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Bomb squad called to Natalia; neighborhood evacuated

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.

Local seniors enlist to serve our country

Jeralynn Ranard enlists in the U.S. Army. Photo by Brigid Howard.

Curtis Kuykendall enlisted to serve in the U.S. Navy. He is a 4th generation serviceman. His great grandfather Floyd Eaton served in the Navy during WWII, grandpa Blaine Eaton served in Vietnam, and father Kenneth Kuykendall served in the Army in Iraq. Photo by Brigid Howard. Thanks to all for your service to our great country!

Jeremiah Catdenas enlisted into the Air Force. Photo by Brigid Howard.

Johnny Davis enlisted to serve in the United States Army. Photo by Brigid Howard.

Jackson Hagdorn will be attending the United States Coast Guard Academy. Photo by Brigid Howard.

Devine explores tougher animal ordinance in wake of dog attack

District 5 Council Member Hal Lance Jr. questions Devine Police Lt. Christopher Andrews during the May 19 city council meeting about a recent dog attack. (Photo by Anton Riecher)

By Anton Riecher
Despite several recent incidents in Devine involving aggressive dogs roaming loose, existing city ordinances limit what action police and animal control personnel can take to deal with the issue, Police Lt. Christopher Andrews told the Devine City Council May 19.
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure does not permit imposition of jail time for violation of city ordinances such as failure to secure pets, Andrews said.
District 5 Council Member Hal Lance Jr. brought the issue to the council table following a May 1 incident in his district in which a local pet was mauled by a dog roaming loose. Andrews said that animal control took custody of both dogs. Both were later euthanized.
Lance said the incident had left him “pretty upset.”
“I’ve been a pet owner all of my life and I saw a picture of the (injured) dog and it was just outrageous,” he said.
Andrews said video evidence collected by animal control officers from neighbors is being used to put together a case to submit to court. Nine citations were issued covering a total of 12 violations at the scene.
The individual cited in the violations had been warned by animal control several times on previous occasions, Andrews said.
Mayor Butch Cook noted a separate recent incident in which several people walking along Highway 173 were approached by an aggressive pit bull that had escaped its yard. Fortunately, animal control was able to capture the animal without incident.
Lance said that if jail time is not an option the council needs to increase fines for such violations.
“It seems to me the punishment should be as high as it could be,” he said. “You need to make it hurt in the pocketbook.”
Cook asked the city staff to explore potential fine increases via municipal court and emphasize owner accountability in future.
In other business, the council voted 3-0 to approve the appointment of incumbent District 1 Council Member Ray Gonzales to serve an interim term of one year in the same position. No candidate ran for Gonzales’ open seat.
Gonzales originally said a recent job promotion would prevent him from seeking a second two-year term but agreed to serve as interim district 1 council member until the next city election. Gonzales abstained from the council vote while District 3 Council Member Jeff Miller was absent from the meeting.
Issuing the new oaths of office following the May 2 election was postponed until Miller’s return. The council also postponed review and discussion of City Administrator David Jordan’s new contract until Miller’s return.
Golf Course
The council voted…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!

Ever thought about adoption?

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

“The res novae of our time”

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
As sales of “humanoid robots” to the general public are officially projected to begin by the end of next year, Pope Leo calls attention to social isssues on many of our minds, for Catholic and non-catholics alike.
Since 1740, just 300 encyclical letters to address major social, and moral issues have been released. On May 15, Pope Leo XIV released an encyclical letter titled “MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS… ON SAFEGUARDING THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE TIME OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE”.
The lengthy 245 paragraph document addresses many perspectives.
The following is just one chapter of the lengthy document addressing the moral dilemma of rapidly expanding artificial intelligence:
“The res novae of our time

  1. While Leo XIII spoke in his time of “new things” ( rerum novarum), today we cannot limit ourselves simply to repeating his insightful teachings. Instead, we must ask God for the wisdom to interpret the great trends of our time, particularly technological advances. In recent years, it has become increasingly evident how rapidly and profoundly digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are transforming our world. Technology should not be considered, in itself, as a force antagonistic to humanity. On the contrary, it has formed part of our history since the beginning as “a profoundly human reality, linked to the autonomy and freedom of man.” [5] Over the centuries, technological development has significantly improved the living conditions of humanity. At the same time, each phase of progress has also revealed the ambiguity of tools that can cause harm when not oriented toward the good. Today, however, we find ourselves facing a new situation. The power and prevalence of emerging technologies are interwoven into the fabric of daily life, shaping decision-making processes and deeply affecting the collective imagination: “Never has humanity had such power over itself.” [6] New technologies open up a horizon extending in directions that are imaginable but not yet fully predictable. This complicates the assessment of their potential impact and the long-term effects they may have on both the dignity of individuals and the common good.

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“TODAY WE HONOR THEM”

Retired veteran, Master Sergeant U.S. Air Force David Jordan saluted the flag as it was being burned during the VFW Memorial Day ceremony. Photo by Moose Lopez.

“TODAY WE HONOR THEM”

“Freedom carries a cost that is paid by real people with real families, real dreams, and real futures that were never fully realized.”

“It is a solemn occasion set aside by a grateful nation to honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to this country.”

Today we honored them – a few by name, but most grouped together as “the fallen” who gave All in fighting for freedoms in service of their country in wars and conflicts in places all over the world. We honored the ones who lost their lives in service and who never came home. But even if we did not know them personally, they all had names, all had families, and all continue to deserve our respect, honor, and appreciation for their sacrifices in the line of duty to protect the freedoms we hold so dear. “There is no passage of time that fully heals the loss of someone taken in service to this country.”
Retired veteran, Master Sergeant U.S. Air Force David Jordan introduced us today to one of the heroic fallen American soldiers who we honored today – Staff Sgt. John T. Self.
Staff Sgt. John T. Self lost his life on May 14, 2007 while on his 79th combat patrol as a fire team leader assisting Iraqis taking back the streets of Baghdad. An improvised explosive device tore through his vehicle killing him and wounding three fellow Airmen on the patrol. The Airmen were part of a police transition team belonging to Det. 3 of the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. (Air Force news article, May 21, 2007, Balad Air Base, Iraq)
“Our mission was not simple.” “Our Airmen and Soldiers moved daily through neighborhoods filled with ambushes, roadside bombs, and uncertainty. We trained local police officers while attempting to bring stability to communities overwhelmed by violence. Every patrol carried risk. Every street corner held the possibility of attack.” “He died a HERO while serving others.” “He died believing his mission mattered.”
“What continues to resonate about Sergeant Self is not only the way he died, but the clarity with which he understood service before he deployed. He understood Service before Self!”
When discussing the dangers of Iraq, he wrote words that deserve to be remembered: “Every time a military member comes to the desert, they’re in the heat of danger… It is my job to serve my country to the best of my ability and die for it if I must.”
“Most Americans will never be asked to make peace with the possibility of sacrificing their life for strangers thousands of miles from home; yet generation after generation, our military has been filled with individuals who willingly accepted that burden.” “Sergeant Self was one of them.”
“The people we lose never completely leave us.” “That is why ceremonies like this matter.”
Local Veterans, their families, community leaders and citizens assembled today by the large patriotic flag mural at the Devine VFW Post 3966 to honor the memory of these soldiers, like Sgt. Self, with prayer, speeches, a flag retirement ceremony, and the Missing Man Table ceremony. This day served as a powerful point of remembrance, symbolizing that the absent comrades are with us in spirit and never forgotten. “Nations survive not only because of military strength, but because they choose to remember sacrifice with honesty and dignity.” “May we never allow their sacrifices to fade into history unnoticed:” MAY WE NEVER FORGET!
*The Devine VFW Post 3966 would like to thank the many veterans, community leaders, and citizens who attended and participated in the annual Memorial Davy ceremony. Special thanks to Medina County Judge Keith Lutz & City of Devine Administrator David Jordan for their heartfelt speeches honoring our fallen veterans; to Boy Scout Troop 72 leader Chris Morris and Scout Gus, and Devine Fire & Rescue team for helping with the flag retirement ceremony; to Devine Current Events Club for providing ice cream; and to its Post officers and members who made the whole event possible. Thank you.

Lewis Stroud & Dennis Ortega prepare the table for the Missing Man Table ceremony for Memorial Day, with Gary Saathoff announcing.

VFW Post 3966 member Dennis Ortega at Memorial Day Ceremony.

Local Police report

Devine Police Report

May 15
7:34AM – Officer assisted EMS on Brown Ave with male subject who hung up on 911 call. Male was transported to Westerove Hills.
8:24AM – Complainant on Jack Nicklaus Dr reported Hispanic male in older white Ford pickup with black tailgate drove slowing down road.
12:31PM – Complainant on Renfro Dr called to report property being stolen from residence she is currently moving out of. Property was located and returned. No charges filed by complainant.
16:37PM – Complainant on Hondo Ave W reported electrical fire at fuse panel at rear of building. Fire was put out; electrical company was contacted.
May 16
2:42AM – Complainant reported 18 wheeler with flat tire on IH 35 SB MM 124. Company advised they would send assistance in the morning.
16:15PM – Complainant on Renfro Dr called in reference to an assault. Male stated he was punched in the face by another male. Unable to locate.
17:09PM – Complainant on IH 35 S reported a theft of a watch band and phone case. Subject cited and released.
19:00PM – Complainant on Williamsburg Rd reported a truck driving in the alleyway, flashing his lights. Unable to locate.
23:40PM – Disturbance on Steven St reported between male and wife. Wife given a courtesy ride.
May 17
13:13PM – Officer stopped vehicle on Transportation Dr N for a traffic violation. Subject driving while license invalid.
May 18
6:38AM – MCSO reported suspicious activity – vehicle parked on FM 3176.
8:38AM – Complainant on Teel Dr N reported burglary of a building. Cut lock overnight; occurred between 1730 hrs on 5/17/26 and 0730 hrs on 5/18. Zero turn mower was taken.
17:22PM – Assisted Fire Dept with traffic control on FM 3176 at CR 7714.
May 19
11:01AM – Complainant on Rossville reported property belonging to her sister was taken from storage shed.
12:35PM – Complainant on SH 132 SB reported signal light turned opposite direction. TxDot notified a second time, stated they were waiting on TMA to assist with traffic control at intersection.
21:07PM – Complainant on Libold Dr reported while male appeared to be intoxicated. Courtesy ride given.
21:24PM – Officer assisted Natalia PD on IH 35 MM 125 attempting to locate an 18 wheeler involved in a physical disturbance at Loves.
23:22PM – Officer received alert from on site surveillance on Teel Dr N; all okay.
23:46PM – Officers observed lights active on bus on Teel Dr N but did not appeared to be tampered with.
May 20
12:42PM – Stalled vehicle on Teel Dr N. Officer gave courtesy ride.
20:45PM – Complainant on Windy Knoll Dr N reported two females knocking on door and then departed.
21:39PM – Complainant on Renfro Dr reported verbal disturbance between them and female. Officer gave caller a courtesy ride.
May 21
7:20AM – Officer served warrant on male subject for active POM DFP warrant out of Atascosa. Subject jailed.
15:48PM – Officer patrolled area on Dilley Ave W for suspicious vehicle (maroon Toyota). Unable to locate.
16:08PM – Officer stopped vehicle for traffic violation on Hondo Ave W. Male subject cited for DWLI.
18:41PM – Complainant on Malone Dr W reported a disturbance. Male was fighting with another male. Second male left scene prior to officer’s arrival.

Lytle Police Report

Monday, May 18
6:15 AM – 14800 Blk. Star Cross Trail – Officers responded to a report of an open door at her residence. Officers conducted a security check and found everything was okay.
6:48 AM – IH 35 NB Frontage Rd. – Officer assisted a stranded motorist.
9:05 AM – Lytle PD – Officer received a phone call regarding a two-vehicle non-injury traffic accident that occurred on 5/11/2026 at the intersection of Adams St. & N. Prairie St.
9:19 AM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for speeding, which resulted in the impounding of a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado for No Driver’s License, No Insurance, and an Expired Motor Vehicle Registration.
1:59 PM – Lake St. @ Wisdom – Officer initiated a traffic stop for an Expired Motor Vehicle Registration, resulting in the arrest of a 44 year old male for Possession of a Controlled Substance. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
5:14 PM – Lytle Primary School – Officer received a phone call from the Medina County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer regarding possible forged documents.
9:19 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – FM 3175 @ IH 35 – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle to look for a pregnant female walking from Las Palomas who was involved in a disturbance. The officer discovered everything was okay.
9:55 PM – FM 2790 @ FM 463 – Officers responded to assist a stranded motorist with a flat tire. The driver contacted roadside assistance to tow the vehicle to Castroville.
Tuesday, May 19
2:23 AM – 19500 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
7:18 AM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a complainant regarding a note left on his work vehicle a few days prior while he was at the HEB Plus.
7:50 AM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 300 Blk. Sara Ln. – Officer received a phone call regarding a pile of wood smoldering outside the city limits of Lytle. Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office was notified.
10:09 AM – 19400 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a verbal disturbance between a driver and a bicyclist.
11:09 AM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to a report of a theft that occurred on Sunday morning, 5/17/2026, of a pair of boots and two purses valued at $200.
11:31 AM – 15100 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to the attempted theft of a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado. Nothing was stolen, but there was damage to the passenger door lock and the steering column. The case is under investigation.
12:13 PM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to unlock a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox.
5:42 PM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a civil matter regarding a damaged vehicle from an air hose.
10:25 PM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to a report of two vehicles spinning their tires out in the parking lot.
Wednesday, May 20
9:04 AM – 19700 Blk. FM 3175 – Officers responded to a disturbance with a juvenile consumer.
10:40 AM – 19700 Blk. FM 3175 – Officer responded to assist with a juvenile consumer who was transported by an Atascosa County Sheriff’s Deputy to a San Antonio hospital under an Emergency Detention for a Higher Level of Care.
9:02 PM – Lytle-Somerset @ Somerset – Officers responded and assisted a motorist in moving a disabled vehicle off the roadway.
Thursday, May 21
8:45 AM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 Frontage Rd. – Officers responded to an 18-wheeler stuck in the mud, resulting in a traffic hazard.
11:20 AM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 Frontage Rd. – Officer provided traffic control for a wrecker pulling an 18-wheeler out of the mud.
1:15 PM – 14400 Blk. Pearsall Rd. – Officers responded to a report of the theft of numerous power and hand tools valued at $1,500 from an unsecured garage.
1:15 PM – 14400 Blk. Pearsall Rd. – Officers discovered a stolen 2007 vacuum trailer and notified the owner of its recovery.
1:55 PM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to unlock a 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander.
4:45 PM – 14400 Blk. Pearsall Rd. – Officers responded to release the stolen 2007 Vacuum trailer to its owner’s representative.
5:15 PM – 15300 Blk. Lake St. – Officers responded to unlock a 2018 Honda Accord.
8:55 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – FM 3175 @ Ala Blanca – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist with three juvenile males skateboarding in the roadway.
10:17 PM – 19800 Blk. Bruce St. – Officer spoke to a complainant on the phone regarding being scammed on Cash App by giving their banking information to a female to receive payment for a Facebook sale.
Friday, May 22
12:18 AM – 19600 Blk. Bruce St. – Officers responded to a verbal disturbance
7:44 AM – 14400 Blk. Main St. – Officer received a phone call regarding wild dogs killing one of his goats.
10:00 AM – 14900 Blk. Main St. Officers responded to a verbal disturbance regarding a traffic citation dispute.
10:15 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a physical disturbance between employees. A 22 year old female was cited and released for Assault by Contact.
11:10 AM – Lytle ISD – Officers attended the Family Picnic Luncheon at Lytle Primary School and Lytle Elementary School.
11:16 AM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to speak to a female regarding ID theft. The officer discovered the incident occurred outside the city limits of Lytle.
3:20 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a verbal disturbance between the manager and a customer. The customer was issued a Criminal Trespass Warning.
4:00 PM – Lytle PD – Officer conducted a follow-up investigation into an open Criminal Mischief case.
6:41 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of Criminal Mischief at the HEB Plus. The driver’s door of a white 2024 Ford F-350 was keyed.
7:35 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to an accidental 911 hang-up call from an employee. Everything was okay.
8:00 PM – IH 35 SB @ MM 132 – Officers responded to a report of debris in the roadway and moved it off the road.
11:20 PM – 20100 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
Saturday, May 23
7:50 AM – Assist Frio County Sheriff’s Office / Warrant Service – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to look for a male with an active warrant. A 44 year old male was booked into the Atascosa County Jail for an active warrant out of Frio County for Silent/Abusive calls to 911.
8:31 AM – 20100 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
9:03 AM – 19400 Blk. Martin St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. The home was secure.
9:38 AM – 20100 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
10:18 AM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of kids playing in the water in the bar ditch but was unable to locate them.
2:10 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2007 Ford Explorer.
2:28 PM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 NB Frontage Rd. – Officers responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
2:50 PM – Main St. @ McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver but was unable to locate the vehicle.
3:10 PM – IH 35 SB @ MM 133 – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver but was unable to locate the vehicle.
3:21 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to unlock a vehicle but was unable to locate the driver.
4:07 PM – IH 35 NB @ MM 134 – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver but was unable to locate the vehicle.
4:15 PM – 19900 Blk. Fm 3175 – Officers responded to a physical disturbance involving a consumer and a nurse. No charges will be filed at the victim’s request.
5:24 PM – John Lott Park – Officers responded to a disturbance between a mother and daughter.
7:57 PM – Ruis-Foster Way @ Laredo St. – Officer responded to a report of suspicious activity but was unable to locate the male subject.
11:30 PM – 19000 Blk. Priest Blvd. – Officers responded to assist with a verbal disturbance.
11:35 PM – 19800 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to a verbal disturbance between an employee and a guest.
Sunday, May 24
3:03 AM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to the report of a theft in progress. A 39 year old female was cited and released for Theft <$100. A 41 year old male was arrested on an active warrant out of Medina County for Failure to Appear on a Previous Theft Charge. Subject was also charged with felony Possession of a Controlled Substance and booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
11:07 AM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a report of a tree that had fallen over an AT&T line.
1:38 PM – IH 35 NB – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver but could not locate the Tornado bus.
3:15 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury traffic accident.

Upcoming local events

May
27 – Collage Club at the Devine Driscoll Public Library from 5:30 – 7 p.m. | Registration Required
27 – Lytle Public Library Story Time ages 2-5 from 10:30-11 a.m.
28 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Crafting After Hours from 6 – 8 p.m. | Registration Required
28 – Lytle Public Library Craft With Us from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
28 – Live Music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Matt Kirk at 7 p.m.
30 – Lytle VFW Comedy Night featuring Patrick Christopher, Danny Ingle, Dallas Vann from 7 – 10 p.m.
30 – 2nd Annual Seed & Soil Scramble Tournament at the Castroville Alsatian Golf Club at 8:30 a.m.
31 – Live music at My Time Garden & Nursery featuring Matt Montamat from 9 – 2
June
3 & 4 – Free Summer Kid Movie Series at Castroville Rainbow Theater showing Bad Guys 2 at 10:30 a.m.
3-5 – Gospel Meeting w/ Bill Fergerson at the Church of Christ in Lytle, Tx at 7:30 p.m.
5 – Dr. Koala Book Signing during Fiorella Friday from 6-9 p.m. in Downtown Castroville
6 – Yard Sale at St. John Bosco Church Hall from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
6 – Comedy Night with Erik Knowles at the Castroville Rainbow Theater at 7 p.m.
6 – Gospel Meeting w/ Bill Fergerson at the Church of Christ in Lytle, Tx at 5 p.m.
7 – Cash Bingo at St. John Bosco Catholic Church Hall of Natalia | Doors Open 1pm | Early Bird 2pm
7 – Gospel Meeting w/ Bill Fergerson at the Church of Christ in Lytle, Tx at 10:30 a.m. & 3 p.m.
10 & 11 – Free Summer Kid Movie Series at Castroville Rainbow Theater showing How to Train Your Dragon at 10:30 a.m.
12 – L-Town Throwdown Hybrid Wrestling at 15126 Main St Lytle, Tx at 7 p.m.
12 & 13 – South Texas Heat 2nd Annual BBQ Cook-Off | Beans 11am | Chicken 12 pm | Pork Ribs 1pm | Brisket 2pm at 1074 CR 672 W Devine, Tx 78016
13 – City of Devine Flag Day Celebration at Briscoe City Park
17 & 18 – Free Summer Kid Movie Series at Castroville Rainbow Theater showing Gabby’s Dollhouse at 10:30 a.m.
24 & 25 – Free Summer Kid Movie Series at Castroville Rainbow Theater showing Dog Man at 10:30 a.m.
27 – Whiskey Showdown at the La Coste City Hotel age 21+ at 7 p.m.
July
4 – Castroville’s Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration | Parade 9-11 am in Historic Downtown Castroville | Fireworks & Festivities 6-10pm at Castroville Regional Park
7-9 – Camp Chaos 3-Day VBS at Zion Lutheran Church of Castroville from 9am – 1pm
11 – Smoke Showdown Fajita Cook-Off Edition at 18545 I-35 Access Rd #2 Lytle, Tx 78052 at 12 p.m.
If you want to add an event to this calendar, please email devinereporter@devinenews.com or call (830) 665 – 2211 and leave a message for Brianna.

In Loving Memory of Belinda Mata DuBose

Belinda Mata DuBose passed away unexpectedly on May 19, 2026, at the age of 68. She was born on July 24, 1957, in Highland Park, Illinois, to her parents, Maria and Jesus “Chuy” Mata.
Belinda lived her life filled with love, strength, dedication, and faith. She shared her life and made cherished memories alongside her husband of nearly 25 years. She was known as a sister in Christ at St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she served on the ACTS team and was always willing to volunteer or lend a helping hand.
She enjoyed sewing, a hobby taught to her by her mother. Belinda came from a large family and cherished every opportunity to visit loved ones in Illinois. She’d gather with her parents, siblings, daughters, nieces, nephews, and cousins and share lasting family memories.
Belinda and David always had a large garden where she enjoyed seeding her own plants and flowers. She truly had a green thumb and was also a member of the Garden Club, Quilting Club, and Art Club.
She loved to travel and visit churches along the way. She also enjoyed traveling in her RV, always bringing the dogs along on their adventures. In her later years, she especially cherished traveling with her daughters, spending time together laughing, and creating fun memories they would always treasure. Belinda and David loved to dance; any music had them floating around the dance floor. She was known for her unforgettable laugh and her love of life.
She is survived by her husband, David Wayne DuBose; mother, Maria Mata; children, Jennifer (Martin) Reyes, Monica J Villarreal, Ashley (Derek) Coyle, Samantha (Coy) Barber, and David DuBose II; grandchildren, Emma Coyle, Hannah Coyle, Kade Barber, and Gustaf DuBose; siblings, Mario (Darlyn) Mata, Mary Elsa (Marquette) Fricot, Elizabeth (Dennis Mahoney), Mark (Teri) Mata, and Dina (Richard) Oberman; siblings-in-law, Debbie DuBose, Don DuBose, Janice DuBose, and Pam (Ron) Shoemake; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jesus “Chuy” Mata; parents-in-law, Darrell and Evelyn DuBose; and brother-in-law, Darrell “Tinker” DuBose.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 1, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a rosary at 7:00 PM, at Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas.
Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 10:00 AM, with interment to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Devine, Texas.
A meal will be provided by the family immediately following the burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church Hall.
The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, love, and support during this difficult time.
Her memory will be cherished forever by all who knew and loved her.

In Loving Memory ofNorma Alice Calderon

Norma Alice Calderon, lovingly known by many as “Grandma Alice” and “Grandma Grandma,” passed away on May 15, 2026, at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 89.
Alice was born on August 20, 1937, in Fort Davis, Texas to Jim and Magdalena Hartnett and was the oldest of seven children. In 1950, she moved with her parents and sisters to San Antonio, Texas, where she later graduated from Little Flower Catholic School in 1955.
In 1958, she married Antonio Calderon of Marfa, Texas, and together they built a life centered around faith, family, and service. During Tony’s 23 years in the United States Air Force, Alice proudly served as a military wife, traveling across the country and creating a loving home wherever life took them. Together they raised three daughters: Jeannie Olivares, Elizabeth Vera, and Terri Lerner.
After returning to Texas, Tony and Alice eventually settled in Devine, Texas in 1976, where she spent the past 50 years surrounded by family, ranch life, and generations of grandchildren. She worked for many years in the hotel industry and later became a nanny in Dallas, a role she deeply loved until the birth of her first great-grandchild, Alyssa Cortez, created five living generations in the family.
Alice returned home to help raise and nurture the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who filled her life with purpose and joy. Her home was always full of laughter, love, stories, and the comforting smell of homemade treats. Christmases will never be the same without the famous baked cookie baskets she lovingly prepared and gifted to everyone she cared for.
She held a deep affection for spending time with her grandchildren and treasured the close bond she shared with her best friend, Melly Haro. Alice was strong, independent, loving, and endlessly devoted to her family. Her kindness and generosity touched all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Magdalena Hartnett; sisters Esther Hartnett and Olivia Fauley; former husband Antonio Calderon; and beloved great-grandson Triese Vera.
Alice leaves behind a legacy of love through her daughters Jeannie Olivarez, Elizabeth Vera, and Terri Lerner; sisters Teresa Hernandez, Arlene Imkin, Sally Gwyn and husband Larry Gwyn; brother Jim “Jimbo” Hartnett and wife Liz Hartnett; along with generations of six grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren who will forever cherish her memory.
Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we celebrate a life beautifully lived. Alice’s strength, warmth, laughter, and unconditional love will remain with us always.
Funeral Services will be Friday, May 29, 2026 at Primrose Funeral Home, 303 West College Avenue, Devine, Texas 78016 with a Rosary at 10:00 a.m. and Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. Procession to St. Joseph’s Cemetery to follow.
Family and friends are invited to attend a luncheon at the Calderon Ranch following the services.

Darlene Hitzfelder Whetstone

Darlene Hitzfelder Whetstone passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, at the age of 92.
Born on June 11, 1933, to Alexander Joseph Hitzfelder and Adela (Kauffmann) Hitzfelder, Darlene lived a life centered on family, love, kindness, and quiet strength. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose gentle spirit touched the lives of everyone who knew her.
Darlene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Edward Whetstone, who passed away on February 26, 2023. Together they shared a lifetime of love, commitment, and cherished memories. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Matthew Max Hitzfelder, Marie Virginia Hitzfelder, Alexander Joseph Hitzfelder Jr., and Therese Adella (Hitzfelder) Bendele.
She leaves behind her loving daughters, Becky Jolly (Mark Jolly) and Brenda Whetstone. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Jason Tuttle, Sean Whetstone, Anthony Whetstone, and Geoffrey Hillner, and a treasured great-grandmother to Bradford Andrés Carlson Jolly.
Darlene will be remembered for her warm heart, gentle nature, and unwavering love for her family. She had a special gift for making others feel cared for and welcomed. Whether through a comforting conversation, a shared laugh, or simply her presence, she brought peace and love to those around her.
Her family was her greatest joy, and the memories created with her will forever be held close in their hearts. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of love, compassion, and devotion will continue through the generations she leaves behind.
The family takes comfort in knowing that Darlene is now reunited with her beloved husband and family members who went before her. Her memory will forever remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.