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Blindness Awareness Month…A Look at How They Improvised

By Kathleen Runnels

In recognition of Blindness Awareness Month, I want to showcase men and women I know who endured vision impairment but improvised to overcome. Indulge me as I begin with the story of Hubert Van Treese, my father.
  As an adolescent, Hubert was playing with a sling shot when the rock ricocheted and permanently put out his left eye. A few years later, he was messing around in the pasture when his friend told him to “look down this pipe,” at which time he shot a rod down it, putting out Hubert’s right eye. I was told he rode home on his horse, with his eye bleeding down his face.
  This last injury left Hubert completely blind, and for a year or two his older sister, Vida, became his “eyes.” Vida read all lessons to him, enabling him to remain in school. But when Vida was promoted to high school (This was in Karnes County), Hubert had to leave home and attended The Texas School for the Blind, located in Austin, Texas. (Changed in 1989 to Texas School for the Blind and Vision Impaired). There he learned to read braille and continued his education, which emphasized vocational training and physical exercise, until age 19. By then, Hubert’s vision had returned to the extent of 20/400 in the upper left of his right eye – the second one injured.
  As an adult, one job Hubert and many vision-impaired people took back then was working for the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, now known as Vibrant Works, located on Roosevelt Ave. A word about this facility, today they are one of the largest employers of vision impaired individuals in the nation! They are also one of Texas’ largest manufacturers of U.S.-made military apparel as well as providers of independent living skill programs for people of all ages who experience vision loss.
  At this job, Hubert made cane-bottom chairs, but another opportunity was presented by the State Commission for the Blind to provide specific job training for blind. In the mid 1940s, Hubert chose a 9-month poultry husbandry vocational course held at Texas A&M. All the men in his class were severely or completely vision impaired, and Hubert became life-long friends with many of them. 
  Having kept my dad’s text books, certificate of graduation, and photos from his studies there, I recently donated the books and copies of the photos and certification to the university’s Department of Poultry Science. The recipients were thrilled to receive and display these treasures. I feel certain that they are the only artifacts remaining from that program. 
  So, Hubert finished his poultry husbandry studies and went to work on various chicken farms in Wilson and Gonzales Counties before establishing his own chicken farm south of Somerset in the sandy Black Jack country. He built four chicken houses and worked in that industry until “the bottom fell out of the chicken market,” as I often heard my parents say.
  After that, Hubert bought a merchant patrol business in San Antonio, and the family moved first to Southton and later to San Antonio. Hubert continued running that business as a Bexar County Deputy overseeing and patrolling dozens of downtown and outlying businesses until he sold it and retired in 1968. Needless to say, this was before electronic surveillance. 
  I often wondered how my daddy could function in his role as a deputy when his vision was so severely impaired, yet I know that he was able to compensate, such as working at nights when the sun didn’t exacerbate his vision. And I remember he loved to ride on his riding lawnmower where he often came over to cut our grass (after 1968 my parents lived within a couple miles of us), and he hated pyracantha bushes because he couldn’t see them to avoid the thorns. And he often plowed down first one plant, then another, those that were on his left side because he just couldn’t see them. But he had a shop replete with tools and all sorts of paraphernalia that men keep in their shops, and he had the screws and nails of all different sizes in little jars and all he had to do was reach for whichever jar for whatever size screw he needed. And if my brother used a tool and didn’t replace it exactly where it was supposed to be, it was not a happy picture! Or if he moved a jar of screws! 
  Hubert loved to be around people. He was an avid “42” player, holding all seven dominoes close to his face in one big hand and laughing heartily at a good play. Another pastime was his love of music. Hubert played both the guitar and mandolin in a western band while in his 20s, and he continued to strum with his good friend who sang along in those old western songs.
And he was a bowler, continuing to participate in a couples bowling league into his late 50s. He used a two-step, hop approach because he struggled all his adult life with a leg injury incurred at age 20 from a car wreck, leaving him with 73 broken bones and months to recover!
  Needless to say, Hubert experienced more than his share of injuries; yet, through it all, he never complained. He was not self-pitying, even known to laugh at himself when he made a blunder because of his near blindness. He did love to laugh and always maintained a cheerful attitude! And, as the oldest man in his extended family, Hubert was the one that family members came to for help, like a place to live temporarily or for a financial boost. He took care of anyone who needed help. No, Hubert’s “handicap” did not keep him from enjoying a happy life and being a positive inspiration to others.

HUBERT VAN TREESE could laugh at his own blunders

Hubert Van Treese standing at the door of a chicken house at College Station during his poultry husbandry course. His photos and books have been donated to the poultry husbandry Museum at Texas A&M.

Hubert VanTresse in one of his chicken houses with his two children Travis and Kathleene.

SPECIAL DATA CENTER MEETING COMING UP-Lytle

At this week’s meeting, Lytle City Council took action to approve a special meeting on Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lytle Community Center to address data center development in the community.
On a motion by Emery, seconded by District 2 Alderman Richard Hughes, the council approved the meeting by a 4-0 vote.
Lytle currently has two data center developments pending. Work is underway by Rowan Digital Infrastructure on a 440-acre data center campus known as “Project Cinco” just north of Interstate 35 inside Lytle’s extra territorial jurisdiction. Also, Denver-based developer Tract has announced a proposed 344.5 acre combined data center and business park to be located in the Bexar County portion of the city.
Rodriguez asked Meadows if the meeting would address a particular project or data centers in general. Meadows replied that it would concern “a particular project and the special request they have made relating to that project.”

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My dream is to raise money to build a porch in front of the church

Mr & Mrs Pablo S. Cortez delivering to Father Anthony all the tickets he sold and the money he raised so father can sign for them. Mr. Cortez sold 1,298 and raised $6,290.

Mr Pablo S. Cortez delivering to Father Anthony all the tickets he sold and the money he raised so father can sign for them. Mr. Cortez sold 1,298 and raised $6,290. (By the way Mr. Cortez has every ticket sold recorded.)
To whom it may concern, I Pablo Cortez wish to thank all the person’s that helped me by buying or helping me sell raffle tickets to help support the St. Andrew’s Church Festival.
As you might know, I do this on my own to try to sell as many tickets as I can. It’s not a contest as to who sells the most, but with your help I was able to sell 1,258 tickets and raise $6,290, for which I thank you all, and of course I really thank The Devine News for all that they always help me.
P.S. People always ask why I bother to sell so many tickets. I have a sentimental reason. I will briefly explain.…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 $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Local Superintendent invited to Testify before Texas Senate Committee

Natalia ISD Superintendent Dr. Elmer Avellaneda traveled to the Texas Capitol in Austin on Tuesday, October 6, to provide testimony before the Texas Senate Committee on Education during an interim hearing focused on maximizing instructional time.
Dr. Avellaneda was specifically invited to share Natalia ISD’s experience after the district previously operated under a four-day instructional calendar before returning to a traditional five-day week.
Joining Dr. Avellaneda in presenting before the Senate Committee on Education will be Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath; Dr. Emily Morton, Director of Research Consulting with NWEA; and James Mosteller, Legislative Director with Excel-In-Ed.
During his remarks, Dr. Avellaneda will discuss the district’s experience with the four-day week, the decision to return to five days, lessons learned from the transition, and factors that have contributed to Natalia ISD’s recent academic improvement.
Dr. Avellaneda emphasizes 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 $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Local Police Reports

Devine Police Report

September 25
03:35AM – Suspicious male reported outside of QT on Hondo Ave. Identified by police.
03:44AM – Warrant service served on Hondo Ave. Male was booked into jail.
6:00AM – Officers assisted MCSO with barricaded subject on CR 5710 .
10:18AM – Traffic complaint on Windyknoll Dr. Contractors parked on both sides of road causing traffic lane issues. Complainant requested officer to tell them to park on same side. Officer made location, plenty of room for vehicles to pass. All okay.
12:42PM – Minor two-vehicle accident occurred on Oakhill Dr.
14:30PM – Warrant service served on 801 Ave. Female was booked into jail by deputy.
17:23PM – Caller reported mailbox not secured properly on Blackjack Ln. Mail given to tenants so it wasn’t left unattended. Contact made with post master.
15:04PM – Traffic complaint on Oakhill Dr referencing 18 wheelers parking on fire lane.
19:09PM – Caller reported motorcycle that wrecked on Warhorse Dr. Driver possibly intoxicated, departed area towards Hondo. Officers checked area but unable to locate.
19:20PM – Welfare check on Warhorse Dr. Elderly male collapsed due to heat and medical issues. Transported to hospital by EMS.
19:56PM – Truck trying to park advised on Oakhill Dr advised to leave and departed. Second truck parked in culdesac unit had to leave before driver returned.
20:09PM – Suspicious male reported on Teel Dr possibly on something. Complainant stated male was being loud in gameroom, was asked to leave and departed without incident. Unable to locate.
20:43PM – City ordinance violation on Oakhill Dr. 2 citations were given to 18 wheeler parked in no parking zone.
21:16PM – Subject was cited and released for theft on IH 35 S.
September 26
01:48AM – Suspicious activity reported on Hondo Ave referencing tan Chevy with flatbed trailer in same spot for about an hour. Manager wanted them to leave and canceled en route due to vehicle leaving.
19:43PM – City ordinance violation on Oakill Dr. 2 citations issued to 18 wheelers parked in no parking zone.
September 27
10:10AM – Complainant on Teel Dr advised she lost her black phone wallet containing phone and ID.
10:56AM – Theft reported on Bright Dr. Game camera taken from location.
11:48AM – Minor two-vehicle accident on Teel Dr. Unit 2 towed my Morales.
14:11PM – Complainant followed male subject concealing items inside store on IH 35 S. Contact made with male outside store.
14:45PM – Officer assisted MCSO with male subject who was fleeding on foot towards FM 471. Disregarded approximately 5 minutes out due to offender in custody. Officer returned to city.
19:21PM – City ordinance violation on Oakhill Dr. Truck stopped in no parking zone. Driver was in truck and departed as directed.
September 28
01:26AM – Minor accident on E Hondo with deer on road. Minor damage. Deer moved to side of road.
04:20AM – Caller reported hearing suspicious crash sound on Malone Ave. Unable to locate.
08:08AM – Male on Bright Dr booked into jail for public intoxication.
16:32PM – Minor accident on I 35 SB. Vehicle went off the roadway. No injuries. Vehicle impounded by Morales Towing driver was issued citation for no drivers license.
17:38PM – Officers assisted MCSO on I 35 SB with disabled vehicle that was partially on roadway.
19:00PM – Welfare check on Mesquite Ave in reference to lady yelling. Unable to locate.
September 29
00:28AM – Suspicious activity reported on Benton Ave. 1 male and female walking going through trash cans. Unable to locate.
10:55AM – Welfare check on LC Martin Dr in reference to 911 hang up where female was crying and stating she needed help. All okay. Female had verbal disturbance with boyfriend who already departed location. Family member was coming to pick up female.
12:13PM – Suspicious big white bag on side of road on SH 132 N. Officer made location and removed trash from road.
15:12PM – Officer assisted public due to vehicle stopped in main lanes on IH 35. Vehicle was pushed off the roadway.
September 30
01:02AM – Officers assisted Lytle PD in reference to an F350 on road. Wanted contact to be made with registered owner. Contact made with registered owner, stated vehicle stalled and was informed vehicle was red tagged. Registered owner added that vehicle will be moved in the morning.
02:44AM – Welfare check on Teel Dr. due to female resident roaming streets. Returned back to sterlings.
08:53AM – Suspicious activity on Hondo Ave. Subject appeared to be smoking marijuana. Hispanic male identified by police and searched. No contraband found. All okay.
16:12PM – Officer assisted with car fire on Hondo Ave. All okay.
19:14PM – City ordinance violation on Oakhill Dr. Big rig parked in no parking zone. Driver was issued citation and was upset taking picture of units, officers and rigs parked in parking lot.
October 1
08:04AM – Traffic complaint on SH 173 in reference to male on mobility chair on wrong side of road. Officer patrolled area, unable to locate.
15:27PM – Officer assisted MCSO on FM 2200 with call for possible auto accident. Officer patrolled area. Unable to locate.
17:45PM – Traffic complaint on Hondo Ave due to cars blocking roadway at restaurant. Checked area. No cars, hall was passable and not blocked.
19:25PM – City ordinance violation on Oakhill Dr. Car hauler was parked in no parking zone. 1 citation and 1 warning issued.
23:25PM – Welfare check on Oak Hill Dr. Elderly male found laying in grass. No signs of intoxication. Courtesy ride to north bound rest area. No medical assistance needed.

Lytle Police Report

Monday, September 28
12:07 AM – 18700 Blk. N. Prairie St. Officer initiated a traffic stop for speeding, resulting in the arrest of male (56) for enhanced Driving While Intoxicated, resisting arrest, and Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon. Male was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
8:51 AM – 14800 Blk. Lytle-Somerset St. – Officer responded to an active panic alarm. Everything was okay.
9:10 AM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to a fraud report. The incident occurred outside the Lytle city limits. The Caller’s HEB Account was hacked, and a $323 order was placed in Magnolia, Texas.
10:00 – Lytle PD – An iPhone was found and dropped off at the PD front door.
12:12 PM – 14800 Blk. Lytle-Somerset St. – Officer responded to an active panic alarm. The panic button was malfunctioning.
3:20 PM– 19100 Blk. N. Prairie St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
6:00 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of an intoxicated male attempting to purchase alcohol. The male had left before the officer arrived.
8:30 PM – 15900 Blk. Lake Shore Dr. – Officer responded to a report of three female juveniles ringing doorbells and running off.
Tuesday, September 29
8:30 PM – Fire Marshal – Lytle Bus Barn, new addition. Conducted an underground fire line flush inspection.
2:30 PM – Fire Marshal – Annual Inspection Lytle Nursing Home. A follow-up will be required.
3:26 PM – 19906 Lonesome Dove – Report of a vehicle parked on the sidewalk.
3:45 PM – Fire Marshal – Lytle ISD Bus Barn Project – Began 2-hour underground fire line pressure testing.
5:45 PM – Fire Marshal – Lytle ISD Bus Barn Project – Returned and completed 2-hour underground fire line pressure testing.
11:09 PM – Vehicle Lockout – H.E.B. Plus
Wednesday, September 30
12:34 AM – 14800 Main St. – Officer checked out an abandoned vehicle
4:31 AM – 911 Hang-up Call – Best Western Hotel – All was okay.
12:36 PM – Minor Vehicle Damage – H.E.B. Plus – Victim didn’t wish to file a report
2:14 PM – Vehicle Unlock – Dollar General 14800 Main St.
4:24 PM – IH-35 @ Saddle Ridge – Officers “red tagged” an abandoned vehicle
5:00 PM – Vehicle Accident – Main St. @ McDonald St. Upon arrival there was no damage and the complainant didn’t want to file a report.
6:47 PM – N. Pecan St. – Officers responded to a verbal domestic situation
7:02 PM – 18400 Wisdom Rd. – Assisted Animal Control, they issued a citation for a dog running at large.
8:23 PM – Vehicle Unlock – Best Western Hotel – Upon arrival a locksmith was on scene.
10:51 AM – Minor Accident – H.E.B. Plus – Owners agreed to exchange info and declined a police report.
11:36 AM – 18500 N. Benton – Husband spoke to the officer about a welfare concern.
Thursday, October 01
6:18 PM – Reckless Driver – IH-35 – Unable to Locate
7:28 PM – 15200 Hester St. – Officer spoke with a complainant who had a question about possibly damaged property.
Friday, October 02
2:14 AM – Report of Shots Fired – 14600 Open Range – Officers determined the source of the shots was located outside the city limits.
8:34 AM – Stolen Vehicle – Lytle State Bank – Report of a stolen 2005 Ford F250. The vehicle belonged to the bank and was parked in the front.
10:00 AM – Report of a Vehicle Blocking the Roadway – Lytle-Somerset St. – Upon arrival, the officer was unable to locate.
10:23 AM – Lytle State Bank – Report of an unwanted female on the property.
12:27 PM – 14940 Main St. – Officer spoke with a complainant about a rented TV that was possibly pawned.
7:08 PM – Lost Wallet – 14831 Main St. A complainant reported a lost wallet.
Saturday, October 03
2:09 AM – Main St. – A traffic stop on Main St. resulted in a 20-year-old male being cited and released for
possession of drug paraphernalia.
4:50 AM – Assist BCSO – IH-35 @ Lucky Rd – Officers attempted to locate a female walking on IH-35, unable to locate.
7:31 AM – Lake Shore Dr. @ FM 463 – Loose Dogs – Report of two loose dogs chasing a jogger. Officer was unable to locate the dogs.
8:37 AM – Lytle Primary School – A contractor had a verbal disturbance with another worker.
2:05 PM – IH-35 – Report of a tire in the roadway, officers arrived and found two disabled vehicles. Stood by until
DPS arrived.
2:30 PM – 19000 Huckleberry – Officers attempted to conduct a welfare check, no one was home.
2:53 PM – El Bufalo Pawn – A very minor accident resulted in a minor disturbance.
3:18 PM – Assist Medina Co. S.O. – IH-35 @ FM 2790 – Assisted with a traffic stop where MCSO believed the driver was having a medical emergency.
6:00 PM – Taco Bell – Officers arrived to check on a person; the person left prior to the arrival of the officers.
8:15 PM – Lytle Fire Station #2 – Loud Music – Music was turned down.
10:51 PM – 16000 Stratford Cove – Suspicious Activity – Report of two children knocking on doors, unable to locate.
10:53 PM – 18000 FM 2790 – Officer responded to an injured deer in the roadway.
Sunday, October 04
12:09 AM – 16000 Blk. Farmer – Loud Music – Music was turned down.
2:00 AM – 18000 Live Oak St. – Officer Struck a Deer, no damage to the vehicle.
2:46 – Railroad @ Main St. – Officers conducted a traffic stop, due to a language barrier TXDPS assisted. The trooper ended up making an arrest for D.W.I.
4:07 AM – 18000 Blk. of Wisdom Road. – Report of a vehicle following another vehicle, officers located an investigated the incident.
2:28 PM – South Texas Hardware – A complaint reported that a toolbox was taken from the bed of his pickup. The incident occurred on Oct. 1.
10:42 – 14600 Butch Cassidy (Saddle Ridge Estates) – Officers responded to a disturbance. The suspect
fled the scene of the initial violent disturbance and entered a random neighboring house (he
had no known connection with). The suspect cornered the resident in his bedroom, and the
resident used deadly force (a firearm) to protect his family and himself. The 36-year-old
suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Texas Rangers are assisting with the
investigation. Lytle Fire, Atascosa Co. EMS, Medina Co. EMS, and the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office also assisted.

Natalia Police Report

9/28 – 3:35PM
An officer responded to a residence to conduct a welfare check requested by a caller following a verbal argument and a disconnected phone call with his spouse. The officer contacted the spouse at the residence, who confirmed she was safe, stated they were currently going through divorce proceedings, and explained she was leaving to pick up her children. The officer contacted the reporting party by phone to confirm his spouse’s well-being. Dispatch was notified, and the officer cleared the scene to resume normal patrol with no further action required.
9/29 – 1:45PM
An officer was instructed to contact a citizen via telephone regarding a reported violation of a no-contact order.
The reporting party stated that her ex-boyfriend had contacted her via Instagram, violating an active no-contact order stemming from a prior domestic dispute. The officer checked the database and confirmed the active no-contact bond condition. The officer then traveled to the citizen’s location, observed the digital messages from an account associated with the suspect, and advised the citizen to contact the suspect’s probation officer. The report was filed for informational purposes only.
9/29 – 4:30PM
An officer responded to a high school regarding a civil matter report. A parent reported that he withdrew his child from school to take him to his residence in San Antonio. He stated that the child’s mother had left the child in the care of an ex-boyfriend months prior and relocated to San Antonio, and he had been unable to reach her. The parent noted concerns regarding utility access at the caregiver’s residence due to his own declining health and inability to work. Because an existing court order was in place, the parent was advised to consult with an attorney to address custody and living arrangements. The report was filed for informational purposes only.
9/29 – 9:58PM
An officer responded to a local store regarding a theft that had just occurred. The assistant manager reported that an adult male and a juvenile entered the store, where the adult appeared to act as a distraction and communicated via text message while the juvenile concealed an alcoholic beverage inside his jacket. Both subjects then left the store without paying and fled in a white, egg-shaped vehicle. Store surveillance photos were provided to the officer, and another store manager noted the suspects may have fled toward a nearby Little League field. A responding deputy assisted with area patrols, but the vehicle and suspects could not be located.
9/30 – 8:54PM
An officer responded to a residence on Third Street East following a report of a possible theft. The resident reported that an unknown person had entered her home and stolen a gold-colored necklace and a black wristwatch with metal links. The complainant was unable to provide an estimated value for the missing items or any information regarding potential suspects. No further information or leads were available at the time of the report.
9/30 – 5:50AM
Officers responded to a report of a suspicious female potentially needing medical attention. Due to an initial incorrect address, the responding officer first searched one location before contacting the witness by phone and obtaining the correct address. Upon arrival at the updated location, the officer met a fellow officer and EMS personnel evaluating the subject. EMS cleared the subject after she refused further medical treatment and requested a ride to a local store. The officer safely transported the individual to the requested store without incident.
10/2 – 12:50PM
An officer responded to a gas station report regarding a male subject lying on the ground. The location was updated by a witness to an area behind a nearby travel stop near the highway. The officer located the male subject, who refused emergency medical services. Because he lacked identification, the officer collected his verbal details and checked them with dispatch, resulting in unconfirmed records. The officer offered transport back to the initial gas station, which the subject declined. To keep him out of the rain, the subject was relocated to a sheltered spot near a tree in the area.
10/3 – 12:37AM
While conducting traffic enforcement at a local business, an officer was approached by a stranded individual who expressed paranoia about police surveillance. The officer offered a courtesy ride to a shelter, but the individual declined, stating she lacked the identification required for entry, and walked to a nearby gas station. During a later business check, the officer encountered the individual again. She requested transportation to a hospital for medical evaluation, denying the use of drugs, alcohol, or medications. The officer provided a courtesy transport to a San Antonio hospital. During the trip, the individual stated she was dehydrated and had not eaten in days. She was safely escorted to the emergency room waiting area for medical care.
10/3 – 6:45PM
An officer responded to a residential location regarding a loose kitten. The caller requested assistance in capturing the animal because a family member has cat allergies. Despite multiple attempts by both the officer and the caller, they were unable to catch the kitten.
10/4 – 2:45AM
An officer was dispatched to check on a stalled vehicle with its hazard lights on near the Interstate 35 access road and a nearby travel stop. The officer conducted patrols along both southbound and northbound lanes of the highway and the access road. Despite multiple attempts, the vehicle could not be located in the area.
10/4 – 10:40PM
An officer responded via phone to a public service complaint regarding alleged harassment. The complainant reported being harassed and bullied by an individual. Upon contacting the other party, that individual admitted to reaching out despite prior police warnings not to contact the complainant, claiming the communication was only to check on her well-being. Both parties provided screenshot evidence of text messages and accused each other of holding stolen property from when they were dating. Both individuals were instructed to handle their property dispute through civil court, warned to cease all contact with each other immediately, and cleared from the scene without further incident.
10/5 – 1:00AM
An officer was flagged down by a resident reporting teenagers trespassing in his backyard. A search of the property and surrounding area yielded no suspects. Shortly after, the officer was dispatched back to the same address after the resident reported the individuals had returned. A second search of the perimeter and nearby gas station again found no one. The officer spoke with the resident’s spouse, who mentioned he takes medication for diabetes and occasionally experiences misperceptions (such as seeing nonexistent bugs), though he posed no danger to others. The resident admitted to consuming alcohol, denied being suicidal or having hallucinations, and was advised to let law enforcement handle any future property concerns. No criminal activity was found.

District 28-3A XC Meet is October 14 in Carrizo Springs

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
For much of the Cross Country season, runners compete against the clock, the course, the weather, the hills, the heat and, perhaps most of all, themselves. But when the District 28-3A Meet arrives Wednesday, October 14, at Carrizo Springs, the competition becomes a little more personal. There will still be a starting line and there will be a finish line but for some runners, there will be one more race waiting on the other side.
Lytle, Devine, and Natalia join Carrizo Springs, Cotulla, Crystal City, and Hondo in Carrizo Springs with regional berths on the line. Those who advance from Wildcat Country will head to the Regional Meet in Corpus Christi on October 27, with the State Meet in Round Rock awaiting those who can take the next step on November 7.
There is, of course, a pre-district preview along the way on October 7, but most understand that a preview is exactly that…a preview, as it rarely tells the whole story. Some teams may choose to rest runners while others may be protecting an athlete from an unnecessary injury or simply using the meet as another opportunity to prepare without showing everything they have. Heck, not every district team may even be there and that is perfectly fine because the race that matters most is the one that comes next.
Cross Country is one of those sports 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 $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

District & Bi-District Championships for DHS Team Tennis!

Congratulations to the Devine Team Tennis team as they wrapped up their spectacular 8-0 season with a District Championship victory over Pleasanton (13-0) then took down Yoakum in the Bi-District Championship (16-3). Next up is the Area Championship against Comal Davenport on Thursday, Oct. 8, in Boerne. First-serve is scheduled for 10am. The DHS Tennis team: Rubie Weyel, Becker Byrd, Greeley Malone, MJ Lawler, Kenzie Ray, Bryson Robison, Mallory Geries, Eli Valles, Paige Barron, Tai Moss, Prezley Freeburn, Nolan Beaty, Samantha Zamora, Phoenix Snider, Melenie Cardenas, Billy Shuler, and Kya Spurgers. With coaches Kandi Darnell and Zachary Valenzuela.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Congratulations are certainly in order for the Devine Team Tennis squad as they wrapped up their outstanding run with a perfect 8-0 District Championship victory over Pleasanton (13-0) before adding a Bi-District Championship to the trophy case with a victory over Yoakum.
Devine flocked the Eagles then pounded the Bulldogs (16-3).
The Warhorses and Arabians have put together an impressive season not only including their unblemished district mark but they’ve beaten several nondistrict foes along the way as well. There is still plenty of tennis left to be played as Devine takes on Comal Davenport in the Area round on Thursday, October 8, in Boerne. First-serve is scheduled for 10am.
Every championship is special, and the District and Bi-District titles earned by this team are certainly worth celebrating. But for the Arabians and Warhorses, there is another special feeling waiting on the other side of that Area match.
Keep…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 $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

DHS National Honor Society Induction Ceremony

NHS officers: Caroline Suhr, president; Paige Barron, vice president; McKailee Sorrell, secretary; and Chloe Goetz, Student Council representative.Current members: Karlee Atteberry, Melenie Cardenas, Kyrie DuBose, Viola Dzierzanowski, Matthew Grissom, Kyra Pompa, Ava Rangel, Jack Rumfield, Esai Sanchez, and Carlos Talamantes. New inductees: Tracy Alaniz, Jacob McKee, Esteban Mendoza, Kylie Monreal, Calleigh Schneider, Camila Sierra, Rylie Wells, Violet Aguirre, Emma Kate Caballero, Morgan Coleman, Karsyn De Leon, Addison DuBose, Kassandra Fajardo, Zane Fritz, Jovianne Gomez, Emma B. Gonzales, Emma Gonzalez, Jacqueline Gonzalez, Mackenzie Hennessey, Payton Hester, Dylan Hinnant, Greeley Malone, Brayden Mann, Asher Mills, Reese Navarro, Zachary Ortiz, Vicente Ramirez, Kenzie Ray, Jaime Rodriguez, Canton Urrabazo, and Faith Wilcox.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Being selected for membership in the National Honor Society is an honor that represents much more than academic achievement. It is a recognition of students who have demonstrated a commitment to scholarship, leadership, character, and service, while also accepting the responsibility that comes with being part of an organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others. For the newest members last week’s induction marked both the culmination of accomplishments already achieved and the beginning of a new commitment to serve their school and community.
Under the direction of sponsor Mrs. Nicole Suhr, the Devine Chapter of the National Honor Society held its annual Fall Induction Ceremony Thursday, October 1, inside the Student Activity Center Auditorium.
High School Principal Michael Gomez welcomed students, family members, faculty. and guests before Paige Barron led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The ceremony continued with current NHS members recognizing those who have been…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 $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!


Mustangs to host Jourdanton, Friday 7 P.M.

Varsity captains #1 Leo Cortinas, #2 Maddox Corker, #9 Mason Giera and #77 Matthew Aguirre approach Devine’s captain before their game. Photo by Mable Byrd.

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
The Natalia Mustangs are coming off a bye at the midway point of the season. Right now the Mustangs are 2-3 overall and 1-1 in district (undefeated at home). Natalia is currently tied with Hondo, Lytle and Carrizo Springs in the district standings so I believe the real playoff contenders will emerge from these next three games. This year, the Mustangs’ caught their rhythm earlier than last season. In their two wins they have put up 50+ points(50-6 over YMLA and 60-43 against Lytle). With a five game sample size to look through we can assess what has been working for the Mustangs and how they can sustain that for the rest of the season and hopefully into the playoffs.
In their last three games Natalia has put up 106 points. Natalia’s offense is straight forward football, running the ball to get 4 yards here and 6 yards there to open up the passing game. Last year, the team was really balanced with keeping it on the ground and saving the big passing plays for when they need them most. This year, the team looks a lot more comfortable running a variety of schemes and actions, keeping opponents on their toes. Now they’re bread and butter is still the run game, and it’s been working really well, but they are more comfortable taking to the air when need be. Through five games the Mustangs have rushed for…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 $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!