Luna Arrested, charged with Unlawful Restraint of passenger during high speed chase

Then this Monday, August 3, another suspect led authorities on a pursuit beginning east of Hondo. Hondo PD was the lead on this case, which resulted in the arrest of suspect Pedro Ray Luna, 39 of Hondo, charged with Evading Arrest and Unlawful Restraint of his passenger during the high speed chase.
According to Hondo PD Chief Justin Soza, officers initially attempted to stop the suspect on Hwy 90 east of Hondo because he had three active warrants for Violation of Pre-trial for Aggravated Assault, Possession of Controlled Substance and Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle.
“The suspect evaded at speeds up to 100 MPH on Hwy 90 before exiting and taking back roads. He went through a fence, open field, and crashed into a dry creek bed near CR 4514, where he then took off running. The person in the vehicle with the suspect was an unwilling participant, and the suspect would not let him out of the vehicle, so he was charged with Unlawful Restraint as well. The passenger gave himself up to officers immediately when the chase ended,” Chief Soza said.
As the search ensued, the driver was…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!

Ortega escapes in handcuffs, charged with assault

Suspect Jacob Isaac Ugalde Ortega, 26 of Von Ormy, is facing multiple charges after assaulting a deputy and escaping from custody in an incident this past Thursday, July 30. Medina County Sheriff’s office made contact with the suspect after a report of trespassing on CR 5702 around 3pm last Thursday. The suspect was located within about 10 minutes and detained and handcuffed for further investigation around 3:30.
According to the sheriff’s office, the suspect then became combative and kicked a deputy and took off running into thick brush while still handcuffed. Deputies including a DPS chopper searched a 5 mile wide radius before locating the suspect and taking him into custody around 5 pm.
Deputies also recovered…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!

Meet the teachers!

Devine ISD…

Ciavarra Elementary and Devine Intermediate is set for Thursday, August 6 from 5 to 6:30 pm. Devine High School will be 6:30 to 7:30pm.
Devine Middle School held Meet the Teacher on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
The First Day of School is August 11.

Lytle ISD…

Lytle Jr High and High School will hold Meet the Teacher on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 from 5 – 7 PM. Lytle Elementary School is set for Thursday, August 6 from 4 – 6 PM and Primary School from 5 – 7 PM.
The first day of school is Wednesday, August 12.

Natalia ISD…

Natalia ECC and Elementary School will hold Meet the Teacher on Monday, August 10, 2026at 5 PM while Natalia Jr High and High School are set for 5:30 pm.
The first day of school is Tuesday, August 11.

“Warhorse Bowl” is this Saturday

Horses to Scrimmage Ingram Friday Aug. 14

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Devine Head Coach Jacob Campsey is excited to get a new tradition rolling as the Warhorse Bowl cranks up this Saturday on Dean Bates Practice Field. The hour and a half long intersquad scrimmage cranks up at 9am and is expected to last an hour and a half.
The Warhorses officially began their 2026 season this past Monday afternoon. With players fighting for their spots on whatever respective team…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!

Choppers help in locating 5 suspects in recent pursuits….

DPS Aircraft Operations Division provides a valuable resource for local, county, state, and federal agencies. Air patrol leverages technology to effectively locate and apprehend fugitives quickly, reducing the threat to the public as local lawmen noted in interviews this week. Courtesy photos show the Aircraft Division in action.

3 teens arrested in Devine after high speed chase with DPS/ Chopper

On Friday, July 24 around 8:30 in the evening, a high speed chase involving air support ensued through the Devine area, down CR 5710 and ultimately ended on FM 1343.
According to DPS, “Preliminary information indicates that DPS (Department of Public Safety) Troopers attempted a traffic stop on a stolen black Kia passenger car on IH 410. The vehicle evaded through various parts of Bexar County, Atascosa, and into Medina County where the vehicle came to a stop on FM 1343 outside of Devine. The occupants were identified as three…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!

Driscoll Public Library Summer Reading Champions

Elizabeth, Lily, Andrew & Joshua Lawless

We are excited to announce all readers who participated in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Participants were required to record 300 minutes (5 hours) of reading time per log. A total of 458 reading logs were turned in by 109 readers for a total of 2,290 hours of summer reading. This was a 40% increase over last year’s numbers. Participants earned tickets for a chance to win one of the 31 prizes we offered as incentives. For extra chances to win they could turn in up to 3 book reviews worth 1 ticket each. A total of 33 book reviews were submitted. Twenty-two (22) of our little people, birth to 4 yrs, turned a total of 64 reading cards and were able to choose prizes from our treasure chest.
The Reading Challenge is divided into 3 levels with medals being given for the highest level completed. The following are the participants and the number of logs and hours turned in:
Gold Medal Winners (24) – each of these participants turned in the maximum number of logs for a total of 40 hrs of reading:
Sophia Clavey, Macy Gierisch, Naomi Gomez, Tiffani Gregory, Vivian Gregory, Khaleesi Hernandez, Isaiah Herrera, Jett Perez, Madison Purchis, Andreas Sanchez, Niyeli Sanchez, Brooke Shipman, Hunter Shipman, Tristan Shipman, Liv Silva, James Solomon, Jason Solomon, Joshua Solomon, Lacey Steubing, Kaylynn Townsley, Robert Townsley, Aniela Tyc, Peyten Whitaker and Deshaun Williams.
Silver Medal Winners (20) – each of these participants turned in 5 or more logs:
7 logs – 35 hrs – Carter Clayton, Araceli Gallosa, Jesse Gallosa, and Jessica Johnson.
6 logs – 30 hrs – Kaleb Bockholt, MaKenna Lascano, Andrew Lawless, Lily Lawless, Joshua Lawless, Aubrey Phillips, Grayson Sollock, William Tracy, and Daniel Tyc.
5 logs – 25 hrs – Maggie Bockholt, Matthew DeLeon, Esme Eads, June Gallosa, Nathaly Mendoza , Abigail Phillips, and Rosie Tracy.
Bronze Medal Winners (25) – each of these participants turned in 3 or more logs:
4 logs – 20 hrs – Elisia Herrera, Mathias Mendoza, Paisley Null, Diesel Ottinger, Elena Ottinger, Emma Roberson, Brent Smith, Fletcher Smith, Kenzie Smith, Rowan Sostarich, Laylani Udave, Ethan Weber, and Bradley Zachry.
3 logs – 15 hrs – Jensen Bennett, Liam Bennett, Ivy Howard, Leah Ivie, Nick Kelley, Julian Martinez, Penny Null, Ryder Null, Jacob Ramirez, Mya Ramirez, Luke Roberson, and Sam Steubing.
The following participants turned in at least one reading log and/or book review:
Caleb Alexander, Elena Alexander, Lucas Alexander, Baylee Boehme, Brayden Boehme, Justin Bowdrick, Bodhi Carter, Ben Clarke, Quilliam Clausen, Paisley Clayton, Bea Danna, Lily Danna, Cecilia Dzierzanowski, Ryder Dzierzanowski, Sophia Franco, Axl Garcia, AJ Garcia, Austin Gonzalez, Brayden Guardiola, Raphael Hernandez, Jane Martinez, Kennedy Minor, Keegan Quiroga, Amias Samudio, Ari Samudio, Brea Samudio, Joshua Schroller II, Maddison Sollock, Jay Solomon, Jon Solomon, Kara Steubing, Ares Tarsikes, Serentiy Tasharski, Cara Teetsel, Emmie Teetsel, Hazlee Teetsel, Patrick Thompson, Vincent Tyc, Ronan Weber, Westley Zachry.
The staff of the Driscoll Public Library wishes to congratulate all participants on a job well done!
Thursday, July 30th the Friends of the Driscoll Public Library hosted an ice cream social for all of their participants in Summer Reading Challenge. Everyone got two scopes of ice cream and the choice of toppings and sprinkles provided by HEB Helping Here. Medals provided by the Friends of the Driscoll Public Library and prizes from this year’s reading challenge drawing were also presented.

DeShaun Williams

Peyten Whitaker-first year SRC-8 logs and winner of Pokemon prizes

Robert Townsley -Remote Control Jet

Abigail & Aubrey Phillips

Local Police report

Devine Police Report

July 24
19:45PM – Stop sign bent on Hall Dr. Public works notified.
19:54PM – Officer observed trucks parked on Oak Hill Dr. Notified drivers and trucks were moved.
20:46PM – Assisted DPS with pursuit on SH 132 N. Vehicle stopped on FM 1343.
July 25
1:20AM – Complainant on Pilgrim Drive called in reference to two subjects going through her vehicle. Unable to locate.
11:20AM – Advised chair on highway on IH 35 SB MM 122. Removed from roadway.
July 26
0:10AM – Complainant advised of loud music on Sollock Dr. Officer made contact and music was turned down.
2:28AM – Assisted MCSO with physical disturbance between male and female on CR 5710. Male was taken into custody for assault bodily injury; female had personal injury.
13:54PM – Officer dispatched to IH 35 S for theft <100. Female subject received citation.
July 27
1:55AM – Officer advised of suspicious activity by two subjects smoking on Hester Ave walking towards Webb Ave. Made contact with male and female.
16:11PM – Two vehicle non-injury accident on Colonial Pkwy E.
18:31PM – Minor accident in parking lot on Teel Dr S.
22:04PM – Complainant on Karen Ct called for third time stating an unidentified female named Yolanda drove up to him to give him a ride and pulled a gun on him. Made several irrational/nonsensical statements and was placed under emergency detention. Adult male transported to University Hospital.
July 28
12:10PM – Complainant on E Hondo Ave called in reference to older Hispanic male wearing brown shirt and gray pants yelling at front of the store. Male left location and officer located at another business. Male sitting at table smoking not bothering anyone.
12:35PM – Complainant on Hondo Ave E reported a stalled vehicle at entrance. Officer located vehicle in turning lane at Oak Hill. Vehicle was pushed out of way into parking lot while officer blocked traffic.
13:10PM – Minor accident on Teel Dr S.
16:30PM – Complainant advised of elderly male subject walking on IH 35 SB MM 121. Assisted MCSO Deputy who made contact and gave courtesy ride.
17:19PM – Minor accident on Teel Dr N.
18:00PM – Complainant on IH 35 S advised Walmart employee asked driver to move truck tractor parked behind store. Driver became irate and began yelling at employee. Subject departed before officer arrived.
18:00PM – Assisted MCSO with robbery that occurred in Twin Lakes on Tuttle Dr.
18:09PM – Officer issued citation for 18 wheeler parked on Oak Hill Dr.
July 29
10:57AM – Complainant on Corley Dr advised vehicle left unlocked and purse and make up bag taken sometime overnight.
11:31AM – Complainant on Teel Dr N advised customer irate due to unable to gain access to account. Female subject asked to leave store.
13:47PM – Officer served warrant on Transportation Dr S. Female subject jailed for probation violation, theft.
14:05PM – Major two vehicle accident on IH 35 NB access road. One subject transported to Santa Rosa Westover Hills hospital.
17:55PM – Located two males on Howell Ave who work for Reliance Energy. Both were advised to contact City Hall for permits.
18:55PM – Minor two vehicle accident on IH 35 S.
21:02PM – Officer dispatched to Hester Ave for verbal disturbance between husband and wife.
23:19PM – Officer dispatched to Teel Dr N for verbal disturbance between female and male over keys.
July 30
12:25PM – Complainant called in reference to 18 wheeler broken down on I 35 SB MM 124, right lane. Semi located outside of city limits at MM 125 N of 463l. Dispatched advised MCSO.
17:53PM – Complainant advised of female parked behind vehicle on Malone Dr E due to parking in a spot she liked. Female was advised to move her car.
21:48PM – Report of someone yelling on Webb Ave. Unable to locate.

Natalia Police Report

Please see the police department activity report for the week of July 27, 2026:
07/27/26 – Theft Report (21000 block of FM 471 S.) – Officers responded to a theft report where management witnessed an employee taking merchandise without paying. The employee was terminated at the scene.
07/27/26 – Custody Disagreement – Officers responded to a custody dispute between parents at the police station. Both parties agreed to resolve the matter privately.
07/28/26 – Identity Theft – Officers responded to a report at the police station regarding several unknown accounts on a complainant’s credit report. A police report and case number were issued to dispute the charges.
07/29/26 – Suspicious Person Report (3rd and Bartlett Street) – Officers responded to a report of two individuals, who were determined to be vendors waiting for a ride.
07/29/26 – Loud Explosion Report (IH35 and FM 471 S.) – Officers investigated reports of a loud explosion in the area but found nothing.
07/30/26 – Suspicious Person Report (100 block of 3rd St. E.) – Officers responded to a report of an individual in dark clothing and a hoodie checking vehicle door handles. The individual fled on foot after being confronted by the caller.
07/31/26 – Criminal Mischief Report (300 block of Bartlett St.) – Officers responded to a report of a vehicle being scratched by an unknown suspect. This remains an open investigation.

Lytle Police Report

Monday, July 27
9:00 AM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a verbal disturbance between a father and a son.
3:25 PM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
5:00 PM – Lytle PD – Officers spoke to a parent regarding an incident that occurred in Port Aransas.
7:13 PM – 19500 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to a report of the theft of a bottle of alcohol valued at $26.
7:18 PM – 15200 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to the report of a stray dog attacking another dog and its owner.
10:47 PM – Assist Atascosa County EMS – Lytle-Somerset St. @ Bruce St. – Officers responded to assist a patient experiencing a medical emergency.
Tuesday, July 28
5:00 AM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a report that a sign had been placed on his fence.
11:55 AM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 500 Blk. FM 3175 – Officers responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist with a loose cow in the roadway.
1:00 PM – John Lott Park – Officer received a phone call regarding the repossession of a 2012 Toyota Corolla.
5:30 PM – 15000 Blk. Mesquite St. – Officer responded to a child custody issue.
6:36 PM – 14700 Blk. Main St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop after observing a possible disturbance inside the vehicle, which resulted in the arrest of a 26 year old male for Possession of a Controlled Substance. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail, and the passenger a 43 year old female was cited and released for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
7:00 PM – Lytle PD – Officer was requested for a civil standby at the PD during a child exchange.
Wednesday, July 29
1:00 AM – 14800 Blk. Butch Cassidy – Officers responded to a report of two males running down Butch Cassidy but were unable to locate them.
4:50 AM – 14500 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
3:28 PM – IH 35 Frontage Rd. @ FM 3175 – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
8:23 PM – San Juan @ Juarez St. – Officer responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle to find the vehicle parked off the roadway, unoccupied.
8:58 PM – Assist Atascosa EMS – 200 Blk. CR 6842 – Officers responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency.
Thursday, July 30
12:01 AM – Bruce St. @ Lytle-Somerset St. – Officer responded to speak to a report of a turquoise Ford Bronco. Everything was okay.
6:54 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a dog in a vehicle but could not locate it.
11:40 PM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a verbal disturbance.
Friday, July 31
12:53 AM – Saddle Ridge @ John Wayne – Officer responded to a report of two juvenile males walking near the new homes but could not locate them.
1:20 AM – 19500 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
9:45 AM – 14900 Blk. LytleSomerset St. – Officers conducted an inspection for the Certificate of Occupancy.
11:05 AM – Wisdom @ Ball Rd. – Officer observed an unpermitted open burn and spoke to the owner of the residence.
1:00 PM – 19100 Blk. N. Prairie St. – Officer conducted a Sprinkler Hydro test.
3:00 PM – Lytle PD – Officer conducted a follow-up investigation into an open case.
3:42 PM – McDonald St. @ Main St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
3:56 PM – 19300 Blk. N. Prairie St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2013 Ford F150.
5:57 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a parent regarding child custody.
9:18 PM – IH 35 @ MM 131 – Officers responded to a report of a vehicle in a ditch but could not find it.
10:40 PM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to an active alarm and found employees locking the business.
11:27 PM – 19400 Blk. S. Prairie St. – Officer spoke with a complainant regarding possible online credit card fraud. No fraud was discovered. Everything was okay.
Saturday, August 01
12:40 AM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 1400 Blk. Luckey Rd. – Officers responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist with a trespassing suspicious vehicle.
1:13 AM – IH 35 SB Frontage Rd. @ McDonald St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for no taillights, which resulted in the arrest of a 35 year old male for Driving While License Invalid with Previous Convictions and Prohibited Substance in a Correctional Institution, a 34 year old female for Possession of a Controlled Substance and an active Warrant out of Bexar County for Possession of a Controlled Substance, and a 43 year old male for an Active Bexar County Warrant for Drivers License /ID False Reason (fake ID).
1:49 AM – 14600 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a verbal disturbance.
11:22 AM – 18900 Blk. FM 2790 – Officers responded to a verbal disturbance.
11:33 AM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a report of a female trying to enter vehicles. The female departed in a vehicle and was identified by the officers. Nothing was damaged or stolen.
11:00 PM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officer was advised of the repossession of a Ford F150.
Sunday, August 02
2:43 AM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for speeding, resulting in the arrest of a 37 year old male for felony Driving While Intoxicated, 3rd Offense. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
10:18 AM – 63300 Blk. Hidalgo St. – Officer spoke to a complainant at the PD regarding someone who dropped several tree limbs in the complainant’s front yard.
6:30 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke with a parent by phone regarding child custody.
8:30 PM – 16000 Blk. Cabana Dr. – Officer responded to unlock a 2016 Cadillac CTS.
9:41 PM – 20000 Blk. Lonesome Dove – Officer responded to a report of fireworks but could not locate them.
11:30 PM – Ruiz-Foster Way – Officers attended the Lytle High School Football midnight practice.

Kenneth Freeman Wells

Our beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully at home in New Braunfels, TX, on August 1, 2026. Kenneth was born in Devine, Texas on August 27, 1950 to Coy and Neta Wells. He was the youngest of three children. He grew up in Devine, attended Devine High School, and always called Devine home.
Over the course of his life, Kenneth made his career as a San Antonio Police Officer. After retiring from SAPD, Kenneth branched out as a DJ -musician, owned his own construction company, and was a salesman for the Devine News.
What defined Kenneth’s life was the love and devotion for his wife, children, grandchildren, and all his family and friends. We are grateful for the time and numerous memories we made with him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Coy F. Wells and Martha O’Neta Wells: his brother Richard Wells and sister Martha Wells Barnhill.
He is survived by his wife Terri of New Braunfels, TX, his son Jake Wells and wife Melissa of Ruston, LA., daughters Katrina Wells of Granbury, TX., Kelly Wells – Wicks and husband Myron of Coolville, Ohio, Haylee Wells and fiancé Aaron DeLuna-Miller of Windsor, CO, and Karlee Wells-Lopez and husband Adrian of Greeley, CO. He has fifteen grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the Devine Community Center at 11:00 a.m. Address: 200 East Hondo Ave, Devine, TX. 78016.

Albert Joseph King

Albert Joseph King, 89, of Devine, TX passed away on August 1, 2026. He was born in Hondo, TX on July 25, 1937 to William & Elizabeth (Weiss) King.
He attended the Shook School in Devine, TX before transferring to St. Louis Catholic School in Castroville, TX where he graduated in 1957. He briefly worked at Sammy’s Restaurant in Castroville before joining the Air Force in October of 1957 where he proudly served for 28 years, retiring in 1985 from Randolph AFB. He liked to say he almost traveled around the world through his multiple transfers and TDY’s.
After retirement he moved back to Devine, TX sharing a fence line with the original family farm on his little piece of land that he called Oasis. He would do odd jobs for neighbors to keep busy and loved working in his garden and maintaining his pecan and peach trees. He was an avid woodworker and called himself the Wood Wacker. He loved to tinker and could pretty much fix anything he put his mind to. He taught Sunday School at St. Louis for several years and was a very active member of the American Legion Post 460 in Castroville, that is named after his uncle Joseph Weiss. He later raised goats and chickens and very much-loved being outdoors. His greatest joy in his life however was his family and every moment with them was cherished.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years Monica King of Devine, their daughter Katherine Hacker and husband Jody of Devine, grandson Michael King Hacker and wife Anna of Devine, granddaughter Jessica Hacker of Devine, and four great grandsons, the oldest being his namesake Waylon Albert King Hacker, Hutsyn Hacker, Austin Hacker, and Colten Hacker, all of Devine. He is also survived by his older sister BettyLou Lewis of Maryland and his younger brother Bryan King of Devine.
He was a faithful man that loved God, his country and his family.
A special thank you to his hospice nurse, Margie, who was an angel in a nurse’s uniform. Her care and dedication to our family cannot be measured in words. We will forever be grateful.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 13, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home, with the Holy Rosary recited at 5:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026 at St. Louis Catholic Church. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery in Castroville, Texas.
Memorials may be made in Albert’s memory to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. www.tondre-guinn.com

Nelda Dannelly

Nelda Dannelly, age 95, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ 8-1-26. She is now in full glory, reunited with her beloved husband and with the great cloud of witnesses testifying to the holiness of Jesus for all eternity.
Nelda was born in Lytton Springs, Texas. She graduated from Lockhart High School and Southwest Texas State Teachers College. She lived a life marked by unwavering faith, quiet strength, and a love that touched everyone who knew her. Her favorite role in life was “Granny”. Her love for her grandchildren was unconditional. Her fifteen great-grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy.
Nelda is preceded in death by her loving husband, Thomas E. Dannelly and her parents, Alton and Maxine Gomillion. She is survived by her son, Phillip Dannelly; daughter, Phyllis Redus; son-in law Clifford Redus, her grandchildren; Christopher Redus, Justin Redus, Marcus Espinoza, Thomas Dannelly, and Maxine Barney.
Nelda dearly loved the Lord, her family, her friends and her church family at Devine Wesleyan Fellowship and Devine Christian Church.
A celebration of her life will be held at Old Lytton Springs Church, Lytton Springs, Texas on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Gideons International in her memory.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
Services in the care of McCurdy Funeral Home. Please sign the guestbook at www.mccurdyfuneralhome.com.