Soloist Stefan GrigsbyQuartet members Cambri Davila, Victoria Garcia, Citlali Ferreira, and Natalie Williams.
On February 5 Lytle High School Band students participated in Solo and Ensemble and advanced to Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest in Pflugerville. On Saturday, after the dust had barely settled from graduation, soloist Stefan Grigsby (11) and quartet members Cambri Davila(12), Victoria Garcia(11), Citlali Ferreira(12), and Natalie Williams(12) went to TSSEC held at Hendrickson High School. This was Stefan’s first trip to TSSEC and he earned a 2nd division, silver medal, on his French Horn Solo. For the past six years a flute ensemble has gone to state. This was Cambri and Citlali’s, third time at state. They actually qualified all four years of high school, but were unable to go in 2020 due to Covid. They also received gold medals every year they participated. For Natali and Victoria, this was their second time to qualify and participate at this competition, also receiving gold medals both times. “I am so proud of these young women as they brought home 1st division gold medals, especially since this will be the last event for our seniors,” said MJ Robles, Lytle JH Band Director.
Hayden is a very high-spirited young guy, who is often referred to as the funniest child ever, as he loves to joke around with his peers and make those around him smile. He is also a really good listener, and that is what makes him a great friend to his peers. Like many children his age, Hayden loves playing video games especially on his Nintendo Switch. One of his favorite things to do is to go swimming as he really enjoys time in the pool. He also loves to use his creative side, building and constructing ideas he has, of things he designs. When it comes to eating, Hayden loves to be adventurous, trying all kinds of foods, and looks forward to expanding taste pallet. Hayden enjoys attending school, as he likes to learn about the world around him. Hayden hopes to have a forever family that will encourage his interests and provide him the memories of sharing in new family activities. When asked, he says he would like a two parent family, where a mom and dad can help love & guide him as he grows. If you think you could be Hayden’s forever family or for another Texas child, please contact the department at 1-800-233-3405, for more information about adoption or https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Application/TARE/Home.aspx/Default You can also find a schedule of online public information meetings where you can learn more about the foster/adoption program.
Middle School teacher of the year Christian Guerra recieves her award from Superintendent Grandjean.Elementary-Cindy ZuercherIntermediate-Melody RiouHigh School-Marisol Rangel Garcia
At the conclusion of the school year, Devine ISD awarded top honors to four dedicated educators this year. The following teachers receiving the Educator of the Year Award for their respective campuses in Devine ISD are: Elementary–Cindy Zuercher Intermediate–Melody Riou Middle School–Christian Guerra High School–Marisol Rangel Garcia Dr. Grandjean also awarded service pins to many dedicated educators who have served our district 5, 10 and even 25 years, and awarded a special certificate of appreciation to Wendy Martinez for doing such a good job protecting students at the crosswalk. Retirees Devine ISD had 13 employees retire this year and have hired five new teachers for the next school year. They currently have many openings in the district: Elementary – 3, Middle School – 5, High School – 9, as well as others within the district. Steve Anderson, 26 years to DISD, 29 years total in educatio Mark Berg, 5 years to DISD, 19 years total in education David Cardenas, 30 years all in DISD Cristina Esquivel, 2 years to DISD, 29 years total in education Linda Evans, 27 years all in DISD Jeff Miller, 13 years to DISD, 30 total years in education Shawn Mullins, 22 years all in DISD Barbara Nelson, 39 years all in DISD Nannette Pilaczynski, 21 years all in DISD Gary Schmidt, 26 years to DISD, 27 total years in education Shirley Wimett, 10 years to DISD, 32 total years in education Scott Taylor, 24 years to DISD, 24 years to DISD, 29 total years in education Cindy Zuercher, 17 years to DISD, 35 total years in education New Hires: Gensen Merritt, 5th grade teacher Justin Marcrum, 5th grade teacher Alexandra Escobar, Intermediate Spec Ed Teacher Humberto Sanchez, Head Band Director Larry Waddle, Ag Science Teacher Open Positions: Elementary School Counselor (PK-2) Elementary School Teacher (PK-2) Elementary School Special Education Aide (PK-2) (2 positions) Middle School Science Teacher/Boys’ Athletic Coach (6-8) Middle School Art Teacher (6-8) Middle School Special Education Math & Inclusion Teacher (6-8) Middle School Math Teacher (6-8) Middle School Instructional Aide (6-8) High School Teacher (9-12) (ESSER Funded) High School Math Teacher (9-12) High School Math Teacher/Boys’ Athletic Coach (9-12) High School Science Teacher OR High School Science Teacher w/Boys’ Athletic Coach (9-12) High School Spanish Teacher/Boys’ Athletic Coach (9-12) High School English Teacher (9-12) High School Family & Consumer Science Teacher (9-12) (2 positions) High School Nursing Science Teacher (9-12) High School Attendance Clerk (9-12) Speech Language Pathologist or Speech Language Pathology Assistant Substitutes for Nurses Bus Drivers Custodian(s) Cafeteria Worker
Devine ISD school board president Nancy Pepper takes in a presentation of proposed solutions to a possible $2.5 million budget shortfall expected by the district. The board met in special session Monday to consider possible action. (Photo by Anton Riecher)
By Anton Riecher A tax ratification election in November is being considered as part of the complicated resolution to a possible $2.5 million Devine ISD budget shortfall attributed to uncertainty of appraised property values (since so many were protested). Going the tax ratification route would allow the district to regain any funding lost from tax collection by means of state aid, Superintendent Todd Grandjean told the board in a budget meeting Monday evening. “With being able to go out for a TRE we would have a more assertive way to tell (voters) that this is going to happen,” he said. Much of what was discussed hinges on a pending special session of the Texas Legislature called by Gov. Greg Abbott to further debate property tax relief and other issues. The school board is also considering taking $717,961 from $1.1 million in remaining elementary and secondary school emergency relief (ESSER) funds to support budgeted salary increases. As explained by the district’s chief financial officer Shannon Ramirez the proposed election revolves around the use of $689,624 in “golden pennies” or Tier II funding set aside by the school board in its formula to “compress” the tax rate. (Editor’s note: The state’s definition of “golden pennies” is stated as follows: Golden pennies provide tax revenue that is not subject to recapture by the State of Texas. Using golden pennies is an exercise of LOCAL control. Voters decide to access the pennies; all the revenue generated by them stays in the school district. Compression refers to an intentional act to lower the tax rate which, in turn, reduces what taxpayers owe. “When this passed we did a resolution to keep five of our pennies,” Ramirez said. “There are still some pennies out there that we could get back. It would go to the voters in November in the general election.” Beside the golden pennies still available, the district could also reclaim nine copper or Tier I pennies held in reserve totaling $46,875, she said. (Editor’s note: A Texas Tribune article on school finance explains “copper pennies” as “Any money a district raises with pennies seven through 17 — so-called “copper pennies” — is subject to recapture. If a district raises more than $31.95 of revenue per copper penny, that overage goes back to the state.) “The golden pennies are the ones that we want more of,” Ramirez said. “We only have three to four but it would bring in over $680,000.” She said she was unsure whether a tax ratification election to certify reclaiming the pennies and a bond election could be held on the same ballot, a reference to any attempt to remount the district’s failed $32.2 million bond issue in May. Grandjean said tax relief measures still being considered by the Texas Legislature are expected to compress tax rates an additional 25 cents. “We need four pennies of the 25 cents the state is about to give (taxpayers) back,” he said. “So in effect their tax rate would be compressed by 21 cents and the way we don’t lose funding is the money we generate and collect off our taxes we just get back from state aid. This is how they are making this all whole.” Board president Nancy Pepper said that winning approval in the tax ratification election cannot be relied on. Using the budgeted ESSER funds to drive down the expected deficit would be more reliable. “We can’t even know if this is going to pass,” Pepper said. “I would think we could use the ESSER funds and we would at least be a little bit better off.” During Monday’s meeting Ramirez reviewed a host of positions at the various district campuses that have been filled, remain unfilled or have been dropped in the effort to further reduce the budget. Other cuts discussed included items such as a $40,000 tractor dropped in favor of several new buses. Unbudgeted open positions at the high school include one FCS (family and consumer sciences) teacher and one ESSER teacher. High school openings that have remained unfilled all year and are not now in the budget include math teacher, a joint math teacher-coach, science teacher and webmaster teacher. At the middle school, open positions for an ESL aide and an ESSER teacher/aide are not included in the budget. The elementary and intermediate schools have no unbudgeted positions, according to Ramirez’ PowerPoint presentation to the board. The budget workshop was limited to discussion only with no action taken. Ramirez told the board in May that questions over final appraised property values might make it impossible to meet budgeted salary increases for teachers. She cited property value protests, ADA (appraised district appraisals) losses and provisions in state tax law as contributing to the expected shortage.
By Kayleen Holder Editor We would like to introduce you to a new dentist in this area, Dr. Justin Crocker, who recently took over a practice on Main Street in Lytle (formerly Dr. Carter’s office). Crocker and his team serve the whole family– serving everyone from children to adults all under one roof. They do everything from braces to root canals to dentures, and also offer modern dentistry options such as “Sleep Dentistry”. “This is really good for patients who are very anxious. We are able to give patients a pill about an hour before the dental work starts so they can be as comfortable as possible,” Dr. Crocker said. This is offered in addition to traditional sedatives such as nitrous oxide or “laughing gas”. Speaking from experience, you’ll find an office staff eager to greet you and book your appointment, and great customer service at this locally owned, small business. They are happy to work around your busy schedule and work towards booking back to back appointments for family members or even see mom and the kids at the same time. “We want it to be as convenient as possible for families who have more than one family member needing an appointment, so a lot of times what we’ll do is have mom getting her teeth cleaned in one room while a child is in the other room getting their x-rays or other work done at the same time, so it’s as seamless as we can make it,” Dr. Croker said. And if you are in need of denture work, Dr. Crocker is working toward offering same-day denture repairs in his office. “A lot of times, patients who need repairs to dentures or partials have to wait a couple days to get them back because it was to be sent off for work. We are going to have a set day, where offer in-house repairs on the same day in-house,” Dr. Crocker said. When it comes to dental issues, Dr. Crocker will tell you–an ounce of prevention can go a long way. “One common thing we see is bleeding gums when you’re brushing your teeth,” he said. “This is a symptom that leads to gum disease. People sometimes tend to put off symptoms like this. Gum Disease is easily treated, and if you come in sooner rather than later, we can keep that from getting worse.” He explains there’s a simple solution to another common dental issue. “As we get older, our bottom teeth tend to get more crowded. We can usually do an Invisalign treatment and set it straight within 6 months. This will keep your teeth more cleansable and keep them healthier for longer.” “A lot of people ask us about a safe whitening treatment too,” Dr. Crocker said. “We have prescription strength, take-home whitening kit that is affordable and effective and very safe.” He fell in love with dentistry when he was in high school. “We had to do a class report on a healthcare professional, so I got to follow around an Orthodontist for a half day. I knew right then and there that was what I wanted to do,” he said. After 23 years, Dr. Crocker still enjoys the profession for many reasons, but his favorite is being able to help others. “Your smile really affects your self esteem, and I love being able to help people with that. As corny as it sounds, it’s the truth,” he said. Dr. Crocker attended the University of Texas at San Antonio where he received a Biology degree. He then went on to graduate from the University of Texas Health Science Center with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. After graduation he went into private practice, and he also taught as a clinical professor at the dental school in the department of general dentistry. Dr. Crocker has written and published many articles in dental journals, as well as, lecturing on advances in cosmetic and adhesive surgery. He has done many interesting things in his career including a mission trip to Guatemala to provide dental care to children and also participating in an exchange program with Ashai Dental University in Japan where he spent a week learning about Japanese dental techniques and culture. “Our goal is to offer small town values with high tech care,” Dr. Crocker adds. This June, Lytle Family Dentistry is welcoming dental hygienist Stephanie Morales to the team and will be extending hours to include Fridays too as of mid-June. See ad on page 2 for more details.
Annie E. Van Winkle, affectionately known as “Chummy,” went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at the venerable age of 90. She was born in Von Ormy, Texas to Kenneth and Mollie McMonagle on July 24, 1932. She married her high school sweetheart, Howard, on August 2, 1948. They celebrated 62 years of marriage together. Annie and Howard both worked at Kelly AFB until they retired in the late 1980’s. After retirement, they traveled to 48 of the 50 states and visited many cities. Annie called the San Antonio area home her entire life but eventually settled down in Lytle, Texas in 1992. While living in Lytle, Annie enjoyed playing golf and volunteering; at the Library, The Women’s Club thrift store, the Lytle Methodist Church and at the Hospice Thrift store in Devine. Her first love was the people in her life; extensive family, friends and the thousands of people she could strike up a random conversation with. Her second love was the Dallas Cowboys and she hoped she could watch them win another Super Bowl. Annie loved cooking for and spending time with her loved ones. She lived a life full of fun, laughter, music, family and friendships. Annie’s infectious laughter and generosity affected a tremendous number of people over her 90 years, and she will be missed by many. Annie is preceded in death by her husband, Howard; her parents; brother, Mickey McMonagle; sister, Catherine Wenzel and grandson, Chris Becker. She is survived by her daughter, Linda (Jim) Becker, son Don Van Winkle; sister, Mary Lee Fey; grandchildren, Stacy (Jon) McAnarney, Erin (Rick) Clark, David (Dana) Van Winkle, William Parke (Paige) Van Winkle; great grandchildren Ashley, Austin, John, Madison, Logan, Ryan, Audie, Jackson and Wilder, as well as many other family members. A Graveside Service will be held Friday, June 2, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Lytle Community Cemetery on the corner of N. Benton St and Laredo St. After the service, The Women In Faith of Lytle Methodist Church will be serving refreshments for family and friends in the Lytle Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, where you will be able to share your stories of remembrance. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either the Lytle Methodist Church or your favorite charity. If you wish to share a memory or express your condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services in Lytle, Texas.
Barbara Lucille Haywood born July 06, 1934 in Frio, Texas to the late David “Butch” Haywood and Melecia Dillard Haywood. Barbara, known as Lucille, was delivered by her paternal grandmother, Lucy Haywood who was a midwife and a sharecropper. Lucille grew up in the country, but it was more than a home, it was a place of solidarity, dirt roads, and wagon wheels. Her grandmother owned eight acres of farm land and Lucille and family lived in a small home next to hers. The land from Pearsall to Devine, Texas, known as Black Jack. Lucille married the late Jessie Lee Brooks Sr. and had five children. She leaves to cherish memories with her children: The late, Delane Leola Brooks, the late Sandra Kay Telfair (husband Stanley), Michael Brooks, Jessie Lee Brooks Jr. (wife Norma)and Emilio Florencio Brooks (wife Tammy). Grandchildren: Daniel Lee Telfair, Victor James Telfair, Tahirah Jessalyn Brooks, Analea Barbara K Brooks, and Conrad Brooks. Great granddaughter: Angelica Telfair. Siblings: Lacy Haywood (Sharon), the late Gene Haywood, Annette Todd, Elizabeth Haywood, the late Suzie Haywood, the late Vivian Fields. Nieces: Barbara Woodard (husband Dan), Sandra Harper, Sonia Haywood, Ellen Greene, Sheila Haywood, Trina Haywood. Nephews: Johnny Harper Jr., Robert Haywood, David Haywood, Stacy Haywood, Allen Harper, the late David Harper, Chauncey (Shawn) Fields. Grandchildren by marriage: Joshua Rene Leal, Dillion Zachary Yanez, Katrina Petra Monsivias, Bobby (Myson) Ray King Jr. The Todd Family. Special thanks to dear friends of the family Mr. & Mrs. Bobby and Spring Contreras (Matthew, Gabryelle, Christian, Nathaniel) Mr. &Mrs. Reverend John Greene A visitation was held at Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 5 PM-9 PM. Funeral Services were held at Primrose Funeral Services on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 10 AM following interment at Evergreen Cemetery. Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories or sign the online guestbook may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016, (830) 663-4445.
Born March 12,1927 in Somerset, Texas to parents John Henry Cowley and Geneva Stacy Cowley. Myrtle attended High School in Poteet, Texas and graduated at the age 16 as salutatorian in 1943. Soon after graduating, she was employed at the First State Bank in Poteet. At that time, she was 1 of 3 employees. Myrtle continued to work until the love of her life, William L Thompson (Bill) came home on leave from the Navy. They were married on November 27, 1943 in Poteet and honeymooned at Garner State park before Bill returned to duty in San Diego. Myrtle stayed in Poteet until Bill was discharged in February 1945. Bill and Myrtle had a son, Billy Lawrence in 1947 and a daughter Nancy Jean in 1950. They then moved to a 130 acre farm in Bigfoot, Texas. In 1956, Bill continued to work in San Antonio and also on the farm. Son, Robert Hal was born in 1956 followed by son John Chris in 1957 and Jeff Stacy in 1958. Myrtle and Bill moved to Devine where they stayed until their children graduated high school. They then moved to La Pryor, Texas where Myrtle worked on the Chaprrosa Ranch as house caretaker which she enjoyed and loved. In 1991, after the passing of her husband, Myrtle moved back to Devine where she enjoyed her church, flowers, yard work and great friends. Myrtle remained in the Devine/Natalia area until her Passing. Myrtle is preceded in heaven by her husband William L. Thompson. Parents, John and Geneva Cowley. Children, Nancy Schwarzbach, Robert Hal Thompson and Billy Thompson. Siblings, Robert (Bub) Cowley and Francis Carr. Sister in law Betty Gene Cowley. Son in law, Thomas F. Schwarzbach. Myrtle leaves behind her son John Chris Thompson, son Jeff Thompson and wife Andrea Thompson. Daughters in law, Judy Thompson and Priscilla Thompson. Grandchildren: Mike, Lisa, Joseph, Melissa, Shawn, Amber, Jeremy, Ashlea, Allyson, Adam, Erin, Elizabeth, Tyler and Kelsie, Shannon, Billy and Andrew. Great-grandchildren: Josh, Noah, Samantha, John John, Aria, Grayson, Madison, Karysn, Ava, Charles, Destiny, Ethan, Jacey, Caleb, Campbell, Tatum, Presley, Reagan, Remington, Vincent, Terryn, Jessica, Cora Kate, Billy, Joseph, Cooper, Ashton, Logan, Landon, Avery, Eli, Ella, Liam, Andon and Aevin. Great great grandchildren: Mackenzie and Brooks We are beyond grateful for Debbie Clemens, not only for providing the best care to Myrtle but also being a great friend to her in her later years. Funeral service will be held at Primrose Funeral Services in Devine Texas on May 31st. Viewing will start at 10:30am with funeral service following at 12:00pm. Graveside service immediately after at Sand Branch Cemetery.: FM 2504 Kyote, Tx
Sunday, since it was a beautiful day, I went to the next town for their Annual Spring Picnic. Picnics are different here than they are in your area. They do not serve barbecue, beans and potato salad. They serve what is known as Picnic Stew. Each church has their own version, some of them are delicious and some of them not so much. The chunks of meat are cooked in big batches; some are made with a little thickening, so you have gravy, but mostly not, just the meat juices. They also serve German style seasoned potatoes, seasoned green beans (some use mushroom soup in theirs, others, like today were seasoned with bacon), fried chicken, sausage and sauerkraut. At this time of year, there are actually two picnics on the same day and many folks go from one to the other, I did not! The line was long, but it moved relatively quickly. The food is self-serve, other than the chicken which is served. The menu at the other church was the same except that they have cornbread dressing with their fried chicken. It was a nice day, the people were friendly and as you went through the line, you got visit a bit with friends who might be in a different part of the line. It is set up so that basically, you are making a series of esses, from start to finish. Last week, I mentioned about Memorial Day and the flags that are placed alongside the roads, north, south, east and west entering town. I had no clue how many or anything until I received the local paper. Veterans of the American Legion Post 571 placed 160 flags along U.S. Highway 77 and State Highway 111 in a joint effort with members of the Interact Club. Veterans from DeWitt and Lavaca Counties participated. Also on Monday, American Legion Post 571 will be hosting a Memorial Day program as well as a meal for their members. Once I found out how many members of the Ladies Auxiliary I already knew, it was easy to make the decision to join the organization. Basically, all I had to do was transfer my membership, since the Post in Castroville was no longer in existence. Now, how about a Pineapple Upside-down cake that is a little different, it is baked in a Bundt pan! Pineapple Upside-down Bundt Cake 1 large can of sliced pineapple, (drained reserving juice) 8 maraschino cherries, drained ¾ stick butter, melted (6 Tbs.) ¾ cup packed brown sugar 1 box either pineapple or yellow cake mix Ingredients as listed on box for making cake Preheat oven to 350ºF. Open pineapple, drain well, and cut slices in half. (You will use only 8 slices), cut cherries in half and drain well. Place melted butter in a well-sprayed Bundt pan, top with brown sugar spreading it out evenly over the butter. Place the slices of pineapple evenly around pan, resting one edge on the sugar/butter mixture; place cherries, cut side up, close to the ends of the pineapple (if you place them too far toward the sides of the pan they will be around the edge of the cake instead of on top). Mix the cake batter according to the directions on the box, using the reserved pineapple juice instead of water in the mix; gently spoon the batter over the pineapple, straightening the slices as necessary so they are nice and even. Bake according to directions on box for a Bundt Cake. Allow to stand about 5 minutes in pan and then invert over plate for serving. This makes a really pretty cake. Cajun Style Shrimp Salad 1 pouch (4-oz) Zatarain’s® Crawfish, Shrimp and Crab Boil 1 lb. ready to use frozen, tiny shrimp (or you can use 1 to 1½ lbs fresh, peeled and deveined small shrimp)* 1 cup uncooked white rice ½ cup finely chopped sweet onion ½ cup chopped green olives ½ cup finely chopped celery ½ cup frozen petit green peas 1 cup mayonnaise (do not use salad dressing) Add 1 to 2* tablespoons of the crawfish, shrimp and crab boil to 4 cups of water, bring to boil and add the frozen shrimp and leave water over low heat for about 30 to 45 seconds, just long enough for the shrimp to completely thaw and absorb the flavor of the mixture. (If you used fresh shrimp, bring mixture to a boil, add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until shrimp are done). Remove shrimp from liquid with a slotted spoon and set aside. Pour uncooked rice into mixture and bring to a boil, cooking (and stirring if necessary) until rice is done and drain well and rinse with hot water if desired. Add shrimp and peas to rice and set aside to cool to room temperature. Chop onion, olives and celery, add mayonnaise and stir to mix well; add to rice/pea mixture and stir to mix.. Chill thoroughly before serving. *The amount you use will determine how spicy your salad is. If you like really spicy, use the full 2 Tbs., if not just use 1 Tbs. (I used just 1 Tbs. and found everyone liked it just fine). *Be sure to tell people that it contains shrimp, I served it at a meeting and the lady across from me had enjoyed the first bite of just rice and asked what was in it, when I said shrimp, she had to leave the table and rinse her mouth, as she was horribly allergic to shrimp!
Tucker and I went out in the paddle boat with Cousin Adalyn at her ranch this weekend. It was a relaxing sunset cruise filled with colorful toddler conversations. One of them was particularly entertaining. The funniest thing was the serious tone they had. “So, do you have any octopus in this pond?” Tucker asked his cousin. Without any funny faces or hesitation, she replied, “Nope, we don’t, but we have catfish.” Somehow, the fact that they had catfish surprised him. I tried my best to contain my deep hearted laugh and not disrupt their conversation. Lucky I didn’t fall out of the boat. It was definitely the comment of the day that’s for sure. Tucker had a lot of fun with his cousins that day, and I did too. We sat on the front porch enjoying the post-rain waterfront views. Our fishing ponds sure do look pretty when they are full. Sure is nice to have so many cousins. There’s nothing more fun than hanging out with family and talking about old stories. Someday when they are older, Adalyn will be sitting on a front porch with Tucker, saying “Hey Tucker remember that time you thought you saw an octopus in our fishing pond?”
