During a regular session Monday the Lytle City Council voted 4-0 to approve a proposed tax rate of $0.446405 per $100 valuation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
The tax rate will be subject to public hearings before a final vote on passage. City Administrator Zachary Meadows said the proposed rate is slightly below the calculated maximum rate allowed by law without requiring voter approval.
However, the proposed rate does exceed the “no new revenue rate,” the amount that would produce the same amount of tax revenue as the previous year. The proposed rate was approved on a motion by District 3 Alderman David Emery, seconded by District 1 Alderwoman Anna Carrillo. District 5 Alderman Matthew Martinez was absent for the vote.
Author: admin
Devine Soccer Club makes pitch for county assistance
Pablo Carmona, founder of the Devine Soccer Club, addresses the Medina County Commissioners Court Monday on finding adequate training facilities for his players.
By Anton Riecher
Extending his crusade on behalf of “the beautiful game” to the Medina County Commissioners Court, Pablo Carmona of the Devine Soccer Club urged county officials to help find training fields for local players.
He spoke during the public comment period at the beginning for the commissioners’ court regular session Monday.
“Being in Devine, we noticed that soccer stops for the kids in about the fifth grade,” Carmona said. “At about 10 years old they have to stop playing soccer. There is nowhere else for them to go.”
A Medina County resident for 27 years, Carmona said he and his wife Paula established the Devine Soccer Club to help give local youth a chance at higher education through soccer.
“What is different about our club is we compete against teams in San Antonio,” Carmona said. “We are trying to give them a pathway to maybe go to college and become semi-pro and pro players.”
The Devine Soccer Club has two professional players serving on its board of directors, he said.
“We are looking for a space where we can train and be able to play games because right now we have temporary places but we cannot play games there,” Carmona said. “We have to travel to Canyon Lake, La Vernia, different places because we have no place to develop fields locally.”
Unfortunately, Devine does not have a city park large enough to use for staging games, he said. He asked if the county could assist in providing training fields for interested players in Medina County.
Two officers approved as Natalia ISD SROs
In other business, commissioners approved an interlocal agreement with Natalia ISD to assign two licensed peace officers from the Medina County Sheriff’s Office to serve as school resource officers. The motion by Precinct 4 Commissioners Danny Lawler was seconded by Precinct 3 Commissioners David Lynch.
The motion was approved unanimously.
Drug Detection Device
Commissioners also approved the purchase of a TruNarc handheld drug detection device for the sheriff’s office using Operation Lone Star grant funds. Commissioners also approved the use of Operation Lone Star funds to purchase a 2026 Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT Ranch Edition utility task vehicle.
Operation Lone Star is a Texas state border security initiative launched by Gov. Greg Abbott to address illegal border crossings and drug smuggling.
121 years of key personnel and historical knowledge quite a task to replace for City of Devine
By Kathleen Calame
Publisher
The City of Devine has been undergoing major transitions for the past couple months since four key personnel retired or resigned. After weeks of working through the hiring process all four key positions have been filled. This week we introduce the new Chief of Police Joe Brown III, and new City Secretary Michelle Martin. Next week we will introduce the new Court Administrator Cassandra Maldonado and Finance Director Sophia Benavides.
Devine City Administrator David Jordan explained…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!
Bowen new pastor at Devine Christian Church
Christopher and Elisabeth Bowen
Devine Christian Church has welcomed Christopher Bowen as the new pastor. This is a very special event as Pastor Bowen was born and raised at Devine Christian church and considers it the thrill of a lifetime to be the pastor. He was mentored in the ministry by his predecessor, Pastor Schell Smith for over 7 years and was the associate pastor for the past 5 ½ years. He married his beautiful wife, Elisabeth, Pastor Smith’s daughter at the church, where they met, 3 ½ years ago. They are both excited to continue moving the church forward in the direction that Pastor Bowen’s father-in-law had the church already going. The church is a vibrant and growing family where we genuinely care for one another.
Pastor Bowen simply preaches and teaches the Bible, no gimmicks, no games, just straight truth from God’s Word every service. In a day where fake news dominates the internet and world in which we live, you can be sure you’ll only get Bible truths at Devine Christian Church! So, we encourage you to stop by and stay awhile at Devine Christian Church! We meet on Sunday Mornings at 9:30 for Sunday School and 10:30 for the main worship service. We also meet on Wednesday night at 6:30 for Bible study and prayer. If you would like more information on the church, please call 830-349-1045. See you there!
Randolph Chief’s Group plans the 40th Annual Chief’s Gathering
The Randolph Chief’s Group is searching for All Military E-9’s, (active, reserve, guard, or retired, their spouses), or surviving spouse to attend the 40th Annual Chief’s Gathering. This reunion is planned for Saturday, 4 October 2025, 1700 hours, at the Bluebonnet Palace, Selma, Texas. For more information click on the link: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/TFXUBHxa0V or contact CMSgt Jonathon “JP” Parker jonathon.parker@us.af.mil Cell (830) 822-1818; CMSgt (Ret) John Talbot ragtimesouthwest@gmail.com Cell (210) 241-5352; CMSgt (Ret) Alex Varner alexander.varner.4@us.af.mil Cell (210) 412-1683.
Local Police Report
Natalia Police Report
8/4/2025 – Officer were dispatched to the Chacon Creek on Hwy 132 for a possible wrecked vehicle.
8/6/2025 – Officer responded to the 1900 block of Hwy 132 for a security alarm upon arrival officers made contact with the key holder.
8/8/2025 – Officers responded to the town and country for a civil matter regarding a child exchange
8/10/2025 – Officers responded to a suspicious vehicle near the 700 block of 4th street.
Lytle Police Report
Monday, August 04
2:12 AM – Assist Medina County Sheriff’s Office – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a suspicious activity with a silver BMW in Twin Lakes. The vehicle was stopped, and no criminal activity was noted after the MCSO investigation.
8:10 AM – 14600 Blk. Main St. – Officer received a phone call regarding a broken window at his building.
8:10 AM – 14300 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to the report of a broken window at an abandoned residence, which was facilitated by a homeless male. The case is under investigation.
12:14 PM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officer spoke to a female on the phone regarding a lost wallet with credit cards, a driver’s license, and $3.00.
2:05 PM – 15200 Blk. Main St. – Officer spoke to a female on the phone regarding a burglary that occurred on 8/1/2025.
2:18 PM – FM 2790 @ Blume Dr. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for a lack of no front license plate, which resulted in the seizure of a Texas license plate belonging to another vehicle.
2:46 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a vehicle parked in a handicapped parking spot.
4:35 PM – 14900 Blk. Harbour St. – Officers responded to a report of a damaged 2018 Chevrolet Silverado. The complainant did not want to pursue charges.
8:34 PM – IH 35 NB Frontage Rd. Entrance Ramp – Officers provided traffic control for a disabled Honda.
Tuesday, August 05
1:15 AM – 19500 Blk. Somerset St. – Officers responded to discover the alarm was in Somerset, Texas, and not in the city.
8:35 PM – 14700 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency.
9:25 PM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officer provided a courtesy ride to a female to Shephard Rd.
Wednesday, August 06
9:19 AM – 600 Blk. Covey Lane – Officer conducted a follow-up on an open case outside the city limits of Lytle.
1:09 PM 0 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officer received a phone call regarding a missing dumpster lock and illegal dumping.
5:00 PM – 200 Blk. Miller St. – Officer conducted a follow-up on an open case outside the city limits of Lytle.
7:25 PM – FM 2790 @ Waterfield Way – Officer observed a male and a female pushing an HEB grocery cart. HEB came to retrieve the grocery cart.
8:02 PM – 19600 Blk. Martin St. – Officer responded to the report of a 3’-4’ snake under a shed.
Thursday, August 07
12:10 AM – IH 35 SB – Officers responded to a report of a reckless driver but could not locate the vehicle.
12:34 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a homeless male behind the 18-wheelers, which resulted in the arrest of a 70 year old male for criminal trespass. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
1:57 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer was contacted regarding illegal dumping in a private dumpster.
3:22 PM – CR 6840 @ CR 6841 – Officer responded to unlock a 2022 Dodge 1500.
6:21 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
8:00 PM – 63300 Blk. Hidalgo St. – Officer responded to speak to a parent regarding child custody.
8:41 PM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officer spoke to a female regarding a disturbance that occurred outside the city of Lytle in Medina County. The female was referred to the Medina County Sheriff’s Office.
8:52 PM – 63300 Blk. Hidalgo St. – Officer responded to speak to a parent regarding child custody.
10:25 PM – Lytle Pd – Officer spoke to a male regarding a missing license plate.
11:30 PM – 16100 Blk. Farmer – Officer observed a child seat covered with a blanket. No child was present.
Friday, August 08
9:46 AM – 14800 Blk. Star Cross Trail – Officers responded to a report of an unknown male in the backyard of a residence.
10:40 AM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to an individual regarding where to pick up an accident report.
12:06 PM – IH 35 NB Frontage Rd @ FM 3175 – Officers responded to a report of hay in the roadway. The hay was removed.
12:30 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
1:15 PM – Lytle PD – Officer received a phone call regarding a possible threat to Law Enforcement.
2:38 PM – FM 3175 @ IH 35 Frontage Rd. – Officer responded and was unable to locate the silver Toyota Corolla.
5:00 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a stolen gold necklace valued at $800 from an unknown male.
7:45 PM – 14500 Blk. Railroad St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for an expired motor vehicle registration, which resulted in the arrest of a 58 year old male for an active warrant out of Bexar County for Driving While Intoxicated. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
8:34 PM – 19400 Blk. Blume Dr. – Officer responded to discover the vehicle was working with a client at a local residence.
9:26 PM – 19900 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to an active alarm. Everything was okay.
Saturday, August 09
2:30 AM – Railroad Crossings in Lytle – Officer observed the train stopped blocking all crossings. The train moved a few minutes later.
3:52 AM – Lake Crest @ Lake Breeze – Officer initiated a traffic stop for no front license plate, which resulted in a juvenile riding with the driver being released to his mother.
12:16 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded and spoke to a shopper regarding lost keys.
3:41 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe.
4:00 PM – Assist Atascosa EMS –15700 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency.
5:45 PM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officer provided a male a ride to Devine.
8:14 PM – Main St. @ McDonald St. – Officer observed and assisted a disabled motorist.
8:32 PM – Medlock Valley – Officer responded to a report of a white Chevrolet doing burnouts but could not locate the vehicle.
8:48 PM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2005 GMC Sierra.
9:08 PM – IH 35 @ MM 133 – Officer responded to a report of debris in the roadway. The small dresser was on the shoulder out of the way of traffic.
20:50 PM – 19900 Blk. FM 3175 – Officer responded to speak to the nurse regarding a mental health transport.
Sunday, August 10
12:38 AM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for speeding, which resulted in the arrest of a 32 year old female for Driving While Intoxicated. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
2:14 AM – Assist Atascosa EMS – 19200 Blk. Blume Dr. – Officer responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency.
8:31 AM – 18800 Blk. N. Prairie St. – Officer responded to a report of a found credit card.
10:27 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a lost cell phone.
11:30 AM – Lytle PD – Officer received a phone call regarding an accident that occurred somewhere in Lytle the previous day. The caller stated she backed into a pole at possibly the HEB C-Store.
11:30 AM – 15100 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a report of a cable that was struck by an 18-wheeler.
12:15 PM – Main St. @ McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a suspicious male wearing a black hat and an American flag gaiter over their face but could not find him.
7:54 PM – Main St. @ McDonald St. – Officer received a report of a malfunctioning red light. The lights were working okay.
8:58 PM – FM 2790 @ CR 6710 – Officer responded to a report of a dead animal in the roadway but could not locate it.
9:11 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a parent regarding her daughter that ran away in San Antonio.
9:12 PM – IH 35 SB @ MM 133 – Officer towed a 2011 Cadillac MKZ that was disabled in the roadway.
Local Boys to represent USA in High School All-American Game
Two local boys have been selected to represent the U.S.A. in the high school All-American game internationally in the United Kingdom. Jake Seay and Brody Lane were selected by a committee of NCAA coach’s to play against Europe’s best high school international football teams. This is an amazing honor and accomplishment for two small town boys from Devine. Both boys have been named National Radars top 10 in the Nation with Jake Seay being ranked #1 Offensive Lineman for the class of 2028. Jack Zimmerle and the Devine youth football program have done an outstanding job of developing the talent in Devine, great job to all.
DHS CLASS OF ’75 – 50th Reunion – Sept. 26-27, 2025
With our 50th class reunion weeks away, it is time to start checking in with the reunion committee members to let us know if you can make it to the reunion activities on Friday and Saturday, September 26 & 27. A class letter with reunion info was mailed in June, along with some things to mail back, or give to the committee. Please do that asap, even if you are unable to attend. *Contact Linda Martin Gunn, Cheryl Schott Lorraine, Thelma Gutierrez, Ofilia Hernandez Pedroza, Nancy Ehlinger Saathoff, Marsha Garrett Bourcier, or Jeff Wisenbaker for more information.
Some highlights of the weekend with be: (Friday) class introduced on the track at the Homecoming football game and post-game meet-up at Black Creek Grill; (Saturday) DExSTA social at 1pm at the old Green Alamo (VFW) where we will be the Honor Class and part of the program, then an evening private reunion at Triple C.
There will be lots of time to visit and celebrate our class and each other on this special 50th Reunion during Homecoming! See you then!
Devine students competed in National STAR Event Competition
Orlando, FL, July 2025 – The 2025 FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) took place in Orlando, Florida, from July 5 to 9, 2025, drawing more than 10,000 students, educators, and guests from across the nation. This gathering provided a valuable platform for attendees to expand their leadership skills, hone their talents, explore career pathways, and hear from inspiring speakers.
The highly anticipated Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events were at the heart of the conference. Over 4,300 FCCLA Members competed in these events, where they were recognized for their proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. The collaboration between youth and adults in managing the events and evaluating participants allowed students to develop real-world skills and gain valuable insights.
STAR Events play a pivotal role in supporting student development by enriching their classroom experience and guiding them toward successful career pathways. With more than 30 events to choose from, participants had the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities by actively addressing essential issues concerning families, careers, or communities. By researching the topic and implementing projects to advocate for positive change, students acquired valuable skills and industry insights needed to thrive in the 21st century.
We are thrilled to share that Collier Paige, Kamden Paige, and Urijah Thompson proudly represented Devine Middle School at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, FL. Collier Paige and Urijah Thompson competed in the National Programs in Action, Level 1 STAR Event and achieved a remarkable silver medal for their project, “Making Devine Divine,” which focused on litter cleanup in their town. The boys placed 11th overall in the nation. Kamden Paige also received a silver medal and placed 10th nationally in recognition of his Interpersonal Communications, Level 1 project, “Give a Pet a Home”, which helped Devine Animal Control find adoptive families for the dogs in their custody.
The students’ projects exemplify their dedication, creativity, and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Their accomplishment at the national level is a testament to their hard work, teamwork, and unwavering passion.
Devine FCCLA would like to thank the following community members and organizations for helping these projects be successful: Devine High School, Devine Middle School, Devine Intermediate School, Madison Pike, Sarah Boehme, Roxanne Freas, Devine Animal Control, Devine City Council, Triple C Steakhouse, and Devine Market Association.
Former Devine High School FCCLA member Felix Mendoza, Class of 2025, also attended the NLC and served as an evaluator. His dedication to FCCLA was highly valued by both Devine FCCLA and Texas FCCLA. Without volunteers, the conference wouldn’t have been as successful. Claudia Mendoza and Korrey Paige helped chaperone while in Orlando. Devine FCCLA is led by Linsey Outlaw. For more information on how to get involved, please contact her at Devine High School.
Sanchez awarded UIL Outstanding Performer Award
Esai Sanchez awarded the UIL Outstanding Performer Award, the highest honor bestowed upon high school music students at the University Interscholastic League (UIL) State Solo & Ensemble Contest, recognizes exceptional musicianship. Judges select these top performers from a pool of Division I-rated participants.
Key Points about the UIL Outstanding Performer Award:
- Top Honor: It stands as the pinnacle of recognition at the UIL State Solo & Ensemble Contest.
- Selection: Judges meticulously evaluate each performer based on their superior musicianship.
- Division I Rating: Eligibility hinges on receiving a Division I rating at a regional contest.
- Solo Performances: State-level solo performances must be memorized.
- Gold Medal: Outstanding Performers are typically awarded a gold medal by the UIL.
- Rarity: The award is bestowed upon a select few, often representing the top 1% of participants, as reported by Odem High School.