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Mattke and Thacker win American Legion Oratory Competition

Competing from Devine were Noah Davila, Mia Clark, Harper Parson, and Ashley Mattke and from Hondo High School were Mikayla Birney and Katelyn Thacker.
First place winners were Ashley Mattke from Devine and Katelyn Thacker from Hondo.

The American Legion Constitutional Oratorical Contest was held at the Devine HS auditorium for both Hondo and Devine High Schools on Monday December 5th. Those competing from DHS were Harper Parson, Mia Clark, Noah Davila, and Ashley Mattke. Those competing from Hondo High School were Mikayla Birney and Katelyn Thacker.
Each competitor needed to present an 8 to 10 minute oration on any aspects of the Constitution without any notes or props. The two winners, one from each school, were Ashley Mattke of Devine and Katelyn Thacker of Hondo. Both Ashley and Katelyn will now advance to the District 23 Contest which will be held at the Hondo Public Library at 2pm on Sunday, Jan. 8th, 2023. Each of the winners were provided a Scholarship Award of $400. Second and third places also received $300 and $200 respectively.
American Legion Posts 524 and 128 are very proud of all six competitors who competed in this challenging event.

7th Annual Divine Savior Lutheran Church Gift of Hope a huge success

Little Audrey Capps received the Gift of Hope this year, pictured with her are mom Brittany Capps, dad Josh Capps, brother Kenneth, Gift of Hope Chairman Robert Cappella and Rev. Randall Wehmeyer.

The Divine Savior Lutheran Church hosted its seventh annual Gift of Hope on November 12th. Audrey Jane Capps, a precious little four and ½ year old, was given the Gift of Hope this year. Audrey suffers from A-T an incurable illness. The condition is a genetic disorder known as Ataxia Telangiectasia. A-T affects the nervous system and other bodily systems.
Children with A-T typically have average intelligence but slow motor and verbal response; A-T over time affects difficulty walking, balance, hand coordination, involuntary jerking movements, muscle twitches, and disturbances in nerve function. Audrey is beginning to experience some of these symptoms. This type of response is where lifelong therapy will be a forever journey.
On December 5, Gift of Hope Chairman Robert Cappella, and Rev. Randall Wehmeyer, Pastor of Divine Savior Lutheran Church, presented Audrey and her parents (Josh and Brittany Capps) with this year’s Gift of Hope. Look at that beautiful smile of Audrey. (Baby brother Kenny was just as excited, as you can see.)
We thank all those who supported and contributed to this event. Without your help and the grace of God, we could not have done this. We extend a special thanks to some significant contributors this year: Devine Area Health and Hospice Resource (Hospice), Devine Acres Farms, Klem Family of San Antonio, Shullanberger Family of Hondo, Margaret McCloskey of Bigfoot, and Morales Feed Store of Devine.
We also extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to “Done Right Cookers” of Hondo for donating their time and expertise of cooking the meats and the beans served at our BBQ this year. Our special thanks also goes out to our meat suppliers: Schott’s Meat Market of Helotes and Kiolbassa Smoked Meats of San Antonio. Also, we thank “DJ Bobby G.” of San Antonio for providing music during the day of the BBQ & Silent Auction. Thanks to all of you who contributed wonderful items for the Silent Auction, those who bid and purchased items, and all who enjoyed a great BBQ meal. To God alone be the glory.
Save the date! We’ll have a Gift of Hope Golf Tournament for Audrey on April 29, 2023. We’ve already received several hole sponsorships. If you’d like to sign up to play in the tournament, contact the Devine Golf Course. We look forward to seeing you there! May God continue to bless Audrey and her family.

Devine Tractor Supply Store to host photos with Santa
Holiday-themed event takes place Dec. 18

Tractor Supply Company will spread Christmas cheer this year with their Photos with Santa event. Held Dec. 18 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Tractor Supply customers are invited to bring their children and pets to the store for photos with Santa and other Christmas activities.
A local photographer will be on site during the event taking Christmas photos of Santa’s Little Helpers and their owners. The first 25 customers to take their photo with Santa will also receive a free magnetic picture frame.
“At Tractor Supply, we welcome families with open arms,” said Lori Lynn, manager of Devine Tractor Supply store. “This is one of many children and pet-friendly events held throughout the year to show our appreciation for our loyal customers and their loved ones.”
This event is open to the public and will take place at 300 State Hwy 132 N. For more information, please contact the Devine Tractor Supply at 830-663-9777.

Moore Christmas Potluck and Toy Drive Dec. 17

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our MOORE CHRISTMAS POTLUCK and TOY DRIVE event sponsored by The Moore Community Improvement Club on Saturday, December 17th at the Moore Community Center from 5pm to 9pm! Doors open at 4pm and we will begin serving at 5pm. Bring an unwrapped toy or children’s book and your favorite dish to share a meal with your neighbors. There will be a photo backdrop to take festive pictures, and I hear Santa may be making appearance as well. We will also be offering a hayride around town to see the lights. The hayrides will be starting at dark and all kiddos must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We hope to see everyone there!
Everyone is also invited to start their day with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Moore Volunteer Fire Station! Santa and Mrs. Claus have lots of fun things planned for the kids between 10am and 1pm. There will be a reading of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer at 10:30am, photos with Santa by his lead elf helper, prize bingo for the kids and young at heart, some DIY ornaments and of course cookies with the man in red.
A friendly reminder that the deadline to enter the 3rd Annual “Moore: Be the Light Holiday Decorating Contest” is quickly approaching! Sign up begins December 1st and runs through December 15th. There will be a $10 fee per entry. There will be cash prizes for top winner as well as a people’s choice winner this year. Judging will be held between Dec 17th and December 22nd. Sign up forms are available from every Moore Community Improvement Club officer/member. See our official Facebook Community group, Moore Community News, for more details.
Senior food boxes will be distributed December 19th and commodities will be distributed December 22nd. Watch Facebook for announcement of time of distribution the day off.
If you are looking to rent the Community Center this holiday season, we still have few weekends open. Give our Treasurer, Claudia a call at 830-267-0322 to reserve your date now and put your deposit down!

Golf Tournament and Holiday Extravaganza to benefit Natalia Band and FFA programs Dec. 17

The Natalia ISD Mustang Band and FFA programs are joining forces to raise funds. The funds raised will support program needs, enrich experiences, and provide scholarships for students.
Information: Join us on December 17th at 1:00 pm for golf, games, shopping, Santa, and more!
Golf Tournament: 4-person scramble with cash prizes for the top three teams. Location: Devine Golf Course 1:00 pm shot gun start. You can sign up your team by calling Devine Golf Course (830) 665-9943. $100 per person, includes cart, meal, and drink. 1st place team payout: $800, 2nd place team payout: $600, 3rd place team payout: $400
Shopping: Come shop local vendors and small businesses. Great time to find those special gifts for the holidays!
Santa & Hot Chocolate: Santa will make a very special visit to take pictures with kids of all ages. Enjoy some hot chocolate and goodies with Santa.
There will be music entertainment and games as well!
Stop by on December 17th starting at 1:00 pm to support amazing programs at Natalia ISD!
To support the fundraising efforts, you can reach out to Jenny Wolff at jkztanner@yahoo.com or Lori Robinson at responsiveleading@gmail.com

BRANDON LEE WHITE is headed for Airborne School

As related by JodiAnn Dzierzanowski, Principal of Devine Learning Academy, and edited by Kathleene Runnels
Devine Learning Academy graduate, Brandon Lee White, joined the Armed Forces and left for basic training on Monday, October 31, 2022. Brandon said that he wouldn’t have been able to complete high school without the help of the Devine Learning Academy; traditional school just wasn’t for him. Brandon stated, “I was very grateful for the opportunity the Learning Center gave me; otherwise, I never would have been able to join the Army.” He added “I was able to work around my schedule and complete my coursework at my pace.” Brandon graduated in July 2022.

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Frank Webb Murrah

Frank Webb Murrah of Quihi, passed away on December 6, 2022 in Castroville at the age of 49. He was born July 27, 1973 in Del Rio, Texas to Thomas Watson “Watt” Murrah and Barbara Webb Murrah.
Frank graduated from Medina Valley High School in 1991. He was a skilled stone mason and founded his own company, Murrah Lathe and Plaster. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved the outdoors.
Survivors include his daughter, Madison Murrah of Rio Medina; mother, Barbara Murrah of Castroville; step-mother, Jackie Murrah of Castroville; former step-father Gary Humphreys of Del Rio, sister and brother-in-law, Kate and Cliff Fowler of Devine; niece, Corinne Fowler; nephew, Owen Fowler; step-sister, Julie Ryczek and Al of Huntersville, North Carolina, step-brother, Steve Tedford and Denise of Castroville; his sweetheart, Julie Boehme Guinther of Castroville and his “bonus” kids, Hayden and Addie Guinther; as well as numerous cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Frank was preceded in death by his father, Watt Murrah; and his grandparents, Harold and Corinne Webb, and Jake and Elizabeth Murrah.
Visitation will be Thursday, December 15, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home with a Memorial Service at 6:00 p.m. Services will conclude at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made in Frank’s memory to Scottish Rite Hospital for Children or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com.