04-12-26

  Commentary by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

  Hearing the news of Uvalde County Judge Bill Mitchell passing on Friday of this past week, a part of my world stopped for a moment — like the day it was announced that Rush Limbaugh had died. I saw the Facebook post by Gat Mitchell saying his dad had passed earlier that morning at 9:25 a.m.

  I realized one of the pillars of Uvalde County was gone.

  When my wife Julie and I moved to Uvalde County almost twenty years ago, Bill Mitchell wasn’t someone I immediately got to know. Having worked in print advertising sales, I wasn’t yet orbiting Judge William “Bill” Mitchell. Yet even living just outside the city of Uvalde, working in town, and being a member of the Rotary Club of Uvalde, I met him and heard him speak as a guest at our club meetings and at Uvalde Area Chamber of Commerce banquets.

  Years later that changed when I started the Uvalde Hesperian over four years ago. Taking on the mission of reporting local news, I regularly attended Uvalde County Commissioners Court meetings, with Mitchell presiding. Those meetings were held Mondays at 10 a.m., twice a month, in the third-floor courtroom of the Uvalde County Courthouse.

  Locally in any Texas county, a county judge holds the most powerful political office someone can have.

Looking back, I’ve likely written hundreds of news articles about Bill Mitchell. Personally, I didn’t agree with all of his decisions as County Judge.

  But I can say this without hesitation: Bill Mitchell loved Uvalde. When I had a news question, I could stop by his office at the courthouse and see him. He always returned my calls and texts. On a few occasions he’d text me, “This is Bill Mitchell. Do you have a couple of minutes to come by the courthouse today?”

  When I saw his name pop up in a text, I felt like a junior-high kid called to the principal’s office. I’d wonder, “What did I do or write that got the County Judge’s attention?” But as soon as I stepped into his corner office, that anxiousness disappeared. Judge Mitchell usually just had a point or perspective on a news item he wanted to share. The meetings quickly turned into cordial, back-and-forth conversations. 

  In the aftermath of the May 24th Robb School tragedy, Mitchell was one of the first people I interviewed on camera.

  He signed a proclamation designating a particular day as official STEM Day ahead of one of the four educational expos I organized at the El Progreso Memorial Library.

Person to person, he wasn’t the often-intimidating figure sitting on the county commissioner’s dais. We’d always share a laugh at the end and a warm handshake.

  Many people may not know that Bill Mitchell started and ran his own local newspaper for a year or two back in the 1970s right here in Uvalde.

  Mitchell was always dressed to the nines. He probably knew John T. Molloy’s Dress for Success by heart.

  Bill Mitchell had huge supporters and detractors. He was a controversial figure for sure — an enigma to me as well. His political savvy was unparalleled. Politically, he was a formidable force.

 I found Mitchell to be neither a saint nor a villain, but a complicated man who wasn’t afraid to lead our county through many huge challenges. He was quick to celebrate with us when something good happened, and he stood with the people in the dark times.

Rest in peace, Bill.

 

 

 

 By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

 November 19th, 2025

  On November 18th, The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct acted to suspend Uvalde County Judge William “Bill” Mitchell without pay as part of an inquiry pertaining to the November 3rd indictment handed up against Mitchell by the 28th Judicial Grand Jury on the charge of Official Oppression. The official inquiry posted on November 18th states the commission received the indictment on November 11th.

 According to information obtained by the Uvalde Hesperian in cases where a Texas County Judge is suspended, it falls on the Commissioners Court to appoint an officer of the court to handle the county judges’ official duties. Such action would likely be taken at the next Uvalde County Commissioner’s Court meeting.

 According to the inquiry by the Commission, the suspension is effective until the charges are dismissed, or Mitchell is acquitted of all charges in the indictment or upon further orders by the commission. Uvalde County Judge Bill Mitchell was not in his office this morning when the Uvalde Hesperian stopped by shortly before 9 AM. 

william-mitchell-order-of-suspension-indictment

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

09/14/25

At the Monday, September 8th, Uvalde County Commissioners Court meeting, Uvalde County Judge William “Bill” Mitchell appeared to respond to the clothing Diana Olvedo-Karau had worn at the meeting. Karau was wearing a campaign t-shirt promoting her bid for a seat on the Uvalde County Commissioners Court for the 2026 election. A few weeks ago, Karau had announced on her Facebook page she would be running for Uvalde County Commissioners Court Precinct as a Democrat.

Mitchell said, “As we get into the political season, this courtroom is not a political platform for anybody. There will be nobody wearing any type of advertising, any candidate, themselves or anyone else that walks in this courtroom. It’s been a policy of the court for a long time. We are not going to allow people to use this (as a) debate pulpit…(words unclear on video) You are welcome to make your statements.”

The Uvalde Hesperian met with Mitchell Friday, September 12th to get clarification on the appropriate dress according to the policy of the Commissioners Court.

When asked about what policy the Judge Mitchell was referring to, he presented a document listing the rules of procedure, conduct and decorum which reads, “Proper attire for men, women and children is mandatory. Those members of the public who are improperly attired and/or who do not conduct themselves in an orderly and appropriate manner will be ordered to leave the meeting. “

What specifically is deemed as “proper attire” is not specified.

“No signs or placards for or against an issue shall be allowed in the commissioners courtroom.”

According to Mitchell, he stated to the Hesperian that a t-shirt with a political message falls under the sign or placard clause of the printed rules.

Karau stated to the Uvalde Hesperian she believes wearing a campaign t-shirt falls under the 1st Amendment as a right granted by the U.S. Constitution.

  The issue of appropriate clothing has been challenged before at the Uvalde County Commissioners Court.  Brett Cross wore a t-shirt featuring a profane word (F-word) when speaking before the Uvalde County Commissioners in 2024 following a meeting where Cross was arrested for using profane language.

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

The Uvalde County Commissioner’s Court met on Monday, May 28th at 10 AM back on the third floor Courtroom at the Uvalde County Courthouse to consider and act on several agenda items.

Special Election for November 2023 – Constitutional Amendments

Commissioners approved holding a special election on November 7th 2023 per the 88th  Texas State Legislature. “An election is hereby ordered to be held on November 7, 2023, in Uvalde County, Texas for the purpose of adopting or rejecting the proposed Constitutional Amendments as submitted by the 88th Legislature, Regular Session, of the State of Texas. “

A complete list of the ballot items for the November 7th, 2023 can be found at the Texas Secretary of State Website link.

Uvalde County Elections Administrator Melissa Jones Bradham addresses the court on consolidating the precinct voting locations during the early voting period to one location, the SSGT. Willie de Leon Civic Center located at 300 East Main Street, Uvalde, Texas 78801. On Election Day, November 8th, 2023, registered voters who reside inside the Uvalde City Limits will vote at the Ssgt. Willie de Leon Civic Center and not at any precincts located inside of the City Limits.

On Election Day, November 8th, precinct polling places located outside of the Uvalde City Limits will be open and voters who reside in the County and are registered to vote at these precincts within Uvalde County are directed to vote at their respective local precinct polling places.

Juror Pay to Increase

County Commissioners voted to approve increasing juror pay from $6 to $20 for the first day of Jury Duty Service.  Jurors who serve the second day and following days would receive a pay increase from $40 to $58 per day.

The County will receive a reimbursement from the State of Texas to cover the increase in juror pay.

Uvalde County Courthouse Fire Remediation Contract  

  Commissioner’s voted to approve a contract with ServPro Restoration Services of Medina County for an unspecified amount to address the fire, water, and smoke damage caused by the early morning fire at the Courthouse which occurred on Wednesday, August 8th, 2023.  The fire is currently being investigated by the Uvalde County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Marshals from San Antonio and New Braunfels has been deemed as arson.  The fire primarily affected the Uvalde County Tax Assessors and Collectors Office.

Uvalde County Sheriff’s Lieutenant of Operations Officer Brandon McCutchen said, “The actual fire damage was minimal.” He mentioned furniture, walls and soot. 

 ” I just want to reiterate there were no files lost during this fire. In our turnaround, as soon as we keyed that in..it goes directly to the State. We did not lose any files,” Uvalde County Tax Assessor and Collector Rita Verstuyft said.

 According to McCutchen, damage caused by fire, standing water and soot would be some of the items ServPro will be addressing as well as reconstruction services. He continued by saying an insurance claim has been filed. 

 The Tax Assessors and Collector’s office has been temporarily moved to the Uvalde County Elections Office Building. The U.C. Tax Assessor and Collector’s website states the following: 

“The Uvalde County Tax-Assessor Collector’s Office is now OPEN!! Our new location is located at 124 East North Street.   If you have any questions, please contact us at 830-278-3225.

Please use the EAST DOOR ENTRANCE!”

License Plate Readers to be purchased

  Uvalde County Grant Writer Carl Esser presented a sole bid submitted by Vetted Security Solutions to provide two license plate readers to be used by the Uvalde County Sheriff’s Office. The bid amount is $$92,842,02. Carl Esser said the purchase would be financed through the current Operation Lonestar Program.

 by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian: Photos by Robinson

Shortly before 8 AM Uvalde County Sheriff Ruben Nolasco and Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon McCutchen were seen on the east sidewalk across from the Courthouse where an overnight blaze caused damage to the Uvalde County Tax Assessor/Collector’s Office.

  The resulting damage also caused smoke damage throughout the building. The Uvalde Police Department has closed North East Street and East North Street blocking the streets and areas around the Courthouse with yellow police tape.

 Uvalde County Judge Bill Mitchell was seen talking to other officials and talking on the phone near the courthouse.

  Sheriff Nolasco said the call came in about 1:20 Wednesday morning. He also said that the State Fire Marshal will be coming from San Antonio and a fire investigation team will be arriving from New Braunfels with a trained dog. He went on to say his department is not speculating if the fire was accidental or intentionally set but will follow where the evidence leads. 

  County Tax Assessor / Collector Rita Verstuyft said that all of the records from her office are online and saved by the State of Texas Office located in Austin. She said that anyone needing to do business for vehicle registration can visit www.txdmv.gov online or visit a Tax Assessor/Collector’s Office in a neighboring county. She stated that her office is looking into the possibility of setting up a temporary office at the Uvalde County Elections office but right now that plan is still being discussed. 

  Verstyuft said her husband received a call about 2 AM this morning about the Courthouse fire and she drove to Uvalde from her residence in Knippa to the scene shortly afterwards. 

  She also said she is thankful no one was killed or injured by the fire and that no records were lost.

 

 Article by Michael Robinson ; Picture Credit: Robinson ; Maps: Uvalde County Judge’s Office

At Monday’s June 12th Uvalde County Commissioner’s Court meeting, three citizens spoke about concerns of various Uvalde County roadways. One citizen who spoke mentioned she had looked for a Uvalde County road map and counld not find one. Uvalde County Judge Bill Mitchell said the map she was looking for would be made available. The Uvalde Hesperian reached out to the UC Judge’s Office shortly after the meeting requesting a copy of the map.

The following maps were recieved by the Uvalde Hesperian:

 Uvalde County Maps showing County Roads

Uvalde County Map (1)

 Uvalde County Redistricting Maps

Uvalde County 2020 Redistricting Map

 On Friday, May 12th at 5:38 PM the public relations firm, the Eisenberg Group released a statement signed by City and County elected officials as well as Uvalde CISD Superintendent Gary Patterson asking for privacy ten days before the May 24th one year anniversary of the Robb School Tragedy. 

 The statement reads, “As the one-year mark following the Robb Elementary School shooting approaches, our
entire community of Uvalde, especially the families of the victims and survivors, continue to grieve, process the trauma, and search for paths forward. We ask for peace and privacy during what will be a very difficult time for many, especially our children.
  The Uvalde community continues to face the impact of that tragic day. Despite the overwhelming support and efforts to assist with the healing process, the past eleven months have been challenging. The licensed professionals at the Uvalde Together Resiliency Center and other local agencies will continue to provide free emotional support and counseling for anyone seeking it. We welcome and appreciate your thoughts and
prayers and ask that if you feel compelled to support the residents of Uvalde, please host something in your hometown in our honor.
  As a community, we respectfully request to be given the time, space, and privacy to remember those we lost, along with those who survived the mass shooting on May 24th. It is essential to the healing process for our community, and most importantly for our children to be given this time to grieve together privately. “

 Please pdf. statement below.

 The statement was sent on a blank page rather than on any official letterhead.  

  The message does not specify to whom the statement is directed, although a portion of the message seems to address those living outside of the Uvalde area who may be planning on visiting the town on May 24th, 2023.

Signed Media Message