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Fundraiser for Rangel

Family and friends are hosting fundraisers for Natalia resident, Noah Rangel, 20, who is suffering from an eye condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated.
“He has been dealing with an eye condition called Kerataconus for over two years, and it’s gotten worse. His right eye is shaped differently than his left eye which is over compensating for his right eye,” said his mother Mrs. Savanna Rangel. “He’s seen a few cornea specialists who have told him that if he doesn’t have this surgery which is not covered by his insurance he will eventually need a cornea transplant and because he’s young he may need more than one. If he doesn’t do anything about it he will go blind. The surgery itself will not cure or reshape his eye but it can stop the progression of the disease in hopes of him not losing his eyesight. After surgery he will needs special custom corrective lenses that are also not covered by his insurance. Our family greatly appreciates any donation big or small. His address is P.O. Box 120 Natalia 78059 or cash app $vanna0723.”
Rangel has a one year old daughter Emmy, and Noah works full time. He works as a maintenance technician at Love’s, and hopes to become a pharmacist someday.
Noah graduated in 2021 from Academy of Achievements in San Antonio. He loves computers, music and most of all the Greenbay Packers.
“I am so proud of the man/father he has become. He adores Emmy and would move mountains for her as I would do for him. He has overcome so many challenges in life. He’s smart, funny and caring and giving,” Mrs. Rangel adds.

Medina County burn ban remains in effect

By Anton Riecher
A burn ban in place in Medina County since June 24 remains in effect after county commissioners tabled further action this month.
The ban was scheduled to expire on Sept. 21. However, permission to burn under exceptions to the ban can be obtained from the Medina County Sheriff’s Office dispatch.
A decision on whether permission is granted depends on changing conditions day-to-day, Medina County Emergency Management Coordinator Keith Lutz told county commissioners this month.
The ban allow exceptions to burn for activities related to public health and safety approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Those exceptions include firefighter training, public utility operations involving natural gas pipeline or mining or harvesting of agricultural crops.
Also exempted are burns conducted by a prescribed burn manager certified under Section 153.048 of the Natural Resources Code. Finally, ceremonial fires are exempted provided that advance notice is given to the sheriff’s office and appropriate fire officials of time and location.
Burning of brush on property cleared by a landowner is permissible granted that permission is obtained from the sheriff’s dispatch and the county fire marshal. The landowner or the contractor must remain on scene to supervise and appropriate fire containment equipment must be on hand.
Breaking the burn ban is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500 per violation.

MAJOR ROAD CLOSURE:


Northbound ramp in Lytle at IH-35 to be closed for weeks starting today
TXDOT will be closing the NB entrance ramp to IH-35 (the one by Lytle State Bank) from Sept. 21 thru Oct. 4. They will be doing construction / road work. While that ramp is closed you will need to use Main St to access the NB entrance ramp just inside Bexar County (once you cross the overpass).

Area Veterans, Devine Wants You… For Grand Marshall

The Devine Fall Festival Parade this year will feature area veterans as Grand Marshalls of the parade. Veterans from all branches of service are asked to participate. They will occupy the lead cars and floats and will be recognized at the grandstand at the parade finally.
The Fall Festival Parade is on November 5, 2022. Judging of parade entrants is at 9:00 AM and step off is at 10:00 AM.
Veterans who wish to participate are asked to contact Gary Saathoff, call or text him at 210-289-6204.
You can also email him at gsaathoff7@yahoo.com.

MAJOR ROAD CLOSURE:

Northbound ramp in Lytle at IH-35 to be closed for weeks starting today
TXDOT will be closing the NB entrance ramp to IH-35 (the one by Lytle State Bank) from Sept. 21 thru Oct. 4. They will be doing construction / road work. While that ramp is closed you will need to use Main St to access the NB entrance ramp just inside Bexar County (once you cross the overpass)

Public hearing on Medina County tax increase on Thursday, September 22

While the tax rate has gone down some, higher appraisals have skyrocketed, and will bring in substantially more tax revenue.
The proposed tax rate, which is the highest allowed without holding an election will be .4743. Total property tax revenues under this rate will raise $23.7 Million, about 7% or $1.5 million more than the previous fiscal year.
The average taxable value of a home in Medina County increasd from $190K to $215K, an increase of about $25,444 or 13.38% increase.
The local Pct. 4 county commisioner urges residents to voice their opinions.
“You are going to hear how low the Tax Rate is and how it has gone down each year for the past several years. But remember that our Property Appraisals are higher than they have ever been,” said Comissioner Jerry Beck. “Our taxes have never gone down or even leveled off.”

New DHS Principal voices concerns about number of failing students

Gonzalez said he attributed part of failure rate to a stricter enforcement of grading policy at the high school level. For example, the policy requires that assignments be submitted promptly on the due date or the grade is reduced. Of 584 students, he stated an estimated 36% are failing at least one class.

By Anton Riecher
The Devine ISD school board voted Monday to approve the district’s annual financial audit report showing total expenditures of $22.1 million for the current year.

Continue reading “New DHS Principal voices concerns about number of failing students”