Kandi Lyn Mangold

Kandi Lyn Mangold, of Devine, Texas, departed this world on May 30, 2026 at the age of 41. She was born October 9, 1984 in San Antonio, Texas, to Leyton Mangold and Karen Frazier.
Survivors include her father, Leyton Mangold (Michele & Kingston) of Castroville; mother, Karen Frazier of Devine; brothers Korey (son Doc) Mangold, and Kolton (Allie and Emmie) Mangold of Devine. Grandmothers Wanda Frazier, Patsy Mangold, and Carol Mangold. Aunts Donna (Gary) Davis, Richelle Mangold, Tricia (Steven) Chatham and Uncle Lanham (Marla) Mangold.
Kandi was preceded in death by her grandfathers Dale Frazier and Dickie Mangold, and her husband John C. Campsey.
Kandi was a bright and intelligent young woman who loved reading and music. She was an excellent dancer, which led to competitive twirling and later to serving as head cheerleader in high school, while also playing saxophone in the band. She loved her little brothers dearly, and treasured her relationships with her cousins Kelly, Kara, and Kathy, who lived nearby. Many family members and friends will fondly remember her beloved pony, “Pancho”, and the happy days spent at the ranch where they grew up.
Kandi will be remembered fondly by all who loved her for her kind heart and gentle spirit. Although she faced difficult challenges during her adult years, we take comfort in knowing that she is now safely resting in the arms of the Father, free from burden and at peace, watching over the precious ones she left behind.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:1-3
Visitation will be Friday, June 26, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home, with a Memorial Service at 5:30 p.m. Services will conclude at the funeral home.
Her ashes will be interred at Black Creek Cemetery near Devine with a graveside service at 10:00 am, on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Memorials may be made in Kandi’s memory to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. www.tondre-guinn.com

Vintage Cinema & Cowboy Girls

“The silent pictures were the purest form of cinema.”

Alfred Hitchcock

In the early days of filmmaking before movies came with sound and Hollywood took over, something big was happening in Texas. Many of the first silent films were being made. Mostly westerns, they were set among the mesquite plains and scrub oak of the Hill Country and filmed with real cowboys. And some of those cowboys were girls – cowboy girls.
The silent movies were a unique art form. The absence of dialogue elevated their visual storytelling. Emotion had to be conveyed through physical movement and graphic imagery. It could be said that silent films gave us a more pristine cinema. And some of the best early cinematic work was done in Texas.
In 1910 a pioneering crew of actors and technicians from the Star Film Company in New York City made their way south to a rented ranch in what is now the Padre Park area of San Antonio with the intention of making movies. And make movies they did. From early 1910 through the spring of 1911, they made more than 70 short silent films, most of them westerns. They worked non-stop, only taking a break in late summer of that first year when the Texas heat started melting their camera film. They returned to work when the weather cooled in December.
The talking heads and tech geniuses at Star Film Company were drawn to San Antonio because they wanted to make authentic westerns, shot in realistic and picturesque settings. Working at what became known as the Star Film Ranch, they were successful. Audiences loved these Texas-made westerns. And the movies were praised for their authenticity and action.
Much of the filming was done along the San Antonio River. Other scenes were often shot in the barrio neighborhoods downtown and around the missions (Missions San Jose, San Juan, Concepcion, and Espada). Because of lighting challenges, all scenes were shot outdoors, with most staged at midday to avoid shadows. Interior shots were improvised, with bed sheets hung to soften the light and create indoor settings.
Movie stories were packed with action and included threatened heroines, last-minute rescues, chases on horseback, and plenty of fistfights and shootouts. And women played a prominent role. Every film required a country girl, daring damsel of the plains, or rugged ranch wife ready to fight the bad guys of every stripe. The list of rough and ready silent film leading ladies who worked for Star and other movie companies during this era is long. Among them were Jehanne D’Alcy, Dolly Larkin, Helen Holmes, Marie Walcamp, Olive Carey, Ruth Roland, Victoria Ford, Fritzi Ridgeway, Hazel Keener, Louise Lester, and many more. But of all the silent film female stars, one stood out. She was the lovely and talented 17-year-old Edith Storey.
Edith Storey was born on March 18, 1892, in New York City, and began acting as a child. She was onstage at the age of eight and made her motion picture debut at 13. By the time she was 21 she had 75 film roles under her belt. Many of those films were westerns. Working in Texas, she won the respect and admiration of the cowboys on set for her good temper, grit, and equestrian abilities. She performed her own stunts and was at home on horseback with excellent riding skills. It was said that she could ride “anything with hair on it.”
Besides being a good hand with her horses, Edith Storey was a marvelous and sensitive emotional actress and deft comedienne. Her fresh and unmannered acting lit up the screen. People loved her. And despite her fame, Edith was a down-to-earth girl. She loved her little fluffy white dog “Sooner.” And she liked to knit. In her down time on set, she could often be found knitting sweaters for her brother in the Navy. He served on a torpedo boat, and she knew he got cold at sea. She would knit several for him every year.
During her career, Edith Storey made over 150 films. Known for her historic contributions in the silent film era, she was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. Her star is located at 1523 Vine Street in Hollywood.
Edith Storey retired from acting at the early age of 29 and moved to a small farm on Long Island. After retirement she served as a clerk for the village of Asharoken in Huntington, Suffolk County, Long Island. She died in the neighboring village of Northport on October 9, 1967, at the age of 75.
The silent westerns were pure and golden cinema. And stars like Edith Storey made them live. She gave us a taste of the wild and wooly west, and we loved it.
Thank you Edith Storey – you were a real cowboy girl…

Local student’s make Dean’s and President’s list

Students on Dean’s List at University of Maryland Global Campus

ADELPHI, MD (06/16/2026) — More than 20,000 University of Maryland Global Campus students were named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2026 term. To be eligible for the honor, a student must complete at least six credits during the term, earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the term, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 at UMGC.
Among those named to the Dean’s List were local residents: Andrew Leal and Jose Mendoza Jimenez of Devine, Kevin Mauricio of Natalia and Angelly Trenkle of Castroville.

Trowbridge Named to ACU’s Spring 2026 Dean’s Honor Roll

ABILENE, TX (06/22/2026) — Abilene Christian University congratulates Paiten Trowbridge of Castroville on being named to the Spring 2026 Dean’s Honor Roll. Trowbridge is a senior majoring in Kinesiology.
Trowbridge is among more than 1,800 students named to the Spring 2026 Dean’s Honor Roll. To qualify, students must be registered for 12 or more credit hours and earn a GPA of 3.6 or higher.

Texas A&M-Kingsville students honored on President’s List and Honor Roll

KINGSVILLE (June 16, 2026) — Texas A&M University-Kingsville has released the names of the students who made the President’s List, Dean’s List and Honor Roll for the spring 2026 semester.
The President’s List requires a grade point average of 4.00 on all work attempted for a particular semester, with a minimum of 15 semester undergraduate hours completed, exclusive of credit only (CR) courses.
Local students on the President’s List were Lola Antonia Patino of Lytle, Regann Alana Chapman of Mico and Elena Andrea Gonzales of Natalia.
The Honor Roll requires a grade point average of 3.5 on all work attempted for a particular semester, with a minimum of 12 semester undergraduate hours, exclusive of credit only (CR) courses.
Local student on the Honor Roll was Garrett Matthew Allen of Devine.

Mission Devine: Dark skies, brighter smiles

Bill Lorraine was surprised with a yard crew to help clean up his property and got a window repaired.

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
There’s an old saying in Texas: “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” The old adage alludes to dramatic weather changes the region has and those mood swings happened right as Mission Devine began its first day of projects. 
While last year, the volunteers braved temperatures in the hundreds, this year they had to deal with the torrential downpour of rain. Chairman Todd Summers was inspired by the resiliency of their volunteers, despite the weather conditions. The skies may have been gray, but the volunteers’ spirit couldn’t have been brighter. 
“We were a little concerned when it rained all day on our first workday, but the crews continued to push through and accomplish as much as possible,” Summers said. “I am always amazed by the hard work and dedication of the many volunteers who show up year after year. When you’re doing God’s work, obstacles don’t seem to get in the way.”
Some of the volunteers preferred the rain. Project leader Matthew Gonzales wasted no time heading to his job site, mapping out the dimensions of the deck he was building while becoming increasingly drenched. Gonzales welcomed the rain, explaining that the moistened dirt will speed up the digging portion of the project. Moreover he expressed his delight in not working under an unrelenting sun.   
During Mission Devine’s 22nd year, they completed 35 projects throughout the community including: exterior painting, roof repairs, bathtub-to-shower conversions, handicap ramps and numerous mowing and yard work projects. Summers explained the organization’s annual work week has touched the lives of almost every family in Devine throughout the years. Whether it be personally, a family member, donating to the cause or becoming a volunteer, “chances are Mission Devine has had an impact on your life.”
“In many ways, it feels like a family reunion each year as we see the same friends, neighbors, and family members return to serve,” Summers said. “During the 15 years I’ve been involved, I’ve watched young children grow into young adults and I’ve watched those young adults come back with families of their own to volunteer.” 
Besides serving those in need, Summers highlighted another positive aspect from Mission Devine: the unity that is established by the volunteers. Summers emphasized that beyond aiding those in need, Mission Devine fosters a powerful sense of community and connection among participating volunteers. They come from all walks of life and represent every age group. From families with young children and teens earning service hours to everyday residents, everyone has a blast together. 
“At least once each year, the people of Devine come together, set aside their differences and unite with a common purpose: serving others,” Summers said.

Volunteers Jeff (left), Mike (middle), and Madison (right) were all smiles, even in the intense humidity. Mission Devine had over 100 volunteers through the first two days of the work week and sustained over 50 the rest of the week. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Sylvia Hawkins (far right) stands with Devine police officers after receiving a hydration donation for the Mission Devine work week.

Sylvia Hawkins (left) accepts a check from Lytle State bank President Randy Garcia (right) on behalf of Mission Devine.

Project leader Tony Alvarado has been serving with Mission Devine since 2014. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Photos from Misson Devine!

Many Hands….One Mission…Mission Devine volunteers stop for a quick photo. It’s not too late to join the effort. The group meets every morning at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church hall at 7:30am before deploying to job sites around the area. Photo courtesy of Janie Villarreal.

Mission Devine is in full swing this week. Photo courtesy of Janie Villarreal.

Cliff Redus (right) and Nick Redus (left) braving the elements as they work on a project for Mission Devine. If you would like to join the work everyone meets at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church hall at 7:30 am each morning. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Matthew Gonzales discusses the measurements and materials he needs for a deck as the rain pours down on him during a project for Mission Devine. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Devine celebrates America’s 250th

America250 Devine Honor Guard member active duty Sergeant Major Kristopher Rains, US Army presents the flag to U.S. Air Force veteran Chief Joe Brown of Devine Police Department. Peter Baron and members of the Sons of the American Revolution then placed the flag on the pole and raised it. Medina County Fire/EMS of Devine did the arrival of the flag. The Flag Honor Guard started as it was escorted in a fire truck by Medina County Fire/EMS LT Josh Capps and Firefighter Thomas Langley who first presented the flag to new recruit US Air Force Recruit Jeremiah Cardenas. Cardenas handed it off to Rains. See pages 13 and 16 for more photos and plaque name drive.

20+ officers execute search warrant at “narcotics hub”,6 Suspects Arrested

Hondo, Medina County, Texas — Over the last three years, the Hondo Police department and Medina County Sheriff’s Office have executed multiple search warrants for a variety of criminal activity being conducted by numerous individuals at 505 16th Street in Hondo. On the morning of Friday, June 12, 2026, another search warrant was executed at the property for distribution of methamphetamine, but this time the warrant also authorized the Hondo Police Department and the Medina County Criminal District Attorney to seize the entire property as contraband under Chapter 59 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure because of its continued use as a center for illegal activity. Most recently, the Hondo Police Department was able to confirm…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!

Big Meeting for farmers and ranchers this Tuesday, June 23rd, now Free

These sprays are some of the products available to help prevent New World Screwworm infections. Attend the meeting this coming Tuesday, June 23 in Hondo to hear straight from the experts how we can best nip this outbreak in the bud.
Infections can occur in ALL ANIMALS, including your pets, so our best weapons are preventative sprays and quick reporting of infections so authorities know where to concentrate on dropping sterile flies.

By Kayleen Holder
Editor

Get your info straight from the experts….Now is your chance to speak directly with experts on both of the most pressing agriculture issues including Screwworms and Mealybugs.
Local ranchers and farmers are encouraged to attend the local program on Tuesday, June 23 at the Medina County Fair Hall at 9 am where experts will address and give guidance on both issuess, said Medina County’s Ag Extension agent Taryn Titsworth.
Local rancher shares his experience….
Local rancher Lynn Archie, 70 of Devine, was about 16 years old when one of the last outbreaks happened. His grandfather was an ag agent in LaSalle at the time.
“I remember we had these little tubes and we would take a sample and send it in, and if it was positive, they would drop boxes of sterile flies in that area,” Archie said.
Reporting cases will be one of the #1 game changers, he said.
“A lot of people are scared to report it, but that’s the first thing we need to do…the worst thing you can do is not report it,” Archie said, recalling in all of 15 or so cases he remembers, they didn’t lose any of livestock, because they were quickly doctored and reported to stop the spread.
Compared to the widespread outbreak in the 60s, Archie recalls a smaller one that cropped up in the 70s, mainly along the Nueces River, he said.
“I look at it through a different pair of glasses,” Archie said, “Only time will tell how it will go, but it is curable.”
“I think we need to respect it,” Archie said, “and keep watch on our animals, especially newborns and those with cuts and abrasions, but don’t freak out. We need to concentrate on the things we know will help, like reporting. With all of the technology we have, I think we are gonna get a good handle on it.”
With less cattle ranches and so many raising deer for hunting ranches, he sees wildlife being our biggest spreaders.
“If it does get out of hand, I think it will be the wildlife that it’s going to take the biggest toll on. They will be the spreaders I think, but I have already heard about some of the feed stores adding medicine like Ivermectin to wildlife feed, so that will help. I hope they can get a handle on it,and I think they will.”

MORE INFO on the Meeting
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are creating a whole other battle for local farmers and ranchers. Mealybugs which have been found in Medina County and several surrounding counties, pose a huge threat to grass needed to sustain livestock.
“When you start losing your native grasses, that’s what really concerns me,” Titsworth said in a short phone interview.
When it comes to how they attack forage, Titsworth explained, Mealybugs either kill it or they really, really hurt it. “Unlike some of the other insects that ingest it, Mealybugs are sap-sucking insects and have a toxic saliva that kills or stunts the plant. They have been found as deep as 3 feet in the dirt.”
Look for fluffy white, waxy or “fuzzy” insects. Size wise, they are anywhere from 1/20 to 1/5 of an inch.
When it comes to the New World Screwworm, Titsworth explained there are several products you can spray on open wounds to provide protection for a few days, to repel New World Screwworm flies.
“Check your cattle and livestock daily,” Titsworth warned. “If you suspect one of your animals has a screwworm infection, contact the County Extension office or your vet right away. If you catch it early enough, it’ll probably be okay.”
But for those left untreated, the consequences are deadly.
You can look for products containing permethrin such as Durvet Screw Worm Aerosol, Catron IV, and ProZap Screw Worm Ear Tick Aerosol.
The program from 9-Noon will be followed by a luncheon, and it will cover three topics:
Maximizing Herd Profitability (9am)
Mealy Bugs (10 am)
New World Screw Worms (11am)
Luncheon at Noon
The program is now free and includes a meal. To register contact the Medina County Ag Extension office at 830-741-6180 or you can email taryn.titsworth@ag.tamu.edu for questions.

Local boys bag Mountain Lion

The night the hunters became the hunted….The whole incident lasted only seconds, but that mount will no doubt lead to a lifetime of storytelling. Pictured L-R are: Jaeden Van Damme, Rien Mazurek, Brad Hedges, and Thomas Beard. Courtesy Photo.

“When it started getting real close, that’s when it got low and started coming at us really fast.”

By Kayleen Holder
Editor

What a story! These boys were thermal hunting for feral pigs on a farm close to Primo Processing in Hondo last Tuesday, June 9 when they came upon this mountain lion about 11:30 p.m.. The lion was about 200 yards away when they first saw it.
“We didn’t get it down until it was about 35 yards from us,” said Brad Hedges, 25 of D’Hanis. “It all happened in a matter of probably 30 seconds” Hedges said, agreeing that was probably the scariest 30 seconds of his life.
“It’s a whole different feeling when you become the prey!’he said. He explained that, at first, he and his buddy Thomas didn’t realize they were looking at two different animals, and neither of them realized they had a lion in their sights until it was coming for them…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!

Devine school board forced to eliminate raises,new buses w/seatbelts due to projected budget shortfall

Teacher raises eliminated from the budget were described as a three percent increase above market median, not as step increases. Above is District Financial Officer Shannon Ramirez.

By Anton Riecher
The Devine ISD school board voted Monday to adopt its budget of $25.3 million for fiscal year 2026-2027 with an expected revenue shortfall forcing the elimination of $500,000 in staff pay increases and new buses needed to comply with state seat belt laws.
Discussion by the board emphasized that the apparent deficit is driven largely by capital projects, one-time expenditures and changes in state funding formulas. Board members expressed concern that repeated carryover spending from previous budgets could reduce reserves to low levels.
Board member Chris Davis said the cuts were necessary to protect future employment in the school district.
“I know it’s rough but I’d rather adopt it with no increases and no buses than have to worry about laying people off next year,” Davis said. “At least they would have jobs.”
On a motion by Davis, seconded by Alexana Buvinghausen, the board voted unanimously to approve the budget without the pay raises or new buses.
District financial officer Shannon Ramirez estimated the shortfall between the proposed budget and expected revenue at as much as $4.749 million.
Several trustees questioned whether the district could sustain the continuing schedule of proposed raises and vehicle purchases for future years, especially if state revenue did not improve. Another concern was that sustaining the proposed budget could later force staff layoffs.
Superintendent Todd Grandjean and Ramirez explained that the budget being adopted was a planning document with the actual tax rate and other final numbers to be set later. The tax rate will not be…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!

Enrollment and attendance as well as state funding formulas were discussed as key financial drivers in the budget cutbacks.
Above are board members Carl Brown and Chris Davis.