Uvalde Hesperian

Projected 70 local jobs lost as a result of VF Corporation lease termination with city

admin — Wed, 28 May 2025 18:20:32 +0000

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

05-28-25

City Council members voted to accept a termination agreement with the VF Corporation which occupies the old Williamson Dickies manufacturing facility owned by the City of Uvalde. According to Assistant City Manager Joe Cardenas and information from the May 27th City Council meeting packet, it states,” On April 29, 2025, Cole Hackert and Julie Sutton were in town to officially notify their VF Corporation (formerly Williamson – Dickies) employees (approximately 70) of their intention to shut down the Uvalde Plant, as of the end of August 2025.)

According to Assistant City Manager Joe Cardenas, the company said the decision for the move was the economy and that a move to Colorado to be closed to its Manufacturing plant. Cardenas went on to say the VF Corporation was willing to help find another 3rd party vendor company to lease the facility.

“We need to be the ones to do that. They don’t care. They’re closing. They are going to walk away,” Councilman Ernest “Chip” King said.

I totally agree with Councilman King. We need to start yesterday,” Mayor Hector R. Luevano said. “We need to start looking,” Mayor Luevano said.

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Uvalde CISD Superintendent Chohlis/ Board President Lambert issue statement over elected trustees terms

admin — Mon, 26 May 2025 17:16:43 +0000

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

05-26-25

Superintendent Ashley Chohlis Picture: Uvalde CISD

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On Friday, May 23rd, Uvalde CISD Superintendent Ashley Chohlis and Board President Cal Lambert issued a statement regarding a point of order made by Trustee Jaclyn Gonzales at Monday night’s Monday, May 19th, Uvalde CISD School Board meeting over election year frequency of 3-years vs. 4-year terms. According to Gonzales. four board members’ terms had expired, two members in 2024 and two in 2025.

Gonzales stated a Federal Decree mandate 3-year school board terms.

The following is the statement released by Superintendent Ashley Cholis and Board President Cal Lambert:

Uvalde CISD Board President Cal Lambert
Picture: Uvalde CISD

UCISD Statement - May 23 2025 - 11-15 AM

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Amy Franco at El Progreso Library today at Noon for meet and greet as May’s Creator of the Month

admin — Fri, 23 May 2025 17:15:28 +0000

Painting by Amy Franco. Picture shared by El Progreso Memorial Library

Editor’s Note: Was made aware of this yesterday evening.

From El Progreso Memorial Library

05-23-25

Join us in celebrating Amy Franco, El Progreso Memorial Library’s Artist of the Month for May 2025. Her powerful, healing artwork tells a story of resilience, reflection, and the beauty that emerges from pain.

Come meet Amy!

Friday, May 23

12:00 PM

El Progreso Memorial Library

Read Amy’s message in her own words:

“My name is Emilia Amy Franco. I am honored to be the Artist of May for El Progreso. I am truly honored to display my healing journey through my eyes.

Tragedy eliminated every bit of my soul from my body; through the process of physically healing, my body pursued psychological healing.

In June 2023, I started painting, and as much as I admired art, I could never draw a simple flower. Soon I found myself surrounded by canvases, bottles and bottles of paints, brushes, and so many ideas of what to paint.

While there are days that I do not want to get out of bed, when I do, I am ready for a fresh start on a new canvas.

While my life is a new one, I see the world differently. PTSD and anxiety take so much out of me, I am afraid to go out, I am always on alert, but I remind myself there is still good in this world, and so much beauty to see.

I now see art everywhere. As you take a drive look out the window and take note of what you see. The brush strokes in the sky, the trees, the grass, the animals, the farmland—and don’t forget the flowers.”

Come be inspired by Amy’s work and story. Her art reminds us to slow down, to look closely, and to never stop seeking beauty—even in the hardest of days.

#CreatorSpotlight #AmyFranco #ElProgresoMemorialLibrary #ArtistOfTheMonth #UvaldeArtists #HealingThroughArt #AlwaysRemember21

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Uvalde Police Chief Homer Delgado issues May 24th statement

admin — Fri, 23 May 2025 16:42:56 +0000

Uvalde Police Chief Homer Delgado

Statement from Uvalde Police Chief Homer Delgado

05-23-25

To the Uvalde Community,

As we approach May 24th—a day that marks three years since the tragedy that forever changed our town—I want to assure each of you, especially the families who lost so much, that the Uvalde Police Department will be here to support you.

We will be present to assist all those who gather to honor the lives that were taken far too soon. This day carries a weight that words cannot ease, and no message can truly bring comfort to those still grieving. But what I can offer—what I do offer—is my continued service, my presence, and my unwavering commitment to this community.

I will stand by to ensure that proper honor and respect is given to the families of the victims and to our community. This day belongs to you, and I will do everything I can to support you as you remember, reflect, and continue healing.

With respect and compassion,

Chief Homer E. Delgado

Uvalde Police Department

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Country Music Artist Randall King to take the House Pasture Stage Saturday night May 24th

admin — Thu, 22 May 2025 17:57:05 +0000

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

05-22-25

Top Image credit: (5) Randall King (@RandallKingBand) / X

Summer has arrived and that means lots of fun in Concan on the Frio River and the beginning of the House Pasture Cattle Company’s summer music weekend concerts.

This Saturday night, Randall King will be taking the stage with special guest David Lewis.

According to information from Randall King’s website it states: “A West Texas native and self-described “old soul,” Warner Music Nashville’s Randall King has never wavered in his honky-tonk allegiance – in fact, he’s worn it like a badge of honor, growing with pride into a leading voice for today’s traditional country.

Amassing over 300 Million streams with singles like “You In A Honky Tonk,” “Hey Cowgirl” and “Mirror, Mirror,” he’s kept the twang alive in country’s mainstream while also earning acclaim through deeply personal EPs like 2020’s Leanna, and his 2022 major label album debut, Shot Glass – which landed on both Whiskey Riff’s Top 40 Country Albums of 2022 and Billboard’s All Genre 50 Best Albums of 2022 (So Far). Schooled on icons like Keith Whitley, George Strait, Alan Jackson and John Anderson, but inspired by modern masters like Dierks Bentley and Gary Allan, King first built an independent, grass-roots following on the strength of his electrifying live shows – each one a harrowing mix of rowdy roughnecking, romantic tenderness and breathtaking emotion – never asking for permission to explore his creative vision.”

Country Artist David Lewis will also be taking the House Pasture stage. “David’s shows are a high energy experience featuring amazing guitar picking and classic vocal sounds. A mixture of Brad Paisley and George Strait, David Lewis shows will remind you how country music should make you feel-alive!” a bio from Lewis’ website said.

Tickets to the House Pasture concerts can be purchased here.

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Letter: Poem submitted in memory of the Robb School Victims

admin — Wed, 21 May 2025 18:16:04 +0000

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Letter: Ohio woman who came to Uvalde voices support for Jaclyn Gonzales

admin — Wed, 21 May 2025 17:53:28 +0000

Guest submission from LeighAnn Arroyo

05-21-25

Hi Jaclyn Gonzales

My name is Mrs.LeighAnn Arroyo

I live in Elyria Ohio

I visited Uvalde a couple years ago and placed flowers and notes at Robb Elementary

I wanted to include Uvalde Hesperian newspaper reporter Michael Robinson in this message to you so he knows that I am so dang proud of you and I stand with you on what you did at the Uvalde School board meeting tonight.

You have guts!!!!

From this supporter in Elyria Ohio to you ……. Keep kicking ass and taking names later girl !!

You got this!!!!

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Robb Candlelight Vigil planned for this Saturday at 7:30 PM at the Rotary Amphitheater

admin — Wed, 21 May 2025 17:40:33 +0000

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Uvalde CISD Welcomes New Police Chief

admin — Tue, 20 May 2025 20:23:58 +0000

Press release from Uvalde CISD

Top Photo credit: Uvalde CISD

Photograph: Edward Puente with Uvalde County Judge William R. Mitchell

05-20-25

Date: May 20, 2025

Uvalde CISD is pleased to announce the appointment of Edward Cerda Puente as the new Chief of Police for the Uvalde CISD Police Department. Chief Puente brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the district, having dedicated nearly two decades to law enforcement at East Central ISD Police Department.

Professional Background

Chief Puente’s extensive career began in February 2006 and continued until May 2025 at the East Central ISD Police Department. During this time, he earned numerous certifications and honed his skills across various specializations:

IPIMBA Certified Bike Patrol Officer: Demonstrating proficiency in bike patrol operations, enhancing mobility and community engagement.
Mental Health Officer: Equipped with specialized training to address mental health crises effectively and empathetically.
ATV Officer: Skilled in operating all-terrain vehicles for patrols in diverse environments.
Master Peace Officer Certification: A testament to his dedication, professionalism, and advanced law enforcement skills.

Chief Puente also served as a Corporal and was later promoted to Sergeant, showcasing his leadership abilities and commitment to public safety. He has completed the necessary active shooter and Alert training, ensuring he is well-prepared to handle critical incidents.

Welcoming Chief Puente

Uvalde CISD invites the community to join us in welcoming Chief Edward Puente to his new role. His background, leadership, and dedication to safety make him an invaluable addition to our district. We look forward to his contributions in fostering a secure and supportive environment for our students, staff, and community.

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Commentary: Uvalde Strong Act Makes Progress But More Must Be Done

admin — Tue, 20 May 2025 20:11:07 +0000

Submitted by the Office of Texas Senator Roland Gutierrez 05-20-25

AUSTIN, TEXAS – Following the Texas Senate’s passage of House Bill 33, known as the Uvalde Strong Act, Senator Roland Gutierrez (D-San Antonio) issued a response praising the bill’s intent but warning that it fails to address the root causes of the Robb Elementary School shooting and many of the systemic failures that followed.

“All of those cops failed to act for an hour and 17 minutes,” said Gutierrez. “I think this is a fine piece of legislation but under no certain terms should we have some Heroes Day story about law enforcement. I’ve seen hundreds of hours of those videos. Kids dragged in the hallway. Cops throwing up. Survivors crying for their mommies and daddies.”

The bill, passed Monday with unanimous support, seeks to increase coordination among law enforcement agencies during mass casualty events. Gutierrez, who has been a vocal advocate for Uvalde families, criticized the law enforcement response to the mass shooting and lack of accountability.

In the aftermath of the May 2022 massacre, the Texas Department of Public Safety under then-Director Steve McCraw repeatedly misrepresented key facts and have resisted full transparency about their role in the failed response to this day.

“Steve McCraw came into this room 30 days afterwards and told us the door didn’t work. That wasn’t true,” stated Gutierrez, recounting the story of a teacher who was initially blamed by the department for an unlocked door, which was later debunked.

The Senator also criticized the state’s reaction to the tragedy, noting that Republican leadership has failed in its care for Uvalde victims’ families.

“We need to do better on common sense gun safety solutions. We need to do better on how we treat people after these tragedies. We need to do better on victim’s compensation funds,” said Gutierrez, “These families got $1000 from the attorney general’s office. The lowest of any mass shooting in this state.”

Senator Gutierrez has introduced multiple bills to raise the minimum age to purchase assault weapons, establish red flag laws, and mandate transparency from law enforcement agencies—none of which have received a hearing in the GOP-controlled legislature.

“Let’s not kid ourselves,” stated Senator Gutierrez, “Until we get guns out of the hands of 18-year-olds, these semiautomatic assault rifles, this is going to happen again. Until we start holding law enforcement accountable in a real way, this is going to happen again.”

Roland Gutierrez has served as the Texas State Senator for District 19 since 2021, previously serving six terms as a member of the Texas House of Representatives and two terms as a San Antonio City Councilman.

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