SWEET HOME: Elsie Frances Kupka, age 74, passed away Saturday, February 22, 2025. She was born September 13, 1950, in Hallettsville to Eddie and Frances Prasek Kupka.
She retired from the Houston Chronicle after 42 years of service. She was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church. She enjoyed being around family, tending to her dogs, cooking, fishing and was an avid Houston Texans fan.
Preceded in death by parents; brother, James Kupka; two fur-babies, Savanna and Daisy.
Visitation 5:30-7 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Rosary on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home.
Funeral Mass 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Sweet Home with Rev. Dominic Antwi-Boasiako officiating. Burial Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Craig Bednark, James Marsell’s, Doug Laqua, Calder Peagler, Brandon Lampley and Clint Kupka. Honorary pallbearers: Bear Stueber, John Sharp, Joey Svetlik, Ray Peagler, Wrandall Lampley, Hannah Lampley and Faith Lampley.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or Pet Adoptions of Cuero.
Arrangements by Thiele-Cooper Funeral home 361-293-5656.
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Yorktown are excited to announce a special baby shower event to benefit The Gabriel Project of the Crossroads, located in DeWitt County. This heartfelt initiative aims to support expecting mothers and families in need within our community.
If you would like to contribute, we warmly welcome your donations. Items can be dropped off in the crib located in the foyer of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Yorktown, Texas. To ensure they meet the most pressing needs, please refer to the attached list for current essential items.
Thank you for your generosity and support in making this baby shower a success and for helping those who need it most.
For more information, please contact Holy Cross Catholic Church in Yorktown.
February 22, 3:00 PM – unveiling of the Museum Founder’s Mural at the Pharmacy and Medical Museum of Texas, 114 East Main Street, Cuero. Mural honors Joe and Wanda Reuss. Mural is upstairs, no elevator available.
Cuero German School
February 25, 3:00-4:00 PM – dedication of English German School historical marker, English German School, 205 North Terrell on Chisholm Trail Museum grounds. Classroom open for viewing following dedication.
March 23, 2:00-4:00PM – presentation of C H Waltersdorff’s History of DeWitt County, English German School, 205 North Terrell on Chisholm Trail Museum grounds. Dr James Kearney, translator and contributor, PhD from University of Texas in Germanic Studies will be present. Kaffeklatsch and German wine tasting
March 1st - 7th 2025 De Witt County Youth Livestock Show Week
The De Witt County Commissioners Court adopts a resolution proclaiming March 1st through March 7th, 2025, as De Witt County Youth Livestock Show Week.
Book Signing by Elizabeth Crook
April 3, 5:30 – book signing by Elizabeth Crook, author of historical fiction set in Texas, Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum Wofford Room. $10 admission fee, free admission with purchase of book at museum gift shop
De Witt County Employees Receive Certificates of Achievement
The following De Witt County Employees received Certificates of Achievement from the FEMA Emergency Management Institute indicating employees have completed the ICS 300 course: Lisa A. Campos, Natalie D. Carson, Michael R. Dietzel, Chelsea R. Gloshen, Mark Herchek, Ashley E. Hunt, Roy A. Kuester, Bethany B. McBride Hobbs, Desi Poth-Garibay, Amanda Stehling, and Neomi Williams.
Ashley Hunt, De Witt County Human Resources Director; Neomi Williams, De Witt County Auditor; Michael Dietzel, De Witt County 1st Assistant Auditor, have completed the ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 courses. The FEMA courses provide essential training on the Incident Command System (ICS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The courses cover the history, principles, and organizational structure of ICS, along with its relationship to NIMS. Additionally, the training prepares personnel for supervisory roles in initial response situations and emphasizes collaboration across all levels of government, NGOs, and the private sector to effectively manage incidents and ensure a cohesive response.
Meyersville Volunteer Fire Department
Facebook photo
Feb 6, 2025 -Meyersville VFD held their monthly training session at Brenham FD, where firefighters focused on ladder techniques and VEIS (Vent, Enter, Isolate, Search).
Feb 9, 2025 @ approximately 5:30 the Meyersville VFD responded to a crash on Highway 105 and Allen Rd.
Stew Fundraiser – The Meyersville Volunteer Fire Department will host a stew fundraiser Saturday March 1, 2025, from 11 am to 1 pm. $12 per quart at the Fire station. Presale tickets available at Meyersville Store, Cuero Lube and Tire, and Gohmert Air Conditioning. For more information call 361-649-2158
Yoakum, Texas
Yoakum –
Yoakum Chamber of Commerce holds Land of Leather Days Feb. 15, 2025.
Annual Tom-Tom Relays and cheer on Yoakum Track this Thursday, February 27th Good Luck to all participating in the Track Meet!
-Yoakum FFA students recently showed their swine projects at San Angelo and had amazing results!
Star Gilt Show
•Hanna Garvin-3rd place all other crossbred, 8th place white crossbred
•Karli Idlett-4th place all other crossbred
Junior Gilt Show
•Hanna Garvin-2nd place spot
•Addy Cretors-8th place spot
Yoakum ISD files Eminent Domain Lawsuit
-Yoakum ISD filed the following eminent domain lawsuits in DeWitt County District Court identifying the following defendants and real property: 24-062-DCCV-00269 (Defendants Janie or George Green; Unknown Heirs, Assigns, or Legal Representatives of Same; Charles Parr) (906 Boyle St; Lot Nos. 16 and 17 in Block 2 of Sunset Addition, Yoakum, TX) 24-062-DCCV-00268 (Defendants Frank or Leola Parr; Unknown Heirs, Assigns, or Legal Representatives of Same; Charles Parr) (916 Baldwin St; Lot 5 in Block 2 of Sunset Addition, Yoakum, TX) 24-062-DCCV-00267 (Defendants Martha Johnson or Hattie Harris; Unknown Heirs, Assigns, or Legal Representatives of Same; Robert Chapman) (920 Baldwin St.; Lot 3 in Block 2 of Sunset Addition, Yoakum, TX) 24-062-DCCV-00266 (Defendants Lucius or Angie Mosely; Unknown Heirs, Assigns, or Legal Representatives of Same; Charles Parr) (922 Baldwin St.; Lot 2 in Block 2 of Sunset Addition, Yoakum, TX) If a Defendant desires to respond, a Defendant must file a written answer with the DeWitt County District Clerk on or before 10:00 A.M. on the Monday following the expiration of 42 days after February 4, 2025. Additional information related to the lawsuits and their citations may be found at topics.txcourts.gov.
WESTHOFF SCHOOL SPRINT FESTIVAL
Westhoff School PTC Annual Spring Festival Saturday, March 29, 2025. 244 Lynch Avenue Westhoff, Tx – Live Auction, cake walk, Country Store, Games. $5 Raffle Tickets for $1000 Beef & Chest Freezer. Pre-Sale BBQ Chicken Plates $10. For more information call 830-236-5519
Cuero, Texas – The 4th Annual Texas Hero Memorial Foundation BBQ Cook-off was a resounding success this past weekend, held at the Cuero Municipal Park. Sanctioned by the International Barbecue Cookers Association (IBCA), the event brought together barbecue enthusiasts and the community for a worthy cause.
Participants competed for a generous $10,000 payout, showcasing their barbecue skills in a friendly yet intense competition. The event raised funds for the Texas Hero Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting first responders, medical workers, and their families.
Despite the chilly weather, with temperatures dropping to 45 and 44 degrees, attendees enjoyed the spirited atmosphere and some of the best barbecue in Texas. The cold didn’t dampen the enthusiasm, as the community gathered to support a meaningful cause.
Congratulations to all the participants, especially those who excelled in the competition:
– 1st Place Chicken: Eddy Morales / The Pitfather BBQ
– 1st Place Brisket: Shawn Trainor / Bottoms Up Smokers
– 1st Place Pork Spare Ribs: Charles Kramer / LoneStar SmokeStacks
A special shoutout to Eddy Morales, known as The Pitfather, who clinched the coveted title of Grand Champion. A huge round of applause to Adam Luna of Black Label Smokers for securing the title of Reserve Grand Champion, and to everyone who heard their number called during the awards ceremony.
Head Judge: Rose Simola
Number of Teams: 28
Overall Results:
| Place | Head Cook | Team | Points |
|——-|———————|————————|——–|
| 1 | Eddy Morales | The Pitfather BBQ | 534.16 |
| 2 | Adam Luna | Black Label Smokers | 532.4 |
| 3 | Ben Asebedo | Boss Crane | 529.84 |
| 4 | Brandon Janecek | Last Minute Cookers | 528.86 |
| 5 | Aaron Cruz | JWS Services | 528.02 |
| 6 | Charles Kramer | LoneStar SmokeStacks | 527.06 |
| 7 | Shawn Trainor | Bottoms Up Smokers | 518.54 |
| 8 | Craig Oakes | Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy | 517.48 |
| 9 | Edward Oakes | Dirt Track Cookers | 515.1 |
| 10 | Donnie Howard | Twisted D Cookers | 507.56 |
| 11 | John Tyrna | The Chopping Block | 505.68 |
| 12 | Obie Culp | 4C’s BBQ | 499.92 |
| 13 | Gerald Johnson | Burnin’ My Money | 499.86 |
| 14 | Zach Smith | Meat-Locker Misfits | 499.08 |
| 15 | Mickey Lang | Lang’s Bad To The Bone BBQ | 495.88 |
The Texas Hero Memorial Foundation BBQ Cook-off exemplified the community’s spirit of generosity and camaraderie. Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and contributed to the event’s success!
Yoakum, Texas – The community is beaming with pride as Deavia Johnson and Raeshele Carrol, two exceptional athletes from Yoakum High School, prepare to compete in the Regional Championship Powerlifting meet. These talented Lady Bulldogs have qualified for the Region V 3A competition, set to take place on February 27, 2025, at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, TX.
Both Deavia and Raeshele have shown remarkable dedication and strength, earning them well-deserved spots in this prestigious event. Their hard work and determination have not only qualified them for regionals but also made them role models and sources of inspiration for their peers and the entire Yoakum community.
The Bert Ogden Arena will witness some fierce competition as these powerlifters showcase their strength and skills. Deavia and Raeshele are ready to give it their all and make Yoakum proud with their outstanding performances.
The Yoakum community stands united in support of these exceptional athletes. Good luck to the Lady Bulldogs as they aim for success at the Regional Championship. Congratulations on qualifying, and best of luck in your upcoming competition. Yoakum Proud!
Josephine Cruz, 61, passed away surrounded by her loved ones on February 11, 2025. Josephine was born on November 14, 1963, to parents Isario Mejia Sr. and Maria Dominguez in Yorktown, Texas.
Josephine is survived by her husband, Edgar Cruz; daughter, Samantha (Joshua) Vigil; son, Christopher (Amber) Garcia Sr.; grandchildren, Jathon Palacio, Dylan Medina, Richard Medina Jr., Jazlyn Vigil, Jocelyn Vigil, Maria Garcia, Kristiana Garcia, Christopher Garcia Jr.; brothers; Joe (Virginia) Mejia and Jesse Mejia.
Josephine is proceeded in death by her parents, brothers Isario Mejia Jr., David Mejia, sister Joanne Nieto.
Visitation
February 17, 2025
9:00am-11:00am
Finch Funeral Chapel, Nixon
Interment
Smiley Latin American Cemetery
You may sign the online guestbook at www.finchfuneralchapels.com
Enrique “Henry” L. Amador 64 of Yorktown died Friday February 21, 2025, in Yorktown. He was born July 15, 1960, in Yorktown to the late Raul and Tomasita Abrigo Amador. Henry spent 42 years with the City of Yorktown advancing to becoming Water and Street Superintendent, retiring from service in 2023. He was a wealth of knowledge of the infrastructure of the City of Yorktown. In his earlier years he enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball. Also enjoyed going fishing with his longtime childhood friend Joe Dee Cornish III.
Henry is survived by brother Daniel Amador and wife Twana; sister-in-law, Inez Amador; half-brother, Enrique Amador (Adelita); nieces, Kasey O’Canas (Robert), Stacey Amador (James Barnette), Erika Amador, Elyss Knobles (Robert), Melissa Haertig, Michelle Amador (Phillip); nephew, Ricky Amador (Debbie); great-nephews, Zane O’Canas, Parker Knobles, Bryer Knobles; great-niece, Raelynne O’Canas.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Federico “Freddy” Amador and baby brother Martin Amador; nephew Adrian Amador.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, February 23, 2025, with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. All at Finch Funeral Chapel-Yorktown.
Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 24, 2025, at the San Luis Catholic Church. Father Scott Hill will be officiating. Interment will follow at the San Luis Catholic Cemetery.
Honoring him by serving as Pallbearers will be, Morris Eckhardt, James Campbell, Jerry Naranjo, Ricky Amador, Robert Knobles, Robert “Casey” O’Canas, and Zane O’Canas. Honorary Pallbearers are Joe Dee Cornish III, Val Mungia, and Ruben Garcia.
Memorials may be given in Henry’s name to the Yorktown Fire Department or the Masses at San Luis Catholic Church.
Arrangements are in the care of Finch Funeral Chapel, 212 E Main St, Yorktown, TX 78164; 361 564-2277.
Online condolences may be shared at www.finchfuneralchapels.com
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.
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.
For more information, please contact Holy Cross Catholic Church in Yorktown.
Yoakum –
