Celebrating 126 Years of Serving the communities of Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Bigfoot, and Moore in Medina, Frio, and Atascosa Counties
Since DVFD has received First Responder Organization (FRO) from the state, the department has re-organized the training to include medical. Continue reading “Devine volunteer firefighters complete specialized training to aide medical responders”
Natalia, Tx. (February 5, 2021) – Silver Eagle Beverages and Anheuser-Busch partnered to donate more than 7,000 cans of emergency drinking water to the Natalia Volunteer Fire Department in Natalia, TX, providing a critical resource to the men and women who risk their lives to protect the local community each day.
Continue reading “7,000 cans of emergency drinking water donated to Natalia Volunteer Fire Department by Silver Eagle Beverages and Anheuser-Busch Partner”
Michael Carson of Starson Investments, LLC, was directed to the Planning and Zoning Board after the Devine City Council heard his request for the extension of Dixon Drive and water and sewer lines at the meeting on January 26.
Continue reading “Devine City Council fields request for road, utility line extension”
Sandy Jopling and Bonnie Manning were elected to the Devine Chamber of Commerce Board during a meeting held last Thursday, February 4.
Continue reading “Election of Jopling, Manning fills out Chamber Board”
The City of Lytle welcomes Edward Eichelberger, who was hired to fill the newly created position for the City of Lytle.
Continue reading “Lytle welcomes new Financial Director; hires new auditing team”
The City of Lytle, Texas, honored Coaches Hadley Foster and Gilbert Ruiz for their involvement and mentorship of three Lytle I.S.D. students, JoseCarlos Hernandez, Gregorio Alcorta and Kyle Mueller, members of the Lytle I.S.D. Cross-Country team. Continue reading “City of Lytle honors coaches and senior Cross Country runners”
Devine ISD is quarantining a 2nd grade elementary classroom after multiple people in the class tested positive. Continue reading “Devine puts elementary class in quarantine after small COVID outbreak”
All four commissioners and Judge Schuchart were present for the January 28 Commissioners Court meeting, with 16 guests present and an unknown number attending virtually.
Continue reading “Sesaja promises 170 jobs within four years in Medina County, producer of sesame & avocado oils”
Amanda Aguinaga nominated her father as her hero this week, after he overcame all the odds and beat Covid, despite a devastating prognosis.
Continue reading “After 21 days in a coma, a miracle”
The City of Lytle presented Mark Bowen with the 2020 Annual Daniel J. McGrath, D.V.M. Citizenship Award during their regular meeting on February 8, 2021.
“Tonight, we would like to show our gratitude and appreciation for your service Mark to our community”, said Ruben Gonzalez, City of Lytle Mayor. “Throughout the years, you have volunteered (this is a non-paid job with lots of responsibilities), you volunteered to make a difference in Lytle and have touched others in our community by your personal involvement, both as a community leader, public servant and family man”.
“Mark you are valued for being on call for those late night calls of either a major accident or incident from the police department or when getting a late night call from our public works department.
“Mark you are valued for being at all the meetings you attended and documents that you had to sign representing our community and keeping things going for our city.
Mark Bowen served 26 years, 14 of those as a city councilman and 12 years as the Mayor of Lytle.
Things that Gonzalez pointed out that came to mind about Mayor Bowen during his tenure as Mayor of Lytle from May, 2008 to November 2020 are:
Lytle’s ordinances were re-codified, which had not been done since 1978. The Lytle Animal Control facility was built. The Police Station was built. Gidley Square was built. The Fire Department was able to remold its fire station. The City Hall was remodeled. John Lott Municipal Park was renovated. Water Well #4 was started, and would have been completed if it wasn’t for all the obstacles that the city has encountered. One thing that stands out about Mayor Bowen is that he was very supportive of Lytle’s non-profit groups like the fire department, the VFW, Chamber of Commerce, Lytle Allies and the NHS. Other things that he will be remembered for are how much he loved bringing back the 4th of July Fireworks Show, holding the annual hayride, and allowing the employees to get the street decorated for the Christmas season and this event.
“Mark, you are valued for the safety of our city by committing volunteer hours to our citizen’s patrol and being an extension of PD’s eyes and ears. You are also valued for hanging in there with those interesting conversations with Richey.
“You are valued for always supporting development in our city… putting in a little extra with our Motto “A City on the Grow.”
“Lastly, you are valued for your family and religious priorities both in Lytle and Devine. You set the example by holding a key position in your church and making sure we didn’t forget what it is about,” said Mayor Gonzalez.
As a way to thank him for his time as a public servant, they gave him three gifts, one for his time as a councilman, one for the time as a Mayor, and one for being selected by council as the Citizen of the Year. “Thank you for your committed service and involvement to our community.
“Thank you for the award. I grew up here and the community is my family. It’s been fun and busy. Just a few months into my first year as Mayor, Josie said there is this guy named Gabe Garcia and we have to plan a huge event. And it was huge. It’s been full speed ahead from the beginning.”
By Kathleen Calame
Publisher
