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“Coffee, the finest organic suspension ever devised.”Captain Janeway – Star Trek

 “Coffee, the finest organic suspension ever devised.”

Captain Janeway – Star Trek

 Coffee is the world’s favorite hot beverage.  Approximately two billion cups are consumed daily around the globe.  Here in the U.S., nearly three in four Americans enjoy coffee every day.  Most of us appreciate consistency in our coffee.  We find what we like, and we stick to it.  But occasionally, especially at this time of year, it can be fun to change things up a bit.  Consider spicing up your coffee.  This Christmas, try making some howling holiday treats!
 The first rule for making Christmas coffee is to add what you like to your cup.  This may require some experimentation.  Common coffee additives include cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, vanilla, honey, and of course your creamer of choice.  Note – I am not recommending the addition of commercial bottled creamers that you find in your supermarket.  These are full of seed oils and chemicals and are not good for you.  Coffee is good for you.  Don’t mess it up with poison creamers.
 Here are a few holiday worthy recipes you might consider:

Everyday Christmas Coffee
The first is my simple and quick everyday Christmas coffee recipe. When in the mood for something different, I drink this year-round. Start with good quality freshly roasted specialty coffee, if possible. Brew your coffee (I prefer using a French press, 66 grams of coffee per liter of water, steeping time exactly four minutes). After coffee is brewed, I fill my 16 oz. travel mug ¾ full and add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, one scoop of collagen powder (optional, but gives coffee extra creamy texture), and two tablespoons honey. Mix well. I like to use a small handheld frother. This gives your coffee a nice mild foamy texture. Then add creamer to taste. I prefer heavy cream and like to stir in creamer instead of frothing it for this recipe. Frothing creamer makes coffee too bubbly for my taste. Add a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkles if you are in a party mood. This recipe can be adjusted as you like.

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The Power of Three Outs

Having been interested in sports for virtually my entire life, I have seen the influence of the number three in those endeavors. Three strikes, three outs, and three-time outs come to mind immediately. But while listening to a speaker while driving my old F150 4×4 along IH 35 on a drizzling December day, another concept of three came into my fuzzy old brain.
This time it was related to the power of influence on other people as a Teacher, Coach, Mentor, Friend….you get the idea.
Step 1: FIND OUT. That means gathering as much information as you can about the topic, situation, or circumstance. Become as well versed as possible. Now to be certain this work at insight, mastery or whatever term seems right to you, connotates the idea that if something is worth your while, it requires some effort. And this might take a considerable amount of time.
STEP 2: SHARE OUT. In the proper setting it is appropriate to offer the information and conclusions you have gained from your efforts and experiences found in Step 1. This may be in a formal setting such as a speech or classroom. It may be during “windshield time” with a friend or mentee. The point is to NOT keep what you learned to yourself but pass it along. Even the Good Book warns about not keeping a Lamp under a Basket!
STEP 3: NOTE: THIS ONE MAY BE THE HARDERST!
ONCE STEPS 1 AND 2 ARE DONE, GET OUT. By this I mean let the person(s) you are sharing with have the freedom to accept/reject/revise whatever has been presented. Not much good comes from “beating a dead horse” or “hounding a person to death” with your opinion on things. In my semi-qualified opinion, failure to adhere to Step 3 may ruin the impact/good the first steps might have accomplished.
Now, to be clear, I am FAR from being Wise or a Genius. The Boss Lady sometimes uses Wise to describe me, but adds another word dealing with Anatomy in her terminology.
But it sure does seem to me keeping all 3 of those Steps in that order might have some merit. What do you think?

Answering Bible Questions with Bible Answers

Question: How do I choose which Church to go to?
Answer: According to the Bible, you should go to a church that is founded on and based in Jesus Christ. The Bible says in Colossians 1:18, “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” This verse speaks of Jesus and how He is the head of the church. You should only go to a church that gives Jesus the preeminence, which means that He’s placed first. The song service, fellowship, communion, and children’s programs are important but if Jesus isn’t honored and glorified, it’s not a true church. The other most important factor when choosing a church goes hand in hand with the first one, that is making sure the entire Bible is taught and preached there. A church that honors Jesus must also honor and reverence His Word, the Bible. The Bible is the very words of God recorded for us in our language. 2 Timothy 3:16. 2 Peter 1:20-21. In order to be a true church of God, the Bible must be the first and final authority in all matters. Joshua 1:8. Before choosing to attend a church you should carefully look into what the church believes and their position on important issues. If the Bible isn’t preached straightly, if Jesus isn’t honored especially, and the church doesn’t attempt to help you grow closer to Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord, then you’re better off going to a different church that does. 1 John 2:19-23. Pray and ask God to guide you to the church He wants you to attend. Proverbs 3:5-6.

Natalia Police Report

12/9/24 – Officers were dispatched to 2107 Hwy 132 for theft of property the case is still an ongoing investigation.
12/9/24 – Officers were called out to the 800 BLK of 6th Street for an individual that was trespassing at a local residence and a Criminal Trespass Warning was issued.
12/10/24 – An Officer was dispatched out the 500 BLK 4th Street for loose dogs in their area. The Officer was able to return the dogs to home.
12/10/24 – Officers were dispatched out the 700 BLK of 4th Street for a possible burglary in process. Upon arrival the Officers noticed that no one was around the home. The Officers drove the area, no homes were broken in.
12/11/24 – An Officer was dispatched to the Chubbys for an individual that failed to pay for gas.
12/13/24 – Officers were dispatched to 200 BLK 3rd Street for theft of a package. Officers were able to recover packages and returned them to the owner.
12/16/24 – Officers responded to the Loves Truck Stop for an individual that was not wanted on the property. A Criminal Trespass Warning was issued.

Lytle Police Report

Monday, December 09
8:23 AM – 18900 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer received a complaint from the MCSO School Resource Officer regarding a large black dog on campus. Lytle Animal Control was contacted, but the dog could not be located.
10:10 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a missing female. Upon arrival, the male had found his wife.
1:13 PM – SH 132 N. @ City Limits – Officer responded to a report of a male in the roadway needing help but could not find him.
2:20 PM – 18900 Blk. FM 2790 – Officers responded to assist in a school lockdown drill.
7:35 PM – N. Somerset St. @ Main St. – Officer responded to a disabled vehicle blocking the roadway and offered traffic control until the wrecker service arrived.
Tuesday, December 10
9:52 AM – 19300 Blk. Lytle-Somerset St. – Officer responded to an 18-wheeler blocking the road. The driver was in McDonald’s and moved the vehicle from the roadway.
10:50 AM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officers provided a funeral escort out of the city en route to Devine.
2:32 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 19900 Blk. FM 3175 – Officers assisted with a consumer until a deputy arrived to take custody of a female with an active mental health warrant.
2:32 PM – 19000 Blk. Priest Blvd. – Officer responded and arrested an 18 year old male on an active warrant out of Comal County for Tampering with/Fabricating Evidence. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
6:02 PM – 100 Blk. CR 6841 – Officers responded to unlock a vehicle.
6:25 PM – Lytle PD – Officers spoke to a complainant on the phone regarding a civil matter.

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Eloisa Cortinas

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Eloisa Cortinas, a beloved wife, mother, and friend, who left this world peacefully on December 7, 2024, at the age of 88. Born on April 30, 1936, Eloisa graced our lives with her warm spirit and unwavering love.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Anita Pruitt; husband of 62 years, Trinidad Cortinas; son, Henry Cortinas.
Eloisa is survived by her sons, Domingo Cortinas, Trine Cortinez and wife, Ruth Cortinas, Bricelyn Cortinas (Grandson); daughters, Lisa Cortinas, Vickie Allen and husband, William Allen; Judy Lee and Brink Lee; grandchildren, Joshua Cortinas, Jennifer Delgado, Tristan Allen, Jonathan Lee, Katelyn Lee, and Preston Lee; fifteen great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 16th from 5:00pm-9:00pm with Rosary recited at 7:00pm in the Funeral Chapel at Primrose Funeral Services in Lytle, TX. Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, Dec 17th at 10:00am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devine, TX with interment to follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Devine, TX.
If you would like to express your condolences or share a memory, you may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas.

Robert Alan Stolzman

Robert Alan Stolzman of Devine, Texas has passed away at the age of 56
Robert graduated from Devine High School in 1986, then attended Kansas State until an injury brought him back to Texas. A few years later, he started a successful business and met his lovely wife Bonnie. They welcomed their two children into the world in 2002 and 2005. Robert spent his life coaching, introducing them to the outdoors, he was both a cub scout, and girl scout leader, and being ever present in their lives. He was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Devine, and made many lasting relationships in his time there.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Stolzman, mother, Ola Frances Taylor; cousin Alan Hill, great aunt, Pat Hill, and great uncle, Bert Hill, and close friend Andy Acock.
He leaves behind his loving children, Hannah and Gordon Stolzman; brothers, Mike and Barry Stolzman; cousins, Chris, Dale, Betty, Tiffany, and W.T. Hill, and close friend, Frank Hopkins.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025 at First United Methodist Church in Devine, Texas at 11:30am.
If you would like to send flowers, please send them directly to the church.
If you would like to share a memory, or express your condolences, you may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com

John Edward Naegelin Jr.“Sonny”

October 30, 1953 – December 17, 2024

John Edward Naegelin Jr., passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024, at the age of 71. He was a hardworking man, a beloved husband, a loving father, and a faithful servant of God. His life was full of love, faith, and dedication to his family, friends, and the land he cared for.

Born on October 30, 1953, in San Antonio, Texas, John grew up on his family farm in Lytle. He developed a deep love and respect for the land and worked it with pride throughout his life.

On June 7, 1975, John married Doris Matula. Together, they raised seven children and built a home on their family ranch. John taught his kids the value of hard work, integrity, and enjoying the simple things in life.

He is survived by his children:

John E. Naegelin III, Susan E. Pick (Josh), Dennis E. Naegelin (Justa), Judy E. Ortiz (Sid), Annette E. Devaney (Kevin), Marvin E. Naegelin (RoseAnn), and Kevin E. Naegelin (Briana).

His greatest joy was being “PawPaw” to his grandchildren:

Taylor Adams, Khloe Naegelin, Tori Adams, Ace Naegelin, Christian Ortiz, Jaxon Adams, Sidney Ortiz, Connor Devaney, Sonny Ortiz, Brooke Devaney, Paisley Naegelin, MacLaine Naegelin, Collyns Pick, Montana Naegelin, Bradley Naegelin, LouAnna Naegelin, Noa Naegelin, and Jax Naegelin.

He is also survived by his wife, Doris, his brothers Gerald, Peter, and David Naegelin, his sister Lynda Jacob, and many friends who were touched by his kindness and wisdom.

John is preceded in death by his parents, John Edward Naegelin Sr. and Catherine Naegelin, his sister Tonia Johnson, and his brother Mark Naegelin.

John enjoyed fishing and hunting trips with his brothers, sons, and friends. Known for his generosity and steady nature, John was a well-respected figure in the Lytle community. Though his boots have rested, his spirit will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those he helped.

Visitation will be held at Prime Rose Funeral Services in Lytle, Texas, on December 22, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by the Rosary.

Funeral services will take place at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Lytle on December 23, 2024, at 10 a.m., with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Devine, Texas. A reception will be held afterward at The Lazy Longhorn Ranch, 2620 FM 2200, Devine, TX 78016. The Naegelin family invites all who knew John to join them in sharing stories and remembering his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in John’s memory.

Rest in peace, John “Sonny” Naegelin. You were loved, you will be missed, and your spirit will live on in the land you worked, the family you cherished, and the lives you touched.

Carlos “Charlie” Amaya

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Carlos “Charlie” Amaya, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend, who departed this life on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the age of 63. He was born on February 26, 1961, in Atascosa County, Texas to Maurillo and Maria T. Amaya.
Carlos spent his life in Poteet, Texas where he touched the hearts of many with warmth, humor, and unwavering spirit.
At a young age his father instilled in him and his brothers a passion for music. He would play the guitar and sing vocals in his band Grupo Amaya. His life was filled with rhythm and harmony that he continued throughout his whole life. Carlos always had his music playing while barbecuing, fishing, and during family gatherings. Carlos cherished his family and friends that he always put before himself. He was a selfless person with a huge heart. He had a playful nature and unconditional love. He was well known in Poteet, Texas for his laughter, generous heart, and unwavering support which will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him.
He worked tirelessly for over 20 years as a Miller for CH Guenther & Sons Pioneer in San Antonio, Texas, where he was known for his hardworking spirit and dedication to his craft. His genuine kindness and sense of humor made a lasting impression on his coworkers and the many lives he touched.
Carlos devoted his life to his family, work, and loving wife of 44 years, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him. The family wishes to thank all who touched his life.

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Stroud sets new record, 51 years in a row

59 years of basketball refereeing overall

Southwest Texas College in Uvalde, 59 years of basketball refereeing overall

2024 was the 51st year in a row for Lewis Stroud to be invited to referee the tournament in Uvalde at the college, now called Southwest Texas College, formerly SWT Junior College. “What makes this tournament so special is the people that run the tournament. They always treat you nice and go out of their way to run a good tournament”, said Stroud.
“This is very special to me. Some of the people that I will always remember and never forget are Landra and Rob Fowler, Gary Eagle, James Volz, John Coronado, Clint Urby, Kenneth Dismuke, Ricky and Jesse Rubio.” Lots of good memories are made at these tournaments. Pictured are referees John Reinhart, and Lewis Stroud with Landra and Rob Fowler and James Volz.
“This is my 59th year as a basketball referee,” said Stroud.
This is one record that we doubt anyone will ever beat!