Category: Events

Medina Central Appraisal District Chief Appraiser Johnette Dixon wishes to clarify reporting by the Devine News in last week’s article.
She clarified–“My board was not willing to form the conduit so we withdrew from financing with TXN Bank,” Dixon stated.
Board president Cynthia Malone summarized the situation as follows:
“The conduit entity we talked about in the past that Government Capital has offered as an option – and they would charge the one and a half (percent) or $1,800 financing fee to establish – we had notified TXN Bank that we would not be willing to use the conduit organization and that our attorney had provided us the legal advice that we did not need the conduit organization….”
In addition to the article, the Devine News posed video coverage of the May 21 MCAD board meeting on its YouTube channel. The board took no formal action on the issue during the meeting, choosing instead to gather more information in preparation for a special meeting planned for May 27.
At that meeting, the board decided to seek financing from a private individual according to Dixon who sent us an update this Tuesday.

AUSTIN – This week, temperatures will soar across the state, and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging Texans to take precautions to stay safe. Taking simple steps now can help protect you and your loved ones this week and beyond.
Summer Heat Fast Facts:
Rapid Temperature Rise: On a 90-degree day, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise above 130 degrees in less than 30 minutes.
Vulnerable Populations: Children are particularly susceptible to heat-related illness, as their bodies heat up three to five times faster than the average adult.
Heatstroke Symptoms: Warning signs for heatstroke include headache, fainting, lack of sweating, rapid pulse and confusion. In cases of heatstroke, immediate medical attention is crucial.
Notice Pavement Temperature: On an 85-degree day, asphalt surfaces can reach up to 140 degrees. When surfaces are just 125 degrees, people and pets can burn their feet within 60 seconds of contact.
Summer Safety Tips:
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day—hydration is key before going outdoors.
Avoid Excessive Amounts of Alcohol and Caffeine: Alcohol and caffeine are diuretics and can lead to dehydration. It’s best to avoid too much of either one, especially when spending time in the heat.
Limit Outdoor Activities: Try to avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day—typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Never Leave Children or Pets Unattended: Even for a short period, leaving children or pets alone in a vehicle when it’s hot can be fatal. Always take them with you, no matter how short the errand.
Act Quickly: If you see a child alone in a car, call 9-1-1 immediately. Quick intervention can save their life.
If you or a loved one needs relief from the summer heat, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) provides a map of cooling centers that are open and operated by local officials. Texans can find their nearest cooling center here.
Summer is also the time when people hit the road for summer vacation. Before you head out,  make sure your vehicle is in good condition, well-stocked and you’re prepared.
Vehicle Safety Tips:
Battery: Extreme heat can damage your vehicle’s battery, making it harder to hold a charge and produce power.
Engine: When the engine is too hot, fuel can’t circulate well, making it difficult to start.
Tires: Temperature changes can affect tire pressure, which can lead to uneven wear and shorten the life of a tire. The heat can also cause the air inside your tires to expand, leading to blowouts.
Wiper Blades: After a cold winter and spring rain, windshield wiper blades may need to be replaced. Rubber is vulnerable to extreme heat – so it’s a good idea to check for signs of wear and tear. If they aren’t in top condition, change them out before you go.
Air Conditioning: High summer temperatures can add extra stress to your vehicle’s air conditioning system. Changing your air filter and checking your refrigerant can help ensure the air conditioner makes it through the summer.
Emergency Kit: Breakdowns happen, so it’s best to be prepared. Having an emergency kit in your car can help. The number one item is a cell phone battery charger to allow you to call for help. Other top items include a flashlight, jumper cables, a first aid kit, water and non-perishable food.
To get ahead of any problems, schedule a visit with a mechanic to make sure your vehicle is road trip-ready. Find additional summer heat safety tips at Extreme Heat (texasready.gov). Remember, by following all these tips, we can do our part to ensure everyone enjoys a safe summer season.

VFW Post 3966 will present a Memorial Day ceremony for the public on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 9:30 am. The ceremony will be held at VFW Post 3966, 211 W. College Ave, Devine TX. This year the ceremony will take place on the east side of the Bingo Hall across from the Post Office. South Upson Drive will be closed for the ceremony. Memorial Day honors members of the military who died in service to our country.

The Post will hold the ceremony under the patriotic mural painted on the east side of the Bingo Hall. As part of this ceremony, we will recognize veterans who have passed away. If you wish to honor a veteran who has passed away, we will have a sign up prior to the event.

As in years past, the Post will have a flag retirement as part of the ceremony. If you have a flag that is no longer serviceable, please bring it to the ceremony to be retired. If you cannot attend and have a flag to be retired, you may drop it in the flag drop box at the main entrance to the VFW (near the flagpole).
Following the ceremony and flag retirement VFW Post 3966 will have free hot dogs in the Bingo Hall or courtyard, depending on the weather.
The Devine Current Events Club will be kicking off their Wreaths Across America program with an informational table at the ceremony site. After the ceremony they will be giving away ice cream in the Bingo Hall or courtyard.
If you need more information about the event, please contact Gary Saathoff at 210-289-6204 (text or call) or email to vfw3966commander@yahoo.com.

The City of Natalia is hosting the Annual Memorial Day Service on Sunday, May 25th, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in front of the Veterans Memorial Monument. This year the ceremony will be led by Mr. Homero Flores of San Antonio. He is a member of the American Legion Post 399 and VFW Post 6174 both of San Antonio. Mr. Flores served in Korea from 1969-71. He has a long history of family members serving our country commencing with his father who served during WWII; two brothers serving during Viet Nam and his son who is now retired from the Air Force.

Memorial Day starts the “Name Drive” for additional names to be engraved on the monument. The new names will be called out during the Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11th. This year the cost will be $175.00 per name. The increase in cost is for the engraver to come on site to at the monument to engrave the name. Please remember the individual you wish to honor with their name on the monument has to have been either born in Medina County, raised in Medina County or currently is living in Medina County. Applications can be downloaded from the City of Natalia of Natalia website, City of Natalia Office, and Natalia Municipal Development District. The deadline for all applications to be received is September 5th. All information is on the application form. Those attending are asked to bring their own lawn chairs.

When it comes to fire departments and the services they provide, one key factor often overlooked is the role of the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and its impact on a community. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of ISO ratings, what they mean for fire departments, how they affect residents, and their influence on homeowners’ insurance rates.
Natalia VFD- 2 and 10 outside 5 miles
Lytle VFD- 4 and 4X outside 5 miles
Castroville/LaCoste VFD- 4 and 5 outside 5 miles
Bigfoot VFD- 5 and 5X outside 5 miles
Hondo VFD- 5 and 9 outside 5 miles
Devine VFD- 6 and 10 outside 5 miles
Moore VFD- 9 and 9.5 outside 5 miles

The ISO and Fire Department Ratings
The Insurance Services Office (ISO) is an independent organization that assesses municipal fire protection efforts in communities throughout the United States. This assessment culminates in what is known as the Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating. The PPC rating scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being the best and 10 indicating a department’s failure to meet the minimum requirements.
ISO ratings are determined based on four primary data points: emergency communications systems, such as 911 call centers (10%), the fire department itself, including staffing, training, geographic distribution of fire companies, operational considerations, and community risk reduction (50%), the water supply system, including the condition and maintenance of hydrants and the amount of available water (40%), and community risk reduction measures, including fire prevention codes and safety education (5.5%).

Importance of ISO Ratings to Fire Departments
An ISO rating serves as a nationwide standard for comparing the quality of fire protection services. For fire departments, a better ISO rating can serve as a benchmark of success, an indication of areas to improve, and a testament to the department’s commitment to providing superior fire protection services.

ISO Ratings and their Impact on Residents
For the residents of a city or town, the fire department’s ISO rating can have significant implications. An excellent rating can instill confidence and peace of mind knowing that their community is well-protected. However, perhaps the most tangible impact of an ISO rating on a resident comes in the form of homeowners’ insurance premiums.

ISO Ratings and Homeowners’ Insurance Rates
Insurance companies use ISO ratings as part of their decision-making process when setting homeowners’ insurance premiums. A lower ISO rating (closer to 1) indicates a superior level of fire protection and, therefore, a lower risk. Consequently, homeowners in areas with better ISO ratings are likely to enjoy lower insurance premiums.
Understanding ISO ratings and their implications is crucial for both fire departments and the communities they serve. For fire departments, striving for a better ISO rating is not just about prestige; it is about providing the best possible service to their community. For residents, a better understanding of what their community’s ISO rating means can lead to better-informed discussions about local public safety and potentially lower insurance premiums. Ultimately, an ISO rating reflects a community’s collective commitment to safety, preparedness, and prevention.
(Sources: Plantationfire.com Ratings from local fire departments in Atascosa, Frio and Medina Counties.)