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.
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Devine Summer Programs
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.
County takes no action on Meals on Wheels funding appeal
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 Mobile Unit offers free services locally
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.
Local schools have 43+ job openings to fill before upcoming school year
Devine ISD
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
Natalia ISD
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
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.
**REWARD**
In order to be eligible for the reward, you must call Crime Stoppers first and receive a code number. You will not be asked to reveal your name. Call Crime Stoppers at 830-769-2255.
A reward of up to $5000 is being offered for one week only for information leading to the recovery of an antique John Deere tractor.
This reward is available from June 18, 2025, to June 25, 2025.
On June 6, 2025, an antique 1938 John Deere Tractor was reported stolen to local authorities. Information was received that the tractor was seen in the San Antonio area. Further investigation resulted in the arrest of an individual for the theft of the tractor, but the tractor was not located. A reward of up to $5000 is being offered for one week for information on the location and recovery of the tractor.
Thompson wins $1,000 Art Scholarship!
Congratulations to Ms.Thompson for being awarded this year’s Friendship Art Club Scholarship! Margie is one of two students selected from a group of applicants to receive the $1,000 scholarship. Her artwork was reviewed and chosen by a committee
of Friendship Art Club members.
Each year, the Friendship Art Club presents scholarships to graduating high school seniors with artistic talent from Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Somerset, and Medina Valley, with the goal of inspiring them to pursue further education in the arts. The scholarship is made possible through proceeds from a community raffle held during the club’s annual Art & Craft Show.
Additionally, the club hosts an annual Art & Craft Show to showcase the talents of both students and members. This year’s event will take place on September 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lytle Community Center. Artists and crafters, both members and non- members, are welcome to reserve a booth to display and sell their work.
For more details or to reserve a booth, please contact Melanie McMeans at 210-413- 9150 or email thefriendshipartclub@gmail.com. Or you can visit the Friendship Art Club website at friendshipartclub.my.canva.site.
Restore Mobile Unit offers free services locally
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.
Summer Reading Challenge
DEVINE, TX — Summer is about to get a whole lot more exciting for young readers! The Driscoll Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Challenge officially begins Monday, June 2, and is open to participants ages 5 through 18. This year’s program offers fun incentives, engaging reading goals, and a variety of prizes designed to keep kids turning pages all summer long.
Logs and program rules can be picked up at the library’s circulation desk during regular hours, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each reading log is time-based, requiring participants to read 300 minutes (5 hours) to complete a log. With each completed log, participants earn a ticket to enter into a prize they would like a chance to win. Prizes will be on display in the library throughout the summer to help inspire young readers.
The challenge is broken into three levels:
Level 1: Complete 3 logs (15 hours of reading)
Level 2: Complete 5 logs (25 hours of reading)
Level 3: Complete 8 logs (40 hours of reading)
Participants will receive a medal for the highest level they reach recognizing their accomplishment. All reading must be completed within the 8-week challenge window.
For those entering 3rd through 12th grade, there’s an opportunity to earn additional prize tickets by submitting book reviews. Up to three reviews may be turned in, and each must be at least 30 words long.
Teens ages 13 to 18 can enter a special division with prizes specifically tailored for them. This year’s teen prize lineup includes:
Two sets of 2 SeaWorld Passes
Two 4-packs of Missions Baseball Tickets
A $25 Gaming Gift Card – Barbara Moore
A $25 Santikos Theater Gift Card – donated by Coby & Stacy Pyron
Two K1 Speed Gift Cards
A James Avery Charm – donated by Devine Pawn & Gun
A 3-Book Box Set of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
A 3-Book Box Set of the Lightlark series
To qualify for teen prizes, participants must complete a 6-hour reading log and may submit up to 8 logs. For extra chances to win, teens can also submit up to 3 book reviews of at least 100 words each.
The challenge will wrap up with a festive Awards Ceremony and Ice Cream Social sponsored by the Friends of the Library. The celebration is scheduled for Wednesday, July 30 and will honor all who participated in the program.
For updates and information throughout the summer, follow the Driscoll Public Library on Facebook at @DriscollPublicLibrary – Devine. For questions, contact the circulation desk at 830-663-2993.
Let the summer reading begin!
Community Mental Health Meeting July 10
Join us for an hour of support, education, and community connection. The event will be held from 6 – 7 p.m. on July 10 in Hondo. This meeting is open to the public. Community members, healthcare professionals, and local leaders are encouraged to attend. See this ad in this week’s paper for more details.