UVALDE COUNTY

With over an inch of rainfall accumulating over the last week, Uvalde County Judge Bill Mitchell has rescinded a county-wide burn ban which had been in effect since Jan. 23. Issued March 20, the administrative order abolishing the 90-day burn ban urges area residents who conduct outdoor burning to do so with extreme caution. It

BennyHernández Knippa Independent School District is the third Uvalde County school district where staff members may be armed, as on March 9 the district’s board of trustees unanimously approved implementing a defender program. Superintendent Benny Hernández said individuals must complete some requirements before taking part. “There is still work ahead for the district before this

April Elrod| FacebookApril Elrod with her daughter, Makenna. The first-annual Makenna Elrod Seiler Memorial Roping and Scholarship Presentation, a two-day event which includes a barbecue cook-off and dance, is slated April 14-15 at the Uvalde County Fairplex. Other activities include a corn hole tournament, kids dummy roping and a silent auction. Dickie Kaiser and Brushy

The lawyers for some of the Uvalde families say there is “a compelling need” for records into the May 24 shooting at Robb Elementary to be publicly released.

Thursday, Jan. 18, 1973: Governor and First Lady – Governor and Mrs. Dolph Briscoe wave to the crowd during the Inaugural Parade held Tuesday afternoon in downtown Austin. The parade started on South Congress and proceeded north to the Capital of Texas which can be viewed in the background. Also riding in the car with

Uvalde County Commissioners are allocating about $1.28 million to four organizations for trauma and counseling services. The money, which will be issued as two-year grants, comes from $5 million in state funding the county received last summer. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced the award on June 2, 2022. It is also being used to run

MarianoPargas Jr. Some community members called on Uvalde County Commissioner Mariano Pargas Jr. and County Sheriff Ruben Nolasco to resign from their positions on Jan. 9, during the first commissioners’ court meeting of the new year. After months of being on administrative leave, Pargas retired from his position as a lieutenant with the city of

Jan. 9-13 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association members will compete for a spot at the San Antonio Rodeo during preliminary competitions slated at the Uvalde County Fairplex. The events begin at 9 a.m. daily and are free to attend. Wednesday, Jan. 11 Chicks Eating Out will meet at 11:30 a.m. for

Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw accused the suspended Texas Ranger of failing to perform his duty during the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School.

CodyDavenport Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association members will be in Uvalde from Jan. 9-14 for a series of events, both free and ticketed, set at the Uvalde County Fairplex. Preliminary competitions featuring more than 800 competitors are set Jan. 9-13, beginning at 9 a.m. but ending at various times, and will

Uvalde County will host a public ceremony on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, beginning at 12:01 a.m., to swear in newly-elected officials. The ceremony will take place in the district courtroom located on the second floor of the Uvalde County Courthouse. Notary public Helly Moncada will administer the oath of office for Uvalde County Judge Bill

Sylvia Uriegas transported children who were wounded inside Robb Elementary School to the hospital. The terror of that day still haunts her.

Melissa Federspill|Leader-NewsVinnie Martinez of Uvalde-based High Voltage BBQ rubs brown sugar on a rack of ribs as teammate Santos Camacho looks on during the Briscoe Ranch Cookoff at the Crossroads at the Uvalde County Fairplex. The team placed 70th in the chicken category; 115th, ribs; 132nd, brisket; 47th, steak, and 64th, fajitas. Under cloudy skies

Click here to read investigator Richard W. Carter's report People attending the Monday, Dec. 12 meeting of Uvalde County Commissioners' Court expressed disappointment and called for more accountability when independent investigator and attorney Richard W. Carter gave what he called a “forensic review” on UCSO policies and procedures instead of more details on what happened

Uvalde County Sheriff Ruben Nolasco knew about the calls for shots fired on campus the day of the Robb Elementary shooting in which 19 students and two teachers died on May 24 but diverted to a shooting reported less than a half-mile from the school, according to a CNN report.

The Uvalde mayor Don McLaughlin is speaking about the lawsuit filed against the district attorney Christina Mitchell nearly one week ago.

In a lawsuit filed Thursday, the city of Uvalde says the district attorney is restricting information needed by its independent investigator. Uvalde wants a judge to compel the prosecutor to hand over all relevant investigative information.

The Uvalde observance of Wreaths Across America will take place Dec. 17 at Hillcrest Cemetery thanks to a large donation from the board of Alton National Cemetery in Illinois and the volunteer efforts of the Uvalde County 4-H Club, whose membership volunteered to organize the ceremony. Last year, the Uvalde Leader-News editorial staff spearheaded the

Christina Mitchell The results of autopsies performed on the victims of the Robb Elementary shooting, which were turned over to Uvalde County Justice of the Peace Lalo Diaz on Nov. 4, have been sealed by court order. Thirty-eighth Judicial District Attorney Christina Mitchell signed the “motion to seal autopsy records” on Nov. 7, including those

While Uvalde County Commissioner, Lt. Mariano Pargas was a no-show at Wednesday’s meeting, another top ranking law enforcement official drew attention. Sheriff Ruben Nolasco was pressed for answers by reporters.

Pete Luna|Leader-NewsVoters, candidates, supporters and others gather outside the Uvalde Leader-News office to await results from the Nov. 8 election. The election night watch party is a decades-old tradition at the newspaper office. Uvalde County voters reelected incumbents for for county judge, commissioners, and Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace; selected former office holders for

November 8 showed voters in Uvalde aren’t ready for a revolution. They still support Gov. Greg Abbott and even re-elected a county commissioner who was the acting city police chief during the May 24 massacre.

Mariano Pargas Jr., Javier J. Cazares, Diana Olvedo-Karau, Julio Valdez vying for post; results beginning at 7 p.m.

Voting in the Tuesday, Nov. 8 general election will be held in 14 precincts across Uvalde County from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to selecting a state governor, senator for District 19, and District 23 representative, local offices including county judge, clerk, commissioners and justice of the peace will be on the ballot.

Find all Texas races, including statewide offices like governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, land commissioner, ag commissioner and railroad commission; as well state legislative seats in the Texas House and Texas Senate; Congress and local San Antonio-area races, including Bexar County Judge, District Attorney, judicial seats and more.

Early voting results will be released at 7 p.m. CST on Nov. 8, 2022. Scroll within the result embeds to see all races.

The inquiry will help determine whether criminal charges should be brought against responding officers.

Remember Their Names Festival honors Robb Elementary victims at the county fairplex.

As election day nears, Uvalde County Commissioner Precinct 2 race is heating up with several new faces.

Though fewer than 40 cases of influenza have been reported in Uvalde County so far, the state is seeing a spike in cases and health experts are looking at surges in Australia as a possible indicator of the flu season in the U.S. Susan Rios, marketing and public relations manager at Uvalde Memorial Hospital, said

The student loan debt relief plan the Biden administration announced on Aug. 24 could provide up to $20,000 in loan forgiveness for qualifying area residents. About 12 percent of the population of Uvalde County, or an estimated 3,228 people, have student loan debt, according to the Urban Land Institute. The median student loan debt for

The Uvalde Resiliency Center was established almost immediately following the horrific events that happened at Robb Elementary, being temporarily set up at the Uvalde County Fairplex.

Texas health officials have confirmed a case of anthrax in a Barbary sheep, or aoudad, in Uvalde County, the first such infection recorded this year.

The Tribune and other news organizations also previously filed suit against the Department of Public Safety over its refusal to release records related to the school shooting.

The firing of Uvalde's embattled school police chief hasn't satisfied or reassured many Uvalde residents as a new school year approaches.

Rain is in the forecast across much of the state. But it won’t be enough to reverse the drought that has gripped Texas since last fall.

Uvalde County’s net taxable value soared by a historic $313.354 million in 2022 for a grand total of $2.409 billion. This is the largest increase on record in the past five years, according to data from the Uvalde County Appraisal District. This year’s total marks a near 15-percent increase over the 2021 net taxable value

Katetlin DupnikA small amount of water remains in the Seco Creek which runs through a 90-acre ranch located between Tarpley and Utopia, where at least on rancher is having to truck water in to water livestock. The picture was taken in mid-June. This is the third-driest year on record for Uvalde County in nearly 100

An 8,440-acre property known as Nineteen Mile Ranch is currently for sale in Uvalde County.

UVALDE (AP) — After the massacre at Uvalde’s Robb Elementary School in May, Jesse Rizo was worried about his old friend, police chief Pete Arredondo.Blame for the botched police response was being dir[San Marcos, TX] [Hays County news] News San Marcos News, San Marcos Record [Texas State]

The new material further illustrates the lack of coordination among officers, the confusion over the chain of command and the delays in confronting the shooter.

The school board plans to meet Saturday to vote on the proposal, days after a Texas House committee report highlighted widespread failures in the police response to the Robb Elementary shooting.

In a resolution passed Monday, the commissioners pushed for Texas lawmakers to consider raising the minimum age for purchasing semi-automatic assault-style rifles from 18 to 21.

Texas lawmakers have interviewed around 40 officials and people involved in the response to the Robb Elementary School shooting.

The Uvalde County Sheriff Ruben Nolasco is expected to testify on Monday before the Texas House panel investigating the mass shooting at Robb Elementary.

The Uvalde County sheriff has agreed to testify in front of a Texas House committee in the Robb Elementary School shooting investigation after officials filed a notice of deposition Wednesday.

Sheriff Ruben Nolasco Uvalde County Sheriff Ruben Nolasco said he has cooperated with Texas Rangers in their investigation into the Robb Elementary School shooting. Nolasco's statement, made Thursday morning, follows a press release from Texas state Rep. Dustin Burrows, chairman of a special committee formed to also investigate the shooting, issued Wednesday, stating the first-term

Despite sweltering heat and high humidity, hundreds of people ventured outdoors Monday to take part in the multiple Fourth of July festivities held around town. The Family Fest at the Uvalde County Fairplex kicked off at 10 a.m., and offered a car show which included Corvettes, pickup trucks, and vintage models. There was also vendor

The report by the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center says authorities missed other opportunities to stop the gunman before he killed 19 students and two teachers in Robb Elementary.

State Sen. Roland Gutierrez and Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin are asking Gov. Greg Abbott to remove the Uvalde County district attorney from overseeing the Uvalde Together Resiliency Center.

The Sony Corporation has donated noise canceling headphones, which are set to be distributed July 2 at the Uvalde County Fairplex to assist in shielding those traumatized by loud noises after the May 24 shooting at Robb Elementary School. Though most fireworks are banned in the area, it is likely that noise-makers, sometimes sounding like

Uvalde’s mayor said city officials could be prosecuted for releasing details of the investigation. Pete Arredondo, the City Council member and school district police chief, was absent for the second straight meeting.

There will be a free family-themed festival at the Uvalde County Fairplex on July 4 in celebration of Independence Day, beginning at 10:30 a.m. with the Little Miss and Mister Firecracker Pageant. This year’s event will also feature a car show by Defiant Racing at 11 a.m., a Uvalde Cornhole Tournament which begins at noon,

The Uvalde Together Resiliency Center opened as a place for the community to get the resources they need as they move through the Robb Elementary tragedy.

Relatives of the victims and other members of the community also called for the ousting of Pete Arredondo, who is the police chief of the city’s school district and a newly elected council member.

Uvalde County District Attorney Christina Mitchell said Thursday that she is not investigating the Robb Elementary school shooting and is waiting for the probe to be completed so her team can review it.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, was one of the lead negotiators for the proposal, which would expand background checks for people under 21 and encourage states to enact “red flag” laws. President Joe Biden and House Democrats had wanted to go further.

At a news conference Thursday, Superintendent Hal Harrell outlined the plan to move students but would not take any questions regarding school police Chief Pete Arredondo or investigations into the shooting.

State Rep. Dustin Burrows, the chair of the investigating committee, said he couldn’t promise a timeline for the review and that witnesses will be questioned in private.

Donations for victims of the May 24 shooting at Robb Elementary School total over $9 million, according to tabulations from organizations participating in fundraising. Uvalde County Attorney John Dodson said Wednesday morning the Robb School Memorial Fund at First State Bank of Uvalde had accrued over $3 million, and donations were still coming in. TXN

Authorities have been criticized for waiting over an hour to enter the school and confront the shooter. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said law enforcement agencies have promised to cooperate with the federal inquiry.

Marcos Witt, a five-time Latin Grammy Award winner who is often referred to as one of the most influential Spanish speaking figures of Christian music, will perform a free concert today, June 5, at 6 p.m. at the Uvalde County Fairplex. The event is being presented in partnership with the Billy Graham and América Ora

Julye Keeble|Leader-NewsThe Red Cross booth set up in the Event Center at the Uvalde County Fairplex. The Red Cross, and numerous others were open at the fairplex to serve students, staff, faculty, and families of victims after the May 24 Robb Elementary School shooting through June 3. The Uvalde Together Resiliency Center, offering a hub

More than 250 self-declared gun enthusiasts, including donors who have contributed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s campaigns, have signed on to an open letter supporting Sen. John Cornyn’s efforts at bipartisan gun reform legislation.

Chief Pete Arredondo has been faulted for a slow response to the mass shooting at Robb Elementary.

The revelation is the latest to point to deficiencies and missteps in authorities’ response to the shooting at Robb Elementary School. Police opted to wait for reinforcements and tactical gear, taking more than an hour to confront and take down the shooter.

The former sheriff of Uvalde County said “true grit and leadership” were missing during the massacre that left 19 students and two teachers dead on May 24.

Uvalde offers mental health resources for the victims and considers rebuilding the school where the shooting took place as the community tends to its invisible wounds.

State Sen. Roland Gutierrez, D-San Antonio, said the commanding officer at the scene of the shooting was not informed about the calls that Uvalde police were receiving, calling the lack of coordination a “system failure.”

A 10-year-old girl is still in serious condition at University Hospital in San Antonio while the rest of the injured patients at various hospitals have been discharged or are hospitalized in good condition.

The district’s superintendent said students will be moved to other campuses but did not confirm reports that the Robb Elementary School building may be razed.

The committees are different from a special legislative session, which Democrats — and at least a couple Republicans — have asked for after the shooting. Abbott has not ruled that out.

Longtime Uvalde residents say the city is a hunting mecca and the love for guns goes right along with it. But some would now support measures like raising the age limit to buy AR-style weapons or monitoring high-volume ammunition purchases.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said a local police chief had stopped cooperating. It also walked back a statement that a teacher had propped open a door used by the shooter to enter the school.

She wanted to be an art teacher. Her favorite color was purple. She was laid to rest three weeks after her birthday.

The conservative, predominantly Hispanic town has long supported law enforcement. But some wonder how — or if — the heavily criticized response to the shooting will change that.

In addressing mass shootings, Texas’ top officials have tailored their responses to the wishes of some of their most outspoken voters. The results haven’t changed because we haven’t changed.

Residents of Uvalde, a deeply religious community, prayed, cried and embraced each other on the first Sunday since a gunman killed 21 people at an elementary school.

Residents of this town, which is nicknamed “the Crossroads of America,” grapple with the horror of losing 21 lives.

Commissioner Ronald Garza said he agreed with Rep. Joaquin Castro that the FBI should investigate the response to the shooting.

The Texas Department of Public Safety previously said local police made key errors. A specialized team of federal officers didn’t enter the school until more than an hour after the shooter arrived at the school.

The following is a transcript of an interview with Uvalde County Commissioner Ronald Garza that aired on "Face the Nation" on May 29, 2022.

The American Legion Post 479 Auxiliary is organizing a Memorial Day ceremony at 10 a.m. on Monday, near the Veterans Memorial Wall at the Uvalde County Fairplex. The public is invited to attend the ceremony which will be held outdoors if weather permits. Uvalde County Veterans Service Officer Everardo “Lalo” Zamora said, in the event

Authorities are piecing together a timeline of the Uvalde, Tex., shooting that ended with 19 students and two teachers dead.

The governor said the shooter at Robb Elementary is also dead and is believed to have been killed by responding officers.

Texas Rangers arrested U.S. Border Patrol agent Gustavo Sanchez, 45, last week on charges of allegedly assaulting and mistreating a juvenile on Oct. 4, 2021, in Uvalde County. The arrest came after a 38th Judicial District grand jury indicted the Del Rio Sector agent in April. Sanchez, a San Antonio resident, allegedly grabbed the juvenile

Julye Keeble|Leader-NewsUvalde County sheriff Ruben Nolasco speaks to county commissioners regarding a proposal to house some female inmates at the Zavala County Jail. Commissioners approved the agreement at their April 25 meeting, held at the Uvalde County Courthouse. Uvalde County Commissioners authorized an interlocal agreement to house prisoners at the Zavala County Jail, as well

Sabinal Indepedent School DistrictThis chart created and furnished by the Sabinal Independent School District shows an overview of previous and proposed school tax rates. After approving a $6.9 million bond in 2021 for a new event center at Sabinal Independent School District, voters are tasked on May 7 with a second $4.5 million bond for

Courtesy photoUvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin Jr. (seated, just right of the United States flag) listens as Texas Governor Greg Abbott (center, wearing a white shirt, between United States and Texas flags) talks about illegal immigration. Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott on Wednesday told a gathering of border-area mayors and officials at the Event Center at the

Melissa Federspill|Leader-NewsThirty-eighth Judicial District Attorney Christina M. Busbee, Border Prosecution Unit project director Nelson Barnes, Texas Department of Public Safety Captain Joel Betancourt and 452nd Judicial District Attorney Tonya Ahlschwede. Many area farmers, ranchers, and residents with first-hand accounts of trespassers abusing their properties gathered on Thursday to learn more about how Uvalde County’s participation

Uvalde County homeowners can expect to see, on average, about a 20-percent increase in their home values this year, according to projections by Uvalde County Appraisal District Chief Appraiser Roberto Valdez. He said the forecast was determined through this year’s reappraisal program, which included 19,000 properties countywide. UCAD is still finalizing appraisals and the target mail-out date is April 29. […]

Uvalde County recently received a certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting, marking the 25th consecutive year the county has received the accolade. The award was issued by the Government Finance Officers Association based in Chicago, Illinois, which serves both the U.S. and Canada. This year’s award is based on comprehensive financial reporting for the fiscal year ending Sept. […]

Uvalde County representatives are set to host a prayer service today at 6 p.m. in the downtown plaza to show support for Ukraine residents. Precinct 4 Commissioner Ronald Garza organized the event, which was conceived by Uvalde County Judge Bill Mitchell. The event is open to the public, and Garza said all individuals and families wishing to attend are welcome. […]

The decision by the Uvalde County Hospital Authority on Tuesday to reward hospital employees for their continued dedication during the relentless pandemic is a decision we should all stand by. From the first case of coronavirus reported in Uvalde County, the medical workers in our community have risen to the challenge. They did not shrink from performing their jobs, no […]

Uvalde County employees as well as some local non-profits will soon have several thousand dollars more after county commissioners agreed last Monday to distribute over $1.5 million in coronavirus relief funds. The distribution includes $945,000 to local service organizations, including fire departments, EMS, and libraries, and about $600,000 in recognition pay to eligible county employees. Alice Chapman, county auditor, said […]

Tomorrow is the last day to file as a candidate for the May 7 municipal election, with positions open in Uvalde, Sabinal, and Camp Wood. Candidate filing opened on Jan. 19, and up for election on the Uvalde City Council are the positions of District 1, 3 and 5 Uvalde City Council members. District 1 incumbent Everardo “Lalo” Zamora, who […]

Shift partners sidelined due to possible exposureJulye KeebleStaff writerCoronavirus cases have been mounting in neighboring counties, and last week found five Uvalde Police Department officers in quarantine as they awaited test results. UPD Chief Daniel Rodriguez noted that the quarantine was being enacted as a precaution and there were no positive test results as of Thursday in Uvalde officers, according to the Uvalde Health Authority Dr. Jared Reading. As of Thursday morning, the Uvalde County total remained the same, with six known cases and all six patients having been classified as recovered. One of those officers was possibly exposed to someone with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, and that is why these officers are in quarantine, Rodriguez said. jkeeble@ulnnow.com, 830-278-3335- Advertisement -- Advertisement -- Advertisement - - Advertisement -

Uvalde County has not had a new known case of COVID-19 since April 8, and all six cases in the county have recovered. The first known case of coronavirus was reported in Medina County on March 17. There are currently 10 reported cases, with nine active and one listed as recovered. City and county officials have approved the resumption of service, which will be held at the central kitchen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The first known case of COVID-19 in Zavala County was reported on April 15, and that patient has now recovered.

Julye KeebleStaff writerUvalde County officials have updated the local disaster declaration due to COVID-19 and will reopen the courthouse to the public on Monday, albeit with certain restrictions. Despite the opening, many court cases will continue to be adjudicated via teleconference. County staff asks that no more than two people utilize the elevator at one time, and that social distancing be practiced in the restrooms, preferably limiting the facilities to one person at a time. Disaster declarationMitchell issued the original declaration of local disaster for a public health emergency on March 17. All Uvalde County offices closed to the public on March 24, at 8 a.m. Employees still reported to work, and county offices have been staffed.

Greg Abbott issued a proclamation Monday doubling the early voting period for the July 14 runoff election due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Early voting for the July 14 runoffs will begin on June 29 per Abbott, who suspended Sections 85.001(a) and 85.001(b) of the Texas Election Code to the extent necessary to allow for the extra time for early voting. Abbotts proclamation states the early voting period will end on the fourth day before election day, excluding any legal state or federal holidays. Uvalde County elections administrator Melissa Jones Bradham said she is working on coronavirus voting protocols, and those will be made known to the public before early voting opens. The winning candidate will face Republican incumbent John Cornyn in November.