Category: Events

The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign will be at the Walmart in Devine through December 24. As holiday shoppers make their way through the store, they will once again hear the familiar sound of bells ringing, inviting them to support those in need within our own community.
Our 2025 goal is $18,000.
Every dollar dropped into the Red Kettle at Walmart Devine stays right here in the local area, providing essential assistance to families and individuals who need it most during the holiday season and beyond. The generosity of Devine shoppers helps fund food, shelter, and emergency support, ensuring that our neighbors receive vital help when it matters most.
The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers to ring the bell and bring holiday cheer to the Red Kettle campaign. If you, your family, or your organization would like to participate, please contact us for more information. Your time and donations will make a meaningful difference for our community this holiday season.
Contact Dr. Cliff Redus: 830.931.1280 or Donna Trott: 210.215.7270.
You may mail a check to Salvation Army, P.O. Box 229, Devine, Texas 78016.

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.

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.

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 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.

Jerel Beaty and Evans Eads were welcomed as the newest members of the Devine Lions Club. Pictured here with Bill Herring – VP, Lewis Stroud – President and Kellen Nixon – Treasurer.

Hondo, Texas — In a heartfelt demonstration of community support, Medina Electric Cooperative has donated $500 to the Salvation Army, Devine Service Unit, to support their Emergency Disaster Distribution Center. The contribution, announced earlier this week, is aimed at strengthening the center’s ability to respond swiftly to local emergencies and natural disasters.
The Devine Service Unit of the Salvation Army operates the Disaster Distribution Center as a lifeline for families and individuals affected by unexpected crises, including storms, fires, and other emergencies. The center provides essential supplies such as water, cleaning Supplies, portable heaters, portable fans to those in need during critical times.
“Medina Electric is committed to supporting the communities we serve, especially when disaster strikes,” said a spokesperson for Medina Electric Cooperative. “We believe that by partnering with organizations like the Salvation Army, we can make a real difference and help our neighbors get back on their feet more quickly.”
The $500 donation will be used to stock the center with emergency supplies and help maintain its readiness for rapid response. According to Salvation Army representatives, contributions like this are vital to ensuring that they can continue to provide timely and effective aid when it is needed most.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of Medina Electric,” said a representative from the Salvation Army’s Devine Service Unit. “Their support enables us to better serve the community and offer hope to those going through difficult times.”
The partnership between Medina Electric Cooperative and the Salvation Army underscores the importance of local organizations working together to build a resilient and compassionate community. Residents who wish to support the Disaster Distribution Center can contact the Salvation Army’s Devine Service Unit for more information on making donations or volunteering their time.
Salvation Army, Devine Service Unit, Cindi Billebault, Chairman, P.O. Box 229, Devine, Texas 78016

The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign is set to return to Walmart in Devine from November 28 through December 24. As holiday shoppers make their way through the store, they will once again hear the familiar sound of bells ringing, inviting them to support those in need within our own community.
Our 2025 goal is $18,000.
Every dollar dropped into the Red Kettle at Walmart Devine stays right here in the local area, providing essential assistance to families and individuals who need it most during the holiday season and beyond. The generosity of Devine shoppers helps fund food, shelter, and emergency support, ensuring that our neighbors receive vital help when it matters most.
The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers to ring the bell and bring holiday cheer to the Red Kettle campaign. If you, your family, or your organization would like to participate, please contact us for more information. Your time and donations will make a meaningful difference for our community this holiday season.
Contact Dr. Cliff Redus: 830.931.1280 or Donna Trott: 210.215.7270.
You may mail a check to Salvation Army, P.O. Box 229, Devine, Texas 78016.

(Submitted by Martha Wall, LC for DECemetery and STCemetery)
Devine’s 4th National Wreaths Across America Day is less than a month away! Put Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 am, on your calendars. Come to the ceremony oak that shades Devine Evergreen and St. Joseph cemeteries and help our community carry out the Mission of Wreaths Across America to Remember, Honor, and Teach. Join the Current Events Club, families, friends and organizations – grateful Americans – and be part of an international mission taking place that day all across the United States and even around the world. Veterans buried who have ever served our country are solemnly recognized with wreaths placed on their graves. People come together to share memories, recognize the importance of veterans and their families, and talk about the sacrifices men and women have made over the centuries for our freedoms and liberties.
Sponsorships (funds) are needed to provide wreaths for the over 678 veterans who have been identified in Devine’s two WAA cemeteries. A seventeen dollar ($17) donation provides for one live, balsam wreath; your generosity helps us reach our goal so volunteers can place a wreath at every veteran grave on ceremony day. You can also volunteer by contacting a Current Events Club member. Both make this day happen right here in Devine. For more information, contact local WAA Location Coordinators Linda Kreinhop, at 830-665-6377 or luv2dancewhip@sbcglobal.net; or Martha Wall, at 210-213-5620 or marthajbwall@gmail.com. Please be sure to leave a message. You may also go to the WAA website at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/TX1147P or use the QR code provided below.
Look for an article in next week’s paper with information on ways to use our website to sponsor (fund) a wreath at other WAA cemeteries or to sign up for a wreath you’d like to take and place at another cemetery. Your sponsorships through the Current Events Club help our group support local and area non-profits. Thank you for supporting us as you honor and remember our veterans.

Lytle VFW invites you to “Honor a hero, preserve a legacy” and Support our Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post by purchasing a custom laser-engraved brick to be placed on the Memorial Wall near the flag poles at Lytle VFW.
Price: Introductory offer: $50.00 (4”x8”) or $65.00 (8”x8”) per brick if ordered by December 1st.
To place your order on-line please visit: donate.brickmarkers.com/lmvfw