By Adam Russell
Production expectations are good for Texas cotton, but low prices may stymie positive outcomes for growers.
John Robinson, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist in the Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics, said growing conditions are much better than in recent years due to drought, but prices are low and could decline further.
In 2022, Texas cotton growers experienced widespread crop losses, Robinson said. Two out of three acres planted with cotton were abandoned due to unrelenting drought.
Subsequent years produced below-average results for growers, he said. In 2023 and 2024, winter and springtime rains provided decent planting conditions before arid weather set in. High temperatures and little to no rain led to lower yields in dryland and irrigated fields, while late-season rains delayed harvests in some areas and hurt lint quality.
“Most cotton growers across Texas have taken a punch in the gut the last few years and are looking for that season to make up for it,” he said. “Conditions around the state should provide that kind of optimism, but unfortunately, the other important profit factor – prices – are pretty weak.”
Cotton prices slide
A June 30 report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated national cotton acreage would be 10.1 million acres, down 10% compared to last year. Cotton acres in Texas, the nation’s leading producer, were expected to be down over 4% — 5.7 million acres compared to 5.95 million acres in 2024.
Robinson said low prices, coupled with wet weather and delayed plantings in the Mississippi Delta region, likely factored into the decline. The lower acre estimates did not result in a price boost at market.
Before the report was released, there were some expectations that cotton plantings could be closer to 9 million acres.
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Kerr County death toll tops 100, with 161 still missing
Search teams have recovered 103 bodies in Kerr County after the devastating July 4 floods along the Guadalupe River, with Gov. Greg Abbott saying at least 161 people were still unaccounted for.
President Donald Trump visited the area on Friday to survey the damage, the San Antonio Express-News reported. The president promised the federal government would “fully fund” recovery efforts.
The statewide total of flooding deaths stood at 126 as of Sunday, including eight recovered in neighboring Kendall County from the Guadalupe River flooding, and separate flooding incidents in Travis, Williamson and Burnet counties.
Forecasts by the National Weather Service predicted much less rainfall than actually fell in Kerr County, with early predictions having the storm hit hardest near the Rio Grande. Two days before the flood, the Texas Division of Emergency Management staged rescue equipment and personnel in San Antonio, according to the head of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Free legal resources are available to low-income individuals affected by the Central Texas counties, according to the State Bar of Texas. That assistance includes assistance in securing government benefits, help with insurance claims, and other issues. Texas RioGrande Legal Aid can be contacted toll-free at 833-329-8752.
Mexican firefighters assist in flood recovery
A 13-person crew from Mexico joined Texas firefighters in rescue efforts in the Texas Hill Country, the Texas Standard reported. The firefighters are highly trained in search-and-rescue efforts and have volunteered all over the world.
The crew is composed of members from the Rescate Acuático de Protección Civil y Bomberos de Acuña, Coahuila, in coordination with Fundación 911. Ismael Aldaba is president of the foundation.
“Our guys have experienced [missions] worldwide. They’ve been traveling to earthquakes. They’ve been traveling to tsunamis in other parts of the world,” he said. “This is way different. This is the worst we’ve seen.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the crew for its work in Texas.
“The sense of solidarity and brotherhood characterizes us and must always characterize us,” she said. “No matter the circumstances, Mexicans lend a hand to those who suffer, to those left behind.”
Flood response now tops special session agenda
The July 21 special session called by Abbott includes addressing the July 4 flood, including improving early warning systems and infrastructure in flood zones, beefing up emergency communications, funding for affected areas and updating state preparedness and recovery procedures, The Dallas Morning News reported.
“We delivered on historic legislation in the 89th Regular Legislative Session that will benefit Texans for generations to come,” Abbott said in a proclamation issued last week. “There is more work to be done, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating floods in the Texas Hill Country. We must ensure better preparation for such events in the future.”
A total of 18 items are on the special session agenda, including congressional redistricting, regulation of hemp-derived products, and further reducing property taxes. Redistricting is sure to spark controversy, as the Republican majority seeks to expand its grip on the state’s congressional seats. Any new redistricting maps almost certainly would face legal challenges.
Only the governor can call a special session, which is limited to 30 days, though he can call as many as he wants between regular biennial sessions.
Angela Paxton files for divorce from Texas AG Paxton
State Sen. Angela Paxton last Thursday filed for divorce from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Austin American-Statesman reported. The McKinney legislator cited “recent discoveries” and “biblical grounds” in a statement on the social media site X.
“I believe marriage is a sacred covenant and I have earnestly pursued reconciliation,” she wrote. “But in light of recent discoveries, I do not believe that it honors God or is loving to myself, my children, or Ken to remain in the marriage.”
The announcement came just weeks after Paxton announced he is running against incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in next spring’s GOP primary.
The divorce filing accused Paxton of adultery and says the couple stopped living together in June 2024. She is seeking what the petition calls a “disproportionate share” of the couple’s assets because of her husband’s alleged fault in the breakup of the marriage.
The attorney general issued a statement about 20 minutes after his wife.
“After facing the pressures of countless political attacks and public scrutiny, Angela and I have decided to start a new chapter in our lives,” he wrote.
Perry wants to build nuclear complex in West Texas
Former Gov. Rick Perry has co-founded a company he says plans to build the country’s largest nuclear complex on nearly 6,000 acres owned by Texas Tech University, according to the Houston Chronicle. Perry, who also served as energy secretary during Trump’s first term, is promoting the Advanced Energy and Artificial Intelligence Center.
His company, Fermi America, claims it would be the world’s largest data center campus. Tech companies would be able to rent space to pursue artificial intelligence efforts. Fermi America’s executive chairman, Toby Neugebauer, said tech companies are desperate for electricity. The company plans to construct four large-scale nuclear reactors, capable of generating sufficient electricity to power approximately 1 million homes.
“Fermi America is in the artificial intelligence creation business. We’re not in the power business,” Neugebauer said. He added that what is missing in artificial intelligence is not chips or algorithms — it’s the power needed to fuel data centers.
The ambitious project faces hurdles. The country’s nuclear energy industry has built just one nuclear plant in the past 35 years, in Burke County, Georgia. That project ended up seven years late and $17 billion over budget. In contrast, China has built 22 nuclear reactors to power AI, Perry said in a company statement.
“We’re behind, and it’s all hands on deck,” he said.
Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches, Lufkin, and Cedar Park. Email:gborders@texaspress.com.
Local Police Report
Natalia Police Report
7/9/2025 – Officers were dispatched to the 100 Block of 3rd street for injury to a child by an animal case is still under investigation.
7/9/2025 – Officers responded to the 100 Block of 4th street for a man with an arm injury.
7/9/2025 – Officers were dispatched to the town and country for a burglary that had accrued case still under investigation.
7/11/2025 – An officer was contacted to file a report of identity theft that had occurred.
Devine Police Report
July 4
3:20AM – Complainant notified that crossing arms were malfunctioning at railroad crossing. Union Pacific notified. Officer put up cones on side with crossing arms up.
18:46PM – Officer dispatched to IH 35 S for a minor accident.
21:50PM – Officer dispatched to DuBose Dr in reference to fireworks in area.
23:22pm – Complainant on IH 35 S called in reference to subjects on bicycles on property. Unable to locate.
July 5
2:55AM – Complainant on Mobile Parkway called regarding suspicious red vehicle parked at entrance. Advised female driver to park at a residence.
11:59AM – Complainant on Ross called in reference to back door found open to back of residence. All okay, no signs of forced entry.
16:45PM – Complainant on Dixon Dr called in reference to four tires and rims being stolen from his truck. Offender has been identified by police, pending arrest warrant.
July 7
8:41AM – Complainant on IH 35 reported construction items being damaged over weekend.
13:49PM – MCSO advised of accident in red truck on IH 35 SB. Unable to locate, searched mm118 thru 125 but no vehicle in said description found.
22:28PM – Complainant on Oak Hill Dr called in reference to a female in a red car at pump since 0700 hours and wanting her to leave. Officer asked female to leave.
July 8
1:25AM – Officer jailed male subject on Zig Zag Ave for evading arrest or detention.
9:31AM – Complainant on Teel Dr N advised female was yelling at elderly female in wheelchair. Contact made with both parties and all okay.
19:30PM – Complainant on IH 35 NB advised of Tahoe that was unable to maintain lanes. Unable to locate.
July 9
15:42PM – Complainant on Cardinal Dr advised of door to door saleman without permit attempting to possibly sell windows.
16:17PM – Complainant on Thompson Ave advised when she returned home, her bedroom window was left open. Since she lived in county, county was dispatched.
20:30PM – Complainant on Wedgewood Way advised of male individuals knocking on doors selling windows. Unable to locate.
Lytle Police Report
Monday, July 07
1:58 AM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to a 911 hangup. No one was located, and the business was closed.
3:25 AM – 15400 Blk. Main St. (Lytle Memorial Park) – Officer responded to a report of a homeless female sleeping in the gazebo. The female was asked to leave.
12:03 PM – Lytle PD – Officer issued a citation and then released Abraham Mesta (20) for Assault by Contact – Family Violence, which occurred on 6/19/2025 in the 14800 Blk. Harbour St.
12:50 PM – Lytle PD – Officer fingerprinted a male for government employment.
2:53 PM – 14600 Blk. FM 2790 – Officers responded to an active alarm. Officers discovered it was a false alarm.
3:03 PM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to a report of a male opening two vehicle doors and the mailbox. Officers spoke to the male who had mental issues and was known to the LPD. Nothing was stolen or removed.
6:20 PM – IH 35 @ MM 131 – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver and was unable to locate the vehicle.
Tuesday, July 08
12:43 PM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a report of a suspicious male, which resulted in the issuance of a criminal trespass warning from the location.
5:39 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 160 Blk. Ala Blanca – Officers responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist a deputy, but the call was cancelled upon arrival.
6:30 PM – 19300 Blk. Blume Dr. – Officers responded to report of a suspicious person to discover it was a solar solicitor. The solicitor was advised that a permit was required from the city to continue.
6:58 PM – 15900 Blk. Lake Shore Dr. – Officers responded to a vehicle parked in the grass. Everything was okay.
7:00 PM – 15000 Blk. Short St. – Officer received a phone call regarding the theft of two rugs from her residence on July 3, 2025, valued at $200, that were outside drying. It was later determined that no theft occurred.
9:19 PM – Davis St. @ Main St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for failing to signal within 100 feet, which resulted in the arrest of the passenger, a 29 year old female, for an active warrant out of Bexar County for Assault on a Pregnant Person. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
9:43 PM – 15200 Blk. Main St. – Officer was advised by a male that he had found a basketball rim at the John Lott park and left it in the front of the PD. The basketball rim was not located at the PD.
9:56 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a 911 hangup but was unable to locate the caller.
Wednesday, July 09
12:27 AM – 15400 Blk. Main St. (Lytle Memorial Park) – Officers responded to a report of a homeless female sleeping in the Gazebo. The female was asked to leave.
2:29 AM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for speeding, which resulted in the citation and release of a 23 year old male for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
6:15 AM – 19500 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of an unruly customer and issued a criminal trespass notice.
12:17 PM – 63300 Blk. Diaz St. – Officer responded to a report of a male digging a hole and placing wire in the ground. Everything was okay. The male was installing fiber optics.
3:00 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – FM 3175 @ Naegelin Rd. – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist in looking for a suspect in a green pickup truck involved in an assault, but was unable to locate it.
6:40 PM – 14600 Blk. FM 2790 – Officers responded to an active alarm to learn it was a false alarm.
9:35 PM – Assist Bexar County Sheriff’s Office – IH 35 N. – Officers responded to be on the lookout for a black Toyota Camry that was involved in an assault on a public servant. The search was canceled after it was discovered that the vehicle had stayed in Bexar County.
10:00 PM – 15400 Blk. Houston St. – Officers responded to a report of a phone scam that resulted in the loss of $100.
10:45 PM – 14800 Blk. Lytle-Somerset St. – Officer responded to a report of three underage kids drinking alcohol in their vehicle, which resulted in a 19 year old male being cited and released for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Thursday, July 10
12:20 AM – 14900 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
1:39 AM – 16000 Blk. Imes Way – Officers discovered an open garage door and secured it.
9:59 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2014 Toyota Tacoma.
12:44 PM – 15100 Blk. Magnolia St. – Officers responded to a verbal disturbance and issued a criminal trespass warning to an adult male.
3:58 PM – Railroad St. @ N. Prairie St. Officers initiated a traffic stop for a defective taillight, which resulted in the arrest of a 43 year old male for Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
8:10 PM – 14800 Blk. Lytle-Somerset St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for failing to signal within 100 feet, which resulted in the arrest of a 46 year old male for an active warrant out of Bexar County for Assault Against a Family Member / Violation of a Protection Order. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
11:23 PM – Assist Atascosa County EMS – 19300 Blk. Blume Dr. – Officer responded to assist with opening a door to enter a residence. The door was open upon arrival.
Friday, July 11
12:18 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to report of a suspicious vehicle to discover everything was okay.
12:01 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a complainant regarding ID theft after her Social Security card was stolen in 2019, and she was contacted by the IRS, which reported multiple jobs she did not work at.
1:08 PM – 15700 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a 911 hangup and discovered it was an accidental call.
1:01 PM – 19900 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer conducted an annual fire inspection.
1:25 PM – Lytle PD – Officer took a written statement from a victim of mail theft. The stolen mail was returned to the owner.
1:38 PM – 15100 Blk. Main St. – Officer received information regarding a local fundraiser.
2:00 PM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer conducted a Certificate of Occupancy inspection.
3:22 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
7:05 PM – Bank St. @ Railroad St. – Officers responded to a report of an injured dog.
10:51 PM – 19900 Blk. Lonesome Dove – Officers responded to an active smoke alarm to discover everything was okay, a false alarm.
Saturday, July 12
2:30 AM – Assist Bexar County Sheriff’s Office – IH 35 SB @ MM 133 – Officer was on the lookout for a motorcycle pursuit that originated outside the city limits of Lytle but could not locate it.
5:32 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a homeless male dumpster-diving but could not locate him.
12:58 PM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to check on an elderly female. Everything was okay.
8:18 PM – N. Prairie St. @ Adams St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for operating a vehicle with only one license plate, which resulted in the citation and release of a 25 year old male for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Sunday, July 13
3:01 AM – Assist Bexar County Sheriff’s Office – IH 35 SB – Officer responded to look for two vehicles racing that were last seen at IH-35 and Loop 1604 but was unable to locate them.
11:32 AM – 14800 Blk. LytleSomerset St. – Officers responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
12:38 PM – 14800 Blk. Lytle-Somerset St. – Officer was contacted by a motorist for directions to the nearest pharmacy.
1:05 PM – 19800 Blk. Office St. – Officers responded to the death of an 88-year-old female in hospice care.
5:42 PM – 18700 Blk. FM W. 2790 – Officers responded to a 911 hangup and discovered that the resident had advised that no call had been made from the residence and that they were okay.
7:20 PM – 18800 Blk. Wisdom Rd. – Officers conducted a follow-up on an open case.
10:47 PM – 14500 Blk. Chance Dr. – Officers responded to an active alarm for broken glass and found it was a false alarm.
Governor Abbott Announces Over $1.9 Million In Emergency Grants to Kerrville, Llano Hospitals Impacted by Texas Flooding
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott announced today that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is awarding over $1.9 million in grant funding to hospitals in Kerrville and Llano impacted by recent catastrophic floods.
“Our healthcare professionals are working tirelessly on the front lines to help heal Texans who have been injured during these devastating floods,” said Governor Abbott. “This over $1.9 million in emergency funding will help repair damages to Kerrville and Llano hospitals and equipment, provide staffing support, and address any operational issues to ensure Texans continue to receive the quality care they need. I thank all our first responders and healthcare personnel for working day and night to protect and care for their fellow Texans in impacted communities.”
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to support these hospitals in Kerrville and Llano as they continue to provide much-needed services to their communities,” said HHS Executive Commissioner Cecile Erwin Young. “Serving Texans is our priority, and these resources allow these hospitals to continue helping those who need it most right now.”
Peterson Regional Medical Center in Kerrville and Llano Regional Hospital will receive emergency hardship grants of $1.5 million and more than $396,000, respectively.
The emergency hardship grants will help the hospitals cover unplanned expenses related to the flood. The funds can be used to repair structural damage, fix equipment, provide staffing support and address operational issues.
HHSC provides grant funding and administers programs for rural hospitals in alignment with the Rural Hospital Services Strategic Plan, which aims to ensure rural Texans have access to hospital services. For more information on rural hospital grants and other related programs, visit the HHSC Rural Hospital Finance and Coordination webpage.
Heartbreaking search continues in wake of flood claiming over 108 lives
By Kayleen Holder and KK Calame
Editor and Publisher
Our neighbors in Kerr County suffered the brunt of the catastrophic flooding that occurred from heavy rains falling overnight into Friday, July 4. The widespread damage and gut-wrenching losses caught the attention of the Nation as daylight began to show the devastation fully. Entire families and so many bright, young children were cruelly swept away in the floodwaters and later found deceased (with many more still missing).
On Monday, July 6th, the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office announced they had recovered 68 deceased in Kerr County, but that number has sadly grown to 84 deceased in the last 24 hours.
“As of 2 p.m., 84 deceased have been recovered in Kerr County, including 56 adults and 28 children. Identification is pending for 22 adults and 10 children. At present, 10 Camp Mystic campers and one counselor remain unaccounted for,” the sheriff’s office stated in an update July 7th. “We share our deepest condolences with all affected by this tragedy.”
News sources have stated there have been 108 deaths across six counties affected by the flood.
Camp Mystic, where so many children lost their lives, is located in the small community of Hunt, Texas along the steep banks of the Guadalupe River. There were over 750 staying at that camp.
Local Sheriff Randy Brown is among the many first responders continuing the search.
“We have been busy, and busy is good….because when we stop we feel the pain of all those people, and it hurts like hell,” Sheriff Brown said, in a difficult statement this past Tuesday.
Initial reports indicated the Guadalupe River crested at 39 feet+, surpassing the county’s second biggest flood in modern times which occurred in 1987, according to a press release by Kerr County. The National Weather Service later reported that the flood gauge in Hunt had a crest of 37.2 ft surpassing the recorded record of 36.6 ft set July 2 of 1932. The third highest crest was 28.4 set July 17, 1987, according to the NWS.
The raging Guadalupe which was at less than a ft according to guages, rose over 33 feet in the darkness overnight.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office notes, “We know there are many people concerned and affected by this tragic situation. Please be careful about social media rumors and misinformation. False information can cause pain to families and those already devastated by this event.”
On Monday, a search and rescue helicopter collided with a privately operated drone. Thankfully the pilots were not injured, but were forced to make an emergency landing. Over and over officials have emphasized the importance of standing back and letting first responders do their job.
On July 6, FEMA was activated following President Trump’s Major Disaster Declaration. According to a press release by Homeland Security, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) is also working around the clock on search and rescue operations.
“Today, USCG continues to fly two helicopters in the Llano, Texas area and is assisting with two helicopters and three C-144 airplanes equipped with thermal cameras to find more survivors. 850 people have been rescued,” the July 6 statement says.
In awe of the way Texans take care of others, Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem, stated in a press conference to Texans….”You are an example to the nation of getting through difficult times, but I want you to also know, you are not alone.”
Patrick DuBose, of Devine, was one of the many heroes who responded to the scene.
Amidst the widespread damage, teams of volunteers were also called upon in the beginning to assist in search and rescue efforts downstream. When Centerpoint Volunteer Fire Department issued a plea for volunteers to help with search and rescue in their area, the Kuykendalls, Jennifer Savage and John Gorham, of Devine, along with family members Gary and Trace Savage were among the volunteers who answered the call.
“The devastation is unbelievable,” Ms. Savage said in the days that followed. “But so is the love that’s there. The Holy Spirit is there.”
“It is so much different than what the pictures show you, you can’t express it with words,” Savage added. “Center point really needed the help badly, and I called my brother and we started packing at 10 o’ clock that night. We were up there by 7:30 that morning and we walked the river banks until 3:30 that day. They gave us direction and told us where to search. It was in an area where a cadaver dog had alerted,” Savage said, noting that sadly, the next group after them did recover a deceased child.
Kimi and Kenny Kuykendall, of Devine were also among volunteers assisting that day. When they arrived, they bumped into locals Eugene Rodriguez and Eugene Sanchez as well.
“The volunteers were separated into groups of 20,” Kuykendall said. “Each group had active duty or prior military personnel. We were assigned a mile along the banks to go through. Each group lined up and walked and searched one way and then we turned around and searched the same area back.”
“All the brush that was washed downstream and piled up,” Kuykendall said. “We saw kayaks, car doors, mattresses, clothes, toys, totes, and many dead animals.”
According to Governor Abbott’s office, the State of Texas has deployed more than 1,000 state responders and more than 800 vehicles and equipment assets, and more than 15 state agencies are currently responding to the flooding threat across the state.
“This is a time when we, as a state, need God more than ever,” said Governor Abbott. “The one thing I hear the most are the prayers that are being sent for those who are in harm’s way. There is an extraordinary collaboration to make sure that we address everybody’s concern as quickly as possible. As part of this, I am signing a disaster declaration to ensure counties have access to every tool, strategy, and personnel that the State of Texas can provide to them, which will be limitless.”
Individuals who sustained losses in the designated areas should first file claims with their insurance providers and then apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service.
Del Toro, 74, rides the pioneering and inspring Pony Express run across the United States
By Kayleen Holder
Editor
In the face of so much heartbreaking news in neighboring counties this past week, we are forced to think about what it means to live life “to the fullest.” Here’s a fun story about a local man who is doing just that! Traveling more than 1,800 miles in 10 days, the brave souls who signed up to be part of the Pony Express in 1860 delivered letters faster than ever before, from the east coast to the west. Now, each year, a crowd gathers to remember and celebrate this pioneering mail delivery system, which represented the growth of the nation in its early years.
Local cowboy Oscar Del Toro and his wife Barbara made the trip to Wyoming to be part of this long standing tradition this summer, and shared a little about their experience. They ride from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California just as the Pony Express riders did in days long ago.
Del Toro himself is a retired postal worker, and they learned about the event from friends a few years ago while vacationing in Wyoming.
“Long story short, my husband who is 74 years old, decided to run,” Mrs. Del Toro said. “I couldn’t be prouder. My heart got so big and happy for him. He had the time of his life, and we will be back, that’s for sure!”
The ride is…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!
Principal Raygosa to head Ciavarra Elementary
Mark Raygosa is the new Principal of John J. Ciavarra Elementary School.
A few words from Mr. Raygosa… “I’m honored to introduce myself as the new Principal of John J. Ciavarra Elementary! With over 15 years of experience in education—from classroom teacher to campus leadership—I’m passionate about creating learning environments where students are supported, challenged, and celebrated, and where staff feel empowered and inspired.
Ciavarra is known for its dedication, heart, and excellence, and I’m excited to join a campus that puts students and families first. I believe strong relationships are the foundation of every successful school, and I look forward to connecting with our community and supporting the incredible work already happening here.”
Principal Reyes to lead Devine Intermediate
Lysandra Reyes is the new Principal of Devine Intermediate School.
With 18 years of experience in education and 11 years in campus administration, Mrs. Reyes brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and leadership to this role. For the past 10 years, she has served as the Assistant Principal at Devine Intermediate, making a lasting impact on our students, staff, and families. Her passion for education, strong relationships with the community, and unwavering dedication to student success make her the perfect fit to lead our Bronco family.
“I’m incredibly honored and excited to serve as the Principal of Devine Intermediate. This campus and community have truly become home. I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead alongside such an incredible team, and I’m ready to continue the work of helping every Bronco grow, achieve, and shine. Here’s to a great year ahead!”
Devine FFA and Athletics collecting gift cards for flood victims
Below is an important message from the Ag Teacher in Kerrville/ Ingram. If you’d like to help, please read on!
To all the FFA chapters who’ve reached out—thank you for truly “Living to Serve.” Your support means so much!
Here’s how you can help:
Donation sites are full, and cleaning supplies are being covered locally. Instead, we are asking for gift cards to better meet families’ needs.
Requested Gift Cards: Walmart, H-E-B, Lowe’s, Home Depot and Visa or Mastercard. These will help families purchase essentials like clothes, food, towels, and bedding.
Drop-Off Location: Devine High School – Ag Building or Devine Central Office on Monday, July 7 through Thursday, July 17 from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Saunders at chad.saunders@devineisd.org.
We’ll make sure your donations reach Kerr County families in need. Thank you and God bless you all!
Death toll climbs in Hill Country flooding; legislators will investigate response to crisis
Gov. Greg Abbott said Sunday he’s likely to instruct the Texas Legislature to investigate early warning systems and other governmental responses to July 4 flash flooding that killed at least 82 people in the Hill Country.
Lawmakers are set to convene in Austin on July 21. Meanwhile, as of late Sunday an additional 41 people were still missing. In addition to local first responders, more than 1,300 state personnel were dispatched to the scene.
Abbott has issued a disaster declaration covering 21 Hill Country counties, where rain continued to fall through the weekend.
“We will be relentless in going after and ensuring that we locate every single person who’s been a victim of this flooding event,” Abbott said. “We’re not going to stop today or tomorrow.”
Appeals court: Immigration law unconstitutional
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has blocked a 2023 Texas immigration law that would have permitted local police to arrest people believed to have illegally crossed the Texas-Mexico border. The vote was 2-1, The Texas Tribune reported.
“For nearly 150 years, the Supreme Court has recognized that the power to control immigration — the entry, admission, and removal of aliens — is exclusively a federal power,” the ruling says.
The Trump administration earlier this year dropped the federal government’s opposition to a suit filed by two immigrant rights groups and El Paso County challenging the constitutionality of the Texas state law. It would have made it a Class B misdemeanor to cross the border between ports of entry. Subsequent offenses could have resulted in a second-degree felony.
It was not immediately known whether the state will appeal the Fifth Circuit ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Interfaith parents sue to block Ten Commandments law
Two separate lawsuits are challenging a law passed during the last legislative session requiring posters of the Ten Commandments be hung in all public-school classrooms. The San Antonio Express-News said the latest suit was filed against several Austin, Houston and San Antonio-area districts.
“Permanently posting the Ten Commandments in every Texas public-school classroom — rendering them unavoidable — is plainly unconstitutional,” one of the suits states.
The plaintiffs are parents from Jewish, Christian, Unitarian Universalist and Hindu faiths, plus some who are nonreligious. They are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and Americans United for Church and Faith.
The new law, which would take effect in September if a court doesn’t halt it, would require all publicly funded schools to hang a 16-by-20-inch framed poster of the Ten Commandment in a “conspicuous place” in every classroom.
First case of West Nile illness in state reported
The first case of West Nile illness in Texas this year has been reported by the Department of State Health Services in a resident of Brazos County.
West Nile is transmitted by mosquitoes and 80% of people exposed do not get sick, but the rest can have symptoms such as fever, nausea, headaches, muscle fatigue, and muscle and joint pain. Fewer than 1% suffer more serious symptoms, including some fatalities.
“Texans should be aware that mosquitoes transmit disease, and some of these illnesses, like West Nile and dengue, can be severe,” said Department of State Health Services Commissioner Jennifer A. Shuford, MD, MPH. “But taking steps to prevent mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding areas around homes are proactive measures that can reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illness.”
Several steps can be taken to avoid West Nile, including wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and removing standing water in outside containers. A total of 455 cases of West Nile disease were reported in 2024, including 56 deaths.
Adult education programs squeezed by federal funding freeze
A federal hold on funding for adult education programs is affecting Texans enrolled in such programs as GED classes, workforce training, and instruction in English. The Texas Standard reported $78 million the state was slated to receive for these programs this month has been paused.
Sharon Bonney, CEO of the national Coalition on Adult Basic Education, said people enrolled in adult education programs could have their studies interrupted in the next few weeks.
“Closures will start immediately,” Bonney said. “We’ve already heard from a number of local programs. This is going to be across-the-board mass closures and layoffs.”
The funding usually goes to states from the Department of Education as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act, passed in 2014.
Northeast Texas farmer plans run against Abbott
A former firefighter and farmer from Wood County plans to run next year as a Democrat against Abbott, the Houston Chronicle reported. Bobby Cole is vowing to “take back the government for working people of the state.”
“Republicans have spent 30 years in office, and working men and women have been having to pay the cost,” Cole, 55, said. “It has to stop.”
Cole retired as a firefighter in Texarkana and later Plano. He maintains a family farm in Quitman where they raise 300 head of cattle and also chickens.
Abbott has been governor since 2014 and has already announced plans to run for reelection.
Funding boost for schools comes with strings attached
Texas lawmakers are providing public schools with $8.5 billion in new funding, but some school administrators say the money comes with provisions that limit their independence to a greater degree than previously, The Tribune reported.
The largest portion of the new money goes for teacher raises, with districts having little discretion on who gets raises. Lawmakers did not significantly raise the base amount school districts receive, leaving some districts struggling to pay for non-teacher items, such as rising operational costs and compensation for support staff.
Some educators say that while they are grateful for the teacher pay raises, they are disappointed in a lack of flexibility in how money is spent.
“I think that that’s really, really dangerous when you don’t trust leaders in public education to do the best they can for kids,” said Megan Simoneau, an educator of 21 years who teaches high school math in the Leander school district. All that “most teachers, and most principals, and most superintendents are really attempting to do, is do the best they possibly can for the students, and the families, and their communities.”
Summer anti-drunk driving campaign launched
More than 1,000 deaths were recorded in Texas last year from alcohol-related crashes, and the Texas Department of Transportation is again launching a public awareness campaign to cut down on those fatalities.
The agency’s “Drive Sober. No Regrets” campaign is underway, along with increased law enforcement continuing through mid-July. Officers are on heightened lookout for impaired drivers in hopes of reducing DUI crashes and fatalities across Texas.
Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches, Lufkin, and Cedar Park. Email:gborders@texaspress.com.