Category: Events

Notice Is Hereby Given To Hear Comments And Testimony Concerning The Following:
AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; SPECIFICALLY, THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP.
Zoning meeting Dec. 1
The Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Lytle will hold a public hearing regarding this request to provide all interested parties with the right to appear and request information on:
Date: Monday, December 1, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Lytle City Hall, 14916 Main Street
Lytle, TX 78052.
Public Hearing Dec. 8
The City Council of the City of Lytle will hold a public hearing regarding this request to provide all interested parties with the right to appear and request information on:

Date: Monday, December 8, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Lytle City Hall, 14916 Main Street
Lytle.
For Additional Information Regarding These Public Hearings, Please Contact the City Administrator, Zachary Meadows at (830) 709-3692 Ext. 1031.

National Wreaths Across America Ceremony Day is Saturday, December 13, 2025, across our nation and abroad. Around the globe, ceremonies take place at 11:00. Devine’s will take place for the fourth year under the shade of the ceremony oak that spans Devine Evergreen and St. Joseph cemeteries on Colonial Parkway. WAA is a national nonprofit whose year-long mission is to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach our children the value of freedom. This is a good time to share past themes and a few cemetery locations that might be of interest to you and needs your support.
Through the coordination and leadership of the Current Events Club, Devine has participated in WAA’s mission since 2022. That year’s theme, “Find a Way to Serve,” stressed the importance of service to community and country, especially with WAA’s expanded educational program. We partnered with Devine ISD to participate in their long tradition of Veteran’s Day programs at CIS and DIS schools. In cemetery preparations for ceremony day, we had school organizations from Devine and Natalia volunteer in cemetery preparations such as locating and mapping veteran graves and placing US flags on Pearl Harbor Day; at our ceremony we had youth participation in the presentation of colors, and afterwards with the laying of wreaths. We met countless families that first year to locate and verify veterans, honoring almost 525 veterans and their families on that first National Ceremony Day.
2023’s theme was “Serve and Succeed,” focusing on “the positive impact of service and how it can help individuals succeed in life.” Within our community, the Current Events Club created the flag display at Devine’s Four-Corners to commemorate patriotic dates throughout the year, reminding citizens to “fly your American flag”. We joined with and in support of the VFW’s annual Memorial Day ceremony. We included the 4th grade students in WAA’s ceremony day, added TAPS by a DHS trumpet player, and a Natalia honor student and future service member’s participation in leading the Pledge of Allegiance. We also continued our participation in the school events at the elementary and intermediate campuses. Many more families and friends added veterans to our cemeteries’ lists, and our community honored just over 625 veterans.
Last year’s theme, “Live with Purpose,” focused on veterans and military families “who have found success though service and highlighted the idea of making every day meaningful after adversity”. Men and women right here where we live contribute in their work and daily tasks of raising families, helping neighbors, serving in school, church, and civic organizations. Cemetery mapping was a major goal of the club, organizing the sections in both cemeteries by rows. The projects of past years continued. Because of community support, coordinated efforts of the Current Events Club, and many volunteers, the third year of this mission added 40 more veterans.
This year’s theme is “Keep Moving Forward,” and locations honoring our veterans continue to grow. This theme is inspired by the last words of U.S. Army Captain Joshua Byers, KIA in Iraq in 2003. The theme encourages volunteers and supporters to “continue their mission of remembrance, honor, and service.” Locations have grown from 4,909 in 2024, with over 3 million veterans honored, to over 5,200 locations in 2025. The most recent location added here in our county is in Lytle. For the fourth year, at St Joseph and Devine Evergreen cemeteries, every identified veteran will be honored. Growing across Medina County, veteran names will be spoken by volunteers, family, and friends; wreaths will be placed in their memories and stories shared.
National and State cemeteries across Texas take part in National Wreaths Across America Day. These locations often do not have the coordination, financial, and/or volunteer support that community cemeteries have to honor every veteran. There are two national cemeteries in San Antonio – San Antonio National Cemetery, established in 1867, and Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, established in 1926. Fort Sam took over all veteran burials in 1931 when SANC reached capacity. If you would like to sponsor wreaths for these cemeteries or any national cemetery, go to the Current Events Club’s webpage at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/TX1147P Donations made from the club’s location also benefit our community and is our group’s primary fundraiser.
For more information, contact WAA Location Coordinators Linda K. @830-665-6377 or Martha W. @210-213-5620. Please leave a message.

The Devine First United Methodist Church will be hosting a Christmas Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 6 from 9 am to 12 noon. Breakfast, crafts, write a letter to Santa and cookie decorating will be enjoyed for $5 per person. Bring your own camera for Santa pictures and the nativity scene.
This will be held in the church fellowship hall at 212 W. Benton Ave., Devine. Any questions call (830) 663-3185.

The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign will be at the Walmart in Devine through December 24. As holiday shoppers make their way through the store, they will once again hear the familiar sound of bells ringing, inviting them to support those in need within our own community.
Our 2025 goal is $18,000.
Every dollar dropped into the Red Kettle at Walmart Devine stays right here in the local area, providing essential assistance to families and individuals who need it most during the holiday season and beyond. The generosity of Devine shoppers helps fund food, shelter, and emergency support, ensuring that our neighbors receive vital help when it matters most.
The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers to ring the bell and bring holiday cheer to the Red Kettle campaign. If you, your family, or your organization would like to participate, please contact us for more information. Your time and donations will make a meaningful difference for our community this holiday season.
Contact Dr. Cliff Redus: 830.931.1280 or Donna Trott: 210.215.7270.
You may mail a check to Salvation Army, P.O. Box 229, Devine, Texas 78016.

By Anton Riecher
Three individuals to be honored with the upcoming Lytle’s Annual Citizenship Awards for 2025 were named Monday during the Lytle City Council meeting.
Announced by District 4 Alderman Michael Rodriguez, the three honorees named include Joshua Walker, Pam McCall Wanjura and Jesse Camarillo.
The Annual Citizenship Awards Committee (ACAC) is responsible for recognizing individuals, businesses, and organizations that demonstrate outstanding service and contributions to the community. The committee reviews nominations, selects recipients, and helps coordinate the presentation of awards at public events, promoting civic pride and encouraging community involvement.
Walker is being recognized as honorable mention for an individual from outside the Lytle city limits. Wanjura is named in the adult category over age 19. Camarillo will receive the lifetime achievement award for 10 years or more of demonstrated cumulative service to the community.
Rodriguez said he wanted to particularly recognize the annual citizenship award committee for their work this year.
“They always step up,” he said.
The presentation of the award is scheduled for the next Lytle City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8
In other business, the council voted unanimously to appoint Jourdanton Justice of the Peace Orlando Carrasco to serve as Lytle’s associate municipal court judge effective immediately. Mayor Ruben Gonzalez explained that Carrasco serves as “plan B” in the event that Municipal Judge Gerry Elias proves unavailable.
Carrasco’s location in the Atascosa County seat makes his appointment convenient in the event papers must be served, City Administrator Zachary Meadows said.

On November 20 at 4 o’clock at the Castroville public library, the Alsatian Pioneers hosted a workshop facilitated by Andrea Christman. The workshop was attended by 12 members and one prospective member. Mrs. Christman, the Registrar for the chapter, gave guidance on completing Daughters of the Republic of Texas forms for supplemental applications. It was a two hour workshop and covered the actual forms, websites, with ‘how to hints’ in locating the genealogical data necessary for completing the form. Members were surprised at how much genealogical data was available on the Internet. Other brick and mortar locations that house list and actual documents were also discussed. At the end of the session all were happy that they attended.

Devine Chamber of Commerce president Cynthia Sultenfuss receives a certificate of recognition from Mayor Butch Cook in honor of a successful 2025 Cactus Festival. (Photo by Anton Riecher)

Devine Mayor Butch Cook, left, presents a certificate of recognition to Devine High School student William Edgmon who recently competed at the National Sporting Clays Event. Edgmon has been selected for the Texas 4-H Shooting Sports Team. (Photo by Anton Riecher)

Santa and Mrs. Claus are visiting Devine Texas. They are making a special appearance at the Devine VFW Post 3966 Christmas Market. The Claus’ will arrive at 11:45 am on 6 Dec 2025. When they arrive, they will be sporting a 30-foot, 12-ton, high-torque, fire-engine red sleigh! Santa will be taking toy requests from the good little girls and boys and handing out candy canes. If you have any doubt that its really Santa; go ahead and pull on his beard–but I warn you, it might knock you off of the “nice” list.
Santa’s visit is part of this year’s VFW Post 3966 Christmas Market which will include traditional Christmas music, eats, drinks, and local vendors selling unique creations. The Christmas Market begins at 10 am and goes until 6 pm. In addition to Santa’s visit, there will be performances by Folklorico dance group and the Devine High School Band.
Following the Christmas Market, the VFW will be hosting the extremely popular band; Small Town Habit. Music and dance will begin at 8 pm. The VFW is offering a special Holiday Package, which includes: A reserved table for six; a bucket of six beverages; and six admission wrist straps for just $125. The number of tables are limited, so if you are interested is reserving one please contact James at (210) 882-7689.

Jerel Beaty and Evans Eads were welcomed as the newest members of the Devine Lions Club. Pictured here with Bill Herring – VP, Lewis Stroud – President and Kellen Nixon – Treasurer.