Celebrating 126 Years of Serving the communities of Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Bigfoot, and Moore in Medina, Frio, and Atascosa Counties
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!
Martin Marietta has applied to the TCEQ for a “air quality permit renewal” for it’s rock crushing plant in Medina County (Hondo area). The permit allows the facility to emit air contaminants including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, organic compounds, and particulate matter up to a certain amount…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!
On 2/18/26, Rolando Rivera, 55, of Uvalde was sentenced to 160 days in the Medina County Jail for the misdemeanor offense of Indecent Exposure with Previous Conviction and ordered to register as a Sex Offender for ten years for this offense committed on 5/6/2024.
Nearly two years…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!
By Anton Riecher
City Engineer J.R. Garcia pulled no punches explaining the potential risk in a proposal approved Feb. 17 by the Devine City Council to drill a $311,000 test hole as the first step in locating a new city well near Warhorse Stadium.
“It is a guessing game,” Garcia said, responding to a question by District 5 Alderman Hal Lance Jr. as to the percentages in favor of drawing potable water from the Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer at the proposed depth.
On a motion by District 2 Alderman Michael Hernandez, seconded by District 1 Alderman Ray Gonzales, the council approved the low bid submitted by Devine-based Underground Water Resources for drilling the test hole by a 4-0 vote.
Garcia said that UWR was the lowest of five bids submitted for the project. Work on the 60-day project is expected to begin within several months.
“They got great reviews from everybody I talked to,” Garcia said. “They are very excited and ready to get started on the project.”
The $316,000 price tag includes two alternatives depending on the quality of water found at the proposed depth of 600 feet, he said.
“If we find good water, we will go with alternative A which is going to be to cap it because we want to be able to come back in a few months with another grant to be able to finish the well,” Garcia said.
The city received a $500,000 community development block grant which will allow them to determine if the water table is sufficient…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!
The Varsity Warhorse basketball team has advanced to the Area championship game after securing the Bi-District championship in their win over the Navarro Panthers 59-24. Next, the Horses will take on the winner from Tuesday (February 24) night’s Manor New vs. Fredericksburg. Pictured above: Christian Beaver, Mason Beaver, Ray’sean Beaver, Jordan Beaver, Tanner Davis, Bo Wheeler, Becker Byrd, Caden Mann, Cecilio De La Garza, Karson Ray, Jace Alegria, Brody Lane, Jack Rumfield and Nick Vasquez. Photo by Moose Lopez.
Devine ISD Superintendent Todd Grandjean presents the results of the 2025 Texas Academic Performance Report rating the district’s performance in the annual State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STARR) testing. (Photo by Anton Riecher)
By Anton Riecher
With an overall score of 68, the Devine ISD district rating under the 2025 Texas Academic Performance Report stands at “D,” District Superintendent Todd Grandjean told the school board Feb. 16.
“This is a trend that we’ve seen across the state, in our area especially,” he said.
TAPR, required by the Texas Education Agency, is a key component of the state’s A-F…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!
A man identified as Miguel Angel Ayala, 23, of Jacksonville, Florida was transported by EMS after he was shot at a home on 3rd Street in Natalia around 11:24 am this past Saturday, February 21.
At this time, no arrests have been made, so the shooter has not been identified.
Ayala was identified as the boyfriend or ex-boyfriend of a 19-year-old female residing at her family’s home in Natalia at the time of the shooting.
According to Natalia PD Chief Martin Chavez, “Boyfriend and girlfriend lived in Florida previously. The female moved back to Natalia with her family. On Saturday, Ayala went to the family’s house in Natalia, and an altercation ensued, and Ayala was shot by the female’s brother with a shotgun. No one has 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 $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
Karl Goering, a certified public accountant with Armstrong, Vaughn and Associates, delivers a preliminary report on audits in progress covering finances for the Devine VFD for the years 2023 through 2025. (Photo by Anton Riecher)
By Anton Riecher
Latest audit results for the Devine Volunteer Fire Department covering the years 2023 through 2025 reveals nearly $35,000 more in missing funds or fraudulent charges in an embezzlement scandal that brought a massive upheaval to local emergency management in the past year.
The new estimate is in addition to more than $76,000 missing from over a two-year period.
On December 5, 2024 the VFD office administrator Heather Shultz was arrested and still faces charges of “Tampering with evidence”.
Karl Goering, a certified public accountant with Armstrong…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!
Intermediate Team members Coltyn LaFond, Kamden Paige, Ashlynn Stricker, Kelvey Cortez (not pictured Lacey Steubing).
Devine 4H competed in the SALE (San Antonio Livestock Exposition) Consumer Decision-Making contest this past Saturday, February 21, 2026. The competition is among the many that students can participate in during the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Teams are made up of 3–4 students. Junior teams have members in 3rd—5th grade, Intermediate teams are for 6th-8th-grade students, and Senior teams are for high school students. Devine 4H had 1 Junior team, 1 Intermediate team, and one Senior team this year.
Competitions at SALE are open to any 4H members and teams in the state. The Junior Division had 23 teams this year. The Devine Junior team placed 1st this year! Members are Uriah Gonzales, Travis Lawler, Richard LaFond, and Sam Steubing. Three members placed in the Top 10 for individuals: Travis Lawler, 4th; Uriah Gonzales, 7th; Richy LaFond, 9th.
The Intermediate team placed 10th out of 26 teams this year. The students complete the same test that the Juniors do, but they also have to do a speaking part in one of the classes, and are judged on their ability to explain their reasons for ranking the items the way they did. This score is combined with the test score to give the final score. Team members are Kelvey Cortez, Coltyn LaFond, Kamden Paige, and Lacey Steubing. Coltyn LaFond placed 8th individually.
Ashlynn Stricker competed with a Medina County team made up of other Hondo members that placed just outside the Top 10 at 13th.
The Senior team was made up of Rozlyn Courtade, Maya McElwee, and two members from Hondo to represent Medina County. The team placed 19th out of 38 teams.
Consumer Decision-Making is an event that teaches students how to compare prices, test for quality, and make purchases based on facts and research. Overall, the goal is to help them, at a young age, improve their money management, smart purchasing, and decision-making skills.
The teams will compete again during the District 10 4H Spring Round Up in Fredericksburg on April 24th. Teams are coached by Madeline Steubing and Korrey Paige.
Senior Team members Maya McElwee and Rozlyn Courtade.
Junior Team members Richy LaFond, Uriah Gonzales, Travis Lawler, Sam Steubing.
February 14
10:42AM – Assisted Fire Dept at Teel Dr S with small fire in back end of vehicle.
12:20PM – Complainant on Judson Dr called to report theft of wedding rings from residence. Stated rings were located at a pawn shop in San Antonio.
13:05PM – Complainant on Dixon Dr called regarding a male hanging out by the side of the building. No longer on scene upon arrival. Saw male later and advised him not to return to store.
19:33PM – Officer dispatched to SH 132 N for a two vehicle minor accident.
20:26PM – Complainant on Colonial Pkwy report a male subject carrying a ladder and appeared to be trying to access Food King roof. Identified by police. Found to be in possession of contraband. Male subject jailed POC PG1<1G February 15 20:04PM – Caller on Davis Ave reported male lying on side of street. Identified by police; all okay. February 16 5:55AM – Male subject jailed for criminal trespass and resisting arrest. 7:20AM – Complainant on Blackjack Ln reported Hispanic male outside apartment yelling. Officer arrived and contacted male. 11:48AM – Complainant on Jamison Dr S report vehicle parked in driveway of abandoned house. No one was there. 15:17PM – Complainant reported identity theft by his brother. 16:34PM – Complainant on IH 35S called in reference to a theft $100. Subject cited and released. February 17 13:25PM – Officer assisted other agency with BOLO for 2023 Ford F250 with front end damage on IH 35 NB. Vehicle occupied by male subject involved in possible hit and run in Frio Co. 15:30PM – Complainant on Hall Ave called in reference to smoke coming from back of property. Officer made location, everything was okay. Officer didn’t observe any smoke. 17:53PM – Anonymous caller advised of possible wanted subject on Moore Ave W. Male subject jailed for Medina County warrant for terroristic threats imminent fear or SBI. Found to be in possession of CS PG 1. Assisted by MCSO. February 18 10:10AM – Officer attended Ash Wednesday drive through event. Over 200 persons attended at Devine Community Center. 11:21AM – Officer dispatched to IH 35 S for a two vehicle minor accident. 16:54PM – Officer dispatched to Colonial Pkwy E for two vehicle minor accident. 17:25PM – Male subject on Teel Dr N jailed for possession of marijuana >2oz.
February 19
8:04AM – Complainant on Hondo Ave E reported a suspicious vehicle.
13:31PM – Female subject cited and released for DWLI on SH 132.
15:10PM – Male subject cited and released for DWLI on Windy Knoll Dr N.
16:02PM – -Officer dispatched to Teel Dr S for two vehicle minor accident.
17:49PM – During traffic stop on Teel Dr N male subject found to have Medina County warrant. Subject exited vehicle and ran but was apprehended by police. Subject resisted arrest and was jailed.
Monday, February 16
6:56 AM – Railroad @ N. Somerset – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
9:12 AM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a verbal disturbance.
10:54 AM – 14500 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a verbal disturbance. The female customer was issued a Criminal Trespass Warning at the business owner’s request.
12:51 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer provided a courtesy ride to a female and a child to the Lytle Apartments.
4:50 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to unlock a vehicle, but the driver was able to unlock it before the officer’s arrival.
6:19 PM – IH 35 NB at the Medina Atascosa County Line – Officer responded to a one-vehicle non-injury accident. The accident occurred outside the city limits of Lytle, and the driver was referred to the Medina County Sheriff’s Office.
Tuesday, February 17
12:01 AM – Main St. @ Prairie St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for driving on an improved shoulder, resulting in the arrest of a 36 year old male for Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
9:48 AM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a male regarding possible ID theft. The report was found to be unfounded.
10:32 AM – IH 35 NB – Officer responded to check on a female in a stranded vehicle. Everything was okay.
1:15 PM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to check on a homeless female lying off the side of the roadway. Everything was okay.
1:45 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a resident concerning the traffic signage at the IH 35 and Benton City Rd. exit.
4:35 PM – 14500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident, and both parties agreed to exchange information and did not want an accident report.
5:17 PM – 15200 Blk. Oak St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2008 Dodge Pickup.
7:14 PM – IH 35 @ MM 133 – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver but was unable to locate the vehicle.
9:59 PM – FM 2790 @ CR 681 – Officers conducted a welfare check on an intoxicated male.
Wednesday, February 18
12:33 AM – 19600 Blk. Martin St. – Officer observed a vehicle door open in the residence driveway. Everything was okay.
6:42 AM – 63300 Blk. Hidalgo St. – Officer responded to the report of a 2026 Ford F-250 pickup utility bed broken into and the theft of $2,400 of hand tools.
7:10 AM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to an active panic alarm that an employee accidentally set off.
10:08 AM – IH 35 NB – Officer responded to a report of a reckless silver Chevrolet Silverado but could not locate it.
10:49 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2003 Ford F-350.
2:25 PM – 18800 Blk, N. Prairie St. – Officers responded to a report of an open shed door. Everything was okay.
4:33 PM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to a 2020 Toyota Camry that was struck by an unknown vehicle.
7:40 PM – McDonald St. @ IH 35 Frontage Rd. – Officer responded to a homeless male walking in the middle of the roadway but could not locate him.
8:09 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded but could not locate the vehicle.
9:46 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to the report of an intoxicated male but could not locate him.
10:05 PM – FM 2790 @ Farmer Rd. – Officer assisted with traffic control while a male driver changed a flat.
10:14 PM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
10:25 PM – 17900 Blk. Rocky Circle – Officer spoke to a resident on the phone regarding a non-criminal matter.
Thursday, February 19
4:00 AM – Main St. @ McDonald St. – Officer provided a courtesy ride to a male.
8:35 AM – Lytle PD – Officer fingerprinted a male for entry into the Catholic Seminary.
1:01 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a male regarding a MoneyGram account opened in his name. The complainant did not lose any money.
1:38 PM – 14600 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer responded to a verbal disturbance and issued a Criminal Trespass Notice to a 53-year-old male.
5:51 PM – Lytle Community Cemetery – Officers responded to a report of a small child alone in the cemetery. The child’s father was located. Everything was okay.
7:00 PM – 14600 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
Friday, February 20
12:52 AM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
5:33 AM – 15300 Blk. Lake St. – Officer responded to a 911 hang-up. Everything was okay.
8:32 AM – 20000 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to the death of a 61-year-old male.
11:00 AM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of suspicious activity to discover a female selling food plates.
12:55 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a parent regarding a child custody issue.
1:05 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a parent regarding a child custody issue.
5:18 PM – FM 3175 @ IH 35 – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
5:55 PM – 19900 Blk. IH 35 – Officer provided a civil standby for a child custody exchange.
7:51 PM – IH 35 SB @ MM 133 – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver but could not locate the vehicle.
9:32 PM – 18200 Blk. Maureen Path – Officer responded to a welfare check, which resulted in the arrest of a 46 year old male for an outstanding active Lytle Warrant for theft from the HEB Plus on June 16, 2025. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
Saturday, February 21
12:52 AM – Cottage St. @ D’Hanis St. – Officer responded to a report of a female being forced into a vehicle. Everything was okay.
4:45 AM – 17900 Blk. Rockys Circle – Officer spoke to a female regarding a personal issue.
7:58 AM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of a suspicious gray sedan but could not locate it.
9:15 AM – 15800 Blk. CR 681 – Officer observed an abandoned vehicle with damage. Everything was okay.
10:23 AM – 17900 Blk. Rockys Circle – Officer spoke to a resident regarding a non-criminal matter.
12:30 PM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officers provided a funeral escort.
4:12 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer observed a female attempting to change a tire, but she did not need help.
Sunday, February 22
4:11 AM – 15300 Blk. Oak St. – Officers responded to the death of a 93-year-old female.
7:40 AM – Main St. @ Diaz – Officer responded to the train blocking the roadway. The officer spoke with Union Pacific, who stated it was a mechanical problem.
12:31 PM – 14600 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of a camera wire found cut. The owner stated the cut was found while moving the camera system.
3:43 PM – McDonald St. @ Main St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle injury accident.
6:18 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
