Category: Top News Stories

By Anton Riecher
As incentive to snare the region’s latest proposed digital data center, Medina County commissioners voted unanimously Monday to approve an abatement totaling 80 percent of the county maintenance and operation taxes due during the initial 10 years of the $600 million CyrusOne project near Castroville.
County Judge Keith Lutz forecast that the action will mean $78.9 million in revenue for the county and other taxing entities during the project’s first decade.
“Just for clarity to make sure everybody understands, this is 80 percent of the maintenance and operations (M&O) portion of our taxes only,” Lutz said.
The abatement excludes the county’s farm-to-market tax rate and the ad valorem tax levy for payment of debt services.
A motion by Precinct 2 Commissioner David Lynch to approve the tax abatement was seconded by Precinct 3 Commissioner Larry Sittre.
The new CyrusOne site, located approximately 3.75 miles west of Castroville, will be the home of a 500,000 square-foot data center facility. Plans allow for the construction of a second such structure at the site in the more distant future.
At the commissioners meeting…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!

The Natalia High School senior class will be hosting a Turkey Trot 5K on November 8th at the NHS gym. Check in will start at 9 am with the bike ride beginning at 9:30 am and the 5K at 10 am.
Register by October 31 and get a free T-shirt and burger in a bag. To register go to https://square.link/u/xFPMsv00
The run will be $30 per person which will include a T-shirt and burger bag. The bike ride will be $20 per person and will also include a T-shirt and burger bag.

by Kathleen Calame

Publisher, The Devine News

Three local bands are excited after earning a trip to the UIL State Marching Competition coming up November 10-12, 2025. They earned the right with their performance last weekend in the Area E Marching Finals.

On Saturday, November 1, the Lytle Pirate Band made school history by earning back-to-back trips to the UIL State Marching Contest! “The rain could not put out our fire today…instead, they set fire to the rain, and lit ‘em up in Beeville!” said Lytle ISD Band Director Joshua Chessher. “This makes the Pirate Band STATEBOUND for the second time in 2 years!” 

What a honor it is for the students and their leaders to be able to represent their schools at the State Marching Competition. The band leaders and students start their workouts during the end of summer and have been working hard all during the fall season to get the chance to advance to State. It doesn’t happen that often, so it is a big big deal. It is hard for smaller rural schools to compete with the schools who have much more resources, and band directors. When you see schools drive up with 18 wheelers full of equipment and props at Area, and park next to the trailers small schools have it is an eye opening experience.  But small schools have a lot of passion and their hard work pays off when they get a chance to advance to State.

The Pirate Band delivered an outstanding performance at the UIL Area E Marching Contest qualifying the band for State competition. “A tremendous accomplishment that reflects the dedication, talent, and teamwork of our incredible student musicians,” said Chessher.

“This year’s milestone marks the 8th consecutive 1st Division rating in Marching for the Pirate Band at Region — a tradition of excellence that continues to make Lytle ISD proud. We are so incredibly proud of our students, directors, and staff for their unwavering commitment and passion that make achievements like this possible,” said Chessher. Now they have added back-to-back wins at Area which qualified them for trips to STATE.

Congratulations to all 89 members of the Pirate Band on this remarkable success — and best of luck as they prepare for the next level of competition at State,  on  November 12 in the Alamodome in SA.

Lytle will perform in the 2025 State Marching Band Championships in the 3A division on Wednesday, November 12 in the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. They will compete against 23 bands for a chance to march in the finals that evening. Lytle High School Pirates will take the field at 12:55 for a 1:00 performance. Every 15 minutes another band performs. Jourdanton High School also qualified to State and will perform at 2:15. Hondo High School also qualified and will perform at 3:45 pm.

An Exhibition Band will be the last performance of the morning/afternoon session at 4:00 pm followed by the announcements at 4:15 of the top ten finalists. Finals will begin during the next session at 7:00 pm that evening, ending at 10:00 pm with an awards presentation.

Ticket Information-Single Session Tickets: $22 plus fees. Double Session Tickets: $38 plus fees.

Double Session Ticket Options: Sessions 4 and 5 are the 3A division bands. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to avoid congestion at the doors. The Box Office will open 75 minutes prior to first performance of the day and doors will open 45 minutes prior to the first performance in each session.

Tickets are available at the Alamodome box office or through Ticketmaster. 

They do have a clear bag policy.

See additional story on the UIL State Band Marching Competition in this week’s newspaper.

2025-2026 Lytle HS Band Leadership Team:

Head Drum Major – Collin Sprenger

Assistant Drum Majors – Camila Vega and Nadia Daniels

Color Guard Captain – Journee Mendoza

Color Guard Lieutenants – Haylee Ward and Lily Morales

Woodwind Captain – Nadia Daniels

Woodwind Drill Instructors – Brooke Tollett, Emiliano Cardenas

Flute Section Leader – Orlando Gutierrez

Clarinet Section Leaders – Julyana Frausto

Sax & Low Reed Section Leader – Emma Emery

Sax & Low Reed Section Leader – Emma Emery

Brass Captain – Koby Lara

Brass Drill Instructors – Gabi Cortez and Timothy Gutierrez

High Brass Section Leaders – Maddie Maldonado and Auslyn Beazer

Low Brass Section Leader – Lidon Hernandez

Drumline Section Leader – Nevaeh Kassin

Front Ensemble Section Leader – Taryn McDonald

Band Directors – Joshua Chessher, MJ Robles, Javier Lopez, Bertie Salazar, and Errian Morin

The Lytle Boys cross country team are back-to-back state champs! They are: Jacob Cantu 6th, the highest Lytle individual finish since 2012 when Cesar Gonzalez won the individual title. Diego and Adrian Reyna finished 13th and 14th, Sebastian Garcia placed 47th, Nathan Garza finished 51st, Bryan Montes-Rodriguez was 60th and Jaden Castro placed 77th out of 151 runners.

Authorities took possession of over 1,500 vaping devices and illegal THC wax products while executing a search warrant at Devine Food Mart this past Wednesday, October 29 in downtown Devine. Medina County Sheriff Randy Brown warned that it will be the first of many in the county if stores selling illegal products don’t quit.
“We seized about 1,500 items and will be seeking to destroy it all,” said Sheriff Brown. He described the seized items as “vaping devices and THC wax products” (like a lip balm).
“They have about as much wax in them as you can get out your ear and they sell for over $60. Quit supporting these stores. I don’t care if gas is $4 cheaper. To those who wish to make a real difference–I’ve got a suggestion. Let’s turn our attention toward the stores in our communities that sell drug paraphernalia and illegal e-cigarettes that far too often end up in the hands of our children. Every time you shop there, you are supporting this type of business.”
Suspects involved will…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!

Authorities are executing a search warrant at Devine Food Mart tonight, Wednesday, October 29. Suspects involved will be facing charges for reportedly selling illegal vape products that were hidden in the back.

“We have done several undercover buys,” Medina County Sheriff Randy Brown said. “We are coming down on all of those who are continuing to sell this stuff around the county.”

“They have been warned that these products are no longer legal, and we are not going to tolerate it.”

This has been a joint investigation between Medina County Sheriff’s and Devine PD.

See next Wednesday, November 5th’s Devine News print edition for more details on this operation. Subscribe to get FULL PRINT & DIGITAL ACCESS for only $36 a year at www.devinenewsmembers.com

See next Wednesday, November 5th’s Devine News print edition for more details on this operation. Subscribe to get FULL PRINT & DIGITAL ACCESS for only $36 a year at www.devinenewsmembers.com

We invite you to join us for a GriefShare event on November 17 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This supportive gathering is designed for anyone coping with the loss of a loved one, offering encouragement, understanding, and a safe space to share your journey.
Whether you are newly grieving or have been on this path for some time, GriefShare provides a caring environment to connect with others, discover helpful resources, and find hope for healing. All are welcome—feel free to bring a friend or family member.
Date: November 17, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: 203 E. College Ave. Devine, Texas
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Dinah Argo at (210) 385.6537, or Cindi Billebault at (830) 521.9910. We look forward to supporting you.

We’re thrilled to announce that the 2025 Devine Cactus Fall Festival—our largest and most anticipated event of the year is finally here! This three-day, family-friendly celebration will take place on Thursday evening, October 30, Friday evening, October 31st (Halloween) and Saturday, November 1. All hosted in downtown Devine by the Devine Chamber of Commerce and City of Devine. It is the 64th Annual Festival.
This year’s festival will be packed with live music, food trucks, artisan vendors, local organizations, games, contests, family activities, carnival rides and more—drawing hundreds of attendees from Devine and surrounding areas.
There will be a new carnival in town. The Ferris Wheel is back and many other cool rides such as the Texas Tornado, Hustler, Tilt A Whirl, Jungle of Fun House, Rock Climbing Wall, giant slide, Side Winder, Sizzler, Flying Elephants kiddie ride, Tiny Turtle ride, Dinosaur and Lizard kiddie rides, and more. Rides will stretch all the way down Commercial street as well as fill up the library parking lot. Check out the funnel cakes, popcorn, tecatacos, cotton candy, deep fried oreos, sno cones, fresh squeezed lemonade, and spiral pappas to name a few. Challenge your skills at one of the many carnival games! Something for everyone. Carnival will be open all three dates. A presale discounted wrist band will be offered for $20 a day, offered by pre-sell only until 5:00 p.m. Thursday, October 30 from the Chamber of Commerce, at the Get More Insurance office at 111 S. Teel St, Devine. The pre-sell wrist bands will be available at the will call window at the carnival in your name for those who want to buy in advance and save. Wrist bands will be sold at the carnival for $25 for the day.
We’d love to have you be part of this exciting community event!
Event Details
Location: Highway 173 & Bright Street, Downtown Devine
Dates:
Thursday, October 30- 5:00-10 pm (Carnival)
Friday, October 31st 5-10 pm (Evening Halloween Celebration). Friday night will focus on Halloween fun! All participating vendors are required to bring candy for trick-or-treaters—costumes and themed booths are encouraged! A Halloween Costume Contest will take place at 8:00 pm Friday night. Carnival will be open all evening.
Just around the block there is a Haunted House at the VFW Building called “The Sinister Haunted House” in the old haunted school building and doctor office in the VFW Halls. It is hosted by the VFW not the Chamber, there is a fee to enter. It’s a walk able distance between both celebrations.
Plus No home football game on Halloween, it an open night on schedule, so downtown should be buzzing!
Saturday, November 1st – Parade kicks off at 10 am – Festival ends at Midnight!
We can’t wait for another amazing Cactus Festival and look forward to showcasing all the talent, creativity, and community spirit that makes Devine so special.
Devine Market Association is taking care of the vendors and booths this year. They will line the streets of South Bright all the way to Napa Auto Parts as well as from College Avenue at BlackCreek Coffee to Sherry’s Flowers & Trading Post. They can be reached at DevineMarketAssociation@gmail.com or Robin Sultenfuss at 830-663-9191.
The American Momentum Bank will have their ATM open all weekend for your convenience. They are gracious to let us use their parking lot for the community wide celebration each year, and it is much appreciated. Please drop in some day and say hi and thank you. We couldn’t do it without them.
The rest of the bank parking lot will be fenced off for the stage, live bands, and festival goers for the FREE street dance on Saturday. No outside coolers, as it violates the beer license, and it will be enforced. Drinks will be sold from both sides of the Chamber booth this year for convenience.
Entertainment from 11am to 12 midnight will start off with a Devine High School Pep Rally after the parade ends around 11:30 or 12. Then from 1:00 to 5:30 pm the accomplished Claude Morgan and Friends will take the stage featuring Claude, Trevor Morgan on drums, Syliva & Matt Kirk, Bill Caisse, Boone Holding, and Natalie Morgan. All of these artists have been performing all over Texas for years, some country, folk, rock, all sorts of songs, some by artists and some written by the songwriters themselves. Claude wrote a song about Eddie Hutzler that is always a hit for those who love and remember icon Eddie, Devine’s bicycle night watchman for over 60 years.
Then from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Small Town Habit Band will take the stage. They were a hit last year at the festival featuring all kinds of music featuring Country Music and Texas Country.
Headlining the event from 8:00 to 12 Midnight is Devine’s own homegrown star Jeremy Richards and his band. He always fills the parking lot and dance floor with lots of fans and friends who love his personality, talents and variety of music and musicians that accompany him.
The dance parking lot area will be fenced off this year. No outside drinks, coolers, or food is permitted. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the evening of free live music. Cold beer and drinks will be available. Cash and cards accepted at the ticket booth. Drink prices $2 non- alcoholic and $5 for alcoholic, one ticket per drink.

Parade 10:00 am start
Over 70 parade entries have now signed up! That does not include the count for the police and fire trucks. Devine always has one of, if not the biggest, parade in Medina County. The parade will start at 10:00 am.
The Mighty Warhorse Marching Band under the leadership of Bert Sanchez will fill the streets with lots of music and smiles as the Award Winning Division 1 Band shares their music that won them a trip to the Area E Finals last weekend. We are fortunate the Area competition fell on a different weekend than the parade this year and are always excited when the Warhorse Marching Band can be a part of the parade and festival.
Parade Grand Marshals honorees are Don & Irma Dunford, who have spent the past 45+ years supporting the community both personally and through their businesses, Chaparral Ford, Devine and Chaparral Pre-Owned, Lytle. Their leadership and generosity has been amazing, touching many lives, as they have helped out so many over the years. The Dunfords have also loaned many, many vehicles to be used in the parades in the past.
Cindy Morales is Chairman of the Parade. Deadline to enter parade was Monday, October 27.
The parade will start at the Devine Middle School as usual, the staging area for the entries, and head down FM 2200, taking a right on Highway 173 towards downtown Devine. Right on Highway 132 and right on College Avenue. Parade ends at the VFW.
Candy is allowed to be thrown, please keep children’s safety in mind.

Vendor and Club booths
There will be plenty of food vendors, shopping booths, kid games, and club booths up and down the streets behind the festival. Something for everyone. Stroll the streets for gifts, homemade items, baked goods, remedies, art, toys, information, crafts, signs, treasures, lots and lots of goodies and unique items.
Many vendors will be open both Friday afternoon/evening and all day and night Saturday. They will keep their booths on site all night Friday as night watchmen have been hired to patrol the area. Four generators will light up the streets to keep festival goers and vendors safe both days.

Inside Community Center- rare finds- Sat until 5pm
The popular Tiny Town Museum is back this year again. Be sure to check out the replica of the olden days.

Art Exhibits featuring the school children from Devine ISD, daycare and home school students will be displayed inside the Community Center again this year. Browse the tunnels and walls of art work This year’s theme, “Celebrate Our Heritage in 2026: America 250, Texas 190, Devine 145”, is the kick-off for the 2026 celebrations for the establishments of our nation (1776), state (1845), and community (1881)! (See separate article on art exhibit theme and details.) It is not a contest, it is a display created by the children of the community.

Plant Sale, an annual sale hosted by the Devine Garden Club. Plants are grown by the members and will be for sale at bargain prices. They just love learning, growing and sharing their projects and plants!
And as always check out the awesome Cactus Zoo History on the walls and the beautiful mural of city of Devine painted by Kathleene Runnels.

Street Closures
Various parts of College, Bright and Commercial will be closed off during the three day event with most of the closures on Saturday. The parade route will be closed off before the parade starts so get your seat early. So be cautious as you drive in those areas. Businesses will be open on those streets during the daytime hours, some in the evenings too. We all work together to put on the annual event for the community, a team event.