Author: admin

Coach input is every article’s MVP

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
I personally send out a huge “THANK YOU!” to each of the coaches from Devine, Lytle, and Natalia who take the time necessary to promote their program and their players through The Devine News.
Coaches who submit factual game statistics, standout performances, and crucial play-by-play details not only brings back memories of a game from those who either participated in that game or that saw it happen live but even more importantly it paints a more accurate picture for those who did not go missed out on witnessing.
It is simply impossible for I or any other staff writer to sit in the press box or on the top row of the bleachers at each and every contest across three schools and multiple layers of competition for both males and females.
In my time as a staff writer, conjuring compelling sports stories out of thin air with no factual information is virtually impossible, and quite frankly, is a horrible read for those that pick up the newspaper anticipating a well-written, stat-filled article.
So, the real news is no stats, no story.
Ultimately, the article written is your program’s highlight reel for the community.
When coaches take the time to submit game results, spotlight key performances, and even throw in a quote or two, they are not just helping their players get a moment in the spotlight, they are helping the entire community rally around their program.
Parents clip articles for scrapbooks, more fans turn out for the next game and maybe cheer a little louder knowing exactly what is at…

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Fillys and Colts hoops sweepBandera

#12 Nate Valle Photo by Carey Paige

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Get the brooms out! Devine Middle School Fillys and Colts made it a clean sweep of Bandera Monday night as all eight teams came out victorious in their last contests prior to Christmas break.
The Fillys rundown includes wins by 7th B by a score of 23-6, 7th A 37-16, 8th B 33-12, and 8th A 41-20 while the Colts were equally impressive as 7th B won by the slimmest of margins 18-17, 7th A 34-12, 8th B 32-17, and 8th A 62-26.
Combined, Devine won all 8 games by a total of 280 to 126 for an average score of 35-16. Devine’s hoops future looks bright for these matchups as the next few years roll by.
Fillys 7th B
Devine got out to a 13-0 halftime lead as their defense was absolutely phenomenal. Led by Savannah Solis who had an incredible 10 steals to go along with her 6 points, the Fillys never trailed in their 23-6 victory.
Fillys 7th B stats
Savannah Solis 6 points, 1 rebound, 10 steals; Riley Hennessey 5 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal; Sophia Espinosa 4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists; Brooklyn Kendrick 2 points, Brylee Adriano 2 points; Allyson Muniz-Arteaga 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist; Clover Salinas 1 rebound, 1 steal; Emily Cashion 2 rebounds, 1 steal; Jacklynn Clark 1 rebound, 1 steal; Meela Luna 1 rebound.
Fillys 7th A
Devine was more than ready for this tilt as they dominated from beginning to end in their 37-16 victory.
“The girls did a great job coming out ready to go in this game,” commented Coach Kara Stacy. “We took control right at the start with great defense which allowed us to get up quick and take a 14-point lead halfway through the game.”
Lilliana Rodriguez led the way with 14 points, 9 steals, and 5 assists followed by Allison Balencia with 8 points.
“The momentum built in the first half carried over throughout the rest of the night which allowed us to close the door with a big 21-point win.”
Brooke Stacy added 6 points, and Juliana Rivas was credited with 6 steals. Grabbing some offensive rebounds for chances at…

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#34 Zeke Simmons Photo by Carey Paige

Bake sale time!

My week was fairly busy as we’ve been doing workshop more regularly, because we give tray favors once each week in December, rather than once a month. The patients seem to like them. This year, we made one that could be used as an ornament, and the next one can also be used the same way. Saturday my sister and I did some Christmas shopping (mostly me), and she picked up stuff she needed for a Christmas meal at her home. This year, I only addressed about 20 Christmas cards as compared with the 50 or more I usually send, the price of postage has become ridiculous!
Our Auxiliary is counting down the days until our annual bake sale. I’ve made a cake and two different types of seasoned crackers and have started a batch of the Rolos® with the pretzel under them. One more cake and I will be done, we have such a shortage of members that most of us have doubled up a bit and are making more. Tuesday, we will have a workday and put together some jar gifts, as well as Christmas mugs with hot chocolate in them. We’re working on the theory that more hands make light work and will be doing an assembly line. We will also pack the seasoned crackers the same way using the zip lock snack bags.
  Here is a little bit of Christmas trivia for you. It appeared several years ago during Christmas week in the Victoria Advocate. They state that it is from Old Icelandic tales that give the following as the names of Santa’s elves: Askasleikir, Bjugnakraekir, Faldafeykir, Stekkjarstaur, Gattathefur, Giljagaur, Gluggagaegir, Ketkrokur, Og Kertasnikir, Pottasleikir, Skyrjarmur, Stufur and last but not least Thvorusleikir! (This is the source that was listed at the end of the article: Source, didyouknow.cd).
Since I haven’t given y’all any cookie recipes this year, here are a few that are tried and true and have been printed before. The following recipe for mini-muffins is from a friend of mine. She made them recently for the bake sale at her church and said they sold quickly.

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Hayride and Downtown Activities a Success

Lytle P.D. responded to or handled 52 calls for service and conducted 60 traffic stops. Of those 60 stops, 28 were citations and 32 were warnings.
We didn’t have any property crimes reported last week! Let’s keep that streak going.
There were four (4) arrests last week. #1- While officers were attending training at the Horace Fincher Annex (Priest Blvd.), an 18-year-old male stopped and said he was lost. He provided the officers with a paper with his DL on it when they ran it, he came back with an active warrant out of Comal Co. for tampering with evidence. He was booked into the Atascosa Co. Jail. #2 – A traffic stop on N. Benton and Laredo St. resulted in a 19-year-old female being cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. #3 – Ofc. Initiated a traffic stop for speeding on Main St. (88 in a 55!). A short pursuit ensued, and the driver of the motorcycle was arrested for evading arrest or detention in a motor vehicle and unlawfully carrying a weapon. The 26-year-old male was booked into the Atascosa Co. Jail. #4 – A disturbance at the Stripes C-Store resulted in the arrest of a 31-year-old male for public intoxication. He was booked into the Atascosa Co. Jail.
As the fireworks season approaches … remember fireworks are prohibited in Lytle by city ordinance. It is dry and fireworks pose a significant fire risk. Our officers will be out and about, and we will take enforcement action if needed. The other side is that I am not naive enough to think that a few officers on patrol will eliminate the “popping” of fireworks. It is all about safety, I will leave it at that.

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HARTS presents children’s books to area groups

Pictured are HARTS Treasurer Maria Elizondo and Secretary Irene Dubberly; Representatives from Brown Santa: Frank Navarro, Sarah Bernal and Brianna Ramos; Eddie Gentry, CEO from the Bluebonnet Children’s Advocacy Center; HARTS Past President Jim Rigby; D’Hanis Elementary Principal Laurn Busse and Cindy Marroquin; Amy Edge, who is helping Von Ormy establish a new library; Walter Huegele, HARTS Book Project Co-Chair, and HARTS President Earline Schlortt.

The Huajilla Area Retired Teachers and Staff (HARTS) presented over 1,000 children’s books to five area groups that deal with children who can benefit from having their own books. The Children’s Book Project is one of TRTA’s focus projects, and HARTS members have provided books each year to the Medina County Sheriff’s Brown Santa, to the Hondo Police Department Blue Santa, to the Bluebonnet Children’s Advocacy Center, and this year added to the Von Ormy Library, and to D’Hanis Elementary School.

Things & Stuff

Gonna be here in a week! Christmas is finally here and instead of concentrating and focusing on givin and gettin, remember why we celebrate the greatest gift ever given to mankind.
See where the Senate is set to vote on the SS Bill this week so, if you aint contacted Sen. Cruz or Sen. Cornyn, time to do so. So far, according to the ever so accurate internet, there are 62 Bipartisan supporters in favor of sending this to a final vote that only requires 60. Believe it or don’t, even Chuck Schumer is in favor of it. Don’t use this as a reason not to call the Senators and show support of this Legislation. (202-224-3121)
Took my child bride to Charlie’s Daughter for breakfast Saturday mornin and sat next to the Big Table. If you ever get a chance to sit down and listen to the likes of Bo and Cullen and Stroud and Charlie and Weisinger and Aubrey, don’t take none of it as anywhere near factual or truthful. You will hear a lot of useless information and mind numbing chatter. You may even leave the restaurant a little dumber than you were when you came in. I sit at one of these on Wednesday and Friday mornings and I usually recover before I get home.
Won’t go into the particulars of our ESD 4 meeting last Wednesday cause I am sure that the paper will cover it in depth. Gonna meet with ESD 1 (Castroville) on Thursday and get the lowdown on how to pass a Homestead Exemption for everyone in ESD 4 as well as an additional Exemption for those 65 and over. Heard that ESD 2 (Devine Fire) is also looking at this type of taxpayer relief.
When you see Martha Wall and Co., congratulate them on a very well presented and organized Wreaths Across America event this past Saturday.
Have a Merry Christmas and enjoy family while we are still together. Won’t be writing until next year so, have a safe and Happy New Year too.

Devine Soccer Club partnering with MLS Go

Devine Soccer Club was created to help in the development of future soccer players and to grow the love of the game in our community. “We are not a single season program. We will operate year round; this was a dream years ago. Finally, it was the right time to make it a reality. When the opportunity came up to partner with Major League Soccer (MLS), it was an easy decision. MLS has Next, MLS Next Pro which has been successful in developing players. Having the MLS GO recreational program within the Devine Soccer Club, we can ensure the coaches will be trained and informed how best to help the players. Not just form a technical standpoint but also from a tactical and mental one. The players that join our club will not only play soccer, they will learn it as well,” said Pablo Carmona.
They will offer clinics varying in length from 1 to 3 days. They will have camps, and all of this is to help develop the players. Some of these events will be free while others will have a cost. They look forward to bringing in players from San Antonio that are in the San Antonio Futbol Club Pro Academy. Also, from time to time, bring in retired pro players, former and current college players to help in the events they hold.

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Light up your home for Lexy

Enter this year’s Christmas Light Competition and every entry fee will benefit Cheyenne Alexis (Lexy) Martinez, 18 of Devine, who is battling leukemia. You can enter for any donation whether it be $10 or $100. Form inside. The contest is hosted in memory of Caitlin Jaworowski. Contact Justin Jaworowski or Kathy Jaworowski for any questions.

Christmas Lights Contest!!

PRESS RELEASE–It’s hard to believe that it has been 2 years since we lost our beloved Cailtin Jaworowski to Cancer.
This town rallied behind Caitlin and the family while she was going through treatments. When we lost her, they continued to support the family in so many loving ways. So, in lieu of flowers it was decided that the kids needed to have a decorated yard for Christmas and so this is how it all began.
In memory of Caitlin, Justin Jaworowski and the family wanted to help other families in similar situations. This year’s recipient is Cheyenne Alexis (Lexy) Martinez, daughter of Roland and Kayla (Sellers) Martinez, of Devine. Cheyenne was diagnosed on September 13, 2024, with Acute Lymphatic Leukemia. All proceeds collected from this fundraiser will go directly to Cheyenne, better known as Lexy!
Entry Forms & donations or just donations can be turned in at Country Gal’s Market located at 109 W Benton Ave, and The Devine News located at 216 S. Bright Street both located in Devine!
There’s something to be said about living in a small town. Small town yes, but full of people with big hearts. Thank you will never be enough!
ABOUT THE LIGHT CONTEST
The first place prize will be $500 gift card donated by Alamo Truck Accessories and the 2nd place prize will be $250 donated by Vail Photography.
To join the light contest, all you have to do is submit the entry form with any donation you want to make whether it’s $5 or $500.
Make sure your lights are on December 21 and 22nd when judging will occur. Who’s eligible? Homes and businesses in Devine, Natalia, Moore and surrounding areas. Please submit a photo of your lights with your entry if you live outside city limits.
Form on Page 9 and www.devinenews.com or pick up at Country Gals Market.

What’s Showing?

If you are looking for something to do, these three local movie theaters are presenting new films every week: the Raye Theater in Hondo, the Plestex in Pleasanton and the Rainbow Theater in Castroville. Check weekly for new showings!
Raye Theater
Coming Soon: Mufasa
Plestex 4
Moana 2
Moana is called by her ancestors to embark on a dangerous journey on the seas of Oceania. This film is rated PG and it will be playing Dec. 18-23 and Dec. 25-Jan. 1.

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On the agenda, get in on all the fun at Devine Acres Farm

Check out the brand new Candy Cane Lane at Devine Acres this year – an immersive Christmas photo op experience in our tree grove!
As always, you can find your perfect Christmas Tree (cut your own or pre-cut available). Choose & Cut Fields close at 5pm. Pre-Cut lot is open 10am – close. Here’s a little about what they’ve got going on during the most wonderful time of year:
Live Tunes: Fridays & Saturdays and Sundays (check specific dates and times online)
Groovy Goat Races
Texas “Snow”
NEW Santa Experience!
Catch-n-Release Fishing
Festival Foods
Fresh Cider Donuts & Donut Shakes
Giggly Goat Beer Garden (21+)
Fire Pits & S’Mores
Fresh Wreaths for purchase
Reindeer Face Painting
Gift Shop & Merch
Stunning Christmas Ambiance
Santa’s Bear Workshop – build your own stuffy!
Nativity Scene
Barnyard Animals
Murals & Photo Ops
Santa Pics (see dates and times)
Loads of Attractions…. and MORE!