02-05-26

UVALDE, TX – El Progreso Memorial Library invites families to celebrate Spring Break with a full week of hands-on, outdoor-inspired learning as part of its commitment to being a Nature Smart Library. From March 9–13, the library will host a variety of nature-based programs designed to spark curiosity, creativity, literacy, and connection to the natural world. The week will culminate with a special Nature Smart Art Day on Saturday, March 14.

As a proud member of the Texas Children in Nature Network and part of the Nature Everywhere Communities movement, El Progreso Memorial Library is committed to ensuring that all children in Uvalde have access to meaningful outdoor experiences that support their health, learning, and overall well-being.

Throughout Spring Break, families can enjoy:

• Outdoor theater and nature storytelling
• Nature exploration with microscopes
• Nature bingo and scavenger hunts
• Loose parts play encouraging creativity and problem-solving
• Nature-inspired art projects
• Hands-on discovery stations

On Saturday, March 14, in partnership with the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas, participants will create Smart & Art Nature Tiles inspired by local plants, wildlife, and favorite nature stories. These tiles will become part of a collaborative tile project at the library, celebrating the connection between literacy and the natural world.

Our goal is to intentionally tie literacy and the natural world together.

All events are free and open to the public. For a full schedule of activities, follow El Progreso Memorial Library on social media.

Schedule:

 Monday, March 9th | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
FREE & open to all families

• Texas Children in Nature Network

• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

• Texas Department of State Health Services – Zoonosis Team

• Nueces River Authority

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

• Visit Uvalde County

• Deer Valley Apiary

• Starbucks

• Lower Colorado River Authority

• Texas Wildlife Authority

• San Antonio Regional Urban Ecologist | Texas A&M Forest Service

• Uvalde National Fish Hatchery

• Bat Conservation International
• Edwards Aquifer Authority
• Green Thumb Garden Club
• Department of State Health Services Community Health Improvement
• Methodist Healthcare Ministries Wesley Nurse Program

• KLRN PBS Kids – Bringing Zeke from Work it Out Wombats

  • Thanks to KLRN PBS KIDS, children of all ages can enjoy:
     Green It Up activities from Cyberchase
     A Work It Out Wombats! outdoor scavenger hunt
     Hands-on PBS KIDS activities
     A Work It Out Wombats patch for each child
     A free Learn at Home Bag to keep the learning going

 Launching March 9th at our Spring Break Event!

1. Birds & Birding
2. Butterflies & Insects
3. Gardening
4. Native Plants
5. Outdoor Skills
6. Pollinators
7. Reptiles & Amphibians
8. River Exploration
9. Rocks & Fossils
10. Stargazing

 Join us March 9th during Spring Break to celebrate the launch and learn how you can check one out for your next outdoor adventure!

 Tuesday, March 10th | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
FREE & open to all families

This is a wonderful opportunity for children and families to connect literacy with nature while learning about the wildlife and natural beauty right here in our region. 

 Wednesday, March 11th | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
FREE & open to all families

 Thursday, March 12th | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
FREE & open to all families

 Friday, March 13th | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
FREE & open to all families

ESC-20 – Tales and Tails: A Living Library Experience! The library is going wild with a special story time featuring live animal ambassadors from ESC-20 Learning Alive. Families will read a great book together and get an up-close look at a real animal guest. This hands-on experience connects literacy and science in an unforgettable way — bringing children face-to-face with the wonders of the animal kingdom. 

• Houston-based Herpetologist: Learn about snakes and other critters through live demonstrations and engaging talks.
• Visit Uvalde County: Create your own seed bomb in this hands-on activity! Participants will make small seed balls that can be tossed into gardens or natural spaces to help grow plants that provide food and habitat for birds and other wildlife. 

In addition to our special guests, each day of Spring Break, El Progreso Memorial Library will offer its own hands-on nature and literacy activities, ensuring families have opportunities all week long to explore, create, read, and discover.

 Saturday, March 14th | 10:00 AM 
FREE & open to all families

Join us for Smart & Art Saturday to help close out our spring break event!

Press Release from the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

03-03-26

02-11-26

Top Image by omar sahel from Pixabay

Commentary by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

  On Friday, February 13th, the Uvalde Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 106 Annual Uvalde Area Chamber of Commerce Dinner and Awards Banquet at the Uvalde County Fairplex. Event Center.

  In an emailed invitation to Uvalde Hesperian, (a Uvalde Chamber of Commerce member) the message read, “This special evening is our opportunity to come together as a business community to celebrate achievements, recognize outstanding leaders, and reflect on another successful year in Uvalde.”  And each year, the Chamber selects a theme for the gala.  This year’s theme was announced as “A Night at the Disco”

When I read that, I said, “Wait, What?”

 As an early member of Generation-X being born in the mid 1960’s, my childhood and early teen years were spent in the 1970’s and I remember Disco with its bell-bottom slacks, polyester leisure suits with wide collars and ladies platform shoes. Tons of people wanted to learn “The Hustle.” Saturday Night Fever was big back in 1977 with John Travolta strutting to the Bee Gee’s hit, “Staying Alive” and dancing under a spotlight hitting a mirror ball hanging above the center of the dance floor.

  My working parents struggled along with everyone else with high gasoline prices. I remember my mom proverbially clutching her imaginary pearls when gasoline jumped to $59.9. In the late 70’s, gasoline shortages causing long lines at the pump and stagflation paired two economic killjoy buddies together: inflation and unemployment. 

  In 1979 a Revolution in Iran resulted in the capture of Americans who were held hostage for 444 days. The 70’s as a decade were gritty and dirty. It makes sense that Stayin’ Alive was a hit. Most were trying to do that! The 1970’s bright spots included amazing Major League Baseball with teams like the Cincinnati Reds and New York Yankee, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates, a team that rallied around a sister Sledge hit, “We are Family” and made it their World Series anthem.

The Swedish pop group Abba was amazing! So Was Olivia Newtown-John. Roller rinks were a blast when I wasn’t falling down.

  A Disco “groan” hit in the 1970’s was “YMCA” by the Village People.
  Then something amazing happened! Enough people came to their senses and realized, “Hey, Disco sucks.”

  On July 12th, 1979, Major League Baseball held a Disco Demolition Night at Comiskey Park in Chicago which ended in a riot. According to Wikipedia it reads, “At the climax of the event, a crate filled with disco records was blown up on the field between games of the two-night doubleheader between the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers. “

 Then Bob Seger released his hit single in 1979, “Ole-Time Rock and Roll” with some choice lyrics against Disco.

  As a Gen-X’er, Disco wasn’t my music. The Big 80’s were my era where MTV and some seriously good music played.  Now in my late 50’s, I have a few grey hairs, and many consider me old.

  If I had to guess, the theme, A Night at the Disco was probably picked to appeal to the last of the Baby Boomer hold outs. I don’t know. 

 What I can say is I’m giving a hard pass to this year’s Uvalde Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet. I do hope those that go have a great time and it turns out to be a success. But as for the Uvalde Hesperian, it will be designated as a “Disco Free Zone.”

Press release from Southwest Texas College

01-31-26

(Uvalde, Texas) Southwest Texas College (SWTX) is thrilled to announce the commencement of the annual Creative Arts Contest, inviting artists of all ages to showcase their talents and compete for cash prizes and medals.

  The contest, which has garnered widespread participation from across the region, is open to individuals of all skill levels and ages. Entry forms and detailed rules are now available at swtxc.edu, with the entry deadline set for 4 p.m. on March 20.

  “We are excited to provide a platform for individuals to express their creativity and passion for the arts,” said Ismael Martinez, contest coordinator. “The Creative Arts Contest is an opportunity for artists, writers, photographers, and videographers to share their unique perspectives and talents with the community.”

  Participants can compete in a variety of age divisions, including prekindergarten and kindergarten, grades 1-2, grades 3-4, grades 5-6, grades 7-8, grades 9-10, grades 11-12, and community. The contest features literary categories such as poetry, short story and essay, as well as visual art categories including charcoal, computer-generated graphics, drawing with color, mixed media (college and community groups only), painting, pen & ink (one-color ink), pencil, photography (grades 7 & up), and scratchboard.

  The SWTX Creative Arts Contest will culminate with an awards ceremony on April 23 in Uvalde, where first through fourth place winners in each age group and category will receive medals. Moreover, cash prizes of $20 will be presented to overall literary and visual arts winners.

  As part of the submission process, contestants are required to fill out entry forms online and submit their works to the SWTX Library at the Uvalde campus for judging. Additionally, video entries should be uploaded to YouTube, with the link included in the provided space on the entry form.

  For additional information and inquiries, participants can contact contest coordinator Ismael Martinez at imartinez@swtxc.edu or by calling 830-591-2942.

  In the spirit of fostering creativity and artistic expression, SWTX looks forward to welcoming a diverse array of submissions and celebrating the community’s talents through the Creative Arts Contest.

  For updates and any changes to the Awards Ceremony, please visit the college website and follow its social media channels.

About Southwest Texas College
  Southwest Texas College is a regional, “open door” institution serving an 11-county area that stretches from the Texas Hill Country to the US-Mexican border. Since 1946 SWTX has provided accessible, affordable, high-quality education that prepares students to successfully transfer to senior colleges and universities; enter the job market; pursue their professional and personal goals; and contribute to the economic growth of the region. The company’s mission is to enrich lives and advance growth through the education of our diverse communities.

   To learn more about SWTX, visit swtxc.edu. For more information on this story, contact Ismael Martinez, SWTX Social Media/Public Relations Specialist at 830-591-2942 or imartinez@swtxc.edu.

Information provided by Uvalde CISD

12-09-25

Uvalde CISD students will be presenting sounds of the Holiday Season with several music events open to the public.

Uvalde CISD will be having the UCISD District Elementary Christmas Concert tonight, Tuesday, December 9th

UCISD will be hosting the Annual Winter Concert Wednesday, December 10th at the John H. Harrell Auditorium beginning at 6 p.m. The concert will feature performances by the Uvalde High School Band, UHS Color Guard, Morales Junior High Band, and the MJH Beginner Band.

Press release from the Herby Ham Activity Center

Top picture credit: Jack Clarkson Band · Rusch Entertainment

12-07-25

12-05-05 

Press release from Lyte Fiber

Editor’s Note: The following article was received on Friday, December 5th the day of Christmas at the Crossroads and the Parade and is written in future tense. The Uvalde Hesperian supports local businesses and will more often than not run press releases received as soon as possible. 

UVALDE, Texas (Dec. 5, 2025) – Downtown Uvalde will come alive tonight as the community gathers for Christmas at the Crossroads, an annual holiday tradition featuring a festive parade, the official tree lighting ceremony, local performances, seasonal vendors, and family-friendly attractions.

This year’s theme, “Christmas Through the Decades,” brings a nostalgic twist to the celebration, with floats, costumes, and music honoring holiday moments from years past.

One of this year’s biggest highlights is the Christmas at the Crossroads Snow Slide, proudly sponsored by Lyte Fiber. The attraction offers families an opportunity to enjoy a winter-style experience in the heart of Southwest Texas. Admission to the slide is a suggested donation of one canned food item per turn, with all contributions supporting the Uvalde Food Pantry.

“Lyte Fiber is honored to help bring a little holiday magic to the community,” said Tonya McDill, general manager of Lyte’s Southwest Texas region. “Uvalde has always shown remarkable spirit, and we’re proud to support an event that brings families together while giving back to neighbors in need.”

The Christmas at the Crossroads Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. on North Getty St. Immediately following the parade, the community will gather at the Uvalde County Courthouse for the Tree Lighting Ceremony, with performances by the Uvalde Elementary Choir and the Sahawé Dancers.

Vendors on Market Plaza will offer food, drinks, holiday crafts, and light-up toys throughout the evening.

The celebration continues at the Uvalde Grand Opera House,  where children can visit with Santa Claus in the Opera House White Room immediately after the parade. Photos with Santa are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Lyte will also serve as drink sponsor, providing beverages for families attending Breakfast with Santa, from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 501 Ranch, 5892 U.S. 83 South.

# # #

About Lyte Fiber 

Founded in 2023 in Houston, Texas, Lyte Fiber is dedicated to providing the fastest and most reliable home and business fiber optic internet to communities across Texas and beyond. Formed in partnership with SDC Capital Partners, a leading digital infrastructure investment firm, Lyte was started by internet industry veterans passionate about offering a best-in-class customer experience, building a great workplace, and connecting Texas communities. As part of its commitment to each community it serves, Lyte pledges a 1 percent giveback to local charities and causes annually. For more information, visit www.lytefiber.com.

The Uvalde Hesperian will run one campaign announcement from any candidate running for an elected office in either the Democratic or Republican Party Primary free of charge.

Submitted by Diana Olvedo-Karau

11-28-25