Medina County commissioners voted unanimously Monday to set a proposed 2025 property tax rate of $.4434 per $100 valuation, down from the current rate of $.4511. (Editor’s Note: This can be confusing, because while the suggested tax rate is lower, tax payers question why their taxes are actually still increasing… Due to higher property appraisals as well as new properties, overall tax collections will be increasing by $2.3 million dollars. Every year, we are presented with the option to select a tax rate that would instead bring in the same amount of revenues as the previous year, rather than going up on tax collections, but that tax rate has not been selected in many years). Approved on a motion by Precinct 2 Commissioner Larry Sittre, seconded by Precinct 3 Commissioner David Lynch, the proposed rate is below the rate requiring voter approval at the polls. A public hearing on the proposed rate is set for 9 a.m. Sept. 8 at commissioners’ court chamber in Hondo. In other business, commissioners approved an order authorizing $4.5 million…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!
Former Devine Fire Department volunteer and Smoke Eater of the Year Daniel Ehlinger offers his opinion during the Aug. 19 ESD2 board meeting. Photo by Anton Riecher
By Kathleen Calame Publisher MCESD #2 Fire has called a meeting for Thursday, September 4 at 7:00 pm at the fire house in Devine to discuss the fire service contract which is up on October 1st. Proposals have been submitted by Devine Volunteer Fire Dept. as well as MCESD #1. They will also discuss other things, among them the tax rate which they proposed to increase to 10 cents per $100 valuation to provide for 24 hour around-the-clock full-time paid firefighters, which would be needed no matter which agency they decide to contract with (the 9.5 or 7.43 rates would not fund full time paid departments under either proposal). Their regular meeting will be on September 16 at 7:00 pm at the fire house. Prior to that meeting they will host a Public Hearing on the proposed tax rate and set the tax rate that night. Both meetings are…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!
Mickey Myers is organizing a Burger in a Bag fundraiser to benefit those affected by the horrific flooding in the Hill Country. The burgers with trimmings, chips and bottle of water or soda will be $9. It will be held August 23 at 3 pm until sold out. Fundraiser organizers at Foxy’s Bar are looking for donations of silent auction items, raffle items, burgers, chips, sodas, brown bags, and to go boxes. Message the Foxy’s Facebook page or come by to donate or to sign up to help. Specifically this fundraiser will benefit the Together for Texas charity whose mission can be seen at the following link: https://give.salvationarmytexas.org/campaign/703236/donate
The City of Devine hired Cassandra Maldonado as the new Municipal Court Clerk. Maldonado worked for the City of Devine from 2015 to 2020 before crossing the creek and taking a job at the City of Hondo. Welcome back Cassandra! “I was raised in Devine, attended Devine ISD and graduated top 10% in 2004. In 2019, I graduated Cum Laude from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice, “ said Cassandra Maldonado. “I have 19 years of City Government experience most of that being in the Municipal Court Department, however, I also have extensive knowledge of Utilities, Finance and Administration departments as well. “I have a track record of success, and am poised to continue contributing to organizational success and efficiency as a dedicated Court Administrator for the City of Devine,” said Maldonado.
The City of Devine announced the hiring of Sophia Benavidez as the new Finance Director. Benavidez is originally from Del Rio, Texas. “Sofia resides in Devine, and brings a unique skill set with banking, business, and nonprofit organization experience. She will be trained and mentored by a certified Government Finance Officer that has over 30 years municipal finance experience. We are excited to add Sofia to our team!,” said David Jordan, City Administrator. “I bring an extensive background in banking, financial services, and business management, with a strong foundation in strategic planning, fiscal oversight, and operational leadership,” said Benavidez. “Prior to this new role, I had the privilege of serving our community through my work with the Devine Volunteer Fire Department, where I supported both administrative and financial operations. This new chapter is more than a professional milestone—it’s an opportunity to continue serving the city with transparency, accountability, and a long-term vision for financial health. I’m honored to be part of Devine’s future,” Benavidez said.
As has happened for the last 143 years, the famed St. Louis Day Celebration will again open the gates to visitors from all over the state. Dubbed years ago, by the Texas Tourist Agency as “The Homecoming for the State of Texas,” the giant festival will again serve tons of barbecued beef, Alsatian style sausage, and food, drink, music, games and fun all day long for friends who make the trip each year to historic Castroville. According to the Visitors Center guest book, the last few years have attracted visitors from more than 100 Texas towns and cities, 17 different states, and 14 countries. In only its 14th year on the shady Koenig Park grounds is one of fastest growing and most popular attractions: The St. Louis Day Biergarten. According to Frankie Kempf, Asst. Publicity Director, the Biergarten idea was born, appropriately enough, by a couple of parishioners sitting around a “kegerator” reminiscing about the fond memories of St. Louis Days gone by. The idea was presented to the general chairmen to have a Saturday evening biergarten party who then decided to give it a try, and now it hosts a huge crowd of visitors on Saturday evening the night before the actual celebration. So on August 23 at 6:30 p.m., the Super Saturday Biergarten Party will serve ice cold draught beer, wine, other refreshments and food, and live music for those who will make a weekend out of St. Louis Day. The Boardwalk games will be open for children Saturday night and the adults can enjoy the large Silent Auction, St. Louis Downs and the famous washer pitch and cornhole tournaments. Succulent all beef hot dogs, known as Sarge’s St. Louie Red Hots, pulled pork sandwiches and piping hot nachos will be served for guests as well. Also back by popular demand will be the giant pizza served by Dirt Road Cookers. As in previous years, the gala will be held under nature’s tent beneath the shady canopy of the park where party-goers will be able to spread out and do what is supposed to happen at a homecoming—visit with old friends and make new ones. Plenty of seating is available for those who wish to get off their feet, and it is not unusual to see guests bring their own lawn chairs and relax the night away to good music, ice cold beer and great conversation. According to Biergarten entertainment chairman, Duane Garza, the Saturday night featured entertainers this year will kick off with a great local favorite Bret Mullins Band at 6:30 p.m. Texas Tempo, another great local favorite, will follow at 8:30 and dazzle the crowd with spectacular guitar and vocal talent until 11 p.m. Sunday, August 24, is the actual festival day when thousands of visitors will flock to “The Little Alsace of Texas.” Besides the amazing BBQ plate, the day will be jam-packed with entertainment at two different venues on the grounds including the Biergarten Stage and the ever-popular Riverside Stage. Featured talent and bands this year include Fire on the Mountain Cloggers, the Alsatian Dancers of Texas, the Alamo City Community Marching Band, mariachis, local favorites Julie Guinther & Michele Mangold, and local Medina Valley High School senior and parishioner Chas Boehme will wow the crowd with his talents for the first time. Taking the stage at 3:30 will be the ever-so-talented Weston Ripps Band followed by crowd pleasers Jordan Gauna and The Yancey Highway Band. In addition, there will be the popular games for young and old including the popular bingo pavilion. Our Plant Booth and Just Treasures will provide great deals for visitors who like to shop. The spacious air-conditioned hall will house one of the best and biggest silent auctions along with the Country Store featuring homemade and canned items. This year will mark the 27th year of the extremely popular St. Louis Downs “Horseracing Track,” where another lucky person will have his or her name added to the Futurity Champions Wall of Fame. If a lucky volunteer would like to cool off, the popular ice bucket challenge will provide that opportunity as well. It’s a perfect time to make a weekend visit to historic Castroville and the St. Louis Day celebration August 23-24. For more information visit www.saintlouisday.com or like St. Louis Day on facebook.
Two proposals that could determine the future of Devine Volunteer Fire & Rescue were laid before the public Aug. 12 during an open hearing conducted by the Medina County Emergency Services District No. 2, governing the finances of fire protection locally. One proposal, presented by Clint Cooke, Chief of Medina County ESD 1, calls for that agency to assume direct responsibility for DVF&R operations. ESD1 would replace the DVF&R Volunteer Fire Board which currently handles fire department management. Cooke said the situation that Devine finds itself in regarding recent fire protection controversies is nothing new to Texas communities. “This has happened over and over across the state,” Cooke said. The second proposal regarding DVF&R’s future, presented by Eric Quintanilla, new president of the volunteer fire board, presented plans for organization restructuring in what he referred to as “a hard reset.” “I’ve had two weeks to really try to unpack a lot of things,” he said. “There are a lot of things that I saw where things could very much be improved.” Complete video coverage of the public hearing is posted on the Devine News YouTube channel. Recent improprieties haunting DVF&R include more than $76,000 in missing department funds and management issues. The ESD2 board authorized…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!
By Kathleen Calame Publisher Twenty- two students earned their high school diplomas Monday night, August 18 from Devine ISD through the, Devine Learning Academy, designed to convenience students who need just a few more credits to graduate because “life happened” and they didn’t get the chance to finish until now. When JodiAnn Dzierzanowski met new superintendent at the time, Todd Grandjean, back in 2019/2020 about establishing the program to help students who were just a few credits short of completing their education, she knew she had her work cut out for her and her staff. She designed the academy which now thrives and helps so many students find success and inspires them to go on to more education or jobs. Without a high school diploma, it hinders the youth from many job opportunities and careers. It has been a win-win for all involved. Over 84 students have accomplished the goal of getting a high school diploma with the alternate program that requires only a few hours a week and has a staff to help them achieve it. The biggest class so far was 2024 at 22 graduates, and 21 this year. The current semester (2025-2026), the DLC has 15 students in the morning and 15 different ones in the afternoon, totaling 30 students looking to complete their diplomas. And a waiting list. “I stand here before you today with a group of inspiring young men and women who can bring to mind only one word…perseverance. I have known these students for many years. I have seen them grow from being young teenagers to young adults. Along the way, they have tried, fallen, pulled up their boot strings and tried again, more than once. All of these students had made it to the senior year in high school with a few lost credits along the way…when… what I like to say is “life happened” and again it got them off track. So close. With this opportunity given by both Dr. Grandjean and the Members of the Board, All these students picked themselves up once again and persevered! Mrs. Brenda Kilpatrick, Mr. Zachary Robles and I are so proud of them and all so honored to have been able to work with them. Welcome to the Graduation ceremonies of the Fall class of 2025,” said Jodi Dzierzanowski, Devine Learning Center, DAEP Principal and Truancy Prevention Coordinator. CERTIFICATION OF THE CLASS – “On behalf of the staff of Devine Learning Center, we wish the Fall class of 2025 congratulations and continued success in your future.” “Dr. Grandjean, President Pepper, members of the Devine I.S.D. school board I certify that the Fall of 2025 of Devine Learning Center has met the graduation requirements as mandated in board policy and the state of Texas to participate in this commencement ceremony,” said Dzierzanowski. Presenting the Summer 2025 Graduates: Manuel Ralph Aguilar, son of Bianca Rodriguez. Javier Alejandro Baltazar Castellanos, son of Erica Baltazar Omaz and is a TRAP Music Artist. Kenneth Lee Byers III, son of Kenneth Lee Byers Jr and Julia Anna Byers. Xavier Eduardo Calvillo-Morales, grandson of Pedro and Amelia Morales and plans to attend UTSA. Raymond Gerald Desalme, son of Pablo and Betty Salazar, will be attending Pima Medical Institute for Radiology. Venancio Eufracio Zamora, son of Venancio and Dora Eufracio and is working for a welding company. Alexa Sade Garrido, daughter of Carmen and Maykoll Garrido and will be attending Palo Alto for Criminal Justice Forensic Science. Jathaniel Hidalgo Garza, son of Jesus Garza and plans on going to college for Criminal Justice/Forensic Science. Jayden Marie George, daughter of Anthony and Robin George will be attending Southern Careers Institute for ART. Aciel Gonzalez Reyes, son of Yonelis Reyes, plans to be an Aviation Mechanic Apprentice. Jacob Edward Guajardo, son of Mario and Marisol Guajardo. Joanni Marie Hyzer, daughter of Robert and Mary Reichel, will be attending college to be a Pre-K teacher/Special Ed. Luis Daniel Jimenez, son of Rosalinda Jimenez and John Basaldua, joined the military. Sumner Glenn Leggitt, son of Scott and Sara Leggitt, plans to be a Texas A&M Certified Safety and Health Official. Jacob Cardenas Lomas, son of Ufemia and Evlio Lomas and stepson of Jacob Gutierrez. Jessalin Rose Culver, adopted daughter of Chris and Melanie Culver, will be attending college to be a therapist. Nickalous Joseph Macias, son of Yolanda Luna and Richard Macias. Jocelyn Danielle Plemmons, daughter of David and Cindy Plemmons, will be studying to be a dental assistant. Diamond Alexis Sanchez Cantu, daughter of Oscar and Violet Cantu. Deisy Crystal Ramirez Cabrera, daughter of Lluvia Cabrera, plans to attend a Cosmetology trade school. Jorge Alberto Silva Castillo, son of Noeyda Castillo and Leonardo Reteria, is working on a ranch. Diego Adrian Valdez, son of Melaine and Bobby Valdez Sr., has a job waiting at Toyota once he turns 18.
ifteen-year-old Isabel, who prefers to be called Bella, is a very generous, kindhearted and happy child. Her energy level is unmatched, as she is always up for something fun! At a first meeting she may come off as shy, but she is social and talkative once she gets to know someone. Bella is an outgoing youth who is friendly and sweet and gets along well with other children. She is an active child who likes to be engaged in different activities throughout the day. Bella enjoys using her tablet and watching music videos and movies. She also likes to draw and paint; her favorite artistic media is watercolors. Bella also enjoys reading and writing, her favorite books are the Harry Potter series. She recently developed a passion for singing and has joined the choir through the school district. Her favorite foods include sushi, hamburgers, and pizza. In her own words … “I am ready for a beautiful adventure”! If you think you could be a forever family for Isabel 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.
