The State Operations (SOC) Center activated the Texas A&M Task Force among the many emergency responders going in to help the Hill Country Communities.
Devine’s Patrick DuBose and Castroville’s Clint Cooke are both members of this Texas Task Force 1 (TX-TF1) Urban Search and Rescue team in Kerrville helping with the search and rescue efforts after the devastating July 4 floods that sweep through children’s camps and rv parks and homes during the middle of the night.
The death toll as of July 7 was over a 100 already, as the Guadalupe River rose over 27.5 feet in less than 45 minutes in the dark of night.
Daily updates are provided for family members of the Task Force members from Merribeth Kahlich, Public Information Officer on the teams’ involvement with the ongoing search and rescue efforts in The Hill Country and other areas affected by the 4th of July Floods.
“Our water squads and HSART have been engaged in assisting local officials since early morning. TX-TF1 and TX-TF2 Type 3 Teams are now in place in The Hill Country and will receive missions. We are proud of the over 150 personnel we have in place to assist local officials and the residents of our State. Please join us in sending prayers and supportive thoughts to all that are in the affected areas. Many have suffered great loss today. All our teams have secured lodging for the night and will be up early and ready to assist. We are holding them close in our thoughts tonight and the days ahead, “ said Kahlich.
There has been an abundance of information, photos and updates about the damage and loss of life in the affected areas across all types of media showing the devastation.
“Our teams have been very engaged and assigned to a mission since their arrival,” said Kahlich. “Our water squads (some 75 folks) are true “road warriors” in this event as they have relentlessly followed the water since this began. Our HSART members have been our “heroes in the sky” and have been right where they could do the most good for the most people on several occasions! We are proud of all our members and the way they each embrace their specific jobs and perform well as a team,” said Kahlich.
To give you some idea of the scope of this deployment, currently we have the following involved:
Texas A&M Task Force 1(TX-TF1)- A Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) team with water capabilities
Texas Task Force 2 (TX-TF2)- A Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) team with water capabilities
TX-TF1-9 Swiftwater/Flood Rescue Teams with inflatable rescue boats
TX-TF1- Helicopter Search and Rescue Technicians (HSART), rescue swimmers who will partner with Texas Military Department (TMD) and US Coast Guard (USCG) aircraft
12-Search Canines
27-boats in use between all teams
TF members represent some 50 Participating Agencies
Over 245 personnel deployed
Plus an additional Type 3 US&R team joined them on Monday.
The team has continued to be engaged in mission assignments throughout the area of operations, which consists of some 6 counties: San Saba, Kerr, McCulloch, Kendall, Lampasas and Burnet. In addition to our team, USAR Resources continue to be requested via the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). Swift Water Boat Rescue Squads from Florida, Virginia, Louisiana and Oklahoma and a Canine Mission Ready Package (MRP) from Tennessee are in our state to enhance our capabilities. Resources assigned to this incident continue to move and reposition to support the many requests for assistance.
“Our task force is blessed with a wonderful Chaplain Corps as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor and a group of certified peer support counselors. Today a First Responder Assistance Center (FRAC) was made available to our members. The FRAC is here to serve responders who would like some support or to talk to someone. The center’s practitioners are trained in psychological first aid, and trauma informed care. We take the mental health of our members very seriously and we hope, if needed, they take advantage of this resource,’ she said.
“THANK YOU to all the members who have been out and working the past three days and a special THANK YOU to all of you who are holding down operations at your homes, stations and jobs. Join us as we keep our fellow Texans in our thoughts and prayers over the coming days,” she said.
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Community Mental Health Meeting July 10, hour of support and ideas
Join us for an hour of support, education, and community connection. The event will be held from 6 – 7 p.m. on July 10 in Hondo. This meeting is open to the public. Community members, healthcare professionals, and local leaders are encouraged to attend. See this ad in this week’s paper for more details.
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Meet Severo the Superhero
This little guy has a big imagination, and he’s already planning on how he’s going to dress up for Halloween…Severo the Superhero! If you think you might be the family that is meant to welcome him into your home and into your hearts, contact the Heart Gallery of South Texas today.
10-year-old 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 superhero movies and action figures. For Halloween he is thinking about dressing up like a superhero.
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.
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Fireworks, music and more…Lytle to host July 4th Independence Day Celebration
This year the city will be partnering with the Lytle Chamber of Commerce for Lytle’s Annual Independence Day Celebration. The event will take place on July 4th at the John Lott Municipal Park.
There will be food trucks set up along with a DJ.
The Music and food trucks will start at 5:00 p.m. and end at 8:20 p.m. with fireworks beginning at dark for the grand finale.
We invite everyone to come out and enjoy the evening with family and friends. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and dancing boots. If you don’t want to stay for the fireworks show feel free to visit the food trucks for a great dinner option and enjoy some live music.
Man trapped in fatal accident Saturday morning
An Arizona man, George Michael Rivera, 34, sadly lost his life in a terrible single-vehicle accident in the early morning hours of Saturday, June 28.
According to DPS reports, Rivera’s vehicle ran off of the road for unknown reasons and was reported to be on fire around 3:30 am that morning.
The accident happened on St. Hwy 173 just on this side of the Medina/Bandera County line, south of Bandera.
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Bomb threat came in over radios
By Kayleen Holder
Editor
A threat made over the airwaves caused quite a scene at Love’s Travel Stop this past Saturday, June 28. The threat was reported by an employee around 4:30 pm, and multiple agencies including two Bexar County bomb squads and over two dozen officers responded to the scene.
“A man got into their radio system there at Love’s and told the employee to get out of the building because there was a bomb, and he was going to blow it up,” Officer Rodgers said.
Chief Martin Chavez notes that call could have come from anywhere within a half-mile or maybe even a mile radius, from someone using a handheld radio on the same frequency.
When the bomb-sniffing dogs arrived they entered the building along with Officer Gary Rogers of Natalia PD.
To complicate matters, “There were some boxes and packages in the building that had been delivered that the staff couldn’t identify,” Officer Rogers said. “They didn’t see those boxes being…… LOGIN to continue reading at www.devinenewsmembers.com
Devine to issue citations,summon residents to court for brush piles
City officials say fines for brush could be anywhere from $10 to $500. Violaters will be summoned to court if the issue isn’t corrected by day 10.
After handing out many warnings, city officials said they “will be going straight to citations” when it comes to brush piles in the City of Devine, especially those left in the right of ways.
“After that citation, they get 10 days to rectify the issue,” said Mayor Butch Cook. “Then they would get summoned to Municipal Court” if it isn’t corrected within those 10 days.
The next pickup will for City of Devine residents will be August 11, and you are permitted to have your brush out there 10 days prior to that.
“I think that’s pretty lenient,” Mayor Cook said. “The fire department will be writing those citations.”
Cook also noted that Medina County does have a local facility, at the Pct 4 building in Devine where you can pay a small fee to get rid of bulky items or trash on Saturdays. THEY DO NOT ACCEPT BRUSH).
Also see the City’s press release on this issue below:
Press Release by the City of Devine – In response to overwhelming public input and the findings of a five-month community engagement effort, the City of Devine is launching a renewed focus on code enforcement aimed at improving neighborhood safety, cleanliness, and overall quality of life.
“For the past six months, our Code Compliance Program through Devine VFD has been to focus on educating the public, especially with bulk items and brush piles being placed in the city rights-of-way but it hasn’t been as effective as we had hoped. Starting last week, the first contact with property owners will be with a citation that will allow 10 days to rectify before a summons to Municipal Court will be issued,” stated Mayor Butch Cook.
Among the top priorities identified by Devine residents through the community survey were:
Public safety and emergency services
Clean and well-maintained neighborhoods
High-quality schools
Supportive and cooperative community leadership
Economic opportunity and job access
Mental health and healthcare services
Parks and public spaces
Water quality and internet access
Based on these results, city leaders recognized the need to strengthen enforcement of local ordinances regarding property maintenance, illegal dumping, abandoned structures, and other issues that directly affect neighborhood appearance and public safety.
The next bulk/brush pick up for City of Devine residents will be August 11, and placement of items is allowed 10 days prior.
“This isn’t about punishment – it’s about building pride, improving public safety, and laying the foundation for economic development. When our streets are clean and properties are cared for, we attract new businesses, create jobs, and improve quality of life for everyone,” said Mayor Cook.
The city’s efforts will include:
Proactive property inspections
Enforcement of nuisance and health and safety ordinances
Public education on city codes and compliance procedures
Coordination with social services and nonprofit partners to assist property owners in need
City Administrator David L. Jordan emphasized that this is just the beginning. “Stronger code enforcement is part of a broader strategy to develop community identity, support economic opportunity, and ensure that all residents of Devine enjoy a high quality of place,” he said.
For questions or to report a code concern, residents may contact City Hall at (830) 663-2804 or visit www.cityofdevine.org.
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Popular “Biergarten” party helps kick off St. Louis festival
As has happened for the last 143 years, the famed St. Louis Day Celebration will again open the gates to visitors from all over the state. Dubbed years ago, by the Texas Tourist Agency as “The Homecoming for the State of Texas,” the giant festival will again serve tons of barbecued beef, Alsatian style sausage, and food, drink, music, games and fun all day long for friends who make the trip each year to historic Castroville.
In only its 14th year on the shady Koenig Park grounds is one of fastest growing and most popular attractions: The St. Louis Day Biergarten.
According to Frankie Kempf, Asst. Publicity Director, the Biergarten idea was born, appropriately enough, by a couple of parishioners sitting around a “kegerator” reminiscing about the fond memories of St. Louis Days gone by. It was decided to give it a try, and now it hosts a huge crowd of visitors on Saturday evening the night before the actual celebration. So on August 23 at 6:30 p.m., the Super Saturday Biergarten Party will serve ice cold draught beer, wine, other refreshments and food, and live music for those who will make a weekend out of St. Louis Day.
The Saturday night featured entertainers this year will kick off with a great local favorite Bret Mullins Band at 6:30 p.m. Texas Tempo, another great local favorite, will follow at 8:30 and dazzle the crowd with spectacular guitar and vocal talent until 11 p.m. Sunday, August 24, is the actual festival day when thousands of visitors will flock to “The Little Alsace of Texas.”
Besides the amazing BBQ plate, the day will be jam-packed with entertainment at two different venues on the grounds including the Biergarten Stage and the ever-popular Riverside Stage. Featured talent and bands this year include Fire on the Mountain Cloggers, the Alsatian Dancers of Texas, the Alamo City Community Marching Band, mariachis, local favorites Julie Guinther & Michele Mangold, and local Medina Valley High School senior and parishioner Chas Boehme will wow the crowd with his talents for the first time. Taking the stage at 3:30 will be the ever-so-talented Weston Ripps Band followed by crowd pleasers Jordan Gauna and The Yancey Highway Band. In addition, there will be the popular games for young and old including the popular bingo pavilion. Our Plant Booth and Just Treasures will provide great deals for visitors who like to shop. The spacious air-conditioned hall will house one of the best and biggest silent auctions along with the Country Store featuring homemade and canned items.
This year will mark the 27th year of the extremely popular St. Louis Downs “Horseracing Track,” where another lucky person will have his or her name added to the Futurity Champions Wall of Fame.
For more information visit www.saintlouisday.com or like St. Louis Day on facebook.
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Principal Gomez takes reins of DHS
By Kayleen Holder
Editor
Former DHS graduate, Principal Michael Gomez was selected to lead Devine High School in the upcoming 2025-26 school year.
“I am a proud graduate of Devine High School (Class of 2002), and I’m honored to return to my alma mater,” Gomez said. “It’s an incredible honor…. I have so much pride in our school and deep love for this community. Devine shaped who I am, and I’m committed to giving back and helping our students build their own path to success.”
Principal Gomez most recently served as the principal of Devine Intermediate School for three years, and also currently serves as the district’s Safety Coordinator. Prior to returning to Devine ISD, Gomez was an assistant principal at Lytle High School.
Gomez has over a decade of experience in education, serving as a teacher, coach, and instructional leader. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University–San Antonio and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas. Gomez holds certifications as a Superintendent, Principal as Instructional Leader, and in Business Education.
“I’m excited to begin this new chapter at Devine High School and look forward to continuing to serve the students and families of Devine ISD—carrying on the tradition of excellence that makes our district so special,” Gomez adds.
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Meet Devine’s new AD…Doug Bull
By Kayleen Holder, Editor
This week, Devine welcomes new Athletic Director Doug Bull, who has over two decades of experience building up athletic programs across Texas. Bull prides himself on implementing systems that support student-athlete success both on and off the field.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to serve as the athletic director for Devine ISD,” Bull said in a short chat Tuesday morning.
He was getting straight to work, meeting with principals to discuss coaching vacancies. When asked what he looks for in a leadership team, he stated, “My coaches are passionate, hardworking people with integrity, who are going to do what’s best for the kids.”
Prior to coming to Devine, Coach Bull served as the AD for Medina Valley ISD, where he oversaw their rapidly growing athletic department for a little over two years. Prior to that, Bull served as Assistant Athletic Director for Corpus Christi ISD for over three years.
His career began with six years of experience at the collegiate level (Naval Academy, Illinois State and Northern State Universities), before transitioning to the secondary level and serving impactful roles in Edna, Dalhart, Galveston, and Deer Park. At Deer Park ISD, he was part of the leadership team that helped guide the district through its most successful athletic decade, marked by multiple state tournament appearances and state championships. As director of Strength and Training, Bull helped take volleyball, soccer, softball, and baseball to state.
Coach Bull is a certified athletic administrator through both the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association. He also holds a Texas Principal Certificate. He earned his M.S. in Education from Northern State University and a B.S. in Exercise Science from Fort Hays State University.
Throughout his career, Coach Bull has remained committed to the holistic development of student-athletes—as students, leaders, and individuals of character. His leadership fosters championship-level culture, professional growth for coaches, and long-term success across athletic programs.
Look for a more in-depth interview in the coming weeks.
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