By Anton Riecher
A workshop on protecting herd profitability conducted in Hondo Monday by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension focused on controlling the pasture mealybug as an emerging issue and the potential impact of the New World Screwworm. The presentations explained everything from the biology of the invasive species to practical herd monitoring, wound protection, reporting procedures, controls on the movement of cattle from county-to-county.
Animals should be checked at least every two-to-three days to catch infestations while still small and easier to treat. Newborn calves and recently calved…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!
Author: admin
City of Devine’s “Lift”stations need work, engineer warns
By Anton Riecher
Urgent Assessment…Richard Gibbons with Texas-based E3 Entegral Solutions, a design build contractor and engineering firm retained by the City of Devine to develop a city infrastructure assessment. The city’s most urgent needs according to the assessment presented June 16 to Devine City Council include two lift stations, work on the aeration basin at the wastewater treatment plant and a…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!
Man rescued using Jaws of Life
The driver of this pickup truck was trapped inside. Photo by Lauren Maleske.
y Kayleen Holder
Editor
Lytle and Natalia Firefighters responded to terrible wreck this past Wednesday night where the driver of a pickup truck ended up underneath an 18 wheeler that was parked at the southbound I-35 rest…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!
Several rescued in recent floods
This photo was taken just moments after floodwaters came rushing into Hondo Creek by a resident who watched the dry creek bed seemingly fill within minutes. Photo by Fawn Schott, who said floodwaters reached this part of the creek south of Hwy 90 near Hondo around 10:23 am Saturday.
By Kayleen Holder
Editor
Responders made several swift water rescues from Mico, Hondo, and Rio Medina area where responders were able to rescue a victim stranded in floodwaters after seeing him being swept off the top of his car. Overall, there were around a dozen calls for drivers stranded in floodwaters, though only a few required rescue. Thankfully, due to the efforts of responders from Medina and aid from responders across Texas, we had a good outcome.
“They are top notch. We are blessed to have them here in Medina County,” said Sheriff Randy Brown of the crews who made several rescues this weekend.
Medina County Emergency Manager, Mark Chadwick, said the rescues began around 3am in the northeast part of the county, but by the afternoon the bigger problems were in the Castroville area as floodwaters came down from San Geronomio Creek and into the Medina River.
“When that water got to Castroville, that’s when we had a bigger problem, with such a vast area flooding,” Chadwick said in a quick interview Tuesday.
That flooding…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!
City goes for $46K concrete solution on Colonial Parkway
By Anton Riecher
A motion on $46,750 project to concrete patch Colonial Parkway near Oak Hill was approved unanimously by the the Devine City Council June 16. A low spot where rainwater collects has repeatedly damaged an asphalt topping at that location.
As a permanent solution, the proposed repair will included a 170-foot by 25-foot concrete section that is not expected to solve the flooding but will reduce the repeated asphalt replacement by making the road more durable…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!
Students receive scholarships from Rotary Club of Medina County
President Johnette Dixon presented Jeremy Steinbrunner (Jr.) of Devine with his $1,000 award at a Rotary Club meeting.
The Rotary Club of Medina County awarded $8,200 in scholarships to area students during the month of May. Students from multiple county communities were awarded scholarships – two students from Medina Valley ISD, two from Devine ISD, three from Hondo ISD, and one from Lytle ISD.
Mikaela Trejo and Zamyra Lightsey of Hondo both received $1,000, Jeremy Steinbrunner (Jr.) and Briar Pareson of Devine both received $1,000, Collin Sprenger of Lytle received $1,000. Sabrina Rodriguez of Hondo received the vocational scholarship – $1,200, Nicholas Riff received the Tim Gillis Merit scholarship – $1,000, and Kaleigh Lewis received the Ann Peden Merit scholarship – $1,000 – scholarship.
Scholarships, and other club projects, are funded through our Hometown Heroes BBQ Event in October which serves both as a fundraiser and an event to honor the counties’ first responders. The first responders are treated to a catered meal, musical entertainment, a vendor fair, kids activities, and in 2026, we are adding a car show. At the same time, BBQ teams compete in a Champions Barbeque Alliance (CBA) authorized event to earn points towards the state BBQ championship.
Linda Bohlen, Foundation Chair, presented Briar Parson of Devine with his $1,000 award; Briar’s mom, Carlu, is also pictured.
The three Hondo ISD awards – the vocational scholarship – $1,200, the Tim Gillis Merit scholarship – $1,000, and the Ann Peden Merit scholarship – $1,000 – scholarships were presented by President Johnette Dixon to Sabrina Rodriguez, Nicholas Riff, and Kaleigh Lewis, respectively.
Linda Bohlen also presented Collin Sprenger of Lytle with his $1,000 award.
Congratulations Gary!
Gary Escobar graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas State with a degree in Business Administration, Management. YES, he celebrated by jumping into the San Marcos River as many graduates do in tradition after the commencement ceremony!
Gary is the son of Gary & Andrea (89) Escobar and grandson of the late Joe Villarreal & Janie Villarreal.
Local Police report
Natalia Police Report
June 15, 2026, 11:12 a.m. – Officers responded to a civil matter in the 600 block of 7th Street.
June 15, 2026, 4:32 p.m. – Officers assisted another law enforcement agency in the 2100 block of North State Highway 132.
June 15, 2026, 7:37 p.m. – Officers responded to an alarm activation within the City of Natalia.
June 16, 2026, 4:36 a.m. – Officers investigated an information report at the Love’s Travel Stop located at 21548 FM 471.
June 16, 2026, 12:02 p.m. – Officers responded to an information report in the 700 block of Bartlett Street.
June 18, 2026, 12:44 a.m. – Officers investigated suspicious circumstances in the 2300 block of State Highway 132.
June 18, 2026, 1:40 a.m. – Officers responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of 4th Street.
June 18, 2026, 3:48 a.m. – Officers responded to a disturbance in the 900 block of 4th Street.
June 21, 2026, 1:30 p.m. – Officers responded to a disturbance call in the 400 block of Palfrey Street. An incident report was completed.
Lytle Police Report
Monday, June 15
2:46 PM – 100 Blk. CR 6843 – Officer responded to a report of wild hogs damaging the complainant’s yard but was unable to locate the hogs.
3:00 PM – McDonald St. @ Railroad St. – Officer received a call regarding the train blocking the crossing for over 30 minutes.
5:55 PM – FM 3175 @ IH 35 – Officer responded to a report of an unoccupied vehicle blocking the roadway. The 2002 Jeep Wrangler was towed to Friendly Glenn’s Towing in Devine.
6:11 PM – 19900 Blk. FM 3175 – Officers responded to check on an uncooperative male. Everything was okay upon the officer’s arrival.
8:30 PM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a verbal disturbance between two females.
Tuesday, June 16
8:15 AM – IH 35 @ MM 131 – Officer responded to a report of an 18-wheeler blocking the road. The truck was on the shoulder. Everything was okay.
9:22 AM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to speak to a resident concerning her son, whom she hasn’t spoken to since June 10th.
Wednesday, June 17
12:17 PM – 63200 Blk. SH 132 – Officer responded to assist a stranded motorist who did not require assistance upon arrival.
1:40 PM – 15400 Blk. Cottage St. – Officer responded to inform the residents that parking on the sidewalks was illegal.
1:52 PM – 14300 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of a suspicious person but could not locate the male.
3:40 PM – Main St. @ Somerset St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for failing to signal, which resulted in the citation and release of a 43 year old male for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
6:54 PM – John Lott Park – Officers responded to an open 911 call. Everything was okay.
Thursday, June 18
1:40 AM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officer spoke to a caller on the phone regarding his vehicle that was parked outside the bar that would be picked up on 6/18/2026.
3:19 AM – 15300 Blk. Main St. v- Officers responded to a welfare check to discover everything was okay.
3:55 AM – Assist Medina County Sheriff’s Office – IH 35 Rest Area – Officers responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist in a major traffic accident with injuries.
3:56 AM – IH 35 @ MM 133 – Officers were contacted about a reckless driver but were unable to locate the vehicle due to working the major traffic accident with the Medina County Sheriff’s Office.
10:00 AM – 19100 Blk. N. Benton St. – Officer responded to unlock a vehicle.
10:15 AM – 18900 Blk. FM 2790 – Officers conducted a partial fire line inspection at the new Transportation Facility.
11:09 AM – Cottage St. @ Ruiz @ Foster Way – Officer observed a company stealing water from a water hydrant using a SAWS water meter. The case is under investigation.
2:07 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a complainant on the phone regarding four puppies at the John Lott Park without shade or water. The caller was referred to the Lytle Animal Control.
2:39 PM – 15200 Blk. Main St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for no Motor Vehicle Registration Sticker, which resulted in the arrest of a 40 year old male for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
5:23 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer was dispatched to the report of a male displaying gang signs in the parking lot, but the call was canceled before the officer’s arrival
Friday, June 19
9:15 AM – 19400 Blk. S. Somerset St. – Officer spoke to a victim at the Lytle PD regarding a stolen orange AMYET electric bike valued at $600 on June 18th.
12:15 PM – 100 Blk. Ala Blanca – Officer conducted a fire inspection for a Certificate of Occupancy for Cheeky’s Barbacoa Food Truck.
3:09 PM – 15100 Blk. Magnolia St. – Officers responded to a verbal disturbance.
5:45 PM – 14800 Lytle-Somerset St. – Officer responded to a verbal disturbance.
5:55 PM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a 911 hangup. Everything was okay.
6:23 PM – 18600 Blk. N. Benton St. – Officer responded to a civil matter regarding child custody.
9:10 PM – N. Prairie St. @ Main St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for failing to signal, which resulted in the impounding of a 2005 Ford F-150. The vehicle possessed two different VINs and wrong license plates.
Saturday, June 20
7:48 AM – 19200 Blk. Blume Dr. – Officer responded to a report of a loose dog. Lytle Animal Control took possession of the dog.
10:12 AM – 14500 Blk. Railroad St. – Officers responded to a call regarding a suspicious person but were unable to locate the male on a bicycle.
11:30 PM – IH 35 @ MM 132 – Officers responded to a report of a silver Dodge Ram swerving all over the road but could not locate it.
Sunday, June 21
6:39 AM – 14700 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of someone attempting to break into the coin-operated washers/dryers, but no sign of criminal activity was observed.
3:15 PM – 15200 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver. The driver was identified and had mechanical issues, causing the driver to drift out of his lane.
7:00 PM – Main St. @ McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a reckless driver to discover everything was okay after identifying the driver.
7:38 PM – 19200 Blk. N. Somerset St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
George H. Saenz
Jun 17, 1955 — Jun 19, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of George H. Saenz, beloved husband, dedicated craftsman, and esteemed member of the Natalia community. Born on June 17, 1955, and passed on June 19, 2026. George was a man whose life was marked by his unwavering commitment to his family, his profession, and his passions.
George served honorably as an aircraft mechanic in the United States Navy, a role through which he demonstrated not only skill and expertise but also a deep-seated love for his craft. His colleagues and friends admired him for his work ethic and dedication, which he carried into all aspects of his life. Beyond his professional accomplishments, George took great joy in simple pleasures: relishing a cold beer, savoring barbecues with loved ones, his beautiful family, and embracing the rhythms of life through dance.
George was known as “not to worry”, which was his favorite saying.
George is preceded in death by his parents, Raul Saenz and Juanita Saenz; sister, Sandra Saenz; brothers, Moses Saenz, and Raul Saenz, Jr.; and nephew Gary Alvarado.
He leaves behind his cherished wife, Mary Helen Saenz of 50 years, and children, George Jr. (Patricia), Sergio (Carrie), Gabe (Tanya), and Javier (Trini). He also leaves behind 5 sisters and one brother, numerous nieces and nephew and his 13 grandchildren, that were the light of his life.
His warmth, generosity, and vibrant spirit will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In this time of sorrow, we remember George H. Saenz not only for the life he lived but for the joy he brought to those around him. May he rest in peace.
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 29, 2026 at Primrose Funeral Home, 14822 Main St, Lytle, TX 78052. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm with a Rosary from 7 to 9 pm. Funeral services will be held at St. John Bosco Church in Natalia on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 10 am. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Devine.
Services under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services in Lytle.
Mary Nell Tudyk
Our sweet and precious angel, Mary Nell Tudyk, 93, of Natalia, Texas, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven, on Sunday, June 14, 2026. She is now joyfully reunited with her beloved husband, Paul Tudyk, with whom she shared 64 wonderful years of marriage.
Mary Nell was born on December 3, 1932, in Lockhart, Texas, to Henry and Lillie Rackley. Faith was the foundation of Mary Nell’s life. As a young child, she attended the Presbyterian Church in Natalia before becoming a lifelong member of Natalia Baptist Church, where she faithfully worshiped and served throughout her life. In her school years, Mary Nell enjoyed participating in basketball, volleyball, baseball, track, and pep squad activities. She graduated from Natalia High School in 1950.
During her life, she worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and Levin’s Factory in Devine.
Mary Nell married Paul on July 11, 1952. They had four children together. She dedicated herself to her family as a homemaker, great cook, canning fruits and vegetables, planting flowers, babysitter, seamstress, and provided ironing services for many members of her community. She remained active and involved throughout her life, especially in her church.
Mary Nell is preceded in death by her parents Henry W. Rackley, Mary Lillie Yarbrough Rackley, her husband Paul R. Tudyk, her daughter Carolyn Ann Tudyk, her brother Henry “Sonny” Rackley, and her grandson Ryan Neal Tudyk.
She is survived by her 3 children, Richard Tudyk (Joyce), Cheryl Tudyk Day, Karen Tudyk Baird; her 6 grandchildren, Michael Tudyk (Jennie), Stacy Day Wiggins (John), Bryan Day (Krystal), Stephany Day McDougal (Chester), Chris Baird, Kevin Baird; her 11 great grandchildren, Audrey Tudyk, Adam Tudyk, Neal Tudyk, Maggie Tudyk, Skyler Wiggins Kingston (Mickey), Paisley Wiggins, Lilly Wiggins, Peyton Day, Paxton Day, Mattix McDougal, Lexi McDougal; her 2 great-great grandchildren, Everly Kingston, Emmery Kingston; extended family and friends. Where her love, kindness, and faith will live forever.
With grateful hearts, the family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the nurses, staff, and Chaplin of Enhabit Hospice, Abilene, TX. The loving care, comfort, kindness, and compassion they provided to our precious Mama, Mammaw, and Maw was a true blessing to both Mary Nell and our entire family during this difficult time.
Visitation will be held at Natalia Memorial Funeral Home on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., located at 2048 TX-132, Natalia, TX 78059.
Funeral services will be held at Natalia Baptist Church on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., located at 301 Pearson St., Natalia, TX 78059.
Graveside service will be held at Devine Evergreen Cemetery