By Anton Riecher
Three individuals to be honored with the upcoming Lytle’s Annual Citizenship Awards for 2025 were named Monday during the Lytle City Council meeting.
Announced by District 4 Alderman Michael Rodriguez, the three honorees named include Joshua Walker, Pam McCall Wanjura and Jesse Camarillo.
The Annual Citizenship Awards Committee (ACAC) is responsible for recognizing individuals, businesses, and organizations that demonstrate outstanding service and contributions to the community. The committee reviews nominations, selects recipients, and helps coordinate the presentation of awards at public events, promoting civic pride and encouraging community involvement.
Walker is being recognized as honorable mention for an individual from outside the Lytle city limits. Wanjura is named in the adult category over age 19. Camarillo will receive the lifetime achievement award for 10 years or more of demonstrated cumulative service to the community.
Rodriguez said he wanted to particularly recognize the annual citizenship award committee for their work this year.
“They always step up,” he said.
The presentation of the award is scheduled for the next Lytle City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8
In other business, the council voted unanimously to appoint Jourdanton Justice of the Peace Orlando Carrasco to serve as Lytle’s associate municipal court judge effective immediately. Mayor Ruben Gonzalez explained that Carrasco serves as “plan B” in the event that Municipal Judge Gerry Elias proves unavailable.
Carrasco’s location in the Atascosa County seat makes his appointment convenient in the event papers must be served, City Administrator Zachary Meadows said.
Author: admin
Alsatian Pioneers host workshop
On November 20 at 4 o’clock at the Castroville public library, the Alsatian Pioneers hosted a workshop facilitated by Andrea Christman. The workshop was attended by 12 members and one prospective member. Mrs. Christman, the Registrar for the chapter, gave guidance on completing Daughters of the Republic of Texas forms for supplemental applications. It was a two hour workshop and covered the actual forms, websites, with ‘how to hints’ in locating the genealogical data necessary for completing the form. Members were surprised at how much genealogical data was available on the Internet. Other brick and mortar locations that house list and actual documents were also discussed. At the end of the session all were happy that they attended.
Local residents receive certification of recognition
Devine Chamber of Commerce president Cynthia Sultenfuss receives a certificate of recognition from Mayor Butch Cook in honor of a successful 2025 Cactus Festival. (Photo by Anton Riecher)
Devine Mayor Butch Cook, left, presents a certificate of recognition to Devine High School student William Edgmon who recently competed at the National Sporting Clays Event. Edgmon has been selected for the Texas 4-H Shooting Sports Team. (Photo by Anton Riecher)
Santa Claus is Coming to Town Dec. 6, shop at Christmas Market & dance the night away
Santa and Mrs. Claus are visiting Devine Texas. They are making a special appearance at the Devine VFW Post 3966 Christmas Market. The Claus’ will arrive at 11:45 am on 6 Dec 2025. When they arrive, they will be sporting a 30-foot, 12-ton, high-torque, fire-engine red sleigh! Santa will be taking toy requests from the good little girls and boys and handing out candy canes. If you have any doubt that its really Santa; go ahead and pull on his beard–but I warn you, it might knock you off of the “nice” list.
Santa’s visit is part of this year’s VFW Post 3966 Christmas Market which will include traditional Christmas music, eats, drinks, and local vendors selling unique creations. The Christmas Market begins at 10 am and goes until 6 pm. In addition to Santa’s visit, there will be performances by Folklorico dance group and the Devine High School Band.
Following the Christmas Market, the VFW will be hosting the extremely popular band; Small Town Habit. Music and dance will begin at 8 pm. The VFW is offering a special Holiday Package, which includes: A reserved table for six; a bucket of six beverages; and six admission wrist straps for just $125. The number of tables are limited, so if you are interested is reserving one please contact James at (210) 882-7689.
In memory of Milagro “Millie” Marie Davalos
Milagro “Millie” Marie Davalos (2015–2025), beloved “sister” and self-appointed queen of the Davalos household, passed peacefully after a long and distinguished career of dramatic sighing, intense side-eye, and begging for snacks she absolutely did not need.
Found mysteriously lurking in a shrub in front of Mom’s house in 2015, Millie marched inside as though she’d lived there her entire life—and the family simply accepted their new overlord.
Famous for her bulging eyes that somehow expressed shock, judgment, and hunger all at once, Millie mastered the art of looking surprised by even the most predictable events. She also leaves behind a snore that will echo in family legend for generations.
She is preceded in death by her cherished canine nephews: UNO, Luke, Vinny, Charlie and Ralphie.
Millie is survived by her devoted parents, Juan and Betty Davalos; her four human sisters; four brother-in-laws; and numerous nieces and nephews who adored her—even when she judged them silently from across the room.
May she rest in peace, forever chasing imaginary crumbs and watching over the family with those unforgettable, wide-eyed stares.
Margaret Elizabeth Dennis
Margaret Elizabeth (Newton) Dennis was born to Clyde and (Lara) Lydia Newton on January 28, 1941 in Drexel, North Carolina and went to be with the Lord on November 15, 2025.
Married to the late Keith Dennis, her loving husband of 62 years, Margaret was the beloved matriarch of a large family including her 4 children (Randall, Angela, Laura, and Lisa) along with 13 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. She loved her family fiercely.
Margaret was a woman of profound faith. She shared the gospel and her love of God with the world through her beautiful singing. She was the Music Minister at Redemption Baptist Church for nearly 50 years as well as a Sunday School teacher. She shared Jesus with everyone she came in contact with and is now walking down those streets of gold in His presence alongside her darling husband Keith, two of her children (Randall Dennis and Angela Carter), and countless loved ones who have gone on before.
Margaret is survived by daughters Laura West (husband John West) and Lisa West (husband Louis West), sister Coleen Brackett, brother Ray Newton (his wife Wanda Newton), sisters-in-law Christine Newton and Greta Newton, all her many grandchildren, great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and nieces and nephews.
Services will be held December 2, 2025 at Redemption Baptist Church in Devine, Texas with Visitation beginning at 8:00am and the Funeral Service following at 11:00am. Interment will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2:30pm.
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, 14822 Main Street, Lytle, Texas, 78052, (830) 709-0698.
Carolyn Mae Hazard
Carolyn Mae Hazard, 77, of New Braunfels, Texas went to be with the Lord on November 12, 2025 in New Braunfels. She was born February 11, 1948 in San Antonio, Texas to Ollie and Annie (Ouzts) Bassett.
Carolyn was raised in Devine, TX and graduated from Devine high school in 1966. She moved to San Antonio and worked for the Office of Personnel Management until she retired in 1995. She met her husband, Don, at church and they got married on April 3, 1968. She and Don were married 55 years until his passing in November of 2023. She was a caring and selfless wife, mother, and grandmother whose deep love for her Lord Jesus Christ guided every aspect of her life. Carolyn had a sincere desire for others to understand the gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus, and she shared that hope generously with all who knew her.
Carolyn will be remembered for her joyful personality that brightened the lives of her family and friends. A gifted quilter, Carolyn created many beautiful quilts throughout her life. She cherished the time she spent with her friends and the fellowship they shared.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Don, her mother Annie and father Ollie Bassett, her sister Jennifer Bassett, and her brother Jodie Bassett.
She is survived by her daughters, Lisa (Keith) Dunn of New Braunfels, Texas and Lauren (Andrew) Jennings of Burleson, Texas, as well as her brother Ron (Gloria) Bassett of Lubbock, TX, and sister-in-law Debbie Bassett of Boerne, TX. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Nick (Michelle), Zack, and Emily Dunn, and Anna, Ethan, and Luke Jennings as well as great-grandchild Michael Dunn.
A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, November 24 at 10:00 AM at Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home in New Braunfels. The committal service will follow at 12:00 PM at Hill Country Memorial Gardens in New Braunfels.
Laura Fern Brown
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Laura Fern Brown of Devine, Texas, on November 22, 2025.
She was born in Devine, Texas on July 30, 1938 to parents Rayburn Ray and Elizabeth Allena Cadenhead. Laura was a kind and gentle spirit that was very involved in her church and had a strong relationship with Christ. She loved the Cowboys and the Spurs!
She is preceded in death by her parents, Rayburn Ray and Elizabeth Allena Cadenhead, and her beloved husband, Larry Allen Brown.
Laura is survived by her daughters, Lou Anne Frazier (Chris), Sherri Kelly (Mike), siblings; Billy Rhea, Betta, and Mary; grandchildren, Shawn and Fiance, Ashley, Nathan (Shannon), Jessica (Miguel), Ryan (Sarah), Isaiah, Jonathan. She will also be missed by her great grandchildren, Adan, Aaron, Amber, Tristan, Jacob, Caleb, Kaesan, Rylee, Aria, Camilla, and Norah.
There will be a visitation held in her honor on Wednesday, December 3rd from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas. A funeral service will be celebrated on December 4th at 10:00am at First Baptist Church of Natalia, Texas. Her interment will be held at 2:00pm at Mission Burial Park South in San Antonio, Texas.
If you would like to share a memory or express your condolences, please do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com
Local Police Report
Natalia Police Report
11/19/2025 – Officer responded to Miller Street and Hwy 132 for Public Intoxication (Pedestrian)
11/20/2025 – Officer dispatched to a vehicle trapped on the Railroad Tracks at Hwy 132 and FM 471 South.
11/20/2025 – Officer responded to Love’s Truck Stop regarding a Minor Accident.
11/20/2025 – Officer dispatched to 3rd Street and Miller Street for a Suspicious Person.
11/22/2025 – Officer responded to 400 block of Mustang Rd. for a Disturbance.
11/24/2025 – Officer took into custody a Wanted Individual on FM471 and 9th Street.
Lytle Police Report
Monday, November 17
12:30 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to unlock a 2006 Ford F-150.
8:05 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of an unwanted homeless female on the property.
10:24 AM – 15000 Blk. Adams St. – Officer responded to an 18-wheeler stuck in a complainant’s yard.
2:37 PM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to unlock a 2005 Ford F-150.
3:00 PM – Lytle PD – Officer located a small charm bracelet in the rear of the patrol unit.
3:15 PM – 19500 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to a report of a male with a Criminal Trespass Notice, leading to the arrest of a 39 year old male. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
5:00 PM – 19300 Blk. S. Somerset St. – Officer assisted with traffic control at the church food bank distribution.
6:26 PM – 18100 Blk. W. FM 2790 – Officer responded to a 911 hang-up and found everything was okay.
7:10 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
7:58 PM – IH 35 SB @ MM 133 – Officers responded to a report of a reckless driver and were unable to locate the vehicle.
10:37 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to assist with a welfare check. The male was okay.
Tuesday, November 18
5:59 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a homeless male in the roadway.
12:45 AM – 63200 Blk. SH 132 – Officer responded to a report of an unruly customer.
3:16 PM – 14600 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer conducted a follow-up on an open investigation.
3:18 PM – 20000 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to unlock a 2001 Ford F-150.
4:00 PM – 100 Blk. Wainright St. (SA, TX) – Officers responded outside the city limits of Lytle for a follow-up in an investigation.
5:26 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 200 Blk. Pinn Rd. – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist with an emergency detention.
7:15 PM – 17900 Blk. Wisdom Rd. – Officers responded to a 911 hang-up call and found everything was okay.
8:25 PM – IH 35 Frontage Rd. @ Bruce St. – Officers responded to a report of an alleged accident that occurred hours before the PD was contacted.
Wednesday, November 19
7:03 AM – Saddle Ridge Blvd. @ IH 35 – Frontage Rd. Officers initiated a traffic stop for an expired motor vehicle registration, which resulted in the citation and release of a 27 year old male.
11:45 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2007 Saturn.
12:20 PM – 15200 Blk. Main St. – Officer provided traffic control for the Tommy Joe’s Thanksgiving plate event.
12:45 PM – Lytle PD – Officer received a phone call regarding an incident that occurred at Bill Miller’s BBQ on 11/14/2025.
6:50 PM – IH 35 Frontage Rd. @ McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a homeless male in the roadway.
10:35 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a male in the dumpster, but he was not located.
11:13 PM – 19500 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to assist a stranded motorist in jump-starting their battery.
11:31 PM – IH 35 SB @ MM 133 – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver but was unable to locate the vehicle.
Thursday, November 20
12:17 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
3:51 AM – 19900 Blk. Lonesome Dove – Officer responded
Devine Police Report
November 14
12:00PM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave E. Complainant observed on video surveillance a theft valued at $129.99 that occurred on 11/1/25. Suspect was identified.
16:13PM – Officer issued citation on Ross Ave for animal at large.
16:28PM – Complainant on SH173 called in reference to blue Ford pickup driving erratically, not maintaining lane. Officer patrolled area but unable to locate.
November 15
6:59AM – Officer dispatched to King Ave for husband and wife arguing. Parties separated.
12:10PM – Complainant on IH 35 S called in reference to black Toyota Corolla all over the road. Police located vehicle; driver was elderly male who was disoriented. Subject identified and released to daughter.
November 16
7:00AM – Complainant on Warhorse Dr called regarding a black vehicle seen driving back and forth slowly. Unable to locate.
7:18AM – Complainant on Hondo Ave W reported male and female walking along SH173. Officer made contact with both and all was okay.
10:40AM – Complainant on Teel Dr N reported he heard someone yelling. Unable to locate.
12:18PM – Officer cited male subject on IH 35 S for traffic violation.
15:57PM – Complainant on Melinda Dr. reported black plastic bag containing bones; appeared to be from a deer carcass.
16:04PM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave E for a minor accident. Driver of one vehicle cited for traffic violation.
20:03PM – Officer arrested male subject on Teel Dr S for assault causing bodily injury.
November 17
13:30PM – Officer provided traffic control on FM 1343 while Public Works repaired water main.
20:49PM – Officer assisted disabled vehicle on SH 132 while subject waited for parent to come tow vehicle home.
20:54PM – Complainant on Hondo Ave W report suspicious activity. All okay.
November 18
1:00AM – Officer dispatched to LC Martin for disturbance between caller and ex boyfriend. Juvenile threatened. Ex boyfriend jailed.
16:30PM – Officer served warrants on male subject.
19:27PM – Officer cited driver on IH 35 N for DWLI.
20:44PM – Officer dispatched to Dixon Dr. EMS crew next door could hear vehicle alarm at back lot going off. Checked the area, all appeared okay.
November 19
1:09AM – Officer dispatched to Coker Ave W for a suspicious person. Identified by police and released to his mother.
3:25AM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave E for unoccupied vehicle with bother driver’s side doors open. Located owner. Advised everything was okay.
7:43AM – Complainant on Hall Dr reported a parent was sitting in vehicle outside parking lot.
12:30PM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave W for minor accident.
13:00PM – Complainant on Oakhill Dr reported 18 wheelers parked illegally.
14:58PM – Officer cited driver on Windy Knoll for DWLI.
November 20
8:18AM – Late entry. Officer attended Bronco Breakfast at 0700 hours at Devine Intermediate School.
12:40PM – Complainant on Teel Dr noticed vehicle (2004 gray Cadillac) missing from property, taken sometime in past month. Entered as stolen.
13:05PM – Complainant on IH 35 SB report two 18 wheelers blocking turning lane on access road.
16:45PM – Officer served warrant on female subject for manufacture of marijuana out of Coweta Co So, Georgia. Sunject jailed.
20:01PM – Officer dispatched to Hester Ave for suspicious activity. Patrolled area and made contact with male subject who was about to leave.
22:15PM – Complainant on FM 376 called regarding male subject standing on bridge. Unable to locate.
