Category: Top News Stories

With Medina County farms and ranches being subdivided rapidly, land being used for agriculture decreased by over 15,600 acres in one year (2023-2024). The amount of ag land lost last year is more than the amount of agriculture land lost than in the previous five years combined. Land used for residential increased by over 15,500 acres in Medina County in the same 1-year time period (2023-2024).
In the past 11 years, nearly 34,000 acres of farms and ranches have been developed and are no longer used for agriculture.
Vanishing farm and ranch operations is a statewide and nationwide problem. With Texas leading the nation in ag operations…

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Ready, set, runoff!

Medina County runoffs for 2 county commissioner races, constable, congressman begins May 20th

Early voting for the Republican Primary Runoff races will be held May 20 through May 24 between 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Election Day will be May 28.
US Rep. District 23 Congressman Tony Gonzales is in a Runoff with challenger Brandon Herrera. Precinct 1,2,3, and 4 can vote in this runoff which includes other counties as well in District 23.
There are also three local county level Republican runoff races.
The County Commissioner Precinct 1 seat will be determined by a runoff between Jessica Castiglione, who received…

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May 29 in Lytle about creating a Stormwater Utility Fund

The City of Lytle is having a Town Hall Meeting Wednesday, May 29, 2024 about a Storm Water Utility Fund.
What is a Stormwater Utility Fund and how will it benefit the city and its residents?
Why is the City creating the Stormwater Utility Fund?
Who pays and what are the costs?
Join the City Hall Staff and Engineer as they share information and provide answers to any…

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Local ag operations under 20 acres will have to meet certain requirements in order to keep ag exemptions due to recent changes in minimum acreage. This article outlines types of common Ag operations in our area as well as some of the changes in requirements to qualify for ag exemptions.

Continue reading “Medina County Changes minimum acreage to 20 acres for ag exemptions (see exceptions)”

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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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…