(Submitted by Nancy Ehlinger Saathoff, June’s daughter) Back in 1948, when June Sadler graduated, the graduation ceremony was held at night on the lighted football field behind the school. (The former Devine school is now the Devine VFW and the football field is now a housing area behind it.) June recalls in her own words: “We had 37 graduates and wore heavy maroon robes which were kept by the school and reused each year. They set up a wooden stage on the field with a canvas top where we came up to get our diplomas and the people in the audience sat in the old wooden stands. “I was only 15 years old when I graduated and was the Salutatorian of my class. I gave a speech at graduation, which my teacher, Mrs. Whitfield, had helped me prepare.
“We later went on our Senior Trip to Carlsbad Caverns and the Grand Canyon where we went down in the canyon on mules! My mule’s name was Dot and she kept trying to bite my feet. The walkway down in the canyon was narrow, but I don’t remember ever being scared. I think being scared grows on you as you age and worry about your kids! “Later that year I attended Draughon’s Business College where I earned my diploma before attending Texas A & I in Kingsville. In 1950 I married Arthur Ehlinger, also a Devine graduate, and raised our four children, who are all Devine High School graduates.”
Time for some Lytle PD news that you can use, maybe? Last week your officers handled 47 calls for service and conducted 123 traffic stops. The result of those stops was 94 citations and 29 warnings. Property Crimes: We had two property crimes reported last week. #1 – Lytle Loft Storage reported a burglary of a storage unit, the event occurred on May 20th. Attempts are still being made to contact the owner of the contents. #2 – H.E.B. Plus reported a theft of approx. $40 worth of snacks. In today’s world that could be a couple of candy bars and a soft drink. Arrests: We only had one arrest last week. A 20-year-old male was taken in on a warrant for criminal trespass. He was given a trespass notice at H.E.B. and decided to return. Video placed him in the store and a warrant was obtained. He was located when officers responded to a report of squatters in an abandoned house. The city’s surplus auction will be this Saturday (June 3rd) at the Lytle Police Station. Lots of stuff, including 5 retired city vehicles. Two of those are police SUVs. The event will run from 9 AM–Noon. It will be a silent auction with bid sheets, we did this a few years ago and it was very successful. I might even throw in a cool certificate of authenticity certifying that the police vehicle was used to “stop speeders, haul people to jail, and pick up fast food” But, maybe not in that order. If you are a taxpayer, you most likely already helped pay for some of these items, you just didn’t get to keep them at your house. Now this is your chance to bring it home!
Mission Devine will host its yearly mission week on June 5-10, 2023 with a kickoff on Sunday, June 4 at the First Baptist Church of Devine at 6:00 p.m. Volunteers are still needed as well as funds. Signs are going up daily on Highway 173 between the two churches as donations come in. New ones are being made for the new donors. “We have 30 to 40 projects and will do as many as we can with the funds available, as donations have slowly been coming this year”, said Kim Aaron, Mission Devine Board Member. Those who would like to help monetarily can do so by dropping donations by American Momentum Bank or sending it by mail to Mission Devine, PO Box 42, Devine, Tx. 78016. Volunteers are still needed as well. “We are always in need of more craftsmen plus kids to help with lawn mowing, hauling brush, painting, wood working.” Whether you have time to volunteer a day, two days, all week or a few hours, every hour makes a difference. Volunteers are invited to join us for the kickoff on Sunday, June 4 at 6:00 p.m. Volunteers can also sign up by pre-registering on the missiondevine.org website ahead of time or on Sunday, or the first day on Monday for assignments. Volunteers are welcome to join in any day as well. Daily starting Monday, June 5 at 7:15 volunteers, project managers and leaders will gather each morning Monday thru Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church Hall in Devine for a prayer, breakfast and assignments. They also return at lunch time for lunch and a break before heading back out. The Methodist Church hosts their annual Vacation Bible School the same week, so those who need childcare can take advantage of that time to help in the morning while the kids are at vacation bible school. Our History-Our Start In 2005, Mrs. Daniel Young of Devine First Baptist Church shared a vision with others about how following the 2nd Commandment of Jesus Christ in demonstrating Christian love for our neighbors. Forming the core group and first Committee of Mission Devine. Backyard Bible Clubs were formed, work projects were determined by the need for trash pickup around the city, painting houses that desperately needed painting, minor repair projects at church and elsewhere; and creation of Youth Retreat Week that would assist project leaders in with work projects. 11 Projects were assigned with an additional 3 locations for tree trimming. Starting with just $200 by the week’s end the first Mission Devine had received and spent donations totaling $7,356.82 In 2005, the first committee members were; Tanya Tilley, Regina Morales, Daniel Young, and Sue Bates. First Mission Devine week was June 6th-11th, 2005, eighteen years ago! Backyard Bible Club volunteers were; Mitzi Wood, Amber Isbell, Reagan/Caroline Anderson, Wayde Anderson, Leann Solomon, Hayley Summers, Dougherty Kids, Jack & Ruth Turner, Beulah Anderson, Gina Morales, and Justin & Sara Brite.
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 Chaparrosa 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. 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, and Cooper. 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. The viewing will start at 10:30am with funeral service following at 12:00pm. Graveside service immediately after at Sand Branch Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas. Primrose Funeral Services: 303 College Ave. Devine, Tx 78016 Sand Branch Cemetery: FM 2504, Kyote, Tx
Claude A. Rankin, age, 77, of Jourdanton, passed away on May 18, 2023 after succumbing to complications of an illness. Claude was born on July 23, 1945, to Orie Ray Rankin and Anna Emma Jung in San Antonio. After high school Claude joined the Navy and traveled on the USS Mars. Once his military service ended, he worked as an industrial engineer at Kelly Air Force Base until he retired. Claude is survived by his lovely wife of 55 years, Evelyn Elaine; his daughter Bonny (Stephen) Collins; grandchildren, Jeremiah (Kandice) Collins, Brandon (Brianna) Collins, and Kimberly Collins; great grandchildren, Clyde, Liam, Remington, Jackson, and Riley; sister, Barbara (Frank) Hatch; brothers, Billy Rankin, Allen (Patty) Rankin; nieces and nephews, Emma (Davy) Allen, Michelle Hatch, Joseph Hatch, Tracy (William) Knight, Shelley (Jeremy) Phelps, Anna Rankin, Jessica (Brian) Luna; sister-in-law, Carol Rankin; great nieces and nephews, Laura Reichel, William Reichel, Michael Reichel, Brooke (Matthew) Allen, Nicole Allen, as well as many great-great nieces and nephews. Claude was preceded by his parents Orie and Anna Rankin, and brothers, Bobby Rankin, Buddy Rankin, and Timmy Rankin. Claude was a wonderful person; a devoted Catholic, husband, and father. He loved hunting, fishing, mowing, and farming, especially with the help of his favorite red tractor. Claude also enjoyed sharing his stories about his incredible Navy experiences and truly illustrated in the most captivating way. Claude left a huge impression on individuals all around the world and will be deeply missed but certainly not forgotten. Although the body is temporary, his spirit thrives. We will have a viewing for Claude at Hurley Funeral Home on Monday May 22, 2023, from 5:00 pm -7:00 pm, followed by the reciting of the rosary at 7:00 pm. Funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday May 23, 2023, at 11:30 am at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Additional burial services will be held at St. Matthew Cemetery followed by a celebration of life at the church afterwards.
Carol Ann Morgan, age 74 of Natalia, Texas, lost her battle to cancer on Friday, May 12, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 17, 1948, in San Antonio, Texas to parents Billy Bob and Lorine Morgan. Carol is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her son Darren M. Van Fossen and wife, Tina of Natalia, Texas, Granddaughter Amanda N. Van Fossen, siblings Dr. Bill Morgan and his wife Jeanette, Dr. Lana Morgan and husband, Xavier Silva, Windy Morgan and husband, Javier Smilovici, Buddy Morgan, Lori Morgan, Annie Morgan and Mike Baker. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Carol had a love for her family, close friends, and above all fishing, “she usually caught the biggest fish”. She also spent numerous hours in the kitchen with her only granddaughter Amanda who was the love of her life. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Primrose Funeral Service Chapel in Devine, Texas. Graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Evergreen cemetery. Celebration of Life will be held immediately following the burial at The Farm located at 2238 FM 2200 W., Devine, Texas 78016, with food and drinks provided. In lieu of flowers please make donation to your charity of choice. 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.
Elizabeth Nesbit Schott, age 89, of Seguin, passed away on May 15, 2023. She was born in Gonzales, Texas on May 3, 1934 to Gibson and Ruby Nesbit. Elizabeth (Beth) was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur. She also enjoyed antiques and remodeling older homes and historical buildings. Dancing and traveling were some of her pleasures in life. Beth was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Dow Sherry and Claude Schott, siblings, James Nesbit and Jeannette Rone, daughter, Sharon Ann Sherry, and grandson, Jonathon Francek. She is survived by her sons, Buster Lee Sherry and Ronald Dow Sherry; brother, Gibson Nesbit Jr.; 3 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel at 5:00 pm. followed by funeral service at 6:00 pm with Chaplain Jimisu Stuckey officiating. Private interment will be held at a later date in the Devine Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the charity of choice. You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
Jesse M. Moreno, 62 of Pearsall, entered rest on May 10, 2023. He was born on December 26, 1960, in Vernon, Texas to Enrique E. Moreno and Amelia Morales Moreno. He is preceded in death by his father, Enrique E. Moreno, father-in-law, Maclovio S. Aguilar as well as extended family members. He is survived by his wife, Amalia Aguilar Moreno; son, Jesse Moreno Jr. of Pearsall; mother, Amelia Morales Moreno of Big Foot; siblings, Delia Terry (Todd) of Boerne, Henry Moreno Jr. (Gloria) of Big Foot and Ricky Moreno of Big Foot. Pallbearers: Jesse Moreno Jr., Ricky Moreno, Todd Terry, Henry Moreno Jr., Peter Ramirez, Albert Alvarez, Mario Arellano and David Morales Jr. Honorary Pallbearers: Knights of Columbus Council 8327 Visitation will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023, at Trevino Royal Oaks Funeral Chapels from 3pm-9pm with a rosary at 7pm. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 10am. Interment will follow to the Longview cemetery in Big Foot, Texas.
Mr. Domingo Munoz Herrera, 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Devine, on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 with his wife of 35 years by his side. Domingo was born on August 3, 1941 to Onofre Herrera Sr., and Eloisa Munoz Herrera in Medina County, Texas. Domingo is preceded in death by his parents, and by a sister, Amalia Gonzales. Domingo is survived by his wife, Isidra (Maria) Herrera; step-daughter, San Juana Lorena Hernandez Beltran; step-grandson, Osiris Ovalle and granddaughter, Nissa Ovalle, all of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon Mexico; sisters: Janie Silva and Frances Mata; brothers: Onofre (Sandy) Herrera, Jr, all of Devine and Armando (Gloria) Herrera of Eloy, Arizona. Domingo is also survived by nieces and nephews: Rolando and Amy Silva of Virginia, Roberto and Julissa Pequeno of Devine, Yvonne Gonzales of New Braunfels, Katy & Mario Palacios of Bastrop, Krista Herrera of Minnesota, Rico Herrera of Devine and Skylynn Herrera of San Antonio; as well as 12 great-nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be his brothers: Onofre, Jr., and Armando Herrera; nephews Roberto Pequeno, Rolando Silva and Mario Palacios, and family friend Raul Martinez. Honorary pallbearer will be Matthew Pequeno. Mingo served in the United States Navy for four years, right after graduation from Devine High School. He came back to Devine and worked for Graham Tin and Plumbing for over 20 years before he started his own plumbing business in 1984. His brother Onofre, Jr. joined him, and has worked for him ever since. In his younger days, Mingo enjoyed going hunting, when he had the chance. He loved plants, and always had a garden up until about a year ago, sharing his many vegetables. Mingo even tried his hand at “hydroponics” with his tomato plants using his own hand-built set-up, which worked pretty good. (This was before they came out with all the marketing items.) He really liked trying his own ideas. A visitation for family and friends will begin at 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, 2023. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Primrose Funeral Home, Devine. A Celebration Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Devine on Friday, May 19th. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Devine. Maria and Onofre, and especially Mingo, would like to thank the community for all their support for the past 9 months, but especially since Herrera Plumbing opened in 1984. They plan to continue the business into the future.
Stacy Pyron (left) addresses council last Tuesday before she was chosen to serve the remainder of Councilman David Espinosa’s term. On right Espinosa accepts a plaque for his 9 years of service after announcing his resignation due to health reasons at Tuesday’s meeting.
By ANTON RIECHER
Through a combination of election turnovers and a surprise resignation of a long time council member, half of the Devine City Council changed hands May 16 during and after a meeting that also aired details of discrepancies in the voter registration rolls that arose during the May 5th city election. For Cory Thompson, the May 16th meeting marked the close of his mayoral administration after being unseated 502 to 107 in a landslide victory by Butch Cook. “First of all I want to thank all of you for an incredible six years,” Thompson said. “Obviously it has been scary. It has been exhilarating. It’s been nauseating. It’s been enlightening. I have learned a lot. It’s definitely had its ups and downs.” He also said he wished Mayor Cook all the best as he takes over the reins of the city. “This is not an easy job,” Thompson said. “In the past six years I have found the burden of expectations to be much greater than the actual job. I want to wish Mayor Cook safe travels as he navigates the treacherous seas of expectation.” The May 16th meeting saw the departure of District 2 council member Angela Pichardo after two years in office, defeated in a 47-42 race won by Michael Hernandez. Also departing, at the end of the meeting after announcing his resignation was District 3 council member David Espinosa, citing reasons of health. Pichardo, in her closing remarks, said she wanted to thank everyone. “We worked really hard,” she said. “We accomplished a lot. The overall goal is for the betterment of the citizens of Devine. We fought some hard battles and we won many.” Espinosa, quoting from a letter of resignation submitted on May 5 (effective May 16), described his decision to step down as a “bittersweet moment.” “Thank you for all the support throughout the years,” he said. “I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given to represent District 5 by the citizens. I hope I was able to make some contribution to our community. I was honored to be part of the team that made a big difference to our city.” Espinosa voted and participated in the entire meeting, stepping down at the end. His recommendation to appoint replacement during the same meeting that his resignation was announced drew concern. “I greatly respect the work that councilman Espinosa has done for the city,” Mayor Cook said. “He has been a long standing member of the city council and he has a lot to offer. I mean that with all sincerity.” However, acting immediately to replace Espinosa eliminates any chance that others interested in the job might step forward to be considered, Cook said. “If we proceed to appoint a replacement for councilman Espinosa this evening, whether recommended by him or anyone else, I think it would be one of the worst things we can do because it constitutes a total lack of transparency.” Mayor Cook pointed to precedence established when District 5 council member Debbie Randall was appointed and time had been given for others to volunteer for the position and a committee reviewed both candidates. (Randall took Thompson’s seat in District 5 after Thompson was appointed Mayor after the resignation of Mayor Bill Herring in July 2019). Randall cited another precedence in the appointment of Rufino Vega to replace former District 1 council member David Valdez without notifying the public beforehand. Hernandez pointed out that Espinosa had run unopposed. Citizen Frances Navarro spoke up and complimented how respected David Espinosa was and suggested that perhaps no one wanted to run against him out of respect, but that now there might be others interested in the council seat. Regardless, Randall moved to accept Espinosa’s recommendation to appoint Stacy Pyron, whose name was withheld until late in the discussion. “My feeling is the person who is stepping down should be able to recommend someone because he was voted in and he wants someone like minded to vote like he has,” Randall said. With a second by Hernandez, in his first official action after replacing Pichardo, the council voted 4-1 in favor of accepting Espinosa’s recommendation of Stacy Pyron. District 4 council member Josh Ritchey voted against the appointment. Ritchey’s own motion to conduct a special meeting to allow others interested in the opening to come forward died for the lack of a second. Upon the decision of the council, Mayor Cook said he would “like it noted that I strongly object. This is not transparency”. He stated that The Devine News is our official newspaper and time should have been given for it to be published and the public notified of the opportunity officially. He noted that a council member’s social media account is not the city’s official account, they are personal.
Prior to the vote, Pyron took the podium after her introduction by Espinosa to introduce herself to the council. “I graduated Devine High School in 2004 during which time I was also highly involved in the community,” Pyron said. “We used to help out in the summer when the library would have their summer reading program.” As Fall Festival Queen in 2002, Pyron received a scholarship that she put to use in earning her degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio in speech communications. She has also worked four years in the city library since then. “My passion in life is really connecting with people,” Pyron said, citing one of the skills that will make her a valuable asset to the council. Voter list causes election mistakes Further controversy arose regarding the voter registration card errors that could have impacted the District 2 race. During the official canvass of the May 5th election results, election judge Glenda Allen made a lengthy presentation on issues related to an incorrect voter registration list provided by the county. “Once we caught it and (Interim City Administrator Dora Rodriguez) caught it right away, thank goodness, she made all the phone calls that she needed to make and then she and Denise spent the next day and a half, maybe two, going through each address and every district for every citizen that we had listed.” More than 200 mistakes were found in the registration list provided by the county, Allen said. However, only 6 of those errors did directly affect the District 2 council race, which was a very close race with a difference of only 5 votes (Hernandez v Pichardo). Pichardo said she was contacted by residents who said they were not allowed to vote in District 2. “So that brought us some concern as to the results of the election, a couple of questionable acts that occurred,” she said. “But, again, we understand or at least I understand you were following protocol and were instructed by individuals.” Allen said that most of the errors found involved District 3 voters listed in District 5. “Typically what happens when we come in for our training is if we’re lucky enough people bring in their voter registration,” Allen said. “Most people do not and they don’t have to. They can just bring their driver’s license or a photo ID. We verify that with the voter registration list.” Usually, if a voter is missing from the list, it indicates that they have recently moved either in the district, city or county, she said. It is then a matter of contacting county officials in Hondo for direction. The voter fills out a statement of residency and is then allowed to vote in their previous district. “We really do try to be as efficient as possible when it comes to the voting process because we want everybody to vote,” Allen said. “We want it to be a fair election.” Pichardo said she wanted to make sure that the correct protocol is observed going forward. “We definitely wish to keep that trustworthiness in the election process for the City of Devine. So with these questionable protocols it has put a red mark on it,” she said. The council voted 4-1 to accept the canvass of the election with Pichardo opposing the action. New Zoning Class proposed In other business no action was taken on a proposal by District 4 council member Josh Ritchey to create a new zoning classification for the community north of Colonial Parkway, so that would be more broadly favorable to small business and residents on the south of Colonial Parkway in our farming community. He suggested that people who want to have animals for their 4H or FFA projects or raise or grow some food for their family should be able to do so, especially in these economic times. Those who live on Zig Zag and have land to farm should not have to go by the same fence and animals rules as those who live around a golf course he suggested. “Current policy is postured toward looking like an HOA,” Ritchey said. “We are a rural farming community. Many people moved here for that reason.” Randall had a different view of the situation saying, “We are not a farming community. We are a City”. City Attorney Thomas Cate said that the idea would be more properly presented to the planning and zoning commission for consideration. Sarah Espionsa appointed to Parks & Rec. Board On a motion by District 1 council member Rufino Vega, seconded by Espinosa, Sarah Espinosa was appointed to serve in the District 1 seat for the parks and recreation advisory board and the emergency management advisory board. Herring named to Planning and Zoning Comm. On the nomination of Mayor Cook, Scott Herring was named to the planning and zoning commission to replace the resigning Diane Austin. Briscoe Park slide replacement $9,537 The council voted 3-2 to approve $9,537 for the purchase and installation of a new playground spiral slide at Briscoe City Park and the removal of the existing one that has had a small crack near the bottom for several years. Talk about researching other options to allow for something more suitable to attract more than toddlers was mentioned to help encourage the whole family to participate in the outing. It was mentioned that around $24,000 is in the parks budget currently and that there are two parks, not just the Briscoe Park that has needs, the Curcio Park on the other side of town has needs too. New $5,500 valve for Devine Drive Council also approved a budget amendment of $5,500 to allow the installation of an inserter valve on Devine Drive. Public Works Director Pete Sanchez said the valve is needed to permit workers to shut down water service to the area if needed. The valve is being installed as a “live tap” and will not involve any service disruption. The new valve would allow for service to be worked on when needed without affecting others parts of the area. Experience preferred instead of required for City Admin Following a closed executive session the council voted to change the requirements for the city administrator opening to ask for two to three years of experience “preferred”. It had previously said “required”, and this is an effort to open up the position to more possible candidates. The motion by Randall was seconded by Espinosa. Sworn in after meeting Attorney Tom Cate swore in new Parks and Rec board member Sarah Espinosa and new councilwoman Stacy Pyron after the meeting.
