Celebrating 126 Years of Serving the communities of Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Bigfoot, and Moore in Medina, Frio, and Atascosa Counties
Little Ellajae Dishman presents Leticia Esquibel with a Bible signed by the Mission Devine volunteers and leaders. More photos of projects completed by this wonderful organization inside.
Like father, like son….
Daniel and son Carson Bowyer made a great team helping out with projects for Mission Devine.
Mission Devine volunteers wrapped up another successful work week this June.
By Kayleen Holder
Editor
Local Wildlife Biologist Matt Reidy recorded getting 7.4 inches in 1 day, Thursday, June 12 in the Lytle area. That’s the biggest 1 day rain he has recorded in the past 13 years for that area. “The closest I have had to that kind of rain in a day was 4.35 inches in 2012,” Reidy said.
Local feed store operator, Fred Morales reports that “we did pretty well here in Devine” too.
“Everyone around Devine is sitting right at 6-7 inches in the past week. We got about a quarter of our annual rainfall, in 2 days. Most of it in 1 day,” Morales said, something he says is starting to seem like the “new normal.”
As far as farming goes, “it’s late for corn and row crops, and early for peanuts,” Morales noted. “But it’s going to be great for our pastures and our ponds. A lot of times, cattle ranchers struggle as much with keeping water in their ponds as much as they do grass in the pastures….It’s also great timing for our warm season grasses, which is predominately what we have around here.”
Between Devine and Castroville, another reader recorded between 5-6 inches. In the Black Creek area outside Devine, another reported getting up to 7 inches.
According to the SA Express News, they got over 6 inches of rain recorded at San Antonio International Airport on Thursday, which is according to them, the highest one-day rainfall total since 2013. In addition, KSAT reports it’s also San Antonio’s 10th highest daily rain total of ALL TIME (with records beginning in 1880s).
Water rose quickly, and 15 vehicles were swept away from the Loop 410 and Perrin Beitel access road into the creek below, according to SAFD. The death toll of flooding in Bexar County rose to 13 as of Monday.
Natalia Volunteer firefighters responded to the scene of a horrible accident Friday, June 13 around 8:55 pm. The young man driving a Hondo Civic crashed into the guardrail on FM 1343 between Devine and Castroville, right after the S curve past Custom Refinishing.
When first responders arrived, bystanders had already pulled the young man out of the vehicle. Air life was too far out, so he was transported by EMS to University Hospital with serious injuries.
“The cabin of the car was full of smoke, and they thought it…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!
By Kathleen Calame
Publisher
A Houston based developer, ANLARR, is proposing to build a 100 tiny home gated community in Devine on about 19 acres on Highway 173 between to WOG and O’Reilly’s/ Walmart. area
Rahul Reddy, ANLARR Project Manager, presented the proposal to the Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday night and then to the City Council the next night on Tuesday.
Many answers to questions are being sought on both sides, from the city and the developer as this is in the preliminary stages.
Several feasibility studies need to be done including some by TxDOT.
City Administrator David Jordan suggested to the committee and council, “Give me your questions and we will send them to the developer and meet again in two weeks”.
City Planner Brandon Melland presented the council with a suggested ordinance that would cover special projects like this that come up, called a “PD District.” A PD District is adaptable to the unique needs of each project, he explained.
“For example twenty years ago tiny homes weren’t a thing so not covered by the ordinances you have. A PD District gives the council flexibility”.
Studies have shown there are both advantages and disadvantages to the creation of special districts like this.
In addition, the project would be a gated community, with amenities available to people who live in it. The 100 Devine Tiny Homes Community would include key fob gates, a small park/ play area, tennis court, gazebo with picnic tables, tiny swimming pool, vegetable garden, walking trails, and detention ponds.
The tiny homes have a maximum of 399 square feet of living space, plus a porch, small yard, and a drive way.
The homes would be sold to customers on payments at $1,200 to $1,300 per month for 20 years. The land underneath would be leased and included in the loan. If homeowners decided to move their tiny homes that is a possibility if the debt is paid up, rent to own.
“This is the first tiny home project, but I’ve built apartments, schools and hotels. Projects in Live Oak, Schertz, and mostly in Houston,” said Reddy. “We want to be in a community that needs and supports our vision”.
By Anton Riecher
For the month of May, ESD4 ambulances responded to 209 emergency runs, reported Allegiance Mobile Health Care District Chief Patrick Boucier during his report to the ESD 4 board of commissioners June 11.
Of those runs, 58 were within Devine city limits, 27 within Natalia city limits and 122 made to unincorporated areas of the district.
At least 11 calls were made from Moore and another two from Pearsall. Only two mutual aid calls were made from ESD4 to other adjoining ambulance districts, Bourcier said.
Of the total calls reported, 142 patients were transported to hospitals. Sixty-seven runs did not result in a patient transport. Ten calls were cancelled before the ambulance reached the scene, and six involved welfare checks.
Medina County emergency service dispatch reported 230 calls to ESD4 units for the same period, Bourcier stated.
“I went through these reports,” he said. “They are a little confusing but I went ahead and added the numbers anyway. I’ll get clarification later.”
Terms and definitions can be the determining factor in the statistical breakdown of monthly runs made by the Medina County Emergency Services District 4 ambulance service.
For example, the difference between a response to a reported fall or to assist a patient transferring from a wheelchair to a bed can be important, said Boucier.
Patients wary of the expense of a hospital visit tend to choose their words carefully when calling for help, Bourcier said.
“We consider a fall an injury, but the call comes in ‘I need a lift assist,’” Bourcier said. “They want to get up off the floor and be put back in their chair. That sounds simple enough but y’all know that normally when we fall, especially when we are elderly, we usually break something.”
In elderly patients, the nervous system does not always process pain the way one would expect, he said.
“Things can be broken and they don’t feel it at the time,” Bourcier said. “So we try to treat these patients not as a lift assist but as a true fall.”
Allegiance Regional Vice President Amanda Baum, on hand for the board meeting, noted that personnel are trained to use a fall check list that asks questions such as “Are you high risk?” and “Did you mean to be where you are?”
“If you’re in your wheelchair and you need help to get in bed, that is a lift assist,” Baum said. “If you meant to be in bed and you’re on the floor that is not a lift assist – that’s a fall.”
The quorum for the meeting consisted of board president Steve Smith and commissioners Patrick DuBose and Tony Martin. Board commissioner Jerry Beck was absent. Due to Beck’s absence, no progress was reported on the Natalia substation project.
One board seat remains unfilled in the wake of Juan Zamora’s recent resignation. It was the first board meeting in the wake of ESD4 EMS Director, Jason Miller’s, untimely death.
Smith briefly outlined his plans to transition the district’s computer operations to its own server rather than storing data remotely, accessing it through a third-party provider.
“It’s going to be ours and we will have sovereignty of that,” Smith said. “It’s not going to be in the cloud on someone else’s computer.”
He also laid out strategy for future development in the district, broken down into three key components – operational, financial and personnel. Long term, the district should be looking at opening one or two new substations within the next three to five years.
“What does that mean for us?” Smith said. “That means we have to look at statistics from the data being collected.”
It also means taking a hard look at the money available for this future expansion, he said.
Smith also noted that work was needed on the contract relationship between ESD4 and Allegiance Mobile Health.
“We were in the process of developing the contract compliance program and we have not implemented the quarterly contract review,” Smith said.
Smith said he wants to meet with Bourcier and Allegiance management to “tweek” the contract to make sure both sides are getting what is being asked for.
No action was taken by the board following a closed executive session to discuss personnel and property acquisition, Smith said.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is collaborating with Medina County Farm Bureau to host a Medina County Cattle Brief: Screwworm Update & Summer Management meeting on June 24, 2025 at Graff 7A Ranch 911 US-90 East, Hondo TX 78861. This important event is meant to provide locals with some recent screwworm updates, as well as provide some pointers on how to manage cattle herd throughout the Summer. Dr. T.R. Lansford will speak on the topic of New World Screwworm Update, Dr. Karl Harborth will deliver the topic of Summer Cattle Herd Nutrition Considerations, and Mr. Kason Haby will cover the topic of Managing Stocking Rates During Drought. Don’t miss out on this event as it is a relevant opportunity to stay informed on cattle herd and health topics this summer!
Registration is limited to 125 attendees. A light lunch, courtesy of the Medina County Farm Bureau, will be provided following the program. You must RSVP to attend. To reserve your spot, please contact the Medina County AgriLife Extension Office by June 20th at 830-741-8180.
The following programs are offered to Devine ISD students:
June 16 – 19 – Tennis Camp for grades 1 through 5 from 8 am to 9:30 am and grades 6 through 9 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at the Tennis Courts. Cost is $55 and a t-shirt is included. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen and a cap. Please wear camp t-shirt on Thursday for pictures.
June 23 – 27 –Arabian Summer Basketball Camp for grades 1 through 3 from 1 pm to 2:30 pm and grades 4 through 9 from 3 pm to 4:30 pm at the DSAC Gym. Cost is $55 and a t-shirt is included. Participants will learn fundamental offensive skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting and defensive techniques will be stressed. There will also be time spent on dedication, school pride and Devine TEAM spirit.
July 14 – 17 – Mini Cheer Camp for Kinder from 9 am to 12 noon and grades 1 through 8 from 9 am to 3 pm at DHS Gym. Cost is $45 for Kinder and $65 for grades 1 through 8. Theme days will be: Let’s Glow Monday (Neon); Tiki Tuesday (Beach/Hawaiian); Workout Wednesday (Workout Clothes); and Super Slay Spirit Thursday (Maroon/Gold).
July 14 – 17 – Warhorse Football Camp for grades 3 through 6 from 8:30 am to 11:30 am at the Warhorse Practice Field. Cost is $50.
By Anton Riecher
Medina Senior Center Executive Director Sharayah Gonzales made a heartfelt appeal for funds to the Medina County Commissioners Court Monday to save the local Meals on Wheels program, which is left reeling from recent cutbacks.
“Today I come to you because right now we are in urgent need and we are looking to prevent the shutdown of our program serving more than 3,000 seniors in Medina County,” Gonzales said.
She told commissioners that without an infusion of cash the program could shut down by mid-to-late July.
Recent proposed budget cuts, particularly from the Trump administration, are targeting Older Americans Act (OAA) programs. These cuts could significantly impact vital services for older adults, including nutrition programs, health promotion, disease prevention, and elder abuse prevention efforts.
To date, the Medina County Meals on Wheels program has suffered funding cuts of more than $112,000. The total shortfall for the entire program is $250,000 out of an annual cost of $400,000.
“It’s near and dear to my heart,” Gonzales said. “I feel like it’s an honor to represent all the seniors in our community.”
The county already funds Meals on Wheels to the extent of $50,000 annually through the Texas Department of Agriculture which facilitates the Texans Feeding Texans: Home Delivered Meals Grant Program. In addition to money sought from the county, Meals on Wheels has applied for $138,000 in grant funding from the Baptist Health Foundation.
Unfortunately, because of the pressure placed on that grant program, the amount the local Meals on Wheels is eligible to obtain has been slashed to $35,000, Gonzales said. Meals on Wheels is also applying for funding through the James Avery jewelry company.
Meals on Wheels has already been forced to reduce its number of eligible seniors by nearly 60 people in March. Applications from nearly 45 more seniors to join the program are pending.
Meals on Wheels volunteers drive nearly 20,000 miles annually to deliver meals to eligible seniors. The average cost per meal is $8, Gonzales said.
She added that the Medina Senior Center is planning a fundraising event in July in an attempt to keep the program going.
Commissioners took no immediate action on the matter.
In other action, the commissioners voted 3-0 to approve a resolution amending the development agreement for the Talley Ho Public Improvement District.
Also, the court voted to approve an owner/contractor agreement for the partial remodeling of the Medina County tax office at 1502 Avenue M in Hondo in conjunction with a sealed bid awarded to W.R. Griggs Construction Co. in April.
Restore’s Mobile Unit “Miss Ginny” offers free pregnancy tests and options information, free limited OB ultrasound and free STD testing.
They will be in Castroville the 1st Thursday of each month, Devine on the 2nd Thursday of each month and Lytle on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Services will be available from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.
You can call (830) 584-2123 or go to RestoreSRT.com to schedule an appointment but walk-ins are welcome.
Elementary School Principal (PK-2)
Full Texas administrator certification; campus leadership experience required; T-TESS evaluator; working knowledge of curriculum and instruction; strong organizational and communication skills; ability to evaluate instructional program and teaching effectiveness, manage budget and personnel, coordinator campus functions, implement policy and procedures, and interpret data.
Elementary School Counselor (PK-2)
Master’s degree in guidance counseling; valid Texas teaching certificate; knowledge of counseling procedures, student appraisal and career development; ability to coordinate and plan standardized testing program; strong background in special education, 504, ESL and other student support services; excellent organization, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Elementary School Campus Secretary (PK-2)
High School Diploma/GED
Ability to organize and manage routine work activities of the Elementary campus office; proficient skills in keyboarding, word processing, and file maintenance; effective organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to use software to develop spreadsheets and databases; knowledge of basic accounting principles; three years or more advanced secretarial experience in public education preferred; bilingual preferred; other duties as assigned.
Intermediate School Teacher (3-5)
Generalist EC-4 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 Special Education 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.
Middle School Assistant Principal (6-8)
(11 months) Full Texas Administrator’s Certification; Assistant Principal’s experience preferred; T-TESS evaluator; working knowledge of high 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.
Middle School English Language Arts/Reading Teacher/Coach (6-8)
English Language Arts & Reading w/STR Gr. 4-8; Generalist 4-8
Bachelor’s degree with valid Texas teaching certificate; ability to demonstrate competency in core academic subjects; general knowledge of curriculum and instruction; ability to instruct students and manage behavior; strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Middle School Special Education Math & Inclusion Teacher/Boys Coach (6-8)
Math 4-8 (preferred) or Generalist 4-8 and Special Education certified
Bachelor’s degree with valid Texas special education teaching certificate; ability to demonstrate competency in core academic subjects; general knowledge of curriculum and instruction; ability to instruct students and manage behavior; strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; knowledge of special needs students; ability to develop IEP through ARD committee process; plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies. CPI and behavior management training preferred.
High School Principal (9-12)
Full Texas administrator certification; campus leadership experience required; T-TESS evaluator; working knowledge of curriculum and instruction; strong organizational and communication skills; ability to evaluate instructional program and teaching effectiveness, manage budget and personnel, coordinate campus functions, implement policy and procedures, and interpret data.
High School Social Studies Teacher/Coach (9-12) Social Studies or Social Studies Composite
Bachelor’s degree with valid Texas teaching certificate; ability to demonstrate competency in core academic subjects; general knowledge of curriculum and instruction; ability to instruct students and manage behavior; strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
High School Principles of Law/Law Teacher/Coach (9-12)
Bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, or high school diploma/GED and equivalent wage-earning experience as required by certification; valid Texas career and technical education certificate with required license, endorsements, and training for subject and level assigned Knowledge of career and technical education subject assigned; general knowledge of curriculum and instruction; ability to instruct students and manage their behavior; ability to oversee student field experiences in career area assigned; strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Athletic Director (option to coach) Certified Administrator (preferred)
Direct and manage the overall program of extracurricular and intramural athletics for the district; knowledge of overall operations of an athletic program; knowledge of federal, state, and UIL policies governing athletics; ability to implement policy and procedures; ability to interpret data; ability to manage budget and personnel; excellent public relations, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to speak effectively before groups of students, parents, and staff.
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)
Bachelor’s degree in communicative science and disorders; Texas license as a SLPA required; strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills; knowledge of speech-language disorders and conditions; required hours of clinical observation and assisting experience as required for licensure.
Food Service Worker (5 openings)
Work under moderate supervision to prepare and serve appropriate quantities of food to meet menu requirements. Maintain high standards of quality in food production, sanitation, and safety practices.
Substitutes for Nurses Minimum Requirement-Medical Assistant
Bus Driver CDL and Criminal Background/Fingerprinting Required
Custodian(s) Criminal Background/Fingerprinting Required
LSSP (School Psychologist)-4-day instructional week. (1 opening)
Academic Services Department/Psychologist
Position is eligible for a Ch21 contract. Position is currently 194 days for the reduced 4-day school week. Salary range for min/max is $70,000 to $81,298, but is negotiable based on experience & certifications. There is a $5,000 first year sign on bonus.
Teacher Application Pool 2025-2026 school year – ECC Campus, Elementary
We are ready to accept applications in the 2025-26 Teacher Application Pools. It is not tied to any actual open position; it is merely a folder to start reviewing eligible applicants for possible openings in the next school year. Open positions will be posted separately. The 2025-2026 compensation plan will be posted after April 2025.Contact for interviews/references will come from the campus administrators or their assistants.
Teacher Application Pool 2025-2026 school year – Elementary
We are ready to accept applications in the 2025-26 Teacher Application Pools. It is not tied to any actual open position; it is merely a folder to start reviewing eligible applicants for possible openings in the next school year. Open positions will be posted separately. The 2025-2026 compensation plan will be posted after April 2025. Contact for interviews/references will come from the campus administrators or their assistants.
3rd Grade Teacher 2025-2026 school year – Elementary
The 2025-2026 compensation plan will be posted after April 2025. Contact for interviews/references will come from the campus administrators or their assistants.
2nd Grade Teacher 2025-2026 school year – Elementary
The 2025-2026 compensation plan will be posted after June 2025. Contact for interviews/references will come from the campus administrators or their assistants.
4th Grade Teacher 2025-2026 school year – Elementary
The 2025-2026 compensation plan will be posted after June 2025. Contact for interviews/references will come from the campus administrators or their assistants.
School Counselor – High School
4-day instructional week! 12 month, educed work day assignment calendar. 2024-25 Compensation Plan: Min-mid-max, Salary is Negotiable based on experience and certifications. $59.664–$64,299–$69,293. 2025-26 Compensation Plan set to be updated by 6/30/2025
Teacher Application Pool 2025-2026 school year – Junior High
We are ready to accept applications in the 2025-26 Teacher Application Pools. It is not tied to any actual open position; it is merely a folder to start reviewing eligible applicants for possible openings in the next school year. Open positions will be posted separately. The 2025-2026 compensation plan will be posted after April 2025. Contact for interviews/references will come from the campus administrators or their assistants.
5th Grade Teacher 2025-2026 school year – Junior High
The 2025-2026 compensation plan will be posted after April 2025. Contact for interviews/references will come from the campus administrators or their assistants.
ELAR Teacher 2025-2026 school year – Junior High
The 2025-2026 compensation plan will be posted after April 2025. Contact for interviews/references will come from the campus administrators or their assistants.
Social Studies Teacher/Coach 2025-2026 school year – Junior High
The 2025-2026 compensation plan will be posted after April 2025. Contact for interviews/references will come from the campus administrators or their assistants.
Admin. Assistant/RegistrarPEIMS
The Campus Adminstrative Assistant/PEIMS-Registrar is scheduled to work 12 Months per school year, from July to June. The 2024-25 pay range is: Paygrade Min $28,930–Mid $33,600–Max $36,204
Classroom Teacher Substitute _24-25 School year (Accepting apps, but no on-boarding planned-List is full)
School Bus Driver_4-day work week (1 opening and sub drivers)
Cafeteria Substitute _Application pool
Custodian (1 opening)
Lytle ISD also still has several open positions for the 25-26 school year including:
Primary School Counselor
Master’s degree preferred. Coordinate school, home, and community resources and refer students, parent, and others to special programs and services as needed. Work collaboratively to advocate for individual students and specific groups of students. Plan and conduct structured group lessons. Collaborate with teachers who teach guidance-related curriculum. Use accepted theories and effective techniques of developmental guidance to counsel students. Provide preventive, remedial, and crisis counseling as needed.
Elementary School Counselor
Master’s degree preferred. Plan and conduct structured group lessons. Collaborate with teachers. Use accepted theories and effective techniques of developmental guidance to counsel students. Provide preventive, remedial, and crisis counseling as needed. Coordinate school, home, and community resources and refer students, parent, and others to special programs and services as needed. Work collaboratively to advocate for individual students and specific groups of students.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Master’s degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited college or university. Valid license as a speech-language pathologist granted by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) or Bachelor’s degree and valid Texas Education Agency speech therapy certificate. Plan and provide speech-language pathology services to students with speech, voice, or language disorders. Assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to eliminate or reduce problems or impairments that interfere with their students’ ability to derive full benefit from the educational program.
Elementary Teacher
Provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences in the core academic subject area assigned to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.
District Computer Technician
Install and upgrade computers and peripherals. Install network cabling and network peripherals. Relocate computer hardware, peripherals, and equipment. Install and configure software. Assist with the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of data communications circuits and equipment. Diagnose and repair equipment, including printers, terminals, and personal computers. Service equipment. Follow established safety procedures and techniques. Correct unsafe conditions in the work area and report any conditions that are not correctable to the supervisor immediately. Respond to after-hours emergencies as needed.
Jr High Math Teacher
Bachelor’s degree from accredited university. Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements or required training for subject and level assigned. Demonstrated competency in the core academic subject area assigned. Provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences in the core academic subject area assigned to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.
High School Counselor
Master’s degree preferred. Coordinate school, home, and community resources and refer students, parent, and others to special programs and services as needed. Work collaboratively to advocate for individual students and specific groups of students. Guide individual students, groups of students, and parents to plan, monitor, and manage the student’s own educational and career development including creating and reviewing personal graduation plans and providing information about post-secondary opportunities. Plan and conduct structured group. Collaborate with teachers. Use accepted theories and effective techniques of developmental guidance to counsel students. Provide preventive, remedial, and crisis counseling as needed.
Cafeteria Manager
High school diploma or GED, Certified Food Manager (CFM) required. Responsible for on-site leadership of campus child nutrition operations. Ensure appropriate quantities of food are prepared and served. Meet time constraints set by menu requirements established by Central Office administration. Ensure all operations follow safe food handling standards.
Custodian
Contact Rachel Estrada to set up an interview and fill out an application. Ms. Estrada can be reached at 210-478-0049 or by rachel.estrada@lytleisd.org.
Bus Driver
Valid Texas CDL (Class B with Passenger Endorsement). No record of DUI convictions in past 10 years. Must be able to pass DOT mandated physical exam. Must pass pre-duty and randomly administered drug and alcohol tests. Ensure the safe and orderly transportation of students on assigned bus route. Operate school bus that transports students and other
For more information and full descriptions on job openings see district websites.
