Medina County K9 “Zira” led deputies to uncover four guns, meth, marijuana, and cash.
PRESS RELEASE by Medina County Sheriff’s Office– Medina County deputies responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle near county Road 6712 and County Road 672 E on March 29, 2023. Upon arrival deputies made contact with two occupants Donald Sigler (DOB:01/06/1980) and Brittany Gomez (DOB: 1/13/1989). After speaking with both occupants a K9 was requested. K9 handler J. Thomas and his partner, K9 Zira arrived at the location which led to the finding of 58 grams of methamphetamines. This information was later provided to Medina County Narcotics Unit. Medina County Narcotics investigators began conducting a further investigation which led to a search of a residence in Natalia, Medina County Texas. As a result of the search, over one kilo of methamphetamines were located, over two pounds of marijuana, four firearms (one stolen) and cash that is believed to be proceeds from the sell of narcotics.
This past week was abyssmal. I wasn’t unusually busy as my weeks go, but on Tuesday I came home from the Gift Shop not feeling totally well and with some back pain. After relaxing for a while in my new recliner with a couple of ibuprofen for the discomfort, I was home free, I thought. Wednesday and Thursday I felt horrible and a nighttime of severe chills on Wednesday added to my misery. Yikes, I haven’t felt that bad in many years. (Yep, there’s a bug going around, and he got me good, shook me around like a rag doll and threw down and stomped on me!). My sweet sister brought me soup, Imodium and Gator Ade! She knew the cure and it helped. All day Friday and Saturday, my energy level was nil, (thank you family for the new recliner, it works well), but I had no more symptoms, and by Saturday evening, I felt well enough to go to church with her in town. Sunday my energy level was up a bit (not normal, believe me), but up and by Monday morning, I feel nearly normal! Now, let’s talk about this coming weekend! Sunday, May 14, is Mother’s Day, and the time to specially honor our Mothers on their very own day. Do you know the origins of this special day honoring our Mothers? It was first observed in Grafton, West Virginia and in the churches of Philadelphia on May 10, 1908, on a suggestion by Miss Anna Jarvis to honor her mother, a Sunday school teacher. Because of her Mother’s fondness of flowers, especially carnations, Miss Jarvis gave a carnation to each person present in her honor. According to an article that I read sometime during this past week, even though Anna Jarvis never married, she continually worked toward more attention being paid to Mother’s during her entire lifetime. Mother’s Day International Association was incorporated in December 1912 to encourage a greater observation of the day. In 1913, by a unanimous vote, The House of Representatives passed a resolution commending the observance of Mother’s Day and calling upon the president, his Cabinet, the Senators and Federal Government Employees to wear a white carnation on the second Sunday of the month to observe Mother’s Day. President Woodrow Wilson, in 1914, issued a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day and directed that the American Flag be displayed on all public buildings on that day. A holiday called “Mothering Sunday,” an old English custom, antedated the present observance by many years. The name was derived from the custom of the faithful attending the mother church in which they had been baptized on Mid-Lent Sunday. At this time they offered gifts at the altar to the church, and also to their mothers, as tokens of love and gratitude. Some of the earliest Mother’s Day celebrations on record can be traced back to ancient Greece. The celebrations were held in honor of Rhea, the Mother of the Gods. The Roman equivalent was a religious celebration known as Hilaria that lasted from March 15 to 18. The observance of Mother’s Day has spread to many other countries, including England, Sweden, Denmark, India and Mexico. In parts of Yugoslavia, Mother’s Day is called “Materice” by the Serbian people and is observed two weeks before Christmas. It has become the custom to wear white flowers if your mother is deceased, and red flowers if she is still living. The flower most usually associated with Mother’s Day then and now has been the carnation. Do you remember the verse that you may have learned, or that was printed on a mimeographed sheet, with a carnation for you to color for your mother, when you were in grade school? It was called simply “Mother”. I have no idea as to the source, because the first time I saw it and colored it, I was in third grade! It has been around for a very long time and is still as beautiful now as it was then. MOTHER M – is for the million things she gave me. O – is only that she is growing old. T – is for the tears she shed to save me. H – is for her heart of purest gold. E – is for her eyes with love light shining. R – is right, and right she’ll always be. Put them all together and they spell “Mother”, a word that means the world to me. In case you’re celebrating, having a big meal and all the trimmings, here’s a truly delicious dessert for you to try. We had this numerous times when the family was all together in Devine and it was strawberry season. The original recipe was from my Mother and she served it to her bunco ladies as well as her family! Strawberry Pie 1 baked pie shell, or a vanilla ready-to-use crust 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup water 6 teaspoons cornstarch 7 teaspoons strawberry gelatin (or 2 teaspoons sugar-free gelatin) 1 pound, cleaned, hulled, fresh strawberries (divided usage) Whipped topping Bake pie shell according to directions on package and set aside to cool. Mix together, sugar, water and cornstarch in pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly until thick and clear. Add gelatin, stir well until gelatin is thoroughly dissolves and set aside to cool. Cut strawberries into quarters or slice (save 8 of the nicest strawberries and leave whole for garnish) and place sliced berries into the prepared pie shell. Pour cooled cooked mixture over berries and chill thoroughly. Serve slices with whipped topping; garnish each serving with a whole cleaned berry with the stem on. Makes 6 to 8 servings. The following is delicious also, and my granddaughter sent it to me several years ago. Strawberry Jell-O Cake 1 box strawberry flavored gelatin 1 box white cake mix + 2 Tbs. flour 4 eggs ½ water 1 package frozen strawberries (minus ¼ cup for frosting) Mix gelatin, cake mix and flour; add oil, water and eggs; mix well, add strawberries and stir to mix in; pour into 9×13 pan and bake as per package instructions. Cool completely before frosting. Frost with: 1 box powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) ¼ cup butter ¼ cup strawberries Mix all together until of spreading consistency and spread on cooled cake.
Here is your Lytle P.D. news for the week ending Sunday, May 7th: Officers responded to 53 calls for service and conducted 58 traffic stops. The breakdown was: 43 resulted in citations and 15 were warnings. The biggest event last week was a rare (thankfully I can say that) armed robbery. It went down on Monday, May 1st at approx. 2:30 AM. A male had been hanging around the small shopping strip on Main St. that includes the Lytle Super Stop (Exxon). He entered the Cricket Wireless store, hung out in there for a while, and looked at a few phones. He got his courage up, pulled out a pocketknife (which we believe he shoplifted from the resale shop next door), and demanded phones and money. He made off with 2 phones and $140 in cash. He didn’t even take all the money from the register, and he apologized to the clerk for what he was doing. So, our armed robber was at least polite and thoughtful. He fled in a white Nissan Altima that had been taken in a carjacking in San Antonio the previous day. I’m glad no one was injured; this is an active investigation. Only one property crime was reported this week! H.E.B. Plus reported that a female attempted to make off with a box of diapers valued at $46. The diapers were recovered. I’m hoping the lady was going to sell them and didn’t have a baby at home that needed diapers. My wife and I have one in diapers and one on the way so I know firsthand how expensive it can be. Your officers made 5 arrests last week: #1 – Officers were dispatched to a disturbance on S. Prairie St. It was a mother-son disturbance and officers determined the son had a felony dope warrant out of Medina Co. He was arrested on the warrant, which ended the disturbance. He was booked into the Medina Co. Jail in Hondo. #2 – Officers responded to a three-vehicle collision at the intersection of Main St. and FM 2790 N. The driver of one of the vehicles was upset so he ran up and pushed the other driver down! I certainly hope that doesn’t become a trend. So, not only did we have a collision to investigate, but we had an assault as well. The roadway was cleared, and a citation for assault by contact was issued. #3 & #4 were both from traffic stops about 15 minutes apart. Both drivers were cited and released for possession of drug paraphernalia. #5 – Our officers were on the way to assist Atascosa Sheriff’s Deputies with a disturbance in Los Palomas (off FM 3175). They located the vehicle that fled the scene on the access road. They determined the driver had 3 active felony warrants (2 out of Bexar Co. and 1 out of Wilson Co.). He was booked into the Atascosa Co. Jail. In other news…. sometime, most likely, early Sunday morning thieves struck a friend of mine that lives out on FM 2790 near Lucky Rd. Two large birds, a Military macaw, and an African Grey, were taken from their outside birdhouse. They have had the birds for 20 years, so they are devastated. The Atascosa Co. Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation. What’s coming up? Get ready for a city auction! The date will be Saturday, June 3rd. I think it will be held in the police station parking lot, I know there will be several vehicles and lots of other junk items too. Our surplus items might be your dream purchase. We will be sending out more information in the future. Hopefully, you took advantage of the community clean-up this past Saturday. That means you now have some room in the garage to fill up with auction items. It’s a never-ending cycle.
Both of the Devine ISD Bond Election Propositions failed this past Saturday, May 6, 2023, one by only 39 votes. Proposition A Proposition A was for $31 Million and included improvement projects at each campus. It failed by only 39 votes. Totals were 362 For and 401 Against. While 474 Early voted, 289 voted on election day. (Totals include Medina and Frio County polls). Proposition B Proposition B $1.2 Million was for four new tennis courts. It failed by 172 votes. Totals were 294 for and 466 against. Early voters 472 and 288 voted on election day. (Includes Medina and Frio County polls). “Although the bond did not pass, and while, yes, we are disappointed, we know there was much support during the process of making decisions and the process to call for a bond election. We recognize that the decision to vote for a bond is a difficult one and not made easily. Throughout this process, we have been humbled by the participation and support from the community”, said Todd Grandjean, Superintendent of Devine ISD Schools. “We certainly want to express our gratitude to our staff and community members who served on the Facilities Committee who spent many hours studying the many needs of our district and prioritized what we felt were the most important ones. As we move forward, we will continue to work to find critical funding and make improvements to our facilities, and to ensure students’ academic success.”
A letter by Superintendent Grandjean follows.
Thank you for your participation and support Dear Community Members, All of us at Devine ISD would like to express our sincere gratitude for your participation in the recent school bond election. We want to tell you that we truly appreciate your investment in our students and our school district. We believe that the community of Devine is deeply invested in our schools and students. Although the bond did not pass, and while, yes, we are disappointed, we know there was much support during the process of making decisions and the process to call for a bond election. We recognize that the decision to vote for a bond is a difficult one and not made easily. Throughout this process, we have been humbled by the participation and support from the community. We certainly want to express our gratitude to our staff and community members who served on the Facilities Committee who spent many hours studying the many needs of our district and prioritized what we felt were the most important ones. As we move forward, we will continue to work to find critical funding and make improvements to our facilities, and to ensure students’ academic success. We have a dedicated school board and school staff and know that with a supportive community, we will continue to work together to provide solutions and opportunities that will benefit our students and our community. Again, thank you for your support and participation in the bond election, and we look forward to working together with you for the future of our students in Devine ISD. Sincerely, Dr. Todd Grandjean Superintendent Devine ISD
Devine Market Association hosts an event on the first Saturday of the month by the Community Center in Devine.Devine High School Robotics students gave youngsters an exciting demonstration of how their robots work at the Devine Market this past Saturday. It was one of the many awesome booths at the market this weekend where several local farmers, and artisians bring thier products to market in downtown Devine by the community center each month.Happy Highland Homestead is a family business, and little Harley Rasar was there helping daddy sell their homegrown flower bouquets, fresh eggs, and lettuce. She’s also quite the entrepreneur making a line of her own freeze dried marshmellow candy.
A young mother with failing health is hoping for a second chance, hoping that a living kidney donor comes through soon. You might have seen signs around town with her and her baby boy. Karina Garcia, 21 of Devine is the mother of a 3 year old, Brayden Guardiola. “I just want to be here for my baby, 100 percent,” Garcia said in an interview Monday. She has had over a dozen signs printed, sharing her story, and has a few more to put out if anyone wants to display one. “She’s a very strong person,” said her grandma Angelita Garcia. “Nothing gets her down. She keeps pushing forward. She is a kind person and she is so brave.” Karina shared a little about her medical history, as doctors began noticing signs of kidney damage when she was just a teenager. “At 19 I was diagnosed with lupus nephritis. I was stable with mild lupus flares and decent kidney function with my treatment plan,” Garcia said. “In January 2022 I got Covid which instantly took my kidney function down to 15%. Throughout the year I tried several medications from chemotherapy to newly approved medications. Every day was rough. I was in bed most of the year. I wasn’t able to eat. I dropped down to 80 lbs. Being sick for so long I developed vision and heart problems also.” “By December 2022 my kidneys function went down to 4%. In March 2023, I began dialysis and am now looking for a kidney donor. A second chance,” Garcia said. She also wishes to make everyone aware that “kidney disease can be silent,” Gracia said. “People need to do regular checkups and be aware of that,” she added. You can get tested to see if you can donate a kidney to Karina by going to livingdonor-methadistsa.com and typing in Karina Garcia Date of Birth 10/1/2001. If you would like to display a sign or are interested in being tested to see if you are a match, contact Karina at 210-527-0003.
Butch Cook won the mayor contest with a landslide vote.
The people have let their voices be heard again as Butch Cook victoriously won the City of Devine Mayor race by a landslide vote of 502 to 107, defeating the incumbent Cory Thompson. It was the largest turnout for the city elections in quite some time. This year 609 residents came out to vote as the campaigns heated up, increasing the voter turnout to 140% compared to two years ago (436). Butch Cook took the lead during early voting with 348 votes to Cory’s 74. On election day, Cook received 154 to Thompson’s 33. Back in 2021, a total of 436 people voted in City Elections (with Cory Thompson narrowly defeating Kevin Hicks 229 to 207 in 2021). “For the last two and a half months I have been knocking on doors, meeting as many people as I can. From past experiences on the Devine City Council I’m very aware that if there were simple solutions there wouldn’t be a problem, but I’m ready and eager for this new challenge! It is an incredible honor that the voters in our city are allowing me to do so,” said Butch Cook. Cook’s campaign promises included: -Make our city’s water system the top priority. -Aggressively pursue a City Administrator, and remove requirements that are hindering the process. -Restore order and civility to the city meetings, and ensure all council members are informed on agenda issues in a timely manner. -Show transparency and accountability -when and where taxpayer money is spent. -Bring back the lines of communication between the city and the citizens that we are here to serve. Cook brings his leadership skills to the office from his 7 years on the City Council, 5 years as President of Devine Little League, 7 years as President of South Texas Basketball Officials Association, 8 years as Men’s Basketball Coach at Palo Alto College, and 38 years as a Business Owner in Devine ( Image Matters and South Texas Trophies), and multiple days volunteering with organizations including Mission Devine, Chamber of Commerce, DYSA, and Devine ISD Committees. A little history… Thompson served as an Alderman for District 5 before being appointed the Mayor after Bill Herring resigned, and then winning the election two times, against Pichardo and then Hicks. According to The Devine News files (July 19, 2019): District 5 Councilman Cory Thompson was appointed mayor during an emergency meeting of the Devine City Council held on Friday, July 19, following Bill Herring’s sudden resignation from the position. After District 2 Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem Steve Lopez said he was not interested in taking over as mayor, District 3 Councilman David Espinosa nominated Thompson. Lopez provided the second, and the motion carried with the support of District 1 Councilman David Valdez and District 4 Councilwoman Jennifer Schott. Then, council later appointed a resident of District 5 to fill Thompson’s seat on the Council. Debbie Randall was appointed in September 2019 as recommended by Thompson as someone who would vote like him for that district. District 5 In the uncontested District 5 election Debbie Randall received 168 votes. (In 2021 that district election drew 201 voters, 128 for Randall and 73 for Kevin Stephens.) All terms are two year terms. All of the May 2023 Election Results are considered unofficial results until they have been canvassed. Problems at the polls… Errors prevented at least 6 residents to vote in the District 2 race in City of Devine In the District 2 race, unofficial tallies show Michael Hernandez receiving 47 votes to incumbent Angela Pichardo’s 42, a difference of five votes. There were errors in District 2 voting cards reported in the first couple days of voting, as announced by the City of Devine last week, stating that six voters were not allowed to vote in the District 2 election. As a result, the District 2 election could be contested. The City of Devine sent out a public notice as soon as the issue was discovered to let the public know that there were 201 voters whose residency was inaccurately listed. After the clerical error was discovered, the City found 6 voters that had been denied the right to vote in the District 2 race. From that point on, election judges were very careful to look over every voter card and make sure that people who live in District 2 were able to vote in the District 2 race by comparing addresses to the most recent redistricting maps. Last week, Medina County Elections Administrator Lupe Torres explained that “As for how the incorrect precinct/districts were assigned, it was due to a clerical error made during the redistricting process.” According to City of Devine Interim City Administrator Dora Rodriguez, if a candidate wants to protest this contest, the candidate will be responsible for filing a lawsuit. “After contacting our Attorney Tom Cate and the attorney at the Secretary of State’s Office, I told both candidates when I called them to let them know about the election situation, and that whoever lost the election, they would have to file a lawsuit at their cost for the election protest. The court would determine if the city needs to hold a special election.” In response to the incident, Angela Pichardo stated, “We will seek remedies to investigate who’s Responsibility and negligent actions caused the errors. I do not want to create a separation in District 2 since we have worked so hard to unify the community as a whole, but if laws have been violated, we must make sure EVERYONE’S Right to Vote is Given and those responsible be Accountable. This is an example of the needed changes in City Government. I want to Thank all the citizens that came out to vote as we had a record number and I want to wish the New Leader of our City much Success and Progress for Devine….I want to make sure that voters were not cheated out of their right to vote.” In this year’s election, Pichardo had a small lead after early voting with 38 to Hernandez 36. Election Day, Hernandez took the lead with 11 votes to her 4. Totals were Hernandez 36+11= 47, to Pichardo’s 38+ 4= 42. Back in 2021, Pichardo was first elected to the position by defeating Maria Pena 32 to 18. Voter turnout almost doubled in this district this year. All of the May 2023 Election Results are considered unofficial results until they have been canvassed.
Leonora Manuel Longboy, 84, passed April 30, 2023, in Natalia, TX. She was born on May 29, 1938 in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii to her parents, Cipriano and Mariana (Doctor) Manuel. She is also preceded by her husband, Mariano Mamaclay Longboy; brother, Benjamin Manuel Sr; and brother-in-law, Bradley Erickson. She is survived by her son, Marvin and Ann Longboy of Barstow, FL; daughter, Laureen and Michael Gonzales of Natalia, TX; son, Mark Sr. and Kay Longboy of Mt. Vernon, MO; son, Mario and Nadine Longboy of Lihue, HI; son, Michael and Yolanda Longboy of Las Vegas, NV; sister, Cresencia and Lino Badua of Honolulu, HI; sister, Priscilla Manuel Erickson of Aiea, HI; sister-in-law, Teresita Manuel of Cibolo, TX; stepmother, Presca Manuel, and stepbrother, Raymond and Daisy Morden of Lihue, HI; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Leonora graduated from Kauai High School in 1956. In 1957, her and Mariano wed and moved to Oahu. She was a devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and a wonderful “Lela” to all. She also went by “Nora”, “Onor”, or just “Auntie” to friends and family. She retired in 1999 from Makalapa Elementary School as a Cafeteria Baker, and enjoyed her retirement years volunteering for her church, and visiting friends and family. In 2017 she moved to Natalia, TX to live with her daughter, Laureen and family. She will forever be remembered as a loving and supportive person, always wanting to give a helping hand, and never afraid of hard work. A viewing will be held 5 May 2023, 3pm-7pm, with a Rosary at approx 5pm, at Funeraria del Angel Trevino, 2525 Palo Alto Rd, San Antonio, TX. A final visitation and internment will be held at Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery (date TBD) in Kaneohe, HI, where she will lay to rest with her late husband, Mariano Longboy. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making a donation in her honor to a dementia-related foundation.
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 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, grand children, 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.
