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.

Challengers Gonzales and Millerwin two seats on Devine council

By Anton Riecher
In Medina County a typically low-turnout May election still mustered a few surprises Saturday, particularly in Devine where two city council incumbents fell to political newcomers.
In District 1, Devine native Ray Gonzales garnered 23 votes to Ruffino Vega’s five vote total. In District 3, retired Devine High School band director Jeff Miller received 36 votes to defeat incumbent Stacy Pyron who had 15 votes.
Gonzales, a property claims expert with USAA, said his triumph over an incumbent candidate came as a “huge, huge surprise.”
“I’m not well known in town,” he said. “I’ve lived here all my life but most of my work has always been out of town.”
He attributed his success to the support of his family and his wife. Talking to his neighbors helped too, Gonzales said.
“It never hurts…

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Lytle approves putting gas utility up for sale, Castroville votes NO

Mayor Ruben Gonzalez looks forward another term

LYTLE
In Lytle, the biggest contested issue on the election ballot was a proposal to put the city’s natural gas distribution utility up for sale owing largely to the preference for electricity in the city’s latest subdivision development. That proposal was approved by voters 142 to 47.
“I want to thank our community for supporting our efforts to sell our gas system to be able to operate more efficiently,” Mayor Ruben Gonzalez said.
City Administrator Zachary Meadows said the vote give the city the opportunity to “explore options that we did have before.”
“We’re obviously happy to more forward and start the process on biding the…

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Natalia, Lytle, and MV school district bond propositions pass

Low voter turnout in May elections

Natalia ISD
In Natalia, two school district bond issue propositions totaling more than $23 million were approved by voters. Proposition A, valued at $17.465 million, called for renovations and additions to the elementary campus and agricultural sciences building. It passed by 170 votes to 79.
Proposition B, valued at $5.555 million, calls for construction of new softball and baseball fields with turf, dugouts, lights, concession stands and restrooms. It passed by a margin of 158 votes to 90.
District superintendent Lana Collavo said she is excited “that both Natalia ISD bond proposition were approved, thanks to the support of our community’s voters.”
“With that support, we can move forward with our plans to enhance the learning environment, add…

Frio ESD#1 voters pass additional 1.5% sales tax to help rural fire departments

Frio County Emergency Service District #1 voters approved of the additional sales tax with 245 voting for it and only 58 against. Voting were 14 by absentee ballot, 133 early voters, and 156 election day voters.
Frio County ESD 1 called for an election to collect the 1 ½ percent sales tax that is available in the unincorporated areas of Frio County. Only those who purchase taxable items in Frio County from a business located in rural Frio County ESD 1 would pay the extra tax. Bigfoot VFD…

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Two big props put to Natalia ISD voters May 4, bonds for classroom and athletic facilities

Voters in Natalia ISD will decide on two propositions. Election Day is May 4th. Here is a little about the two bonds totaling approximately $23 million.
Prop A is a $17,465,000 bond which will provide additions and updates to the Elementary some of which include new classrooms, library, life skills room, courtyard, front entrance and admin offices, and relocating the playground. It will also provide…

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Lytle ISD voters to decide May 4 on $20,650,000 Bond Election to address growth

2024 Bond Election
At the January 22, 2024, Lytle Independent School District School Board meeting, the LISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously in support of a May 2024 Bond Election to address growth, renovations, new construction, and further supports academic opportunities for our Lytle community.
Major projects included in the proposed bond:
-Addition of 16 Classroom Spaces at Primary
-Gym Addition…

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$1,000 Pull Tab BINGO

at Devine VFW this Thursday, BBQ Plate sale also

Devine VFW Post 3966 charity bingo will have a $1000 pull tab bingo pot this Thursday, May 2, 2024. The $10 tickets will be first come, first serve. Multiple pull tabs may be purchased. If attendance is over 110 players, the jackpots for regular Bingo will be raised $100 (to $300 and $600).
A $10 chicken leg quarter and sausage plate with beans and rice will be available (50 plates) in addition to the regular food items served. Bring your friends for an evening of fun and excitement.
The Bingo Hall doors open at 4:30 pm with regular bingo starting at 7:00 pm. Pull tabs may start before 7 pm as they sell out each round.

City of Lytle election on May 4 to ask voters if they want to sell the Natural Gas System

What is on the ballot?
PROPOSITION A- Shall the City Council of the City of Lytle, Texas be authorized to sell the Natural Gas Utility Distribution System that is owned by the City of Lytle, Texas?
WHY?
THINGS TO TAKE IN CONSIDERATION:
The City of Lytle contracts with CPS Energy for the maintenance and operations service of the City’s
Natural Gas Utility System. CPS Energy announced that they will not provide our gas system service after October 1, 2024. At this
time, the City is not able to provide the service to maintain and operate the City’s Natural Gas Utility
System. The City does not…

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