Dino sized success at Driscoll library

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DEVINE, YOU DID IT AGAIN! A HUGE thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for the Dinosaur George Traveling Museum at the George S. Woods Community Center! The excitement was absolutely prehistoric and we’re thrilled to announce that we shattered our previous attendance record!
2024 Attendance: 568
2026 Attendance: 636
That’s an incredible increase and nearly 15% of the entire population of Devine walking through the doors to experience this amazing event!
Dinosaur George shared that Devine was one of his favorite stops of the summer and he absolutely loved visiting with all of the children, families and dinosaur enthusiasts who came out to see him. Thank you for helping make his visit so memorable!
But don’t put away your adventure hats just yet, we’ve got another fantastic guest headed our way!

Devine Police department show their support for Dinosaur George!

Upcoming local events

July
8 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Sit & Stitch Club from 6 – 7:30 p.m. (15+ years) | Reservation Required
8 – FREE Yoga Class from 6pm – 7pm at ASÉ Yoga & Pilates in Castroville, Tx
8 – Food Pantry Distribution from 5-6 p.m. at 405 St Natalia, Tx 78059
9 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Crafting After Hours from 6 – 8 p.m. (18+ years) | Reservation Required
9 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Guy Vincent at 7 p.m.
10 – Catholic Charities Food Give Away (for seniors only) at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church Lytle, Tx
10 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Plant Swap from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
10 – Thrift & Sip 3-Day-Sale from 10am – 3 pm at Devine VFW Hall located at 211 West College Ave
11 – Thrift & Sip 3-Day-Sale from 10am – 3 pm at Devine VFW Hall located at 211 West College Ave
11 – Craftsman Collision Center Grand Opening from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at 512 E. Hondo Ave, Devine, TX 78016
11 – Community Market Day & Yard Sale from 8am – 12pm at 237 School Drive, Poteet, Texas
11 – Smoke Showdown Fajita Cook-Off at 12 p.m. at Rooster’s Icehouse Lytle, Tx
11 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Tony Taylor at 7 p.m.
12 – Thrift & Sip 3-Day-Sale from 10am – 3 pm at Devine VFW Hall located at 211 West College Ave
13 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Lego Club at 4:30 p.m. (5+ years) | Reservation Required
14 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m.
14 – Devine Driscoll Public Library RPG w/ Mr. J 3rd grade+ from 2 – 4 p.m. | Reservation Required
15 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Jumanji PG (104 min) at 1 p.m.
15 – Back to School Immunizations at Lytle Community Center from 10am – 12pm | Please bring immunization records
16 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Weston Ripps at 7 p.m.
18 – Produce Pop-Up Market from 11am – 4pm at Tommy Joe’s BBQ in Lytle
18 – Live music featuring The Artifax from 9pm – 12am at Billy’s Dining & Dancing in LaCoste, Tx
18 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Trevor Underwood at 7 p.m.
18 – Wellness, Beauty & Balance Workshop at10 a.m. at ASÉ Yoga & Pilates in Castroville, Tx
16 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Planner Club from 6 – 7:30 p.m. (14+ years) | Reservation Required
19 – The Ritual Reset Wellness Experience at 4 p.m. at The Lot in Castroville, Tx
20 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Teen Club from 4 – 5:30 p.m. (13-18 years) | Reservation Required
20 – Teen Summer Wellness Camp from 9am – 12pm at ASÉ Yoga & Pilates in Castroville, Tx
21 – Teen Summer Wellness Camp from 9am – 12pm at ASÉ Yoga & Pilates in Castroville, Tx
21 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m.
21 – Vintage Truck Ceramics Paint Party from 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Charlie’s Daughter on the Green
21 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Embroidery Club from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (14+ years) | Reservation Required
22 – Movie at Devine Driscoll Public Library | Anastasia (94 min) at 1 p.m.
22 – Teen Summer Wellness Camp from 9am – 12pm at ASÉ Yoga & Pilates in Castroville, Tx
22 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Collage/Junk Club (18+ years) from 5:30 – 7 p.m. | Reservation Required
23 – Teen Summer Wellness Camp from 9am – 12pm at ASÉ Yoga & Pilates in Castroville, Tx
23 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Crafting After Hours 2.0 (18+ years) from 6 – 8 p.m. | Reservation Required
23 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Clown Academy (ages 7+) from 2 – 4 p.m. | Reservation Required
23 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Jessee Lee at 7 p.m.
25 – Ritual & Restore FREE Wellness Class at 9 a.m. at Texicana Boutique
25 – A Quick Rewind: The Ultimate 90s Launch Party at Rooster’s Icehouse Lytle, Tx
26 – Carnitas Plate Sale from 10am – 3pm at St. Andrew’s Lytle Church
27 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Art Club (7+ years) from 3 – 5 p.m. | Reservation Required
28 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Balloon-osaurus Show at 1 p.m. (200 cap)
30 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Garrett Talamantes at 7 p.m.
31 – Live music at Devine Golf Course featuring Nick Lawrence Band at 9 p.m.
August
5 – Back to School Event from 9am – 1pm at 888 Barber and Beauty Institute in Lytle | Free Haircuts & School Supplies
4 – Lytle High School & Junior High Schedule Pick Up from 8 – 9 a.m.
5 – Lytle High School & Junior High Meet the Teacher from 5 – 7 p.m.
7 – City of Devine Outdoor Movie Night
6 – Mini Golf at the Devine Driscoll Public Library from 1 – 4 p.m.
If you want to add an event to this calendar, please email devinereporter@devinenews.com or call (830) 665 – 2211 and leave a message for Brianna.

Lytle hosts first free basketball camp in program history

One drill had the kids line up opposite from each other and given a number. The coach would then call their number at random then throw the ball up in the air. Whoever got the ball and scored first won the drill. The kids were overcome with competitive spirit and joy during this drill. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
Basketball season may be over, but the work is just beginning for these young Pirates. Lytle High School hosted a basketball camp in order to better facilitate the development of their young players. Hosted by Slam Dunk for Life, the event welcomed 4th to 9th graders to participate in a two-day camp for the low price free-99. 
It’s no secret that Lytle sports has been performing at a high level for years, and the foundation for this starts within the character they build in people first, not skills on the court. Lorenzo Vela, president of Slam Dunk for Life, emphasized that they want to teach kids a healthy lifestyle on and off the court. 
“Get [the kids] motivated to come out here and have fun, learn the game of basketball but also learn different principles of your life,” Vela explained. “Trying to instill good character in them.” 
Vela emphasized discipline as one of the main focuses of the camp. To be diligent enough…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 Soccer Club: setting the foundation for future football

Despite the blistering heat, every single participant at the Devine ISD soccer camp competed with intent, ferocity and big smiles on their faces. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
Soccer is at the height of its popularity in the states with the 2026 World Cup being hosted on North American soil. Team USA advanced to the round of 16 in stylish fashion, sparking a new generation of American soccer fans. Some have dubbed this as one of the most exciting tournaments in a long time. Capitalizing on the momentum of the beautiful game is the Devine Soccer club, however the club didn’t appear with the World cup, this organization has been in the works for over two years now. 
Club president Pablo Carmona wanted to bring soccer to Devine and with the persistence of numerous supporters and the backing from city council, he was able to make this a reality. The club has already developed two soccer fields and is currently working on a third to host games in the near future. 
Carmona wants to offer athletes a chance to continue their soccer journeys past 6th grade while potentially opening opportunities to further their careers whether it be through scholarship or professionally. Carmona says they are wasting the potential of these young athletes by having them drop soccer in the midst of their formative years. 
Carmona isn’t looking to “re-invent the soccer wheel”, he wants to bring the development practices he’s seen from elite programs to Devine. The main focus is to develop the young talent here in Devine then pitting them against teams all over South Texas. Professional soccer player Mohammed Abu and professional trainer Oscar Garcia (also a former professional player) serve on the board of directors for the club to help ensure the proper steps are taken in building a sustainable and successful program. Carmona wants to follow the examples of larger clubs, so having professionals involved helps expedite the process of bringing the soccer athletes up to standard. 
Carmona wants to supply the community with an outlet to compete at a high level outside of recreational play, because ultimately the team is for the people of Devine. In the past, Carmona said they’ve had to travel to San Antonio, La Vernia and Canyon Lake to find playable fields, but now players won’t have to go far to get some shots at the net!
He’s excited to play soccer at the height of its popularity but wants to make sure that excitement and investment people have in the sport continues beyond the world cup.
The Devine soccer club will be hosting a food drive training clinic on July 11 and 25 at John Curcio Park here in Devine. The event will include field and goalie training with ages 5-11 starting at 10 A.M to 11 A.M. and ages 12-18 beginning at 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 A.M. The camp will be led by Mohammed Abu and Oscar Garcia.

The Devine ISD soccer camp divided the kids into three different age groups. The oldest of the kids were tasked with dribbling balls around a line of cones. Photo by Moose Lopez.

The youngest group of participants had a scrimmage against each other rather than a specific drill. Photo by Moose Lopez.

July events

2 – CIA Kids VBS: A Great Jungle Adventure at CIA Worship Church from 8:30am – 12pm | Ages 5 – 13
2 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Keith Lutz at 7 p.m.
2 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Clown Academy from 2 – 4 p.m. (Ages 7+) | Reservation Required
3 – Stars, Stripes & First Pours from 5 – 11 p.m. at Rooster’s Icehouse Lytle, Tx
3 – CIA Kids VBS: A Great Jungle Adventure at CIA Worship Church from 8:30am – 12pm | Ages 5 – 13
4 – Live music at 4th of July Celebration at Castroville Regional Park featuring Nick Lawrence Band at 5 p.m.
4 – Live music featuring Nick Lawrence Band at 9 p.m. at Billy’s Dining and Dancing LaCoste, Tx
4 – Devine’s 1st Annual 4th of July Celebration | More details coming soon
4 – Live music at LaCoste City Hotel featuring Matt Hawk & Jesse Owen from 8 – 11 p.m.
4 – Lytle’s Annual 4th of July Celebration at John Lott Park at 4 p.m.
5 – Devine Soccer Club High School Information Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at John Curcio Park Devine, Tx
7 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Mr. Blue Shoes Concert at 1 p.m. (200 cap)
8 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Sit & Stitch Club from 6 – 7:30 p.m. (15+ years) | Reservation Required
9 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Crafting After Hours from 6 – 8 p.m. (18+ years) | Reservation Required
9 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Guy Vincent at 7 p.m.
10 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Plant Swap from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
11 – Craftsman Collision Center Grand Opening from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at 512 E. Hondo Ave, Devine, TX 78016
11 – Community Market Day & Yard Sale from 8am – 12pm at 237 School Drive, Poteet, Texas
11 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Tony Taylor at 7 p.m.
13 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Lego Club at 4:30 p.m. (5+ years) | Reservation Required
14 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m.
14 – Devine Driscoll Public Library RPG w/ Mr. J 3rd grade+ from 2 – 4 p.m. | Reservation Required
15 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Jumanji PG (104 min) at 1 p.m.
16 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Weston Ripps at 7 p.m.
18 – Produce Pop-Up Market from 11am – 4pm at Tommy Joe’s BBQ in Lytle
18 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Trevor Underwood at 7 p.m.
16 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Planner Club from 6 – 7:30 p.m. (14+ years) | Reservation Required
19 – The Ritual Reset Wellness Experience at 4 p.m. at The Lot in Castroville, Tx
20 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Teen Club from 4 – 5:30 p.m. (13-18 years) | Reservation Required
21 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m.
21 – Vintage Truck Ceramics Paint Party from 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Charlie’s Daughter on the Green
21 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Embroidery Club from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (14+ years) | Reservation Required
22 – Movie at Devine Driscoll Public Library | Anastasia (94 min) at 1 p.m.
22 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Collage/Junk Club (18+ years) from 5:30 – 7 p.m. | Reservation Required
23 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Crafting After Hours 2.0 (18+ years) from 6 – 8 p.m. | Reservation Required
23 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Clown Academy (ages 7+) from 2 – 4 p.m. | Reservation Required
23 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Jessee Lee at 7 p.m.
25 – Ritual & Restore FREE Wellness Class at 9 a.m. at Texicana Boutique
25 – A Quick Rewind: The Ultimate 90s Launch Party at Rooster’s Icehouse Lytle, Tx
26 – Carnitas Plate Sale from 10am – 3pm at St. Andrew’s Lytle Church
27 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Art Club (7+ years) from 3 – 5 p.m. | Reservation Required
28 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Balloon-osaurus Show at 1 p.m. (200 cap)
30 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Garrett Talamantes at 7 p.m.
31 – Live music at Devine Golf Course featuring Nick Lawrence Band at 9 p.m.

Better subdivision revenue bond market indicates confidence in Medina County

Medina County commissioners led by County Judge Keith Lutz, center, review a list of line item transfers during the commissioners court meeting Monday. (Photo by Anton Riecher.)

By Anton Riecher
Improved market reception for revenue bonds to support infrastructure and amenities for phase two of the $6.7 million Haby Farms subdivision near Castroville indicates stronger investor confidence in Medina County subdivisions, financial advisors told Medina County commissioners Monday.
Jack McLiney of SAMCO Capital Markets said the latest bond sale netted much improved figures over the previous sale covering phase one in 2024.
“That reflects the perceived risk by investors in the market for Medina County PID (public improvement district) bonds,” McLiney said. “They are not seeing as much risk and that is reflected in our interest rate.”
In finance, municipal market data or MMD refers to a benchmark yield curve that represents the average yields of high-grade, AAA-rated municipal bonds across various maturities. While phase one Haby Farms PID bonds sold at 211 basis points over MMD, bonds for phase two sold at 143 basis points over MMD, McLiney said.
A Public Improvement District (PID) is a designated geographic area created by a city or county. Property owners in the subdivision pay a special assessment to fund roadways, landscaping, and parks that directly benefit their community.
On a motion…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!

Students receive scholarships from Rotary Club of Medina County

President Johnette Dixon presented Jeremy Steinbrunner (Jr.) of Devine with his $1,000 award at a Rotary Club meeting.

The Rotary Club of Medina County awarded $8,200 in scholarships to area students during the month of May. Students from multiple county communities were awarded scholarships – two students from Medina Valley ISD, two from Devine ISD, three from Hondo ISD, and one from Lytle ISD.
Mikaela Trejo and Zamyra Lightsey of Hondo both received $1,000, Jeremy Steinbrunner (Jr.) and Briar Pareson of Devine both received $1,000, Collin Sprenger of Lytle received $1,000. Sabrina Rodriguez of Hondo received the vocational scholarship – $1,200, Nicholas Riff received the Tim Gillis Merit scholarship – $1,000, and Kaleigh Lewis received the Ann Peden Merit scholarship – $1,000 – scholarship.
Scholarships, and other club projects, are funded through our Hometown Heroes BBQ Event in October which serves both as a fundraiser and an event to honor the counties’ first responders. The first responders are treated to a catered meal, musical entertainment, a vendor fair, kids activities, and in 2026, we are adding a car show. At the same time, BBQ teams compete in a Champions Barbeque Alliance (CBA) authorized event to earn points towards the state BBQ championship.

Linda Bohlen, Foundation Chair, presented Briar Parson of Devine with his $1,000 award; Briar’s mom, Carlu, is also pictured.

The three Hondo ISD awards – the vocational scholarship – $1,200, the Tim Gillis Merit scholarship – $1,000, and the Ann Peden Merit scholarship – $1,000 – scholarships were presented by President Johnette Dixon to Sabrina Rodriguez, Nicholas Riff, and Kaleigh Lewis, respectively.

Linda Bohlen also presented Collin Sprenger of Lytle with his $1,000 award.

Congratulations Gary!

Gary Escobar graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas State with a degree in Business Administration, Management. YES, he celebrated by jumping into the San Marcos River as many graduates do in tradition after the commencement ceremony!
Gary is the son of Gary & Andrea (89) Escobar and grandson of the late Joe Villarreal & Janie Villarreal.

Local student’s make Dean’s and President’s list

Students on Dean’s List at University of Maryland Global Campus

ADELPHI, MD (06/16/2026) — More than 20,000 University of Maryland Global Campus students were named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2026 term. To be eligible for the honor, a student must complete at least six credits during the term, earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the term, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 at UMGC.
Among those named to the Dean’s List were local residents: Andrew Leal and Jose Mendoza Jimenez of Devine, Kevin Mauricio of Natalia and Angelly Trenkle of Castroville.

Trowbridge Named to ACU’s Spring 2026 Dean’s Honor Roll

ABILENE, TX (06/22/2026) — Abilene Christian University congratulates Paiten Trowbridge of Castroville on being named to the Spring 2026 Dean’s Honor Roll. Trowbridge is a senior majoring in Kinesiology.
Trowbridge is among more than 1,800 students named to the Spring 2026 Dean’s Honor Roll. To qualify, students must be registered for 12 or more credit hours and earn a GPA of 3.6 or higher.

Texas A&M-Kingsville students honored on President’s List and Honor Roll

KINGSVILLE (June 16, 2026) — Texas A&M University-Kingsville has released the names of the students who made the President’s List, Dean’s List and Honor Roll for the spring 2026 semester.
The President’s List requires a grade point average of 4.00 on all work attempted for a particular semester, with a minimum of 15 semester undergraduate hours completed, exclusive of credit only (CR) courses.
Local students on the President’s List were Lola Antonia Patino of Lytle, Regann Alana Chapman of Mico and Elena Andrea Gonzales of Natalia.
The Honor Roll requires a grade point average of 3.5 on all work attempted for a particular semester, with a minimum of 12 semester undergraduate hours, exclusive of credit only (CR) courses.
Local student on the Honor Roll was Garrett Matthew Allen of Devine.

Mission Devine: Dark skies, brighter smiles

Bill Lorraine was surprised with a yard crew to help clean up his property and got a window repaired.

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
There’s an old saying in Texas: “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” The old adage alludes to dramatic weather changes the region has and those mood swings happened right as Mission Devine began its first day of projects. 
While last year, the volunteers braved temperatures in the hundreds, this year they had to deal with the torrential downpour of rain. Chairman Todd Summers was inspired by the resiliency of their volunteers, despite the weather conditions. The skies may have been gray, but the volunteers’ spirit couldn’t have been brighter. 
“We were a little concerned when it rained all day on our first workday, but the crews continued to push through and accomplish as much as possible,” Summers said. “I am always amazed by the hard work and dedication of the many volunteers who show up year after year. When you’re doing God’s work, obstacles don’t seem to get in the way.”
Some of the volunteers preferred the rain. Project leader Matthew Gonzales wasted no time heading to his job site, mapping out the dimensions of the deck he was building while becoming increasingly drenched. Gonzales welcomed the rain, explaining that the moistened dirt will speed up the digging portion of the project. Moreover he expressed his delight in not working under an unrelenting sun.   
During Mission Devine’s 22nd year, they completed 35 projects throughout the community including: exterior painting, roof repairs, bathtub-to-shower conversions, handicap ramps and numerous mowing and yard work projects. Summers explained the organization’s annual work week has touched the lives of almost every family in Devine throughout the years. Whether it be personally, a family member, donating to the cause or becoming a volunteer, “chances are Mission Devine has had an impact on your life.”
“In many ways, it feels like a family reunion each year as we see the same friends, neighbors, and family members return to serve,” Summers said. “During the 15 years I’ve been involved, I’ve watched young children grow into young adults and I’ve watched those young adults come back with families of their own to volunteer.” 
Besides serving those in need, Summers highlighted another positive aspect from Mission Devine: the unity that is established by the volunteers. Summers emphasized that beyond aiding those in need, Mission Devine fosters a powerful sense of community and connection among participating volunteers. They come from all walks of life and represent every age group. From families with young children and teens earning service hours to everyday residents, everyone has a blast together. 
“At least once each year, the people of Devine come together, set aside their differences and unite with a common purpose: serving others,” Summers said.

Volunteers Jeff (left), Mike (middle), and Madison (right) were all smiles, even in the intense humidity. Mission Devine had over 100 volunteers through the first two days of the work week and sustained over 50 the rest of the week. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Sylvia Hawkins (far right) stands with Devine police officers after receiving a hydration donation for the Mission Devine work week.

Sylvia Hawkins (left) accepts a check from Lytle State bank President Randy Garcia (right) on behalf of Mission Devine.

Project leader Tony Alvarado has been serving with Mission Devine since 2014. Photo by Moose Lopez.