Category: Top News Stories

The Lytle Police Department recieved a $112K grant to help with an additional police officer position over three years. The award is being presented by Congressman Henry Cuellar above. More info in this week’s TIDBITS.

By Anton Riecher
By unanimous vote during an Oct. 10 special meeting the Natalia ISD school board approved action to terminate the contract of Marshall Lee Myers, director of student support services and former high school principal.
No information was disclosed indicating the nature of the allegations leading to Myers’ dismissal. A press release issued by the district Monday read as follows:
“On October 10, 2024, at a properly called special board meeting, the Natalia ISD Board of Trustees voted 7-0 in favor of the Superintendent’s recommendation to propose the termination of district employee Marshall Lee Myers administrator term contract.
“As previously stated, the District is unable to discuss specific personnel matters in public. However, the District can confirm that the third-party, independent investigator’s report was considered by the School Board in closed session and based upon the findings and recommendation of the District Administration, the Board took action.”
The press release also states that a related law enforcement investigation is ongoing.
“The District will continue to handle this matter in accordance with its policy. And the Board is committed to doing what is in the best interest of the District and to ensure a safe working environment for all staff.”
Medina County Sheriff Randy Brown confirmed that…

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Meet Juan A. Farias…

“You don’t pick art,” he said.
“Art picks you.”

By Catherine Richard
Art is not for the faint of heart. It is a dynamic and often unsure career, pulled by the currents of artistic inspiration, marketability and passion. However, artists like the Devine resident, Juan A. Farias, have sailed on these currents for decades, gaining recognition as they make art a way of life.
Farias has worked as an artist ever since he retired from the military after serving in Vietnam. His work can be seen in murals throughout Texas with multiple pieces in the University of Texas at San Antonio art collection, and a few books on Chicano movement. Whether it is sculpture, photography, curating art for exhibits or writing, he is always searching for new ways to create art.
Today, Farias creates art at his home on the outskirts of Devine. He moved from San Antonio around 20 years ago to be near his sister.
Large canvases covered in moody colors hang all over the walls of his house, barn, and more can be found set up in his living room…some finished or still in progress.
However, living out this dream is “no walk in the park,” Farias said. “You have to hustle.”
When he was a young man, Farias had planned on being a soldier. Right after graduating high school in 1969, he enlisted and was deployed to Vietnam. He served as a…

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
The Vasquez family lost their home to a horrible fire this past Thursday, October 3rd, but like many families going through crisis, they have seen the love of our great little community with a big heart. The fire which started in the garage spread quickly. Multiple fire departments responded to the scene, but weren’t able to save it.
“All in all it was a county wide effort with several mutual aid trucks keeping us in the fight by doing water runs,” said one volunteer fireman.
With deepest gratitude, Raul Vasquez Jr. and Reyna Vasquez submitted the following statement to The Devine News: “In the wake of the devastating fire that destroyed our home, words cannot fully express the depth of our gratitude for the incredible outpouring of support we’ve received from the community. During such a difficult time, we’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have stepped up in so many ways—offering shelter, donations, meals, and emotional support.”
“ We never expected to be in this position, but knowing we’re surrounded by such a caring community has been a source of strength for our family. While we face a long road ahead, we are beyond grateful for every act of kindness that has come our way. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has supported us during this challenging time. Your generosity has lifted us when we needed it most, and we will never forget the kindness we’ve been shown.”

Shows in Lytle and Von Ormy

The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus is coming to our area soon!
There will be two shows in Lytle this Sunday, October 13th, at the Lytle Memorial VFW Post 12041 Grounds located at 1425 FM 2790. Shows will be at 2:00 and 4:30 pm.
If you can’t catch that one, be sure to catch the circus in Von Ormy which will be held Saturday, October 19th. This show will be held at 14729 Quarter Horse in Von Ormy with shows starting at 2 and 4:30 pm.
C&M Circus has been providing quality, local family entertainment for 38 years. This authentic One-Ring, Big Top Circus has been featured on the A&E Special: Under the Big Top, Nick News: On the Road with Circus Kids and most recently OETA’s Big Top Town. This year, we’re very excited to bring you our brand new 2024 performance featuring Big Cats presented by Trey Key, our Aerialist Extraordinaire Simone on the trapeze, 10th generation Loyal Bareback Horse Riders, the Perez Daredevil Duo on the Tight Rope and Wheel of Destiny, Elizabeth Ayala’s incredible foot juggling and hair hang and everyone’s favorite Circus Clown Leo Acton.

Everyone is invited to watch the Big Top rise! You’ll also get a chance to tour the grounds and get a behind-the-scenes look at our show! Learn about life on the road and the care our animals receive. Tent raising & Tour are only of the first day of the circus event.
Circus Day Schedules
9:30 a.m. – Tent Raising & Tour
1:00 p.m. – Midway Opens
Pony Rides, Moon Bounce, Giant Slide, Face Painting, Concession Stand and Box Office open up for some extra fun!
2:00 & 4:30 – Circus Performance
Get ready for an amazing show the whole family will love! Each show lasts about 90 minutes.
Box Office Prices
Adult Ticket – $16
Child (2-12) or Senior (65+) – $9
Box office tickets go on sale at the Circus grounds starting one hour before each show.
To find out more about this year’s show, find us online, visit our social media, call, or e-mail!
Website: cmcircus.com, Facebook: Culpepper & Merriweather Circus, Instagram: @cmcircus, E-mail: cmcircus@gmail.com, Phone Number: 580-326-8833

The City of Devine will be implementing Phase I of its street improvement project starting October 8th and continuing through October 31st. This will be an $496,070.00 investment into the following streets.

• McAnelly
• Live Oak Dr.
• North Bright Dr.
• South Bright Dr.
  Please plan your routes accordingly and expect some delays.
  For any questions or concerns, feel free to contact City Hall. 830.663.2804.

Sheriff Randy Brown called to let us know that they are collecting donations of items such as toiletries, flashlights, batteries, non perishable food, water, clothing.   People from several law enforcement agencies will be traveling to Carolina to help disaster aide efforts.

“We will be going into some of the rural areas that have maybe just a two or three man fire department and really need the help, ” Sheriff Brown said.

“I remember going to help during Hurricane Katrina and how much a pair of socks meant to people who have lost everything,” Brown adds.

You can Drop off donations at the Medina County Annex in Devine or in Hondo offices.   If you have any questions, call 830-741-6150.

If you have donations and can’t drop them off, they can possibly pick them up as well.   They will be leaving Monday, October 7th.   Any monetary donations can be made out to the Medina County Brown Santa program.