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.

Officer honored for heroic action

Mayor Butch Cook presents an award for quick thinking in an emergency situation to officer Kevin Lara during the March 17 city council session. On Feb. 12, Lara responded to an accident scene where a man had injured his forearm, damaging an artery. A tourniquet applied by the officer is believed to have saved the injured man’s arm. (Photo by Anton Riecher)

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
Devine man Nate Perales struck an artery in his forearm while at home on February 12, an injury that can lead to unconsciousness or death within minutes if it’s not stopped. Devine PD Officer Kevin Lara was the first on scene, and without hesitation, he took action saving the man’s life.
We reached out to Mr. Perales this week and he shared a little more about the story. Perales said he was chopping wood…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!

Local museum hunts for more artifacts…here’s how you can help

The local Alsatian Pioneers group tours the Medina County Museum and gets an up close look at the historic D’Hanis brick factory steam engine! This impressive early 1900s model steam engine generated 175 horsepower, powering the entire factory. It is one of many fun exhibits at the museum which is looking to prepare more new exhibits soon with the community’s help.

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
From the sight of a steam engine powered D’Hanis Brick and Tile in 1903 to the historic-feel of a one-room schoolhouse, the Medina County Museum has over 2,000 fascinating artifacts that bring local history to life, and they are on the hunt for more for an upcoming exhibit!
Want to help improve and curate the Medina County Museum? You can now help the museum by donating or loaning artifacts of the natural history of the county; fossils, arrowheads, native American artifacts that represent Medina County.
If you would like to visit, the museum’s Spring hours are SATURDAY 10:00 to 3:00 and SUNDAY 1:00-3:00.
The museum 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!

Lopez receives Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal

Steve Lopez, front and center, pictured with Devine VFW Post 3966 members: L to R- Craig Steffens-Trustee, Gary Saathoff-Quartermaster, Roland Esquibel-Commander, Steve Lopez-Senior Vice Commander, Felix Bazan-Chaplain, Robert Rodriguez, Jesse Rodriguez-Junior Vice Commander.

On behalf of the government of South Korea, VFW Post 3966 presented Chief Master Sergeant, USAF Ret. Steve Lopez with the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal on February 7, 2026. Steve Lopez’s family and VFW Post members attended the ceremony held on the stage in the VFW courtyard. Post Commander Roland Esquibel presented the award as the letter of thanks from the South Korean Consulate was read.
PFC Steve Lopez of Devine served in Korea in 1952-1953 with the 8th Army I Corp in the Armored Munitions Depot, Company C, 43rd Truck Company, in Uijeongbu, South Korea, which was the largest ammo dump. “We supplied ammunition to the 2nd & 3rd Army Divisions, 1st Cav, and the 1st & 3rd Marines on the Front Lines.”
His job was driving the 6×6 “double deuce & a half” heavy duty truck with a 45-side arm, and manning the 50-caliber machine gun in a…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!

Drawings to benefit Angels in the Fairway Memorial Scholarship

There will be two drawings to benefit Angels in the Fairway Memorial Scholarship on March 23rd.
One drawing is for a Titleist iron golf club set, custom fitted by Carson Tilley, valued at $1,800. Only 100 tickets will be sold with each ticket being $50 each.
The second drawing is for a luxury travel collection valued at $1,000. This Jon Hart collection includes a makeup case, grande, large travel kit, medium square duffel and medium holiday tote with personalization. Winner can choose the color and personalization. Only 100 tickets will be sold with each ticket being $50 each.
If you have any questions please contact Ali Buvinghausen at (210) 508-6606 or Candace De Jesus at (210) 386-8594.

Benefit brisket plates& silent auction planned for Peraltas & Aguiñagas

By Angelica Ariza Intern
Community members are coming together to support the families affected by a tragic crash that claimed the life of a Natalia man and left three others seriously injured. Juan Peralta, 58, died as a result of the crash. Three others were severely injured, including Peralta’s son in law, Johnny Aguiñaga, 48, his grandson, Alonzo Aguiñaga,21, and a close co-worker. Family members say the incident has left loved ones facing both emotional and financial challenges as they cope with the loss and ongoing medical care.
To help the families during this difficult time, a Benefit Brisket Sale and Silent Auction has been organized. The fundraiser will be held Sunday, March 22, 2026, beginning at 12pm at St. John Bosco Church Hall and will continue until plates are sold out. Brisket plates will be available for a $12 donation and will include brisket, rice, beans, and potato salad. In addition to the plate fundraiser, a silent auction will also take place during the event, with winners scheduled to be announced at 4pm.
Organizers say all proceeds from the event will go towards funeral expenses for Peralta and medical costs for the injured victims. Community members are encouraged to attend, purchase a plate, and participate in the silent auction to show their support for the Peralta and Aguiñaga families.

DRUG BUST…

Deputies executed a search warrant on West Moore Avenue in Devine last week, finding scales, packaging materials, narcotics, and more, making 5 arrests. See article for details.

By Medina County Sheriff’s Office Press Release–On 3/10/2026, Medina County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 508 West Moore Avenue in Devine, Texas as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.
“During the execution of the warrant, five individuals were taken into custody at the residence, including three males and two females, identified as Raul Roy Martinez, Daniel Martinez, Anthony Nathaniel Alexander Rios, Jessica Marie Ramirez, and Martha Sauceda Settles,” said Sheriff Randy Brown.
“Investigators located digital scales, packaging materials, and baggies containing methamphetamine that appeared to be prepared for distribution. In addition, each individual arrested was found to be in possession of narcotics on their person.”
All subjects were transported and booked into the Medina County Jail for possession and or delivery. This investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed.
“Medina County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to aggressively pursuing illegal narcotics activity and protecting the safety of our communities,” Sheriff Brown said.
Suspects were charged with…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!

From Principal to Author: Dzierzanowski begins Salem Witch themed book series inspired by trip

Jodi Ann Dzierznowski holding her 1st book “Amulets for Salem,” the first of the 3-book series.

By Angelica Ariza- Devine News Intern
After years of working in education, Jodi Ann Dzierzanowski decided to take on a new challenge, becoming an author. Dzierzanowski grew up in Cheektowaga, New York and now lives in Devine Texas. During her career, she served as principal at middle and high schools in South Texas communities including Pearsall, Natalia and Devine.
Dzierzanowski said she didn’t begin writing until she was 57 years old. The inspiration came during a trip with her father to Salem. While visiting museums and learning about the town’s history, she became interested in the stories surrounding the witch trials, also known as the Salem Witch Trials that began in 1692, and remain one of the most well known and tragic chapters in early American history.
“That trip really sparked it all,” Dzierzanowski said.
Her research and interest in Salem’s history led to a fictional three book series about witches, aimed at younger readers who…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!

Lytle council reaches compromise with bank over investing city funds

By Anton Riecher
In a compromise reached with Lytle State Bank, the Lytle City Council voted unanimously at its March 9 meeting to amend its depository services agreement with the bank to include creation of a $2 million money market account for city funds.
Officials with the bank raised concerns in January that the council’s decision to invest nearly $7 million in city funds in TexPool, a low-risk pool providing investment services to more than 2,750 communities across Texas, rather than locally with the bank would negatively impact the Lytle economy.
In other financial business, the council also voted unanimously to approve the issuance of $6 million in certificates of obligation to support future city utility projects.
Regarding the new bank agreement, City Administrator Zachary Meadows said that after considerable “back and forth” between the city and the bank a workable negotiation was finally reached.
“(The bank) would like to amend the existing depository agreement to establish a money market account that would stay at a constant $2 million,” Meadows said. “If it drops below $2 million for any amount of time as outlined in the agreement then we would have a limited amount of time to get it back up to $2 million.”
On a motion 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!

Is adoption in your heart?

John and Michael, 8 and 9, love to shoot hoops, build Legos and use their imaginations

Meet two brothers who are seeking to be adopted together…. Michael age 9 and John who is 8 share a close, loving bondfull of love, laughter, and creativity.
They enjoy spending time together, whether they are shooting hoops, building Lego creations or coming up with imaginative games.
Both boys are active and thrive when they have the opportunity to move, explore and engage in hands-on play.
They look up to each other and work well as a team, often encouraging one another to try new things. When they are indoors, they enjoy playing video games, coloring or watching funny videos that make them laugh.
Michael’s kind, protective nature blends perfectly with John’s curious and humorous personality. Michael tends to be the leader, while John brings lighthearted fun and creativity to everything they do. Together, they bring joy, excitement, and warmth to any environment.
Michael and John are seeking to be matched with a family who enjoys being active and can offer a variety of activities such as sports, outdoor adventures, and creative projects. They would like a loving family who can provide encouragement and support as they grow into confident, caring and successful young boys.
When asked what they wanted their future family to know about them they said, “We are Michael and John! We love playing basketball, drawing, playing Legos, and spending time together.”
If you think you could be a forever family for these brothers, 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.
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
Post Adoption Services
Adopted children who have been abused or neglected often need help coping with the effects of abuse and the loss of their birth family.
All families of children adopted through DFPS can get post adoption services. For more information about the services available go to https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Child_Protection/Adoption/adoption_support.asp

Arabians host track meet Wednesday, March 18

Varsity Arabians Kaylee Guerra hands off the baton to Calleigh Schneider during the 4×200 relay race in Lytle. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Many of the Arabian track and field team members got in a little extra work in Kerrville last week during spring break as they competed in the Charlie Dobbs 51st Annual Invitational in Kerrville.
Devine placed 5th overall out of 11 teams in competition.
Rylie Wells led in scoring and gold medals as…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!