With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Bradley Harold Nicholson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who left this world peacefully on June 26, 2026, in Devine, Texas, at the age of 73. Born on March 9, 1953, in Dilley, Texas, Bradley lived a life rich with love, adventure, and a deep-rooted connection to his family.
Bradley dedicated many years of his life to the oil and gas industry and also retired from his significant work in TDCJ correctional facilities, where he touched the lives of many. He was a man of great strength and integrity, embodying a spirit of dedication that was admired by all who knew him.
An avid fisherman and hunter, Bradley found joy not only in the great outdoors but in sharing that passion with others, particularly his son and grandchildren. He cherished the moments spent fishing with his son Michael and grandchildren, and instilled a profound appreciation for nature in his family. He also enjoyed sports and loved watching his son play baseball. His love for the outdoors was matched only by his devotion to his family, especially his wife, Bobbie Gaye Nicholson, with whom he shared an incredible 44 years of marriage, filled with laughter, companionship, and enduring love.
Bradley is survived by his loving wife, Bobbie Gaye; his son, Michael Nicholson, and his wife, Samantha; and his grandchildren, Logan and Emerly, who brought him immeasurable joy. He is also survived by his sisters, Kathy Nicholson of Kerrville, Texas, and Becky Morey and her husband John, of Camp Wood, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Alice Nicholson.
Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Bradley’s life on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. at Primrose Funeral Services, Devine, Texas. Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. at Primrose Funeral Services, Devine, Texas, with interment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery.
In honoring Bradley’s life, we celebrate the love he so generously shared, the memories created under the wide Texas sky, and the legacy of kindness and strength that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so by visiting www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016, (830) 663-4445.
Author: admin
James N. Skow
James “Jim” Noel Skow, Sr., of Devine, Texas, passed away on June 21, 2026, at the age of 91. Jim was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on January 15, 1935, son of Noel W. and Margaret Priess Skow, and the oldest of six siblings. After leaving home and hitchhiking across the country at the age of 17, Jim found himself in Texas where he joined the United States Air Force on July 11, 1952. He was stationed at Perrin AFB in Sherman, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Anna Louise “Lou” Simonds, whom he married on August 26, 1954. Jim and Lou went on to have two children, James “Jim” Skow, Jr., and Jennifer “Jenny” McCubbin.
Jim served his country for 14 years as an aircraft mechanic, completing tours at Perrin AFB, in Sherman, Texas; Misawa, Japan; and Cannon AFB in Clovis, New Mexico, along with several short-term assignments both domestic and abroad. While enlisted, Jim was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and Air and Space Longevity Service Award. He received an Honorable Discharge in July 1966 and relocated his family to San Antonio, Texas, where he continued to serve in a civilian capacity for another 27 years, first with a temporary assignment in A/C repair at Randolph AFB and eventually settling in as a Production Controller at Kelly AFB. His civilian career included a Sustained Superior Performance Award in recognition of his sustained high-quality performance from July 1, 1984, through June 30, 1985. Jim and Lou moved to Devine, Texas, in July 1986, where he took on the task of remodeling a home to Lou’s specifications and playfully joked that most wives moved sofas but his liked to move entire rooms and walls. He retired on March 31, 1993, after almost 41 years of distinguished service, which gave him time to work on his many projects and cherished hobbies.
When Jim wasn’t working on his “honey-do” list, you could often find him and Lou boot-scooting at the local Country and Western dance hall on a Friday or Saturday night; playing bingo at the NCO club on Sunday evening; checking out flea markets, garage sales, or estate sales to find that one-of-a-kind bargain; attending local horse races; or visiting their favorite casinos in Las Vegas or Tunica, Mississippi.
Jim shared a passion for artistry and craftsmanship with his son, Jim, Jr., and a love of sports and fishing with his daughter, Jenny. In addition to these mutual interests, Jim could often be found tending to his garden, where his yearly crop of tomatoes kept both his family and much of the surrounding community well-stocked. He was quick with a joke around friends and strangers alike, and never missed an opportunity to share tall tales about his past or current endeavors. He was fond of animals, and routinely had one or more dogs or cats that had found their way to the safe haven of his home. He shared a passion for good food and poker games with the entire family, and his house was almost always the gathering place for any given family event (always topped off with the requisite food and games).
Jim eventually became a proud grandfather and welcomed his three grandchildren, Jason, Jon, and Travis, with a broad smile and open arms. For the remainder of his life, he would become affectionately known as “Gramps” to his grandchildren, and then to any new family members and friends, by extension. His family grew further when his grandchildren found their true loves, Stacy, Stevie, and Kara, and he was subsequently blessed with four great-grandchildren, Chase, Haylee, Mason, and Willow, all of whom filled his life with pride and affection.
Jim is preceded in death by his wife Louise; parents Noel and Margaret; and brothers Ronald “Ronnie”, Richard “Dickie”, and William “Bill”. He is survived by his sister Margaret “Margie” (Tom); his brother Dennis (Carol); his children Jim, Jr., and Jenny; his grandchildren Jason (Stacy), Jon (Stevie), and Travis (Kara); his great-grandchildren Chase, Haylee, Mason, and Willow; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will commence with a visitation on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Brookehill Funeral Home, 711 S.E. Military Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78214.
An additional visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., followed by a service at 9:30 a.m. at the Brookehill Funeral Home Chapel. Upon completion of the Chapel service, there will be a procession to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery where services will continue graveside and Jim will be laid to rest with full military honors and will be reunited with his cherished wife, Lou.
Please consider honoring Jim by cheering on his beloved Packers or one of his baseball teams, the Brewers, Cubs, or Braves (all of which were at one point the closest team to his hometown of Milwaukee) or the Astros which became a favorite when he landed in Texas; sharing a meal or a game with family or friends; tending to your garden or woodworking project; petting your furry friends; or simply telling a tall tale. All of these things will make him smile.
Roberta “Bobbi” Joyce Wilde February 13, 1959 – June 17, 2026
Roberta “Bobbi” Joyce Wilde, age 67, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. She was born on February 13, 1959, in Orlando, Florida, to Robert Felix and Gloria Maye Kappes.
As the daughter of an Air Force father, Bobbi spent her childhood living in various places across the country. Shortly after high school, Bobbi answered the call to serve her country and proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1980.
During her distinguished military career, Bobbi served as a highly decorated nurse and exemplary Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer. Her years of service took her around the world, including assignments at Anderson Air Force Base in Guam and aboard the USS Mercy, the Navy’s renowned floating hospital ship that provided critical medical care throughout the Pacific. Following her overseas service, Bobbi continued her medical career at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, where she worked primarily in the transplant unit caring for countless patients with compassion and dedication.
After twenty years of honorable service, Bobbi retired from the United States Air Force in April of 2000. Even in retirement, her passion for helping others never faded, and she continued saving lives for a time through her work with an organ transplant organization.
Outside of her career, Bobbi found her greatest joy in caring for animals, especially her beloved four-legged companions, whom she loved wholeheartedly. She once even attempted to work with the larger animals at the San Antonio Zoo, though, as she laughingly admitted, lifting hay bales proved to be a little more challenging than expected. It became one of many cherished memories shared by those who knew and loved her.
Bobbi enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. She loved classic country music, faithfully watched every season of Survivor, and proudly remained a devoted Green Bay Packers fan through every season. If the Packers weren’t playing, she would happily cheer on the Minnesota Vikings instead.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Felix and Gloria Mae Kappes; her sister, Roxanne Faye Hart, who passed away in 2021; and her brother-in-law, David Brieden, who passed away in 2024.
Bobbi is survived by her sisters, Angela and Jerry Soma of Litchville, North Dakota; Merri Brieden of Houston, Texas; and Theresa and Mark Downing of Devine, Texas; her brother-in-law, Howard “Bill” Hart of Yancey, Texas; her nieces and nephews, Liza Soma, Robert Soma, Helen Howe, Mark Brieden, Jeremy Brieden, Joshua Brieden, Merideth Madar, Jamie Rangel, Chris Bean, Julie Bean, Nicole LaFond, and Doug Downing; along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
She is also survived by her very special friend, Valerie Oates of San Antonio, Texas, who was constantly by her side and was always her first phone call for everything.
Bobbi will be remembered for her servant’s heart, unwavering loyalty, sense of humor, and deep love for both people and animals. Her life of service, kindness, and compassion leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.
A celebration of life will be held at Calvary Grace Baptist Church in Devine, TX on Monday July 6, 2026, at 11am followed by lunch with all family and friends to share memories.
Local boys lasso their way to nationals!
Mando Gonzalez and Silo Calame Jaquez are ranked top 20 in the entire world for junior high rodeo.
By Kayleen Holder
Editor
Mando Gonzalez and Silo Calame Jaquez competed in a National event at Lazy E Arena against people from all over the world. The pair competed in the team roping event, also known as “heading and heeling.” Two mounted riders work in tandem to catch a steer. The “header” ropes the steer’s head or horns to lead it towards the “heeler” who then lassos the hind legs to immobilize it. The objective is to secure the steer in the fastest time possible.
“What a week!” said mom Meghan Gonzalez. “When we were told the boys made Nationals, we didn’t realize it was a worldwide competition. Six different countries, and the top four teams from 47 of the U.S. states…Very, VERY proud of the boys for making the short go! We didn’t have the finish we were hoping for but are still incredibly proud of them ranking 18th in the WORLD for JH rodeo.”
The boys won their Region, then won State and now placed in the top 20 of the world!
“Can’t wait to see where the future takes them!” mom adds.
Proud parents are Armando and Meghan Gonzalez (Silo Calame Jaquez is the son of the late Jose Jaquez-Calame.)
Proud grandparents are: Foard and Debbie Houston, David Calame, Marsha and Patrick Bourcier, Grandparents: Victor and Rosie Gonzalez from Laredo, and great grandmother Patricia Ann West of Devine.
Devine Speed AAU Track and Field Team Puts Small-Town Athletes on the Big Stage
Josh Gutierrez and Pierce Carrillo at the Regional Meet.
By Kristi Gentry
DEVINE, Texas — What began in 2024 as a way for a handful of local high school athletes to extend their track season has quickly grown into one of the area’s most exciting youth athletic programs.
Founded by Kristi Gentry, the Devine Speed AAU Track and Field Team started with just a few athletes looking to sharpen their skills beyond the UIL season and gain a competitive edge. In just two years, that vision has blossomed into a thriving program that serves athletes from across South Texas.
This season, Devine Speed welcomed more than 50 athletes between the ages of 10 and 18, along with several younger competitors under the age of 10. The team’s rapid growth reflects the increasing interest in year-round track and field opportunities for young athletes from rural communities.
The 2026 AAU Outdoor season concluded with an impressive list of accomplishments. 18 Devine Speed athletes qualified for the AAU Regional Meet, showcasing the program’s depth and talent.
Among the team’s standout performers, Brooklyn Saenz earned a coveted qualification to the AAU Junior Olympic Games in Iowa, one of the nation’s premier youth track and field competitions. Meanwhile, 3x UIL State Track Qualifier Rowdy Esparza qualified for and competed at the Nike Outdoor Nationals in Eugene, Oregon, competing against some of the top high school athletes in the country.
Devine Speed draws athletes from several surrounding communities, including Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Pearsall, Cotulla, and Carrizo Springs, creating opportunities for young competitors who may not otherwise have access to elite offseason training and competition.
The program offers both outdoor and indoor track seasons, allowing athletes to continue developing year-round while building confidence, discipline, and friendships across school district lines.
What started as an effort to help a few athletes improve has become much more—a program that is creating opportunities, building champions, and proving that small-town athletes can compete on the biggest stages.
As Devine Speed continues to grow, the team is not only developing faster runners and stronger competitors but also helping putSouth Texas Track and Field on the map, one race and event at a time.
A special thanks to our All Volunteer Coaches, Kristi Gentry, Matthew Saenz, Matt Martinez, Cynthia Calame, Candace Esparza and Jazmine Olivas.

John Steffens at the discus event.

Malia and Makenna Esparza.

Liberty Ritchey and Jazlyn Olivas are having a strong season for the Devine Speed AAU team.

Devine Speed’s 10U 4×100 team (left to right) Landrey Martinez, Ainsley Martinez, Brooklyn Saenz and Jolene Medina.

Warhorse Rowdy Esparza competed at Nike Outdoor Nationals.
Better subdivision revenue bond market indicates confidence in Medina County
Medina County commissioners led by County Judge Keith Lutz, center, review a list of line item transfers during the commissioners court meeting Monday. (Photo by Anton Riecher.)
By Anton Riecher
Improved market reception for revenue bonds to support infrastructure and amenities for phase two of the $6.7 million Haby Farms subdivision near Castroville indicates stronger investor confidence in Medina County subdivisions, financial advisors told Medina County commissioners Monday.
Jack McLiney of SAMCO Capital Markets said the latest bond sale netted much improved figures over the previous sale covering phase one in 2024.
“That reflects the perceived risk by investors in the market for Medina County PID (public improvement district) bonds,” McLiney said. “They are not seeing as much risk and that is reflected in our interest rate.”
In finance, municipal market data or MMD refers to a benchmark yield curve that represents the average yields of high-grade, AAA-rated municipal bonds across various maturities. While phase one Haby Farms PID bonds sold at 211 basis points over MMD, bonds for phase two sold at 143 basis points over MMD, McLiney said.
A Public Improvement District (PID) is a designated geographic area created by a city or county. Property owners in the subdivision pay a special assessment to fund roadways, landscaping, and parks that directly benefit their community.
On a motion…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
Experts update locals on Ag issues
By Anton Riecher
A workshop on protecting herd profitability conducted in Hondo Monday by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension focused on controlling the pasture mealybug as an emerging issue and the potential impact of the New World Screwworm. The presentations explained everything from the biology of the invasive species to practical herd monitoring, wound protection, reporting procedures, controls on the movement of cattle from county-to-county.
Animals should be checked at least every two-to-three days to catch infestations while still small and easier to treat. Newborn calves and recently calved…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
City of Devine’s “Lift”stations need work, engineer warns
By Anton Riecher
Urgent Assessment…Richard Gibbons with Texas-based E3 Entegral Solutions, a design build contractor and engineering firm retained by the City of Devine to develop a city infrastructure assessment. The city’s most urgent needs according to the assessment presented June 16 to Devine City Council include two lift stations, work on the aeration basin at the wastewater treatment plant and a…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Man rescued using Jaws of Life
The driver of this pickup truck was trapped inside. Photo by Lauren Maleske.
y Kayleen Holder
Editor
Lytle and Natalia Firefighters responded to terrible wreck this past Wednesday night where the driver of a pickup truck ended up underneath an 18 wheeler that was parked at the southbound I-35 rest…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Several rescued in recent floods
This photo was taken just moments after floodwaters came rushing into Hondo Creek by a resident who watched the dry creek bed seemingly fill within minutes. Photo by Fawn Schott, who said floodwaters reached this part of the creek south of Hwy 90 near Hondo around 10:23 am Saturday.
By Kayleen Holder
Editor
Responders made several swift water rescues from Mico, Hondo, and Rio Medina area where responders were able to rescue a victim stranded in floodwaters after seeing him being swept off the top of his car. Overall, there were around a dozen calls for drivers stranded in floodwaters, though only a few required rescue. Thankfully, due to the efforts of responders from Medina and aid from responders across Texas, we had a good outcome.
“They are top notch. We are blessed to have them here in Medina County,” said Sheriff Randy Brown of the crews who made several rescues this weekend.
Medina County Emergency Manager, Mark Chadwick, said the rescues began around 3am in the northeast part of the county, but by the afternoon the bigger problems were in the Castroville area as floodwaters came down from San Geronomio Creek and into the Medina River.
“When that water got to Castroville, that’s when we had a bigger problem, with such a vast area flooding,” Chadwick said in a quick interview Tuesday.
That flooding…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
