Medina County Commissioners Jerry Beck, David Lynch, Larry Sittre, and Tim Nueman, along with Judge Chris Schuchart will be discussing the possible tax freeze for 65 and older this Thursday.
If you would like to see an over 65 exemption on your Medina County taxes like the school districts offer, please contact your county judge and commissioner to let them know you would like to see this offered to senior citizens over the age of 65. What the Devine ISD taxing unit offers is an over 65 residence homestead exemption which freezes your tax rate and appraised evaluation from the moment of exemption on as long as that is your homestead. Medina County is considering and may take action on what they can or want to offer in the form of a tax exemption or freeze at the 10:00 am July 28, 2022 Medina County Commissioners Court meeting at the new courthouse annex which is across the road from the old courthouse in Hondo. It’s time to speak up and/or show up if you want to see an exemption passed. It would help many people. “I think people are ready for any kind of tax relief right now,” said Commissioner Jerry Beck. Contact: Medina County Judge Chris Schuchart at 830-741-6020. Pct. 1 Comm. Tim Neumann, Hondo, 830-741-6016 Pct. 2 Comm. Larry Sittre, Castroville, 830-931-4000 Pct. 3 Comm. David Lynch, Hondo, 830-741-6006 Pct. 4 Comm. Jerry Beck, Devine, 210-244-3413 cell or 830- 665-8015.
The Medina County Commissioner’s Court met for their regular meeting on July 14, discussing a variety of important issues including proposals for the Castroville Loop to ease traffic due to the booming growth there. The County Commissioners discussed the need for notice of any surcharge on countywide bids, prior to accepting any bid. All agreed this would enable discussion of the surcharge before any bids are accepted. All members voted to approve this proposal.
There’s a new mural in town. If you haven’t seen it yet, stop by Sherry’s Flowers in downtown Devine. This beautiful mural painted by local artist Kirsten Schneider encompasses all things Devine. It highlights the iconic maroon and gold water tower, the community’s big heart, awesome golf course, local farming and hunting industries, excellent Mexican food, music, churches, and of course, “We love Eddie.” “Cindy Morales contacted me and asked me to do it. It was a really fun project,” Schneider said. “It started out as a butterfly, but it took on its own personality as I went….it really did. When I got close to finishing, my mind was blown and I just needed a few more items to add to it. So we called some friends and they started recommending some more ideas to add to it.” Schneider worked on the mural for about two and a half weeks. Morales is super pleased with the mural, and can’t wait to start the next one at Bushel and A Peck. “I think having little murals around town is kind of fun, and we are hoping it spreads,” Morales said. “I already talked to another business owner who said he is in. Marcus kind of started this with the color wall (in downtown Devine) and then Margaret did the beautiful mural (at Mag’s Place), so I knew I wanted to do something. We started with the idea of a butterfly, but then we started thinking outside of the box. Kirsten is a former classmate and she is so talented. I am going to keep her busy! We named this mural the Devine Butterfly.”
I was scrolling news online last Wednesday night when I stumbled across an article about my book “Hello from the Great Blue Sea” on Yahoo News! It came as a total surprise. An article about our book was published on the front page of the Corpus Christi Caller Times last Monday, July 11, and I noticed that article was written by a journalist who is part of the USA Today Network. So Yahoo News apparently picked it up sometime after that. The book is illustrated by Chad Wildoner, an inspiring young man who battles the same disease as my little niece, but he won’t let this disease stop him from living life to the fullest. He’s gone skydiving, horseback riding, kayaking, you name it–and now he has illustrated a children’s book that made National news! I wrote this children’s book for my niece Audrey (after she was diagnosed with A-T) to help show her that she too, can do anything she wants to do and go anywhere she wants to go, wheelchair or not. Chad and I are donating all book sales profits to a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for A-T, the A-T Children’s Project. Because A-T is such a rare disease, the A-T Children’s Project is the driving force behind most of the research that’s being done. So our family has connected with Chad’s family, over 2,000 miles away in California, in our mission to help raise funds for a cure. You can buy our book on Amazon by typing the title into the search bar: “Hello from the Great Blue Sea”. The theme of the book is how the world’s oceans connect us all, so how appropriate it is to be a fundraiser for a condition so rare that it only affects 1 in 40,000-100,000 people, but to see so many people come together to help us in so many ways. Small acts of kindness can go such a long way, like the sweet lady, Mrs. Ann, who is the director of the condo at the beach, who agreed to sell our books in her little gift store in Port Aransas. Because of that, the Corpus Christi Caller did a story on our book, because the book is sold at a local store. Then the story ends up on Yahoo News. Pretty cool. A direct link is as follows on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Hello-Great-Blue-Sea-Wonders/dp/B0B5KXGSYW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NTAACF3YETO8&keywords=hello+from+great+blue+sea&qid=1658175708&sprefix=hello+from+great+blue+se%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-1 Hello from the Great Blue Sea is a non-fiction picture book with sea animals including a starfish, shark, sea turtle, dolphin, whales, and fun facts along the way. A short 5-minute read. At the back of the book, are a “behind the scenes” story and pictures showing the illustrator as he drew the pictures and telling the story of how he continues to overcome his disabilities.
The Luna Family Circus will be in Natalia on Tuesday, July 26 and Wednesday, July 27 near city hall, at 2079 State Hwy 132. There will be one show each day starting at 7:30 pm. Ticket Price is $10.00 per adult – and children get in free with an adult. There will be jugglers, a balancing act, clowns, acrobats, a magic act, and a Sponge Bob character is also part of the show. The family circus act is based out of Houston. The show is about an hour and a half long, and seating is under the big top circus tent. “People love our clowns and kids love the our performing puppy,” Jo Luna said. “He is still in training, but I bring him out and the kids love him.”
If you would like to see an over 65 exemption on your Medina County taxes like the school districts offer, please contact your county judge and commissioner to let them know you would like to see this offered to senior citizens over the age of 65. What the Devine ISD taxing unit offers is an over 65 residence homestead exemption which freezes your tax rate and appraised evaluation from the moment of exemption on as long as that is your homestead. Medina County is considering and may take action on what they can or want to offer in the form of a tax exemption or freeze at the 10:00 am July 28, 2022 Medina County Commissioners Court meeting at the new courthouse annex which is across the road from the old courthouse in Hondo. It’s time to speak up and/or show up if you want to see an exemption passed. It would help many people. “I think people are ready for any kind of tax relief right now,” said Commissioner Jerry Beck. Contact: Medina County Judge Chris Schuchart at 830-741-6020. Pct. 1 Comm. Tim Neumann, Hondo, 830-741-6016 Pct. 2 Comm. Larry Sittre, Castroville, 830-931-4000 Pct. 3 Comm. David Lynch, Hondo, 830-741-6006 Pct. 4 Comm. Jerry Beck, Devine, 210-244-3413 cell or 830- 665-8015.
10 fans were dropped off at the Devine Police Department by Kellen Nixon and Lewis Stroud from the Devine Lions Club. Devine PD sponsors Project Breeze and distributes fans to those in need throughout the year. Their supplies were getting low, so the Devine Lions Club jumped up. If you would like to donate fans, just drop them off at the Devine PD behind City Hall. Police Chief Kandy Benavides accepts the fans.
You can call the office phone at 830-663-4403 to arrange or ask for further information if needed. “With the weather like it is, a fan is a big help and always appreciated. The Lions Club is always needy and willing to help those in need!” said Lion President Lewis Stroud.
Case Finto (on right) and her mom Candy after getting Case fitted for a new wheelchair and special crutches. Case was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis this year, and the family appreciates anything you can do to help. Her daddy, Waylon, is also battling MS and was diagnosed just one year before her. You can drop off a donation at The Devine News. Please make out any checks directly to Candy Finto. If you would be interested in hosting a benefit or plate sale for the Finto family, please let us know. There is also a Go Fund Me which can be found on Candy Finto’s facebook page.
A young man and woman were pulled over by suspects impersonating police officers around midnight right on the edge of Lytle city limits this past Thursday, July 7th. It happened at Wisdom Road and Ball Road. “They pulled the victims over using red and blue sirens, according to witnesses. One of the suspects was dressed in a police-like uniform and equipment, and he was armed with a handgun,” said Lytle Police Chief Richey Priest. They had the victims lying down on the ground with zip ties when one of our officers on patrol spotted them. Luckily, nobody got hurt.” Upon seeing the Lytle PD officer, the suspects fled in their vehicle. The suspects crashed striking a railroad crossing arm at Old Frio City Road and Pearsall Road. At that point they bailed out and fled on foot. “We have video of what looks like five suspects that fled on foot from the crashed vehicle. They bailed out and ran in all different directions. We do have suspect(s) in this case, and we will be working with the Texas Rangers as we continue this investigation,” Priest added. A purse, gaming console, jewelry and a handgun were stolen from the victims during the armed robbery. We discussed what to do if you ever find yourself in a rural area where you feel uncomfortable and cannot see a clearly marked PD car. “Every situation is different,” Chief Priest said. “If it’s not a marked vehicle and you feel uncomfortable, you might need to just turn on your flashers and slow down until you get to a parking lot or lighted area where you can pull over. Our officers are also aware of that and sometimes we will follow someone until we get to a more well-lit area to make a stop.” Sheriff Randy Brown adds, “You can call the Sheriff’s Office and they can most likely confirm that it is one of our officers. You’ll need to know where you’re at. If you are in Medina County, call Medina County Sheriff’s Department, or if you’re in Atascosa County, you’ll need to call Atascosa Sheriff’s Department. Slow down, put on your emergency flashers and drive to a place where you feel safe.”
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” -Mother Theresa
John and his beautiful wife Debbie, who will carry on and lead HANK Inc. for many years to come. John and Debbie co-founded HANK Inc to serve foster children in Medina County and the surrounding areas in 2010. Mrs. Southwell now serves as the President along with a board of dedicated volunteers.
This weekend family, friends and community will celebrate the life of a remarkable man who impacted thousands of lives in Medina County and the surrounding area. Every year, the late John Southwell, 89, helped provide hundreds of foster children with Christmas gifts. Every week, he went to the store and bought beds, playpens, strollers, anything a foster child needed that the State wouldn’t provide. Every day, he advocated for these kids, building up a homegrown non-profit organization named HANK, Inc., which he co-founded with his beautiful wife, Debbie, who will carry on the mission. I went to visit Mr. Southwell at his home just a few days before he passed away, and even as he struggled so, he was still advocating for these children. He was excited to let me know that HANK will be opening their third community foster home very soon. One of the last things he said to me was “Children are the most precious thing”. I know there will be a special place in Heaven for Mr. John Southwell, of Hondo, Texas. What a legacy he leaves behind. Three community foster homes with 18 warm beds for local foster children in Devine and Hondo. A little love and joy in the hearts of thousands of foster children who received a gift and were touched by HANK over the years, and will continue to be touched for many years to come. A memorial service for William “John” Southwell, III will take place on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at New Fountain United Methodist Church at 1:00 p.m. Please wear bright colors; John wanted this to be a joyous celebration of his life. Full obituary inside. I first met Mr. John Southwell when I was covering County Court as a reporter for the local newspaper. That Monday, the county was donating surplus funds to a non-profit organization named HANK, which stands for Helping Abused and Neglected Kids. We met for an interview shortly afterward. The first thing he explained is that there were 100–200 foster children in our little three-county area at any given time. From that first meeting, I knew right then and there that this was the best charity in Medina County. One of the Mr. Southwell’s goals was to raise enough money to build “community foster homes” in local towns because finding a warm bed for a foster child is so difficult. At that time, a local judge explained that they often have to send kids to foster homes four hours away or even farther because there is simply no available bed for them in our area. With so much hard work, dedication and sincerity, Mr. Southwell’s dream to build community foster homes soon came true. In 2016 they built their first community foster home in Devine. In 2017, they were able to build a second home in the neighboring town of Hondo, Texas, which is where the Southwells live and where HANK, Inc. began. And this year, they will open their 3rd community foster home. Their “little” organization, run out of their home office, has purchased some 15,000 Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, and sets of school supplies. That’s not to mention the thousands of other things HANK has purchased for kids in need over the past ten years. Mr. Southwell was an inspiration to everyone who met him. To see this awesome husband-and-wife team working side by side and everything they have accomplished just blows me away. He became somewhat of a grandfather figure to me over the years, as he did to hundreds upon hundreds of children who recieved a little comfort from HANK at a time when they needed it most. Mr. Southwell was a good business man and an excellent speaker. When he retired, he used those talents to build up HANK, alongside his wife Debbie and many volunteers. He was a man who was quick to tell you when you did a good job and that always motivated you to do more. He was inspirational by his actions and absolutely sincere in everything he did. John and Debbie saw big needs of foster children that weren’t being met while volunteering for another organization, and instead of accepting it, they took into thier own hands and hearts to answer that call, fulfill those needs that aren’t covered by the State for local foster children. What an impact a man can make.
