Julia Ann Wilburn Rihn, 81, of Devine, Texas passed away on November 15, 2022. She was born in Raton, New Mexico in September of 1941. She married David Rihn in 1957 in Hondo, Texas. She was employed as a registered nurse with Methodist Hospital in San Antonio for several years. She is preceded in death by her Parents Woodrow Wilburn and Louise Green; Sister Charmaine Traylor and Granddaughter Kaylla Brooke Rihn. She is survived by her Husband David Rihn; Children David Rihn, Jr., Laura Jacquez, Anne Petmecky, Keith Rihn, Paul Rihn and Philip Rihn; Siblings Norman Wilburn; Lucille Morris and Steve Taichman; Numerous Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews. Visitation was held on Friday, November 18, 2022 from 9:00 am – 9:30 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church – Devine, 108 S. Washington Drive, Devine, Texas 78016. A Rosary was recited at 9:30 am. Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:00 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Services concluded at the end of the Mass. For personal acknowledgment’s, please visit www.hurleyfuneralhome.com Arrangements entrusted to Hurley Funeral Home – Devine, 303 W. College Ave, Devine, Texas 78016.
Our month of November is well over half finished, as is our year. We are at the point where there is only around forty days until we begin a new year. This year has definitely been better than 2020 and 2021. We are still having outbreaks of the virus here and there, but not too much where I am. In fact the last few times I’ve delivered papers to the patients, I’ve been told I could go to all rooms. While the pandemic was going on, the papers were delivered to the nurses’ station and they took care of it for us. Last year, there were several times that I could go to the rooms on one hall, but not the other. Thanks to the Lord for taking care of all of us, and sympathy and prayers to the families of those who were not so lucky. Let us give thanks…for our families; our friends; our homes; our schools and their teachers; our churches and synagogues where we worship freely; for the service men and women who are so far away from home this Thanksgiving, trying to keep our country free for us; for the fact that we live in a country that is still free; and last but by no means least; that we have lived to celebrate another Thanksgiving. For many of us, there will be faces missing around the table this year due to the Lord calling them home, or because they are serving our country in another lands. We are thankful that He gives us the strength to go on with our lives even though it is difficult. Just as He is the “reason for the season,” at Christmas, THANKS is the first word in the name of the feast we are celebrating today. For some of you, Thanksgiving is a fond memory, for many of you, who were able to get your paper on Wednesday; you still have to face it! I have a certain amount of my stuff done due to the fact that I will be heading to Devine early on Wednesday to be with my family. The cornbread is made for the dressing and the bread is torn up and drying a bit. All the ingredients are gathered together for my sweet potatoes and apple casserole, as are the ingredients for the pies I will be making. Here are a few more recipes that can even be prepared on Thursday morning if necessary. Broccoli Casserole 2 or 3 bunches fresh broccoli 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped celery ½ of a small bell pepper, diced ¼ to ½ cup butter or margarine 1 can cream of mushroom soup* 1 can cheddar cheese soup 2 cups cooked rice Salt and pepper to taste Clean broccoli, cut into flowerets, peel and slice stems thinly. Parboil broccoli, drain and rinse with cold water to help retain the color. Sauté onion, celery and bell pepper in butter or margarine until onion is transparent. Mix together the two soups, add the broccoli and rice and mix together. Pour into 9×12 pan, top with grated cheese if desired. Bake at 350ºF for 35 to 45 minutes. Jo’s Cherry Delight 1 can lite cherry pie filling 1 can (8-oz) crushed pineapple in juice 1 can low-fat condensed milk (not evaporated!) 12-oz carton whipped topping, thawed Mix all ingredients together and chill before serving. Weight watchers – 2 points per 1/2 cup. Mrs. Haass’ Pink Stuff (This recipe is in memory of Mrs. August Haass. She used to bring it to our Christian Mother’s Christmas Luncheon) 1 can (20-oz) cherry pie filling 1 can (20-oz) crushed pineapple in juice 1 can Angel Flake coconut 1 cup chopped pecans 1 cup miniature marshmallows 1 can condensed milk (not evaporated!) 1 carton (8-oz) whipped topping, thawed Mix all together and chill before serving. Cornbread 1½ cups cornmeal ½ cup flour ¼ cup sugar ½ teaspoon salt 3 teaspoons baking powder 1 egg 1 cup milk ¼ cup oil or melted shortening Mix dry ingredients together in bowl. Mix together egg, milk and shortening, add to dry ingredients and mix well. Pour into lightly greased 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan and bake until golden brown. Cool before using. You can make this several days ahead of time, and when it is cook break it up and store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Cornbread Dressing 4½ cups crumbled corn bread 2½ cups day old French bread, cut into ½-inch cubes 1 medium chopped onion 1½ cups chopped celery 1/3 cup chopped parsley ½ cup butter or margarine 2 lightly beaten eggs 2 to 3 tablespoons poultry seasoning Salt and pepper to taste 2 to 3 cups broth or milk* (Turkey giblets and neck, or 1 pack chicken giblets and hearts, or ½ pound ground meat or pan sausage optional) Boil giblets, etc., until done. Chop or grind and set aside. If using ground meat or pan sausage, cook well in skillet until nicely browned, drain well and set aside. Make corn bread (if desired) to your favorite recipe, (or use one or two of the packages that need milk and eggs added to them) and bake according to directions in an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan. This can be done several days ahead of time. When cool, crumble and place in bowl in fridge. Allow bread to dry out slightly, crumble and add to cornbread. Add giblets or meat (if used) Sauté onions and celery in margarine until tender. Add to cornbread mixture. Add parsley and seasonings. Add beaten eggs and broth and mix well. If it does not seem moist enough, add more broth or milk. Place in baking pan and bake at 350ºF until golden brown and set. If it looks dry while baking, add more broth or milk. Canned chicken or vegetable broth can be used if you want to save the broth from cooking the giblets for your gravy. *If you use canned broth, be careful not to use too much salt in the dressing as the broth is already salted.
Over the years Claude Butch Morgan has shared the stage with greats such as Willie Nelson and Hank Williams Jr.
Local musician Claude Butch Morgan will be performing at Bon Cafe every Tuesday from 6-8 pm. It will bring back many old memories of times past, he said. “The start of my musical history is right here in good old Devine. I wrote my first song in 1963 at my parent’s house at 601 Mockingbird Lane, I’ve written 1,000’s since that time,” Morgan said. “I had several bands while in high school here, The Electras, The Illusions, The Shannon’s, and Chapter XVI. I don’t remember all the details. I was busy and not taking good notes. “Somewhere around 1964/65 our band “The Illusions” opened a teen club in what was the Wooten Bakery, (now “the Bon Cafe.”) We called it, “The Illusions A Go-Go.” “I think it was only on Saturday evenings and I’m not sure how long it lasted, but not long. “Across the street was Schott’s Model Market. Out front of it there were two soda machines. We realized soon that teenagers wanted sodas. They would run across the street and buy them. So I had a brilliant idea. I started getting there early on Saturdays and buying up all of Mr. Schott’s sodas, paying full price, then I’d bring them across the street to The Illusions A Go-Go and sell them, adding another nickel to the price we paid and wah la, we made a little profit and it kept our fans at the Go-Go! “We did that a few Saturdays until my mother got a phone call from Mr. Schott. He was not happy about us emptying his machine on Saturday night and told my mother just that. My mom was on our side of course and quickly said to him, “I thought selling sodas was the point of your machine.” He replied, “Yea but they’re taking them across the street to the Go-Go and selling them for a profit!” Mom said, “Well with all due respect, they paid for them and technically aren’t yours anymore right?” “We never heard another thing about it. “I tell you this because I am once again playing in this historic old building. Starting on Tuesday, Nov 29th from 6-8pm, I will be performing some of the songs I’ve written, as well as some old favorites you might recognize. “We are calling this event The TUnESDAY Music club. Nothing would please us more than to have you make it your weekly hang. I promise good, wholesome music with uplifting lyrics and joyful attitude. “I will do my very best to put a smile on your face and promise you won’t have to go across the street to get something to drink. The Bon Cafe has great non-alcoholic beverages and pastries for you to enjoy. “Please consider this your personal invitation to join “The TuNESDAY Music Club.”
At the podium, Ralph Montgomery of Monticello Circle addresses the Devine City Council about flooding issues plaguing his property. The council discussed this and other flooding problems during its Nov. 13 meeting.
By Anton Riecher Flooding received the most attention during the Nov. 15 session of the Devine City Council with speculation about adding $4.8 million in drainage improvements to a possible bond issue election in May 2023. Ralph D. Montgomery, owner of two houses at 406 Monticello Drive, addressed the council about “tremendous runoff” from Fox Run and Libold Drive affecting his property. “I bought the property four years ago and I’ve had this problem ever since I bought the place,” Montgomery said. “It only happens during heavy, hard rain.” Video coverage of the council session is posted at the Devine News’ YouTube channel. Over the year the problem has grown worse with water backed up into the alley behind his home “coming in the back door” during the last major rain, he said. He blamed the new flooding on construction near his home. Dealing with the problem at Montgomery’s address and throughout a large portion of District 4 would require a system of box culverts to reroute water from north of Mockingbird Lane, Mayor Cory Thompson said. Thompson noted that the city staff has been unable to locate building permits on record for the construction at Montgomery’s address. “Was there nothing in the seller’s disclosure when you bought the property because this isn’t a new problem?” Thompson asked. Montgomery said no. He also told the council he took offense that the original construction at the site was for a business and not a home. “It’s all been approved by the city,” Montgomery said. “How did it get built if it wasn’t approved?” Thompson said a much less expensive alternative of building a wall to divert the runoff had been rejected as ineffective because openings must be permitted for driveways. Montgomery complained that the city had previously built a wall from the alleyway behind a nearby home to Monticello Circle as a means to divert the water. However, that wall has seen no maintenance and is now overgrown with grass and weeds. Thompson asked city engineer Raul H. Garcia to develop “a more realistic plan” for handling the drainage issue. District 2 council member Angela Pichardo told Montgomery the city would have to find a solution best for “the overall population.” “If we do fix your situation it would fix quite a bit” of the District 4 flooding issues, she said. The council also addressed drainage in the 400 block of W. Park Avenue near the intersection with Washington Drive. “To permanently fix the problem will require a street reconstruction project of the adjacent streets that contribute to this area,” Garcia said. As with Monticello Drive, the issues on West Park may require bond issue funding on the May ballot, Thompson said. However, since the flooding is attributable to the contours of the property anything major that would divert natural drainage would require federal approval. On motion by District 5 council member Debbie Randall, seconded by District 3 council member David Espinosa, the council voted 4-0 to direct Garcia to come up with price estimates. District 4 council member Josh Ritchey was absent from the meeting. In other action, the council passed a motion to correct action taken in April to award a contract for a water transmission line to Qro Mex Construction Company for the base bid of $146,818, plus $100,000 for the additional work contained in an alternate bid. While the original motion still stands it “should have been worded slightly differently,” Thompson said. On action of Pichardo, seconded by Espinosa, the council approved the purchase of available property adjoining Curcio Park for future expansion. City Attorney Thomas P. Cate explained that delinquent taxes owed on the property to various entities totaled about $12,500. Peggy Lester, a resident of Warhorse Drive, asked the council to consider moving a propane tank at the city water tower. She said she was concerned that the tank could pose an explosion risk if struck by lightning. City staff reported that the tank was placed on site to fuel an emergency generator during the winter storm of February 2021. The tank is already scheduled to be moved. The council voted to approve the installation of a street light at 509 Howell Ave. after owner Mary Uhl agreed to cover installation costs in the neighborhood of $180. Also approved was action to lease a portable building near the golf course clubhouse to Devine Golf Group for storage at a cost of $200 a month on a yearly lease. Council members approved plans for the Devine Women’s Golf Association and the Devine Golf Group to conduct a golf cart parade at 7 p.m. Dec. 16. No street closure was required for the parade. The council approved rescheduling its Dec. 20 regular session meeting to Dec. 13.
The Texas Military Department plans to send M113s like this one to the Texas-Mexico border, according to a report by The Texas Tribune this week. Credit: Sgt. Matthew Lucibello/U.S. Army National Guard, 130th Public Affairs Detachment.
By Anton Riecher In a letter to Texas county judges Gov. Greg Abbott explained his post-election executive order that invokes the so-called “invasion clause” of the U.S. and Texas constitutions to authorize stepped-up border enforcement to curtail illegal immigration. Medina County Judge Chris Schuchart reported during the Nov. 17 meeting of the commissioners’ court on the letter sent to him. He also reported on letters sent to Department of Public Safety Director Steven C McCraw and Major General Thomas M. Suelzer of the Texas Military Department. “All of these letters basically say that our governor is not happy with anything going on at the border,” he said. “Our president has failed us in trying to support the border.” Abbott launched Operation Lone Star in March 2021 in a joint effort between the National Guard and Texas Department of Public Safety to combat illegal immigration and crime at the border. In his letter to the county judges, Abbott said that just two years ago the state had the fewest illegal crossings in decades. “This past year under President Biden, an all-time record was set for the number of immigrants crossing the border illegally,” Abbott said. In July, Abbott issued an executive order invoking the invasion clause found in the U.S. and Texas constitutions “to fully authorize Texas to take unprecedented measures to fight back against the invasion of our border.” Use of the word “invasion” caused political friction in Medina County earlier this fall. More than 30 Texas counties approving “declarations of invasion” to push for federal help against increased border crossings, smuggling operations and drug trafficking. However, Medina County approved a resolution supporting Abbott’s efforts at the border without the word “invasion.” At the root of the local impasse was the definition of the word as accepted by U.S. Courts, Schuchart said. “The Supreme Court has never overruled three federal appellate courts who say an invasion is not illegal immigrants coming across,” he said. “We all agree we have a huge problem but it doesn’t fit the definition of an invasion.” The letter to the county judges pledged to deploy the National Guard to safeguard the border and repel immigrants trying to cross illegally. It also pledged to deploy the DPS to arrest and return immigrants who crossed illegally. In his letter, Abbott said he would build a border wall in multiple counties, deploy gun boats and designate Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. “Texas had devoted more than $4 billion of Texas taxpayer dollars toward these and other efforts to secure the border and enhance public safety,” Abbott wrote. The letter calls on Congress to reimburse Texas for the money spent on border protection. Schuchart said he spoke to Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management that morning about the letters issued by Abbott. “His biggest road block is still the fact that the federal government controls the border, and unless he wants to start a civil war with the federal government, we are still going to be stuck with the same problems,” he said. “Maybe he can deter some of them.”
Freddie H. Friesenhahn of Biry passed away Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at the age of 85. Freddie will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Freddie was born on April 7, 1937, in San Antonio, to Leander W. and Helen K. Schwirth Friesenhahn. Freddie grew up in Martinez, Texas. He worked for APPCO and Ingram Ready Mix for many years, until he started a business in 1985 with his three (3) sons in Devine. Freddie married Barbara Haass Friesenhahn on December 21, 1959, in San Antonio, Texas where they started their family; they were married for 62 years. Together Freddie and Barbara moved to Biry in 1974. They waltzed through life together figuratively and literally. You could often find the two love birds at the dance hall waltzing away. Their marriage was the backbone of the family, and they created a foundation that was rooted in love and an appreciation for each other. Some of the family’s fondest moments were spent at “Barbie and Fritz’s” house, whether it was during the holidays or sharing a meal with the family on Sundays the memories are special. Freddie loved being with his family and friends, he enjoyed the precious time he spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved tending to his garden, whittling canes, making sausage during deer season, telling jokes, dancing, and singing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You could always find him driving his parcar (golf cart) or four wheeler patrolling the roads of Biry. He was known as the “Constable of Biry”. He was tough as nails, and had a heart of gold, and is forever loved by many. Freddie is survived by his wife, Barbara Haass Friesenhahn; sons, Jeff (Melinda), Joey (Angie) and Ronnie (Darla); daughters, Debbie (Billie) and Claudia (Sammy); 17 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren; brother, Roy Friesenhahn (Karen); and sister, Clara Rechner. Freddie was preceded in death by his parents; daughter and son-in-law, Shelley and Brett McCelvey; grandson, Peyton; and siblings, Vernon, Romey, Marshall, Harold, JoNelda, and Mary. A memorial service for family and friends will be held on Sunday, November 20, 2022, at 1:00 P. M. at the residence of Jeff and Melinda Friesenhahn. The family suggests memorials be given to Old Iron Trail Ride – Make a Wish, 6155 SH 173 N, Devine TX 78016.
Addie Lois Hasler, 82, passed away on November 11, 2022 in Lytle, TX. She was born on May 20, 1940 in Campbellton, Texas to parents Donnie and Lorena Brister. Addie graduated from Devine High School in 1959. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Herbert Hasler; brother-in-law, James “Bubba” Polly. Addie is survived by her son, Benjamin Eli Hasler (Mary), Cheryl Hasler (James), Kathy Hasler Ortiz (Rick), Connie Hasler Moore (Tommy), Rebecca Hasler Byrd (Jody); brother, Billy Brister (Cathy); sisters, Jerlene Polly, Chestine Furr (Chester), Betty Lou Walter (Jimmy), Viola Shaw (Harold); 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and an extended loving family. Public Viewing will be held at Hurley Funeral Home – Devine from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, November 17, 2022. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, November 18, 2022, at Hermann Sons Cemetery in Macdona, Texas. Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the guest book may do so at www.HurleyFuneralHome.com Arrangements are under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home – Devine, 303 College Ave., Devine, TX 78016.
Velda B. Alexander, Jr. went to eternal rest at the age of 87years old on November 8, 2022 after a long illness. He was born on April 19, 1935 in San Antonio. He is preceded in death by his parents Velda and Jesse Alexander, his sister, Marilyn Brownrigg, brothers, Charles, Johnnie and Edward. Velda is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Lillian, his two sons and daughters in law, Ronald (Cynthia) and Keith (Jodi). His beloved grandchildren, Matthew and Brooke Alexander and Kalei and Ryan Alexander. He is survived by brothers, Maurice, Robert, George and sister Nola Hanson. Velda was extremely proud of his sons and dearly loved his family. He attended South San schools at an early age before moving to Devine and graduating there. He served proudly in the US Army for 2 years. Velda married his sweetie, Lillian Ehlinger on April 30, 1960. He worked at USAA for 35 years as Executive Director before retiring. He was a long standing parishioner of Holy Name Catholic Church. He was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus #8789, Holy Name Mens Club and Data Processing Management Association. Velda never met a stranger! He was well known and beloved member of the community. His kindness and willingness to help others was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. He enjoyed dancing to country music with his sweetie Lil and enjoyed hunting with his sons. He had a fondness for cars, crossword puzzles, sudoku and keeping up with the news. His greatest passion in life was spending time with his family. Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude for the last 2-1/2 years of love and care Velda received at Poets Walk. A visitation was held at 8:30am, Rosary at 9:15am and funeral mass 10:00am on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Holy Name Catholic Church. Burial immediately followed at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Devine, Texas. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Velda to Knights of Columbus #8789.
Here is what happened last week: Lytle PD officers responded to 60 calls for service last week and conducted 70 traffic stops. Those stops resulted in 61 citations and 9 warnings. Property Crimes (2 Reported): #1 – On Election Day a candidate’s sign was taken from the polling place on Priest Blvd. #2 – Three crooks made off with about $1,000 worth of merchandise from the Western Brands store on IH-35. Probably some organized retail theft group, in the past this stuff ended up at flea markets, now it can be easily sold on the internet as well. Arrests (7 Reported): #1 – A traffic stop resulted in the arrest of a male with a felony child endangerment warrant out of Medina Co. #2 – A male was cited and released for stealing a Beto O’Rourke sign from a polling place. #3 – A male subject evaded a traffic stop on a motorcycle, he was apprehended after a short pursuit and booked into the Atascosa Co. Jail. #4 & #5 – A traffic stop resulted in two males being cited and released for possession of drug paraphernalia. #6 & #7 – Sgt. Hanson attempted to stop a driver for going 71 in a 30. After a brief pursuit the driver was arrested for felony evading and his passenger had a warrant out of Bexar Co. I was out of the office most of last week. Myself, Lt Dear, Officer D. Lopez, and Officer S. Pena attended a 2 1/2 day Fire Marshal training conference in Pasadena (TX). This marks the 10th year that Lt. Dear and I have attended this conference. Lots of good material and we made lots of connections. When in the area, I suggest the Monument Inn Restaurant near the San Jacinto Battlefield and the Lynchburg Ferry. The “Pan Fried Shrimp” is wonderful. The election has come and gone. I’m going to comment on only one race I followed. It looks like congratulations are in order for Anson Williams, he was elected Mayor of Ojai, CA (unofficial results). He played Warren “Potsie” Weber on Happy Days from 1974-1984. I watched a lot of TV and Happy Days was a staple.
Ms. Holder’s story about her Mr. Tucker becoming a cowboy brought back to memory a tale from over a quarter of a century ago regarding another new rider. Our daughter, now in her late 20’s, was about two years old and being slowly walked around while sitting horseback by herself. She had already been riding in our arms or sitting in a halter slung over the saddle horn for a while. But this “By Myself Daddy” stage was just starting as it related to horses and LOTS of other things. We had finished up a ride, checking fences and cattle on a couple of pastures, unsaddled our horses, except for Old Sonny. He was a big sorrel gelding that spent virtually all his 27 years on our place. Gentle as could be and a bit on the lazy side, he was the Designated Baby Sitter for our God Children and Children for many years. The other horses had walked back towards the Horse Pasture, but we kept him up so Jessica could walk around bit while sitting alone on his broad. After a while, I pulled her off, unsaddled and brushed down Sonny, so he could go join his partners. Jessica headed off to “check on the horses” and proceeded to motor along in that unsteady little kid gait that occurs when they are walking on uneven ground in a new kind of footwear for her, called boots. The trail between the fence and some light brush was kind of narrow in a spot or two and Jessica got ahead of Sonny on that red dirt path. I watched him get right behind him and patiently let her navigate the journey. Of course, for every step he took she had to take six or eight, so he was mostly on hold waiting to get to his buddies. I noticed he was encouraging her with a very gentle nug to her little back with his nose every few steps. I quickly walked over and picked her up so he could get by, have a drink at the trough, and then roll like most tired horses like to do. Of course, she was unhappy not to be on the adventure by herself, but I reminded her a good cowhand takes care of the needs of the animals first. Some readers might think of this event as negligence on my part for allowing the little one to wander on her own and/or to allow the horse behind her so close. Could something bad have happened? Of course, but I knew it would take something VERY unusual for that old gelding to do any harm to her. And it was important to support her start at independence while she also was beginning to understand the need to take real good care of the animals she loved so much. These days she is having to teach that lesson to her own young ones. And I hope they figure it out as well as she did. As an aside, that “funny gait” she demonstrated in those new red boots sure looks a whole lot like how her old Dad walks these days with bad knees and missing toes!
