By Anton Riecher
Family members of late Devine EMS director Jason Miller made clear at the Medina County Emergency Services District No. 4 board meeting Aug. 13 that work place stress concerned Miller before his recent death.
Miller’s brother, Javier Suniga, speaking for Miller’s wife Allison, told the board that the family felt entitled to an apology as closure to their tragedy. Also attending was Miller’s mother, Rita Wilson and other relatives.
“That’s really the only thing we are here for,” Suniga said.
Mental health awareness was something Miller tried to help others through during his career.
The board also heard a requested proposal from Hondo-based Community EMS to take over ambulance service provided by ESD4. A similar proposal by Medina County ESD1 is currently under consideration by the board. Allegiance was again asked for a proposal as well.
Miller, formerly a Texas Division of Emergency Management liaison officer in Wilson County, died in May, slightly more than a year after being hired by ESD4 as part of its plan to operate its own local ambulance service rather than continuing to contract with third-party providers.
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Devine VFW Donates to Devine Police National Night Out
Pictured, L-R, Devine Police Lieutenant Chris Andrews – National Night Out Event Coordinator, Post 3966 Quartermaster Rick Marcrum, Devine Chief of Police Joe Brown III, Post 3966 Commander Gary Saathoff, and Post 3966 Senior Vice Commander Steve Lopez.
Members of Devine VFW Post 3966 donated $500 to the Devine Police Department for their National Night Out. This community event hosted by the Devine Police Department will be held on the evening of October 7, 2025, at the Devine Golf Course. The $500 should cover the cost of hot dogs for the event. In addition to covering the cost of hot dogs, Post 3966 will be providing the Color Guard for the opening ceremony.
National Night Out is a national community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships. VFW Post 3966 is proud to participate in this event.
Lytle Class of 1975 to celebrate 50 years
Calling all students who attended Lytle schools with the class of 1975. You are invited to attend Lytle Ex-Students Homecoming October 24 & 25, 2025. You did not necessarily have had to graduate with the class, all classmates are invited.
Our events will include the Pirate football game at Walter H. Joyce, Jr. Stadium on Friday night at 7:00 pm, the Homecoming downtown parade on Saturday at 10 am, followed by a social and recognition session at Lytle HS cafeteria at 2 pm.
Please call Bertha Haass at (210) 415-1979, if you have any questions.
Mr and Miss LHS: Mark Sostarich and Bertha Guzman.
Do you enjoy painting/drawing?
Come paint/draw with us at the Friendship Art Club. We meet every Tuesday from 9:30 until Noon at the Church of Christ located at 15340 Main Street Lytle, TX.
You can find us on Facebook, Instagram or email us at thefriendshipartclub@gmail.com. Please call Mary Ann Buckheit on 443-466-6600, for additional information. We are also having a rummage sale on April 5, 2025 from 9-2, hope to meet you there.
Local Police Report
Natalia Police Report
8/11-25 – Officer was dispatched to the 200 block of 8th Street regarding a Theft.
8/12-25 – Officer responded to a dog bite at 6th & Palfrey Street.
8/13-25 – Officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Bennett for animal control.
8/14-25 – Officer was dispatched regarding Theft of items at 300 block of Aubrey Street.
8/16-25 – Officer responded to 400 block of Bartlett regarding a Disturbance.
8/16-25 – Officer was dispatched to Town & Country Lane for a Disturbance.
8/18-25 – Officer responds to a dispatch call for Shots Fired at 5th & Bartlett Street.
Devine Police Report
August 8
1:25AM – Baseball storage building was open; officer closed and secured.
11:21AM – Complainant on IH 35 NB called in reference to a spindle of cable wire in roadway. Officer patrolled area but unable to locate.
15:00PM – Officer dispatched to IH 35 S for semi truck on fire in parking lot.
16:45PM – Complainant on Teel Dr reported lost wallet three days ago.
20:33PM – Warrants served on male subject. Subject jailed for resisting arrest on Moore Ave W. Assisted by MCSO deputy
August 9
5:52AM – Complainant on Teel Dr advised a male wearing a white shirt and jeans tried to open her car door. Deputy located male subject, stated just needing a ride. Gave ride to Shell Station in Lytle.
6:14AM – Complainant on Wilson Dr S called in reference to strange noises heard during late hours. Advised complainant to call when she hears again so officers can check area out.
10:00AM – Officer attended back to school event on IH 35 S
19:40PM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave E for male subject that attempted to get into a white Dodge Ram. Subject jailed.
20:00PM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave E for a burglary. Male subject jailed.
August 10
0:00AM – Complainant on Moore Ave advised gate open to backyard at vacant house for sale. Checked residence to make sure doors were secured. All okay; secured gate.
0:35AM – Complainant on Curtis Ave advised of loud music/sound. Patrolled area but no loud music/sound heard. All okay.
15:16PM – Complainant on IH 35 NB advised of maroon pickup driver falling asleep at wheel. Took off on Frio County So going northbound, vehicle turned southbound. Unable to locate.
20:03PM – Complainant on Wilson Dr reported a reckless driver. Vehicle struck curb and got suck and then left the scene. Subject jailed.
21:02PM – Officer initiated stop on Wilson Dr for DWI/DUI. Female subject indicated over legal limit on breath test. Subject was jailed.
August 11
0:40AM – Complainant on Warhorse advised of loud music coming from residence. Homeowner turned down music.
7:20AM – Officer dispatched to IH 35 S for theft of $26.46 of merchandise. Offense was enhanced due to subject having previous convictions for theft. Male subject jailed.
10:03AM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave E for a minor accident.
14:36PM – Complainant on Upson DR N advised of graffiti and vandalism at Little League Field.
18:00PM – Officer assisted other agency by taking mother of driver in accident to location.
August 12
1:50AM – Officer observed a white van at side of building with its lights on. Van was secure, appeared to have been left on by accident.
5:45AM – Officer issued citation to male subject on Hondo Ave for liquor law violation.
12:32PM – Complainant on Hondo Ave requested welfare check on male on motorcycle. Bike blocking was ATM and male sitting on ground with head down.
16:44PM – Officer dispatched to IH 35 for major accident. EMS took passenger to Frio Regional Hospital and driver was evaluated but not transported.
August 13
1:35AM – Officer made contact with female on Windy Knoll Dr. All was okay.
5:10AM – Complainant on Zig Zag advised of loud TV. TV was turned down.
14:01PM – Complainant on Hondo Ave called in reference to female walking in under garments. Female wearing a bikini swimsuit.
16:41PM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave for a minor accident.
August 14
1:55AM – Complainant on Steven St advised of suspicious activity / subject outside. Unable to locate.
13:44PM – Officer assisted with fingerprinting for school.
15:21PM – Officer found iPhone with case on Colonial Pkwy
18:52PM – Officer dispatched to Williamsburg Rd to assist Fire Dept with fire. Homeowners air fryer caught fire.
19:30PM – Complainant on IH 35 S advised lost wallet at Walmart, believed to have been lost 8/13/25 between hours of 1530-1600.
22:28PM – Complainant on Hondo Ave called regarding suspicious activity. Officer provided courtesy ride to male subject.
Lytle Police Report
Monday, August 11
10:09 AM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 200 Blk. Los Palomas – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist in an active disturbance.
1:57 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a male selling fake jewelry. Officer made contact with the male, who was a suspect in a theft of a gold necklace from last week. A 28 year old male and a 28 year old female were detained. It was discovered that they were both wearing ankle monitors (for immigration violations). Paperwork showed they were Romanian and under ICE supervision. A check with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) confirmed they had not reported as required. The details of the situation were revealed to ICE, and they asked that we detain them. They were both picked up at the PD and taken into Federal custody. The stolen necklace from last week was recovered and returned to its owner.
3:45 PM – Lytle PD – Officer obtained a written statement for an open theft case.
4:40 PM – Assist Lytle VFD – 16600 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle to a fire to assist the Fire Department.
5:00 PM – Lytle PD – Officer released a Gold Chain to the owner that was recovered from a theft on 8/8/2025 at the HEB Plus.
8:38 PM – 16100 Blk. Farmer – Officers responded to a report of a vehicle doing donuts in the street but could not locate it.
11:50 PM – 18800 Blk. Pine St. – Officer observed an open vehicle door. Everything was okay.
Tuesday, August 12
8:30 AM – Lytle PD – Officer fingerprinted two females for employment purposes.
8:41 AM – IH 35 NB – Officer responded to assist a male driver in changing a flat tire.
4:49 PM – 700 Blk. SH 132 – Officer released the keys to an impounded vehicle.
5:44 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a verbal disturbance between a male and a female. The male had departed before the officer’s arrival.
8:30 PM – 18800 Blk. N. Prairie St. – Officer provided a courtesy ride to a local resident.
Wednesday, August 13
12:34 AM – 19200 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer observed water running in the parking lot and turned the hose off.
12:57 AM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer observed an open door and was unable to secure it.
8:37 AM – 300 Blk. San Jose St. – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle for a neighbor dispute over filling a ditch.
2:50 PM – 20000 Blk IH 35 – Debris in the roadway.
3:45 PM – 14800 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer provided a courtesy ride to a citizen.
3:53 PM – Best Western Plus – Officer responded to the location after city crews reported a water meter missing
4:26 PM – 20000 Blk. Hyde Park – Officer responded to the location for a report of a suspicious vehicle. Officer located the vehicle, and all was fine.
8:00 PM – 400 Blk. Naeglin Rd. – Officers responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office with a disturbance.
Thursday, August 14
5:30 AM – FM 2790 N @ FM 463 – Officers responded to the location for a report of a water leak. Public Works was notified, and all was fine.
3:21 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to the location for a report of $250 worth of lottery tickets stolen from the store office.
3:54 PM – N. Prairie St. @ Laredo St. – Officer responded to the location for a report of a suspicious person. Officer was unable to locate the vehicle.
4:53 PM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to the location for found property (small purple bag).
5:41 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to the location for a report of an intoxicated driver. A 38 year old male was arrested and booked into the Atascosa County Jail for Driving While Intoxicated.
8:17 PM – Family Disturbance – Officers responded to the location for a disturbance. Investigation resulted in the arrest of a 16-year-old male for two counts of Assault Bodily Injury – Family Violence, Assault on a Public Servant, and Resisting Arrest. The juvenile was booked into the Atascosa County Juvenile Detention Facility.
Friday, August 15
5:57 AM – 19500 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to the location to check the welfare of a female who appeared to be involved in a disturbance. Officers located the parties, and all was fine.
11:51 AM – 14600 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer was flagged down and assisted a lost motorist with directions.
11:54 AM – N. Somerset St. @ Laredo St. – Officers responded to the area for a report of a suspicious person. Officers located the subject who had a solicitor’s permit from the city.
2:35 PM – 20000 Blk. Huckleberry St. – Officers responded to the area for a suspicious male walking around. Officers located the male who was soliciting without a permit.
3:19 PM – IH 35 @ MM 132 SB – Officer responded to the area to red-tag a 2008 Ford F-250 left abandoned along the highway.
5:15 PM – 15100 Blk. Norvell St. – Unlocked 2020 Jeep.
5:17 PM – IH 35 MM 132 SB – Officers responded to the location for a report of three vehicles that had struck debris in the roadway, causing damage to their vehicles.
5:30 PM – IH 35 MM 132 SB – While officers were investigating the previous crash, it was determined that the road debris was from a vehicle that had been red-tagged and then moved. The owner arrived and advised that an unknown person attempted to move his vehicle, which caused the damage and debris in the roadway.
5:55 PM – 19400 Blk. S. Somerset St. – Child Custody Civil Matter.
7:38 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to the location for a minor single-vehicle accident.
9:05 PM – Assist Atascosa EMS –19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to the location to assist with a medical call.
10:35 PM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a minor 2-vehicle accident. Officers determined that the vehicle that caused the accident departed before police arrived after striking a parked vehicle.
Saturday, August 16
1:27 AM – 19600 Blk. S. Benton St. – Officer responded to the location for a 911 hang-up. Officers contacted the resident and determined the call was an accident.
2:36 AM – Davis St. @ Main St. – While on patrol, the officer checked the welfare of a female observed walking alone and crying. The officer learned that the female was involved in a verbal disturbance at a local establishment and was walking home.
11:39 AM – Oak St. @ S. Somerset St. – Officer was flagged down by a passing motorist who had questions about flooding along CR 6846. The subject was advised to contact the Medina County Sheriff’s Office.
12:05 PM – 15200 Blk. Hester St. – Officer conducted a follow-up related to a minor accident that occurred at 702 Tejas. Officer was able to identify the other vehicle and driver.
5:49 PM – 19200 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to the location for the report of a male urinating in public. Upon arrival, it was learned that the subject had already departed.
9:56 PM – Tassel Branch @ Voyagers Way – Officers responded to the location for a reported suspicious vehicle. The officer determined it was a cleaning crew, and all was fine.
10:30 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer was flagged down by a motorist who needed a jump start.
10:33 PM – 14500 Blk. Railroad St. – Officers responded to the location for a reported disturbance. It was determined that all was verbal and there was no criminal offense.
Sunday, August 17
12:34 AM – 19200 Blk. First St. – Officers responded to the location for a harassment report. While investigating, the Officer determined the complainant had an active warrant out of Bexar County for Burglary of a Habitation. A 39 year old male was booked into the Medina County Jail.
1:20 AM – 15500 Blk. Main St. – While on patrol, the officer checked the welfare of a female seen sitting in the grass. Officer discovered the female had been involved in a verbal disturbance and left. Officer gave a courtesy ride to the Whataburger.
2:33 AM – Assist Atascosa EMS – 19800 Blk. Doc Holiday Dr. – Officer responded to the location to assist EMS.
8:00 AM – 15200 Blk. Hester St. – Lost Wallet.
9:32 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to the area to check the welfare of a homeless male. The man was okay.
10:49 AM – 19800 Blk. Creek St. – Officers responded to the location for a verbal disturbance between two brothers.
12:58 PM – 15200 Blk. Hester St. – Officer was contacted via a phone call by a resident who wanted the PD to identify a male cutting grass at a neighbor’s house. The complainant was advised that the PD could not identify a subject cutting grass.
1:31 PM – Pumphouse Express Wash – Unlocked a 2014 Ram P/U.
1:40 PM – HEB C-Store – Officer was contacted by a subject who wanted to inform the PD that he was doing better since his last police contact.
3:17 PM – Main St./ @ FM 2790 N – Officer contacted the motorist to advise that their gas tank lid and cap were open.
Sheriff warns of phone scammers
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 missed jury duty, have a civil case to settle, or have some other kind of warrant for your arrest.
“Just hang up immediately and block their number, because they are good at what they do,” Sheriff Brown said. “They have their phone systems set up so that if they call and you call them back, it sounds very professional. Some even have phone prompts for the different departments you want to speak to, and even have pre-recorded background noise.”
“We will not call you for that. I don’t know of a single law enforcement agency that would ever call you for that. If there is a warrant for your arrest, we will just come find you….The bottom line is do not even talk to anyone claiming you have a warrant, civil case, or missed jury duty summons,” Sheriff Brown said.
The sheriff noted, he himself, has been targeted by these scammers, and there’s little to nothing they can do.
“People keep falling for it and it is very, very sad. Once you read that card number, your money is gone, and there is nothing we can do about it. We get calls daily from people who were contacted by scammers like this.”
Most of these scammers will eventually ask you to buy a pre-paid Visa card or insert money into a Bitcoin machine to pay, he explained.
“They also use the names of local people like my name, Chris Champion, Malcolm, and many others. Someone can sit in another country and spoof the number to make it appear like it is our office calling.”
“They are good at convincing people that if they don’t take this opportunity to pay, they will be going to jail,” Sheriff said. “The only thing worse than a thief is a lying thief, and that’s exactly what these people are.”
Screwworm Threat Proves We Can’t Afford Slow
McKinney, TX — After Governor Greg Abbott and Brooke Rollins’ press conference on the growing threat of the New World Screwworm, Republican Agriculture Commissioner candidate Nate Sheets released the following statement:
“The New World Screwworm is not just another ag issue—it’s an existential threat to our cattle industry, our rural economy, and the price of beef for Texas families,” said Sheets. “Every day of delay risks billions in losses, permanent damage to ranching operations, and devastation for small producers. Texas needs an Agriculture Commissioner who will act the moment a threat emerges—not weeks or months later after political pressure mounts.”
The New World Screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite once eradicated in the U.S., was detected in early July just 370 miles from Texas. Experts warn it could spread rapidly if not stopped, putting every livestock sector at risk and driving up grocery prices nationwide.
Today’s plan from Abbott and Rollins included five major steps:
Building a $750 million domestic sterile fly production facility in Edinburg to triple output and end reliance on Panama and Mexico for supply.
Investing $100 million in new technologies like novel traps, lures, and modular fly units to accelerate response.
Expanding border surveillance by increasing mounted patrol “tick riders” and the USDA Beagle Brigade.
Unprecedented coordination with Mexico to halt animal movement in infected zones and improve surveillance south of the border.
Cross-agency federal action with FDA, USDA, DOE, and EPA to fast-track treatments and innovations.
“I applaud Governor Abbott and Brooke Rollins for taking swift action on this critical threat and look forward to working with them as Texas’ next Agriculture Commissioner to keep our herds safe and our cattle industry strong,” Sheets said.
Meet Bella
ifteen-year-old Isabel, who prefers to be called Bella, is a very generous, kindhearted and happy child.
Her energy level is unmatched, as she is always up for something fun! At a first meeting she may come off as shy, but she is social and talkative once she gets to know someone.
Bella is an outgoing youth who is friendly and sweet and gets along well with other children. She is an active child who likes to be engaged in different activities throughout the day.
Bella enjoys using her tablet and watching music videos and movies. She also likes to draw and paint; her favorite artistic media is watercolors. Bella also enjoys reading and writing, her favorite books are the Harry Potter series. She recently developed a passion for singing and has joined the choir through the school district. Her favorite foods include sushi, hamburgers, and pizza.
In her own words … “I am ready for a beautiful adventure”!
If you think you could be a forever family for Isabel 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.
Back to School Pics!!!
3rd grader Katrina House gets a big hug from big sister Elena before the big first day of school.
Kohen Hoover is ready for 1st grade
Big brother Jason Chessher walks Waylon to pre-k.
Cousins…Emery Wight and Rylee Velasquez are ready for the first day of 2nd grade at Ciavarra Elementary.
Bradley Zachry is all smiles for his first day of 2nd grade at Devine Elementary.
Westley Zachry is all smiles for his first day of kindergarten at Ciavarra Elementary.
Reese and Riey were ready to start their 1st day of 2nd grade at Devine Elementary.
Cloee Jo Esparza ready for her first day of kinder.
Big brother Kaysen Oakes helps little sister Penelope off to school.
Charlee Brown of Natalia going into 3rd grade at Natalia Elementary.
David Calame III (6th grade), Reagan Duncan (pre k 3) and Waco Calame (3rd grade).
Karlie Gallegos is all ready for 1st grade
Kendrick Ramirez is all ready for 3rd grade in Devine.
Lane and Cody Jones first day of school.
Lucas Rendon is up bright and early ready for second grade.
Luke Kyle and Milee Downing are all ready for the big day.
Senior Sunrise Devine High School.
The Rendons are all ready for the big first day of school.
City of Devine hires Michelle Martin as new City Secretary
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.