As I read about consolidating classrooms and teachers and the budget for security, I see further evidence for the need to immediately, over the summer, transfer the policing of schools to the Uvalde Police Department, and absorb the officers and equipment into the PD. The greatest failure was the absence of command and control because the school district in its […]
2022-07-24
Kenneth E. Verstuyft
Kenneth Eugene Verstuyft, 57, of Sabinal, Texas, was born on Aug. 2, 1964, and passed away on July 16, 2022. Son of Eugene and Mildred Verstuyft; husband of Lesley Verstuyft; father of Meagen (Jared) Wiekamp, Macie (Patrick) Larkin, Valarie (Jason) LeJeune, and Victoria Verstuyft; brother of Cathy (the late, Ernest Ray) Walton and Karen (Mike) Hardin; grandfather of Taylor, Emily, […]
Embracing heartbreak keeps you connected to lost child
The horrific shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde has already been obscured by the Jan. 6 hearings, the frightening drop in the stock market, the Russian capture of most of the Donbas and all the other bad news that crowds my inbox. But it has not been eclipsed in my mind. I continue to feel intensely the throbbing bite at […]
Esperanza J. Fernandez
Esperanza Jo Fernandez, 26, of Pearsall, formerly of Uvalde died on July 4, 2022, at her residence. She was born on Oct. 29, 1995, in Uvalde to Nancy (Guzman) and Emilio Fernandez. She married Cintia Maria Uriegas on March 4, 2022, in Pearsall. She is survived by her wife, of Pearsall; mother and husband, Augustine Gonzales, of Uvalde; father and […]
UCISD wants more police while speaker challenges efficacy
Melissa FederspillStaff Writer
School district officials have said they plan to hire more police officers to bolster campus security in the upcoming school year. At least one community member is questioning if school police departments actually make students safer. “There is no conclusive or consistent evidence that SROs [school resource officers] reduce crime among students or reduce mass shootings. The research shows potential […]
Bike, toy giveaway today at library
There will be a toy and bike giveaway for children up to 12 years old at a “Christmas in July,” celebration set today at El Progreso Memorial Library beginning at 1 p.m. The event will conclude when all of the toys have been dispersed. There will also be cotton candy, candy apples, and hot dogs. Children will be able to […]
Rodeo club wraps up 2022 summer season
The Uvalde Youth Rodeo Club staged its third and final points-night competition of the 2022 summer rodeo season last Tuesday night in the Uvalde County Arena at the Fairplex. On Aug. 2, the UYRC will host its summer series awards night at the Fairplex Events Center. Friday and yesterday, the UYRC will to host its annual open youth rodeo. Results […]
Restoring public trust is tall order
The special House report on the mass shooting at Robb Elementary has delivered a devastating blow to public trust in two of our most revered institutions. Law enforcement and the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District are singled out in the 77-page document for “multiple systemic failures.” The question that we must all consider and somehow answer is how the community […]
