Internal promotions and structural shifts ensure a seamless transfer of knowledge
(Hondo, Texas) – 1/12/2026 – Medina Electric Cooperative announces a strategic reorganization of its leadership team and the appointment of a new Chief Member Relations Officer, effective January 2. These changes are driven by a commitment to operational excellence and a strategic realignment of departments to better serve the cooperative’s growing membership following several key retirements.
New Chief Member Relations Officer Appointed
Leading a new team is Katie Kothmann Haby, who has been promoted to the recently created role of Chief Member Relations Officer. A veteran of the utility industry with 16 years of experience, Haby has spent the last 13 years at Medina EC, demonstrating a deep understanding of the cooperative’s mission and its members’ needs.
Under this new structure, communications, business development and member services will be consolidated under Haby’s leadership. This move is designed to streamline member touchpoints and ensure a cohesive strategy for community engagement and growth.
Strategic Departmental Realignment
To further optimize operations and prepare for the future, Medina EC is realigning several key internal functions.
Human Resources will move under the Chief Financial Officer, linking workforce development with long-term fiscal planning.
Safety will transition under the engineering department to further integrate safety-first protocols into technical workflows.
Facilities will move under operations, aligning physical asset management with field activities.
Honoring a Legacy of Service
The reorganization comes as Patti Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer, prepares for retirement after a distinguished 27-year career with Medina EC. Taylor is joined by several other dedicated team members also retiring this year; collectively these individuals represent over 176 years of industry knowledge and service to our members. Additionally, the cooperative is pleased to announce that Armando Castillo has been promoted to Manager of Southern Region Operations, filling a vacancy created by a concurrent retirement in the field.
“While it is bittersweet to see long-time leaders like Patti move into a well-deserved retirement after nearly three decades of service, we are incredibly excited about the future of Medina EC,” said Trey Grebe, CEO. “By promoting proven internal talent like Katie and Armando, and strategically grouping our departments, we are ensuring that our cooperative remains agile, efficient, and—above all—dedicated to the members we serve.”
Looking Ahead
These leadership changes represent Medina EC’s proactive approach to a changing energy landscape. By aligning member-facing departments under a single chief officer and integrating support services like HR and safety into core operational hubs, the cooperative is positioned for continued stability and enhanced service delivery in the new year.
Author: admin
Medina County Fire/EMS releases 2025 recap, ends with 3,183 emergencies across 4 ESDs
Medina County Fire/EMS released the year-end report which includes service for ESD1, ESD4, ESD2 and ESD6.
In total, Medina County Fire/EMS responded to 3,183 emergencies. Of the total 3,183 calls, 60 were regarding grass/brush fires, 33 concerning residential fires, and 40 responding to vehicle/RV/machinery fires. With that, the departments average response time was 8.1 minutes.
ESD1, requested and we began providing transport EMS on May 30, 2025, responded to 2,110 total calls for the year. Of those calls, 1,422 were EMS responses excluding MVC’s. There were 688 Fire calls including MVC’s.
ESD2, requested, and we began providing fire response on October 1, 2025, responded to 66 fire calls.
ESD4, requested and we began providing transport EMS on October 31, 2025, responded to 390 total EMS calls.
ESD6, the department responded to 615 total calls, with 360 being fire calls including MVC’s and 255 EMS calls excluding MVC’s.
Overall, the Medina County Fire/EMS department experienced a year of significant growth through the increase of staff levels for fire/rescue and bringing the total to 4 of Medina County’s six primary ESD’s (4/6) now being covered by their personnel. (ESD1 Castroville/LaCoste area Fire/EMS, ESD2 Devine area Fire, ESD4 Devine/Natalia/part Lytle EMS area, ESD6 Hondo Fire).
Source: Medina County Fire/EMS.
War Horse’s at the All-American game!
The Devine Warhorse Linebacker Tristan LaFond had a great week in Dallas showing off his skills in the Dream All-American game. Tristan was a standout Linebacker for Team Stars making many stops during his game. He’s an amazing player and we look forward to seeing which college he’ll be playing at next year.
Enoch Hall had an amazing weekend in Dallas Texas. Enoch earned the Leadership Award and was named one of Team Dreams Captain’s as well as winning the MVP award for the game. Enoch had over 200 yards total offense playing both Running back and the slot positions. He had over 150 yards on the ground and over 70 yards receiving. I couldn’t be more proud of how Enoch represented Dream Sports Group and we’ll as the city of Devine. This young man has a very bright future and we look forward to having him come back next year and represent Dream Sports Group. Outstanding job Enoch Hall, Congratulations on these well deserved awards.
Warhorses heating up with big wins over Pearsall, Floresville
Varsity Warhorse #5 Zane Fritz meets his opponent at half court to apply the defensive pressure during Devine’s win over Pearsall. Photo by Brigid Howard.
Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
After a crushing three-point loss against Somerset to start District 27-4A, Devine has settled in to pick up consecutive wins against Pearsall and Floresville to move to 2-1 in league action. The Horses played in Uvalde on January 13.
Now is the perfect time to jump on the Warhorse bandwagon for the rest of this season as Devine seems poised to make a run at the district championship. A January 16 game on Sessions Court against the team that beat them out of the 2024-2025 playoffs should have the home side packed as Carrizo Springs visits the DSAC. The Wildcat fan side always seems to be at near capacity when they play in Devine.
After 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!
One that got away: Arabians drop 43-40 decision to Somerset
Varsity Arabian Madi De La Garza surveys the offense as she crosses half court during Devine’s game against Pearsall. Photo by Brigid Howard.
Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
The Arabians were spot-on for most of their important 27-4A matchup against rival Somerset, building as much as a 15-point lead at one point in the third quarter. Things quickly turned in favor of the Lady Bulldogs after that as Somerset stormed back for the 43-40 win on their home court on January 2.
The Arabians defense was strong, allowing only 12 points in the first half and yielding a respectable 11 in the third.
Somerset put up…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!
Lady Pirate Powerlifting begins ’26 season
The Lady Pirates had a nice showing in their inaugural meet of the 2026 season.
Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Under the direction of Head Coach Melissa Gomez, the Lady Pirates began their 2026 push to greatness in Natalia on January 7 as their season got underway. Seniors Gabriela Cortez and Valeria Gonzalez led the way as Cortez earned 3rd place in the 132 weight class with a total of 585 pounds while Gonzalez took 3rd place in the 148 weight class with a total of 680 pounds.
“We took a team of 9 returners and 2 new lifters to Natalia,” Gomez stated. “The meet had over 90 lifters total competing for medals and team placements and for it being the first meet of the season, girls from around the area went all out!”
With the first meet of the season, there are…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!
Pirates beat Owls 75-64, Pierce reaches 1,000th pt milestone
Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports editor
The Lytle varsity Pirates continue their campaign through the regular season, beating the Hondo Owls 75-64. The Pirates currently sit in third place of the district standings with a record of 2-1 and an overall record of 12-10.
In their win over the Owls on Jan. 6, the Pirates showed exactly why they’re a force in Medina County. Their fast paced offense was firing on all cylinders, keeping Hondo on their heels on offense and then their toes on defense. The Owls had a resurgence in the second half but Lytle dug in defensively to douse Hondo’s hope of a comeback.
“The momentum and energy went back and forth all night, and our defense once again set the tone, led by Weston Jackson and Diego Reyna,” Vela said.
The offense was fueled by Chase Guevara’s 26 points and Seth Pierce’s 24. What capped off the win was Pierce scoring his 1,000th point of his high school career. The senior Pirate is a perfect blend of offensive superiority, mixing physicality bolstered by graceful work and elite basketball IQ to get his teammates involved on all three levels of scoring. Vela said the senior has been a major contributor to the team since he stepped onto the floor as a freshman.
“[Pierce has] been great on both sides of the ball and at times, probably not selfish enough for my liking. He’s a tremendous teammate who makes everyone around him better,” Vela said. “We definitely feel it when he’s not on the floor because of how big of an anchor he is for us, both defensively and offensively. He’s the voice of our team and does a great job getting guys where they need to be. I’ve truly enjoyed being a part of Seth’s journey to 1,000 points.”
On Friday Jan. 9, the Pirates first loss of district play 55-95 to Crystal City. The Javelinas are a top 10 team in the state so Vela knew this matchup would be an uphill battle. Crystal City set the pace from the opening tip and the Pirates couldn’t match their offensive production.
The Pirates are looking to bounce back in this week’s rivalry game against the Natalia Mustangs on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at Lytle’s gym then the Pirates will travel to Jourdanton on Friday, Jan. 16 to take on the Indians at 7:15 p.m.
Lady Pirates look to course correct in this week’s rivalry game
Varsity Lady Pirate #22 Landynn Guzman meets her defender on the baseline during Lytle’s intense game against Hondo. Photo by Moose Lopez.
Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports editor
The Lytle Lady Pirates have dropped their last two games, taking their first losses since the start of district play. The Lady Pirates fell to the Hondo Owls 26-51 then traveled to Crystal City, dropping the game 25-80. The Pirates still hold the fourth seed in standings so as of time of press their playoff hopes are still alive.
Vs. Hondo
The Lady Pirates had seen…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!
Mustangs turn turnovers into wins, Alderete reaches 1,000 pts
Varsity Mustang #4 Peyton Alderete brings the ball up the floor during Natalia’s win over Poteet. Alderete reached the incredible milestone of scoring over 1,000 pts in his high school career. Photo by Moose Lopez.
Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports editor
The varsity Natalia Mustangs have ascended to 3-0 in district play , securing the number one seed in the standings. This week, the Mustangs took down the Dilley Wolves in dominant fashion 59-27 then protected home court against the Poteet Aggies, 53-36.
The Mustangs dismantled Dilley on both sides of the ball. The Wolves had no answer for Natalia’s constant rim pressure, shooting a whopping 51% in the paint. The Mustangs took away all three levels of scoring for Dilley, turning 24 turnovers into 28 points. The Wolves could hardly get the ball up the floor, let alone score.
“Our rotations were sharp, we forced turnovers, and that led to easy points in transition. We have to continue finding ways to do those things,” Head coach Justin Welsh said. “The focus has to be consistent every night in district play. I do think this group understands that and their ability to lock in when needed is a big reason we were able to earn a couple wins last week.”
In their win against the Aggies, Natalia immediately fell into their flow of consistent defense, supplemented by steady shotmaking. The Mustangs forced Poteet to cough up the ball 29 times, hindering the Aggies from establishing any kind of foundation offensively. Every time Poteet swung the ball, they were met by a slew of white jerseys and waving arms. Guard Damian Aguinaga led the charge defensively collecting a game-high of six steals. Taking away their opponents offensive rhythm is how the Mustangs dictate the pace of the game and force their opponents to take tough shots. Welsh said the poise and focus comes from their connectivity as a seasoned unit. Their roster is filled with players who have seen their share of battles on the hard wood.
“That experience shows in how they communicate, how they respond when things don’t go our way and how they stay composed throughout the game,” Welsh said. “They’ve put in the time, they trust each other and they understand the moment.”
The win was stamped by senior guard Peyton Alderete scoring the 1000th point against of his high school career. Payton led all scorers with 25 points. Welsh said an accomplishment like this speaks volumes about the impact Alderete has had on Natalia’s program throughout the years and the dedication to the team began his first day on the floor.
“He’s been a major contributor for us for a long time and that consistency is what makes the milestone so meaningful,” Welsh said. “He puts constant pressure on the defense with his ability to shoot and be a playmaker, but he also understands how to get others involved and make the game easier for his teammates.”
The Mustangs look to remain undefeated in the district as they travel to Lytle on Tuesday, Jan. 13 to take on the Pirates then will defend home court against the Hondo Owls on Friday, Jan. 16 at 7:15 p.m.
Stats
Vs. Dilley
Scoring: #1 Damian Aguinaga- 16 pts, #4 Peyton Alderete- 12 pts, #12 Mason Giera- 2 pts, #14 Juan Gonzales- 4 pts, #20 Maddox Corker- 1 pt, #23 RJ De La O- 6 pts, #30 Andrew Monreal- 18 pts
Rebounds: #1 Aguinaga- 2 reb, #4 Alderete- 6 reb, #11 Sebastian Soto- 1 reb, #12 Giera- 7 reb, #14 Gonzales- 7 reb, #20 Corker- 2 reb, #23 RJ- 11 reb (5 offensive), #30 Monreal- 5 reb
Assists: #1 Aguinaga- 3 ast, #4 Alderete- 3 ast, #12 Giera- 1 ast, #14 Gonzales- 3 ast, #30 Monreal- 2 ast
Steals: #1 Aguinaga- 5 stl, #4 Alderete- 6 stl, #14 Gonzales- 3 stl, #23 RJ- 1 stl, #30 Monreal- 3 stl
Blocks: #23 RJ- 1 blk
Vs. Poteet
Scoring: #1 Aguinaga- 11 pts, #4 Alderete- 25 pts, #14 Gonzales- 8 pts, #23 RJ- 7 pts, #30 Monreal- 2 pts
Rebouds: #1 Aguinaga- 6 reb, #4 Alderete- 6 reb, #12 Giera- 5 reb, #14 Gonzales- 2 reb, #23 RJ- 7 reb, #30 Monreal- 1 reb
Assists: #1 Aguinaga- 4 ast, #4 Alderete- 1 ast, #14 Gonzales- 2 ast
Steals: #1 Aguinaga- 6 stl, #4 Alderete- 3 stl, #14 Gonzales- 2 stl, #23 RJ- 4 stl, #30 Monreal- 3 stl
Blocks: #23 RJ- 2 blk
JV Horses pick up a district win vs Pearsall
JV Warhorse #24 Jack Rumfield surveys the court from the wing during Devine’s intense game against Pearsall. Photo by Moose Lopez.
Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
The JV Horses went 1-1 over the past week as they drilled Pearsall 71-40 before falling in Floresville 45-24. Devine played in Uvalde on January 13 and have upcoming games against Carrizo Springs and Pleasanton.
vs Pearsall
The JV Horses had little problem taking care of the visiting Mavericks as Devine ran going away 71-40. Nine of the 12 that saw action got their name in the scoring column with the other three non-scorers contributing in important ways with rebounding, assists, steals, blocking shots, or…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!