I was scrolling news online last Wednesday night when I stumbled across an article about my book “Hello from the Great Blue Sea” on Yahoo News! It came as a total surprise. An article about our book was published on the front page of the Corpus Christi Caller Times last Monday, July 11, and I noticed that article was written by a journalist who is part of the USA Today Network. So Yahoo News apparently picked it up sometime after that. The book is illustrated by Chad Wildoner, an inspiring young man who battles the same disease as my little niece, but he won’t let this disease stop him from living life to the fullest. He’s gone skydiving, horseback riding, kayaking, you name it–and now he has illustrated a children’s book that made National news! I wrote this children’s book for my niece Audrey (after she was diagnosed with A-T) to help show her that she too, can do anything she wants to do and go anywhere she wants to go, wheelchair or not. Chad and I are donating all book sales profits to a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for A-T, the A-T Children’s Project. Because A-T is such a rare disease, the A-T Children’s Project is the driving force behind most of the research that’s being done. So our family has connected with Chad’s family, over 2,000 miles away in California, in our mission to help raise funds for a cure. You can buy our book on Amazon by typing the title into the search bar: “Hello from the Great Blue Sea”. The theme of the book is how the world’s oceans connect us all, so how appropriate it is to be a fundraiser for a condition so rare that it only affects 1 in 40,000-100,000 people, but to see so many people come together to help us in so many ways. Small acts of kindness can go such a long way, like the sweet lady, Mrs. Ann, who is the director of the condo at the beach, who agreed to sell our books in her little gift store in Port Aransas. Because of that, the Corpus Christi Caller did a story on our book, because the book is sold at a local store. Then the story ends up on Yahoo News. Pretty cool. A direct link is as follows on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Hello-Great-Blue-Sea-Wonders/dp/B0B5KXGSYW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NTAACF3YETO8&keywords=hello+from+great+blue+sea&qid=1658175708&sprefix=hello+from+great+blue+se%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-1 Hello from the Great Blue Sea is a non-fiction picture book with sea animals including a starfish, shark, sea turtle, dolphin, whales, and fun facts along the way. A short 5-minute read. At the back of the book, are a “behind the scenes” story and pictures showing the illustrator as he drew the pictures and telling the story of how he continues to overcome his disabilities.
The Luna Family Circus will be in Natalia on Tuesday, July 26 and Wednesday, July 27 near city hall, at 2079 State Hwy 132. There will be one show each day starting at 7:30 pm. Ticket Price is $10.00 per adult – and children get in free with an adult. There will be jugglers, a balancing act, clowns, acrobats, a magic act, and a Sponge Bob character is also part of the show. The family circus act is based out of Houston. The show is about an hour and a half long, and seating is under the big top circus tent. “People love our clowns and kids love the our performing puppy,” Jo Luna said. “He is still in training, but I bring him out and the kids love him.”
If you would like to see an over 65 exemption on your Medina County taxes like the school districts offer, please contact your county judge and commissioner to let them know you would like to see this offered to senior citizens over the age of 65. What the Devine ISD taxing unit offers is an over 65 residence homestead exemption which freezes your tax rate and appraised evaluation from the moment of exemption on as long as that is your homestead. Medina County is considering and may take action on what they can or want to offer in the form of a tax exemption or freeze at the 10:00 am July 28, 2022 Medina County Commissioners Court meeting at the new courthouse annex which is across the road from the old courthouse in Hondo. It’s time to speak up and/or show up if you want to see an exemption passed. It would help many people. “I think people are ready for any kind of tax relief right now,” said Commissioner Jerry Beck. Contact: Medina County Judge Chris Schuchart at 830-741-6020. Pct. 1 Comm. Tim Neumann, Hondo, 830-741-6016 Pct. 2 Comm. Larry Sittre, Castroville, 830-931-4000 Pct. 3 Comm. David Lynch, Hondo, 830-741-6006 Pct. 4 Comm. Jerry Beck, Devine, 210-244-3413 cell or 830- 665-8015.
10 fans were dropped off at the Devine Police Department by Kellen Nixon and Lewis Stroud from the Devine Lions Club. Devine PD sponsors Project Breeze and distributes fans to those in need throughout the year. Their supplies were getting low, so the Devine Lions Club jumped up. If you would like to donate fans, just drop them off at the Devine PD behind City Hall. Police Chief Kandy Benavides accepts the fans.
You can call the office phone at 830-663-4403 to arrange or ask for further information if needed. “With the weather like it is, a fan is a big help and always appreciated. The Lions Club is always needy and willing to help those in need!” said Lion President Lewis Stroud.
Case Finto (on right) and her mom Candy after getting Case fitted for a new wheelchair and special crutches. Case was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis this year, and the family appreciates anything you can do to help. Her daddy, Waylon, is also battling MS and was diagnosed just one year before her. You can drop off a donation at The Devine News. Please make out any checks directly to Candy Finto. If you would be interested in hosting a benefit or plate sale for the Finto family, please let us know. There is also a Go Fund Me which can be found on Candy Finto’s facebook page.
A young man and woman were pulled over by suspects impersonating police officers around midnight right on the edge of Lytle city limits this past Thursday, July 7th. It happened at Wisdom Road and Ball Road. “They pulled the victims over using red and blue sirens, according to witnesses. One of the suspects was dressed in a police-like uniform and equipment, and he was armed with a handgun,” said Lytle Police Chief Richey Priest. They had the victims lying down on the ground with zip ties when one of our officers on patrol spotted them. Luckily, nobody got hurt.” Upon seeing the Lytle PD officer, the suspects fled in their vehicle. The suspects crashed striking a railroad crossing arm at Old Frio City Road and Pearsall Road. At that point they bailed out and fled on foot. “We have video of what looks like five suspects that fled on foot from the crashed vehicle. They bailed out and ran in all different directions. We do have suspect(s) in this case, and we will be working with the Texas Rangers as we continue this investigation,” Priest added. A purse, gaming console, jewelry and a handgun were stolen from the victims during the armed robbery. We discussed what to do if you ever find yourself in a rural area where you feel uncomfortable and cannot see a clearly marked PD car. “Every situation is different,” Chief Priest said. “If it’s not a marked vehicle and you feel uncomfortable, you might need to just turn on your flashers and slow down until you get to a parking lot or lighted area where you can pull over. Our officers are also aware of that and sometimes we will follow someone until we get to a more well-lit area to make a stop.” Sheriff Randy Brown adds, “You can call the Sheriff’s Office and they can most likely confirm that it is one of our officers. You’ll need to know where you’re at. If you are in Medina County, call Medina County Sheriff’s Department, or if you’re in Atascosa County, you’ll need to call Atascosa Sheriff’s Department. Slow down, put on your emergency flashers and drive to a place where you feel safe.”
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” -Mother Theresa
John and his beautiful wife Debbie, who will carry on and lead HANK Inc. for many years to come. John and Debbie co-founded HANK Inc to serve foster children in Medina County and the surrounding areas in 2010. Mrs. Southwell now serves as the President along with a board of dedicated volunteers.
This weekend family, friends and community will celebrate the life of a remarkable man who impacted thousands of lives in Medina County and the surrounding area. Every year, the late John Southwell, 89, helped provide hundreds of foster children with Christmas gifts. Every week, he went to the store and bought beds, playpens, strollers, anything a foster child needed that the State wouldn’t provide. Every day, he advocated for these kids, building up a homegrown non-profit organization named HANK, Inc., which he co-founded with his beautiful wife, Debbie, who will carry on the mission. I went to visit Mr. Southwell at his home just a few days before he passed away, and even as he struggled so, he was still advocating for these children. He was excited to let me know that HANK will be opening their third community foster home very soon. One of the last things he said to me was “Children are the most precious thing”. I know there will be a special place in Heaven for Mr. John Southwell, of Hondo, Texas. What a legacy he leaves behind. Three community foster homes with 18 warm beds for local foster children in Devine and Hondo. A little love and joy in the hearts of thousands of foster children who received a gift and were touched by HANK over the years, and will continue to be touched for many years to come. A memorial service for William “John” Southwell, III will take place on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at New Fountain United Methodist Church at 1:00 p.m. Please wear bright colors; John wanted this to be a joyous celebration of his life. Full obituary inside. I first met Mr. John Southwell when I was covering County Court as a reporter for the local newspaper. That Monday, the county was donating surplus funds to a non-profit organization named HANK, which stands for Helping Abused and Neglected Kids. We met for an interview shortly afterward. The first thing he explained is that there were 100–200 foster children in our little three-county area at any given time. From that first meeting, I knew right then and there that this was the best charity in Medina County. One of the Mr. Southwell’s goals was to raise enough money to build “community foster homes” in local towns because finding a warm bed for a foster child is so difficult. At that time, a local judge explained that they often have to send kids to foster homes four hours away or even farther because there is simply no available bed for them in our area. With so much hard work, dedication and sincerity, Mr. Southwell’s dream to build community foster homes soon came true. In 2016 they built their first community foster home in Devine. In 2017, they were able to build a second home in the neighboring town of Hondo, Texas, which is where the Southwells live and where HANK, Inc. began. And this year, they will open their 3rd community foster home. Their “little” organization, run out of their home office, has purchased some 15,000 Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, and sets of school supplies. That’s not to mention the thousands of other things HANK has purchased for kids in need over the past ten years. Mr. Southwell was an inspiration to everyone who met him. To see this awesome husband-and-wife team working side by side and everything they have accomplished just blows me away. He became somewhat of a grandfather figure to me over the years, as he did to hundreds upon hundreds of children who recieved a little comfort from HANK at a time when they needed it most. Mr. Southwell was a good business man and an excellent speaker. When he retired, he used those talents to build up HANK, alongside his wife Debbie and many volunteers. He was a man who was quick to tell you when you did a good job and that always motivated you to do more. He was inspirational by his actions and absolutely sincere in everything he did. John and Debbie saw big needs of foster children that weren’t being met while volunteering for another organization, and instead of accepting it, they took into thier own hands and hearts to answer that call, fulfill those needs that aren’t covered by the State for local foster children. What an impact a man can make.
By Anton Reicher The Natalia ISD school board voted Monday to approve proposed 2022-2023 district budget of $13.5 million, a 7.6 percent increase from the previous year. Also, the board voted 6-1 to institute the Texas School Guardian Program, an integrated school security program to manage the risk of active shooter violence by arming key members of the staff and faculty. The program is already in place in the Devine, Hondo and D’Hanis school districts. Regarding the budget vote, the new budget raises the starting pay for classroom teachers five percent. Under the new compensation plan, teachers will see a minimum increase of $750 up to $3,850 depending on the years of experience held. Board president Eric Smith attributed the balanced budget to district director of finance Norma Fiddle working closely with the district administrators. In other action, the board heard presentations from the district administration and the Medina County Sheriff’s Office about the Guardian program, developed as an effort to have an armed defensive approach to an active shooter on campus. “We will be working with the city and the sheriff’s office to select appropriate staff members for the program,” Smith said. “We also implemented a $500 stipend for the staff members who will be going through the rigorous training to be ready for the next school year.” The action comes in the wake of the May 24 shooting massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde that left 19 students and two teachers dead. Smith said the action by the board was informed by a community survey conducted by the district in which 88 percent of the 700 responses favored research into the possible adoption of the program. The program requires 16 hours of training by a licensed and certified Department of Public Safety instructor. Training requires live fire qualification and simulation exercises. Paul Almendarez voted against implementing the new security program, with all other board members voting in favor.
Medina County Judge Chris Schuchart plaques and certificates honoring county employees for their service during the June 30 commissioners court meeting. In the foreground at left, Marla Winder receives special notice upon her retirement after 16 years of service. Foreground right, Jessica Medina, sheriff’s office dispatcher, and Joey Catina, sheriff’s deputy, get certificates for 10 years service. Two honored who were not present were Tony Agular, a sheriff’s deputy for 20 years, and Cindy Sandoval, sheriff’s office records clerk for 10 years.
By Anton Reicher The Medina County Commissioners Court spent the week leading to the Fourth of July conducting one regular meeting and two budget workshop sessions with a strong emphasis on law enforcement requirements. Making presentations to the court were Sheriff Randy Brown, District Attorney Mark Haby, County Court-at-Law Judge Mark Cashion, Precinct 2 Constable Jim Przybylski, Justice of the Peace Glenn Klaus, Juvenile Probation Officer Lynette Drury and pre-trial services administrator Dorothy Hastings. Commissioners also heard from county clerk Gina Champion, county auditor Eduardo Lopez, elections administrator Lupe Torres and veterans’ services officer Ruben Gonzalez and representatives of the county’s agricultural extension service office. Sheriff Brown addressed the court on his plans to increase jail revenue during the coming budget year. With the final completion of the jail addition and renovation project in January, the county expects an extra $375,000 in revenue to come from renting jail space to entities such as the U.S. Marshals Service. The expected revenue is calculated based on $55 a bed daily divided by two. “When we swing the doors open, we’re hoping to have enough jailers to handle it,” Brown said. Also discussed during Brown’s presentation was the delay in delivery of nine Chevrolet Tahoes ordered by the county for the sheriff’s office in October 2021. The delays are being blamed on COVID-19 pandemic supply chain issues. “I’m literally disgusted,” County Auditor Lopez said. Equipment needed to put eight of the nine vehicles in operating conditions arrived at the “upfitting” facility on June 29, he said. “They are telling me the ninth one is there but I can’t verify that,” Lopez said. The county has been notified that two other vehicles ordered, a Ford F250 and a Ford F150, may be so behind schedule that the trucks delivered will be 2023 models, not 2022 models. Unfortunately, these vehicles will be subject to any price increases for the newer models. “I have no idea what to expect on these vehicles,” Lopez said. “It’s a complete train wreck right now.” Lopez, in a separate presentation, asked commissioners for $67,500 to cover indirect costs from the move to consolidate the public defenders’ office for five counties to be based in Medina County. He also asked for the hiring of a new full-time employee to be split between his office and human resources to help with new increase in personnel that the completion of the jail project represents. Constable Przybylski presented his argument for a salary increase from $33,211 to $48,500, plus an increased travel allowance. He reported that since 2013 his office has made 2,937 traffic stops with 2,280 citations and arrest warrants served. In citations, the office has collected $320,000 since 2015 with nearly $34,000 in civil process fines collected together with the justice of the peace’s office in the same period. “We’re not just sitting there, running traffic and speed traps,” Przybylski said. District Attorney Haby told commissioners his budget included slight increases in various categories but “nothing shocking.” Those increases included raises in salaries for prosecutors. “Hiring and retaining skilled prosecutors in rural areas is a challenge,” Haby said, particularly when in close proximity to a large metropolitan county such as Bexar. A first assistant district attorney in Medina County makes just over $90,000 annually, Haby said. In Bexar County, the same position pays nearly $177,000. Juvenile probation officer Drury asked for an increase of $153,000 in her budget, calling the need “critical.” “The majority of it is going to placements and detention,” Drury said. “Those are going up significantly across the state.” Justice of the Peace Klaus asked to upgrade a part-time employee to help deal with the escalating number of drug cases filed in his jurisdiction. Aside from law enforcement issues, veterans’ services officer Gonzalez took the opportunity to recognize a recent success for his office, correcting a Veteran’s Administration error that allowed one client to recover $408,000 in unpaid health care benefits. During the regular court meeting on June 30, the commissioners heard a presentation from Mark Miller of Westwood County Engineering on the development of a master drainage plan for Medina County. Priorities for the plan are to identify risk, develop project concepts, develop funding goals and partnerships, develop mechanisms to increase drainage infrastructure funding and coordinate the project with state and federal agencies such as the Texas Water Development Board and the Texas Division of Emergency Management. In subdivision development news, the commissioners approved plans to vacate and replat Lot 20 in Holiday Villages located in Precinct 1 on County Road 151. No comments were heard during a public hearing on the request. The commissioners gave final approval on Desert Willow Acres and Hunters Ranch Unit 14A, both in Precinct 3. The court also approved the construction plan for Amanda Park in Precinct 2, permitting building to begin.
Capital Highlights Week of July 4 – 8 Three people were arrested last week by federal authorities in connection with a human smuggling incident that left 53 migrants dead. The migrants were discovered inside a tractor-trailer on San Antonio’s Southwest Side, according to the San Antonio Express-News. The victims were from Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. Eleven other people were rescued from the trailer. “We are devastated by the news,” Cesar Espinosa, an immigrant advocate with FIEL Houston, an immigrant rights organization, told the Express-News. “Unfortunately, this is not the first time, and unfortunately, it won’t be the last time that it happens as long as we don’t have a pathway for people to migrate safely into the U.S.” Meantime, Gov. Greg Abbott announced additional truck checkpoints would immediately be established targeting semi-trucks, and strike teams consisting of 20 troopers are being sent to the Eagle Pass region “to detect and defer unlawful border crossings and apprehend illegal migrants.” The trailer had passed through a federal Border Patrol checkpoint. More cases of monkeypox reported Multiple cases of monkeypox have been reported in Texas by the Texas Department of State Health Services and local health departments. A dozen cases have been identified in people who did not travel outside the state, meaning they were exposed in Texas. “With the sharp increase in monkeypox cases worldwide, it’s not surprising to see the virus spread in Texas,” said Dr. Jennifer Shuford, chief state epidemiologist. “We want people to know what the symptoms are, and if they have symptoms, to avoid the types of close contact with other people that can spread the disease.” Monkeypox is a viral illness with symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. People who develop a rash should avoid direct contact with other people and contact their health-care provider for next steps. A vaccine is available and can be given to people within four days of exposure. Additional funding for school safety, mental health Abbott and other state leaders last week announced the transfer of $105.5 million to support additional school safety and mental health initiatives through the end of August 2023. “This additional funding will boost actions the state of Texas has already taken to make schools safer and support the mental health of children, teachers, and families following the tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde,” according to a news release. Roughly half of the funds are going for bullet-resistant shields. Funding is also being provided for mental-health services and other school safety services. Texans urged to ‘stay dry’ while boating Boaters are being urged to fight back against the aquatic invasive species that threaten Texas lakes. “The best way to prevent the spread of many destructive aquatic invasive species is to clean, drain and dry your boats and equipment – every time,” said Brian Van Zee with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Zebra mussels and giant salvinia remain the biggest threats to Texas lakes, though other invasive species are being spread, including water hyacinth, crested floating heart and quagga mussels. Zebra mussels are found in 33 Texas lakes, while giant salvinia is present on 23 East Texas lakes and numerous rivers, creeks and marshes between Houston and Beaumont. “Boaters need to remove all plants, mud and debris from boats, trailers, vehicles and gear and drain all water from the boat, equipment and on-board receptacles before leaving the lake. In addition, boats should be dried completely before visiting another lake, preferably for at least a week,” according to TPWD. Transporting prohibited aquatic invasive species is illegal and punishable with a fine of up to $500 per violation. No surprise: It’s still hot and dry Above-normal temperatures and a lack of rainfall in the past month mean the risk of wildfires remains high across the state. “State and local first responders have been incredibly busy this year without much reprieve and forecast conditions indicate that we may be facing a very busy summer season as well,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service fire chief. “We urge Texans to be cautious and prevent wildfire ignitions this summer.” There are three active wildfires, the largest being the Dempsey Fire which covers 11,598 acres and is 60% contained. A total of 181 counties are under burn bans. COVID-19 cases rise once again COVID-19 cases in Texas during the past week rose to 74,652, according to the Coronavirus Resource Center at Johns Hopkins University, up 21% from the previous week, with 111 deaths reported. The number of lab-confirmed COVID-19 hospitalizations rose to 2,460 up 19.7% from the previous week, according to DSHS.
