Category: Top News Stories

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
In the face of so much heartbreaking news in neighboring counties this past week, we are forced to think about what it means to live life “to the fullest.” Here’s a fun story about a local man who is doing just that! Traveling more than 1,800 miles in 10 days, the brave souls who signed up to be part of the Pony Express in 1860 delivered letters faster than ever before, from the east coast to the west. Now, each year, a crowd gathers to remember and celebrate this pioneering mail delivery system, which represented the growth of the nation in its early years.
Local cowboy Oscar Del Toro and his wife Barbara made the trip to Wyoming to be part of this long standing tradition this summer, and shared a little about their experience. They ride from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California just as the Pony Express riders did in days long ago.
Del Toro himself is a retired postal worker, and they learned about the event from friends a few years ago while vacationing in Wyoming.
“Long story short, my husband who is 74 years old, decided to run,” Mrs. Del Toro said. “I couldn’t be prouder. My heart got so big and happy for him. He had the time of his life, and we will be back, that’s for sure!”
The ride 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!

An Arizona man, George Michael Rivera, 34, sadly lost his life in a terrible single-vehicle accident in the early morning hours of Saturday, June 28.
According to DPS reports, Rivera’s vehicle ran off of the road for unknown reasons and was reported to be on fire around 3:30 am that morning.
The accident happened on St. Hwy 173 just on this side of the Medina/Bandera County line, south of Bandera.

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By Kayleen Holder
Editor
A threat made over the airwaves caused quite a scene at Love’s Travel Stop this past Saturday, June 28. The threat was reported by an employee around 4:30 pm, and multiple agencies including two Bexar County bomb squads and over two dozen officers responded to the scene.
“A man got into their radio system there at Love’s and told the employee to get out of the building because there was a bomb, and he was going to blow it up,” Officer Rodgers said.
Chief Martin Chavez notes that call could have come from anywhere within a half-mile or maybe even a mile radius, from someone using a handheld radio on the same frequency.
When the bomb-sniffing dogs arrived they entered the building along with Officer Gary Rogers of Natalia PD.
To complicate matters, “There were some boxes and packages in the building that had been delivered that the staff couldn’t identify,” Officer Rogers said. “They didn’t see those boxes being…… LOGIN to continue reading at www.devinenewsmembers.com

City officials say fines for brush could be anywhere from $10 to $500. Violaters will be summoned to court if the issue isn’t corrected by day 10.

After handing out many warnings, city officials said they “will be going straight to citations” when it comes to brush piles in the City of Devine, especially those left in the right of ways.
“After that citation, they get 10 days to rectify the issue,” said Mayor Butch Cook. “Then they would get summoned to Municipal Court” if it isn’t corrected within those 10 days.
The next pickup will for City of Devine residents will be August 11, and you are permitted to have your brush out there 10 days prior to that.
“I think that’s pretty lenient,” Mayor Cook said. “The fire department will be writing those citations.”
Cook also noted that Medina County does have a local facility, at the Pct 4 building in Devine where you can pay a small fee to get rid of bulky items or trash on Saturdays. THEY DO NOT ACCEPT BRUSH).

Also see the City’s press release on this issue below:

Press Release by the City of Devine – In response to overwhelming public input and the findings of a five-month community engagement effort, the City of Devine is launching a renewed focus on code enforcement aimed at improving neighborhood safety, cleanliness, and overall quality of life.
“For the past six months, our Code Compliance Program through Devine VFD has been to focus on educating the public, especially with bulk items and brush piles being placed in the city rights-of-way but it hasn’t been as effective as we had hoped. Starting last week, the first contact with property owners will be with a citation that will allow 10 days to rectify before a summons to Municipal Court will be issued,” stated Mayor Butch Cook.
Among the top priorities identified by Devine residents through the community survey were:
Public safety and emergency services
Clean and well-maintained neighborhoods
High-quality schools
Supportive and cooperative community leadership
Economic opportunity and job access
Mental health and healthcare services
Parks and public spaces
Water quality and internet access
Based on these results, city leaders recognized the need to strengthen enforcement of local ordinances regarding property maintenance, illegal dumping, abandoned structures, and other issues that directly affect neighborhood appearance and public safety.
The next bulk/brush pick up for City of Devine residents will be August 11, and placement of items is allowed 10 days prior.
“This isn’t about punishment – it’s about building pride, improving public safety, and laying the foundation for economic development. When our streets are clean and properties are cared for, we attract new businesses, create jobs, and improve quality of life for everyone,” said Mayor Cook.
The city’s efforts will include:
Proactive property inspections
Enforcement of nuisance and health and safety ordinances
Public education on city codes and compliance procedures
Coordination with social services and nonprofit partners to assist property owners in need
City Administrator David L. Jordan emphasized that this is just the beginning. “Stronger code enforcement is part of a broader strategy to develop community identity, support economic opportunity, and ensure that all residents of Devine enjoy a high quality of place,” he said.
For questions or to report a code concern, residents may contact City Hall at (830) 663-2804 or visit www.cityofdevine.org.

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