January 21st, 2025

  Article submitted by David Fisher

Guest Article submitted by Diana Olvedo-Karau

Top Picture by Diana Olvedo-Karau

01-06-25

  2024 has come to an end and as a community advocate, I am reflecting on politics in Uvalde County and how it will affect us into 2025. Take time to read these thoughts and remember, you have to look beyond the obvious.

    2024 was a presidential election year and in Uvalde County every person that ran for a county office, except maybe one individual, ran on the Republican ticket; after being lifelong Democrats. And almost every individual that ran for an elected office related to law-enforcement, and was present at the Robb School mass shooting, was elected to office.

   City politics had many ups and downs in 2024 beginning with Cody Smith winning the mayor’s race in November 2023 and resigning in April 2024, after defeating Kimberly Rubio, the mother of a child killed in the Robb School massacre. This placed the city council in a position of appointing Lalo Zamora as mayor pro tem, until a runoff election for the mayor’s position had Zamora defeated by Councilman Hector Luevano, a retired DPS officer.

    As happens almost every year, property taxes went up again. In the middle of all this, the Uvalde CISD petitioned the voters for an increased tax rate to help offset a $2 million deficit and Uvalde County commissioners approved a request by the Uvalde Volunteer Fire Department to petition the voters for the creation of an Emergency Service District, which would create another taxing entity. Voters said no to more taxes and defeated both propositions in the November 2024 election.

   The City of Uvalde closed out the year by considering a petition by the Carper Capt family and other investors for the creation of a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) to develop land surrounding the new Legacy Elementary School. The Capt’s donated the land for the new school, which provided a significant tax break for them and also created a burden for the City of Uvalde on how to deal with inadequate streets and infrastructure to handle expected increased traffic and growth in the area. So the perceived solution by too many on the city council is approving the TIRZ to pay for burdens created by accepting the donated land for the new school; thus allowing the Capt’s to develop the land for a profit. In a nutshell the Capt/investors get to use public funds for private gain.

   2025 will be an interesting year to watch in local politics, with the big question being, will Bill Mitchell run for reelection after being County Judge since 1987? There are plenty of people waiting in the wings hoping to take his place; but only if and when Mitchell decides to step down.

   Good old boy, status quo politics was alive and well in Uvalde County and looking to transition smoothly into 2025. Will Uvaldeans continue to sit back and do nothing to change this reality? I for one will continue to work towards change because it’s the only right thing to do. What about you?

12-23-24

Article Submitted by Stan Popovich

Image by Goran Horvat from Pixabay

For many people, in addition to their hardships and mental health challenges, their thoughts are overwhelmed with fear and anxiety. This can paralyze a person, making it challenging to function or think rationally.

If you’ve ever felt like this—if you’ve ever felt like suicide is an option—keep in mind that, regardless of your situation, everything changes over time. You may feel like you can’t take it any longer, but the pain you feel won’t last forever. Even if you feel like your future is hopeless, no one can predict the future, and things can improve.

  Suicide is not the answer. If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide, here’s what you should do.

Go To The Hospital Immediately If It’s More Than Just Thoughts

If you have a plan in place for a suicide, or you’ve acquired the means to complete a suicide, you must call 911 immediately. Or reach out to a loved one and tell them what’s going on—they will likely intervene and bring you to the hospital. You can also call your therapist or psychiatrist, if you have one, and they will help you. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is also available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

Seek Help

If your life is not in immediate danger, the first step is to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. Suicidal ideation is serious and should not be ignored—it requires proper care. Your loved ones, friends, relatives, priests, etc. are all potential sources of help, but they cannot and should not replace professional help. Regardless of your situation, it is essential to ask for help when you need it.

Focus On The Facts Of Your Situation And Not Your Thoughts

When people are depressed, they often can only “hear” their fearful, negative thoughts. This will only make you feel worse. Your fearful thoughts are exaggerated and not based in reality.

When you’re depressed or anxious, focus on the facts of your current situation and not on your fearful and suicidal thoughts. When going through a difficult time, you will tend to think of negative things which might be related to suicide. When this happens remind yourself that your thoughts may exaggerate your current situation. During these cases its best to talk to your counselor who can give you advice on how to reduce symptoms and handle your difficult emotions.

Remember That No Situation Is Hopeless

You never know when the answers you are looking for will come to your doorstep. Even if things look bleak, there are circumstances and factors that you can’t predict which can be used to help overcome your current situation. Remember that all you can do is try your best each day—for yourself. Show self-compassion for the challenges you face and remember that patience, persistence, education, and commitment will go a long way in improving your mental health. Most importantly, get help right away when you feel that suicide is your only option.

  Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear” For more information go to  Stan’s website at http://www.managingfear.com/

Article and picture submitted by K. Irene Stone

12-23–24

Written December 10, 2017, by K. Irene Stone, the first Christmas after I moved
back to Uvalde County.

Gray December Morning Musing: The door slammed behind me as I entered the long
utility hall and walked into the warm kitchen. An enthusiastic “Renee!” greeted me as
Grandma got up from her recliner in the living room. She came over, gave me a hug,
and asked if I wanted some coffee.

Sure, I said, and pulled out a chair to sit at the small kitchen table. She busied herself
getting down the delicate-flowered China cups out of the top cabinet — no coffee mugs
for the Reagans — and poured us both a cup. I’m not much of a coffee drinker but
drinking coffee from a China cup made me feel elegant, cultured. As I took the first sip I
could hear Pop in the living room, cheering on the Spurs.

Grandma sat down by me and before she could lift the cup to her lips, the door
slammed again. We looked up expectantly, and mom walked into the kitchen. Her
yellow sweatshirt was faded and covered with dirt, but she was grinning from ear to ear.
Look what I found, she said, holding out a garden-gloved hand. There, in her covered
palm was a perfect arrowhead, still crusty with dirt. Grandma immediately jumped up,
and, without asking, retrieved another China cup and poured mom a cup of coffee while
Mom carefully placed the arrowhead in my hand. I glanced down at it and enviously
asked, where did you find it? By the cement tank — dug it up, she replied, patting the
rusty spade in the tool belt on her waist. She took the steaming cup from Grandma.
Whew, its cold out there she said as she and Grandma sat down.

I reached over and opened the cookie drawer and pulled out a few stale Oreo cookie
from the opened package. Grandma had the best stale Oreo cookies. I handed Mom
one as the door slammed. We looked over as Daddy walked in, his brown jacket flecked
with deer hair. Got a nice eight-point buck, he grinned, pushing his cowboy hat back.
Bob and WC are dressing it now. Grandma got up, retrieved another cup, filled it up,
and handed him a cup of coffee. He blew on it to cool it. Sure is getting nippy out there,
he commented as he leaned against the kitchen wall, cup in hand.

Did you see the tree? Grandma asked all of us. Your Christmas tree? I asked back. Yes,
only ten days to Christmas, but I got it up in the parlor, she said proudly. Mom and I
scooted our chairs back and followed her into the living room, Daddy trailing behind.
As I passed by Pop, he sat up in his recliner, the footrest making a loud sound. His farm
and cattleman magazines leaned haphazardly on the side table. A couple fell off when I
leaned over and kissed him. A big man, 6′ 5″, he was a softie around his grandkids. I
stood back, forgetting about the TV and the Spurs game. He waved me aside. Can’t see
through muddy water, he said. I laughed, got of his way, and turned as Grandma
motioned me into the parlor with Mom and Daddy.

The back door slammed again, and Darrell walked into the living room, pulling off his
diesel-soiled jacket. It’s cold out there, he said. Daylight’s getting dimmer. Had to come
in with all you sissies. Ha! I said, hugging his neck, the strong scent of diesel
surrounding me, and maybe just a hint of cattle. Howdy, cuz, he replied, a big grin on
his face, pulling me closer. I laughed and tightened my hug.

Come in and see Grandma’s tree, I told him, stepping back. He chuckled, I bet its red.
Isn’t it always, I replied as we walked into the parlor together. There before us was a
small artificial tree covered in red lights and ornaments. Grandma’s signature Christmas
tree.

We all gathered around the little tree, and I reached over to cup one of the red bulbs. As
it glowed in my hand, I could feel its red glow reach up into my heart, enveloping it with
its warmth. I closed my eyes, wishing this moment would never fade, feeling the
presence of all whom I held dear gathered around me. There was no cold. No darkness.
Only warmth and happiness. Slowly, hesitantly, I opened by eyes, the bulb still cupped
in my hand … knowing I would be the only one left standing there.

Christmas memories. During this time of year, I pray they never lose their glow for you
and me, even when our dear loved ones are long gone and live only in our hearts.

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all
wrapped up in each other” – Burton Hills

12-10-24

Article submitted by Addison Day

As assigned by their ENGL-1301 Professor, Professor Ruiz, this group of Knippa Collegiate students banded together to face a topic they felt strongly about. These girls discussed and brainstormed ways to present the brutalities of reality for children around the world in a respectful manner while taking inspiration from Jonathen Swift in his article, A Modest Proposal. In this article, they offered a satirical solution to the problem, while at the end proposing a true suggestion in order to grab the attention of those around them. 

Stolen through a Screen

  Statistics from the year 2022 state, one in six kids ranging from ages nine to twelve have experienced romantic or sexual conversations with an online-only contact. To make things worse, one in eight children of the same age range had shared a nude image with an online-only connection. (Thorn, Online Grooming) These statistics have only become increasingly worrisome over the recent years, from 2022 to 2023 reports of children being
victims of sexual exploitation online shot from 32 million to 36 million. (USOPC) Although systems have been instituted to prevent online child trafficking such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline, which allows individuals to report suspected sexual exploitation of children, something more must be done. Access to social media allows children to meet and interact with strangers, which must be prevented.

  In order to prevent children from speaking with strangers online, their access to social media will be revoked until they turn sixteen. This will prevent them from having such easy access to people who they do not know, and who want to harm them. In schools, if the district chooses to do so, the students will have access to heavily monitored and restricted devices which will be used only for school purposes. This would be good for the workforce, as there would be jobs monitoring which needed to be filled. Although firewalls could be instituted, children can learn their ways around this, and firewalls are not always reliable.

  If the school does not choose to allow access to technology, then the students will have to find other ways to complete their assignments. The students will have to use physical textbooks, dictionaries, and encyclopedias. This may seem arbitrary and impractical, but if these ways of completing assignments worked in the past, then they will work now. Although the assignments may take more time, it will allow the students to remain safe from a whole other
world being the internet.

  The solution previously suggested may seem extreme, as our world today relies so heavily on technology. However, online child trafficking is a large-scale issue which requires a real solution. Many people use technology under someone else’s name and image. This is deceitful to all those they come into contact with on the internet. This act, known as catfishing, causes around 55%-65% of online child trafficking. (Thorn) In order to prevent this, social media
apps must require pictures of the user to be submitted along with facial recognition to verify that it is the same person. Another measure which must be taken is the children must take a seminar similar in educational levels to that of Driver’s Ed. In this seminar the children will learn of the dangers of trusting people online.

  Children need to be protected from the dangers of social media. We should not only protect the children, but a punishment should be applied so child trafficking can potentially be prevented. The punishment should be applied to anyone who is involved in the act of child trafficking. The punishment should be life in prison with no chance of parole. The victim should not be alone, there should be support groups put in place. The victim should be able to have
someone to talk to. Overall, we have a big issue, online child trafficking, but we can try our hardest to prevent it. Our job is to keep the children safe, if you see something say something. We are in this fight together to stop child trafficking.

Websites used
https://eightdaysofhope.com/app/uploads/2022/11/Human-Trafficking-Statistics-and-Online-Safety.pdf

https://www.usopc.org/news/2024/april/26/dhs-launches-know2protect-public-awareness-campaign-to-combat-online-child-exploitation-and-abuse-with-many-public-and-private-sector-partnersincluding-google-meta-snap-roblox-nascar-u-s-olympic-paralympic-committee-boy-scouts-of-america-national-police-athletic-league-and-more#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20the%20National%20Center,reports%20received%2010%20years%20ago

Guest post submitted by Rebecca Moore

Image via Freepik

In the evolving landscape of today’s digital era, maintaining financial security is especially critical for seniors. Luckily, from understanding how to shield your personal information to staying connected within your community, there are steps you can take to fortify your defenses against exploitation and financial abuse. This guide from Uvalde Hesperian outlines what you can do to safeguard your financial well-being while enjoying your golden years.

Educate Yourself on Scams

Awareness is a powerful tool against financial scams – many of which specifically target seniors. Take the time to educate yourself about the various types of scams and fraud schemes circulating. Community centers and financial institutions often provide resources and workshops on this topic. Knowing what to look for can significantly lower your chances of becoming a victim. Stay informed about the latest scam tactics by subscribing to newsletters from reputable financial safety organizations.

Guard Your Personal Details

When it comes to protecting your financial information, discretion is your best defense. You should be meticulous about where and how you share your personal and financial details. Only provide this information in secure environments, preferably face-to-face or through verified platforms. Avoid sharing sensitive data over phone calls, especially with unknown parties, to minimize the risk of identity theft. Familiarize yourself with the privacy settings on social media to prevent accidental exposure of sensitive information.

Shield Yourself Against Phone Scams

To combat phone scams, integrating a reverse phone lookup service into your daily routine can be highly effective. By entering a phone number, this service delivers detailed information about the caller’s identity, including their name and location. For instance, click here to find out more about the 972 area code. This will help you discern the legitimacy of unknown callers, filter out telemarketing calls, and confirm the identities of those reaching out to you. Such a tool enhances your defense against deceptive calls, safeguarding your personal information and providing peace of mind.

Stay Up-to-Date with Cybersecurity

To safeguard against cyber threats, it’s crucial for seniors to equip their computers with cutting-edge antivirus solutions and effective firewalls. Activating the auto-update feature for your antivirus program ensures it adapts to combat new threats seamlessly. Enhance your digital security further by regularly updating your passwords and employing two-factor authentication, which adds an extra verification step to protect your accounts. This proactive approach to cybersecurity helps maintain the integrity of your financial and personal data.

Monitor Your Financial Activities

  Regularly reviewing your bank statements and account activities is crucial. This habit helps you catch unauthorized transactions or discrepancies early on. Make it a routine to scrutinize your financial statements each month. If you notice anything unusual, report it immediately to your bank or financial institution. Enroll in alert services that notify you of any financial activity in real-time.

Consult Financial Experts

 Engaging with a financial advisor is not just about managing investments; it’s also about safeguarding your financial health. A trusted financial advisor can provide you with tailored advice and help you make informed decisions. They can also alert you to potential financial risks and guide you in planning for your future needs. Regular meetings with your advisor can help you stay on track and feel secure in your financial decisions.

Automate Your Payments

 Setting up direct deposit for your Social Security and pension payments is a secure way to receive your funds. It eliminates the risk of stolen checks and ensures you receive your payments promptly. Most financial institutions offer this service free of charge and can guide you through the setup process. Automating your regular bills can also reduce the hassle and ensure you never miss a payment.

Engage Socially

Social isolation can increase the risk of financial exploitation, as isolated individuals are often seen as easier targets. Stay connected with community groups, friends, and family. Regular social interactions can not only enhance your quality of life but also provide a network of support and oversight, keeping potential scammers at bay. Participate in local events and workshops to stay active and informed.

As you embrace the latter stages of life, establishing more robust financial safeguards becomes more important than ever. This guide serves as a beacon, illuminating the path to securing your financial independence and integrity. Embrace these strategies with confidence and vigilance, and you’ll not only protect your assets but also enhance your peace of mind. With the right knowledge and tools, your financial security can be well-managed, leaving you free to enjoy the richness of your senior years without undue worry.

Stay informed with the latest local news and stories by visiting Uvalde Hesperian

Guest article submitted by Justin Wigg

Top image by Freepik

11-22-24

Starting a business swiftly demands a strategic approach that prioritizes efficiency and impact. By focusing on key operational elements such as document management, payment systems, and market analysis, you can establish a robust foundation for your venture. This guide provides actionable steps to help you navigate the complexities of a rapid business launch, ensuring you are well-prepared to seize opportunities and drive growth.

  Effortlessly Establish a Payment System for Your New Business

To ensure smooth transactions from the outset, setting up a robust payment processing system is crucial. Begin by selecting a reliable payment gateway that aligns with your business model, considering factors like security features and compatibility with your platform. Implementing security measures like HTTPS encryption and tokenization will protect sensitive payment information, while strong authentication methods such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) safeguard admin access. Finally, test your system in a sandbox environment to simulate different payment scenarios.

  Harnessing Market Reports for Business Success

  Leveraging existing market reports and studies can provide you with crucial insights into industry trends and consumer preferences. These reports, often crafted by expert analysts, offer a detailed analysis of emerging market trends that promise long-term growth potential. By examining these reports, you can identify key trends such as hyper-personalization in various industries, allowing you to make informed decisions and position your business to capitalize on current and future market opportunities.

  Streamline Your Business with Cost-Effective PDF Tools

Starting a business doesn’t have to be costly, as there are several free or low-cost tools that can streamline your operations. If your business involves multiple people or teams, you might face an overflow of documents in various formats. Instead of juggling multiple files, a PDF merging tool can help you keep everything organized in one place, saving you time when searching for specific documents. While merging PDFs, you may encounter common issues when merging PDF, such as page order or file compatibility, but these can often be managed by adjusting the document flow before finalizing the file.

  Securing Your Business Name

Choosing and registering a business name is a vital step in establishing your brand’s legal identity and online presence. To ensure your business name is unique and protected, consider registering it in four distinct ways: as an entity name, a trademark, a ‘Doing Business As’ (DBA) name, and a domain name. Each registration serves a different purpose and may be legally required depending on your business structure and location. By taking these steps, you not only safeguard your business identity but also enhance your brand’s credibility and recognition in the marketplace.

  How MVPs Drive Swift Business Launches and Success

Launching with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) lets businesses enter the market quickly with a streamlined version that covers only essential features. This approach provides a way to gauge real-world performance and gather feedback directly from initial users, making adjustments based on their responses. With flexible methodologies, companies can refine their product in response to actual user needs, addressing practical challenges as they arise. The MVP model focuses efforts on building a product that fulfills core demands, ensuring alignment with user expectations from the start.

  Crafting Essential Web Pages for Business Success

  Developing key web pages like About Us, Contact, and Product/Service is crucial to clearly convey your value proposition. These pages serve as the foundation of your online presence, acting as the primary touchpoints for potential customers. The About Us page should narrate your brand’s story and mission, fostering a connection with visitors. Meanwhile, the Contact page must provide easy access to communication channels, ensuring customers can reach you effortlessly. Lastly, the Product/Service page should highlight your offerings with compelling descriptions and visuals.

 Cultivating a Problem-Solving Mindset

To effectively tackle the challenges that arise on launch day, it’s crucial to foster a problem-solving mindset among your team members. Encouraging employees to view obstacles as opportunities for growth can significantly enhance their ability to adapt and innovate under pressure. By dedicating a portion of their workweek to learning new skills, team members can continuously expand their knowledge and be better prepared for unexpected issues. Additionally, creating an environment where diverse opinions are welcomed and healthy debates are encouraged can lead to more comprehensive solutions.

Launching a business in a single day demands clear focus, quick decision-making, and a well-thought-out approach. Laying a strong foundation with carefully chosen strategies sets the stage for growth in a competitive market. Success hinges on using the best tools and fostering a mindset geared toward adaptability and persistence. With this preparation, a new venture can begin its journey with a solid chance for growth.

  Stay informed and connected with the latest news and events in Uvalde by visiting the Uvalde Hesperian, your trusted source for community stories and updates.