A $339,000 payment for an elevated tank and other capital expenditures left the East Medina County Special Utility District with just over $2 million in bond proceeds in its account, according to a financial report for April submitted to the board May 17. “We are starting to see a little uptick in our interest rates through across all of our accounts,” business manager Lauren Evans said. “That’s nice because we’ve just been seeing those steadily fall to nothing recently.” Outside of bond proceeds, EMSUD took in $259,692 in revenue in April, Evans said. Expenses for the month totaled $368,224, including the acquisition of Creekwood Ranches Water Supply Corporation. A payment was also made involving a completed project to add 3,300 linear feet of 8-inch PVC water main on U.S. 90 from the Castroville Veterinary Clinic to CR 4612. A second phase of that project is 50 percent complete. EMSUD superintendent Bruce Alexander reported to the board that steel for a tank construction project at Plant 5 in the northwest part of the district has been delivered. “If you’ve ever seen one built it’s pretty interesting how they do it,” Alexander said. However, storage tank and service pump improvement proposed for EMSUD Plant 1 remains on hold waiting for materials, Alexander said. A generator slated to be installed at the recently acquired Creekwood Ranches Water Supply Corporation is not due to leave the factory until the end of May. Also, an application for funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture to add a generator at EMSUD Plant 6 remains on hold, Alexander said. Problems collecting payments from other water districts in Texas has complicated the issue, he said. Supply chain issues continue to hinder progress on updating EMSUD’s System Control and Data Acquisition system. The project involves using 2-way radio systems to communicate between the various plants and the district’s main office. Legal issues regarding a contested certificate of convenience and necessity (CCN) continued to drag through the Texas Public Utilities Commission. The certificate grants a CCN holder the exclusive rights to provide retail water or sewer utility service to an identified geographic area. In this case, the conflict hinges on an alleged verbal agreement dating back more than 30 years. “The Public Utilities Commission took action (on May 12) to refer the matter to a state hearing,” Alexander told the board. “They are not convinced that the area is ours exclusively because the other party still claims that he had an agreement from 30 years ago.” Editor’s Note: We want to thank the leadership of East Medina, which had generators in place when the historic winter storm hit, ensuring water service when many other entities had water service cut off for days. And for East Medina’s foresight to continue installing generators at various plants to ensure service for any future events. You are one step ahead of the game, and the residents of EMSUD appreciate it! -Kayleen Holder
Michael Gomez will be the new intermediate school principal.
The Devine ISD School Board hired Michael Gomez as the new intermediate school principal, and Magdalena Vielma Strickland as the new Elementary principal at a special meeting on press day, Tuesday, May 24. Gomez is a 2002 graduate of Devine HS. Taught seven years at Harlandale ISD in San Antonio, and spent last three in Lytle ISD where he was assistant principal at Lytle High School. “I’m really humbled and excited to lead the intermediate school,” Gomez said. Gomez earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Texas A&M Kingsville and masters in educational leadership from University of North Texas. Strickland graduated from Texas A&M University in Kingsville, TX, in 1993 with a bachelor of science in range and wildlife management. She holds a teacher certification in secondary biology, also from Texas A&M – Kingsville. She also holds a master’s in education with an emphasis on urban learning from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. She also received a master’s in education management from the University of Houston at Clear Lake and a doctorate in education with a superintendent certification from the University of Houston. Strickland presently teaches at Ninfa Laurenzo & DeZavala Elementary in Houston. She has taught in that school district since 2005. Strickland earlier taught science and math at McIlvaigh Middle School in Tacoma. Principal Strickland was not at the school board meeting and could not be reached for a comment as of press time.
According to South Texas Blood and Tissue Center, they have rushed 25 units of low titer blood to Uvalde Memorial Hospital, plus an additional 10 units today, Tuesday May 24, which was needed in addition to what the hospital had in stock. “Our blood supply going into this was already very fragile,” said Roger Ruiz, spokesperson for South Texas Blood and Tissue Center. “We sent those 25 low titer units, plus an additional 10, and we continue to be on standby. Keep in mind that those numbers are just units, and patients often need more than one blood transfusion.” “We have less than a 2 day supply of blood as of now,” Ruiz said. “It all comes from the community, and when you make a donation, it is typically only 24 hours until your donation makes it to the patient.” “All blood types are needed, but O-negative and O- positive are most needed in an emergency like this,” Ruiz adds.
Uvalde ISD went into lockdown today, Tuesday May 24, around 11:30 and notified residents of an active shooter situation at Robb Elementary shortly after.
This afternoon, the Governor addressed the state of Texas and the nation, stating that there were 14 students and 1 teacher killed in this heartbreaking incident. However, many more victims were transported to area hospitals including Uvalde Memorial, SA area hospitals, and Medina Regional in Hondo. At one point, Uvalde stated they had 13 injured victims in their care, and sadly further reports indicate there are many more injured.
As of 12:38 today, Uvalde PD stated it was still an “active scene” asking parents not to approach. At 1:06, Uvalde PD stated the suspect was in custody.
Students were transferred to an alternate location. The Reunification Site for Robb Students is at the Willie DeLeon Civic Center.
SWAT teams from surrounding areas and several Airlife helicopters and EMS units were called in to help at the scene in Uvalde. FBI and the Texas Rangers were also on scene as of Tuesday evening.
Many, many units of blood was rushed to Uvalde, and there will be a mobile blood drive in Uvalde tomorrow, Wednesday, May 25.
It will be held from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Herby Ham Activity Center. Address: 248 FM Rd 3447 Uvalde, TX 78801 Email: uaacoffice@sbcglobal.net Phone: 830-591-2711
Runners and walkers line up to kick of the Audrey Jane’s Light fundraiser this past Saturday at Devine Acres. Audrey Capps, 4, (pictured in the center) led walkers off in her jeep. This will be an annual fundraiser.
Over $100,000 was raised by this amazing community during the 1st Annual Audrey Jane’s Light event held at Devine Acres this past Saturday, May 14. The event was held in honor of Audrey Capps, 4 years old, as she battles a very rare and devastating disease called A-T (or Ataxia Telangiectasia). The Capps and Calame crew are doing everything they can to raise money for research to find the cure. The AT Children’s Project was started by two other A-T parents and works tirelessly to find that cure. If you didn’t get a chance, you can make a donation at www.atcp.org/Audrey
The Lytle Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that the big Food Truck Rally ? Miriam Lovelace Scholarship Fund will be happening on Saturday, May 21 in Lytle from 11 to 7pm. You can expect to find close to a dozen food trucks with lots of tasty treats to try. Right now they have pizza, bbq, chicken, shaved ice, and funnel cakes to name a few. There have been some cancellations so there are some openings. If you know of anyone with a food truck please pass along the message and have them contact President Brad Beazer at 830-391-8107 or look on the Greater Lytle Chamber of Commerce website for information or to sign up a food truck. There will also be live music and a DJ at the event. Headliner country artist Matthew Ryan will play from 5-7pm. There will also be a drawing with some great prizes as well. The annual event is lots of fun and raises money for local students, it is a big evnet at the high school parking lot that draws over 1,000 people.
Purchase of a proposed new home for the Medina County Appraisal District remains locked in litigation nearly 16 months after MCAD contracted to buy the former Hondo office used by the 38th Judicial District of Texas district attorney. The MCAD board of directors took no action following a May 10 executive session on the real estate purchase. “Our current building is owned by the county and we rent from them,” board chairman Tim Hardt said. “As a district we would like to own our own building.” The ownership issue arose in late 2020 after the state authorized Medina County to form its own district court, Hardt said. Prior to establishment the 454th Judicial District Court, Medina County fell under the jurisdiction of the 38th Judicial District of Texas that also included Uvalde and Real counties. MCAD has an earnest money contract to purchase the building in Hondo used by the 38th Judicial District from the three counties involved, Hardt said. However, Christina Mitchell Busbee, the district attorney representing the now reduced 38th, filed suit claiming that the counties lacked the authority to sell the property. “We cannot close on the sale until that litigation is resolved as to who is going to sell the building,” Hardt said. In other business, chief appraiser Johnette Dixon presented proposals for the upcoming 2022-2023 MCAD budget. “The preliminary budget is reflective of an increase in operations and cost-of-living for the employees,” she said. The current 2021-2022 budget for the district is $1,455,700. As a minimum for 2022-2023, the proposed budget is $1,542,025, Dixon said. If the board approves the full cost-of-living salary increase proposed for the district, the final approved budget would be $1,553,725, she said. A final decision on the new budget is expected during the regularly scheduled June 14 MCAD board meeting. “The preliminary budget has to be approved in June,” Dixon said. “The final budget must reach the entities by August for their approval.” A treasurer’s report presented to the board showed that the 12 governmental entities that comprise the appraisal district are on schedule in providing their pro-rated share payments, she said. “Each of the entities pays into a portion of our budget based on their levy,” Dixon said. “We send them quarterly invoices and so far everyone is up to date as of the second quarter.” The May 10 meeting marked the introduction of new board member Clay Bell who replaces Jeff Diles, an eight-year veteran of the appraisal district board of directors. Vice chairwoman Jody Jacobs and county tax collector Melissa Lutz were absent from the meeting.
We caught a little break this week, only 47 calls! Officers conducted 38 traffic stops. Those stops resulted in 24 citations and 14 warnings. We had three arrests last week: #1 – A traffic stop on Main St. resulted in a “cite and release” for possession of drug paraphernalia. #2 – A traffic stop on Main St. resulted in the arrest of a male that had an active family violence warrant out of Harris Co. He was booked into the Atascosa Co. Jail. #3 – A roadside disturbance on Main St. resulted in the arrest of a male for assaulting his common-law wife. He also had three active warrants out of Frio Co. He was booked into the Atascosa Co. Jail. We also had three property crimes reported last week. A First St. resident reported that a residence had been burglarized. So far, we haven’t been able to contact the victim to confirm the burglary. #2 – The toilet paper holder in the men’s room at John Lott Park was damaged. #3 – A sink was damaged in the men’s room at John Lott Park. We are working on the vandalism at the restroom, this week the damage was more minor. We welcome any information you can provide as to who may be responsible. It’s very frustrating and makes no sense. Overall, last week was not that bad. Hopefully, we will see a slow down this summer; maybe the heat will keep the crooks at home. What else is new? It appears we will be getting an IHOP at the planned truck stop on FM 3175 @ IH-35 Access Rd. This location is not yet under construction, but it is in the planning phases, I believe it will be a Road Ranger. I think this will be a terrific addition to our city. We can solve a lot of problems by the strategic use of a blueberry pancake eating contest. Lt. Matthew Dear is headed down to city hall. He will be the interim City Administrator for 6 months, if all goes well the position will be permanent. If he is successful, I will take full credit for his advancement. If it doesn’t work out, I will tell the mayor and city council “What were you thinking.” Don’t forget the Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Food Truck Rally and a market at the Lytle High School this Saturday. It will run from 11 AM – 7 PM, at the event last year I ate too much and spent too much money (Which sounds like the story of my life).
Have you ever noticed how a change in the order of just one word can make all the difference? Many times in my life I have asked Where Am I? Lost in a big city or in the thick brush of La Brasada. Awakened from a disturbing dream or in the storm of a personal crisis. A feeling of anxiety and fear can come tumbling down. A lack of balance and stability. Off course and uncertain. But when I think or say Where I Am, that most often reflects a feeling of awareness and understanding. And often a feeling of comfort and contentment. And that is what this gift from me to you this day is about. An acknowledgment that our “fit” together brings me much joy and security. In fact, of the many blessings that have come my way, so many more than could ever be counted, knowing you and understanding that I belong with you in my life is one of the very best I have known. So today, I want you to know that at it relates to my contentment in Life’s Journey…Where I Am with You is where I want to be.
This week has been busy, which is nothing unusual, and it will continue into this coming week. Due to the fact that we have many of our auxiliary members who, due to Covid are not ready to be out in public, we are shorthanded in our gift shop. Working in the shop is almost always interesting; especially on the days the visiting doctors are on hand. You get to meet people, try to help them find something to purchase or they just look around. At any rate, there is something going on. In addition to keeping the gift shop open all the needed shifts, we are also selling tickets for our annual spring drawing and celebrating 100 years of having a hospital in our small town. There is a special display at the local museum honoring the hospital and our auxiliary, with a display of a shadow box containing the pins and bars showing how many hours the ladies have worked over a period of time. At last count, there were over 70K hours. There are mannequins dressed in uniforms of different types that have been worn over time. I did not get to attend the opening Thursday evening, due to a previous commitment, but from what I understand, it was awesome! I remember that when my Mother first joined in the 80s, they wore white uniforms of the same type that nurses wore, including white caps and looked extremely professional. Those days are long gone, and now our uniform is much more casual. Friday morning, we had a dedication ceremony of the oak tree that the auxiliary purchased and had planted at the hospital in memory of this 100th anniversary occasion, with a reception following and members serving the cookies, punch and coffee! Everyone seemed to enjoy getting to visit and work with one another and it was great seeing the different departments working together. Tonight, Saturday, there will be a very large, very dressy dinner as part of the celebration that I will be able to attend, it sounds awesome and I am excited to get to go. This week, we’re going to learn a little bit about a vegetable called “Jicama” or ‘yam bean’. Several years ago, at bunco, our hostess served Jicama on the beautiful vegetable tray that she brought. I had heard of it before, but hadn’t really tasted it. In taste, it reminds me of the water chestnuts that are used in Oriental cooking, which means crunchy and a little starchy tasting. In fact, the first place that I ever read about it was in my Sunset Mexican Cook Book with a publishing date of 1970! They also compare it to the water chestnut as well as to a potato. In fact they state “It tastes so much like fresh water chestnuts that Chinese cooks often use it as a substitute”. I would see it in the grocery store and wonder “what in the world is that”, but I never tried it. Jicama, which is pronounced “hee-cama”, grows on vines, with underground tubers, just as potatoes do, and is native to the warm climates of Central America, as well as the Caribbean, the Andes Mountain region and Southern Asia. It is a member of the bean family. As well as its formal name of Jicama, it is called “Mexican water chestnut”, and also “Mexican yam bean”, with a genus name of Pachyrhizus erosus. The skin is nothing like the edible skin of a yam, but is considered an organic toxin, as are the vines and leaves. In fact, the name “rotenone” is the same as a chemical used to bring fish to the surface so a stock tank or pond can be cleaned out. Jicama are sold in most grocery stores in the produce section and they are round, and shaped similar to a turnip, with a texture similar to either an apple or a turnip. There are several varieties, but the most common in our stores is the one mentioned above. To use, wash the tuber just as you would a potato, cut off each end to make a flat surface and then peel. In the articles I found, one sounds as if you need a sturdy paring knife to peel it and the other sounds as if you can use your regular potato peeler. It is a very versatile vegetable, as it can be used in stir-fries, salads, slaw, soup and with other vegetables or fruits, as well as meats and seafood. A favorite Mexican recipe is to have it cut into slices and served with chili powder, salt and lime juice. In fact, that recipe is in the Sunset Cook Book and will be further down in the column. It is low in calories and an aid to weight loss programs, is an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C, and a powerful antioxidant. It also has a healthy amount of potassium and vitamins like folates, riboflavin, and thiamin among others. Also it has the minerals of magnesium, iron, copper, and manganese, so these weird looking vegetables seem to be pretty healthy. (What I noticed on the vegetable tray, they did not darken as a potato or apple would, and stayed nice and crisp). As far as I can tell, most people cut the jicama into sticks as you would a potato to make French fries, sprinkle it with salt and nibble away. However, our hostess served it with dip and it was great. (I wonder how it would taste if it was dipped into salsa?). For more information, “Google” the word Jicama, and enjoy the articles. The article that I have been working from also has the following recipe for a salad using jicama, and just recently, when I received my Food Network Magazine, The Tex/Mex Issue, there was a salad recipe in the magazine! Jicama Salad 1¼ pounds jicama 4 radishes 1 sliced scallion 2 tablespoons each, chopped cilantro and mint 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons agave syrup ½ teaspoon salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper Peel Jicama and cut into thin matchsticks; cut the radishes into matchsticks, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, agave syrup, salt and cayenne in a large bowl, add the jicama, radishes, scallion, cilantro and mint. Toss together, season with additional salt if necessary. Jicama Appetizer 1 tablespoon salt ¼ teaspoon chili powder 1 to 2 pounds jicama, peeled 1 lime, cut into wedges Blend salt and chili powder and place in a small bowl. Slice the jicama into ¼ to ½-inch thick slices and arrange on a serving tray with the bowl of seasoned salt and lime wedges. To eat, rub lime over jicama, and then dip in the salt. Serves 6 to 8. (The photo with the recipe shows that the jicama has been cut into quarters or so and then sliced).
Xavier Contreras and Kannon Ramirez received the Athletic Booster Club scholarship.
By Stella Contreras Devine High School Seniors received $92,700 in scholarships at the ceremony held Sunday May 15, 2022. Following the ceremony many students, staff and family stayed for the traditional Baccalaureate Service given by the First Baptist Church honoring the graduates.
Kylee Saunders, Corinne Fowler, and Aleyna Gerlach receive Martin Family Scholarship.
Scholarship Recipients were: Darian Alvarez- Devine Athletic Booster Club Scholarship; Dr & Mrs Robert Francis Gossett Memorial Scholarship Peyton Carr-Jeremy Freeburn Memorial Scholarship; Jacob Benavides Memorial Scholarship; Rosalee Rogers McLure Memorial Scholarship; John Wesley Ward, Jr Memorial Scholarship; Devine Athletic Booster Club Scholarship; Will to Win Scholarship Xavier Contreras- Travis Wade
Kelli Geyer, Brady Hackebeil, Karma Herring, and Wyatt Spivey received the Security State Bank Scholarship.
Spielman Memorial Scholarship; Don Sessions Memorial Scholarship; Devine Athletic Booster Club Scholarship; Devine Youth Sports Scholarship; First Baptist Church Devine Scholarship; Will to Win Scholarship Madison Crabtree- Herring & Selma Blatz Memorial Scholarship Administered by First Baptist Church; Devine Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Ashlyn Crossland- Carolyn Hopkins Memorial Scholarship Administered by First Baptist Church; American Momentum Bank Scholarship Brooklyn Crossland- Herring & Selma Blatz Memorial Scholarship Administered by First Baptist Church ; American Momentum Bank Scholarship Sage Cruz- Will to Win Scholarship Jacob Delaney- Devine Athletic Booster Club Scholarship; Devine Ministerial Fellowship Scholarship Hayden Dubose- Will to Win Scholarship Kennedy Duncan- Devine Athletic Booster Club Scholarship; American Momentum Bank Scholarship; Tommy Groesbeck Memorial Scholarship; Kelly Culbreath Houston Memorial Scholarship; Cameron English- Alyssa Ramirez Memorial Scholarship; Doris and Ray Conrad/Mulholand Memorial Scholarship Devine Athletic Booster Club Scholarship Marina Esch- Herring & Selma Blatz Memorial Scholarship Administered by First Baptist Church Angel Espinosa- Aaron Anthony Benavidez Memorial Athletic Scholarship; Marvin Gustafson Memorial Scholarship; Will to Win Scholarship Jared Fernandez Devine Athletic Booster Club Scholarship ; Bain Memorial Scholarship Corinne Fowler- Martin Family Scholarship; Devine Ex Student/Teacher Angilee Griffin Heyen Memorial Scholarship; First Baptist Church Devine Scholarship; Medina County Farm Bureau Scholarship; Devine Current Events Scholarship Yessika Garza- DJ Carlson Memorial Scholarship; Rosalee Rogers McLure Memorial Scholarship; Will to Win Scholarship Aleyna Gerlach- Devine Athletic Booster Club Scholarship; Martin Family Scholarship; Bain Memorial Scholarship; Will to Win Scholarship Kelli Geyer- Security State Bank Scholarship; Devine Area Thrift Store Scholarship; Karen Howard Muennink Memorial FCCLA Scholarship; McAnelly Educational Scholarship; Retired Teachers Association Scholarship; Robbie Robertson Memorial Scholarship Administered by First Baptist Church; G.D & Ruby Whitfield Memorial Scholarship Jenysee Good-Wesley & Gene Lackey Ward Memorial Scholarship Jacob Guajardo- Devine Athletic Booster Club Scholarship; Lula Teel Gossett Memorial Scholarship Brady Hackebeil-George Alexander Jr. Memorial Scholarship; DJ Carlson Memorial Scholarship; Joey Toepperwein Memorial Scholarship; Security State Bank Scholarship; Medina County Farm Bureau Scholarship; Devine Current Events Scholarship; Will to Win Scholarship Devine Athletic Booster Club Scholarship Riley Hagdorn- DJ Carlson Memorial Scholarship; Rosalee Rogers McLure Memorial Scholarship; Medina County Aggie Moms Scholarship; Devine Ex Student/Teacher Angilee Griffin Heyen Memorial Scholarship; Doris and Ray Conrad/Mulholand Memorial Scholarship Lily Hargis- Herring & Selma Blatz Memorial Scholarship Administered by First Baptist Church; Devine Ex Student/Teacher Angilee Griffin Heyen Memorial Scholarship; Linda Alexander Memorial Scholarship Macey Hein Samantha “Sam” Buvinghausen Memorial Scholarship; Devine Athletic Booster Club Scholarship; Neva Sessions Memorial Scholarship; Will to Win Scholarship; Alyssa Ramirez Memorial Scholarship; Patricia Ann Wilkerson Woods Memorial Scholarship Karma Herring- Security State Bank Scholarship; American Momentum Bank; Devine Lions Club; Dollars for Scholars; Lytle State Bank- Salutatorian Audrey Longoria- Devine Athletic Booster Club Scholarship; Patricia Ann Wilkerson Woods Memorial Scholarship; G.D & Ruby Whitfield Memorial Scholarship Kendall Marek- DJ Carlson Memorial Scholarship; Devine Athletic Booster Club Scholarship; Devine Area Thrift Store Scholarship; Rosalee Rogers McLure Memorial Scholarship Cecilia Martinez- Devine Athletic Booster Club Scholarship; Aaron Anthony Benavidez Memorial Athletic Scholarship; Aubrey and Willie Mae Driscoll Memorial; Imogene Tschirhart Memorial Scholarship Mason Martinez- Will to Win Scholarship Liliana Mendoza-Jimenez- St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Scholarship Isaiah Morin- Will to Win Scholarship Makayla Perez- Bain Memorial; Devine Athletic Booster Club Scholarship Kannon Ramirez- Devine Athletic Booster Club Scholarship; Rosalee Rogers McLure Memorial Scholarship; St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Scholarship; Devine Youth Sports Scholarship; Will to Win Scholarship Gracie Ricord- DJ Carlson Memorial Scholarship Jesslyn Sanchez- Neva Sessions Memorial Scholarship Kylee Saunders- DJ Carlson Memorial Scholarship; Rosalee Rogers McLure Memorial Scholarship; Martin Family Scholarship; Devine Lodge #590 Masonic Council Scholarship; Medina County A&M Club Scholarship; Medina County Aggie Moms Scholarship; St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Scholarship; American Momentum Bank Scholarship; Devine Ex Student/Teacher Angilee Griffin Heyen Memorial Scholarship; Devine Area Thrift Store Scholarship Brian Schaefer- – Alyssa Ramirez Memorial Scholarship; Devine Athletic Booster Club Scholarship; Devine Lions Club; Dollars for Scholars Scholarship; Lytle State Bank- Valedictorian; Sid & Maurice Malone Memorial Scholarship; Robbie Robertson Memorial Scholarship Administered by First Baptist Church ; Gordon Shultz Memorial Scholarship Brooke Schott- American Momentum Bank Lacey Shook Gayle & Don Sessions Scholarship; First Baptist Church Devine Scholarship; Devine Athletic Booster Club Scholarship; Will to Win Scholarship Wyatt Spivey- Jacob Benavides Memorial Scholarship; Henry & Henrietta Bendele Memorial Scholarship; Carolyn Hopkins Memorial Scholarship Administered by First Baptist Church ; Wesley Ward Memorial Scholarship; Security State Bank Scholarship Abe Taitano- Ruth Allen Memorial Scholarship; Dollars for Scholars; Josie Hernandez Memorial Scholarship Administered by Lytle State Bank; DHS Faculty and Staff Scholarship Brianna Torres- Alyssa Ramirez Memorial Scholarship ; Devine Athletic Booster Club Scholarship Kadence Yeats – First Baptist Church Devine Scholarship
