Press Release by US Attorney’s Office
Thursday, August 28, 2025–ALBUQUERQUE – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced today the seizure of two marketplace domains and one blog used to sell fraudulent identity documents to cybercriminals worldwide. The operators of VerifTools produced and sold counterfeit driver’s licenses, passports, and other identification documents that could be used to bypass identity verification systems and gain unauthorized access to online accounts.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began investigating in August 2022 after discovering a conspiracy to use stolen identity information to access cryptocurrency accounts. The investigation revealed that VerifTools offered counterfeit identification documents for all 50 U.S. states and multiple foreign countries for as little as nine dollars, payable in cryptocurrency.
The FBI used the VerifTools marketplace to generate and purchase counterfeit New Mexico driver’s licenses, which were paid for with cryptocurrency. The FBI has identified the equivalent of approximately $6.4 million of illicit proceeds linked to the VerifTools marketplace. The following counterfeit documents are an example of New Mexico driver’s licenses obtained from VerifTools.
“The internet is not a refuge for criminals. If you build or sell tools that let offenders impersonate victims, you are part of the crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “We will use every lawful tool to disrupt your business, take the profit out of it, and bring you to justice. No one operation is bigger than us together. With our partners at every level of law enforcement we will protect New Mexicans and defend those who stand up for our community.”
“The removal of this marketplace is a major step in protecting the public from fraud and identity theft crime,” said Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Division. “Together with our partners, we will continue to target and dismantle the platforms that criminals depend on, no matter where they operate.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.
The FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance.
The Justice Department collaborated closely with investigators and prosecutors from multiple jurisdictions in this investigation, including the District of New Mexico, Eastern District of Virginia, the Dutch National Police and the Netherlands Public Prosecution Service.
Author: admin
PAST DHS CHEERLEADERS/MASCOTS/PEP SQUADS INVITED TO HOMECOMING 2025
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1983-83 DEVINE VARSITY CHEERLEADERS & MASCOT: Cindy Langley, Rhonda Edwards, Mikki McGinnis, Charie Boyd, Monica Trollinger, Kirsten Schneider and Suzanne Crouch
All former Devine Cheerleaders, Mascots, and Pep Squad members are invited to this year’s Homecoming on Friday, Sept. 26 at the HC football game and on Saturday, Sept. 27th at the annual HC social sponsored by the Devine Ex-Student/Teacher Association at the VFW.
On Friday night sit at the south end of the home stands with other former DHS spirit squad members to relive memories of your own nights cheering on the Warhorses & Colts in past years. During the second quarter the announcer will call for all former Devine Cheerleaders, Mascots, & Pep Squad members to stand or wave to be recognized and honored for their past leadership to your school!
At 1:00pm on Saturday, come on over to the VFW hall at 211 W. College Ave. to the annual DExSTA Homecoming Social and festivities! There will be plenty of cheer & pep squads and mascots to see, with megaphones and pom poms galore! All former cheering squads will be individually introduced and honored for their leadership and contributions to the traditional DEVINE WARHORSE – ARABIAN – COLT – FILLY – SPIRIT! Group Photos will also be taken for the paper and the DExSTA Facebook page.
See you at HC 2025!
RUNNING OUT: TEXAS’ WATER CRISIS
Texas is running out of water. Here’s why and what state leaders plan to do about it.
The state’s water supply faces numerous threats. And by one estimate, the state’s municipal supply will not meet demand by 2030 if there’s a severe drought and no water solutions are implemented.
BY ALEJANDRA MARTINEZ AND JAYME LOZANO CARVER, GRAPHICS BY CARLA ASTUDILLO AND YURIKO SCHUMACHER
See the full article on texastribue.org
MARCH 13, 2025
Texas officials fear the state is gravely close to running out of water.
Towns and cities could be on a path toward a severe shortage of water by 2030, data compiled in the state’s 2022 water plan by the Texas Water Development Board indicates. This would happen if there is recurring, record-breaking drought conditions across the state, and if water entities and state leaders fail to put in place key strategies to secure water supplies.
At risk is the water Texans use every day for cooking, cleaning — and drinking.
State lawmakers are debating several solutions, including finding ways to bring new water supply to Texas, and dedicating more money to fix dilapidated infrastructure.
For most other Texans, however, the extent of their knowledge of where water comes from is the kitchen faucet and backyard hose. But behind every drop is a complicated system of sources, laws and management challenges.
So, where does Texas get its water? Who owns it? And why are we running out? Let’s break it down.
Where does Texas get its water?
Texas’ water supply comes from two main sources:
Groundwater makes up 54%. It is water that is stored underground in aquifers.
Surface water makes up 43%. It is water from lakes, rivers and reservoirs.
Texas has nine major aquifers and 22 minor ones. They are large formations underground made of sand, gravel, limestone and other porous rocks. The formations act as giant tubs that hold and filter the water.
The largest is the Ogallala Aquifer underneath the Panhandle and West Texas. It is also the biggest aquifer in the U.S., and Texas shares it with seven other states. It’s a lifeline for farms and ranches in the Texas High Plains. However, overuse is rapidly depleting it.
Another major source is the Edwards Aquifer, which provides drinking water to San Antonio and the surrounding Hill Country.
The state also gets water from 15 major river basins and eight coastal basins, lakes, and more than 180 reservoirs. Reservoirs are man-made lakes created by damming rivers to store water for drinking, agriculture and industry. Like aquifers, they are not endless supplies — water levels can depend on rainfall. And climate change, which alters precipitation patterns, leads to more droughts and fluctuating water levels. Major surface water sources include the Rio Grande, Colorado River, and reservoirs like Lake Travis in Austin and Toledo Bend in East Texas.
Does water supply vary region by region?
Yes, and where you get your water from depends on where you live. Groundwater is not equally available across the state. As water expert Carlos Rubinstein puts it: “People don’t all live next to rivers, and the aquifer isn’t a bathtub with the same amount of water everywhere. Rocks and sand get in the way.”
For example, people living in Lubbock get their water from several sources — two water well fields, Lake Meredith and Lake Alan Henry. Texans living in Fort Worth get their water from mostly surface water sources — lakes, reservoirs and the Trinity River.
Is my city going to run out of water? How can I check?
Since water supply varies by region, the Texas Tribune created an address-search tool. This tool shows where your local water supply comes from and what supply and demand projections look like for the future.
The tool also explains how you can get more involved in water planning. This can be by attending meetings with regional groups who plan for water needs and use, providing public comments to the water development board as they draft new water plans, or by reaching out to lawmakers.
Devine’s Fall Festival Sat. Nov. 1, Carnival 4 days Wed-Saturday
We’re thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Devine Cactus Fall Festival—our largest and most anticipated event of the year! This two-day, family-friendly celebration will take place on Friday, October 31st and Saturday, November 1st, 2025, in downtown Devine as usual.
This year’s festival will be packed with live music, food trucks, artisan vendors, local organizations, games, contests, family activities, and more—drawing hundreds of attendees from Devine and surrounding areas.
Whether you’re a returning vendor, nonprofit, school club, or a new business, we’d love to have you be part of this exciting community event!
Event Details
Dates: Friday, October 31st (Evening Halloween Celebration) and Saturday, November 1st (Full-Day Festival)
Location: Highway 173 & Bright Street, Downtown Devine
Times: Friday 31st 2 pm-10 pm and Saturday 1st 8 am-12am
Friday night will focus on Halloween fun! All participating vendors are required to bring candy for trick-or-treaters—costumes and themed booths are encouraged!
Booth spaces are limited and will be assigned on a first-confirmed basis, spots are not guaranteed.
How to Apply:
Attached to this email is the official festival application, which includes booth fees, guidelines, policies, setup instructions and other important information. Please complete and return the application as soon as possible.
Note: Application review and approval may take up to 2 weeks. Once your application is reviewed, we will personally email you.
Price details are included on the form—booth spots are not reserved until payment is received, spots are NOT guaranteed.
Special Notes:
All food vendors must comply with Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) and Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) regulations, including any required permits, labeling, licensing, and certifications.
Cottage Food Vendors must follow Texas Cottage Food Law. Products must be non-potentially hazardous, made in a home kitchen, and properly labeled. A food safety training course is required.
Hot Food Vendors must have all appropriate permits and operate from an approved facility. This includes food trucks, trailers, or booths serving food that requires temperature control.
Cactus Fall Festival Application- email us for a copy of it.
We can’t wait for another amazing Cactus Festival and look forward to showcasing all the talent, creativity, and community spirit that makes Devine so special.
“If you have any questions or need assistance with the application, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m happy to help!” Savannah Kendrick, Devine Market Association Secretary.
Email: DevineMarketAssociation@gmail.com
Local rapper to be featured on iheart, releasing “So Throwed” album this Sept.
“Vanilla Gorilla”, aka Jason Keown of Devine, describes himself as a rap artist with a country twist. His album “So Throwed” will be released on September 30 on all platforms, and he will perform a song on iheart radio Blazin420 WPAM live pay per view event on Sept 22. His new single “ In The Barrio” featuring So San Antone will be released at the iheart event.
Dianna Lee Brown
July 1, 1945 – August 29, 2025
Natalia
Listen to Obituary
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Dianna Lee Brown of Natalia, Texas. Dianna was in Natalia, Texas on July 1st, 1945, and passed August 29th, 2025 in San Antonio Texas.
Dianna was one of a kind; sweet, loving, giving, and kind hearted. She never had a bad word to say about anyone. To know her was to love her.
She is preceded in death by her parents Doris and Doli Richardson, and father, Forrest Antrim, as well as her brothers, Gary Richardson, and Woody Richardson.
Dianna is survived by her husband and best friend of sixty years, Charles Brown; daughter, Tiffany Brown; and son, Chuck Brown (Vanessa). She will be missed greatly by her five grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren, as well as multiple nieces, nephews, and friends.
Services will be held Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas.
A public viewing will be held in her honor on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. with a Funeral Service on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025 from 10 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Moore Memorial Cemetery. If you would like to express your condolences, or share a memory, you may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com
Funeral Arrangements are under the care of Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas. 303 West College Ave, Devine, Texas 78016.
Mary Roach
October 11, 1950 – August 29, 2025
Mary Roach, age 74, passed away on August 29, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas.
Born on October 11, 1950, in San Antonio, Texas, Mary was the daughter of Refugia and Niebes Alfaro and one of eleven children. She graduated from Lytle High School in Lytle, Texas, and went on to build a 24-year career as a loan officer with Washington Mutual. Following her retirement, she devoted over 10 years to babysitting nine wonderful children of family friends and neighbors, forming bonds that lasted a lifetime.
On July 31, 1983, Mary married the love of her life, Douglas Roach. Together, they shared 42 years of marriage and raised their daughter, Jessica. For over four decades, they lived on the same street, where they built lasting friendships with neighbors who became like family.Mary is survived by her husband, Douglas Roach; daughter, Jessica Lyro, and son-in-law, Matthew Lyro; and her cherished grandson, Cole. She was a proud grandmother who never missed a chance to share how much joy Cole brought to her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Niebes and Maria Alfaro; and siblings Antonio “Tony” Alfaro, Raymond Alfaro, Julio Alfaro, Tacho Alfaro, Cipriano Alfaro, Mary Ann Gomez, Leonard Alfaro, Frank Alfaro, and Nieves Alfaro. She is survived by her brother, James Alfaro.
Affectionately known as “Aunt VC” to her many nieces and nephews, Mary will be remembered for her infectious laugh, warm hugs, and deep love for family and friends. She found joy in sewing, babysitting, and sharing funny stories, but above all, her daughter and grandson were the true light of her life.
Visitation will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. with a Rosary recited at 6:30 P.M. at Primrose Funeral Services of Lytle, Texas. Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. with interment to follow in Lytle Community Cemetery. If you are able and would like to honor Maria by wearing her favorite color, purple, to her services, it would be greatly appreciated.
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.
Sandra “Sandy” Laverne Rogers
August 31, 1948 — August 29, 2025
Sandra Laverne “Sandy” Rogers of Devine passed away peacefully in San Antonio at the age of 76. Sandy was born on August 31, 1948 in San Antonio. She is preceded in death by her parents William David Pennington and Lucille Georga Bazar. She is survived by her husband of 53 years of marriage to Fred Coy Rogers, sons Lance (Shari) Rogers, David (Mel) Rogers, Shane Rogers, Chris (Shana) Rogers, daughters Brandy (Martin) Perez, Rebecca (Joe) Williams. Grandkids Jessica, Colin, Jarred, Mason, Dalton, Makayla, Dylan, Daley, Cora, Meagan, and Luke.
Sandy was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She loved to craft and volunteer her time at the IBEW union with lunch plannings and hall decorating. She was press secretary for the Retiree’s club for many years. She loved to craft and bake. She had a passion for her crafts, always working on new ideas and crafts for all the holidays. She was a waitress at Triple C for 8 years where she made some great friendships with co workers and customers. After Triple C she stayed home to watch her grandkids.
Sandy had a warm heart and her door was always open for everyone. She was always cooking for her grandkids and their friends. She would always go watch her grandkids in any event they were doing from sports to dancing and stock shows and graduations. She was not one to miss any of her grandkids activities.
Sandy loved going to Rockport where she would spend every summer and go to the beach every day with her husband Coy. She loved to fish and drive around in their golf cart. The Rockport Beach will be her final resting place. She loved it so much she wished for her ashes to be spread there.
Robert “Bob” Anthony Mangold
Robert “Bob” Anthony Mangold of Castroville, Texas passed away August 29, 2025 at the age of 88. He was born on August 17, 1937 in San Antonio, Texas, one of six children born to Earl Sr. and Johanna Mueller Mangold.
Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years, Paula Hoog Mangold and their three children and spouses, Robin Nunnelly (Cecil) of Spicewood, TX , Mark Mangold (Cindy) of Castroville, TX and Pam Schmidt (Gary) of Devine, TX; brothers, Earl Mangold Jr and Ronny Mangold (Janet); sister Margie Pettibon (Joe); brothers-in-law, Charles Hoog (Elaine) and Ralph Hoog (Cheri); sister-in-law, Frann Mangold Brown; grandchildren, Clark Nunnelly (Megan), Carson Nunnelly (Kali), Vince Nunnelly (Meredith), Amanda Betancourt (Phil), Brad Mangold (Kendal), Alyssa Schmidt, and Connor Schmidt; great-grandchildren, Ellie, Afton, Ryann, Matti, Jackson, Coen, and Jude Nunnelly, and Thomas and Andrew Betancourt; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents; brother, 1st Lt. Carl Mangold; sister, Mary Ann Mangold (Wiley); sister-in-law, Nancy Mangold; and parents-in-law, Tommy and Zonie Hoog.
Bob attended St. Henry’s Academy and Central Catholic High School in San Antonio before moving to the family ranch in Pearson, Texas. Bob graduated from La Coste High School in 1955. Bob married Paula Raye Hoog at St. Louis Catholic Church in Castroville on October 8, 1959. He then graduated from St. Mary’s University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Bob was introduced to the auto parts business when he worked at his dad’s store, Standard Motor Parts in San Antonio. He then worked in various sales positions before landing at McDonald Auto Supply in 1977. He excelled there and advanced to the position of Vice President of the company. With the merger of the company with Straus Frank, Bob persevered and started over, working his way up in the new company. He eventually achieved the position of General Manager/Vice President, running both the sales and warehouse divisions. When the company merged with GPI, he stayed on for three more years providing insight to new management until he retired in 2007 at 70 years old. Bob was also a member of the Automotive Wholesalers of Texas Association (AWOT) as a director and was honored in their Hall of Fame. He was known for mentoring young staff and he was loved by his customers due to his loyalty, trustworthiness and honesty. He was a strong advocate for his customers, helping them grow their businesses, which led to many lifelong friends.
Bob was also a man of faith and was very active in his church, St. Louis Catholic Church in Castroville. He taught religion classes to high schoolers, led the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) with his wife, Paula. He was chairman of the church finance committee as well as a member of the cemetery committee and worked many St. Louis Day celebrations in various capacities. He was also a member of the men’s group, the St. Louis Society for 61 years. He and Paula were recognized as Outstanding Leaders of the CYO by the San Antonio Archdiocese.
He was also involved with his community and civic responsibilities. He served on the Castroville City Council as well as the Medina Valley ISD school board in several capacities including President. He was one of the original organizers that built the Little League baseball complex in Castroville. He was the voice of the Medina Valley Panthers football team for many years and enjoyed spending summers at Medina Lake, teaching numerous local youths how to waterski.
Bob was an avid sportsman; he loved to hunt, fish and share his stories of these adventures. He also enjoyed cooking and gardening. He especially cherished the time spent with his grandchildren on these hobbies. He took great joy in watching his grandchildren in their sporting events and was honored with the Warhorse Fan of the Year award in 2017.
Bob will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in eternal peace.
Visitation will be Monday, September 8, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home with the Holy Rosary recited at 5:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at St. Louis Catholic Church. Interment will follow at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery in Castroville, TX.
Memorials may be made in Bob’s memory to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com
For the Love of Dove
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Rudy Aguero, 10 years old, was loving Dove Season last year, and like many others, he is counting down the days until it kicks off again.
AUSTIN — Despite early weather challenges, Texas dove hunters can look forward to a strong 2025 season.
Spring population surveys conducted by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) staff found mourning dove numbers continue to trend near historic highs. Combined with strong habitat conditions across much of the state, hunters should expect solid opportunities when the 2025 dove season opens Sept. 1.
Estimates place the statewide mourning dove population at 35.9 million birds, a 5 percent increase from 2024 and 28 percent above the long-term average. White-winged dove numbers dipped slightly from last year’s record but remain strong at an estimated 11.7 million, the third highest estimate on record.
“Heavy wind and rain brought on by storms that moved across parts of the state this spring likely impacted peak nesting season in hard hit areas, particularly parts of the hill country” said Owen Fitzsimmons, TPWD Webless Migratory Game Bird Program Leader. “But the milder temperatures and abundant rainfall created excellent breeding conditions across most of the state this summer. We’re in a very strong position heading into the opener.”
Fitzsimmons noted that the other benefit to the spring and summer rains is the impact to food sources for doves later in the year.
“This year, there should be plenty of preferred dove forage seeding out just in time for some late fall action in October, at the end of the first segment and into the second,” said Fitzsimmons.
Birds may still be scattered across the landscape while food and water remain widely available. As August heat dries things out, hunters are likely to find larger groups gathering at watering holes. Doves typically feed and water twice a day, so scouting their movement throughout the day is key to a successful hunt. Focus on agriculture fields or areas with native food sources like sunflower, croton and other annual forbs and grasses.
Texas is home to seven species of native doves and pigeons, including the three legal game species— mourning, white-winged and white-tipped doves.
Texas continues to lead the nation in dove hunting, accounting for 32 percent of the mourning dove and 87 percent of the white-winged dove harvest in the U.S. annually. More than 300,000 hunters take part each year, generating more than $500 million in economic activity.
TPWD reminds hunters to prepare for the early season heat. Bring plenty of water, seek shade during peak hours, watch for signs of overheating in dogs and be mindful in dense vegetation when retrieving downed birds.
The regular dove seasons are as follows:
North Zone: Sept. 1 – Nov. 9, resuming Dec. 19, 2025 – Jan. 7, 2026
Central Zone: Sept. 1 – Oct. 26, resuming Dec. 12, 2025 – Jan. 14, 2026
South Zone: Sept. 14 – Oct. 26, resuming Dec. 12, 2025 – Jan. 22, 2026
This year there will be five Special White-Winged Dove Days:
Friday, Sept. 5 – Sunday, Sept. 7
Friday, Sept. 12 – Saturday, Sept. 13
During Special White-winged Dove Days in the South Zone, hunting is allowed from noon to sunset only, with a daily bag limit of 15 birds, including no more than two mourning doves and two white-tipped doves. Starting Sept. 14 in the South Zone, the regular daily aggregate bag limit is 15 doves, which may include no more than two white-tipped doves.
Full hunting regulations are available on the Texas Outdoor Annual mobile app or online at OutdoorAnnual.com.
All dove hunters must carry:
A valid hunting license
A Migratory Game Bird Endorsement
HIP certification (survey completed during license purchase)
Additionally, anyone born after Sept. 1, 1971, must complete a hunter education course before hunting in Texas. Certification is valid for life and recognized in all states and provinces. Lack of hunter education certification and the migratory game bird endorsement rank as the two most common hunting violations during dove season.