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In Praise of Redneck Mothers

“Life doesn’t come with a manual; it comes with a mother.”
Anonymous

I like the song – Up Against the Wall Redneck Mother.  If you need a soundtrack for Mother’s Day, I think it’s appropriate.  Written off the cuff by the great Ray Wylie Hubbard after a perilous late-night beer run and bar fight in Red River, New Mexico, and later popularized by Jerry Jeff Walker, it is questionably one of the greatest songs ever written honoring mothers – mothers who have loved their sons so well.
 For the record, I hold the term redneck in the highest regard.  Redneck mothers are much like regular mothers, but they come with an extra dose of mamma bear courage paired with a titanium spine.  They love their babies hard, often raise them in the country, and turn their offspring into fine citizens, for the most part.   If you grew up with a redneck mother, you know it, and are better for it.
 My mom, a daughter of the Great Depression, grew up in the tiny burg of Hector, Arkansas.  She married my dad in 1953 after he returned from fighting in Korea, and they had two sons, one of whom was me.
 My mom was a beautiful woman.  I remember my fourth-grade teacher describing her as regal.  She had the most captivating laugh I have ever heard.  Good with animals, Mom loved horses and dogs.  She was especially fond of mean little Chihuahuas.  I still have scars on my hands from our vicious little family pet.  Mom was also a chicken person, so we always had a few hens.  She kept a garden, and enjoyed nothing more than harvesting her tomatoes, fresh out of the sun.  And she liked onions.  She ate them raw with every meal.
 Every year when I was in elementary school, Mom was a redneck Room Mother.  At every holiday and special event, she and one or two of her cohorts would show up at school with cupcakes in hand to help us celebrate.
 Mom was ever protective, but not above letting her boys experience new things as we grew.  We lived in the country, and she let me drive at the age of eleven.  Our family car then was a 1961 Dodge Pioneer with red vinyl seats (Mom’s favorite color was red).  With Mom in the front seat, and my slew-foot brother and his baseball cards in the back, we sped along the dirt roads of our little community.  I felt like Mario Andretti.
 Besides driving, another favorite activity that we enjoyed were bike rides.  Mom would pack a lunch (fried egg sandwiches wrapped in tinfoil) and we would peddle to Englehardt’s store for a Coke and candy bar, stopping at the pines for a break before navigating more dirt roads back home.
 We were a 4-H family, and Mom was present at every club meeting, county fair, and steer show.  She even made it to 4-H camp every summer.
 Mom was known for her cooking.  Our humble family spread at Thanksgiving was legendary.  Mom’s turkey and cornbread stuffing were delectable.  At Christmas we were blessed with Mom’s amazing fudge.  She would make tubs, and we ate it with abandon.  And her banana pudding was to die for.
 Redneck mothers are tough, and Mom sure was that.  And she had a bit of a temper.  If her boys were accosted in any way, Mom never hesitated to jump into a fight.  One memorable episode happened on a visit to our Gramma Nano’s house.  To relieve my brother and I from hours of tedious adult conversation indoors, we were allowed to walk a short way to the local “outlet store” as we called it.  With little money, we were content to prowl the isles just looking.  On this particular day, an irritable hag of a store clerk ran us out the back door.  She evidently saw us as pint-sized potential juvenile shoplifters and told us to leave the store if we weren’t going to buy anything.  When we stumbled back to my grandmother’s house and Mom learned that we’d been kicked out, she was livid.  She marched us back over to that store and lit up the place.  That cranky clerk received a nuclear level chewing out the residue of which may still hang somewhere in the atmosphere above North America.  We were then allowed to stay and shop to our heart’s content.
 Mom sometimes made enemies, but as a redneck mother, she was never too concerned with what other folks thought.  Once an ill-tempered neighbor, Mrs. Lay, came riding by our house on horseback with her dog trailing.  Mom happened to be out in our steer pen next to the road, and when Mrs. Lay’s Red Heeler darted under the fence and attempted to chase our livestock, Mom went to throwing rocks.  The dog was unhurt, but Mrs. Lay was highly offended and the two commenced a cussing war that I think the neighbors still talk about.  It was blistering, but all in a day’s work for a redneck mother.
 By loving their children well, mothers build the foundation on which we construct our lives.  They teach us how to love, both ourselves and others.  And that’s the best thing a mother can do.  Thank God for redneck mothers.  I love you Mom…      

House bill proposes new standardized test

By Gary Borders
State Capital Highlights
A Texas House bill would eliminate the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness test and replace it with a test comparing students’ performance to one another rather than state-set standards, the Austin American-Statesman reported.
House Bill 4 would also create benchmark tests to measure students’ academic performance throughout the year.
Superintendents from across the state testified in support of HB4 at a committee hearing last week. The bill was unanimously approved in committee and sent to the House floor.
The bill’s sponsor is state Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado. He said testing would require a quick turnaround to give parents and teachers faster feedback about student performance.
“I want that experience and the ability for their teachers to deliver that information back to moms and dads so that we can get that type of support, because the teachers can’t do it alone,” Buckley said.
The existing STAAR test has become a flashpoint for many school districts, prompting numerous lawsuits…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Local Police report

Natalia Police Report

4/28/2025 – Officers were called to the city water plant for criminal mischief.
4/29/2025 – Officer was dispatched to the Wendys for a disturbance.
5/1/2025 – Officer was dispatched to the Loves Truck Stop for an accident no injuries were reported.
5/1/2025 – Officer responded to the Loves Truck Stop for theft that had occurred on 4/22/2025.
5/3/2025 – Officer responded to the 21000 blk for a dog bit officers attempted to locate the dog were unable to find it.

Lytle Police Report

Monday, April 28
2:19 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers observed a male walking and provided a courtesy ride to Natalia.
4:07 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers observed a male walking and provided a courtesy ride to Twin Lakes.
8:39 AM – 15500 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a report of a male waving a handgun. A 20 year old male was arrested for Disorderly Conduct and booked into the Medina County Jail.
1:20 PM – Farmer St. @ FM 2790 – Officers responded to a complaint about a homeless person sleeping in the park.
3:05 PM – Lytle PD – Officer fingerprinted a female for employment purposes.
4:30 PM – 19400 Blk. S. Somerset St. – Officers responded to a child custody issue.
6:59 PM – 14800 Blk. Main St.) – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
Tuesday, April 29
3:15 AM – Huckleberry @ Saddle Ridge – Officer responded to a report of a suspicious person and was unable to locate the male.
9:18 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a theft that occurred on 4/28/2025. The suspect was trying to return $426 worth of brisket and ribs for a refund. All merchandise was returned to the HEB Plus, and the male was issued a criminal trespass warning. The case is under investigation.
4:00 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of an employee with a weapon. A 17 year old male was arrested for Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon under 21 years of age. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
4:00 PM – Burger King (19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a burglary at the Burger King. The case is under investigation.
4:49 PM – IH 35 @ FM 2790 – Officers responded to a report of theft from a Peterbilt tractor. Two fuel cards, a Garmin GPS, a TV remote, and gloves were stolen, resulting in a loss of $270.
6:28 PM – 14600 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
7:13 PM – 19700 Blk. Office St. – Officer responded to assist in unlocking a vehicle, but the vehicle was unlocked before his arrival.
9:55 PM – N. Somerset St. @ Main St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for failing to stop at the designated point, which resulted in the citation and release of a 41 year old male for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Wednesday, April 30
8:48 AM – 18900 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer escorted the Lytle Track & Field Team out of the city.
9:41 AM – 11500 Blk. Laredo St. – Officers responded to assist with a school lockdown drill.
4:30 PM – 14600 Blk. FM 2790 – Officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle to discover everything was okay.
4:39 PM – John Lott Park – Officers responded to a report of a suspicious male. The man was issued a Criminal Trespass Warning.
6:03 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a complainant regarding a road rage incident with a motorcycle.
7:02 PM – Phone Call – Officer spoke to a complainant regarding an 18-wheeler that ran them off the roadway outside the city limits of Lytle.
8:40 PM – 14300 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of three males walking near the roadway but could not find them.
10:28 PM – Lytle-Somerset St. @ IH 35 Frontage Rd. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for disregarding a stop sign, which resulted in the arrest of a 46 year old female for an active warrant out of Bexar County for Possession of a controlled Substance. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
11:22 PM – John Lott Park – Officer responded a report of suspicious activity to discover two friends who were talking.
Thursday, May 01
2:02 AM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for speeding, which resulted in Breydi Uriel Santiago-Flores (36) arrest for DWI and Filadelfa Santos Calberon’s (37) arrest for Public Intoxication. Breydi and Filadelfa were booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
11:00 AM – John Lott Park – Officers responded to a suspicious vehicle. Everything was okay.
12:00 PM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officers attended the National Prayer Day event.
2:20 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
3:06 PM – 15100 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a verbal disturbance regarding a handicapped parking spot.
4:45 PM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to a 2020 Chevrolet being burglarized. A backpack, purse, Beats Headphones, perfume, and a Chromebook were stolen for $506. Officers identified the suspect, and all were returned to the owner except the perfume.
6:23 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2006 Chevrolet Impala.
7:59 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a complainant regarding a verbal altercation with a relative.
8:30 PM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
10:14 PM – N. Prairie St. @ Main St. – Officer responded to check on a child in the roadway. Everything was okay.
Friday, May 02
2:31 AM – 15200 Blk. Oak St. – Officer responded to a runaway juvenile, and the juvenile was located at 4:45 AM.
5:36 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver but could not locate the Toyota Tacoma.
11:00 AM – 11500 Blk. Laredo St. – Officers attended the Elementary bike rodeo.
5:06 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a clear plastic baggie with unknown types of pills.
8:08 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office –1500 Blk. FM 3175 – Officer responded to jump-start a stranded vehicle.
10:20 PM – IH 35 Overpass @ FM 3175 – Officer responded to a one-vehicle non-injury accident.
Saturday, May 03
12:13 AM – FM 3175 @ IH 35 Frontage Rd. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for a defective headlight, which resulted in the arrest of a 73 year old male for DWI. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
1:20 AM – Lytle Farms Subdivision – Officer responded to a report of lights in the field but could not locate them.
1:38 AM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officer checked on the business, and everything was okay.
5:29 AM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
6:55 AM – 15100 Blk. Main St. – Officer provided a courtesy ride to an adult male to Lake St.
8:50 AM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer was flagged down regarding a male hitting a dog with a stick. Everything was okay.
10:50 AM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officer received a phone call regarding the reported theft of a $200 Barn Fan on 5/2/2025 around 9:30 PM. After watching the store videos, the theft could not be substantiated.
2:26 PM – Lytle PD – Officer released property to the victim of a recent theft from 5/1/2025 that the Lytle PD recovered.
3:04 PM – 20000 Blk. IH 35 Frontage Rd. – Officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle. They contacted the driver, who was parked off the embankment. Everything was okay.
6:10 PM – 19200 Blk. Blume Dr. – Officer responded to a report of a missing Waste Management trash can.
9:55 PM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a report of loud music. The outside music was shut down.
10:55 PM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for reasonable suspicion on a vehicle emitting the odor of marijuana. A 33 year old female and a 37 year old male were issued a citation and released for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Sunday, May 04
8:17 AM – 1800 Blk. CR 6710 – Officers responded to a report of a blue Ford Mustang parked in a resident’s yard. The driver carpooled to work with the complainant’s son.
8:22 PM – Assist Medina County Sheriff’s Office – IH 35 NB MM 131 – Officers responded to look for a vehicle involved in a drive-by shooting but could not find it.
8:40 PM – Lake Shore Dr. @ Fincher Park Dr. – Officer responded to a red/maroon Dodge pickup but could not locate it.
8:56 PM – 15300 Blk. Laredo St. – Officer received a phone call regarding damage to his mother’s grave site.
9:10 PM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to unlock a 2016 Nissan Versa.
9:30 PM – IH 35 – Officers were on standby to provide traffic control for the CPS Energy powerline upgrade on IH 35.

Devine Police Report

April 25
12:51PM – Complainant called regarding black Dodge truck and gray Tundra racing side by side on Zig Zag.
15:26PM – Complainant called regarding male subject asleep on bleachers on Upson Dr. Made contact with male and he left area.
15:54PM – Officer cited and released male subject for SWLI on St Hwy 173 N.
16:45PM – Officer contacted CPS for priority 1/neglectful supervision of child on Tilley Dr.
April 27
3:50AM – Dispatched to assist Natalia officer who was not answering radio and out with drunk driver. Made location, all okay.
12:20PM – Officer dispatched for minor accident on Hondo Ave – drivers agreed to fix on their own. No report needed.
14:15PM – Complainant on Jay Dr reported broken brick mailbox hit by vehicle. Vehicle not on location, happened overnight.
14:51PM – Officer found wallet. Returned to owner 2055 hours.
16:51PM – Officer dispatched to IH 35 S for theft under $100, female subject cited and released.
17:40PM – Officer dispatched to IH 35 S for theft under $100, male subject cited and released.
17:42PM – Officer found male subject to be in possession of CS PG1/1-B <1 Gram. Subject jailed
17:42PM – Officer served 8 Devine municipal warrants on male subject. Subject was jailed on other charges.
18:41PM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave W for parked vehicle struck by another vehicle that left the scene. Made contact with driver who advised not aware they hit anything.
21:51PM – Complainant on Moore Ave advised her boyfriend swung at her but did not hit her.
23:57PM – Complainant concerned for female due to not seeing her for a couple of weeks and just saw a male subject go into her apartment. Contact made with female who advised she was okay.
April 28
12:29PM – Complainant on Park Ave called in reference to male subject seen going behind property. All okay.
12:53PM – Complainant called regarding Hispanic male with tattoos standing underneath overpass with his pants down around his ankles. All okay, subject had 3 layers of pants on. Subject departed area.
13:45PM – Officer dispatched to Mobile Parkway for possible disturbance. Female ID’d by police, all okay – no disturbance. Female left property.
14:53PM – Officer dispatched to IH 35 NB for minor accident.
April 29
0:10AM – Office assisted with unlocking a vehicle on Hondo Ave.
12:49PM – Complainant on Dubose Ave called in reference to black Mustang driving erratically in area, last seen headed toward cemetery.
15:02PM – Complainant on Warhorse Dr advised friend took shirt.
April 30
3:45AM – Officer dispatched to IH 35 for vehicle that struck guardrail. Subject failed sobriety testing and found to be in possession of marijuana <2oz. Subject jailed.
7:30AM – Complainant on Washington Dr called in reference to 9 year old female crying. ID’d by police and given courtesy ride to Intermediate School. Staff took custody.
8:30AM – Complainant on IH 35 NB called in reference to female in gray Jeep pulled over on side of road and appeared to be in distress. Officer made location, vehicle not on roadway. Wrecker called and courtesy ride given to driver.
8:35AM – Complainant on SH 132 N called in reference to male subject in black pickup being disrespectful towards an employee. Male ID’d by police. Officer spoke with male and he departed location.
11:45AM – Officers escorted students going to State Track Meet.
12:25PM – Complianant on Oaklawn Rd believes her iphone was taken from her purse while shopping in Pleasanton around 0900 hours.
13:58PM – Complainant called in reference to shoplifter, male subject wearing black shorts and shirt. Later ID’d by police. Subject cited for theft less than $100 and released.
May 1
11:01AM – Complainant found handgun on Colonial Pkwy. Ran gun query – no records found. Firearm was a destroyed Glock 19x placed into locker.
13:19PM – Officer dispatched to IH 35 S for minor accident.
19:36PM – Officer dispatched to Libold Dr for person burning. Fire was put out.
22:20PM – Complainant on Mockingbird Lane reported yelling and possible threat being made at residents house. All occupants said they were just having a discussion. All okay.
23:53PM – Officer served DPD warrant on male subject.

James Michael Davis

James Michael Davis, of Moore, Texas, has passed away at the age of 68 with his loving wife Maria by his side.
James loved to travel, hunt, and enjoyed having fun.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Carlton and Alice Eva Davis; sisters, Mary Alice Franssen, and Billie Ann Luke. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Maria Aguilar Davis; his brother, Carl Patrick Davis; niece, Denise Michelle; and nephew, Chad Lee. He also leaves behind his loving dog Jake.
A special thank you to the Lytle Nursing Home and Gentiva Hospice Care for your exceptional care of James and Maria in their time of need.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Primrose Funeral Services of Lytle, Texas.

Mike Alvarez, Jr.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mike Alvarez, Jr., who entered eternal rest peacefully on April 27, 2025, at the age of 89. He was born on April 20, 1936, in New Castle, Texas, to parents Mike Alvarez, Sr. and Candelaria Lopez Alvarez. Mike was a dedicated family man whose love and wisdom shaped the lives of all who knew him.
Mike will be remembered as a gentle and kind person, a steadfast presence in the lives of his loved ones.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 51 years Olga Alvarez; children Mike Alvarez Jr. 2nd and wife, Jenny, Dolores Everett and husband, Bobby, Gerardo Morales and wife, Linda, Juan S. Morales and wife, Elida, Maricruz H. Espinosa and husband, Nestor; twenty grandchildren and thirty great-grandchildren; siblings Agnes Barron-Lopez, Asmer Rivers, Anita Mendoza, Johnny Alvarez, Willie Alvarez; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who carry forward his legacy of diligence, responsibility, and kindness.
Mike’s life was a testament to the values he instilled in his family, teaching them the importance of being helpful to each other and showing unwavering loyalty. Memories of countless days spent outside doing yard work, mending fences, and learning the ways of the world through his guidance will forever resonate in the hearts of his loved ones.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents Mike Alvarez, Sr. and Candelaria Lopez Alvarez; daughters Mary Christine Franklin and Marivel Perez; sister Andrea Alvarez Rivers.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mike’s life with warmth and love. A public visitation was held at Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church of Devine, with interment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery where we will gather to honor his memory.
Services are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas.

Mary Belle Angermiller Howard

Mary Belle Angermiller Howard, age 89 of Devine went to be with her heavenly family on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
Born September 17, 1935, at her paternal grandmother’s home in Sabinal, Texas. She was the daughter of Emmett Lee and Eselda Bee “Sally” Rankin Angermiller. Mary’s humble beginnings included living in a tent with her two older sisters on the Sabinal River. She began her education in Hondo at the age of five and graduated from Hondo High School in 1953. Mary and her brother were baptized and confirmed in the summer of 1950 at the Hondo Methodist Church.
After high school, Mary had a summer job at the Hondo National Bank with plans to attend college in the fall. Jerry Howard walked into the bank one July day and the rest was history! They were married on September 26,1953 at the Hondo Methodist Church. She began her married life as a rancher/homemaker. Jerry trained her to be a custom cattle buyer. They were married for thirty-two years and blessed with five children, three daughters and two sons.
Mary enjoyed volunteering her time while raising their family. She served as a room mother while the children were in elementary school. As a 4-H leader, she excelled in teaching clothing construction and foods and nutrition. The children raised animals for stock show competitions, participated in local, district and state levels of competition in numerous areas of interest all under their mother’s guidance.
She served as a member and officer in Devine Current Events and Garden Clubs. She was named a Lifetime Member by the Texas Garden Club in 2018. Mary belonged to the Methodist Church of Devine, serving as chairman of the administrative board and on various committees. She also participated as a lay reader; attended Women of Faith brunches and was the church secretary.
Some of her other roles include Director of Medina County Fair Association for several years-Sec for two terms and President for one term-and was instrumental in the establishment of the scholarship program; Conservation Homemaker of the Year for the state in 1971; 4-H Leader, named as Distinguished Leader for District 13; First Vice-President Texas 4-H Volunteer Leaders Assoc. 1980-82; Devine School Board member (first woman elected)-President 1978; first woman in Medina Co. selected for Grand Jury and elected foreman; Medina Co. election judge for Devine; first woman to run for Medina Co. Judge as a write-in candidate; founding member of the El Camino Real Wildlife Management Assoc.; participant of American Cancer Society, Relay for Life.

In 1978, Jerry and Mary bought a business in Pleasanton, The Mercantile and Mary served as the bookkeeper. She moved the business to Devine in 1987, two years after Jerry passed away.
Her research of the Howard land culminated in the prestigious state award, The Family Land Heritage Award for farms that have been in operation for a century. Jerry was a fourth generation Howard, and their sons, Scott and John are fifth generation. The award was received in November of 1985.
Mary’s love of the land and her family went hand in hand. Her twinkling blue eyes and wonderful stories will be remembered by many. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sisters, June Tarrodaychik and husband Paul; Virginia Margiotta and husband Harry; brother, Roy Lee ‘Pete” Angermiller and wife Therese ‘Terry’; son-in-law, Craig Mikulenka.
She is survived by her children, Lynda Mikulenka, Deanna Kempen, Karen (Alan) Muennink, Scott (Debbie) Howard, and John (Laura) Howard. She is also survived by grandchildren: Genya (Broc) Laughlin, Benjamin (Sarah) Krieger, Daron Coull, Matthew (Tracy) Kempen, Jessica (Kevin) Sorensen, Jillian (William) Casarez, Jared (Robyn) Muennink, Emmett (Madelyn) Muennink, Holly (Rene) Muniz, Maggie (Dustin) Burleson, Maycee (Reagan) Anderson, Kaylee Howard, Cutter Howard and eighteen great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 24, at the Howard-Hardcastle Family Cemetery, 752 Co. Rd. 654 Devine, Texas, 78016 at 10:00 a.m. A celebration of life will follow at the Black Creek Baptist Church Annex.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Julian enjoys making new friends and being active

Julius is a friendly teen who is very social, enjoys making new friends, and carrying on conversations with everyone who is a part of his world.

Like many his age, Julius enjoys playing video games, football, and riding his bicycle. He also has a talent for creations in the kitchen, as Julius enjoys cooking meals for himself and others, with his specialties being chicken alfredo, baking cakes & cupcakes, along with other gourmand treats. Baking is something Julius truly is passionate about as he, finds it is a fun way to wind down his day after completing his homework.

Julius is excited about the idea of being adopted into his forever family and is eager to be matched with a mom and dad. Forever parents who will love him unconditionally, always protect and keep him safe. Julius’s future family would be one who enjoys outdoor recreational activities such as going to parks and swimming pools. And one where he could share and further develop his cooking & baking skills!

In his own words to his future forever family – “…..Hello, I am Julius, I enjoy making friends, playing video games, cooking, and baking desserts….”.

If you think you could be a forever family for Julius or another Texas child, call 1-800-233-3405. For more information visit www.adoptchildren.org where you can find a schedule of online public information meetings, and learn about the foster/adoption program.

You can also view the www.heartgallerystx.org website, where South Texas children have their portraits along with individual personal stories they wish to share, with their future forever family.

Basic Adoption Requirements

The prospective foster/adoptive parents may be single or married and must:

  • be at least 21 years of age, financially stable, and responsible mature adults
  • complete an application (staff will assist you if you prefer)
  • share information regarding their background and lifestyle
  • provide relative and non-relative references
  • show proof of marriage and/or divorce (if applicable)
  • agree to a home study which includes visits with all household members
  • allow staff to complete a criminal history background check and an abuse/neglect check on all adults in the household
  • attend free training to learn about issues of abused and neglected children

Murder case goes to trial May 19…Horrific US 90 shootings

Thirty four-year-old Uvalde man, Pedro Espinoza Jr., will face the jury in a trial scheduled at Medina County District Court on Monday, May 19. He faces several charges including Murder, Deadly Conduct, Agg Assault, and Evading Arrest.


If you recall, on December 11, 2021, Medina County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a wrong way driver traveling eastbound in the westbound lane who was reportedly shooting at random oncoming vehicles.


The horrific incident happened on Hwy 90 between Dunlay and Castroville, around 1:30 AM. Two vehicles were struck as he opened fire, and one of the victims sadly lost his life, according to reports at that time.
“The suspect, later… LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com.

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Bridging the gap…Conference centers on improving mental health care for incarcerated people

Leaders note that they are seeing too many people come through the court system who get arrested on misdemeanor charges, and then get released 15 days later on a PR bond, without getting their mental health neeeds addressed. Medina County Court-at-Law Judge Mark Cashion presides over a conference of area mental health experts conducted April 24 in Hondo to discuss how to bridge that gap. (Photo by Anton Riecher)

By Anton Riecher
Mental health experts serving Medina County gathered April 24 to discuss ways to improve the county’s behavioral health care system, particularly gaining access to much needed resources in cases involving criminal prosecution.
Janna Heilig, criminal court coordinator, defined the purpose of the meeting in Hondo as helping to focus, listen and learn.
“Medina County acknowledges the importance of mental health,” Heilig said. “It impacts us in one way or another, and it’s through open conversation and shared understanding we help build resources and navigate our way on mental health for our community.”
Conducted in the upstairs courtroom of the Medina County courthouse annex, she said the space set aside for this meeting was not about judgment, but about support.
“There are valuable mental health resources available to our citizens through our local (Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities centers) who are here with us today,” Heilig said.
Medina County Court-at-Law Judge Mark Cashion noted that, in particular, gaps in the mental health system become most apparent when dealing with incarcerated individuals.
“I guess the biggest frustration for me is we get them arrested and, in my case, because they are misdemeanors, usually 15 days later we PR (personal recognizance) them because it’s a criminal trespass or some non-violent crime,” he said.
He’d like to see them get the help they need.
Leading the local contingent of mental health workers on hand was Landon Sturdivant, deputy chief executive officer with the Hill Country MHDD, based in Kerrville.
“We are a unit of the state government,” he said. “We contract with the state of Texas, the health and human services commission, to serve as the local mental health authority for a 19-county area, which is a large swath of southwest Texas.”
Among its many services, Hill Country MHDD operates a 24-hour, seven days a week mental health crisis hotline. Through that hotline and its walk-in clinic, Hill Country MHDD “assists individuals in gaining access to crisis assessment to better determine what their needs are, if that person is requiring a level of care beyond what can be addressed on an outpatient basis,” Sturdivant said.
The agency does contract with a number of psychiatric hospitals in San Antonio, he said.
“We work very closely with our impatient partners in facilitating those admissions,” Sturdivant said. “We do have some resources to help pay for those admissions for persons who do not have insurance coverage or the ability to pay for themselves.”
He also noted that Hill Country MHDD partners closely with the Medina County Sheriff’s Office in providing mental health services to prisoners.
“As Judge Cashion was speaking of, too many times we see too many people who may be in a mental health crisis and they end up in jail on some misdemeanor charge or something like that,” Sturdivant said.
The sooner health workers can intervene in such a crisis, a person can avoid suffering in jail and working their way through the very expensive judicial system, he said. Sometimes that system becomes a “revolving door” for troubled individuals, ending with them not receiving the services or support needed.
Public defender Kani Kennell said her office has applied for a grant that would fund five mental health case workers to help the affected jail population find services when arrested or placement when released.
She described it as a means to prevent the cycle “from repeating over and over and over again.”
“If somebody’s charged with a felony and they’re found incompetent to stand trial they’re often waiting more than a year in the Medina County jail in order to get a placement in the state hospital,” Kennell said. “They’ve already been determined to have a profound mental health issue.”
Then, after hopefully regaining competency after a stay in the state hospital, the defendant has to come back to jail in order to deal with the charges, she said.
“We have to get to them quickly before they lose competency again,” Kennell said.
In response, Sturdivant announced that his agency has secured funding through a grant to embed a qualified mental health professional in the Medina County jail. The grant also included hiring personnel to manage pre- and post-release planning for continuing mental health care in the hope of reducing recidivism.
The issue is slated for further discussion during the May 5 session of the Medina County Commissioners Court in order to address the necessary interlocal agreements required.
Medina County Sheriff’s Office mental health Deputy Antonio Aguilar made reference to a recent court case in which a defendant needed medications but said he was not taking them because he could not afford the cost.
“I assured the attorney in court that is not an issue,” he said. “If the state hospital has said they are going to take these medications then they are going to get them.”
Aguilar said state hospital officials have assured him that resources exist to allow the county to recoup the cost of the necessary medications.
“We are working with them to try to have a better relationship, to try to get these things smoothed out,” he said.
Kennell said that making defendants pay for their own medications is a big issue with her clients. With only limited funds available, given the choice between purchasing commissary items they enjoy and the medications they need, the inmates make poor choices.
“A lot of times our clients who need like an anti-psychotic or something like that don’t make good, rational decisions,” Kennell said. “They’re not willing to pay out of their money in order to get that medication.”
On mental health issues outside the courtroom, Kristem Rumley with the Department of Veterans Affairs said that Medina County lacks a mental health resource specifically for veterans. She serves as community engagement and partnership coordinator for suicide prevention for 17 Texas counties, including Medina.
“That’s a huge gap,” Rumley said. “People don’t want to drive to San Antonio for these services.”
Research shows that veterans, particularly rural veterans, not engaged with the Veteran’s Administration or local health care stand at an increased risk for suicide, she said.
In conclusion, Judge Cashion said he plans to continue pushing for meetings such as the April 24th gathering to exchange ideas on how the community can improve on mental health issues.
“We’re making some progress but we’re making slow progress,” he said.
County Judge Keith Lutz said he shared the concern expressed by others at the meeting about the stigma attached to the topic of mental health.
“For me, when the community shows up and asks these questions it’s important,” Lutz said.