McKinney, TX — After Governor Greg Abbott and Brooke Rollins’ press conference on the growing threat of the New World Screwworm, Republican Agriculture Commissioner candidate Nate Sheets released the following statement:
“The New World Screwworm is not just another ag issue—it’s an existential threat to our cattle industry, our rural economy, and the price of beef for Texas families,” said Sheets. “Every day of delay risks billions in losses, permanent damage to ranching operations, and devastation for small producers. Texas needs an Agriculture Commissioner who will act the moment a threat emerges—not weeks or months later after political pressure mounts.”
The New World Screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite once eradicated in the U.S., was detected in early July just 370 miles from Texas. Experts warn it could spread rapidly if not stopped, putting every livestock sector at risk and driving up grocery prices nationwide.
Today’s plan from Abbott and Rollins included five major steps:
Building a $750 million domestic sterile fly production facility in Edinburg to triple output and end reliance on Panama and Mexico for supply.
Investing $100 million in new technologies like novel traps, lures, and modular fly units to accelerate response.
Expanding border surveillance by increasing mounted patrol “tick riders” and the USDA Beagle Brigade.
Unprecedented coordination with Mexico to halt animal movement in infected zones and improve surveillance south of the border.
Cross-agency federal action with FDA, USDA, DOE, and EPA to fast-track treatments and innovations.
“I applaud Governor Abbott and Brooke Rollins for taking swift action on this critical threat and look forward to working with them as Texas’ next Agriculture Commissioner to keep our herds safe and our cattle industry strong,” Sheets said.
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Meet Bella
ifteen-year-old Isabel, who prefers to be called Bella, is a very generous, kindhearted and happy child.
Her energy level is unmatched, as she is always up for something fun! At a first meeting she may come off as shy, but she is social and talkative once she gets to know someone.
Bella is an outgoing youth who is friendly and sweet and gets along well with other children. She is an active child who likes to be engaged in different activities throughout the day.
Bella enjoys using her tablet and watching music videos and movies. She also likes to draw and paint; her favorite artistic media is watercolors. Bella also enjoys reading and writing, her favorite books are the Harry Potter series. She recently developed a passion for singing and has joined the choir through the school district. Her favorite foods include sushi, hamburgers, and pizza.
In her own words … “I am ready for a beautiful adventure”!
If you think you could be a forever family for Isabel or another Texas child, please call 1-800-233-3405 for more information or visit www.adoptchildren.org where you can find a schedule of online public information meetings, and learn about the foster/adoption program.
You can also view the www.heartgallerystx.org website, where South Texas children have their portraits along with individual personal stories they wish to share, with their future forever family.
Back to School Pics!!!
3rd grader Katrina House gets a big hug from big sister Elena before the big first day of school.
Kohen Hoover is ready for 1st grade
Big brother Jason Chessher walks Waylon to pre-k.
Cousins…Emery Wight and Rylee Velasquez are ready for the first day of 2nd grade at Ciavarra Elementary.
Bradley Zachry is all smiles for his first day of 2nd grade at Devine Elementary.
Westley Zachry is all smiles for his first day of kindergarten at Ciavarra Elementary.
Reese and Riey were ready to start their 1st day of 2nd grade at Devine Elementary.
Cloee Jo Esparza ready for her first day of kinder.
Big brother Kaysen Oakes helps little sister Penelope off to school.
Charlee Brown of Natalia going into 3rd grade at Natalia Elementary.
David Calame III (6th grade), Reagan Duncan (pre k 3) and Waco Calame (3rd grade).
Karlie Gallegos is all ready for 1st grade
Kendrick Ramirez is all ready for 3rd grade in Devine.
Lane and Cody Jones first day of school.
Lucas Rendon is up bright and early ready for second grade.
Luke Kyle and Milee Downing are all ready for the big day.
Senior Sunrise Devine High School.
The Rendons are all ready for the big first day of school.
City of Devine hires Michelle Martin as new City Secretary
The City of Devine announced the hiring of Michelle Martin as City Secretary to replace retired City Secretary Dora Rodriguez who served the city for 41 years and retired in July.
“My family and I moved to the area 7 years ago,” stated Michelle Martin in her resume.
“I have worked for the State of Texas and City of San Antonio in supporting city infrastructure programs, grant projects, community engagement, non-profit support, and small business development with a total of 10 years experience. I have also worked on large corporate projects for USAA and Medtronic. I attended Texas A&M University – San Antonio where I attained my Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Masters in Business Management.”
“I am so grateful and humbled by the opportunity to be the next City Secretary for Devine. I look forward to meeting you all and building a partnership for a stronger community,” said Martin.
Rodriguez retired after 41 years
Dora Rodriguez served the citizens of Devine working at the City Office for the past 41 years in several capacities including the position of City Secretary as well as Interim City Administrator in her later years. Rodriguez graduated from Devine High School in 1984 and went to work for the City of Devine.
She announced her retirement on May 21 but with July 31 being her last day.
Rodriguez worked under many mayors and councils over the years and was a constant steady for all those coming and going. She earned many leadership and continuing education hours throughout her years of dedication to the citizens of Devine. She helped out her hometown through tough times and took on the city administrator job while serving as City Secretary also until the next City Admin was hired. This happened multiple times where she worked many 60 hour weeks.
Balderrama to share son’s inspirational story on TV program next Tuesday
Mary Jane Balderrama who lost her son Adrian Camarillo at age 18 in a automobile accident from Devine will be on Fox/kabb channel 29 on August 19 Tuesday at 9 am. You can also watch this interview on NBC/ WOAI channel 4 on the San Antonio Living segment aired at 10 am Tuesday August 19 as well.
Mary Jane will speak to both stations about her son Adrian Camarillo who graduated in 1994 from Devine High School. Adrian gave the gift of life through organ donation; leaving his legacy to many who had a chance at life because of this unselfish act.
Mary Jane lives in Devine, and has a yearly adopt a highway event in his honor during which many locals come out to support this cause in memory of Adrian.
Regional water alliance group discusses financing for system interconnections
By Anton Riecher
Financing to cover an estimated $49 million in interconnections to link the various water systems participating in a proposed 50,000 acre-foot freshwater aquifer storage and recovery project was discussed during the Aug. 5 meeting of the Medina County Regional Water Alliance.
Kevin Hunt with RESPEC, serving as an engineering consultant, said it would be helpful if the participating systems could determine what interconnections would be needed to make the overall ASR project a reality.
“I know that there’s already movement on interconnects between East Medina (County Special Utility District) and Lytle,” Hunt said. “If any other interconnects are already being worked on we may not be aware of that.”
Cole Ruiz, an attorney with Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend, 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!
Truck bursts into flames in Walmart parking lot
First responders responding to the scene (on left) initially thought the driver was sleeping inside the cab when it errupted into fire, but thankfully that was not the case. The PD had issued an all-call inside Walmart for truck drivers, and the driver of this vehicle just did not come out until 25 minutes later leading to some concern.
Natalia FD, Devine FD, Medina Co Deputy Fire Marshall, as well as Devine PD responded to the chaotic scene this past Friday, August 8 around 3pm in the Walmart parking lot.
According to the report, an electrical short is believed to be the cause of the fire.
Devine hires Joe Brown III new Chief of Police
The City of Devine hired Joe Brown III as the new Chief of Police to replace retired Chief Kandy Bendavides who served Devine for 40 years. Chief Brown’s first day will be on Monday, August 18, 2025 and he will oversee ten employees in the police department.
His biography is as follows:
Chief Joe Brown III is a decorated law enforcement leader and military veteran with over two decades of distinguished service in public safety, organizational leadership, and community engagement.
During his career, Chief Brown has overseen divisions such as patrol operations, criminal investigations, administration, telecommunications, animal control, and code compliance.
He has successfully managed a $2 million budget, driven operational efficiencies, and spearheaded the department’s pursuit of Texas Police Chiefs Association accreditation.
A proud United States Air Force veteran, Chief Brown safeguarded nuclear assets, led Security Forces under U.S. CENTCOM and SOCOM, and…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!
Sheriff: Criminals took local residents for $12 grand
By Kayleen Holder
Editor
“Phone scammers have taken over $12,000 from hardworking people in Medina County in the past two weeks,” said Sheriff Randy Brown. “And I know of at least two more who were on their way to the bank when they called me.”
A frustrated Sheriff Brown reiterates that Medina County Sheriff’s Office, nor any other local police department, will ever call you to get payment to avoid being arrested.
“I tell people all of the time, I post it on Facebook, I even stood up at church and told people at church to please stop talking to these phone scammers,” Sheriff Brown said. “This needs to be on the front page, because people, intelligent people, are falling for it.”
Many of these scammers will insist you…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!
Burger in a bag fundraiser forFlood victims Aug. 23
Mickey Myers is organizing a Burger in a Bag fundraiser to benefit those affected by the horrific flooding in the Hill Country.
The burgers with trimmings, chips and bottle of water or soda will be $9. It will be held August 23 at 3 pm until sold out.
Fundraiser organizers at Foxy’s Bar are looking for donations of silent auction items, raffle items, burgers, chips, sodas, brown bags, and to go boxes. Message the Foxy’s Facebook page or come by to donate or to sign up to help.
Specifically this fundraiser will benefit the Together for Texas charity whose mission can be seen at the following link: https://give.salvationarmytexas.org/campaign/703236/donate