Many have been asking “What’s coming in Natalia?” We interviewed company officers this past week for all the details on this huge development which spans 5.9 acres. Photo by K.K. Calame.
By Kayleen Holder Editor Many have been watching the slab for this massive facility go in to Natalia and wondering what it is. Officials are calling it a Love’s Retread and Warehouse Center. The retread facility will be approximately 260,000 square feet. To put it into perspective, that’s about 5.9 acres! What’s more, Love’s anticipates hiring as many as 75 people to staff the warehouse, accoridng to PR representative Brett Dawson. Construction began earlier this year, and the company hopes to officially open during the fourth quarter of this 2023. Retreading is the process of replacing the tread on worn tires, and this facility will retread commercial tires. “We are very excited to welcome new businesses to Natalia and hope to see several others in the future,” said Nichole Bermea, Interim City Administrator/ Secretary. On the other side of the highway, there is a new Travel Stop gas station under construction. This business actually lies outside of City Limits, and it is unknown at this time if the area will be annexed according to City officials.
Told by doctors that she may never walk, 3-year-old June Huerta has conquered many challenges already in her young life.
By Kayleen Holder Editor Once told that she may never walk, 3-year-old June Huerta or “June Bug” as she’s known by friends and family, has overcome a lot of challenges in her young life. June Bug uses a walker to get around, and her sweet smile touches everyone in her path with joy. “You may not know her by name, but you may know June as the little girl who introduced herself to you at H-E-B or Walmart by running over your feet with her red walker. That’s not the way we would have hoped that you met June, but if you know June’s story, you would know that introductions have been bumpy for her since her start in life,” said her mother Mrs. Cheyenne Huerta. June was born premature at thirty-seven weeks, entering the world at four pounds eleven ounces. At birth, June’s heart was not fully developed and had four holes in it. As alarming as her heart condition was, at four months, June’s pediatrician also diagnosed June with low muscle tone. Little June would be introduced to a wide array of medical specialists who would come alongside June and her family in this journey which no one could have anticipated. “It is a medical condition that requires June to work three times harder than a non-affected child to meet her growth milestones. The delay in her progress was heartbreaking,” Cheyenne said, but with a good attitude she has exceeded so many expectations. “I was heartbroken when June didn’t have the muscular development to sit on her own for her one year old photos,” said her mother Cheyenne. “But that devastation was tempered with joy that the holes in June’s heart had closed by her first birthday.” Cheyenne and her husband, Nathan, are so grateful the numerous doctors and specialists who have joined them in June’s journey, particularly their cousin and physical therapist, Jessica Valle, who has worked with June for over three years. With the dedication of those like Jessica and more recently, Mrs. Davis from Devine ISD who is June’s teacher, June has made significant progress in her physical development. June’s first steps came on February 1, a couple of months after her third birthday. “June’s road has been anything but smooth, yet we have learned that sometimes, things don’t come on our own time,” Cheyenne said.”Her muscle tone was so weak that the doctors were unsure if she would ever walk on her own or even at all. She proved with hard work she is able to do anything her little heart desires,” she added. “Never give up on hope and know that setbacks don’t always mean you have to give up on fun,” the Huertas add. “June has inspired us in so many ways. Those days when we feel like giving up, we just look over at June, seeing how far she has come. Realizing anything is possible with God and a lot of hard work,” Cheyenne said. June’s great attitude has everything to do with it. “June is always so happy. Our neighbors tell us they love seeing June in the morning because she’s so happy to see the school bus. She’s just such a loving little girl,” Cheyenne said. “My favorite part of the day is when her dad comes home and I hear June walking to greet him. It’s just pure joy.” “June Bug,” as she’s known by her family, will soon be cheering with Texas Heat Cheer in Natalia. If you see June, come say “Hello!” She’d love to meet you!
Dr. Lana Collavo was named Lone Finalist in a unanimous vote.
On Tuesday, May 9, at a Special Board Meeting of the Natalia ISD Board of Trustees, Dr. Lana Collavo was named the Lone Finalist for Superintendent for the Natalia ISD (7-0 vote). Dr. Collavo earned her undergraduate degree from Texas A&M College Station, her master’s degree from Corpus Christi State University, and her doctorate from Texas A&M – Kingsville. “I truly believe that Dr. Collavo was God sent,” Natalia ISD Board Vice President Tiffany Rodriguez said. “We are truly blessed to have her joining us to lead our awesome staff and students, and we have full faith in her abilities.” She is an experienced educator, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, program director, assistant superintendent for special education and special programs, and superintendent. She was superintendent for Jourdanton ISD for 11 years and has been an interim superintendent for Natalia ISD twice and for Kenedy ISD. She states, “I am excited to be back in Natalia ISD and look forward to working with the Board, the staff, the students, and the community. I plan to continue the school community’s efforts to continually provide effective and innovative programming for the students of Natalia ISD.” Dr. Collavo is married with three grown children and six grandchildren. By law, the Board must wait 21 days before they are able to offer her a contract. “I appreciate the feedback we received from our district administration which allowed this process to be very short and easy,” Natalia ISD Board President Eric Smith said. “Dr. Collavo is a team player, a calm and steady hand, and a true educational veteran who will lead by example and truly build a team where input and collaboration are allowed to help maximize our potential. I look forward to working as a team of 8 for our community, our staff, and most of all, our students. Dr. Collavo and her husband plan to move to the Natalia ISD community, where she will be involved in the great things happening in our district and community.
By Anton Riecher Uncertainty over final appraised property values might make it impossible for Devine ISD to meet its budgeted salary increases for teachers without additional funds from other sources, school district director of finance Shannon Ramirez told trustees Monday night. She cited property value protests, ADA losses and provisions in state tax law as contributing to the expected shortage. The expected losses in tax collection and state funding is projected at $2.5 million “To increase our salaries we need additional funds either by increasing ADA (appraisal district appraisals) or reducing staffing positions,” Ramirez said. Trustees proposed referring the matter back to the individual campuses to identify possible budget cuts. Trustee Renee Frieda said she would expect strong recommendations in view of the situation. “It would need to be zero based budgeting where you go in and say ‘I want you to revalidate every position you have and convince us’ or ‘I’ve identified these as improvements we have to have.’ If we are going to make this happen we need an X percent reduction and each campus needs to identify that reduction.’” The report comes in the wake of the district’s failure to win approval for a $32.3 million bond issue earlier this month. Ramirez reported that as of April 30, 2023 preliminary district property values show a 25 percent increase in certified value for Medina County. By contrast, neighboring Frio County showed only a nine percent increase from 2022 certified values. Chief among the issues leaving appraised values in flux are property value protests by landowners, she said. “We adopt our budget on preliminary values in June taking into account protests under review,” Ramirez said. “When we received certified values in August they were much lower than projected due to the number of protests approved.” Reductions due to appraisal protests resulted in a $500,000 shortage in tax collection estimates. Add to this another $500,000 short fall expected due to appraised value loses, Ramirez said. Trustees based their 2022-2023 budget on a projected ADA of 1830. However, as of May 5, six weeks ADA stood at only 1804.993. A further loss of $1.5 million in state funding is forecast due to the provisions of Texas tax law. For the last three years the state comptroller’s office has ruled Medina County property values invalid based on their own property value studies. The law provides that after three consecutive years of invalid values a school district must use the state’s values versus those arrived at by the county. “This creates a loss of over $1.5 million in state aid,” Ramirez said. As are many other Texas school districts, Devine ISD to appealing the state comptroller’s action. However, proceedings regarding the conflict are not expected to be resolved until August or later. Devine and Natalia school districts are among approximately 25 percent of Texas districts in which the state comptroller has assigned values after ruling the county appraisals invalid. Frieda said the two percent “step” increase adopted by the school district in keeping with Texas Education Agency proposals lags far behind the inflation rate of 8.3 percent reported in the United States in 2022. Board president Nancy Pepper said the salaries increases lag behind those offered in neighboring counties. “I just don’t like seeing us under surrounding districts,” she said.
DHS Art students completed this awesome mural on the side of the Devine VFW building. See story inside.
The mural is approximately 75 feet long and 16 feet tall. Last Wednesday May 10th, twenty two students worked for 8 hours to paint the mural on the side of the original Devine High School Auditorium, now home of the Devine VFW. “DHS students in the Art 2 class worked together to design the mural based on the patriotic theme with the purpose to honor veterans,” said DHS art teacher Nicole Hamby. “It is the largest mural in Devine!” “The mural isn’t quite finished. The plan is to add shading and silhouettes of Service Members on the right side of the mural,” Hamby said. The final design will be a waving USA flag with silhouettes of nopales cactus to represent Devine.
DHS art students worked together in all phases of the project, to design and paint the giant mural, Mrs. Hamby said.
Any businesses or organizations interested in commissioning DHS students to design and paint a mural next school year are invited to contact DHS Art teacher, Mrs. Nicole Hamby, via email at nicole.hamby@devineisd.org. DHS Student Artists on this mural are: Hector Bernal D’Angelo Cardenas Jiselle Corral Arabelle Davalos Miranda Delgado Diego Estrada Antonio Gamboa Jayden George Jesse House Miranda Jimenez Carlos Mendez Peralta Johanna Navarro Isabell Nuncio Anahi Ortigoza Deisy Ramirez Ashley Rivera Jordan Roberts Luciano Rodrigez Joseyandel Saavedra Valerie Salinas Neveah Teniente Serenity Whitaker
Lou Ann Montgomery Jones passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on May 1, 2023, in Kingwood, Texas. Lou Ann was born on May 28, 1937, to Knox Alex and Ollie Estelle DuBose Montgomery in Black Creek, Texas. She grew up in the Black Creek community where she attended Black Creek School and the Black Creek Baptist Church. Lou Ann graduated from Devine High School in 1955 and married the love of her life, Jerry Jones, on May 29, 1955. During their marriage of almost 68 years, they were blessed with four children. Lou Ann lived a life of service to others. She spent much of her life as a pastor’s wife, alongside her husband, Jerry, which led them to many churches over the years. Later in life, she spent her life loving on her grandchildren and great grandchildren and caring for family and friends in the nursing home. Lou Ann loved playing the piano, caring for her plants, sewing, watching the deer, and listening to country gospel music and hymns. When Lou Ann and Jerry began to need a little more help in life, they moved to Kingwood to live with their daughter and son-in-law, Betty, and Todd. For the past four and a half years, Lou Ann delighted in holding and playing with and loving on the three great grandchildren, Caleb, Hannah, and Molly, who lived nearby. Lou Ann was preceded in death by her parents, K.A. and Ollie Montgomery, brothers, K.A. (Junior) Montgomery, Willis Montgomery, Alvin Montgomery, and David Montgomery along with her sister, Dorothy Neuman and nephew, Wayne Neuman, and niece Tammy Ricord. She is survived by her husband, Jerry Jones, sister, Maudie (Grady) George, sisters-in-law, Irene Montgomery and Linda Montgomery, children, Johnny (Karen) Jones, Carol (Mike) Newberry, Kathy (Kirby) Haertner, Betty (Todd) Rogers, grandchildren, David ( Natasha) Jones, Jessica (David) Bonnet, Joey (Leslie) Newberry, Jennifer (Jason) Moseley, Amanda (Ryan) Meegan, Emily (Justin) Robinson, Bradley (Stephanie) Rogers, and Erin Flowers, 14 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. A family visitation will be held on May 8th at Primrose Funeral Home in Devine from 4:00-5:00 PM followed by a public visitation from 5:00-7:30 PM. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 9th at 10:00 AM at Black Creek Baptist Church. Interment will be at the Tomerlin Cemetery. The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the most amazing caregiver, Susan Finley. Susan was not only a selfless caregiver, but a dear friend to Lou Ann. We are eternally grateful for the love she showered upon her. We would also like to thank Loving Hope Hospice nurses, Codi, and Amanda for all they did to keep her happy and comfortable. 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.
Koin “Bo” DuWayne Gunn aged 89 entered eternal rest on May 1, 2023. He was born in San Angelo, Texas on September 18, 1933 to parents William Henry and Verda Gladys Gunn. Bo graduated from Pearsall High School in 1951 and went on to live the life of a Military man, living most of his days in Florida and retired from the US Army on May 31, 1984. The last few years of his life were spent in Texas spending quality time with his family. He was preceded in death by his wife Emiko Brown Gunn, along with the mother of his children Laverne Littleton Abraham, and his granddaughter Lindsey Robbins. He is survived by his daughter, Lynn Robbins (Joel); son, K. Timothy Gunn (Linda), grandchildren; Crystal Riff (Brett), Tim Gunn (Tracey), Glenn Robbins, Shannon Sontag (Matt), and six great grandsons. A private service to be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, Devine.
Charlie Shay Whitaker of Devine passed away peacefully on her 44th birthday, May 2, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. Charlie was born on May 2, 1979 in San Antonio Texas to Gene and Sandy Whitaker of Bigfoot, Texas. She is proceeded in death by her mom, Sandy Faye Whitaker; Grandparents, Ray and Ruth Whitaker, Raymond (Jimmy) Brown Jr., and Don Evans. She is survived by her Grandmother, Johnnie Evans; Father, Gene Whitaker; Brother and Sister in Law, Donny and Jenise Whitaker; Daughters and son in law; Taylor and Kyle Konz, Sydnee Whitaker and Serenity Whitaker; Grandchildren; Kam and Cal Konz; nieces, nephew, aunts, uncles and cousins. Charlie did not wish to have a traditional funeral service with visitations. The family will later fulfill her wish of having a family get together in remembrance of her.
Rosa Gallegos peacefully passed away at her home on May 5, 2023 at the blessed age of 87 to join her beloved husband Jesus Gallegos Sr. and son Jesse Gallegos, Jr. Rosa was born in Yancey, Texas on October 7, 1935 to parents Daniel Sr. and Maria Carrillo. Throughout her beautiful life, Rosa Gallegos was a devout Catholic believing and practicing daily prayer of the rosary. It was up until the day before she and the angels quietly departed, she joined the company of many of the Guadalupana members for an evening of rejoicing in prayer, song, and food. Rosa’s demeanor and eyes lit up by silently expressing her strong faith within her being. Rosa Gallegos was a natural, nurturing and loving mother with so much love to give. Unconditionally and without hesitation she took care of her son, Jesse, Jr. who was a victim of polio since the tender age of one. Any child she would come across she just had to stop to share her love of children. Rosa took care of many local children so the parents could work – some were newborn and others were toddlers that she had the joy to see through graduation, marriage, and becoming parents themselves. They all had the opportunity to eat Nana’s homemade food and tortillas. Some of these children touched by her love and warmth are: Adam Martinez, Jessie Juarez, Alejandra Cubriel, Serena and Jacob Monreal, and Serena, Ciara, Autumn, and John C. Torres. Rosa Gallegos was a proud and doting grandmother to Cristina and Christopher Ramirez. No child could do wrong in her eyes, especially these two. Rosa was blessed to have shared her love and warmth to her two great-grandchildren, Mario Josiah and Marcel Gloria. To many Cinco de Mayo means the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Army at the Battle of Puebla but to Jesus Gallegos, Sr. and Rosa this was a day to join in holy matrimony and the beginning of a sixty-three year journey filled with challenging life events, precious memories, and the blessing of three children. On this memorable day not only the angels and our Lord called upon Rosa Gallegos but so did Jesus Sr. called upon his wife to come home. Rosa is survived by her daughters Emma Ramirez and husband Chris of San Antonio; Irma Gallegos and husband Jesse Silva of Devine; sisters, Leonor Garcia of Hondo, Juanita(Janie) Sarabia of Hondo, Yolanda Lopez of Hondo; brothers, Santiago Carrillo Sr., and Emilio Carrillo of Devine. Two grandchildren, Cristina and husband Mario Gloria, and Christopher Ramirez. Two great-grandchildren, Mario Josiah and Marcel Gloria. Visitation will be held Thursday May 11, 2023 at Primrose Funeral Services Chapel from 5-8pm. Rosary to be recited at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 9am on Friday May 12th, with Mass at 10am. Interment to follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Emilio Carrillo, Santiago Carrillo Sr., Christopher Ramirez, Adam Martinez, Amador Carrillo, Jr., Manuel(Max) DeLeon, Mario Gloria, and Cristina Gloria. Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016 (830)663-4445.
Kenneth Wayne Wagoner passed May 4, 2023, surrounded by family. He was 77. Kenneth was born July 12, 1945 in San Antonio, Texas to parents Walter Lee and Gertie May Wagoner. The family moved frequently for Walter’s work, exposing Kenneth to much of Texas and New Mexico before returning to San Antonio to finish high school. After graduating in 1962 Kenneth attended Arlington University and Uvalde Jr. College in 1963. In 1969, Perry Metheny talked him into joining the San Antonio Fire Department, where he worked for 32 years. During that time he became a paramedic for 12 years. He then went back as an engineer, fighting fires and driving engines. Kenneth was never one to flinch at danger, whether that be rushing to aid the wounded of the 79’ fiesta shooting or putting out a house fire with a garden hose, the only thing handy. Kenneth’s infectious passion for service saved countless lives and touched many more. He would go on to marry the love of his life Mary Grant Wagoner in 1967, who would be mother to his two sons and his companion for life. Kenneth was known for his larger-than-life personality and sharp wit. If he knew you odds are he had a special name for you. He knew few strangers and to be his friend was really more like family. If the Metheny Brothers were singing somewhere you could rest assured he would get up and put on a performance himself. People gravitated to him which was remarkable being he had such a short fuse. He had an uncontrollable need to tell you how he felt. Never violent but outspoken for sure. It was colorful and had a real humorous vibe to it. So much that his closest friends would often purposefully light that fuse. He had more one-liners and sayings than any man to date. He was loved by so many it was a standing joke to count how many people he knew in some of the most remote places in the United States. His love of life and people made him a person most sought to find. If you were a friend for a day it was for life. He was the life of the party and could command a room with his charm and life stories. Although he may have grown out of his fieriness, his sense of humor remained too the end which he wore as an ever-present, slight smile. He is survived by brother James Wagoner and Wife Mary Grant Wagoner, Sons Robert Wagoner and Kirk Wagoner and wife Kami, grandchildren Madison Sostorich and husband Mitchell, Grant Wagoner, Noah Davila, Griffin Wagoner, and Great Granddaughter Rowan Sostorich. He is preceded in death by parents Walter Lee and Gertie May Wagoner, and brother Dick Wagoner. Visitation will be at 9AM Thursday Morning, May 11, 2023, followed by Memorial Service at 10 AM at First Baptist Church – 308 W Hondo Ave, Devine, TX. The family has requested donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the Devine Education Foundation in lieu of flowers.
