New World screwworm prevention efforts and related operational updates

As part of preventative efforts to stop the northward spread of NWS, USDA has established a new sterile fly dispersal area (polygon) that will extend approximately 50 miles into Texas along the U.S. border with Tamaulipas, Mexico. While NWS has not been detected in Texas, South Texas landowners may observe preventative sterile fly deployments in their area.
Sterile NWS flies do not cause infestations and are a proven, safe tool used to suppress NWS populations by reducing egg production. These deployments may not be noticeable during day-to-day operations, but targeted aerial and ground dispersals are a critical component of an effective NWS prevention strategy.
We are currently awaiting further guidance from USDA and TAHC regarding the specific timeline for sterile fly dispersals in Texas. We have also formally requested that landowners be notified in advance of any aerial or ground-based sterile fly deployments, so producers are aware of activity occurring on or near their operations.
Operationally, Moore Air Base is scheduled to receive its first shipment of NWS pupae on Monday, February 2nd to test dispersal systems. Following this test phase, the dispersal facility is expected to be fully operational within the next two to three weeks. On the production side, Mexico’s NWS facility is projected to reach a capacity of approximately 100 million sterile flies by the end of the year. Additionally, groundbreaking on the production facility at Moore Air Base is scheduled for March 2026, with completion currently anticipated in 2027.
Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association will continue to monitor developments closely and share updates as more information becomes available.
Source: TSCRA.org

Somerset squeaks by freshman Horses

Freshman Warhorse #21 Stephen Caballero muscles his way to the baseline during Devine’s thrilling game against Somerset. Caballero secured one board during this game. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
The never-say-die freshman Horses tried their best making a valiant comeback attempt versus the visiting Somerset Bulldogs on January 27. After falling behind by 14 points in the first half, Devine closed to with three points going into the final quarter.
However, time ran out for the Horses and Coach Zachary Robles in their 45-33 setback to Somerset.
Brian Martinez led Devine with 11 points followed by Collier Paige who had 10 points.
Martinez and Paige were also 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!

Lytle Tennis shows out in Somerset

JV Lady Pirates Robin Alvarez and Emma Hemenway captured first place in the Girls doubles during the Somerset tournament. Photo from Julie Cameron.

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports editor
The Lytle JV and Varsity Tennis squads traveled to Somerset for their next tournament of the season. Head coach Julie Cameron said the team showed “heart, hustle, and Pirate pride” as they had multiple athletes advance through multiple rounds. 
Varsity
Cameron said Varsity brought energy and grit to the court to ensure they got to stay on the court as long as possible.
“Frank Ng made an impressive run to the quarterfinals in Boys Singles, while Jazzy Carillo and Rosendo Gonzalez fought their way into the Mixed Doubles Consolation Finals,” Cameron said. 
Janelle Young and Marlen made it to 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!

Arabians roll two wins over Somerset, Pearsall as playoffs loom

Varsity Arabian #15 Kenadi Marek ascends for the block during Devine’s dominant win over Pearsall. Marek had nine points in the game, five of them were scored in the fourth quarter. Photo by Brigid Howard.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Arabian Head Coach Hannah Thompson and her crew of basketball players took care of business over the last couple of games as they stayed in the thick of a playoff berth with consecutive wins over Somerset and Pearsall.
Devine played Floresville on February 3, and finish league play against Uvalde on Sessions Court on February 6 then travel to Carrizo Springs for their finale on February 10.
Prior to tipoff versus the Jaguars, Devine sat in third place tied with Somerset whom they split their season series at 1-1. Both teams were 5-4 with the Lady Bulldogs more than likely defeating winless Pearsall on February 3.
Carrizo Springs pretty much has…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!

Horses defeat Pearsall, chase playoff positioning

Varsity Warhorse #0 Christian Beaver swings on the rim after the emphatic dunk during warmups before Devine’s game against Somerset. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Devine went 1-1 over the last week, not counting their February 3rd monumental tip against Floresville on Sessions Court. The Horses were sitting firmly in fourth place in District 27-4A after defeating Pearsall on January 30 and could theoretically move up in the standings if they pulled out a win against the visiting Tigers.
A Devine win would put both teams at 6-3 and even in a tiebreak situation. A Floresville win would put them at 7-2 and drop the Horses to 5-4 with the Tigers holding the 2-0 tiebreak if they happen to finish with identical district records.
Devine lost to Somerset on January 27, dropping to 0-2 against the third place 5-2 Bulldogs and giving them the tiebreak advantage. Carrizo Springs and Pearsall need some sort of unfathomable magic to have any hopes of joining the state playoffs.
The Horses are primed…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 Pirates clicking at the right time as playoffs loom closer

Varsity Lady Pirate #23 Loudyn Perez looks to pass the ball from the corner during Lytle’s win against Natalia. Perez made some impactful days on defense during Lytle’s double overtime win against Cotulla. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports editor
The Lytle Lady Pirates continue to separate themselves in the district standings to ensure their post season seeding. With the double overtime victory over Cotulla, 69-64 and the loss to Hondo, 24-74 the Lady Pirates have placed themselves two games ahead of Poteet, securing the fourth spot in district. 
During their dramatic double overtime victory against Cotulla, the Pirates were down 15 at one point before having a resurgence in the fourth quarter where they outscored the Cowgirls 35-15 in the period. Head coach Lori Wilson praised Aliana Cardenas’ poise under pressure. With three seconds left Wilson drew up a play for Cardenas, where she got fouled and sent to the line.
“With no time on the clock,…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!

JV Horses knock down Pearsall

JV Warhorse #5 Brody Lane focuses on the rim during Devine’s game against Pearsall. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
The JV Horses may not have started last week on a winning note, but they more than made up for it in Pearsall as they demolished the Mavericks 58-50 on Friday night.
Devine had played a spirited game against Somerset on Tuesday but fell short of victory. Their latest win will hopefully carry over to their last few remaining games.
vs Pearsall
From the time the Warhorses hit their first bucket then quickly went up 7-0, they never trailed in their 58-50 win on the road over the Mavericks. Becker Byrd had team-highs of 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 of his team’s 10 steals.
Jack Bandel also knocked down double figures as he finished with 11 points. Nick Vasquez also had a nice stat line of 9 points and 7 rebounds and Jacob McKee was next going for 8 points and 7 rebounds. Jack Rumfield had his team’s only blocked shot.
Devine led 15-5 after the first period and 30-20 at the break. The Horses took a 39-35 lead into the final frame.
Coach Zac Valenzuela was rightly pleased with his crew’s overall complete performance saying, “We were powered by dominance on the glass and balanced scoring throughout the lineup. We set the tone in the trenches.”
Valenzuela was…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!

Warhorse lifters Castilleja, Hagdorn medal in Floresville

Angel Castilleja earned gold at Floresville lifting meet. Photo by Betsy Leal.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
As the high school powerlifting season hits past the halfway point, Warhorse lifters are gaining traction on qualifying totals to advance to the Regional Meet that is in just a few weeks. Angel Castilleja and Jackson Hagdorn led Devine at Floresville last Thursday but other lifters had nice showings as well.
Castilleja earned a gold medal in the 242 pound weight class as he totaled 1,145 pounds between squad, bench, and deadlift.
Hagdorn finished…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!

Medina County Jr. Livestock Showers

Reyna Crain of Devine (center) shows her goat which took 5th place at the MCJL Stock Show this past week. Stock Show photos by Brigid Howard and Mable Byrd.

Above, Andres Terrazas shows with Natalia FFA.

Thomas Steffens was one of many local kiddos competing at the MCJL Show.

Christian Contreras competing for Sr Showmanship at the Medina County Jr. Livestock Show.