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.
Author: admin
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
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.