Celebrating 126 Years of Serving the communities of Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Bigfoot, and Moore in Medina, Frio, and Atascosa Counties
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Being chosen as a member of WRANGLER’S “The COWGIRL 30 UNDER 30 CLASS OF 2025” is a prestigious accomplishment. WRANGLER COWGIRL magazine seeks outstanding young women from around all America to feature as “trailblazers who open doors for others, share their enthusiasm, and embody the qualities that keep the Western industry thriving.”
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“It may be the cock that crows, but it is the hen that lays the eggs.”
Margaret Thatcher
I once had a little squat Barred Rock hen named Scar- Head Lois. She was so named because she had a gaping hole on the side of her head, the obvious result of some unknown farmyard injury. Lois was a special little hen, so special in fact that I, in a fit of generosity, gifted her to my dear sister-in-law one Christmas. Scar-Head Lois would happily lay her eggs for anyone who fed and talked to her. Lois was fond of conversation. And she had a happy life out on the ranch until she met a ravenous racoon one night who breached the walls of her happy henhouse. One sad truth in life is that everyone, and everything, loves to eat chicken.
Remembering Scar-Head Lois, my mind has been on chickens this week. Since egg prices continue to skyrocket, and prime chicken raising springtime is upon us, I thought I might again visit the topic of poultry. So here goes…
We currently do not have a flock of hens, thanks to predators who visit from time to time. But I have a confession – I do love chickens, and eggs. If forced to live like Robinson Crusoe on some deserted Caribbean Island, all I would ask for is a small library of good books, my typewriter along with an ample supply of paper, and a flock of chickens. With those three things, I would be happy.
If, like me, you are poultry friendly, and find yourself short of eggs, or are simply tired of spending each week on eggs money that would have paid for a small used car in 1968, then you may need some chickens. And maybe I can help.
In years past, much to my wife’s chagrin, I have made a habit of raising chickens in our home. This usually involved placing a large tub or box on our kitchen table, with attached heat lamp, filled with shavings, feed, water, and an assortment of baby chicks. Those days were fun, and I remember my girls well.
Fond of using vintage “old lady” names for my hens, here were some of my favorites: Mavis, Phoebe, Vera, Fern, Ruby, Eunice, Phyllis, Sadie, Cora, Eleanor, Ida, Mabel, Opal, and Nellie. I once had what I thought was a beautiful little hen that I named Amelia. With growth, my little hen turned out to be a rooster, so she/he then became Amelio. Amelio was sent as a Christmas present along with Scar-Head Lois and met her same fate.
Speaking of roosters, be warned. Roosters crow, long and early. If you have close neighbors you might want to stick with hens alone, in order to avoid conflict. If you have no close neighbors, then adding a rooster to your flock does give your girls some security. If you allow your chickens to wander in your pasture or yard (free-range eggs always taste better), then an irritable rooster can often discourage daytime predators. But roosters can be, and often are, rank, and may need to be dispatched if you find they will attack you or other family members. And it helps to name them accordingly. We once had a rooster that clued me in early as to his temperament. Predicting that he would soon need to lose his head, we named him John the Baptist.
If buying chickens, it is best to purchase chicks and raise them yourself (my opinion) – if this is agreeable to other humans in your circle. If you are new to nurturing poultry, a visit to YouTube might be in order. You can learn all you want to about raising chickens quickly this way. And of course, breed selection is most important.
I have always preferred the old standard dual-purpose breeds. They are typically good natured, and most lay brown eggs. Here are some of my favorites:
Barred Rocks (beautiful dark gray and white barred plumage) – the ideal farm or ranch chicken, Barred Rocks are steady and reliable. They always seem among the most intelligent hens in a flock.
Buff Orpingtons (golden colored feathers) – large quiet birds, they make good setters and mothers if you want to hatch more chicks later.
Rhode Island Reds (lovely red plumage) – popular breed and very good layers – they can be feisty and sometimes pick on other birds. If you have a mixed flock, good idea to limit their number for peace in the henhouse.
Black Australorp (all black feathers) – wonderful chickens, quiet and gentle, superior heat tolerance, and very good layers.
Ameraucanas (plumage varies) – they lay blue and green eggs, so make a nice addition to any flock.
There are many other wonderful chicken breeds available. If you are ready to become a poultry parent, here’s a great source for good chickens – Murray McMurray Hatchery (mcmurrayhatchery.com). Good luck!
© 2025 Jody Dyer
typewriterweekly.com
The Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office along with Crime Stoppers is hoping that a reward of up to FIVE THOUSAND-DOLLARS being offered for one week only will help solve a theft that occurred at McCoy Water Supply located at 65 Parkfield Drive, 14 miles north of the city of Pleasanton.
On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at about 9:30 am Atascosa County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to McCoy Water Supply at 65 Parkfield Drive to meet with employees in reference to a stolen trailer and mower. It was reported to Deputies that the barbed wire fence was cut, and the thieves opened the double gates to the area where equipment is kept and took the trailer with the mower to where the fence was cut. The mower was unloaded from the trailer and stolen, and the trailer was left behind. The property was last seen the day before on Tuesday, March 18th, at 6:00 pm and discovered stolen that morning at 6:00 am. Deputies were informed that video surveillance had not captured the theft. The mower was described as a red in color Gravely Zero Turn Mower. The estimated value of the stolen property is over $4,000.00.
Investigators have some leads in this case and are in need of your assistance to help solve it. If anyone has any more information on these cases or knows who committed the crimes, they are urged to call Crime Stoppers immediately and be eligible for the large cash reward. Remember Crime Stoppers guarantees that you may remain anonymous.
Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $5,000.00 cash reward for one week only for information that leads to the arrest and grand jury indictment of the person or persons responsible for this crime. Crime Stoppers also pays cash rewards for information on any unsolved felony offense. When you call Crime Stoppers you will not be asked to reveal your name. You will be assigned a code number instead. To be eligible for this reward you must call Crime Stoppers at 769-2255.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY
CALL CRIME STOPPERS
(830) 769-CALL
Luis Cruz Barco was born August 25, 1932 to Sabastian and Amelia Cruz Barco in Coalmine, Lytle, Texas. Luis passed away March 22, 2025.
Luis was preceded in death by his wife Angelita Baca Barco, father and mother, brother Juan Barco and sister Matilda Martinez.
Luis is survived by three sisters Josie Navarez, Amy Coronado and Rosio Resendez. Also ten children Juan Barco, Valentine Barco, Marcos Barco, Balde Barco, George Barco, Belma Lopez, Maria Zapata, Belen Flores, Berlinda Barco and Blanca Sandoval, 27 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.
Visitation will be March 31, 2025 at San Antonio Mortuary on Palo Alto Road from 2 to 8 pm with the Rosary beginning at 6 pm.
Mass will be April 1, 2025 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Lytle at 10 am with burial immediately following at Coalmine Cemetery in Lytle. The funeral home will open at 8:30 am on April 1st.
Paula Marie Moore of Austin, Texas, passed away on Monday, March 17th, at the age of 67. Born on April 11, 1957, in Hibbing, Minnesota, Paula was the youngest of three children. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stout in 1979 and earned a master’s degree in business from the University of Houston in 1986.
A passionate photographer and lover of nature, Paula spent much of her life capturing the beauty of the world through her own unique lens. Whether documenting her travels or pursuing her personal photography projects, she found joy in capturing moments that most others would overlook. Though she often preferred to remain behind the camera, Paula was never shy—she made friends wherever she went and her spirit touched the hearts of many.
Paula was preceded in death by her father, James Morrison.
She is survived by her mother, Olga Morrison; her beloved spouse of 33 years, Larry Moore; her children, Nathan and Nicole Moore; her brothers, Curt (partner Nancy) and Don (wife Verlin) Morrison; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice Austin and Texas Oncology for their compassionate care in Paula’s final days, as well as to the friends and family who traveled from all corners of the country to be with her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 12:00 pm at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks. Her memorial page and link to virtual ceremony can be found at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/austin-tx/paula-moore-12289740
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Paula’s honor to 100Cameras, a non-profit organization that empowers youth around the world to use photography as a way to process their experiences and amplify their voices.
Paula often spoke of the great blessing she felt in having so many talented, intelligent, and caring friends in her life. But in truth, she attracted those like her—kind-hearted souls with a passion for life. Paula’s warmth and light will forever be remembered. She loved life deeply, embraced every moment, and shared her adventures and memories with those she held dear, some of whom have shared her smile and journey for over 60 years. She was proud of her children and always eager to share their achievements. Paula was an extraordinary woman whose love and friendship will never be forgotten. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Jo Ann “Jody” L. Danklefs, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, entered eternal life on March 14, 2025. Jody was raised near Devine, Texas, and graduated from Devine High School. From there, she attended and graduated from Southwest Texas State University. She married Wesley G. Danklefs in 1971 and was an educator for over three decades at South San Antonio High School.
Jody enjoyed nature, the Texas Gulf Coast, various art and craft projects, her three grandchildren and observing the daily adventures of her two cats. Her spirit is carried on by her children, Jon (wife Hilary, children Wesley, Jimmie and Riley); Jake; siblings Clay Lessing, Mark Lessing (Margaret), Beth Pape (Wayne dec.), Janet Mangold (Ronny), Mike Lessing, Carolyn Kempf (Greg), Christi Wells (Duane), Kenny Lessing (Cindy), many in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends too numerous to list but not forgotten. Jody is reunited with her Mother, Geraldine “Geri” Lessing, Father, Walter Lessing, and the love of her life and husband of 43 years, Wesley G. Danklefs.
Jody put first the happiness and safety of those around her and always carried a smile that would light up a room. Friends and family will meet at St. Joseph’s Parish Church in Devine, TX, on Saturday, March 29th at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jody’s honor to the ALS Association. Visit www.als.org/donate
Natalia Police Report
3/18/25 – An Officer was approached at the Natalia Police station and was advised an accident had occurred at a residence home on Palfrey St. The officer was able to advise both parties about the accident.
3/20/2025 – Officers were dispatched to the 400 Block of Palfrey for a disturbance. Upon arrival the caller stated that the other individual had left the area. Officers were able to make contact with the other individual and advised them to stay at their home.
3/21/2025 – Officers responded to 300 Block of Miller Street for a disturbance in progress. Upon arrival both individuals did not want to cooperate with the officers.
Devine Police Report
March 14
10:35AM – Officer cited female for DWLI and released.
11:33AM – Complaint on Zig Zag called in reference to male subject in boxer shorts in middle of road carrying a stick. Unable to locate.
12:00PM – Complainant regarding some lost keys, unknown where in lost them in Devine.
March 15
16:42PM – Complainant on Windy Knoll called in reference to two male subjects seen walking in backyard of vacant property. Secured property, all okay.
20:09PM – Complainant on Judson Dr called in reference to utility pole cracked and leaning. AEP notified and responded.
March 16
12:14PM – Complainant on Briscoe Ave called in reference to male in gray hoodie seen with glass pipe. Made contact with subject and identified. Subject was smoking a cigarette. All okay.
13:06PM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave for a minor accident.
19:58PM – Complainant on Windy Knoll advised they left a wallet at location and when went back it was gone.
22:00PM – Officer dispatched to Wedgewood Way for an emergency detention. Adult female transported to Baptist Medical Center.
March 17
4:52AM – Assisted MCSO with rolling disturbance coming from Frio County. Initiated stop at MM 127. Made location and observed other units so went back in service.
8:05AM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave for minor accident.
9:10AM – Complainant advised lost driver’s license over the weekend.
14:54PM – Found damaged iphone at four corners intersection.
16:21PM – Complainant on Windy Knoll advised male subject walking around her property. Officers patrolled area, all okay.
19:22PM – Complainant on Fay Ave called in reference to a call from their neighbor stating there was a man in their backyard.
21:08PM – Officer dispatched to Mobil Pkwy for disturbance between female and brother over girlfriend. No charges; both parties given family violence forms.
March 18
10:59AM – Officer dispatched to IH 35 S for a minor accident.
13:02PM – Complainant called in reference to bank fraud. Documentation requested from bank.
17:10PM – Complainant on Howell Ave reported female trying to sell solar panels possibly without permit.
17:12PM – Complainant advised male jumped out of car on IH 35. Unable to locate.
20:21PM – Complainant on Dove Ave called in reference to possible solicitors knocking on her door. Unable to locate.
21:18PM – Complainant on Hester Ave reported several subjects in the area of the park. Unable to locate.
March 19
15:38PM – Officer made contact with female solicitor on Davis Ave selling energy but had no identification. Advised rep to get permit.
20:24PM – Officer stopped vehicle on Hondo Ave for DWI.
20:52PM – Complainant on CR 774 advised could see someone on back patio of business via camera. Unable to locate.
21:03PM – Complainant on Briscoe Ave advised resident was arguing with her and went into office and tried getting into medicine cabinet and pushed complainant. Supervisor made location, assisted by MCSO.
21:38PM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave for verbal disturbance between male and female. Later male departed prior to officer’s arrival.
22:33PM – Complainant on Colonial Pkwy called in reference to male subject lying outside without a blanket. ID’d by police and given courtesy ride to Pilot in Von Ormy.
March 20
12:20PM – Complainant on Colonial Pkwy called in reference to lock to new gate on ground and no forced entry observed. Male on location ID’d by police.
Lytle Police Report
Monday, March 17
12:39 PM – Lytle PD – Officer met a complainant at the PD to report an accident that occurred on 3/15/2025.
8:45 PM – 19400 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer assisted a stranded motorist push their disabled vehicle out of the roadway.
9:32 PM – Assist Lytle VFD / Fire Marshal – 63300 Blk. Juarez – Officers responded to assist with a residential fire.
11:10 PM – San Jose @ Juarez St. – Officer struck a gas meter with the running board of the vehicle during a structure fire. No damage to the meter and the running board was scraped.
Tuesday, March 18
12:45 AM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
12:55 AM – 19800 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to a call of suspicious activity to discover everything was okay.
3:07 AM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
4:36 AM – Main St. @ McDonald St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for driving on the improved shoulder that resulted in the arrest of a 39 year old male for Driving While Intoxicated. Subject was booked onto the Atascosa County Jail.
3:18 PM – 15000 Blk. Railroad St. – Officer responded for a report of a male lying on the ground that resulted in the citation and release of a 62 year old male for Public Intoxication.
3:31 PM – Assist Texas DPS – IH 35 NB @ MM 133 – Officer responded to assist with a traffic accident outside the city limits of Lytle.
5:29 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a verbal disturbance between two females.
Wednesday, March 19
3:21 AM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
8:14 AM – 14500 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. It was a false alarm.
10:00 AM – Lytle PD – Officers spoke to two drivers regarding an accident that occurred in San Antonio.
10:44 AM – 19800 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to speak to a complainant regarding unwanted contact from another party.
11:17 AM – 19200 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to an unwanted customer.
1:50 PM – 17900 Rockys Circle – Officer responded to an active alarm. It was a false alarm.
8:20 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2008 Chevrolet.
Thursday, March 20
3:29 AM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
7:40 AM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to subject regarding domestic violence occurring outside the city limits of Lytle.
8:13 AM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 380 Blk. Ala Blanca Dr. – Officer responded to assist with a family violence call.
9:22 AM – Lytle High School – Officers provided an escort for the LHS power-lifting team.
11:11 AM – Lytle City Hall – Officer responded to a report of a threat that occurred in Poteet.
7:50 PM – 19900 Blk. FM 3175 – Officer received a call regarding a consumer having a mental crisis.
Friday, March 21
1:56 PM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
6:00 AM – 19900 Blk. FM 3175 – Officers responded to a report of an unruly consumer who was transported to the hospital on a Mental Health Warrant by an ACSO deputy.
4:06 PM – Lytle PD – Officer received a phone call regarding a possible stolen vehicle. The theft was not confirmed.
5:30 PM – Assist Atascosa EMS –14800 Blk. Lytle-Somerset St. – Officers responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency. The male was airlifted to the hospital.
6:43 PM – SH 132 @ Diaz St. – Officers responded to a report of loose livestock near the roadway but were unable to locate.
7:47 PM – 14800 Blk. Lytle-Somerset St. – Officers responded to speak to a male regarding an injury to a third party.
8:27 PM – 18900 Blk. Live Oak St. – Officer responded to a possible fire that was discovered to be a BBQ pit.
9:08 PM – 14800 Blk. Lytle Somerset St. – Officers were dispatched to an active panic alarm that resulted in the arrest of a 46 year old male for Public Intoxication. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
11:44 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – FM 3175 @ Forest Oaks Dr. – Officers responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist with a traffic accident.
Saturday, March 22
12:46 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a homeless male in the dumpster. The male left the area.
2:32 AM – Lytle PD – Officers spoke to a complainant on the phone regarding a family civil matter.
8:22 AM – FM 2790 @ Farmer Rd. – Officers responded to an active alarm. Everything was okay.
1:33 PM – IH 35 SB MM 132 – Officers responded to a report of a couch in the road. No hazard was located.
1:37 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to unlock a 2014 Toyota Camry.
8:23 PM – 63300 Blk. Juarez St. – Officer responded to the death of a 92-year-old female.
8:31 PM – 14200 Blk. Butch Cassidy – Officer responded to assist a male playing with handcuffs and needed help to unlock them.
9:42 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for disregarding a stop sign which resulted in the arrest of a 43 year old male for an active felony warrant’s out of Bexar County for Possession of a Controlled Substance & Continuous Family Violence. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
Sunday, March 23
2:00 AM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for speeding which resulted in the arrest of a 44 year old male for Driving While Intoxicated. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
3:03 AM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
5:11 AM – 18500 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle for a civil matter.
1:59 PM – 14900 Blk. Harbour St. – Officers responded to a civil matter regarding the possession of a cell phone by a boyfriend.
2:23 PM – 14600 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2015 Dodge Ram pickup.
2:35 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
4:20 PM – Lytle PD – Officer responded to speak to a complainant regarding the theft of $600 using the cash app on her cell phone.
8:40 PM – Assist Atascosa County EMS – 3600 Blk. SH 132 – Officers responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency.
By Anton Riecher
In other business, a salary survey commissioned by the council found the city of Devine in the comfortable mid-range among what regional government entities pay to retain personnel.
The survey conducted by consultant Robert Culpepper compared salaries paid by the counties of Medina and Atascosa, plus the cities of Castroville, Hondo, Floresville, Pearsall, Lytle, Jourdanton and Poteet.
“Devine is right in the middle of the pack,” Culpepper reported during a Zoom conference with the council. “It’s competitive.”
In general, Devine pays less than the two counties and the cities of Castroville and Hondo. However, Devine is outpacing the communities of…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinewsmembers.com. You will get INSTANT online access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
