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Heartbreaking search continues in wake of flood claiming over 108 lives

By Kayleen Holder and KK Calame
Editor and Publisher
Our neighbors in Kerr County suffered the brunt of the catastrophic flooding that occurred from heavy rains falling overnight into Friday, July 4. The widespread damage and gut-wrenching losses caught the attention of the Nation as daylight began to show the devastation fully. Entire families and so many bright, young children were cruelly swept away in the floodwaters and later found deceased (with many more still missing).
On Monday, July 6th, the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office announced they had recovered 68 deceased in Kerr County, but that number has sadly grown to 84 deceased in the last 24 hours.
“As of 2 p.m., 84 deceased have been recovered in Kerr County, including 56 adults and 28 children. Identification is pending for 22 adults and 10 children. At present, 10 Camp Mystic campers and one counselor remain unaccounted for,” the sheriff’s office stated in an update July 7th. “We share our deepest condolences with all affected by this tragedy.”
News sources have stated there have been 108 deaths across six counties affected by the flood.
Camp Mystic, where so many children lost their lives, is located in the small community of Hunt, Texas along the steep banks of the Guadalupe River. There were over 750 staying at that camp.
Local Sheriff Randy Brown is among the many first responders continuing the search.
“We have been busy, and busy is good….because when we stop we feel the pain of all those people, and it hurts like hell,” Sheriff Brown said, in a difficult statement this past Tuesday.
Initial reports indicated the Guadalupe River crested at 39 feet+, surpassing the county’s second biggest flood in modern times which occurred in 1987, according to a press release by Kerr County. The National Weather Service later reported that the flood gauge in Hunt had a crest of 37.2 ft surpassing the recorded record of 36.6 ft set July 2 of 1932. The third highest crest was 28.4 set July 17, 1987, according to the NWS.
The raging Guadalupe which was at less than a ft according to guages, rose over 33 feet in the darkness overnight.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office notes, “We know there are many people concerned and affected by this tragic situation. Please be careful about social media rumors and misinformation. False information can cause pain to families and those already devastated by this event.”
On Monday, a search and rescue helicopter collided with a privately operated drone. Thankfully the pilots were not injured, but were forced to make an emergency landing. Over and over officials have emphasized the importance of standing back and letting first responders do their job.
On July 6, FEMA was activated following President Trump’s Major Disaster Declaration. According to a press release by Homeland Security, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) is also working around the clock on search and rescue operations.
“Today, USCG continues to fly two helicopters in the Llano, Texas area and is assisting with two helicopters and three C-144 airplanes equipped with thermal cameras to find more survivors. 850 people have been rescued,” the July 6 statement says.
In awe of the way Texans take care of others, Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem, stated in a press conference to Texans….”You are an example to the nation of getting through difficult times, but I want you to also know, you are not alone.”
Patrick DuBose, of Devine, was one of the many heroes who responded to the scene.
Amidst the widespread damage, teams of volunteers were also called upon in the beginning to assist in search and rescue efforts downstream. When Centerpoint Volunteer Fire Department issued a plea for volunteers to help with search and rescue in their area, the Kuykendalls, Jennifer Savage and John Gorham, of Devine, along with family members Gary and Trace Savage were among the volunteers who answered the call.
“The devastation is unbelievable,” Ms. Savage said in the days that followed. “But so is the love that’s there. The Holy Spirit is there.”
“It is so much different than what the pictures show you, you can’t express it with words,” Savage added. “Center point really needed the help badly, and I called my brother and we started packing at 10 o’ clock that night. We were up there by 7:30 that morning and we walked the river banks until 3:30 that day. They gave us direction and told us where to search. It was in an area where a cadaver dog had alerted,” Savage said, noting that sadly, the next group after them did recover a deceased child.
Kimi and Kenny Kuykendall, of Devine were also among volunteers assisting that day. When they arrived, they bumped into locals Eugene Rodriguez and Eugene Sanchez as well.
“The volunteers were separated into groups of 20,” Kuykendall said. “Each group had active duty or prior military personnel. We were assigned a mile along the banks to go through. Each group lined up and walked and searched one way and then we turned around and searched the same area back.”
“All the brush that was washed downstream and piled up,” Kuykendall said. “We saw kayaks, car doors, mattresses, clothes, toys, totes, and many dead animals.”
According to Governor Abbott’s office, the State of Texas has deployed more than 1,000 state responders and more than 800 vehicles and equipment assets, and more than 15 state agencies are currently responding to the flooding threat across the state.
“This is a time when we, as a state, need God more than ever,” said Governor Abbott. “The one thing I hear the most are the prayers that are being sent for those who are in harm’s way. There is an extraordinary collaboration to make sure that we address everybody’s concern as quickly as possible. As part of this, I am signing a disaster declaration to ensure counties have access to every tool, strategy, and personnel that the State of Texas can provide to them, which will be limitless.”
Individuals who sustained losses in the designated areas should first file claims with their insurance providers and then apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service.


Del Toro, 74, rides the pioneering and inspring Pony Express run across the United States

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
In the face of so much heartbreaking news in neighboring counties this past week, we are forced to think about what it means to live life “to the fullest.” Here’s a fun story about a local man who is doing just that! Traveling more than 1,800 miles in 10 days, the brave souls who signed up to be part of the Pony Express in 1860 delivered letters faster than ever before, from the east coast to the west. Now, each year, a crowd gathers to remember and celebrate this pioneering mail delivery system, which represented the growth of the nation in its early years.
Local cowboy Oscar Del Toro and his wife Barbara made the trip to Wyoming to be part of this long standing tradition this summer, and shared a little about their experience. They ride from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California just as the Pony Express riders did in days long ago.
Del Toro himself is a retired postal worker, and they learned about the event from friends a few years ago while vacationing in Wyoming.
“Long story short, my husband who is 74 years old, decided to run,” Mrs. Del Toro said. “I couldn’t be prouder. My heart got so big and happy for him. He had the time of his life, and we will be back, that’s for sure!”
The ride is…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!

Principal Raygosa to head Ciavarra Elementary

Mark Raygosa is the new Principal of John J. Ciavarra Elementary School.
A few words from Mr. Raygosa… “I’m honored to introduce myself as the new Principal of John J. Ciavarra Elementary! With over 15 years of experience in education—from classroom teacher to campus leadership—I’m passionate about creating learning environments where students are supported, challenged, and celebrated, and where staff feel empowered and inspired.
Ciavarra is known for its dedication, heart, and excellence, and I’m excited to join a campus that puts students and families first. I believe strong relationships are the foundation of every successful school, and I look forward to connecting with our community and supporting the incredible work already happening here.”

Principal Reyes to lead Devine Intermediate

Lysandra Reyes is the new Principal of Devine Intermediate School.
With 18 years of experience in education and 11 years in campus administration, Mrs. Reyes brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and leadership to this role. For the past 10 years, she has served as the Assistant Principal at Devine Intermediate, making a lasting impact on our students, staff, and families. Her passion for education, strong relationships with the community, and unwavering dedication to student success make her the perfect fit to lead our Bronco family.
“I’m incredibly honored and excited to serve as the Principal of Devine Intermediate. This campus and community have truly become home. I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead alongside such an incredible team, and I’m ready to continue the work of helping every Bronco grow, achieve, and shine. Here’s to a great year ahead!”

Devine FFA and Athletics collecting gift cards for flood victims

Below is an important message from the Ag Teacher in Kerrville/ Ingram. If you’d like to help, please read on!
To all the FFA chapters who’ve reached out—thank you for truly “Living to Serve.” Your support means so much!
Here’s how you can help:
Donation sites are full, and cleaning supplies are being covered locally. Instead, we are asking for gift cards to better meet families’ needs.
Requested Gift Cards: Walmart, H-E-B, Lowe’s, Home Depot and Visa or Mastercard. These will help families purchase essentials like clothes, food, towels, and bedding.
Drop-Off Location: Devine High School – Ag Building or Devine Central Office on Monday, July 7 through Thursday, July 17 from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Saunders at chad.saunders@devineisd.org.
We’ll make sure your donations reach Kerr County families in need. Thank you and God bless you all!

Death toll climbs in Hill Country flooding; legislators will investigate response to crisis

Gov. Greg Abbott said Sunday he’s likely to instruct the Texas Legislature to investigate early warning systems and other governmental responses to July 4 flash flooding that killed at least 82 people in the Hill Country.
Lawmakers are set to convene in Austin on July 21. Meanwhile, as of late Sunday an additional 41 people were still missing. In addition to local first responders, more than 1,300 state personnel were dispatched to the scene.
Abbott has issued a disaster declaration covering 21 Hill Country counties, where rain continued to fall through the weekend.
“We will be relentless in going after and ensuring that we locate every single person who’s been a victim of this flooding event,” Abbott said. “We’re not going to stop today or tomorrow.”
Appeals court: Immigration law unconstitutional
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has blocked a 2023 Texas immigration law that would have permitted local police to arrest people believed to have illegally crossed the Texas-Mexico border. The vote was 2-1, The Texas Tribune reported.
“For nearly 150 years, the Supreme Court has recognized that the power to control immigration — the entry, admission, and removal of aliens — is exclusively a federal power,” the ruling says.
The Trump administration earlier this year dropped the federal government’s opposition to a suit filed by two immigrant rights groups and El Paso County challenging the constitutionality of the Texas state law. It would have made it a Class B misdemeanor to cross the border between ports of entry. Subsequent offenses could have resulted in a second-degree felony.
It was not immediately known whether the state will appeal the Fifth Circuit ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Interfaith parents sue to block Ten Commandments law
Two separate lawsuits are challenging a law passed during the last legislative session requiring posters of the Ten Commandments be hung in all public-school classrooms. The San Antonio Express-News said the latest suit was filed against several Austin, Houston and San Antonio-area districts.
“Permanently posting the Ten Commandments in every Texas public-school classroom — rendering them unavoidable — is plainly unconstitutional,” one of the suits states.
The plaintiffs are parents from Jewish, Christian, Unitarian Universalist and Hindu faiths, plus some who are nonreligious. They are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and Americans United for Church and Faith.
The new law, which would take effect in September if a court doesn’t halt it, would require all publicly funded schools to hang a 16-by-20-inch framed poster of the Ten Commandment in a “conspicuous place” in every classroom.
First case of West Nile illness in state reported
The first case of West Nile illness in Texas this year has been reported by the Department of State Health Services in a resident of Brazos County.
West Nile is transmitted by mosquitoes and 80% of people exposed do not get sick, but the rest can have symptoms such as fever, nausea, headaches, muscle fatigue, and muscle and joint pain. Fewer than 1% suffer more serious symptoms, including some fatalities.
“Texans should be aware that mosquitoes transmit disease, and some of these illnesses, like West Nile and dengue, can be severe,” said Department of State Health Services Commissioner Jennifer A. Shuford, MD, MPH. “But taking steps to prevent mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding areas around homes are proactive measures that can reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illness.”
Several steps can be taken to avoid West Nile, including wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and removing standing water in outside containers. A total of 455 cases of West Nile disease were reported in 2024, including 56 deaths.
Adult education programs squeezed by federal funding freeze
A federal hold on funding for adult education programs is affecting Texans enrolled in such programs as GED classes, workforce training, and instruction in English. The Texas Standard reported $78 million the state was slated to receive for these programs this month has been paused.
Sharon Bonney, CEO of the national Coalition on Adult Basic Education, said people enrolled in adult education programs could have their studies interrupted in the next few weeks.
“Closures will start immediately,” Bonney said. “We’ve already heard from a number of local programs. This is going to be across-the-board mass closures and layoffs.”
The funding usually goes to states from the Department of Education as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act, passed in 2014.
Northeast Texas farmer plans run against Abbott
A former firefighter and farmer from Wood County plans to run next year as a Democrat against Abbott, the Houston Chronicle reported. Bobby Cole is vowing to “take back the government for working people of the state.” 
“Republicans have spent 30 years in office, and working men and women have been having to pay the cost,” Cole, 55, said. “It has to stop.”
Cole retired as a firefighter in Texarkana and later Plano. He maintains a family farm in Quitman where they raise 300 head of cattle and also chickens.
Abbott has been governor since 2014 and has already announced plans to run for reelection.
Funding boost for schools comes with strings attached
Texas lawmakers are providing public schools with $8.5 billion in new funding, but some school administrators say the money comes with provisions that limit their independence to a greater degree than previously, The Tribune reported.
The largest portion of the new money goes for teacher raises, with districts having little discretion on who gets raises. Lawmakers did not significantly raise the base amount school districts receive, leaving some districts struggling to pay for non-teacher items, such as rising operational costs and compensation for support staff.
Some educators say that while they are grateful for the teacher pay raises, they are disappointed in a lack of flexibility in how money is spent.
“I think that that’s really, really dangerous when you don’t trust leaders in public education to do the best they can for kids,” said Megan Simoneau, an educator of 21 years who teaches high school math in the Leander school district. All that “most teachers, and most principals, and most superintendents are really attempting to do, is do the best they possibly can for the students, and the families, and their communities.”
Summer anti-drunk driving campaign launched
More than 1,000 deaths were recorded in Texas last year from alcohol-related crashes, and the Texas Department of Transportation is again launching a public awareness campaign to cut down on those fatalities.
The agency’s “Drive Sober. No Regrets” campaign is underway, along with increased law enforcement continuing through mid-July. Officers are on heightened lookout for impaired drivers in hopes of reducing DUI crashes and fatalities across Texas.
Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches, Lufkin, and Cedar Park. Email:gborders@texaspress.com.

Castroville area’s MCESD1 proposal to extend ambulance service to Devine heard by local ESD4 board

Castroville Area MCESD1 Fire Chief Clint Cooke gives a presentation to board members regarding extending its ambulance operations to include Devine as Sarah Windsor, Assistant Fire Chief, and Pat Bourcier, Allegiance Director, listen. Photo by Anton Riecher

By Anton Riecher
At the request of Medina County Emergency Services District 4’s board of commissioners, Castroville area MCESD1 Fire Chief Clint Cooke made a presentation to the board July 2 on extending its ambulance operations to include Devine as an alternative to the present contract with Allegiance Mobile Health.
“Anytime you can eliminate invisible boundaries you help yourself,” Cooke said. “The neighbors can work together.”
The presentation preceded a budget workshop session for the upcoming 2025-2026 fiscal year.
ESD4 board president Steve Smith said Allegiance is also being invited to submit a new proposal for continued service beyond its present contract.
“We’re going to ask for an apples-to-apples (comparison) from Allegiance and see what they come back to us with,” he said.
Complete video coverage of the meeting is posted at the Devine News’s YouTube channel.
According to its Facebook page, ESD1 is a full service fire and EMS agency that covers slightly less than 700 square miles of Medina County, including Castroville and LaCoste. ESD1 also took charge of fire protection in Hondo last November through a contract with ESD6 that replaced the Hondo Volunteer Fire Department.
ESD1 recently launched its own transport EMS service with one of its four ambulances based in La Coste. Cooke said some questioned whether its new service could be of assistance in the Devine area when it was initiated.
“The question you always have to ask yourself is what level of service can be provided?” he said. “How sustainable is it? And is that level meeting our needs?”
It was decided to only offer assistance to Devine “when asked,” Cooke said.
Allegiance formerly held the ambulance service contract for ESD1. Cooke said he notified the company’s representatives when he took charge that the district would eventually take charge of its own ambulance service, bringing it completely in house. That transition was accomplished over a three-year period.
The question was not about quality of service, but long-term sustainability, Cooke said.
“I told them it was not personal,” he said. “This is a business decision we’ve got to make.”
Devine’s ESD4 operates two ambulances to cover roughly 165 square miles, Cook said. A two ambulance service is “very, very tough” to manage from a recruitment standpoint, he said. Also, although there is efficiency in size, administration and maintenance costs can be overwhelming.
“For 20 square miles you (ESD4) have ridiculously good coverage because two ambulances come out of the same building,” Cooke said. “Those other 140 square miles, to me, they’re constantly getting the short end of the stick because they never have an opportunity for that four-minute response time.”
By comparison, the four ambulance system operated by ESD1 includes an additional two fully functional ambulances in reserve at all times. With 34 pieces of apparatus on hand, the district maintains…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!

Natalia Athletics Accepting Donations for Flood Victims

Natalia Stands with the Hill Country – Let’s come together to support those affected in the TX Hill Country!
Donation Dates: July 7th – 9th
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Natalia High School Parking Lot or Field House Parking Lot
Every contribution makes a difference!
Items Needed Include:
Hygiene Products
Non-Perishable Food
Cleaning Supplies
Medical Supplies
Clothing
Baby Needs
Let’s show the strength of our community through compassion and generosity.

Donations for flood victims accepted at Devine City Hall

So many families and children were swept away by floodwaters in one of the most tragic events anyone in this area can recall. Over 1,000 personnel were assisting in search-and-rescue operations as of July 6th, according to the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

The City of Devine, along with our Police Department and Devine Fire & Rescue are collecting donations for the Kerrville flood victims.
In response to the devastating flooding in Kerrville, we are also asking our community to come together to support the families and survivors.
Donations can be dropped off at Devine City Hall.
Items needed:
Gift Cards
Non-perishable food
Bottled water
Clothing (all sizes)
Towels and blankets
New socks and underwear
Toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, feminine hygiene products)
Baby items (diapers, wipes, formula, baby food)
Cleaning supplies (bleach, gloves, trash bags, disinfectant wipes)
Pet supplies (pet food, leashes, carriers)

Cruz charged with multiple felony theft, more charges still to come including burglary, and engaging in organized criminal activity

Press Release by Frio County Sheriff’s Office–On June 18, 2025, Deputies were able to recover a stolen zero-turn lawnmower from a gentleman from Spring Branch, Texas. This gentleman allowed the Deputies to have all his communications extracted from his phone. Upon reviewing the information that he provided, Officers were able to issue warrants for Victor James Cruz for a theft that was committed at our local pond.
While investigating the case Investigators began to piece together a possible organized theft ring operating throughout Frio County. Some of these suspected cases were initially reported to Dilley PD or Pearsall PD and were still open.
Deputies were then led to information showing that Cruz was attempting to sell a backhoe tractor that officers believed was stolen. Investigators were able to contact Cruz, who unknowingly agreed to sell the backhoe to an undercover Deputy. Cruz told the undercover deputy to meet him at the westside cemetery in Pearsall so the deputy could inspect the backhoe and buy it for $3,500.00. It was only days before that FCSO Investigators had recovered stolen lawnmower from Radio Lane in this same vicinity. The undercover deputy arrived at the location and met with Cruz, as the deputies surrounded the area. Cruz advised the deputy to stand by, and he was then seen by the deputy driving the backhoe out of the brush area near the westside cemetery.
Deputies swarmed into the area, while Cruz attempted to flee on foot. Cruz was found hiding under some brush nearby. Cruz was then transported……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!