By Anton Riecher
The only private citizen to attend the Sept. 8 Devine City Council workshop on the proposed 2022-2023 city budget voiced concern that a suggested cut in the tax rate might leave the city underfunded during financially risky times.
Fred Morales told the council that cutting taxes now might mean steeper increases in the future.
“I know everybody is super concerned about being conservative about how this (tax rate) number is set,” he said. “I just want to make sure everybody was putting a lot of thought into making sure there was going to be enough cash flow to accomplish the needs of the city.”
A complete video of the council session is available on the Devine News YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiO7tQQKBnc.
He also asked if the city had a financial advisor, looking at how to set the tax rate, to which the answer was unclear.
The Devine City Council voted August 30 to set a preliminary 2022-2023 tax rate of $.4913 per $100 valuation, the so-called “split the difference” option midway between the current tax rate of $.5298 and the calculated no-new revenue tax rate of $.4527.
However, the new tax rate, based on a valuation of $274.1 million, depends on the city staff finding at least $200,000 in cuts to its proposed “wish list” budget submitted to the council for consideration.
If approved, the preliminary rate would be the lowest passed by the council since 1983, Mayor Cory Thompson said.
Thompson told Morales that the feedback the council got at the Aug. 30 meeting indicated that in view of the escalating property valuations issued by the county this year, a rate cut was in order.
“The feedback I’m getting is people are upset,” Thompson said. “Not just with us but the valuations from the county. They are just upset with all of it.”
Morales said that reading of public sentiment was “absolutely correct.”
“I can attest to that,” he said. But once the tax rate is cut increasing it to meet unforeseen future needs might become that much harder for the council,” Morales said.
“The reason I’m asking is I’m just concerned about how that fits in with the city’s needs and how you feel things are going to be moving forward,” he said.
A final decision on the tax rate remains pending.
“Everybody is having to make due with less,” Thompson said. Council voted to approve a public hearing to further discuss the budget scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept 20 at the city council chambers at city hall.
Author: admin
Teachers rally to help Ricky get a new hip, local custodian touched by community’s kindness
By Kayleen Holder
Editor
Ricky Campa is a custodian at Devine Intermediate School, and friends are hosting a fundraiser to help Campa get a hip replacement. Juan Ricardo “Ricky” Campa is a Devine native and graduated from DHS with the class of 1987. Anyone who would like to help out can donate online or by mail.
“Every day, Ricky arrives at work to sweep and mop the floors, clean the toilets, wipe down tables and take out the trash for the students and staff. When the custodian staff is shorthanded, not only does he tend to his own responsibilities, but he also helps fill in for the ones who are missing,” Mrs. Farrah Schueling said, a teacher at Devine Middle School who met Ricky while he filled in for another custodian at the Intermediate last year.
“Despite the daunting workload, Ricky tends to it with a smile on his face and a positive attitude. Aside from his limp, you would never know that Ricky is in pain. For 3 ½ years, Ricky has been burdened with pain in his hip. Doctors have said that Ricky will need a full hip replacement surgery to relieve his pain,” Mrs. Schueling said.
“Ricky is a humble faith-filled man who would never ask for financial help from anyone. Please donate to show your love and support for Ricky,” she adds. “Your donation will help pay for his surgery and any expenses that occur while he recovers.”
In response to the fundraiser, Campa was very touched.
“I was so surprised when they told me about what Mrs. Schueling was doing. Nobody has ever done anything like that for me. I want to thank her and everyone involved. My right hip has been bone on bone for a long time, but I just keep on going. I have worked all my life, for years as a carpenter and now as a custodian. The thought of a fundraiser never crossed my mind,” Mr. Campa said.
“There are still a lot of caring people out there, and it’s a blessing from God that somebody would go out of their way to help me,” Mr. Campa said.
You can donate using the go fund me that can be found on Mrs. Farrah Schueling’s facebook page, or you can mail a donation to Mr. Juan Ricardo “Ricky” Campa at 207 Crouch in Devine, TX 78016.
New restaurant Beef Say Whaaat
now open downtown offers variety of fresh foods, cooked to order
By Kathleen Calame
Publisher
If you are looking for a great burger or delicious food in downtown Devine now open is BEEF SAY WHAAAT!!! They are located in the red restaurant building at 201 1/2 W. Hondo, Devine across from South Texas Trophies and have an extensive menu using fresh local vegetables. I had the pleasure of interviewing the owners and sampling some foods this week.
Owner Benjamin Salinas Jr. and his wife Vanessa own and operate the restaurant. He has 20 years of experience in the food business and got his start in Pearsall with a food truck, then a walk up style restaurant and now a sit down and dine in restaurant that also offers calling in to go orders.
This month’s lunch special from 11am to 2pm for September is the popular Classic Double Cheeseburger for only $6.99 which includes a side of your choice from fries, onion rings or tots and a drink.
In the afternoon from 2 to 6 pm they offer an after school and supper family special of 4 Hamburgers with a family side for only $27.99 which includes a choice of fries, onion rings or tots.
“We have a lot of people who drive right by here in the afternoons after school so we thought we would offer a family meal deal for those on the go or don’t want to heat up the kitchen,” said Salinas.
“We have people tell us all the time that ours is the best burger they have ever eaten. Which makes us happy. We only use 100% beef, no fillers. We do season them while they are cooking on the grill to give it that home cooked feel like mommas!”
“Since we are an open kitchen, and I am behind the grill I can adapt an item to particular diets or needs, so diabetics sure appreciate that or people who prefer keto style meals and such. I aim to please and can adapt or cook just about anything. I love special orders and filling their requests.”
“I hear country fried steak and gravy is a favorite of the locals. It is hand breaded and delicious, served with country style gravy and potatoes.”
I got to sample the country fried steak, it was so delicious and so tender you can cut it with a fork, no knife even needed. I also got to sample the loaded baked potato fries. They were so good too, loaded with cheese, bacon bits, and drizzled with ranch on top. A great combination the two made along with a nice glass of sweet tea!
They have an extensive menu with all sorts of specialty burgers from the classic to the popular avocado bacon cheeseburger to the Philly Cheese Steak on a bun to the unique Egg in a Hole Cheeseburger.
On the menu is also all sorts of grilled or fried chicken burgers, fajita burgers, tenders hand breaded and sandwiches.
For deserts they have funnel cakes, fried Oreos, and fried banana moon pie amongst all kinds of unique desserts on special days.
During football season they offer bone-in wings with hand crafted sauces, also a big hit with the locals.
Appetizers include fried pickles, bacon cheese fries, chili cheese fries, and baked potato fries.
Kids meals range from chicken tenders (hand-breaded), chicken bites, grilled cheese and of course hamburgers.
See their advertisement in this week’s Devine News for more details.
Lytle approves
$8.5 million bond sale to finance water, sewer improvement
By Anton Riecher
The Lytle City Council voted unanimously Monday to approve the sale of $8.5 million in certificates of obligation, the majority of which will be used to finance water and sewer improvements.
On a motion by District 3 Alderman David Emery, seconded by District 2 Alderman Sam Cortez, the council voted to sell the certificates amortized over 20 years at a 3.94 percent interest rate. The sale closes on Sept. 28.
To see full video of the latest Lytle City Council session visit the Devine News channel on YouTube at youtube.com/channel/UC5NvVUNwMPeR-VVmLSKY-Ng.
Andrew Friedman, representing SAMCO Capital Markets, the city’s financial advisor, told the aldermen that the sale required establishing a credit rating for the city.
“We went through a rating process with Standard and Poor’s,” Friedman said. “They look at not only audited financials but also want to get a sense of who Lytle, Texas, is on top of what you can read on paper.”
As a result, the city attained a strong AA- credit rating, the highest rating possible is AAA, followed by AA+, AA and AA-, Friedman said.
“When you drop below that you have to go out to pay for municipal bond insurance,” Friedman said. “We were able to avoid that.”
City Administrator Matt Dear told the council that $6.1 million of the certificate sale will go toward water system improvements, including building a water tower to feed a new looped water system. The certificates will also finance a $1.4 million sewer plant project.
Aside from utilities, $1 million will be designated for streets and sidewalks, Dear said.
A portion of the debt will be paid from the interest and sinking (I&S) portion of the city tax rate, Friedman said. However, the $7.5 million going to water and sewer improvements will be repaid from revenues generated by the city’s utility system rates.
Emery questioned Friedman about whether the debt could be refinanced if interest rates improve in the future. Friedman replied that the current rates would be “locked in” until February 2031 when the certificates can either be purchased from the investors using cash or the interest rates can be renegotiated.
In other business, the council voted to table action on proposals to address traffic issues on Lytle-Somerset Street, including the use of speed humps to slow vehicles. Dear informed the council that state law requires an official study by a traffic engineer.
Without state sanction, anyone who damages their vehicle going over a speed hump could potentially have a legal claim against the city, Dear said. In 2021, a plan calling for six speed humps and appropriate signage was estimated to cost at least $10,000, he said.
With inflation, that price is now calculated to be at least $15,500, Dear said.
A motion by District 4 Alderman Michael Rodriguez to table the matter until public sentiment about adding speed humps passed 4-1. District 5 Alderman Charles Cate, a reservist presently serving overseas, monitored the meeting by internet and voted against tabling the action.
Lake Shore Estates resident Trace Joyce once again addressed the council regarding flooding in the subdivision. Joyce reported that his home flooded in 2010 and has been threatened by rising water several times since.
Dear said he has filed a request for quotes from engineering firms in hopes to negotiate a price for the project. It is also under legal review, he said.
“Realistically, this project will probably take a year or two,” Dear said. Resolving drainage issues that stretch back to the beginning of the subdivision is not going to be cheap either.
Joyce asked if the city might have legal recourse against the engineering firm that developed the initial drainage plan for the subdivision.
Action on the item was tabled pending further research into the exact cause of the flooding.
On a motion by Emery, seconded by Rodriguez, the council voted to enter into an amended and restated solid waste contract with Waste Management, Inc., a waste and environmental services company.
Also on a motion by Emery, seconded by Cortez, the council voted to enter into a one-year extension of the CPS Energy gas systems contract.
Lytle increases rates
At the September 12 meeting, the City of Lytle voted to increase water/sewer rates. See details in public notice on page 13 this week.
Criminals lead out of town troopers on 2 pursuits to and through Devine, 11 found in Sunday morning bailout
A long DPS pursuit that reportedly began near LaPryor came into Devine Sunday morning around 8AM ending near Ingram Road. Local deputies were able to use a maneuver to bring the chase to an end after a dangerous 60+ mile pursuit up and down local highways and many city streets that morning. Later that afternoon, another pursuit crashed-out right in the middle of Devine after skidding across Hwy 173.
The first out of town pursuit (from LaPryor) came up I-35, to SH 132 and then went straight down Teel, Colonial, and Allman street near the cemetery, according to local law enforcement, who noted the chase began approximately 60 miles southwest of Devine.
The pursuit ended near the intersection of Ingram, where three subjects reportedly bailed out.
“Our officer who assisted at the scene stated that 11 people including the driver were captured. Two were transported to the hospital, while others were transported to be turned over to border patrol,” Devine PD Lieutenant Chris Andrews said.
Later on Sunday afternoon, the driver of a stolen vehicle flew straight across Hwy 173 in downtown Devine as suspects evaded another out of town DPS pursuit.
“The vehicle went across the library parking lot, took out one of the concrete barriers, jumped the canal and went across Hwy 173 before hitting a backhoe at the old co-op,” said Sheriff Randy Brown. “It’s real lucky nobody got killed.”
Ernie Morales, Sr., of Devine, was thankfully sitting at a stop sign, and hadn’t yet turned in the path of the pursuit, as the chase flew across Hwy 173 right in the middle of town.
“I looked to my left and just saw this car fly by. It was going so fast…all I saw was dust. He zoomed across 173,” Morales said, thankful that he wasn’t yet on Hwy 173 when the car came crashing across it.
Note: The DPS units that initiated these pursuits were reportedly from other counties, and no additional information was available about any charges that the suspects evading arrest may face as of press time.
All you need is love….HANK provides home, vehicle, and 24/7 support to care for local foster children in community homes
By Kayleen Holder
Editor
If you have ever wanted to help foster children, but simply didn’t have the financial resources to do it, HANK is offering the perfect opportunity in Medina County. The homes are ready, the beds are made, and the play ground in the front yard is already set up….All you need to bring is your love. HANK is actively searching for two couples or single parents who would like to be the heart and soul of HANK, Inc’s community homes, welcoming foster children in Devine and their newest home in Hondo which celebrated its grand opening this Tuesday, September 13.
Foster parents will reside in the homes rent free, with a vehicle included, as well as 24/7 support to care for local foster children and sibling groups in need of a home. HANK will be there to provide support and anything these kids need along the way.
“In the last year there has been an increase in the number of children being removed from their homes of origin and brought into foster care. In the last year, Medina County had 32 children entered the foster care system. Many children are placed out of their home community, due to a lack of foster family placement options. Last year in Medina County there were 6 sibling groups brought into care,” explained Rachel Powers, director of child placement for SJRC.
The process of opening a licensed foster facility can be a daunting one and so that is why Hank and generous supporters created our three community foster homes. Striving to make the process as easy as possible, so that children entering foster care can stay close to home and not be separated from their siblings, the Saint Jude’s Ranch for Children’s program is partnering with HANK to walk interested parents through the whole process.
In addition, the state does provide income for loving families who have it in their hearts to take care of foster children, and Saint Jude’s program, along with HANK, are here to make the process of becoming foster parents a little easier.
HANK homes are one of very few places locally, where 5 or 6 brothers and sisters in foster care can be placed together.
“Children brought into foster care often come with only the clothes are their back. The only thing they have is each other and even that is being taken away from them far too often. We’re asking for the communities help to become foster parents, to care for these children and keep sibling groups together,” Powers said.
This Tuesday, September 13, several people gathered in Hondo to celebrate the opening of the newest community foster home in Hondo, a truly momentous occasion.
Mrs. Debbie Southwell, who will carry on HANK, dedicates this home to her late husband John who passed away recently, but continued working diligently until his final days to help these kids, who are in his own words. “the most precious thing on earth”.
“Because of John‘s faithfulness and diligence, God opened the door for these foster homes so that these unfortunate children can stay in their community and sibling groups can stay together. John fought hard to stay alive to see this home opened. John had someone drive him out here where he saw that everything was done. He passed away a week later. John, we dedicate this home in your memory,” Mrs. Southwell said.
Co-founder Debbie Southwell recognized HANK board members Molly Daniel, Lyle Riff, and Roger Hernandez, as well as the HANK Stitchers (Lou Ann Caywood and Nancy Barrett) who laid a beautiful quilt on each of the 6 warm beds in the home. Pastor Beverly Kelling opened the celebration of this organization that is truly God’s work, with a prayer.
“Every year these remarkable women make quilts for all of the HANK kids, and they truly love getting one of these quilts. It lets them know that the community here loves them,” Mrs. Southwell said. “I would also like to thank our many donors who are the sole reason HANK can help the abused and neglected children in our area. It really does take a village.”
Southwell also recognized County leaders Tim Neuman, David Lynch, and Jerry Beck who were also there to celebrate HANK and everything they do.
“Through Hank, John and Debbie Southwell have done an amazing job of providing safe and loving homes for numerous children in our county,” Lynch said.
“Hank is a blessing to Medina County,” said Neuman. “The many things they do all year round to make sure foster children do not get left out, and to make sure siblings stay together.”
According to Powers, six local sibling groups removed from homes in Medina County recently, and none were placed in Medina County.
“This shows how we desperately need more Medina County foster homes, to keep the children in their community,” Powers said.
Along with their community homes, HANK Inc also provides local foster children with Christmas gifts, school supplies, and anything in between that they may need. There are many situations in which the state doesn’t provide things needed, and that is where HANK steps in with open arms.
“It truly takes a village to care for the community’s most precious children. We want our children and families to remain in their schools and in their home communities. That is what we’re here to celebrate, adding to our village, to help keep children in their community, with the expansion of the 3rd HANK home,” Powers said.
Judge Robert Falkenburg, who presides of child protection cases in Medina County and 6 other counties, talked about the importance of organizations like HANK.
“Every county in Texas, including Medina County, has issues finding placement for children in foster care. It’s a chronic, ongoing issue across the state. I along with many other judges work really hard to get children out of what’s called CWOP (Children Without Placement) and to minimize the number of times children have to pick up and move. Anytime we have placements available in our community, that’s a huge blessing. There have been times when we had no other alternative than to send children out of county. HANK is a great community resource that will help make sure we have a place for these kids in our community.”
If anyone is interested in learning more about becoming a licensed foster parent and the HANK homes, they can contact Rachel Powers, Director of Child Placing Agency at 512-791-9410 or rpowers@sjrctexas.org
If you would like to make a donation to HANK Inc helping provide community homes and Christmas/birthday gifts to local foster children in Medina, Uvalde, Real, Atascosa, and Frio Counties, you can mail donations to Hank Inc., 450 CR 246, Hondo, TX 78861.
Devine teen’s family searching for kidney donor,
touching story of one little girl’s enormous generosity
Earlier this year, an 8-year-old child asked her mommy to sign her up to be a kidney donor for her friend Gwyn. While age limits make it impossible for her to give a kidney, the story of this little girl’s kindness and generosity will surely be transplanted into the hearts of many others who can.
Floyd Dale McOsker
Floyd Dale McOsker passed peacefully, into eternity, on Saturday afternoon, August 20, 2022, as he napped in his recliner. He was born March 6, 1927, in Faulkner, Oklahoma, to Cleve and Edna Arndt McOsker. Shortly after his birth the family moved to Donna, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley, to farmland, bought by his grandfather, David Arndt.
Floyd told stories of his early days there during the Great Depression. He was “forced” to run away from home with his big sister when she packed his clothes into a wagon and told him they were leaving. His mother, Edna, taught him to sew on her treadle sewing machine. He had made those clothes and wasn’t going to lose them. There were stories of a yo-yo string so long that he had to stand on the roof to use it. Once as he walked to school barefoot, a stranger picked him up, took him to town, bought him a pair of shoes, then sent him on to school.
The family moved back to Oklahoma in the late 1930’s. Soon after his parents divorced, and Floyd moved to California with his father, Cleve. After Cleve’s death, Dad returned to Oklahoma, then to Kansas where he lived with his aunt and uncle, Clarence and Grace Wolgamot. As a teenager, he worked as a migrant grain harvester following crops from Kansas north.
In 1943 Floyd enlisted in the Marine Corps. After basic training he was sent to Okinawa where he trained for the planned invasion of Japan. Following the end of the war he served in northern China.
In the late 1940’s Floyd moved to San Antonio to work with his brother-in-law, Cameron Ayres, as a framing carpenter. Eventually Floyd, his brother, Kenneth, and Cameron, formed M&A Construction Company. For many years they framed new homes for builder, Ray Ellison. Prior to retirement, Floyd and his partner, Doug Cross, established Liberty Homes. They created several subdivisions in the northwest quadrant of San Antonio.
For over 20 years, Floyd served as trail boss for the Laredo Trail ride each February. It was in this capacity that he met his dearest friend, Jim Chessher. They enjoyed a close comradery long after Floyd retired from his trail bossing duties.
In retirement Floyd enjoyed golfing, maintaining his place south of Lytle, and building the occasional custom home in company with his sons, Matt and Bruce.
Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Nancy Bivins McOsker, daughter Sharon Pilgrim, son Roger Santos, and sons-in-law Jeff Zuercher and John Renken.
He is survived by his wife, Doris Ohlinger McOsker; and his children, Linda (Dean) Tankersley, Matt McOsker, Benny Santos, Bruce (Yajaira) McOsker, Paula Adams, Audree Gierisch, Becky Fenton, Brenda Renken, Patty Pressley, and Cindy Zuercher; 23 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Floyd leaves behind him a legacy of integrity. He was deeply loved and highly respected by all who knew him, especially his wife and children.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, from 9:30 am – 10:30 am at Hurley Funeral Home, Chapel, 14822 Main Street, Lytle, Texas 78052.
Funeral Service will be on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at 10:30 am at Hurley Funeral Home, Chapel, with the service being conducted by grandson, David Tankersley.
Interment will follow at Black Hill Cemetery in Atascosa, Texas on IH 35 and Lucky Road.
For personal acknowledgements, please visit www.hurleyfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Hurley Funeral Home, 14822 Main St., Lytle, Texas 78052.
Cindy Rene Balderrama
Cindy Rene Balderrama of Devine, Texas passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2022.
Born to Juan Manuel Balderrama and Amelia Rizo Balderrama on December 23, 1974. Cindy was a loyal fan of the Dallas Cowboys and wrestling. She loved her two dogs Bella and Ginnie.
She is proceeded in death by her parents Juan and Amelia Balderrama and is survived by sisters, Maryann Rodriguez (Paul) of Devine, Texas, Gracie Maldonado (Ralph) of Moore, Texas; Brothers, Johnny Balderrama (Gloria) of Pearsall, Texas, and Frank E. Balderrama, Sr. of Devine, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2022 from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. with a Rosary recited at 7:00 P.M. in the Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Devine, Texas.
As per Cindy’s wishes services will conclude at the funeral home and she will be cremated.
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.
Clarence Bender
Clarence Bender, of Devine, Texas was born on January 28, 1930 in Jourdanton, TX to Christine Marie Zezula and Severin Bender passed away on Friday, August 26, 2022 at the age of 92.
Mr. Bender is preceded in death by his wife Corrinne.
He is survived by his daughters: Lewana Bender Kyle of Devine, TX and Brenda Bender Galm of Seguin, TX; grandchildren: Raymond Kyle, Felischa Kyle Cullins, Allyson Evans, Christopher Galm; 3 great grandchidren: Gabe Hare-Kyle, Kallie Cullins and Arabella Evans; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 2, 2022 at 10:00a.m. (one hour prior) with Graveside Services beginning promptly at 11:00a.m. Friday, Sept. 2nd, at Evergreen Cemetery with Deacon Whitley officiating.