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Friday, March 14, 2025
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Measles Outbreak in Texas

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Measles Outbreak in Texas

The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting an outbreak of measles in the South Plains region of Texas. At this time, 159 cases have been identified since late January. Twenty-two of the patients have been hospitalized.

There has been one fatality in a school-aged child who lived in the outbreak area. The child was not vaccinated and had no known underlying conditions.

Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and the surrounding communities. DSHS is working with local health departments to investigate the outbreak.

  • Vaccination status is classified as unknown when the case investigation is still ongoing or when the person does not know if they were ever vaccinated.
  • The investigations into the cases who are currently classified as vaccinated are ongoing. A dose of MMR is given to unvaccinated people within 72 hours of their exposure to the measles to lessen the severity of the illness if they get sick from their exposure to the virus. We are looking into if any of these cases received their MMR dose after exposure.

The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of a vaccine against measles, which is primarily administered as the combination measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles.

To get vaccinated, people can go to their health care provider or a pharmacy. Vaccines are also available through the Texas Vaccines for Children and Adult Safety Net Providers. Use the maps located on the measles outbreak page to locate a TVFC or ASN provider. Pharmacies can vaccinate people 14 and older without a prescription. Children under 14 need a prescription to get the MMR vaccine at a pharmacy.

Measles Symptoms and Complications | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC

 

Highchairs Sold by Amazon, Walmart Recalled for Suffocation and Entrapment Risk

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Highchairs Sold by Amazon, Walmart Recalled for Suffocation and Entrapment Risk

Costway has recalled approximately 4,400 Babyjoy highchairs due to entrapment and suffocation hazards. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has stated that the highchairs violate the federal Safe Sleep for Babies Act, as they were marketed for infant sleep and have an incline angle greater than 10 degrees. They also pose a fatal entrapment hazard due to the large opening between the seat and tray. No injuries have been reported. The recalled highchairs were sold on various online retailers between November 2022 and November 2024, and come in pink, beige, and gray models (BB5656PI, BB5656BE, BB5656GR) with specific features like a detachable tray and adjustable heights.

If you have one of the recalled highchairs, you should stop using it right away and get in touch with Costway for a full refund. You can either get a prepaid shipping label to send it back or email photos of the destroyed highchair to recall@costway.com. Once they get the chair or the photos, they’ll issue your refund. Costway is reaching out to everyone they know who bought one.

For more information or assistance, you can call them toll-free at 844-242-1885 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday, or visit their website at [Costway recall page](https://www.costway.com/recall-high-chair).

“Go Early and Go Often” — All Signs Pointing Toward Excellent Spring Wild Turkey Numbers This Season

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“Go Early and Go Often” — All Signs Pointing Toward Excellent Spring Wild Turkey Numbers This Season

AUSTIN —Hunters can expect to see an abundance of two-year-old gobblers and jakes setting the stage for an increase in male harvest in 2025.

Most of Texas experienced a bump in production and recruitment in 2023 and 2024, meaning hunters can expect a temporary spillover of birds into landscapes they are not always found. Gobblers are expected to spread out in search of hens, hens in search of nesting cover and young birds moving across the landscape looking for new areas to occupy.

“For spring turkey hunters, two-year-old gobblers are probably the most fun birds to hunt,” said Jason Hardin, TPWD wild turkey program leader. “They gobble readily and are not jaded by past turkey hunter efforts and near misses from previous seasons. The middle and later portions of the season usually have fewer hunters in the woods, and you never know when you will strike a tom in the mood to strut and gobble. Go early and go often.”

However, unless spring rains break current dry conditions across much of the Rio Grande wild turkey range in coming weeks, biologists expect delayed wild turkey breeding and nesting season activity this spring.  When rains do return to promote green grasses and wildflowers, breeding activity will begin soon after. However, some gobblers will still be ready to start the breeding season even if the hens are not in top breeding condition.

Ten counties in the Oaks and Prairies ecoregion of Central Texas (Bastrop, Caldwell, Colorado, Fayette, Jackson, Lavaca, Lee, Matagorda, Milam and Wharton) offer a spring season from April 1–30.

At the edge of the Rio Grande wild turkey range in Texas, this landscape historically has lower numbers of wild turkeys, resulting in a spring-only seasons. Hunters are allowed a one-gobbler bag limit per county. As with all of Texas Counties with an open season, wild turkey harvest reporting is mandatory.  Any and all harvested wild turkeys must be reported within 24 hours through the Texas Hunt and Fish  mobile app or online.

Twelve counties in east Texas make up the East Turkey Zone including Bowie, Cass, Fannin, Grayson, Jasper, Lamar, Marion, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Red River and Sabine. There is a one-gobbler bag limit for the entire East Turkey Zone and again mandatory harvest reporting is required within 24 hours of harvest.

Hunters who purchased a digital Super Combo license have a digital tagging option. All hunters who chose to use the digital tagging option must report their wild turkey at the time of harvest and harvest data must be attached to the harvested turkey. Rules and guidance associated with the new digital tagging option can be found on the TPWD website.

The data obtained from these harvest reports help TPWD better manage the Texas turkey population. TPWD encourages turkey hunters to learn about and share these new rules with fellow turkey hunters and landowners in counties with an open turkey season to help TPWD keep tabs on these populations.

“Thank you to all hunters who harvested a fall turkey and reported the bird through TPWD’s Texas Hunt & Fish App,” said Hardin “Harvest reporting is now mandatory statewide for all harvested wild turkeys. This data is critical to the short and long-term management of wild turkeys in Texas.”

TPWD reminds hunters to review the Outdoor Annual before opening day to ensure they are hunting during the legal season and pursuing legal birds. Hunters can check the TPWD website for exact season dates for the county where they plan to hunt. Hunters must possess an Upland Game Bird Stamp Endorsement to hunt wild turkeys in Texas.

The spring season dates are as follows:

Youth Only 

Rio Grande: North Zone: March 22-23; May 17-18

Rio Grande: South Zone: March 8-9; May 3-4

Spring Regular Season

North Zone: March 29-May 11

South Zone: March 15-April 27

Special One Turkey Bag Limit: April 1-30

East Zone: April 22–May 14

Additional information about harvest reporting, bag limits and more can be found in the Outdoor Annual  or via the Outdoor Annual app. Apps are available for free download from Google Play or the App Store.

 

Lillian Fojtik, October 12, 1946 – February 18, 2025 (78)

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Lillian Fojtik, October 12, 1946 – February 18, 2025 (78)

MOULTON:  Lillian Fojtik, age 78, passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2025.  She was born October 12, 1946, in Shiner to Adolph Frank and Bessie (Stary) Dlouhy.

Lillian married Steve Fojtik in 1973, and they enjoyed 52 years of marriage.  She was a child-care provider for years.  She was a great cook and had many lady friends to whom she spoke on a daily basis.  She also enjoyed spending time on her ipad. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Moulton, a member of Catholic Daughters and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Survivors: husband, Steve Fojtik; brother, Alvin Dlouhy of Victoria; sisters, Dorothy Fishbeck of Victoria and Frances Brotze of Victoria; nieces, Stephanie (Robert) Fojtik, Michelle Fojtik (Dale) and numerous nieces and nephews; great-nephew Dennis Fojtik, Jr.

Preceded in death by parents.

Visitation at 9 a.m., Saturday, March 29, 2025, followed by a Rosary at 10 a.m., and a Celebration of Life following the Rosary at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home.

Arrangements by Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home 361-293-5656.

Dorothy Boiser, December 27, 1943- February 28, 2025 (81)

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Dorothy Boiser, December 27, 1943- February 28, 2025 (81)

WACO: Dorothy Boiser, 81, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025. Born on December 27, 1943, in Shiner, Texas, to Everett Reed Sr. and Anna Clark Reed, Dorothy embraced life with love, laughter, and a deep dedication to her family.

Dorothy’s kind heart and generous nature touched everyone she met. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—expressing her creativity through arts and crafts, losing herself in the melodies of her favorite music, and, most of all, cherishing time with her children and grandchildren. Her love knew no bounds, and she gave selflessly to those she held dear.

Dorothy’s kindness extended far beyond her family, touching the lives of many in her community through quiet acts of generosity and an ever-present welcoming spirit. Her warm smile and gentle presence left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Though she is no longer with us, Dorothy’s memory will live on in the hearts of those she loved. Her spirit of kindness, love, and compassion will continue to inspire generations to come. May she rest in peace.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Everett Reed Sr. and Anna Clark Reed; her husband, Robert Boiser Sr.; her beloved son, Trinity Boiser; her sister, Beulah Clark; and her brother, Wilbur Reed Sr. Dorothy leaves behind a loving legacy carried on by her sons, Robert and Anthony Boiser; her grandchildren, April, Marie, and Jennifer Boiser; Brieanna Taylor; Gwendolyn Moreno, Krissi Flipse; Stevie Boiser; Kip Ward; Robert Bradford; Anthony Boiser Jr.; and Ashton Boiser; as well as twenty great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sisters, Cloma Colter, Anna Reed Green, Alice DeVoe, Rosie Foley, and Callie Reed, along with her brother, Everett Reed.

Funeral Service 1 p.m., Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home with Pastor Dwayne Arkadie officiating. Burial to follow at Bluebonnet Cemetery in Shiner, next to her beloved husband Robert.

Arrangements entrusted to Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, 361-293-5656.

Allan James Grahmann, October 8, 1965 – March 2, 2025 (59)

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Allan James Grahmann, October 8, 1965 – March 2, 2025 (59)

HALLETTSVILLE: Allan James Grahmann, 59, was called home Sunday, March 2, 2025. He was born October 8, 1965, in Hallettsville to Sylvester and Mildred (Zappe) Grahmann.

He was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and graduated as the Valedictorian from Sacred Heart High School in 1984. He loved God, his family, the land, his cattle and his two grandchildren. For those who knew Allan, knew he was born to be a rancher and enjoyed all of it. He was also employed by Walmart. May he rest in peace.

Survivors are his wife of 35 years, Jaime (Janca) Grahmann; daughter, Haylee Grahmann; son Dylan Grahmann and wife Kaitlin; two grandchildren, Jake and Millie Grahmann; sister, Janice Logan and husband Pat; numerous extended family and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, Sylvester and Mildred Grahmann; brother, Glenn Grahmann.

Visitation 12 noon with Rosary recited at 1 p.m. and Funeral Mass at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Rev. Michael Rother officiating. Burial to follow at County Line Cemetery. (6316 FM 682, Yoakum, Texas 77995).

Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic School or the SHINE Program at Sacred Heart School.

Arrangements by Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, 361-293-5656.

Trump administration plans to cut 80,000 employees from Veterans Affairs, according to internal memo

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Trump administration plans to cut 80,000 employees from Veterans Affairs, according to internal memo

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Department of Veterans Affairs is planning a reorganization that includes cutting over 80,000 jobs from the sprawling agency that provides health care and other services for millions of veterans, according to an internal memo obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press.

The VA’s chief of staff, Christopher Syrek, told top-level officials at the agency Tuesday that it had an objective to cut enough employees to return to 2019 staffing levels of just under 400,000. That would require terminating tens of thousands of employees after the VA expanded during the Biden administration, as well as to cover veterans impacted by burn pits under the 2022 PACT Act.

The memo instructs top-level staff to prepare for an agency-wide reorganization in August to “resize and tailor the workforce to the mission and revised structure.” It also calls for agency officials to work with the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency to “move out aggressively, while taking a pragmatic and disciplined approach” to the Trump administration’s goals. Government Executive first reported on the internal memo.

“Things need to change,” Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins said in a video posted on social media Wednesday afternoon, adding that the layoffs would not mean cuts to veterans’ health care or benefits.

“This administration is finally going to give the veterans what they want,” Collins said. “President Trump has a mandate for generational change in Washington and that’s exactly what we’re going to deliver at the VA.”

Veterans have already been speaking out against the cuts at the VA that so far had included a few thousand employees and hundreds of contracts. More than 25% of the VA’s workforce is comprised of veterans.

The plans underway at the VA showed how the Trump administration’s DOGE initiative, led by billionaire Elon Musk, is not holding back on an all-out effort to slash federal agencies, even for those that have traditionally enjoyed bipartisan support.

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement that the president “refuses to accept the VA bureaucracy and bloat that has hindered veterans’ ability to receive timely and quality care.” She added that the changes would “ensure greater efficiency and transparency” at the VA.

The VA last year experienced its highest-ever service levels, reaching over 9 million enrollees and delivering more than 127.5 million health care appointments, according to the agency’s figures.

However, Michael Missal, who was the VA’s inspector general for nine years until he was fired last month as part of Trump’s sweeping dismissal of independent oversight officials at government agencies, told the AP that the VA is already suffering from a lack of “expertise” as top-level officials either leave or are shuffled around under the president’s plans.

“What’s going to happen is VA’s not going to perform as well for veterans, and veterans are going to get harmed,” said Missal, who was a guest of Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. at Trump’s Tuesday address to Congress.

Rather than leaning on the missions of inspectors general, whose job is to search out waste and fraud at government agencies, Trump has moved forcefully against them, flouting statutes that require a 30-day notice and specific reasons for their dismissals. Missal is challenging his dismissal in court alongside seven other fired inspectors general.

Missal described the VA as “a really complicated, hard to manage organization” that is similar in size to the largest corporations in America. He defended his work at the agency as committed to make it more efficient and responsive to veterans. By Missal’s count, the VA inspector general’s oversight resulted in $45 billion being saved at the agency during his tenure.

But he added that Trump’s actions against the inspectors general is making it more difficult for the officials still in those offices to do their jobs.

In Congress, Democrats have decried the cuts at the VA and other agencies, while Republicans have so far watched with caution the Trump administration’s changes.

Rep. Mike Bost, the Republican chair of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, said in a statement that he would “continue to ask questions and keep a close eye on how, or if, this plan evolves.”

“I have questions about the impact these reductions and discussions could have on the delivery of services, especially following the implementation of the PACT Act,” Bost added.

Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, the Republican chair of the Senate Budget Committee, was displeased the VA had not given lawmakers an advance notification of the changes, saying it was “political malpractice not to consult Congress.”

“Maybe you’ve got a good reason to do it,” he said. “But we don’t need to be reading memos in the paper about a 20% cut at the VA.”

The changes underway at the VA are already prompting worry among veteran’s groups as they face layoffs and confusion about whether their services will be affected.

Brent Reiffer, a Marine veteran who receives medical care through the VA and advocates with the Wounded Warrior Project, said that among his community “confusion that leads to frustration” is setting in.

“If you draw that to a conclusion sometimes, it’s the veteran just throws the hands up and sort of doesn’t go to the VA,” Reiffer said. “What you end up with is a lot of veterans that are not getting the care that they deserve.”

Blumenthal, the top Democrat on the Senate committee that oversees veteran’s affairs, said in a statement that the Trump administration “has launched an all-out assault” against progress the VA has made in expanding its services as the number of covered veterans grows and includes those impacted by toxic burn pits.

“Their plan prioritizes private sector profits over veterans’ care, balancing the budget on the backs of those who served. It’s a shameful betrayal, and veterans will pay the price for their unforgivable corruption, incompetence, and immorality,” Blumenthal said in a statement.

Democratic leaders in the House also spotlighted the impact of Trump’s cuts on veterans Wednesday.

Rep. Katherine Clark, the No. 2 ranked in House Democratic leadership, said at a news conference, “Democrats are here to say in unison we will not allow our veterans to be defined as government waste.”

Associated Press writers Kevin Freking and Lisa Mascaro contributed reporting.

STEPHEN GROVES
STEPHEN GROVES

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Observing Ash Wednesday

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Observing Ash Wednesday

Tomorrow, you might notice people walking around with black markings on their foreheads. At first glance, you might think they’ve simply forgotten to wash up and its black dirt. If you’re not familiar with Catholic traditions, you might not realize that these black markings are actually ashes, applied during a religious observance known as Ash Wednesday.

For those who grew up in a Catholic household, Ash Wednesday holds a special significance as a Holy Day of Obligation. It marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of reflection, repentance, and preparation leading up to Easter. On this day, Catholics attend church services where the priest places ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. This ritual is a powerful reminder of our mortality and the need for repentance.

Growing up, my mother made sure that we attended mass on Ash Wednesday. Since it marked the beginning of Lent, we would have to make some sort of sacrifice and give up something we enjoyed. My mother, who was a smoker, would always give up her cigarettes during Lent. Have you ever been around anyone addicted to tobacco? I can honestly say that it was a real sacrifice for my mom to give up cigarettes. Every year during Lent she gave up smoking cigarettes.  As I got older, I would often ask her why she didn’t just give up cigarettes altogether. After all, 40 days and 40 nights is a long time for someone who smokes.

In any case, there was this one year after attending church on Ash Wednesday we went to eat at a restaurant.  While I was serving myself a salad at the salad bar the waitress walked up to me and told me she was Catholic and explained that she was unable to attend Mass because she had to work.  I could tell that she was really broken up about it, then she asked me if I could give her some of my ashes.  I quickly reached up to my forehead and ran my fingers over my ashes and then I applied the ashes from my fingertips over her forehead and I made the sign of the cross just like our Catholic Priest would do and then I said, “Bless you my child”.  (As if I had any religious authority to do something like that.)

She looked at me with gratitude and a hint of relief. “Thank you so much,” she said softly, her eyes welling up with tears. It was a powerful moment, one that reminded me of the importance of compassion and the impact a small gesture can have on someone’s day. As we parted ways, I hoped that in some small way, I had helped her feel a little closer to her faith, even if I wasn’t a priest. After all, it’s the intention and sincerity behind our actions that truly matter.

This year, Ash Wednesday will be on March 5, 2025. Ash Wednesday is determined based on the date of Easter Sunday, which follows the lunar calendar. Easter is observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the spring equinox (March 21). From there, Ash Wednesday is counted 46 days before Easter, which includes 40 days of fasting during Lent plus six Sundays that are not part of the fast. Because of this calculation, the date of Ash Wednesday changes each year, typically falling between February 4 and March 10.

So, if you see someone with ashes across their forehead tomorrow, know that it is a sign of their faith and commitment to the solemn journey of Lent. It is a time for them to reflect on their relationship with God, seek forgiveness for their sins, and prepare their hearts for the celebration of Easter.

Pat Trevino, Blogger, photographer, Published Author

 

Russell Mobley Announces Candidacy for Cuero City Council At-Large

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Russell Mobley Announces Candidacy for Cuero City Council At-Large

Cuero, TX – Longtime Cuero resident Russell Mobley has officially announced his candidacy for the Cuero City Council At-Large position. With deep roots in the community, Mobley brings a wealth of local experience and dedication to the role.

Mobley, 44, is an Honors graduate of Cuero High School Class of 1998. Over the years, he has been employed by various Cuero establishments, including McDonald’s, Sonic, Church’s, The Texan, Best Western, Mount Vernon Mills, and Davis Contractors. Additionally, he has covered the 2024 Cuero Gobblers for the Cuero Record. He is an active member of the First Baptist Church.

Russell Mobley has also been instrumental in raising his stepson, Trey Moore, alongside the late Disha King. Trey Moore, a graduate of Cuero High School’s Class of 2019 and a member of the 2018 State Champion Cuero Gobblers, currently works for Wells Fargo in San Antonio after attending Tarleton State University.

Throughout his academic years, Mobley was heavily involved in student council, serving as president in both CJHS and as class president during his freshman and sophomore years at CHS. His commitment to community service is evident through his volunteer work, such as distributing food boxes for Prodigal Son House Ministries during the pandemic and representing Cuero at the Southern Baptist Convention in Houston and Orlando as a student volunteer for FBC.

Mobley stated that his primary goal in seeking office is to ensure that the everyday people of Cuero have a voice and representation in local politics and decision-making. Known for his approachability, integrity, honesty, and transparency, Mobley aims to be a trusted voice for the community.

As a candidate, Mobley is eager to collaborate with other City Council members to balance budgets, vote on city ordinances, and fulfill the responsibilities of the position. He prides himself on representing the community with pride, love, and compassion.

Russell Mobley believes that through compromise and collaboration, the community can work together for the benefit of all residents, not just a select few. He is committed to making Cuero a place that truly reflects the slogan “how life ought to be.”

 

Yoakum Bullpup Bands Shine at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation

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Yoakum Bullpup Bands Shine at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation

Cuero, TX – The Yoakum Bullpup Concert and Symphonic Bands delivered outstanding performances at the recent UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation held in Cuero.

The Bullpup Concert Band earned excellent ratings on stage and secured a first division in sight reading, showcasing their remarkable musical talents and dedication.

The Bullpup Symphonic Band impressed all judges, earning straight ones in both stage performance and sight reading. This achievement is a testament to their hard work, precision, and musical excellence.

It was truly a great day to be a Bulldog, as their talented musicians brought pride and joy to the entire community.

Congratulations to both bands for their incredible performances! 🎵🐾

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