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Local War Hero Finds Peace in Painting

After serving in the Vietnam War, local painter Juan A. Frias found says he found his true calling when he picked up a paintbrush. Frias is preparing for an exhibit soon.

Meet Juan A. Farias…

“You don’t pick art,” he said.
“Art picks you.”

By Catherine Richard
Art is not for the faint of heart. It is a dynamic and often unsure career, pulled by the currents of artistic inspiration, marketability and passion. However, artists like the Devine resident, Juan A. Farias, have sailed on these currents for decades, gaining recognition as they make art a way of life.
Farias has worked as an artist ever since he retired from the military after serving in Vietnam. His work can be seen in murals throughout Texas with multiple pieces in the University of Texas at San Antonio art collection, and a few books on Chicano movement. Whether it is sculpture, photography, curating art for exhibits or writing, he is always searching for new ways to create art.
Today, Farias creates art at his home on the outskirts of Devine. He moved from San Antonio around 20 years ago to be near his sister.
Large canvases covered in moody colors hang all over the walls of his house, barn, and more can be found set up in his living room…some finished or still in progress.
However, living out this dream is “no walk in the park,” Farias said. “You have to hustle.”
When he was a young man, Farias had planned on being a soldier. Right after graduating high school in 1969, he enlisted and was deployed to Vietnam. He served as a…

Vasquez family loses home to fire

Raul Vasquez Jr and his daughter Reyna are both very grateful for the outpouring of love from the community after Thursdays tragedy.

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
The Vasquez family lost their home to a horrible fire this past Thursday, October 3rd, but like many families going through crisis, they have seen the love of our great little community with a big heart. The fire which started in the garage spread quickly. Multiple fire departments responded to the scene, but weren’t able to save it.
“All in all it was a county wide effort with several mutual aid trucks keeping us in the fight by doing water runs,” said one volunteer fireman.
With deepest gratitude, Raul Vasquez Jr. and Reyna Vasquez submitted the following statement to The Devine News: “In the wake of the devastating fire that destroyed our home, words cannot fully express the depth of our gratitude for the incredible outpouring of support we’ve received from the community. During such a difficult time, we’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have stepped up in so many ways—offering shelter, donations, meals, and emotional support.”
“ We never expected to be in this position, but knowing we’re surrounded by such a caring community has been a source of strength for our family. While we face a long road ahead, we are beyond grateful for every act of kindness that has come our way. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has supported us during this challenging time. Your generosity has lifted us when we needed it most, and we will never forget the kindness we’ve been shown.”

The Circus is coming!

Shows in Lytle and Von Ormy

The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus is coming to our area soon!
There will be two shows in Lytle this Sunday, October 13th, at the Lytle Memorial VFW Post 12041 Grounds located at 1425 FM 2790. Shows will be at 2:00 and 4:30 pm.
If you can’t catch that one, be sure to catch the circus in Von Ormy which will be held Saturday, October 19th. This show will be held at 14729 Quarter Horse in Von Ormy with shows starting at 2 and 4:30 pm.
C&M Circus has been providing quality, local family entertainment for 38 years. This authentic One-Ring, Big Top Circus has been featured on the A&E Special: Under the Big Top, Nick News: On the Road with Circus Kids and most recently OETA’s Big Top Town. This year, we’re very excited to bring you our brand new 2024 performance featuring Big Cats presented by Trey Key, our Aerialist Extraordinaire Simone on the trapeze, 10th generation Loyal Bareback Horse Riders, the Perez Daredevil Duo on the Tight Rope and Wheel of Destiny, Elizabeth Ayala’s incredible foot juggling and hair hang and everyone’s favorite Circus Clown Leo Acton.


Everyone is invited to watch the Big Top rise! You’ll also get a chance to tour the grounds and get a behind-the-scenes look at our show! Learn about life on the road and the care our animals receive. Tent raising & Tour are only of the first day of the circus event.
Circus Day Schedules
9:30 a.m. – Tent Raising & Tour
1:00 p.m. – Midway Opens
Pony Rides, Moon Bounce, Giant Slide, Face Painting, Concession Stand and Box Office open up for some extra fun!
2:00 & 4:30 – Circus Performance
Get ready for an amazing show the whole family will love! Each show lasts about 90 minutes.
Box Office Prices
Adult Ticket – $16
Child (2-12) or Senior (65+) – $9
Box office tickets go on sale at the Circus grounds starting one hour before each show.
To find out more about this year’s show, find us online, visit our social media, call, or e-mail!
Website: cmcircus.com, Facebook: Culpepper & Merriweather Circus, Instagram: @cmcircus, E-mail: cmcircus@gmail.com, Phone Number: 580-326-8833

Let the Street repair begin

The City of Devine will be implementing Phase I of its street improvement project starting October 8th and continuing through October 31st. This will be an $496,070.00 investment into the following streets.

  • McAnelly
  • Live Oak Dr.
  • North Bright Dr.
  • South Bright Dr.
    Please plan your routes accordingly and expect some delays.
    For any questions or concerns, feel free to contact City Hall. 830.663.2804.

Scout Me In!

Boy Scout Troop 72 offers free membership to the next 20 youths who join in 2024. This offer is for boys aged 11-17.
Adult volunteer membership is half-priced at $30 for the remainder of the year.
All are welcome to stop in at the regular meetings, which are held every Tuesday from 7-8 p.m. at VFW Post 3966, Devine.
For more information, contact Kenneth M. at 210-439-6327 or email devinetroop072@gmail.com.

Are you an artist?

Do you have an interest in painting and/or drawing?  Do you want to find a place to paint and draw with others with the same interests? Every Tuesday morning the Lytle Friendship Art Club meets from 0930 to Noon at the Church of Christ located at 15340 Main Street Lytle, TX. Please call Jane Brown on 210-415-2546, for additional information. 

Did You Know?

Quince, a fruit    My week was one of those that is semi-busy. My weekend with my daughters here was wonderful, we got a lot done, including defrosting my chest type freezer, hanging curtains, vacuuming, etc., etc. My house was pretty spotless when they left, and there wasn’t a dish in the sink, nor a bed that had not been changed and made over, and all towels were clean and in the linen closet! Girls, your work was truly appreciated. I worked two days in the gift shop, as someone was out   Not too busy and I always enjoy working a different day, and seeing different people. Since we had a shipment of merchandise in, I was able to help price and get it displayed, and everything is nice and neat with new fall merchandise and lots of things for October, Breast Cancer Awareness month.  When I left Devine and headed home, I had to stop for gas in Pleasanton, and since I knew company was coming, a trip to the HEB grocery store was pretty close to the top of my list. When I got to the fruits and vegetables, one of the first things I noticed was a display of what I thought was Golden Delicious apples, instead, I was looking at a fruit by the name of “Quince”. I had heard of these in the past by never seen them, also, since I read quite a bit, I’ve seen them mentioned in different books, but knew nothing about them. Time for an article! People often ask me where I get my ideas…this was one of those times.

Continue reading “Did You Know?”

Tid Bits

Last week, Lytle P.D. officers managed 56 calls for service and conducted 82 traffic stops. Of those 82 stops, 33 resulted in citations and 49 were warnings. A lot more warnings than citations, there must be a “nicest officer” poll on social media somewhere and our staff is competing.
Only one arrest was made last week. Officers were called to the Outlaw Seafood and Bar & Grill for a report of an intoxicated male. A 68-year-old male was cited for public intoxication and released to a responsible adult.
Officers took reports of three property crimes last week. #1 – H.E.B. Plus reported that someone made off with a hanging basket and a tree with a total value of $55. I have learned through the years that for every item, no matter how big or small, there is someone out there who will steal it. #2 – A complainant reported that their wallet was stolen from their shopping basket. #3 – A complainant reported that $1,000 worth of tools was stolen. He had taken them out of the bed of his truck so he could drive his truck through the new car wash. When he came out somebody had taken off with them, imagine that! Lt. Dear and Ofc. Mendez had a vehicle description; would you believe while on patrol they saw the suspect vehicle at a house? They made contact and recovered the tools; the owner didn’t want to file charges.
I have included three messages from Mayor Ruben Gonzalez, this is some “good stuff to know,” so please pay attention:

Continue reading “Tid Bits”