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Sister Act…Meet sisters Mia & Mi Alma

Together, these sisters are a loving pair seeking to be matched with their forever family.

Meet 12-year-old Serenidad, who prefers to go by Mia, and her 6 year old baby sister Mi Alma.
Mia is a bright, well-spoken and energetic child who enjoys staying busy and trying new things. Mia loves creative activities such as painting, coloring, crafting, and collecting Pokémon cards, which gives her a fun way to express her imagination and personality.
Mia is a very cheerful child who shows strong self-confidence, enthusiasm, and natural curiosity about the world around her. These traits help her build an authentic and positive sense of who she is. Mia also demonstrates leadership qualities through her responsibility, integrity, and strong work ethic, along with her desire to be a positive role model for others, especially for her little sister.
One of Mia’s favorite sports is basketball, and she looks forward to the opportunity to join her school’s basketball team. She also enjoys activities that challenge her thinking, such as playing with Legos and building blocks.
Mia likes attending church and being involved in her church’s youth group. She is outgoing and enjoys participating in plays and giving speeches, showing confidence and comfort when speaking in front of others. 
Mi Alma, who is 6 years old, is a sweet, loving child who enjoys using her imagination to bring the world around her to life.
She loves playing with her toys and creating stories and adventures in her mind, especially with favorites like Barbies, toy appliances, and stuffed animals.
Mi Alma has a big heart for animals and enjoys playing with them whenever she can, with dogs being her favorite. Her caring nature shines through in the way she connects with animals and treats them with affection.
Also on the list of fun activities is arts and crafts, as she often comes home proudly carrying her drawings, letters, paintings, and other creative projects.
Her playful spirit, creativity, and gentle personality make her a joy to be around.
If you think you could be a forever family for Mia and Alma 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

Devine school board votes to expand health care education

Donny Whitaker (left) will join the team as a second School Resource Officer for Devine ISD along with SRO Eliseo Perez (right). Photo by KK Calame.

By Anton Riecher
The Devine ISD school board reviewed and acted on several operational and policy items Monday including approval of a new full-time career and technical education (CTE) teaching position for the district’s patient care technician program.
District Superintendent Todd Grandjean said that the expanded program will build on the present district health services program.
“This is the exact direction we were heading when we had our health services program that nurse (Joslyn) Wilson was teaching before,” he said. “That was two classes this past year. Now we are moving into a six-class regimen in partnership with Southwest Texas College.”
Devine ISD offers a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Health Science program at Devine High School, which allows…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!

Art Club Sets Annual Show, Issues Call for Area Artists

Friendship Art Club, which is based in Lytle and includes artists from several nearby communities and San Antonio, has issued a call for area artists to participate in the club’s Annual Art Show and Sale scheduled on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 9am to 3pm at the Lytle Community Center.
The show features artists and artisans in booths and in a competition, showcasing both club members and non-member guest artists. Artists may participate in a judged competition in painting, drawing, and photography as well as a new theme category “250 Years of Freedom.”An art judge will award ribbons in the competition, and the voting public will determine the special award “People’s Choice” the day of the show.
Artists who wish to have a booth to exhibit their work and/or participate in the competition must submit an Artist’s Application by Friday, September 5. Booth spaces are assigned only on receipt of the application and booth fee. Since booth spaces for the indoor show are limited, artists are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Applications and more information are available by contacting Show Chair Jane Brown at 210-415-2546 or 210-701-1293 or by emailing Thefriendshipartclub@gmail.com.

Local Police report

Devine Police Report

July 10
13:46PM – Assisted with lawnmower on fire on Libold Drive. Officer moved mower away from residence until fire showed.
July 12
20:55PM – Officer dispatched to IH 35 S for theft less than $100. Subject issued citation.
July 13
10:12AM – Complainant on IH 35 N called in reference to huge pot hole near restaurant. Precinct 4 needs to be notified.
14:00PM – Complainant on Howell Ave. called in reference to male subject selling bug spray wearing dark clothing and on a scooter. Officer made contact with employee for BRD and with team lead and advised to call for instructions on how to acquire city permit.
15:26PM – Officer initiated traffic stop of female subject on Gutierrez Ave for DWLI. Subject jailed for possession of controlled substance (Meth) >=1G<4G.
17:05PM – Complainant on Coker Ave E stated paint was thrown on her car.
July 14
13:12PM – Officer assisted MCSO on CR 772 with a physical disturbance with male who had access to weapon.
13:23PM – Public works found black BMX boys bike on Gutierrez Ave and brought it to police station. Returned to owner on 07/17/26 at 1715 hours.
July 15
13:22PM – Complainant on TX 132 advised tires were slashed and possibly sugar in as tank. Tires were fine and car was running.
13:23PM – Complainant on Covey Ln wanted to report theft of medication by previous caregiver.
16:59PM – Officer dispatched to SH 132 N for male and female on location shoplifting.
July 16
9:39AM – Complainant on Webb Ave reported break in of office and shed. $120 cash missing.
17:50PM – Officer on Hondo Ave reported flooding at four corners. All okay.
22:48PM – Male on Moore wanted to kick female out of apartment. Female was escorted to Devine PD. She reported on 07/15/26 she was assaulted by male.

Lytle Police Report

Monday, July 13
12:01 AM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 3200 Blk. FM 3175 – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist the deputy working a traffic accident.
2:41 PM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a suspicious white pickup truck.
5:45 PM – 19900 Blk. Huckleberry St. – Officer conducted a follow-up investigation on an open case.
6:00 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a female on the phone regarding obtaining a criminal trespass warning.
Tuesday, July 14
9:00 AM – IH 35 MM 131 – Officers responded to a report of a refrigerator in the roadway but could not locate it.
12:20 PM – 15000 Blk. Lytle-Somerset St. – Officer spoke to a complainant regarding a missing 62-year-old male.
1:15 PM – 19500 Blk. Bruce St. – Officer spoke to a complainant regarding a vehicle that was loaned but not returned.
4:30 PM – 17900 Blk. Rocky’s Circle – Officer responded to a 911 hang-up and discovered everything was okay.
5:52 PM – Main St. @ McDonald St. – Officer recovered an iPhone from the intersection and returned it to its owner.
8:52 PM – 15000 Blk. Lytle-Somerset St. – Officer conducted a follow-up investigation on the missing 62-year-old male.
Wednesday, July 15
6:50 AM – Lytle PD – Officer received a phone call that the missing 62-year-old male was okay and at his sister’s house in San Antonio.
6:58 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer reviewed plans for a new bank that is going into the HEB Plus.
11:06 AM – 63300 Blk. Juárez St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2004 Toyota Camry.
11:11 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a male sleeping in a vehicle but could not locate him.
11:56 AM – Assist Bexar County Sheriff’s Office – FM S. 2790 – Officers responded to assist with a vehicle pursuit that originated outside the city limits of Lytle, but the pursuit terminated as officers arrived.
8:02 PM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for defective taillights, which resulted in the arrest of a 69 year old male on an active Bexar County Warrant for Failure to comply with Sex Offender Registration Requirements. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
11:35 PM – 19500 Blk. IH 35 — Officers responded to a report of a broken window. One of the large windows was shattered by a power-washer vendor.
Thursday, July 16
12:32 AM – N. Prairie St. @ Railroad St. – Officer responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle to discover the vehicle had broken down. Everything was okay.
12:55 PM – 19500 Blk. IH 35 MM 133 Entrance Ramp – Officers responded to assist an elderly female in changing a flat tire.
1:59 PM – Assist Medina County Sheriff’s Office – 16300 Blk. CR 681 – Officers responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist in the recovery of a stolen vehicle that occurred outside the city limits of Lytle.
3:06 PM – 14600 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a report of a disturbance between a male and a female.
3:30 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a female regarding a phone scam from her bank for legal services for an immigration issue. The female sent a $1,520 Money Order.
4:16 PM – 20000 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
11:32 PM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to check on a female. Everything was okay.
Friday, July 17
1:56 AM – 19700 Blk. Creek St. – Officer responded regarding multiple prank phone calls.
10:18 AM – City Hall – Officer responded to a report of a dead chicken inside a plastic bag in the parking lot.
12:25 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to various family members regarding a family dispute.
1:15 PM – Lytle PD – The officer confirmed that a 14-year-old juvenile was okay with FL. Child Protection Services.
4:01 PM – Lytle PD – Officers spoke with a complainant regarding a stolen vehicle out of Boerne.
4:45 PM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a welfare check to discover that no one was at home.
5:42 PM – Magnolia St. @ Benton City Rd. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
6:35 PM – Lytle PD – Officer responded to speak with a parent regarding child custody.
7:49 PM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a welfare check and discovered everyone was okay.
Saturday, July 18
4:52 AM – 16000 Blk. Delgado Hills (Rosewood Estates) – Officer responded to a report of a silver vehicle burglarizing vehicles but could not locate it.
4:52 AM – 16100 Blk. Farmer (Rosewood Estates) – Officer responded to a report of the burglary of a vehicle. Officer could not locate the vehicle, but the victim provided a video of the car and the suspects.
6:02 AM – Farmer @ DelGado Hills (Rosewood Estates) – Officer located a wallet in the roadway while patrolling the area.
6:34 AM – 16000 Blk. Delgado Hills (Rosewood Estates) – Officer responded to a report of an unsecured 2025 Chevrolet Traverse being burglarized. No items were stolen.
6:40 AM – 16000 Blk. Delgado Hills (Rosewood Estates) – Officer located an unsecured 2017 Ford Fusion that had been burglarized. No items were stolen.
7:37 AM – 16000 Blk. Imes Way (Rosewood Estates) – Officer responded to a report of an unsecured 2026 Ford Explorer being burglarized. A 9MM handgun was stolen and valued at $470.
7:55 AM – 16000 Blk. Imes Way (Rosewood Estates) – Officer located an unsecured 2020 Toyota Corolla that had been burglarized. No items were stolen.
8:01 AM – 15000 Blk. Imes Way (Rosewood Estates) – Officer located an unsecured 2024 Ford Edge that had been burglarized. No items were stolen.
8:01 AM – 15000 Blk. Imes Way (Rosewood Estates) – Officer located an unsecured 2024 Ford Escape that had been burglarized. No items were stolen.
8:01 AM – 16000 Blk. Cabaña Dr. (Rosewood Estates) – Officer located an unsecured 2025 Ford Escape that had been burglarized. No items were stolen.
8:06 AM – 16000 Blk. Cabaña Dr. (Rosewood Estates) – Officer responded to a report of an unsecured 2024 Ford F-150 being burglarized. A diaper bag, two Glock 19 Magazines, and $300 cash were stolen, for a loss of $400.
9:00 AM – 16100 Blk. Farmer (Rosewood Estates) – Officer located an unsecured 2024 Ford F-350 that had been burglarized. No items were stolen.
9:45 AM – 19500 Blk. S. Somerset St. – Officer responded to a property dispute and provided a civil standby.
10:17 AM – 16000 Blk. Imes Way (Rosewood Estates) – Officer responded to a report of an unsecured 2026 Chevrolet Colorado being burglarized. A 9MM handgun was stolen from the center console, valued at $440.
7:17 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a verbal dispute between family members.
8:53 PM – 100 Blk. CR 6843 – Officer responded to a report of gunshots in the area but did not hear any.
9:56 PM – Railroad St. @ N. Somerset St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for a male asleep in his running vehicle behind the Outlaw Bar & Grill, which resulted in the arrest of a 29 year old male for Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
Sunday, July 19
1:58 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers provided a courtesy ride to a male to his home on Pecan St.
4:01 AM – 16100 Blk. Farmer – Officers responded to a report of an unknown female banging on the front door. It was later determined that the female was a resident having a verbal dispute with her husband.

Anna Mae Coffee Rooks

Anna Mae Coffee Rooks, of Natalia, Texas, passed away July 19, 2026 at the age of 85. She was born March 5, 1941 in San Antonio, Texas, to Curtis Dudley Coffee and Anna Mae Sanchez Coffee.
Anna Mae graduate from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio in 1959. It was there that she met the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Charles (Joe) Rooks. The two were married and shared 67 years of a beautiful, unwavering love story.
Survivors include her daughter, DeAnna Gail Huff and her husband Chad Huff of Helotes, Texas; her son, Clyde Lee Rooks and his wife Terrianne Rooks of Lacoste, Texas; her grandchildren, Kailum Rooks (Corine), Kaylee Elizondo (Bobby), Kurtis Rooks (Ally), Cooper Rooks, Ryland Alfaro, Sterling Huff, and Kaiden Rooks; ten great-grandchildren; siblings, Geraldine Stovall, Butch Coffee, Sylvia Binford, and Carolyn Boehlert (Bill); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Anna Mae was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles (Joe) Rooks; sons, David Rooks and Patrick Rooks.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Lacoste. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Cemetery in Lacoste, Texas. A bereavement meal will follow at the Our Lady of Grace Parish Hall.
Memorials may be made in Anna Mae’s memory to the Lytle Animal Shelter or to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. www.tondre-guinn.com

Early Voting starts today July 15…

Four candidates vying for 3 seats on EMCSUD water board

Four individuals have filed for office in the East Medina Water election. There are three director’s spots up for election. 
Three incumbents including Gina Mangold, JoNell Tarvin, and Hector De La Fuente filed for re-election as well as a new candidate Miranda Weimar.
Early voting starts July 15. Election Day is Saturday, August 1. See the public notice for more details.
About East Medina:
East Medina County SUD’s regular board meetings are generally held the third Tuesday of each month beginning at 7:00 pm

Meet the craftsmen behind Craftsman Collision in Devine

Co-owners Toby Moore and Brandon Schweers and their team bring over 55+ years of experience working in the auto industry. Also on board is Body Technician Gerry Rios, Painter Ross Shoemake and Office Manager Yvette Schweers.

The Schweers and Moore families are excited to announce that their new business is in full swing at Craftsman Collision Center! They are located in Devine at 512 E. Hondo Avenue, and they can handle anything from a minor dent to major damage.
THE TEAM
Co-owners Toby Moore and Brandon Schweers and their team bring over 55+ years of experience working in the auto industry. Also on board is Body Technician Gerry Rios, Painter Ross Shoemake and Office Manager Yvette Schweers.
Toby Moore is an Army veteran, who resides in Natalia with his wife Jamie. Moore specializes in…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!

Two earthquakes recorded in Frio County in past few days

The map above highlights some of the 1,470 small earthquakes occuring in Frio County and a couple of surrounding counties south of San Antonio over the past 12 months. Source: US Geological Survey.

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
It’s a little known fact, but there were actually over 100 seismic events (very small earthquakes) in local counties in the past month and over 1,470 in the past twelve months. Though almost all of these are too small to feel, there were two earthquakes recorded in Frio County in the past few days that were strong enough to feel.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), tearthquakes below 4.0 rarely cause any surface damage according to USGS. However, earthquakes typically become noticeable to humans at a magnitude of 2.5 or higher, according to USGS.
The largest one in Frio County was a 3.6 magnitude earthquake this past Sunday, July 12 about 7 miles east southeast of Dilley. It occurred at 8:52 pm at a depth of 6.8 km.
Then on Monday, July 13, a 2.8 magnitude earthquake was reported at 1:44 am. It was a little over 8 miles east southeast of Pearsall. The depth was 6.6 km.
As mentioned, there were actually 100+ reports of seismic activity in local counties over the past month, with a majority of those in the Pearsall and Dilley areas. However, most of those quakes were very small–between 1 and 2 in magnitude–so they wouldn’t be felt by residents.
According to experts, most of these small earthquakes are considered…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!

Over 30 Road Closures here, so far….Pockets of 10-20 inches possible, officials say

Medina County Fire crews do what it takes to rescue a driver trapped in floodwaters on CR 442 north of Hondo, one of four rescues after downpours this past Monday night July 13.
“It took every bit of that 75 foot ladder for this rescue by Station 60,” said Chief Clint Cooke.

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
Many first responders in Medina County are already running on little to no sleep after downpours beginning Monday night led to multiple vehicles being swept off the road and over 30 road closures. Local officials are keeping a close eye on things as the National Weather Service is forecasting more rain–a lot more.
As of Tuesday around 1 pm, we haven’t seen anything catastrophic but forecasts have reporters from all over the nation calling local officials, they said.
As of Tuesday morning, we haven’t seen anything out of the ordinary, said Fire Chief Clint Cooke. “However, if we get another 10 inches tonight (Tuesday night), that’s going to be a problem,” Cooke added. “They are predicting we could get 20 inches over the next couple days. We’ll see.”
NWS has forecasted “Considerable to locally catastrophic flash flooding impacts likely in this region. Pockets of an additional 10-20 inches of rain in this region are possible. Storm totals across the rest of the area under the Flood Watch of 2 to 6 inches are possible.
We spoke…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!

Paige wins 1st place at FCCLA Nationals!

Kamden Paige will go down in the school history books, winning first place at Nationals–a feat only 3 Devine students have accomplished in school history!

Washington, D.C., July 2026 – The 2026 FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) took place in Washington, D.C., from July 6 to 10, 2026, drawing over 10,000 students, educators, and guests from across the country. This event offered an excellent opportunity for participants to enhance their leadership skills, develop their talents, explore career options, and hear from inspiring speakers.
Paige Barron, Catherine Brown, Kelvey Cortez, Kayla Dzierzanowski, Isabella Gonzales, Kamden Paige, and McKailee Sorrell proudly represented Devine Middle School and High School at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.
Kamden Paige won first place in the nation at a National Leadership Conference! Making school history, he is one of only three Devine FCCLA teams that we know of to ever accomplish this feat. The 8th grader’s Leadership, Level 1 project, titled Kamden 2.0: Leadership Level-Up, focused on growing his leadership skills over the past year.
Sophomores Cat Brown and Kayla Dzierzanowski competed in Public Policy Advocate, Level 2. Their project concentrated on advocating for a recycling program in Devine and on the school campuses. Their project, Clean and Green, began in October and reached nearly 20,000 people, advocating for recycling in Devine. This was the members’ first year competing in FCCLA. They did an exceptional job on their project and placed 3rd in the nation in their event!
The Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events served as the focal point of the conference. Over 4,300 FCCLA members took part in these competitions, demonstrating their skills and achievements in both chapter and individual projects, as well as their competencies in leadership and career readiness. The collaboration between youth and adults in coordinating and assessing the events provided students with essential skills and meaningful perspectives.
STAR Events are crucial in fostering student growth by enhancing their classroom interactions and steering them toward promising career paths. Offering over 30 different events, students can showcase their knowledge, skills, and abilities by engaging with important topics related to families, careers, or communities. Through researching these topics and creating projects to promote positive change, students gain essential skills and industry knowledge necessary for success in the modern world.
More results coming soon!
The following teams will find out their final places when the results are announced in two weeks.
Seventh-graders Kelvey Cortez and Isabella Gonzales competed in Interpersonal Communications, Level 1. The team reached over 11,000 people to inform them about the health benefits of using more natural ingredients, such as home-milled flour. Their project, Better from Home, made the Top 10 in the nation in their category.
Juniors Paige Barron and McKailee Sorrell competed in Focus on Children, Level 3. Their project, Read to Succeed, promoted making reading accessible and fun for children. The team began work on their project to help little ones love literacy in September and reached over 15,400 people, as well.
The students’ projects showcase their determination, ingenuity, and dedication to positively influencing the lives of others. Their success on the national stage reflects their effort, collaboration, and relentless enthusiasm.
Without volunteers, the conference wouldn’t have been as successful. Anthony and Amie Cortez and Korrey Paige helped chaperone while in Washington, D.C. Devine FCCLA is led by Linsey Outlaw. For more information on how to get involved, please contact her at Devine High School.
About FCCLA
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a dynamic and effective student-led, national-based organization that supports youth on their journey to become the leaders of tomorrow and helps them address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA has over 250,000 members and more than 5,200 chapters across the nation.
The Ultimate Leadership Experience is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members. It is the only career and technical co-curricular student organization with a central focus on careers that support families. Participation in national FCCLA programs and chapter activities helps members become strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities.

Kayla Dzierzanowski and Cat Brown – 3rd place in the nation in Public Policy Advocate, Level 2.