Robert Collins a true Texas outdoorsman, and lifelong adventurer, passed away peacefully at home on the family farm on August 28, 2025, at the age of 74.
He was a familiar face to many in Medina, Atascosa, and Frio counties and our community Natalia, TX. He was known for his kind heart and unwavering spirit and deep love for great outdoors.
Born in Gonzales, TX on Feb. 16, 1951, to Willie B. & Iola Pearl Collins and raised with a profound respect for nature. From his earliest days of riding his horse to town and the local rivers and tanks all around Poteet TX. All the way to his serious hunting trips all over the Texas landscapes he was always in his true element.
No matter if he was at his deer lease, casting a line into Choke Cayon Lake or Gulf of Mexico, or simply enjoying the sunset from his back porch with his wife, he was his happiest surrounded by nature and family.
Robert E. Collins was a man of many talents and passions. From carpentry, truck driver, and heavy equipment operator after a long day’s work you could always find him in the barn tinkering on projects from honey do’s, fencing, birds, plants, woodwork or out looking for arrowheads after rain or even learning to play guitar.
He was also a man who would never hesitate to help a friend, neighbor, or even a stranger in need. Often going out of his way with no expectations of recognition.
Above all Robert E. Collins was a family man. He loved sharing his passions outdoors to his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends. Teaching them not only how to hunt and fish but also a deep reverence for the land and all its creatures.
Robert E. Collins survived by his loving wife of 51yrs Colleen E. Collins His Daughters & Son in Laws:
David & Tammy Vanheeswyk and Marshall & Sue Ann Dittrich. His Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren
Tina & Devin DuQuaine / Logan Kenneth & Kelsey Sallee /Kraelynn, Kenzlee, & Korbin Wyatt, Jackson, & Dylan Dittrich, Nick & Rayven Cordova / Callum, Liz Vanheeswyk. Sister-in-law /Nephew/ Niece Cheryle Collins & Garland Collins Jr & Allison Collins and numerous family and friends.
He is preceded in death by: His parents Willie & Iola Collins / Jess & Bernice Evans. His brother Garland Collins. His Granddaughter Avery M. Peirce. His Best Fishing friend Marvin Elledge and so many special family and friends as well
A Celebration of Robert E. Collins Life will be held on September 27th 2025 @ 11am at the family farm: 18689 FM 471S, Natalia, TX. 78059. Just bring your favorite dish and favorite story of Robert.
In lieu of flowers please use it as a donation to be made in Robert E. Collins name to a charity for Wildlife Conservation or Cancer research please.
The stories and adventures of Robert E. Collins will continue to be told around campfires and homes for years to come. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Author: admin
Lucio Vera Jr.
Lucio Vera Jr. of San Antonio went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at the age of 67, where he was surrounded by family whom loved him dearly. Lucio was born on February 2, 1958 to Lucio Vera Sr. and Manuela E. Vera.
He is preceded in death by his father Lucio Vera Sr., mother Manuela E. Vera, brother Raul “Roy” Vera and sisters Sandra B. Vera and Lusenda T. Vera.
He is survived by his children, Amy V. Guerrero and her children Nathan, Abigail and Delilah, Adam (Angelica) Vera and his children Troy, Adam, Adalee and Aleeyah, Maria Vera and her son Stefon, Lucio Vera and his son Leonidas, brother Armando Vera Sr. and sisters Gloria (George) Goznales, Alda (late Luis “Goose” Martinez Jr.), Diana Mann and Cynthia (Armando) Fuentes, plus numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Graveside services were held on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at St. Joseph Cemetery in Devine where he was buried with his parents.
We the family of Lucio Vera Jr. loved him very much and we will miss him. Rest in peace.
SNHU Announces Summer 2025 President’s List
(09/09/2025)– It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Summer 2025 President’s List. The summer terms run from May to August.
Norma Lopez of Devine, Oscar Ramirez-Hurtado of Hondo, Leo DeFelippis of Mico, and Wanda Jackson and Kayla Vasquez of Castroville.
Ross Named to SNHU Dean’s List
Local Police Report
Natalia Police Report
09/08/25 – Officer was dispatched to the 200 block of 8th Street regarding a Theft.
09/09/25 – Officers responded to the 2700 block of State Highway 132 for a disturbance.
09/11/25 – Officer was dispatched to the 300 block of 8th Street for a disturbance.
09/11/25 – Officer responded to the 2700 block of State Highway 132 for a Welfare Check.
09/13/25 – Officer was dispatched to 21000 block of FM 471 regarding an accident.
Lytle Police Report
Monday, September 08
4:30 PM – 18900 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer responded and spoke to a school administrator regarding an unruly student.
8:47 PM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop, which resulted in the towing of a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe for an expired temporary registration, no driver’s license, and no insurance.
Tuesday, September 09
12:41 AM – 19500 Blk. S. Somerset St. – Officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop for speeding, which resulted in a pursuit. The Lytle officer terminated the pursuit for the safety of the public, and the driver was stopped by the Medina County Sheriff’s Office in Devine and arrested.
7:45 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to speak to a female regarding an incident that occurred in Bexar County.
8:31 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a verbal disturbance between a male and a female. The male had departed the scene before the officer’s arrival.
11:27 AM – 19400 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
3:14 PM – 14800 Blk. Lytle-Somerset – Officer responded to a report of a vehicle damaging the awning the previous night.
8:09 PM – 19500 Blk. S. Somerset St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for a defective headlight, which resulted in the arrest of a 55 year old male for possession of a controlled substance. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
8:35 PM – Assist Lytle VFD – 14700 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of a structure fire. Officer discovered the fire was inside an oven, causing heavy smoke. Lytle Fire aired out the residence.
11:01 PM – 16000 Blk. Imes Way – Officer responded to a verbal family disturbance.
Wednesday, September 10
11:20 AM – Assist Medina County Sheriff’s Office/Texas Rangers –14600 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to assist with an investigation and arrest.
2:30 PM – Lytle PD – Officer conducted a follow-up investigation on an accident that occurred at the Pumphouse Carwash.
8:44 PM – McDonald St. @ IH 35 Frontage Rd. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for a defective tail lamp, which resulted in the citation and release of a 25 year old male for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Thursday, September 11
12:55 AM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 20300 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist with an active alarm.
3:40 AM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 18800 Blk. Rolling Meadows Dr. – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle to search for a stolen vehicle out of Medina County but was unable to locate it.
5:25 AM – IH 35 Southbound – Officer responded to a report of a white truck with flashing lights attempting to pull over a vehicle. The officer discovered the vehicle was a construction truck with flashing blue and yellow lights. The event occurred in Bexar County.
9:30 AM – 17900 N. Prairie St. – Officer responded to a report of threatening text messages.
10:15 AM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to issue a criminal trespass notice to a 54-year-old female.
3:30 PM – 16500 Blk. US 281 Access Rd. – Officers responded outside the city limits of Lytle to follow up on an open case.
9:00 PM – 19400 Blk. S. Benton St. – Officers responded to follow up on an open case.
Friday, September 12
2:23 PM – 14600 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
4:49 PM – Assist Lytle VFD/Fire Marshal – 19700 Blk. Creek St. – Officer assisted Lytle VFD, a resident left a wooden spoon in the oven causing smoke.
5:07 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – IH 35 @ MM 131 – Officer responded to a report of a vehicle in the median but was cancelled before arrival.
6:41 PM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officer provided a courtesy ride to a female to the Camino Real Crisis Center.
7:54 PM – IH 35 Frontage Rd. @ FM 3175 – Officer provided traffic control for a motorist who ran out of gas.
8:59 PM – Assist Atascosa EMS – 19500 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency.
Saturday, September 13
3:38 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a homeless male sleeping between the trucks. The male was advised to leave the area.
8:55 AM – 1425 FM 2790 – Officer provided traffic control for the 9/11 memorial walk.
11:10 AM – 19100 N. Somerset St. – Officer responded to check on an elderly female. She was okay.
2:05 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a male dumping tires in the dumpster.
2:50 PM – Lytle PD – Officer received a phone call regarding an accident that occurred outside the city limits of Lytle and was advised to contact the Medina County Sheriff’s Office.
4:45 PM – 14800 Blk. Star Cross Trl. – Officer responded to the death of a 101-year-old male.
4:58 PM – IH 35 @ McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a stranded 18-wheeler.
6:20 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of two males speaking to younger females. All parties had departed before the officer’s arrival.
7:00 PM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – The officer responded to a report of suspicious activity, all was okay.
7:03 PM – FM 3175 @ IH 35 Frontage Rd. – Officer responded to an 18-wheeler stuck in the roadway and provided traffic control.
7:46 PM – Assist Atascosa EMS – 200 Blk. CR 6842 – Officers responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency.
11:13 PM – 19800 Blk. Doc Holiday – Officers responded to a 911 hang up to discover everything was okay.
Sunday, September 14
4:51 AM – 17900 Blk. Rocky’s Cr. – Officers responded and discovered the vehicle. Everything was okay.
2:35 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of shoplifting. A 21 year old male received a citation for stealing two burritos, a mozzarella stick, and a Slurpee valued at less than $100 and was released.
5:32 PM – Assist Atascosa EMS – 14800 Blk. Adams St. – Officers responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency.
7:46 PM – 15300 Blk. Newton St. – Officers responded to a report of a German Sheppard that bit a female.
8:30 PM – 19300 Blk. Adams St. – Officer responded to a 911 hang up to discover everything was okay.
11:40 PM – Main St. @ Benton St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for no front license plate, which resulted in the citation and release of a 24 year old female for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Devine Police Report
September 5
20:06PM – Officer cited and released a male subject for DWLI on Teel Dr.
20:24PM – Officer cited and released a male subject for DWLI on Teel Dr.
20:37PM – Complainant on Teel Dr reported she left her iPhone and when she was on her way back to retrieve the phone location was changing. Phone later recover in dumpster.
September 6
15:44PM – Caller on Commercial S advised male was on her property but left after he was seen by caller. Male was caught on 9/7/24. Charges pending.
16:39PM – Officer dispatched to Howard Wallace for a minor accident. Unit 1 left scene of accident.
17:00PM – Complainant on IH 35 S called in reference to female possibly shoplifting. Left items inside store. Subject issued a Criminal Trespass Warning.
21:39PM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave E for physical disturbance in parking lot between juveniles.
September 7
21:20PM – Officer dispatched to Teel Dr for burglary of a habitat. Charges pending.
September 8
12:20PM – Complainant on Hondo Ave called in reference to a male subject seen on property behind AC units. Officers made contact with subject and identified him.
14:39PM – Vehicle stranded with flat tire on Colonial Pkwy. while waiting on Felipe’s Tires to fix. Officer checked to make sure vehicle was far enough away from being on roadway.
17:10PM – Complainant on Libold Dr reported lost his wallet in 2020 and now reporting fraud issues.
20:51PM – Assisted Frio Co and Medina Co with family violence call, gray Lincoln and brown Kia Soul on IH 35 S.
September 9
0:35AM – Assisted MCSO with vehicle pursuit coming from Lytle. Made contact with MCSO at 132 N and Colonial Pkwy. Pursuit ended at DPS office.
September 10
7:24AM – Officer dispatched to Moore Ave W for a verbal disturbance between neighbors. Parties separated.
11:30AM – Subject found knife on Hondo Ave E and turned it over to police.
14:21PM – Female subject cited for theft $90.37 on IH 35 S and released.
22:03PM – Complainant on Bright Dr heard tin rattling and what sounded like a door shutting. Checked vacant residence, all okay. People working next door.
September 11
3:07AM – Complainant on Crouch Ave advised her brother had received message and now three people were outside trying to get her brother to come outside. Upon arrival two or three departed.
10:00AM – Officer dispatched to Hickory Hwy for verbal disturbance between mother and son.
10:08AM – Complainant on College Ave W stated there may be a fight after school between students and requested SRO presence after school.
11:36AM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave E for a major accident. Both vehicles towed by Friendly Glenns.
21:46PM – Complainant on Warhorse Dr heard noises outside the residence and his dogs were barking. Checked backyard, all appeared okay.
22:36PM – Officer initiated stop on Bright Dr. Subject failed to provide ID; jailed for Poss CS PG 1/1-B>4G<200G. Assisted by MCSO.
Devine school board updated on latest projects
Click here to see who is pictured above
Devine school board members Henry Moreno and Keri James signal their vote to approve a pay raise for substitute child nutrition workers during the Monday evening school board meeting. The board also heard an update from Weaver and Jacobs Construction on current projects. (Photo by Anton Riecher)
By Anton Riecher
Representatives of Cuero-based Weaver & Jacobs Construction gave the Devine school board an update on current bond projects during its regular meeting Sept. 15.
Construction manager Chris Stone reported that curb workfor the new drive at the high school had been completed earlier the same day. Sheet rock work is underway on the renovated offices, he said.
Upstairs, mill work for new cabinets in the cosmetology department will “hopefully” begin next week, Stone said. New flooring and sinks will soon follow, Stone said,.
Work on the new locker rooms is underway. Workers are preparing to pour the new concrete slab for the girls’ locker room.
Meanwhile, at the elementary school, concrete is being poured for the new ramps, Stone said. Electrical and plumbing work is slated for the near future.
Stone introduced Sean Brandt as his replacement as project manager. Brandt reported on work to pour concrete for the new softball field backstop.
Superintendent Todd Grandjean followed the Weaver & Jacobs report with an update on site work for the district’s new tennis courts. With the slab to be poured in mid-October, Grandjean said a Jan. 1 completion date is anticipated.
The district may be able to hold its first tournament as early as mid-November, Grandjean said.
Under action items, the board voted 6-0 to approve…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!
Chief Soza applauds “heroic actions” of men who rescued child, captured suspect
ometimes a man just has to step up and be a man, and that’s what these men did,” said Chief Justin Soza at Hondo PD, still in disbelief at the awful crime that was in progress, but so grateful there are heroes among us who noticed something was wrong and stepped up this past Friday, September 5th without ever thinking twice about it.
According to the report, crews outside a local business saw the suspect attempting to throw a precious 3 month-old baby into a…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!
Route remains “undetermined” for record-sized 765 kilovolt transmission line could affect Medina Co landowners
Click here to see who is pictured above
A concerned crowd filled the Medina County commissioners court chamber Monday to hear a presentation from CPS Energy on plans for a record-sized 765 kilovolt transmission line stretching 370 miles from San Antonio to Fort Stockton. The exact route of the line is yet to be determined. (Photo by Anton Riecher)
By Anton Riecher
Willing or not, Medina County may be selected as the future host of a record setting new power transmission line stretching from near San Antonio to West Texas, a representative of CPS Energy told a public hearing in Hondo Monday.
Kirk Rasmussen, an attorney for Jackson Walker LLC, said the Texas Public Utility Commission has assigned the construction of three new 765 kilovolt power lines to CPS and AEP Texas to be in service by 2030. Prior to this, the largest transmission lines in Texas operate in the 500 kV range.
Of the three new lines, the 370-mile Howard Road-Solstice transmission project may come through Medina County, Rasmussen said.
“In an application of this length we will probably have hundreds of different route combinations where we will measure the data and present that to the commission,” he said.
A capacity crowd 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!
Board opts for “hard reset”
Click here to see who is pictured above
ESD1 Chief Clint Cooke addresses the ESD2 board Thursday during the ESD2 special meeting to discuss contract negotiations. (Photo by Anton Riecher)
Negotiates with new group to provide fire dept. services in Devine
By Anton Riecher
Taking unanimous action, the Medina County Emergency Services District No. 4 board of commissioners voted Thursday to enter into contract negotiations with Castroville-based ESD No. 1 to take charge of managing local fire protection.
Board member Jerry Stevens said the vote was in keeping with his call for a “hard reset” in emergency response leadership.
“Something had to change,” Stevens said. “We had to look at doing things differently.”
On a motion by Abigail Beadle, seconded by Stevens, the board voted to negotiate a contract with ESD1 for no more than $900,000 annually. By choosing the ESD1 proposal, the board rejected a competing proposal by the volunteer fire department membership board to extend its current management contract.
ESD1 Chief Clint Cooke said he expects to have the final details for the contract in place within a week. ESD2 board president Todd Summers said a final contract would be presented at the regular monthly meeting Sept. 16.
ESD2 board member Ken Nighswander told the audience gathered for the meeting that choosing the ESD1 proposal was not only good for the community but for the firefighters.
“We feel we can bring this to a competitive level,” he said. “I think it’s going to help everyone.”
The vote also…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!
In Memory of Miss Mustang 1962….
A lifelong Mustang, businesswoman and cornerstone of the community July 1, 1945 – August 29, 2025
By Ruby Vera
How does one start to put into words how one person can effect and affect so many in a very short time on this earth. Well, Dianna was one of these type of people, always with that smile, making you feel like you were the most important person at that very moment you were speaking with her, and she was the first to be there for you – no matter what. I have tried to remember what all she brought to this community – during her school years, marriage, and as a business woman. There is not enough space to do her justice, but I am going to try.
Dianna, excelled in all she set her mind to do. A lifelong MUSTANG from the 1st grade to her graduation in 1963. She bled Blue and White. I am going to focus on her High School years – where she was a “A and A/B” student, and as a freshman made the Girls Basketball team – then called the “Palominos.” She was in the Future Homemakers of America; a Majorette in the Rancheretts (before there was a Mustang Band); and was Queen of the Fall Festival. This set a pattern of her involvement throughout the four years in High School. She was a class officer for three of her high school years; she was voted Miss Mustang in 1962; Senior Favorite 1963; FFA Sweetheart and so on and so on, One of her favorite things she loved to do was twirl a baton. In 1962 she joined the Brand New “Natalia Mustang Band under the direction of Mr. Richard Cortez and played the trumpet. Dianna was one of the original Majorette’s for the Natalia Mustang Band.
In addition to all her other school activities add – Editor of the School Newspaper “The Stirr-up”, homecoming Queen, and lettered all four years in Basketball and was Captain that year.
She then married Charles Brown Jr and went to work at “Brown’s Grocery”. I can still hear her voice when you called “ always so distinctive – almost like a “little song” and no matter who was calling – you could actually hear her smile over the phone. I don’t ever remember a time when Dianna was not at the store – even when she became a mom to Tiffany and Chuck. She was always there – from the time they opened until they closed.
Dianna will be missed by all of us – I just wish I could have told her before she passed into her Eternal Life, how very much she was loved by the entire community. Let this serve me as a reminder to let the folks who have brought so much into your life know “just how much they have done to bring a smile to your face and make your heart a little lighter.”
