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.

Press Release from City of Uvalde: Gloria Resma, Parks and Recreation Manager
12-09-25

UVALDE, Tex. (Dec. 18, 2025) – The City of Uvalde and national nonprofit KABOOM! participated in a plenary session at the Texas Children in Nature Network Summit, where leaders from Uvalde came together to share how play and access to nature can support children’s health, reclaim joy, and pave a way towards long-term resilience.

The panel, hosted by Jen DeMelo, Vice President of Innovation at KABOOM!, the national nonprofit committed to end playspace inequity, featured the following speakers:

• Gloria Resma, City of Uvalde Parks and Recreation Manager
• Tammie Sinclair, Director, El Progreso Memorial Library
• Mayra Vasquez, Vice President, Rotary Club of Uvalde
• Dolly Schultz, U.S. Navy Veteran and American Legion Representative

Panelists discussed the transformative power of play in the wake of tragedy, the role of participatory design in reclaiming purpose and joy, and the community’s evolution in creating inclusive playspaces and expanding access to nature.

KABOOM! expressed deep gratitude to the City of Uvalde for its steadfast leadership and partnership.

Together, KABOOM! and the City have created six new playspaces, with two additional projects planned for 2026, ensuring more children and families have joyful, safe places to play and connect.

“Uvalde continues to show what’s possible when a community comes together to center the well-being of its kids,” said Jen DeMelo, Vice President of Innovation at KABOOM!. “Play and access to nature aren’t just nice-to-haves. They are essential for children’s physical, mental, emotional, and social health. Playing in nature helps kids build confidence, strengthen relationships, process big feelings, and reconnect with joy. The leadership and partnership we’ve experienced here in Uvalde is extraordinary, and it’s fueling real progress toward playspace equity. KABOOM! is proud to stand with Uvalde as they create inclusive, joyful spaces where every child can heal, grow, and thrive.”

As the year comes to a close, KABOOM! celebrates the collaboration, creativity, and resilience that make this partnership and pursuit towards playspace equity in Uvalde possible.

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About the City of Uvalde
The City of Uvalde suffered an unimaginable tragedy on May 24, 2022, with the Robb Elementary School shooting—a day that forever changed our community. In the midst of our grief, KABOOM stepped forward with compassion and support, helping us transform parks that were long overdue for care. Their partnership created more than just improved spaces; it offered our community a place to breathe again, to gather, to remember, and to begin healing together. During one of the darkest moments in our history, these renewed parks became symbols of hope, purpose, and unity for the people of Uvalde.

About KABOOM!
KABOOM! is the national nonprofit committed to ending playspace inequity – the reality that quality places to play are not available to every child, especially in communities of color. Since 1996, KABOOM! has partnered with kids and communities to create or transform 17,000+ playspaces and ensure that more than 12 million kids have equitable access to the critical benefits and opportunities that playspaces offer. KABOOM! continues to make progress on its 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity through new partnerships with a goal of accelerating efforts in 25 municipal systems toward achieving their mission at scale across the United States. Learn more at kaboom.org or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Information provided by Uvalde CISD

12-09-25

Uvalde CISD students will be presenting sounds of the Holiday Season with several music events open to the public.

Uvalde CISD will be having the UCISD District Elementary Christmas Concert tonight, Tuesday, December 9th

UCISD will be hosting the Annual Winter Concert Wednesday, December 10th at the John H. Harrell Auditorium beginning at 6 p.m. The concert will feature performances by the Uvalde High School Band, UHS Color Guard, Morales Junior High Band, and the MJH Beginner Band.

Press release from the Herby Ham Activity Center

Top picture credit: Jack Clarkson Band · Rusch Entertainment

12-07-25

12-05-05 

Press release from Lyte Fiber

Editor’s Note: The following article was received on Friday, December 5th the day of Christmas at the Crossroads and the Parade and is written in future tense. The Uvalde Hesperian supports local businesses and will more often than not run press releases received as soon as possible. 

UVALDE, Texas (Dec. 5, 2025) – Downtown Uvalde will come alive tonight as the community gathers for Christmas at the Crossroads, an annual holiday tradition featuring a festive parade, the official tree lighting ceremony, local performances, seasonal vendors, and family-friendly attractions.

This year’s theme, “Christmas Through the Decades,” brings a nostalgic twist to the celebration, with floats, costumes, and music honoring holiday moments from years past.

One of this year’s biggest highlights is the Christmas at the Crossroads Snow Slide, proudly sponsored by Lyte Fiber. The attraction offers families an opportunity to enjoy a winter-style experience in the heart of Southwest Texas. Admission to the slide is a suggested donation of one canned food item per turn, with all contributions supporting the Uvalde Food Pantry.

“Lyte Fiber is honored to help bring a little holiday magic to the community,” said Tonya McDill, general manager of Lyte’s Southwest Texas region. “Uvalde has always shown remarkable spirit, and we’re proud to support an event that brings families together while giving back to neighbors in need.”

The Christmas at the Crossroads Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. on North Getty St. Immediately following the parade, the community will gather at the Uvalde County Courthouse for the Tree Lighting Ceremony, with performances by the Uvalde Elementary Choir and the Sahawé Dancers.

Vendors on Market Plaza will offer food, drinks, holiday crafts, and light-up toys throughout the evening.

The celebration continues at the Uvalde Grand Opera House,  where children can visit with Santa Claus in the Opera House White Room immediately after the parade. Photos with Santa are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Lyte will also serve as drink sponsor, providing beverages for families attending Breakfast with Santa, from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 501 Ranch, 5892 U.S. 83 South.

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About Lyte Fiber 

Founded in 2023 in Houston, Texas, Lyte Fiber is dedicated to providing the fastest and most reliable home and business fiber optic internet to communities across Texas and beyond. Formed in partnership with SDC Capital Partners, a leading digital infrastructure investment firm, Lyte was started by internet industry veterans passionate about offering a best-in-class customer experience, building a great workplace, and connecting Texas communities. As part of its commitment to each community it serves, Lyte pledges a 1 percent giveback to local charities and causes annually. For more information, visit www.lytefiber.com.

The Uvalde Hesperian will run one campaign announcement from any candidate running for an elected office in either the Democratic or Republican Party Primary free of charge.

Submitted by Diana Olvedo-Karau

11-28-25

November 26th, 2025

by Michael Robinson

Hundreds gathered at tables Wednesday Morning, November 25th at the SSgt. Willie de Leon Civic Center for the annual Luv Ya Uvalde Thanksgiving meal. Doors opened at 10 AM but the serving of food started at 11:30PM for those at the Civic Center.

Volunteers prepared to-go boxes 1st to be delivered to home-bound recipients. Several public officials as well as candidates running for election/re-election volunteered at the event pouring drinks and helping serve food.

While a hungry crowd waited, drawings for door prizes were announced throughout the morning.

 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