Lytle ISD is excited to welcome Jennifer Maldonado as our new high school counselor. A dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience in Texas public schools, Mrs. Maldonado brings a strong background in student advocacy, academic advisement, and social-emotional learning. She most recently served as a counselor at Medina Valley Middle School after many years of teaching English Language Arts.
Mrs. Maldonado holds a Master of Science in School Counseling from Angelo State University and is known for building strong relationships with students, families, and educators. Her skills in bullying prevention, conflict mediation and supporting emergent bilingual students make her a valuable addition to school community.
Author: admin
Estrella wants to be an artist when she grows up
Estrella tends to take on a leadership role amongst her peers and leading the way to get things done. But she is not all business though, as she is very sociable and likes to laugh and play with others.
Estrella’s favorite restaurants are Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza, and her favorite food is pizza.
Estrella takes personal pride in her appearance and likes getting her hair and nails done.
She is both artistic and creative and enjoys making arts and crafts, scrapbooking and drawing. With those skills and talents, she is considering a career as an artist when she grows up.
At school she is on the A honor role. She is also involved in track and choir.
When outside she enjoys a variety of activities such as riding her bicycle, swimming and playing outside at the park. Inside she loves watching Disney movies, cartoons, and educational children’s television shows. Her favorite type of movies and games are Disney Princess related. Estrella’s favorite movies include Frozen and Cinderella.
Estrella’s forever family will be one that is loving and affectionate. Her family will offer her a safe and loving home environment where she will feel secure and loved. Her family will provide her with unconditional love, and emotional support.
In her own words … “Hello! I am Estrella! I am 10 and looking forward to finding a forever family! I may be shy and quiet, but I am a whole lot of fun once you get to know me. I am smart, happy, funny, and have a lot of energy. I really enjoy choir.”
If you think you could be a forever family for Estella 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.
Bigfoot Wallace Museum Bake Sale this Saturday, Aug. 9th
PD searching for other victims in Assault and Online Solicitation case
The Sandy Oaks Police Department (about 45 minutes northeast of our area) is requesting the public’s assistance following the arrest of John Ramirez III (DOB: 12/10/2004, Age 20) in connection with multiple charges involving a minor.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Ramirez is urged to contact the Sandy Oaks Police Department at (210) 850-6437.
Arrest Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Charges Filed:
Sexual Assault of a Child
Online Solicitation of a Minor
Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor
Bond Violation (Filed by Bexar County Pretrial Services)
At the request of the Sandy Oaks Police Department, the Texas Rangers are assisting in the investigation. No further information is available at this time.
Attention Devine sports fans
It is time to show your Devine spirit in the Community Spirit Contest!
For a chance to win a pair of tickets to any home football, volleyball or basketball game, decorate your place (business, home, windows, etc.) in maroon and gold for our Warhorses and Arabians.
Seven lucky winners will be picked, and the first winner will be announced August 8 at meet the Warhorse and Arabians night! Tickets are donated by proud sponsors of the Warhorse/Arabian Nation! See page 3 for more info and scan the QR code with your camera to enter.
Two dead, 3rd hospitalized in horrific double-murder
What began as a report for “suspicious activity” ended in deputies arriving at a horrific scene near Hondo this past Friday, August 1. Deputies with the Medina County Sheriff’s Office quickly found and detained the suspect who was found walking a short distance from the scene of the double-murder.
“Autopsies were expected to be completed today,” Sheriff Randy Brown said. “One of the victims appears to have been beaten to death with a pickaxe, and the other two victims were shot. The third victim is hospitalized but expected to survive.”
Sheriff Brown noted that it appears that the parties involved knew each other, and assured everyone that the suspect is “locked up.”
The MCSO issued a press release shortly after the incident stating: The Medina County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a tragic shooting incident that occurred on August 1, at approximately 12:40 AM in the 200 Block of CR 4636, Hondo, Texas. Deputies responded to the scene following a 911 call received by dispatch in regard to Suspicious Activity.
Upon arrival…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!
BBQ benefit for Gilbert Iglesias family
Would you like to help?
Family, friends, and the community are invited to support one of our neighbors who is going through a hard time. Gilbert Iglesias, of Devine, has been hospitalized for several months and underwent heart surgery. There were many complications that eventually led to amputation of both of his legs.
The BBQ plate fundraiser will be August 30 at 3. See ad for more details.
Fundraiser organizers at Foxy’s Bar are looking for donations of silent auction items, raffle items, briskets, sausages, chips, sodas, brown bags, and to go boxes. Message the Mickey Myers Facebook page or stop by Foxy’s Bar to donate or sign up to help.
CHEER, CHEER FOR OL’ DEVINE HIGH @ HOMECOMING 2025! September 26-27, 2025
All former Devine high school and junior/middle school Cheerleaders and Pep Squads will be honored at this year’s Homecoming! Gather your squads and join in the festivities at the Friday night Homecoming football game on Sept. 26 at Warhorse Stadium, and the DExSTA Social on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 1pm at the VFW (Old Green Alamo) for all alumni! Check out the Facebook page for the Devine Ex-Student Teacher Association, or contact DExSTA President Nancy Saathoff at 210-289-6205, for more information.
Lytle State Bank makes donation to Wreaths Across America
Franklin Wanjura, Jr. and Pam Wanjura accept a donation check from Randy Garcia, President of Lytle State Bank for the 1st Annual Wreaths Across America ceremony for the Lytle Community. The ceremony will be held at all 3 of the Lytle Cemeteries: Lytle Community Cemetery, Masonic Cemetery and the Concepcion Cemetery.
“Franklin and I have helped with the Devine Wreaths Across America program for the last few years, and wanted to do this for our community. So together with other volunteers, we are working to cover the 210 wreaths that are needed for the 3 cemeteries,” stated Pam Wanjura. “We started back in January of this year going through records and talking to family members to find out if anyone had served that is buried in the three local cemeteries. It has taken a lot of time and patience.”
The wreaths are $17.00 each and the Ceremony is slated for December 13, 2025 at 11:00 am.
If you would like to donate to the Wreaths Across America, the Lytle group will be at Lytle State Bank on Friday, August 15th, or you can contact Efrain Vasquez at sergeantmajorpain88@gmail.com or Pam Wanjura at pamwan@sbcglobal.net.
Please make checks payable to: Wreaths Across America; ID TXLTCC, P.O. Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623.
Local Police Report
Natalia Police Report
07/29 – On July 29th Officers responded to a minor accident at the 2100 block of FM 471.
07/31 – On July 31st, Officers were dispatched to County Road 6841 regarding a Disturbance.
08/02 – On August 2nd, Officers responded to a dog bite at Highway 132 & FM 471.
08/04 – On August 4th, Officers were dispatched to 20000 block of FM 471 regarding a Civil Matter.
Devine Police Report
July 25
15:40PM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave W for theft of a weed
eater.
15:50PM – Complainant at Moore Ave W requested police presence while entering home to see if anyone was inside. All okay.
July 26
8:38AM – Complainant advised male laying on ground on Hondo Ave. E. Police indentified subject and gave him courtesy ride.
14:50PM – Officer dispatched to CR 6611 for physical disturbance. One male had warrant for robbery. Assisted taking male into custody.
18:06PM – Officer initiated stop on Bright Dr S. Male subject was cited with DWLI.
July 27
2:04AM – Officer assisted with minor accident on IH 35 SB, MM 124. Male subject cited with DWLI.
7:35AM – Complainant on Moible Parkway advised she was assaulted by her daughter, who departed the scene. Daughter returned while officer still on location and was taken into custody. Jailed for assault BI-FV, POM <20 oz. (0.024 oz) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
17:01PM – Assisted MCSO with three males arguing with employee at IH 35 N. Subject identified by police and arrested for POCS PG 1/1-B < 1G.
23:24PM – Male subject stopped on Herring Ave E and cited for DWLI.
July 28
3:26AM – Officer dispatched to Upson Dr N for male subject asleep on benches. Strong odor of marijuana detected upon contact. Cited and jailed for public intoxication.
July 29
11:23AM – Complainant on Teel Dr N called in reference to an elderly male in a small gray older model pickup unable to maintain lanes. Followed driver to residence, he stated he was just tired and distracted.
13:30PM – Complainant on IH 35 SB reported ladder in roadway. Unable to locate.
22:12PM – Officer noticed vehicle leaving business on SH 132 N after closed hours. Made contact with subject and was business manager.
July 30
12:10PM – Complainant on McAnnely Ave advised had been trying to get ahold of subject for follow up but no answer. Further stated that house call lady has not been able to reach subject either. Officer successfully made contact with subject who stated she was okay.
18:15PM – Complainant on IH 35 S called in reference to a driver in a brown Equinox who threw a can at them and flipped them off. Unable to locate.
18:30PM – Officer dispatched to Brown Ave due to a 911 hand up. Made contact with male subject and EMS arrived on scene to take male to hospital.
July 31
17:20PM – Officer dispatched to Oak Hill Dr for minor accident.
17:40PM – Complainant on Colonial Pkwy E advised a white Dodge pickup had stalled in roadway. Unable to locate.
Lytle Police Report
Monday, July 28
12:39 AM – 19600 Blk. Bruce St. – Officers responded to a report of loud music. The music was turned down.
6:00 AM – 19900 Blk. IH 35 – Officer was informed that the Renal Care alarm system is in test mode until 9:00 PM.
8:38 AM – Lytle PD – An 18 year old female turned herself in at the PD for an active warrant out of Medina County for Possession of a Controlled Substance. Subject was booked into the Medina County Jail.
10:45 AM – 100 Blk. Quail Ridge – Officer conducted a follow-up on an open case outside the city limits of Lytle.
11:35 AM – 14200 Blk. Railroad St. – Officer was flagged down for directions to a lawnmower shop on Old Pearsall Rd.
1:20 PM – Somerset St. @ Cottage St. – Officer provided a courtesy ride to a female having vehicle troubles to the HEB Plus.
2:00 PM – Lytle PD – Officer released personal property from a previous accident.
9:16 PM – IH 35 Frontage Rd. @ McDonald St. – Officer observed a disabled vehicle and provided traffic control until the vehicle was towed from the scene.
9:26 PM – 15100 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
Tuesday, July 29
4:52 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a homeless male rummaging through the dumpster.
8:47 AM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to a male slumping over in a car. Everything was okay.
2:13 PM – 15100 Blk. Adams St. – Officer responded to an unknown male who refused EMS. A family member picked him up.
4:54 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
Wednesday, July 30
12:05 AM – IH 35 NB @ MM 133 – Officers responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
2:17 AM – N. Benton St. @ Railroad St. – Officer observed a train stopped and blocking the crossing.
4:26 AM – 14800 Blk. Lytle-Somerset St. – Officer responded to a report of a reckless blue Chevrolet Camaro but could not find it.
12:35 PM – 100 Blk. Quail Ridge – Officers conducted a follow-up on an open case outside the city limits of Lytle.
3:35 PM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer provided traffic control for a 1992 Peterbilt dump truck having engine problems to the 19600 Blk. of Martin St.
4:10 PM – Main St. @ Benton St. – Officer provided traffic control for a 2018 Chevrolet Camaro with engine problems to the 400 Blk. of CR 6841.
6:07 PM – Main St. @ FM 2790 N. – Officer assisted with a 2019 Ford F350 that dropped its trailer on the railroad tracks. The crossing was cleared in a few minutes.
9:40 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – FM 3175 @ Hoffman Rd. – Officers responded outside the city limits of Lytle to a report of a fire (smoke) in the area but could not find it.
10:15 PM – 63300 Blk. Hernandez Ln. – Officer provided a courtesy ride to a male from the Coal Mine subdivision.
Thursday, July 31
8:20 AM – Adams St. @ Pecan St. – Officer assisted a male with bicycle issues in the middle of the street.
8:29 AM – 15100 Blk. Main St. – Officer was waved down by a male requesting directions.
8:35 AM – Lytle PD – Officer fingerprinted two females for employment purposes.
11:21 AM – Lytle PD – Officer received a call regarding a lost ring at the HEB Plus on 7/29/2025 valued at $5,000.
11:30 AM – 19500 Blk. Benton St. – Officers responded to a house fire. No one was at home, and there were no injuries.
12:45 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to the attempted theft of $280 worth of steaks but was confronted by an employee and departed without the merchandise in a blue Ram pickup.
2:18 PM – 19500 Blk. S. IH 35 Frontage Rd. – Officer responded to a welfare check but was unable to locate the homeless male.
4:16 PM – Main St. @ FM 2790 N. – Officers responded to assist a motorist who ran out of gas.
5:06 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a complainant regarding a previous case.
5:38 PM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to the report of a stolen vehicle to discover it was repossessed.
5:50 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a motorist regarding traffic control due to TXDOT closing the Natalia exits.
6:25 PM – 14600 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle to discover it was the cleaning crew for the bank.
7:14 PM – Assist Atascosa EMS – 18700 Blk. N. Benton St. – Officers responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency.
9:16 PM – 15100 Blk. Main St. – Officer observed a disabled female motorist. The vehicle was able to get back on the roadway.
10:14 PM – Main St. @ Railroad St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for no license plate light, which resulted in the citation and release of a 25 year old male for possession of drug paraphernalia.
10:19 PM – 14900 Blk. Lytle-Somerset St. – Officer responded to a report of loud music but was unable to locate it.
11:14 PM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
Friday, August 01
2:24 AM – Assist Medina County Sheriff’s Office – 300 Blk. CR 6845 – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle for a 911 hang up. Everything was okay.
4:30 AM – SH 132 N. Medina County – Officer observed that the 45 MPH sign was missing. TXDOT was notified.
6:49 AM – 15000 Blk. Mesquite St. – Officer received a phone call from a resident regarding vehicles using her driveway.
8:28 AM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver, and the vehicle was parked without any occupants.
12:30 PM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to assist with six dogs in the cab of a 2007 Freightliner.
3:20 PM – 15000 Blk. Short St. – Officer responded to a report of a person inside a home without permission to discover that the home was secure. Landlord / Tenant Dispute.
4:25 PM – 14600 Blk. FM 2790 – Officers responded to unlock a 2024 Ford Maverick.
5:00 PM – 15200 Blk. Main St. – Officer spoke to a complainant on the phone regarding a child custody issue.
6:14 PM – 19400 Blk. S. Somerset St. – Officer responded to a child custody issue.
6:45 PM – Lytle PD – Officer released the key to the 18-wheeler on an earlier service call at the Roadster Truck Stop.
8:40 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe.
8:50 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 700 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle to a report of a loose horse.
9:15 PM – IH 35 Frontage Rd. @ McDonald St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for wrong colored clearance lamps, which resulted in the arrest of a 41 year old male for Felony Driving While Intoxicated with a Child. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
Saturday, August 02
8:00 AM – 15400 Blk. Main St. – Officers observed a homeless female known to have a criminal trespass warning at the above location. The 54 year old female was arrested and booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
11:51 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers attended a special event.
4:04 PM – 19800 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to unlock a 2012 Dodge Ram pickup.
5:46 PM – Assist Bexar County Sheriff’s Office – IH 35 SB MM 134 – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle to a report of road rage with a silver BMW.
6:07 PM – Assist Bexar County Sheriff’s Office – 17900 Blk. IH 35 S. – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle for a sign in the roadway. Officer remained on scene until TXDOT arrived to remove the sign.
7:30 PM – IH 35 MM 131 – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver and could not locate the vehicle.
7:39 PM – 20000 Blk. IH 35 SB – Officer towed a suspicious 2019 Nissan Altima that was sitting at the Hacienda Jaliscience since July 22, 2025.
11:46 PM – FM 2790 @ IH-35 Access Rd. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for no license plate light, which resulted in the arrest of the passenger, a 50 year old male, for an active warrant out of Bexar County for Assault Family Violence. Subject was charged with resisting arrest, failing to ID as a Fugitive, and Possession of a Controlled Substance (26.4 Grams). The driver, a 36 year old female, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance (14 Grams). Both subjects were booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
Sunday, August 03
1:45 AM – 19800 Blk. Doc Holiday – Officer responded to a hit-and-run accident. The driver who fled the scene was arrested in Von Ormy a short time later for DWI.
7:35 AM – 18800 Blk. Wisdom Rd. – Officer responded to the death of an 81-year-old male.
4:35 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to the theft of $40 worth of miscellaneous items, which resulted in the arrest of a 35 year old male for theft (enhanced with prior conviction). Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
7:00 PM – 19000 Blk. Priest Blvd. – Officer assisted in the opening of the Fincher Annex for a cooling station when the power was out in the AEP Electric Co. section of Lytle.
11:30 PM – Walter Joyce Football Stadium – Officers attended the Lytle High School football team’s midnight practice.