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Kevin wants to be a police officer when he grows up

Kevin is one of many South Texas kiddos waiting to find his forever family.

Kevin is an energetic 13-year-old who can easily engage in conversations with others. Kevin is also friendly, kind, cheerful and outgoing. He is a very responsible teen who enjoys staying busy. He is also detail oriented and always works to present his best possible appearance.
For fun indoors he likes to play video games and watch YouTube videos. Outdoors, it’s exploring nature and being active riding his bike.
Kevin enjoys going to school to work on his math & science skills, visit with his friends, and he can play football & basketball.
Kevin has special talents when it comes to music, as he is in a mariachi band where he plays the guitalele (comparable to the guitar) and has also started learning how to play French horn, next he would like to learn how to play the trumpet.
When asked about any ideas as to a career when he gets older, Kevin says he would like to be a police officer.
Although Kevin does not have any pets of his own, he likes animals of all kinds. His favorite foods are, pizza, breakfast tacos, Chick-fil-a and any Mexican restaurant. Other activities that he looks forward to taking part in is indoor rock climbing and spending the day at a water parks.
Kevin stated he wants to be adopted by a family no matter how big or small to love him like their own.
If you think you could be a forever family for Kevin or another Texas child, please call 1-800-233-3405 for more information or 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.

Firefighters rescue man and his dog from burning home

John King was rescued by FF Robert Vasquez and lifted out a window from his burning home.

By Kathleen Calame
Publisher, The Devine News
Forty-six-year-old John King was rescued from his burning home after the front bedroom and porch caught on fire blocking his escape, in a heroic act by firefighters and first responders near downtown Devine last Sunday, October 5, 2025. King was rescured and transported to SAMMC with burns. His dad, 82-year-old, Fred King, was transported as well.
“It is rare to get a save in a house fire. Most people go a whole career without one. That just doesn’t often happen. In my 30 years I have only been a part of one until now, “ said Fire Chief Clint Cooke, MCESD1. “All the crews did really well, they did a great job from Devine and Natalia.”
“Fire fighter Robert Vasquez was able to drag the victim through the house and lift him up out of the window,” Chief Cooke said. “This hardly ever happens in house fires. I’m in awe at how it all went. Proud of him and everyone there. We couldn’t have done it without them all… ESD1 crew, Natalia VFD, Devine PD, MCSO, and others all working together,” Cooke said.
This was this ESD1s fifth…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!

Young man loses life in accident at new Data Center construction site

news of a young man who was tragically killed in an awful accident this past Monday, October 6th. The 9-1-1 call came in around 9 am that morning. The young man, Maurice McGowen 28 years old, was reportedly struck by heavy equipment operating on the construction site of the newest data center located just outside of Lytle on Hwy 132.
After first responders arrived, Bexar County Hazmat was called to the scene also, as several people at the scene were checked for possible radiation exposure.
“The young man was working on the ground taking a soil sample when he was unfortunately hit by a large dump truck,” said Sheriff Randy Brown. He was pronounced dead on scene.
A tool that contains radioactive materials (which was being used to test the soil) was also damaged during the accident, thereby requiring extra precautions.
“The levels were high enough that they determined the testing needed to be done, because of the equipment that was damaged during the accident,” Sheriff Brown added.
While our knowledge of this subject is limited, Sheriff Brown did confirm that…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 “love birds” reach rare milestone

Bill and Audrey Boyd, of Bigfoot, shared their first kiss on a Ferris Wheel over 75 years ago…

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
Seventy-five years of marriage represents three quarters of a century, and it is very rare indeed to reach this milestone coined a “Diamond Anniversary.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only one-tenth of 1 percent of marriages even reach 70 years. These two “love birds”, Bill and Audrey Boyd of Bigfoot, are celebrating 75 years of love and laughter through good times and bad.
“They had their first date to the Poteet Strawberry Festival, and shared their first kiss on the ferris wheel,” said their daughter Melissa Hengst. “Not only do they love each other–but they still ‘like’ each other.”
No more ferris wheel rides, but now they love to sit in their recliners and watch the Wheel of Fortune, their favorite show.
“They are always putting each other first,” Hengst explained. “If I say ‘hey I’m going to the grocery store and ask dad if he needs anything, he will say ‘Let’s ask mama if she needs anything.’”
They are both in their 90’s now, he is 97 and she is 93.
“Dad waits on her hand and foot, just like she did back in the day,” Hengst said. “I remember not only did she have supper ready for him when he got home, but daddy has always loved sweets, so she always had something baked for daddy too. Now, he gets around a little better than her, so anything she needs–he’s right there. They have always made a great team. They treat each other with respect.”
They were married on the 8th of October at the…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!

County proposes changes to fire codes citing issues that have arisen

The state issued fire code violations to Medina Valley ISD, and there has also been an issue fighting over the requirement of a fire hydrant with a new development in Yancey recently. Medina County Emergency Management Coordinator Mark Chadwick addresses the county commissioners on the new county fire codes under consideration. (Photo by Anton Riecher)

By Anton Riecher
Action remains pending on a proposal to adopt the latest version of the International Fire Code specifically to Medina County as an alternative to the state imposed fire code developed by the National Fire Protection Association.
Medina County Emergency Management Coordinator Mark Chadwick, who also serves as the county fire marshal, updated county commissioners in September on the fire code proposal, noting several current projects where strict adherence to the state code would prove costly to the developers.
In one case, fire protection for a 4,000 square foot office building nearing completion in Yancey would have required the Yancey Water Supply Corporation to install large water mains and pumps to pressurize a required fire hydrant to the appropriate pounds per square inch.
“That would be the only fire hydrant in Yancey, Texas,” Chadwick said.
Chadwick instead offered developers a variance on the state fire code based on the structure’s one-hour rated interior fire walls and proximity to a fire department fill point. However, the engineers for the project were still determined to fight for the hydrant.
“That’s ridiculous, in my opinion, to force them to have to spend what would probably have been over $100,000 for a 4,000 square foot building,” he said.
Passage of fire codes specific to Medina County can protect against that, Chadwick said.
The 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) is a model code created by the International Code Council to provide minimum standards for fire prevention and protection. It covers topics such as emergency planning, fire protection systems, hazardous materials and fire service access. The IFC is updated every three years and is the basis for fire codes adopted by many states and local jurisdiction, often with specific local amendments.
Likewise, the NFPA codes such as NFPA 1 and NFPA 101 are model fire and life safety documents that jurisdictions can adopt. With no county fire code in place, the state requires compliance with the NFPA standards. While IFC is a single, comprehensive code, NFPA is a collection of various standards that IFC often references.
Another recent issue cited by Chadwick arising from the lack of county fire codes involved a third-party inspector dispatched by the state writing up violations on 17 buildings in the Medina Valley school district. As an alternative, Chadwick offered to do a re-inspection of the buildings if the district invited the county to serve as a consultant.
The penalties involved totaled $17,000. Correcting them would require extensive internal demolition and reconstruction during the school year, he said.
“To me, that’s ludicrous,” Chadwick said. “I know that’s a pretty powerful statement but to me, that’s ludicrous.”
Of the 17 violations cited, he said he only regarded one as valid. Instead, he recommended the district develop a corrective action plan to address the minor issues cited during the next summer break.
The aftermath of the summer flooding in Kerrville is going to result in more pressure on counties to adhere to state codes, Chadwick said.
“We’re going to be held responsible for how buildings are built in this county,” he said. “We either have to build them to state codes or we have to have our own codes that we can justify that we are building to to keep our citizens and the public safe.”
General requirements that the new codes are expected to address include:
Address identification visible from the road fronting the property with numerals not less than four inches high.
Walls with a minimum of a one-hour fire rating including interior walls with half-inch thick sheetrock on both sides.
Electrical wiring installed with appropriate connections and covers on all outlet and junction boxes.
Ground fault circuit interruption (GFCI) protection outlets installed in areas of higher risk electrical shock near water or moisture such as in bathrooms, kitchens, garages and laundry rooms.
Breaker panels with appropriate breakers installed.
Smoke detectors installed which draw primary power from the electrical system, using batteries as a backup power source.

Devine’s Fall Festival Nov. 1,Carnival Wed-Saturday

We’re thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Devine Cactus Fall Festival—our largest and most anticipated event of the year! This two-day, family-friendly celebration will take place on Friday, October 31st and Saturday, November 1st, 2025, in downtown Devine as usual.
This year’s festival will be packed with live music, food trucks, artisan vendors, local organizations, games, contests, family activities, and more—drawing hundreds of attendees from Devine and surrounding areas.
Whether you’re a returning vendor, nonprofit, school club, or a new business, we’d love to have you be part of this exciting community event!
Event Details
Dates: Friday, October 31st (Evening Halloween Celebration) and Saturday, November 1st (Full-Day Festival)
Location: Highway 173 & Bright Street, Downtown Devine
Times: Friday 31st 2 pm-10 pm and Saturday 1st 8 am-12am
Friday night will focus on Halloween fun! All participating vendors are required to bring candy for trick-or-treaters—costumes and themed booths are encouraged!
Booth spaces are limited and will be assigned on a first-confirmed basis, spots are not guaranteed.

Second Phase of Devine Water Rate Increase to take effect October billing

In July 2024, Communities Unlimited conducted a water rate study that showed the city of Devine was in the deficit of almost $1.1 million dollars in its water and wastewater system. The city council was informed that the city had not realized a rate increase for almost eight years. As a result, the revenue generated over the past eight years from regular water and sewer usage was insufficient to cover the city debts.
The council was also advised that it was necessary to implement a considerable rate increase to pay for the city’s current and future debt obligations and maintenance and operations.
The two options recommended by Communities Unlimited for the water and sewer system increases were the following:
Water usage: Increase the usage charge for all usage over minimum base charge by 48.2%. Increase all minimum charges by 48.2%
Sewer Usage: Increase the discharge for all usage over minimum base charge by 91.4%.
Increase all minimum charges by 91.4%
It was also recommended that after this rate adjustment, the city continue to increase water rates by a minimum 2% to 5% each year to maintain pace with inflation and future costs.
The city council decided to adopt these recommendations, by implementing the increases into two phases without an additional 2 to 5 % increase. The first phase was in February 2025, and the second phase will be in October 2025.
In September 2025, an analysis of phase 1 of the water rate increase was conducted by the Devine city administration and our bond counsel, SAAMCO Financial Services. The purpose was to identify how much revenue was captured by the first-rate increase. It was determined the city generated approximately $620,000 in revenue.
As anticipated the city has not met its necessary obligation of $1.1 million, therefore we have determined it will be necessary to implement the second phase during the October billing cycle.
We anticipate this second increase should raise the similar amount of revenue and dramatically decrease the city’s deficit.
Community Impact: While the adjustments may pose short-term challenges, they are crucial for the city’s long-term sustainability and service quality

Devine Alumni “Meet & Greet” for Two-Day Homecoming 2025!

“You just can’t get all your visitin’ done in one sittin’!” so that’s why Homecoming in Devine was a two-day event – a “meetin’ & greetin’” at the Friday night football game as well as a Saturday afternoon “get-together” at the former “Green Alamo” school (now VFW), hosted by the Devine Ex-Students Teachers Association (DExSTA). All former students and teachers were invited to both days of gathering with old classmates and friends to revive memories of their schooldays together in Devine.
Friday night highlights included the current DHS HC Court, and the introductions at halftime of the 50th Reunion Honor Class of 1975 and their class HC Queen, Karen Ricord Traylor! Some classmates had not been back to Devine since graduation, so this was an extra special night for them! The ‘75ers later met with more classmates at Chayitos Restaurant for late night snacks and drinks to continue their reunion weekend celebration!
On Saturday, the “Green Alamo” was hoppin’ with excitement as a full house of alumni enjoyed an afternoon of fellowship, food, and fun with former classmates and colleagues, in a festively decorated hall filled with displays of cheerleader and band uniforms, pompoms, megaphones, letterman jackets, class posters, and lots of photos. Other classes and groups were also honored, along with a special Memory Roll of classmates who had passed since the 2024 Homecoming. Honored groups were: class of 2010 – 15th reunion, class of 1975 – 50th reunion, class of 1965 – 60th reunion, class of 1955 – 70th reunion, and former Cheerleaders, Mascots, and Pep Squads! Several of the honor classes concluded their evening with private reunions at local restaurants with even more laughter and fun!
But nothing compares to seein’ things for yourself, so check out the meetin’ & greetin and gettin’ together pictures in this issue of The Devine News, as well as on the Facebook page for the Devine Ex-Students Teachers Association! So long for now and see ya’ll at Homecoming 2026!
The Devine Ex-Student Teacher Association would like to thank the many former students, teachers, and guests for their enthusiastic attendance of the annual DExSTA Homecoming Celebration! You are what makes Homecoming so special, and we are blessed with the opportunity to serve and honor our alumni and school each year. We will be looking forward to seeing you again next year for Homecoming 2026!
DExSTA Board of Directors at Homecoming 2025: Standing – Ofilia Hernandez Pedroza ’75, Wendy Maxwell, former DISD teacher, Neva Muennink Saathoff ’69 and former teacher, Keri Crouch James’86, Nancy Speilman Briscoe ’81 and former teacher. Seated – Sandy Wilkinson Beck ’72, Nancy Ehlinger Saathoff ’75 and former teacher, Katie Keilman Shults ’71, Mary Ambriz Castellano ’69.

Norma Carol McEntyre 68 and Sandy Vance 65

Gwen Park Janes 75, Denise Long Johnson 75, Cindy Hundley 75

Dennis Haass 65 with wife Bertha (75 Lytle grad) and Andi

DExSTA Treasurer Mary Ambriz Castellano 69 and husband Hector.

Local Police report

Natalia PD Blotter

9/29/2025 – Officers conducted a welfare check at the 400 block of Bartlett everything was clear.
9/29/2025 – Officer dispatched to 5th and 471 S for a possible wanted person in the area but were unable to locate.
9/30/2025 – Officers were contacted by the city to report theft of utilities services, investigation still pending.
10/1/2025 – Officers were dispatched to the Dollar General for an unwanted person on the property; officers made scene and escorted the male off the property.
10/3/2025 – Officers assisted Castroville PD with a warrant service at the 200 block of 8th Street.
10/3/2025 – Officers responded to the 100 block of East 4th Street for a disturbance in progress; officers were able to separate both individuals.
10/5/2025 – Officers responded to a house fire in Devine to assist due to people were inside and unable to get out.

Lytle Police Report

Monday, September 29
6:40 AM – Assist Medina County Sheriff’s Office – FM 2790 @ Main St. – Officers responded to assist in a vehicle pursuit that originated outside the city limits of Lytle.
1:13 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a resident regarding an unwanted guest at their residence.
2:38 PM – 63200 Blk. SH 132 – Officer responded to a landlord-tenant dispute.
4:17 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a possible intoxicated driver at the fuel pumps.
6:12 PM – 19300 Blk. S. Somerset St. – Officers responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
6:24 PM – 15100 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
6:49 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office / Atascosa EMS – 200 Blk. Cielo Way – Officers responded to assist with a male having a medical emergency outside the city limits of Lytle.
8:00 PM – 17900 Blk. Wisdom Rd. – Officer responded to check on the caller’s son. No contact was available.
11:27 PM – 17900 Blk. Wisdom Rd. – Officer responded to check on the caller’s son. No contact was available.
Tuesday, September 30
5:45 AM – Saddle Ridge @ John Wayne Rd. – Officer responded to a suspicious vehicle but was unable to locate it.
8:09 AM – John Lott Park – Officers responded to a report of two juveniles in a vehicle.
10:30 AM – IH 35 NB @ MM 133 – Officers responded to assist a female with changing a blown tire.
11:10 AM – 15700 Blk. FM 463 – Officers responded to a report of a code compliance violation.
11:40 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
12:45 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to unlock a Ford Ranger, but it was unsuccessful.
3:05 PM – IH 35 SB @ MM 133 – Officer responded to a report of debris in the roadway but was unable to locate it.
3:13 PM – 19200 Blk. 1st St. – Officer responded to a report of a phone being hacked.
3:31 PM – 6300 Blk. SH 132 – Officer spoke to a female on the phone regarding found drug paraphernalia.
4:14 PM – 15200 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of parked vehicles obstructing the intersection. The vehicles were moved.
5:20 PM – IH 35 @ MM 131 – Officer assisted a motorist with changing a tire.
9:04 PM – Railroad St. @ McDonald St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for a defective headlight, which resulted in the citation & release of a 61 year old male for possession of drug paraphernalia.
9:47 PM – 19500 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to a verbal disturbance between a male and a female.
Wednesday, October 01
12:05 PM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officers provided a funeral escort out of the city.
12:44 PM – 14600 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer responded to a report of a suspicious person to discover everything was okay.
1:07 PM – IH 35 @ MM 133 – Officer responded and moved a large tire out of the roadway.
4:13 PM – 19200 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a dog in a vehicle but could not find it.
5:40 PM – 15800 Blk. CR 681 – Officer responded to a report of a loose cow but could not locate it.
9:08 PM – 15100 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of loud music. The resident agreed to turn the music down
9:26 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of theft that occurred earlier in the day. The shoplifter stole merchandise valued at $125. The case is under investigation.
Thursday, October 02
3:18 AM – 14800 Blk. Star Cross Trl. – Officers responded to an active alarm. The residence was secure.
2:26 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a complainant regarding abandoned kittens. Animal Control was contacted.
4:02 PM – Assist Bexar County Sheriff’s Office – IH 35 NB @ MM 135 – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist a patient having a medical emergency.
6:02 PM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle but was unable to locate it.
6:08 PM – 15400 Blk. Cottage St. – Officer responded to a report of three found cell phones.
7:00 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a parent regarding a possible threat.
10:52 PM – Gray St. @ Main St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for driving on the wrong side of the road, which resulted in the arrest of a 51 year old female for driving while intoxicated. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
Friday, October 03
8:22 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to unlock a 2010 Jeep Wrangler, but were unsuccessful.
10:11 AM – Lytle PD – Officer conducted a follow-up on an open case.
11:30 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to the theft of a 16-foot aluminum gate valued at $400.
12:46 AM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a reported abandoned vehicle and red tagged it with a 48-hour sticker.
1:21 PM – 14800 Blk. Butch Cassidy – Officers responded to a civil matter for property belonging to an ex-spouse.
2:54 PM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to a report of a female requesting help, but had departed before the officer’s arrival.
3:30 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
5:20 PM – 14800 Blk. Lytle-Somerset – Officer responded to unlock a 2019 Chevrolet Cruze, which resulted in the arrest of a 46 year old male for an active warrant out of Bexar County for burglary. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
7:45 PM – 14800 Blk. Lytle-Somerset – Officer responded to an 18-wheeler that struck the wash bay. No injuries were reported.
10:03 PM – IH 35 @ MM 131 – Officer responded to a report of a suspicious person and was unable to locate the male.
Saturday, October 04
12:24 AM – FM 3175 @ IH 35 Frontage Rd. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for failing to stop at the designated point, which resulted in the arrest of a 61 year old female for driving while intoxicated with an open container. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
2:22 AM – Assist Atascos County Sheriff’s Office – 90 Blk. Roadrunner Dr. – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist with an active disturbance.
5:05 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded, which resulted in the arrest of a 21 year old male for evading arrest/detention. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
7:00 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer provided a courtesy ride to IH 35 & Loop 1604.
8:25 AM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. Everything was okay.
9:24 AM – FM 3175 @ IH 35 Frontage Rd. – Officer responded and removed a bale of hay from the roadway.
10:29 AM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to unlock a 2013 Dodge Journey.
11:44 AM – 15100 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a report of children too close to the roadway.
12:38 PM – Main @ Cortez – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver but could not locate the white Volkswagen Jetta.
12:55 PM – Assist Atascosa EMS – John Lott Park – Officers responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency.
2:35 PM – IH 35 – Officer responded to a report of a ladder in the roadway but could not locate it.
8:32 PM – 15300 Blk. Newton St. – Officers responded to a family disturbance between a male and a female.
10:18 PM – 19900 Block FM 3175 – Officers responded and transported the consumer to Downtown Baptist Hospital for emergency detention.
Sunday, October 05
12:47 AM – Lytle Pd – Officer spoke to a parent regarding an assault.
3:16 PM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to a report of a suspicious male. The male was given a courtesy ride home.
6:38 AM – 19900 Blk. John Wayne – Officers responded to a suspicious white Dodge Charger. Everything was okay.
10:44 AM – 15500 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to the report of a gate that was pushed open. Nothing was missing.
12:43 PM – 18200 Blk. Wisdom Rd. – Officers responded to a report of two rattlesnakes but could not locate them.
3:45 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer received a phone call regarding individuals in the store who had committed a theft in the past. Everything was okay.
7:19 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to the report of a lost iPhone 15 valued at $500.
9:45 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to look for a red Ford pickup coming in on FM 3175 but could not locate it.
10:41 PM – 18800 Blk. Wisdom Rd – Officers responded to a 911 hang up to discover everything was okay.
11:47 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to an unruly customer who had departed before the officer’s arrival.
11:48 PM – Assist Atascosa EMS – 19300 Blk. Huckleberry – Officer responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency.