Author: admin

Roney inspires others one painting at a time

Just holding a paintbrush is difficult at times for her. That’s because the 30-year-old Ellisville, Mississippi resident Daphne Roney is battling a rare genetic disease called A-T. But she won’t let it stop her from doing what she loves most…painting.
For years, she has shared her abstract painting with family and friends in her community, but she is excited to announce her artwork is featured in a book!
The book, “Art from the Heart: A 30-Day Devotional” features her striking artwork on every page, set amongst inspirational and Christian quotes. The book was designed and published by newspaper editor Kayleen Holder, of Devine, TX, whose niece Audrey Capps is also battling A-T, like Daphne.
On the back of her paintings, Roney often leaves a message that was shared with her years ago when she was having a hard day.
“It’s my favorite scripture: ‘I can do anything through Christ, Who strengthens me,’” Roney said.
Even better, all profits from the book will go to The A-T Children’s Project, to help find a cure for the many children battling the neurological disorder Ataxia telangiectasia, or A-T for short.
To support this worthy non-profit, and this inspiring artist, you can find the book on Amazon by searching for “Art from the Heart” by Daphne Roney and Kayleen Holder.
You can also purchase the book locally at The Devine News office or Country Gals Market.

 

Continue reading “Roney inspires others one painting at a time”

$5,000 REWARD-2014 cold case disappearance of woman in Atascosa Co.

Featured in the January 29, 2025 Crime of the Week–CRIME STOPPERS along with the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office are hoping that a reward of FIVE THOUSAND-DOLLARS cash will help investigators determine what happened to missing person Michelle Longoria, also known as Michelle Villarreal. Longoria, age 34 at the time of her disappearance, was last seen on January 31, 2014, and was reported missing to the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office on March 10, 2014. Sheriff’s investigators have followed up on multiple leads which have all led to dead ends.

A FIVE THOUSAND DOLLAR CASH REWARD will be paid to anyone that can provide information that leads to Longoria’s whereabouts or leads to a Grand Jury indictment of the person or persons responsible for her disappearance. To be eligible for the CASH REWARD, the caller must call Crime Stoppers at 830-769-2255. When you call Crime Stoppers, you will not be asked your name. Remember, Crime Stoppers guarantees that you may remain anonymous.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for one week only for information that leads to this missing person. 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

Youth Camp Scholarships

The Medina Valley Soil & Water Conservation District is offering scholarships to students from Medina County who are accepted to attend the Texas Brigades or the Youth Range Workshop.

The Texas Brigades is a wildlife-focused leadership development program for high school youth (ages 13-17). There are six different camps: Bass Brigade, Coastal Brigade, Bobwhite Brigade, Buckskin Brigade, Ranch Brigade, and Waterfowl Brigade. During the five-day camps, participants will be introduced to habitat management, hone their communication skills, and develop a land management ethics. The state’s leading wildlife and fishery biologists and land managers serve as instructors and mentors. In addition to learning animal anatomy and behavior, botany, nutrition, habitat management, population dynamics, etc., students will develop valuable leadership skills. Participants will practice public speaking and media skills. High school students interested in biology, conservation, leadership, or just appreciate the outdoors should consider applying to one of these camps. The application deadline is March 15, 2025. For more information, visit www.texasbrigades.org.

Continue reading “Youth Camp Scholarships”

Sessions Court gets special marking Dedication this Friday night

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Each member of the Sessions family left their mark on not only Devine Independent School District but this entire community. Don, Gayle, Neva, and Jim Sessions all dedicated their lives to ensuring those that they came into contact with knew what it meant to represent themselves as an Arabian, a Warhorse, or any part of a DHS class or organization.
The family of four spent over a century enriching young people’s lives.
The DISD School Board voted unanimously to honor the Sessions Family with the renaming of the court inside the Devine Student Activities Center to “Sessions Court” two months or so after the October 23, 2024 passing of Athletic Director and Head Girls Basketball Coach Jim Sessions.
The official dedication is on Friday, January 31 prior to the Arabian tipoff against visiting Pearsall. Those wishing to attend should arrive between 5:30pm and 5:45pm to ensure they are able to witness this special occasion.
Special thanks
Butch Cook, owner of Image Matters/South Texas Trophies in Devine, donated the special “Sessions Court” marking on the floor inside the DSAC.
It is truly a beautiful marking that will bring back so many wonderful memories of one or more members of the Sessions family to those that watch any kind of sporting event or school function from this day forward.
Mr. Cook stated, “It was an honor for us to be a part of installing the Sessions family name on the court and the recognition for them was well-deserved. I have known them for 50 years in many ways as my teachers in school; Don drove my school bus when I was in high school; each of them were loyal customers for our business; Jim and I played basketball together and also officiated basketball together; I served on several school committees with Neva and the list goes on. You and I worked together on getting the court named in their honor and I’m so glad it happened.”
Thank you, Mr. Cook, and to all of those who helped make the wonderful marking for Sessions Court.

Karen Jenkins

Karen Jenkins, 71, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Christus Santa Rosa Westover Hills Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. She was born on July 2, 1953, in San Antonio, Texas.
Karen and Garry were married on June 21, 1969, in Pearsall, Texas. She had her Dietary Management and Activities certification for her positions at the Retama facilities and The Heights of Pleasanton, Texas where she worked many years and took pride in caring for others.
She is preceded in death by her husband Garry Lee Jenkins who passed in 2022, 4 siblings (3 brothers and 1 sister), and her parents Ben F. Brister and Lucille Ozell Brister.
She is survived by 3 children: son Earl Jenkins of Atascosa Co., son Ronnie Jenkins (wife Lindsay) of Atascosa Co., and daughter Jody Seiler (husband Wayne) of Medina Co., 9 grandchildren (7 grandsons and 2 granddaughters), 12 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, and nephews.
Graveside service with inurnment will be held for Karen and Garry Jenkins on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Rutledge Cemetery in Poteet, Texas.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so by visiting www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas, 78016, (830) 663-4445.

Benito (Benny) Fernandez Cortez

Benito (Benny) Fernandez Cortez of Devine passed away January 11, 2025, at the age of 93. Benny was born in Big Wells, Texas.
Benny is preceded in death by his wife Anita Cortez, son Benito Cortez Jr., parents Francisco Cortez and Cleotilda Fernandez Menchaca, sister Mary Cortez Gallegos, and brother Manuel P. Menchaca.
Benny is survived by his daughter and son, Anna Ortiz (Rudy), Pete Cortez (Melissa), grandchildren Erica Camacho (Jeremy), Jessica Rodriguez (Everett), Nathan, George, Liz and Merci Cortez. Great-grandchildren Isaiah, Jacob, Alexandria Camacho, Aubrey Rincon, sister Olivia Jaramillo and brother Jesus J. Menchaca Jr. Benito, also known as “Benny” proudly served in the United States Marines for four years, achieving the rank of Lance Corporal.
Benny was a combat veteran of the Battle on the “Hook” during the Korean War and was honored with numerous medals, including the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, UN Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal, reflecting his commitment to service and integrity.

Continue reading “Benito (Benny) Fernandez Cortez”

Susie (Jeannette) Savage

Susie (Jeannette) Savage was born on January 4, 1970, in Pearsall, TX. She is survived by her son, Avery Savage and Christina; her mother, Jimmie Fay Savage; her late father, Gary Savage; her sisters Terrie Bloodworth (Crestview, FL), Sharron and Mark Friedel (La Grange), Jennifer Savage (Devine); her brother Gary and Deann Savage (Canyon Lake); and her partner Tim Cates. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Reagan, Evelyn, and Amelia, as well as numerous nephews and nieces, including Joey Holmes, Summer Thomas, Kaleb Friedel, La Niece (TuTu girl) Williamson-Rush, Trace Savage, Logan Savage, Ian Moore, McKinze Savage, Brinley Savage, and 11 great-nieces and nephews.
Susie was a 1988 graduate of Devine High School and a 1992 graduate of Palo Alto College. She was a loving daughter, sister, grandmother, and aunt. A faithful believer in God, Susie had an unwavering love for her family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring, with details to be announced at a later date.
May she rest in peace and may we all give God the glory in her honor. We love you, Susie.

Maria “Mary” Sanchez Gallegos

In Loving Memory of Maria “Mary” Sanchez Gallegos, 8/14/1938-1/4/2025

It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of Maria Sanchez Gallegos. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the age of 86 years old. Mary lived a full and beautiful life. She embraced her life as a homemaker, always making sure her family was taken care of. She enjoyed being outdoors, going to the coast, journaling, cooking and having family over.
She is survived by her brother Jose Sanchez, son Juan (John) Chavera and wife, Rena Chavera; grandchildren Heather Whitaker and husband, Marshal Whitaker; Stefan Chavera; Christiana Howton and husband, Everett Howton; Kimberly Chavera and husband, Joshua Nixon; great-grandchildren Zander Howton; Kailey and Kylie Nixon; Orion Howton; Peyton Whitaker, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband Joe Gallegos; daughter Hilda Chavera; son Mario Chavera; parents Inez and Isabel Sanchez; siblings Hipolito Sanchez, Domingo Sanchez, Jesus Sanchez, Robert Sanchez, Emma Perez, Rosa Alaquinez, and Elvira Puente.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mary’s life and the love she shared. Rosary will be held on February 7, 2024 at 9:30 am at the St. Joseph’s Parish Catholic Church in Devine with a funeral service to begin at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at the Devine St. Joseph Cemetery.

Lytle Police Report

Tuesday, January 21
7:38 AM Ofc. A. Lopez / Capt. Dear – Assist Lytle VFD – Whataburger (19500 Blk. McDonald St.) Officer responded to assist with a report of smoke in the building from a heater belt.
9:27 AM Ofc. A. Lopez / Cpl. Robison / Sgt. D. Lopez – Business Alarm – McDonald’s (14800 Blk. Lytle-Somerset St. Officers responded to an active alarm. Everything was okay.
3:15 PM Ofc. A. Lopez – Traffic Accident – IH 35 Frontage Rd. @ FM 3175. Officer responded to a two-vehicle accident with reported injuries.
3:45 PM Cpl. Robison – Property Release – Lytle PD
Officer released personal property to the owner from a previous case.
3:50 PM Ofc. A. Lopez – Vehicle Unlock – HEB Plus (19300 Blk. McDonald St.)
The officer responded to unlock a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe.
4:32 PM Ofc. A. Lopez / Capt. Dear / Sgt. D. Lopez – Disturbance – Criminal Mischief –
McDonald’s (14800 Blk. Lytle-Somerset St.) Officers responded to a verbal disturbance. Upon arrival, a lady was arrested for Criminal Mischief for damaging a kiosk monitor and was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
Wednesday, January 22
4:59 AM Ofc. Cortez / Ofc. Reyes – Open Door – (15300 Blk. Main St.) Officer discovered an open door while performing business checks. The business was checked and secured.
7:56 AM Ofc. Diaz – Unlock Vehicle – 15000 Blk. Adams St. Officer unlocked a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado.

Continue reading “Lytle Police Report”

Mustang powerlifters compete in Dilley Corona wins gold; Lacy, Rodriguez, & Najera medal

Mustang powerlifter Daniel Corona prepares to squat in Dilley.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
The Mustang powerlifting team traveled to Dilley on January 22 to compete in the Wolves Invitational.
Natalia placed 5th overall finishing with 20 points.
Daniel Corona earned a gold medal in the 220lb division with a total lift of 1,115 pounds.
Ethan Rodriguez took silver in the 242lb class with a total lift of 1,030 pounds while Joseph Lacy and Roger Najera each took bronze in the 148lb and 220lb divisions, respectively.
Team standings
1st Dilley 48, 2nd Lytle 35, 3rd Devine 33, 4th South San Antonio 33, 5th Natalia 20, 6th Carrizo Springs 6.
Mustang results (Lifter-Class-Place-Squat-Bench-Deadlift-Total)
Joseph Lacy-148lb-3rd-195-100-240-535; Charlie Cisneros-165lb-7th-225-200-270-695lbs; Timothy Key-181lb-7th-355-225-385-965lbs; Caleb Guttendorf-198lb-6th-405-235-405-1,045lbs; Pilar Valadez-198lb-9th-335-210-345-890lbs; Dalton Scott-198lb-11th-275-215-350-840lbs; Fernando Bautista-198lb-12th-340-185-310-835lbs; Daniel Corona-220lb-1st-405-305-405-1,115lbs; Roger Najera-220lb-3rd-400-280-405-1,085lbs; Ethan Rodriguez-242lb-2nd-365-240-425-1,030lbs; Dominic De Luca-242lb-4th-360-215-365-940lbs.