Get your presents early as the lst two weeks of the month Devine Area Hospice will be closed for a Christmas Break from Monday, December 22, 2025 thru January 5, 2026. They will reopen on Wednesday, January 7 to customers.
Thank you volunteers for your dedication. Enjoy your time off with your family during the Christmas Holidays.
The thrift shop has been serving the community for over 26 years.
Please shop, shop, shop in the earlier weeks. And please do not leave donations outside during the holidays.
They will start taking donations when they reopen on January 7.
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FCCLA focuses on Community Service
Payton and Viola during their presentation to Mrs. Marek’s classes for Veteran’s Day.
Devine High School juniors Payton Appling and Viola Dzierzanowski created the project “Community Services of Devine” through FCCLA. The project’s goal is two-fold: to demonstrate their commitment to community service and to educate and inspire others, especially young people, to also become involved. The duo will compete at the FCCLA Region V Conference in January in STAR (Students Taking Action for Recognition) events with this project.
The team started their project at the Fall Festival on November 1, by throwing candy out to the crowds to introduce their project. They also created announcements, flyers, and a social media account to let their peers know about opportunities to help.
On November 5th, the girls visited Mrs. Marek’s 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classes at Devine Intermediate School to create 75 cards for Veterans Day. And on November 18th, they collaborated with another FCCLA STAR event team, “Clean and Green”, to pick up trash on the high school campus. At the conclusion of the event, 3 bags of trash were collected.
Appling and Dzierzanowski plan to help with the next food distribution in January at the First Baptist Church with the DHS Family and Community Service classes. They also plan to do another presentation at the middle school to keep spreading the word on why community service is important.
Kayla Dzierzanowski and Cat Brown present to Coach Cozby’s Environmental Science classes.
Devine council unenthusiastic about suggested change in water/wastewater rate measure
Richard Gibbons with Texas Rebuild makes a presentation to the Devine City Council on a proposed change in the basic measure for water and wastewater rates. (Photo by Anton Riecher)
By Anton Riecher
Response from Devine County Council members seemed largely negative toward a proposal to move from charging for water and wastewater by the gallon, using instead a standardized measure taking peak usage and varying flow rates into consideration.
A presentation by a municipal consulting firm known as Texas Rebuild suggested substituting a living unit equivalent (LUE) as the measure for average water consumption in Devine.
“The number one challenge that I hear from city leadership, councils, city managers, public works, is we have infrastructure challenges in our waters and wastewater system and we don’t have the money to pay for it,” said Texas Rebuild spokesman Richard Gibbons.
City Administrator David Jordan told the council at its Dec. 16 meeting that the consulting firm had been retained by the city to do an analysis of needed improvements to city water infrastructure, including the recent project to rehabilitate the long dormant L.C. Martin water well.
“Other infrastructure in the city is still lacking and needs repair, such as the lift stations,” Jordan said. “We currently have three lift stations that are aged and we need ways to fund those.”
Gibbons said that his…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!
Local Police report
Lytle
Monday, December 22
7:42 AM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of a found wallet.
9:15 AM – 19500 Blk. Bruce St. – Officer responded to a report of unwanted children walking through the property at night.
10:15 AM – Assist Medina County Sheriff’s Office – 14700 Blk. Main St. – Officer assisted the Medina County Sheriff’s Office with an illegal dumping of trash outside the city limits of Lytle.
10:29 AM – Railroad St. – Officer was notified of speeding trucks on Railroad St.
10:35 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a found wallet. The wallet had a one-dollar bill that contained narcotics.
12:08 PM – 15100 Blk. Main St. – Officer provided traffic control for the Tommy Joe’s Christmas plate event.
4:20 PM – IH 35 @ MM 131 – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver but was unable to locate the gray Volkswagen.
4:55 PM – IH 35 SB – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver but was unable to locate the blue Ram pickup.
9400 Blk. Davis St. – Officers responded to an open door. Everything was okay, and the business was secured.
10:20 PM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
10:52 PM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
Tuesday, December 23
12:48 PM – Assist Medina County Sheriff’s Office – 300 Blk. CR 6845 – Officer responded to assist with an assault, but the call was cancelled while en route.
2:50 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
7:25 AM – 18300 Blk. FM 2790 – Officers responded to a report of an abandoned 18-wheeler off the roadway. The vehicle was moved shortly thereafter by the owner.
8:00 AM – Lytle PD – Officer fingerprinted three females for employment purposes.
7:49 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to speak with a female regarding an open case.
7:52 PM – IH 35 SB MM 131
Officer responded to an 18-wheeler on fire. No injuries were reported.
8:08 PM Ofc. Tafolla – Reckless Driver – IH 35 MM 133 – Officer responded but was unable to locate the vehicle.
8:21 PM – 18700 Blk. FM 2790 – Officers received a report of juveniles entering the school. The Atascosa County PCT. 2 Constable arrived on scene and found everything was okay.
8:27 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer received a phone call regarding an accident that occurred earlier in the day at the HEB.
10:34 PM – Main St. @ McDonald St. – Officer provided traffic control for a stranded vehicle.
Wednesday, December 24
12:26 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to check on a homeless male. Everything was okay.
9:07 AM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for an expired motor vehicle registration, which resulted in the arrest of a 59 year old male for an active warrant for DWI out of Bexar County. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County jail.
11:28 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2007 Toyota.
2:43 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to check on a homeless female. Everything was okay.
4:54 PM – 19500 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to unlock a vehicle.
6:00 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2004 Dodge Dakota.
7:30 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to assist in closing the store early for the holidays.
8:00 PM – Assist Atascosa County EMS – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency.
10:15 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a 911 hang up but were unable to locate the caller.
11:52 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
Thursday, December 25
1:35 AM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 7400 Blk. FM 3175 – Officers responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist with an assaulted male.
4:44 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2013 Chrysler 200.
1:00 PM – FM 3175 @ Short St. – Officer observed a stranded motorist. Everything was okay.
5:30 PM – 14600 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a report of a verbal family disturbance.
10:25 PM – Assist Atascosa County EMS – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency.
Friday, December 26
12:23 AM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a verbal disturbance.
2:14 AM – IH 35 Frontage Rd. @ FM 3175 – Officers responded to assist a stranded motorist in pushing their disabled vehicle off the roadway.
8:51 AM – IH 35 SB – Officer responded to a report of a reckless red 18-wheeler but was unable to locate it.
12:42 PM – 19500 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to a Verbal Disturbance between a customer and an employee.
1:36 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a burglary of a 2007 Honda Civic. The owner claims a set of keys to the vehicle was stolen. The case is under investigation.
4:08 PM – 20000 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to a report of a disgruntled customer.
6:56 PM – IH 35 @ FM 3175 – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver and did not observe any violations regarding the reported vehicle.
7:13 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a stolen vehicle. The driver discovered they parked the vehicle in another row. No theft occurred.
8:51 PM – 14900 Blk. Harbour St. – Officers responded to a report of loud music but were unable to locate any music.
9:56 PM – 18500 Blk. N. Benton St. – Officers responded to a report of a bag of trash being thrown at a vehicle.
10:49 PM – Assist Atascosa County EMS – 15300 Blk. Cottage St. – Officers responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency.
Saturday, December 27
3:17 AM – Main St. @ Somerset St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for speeding, which resulted in the arrest of a 23 year old male for Driving While Intoxicated, 1st offence. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County jail.
8:11 AM – 15100 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to unlock a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado.
1:52 PM – IH 35 NB – Officer received a call regarding a reckless driver in a gray Toyota minivan, but could not arrive before the vehicle departed the city.
4:17 PM – 19900 Blk. FM 3175 – Officer responded to check on a male who left the facility but could not locate him.
9:00 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a female regarding two suspicious vehicles on IH 35.
10:19 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to an unwanted customer.
Sunday, December 28
1:26 AM – 14800 Blk. Adams St. – Officer responded to assist an elderly female with a busted water pipe in her home.
2:05 AM – 15200 Blk. Oak St. – Officers responded to a verbal family disturbance between a mother and daughter.
8:05 AM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. Everything was okay.
11:15 AM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a parent regarding a child custody issue.
3:48 PM – 19200 Blk. N. Bank St. – Officers responded to a 911 hang up. Everything was okay.
5:23 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of shoplifting that occurred earlier in the day. The unknown male stole a bottle of wine and chips valued at $22.29. It was relayed to the officer that several employees’ vehicles were burglarized. A 59 year old male was cited and released for theft under $100. The burglary cases are under investigation.
5:50 PM – S. FM 2790 @ Farmer – Officer assisted with a downed power line. CPS was notified.
8:52 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a homeless male sleeping in the parking lot.
Natalia
Natalia Police Report
12/22/2025 – Officers were dispatched to the 800 block of 6th street for a disturbance, officers were able to de-escalate the situation and is pending investigation.
12/23/2025 – Officer was dispatched to the 127 exit on IH-35 for an accident no injuries were reported.
12/23/2025 – Officers were dispatched to the 100 Block of 4th street for a report of shots fired in the area. Officers patrolled the area and were unable to locate any shots in the area.
12/25/2025 – Officers responded to a disturbance that had occurred earlier in the day, upon the officers arrival both parties were separated.
Devine
December 19
0:09AM – Complainant on Covey Lane stated that female had returned with two males alleged with fire arms. Unable to locate subjects.
10:20AM – Complainant on Covey Lane stated window was broken sometime during the night.
17:29PM – Officer dispatched to IH 35 S for Class C theft. Citation issued.
20:39PM – Officer cited subject on Teel Dr N for DWLI.
December 20
0:19AM – Suspicious vehicle observed parked near intersection of Transportation Dr S. All okay.
19:15PM – Complainant on Hickory Hwy called in reference to an ATV being driven recklessly in alley way between Hickory Hwy and Mockingbird Lane. Last seen possibly going north on Libold Dr. Unable to locate.
December 21
8:25AM – Metal in roadway of Windy Knoll Dr reported.
11:01AM – Debit card found on Hondo Ave E. Later returned to owner.
16:13PM – Hay bale in lane of Traffic on IH 35 S. Removed from roadway.
18:35PM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave E for minor accident.
22:00PM – Officer dispatched to IH 35S to assist with traffic control for an 18 wheeler that ran out of fuel in travel lane.
December 22
17:30PM – Report homeowner on Breeze Dr reported to be burning leaves. Advised them to extinguish fire.
18:15PM – Reported male walking on Mesquite Ave with ski mask. Subject identified by police.
19:10PM – Complainant on Cardinal Dr reported shots being fired or fireworks in the area. Officer patrolled the area but unable to locate.
19:43PM – Complainant on IH 35 S reported a red Dodge pickup slamming on his brakes on highway. Officer located subject at Dollar Tree.
20:46PM – Complainant on IH 35 reported a traffic complaint on a white Toyota Corolla. Unable to locate.
21:27PM – Complainant on CR 2200 reported shots fired or fireworks in area. Patrolled area but unable to locate.
23:11PM – Complainant on SH 132 N reported loud noise. Patrolled area but unable to locate.
December 23
20:00PM – Complainant on Oakhill reported 18 wheeler parked in roadway backing up traffic. Citation issued. Vehicles were moved.
21:01PM – Complainant on IH 35 S reported semis trying to run a black GMC off the roadway. Unable to locate.
22:05PM – Complainant on Zig Zag report street racing a silver Ford Focus hatchback and Ford Explorer. Unable to locate.
Poster & Essay Contest deadline January 24 Open kinder to 12th grade
The Medina Valley Soil & Water Conservation District in conjunction with the Texas State Soil & Water Conservation Board is sponsoring Poster and Essay Contests for school age children residing in Medina County. The theme of this year’s contest is “Soil. Where It All Begins”.
The Poster Contest is open to students in kindergarten through 6th grade.
Students in grades 7-12 may enter the Essay Contest.
A monetary award will be presented to the first and second place winners who will also advance to the TSSWCD Area II Awards competition.
The sponsoring teacher will also receive a monetary award for promoting conservation education.
For more contest details, refer to the information in this publication or at the address below or on Facebook @mvswcd. Flyers will also be sent to Medina County schools.
All entries must be postmarked, requested for pick up, or brought to the MVSWCD office by January 24, 2026. The address is Medina Valley SWCD, 257 Hwy 173 Ste. A, Hondo, TX 78861. Winners will be selected and notified in February 2026. For more information, contact Janet Zerr at (830)426-2521 ext. 3 or by email at janet.zerr@tx.nacdnet.net.
Local Sports pages!
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!
Two great kids wishing for a forever family
By Kayleen Holder
Editor
Brothers Emilio and Gael would love nothing more this Christmas than to be welcomed into their forever family, together.
As experts point out, sibling bonds are often some of the longest and most enduring relationships we have. For children in care, those bonds can provide a sense of identity and emotional safety, according to Children’s Home Society.
Sadly, according to a 2022 report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, more than two-thirds of children in foster care have a sibling in care, and studies show that up to 75% of those siblings are separated.
If adoption is in your heart, and you have room for two, meet these two great kiddos looking for a family…..
Emilio who is 10, likes building things such as car and robot models. It’s a hobby that leads to his dreams of growing up to be a scientist someday.
And on the topic of science, Emilio is also fascinated learning about the solar system.
Emilio also loves to read, especially about the ocean and ships.
At school Emilio does very well academically as he enjoys the learning process, with science being his favorite class.
He also enjoys attending the boys and girls club.
Emilio would like his future family to know he loves pets, and he would like to have a dog of his own someday, if at all possible.
Emilio enjoys going out to eat with Chick -Fil – A and McDonalds topping his list of favorites.
Big brother Gael, who is 12, is a sweet and loving child who is energetic and outgoing.
He enjoys bike riding, basketball, playing soccer, along with his passion for singing and dancing.
Gael is a very caring, attentive, and well-mannered pre-teen who loves spending time with his little brother and wants them to be adopted together.
When it comes to his education, Gael enjoys attending school where he plays football and interacting with his classmates. He does very well academically and was, in fact, selected to participate in the STEM program.
If you think you could be a forever family for these siblings 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.
Making headway on Devine VFD fraud audits
City Administrator David Jordan, left, and Mayor Butch Cook preside during the Dec. 16 Devine City Council meeting. Photo by Anton Riecher.
By Anton Riecher
The Medina County Emergency Services District No. 2 board of commissioners received an update during its Dec. 17 meeting on progress in audit work to trace funds missing in an embezzlement scandal that brought major changes to local emergency response management during the past year.
ESD2 bookkeeper Nancy Pepper also reported progress by accountant Karl Goering of Armstrong, Vaughn & Associates in providing a further breakdown on nearly $11,000 in misappropriation in the year 2022-23, which includes a lot of Amazon purchases, at least $500, noted in an ongoing fraud investigation involving the Devine Volunteer Fire Department. $10,500 was in payroll, for a total of $11,000.
An audit by…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!
Increasing water and sewer rates is “never a fun decision to make but it is the right decision for the city,” McLiney said.
Students recreate the Nativity Scene
Students at St. Joseph Catholic Church put on a beautiful Nativity play this past week. They are Kassandra Fajardo (Mary), Christopher Tapia (Joseph), Slade Whitley (Prophet), Inn Keepers Mason Cordova, Isaias Mendez, Jayden Palacios, Shepherds- TJ Buvinghausen, Ivan Iglesias, Jacob Casias, Kings- Marcus Gomez, Weston Leal, Carter Stewart, Angels- Jacklyn Guajardo, Lainey Cordova, Sam Steubing, Sophia Palacios, Jackson Weeks, Donkeys- Millie Null, Aaron Aguilar, Sheep Laura Steubing, Cows- Penny Null, Anthony Aguilar, Extras- Reese and Riley Haass, Stage Hands- Andi Haass, Quay Ortiz, Zach Ortiz, Natalia Gutierrez, and Emma Martinez, Narrator Bianca Villanueva. Photo by Adrian Reyes.
I’ll be home for Christmas…
I’ll be home for Christmas…
After 40 long days away, Pvt 2 Elijah Amir Gomez of Devine, arrived home this Saturday for a 2 week holiday block leave from Army Basic Training. As you can tell, his mom Sopheila Zori is so grateful to have her soldier home.
Pvt Gomez, a 2024 Devine HS graduate, is serving in the Army National Guard -stationed at Fort Leonardwood, MO as he undergoes Basic Training. Pvt Gomez said he is proud to “serve and defend the nation that provided my family with the opportunities and freedoms they didn’t have before.”
Proud parents are Michael Gomez and Soheila Zori, of Devine.
Special thank you and Merry Christmas to Pvt Gomez, and all of the men and women serving in the Armed Forces, and their families, who have made so many great sacrifices for us all.