Celebrating 126 Years of Serving the communities of Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Bigfoot, and Moore in Medina, Frio, and Atascosa Counties
Keep up with what’s going on in Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Bigfoot and Moore areas in Medina, Frio, and Atascosa Counties.
Sing along with the 323rd Army Band as the play the National Anthem, “God Bless America”, “America the Beautiful”, and “She’s a Grand Old Flag” to name a few and be part of the celebration and new flag dedication. Those who make a $100 donation will have your group included on the plaque.
Pasture Mealybugs pose threats not only to Medina County hay fields, but also to healthy grass needed to feed livestock.
By Anton Riecher
A new grass pest known as pasture mealybug that affects Tifton, sudan and other forage grasses has been identified in Medina County, Medina County extension agent Taryn Titsworth told county commissioners Monday.
“The problem with it is we have nothing that we can spray to control it legally,” Titsworth said. “You can spray several different things right now that we’re researching but they’re off-label.”
He offered brief comments on the situation during the citizens’ comments portion of the commissioners court meeting. A more extensive presentation on the outbreak is planned within the next few weeks, Titsworth said.
Originating in Australia, pasture mealybug is responsible for nearly $2 billion in damage there, Titsworth said. The pest causes pasture dieback, which can kill hay fields and damage both native and improved pastures.
Titsworth emphasized that this is not a minor issue because healthy grass is necessary to feed cattle and other livestock. Although much concern has been focused on the screwworm outbreak affecting cattle, pasture grass is equally essential to livestock production, he said.
According to…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!
This young lady, Gwyn Mia DeLeon has overcome a lot in her young life, and it is evident that she has touched and will continue to touch many lives along the way with her uplifting attitude, grateful heart, and her touching story. Photo by KK Calame.
By Kayleen Holder
Editor
Look at her go! Everyone smiled as Devine High School Class President Gwyn Mia DeLeon gave her speech at Warhorse Stadium Friday night. Due to time constraints, she wasn’t able to give the full speech she had written, so we are proud to present more of this bright young lady’s thoughts, born from a very grateful heart.
This young lady has overcome so much, and it is evident that she has touched many lives along the way with her story.
DeLeon thanked everyone who “made it possible for us to stand here today in our maroon caps and gowns.” And for Gwyn, these words carry more weight than they might for the average teen. Just a few years ago, as she was beginning her high school career, DeLeon’s family received devastating and completely unexpected news–her kidneys were failing.
At the age of 14, DeLeon, who was a freshman at Devine High School at the time, quickly began dialysis, while her family prayed for a donor.
The bright young woman has always been very active in school and church, and it was not long before the community rallied around her, with more than 100 people stepping forward to register to be tested to be on the living donor list on her behalf. Soon, Gwyn’s biological mother learned she was a match and donated her kidney in a successful transplant in November of 2023.
DeLeon will be attending St Phillips College in San Antonio where she will study radiology. When she was awarded Student of the Month this past November, she stated,” I have always had a passion for the medical field and I plan to live that out helping those in need,” DeLeon said.
In her address, DeLeon thanked everyone from parents and teachers and coaches, to those working behind the scenes such as staff, administrators, school board…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 seniors celebrate at Pirate Stadium with family and friends. The Class of 2026 celebrates in the same year the United States marks the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Co-Class president Frances Sorello president gave the opening remarks during Lytle’s graduation ceremony. Photo by Mable Byrd.
Jonathon Massiate gives his invocation speech to Lytle’s 2026 graduating class. Photo by Mable Byrd.
Salutatorian Klayre Cook addresses Lytle’s graduating class of 2026. Photo by Mable Byrd.
Valedictorian Isabella Sewell giving a speech to Lytle’s 2026 graduating class. Photo by Mable Byrd.
Annika Nadine Robles receives her high school diploma from Lytle principal Matthew Jenke. Photo by Mable Byrd.
Kolby Lara shaking hands with Lytle principal Matthew Jenke after receiving his diploma. Photo by Mable Byrd.
Ljiljana Georgiev is all smiles after receiving her diploma from Lytle principal Matthew Jenke. Photo by Mable Byrd.
Jeralynn Ranard enlists in the U.S. Army. Photo by Brigid Howard.
Curtis Kuykendall enlisted to serve in the U.S. Navy. He is a 4th generation serviceman. His great grandfather Floyd Eaton served in the Navy during WWII, grandpa Blaine Eaton served in Vietnam, and father Kenneth Kuykendall served in the Army in Iraq. Photo by Brigid Howard. Thanks to all for your service to our great country!
Jeremiah Catdenas enlisted into the Air Force. Photo by Brigid Howard.
Johnny Davis enlisted to serve in the United States Army. Photo by Brigid Howard.
Jackson Hagdorn will be attending the United States Coast Guard Academy. Photo by Brigid Howard.
District 5 Council Member Hal Lance Jr. questions Devine Police Lt. Christopher Andrews during the May 19 city council meeting about a recent dog attack. (Photo by Anton Riecher)
By Anton Riecher
Despite several recent incidents in Devine involving aggressive dogs roaming loose, existing city ordinances limit what action police and animal control personnel can take to deal with the issue, Police Lt. Christopher Andrews told the Devine City Council May 19.
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure does not permit imposition of jail time for violation of city ordinances such as failure to secure pets, Andrews said.
District 5 Council Member Hal Lance Jr. brought the issue to the council table following a May 1 incident in his district in which a local pet was mauled by a dog roaming loose. Andrews said that animal control took custody of both dogs. Both were later euthanized.
Lance said the incident had left him “pretty upset.”
“I’ve been a pet owner all of my life and I saw a picture of the (injured) dog and it was just outrageous,” he said.
Andrews said video evidence collected by animal control officers from neighbors is being used to put together a case to submit to court. Nine citations were issued covering a total of 12 violations at the scene.
The individual cited in the violations had been warned by animal control several times on previous occasions, Andrews said.
Mayor Butch Cook noted a separate recent incident in which several people walking along Highway 173 were approached by an aggressive pit bull that had escaped its yard. Fortunately, animal control was able to capture the animal without incident.
Lance said that if jail time is not an option the council needs to increase fines for such violations.
“It seems to me the punishment should be as high as it could be,” he said. “You need to make it hurt in the pocketbook.”
Cook asked the city staff to explore potential fine increases via municipal court and emphasize owner accountability in future.
In other business, the council voted 3-0 to approve the appointment of incumbent District 1 Council Member Ray Gonzales to serve an interim term of one year in the same position. No candidate ran for Gonzales’ open seat.
Gonzales originally said a recent job promotion would prevent him from seeking a second two-year term but agreed to serve as interim district 1 council member until the next city election. Gonzales abstained from the council vote while District 3 Council Member Jeff Miller was absent from the meeting.
Issuing the new oaths of office following the May 2 election was postponed until Miller’s return. The council also postponed review and discussion of City Administrator David Jordan’s new contract until Miller’s return.
Golf Course
The council voted…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!
Meet Felipe, he is a charismatic, charming teen who is easy to get along with, as he prides himself in being honest and respectful.
During his free time, Felipe enjoys playing sports outside with others his age. He also enjoys playing online video games, along with listening to a variety of music, whether it be to fall asleep or just as a past time.
At school he likes and does well in all of his classes. Felipe enjoys cooking for himself as a method of displaying independence and enjoys cooking meals for those he cares deeply about. Felipe’s passion for cooking has inspired him to want to pursue a career as culinary chef and perhaps open his own restaurant.
Felipe can be competitive when it comes to his hobbies which are basketball, football, and he is a fan of the Baltimore Ravens.
Felipe says he is looking forward to being adopted by his forever family, one he can share new experiences and endeavors with, making new memories with his new family.
If you think you could be a forever family for Felipe, 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
The Veterans Memorial Monument Association, Municipal Development District and the City of Natalia will host a Memorial Day Service on Sunday, May 24th, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the Veterans Memorial Monument.
Everyone is welcomed. Please bring your own seating.
We will pay TRIBUTE to all men and women who gave the Ultimate Sacrifice in defense of our Country.
Memorial Day starts the Annual Name Drive to add new names to the monument. Criterion is that the name of the individual who served our nation needs to have been born in Medina County, raised in Medina County or is living in Medina County. The cost for names to be engraved on the Monument will be $175 per name. The deadline for all names to be turned in will be September 1st, 2026. Forms can be picked up at the Natalia Municipal Development District Office, City of Natalia Office or on line at: cityofnatalia.com. Click on Community Places & Events, click on Natalia Veterans Memorial Monument name Registration Form, fill out necessary information and mail to the address on the form. Or you can also drop off the form at either office.
OPENING CEREMONY 10:00 at the flagpoles in front of Museum with Judge Keith Lutz and members of Rio Medina Boy Scout Troop 471, SAR, SCV
Museum and outdoor exhibits will be open until 3:00 following the Opening Ceremony.
Exhibits include blacksmith shop, antique farm implements, 19th century wagons and buggies,
SAR American Revolution and SCV Civil War reenactors, 1913 D’Hanis Brick & Tile steam engine, old school house (complete with original WPA outhouses), 1964 (unrestored) caboose, and thousands of unique items portraying the frontier beginnings of Medina County when this 1893 Southern Pacific Railroad Depot was relocated from downtown Hondo to present location (2202 18th Street) becoming Medina County Museum in 1970.
Local DRT, CRT, 4H, CCHA organizations and vendors will be selling local honey, homemade soaps, lotion, yarn, and books.
There’s room for more vendors at no charge. Vendors bring your own canopy as shade is limited. No electricity available outside of buildings. We’d love to have music (piano, fiddle, guitar, harmonica, etc). Anyone wanting to sell hot food must get a (no charge) permit from City of Hondo; no permit required for sales of cold sodas, lemonade. If you’d like to bring a box lunch picnic, bring your picnic quilt and lawn chairs to eat under a shade tree.
The theme is Patriotic as we will be honoring our Veterans and our Nation’s 250 Years of Freedom so dress in Red, White and Blue; Veterans wear your Military insignia ballcaps. It’s also fun to dress in pioneer costume.
Come join in the fun!
For more information please contact Director @ 830-538-3911
Modgling-Everett will have a runoff against Bermea for the Medina County Clerk seat.
Two local races will end with the runoff election ongoing right now. Early voting continues until May 22, and Election Day is May 26th.
Vying for the JP 3 spot is Teresa Koch and Michael Sanchez.
Cindy Modgling-Everett and Kimberly Bermea are running for the Medina County Clerk seat.
For the runoffs, Early Voting began this week, May 18-22, and Election Day is Tuesday, May 26.
