Big Elections Coming up…Early voting starting next week April 24- May 2
Devine mayor/council races, Lytle ISD,
Medina County: Voters to decide Devine ISD bonds & ESD sales tax issue

City of Devine- Vote at City Hal, 303 S. Teel, Devine
All registered voters in Devine can vote in mayoral race.
Mayor- Cory Thompson (i) and challenger Butch Cook.
District 2 and 5 get to vote in their races as well:
Council Dist.2- Angela Pichardo (i) and Michael Hernandez
Dist 5 – Debbie Randall ( unopposed).
Election day: May 6, 2023, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; May 1-2, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting one Saturday, April 29 – 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Applications for Ballots by Mail (ABBMs) must be received no later than the close of business on April 25, 2023.
Devine ISD- Polling locations in both Medina and Frio Counties
Vote For or Against
Proposition A – 31.5 Million for Safety and Renovations of Schools, Band Hall
Proposition B – 1.5 Million – for 4 New Tennis Courts
Medina County Polls voting at Medina County Precinct 4 Annex Building this year (317 TX-132 N, Devine).
Election day: May 6, 2023, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday April 29 9am-2pm; May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. May 6, 2023 (Election Day) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Frio County Polls-voting at the Bigfoot Alternative Center, 13777 FM 472, Bigfoot, TX 78005
April 24-28, 2023 (Early Voting) 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; April 29, 2023 (Early Voting) 9:00 am – 2:00 pm and May 1-2, 2023 (Early Voting) 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
May 6, 2023 (Election Day) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Medina County- Vote at Medina County Precinct 4 Annex Building
(across from Tractor Supply)
Voters can vote in the ESD District elections, where they are registered to vote.
Medina County ESD 2 – (Devine Fire area) – add 1.25 % to sales tax
Medina County ESD 5 – (Natalia Fire area) – add 1.25% to sales tax
Medina County ESD 4 – (EMS Devine/Natalia areas – add .50% to sales tax
ESD4 overlaps both fire districts (2&5), since EMS can bill for services they are asking for only .25 from each district, so .25+.25= .5% sales tax
*Note: 8.25% is the maximum any city or county in Texas can charge for sales tax. Medina County is at 6.75% currently, so that leaves 1.5% open.
ESD 2, 4, and 5 – All Voting at County Building:
Election day: May 6, 2023, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday April 29 9am-2pm and May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
May 6, 2023 (Election Day) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Lytle ISD- Vote for one or none, Single Member District 2
Trustee Special Election for Single Member District 2 will be on May 6, 2023 between Jessica Perales , and one write-in candidate Jeremy Davenport.
Voting in a trustee for Single Member District 2. (Voters must vote in the Single Member District where they are registered to vote.)
Note: Lytle ISD is only conducting the special election. They were able to cancel the general election, which is the annual election due to unopposed candidates. The special election is due to having two SMD vacancies however, they canceled the SMD 5 election, but not the other as there was one write-in candidate for SMD 2 before the deadline.
Polling places:
Lytle ISD Administration Office, 1537 Cottage St., Lytle, Tx.
Medina County Courthouse Annex, 1300 Ave. M Room 108, Hondo, Tx.
Medina County ESD No. 1, Station #15, 17934 FM 1957, Rio Medina, Tx.
Medina County Pct. 4 Annex, 317 State Hwy. 132 N. , Devine, Tx.
Medina County Pct. 2 Annex, 8366 FM 471 S. , Castroville, Tx.
Early Voting weekdays: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday April 29 9am-2pm.
Election Day: May 6, 2023 from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

City of Lytle – cancelled election due to uncontested races.
Natalia City/Schools – no elections
LaCoste City – no elections

Groundbreaking May 4th…1/3 scale replica chapel and plaza to be built where St. Joseph’s once stood

By KK Calame
Publisher
Exciting news in this week from St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devine announcing a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the long awaited replica Chapel of the historic 98 year old church building and steeple that was torn down August 1, 2020 due to safety concerns.
“After years of preparations, we are happy to announce the construction of our new chapel is set to begin. Join us for a ground breaking ceremony on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 10a.m.
Bishop Gary Janak will be here from the Archdiocese to give a blessing”, said Matthew Balderama, Building Committee Chairman, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devine.
The new Chapel and plaza will be built where the old church once stood. It will be done in two phases, back to back. Phase one will be the construction of the chapel and Phase two will be the construction of the plaza behind the chapel.
The chapel was designed to try to replicate the old one as close as possible, but will be about one third the size of the original one. The design process began with parishioner Candace DeJesus and old photos sent in by parishioners were used as references so it can be replicated inside and out as much as possible..
Architect/planner/consultants is Morkovsky and Associates, Inc of San Antonio, Texas.
“The chapel will be approximately 32 ft wide by 59 feet long with ceiling at 22 feet. The base of the cross at 30’6’’ high and the tip of the steeple close to 37 feet, roughly about a third of the size of the old church. It will have 8 foot pews on each side inside and accommodate up to 100 people,”said Balderamma.
Mass will still be celebrated on the weekends in the current church as they have much larger attendance. Daily Mass will be in the new chapel when it is complete. Also smaller celebrations will take place in the chapel as well, like baptisms, some weddings, etc.


The new project is estimated to take 6 months to complete. Cost estimated to not exceed $900,000. “Currently we have 58% of the money needed, as required by the Archdiocese. Funds have been raised over the 12 years since it was condemned by private donation and events like the annual Octoberfest”, he said. “We will continue to take donations, and will take sponsorships for things like the pews, stained glass windows, statues, saints, and cross. And a decision is yet to be made as to whether the old bell will be used or a new one purchased. A nice sound system and electronic bell system will be in the chapel and sound off like it used to years ago every hour of the day and at mass times. The community will enjoy hearing those again across all over town, “ he said.
The Building Committee of St. Jospeh’s consists of : Don Dunford, Santiago Mendoza, Michael Perez, Laura Holder, Juan Billalobos, Jr., Candace DeJesus, Chairman Matthew Balderama, and Father Antonio Hernandez. Advisors are Ernie Morales, Lydia Benavidez, Todd Summers, and Melissa Rodriguez.

Community raises $140K at Audrey Jane’s Light fundraiser for a cure

The community really came together once again, to help this sweet little princess Audrey Jane Capps, 5 years old, pictured here with her family Josh and Brittany Capps and baby brother Kenneth and local firefighters who joined the Fun Run Some Run Princess & Protectors event in Devine.
The event will be held annually at Devine Acres Farm until we find a cure for Audrey and all A-T warriors!
It was a full day full of fun with fishing, a giant jump pad, hay rides, and live music, great BBQ and more. The live and silent auctions were a blast and we cannot thank donors and volunteers enough for helping this sweet Princess. Kiddos loved meeting the Paw Patrol, Elsa & Anna, Moana, Ariel, the Power Rangers, and Batman, and you can look forward to an event just as exciting next year at Devine Acres! Follow Audrey Janes Light Facebook Page for more info. A-T (Ataxia Telangiectasia) is a rare nuerological disease facing more families in Texas than any other place in the U.S. Because 1 in 3 kids develop cancer, many experts believe when we find a cure for A-T, we may find the cure for some types of cancer as well. If you would still like to donate, you can do so online at www.atcp.org/Audrey PHOTOS & SPONSORS ON PAGE 9-10

Farms and ranches reduced by 18,300 acres in Medina County

Medina County farmers and ranchers and all Texas Ag producers play an important role in the world’s food supply, with Texas accounting for 13% of the cattle in the U.S. as well as being a top producer of several crops according to the TX Dept of Agriculture.

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
The landscape in Medina County and our small towns is changing, and it’s no illusion as fields of cotton and corn become fewer and fewer. In Medina County, over 18,350 acres of farm and ranch land has been developed within the past 10 years, a loss of about 9,000 acres of agriculture land over each five-year period.
Acreage now classified as “Residential” has increased the most–by nearly 13,800 acres in the past ten years.
In the same ten year period, over 3,200 acres has been claimed by the “industrial” industry, with most of this accounted for by the large quarries in Medina County.
Land flagged as “Commercial” has seen the smallest growth acreage-wise (an increase of 232 acres).
The growth of subdivisions and industrial inudustry here has led to substantial increases in tax revenues for the county. According to the last audit, Medina County has approximately a year’s worth of operating funds put away in its reserve “rainy day” account.
On the flip side, rising home and land values has led to a large increase in property tax bills.
Loss in ag production is an issue facing Texas in general right now, with around 250,000 acres of farm and ranch lands being developed each year, according to officials.
According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas ranks first in the nation in the number of cattle and calves, accounting for 13% of the U.S. total.
Texas is the top producer of cotton, hay, sheep, goats, mohair and horses. Some of the state’s top crops are vegetables, citrus, corn, wheat, peanuts, pecans, sorghum, and rice. Experts estimate that, on average, 1 farmer feeds 160 people annually.
The ag industry employs one out of every seven working Texans as well according to the TX Dept of Agriculture.
With Texas being such an important part of food and fiber production, it is drawing some concern.
It wasn’t too long ago, that the USDA held public comment about “lab grown meat”–also called “cell-based” or “cultivated meat” which hit the grocery stores and some restaurants in 2022. Even Texas BBQ brisket is being grown in a lab in Austin, a 2022 news release announced.
In an op-ed by Ag Commissioner Sid Miller this January, he also highlighted the growing number of solar farms and land purchases by China as a concern.
“Texas Agriculture Matters and in 2023 that has never been truer,” said Commissioner Miller. 
More on this issue…
In an op-ed last month, State Representative Justin Holland drew attention to this very matter affecting the whole state. “Every year, Texas loses nearly 250,000 acres of land to development. Rural working lands that make up the wide-open spaces definitive of the Texas character are evaporating at an alarming rate. Not only are these lands meant to be enjoyed by Texans, but they work every day to provide the food we eat and the water we drink,” Holland said.
“We must take bold steps to preserve the landscape and culture that makes Texas a great place to live. Texas is home to 7 of the top 15 most rapidly growing cities in the country. Research also shows that 78% of Texas counties will not have sufficient parks in the coming decades. Texas needs additional parks, open spaces and natural habitats to preserve our quality of life, provide food and fiber and clean water, and to support the multibillion-dollar agricultural and outdoor recreation economy,” Holland adds.
In another interview he noted, the state’s success is great, but Texas is having “a very hard time keeping pace with water, infrastructure, transportation, and educational needs.”
“I truly believe that our land is our greatest asset, and it cannot be replicated once it is lost,” Holland said. “That’s why I am proud to introduce landmark legislation in the Texas House calling for the creation of the Texas Land and Water Conservation Fund,” a bill under consideration.
Difficulty of estate taxes and transfers is a common issue, and the tools available
“I work every day with farmers and ranchers who are just looking at ways to make sure they can keep their land and continue to serve our state by providing the food and fiber it needs to continue to grow,” said Chad Ellis, CEO of the Texas Agricultural Land Trust. “Some of these lands have been passed down for generations, and oftentimes families do struggle to pay estate taxes and preserve ownership during transfers. One of the greatest tools we have in the toolbox to help these families is conservation easements.”
 

Suspect videos deputies “like it’s some kind of game”

One of the many dangerous smuggling pursuits comes to an end with several transported to the hospital and one person airlifted. The vehicle rolled at the access road of I-35 near Chaparral Ford.

Medina County Sheriff’s Department had a smuggling pursuit last week where the passenger was actually videotaping officers in the middle of the pursuit, the Sheriff said. It was just one of five smuggling pursuits our local law enforcement detailed to us in the past few days.
“She was shooting the finger at us while she videoed, like it’s some kind of game,” Sheriff Brown said. “These smugglers will drive anywhere, through ditches, fences, anything, cause they are in a stolen vehicle any way. In this case, 7-8 people took off running and escaped, but the driver and passenger went to jail.”
“That pursuit went from I-35, made a loop around Hondo, to Hwy 173, to Quihi, to Rio Medina, where we eventually had to use a pit maneuver to end it,” Sheriff Brown added.
There were many other smuggling pursuits in the past few days, and as the frustrated local Sheriffs have said “we are watching their every move, and the smugglers are watching us too,” sometimes with more sophisticated technology than ours.


Frio Pursuit ends in rollover

Another pursuit that began in Frio County this past Monday ended in a rollover near I-35 and Chaparral Ford (pictured). One person was airlifted from this incident. There were around 10 people in the vehicle.


Homeless man intervenes, helps catch smuggler

In another pursuit in the past few days, the chase went from I-35 in Medina County all the way to San Antonio, where a homeless man helped stop the smuggler.
“We chased the smuggler all the way to San Antonio, and he pulled up behind a Lowe’s store and took off running. A homeless man saw the man running and fought him until my deputy caught up and deployed a device similar to pepper spray. We also detained seven others.”
Thanks to the hard work at the Medina County District Attorney’s office, “These drivers in smuggling operations are getting some prison time.”


Smuggler faces 5 Felony Charges after dangerous incident that sent 3 to hospital
A suspect who is charged with Smuggling of Persons: Severe Bodily Injury or Death, was picked up on April 13 on 5 Felony warrants after a dangerous incident that happened this past February 23 between Devine and Castroville.
According to the Medina County Sheriff’s department, it all started with a pursuit out of Uvalde County that was picked up in Medina County and continued to US 90 and FM 1343. At the top of the hill the driver ended up crashing and colliding with a civilian’s vehicle and a Castroville PD officer’s vehicle, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
Three people were transported to the hospital for injuries in this accident including the driver of the civilian vehicle, the suspect smuggler driver, as well as one of the undocumented immigrant passengers.
The suspect was recently released from the hospital and is now in custody of Medina County, where he faces charges of possession of marijuana, unauthorized use of vehicle, evading arrest, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault against a public servant, and smuggling of persons: severe bodily injury or death.
No information was available on the medical status of the other two people who were injured in the crash.

DISD to host town hall meeting April 20 about proposed bond

Devine ISD Superintendent Dr. Todd Grandjeant will host the second meeting Thursday, April 20 at the DSAC auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m.
“I want our community to be informed about the propositions in the bond, and to be able to have any concerns addressed,” Dr. Grandjean said.
He will have a short presentation, and then attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Dr. Grandjean will also conduct tours of all the campuses Monday, April 10. Those who would like to attend should meet in the DSAC parking lot at 6:30 p.m. A bus will be provided to take everyone to all the campuses.
“After touring all campuses and having direct interaction with principals and teachers, it became apparent that our children need many things to happen as far as facilities are concerned in this district. I think we were very thoughtful in our process and were very cognizant of the costs of each project,” Misty Thompson, Facilities Committee, said.
Early voting is April 24-28, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., April 29, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and May 1-2, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Polling location for Medina County residents is the Precinct 4 Annex Building, 317 TX-132 N. For Frio County residents, early voting will take place at the Bigfoot Alternative Center, 13777 FM 472 in Bigfoot.
Election Day is Saturday, May 6, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Polling locations are the same as in early voting.

Local Elections on May 6
Where, when, why, how much
Early voting April 24- May 2

City of Devine- Vote at City Hal, 303 S. Teel, Devine
Vote For or Against
Bond Election- $15.02 Million for drainage and flood control
Everyone can vote in the Bond election
Everyone can vote in mayoral race.
Mayor- Cory Thompson (i) and Butch Cook
District 2 and 5 get to vote in their races as well
Council Dist.2- Angela Pichardo (i) and Michael Hernandez
Dist 5 – Debbie Randall
Election day: May 6, 2023, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; May 1-2, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting one Saturday, April 29 – 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Applications for Ballots by Mail (ABBMs) must be received no later than the close of business on April 25, 2023.

Devine ISD- Polling locations in both Medina and Frio Counties
Vote For or Against
Proposition A – 31.5 Million for Safety and Renovations of Schools, Band Hall
Proposition B – 1.5 Million – for 4 New Tennis Courts
Medina County Polls voting at Medina County Precinct 4 Annex Building this year (317 TX-132 N, Devine).
Election day: May 6, 2023, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday April 29 9am-2pm; May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. May 6, 2023 (Election Day) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Frio County Polls-voting at the Bigfoot Alternative Center, 13777 FM 472, Bigfoot, TX 78005
April 24-28, 2023 (Early Voting) 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; April 29, 2023 (Early Voting) 9:00 am – 2:00 pm and May 1-2, 2023 (Early Voting) 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
May 6, 2023 (Election Day) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Medina County- Vote at Medina County Precinct 4 Annex Building
(across from Tractor Supply)
Voters can vote in the ESD District elections, where they are registered to vote.
Medina County ESD 2 – (Devine Fire area) – add 1.25 % to sales tax
Medina County ESD 5 – (Natalia Fire area) – add 1.25% to sales tax
Medina County ESD 4 – (EMS Devine/Natalia areas – add .50% to sales tax
ESD4 overlaps both fire districts (2&5), since EMS can bill for services they are asking for only .25 from each district, so .25+.25= .5% sales tax
*Note: 8.25% is the maximum any city or county in Texas can charge for sales tax. Medina County is at 6.75% currently, so that leaves 1.5% open.
ESD 2, 4, and 5 – All Voting at County Building:
Election day: May 6, 2023, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday April 29 9am-2pm and May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
May 6, 2023 (Election Day) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Lytle ISD- Vote for one or none, Single Member District 2
Trustee Special Election for Single Member District 2 will be on May 6, 2023 between Jessica Perales , and one write-in candidate Jeremy Davenport.
Voting in a trustee for Single Member District 2. (Voters must vote in the Single Member District where they are registered to vote.)
Note: Lytle ISD is only conducting the special election. They were able to cancel the general election, which is the annual election due to unopposed candidates. The special election is due to having two SMD vacancies however, they canceled the SMD 5 election, but not the other as there was one write-in candidate for SMD 2 before the deadline.
Polling places:
Lytle ISD Administration Office, 1537 Cottage St., Lytle, Tx.
Medina County Courthouse Annex, 1300 Ave. M Room 108, Hondo, Tx.
Medina County ESD No. 1, Station #15, 17934 FM 1957, Rio Medina, Tx.
Medina County Pct. 4 Annex, 317 State Hwy. 132 N. , Devine, Tx.
Medina County Pct. 2 Annex, 8366 FM 471 S. , Castroville, Tx.
Early Voting weekdays: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday April 29 9am-2pm.
Election Day: May 6, 2023 from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

City of Lytle – cancelled election due to uncontested races.
Natalia City/Schools – no elections
LaCoste City – no elections

4th Generation Sailor…
DuBose heads to Naval Officer Candidate School

Taylor Robin DuBose was accepted into the United States Naval Officer Candidate School in Rhode Island. She was sworn in April 7, 2023 in College Station and reports to her duty station in Rhode Island this Friday, April 14. Taylor is a fourth generation Navy Sailor on her father’s side, and has generations of Sailors on her mother’s side as well.
She is the daughter of Patrick & Jan DuBose of Devine and Monica Taylor & David Solomon of Bandera.
Her Paternal Grandparents are the late Charlie Pat & Kitty DuBose. Maternal grandparents are the late Vicki Goode and the late Berrimon Taylor.
Taylor is the fourth generation on her father’s side to serve in the US Navy following in the footsteps of her father Charlie Patrick DuBose who served on the USS America aircraft carrier, grandfather Commander Charlie Pat DuBose served on the USS Wasp aircraft carrier after Officer’s Training School, and her great grandfather Charlie Paine DuBose served on the USS Connecticut battleship.
Taylor also follows in the footsteps of her maternal great grandfather, Ross Baker, and her great great grandfather, Elmer Sewell, who both served in the Navy.
Taylor is a Bio Science graduate of Texas A&M University and served in the Corp of Cadets Marching Band. She was raised in Devine alongside her brother Hunter and is a graduate of Devine High School.
DuBose is seen in the phtograph accepting the oath to serve in the United States Navy with Recruiter LT Crystal Rubio in College Station. She will head to Officer Candidate School this week in Rhode Island.

Outside audit gives county government clean bill of health, shows a year’s worth of reserves

By Anton Riecher
Medina County ended the 2021-2022 fiscal year in September with equal to almost a full year of general fund expenditure held in reserve in its fund balance, the county’s official outside audit states.
Travis Rogers, certified public accountant for Pattillo Brown & Hill in Waco reported that the county is “well set up to deal with any change of circumstances that arise in the next year or two.”
The audit, presented to the Medina County Commissioners Court on April 6, shows that the county added about $1.6 million in fund balance to the general fund as the result of operations during FY 2021/2022, bringing the total fund balance to about $17.3 million, Rogers said.
“If you compare that to total expenditures for the year, even if you take out capital outlay or about $864,000, that’s still roughly about $20 million in the general fund for the year, which means in the ending fund balance you have close to a year’s worth of general fund expenditure,” Rogers said.
A general rule of thumb for local governmental entities such as counties, is to keep three to six months in reserve, he said.
“If you have nine or 10 months you’re in excellent health financially and in no danger of running out of money any time soon,” Rogers said.
As for the state of the county’s bookkeeping, Rogers said his company issued Medina County an “unmodified or clean opinion.”
“It’s the highest level of assurance we can provide meaning no issues or material departures were noted as part of our audit,” he said.
In other county financial news, the monthly treasurer’s report showed that the county ended February 2023 with a cash balance of $34.714 million, Total debt ending the same period totaled $25.025 million.
On a motion by Precinct 3 Commissioner David Lynch, seconded by Precinct 2 Commissioner Larry Sittre, the commissioners approved $2.071 million in accounts payable. The court also approved disbursement of funds since the last commissioners meeting totaling $10,780.
Commissioners approved a payroll for the period from March 18 to March 31 totaling $663,894 for its 326 employees.
The county auditor’s report showed a March beginning balance of $34.328 million and an April beginning balance of $34.880 million.
A line-item transfer of $1,959 was approved to allow Precinct 2 Constable Jim Przybylski to move funds from office supplies to auto maintenance to cover the removal of old graphics and installation of new replacement graphics on his vehicle.
The commissioners also approved the transfer of $150,000 among various funds used for emergency dispatching.
ESD No. 2
An annual financial report for the Medina County Emergency Services District No. 2 submitted to the county indicates that the district ended the 2021-2022 fiscal year with a budget deficit of $177,795.
“In the General Fund actual revenues received were less than anticipated by $15,665, expenditures more than anticipated by $162,130, resulting in a budget deficit of $177,795,” the outside audit states.
Total revenues budgeted were $432,200. However, the audit shows the actual revenues received totaled $416,535.
“In the Interest and Sinking Fund, actual revenues received were less than anticipated by $9,481, expenditures were less than anticipated by $227, resulting in a budget deficit of $9,205 for the year ending Sept. 30, 2022,” the audit states.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
The court granted emergency management coordinator Mark Chapwick permission to train a volunteer intern.
“It’s an unpaid internship with no cost out-of-pocket for us,” Chapwick said. “The investment for us, of course, is an investment of time. What it does is take people and build them up in the skills to be able to do this kind of work.”
Chapwick, who joined the county staff last year, said he has conducted an internship program for the past 12 years with good results. One of his previous interns just took charge of emergency management for the community of Ruidoso, N.M.
“You can also use this as a platform for training some local volunteers to work specifically in emergency management,” Chapwick said. “It would be an augmentation for us.”
SUBDIVISIONS
Under subdivision development, the commissioners gave final approval to vacate and replace a lot in the Mi Tierra Subdivision on County Road 340 in Precinct 1. The action followed a brief public hearing on the topic that drew no comment.
Precinct 1 Commissioners Timothy Neuman made the motion, seconded by Sittre.
In Precinct 3, the San Antonio Trust Subdivision located on FM 463 north of Natalia and Lytle received preliminary approval to vacate and replat one lot. Commissioner Lynch recommended the court withhold final approval until further discussion with the Texas Department of Transportation about subdivision entrances.
On a motion by Sittre, the commissioners approved Unit 16B and Unit 16A in the Hunters Ranch subdivision. On a motion by Neuman, seconded by Sittre, the commissioners voted to accept a construction bond for Valley Oaks subdivision, phase 2, located in Precinct 1.
OTHER
Commissioners accepted a community-wide fair housing analysis regarding disability, race and ethnicity required by the Texas Department of Agriculture before the county can apply for grant funds. The court also approved a resolution authorizing application for the 2024 Indigent Defense Improvement Grant Program for the Hill Country Regional Public Defender’s Office.
Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Linette Dury petitioned the commissioners to approve a contract with the Cameron County Juvenile Justice Department for residential services. Likewise, a similar interlocal agreement with the El Paso County Juvenile Board was approved.
On a motion by Neuman, seconded by Sittre, the court authorized application to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Police Service to participate in the COPS hiring program. Since 1994, COPS has provided $14 billion I assistance to state and local law enforcement agencies to help hire community policing officers.
Commissioners voted to extend the annual eDispatch system contract for the county. EDispatch automatically detects audio dispatches and delivers notifications directly member devices.
The county also approved extending an annual $3,000 lease by Keller Grain of county property in Precinct 2.
For complete video coverage of the commissioners court session visit the Devine News YouTube channel at youtu.be/Ps3a7rg52Yc.

City of Devine strikes bond from ballot

Several city leaders changed their tune after citizens voiced their concerns about rushing into a bond election without many details, and overall cost and tax bill impact. This past week, the Devine City Council voted unanimously to cancel the $15 Million Bond Election for drainage projects.

Current Mayor Cory Thompson (TOP) will be challenged by mayoral candiate and local businessman Butch Cook (BOTTOM) seen voicing his concerns among many other citizens about the $15 million bond at a recent public hearing.

A video on Devine News YouTube, shows the bond presentation given by Mayor Cory Thompson at a special meeting this past February 2nd when three council members voted to go out for the $15 Million Dollar Bond/Drainage Project, after choosing from a “wish list” handed out by the mayor.
Voting to put the $15 million drainage bond on the ballot were council members Debbie Randall, Flipper Vega, and David Espinosa, with encouragement from Mayor Cory Thompson to put it to a vote, who stated “If people don’t want this they can vote it down.”
 Then a Espinosa-Randall motion to approve it passed (3-2), with Josh Ritchey and Angela Pichardo voting against it.
Two public hearings were held where citizens questioned the priority need for such drainage projects and pushed for more details.
Before ballots were printed, a special meeting was called to discuss the cancellation of the bond, and this time all council members voted in favor of cancelling the bond issue.
There will still be an election for Mayor of Devine between incumbent Cory Thompson and Butch Cook. District 2 Councilwoman Angela Pichardo re-filed for office also, and will be challenged by Michael Hernandez for that position. Councilwoman District 5 Debbie Randall is unopposed.
Election Day is May 6, but early voting starts April 24.