By Joseph Ramon Devine News Intern Over 65 cattle ranchers and farmhands gathered at Graff 7A ranch in Hondo Texas to hear updates from the Medina County Farm Bureau and Texas A&M Agrilfe Extension on New World Screwworms.
Dr. T.R. Lansford, the deputy executive director and assistant state veterinarian for Texas Animal Health Commission, gave the presentation explaining what New World Screwworms (NWS) are, why they are a threat, how they can be combated and what is being done to prevent the spread to Texas. Screwworm maggots are the larvae of the fly that attack living flesh of mammals. Livestock and deer are most susceptible but there are reported cases of NWS attacking birds, companion animals, other wildlife, and on very rare occasions humans. The life cycle of the NWS begins with adults aged 10-14 days which will lay eggs in the cattle. Eggs can be laid in an open wound, reproductive tract, sinuses or even ear canals. Within hours these eggs will hatch into larvae which will start burying themselves into the tissue. Larvae spend about 5-7 days inside the animal or in the tissue and then they come out, and pupate into the ground. After 6-8 days, they emerge from their cocoon into adult flies and repeat the process. The entire cycle is normally 18 days in hot climates, but in colder areas it can slow down and take as long as 60 days. When it comes to transmission of this disease it is not contagious from animal to animal through contact. For this disease to spread, it requires a fly. The NWS can be masked by other types of maggots or flies that enter the wound to feed on tissue that has become necrotic as a result of damage done by the screwworms. The primary method of eradication is the Sterile Insect Technique. This method is done by releasing sterilized adult male flies into female populations. Female NWS only mate once, so through this method NWS have been eradicated before during the 60’s in the United States. It would be very impactful to the economy of livestock production, wildlife production and the general economy at large if there was a reintroduction of the NWS into the United States. The U.S. has made substantial efforts to remain NWS free such as financially supporting the creation of a sterile NWS plant in Mexico to eradicate the populations that appear there and prevent the spread into the U.S.. The estimated benefits of remaining free of NWS are $3.7 billion to the general economy in the United States. There would potentially be a large amount of livestock and deer deaths. In 1935, there was an approximate loss of 180,000 cattle in Texas alone, according to Lansford . During the infestation, it was estimated that 80-90% of fawns died from NWS infections. The estimated impact on the Texas economy if there is another infestation is $1.8 billion based on the losses incurred during the infestation in 1976, adjusted for inflation. When checking for screwworm infestations one of the signs is a strong foul odor. Monitor behavior, frequent head shaking could also indicate an infestation in the sinuses or ear canals. If these infections are not treated they typically result in death in 7-10 days, according to the presentation. If there is an infestation discovered there are several forms of treatment to remove the infestation. There is a topical treatment that can be applied called permethrin pesticides. Systemic options are only available through a veterinarian. In addition, consider treating with betadine and otodine solutions. These will help dry up the wound and heal faster. There are 2,200 confirmed cases of infestation in Mexico, the closest being an infestation in Oaxaca as of the week before this presentation. To prevent the spread U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brook Rollins, has closed the borders for importation of cattle, horses and bison into the U.S.. The USDA announced a five pronged approach to stopping the spread into the U.S. which includes: stopping the pest from spreading in Mexico and ensure we are full partners in eradication, protect the U.S border at all costs, maximize our readiness, take the fight to the screwworm, and innovate our way to eradication. “We need to inform all the cattle producers and the wildlife people that the screwworm situation was bad back in the ‘60s. I mean, it’s devastating to the livestock industry. And now to the wildlife industry. People need to be aware of what’s out there and what might be coming, and what to do about it if it gets here.” said Ronnie Muennink, president of the Medina County Farm Bureau. “ I grew up when screwworms were around, and the treatment is a daily thing. You have to watch your animals constantly, and treat immediately, because the death rate is in 7-14 days.” If you have a suspicious case, contact the Animal Health Commission, USDA, or your veterinarian. For more resources on screwworm information go to the USDA, Agrilfe Extension, and the Animal Health Information websites.
Devine ISD Elementary School Instructional Aide (PK-2) Must meet ESSA ‘Highly Qualified’ requirements (48 college hrs./2 hrs. or attend TOPP training at ESC20) and local criteria. Must have knowledge of basic computer operations and skills; ability to operate personal computer and educational software; ability to work with students and teachers effectively; effective organization, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Intermediate School Assistant Principal (3-5) Full Texas Administrator’s Certification; Assistant Principal’s experience preferred; T-TESS evaluator; working knowledge of elementary school curriculum and instruction; strong organizational skills; STAAR Test coordinator skills and an ability to evaluate instructional programs and teaching effectiveness; implement policy and procedures; and to interpret data as well as use a variety of software applications for data disaggregation.
Intermediate School Teacher (3-5) Generalist EC-4 and/or 4-8 or Generalist EC-6 Bachelor’s degree with valid Texas teaching certificate; knowledge of curriculum and instruction; ability to instruct students and maintain highly structured and orderly environment; strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Intermediate School Instructional Aide (3-5) Must meet ESSA ‘Highly Qualified’ requirements (48 college hrs./2 hrs. or attend TOPP training at ESC20) and local criteria. Must have knowledge of basic computer operations and skills; ability to operate personal computer and educational software; ability to work with students and teachers effectively; effective organization, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Kick off your weekend with a patriotic start to this most patriotic American holiday. Before you head out for your 4th of July weekend, swing by the VFW at 12:00 noon for a free hot dog. While guests enjoy their hot dogs, Post 3966 will have a reading of the Declaration of Independence before their 1:00 PM drawing to determine the winners of their ticket sale fundraiser.
The fund raiser is to raise money for repairs, maintenance and expenses to run our Post home, the “Old Green Alamo,” and for charitable projects and veteran assistance. Tickets will be on sale until the drawing. There will be three drawings: 1.) Taurus G3C 9mm Pistol, 2.) Tristan Cobra III 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun, and 3.) Diamondback DB 15, 5.56 Rifle.
Free hot dogs will be given out starting at noon (while supplies last) and continuing through the one o’clock drawing. Chips, sodas and other beverages will be available for sale in the Post Canteen. Tickets are available from any Post member, at the Post Canteen during normal hours, Wednesday and Thursday evenings after 6pm this week, or by calling 210-289-6204. You do not need to be present to win.
The drawing will be held at 1 PM, July 4, 2025, at VFW Post 3966, 211 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016. Winners can pick up their prizes at Calame Gun Store after completing State required paperwork.
Justin is an intelligent, engaging teen who enjoys reading books and playing all sorts of video & board games. He’s always seen with a smile on his face, as he enjoys making others laugh. Justin enjoys going to school and his plans are to attend college here in Texas, to study and obtain a degree in music. His favorite artists are Taylor Swift and Rihanna. When it comes to fun or an ideal outdoor trip, it’s an amusement park, or a go-cart race track…. When out and about – for a quick meal, one of his favorites is Chick-Fil-A, Justin says he would like to be a part of a forever family where he can have siblings and a two-parent household. And if possible, a pet dog. If you think you could be a forever family for Justin 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.
Medina County Crime Stoppers– Police are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying this individual who has committed several thefts at retail stores in Castroville. This person was observed operating a GMC Acadia and is wanted for questioning. If you have any information that could help identify this individual, please contact the Castroville Police Department. To remain anonymous, you may submit a tip through the P3 Tips app or call 1-800-367-2833. Your tip may be eligible for a cash reward.
By Kathleen Calame Publisher, The Devine News The Devine Volunteer Fire Department is facing another financial crisis and asked the MCESD#2 to help them out by providing an extra $85,000 to keep them going until the end of the fiscal year Oct.1 to cover payroll and all other expenses, which they did after much discussion. This was announced at the June 17, 2024 meeting of the ESD#2. The $85,000 plus the $80,000 still due on their 2024-25 contract is what they say is needed to survive til October 1. They also discussed the choice to promote the Chief instead of going out for applications and reiterated that many financial reports and other reports need to be turned into the ESD board monthly as required by the contract and requested by the board for transparency. Another surprise came two days after this meeting, as the Devine VFD Board President Robert Pequeno stepped down. Pequeno stepped in that role from VP about a year ago in June 2024, and was elected in August 2024. VP Ethan Gelinas, 18, is now in charge of the DVFD per the bylaws as Acting President. Gelinas was elected VP in January 2025, and now five months later, given the responsibility of Acting President at budget time. (See separate article.) MCESD#2 Commissioners expressed their frustrations with the fire board for not going out for applications as promised at multiple public meetings, including the most recent meeting, by conducting an competitive hiring process to get the most qualified candidate. “You had an interim Fire Chief already, so why all of the sudden such urgency?” asked MCESD2 Commissioner Jerry Stevens, with the question directed at Devine Volunteer Fire Department Board members (President Robert Pequeno, VP Ethan Gelinas, Secretary Matt Bowers, and Treasurer Henry Salas) sitting in front of them. “Did the President not remind you of the promise to the public and us (the board) that you would go out for applicants after all the turmoil of last year? Y’all were at most of those meetings as well when we talked about it.” The ESD board expressed over and over, concern for the lack of transparency and trust which was promised to the public at the meetings going forward. “This is not about you Jessica, it is about transparency and the board and department doing what’s promised,” said Comm. Stevens added.
The DVFD President read a letter to the board trying to explain their actions to include some of these highlights: “Thank you for the opportunity to speak… share the difficult decisions we’ve had to make and respectfully request your consideration for contract amendments to help sustain our department. Last October we hired six full-time firefighters. In November, we discovered ….embezzling of $76,000 in department funds. (Which insurance paid back). Our new accountant Ms. Benavides and Assistant Chief Martinez worked tirelessly to assess the full extent of the loss, initiate the insurance claim, and begin rebuilding a sound financial picture. In February Chief Atkinson was arrested on serious charges and placed on leave (then resigned). Martinez stepped up to serve as interim chief and provide steady, professional leadership throughout the challenging transition. Around this same time, we were informed by the ESD that its funds must be kept separate from our other revenue sources and used strictly for their designated purposes- equipment, station upkeep, and operational readiness. This separation of funds highlighted a painful reality: without the ability to use ESD funds for payroll, we cannot afford to continue employing our full time firefighters. In the months since, we have done everything within our power to sustain our staffing. We utilized all our available DVFD funds to continue meeting payroll obligations. These measures allowed us to maintain continuity of service for as long as possible. However, those funds have now been depleted, and without additional support, we are at a financial crossroads. With rising pressure from the public and from the ESD to fill the vacant chief position, we made the difficult but necessary decision to promote Interim Chief Martinez to permanent Chief. Chief Martinez is not only the current Fire and EMS Academy Program Coordinator- a program that brings in a large portion of our revenue–but also a respected leader whose presence is vital to department morale. We are asking the ESD to amend our contract to allow for ESD funds to be used toward the salaries of our full -time firefighters.”
After he read the letter the commissioners asked hard questions of the fire board and Chief. Comm. Beadle- “I think what is frustrating to us is that Jerry asked you at our last meeting when the competitive hiring process would begin. Those specific words. Not just what is the timeline for getting us a new chief. I struggle still with the answer “we haven’t began the hiring process yet because we are looking at funding”…We love our chief, but this room was full of people, citizens and volunteers, at a meeting where this whole process that was intended (on hiring) was explained.” Pres. Pequeno “ And I fully understand your concern and your confusion. Let me explain.” Comm. Beadle.’” Oh, I am not confused, but I am concerned.” Comm. Stevens- “I have to disagree with the confusion part, there was no confusion! The statement and conversation we had with the President and this board sitting in front of us today, was that we would do a competitive opening. That is what was delivered to us, the ESD board, and to the citizens of Devine. With everything that had been going on with this fire department, we were told explicitly several times in meeting that a competitive opening hiring process would take place. Now, if Chief Martinez was the top applicant in a competitive opening, then absolutely she should be in that role. The community is not happy at the way this was done. Stevens- “I have concerns with this fire department. With the statement that your President has just made on the fact that ‘if Martinez was not brought in as the Chief then you would leave’…then maybe you are not made for this fire department. That is from me. That is bullying and that is putting your board in a situation that it’s going to be worse. That is also affecting your community. Is that what you want for your community? You’re a part of it. For that to be stated to your board is unacceptable.” Stevens- “To put that out there like that in an open statement, that is not right. Not for this community. For that statement to be read out loud to this board and to this community is unacceptable. I do not accept that kind of mentality from this group, this fire department.” Beadle- I think it is fair to say for the board to tell you how to do things is mirco management. The difference is how you are going to do it and the answer of how competitive it was going to be was satisfying not only to us but the public. That is my big rub. You said you were going to do one thing, and totally didn’t do that thing. This isn’t a question asked 3 months ago. It was question asked at the last meeting. Todd Summers- “I think I would have felt better about it if you decided you didn’t have the money you needed in your budget and would have come to us and asked for more and explained why”. Commissioner Abigail Beadle, “ We have to account for line items in our budget. So do you have clear cut people on your payroll that all they are doing is providing fire services? They are not doing academy, not doing other (city code compliance) services? For example you yourself must say we are paying 70% from ESD funds and 30% others (fire, academy or city funds) and specify. Do you know what I mean? Comm. Stevens, “I want to interject for a second. From what I understand prior to, correct me if I am wrong, the prior chief and so forth and so on, there was a big push for going to paid fire fighter. Correct? Chief Martinez, “Yes”. Comm. Stevens, “What we are seeing now is, where we are at theoretically, the DVFD cannot afford to pay for fire fighters? Yes or no? Chief Martinez, “Yes”. Comm. Stevens, “So has there been some discussion amongst you about a hard reset? I’m going to pay devil’s advocate because I’m going to get calls as to Jerry doesn’t want to pay fire fighters. I’m not saying that. I’m talking about a hard reset. What did we do before we were paying full time fire fighters? How were we making it? This fire house has been around for over or close to 100 years… I know that is not what people want to hear. But I think you as the board and you the leadership team, the chief and assistant chief, need to have some discussion amongst yourselves about this. I know there are funds there. And what we are being told by our attorney…We were successful before we went that direction. Maybe we need to take a step back and do a better job of planning and putting this together instead of just trying to fumble all the way through all of this.” ESD#2 President Todd Summers, “History of it is there has always been a challenge all over the country…. having enough people who can make those calls, and get out the door, especially in today’s environment where employers don’t give you time to go volunteer. And we don’t have a lot of people who work locally and volunteer as much as we did at one time. So that is where this all got started. To at least have a couple people that can jump in a truck and get going that direction and others can meet them there. If you can get that truck there and get water started, sometimes that 3 to 5 minutes makes a big difference. That is where it came from, and we started having this conversation.” Comm. Nighswander, “What we are seeing now, the proof is in the pudding on response time”. Well I know we are talking about that and you’re talking about responding to fire calls and putting water in hoses. But our break down of the calls shows that we are doing a lot of mutual aid for EMS. Isn’t ESD4 our EMS? So it is great what we are doing but is it affecting them and their numbers too? I’m trying to understand this. Were we doing EMS runs before we got into paid firefighters? Chief Martinez- “We were, it was only per request or if there was not an ambulance in service.” Comm. Beadle- “So think too, I know what y’all ( the board) are asking about right now is how we can help them figure out how to get through to the end of the fiscal year (July-Aug-Sept). One of my questions is, ‘Are there clear cut EMTs (full time firefighters) providing only fire services? And what percentage of ESD funds have been used for that (up to this point)? Chief Martinez- “ Since the splitting of accounts?” Beadle- “No I mean prior to that. Has ESD funds been used for this? Chief Martinez- “Any personnel who has been paid by us before the accounts got split, I don’t know what was ESD and what was not.” Beadle- “Do you know how much you need from the ESD? How much of what we are paying you, do you need to pay your salaries?” Nancy Pepper, ESD Board Bookkeeper- “I think before we can figure out pay, what we need to pay, we need to see a breakdown of what kind of salaries they have.” Martinez replied, “It’s $75,000 per shift.” Pepper- “I know, but to who? I don’t have to have names. But, we are paying the Chief and the Asst Chief this much. We are paying fire fighters that are here every day this much, and we are paying people that are instructors, which we are not suppose to be paying, but we are paying them this much.” Martinez- “No, no we aren’t.” Pepper- “Maybe not, but we can’t tell how much we are paying “ Stevens- “That is what you need to provide for us, something in writing. I know you are going off your memory, saying we are doing this and doing that. But you need salaries and you need to give us numbers and projections for Mrs. Pepper, a breakdown on paper. The Fire Board needs to provide that to us the ESD board…what you are needing, broken down.” Martinez- “The 2026 year budget breakdown, I have it broken down in that way. The only reason it is now in front of me is because that has not been completely finalized.” Beadle- “What do you estimate 10%, 20%, 30% or 100 %, what do you estimate of ESD money has been paid to salaries up to now? Martinez- “I don’t know” Beadle “That makes it hard to say how much was used in prior leadership for salaries. If we knew say 25% was being used by prior leadership that gives me a place to start working from. Nighswander- “It’s hard to say since it was co-mingled”. Summers- “We have two issues. Do we want to use ESD funds for salaries? Yes or no. If so how much of the budget? We have to decide that.” Abigail- I feel like all I can tell right now is that you need $85,000 to pay salaries. That is what I can work with on a one time basis. I can’t tell what you need on a ongoing basis. Pepper- “Is this what you need to get you through to the end of September?” Martinez-”Yes” Beadle-” So if we approve a one-time $85,000 and let you use it for salaries…. Martinez-Yes that is all we need for everything including salaries to get us through to the end of the fiscal year Martinez acknowledged. Beadle and Pepper suggested that the $80,000 still owed on the current contract between the two boards be used as an advance instead of a $85,000 amendment. After three hours of debating and questioning, the ESD#2 board decided to give the fire department an additional $85,000. Chief Martinez and Assistant Chief Scott DeLucia explained the numbers in the budget were inflated by the prior leadership. When the accounts were split it was obvious, they stated. Contract requirements MCESD Commissioner Ken Nighswander read off a list of items from the contract that will be required from the fire department to provide to the ESD board monthly, quarterly and annually. More on this soon as the contract renewal is coming up soon. What now Both boards will have to decide what is needed to keep fire protection in ESD2, as funded by the taxpayers. Will taxes need to go up to cover 24/7 full time firefighters, or will a hard reset with a combination of volunteers and paid firefighters work out? Budget time is coming up in July and August and must be set by September according to the board. Both boards have a lot to consider and figure out. The fire department receives tax dollars from the following taxing entities as of last year: MCESD#2 for fire only, Devine ISD for Academy only, Pearsall ISD for Academy only, and City of Devine for Code Enforcement. The next fire department meeting is Monday, July 14th. The next MCESD#2 meeting is Tuesday, July 15th.
Sheriff’s office joins forces with agencies to combat “cat and mouse” game
Medina County Sheriff Randy Brown and his team joined forces with 11 different agencies to crack down on crime coming through Medina County. The massive maneuver called Operation Lone Star led to the arrests of over thirty people, with charges ranging from Human Trafficking, to Drugs and Firearms charges, to Vehicle Thefts, or Outstanding Warrants. Having so many officers and deputies here to help, allows them to beat criminals at their own game, the sheriff explains. “It’s a game of cat and mouse because the smugglers all have scouts,” Sheriff Brown explains. “So they come through and mark where police are on their wave apps. Once they mark our location, and we have the main roads covered, they start…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!
Before you head out for your 4th of July weekend, swing by the VFW at noon for a free hot dog. Post 3966 will be giving out free hot dogs before their 1:00 PM drawing to determine the winners of their ticket sale fund raiser. The fund raiser is to raise money for repairs, maintenance and expenses to run our Post home, the “Old Green Alamo”, and for charitable projects and veteran assistance. Tickets will be on sale until the drawing. There will be three drawings: 1.) Taurus G3C 9mm Pistol, 2.) Tristan Cobra III 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun, and 3.) Diamondback DB 15, 5.56 Rifle. Free hot dogs will be given out starting at noon (while supplies last) and continuing through the one o’clock drawing. Chips, sodas and other beverages will be available for sale in the Post Canteen. Tickets are available from any Post member, at the Post Canteen during normal hours, Wednesday through Saturday evenings after 6pm this week, or by calling 210-289-6204. You do not need to be present to win. The drawing will be held at 1 PM, July 4, 2025, at VFW Post 3966, 211 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016. Winners can pick up their prizes at Calame Gun Store after completing State required paperwork.
Devine, Texas – June 2025 – At the monthly Devine Lions Club meeting last week, Lion Lewis Stroud was awarded the Presidential Medal for Leadership by Lions Club International (LCI), earning the organization’s second-highest individual award. The recognition was announced by District 2-A2 Governor Rose Ann Barajas in the presence of Devine Lions Club membership. A legacy of compassionate leadership. Lions Lewis Stroud, a dedicated member of the Devine Lions Club since 1985, has championed civic engagement, community fundraising, and youth outreach throughout his tenure. From club secretary to club president, his stewardship has lead to innovative service projects benefitting the visually impaired residents to supporting the Devine Police Department Silent Santa to celebrating local high school students at the monthly club meeting. The Presidential Medal for Leadership is just one notch below the Ambassador of Good Will award. It honors LIONS who have shown profound initiative, inspired members, and contributed significantly to community welfare – all hallmarks of Lewis’s ongoing service. Governor Rose Ann Barajas and Lions from District 2-A2 lauded Lion Lewis at the District Convention in April at the Historic Menger Hotel. “His leadership has changed lives,” shared Governor Rose Ann. Fellow Lions echoed the sentiment: “Lion Lewis always finds a way to turn compassion into action,” one club member remarked. Upon accepting the medal, Lion Lewis humbly credited his club and the community of Devine, saying, “This honor is ours, not mine. It’s proof that when we work together, we can truly make a difference.” He pledged to use this recognition to spark new service initiatives – particularly for vision health and the youth in Devine. LCI is a global service organization active in over 200 countries, dedicated to supporting vision, youth programs, disaster relief, and community development. Founded in 1917, awards like the Presidential Medal for Leadership span local, district, and international levels, celebrating Lions who demonstrate extraordinary leadership and lasting impact. Lion Lewis Stroud’s receipt of the Presidential Medal for Leadership not only honors his past contributions – it also services as a beacon of hope for both current lions and aspiring community leaders. His story is a reminder that true leadership is rooted in service, and true achievements are shared with those around us.
By Anton Riecher During a regular meeting of the Lytle City Council Monday, Mayor Ruben Gonzalez asked members to re-evaluate the current ranking of council priorities for consideration during fiscal year 2025-2026. “Some of these have actually been on here for years,” Gonzalez said. “Some have already been worked on, maybe taken care of, but they are still priorities based on the rankings. We’ve got to look at them individually.” The current priorities, as officially ranked by the council, include: Stormwater and drainage, Water infrastructure repairs and replacement, Replacement or maintenance of water valves around the city, Comprehensive plan (the current plan expires this year) and code updates completion, Wastewater treatment plant, New water well. Miscellaneous street paving. Each alderman listed their priority rankings…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!
