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Aug 2nd – Kentucky Derby Casino Night

Press Release: 

Cuero, Texas

June 20, 2024

Experience the Thrill of Las Vegas at the Derby!

Get ready for an unforgettable evening that combines the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas-style gaming with the timeless charm of the Kentucky Derby. On Friday, August 2nd, join us for the Kentucky Derby Casino Night at The Venue on Church Street (125 E Church St, Cuero, TX 77954).

Event Highlights

  • Casino Gaming: Try your luck at blackjack, poker, roulette, and more! The tables open from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
  • Live Entertainment: At 10:10 PM, Stephanie Ross and Southern Drive take the stage, ensuring a night of toe-tapping tunes.
  • Delicious Derby Bites: Indulge in mouthwatering Derby-inspired food.
  • Signature Cocktails: Sip on crafted cocktails that capture the spirit of the Derby.
  • Exciting Raffles: Prizes await lucky winners!

Supporting a Cause

This event isn’t just about fun; it’s about making a difference. Proceeds from the Kentucky Derby Casino Night will benefit local charities and community initiatives.

Get Your Tickets

  • Individual Tickets: $50 per person
    • Visit Cuero Chamber or call 361-273-2112.
  • Reserved Tables: Secure your spot with a table of sight for $500.
    • Email cueroccuero.org for reservations.

Dress to impress, roll the dice, and let the good times roll! See you at the Kentucky Derby Casino Night.

“The Say Hey Kid” Baseball legend Willie Mays Dies at 93

Willie Howard Mays Jr., affectionately known as “the Say Hey Kid,” died June 18, 2024.  Mays left an indelible mark on the world of baseball. His legacy transcends statistics; it embodies passion, skill, and a love for the game.

Willie Mays was more than a ballplayer; he was a force of nature. His 660 home runs place him sixth on the all-time list, but his impact extended far beyond the numbers. As a center fielder, he redefined the position, making it the game’s most glamorous spot. Alongside Mickey Mantle and Duke Snider, he electrified New York clubs in the 1950s.

Born in Westfield, Alabama, Mays honed his talents with the Birmingham Black Barons in the Negro leagues. His athleticism and charisma caught the attention of the New York Giants, who signed him in 1950. Thus began a storied career that spanned 23 seasons.

The Five-Tool Phenomenon

Mays was more than a player; he was a phenomenon. His five-tool prowess set him apart:

  • Hitting: A .302 career batting average.
  • Power: 660 home runs.
  • Speed: 179 stolen bases during the 1950s.
  • Defense: 12 consecutive Gold Glove Awards.
  • Arm Strength: A cannon in center field. 

    Mays’ over-the-shoulder catch in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series remains etched in baseball lore. His impact extended beyond the field, inspiring generations of fans.

    A Forever Giant

    As the Giants moved from New York to San Francisco, Mays remained a constant. His return to New York with the Mets in 1972 was a fitting farewell. He retired after the 1973 World Series, leaving a legacy that transcends time.

    Hall of Fame and Beyond

    Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, Mays joined the pantheon of greats. His Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by Barack Obama in 2015, recognized not only his athletic achievements but also his influence on American culture.

    Farewell, Say Hey Kid

    As we bid farewell to Willie Mays, we celebrate a life well-lived. His spirit lives on in every crack of the bat, every stolen base, and every dazzling catch.

    Photo Credit: Jason Doiy                                                                                            San Francisco, California, USA – May 10, 2011: A life size statue of Orlando Cepeda at the 2nd Street entrance to ATT Park, home of the 2010 World Series champions the San Francisco Giants. Located at 24 Willie Mays Plaza, built in 2000 the park is designed to seat 42,000 spectators. 

Republican turned Democrat Tanya Lloyd Running for Texas 27th Congressional district

Cuero, Texas — June 14, 2024  Tanya Lloyd, a dynamic force in Texas politics, recently took the stage as a guest speaker at the Women’s Dewitt and Lavaca County Democrat Meeting. Her message resonated with attendees, as she shared her vision for Texas’s 27th congressional district. 

Aiming for Congress

Tanya Lloyd is more than a candidate; she is a fervent advocate. Her goal is to represent her district at the national level. With her experience rooted in rural communities and education, Lloyd offers a distinctive viewpoint. She is committed to defending public schools, which have encountered opposition regarding school vouchers, and she opposes the recent reproductive rights measures voted on by Texas Republicans.

From Classroom to Capitol

Lloyd’s 17-year teaching career has been more than a job—it’s been a calling. She’s connected with students, parents, and the heartbeat of her community. Now, she’s ready to take that commitment to the next level. Her focus? Advocating for children facing economic challenges and championing educational opportunities.  She listened as members offered suggestions regarding immigration reform or programs like DACA and work programs that can offer a path to citizenship.

Pat Trevino, a resident of DeWitt County and lifelong Democrat, shared her perspective on undocumented workers: “Immigration has been a persistent issue throughout my life. It was a concern when I began voting at 18, and now at 65, it remains unresolved. Both parties have had their chance to fix it and while it may appear complex it can be an easy fix if you shift one major component.  The demonizing of the undocumented worker.  When in reality it’s the employer who is the real culprit.  This misplaced focus on the undocumented worker instead of the employer is why this issue will never be resolved.  Think about it! If there is no one to hire them they will cease to come but as long as there are people who will hire them, they will line up.   And we as Americans drive the demand for goods and services so we are all to blame. Those who cross the border seek a better life, which is a basic human desire. Consider the cost of housing without the labor provided by these workers. What is also overlooked are the contributions undocumented workers make toward our economy.  They pay taxes, purchase homes and cars and spend money locally. I believe we should provide undocumented workers with a more accessible path to citizenship or the chance to work here legally, which would allow us to keep track of who is here through a database.”

Lloyd listened intently to her constituents making her rounds and speaking to all who were in attendance.

Bridging the Divide

What sets Tanya Lloyd apart? Her ability to understand both sides of the aisle. Having previously voted as a Republican, she brings a nuanced perspective to the table. Lloyd plans to use her knowledge to address the desires of every voter in the district, regardless of party lines.

As the campaign heats up, Tanya Lloyd stands ready to serve, advocate, and bridge the gap. Her commitment to education, community, and unity is a beacon of hope for Texas’s 27th district.

Juneteenth A Symbol of Freedom and New Beginnings

Cuero, Texas- In observance of Juneteenth the City of Cuero is closed.

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865. Their mission: to ensure that all enslaved people were freed. Remarkably, this occurred two and a half years after the formal Emancipation Proclamation.  Since its establishment as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth has gained broader recognition beyond Black America.

In the chronicles of American history, few documents carry as much weight and significance as the Emancipation Proclamation issued on September 22, 1862, by President Abraham Lincoln during the throes of the American Civil War, this proclamation forever altered the course of the nation and redefined the struggle for freedom and equality.

President Lincoln took a momentous step by issuing the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. This preliminary version set the stage for a more sweeping declaration that would follow on January 1, 1863. The essence of this historic document was clear: all enslaved people in the states currently in rebellion against the Union “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.”

However, it’s essential to recognize the proclamation’s limitations. It applied solely to enslaved people within the Confederacy, not those in the border states loyal to the Union. Yet, even within these constraints, the Emancipation Proclamation marked a seismic shift. It transformed the Civil War from a mere struggle to preserve the Union into a resolute battle against slavery itself.

In 1997, the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (NJCF) introduced the first flag to symbolize the holiday, designed by the foundation’s founder, Ben Haith. Three years later, artist Lisa Jeanne Graf refined the design, leading to the flag that is recognized today. The inaugural flag-raising ceremony took place in Boston’s Roxbury Heritage Park, marking a significant moment in the holiday’s history.

The Juneteenth flag’s design is rich with symbolism and shares the red, white, and blue colors of the United States flag, signifying that the formerly enslaved and their descendants are also free Americans. The elements of the flag carry deep meanings:

  • The Arc represents a new horizon, symbolizing the opportunities and bright futures awaiting Black Americans.
  • The Star pays homage to Texas, the Lone Star State, where Juneteenth originated, and signifies freedom for Black Americans across all 50 states.
  • The Burst around the star symbolizes a nova, or new star, indicating a new beginning for all.

In 2007, the date “June 19, 1865,” commemorating the first Juneteenth, was added to the flag. While the red, white, and blue flag is synonymous with Juneteenth, the red, green, and black Pan-African flag, created in 1920 by Marcus Garvey, is also seen during celebrations. The Pan-African flag represents the entire African diaspora, whereas the Juneteenth flag is dedicated to a single day of significance.

 

For those interested in purchasing a Juneteenth flag, the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF) offers them on their website, supporting the foundation’s cause. The flags are also available through various retailers, including Amazon, for wider accessibility.

White House announces $60 million to build climate-ready workforce

The Climate-Ready Workforce initiative is focused on preparing and placing people in jobs that will advance climate resilience nationwide, ensuring coastal communities are prepared for the worst impacts of climate change.

The Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced $60 million in funding to help train and place people in jobs that advance a climate-ready workforce for coastal and Great Lakes states, Tribes and Territories as part of the White House’s Investing in America agenda under the Inflation Reduction Act.

The funding will support nine projects around the nation, with $50 million going directly to the projects and $10 million for technical assistance to support the grantees. The projects include:

  • Expanding and Strengthening an Indigenous Workforce for Climate Resilience in Alaska
  • Empowering a Resilient Workforce for American Samoa
  • Los Angeles County Climate Ready Employment Council
  • The Climate Resilient Skills Training Program (Louisiana)
  • The Greater Boston Coastal Resilience Jobs Alliance
  • Training a Climate-Ready Workforce to Manage the Impacts
    of Climate Change on Water Resources in Ohio Coastal
    Communities
  • Texas Green Workforce Collaborative
  • Climate Resilience Training to Implement Nature-Based
    Solutions in the Caribbean
  • Tribal Stewards: Cultivating Tribal Leadership & Equity in Natural Resource Co-Stewardship & Climate Resilience (Washington)

These funds, part of NOAA’s Climate-Ready Workforce initiative, will allow NOAA’s National Sea Grant College Program, Climate Program Office and Office for Coastal Management to fund sectoral partnerships that will develop and implement job training programs. These programs will include wraparound services to help make training opportunities more accessible.

“Thanks to the leadership of President Biden, this major investment in public, private and educational organizations will train workers from around our coasts and help them find good-paying jobs that strengthen climate resilience and local economies,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Climate change accelerates the need for a new generation of skilled workers who can help communities address a wide range of climate impacts including sea level rise, flooding, water quality issues and the need for solutions such as renewable energy.”

The Climate-Ready Workforce initiative is focused on preparing and placing people in jobs that will advance climate resilience nationwide, ensuring coastal communities are prepared for the worst impacts of climate change. The program will also assist employers in developing a 21st-century workforce that is climate literate and skilled at addressing climate challenges.

“Our goal of building climate resilience across the nation depends upon creating a trained, well-paid and supported climate-ready workforce,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “Each of these projects in coastal, Tribal and Territorial communities is tailored to tackle the most pressing climate needs of their communities and will focus on recruiting people for training and jobs from disadvantaged communities that are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts.”

The announcement builds on more than $50 billion of resilience investments across the President’s Investing in America Agenda, which includes investments designed to ensure communities across the country are prepared for the worst impacts of climate change.

The Climate-Ready Workforce for Coastal States, Tribes and Territories Initiative advances the Biden-Harris Investing in America agenda in multiple ways. This work is a component of the $3.3 billion investment in NOAA’s Climate-Ready Coasts and Communities Initiative through the Inflation Reduction Act to help American communities prepare, adapt and build resilience to weather and climate events.

“Sea Grant and our partners are pleased to address these critical workforce development needs to support our coastal and Great Lakes communities across the nation,” said Jonathan Pennock, director of NOAA’s National Sea Grant College Program. “Sea Grant is uniquely positioned to help meet these needs through our emphasis on regional and place-based partnerships, leveraging local expertise and resources to make a meaningful impact on coastal communities.”

To date, awards like these from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda have created more than 270,000 jobs across the country.

“Our climate is changing rapidly and the demand for authoritative climate information, tools, knowledge and resources is growing to keep pace,” said Benjamin DeAngelo, Climate Program Office acting director. “These Climate-Ready Workforce projects will enable the equitable provision of climate services in the form of job creation across a diverse range of communities and economic sectors.”

Tragic Shooting at Round Rock Juneteenth Celebration

                                  Entertainment moments before shooting

Round Rock, Texas — June 14, 2024

In the aftermath of a tragic incident, Round Rock police are actively seeking a suspect believed to be responsible for a recent shooting. Here are the key details:

Suspect Description

  • Age: Approximately 19 or 20 years old
  • Height: 5-foot-7
  • Appearance: Short dreadlocks
  • Clothing: Last seen wearing a white hoodie

Public Safety Alert

  • Citizens are urged not to approach the suspect directly, as he is considered “armed and dangerous.”
  • Anyone who encounters the individual should immediately contact the police by dialing 512-218-5500.

Reward Offered

  • The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.

Community Impact

  • The incident occurred during what was supposed to be a joyous celebration in Round Rock.
  • Wayne Williams, president of the service fraternity Omega Psi Phi, expressed sadness over the turn of events. The celebration, which typically awards scholarships to high school seniors, was marred by this unforeseen tragedy.
  • Williams emphasized the need for community growth and reflection in the wake of this incident.

Immediate Response

  • Round Rock police officers and members of the Fire Department swiftly provided medical aid to the victims.
  • The Williamson County sheriff’s office, the FBI, and EMS responders from Williamson and Travis counties collaborated during the initial response.

FBI Involvement

  • Trista Moxley, spokesperson for the FBI’s San Antonio Division, confirmed their active support and resources provided to the Round Rock Police Department.
  • The law enforcement community remains committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Community Solidarity

  • Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan denounced the shooting and assured the community’s unwavering support for the victims.

As the investigation unfolds, Round Rock residents stand together, grieving for those affected by this senseless act of violence.

Governor Abbott Announces $10,000 Reward For Information On Round Rock Shooting

June 18, 2024 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Office of the Governor’s Public Safety Office is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person or persons involved in the shooting that killed two individuals and injured fourteen others during a Juneteenth celebration at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock on Saturday.

“Cecilia and I are deeply saddened by the horrific tragedy this past weekend that took the lives of two innocent Texans and injured fourteen other victims at a Juneteenth celebration in Round Rock,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas is deploying our full support to local law enforcement to ensure those involved in this heinous crime are found and brought to justice. I encourage Texans with information relating to this crime to call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline or submit an anonymous tip online. With your help, we will capture these criminals and put them behind bars.”

In addition to the state reward, Williamson County Crime Stoppers is offering $5,000 and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering $5,000, bringing the total reward amount up to $20,000.

To be eligible for the cash rewards, tipsters must provide information to authorities using one of the following methods:

  • Call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477)
  • Submit a tip online through the Texas Department of Public Safety

All tips are anonymous regardless of how they are submitted, and tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name. Callers’ anonymity is guaranteed by law, and you could earn up to the $20,000. Fugitives should be considered armed and dangerous. Texans should never try to apprehend a fugitive.Read Tragic Shooting at Round Rock Juneteenth Celebration Underway

NOTICE: Burn Ban in DeWitt County until Sept 12, 2024

DeWitt County, Texas, has issued a burn ban immediately, citing public safety hazards that are exacerbated by outdoor burning. The order, numbered 2024-7,2,3, was established by the DeWitt County Commissioners Court in response to the increased risk of wildfires during the current dry weather conditions.
The ban prohibits igniting any combustible material outside an enclosure designed to contain all flames and sparks. However, the order does allow for certain exceptions, particularly for certified prescribed burn managers who meet the requirements outlined in the Natural Resources Code, Chapter 153.
The exceptions to the ban include:
  • Outdoor burning of brush piles by commercial contractors or landowners in areas devoid of vegetation.
  • Burning in screen-covered containers with openings no larger than 1/2 inch.
  • Outdoor burning related to welding activities, provided it is not malicious or intentional.
  • Prescribed burns conducted by federal or state agencies, higher education institutions, or certified prescribed burn managers.
Individuals conducting burns under these exceptions must notify the DeWitt County Sheriff’s Dispatcher and the responsible fire department on the day of the burn, both before ignition and upon completion.
Violations of the burn ban are considered a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. Additionally, DeWitt County will seek restitution for fire calls resulting from illegal burns.
The burn ban is set to remain in effect for 90 days, expiring at midnight on September 12, 2024, unless the DeWitt County Commissioners Court determines that the circumstances no longer present a public safety hazard.
The County Judge also reserves the right to rescind the order if the conditions that necessitated the ban no longer exist. This decisive action by the DeWitt County Commissioners Court aims to mitigate the risk of uncontrolled wildfires and protect the community during this period of heightened fire danger.

City of Cuero Updates Municipal Swimming Pool & Splashpad Rules

General Pool & Splashpad Rules

(Updates are in red)
1. Walk, don’t run
2. No outside food or drinks allowed
3. Pushing and rough play is prohibited
4. Deck clearance at least 6ft from the edge of the pool is required at all times
5. Glass is prohibited
6. Non-Swimmers must stay in shallow water
7. Breath holding and prolonged underwater swimming is prohibited
8. No Diving
9. Persons, especially children, who is ill or is experiencing diarrhea (which is considered a high
risk event at aquatic facilities), must not use pool or splashpad.
10. All Swimmers must shower prior to entering either the pool or splashpad.
11. Lifeguards are pool authorities and will enforce all rules. Obey lifeguards at all times
12. No Profanity
13. No Smoking or Vapes
14. No talking with the lifeguards on duty
15. Swim only while lifeguards are on duty
16. Maximum pool capacity is 100 persons.
17. Public display of affection is prohibited
18. No alcoholic beverage allowed
19. Plastic pants or swim diapers are required for all children who do not have full control of their bowel movements.
20. Jumping from the top of the slide or flipping off the side of the pool is prohibited.
21. The City of Cuero is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
22. Clear bag policy in effect: all items will be required to be in a clear bag (we reserve the right to check bags?)
23. All swimmers must have regulation swimming suits, no cut off pants, mesh shorts, basketball shorts, sports bras, and regular bras or under garments.
24. Water shoes are permitted.
25. Chewing gum is not allowed on the pool deck or in the pool/splashpad.
26. Non-service animals are prohibited.
27. Changing diapers is only allowed at the diaper changing station in the restroom.
28. No food or drinks allowed on the splashpad or in the pool area.
29. Food & drinks allowed only in the picnic area.
30. Do not place any furniture in the water play area.
31. Do not climb, hang, swing or pull on any of the splashpad equipment.
32. Beach balls, balls, bats, athletic equipment, etc. are not allowed on the splashpad or pool.  Noodles are only allowed in pool area when needed for swim safety.
33. No skateboards, roller blades, bicycles and/or scooters are allowed.

Age Restrictions

1. Direct supervision by a responsible adult of youth under the age of 6 years old and non
swimmers is required.
2. Responsible adult supervision (18+) required for all children under the age of 14 years old.
3. Anyone between the ages of 14-17 must be signed in by an adult (18+).
4. All youth must pass a swim test to enter the deep water.

Floatation Devices and Aquatic Equipment
1. Floatation and aquatic equipment may be used if space and safety permits.
2. U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Devices are preferred. The lifeguards,
prior to use, must approve all other floatation. Inflatable floatation is not permitted.
3. Non-swimming youth may use floatation devices without adult supervision.
4. Aquatic equipment such as kickboards, mask, snorkel, funs, and pull buoys are not
allowed in the recreational swim space.

Rest Breaks

1. A rest break lasting at least 5 minutes must occur hourly.
2. Where a single guard is utilized, all swimmers have to exit the pool during rest breaks.

Swim Tests

1. Must swim 20 yards and tread in deep water for 30 seconds.
2. Administered during rest breaks or when additional staff is available.

Enforcement of Rules

1. First offense- rule is explained and warning issued
2. Second offense- rule is explained and a 5 minute “time out” enforced
3. Third offense-10 minute “time out” enforced
4. Fourth offense-person must leave for the day. No refund of entry fee.

Weather

  • Weather is monitored by radar, any lightening within 10 miles of the pool facility, all
    patrons will be required to get out of the pool.
  • If lightening is within 5 miles of the pool facility, all patrons will be required to leave. The
    facility will re-open 30 minutes after last lightning strike within 10 miles if time and
    weather permits.
  •  No refunds or rainchecks will be given, please check weather before you come

City of Cuero Suspends Texas Gas Service Rate Increase Pending Review

Cuero, Texas — June 10, 2024

In a decisive move, the City Council of Cuero, Texas, passed a resolution suspending the scheduled rate increase proposed by Texas Gas Service Company (TGS). The resolution aims to allow the city adequate time to thoroughly evaluate the requested changes and establish reasonable rates for gas services.

Background

  • On June 3, 2024, TGS, a division of ONE Gas, Inc., filed a Statement of Intent with the City of Cuero. The intent was to modify gas rates across all municipalities within the Central-Gulf Service Area, with an effective date of July 8, 2024.
  • As a gas customer of TGS, the City of Cuero holds exclusive regulatory jurisdiction over TGS rates and charges within its boundaries.
  • Recognizing the significance of this decision, the City Council resolved to collaborate with other cities facing similar circumstances. Their collective goal: to conduct a comprehensive review of TGS’s application, engage legal counsel and consultants, and negotiate with the company.

Key Provisions of the Resolution

  1. Suspension of Rate Increase:
    • The resolution suspends the July 8, 2024, effective date of TGS’s rate request. This suspension allows ample time for a thorough examination of the proposed changes.
    • The City Council aims to ensure that any adjustments to gas rates are fair, transparent, and in the best interest of Cuero residents.
  2. Cooperation with Other Cities:
    • Cuero joins forces with similarly situated cities to collectively assess TGS’s application. By pooling resources and expertise, they seek to present a unified response.
    • Legal counsel and consultants will play a pivotal role in analyzing the proposal and advocating for the community’s interests.
  3. Railroad Commission Intervention:
    • TGS’s application is also under scrutiny at the Railroad Commission, specifically in Gas Utilities Docket (GUD) No. 17471.
    • The City Council authorizes intervention in this docket, ensuring that Cuero’s concerns are heard and considered.
  4. Reimbursement of Rate Case Expenses:
    • The resolution emphasizes that costs incurred by the city during the rate-setting process should be reimbursed by the regulated utility (TGS).
    • This provision underscores the need for transparency and accountability in rate negotiations.

Public Transparency and Notice

  • The City Council affirms that the meeting at which this resolution was passed adhered to legal requirements for public openness.
  • Formal notice of this resolution will be promptly communicated to TGS and legal counsel.

As Cuero navigates this critical juncture, residents can rest assured that their voices matter. The City Council remains committed to safeguarding the community’s interests and ensuring fair and reasonable gas rates for all.

For inquiries or further information, please contact the City of Cuero.