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Celebrating“OLD GLORY” at the Park this Sat. June 13! Everyone is invited! FREE Flags & Popsicles

Where: Joe E. Briscoe City Park pavilion, 1550 N. Windy Knoll Drive, Devine
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026 Time: 9:00 – 11 am
What Is Happening: An official America 250 celebration and dedication in Devine, dedicating a new flag pole and marker commemorating Flag Day and our nation’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The program includes: recognition of veterans and historical groups, readings, the delivery of the flag by the Rescue Fire Truck, first raising of the US flag and musket salute by SA Chapter #4 Sons of the American Revolution, as well as photo opportunities.
Music: “Fort Sam’s Own” 323rd Army Brass Quintet will provide the patriotic music. Sing along with the 323rd Army Band as the play the National Anthem “The Star- Spangled Banner”, “God Bless America”, “America the Beautiful”, and “She’s a Grand Old Flag” to name a few.
Presented By: Devine Chamber of Commerce Historical Committee in cooperation with the City of Devine
FREE FLAGS: Flags will be handed out by the Devine VFW and Current Events Club for you to wave patriotically and decorate your home with as well.

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MISSION DEVINE!

June 15-19 Join and HELP paint, build handicap ramps, walk-in showers for the elderly

By Kayleen Holder & K.K. Calame
Editor/Publisher
Mission Devine volunteers are hoping to complete around 31 projects this year for those in need. They need volunteers of all abilities, but they are especially in need a few people with at least some carpentry/plumbing experience to lead teams of volunteers.
They always have more projects pending, if they can find some new leaders with a little experience who are willing to take the reins. “This year we have 27 projects in the works that our teams will try to complete during Mission Devine week June 15-19. We do have 4-5 more that have been approved but we don’t have anyone to take the lead on those projects yet. Finding skilled volunteers to take over and supervise jobs such roofing, ramps, plumbing repairs is always our biggest hurdles,” said Donna Trott, Mission Devine volunteer.
“We have 4-5 elderly residents needing handicap ramps, and I know we have one volunteer who will be the lead on some of those, but we have more than one project leader can handle. So we need someone comfortable with taking on a couple of those ramp projects,” said volunteer Cliff Redus.
Another great need are handyman volunteers to install handicap bathroom items.
Project leaders aren’t necessarily professional contractors, but have at least a little bit of experience, and will help guide a group of 4-5 volunteers on their teams.
“Whenever our leaders feel like they get into an issue that is a little more than they can handle, we have some professions who are on-call to help out when needed,” Redus said.
On the other end of the spectrum, Mission Devine has smaller projects as simple as yard work, installing a ceiling fan, and exterior paint jobs.
Mission Devine will also be helping several local families in need of roof repairs this year.
What makes Mission Devine special?
“The scriptures teach us to be doers of the work,” Redus said. “To me, it’s a wonderful opportunity to set aside your own agenda for a week and give back to other who just need a little bit of help….to be the hands and feet of the Lord.”
When is it? Mission Devine work week will be Monday June 15 through Friday, June 19, 2026, though occasionally volunteers will complete projects before or after the main work week.
Kick off- June 14. The Kick off service will be at Devine First Baptist Church in the fellowship hall on Sunday, June 14 at 6:00 pm. During the week of Mission Devine, St Joseph Catholic Church will host. Various churches will provide the breakfast and lunch daily.
What can you help with?
Ways to help: Painting crew, tree and yard service, our prayer team, carpentry work, electrical, plumbing, roofing and much more.
We start every morning with breakfast and devotionals. Come back at noon for noon meal. Please help spread the word
Where can you sign up?
If you need to fill out an application online, please go to Missiondevine.org. Or just show up at 7:00 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church hall and join a team. Breakfast and a devotional starts at 7:30am. By 8:00 am crews are headed out the doors.
TO VOLUNTEER, show up kickoff Sunday, or any morning or lunch during Mission Devine week. You will be assigned to a team. One day, half day, all week whatever you have time for. For further info call Todd Summers at 210-287-6883.
Shirts & Caps- The signature “Mission Devine” red T-Shirt with bold white letters and ball caps will be on sale daily. Shirts are only $10 and caps are $15, to cover the costs.
Donations can be made to : Mission Devine, Po Box 134, Devine, Texas 78016. Or dropped off at the St. Joseph Catholic Church hall during Mission Devine week or given to your local church.
www.missiondevine.org.
Mission Devine is a non denominational ministry of the South Texas Ministerial Fellowship a 501(c)(3).

Mission Devine NEEDS YOU!
Volunteer June 15th-19th

Screwworms hitting close to home, it’s time to act

Bob Bendele, 80, remembers the screwworm battle in the 60’s very well. Today, he shared some stories and advice for the next generation of ranchers. Above, Bendele and his dog Smokey work some of the cattle he’s raised over the years. It’s time to act…Check all animals including dogs and pets as well as livestock every day for open wounds and use the available spray and covering to prevent infections.

Meeting June 23rd at Medina Co Fair Hall

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
Screwworms have already begun to take a toll on livestock within 60 miles of here. The first was reported June 3 in LaPryor where a calf came down with it, and within days three more cattle and a goat were reported between Zavala, LaSalle and Gillespie Counties. A Texas vet had also reported an infected dog, however, the dog was actually located in New Mexico. Officials say now is the time to get prepared and take action to prevent losses here at home.
We spoke to Bob Bendele, of Devine, who lived through the Screwworm battle of the 60’s.
“I’m 80 years old, and I’ve been in and out of ranching for most of my life, mostly in,” Bendele said.
We asked if he had any advice for younger ranchers as we go towar with the New World Screwworm.
“Keep an eye out, but keep a nose out too,” Bendele said. “Stand downwind because it stinks terribly, and when there’s Look at your cattle real closely, because you don’t just look for infestation, you need to be looking for the eggs.”
He notes that the art of roping and doctoring cattle every day has been long gone for a while now.
“When we eradicated screwworms it made absentee ranching possible. This is a game changer. Long ago, on those big ranches, you’d have cowboys who would ride and doctor cattle daily. Is that gonna come back now? Because every single calf has to be caught and doctored. Just stop and think about that,” Bendele said.
“Most people don’t…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!

Devine Lions Club thanks community for successful Golf Tourney

1st place team in Lions Golf tournament were Kellen Nixon, Mark Marcum, Bonnie Manning and Kenny Kerr.

The Devine Lions Club would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for making their 36th Annual Golf Tourney a success. Without their backing the Lions Club would not have the resources to fund their projects for the coming year. All the money generated in this tourney goes back into the town of Devine. An extra thanks goes to the Devine Golf Course and staff. Also, thanks to the Devine News for printing the tourney flyers and their publicity. A special thanks to HEB for providing water and Gatorade for all participants. Thanks to Kellen Nixon, Scott Herring, Jeff Wisenbaker, Bill Herring, and Ron Richards for all their extra help.
Prize money: 1st place of $750, Brown Chevrolet; 2nd place of $570, Chaparral Ford and 3rd place of $450, American Momentum Bank.
Hole Sponsors: $1000 Chris B. Christians, $1000 Jerry and Anne Dykowski, $500 617 Brown LC (Frank and Lynn Bain, George and Martha (Bain) Wall, Bill and Karen Bain), $500 Devine Chamber of Commerce, $200 Todd Summers, $500 Mark Kidd, $300 Herrera’s Income Tax Service LLC, $200 Marsha and Lewis Stroud, $200 Alma Horvath, $300 Martin and Debbie Bomba of Window World, $150 Lytle State Bank, $200 Ernie and Cindy Morales, $200 South Texas Refuse Disposal Inc. Freddie Cuellar & Blake Caesar, $150 Circle C Services, $250 George and Martha Wall, $200 Eric Smith, $500 North Park Chevrolet in Castroville, $250 Devine Education Foundation.
$100 Hole Sponsors: Bo and Wendy Maxwell, Alexander Insurance, Security State Bank, Devine Current Events Club, Tommy’s Tees and Embroidery LLC, Medina Glass, Jim and Betty Walter, Todd, Ashtyn, and Rynlee Grandjean, Knights of Columbus, VFW 3966, Jeff and Susan Wisenbaker, Scott and Sherry Herring, Bill and Linda Kreinhop, Devine Garden Club, Tommy Weisinger, Tommy Ramirez, Lee Davis, James Ornelas, Charlie’s Daughter, Linda McAnelly Consulting, Gary and Nancy Saathoff, Jerel Beaty, Steve Anderson, Franklin Wanjura and Tex and Judy Eaddy.

2nd place team in Lions Golf tournament were Kara Navarro, Todd Grandjean and Gary Schmidt (not pictured) with Lions Kellen Nixon and Lewis Stroud. Kara and Todd donated their money back to the Lions Club.

3rd place team in Lions Golf Tournament were Jay Dishman, Bryce Dishman and Jack Dishman pictured with Lions Kellen Nixon and Lewis Stroud.

Hats off to Natalia’s class of 2026!

Natalia’s graduating class of 2026 release their caps into the air in celebration of leaving High School behind and beginning their own unique journeys into the world. Photo by Mable Byrd.

Tessa Del Toro receiving her dipolma. Photo by Mable Byrd.

Raeann Juarez gave the benediction during Natalia’s 2026 graduation ceremony. Photo by Mable Byrd.

Jayston Rodriguez gave the closing remarks and the recognition of the tassels during Natalia’s 2026 graduation ceremony. Photo by Mable Byrd.

Andres Terrazas receives his dipolma during the 2026 Natalia graduation ceremony. Photo by Mable Byrd.

Today’s students, tomorrow’s leaders; Devine Graduate Chosen to Intern in Washington, D.C.

By Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
From the pastures of Devine to the offices of the nation’s capital, 2023 Devine graduate Harper Parson recently began an internship in Washington D.C. through the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy (ANRP) Internship Program at Texas A&M University.
Son of Chad and Carly Parson, Harper, a Animal Science senior, is one of 17 students selected to spend the entire summer as an integral part of the House Committee on the Agriculture-Majority Office. He will be monitoring legislation, attending committee hearings and briefings and preparing reports for senior staff members.
Stephanie Webb, director of the ANRP internship program, explains that this internship is one of the few in the nation that specifically focused on “transforming today’s agricultural students into tomorrow’s leaders.”
“Through this opportunity, students use what they have learned in the classroom in a professional work setting,” Webb said. “Not only will the D.C. experience be attractive to future employers, but our students are also providing valuable assistance to the officers in which they intern.”
The program is in its 36th year and has had more than 1,300 Aggies participate. Each student receives course credit for their internship as well as a scholarship in the form of housing, which is partly supported by private donors and commodity organizations.
Growing up in Devine, Parson already had an affinity agriculture and livestock from raising show pigs with his family. During his tenure as a Texas Pork Junior Ambassador, he was able to lobby on the behalf of the national pork industry, catalyzing his passion for livestock production while protecting its interests on the federal level.
Parson is involved with numerous organizations at Texas A&M, but his proudest achievements is competing in the 2025 National Champion Intercollegiate Meat Judging Team, as well as winning the 2025 Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Conference. He also competed on the 2026 Meat Animal Evaluation Team and served as the Chairman of the Swine Committee, and serves as the Vice President of the Animal Science Ambassadors.
Congratulations to Parson on this incredible achievement!

Completion of new Lytle water tower expected in mid-September

Lytle City Attorney Austin Beck addresses the city council Monday regarding an engagement letter to hire Houston-based BrooksWatson to perform the city’s fiscal year 2025-2026 financial audit. (Photo by Anton Riecher)

By Anton Riecher
Erection of Lytle’s long-delayed elevated water storage tank is expected by July 8 with completion, including painting and inspection, by mid-September, an engineering contractor reported to the city council Monday night.
Scott Horowitz of TRC Engineers said that the project is one to two weeks behind schedule, citing a revamped timeline provided by project contractor, Avon, IN-based Phoenix Fabricators and Erectors.
“The contractor explained that it’s partly due to the inclement weather that they’ve had in the past 30 days or so,” he said.
Painting will begin immediately after erection and take about 30 days. After painting and inspection, remaining work should take another 35 days.
Originally slated for construction in February, Phoenix Fabricators blamed labor shortages and massive increase in demand for tank construction for the initial delay. The company faces a substantial penalty on its final bill for the lengthy setbacks, city staff has previously said.
Once completed, bringing the new water tower online will require careful balancing of the entire city water system to avoid problems, especially for commercial users, Mayor Ruben Gonzalez said.
In other business, the council unanimously approved an engagement letter with Houston-based auditing firm BrooksWatson & Co. covering the city audit for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. This is the second consecutive audit by BrooksWatson performed for the city.
Action on engaging the firm had previously been tabled to allow staff to work with the firm on accountability measures such as moving the report deadline from March to February with BrooksWatson providing an update on the audit’s status in January.
Council members including District 4 Alderman Michael Rodriguez raised concerns that the draft did not include liquidated damages or monetary penalties for missed deadlines.
“If I’m not mistaken I saw nowhere in there where there were provisions for damages liquidation or damages for them not fulfilling their part,” Rodriguez said.
City Attorney Austin Beck with Davidson Troilio Ream and Garza reported that BrooksWatson was unwilling to agree to such monetary requirements. If the council insists, it would likely require finding another auditor with that requirement included in the RFQ (request for quote).
In separate…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!

The San Antonio Spurs: The reason I exist

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
Being born in San Antonio means you inherently hold three things close to your heart: Your favorite breakfast tacos, what side of town you’re from and the San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs have been a pillar in the community since before I could even formulate a sentence. San Antonio is a basketball city. Babies are given basketballs with their birth details at hospitals. Images of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Gregg Popovich pepper the outsides of buildings and the insides of bars and restaurants, serving as shining symbols of consistent excellence fortified by a passion to win as a group, never as an individual.
I couldn’t tell you where it all started. I wasn’t born when David Robinson or Duncan got drafted. When I was barely three years old, the Spurs were on championship number two of their five ring dynasty. By the time I was graduating Middle School, the Spurs had taken down the infamous Lebron James led Miami Heat after losing to them in seven games the year before. The city-wide party that erupted in 2014 was an experience I’ll never forget. The streets were flooded with honking cars, cheering fans and smiling faces. When the Spurs are successful, the city has a buzz to it, as if the trials and tribulations of life melt away once tip-off happens. The Spurs are the only prominent professional sports team (save for the rising star of the Missions) in San Antonio, so rooting for the home team feels all the more gratifying when your whole city unifies for it. 
However, the last few years would see the Spurs fall out of relevance. The team has missed the playoffs the past six years and the franchise cornerstone players had all left or retired. The Spurs teams that people grew up with and the names the community had ingrained in their psyche were gone. The quiet dominance of the silver and black soon faded into the history of the NBA. The city stopped caring as much and who could blame them, winning wasn’t a luxury but an expectation. To be honest there wasn’t much to cheer for anyways, for a while they were one of the worst teams in the league. I have to admit that Spurs fans are spoiled. We’ve known nothing but victory for the better part of two decades.
Now the Spurs are back in the NBA Finals, a familiar place for the organization and the city, but the faces that got them there are as green as they come. San Antonio has fully backed this new young squad with the ferocity and passion of my formative years. This wasn’t an overnight change, this was built up all season. This team of young talented players had to prove to the city that they were worth its unwavering support and they did so ten-fold. Going into the season, the average fan had reasonable expectations of simply making it to the playoffs. It was a very realistic goal given how much talent the roster had. Soon, Spurs fans and the entire NBA would realize that these young hoopers were capable of so much more. This team is unquestionably ahead of schedule. They soon rose from an exciting up-and-coming team to title contenders in a matter of months. For the first time in my adult life, the Spurs are good and that sentiment applies to a lot of the population in San Antonio. I think that’s what makes this run all the more special for the community as a whole. For the older generation, they are seeing a return to form while the younger fans are witnessing the beginning of a potential dynasty; both have been starved to see a winning Spurs season. The excitement and buzz the city once had in my childhood has returned and now you can’t go anywhere without someone talking about the team or talking about the game from the other night. People I’ve known for years and have never once mentioned basketball in a sentence are bringing up which referees will be officiating the Spurs games. It’s not just in San Antonio though, the silver and black fandom reaches all the way here in Medina County. I see trucks with huge Spurs flags waving behind coming down East Hondo Avenue here in Devine. People from Natalia brandishing spurs shirts on game days. Lytle hosting huge watch parties at various establishments. They’re not even from San Antonio but the excitement for the team is as passionate as anyone from the 210.
Sports are funny because it’s such a physical and tactile thing, but the concepts and emotions surrounding it are so abstract. I can’t tell you why I cried when the Spurs beat the Oklahoma City Thunder to advance to the finals. I can’t explain why families come together to watch the games. I can’t describe why complete strangers are embracing in the streets after every Spurs win. The only rationale I can come up with is that it makes people happy and sometimes that’s the only explanation needed. At the time of press, the Spurs just took a big win in game three over New York at Madison Square Garden. San Antonio is trailing the Knicks 1-2 in the series, but no matter how this series plays out, I’ll be tuned into every game. The roller coaster of emotions that comes with supporting your team is what makes sports so special.

Upcoming local events

June
10 – Free Summer Kid Movie Series at Castroville Rainbow Theater showing How to Train Your Dragon at 10:30 a.m.
10 – Lytle Public Library Story Time from 10:30 – 11 a.m. | Ages 2-5
10 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Sit & Stitch Club from 6 – 7:30 p.m. | Ages 15+
11 – Free Summer Kid Movie Series at Castroville Rainbow Theater showing How to Train Your Dragon at 10:30 a.m.
11 – Lytle Public Library Craft With Us from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
11 – Live Music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Eric Middleton from Midnight River Choir at 7 p.m.
12 – VBS Safari Adventure from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Crossroads Community Church
12 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Plant Swap from 2 -3 p.m. | No Reservations Required
12 – Wrestling Throwdown at 7 p.m. 15126 Main St Lytle, TX 78052 United States
12 – Pop-Up and Rummage Sale from 8am – 3pm at Lucky Clover Coffee Shop Lytle Tx
13 – Pop-Up and Rummage Sale from 8am – 3pm at Lucky Clover Coffee Shop Lytle Tx
13 – Live Music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Timber Wilde, Bo Bumble, and Garrett Mann at 7 p.m.
13 – City of Devine Flag Day Celebration at Briscoe City Park
15 – Summer Teen Club – Candy Sushi Making from 4 – 5:30 p.m. at Devine Driscoll Public Library | Ages 13-18 | Registration Required
16 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Hand Embroidery Club from 5:30 – 7 p.m.| Ages 14 & older | Registration Required
16 – Regular Devine City Council Meeting at 6 p.m. at Devine Community Center
17 – Lytle Public Library Story Time from 10:30 – 11 a.m. | Ages 2-5
17 – Free Summer Kid Movie Series at Castroville Rainbow Theater showing Gabby’s Dollhouse at 10:30 a.m.
18 – Free Summer Kid Movie Series at Castroville Rainbow Theater showing Gabby’s Dollhouse at 10:30 a.m.
18 – Live Music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Lonestar Gentry from the Pat Green Band at 7 p.m.
18 – Lytle Public Library Craft With Us from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
20 – Live Music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring JP McCabe at 7 p.m.
20 – Devine Saturday Night Lights – College Street Market from 5 – 9 p.m. in downtown Devine
20 – Moon & Makers Market from 5 – 11 p.m. at Dahlgreen Food Truck Park in Somerset
20 – Comedy Night at Lytle Memorial VFW Post 12041 | Doors Open 6 p.m. | Show Starts 7 p.m.
22 – Lytle City Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
24 – Free Summer Kid Movie Series at Castroville Rainbow Theater showing Dog Man at 10:30 a.m.
24 – Lytle Public Library Story Time from 10:30 – 11 a.m. | Ages 2-5
25 – Free Summer Kid Movie Series at Castroville Rainbow Theater showing Dog Man at 10:30 a.m.
25 – Live Music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Damon Curtis & Mikele Buck at 7 p.m.
25 – Lytle Public Library Craft With Us from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
27 – Ritual & Restore Market from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Texicana Boutique | Lytle Tx
27 – Live Music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Kristin Foreman at 7 p.m.
If you want to add an event to this calendar, please email devinereporter@devinenews.com or call (830) 665 – 2211 and leave a message for Brianna.

Michael Ralph Franks

Michael Ralph Franks, a beloved son, brother, and friend, passed away at the age of 76 on Monday, June 8, 2026, at the La Casita Care Program in San Antonio, Texas. A former resident of Devine, Texas, Mike leaves behind cherished memories and the warmth of a loving family.
Born on October 6, 1949, in San Antonio, Michael was the son of Ralph Ervin Franks and Dorothy Evelyn Collard, both of whom preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, David Fargason, and his niece, Donna Fargason Powe. Mike is survived by his sisters, June Fargason and Cynthia Morris (Jack) of Devine, Texas, along with his nieces Carolyn Evermon (Travis), Julie Pritchard (Todd), and Karen Zacharias Enax (Blake). He was a proud uncle to many great-nieces and nephews.
Michael’s early years were spent in the Black Creek Community, where he developed a strong connection to country life and the Black Creek Baptist Church. When the family transitioned to city living in Devine, Mike attended Devine High School and graduated in 1967. His high school years were filled with adventure as he participated in football, track, FFA, and even pitched watermelons at the Fargason Farm.
After high school, Mike attended Tarleton State University before bravely serving in the Navy on the USS Valcour. Upon returning home, he honed his construction skills under the guidance of his cousins, Charles C. Bruton, and Charles Fischer, and later built homes, hotels, and businesses across Texas. His heart remained with his family, and he cherished the time spent at the Fargason Farm with his sister, June, and her family. Family gatherings-especially during Christmas-were filled with laughter and cherished memories. His generosity also included gifting wedding dresses, wedding cake, and Rodeo tickets.
Sadly, as the years progressed, Mike faced health challenges post-COVID, leading him to spend the last chapters of his life in various healthcare facilities. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to La Casita Care Program and its compassionate staff, who took such wonderful care of him during this difficult time.
We know that he is with his heavenly father and all of his heavenly family. His broken health and broken spirit are now healed, and he is rejoicing.
In honor of Michael’s life, Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. with Memorial Services beginning at 11:00 A.M. at Black Creek Baptist Church in Devine, Texas, with service to conclude at the Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Black Creek Baptist Church of Devine, Texas.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so by visiting www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016, (830) 663-4445.