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Above, Andres Terrazas shows with Natalia FFA.

Thomas Steffens was one of many local kiddos competing at the MCJL Show.

Christian Contreras competing for Sr Showmanship at the Medina County Jr. Livestock Show.

A tragic fire Monday night, January 19, sadly claimed the life of Zorida Lozano, of Devine. Her husband was able to get out of the burning trailer, but she was not. Calls for help came in around 11 pm for the fire located at 1118 CR 669, a few miles from Devine.
Firefighters from Natalia, Devine, Lytle, Hondo and LaCoste responded, but there was little they could do as the home was already fully involved.
“It’s just a tragedy. Every inch of that place had fire rolling out of it,” said Natalia VFD Assistant Chief Russell Johnson. “It was a small…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 Anton Riecher
By a 4-0 vote, the Devine City Council approved the second phase of a continuing project to rehabilitate the long unused L.C. Martin water well to provide quality water and increased pressure to southwest Devine.
On a motion by District 3 Alderman Jeff Miller, seconded by District 1 Alderman Ray Gonzales, the council approved spending $31,716 to install a new motor and repair neglected pump equipment to bring the well back on line.
“I think it would be great progress for that side of town,” Public Works Director Pete Sanchez told the council.
The council previously approved $37,000 for treating and cleaning the well to see if it could be put back into use, City Administrator David Jordan said.
“That was phase one,” he said. “This is phase two. Equipment that was on site was kept outside and needs to be rehabilitated and repaired. This is the approval to be able to drop the pump back down inside the well.”
Sean Marlowe, president of Advanced Water Well Technology, said rebuilding the…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!

On Thursday, January 15, 2026, the Medina County District Attorney’s Office secured guilty verdicts in the 454th District Court against Raymundo Ruiz Jr. on five counts of Sexual Assault of a Child and one count of Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact (Cause No. 23-04-14694- CR), as well as one count of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child Under 14 Years of Age (Cause No. 25-03-15559-CR). The cases were tried together, and a jury assessed punishment at 36 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child charge.
As ordered by Judge Donna Rayes, that sentence will run concurrently with the additional sentences totaling 28 years on the remaining charges.
Two survivors came forward and courageously testified in open court. In addition to sexual violence, acts of physical abuse and emotional abuse were detailed; the children described unsafe and degrading living conditions, threats, and physical harm they would endure if they did not comply with the Ruiz’s demands for sex. The children were also made to perform daily strenuous labor, including…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!

A local family is facing an unimaginable tragedy after a devastating car accident early Thursday morning, Jan 22, changed their lives forever. Tragically, Juan Peralta,58, did not survive, and three others were seriously injured including Peralta’s son-in-law Johnny Aguinaga (48), his grandson Alonzo Aguinaga (21), and a close co-worker, Jeremy Jones.
Today, Johnny and Jeremy remain in the ICU. They are recovering and showing strength, but still have more surgeries ahead. Alonzo has been moved out of the ICU but is still hospitalized after undergoing another surgery for a complete knee reconstruction, the family said.
“Doctors say all three face a long and uncertain road to recovery. We ask for continued prayers and support as they heal,” the family said, noting they are caught between grief and hope—mourning the loss of a beloved father and grandfather while standing strong beside three loved ones still battling to heal.
The crash involving an 18 wheeler carrying jet fuel happened on Wetmore Road and Loop 410 in San Antonio near the airport.
All four men were the sole providers for their families. With the loss of Juan and the other three unable to work for the foreseeable future, the financial and emotional burden has become overwhelming.
In the wake of the tragedy, the family stated, “Juan was a great man whose love for his family knew no bounds. He treasured spending time with grandkids and great-grandson and never missed a single sports game, always there to cheer them on. He was a proud Natalia Mustang and showed his support with enthusiasm and heart. His presence, love, and dedication will always be remembered. But more than anything, Juan loved his wife, Dora, and cherished her with all his heart. They shared countless memories, from their crazy casino trips to the quiet moments where he always held her hand wherever they went. Their love was constant and full of joy. My dad will truly be missed by many and forever remembered.”
Friends and loved ones are asking the community to come together during this incredibly difficult time. Any support—whether through financial donations, prayers, or simply sharing this message—can make a meaningful difference.
The family also wishes to say “a heartfelt thank you to Natalia ISD, Natalia Athletics coaching staff, family, friends, and everyone who has shown continued love and support. It truly means more than words can express.”
The following donation info was provided by the family:
Cash App:
$AmandaAguinagaO
$peraltadora56