December 21, 2025

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

December 21, 2025

The 38th Judicial District Attorney, Christina Mitchell, has failed to file an appeal within the 30-day period following the Texas Attorney General’s letter decision issued on October 22nd. According to legal counsel consulted by the Uvalde Hesperian, this missed deadline means the original Attorney General’s decision is now final and binding.

On August 22nd, the Uvalde Hesperian submitted a public records request to D.A. Christina Mitchell for the search warrant issued on or about May 24, 2022, for the residence of the Robb Elementary shooter’s grandmother, where the shooter had been living..

On December 3rd, the Hesperian followed up via email. D.A. Mitchell responded the same day, stating, “Additional information was submitted to the AG office.”

However, according to the attorney consulted by the Hesperian, any further communication with the Texas Attorney General does not extend or override the statutory appeal deadline.

The Uvalde Hesperian is now considering legal action, including filing a writ of mandamus in the 38th District Court against District Attorney Mitchell in her official capacity.

In the opinion of the Uvalde Hesperian, District Attorney Mitchell no longer has any legal basis to withhold the requested search warrant

  12-19-25

  Commentary by Michael Robinson

  Welcome to the time of year when many businesses like real estate offices, title companies, insurance companies, accounting and law firms as well as government and corporate offices and other organizations are keeping office hours but are actually not doing any real work. 

  From about December 15th, until a few days after New Years Day, many offices are open for “ahem” business, but not really. Half the staff have rushed HR a few weeks prior and have scheduled paid time off because, “if you don’t use it by the end of the year, you lose it.” Other employees may have called in sick because the holiday season is the time colds. flu and respiratory infections are making their germy, airborne rounds infecting people.

 So many offices have two or three staff members holding down the fort and answering the phones. Other business is usually handled by a specific employee named Susie, who won’t be back till after the first of the year. If you ask, “Can anybody else help me with that?” The answer is usually. “No. Suzie is the only one that can do that, and she won’t be back until after the first of the year. 

 What do company employees do besides answer the phones? Nothing, except surf the internet and do some last-minute Christmas shopping online. 

  Most employees are pros at looking busy.

Pro Tip: If you have to leave your desk, carry a 8 ½ by 11-inch paper and walk with a concerned look on your face. If the brass isn’t in, you don’t even have to do that. 

  If you are a customer or vendor calling to get something done you will hear a cheery, “Sorry, It’s the holiday’s you know. “

 Phones ring, lights are on, but everyone’s either skiing, drunk on eggnog, or pretending to shop. And yet nobody says, “Look, just close till January. We’ll survive.”

 Instead, we get this zombie half-staffed limbo where no one signs contracts, no one fixes printers, no one admits the weeks basically gone.

Need an oil change? Sorry, the auto shop that says, “Your oil can wait till New Year’s, boss is off with his family in Aspen.”

Are you wanting to close on a real estate deal during the holidays? Yeah, that’s really not happening, after all, it’s the holidays.

Need a rental car? Nope. 

  The other place that’s on ghost shift is accounts payable, like if somebody owes you money and you call a company and ask for accounts payable, they’re always out for the holidays:  they don’t want to pay you.

  The one silver lining at a number of financial institutions, insurance companies and real estate related businesses and day spas offer free mimosas, champaign, cookies and lovely charcuterie boards with cheeses, veggies and an array of sliced smoked meats for their customers and prospective customers for really business that will happen after the first of the year.

 Auto and RV dealerships will often have great spreads of goodies too and great deals can be had on new and used vehicles because of end of year inventory clearances.”What would it take to get you in this car or truck TODAY?”

Enjoy a flute or two of chilled Chardonnay while the nurse marks up your face for that Botox injection at the day spa.

  In San Antonio there is a huge list of places where one can office hop or shop and get tons of free finger foods and alcoholic beverages this time of year, especially on Friday and Saturday. Stay tuned for that article!

 So Merry Christmas, be of good cheer, but don’t expect any meaningful customer service until after the 1st, because “It’s the holidays!!”

12-09-25

Candidate announcement submitted by Ramona “Mona” Southward

Ramona “Mona” Esquivel Southward submits to be placed on the Democratic Ballot as a candidate for Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1, to serve as your next Uvalde County Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1.

Currently a retired Peace Officer for the State of Texas and employed as part-time support for the UCISD Motivate Our Students Texas Perfect Attendance Initiative by organizing, recruiting chaperones, and a lead in the expeditions.

As a public servant with 25+ years of experience in law enforcement having completed the Advanced Peace Officer Certification and Instructor Certification for a Police Academy, engaged in community service with various local organizations, served as an advocate with the Bluebonnet Children’s Advocacy Center and recruited Court Appointed Special Advocates for the Tri-County area, over 5 year experience as Chief Deputy, implemented the Office of Compliance for Uvalde County, and served as the Uvalde County Clerk. These experiences have made me the most qualified candidate to serve as your Justice of the Peace Precinct 1.

Registered voters in Precincts 1, 5, and 12, please consider allowing me to serve you as the Uvalde County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 by requesting a Democratic ballot and voting in the upcoming Primary Election.

The Uvalde Hesperian will publish candidates’ announcements free of charge for Uvalde County candidates running in the 2026 Democratic and Republican primaries.

 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. 

Press release from Texas Hill Country River Region

11-17-25

Uvalde County, TX — Homeschool students and families from across Texas explored the great outdoors through Living Classrooms: Wild Texas, a weeklong, hands-on learning adventure in the Texas Hill Country River Region. Created and organized by Visit Uvalde County and local lodging partners, this unique program combined nature, local expertise, and immersive experiences into one unforgettable educational adventure.

Set amid the rivers and hills of Uvalde County, Living Classrooms: Wild Texas transformed the outdoors into an interactive classroom. Activities and lessons were led by local partners, including Garner State Park, Hill Country Adventures, Concan Nursery, Deer Valley Apiary, and Art Workshops hosted by Infrathin Artist Residency, and programming by the Nueces River Authority — allowing students to learn directly from experts and locals of the Texas Hill Country.

“Our goal is to make learning come alive beyond the classroom,” said Kristi Gerdes, Executive Director of the Texas Hill Country River Region and Visit Uvalde County. “Through hands-on exploration and real-world experiences, students gain a deeper understanding of the natural world and the importance of preserving it.” Homeschoolers from across Texas were invited to stay in the Hill Country, make new friends, and learn through these unique experiences.

Throughout the week, families participated in guided hikes, river studies, native plant lessons, and wildlife education, blending academic enrichment with outdoor discovery. Exclusive opportunities included the Big Tree Experience, where students visited private ranches to see award-winning oaks, cypress, and hackberry trees. Evening programs added even more fun with Garner line dancing classes, storytelling by Lee Haile, and movies under the stars. A special thanks to Camp Riverview, Frio Country Resort, and Riverbend on the Frio for hosting evening activities.

This was the first year for Living Classrooms: Wild Texas, and organizers were thrilled by the enthusiasm and participation from homeschool families across the state. Visit Uvalde County plans to continue this event in the spring, bringing together learning, tourism, and family fun while expanding educational opportunities in the region. “Our goal is to spark curiosity, inspire discovery, and create a one-of-a-kind learning experience that families might not encounter during a typical getaway,” said Gerdes. “This was hands-on learning at its best—I watched kids run, jump, climb trees, and ask endless questions about everything from plants and bugs to bird nests and bees, discovering the Texas Hill Country in ways they’ll never forget.”

Registration for future Living Classrooms events will open in advance of each session. Families can stay updated on upcoming dates, schedules, and activities by visiting VisitUvaldeCounty.com or following @VisitUvaldeCounty on Facebook and Instagram @visituvaldecountytx.com

11-11-25

By Michael Robinson| Uvalde Hesperian

Uvalde County Commissioners voted to approve the purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado for the 38th District Attorney’s office for $66,559.01 from Uvalde Chevrolet. According to Uvalde County Grant Writer Carl Esser stated that advertisements for bids for the vehicle were placed with a locally printed newspaper and on Uvalde County’s website. He said Uvalde Chevrolet submitted the only bid received by the County.

  Esser stated funds for the purchase of the vehicle will come from the Board of Prosecution Unit Grant at no cost for Uvalde County.

 According to State of Texas Governor Greg Abbott Campaign website article from 2018, the Border Prosecution Unit was established in 2009 by the 81st Legislature. The article also states $5.8 million in grant funding is for the Border Prosecution Unit (BPU) to help crack down on gangs and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) along the Texas border.

“The BPU is made up of 17 district and county attorney offices within the Texas border region that focus on investigating and prosecuting cases related to narcotics, weapons, human trafficking, organized crime, gangs, and other border-related offenses. Nineteen BPU awards were released to District and County Attorneys in border communities across Texas,” the article reads.

 Commissioners also approved accepting a bid for a Mass Notification System. Esser said the Mass Notification System bid was awarded to the Reed Group $9,994 for the first year, with a recurring cost of $7,195 per year for a guaranteed three-year contract. The purchase for the system will be paid for out of the Uvalde County Emergency Operations Center Operations budget.

Uvalde County also accepted a FY 2026 Border Protection Unit Grant.  This is a recurring grant of $2,339,000. It’s a two-year grant beginning on September 1st, 2025, to August 1st, 2027.

Esser said the grant provides for the salaries of prosecutors and investigators involved in border related investigations to continue border related investigations as well as maximize resources.

 Diana Olvedo-Karau spoke after the court approved the grants expressing her concerns for tax monies being spent by the County placing a burden of taxes regular people have to pay whether it be local, state or national.

Karau also expressed her concern that the state funding for border related grants may run out eventually as conditions on the border have diminished greatly.

Press Release from Keep Utopia Beautiful

11-11-25

November 11, 2025

KUB’s November Yard of the Month goes to Melvin and Paula McBeth   Their “Antique House” on Main Street has a long, rich history.  Melvin maintains the huge yard that has many plants and beautiful trees; one of which is a producing pear tree that is nearly 100 years old!  Thank you both for your hard work, and for Keeping Utopia Beautiful!

  About Keep Utopia Beautiful

Keep Utopia Beautiful (KUB) is an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful.  KUB serves the unincorporated community of Utopia on the Sabinal River in the far northeastern Uvalde County and other small towns and rural areas in Uvalde, Medina, Real and Bandera Counties.  KUB depends upon volunteers to operate its recycling, and beautification programs and welcomes volunteer involvement.  To learn more, please visit www.keeputopiabeautiful.org

  About Keep America Beautiful

Keep America Beautiful, Inc., established in 1953, is the nation’s largest volunteer-based community action and education organization.  With a network of nearly 1,000 affiliate and participating organizations, Keep America Beautiful form public-private partnerships and programs that engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community’s environment.  To learn more, visit www.kab.org

Press Release from Uvalde County Clerk Donna Williams

11-11-25

UVALDE, TX — The Uvalde County Clerk’s Office, under the leadership of County Clerk Donna M. Williams, has completed a major document preservation and imaging project to protect military discharge (DD214) records, historical probate books, and other vital historical archives that tell the story of Uvalde County’s past.

This initiative reflects the Clerk’s strong commitment to honoring veterans, preserving county history, and improving access to public records. The project was completed by Kofile Technologies, a nationally recognized records preservation and management company.

“All preservation and imaging services were performed at Kofile’s corporate headquarters in Dallas, Texas,” said County Clerk Donna M. Williams. “Their expert staff handled each book and document with the highest level of care, ensuring these irreplaceable records are preserved for generations to come.”

The comprehensive project included the preservation and digitization of 39 volumes of Probate Records dating back to 1857, totaling 25,098 pages. Additionally, two volumes of Army Discharge Records and one volume of Navy Discharge Records, totaling 1,800 pages, were preserved and digitally imaged. Other historical records, including Marks and Brands and Surveyors Field Notes, were also preserved as part of this effort.

In total, 82,944 pages of historical county records were professionally processed by Kofile Technologies.

The preservation process followed strict archival standards. Each record was carefully cleaned and repaired, with torn or fragile pages mended to prevent further deterioration. Pages were treated with Bookkeeper® deacidification solution to neutralize acidity and slow the natural aging of the paper.

After stabilization, each page was encapsulated in patented Lay-Flat archival Mylar sleeves, providing full visibility while protecting against environmental damage. The encapsulated pages were then bound in Disaster-Safe Binders, a patented Kofile system designed to safeguard documents from fire, water, and other potential hazards.

Following physical preservation, the records were digitally imaged and indexed, allowing secure and efficient access without the need to handle the fragile originals.

“These records are more than paperwork—they represent the service, legacy, and history of the people of Uvalde County,” Williams said. “Through this project, we’re protecting that legacy and ensuring it remains accessible to future generations.”

The Uvalde County Clerk’s Office plans to continue expanding its preservation and imaging initiatives, ensuring that more of Uvalde County’s historical archives receive the same level of professional care and long-term protection.

For more information, contact the Uvalde County Clerk’s Office at (830) 278-6614 or visit www.uvaldecounty.gov/uvalde-county-clerk