By Anton Riecher
The contract between the city of Devine and the Devine Volunteer Fire and Rescue has officially been terminated, City Administrator David Jordan announced at the Oct. 21 Devine City Council regular meeting.
“The fire department is transitioning to new leadership,” Jordan said. “The city contract with the fire department has been terminated.”
Castroville-based Medina County Emergency Services District No. 1, already responsible for management of fire protection for a wide region of the county, took charge of the local fire protection operations this month. ESD1 also took charge of ambulance service in Devine and Natalia this month.
Jordan made the…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!
Category: Events
Local Events in Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Bigfoot, Moore in Medina, Frio, and Atascosa Counties!
Lytle council approves evaluation of site for fifth water well
From left, Lytle city council members Anne Carrillo, Richard Hughes and David Emery were present for Monday’s meeting. (Photo by Anton Riecher)
By Anton Riecher
In a unanimous vote, the Lytle City Council moved Monday to retain an Austin-based hydrogeology firm to evaluate plans to drill a fifth city water well at the site currently occupied by city well number four.
City Administrator Zachary Meadows said that enough land was purchased for an additional well when well number four was drilled at the site. Urged by city engineers Cobb Fendley, the evaluation by Wet Rock Groundwater Services would hopefully confirm the wisdom of that initial decision.
“With our growth and wanting to make sure that makes the most sense as a part of the process of the design, Cobb Fendley is suggesting we engage with Wet Rock to make sure that does truly still make sense,” Meadows said.
Funds to cover the cost of the evaluation is being taken from existing impact fees for the project, he said.
Mayor Ruben Gonzalez…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!
Apparatus issues occupy ESD2 after fire department management revamp
ESD1 administrative assistant Stephanie Earl, center, and battalion chief David Powers address the ESD2 board during its Oct. 21 meeting. (Photo by Anton Riecher)
By Anton Riecher
Tough decisions about the repair or replacement of fire apparatus lay ahead for the Medina County Emergency Services District No. 2 board of commissioners based on an early assessment made by the new management for local fire protection during the Oct 21 board meeting.
Battalion Chief David Powers, liaison between the board and Castroville-based ESD1, rejected the idea that firefighters always want the newest for their departments.
“I want something that will get to that fire with a pump, a hose and someone to operate it,” Powers said. “That’s all I care about.”
He questioned whether some of the current fleet of fire apparatus offers that dependability.
“The problem is, are we at that point with some of this apparatus that we can trust?” Powers said.
However, ESD1 Chief Clint Cooke asked for more time to prepare an in depth assessment on whether the current fleet can still be brought up to speed.
“Truthfully, we don’t know that yet,” Cooke said. “We’ve been here two and a half weeks.”
At the direction…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!
DHS Theatre Spotlight Friday Night Sprites foundation to UIL Competition
Jaide Hoover and Zack Martinez in Friday Night Sprites.
Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
The curtain rose once again on the Devine High School stage as Director Jose Guardiola and his extremely talented cast performed Friday Night Sprites for their student body and then again for the community on October 28.
Though this production was not the school’s official UIL One-Act Play competition entry, it served as a vital opportunity for the program to fine-tune performance skills, explore new characters, and entertain the community before contest season begins after the Christmas break.
The online synopsis of Friday Night Sprites states it as a comedic play by Don Zolidis about a high school football coach in Texas who is at wits’ end frustrated by the lack of resources for his team. Meanwhile the theatre department has a large budget for its production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, pitting Coach against Director for adequate football funding.
Among the standout performers in Friday Night Sprites were real-life brothers senior Maverick Beaty and freshman Nolan Beaty, and talented senior actress Gwyn DeLeon.
Maverick and Nolan formed a comedic-duo whose shared passion for theatre brought a unique spark to the stage. With Guardiola’s creative direction and a cast that was obviously eager to impress, Friday Night Sprites delivered a heartwarming and high-energy performance for each their audiences.
With literally hundreds and hundreds of plays to choose from, Mr. Guardiola discussed what led him to pick Fridan Night Lights for this year’s pre-district presentation and spoke on his vision of DHS Theatre while Maverick, Gwyn, and Nolan also shared some of their personal thoughts as well.
Mr. Guardiola
“Every year we do a Fall Production, and that acts as a two-month long audition for the One Act Play. We take any and all students who audition because you never know where your talent will come from. As a result, I try to pick plays that require large cast and crew so we can have a spot for everyone who applies.
I chose Friday Night Sprites this year because it had room for the large cast and crew we have this year and it is also quite funny and relatable, especially to the kids who have been in theater for a while and know the struggles.
Such a large play with lots of moving parts required the students to take on responsibility for their assigned role, which allowed them to demonstrate the skills they will need for competition season. I will review how they took on that role, whether they were the lead actor or if their entire role was just putting a stool on stage, and evaluate how seriously they take their assignment.
We’ve had students with one line in the Fall Play get a lead role in One-Act because they did all they could with their one line and demonstrated the responsibility required of them for a competition. The Fall Play allowed me to see how the kids reacted under pressure, how they took critiques, and most importantly, how seriously they took their role, no matter what the size.
With every production we do, my central message is “Theater is fun! Come and join the family!,” which is why I try to do comedies every chance I get. Students having fun is the best advertisement in order to get more kids to join my program.
But this play in particular had a message that’s near and dear to me. I want the community to know that we are here and doing wonderful things, and we can continue to do more wonderful things with their support.
To quote our main character this year, ‘These kids work really hard, they deserve to have people show up to watch them!’”
Maverick Beaty
“Sharing the stage with my brother made this production a lot more fun and exciting for me. I am a senior and he is a freshman; this and the spring play is our only chance in high school to share stage time. I am extremely comfortable acting around Nolan, so that made it easier for me to step into my role as Coach Burnside. His character and mine had a fun little rivalry dynamic going on in the play, and I think casting real-life brothers as these roles was perfect.
It is bizarre to finally be a senior in high school, because that means I have been there longer than everybody else. As the lead in this play, I put my best effort into the role and lead by example. Drama is all about stepping into another person’s shoes and exploring how they would react under these various circumstances, and I try to keep that in mind as well whenever I am advising my brother or another underclassman.
Friday Night Sprites was special because, ultimately, it is a satire that comments on the budget and funding disparities between school organizations. It is a clever concept that lends itself to great comedic performances from our talented drama students. It is a funny little story with a large cast, so a lot of kids were given the chance to shine. We all worked extremely hard on making this play the best that it could be, so we greatly appreciated the Devine community coming out to show their support!”
Gwyn DeLeon
“My character, Ms. Davidson, was a bit more complicated than what met the eye. What was challenging to me was not saying the lines but saying them as if I had years of experience teaching and showing my helpful nature through her. My character was ‘volunteered’ to be a coach; therefore, I had to act as if I had never seen football before, so she was a bit nervous. However, she became more and more confident and learned to love the sport for the students.
Throughout my years, my biggest joy has been being under those stage lights. The way that the audience draws in and clings to the words. I love showing the audience just how much theater is an art. The warmth of the lights and the sound of laughter is something I will never forget.
This play had a lot of work that was put in by students like me who wish to see our community laugh and have lasting memories. I thank the Devine community for supporting our Theater which will help us put on more plays in the future!”
Nolan Beaty
“Well, since my character (Mr. Garber) and Maverick’s were both a key dynamic in the play, we had all the time in the world to rehearse these lines and scenes at home to make them as great as possible. I also found it easier to work with him since I am so used to him already, and we have phenomenal chemistry.
If one thing has surprised me throughout this fall season, it would definitely be how quickly we have to get down our lines and have to adapt and dive-deep into the nature of these characters and try to relate to them all in over a month. It, thankfully, has not slowed me down in doing the best I can.
What made Friday Night Sprites special is that it had the great message that things can be especially important in such different ways, and I really wanted the Devine kids to see this because Theater, specifically acting itself, is so dormant in both the middle school and the high school. I basically hope this play will make the Devine kids think about or appreciate theater more and join this terrific organization!”
In closing
As the cast and crew brought Friday Night Sprites to life, the production not only entertained but also strengthened the group’s chemistry and stage confidence heading into UIL competition season after the Christmas holiday.
Director Guardiola will continue to guide his students with passion and purpose, ensuring they gain valuable experience from every performance. With upperclassmen like Maverick and Gwyn setting the tone and underclassmen such as Nolan rising to the occasion, the theatre program appears poised for another memorable year under the lights.
’25-’26 Theatre Members
Director: Jose Guardiola On-stage performers: Maverick Beaty, Gwyn DeLeon, Nolan Beaty, Melanie Cardenas, Angelica Castillo, Jacelyn Delaney, Isabella Duron, Kayla Dzierzanowski, Viola Dzierzanowski, Miranda Guerrero, Natalie Gutierrez, Payton Hester, Jaide Hoover, Manuel Leal, Emma Martinez, Zack Martinez, Madelynn Mitchell, Dakota Nighswander, Isabella Perez, Ben Ramon, Phoenix Reyes, Nathan Sanchez, Angeliana Rendon-Zapata Stagehands: Jessica Ballesteros, Ryan Botello, Chris Flores, Mia Gonzales, Issac Medina, Stage Managers: Briana Balderrama, Kassandra Fajardo Lights: Taylor Garcia, Emma B. Gonzales Sound: Veralee Martinez, John Schroeder Props: Deidre Bishop, Alyzse Cumpian Costume/Makeup: Catherine Brown, Jenavive Esquibel.
Community to Honor Veterans with Wreaths Across America Ceremony in Devine
Community to Honor Veterans with Wreaths Across America Ceremony
The Current Events Club is once again gearing up to participate in the Wreaths Across America program, a heartfelt initiative to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. This year, the club invites the community to join in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony for local veterans at Devine Evergreen and St. Joseph Cemeteries.
Remembering Our Heroes
The mission of Wreaths Across America is simple yet powerful: to remember, honor, and teach the next generation about the importance of freedom and the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military. Volunteers across the nation place fresh, balsam wreaths on the graves of veterans during the holiday season, ensuring that each soldier’s sacrifice is never forgotten.
Locally, the ceremony will recognize veterans who have passed and are laid to rest in America Day ceremony will take place on:
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Devine Evergreen and St. Joseph Cemeteries
The event is open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to attend, whether to participate in placing wreaths, attend the ceremony, or simply take a moment of reflection at the gravesites.
How You Can Help
The Current Events Club also invites community members to sponsor a wreath. Each wreath costs $17, and donations go directly toward the wreath placement. The wreaths are a symbol of respect and gratitude for those who served and are a cherished part of the event.
If you have family members or know of veterans who are buried at either of the cemeteries, please take a moment to review the list of veterans provided by the club. If you notice any names missing, or if you want to ensure a loved one is included in this year’s wreath-laying, please contact Linda Kreinhop at 830-665-6377 or Martha Wall at 210-213-5620.
Why We Do This
“Wreaths Across America is more than just a ceremony; it’s a way for us to teach future generations the importance of remembering those who came before them,” said Kreinhop. “It’s a reminder of the sacrifices made, not just by soldiers, but by their families and communities. This holiday season, let’s come together to honor these heroes.”
Join Us
The Wreaths Across America ceremony provides a meaningful opportunity for reflection and community bonding, and the Current Events Club invites everyone to participate. Mark your calendars and make plans to join us in honoring our nation’s veterans and ensuring their legacy endures.
VFW invites community to honor loved ones
Lytle VFW invites you to “Honor a hero, preserve a legacy” and Support our Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post by purchasing a custom laser-engraved brick to be placed on the Memorial Wall near the flag poles at Lytle VFW.
Price: Introductory offer: $50.00 (4”x8”) or $65.00 (8”x8”) per brick if ordered by December 1st.
To place your order on-line please visit: donate.brickmarkers.com/lmvfw
Local church invites you to join them in celebrating the JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE @ Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church OCTOBER 24 & 25, 2025
Our Lady of Grace in La Coste, Texas has been designated Jubilee Pilgrimage Site in the Archdiocese and will host activities on October 24 – 25, 2025. This year, the archbishop has proclaimed Assembly as an “Archdiocesan Day of Prayer, Fasting, and Reconciliation.”
This special day at our Jubilee Pilgrimage Site provides an intentional space for the faithful across the archdiocese to slow down from daily responsibilities, to give Jesus their burdens, and to recommit to their baptismal call.
By doing so, we pray everyone will leave Assembly renewed as pilgrims of hope for the world! See the advertisement which has more information and a schedule for our Day of Prayer, Fasting and Reconciliation.
ESD4 board resolves pending details of ambulance revamp
ESD1 Battalion Chief David Powers, in charge of emergency response in Devine, was on hand for the ESD4 board meeting Oct. 8.
By Anton Riecher
Details in the takeover of ambulance service for Devine and Natalia by Castroville-based ESD1 were reviewed by the Medina County Emergency Services District No. 4 board of commissioners during their monthly meeting Oct. 8.
ESD1 Battalion Chief David Powers, who took charge of local fire and ambulance operations effective Oct. 1, said that the two ESD4 ambulances are scheduled for “rebranding,” i.e., new identifications stickers reflecting the change in management affiliation, by the end of October.
The ambulances will also be stocked with new supplies and fully outfitted with all the necessary medical equipment, Powers said. New equipment will include cardiac monitors and intravenous infusion pumps used to deliver medication and fluids at controlled rates.
“On the morning of Nov. 1 at 600 hours we’re ready to go, ready to respond,” Powers said.
ESD1 has also conducted interviews and hired 13 paramedics to staff the revamped operation, he said.
“They’ve accepted offers and will start at their pre-employment next week,” Powers said.
The new personnel hired will serve only as paramedics attached to the ESD4 ambulance…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!
VFW upcoming Fall Events
VFW Post 3966 has several events coming up this Fall. November 8 will be the VFW Golf Tournament at the Devine Golf Course. Contact Gary Saathoff at 210-289-6204.
December 6, 2025, Post 3966 will be hosting a Christmas Market from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Booths will be available in the Hall and outdoors in the Courtyard and parking lot. Contact James Dossey at 210-882-7689
Lytle Band wins 2nd and four captions for “The Flame Within”,focuses in on UIL this Saturday, Oct 18
Lytle Band earns Best Front Ensemble, Best Drumline, Best Color Guard, Best Music, and Best Marching Oct. 11
By Joshua Chessher, M.S. Ed.
Director of Bands, Lytle ISD
The Lytle Pirate Band delivered another outstanding performance of “The Flame Within” at the God’s Country Marching Festival in Hondo on October 11, 2025, earning top honors across multiple categories and continuing their season of excellence. The band was awarded Best Front Ensemble, Best Drumline, Best Color Guard, Best Music, and Best Marching, capping off the day with an impressive 2nd Place Overall finish among 3A bands.
Under the direction of the Lytle Band staff, the Pirate Band’s powerful performance showcased musical precision, disciplined marching, and a spirit of pride that captured the attention of judges and audiences alike. Each section demonstrated the dedication, teamwork, and heart that define the Lytle Band Program.
The Pirate Band now turns its focus to the UIL Region Marching Contest, where they will perform on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 5:15 p.m. at Hondo High School. The students and staff invite the community to come out and cheer them on as they represent Lytle, proving that Little Things Turn Into Big Things!