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Lytle approves
$8.5 million bond sale to finance water, sewer improvement

Andrew Friedman, representing SAMCO Capital Markets, reviews the details of an $8.5 million bond sale to finance water and sewer improvements with the Lytle City Council during their Monday (Sept. 12) meeting.

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

The first high speed chase lasted 60+ miles before local deputies put an end to it near Ingram Rd. in Devine around 8AM.

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.

Around 6:30 Sunday evening the driver in a second pursuit busted straight through one of the concrete barriers at the library in Devine and then flew across the drainage ditch and highway. Thankfully no one else was hit as it flew across Hwy 173 in the middle of town.


“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

Foster parents will reside in the homes rent free, with a vehicle included to care for local foster children and sibling groups in need of a home. HANK will be there to provide financial support and anything these kids need along the way. This new home in Hondo and one home in Devine are both in need of foster parents to lead the way. In Medina County, six large sibling groups entered foster care last year; sadly, none were able to be placed in Medina County, Powers said, showing the true need for community foster homes like this.

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

Gwyn DeLeon, 14, gets a visit from a hospital therapy dog. Her family received shocking news this February that Gwyn is in end stage kidney failure. This young lady, so full of fun and full of life, is searching for a living kidney donor. The human body can fully function with one kidney according to experts, and doctors believe a living donor would be best for Gwyn. The past 7 months have been full of trials as Gwyn undergoes 8 hours of dialysis every day, but these trying times have also brought out Gwyn’s incredible strength and the kindness that makes a community like ours go round. Earlier this year, an 8-year-old little girl asked her mommy to sign her up to be a kidney donor for Gwyn. While age limits make it impossible for her to give a kidney, the kindness and generosity of this little girl will surely be transplanted into the hearts of many others who can.

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.

Continue reading “Devine teen’s family searching for kidney donor,
touching story of one little girl’s enormous generosity”

Floyd Dale McOsker

March 6, 1927 ~ August 20, 2022

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.

Marvin Joseph “Joe” Zinsmeyer

Marvin Joseph “Joe” Zinsmeyer, of Natalia, Texas, passed away on August 27, 2022, at the age of 75. He was born September 25, 1946 in San Antonio, Texas. He was the second youngest of the six children born to William Martin Zinsmeyer and Irene Theresa Schmidt Zinsmeyer.
Marvin graduated from St. Louis Catholic High School in 1964. He attended St. Mary’s University briefly to play baseball. After leaving St. Mary’s University, he enlisted in the United States Air Force at 20 years old. He trained at Lackland San Antonio Air Force Base. Marvin served in Vietnam and was stationed in various locations throughout his service. He was honorably discharged after serving his country.
Marvin went on to work in construction, where he retired as a Superintendent for J.M. Davidson in 2012 after over 30 years. Many of the projects he worked on can be seen throughout the state of Texas. There were not many cities you could drive through where Marvin wouldn’t have a story about the work he had done on certain buildings, electrical substations, etc. In his spare time, Marvin was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting.
Survivors include his wife, Margarita “Margie” Caseres Zinsmeyer of Natalia; children, Rebecca Ann Grace and Jamie Rasbury (Casey) of Mathis, Marvin Zinsmeyer, Jr. (Sonya) of Aransas Pass, Brittainie Zinsmeyer (Buck Wallace) of Houston, Paulette Yracheta-Marazzini (Josh) of San Antonio, and Krystle Regalado-Gutierrez (Robert) of Castroville; grandchildren, Trevor and Troy Grace and Ryan and Peyton Rasbury of Mathis, and Jacqueline and Karl Kennedy, III of Castroville; brothers, Melvin W. Zinsmeyer of Castroville and Mervin Zinsmeyer (Deborah) of Yorktown, Virginia; several in-laws; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, William and Irene Zinsmeyer; his children, Sean Alexander Moore Zinsmeyer, Shane Michael Zinsmeyer, Seth Zinsmeyer, and Kaywanna Fawn Brown; his sisters, Marilyn Grace Zinsmeyer and Carolyn Mary Kowalik Dillon; his brother, Emil Zinsmeyer; and his sister-in-law, Jo Ann Koch Zinsmeyer.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 9, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Parish Hall in La Coste. Inurnment will follow at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Cemetery in La Coste.
Memorials may be made in Joe’s memory to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com.

Hallylooya!!

Been an excellent week or two. Black Creek metropolis got around 4 inches of rain since July 14th and that fell between August 10th and August 25th. Hallylooya!!
Had an oak tree that measured about 5 feet through the center come down on CR 653 just down from Fred Yanta’s hay farm. During the process, one of Ernest Kruger’s (hope it’s spelled right) calves got caught under it and is no longer with us. Took out power lines across the road from it and the fence under it. Took us three days to clear it up.
Ok’d Judge Bubba in Pct 3 to expand his JP office in the old Courthouse so that his clerks could move without running into each other.
We approved 14 contracts with Juvenile facilities so that we could have a place for juvenile criminals to be housed. Their parents did not raise them right and now the County and the State have to.
We also passed a Resolution calling for measures to secure our border, protect our communities and its residents, support the Governor and request the Federal government to do its duty. Fat chance. Just another reason to not vote for Democrat incumbents.
We voted (3-0-1) to go out for bids on constructing a parking lot at the SW corner of 14th St and Ave N in Hondo. Also voted on speed limits and stop signs at several locations so that enforcement would be legal.
Went by our Post Office the other day and whoever is maintaining the grounds needs to be fired. The grass needs mowing, the shrubs need trimming or need to be removed and replaced. Not to mention the mud swallows mess at the entrance.
When asked about improving the condition, you either get a look of indifference or “it’s not my job”. Looks like a third world country type location. Sure would be interested in the job…after January 1.
Saw where Devine, Natalia and Natalia ISD rejected the Appraisal Districts Budget. If more of the taxing entities would reject it, they would have to re-do it. I sure hope enough of them reject it. It hasn’t come to Comm. Ct. yet….and I aint in favor of approving it.
More rain is predicted for this week so, keep prayin. Aint it amazing how we go from a dried up wasteland to a green oasis in a matter of days after the Man-in-charge tends his creation?
Only 69 more days until we get the chance to vote out incumbent Democrats, 116 days until Christmas and 121 days until the lady out on CR 7720 gets her wish.

Bring out the whole family!

Lytle P.D. managed 47 calls for service last week. Officers conducted 83 traffic stops. Those traffic stops resulted in 72 citations and 11 warnings.
We only had one property crime reported last week! It was an internal theft at NAPA Auto Parts. It is always nice when people don’t get their stuff ripped off by some crook, so I really like the low theft numbers.
Officers made three arrests last week: #1 – Ofc. L. Diaz (assisted by Ofc. J. Cortez) conducted a traffic stop on McDonald St. and determined the driver to be intoxicated. He was arrested for DWI. #2 – Ofc. A. Lopez conducted a traffic stop on Adams St. and determined the driver had an active felony warrant (Agg. Assault w/a Deadly Weapon) out of Bexar Co. #3 – Ofc. J. Cortez (assisted by Sgt. G. Hanson) conducted a traffic stop on Mains St. for speeding. The female driver was arrested for DWI. All three of those were booked into the Atascosa Co. Jail in Jourdanton. It may not seem like a lot when you read it, but stopping and arresting an intoxicated driver in the middle of the night is a stressful and dangerous event. Your officers are out there keeping you safe 24/7.
Sorry for the short and boring report, so what else is going on? We are getting close to our annual National Night Out event. It will be held at the Lytle Community Center on Priest Blvd. The date is October 4, 2022, and we will start at about 6 PM. You can expect a free hotdog and something to drink. You can mingle with our officers, and we will also have some folks from the fire department as well. We welcome businesses or organizations that want to set up too. Just call or email so I can reserve a table for your group. In addition to a free hotdog, you will score some other free stuff. Bring out the whole family! Everyone is welcome, even if you don’t like the “police” I am sure you will like a free hotdog.