Friday, September 05
8:16 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a possible intoxicated driver. The homeless male was okay.
5:14 PM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
6:35 PM – 19500 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to speak with a parent regarding a child custody issue.
8:48 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 400 Blk. Meadowview Dr. – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist with a disturbance.
8:58 PM – 19900 Blk. FM. 2790 – Officer responded to a 911 hang-up. Everything was okay.
9:51 PM – 19900 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to an active panic alarm. The business was secure. False Alarm.
Saturday, September 06
9:14 AM – 19800 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to the report of a Ford F-250 with a broken window. Nothing was taken from the vehicle. The window was valued at a loss of $165.
12:19 PM – IH 35 Frontage Rd. @ Lytle-Somerset St. – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver and spoke to the driver, who was experiencing muscle spasms.
1:31 PM – 15100 Blk. Adams St. – Officer responded to speak to the business owner regarding a vehicle that struck his business.
5:31 PM – Hildago St. (Coal Mine Subdivision) – Officer responded to report of shots fired but could not locate any gunfire.
6:15 PM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
8:11 PM – Main St. @ N. Prairie St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for speeding, which resulted in a citation and release of a 47 year old male for possession of drug paraphernalia.
9:57 PM – 19800 Blk. Bruce St. – Officers responded to a 911 hangup. Everything was okay.
Sunday, September 07
12:19 AM – 14300 Blk. Main St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for failure to maintain a single lane of traffic, which resulted in the arrest of a 38 year old male for Driving While Intoxicated. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
2:19 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of missing $40 from a lost wallet that was turned in to the store.
3:40 PM – Assist Atascosa County EMS – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency.
5:00 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to speak with an employee regarding a request for criminal trespass.
6:29 PM – 16000 Blk. Imes Way – Officers responded to a family verbal disturbance.
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Maxwell Mural depicts a “young” Devine– 1800s imagined
A while back Bo and Wendy Maxwell approached me about doing a painting for them. They wanted this painting to depict old/time Devine as Bo would imagine it in the 1800s. His vision was the young town nestled down in the valley with the train passing through. He wanted bluebonnets, oak trees, a horseman, a road runner and a rattlesnake, (which I almost refused to do), a house and barn, children playing in the lane, a farmhouse and cattle in the distance, and, of course, the hill country on the horizon. I can do that. But wait. This is no ordinary painting on canvas. This is going to be a mural painted on the Maxwell‘s dining room wall! This is going to be a 14 feet wide and 5 feet tall mural painted on site! Well, this is a new venture, but of course I can do it!
So, when the time came around in February of this year, I gathered up my materials – paint, turpentine, brushes, acrylic paint for the base and headed to Devine. For the next six weeks, I showed up two or three times a week for a 3 to 4 hour afternoon painting session.
It didn’t take long for Bo and Wendy to learn that I loved Big Red and chips, especially Cheetos. So, every time I showed up, they brought out the refreshments.
Day One, with the scaffolding in place, I climbed up so I could reach the ceiling! The wall was painted dark maroon, a 14’ wide and 8’ tall maroon wall. Bo had planned to put up a rustic wooden siding along the bottom 3’, so he had taped it off. Remaining was the 14’ X 5’ wall that I had to prime with acrylic to neutralize the maroon!
The scenario of me on the scaffolding lasted for weeks. But, eventually I painted my way down to ground level!
On occasion Bo would make suggestions. It’s always good to have a fresh set of eyes. But the coolest thing about this project is how special Wendy and Bo Maxwell treated me and that, regardless of whether it’s true or not, they think the painting is wonderful. I recently asked Wendy if they were tired of looking at it yet. She assured me that they still enjoy it, and I certainly hope so because it’s there for posterity.
City, County, ESD tax rate public hearings set
City, county and ESD leaders set public hearings for the proposed increase or decrease in tax rates for year 2025. Due to property tax changes the rate increase or decrease still always brings in more tax money than the previous years. It is quite confusing at times. Do you look at the rate or the amount expected to be brought in as the factor for an increase or decrease argument. Leaders have to figure out each year how much taxes must be brought in to provide the services they are required to or want to provide with those tax dollars.
Tax notices have been posted online and in the newspapers to include:
City of Devine -Proposed Tax Rate is 59 cents, which is a 0% decrease from the current rate of 59 cents per $100. Public Hearing is set for Sept.16 at 7:00 pm at community center. Total tax levy on all properties will increase from $1.519 million to $1.58 million or $61,694 increase or 4% increase in total tax levy.
City of Natalia- Proposed Tax Rate is 44.49 cents, which is a 6.87% decrease from the current rate of 47.77 cents per $100. Public Hearing is set for Sept.15 at 6:45 pm at city hall.
City of Lytle- Proposed Tax Rate is 43.93 cents, which is a 9.79% increase from the current rate of 39.83 cents per $100. Public Hearing is set for Sept.16 at 7:00 pm at city hall. Due to average homestead taxable value decreasing by 38.84 %, the tax on average homestead decreased 29%. Total tax levy to be brought in on all properties went from $1.167million to $1.358 million a increase of 15.16% in total property tax levy.
City of LaCoste- Proposed Tax Rate is 58.81 cents, which is a 1.4% increase from the current rate of 58 cents per $100. Public Hearing is set for Sept16 at 7:00 pm. at city hall.
City of VonOrmy- Proposed Tax Rate is 14.37 cents, which is a 0% increase from the current rate of 14.37 cents per $100. Public Hearing is set for Sept11 at 12:00 pm at the Municipal Building.
Medina County- Proposed Tax Rate is 44.34 cents, which is a 1.71% decrease from the current rate of 45.11cents per $100. Public Hearing was Sept.8. The budget will raise more revenue from property taxes than last year’s budget by an amount of $2,311,087, which is a 8.73 % increase from last year’s budget. The property tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year is $1.724 million.
ACESD#1- Proposed Tax Rate is 10 cents, which is a 0% no change from the current rate of 10 cents per $100. (Due to annexations and growth of overall property value, the same 10 cents will now produce a lot more money since there are more properties. The total tax levy on all properties went from $3.3 million to $9.3 million which is an increase in funds of $6 million or 178.3% change. All while the average homestead will see a decrease of $16 or 8.4% since the average homestead taxable value decrease by 8.4%)
MCESD#2 Proposed Tax Rate is 10 cents, which is a 3.13 cent or 45.56% increase from the current rate of 6.87 cents per $100. Public Hearing is set for Sept. 16 at 7:00 pm at the fire house. Total tax levy on all properties increase by 41.09% to produce $827,194 in taxes an increase of $240,920.
MCESD#4 Proposed Tax Rate is 5.21 cents, which is a 5.04% increase from the current rate of 4.96 cents per $100.Total tax levy on all properties increased from $788, 548 to $821,261 which is an increase of $32,713 or 4.15%. Public Hearing is scheduled for Sept. 10 at 6:00 pm at the ems station.
MCESD#5- Proposed Tax Rate is 10 cents, which is a 4.06% increase from the current rate of 9.61 cents per $100. Public Hearing was held on August 21, 2025.
Allison loves home-cooked meals,animals, cheerleading,and going to the beach
Allisson is a friendly and sweet 13-year-old. She has a cheerful demeanor and enjoys the company of friends and those she cares about the most around her, as such she enjoys being part of social settings allowing her to interact with others.
Allisson enjoys having home cooked meals, as she sees this as a sign of love and care due to her feeling the meal was prepared specifically for her. Allisson enjoys cheerleading and performing at school activities. She especially enjoys attending pep rallies at school as it allows for her to showcase her school pride and cheer with her fellow friends and classmates. Allisson loves all subjects in school and enjoys attending her classes, currently her favorite class is PE, as she enjoys being physically active.
Allisson loves being the center of attention as evident by her love for dancing, cheerleading, and wanting to socialize with others. At her current placement, there are several dogs, and she loves them very much, as evident by the way she plays and interacts with them, she also really enjoys going to the beach.
Allisson loves watching Disney movies and shows, as she loves seeing happy fairytale endings come true…. She believes there is a family who will adopt & love her, as her forever family…
If you think you could be a forever family for Gabriella 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.
BUST N BURN Sept. 12-13 in Devine
Clay shoot, Silent auction, BBQ Cook-off
Kids needed for BBQ and clay shoot to win buckles
The 12th Annual DJ Carlson Memorial BUST N BURN will be on September 12&13, the second weekend of September yearly, and will be hosted at the same location as last year, at The Farm, 2238 FM 2200 West, Devine just past the airport a little ways.
The two day weekend event will feature a barbeque cook-off (State Championship Cook-off), a 12 station sporting clay shoot, corn hole and washer tourneys, live music and entertainment!
They started doing a Kid’s Q last year for the first time. The ages will be kinder through high school seniors that can compete in the Kid’s Q cookoff. Meat will be provided by the sponsor DCDC- Devine Childcare Development Center/Candace Esparza.
Everyone is welcome to join in on the weekend events with the purchase of a $10 cover charge wrist band.
Champions Barbeque Alliance State Championship Cook-off will feature chicken, ribs, brisket, and pork butt; with a $5000 Pay Out.
The 12 station registered sporting clay shoot always draws a lot of sponsors and teams and many awards and buckles are given including scholarships.
In addition…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!
DEVINE EX-STUDENTS/TEACHERS ASSOCIATION HOMECOMING FESTIVITIES ON SEPT. 26-27!
All Devine alumni and teachers welcome…
The Devine Ex-Students/Teachers Association (DExSTA) is looking forward, again this year, to welcoming Devine Exes to Homecoming!
It all starts Friday night, Sept 26th, at Warhorse Stadium where the Devine Warhorses will take on the visiting San Antonio Christian in a gridiron battle! Get there early for registration & name tags at the DExSTA table by the ramp, then gather in the south end of the home stands with other Devine Exes. The DHS Homecoming activities will begin about 6:30, followed by the DHS School Song played by the Warhorse Band, and kick-off at 7:30pm. Be ready to cheer with the DHS Cheerleaders and stand for “Two Bits”!
During the game, the announcer will call out for any former Cheerleaders, Mascots, and Pep Squad members to stand or wave from their seats to be recognized and honored for their contributions to the unwavering Devine Spirit! Other classes having special reunions may be announced also, so keep listening for your class to stand or wave! At halftime the DHS Honor Class of 1975 will be down on the track to be introduced for their 50th Class Reunion.
The annual DExSTA “Main Event” will be held again this year at the Devine VFW Post 3966 (old Green Alamo) at 211 W. College Ave., in Devine. The event begins at 1:00pm with Registration, Visiting, Refreshments and includes displays of many old school pictures & class posters, cheer squad memorabilia and a wonderful slide show. At 2:00pm the Homecoming Program opens with Two Bits, the National Anthem & Pledges, and School Song, followed by a brief DExSTA annual meeting, introductions of ex-students & teachers, special recognition of former Cheerleaders, Mascots, & Pep Squad members, & classes with reunions, and a feature of the Honor Class of 1975. Afterwards there will be more opportunities for visiting and taking pictures together!
It will be an afternoon of special memories for all! *Group pictures of the Cheerleaders, Mascots, Pep Squads, plus Classes of 1975, 1965, 1955, 2010, and any other classes with reunions, will be taken outside the hall on the front steps.
This gathering is a very special time to not only remember and celebrate our own school days, but to meet other Devine Exes, and hear about what made their days in Devine special to them. You will find that the Warhorse-Arabian Spirit ties us all together! Please make plans to join us for Homecoming 2025 on September 26th and 27th!
Devine Ex-Students/Teachers Association: “Preserving the Past, Celebrating the Present, Promoting the Future” DExSTA Contact Information: Facebook page – Devine Ex-Students Teachers Association
Nancy Ehlinger Saathoff ’75 @ 210-289-6205 or gnsaathoff@aol.com. Join and fill out the form on page 3.
Developer’s attempt to “export” groundwater stopped, for now
An attempt by a Dallas investor to export East Texas groundwater likely will be delayed at least two years after lawmakers approved a water development board study of the plan’s effects.…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 council approves land purchase
By Anton Riecher
Following an Aug. 25 executive session, the Lytle City Council voted unanimously to approve the purchase of a residential lot at 15242 Cottage St. for the proposed price of $140,000.
On a motion by District 3 Alderman David Emery, seconded by District 4 Alderman Michael Rodriguez, the council voted to ratify actions taken to date by City Administrator Zachary Meadows toward the purchase of the property. The action further authorized Meadows to take all actions necessary to finalize the purchase.…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!
Massive “Haunted House” will wind through 1920’s schoolhouse
You might have seen some info about the “Sinister Harvest” Haunted House that will open it’s doors in Devine this September.
But it’s bigger and spookier than it might appear on first glance….the new structure being built on the outside of the Devine VFW is just the entrance!
The spooky tour will take you deep into the hallways of the old 1920s school and classrooms.
“It’ll be about 1,800 sq ft in all,” said Gary Saathoff with the Devine VFW. “You’ll go in and out of the old classrooms, through an old doctor’s office, and end up in the hallway with a chainsaws chasing you! It should be pretty good!”
Brandon Harris, who is heading up the haunted house said he is thrilled to be able to do it in such a spooky location full of history.
“We have been told that there has been paranormal readings here,” Harris said. “The building is so authentic…the orginal floors, the walls, even the way it smells.
“It’s definitely the kind of place where you hear doors opening and closing by themselves and footsteps down the hallway” Harris claims.
There will be
5OTH REUNION PLANS SET FOR DHS CLASS OF 1975!
The DHS Class of 1975 will meet on Homecoming weekend, Sept. 26 & 27, for their 50th Class Reunion! On Friday night they will meet at Warhorse Stadium for the annual Homecoming game and will be introduced on the track at halftime. After that they will meet up at Chayitos Restaurant to open the celebration part of the weekend and hope that other classmates from the 70s will come by there to visit also! (Chayitos will stay open later to the public that night.)
On Saturday, Sept. 27th, there will be TWO celebrations! 1. DExSTA Homecoming Social @ 1:00pm at the old Green Alamo (VFW hall) the class will be recognized and honored at the annual HC Social for all Devine alumni. 2. Private ‘75 reunion @ 6:00pm at Triple C Restaurant. *Please let Linda Martin Gunn, Thelma Gutierrez, Ofilia Hernandez Pedroza, or Cheryl Schott Lorraine know if you plan to attend the evening event! *CLASS PICTURES WILL BE TAKEN AT ALL THE EVENTS! See you at Homecoming !