My Front Page – Page 38 – The Devine News

DRT Texas History Essay Contests open for 4TH & 7TH graders in Medina County

The Alsatian Pioneers Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas is pleased to announce the 2026 DRT essay competition for all 4th & 7th grade students in Medina County. The purpose of this contest is to stimulate interest in early Texas history for the students in our state.
*The 4th grade essays topic for this year is: Alabama-Coushatta Tribe in the Republic of Texas: Their interaction with the settlers and assistance during the Texas Revolution.
*The 7th grade essay topic this year is: Many flags were used during the Texas Revolution. Choose 3 and tell why they were designed; who designed them; what the design meant; and how and where they were used.
Contest information and requirements have been emailed to local teachers and administrators on the appropriate school campuses throughout Medina County. Homeschooled or other 4th or 7th grade Medina County students may contact the committee chairs for contest information
Essays will be due on February 2, 2026. They can be mailed (and postmarked) to: Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Alsatian Pioneer Chapter, P.O. Box 1519, Castroville, Tx. 78009, on or before Feb. 2, 2026. For drop off, contact committee chairs.
Thank you,
DRT Alsatian Pioneer Chapter – Essay & Scholarship Committee Chairs
Beth Bauer – beth.rihnbauer@gmail.com or 210-288-8163
Nancy Saathoff – gnsaathoff@aol.com or 210-289-6205

Stand By Me – Remembering Boyhood

Recently we absorbed the tragic news of Rob Reiner’s passing, along with his wife Michele. I find myself grieving. Circumstances surrounding their deaths are beyond horrific, and I am so, so very sorry. Though Reiner’s political leanings were far from mine, I’ve always admired his work. Creative genius, even in its roughest forms, I believe reflects the glory of our Creator. Rob Reiner was a creative genius, and arguably one of the greatest movie makers of our time.

The son of famed comedy legend Carl Reiner, Rob Reiner came to prominence on the classic TV sitcom All in the Family. Reiner played Mike “Meathead” Stivic, the perfect foil to his Nixon-loving father-in-law Archie Bunker. For five seasons, All in the Family was the number one TV show in America.

Reiner came into his own, however, as a director, making movies. Known as an actor’s director, his string of hits in the 1980s and early 1990s cemented his standing in Hollywood. These included This is Spinal Tap (1984), The Sure Thing (1985), The Princess Bride (1987), When Harry Met Sally… (1989), Misery (1990), and A Few Good Men (1992).

But, in my humble, if twisted opinion, Reiner’s greatest work was his epic boyhood story, Stand by Me (1986). The movie is poetry on film. And yes, before the movie world was digitized, in 1986 Stand by Me was shot on 35mm film (Kodak’s Eastman 100T Color Negative Film 5247) using Panavision cameras.

The movie is based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella The Body. Set in the fictional town of Castle Rock, Oregon, the movie has an amazing soundtrack, featuring songs from the 1950s and early 1960s from groups like The Coasters, The Bobettes, The Del-Vikings and more. Included is the iconic song that gives the film its title, Stand by Me, by Ben E. King.

Reiner’s unforgettable movie stars Wil Wheaton (as Gordie Lachance), the late River Phoenix (as Gordie’s best friend Chris Chambers), with Corey Feldman and Jerry O’Connell (as friends Teddy Duchamp and Vern Tessio). The story centers around a journey to find the dead body of a missing boy, undertaken by the four friends over Labor Day weekend in 1959, as remembered through the eyes and words of Gordie.

An underlying theme in the movie is death. One of the most difficult things we are forced to do in life is process grief. As a boy, Gordie faces the trauma of losing his older brother Denny (played by John Cusack) in a Jeep accident. As an adult, the story begins with Gordie reading a newspaper article about the death of his childhood friend, Chris Chambers. Much of the movie is an extended flashback, with Gordie remembering and writing and grieving. It is interesting to note that Richard Dreyfuss, who portrays adult Gordie as a writer, was in real life a childhood friend of Rob Reiner.

This movie takes me back to my boyhood. I was Gordie, the same skinny, sensitive kid in a ballcap, destined to become a writer. My best friend at age twelve was Mike O’Rafferty, the spitting image of Chris Chambers. Mike and his brother Billy were my best boyhood companions. My first year in junior high, I met the best friend I’ve ever had in life, Danny Reed. I miss those guys.

In my youth, we were just like Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern. We swore like sailors. It was a bad thing. Stand by Me is rated R, primarily because of the swearing. But that’s how we really were as boys (sorry Mom). In the movie the boys play cards in their tree house. For me and my slew-foot friends, most of our card playing was done on the dusty floor of cabin #13 at 4-H camp every summer. We played poker, five card draw, for pennies and peanuts. Like Gordie, I was a reader, spending my money on magazines (True West, Sports Afield, Guns & Ammo, and Fur, Fish & Game). In our dirt road neighborhood, we even had a junk yard dog, just like in the movie. Our menace was a giant, coal black German Shepherd named “Ace.” His back was as high as the seat on my bike. Ace would chase us boys. I could outrun him for short distances on my bike, but it was always close, and breathtaking. Along with playing baseball, shooting marbles, and prowling the hills with a .22 rifle, as boys we savored adventure. In a time when even protective parents didn’t worry so much about our safety, boys could be boys. Our biggest danger was being caught by Old Man Christianson who patrolled the backroads of his property in a Cadillac, with a .38 revolver on the front seat beside him. We were always on the lookout and afraid of being shot when sneaking over to Foxy’s Lake, hiding our bikes in the nearby eucalyptus grove before we explored. The danger made it all the more fun. So much of this movie speaks to my childhood. My Dad even drove an old 1957 Chevy truck (long bed in faded orange), just like you see in the movie.

Boyhood friends leave a mark. You never have any friends later on like those you had when you were twelve. Thank you, Rob Reiner, for helping us remember…

The life’s work of some is more visible than others. You might build a solid business, grow a strong family, or cultivate a beautiful garden, and no one ever notices. But make a good movie and all the world knows your name. So it was with Rob Reiner.

Boyhood friends leave a mark. You never have any friends later on like those you had when you were twelve. Thank you, Rob Reiner, for helping us remember…

Local Police report

Devine Police Report

December 26
1:04AM – Complainant on Hondo Ave E report white male on west side of building using water utilities. Identified by police.
13:17PM – Complainant on Hondo Ave W reported a Hispanic male in white hoodie in store acting suspicious. Subject let before officer arrived.
14:55PM – Officer dispatched to Oakhill for a minor accident.
18:00PM – Complainant on SH132 reported stolen fireworks. Unable to locate.
23:00PM – BOLO for a blacked out Camaro reportedly going 120+ MPH on IH 35 NB. Unable to locate.
23:24PM – Assisted MCSO on CR 7711 – female located at Triple C, her husband had assaulted her at CR 7711. MCSO identified female. Welfare check conducted at residence, husband arrested for DWI by MCSO.
December 27
9:56AM – Complainant on Teel Dr N reported verbal disturbance between two customers. All okay.
December 28
3:23AM – Officer dispatched to Davis Ave for male on location trying to enter. Subject left prior to officer arrival. Male was later located.
21:11PM – Complainant on IH 35 N reported suspicious activity. Male subject carried another male into firework stand. Made contact with couple who were having a verbal argument.
22:58PM – Complainant on Colonial Pkwy reported vehicle in parking lot several days.
December 29
14:05PM – Officer dispatched to Corley Dr for disturbance. Both parties separated.
22:35PM – Assisted MCSO on Transporation Dr N – stood by for PR search.
December 30
2:41AM – Assisted ICE with exchange of detainees to another bus on IH 35 N.
7:58AM – Complainant on Oakhill called in reference to a broken down vehicle on roadway. Vehicle had already been moved off roadway prior to officer arrival.
11:36AM – Complainant on Hayden Ave called in reference to a gray/silver vehicle that keeps parking on private property blocking units. Officer unable to locate vehicle.
13:48PM – Complainant on Webb Ave called in reference to suspicious activity – subject caught on neighbor’s camera going through mailbox. Unknown if anything was taken. Officer made contact with complainant who stated it was a black Toyota Camry.
17:55PM – Assisted Fire on Jay Dr in locating source of smoke. Determined to be a pit smoker. All was okay.
20:04PM – Assisted MCSO on FM 3176 – white pickup with several individuals walking toward billboard. Vehicle engine cool to touch, individual teenager came back.
21:23PM – Complainant on Upson Dr N reported loud music. Officers checked area and did not hear any music.
22:39PM – Complainant on Upson Dr N reported loud music coming from neighbors. Noise stopped prior to officer arrival. Contact made with caller.
December 31
0:36AM – Complainant on LC Martin Dr reported suspicious person knocking on door. Officers checked area but unable to locate.
1:05AM – Complainant on Sayers Dr reported theft of cell phone and debit cards. Currently out of town but will call when returns to file a report.
4:38AM – Complainant on Hayden Ave reported suspicious activity. Silver Dodge Charger driver identified by police. Subject was told to leave premises. Verbal CT issued.
8:43AM – Officer dispatched to SH 132 N for a minor accident.
9:07AM – Late entry – occurred 0835-0843 hrs on 12/31/25. Officer issued traffic violation to subject on Teel Dr N.
10:23AM – Complainant on Teel Dr S stated her credit card was used at Walmart for over $100 on 12/30/25 between the hours of 0900 and 1300.
13:47PM – Complainant on Upson Dr N reported bathrooms broken into, lock was broken. Occurred on 12/16/25 approximately 1545 hours when it was last secured. Found unsecured at approximately 1331 on 12/31/25.
January 1
0:24AM – Complainant on Malone Dr reported subject driving fast up and down roadway. Unable to locate.
2:27AM – Complainant lost her phone in Devine. Tried to make contact at location but unable.
17:14PM – Complainant on Windy Knoll Dr reported a suspicious person driving a silver hatchback pulling up to their residence, near a parked truck.
17:53PM – Complainant on Hester Ave reported a parked car at park. Subject inside could be smoking out of glass and gas smells like marijuana and alcohol. Officer made contact with two males. No narcotics located.
17:53PM – Odor of marijuana emitting from vehicle. Search conducted and drug paraphernalia located. Male subject cited.
20:07PM – Complainant on Warhorse Dr reported white SUV parked in front of residence. Unable to locate.

Lytle Police Report

Monday, December 29
12:27 AM Ofc. Diaz –20100 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
9:00 AM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 Frontage Rd. – Officer checked on a female walking on the frontage road and provided a courtesy ride to the TXN Bank.
10:06 AM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officer received information regarding the illegal dumping of 9 truck tires.
10:16 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a suspicious vehicle involved in previous thefts and vehicle burglaries at the HEB. The driver, a 59 year old male, was issued a citation for theft under $100. Subject also received a Criminal Trespass Warning. Subject admitted to the burglaries. Criminal charges are pending.
10:45 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a burglary from an unlocked vehicle. Nothing was taken.
11:21 AM – 14600 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer responded to unlock a vehicle.
2:20 PM – Assist Atascosa EMS – 15200 Blk. Hester St. – Officer responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency.
4:45 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a distraught female. Everything was okay.
5:28 PM – John Lott Park – Officers responded to the death of a 40-year-old female.
5:42 PM – 1600 Blk. FM 3175 – Officer responded and transported a 33-year-old male to Laurel Ridge Treatment Center for an Emergency Detention.
10:57 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – IH 35 MM 131 – Officers were notified of a black Mercedes pulling a trailer that drove through a Border Patrol checkpoint but could not locate it.
Tuesday, December 30
7:32 AM – Assist Atascosa EMS – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a report of an unwanted customer. The female was transported to the hospital for a medical emergency.
12:05 PM – Wisdom Rd. @ Tippen Rd. – Officer received information regarding the illegal dumping of old sofas.
1:14 PM – Assist Medina County Sheriff’s Office – 16800 Blk. FM 2790 N. – Officers responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist in a one-vehicle rollover.
1:14 PM – IH 35 @ FM 3175 – Officers responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
2:47 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
5:21 PM – 19800 Blk. Creek St. – Officer responded to a report of the theft of a $400 Electric scooter on 12/27/2025.
10:41 PM – 19900 Blk. Doc Holiday – Officers responded to a 911 hang up. Everything was okay.
Wednesday, December 31
12:10 AM – 16000 Blk. Delgado Hills – Officer responded to a report of a vehicle passing by and taking pictures.
1:02 AM – Main St. @ Davis St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for speeding, which resulted in the arrest of a 44 year old female for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Dangerous Drugs. The passenger, a 27 year old female, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana and five active warrants. Two out of Bexar County for theft and possession of a Controlled Substance, and three warrants out of Kerr County for Bail Jumping, Failure to Appear/ Violation of Probation, and Manufacture /Delivery of a Controlled Substance. Both subjects were booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
9:45 AM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to unlock a 2018 Kia Soul.
10:33 AM – 19500 Blk. S. Somerset St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for an expired motor vehicle registration, which resulted in the towing of a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt for expired MVR, no insurance, and no driver’s license.
11:00 AM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officers made contact with a 46 year old male regarding an active warrant out of Medina County for Assault, which occurred outside the city limits of Lytle. Subject was booked into the Mendina County Jail.
4:47 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
10:00 PM – 14900 Blk. Harbour St. – Officers responded to a report of loud music. The homeowner turned the music down.
Thursday, January 01
12:10 AM – Bruce St. @ Gate St. – Officer responded to a report of loud music but could not locate any music.
1:30 AM – Main St. @ McDonald St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for speeding, which resulted in the detention of a female for an active warrant out of Ohio. The female had the same name and birth date as the offender, but with a different Social Security number. The female was released from the scene.
7:05 AM – 19500 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to check on a homeless female but could not locate her.
9:56 AM – IH 35 SB – Officers responded to a report of a couch in the roadway but could not find it.
1:06 PM – Assist Lytle VFD – Fire Marshal – 15600 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a grass fire near the railroad tracks. LPD conducted a Fire Marshal Investigation due to the fire’s suspicious nature and location.
4:48 PM – 19900 Blk. FM 3175 – Officers responded to an aggressive consumer, which resulted in an emergency detention at the San Antonio Behavioral Hospital.
9:20 PM – 15000 Blk. Railroad St. – Officer responded to speak to a family member about a missing homeless male.
9:37 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for failing to slow down while passing an emergency vehicle, which resulted in the arrest of a 35 year old female for POCS. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
Friday, January 02
12:16 AM – 14600 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer initiated a traffic stop for speeding, which resulted in the arrest of a 33 year old male for Driving While Intoxicated and POCS. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
2:10 AM – 17900 Blk. Rocky Circle – Officer responded to a report of gunfire but could not hear or locate it.
5:11 AM – Assist Bexar County Sheriff’s Office – IH 35 @ MM 135 – Officers responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist with an 18-wheeler rollover.
11:30 AM – Main St. – Officers responded to assist with traffic control while vehicles exited due to the shutdown of all traffic on IH 35 and were diverted to Main St.
2:02 PM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a report of an irate female but could not locate her.
2:59 PM – 14600 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a report of a male urinating in public. A 59 year old male was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated, 3rd or more offenses, and Disorderly Conduct. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
6:04 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury hit-and-run accident.
6:25 PM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to an active alarm and discovered a cat in the store that had set it off.
11:37 PM – Main St. @ Cortez St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for a defective license plate light, which resulted in the citation and release of a 46 year old male for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Saturday, January 03
2:05 AM – 14600 Blk. FM 2790 – Officers initiated a traffic stop for speeding, which resulted in the arrest of a 25 year old female for Driving While Intoxicated. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
6:09 PM – 14500 Blk. Railroad St. – Officer responded to a report of an illegal dumping of a refrigerator. It was discovered that the property owner was moving it.
Sunday, January 04
4:32 AM – Assist Lytle VFD – 700 Blk. CR 6844 – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle for a grass fire.
9:00 PM – 14800 Blk. LytleSomerset Rd. – Officer responded to speak with a driver regarding a road-rage incident that resulted in an accident in San Antonio.
10:25 PM – Lytle PD – Officer received a phone call regarding the accident that occurred in San Antonio at 9:00 PM.

It’s Time for Wreath Removal at Evergreen and St Jo’s: Volunteers Invited!

WHAT and WHO:
Please come help the Current Events Club with the removal of wreaths from veteran graves at St Joseph Catholic and Devine Evergreen cemeteries in Devine, Texas.
WHY and WHEN:
This is the final step in the 2025 Mission of Wreaths Across America is scheduled for Saturday, January 10th at 9:30 a.m.
WHERE:
Meet along Colonial Parkway entrances to both cemeteries. Look for an information table.
DETAILS:
Wear long sleeves and good shoes; garden gloves, too. Bring a broomstick to help you collect wreaths, and if you have a pickup available, you may help deliver wreaths to the County Precinct 4 Barn, on Hwy 173.
If you are part of a school or youth organization, Current Events Club members will sign community service hour forms for you. Please bring a list of your student volunteers.
We look forward to seeing you there on the 10th! Thank you for your help in the Mission of Wreaths Across America right here where we live!
Watch Video
Thanks to Anton Riecher of the The Devine News this year’s Wreath Across America Ceremony was video taped and produced for your viewing. Go to the Devine News You Tube Channel to view.

Virginia Campos

Virginia Campos of Devine Texas, born September 17, 1950, in Laredo Texas. Passed away on December 23, 2025, at the age of 75 in Devine Texas, surrounded by her loved ones.
She is preceded in death by her parents Antonio and Esperanza Velazquez, her brother’s Juan A. Velazquez and Raul Velazquez, and her sister Yolanda Gonzalez, and grandson Carlos Alberto Campos.
Virginia is survived by her loving husband of 57 years of marriage, Alberto H. Campos, by her children Maria Isabel, Alberto, Alejandro (Ludivina Campos), and Virginia Campos (Ruben Flores). Virginia leaves behind brothers Ruben, and Melquiadez Velazquez; sister Consuelo Rocha. Virginia will also be missed by her grandchildren, Alberto, Samantha, Amanda Campos, Victoria, Ruben, Rodrigo Flores, and Alexia and Pablo Campos, and great granddaughter Gracelyn Gabriela Campos.
A very special thanks to Teresa Cornejo, Daly Robledo, and Silvia Pineda for all their sweet care and attention for Virginia and the family.
A funeral service will be held in her honor on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in the Primrose Funeral Chapel in Devine, Texas, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Following a gathering at the Devine VFW (211 West College Ave. Devine, TX)

Virginia Campos, de Devine, Texas, nacida el 17 de septiembre de 1950 en Laredo, Texas, falleció el 23 de diciembre de 2025 a la edad de 75 años en Devine, Texas, rodeada de sus seres queridos.
Le precedieron en muerte sus padres Antonio y Esperanza Velazquez, sus hermanos Juan A. Velazquez y Raul Velazquez, su hermana Yolanda Gonzalez y su nieto Carlos Alberto Campos.
Virginia es sobrevivida por su amado esposo de 57 años de matrimonio, Alberto H. Campos, y por sus hijos Maria Isabel, Alberto, Alejandro (Ludivina Campos) y Virginia Campos (Ruben Flores).
Virginia deja también a sus hermanos Ruben y Melquiadez Velazquez; a su hermana Consuelo Rocha.
Virginia será extrañada por sus nietos Alberto, Samantha, Amanda Campos, Victoria, Ruben, Rodrigo Flores, Alexia y Pablo Campos, y por su bisnieta Gracelyn Gabriela Campos.
Un agradecimiento muy especial a Teresa Cornejo, Daly Robledo y Silvia Pineda por todo el cariño y atención brindados a Virginia y a la familia.
El servicio funerario se llevará a cabo en su honor el sábado 10 de enero de 2026 en la Capilla Funeraria Primrose en Devine, Texas, de 5:00 p.m. a 9:00 p.m., seguido de una reunión en el VFW de Devine (211 West College Ave. Devine, TX).

Marjorie Louise Knappick Marbach

Marjorie Louise Knappick Marbach, age 88 of Devine, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, at her home with her family by her side.
Margie, as her family and friends called her, was born April 29, 1937, in Leming, Texas to parents Adolf Walter Knappick and Alma (Neal) Knappick. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband, Paul Marbach, and brother, Anton (Tony) Knappick.
Marjorie is survived by her children, Jim (Ande) Marbach of Carlsbad, NM, Cindy Stein of Hondo, TX, John Marbach of Devine, TX, Randy (Tina) Marbach of San Marcos, TX, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and half sister, Peggy Biela.
Visitation will be held at Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, with a Funeral Service at 3:00 pm. Interment will follow in Saint Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Cal-Farley’s Boy’s Ranch at 600 SW 11th Ave, Amarillo, Texas 79101
If you would like to share a memory or express condolences, please do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com
Arrangements are under the care of Primrose Funeral Services of Devine, Texas.

Meet Randy,a jokester and a joy

Meet Randy! He is a typical teenager who is filled with lots of energy and is always up for having fun.
Randy has a very vivacious personality and is a joy to be around. He also really enjoys socializing with his friends, as the life of the party, he has a very funny personality and is a big jokester.
Randy is an athlete and likes playing football and basketball. Like many teens, Randy enjoys his electronics. He especially enjoys playing video games! Randy loves a good competition or challenge.
Weekends are his favorite as he gets to attend his CCD classes.
Randy says he would like to be adopted by a two-parent household, as he would like a mother and father to guide him into adulthood, and love him for a lifetime as their son.
If you think you could be a forever family for Randy 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 Electric Cooperative Board of Director Nomination Petitions Open

(Hondo, Texas) – 1/5/2026 – Members interested in running for a position on Medina Electric Cooperative’s board of directors will need to complete an online petition with at least 30 valid signatures from members who have electric service in the voting district the potential nominee wishes to represent.
Online petitions opened on January 2 and close at 5 p.m. on March 2.
Medina EC is run by a nine-person board of directors elected by members who receive power from the cooperative. Each one of Medina EC’s three voting districts has a position open for election each year. Elections generally take place in September, and the petition and paperwork are the first steps to being considered as a candidate for the election. The board is responsible for setting operating policies for the cooperative and making decisions regarding the financial health and well-being of the organization.
For more information regarding the online petition process including deadlines, the link to the petitions and the required paperwork to be considered, visit MedinaEC.org/Nominee. Email MyCoop@MedinaEC.org or call 1-866-632-3532 ext. 1008 with any questions.

6 CONTESTED RACES FOR MEDINA COUNTY:

There are 14 candidates vying for 6 spots in local Medina County government. Among those are the following:

COUNTY COMMISSIONER PRECINCT 2 RACE:
GARZA, JOHN V. REPUBLICAN 1
SITTRE, LARRY (Incumbent) REPUBLICAN 2

COUNTY CLERK RACE:
WALDEN, JESSICA A. REPUBLICAN 1
BERMEA, KIMBERLY REPUBLICAN 2
EVERETT, CINDY MODGLING REPUBLICAN 3

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PRECINCT 2 RACE:
BARR, MICHAEL REPUBLICAN 1
TSCHIRHART, BILL TERRY (Incumbent) REPUBLICAN 2

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PRECINCT 3 RACE:
FRANKLIN, LAINEY REPUBLICAN 1
KOCH, TERESA REPUBLICAN 2
SANCHEZ, MICHAEL REPUBLICAN 3

PRECINCT CHAIR FOR PCHR_2B_REP RACE:
DOLLASE, ARNIE REPUBLICAN 1
ILTIS, JEROME A. (Incumbent) REPUBLICAN 2
PRECINCT CHAIR FOR PCHR_4B_REP RACE:
MANNING, BONNIE REPUBLICAN 1
HULSE, STAN O. (Incumbent) REPUBLICAN 2

Republican Candidates unopposed in the primaries are: COUNTY JUDGE KEITH LUTZ, COUNTY COURT AT LAW JUDGE MARK CASHION, DISTRICT CLERK CINDY FOWLER, COUNTY TREASURER DEBRA GRAFF, COUNTY COMMISSIONER PCT 4 DANNY LAWLER, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PCT 1 PHILLIP LANGE, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PCT 4 TOMAS RAMIREZ, REPUBLICAN COUNTY CHAIR CHRIS SCHUCHART.
A list of local democratic candidates will be published when submitted.

New laws taking effect in New Year

Capital Highlights Week of Jan. 5 – 9– A spate of new laws took effect on Jan. 1, The Dallas Morning News reported. Here’s a brief summary of the most notable new laws now in force:

County sheriff’s offices are now required to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after the passage of Senate Bill 8. Local jail staff are now authorized to verify the immigration status of inmates and to honor certain federal immigration warrants. A grant program was created by the state to help sheriffs cover training and implementation costs related to the new law.
Eviction proceedings involving unauthorized occupants must be held in court from 10 to 21 days of filing. Also, the new law limits legal delays occupants may take to avoid eviction.
With the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence systems into many aspects of daily lives, House Bill 149 established a statewide framework for regulating AI and providing transparency. Companies using AI must notify people when they are interacting with an AI system. The law also created a state advisory group to oversee the implementation of oversight and compliance. Penalties can be assessed for violations of the new requirements.
The business inventory tax exemption has been raised to $125,000, cutting property taxes for small businesses that maintain stock. The previous exemption was $2,500.