Area News
“I do not like it”
Council greenlights $1M change orders in utility works Pearsall city councilors reluctantly approved nearly $1 million in additional costs for the ongoing infrastructure project along Business IH-35 during a meeting on Monday, November 10. According to CDM Smith representatives Stacy Barna and Rebecca Watkins, the two proposed change orders encompass unforeseen utility conflicts, revised Texas…
Read MoreBody identified after fatal truck crash
Truck driver reported IH-35 collision; had been unable to stop A 21-year-old Hondo man was killed early Saturday morning after being struck by a commercial motor vehicle on IH-35, prompting highway closure of nearly four hours. The fatal collision occurred around 4 a.m. near Milemarker 114 on November 22. A report on the case indicates…
Read MorePolice chief reports crime rate dip
Pearsall Police Chief Daniel Flores presented a comprehensive monthly statistics report to the city council last month, revealing a decrease in crime rates and an increase in calls for service during October. The report read to councilors during a Monday, November 10, meeting noted an increase of 63 calls for service, totaling 570 calls in…
Read MoreMother, children escape fire unhurt
A Pearsall family narrowly escaped tragedy last week after a shed fire rapidly spread, threatening to engulf their home and vehicle before firefighters could bring the blaze under control. Pearsall Volunteer Fire Chief Placido Aguilar said the department was dispatched to the family’s home on East Leona Street just before 3:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 12.…
Read MoreAdvocates press for community support in feeding rural families
Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week “What I have experienced in my office, with kids and their mothers coming in and asking for help… it’s been crushing.” La Salle County Judge Leodoro Martinez III fought back tears and told a hushed audience in the district courtroom on Monday, November 17, that he believes hundreds of community…
Read MoreGrand Opening
SMALL TOWN EVENTS CENTER located at 111 E. Miller St. in Dilley held its grand opening ceremonies on Saturday morning, November 8 with live music, door prizes and giveaways. Family and friends as well as representatives from the city of Dilley came out for the event. The venue boasts space for celebrations, meetings, church functions,…
Read More“As fast as they are hitting lines”
City officials concerned over utility damage by fiber optic installers A push for cutting-edge internet service in Pearsall has quickly devolved into a municipal headache, as ongoing fiber optic installation has caused dozens of utility line strikes. Despite councilors’ eagerness over bringing high-speed connectivity to citizens, Public Works Director Hector Gandara reported last week that…
Read MoreCity struggles to keep gas system updated, leaks repaired
“Obviously, it went on too long…” Aging utility lines, ever-increasing demands from the state government and a customer base of fewer than 450 have combined to put the city of Cotulla’s gas system in a continual battle for compliance and upkeep. Although the cities of Pearsall and Dilley have put a possible sale of their…
Read MoreCounty amends COLA vote, offers hike
End-of-year salary addendum amounts to at least $480k A decision by La Salle County commissioners Monday, November 17, raised the amount of a cost-of-living allowance (COLA) to all 320 employees by an additional $300 to account for taxes and deductions that would have reduced the award originally set by the court. Commissioners had agreed at…
Read MoreCity, sheriff quarrel over jail agreement
“The tiny window of responsibility you have” A 2011 agreement between the city of Pearsall and Frio County for inmate housing and responsibilities has become a major point of contention, with city officials calling for an urgent revision of what they describe as an outdated, costly and uniquely burdensome arrangement. The issue came to a…
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