What a blessing…

Little Ellajae Dishman presents Leticia Esquibel with a Bible signed by the Mission Devine volunteers and leaders. More photos of projects completed by this wonderful organization inside.

Like father, like son….
Daniel and son Carson Bowyer made a great team helping out with projects for Mission Devine.

Mission Devine volunteers wrapped up another successful work week this June.

Screwworm meeting in Hondo June 24

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is collaborating with Medina County Farm Bureau to host a Medina County Cattle Brief: Screwworm Update & Summer Management meeting on June 24, 2025 at Graff 7A Ranch 911 US-90 East, Hondo TX 78861. This important event is meant to provide locals with some recent screwworm updates, as well as provide some pointers on how to manage cattle herd throughout the Summer. Dr. T.R. Lansford will speak on the topic of New World Screwworm Update, Dr. Karl Harborth will deliver the topic of Summer Cattle Herd Nutrition Considerations, and Mr. Kason Haby will cover the topic of Managing Stocking Rates During Drought. Don’t miss out on this event as it is a relevant opportunity to stay informed on cattle herd and health topics this summer!
Registration is limited to 125 attendees. A light lunch, courtesy of the Medina County Farm Bureau, will be provided following the program. You must RSVP to attend. To reserve your spot, please contact the Medina County AgriLife Extension Office by June 20th at 830-741-8180.

Restore Mobile Unit offers free services locally

Restore’s Mobile Unit “Miss Ginny” offers free pregnancy tests and options information, free limited OB ultrasound and free STD testing.
They will be in Castroville the 1st Thursday of each month, Devine on the 2nd Thursday of each month and Lytle on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Services will be available from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.
You can call (830) 584-2123 or go to RestoreSRT.com to schedule an appointment but walk-ins are welcome.

Restore Mobile Unit offers free services locally

Restore’s Mobile Unit “Miss Ginny” offers free pregnancy tests and options information, free limited OB ultrasound and free STD testing.
They will be in Castroville the 1st Thursday of each month, Devine on the 2nd Thursday of each month and Lytle on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Services will be available from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.
You can call (830) 584-2123 or go to RestoreSRT.com to schedule an appointment but walk-ins are welcome.

Summer Reading Challenge

DEVINE, TX — Summer is about to get a whole lot more exciting for young readers! The Driscoll Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Challenge officially begins Monday, June 2, and is open to participants ages 5 through 18. This year’s program offers fun incentives, engaging reading goals, and a variety of prizes designed to keep kids turning pages all summer long.
Logs and program rules can be picked up at the library’s circulation desk during regular hours, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each reading log is time-based, requiring participants to read 300 minutes (5 hours) to complete a log. With each completed log, participants earn a ticket to enter into a prize they would like a chance to win. Prizes will be on display in the library throughout the summer to help inspire young readers.
The challenge is broken into three levels:
Level 1: Complete 3 logs (15 hours of reading)
Level 2: Complete 5 logs (25 hours of reading)
Level 3: Complete 8 logs (40 hours of reading)
Participants will receive a medal for the highest level they reach recognizing their accomplishment. All reading must be completed within the 8-week challenge window.
For those entering 3rd through 12th grade, there’s an opportunity to earn additional prize tickets by submitting book reviews. Up to three reviews may be turned in, and each must be at least 30 words long.
Teens ages 13 to 18 can enter a special division with prizes specifically tailored for them. This year’s teen prize lineup includes:
Two sets of 2 SeaWorld Passes
Two 4-packs of Missions Baseball Tickets
A $25 Gaming Gift Card – Barbara Moore
A $25 Santikos Theater Gift Card – donated by Coby & Stacy Pyron
Two K1 Speed Gift Cards
A James Avery Charm – donated by Devine Pawn & Gun
A 3-Book Box Set of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
A 3-Book Box Set of the Lightlark series
To qualify for teen prizes, participants must complete a 6-hour reading log and may submit up to 8 logs. For extra chances to win, teens can also submit up to 3 book reviews of at least 100 words each.
The challenge will wrap up with a festive Awards Ceremony and Ice Cream Social sponsored by the Friends of the Library. The celebration is scheduled for Wednesday, July 30 and will honor all who participated in the program.
For updates and information throughout the summer, follow the Driscoll Public Library on Facebook at @DriscollPublicLibrary – Devine. For questions, contact the circulation desk at 830-663-2993.
Let the summer reading begin!

Community Mental Health Meeting July 10

Join us for an hour of support, education, and community connection. The event will be held from 6 – 7 p.m. on July 10 in Hondo. This meeting is open to the public. Community members, healthcare professionals, and local leaders are encouraged to attend. See this ad in this week’s paper for more details.

What’s happening @ Driscoll Public Library this Summer?

Devine – This summer’s activities and entertainment kicked off Wednesday, June 4th with a salute to our Community Helpers beginning at 1:00 pm. Our special guests were from Devine Police Department, Medina County Sheriff’s Department, Devine Volunteer Fire Department, Natalia Fire Department’s Sparky the Fire Dog, Texas Department of Public Safety; ESD #4 EMT’s, and Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Warden. There was an opportunity to visit with each department and to learn about their jobs and they brought vehicles for the kids to see.

READING CHALLENGE
The Summer Reading Challenge is kicked off this June. See separate article.

CLUBS:
Art Club meetings will be Monday, June 23rd and Monday, July 28th, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. The Club is open to participants 7+ years old (adults are welcome). All supplies are provided by the library simply show up, get creative and have fun. We begin taking reservations the Monday prior to the meetings. Space is limited. To reserve a spot, call the circulation desk at the library.
Crafting after Hours meetings will be Thursday, June 12th and July 10th from 6 pm – 8 pm (the library will not be open at this time). This is an after-hours event open to those 18-year-old and up. The June meeting participants will be making Glass Etchings. July participants will be learning how to transfer photos to wood plaques. All supplies provided by the library. Space is limited. To reserve a spot, call the circulation desk at the library. 
Mr. J’s Tabletop Role Playing Game – Join our game master, Mr. J, as you dive into an epic story built by YOU—through creative character building and easy-to-learn rules. Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to RPGs, this is your chance to explore a world of imagination and fun! Meetings are Tuesday, June 17th and July 15th from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Open to those entering the 5th grade and up. Space is limited. To reserve a spot, call the circulation desk at the library. 
Mr. J’s Theatre Craft Workshop – a hands-on event where creativity takes center stage!
Join us for an afternoon of imagination and fun as we dive into the world of theatre arts.
Each session will spotlight a different theatre craft—perfect for young creators who love to design, build, and express themselves! Meetings will be Tuesdays, June 10th; June 24th; July 8th; and July 22nd from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. This is open to students entering 3rd grade and up. Space is limited. To reserve a spot, call the circulation desk at the library.  
Lego Club meetings will be Monday, June 9th and Monday July 14th, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm. The Club is open to children 5+ years old. Parent or caregiver supervision is required. We provide the Legos you provide the imagination. We begin taking reservation the Monday prior to the meetings. Space is limited. To reserve a spot, call the circulation desk at the library.
Preschool story time continues through the summer weekly on Tuesdays @ 10:30 am. Story time is open to children aged 1 yr to 5 yrs old. Each week participants are read a story and instructed in a craft or activity. Reservations required. Space is limited. To reserve a spot, call the circulation desk at the library.
Teen Club meetings will be Monday, June 16th and Monday, July 21st, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. The June meeting the participants will be provided all supplies to create their own Candy Terrarium. The July meeting will be an Oreo Taste Testing and Judging. We begin taking reservation the Monday prior to the meetings. Space is limited. To reserve a spot, call the circulation desk at the library.
ENTERTAINMENT:
Afternoon @ the Movies summer schedule: June 11th –Kung Fu Panda (PG-94 min); June 25th – Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG-92 min); July 2nd – Mufasa: the Lion King (PG-2 hrs); July 9th – Moana 2 (PG-100 min); July 16th – Dog Man (PG-90 min). Doors will open at 12:30 pm show time will be 1:00 pm. Attendees are welcome to bring a blanket and pillow to enjoy the movie. All youth will be provided a snack and drink courtesy of HEB Helping Here. Capacity limit for movie events is 225.
Our first entertainer for the summer will be the ever popular and admired magician/comedian Spikey Mikey on Wednesday, June 18th at 2:00 pm (please the note the time change). His previous visits to the library have kept everyone laughing and amazed by his magic. Spikey Mikey provides a funny, interactive program that encourages kids to read by showing how valuable reading can be, both for fun and for careers later in life. Doors for this event will open at 1:30 pm and admittance is on a first come basis. There is a capacity limit of 200 for this event. NO RESERVATIONS WILL BE TAKEN SEATING WILL BE ON A FIRST COME FIRST SEAT BASIS.
Texas A&M Chemistry Road Show featuring Dr. Pennington – Monday, July 7th at 1:00 pm. The presentation promises to be more than just a magic show. The presenter is a professor of chemistry having fun, and explaining along the way what we’re seeing. There will also be a fair amount of audience participation. This is Dr. Pennington’s 3rd visit to the library and he is always very entertaining. There is a capacity limit of 225 for this event. NO RESERVATIONS WILL BE TAKEN SEATING WILL BE ON A FIRST COME FIRST SEAT BASIS.
Mini Golf @ the library. On Wednesday, July 23rd the Driscoll Public Library will be transformed into a mini golf course for the second year in a row. The first hour (1:00 pm – 2:00 pm) of this event will be reserved for area Day Cares and groups larger than 15 (RESERVATIONS REQUIRED). All others are invited to drop by to play a round of golf anytime between 2 pm – 4 pm. The course, which will be set up by a professional mini golf company and library volunteers, will wind through the stacks of the library. We hope everyone will take advantage of this opportunity to see the library in a new way as they play the course. Participants will receive a small prize after completing the course.
The staff at the Driscoll Public Library is excited to be offering a full summer of programs and entertainment for our community again and are looking for to a successful year. All library programs are free.
For a calendar of all events taking place at the library stop at the circulation desk in the library. We are located at 202 E. Hondo Ave in Devine. For information on any of our events follow us on Facebook at @ Driscoll-Public-Library-Devine. For further information and program reservations call 830-663-2993, Monday – Friday 10am – 6pm.

Devine VFD promotes Martinez to Chief

The Devine Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department board made the decision not to go out for applicants for Fire Chief after all. They instead announced the promotion of 32 year old Jessica Massey- Martinez as the new full time Fire Chief, and she took her oath of office during the June 9, 2025 business meeting.
Previously, the board had vowed multiple times at MCESD#2 Board meetings to get as many of the highest qualified applicants as possible to interview after the fiascos last year with financial fraud, investigations, and audits.
Jessica came to Devine a year and a half ago in October 2023 when she was hired by Chief Greg Atkinson to be his Assistant Chief. She was promoted to Interim Chief after the resignation of Chief Atkinson following investigations.
The decision came right after the six member Board of Directors of Devine Fire went down to just four members due to the resignations of board members Barry Haywood with health issues, and Sgt at Arms Phyllis Martin, who was asked…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 Openingfor Natalia Memorial Funeral Home and Cremations

The Natalia Municipal Development District would like to invite you to the grand opening of Natalia Memorial Funeral Home and Cremations.  The new business is now open and is under new management and meet Funeral Directors are Corrina Soto and Justin Sanders.  
The big celebration is coming up on June 21. See details in this the advertisement in this week’s paper.

Natalia Veteran’s Memorial Library Book Sale June 14th

The Natalia Veteran’s Memorial Library will be holding a Book Sale, with books, used homeschool curriculum and other resources for sale on Saturday, June 14th from 10 am to 2 pm at the library located at 501 3rd Street, Natalia. Please bring an HEB/Walmart plastic shopping bag to fill as we have limited on hand, and fill a bag for $5 a bag. We also have a selection of vintage books available for individual purchase. Attendees should park in the parking lot on the right side of the library and not along the roadway. Donations are also accepted and are tax deductible. For more information please check out the library’s Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you all!