her time with loved ones and enjoyed the simple joys of life—especially a good game of BINGO!
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Howard Lee Brown; and her sisters, Tommie Ruth Brown and Sharon Ann Brown Green.
Geri leaves behind her daughter, Yvonne Lychel Howelton; her son, Alvin Duane Holmes; her beloved grandson, Amani Douglas-Levell Roberts; her remaining siblings, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and a host of dear family members and friends who loved her deeply.
Though Geri has transitioned from this earthly life, her spirit lives on in each of us. We find peace in knowing she is in the presence of our Lord and Savior. “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 5
At Geri’s request, no formal graveside service will be held.
🏐 CUERO, TEXAS — Over the course of a high-energy 2.5-day volleyball camp, young athletes in Cuero stepped onto the court with heart, hustle, and an eagerness to learn.
Designed to strengthen fundamentals and spark a deeper love for the game, the camp drew participants who showed up ready to dig deep—literally and figuratively. From bumping and setting to serving drills and teamwork exercises, the players absorbed coaching tips while building confidence in every play.
“The energy was contagious,” said one staff member. “You could feel their excitement in every serve and cheer.”
More than just a skills camp, the sessions fostered a strong sense of team spirit. Whether high-fiving after a rally or encouraging one another during fast-paced drills, the players proved that growth happens quickest when support is part of the game plan.
As the final whistle blew, smiles and sore muscles told the story: this group brought dedication, resilience, and a true love for volleyball to every minute on the court.
With enthusiasm like this, Cuero’s future in volleyball looks bright—and the community couldn’t be prouder.
