By Anton Riecher With a single candle burning, lights were lowered in the Medina County Commissioners Court chambers for 106 seconds Monday to commemorate the lives lost in the devastating July 4 flooding that swept the Texas Hill Country. County Judge Keith Lutz led those gathered for the commissioners’ court session in prayer. “Dear Lord, we come here with heavy hearts this morning following the last ten days of sadness for our neighbors and our fellow Texans,” Lutz said. “We pray that you will comfort those who have experienced unimaginable loss and grief.” He also asked that the light of the burning candle “remind us that you are the light and that you will lead us through darkness.” Lutz also thanked the many Medina County citizens who assisted in the search and rescue operations following the flood. “We’re just very thankful to have a county, a group of citizens, that step up and help our neighbors in times like these,” he said. As of Tuesday morning, the toll of those still missing in Kerr County stands at 97. Action taken by commissioners during the Monday hearing included approval of an interlocal agreement with Lytle ISD to provide campus security for the 2025-2026 school year by assigning two Medina County Sheriff’s Office deputies to serve as school resource officers on Lytle campuses. “As discussed in the budget workshop, Lytle ISD has requested a second school resource officer,” Lutz said. “This agreement will supersede the agreement currently in place.” On a motion by Precinct 2 Commissioner Larry Sittre, seconded by Precinct 3 Commissioner David Lynch, the commissioners voted 3-0 to approve the agreement. Precinct 4 Commissioner Danny Lawler was absent from the Monday meeting. Assistant Criminal District Attorney Margaret Swyers said the Lytle school board is scheduled to take up the matter at their May 28 meeting. In financial matters, First Assistant County Auditor Jennifer Konegni reported that cash on hand stands at $29.07 million as of July 1. County Treasurer Debra Graff reported accounts payable totaling $407,474 with commissioners approving payment. Graff also reported disbursement of funds totaling $79,261 since the last commissioners’ court meeting to cover fuel, utilities and dental claims. In the monthly report for May, Graff reported an ending cash balance of $32.611 million against a debt total of $20.845 million. Commissioners also approved a final plat establishing units one, two and three of the Talley Ho subdivision in Precinct 1 on Highway 211 on a motion by Precinct 1 Commissioner Jessica Castiglione. Following nearly an hour in closed executive session, commissioners voted 3-0 on a motion by Castiglione to allow Judge Lutz to enter into negotiations regarding economic development with an undisclosed group identified only as Cyrus.
Search teams have recovered 103 bodies in Kerr County after the devastating July 4 floods along the Guadalupe River, with Gov. Greg Abbott saying at least 161 people were still unaccounted for. President Donald Trump visited the area on Friday to survey the damage, the San Antonio Express-News reported. The president promised the federal government would “fully fund” recovery efforts. The statewide total of flooding deaths stood at 126 as of Sunday, including eight recovered in neighboring Kendall County from the Guadalupe River flooding, and separate flooding incidents in Travis, Williamson and Burnet counties. Forecasts by the National Weather Service predicted much less rainfall than actually fell in Kerr County, with early predictions having the storm hit hardest near the Rio Grande. Two days before the flood, the Texas Division of Emergency Management staged rescue equipment and personnel in San Antonio, according to the head of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Free legal resources are available to low-income individuals affected by the Central Texas counties, according to the State Bar of Texas. That assistance includes assistance in securing government benefits, help with insurance claims, and other issues. Texas RioGrande Legal Aid can be contacted toll-free at 833-329-8752. Mexican firefighters assist in flood recovery A 13-person crew from Mexico joined Texas firefighters in rescue efforts in the Texas Hill Country, the Texas Standard reported. The firefighters are highly trained in search-and-rescue efforts and have volunteered all over the world. The crew is composed of members from the Rescate Acuático de Protección Civil y Bomberos de Acuña, Coahuila, in coordination with Fundación 911. Ismael Aldaba is president of the foundation. “Our guys have experienced [missions] worldwide. They’ve been traveling to earthquakes. They’ve been traveling to tsunamis in other parts of the world,” he said. “This is way different. This is the worst we’ve seen.” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the crew for its work in Texas. “The sense of solidarity and brotherhood characterizes us and must always characterize us,” she said. “No matter the circumstances, Mexicans lend a hand to those who suffer, to those left behind.” Flood response now tops special session agenda The July 21 special session called by Abbott includes addressing the July 4 flood, including improving early warning systems and infrastructure in flood zones, beefing up emergency communications, funding for affected areas and updating state preparedness and recovery procedures, The Dallas Morning News reported. “We delivered on historic legislation in the 89th Regular Legislative Session that will benefit Texans for generations to come,” Abbott said in a proclamation issued last week. “There is more work to be done, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating floods in the Texas Hill Country. We must ensure better preparation for such events in the future.” A total of 18 items are on the special session agenda, including congressional redistricting, regulation of hemp-derived products, and further reducing property taxes. Redistricting is sure to spark controversy, as the Republican majority seeks to expand its grip on the state’s congressional seats. Any new redistricting maps almost certainly would face legal challenges. Only the governor can call a special session, which is limited to 30 days, though he can call as many as he wants between regular biennial sessions. Angela Paxton files for divorce from Texas AG Paxton State Sen. Angela Paxton last Thursday filed for divorce from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Austin American-Statesman reported. The McKinney legislator cited “recent discoveries” and “biblical grounds” in a statement on the social media site X. “I believe marriage is a sacred covenant and I have earnestly pursued reconciliation,” she wrote. “But in light of recent discoveries, I do not believe that it honors God or is loving to myself, my children, or Ken to remain in the marriage.” The announcement came just weeks after Paxton announced he is running against incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in next spring’s GOP primary. The divorce filing accused Paxton of adultery and says the couple stopped living together in June 2024. She is seeking what the petition calls a “disproportionate share” of the couple’s assets because of her husband’s alleged fault in the breakup of the marriage. The attorney general issued a statement about 20 minutes after his wife. “After facing the pressures of countless political attacks and public scrutiny, Angela and I have decided to start a new chapter in our lives,” he wrote. Perry wants to build nuclear complex in West Texas Former Gov. Rick Perry has co-founded a company he says plans to build the country’s largest nuclear complex on nearly 6,000 acres owned by Texas Tech University, according to the Houston Chronicle. Perry, who also served as energy secretary during Trump’s first term, is promoting the Advanced Energy and Artificial Intelligence Center. His company, Fermi America, claims it would be the world’s largest data center campus. Tech companies would be able to rent space to pursue artificial intelligence efforts. Fermi America’s executive chairman, Toby Neugebauer, said tech companies are desperate for electricity. The company plans to construct four large-scale nuclear reactors, capable of generating sufficient electricity to power approximately 1 million homes. “Fermi America is in the artificial intelligence creation business. We’re not in the power business,” Neugebauer said. He added that what is missing in artificial intelligence is not chips or algorithms — it’s the power needed to fuel data centers. The ambitious project faces hurdles. The country’s nuclear energy industry has built just one nuclear plant in the past 35 years, in Burke County, Georgia. That project ended up seven years late and $17 billion over budget. In contrast, China has built 22 nuclear reactors to power AI, Perry said in a company statement. “We’re behind, and it’s all hands on deck,” he said. Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches, Lufkin, and Cedar Park. Email:gborders@texaspress.com.
By Kayleen Holder and KK Calame Editor and Publisher Our neighbors in Kerr County suffered the brunt of the catastrophic flooding that occurred from heavy rains falling overnight into Friday, July 4. The widespread damage and gut-wrenching losses caught the attention of the Nation as daylight began to show the devastation fully. Entire families and so many bright, young children were cruelly swept away in the floodwaters and later found deceased (with many more still missing). On Monday, July 6th, the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office announced they had recovered 68 deceased in Kerr County, but that number has sadly grown to 84 deceased in the last 24 hours. “As of 2 p.m., 84 deceased have been recovered in Kerr County, including 56 adults and 28 children. Identification is pending for 22 adults and 10 children. At present, 10 Camp Mystic campers and one counselor remain unaccounted for,” the sheriff’s office stated in an update July 7th. “We share our deepest condolences with all affected by this tragedy.” News sources have stated there have been 108 deaths across six counties affected by the flood. Camp Mystic, where so many children lost their lives, is located in the small community of Hunt, Texas along the steep banks of the Guadalupe River. There were over 750 staying at that camp. Local Sheriff Randy Brown is among the many first responders continuing the search. “We have been busy, and busy is good….because when we stop we feel the pain of all those people, and it hurts like hell,” Sheriff Brown said, in a difficult statement this past Tuesday. Initial reports indicated the Guadalupe River crested at 39 feet+, surpassing the county’s second biggest flood in modern times which occurred in 1987, according to a press release by Kerr County. The National Weather Service later reported that the flood gauge in Hunt had a crest of 37.2 ft surpassing the recorded record of 36.6 ft set July 2 of 1932. The third highest crest was 28.4 set July 17, 1987, according to the NWS. The raging Guadalupe which was at less than a ft according to guages, rose over 33 feet in the darkness overnight. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office notes, “We know there are many people concerned and affected by this tragic situation. Please be careful about social media rumors and misinformation. False information can cause pain to families and those already devastated by this event.” On Monday, a search and rescue helicopter collided with a privately operated drone. Thankfully the pilots were not injured, but were forced to make an emergency landing. Over and over officials have emphasized the importance of standing back and letting first responders do their job. On July 6, FEMA was activated following President Trump’s Major Disaster Declaration. According to a press release by Homeland Security, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) is also working around the clock on search and rescue operations. “Today, USCG continues to fly two helicopters in the Llano, Texas area and is assisting with two helicopters and three C-144 airplanes equipped with thermal cameras to find more survivors. 850 people have been rescued,” the July 6 statement says. In awe of the way Texans take care of others, Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem, stated in a press conference to Texans….”You are an example to the nation of getting through difficult times, but I want you to also know, you are not alone.” Patrick DuBose, of Devine, was one of the many heroes who responded to the scene. Amidst the widespread damage, teams of volunteers were also called upon in the beginning to assist in search and rescue efforts downstream. When Centerpoint Volunteer Fire Department issued a plea for volunteers to help with search and rescue in their area, the Kuykendalls, Jennifer Savage and John Gorham, of Devine, along with family members Gary and Trace Savage were among the volunteers who answered the call. “The devastation is unbelievable,” Ms. Savage said in the days that followed. “But so is the love that’s there. The Holy Spirit is there.” “It is so much different than what the pictures show you, you can’t express it with words,” Savage added. “Center point really needed the help badly, and I called my brother and we started packing at 10 o’ clock that night. We were up there by 7:30 that morning and we walked the river banks until 3:30 that day. They gave us direction and told us where to search. It was in an area where a cadaver dog had alerted,” Savage said, noting that sadly, the next group after them did recover a deceased child. Kimi and Kenny Kuykendall, of Devine were also among volunteers assisting that day. When they arrived, they bumped into locals Eugene Rodriguez and Eugene Sanchez as well. “The volunteers were separated into groups of 20,” Kuykendall said. “Each group had active duty or prior military personnel. We were assigned a mile along the banks to go through. Each group lined up and walked and searched one way and then we turned around and searched the same area back.” “All the brush that was washed downstream and piled up,” Kuykendall said. “We saw kayaks, car doors, mattresses, clothes, toys, totes, and many dead animals.” According to Governor Abbott’s office, the State of Texas has deployed more than 1,000 state responders and more than 800 vehicles and equipment assets, and more than 15 state agencies are currently responding to the flooding threat across the state. “This is a time when we, as a state, need God more than ever,” said Governor Abbott. “The one thing I hear the most are the prayers that are being sent for those who are in harm’s way. There is an extraordinary collaboration to make sure that we address everybody’s concern as quickly as possible. As part of this, I am signing a disaster declaration to ensure counties have access to every tool, strategy, and personnel that the State of Texas can provide to them, which will be limitless.” Individuals who sustained losses in the designated areas should first file claims with their insurance providers and then apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service.
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!
Mark Raygosa is the new Principal of John J. Ciavarra Elementary School. A few words from Mr. Raygosa… “I’m honored to introduce myself as the new Principal of John J. Ciavarra Elementary! With over 15 years of experience in education—from classroom teacher to campus leadership—I’m passionate about creating learning environments where students are supported, challenged, and celebrated, and where staff feel empowered and inspired. Ciavarra is known for its dedication, heart, and excellence, and I’m excited to join a campus that puts students and families first. I believe strong relationships are the foundation of every successful school, and I look forward to connecting with our community and supporting the incredible work already happening here.”
Lysandra Reyes is the new Principal of Devine Intermediate School. With 18 years of experience in education and 11 years in campus administration, Mrs. Reyes brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and leadership to this role. For the past 10 years, she has served as the Assistant Principal at Devine Intermediate, making a lasting impact on our students, staff, and families. Her passion for education, strong relationships with the community, and unwavering dedication to student success make her the perfect fit to lead our Bronco family. “I’m incredibly honored and excited to serve as the Principal of Devine Intermediate. This campus and community have truly become home. I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead alongside such an incredible team, and I’m ready to continue the work of helping every Bronco grow, achieve, and shine. Here’s to a great year ahead!”
This little guy has a big imagination, and he’s already planning on how he’s going to dress up for Halloween…Severo the Superhero! If you think you might be the family that is meant to welcome him into your home and into your hearts, contact the Heart Gallery of South Texas today.
10-year-old Severo is an active child with a big imagination, who is friendly and likes playing with his toys and peers. Severo likes Mario Brothers characters and games, along with his collection of the Mario Brothers toys. He is also a fan of superhero movies and action figures. For Halloween he is thinking about dressing up like a superhero. Severo is not sure what he wants to do when he grows up, but has a big imagination, so the sky’s the limit on his possibilities, with the guidance of his future forever family, encouraging him along the way, as he grows to reach his full potential. Severo enjoys eating out, going to the movies, going to stores, and collecting replicas of his favorite characters. A fun fact about Severo, one of his favorite foods is “Hot Pockets”. Severo does not have any pets at home but likes animals, as he enjoys playing with dogs and cats. If you think you could be a forever family for Severo 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.
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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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