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Youth Sports registration open in Devine

Flag Football and Volleyball, sign up by Aug 4

The 2025 Devine Youth Sports Association’s Flag Football and Volleyball registration is now open. In addition, DYFL youth Tackle Football registration is also ongoing.
DYS Flag Football is offered from Kinder-6th grade. Volleyball is offered for 1st through 6th graders. Register by August 4.
The seasons start in September and more info can be found at the registration link below:
https://leagues.bluesombrero.com/devineyouthsports

Tackle Football Sign ups Aug. 3

Two Divisions-JRs (3rd & 4th graders) & SRs (5th & 6th graders).  Football signups will be held: Sunday, July 27th and Sunday, August 3rd from 11am-3pm @ 717 Tuttle Dr. Devine, Tx..
Registration fee is $100.00 & a copy of Birth Certificate is required when registering. If questions, contact Jack Zimmerle 210.215.4944.

Public encouraged to come hear options on possible fire department changes

MCESD#2 who collects tax dollars to provide fire protection in the Devine area, has called a August 12th meeting as they are discussing contracting with ESD1 for fire services. They are having a called meeting on August 12th at 7:00 PM at the firehouse. Their regular meeting will be the following week.
“As always we appreciate participation and really hope that everyone who’s concerned would be able to make it and hear our options alongside of us,” said Abigail Beadle, ESD2 Commissioner.
Devine Volunteer Fire Department currently provides the service with a mix of paid fire fighters and volunteers. Less than a year ago, DVFD added 6 paid positions and have recently discovered it needs much more money to keep it going than originally proposed by the prior fire chief Greg Atkinson who resigned. Chief Cook of ESD1 talked at the last meeting about the various choices and wants to keep the local volunteer department while providing leadership and fire services through ESD1.

$1M Cocaine siezed

Press release, 07/28/2025–HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at Hidalgo Port of Entry seized more than $1 million in cocaine in a single enforcement action.
“This substantial cocaine seizure reflects the strong dedication of our officers to safeguarding the border, as well as their skillful use of experience and technology,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo Port of Entry.
Packages containing nearly 77 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Hidalgo International Bridge.
The seizure occurred on July 26 at the Hidalgo International Bridge when CBP officers referred a 2020 Renault Oroch for a secondary inspection. A canine inspection resulted in an alert and a nonintrusive imaging system scan revealed anomalies within the vehicle. Upon closer physical examination, CBP officers discovered 30 packages containing a total of 34.90 kilograms (76.94 lbs.) of alleged cocaine hidden within the vehicle.
The narcotics had an estimated street value of $1,027,316.
CBP seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation.

County commissioners accept tractor donated for flood emergency

By Anton Riecher
On a motion by Precinct 4 Commissioner Danny Lawler, the Medina County Commissioners Court voted unanimously Monday to accept the donation of a compact utility tractor initially designated for use in emergency operations following the recent Guadalupe River flooding.
The tractor, a 2025 Mahindra 1640 valued at $40,139, is one of five donated by the manufacturer for use in Kerr County through Bill’s Tractor and More in Hondo, County Judge Keith Lutz said. Following that effort, the tractor, complete with bucket, grapple and backhoe, will ultimately be donated to Medina County.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Jessica Castiglione seconded the motion by Lawler to accept the donation under the provisions of the Texas Local Government Code.

Ballot to include 17 ammendments to Constitution
In other business, the commissioners approved an order permitting county elections administrator Lupe C. Torres to proceed with arrangements for the November 4 general election in Medina County. The upcoming ballot includes 17 amendments to the Texas Constitution.
The county will operate three locations for early voting and eight locations for election day voting, Torres said.
Again on a motion by Lawler, the commissioners voted unanimously to approve a bid for remodeling of the former Hondo National Bank building as a future county office location. The renovation includes removal of the bank vault, Lutz said.

Finances
County Treasurer Debra Graff reported accounts payable totaling $1.353 million, not including $5,000 in postage and two wire transfers for interest payments totaling $337,134. Disbursement of funds since the last commissioners’ court meeting covering utilities, fuel and dental plans totaled $37,732.

Subdivisions
On a motion by Castiglione, the commissioners voted unanimously to approve a final plat establishing Chaam Subdivision on County Road 467. The motion was seconded by Precinct 2 Commissioner Larry Sittre.

Murder Cases
The court also voted to approve an interlocal agreement with the Hill Country Regional Public Defender Office to provide court-appointed counsel for individuals charged with capital murder. Hill Country serves Kerr, Medina, Gillespie, Bandera and Kendall counties, providing indigent defense and pre-trial services.

Renewal
Also approved by commissioners was a renewal of the contract with the Texas Health & Human Services Commission Women, Infants and Children (WIC) local agency. The program helps families across the state by providing nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy foods and referrals to health care and other community services.
The new contract extends from October 2025 to September 2026.

Executive Session
Commissioners also met in closed executive session to deliberate on economic development negotiations. No action was taken after nearly an hour behind closed doors.

Little Lady Mustang Volleyball League… Register through Aug. 7

Natalia High School Volleyball is proud to bring back our youth volleyball league for our future Lady Mustangs. We hope to spark an interest and instill a love for the game of volleyball in all athletes at an early age within our community. The mission of our league is to:
Teach teamwork and cooperation as a member of a competitive volleyball team
Improve volleyball skills
Develop competitive players who strive to achieve both personal and team goals
League fee cost is $40.00 and will include a team t-shirt. Practices will be Wednesdays from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm (8/20, 8/27, 9/3, 9/10) with games on Saturdays (8/23, 8/30, 9/6, 9/13) from 9am-12pm. We will have detailed information for games after registration.
Items/Equipment each player will need black shorts or spandex, knee pads, and tennis shoes. Coaches will be the Natalia High School Volleyball Players.
If you have questions please contact Coach Cortinas at tara.cortinas@nataliaisd.net.
Last day to register is Thursday, August 7, 2025.

Devine Rocks invites you to take one, share one, leave one

Our kindness rock project has begun…. Just remember to take one for inspiration, share one for motivation & or add one to help our garden grow. Feel free to tag this page so that we may see how far our rocks have traveled. All for fun and to hopefully make someone’s day a little brighter. One message at just the right moment can change someone’s entire day, outlook, or life! #devinerocks #kindnessmatters #kindnessisfree@ followers

LYTLE ISD…announces NEW CELL PHONE POLICYIN COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW

Lytle ISD–July 2, 2025
In response to a newly enacted Texas state law, Lytle ISD will implement a new Student Cell Phone Policy beginning this school year. We understand this change may be challenging for some, especially in our close-knit Pirate community. We are committed to providing the best possible learning environment for all — and this new policy is designed to support just that.
Why the Change?
Texas House Bill 1481 now mandates that school districts prohibit student use or possession of personal communication devices during the school day. In alignment, the Lytle ISD updated policy requires all personal communication devices — cell phones, smart watches, tablets, and similar electronics — to be kept in students’ backpacks and not used from the time they arrive on campus until they are picked up. Devices may not be carried on a student’s person, and their use is strictly prohibited in bathrooms and locker rooms.
Thank You to Our Cell Phone Task Force
Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to the members of the Lytle ISD Cell Phone Task Force, who met during the past school year to thoughtfully develop a local policy. Their insight and preparation enabled our district to respond quickly and wisely to this unexpected legislation. Because of their work, we begin this school year with clarity, consistency, and compassion.
How Will This Work?
School Day: Students must keep devices stored in backpacks and not in pockets or hands during the day.
Buses & Events: Devices may be used on school buses but without cameras. Use during extracurricular events, including UIL activities, will follow the guidelines outlined in the student handbook.
Violations: If a device is taken out during the school day, it will be confiscated, turned in to the front office, and a parent must retrieve it at the end of the school day. In the event violations become excessive, additional consequences will be imposed.
Exceptions: Students with documented medical needs may be granted exceptions through the appropriate campus committee review.
For more details, see Lytle ISD’s Student Handbook (coming in August) or contact your campus office.

From storytelling and science to magic….Driscoll Public Library’s Summer Programs Soar with Record Attendance topping 1,300+

Devine, TX – The Driscoll Public Library wrapped up another spectacular summer, offering a wide range of free programs and events that brought families, friends, and community members together to celebrate the joy of reading, learning, and creativity.
Throughout June and July, the library hosted its annual summer reading challenge alongside packed weekly programs for all age groups. In total, 1,352 participants attended events that ranged from hands-on clubs and workshops to exciting entertainment and movie afternoons.
Youth clubs remained a huge hit, with the Lego Club filling within hours and the Art Club exploring techniques like printmaking and hydro dipping. Teen Club embraced all things edible—from crafting candy-filled terrariums to sampling Asian Oreo flavors—while Mr. J’s Theatre Workshop and Tabletop Role-Playing Game sessions gave tweens and teens opportunities to collaborate, create, and perform.
Adults enjoyed Crafting After Hours, trying their hands at glass etching and photo transfers, while green thumbs gathered for the growing Plant Swap, exchanging seeds, cuttings, and tips each month.
Beloved traditions like Afternoon @ the Movies returned for their 13th year, offering cozy family film days complete with snacks and pillows. Preschool Storytime reached new popularity, leading to the introduction of pre-registration for the first time ever.
Special guests brought the wow factor all summer long. Families met real-life heroes during the Community Helpers Showcase, laughed with magician Spikey Mikey, and experienced mind-blowing science with Dr. Pennington and the Texas A&M Chemistry Roadshow. The season wrapped up with a crowd favorite: Mini Golf @ the Library, where families played through creative courses set up among the stacks.
As Library Director and staff begin preparing for an exciting fall, they thank everyone who participated this summer. “Being able to provide fun, enriching, and relaxing activities right here in Devine is one of the best parts of our job,” said staff.
Follow the Driscoll Public Library on Facebook @ Driscoll Public Library – Devine for upcoming programs and events as the school year begins.

Lytle council moves forward with improving Coal Mine access

By Anton Riecher
A task order for engineering work to extend Juarez Street to FM 683 and grant Lytle’s Coal Mine neighborhood a second entrance and exit was approved by the Lytle City Council Monday night.
“You are taking a vote that is solving an issue that the city has had for 130 years plus,” said Mayor Ruben Gonzalez. “We are finally going to be able to take care of our Coal Mine residents by providing them a secondary entrance and exit for emergencies.”
At present, the only entrance and exit for Coal Mine is a railroad crossing that is frequently blocked by passing trains.
The extension is part of a development agreement with Rowan Digital Infrastructure in connection with a massive $500 million “hyperscaler” data center dubbed “Project Cinco” that is expected to begin construction near Coal Mine in mid-August.
Under the development deal, the cost of the engineering work will be reimbursed to the city, Gonzalez said.
On a motion by District 3 Alderman Dick Emery, the council approved the task order with TRC Engineers by a vote of 4-0. District 2 Alderman Richard Hughes was absent from the meeting.
Much of the Monday night meeting was taken up with considering applications for zoning variances. City Attorney Austin Beck said that since Lytle has no board of adjustment to consider such variances the chores falls to the city council.
On a variance request at 19942 John Wayne Road in the Saddleridge Estates subdivision, the council split two-to-two on an application to allow placement of an above ground swimming pool three and a half feet from the rear property line. The setback requirement is 15 feet, already half of the requirement for most of Lytle, City Administrator Zachary Meadows explained.
Property owner Linda Atwood said that the present 15-foot setback “would put the pool in our living room.” She explained that a deeper pool was needed for physical therapy. The requested variance had been recommended by the city planning and zoning commission.
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Arabian Volleyball Alumni Game August 9, Coach McIver sends a call-out to former players

Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer
What has become a wonderful tradition to signify the beginning of another season of Arabian Volleyball, Devine Head Coach Leigh Anne McIver continues to include former players in the build up towards what hopes to be another amazing season for her squad.
McIver gives a shout out to those who played in the maroon and gold to join in for the Annual Alumni Game which is August 9 with first serve coming at 11am.
This will be the first volleyball game/scrimmage on the somewhat newly name Sessions Court, although the team does have a scrimmage in Navarro on Friday, August 8.