Wilson County News

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What or where (WOW) is this? The first correct guess drawn Monday, Aug. 17, will win a prize package that includes a one-year subscription. Send entries — including your name, hometown, and a daytime telephone number — to WOW!, Wilson County News, 1012 C St., Floresville, TX 78114, or email [email protected], putting WOW in the subject line. Entries must be received by 9 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 17. Article Link

The following defendants were among those listed on recent dockets for the 81st District Court in Wilson County: •Warner D. Vaught, 54, of La Vernia pleaded nolo contendere (no contest) July 15 to a charge of theft of aluminum/bronze/copper material valued at less than ,000, and two charges of theft of property valued at less than ,500 with two or more previous convictions, after an alleged incident in September 2024. For each charge, he was sentenced to 12 months in the Wilson County Jail, to be served concurrently, and ordered to pay court costs and fees. •Nicholas Milner, 30, of... Article Link

Area law-enforcement agencies have reported the following recent activity: Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested and charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. La Vernia Police Department •July 18, Xavier R. Rodriguez, 23, of Elmendorf was arrested in the 7700 block of F.M. 1346 in San Antonio after an attempted traffic stop by officers for multiple violations. The driver, Rodriguez, fled, leading officers on a high-speed pursuit through Wilson and Bexar counties. The pursuit ended when Rodriguez lost control of the vehicle and crashed, catching the vehicle on fire. A search of... Article Link

In the July 22 photo, “Local agencies participate in rapid response training,” the individual pictured with Floresville ISD Police Chief Lyle Key is Poth Volunteer Fire Department Capt. Steven Martinez, not Steven Ramirez, as stated in the caption. Readers can alert the Wilson County News to any errors in news articles by emailing [email protected] or by calling 830-216-4519. Article Link

It’s halfway through the year, which is a great time for taxpayers to do a quick check to make sure they’re on a smooth track to next filing season. Here are some tips: Keep good tax records. Taxpayers should keep all important tax records in one place. They can use electronic recordkeeping software or clearly labeled paper folders and add documents as they receive them. Organized records make tax return preparation easier and may help taxpayers identify deductions or credits they might otherwise miss. Identify filing status. A taxpayer’s filing status affects their tax requirements, deductions, credits, and tax liability.... Article Link

Wilson County Adoption & Rescue Services is looking for dedicated volunteers who want to get involved and help make a difference! We are currently looking for volunteers to assist in several areas: •Fundraising & Events •Scholarships & Grant Opportunities •Adoption Event Coordinator Interested in volunteering? Please send us an email at [email protected] to learn more and get involved! Ready to meet your new best friend? Submit an application at: https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/WCNK/Dog. Make an appointment to visit us! You’re welcome to see our adoptable pups at the shelter 7 days a week. Some dogs are in loving foster homes, so visits with... Article Link

The Seguin Art League welcomes members of the community to attend “The Little Fisherman” ceramics class with clay artist Roger Betschler at the gallery on Saturdays, Aug. 8 and Sept. 12, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Students will create a ceramic fish inspired by the book, “The Little Fisherman.” The sculpture will be made during the first class and will be glazed during the second class. The cost is . The class is limited to 10 participants age 12 and older. A “Sun Soaked Waterflower” beginning watercolor class will be offered on Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 1-4 p.m. The cost is ... Article Link

The Wilson County Jailhouse Museum is open to visitors on the second and fourth Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 19th century building, located at 1140 C St. in Floresville, served as the county sheriff’s family residence as well as a jailhouse until 1974. Admission is a person for ages 13 and up; and free for those ages 12 and younger. Donations to support the museum can be made at the door or mailed to the Wilson County Historical Society at P.O. Box 101, Floresville, TX 78114. Upcoming open dates are for the museum... Article Link

Tickets are on sale for Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Benefit on Saturday, Aug. 8, featuring dinner, dance, a prize drawing, and auction. The event is set for 3:15 p.m. to midnight at Kosciusko Hall. Tickets are 0 per couple and include entry, appetizers, drinks, and dinner. Enjoy barbecue and sausage with all the trimmings, catered by Outlaw Catering. Mass will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 488 W. Westmeyer in Poth, at 3 p.m. Then head over to Kosciusko Hall, 7975 F.M. 541, for a great evening of fun benefiting the parish. After dinner, enjoy the prize drawings and... Article Link

Enjoy a day of fun at the annual Kosciusko Community Picnic, Sunday, Aug. 2, on the grounds of the Kosciusko Community Hall, located at 7975 F.M. 541. Grounds open at 10 a.m. Barbecue plates with beef, Polish sausage, and all the trimmings will be available for . Serving starts at 10:30 a.m. Guests can dine in, drive through, or take a plate to go. Activities throughout the day include bingo from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., a live auction at 2 p.m., kids’ games, a bouncy house, and a prize drawing at 3:30 p.m. Homemade baked goods will be sold,... Article Link

Enjoy an afternoon of bingo, food, and fun on Sunday, Aug. 2, with American Legion Auxiliary Unit 539 at 14290 F.M. 1346 in St. Hedwig. Doors of the Legion Hall open at 2 p.m., prior to the start of bingo at 3 p.m. Four sessions of eight games will be played, with a short break between the second and third sessions. Card costs vary. Only cash or checks will be accepted. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. For information, call 210-296-1990 or email [email protected]. Article Link

Come listen and dance to live classic country music by Wyatt Aleman and the Floresville Opry House Band at the Floresville Opry on Thursday, Aug. 6, from 6-9:15 p.m., in the Wilson County Expo and Community Center. Doors open at 5 p.m. Guests can sit down to enjoy a chicken Alfredo dinner provided by Outlaw Catering for per plate. Attendees are welcome to take their own adult beverages. Setups, soft drinks, concessions, and desserts will be available. General admission is per person or reserve a table for eight for 0. Proceeds benefit the Wilson County Historical Society. For... Article Link

Casa Navarro State Historic Site in San Antonio is offering families a morning of fun from 10 a.m. to noon every Wednesday through August. Each week features a different hands-on activity, craft, or demonstration designed to help visitors explore history through creativity and play. Activities are geared toward children but are suitable for all ages. Activities are included with general site admission, and no advance registration is required. Scheduled activities include: •July 29 — Corn-grinding demonstrations •Aug. 5 — Paraph, a signature flourish, activity •Aug. 12 — Ojos de Dios craft •Aug. 19 — Adobe brickmaking •Aug. 26 — Tin... Article Link

Helen Campos of La Vernia celebrates her 90th birthday July 18 with a surprise lunch at Cam’s Event Center/Rabel’s Roadhaus BBQ in La Vernia, joined by more than 50 family members and friends. Pictured with Helen are her daughters (back, l-r) Lisa Campos and Diana Quintanilla, granddaughter Erica (right) and husband Johnny “B.J.” Soto III (third from left), and great-grandsons Adryen (second from right) and Exavior Soto. Article Link

AI describes the “42” dominoes game as a “classic trick-taking game played with a standard double-six domino set.” It was invented in 1887 in Garner, Texas, and is often referred to as the “national game of Texas.” Nancy Hons Walpole says she didn’t know it was invented in Texas, but she grew up spending many a Sunday afternoon playing “42” with her extended family. Nancy recently paired up with Doug Strause to take first place in a friendly “42” domino tournament at the Live Oak County Entertainment Center, 705 Brazos St. in George West. The “42” dominoes craze has been... Article Link

Lauren Gaudlitz of Floresville takes the Wilson County News as she visits historic Mount Vernon, the beloved home of George Washington, just outside Washington, D.C. During her visit this past spring, Lauren explored the estate, stood where our nation’s first president welcomed distinguished guests such as the Marquis de Lafayette, visited Washington’s final resting place, reflected at the slave memorial and burial ground, and took in the same beautiful landscape and Potomac River views that Washington himself once admired. Walking the grounds where so much history unfolded made America’s past come alive for her and served as a meaningful reminder... Article Link

La Vernia now can boast of having one of what many other Texas cities have. As we drive through Texas towns this summer, we notice one thing cities like Austin, Brenham, Lockhart, Kingsville, Crystal City, Rockport, Corpus Christi, Wichita Falls, Llano, New Braunfels, and Seguin have in common: They all have murals. According to https://discovertexasphotos.com/journal/murals-of-texas/, “murals have a way of transforming a town, adding bursts of color and personality to buildings that might otherwise blend into the landscape.” Every town has a history, its own story to tell. A mural can capture those important formative moments in a town’s existence... Article Link

So far, the number is .5 billion. That’s how much we’ve spent so far on the war against Iran. What have we got to show for it, other than lost American lives? What could we do with that money at home? I’m not even up to those questions yet, because .5 billion is just the start of the story. The administration has also requested up to billion in additional funding related to the conflict, much of it for military operations, munitions, and equipment replenishment. That request is separate from the .5 billion already spent. And neither of those requests... Article Link

Last week I took a daylong field trip touring a giant data center near Dulles International Airport in Loudon County, Virginia. “The cloud” is the hardware that stores trillions of data files, research, love letters, the entirety of the Library of Congress and virtually everything else ever written, invented or retrievable online. The cloud is synonymous with “data center.” Many people don’t realize that without these massive data centers — that have somehow been demonized by everyone across the political spectrum from Elizabeth Warren to Steve Bannon — there is no internet, there is no data storage, there are no... Article Link

As the stranger enters the country store, he spots a sign: “Danger! Beware of Dog!” Down one aisle, he spots a harmless old hound asleep in the middle of the floor. “Is that the dog we’re supposed to be aware of?” he asked the store owner. “That’s him,” comes the reply in an old slow southern drawl. “Well, he doesn’t look dangerous to me. Why would you post that sign for such a harmless old dog?” The store owner looked down at his beloved dog, then up at the stranger and said, “It’s more for the safety of the dog... Article Link

Dear Dave, My wife and I are on Baby Step 2 of your plan, and we’re paying off our debt as quickly as possible. I’ve even put my motorcycle up for sale for ,000 to help us get out of debt faster. The other day, a guy offered me 0 cash and a fishing boat for the bike. I’ve always really wanted a boat, but picking up a toy feels weird when we’re trying to get out of debt. Plus, the money portion of the deal would only make a tiny dent in what we owe. What do you think... Article Link

It may be midsummer, but the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and Floresville Police Department are encouraging area residents and organizations to think of Christmas — specifically, their “Blue Santa” program. Blue Santa helps provide Christmas gifts for area families in need, for children in those households ages 12 and younger. A first-responder dodgeball tournament June 24 raised awareness for the program and invited attendees to donate gifts as the price of admission. Area residents can donate to the program any time, said sheriff’s office Public Information Officer Deputy Skylar Dailey. New, unwrapped toys and games are welcome. Monetary donations to... Article Link

Workforce Solutions Alamo (WSA) reports the June 2026 unemployment rate for the eight-county San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan statistical area (MSA) is 4.8 percent; the June unemployment rate increased over the month from the May 2026 rate of 4.1 percent and is eight-tenths of a point (0.8) higher than the 4.0 rate from a year ago in June 2025. The June 2026 unemployment rate for the San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan statistical area (MSA) is lower than the state’s not seasonally adjusted (actual) June 2026 rate of 4.9 percent. The Civilian Labor Force for the MSA decreased by 3,845 individuals over the... Article Link

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) last month approved changes to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’ (ERCOT) process for evaluating requests from data centers and other large power users seeking to connect to the Texas grid. The new process more effectively manages the rapid growth in grid interconnection requests while ensuring electric reliability for Texas homes and businesses. The changes followed Gov. Greg Abbott’s direction June 10 for ERCOT and the PUCT to take immediate steps to protect residential ratepayers from the costs of data center expansion. A record number of large electric users are lining up to... Article Link

Flooding from the recent severe thunderstorms didn’t only bring concerns about evacuation along Cibolo Creek. As the creek swelled with the heavy rainfall and overflowed its banks July 15 in areas such as Boerne and Schertz, another concern arose: The flooding caused damage to the wastewater pumps in Fair Oaks Ranch near Boerne. This triggered a spill of 75,000 gallons of wastewater into Cibolo Creek. That amount of spillage could adversely affect the creek’s health, along with raising health concerns for marine life, soil, and communities downstream of the spill, including New Berlin, La Vernia, Sutherland Springs, Stockdale, Falls City,... Article Link

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints invites community members to explore their ancestry at free family history workshops. These are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 636 Oakhaven in Pleasanton. The next workshops are set for Aug.12 and Sept.9. The workshops are free and open to the community. All ages are welcome and no experience is necessary. Participants are invited to just learn and have fun.Laptops will be available, and coaches will be there to help. Take your laptop, tablet, and/or phone and volunteers will help you set your device up to search family history... Article Link

Texans can save money on tax-free purchases of most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks (sold for less than 0) during the annual back-to-school Tax-Free weekend Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 7-9. Qualifying items can be purchased tax free from a Texas store or from an online or catalog seller doing business in Texas. In most cases, you do not need to give the seller an exemption certificate to buy qualifying items tax free. The 2026 sales tax holiday begins Friday, Aug. 7, and goes through midnight Sunday, Aug.9. The sales tax exemption applies only to qualifying items you buy during... Article Link

Wilson County Emergency Services District 3 (ESD 3) will honor 13 individuals who helped establish ESD 3’s predecessor, the Stockdale Emergency Medical Services (EMS), with a plaque. Stockdale resident Johnny Akin presented several historical items to the ESD 3 board of commissioners July 20 that were discovered while cleaning out a family member’s home, said ESD 3 Chief David Rice. ESD 3 provides EMS to all of eastern Wilson County, including the cities of Stockdale and La Vernia, and parts of Guadalupe County. “Among the items were documents related to the first EMT class, consisting of 13 individuals who graduated... Article Link

A crew boring to install fiber optic lines is the reason for a gas leak that prompted the city of Stockdale to completely shut off its natural gas service to the city last week. According to City Manager Stephen Mayfield, contractors for Spectrum who were boring in the vicinity of Eighth Street to install fiber optic lines damaged natural gas lines July 22, which prompted the citywide shut off the following day. Residents and businesses in Stockdale with gas appliances found they had no hot water and no way to cook breakfast July 23, due to the gas leak. Mayfield... Article Link

The Wilson County Grand Jury met July 13 and returned indictments in 19 cases. The following 6 individuals are among the defendants scheduled for arraignment Aug. 13: •Matthew T. Herrera, 23, of Nixon was indicted on a charge of possession of a prohibited substance or item in a correctional facility, after an alleged incident in December 2025. •Kalistro F. Linares, 26, of Elmendorf was indicted on a charge of evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and a charge of possession of less than 1 gram of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 1 or 1-B, after an alleged incident... Article Link

Robert A. Nichols of La Vernia has received a 15-year sentence for sexually assaulting his biological daughter. A Wilson County jury found Nichols guilty on July 22 of three counts of sexual assault and sentenced him to 15 years in prison on each count. However, 81st Judicial District Attorney Audrey Gossett Louis explained that because the crime was committed at a time when Texas law did not allow stacking sentences for adult sexual assaults, Nichols will serve no more than 15 years for his crimes. He will be eligible for parole in 7-1/2 years. Nichols turned himself in to the... Article Link

View WCN’s video coverage of these meetings online at wilsoncountynews.com/meeting-coverage/. Floresville City Council July 23 Wilson County Commissioners July 27 Floresville Economic Development Corp. Meeting: Special meeting, July 23, 6:09 p.m., with executive session. Actions: •Tabled the July 11 meeting minutes •Tabled an amendment of the Service Development Agreement between the City of Floresville and the Floresville Economic Development Corp., related to revisions of administrative services, personnel administration, financial reimbursements, communication protocols, and other terms deemed appropriate by the board •Approved an agreement for architectural services with Negrete & Kolar Architects, LLP for the Downtown Business Plaza project •Approved to... Article Link

The City of Nixon has launched the Nixon Central Park Recognition & Donation Program! Nixon Central Park will be home to a beautiful Veterans Wall of Honor, a lasting tribute to those who have served our nation and an important part of the vision that inspired this community space. As the park continues to take shape, residents, families, organizations, and supporters are invited to become part of its story. Contributions may be made toward approved park features, including recognition and memorial benches and other enhancements that help create a beautiful, welcoming place for generations to enjoy. Whether you’d like to... Article Link

The Midland school district is suing Education Commissioner Mike Morath and other state leaders in another challenge to the state’s public school finance system, known as “Robin Hood,” according to The Texas Tribune. Three legal challenges over the past three decades have failed, with Texas courts ruling that the recapture system complies with the state constitution. Under recapture, wealthier school districts — such as Midland, with its considerable oil and gas holdings — send money to the state, which then distributes it to school districts with low property values. In the case of Midland, the district sent million back... Article Link

Join the Floresville Lions Club for its monthly meeting on the second Thursday of each month at noon, at Jacks Café in Floresville. The next meeting is set for Thursday, Aug. 13. When it comes to meeting challenges, the Lions Club’s response is simple: We serve. In 207 countries, in hospitals and senior centers, in regions battered by natural disaster, in schools and eyeglass recycling centers, Lions are doing community volunteer work, helping, leading, planning and supporting. Because we’re local, we can serve the unique needs of the communities we live in. And because we’re global, we can address challenges... Article Link

The Floresville Community Mural project invites the community to a reveal event on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 10 a.m. at Mrs. Annie’s Peanut Patch at the corner of B and Third streets. The Wilson County Beautification Association and Floresville Beautiful, along with the city of Floresville, encourage everyone to participate in the celebration of this colorful new addition to downtown Floresville. The project was brought to life by featured artist Rosy McCain of Canvas Kids, talented local artists and volunteers, the Wilson County Beautification Association, Floresville Beautiful, the City of Floresville, and project sponsors. Mrs. Annie’s Peanut Patch is located... Article Link

Head to Tiger Lane in Floresville on Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 6-8 p.m. for a sweet celebration featuring fun activities for Floresville Independent School District (ISD) students. Games, ice cream, and a high-energy pep rally will get everyone excited for the new school year! It’s going to be a cool way to reconnect, celebrate, and kick off another great year at Floresville ISD. Take the family, show your school spirit, and get ready for a night that will be the cherry on top of summer! Article Link

Kelsey Valadez gets some help with the scissors July 18, at the ribbon cutting and grand opening of her boutique, Dandelion Wishes — Threads & Things, at 6810 U.S. 181 N., north of Floresville near the intersection with F.M. 775. The event also featured vendors, food trucks, and a prize basket drawing. The boutique offers apparel for women, men, and children; gifts, accessories, and unique finds; home décor and more. Article Link

Flanked by members of the Floresville Chamber of Commerce, owner Tylane Barnes is ready July 21 to cut the ribbon at the Floresville Early Education Academy. Located at 88 Sandbox Drive north of Floresville, the academy — which officially opened June 8 — accepts children from 6 months to 5 years old during the day, and ages pre-K through fifth grade in the afternoon. The academy’s programs focus on literacy, math, and gardening. “My passion is expanding opportunities and making sure kids can have a good solid foundation to build upon in their education,” Barnes said. “This extends beyond here... Article Link

[Video below] Wilson County commissioners will not proceed with a tax abatement application submitted by Scout Energy for the Moonstone Solar project. A number of citizens addressed the project at the July 27 commissioners court meeting before attorney Blakely Fernandez, who represents rep- the county, delivered an extensive presentation outlining the application points required by the county before requesting a tax abatement. “This tax abatement could be a critical tool in helping counties bring public improvements to the area,” said Wilson County resident Debi Segovia. “Solid county leadership balances smart development with minimal impacts to agriculture, community heritage, and natural... Article Link

[Video below] A meeting of the Floresville City Council came to an abrupt end July 22, after two councilmen departed the meeting early; shortly after, Mayor Gloria Morales Cantu — without a vote from the remaining councilmen — terminated the meeting with a bang of her gavel. Moments later, the lights went out over residents who were attempting to gather their belongings and leave. These actions were preceded by an executive session at the start of the meeting, followed by a lengthy public comment period and discussion from the council regarding the state of the city of Floresville. Public comments... Article Link

Floresville Mayor Gloria Morales Cantu (center) and Floresville Police Department officers and staff applaud as police Chief Anthony Flores cuts the ribbon — actually a police caution tape — on July 24 to officially open the department’s new station, located at 920 C St. The new, more secure, technologically up-to-date, and more spacious structure succeeds the former post office the department has been using, next door to the new building. Addressing the local community, Flores said “This police station belongs to you.” Article Link

Fans of Stockdale athletics, mark your calendars now for Brahma Fan Fest, set for Thursday, Aug. 6, in the Stockdale ISD Admin Building Block. From 4:30-8:30 p.m., meet members of Stockdale High School cheer, football, volleyball, and cross country teams, and members of the Mighty Brahma marching band. The event will feature the “Our Culture Cook-off” and open mic. Participants also can enjoy local vendors and food trucks. The Stockdale Athletic Booster Club also will host the Brahmas Meet and Greet on Saturday, Aug. 15, at the parish hall at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Stockdale. This fundraiser is an... Article Link

It’s a day at the San Antonio Zoo July 17 for the court-elect of the Floresville Peanut Festival 2026 “Court of Confectionery Creations.” During the summer months, the court-elect visits area dignitaries, cities, and organizations on their annual publicity trip to promote the Peanut Festival, held the second full weekend in October in downtown Floresville. Mark your calendars now for Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 8-10, for festivities and fun for the whole family! Article Link

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Adelyn Scull of La Vernia has been elected to the FCCLA National Executive Council as the National Vice President of Competitive Events for 2026-27. Out of more than 270,000 FCCLA members nationwide, Adelyn has been chosen to serve as a national student leader, representing FCCLA members across the country. In this prestigious role, she will help elevate student voices, promote the FCCLA mission, and inspire future leaders through service, leadership, and dedication. FCCLA — Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America — is a national Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for students in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education.... Article Link

[Video below] Water supplies, electrical reliability, property rights, and local government authority were the focus of a public forum held in Atascosa County. This reflects growing public concern as companies continue exploring data center sites across South Texas. Atascosa County Judge Weldon Cude opened the July 7 meeting that brought together county leaders, state representatives, groundwater officials, utility representatives, and residents seeking answers about how future data center projects could affect the county. Just the facts “We’re here to share factual information, explain the county’s regulatory authority, discuss current and future business impacts, answer questions, and listen to concerns,” Cude... Article Link

The following defendants were among those listed on recent dockets for the 81st District Court in Wilson County: •Alaina M. Hernandez, 20, of San Antonio was originally sentenced to four years of deferred adjudication for a charge of fraudulent use or possession of fewer than five items of identifying information, after an alleged incident in December 2024. After a June 30 motion to revoke for violating probationary terms, she pleaded “true” and was sentenced to 52 days in the Wilson County Jail. •Christina A. Vincent, 43, of La Vernia was originally sentenced in January 2024 to eight years of community... Article Link

Area law-enforcement agencies have reported the following recent activity: Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested and charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. Department of Public Safety •July 11, Michael I. Parra, 32, of Floresville was arrested in the 8000 block U.S. 181 N. north of Floresville and charged with driving while intoxicated and unlawful carrying of a weapon. Floresville Police Department •July 6, Vincente J. Rodriguez, 61, of Floresville was arrested at the intersection of D and Fourth streets and charged with displaying a fictitious, altered, or obscured vehicle plate or... Article Link