Big Elections Coming up…Early voting starting next week April 24- May 2
Devine mayor/council races, Lytle ISD,
Medina County: Voters to decide Devine ISD bonds & ESD sales tax issue

City of Devine- Vote at City Hal, 303 S. Teel, Devine
All registered voters in Devine can vote in mayoral race.
Mayor- Cory Thompson (i) and challenger Butch Cook.
District 2 and 5 get to vote in their races as well:
Council Dist.2- Angela Pichardo (i) and Michael Hernandez
Dist 5 – Debbie Randall ( unopposed).
Election day: May 6, 2023, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; May 1-2, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting one Saturday, April 29 – 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Applications for Ballots by Mail (ABBMs) must be received no later than the close of business on April 25, 2023.
Devine ISD- Polling locations in both Medina and Frio Counties
Vote For or Against
Proposition A – 31.5 Million for Safety and Renovations of Schools, Band Hall
Proposition B – 1.5 Million – for 4 New Tennis Courts
Medina County Polls voting at Medina County Precinct 4 Annex Building this year (317 TX-132 N, Devine).
Election day: May 6, 2023, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday April 29 9am-2pm; May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. May 6, 2023 (Election Day) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Frio County Polls-voting at the Bigfoot Alternative Center, 13777 FM 472, Bigfoot, TX 78005
April 24-28, 2023 (Early Voting) 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; April 29, 2023 (Early Voting) 9:00 am – 2:00 pm and May 1-2, 2023 (Early Voting) 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
May 6, 2023 (Election Day) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Medina County- Vote at Medina County Precinct 4 Annex Building
(across from Tractor Supply)
Voters can vote in the ESD District elections, where they are registered to vote.
Medina County ESD 2 – (Devine Fire area) – add 1.25 % to sales tax
Medina County ESD 5 – (Natalia Fire area) – add 1.25% to sales tax
Medina County ESD 4 – (EMS Devine/Natalia areas – add .50% to sales tax
ESD4 overlaps both fire districts (2&5), since EMS can bill for services they are asking for only .25 from each district, so .25+.25= .5% sales tax
*Note: 8.25% is the maximum any city or county in Texas can charge for sales tax. Medina County is at 6.75% currently, so that leaves 1.5% open.
ESD 2, 4, and 5 – All Voting at County Building:
Election day: May 6, 2023, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday April 29 9am-2pm and May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
May 6, 2023 (Election Day) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Lytle ISD- Vote for one or none, Single Member District 2
Trustee Special Election for Single Member District 2 will be on May 6, 2023 between Jessica Perales , and one write-in candidate Jeremy Davenport.
Voting in a trustee for Single Member District 2. (Voters must vote in the Single Member District where they are registered to vote.)
Note: Lytle ISD is only conducting the special election. They were able to cancel the general election, which is the annual election due to unopposed candidates. The special election is due to having two SMD vacancies however, they canceled the SMD 5 election, but not the other as there was one write-in candidate for SMD 2 before the deadline.
Polling places:
Lytle ISD Administration Office, 1537 Cottage St., Lytle, Tx.
Medina County Courthouse Annex, 1300 Ave. M Room 108, Hondo, Tx.
Medina County ESD No. 1, Station #15, 17934 FM 1957, Rio Medina, Tx.
Medina County Pct. 4 Annex, 317 State Hwy. 132 N. , Devine, Tx.
Medina County Pct. 2 Annex, 8366 FM 471 S. , Castroville, Tx.
Early Voting weekdays: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday April 29 9am-2pm.
Election Day: May 6, 2023 from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

City of Lytle – cancelled election due to uncontested races.
Natalia City/Schools – no elections
LaCoste City – no elections

Man transported after collision with cow on 462

Edge was driving down a dark FM road when two Brahman cattle came into the headlights.

On Wednesday, April 12th around 8:30 pm local man Rodney Edge, of Bigfoot, was heading to feed livestock when he collided with a cow just past the old Bigfoot school. There were two Brahman cows out on the road on FM 462, he said.
“He didn’t have time to swerve,” said his wife Amy Edge. My husband was transferred via ambulance to a local hospital. Thankfully his injuries are not considered life threatening, but he does have a fractured vertebrae and soft tissue damage in the back and neck. We are trying to take it one day at a time, and are thankful to friends and family for their support and praise God for the renewed strength to keep going one step at a time.”

Groundbreaking May 4th…1/3 scale replica chapel and plaza to be built where St. Joseph’s once stood

By KK Calame
Publisher
Exciting news in this week from St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devine announcing a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the long awaited replica Chapel of the historic 98 year old church building and steeple that was torn down August 1, 2020 due to safety concerns.
“After years of preparations, we are happy to announce the construction of our new chapel is set to begin. Join us for a ground breaking ceremony on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 10a.m.
Bishop Gary Janak will be here from the Archdiocese to give a blessing”, said Matthew Balderama, Building Committee Chairman, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devine.
The new Chapel and plaza will be built where the old church once stood. It will be done in two phases, back to back. Phase one will be the construction of the chapel and Phase two will be the construction of the plaza behind the chapel.
The chapel was designed to try to replicate the old one as close as possible, but will be about one third the size of the original one. The design process began with parishioner Candace DeJesus and old photos sent in by parishioners were used as references so it can be replicated inside and out as much as possible..
Architect/planner/consultants is Morkovsky and Associates, Inc of San Antonio, Texas.
“The chapel will be approximately 32 ft wide by 59 feet long with ceiling at 22 feet. The base of the cross at 30’6’’ high and the tip of the steeple close to 37 feet, roughly about a third of the size of the old church. It will have 8 foot pews on each side inside and accommodate up to 100 people,”said Balderamma.
Mass will still be celebrated on the weekends in the current church as they have much larger attendance. Daily Mass will be in the new chapel when it is complete. Also smaller celebrations will take place in the chapel as well, like baptisms, some weddings, etc.


The new project is estimated to take 6 months to complete. Cost estimated to not exceed $900,000. “Currently we have 58% of the money needed, as required by the Archdiocese. Funds have been raised over the 12 years since it was condemned by private donation and events like the annual Octoberfest”, he said. “We will continue to take donations, and will take sponsorships for things like the pews, stained glass windows, statues, saints, and cross. And a decision is yet to be made as to whether the old bell will be used or a new one purchased. A nice sound system and electronic bell system will be in the chapel and sound off like it used to years ago every hour of the day and at mass times. The community will enjoy hearing those again across all over town, “ he said.
The Building Committee of St. Jospeh’s consists of : Don Dunford, Santiago Mendoza, Michael Perez, Laura Holder, Juan Billalobos, Jr., Candace DeJesus, Chairman Matthew Balderama, and Father Antonio Hernandez. Advisors are Ernie Morales, Lydia Benavidez, Todd Summers, and Melissa Rodriguez.

Community raises $140K at Audrey Jane’s Light fundraiser for a cure

The community really came together once again, to help this sweet little princess Audrey Jane Capps, 5 years old, pictured here with her family Josh and Brittany Capps and baby brother Kenneth and local firefighters who joined the Fun Run Some Run Princess & Protectors event in Devine.
The event will be held annually at Devine Acres Farm until we find a cure for Audrey and all A-T warriors!
It was a full day full of fun with fishing, a giant jump pad, hay rides, and live music, great BBQ and more. The live and silent auctions were a blast and we cannot thank donors and volunteers enough for helping this sweet Princess. Kiddos loved meeting the Paw Patrol, Elsa & Anna, Moana, Ariel, the Power Rangers, and Batman, and you can look forward to an event just as exciting next year at Devine Acres! Follow Audrey Janes Light Facebook Page for more info. A-T (Ataxia Telangiectasia) is a rare nuerological disease facing more families in Texas than any other place in the U.S. Because 1 in 3 kids develop cancer, many experts believe when we find a cure for A-T, we may find the cure for some types of cancer as well. If you would still like to donate, you can do so online at www.atcp.org/Audrey PHOTOS & SPONSORS ON PAGE 9-10

Farms and ranches reduced by 18,300 acres in Medina County

Medina County farmers and ranchers and all Texas Ag producers play an important role in the world’s food supply, with Texas accounting for 13% of the cattle in the U.S. as well as being a top producer of several crops according to the TX Dept of Agriculture.

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
The landscape in Medina County and our small towns is changing, and it’s no illusion as fields of cotton and corn become fewer and fewer. In Medina County, over 18,350 acres of farm and ranch land has been developed within the past 10 years, a loss of about 9,000 acres of agriculture land over each five-year period.
Acreage now classified as “Residential” has increased the most–by nearly 13,800 acres in the past ten years.
In the same ten year period, over 3,200 acres has been claimed by the “industrial” industry, with most of this accounted for by the large quarries in Medina County.
Land flagged as “Commercial” has seen the smallest growth acreage-wise (an increase of 232 acres).
The growth of subdivisions and industrial inudustry here has led to substantial increases in tax revenues for the county. According to the last audit, Medina County has approximately a year’s worth of operating funds put away in its reserve “rainy day” account.
On the flip side, rising home and land values has led to a large increase in property tax bills.
Loss in ag production is an issue facing Texas in general right now, with around 250,000 acres of farm and ranch lands being developed each year, according to officials.
According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas ranks first in the nation in the number of cattle and calves, accounting for 13% of the U.S. total.
Texas is the top producer of cotton, hay, sheep, goats, mohair and horses. Some of the state’s top crops are vegetables, citrus, corn, wheat, peanuts, pecans, sorghum, and rice. Experts estimate that, on average, 1 farmer feeds 160 people annually.
The ag industry employs one out of every seven working Texans as well according to the TX Dept of Agriculture.
With Texas being such an important part of food and fiber production, it is drawing some concern.
It wasn’t too long ago, that the USDA held public comment about “lab grown meat”–also called “cell-based” or “cultivated meat” which hit the grocery stores and some restaurants in 2022. Even Texas BBQ brisket is being grown in a lab in Austin, a 2022 news release announced.
In an op-ed by Ag Commissioner Sid Miller this January, he also highlighted the growing number of solar farms and land purchases by China as a concern.
“Texas Agriculture Matters and in 2023 that has never been truer,” said Commissioner Miller. 
More on this issue…
In an op-ed last month, State Representative Justin Holland drew attention to this very matter affecting the whole state. “Every year, Texas loses nearly 250,000 acres of land to development. Rural working lands that make up the wide-open spaces definitive of the Texas character are evaporating at an alarming rate. Not only are these lands meant to be enjoyed by Texans, but they work every day to provide the food we eat and the water we drink,” Holland said.
“We must take bold steps to preserve the landscape and culture that makes Texas a great place to live. Texas is home to 7 of the top 15 most rapidly growing cities in the country. Research also shows that 78% of Texas counties will not have sufficient parks in the coming decades. Texas needs additional parks, open spaces and natural habitats to preserve our quality of life, provide food and fiber and clean water, and to support the multibillion-dollar agricultural and outdoor recreation economy,” Holland adds.
In another interview he noted, the state’s success is great, but Texas is having “a very hard time keeping pace with water, infrastructure, transportation, and educational needs.”
“I truly believe that our land is our greatest asset, and it cannot be replicated once it is lost,” Holland said. “That’s why I am proud to introduce landmark legislation in the Texas House calling for the creation of the Texas Land and Water Conservation Fund,” a bill under consideration.
Difficulty of estate taxes and transfers is a common issue, and the tools available
“I work every day with farmers and ranchers who are just looking at ways to make sure they can keep their land and continue to serve our state by providing the food and fiber it needs to continue to grow,” said Chad Ellis, CEO of the Texas Agricultural Land Trust. “Some of these lands have been passed down for generations, and oftentimes families do struggle to pay estate taxes and preserve ownership during transfers. One of the greatest tools we have in the toolbox to help these families is conservation easements.”
 

Suspect videos deputies “like it’s some kind of game”

One of the many dangerous smuggling pursuits comes to an end with several transported to the hospital and one person airlifted. The vehicle rolled at the access road of I-35 near Chaparral Ford.

Medina County Sheriff’s Department had a smuggling pursuit last week where the passenger was actually videotaping officers in the middle of the pursuit, the Sheriff said. It was just one of five smuggling pursuits our local law enforcement detailed to us in the past few days.
“She was shooting the finger at us while she videoed, like it’s some kind of game,” Sheriff Brown said. “These smugglers will drive anywhere, through ditches, fences, anything, cause they are in a stolen vehicle any way. In this case, 7-8 people took off running and escaped, but the driver and passenger went to jail.”
“That pursuit went from I-35, made a loop around Hondo, to Hwy 173, to Quihi, to Rio Medina, where we eventually had to use a pit maneuver to end it,” Sheriff Brown added.
There were many other smuggling pursuits in the past few days, and as the frustrated local Sheriffs have said “we are watching their every move, and the smugglers are watching us too,” sometimes with more sophisticated technology than ours.


Frio Pursuit ends in rollover

Another pursuit that began in Frio County this past Monday ended in a rollover near I-35 and Chaparral Ford (pictured). One person was airlifted from this incident. There were around 10 people in the vehicle.


Homeless man intervenes, helps catch smuggler

In another pursuit in the past few days, the chase went from I-35 in Medina County all the way to San Antonio, where a homeless man helped stop the smuggler.
“We chased the smuggler all the way to San Antonio, and he pulled up behind a Lowe’s store and took off running. A homeless man saw the man running and fought him until my deputy caught up and deployed a device similar to pepper spray. We also detained seven others.”
Thanks to the hard work at the Medina County District Attorney’s office, “These drivers in smuggling operations are getting some prison time.”


Smuggler faces 5 Felony Charges after dangerous incident that sent 3 to hospital
A suspect who is charged with Smuggling of Persons: Severe Bodily Injury or Death, was picked up on April 13 on 5 Felony warrants after a dangerous incident that happened this past February 23 between Devine and Castroville.
According to the Medina County Sheriff’s department, it all started with a pursuit out of Uvalde County that was picked up in Medina County and continued to US 90 and FM 1343. At the top of the hill the driver ended up crashing and colliding with a civilian’s vehicle and a Castroville PD officer’s vehicle, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
Three people were transported to the hospital for injuries in this accident including the driver of the civilian vehicle, the suspect smuggler driver, as well as one of the undocumented immigrant passengers.
The suspect was recently released from the hospital and is now in custody of Medina County, where he faces charges of possession of marijuana, unauthorized use of vehicle, evading arrest, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault against a public servant, and smuggling of persons: severe bodily injury or death.
No information was available on the medical status of the other two people who were injured in the crash.

Devine Police Report

March 31
0:20 AM – Complainant on David Dr called in reference to possible shots fired in the area. Unable to locate.
10:06 AM – Complainant on DuBose Dr called in reference to suspicious vehicle park in front of her residence. Office made contact with vehicle owner and vehicle was removed from area.
15:36 PM – Officer dispatched to Crouch Ave for verbal between complainant and daughter. Parties were separated for the day.
16:57 PM – Complainant on Oak Hill called regarding 18 wheelers in no parking area. Vehicles had departed prior to officer’s arrival.
17:11 PM – Officer dispatched to 173 N for a minor two vehicle accident.
April 1
8:00 AM – Complainant on Warhorse Dr called in reference to an unattended small child walking in the area. Unable to locate.
20:00 PM – Complainant on Teel Dr reported vehicle stopped in front of business. Unable to locate.
April 2
10:08 AM – Officer dispatched to Gutierrez Ave for an assault/physical disturbance instigated by male who physically struck caller on left side of head. Caller did not want to pursue charges.
12:20 PM – Complainant on Teel Dr found damaged iPhone with blue/brown case on roadway near SH 132 and city limits of Devine.
19:15 PM – Complainant on Malone Dr called in reference to Ford F150 blocking stop sign and parked in yard. Vehicle was moved.
22:02 PM – Complainant on Teel Dr called in reference to her son throwing items in the yard. Subject departed location before officer arrived.
April 3
4:36 AM – Officer dispatched to College Ave for alarm going off on one of the mail trucks. No alarm was only flashing lights accidentally left on.
12:04 PM – Complainant on Tehama Ave called regarding verbal dispute. Male subject throwing trash on construction site and cursing at workers. Subject wearing black cap, black shirt and faded black jeans with goatee. Subject ID’d by police.
20:10 PM – Complainant on Libold Dr called in reference to tan car driving around the area. Area searched but unable to locate.
April 4
9:08 AM – Complainant on Benton Ave reported suspicious activity from building. Occurred on 4/2/23 approximately 4 pm to 8:15 am. Requesting extra patrol. No items appears to be missing.
11:55 AM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave for wallet that was turned into library.
18:43 PM – Officer dispatched to IH 35 S for a minor accident. Unoccupied vehicle legally parked was struck by a red Dodge Chager. No license plate given.
21:00 PM – Officer dispatched to IH 35 S for a minor two vehicle accident.
April 5
13:08 PM – Officer dispatched to Hwy 173 for a minor accident.
15:58 PM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave for two vehicle accident.
April 6
9:06 AM – Officer dispatched to Moore Ave. for a stalled vehicle with emergency lights on left unoccupied. Officer made contact with vehicle owner and vehicle was moved out of roadway.
10:34 AM – Complainant on Collage called in reference to copper being taken from both inside and outside of building.
14:55 PM – Complainant on SH 132 N reported an older model SUV, blue in color, possible Isuzu with dark tinted windows seen taking tools and weed trimmer.
15:50 PM – Officer was waived down on IH 35 S to report a suspicious male in vehicle acting strange and looking at them. Officer attempted to locate and make contact but was unable to locate.

Lytle Police Report

Monday, April 3
12:20 PM – Lytle PD – Officer received a phone call from a parent regarding threatening text messages.
12:45 PM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officers escorted a funeral procession.
2:28 PM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to an active disturbance. The case is under investigation.
2:49 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer spoke to a female regarding an accident that occurred earlier.
7:21 PM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer observed a vehicle on the side of the road. The driver was waiting on a wrecker.
8:39 PM – S. Somerset St. @ Lytle-Somerset St. – Officers responded and were unable to locate the reckless driver.
11:03 PM – N. Somerset St. @ Houston St. – Officer responded to a report of a water leak. The water was coming from a resident watering the yard.
Tuesday, April 4
5:50 AM – All Railroad Crossings – Officer responded to the train blocking all crossings. The train had mechanical issues, and the roads were open at 7:45 AM.
5:58 AM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
7:20 AM – Railroad St. @ Pine St. – Officer responded to provide traffic control for one lane open to cross. The Railroad closed the crossing for safety reasons, and all roads reopened at 7:45 AM.
8:22 AM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a female regarding the disturbance on April 3, 2023.
1:50 PM – Lytle PD – Officer took a statement regarding the disturbance on April 3, 2023.
3:36 PM – Assist Medina County Sheriff’s Office – IH 35 SB – Officer responded to a traffic accident. The officer was canceled due to the accident being outside the city limits in Medina County.
5:23 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St – Officers responded to a report of a male allegedly pulling a knife on another male. The possible victim did not want to file charges.
6:38 PM – Lytle PD – Officer took additional photos regarding a disturbance that occurred on 4/3/2023.
Wednesday, April 5
5:50 AM – 19800 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to a suspicious parked vehicle with the headlights on. Everything was okay.
8:30 AM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer assisted with a small, tan loose dog.
9:50 AM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a female regarding a cell phone she allegedly left in a stolen vehicle.
2:00 PM – 15200 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a report of a generator connected to the CPS electrical connection at a rental house. The Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement were notified. The resident unhooked
the connection.
2:45 PM – 15100 Blk. Magnolia St. – Officer responded to a report of a motorcycle revving its engine. The rider agreed to stop.
7:38 PM – Adams St. – Officer responded to a man yelling obscenities. The male was practicing his Rap lyrics and did not mean to offend anyone.
10:18 PM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
10:48 PM – 500 Blk. CR 6850 – Officer spoke to a female on the phone regarding her grandmother harassing her.
10:57 PM – IH 35 SB – Officer responded to look for a gray Toyota 4Runner involved in an earlier bailout in Bexar County. The officer was unable to locate it.
11:52 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – FM 3175 @ Luckey Rd. – Officer was dispatched to assist a Deputy in locating two wanted males. The Atascosa County Sheriff’s Deputy arrested the males.
Thursday, April 6
2:50 AM – 14700 Blk. Main St. – Officer found an open door while conducting a business check. The door was secured.
6:50 AM – 15200 Blk – Main St.) Officers responded and were unable to locate the male.
1:25 PM – 19300 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a minor non-injury hit & run accident.
1:25 PM – 19300 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a minor non-injury hit & run accident on the above call that resulted in the arrest of a 39 year old female for an active warrant out of Atascosa for Evading arrest with a vehicle. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County jail.
6:14 PM – Wisdom Rd @ Norvell St. – Officer observed a motorcycle crash; the rider refused EMS and drove the motorcycle home.
8:30 PM – 20000 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to a report that a vehicle leaving the business struck three vehicles while leaving the parking lot.
8:32 PM – Assist Medina County Sheriff’s Office – IH 35 @ MM 131 – Officers responded to a report of an 18-wheeler losing a tire. Medina County was on the scene before the officer’s arrival.
8:48 PM – 18500 Blk. Wisdom Rd. – Officers responded and were unable to locate any gunfire.
Friday, April 7
12:55 AM – FM 2790 @ CR 681 – Officer provided a courtesy ride to a male to his residence on CR 681.
10:15 AM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a complainant regarding a stolen electric rental bike out of San Antonio.
1:47 PM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
2:45 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a vehicle that struck a basket that then struck an HEB employee.
Saturday, April 8
12:56 AM – Assist Bexar County Sheriff’s Office – 14400 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a verbal disturbance that started in Bexar County. Everything was okay.
2:28 AM – IH 35 @ FM 2790 – Officer responded to a report of an intoxicated driver. The officer did not witness any traffic violations on the vehicle.
3:38 AM – Main St. @ FM 2790 – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver that resulted in the arrest of a 21 year old male for DWI. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County jail.
3:30 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a male and a female regarding online personal details.
4:07 PM – 19500 Blk. IF 35 – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury hit & run accident.
6:45 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
11:08 PM – 19300 Blk McDonald St. – Officer responded to a male sleeping behind the wheel of a vehicle in the drive thru that resulted in the arrest of a 36 year old male for DWI. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County jail.
Sunday, April 9
9:01 AM – 19200 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a 911 open call. The officer was unable to locate the caller.
9:11 AM – 15200 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded and met with a female complainant who wanted to report the theft of an Apple watch and iPhone at another address in the city. The property was later recovered.
9:35 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to two incidents involving a dispute between two Easter vendors.
4:00 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a female at the PD wanting to file a domestic violence report. The incident occurred outside the city limits of Lytle and was deferred to the ACSO.
6:06 PM – 14700 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a dog trying to bite the complainant. The owner retrieved the dog.
7:00 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a female regarding her recovered iPhone and Apple watch.
8:38 PM – Saddle Ridge & John Wayne Dr. – Officers responded to a light in an abandoned home. Everything was okay.

DISD to host town hall meeting April 20 about proposed bond

Devine ISD Superintendent Dr. Todd Grandjeant will host the second meeting Thursday, April 20 at the DSAC auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m.
“I want our community to be informed about the propositions in the bond, and to be able to have any concerns addressed,” Dr. Grandjean said.
He will have a short presentation, and then attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Dr. Grandjean will also conduct tours of all the campuses Monday, April 10. Those who would like to attend should meet in the DSAC parking lot at 6:30 p.m. A bus will be provided to take everyone to all the campuses.
“After touring all campuses and having direct interaction with principals and teachers, it became apparent that our children need many things to happen as far as facilities are concerned in this district. I think we were very thoughtful in our process and were very cognizant of the costs of each project,” Misty Thompson, Facilities Committee, said.
Early voting is April 24-28, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., April 29, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and May 1-2, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Polling location for Medina County residents is the Precinct 4 Annex Building, 317 TX-132 N. For Frio County residents, early voting will take place at the Bigfoot Alternative Center, 13777 FM 472 in Bigfoot.
Election Day is Saturday, May 6, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Polling locations are the same as in early voting.

Local Elections on May 6
Where, when, why, how much
Early voting April 24- May 2

City of Devine- Vote at City Hal, 303 S. Teel, Devine
Vote For or Against
Bond Election- $15.02 Million for drainage and flood control
Everyone can vote in the Bond election
Everyone can vote in mayoral race.
Mayor- Cory Thompson (i) and Butch Cook
District 2 and 5 get to vote in their races as well
Council Dist.2- Angela Pichardo (i) and Michael Hernandez
Dist 5 – Debbie Randall
Election day: May 6, 2023, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; May 1-2, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting one Saturday, April 29 – 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Applications for Ballots by Mail (ABBMs) must be received no later than the close of business on April 25, 2023.

Devine ISD- Polling locations in both Medina and Frio Counties
Vote For or Against
Proposition A – 31.5 Million for Safety and Renovations of Schools, Band Hall
Proposition B – 1.5 Million – for 4 New Tennis Courts
Medina County Polls voting at Medina County Precinct 4 Annex Building this year (317 TX-132 N, Devine).
Election day: May 6, 2023, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday April 29 9am-2pm; May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. May 6, 2023 (Election Day) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Frio County Polls-voting at the Bigfoot Alternative Center, 13777 FM 472, Bigfoot, TX 78005
April 24-28, 2023 (Early Voting) 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; April 29, 2023 (Early Voting) 9:00 am – 2:00 pm and May 1-2, 2023 (Early Voting) 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
May 6, 2023 (Election Day) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Medina County- Vote at Medina County Precinct 4 Annex Building
(across from Tractor Supply)
Voters can vote in the ESD District elections, where they are registered to vote.
Medina County ESD 2 – (Devine Fire area) – add 1.25 % to sales tax
Medina County ESD 5 – (Natalia Fire area) – add 1.25% to sales tax
Medina County ESD 4 – (EMS Devine/Natalia areas – add .50% to sales tax
ESD4 overlaps both fire districts (2&5), since EMS can bill for services they are asking for only .25 from each district, so .25+.25= .5% sales tax
*Note: 8.25% is the maximum any city or county in Texas can charge for sales tax. Medina County is at 6.75% currently, so that leaves 1.5% open.
ESD 2, 4, and 5 – All Voting at County Building:
Election day: May 6, 2023, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday April 29 9am-2pm and May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
May 6, 2023 (Election Day) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Lytle ISD- Vote for one or none, Single Member District 2
Trustee Special Election for Single Member District 2 will be on May 6, 2023 between Jessica Perales , and one write-in candidate Jeremy Davenport.
Voting in a trustee for Single Member District 2. (Voters must vote in the Single Member District where they are registered to vote.)
Note: Lytle ISD is only conducting the special election. They were able to cancel the general election, which is the annual election due to unopposed candidates. The special election is due to having two SMD vacancies however, they canceled the SMD 5 election, but not the other as there was one write-in candidate for SMD 2 before the deadline.
Polling places:
Lytle ISD Administration Office, 1537 Cottage St., Lytle, Tx.
Medina County Courthouse Annex, 1300 Ave. M Room 108, Hondo, Tx.
Medina County ESD No. 1, Station #15, 17934 FM 1957, Rio Medina, Tx.
Medina County Pct. 4 Annex, 317 State Hwy. 132 N. , Devine, Tx.
Medina County Pct. 2 Annex, 8366 FM 471 S. , Castroville, Tx.
Early Voting weekdays: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday April 29 9am-2pm.
Election Day: May 6, 2023 from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

City of Lytle – cancelled election due to uncontested races.
Natalia City/Schools – no elections
LaCoste City – no elections