Medina County officials are waiting on the SA bomb squad to investigate a suspicious device found in Natalia this evening.
“A suspicious electronic device was found along the side of the road,” said Medina County Emergency Manager Keith Lutz, said at 7:40 pm this Monday April 16. “We don’t think it is really a bomb, but we are just being cautious right now. I am hoping we will have an answer soon.”
Natalia PD Chief Gilbert Rodriguez adds, “We evacuated homes on both sides of the 500th block of Aubrey St. We are waiting on SAPD bomb squad.”
Check back for updates on the situation.
UPDATE- At 8:45 pm, we were notified that SAPD Bomb Squad made location.
“They checked it out, and we were given the all clear,” said Natalia PD Chief Rodriguez.
Enrique is an 11-year-old who is an enthusiastic ball of energy. He demonstrates confidence in social situations and is comfortable engaging in conversations and activities with both his peers and adults. With his radiant personality, Enrique creates an atmosphere where everyone can’t help but smile, as he can be silly, goofy, and full of laughter. For an easy day indoors, he enjoys playing board games. One of Enrique’s favorite items is his Pokémon cards. He collects them and likes to play with others who share this interest. For a fun day outdoors, Enrique loves to take a trip to the park to exert energy and have some fun. He looks forward to new experiences and adventures. Enrique has only been on an airplane once in his lifetime, but he loved it and looks forward to taking many fun trips with his future forever family. Some fun notes about Enrique: He likes cowboy boots, He likes going to the zoo. He likes to play with horses & all types of animals and would like to visit a ranch. He likes going to school and enjoys recess, academically, it’s science class. He’s not on a team sport, yet – but when he does, it will be on a football team. And his favorite food is tacos! If you think you could be a forever family for Enrique 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.
Jesus is a kind and happy 16-year-old teen who enjoys being active and playing sports at school with his friends. His favorites are basketball, soccer, and track. Jesus can be shy when you first meet him and it may take a moment for him to open up, but once he does, he is very social and engaging. When it comes to pets, Jesus is an animal lover at heart, and his favorite animals are cats & dogs. Jesus is very organized and keeps his room in spotless order. In his free time, he enjoys watching TV shows along with online videos. If there is a chance to eat out – his first choice is Chinese food, with orange chicken & fried rice topping the list. Jesus would love a family where he can have siblings, but what is most important to his, is a family who will love him. In his own words…. “Hi, my name is Jesus, and I enjoy playing sports like basketball and soccer”. If you think you could be a forever family for Jesus 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.
St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Lytle will host their annual Music Festival on this Satruday and Sunday, September 27 and 28. There will be live music, great food, ice cold beer, as well as family fun and bingo. There are nine bands that will provide the live music. Come out and enjoy the festival.
By Anton Riecher Action to approve the proposed 2025-2026 budget for the city of Devine originally slated for the Sept. 16 Devine City Council meeting has been formally postponed until Sept. 29 in light of incorrect information published by the city as to the no new revenue rate. Mayor Butch Cook noted that the official notice given by the city to be published in The Devine News incorrectly stated that the proposed tax rate of $.05900 per $100 valuation is not greater than the no new revenue rate. In fact, it is greater than the no new revenue rate of $.05675. (The error was on the city’s part.) “For the sake of transparency we have prepared a statement that went to the newspaper today,” Cook said. The statement was also published on social media also. A corrected notice was published in the newspaper on Sept. 17. A motion by…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!
Friendship Art Club presents area artists and art students in its annual show on Saturday, September 27, 9 am to 3 pm at the Lytle Community Center, with artwork honors awarded by distinguished judge Vie Dunn-Harr and the voting public in attendance. Viie Dunn-Harr is a well-known area artist who throughout her 50-year career has shared her own contemporary realist artwork and teaching expertise with many people across the United States and Europe. She currently teaches classes and workshops in the San Antonio area, but her world-wide career has included many exhibitions, numerous classes and creative workshops each year, and publication of several art books along with featured resources for other publications. The art show has for many years featured artisans exhibiting in booths, a competition identifying Best of Show and other awards, student artwork from participating area secondary schools, and a People’s Choice Award. A drawing of varied prizes benefits art education opportunities sponsored by the art club. The public is invited to the show, which is free, and has the opportunity to visit with the artists and purchase many arts and crafts on display.
This Warhorse in battle regalia was on the cover of the Devine High School 1975 yearbook. This spirited revision was created by DHS Senior Julian Hernandez ’75.
Homecoming is a special weekend each year when Devine Ex-Students & Teachers gather to catch up on old friendships and reminisce about their schooldays in Devine. People will come from far away, and right next door, to “Cheer, Cheer for Ole’ Devine High”, at the Friday night football game! Come early to stop by the Ex-Students/Teachers table by the home stands to check in with your DExSTA board members to get name tags. There will be an area for Exes in the south end of the home stands, by the ramp. It will be a good place to gather and sit with former classmates and teachers. Watching the 7:00pm kick-off of the Warhorse football team with DHS Cheerleaders & Band and seeing the Homecoming mums & court should bring back some fun memories of Friday nights in the Fall at DHS. At halftime, the DHS Class of 1975 will be recognized and honored for their 50th Reunion! Classmates will gather on the track in front of the home stands and will be introduced to the fans. Also, this year former Cheerleaders, Mascots, and Pep Squads will be there to be introduced in the stands, as will the Class of 1955 for their 70th reunion, the Class of 1965 for their 60th reunion, and the Class of 2010 for their 15th reunion, all being held on Saturday! On Saturday, will be another opportunity to gather and visit with former classmates & teachers and meet other Devine Exes at the Devine Ex-Students/Teachers Association annual Homecoming Celebration! It starts at 1:00pm at the Old Green Alamo, now the Devine VFW Post 3966 on College Ave. All Devine alumni, from all school years, are invited to attend and have a good time socializing with their classmates and friends. The Class of 1975 and other reunion classes will be honored, along with former Cheerleaders, Mascots, and Pep Squads. Other highlights of the day include an on-going slide show presentation with many, many pictures of students and teachers from past days at Devine schools, class posters, uniforms, football and band jackets, and other memorabilia will be displayed. *If you have pictures or copies of pictures, or other school memorabilia that you would like to include in the displays, please bring them with you. 2025 Homecoming Court Representatives are as follows: Freshmen- Jade Garcia & Chase Teetsel Sophomores- Emma Kate Caballero & Enoch Hall Junior- Ava Rangel & Cole Reyes Senior Candidates: Girls: Hailey Eads, Bella Flores, Brianna Chavez, Darilynn Garcia Boys: Aiden Harper, Mason Beaver, Riley Gutierrez, TJ Buvinghausen
All about homecoming:
Calling all Arabians and Warhorses, if you bleed maroon and gold–get ready for the big homecoming game and festivities this Friday and Saturday. Please see below for the schedule of events for Devine High School’s 2025 Homecoming which kicks off on Wednesday with the big bonfire, game and ceremony on Friday, the class of ‘75 50th reunion, as well as the big gathering for all ex students and teachers on Saturday: Homecoming Bonfire Wednesday, September 24, 2025 7:30 PM – Rally Begins 7:45 PM –Bonfire will be lit Homecoming Game & Ceremony Friday, September 26, 2025 4:00 PM – Community Tailgate at Warhorse Stadium Parking Lot Tailgating area marked off near the tennis courts Open to the community – first come, first serve No registration or fee required Each spot is responsible for its own set-up and clean-up 6:45 PM – “Wake Up Call” featuring the Devine High School Band and Cheerleaders before heading into the stadium 7:30 PM – Kickoff Halftime – Homecoming Ceremony The ceremony will begin promptly after the San Antonio Christian Band exits the field. “We invite the community to join us as we celebrate Homecoming 2025 and support our Warhorses and Arabians,” said DHS Principal Michael Gomez. Tickets are sold at the gate or online devineisd.org All Devine Exes – look for the check-in tables and the DHS seating section in the stands 1975 Honor Class recognition at half-time on the track in front of the press box. Wave as your name is called out! Class photo on the track Other reunion classes of ’65, ’55, 2015, Cheerleaders, Mascots, Pep Squads will be announced and recognized while in the stands, before halftime. Please stand and/or wave from your seat when your group is called. Devine Ex Students ( DxSTA) Saturday,Sept 27th @ Devine VFW 211 College (old Green Alamo) All former and current students and staff are welcome to join a homecoming celebration with the Devine Ex Students and Teachers Association. Registration Begins at 1:00pm and the Program Begins at 2:00pm, followed by Social time until 5:00pm. Here’s what to expect: Registration & Name Tags Admission to Celebration included in Membership Non-Membership to pay $5.00 at the door Not set up for Credit Card transactions, Cash only Meet and Greet/Refreshments/Slide Show Devine Ex-Students/Teachers Assoc. Meeting Social Time to visit with old friends 1975 Honor Class, Cheerleader, Mascot, & Pep Squad photo, plus other reunion classes
Lytle Mayor Ruben Gonzalez, left, presides over the Lytle City Council meeting Monday with District 4 Alderman Michael Rodriguez on hand. (Photo by Anton Riecher)
By Anton Riecher With no opposition voiced during a preceding public hearing, the Lytle City Council voted 4-0 Monday to approve a 2025 tax rate of $.439372 per $100 assessed value effective Oct. 1. The council also voted 4-0 to approve an $8.086 million budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Mayor Ruben Gonzalez said Lytle continues to offer an ad valorem tax rate lower than any of the surrounding communities. “That speaks highly of our city staff and everything that we are doing as a council to take care of the citizens,” he said. District 4 Alderman Michael Rodriguez offered both the tax rate motion and the budget motion, both seconded by District 3 Alderman David Emery. District 5 Alderman Matthew Martinez was absent from the regular meeting. The final tax rate represents a reduction from the proposed rate of $.446405 approved by the council at its Aug. 11 meeting. The rate approved by the council represents an increase over the 2024 rate of 39 cents. In separate actions requiring a roll call vote, the council approved a debt service rate of $.078293 and maintenance and operations tax rate of $.361079. As with the tax rate, a preceding public hearing on the proposed city budget heard no comment in opposition. In other action…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!
You might have seen some info about the “Sinister Harvest” Haunted House that will open it’s doors in Devine this September Saturday the 27 th. But it’s bigger and spookier than it might appear on first glance….the new structure being built on the outside of the Devine VFW is just the entrance! The spooky tour will take you deep into the hallways of the old 1920s school and classrooms. “It’ll be about 1,800 sq ft in all,” said Gary Saathoff with the Devine VFW. “You’ll go in and out of the old classrooms, through an old doctor’s office, and end up in the hallway with a chainsaws chasing you! It should be pretty good!” Brandon Harris, who is heading up the haunted house said he is thrilled to be able to do it in such a spooky location full of history. “We have been told that there has been paranormal readings here,” Harris said. “The building is so authentic…the orginal floors, the walls, even the way it smells. “It’s definitely the kind of place where you hear doors opening and closing by themselves and footsteps down the hallway” Harris claims. There will be over a dozen scenes inside the haunted house including everything scary–from chainsaws to clowns! “It’s about a 15-minute walk-thru,” Harris said. “Parts of it are pitch black, so you and your group will have to find your way out!” SCHEDULE Sinister Harvest will be open: Every Friday & Saturday, 8:00 pm – 12:00 am, from September 26 – November 1. Sunday, October 26 and November 2, from 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm. GRAND OPENING SPECIAL: $5 off tickets September 26 & 27 HALLOWEEN NIGHT SPECIAL: $5 off tickets October 31 They encourage visitors to buy tickets on their website, but will also take cash at the gate. 25% of profits will go back to the Devine VFW. More info at: SinisterHarvestHaunt.com
ESD1 Battalion Chief David Powers, designated to take charge of managing fire protection in Devine, attended the ESD2 board meeting Friday. (Photo by Anton Riecher)
By Anton Riecher At a public meeting held Sept. 16, the Medina County Emergency Services District No. 2 board of commissioners took final action to approve 2025 ad valorem tax rate of 10 cents per $100 valuation, effectively a 43 percent increase. On a motion by board vice president Jeff Howard, seconded by assistant treasurer Jerry Stevens, the tax hike was approved by a 4-0-1 vote. Board secretary Abigail Beadle was absent for the vote. The approved rate represents the maximum that state tax law allows an ESD to set its rate. It also exceeds the voter approval tax rate calculated at $.0630, leaving the district vulnerable to a possible election petition. Also approved was a 2025-2026 budget of $1.3 million, including $900,000 to cover the management takeover of local fire protection by Medina County’s Castroville-based ESD1 led by Fire Chief Clint Cooke. As with the tax rate, the budget was approved by a 4-0-1 vote following a motion by Stevens, seconded by board treasurer Ken Nighswander. Complete video coverage of the board meeting is posted on the Devine News YouTube channel. Not including the new management contract, the new budget represents a $179,100 increase over the previous budget, ESD2 bookkeeper Nancy Pepper said. Revenue over expense leaves a $293,000 surplus, not including an upcoming $80,000 forensic audit ordered in the investigation of recent financial improprieties. On hand for the meeting was ESD1 Battalion Chief David Powell, scheduled to take charge of Devine fire operations effective this past Monday,Sept. 22. “My last day as a battalion chief (in Castroville) is Sunday morning at 0600 hours,” Powell said. Devine Fire Assistant Chief Scott DeLucia confirmed to the ESD2 board that Jessica Martinez, named chief by the Devine volunteer fire department after the resignation of Greg Atkinson last February, has herself resigned effective October 1. Of the two district residents to comment during the public hearing preceding the tax rate vote, both spoke in support of the rate hike. Former city council member Debbie Randall said she supported the increase despite being a retiree living on a fixed income. “How I see it is this raise in the tax rate is allowing our community to have a much better level of service from our fire and EMS, so much more than we’ve had in the past,” she said. According to her calculations, a homeowner with a $100,000 home can expect to pay $31.30 more a year. The owner of a $300,000 home can expect to pay $94 more a year, or $7.84 a month. Former county commissioners Jerry Beck, currently serving on the ESD4 board, said that older homeowners will have the increase offset by the new homestead exemption approved by the district this year. “So it won’t be that big a deal for all of us,” Beck said. In other financial matters, the board voted 4-0 to amend the current 2024-2025 operating budget by adding $100,000 to the sales tax revenue account. As of August, sales tax revenue stood at $448,000 with another $35,000 received in August, ESD2 bookkeeper Nancy Pepper reported. Already $48,124 more than expected. September sale tax revenue is $35,991. Included in the $100,000 amendment is $85,000 in additional funds given to the Devine Volunteer Fire Department, plus $9,000 in interest and sinking fees not included in the budget, $3,500 in website development and $2,000 as a financial cushion, Pepper said. “That’s pretty close to what our budget was with some changes here and there,” Pepper said. As of August, revenue for the current budget stands five percent short of the projected amount, Pepper said. The district ended the fiscal year with $438,000 in revenue over expenses. With the balance on the note for the DVFD DuBose Fire House standing at $81,687 as of August, Pepper recommended paying it off to save the interest on continuing monthly payments. The move would leave nearly $40,000 in the district’s interest and sinking account. “We need to leave some money in there because we keep that account open for delinquent taxes that will be coming in,” she said. She recommended taking $35, 000 from interest and sinking and the balance due from the general fund. On a motion by Nighswander, seconded by Howard, the board voted 4-0 to pay off the note. A financial report by provided by the Devine Fire Department Volunteer Association president Eric Quintanilla showed an opening balance of…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 AgriLife Today The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Geronimo and Alligator Creeks Watershed Partnership will hold the sixth annual Fall Community Stream Cleanup on Oct. 4 in Seguin and New Braunfels. Community members are invited to join the partnership to pick up litter from stream banks, roadways and other public spaces. The event begins at 9 a.m. Volunteers will meet at the Seguin Independent School District’s Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center, 1865 E. U.S. Highway 90, or at Oak Creek Elementary School in New Braunfels, 3060 Goodwin Lane. Participants should preregister online at https://tx.ag/StreamCleanup to ensure adequate supplies are available. About the partnership Since the first spring cleanup in 2013, volunteers have removed over 40,500 pounds of waste from the watershed. Individuals and groups have made a difference in their communities by restoring and protecting local water quality, and future volunteers can continue this impactful work. The partnership was established by local stakeholders in 2012 as a response to elevated E. coli levels in Geronimo and Alligator creeks. Through free educational programs and outreach events, the partnership seeks to promote the implementation of best management practices by all watershed residents. To learn more about this program, visit www.geronimocreek.org or contact Epps at annalee.epps@ag.tamu.edu.
