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Summer Fest at Moore Community Center this Saturday

This young lady was all smiles as she enjoyed a popcicle at the Fourth of July celebration in Lytle. There was a great turn out!

The Moore Community Improvement Club proudly presents “Summer Fest,” a celebration of community, food, music, and fun! Mark your calendars for a day filled with excitement at the Moore Community Center this Saturday, July 15th at 11 AM.
Pitmasters and barbecue enthusiasts are gathering for another exciting competition in Moore! Showcase your skills and compete in our sizzling Barbecue Cookout Contest. Pit your flavors, techniques, and secret recipes against other talented teams for a chance to claim the title of Pit Master. The overall winning team will not only earn the prestigious honor but also take home a grand prize worth 30% of the overall entry fees! Think your team has what it takes to be crowned the ultimate barbecue champions? Sign up extended to July 14th (space limited) to secure your spot and put that to the test! The entry fee for cookout teams is $150.
Discover unique treasures and support local businesses at our vibrant pop-up marketplace. Whether you’re looking for handmade crafts, jewelry, or artwork, our talented vendors have something for everyone. If you are interested in showcasing your products and services, there are still a few spaces available. You can secure a spot for just $25. Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity to engage with the community and expand your customer base!
Like a little friendly competition then our Cornhole tournament is sure to please. We are taking sign-ups the day of the event. Cost per player is $20 and first place teams not only get prizes but prize money! Bring your friends and head out for some friendly fun under the sun.
Car enthusiasts, this Summer Fest also has a special place for you! Marvel at the display of classic and custom vehicles at our Summer Fest Show and Shine. Admire the craftsmanship and dedication put into these stunning automobiles and strike up conversations with fellow enthusiasts. There will be chance to vote for people’s choice and give-away opportunity for those showcasing your ride.
Everyone should get ready to dance and groove to the beats provided by the Solis Brothers, along with other local bands featuring Chris and Cassandra Salinas, Hollywood and the All-Star Band and Last Call featuring Randy Brown, Kevin Langley and James Little and DJs, who will be contributing to the vibrant and energetic atmosphere throughout the event. You will be sure to enjoy a variety of music genres that will keep you on your feet, embracing the rhythm of the day. We haven’t forgotten about our littlest community members! Kids can participate in exciting games and activities specially designed to keep them entertained and smiling all day long! Those who are old enough or have parent supervision, can participate in legally vandalizing and destroying an old junkyard car, a rare opportunity for sure!
We invite you to bring your family and friends to the Moore Community Center for a day of entertainment, mouthwatering food, and community spirit. Summer Fest promises to be a joyous occasion that will create lasting memories for everyone in attendance. Don’t miss out on this incredible event that celebrates our vibrant community! Join the Moore Community Improvement Club and be a part of our 3rd annual Summer Fest experience!

Property tax freeze in Lytle on hold

By Anton Riecher
A motion to further investigate the financial impact of a proposed property tax freeze for city residents either over 65 or disabled was approved by the Lytle City Council Monday by a 4-1 vote.
The motion was made by District 4 Alderman Michael Rodriguez, seconded by District 3 Alderman David Emery, to delay taking any immediate action on the tax freeze. District 5 Alderman Charles Cate who placed the item on the agenda, opposed that motion as he wanted to move forward with the freeze.
“We’re going to have the same figures in six months that we will have in two weeks,” Cate said. “We’re only hurting our residents.”
Michelle Berdeaux, chief appraiser for Atascosa County, told the council that fast action to approve the ordinance would be necessary since the appraisal district is scheduled to certify the tax roll by July 21. Values must be presented to the taxing entities by July 25 to start budget workshops and rate hearings.
“We’re getting ready to start the tax rate calculations,” Berdeaux said. “If you don’t move quickly it will not be on the tax roll before we mail bills.”
In Atascosa County which carries the largest portion of the city’s taxable value almost 200 property tracts or nearly 13½ percent would be eligible for the tax freeze, Cate said. Rodriguez expressed concern that until certified values are available the financial impact of the tax freeze remains unknown.
“I don’t see the rush in trying to get this done by this timetable,” Rodriguez said.
Cate noted that many Texas municipalities have implemented similar measures to stem the impact of rising property taxes on the elderly.
“It does not exempt them from paying taxes,” Cate said. “It freezes their tax value once they turn 65. We’d still be collecting taxes but it would just help alleviate the folks who may be on a fixed income.”
Berdeaux explained that the freeze does not apply if the property owner either acquires more adjoining property or expands their home.
“Then the freeze would be adjusted by the amount of tax that was added,” she said.
Lytle has previously implemented a homestead exemption for property owners over 65 who received a $10,000 exemption, Berdeaux said.
“What you are talking about will freeze that tax amount at the (age 65) level, whatever is established,” Berdeaux said. “If it goes down, the property owner automatically pays less.”
Cate said that Devine passed a similar tax freeze for its eligible taxpayers in June, Cate said.
“While it is able to help the residents I think it also makes the city an attractive place for people to move to,” he said. “If one city has this in place and we don’t they might go there. I just see it as a means for us to help folks out and take care of our own people.”
The council also voted to conduct a workshop to discuss a proposed tax abatement program at 6:30 p.m. July 25.
In other items added to the agenda by Cate, the council voted unanimously to develop plans for replacing and upgrading the city’s water distribution lines. However, action on a proposal to upgrade and improve city road and streets to accommodate future development was tabled.
The council voted to award a $5,046 contract to Advanced Water Well Technologies to remove the wellhead and pump from long dormant City Water Well No. 1 to accommodate the Edwards Aquifer Authority in its plans to use the well to better monitor the aquifer.
City Administrator Matthew Dear reported that the authority had agreed to cover half the cost of the wellhead and pump removal.
Dear reported to the council that the city had received a violation notice from the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality regarding the need to complete mandatory water quality testing for copper and lead in its newest water well.
Mayor Ruben Gonzales stressed that the violation was not based on findings but due to a testing oversight.
Dear explained that the new water well required a specific set of tests to be performed quarterly during its initial year of operation. The tests are performed both at the well and again at where water goes into the distribution system.
Ordinarily the testing is only done three times a year, Dear said.
“We did one and were expecting to do it like we normally do but we missed one in between,” Dear said. “We’ve already done the missed test so we can go back to the normal routine.”
During the information items portion of the agenda District 2 Alderman Richard Hughes asked if additional lighting could be installed at the city park baseball fields for evening hours. Dear said that plans to improve the lighting had been postponed due to other city issues.
“We started down that path a while back but had to put the stop to it because of some major improvements needed at the sewer plant,” Dear said.
He said the city staff has been investigating the use of hotel occupancy tax money to fund the ball field lighting improvements. However, that can only be justified if it can be shown that the park had effectively generated funds for the hotel industry.
The estimate on improving the lighting is nearly $300,000, city finance director LaNet Hester said.
Mayor Gonzalez reported that the Veterans of Foreign Wars is planning the ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new post on July 19, the 100th birthday of local Pearl Harbor attack veteran Gilbert Meyers. Meyers, to whom the post is dedicated, also contributed the land for the new building.
Gonzalez also gave an update on Texas Department of Transportation improvements to Interstate 35. Beginning Tuesday new stripping will be added to convert access roads from one-way to two-way traffic.
Improvement plans also call for closing down FM 3175 lanes crossing beneath I35 for extensive repair.
“It’s the only way to get that road done before school starts up again,” Gonzalez said. “It’s going to hurt for several weeks.”

Update…Devine Water violations “rejected”

In regards to an article titled “Water violations for City of Devine cite ‘failure to test,’” we have learned new information.
The violations applying to the LC Martin well have been “rejected” since the TECQ has learned the well has been offline since the last big snowstorm in Devine.
The following is a response from TECQ after another inquiry: “As of July 10, 2023, and based on the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Water Supply Division compliance data, the City is in compliance with the Revised Total Coliform Rule, Groundwater Rule, the Lead and Copper Rule, and all primary and secondary chemical drinking water standards. The City received two monitoring and reporting violations for failure to monitor nitrate and volatile organic compound samples at one entry point during calendar year 2022.
“Upon further review, the applicable entry point was inactivated as the plant was offline and the associated monitoring and reporting violations were rejected. The City’s three other active entry points were monitored during calendar year 2022 and sample results were reported as required.
 “The City received a violation for failure to conduct triggered source monitoring under the Groundwater Rule during October 2022. This violation was rejected as the corresponding well, associated to the entry point in question, was not online.
“Both the two monitoring and reporting violations and the triggered source monitoring violation were rejected by TCEQ and are no longer valid. The annual consumer confidence report (CCR) requires systems to only include valid violations for notification to customers. Rejected violations are not required to be included in the annual CCR.”

Parachute Team to jump in Lytle July 19Honoring local 100-year-old Pearl Harbor Survivor

Lytle is home to 100-year-old earl Harbor survivor Gilbert Meyer.

Everyone is invited…Please join the Lytle Memorial VFW Post 12041 on July 19th at 4:00 PM at 1425 FM 2790, Lytle TX 78052 (the new location of the VFW Post). Help us celebrate and honor Mr. Gilbert Myer, of Lytle, on his 100th birthday and watch the famous Wonder World Parachute team powered by the All Veterans Group jump in his honor.
Mr. Myer is a Pearl Harbor Survivor who served on the USS Utah when it was hit and sunk. He stayed at sea the remainder of the war on the USS Detroit until the signing of the peace treaty. Mr. Myer is a Lifetime Member of the Lytle VFW 12041.
The All Veteran Parachute Team will be jumping from a helicopter as a way to honor Mr. Meyer as one of the last few survivors of Pearl Harbor. They will jump around 5:00 p.m.
Sunnydale Hyde, Director of Operations for the All Veteran Group shares a little about the jump.
“We travel all over the world doing over 100 shows a year. We have helped raise $7 million dollars annually to help veterand their families,” Hyde said.
There will be 2-3 jumpers who will jump from about 1 mile up. The jump itself will last about 5-7 minutes and the crowd will see “cold smoke grenades” deploy as the parachuters come down.
The Wonderworld Parachute team is powered by the All Veterans Group.
To put things into perspective, this is the same team that jumped for President Bush, the Green Bay Packers and many others.
In addition, the City of Lytle will be presenting a Proclamation to Mr. Gilbert Myer proclaiming July 19th as “Mr. Gilbert Myer Day” in Lytle. With the generosity of HEB, there will be hamburgers, hot dogs and chips served.
You are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.

The celebration will begin at 4 pm with hotdogs, hamburgers and more, and the jump will happen close to 5 pm. The Wonder World Parachute team powered by the All Veterans Group has been featured on national news including Good Morning America, CNN, ESPN, and many others across the world.

A new home for Lytle VFW post
(Reprinted from March 2023)
By Anton Riecher
Many a war story is destined to be told inside Texas’ newest Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12041 once it is completed east of Lytle. But none will be as harrowing as that told by the man for whom the post is named – Pearl Harbor survivor Gilbert Meyer.
On March 22 members of Post 12041 and many others from Lytle gathered at Meyer’s farm on FM2790 for the groundbreaking ceremony. Of the five-acre farm, Meyer donated four acres as the new home for the local VFW.
“We would not be standing here today if it were not for the generosity of one local hero – Mr. Gilbert Meyer, who is in the house directly behind you, is a 99-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor,” said post commander Chris Clouser. “Unfortunately, due to health reasons, Mr. Meyers is not able to attend the ceremony.”
Arrangements had been made for Meyer to view the groundbreaking by video from his sickbed.
Next month Texas Senior Vice Commander Larry Sanders takes charge of the Texas VFW as state commander. But before those high ranking jobs Sanders was commander of Post 12041. As commander he had the pleasure of counting Meyers among the local members.
“One day I was at the park getting ready for our fourth or fifth festival,” Sanders said. “I met this gentleman walking across the sidewalk over there. He had USS Utah on his cap. He was very proud of it. He said ‘Come over and sit down young man.’ We sat down and talked for about an hour about what he did. He was at Pearl Harbor.”
Fortunately, Meyer committed his story to video as an oral history during a USS Utah reunion in Las Vegas in 2015. Born in 1923, he dropped out of high school in Goose Creek, TX, now Baytown, when he was 17. With his parents’ consent he joined the Navy.
The USS Utah is often referred to as the forgotten ship sunk at Pearl Harbor. Commissioned as a battleship during World War I, the Utah had long since been converted into radio-controlled vessel used for aerial target practice.
Meyer arrived in Pearl Harbor aboard the Utah in September 1941. Recently refitted, the Utah only made two voyages from Pearl before that fateful day on Dec. 7, 1941, when Japanese pilots slammed two torpedoes into her side.
“I was sleeping on the starboard side,” Meyer said. “I woke up when the first torpedo hit but I was so sleepy I went back to sleep for just a few seconds. Then, shortly after that, the second one hit. When it hit all the lights went out.”
With the ship already listing, Meyer had to find his way topside in the dark wearing only his skivvies, i.e., his undershirt and underpants. He also grabbed a pair of shoes he had just bought.
“I had shined them for about three days,” he said. “And I had my shoes and lost them somewhere along the way. I probably needed two hands to try and climb and get myself topside.”
Debris made it impossible to lower himself into the water off the port side of the ship. The only thing to do was to follow the ship around as within 12 minutes it capsized.
Then the Japanese pilots started strafing the survivors with machine gun fire, Meyer said.
“The projectiles hit the bottom of the ship and made such a racket I knew I had to get the hell out of there,” he said. “So I started sliding down. I looked up behind me and there was this big old chief electrician who looked like he weighed 300 pounds crashing down. I had to swim like hell to get out of the way.”
Meyer swam to nearby Ford Island and took cover in an open trench. Between bombings he and others would sneak between the buildings to see what was happening on Battleship Row.
“We just watched the world war from there,” Meyer said.
Fifty-eight of Meyer’s comrades did not survive to tell their tale. An incident later brought the magnitude of the disaster into focus. Meyer had caught some shrapnel in a finger and went looking for medical help.
“The nurse ran me off,” Meyer said. “She said guys with their arms missing and all blackened from being burned and you were worried about one finger. Later I thought about it and she was right. I shouldn’t have been there for just a little bleeding finger.”
Meyer’s next ship proved to be far luckier. For three years and nine months he served aboard the USS Detroit. At Pearl the Japanese torpedoes missed the Detroit and she never took a hit during the war after that. And, the Detroit was sitting in Tokyo Bay when, aboard the USS Missouri, General Douglas MacArthur signed the peace treaty ending World War II.
“That was the best 18 seconds of my life,” Meyer said.
During the groundbreaking, Clouser said the mission of the VFW is to “foster comradery among United States veterans of overseas conflicts and to serve our veterans in our communities and to advocate for all veterans.”
Now that Lytle has its first ever VFW home the post will be able to “advance the ability to serve our veterans and our military in our community,” he said.
“The members of the Lytle VFW are excited for the future and look forward to the ability to serve veterans by giving them a safe place to come for assistance,” Clouser said.
The youngest servicemen in the 1941 attacks, who were 17 years old, would be turning 99 this year. It is unknown how many survivors are still here to share their stories with younger generations.

Hansen Horses…Have a problem horse? Or just want to learn how to ride?

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
We got the chance to interview Mike Hanson, of Natalia, who has over 30 years experience in horse training and breeding, and he shared a few tips with us for you horse lovers. The Hansens have opened a new business, just 10 minutes from Devine with a top notch covered arena where he is offering lessons for beginners and clinics for more experienced riders.
If you have your own horses, bring them, and if you don’t, that’s okay too. They offer lessons on their own horses or clinics on your horse.
Hansen has taught everything from barrel racing to roping to basic riding skills.
“I once trained horses for a Civil War reenactment near Houston. They were shooting off horses and fighting with swords. You can train a horse to do anything. If you have the money, I have the time,” Hansen said.
The basic price for lessons and clinics is $60 an hour.
He teaches local clinics on:
-Basic Riding Lesson Skills (western) for ages 8 and up on our horses
-Roping
-Barrel Racing
-Cow horse
-Tack
-Trailer loading
“You can break most any bad habit of a horse within three days,” Hansen said including some of the most common issues like trailering, walking off while the rider gets on, biting when cinching up, or not staying tied.
“Those are the most common problems I see–he won’t load, he won’t stand still to get on, he bites while being cinched up, or he won’t stay tied,” Hansen said. “A lot of people have a horse with one of those problems and go for years not realizing they can bring it to someone like me and get it fixed for about $180.”
He estimates that any one of these common issues can be fixed with about 3 one-hour clinics, once a day. He offers to keep your horse on site for those three days for an additional $8 a day to cover feed.
“Walking into a trailer with a horse who is uncomfortable is probably one of the most dangerous things people do,” Hansen said. “In three days, I can have most any horse loading with no problems. You are welcome and encouraged to stay and watch while we work with the horse too, because if you take him home and try to load the horse the same old way you did before, it’s not going to work,” Hansen said.
Hansen has lot of knowledge in the field, and as a horse lover myself, I learned more and more as the interview went on.
“A horse has seven facial expressions, and if you learn those it will make your life a lot easier. Horses can’t speak, so they feed off your expressions. Most people don’t know it, but a horse can hear your heart beat from four feet away. If you walk up with a racing heart, all nervous, that horse is going to be nervous too, right from the beginning. They are fight or flight animals, so they are going to be wondering, ‘What’s going on? What’s this person so nervous about?’”.
Another thing people don’t always realize, he says, is how sensitive horses really are.
“A horse can feel a tiny little fly land on the hair of their back,” Hansen said. “That’s why you’ll see them swishing their tail back and forth to swat flies. Think about that the next time you go to whip a horse.”
When it comes to roping, he loves to teach beginners.
“Like any sport, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. When you learn the correct technique, you’d be surprised how easy it really is,” Hansen said.
Hansen has shown horses in AQHA and APHA and has raised both. He also managed cattle ranches for many years.
When it comes to working cows, he has plenty of experience and tips to make your life easier.
“A cow cannot see straight behind them. It’s all about your position to their eye. If you are by the eye, you are going to stop em. If you are in front of the eye you are going to turn them, and if you are behind the eye you are going to drive them. There are so many little details like that that. I’ll teach you how to read the cow,” Hansen said.
He has the kind of knowledge that only comes with experience.
“Trust me, there was a time long ago when I had more bad habits than I did good when it came to horses, but once you learn the right techniques, it makes you life a whole lot easier,” Hansen said.
Hansen estimates he has started more than 500 colts over the years.
“There are so many people out there who don’t feel safe when they ride their horse,” Hansen said. I can teach you and your horse the skills you need to get the job done and to feel safe whether you are doing competitive trail ride, playdays, rodeo, or just riding for recreation,” Hansen said.
Hansen Horses is located between LaCoste and Natalia on FM 471, just 10 minutes from Devine. They have a nice covered arena for shade during lessons and clinics.
They also offer a competitive trail riding course with lots of obstacles (water, bridge, etc).
Schedule a private clinic or lesson by calling 830-261-1072.

Local boy wins again, Golden Gloves Nationals is next,sponsors needed so he can make the trip!

Esteban Rodriguez qualified for the Golden Gloves Nationals in August but is needing some help with sponsorships to make the trip to Orlando, Florida. To qualify for Nationals he won the Golden Gloves Championship in Texas in February and won this trophy. The medal is Jr. Olympics Champ, and the belt is for being a USA Boxing Nationals Champs.

Esteban Rodriguez, 16 years old, of Natalia brought home his third championship this year in boxing as he won last week the USA Boxing Nationals Champion 138lb JR Division at the competition in Houston June 29-July 2.
He dreams of going to the Golden Gloves National Championship in Orlando, Florida on August 6-9 and is seeking local sponsors to help make the trip a reality.
Esteban’s record is 7-1 for 2023 and he has been racking up the hardware. In February he won his division at the Golden Gloves Texas competition in San Antonio, Texas and a trophy. Then in March he won his division at the Junior Olympics Championships in Corpus Christi, Texas and brought home a Olympic medal. Now in July he won a belt as the Champion at the USA Boxing Nationals.
His coaches are Eric Rodriguez and G. Guerrero.
Esteban has been boxing since he was 12 and got the inspiration to start boxing from his mother Sandra who used to wrestle when she was a teenager and loved it. His sister Senayda, 12 yrs old hopes to follow in his footstep someday soon.
He is the son of Esteban and Sandra Lopez.
If you would like to help Esteban get to the Golden Gloves Nationals by sponsoring him, please contact his father Esteban at 830-428-1340 or estebanlinan140@gmail.com.

Lytle Police Report

Monday, June 26
5:00 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer spoke to a caller regarding a loose dog at the HEB.
12:37 PM – Assist San Antonio PD –19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to assist with contacting a female. Unable to locate the female.
9:44 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded and was unable to locate the vehicle.
10:26 PM – Wisdom Rd. @ Ball Rd. – Officer responded and removed a couch blocking the roadway.
Tuesday, June 27
3:02 PM – 19900 Blk. FM 3175 – Officer spoke to a complainant regarding a check that was washed and cashed by another person outside the city limits of Lytle.
6:26 PM – Assist Atascosa EMS –19500 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency.
7:58 PM – Main St. @ Somerset St. – Officer provided a courtesy ride to a stranded motorist.
9:51 PM – 19300 Blk. IH 35 SB – Officer responded to an active alarm. The residence was secure.
Wednesday, June 28
1:10 AM – 19200 Blk. N. Somerset St. – Report of a suspicious person, officers were unable to locate.
1:23 AM – 19200 Blk. N. Somerset St. – Officer responded to a report of a theft that occurred two days prior. The value of stolen ladder & tools was valued at $370.00.
6:33 AM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado.
8:35 AM – Diaz St. @ San Jose St. – Officer responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle going door to door. The male was taking a survey.
11:16 AM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a caller that provided information on a case.
12:14 PM – Assist DA Investigator – IH 35 NB @ MM 133 – Officer responded to assist with a traffic stop.
3:25 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a complainant via a telephone call regarding a stolen cell phone in San Antonio.
5:46 PM – Main St. @ FM 2790 – Officer responded and could not locate the pickup pulling a trailer.
7:30 PM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for an expired vehicle registration which resulted in detaining the driver for violating the conditions of his bond. The driver was cited and released.
8:08 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of shoplifting which resulted in the arrest of a 35 year old female for shoplifting merchandise valued at $130. Subject’s mother, a 53 year old female, received a citation for criminal mischief for removing the tags off the stolen merchandise.
Thursday, June 29
7:55 AM – 19900 Blk. FM 3175 – Officer contacted Animal Control for loose goats at the Crisis Center.
10:49 AM – N. Pecan @ Adams St. – Officer responded to a suspicious vehicle sitting in the roadway on Adams St.
3:31 PM – 15200 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of a stolen beverage which resulted in the arrest of a 34 year old female for an active Burglary of a Habitation warrant out of Medina County. Subject was booked into the Medina County Jail.
3:45 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a suspicious object (penny) left on a vehicle door. The female was cautious due to all of the social media warnings. Everything was okay.
6:27 PM – Assist Atascosa EMS –19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer assisted a patient having a medical emergency.
8:30 PM – 19300 Blk. FM 2790 N. – Officers escorted the Lytle Little League girls to South Texas Hardware.
11:30 PM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a female running in the street.
Friday, June 30
4:35 AM – 19300 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to an active alarm. The residence was secure.
11:15 AM – Lytle PD – Officers received a $100 donation from a grateful resident.
11:46 AM – Lytle PD – Officers spoke to a female regarding a service call that occurred on 6/29/2023 with an officer.
1:00 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a complainant regarding her estranged daughter opening a T-Mobile account in her name.
5:16 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2015 Mitsubishi.
9:31 PM – IH 35 SB MM 133 – Officer responded to a report of a male walking on the shoulder but could not find him.
10:55 PM – 14600 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded and provided a courtesy ride to Devine to a man.
11:45 PM – Assist Atascosa EMS – 15100 Blk. Norvell St. – Officer responded to assist a patient with a medical emergency.
Saturday, July 1
1:25 AM – 19800 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to discover the two men were sleeping in their car.
5:18 AM – 14600 Blk, FM 2790 – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
8:03 AM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded and was unable to locate the person.
8:29 AM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a verbal disturbance resulting in the arrest of a 31 year old female on an active warrant out of Medina County for injury to a child/elderly/disabled w/intent bodily injury. Subject was booked into the Medina County jail.
10:07 AM – Lytle PD – Officer responded regarding a child custody matter.
11:33 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a verbal disturbance.
4:36 PM – 15900 Blk. Lake Shore Dr. – Officer responded to an ice chest in the roadway.
4:59 PM – 19900 Blk. FM 2790 – Officers responded to a 20-year-old consumer that walked out of the center. The person was returned to the center, the staff later obtained an emergency detention warrant & our officers transported the person to a San Antonio area hospital.
5:11 PM – 15300 Blk. Oak St. – Officer responded to the death of a 65-year-old male.
11:42 PM – 18300 Blk. Wisdom Rd. – Officer responded to a female walking in the roadway.
Sunday, July 2
7:34 AM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a suspicious parked vehicle.
10:14 AM – Lytle PD – Officer responded regarding a child custody matter.
2:35 PM – 18700 Blk. Wisdom Rd. – Officers responded, and everything was okay.
4:27 PM – 19500 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to a verbal disturbance, issuing a criminal trespass warning to an unsatisfied customer.
5:08 PM – 14800 Blk. Lytle-Somerset St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe.
8:18 PM – 15100 Blk. Norvell – Officer responded to an active alarm. The residence was secure.
8:46 PM – 15300 Blk. Oak St. – Officer responded to the death of an 86-year-old male.
8:48 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a male walking out of the store shoplifting approx.—$ 120 worth of beer and unknown items an hour before contacting the police.
10:01 PM – 15000 Blk. Mesquite St. – Officer responded to a report of fireworks being pooped but could not locate them.
10:11 PM – 15200 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a female that was reported stealing a soda. The female was issued a criminal trespass warning.
11: 27 PM – FM 3175 @ IH 35 – Officer responded to look for a black Jaguar vehicle but could not locate it.

Natalia Police Report

06-26-2023 – code enforcement – Officer contacted the property owner to get the overgrown grass cut and improve the look of the city.
06-28-2023 – canine – other – Officer responded to a call for a loose dog I’m the neighborhood that had been caught in a trap placed by the officer; the dog was taken to the city kennel
06-28-2023 – assist other agency – Officer assisted MCSO on a crash
06-29-2023 – wanted person – Acting on information relayed to officers the wanted individual was located and taken into custody without incident
06-30-2023 – threats – Officer responded to a call for threats at a local business, report wax taken without incident
07-01-2023 – welfare concern – Officers responded to a call for a welfare concern, the individual turned out to be in good health and not in any danger.
Officers issued multiple citations and warnings for various traffic violations. 

Devine Police Report

June 23
0:35 AM – Officer assisted DPS on Teel Dr with securing subject inside vehicle.
3:21 AM – Complainant on Libold Dr reported male subject outside of residence. Officers made location; everything okay. Family member on location.
9:58 AM – Complainant on Mobile Parkway report female was seen on door bell camera ringing door bell and picking up cigarette butts in her yard and walking around in yard. Contact made with subject; all okay.
12:21 PM – Complainant on Davis Ave reported verbal disturbance between female and male.
16:33 PM – Complainant on Dove Ave report old Dodge pickup parked in front of residence for a couple of weeks. Tagged with 72 hour abandoned vehicle tag.
17:13 PM – Officer stopped vehicle on IH 35 N for speeding – no driver’s license or insurance. Vehicle towed by Friendly Glenns.
June 24
14:43 PM – Complainant on SH 132 N reported vehicle broken down near road. Driver made location. Vehicle towed by Morales Towing.
22:34 PM – Complainant on Hondo Ave reported man screaming at woman and pulling her hair. Male subject arrested and jailed for Assault Causing Bodily Injury-Family Violence.
June 25
4:15 AM – Complainant on Dilley Ave reported he was trying to leave female who came home drunk and causing a disturbance. Female and children released to responsible party.
21:15 PM – Complainant on IH 35 S reported Hispanic female attempted to take $955.61 of items. Items were recovered. Incident occurred at 1930 hrs.
June 26
10:50 AM – Complainant on Transportation Dr reported suspicious vehicle – Maroon Chevy SUV parked under trees. Male walked across RR tracks and walking in field. Vehicle left before officer arrived.
11:06 AM – Complainant on Malone Ave believed that unknown person opened compartment to travel trailer they are staying in on property. Area searched; unable to locate.
15:34 PM – Complainant on Hondo Ave reported female on location refusing to leave. ID’s by police. Female left location.
19:20 PM – Officer dispatched to CR 5710 for disturbance between female and male.
June 27
4:34 AM – Complainant on Teel Dr involved in verbal dispute with boyfriend. Complainant locked boyfriend out of apartment and he was attempting to get back in.
14:24 PM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave for minor accident.
16:45 PM – Officer dispatched to Teel Dr for female subject causing a disturbance and refusing to leave. Was seen driving older model Trailblazer. Subject left before officer arrived.
June 28
4:50 AM – Complainant on Libold Dr advised that girlfriend won’t let him leave house to go to work. Upon officer arrival complainant advised he no longer needed assistance.
11:12 AM – Complainant on Breeze Dr reported 18 wheeler parked. Officer left orange sticker on driver’s side window as warning.
12:25 PM – Officer assisted County ACO with locating owner of cow.
13:40 PM – Complainant on Hondo Ave3 report stalled vehicle. Ran out of gas, vehicle moved out of roadway.
June 29
15:24 PM – Complainant on McAnnely Ave report two males on bikes staying behind home in the bushes.
17:50 PM – Officer dispatched to IH 35 for major accident. One vehicle took out guard rail at MM 123.
18:34 PM – Complainant on Windy Knoll reported two groups of juveniles yelling at each other. Parties were separated.

Celebrating 40 years of Devine Mini Cheer Camp

The 1983-84 was the first cheer team asked to host cheer camp as part of the new Community Education Program 40 years ago during the summer of 1983. They are Cindy Langley Morales, Rhonda Edwards Korczynski, (left) Mascot Kirsten Schneider, (right) Charie Boyd Morse, Monica Trollinger Malone, Mikki McGinnis Taylor, (at top) Suzanne Crouch Putz, with Little Mascot Tiffany Schneider (at bottom).

By Autumn Copeland
Monday, June 26 to Thursday, June 29, the Devine High School cheer team and sponsors hosted the 40th year of Mini Cheer Camp.
At Mini Cheer and Dance Camp, young cheerleaders from the area attend a four day-long camp where they work with the high school cheerleaders to learn routines and dances, even getting to perform for their loved ones on their last day.
The tradition started 40 years ago at Devine High School when several different summer camps were set up through the Devine Community Education Program by Dora Fernandez. The high school cheerleaders were asked to host a cheer camp, so they volunteered their time to teach younger kids all about the ins and outs of cheerleading.
Cindy Morales was a cheerleader at the time the first mini cheer camp was held during the summer before her senior year of high school in 1983. Morales enjoyed cheer camp because she had the opportunity to work with the youth.
“My favorite part was teaching traditional cheers that have carried on throughout the years,” said Morales. “Tradition is so important for schools.”
The first cheer camp was held in the old high school gym just like it is now, but the camp lasted for five days and campers would pay $25. Now campers pay $45-$65, depending on their grade level. The money raised from cheer camp has to be stretched throughout the year since cheer is not a part of athletics at DHS. The money pays for things like pep rally decorations, tryout choreography, judges and an auditor for scoring.
“This year’s money will go to much needed cheer equipment to make Friday night football a better experience for everyone,” said DHS cheer sponsor Alejandra Valdez. “The girls have to raise money for anything and everything they do.”
Senior lieutenant cheerleader Yancey Parson says her dreams have come to life since becoming a cheerleader. She always looked up to the older girls during her days at cheer camp as a little girl and now she gets to be an inspiration for the younger campers.
“One thing I’ve noticed is how much these little girls look up to you and want to be your friend and dance with you, or even watch them dance with their groups,” said Parson. “It reminds me of myself at their age.”
For the older generations of cheerleaders and mini cheer campers, the hopes to continue teaching Devine pride through deep traditions remain high.
“It gives my heart joy to see cheer camp continue 40 years later,” said Morales as she watched granddaughters Reese and Riley cheer at camp.