Devine, TX – The Driscoll Public Library wrapped up another spectacular summer, offering a wide range of free programs and events that brought families, friends, and community members together to celebrate the joy of reading, learning, and creativity.
Throughout June and July, the library hosted its annual summer reading challenge alongside packed weekly programs for all age groups. In total, 1,352 participants attended events that ranged from hands-on clubs and workshops to exciting entertainment and movie afternoons.
Youth clubs remained a huge hit, with the Lego Club filling within hours and the Art Club exploring techniques like printmaking and hydro dipping. Teen Club embraced all things edible—from crafting candy-filled terrariums to sampling Asian Oreo flavors—while Mr. J’s Theatre Workshop and Tabletop Role-Playing Game sessions gave tweens and teens opportunities to collaborate, create, and perform.
Adults enjoyed Crafting After Hours, trying their hands at glass etching and photo transfers, while green thumbs gathered for the growing Plant Swap, exchanging seeds, cuttings, and tips each month.
Beloved traditions like Afternoon @ the Movies returned for their 13th year, offering cozy family film days complete with snacks and pillows. Preschool Storytime reached new popularity, leading to the introduction of pre-registration for the first time ever.
Special guests brought the wow factor all summer long. Families met real-life heroes during the Community Helpers Showcase, laughed with magician Spikey Mikey, and experienced mind-blowing science with Dr. Pennington and the Texas A&M Chemistry Roadshow. The season wrapped up with a crowd favorite: Mini Golf @ the Library, where families played through creative courses set up among the stacks.
As Library Director and staff begin preparing for an exciting fall, they thank everyone who participated this summer. “Being able to provide fun, enriching, and relaxing activities right here in Devine is one of the best parts of our job,” said staff.
Follow the Driscoll Public Library on Facebook @ Driscoll Public Library – Devine for upcoming programs and events as the school year begins.
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Lytle council moves forward with improving Coal Mine access
By Anton Riecher
A task order for engineering work to extend Juarez Street to FM 683 and grant Lytle’s Coal Mine neighborhood a second entrance and exit was approved by the Lytle City Council Monday night.
“You are taking a vote that is solving an issue that the city has had for 130 years plus,” said Mayor Ruben Gonzalez. “We are finally going to be able to take care of our Coal Mine residents by providing them a secondary entrance and exit for emergencies.”
At present, the only entrance and exit for Coal Mine is a railroad crossing that is frequently blocked by passing trains.
The extension is part of a development agreement with Rowan Digital Infrastructure in connection with a massive $500 million “hyperscaler” data center dubbed “Project Cinco” that is expected to begin construction near Coal Mine in mid-August.
Under the development deal, the cost of the engineering work will be reimbursed to the city, Gonzalez said.
On a motion by District 3 Alderman Dick Emery, the council approved the task order with TRC Engineers by a vote of 4-0. District 2 Alderman Richard Hughes was absent from the meeting.
Much of the Monday night meeting was taken up with considering applications for zoning variances. City Attorney Austin Beck said that since Lytle has no board of adjustment to consider such variances the chores falls to the city council.
On a variance request at 19942 John Wayne Road in the Saddleridge Estates subdivision, the council split two-to-two on an application to allow placement of an above ground swimming pool three and a half feet from the rear property line. The setback requirement is 15 feet, already half of the requirement for most of Lytle, City Administrator Zachary Meadows explained.
Property owner Linda Atwood said that the present 15-foot setback “would put the pool in our living room.” She explained that a deeper pool was needed for physical therapy. The requested variance had been recommended by the city planning and zoning commission.
However…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!
Arabian Volleyball Alumni Game August 9, Coach McIver sends a call-out to former players
Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer
What has become a wonderful tradition to signify the beginning of another season of Arabian Volleyball, Devine Head Coach Leigh Anne McIver continues to include former players in the build up towards what hopes to be another amazing season for her squad.
McIver gives a shout out to those who played in the maroon and gold to join in for the Annual Alumni Game which is August 9 with first serve coming at 11am.
This will be the first volleyball game/scrimmage on the somewhat newly name Sessions Court, although the team does have a scrimmage in Navarro on Friday, August 8.
DEVINEHOMECOMING – September 26-27, 2025
1959 DHS Homecoming Court
For all DEVINE EX-STUDENTS and TEACHERS
HOMECOMING IS EARLY THIS YEAR, so MAKE PLANS NOW to BE IN DEVINE on SEPT. 26TH and 27TH for the FRIDAY NIGHT HOMECOMING GAME and the SATURDAY DExSTA SOCIAL at the VFW!
*Any and all former students and teachers, plus current teachers and administrators, are encouraged to attend the HC festivities again this year! No matter how long you had attended or taught in the Devine schools, you are invited to Homecoming, and to join DExSTA!
*Homecoming is a two-day event, with the Friday night football game and the Saturday afternoon DExSTA Social at the VFW.
*The Honor Class of 1975 will be celebrating its’ 50th Reunion with events both days! (Contact Linda Gunn for more information.)
*DExSTA Members received mailouts with HC and registrations info. Please mail back the registration page asap! (If you are a member, but have not got your mailout, contact DExSTA Pres. Nancy Saathoff at 210-289-6205 or Rita Davis.)
*If you want to join DExSTA, you can join on Homecoming weekend, or get the forms off our Facebook page, or contact Nancy Saathoff or Rita Davis.
- Check the DExSTA Facebook page at Devine Ex-Students Teachers Association for HC info, DExSTA forms, pictures, and lots more!
**LOOK FOR MORE HOMECOMING INFO IN THE COMING WEEKS IN THE DEVINE NEWS!
Water line installation to serve Lytle data center expectedin mid-August
Work to install water lines to service construction of a massive $500 million “hyperscaler” data center near Lytle’s Coal Mine neighborhood is expected to start in mid-August, East Medina County Special Utility District field manager Ronnie Lemmons told the EMCSUD board July 22.
The contractor is “anticipating starting around mid-August and actually installing lines on the eastern end of the district, starting where the plant is going to be,” Lemmons said.
The 440-acre plant site owned by Rowan Digital Infrastructure is located in Lytle’s extra territorial jurisdiction, referring to an area surrounding a city’s corporate limits where it has powers related to land development and annexation, but not full municipal services.
Dubbed “Project Cinco,” the data center is expected to bring nearly 600 construction jobs to the community.
Lemmons said the initial water lines will cross CR 679 and CR 6712 to reach the Project Cinco property. Later phases of the construction will involve running a water line from FM 471 to CR 570 by way of FM 463.
Projected cost on the water lines alone is $7.5 million, Lemmons said.
By comparison to the $1.4 billion Microsoft data center project located along U.S. 90 W and FM 1957 near Castroville, Project Cinco is farther ahead with regard to water line development, Lemmons said. Both projects are…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!
64 years later, he loves her even more…
Showing everyone how to really dance are 88-yr-old Chub Hutto and his beautiful bride, 84-year-old Pris. Walking isn’t as easy as it once was for Mr. Hutto, but you should have seen Mrs. Hutto’s smile when he took her out on the dance floor during the benefit dance for Hill Country flood victims this past Sunday.
The couple has been married for 64 years…When asked if he loves her as much as the day he met her, he said “No, I love her even more.”
The event was hosted by 7A Graff Ranch in Hondo and featured a great line up of talented local artists including Jamie Lin Wilson, Weston Ripps, Dudley Ilse, Briana Adams, Garrett Talamantes, Selestial Alcoser, Jeremy Richards, Jordan Guana, Mario Olivo, Justin Gallegos, Solis Brothers, and Chuck Wimer.
Meet Paul
Paul can be a little shy when he first meets someone new, but is talkative once he is comfortable with you.
Paul will be a great addition to a family as he can bring them love and joy, as he likes to make jokes making people laugh with him.
Paul enjoys spending his summers participating in programs at the Boys and Girls Club. He is currently in his church’s youth group and is looking forward to going on a summer retreat with the church.
He loves to go to school and enjoys learning. His current favorite subject is science … for his other favorites, it’s the color green and playing video games. Paul currently plays the PS4 but also enjoys computer games like Fortnite and Roblox.
Paul loves to go to church on Sunday and enjoys eating pizza and McDonald’s, however he is willing to try new foods to expand his pallet
Paul will benefit from a two-parent home with the upport system he deservees.
If you think you could be a forever family for Paul or another Texas child, please call 1-800-233-3405 or visit www.adoptchildren.org where you can find online public information meetings, and learn foster/adoptioncg.
Check out www.heartgallerystx.org to see South Texas children waiting for their forever famlies along with portraits and personal stories they wish to share.
Ted Evart Outlaw
Ted Evart Outlaw, 92, of Moore, TX, went to be with the Lord Sunday morning, July 20,2025, surrounded by his family.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Evart and Inez Outlaw; brother, Don Outlaw;daughter, Renee Outlaw; and his first wife, Jonilee Hamblen Outlaw.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ruth Outlaw; brothers: Jon Outlaw (Kathleen), Ron Outlaw (Debbie); children: Ted Michael Outlaw (Catherine), Julie Outlaw Mize (Mark), John Mark Outlaw (Marianne), Michelle Wilson (Rusty), Angela Wilson (Chad), and Evart Bates Outlaw (Linsey); grandchildren: Cari Williams (Jay), Sarah Browning (Robert), Elisa Joseph (Michael), Nicole McFarlane (James), Tess Outlaw, Andrew Wilson (David), Addison Outlaw, Rachel Wilson (Derick), Gus Outlaw, Jane Outlaw and Amy Outlaw; 10 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Ted graduated from Devine High School in 1950 at the age of 16. He attended Texas A & M and was a member of the Corp of Cadets, graduating in 1954. He was later commissioned into the United States Air Force where he proudly served 23 years. During his tenure, he received many recognitions and the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service while engaged in military operations against Viet Cong forces. He was based in Morrocco, Germany, and several bases throughout the states, including Randolph and Kelly Air Force Bases, retiring in 1978 as a Lt. Colonel. He then began his lifelong dream of farming.
Ted loved his Lord, family, and farming. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Devine for 44 years, twelve of those teaching the Junior High Boys Sunday School class. He later became a member of First Baptist Church of Natalia.
All who knew him knew he was the happiest on his tractor and attending Texas A & M football games. Gig’em!
A public viewing will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm at Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 10:00am at Natalia Baptist Church. Burial to follow at Moore Memorial Cemetery.
If you would like to express your condolences or share a memory, you may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com Funeral arrangements are under the care of Primrose Funeral Services of Devine, Texas.
Fun-draiser, live music, family fun @ Graff 7A Ranch Sunday, July 27
Proceeds of this benefit will go the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, serving 10 Central Texas counties: Bandera, Blanco, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Mason, Real and Uvalde.
Join the fun this Sunday, July 27 from 1-6pm, Rain or shine at Graff 7A Ranch. It’s located at 911 US Highway 90 E in Hondo.
Enjoy live music by Jamie Lin Wilson, Weston Ripps, Dudley Ilse, Briana Adams, Garrett Talamantes, Jeremy Richards, Jordan Guana, Mario Olivo, Justin Gallegos, Solis Brothers, and Chuck Wimer.
Other Entertainment includes World-renowned trick roper, Doug Whitaker, performing throughout the day.
The G-Bar-G Cantina will be open with drinks and treats for sale. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and freshly popped Kettle Corn. We allow outside food and drinks on the premises for this event, but no alcohol, please.
Family-friendly Activities:
Twin barrel train, Zippity Doo-Dah (zipline), Tres Toboggans (mega slide), Expression Swings and Construction Zone.
Adults $20 — Children 12 and under $10 — Age 2 and under free
Tickets at: www.simpletix.com/e/2025-flood-benefit-tickets-226479
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 July 27 & 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.