Medina commissioners updated on twin threats to ranchers

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!

Legal issues threaten to further postpone Natalia ambulance substation

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!

Local Policed Report

Natalia Police Report

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.

Alsatian Pioneers last meeting of Spring

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.

Art Club NamesTwo Scholarship Winners

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.

Veterans meet 1st Wednesdays monthly in Natalia

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.

Gov. Abbott launches free New World screwworm inspector training

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service course will help keep Texas livestock moving

By AgriLife Today News Team
Gov. Greg Abbott announced the launch of a free online course on June 13 to expand the number of certified New World Screwworm, NWS, inspectors across Texas.
This course, created by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Education Development and Engagement unit on its AgriLife Learn platform, will allow more Texans to inspect their animals and certify documentation required to safely move them, which is critical to ensuring cattle and livestock commerce continues uninterrupted.
A first-of-its-kind program, New World Screwworm Preparedness and Response Education, was developed by AgriLife Extension in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Texas Animal Health Commission, TAHC, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD.
“The State of Texas will use every tool to protect our cattle industry and wildlife while we eradicate this pest,” Abbott said. “Texas A&M AgriLife and TAHC moved quickly to launch this training. Now more people, including private industry, will be able to inspect and certify animals for movement. Through this program, Texas will…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!

DPS Uncovers Stash House, Captures Wanted Criminal Gang Member in South Texas

June 4, 2026
DEL RIO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) uncovered a stash house and captured a wanted criminal illegal immigrant gang member during Operation Lone Star in Maverick Co. last week.
On May 29, 2026, just after 12:00 a.m., DPS Troopers received information about a possible stash house operating out of a hotel in Eagle Pass. Troopers made contact with a female inside one of the rooms, who consented to a search after Troopers detected a strong odor of marijuana. Upon entering, Troopers discovered the room was being used as a stash house and located four illegal immigrants from Honduras hiding under blankets.
Troopers identified two of the illegal immigrants as Joseph Angel Gusman, 21, and Daniel Castillo Dionisio, 21, both Rollin’ 30s Crips gang members with a history of illegal reentry and alien inadmissibility by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Further investigation also revealed Dionisio was wanted by the New Orleans Police Department on multiple felony warrants for armed robbery and aggravated assault with a firearm. He was arrested and booked into the Maverick Co. Jail. Gusman and the other two illegal immigrants were referred to Border Patrol.
Two American citizens, Juella Monet Brown, 27, of Grandview, Mo., and Starr Ricki Drake, 26, of Euless, Texas, were both charged with operation of a stash house and booked into the Maverick Co. Jail.
Video of the event is available here.
Texas Stash House Rewards Program
DPS urges the public to be on the lookout for potential stash house operations and to report any suspected stash house operations to law enforcement. Under the Texas Stash House Rewards Program, Texas Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification of stash houses, pill press operations and methamphetamine conversion laboratories used in transnational crimes.
To be eligible for the cash rewards, tipsters must use one of the following three methods:
• Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477)
• Submit a web tip online at: https://www.p3tips.com/650
• Submit a Facebook tip by clicking the “SUBMIT A TIP” link (under the “About” section).
All tips are guaranteed to be anonymous.

John “Jay” Henderson Patterson

John “Jay” Henderson Patterson passed away June 9, 2026, at the age of 88. He was born on March 17, 1938, in Ava, Missouri, to BF (Pat) Patterson and Freida Osborn Patterson. He graduated from West Plains High School (West Plains, MO) in 1956 and proceeded to attend Sul Ross State College on a basketball scholarship. It was there that he met the love of his life, Judith “Judy” Knox. After his graduation the two were married on May 26, 1960.
Jay and Judy moved to Fabens, TX, where he began his career in education and coaching. Jay’s celebrated and distinguished career spanned over 41 years in Texas at Wink, Devine and Medina Valley High Schools. At Medina Valley he was part of the state championship coaching staff in football and rose to the title of Athletic Director. As Director, Jay was instrumental in the growth and development of the Medina Valley athletic programs. After his retirement at MV he continued teaching math locally at San Antonio College.
Jay and Judy thoroughly enjoyed traveling to their favorite locations in Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming. They found true joy in life with the addition of their three grandchildren. They were regular fixtures with him on the football field. He and Judy also hosted them throughout the summers and attended countless sporting events, graduations and life events in support of them throughout the years. He welcomed great-granddaughters in 2023, 2024, and a great-grandson in 2025 and loved spending time with the newest generation of his family.
He is survived by his children Jay Patterson (Barbie) of San Antonio, TX; Jan Glasser (Mark) of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren, Zac Glasser (Victoria) of LaCoste, TX, Meaghan Patterson Reed (DJ) of San Antonio, TX, Hannah Glasser of San Antonio, TX; great-grandchildren Vanessa and Grayson Glasser, Parker Reed; sister Betty Jean Hickox of West Plains, MO; sister-in-law Jody Knox of Kennesaw, GA; sister-in-law Janelle Patterson of Columbia, MO; nephew Chris Hartman of Kennesaw, GA; honorary daughter Sheri Carter of San Antonio, TX; beloved dog Cozi as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wonderful wife Judy, brother Lowell Patterson, brothers-in-law Gary Hickox and Charles Knox.
The family would like to thank Always Best Care Senior Services, especially Faith and Anderson for their care along with Dr. Lloyd VanWinkle, Donna and Accent Care Home Health and Hospice.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Jay and Judy Patterson on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Braden Keller Center, Castroville, Texas, 1pm to 4pm. Memorials may be made to Medina Valley Sports Boosters or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com.

Caroline Alice Brannin Sims

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Caroline Alice Brannin Sims. She passed in Castroville, Texas, at the age of 83.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Leatha Brannin; sister, Billie Fern Parker; and son, Richard Scott Weber.
Caroline is survived by her loving husband, Patrick Sims; sister, Catherine Carroll; children, Shelly Spurger and Michael Weber (Michelle); grandchildren, Nicole, Maegan, Justin, Joshua, Kyle, Zachary, Taylor; great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She will also be missed by numerous nieces and nephews.
Please join us in celebrating her life. Graveside inurnment will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. at Evergreen Cemetery.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so by visiting www.primrosefuneralservices.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016, (830) 663-4445.