The City of Devine announced the hiring of Michelle Martin as City Secretary to replace retired City Secretary Dora Rodriguez who served the city for 41 years and retired in July.
“My family and I moved to the area 7 years ago,” stated Michelle Martin in her resume.
“I have worked for the State of Texas and City of San Antonio in supporting city infrastructure programs, grant projects, community engagement, non-profit support, and small business development with a total of 10 years experience. I have also worked on large corporate projects for USAA and Medtronic. I attended Texas A&M University – San Antonio where I attained my Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Masters in Business Management.”
“I am so grateful and humbled by the opportunity to be the next City Secretary for Devine. I look forward to meeting you all and building a partnership for a stronger community,” said Martin.
Rodriguez retired after 41 years
Dora Rodriguez served the citizens of Devine working at the City Office for the past 41 years in several capacities including the position of City Secretary as well as Interim City Administrator in her later years. Rodriguez graduated from Devine High School in 1984 and went to work for the City of Devine.
She announced her retirement on May 21 but with July 31 being her last day.
Rodriguez worked under many mayors and councils over the years and was a constant steady for all those coming and going. She earned many leadership and continuing education hours throughout her years of dedication to the citizens of Devine. She helped out her hometown through tough times and took on the city administrator job while serving as City Secretary also until the next City Admin was hired. This happened multiple times where she worked many 60 hour weeks.
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.
Balderrama to share son’s inspirational story on TV program next Tuesday
Mary Jane Balderrama who lost her son Adrian Camarillo at age 18 in a automobile accident from Devine will be on Fox/kabb channel 29 on August 19 Tuesday at 9 am. You can also watch this interview on NBC/ WOAI channel 4 on the San Antonio Living segment aired at 10 am Tuesday August 19 as well.
Mary Jane will speak to both stations about her son Adrian Camarillo who graduated in 1994 from Devine High School. Adrian gave the gift of life through organ donation; leaving his legacy to many who had a chance at life because of this unselfish act.
Mary Jane lives in Devine, and has a yearly adopt a highway event in his honor during which many locals come out to support this cause in memory of Adrian.
Regional water alliance group discusses financing for system interconnections
By Anton Riecher
Financing to cover an estimated $49 million in interconnections to link the various water systems participating in a proposed 50,000 acre-foot freshwater aquifer storage and recovery project was discussed during the Aug. 5 meeting of the Medina County Regional Water Alliance.
Kevin Hunt with RESPEC, serving as an engineering consultant, said it would be helpful if the participating systems could determine what interconnections would be needed to make the overall ASR project a reality.
“I know that there’s already movement on interconnects between East Medina (County Special Utility District) and Lytle,” Hunt said. “If any other interconnects are already being worked on we may not be aware of that.”
Cole Ruiz, an attorney with Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend, said…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!
Truck bursts into flames in Walmart parking lot
First responders responding to the scene (on left) initially thought the driver was sleeping inside the cab when it errupted into fire, but thankfully that was not the case. The PD had issued an all-call inside Walmart for truck drivers, and the driver of this vehicle just did not come out until 25 minutes later leading to some concern.
Natalia FD, Devine FD, Medina Co Deputy Fire Marshall, as well as Devine PD responded to the chaotic scene this past Friday, August 8 around 3pm in the Walmart parking lot.
According to the report, an electrical short is believed to be the cause of the fire.
Devine hires Joe Brown III new Chief of Police
The City of Devine hired Joe Brown III as the new Chief of Police to replace retired Chief Kandy Bendavides who served Devine for 40 years. Chief Brown’s first day will be on Monday, August 18, 2025 and he will oversee ten employees in the police department.
His biography is as follows:
Chief Joe Brown III is a decorated law enforcement leader and military veteran with over two decades of distinguished service in public safety, organizational leadership, and community engagement.
During his career, Chief Brown has overseen divisions such as patrol operations, criminal investigations, administration, telecommunications, animal control, and code compliance.
He has successfully managed a $2 million budget, driven operational efficiencies, and spearheaded the department’s pursuit of Texas Police Chiefs Association accreditation.
A proud United States Air Force veteran, Chief Brown safeguarded nuclear assets, led Security Forces under U.S. CENTCOM and SOCOM, and…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!
Sheriff: Criminals took local residents for $12 grand
By Kayleen Holder
Editor
“Phone scammers have taken over $12,000 from hardworking people in Medina County in the past two weeks,” said Sheriff Randy Brown. “And I know of at least two more who were on their way to the bank when they called me.”
A frustrated Sheriff Brown reiterates that Medina County Sheriff’s Office, nor any other local police department, will ever call you to get payment to avoid being arrested.
“I tell people all of the time, I post it on Facebook, I even stood up at church and told people at church to please stop talking to these phone scammers,” Sheriff Brown said. “This needs to be on the front page, because people, intelligent people, are falling for it.”
Many of these scammers will insist you…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!
Estrella wants to be an artist when she grows up
Estrella tends to take on a leadership role amongst her peers and leading the way to get things done. But she is not all business though, as she is very sociable and likes to laugh and play with others.
Estrella’s favorite restaurants are Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza, and her favorite food is pizza.
Estrella takes personal pride in her appearance and likes getting her hair and nails done.
She is both artistic and creative and enjoys making arts and crafts, scrapbooking and drawing. With those skills and talents, she is considering a career as an artist when she grows up.
At school she is on the A honor role. She is also involved in track and choir.
When outside she enjoys a variety of activities such as riding her bicycle, swimming and playing outside at the park. Inside she loves watching Disney movies, cartoons, and educational children’s television shows. Her favorite type of movies and games are Disney Princess related. Estrella’s favorite movies include Frozen and Cinderella.
Estrella’s forever family will be one that is loving and affectionate. Her family will offer her a safe and loving home environment where she will feel secure and loved. Her family will provide her with unconditional love, and emotional support.
In her own words … “Hello! I am Estrella! I am 10 and looking forward to finding a forever family! I may be shy and quiet, but I am a whole lot of fun once you get to know me. I am smart, happy, funny, and have a lot of energy. I really enjoy choir.”
If you think you could be a forever family for Estella 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.
Bigfoot Wallace Museum Bake Sale this Saturday, Aug. 9th
PD searching for other victims in Assault and Online Solicitation case
The Sandy Oaks Police Department (about 45 minutes northeast of our area) is requesting the public’s assistance following the arrest of John Ramirez III (DOB: 12/10/2004, Age 20) in connection with multiple charges involving a minor.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Ramirez is urged to contact the Sandy Oaks Police Department at (210) 850-6437.
Arrest Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Charges Filed:
Sexual Assault of a Child
Online Solicitation of a Minor
Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor
Bond Violation (Filed by Bexar County Pretrial Services)
At the request of the Sandy Oaks Police Department, the Texas Rangers are assisting in the investigation. No further information is available at this time.
Attention Devine sports fans
It is time to show your Devine spirit in the Community Spirit Contest!
For a chance to win a pair of tickets to any home football, volleyball or basketball game, decorate your place (business, home, windows, etc.) in maroon and gold for our Warhorses and Arabians.
Seven lucky winners will be picked, and the first winner will be announced August 8 at meet the Warhorse and Arabians night! Tickets are donated by proud sponsors of the Warhorse/Arabian Nation! See page 3 for more info and scan the QR code with your camera to enter.