Category: Events

On June 6, the Alsatian Pioneers met for the last meeting of the spring of 2026 meetings will begin again starting in August 29, 2026. At the June meeting, the Alsatian pioneers chapter installed three new members; had an exceptional program by Pat Burell on his family’s antecedent through a genealogical researcher’s eye. Report was given on activities year to date of our chapter; we have been very busy.
Munchies were provided by chapter members. The chapter set a new date for the first meeting of the fall.

Come join us monthly in Natalia at the American Legion Post #371 Bradshaw Herring McCoy Post on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 in the city council chambers, main street Natalia. All veterans including current military are welcome to join. It is open to the public. Donations and volunteers are always welcome. For further information contact Lainey Franklin at 210-789-1649.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service course will help keep Texas livestock moving

By AgriLife Today News Team
Gov. Greg Abbott announced the launch of a free online course on June 13 to expand the number of certified New World Screwworm, NWS, inspectors across Texas.
This course, created by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Education Development and Engagement unit on its AgriLife Learn platform, will allow more Texans to inspect their animals and certify documentation required to safely move them, which is critical to ensuring cattle and livestock commerce continues uninterrupted.
A first-of-its-kind program, New World Screwworm Preparedness and Response Education, was developed by AgriLife Extension in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Texas Animal Health Commission, TAHC, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD.
“The State of Texas will use every tool to protect our cattle industry and wildlife while we eradicate this pest,” Abbott said. “Texas A&M AgriLife and TAHC moved quickly to launch this training. Now more people, including private industry, will be able to inspect and certify animals for movement. Through this program, Texas will…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!

June 4, 2026
DEL RIO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) uncovered a stash house and captured a wanted criminal illegal immigrant gang member during Operation Lone Star in Maverick Co. last week.
On May 29, 2026, just after 12:00 a.m., DPS Troopers received information about a possible stash house operating out of a hotel in Eagle Pass. Troopers made contact with a female inside one of the rooms, who consented to a search after Troopers detected a strong odor of marijuana. Upon entering, Troopers discovered the room was being used as a stash house and located four illegal immigrants from Honduras hiding under blankets.
Troopers identified two of the illegal immigrants as Joseph Angel Gusman, 21, and Daniel Castillo Dionisio, 21, both Rollin’ 30s Crips gang members with a history of illegal reentry and alien inadmissibility by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Further investigation also revealed Dionisio was wanted by the New Orleans Police Department on multiple felony warrants for armed robbery and aggravated assault with a firearm. He was arrested and booked into the Maverick Co. Jail. Gusman and the other two illegal immigrants were referred to Border Patrol.
Two American citizens, Juella Monet Brown, 27, of Grandview, Mo., and Starr Ricki Drake, 26, of Euless, Texas, were both charged with operation of a stash house and booked into the Maverick Co. Jail.
Video of the event is available here.
Texas Stash House Rewards Program
DPS urges the public to be on the lookout for potential stash house operations and to report any suspected stash house operations to law enforcement. Under the Texas Stash House Rewards Program, Texas Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification of stash houses, pill press operations and methamphetamine conversion laboratories used in transnational crimes.
To be eligible for the cash rewards, tipsters must use one of the following three methods:
• Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477)
• Submit a web tip online at: https://www.p3tips.com/650
• Submit a Facebook tip by clicking the “SUBMIT A TIP” link (under the “About” section).
All tips are guaranteed to be anonymous.

City of Devine Announces Partnership with AEP to Upgrade Street Lights to Energy-Efficient LEDs

In the next couple of weeks, across the city of Devine, you will see AEP service trucks changing out all old streetlight fixtures. The City of Devine is proud to announce Operation GET LIT!!, a new partnership with American Electric Power (AEP) to replace streetlights throughout the city with energy-efficient LED lighting.
This important upgrade is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to improving quality of life for our residents. By installing brighter, more efficient LED lighting, Devine will enhance public safety, improve visibility along city streets and in neighborhoods, and create a brighter environment for drivers, pedestrians, and families.
Beyond improving safety, this project will also deliver meaningful energy savings for the City. Traditional lighting uses far more electricity to produce the same amount of light as LED fixtures. LED lights are designed to use significantly less energy while providing brighter, more reliable illumination. That means the City can reduce overall electricity consumption, lower utility costs over time, and make better use of public resources.
LED lights also last much longer than older lighting types, which means fewer replacements and reduced maintenance costs.
I’m excited about this new initiative, states City Administrator David Jordan, With lower energy use, longer life, and improved performance, this upgrade is both a smart financial decision and a sustainable investment in Devine’s future.
The City of Devine appreciates its partnership with AEP in helping to bring these improvements to our community. Together, we are building a safer, brighter, and more energy-efficient future for Devine.

Devine – This summer’s activities and entertainment kicks off Wednesday, June 3rd at 1:00 pm with the return of Bonzo Crunch and his magical show. Bonzo last visited the library in 2011 and we are so excited to have him bringing his clown antics and magical wonders back to us. This program is first come, first seat with a capacity of 200. As with all programs at the library admission is free and this show is open to all ages. Childcare facilities must call in advance to reserve space this allows us to ensure the general public space also.
Afternoon @ the Movies – this year we will travel back in time and all our features will be the original versions of popular animated movies. Summer schedule is Wednesdays: June 10th –Toy Story I (G-80 min); June 24th – Shrek I (PG-90 min); July 1st – Land Before Time (G-70 min); July 15th – Jumanji (PG-104 min); July 22nd – Anastasia (G-94 min). Doors open at 12:30 pm show time is 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 215.
We are excited to welcome Happy Tails Entertainment back to the library on Wednesday, June 17th at 1:00 pm. The show features 6 different exotic animals and attendees learn each animal’s lifestyle and habits. Do they make a good pet or not? At the close of the show a couple of the animals will be available for photo ops. Doors for this event will open at 12:30 pm and admittance is on a first come basis. There is…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!

June
10 – Free Summer Kid Movie Series at Castroville Rainbow Theater showing How to Train Your Dragon at 10:30 a.m.
10 – Lytle Public Library Story Time from 10:30 – 11 a.m. | Ages 2-5
10 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Sit & Stitch Club from 6 – 7:30 p.m. | Ages 15+
11 – Free Summer Kid Movie Series at Castroville Rainbow Theater showing How to Train Your Dragon at 10:30 a.m.
11 – Lytle Public Library Craft With Us from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
11 – Live Music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Eric Middleton from Midnight River Choir at 7 p.m.
12 – VBS Safari Adventure from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Crossroads Community Church
12 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Plant Swap from 2 -3 p.m. | No Reservations Required
12 – Wrestling Throwdown at 7 p.m. 15126 Main St Lytle, TX 78052 United States
12 – Pop-Up and Rummage Sale from 8am – 3pm at Lucky Clover Coffee Shop Lytle Tx
13 – Pop-Up and Rummage Sale from 8am – 3pm at Lucky Clover Coffee Shop Lytle Tx
13 – Live Music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Timber Wilde, Bo Bumble, and Garrett Mann at 7 p.m.
13 – City of Devine Flag Day Celebration at Briscoe City Park
15 – Summer Teen Club – Candy Sushi Making from 4 – 5:30 p.m. at Devine Driscoll Public Library | Ages 13-18 | Registration Required
16 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Hand Embroidery Club from 5:30 – 7 p.m.| Ages 14 & older | Registration Required
16 – Regular Devine City Council Meeting at 6 p.m. at Devine Community Center
17 – Lytle Public Library Story Time from 10:30 – 11 a.m. | Ages 2-5
17 – Free Summer Kid Movie Series at Castroville Rainbow Theater showing Gabby’s Dollhouse at 10:30 a.m.
18 – Free Summer Kid Movie Series at Castroville Rainbow Theater showing Gabby’s Dollhouse at 10:30 a.m.
18 – Live Music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Lonestar Gentry from the Pat Green Band at 7 p.m.
18 – Lytle Public Library Craft With Us from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
20 – Live Music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring JP McCabe at 7 p.m.
20 – Devine Saturday Night Lights – College Street Market from 5 – 9 p.m. in downtown Devine
20 – Moon & Makers Market from 5 – 11 p.m. at Dahlgreen Food Truck Park in Somerset
20 – Comedy Night at Lytle Memorial VFW Post 12041 | Doors Open 6 p.m. | Show Starts 7 p.m.
22 – Lytle City Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
24 – Free Summer Kid Movie Series at Castroville Rainbow Theater showing Dog Man at 10:30 a.m.
24 – Lytle Public Library Story Time from 10:30 – 11 a.m. | Ages 2-5
25 – Free Summer Kid Movie Series at Castroville Rainbow Theater showing Dog Man at 10:30 a.m.
25 – Live Music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Damon Curtis & Mikele Buck at 7 p.m.
25 – Lytle Public Library Craft With Us from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
27 – Ritual & Restore Market from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Texicana Boutique | Lytle Tx
27 – Live Music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Kristin Foreman at 7 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.

By Anton Riecher
Erection of Lytle’s long-delayed elevated water storage tank is expected by July 8 with completion, including painting and inspection, by mid-September, an engineering contractor reported to the city council Monday night.
Scott Horowitz of TRC Engineers said that the project is one to two weeks behind schedule, citing a revamped timeline provided by project contractor, Avon, IN-based Phoenix Fabricators and Erectors.
“The contractor explained that it’s partly due to the inclement weather that they’ve had in the past 30 days or so,” he said.
Painting will begin immediately after erection and take about 30 days. After painting and inspection, remaining work should take another 35 days.
Originally slated for construction in February, Phoenix Fabricators blamed labor shortages and massive increase in demand for tank construction for the initial delay. The company faces a substantial penalty on its final bill for the lengthy setbacks, city staff has previously said.
Once completed, bringing the new water tower online will require careful balancing of the entire city water system to avoid problems, especially for commercial users, Mayor Ruben Gonzalez said.
In other business, the council unanimously approved an engagement letter with Houston-based auditing firm BrooksWatson & Co. covering the city audit for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. This is the second consecutive audit by BrooksWatson performed for the city.
Action on engaging the firm had previously been tabled to allow staff to work with the firm on accountability measures such as moving the report deadline from March to February with BrooksWatson providing an update on the audit’s status in January.
Council members including District 4 Alderman Michael Rodriguez raised concerns that the draft did not include liquidated damages or monetary penalties for missed deadlines.
“If I’m not mistaken I saw nowhere in there where there were provisions for damages liquidation or damages for them not fulfilling their part,” Rodriguez said.
City Attorney Austin Beck with Davidson Troilio Ream and Garza reported that BrooksWatson was unwilling to agree to such monetary requirements. If the council insists, it would likely require finding another auditor with that requirement included in the RFQ (request for quote).
In separate…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!

By Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
From the pastures of Devine to the offices of the nation’s capital, 2023 Devine graduate Harper Parson recently began an internship in Washington D.C. through the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy (ANRP) Internship Program at Texas A&M University.
Son of Chad and Carly Parson, Harper, a Animal Science senior, is one of 17 students selected to spend the entire summer as an integral part of the House Committee on the Agriculture-Majority Office. He will be monitoring legislation, attending committee hearings and briefings and preparing reports for senior staff members.
Stephanie Webb, director of the ANRP internship program, explains that this internship is one of the few in the nation that specifically focused on “transforming today’s agricultural students into tomorrow’s leaders.”
“Through this opportunity, students use what they have learned in the classroom in a professional work setting,” Webb said. “Not only will the D.C. experience be attractive to future employers, but our students are also providing valuable assistance to the officers in which they intern.”
The program is in its 36th year and has had more than 1,300 Aggies participate. Each student receives course credit for their internship as well as a scholarship in the form of housing, which is partly supported by private donors and commodity organizations.
Growing up in Devine, Parson already had an affinity agriculture and livestock from raising show pigs with his family. During his tenure as a Texas Pork Junior Ambassador, he was able to lobby on the behalf of the national pork industry, catalyzing his passion for livestock production while protecting its interests on the federal level.
Parson is involved with numerous organizations at Texas A&M, but his proudest achievements is competing in the 2025 National Champion Intercollegiate Meat Judging Team, as well as winning the 2025 Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Conference. He also competed on the 2026 Meat Animal Evaluation Team and served as the Chairman of the Swine Committee, and serves as the Vice President of the Animal Science Ambassadors.
Congratulations to Parson on this incredible achievement!