Category: Top News Stories

Keep up with what’s going on in Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Bigfoot and Moore areas in Medina, Frio, and Atascosa Counties.

Medina River Watershed Protection Plan meeting set June 5 in Castroville

Public is invited to join in helping to improve local water quality

By Leslie Lee
The Texas Water Resources Institute, TWRI, invites local stakeholders to a public meeting to discuss the next steps for the Medina River Below Medina Diversion Lake Watershed Protection Plan on June 5 in Castroville.
The free public meeting will be from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Braden Keller Community Center, 1410 Amelia St.
This meeting will begin the implementation phase of the watershed protection plan, WPP, which was developed collaboratively by local stakeholders. The plan addresses key sources of pollution such as stormwater runoff, pet waste, failing septic systems, illegal dumping, livestock and wildlife. The plan also outlines management measures to improve and protect water quality in the Medina River watershed.
Stakeholder input will be central to planning upcoming workshops, outreach activities and on-the-ground projects.
“Implementing a WPP is a voluntary, community-driven process that depends on collaboration,” said Mary Michael Zahed, TWRI program specialist. “This meeting is a critical opportunity to bring together local voices and partners to shape the future of the Medina River watershed.”
Meeting highlights
The meeting will provide:
An overview of upcoming workshops and outreach efforts designed to support the implementation of the Medina River WPP.
Opportunities to collaborate on projects that address key issues such as stormwater runoff, pet waste, septic systems and riparian restoration.
Resources and tools for community members and landowners to get involved in improving water quality and supporting watershed health.
“This phase of the WPP is about turning plans into action, which is arguably the most important step,” said Zahed. “Collaboration is key to addressing local water quality concerns and building long-term stewardship of the Medina River.”
The meeting will also highlight the work of two nonprofit organizations that support the implementation of the Medina River WPP — Wildlife Habitat Federation, WHF, and River Aid San Antonio, RASA.
WHF partners with landowners to promote the restoration, management and generational sustainability of prairie habitats, conserving soil, water and wildlife. RASA fosters the San Antonio River Basin stewardship through volunteer opportunities and community engagement efforts. Garry Stephens, WHF president, and Charles Blank, RASA executive director, will share how their programs and resources can align with and enhance local implementation efforts.
TWRI is coordinating this project with the San Antonio River Authority to collaborate with local stakeholders to develop a plan to address water quality issues. Funding for this effort is provided through a federal Clean Water Act Section 319(h) grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, administered by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board.
TWRI is a Texas A&M AgriLife Research unit that brings together expertise from across The Texas A&M University System.
For more information, contact Zahed at mary.lipfordzahed@ag.tamu.edu or 979-314-8092. Read more about the watershed at medina.twri.tamu.edu.

4 leaving City… Devine is looking for new Secretary, PD Chief, Treasurer and Clerk

The City of Devine now has four positions open in the city office and is hiring a firm to handle the application process called Clear Career Professionals after learning of four position retirements or resignations.


City Secretary Dora Rodriguez just turned in her retirement on Wednesday, May 21 after 41 years. She will continue until the end of July 2025. Rodriguez has held many positions in the past 41 years serving Devine since graduating from Devine High School in 1984 to even include the Interim City Administrator position on several occasions to keep things going.


Police Chief Kandy Benavidez first announced her retirement a few weeks ago after 40 years of service. She will continue until the end of June 2025.
Next, in the finance department Denise Duffy turned in her resignation in May, working until the end of May. She has worked in the Treasurer/Accounting department in Devine for 13 years and 20 overall career. Her husband recently retired as well.


Court Administrator/ Utility Clerk Supervisor Alma has been working at the City of Devine for the past 16 years, she gave her two weeks notice for another job opportunity, her last day was May 17.


“At the beginning of the month I had one position to fill. By the end of the month I now have four, “ said City Administrator David Jordan. “It’s going to be a busy summer and we have a lot of projects going on too.”
First review deadline for applications is June 13, 2025 as listed on clearcareerpro.com.

Meet Michelle…

Meet Michelle…
Michelle is a kind and happy 16-year-old who enjoys the Harry Potter movie series, with Draco Malfoy being her favorite character. She is a big fan of board games, especially UNO.


It’s easy to engage in a conversation with Michelle as loves to chat and loves to learn.
Her favorite color is blue, and in her free time, she likes watching TV, listening to music, and spending time with others. Michelle is also a big foodie. She is adventurous when it comes to food and loves trying new dishes, but fries and McDonald’s are still among her top favorites.
Michelle would benefit from a loving family, who will love and care for her, and be a part of growth as a young adult. She would also love to have sibling of any age.


Michelle always has a smile on her face and enjoys spending time playing with others.
As of now she plans to attend college and pursue a career as a caseworker “to help families and children in need.”


If you think you could be a forever family for Michelle or another Texas child, call 1-800-233-3405. For more information visit www.adoptchildren.org where you can find a schedule of online public information meetings, and learn about the foster/adoption program.


You can also view the www.heartgallerystx.org website, where South Texas children have their portraits along with individual personal stories they wish to share.

SUSPECT WANTED

Devine PD is asking for the public’s help in identifying the individual pictured above. This suspect is reportedly involved in multiple break-ins of coin-operated machines at 500 N Teel in Devine.


If you recognize this person or have any information about their identity or whereabouts, please contact the Devine Police Department at 830-663-4403 or if you wish to be anonymous, call Medina County Crimestoppers at 1-800-367-2833.

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Shooter gets life in prison for ‘senseless’ Hwy 90 killing

By Medina County Criminal District Attorney’s Office
MAY 27, 2025–Pedro Espinoza, Jr., 34, of Uvalde was sentenced to life in prison after a Medina County jury convicted Espinosa for the murder of Marlon Lindsey.


Marlon Lindsey, a US Army Veteran and father of four from Beaumont, Texas, had settled in San Antonio after finding work as a conductor for BNSF, a North American railroad company. The night he was killed, Lindsey was being driven to the Hondo Railyard by Vivian Olivarez, who also had John Suhling, a fellow railway employee, in her transport van. As the railroad employees traveled west on US Highway 90 through Medina County, Espinoza, who had been living in Uvalde County, was well into an hour-long crime-spree where he was reported by multiple 911-callers as driving on the wrong side of the roadway.


One witness testified to the jury about encountering a small silver vehicle, later identified as Espinoza’s, passing him and his mother on the passenger’s side of his vehicle, traveling on the shoulder of the westbound lane but heading east near the city of Sabinal in Uvalde County.

The witness described what he thought was the sound of a rock hitting his car, but when he made it to Del Rio and looked at his vehicle the next day, he noticed a half-inch bullet hole in the side of his vehicle, less than 3 feet from where his mother was sitting. Another pickup truck, driven by two young men from the Dallas area, was struck on the passenger’s side as they neared Hondo coming from Castroville. This time, the bullet was just inches from…..LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING CLICK HERE

Bill backing 50,000 acre-foot aquifer water storage project remains unsigned

By Anton Riecher
A bill passed by the Texas Legislature May 12 that would help make the proposed Medina County aquifer storage and recovery project a reality remains unsigned on Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk as of Friday.
The proposed project in Medina County calls for creating a 50,000 acre-foot freshwater ASR project in the brackish Trinity Aquifer. Senate Bill 616 amends the state water code to address aquifer storage and recovery projects that intersect the Edwards Aquifer, specifically in Williamson County east of Interstate 35.
On the same day the bill passed in the 89th Texas Legislature, Medina County Judge Keith Lutz, addressing a meeting of the Medina County Regional Water Alliance, said an amendment in support of the local ASR project has been successfully attached to SB 616.
That amendment will…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!

1960’s Devine News articles recount battles with Screwworms here

A devastating pest…

by Kayleen Holder
Editor
With the threat of screwworms entering the country again, nearly 60 years after they were erradicated in the United States, leaders once again find themselves looking for ways to combat the vicious insects.
An October 1962 article in The Devine News archives tells about the screwworm fly factory that was built in Mission, Texas and gave notice of a community meeting on the matter back then. Sterile male flies were released to breed and eventually wipe out populations.
According to the old article, “One of the pilots dropping flies in the area will explain procedures….Presently 800 flies are being dropped per square mile per week in this county [Medina County].”
Another old article published by The Devine News in August 1960 recounted the horrific story of how a stray dog that was roaming around the community of Devine with “half of its head eaten off” by…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!

Rollover shuts down I-35 N for nearly 14 hours

Stranded drivers abandon cars on interstate to grab lunch…

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
On Friday, May 16, the Northbound lanes of IH-35 were shut down for almost 14 hours, an unprecedented event in our area.
A rollover accident involving an 18-wheeler, happened just north of the City of Lytle, and traffic was backed up for miles and miles all the way past Devine on I-35.
According to Police Chief Richey Priest, it happened on the North Prong Atascosa River Bridge. The driver of the 18 wheeler had reportedly fallen asleep at the wheel when his truck went off of the bridge.
“He was coming south and hit the center wire and then hit the north side of the bridge and the truck fell into the river upside down,” Chief Priest said.
It happened around 2 am onFriday morning and crews were finally finishing up at the scene around 4 pm that day.
“They had to bring in cranes which were on I-35N to get it out of the water, and there was also a lot of chemical spilled on the roadway,” Priest added. “The truck caught fire as well. It was terrible.”
Meanwhile, drivers who were stuck on I-35 for hours were seen sitting on tailgates, napping, and even…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!

Jesus is a sweet, caring, and energetic teenager

Jesus is a sweet, caring, and energetic teenager who enjoys school and is always eager to learn, he is particularly fascinated by learning how things work.
While he enjoys playing video games, basketball, football and track, his true passion is baseball. Jesus is inspired by both professional athletes and his peers and is determined to learn and improve his skills.
Some fun facts about Jesus, he likes cheese pizza and would like to be a professional baseball player.
Jesus has a dream of a mother & father for parents, and multiple siblings, so he can create and share adventures with them all together as a family.
In his own words what Jesus would like his future forever family to know about him, “Hi! My name is Jesus, and I love to play video games, but I really want to play baseball”.
If you think you could be a forever family for Jesus or another Texas child, call 1-800-233-3405. For more information visit www.adoptchildren.org where you can find a schedule of online public information meetings, and learn about the foster/adoption program.
You can also view the www.heartgallerystx.org website, where South Texas children have their portraits along with individual personal stories they wish to share, with their future forever family.
Basic Adoption Requirements
The prospective foster/adoptive parents may be single or married and must:
be at least 21 years of age, financially stable, and responsible mature adults
complete an application (staff will assist you if you prefer)
share information regarding their background and lifestyle
provide relative and non-relative references
show proof of marriage and/or divorce (if applicable)
agree to a home study which includes visits with all household members
allow staff to complete a criminal history background check and an abuse/neglect check on all adults in the household
attend free training to learn about issues of abused and neglected children