Adian is a very happy and energetic 14-year-old boy whose life battery never runs out, as he is always in a joyful mood. Adian enjoys watching TV especially if the show or movie is animal themed, with his favorite movies being Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and How to Train Your Dragon. When it comes to meals, he loves to eat just about anything, however topping the favorite snack list is – green apples!
Adian is currently enrolled in high school and has fun ridding the bus daily, as it gives him an opportunity to interact & socialize with his friends before heading to class, where he is continuing to develop his nonverbal communications skills.
Although Adian does not have any pets of his own, he really loves all animals, so if his future family has a puppy, which he can care for and call his own, that would be such a plus.
Some things Adian enjoys
-Walking in the park,
-Trying new foods,
-Watching movies,
-Eating apples
-Chocolate milk,
Adian would benefit from a two-parent forever family with experience caring for children who need one on one attention.
If you think you could be a forever family for Adian, 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.
Basic Adoption Requirements
The prospective foster/adoptive parents may be single or married and must:
-be at least 21 years of age, financially stable, and responsible mature adults
-complete an application (staff will assist you if you prefer)
-share information regarding their background and lifestyle
-provide relative and non-relative references
-show proof of marriage and/or divorce (if applicable)
-agree to a home study which includes visits with all household members
-allow staff to complete a criminal history background check and an abuse/neglect check on all -adults in the household
-attend free training to learn about issues of abused and neglected children
Post Adoption Services
Adopted children who have been abused or neglected often need help coping with the effects of abuse and the loss of their birth family.
All families of children adopted through DFPS can get post adoption services. For more information about the services available visit https://www.dfps.texas.gov/
Author: admin
Further delays haunt Lytle water tower
By Anton Riecher
The completion date of a new elevated water storage project in Lytle has shifted again, now extending from the previously expected September due date to November 20, the city’s engineering consultant reported to the Lytle City Council Monday.
Council members expressed concerns that the continuing delays were not communicated earlier and means further impact on nearby residents as the unfinished project affects the area’s appearance.
Engineering consultant Scott Horowitz with TRC Engineers reported that he had received a schedule update from the contractor an hour and half before the meeting.
“I haven’t had an opportunity to dive into it too much but the schedule has shifted from last month’s completion date of the middle to end of September to Nov. 20,” Horowitz said.
Asked why by the council, Horowitz replied that the contractor had given him a one sentence response saying that crew availability is impacting the schedule.
City Administrator Zachary Meadows noted that the…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!
A Tortilla for Uncle Hilmer
“If a man has any greatness in him, it comes to light, not in one flamboyant hour, but in the ledger of his daily work.”
-Beryl Markham
Several months ago, after visiting family out-of-state, my wife returned home raving about Uncle Hilmer’s homemade flour tortillas. Regular readers of my column may remember Uncle Hilmer. He’s on my list of favorite people, and I’ve written about him before. Hilmer played a vital role in a crime-fighting family adventure we had a few years ago that I wrote about (Uncle Andy’s War-Fighting Crime in the Country – a 100% true story) and with his knowledge and insight inspired my column from last year regarding the mysterious D.B. Cooper case (No Funny Stuff – True Crime in the Air). Once again, hard-working Uncle Hilmer has motivated me to pen another column. Spurred by his dietary interest, today I am writing about that unsung gastronomic jewel of the Southwest, the humble yet glorious flour tortilla.
Within the bounds of culinary culture, few foods are more contentious than the flour tortilla. While snooty foodies rhapsodize about the earthiness of the mighty corn tortilla (Mexico’s gracious gift to the New World), the flour tortilla is often considered a gringo quirk, more of a Tex-Mex anomaly than anything else. Some will even say that the flour tortilla is not real Mexican food. Flour tortillas get little respect. Perhaps this is because the standard “Flat Stanley” versions sold in grocery stores are often bland and clammy, like what they used to wrap your bean burritos at lunch in Jr. High. But if you spend much time foraging in the hinterlands of this great country you might discover something better. And, if like Uncle Hilmer, you care to roll up your sleeves and learn in the kitchen, you can make the best flour tortillas you will ever eat. I decided to follow Uncle Hilmer’s lead and do just that. I started making flour tortillas. For others who might be inspired, here is Hilmer’s recipe, with one minor change.
I learned that here in Texas, flour tortillas are often made with a bit of baking powder. This makes them puff up and bubble when cooking, which is a good indicator that it’s time to flip. I liked this indicator, so…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!
Local Police report
Devine Police Report
August 1
12:42PM – Officer responded to a minor three vehicle non-injury accident on IH 35 NB MM 124.
August 2
12:03PM – Complainant on E Hondo Ave reported tan F150 all over roadway, stopped at location. Located at QT. All okay.
12:59PM – Officer responded to a minor two vehicle accident on Hondo Ave E
14:00PM – Officer stopped vehicle for traffic violation on Hondo Ave E. Male subject DWLI; citation needs to be mailed due to driver being transported to Main Methodist.
18:54PM – Officer issued two citations on Oakhill Dr for parking violations to 18 wheelers.
20:04PM – Complainant on FM 469 called in reference to male walking with blood all over shirt. Officer made location; male said he had a nose bleed. No offense had been made. Courtesy ride given to male.
20:49PM – Complainant on Libold Dr reported ex-boyfriend sent texts that he would harm her. Requesting extra patrol due to active Criminal Trespass Warning. Male not observed.
23:14PM – Multiple calls regarding possible van on fire on Fullerton Dr. under IH 35 bridge. Checked area but unable to locate. Advise van continued NB on IH 35.
August 3
7:50AM – Caller reported suspicious activity on Fullerton Dr.
15:53PM – Officer assisted other agency with vehicle pursuit and bail out on FM 467
19:51PM – Complainant reported suspicious activity on Hondo Ave W, male and female around donation container.
21:21PM – Complainant reported verbal disturbance between male and female on Bright Dr N.
23:27PM – Complainant on Fullerton wanted area patrolled due to possible dog activity. Drove through area, no suspicious activity or person observed.
August 4
21:20PM – Officer assisted MCSO with disturbance on FM 463. All okay.
21:20PM – Complainant on SH 132 N reported a female dumpster diving and manager wanted her off the property.
21:45PM – Complainant on Libold Dr reported ex-boyfriend was in backyard and there was a criminal trespass warning against him. Complainant did not want to file charges.
August 5
0:29AM – Complainant on Hondo Ave E called in reference to white vehicle passing several times around the parking lot. Vehicle located and driver identified by police. All okay.
17:39PM – Complainant on Dilley Ave W reported common law husband was arguing and being ugly. Complainant wanted him to leave the residence. Subject departed prior to officer’s arrival.
19:09PM – Complainant on Judson St requested a welfare check on step son who was possibly on drugs and saying he wanted to harm himself. Male was located at S Upson Dr and W Hondo Ave. Male did not appear intoxicated and did not want to hurt himself. Male stated he was in his feels; eyes appeared red due to crying, just wanted to walk. Checked for weapons – none located. Contacted complainant via public service, said no welfare concern just didn’t want him at residence.
21:45PM – Officer issued citation to 18 wheeler parked in no parking zone on Oakhill Dr.
August 6
0:29AM – Complainant on Teel Dr S reported vehicles followed her to store in San Antonio and then followed her to gas stations and then to Lytle. Wants extra patrol. Cars were not seen here.
Natalia Police Report
08/03/26 – 2000 Hrs – Officers dispatched to business in the 21000 block of FM 471 S. for a report of a truck driver who was passed out at one of the diesel pumps. Business staff were able to wake the driver; however, he initially refused to move his truck. Upon officers’ arrival, driver had already left the location.
08/03/26 – 2050 Hrs – Officers dispatched to 2100 block of IH-35 S. in Natalia for a report involving two vehicles, described as a black Chrysler and a red Mustang. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate either vehicle. Nothing further was found.
08/04/26 – 1630 Hrs – Officers dispatched to 300 block of 8th Street for a report of a person creating a disturbance with a contractor working at the location. Officers made contact with individual and determined that no crime had occurred. The individual’s grievance involved another subcontractor who was not at the location. No police action was required.
08/04/26 – 1900 Hrs – Officers dispatched to 300 block of CR 6711 to assist an outside agency with a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers determined that the incident involved only a verbal disturbance. The individual creating the disturbance was already in the process of leaving the location. No criminal offense occurred, and no further police action was required.
08/04/26 – 2100 Hrs – Officers dispatched to 19000 block of FM 463 to assist an outside agency with a reported disturbance. Upon arrival, officers determined that the incident involved a physical disturbance. Natalia officers stood by responding agency arrived. Individual involved in the disturbance was taken into custody.
08/06/26 – 0900 Hrs – Officers dispatched to a business located in the 21000 block of FM 471 S. for a possible medical emergency. Upon arrival, officers located a truck driver inside a tractor-trailer who appeared to be experiencing a serious medical episode. EMS responded to the scene and transported the driver to a hospital in San Antonio for further medical treatment.
08/06/26 – 0930 Hrs – Officers responded to a business in the 21000 block of FM 471 S. for a theft report. Officers made contact with a truck driver from Mexico who reported that the cargo security seal on his trailer had been removed sometime between Denton, Texas and Natalia. The driver was unsure where the seal had been removed; however, his company requested that he obtain a police report. A report was completed, and the driver continued on his way.
08/06/26 – 1000 Hrs – Officers dispatched to a church in the 500 block of 5th Street for a report of electricity being used without the church’s consent. Upon arrival, officers discovered that an electrical cord had been run from the church building toward an adjacent property. This incident remains under investigation.
08/06/26 – 1500 Hrs – Officers received a walk-in complaint at the Natalia PD regarding a matter that occurred outside the department’s jurisdiction. The individual was seeking guidance regarding a civil matter. Officers provided guidance and directed the individual to the appropriate Constable’s Office for further assistance.
08/07/26 – 1800 Hrs – Officers dispatched to the Natalia PD for a civil child-custody dispute between two parents. Officers stood by to keep the peace while the parents discussed the situation. The parents ultimately resolved the matter between themselves, and no further police action was required.
08/07/26 – 2100 Hrs – Officers dispatched to a business in the 21000 block of FM 471 S. for a minor accident on the property. Officers discovered the driver had driven off the curb and onto a gravel area, where the vehicle became stuck. The driver appeared to be experiencing a possible medical condition and was not in a condition to continue driving. A tow truck responded and removed the vehicle. The driver was picked up by family members.
08/09/26 – 1930 Hrs – Officers dispatched to 400 block of N. Bright Dr to assist outside agency with a disturbance involving an aggressive individual. Natalia officers assisted in controlling the situation. The individual placed under an emergency detention and transported to a medical facility for a psychological evaluation.
08/10/26 – 0253 Hrs – Officers dispatched to a business in the 21000 block of FM 471 S. to assist outside agency with recovery of a reported stolen vehicle. The owner had located vehicle at the business but didn’t have the keys. The vehicle was processed at the scene and impounded.
Lytle Police Report
Monday, August 03
1:20 AM – 19200 Blk. First St. – Officer responded to suspicious activity to find everything okay.
6:00 AM – 19000 Blk. Doc Holiday – Officer received a phone call regarding fireworks being discharged in the Saddle Ridge Subdivision.
9:40 AM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to assist a patient having a mental health crisis and provided a courtesy ride to his residence.
1:04 PM & 3:10 PM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to an active alarm. The business was secure and closed due to an A/C problem.
5:27 PM – Main St. @ McDonald St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident but was advised the drivers didn’t want to make a report.
10:21 PM – Richard Dr. – Officer spoke to a parent regarding child custody issues.
Tuesday, August 04
12:01 AM – 14700 Blk. Butch Cassidy – Officer observed an open trunk on a vehicle while on patrol. Everything was okay.
2:08 AM – Starcross Trail – Officer responded to a report of a woman screaming. Officer was unable to hear or locate any screaming.
3:14 AM – 15400 Blk. Cottage St. – Officer observed a vehicle with an open door. Everything was okay.
9:20 AM – 15100 Blk. Adams St. – Officer spoke to a complainant regarding a stolen 5-gallon gas can. The complainant just wanted to make the PD aware of the incident.
10:58 AM – 14600 Blk. FM 2790 – Officers spoke to the bank regarding a $3,700 check.
2:05 PM – 63300 Blk. Hidalgo St. – Officer responded to the report of numerous tree limbs illegally dumped on the side of the roadway.
2:53 PM – Starcross Trail – Officer responded and spoke with a male and a female solicitor regarding a city sales permit for door-to-door sales.
8:00 PM – 19900 Blk. FM 3175 – Officer responded to transfer a consumer to the SA Behavioral Hospital for a higher level of care.
Wednesday, August 05
3:28 AM – 19200 Blk. First St. – Officers responded to a welfare check on a female experiencing a Mental Health Crisis.
4:58 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a disturbance in the parking lot but were unable to locate it.
9:35 AM – McDonald @ Main St. – Officer responded regarding the malfunctioning traffic lights and cleared the traffic. TxDOT was notified for repairs.
10:06 AM – 19300 FM 2790 – Officer attended the Mini Golf event at the library.
2:50 PM – 14900 Blk. Harbour St. – Officer responded to discover the alarm sounded due to something burning while cooking.
3:30 PM – 14400 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a reckless driver but was unable to locate the maroon Chevrolet Avalanche.
6:58 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a male and a female shoplifting. The male and female were issued a Criminal Trespass Warning per HEB Plus management. The male was arrested on an active Bexar County Warrant for Violation of a Protective Order but was released and transported to the hospital due to chest pains.
9:25 PM – 14900 Blk. Starcross Trail – Officers responded to a suspicious vehicle and discovered that the female driver had an active warrant out of Medina County for Burglary of a Building. A 47 year old female was booked into the Atascosa County Jail on a felony warrant and issued a citation for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
11:19 PM – 14900 Blk. Harbour St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. The residence was secure.
11:25 PM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of suspicious activity and spoke to a female regarding an event that occurred in San Antonio.
Thursday, August 06
11:00 AM – 19900 Blk. Doc Holiday – Officer spoke to a homeowner regarding someone banging on her door.
7:00 PM – 14800 Blk. Lytle-Somerset – Officer responded to a 911 hang-up and found that everything was okay.
10:10 PM – Lytle-Somerset @ Diamond B – Officer responded to a welfare check on a female with a stroller. Everything was okay.
Friday, August 07
12:10 PM – Laredo @ N. Prairie St. – Officer responded to a construction fence in the roadway. The fence was repaired.
8:50 AM – Lytle Primary School – Officer completed an acceptance test for the fire alarm on the new addition.
3:30 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
4:30 PM – Lytle Primary School – Officer completed an acceptance test for the fire alarm on the new addition.
4:43 PM – Adams St. @ Dawson St. – Officer responded to a report of a resident dumping brush on the roadway.
Saturday, August 08
2:43 AM – 19800 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to a report of a car alarm going off. Everything was okay.
7:51 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to check on a male and female sleeping in a truck. Everything was okay.
12:47 PM – 18500 Blk. N. Benton St. – Officer responded to a question regarding a property dispute.
2:51 PM – 19500 Blk. Bruce St. – Officer responded to a report of a 2012 Mazda that was lent to a female and not returned.
4:36 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a false Social Media post about the store’s closure.
4:38 PM – 14600 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer responded to a non-injury hit-and-run accident.
8:00 PM – IH 35 @ Park Place – Officers responded to a welfare check and found the male to be okay.
Sunday, August 09
12:20 AM – Stratford Cove – Officer responded to a report of loud music but was unable to hear or locate any music.
9:10 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of unwanted contact from a male to a female employee.
10:25 AM – 19900 Blk. Lonesome Dove – Officer responded to assist in a property dispute.
10:54 AM – 14900 Blk. Starcross Trl. – Officers responded to a report of two 18-wheelers idling for an extended period.
4:14 PM – 14500 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of a male on a bicycle. Everything was okay.
5:32 PM – 14600 Blk. Richard Dr. – Officer responded to a call regarding an unwanted guest involved in a child custody issue.
6:34 PM – N. Somerset St. @ Adams St. – Officer was flagged down by a citizen regarding a found purse and cell phone.
7:05 PM – 19500 Blk. Bruce St. – Officer spoke to a complainant on the phone regarding a previous call about a lent vehicle that was not returned.
7:58 PM – McDonald St. @ Main St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for no front LP or Motor Vehicle Registration, which resulted in the seizure of the vehicle’s fictitious expired Dealer’s plate.
Devine First Baptist Church under renovation; selling bricks for “Legacy Wall”
The Devine First Baptist Church sanctuary has been gutted by the Baptist men in preparation for a remodel.
“Equipping all generations to impact lives for Christ. ” For the past 144 years, more than seven generations, the First Baptist Church of Devine has been serving the citizens of Devine and the surrounding area by preaching the Word, caring for its members and caring for the community. By leading in projects like Mission Devine, food distribution, establishing new missions, sponsoring new churches in other communities, sending out missionaries across the nation and world, sending youth to camps and hosting Vacation Bible School, FBC Devine has strived to show and share the love of God. We have been doing this for the last 144 years, and are looking forward to the next 144.
Just as the rest of Texas is experiencing dynamic growth as the rest of the nation realizes the advantages of being a Texan, Devine is also growing as more homes and housing developments are being built every day as more people are discovering the advantages of living in a small town where people know and love each other.
Our present sanctuary, the one that many of you grew up in, was built in 1952, right after the end of World War II. Structurally it is very sound, but many of the building codes for wiring, plumbing, fire safety, handicapped accessibility, etc. that we all expect in our public places today did not exist back then.
In 1952, air conditioning was very new, being mostly evaporative cooling, and modern insulation was just being invented. The air conditioning ductwork for the sanctuary has long since rusted and rotted away until we are basically cooling the attic before we get any cool air down into the congregation. This along with inadequate…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!
Albert Joseph King
Albert Joseph King, 89, of Devine, TX passed away on August 1, 2026. He was born in Hondo, TX on July 25, 1937 to William & Elizabeth (Weiss) King.
He attended the Shook School in Devine, TX before transferring to St. Louis Catholic School in Castroville, TX where he graduated in 1957. He briefly worked at Sammy’s Restaurant in Castroville before joining the Air Force in October of 1957 where he proudly served for 28 years, retiring in 1985 from Randolph AFB. He liked to say he almost traveled around the world through his multiple transfers and TDY’s.
After retirement he moved back to Devine, TX sharing a fence line with the original family farm on his little piece of land that he called Oasis. He would do odd jobs for neighbors to keep busy and loved working in his garden and maintaining his pecan and peach trees. He was an avid woodworker and called himself the Wood Wacker. He loved to tinker and could pretty much fix anything he put his mind to. He taught Sunday School at St. Louis for several years and was a very active member of the American Legion Post 460 in Castroville, that is named after his uncle Joseph Weiss. He later raised goats and chickens and very much-loved being outdoors. His greatest joy in his life however was his family and every moment with them was cherished.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years Monica King of Devine, their daughter Katherine Hacker and husband Jody of Devine, grandson Michael King Hacker and wife Anna of Devine, granddaughter Jessica Hacker of Devine, and four great grandsons, the oldest being his namesake Waylon Albert King Hacker, Hutsyn Hacker, Austin Hacker, and Colten Hacker, all of Devine. He is also survived by his older sister BettyLou Lewis of Maryland and his younger brother Bryan King of Devine.
He was a faithful man that loved God, his country and his family.
A special thank you to his hospice nurse, Margie, who was an angel in a nurse’s uniform. Her care and dedication to our family cannot be measured in words. We will forever be grateful.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 13, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home, with the Holy Rosary recited at 5:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026 at St. Louis Catholic Church. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery in Castroville, Texas.
Memorials may be made in Albert’s memory to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. www.tondre-guinn.com
St. Louis Day Homecoming Festival set for Aug. 22-23 in Castroville
As has happened for the last 144 years, the famed St. Louis Day Celebration will again open the gates to visitors from all over the state. Dubbed years ago, by the Texas Tourist Agency as “The Homecoming for the State of Texas,” the giant festival will again serve tons of barbecued beef, Alsatian style sausage, and food, drink, music, games and fun all day long for friends who make the trip each year to historic Castroville. According to the Visitors Center guest book, the last few years have attracted visitors from more than 100 Texas towns and cities, 17 different states, and 14 countries. In only its 15th year on the shady Koenig Park grounds is one of fastest growing and most popular attractions: The St. Louis Day Biergarten.
According to Frankie Kempf, Asst. Publicity Director, the Biergarten idea was born, appropriately enough, by a couple of parishioners sitting around a “kegerator” reminiscing about the fond memories of St. Louis Days gone by. The idea was presented to the general chairmen to have a Saturday evening biergarten party who then decided to give it a try, and now it hosts a huge crowd of visitors on Saturday evening the night before the actual celebration. So on August 22 at 6:30 p.m., the Super Saturday Biergarten Party will serve ice cold draught beer, wine, other refreshments and food, and live music for those who will make a weekend out of St. Louis Day. The Boardwalk games will be open for children Saturday night and the adults can enjoy the large Silent Auction, St. Louis Downs and the famous washer pitch and cornhole tournaments. Succulent all beef hot dogs, known as Sarge’s St. Louie Red Hots, pulled pork sandwiches and piping hot nachos will be served for guests as well. Also back by popular demand will be the giant pizza served by Dirt Road Cookers. As in previous years, the gala will be held under nature’s tent beneath the shady canopy of the park where party-goers will be able to spread out and do what is supposed to happen at a homecoming—visit with old friends and make new ones. Plenty of seating is available for those who wish to get off their feet, and it is not unusual to see guests bring their own lawn chairs and relax the night away to good music, ice cold beer and great conversation.
According to Biergarten entertainment chairman, Duane Garza, the Saturday night featured entertainers this year will kick off with a great local favorite the Weston Ripps Band at 6:30 p.m. The Jeremy Richards Band, another great local favorite, will follow at 8:30 and dazzle the crowd with spectacular guitar and vocal talent until 11 p.m.
Sunday, August 23, is the actual festival day when thousands of visitors will flock to “The Little Alsace of Texas.” Besides the amazing BBQ plate, the day will be jam-packed with entertainment at two different venues on the grounds including the Biergarten Stage and the ever-popular Riverside Stage. Featured talent and bands this year include Fire on the Mountain Cloggers, the Alsatian Dancers of Texas, the Alamo City Community Marching Band, mariachis, local favorites Julie Guinther & Michele Mangold, and up and coming new talent, Gavin Ripps, will wow the crowd with his talents for the first time. Taking the stage at 3:30 will be the ever-so-talented Jamie Lin Wilson followed by crowd pleaser Natalie Rose. In addition, there will be the popular games for young and old including the popular bingo pavilion. Our Plant Booth and Just Treasures will provide great deals for visitors who like to shop. The spacious air-conditioned hall will house one of the best and biggest silent auctions along with the Country Store featuring homemade and canned items. This year will mark the 28th year of the extremely popular St. Louis Downs “Horseracing Track,” where another lucky person will have his or her name added to the Futurity Champions Wall of Fame. If a lucky volunteer would like to cool off, the popular ice bucket challenge will provide that opportunity as well. And for the little ones, the kid’s Boardwalk promises a great time with brand new and improved games and barrel train ride!
It’s a perfect time to make a weekend visit to historic Castroville and the St. Louis Day celebration August 22-23.
For more information visit www.saintlouisday.com or like St. Louis Day on facebook.
Lytle Lady Pirates: Building something that lasts
Lady Pirate Loundyn Perez digs the ball during Lytle’s annual Parent/Alumni game. Photo by Moose Lopez.
Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
The Lytle Lady Pirates’ volleyball 2026 season has officially begun! With a Parent/Alumni game and a couple of scrimmages under their belt, the black and gold are primed for tournament season. Last year, the Lady Pirates were sixth in the district standings with a record of 4-10 and an overall record of 12-25. Head coach Maggie McOsker said that the ultimate goal for this team, like any other, is to make the post season. In order to reach that goal, she has been imploring the importance of establishing “winning habits.”
“I want our girls to understand that winning habits aren’t something you suddenly develop when district starts, they are built during every drill, every practice, every workout and every match,” McOsker said. “If we can consistently do the little things right and continue getting better each week, I believe we’ll put ourselves in a position to accomplish the goals we’ve set for this season.”
McOsker said the biggest lesson from last season was how important consistency and confidence are. She called back to moments where they were playing to their potential, but there were also moments where they let mistakes snowball and let the momentum of the matches get away from them. So this year they are emphasizing the art of “resetting.”
“Volleyball is a game of mistakes; you’re going to make them. What matters is what you do on the very next ball,” McOsker said. “We have to learn to stay composed, trust one another, and continue competing regardless of the score.”
It’s no secret that Lytle athletics is overflowing with talented players, they can hang with the best of the best any given night. The tricky part about being successful is maintaining that level of play throughout the season. McOsker highlighted three things in order to sustain success: mental toughness, communication and consistency. Moreover, McOsker has stressed the importance of not getting content. The continuous striving for improvement in all facets of the games is what separates the good the from the great.
“Every match has to be approached as another opportunity to improve. Our varsity team had a great summer and won the CYDI Silver Bracket Championship in a league of 33 teams, which was a great accomplishment and showed them what they’re capable of, but that’s also just one step. We want to take that confidence and use it as motivation to keep raising our standard,” McOsker said.
The expectations may be high, but the team has the energy and attitude to match it. The girls have put in a lot of work this offseason between summer leagues, training and skill work. McOsker was elated to see the group has shown the desire to improve every day.
“What I’ve enjoyed most is seeing different girls begin to find their voices and understand their roles. Leadership doesn’t always have to come from the loudest person in the gym. Sometimes it’s the player who consistently works hard, picks up a teammate after a mistake, or sets the standard during a drill.”
This sets the standard for the younger groups like the JV and freshmen who have made “leaps and bounds of improvements this summer.”
Overall, McOsker is excited about the direction of the entire Lytle volleyball program. The work being done this off season extends to the junior high girls as well who have been diligently working with their volleyball coaches as well as their strength and conditioning coach. Sustained success isn’t a year to year plan, it’s a culmination of consistent effort and the desire to improve that trickles down to everyone involved. A winning program doesn’t begin with one person, it starts with the culture established by the community.
“More than anything, I want our girls to enjoy this season and understand how quickly it goes by. We want to win, compete for a postseason spot, and accomplish some big goals, but we also want to build something that lasts,” McOsker said. “We want our younger players watching the older girls and thinking, ‘That’s the standard I want to live up to.’”
The Lady Pirates will travel to Tilden for their first tournament of the season on Thursday, Aug. 15.
Varsity: Lila Cortinas, Loudyn Perez, Karley Aguilera, Julie Massiate, Emma Fernandez, Payton Devaney, Milahni Mejia, Macey Ford, Madison Hernandez, Mikailah Mejia and Lillian Evans.
JV1: Sophie Aguirre, Avary Hernandez, Priscilla Martinez, Jazlene Dominguez, Lilliana Gallegos, Annabella Simmons, Marley Macias, Analia Menchaca, Autumn Foster, Gia Gonzales.
JV2: Aubrey Olivarez, Jocelyn Hernendez, Miranda Leija, Marlen Vasquez, Aaliyah Rodriguez, Alexa Flores, Allie Dempsey, Addisyn Lara, Arabella Castro, Amerlie Hernandez, Celia Perales.
DHS Tennis puts MV up the Creek with district opening victory
Head Coach Kandi Darnell praises her troops after their district-opening win.
Jerel Beaty-Staff writer
The equivalent of a major league pitcher taking a perfect game into the final out of a baseball game but not getting that final out on a close call at first base on a routine grounder is almost similar to a high school Team Tennis squad winning 20 of the first 21 matches but unable to secure that closing set is exactly what Devine Head Coach Kandi Darnell and her band of heavy swingers did on August 5 as the Warhorses and Arabians opened their 2026 campaign with a near perfect 20 to 1 victory over not yet opened Medina Valley Creek View High School on the Cougars brand spanking-new home courts over in San Antonio.
It took longer to write that 116 word opening sentence than it did for most Warhorses and/or Arabians in disposing their Cougar-counterparts rather methodically as Devine opened its District 28 season 1-0 while Creek View drops to 0-1.
“Coach Zac Valenzuela and I have been preparing our players for this match in particular, and the players came through by playing extremely well overall,” Darnell said after their near-perfect conquering of the Cougars.
An unofficial 11-6…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!
Arabian volleyball now in regular season mode
Arabian Peyton Dixon Davis skies for the spike while Brooke DuBose and Calleigh Schneider stand ready to recover during Devine’s scrimmage against Navarro. Photo by Moose Lopez.
Jerel Beaty-Staff writer
The Arabian volleyball team is nearly two weeks into the 2026 season and with that has come two scrimmages, an Alumni Game, and their first game against San Antonio Wagner on August 11 firmly under their belt.
First-year Devine Head Coach Samantha Mendez has liked what she has seen from her team between the line but is also equally impressed by what she has seen when the ball is not in play and by the way the veteran players have taken on leadership roles.
“What has impressed me most about the first week of practice is the team chemistry,” Mendez said. “Our players are constantly pushing one another to become better athletes and better team…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!