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.

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!

Memorial Day event

VFW Post 3966 will present a Memorial Day ceremony for the public on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 9:30 am. The ceremony will be held at VFW Post 3966, 211 W. College Ave, Devine TX. This year the ceremony will take place on the east side of the Bingo Hall across from the Post Office. South Upson Drive will be closed for the ceremony.


Memorial Day honors members of the military who died in service to our country. The Post will hold the ceremony under the patriotic mural painted on the east side of the Bingo Hall. As part of this ceremony, we will recognize veterans who have passed away. If you wish to honor a veteran who has passed away, we will have a sign up prior to the event.


As in years past, the Post will have a flag retirement as part of the ceremony. If you have a flag that is no longer serviceable, please bring it to the ceremony to be retired. If you cannot attend and have a flag to be retired, you may drop it in the flag drop box at the main entrance to the VFW (near the flagpole).
Following the ceremony and flag retirement VFW Post 3966 will have free hot dogs in the Bingo Hall or courtyard, depending on the weather.

The Devine Current Events Club will be kicking off their Wreaths Across America program with an informational table at the ceremony site. After the ceremony they will be giving away ice cream in the Bingo Hall or courtyard.
If you need more information about the event, please contact Gary Saathoff at 210-289-6204 (text or call) or email to vfw3966commander@yahoo.com.

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The story behind the Foster family Brand, Rileys to carry on ranching legacy

r Triple C Steakhouse has become a showcase and a shrine of many cattle brands from South Texas and beyond. This week the Foster family of Devine is celebrating their family brands being added to the wall.
This includes, “my grandfather’s ’Housetop J,’ my dad’s ‘Script F’, and my own ‘TF Connected’,  with thanks to the Cox family,” said Mr. Tom Foster.
Foster shared a little about the history of how the Foster family brands came to be.
“My grandfather Robert Foster moved to South Texas with two young children…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!

Leaders battle over new“Kill Switch Law”, locals to gather in Medina County this May

A guest speaker hosted by the Medina County Republican Women’s group will be holding a presentation in Hondo this coming May 20th from 6-7 pm. Terri Hall (the director of Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom) will be speaking at the meeting which will be held at Hermann Son’s Steakhouse.
Put simply, the Kill Switch law mandates new passenger vehicles by 2026 to include technology that can be remotely controlled or manually operated, preventing vehicle engines from starting by disrupting electrical circuits.
While some say it will enhance safety and deter car theft, others are raising concerns about privacy, potential misuse, and personal autonomy.

Pirates sail to Semi-regionals

Lytle Pirates Varsity baseball are Area Champions after sweeping the Industrial Cobras 2-0. Lytle moves on to the semi-regional round where they face Orange Grove at Karnes City Thursday, May 15 at 6:00 p.m. Above the Pirates dowse Coach Bippert after the big win.

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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

Hondo Teen sentenced to 60 years for Murder

Press Release by the Medina County District Attorney’s Office–A Hondo teen has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for the shooting death of his biological father in October 2023 on Avenue D. in Hondo. 17-year-old Christian Hernandez, who was 16 at the time of the shooting, was sentenced after a week-long jury trial for charges of Murder and Tampering with Evidence.


Due to Hernandez’ age at the time of the shooting, the matter was originally set in the Juvenile Court. After a day-long hearing last summer, however, the Juvenile Court determined that Hernandez should be tried as an adult and ordered transfer of the case to the 454th District Court, where it ultimately went to trial.


During testimony, investigators described a young man with a deep familiarity with gun showing the jury numerous images and videos of Hernandez, and other young men, with handguns and high capacity magazines. Hernandez claimed………

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Warhorse Robotics Team Triumphs at Buc Days Robotics Competition

Corpus Christi, TX – May 3, 2025
The Warhorse Robotics team under the leadership of Mr. James Wilcox delivered a standout performance at the Buc Days Robotics Competition in Corpus Christi on May 1-3, 2025. With a strong showing of teamwork, technical execution, and competitive spirit, the team emerged with a first-place alliance victory, the Spirit Award, and a total of $1,550 in prize money.
Over the course of the event, Warhorse Robotics participated in 16 of the 40 matches, consistently demonstrating their robot’s reliability in both autonomous and manual control phases. Their strategic alliance with the Robonauts EveryBot 10118 and the Robo Raiders 3561 proved pivotal, propelling the alliance into the finals and securing a first-place win.
In recognition of their energy, enthusiasm, and team camaraderie, Warhorse Robotics was also honored with the Spirit Award — a testament to their positive presence and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
The team’s senior members — Eli James, Tate Wisenbaker, Felix Mendoza, and Roy VanDerSlice — provided experienced leadership and guidance throughout the season. Juniors Curtis Kuykendall, Gwyn DeLeon, Zack Martinez, and Jacelyn Delaney made significant contributions across all aspects of the competition, from design to strategy. Sophomores Marshall James and Oscar Perdoma played key support roles, helping keep the robot running smoothly throughout the event.
The team also featured a strong group of freshmen — Nate Favela, Kassandra Fajardo, Nora Palmer, Asher Mills, Landon Kendrick, and Kasen Oaks — whose energy, enthusiasm, and quick learning added depth to the team and promise for the future.
The Warhorse Robotics team’s achievements at Buc Days highlight their dedication, collaboration, and passion for innovation — setting a strong foundation for continued success in seasons to come.

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