Top News Stories – Page 16

22 from The DLC graduating Class of 2025 of Devine ISD received diploma

By Kathleen Calame
Publisher
Twenty- two students earned their high school diplomas Monday night, August 18 from Devine ISD through the, Devine Learning Academy, designed to convenience students who need just a few more credits to graduate because “life happened” and they didn’t get the chance to finish until now.
When JodiAnn Dzierzanowski met new superintendent at the time, Todd Grandjean, back in 2019/2020 about establishing the program to help students who were just a few credits short of completing their education, she knew she had her work cut out for her and her staff. She designed the academy which now thrives and helps so many students find success and inspires them to go on to more education or jobs.
Without a high school diploma, it hinders the youth from many job opportunities and careers. It has been a win-win for all involved. Over 84 students have accomplished the goal of getting a high school diploma with the alternate program that requires only a few hours a week and has a staff to help them achieve it. The biggest class so far was 2024 at 22 graduates, and 21 this year.
The current semester (2025-2026), the DLC has 15 students in the morning and 15 different ones in the afternoon, totaling 30 students looking to complete their diplomas. And a waiting list.
“I stand here before you today with a group of inspiring young men and women who can bring to mind only one word…perseverance. I have known these students for many years. I have seen them grow from being young teenagers to young adults. Along the way, they have tried, fallen, pulled up their boot strings and tried again, more than once. All of these students had made it to the senior year in high school with a few lost credits along the way…when… what I like to say is “life happened” and again it got them off track. So close. With this opportunity given by both Dr. Grandjean and the Members of the Board, All these students picked themselves up once again and persevered! Mrs. Brenda Kilpatrick, Mr. Zachary Robles and I are so proud of them and all so honored to have been able to work with them. Welcome to the Graduation ceremonies of the Fall class of 2025,” said Jodi Dzierzanowski, Devine Learning Center, DAEP Principal and Truancy Prevention Coordinator.
CERTIFICATION OF THE CLASS – “On behalf of the staff of Devine Learning Center, we wish the Fall class of 2025 congratulations and continued success in your future.”
“Dr. Grandjean, President Pepper, members of the Devine I.S.D. school board I certify that the Fall of 2025 of Devine Learning Center has met the graduation requirements as mandated in board policy and the state of Texas to participate in this commencement ceremony,” said Dzierzanowski.
Presenting the Summer 2025 Graduates:
Manuel Ralph Aguilar, son of Bianca Rodriguez.
Javier Alejandro Baltazar Castellanos, son of Erica Baltazar Omaz and is a TRAP Music Artist.
Kenneth Lee Byers III, son of Kenneth Lee Byers Jr and Julia Anna Byers.
Xavier Eduardo Calvillo-Morales, grandson of Pedro and Amelia Morales and plans to attend UTSA.
Raymond Gerald Desalme, son of Pablo and Betty Salazar, will be attending Pima Medical Institute for Radiology.
Venancio Eufracio Zamora, son of Venancio and Dora Eufracio and is working for a welding company.
Alexa Sade Garrido, daughter of Carmen and Maykoll Garrido and will be attending Palo Alto for Criminal Justice Forensic Science.
Jathaniel Hidalgo Garza, son of Jesus Garza and plans on going to college for Criminal Justice/Forensic Science.
Jayden Marie George, daughter of Anthony and Robin George will be attending Southern Careers Institute for ART.
Aciel Gonzalez Reyes, son of Yonelis Reyes, plans to be an Aviation Mechanic Apprentice.
Jacob Edward Guajardo, son of Mario and Marisol Guajardo.
Joanni Marie Hyzer, daughter of Robert and Mary Reichel, will be attending college to be a Pre-K teacher/Special Ed.
Luis Daniel Jimenez, son of Rosalinda Jimenez and John Basaldua, joined the military.
Sumner Glenn Leggitt, son of Scott and Sara Leggitt, plans to be a Texas A&M Certified Safety and Health Official.
Jacob Cardenas Lomas, son of Ufemia and Evlio Lomas and stepson of Jacob Gutierrez.
Jessalin Rose Culver, adopted daughter of Chris and Melanie Culver, will be attending college to be a therapist.
Nickalous Joseph Macias, son of Yolanda Luna and Richard Macias.
Jocelyn Danielle Plemmons, daughter of David and Cindy Plemmons, will be studying to be a dental assistant.
Diamond Alexis Sanchez Cantu, daughter of Oscar and Violet Cantu.
Deisy Crystal Ramirez Cabrera, daughter of Lluvia Cabrera, plans to attend a Cosmetology trade school.
Jorge Alberto Silva Castillo, son of Noeyda Castillo and Leonardo Reteria, is working on a ranch.
Diego Adrian Valdez, son of Melaine and Bobby Valdez Sr., has a job waiting at Toyota once he turns 18.

Meet Bella

ifteen-year-old Isabel, who prefers to be called Bella, is a very generous, kindhearted and happy child.
Her energy level is unmatched, as she is always up for something fun! At a first meeting she may come off as shy, but she is social and talkative once she gets to know someone.
Bella is an outgoing youth who is friendly and sweet and gets along well with other children. She is an active child who likes to be engaged in different activities throughout the day.
Bella enjoys using her tablet and watching music videos and movies. She also likes to draw and paint; her favorite artistic media is watercolors. Bella also enjoys reading and writing, her favorite books are the Harry Potter series. She recently developed a passion for singing and has joined the choir through the school district. Her favorite foods include sushi, hamburgers, and pizza.
In her own words … “I am ready for a beautiful adventure”!
If you think you could be a forever family for Isabel or another Texas child, please call 1-800-233-3405 for more information or 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.

Back to School Pics!!!

3rd grader Katrina House gets a big hug from big sister Elena before the big first day of school.

Kohen Hoover is ready for 1st grade

Big brother Jason Chessher walks Waylon to pre-k.

Cousins…Emery Wight and Rylee Velasquez are ready for the first day of 2nd grade at Ciavarra Elementary.

Bradley Zachry is all smiles for his first day of 2nd grade at Devine Elementary.

Westley Zachry is all smiles for his first day of kindergarten at Ciavarra Elementary.

Reese and Riey were ready to start their 1st day of 2nd grade at Devine Elementary.

Cloee Jo Esparza ready for her first day of kinder.

Big brother Kaysen Oakes helps little sister Penelope off to school.

Charlee Brown of Natalia going into 3rd grade at Natalia Elementary.

David Calame III (6th grade), Reagan Duncan (pre k 3) and Waco Calame (3rd grade).

Karlie Gallegos is all ready for 1st grade

Kendrick Ramirez is all ready for 3rd grade in Devine.

Lane and Cody Jones first day of school.

Lucas Rendon is up bright and early ready for second grade.

Luke Kyle and Milee Downing are all ready for the big day.

Senior Sunrise Devine High School.

The Rendons are all ready for the big first day of school.

City of Devine hires Michelle Martin as new City Secretary

The City of Devine announced the hiring of Michelle Martin as City Secretary to replace retired City Secretary Dora Rodriguez who served the city for 41 years and retired in July.
“My family and I moved to the area 7 years ago,” stated Michelle Martin in her resume.
“I have worked for the State of Texas and City of San Antonio in supporting city infrastructure programs, grant projects, community engagement, non-profit support, and small business development with a total of 10 years experience. I have also worked on large corporate projects for USAA and Medtronic. I attended Texas A&M University – San Antonio where I attained my Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Masters in Business Management.”
“I am so grateful and humbled by the opportunity to be the next City Secretary for Devine. I look forward to meeting you all and building a partnership for a stronger community,” said Martin.
Rodriguez retired after 41 years
Dora Rodriguez served the citizens of Devine working at the City Office for the past 41 years in several capacities including the position of City Secretary as well as Interim City Administrator in her later years. Rodriguez graduated from Devine High School in 1984 and went to work for the City of Devine.
She announced her retirement on May 21 but with July 31 being her last day.
Rodriguez worked under many mayors and councils over the years and was a constant steady for all those coming and going. She earned many leadership and continuing education hours throughout her years of dedication to the citizens of Devine. She helped out her hometown through tough times and took on the city administrator job while serving as City Secretary also until the next City Admin was hired. This happened multiple times where she worked many 60 hour weeks.

Balderrama to share son’s inspirational story on TV program next Tuesday

Mary Jane Balderrama who lost her son Adrian Camarillo at age 18 in a automobile accident from Devine will be on Fox/kabb channel 29 on August 19 Tuesday at 9 am. You can also watch this interview on NBC/ WOAI channel 4 on the San Antonio Living segment aired at 10 am Tuesday August 19 as well.
Mary Jane will speak to both stations about her son Adrian Camarillo who graduated in 1994 from Devine High School. Adrian gave the gift of life through organ donation; leaving his legacy to many who had a chance at life because of this unselfish act.
Mary Jane lives in Devine, and has a yearly adopt a highway event in his honor during which many locals come out to support this cause in memory of Adrian.

Regional water alliance group discusses financing for system interconnections

By Anton Riecher
Financing to cover an estimated $49 million in interconnections to link the various water systems participating in a proposed 50,000 acre-foot freshwater aquifer storage and recovery project was discussed during the Aug. 5 meeting of the Medina County Regional Water Alliance.
Kevin Hunt with RESPEC, serving as an engineering consultant, said it would be helpful if the participating systems could determine what interconnections would be needed to make the overall ASR project a reality.
“I know that there’s already movement on interconnects between East Medina (County Special Utility District) and Lytle,” Hunt said. “If any other interconnects are already being worked on we may not be aware of that.”
Cole Ruiz, an attorney with Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend, said…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!

Truck bursts into flames in Walmart parking lot

First responders responding to the scene (on left) initially thought the driver was sleeping inside the cab when it errupted into fire, but thankfully that was not the case. The PD had issued an all-call inside Walmart for truck drivers, and the driver of this vehicle just did not come out until 25 minutes later leading to some concern.
Natalia FD, Devine FD, Medina Co Deputy Fire Marshall, as well as Devine PD responded to the chaotic scene this past Friday, August 8 around 3pm in the Walmart parking lot.
According to the report, an electrical short is believed to be the cause of the fire.

Devine hires Joe Brown III new Chief of Police

The City of Devine hired Joe Brown III as the new Chief of Police to replace retired Chief Kandy Bendavides who served Devine for 40 years. Chief Brown’s first day will be on Monday, August 18, 2025 and he will oversee ten employees in the police department.
His biography is as follows:
Chief Joe Brown III is a decorated law enforcement leader and military veteran with over two decades of distinguished service in public safety, organizational leadership, and community engagement.
During his career, Chief Brown has overseen divisions such as patrol operations, criminal investigations, administration, telecommunications, animal control, and code compliance.
He has successfully managed a $2 million budget, driven operational efficiencies, and spearheaded the department’s pursuit of Texas Police Chiefs Association accreditation.
A proud United States Air Force veteran, Chief Brown safeguarded nuclear assets, led Security Forces under U.S. CENTCOM and SOCOM, and…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!

Sheriff: Criminals took local residents for $12 grand

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
“Phone scammers have taken over $12,000 from hardworking people in Medina County in the past two weeks,” said Sheriff Randy Brown. “And I know of at least two more who were on their way to the bank when they called me.”
A frustrated Sheriff Brown reiterates that Medina County Sheriff’s Office, nor any other local police department, will ever call you to get payment to avoid being arrested.
“I tell people all of the time, I post it on Facebook, I even stood up at church and told people at church to please stop talking to these phone scammers,” Sheriff Brown said. “This needs to be on the front page, because people, intelligent people, are falling for it.”
Many of these scammers will insist you…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!

Estrella wants to be an artist when she grows up

Estrella tends to take on a leadership role amongst her peers and leading the way to get things done. But she is not all business though, as she is very sociable and likes to laugh and play with others.
Estrella’s favorite restaurants are Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza, and her favorite food is pizza.
Estrella takes personal pride in her appearance and likes getting her hair and nails done.
She is both artistic and creative and enjoys making arts and crafts, scrapbooking and drawing. With those skills and talents, she is considering a career as an artist when she grows up.
At school she is on the A honor role. She is also involved in track and choir.
When outside she enjoys a variety of activities such as riding her bicycle, swimming and playing outside at the park. Inside she loves watching Disney movies, cartoons, and educational children’s television shows. Her favorite type of movies and games are Disney Princess related. Estrella’s favorite movies include Frozen and Cinderella.
Estrella’s forever family will be one that is loving and affectionate. Her family will offer her a safe and loving home environment where she will feel secure and loved. Her family will provide her with unconditional love, and emotional support.
In her own words … “Hello! I am Estrella! I am 10 and looking forward to finding a forever family! I may be shy and quiet, but I am a whole lot of fun once you get to know me. I am smart, happy, funny, and have a lot of energy. I really enjoy choir.”
If you think you could be a forever family for Estella or another Texas child, please call 1-800-233-3405 for more information or 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.