4 Lytle Lifters Statebound,
several compete at regionals

Lytle has three lady pirate lifters who are Statebound in Powerlifting including Natalie Pacheco, Nivea Sanchez, and Brianna Paredes. They will head to state on March 16th in Frisco.
Pacheco placed 1st in her weight class and set the regional record for deadlift twice, first at 390 then again at 410 pounds!  She is also ranked 1st in the state heading into the state meet!  Nivea Sanchez placed 2nd in her weight class and Brianna Paredes qualified by reaching her qualifying total.
In the boy’s side, Pirates Mario Diaz, Luke Estrada, and Robert Inming qualified for Regionals. Mario Diaz earned 1st place in his weight class and the Outstanding Deadlifter Award, officially punching his ticket to the State Meet in Abilene. Robert Inming and Luke Estrada gave their all and gained great regional experience.
“These kids continue to push boundaries, and again I am so proud to be your coach,” said Coach Melissa Gomez in a recent post.

State Qualifying Lytle Lady Pirates Natalie Pacheco, Nivea Sanchez, and Brianna Paredes. They will head to state on March 16th in Frisco.

Regional Qualifying Lytle Pirates (left to right): Luke Estrada, Mario Diaz (state qualifier), and Robert Inming.

Lady Mustangs win fourth Power Lifting
Regional Championship, six qualify to State

The Natalia Lady Mustangs captured their fourth Regional Power Lifting Championship March 4th. Three lifters will be advancing to the State Meet to be hosted on March 16 in Frisco, Texas, Dominique Banda, Ashley Aguirre, Araceley Segovia, Jiselle Olivarez, Abigail Fulton , and Isabel Laque.
Senior Dominique Banda : State Qualifier 114lb Weight Class Squat – 285 Bench – 140 Dead – 255 Total – 680 Senior Dominique Banda earned herself a trip back to the state meet by placing 3rd in her weight class. In the past season, Dom suffered a back injury… she approached this year with one mission, to earn herself a trip back to the state meet. She did just that! We are excited for Dom and look forward to watching her compete in her final meet of her career.
Senior Jiselle Olivarez : State Qualifier 220lb Weight Class Squat – 500 Bench – 250 Dead – 395 Total – 1145 Senior Jiselle Olivarez punched her ticket to the state meet placing 1st in her weight class at the regional meet. This is the third year in a row that Jiselle has been a regional champion. Jiselle will look to earn her 3rd state title at the state meet in Frisco.

Natalia Lady Mustang Abigail Fulton 123lb Weight Class STATE QUALIFIER.


Sophomore Abigail Fulton State Qualifier 123lb Weight Class Squat – 260 Bench – 135 Dead – 255 Total – 650 Sophomore Abigail Fulton earned a spot in the state meet by finishing 2nd in her weight class at the regional meet. Abigail competed very well but just fell short of the 1st place spot. This will be Abigail’s first me qualifying for the state meet.

Natalia Lady Mustang Ashley Aguirre 165lb Weight Class STATE QUALIFIER.


Junior Isabel Laque, State Qualifier, 259 Weight Class
Freshman Ashley Aguirre, State Qualifier, 165 Weight Class. Freshman Ashley Aguirre came out strong her freshman year representing Natalia well. We will never forget when she was just a 7th grader and so eager to lift for us and just excited to be a part of it, now she is getting that opportunity! Ashley qualified for State in the 165s with a 330 Squat 140 bench and 325 deadlift finishing with a total of 795lbs. Ashley finished 2nd in her weight class and hit the qualifying total for state. We look forward to watching Ashley compete this Thursday at the state meet! 

Natalia Lady Mustang Araceley Segovia 198lb Weight Class STATE QUALIFIER.


Junior Araceley Segovia, State Qualifier, 198 Weight Class. Junior Araceley Segovia had a great regional meet, returning home as a 198lb Regional Champion. Celey secured her title with a 465 squat, 165 bench and a 345 deadlift for a total of 975lbs. She has done a great job leading the way this season. Entering the state meet she is sitting 2nd in her weight class. We look forward to Thursday and the opportunity for her to go compete for a state title!
Senior Sam Lopez: 105lb Weight Class Squat – 215 Bench – 90 Dead – 185 Total – 490 Senior Samantha Lopez completed her power lifting career on Saturday at Regional, finishing 4th in her weight class. This was Sam’s first trip to regional and we’re excited she was able to place and earn herself a medal! Sam has been a huge part of our success this season, doing her part and placing in every meet to earn us team points. We are going to miss Sam and wish her the best of luck in her future!

Natalia Lady Mustang Isabel Laque 259+lb Weight Class STATE QUALIFIER.


Senior Ava Sanchez : 114lb Weight Class Squat – 245 Bench – 1130 Dead – 250 Total – 625 Ava Sanchez competed in the final meet of her career finishing 5th place at the regional meet. This wasn’t an easy task as she faced a potential bomb out on bench. She showed us the true competitor she is and was able to complete her last and final attempt. We couldn’t be any more proud of her fight! Ava has been someone we are able to depend on, someone who always does her part and isn’t afraid to hold others accountable when needed. With Ava being a senior, we are going to miss her commitment and leadership in the weight room and in the classroom!

Natalia Lady Mustang Jiselle Gonzales 220lb Weight Class STATE QUALIFIER.


Senior Rebekah Sanchez : 123lb Weight Class Squat – 240 Bench – 90 Dead – 250 Total – 580 Senior Rebekah Snachez completed her power lifting career on Saturday at Regional, finishing 6th in her weight class. Bekah just barely missed a medal by 5lbs! She has worked hard all season long helping lead the team as a senior. We are thankful for her commitment and leadership the last 4 years!
Senior Marina Billalobos: 181lb Weight Class Squat – 285 Bench – 130 Dead – 295 Total – 710 Senior Marina Billalobos completed her power lifting career on Saturday at the Regional Meet in Robstown, TX finishing 7th place. Marina had a great power lifting career, qualifying for regional two years in a row. We will miss Marina’s leadership and willingness to do whatever was best for the team!
Senior Valerie Saenz: 181lb Weight Class Squat – 290 Bench – 140 Dead – 260 Total – 690 Senior Valerie Saenz came out for her senior year. Having taken some me off, she did a great job competing this season and earning herself a trip to the regional meet where she placed 9th in her weight class. Val showed up on Saturday ready to compete and finished her career with a personal best in squat and dead lift. We will miss Val’s leadership and competiveness!
The chart features the rest of the Regional Championship team, all under classmen.

Natalia Lady Mustang Dominique Banda 114lb Weight Class STATE QUALIFIER.

Devine Police Report

March 3
7:41 am – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave to assist AEP with traffic control while they worked on cable.
9:40 am – Complainant on Lee Dr. called regarding downed power lines hanging low. Officer made location and it appeared they were phone or cable lines not power.
9:45 am – Officer dispatched to SH173 for railroad crossing arms down. Reported to Union Pacific.
9:48 am – Officer dispatched to Herring Ave for railroad crossing arms down. Reported to Union Pacific.
11:23 am – Complainant on Malone Dr reported a drone being flown around area.
11:24 am – Complainant on Jack Nicklaus Dr reported a suspicious vehicle in the area. Unable to locate.
11:35 am – Officer dispatched to SH 173 to assist with traffic control while lights were being services.
12:18 pm – Officer dispatched to Mockingbird Ln for down power line in tree.
12:56 pm – Officer cited male subject on IH 35 N for DWI and released him. Courtesy ride given to Lowes.
15:47 pm – Complainant on Oakhill called about 18 wheelers parked facing the wrong way.
16:35 pm – Complainant on Hondo Ave reported suspicious vehicle, blue gray in color parked behind property. Unable to locate.
March 4
7:49 am – Officer dispatched to IH 35 for a one vehicle accident. Vehicle struck guard rail.
8:40 am – Male subject jailed for an outstanding warrant in Frio County. DWLI with previous convictions.
12:34 pm – Officer dispatched to Jack Nicklaus Dr for 911 hang up near golf course. Did not observe anyone in distress.
14:46 pm – Officer stopped vehicle on Dixon Dr. Female subject cited for possession of drug paraphernalia and released.
23:50 pm – Officer assisted MCSO with DWI male subject on IH 35 S.
March 5
2:29 am – Complainant on Herring Ave reported a suspicious male. Unable to locate.
10:45 am – Complainant on Wedgewood Way reported suspicious male wearing black hoodie walking in area. Unable to locate.
15:07 pm – Officer assisted DPS with cover on IH 35 N for bailout.
March 6
3:18 am – Officer dispatched to IH 35 S for a blue Honda all over the roadway. Unable to locate – delayed by a train.
17:14 pm – Officers dispatched to IH 35 Ave for panhandlers on location. Unable to locate.
17:15 pm – Complainant on Commercial Dr reported male subject dragging scrap metal around. Male is housed at Sterling Residential. He was returned to residence.
18:25 pm – Officer dispatched to IH 35 S in reference to a little boy walking around with no shit and shoes. All okay, boy with family.
23:58 pm – Complainant on IH 35 S reported unknown vehicle struck their vehicle while he was at work.
March 8
3:17 am – Complainant on Fullerton Dr reported he heard noise and two voices coming from behind shed in his backyard. Searched area, unable to locate anyone.
8:54 am – Complainant on SH 132 N reported damage to lock to dumpster. Occurred on March 2.
14:55 pm – Complainant on Hondo Ave called about possible shots being fired in area. Unknown source or exact location. Unable to locate, everything appeared to be okay.
16:03 pm – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave for a minor accident.
17:15 pm – Complainant on IH 35 S called regarding a male subject driving a white Chevy suburban walked out of store with a vacuum cleaner valued at $158.
19:29 pm- Officer dispatched to IH 35 S for report of an 18 wheeler speeding and flashing lights at other vehicles. Unable to locate.
19:48 pm – Complainant on IH 35 S reported a vehicle stalled in slow lane of traffic. Unable to locate.
21:15 pm – Complainant on IH 35 N reported silver F150 speeding. Pick up failed to yield near mm 124.
22:43 pm – Complainant on Ross reported male subject yelling at passing vehicles in the ear. Made contact with male and transported by EMS to Southwest General.
March 9
1:30 am – Complainant on Enterprise Ave advised a maroon Dodge pickup in parking lot. Unknown who it belonged to. All okay, driver was employee who delivers medical supplies to facility.
10:49 am – Complainant on Zigzag Ave reported someone putting mail in mailboxes. After making contact with subject, they stated they worked for US Post Office and that their mail truck had broken down and was using vehicle.
12:55 pm – Complainant on Hondo Ave reporting unknown older white male approached them making threats. Subject Id’d; parties were separated.
14:18 pm – Complainant on Hondo Ave advised his truck was struck while parked at convenience store.
15:50 pm – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave for minor accident.
16:00 pm – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave for verbal disturbance between parties of previous accident. Parties were separated.
20:38 pm – Complainant on Hondo Ave advised male subject asking for money and possibly taking beer from store. Male subject was intoxicated and jailed.

Michael John Camarillo

March 4th, 2023, is the day Michael John Camarillo made it safely home to live eternity with our Heavenly Father, so let us rejoice and be glad.
Alicia, Eva, & Tommy were only a few of the lucky ones who knew a love so big that even on their worst days, they never questioned his love for them.
Mike was born on March 19, 1969, in Rockford, IL to Fred Camarillo and Anna Stewart. At the age of 26, he married the love of his life, Alicia Thompson. To this love, they were blessed with 2 children: Eva, 15 years old and Tommy, 12 years old. Together they lived most of their married life in Joplin, Missouri.
Mike cherished time with his family, including his beautiful sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and countless other family and friends. He was gifted at forming long-lasting and meaningful relationships. Mike enjoyed many things. He had big dreams and it showed in the homes he designed and built for so many families throughout his career. He loved racing, outdoors, but mostly spending time with family and friends. Mike was not free of mistakes or crazy shenanigans; he was not afraid to have more fun than he should occasionally. Mike was a giver. He was not one to stand by and watch his family, friends or even strangers want for anything. If he had it or could obtain it, he gave it with an open heart and never looked back. That is who Mike was. To know him was to love him and love him big. If you knew Mike, you know how he loved his bacon-burgers and beer.
Mike was diagnosed and ultimately passed from Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). There is still much to learn about this disease. To memorialize Mike’s life and in honor of his upcoming birthday, 3/19/1969, the family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made, to help with the research to find a cure for FTD. Our goal is to raise $31,969.00, the amount to match his date of birth, in Mike’s name to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD).
Your donation can be made by:

  1. Using the QR code to access the tax-deductible page dedicated to Mike
  2. Sending a check made payable to AFTD, 2700 Horizon Drive, Suite 120, King of Prussia, PA 19406 (note: Mike Camarillo)
    It is our hope that as we celebrate Mike’s life, we continue to build his legacy as we build awareness of this horribly debilitating disease that robbed so many of us of his beautiful smile and zest for life too soon. Rest in Peace Mike…. until we meet again!
    Mike is survived by his wife, Alicia, his daughter Eva, and son Tommy
    Parents: Fred Camarillo, Anna & David Stewart, Glenn & Eva Thompson, and Mary Jane & Ramiro Balderrama.
    Siblings: Angie Camarillo, Jennifer (Mark) Collins, Tracie (Steve) Anderson, Misty Thompson, Cory (Carlos) Thompson, Beth Thacker, Gina (Fred) Morales, and Neva Fernandez
    Nieces & Nephews: Jordan (Jason) Manning, Ryan (Casey) Austin, Courtney (Justin) Mathis, Tabatha (Nathan) Camp, Taylor (Nathan) Carr, Peyton Carr, Aimee Carr, John Glenn Schnautz, Mackayla Schnautz, Milynn Schnautz, Aubrey Thacker, Ruby Kennedy, Fernando Morales, and Daniel (Gensen) Morales
    Grand-Nieces & Nephews: Braxton & Owen Manning, Hendrix & Maverick Austin, Wyatt & Mason Mathis, Emma & Anna Camp, and Enzo Granato
    Fur-Nephew: Henry Fernandez
    Countless Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and friends
    Mike was preceded in death by his Brother: Adrian Camarillo, Paternal Grandparents: Armando & Mary Camarillo, Maternal Grandparents: Carl & Viola Powell
    A celebration of Mike’s life took place on Saturday, March 11, at the Devine Golf Course from 2 – 6pm. All were welcome to attend.

Ronald “Ron” Joseph Hughan

Ronald “Ron” Joseph Hughan, age 58, of Devine, Texas passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023 with his beloved wife, Darla Ray Monse Hughan. He was born in New Orleans, LA on September 12, 1964.
Ron is preceded in death by his wife, Darla Ray Monse Hughan. He is survived by his sons, Nick Hughan and wife, Ashley, Kyle Hughan and wife, Ashley; daughter Alyssa Lynn Hughan; grandchildren, Dixie, Abby, Tayton, Delton, Briella, Ruston, and Amelia; and numerous extended family and lifelong friends.
As a tribute to Ron, the family asks that you bring in your biker patches or pins to be displayed as a memorial.
Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. Primrose Funeral Services Chapel Devine, Texas with service to conclude at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Service, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016, (830) 663-4445.

Jerry Wayne Busby

Jerry Wayne Busby, 47, of Hondo, Texas, passed away on March 7, 2023, surround by his family. He was born in Fredericksburg, Texas to Doris Medd and Larry Busby on December 3, 1975.
Jerry is survived by his daughter Kayla Brooke Busby and Grandson Kash of Hondo; his mother Dolores Medd of Devine, father Lawrence (Larry) and Rosetta Busby of Atascosa; Sister Virginia and Jack Meyers of Devine, Sister Beth Ann Howell of San Antonio; Nephew Randolph and Lauren Haass of Biry; Ethan and Heather Meyers of Poteet; Joey Meyers of Devine and Amber Brune of Devine. He has 5 great nephews and 1 great niece and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins whom he loved dearly.
He was preceded in death by his grandparent Ray and Frances Wendell; Carl and Virginia Busby; Robert Medd and bonus brother Scott Muennink.
We will be having a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 18, at the Hondo Golf Course in Hondo, Texas at 4 in the afternoon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the golf course (checks must be made to Kayla Busby in memo you may put Love Fund for Jerry Busby) or online at https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8SjgoJ3cYl.

James Dorval Beaty

James Dorval Beaty, age 72 of McKinney, Texas passed away on March 2, 2023. James was born in Ralls, Texas August 21, 1950 to Dorval and Virginia (Mae) Beaty. James grew up in Lorenzo, Texas where he graduated high school in 1968. He moved to Ft. Walton Beach, Florida and attended Okaloosa Walton Jr. College.
James was preceded in death by his father and son, Christen. He was the oldest of eight brothers and sisters, Jerry, Julie, Jeana, Janet, Joann, Jalyn, and Jerel. He is survived by granddaughters Aurora and Ceci of Alaska.
As an adolescent, James worked on the family farm where the irrigation ditch doubled as a swimming pool, played high school basketball, and had an infectious laughter that brought a lot of joy to those around him.
While in Clearwater, Florida, James was a manager in the thriving hospitality industry and enjoyed boating with friends. Upon returning to Texas, he continued working in the hotel business and enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends.
James’ final contribution was donating his remains to UT Southwestern Medical Center, where donations can be made in his name. A family graveside memorial service will be held at a later date.

Three arrested in Medina County
vehicle thefts

Last Friday, March 10th was a busy day for deputies in Medina County. In one bazaar incident, a resident was unloading his vehicle and carrying things into his office when a vehicle thief hopped into the vehicle and took off. Thankfully, the owner wasn’t in the vehicle at the time of contact. Medina County Sheriff’s Office quickly pursued the suspect who led them on a chase well into Bexar County. Both suspects were captured and arrested.
In another case, a deputy on duty noticed a suspicious vehicle and pursued it. This resulted in the discovery of two stolen Dodge Chargers, which were found at a home in Hunter’s Lake Subdivision near Natalia and the arrest of another suspect for vehicle theft. The vehicles had just been reported stolen the day prior out of San Antonio.

Sheriff applauds quick actions of school staff after janitor sees woman with gun near school in D’Hanis

The Medina County Sheriff’s office received an alarming report of a person walking with a long rifle near the school in D’Hanis last Friday afternoon. A thorough investigation led to discovery of the suspect and one un-related arrest warrant for a stolen firearm at the same residence.
Even though the suspect’s weapon turned out to be a bb/pellet gun, he applauded the quick action taken by school staff.
“Everyone did just as they should,” Sheriff Randy Brown said after completing a thorough investigation. “The janitor saw a woman walking with a long rifle-like gun near the school and the school went into lockdown quickly as the principal contacted us. Our investigation led us to identifying the probable person and the gun.”
“The gun turned out to be a long bb/pellet gun, but looks similar to an AR rifle,” Sheriff Brown said. “While there, we noticed there were other guns at the residence. We ended up executing a search warrant at the residence, which is owned by a man who is a convicted felon, and one of those firearms was reported stolen.”
“The woman who was reported walking with the bb/pellet gun did not commit a crime, however, the man who owns the home will face charges for the stolen firearm in the home,” Sheriff Brown said.
The woman told investigators she was just walking from one house to another.

OPINION: Texas rural lands evaporating at alarming rate

By State Rep. Justin Holland
Every year, Texas loses nearly 250,000 acres of land to development. Rural working lands that make up the wide-open spaces definitive of the Texas character are evaporating at an alarming rate.
Not only are these lands meant to be enjoyed by Texans, but they work every day to provide the food we eat and the water we drink. I consider it our responsibility as Texans and custodians of this land to pass on a state where my great-great-grandchildren will be able to enjoy the Texas outdoors, parks, wildlife and nature. That’s why I am proud to introduce landmark legislation in the Texas House calling for the creation of the Texas Land and Water Conservation Fund.
The fund is a once-in-a-generation opportunity afforded to us because of the excess in our state’s Rainy Day Fund. As my colleagues and I carefully consider important priorities like infrastructure investment, we must also make a meaningful and lasting investment in Texas lands and waters.
Our state continues to attract new people and new industry. We are blessed to have weathered tough times and continue to be one of the nation’s strongest economies and attractive places to do business. Our economic success comes in part because of the unique lands that make up Texas. I truly believe that our land is our greatest asset, and it cannot be replicated once it is lost.
We must take bold steps to preserve the landscape and culture that makes Texas a great place to live. Texas is home to 7 of the top 15 most rapidly growing cities in the country. Research also shows that 78% of Texas counties will not have sufficient parks in the coming decades.
Texas needs additional parks, open spaces and natural habitats to preserve our quality of life, provide food and fiber and clean water, and to support the multibillion-dollar agricultural and outdoor recreation economy.
The Texas Land and Water Conservation Fund would provide a significant, long-term state funding source for enhanced conservation efforts across the Lone Star State. The $2 billion investment can be dedicated as either a trust fund or an endowment.
It would provide grants for projects that support, enhance and protect state and local parks and recreation areas, working agricultural lands, water resources, wildlife habitat areas, and more. The fund could support the acquisition of land to expand state parks.
The bill provides base eligibility guidelines for funded projects and ensures that 50% of the funds go toward the conservation of agricultural lands, water resources and wildlife habitat, while the other 50% of the funds go toward state and local parks, wildlife management areas and other public access conservation projects.
The legislation would also establish a governing board for the fund led by a representative from the General Land Office and including others from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and Texas Water Development Board.
More than 50 of the state’s leading land and water conservation, agricultural, wildlife and sportsmen’s organizations have formed the Texas Land and Water Conservation Coalition to support this effort. These groups represent thousands of Texans from all walks of life, connected by a desire to protect Texas for the next generation.
I am confident my fellow lawmakers will pass this important and historic measure and give Texas voters the opportunity to codify this investment with a constitutional amendment. We have a unique chance to fund meaningful land and water conservation that will echo for generations to come.
Justin Holland is a state representative from Rockwall. He wrote this for The Dallas Morning News.