by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

05-03-25

Upon receiving word Friday that several burglaries may have occurred recently at residences in eastern Uvalde County, the Uvalde Hesperian reached out to Uvalde County Sheriff Ruben Nolasco.

“We are following up on a possible lead, nothing concrete. We ask everyone to please take extra precautions to secure their home’s, making sure to lock up their valuables and if you’re leaving your house for a significant amount of time, inform your neighbors so they can keep an eye out,” Nolasco said.

Jose Ruben Rosas
August 31, 1968 – April 26, 2025

Jose Ruben Rosas, 56, of La Pryor, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Born on August 31, 1968, in Mexico to Martin Barrera Rosas and Maria Del Socorro Rojas, Jose was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose warm heart and strong spirit left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Jose worked for many years as a truck driver, a career that matched his love for the open road and his outgoing nature. He was a man who never met a stranger—always ready with a story, a smile, and an open heart. He cherished time spent with family, especially when it involved barbecuing, fishing, going to the river, or simply cruising around. He had a special way of making everyone feel like family.

A devout Catholic, Jose’s faith was an important part of his life and a source of strength through all seasons.

He is survived by his loving children: sons Jose Ruben Rosas Jr. of Sabinal and Francisco Javier Rosas of La Pryor; daughters Brianda Rosas of La Pryor and Selica Rosas Justice and husband Zach of Sabinal. He was a proud grandfather to Cain Velasquez, Keanu Justice, Kaydence Martinez, Kaitlyn Velasquez, and Athena Velasquez.

Jose is also survived by his devoted mother, Maria Del Socorro Rojas; five brothers: Martin Rosas Jr., Miguel Rosas, Hector Rosas, Javier Rosas, and Rene Rosas; and two sisters: Hilda Toscano and Gabriela McHazlett.

He was preceded in death by his father, Martin Barrera Rosas.

The Visitations were held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 and Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 12:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. both day at Hillcrest Memorial Funeral Home, Chapel of Serenity, a Rosary will take place both days at 7:00 P.M. A Mass is set for 10:00 A.M, Friday May 2, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church., 620 Benson Rd. La Pryor, Texas 78872

Interment to follow at La Pryor Cemetery

Jose will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love he gave, the laughter he brought, and the memories he helped create. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who loved him.

Hillcrest Memorial, www.hillcrestmemorialfuneralhome.com

Press release from the Texas Department of Family and Mental Health Services

05-01-25

by Michael Robinson |Uvalde Hesperian

04-29-25

At the Monday, April 28th Uvalde County Commissioners Court meeting, BARC Uvalde President Kelley Kimble reported that she has been informed completion of the new facility to house the organization’s animal shelter as well as space for the Uvalde City Pound and County animals is 60 days out from completion,

Kimble proposed that under a plan presented to the commissioners, the County would have space available for animals picked up in the County and if the County approved the proposal to allocate $5000 prepayment to the shelter, the county could bring in approximately 65 animals. Kimble suggested the County prioritize animal bite cases, quarantined animals, injured animals and aggressive dogs.

Animals that are immediately put down would not count towards the animal allotment. BARC Board member Heather Ruble followed Kimble and spoke on the work that is happening at the new facility and that BARC has partnered with a mobile vet to provide low cost spay/neuter services made available to approved low-income families. The mobile vet visits the area once a month.

The Uvalde County Commissioners Court took no action on the agenda item.

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

Top Image by Manfred Richter from Pixabay

04-29-25

Uvalde County Road Administrator Dee Kirkpatrick reported to the Uvalde County Commissioners Court on Monday, April 28th three county road crossings have been washed out due to recent flooding. including low water crossings on CR410, CR412 and CR416.

He went on to say the department would be working on CR416 and it would take 3 days to repair each crossing.

Kirkpatrick also reported the county road department picked up illegally dumped tires on several county roads including CR301, CR302, CR307, CR310, CR319, CR371, and CR416.

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

Top Picture by Jason Munoz

04-27-25

Uvalde County resident Jason Munoz reported to the Uvalde Hesperian he saw a strange object in the night sky in the evening of Monday, April 21st over Garner State Park and is still not sure what it was.

Munoz who lives just behind Old Baldy cliff on CR 350 took pictures of the cloudy object that appeared to make strange movements in the sky,” he said.  He also took pictures of the anomaly from 9:29 PM to 9:31 PM and went on to say traveled right over his house.

The Uvalde Hesperian researched possible explanations for the object including a phenomenon from a SpaceX launch to a fireball meteor explosion emanating from the Lyrid Meteor Shower.

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

04-25-25

At Thursday night’s Uvalde CISD Special Board meeting, the district heard a Grade Audit Energy Services Contract presented by Schneider Electric 

 Uvalde CISD Chief Financial Officer Pam Bendele introduced Senior Account Executive Aaron Garcia of Schneider Electric Sustainability Business presented the audit contracted by the district last year.

 According to Garcia, Schneider Electric reported on an investment grade audit identifying areas of improvements. 

 Goals of the audit included modernizing the campuses providing a safe learning environment, reducing deferred maintenance, maximizing utility savings and addressing all of the HVAC issues and to identify available grants.

 Ryan Wunder joined Garcia with a virtual presentation.  Wunder stated that a high priority for the district is the control systems that are made by various vendors that are “quite old” and need to be upgraded as these controls manage the air conditioning systems. Wunder said these controls are at a critical point. The number one energy using item within the school district is the air conditioning equipment and the controls manage these systems.

 “We focus on building automation more than anything else. It’s the number one thing to protect and keep the energy bills low,” Wunder said.

 Wunder mentioned the current systems are failing and parts are not available as the system is over 20 years old. 

 In addition to the controls, Wunder proposed an LED lighting upgrade to help reduce energy costs by up to 17% with an average annual utility and D&M savings of $199,500.

 The proposed project cost is $4.1 million. 

 Wunder mentioned that the newer air conditioning equipment at the district is over 25 years old.

 “There is significant need for electrical renovation.” Wunder said.

  Responding to a comment by Gonzales about the mechanical system being at the end of its life, Bendele said, “There are lots of things at the district that are at the end of its life.”

   Gonzales asked why the mechanical equipment was not being included in the proposal.  Garcia said it all has to do with money and the controls and LED project is self-funding.

    Wunder mentioned that with a one-time AEP rebate of $30,000 and the energy savings, the project would pay for itself. Wunder said Schneider Electric would cover the shortfall if the savings did not cover the cost of the loan.

   According to discussion among the board members, the district would have to either take out a loan to cover the proposed project or the district could hold a bond election.

“If the high school controls go down. We don’t have a plan. What do you do with 11oo kids when the air conditioning goes down?” Bendele said.

Jacqulyn Gonzales brought up the age of the mechanical HVAC systems. 

Wunder said the mechanical systems costs would not pay for itself quickly. Superintendent Chohlis said currently the district has been able to repair the mechanical systems.

“We need to get it done.” Chohlis said.

Garcia stated the district has $20 million dollars’ worth of work including lighting, air conditioning and controls.