Pearsall police enforce mask order BREYANA SEGURA Chief Staff Writer Pearsall residents can expect criminal prosecution for failing to wear a protective mask in public. In an effort to move the economy forward while protecting public safety during the coronavirus pandemic, Governor Greg Abbott has issued a statewide executive order requiring the wearing of facial…

Azrielle Jo Niaves of Cotulla celebrated a birthday on the same day as the United States, turning a year old on Saturday, July 4 and bathing in patriotic colors for the occasion. Independence Day festivities may have been canceled by local governments, but families still found ways to mark the nation’s most significant date.  …

New revelations of past complaints prompt council to reconsider Rivera In the wake of new revelations regarding the background of recently selected Police Chief Milton Rivera, Dilley city councilors have scheduled a special meeting to discuss their next move. “I am talking to people to see what we are going to do with the latest…

Long-serving administrator turns in her chalk… Cotulla ISD is losing one of its most ardent advocates this summer, an administrator whose service to education stretches over 40 years and who decided in June that she is going to retire for the second time. Louisa Franklin was born and raised in La Salle County, the daughter…

Mayor extends emergency declaration; staff distribute signs at local businesses All businesses and public buildings in Cotulla have been given new signage this week, requiring anyone who enters to wear a face mask. The new regulation has taken effect and is aimed at curbing the spread of the potentially deadly COVID-19 coronavirus. Cotulla’s order comes…

Recovering from COVID-19: A Survivor’s story, a battle with ignorance… Despite it all, shouldering the burden of parenting during a pandemic and being an essential worker, 42-year-old Mariesol Gomez would not let a positive coronavirus diagnosis bring her down. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a profound worldwide shock, with many people believing the virus is…

MARC ROBERTSON, Editor & BREYANA SEGURA, Chief Staff Writer Two people have died in the past week from the coronavirus in Frio and La Salle counties, according to emergency response officials, and the number of those affected by the contagion have continued to increase. The fatalities mark the first for each county, coming three months…

Demolition work has begun for preservation and rejuvenation of the former Paisano Hotel on Oak Street in downtown Pearsall as workers removed the building’s sidewalk awning that was sagging and falling down in some places. The iconic building is scheduled to be refurbished and will include business fronts on the ground level and apartments on…

La Salle remains among counties with fewest reported infections Frio County’s total confirmed COVID-19 cases reached 122 this week, far outnumbering its neighbors. La Salle County reported three confirmed cases of the coronavirus on Monday, two of the victims detainees at the regional detention facility in Encinal and the third a staff member at the…