The DeWitt County Youth Livestock Show Week and DCSO Lt. Hobb’s acceptance into the FBI National Academy at Quantico were the key highlights at the Commissioners Court at regular meeting on February 24. Additionally, a reception will be held on March 23rd for the long-awaited book, 'History of DeWitt County.' Lastly, please inform the VOLUNTEER re department about controlled burns at 361 275 5734 to avoid unnecessary visits.
“Make a phone call before lighting a match,” Judge Fowler advised.
DeWitt County Youth Livestock Show Week On February 24, the DeWitt County Commissioners Court proclaimed March 1-7, 2025, as DeWitt County Youth Livestock Show Week. _is week-long event is dedicated to fostering the educational and scientific development of young individuals interested in agriculture. The Cuero Livestock Show promotes the breeding, raising, and marketing of high-quality livestock and farm products.
Livestock Show President Greg Gossett expressed appreciation to the Commissioners Court for the annual $25,000 and wanted to dispel the rumors that the participation numbers of the Cuero Livestock Show were decreasing.
“There was somewhat of a rumor, even among our 4-H and FFA families, that the numbers this year were down,” County Extension Agent/Cuero Livestock Show Secretary Anthony Netardus said.
Comparing this year’s data from the previous 2024 year, he stated that there were 386 versus 368 animals in 2024 for an increase of 18 animals and 305 versus 291 exhibitors, with an increase of 14 participants.
Netardus credited the success to DeWitt County. “_is is due to the support from our commissioners for the community, as well as the people who come out to support the kids and attend the sale,” he added.
Judge Daryl Fowler clari ed that the $25,000 was not a “gift” but was given as an economic development agreement to support DeWitt County.
“There is an expectation of return. And we've seen that in the population and the increasing number of events that come through there, bringing people into this community to support Cuero and the restaurants and businesses across the county with their checkbooks and their sales tax dollars,” Judge Fowler said.
The event will kick o with a grand opening ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, at the newly renovated, state-ofthe- art Friar Ag Center located on E Highway 87. Following the ceremony, a Cuero Livestock Horse Show will take place in the Rodeo Arena at 11:00 a.m.
On March 2, there will be a Commercial Heifer Pre-Auction Social at the Anne Friar _omas Homemaking Building from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, will feature special events including the Ag Mechanics Show, as well as broiler and market rabbit judging. Baked goods from the Homemaking Show will be available for sale at the Homemaking Building on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Wednesday, March 5, there will be judging for breeding beef heifers and market swine, followed by the judging of steers, sheep, and goats on March 6.
The event will culminate with the Pre-Auction ceremonies and Auction Sale at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7. Please check the following Facebook link for further information. https://www.facebook. com/CueroLivestock-ShowTX/ Historical Commission Treasurer’s Report, new treasurer, and book The Court received the annual treasurer’s report from the DeWitt County Historical Commission, presented by Chairman Peggy Ledbetter. She explained the details of the report. The balance had been reconciled. In the budget, $20,000 had been allocated to cover any deductible or necessary costs related to vandalism or similar incidents at Veterans Park, specically for the musical component, while the city provides insurance for the park.
Chairman Ledbetter announced that Bobbie Martin, who was unable to attend the court meeting that day, is the new treasurer.
Additionally, a reception is scheduled for the book “Geschichte von DeWitt County,” which has been translated into English by Dr. James Kearney and titled “The History of De-Witt County.” _is event will take place on Sunday, March 23rd, at the English- German School on the Chisholm Trail Museum campus. Dr. Kearney, from the University of Texas, will be present at the reception. The book includes essays by Rudolph Clayberg, an early founder of the county, who later moved to Washington.
Code Enforcement EMC Billy Jordan addressed the Court regarding code enforcement issues related to increased controlled burns that did not notify the volunteer re departments. There have been 12 unnotied controlled burns since the beginning of this year. He also raised concerns about two burns involving construction materials, insulation, plastics, and environmentally hazardous chemical spills. Currently, DeWitt County has only a _oodplain ordinance to enforce rules and regulations, but there are no requirements for notication before a controlled burn. EMC Jordan will explore further options with the Environmental Services Division of the Victoria County Public Health Department.
The next regular Commissioners Court meeting will be held at 9 a.m. at the DeWitt County Courthouse on March 10.
