Author: admin

AEP Texas replacing poles and lines around Devine, a very important part of the corridor

Transmission lines are being updated around Devine by AEP Texas as well as poles. Devine and Pearsall are “an important part of the corridor” that feeds a lot of power to West Texas and Laredo, officials said. This work is part of a 3-year Resiliency Plan. Photo credit: AEPTexas.

Kathleen Calame
Publisher, The Devine News
Crews for AEP Texas have been busy working around Devine the past few months upgrading infrastructure by replacing aging electric poles and wires, doing enhanced vegetation control by aggressive tree trimming and cleaning along power line right of ways, as well as adding new technologies. All to improve overall grid reliability for South and West Texas customers, aimed to shorten outages due to extreme weather, and reduce wildfire risks. They also aim to strengthen the grid for faster power restoration and greater resilience.
In Devine they are upgrading poles and the feeder wire between the substations. Devine is part of a very important corridor with large transmission lines to Pearsall which feeds a lot of power to West Texas and Laredo. Work can be seen on Colonial Parkway, Brown, and main streets Hwy 132 (Teel Drive), and West Hondo Ave (Hwy 173), to name a few.
The area has experienced a lot of population growth, and the $318 million dollar 3-year resiliency plan should help address that and as well as help crews bounce back quickly after a storm with the hardened infrastructure and new technology. The following press releases give additional details:
AEP Texas Advances Resiliency Plan for Stronger Electric Grid
September 22, 2025 AEP Texas continues to make progress on its three-year resiliency plan to strengthen the electric grid and improve its resiliency and reliability for customers across South and West Texas. Contractors have successfully replaced 765 poles and restrung miles of wire in the last few months, and continue focusing on vegetation management.
With engineering efforts nearing 90 percent completion for this year’s projects, the number of active crews will expand to 55 by the end of the year. This ramp-up supports AEP Texas’s 2025 goal of replacing 3,700 poles and 76 miles of wire to meet resiliency standards.
Another area of the resiliency plan focuses on vegetation management. AEP Texas continues its focus clearing vegetation in its rights-of-way to reduce outages caused by tree contact. “Over the next three years, more than…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!

ESD4 ambulance board installs new commissioners

Patrick Bourcier, newly named vice president of the Medina County Emergency Services Board No. 4, using a PowerPoint presentation showing the most recent ambulance calls made by the district. (Photo by Anton Riecher)

By Anton Riecher
With a full quorum of five commissioners seated for the first time in many months, the Medina County Emergency Services District No. 4 board of commissioners conferred on establishing goals for the coming year during its Jan. 14 meeting.
In the new board’s first major action, Brenda Butler, named as the new board secretary, was asked by board president Steve Smith to develop recommendations for an overall plan for better outreach to the public to communicate ESD4 activities.
“Each time, good or bad, something comes in from the field, we need to be able to get that out and communicate it right away and make sure (the public) understands what is going on,” Smith said. “If we screw something up, then we say ‘Hey, we messed this up, here is where we are at.’”
Butler, appointed to fill a temporary term last year, was named by the county commissioners to a full two-year term on the board. Joining her as new board members are Patrick Bourcier, a previous board member, and Debbie Randall, a former member of the Devine City Council.
Each board member was polled on what position they felt best suited to fill. Smith said he would like to continue for another term as board president.
“There are some things I’d like to get done over the next year that I don’t think I can do in another role,” Smith said.
In the end, each board member won appointment to the position they listed as their first choice. Bourcier said he felt he could contribute best in the vice president position.
“I’ve been involved in the ESD side of this since pretty much the beginning,” he said. “After reviewing the financial report I’ve got to tell you I was excited and happy. I’ve never seen a better set of financial reports.”
A financial report presented by board treasurer Patrick DuBose showed the ESD holding $1.027 million in funds, including $372,744 in money market accounts, $236,223 in operating funds, $126,280 in savings and $340,000 earned from property tax.
Sales tax…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!

Natalia JH Band competes at JH Region Band competition

Natalia Junior High School band participated in the JH Region Band competition on Monday, January 19th along with more than 20 schools and almost 500 kids. Congratulations to the following students placed: Kloe Pinner, Flute Symphonic 5th chair; Braelyn Smith, Clarinet Symphonic 7th chair; Isaias Mendez, Trumpet Symphonic 5th chair; Joshua Reynolds, Alto Saxophone Concert, 2nd chair and Lorenzo Moralez, Clarinet Concert 2nd chair.
Alternates: Emma Gomez, Flute; Luna Perales, Tenor Saxophone and Memphis Lopez-Guerrero.

Meet Jocelyn and Aide…a dynamic duo

Both sisters agree on several things … they want to be adopted together, by forever parents who will always love them… and a home with pets as they love all types of animals.

Meet Jocelyn and Aide… a fun and dynamic duo! This pair is full of love and energy. Not only are they sisters… but best friends as well, and they love doing everything together.
Jocelyn at 12 years of age, is a bubbly and effervescent child. She is extremely energetic, happy, and full of personality. Jocelyn enjoys spending time outdoors, going to the park and playing outside. She also enjoys indoor activities such as watching movies, watching music videos, singing and dancing.
Some of Jocelyn’s favorites.
Attending school – seeing her friends
Any kind of pet
Going bowling
And … Peter Piper Pizza and McDonalds
Aide at 8 years of age, and like her big sister, she is sweet, loving, and fun. Even though she is not even a teenager yet, she already has a pretty good idea of what she wants to attend college for, to become a school teacher when she grows up.
When it comes to fun … Aide likes taking part in outdoor activities, as much as she likes getting dressed up to go window shopping.
Some of Aide’s favorites are:
Class at school – Reading
Restaurant – McDonalds (chicken nuggets)
Color – Purple
Activity – Dancing
Anything she can do with her sister by her side.
Aide loves her sister and is looking forward to being adopted with her big sister into their forever home. As Jocelyn and Aide are each other’s biggest supporters and really rely on each other.
If you think you could be a forever family for these sisters … 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.

Local Police report

Natalia Police Report

1/15/202 -: 400 block of Barlett Street – Officers responded to a Verbal Disturbance.
1/15/2025 – 21000 block of FM 471 – Officers were dispatched for an Alarm.
1/16/2025 – 200 block of 9th Street – Officers responded to a (CPS) Child Protective Services, Welfare Check.
1/18/2025 – 200 block of 3rd Street – Officers called out for a Suspicious Vehicle.

Devine Police Report

January 9
20:20PM – Assisted MCSO with chase GMC 2500 on IH 35 NB MM 121; bailed out on CR 777
January 10
0:48AM – Received 911 hang up from McAnnely Ave.; made contact with homeowner who advised everything was okay.
12:15PM – Complainant on Windy Knoll Dr reported lost wallet and contents at park. Wallet was later located by complainant.
18:53PM – Complainant advised of abandoned vehicle on side of Rossville road. Road hazard / vehicle impounded by LoneStar Towing after 24 hours.
22:07PM – Complainant on Mockingbird Lane reported loud noise. Unable to locate.
January 11
1:10AM – Assisted MCSO on CR 6720 with male subject who locked himself in restroom at residence. All okay.
8:00AM – Officer removed large deceased buck in middle of Hondo Ave. W.
9:24AM – Welfare check requested on Hayden Ave for male subject laying on ground. Unable to locate.
10:22AM – Complainant called in reference to an 18 wheeler in no parking zone on Oakhill Dr. Driver issued citation.
14:29PM – Welfare check requested for male subject on SH 173 wearing all black carrying a large cross. Advised subject not to be in the roadway. All okay.
18:26PM – Call in reference to male subject on bike behind store on Hondo Ave E. Identified by police; all okay.
22:35PM – Caller on E Hondo Ave stated a red Dodge Avenger was speeding and revving engine. Unable to locate.
January 12
7:15AM – Complainant on Sayers Dr called in reference to items stolen from his yard.
18:21PM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave E for a minor accident.
January 13
10:31AM – Complainant on Windy Knoll Dr N called in reference to four males in white car that keep making rounds in area.
19:29PM – Officer observed open door on Coker Ave W with key in door lock. House was cleared; unable to locate key holder information. Key was secured in lock by front door.
20:00PM – Officer dispatched to Moore Ave W for a verbal disturbance between husband and wife. Parties were separated and male agreed to leave for the night.
22:57PM – Officer stopped vehicle on Hondo Ave E for traffic violation. Citation issued.
January 14
0:20AM – Officer dispatched to Windy Knoll Dr N for suspicious activity. Red SUV was on location with male who was conducting repairs on building due to a water leak.
8:00AM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave E for a minor accident.
8:00AM – Officer stopped vehicle on Hondo Ave E for traffic violation. Subject cited for DWLI.
15:17PM – Complainant on Fay Ave called in reference to a flock of

Joe Castillo Jr.

Joe Castillo, Jr., born on January 26, 1953, in Stanfield, Arizona, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, at the age of 72, where he later made his home in Lytle, Texas.
Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. A proud Native American man with a wild and free spirit, Joe lived life on his own terms. He had a heart full of love, a contagious laugh, and a way of making everyone around him feel joy and warmth. Though his wings were ready, our hearts were not.
Joe worked for many years as a roofer, providing for his family through hard work, strength, and dedication. Outside of work, he loved to joke, dance, and have a good time. He was always the life of the room, and his favorite song, “Free Bird,” perfectly captured his free spirit and love for living.
Above all else, Joe was the best dad ever. He was the proud father of seven children—“and counting,” as he liked to say—and his family was the center of his world. He adored his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy.
Joe shared a deep and loving bond with his beloved wife, Virginia “Vicki” Torres, whom he cherished deeply. He welcomed her family as his own and loved them with unwavering loyalty and care.
He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia Torres, and his children and their spouses: Jojo Castillo and Sandra Lopez; Tony and Michelle Castillo; Monica Castillo and Lorenzo Olvera; Debby Flores; Katie and David Chlad; Joelouis Barlow and Virginia Reese; Marjorie Castillo and Terrance Bedingfield Jr.; Amy Castillo and Carlos Ortiz; Olivia and Rudy Rodriguez; Stephanie and Dan Booth; Pedro and Loretta Guerrero; Santiago and Marissa Morantez; and Anna Marie Guerrero.
He is also survived by his siblings, Constance Ochoa, Anita Ochoa, and Louie Castillo, along with many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.
Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Marjorie Galvan Hernandez; his father, Jose Castillo; his brother, Daniel Castillo; his sister, Marjorie “Hope” Ochoa; and his grandson, Gabriel Benegas, who now welcome him home in heaven.
Joe now rests in the promise of eternal life, as written in Scripture:
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” — John 11:25–26
A Funeral Mass will be held on January 26, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Church in Lytle, Texas. An open reception will follow the service at the Rodriguez residence.
Joe Castillo, Jr. will be remembered for his love, strength, laughter, dancing, and the powerful legacy he leaves behind through his family. He was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.

William James Cole, Jr (Billy)

Billy was born in Corpus Christi, Tx. He attended and graduated from Pearsall ISD 1981. After graduation he worked in the oilfield for several years until his enlistment in the US Coast Guard. He retired from the USCG and moved to San Antonio for a few years then was in Springfield, IL for several more years until moving back to San Antonio, Tx.
He is survived by 2 sons William Austin Cole (Sarah)and Travis Cole and 1 daughter – Kali Cole. His mother – Linda Cole and Sister – Margie (Randy) Zinsmeyer, Nephews – Beau (Sierra) & Tyson Zinsmeyer. Grandchildren – Makenna , Michael and Abeline Cole as well as multiple Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. He was predeceased by his father William James Cole, Sr. He had a large group of friends in Pearsall and surrounding areas he cherished from his high school days.
His final resting place will be Feb 2, 2026 at 2:30 pm in Ft Sam Houston Memorial Cemetery with full military honors.
Memorials can be made in his honor to a benefit of your choice.

Q&A w/ Warhorse Head Football Coach Jacob Campsey

Devine’s new Head Football Coach, Jacob Campsey, stopped by to visit with his Uncle Bobby Campsey, a long time Warhorse fan. Put simply, Bobby said, “I was born in 1952, and I’ve been a Warhorse fan since 1952.”
“I remember watching Jacob play, and I am really happy to have Jacob back in Devine. I always thought he should coach here,” Bobby added with a smile.
Jacob Campsey is a 2006 graduate of Devine High School where he played Quarterback for the Warhorses. He helped coach the Rockdale Tigers to a State Championship in 2017. He and his college sweetheart Jenah, and their children, Emerie and Levy, moved to Bandera in 2023 where Campsey coached three seasons. He is excited to be back in the Warhorse maroon and gold!

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
New Warhorse Head Football Coach Jacob Campsey discusses the significance of returning to Devine to lead his alma mater’s football program. Campsey shares insights from his championship-winning coaching experience, emphasizes the core values and culture he aims to instill and build upon, and highlights immediate priorities centered on trust, authenticity, and his “5 Golden Rules.”
Campsey also explains his approach to balancing Warhorse football traditions with his own coaching philosophies, underscoring the importance of honoring the past while building for the future.
Q: As a Devine graduate (2006), what does it mean to you personally to return home and lead the Warhorse football program?
A: You know, it is honestly hard to put into words because being a Warhorse was all that ever mattered to me from when I could first walk to when I graduated. More than anything I am proud and honored to have the opportunity to build impactful relationships at home like my coaches did with me and go to battle again with that DW on the helmet!
Q: How has your experience winning a state championship as an assistant coach shaped your approach to building a successful program here in Devine?
A: I truly feel like I learned from the best during those years with Coach Jeff Miller who leads the Cy Fair program now. I have been a part of and seen what it takes to play well into December multiple times which has greatly shaped my approach. A major component is learning how to be flexible, adapt, and adjust to needs as the season unfolds in order to play for a long time. I always felt like we did a really good job of having our players ready to play their best football in November and December, which is an intentional piece of our program.
Q: What are the core values and culture you want to establish or strengthen within the Warhorse program?
A: I think in this organization, it is paramount that we clearly define to our players who we are, what it takes, and HOW we will do what we do. We must eliminate the gray area in everything we do. Our program outlines 5 Golden Rules that we talk about defining us and the program and must take place daily regardless of the circumstance we are in. Relentless effort all the time, be a great teammate, trust your coaching, details matter, and at all costs protect this program.
Q: What immediate priorities do you have for the team—on the field, in the weight room, and in the classroom?
A: Immediately I want all of our players to learn and practice applying our golden rules as standards to everything we do. From the classroom to the community, how we go about our business is a standard that is unchanging regardless of the circumstance. I told them today that my immediate priority is doing everything in my power to show them through action that they can trust me to lead this program. Everything we do has to be built on a foundation of authenticity and trust, so they need to see through my actions that they can trust me.
Q: How do you plan to balance honoring Devine’s football traditions while implementing your own coaching philosophies and systems?
A: You know I really think the two can go hand in hand. Ultimately Warhorse football is a tradition of toughness and togetherness. Our standards are in lock step with the storied past of this program. How it looks day to day may be different but ultimately we believe the program results will build on this great tradition. I also believe honoring and involving proud alumni is vital.
Q: What key lessons or strategies from your state championship experience at Rockdale do you feel can translate effectively to Devine High School?…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 smash Uvalde 56-31 in Thompson’s return to sideline

Varsity Arabian Karsyn DeLeon strips the ball away during Devine’s win over Pearsall. Photo by Brigid Howard.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
The Arabian volleyball team gave head coach and first time momma Hannah Thompson a terrific return to the sideline moment in Uvalde last week as Devine bounced the Lobos 56-31. Thompson has been away from her team on maternity leave since before Thanksgiving break.
Devine fell behind early 13-6 but went on a nice second half run, outscoring Uvalde 39 to 12 over the last two periods of action to pull away for the 25 point win.
Kenadi Marek had a monster night, especially during…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!