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!
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.
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!
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.
By Anton Riecher Medina County commissioners received the latest update Monday from county extension agent Taryn Titsworth on efforts to control twin threats plaguing Texas agriculture this summer – Pasture Mealybug and the New World Screwworm. Pasture mealybug, also known as Heliococcus summervillei, has only started grabbing headlines recently. Since mid-April 2025, southern Texas pasture and hay producers in communities such as Victoria have been reporting major damage from the invasive species. As of June 14, infestation of pasture mealybug has been identified in 50 Texas counties. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) identified pasture mealybug in Medina County as early as April 2023, Titsworth said. A major…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!
Medina County Emergency Services District No. 4 board members sought to balance speed with legal compliance regarding its long standing commitment to build an ambulance substation in Natalia addressed during the board’s June 10 meeting. Board vice president Patrick Bourcier questioned whether the procurement process to obtain a metal building from Mansfield, TX-based Ramtech Building Systems complied with Texas purchasing law governing public agencies. “I am worried,” Bourcier said. “I believe we have violated state law.” He raised concerns that if the project exceeds $100,000 it may require a formal bid process including requests for proposals (RFP) unless covered by an eligible state or federal contract. Plans for the substation moved forward in April with action by the board to negotiate the purchase of a city-owned site located between the police station and fire department. Office administrator Stephanie Earls said…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!
06/09/2026 – Officers responded to a reckless driver at FM471 and 5th St. 06/09/2026 – Officers responded to an accident at 21000 block of FM 471. 06/10/2026 – Officers responded to an accident and 1900 block of St Hwy 132. 06/11/2026 – Officers responded to a public intoxication at IH35 and Exit 127. 06/12/2026 – Officers responded to a harassment call at the 110 block of 8th Street. 06/14/2026 – Officers responded to a criminal mischief call at the 700 block of Palfrey. 06/14/2026 – Officers responded to an indecency w/ a child call at the 700 block of 3rd St.
Devine Police Report
June 5 20:40PM – Complainant on Libold Dr called to report that her ex-boyfriend entered her residence while she was not home. Complainant reported theft of a mower battery and electric mower from their residence. 23:45PM – Caller on Libold Dr reported ex-boyfriend who called her and made threats. June 6 23:29 PM – Officer assisted MSCO on CR 6847 with disturbance. June 7 01:25AM – Officer assisted DPS with major accident on I-35 N 03:30AM – Caller on Transportation Dr reported suspicious white pickup parked outside of residence. Officers discovered it belonged to a family friend. 10:40AM – Caller on Washington Dr reported suspicious 1998 Ford SUV parked in lot for over 24 hours. Owner advised he would move it by the end of day. 14:05PM – Caller on Hester Ave reported suspicious male possibly on drugs, wearing a bandana. Officer made contact with male who was sitting on picnic table. Male did not appear under influence. Extra patrol was requested. 18:10PM – Officer assisted with vehicle pursuit on CR 5710 that originated in LaCoste. Suspect was taken into custody. 20:20PM – Caller referenced two females going through dumpster on Hayden Ave. Complainant does not want anyone going through it for liability reasons. 20:56PM – Officers assisted EMS on Hondo Ave with male having medical episode. June 8 15:40PM – Officers escorted gumball rally from Bandera to Mexico through city to I-35. 09:52AM – Officer stopped vehicle for traffic violation on Transportation Dr. Male was cited and released. June 9 13:36PM – Officer stopped vehicle for traffic violation on Davis Ave. Male was booked into jail. 14:11PM – Caller on Park Ave reported over the phone scam – transferred $900 to affirm card. June 10 17:14PM – Welfare check on Hondo Ave. Vehicle locked but running with infant and 1-year-old child inside. Fire department arrived. Vehicle was unlocked and both children were okay. June 11 03:07PM – Suspicious activity on Hester Ave. White Toyota Camry occupied 2x occupants were identified by police. All okay.
Lytle Police Report: Suspect identified in Felony theft of copper wiring valued at $3,114 from Lytle ISD; rental scam busted
Monday, June 08 6:43 AM – 15300 Blk. Oak St. – Officer responded to the death of a 67-year-old female. 11:45 AM – Lytle PD – Officer received information from ACSO Dispatch that a 2016 CIMC Reefer Trailer stolen out of Lytle (from the Roadster Travel Center) in August 2025 was recovered in Houston. 1:45 PM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officer was flagged down by a pedestrian regarding where they should walk or ride a bicycle while on the roadway. 3:23 PM – 19400 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of two dogs in a vehicle with no ventilation but was unable to locate the vehicle or the dogs. 3:38 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a vehicle swerving all over the roadway. Everything was okay. 5:06 PM – 15300 Blk. Cottage St. – Officer responded to a 911 hang-up and determined it was an accidental call. 5:45 PM – 14800 Blk. Cottage St. – Officer responded to a report of boxes being dumped on the side of the road. 9:40 PM – Hidalgo St. @ San Jose (Park) – Officers responded to a report of a suspicious person to discover it was a juvenile. Everything was okay. Tuesday, June 09 12:19 AM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officer observed a stranded vehicle that ran out of fuel and provided traffic control. 7:47 AM – 19100 Blk. N. Prairie St. – Officers responded to a report of a felony theft of copper wiring valued at $3,114. A suspect has been identified. This incident occurred at the Lytle ISD Primary School construction site. 8:55 AM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. Everything was okay. 10:32 AM – IH 35 NB @ MM 132 – Officers provided traffic control for a stranded vehicle. 11:10 AM – 14700 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2021 Ford F-350 but was unable to unlock it and provided the driver with a ride to his residence to get an extra set of keys. 12:45 PM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officers provided a funeral escort. 4:30 PM – 63300 Blk. Juarez St. – Officer spoke to a complainant regarding his credit card fraud occurring outside the city limits of Lytle. 5:45 PM – 20000 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to a report of the theft of $1,200 – $1,300 cash from an employee’s purse. 10:54 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 18800 Blk. Rolling Meadow Dr. – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist with an assault. 11:00 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a male throwing rocks at vehicles. Wednesday, June 10 1:13 AM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 600 Blk. FM 3175 – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist with an Emergency Detention. 12:45 PM – 19300 Blk. First St. – Officer spoke to a caller regarding possible fraud. 12:45 PM – Lytle PD – Officer released personal property to an arrestee’s mother. 1:02 PM – FM 3175 @ IH SB 35 Frontage Rd. – Officer responded to an 18-wheeler that struck a TXDOT guardrail. 1:49 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a complainant regarding a chip in the paint of her vehicle while at Topis. 4:38 PM – 19700 Blk. Office St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2007 Ford Focus. 6:30 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a male regarding a lost wallet that he believes was left at the Whataburger. 8:25 PM – 18800 Blk. N. Benton St. – Officers responded to a report of a reckless driver, located the vehicle, and spoke to the driver. Thursday, June 11 11:25 AM – 18200 Blk. Wisdom Rd. – Officer responded to a report of a male on a bicycle riding in her yard. 12:57 PM – Adams St. @ Pine St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for no front license plate, resulting in the citation and release of of a 17 year old male for Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia. 2:20 PM – Assist Atascosa EMS – 18700 Blk. Oak St. – Officer responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency. 10:08 PM – 14800 Blk. Lytle-Somerset St. – Officer responded to check on the driver of a black Dodge Dart but could not locate it. Friday, June 12 10:14 AM – 19300 Blk. First St. – Officer responded to a report of two Bobcat skid steers and a Case backhoe stolen after delivery from a rental company. Offices recovered both skid steers in Lytle and the backhoe in Von Ormy. This was scam incident where a caller pretends to be a representative of a construction company and contacts a rental company and has equipment delivered. Fortunately, they were all equipped with a good GPS system. 11:15 AM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officers provided a funeral escort. 7:00 PM – Lytle PD – Officer responded to a 26 year old male turning himself in for an active Lytle Warrant for Tampering with Identification Number. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail. 8:00 PM –19300 Blk. First St. – Officers responded and provided a female with a courtesy ride to the Camino Real Crisis Center. Saturday, June 13
2:47 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a male attempting to enter a vehicle. Everything was okay. 8:04 AM – Assist Medina County Sheriff’s Office – 400 Blk. CR 6842 – Officers responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist with an active disturbance. 12:25 PM – Von Ormy – Officer conducted a follow-up on an active theft case with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. 1:25 PM – 19900 Blk. Huckleberry St. – Officer responded and arrested a 26 year old male for felony domestic violence. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail. He evaded officers, our drone was used to locate him, he was hiding in a neighbor’s backyard. 5:57 PM – Fraud – Officers took a report of attempted fraud. A fraudulent check was caught by Lytle State Bank and not processed. 9:52 PM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to an attempted theft. A male carried a laundry basket full of merchandise outside without paying for the $196.06 valued items. An employee recovered all the merchandise before the male’s departure.
New members were added to the Alsatian Pioneers. Pictured above are Andrea Christman, Paulette Martin, Erin Griffin, Landa Saathoff, Frances Plunkett.
On June 6, the Alsatian Pioneers met for the last meeting of the spring of 2026 meetings will begin again starting in August 29, 2026. At the June meeting, the Alsatian pioneers chapter installed three new members; had an exceptional program by Pat Burell on his family’s antecedent through a genealogical researcher’s eye. Report was given on activities year to date of our chapter; we have been very busy. Munchies were provided by chapter members. The chapter set a new date for the first meeting of the fall.
Miranda Guerrero is graduating from Devine High School. She intends to major in Neuroscience. She plans to continue art and hopefully take some courses to further her art education. She has enrolled in UT of Austin to continue her education.
The Friendship Art Club recently awarded two area high school graduates with scholarships as part of the club’s longstanding commitment to continuing art education. The winners received a check and a certificate presented by Club President Melanie McMeans and Treasurer Yolanda Alderson. Scholarship funds are raised through the annual drawing held in conjunction with the club’s Arts and Crafts Show each fall.
Ariana Figueroa is graduating from Medina Valley High School. She intends to major in Chemical Engineering. She plans to continue her art during college. She has enrolled in UTSA to continue her education.
Come join us monthly in Natalia at the American Legion Post #371 Bradshaw Herring McCoy Post on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 in the city council chambers, main street Natalia. All veterans including current military are welcome to join. It is open to the public. Donations and volunteers are always welcome. For further information contact Lainey Franklin at 210-789-1649.
