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Lytle council tables action on closing portion of public street to provide parking

By Anton Riecher
Action to close a portion of Davis Street to provide parking for a local sports bar was tabled by the Lytle City Council Monday pending further negotiations with the bar owners.
Meanwhile, the bar, 702 Tejas, was granted a temporary waiver to the city noise ordinance to accommodate live entertainment planned for Aug. 30 ending at midnight.
The bar recently lost access to much of the local parking when a nearby doughnut shop chose to fence its property, City Administrator Zachary Meadows. The small portion of Davis Street under consideration is unusual in that it is divided by a tree in the right-of-way.
Asked for his opinion by Mayor Pro Tem David Emery, Police Chief Richard Priest said that the tree limits much of the access the street provides for emergency response vehicles.
“I’m not normally in favor of cities getting rid of roads but if there ever was a case for it this would probably be it,” Priest said.
With Mayor Ruben Gonzalez and District 2 Alderman Richard Hughes absent, the quorum of three opted to postpone any final decision on the sale pending an appraisal paid for by the bar owners.
With regard to the ordinance waiver, Meadows said the action is similar to requests made by various local organizations for special occasions.
Leaders spend 50 minutes in Executive Session on water issue
Following more than 50 minutes in closed executive session, the council voted 3-0 to authorize Meadows to enter into negotiations with the Edwards Aquifer Authority to reach a settlement in some undisclosed dispute. He is also authorized to negotiate the possible purchase of additional water rights.
The council also reviewed several points with regard to a…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!

Alijah hopes for a family “who will love him forever”

Alijah is a very energetic 10-year-old who likes to constantly be engaged in something whether it is drawing, coloring, or playing with his toys.
When it comes to school, he enjoys learning and likes homework time, and is proud of what he has learned.
He really likes school, as it gives him a chance to interact with his peers and participate in sports, especially basketball and football.
As to his future education, Alijah is still young and does not have any specific career goals at the moment, but knows he wants to attend college. Currently, he likes to make YouTube videos as a hobby.
Alijah likes dogs and wishes that one day he can own a dog of his own. He really likes listening to music and playing his maracas along to the tunes. When asked about favorite meals, he says its Church’s Chicken.
For his future forever family – Alijah says he would like to be adopted by a two parent household, with a mom and dad “who will love him forever”.
If you think you could be a forever family for Alijah 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. 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.

Benefit at Cora’s to help Texas Flood Victims

by Joseph Ramon
Intern
This Thursday July 17 at 6 p.m. Cora’s 471 Grill will be hosting an evening of live music and great food to support the victims of the Texas floods in Kerr County. The event is hosted by singer/songwriter, Houston Marchman, who will be performing alongside Jamie Lin Wilson, Keith Lutz, and Selestial Alcoser. Tickets are $25 and all proceeds go to Texas flood victims.
“It’s a horrendous thing that we watched happen up there and I have a lot of friends that are living in and around you know the area all the way to Kerrville and it’s a really serious tragedy and so you feel a little helpless,” said Marchman.. “I talked to Chuck, he and his wife own Cora’s 471 grill and in this small way we can give back a little bit and so it’s you know we’re neighbors and we need to help.”
This is not Marchman’s first attempt at…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!

Medina commissioners okay 2nd school officer to protect Lytle campuses

By Anton Riecher
With a single candle burning, lights were lowered in the Medina County Commissioners Court chambers for 106 seconds Monday to commemorate the lives lost in the devastating July 4 flooding that swept the Texas Hill Country.
County Judge Keith Lutz led those gathered for the commissioners’ court session in prayer.
“Dear Lord, we come here with heavy hearts this morning following the last ten days of sadness for our neighbors and our fellow Texans,” Lutz said. “We pray that you will comfort those who have experienced unimaginable loss and grief.”
He also asked that the light of the burning candle “remind us that you are the light and that you will lead us through darkness.”
Lutz also thanked the many Medina County citizens who assisted in the search and rescue operations following the flood.
“We’re just very thankful to have a county, a group of citizens, that step up and help our neighbors in times like these,” he said.
As of Tuesday morning, the toll of those still missing in Kerr County stands at 97.
Action taken by commissioners during the Monday hearing included approval of an interlocal agreement with Lytle ISD to provide campus security for the 2025-2026 school year by assigning two Medina County Sheriff’s Office deputies to serve as school resource officers on Lytle campuses.
“As discussed in the budget workshop, Lytle ISD has requested a second school resource officer,” Lutz said. “This agreement will supersede the agreement currently in place.”
On a motion by Precinct 2 Commissioner Larry Sittre, seconded by Precinct 3 Commissioner David Lynch, the commissioners voted 3-0 to approve the agreement. Precinct 4 Commissioner Danny Lawler was absent from the Monday meeting.
Assistant Criminal District Attorney Margaret Swyers said the Lytle school board is scheduled to take up the matter at their May 28 meeting.
In financial matters, First Assistant County Auditor Jennifer Konegni reported that cash on hand stands at $29.07 million as of July 1. County Treasurer Debra Graff reported accounts payable totaling $407,474 with commissioners approving payment.
Graff also reported disbursement of funds totaling $79,261 since the last commissioners’ court meeting to cover fuel, utilities and dental claims.
In the monthly report for May, Graff reported an ending cash balance of $32.611 million against a debt total of $20.845 million.
Commissioners also approved a final plat establishing units one, two and three of the Talley Ho subdivision in Precinct 1 on Highway 211 on a motion by Precinct 1 Commissioner Jessica Castiglione.
Following nearly an hour in closed executive session, commissioners voted 3-0 on a motion by Castiglione to allow Judge Lutz to enter into negotiations regarding economic development with an undisclosed group identified only as Cyrus.

Decisive action shuts Down U.S. southern border ports to livestock trade due to more Northward spread of New World Screwworm in Mexico

(Washington, D.C., July 9, 2025) – Yesterday, Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA) reported a new case of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Ixhuatlan de Madero, Veracruz in Mexico, which is approximately 160 miles northward of the current sterile fly dispersal grid, on the eastern side of the country and 370 miles south of the U.S./Mexico border. This new northward detection comes approximately two months after northern detections were reported in Oaxaca and Veracruz, less than 700 miles away from the U.S. border, which triggered the closure of our ports to Mexican cattle, bison, and horses on May 11, 2025.
While USDA announced a risk-based phased port re-opening strategy for cattle, bison, and equine from Mexico beginning as early as July 7, 2025, this newly reported NWS case raises significant concern about the previously reported information shared by Mexican officials and severely compromises the outlined port reopening schedule of five ports from July 7-September 15. Therefore, in order to protect American livestock and our nation’s food supply, Secretary Rollins has ordered the closure of livestock trade through southern ports of entry effective immediately.
“The United States has promised to be vigilant — and after detecting this new NWS case, we are pausing the planned port reopening’s to further quarantine and target this deadly pest in Mexico. We must see additional progress combatting NWS in Veracruz and other nearby Mexican states in order to reopen livestock ports along the Southern border,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “Thanks to the aggressive monitoring by USDA staff in the U.S. and in Mexico, we have been able to take quick and decisive action to respond to the spread of this deadly pest.”
To ensure the protection of U.S. livestock herds, USDA is holding Mexico accountable by ensuring proactive measures are being taken to maintain a NWS free barrier. This is maintained with stringent animal movement controls, surveillance, trapping, and following the proven science to push the NWS barrier south in phases as quickly as possible.
In June, Secretary Rollins launched a Bold Plan to combat New World Screwworm by protecting our border at all costs, increasing eradication efforts in Mexico, and increasing readiness. USDA also announced the groundbreaking of a sterile fly dispersal facility in South Texas. This facility will provide a critical contingency capability to disperse sterile flies should a NWS detection be made in the southern United States. Simultaneously, USDA is moving forward with the design process to build a domestic sterile fly production facility to ensure it has the resources to push NWS back to the Darien Gap. USDA is working on these efforts in lockstep with border states – Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas – as it will take a coordinated approach with federal, state, and local partners to keep this pest at bay and out of the U.S.
USDA will continue to have personnel perform site visits throughout Mexico to ensure the Mexican government has adequate protocols and surveillance in place to combat this pest effectively and efficiently. 

Devine Intermediate School Supply List 2025-2026

Third Grade

Collected Class Supplies:
48 (#2) Ticonderoga Pencils (no mechanical)
8 Glue Sticks
2 Highlighters (assorted colors)
4 Plastic Folder with brads and pockets
(1-yellow, 1-red, 1-green, 1-of student choice)
8 Dry Erase Makers (student use)
2 Boxes of Crayons (24 count)
4 Large Boxes of Tissues
1 Pkg of WIDE Ruled Notebook Paper
4 Spiral Notebooks
1 Roll of Paper Towels
3 Pkgs of Cap Erasers
1 Box Snack Size Baggies
Girls: 1 box of Gallon Baggies
1 box of Quart Baggies
Boys: 1 bottle of Hand Sanitizer
1 container of Antibacterial Wipes

Kept with Student:
1 Backpack
1 pair of Earbuds or Headphones (no Bluetooth)
2 boxes (10 count) of Fine Line Skinny Markers
1 school box or pouch
1 pair of pointed scissors
Fourth Grade

Collected Class Supplies:
48 (#2) Ticonderoga Pencils (no mechanical)
24 Glue Sticks
4 Highlighters
8 Dry Erase Markers (student use)
2 100 count 3×5 Index Cards
2 Large Tissue Boxes
2 Rolls of Paper Towels
Girls: 1 container of Clorox Wipes
Boys: 1 bottle of Hand Sanitizer

Kept with Student:
1 Backpack
1 Pkg of Cap Erasers
1 Pair of Pointed Scissors
1 Zippered Pencil Pouch (no boxes)
5 Composition Books (Wide rule, no spirals)
5 Plastic Folders
2 Boxes (10 count) Crayola Fine Line/Skinny Markers
2 (24 count) Crayola Crayons
1 Personal Pencil Sharpener with cap

Fifth Grade

Collected Class Supplies:
48 (#2) Ticonderoga Pencils (no mechanical)
24 Glue Sticks
2 Highlighters (reading)
4 pkgs of Wide-Ruled Notebook Paper
2 Pkgs Pencil Top Erasers
3 Rolls of Paper Towels
2 Lg Boxes of Tissues
3 Pkgs of 3”x5” Notecards (science)
1 Plastic Folder with brads

Kept with Student:
1 Large Backpack
1 Pencil Pouch
1 Pair of Pointed Scissors
1 Box of Colored Pencils
1 Box of Markers
3 Composition Books (no spirals)
1 Pair of wires Earbuds or Headphones
1 Pencil Sharpener with cap
1 Plastic Folder with brads
2 Three Ring Binders (1 inch)
2 Pkgs of Dividers (5 dividers)
Suggestion – 1 wireless mouse

Natalia Supply List 2025-2026

ECC Pre-K 3 & 4
For Ms. Smith and Mrs. Gonzales’ class only
1 Clear Backpack
1 Water Bottle
1 Blue Spiral Notebook
1 Red Spiral Notebook
1 Vinyl Pocket Folder with brads
1 School Box
4 Glue Sticks
4 Boxes of Crayons (Crayola 24 count)
1 Set of Watercolors
1 Box of Markers
(Label all of the above with student’s name)
1 Pkg of Play Doh
1 Pkg of Thin Paper Plates (for crafts)
1 Box of Ziploc Bags (boys-gallon, girls-quart)
1 Pkg of Flushable Wipes
1 Box of Tissues
1 Pkg of Dry Erase Makers
1 Extra change of clothes (label with student’s name and place in Ziploc bag)
1 Nap Mat (fabric nap mats are recommended because they can be sent home to be washed. A small blanket is also acceptable. Please label with student’s name)

Kindergarten
Clear Backpack
1 Set of Headphones
12 Ticonderoga Pencils
1 Pair of Scissors (blunt tip)
1 Pencil Box
1 Glue Bottle
12 Glue Sticks
4 Boxes of Crayola Crayons (24 count)
2 Packs of Crayola Classic Markers
2 Large Pink Erasers
3 Folder with brads and pockets (1 blue, 1 yellow, 1 green)
1 Pkg of Dry Erase Markers (4 pack)
2 Play-Doh cans
1 Box of Ziploc Bags (girls-sandwich, boys-gallon)
2 Containers of Clorox Wipes
1 extra change of clothes (must follow dress code)
1 Art Sketchbook

First Grade
Clear Backpack
1 Set of Headphones (no ear buds)
3 Wide Ruled Composition Notebooks (no spiral notebooks)
3 Poly Folders with brads and pockets (blue, green, red)
24 Ticonderoga Pencils
1 Plastic Supply Box
1 Pair Scissors (blunt tip)
18 Glue Sticks
2 Black Dry Erase Markers
2 Boxes of Crayola Markers (classic colors)
3 Boxes of Crayola Crayons (classic colors)
2 Containers of Clorox Wipes
2 Boxes of Kleenex
1 Box of Ziploc Bags (girls-sandwich, boys-gallon)
Primary Writing Journal (blank at the top for drawing, lines on bottom)
1 Art Sketchbook

Second Grade
Clear or Mesh Backpack
1 Pencil Box (no locks)
5 Pocket Folders with brads, yellow, green, blue, purple, and red (no designs – plastic are more durable)
4 Wide-Ruled Composition Notebooks (black & white preferred – no spiral notebooks)
2 Boxes No. 2 Pencils (24 count) – Ticonderoga/USA Gold preferred
3 White Erasers (they are more durable)
1 Pair of Scissors (labeled with child’s name)
2 Pkgs of Glue Sticks (6 count)
2 Boxes of Colored Pencils (12 count)
2 Boxes of Crayons (24 count)
4 Boxes of Kleenex (square or 3 rectangular)
1 Set of over the ear Headphones (NO earbuds)
1 Box of Gallon Ziploc Bags (BOYS only)
1 Box of Quart Ziploc Bags (GIRLS only)
3 Containers of Clorox Wipes (75+ count)
1 pack of BLACK THIN Dry Erase Markers (4 count)
1 Chromebook cover (11-11.6 size) – optional
1 Wireless Mouse – optional

Third Grade
Clear or Mesh Backpack
2 Boxes of No. 2 Pencils (24 count) – Ticonderoga preferred
4 Plastic Folders with brads – yellow, green, blue and red (no designs)
1 Pencil Box (no locks)
2 Pkg of Glue Sticks (6 count)
2 Boxes of Colored Pencils
2 Boxes of Crayons
1 Pkg of Yellow ONLY Highlighters
2 Boxes of Markers
1 Pair of Scissors
3 Large White Erasers
4 Boxes of Kleenex
1 Bottle of Hand Sanitizer (12 oz or larger)
4 Wide Ruled Composition Notebooks (do not send spirals)
1 Set of Over the Ear Headphones
2 Boxes of Gallon Ziploc Bags
3 Containers of Clorox Wipes
2 Pkg of BLACK THIN Dry Erase Markers (4 count)

Fourth Grade
Clear or Mesh Backpack
2 Pkgs of 24 count pencils
2 Pkgs of Loose Leaf Notebook Paper
1 Pair of Scissors
2 Composition Notebooks (used for Math and Science)
2 Folders
1 Box Markers
1 Box Colored Pencils
2 Pkgs of 4 count Glue Sticks
2 Boxes of Tissues
2 Containers of Clorox Wipes
Earbuds or headphone to use with Chromebook
1 Bottle of Hand Sanitizer
4 Count Dry Erase Markers
Bedford’s Life Skills Class Supply List
Clear or Mesh Backpack
3 Ring Binder
4 Journals (different colors)
2 Folders (red, purple)
Pencil Box
5 Sets of Crayons
2 Sets of Markers
2 Pkgs of Glue Sticks
Pack of Play-Doh
2 Pkgs Wipes
2 Kleenex Boxes
2 Clorox Wipes
2 Pkg Pencils
Headphones
Water Bottle

Jr High – Fifth Grade
1 Clear / See Through or Mesh Backpack
1 Headphone for Chromebook
1 Mouse (optional for Chromebook use)
2 Boxes of Tissues
1 Hand Sanitizer
5 Composition Books
1 Pencil Pouch
2 Boxes #2 Pencils (24 count)
1 Scissors
4 Pocket Folders with brads
1 Pkg Highlighters
1 Pkg Glue Sticks
2 Containers Antibacterial Wipes
1 Pkg Thin Markers (10 pack)
1 Pkg Colored Pencils (12 pack)
4 Pink or White Erasers
Girls – 1 Quart size Ziploc Bags
Boys – 1 Gallon size Ziploc Bags

Sixth Grade
1 Clear / See Through or Mesh Backpack
1 Headphone for Chromebook
1 Mouse (optional for Chromebook use)
2 Boxes of Tissues
1 Hand Sanitizer
5 Composition Books
2 Pkg Wide Ruled Paper
1 Scissors
3 Pkgs Pencils
1 Pkg Colored Pencils
1 Pkg Glue Sticks
3 Highlighters
1 Pkg Erasers
1 Pencil Pouch
2 Binders with dividers
1 Pkg Markers
2 Wide Ruled Notebooks

Seventh Grade
1 Clear / See Through or Mesh Backpack
1 Headphone for Chromebook
1 Mouse (optional for Chromebook use)
2 Boxes of Tissues
1 Hand Sanitizer
5 Composition Books
2 Spiral Notebooks (wide ruled)
1 Scissors
3 Highlighters
1 Pkg Colored Pencils
3 Pkgs Pencils
2 Pkgs Wide Ruled Paper
1 Pkg Graph Paper
1 Pencil Pouch
2 Binders with dividers
1 Pkg Glue Sticks
1 Pkg Markers

Eighth Grade
1 Clear / See Through or Mesh Backpack
1 Headphone for Chromebook
1 Mouse (optional for Chromebook use)
2 Boxes of Tissues
1 Hand Sanitizer
5 Composition Books
1 Scissors
1 Pkg Colored Pencils
3 Highlighters
1 Pkg Red Pens/Pencils
2 Pkgs Notebook Paper
3 Pkgs Pencils
2 Binders with dividers
1 Pencil Pouch
2 Wide Ruled Notebooks
1 Pkg Markers
1 Folder with pockets
1 Pkg Glue Sticks
*Please note that teachers may request additional items for their class as needed.

John J. Ciavarra Elementary2025-2026 School Supply List

Headstart
Towel for nap time
(large bath towel or beach towel is best)
Complete change of clothing (including underwear and socks)
Backpack

Kindergarten
6 boxes of crayons (Crayola – 24 count, no twistable)
1 dozen No. 2 pencils – plain (Ticonderoga preferred)
18 glue sticks – large
1 pair of scissors (Fiskars children’s are best)
1 small school box
2 pkgs markers (8 count)
1 backpack (no rollers)
1 coloring book
1 water color set
1 spiral notebook
1 box Ziploc bags (girls – gallon; boys – quart)
1 plastic folder with brads
3 disinfectant wipes
1 (3-ring) binder pencil pouch – clear
2 rolls of paper towels
2 lg boxes of Kleenex
1 bottle hand sanitizer
1 pack of 2 expo markers
No pencil sharpeners
No small end-of-pencil erasers
Headphones

First Grade
15 glue sticks
2 rolls of paper towels
1 pair of Fiskar scissors (blunt tipped)
3 boxes of Crayons (24 count)
2 boxes markers (8) (Crayola brand preferred)
2 primary composition books (no spiral notebooks)
2 plastic pocket folders (with 3 holes) no brads
1 backpack with name
2 boxes of Kleenex
1 school box (small)
2 lg containers disinfectant wipes
4 lg pink erasers
1 watercolor set
1 pkg quart Ziplock bags – boys
1 pkg gallon Ziplock bags – girls
1 white binder with pockets
1 bottle of hand sanitizer
1 set of headphones (no earbuds, please)
4 pack of dry erase markers

Second Grade
12 glue sticks
3 plastic pocket folders with holes and no brads (solid colors)
2 dozen No. 2 pencils – plain (Ticonderoga preferred)
1 pkg of colored pencils
1 pair Fiskars pointed school scissors
3 boxes (24 count) Crayons
2 composition notebooks
1 small school box
1 watercolor set
3 boxes Kleenex
4 highlighters
2 pkgs Cayola Washable Markers
(2) 1 inch view 3 ring binder
2 pkgs dry erase markers
2 pkgs pencil top erasers
Bottle of hand sanitizer
1 box Ziploc bags (boys-gallon; girls-quart)
2 roll paper towels
2 containers disinfectant wipes
1 backpack with name (new or used)
1 set of headphones (no earbuds please)
No pencil sharpeners

Devine Middle School Supply List 2025-26

Shared Supplies: These supplies will be turned in to a designated teacher and distributed among all teachers/classrooms for sudents use throughout the year.
Supplies:
Kleenex – 4 boxes per semester
Disinfectant Wipes – 2 containers
Hand Sanitizer – 1 container
Quart Ziploc Bags – 2 boxes
Expo Markers – 1 pack of 4 markers

Backpacks & Supplies: These supplies are expected to be kept by the sudent and available as needed in each class and will need to be replenished throughout the year.
Supplies:
Backpack – 1
Student Daily Planner – 1 for 6th grade only
Wide-Ruled Notebook Paper – 1 pack with sutdent at all times (2-3)
Pencil/Supply Bag for Binder – 1
Glue Stick – 3
Washable Markers – 2 packs
Hi-Lighter – 2 pack
Black or Blue Pen – 2-3 with student at all times
Eraser – 1
Spirals – 3 70-page wide ruled
Folders with Pockets & Brads – 4-5 (see below for 7th grade)
Scissors – 1
Pencils – 2-3 with student at all times
Composition Book – 5-6 (see below for 7th grade)

7th Grade (items per subject):
ART 1 – 7th Grade & Art II 8th Grade supplies – Pentel Polymer Eraser (large white) & 1 ream of copy paper
PE/Pre-Athletics – Workout uniforms (T-shirt – gray for girls; gray/white for boys – plain Hanes or Fruit of the Loom undershirts work best; Athletic Shorts – Maroon, gold or gray – shorts must stay up at the waist with elastic and/or drawstring; Socks – must be worn at all times with shoes; Tennis shoes – 2 pair required – one pair must be court shoes for inside gym use only and one pair will be used for outside activities & everyday school use; Deodorant – 2 deodorants – keep one in gym locker for personal use & one to coaches for extra supply. During colder days solid colored warn-up pants are allowed to be worn over or in place of shorts.) NOTE: 6th Grade must bring combination padlock with number dial.
Shop – 8th Grade – 1 Carpenter Pencil
7th & 8th Grade Band – Hard cover black binder, 3 ring, 1 – 1.5 inches
8th Grade Math – Graphing Calculator (optional) TI-84 or TI-84 Plus CE & 3 ring binder, 1-1.5 inches

Local School Information Start Dates – Natalia starts Aug. 4, Lytle starts Aug. 11, Devine begins Aug. 12

Devine ISD staff development is Monday, August 4 through Monday, August11.
Student classes begin Tuesday, August 12

Natalia ISD staff development is Monday, July 28 through Thursday, July 31.
Student classes begin Monday, August 4
Natalia High School Volleyball will begin practice on Friday, August 1.

Lytle ISD staff development is Friday, August 1 through Friday, August 8.
Student classes begin Monday, August 11
Junior High / High School Meet the Teacher Night is Wednesday, August 6 from 5 to 7 pm
Lytle Pirate Community Pep Rally @ Lytle High School on Wednesday, August 13 from 6 to 8 pm

Medina Valley ISD staff development is Friday, August 1 through Monday, August 11.
Student classes begin Tuesday, August 12