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Q&A with Dr. Neel

Why do you believe it’s important to conduct a physical examination?
“I get a lot of complaints from patients saying some doctors only talk to them from the doorway, and that they don’t get enough time to ask questions,” Neel said. “When I went to medical school, they harped over and over again that you need to touch the patient. I check eyes, ears, nose, throat, heart and lungs just out of habit. I don’t want somebody to walk out of here with something obvious that went unnoticed.
“I’ve had several patients who had seen multiple doctors who never felt their abdomen to see if their spleen was enlarged. They ran all kinds of test, but failed to do the basic lab tests and physical examinations.”

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Devine Fire Chief arrested on allegations of Official Oppression/Sexual Harassment

Devine Fire Chief Greg Atkinson was arrested today, Thursday Feb 27,2025 and booked into Medina County Jail on charges of Official Oppression/Sexual Harassment. Atkinson turned himself in after a warrant for his arrest was issued.

“Our investigation continues on,” Sheriff Randy Brown said. “If anyone feels like they were done wrong and coerced into doing something they did not want to do, please come forward.”

The best way to get in contact is to call Medina County Sheriffs 830-741-6150 line during work day hours as after hours that line transfers to dispatch.

Atkinson turned himself in after a warrant for his arrest was issued.

The sheriff explained that victims in a case like this can be given a pseudonym or fake name to protect their identity.

“On February 13, we received info about a possible victim and found at least some of the allegations to be true. We interviewed multiple suspects, and have more to interview still.”

Sheriff Brown adds, “If you are a person of authority and you use blackmail etc to coerce somebody to do something using the power you hold, that is Oppression.”

Sheriff Brown confirmed there is photo evidence.

The sheriff thanked the Devine VFD board for quickly taking action to make sure fire operations continue smoothly.

Atkinson was put on leave at an emergency meeting by the Devine Vol Fire Department Board yesterday evening, Wednesday February 26.

“Kuddos to them for doing what they needed to do to keep things running smoothly even though I could only provide limited information at that point,” Sheriff said.

Chief Atkinson has served as Chief at Devine VFD since 2021, and started fire academies that offered classes to students in Devine ISD, Natalia ISD, as well as Hondo ISD.

Devine Vol Fire Department is also a contractor for the City of Devine as Devine VFD has been hired to do Code Compliance. They were previously hired to do inspections as well for the City of Devine, but due to a lack of certifications previously promised, the city council voted to cease that part of the contract at a recent meeting.

East Medina water hooks $2.1 million state grant

Graphic courtesy of istockphotos.com

By Anton Riecher
The East Medina County Special Utility District has been awarded a $2.1 million grant from the Texas Water Development Board to replace 72,000 feet of aging infrastructure serving the Dunlay area, district superintendent Bruce Alexanders reports.

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Controversy over voting and countywide access…commissioners oppose new limits

By Anton Riecher
Medina County has joined with a growing number of Texas counties opposing efforts by some state lawmakers to eliminate the option allowing voters to cast their ballots at any county polling location on Election Day.
Medina County currently allows voters to vote at any location in the county rather than specific polling precincts.
The Medina County Commissioners Court voted unanimously Monday to adopt a resolution to oppose any efforts by the Texas Legislature to eliminate countywide polling places, electronic poll books and electronic marking devices.

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Joyce E. Crutchfield

September 2, 1923 — February 17, 2025

Joyce E. Crutchfield, a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 17, 2025, at the age of 101. Born on September 2, 1923, in Devine, Texas, her life was a tapestry woven with love, resilience, and dedication to the Lord.

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Some great Upcoming Local Events

Lytle Music Festival set for March 21&22

The Lytle Music Festival 2025 is set for Friday and Saturday evenings March 21 & 22 in the John Lott Municipal Park in Lytle, Texas featuring six artists.
The event is free. There will be food trucks and vendors.
Music will start at 6:30 pm on Friday and at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Friday evening will feature at 6:30 p.m. Bidi Bidi Banda opening up for a 8:30 p.m. show by Mario Flores.
Saturday evening music will start at 5:00 p.m. with Texas Double Shot, followed by 6:30 Weston Ripps. At 8:00 p.m. the Chuck Wimer Band will perform.
Bri Bagwell will headline the night taking the stage at 9:30 p.m.

BBQ plate sale at VFW on March 8, tickets on sale

The VFW Post #3966 in Devine is hosting a BBQ plate fundraiser on Saturday 8, 2025.
The plates will include Chicken & Sausage, rice, beans, jalapeno, pickles, onions and a slice of bread. Donation is $12.00 per plate, pickup to go or dine in.. The bqq will be at the VFW Hall next to the Post Office in Devine at 211 W. College Ave. Members will be selling tickets. If you would like to purchase one you may also contact Jesse Rodriguez at 210-289-6204 or Gary Saathoff at 210-289-6204.

Natalia Bluebonnet Parade & Festival scheduled for March 29th; accepting registrations

The 2025 Natalia Bluebonnet Parade & Festival will be held Saturday, March 29, 2025 in downtown Natalia. The yearly festival is the major fundraiser for the Natalia Veteran’s Memorial Library. We are still accepting food/craft vendors and parade registrations. In addition, we are also seeking sponsorships. For updated information on music, schedule of events and more please visit the website at nataliabluebonnetfestival.com, facebook page, stop by the library at 501 Third Street or call Amy Edge at 210-213-1990.

Country for a Cure @Devine Acres April 5
Devine Acres Farm will host a huge Country Music Fest this year, and it’s all for a great cause! On the stage Saturday, April 5 will be Jamie Lin Wilson, Small Town Habit, Jeremy Richards, and Keith Lutz.
There will be plenty of fun for the whole family! Devine Acres Farm attractions will be open for the kids, the singing princesses will be there for a meet and greet, and there will be plenty of dancing. There will also be a huge Silent Auction fundraiser, food/drinks, and more!
ABOUT THE FUNDRAISER
The Audrey Jane’s Light fundraiser and Country Music Fest will benefit Audrey Jane Capps and the A-T Children’s Project. Audrey is battling a rare neurological disease called Ataxia telangiectasia, and her family is in a race against time to find the cure for this awful disease that affects more kids in Texas than any other state.
Audrey is the daughter of Josh and Brittany Capps and granddaughter of Ken and Debi Capps and Thomas and Kathleen Calame.
Because there is very little funding for research of rare diseases, families like the Capps and Calames and grassroots organizations like the A-T Children’s Project band together to fund crucial research. According to the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD), 1 in 10 Americans are affected by a rare disease. That is between 25-30 million Americans.
If you would like to be a sponsor of this event contact Kayleen Holder at The Devine News 830-665-2211, or sign up online atcp.org/audrey. Sponsorships are tax deductible, and will go to helping the A-T Children’s Project find a cure for A-T.