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Water violations for City of Devine cite “failure to test”

A public notice this week details several violations relating to Devine city water that occurred last year. Most of the violations pertain to the “failure to test” over a dozen major routine contaminants. Two other violations were regarding failure to provide notice to the community. One violation was for high levels of Ecoli discovered in the LC Martin well after the well went down in the ice storm and was disconnected from the water system.
You can find details in the public notice and in this article.
The 10 page report states that the City of Devine failed to test for the following contaminants and were in violation for a 1 year period (January 2022 through December 2022) while sampling began.
“When Isamel retired and left, there was miscommunication about what reports and sampling needed to be done. To get back in compliance, they required public works to do 40 samples which we started collecting in March of 2022,” said interim City Administrator Dora Rodriguez in an interview Tuesday.
“Everything has been coming out good since we started getting samples,” Public Works Director Pete Sanchez added. “We did have some samples with Nitrate that were a little high, but not over the limit.”
The contaminants in question were: Nitrate, Trichloroethane , Dichloroethylene, Trichlorobenzene, dichloroethane, dichloropropane, benzene, chlorobenzene, styrene, Toluene, Trichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, xylenes, ethylbenzene, chlorobenzene, carbon tetrachloride, tetrachloroethylene, dichlorobenzene, and dichloromethane.
Explanations cite that it is important to monitor these levels as they are known to cause problems with liver, kidney, nervous system, circulatory system, cancer, immune system, adrenal gland, decrease in blood platelets, and/or anemia, IF any of them were to be high. Specifically, nitrate is especially dangerous for newborn babies under the age of six months as high levels can cause serious illness or death, shortness of breath or blue baby syndrome. HOWEVER, city officials assured us that none of these contaminants showed as being over the limit in this time frame, according to Rodriguez and Sanchez.
The report states that all of the reporting issues have been resolved, except the positive Ecoli samples from the LC Martin well which was found in October of 2022.
According to Rodriguez and Sanchez, per the Ecoli violation, this LC Martin well where Ecoli was detected had been out of operation since February 202–for months before the sample was taken. After the ice storm, the well went down and they disconnected it, Rodriguez said. They were hoping to get it back online but after three positive Ecoli samples, they abandoned the hope of using the well for the time being, Sanchez stated.
“It wasn’t even connected to the water system at the time of the positive samples,” Rodriguez said.
“We take samples every month for bacteria, so we are confident that there was no Ecoli when the well was in use, and it is still disconnected at this time,” Sanchez added.
Sanchez noted that the city is also testing the asbestos level every quarter voluntarily because of the ongoing construction.
Also in the report, were two violations for failure to notify consumers of high levels of LEAD (violation April 1-4, 2022) and had a public notice violation on September 2, 2022.

Devine council votes to freeze property tax rates for over 65

By Anton Riecher
By a vote of 4-0, the Devine City Council approved an ordinance to freeze property tax rates for residents over the age of 65, mirroring previous measures taken by the county and school district.
“I couldn’t be more in favor of it personally,” Mayor Butch Cook told the audience for the June 20 regular session.
On a motion by District 4 Council Member Josh Ritchey, seconded by District 2 Council Member Michael Hernandez, the council approved the ordinance stating that no Devine property owner will pay more in city property taxes than the year of their 65th birthday.
Effective beginning the 2022 tax year, the tax relief ordinance also applies to permanently disabled citizens unable to work.
District 5 council member Debbie Randall chose to abstain from the vote.
Johnette Dixon, chief appraiser for Medina County, described how the county tax freeze works.
“Whatever they would pay in 2022, anyone who is over 65 right now would pay whatever 2022 taxes were from here on out,” Dixon said. “The rate can come down but can never go above it.”
Former District 4 County Commissioner Jerry Beck spoke in support of the action, saying it meant relief from “skyrocketing appraisals.” Devine resident Bill Montgomery also spoke in support of the ordinance.
“The city isn’t going to be out any major amount of money,” he said. “The value of my property is still going to go up.”
Mayor Cook initially wanted to table the ordinance until a draft could be prepared. However, Dixon warned that it would have to be in place before the appraisal district’s tax certification scheduled for July 20. Otherwise, the tax relief would not apply until the 2023 tax year.
City Attorney Thomas Cate recommended proceeding with a vote on the ordinance to assure making the deadline.
Dixon earlier addressed the council regarding the proposed 2024 budget for the Medina County Appraisal District approved by its board of directors.
“Our 2024 preliminary budget proposal is $1,585,200,” Dixon said. “Our final budget last year was $1,559,155, which is an increase of $26,000.”
Part of the increase is the number of protest hearings scheduled by taxpayers, she said. At present, the district has nearly 4,500 protest hearings scheduled, almost 500 more than last year.
For the entire county, the 2023 preliminary taxable value issued by the appraisal district in late April totaled $309.3 million, a $32.3 million increase in value from the previous year. From that increase, the appraisal district generated an additional $159,000 in revenue.
Devine’s pro rata share of that taxable value in 2024 is $22,801, an increase of $963 from 2023
“So, of that $159,000, we are asking for $936 more dollars” from Devine to fund the appraisal district in the coming year, Dixon said.
Ritchey used the opportunity to criticize the appraisal district process.
“From what I understand, the entire appraisal process is very opaque and any disagreement with the board is met with some rather subjective opinions and response. How can we drive through this process more transparency and more objective standards in the appraisal of properties?”
Dixon said the best way to challenge any appraisal is by using comparisons with other property nearby.
“If you can find comps in your neighborhood that’s what we do,” Dixon said. “We first look in the neighborhood. If we find comps we use those. We try to get as close to the subject as possible. From that point, if there aren’t any in that subdivision directly then we can expand out to the school district and we’ll try to find something as much like the property as possible.”
On a motion by Ritchey, seconded by Pyron, the council passed the budget increase for the appraisal district.
Aside from the property tax ordinance, Ritchey placed two other items on the council agenda – consider upgraded software for governmental budgeting and review options to ease bureaucratic challenges to local building contractors. Both items were tabled.
Under software, Ritchey asked the city staff to review a possible transition to ClearGov software designed to streamline the annual budgeting process by improving the collection, creation and communication of their budgets.
The item was tabled because the city is currently taking applications for a new city administrator. Interim City Administrator Dora Rodriguez advised that the applicants may have their own opinion on which software is best for the job.
On Ritchey’s request to make challenges to contractors easier he said that a “multitude” of contractors he has talked to refuse to work in Devine.
“Their explicit feedback is the city is too difficult to work with, requiring a lot of documentation and additional inspections over what they would expect in other places,” Ritchey said.
Mayor Cook also reported similar complaints from contractors he has dealt with. However, Ritchey nor Cook were ready with what Pyron referred to as “concrete examples.”
“We need some concrete examples rather than complaints like ‘I’m just annoyed that I have to fill out this paperwork,” Pyron said.
Rodriguez said the main reason contractors are required to fill out fresh paperwork about themselves for each project is to make sure their required licensing has not expired. It was noted by Randall that the city has not had a code compliance officer for nearly two years.
Ritchey countered that he did not necessarily want to bring immediate action before the council.
“I just want to start a conversation,” he said.

Lytle to host July 4th Annual Independence Day Celebration

This year the city will be partnering with the Lytle Chamber of Commerce for Lytle’s Annual Independence Day Celebration to make the event even better. The event will take place on July 4th at the John Lott Municipal Park. There will be food trucks set up along with live entertainment from both Chuck Wimer and Matthew Ryan.  
The music and food trucks will start at 5:00 pm and last till around 8:20 pm with fireworks being the Grand Finale. We invite everyone to come out and enjoy the evening with family and friends. Don’t forget the bring your lawn chairs and dancing boots.
If you don’t want to stay for the fireworks show feel free to visit the food trucks for a great dinner option and enjoy some live music.

Welcome, Billie Bell, New CEO of Medina Healthcare System

As one of Medina Healthcare’s most tenured executives, Billie helped advance the system’s growth strategy and clinical initiatives over the years.

Hondo, Texas, June 23, 2023 — Medina Healthcare System officially welcomes Billie Bell as their new Chief Executive Officer who began her new role on June 5th, 2023.
Billie Bell succeeds Janice Simons, who announced her retirement from the Healthcare System in March. Her appointment came after an extensive selection process by the board.
“The Board and I are confident that Billie Bell will continue with the advancements of Medina Healthcare System” Tim Hardt, President of the Medina County Hospital District Board of Directors, continued. “She is a seasoned leader with significant experience working as CNO and we are lucky to have her as our next CEO.”
Billie Bell has served as Medina Healthcare System’s Chief Nursing Officer for the past 7 years. In this role, Billie has focused on building exceptional teams and strategies to deliver high quality care. As one of Medina Healthcare’s most tenured executives, Billie helped advance the system’s growth strategy and clinical initiatives, through service line expansions, a commitment to exceptional patient care, and investments in healthcare technologies. Before joining Medina Healthcare System, Billie spent 2 years at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas as a Senior Manager.
“I am honored to be chosen as the next Chief Executive Officer for Medina Healthcare System,” said Billie Bell. “By working together with my partners and colleagues, I am determined to use my role to build a stronger more cohesive healthcare system for our residents, families, and friends.”

Family transforms restaurant into a haircut hotspot

By Autumn Copeland
Hector and Felicia Garza are excited to introduce to you Hometown Cutz, a new full service barbershop located at 500 N Transportation Dr. in Devine. Their goal for their shop is to give people in the community a more affordable and caring option for men’s and boy’s haircuts and other services including waxes, hot towel shaves, beard trims, perms, and steamed facials.
Hector and Felicia are lifelong residents of Devine, high school sweethearts, and the parents of four boys- Xavier, Hector, Alonzo, and Ezekiel. Felicia worked in the food service industry at the Mexican restaurant Las Palmas from the time she was in high school until she was 32 years old. Hector worked in the oil field, but was never able to return to that line of work again after being in an accident and sustaining injuries to his arm and back.
During her time in quarantine with her family, Felicia realized she loved cutting her sons’ hair and was ready for a change in her work life. After getting the chance to go back to school, Felicia decided to attend a barber program and, with her husband’s patience and creativity, convinced him to go as well. The couple went to barber school for a year and bought the old Valdez Restaurant in November of 2022. Immediately they began to remodel the building, turning the old restaurant into a modern yet classic barbershop in six months.
“I just really want to be a big part of the community,” said Felicia. “I am for the customer. When you take care of your customers and care about your job, they take care of you in return.”
Being a mother of four boys, Felicia knows the struggles of getting haircuts with the steepening prices. She believes basic necessities such as haircuts should be affordable, so they offer child rates.
“Everybody who’s on a budget these days just can’t really afford it, so we really want to give them an affordable option,” said Felicia.
Another concern of Hector and Felicia’s is the accessibility of affordable haircuts for seniors. A 62 years and older senior citizen haircut costs $12 at the barbershop.
“What happened to the cut that went up from $8 to $12 to $15 that’s now at $35?” said Felicia. “We have senior citizen prices, we have kid prices, and regular haircut prices are affordable.
In the two weeks their barbershop has been open, Hector and Felicia have seen great support from the community. To show how much they appreciated customers giving them a chance, Hector and Felicia gave out 52 free haircuts during their first week of being open.
“If you go in with a good attitude and a positive mind, the positive outweighs the negative,” said Felicia. “Our doors are always open and we are ready to serve our community and welcome anybody.”
Hector and Felicia’s strong love of family and the bond they have with their hometown is shown through everything they do. It is truly a family business as you will often find their little helpers around the shop including their 16 year old Hector, who helps clean.
“What sets us apart is that we’re from here and we care,” said Felicia. “We care about the school, we care about the kids, we care about our community.”
Hometown Cutz is open from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
See their weekly ad in the Devine News for more information.

Stefanie Maria Vera

Stefanie Maria Vera, age 68 of Devine, Texas entered eternal rest on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. She was born on November 28, 1954, to parents Domingo and Maria Hernandez Vera in Devine, Texas.
She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Tim H. Vera, Vicente Vera, Jesus Vera, Esmeregildo Vera, Josesito Vera, Domingo Vera, Jr., sisters Lorenza Martinez, Cecilia Hernandez.
Stefanie is survived by her brother, Albino Vera, sisters Marcy Jay, Josephina Salinas, Miquelia Castillo, Romalda Vera, Lupe Moore, nephews and nieces, Anthony Vera, Joshua Vera, John Vera, John Moore, Gabriel Rene Vera, Alfonso Vera, Alvino Vera, Jr., Frankie Salinas, Lupe Vera, Vanessa Vera, Adela Moore, Connie Salinas, Mary Salinas, Elena Salinas.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 8:00 A.M. Primrose Funeral Services Chapel Devine, Texas. Rosary will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 9:00 A.M. with Mass to begin at 10:00 A.M. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Devine, Texas with interment to follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas, 78016, (830) 663-4445.

Jerry Gray Jones

Jerry Gray Jones was called to his eternal home June 26, 2023, fifty-six days after losing the love of his life, Lou Ann. Since her passing, he longed for the time that they would be together again. Jerry was born March 26, 1933 to Sam and Elsie Jones in San Antonio, TX. He graduated from Devine High School in 1950 and married Lou Ann Montgomery on May 29, 1955. They were married for almost 68 years and were blessed with four children.
After graduating high school, Jerry enlisted in the United State Air Force during the Korean War and served his country as a radar specialist from 1950 to 1954. After marrying Lou Ann, Jerry worked Civil Service and was later called into the ministry and pastored several churches throughout South Texas. As a pastor, Jerry enjoyed sharing the gospel with others at every opportunity. He was always available, day or night, whenever there was a need in the congregation or community.
Jerry loved deer hunting, traveling with Lou Ann and camping in their RV, spending time with the grandchildren, and family get togethers.
In 2018, Jerry and Lou Ann moved to Kingwood to live with their youngest daughter Betty and her husband Todd. He spent his final years there and enjoyed watching westerns on TV and spending time with 3 of his great grandchildren, Caleb, Hannah, and Molly. The family would like to express their gratitude to Susan Finley for giving up so much to care for both Jerry and Lou Ann and being a good friend to them. We are forever grateful for the loving care she gave them.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Lou Ann, his parents, Sam and Elsie Jones, brothers Edwin Jones, Thomas Jones, and Romie Jones, sisters Cleo Wheeler, Shirley Johnson, and Cherry Jones. He is survived by his brother David Maurice Jones, sister-in-law Mildred Jones, children Johnny (Karen) Jones, Carol (Mike) Newbery, Kathy (Kirby) Haertner, Betty (Todd) Rogers, grandchildren, David (Natasha) Jones, Jessica (David) Bonnet, Joey (Leslie) Newberry, Jennifer (Jason) Moseley, Amanda (Ryan) Meegan, Emily (Justin) Robinson, Bradley (Stephanie) Rogers, and Erin Flowers, 14 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 10 AM on June 30th at Primrose Funeral Home in Devine, Texas. A visitation will be held preceding the funeral beginning at 8 AM. Interment will be at the Tomerlin Cemetery.

Thomas (Tommy) David Johnson

Thomas (Tommy) David Johnson, 71, of El Campo, peacefully passed away on June 19, 2023. He was born on December 15, 1951, to Cleo Nelvin Johnson and Helen Fern Ellis Johnson. He grew up in and around Lytle, Texas with his parents and sister Sue.
After graduating high school in Lytle, Texas, he went on to play football on scholarship at New Mexico University, and then at San Angelo State. He went to work at the Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville, and then enjoyed a successful career in sales as a manufacturer’s representative with several companies, capping off his career at Team Associates in Houston.
He married Mary Helen McDonald in 1979 and had their son Hunter Thomas Johnson in 1986. Tommy and Mary enjoyed hunting together and bringing Hunter on countless road trips. During that time, he also built many friendships in El Campo. After Mary passed away, Tommy and Hunter spent several years in Houston before moving to El Campo in 2000. Soon thereafter, Tommy met Mary Williamson and they were married in 2005.
Tommy was an avid hunter, enjoying numerous hunting trips throughout his life across the United States, Canada, and Bolivia.  He loved many other outdoor activities, including fishing across the world and at his “honey hole” on the bay. He especially enjoyed spending time at the San Miguel with his family and friends.
Tommy was great at the things he loved. He was an excellent gardener, and anyone who knew him loved his tomatoes. One of his greatest gifts was his ability to tell a story. But in recent years, when Tommy became a grandfather, he found his greatest joy – his grandkids.
Tommy is preceded in death by his parents Cleo and Fern Ellis Johnson and his first wife Mary McDonald Johnson. He is survived by his wife Mary Williamson Johnson; son, Hunter Johnson and wife Elizabeth, and children James, Henry, and Catherine; daughter Laura Williamson Duncan and husband Tyson, and their children Tyson Dove and Mary Margaret; daughter Sarah Williamson Burden and husband Michael, and their children Ila and Harrell; son Thomas Williamson; and sister Cleo Sue Johnson Huntsman and husband Emet (Buster) Huntsman.
Viewing will be 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, June 23, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church, El Campo, followed by the Funeral Service with Rev. Dr. Erin McGee officiating. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the Lytle Masonic Cemetery in Lytle, Texas.
Pallbearers are Miltie McDonald Devin, Sean Huntsman, Shelley Huntsman Jones, Jay McDonald, Robert “Chico” McDonald, Touchstone McDonald, Zach Montello, Christopher Raun, Paul Schnake, Brooks Ware, Ryan Ware, and Andrew Webster.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Transplant Foundation or Ronald McDonald House.
Triska Funeral Home, El Campo,TX, 979-543-3681

Peggy E. Montgomery

July 14, 1934 – June 18, 2023
Peggy Montgomery, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend went to be with the Lord on June 18, 2023, at the age of 88. Peggy was born on July 14, 1934, to Eugene and Nina Whorton in San Antonio, Texas.
Peggy is preceded in death by her beloved daughter Teri Lynn Montgomery; both her parents and sister Evelyn McBee.
Peggy will be missed by many including her loving children Tammy McDaniel (Michael), Timothy Montgomery (Vaña), Randy Montgomery (Tammye), Ronald Montgomery (Melissa); sister Patsy Henager (Thomas) as well as 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Elmer Dale Stehle

Elmer Dale Stehle, age 72 of Leakey, Texas, entered eternal rest on Saturday, June 24, 2023. He was born on March 26, 1951, to parents, Elmer Phillip and Mary Eunice DuBose Stehle in Hondo, Texas.
Elmer is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Phillip Stehle and Mary Eunice DuBose Stehle.
He is survived by his children Troy Stehle, Traci Blackman and husband Brent, Phillip Stehle and wife Krystal, Tyla Stehle, Jessica Gutierrez and husband Matt, grandchildren Korin Ricord and husband Dillon, Alissa Stehle, Gabi Blackman, Karissa Stehle, Cayden De La Cruz, Ty Stehle, Ryan Gutierrez, Kalli Stehle and Sadie Gutierrez, siblings Lynda Johnston, Cindy Kendrick and husband Randall, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Dale was blessed by his nine grandchildren. He loved spending time with them and was extremely proud of each of them.
Dale spent his life in Devine where he served as a Texas State Trooper, and then Constable. After he retired, he enjoyed his hill country life in Leakey, Texas.
Dale loved Devine and the surrounding communities. He loved his work, and he loved sports. You could always catch him at a softball or football game telling stories and sharing words of wisdom. He also had a love for coon hunting in his younger years.
We know he has touched many lives and leaves behind many fond memories for many friends and family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Services are pending at this time. In lieu of flowers, you can make donations to the Medina County Sheriff’s Brown Santa. Please send donations to: 801 Avenue Y, Hondo, TX 78862, In Care of Cara Thomas
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016, (830) 663-4445.