My Front Page

TWO-A-DAYS are UNDERWAY!

Best of luck to the Horses, Mustangs, & Pirates

Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer
High school football is back!
As the August sun beats down on South Texas, the smell of fresh-cut grass, athletic tape, and determination fills the air in small towns like Devine, Lytle, and Natalia. And with it comes the grueling tradition of two-a-day practices, more intense weight-training sessions, and post-practice sprints followed by ice baths and rehab, and first and second scrimmages that all combine to set the tone for the season ahead.
To the proud football squads here’s wishing you the absolute best in 2025 as you lace up your cleats, buckle your chin straps, and latch those pesky clips in front of your shoulder pads prior to doing the dirty work that many do not even knows exists during these next three weeks of critical preparation.
While it is true that district championships are not won during the initial parts of the training cycle, the habits formed now, good or bad, will be the ones that carry through the season and ultimately play a huge role in the success of each team’s campaign.
Wishing all good health above all else, then sending out good luck and winning vibes to each team’s program.

Meet Severo…

Severo is an active child with a big imagination, who is friendly and likes playing with his toys and peers.
Severo likes Mario Brothers characters and games, along with his collection of the Mario Brothers toys. He is also a fan of superheroes movies and action figures. For Halloween he is thinking about dressing up like a superhero.
Severo is currently not in any school activities at school but enjoys being active.
Severo is not sure what he wants to do when he grows up, but has a big imagination, so the sky’s the limit on his possibilities, with the guidance of his future forever family, encouraging him along the way, as he grows to reach his full potential.
Severo enjoys eating out, going to the movies, going to stores, and collecting replicas of his favorite characters. A fun fact about Severo, one of his favorite foods is “Hot Pockets”.
Severo does not have any pets at home but likes animals, as he enjoys playing with dogs and cats.
If you think you could be a forever family for Severo 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.

Local Police Report

Lytle Police Report


Monday, July 21
12:18 AM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to a report of an aggravated robbery. Further investigation determined that the robbery occurred at the rest area south of Lytle, outside the city limits. The investigation was turned over to the Medina County Sheriff’s Office.
1:16 AM – Cortez Rd. @ Main St. – Officers conducted a traffic stop on a four-wheeler for driving without lights, which resulted in the vehicle fleeing the scene. The pursuit was terminated for safety reasons.
9:49 AM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to a 911 hangup to discover it was an accidental call.
11:50 AM – IH 35 Frontage Rd. @ FM 2790 – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
1:27 PM – 19400 Blk. Davis St. – Officer responded to a verbal disturbance between a female patient and the office staff. The female received a Criminal Trespass Warning.
3:10 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a road rage incident that occurred on Lytle-Somerset St.
5:00 PM – S. Somerset St. @ Railroad St. – Officer was advised by the Union Pacific Railroad that the railroad crossing, and lights were activated, but no train would be passing. The crossing was back in service at 8:00 PM.
10:21 PM – 14800 Blk. Harbour St. – Officers responded to a 911 hangup to discover it was a child playing on the phone.
Tuesday, July 22
2:33 AM – 20000 Blk. IH 35 – Officers observed a vehicle with temporary tags parked after hours. The vehicle was unoccupied, and the keys were left in the car. The keys were secured at the PD.
9:37 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2007 Ram 3500 pickup.
10:39 AM – IH 35 NB @ MM 132 – Officer provided traffic control for a motorist changing a flat tire.
1:20 PM – 15300 Blk. Oak St. – Officer conducted an annual fire inspection.
5:34 PM – IH 35 Frontage Rd. @ FM 3175 – Officer provided traffic control for a vehicle preparing to tow another vehicle on the side of the roadway.
Wednesday, July 23
6:28 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to check on a homeless male in the roadway but was unable to locate him.
9:34 AM – 15100 Blk. Main St. – Officer was flagged down by a male regarding business hours for the location.
10:21 AM – 19900 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer responded to a report of a suspicious person but was unable to locate the male.
10:30 AM – Lytle PD – Officers provided a tour of the facility to a group of homeschoolers.
1:00 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2014 Toyota Camry.
3:35 PM – FM 3175 @ IH 35 Frontage Rd. – Officer observed a vehicle stranded in the roadway and assisted in pushing the vehicle out of the road.
7:07 PM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for no front license plate, which resulted in the impounding of a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The driver had a license plate belonging to another vehicle, no driver’s
license, and no insurance. The driver was cited and released.
7:50 PM – 14800 Blk. Lytle-Somerset Rd. – Officer responded to an active alarm and discovered that everything was okay.
11:04 PM – 17900 Blk. Rockys Circle – Officers responded to a report of a suspicious person but were unable to locate the male.
11:35 PM – 63300 Blk. Hidalgo St. – Officers responded to a 911 hangup. Everything was okay.
Thursday, July 24
12:54 AM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to a report of a male passed out in a car and discovered the male was sleeping.
5:28 AM – Assist Atascosa EMS – 14700 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency.
10:03 AM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officers conducted a Certificate of Occupancy Inspection.
10:04 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a two-vehicle injury accident. One driver was transported to the hospital.
1:46 PM – Lytle PD – Officer received information that a 53 year old male was arrested in San Antonio on a Lytle PD warrant from an HEB Plus theft case on April 14, 2025.
5:00 PM – 20100 Blk. IH 35 – Officers attended the Lytle Chamber of Commerce “Project Network” event.
6:40 PM – Assist Atascosa EMS –15100 Blk. Main St. – Officer assisted a patient having a medical emergency.
6:40 PM – 14600 Blk. Main St. – Officer received a phone call and assisted a stranded driver trying to get to San Antonio.
8:45 PM – IH 35 NB @ MM 131 – Officers responded to search for a reckless 18-wheeler but were unable to locate it.
10:45 PM – IH 35 SB @ MM 132 – Officers responded to a two-vehicle fatality accident.
Friday, July 25
12:27 AM – 14600 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer responded to the report of a vehicle in a ditch. The driver reversed out of the ditch.
3:20 AM – IH 35 SB @ MM 131 – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle and discovered the drivers exchanged information and elected not to file a report.
12:15 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury hit-and-run accident.
7:55 PM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 – Officers assisted in jump-starting a vehicle that had become stranded.
8:05 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a 911 hangup that was the result of a verbal disturbance.
9:46 PM – IH 35 @ MM 131 – The officer responded to a report of debris in the roadway but was unable to locate it.
11:22 PM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded and spoke to the driver of the vehicle. Everything was okay.
Saturday, July 26
12:06 AM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for speeding, which resulted in the arrest of a 40 year old male for Driving While Intoxicated. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
4:17 AM – 15400 Blk. Main St. -) Officers issued a Criminal Trespass Warning to a homeless female.
12:03 PM – Assist Texas DPS – 400 Blk. Naegelin Rd. – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist in an Evading Motor Vehicle arrest.
5:07 PM – First St. @ CR 681 – Officers responded to speak with a resident who required information about a guest.
5:35 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – FM 2790 @ Southwind – Officers responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist with a speeding vehicle that ran off the roadway but could not locate it.
5:40 PM – FM 2790 @ Farmer – Officers initiated a traffic stop for expired motor vehicle registration, which resulted in the arrest of a 44 year old male for Driving While Intoxicated. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
9:25 PM – 16000 Blk. Cabana Dr. – Officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle but were unable to locate the vehicle.
9:36 PM – 18000 Blk. Lake Wind Dr. – Officers responded to a report of a resident’s dog barking but could not locate anything wrong.
9:37 PM – 19300 Blk. S. Somerset St. – Officer responded to a report of a vehicle doing donuts in the parking lot but did not locate the vehicle.
Sunday, July 27
2:36 AM – 19400 Blk. S. Somerset St. – Officers responded to a report of a swerving vehicle but were unable to locate it.
12:17 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to unlock a Chevrolet Traverse.
1:19 PM – N. Somerset St. @ Laredo St. – Officer responded to an open 911 call but was unable to locate the caller.
9:57 PM – Main St. @ Somerset St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for a defective headlight, which resulted in the arrest of a 50 year old male for Synthetic Urine (fake urine to pass a drug test). Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail, and a 46 year old female was cited and released for drug paraphernalia.
10:47 PM – 19000 Blk. N. Somerset St. – The officer responded to a report of a vehicle driving without headlights but was unable to locate it.

Natalia Local Police Report

07/20 – On 7/21/25 officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Palfrey Street for a physical disturbance in progress call. Upon officers arriving they discovered that the disturbance was between a boyfriend, and girlfriend.
07/22 – On 7/22/25 officers were dispatched to the 500 block of 3rd Street for a Terroristic Threats report, officers arrived and there they discovered that these threats were made via on-line. Officers are still investigating.
07/22 – On 7/22/25, officers were dispatched to a mobile home park located near the 2500 block of TX-132, for a disturbance report. Arriving officers found that this disturbance was among siblings over household chores. There were no arrests made and the situation was settled.
07/24 – On 7/24/2025 officers were dispatched to a business located near the 21000 block of FM 471 S. for a report of an unruly customer. Upon officers arrival they confronted the unruly male and gave him a criminal trespass warning. The male departed without incident.
07/25 – On 7/25/2025 officers working traffic control on TX-132 stopped a speeding vehicle. While conducting the traffic stop officers found drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. Officers issued the driver a citation for possessing the drug paraphernalia.
07/26 – On 7/26/2025 officers were dispatched to the 400 block of 7th Street for a threats report. Arriving officer was told that these threats were made via text message and were made due to the reporting parties involvement in a fight in another city. Officers documented the threats and an investigation ensued.

Youth Sports registration open in Devine

Flag Football and Volleyball, sign up by Aug 4

The 2025 Devine Youth Sports Association’s Flag Football and Volleyball registration is now open. In addition, DYFL youth Tackle Football registration is also ongoing.
DYS Flag Football is offered from Kinder-6th grade. Volleyball is offered for 1st through 6th graders. Register by August 4.
The seasons start in September and more info can be found at the registration link below:
https://leagues.bluesombrero.com/devineyouthsports

Tackle Football Sign ups Aug. 3

Two Divisions-JRs (3rd & 4th graders) & SRs (5th & 6th graders).  Football signups will be held: Sunday, July 27th and Sunday, August 3rd from 11am-3pm @ 717 Tuttle Dr. Devine, Tx..
Registration fee is $100.00 & a copy of Birth Certificate is required when registering. If questions, contact Jack Zimmerle 210.215.4944.

Public encouraged to come hear options on possible fire department changes

MCESD#2 who collects tax dollars to provide fire protection in the Devine area, has called a August 12th meeting as they are discussing contracting with ESD1 for fire services. They are having a called meeting on August 12th at 7:00 PM at the firehouse. Their regular meeting will be the following week.
“As always we appreciate participation and really hope that everyone who’s concerned would be able to make it and hear our options alongside of us,” said Abigail Beadle, ESD2 Commissioner.
Devine Volunteer Fire Department currently provides the service with a mix of paid fire fighters and volunteers. Less than a year ago, DVFD added 6 paid positions and have recently discovered it needs much more money to keep it going than originally proposed by the prior fire chief Greg Atkinson who resigned. Chief Cook of ESD1 talked at the last meeting about the various choices and wants to keep the local volunteer department while providing leadership and fire services through ESD1.

$1M Cocaine siezed

Press release, 07/28/2025–HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at Hidalgo Port of Entry seized more than $1 million in cocaine in a single enforcement action.
“This substantial cocaine seizure reflects the strong dedication of our officers to safeguarding the border, as well as their skillful use of experience and technology,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo Port of Entry.
Packages containing nearly 77 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Hidalgo International Bridge.
The seizure occurred on July 26 at the Hidalgo International Bridge when CBP officers referred a 2020 Renault Oroch for a secondary inspection. A canine inspection resulted in an alert and a nonintrusive imaging system scan revealed anomalies within the vehicle. Upon closer physical examination, CBP officers discovered 30 packages containing a total of 34.90 kilograms (76.94 lbs.) of alleged cocaine hidden within the vehicle.
The narcotics had an estimated street value of $1,027,316.
CBP seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation.

County commissioners accept tractor donated for flood emergency

By Anton Riecher
On a motion by Precinct 4 Commissioner Danny Lawler, the Medina County Commissioners Court voted unanimously Monday to accept the donation of a compact utility tractor initially designated for use in emergency operations following the recent Guadalupe River flooding.
The tractor, a 2025 Mahindra 1640 valued at $40,139, is one of five donated by the manufacturer for use in Kerr County through Bill’s Tractor and More in Hondo, County Judge Keith Lutz said. Following that effort, the tractor, complete with bucket, grapple and backhoe, will ultimately be donated to Medina County.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Jessica Castiglione seconded the motion by Lawler to accept the donation under the provisions of the Texas Local Government Code.

Ballot to include 17 ammendments to Constitution
In other business, the commissioners approved an order permitting county elections administrator Lupe C. Torres to proceed with arrangements for the November 4 general election in Medina County. The upcoming ballot includes 17 amendments to the Texas Constitution.
The county will operate three locations for early voting and eight locations for election day voting, Torres said.
Again on a motion by Lawler, the commissioners voted unanimously to approve a bid for remodeling of the former Hondo National Bank building as a future county office location. The renovation includes removal of the bank vault, Lutz said.

Finances
County Treasurer Debra Graff reported accounts payable totaling $1.353 million, not including $5,000 in postage and two wire transfers for interest payments totaling $337,134. Disbursement of funds since the last commissioners’ court meeting covering utilities, fuel and dental plans totaled $37,732.

Subdivisions
On a motion by Castiglione, the commissioners voted unanimously to approve a final plat establishing Chaam Subdivision on County Road 467. The motion was seconded by Precinct 2 Commissioner Larry Sittre.

Murder Cases
The court also voted to approve an interlocal agreement with the Hill Country Regional Public Defender Office to provide court-appointed counsel for individuals charged with capital murder. Hill Country serves Kerr, Medina, Gillespie, Bandera and Kendall counties, providing indigent defense and pre-trial services.

Renewal
Also approved by commissioners was a renewal of the contract with the Texas Health & Human Services Commission Women, Infants and Children (WIC) local agency. The program helps families across the state by providing nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy foods and referrals to health care and other community services.
The new contract extends from October 2025 to September 2026.

Executive Session
Commissioners also met in closed executive session to deliberate on economic development negotiations. No action was taken after nearly an hour behind closed doors.

Little Lady Mustang Volleyball League… Register through Aug. 7

Natalia High School Volleyball is proud to bring back our youth volleyball league for our future Lady Mustangs. We hope to spark an interest and instill a love for the game of volleyball in all athletes at an early age within our community. The mission of our league is to:
Teach teamwork and cooperation as a member of a competitive volleyball team
Improve volleyball skills
Develop competitive players who strive to achieve both personal and team goals
League fee cost is $40.00 and will include a team t-shirt. Practices will be Wednesdays from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm (8/20, 8/27, 9/3, 9/10) with games on Saturdays (8/23, 8/30, 9/6, 9/13) from 9am-12pm. We will have detailed information for games after registration.
Items/Equipment each player will need black shorts or spandex, knee pads, and tennis shoes. Coaches will be the Natalia High School Volleyball Players.
If you have questions please contact Coach Cortinas at tara.cortinas@nataliaisd.net.
Last day to register is Thursday, August 7, 2025.

Devine Rocks invites you to take one, share one, leave one

Our kindness rock project has begun…. Just remember to take one for inspiration, share one for motivation & or add one to help our garden grow. Feel free to tag this page so that we may see how far our rocks have traveled. All for fun and to hopefully make someone’s day a little brighter. One message at just the right moment can change someone’s entire day, outlook, or life! #devinerocks #kindnessmatters #kindnessisfree@ followers

LYTLE ISD…announces NEW CELL PHONE POLICYIN COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW

Lytle ISD–July 2, 2025
In response to a newly enacted Texas state law, Lytle ISD will implement a new Student Cell Phone Policy beginning this school year. We understand this change may be challenging for some, especially in our close-knit Pirate community. We are committed to providing the best possible learning environment for all — and this new policy is designed to support just that.
Why the Change?
Texas House Bill 1481 now mandates that school districts prohibit student use or possession of personal communication devices during the school day. In alignment, the Lytle ISD updated policy requires all personal communication devices — cell phones, smart watches, tablets, and similar electronics — to be kept in students’ backpacks and not used from the time they arrive on campus until they are picked up. Devices may not be carried on a student’s person, and their use is strictly prohibited in bathrooms and locker rooms.
Thank You to Our Cell Phone Task Force
Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to the members of the Lytle ISD Cell Phone Task Force, who met during the past school year to thoughtfully develop a local policy. Their insight and preparation enabled our district to respond quickly and wisely to this unexpected legislation. Because of their work, we begin this school year with clarity, consistency, and compassion.
How Will This Work?
School Day: Students must keep devices stored in backpacks and not in pockets or hands during the day.
Buses & Events: Devices may be used on school buses but without cameras. Use during extracurricular events, including UIL activities, will follow the guidelines outlined in the student handbook.
Violations: If a device is taken out during the school day, it will be confiscated, turned in to the front office, and a parent must retrieve it at the end of the school day. In the event violations become excessive, additional consequences will be imposed.
Exceptions: Students with documented medical needs may be granted exceptions through the appropriate campus committee review.
For more details, see Lytle ISD’s Student Handbook (coming in August) or contact your campus office.