By Anton Riecher
Despite a 12-hour power outage Dec. 10 at the East Medina County Special Utility District plant in Pearson none of the 5,000 people served went without water, district superintendent Bruce Alexander said.
“What really helped were capital improvements we recently made that included building a new half million gallon storage tank at plant one,” he said.
However, that tank came within a foot of being empty before water could be restored, Alexander said.
As of Dec. 14, operations at plant one and all its wells is completely restored, Alexander said.
Either late Friday or early Saturday a 150-horsepower well motor at plant one failed. Employees arriving at the scene attempted to reset the motor but it suddenly burned out instead, causing a “compounded issue,” Alexander said.
“It just literally blew fire out the side of the motor,” he said. “The surge was so great and so quick that it went through our control circuits and actually took out the electrical service coming from CPS,” Alexander said. “First we had to get CPS out to restore service and, even then, we couldn’t get out controls to work.”
Those controls operated not only the well with the burned-out motor but all the wells on site, effectively shutting down plant one, Alexander said. Fortunately, within 12 hours workers were able to get one well working to replenish the rapidly depleted water in storage.
The district took steps to make customers aware of the need to minimize water use. Besides posting a notice on the district webpage, Alexander activated an emergency communications system to alert customers via text message and email as to the progress being made.
Another capital improvement that came in handy was the district’s drive to update emergency generators at all its water plants. Prior to obtaining federal stimulus money through the county for the project, the district invested more than $200,000 in emergency generators in recent years.
“We put one in a few years ago at plant 1 and it was the system that kept power running during the big snow in 2021,” Alexander said. Enough fuel to operate five days straight is kept on site, he said.
Meanwhile, workers toiled around-the-clock to get plant one back completely back on line. Finding the needed parts for the control system alone became a daunting task, Alexander said.
“I’ve been told we were actually very fortunate to get things working because the controls we use come from California and it’s a 15-day wait to get the parts,” Alexander said. “We were able to scrounge up the parts we needed. I hate to use that phrase – scrounge up – but it is what it is.”
Replacing the destroyed motor cost $32,000 with another $10,000 spent to repair the damaged controls, Alexander said.
“This was a major issue for us but thank goodness we have the resources to cover these types of emergencies,” he said.
Category: Top News Stories
Keep up with what’s going on in Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Bigfoot and Moore areas in Medina, Frio, and Atascosa Counties.
Annual Christmas Light Decorating Contest for Hank’s Kids is underway, enter today to win $500 or $250
Deadline is Thursday, drop entry by News Office. Judging is Friday, December 16
& Saturday December 17
The annual Christmas Light Decorating Contest for Hank’s kids is underway. Register by December 12th, even if your lights aren’t up yet. Displays won’t be judged til Dec 16-17th.
There will be a 1st place prize of $500 gift card donated by DJ Carlson Bust n Burn, and $250 gift card donated by Medina Electric Coop.
Winners may choose to keep the gift card or donate it to the charity of their choice as many past winners have done, making it all the more fun!
Please make sure your lights are on both of those nights.
This contest which benefits Medina County foster children is held in memory of Pat & Kitty DuBose each year.
Register by making any small donation to Hank and submitting your address on www.devinenewsmembers.com or in person at Devine News, Charlie’s Daughter or Bon Cafe.
It isn’t about winning, it’s about Hank. For every home that enters, Medina Electric donates an extra $50 to Hank, up to $1,250.
Rainey and Jack get a Winter Wonderland courtesy of friends and family
Shoppers at local stores this Saturday will have chance of winning $1,000 in gift certificates, open late this Saturday Dec. 17 “Shop at Home MARKDOWN MANIA”
This shopping event of the year is being hosted in Devine by small town locally owned businesses all day this Saturday, December 17 as a way to say “Thank You” to customers for “Shopping at Home” and helping small businesses, while keeping safe and close to home while shopping for Christmas gifts.
The businesses will be open normal hours Saturday as usual plus staying open late until 9:00 p.m. to celebrate the Markdown Mania event with specials and refreshments.
Also known as a Sip and Shop style event some of the businesses will offer cider, or hot chocolate, or other beverages of their choice as well as door prizes and special savings during this Markdown Mania Shop at Home and Save opportunity!
Spearheading the event are Cindy Morales, Owner of A Bushel and a Peck, Margaret Greehey , Owner of Mag’s Place & Boutique, and Kathy Jaworowski, Owner of Country Gal’s Market and K.K. Calame, Owner of The Devine News.
All businesses are invited to join in on the event by hosting their own markdowns, special offers, door prizes, or drawings and late hours this Saturday, December 17. The more the merrier!
$1,000 in giveaways- Four lucky people will win a $250 gift card during the event, one at Bushel and a Peck, one at Meg’s Place & Boutique, one at Country Gals, and one at WOG (open to 8 pm) by registering at those locations during their Shop at Home Markdown Mania event all day this Saturday!
Also participating this year is Bon Cafe, 200 S Commercial, Devine until 7:00 pm with drink specials!
Other businesses may offer specials and stay open late so be sure to check out businesses around town. Each business will host their own offers and rules and drawing dates and times.
When people shop local it truly makes a difference. Many of our small town businesses were forced to close their doors during the pandemic for months and are trying to just survive and make a living. These same businesses are the many of the ones who support our schools, our stock show kids, and various non profits in our community and surrounding communities.
This event will help small business and their customers at the same time.
Our community has always opened their hearts and pocketbooks to help others in need. We are so fortunate to live in the great place we call home, Devine.
“Shop at Home MARKDOWN MANIA” event is this Saturday. Enjoy the shopping opportunities it offers, the savings, and drawings!
National Wreaths Across America Day is December 17th, volunteers getting ready
Devine’s first National Wreath Across America Day ceremony and wreath-laying event is less than two weeks away! The Current Events Club would like to thank you for your financial support and volunteer hours in these months of preparation. Thank You to the boards of both cemeteries and groundskeepers. Thank You to so many people who walked to help locate veteran graves. Thank You to friends and families who have called to sponsor a wreath for their loved ones and generously donated more for many other veterans who will be remembered. “I’d like to get a wreath for my family member,” would be followed by, “and here is money for others.” Thank You to The Devine News for working with us and to staff writer Kathleene Runnels for articles on veterans and life during times of military service to our country. Thank You to VFW Post 3966 in being hands-on in the planning and execution of our upcoming ceremony day, and for service and church groups who plan to take part. Thank You to Devine High School’s FCS classes for making posters and wreaths that are now hanging at VFW Post 3966. Thank You to Devine Intermediate for the Veteran’s Day gallery of art on display at the Veterans Day programs and welcoming us at their program. Thank You to businesses who plan to help, and to school groups and youth organizations such as American Heritage Girls and our local Girl Scouts, their leaders, sponsors, and parents. Thank You to our spouses! This could not happen without All of YOU.
Thank you!
The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember the fallen; Honor those who served; and, Teach future generations the value of our freedom because of their sacrifice. Gather at Devine Evergreen and St. Joseph Catholic cemeteries on Saturday, December 17. The ceremony begins at 11 o’clock, but you are invited to arrive early to walk the grounds and take part afterward in the laying of wreaths on almost 500 Veterans’ graves!
If you’d like to volunteer to be on mission with us, go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/TX1147P and click on “Volunteer” to register.
God Bless our Veterans and God Bless America.
Happy 84th Birthday Eddie Hutzler
Claude “Butch” Morgan and his wife and friend celebrated Eddie Hutzler’s 84th Birthday with a personal concert in front of the historic Stroud’s Blacksmith Shop where Eddie spent many years. He now resides at a nursing home in Devine, but enjoys getting out and riding around town with Claude. Photo by Butch Cook.
Annual Christmas Light Decorating Contest for Hank’s kids is underway, enter today to win $500
The annual Christmas Light Decorating Contest for Hank’s kids is underway. Register by December 12th, even if your lights aren’t up yet. Displays won’t be judged til Dec 16-17th.
Neighbor and passersby pull baby and mother out of fiery head-on collision
According to reports, 63-year-old Mrs. Maria Concepcion Michel lost her life in the tragic crash this past Thursday, November 29 on FM 1343 between Devine and Castroville. Two other adults were injured and transported to University Hospital (see crash report below).
A woman who lives nearby says she pulled a toddler out of the burning SUV right after the terrible collision when she began hearing his screams and seeing it catch fire. While she comforted the child, she stated that about six other people stopped to help. Two men were able to pull the child’s mother out of the burning vehicle as well, while emergency responders rushed to the scene near Cattleman’s Crossing and Alsatian Heights area, she said.
“I was outside when it happened,” said Tammy Hill, who saw the accident happen. “I reacted when I heard screaming and the baby crying. The car was on fire, and I reached in and grabbed the baby and got him away from the vehicle. His mom was thrown to the passenger side seat and stuck inside the vehicle. I was stopping vehicles asking if anyone had a fire extinguisher, but no one did. About six other people got out and started helping. Two men pulled the child’s mother out away from the vehicle.”
ESD 1 fire crews arrived within 10 minutes of the multiple 911 calls, they reported.
“Two patients were entrapped in one of the vehicles (the truck), while the other vehicle was catching fire. Crews worked to free both adult passengers while additional crews were extinguishing the fire.”
Community EMS and Aircare transported the two adult patients with injuries.
The official DPS report states: “A 2002 Ford Explorer, driven by Christen Roxann Vann, 31, was traveling south on SH 1343. A 2004 Toyota Tacoma, driven by Francisco Esparza-Martinez, 50, and occupied by Maria Concepcion Michel, 63, was traveling north on FM 1343. For reasons not yet known, the Explorer veered into the northbound lane and struck the Toyota. Ms. Vann and Mr. Esparza-Martinez were transported to University Hospital for treatment. Ms. Michel was transported to BAMC where she was pronounced dead. The crash is currently under investigation and all contributing factors are not yet known. DPS reminds drivers to obey traffic control devices, don’t exceed the speed limit, minimize distractions and don’t drive fatigued. The crash report will be available at Texas.gov once the investigation is completed.”
Lytle’s Annual Christmas Lighting and Santa’s Hayride set for Dec. 10th
Lytle Annual Christmas Lighting and Santa’s Hayride is set for Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 6pm at the Lytle Community Center. Admission fee for hayride is one (1) canned good or $1.00 donation per person.
Refreshments will be served. All children must be accompanied by an adult in order to go on Santa’s hayride.
“Merry on Main” a new event Dec. 9 & 10 at Devine Acres Farm, featuring
Interactive Hayride, SNOW, food & drinks
Merry on Main-
December 9 or 10 from 6 – 9pm,
Reservations only event.
New this year! An evening on the farm for the whole family to celebrate the Christmas season. Enjoy an interactive hayride, visit with Santa in Santa’s Silo (pictures are additional), make a few sticky S’Mores around the campfire. You will be serenaded by the Victorian Secrets carolers. And Grana Claus (Santa’s sister) will be singing and story-telling with all the kiddos! We will have a Nativity, too! And, hey! Did we mention that Market Square will have plenty of sparkly lights and it will be snowing on Main Street? Yep!
Merry on Main Farm admission includes pizza by the Dirt Road Cookers, hayride, campfire, live entertainment, reindeer food making for the kiddos and an atmosphere that is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit! Event Admission $31.95 (Devine Discount for Friday night Dec. 9 Merry on Main Event Save $10 per ticket with the code: MERRY (Everyone attending ages two and up need a ticket whether they eat or not) Buy date specific tickets online. Reservations only event.
Featuring Dotty and the Starry Night
A Christmas story that is set right here on Devine Acres Farm, Dotty and the Starry Night, is written by Debi Capps, the Farmer’s Wife and illustrated by local artist Kirsten Schneider. The interactive hayride at our Merry on Main event will follow the story line of this children’s book. Buy the book at Devine Acres or online at The Book Patch!
Optional purchases: Cookie decorating at The Homestead, and photo sessions with Santa. A special reminder that guests can visit with Santa for no additional fee, but a photo package is required for purchase in order to take pictures with your own device. Drinks, desserts, gifts and goodies are available for purchase. Capps & Cork will be on hand with a cash bar and fun Christmas cocktails
Special Christmas Mission
Audrey Jane’s Light
This year, we have a special Christmas mission at Devine Acres Farm — one that will benefit the A-T Children’s Project. Our granddaughter, Audrey Jane, is fighting a very rare disease, and we hope to raise money to help find a cure! For every tree that you purchase, we will donate $10 to the project’s privately funded research for an Ataxia-Telangiectasia cure. Merry Christmas, y’all!
Schedule of December Events:
It’s the most Devine season at the farm! Come cut a Christmas tree — stay to shop, eat and play at South Texas’ Premier Christmas Tree Farm!
Special events this year include Dec 9 and 10 in the evening — the new Merry on Main. Don’t miss the snow on Main Street! Plus the interactive hayride following the story line of the children’s book Dotty and The Starry Night, campfire, live entertainment, pizza and more!
On the mornings of Dec. 10 and 11 is the annual Pancakes with Santa Events by reservation only.
Open for Choose-n-Cut Tree Cutting December 2-4 | 9am – 5pm. $10 Gate Fee on Christmas Tree Weekends — per person (age 3+). Each household will receive a credit voucher (up to $50) towards purchase of a tree. Tree weekend cutting dates are while supplies last this season. Tree availability is subject to change.
More information or to buy tickets online go to devineacresfarm.com.
(Enter code: MERRY for the $10 Devine Discount to save $10 per ticket to the new Merry on Main Event for the Friday evening Dec 9 reservations.) I would just add tree availability is subject to change under the Dec 2-4 part.