Category: Top News Stories

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DPS responded to the scene of a rollover at Hwy 173 and CR 467 this past Wednesday, August 12 around 1 pm.

Preliminary information from a DPS report “indicates that an Amazon Truck stopped at the SH 173 & CR 467 intersection, failed to yield the right of way to a red pickup traveling north on SH 173 and was struck.” Both occupants of the red pickup were transported to University Hospital with minor injuries.

Two men who were hiding all day long were captured and booked into Medina County Jail last week after an extensive search spanning roughly 6-7 hours in all. Search efforts began around 7:30 am on Friday, August 14 when two suspects threw a package over the prison fence at the Torres Unit in Hondo. Later that day, the search resumed and K9 teams were deployed when 2 individuals were spotted in the area of the nature trail around 8:30 pm. Around midnight both suspects were taken into custody.

“The K9 units led us to the suspects who were hiding in the City Park near the Fair Hall,” said Hondo Police Chief Justin Soza. “Crimes like this happen all too often and contraband in the prison systems is a huge problem. It’s important that we don’t allow this…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 $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

New Board Brings Fresh Energy and Ambitious Plans

he Medina County Museum is entering an exciting new chapter as its newly elected Board of Directors launches an ambitious effort to revitalize the 56-year-old institution and strengthen its role as the county’s premier historical resource.
Leading the effort is President Donna Schulte Loth, a Hondo native and longtime genealogist well known to Medina County researchers. Joining her on the board are Joseph Loth, whose skills and dedication have already proven invaluable in maintaining and improving the museum’s facilities; Secretary/Treasurer Debbie Marquis of Hondo; Historian Frances Guinn, who previously served as board president for two decades; and Director Bonnie Jaks of Rio Medina, whose organizational talents and passion for local history have become tremendous assets to the museum.

“We have a lot to accomplish,” said Loth. “For many years the museum has operated quietly, and while it has preserved an incredible collection of artifacts, many of the exhibits are ready for a fresh perspective. Even today, there are people who don’t realize Medina County has a museum, or they know us only as ‘the train museum.’ Our goal 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 $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

As has happened for the last 144 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. According to the Visitors Center guest book, the last few years have attracted visitors from more than 100 Texas towns and cities, 17 different states, and 14 countries. In only its 15th 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. The idea was presented to the general chairmen to have a Saturday evening biergarten party who then 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 22 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 Boardwalk games will be open for children Saturday night and the adults can enjoy the large Silent Auction, St. Louis Downs and the famous washer pitch and cornhole tournaments. Succulent all beef hot dogs, known as Sarge’s St. Louie Red Hots, pulled pork sandwiches and piping hot nachos will be served for guests as well. Also back by popular demand will be the giant pizza served by Dirt Road Cookers. As in previous years, the gala will be held under nature’s tent beneath the shady canopy of the park where party-goers will be able to spread out and do what is supposed to happen at a homecoming—visit with old friends and make new ones. Plenty of seating is available for those who wish to get off their feet, and it is not unusual to see guests bring their own lawn chairs and relax the night away to good music, ice cold beer and great conversation.
According to Biergarten entertainment chairman, Duane Garza, the Saturday night featured entertainers this year will kick off with a great local favorite the Weston Ripps Band at 6:30 p.m. The Jeremy Richards Band, 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 23, 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 up and coming new talent, Gavin Ripps, will wow the crowd with his talents for the first time. Taking the stage at 3:30 will be the ever-so-talented Jamie Lin Wilson followed by crowd pleaser Natalie Rose. 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 28th 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. If a lucky volunteer would like to cool off, the popular ice bucket challenge will provide that opportunity as well. And for the little ones, the kid’s Boardwalk promises a great time with brand new and improved games and barrel train ride!
It’s a perfect time to make a weekend visit to historic Castroville and the St. Louis Day celebration August 22-23.
For more information visit www.saintlouisday.com or like St. Louis Day on facebook.

Lavish Vibes & Vail’s Photography
Re-Grand Opening this Saturday!

PRESS RELEASE–What began as one of the hardest moments for our businesses became an opportunity to rebuild, refresh, and come back even stronger.
After the storm this past May damaged both Lavish Vibes and Vail’s Photography, we were given the chance to create something new… a beautifully remodeled salon, spa, boutique, and photography studio that we are so proud to welcome our community into.
They say flowers bloom after a storm, and for us, this season has been proof of exactly that.
More than anything, we would like to say thank you to everyone who stood beside us, supported our businesses, checked on our family, offered a helping hand, encouraged us, and prayed for us throughout this journey. Your love and support helped carry us through, and we would love nothing more than to celebrate this new chapter with the community that has meant so much to us.
Jeremy & Leslie Vail would like to invite you to join them for the big Re-Grand Opening on Saturday, August 15, from 3:00–9:00 PM.
Come tour our newly remodeled spaces, meet our team, shop, visit, enjoy food and drinks, and celebrate the blessing that came from the storm.
Lavish Vibes & Vail’s Photography
Saturday, August 15 | 3:00–9:00 PM
Come celebrate with us… everyone is welcome!

Smoke could be seen all through downtown Devine as one of its most historic structures became engulfed in flames this past Tuesday morning, August 11. First responders from all over the county assisted to control the fire. The building currently has three apartments upstairs, and all got out except…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!