By Anton Riecher A motion on $46,750 project to concrete patch Colonial Parkway near Oak Hill was approved unanimously by the the Devine City Council June 16. A low spot where rainwater collects has repeatedly damaged an asphalt topping at that location. As a permanent solution, the proposed repair will included a 170-foot by 25-foot concrete section that is not expected to solve the flooding but will reduce the repeated asphalt replacement by making the road more durable…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!
Many Hands….One Mission…Mission Devine volunteers stop for a quick photo. It’s not too late to join the effort. The group meets every morning at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church hall at 7:30am before deploying to job sites around the area. Photo courtesy of Janie Villarreal.
Mission Devine is in full swing this week. Photo courtesy of Janie Villarreal.
Cliff Redus (right) and Nick Redus (left) braving the elements as they work on a project for Mission Devine. If you would like to join the work everyone meets at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church hall at 7:30 am each morning. Photo by Moose Lopez.
Matthew Gonzales discusses the measurements and materials he needs for a deck as the rain pours down on him during a project for Mission Devine. Photo by Moose Lopez.
America250 Devine Honor Guard member active duty Sergeant Major Kristopher Rains, US Army presents the flag to U.S. Air Force veteran Chief Joe Brown of Devine Police Department. Peter Baron and members of the Sons of the American Revolution then placed the flag on the pole and raised it. Medina County Fire/EMS of Devine did the arrival of the flag. The Flag Honor Guard started as it was escorted in a fire truck by Medina County Fire/EMS LT Josh Capps and Firefighter Thomas Langley who first presented the flag to new recruit US Air Force Recruit Jeremiah Cardenas. Cardenas handed it off to Rains. See pages 13 and 16 for more photos and plaque name drive.
Hondo, Medina County, Texas — Over the last three years, the Hondo Police department and Medina County Sheriff’s Office have executed multiple search warrants for a variety of criminal activity being conducted by numerous individuals at 505 16th Street in Hondo. On the morning of Friday, June 12, 2026, another search warrant was executed at the property for distribution of methamphetamine, but this time the warrant also authorized the Hondo Police Department and the Medina County Criminal District Attorney to seize the entire property as contraband under Chapter 59 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure because of its continued use as a center for illegal activity. Most recently, the Hondo Police Department was able to confirm…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!
These sprays are some of the products available to help prevent New World Screwworm infections. Attend the meeting this coming Tuesday, June 23 in Hondo to hear straight from the experts how we can best nip this outbreak in the bud.
Infections can occur in ALL ANIMALS, including your pets, so our best weapons are preventative sprays and quick reporting of infections so authorities know where to concentrate on dropping sterile flies.
By Kayleen Holder Editor
Get your info straight from the experts….Now is your chance to speak directly with experts on both of the most pressing agriculture issues including Screwworms and Mealybugs. Local ranchers and farmers are encouraged to attend the local program on Tuesday, June 23 at the Medina County Fair Hall at 9 am where experts will address and give guidance on both issuess, said Medina County’s Ag Extension agent Taryn Titsworth. Local rancher shares his experience…. Local rancher Lynn Archie, 70 of Devine, was about 16 years old when one of the last outbreaks happened. His grandfather was an ag agent in LaSalle at the time. “I remember we had these little tubes and we would take a sample and send it in, and if it was positive, they would drop boxes of sterile flies in that area,” Archie said. Reporting cases will be one of the #1 game changers, he said. “A lot of people are scared to report it, but that’s the first thing we need to do…the worst thing you can do is not report it,” Archie said, recalling in all of 15 or so cases he remembers, they didn’t lose any of livestock, because they were quickly doctored and reported to stop the spread. Compared to the widespread outbreak in the 60s, Archie recalls a smaller one that cropped up in the 70s, mainly along the Nueces River, he said. “I look at it through a different pair of glasses,” Archie said, “Only time will tell how it will go, but it is curable.” “I think we need to respect it,” Archie said, “and keep watch on our animals, especially newborns and those with cuts and abrasions, but don’t freak out. We need to concentrate on the things we know will help, like reporting. With all of the technology we have, I think we are gonna get a good handle on it.” With less cattle ranches and so many raising deer for hunting ranches, he sees wildlife being our biggest spreaders. “If it does get out of hand, I think it will be the wildlife that it’s going to take the biggest toll on. They will be the spreaders I think, but I have already heard about some of the feed stores adding medicine like Ivermectin to wildlife feed, so that will help. I hope they can get a handle on it,and I think they will.”
MORE INFO on the Meeting Mealybugs Mealybugs are creating a whole other battle for local farmers and ranchers. Mealybugs which have been found in Medina County and several surrounding counties, pose a huge threat to grass needed to sustain livestock. “When you start losing your native grasses, that’s what really concerns me,” Titsworth said in a short phone interview. When it comes to how they attack forage, Titsworth explained, Mealybugs either kill it or they really, really hurt it. “Unlike some of the other insects that ingest it, Mealybugs are sap-sucking insects and have a toxic saliva that kills or stunts the plant. They have been found as deep as 3 feet in the dirt.” Look for fluffy white, waxy or “fuzzy” insects. Size wise, they are anywhere from 1/20 to 1/5 of an inch. When it comes to the New World Screwworm, Titsworth explained there are several products you can spray on open wounds to provide protection for a few days, to repel New World Screwworm flies. “Check your cattle and livestock daily,” Titsworth warned. “If you suspect one of your animals has a screwworm infection, contact the County Extension office or your vet right away. If you catch it early enough, it’ll probably be okay.” But for those left untreated, the consequences are deadly. You can look for products containing permethrin such as Durvet Screw Worm Aerosol, Catron IV, and ProZap Screw Worm Ear Tick Aerosol. The program from 9-Noon will be followed by a luncheon, and it will cover three topics: Maximizing Herd Profitability (9am) Mealy Bugs (10 am) New World Screw Worms (11am) Luncheon at Noon The program is now free and includes a meal. To register contact the Medina County Ag Extension office at 830-741-6180 or you can email taryn.titsworth@ag.tamu.edu for questions.
The night the hunters became the hunted….The whole incident lasted only seconds, but that mount will no doubt lead to a lifetime of storytelling. Pictured L-R are: Jaeden Van Damme, Rien Mazurek, Brad Hedges, and Thomas Beard. Courtesy Photo.
“When it started getting real close, that’s when it got low and started coming at us really fast.”
By Kayleen Holder Editor
What a story! These boys were thermal hunting for feral pigs on a farm close to Primo Processing in Hondo last Tuesday, June 9 when they came upon this mountain lion about 11:30 p.m.. The lion was about 200 yards away when they first saw it. “We didn’t get it down until it was about 35 yards from us,” said Brad Hedges, 25 of D’Hanis. “It all happened in a matter of probably 30 seconds” Hedges said, agreeing that was probably the scariest 30 seconds of his life. “It’s a whole different feeling when you become the prey!’he said. He explained that, at first, he and his buddy Thomas didn’t realize they were looking at two different animals, and neither of them realized they had a lion in their sights until it was coming for them…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!
Teacher raises eliminated from the budget were described as a three percent increase above market median, not as step increases. Above is District Financial Officer Shannon Ramirez.
By Anton Riecher The Devine ISD school board voted Monday to adopt its budget of $25.3 million for fiscal year 2026-2027 with an expected revenue shortfall forcing the elimination of $500,000 in staff pay increases and new buses needed to comply with state seat belt laws. Discussion by the board emphasized that the apparent deficit is driven largely by capital projects, one-time expenditures and changes in state funding formulas. Board members expressed concern that repeated carryover spending from previous budgets could reduce reserves to low levels. Board member Chris Davis said the cuts were necessary to protect future employment in the school district. “I know it’s rough but I’d rather adopt it with no increases and no buses than have to worry about laying people off next year,” Davis said. “At least they would have jobs.” On a motion by Davis, seconded by Alexana Buvinghausen, the board voted unanimously to approve the budget without the pay raises or new buses. District financial officer Shannon Ramirez estimated the shortfall between the proposed budget and expected revenue at as much as $4.749 million. Several trustees questioned whether the district could sustain the continuing schedule of proposed raises and vehicle purchases for future years, especially if state revenue did not improve. Another concern was that sustaining the proposed budget could later force staff layoffs. Superintendent Todd Grandjean and Ramirez explained that the budget being adopted was a planning document with the actual tax rate and other final numbers to be set later. The tax rate will not be…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!
Enrollment and attendance as well as state funding formulas were discussed as key financial drivers in the budget cutbacks. Above are board members Carl Brown and Chris Davis.
Meet Felipe, he is a charismatic, charming teen who is easy to get along with, as he prides himself in being honest and respectful. During his free time, Felipe enjoys playing sports outside with others his age. He also enjoys playing online video games, along with listening to a variety of music, whether it be to fall asleep or just as a past time. At school he likes and does well in all of his classes. Felipe enjoys cooking for himself as a method of displaying independence and enjoys cooking meals for those he cares deeply about. Felipe’s passion for cooking has inspired him to want to pursue a career as culinary chef and perhaps open his own restaurant. Felipe can be competitive when it comes to his hobbies which are basketball, football, and he is a fan of the Baltimore Ravens. Felipe says he is looking forward to being adopted by his forever family, one he can share new experiences and endeavors with, making new memories with his new family. If you think you could be a forever family for Felipe, 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. Basic Adoption Requirements The prospective foster/adoptive parents may be single or married and must: be at least 21 years of age, financially stable, and responsible mature adults complete an application (staff will assist you if you prefer) share information regarding their background and lifestyle provide relative and non-relative references show proof of marriage and/or divorce (if applicable) agree to a home study which includes visits with all household members allow staff to complete a criminal history background check and an abuse/neglect check on all adults in the household attend free training to learn about issues of abused and neglected children
Bob Bendele, 80, remembers the screwworm battle in the 60’s very well. Today, he shared some stories and advice for the next generation of ranchers. Above, Bendele and his dog Smokey work some of the cattle he’s raised over the years. It’s time to act…Check all animals including dogs and pets as well as livestock every day for open wounds and use the available spray and covering to prevent infections.
Meeting June 23rd at Medina Co Fair Hall
By Kayleen Holder Editor Screwworms have already begun to take a toll on livestock within 60 miles of here. The first was reported June 3 in LaPryor where a calf came down with it, and within days three more cattle and a goat were reported between Zavala, LaSalle and Gillespie Counties. A Texas vet had also reported an infected dog, however, the dog was actually located in New Mexico. Officials say now is the time to get prepared and take action to prevent losses here at home. We spoke to Bob Bendele, of Devine, who lived through the Screwworm battle of the 60’s. “I’m 80 years old, and I’ve been in and out of ranching for most of my life, mostly in,” Bendele said. We asked if he had any advice for younger ranchers as we go towar with the New World Screwworm. “Keep an eye out, but keep a nose out too,” Bendele said. “Stand downwind because it stinks terribly, and when there’s Look at your cattle real closely, because you don’t just look for infestation, you need to be looking for the eggs.” He notes that the art of roping and doctoring cattle every day has been long gone for a while now. “When we eradicated screwworms it made absentee ranching possible. This is a game changer. Long ago, on those big ranches, you’d have cowboys who would ride and doctor cattle daily. Is that gonna come back now? Because every single calf has to be caught and doctored. Just stop and think about that,” Bendele said. “Most people don’t…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!
June 15-19 Join and HELP paint, build handicap ramps, walk-in showers for the elderly
By Kayleen Holder & K.K. Calame Editor/Publisher Mission Devine volunteers are hoping to complete around 31 projects this year for those in need. They need volunteers of all abilities, but they are especially in need a few people with at least some carpentry/plumbing experience to lead teams of volunteers. They always have more projects pending, if they can find some new leaders with a little experience who are willing to take the reins. “This year we have 27 projects in the works that our teams will try to complete during Mission Devine week June 15-19. We do have 4-5 more that have been approved but we don’t have anyone to take the lead on those projects yet. Finding skilled volunteers to take over and supervise jobs such roofing, ramps, plumbing repairs is always our biggest hurdles,” said Donna Trott, Mission Devine volunteer. “We have 4-5 elderly residents needing handicap ramps, and I know we have one volunteer who will be the lead on some of those, but we have more than one project leader can handle. So we need someone comfortable with taking on a couple of those ramp projects,” said volunteer Cliff Redus. Another great need are handyman volunteers to install handicap bathroom items. Project leaders aren’t necessarily professional contractors, but have at least a little bit of experience, and will help guide a group of 4-5 volunteers on their teams. “Whenever our leaders feel like they get into an issue that is a little more than they can handle, we have some professions who are on-call to help out when needed,” Redus said. On the other end of the spectrum, Mission Devine has smaller projects as simple as yard work, installing a ceiling fan, and exterior paint jobs. Mission Devine will also be helping several local families in need of roof repairs this year. What makes Mission Devine special? “The scriptures teach us to be doers of the work,” Redus said. “To me, it’s a wonderful opportunity to set aside your own agenda for a week and give back to other who just need a little bit of help….to be the hands and feet of the Lord.” When is it? Mission Devine work week will be Monday June 15 through Friday, June 19, 2026, though occasionally volunteers will complete projects before or after the main work week. Kick off- June 14. The Kick off service will be at Devine First Baptist Church in the fellowship hall on Sunday, June 14 at 6:00 pm. During the week of Mission Devine, St Joseph Catholic Church will host. Various churches will provide the breakfast and lunch daily. What can you help with? Ways to help: Painting crew, tree and yard service, our prayer team, carpentry work, electrical, plumbing, roofing and much more. We start every morning with breakfast and devotionals. Come back at noon for noon meal. Please help spread the word Where can you sign up? If you need to fill out an application online, please go to Missiondevine.org. Or just show up at 7:00 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church hall and join a team. Breakfast and a devotional starts at 7:30am. By 8:00 am crews are headed out the doors. TO VOLUNTEER, show up kickoff Sunday, or any morning or lunch during Mission Devine week. You will be assigned to a team. One day, half day, all week whatever you have time for. For further info call Todd Summers at 210-287-6883. Shirts & Caps- The signature “Mission Devine” red T-Shirt with bold white letters and ball caps will be on sale daily. Shirts are only $10 and caps are $15, to cover the costs. Donations can be made to : Mission Devine, Po Box 134, Devine, Texas 78016. Or dropped off at the St. Joseph Catholic Church hall during Mission Devine week or given to your local church. www.missiondevine.org. Mission Devine is a non denominational ministry of the South Texas Ministerial Fellowship a 501(c)(3).
Mission Devine NEEDS YOU! Volunteer June 15th-19th
