Yoakum Softball vs Columbus Tuesday, February 25th @ Columbus. Good Luck Lady Bulldogs! Let’s Beat Columbus!
Ralph James Ullmann (74)
SHINER: Ralph James Ullmann, age 74, went home to the Lord on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. He was born March 29, 1950, in Shiner to Lester Ullmann Sr and Charles Marie Dearson Ullmann.
He attended St. Ludmila Academy and graduated from St. Paul High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy for two years. On May 20, 1972, he married the love of his life, Darcy Guettner and they were married 47 years before she passed away. He was a supervisor in various departments at Kaspar Wire Works and retired after 47 years of service. He retired from the Shiner Volunteer Fire Department after 34 plus years of service. He enjoyed riding around Shiner with his fur baby, Duffy, going to the beach and meeting his brothers at Howard’s on Saturday mornings.
Survivors: sisters, Carol Onhaizer (Larry), Debbie Hall (John), Terry Ullmann, Phyllis Rivera and Melissa McInturf (John); brothers, Lester Ullmann Jr, Jonathan Ullmann, Lawrence Ullmann (Loretta) and Paul Ullman along with nieces & nephews and great-nieces & great-nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Darcy Ullmann; sisters-in-law, Mary Ullmann and Betty Sestak; brothers-in-law, Daniel Rivera, Joe Sestak and Morris Guettner.
Visitation 9:00 a.m. with a Memorial Service at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Shiner Lutheran Church with Pastor Chris Heinold officiating.
Memorial contributions may be given to Shiner Lutheran Church or Shiner Volunteer Fire Department.
Online guest book may be signed at www.thielecooper.com
Arrangements by Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home 361-293-5656.
Yorktown, Texas to Host 1st Annual Mardi Gras Celebration
Yorktown, Texas – Mark your calendars for a vibrant and fun-filled event as Yorktown gears up to host its first annual Mardi Gras celebration on March 1st, 2025. The festivities will take place in the picturesque Yorktown City Park, located in the heart of downtown, promising an unforgettable evening for attendees of all ages.
The celebration will feature an exciting lineup of activities and entertainment, including a lively performance by the Cajun band, Hunter Courville & Cajun Fever, from 7 PM to midnight. Guests can look forward to a delectable gumbo and potato salad cookoff, where local chefs will compete for the top honors. Additionally, an ATV parade and a chicken run will add to the excitement, creating a festive atmosphere for everyone.
Local vendors will be on hand, offering a variety of goods and services. This event is not only a celebration of Mardi Gras but also a chance to support local nonprofits and charities, as all proceeds will benefit these organizations within our community.
For those interested in participating, cookoff spaces are available for $125, and vendor spaces are available for $150. To secure a spot or for more information, please contact Dwayne Belaire at 830-299-8211 or via email at boudinking@yahoo.com.
Yoakum Beauties Shine at Queen Victoria Pageant
Victoria, Texas – The spotlight was on Yoakum’s finest as reigning Miss Yoakum, Brenna Bland, and Junior Miss Yoakum, Rilynn Mayer, proudly represented their hometown of Yoakum at the prestigious Queen Victoria Pageant.
The pageant, known for its celebration of grace, talent, and community spirit, saw these two shining stars showcasing the values and charm of their beloved hometown. Brenna Bland and Rilynn Mayer took the stage with confidence, embodying the pride and tradition of Yoakum.
Their participation not only highlighted their individual achievements but also underscored the strong community support that the Yoakum Area Chamber continually fosters. Both Brenna and Rilynn have been exemplary ambassadors for Yoakum, demonstrating poise and dedication in their roles.
As the competition progresses, the entire Yoakum community extends its best wishes to all contestants of the Queen Victoria Pageant. The event promises to be a memorable evening, celebrating the hard work and talents of young women from across the region.
Good luck to all the Queen Victoria Pageant contestants, and a special cheer for our hometown representatives, Brenna Bland and Rilynn Mayer!
The 411 on Abbotts school voucher? SIMPLIFIED HERE
For anyone confused as to why TEACHERS are saying NO to Abbott’s Voucher system, I saw this as a comment on an article and thought it was pretty spot on, it simplifies the issue better than anything I have read and cuts through all the bs
Greg Abbott: We want to offer school choice because the gap between our highest and our lowest achieving students is getting bigger. Any child can attend a private school if they choose.
Family A: Awesome! My child already attends a private school because I am rich and can afford it! The voucher now gives me a $10,000 discount on what I’m already paying!
Abbott: You’re welcome!
Family B: Awesome! $10,000 is great, but our school choice costs $20,000 a year. How do I pay the rest?
Abbott: Since your child has great test scores, the school will give them a scholarship to cover the rest of the cost.
Family C: Awesome! $10,000 is great, but our school choice costs $20,000 a year. How do I pay the rest?
Abbott: Since your child didn’t have the best test scores, it’s not our problem. Go to the now underfunded public school.
Family D: Awesome! But my child has autism and the private school doesn’t have any programs to deal with that.
Abbott: Not my problem. Go to the now underfunded public school.
Family E: So awesome! What time will the bus be by to pick up my child?
Abbott: It won’t, but it’s not my problem. Go to the now underfunded public school.
Family F: Awesome! But, my child has an IEP for his special needs and our school of choice doesn’t have programs to help him.
Abbott: Not my problem. Go to the now underfunded public school.
Family G: I homeschool already and the $10,000 will be so nice to help us.
Abbott: Yes! Just make sure you get all your curriculum from MY approved vendors list. I want the control. Oh, by the way, how does the STAAR test sound? You will trade your freedom for funding!
Public School: How is taking only high-test scorers with no special needs who can provide their own transportation (which usually equates to being middle or upper class) going to shrink the gap between the highest and lowest achieving students?
Abbott: Not my problem. Do more with less. I’m just happy that my rich donors are now happy with their discount, and I know my kid doesn’t have to sit next to a poor kid or one with a learning disability in class. Win-win for everyone! By the way, your special education student test scores WILL be counted towards your school test score average.
Public Schools: That’s not really fair. That’s not comparing apples to apples since the private schools don’t have to accept kids who bring down their test score average.
Abbott: Not my problem. We will continue to make it look like YOU are the biggest failure in the world.
(I encourage everyone to do their own research, but I have been closely following the voucher program and its potential impact on students in Texas, particularly in our rural community of Cuero. It will take money away from our school district. Call your representatives and tell them NO to Vouchers! This program will negatively affect all public schools in DeWitt County, Texas. Let’s stand together to protect our educational system. -Pat Trevino)
Also read: Dear Zorro, Should I vote for or against school vouchers? – The Voice of Cuero,Texas
School vouchers in Texas: Everything you need to know | The Texas Tribune
Sysco Imperial supplemental shakes Recalled after 11 Deaths, 38 Sick
An outbreak of listeria infections linked with frozen supplemental shakes has made at least 38 people ill in 21 states, with 37 hospitalizations and 11 deaths, the US Food and Drug Administration said Friday.
The illnesses have been linked with some Sysco Imperial and Lyons ReadyCare products that were distributed to food service customers such as hospitals and long-term care facilities, the agency said.
The outbreak includes cases dating to 2018 but remains ongoing, with 20 of the cases reported in 2024 and 2025, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
The FDA says it is continuing to investigate the outbreak.
Sysco said in a statement Friday that it has recalled the supplemental shakes, notified customers and halted purchases of other products from a Lyons Magnus facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the supplier of the shakes.
“Sysco expresses our most sincere condolences with those affected by this outbreak and their families,” the company said. “Food safety is and will continue to be our top priority, and our focus will always be on improving these programs that protect our customers and our communities from foodborne illnesses.”
Listeria, a type of bacteria, is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the US, killing about 260 people a year.
Cuero Lady Gobblers Secure Victory Against Navarro – Going to semfinals
NIXON — The Cuero Lady Gobblers anticipated a tough match in their Class 4A, Division II semifinal game against Navarro, and they weren’t afraid to meet the challenge head-on. In a game marked by intense rigor, the Lady Gobblers’ tenacious defense and strategic gameplay led them to a decisive 41-23 victory on Friday night at the Nixon-Smiley gym.
With this victory, Cuero boosted their record to 32-6 and secured a spot in the semifinals, where they will compete against Bridge City, who triumphed with a 42-38 win over Hamshire-Fannett.
The semifinal clash is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Merrell Center in Katy.
The game got off to a slow start offensively for both teams, with neither side able to establish a strong scoring rhythm in the first half. The Lady Panthers managed to take an 11-10 lead at the beginning of the second quarter, but Arissa Carbonara’s impressive performance quickly shifted the momentum in Cuero’s favor. Carbonara, who scored a game-high 21 points, made four consecutive baskets, putting Cuero in the lead for good.
Cuero held a 20-14 advantage at halftime and extended their lead to 25-18 in a third quarter where both teams struggled to make field goals. The Lady Gobblers’ defense truly shone as they held Navarro scoreless from the 2:23 mark of the third quarter until there were just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Tegan Harboth led Navarro with nine points, but Cuero’s defensive adjustments and relentless effort proved too much for the Lady Panthers. Coach Crain commended his players’ adaptability, particularly Emeree DaSilva and Mauryana DaSilva, who played crucial roles despite facing foul trouble.
Aubrey Bowles contributed 12 points for the Lady Gobblers, who took advantage of their opportunities at the free-throw line, shooting 29 free throws and converting 15, though Coach Crain expressed some disappointment in their free-throw percentage.
Looking ahead, Cuero’s journey to the regional final promises to be an exciting new experience for the team. As they prepare for their next challenge, the Lady Gobblers will draw on their resilience and determination to continue their winning streak.
Class 4A, Division II Regional Final
Cuero 41, Navarro 23
Points:
Navarro: Tegan Harboth 9, Jillian Baker 3, Madison Gilliam 4, Isabelle Geipel 4, Sarah Falor 3.
Cuero: Aubrey Bowles 12, Arissa Carbonara 21, Mauryana DaSilva 5, Averie Orozco 1, Laelah Mendiola 2.
Halftime: Cuero 20-14
3-pointers: Baker, Falor, DaSilva
Records: Navarro 26-15; Cuero 32-6
Stay tuned for more updates as the Cuero Lady Gobblers continue their pursuit of victory in the regional finals!
Randolph “Randy” Walter Huehlefeld, (73)
YOAKUM: Randolph “Randy” Walter Huehlefeld, 73, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. He was born on October 31, 1951 in Yoakum, Texas to the late Victor and Lillie (Pavelka) Huehlefeld.
Randy graduated from Yoakum High School in 1969, where he was a member of the marching band, playing the tuba. He went on to pursue a career in retail management, which relocated him to Katy, TX, where he lived and raised his family for 33 years. He loved “all” genres of music but mostly enjoyed his polka music and sometimes would get out his accordion to play along. He was part of the Hub City Dutchman band and was able to cut a few records. Randy enjoyed many sports but mostly enjoyed watching the Astros, the Texans and Dallas Cowboys. He held a deep sense of patriotism, relished engaging in political discussions, and loved his Lone Star State. In his retirement, he moved back to Yoakum and returned to his parent’s home, where he resided for the last 9 years. He was happy to be back “home” in the “Bulldog” country.
Survivors are his three daughters, Kim Loner and husband Brad of Katy, Carolyn Fernandez and husband Alan of Colorado, and Kathy Motis and husband Bennie of Katy; six grandchildren, Colby Loner, Jayden Fernandez, Julian Fernandez, Brady Motis, Peyton Motis and Vivian Motis; the mother of his daughters, Sandra Huehlefeld; brother, Billy Huehlefeld and wife Monica of Lake Jackson; nephew, Paul Huehlefeld and niece, Amanda Scott.
Preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Lillie Huehlefeld.
Rosary to be recited at 9:30 a.m. with Funeral Mass at 10 a.m., Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Matthew Huehlefeld officiating. Entombment to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Mausoleum.
Pallbearers are his family, Brad Loner, Colby Loner, Alan Fernandez, Jayden Fernandez, Brady Motis, and Peyton Motis.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Yoakum Knights of Columbus.
Arrangements by Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, 361-293-5656.
Sharon Gail (Taplin) Massey (age 75)
Sharon Gail (Taplin) Massey went home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 21, 2025. She was born April 14,1949 in Freer, Texas to Harry Albert Sr. and Edna Lee (Reynolds) Taplin.
What began as high school sweethearts, Sharon and Jim were married fifty-five years on July 5, 2024. Together they had two children Jeffrey and Jamie. Sharon traveled the world extensively and lived in many faraway places from Europe to Canada to Africa before settling in Yorktown. If you wanted to hear about some of the places she lived, she had endless stories about each one. She was a very talented and “crafty” artist. Her skills ranged from sewing to needlepoint to scrapbooking to most recently making greeting cards. She was one of the top contributors to Bring Smiles to Seniors, having donated over 46,000 handmade cards. This doesn’t include the thousands she made and gave to many friends.
She is survived by her husband Jim, son Jeffrey (Catrina) and daughter Jamie (Robert Lyons) Massey and two grandsons, Jacob and Branson. She is also survived by her brother Harry (Carolyn) Taplin Jr.
Visitation is 10 am to 11:30 am Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Massey Funeral Home. Funeral Service will begin at 11:30 am. Interment will be at Westside Cemetery.
Pall Bearers are Bobby Hranicky, Mike Coffman, Jeremy Penn, Mark Black, Greg Cartwright, and Jonathan Edwards. Honorary pallbearers are Jacob and Branson.
Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church, Yorktown EMS or donor’s choice.
You are invited to sign the online guest book at www.masseyfh.com
Services entrusted to Massey Funeral Home 361-564-2900
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sharon Gail (Taplin) Massey, please visit our floral store.