Category: Events

Below is an important message from the Ag Teacher in Kerrville/ Ingram. If you’d like to help, please read on!
To all the FFA chapters who’ve reached out—thank you for truly “Living to Serve.” Your support means so much!
Here’s how you can help:
Donation sites are full, and cleaning supplies are being covered locally. Instead, we are asking for gift cards to better meet families’ needs.
Requested Gift Cards: Walmart, H-E-B, Lowe’s, Home Depot and Visa or Mastercard. These will help families purchase essentials like clothes, food, towels, and bedding.
Drop-Off Location: Devine High School – Ag Building or Devine Central Office on Monday, July 7 through Thursday, July 17 from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Saunders at chad.saunders@devineisd.org.
We’ll make sure your donations reach Kerr County families in need. Thank you and God bless you all!

Gov. Greg Abbott said Sunday he’s likely to instruct the Texas Legislature to investigate early warning systems and other governmental responses to July 4 flash flooding that killed at least 82 people in the Hill Country.
Lawmakers are set to convene in Austin on July 21. Meanwhile, as of late Sunday an additional 41 people were still missing. In addition to local first responders, more than 1,300 state personnel were dispatched to the scene.
Abbott has issued a disaster declaration covering 21 Hill Country counties, where rain continued to fall through the weekend.
“We will be relentless in going after and ensuring that we locate every single person who’s been a victim of this flooding event,” Abbott said. “We’re not going to stop today or tomorrow.”
Appeals court: Immigration law unconstitutional
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has blocked a 2023 Texas immigration law that would have permitted local police to arrest people believed to have illegally crossed the Texas-Mexico border. The vote was 2-1, The Texas Tribune reported.
“For nearly 150 years, the Supreme Court has recognized that the power to control immigration — the entry, admission, and removal of aliens — is exclusively a federal power,” the ruling says.
The Trump administration earlier this year dropped the federal government’s opposition to a suit filed by two immigrant rights groups and El Paso County challenging the constitutionality of the Texas state law. It would have made it a Class B misdemeanor to cross the border between ports of entry. Subsequent offenses could have resulted in a second-degree felony.
It was not immediately known whether the state will appeal the Fifth Circuit ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Interfaith parents sue to block Ten Commandments law
Two separate lawsuits are challenging a law passed during the last legislative session requiring posters of the Ten Commandments be hung in all public-school classrooms. The San Antonio Express-News said the latest suit was filed against several Austin, Houston and San Antonio-area districts.
“Permanently posting the Ten Commandments in every Texas public-school classroom — rendering them unavoidable — is plainly unconstitutional,” one of the suits states.
The plaintiffs are parents from Jewish, Christian, Unitarian Universalist and Hindu faiths, plus some who are nonreligious. They are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and Americans United for Church and Faith.
The new law, which would take effect in September if a court doesn’t halt it, would require all publicly funded schools to hang a 16-by-20-inch framed poster of the Ten Commandment in a “conspicuous place” in every classroom.
First case of West Nile illness in state reported
The first case of West Nile illness in Texas this year has been reported by the Department of State Health Services in a resident of Brazos County.
West Nile is transmitted by mosquitoes and 80% of people exposed do not get sick, but the rest can have symptoms such as fever, nausea, headaches, muscle fatigue, and muscle and joint pain. Fewer than 1% suffer more serious symptoms, including some fatalities.
“Texans should be aware that mosquitoes transmit disease, and some of these illnesses, like West Nile and dengue, can be severe,” said Department of State Health Services Commissioner Jennifer A. Shuford, MD, MPH. “But taking steps to prevent mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding areas around homes are proactive measures that can reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illness.”
Several steps can be taken to avoid West Nile, including wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and removing standing water in outside containers. A total of 455 cases of West Nile disease were reported in 2024, including 56 deaths.
Adult education programs squeezed by federal funding freeze
A federal hold on funding for adult education programs is affecting Texans enrolled in such programs as GED classes, workforce training, and instruction in English. The Texas Standard reported $78 million the state was slated to receive for these programs this month has been paused.
Sharon Bonney, CEO of the national Coalition on Adult Basic Education, said people enrolled in adult education programs could have their studies interrupted in the next few weeks.
“Closures will start immediately,” Bonney said. “We’ve already heard from a number of local programs. This is going to be across-the-board mass closures and layoffs.”
The funding usually goes to states from the Department of Education as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act, passed in 2014.
Northeast Texas farmer plans run against Abbott
A former firefighter and farmer from Wood County plans to run next year as a Democrat against Abbott, the Houston Chronicle reported. Bobby Cole is vowing to “take back the government for working people of the state.” 
“Republicans have spent 30 years in office, and working men and women have been having to pay the cost,” Cole, 55, said. “It has to stop.”
Cole retired as a firefighter in Texarkana and later Plano. He maintains a family farm in Quitman where they raise 300 head of cattle and also chickens.
Abbott has been governor since 2014 and has already announced plans to run for reelection.
Funding boost for schools comes with strings attached
Texas lawmakers are providing public schools with $8.5 billion in new funding, but some school administrators say the money comes with provisions that limit their independence to a greater degree than previously, The Tribune reported.
The largest portion of the new money goes for teacher raises, with districts having little discretion on who gets raises. Lawmakers did not significantly raise the base amount school districts receive, leaving some districts struggling to pay for non-teacher items, such as rising operational costs and compensation for support staff.
Some educators say that while they are grateful for the teacher pay raises, they are disappointed in a lack of flexibility in how money is spent.
“I think that that’s really, really dangerous when you don’t trust leaders in public education to do the best they can for kids,” said Megan Simoneau, an educator of 21 years who teaches high school math in the Leander school district. All that “most teachers, and most principals, and most superintendents are really attempting to do, is do the best they possibly can for the students, and the families, and their communities.”
Summer anti-drunk driving campaign launched
More than 1,000 deaths were recorded in Texas last year from alcohol-related crashes, and the Texas Department of Transportation is again launching a public awareness campaign to cut down on those fatalities.
The agency’s “Drive Sober. No Regrets” campaign is underway, along with increased law enforcement continuing through mid-July. Officers are on heightened lookout for impaired drivers in hopes of reducing DUI crashes and fatalities across Texas.
Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches, Lufkin, and Cedar Park. Email:gborders@texaspress.com.

Natalia Stands with the Hill Country – Let’s come together to support those affected in the TX Hill Country!
Donation Dates: July 7th – 9th
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Natalia High School Parking Lot or Field House Parking Lot
Every contribution makes a difference!
Items Needed Include:
Hygiene Products
Non-Perishable Food
Cleaning Supplies
Medical Supplies
Clothing
Baby Needs
Let’s show the strength of our community through compassion and generosity.

So many families and children were swept away by floodwaters in one of the most tragic events anyone in this area can recall. Over 1,000 personnel were assisting in search-and-rescue operations as of July 6th, according to the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

The City of Devine, along with our Police Department and Devine Fire & Rescue are collecting donations for the Kerrville flood victims.
In response to the devastating flooding in Kerrville, we are also asking our community to come together to support the families and survivors.
Donations can be dropped off at Devine City Hall.
Items needed:
Gift Cards
Non-perishable food
Bottled water
Clothing (all sizes)
Towels and blankets
New socks and underwear
Toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, feminine hygiene products)
Baby items (diapers, wipes, formula, baby food)
Cleaning supplies (bleach, gloves, trash bags, disinfectant wipes)
Pet supplies (pet food, leashes, carriers)

The State Operations (SOC) Center activated the Texas A&M Task Force among the many emergency responders going in to help the Hill Country Communities.
Devine’s Patrick DuBose and Castroville’s Clint Cooke are both members of this Texas Task Force 1 (TX-TF1) Urban Search and Rescue team in Kerrville helping with the search and rescue efforts after the devastating July 4 floods that sweep through children’s camps and rv parks and homes during the middle of the night.
The death toll as of July 7 was over a 100 already, as the Guadalupe River rose over 27.5 feet in less than 45 minutes in the dark of night.
Daily updates are provided for family members of the Task Force members from Merribeth Kahlich, Public Information Officer on the teams’ involvement with the ongoing search and rescue efforts in The Hill Country and other areas affected by the 4th of July Floods. 
“Our water squads and HSART have been engaged in assisting local officials since early morning. TX-TF1 and TX-TF2 Type 3 Teams are now in place in The Hill Country and will receive missions.   We are proud of the over 150 personnel we have in place to assist local officials and the residents of our State. Please join us in sending prayers and supportive thoughts to all that are in the affected areas.  Many have suffered great loss today.  All our teams have secured lodging for the night and will be up early and ready to assist. We are holding them close in our thoughts tonight and the days ahead, “ said Kahlich.
There has been an abundance of information, photos and updates about the damage and loss of life in the affected areas across all types of media showing the devastation.
“Our teams have been very engaged and assigned to a mission since their arrival,” said Kahlich. “Our water squads (some 75 folks) are true “road warriors” in this event as they have relentlessly followed the water since this began.  Our HSART members have been our “heroes in the sky” and have been right where they could do the most good for the most people on several occasions!  We are proud of all our members and the way they each embrace their specific jobs and perform well as a team,” said Kahlich. 
To give you some idea of the scope of this deployment, currently we have the following involved:
Texas A&M Task Force 1(TX-TF1)- A Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) team with water capabilities
Texas Task Force 2 (TX-TF2)- A Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) team with water capabilities
TX-TF1-9 Swiftwater/Flood Rescue Teams with inflatable rescue boats
TX-TF1- Helicopter Search and Rescue Technicians (HSART), rescue swimmers who will partner with Texas Military Department (TMD) and US Coast Guard (USCG) aircraft
12-Search Canines
27-boats in use between all teams
TF members represent some 50 Participating Agencies
Over 245 personnel deployed
Plus an additional Type 3 US&R team joined them on Monday.
The team has continued to be engaged in mission assignments throughout the area of operations, which consists of some 6 counties: San Saba, Kerr, McCulloch, Kendall, Lampasas and Burnet.  In addition to our team, USAR Resources continue to be requested via the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).  Swift Water Boat Rescue Squads from Florida, Virginia, Louisiana and Oklahoma and a Canine Mission Ready Package (MRP) from Tennessee are in our state to enhance our capabilities.  Resources assigned to this incident continue to move and reposition to support the many requests for assistance. 
“Our task force is blessed with a wonderful Chaplain Corps as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor and a group of certified peer support counselors.  Today a First Responder Assistance Center (FRAC) was made available to our members. The FRAC is here to serve responders who would like some support or to talk to someone. The center’s practitioners are trained in psychological first aid, and trauma informed care.  We take the mental health of our members very seriously and we hope, if needed, they take advantage of this resource,’ she said.
“THANK YOU to all the members who have been out and working the past three days and a special THANK YOU to all of you who are holding down operations at your homes, stations and jobs. Join us as we keep our fellow Texans in our thoughts and prayers over the coming days,” she said.

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.

Get Complete and INSTANT digital access when you sign up and LOGIN at www.devinenewsmembers.com for only $36 per year. Support local news that counts!

This year the city will be partnering with the Lytle Chamber of Commerce for Lytle’s Annual Independence Day Celebration. The event will take place on July 4th at the John Lott Municipal Park.
There will be food trucks set up along with a DJ.
The Music and food trucks will start at 5:00 p.m. and end at 8:20 p.m. with fireworks beginning at dark for the grand finale.
We invite everyone to come out and enjoy the evening with family and friends. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and dancing boots. If you don’t want to stay for the fireworks show feel free to visit the food trucks for a great dinner option and enjoy some live music.

As has happened for the last 143 years, the famed St. Louis Day Celebration will again open the gates to visitors from all over the state. Dubbed years ago, by the Texas Tourist Agency as “The Homecoming for the State of Texas,” the giant festival will again serve tons of barbecued beef, Alsatian style sausage, and food, drink, music, games and fun all day long for friends who make the trip each year to historic Castroville.

In only its 14th year on the shady Koenig Park grounds is one of fastest growing and most popular attractions: The St. Louis Day Biergarten.
According to Frankie Kempf, Asst. Publicity Director, the Biergarten idea was born, appropriately enough, by a couple of parishioners sitting around a “kegerator” reminiscing about the fond memories of St. Louis Days gone by. It was decided to give it a try, and now it hosts a huge crowd of visitors on Saturday evening the night before the actual celebration. So on August 23 at 6:30 p.m., the Super Saturday Biergarten Party will serve ice cold draught beer, wine, other refreshments and food, and live music for those who will make a weekend out of St. Louis Day.
The Saturday night featured entertainers this year will kick off with a great local favorite Bret Mullins Band at 6:30 p.m. Texas Tempo, another great local favorite, will follow at 8:30 and dazzle the crowd with spectacular guitar and vocal talent until 11 p.m. Sunday, August 24, is the actual festival day when thousands of visitors will flock to “The Little Alsace of Texas.”

Besides the amazing BBQ plate, the day will be jam-packed with entertainment at two different venues on the grounds including the Biergarten Stage and the ever-popular Riverside Stage. Featured talent and bands this year include Fire on the Mountain Cloggers, the Alsatian Dancers of Texas, the Alamo City Community Marching Band, mariachis, local favorites Julie Guinther & Michele Mangold, and local Medina Valley High School senior and parishioner Chas Boehme will wow the crowd with his talents for the first time. Taking the stage at 3:30 will be the ever-so-talented Weston Ripps Band followed by crowd pleasers Jordan Gauna and The Yancey Highway Band. In addition, there will be the popular games for young and old including the popular bingo pavilion. Our Plant Booth and Just Treasures will provide great deals for visitors who like to shop. The spacious air-conditioned hall will house one of the best and biggest silent auctions along with the Country Store featuring homemade and canned items.

This year will mark the 27th year of the extremely popular St. Louis Downs “Horseracing Track,” where another lucky person will have his or her name added to the Futurity Champions Wall of Fame.
For more information visit www.saintlouisday.com or like St. Louis Day on facebook.

Get Complete and INSTANT digital access when you sign up and LOGIN at www.devinenewsmembers.com for only $36 per year. Support local news that counts!

Kick off your weekend with a patriotic start to this most patriotic American holiday.  Before you head out for your 4th of July weekend, swing by the VFW at 12:00 noon for a free hot dog.  While guests enjoy their hot dogs, Post 3966 will have a reading of the Declaration of Independence before their 1:00 PM drawing to determine the winners of their ticket sale fundraiser.

The fund raiser is to raise money for repairs, maintenance and expenses to run our Post home, the “Old Green Alamo,” and for charitable projects and veteran assistance.  Tickets will be on sale until the drawing.  There will be three drawings:  1.)  Taurus G3C 9mm Pistol, 2.)  Tristan Cobra III 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun, and 3.)  Diamondback DB 15, 5.56 Rifle.

Free hot dogs will be given out starting at noon (while supplies last) and continuing through the one o’clock drawing.  Chips, sodas and other beverages will be available for sale in the Post Canteen.  Tickets are available from any Post member, at the Post Canteen during normal hours, Wednesday and Thursday evenings after 6pm this week, or by calling 210-289-6204.  You do not need to be present to win.

The drawing will be held at 1 PM, July 4, 2025, at VFW Post 3966, 211 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016.  Winners can pick up their prizes at Calame Gun Store after completing State required paperwork.