Natalia Bluebonnet Festival and Parade set for March 28th

estival and Parade will be held March 28, 2026, in downtown Natalia. The Festival grounds are open from 9 am to 10 pm. We are still accepting food/craft vendors and parade registrations. Visit the website, facebook page, stop by the library or call Amy Edge at 210-213-1990.
Come out and enjoy this year’s festival! AC Amusements will be providing our carnival amusements and midway. They are bringing additional attractions this year to round out the entertainment. Wristbands will go on sale soon, so please check the Facebook page for availability.
Musical entertainment will be provided by a DJ and local musicians. Please check out the website for updates!
We will have a Car Meetup at the festival. If you have an…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!

Thank You Devine Area Health & Hospice for generous community support

Devine Area Health & Hospice Resource member Sabrina Guerra presents check to Debi DuBose with Friends of the Driscoll Public Library to support community summer programming as well as other things.

Devine, TX — The Friends of the Driscoll Public Library would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Devine Area Health & Hospice Resource for their continued generosity and unwavering support of the Driscoll Public Library.
The library recently received a generous monetary donation from Devine Area Health & Hospice Resource that will directly support summer programming for the community and allow for the purchase of updated history and biography materials for the youth library. These funds will help enhance educational opportunities, promote literacy, and provide enriching experiences for children and families throughout the Devine area.
“Support like this makes a meaningful difference,” said Coby Pyron, President of the Friends of the Library. “Because of community partners like Devine Area Health & Hospice Resource, we are able to support the library in their wishes to expand programs, update their collections, and continue serving patrons of all ages.”
Devine Area Health & Hospice Resource is a fully non-profit organization that supports local families and organizations through funds raised at its resale store. Shoppers can find quality household goods, clothing for all ages, shoes, and accessories—while knowing that every dollar raised stays right here in the community.
The Friends of the Driscoll Public Library encourage community members to visit Hospice in Devine, shop for hidden treasures, and support an organization that gives back in so many impactful ways.
The Friends of the Library are grateful for this compassionate partnership and for the continued investment in the education, enrichment, and well-being of the Devine community.
About the Friends of the Driscoll Public Library
The Friends of the Driscoll Public Library is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting library programs, services, and resources that benefit the Devine community and promote lifelong learning for all ages. If you would like to become a Friend call the circulation desk at the Driscoll Public Library at 830.663.2993 and they will provide all you need to “be a Friend”.

Recommendations on ESD2 fire truck updates expected

At right, ESD1 Chief Clint Cooke addresses the ESD2 board during a called meeting Thursday on fire truck repairs. ESD1 Battalion Chief David Powers, left, is in direct charge managing ESD2 fire operations. (Photo by Anton Riecher)

By Anton Riecher
Board members with Medina County Emergency Service District No. 2 took no action during a special meeting Thursday on a proposal to increase the maximum expenditure limit the board president may authorize in vehicle repairs.
ESD1 Chief Clint Cooke told the board he has never had a need for the kind of “acute authorization” under discussion.
“When it comes to repairs, you’re either going to repair it or get rid of it, right?’” Cooke said.
The proposal came up with regard to nearly $10,000 in repairs required for two ESD2 fire engines. However, the board did not authorize additional funds because the repairs fell within the $23,000 budgeted for maintenance in the present fiscal year.
ESD2 bookkeeper Nancy Pepper noted that the board president is already authorized to approve up to $2,000 in additional funds to cover an unexpected expenditure.
Cooke said that ESD1 has plans in place to ensure that apparatus are available in case of maintenance issues. That planning has already been utilized to cover for ESD2 apparatus temporarily out of service.
“At no time when all three of your apparatus went out of service was the community not serviced because we have reserve apparatus for this…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!

Family thankful Andie is safe and home

Praise God Andie is safe and home. We thank so many who helped to locate and bring her home. Our thanks to the following, knowing we cannot identify everyone, because so many were contacting and sharing behind the scenes. Many thanks to: 
Sheriff Randy Brown, Chief Deputy Gilbert Rodriguez and the entire Medina County Sheriff Dept; Bexar County Sheriff Dept; United Cajun Navy, Ground Zero, Team Texas K9s; Doc Pete Chambers; Devine ISD, particularly Mr. Michael Gomez; our entire Devine community including many local churches and parishes; many family and friends who called, texted, shared on social media, and posted flyers points north, south, east and west! We ask for continued prayers for the thousands of runaways and missing persons who are reported each day in our country. Your prayers and support carried our aching hearts during this painful and frightening time. Other families need your prayers also.
With thankful hearts, Dennis, Bertha, Andie, Jimmy, Deborah, John, Beth, Scott, Sabella and our entire family

LYTLE: Leaders take action to increase amount of water rights new subdivision developers must contribute

By Anton Riecher
Action to increase the amount per home in water rights that new subdivision developers must contribute was unanimously approved by the Lytle City Council Monday.
City Administrator Zachary Meadows recommended the increase from a third of an acre-foot in water to a complete acre-foot per each new home.
“Looking at our requirements in comparison to other communities and water districts around us most of those districts are requiring developers to bring a much high ratio per living unit equivalent,” Meadows said. “For each home built they have to bring X amount of water rights.”
Requiring less per home puts Lytle at a distinct disadvantage when the Edwards Aquifer Authority imposes steep water restrictions of up to 40 percent in the wake of recent drought conditions, he said.
“What we are looking to do with this particular ordinance is make it a one-to-one scenario so that when a developer comes in they need to bring one acre-foot of water rights per living unit equivalent,” Meadows said.
The increase would not apply to any existing agreements already negotiated with developers.
“We can’t retroactively change any of that,” Meadows said.
Mayor Ruben Gonzalez said the increase would give the city “a more fair adjustment” to the amount developers would bring to the city.
The action was approved on a motion by Precinct 4 Alderman Michael Rodriguez, seconded by Precinct 3 Alderman David Emery.
In other action…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!

GRAND OPENING Marlin Farms Fiber Mill and Yarn Store

Marlin Farms Fiber Mill and Yarn Store, located at 1180 TX-132 in Natalia held its Grand Opening on January 31, 2026 with a Ribbon Cutting, hosted by President Cynthia Sultenfuss of the Devine Chamber of Commerce.
Tours of the farm and the history and process of yarn making from the shearing of the sheep, cording the wool, cleaning and processing the wool into thread and then yarn, to the final stages of dying the yarns were explained in detail.
You can take your own mohair or wool for processing or buy their wool and wool blends, as well as other lotions and soaps and items in their store. It is a great place to take the kids to see the animals and learn how the process of yarn making is done.

Lytle Primary School Receives Highest Level of Recognition for School Counseling

The Texas Counseling Association has awarded Lytle Primary School the highest level of recognition for school counseling programs in the state. The school received the CREST (Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas) Award during ceremonies in Fort Worth on Feb. 1, 2026. Less than one percent of campuses receive this award for outstanding counseling programs. It serves as a tool for continuous growth and advocacy.
Special recognition goes to Martha Perez, Lytle ISD LPC-A Counselor, for her efforts to help earn the award. Ms. Perez, Superintendent Dr. Dustin Breithaupt, and Primary School Principal Shavan Galindo were in Fort Worth to receive the award at the 21st Annual Professional School Counselor Conference.
The CREST Award signifies Lytle Primary School’s demonstrated commitment to using the school guidance and counseling program to improve students’ lives and achievement in academic, career, and social domains.
“Thank you for your commitment to excellence in school counseling! CREST honors the programs you lead and the lasting impact you make on students, families, and communities” said Monya Crow, President of the Texas School Counselor Association.
Photo Attached: (L-R) Primary School Principal Shavan Galindo, Lytle ISD LPC-A Counselor Martha Perez, and Superintendent Dr. Dustin Breithaupt receive the CREST Award during the 21st Annual Professional School Counselor Conference in Fort Worth on Feb. 1, 2026.

Medina Electric Cooperative donates $7,500 to food banks; Kicks off 3rd Annual Food Drive

SA Food Bank: From left to right – Medina EC communications specialist, Caroline Lee; San Antonio Food Bank philanthropy manager, Matt Spadoni; Medina EC board president Ken Weynand. ST Food Bank: From far right – Medina EC business development coordinator, Liandra Lopez with South Texas Food Bank representatives.

(Hondo, Texas) – 1/12/2026 – For South Texas families who navigate the challenges of food insecurity, Medina Electric Cooperative is stepping up to help ensure its neighbors don’t go hungry. In December, the cooperative donated $7,500 to two primary food banks serving the cooperative’s service area; providing vital support during the peak of holiday season.
The donation was strategically divided based on the specific counties served by each organization within the Medina EC footprint:
San Antonio Food Bank: $5,472.52
Counties served by Medina EC and San Antonio Food Bank: Atascosa, Edwards, Frio, LaSalle, Medina, Real, Uvalde and Zavala counties
South Texas Food Bank: $2,027.48
Counties served by Medina EC and South Texas Food Bank: Dimmit, Jim Hogg, Kinney, Starr, Webb and Zapata counties
The timing of these funds was critical. Following the suspension of certain SNAP benefits, local food banks saw a significant surge in demand. These donations helped bridge the gap, ensuring the most vulnerable members of the community had access to nutritious meals during the winter months.
“Our commitment to the communities we serve goes beyond providing reliable power,” said Trey Grebe, CEO at Medina EC. “When we saw the increased pressure on our local food banks, we knew we had to act. These organizations are lifelines for many of our members, and we are proud to support their mission.”
Celebrating National Canned Food Month: February Food Drive
Medina EC’s support doesn’t end with a check. To honor National Canned Food Month and restock shelves after the busy holiday period, the cooperative will host a community-wide food drive in February for the third year in a row.
The ongoing commitment has seen incredible results; in just the last two years, Medina EC employees and members have donated approximately 2,600 pounds of food.
Members and residents are encouraged to help reach new heights this year by dropping off nonperishable food times at any Medina EC office location throughout the month of February. All donations collected will be distributed to the San Antonio and South Texas Food Banks to continue the fight against food insecurity in South Texas.

$4.2 M for Medina County Law Enforcement Radio Upgrades

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed all remaining annual funding bills, keeping the federal government fully operational through the remainder of Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). Through his seat on the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) secured over $42 million in direct funding for communities across South and West Texas.
$4.2 M for Medina County law enforcement radio upgrades is one of the community investments secured by Congressman Gonzales.
“There are several major highways and two major rail lines that run through Medina County—as a result, the county has seen an increase in calls to help assist other agencies with border crisis issues. Further, there are schools along the county line, making communication between surrounding agencies imperative to ensure a quick response time to emergencies at those schools. This project would upgrade the communications system to improve interoperability throughout the county,” a representative with Gonzales’ office added.

‘The Power of Pages’: An FCCLA Project Focusing on Reading

Briana Balderrama and Angeliana Rendon-Zapata prepare to introduce their project to the community at the fall parade.

Briana Balderrama and Angeliana Rendon- Zapata, Devine FCCLA members, are aiming to increase the number of people in our community and surrounding areas who read during their leisure time, because many people are unaware of the mental and physical benefits that come along with reading.
To get their project started, on November  1, 2025, they participated in Devine’s fall parade and festival by throwing over 500 pieces of candy with their information, an insert of a children’s book character, and a quote, “Help us lead the community with the power of pages!” Next, on November 10, 2025, they visited the elementary school library and read/performed Eric Litwin’s Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons as a puppet show to a first-grade and a kindergarten class. To let the 43 students have some fun with the activity, they had the children create their own brown paper bag puppet to take home.
You can follow the girls’ social media platform, the_powerofpages, which currently has 129 followers.