U.S. Army Center of Military History photo
The Continental Army: America's First Line of Defense
Murray Montgomery
By Murray Montgomery - Staff Writer
Friday, August 14, 2026
contributed photo
Beginning this school year, the University Interscholastic League has put into effect that a “heat stress” monitor must be used for any outdoor athletic or marching band activities.The UIL refers to this requirement as a “Heat Stress & Athletic Participation Required Plan.” As part of the plan,…
U.S. Army Center of Military History photo
By Murray Montgomery - Staff WriterOver the years, I have written many articles about people who have fought to defend this great place we call America. However, I don’t recall ever writing anything about those bold patriots who served in our first army – the army that would be…
The Texas State Board of Education approved what could be a controversial new curriculum mandate that requires public school students to read and study Bible stories. This phased rollout will begin in 2030.“This will go into effect in the 2030-31 school year,” Moulton ISD Superintendent Clay…
The Yoakum Independent School District approved the student and employee handbook at the Aug. 10 board meeting.There are no major changes in the handbooks; however, one change in the student handbook includes the work-base program for students. This is mainly for junior and seniors who do a work…
DeWitt County Commissioners approved the DeWitt County Child Welfare Board budget at the Aug. 10 meeting.The Child Welfare Board serves kids in foster care. The commissioners gives the board annually money to purchase items for their “Rainbow Room.”“We need additional funds for the Rainbow Room,”…
Classes begin at Sacred Heart Catholic School on Tuesday, Aug. 18, with the opening bell ringing at 7:53 a.m. Classes will be dismissed at the same time as in past years.Cafeteria prices for the 2026-27 school year are as follows: Pre-K-4 $5; Grades 5-12 $6; milk $.50; faculty - $6; and adult guest…
The Hallettsville ISD Board of Trustees met in a special-called meeting Monday evening and set the meal prices for the year.This item had been tabled at the July regular meeting to gather more information regarding the meal prices.The board approved the 2026-27 meal prices that includes $4.25 for…
The annual St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Praha picnic is set for this Saturday, Aug. 15 with all activities to take place at the parish grounds.The church and picnic grounds are located at 821 FM 1295 near Flatonia.The Pražská Pout, which is always held on The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary…
Local artists, Roy and Blanche Cavaretta and Michael Moore placed at the 55th annual Ruidoso Art Festival that took placetwo weeks ago in in Ruidoso, New Mexico. The Cavarettas won best of show, while Roy also won first place in mixed media for one of his gourd entries. Michael Moore brought home a second place finish for a fused glass entry. From left are Roy Cavaretta and Michael Moore. Blanche Cavaretta is absent from the photo. Photo provided by Michael Moore
Two local Hallettsville artists entered exhibits in the 55th annual Ruidoso Art Festival in Ruidoso, New Mexico two weeks ago with Roy Cavaretta winning first place in mixed media for one of his outstanding Gourds submitted.Also Roy and his wife Blanche won best in show with their entries.A second…
Following executive session at Monday’s Hallettsville ISD Board of Trustees meeting, the board named Callie Kresta as the district’s safety and security coordinator and school marshal for the 2026-27 school year.Kresta, who has served as the Lady Brahmas softball coach, in which her 2022 team won…
The Lavaca County Commissioners’ Court met Monday and voted to implement a burn ban for the county.Lavaca County Fire Chiefs Association liaison Tim Decker told the court the association goes off a Keetch Byram Drought Index (KBDI) average reading of 500 during the summer months.The reported…
State mandates Bible curriculum starting 2030
News Staff
The Texas State Board of Education approved what could be a controversial new curriculum mandate...
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
County implements burn ban
Jimmy Appelt
The Lavaca County Commissioners’ Court met Monday and voted to implement a burn ban for the county.
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
contributed photo
UIL mandates "heat stress" monitor
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Beginning this school year, the University Interscholastic League has put into effect that a “heat stress” monitor must be used for any outdoor athletic or marching band activities.The UIL refers to this requirement as a “Heat Stress & Athletic Participation Required Plan.
News
YISD approves Student/Employee Handbook
News Staff
The Yoakum Independent School District approved the student and employee handbook at the Aug.
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
DeWitt Commissioners approve 2026-2027 Child Welfare Board budget at meeting
News Staff
DeWitt County Commissioners approved the DeWitt County Child Welfare Board budget at the Aug.
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Classes begin at Sacred Heart Catholic School Tuesday
News Staff
Classes begin at Sacred Heart Catholic School on Tuesday, Aug.
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Sports
contributed photo
Indians making progress
Chuck Grafe
Back in the day, General Electric had a slogan “Progress is our most important product.
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
contributed photo
Brahmas in first dress rehearsal
Chuck Grafe
Head coach Levi Montgomery will get a look at the Brahmas against outside competition when they...
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Drew Wenske
Shiner baseball: Wenske pitches in 11 games for SFA
News Staff
Shiner graduate and Stephen F.
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
lifestyle
Local artists, Roy and Blanche Cavaretta and Michael Moore placed at the 55th annual Ruidoso Art Festival that took placetwo weeks ago in in Ruidoso, New Mexico. The Cavarettas won best of show, while Roy also won first place in mixed media for one of his gourd entries. Michael Moore brought home a second place finish for a fused glass entry. From left are Roy Cavaretta and Michael Moore. Blanche Cavaretta is absent from the photo. Photo provided by Michael Moore
Local artists places at NM art festival
Jimmy Appelt
Two local Hallettsville artists entered exhibits in the 55th annual Ruidoso Art Festival in...
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
“Texas Jack” Omohundro – Wikipedia Photo
The Old West Superstar You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Murray Montgomery
By Murray Montgomery
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Blackie Bludau cuts open this watermelon at his home in Hallettsville. Bludau grows watermelons for sale annually.
Bludau raises another good watermelon crop
News Staff
Bruce “Blackie” Bludau figured out long ago that growing watermelons was a good idea in Lavaca...
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Obituaries
Carl Allen Cox
Carl Allen Cox
News Staff
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Carl Allen Cox, 68, of Dublin, Texas.
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Sylvia Rivera
Sylvia Rivera
News Staff
Sylvia Rosas Rivera, 101, of Yoakum, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2026 at her home, surrounded by...
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Billy Wayne Long
Billy Wayne Long
News Staff
Billy Wayne Long, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 surrounded by his loved ones.
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Edwin J. Herman
Edwin J. Herman
News Staff
Edwin John Herman, 81, of Shiner, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
