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Devine council considers imposing liens on buildings/unkept property

By Anton Riecher
Action to tighten restrictions against buildings and other unkept properties by imposing liens against the owners was discussed during the Nov. 18 Devine City Council regular meeting.
Mayor Butch Cook said the city is trying “super, super hard” to clean up areas of the city in need of attention.
“We have a few very egregious properties in our town that have been that way for a long time,” Cook said. “Some of them are owned by people who don’t live here so they couldn’t care less about the appearance of that property.”
Despite being repeatedly notified and cited about the condition of their property, the problem continues to persist, Cook said.
He proposed moving forward with enforcement of an ordinance on the city books since 2021 that permits placing liens on the offending property as a means to bill the owners for clean up if and when the property ever sells.
Cook admitted that the major drawback to the proposal is the owners can still continue to ignore demands for immediate upkeep on their property regardless of legal action. However, the time has come for taking action that “has some teeth in it.”
District 3 Alderman Jeff Miller agreed with taking stronger action, noting that aside from concerns for public safety, the failure to maintain these properties could potentially depress local property values.
“At some point the safety and protection of everybody else becomes the most important issue,” Miller said.
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Let us give thanks

My week was fairly busy, and since the Auxiliary will be sponsoring a “Bake Sale” in just a few weeks, after we finished our monthly meeting, a group of us got together and put together some Christmas cups with hot cocoa mix, a peppermint spoon, and a small bag of mini-marshmallows in Christmas type gift bags and closed them with a bow. Then, two of the ladies poured a package of gravy mixture into pint jars while several of us measured the spice mixtures into containers, which were then added to the jars, and while that was being done, the pasta and tortilla chips were being measured to complete the ingredients for a batch of “Tortilla Soup in a Jar”. They sold well enough several years ago, that we had to fill more jars! It’s fun, companion ship and work all in one!
Wednesday, my workday was busy as people have begun shopping for Christmas gifts and we have a nice assortment in our gift shop. After the Bake Sale, whatever doesn’t sell, of the soup mix and the hot cocoa cups, will be placed in our gift shop. It amazes me how quickly some things sell. We had several little ornaments that were made of felt and had stitching around the edges that I purchased and used for little gifts for my Pokeno group. I loved them because they looked handmade, and the ladies seemed to like them as well. As usual, my son is hosting Thanksgiving for our family and friends, so I will be with them. I know that two or three families won’t be able to be there, one grandson is at sea, and his family lives off, another grandson and his family also live off and won’t be able to share with us. We will miss them and pray that they may have a wonderful day.
Let us give thanks…for our families; for our friends, for our schools and their teachers; for our churches and synagogues, where we can worship freely; for our service men and women who are fighting to keep our country a free place; for the fact that we live in a country that is still free; and last, but by no means least, that we have lived to see another Thanksgiving! For the families among us who have members missing from the holiday table this year, we pray that they have the strength and courage to make it through these coming holidays, with perhaps a little lessening of the pain in their hearts. Just as HE is the “reason for the season”, at Christmas, THANKS is the first word in the name of this feast we are celebrating.
Now, as I promised here is an easy dessert for your Thanksgiving dinner. Last week, I mixed up the Pineapple Angel Food Cake and baked it…it came out of the pan just fine, but stuck to the plate and in moving it, got messed up. As my daughter told me years ago when that happened, “When God gives you a lemon, you make lemonade”. Here’s my version of the lemonade. Note: I cheated a bit; my cherries were already chopped, probably in a food processor to be used for something else.
Ingredients:
2 packages of instant vanilla pudding, milk to make pudding, (make the pudding)
1 large container of thawed whipped topping,
1 jar (10 oz) of cherries (There are about + – 30 cherries in a jar. Save about 10 to use later.
Using a large serving bowl, break/tear 1/2 of the cake into pieces and place in the bowl, finely chop a small bottle of well drained maraschino cherries and sprinkle about 1/3 on top of cake, cover cake with 1 box of mixed pudding, cover with ½ of the whipped topping, repeat using the other 1/2 of the cake, the second box of pudding and the remaining whipped topping. For decoration, cut about eight cherries into halves and place on top of whipped topping in a decorative pattern.
May all of you have as great as possible Thanksgiving, hopefully with family and/or friends.

Lytle names 2025 Citizenship Award winners

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.

Alsatian Pioneers host workshop

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.

Local residents receive certification of recognition

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 Claus is Coming to Town Dec. 6, shop at Christmas Market & dance the night away

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.

In memory of Milagro “Millie” Marie Davalos

Milagro “Millie” Marie Davalos (2015–2025), beloved “sister” and self-appointed queen of the Davalos household, passed peacefully after a long and distinguished career of dramatic sighing, intense side-eye, and begging for snacks she absolutely did not need.
Found mysteriously lurking in a shrub in front of Mom’s house in 2015, Millie marched inside as though she’d lived there her entire life—and the family simply accepted their new overlord.
Famous for her bulging eyes that somehow expressed shock, judgment, and hunger all at once, Millie mastered the art of looking surprised by even the most predictable events. She also leaves behind a snore that will echo in family legend for generations.
She is preceded in death by her cherished canine nephews: UNO, Luke, Vinny, Charlie and Ralphie.
Millie is survived by her devoted parents, Juan and Betty Davalos; her four human sisters; four brother-in-laws; and numerous nieces and nephews who adored her—even when she judged them silently from across the room.
May she rest in peace, forever chasing imaginary crumbs and watching over the family with those unforgettable, wide-eyed stares.

Margaret Elizabeth Dennis

Margaret Elizabeth (Newton) Dennis was born to Clyde and (Lara) Lydia Newton on January 28, 1941 in Drexel, North Carolina and went to be with the Lord on November 15, 2025.
Married to the late Keith Dennis, her loving husband of 62 years, Margaret was the beloved matriarch of a large family including her 4 children (Randall, Angela, Laura, and Lisa) along with 13 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. She loved her family fiercely.
Margaret was a woman of profound faith. She shared the gospel and her love of God with the world through her beautiful singing. She was the Music Minister at Redemption Baptist Church for nearly 50 years as well as a Sunday School teacher. She shared Jesus with everyone she came in contact with and is now walking down those streets of gold in His presence alongside her darling husband Keith, two of her children (Randall Dennis and Angela Carter), and countless loved ones who have gone on before.
Margaret is survived by daughters Laura West (husband John West) and Lisa West (husband Louis West), sister Coleen Brackett, brother Ray Newton (his wife Wanda Newton), sisters-in-law Christine Newton and Greta Newton, all her many grandchildren, great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and nieces and nephews.
Services will be held December 2, 2025 at Redemption Baptist Church in Devine, Texas with Visitation beginning at 8:00am and the Funeral Service following at 11:00am. Interment will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2:30pm.
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.

Carolyn Mae Hazard

Carolyn Mae Hazard, 77, of New Braunfels, Texas went to be with the Lord on November 12, 2025 in New Braunfels. She was born February 11, 1948 in San Antonio, Texas to Ollie and Annie (Ouzts) Bassett.
Carolyn was raised in Devine, TX and graduated from Devine high school in 1966. She moved to San Antonio and worked for the Office of Personnel Management until she retired in 1995. She met her husband, Don, at church and they got married on April 3, 1968. She and Don were married 55 years until his passing in November of 2023. She was a caring and selfless wife, mother, and grandmother whose deep love for her Lord Jesus Christ guided every aspect of her life. Carolyn had a sincere desire for others to understand the gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus, and she shared that hope generously with all who knew her.
Carolyn will be remembered for her joyful personality that brightened the lives of her family and friends. A gifted quilter, Carolyn created many beautiful quilts throughout her life. She cherished the time she spent with her friends and the fellowship they shared.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Don, her mother Annie and father Ollie Bassett, her sister Jennifer Bassett, and her brother Jodie Bassett.
She is survived by her daughters, Lisa (Keith) Dunn of New Braunfels, Texas and Lauren (Andrew) Jennings of Burleson, Texas, as well as her brother Ron (Gloria) Bassett of Lubbock, TX, and sister-in-law Debbie Bassett of Boerne, TX. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Nick (Michelle), Zack, and Emily Dunn, and Anna, Ethan, and Luke Jennings as well as great-grandchild Michael Dunn.
A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, November 24 at 10:00 AM at Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home in New Braunfels. The committal service will follow at 12:00 PM at Hill Country Memorial Gardens in New Braunfels.

Laura Fern Brown

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Laura Fern Brown of Devine, Texas, on November 22, 2025.
She was born in Devine, Texas on July 30, 1938 to parents Rayburn Ray and Elizabeth Allena Cadenhead. Laura was a kind and gentle spirit that was very involved in her church and had a strong relationship with Christ. She loved the Cowboys and the Spurs!
She is preceded in death by her parents, Rayburn Ray and Elizabeth Allena Cadenhead, and her beloved husband, Larry Allen Brown.
Laura is survived by her daughters, Lou Anne Frazier (Chris), Sherri Kelly (Mike), siblings; Billy Rhea, Betta, and Mary; grandchildren, Shawn and Fiance, Ashley, Nathan (Shannon), Jessica (Miguel), Ryan (Sarah), Isaiah, Jonathan. She will also be missed by her great grandchildren, Adan, Aaron, Amber, Tristan, Jacob, Caleb, Kaesan, Rylee, Aria, Camilla, and Norah.
There will be a visitation held in her honor on Wednesday, December 3rd from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas. A funeral service will be celebrated on December 4th at 10:00am at First Baptist Church of Natalia, Texas. Her interment will be held at 2:00pm at Mission Burial Park South in San Antonio, Texas.
If you would like to share a memory or express your condolences, please do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com