Several city leaders changed their tune after citizens voiced their concerns about rushing into a bond election without many details, and overall cost and tax bill impact. This past week, the Devine City Council voted unanimously to cancel the $15 Million Bond Election for drainage projects.
Current Mayor Cory Thompson (TOP) will be challenged by mayoral candiate and local businessman Butch Cook (BOTTOM) seen voicing his concerns among many other citizens about the $15 million bond at a recent public hearing.
A video on Devine News YouTube, shows the bond presentation given by Mayor Cory Thompson at a special meeting this past February 2nd when three council members voted to go out for the $15 Million Dollar Bond/Drainage Project, after choosing from a “wish list” handed out by the mayor. Voting to put the $15 million drainage bond on the ballot were council members Debbie Randall, Flipper Vega, and David Espinosa, with encouragement from Mayor Cory Thompson to put it to a vote, who stated “If people don’t want this they can vote it down.” Then a Espinosa-Randall motion to approve it passed (3-2), with Josh Ritchey and Angela Pichardo voting against it. Two public hearings were held where citizens questioned the priority need for such drainage projects and pushed for more details. Before ballots were printed, a special meeting was called to discuss the cancellation of the bond, and this time all council members voted in favor of cancelling the bond issue. There will still be an election for Mayor of Devine between incumbent Cory Thompson and Butch Cook. District 2 Councilwoman Angela Pichardo re-filed for office also, and will be challenged by Michael Hernandez for that position. Councilwoman District 5 Debbie Randall is unopposed. Election Day is May 6, but early voting starts April 24.
Audrey Jane Capps, 5 years old of Devine, playing with her puppy Liberty. Ms. Audrey is a bright, happy child who has inspired nearly everyone she meets to get involved and be the light. Join us this Saturday, April 15 at Devine Acres Farm.
By Kayleen Holder Editor What’s a super hero? Well it depends on who you ask. As an aunt of a little girl named Audrey Capps, who is battling a disease with no known cure, I have met lots of superheroes lately, who have donated their time or funds to help save her life. To help find a cure for her and other A-T warriors. The love of our small town has never been more beautiful than it is at local benefits like Audrey’s. I smiled one day as I thought about how we don’t have any movie theatres or big events around here, but instead there is a benefit for a local family in need almsot every weekend. That’s how we like to spend our time…helping others. When you are facing a rare nuerological disease like A-T, your family, friends, and community (aka superheroes) are your biggest advocates. Here are 3 little facts about A-T: #1 One in three kids with A-T develop cancer, and many experts beleive that if we find a cure for A-T, we may also find a cure for some types of cancer. #2 There are more people in Texas battling A-T than any other state. #3 There is no cure or treatment for A-T and we and the A-T Children’s Project are doing everything we can to change that! If you want to help us find that cure, join us at Devine Acres this Saturday, April 15. The big benefit will kick off with a Princess and Protectors (superheroes Fun Run Some Run) at 8:30, followed by a chance to meet some of the kiddos favorite princesses like Elsa and Anna and Moana, Power Rangers and Paw Patrol characters and much much more. Tickets are on sale now at www.ATCP.org/Audrey for the event this Saturday April 15 at Devine Acres. Kiddos participating in the fun run race will get some special “backstage VIP time” with Elsa & Anna, Moana, and Ariel until the show starts. Devine Acres will open the farm at 10 am. 8:30 AM- Fun Run kicks off 9:30 AM- Kiddos in the Fun Run get VIP time with the princesses 10:00- Silent Auction and glidder and gun drawings open 10 AM- Devine Acres Farm Opens to public with 50+ fun activities for kids and families (tickets $10) 10:30 AM SHOW- The San Antonio Singing Princesses will take the stage for an interactive performance which includes them singing all of your favorite movie songs. Right afterward there will be a meet and greet and more fun with Elsa & Anna, Ariel, and Moana until 12:30. 10 AM-1PM- Your favorite Paw Patrol and Power Rangers will also be there to meet and greet with the kiddos. Balloon Swords & Tiaras and Face Painting We will have a baloon artist making balloon swords and tiaras as kiddos visit with the princeses and characters. There will also be face painters there in the shaded area where the performance takes place. Your tickets into the farm also include entry into the farm which has 50+ family fun activities such as the giant jumping pad, hayrides, several playgrounds, a race track, barnyard animals, and much more. You can purchase extra activities such as fishing, barrel train, gem stone mining and more. The whole family will enjoy the Concert Under the Stars in the evening with live music by Keith Lutz and also the Drug Store Cowboys to top the night off. See ticket info below. **Food/Drinks/BBQ Plates will also be for sale as well as a GIANT silent & live auction with dozens of great prizes!!!! Check out some of the silent auction, live auction, and raffle items and come place your bid this Saturday. Admission is $10 (2 & under free) and includes over 40 activities: hayride, giant jump pad, barnyard, playgrounds, duck races, scarecrow dressing, giant bubble station, spider web, tin bucket golf & barnyard bowling just to name a few… Some optional activities are additional and are available to purchase at the farm: Barrel train- $2, Catch-n-release fishing (we provide everything you need) $5, Gemstone mining $8, and Animal feed $2. Great food and drink also available for purchase. We have cheeseburgers, pizza, hot dogs, nachos, frito pie & more! Fountain drinks, tea, lemonade, bottled water, beer & wine. BBQ Plates will be sold from 5:00 to 7:00 pm like last year, dine in or take to go. The activities on the farm will be available from 10am-5pm. We will begin to transition for the evening events from 5-6:00. Families are welcome to stay for the candelight ceremony, live auction and dance down at our Rose Theatre area on the back of the farm; however, we will be shutting down all the farm activities that are staffed at 5 pm.
Jerel Beaty Staff writer Texas Sports Writers of America honored three Warhorse football players by naming them to the TSWA All-State Honorable Mention squad for their performances during Devine’s District Championship, state playoff qualifying 2022 season.
Junior running back Ethan Santos, senior defensive tackle Logan Camarillo, and junior tight end Aaron Bonilla all earned the special recognition. “These young men had very successful seasons and I am excited that they get recognized by the Texas Sports Writers Association for their hard work. These young men put a lot of hours and commitment towards being the best football players that they can be and we appreciate them,” said excited Head Coach Paul Gomez.
Devine senior, Cassandra Elias, First-Team Academic All-State. By CGuerrero
Jerel Beaty Staff writer Three senior Arabian powerlifters fit the term “student-athlete” to a T as they landed on one of three Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association Academic teams at the conclusion of last season. Jordan Erxleben earned the highest possible ranking as she was recognized on the Academic Elite honor roll. Jordan was one of 104 lifters from the entire state to make the Elite list.
Devine senior Jordan Erxleben earned the highest possible ranking as she was recognized on the Academic Elite honor roll. By CGuerrero
Cassandra Elias was tabbed First-Team Academic All-State. Elias was one of 78 to make the First-Team. Victoria Nunez made Second-Team Academic All-State. Nunez was one of 114 honored on the Second Team. “These ladies excelled both in the sport of powerlifting and in academics,” stated Head Coach Paul Gomez. “It is a full time job to be on the top of both of those categories and we are very proud of them!”
Devine senior, Victoria Nunez, Second-Team Academic All-State.
Congratulations Jordan, Cassandra, and Victoria for upholding the academic value of being a true student-athlete and excelling both in the classroom and in athletic competitions.
Lori Wilson finalist for TABC 3A Coach of the Year.
Jerel Beaty Staff writer Lytle Lady Pirate Head Coach Lori Wilson was one of four finalists from around the state in Class 3A for the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Dean Weese Outstanding Coach of the Year Award. Wilson recently led her team to another berth in the Regional Tournament before falling in the championship game to Columbus. Wilson guided her team to a 27-10 overall record and won her district’s championship for the third consecutive year. Antonio Burks from Rice was voted as the winner with Kurt Richardson of Shallowater, and Chad Woodard of Paradise joining Wilson as the remaining finalists. Congratulations, Coach Wilson, on being recognized as one of the top coaches from around the state!
Devine freshman Mason Saunders won the District 29-4A individual championship.
Jerel Beaty Staff writer Devine freshman Mason Saunders won the District 29-4A individual championship after a three-hole playoff against Blake Mainz of Floresville. Devine finished as runner-up overall for District 29-4A, qualifying for Regional in Victoria at The Club of Colony Creek in Victoria. Saunders won his playoff in dramatic fashion as he and Mainz replayed holes #1, #18, and #1 once again before the individual champ was crowned. Saunders converted a pressure-filled 12-foot putt on the first playoff hole to extend the playoff, then put an exclamation mark on his day with a 30-footer to swing victory in his favor.
The Warhorses shot 681 to finish behind team champion Pleasanton who posted 663. Devine shot 333 on Monday which happened to be a nice, sunny, windless day then followed with a 348 on a windy, cold, cloudy Tuesday. Saunders led the team naturally with a 76 Monday, and an 81 Tuesday for a 157. Jacob Rodriguez was the model of consistency as he tallied 85/85 for a smooth 170. Jameson Ramirez posted 82/95 for 177 and Aaron Gallegos was pretty consistant as well with 90/89-179. Diego Gerlach went 95/93 for 188 to round out the scoring for Devine #1 team.
Congrats to golfers Jacob Rodriguez, Raynee Allen, and Gabby Moralez for finishing in the top 10 at the District Golf tournament and being named 2nd Team All District in District 29 4A.
Devine #2 placed fifth of the eight teams with a 767. Team #2 shot 383 Monday then followed with a 384 Tuesday. Johnathan Gelinas led Team #2 going 91/86 for 177 followed by Wyatt LaFond who posted 91/101 for 192. Gavin Williamson went 108/97 for a two-day 205, Antonio Gamboa shot 93/114 for 207, and Jackson Hagdorn tallied 117/100 for 217. Victory Schaefer posted Devine’s overall second leading score as he shot 75 Monday then followed with 91 Tuesday for a two-day 166. Devine gets a little time to work on their game as Regional is just under a month away. Tee times are to be determined. Team results 1st Pleasanton 663 (322/341) Mark Thornton 82/82-164, Luke Thornton 78/88-166, Levi Turner 82/86-168 Jake Casias 83/85-168, Brady Stevens 80/94-174 2nd Devine 681 (333/348) Mason Saunders 76/81-157, Jacob Rodriguez 85/85-170, Jameson Ramirez 82/95-177, Aaron Gallegos 90/89-179, Diego Gerlach 95/93-188 3rd Floresville 701 (355/346) Blake Mainz 81/76-157, Ray Ramirez 86/81-167, Kollman Street 93/94-187, Luke Martin 95/95-190, Ryan Street 99/97-196 4th Uvalde 702 (355/347) Joseph Roswell 85/86-171, Ryder Torres 90/87-177, Jack Brock 91/87-178, Chance Luevanos 89/89-178 5th Devine-#2 767 (383/384) Johnathan Gelinas 91/86-177, Wyatt LaFond 91/101-192, Gavin Williamson 108/97-205, Antonio Gamboa 93/114-207, Jackson Hagdorn 117/100-217 6th Pearsall 849 (448/401) Cody Sekula 100/88-188, Weston Hurst 117/95-212, Jordan Tagle 97/121-218, Jackson Earley 134/97-231, Jacob Elizondo 143/NS-NS 7th Carrizo Springs 771 (385/386) Abryam Urenda 89/92-181, Jonah Hernandez 94/100-194, Jeremy Escamilla 108/94-202, Reme Jimenez 104/100-204, Evan Castellanos 98/125-223 8th Somerset 855 (429/426) Tyler Corn 93/98-191, Ty Denton 115/106-221, Leo Strozzi 117/104-221, Oscar Hernandez 104/118-222 Medalists Victor Schaefer-Devine 75/91-166, Grant Moos-Pleasanton 94/88-182, Owen Mendez-Floresville 103/93-196, Hazen Manuel-Floresville 103/105-208, Bardo-Guanajuato-Carrizo Springs 93/118-211, Tyler Mutz-Floresville 102/111-213, Jaxon Parker-Uvalde 104/NS-NS.
Eight Devine HS golfers earn All-District for their 29-4A perfomances
Warhorses Mason Saunders and Victor Schaefer and Arabian Brianna Schaefer led the way for Devine High School’s 29-4A All-District teams after their two-day performances in Uvalde last Monday and Tuesday. First team honors went to Saunders who was the boys overall individual champion and to Victor, while Brianna placed third overall on the girls side. Second team honors went to Warhorses Jacob Rodriguez, Jameson Ramirez, and Johnathan Gelinas and to Arabians Raynee Allen and Gabby Morales.
Stacie Erxleben coordinator of the Devine Art Walk displays her photographs of some of her camera collectionCindy Morales welcomes Gary & Nancy Saathoff’s, daughter Julie Mino and children Vance & Lucia, to Sherry’s Flowers during the Devine Art Walk on April 1st.Local artist Mickie Schulze pictured with her recent artwork also provided a shell painting art project for any children coming to the Devine Art Walk.Little Vance & Lucia Mino enjoy painting seashells at the kids’ activity that Mickie Schulze provided at Marken Media during the Art Walk in downtown Devine on April 1st, while mom Julie Saathoff Mino & Mickie visit on this beautiful evening.The new mural on the back side of the Community Center was completed this past week, in time for the 1st Annual Art Walk. Local artist Kirsten Yandel painted the beautiful cactus mural.
By Anton Riecher Devine Volunteer Fire and Rescue Engine 8120 has returned to duty after a $29,499 overhaul, Medina County Emergency Services District 2 board secretary Brenda Butler reports. The board was updated on the engine’s status during its March 21 monthly meeting. Engine 8120 is a 2008 Spartan pumper carrying 1,700 gallons of water and 50 gallons of Class A foam. It has the capacity to draft water from a static source such as a pond. The unit carries six personnel and is generally the first out of the station for structure fires. Devine Volunteer Fire & Rescue consists of nine apparatus and 30 personnel, of which 24 are line officers, active firefighters and cadets with 2,300 hours of training annually. The rest are active personnel in the fire auxiliary working behind the scenes. In February, the fire and rescue responded to 39 emergency calls in a 31 day period. In other matters, the board was told that 15 students in Hondo and 18 in Devine were ready to take their emergency medical technician (EMT) test. Preparation for testing by the group amounts to 300 hours of trainng. The board asked staff to research the cost to add a 1,000 gallon tank at the main fire station to fuel trucks and equipment.
At the February 6, 2023 Special Called Board Meeting the MVISD School Board voted to order a bond election on May 6, 2023 in the amount of $376 million with a tax increase of 2.8 cents. To see the additional cost to your existing tax bill, visit mvisd.com and plug in your home value into the calculator. Details of the bond as well as drawings of what the new high school and traffic improvement will look like are on the website also. Early voting is from April 24 to May 2, with the election day of May 6, 2023. The breakdown of the bond: High School #2 – $323M Safety & Security Enhancements – $5M Traffic Improvements – $4M Agricultural & Jr. ROTC Facility – $14M Land Purchases – $30M These bond projects were brought to the board for consideration based on extensive community input by a diverse group of citizens throughout the district. The MVISD Community Bond Advisory Committee, made up of 30+ community members, met regularly throughout the last few months, with the main goal of addressing the district’s fast-growth. Currently MVISD has an enrollment of 7,700 and is expected to double in size by 2032. Medina Valley ISD covers about 300 square miles and is located west of San Antonio. The proud students of MVISD come from Castroville, La Coste, Rio Medina, Dunlay, Mico, parts of San Antonio, and surrounding areas. The District has approximately 7,700 students with eight campuses: five elementary, two middle, and one high school. Over the past several years, Medina Valley has consistently seen growth in student enrollment with an increase of 7% – 10% new students every year. The District consistently outscores all State averages in accountability ratings and testing, producing well-rounded career-minded students. The school community is constantly evolving from year to year with new state-of-the-art facilities and building additions. The District excels in all academic and extracurricular activities and has a large fan base for all activities. Facts: MVISD has added more than 1,000 students over the last year. 2032-2033 Projected Enrollment is 15,628. There are currently 50+ active subdivisions and 10+ future subdivisions in MVISD. Projections show an additional 3,800 students over the next five years. Medina Valley ISD covers close to 300 square miles. There are 24,921 projected future homes in MVISD. Medina Valley ISD is an A Rated School District by TEA. Medina Valley ISD has earned the highest rating possible on the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas for the past 20 consecutive years.
March 24 12:19 PM – Complainant on Teel Dr advised phone lines down, hit by 18-wheeler. Officers moved lines out of roadway and AT&T and AEP were notified. Powerline down as well. 16:26 PM – Officer jailed male subject on Transportation Dr. for narcotics offense. Vehicle towed by Friendly Glenns. March 25 3:53 AM – Officer dispatched to Davis Ave for possible disturbance in area. Everything okay. 7:20 AM – Assisted MCSO with semi truck fire on IH 35 S with traffic control. 11:50 AM – Complainant on Teel Dr called in reference to Wells Fargo debit card located in Walmart parking lot. March 26 16:50 PM – Officer dispatched to Dilley Ave for theft that occurred on 3/16/23. Item stolen was a mountain bike taken by male wearing work boots, shorts and hoodie. March 27 7:17 AM – Complainant on Hondo Ave called in reference to suspicious male wearing a black jacket first seen outside then inside store hanging around. Watched subject finally seen by a transport van speaking to a female in a wheelchair. 11:39 AM – Complainant on Teel Dr called to make report on a theft of air post driver. Might possibly still have FSR stickers on it. 16:47 PM – Complainant on IH 35 S called in reference to suspicious male looking through vehicle windows wearing shorts, black shirt and black and white beanie. Unable to locate. 22:03 PM – Complainant on Webb Ave. called in reference to possible shots fired in area. Unable to locate. 22:48 PM – Complainant on Gutierrez Ave believed that somebody had knocked on window an hour earlier. March 28 4:56 AM – Assisted Border Patrol agents requesting unit to standby with vehicle until wrecker arrived. LoneStar took possession. 13:15 PM – Complainant on State Hwy 173 called regarding suspicious activity by cars in parking lot. Unable to locate. 20:17 PM – Officer dispatched to Breeze Dr for violation of protective order. 22:02 PM – Complainant on Tehama Ave. advised that male slapped her. Complainant was highly intoxicated, no visible injuries. Male left for the night. March 29 0:30 AM – Officer assisted deputies with vehicle failing to yield on IH 35 N. 5:50 AM – Officer dispatched to IH 35 access road for 18 wheeler stalled in roadway. Driver was able to get it started and moved. 11:05 AM – Complainant on Hondo Ave advised suspicious male taking clothes off by roadway. Made contact and subject was given courtesy ride to Moore. 22:12 PM – Complainant on Teel Dr called in reference to two subjects on location. Unable to locate. 23:50 PM – Officer dispatched to Dixon Dr. for loud noise coming from apartment. Officer check area, no loud music coming from apartment. March 30 5:00 AM – Officer dispatched to 5th St for warrant service – six municipal warrants. 5:42 AM – Officer dispatched to Breeze Dr for warrant service – 6 municipal warrants. 6:45 AM – Officer dispatched to CR 2755 for warrant service – 4 municipal warrants. 6:48 AM – Officer dispatched to Jack Nicklaus Dr for warrant service – 6 municipal warrants. 7:00 AM – Officer dispatched to Teel Dr for warrant service – 7 municipal warrants. 7:00 AM – Officer dispatched to Teel Dr for warrant service – 8 municipal warrants. 7:18 AM – Officer dispatched to CR 785 for warrant service – 6 municipal warrants. 8:03 AM – Officer dispatched to Warhorse Dr for warrant service – 2 municipal warrants. 8:58 AM – Officer dispatched to Teel Dr for warrant service – 4 municipal warrants. 9:08 AM – Officer dispatched to Walton for warrant service – 4 municipal warrants. 9:27 AM – Officer dispatched to Moore Ave for warrant service – 3 municipal warrants. 9:55 AM – Officer dispatched to Teel Dr for warrant service – 3 municipal warrants. 10:14 AM – Officer dispatched to Teel Dr for warrant service – 3 municipal warrants. 10:21 AM – Officer dispatched to Adams Ave for warrant service – 3 municipal warrants. 10:31 AM – Officer dispatched to Teel Dr for warrant service – 2 municipal warrants. 10:31 AM – Officer dispatched to Breeze Dr for warrant service – 4 municipal warrants. 10:32 AM – Officer dispatched to Teel Dr for warrant service – 6 municipal warrants. 11:12 AM – Officer dispatched to Teel Dr for warrant service – 5 municipal warrants. 11:33 AM – Complainant on Moore Ave called in reference to two suspicious male subjects in area. 12:57 PM – Officer dispatched to FM 4265 for warrant service – 3 municipal warrants. 13:04 PM – Officer dispatched to Teel Dr for warrant service – 3 municipal warrants. 19:12 PM – Officer dispatched to Colonial Pkwy for verbal between landlord and tenant. 19:14 PM – Officer dispatched to Moore Ave for verbal between husband and wife. Husband left location for the evening.
