Amado Pete Martinez

On Tuesday, November 22, 2022 one of Moore, Texas’ all time favorite sons, Amado Pete Martinez, better known as “Rojo”, born November 10, 1968, passed away unexpectedly. His sudden passing is not only an immense loss that will forever leave a void in his family but also to the many close friends he had. Rojo was the kind of guy that if you considered him a friend you always had a true friend. He was living in Lawrence, Kansas when he passed. He never forgot his boyhood roots that were firmly planted in the Moore Hollow area, and his final wish was to have his ashes spread amongst departed family at the Moore Catholic Cemetery and at the 4 Feathers Ranch in rural Frio County so he could be sure to come home one last time.
Rojo dearly loved his wife, kids and grandkids. Him and his wife loved dancing together and always stood out on the dance floor. He was a hands on type of dad always going to the their sporting events, taking them on adventurous vacations, ballgames, fishing and hunting. One particular proud dad hunting moment was last deer season, when he was by the side of his son and his son bagged his first whitetail buck ever – a trophy sized 10 pointer. He loved doting on his grandchildren taking them to the local ice cream parlor for a big ol’ cone of their favorite flavor. He was also over the moon at the recent news of a granddaughter on the way. He was a staunch supporter of his NFL team the Buffalo Bills.
Rojo is preceded in death by his mother Josie Hill Martinez, father Ernesto H. Martinez, grandmother Juanita H. Martinez, aunt Lupe Hernandez.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years Norma Martinez, daughters Josie Martinez Bank (husband Chad), Callee Martinez Hinojosa (husband Ruben), son Aiden Martinez. Grandchildren Champ and King Bank, Davilyn and Evalynn Hinojosa, brother Ernest “Gugi” Martinez, and stepmom Carmen Tellez Roberts.
A memorial service will be held at The Core Church, 1910 Haskell, Lawrence, Kansas on December 9, 2022 at 7pm.

John W Allen

John William (Dub) Allen of Cotulla, Texas was born July 1, 1930, in Dallas, Texas. He went to be with the Lord at the age of 92 on December 2, 2022. He is preceded in death by his parents, Willie Andre Allen, and Mary Hattie Silvey.
Dub is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mildred Center Allen, sons, John W. Jr. (Bill) (Frances) of Devine, Andrew C. (Andy) of Cotulla, Timothy W. (Tim) (Marlene) of Odessa, daughter Joyce L. (Cissy) of Cotulla; grandsons Mathew Q. of Desloge, Missouri, John W. III of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Thomas M. of Cotulla, T. Blayne of Odessa; and 7 great grandchildren.
Although he considered Cotulla home, he still had strong ties to Medina County, especially Black Creek as that was the home of his youth and at times, his early adult hood and many family members living in the area. He worked many jobs, but he was happiest on the back of a horse, looking at cattle. 
In later life when sitting on a horse wasn’t feasible anymore, Dub could be found in the local coffee shops and restaurants regaling people with stories from years gone by. He will be missed by not only his family, but also many friends and community members who knew and cherished him.
Viewing and visitation will be held at Peters Funeral Home in Cotulla on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, from 4 pm to 9 pm. Services will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at 10 am at the First Baptist Church in Cotulla followed by graveside at the Cotulla Southwest Cemetery.

Roy Edward Walters

ROY EDWARD WALTERS was born December 11, 1948. He passed away December 2, 2022 at the age of 73. Roy was a 1967 graduate of Sam Houston High School. He attended Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 142 trade school and worked as a pipefitter for 42 years. Roy married his high school sweetheart, Roberta, in 1969. They were married for 53 years and were blessed with four children, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Roy was an avid outdoorsman. He looked forward to family vacations in Jackson Hole, Wyoming where he enjoyed horseback riding in the mountains and fishing for rainbow trout. He also loved spending time with his family in Port Aransas. His excitement and dedication to saltwater fishing caused him to acquire the nickname Old Salty. Over the years, many of his catches caused a lot of commotion on the beach. Crowds would gather to see what he had landed from the surf.
Roy took great pride in supporting his children and grandchildren in their extracurricular activities. He was a diehard Lytle Pirate fan and was easily recognized by his loud cheering during events. This tradition continued with his grandchildren and he traded in his black and gold for a variety of school colors. Whether it was sports or band the kids knew he would be there cheering them on.
Roy was also a great storyteller. His tall tales were infamous and he was an expert at “pulling your leg.” His laughter was contagious and he was loved by many. From the first time you met Roy he made you feel like you were a lifelong friend. He will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Marie Walters, his son David Brian Walters and his brother Mark Walters. He is survived by his wife Mary Roberta, daughter-in-law Kelly Lindholm, son and daughter-in-law Corey and Chelsea Walters, son-in-law and daughter Lance and Jenni Hagdorn, son and daughter-in-law Rorey and Emily Walters, his brother and sister-in-law Les and Carroll Walters, his brother and sister-in-law Gary and Debbie Walters, 11 grandchildren, one great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 7, 2022 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Hurley Funeral Home – Lytle, 14822 Main Street, Lytle, Texas 78052. Funeral Services will be celebrated on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Saint Matthias Episcopal Church – Devine 901 North Teel Drive, Devine, Texas 78016. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Devine.
For personal acknowledgments, please visit www.hurleyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements entrusted to Hurley Funeral Home – Lytle, 14822 Main Street, Lytle, Texas 78052.

Louis Leon Ehlinger, Sr.

LOUIS LEON EHLINGER SR. of Devine, TX, passed to his Heavenly home at the age of 95 on November 30, 2022, in Lytle, Texas. He was born in Devine, on July 29, 1927, to Willie and Theresa Ehlinger as the 7th of 12 children. The Ehlingers were a very close-knit family and were faithful members of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devine where Louis and his brothers served as altar boys. The church and their faith were central parts of their lives, which Louis continued with his own family.
Louis was a proud 1945 graduate of Devine High School where he was the quarterback and captain of the 1944 37-A Champion, Devine Warhorses! He turned 18 after graduation and enlisted in the U.S. Navy not knowing what he would be facing in his future, as WWII was still in full swing. But, on September 2, 1945, the war ended while he was still in boot camp. During those post-war months, Louis had the opportunity to play on a newly formed Naval Base baseball team, even though he had never played much baseball besides sandlot ball in Devine as a kid, using old, used tattered gloves and baseballs. The base teams were important for military morale, as well as entertainment to a nation that was coming out of a very difficult time. Louis played for 6-7 months in the Navy before being discharged and heading back home to Devine.
More baseball opportunities were ahead for Louis as he played semi-pro, minor-league baseball several years for the Vernon Dusters in Vernon, Texas, where he met his future wife, Betty Alley. They married in 1948 and had two sons before moving to Devine in 1961 when he started working at Medina Base in San Antonio, Tx. He had a dangerous job as part of the “Handling Crew” who moved bombs to and from huge concrete igloo bunkers. In November 1963, he and his crew escaped an explosion there that was covered nation-wide.
In 1966 Louis went to work in Devine for the Gayle Meat Company on Windy Knoll. After one year, Louis and first-cousin, Francis Schmidt, bought the company and renamed it the Devine Meat Company. Louis worked at the meat market and processed quality products for local and surrounding areas for 25 years! He said, “It was hard work, but you had to like it because of the good people around you!” He also served on the Devine ISD School Board, as did his father, and his son, plus served as Precinct 4 County Commissioner for 2 terms.
After living in Colonial Oaks for years, Louis and Betty built a home on family land that has now been in the family for 110 years. Lou & Betty loved helping others in need, be it family or friend and spending many fun times with their three granddaughters, who they adored. They had 67 years of a loving marriage with lots of fun and happiness until her passing in 2016.
Louis stayed busy on the farm with his cattle, going to church, visiting, and checking on his siblings when he became the “oldest of the last 6 kids”! He loved meeting up with his siblings and in-laws for birthday dinners and the monthly “Card Party” where he played “Pitch” with his brothers, brothers-in-law, and nephews, and on a good day might win up to a $1.45!
Louis was known for his hard work ethic, great sense of humor, friendship, and his love for his immediate and extended family. He was always ready with a smile and hearty handshake or hug for his family and many friends. Louis was a hard-working, honest, and fair businessman who took pride in what he did, the family he raised, and being a caring Christian.
But for all his accomplishments, Louis was first and foremost a humble family man who loved and respected his wife, and was very proud of his sons, granddaughters, and great-grandchildren. He was also a loving son, brother, and uncle. Louis said many times, “I have been so lucky!” “I have learned that if you treat people right, they treat you right!” That is the example he set for us and the legacy he leaves us. We will all miss him very much.
Louis was preceded in death by wife, Betty, in 2016, his parents; brothers: Bill, Herb, Alex, Ferd, and Arthur Ehlinger; sisters: Annie Marie Haass, Laura Mae McMillan, and Marian Tschirhart.
Louis is survived by: Sons: Louis L. Ehlinger Jr. and wife, Gail of Comfort, Tx, and Richard Ehlinger of Devine; Granddaughters: Keri (Ehlinger) and husband, Kurt Shell of Buda, Kelsey Ehlinger of Boerne, and Erin (Ehlinger) and husband, Brandon Dodd of Chattanooga, Tennessee; great-grandchildren: Hadley, Emery, and Beckett Shell, Alexis and Bryson Dodd; Sister: Alda Rose McAllister of Devine; Brothers: Marvin Ehlinger of Pearland, TX, and Melvin Ehlinger of McAllen; Brother-in-law Alex Tschirhart of Castroville, Sister-in-Law June Ehlinger of Devine; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Services for Louis Ehlinger Sr., were held on Dec.6, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devine, Texas under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home in Devine.
A visitation was held from 2pm-9pm on Monday, December 5, 2022, with a rosary to be recited at 7:00pm at Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Devine. A Mass service took place on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at 10:00 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devine with interment to follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.
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 W. College Ave, Devine, Texas 78016.

Caitlin Michelle
McKinney Jaworowski

Our dear loved one, CAITLIN MICHELLE McKINNEY JAWOROWSKI, passed away, surrounded by her loved ones, on November 30, 2022 at the age of 31. Cailtin was a loving wife to her husband of 8 years, Justin Jaworowski, and a wonderful and devoted mother to her sweet children, Rainey Darling (6 yrs) and Jack Wyatt (1 yr) who she loved dearly.
Caitlin was born on August 29, 1991 in Conroe, Tx to Sean and Regina McKinney and was sister to Taylor McKinney (wife Eriko), but lived most of her life in Devine, Texas. She is survived by her husband, children, parents, brother and sister-in-law, along with her grandparents Eddie and Barbara McKinney of Sabinal, parents-in-law John and Kathy Jaworowski of Devine, brother-in-law Jason Jaworowski (Fiancée Reanna), nephew Julian Jaworowski, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Caitlin was a 2010 graduate of Devine High School and graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word in 2014 with a Bachelor of Communication Degree. She was a Marketing Coordinator at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) for several years.
Caitlin was well-known for her long, flowing blonde hair, beautiful sense of style, out-going personality, thoughtfulness, creativity, and love of her family and friends – and anything by Joanna Gaines! She loved being a wife and mother to her kids and made their home beautiful and their lives happy.
Caitlin was a take-charge and get-things-done kind of person who lived her life to the fullest! Even when facing health challenges, she met them head-on with a courageous spirit and attitude. She also used her experiences to reach out and encourage others whenever possible. Caitlin managed to establish an inseperable bound with her husband Justin while never losing sight of the strong bond she always had with her parents.
She loved going places with her family and made the most of every place they went. Whether it be to Disneyland, the Silos in Waco, antiquing in Round Top or going to one of her favorite places, Devine Acres Farm, going with Caitlin was always an adventure!
Caitlin also loved celebrating all holidays, especially Christmas, and took great pleasure in decorating her home in a beautiful way for her family. This year her family and friends are creating a Winter Wonderland in their yard for her children, in her honor. Caitlin was well loved in the Devine community and beyond, and will be deeply missed by her family and many friends.
A Memorial Service was held on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022 in Devine, Texas.

Neighbor and passersby pull baby and mother out of fiery head-on collision

A witness and people passing by jumped into action to rescue a baby and her mother from their burning car after a head on crash on FM 1343. Emergency crews were on the way and extricated the others, unfortunately one person in the other vehicle did not survive.

According to reports, 63-year-old Mrs. Maria Concepcion Michel lost her life in the tragic crash this past Thursday, November 29 on FM 1343 between Devine and Castroville. Two other adults were injured and transported to University Hospital (see crash report below).
A woman who lives nearby says she pulled a toddler out of the burning SUV right after the terrible collision when she began hearing his screams and seeing it catch fire. While she comforted the child, she stated that about six other people stopped to help. Two men were able to pull the child’s mother out of the burning vehicle as well, while emergency responders rushed to the scene near Cattleman’s Crossing and Alsatian Heights area, she said.
“I was outside when it happened,” said Tammy Hill, who saw the accident happen. “I reacted when I heard screaming and the baby crying. The car was on fire, and I reached in and grabbed the baby and got him away from the vehicle. His mom was thrown to the passenger side seat and stuck inside the vehicle. I was stopping vehicles asking if anyone had a fire extinguisher, but no one did. About six other people got out and started helping. Two men pulled the child’s mother out away from the vehicle.”
ESD 1 fire crews arrived within 10 minutes of the multiple 911 calls, they reported.
“Two patients were entrapped in one of the vehicles (the truck), while the other vehicle was catching fire. Crews worked to free both adult passengers while additional crews were extinguishing the fire.”
Community EMS and Aircare transported the two adult patients with injuries.
The official DPS report states: “A 2002 Ford Explorer, driven by Christen Roxann Vann, 31, was traveling south on SH 1343. A 2004 Toyota Tacoma, driven by Francisco Esparza-Martinez, 50, and occupied by Maria Concepcion Michel, 63, was traveling north on FM 1343. For reasons not yet known, the Explorer veered into the northbound lane and struck the Toyota. Ms. Vann and Mr. Esparza-Martinez were transported to University Hospital for treatment. Ms. Michel was transported to BAMC where she was pronounced dead. The crash is currently under investigation and all contributing factors are not yet known. DPS reminds drivers to obey traffic control devices, don’t exceed the speed limit, minimize distractions and don’t drive fatigued. The crash report will be available at Texas.gov once the investigation is completed.”

“Merry on Main” a new event Dec. 9 & 10 at Devine Acres Farm, featuring
Interactive Hayride, SNOW, food & drinks

Merry on Main-
December 9 or 10 from 6 – 9pm,
Reservations only event.
New this year! An evening on the farm for the whole family to celebrate the Christmas season. Enjoy an interactive hayride, visit with Santa in Santa’s Silo (pictures are additional), make a few sticky S’Mores around the campfire. You will be serenaded by the Victorian Secrets carolers. And Grana Claus (Santa’s sister) will be singing and story-telling with all the kiddos! We will have a Nativity, too! And, hey! Did we mention that Market Square will have plenty of sparkly lights and it will be snowing on Main Street? Yep!
Merry on Main Farm admission includes pizza by the Dirt Road Cookers, hayride, campfire, live entertainment, reindeer food making for the kiddos and an atmosphere that is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit! Event Admission $31.95 (Devine Discount for Friday night Dec. 9 Merry on Main Event Save $10 per ticket with the code: MERRY (Everyone attending ages two and up need a ticket whether they eat or not) Buy date specific tickets online. Reservations only event.
Featuring Dotty and the Starry Night
A Christmas story that is set right here on Devine Acres Farm, Dotty and the Starry Night, is written by Debi Capps, the Farmer’s Wife and illustrated by local artist Kirsten Schneider. The interactive hayride at our Merry on Main event will follow the story line of this children’s book. Buy the book at Devine Acres or online at The Book Patch!
Optional purchases: Cookie decorating at The Homestead, and photo sessions with Santa. A special reminder that guests can visit with Santa for no additional fee, but a photo package is required for purchase in order to take pictures with your own device. Drinks, desserts, gifts and goodies are available for purchase. Capps & Cork will be on hand with a cash bar and fun Christmas cocktails
Special Christmas Mission
Audrey Jane’s Light
This year, we have a special Christmas mission at Devine Acres Farm — one that will benefit the A-T Children’s Project. Our granddaughter, Audrey Jane, is fighting a very rare disease, and we hope to raise money to help find a cure! For every tree that you purchase, we will donate $10 to the project’s privately funded research for an Ataxia-Telangiectasia cure. Merry Christmas, y’all!
Schedule of December Events:
It’s the most Devine season at the farm! Come cut a Christmas tree — stay to shop, eat and play at South Texas’ Premier Christmas Tree Farm!
Special events this year include Dec 9 and 10 in the evening — the new Merry on Main. Don’t miss the snow on Main Street! Plus the interactive hayride following the story line of the children’s book Dotty and The Starry Night, campfire, live entertainment, pizza and more!
On the mornings of Dec. 10 and 11 is the annual Pancakes with Santa Events by reservation only.
Open for Choose-n-Cut Tree Cutting December 2-4 | 9am – 5pm. $10 Gate Fee on Christmas Tree Weekends — per person (age 3+). Each household will receive a credit voucher (up to $50) towards purchase of a tree. Tree weekend cutting dates are while supplies last this season. Tree availability is subject to change.
More information or to buy tickets online go to devineacresfarm.com.
(Enter code: MERRY for the $10 Devine Discount to save $10 per ticket to the new Merry on Main Event for the Friday evening Dec 9 reservations.) I would just add tree availability is subject to change under the Dec 2-4 part.

Engineering company corrects ‘snafu’ with newest municipal water well in Lytle

By Anton Riecher
A quickly resolved engineering “snafu” threatened to delay completion of Lytle’s latest water well project, City Administrator Matthew Dear reported to the Lytle City Council Monday.
Upon inspection, the new water well number four was found to be missing a vital air release check valve, he said.
“It was a snafu by the engineers who just forgot to design it in there,” Dear said.
The correction is only required a “zero dollar” change order at the insistence of TRC Engineering with no cost to the city.
“The city is not paying for it,” Dear said. “It’s their mistake.”
He said the change order does extend the project’s completion date to Jan. 8, 2023. However, the contractors hope to have the project completed this week.
“We’re waiting on shipping,” Dear said. “Fortunately, (the valve) is not on some weird 48-week back order.”
On a motion by District 3 Alderman David Emery, seconded by District 1 Alderman Joseph Morrow, the change order was approved by a vote of 4-0. District 5 Alderman Charles Cate, a reservist currently on deployment, was unavailable to monitor the meeting by Internet as usual.
In other business, the council voted 4-0 to adopt a new employee handbook with an effective date of Dec. 1. Emery said the new handbook, in development since mid-2021, replaces a handbook that is more than 15 years old.
Dear said the final handbook had been through an extensive human resources and legal review prior to reaching the council.
“A lot that used to come to the council goes to the city administrator,” he said. “A lot that used to go to the city secretary comes to the city administrator.”
The “meat and bones” of the handbook does not change, particularly vacations and holiday, Dear said. However, the new handbook does streamline the pay process for greater efficiency.
Council members also voted 4-0 to approve a new franchise agreement with the utility Texas AEP that delivers electricity to more than one million users in south and west Texas. The franchise fee is paid for use of the city’s right of way to place electric lines.
Jessie Lopez, Lytle’s city attorney, said he was working on the final agreement with AEP until the last minute. One item in contention was dealing with any potential conflict between state law and city ordinances.
“We made a couple of compromises in language,” Lopez said.
Dear told the council that although the city has continued to collect franchise fees from AEP no formal franchise agreement has been in place “for quite some time.”
Dear reported to the council that he is working to arrange dates with previous long time city attorney Tom P. Cate where the city can retrieve legal files needed for its records. Lopez replaced Cate last May.
Among reports given by city department heads police Chief Richard L. Priest reported that the city had no robbery or aggravated crime reported in September. He also said there had been no juvenile arrests.
Alarm calls totaled 18 with 15 related to businesses or commercial property. Only three involved local residences.
Vehicle collisions totaled 12 with only five occurring on public property, Priest said.
On the positive side, Priest reported that a local company, A1 Sealcoating LLC, had seal coated the police department parking lot free of charge.

Suspect could face life in prison, trial to begin in murder of
MV student 16 yr old Graff

State v. David Garcia, Jr.
Press Release

Medina County Criminal District Attorney’s Office
David Garcia, Jr. is facing a murder charge for the shooting death of 16-year-old Athen Graff. Graff’s body was found in a field just outside of the Castroville City Limits just before 9 p.m. on December 2nd, 2020, not far from his home. Within days, investigators from the Medina County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a San Antonio home leading to the arrest of David Garcia, Jr., then 18-years-old, for murder. Investigators were able to tie Garcia to the death of Graff through messages found on Graff’s phone, showing a conversation taking place shortly before Graff’s death. Physical evidence found at Garcia’s far westside San Antonio home on Paseo Derecho further corroborated Garcia’s connection to the field where Graff was found shot. Graff was a student at Medina Valley High School and resident of the Castroville area.
Jury selection is scheduled to begin on Monday, December 5th, 2022, in the 454th Judicial District Court with Judge Daniel Kindred Presiding. If found guilty, Garcia could face up to life in prison.