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.

ESD4 to increase tax rate by 57%, public hearing set forAugust 20 on tax increase

By Kathleen Calame
Publisher, The Devine News
The Medina County ESD4 which provides emergency medical services ( EMS) to Devine, Natalia , Pearson and parts of Lytle is wanting to increase taxes by 2.85 cents per $100 value which computes to an increase change of 57% over last year’s tax rate according to a public notice they published last week. Tax on an average homestead will have a change increase of $64 ($87.94 +64.35= $152.29) or 73% increase it explains.
The need for more tax money comes even after the ESD started receiving the additional extra sales tax money that voters approved last year, approximately $10,000 per month. The checks have been rolling in monthly since February 2024, $61,000 in the first half of the year. It was thought that with the extra sales tax combined with the money they have been setting aside in accounts for major investments, the ESD would be able to start their own ambulance service in Devine themselves and start building a new station in Natalia. Apparently it isn’t enough for the visions planned, so back to the taxpayers.
Many years ago Devine had their own ambulances and volunteers and billed for services but couldn’t make it financially.

Then the ESD4 was created which is taxpayer funded. At various points the ESD ran the service themselves with donated ambulances. Later hired Medina Valley EMS/ being run by Mike Ferris. MVEMS was contracted at that time by MCESD-1 (Castroville), 3 (Hondo) and 4 (Devine/Natalia) with the name Medina County EMS on the side of the ambulances. That venture failed and was investigated.
Next the ESD4 turned to contracting it out to large private companies first it was Acadian, then AMR, then Allegiance. The ambulances and supplies were given to the private business owners of Acadian to use as they wish as they were the new contractor to provide EMS services for MCESD4. The ESD kept the building and still owns it today.
Currently Allegiance uses the building for their employees and ambulances, and is our current provider, at a cost of $210,000 yearly (2023 rate) until the ESD launches their own in less than 7 weeks as planned. Allegiance provides us with two 24 hour ambulances (one in Devine 24 hours, and the other 24 hour ambulance splits time with 12 hours in Natalia during daytime and then around 6 pm moves back to Devine for the evening hours.)
The hope for a third truck has been on the horizon for many years, but the community was told there was not enough funds for a third ambulance.
We can only hope the new service will have the funds for a third ambulance. More money, more service?
An employee hiring fair was hosted in July.
ESD4 plans to launch their own ambulance service October 1 instead of using a contractor like they have for many years. The announcement was made months ago. A director of operations was hired a few months ago.
So ambulances must be bought or rented, supplies purchased, employees hired, accounting programs bought, employee benefits set up etc. All the things a business must do to get started with its own human resources and equipment to do the job. Since it is a taxpayer funded service, the board can increase or decrease taxes yearly to meet their needs up to a maximum tax rate of 10 cents per $100 value. The percentage of increase determines whether or not an election must be held.
The ESD plans to charge customers for the service calls to help with expenses as well.
An election is not required this time, just a public hearing since the tax isn’t higher than the “de mimimis rate” of .0785 per $100 value.
The Public Hearing on the Tax Increase will be on August 20, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at the Devine EMS building, 206 Dixon Dr, Devine, Tx. Citizens will be allowed at the public hearing to voice their concerns about the tax rate and increase and ask questions. (See medinacountyesd4.org for the Public Notice of the Hearing for additional details, audits and reports.)
Board members are Anthony Martin, Viola Potter, Juan Zamora and George Moralez. There is a seat open as Shelly Watson resigned in July from the board. Christy Merendon is the District Coordinator.
“We need the extra 2 cents to start the EMS,” said President of ESD4 Tony Martin. “ Since initiating the Emergency Service District (ESD) #4, the goal of all commissioner’s has been to provide the people in our service area the availability of the best medical care at a fair cost. In working towards this having our own Emergency Medical Service (EMS) is a positive action in lieu of having a contract with a private service. As with starting any business there are costs involved with the start-up, but our long-term goal remains steadfast to offer the best for the people in the community,” Martin said.
Another project they are looking to fund is a new EMS station to be built in Natalia, a two story building with an elevator. It would serve as the second location for the EMS crews and ambulances. Currently they use part of the fire department property courtesy of the Natalia VFD during the daytime.
If you know of someone interested in being on the board contact any of the board members or President Tony Martin at 210-367-1295 or email him at president@medinacountyesd4.org
If you have questions or concerns about the tax increase or what changes the ESD is planning, attend the August 20 meeting at 6:30 pm in the EMS building. Come to the meeting if you would like to know what the new plans are for EMS service. Many people have volunteered for years to keep the service going and know the importance of this next step.
Concerns or questions can be sent by email to: president@medinacountyesd4.org

Chopper called to search for drive-by shooter Friday

Multiple shots were fired toward a home as a vehicle sped by the scene this Friday. One of SAPD’s Eagles like this one assisted in the search for the supsect who will be facing a 3rd Degree Felony.

Authorities are currently investigating a drive-by shooting after a suspect fired multiple rounds toward a home on Country Lane in Natalia. It happened this past Friday, August 2 around 6 p.m., and police were on scene for around 4 hours that night. The suspect could be facing charges of Deadly Conduct and Child Endangerment according to authorities.
“We believe one home was being targeted as a result of an ongoing dispute,” Natalia PD Chief Martin Chavez said.

Continue reading “Chopper called to search for drive-by shooter Friday”

Meet the Teacher…

Meet the Teacher event will be held this coming Thursday, August 15 from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm for Ciavarra Elementary and Devine Intermediate Schools.
Lytle Elementary will hold it’s Meet the Teacher event on Wednesday, August 7th from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
MVISD has all Elementary Meet the teacher events scheduled for Thursday, August 8 from 5:30-7:00 pm

First Day of School

Natalia ISD kicked off this week. Pictured above on the first day of school is Mateo Corker (1st grade) and Malalae Corker (3rd grade).

Local internet provider urges county partnership to secure grant

By Anton Riecher
A wireless internet provider based in LaCoste is proposing a partnership with Medina County to strengthen its chance at securing $96 million in state grant funding to extend fiber optic infrastructure throughout the county.
Rodney Hitzfelder, president and founder of Sago Internet, addressed county commissioners during the commissioners’ court meeting Monday in Hondo.
“We’re not asking for any funding,” Hitzfelder said. “In fact, we will probably be putting in matching funds through our corporation because it gives us advanced points toward the application.”
Medina County is one of 20 Texas counties approved to apply for a portion of the $729.9 million available thought the Texas Broadband Development Office’s BOOT II competitive grant program aimed at funding countywide infrastructure projects that bring broadband access to eligible areas of the state.
The deadline for applying for the funds is August 26.

Continue reading “Local internet provider urges county partnership to secure grant”

MEMORIES of THE MILL

DEVINE HOMETOWN HISTORY:

This historic Mill & Elevator in Devine, Texas employed hundreds of local adults and youth in its long and storied history. Depending on your generation, you may call it, “SWT”, the “Co-op”, “Devine Mill & Elevator”, or just “The Mill”, but no matter the name, the mission was the same . But in 1915 ground was broken here to build the first mill in Devine as the “Adams Company Corn Sheller”. The elevator was added soon after to load the corn into the rail cars after they were shelled.
Hometown History….
By Nancy Ehlinger Saathoff, Devine Historical Committee
Devine Mill & Elevator – Tri-County Farmers Co-op – SWT Farm & Ranch Supply was a large employer of full-time, summer, seasonal, and high school workers in Devine for many decades! It was also the go-to Feed & Seed business for area farmers & ranchers, as well as home gardeners. Customers were greeted with the smells and sounds of a busy feed store like baby chicks peeping, grain drills churning, and the regular train whistling as it traveled on the nearby tracks. The sights, sounds and smells are often engrained with other memories, whether from a customer or people who worked there.

With those memories in mind, the Facebook page posted this picture of the Mill, and asked followers for any special memories they might have of the Mill. My dad, Arthur Ehlinger, worked at the Mill for over 30 years so the memories of the people, sights, sounds, and smells are very familiar and special to me too. And every time I pass by that elevator tower at the Mill, I think of him and those memories.
*Here are some memories that were posted this week, and a follow-up article will add more. Some of these memories are from customers, former employees, and even children or grandchildren of customers or employees, and give us a good idea of the value that this old building and tower represent in our community.
“Back when we were kids, our grandparents raised parakeets. We used to go with our grandpa to get birdseed from there. There was an older man that worked there who didn’t have an arm. I was always so shocked he could carry those big bags of seed. He also used a wooden dolly.” “I remember watching him load our feed/seed. I don’t think I ever knew who he was, just that he was a nice man and always there. I always loved the way that feed store smelled.” *Mr. Timoteo Ambriz (Timo) was a strong and friendly employee of the Tri-County Farmers Co-op for many years. He lost his arm in an accident at the Mill, but returned to work there and was a great example for everyone with not only his physical strength, but his strength of character.
“My father, Tucker D. Irwin, worked as the bookkeeper throughout the 50s and 60s until he was forced to retire due to health issues. When I was a child, I used to walk there after school, just to spend time with him and watch him work. I was in awe of him and marveled at his interactions with others, giving advice to farmers about which seeds to plant, and when, which fertilizers to use on which crops and which feed to feed livestock. I thought he was one of the smartest men I knew! I remember the smells of seed, fertilizers, livestock food, and pesticides and can still smell those things to this very day. Some of my fondest memories were there with him. Mr. Alton Martin and Mr. Arthur Ehlinger were there and were good friends with my dad for all those years. And yes, I remember that terrible day Paul Bain Marin was injured, and nearly died, when a ton of, I believe, cotton see hull fell on him while he was working with it. Amazing place and amazing days of my life.” *There are articles about Paul Bain Martin in the Devine News archives, including one written by him a few years ago.
*Mr. Tucker Irwin was a veteran of WWII, who was wounded and lost his legs in battle. He, like Mr. Timo Ambriz, never let their injuries stop them from working full time and supporting their families.
“I remember the chiclet machine. I worked there one summer typing names and addresses of the farmers on envelopes and sending out invitations to the stockholders’ meeting. Mr. Timo Ambriz worked there for years. He was always so kind and funny with us kids, especially when all of us kids (siblings) came in.”
“I remember going there with my grandfather, Tharon Savage, to buy feed and Mr. Hope would give me a DumDum sucker. When we moved back to Devine, I bought feed there several times, but they closed shortly after.”
“I worked there a bit while in high school. There was an old guy there that worked in the mill that could out work any man there, no matter his age. He had to be in his mid-60s.”
“My brother worked there for awhile under Butch Roberson. I was too young and so I worked for Floyd Newman in the peanut fields moving irrigation pipes. I liked the smell of the feed store when I walked in there. I have happy memories of my Grandpa Leo Bohl St. taking me there. He would buy me chicks at Easter time.”
“We shopped there frequently. I always liked the smell.”
“My brother and I worked there during our Jr. and Sr. years in high school. After graduation by brother continued to work there a few years longer.”
These are but a few of the memories, and more with be shared in a later article.

  • We would love to hear YOUR MEMORIES of the MILL too, so if you have any stories, pictures, or even small memories, please share them on the Facebook page for the Devine Historical Committee or contact me, Nancy Saathoff at gnsaathoff@aol.com, Facebook messenger, or call or text me at 210-289-6205.

Driver trapped in car wreck, two hospitalized

Photo by Raul Martinez

The couple traveling in this white car was struck by the truck at the four corners intersection, pushing the small car all the way off the roadway and trapping the driver inside. It happened this past Saturday morning, July 27 around 10am in downtown Devine, and both of the people in the car were transported to University Hospital.

The 16-year-old driver was cited for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and were released to a parent. The driver will have to appear in court regarding the matter, according to Devine Police Chief Kandi Benavides,
The extent of injuries of driver and passenger in the car were not known as of press time.
“The truck occupied by two juveniles was coming west on East Hondo and ran a red light, striking the car which was traveling on North Teel, going South. The car was occupied by a 62-year-old male (driver) and a 70-year-old female, both of San Antonio,” Chief Benavides stated.
“One witness stated that they saw the truck speeding and swerving around cars on E Hondo Avenue,” Benavides added.

Community eyes possibilities of historic development in Devine

Full of history and character, Devine’s Mill and Elevator has stood tall in downtown Devine for over 100 years…
After seeing it in disrepair for so many years, many in the community are excited to learn of the plans to not only renovate and make it safe, but the possibility of restoring it to the centerpiece of Devine that it once was, celebrating our city’s history, roots, character, and charm.
“To me, it’s Devine’s skyline,” said one Devine resident.
Jesse Hernandez, of Felipe’s Tire Shop, now owns the property where Devine Mill and Elevator is located and he hopes to preserve the iconic building as much as possible.
“I want to use one side of the building for a tire shop, and I’d love to see the other side of the building restored if possible, back to how it was or as close to the same as possible,” Hernandez said. “I just need to see if we can get a grant for that, and time to get it done.”
They are in the process of searching for resources like historic grants, an engineer, and a licensed contractor to “shore” it up to make it safe so construction and renovations can safely begin, aided by grants.
The Devine Historical Committee submitted a beautiful piece on the history of the building and ideas to restore it to its former glory including a sketch by a local artist of a large cactus mural down the east side along the tracks. (See articles and photo inside)
Though it was recently roped off, City Administrator David Jordan explained, “The word condemned does not necessarily mean the building has to be destroyed. If the building is repaired and determined to be structurally sound by a certified structural engineer, then the Devine Volunteer Fire Department can re-inspect and clear the facility.”


“After consultation with Fire Chief Greg Atkinson, a decision was made to deem the building uninhabitable,” a press release from Jordan stated. “The city nor the Devine Volunteer Fire Department has any desire to demolish one of the oldest historical landmarks in the City of Devine, however we must ensure the building is in compliance.”
He adds, “To preserve this landmark, the city is looking into ways we can potentially partner with the owner, the historical society, and the community on how we can assist in the research of historical preservation grants.”
In 1922, the editor of The Devine News highlighted the many businesses that helped build this town. One of those businesses, at the heart of the community’s livelihood, was Devine’s Mill & Elevator.
Historic articles in The Devine News highlight the excitement of the community when “dirt was broken” on the mill “going up by the railroad tracks”.
“With thousands of acres of fine corn ripening in our territory and preparations made, Devine has every prospect that a town with 10,000 acres irrigated lands and 50,000 acres dry lands could wish, at least in this part of Texas.”
“Opportunity is knocking at Devine’s door and where we had ten corn wagons $500 last year, we shall have 20 wagons and $1,000 this year. The great and burning question now is ‘Good Roads” to let the farmers get here with his stuff.”
Two years later, in 1922, a Devine News article documented how the Devine Mill and (corn) Elevator is one of the landmark businesses that built this town.
“These little things though they be, are what make a town and bring more people and businesses to town. Ice Plant, Bottling Works, Broom Factory, Stream Pressing, Corn Elevators, Good Cotton Gins, Grist Mills, Machine shops with welding and vulcanizing, etc, etc…..We are going to make a city here yet in spite of knockers. Just watch us.”
Located in such a prominent spot, the Devine Historical Committee and many others say preserving Devine Mill and Elevator would go a long way in maintaining community character, charm, and history for many future generations to come. Preservation and re-purposing could also at the same time provide ample opportunity to harvest the value of this historic landmark leading to economic development.
(See presentation given in separate article on front page about the old Pearl Brewery development.)
Greg Atkinson, Devine Fire Chief comments:
“Yes, Devine Fire issued the uninhabitable letter under the state adopted code of nfpa 101 life safety code. The state gave that authority to the state Marshals office, who gave that authority to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), which is ESD 2, who by contract gave that authority to me. I taped it off because I don’t want anyone hurt. This has nothing to do with the city and is not the first building we have done this to. The city wants to save the co-op, but it takes funding. I am all for that, but in it’s current state, it is a danger to anyone who doesn’t know what they are doing. I’d love to see grants save it. To be clear, we are NOT wanting it demolished, just fixed correctly where no one gets hurt.”
“The co-op isn’t a city code violation. It’s a collapse hazard covered under state code NPFA 101 life safety. It is uninhabitable in its current state until an engineer tells me otherwise. I do not want to see it demolished, but I definitely do not want to see someone killed. We have already rescued individuals from that building and have been lucky that no one has been seriously injured. If the property owner can get a company to properly renovate it with commercial contractors, I’d gladly allow that to happen. However, it is hard to argue that in its current state, it is safe for anyone to go into who does not know exactly what they are doing.”

A 1915 Devine News article shows the excitement surrounding the mill and elevator and the boost to the economy that it brought. Perhaps this landmark so rich in history has the potential to once again be a boost to the economic development of Devine. This idea and 3D renderings were proposed in a study done several years ago by UTSA, if you recall.
Representatives from UTSA’s Center for Urban and Regional Planning Research and the Rural Business Program presented a vision plan for the future of Devine back in 2017. Bert Moyer, a Research Assistant with the Center for Urban and Regional Planning Research, took the lead on the presentation, explaining that it was designed as ideas for City leadership and community stakeholders regarding future development.
Those other projects included beautification of downtown Devine as well as the 173 corridor, the extension of sidewalks to make downtown pedestrian-friendly, and the restoration of historic buildings.
“You guys have a wealth of historic buildings, and they’re assets to the community,” Moyer said. “The problem is that once they’re gone, they’re gone forever.”
He pointed to the refurbished Pearl Brewery complex in San Antonio as a template for what could be done with buildings in downtown Devine, specifically the unused grain silo across the street from the Driscoll Public Library.
“We think that’s a great facility that could be turned into something very wonderful, I believe,” Moyer said. “[The Pearl Brewery] is on a much larger scale, but they have created this food/mall mecca, and now people are coming in from all over, so there’s a lot of potential. Of course the scale is a little bit different…but that’s your gateway, that’s one of the first things you see when you come to Devine.”
A 2022 article by the SA Report highlights “ How a historic brewery transformed the city.” According to that article, an estimated 7,000 people visit the Pearl to shop at the weekend farmer’s market, about 3,000 on summer movie nights, and several hundred for Sunset Sessions and other seasonal performances.
The building at the old mill in Devine has multiple sections with large rooms separated by concrete walls with ample space for multiple uses.

Experts suggest Historic Development could breathe new life into city, revisiting ideas presented…

A 1915 Devine News article shows the excitement surrounding the mill and elevator and the boost to the economy that it brought. Perhaps this landmark so rich in history has the potential to once again be a boost to the economic development of Devine. This idea and 3D renderings were proposed in a study done several years ago by UTSA, if you recall.
Representatives from UTSA’s Center for Urban and Regional Planning Research and the Rural Business Program presented a vision plan for the future of Devine back in 2017. Bert Moyer, a Research Assistant with the Center for Urban and Regional Planning Research, took the lead on the presentation, explaining that it was designed as ideas for City leadership and community stakeholders regarding future development.
Those other projects included beautification of downtown Devine as well as the 173 corridor, the extension of sidewalks to make downtown pedestrian-friendly, and the restoration of historic buildings.


“You guys have a wealth of historic buildings, and they’re assets to the community,” Moyer said. “The problem is that once they’re gone, they’re gone forever.”
He pointed to the refurbished Pearl Brewery complex in San Antonio as a template for what could be done with buildings in downtown Devine, specifically the unused grain silo across the street from the Driscoll Public Library.
“We think that’s a great facility that could be turned into something very wonderful, I believe,” Moyer said. “[The Pearl Brewery] is on a much larger scale, but they have created this food/mall mecca, and now people are coming in from all over, so there’s a lot of potential. Of course the scale is a little bit different…but that’s your gateway, that’s one of the first things you see when you come to Devine.”
A 2022 article by the SA Report highlights ” How a historic brewery transformed the city.” According to that article, an estimated 7,000 people visit the Pearl to shop at the weekend farmer’s market, about 3,000 on summer movie nights, and several hundred for Sunset Sessions and other seasonal performances.

Read more about the history of Devine Mill & Elevator click the link: https://devinenews.com/hometown-history-more-than-meets-the-eye/