Category: Events

“TODAY WE HONOR THEM”

“Freedom carries a cost that is paid by real people with real families, real dreams, and real futures that were never fully realized.”

“It is a solemn occasion set aside by a grateful nation to honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to this country.”

Today we honored them – a few by name, but most grouped together as “the fallen” who gave All in fighting for freedoms in service of their country in wars and conflicts in places all over the world. We honored the ones who lost their lives in service and who never came home. But even if we did not know them personally, they all had names, all had families, and all continue to deserve our respect, honor, and appreciation for their sacrifices in the line of duty to protect the freedoms we hold so dear. “There is no passage of time that fully heals the loss of someone taken in service to this country.”
Retired veteran, Master Sergeant U.S. Air Force David Jordan introduced us today to one of the heroic fallen American soldiers who we honored today – Staff Sgt. John T. Self.
Staff Sgt. John T. Self lost his life on May 14, 2007 while on his 79th combat patrol as a fire team leader assisting Iraqis taking back the streets of Baghdad. An improvised explosive device tore through his vehicle killing him and wounding three fellow Airmen on the patrol. The Airmen were part of a police transition team belonging to Det. 3 of the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. (Air Force news article, May 21, 2007, Balad Air Base, Iraq)
“Our mission was not simple.” “Our Airmen and Soldiers moved daily through neighborhoods filled with ambushes, roadside bombs, and uncertainty. We trained local police officers while attempting to bring stability to communities overwhelmed by violence. Every patrol carried risk. Every street corner held the possibility of attack.” “He died a HERO while serving others.” “He died believing his mission mattered.”
“What continues to resonate about Sergeant Self is not only the way he died, but the clarity with which he understood service before he deployed. He understood Service before Self!”
When discussing the dangers of Iraq, he wrote words that deserve to be remembered: “Every time a military member comes to the desert, they’re in the heat of danger… It is my job to serve my country to the best of my ability and die for it if I must.”
“Most Americans will never be asked to make peace with the possibility of sacrificing their life for strangers thousands of miles from home; yet generation after generation, our military has been filled with individuals who willingly accepted that burden.” “Sergeant Self was one of them.”
“The people we lose never completely leave us.” “That is why ceremonies like this matter.”
Local Veterans, their families, community leaders and citizens assembled today by the large patriotic flag mural at the Devine VFW Post 3966 to honor the memory of these soldiers, like Sgt. Self, with prayer, speeches, a flag retirement ceremony, and the Missing Man Table ceremony. This day served as a powerful point of remembrance, symbolizing that the absent comrades are with us in spirit and never forgotten. “Nations survive not only because of military strength, but because they choose to remember sacrifice with honesty and dignity.” “May we never allow their sacrifices to fade into history unnoticed:” MAY WE NEVER FORGET!
*The Devine VFW Post 3966 would like to thank the many veterans, community leaders, and citizens who attended and participated in the annual Memorial Davy ceremony. Special thanks to Medina County Judge Keith Lutz & City of Devine Administrator David Jordan for their heartfelt speeches honoring our fallen veterans; to Boy Scout Troop 72 leader Chris Morris and Scout Gus, and Devine Fire & Rescue team for helping with the flag retirement ceremony; to Devine Current Events Club for providing ice cream; and to its Post officers and members who made the whole event possible. Thank you.

Lewis Stroud & Dennis Ortega prepare the table for the Missing Man Table ceremony for Memorial Day, with Gary Saathoff announcing.

VFW Post 3966 member Dennis Ortega at Memorial Day Ceremony.

May
27 – Collage Club at the Devine Driscoll Public Library from 5:30 – 7 p.m. | Registration Required
27 – Lytle Public Library Story Time ages 2-5 from 10:30-11 a.m.
28 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Crafting After Hours from 6 – 8 p.m. | Registration Required
28 – Lytle Public Library Craft With Us from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
28 – Live Music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Matt Kirk at 7 p.m.
30 – Lytle VFW Comedy Night featuring Patrick Christopher, Danny Ingle, Dallas Vann from 7 – 10 p.m.
30 – 2nd Annual Seed & Soil Scramble Tournament at the Castroville Alsatian Golf Club at 8:30 a.m.
31 – Live music at My Time Garden & Nursery featuring Matt Montamat from 9 – 2
June
3 & 4 – Free Summer Kid Movie Series at Castroville Rainbow Theater showing Bad Guys 2 at 10:30 a.m.
3-5 – Gospel Meeting w/ Bill Fergerson at the Church of Christ in Lytle, Tx at 7:30 p.m.
5 – Dr. Koala Book Signing during Fiorella Friday from 6-9 p.m. in Downtown Castroville
6 – Yard Sale at St. John Bosco Church Hall from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
6 – Comedy Night with Erik Knowles at the Castroville Rainbow Theater at 7 p.m.
6 – Gospel Meeting w/ Bill Fergerson at the Church of Christ in Lytle, Tx at 5 p.m.
7 – Cash Bingo at St. John Bosco Catholic Church Hall of Natalia | Doors Open 1pm | Early Bird 2pm
7 – Gospel Meeting w/ Bill Fergerson at the Church of Christ in Lytle, Tx at 10:30 a.m. & 3 p.m.
10 & 11 – Free Summer Kid Movie Series at Castroville Rainbow Theater showing How to Train Your Dragon at 10:30 a.m.
12 – L-Town Throwdown Hybrid Wrestling at 15126 Main St Lytle, Tx at 7 p.m.
12 & 13 – South Texas Heat 2nd Annual BBQ Cook-Off | Beans 11am | Chicken 12 pm | Pork Ribs 1pm | Brisket 2pm at 1074 CR 672 W Devine, Tx 78016
13 – City of Devine Flag Day Celebration at Briscoe City Park
17 & 18 – Free Summer Kid Movie Series at Castroville Rainbow Theater showing Gabby’s Dollhouse at 10:30 a.m.
24 & 25 – Free Summer Kid Movie Series at Castroville Rainbow Theater showing Dog Man at 10:30 a.m.
27 – Whiskey Showdown at the La Coste City Hotel age 21+ at 7 p.m.
July
4 – Castroville’s Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration | Parade 9-11 am in Historic Downtown Castroville | Fireworks & Festivities 6-10pm at Castroville Regional Park
7-9 – Camp Chaos 3-Day VBS at Zion Lutheran Church of Castroville from 9am – 1pm
11 – Smoke Showdown Fajita Cook-Off Edition at 18545 I-35 Access Rd #2 Lytle, Tx 78052 at 12 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
The legal authority of the county commissioners to regulate data center development is strictly defined by Texas state law and the state Constitution, County Judge Keith Lutz emphasized in comments Monday during the Medina County Commissioners’ Court hearing.
“The only authority that this court has or any court in the state of Texas is what is given through the state’s Constitution and laws,” Lutz said.
Lutz noted that the data center boom, particularly in Medina County, has been a hot topic on social media and during a May 12 town hall meeting in Devine on the proposed “El Camino” data center project south of town.
“The public is really finally taking notice of what’s going on around us,” he said.
The rapid proliferation of nearly 400 data centers statewide includes 80 near Bexar County and nine either operating or under construction in Medina County. Key concerns include water consumption and electricity usage.
Lutz said he has been dealing with data center issues since is first day in office as county judge.
“There are so many across the state that people are really engaged in the process,” Lutz said. “I do believe that more than anything people want answers. And it is a lot to absorb. People don’t know what they can and can’t trust. You have outside influences that make their way into different groups.”
The only tools available…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 Lions Club donated $500 to Mission Devine. Pictured are l to r Kellen Nixon, Bill Herring, Lewis Stroud give check to Mission Devine representatives Todd Summers and Cliff Redus.

By Anton Riecher
Taking the oath of office as Lytle mayor for the third time, nine-year city council veteran Ruben Gonzalez announced at the council meeting Monday that he plans to step down after completing his latest two-year term.
“I value this decision dearly,” Gonzalez said. “I want our council to move on and continue to do important things but this will be my last term.”
Medina County Judge Keith Lutz issued the oath to Gonzalez and three returning council members – District 1 Alderwoman Anna Carrillo, District 4 Alderman Michael Rodriguez and District 5 Alderman Matthew Martinez.
Gonzalez praised his fellow council members for creating a congenial atmosphere in which to administer 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!

The Friendship Art Club recently received a donation from Lytle State Bank to support the club’s drawing held in conjunction with the Annual Arts and Crafts Show scheduled for September 26 at the Lytle Community Center. Bank President Randy Garcia presented the $100 donation to Club Secretary Elsa Rodrigues.
The drawing benefits art education, including scholarships for graduating high school students to pursue their education and artistic promise. And, the drawings success for many years can be attributed to the generosity of the business community and individual donors as well as the enthusiastic participation of the ticket-buying community at the art show.
Club members and guest artists at the annual show will exhibit their artwork—paintings, drawings, photographs, and 3-D pieces in wood, metal, ceramics, jewelry, etc.—in booths, as well as in a judged competition. The vote of the public at the show will determine the People’s Choice Award.
Information on artist applications to participate in the show will be released soon.

Medina County, Texas — The Walk Across Texas program brought community members together with a shared commitment to improving health and wellness, and the 2026 season proved to be a remarkable success across the county. Hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Walk Across Texas is an eight-week program that encourages participants to increase physical activity through friendly team competition and goal setting.
This year, Medina County teams logged an impressive number of miles, demonstrating dedication, teamwork, and a strong community spirit. Participants tracked miles walked, run, or completed through other physical activities, all contributing toward their team totals as they “walked” the distance across Texas (832 Miles) and beyond.
Team Results
After weeks of tracking steps and encouraging one another, the final results highlight the incredible effort of all participants:…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!

2nd Place – The Fast Trackers

3rd Place – Agrilife Extension- Medina County

HARTS Scholarship Committee awarded three scholarships to three area 2026 graduates. Pictured above are HARTS President Earline Schlortt, committee members Darlene Haby, Irene Dubberly, Esther Johnson and Scholarship Committee chair Elaine Neuman. Scholarship recipients (seated) are Kaylee Kavensky, Medina Valley, who will be attending Our Lady of the Lake; Cheyenne Vera, Pearsall, who has her eyes set on Tarleton University; and Mason Barr, Hondo, who has chosen Texas Lutheran.

The Alsatian Pioneers Children of the Republic of Texas (CRT) is reactivating. For information visit us on May 23 at the Medina County Museum between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. during the Heritage Day Celebration. Goody bags will be provided for current members and serious prospective members.

Executive Summary:
Data centers are increasingly integral to the modern economy, but without prompt action, this industry threatens to strain an over-burdened electrical grid, deplete limited water supplies, raise costs for Texans; harm public health; and overwhelm local governments and utilities. Texas is second only to Virginia in U.S. data center development and is on track to surpass Virginia by the end of the decade. Within Texas, the San Antonio-Austin South-Central Texas region saw a four-fold increase in data center development between 2023 and 2025 and now ranks among the top global markets for expansion. Hyperscale facilities built for AI purposes and cryptocurrency mining facilities are driving this regional growth, and they consume energy and water supplies at a scale that Texas’ regulatory and planning systems were not prepared to absorb.
Data centers already use enough power to supply over half of Texas’ homes and could drive a 70% increase in statewide electricity demand by 2031.
Texas data centers could use roughly 494,091 acre-feet of water by 2030, with impacts expected to be concentrated on the individual communities where the facilities are located.
Because the State Water Plan relies on historical data and surveys, this sudden increase in demand will not be reflected in official planning until at least 2032, worsening an already projected minimum 5 million acre-feet shortfall in water supplies by 2070. Wastewater from data centers may also overwhelm local utilities and could impact downstream water quality. Data centers’ planned reliance on fossil-fuel energy, along with their cooling procedures and general facility operation, could exacerbate other types of pollution and public health impacts in the state. Texas’ data center tax exemptions also cost the state more than $1 billion in 2025 and are projected to cost at least $9 billion in total between 2025 and 2030, not accounting for city and county-level exemptions, even as individual facilities create few permanent, local jobs. No Texas or federal law to date requires facilities to disclose water or energy use, and nondisclosure agreements routinely shield project details from local officials and the public. Local governments and entities lack the appropriate tools to respond to the pressures data centers are putting on local water supplies and utility rates. This paper highlights international and national policies and recommends Texas, its local governments, regional entities, and utilities adopt policies that could serve as guardrails against the adverse impacts of data center development. These include policies to improve data gathering and state and local planning; allocate costs fairly; improve and expand local regulatory tools; limit incompatible land uses; improve transparency; limit detrimental energy and water use; and limit increases in pollution and public health impacts. The paper also recommends data center operators themselves adopt measures to limit potable water use; reduce demand on local water supplies; limit fossil-fuel energy generation and its public health impacts; and demonstrate their investment in being responsible neighbors in their community.

Foreword by Annalisa Peace, Executive Director Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance:
April 22, 2026– It was in November of 2025 when we decided that GEAA needed to dive into the exploding phenomenon of data centers and their impact on our water supplies. Over the past months, each time we thought we could publish, an avalanche of new information had us diving deeper into the topic. Some aspects of data generation, such as crypto mining, are easy to dismiss as a useless waste of resources that should be prohibited. However, weighing the pros and cons of the infrastructure needed to support Artificial Intelligence (AI) demands a more nuanced approach, as this new technology is both scary and wonderful. While many Americans persistently ignore the threats to our planet from climate change, the outcry about threats from super-intelligent AI may be taken with a grain of salt. In many ways, development of new technologies, both by AI and to serve data centers, may presage progress towards sustainability goals that we all endorse. For example, water utilities are using AI to better detect leaks within their systems and to manage conservation strategies, thus resulting in significant net gains of available water. The industry is creating a demand for longer use storage batteries to support solar options for data centers, and many data centers are considering the use of direct vs alternating current to save energy, which could further spur conversion of our energy system to renewables and lead to greater energy conservation. And, instances of marvels to come abound. For example, AI was used to create a new flexible, high-strength, rust-resistant 3D-printable form of steel. Conversely, GEAA’s 21 county service area, and most of Texas, has been in persistent drought for several years now. We are well aware of the concerns of our constituents about locating this thirsty infrastructure in our region. Our local temperatures are increasing and rainfall is diminishing. It could be that Central Texas cannot sustain the energy and water requirements for data centers and still support the growth we are experiencing. Many communities and rural landowners lament the prospect of big, noisy, polluting boxes dotting their landscapes. And they are taking action: 25 data center projects across the country were canceled in 2025, about four times as many as in 2024. Meanwhile, out of 770 planned data center projects, about 99 are being contested by local activists or residents, with $64 billion in projects being canceled. If the addition of the infrastructure needed to support AI is to proceed smoothly, economic equity, stakeholder engagement, policy priorities, and regulation must all be considered. Meanwhile, it is incumbent on tech firms to acknowledge that their facilities can indeed have outsized impacts on local communities, and take concrete steps to address issues of concern. Although Texas passed some laws regulating AI in the 89th session, they did not take up any related to data centers. Given public outcry, we can expect the 90th legislature is likely to consider some regulation, as other states have done. However, how new state laws might be considered, approved, and enforced given that the Trump administration has issued an order that prohibits states from adopting their own regulations is anyone’s guess. Perhaps I am overly optimistic in believing that Texas can accommodate the digital economy without compromising the reliability and affordability of resources for its residents by requiring transparency, incentivizing efficiency, and prioritizing alternative water supplies. Changes to state law that empower unincorporated areas to address the siting of data centers will also be required. Realistically, AI, and the need for attendant data centers, will not magically vanish. So, we felt it was incumbent on us to come up with recommendations as to how data centers might be designed, built, and regulated. We had fun brainstorming and researching this fascinating topic. I hope that you, the reader, will find some merit in these pages. My gratitude and admiration go out to the author of this report, Rachel Hanes, for her persistence, patience, beautiful writing, and good judgment.
The GEAAA is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes the effective broad-based advocacy for the protection and preservation of the Edwards Aquifer.