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New law may impact purchase of appraisal district HQ

By Anton Riecher
A proposed change in legislation that restricts appraisal districts from financing the purchase of property required a closed executive session by the Medina County Appraisal District Board of Directors May 14 to confer by telephone with its attorney.
In question was whether a “conduit organization” would be required as an intermediary or fiscal agent in MCAD’s purchase of a 4,900 square-foot building in Hondo to serve as replacement for the present MCAD office space leased from Medina County.
Devine ISD school board cast the deciding vote on a new home for MCAD April 29 when it sanctioned a resolution approving the purchase. The board became the thirteenth of 15 eligible taxing entities to vote in favor of the purchase, the required supermajority needed to authorize acquisition.
According to MCAD Chief Appraiser Johnette Dixon, the Texas tax code states that the board of directors “may purchase or lease property and may construct improvements as necessary to establish and operate the appraisal office or a branch appraisal office.”
An amendment under consideration by the 89th Texas Legislature would add the word “finance” to the phrase “may purchase or lease property,” giving appraisal districts the direct authority to negotiate financing for property acquisition, Dixon said.
Without that amendment, MCAD will be required to go through a conduit organization such as Government Capital Corp., specialists in public finance, to negotiate financing to purchase the Hondo office complex known as “The Ridge” to be the district’s future home. Located at 728 18th Street, the property was the former home of the Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Center.
The board conducted the telephone conference with attorney Matthew Tepper with McCreary Veselka Bragg & Allen.
In other business related to the purchase, the board approved hiring an engineering firm to conduct an asbestos inspection of the property prior to closing on the purchase, expected to happen before the end of the month.
“The city of Hondo is going to require us to have this ready to go,” said appraisal board chair Cynthia Malone.
Dixon said even though the inspection is required, asbestos is not expected to be a problem since the building underwent a complete renovation in 2009. Cost of the new inspection will be $4,128.
“If there was anything they would have found it at that point,” she said.
The board also reaffirmed its hiring of Hondo-based Paddle Creek Design as architect on the remodeling of a 4,620 square foot portion of the property to accommodate appraisal district operations, including 13 offices and a hearing room for property value protests that will go into immediate use in June.
Leases on the remaining portion of the property purchases will not expire until July 2026.
Malone said that other than the purchase of furniture, remodeling of the hearing room will likely be postponed until after the expected summer wave of protest hearing subsides.
The approved price tag for architect Thomas Oppelt’s work on the project is $35,000. Although the board approved the hiring of Oppelt and the quoted bid, board member Harold Galm said he would have preferred to see bids from two or more competing firms.
Several firms discussed the project with MCAD, but Paddle Creek Design was the only one to submit a bid for the project.
With regard to appraisal district business, Dixon reported that MCAD has posted 28,000 appraisal notices this month for real property, with another 1,000 covering personal property to be posted soon. Of those notices, 180 protests have already been filed by property owners, thanks largely to a new on-line internet portal provided by MCAD.
Property tax protest hearings are expected to start June 23, Dixon said.
To date, MCAD has collected 56.9 percent of its expected income from the taxing entities it represents, she said. Of that amount, MCAD’s total expenses to date make up 39.1 percent of its budgeted income.
Among those budgeted expenses is the purchase of five new computers to replace aging equipment that cannot be updated from the present Windows 10 system, Dixon said.

Local Police Report

Devine Police Report

May 9
11:28AM – Complainant reported a lost wallet around Food King parking lot on May 7 at 1900 hours. Reported fraudulent charges on his credit card.
15:19PM – Complainant advised lost EBT card. Used at Food King on 4/28 at 1840 hours. Requesting video footage and wanting to press charges.
20:17PM – Complainant on IH 35 S called in reference to male and female possibly arguing next to vehicle. All okay, no disturbance.
May 10
0:56AM – Complainant on Coker Ave called in reference to male subject in wheelchair in front yard highly intoxicated. Gave male ride to his residence.
20:16PM – Complainant on IH 35 S stated possible shoplifter, Female ID’d and arrested for theft $100<$750.
21:11PM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave for major two car accident.
May 11
2:49AM – Complainant on Teel Dr reported vehicle stopped at intersection with driver asleep at the wheel. Male subject jailed for DWI/DUI
May 12
2:29AM – Complainant on Moore Ave reported a male subject took her phone. Did not want to pursue charges.
9:08AM – Officer dispatched to Tehama Ave for priority 2 neglectful supervision.
May 13
11:25AM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave E for a two vehicle minor accident.
12:30PM – Officer assisted with traffic stop.
15:05PM – Complainant on Windy Knoll called in reference to vehicle driving all over the road with disabled plaque.
15:37PM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave W for minor accident.
19:55PM – Complainant on Rossville called in reference to female dumping something on side of road. Nothing found.
May 14
1:35AM – Complainant on IH 35 called in reference to vehicle swerving on roadway, was redirected to Frio County PD.
9:25AM – Complainant on Teel Dr called in reference to trash being dumped by the back door of his vacant business building.
13:52PM – Complainant on Hondo Ave called in reference to an elderly couple who appeared to be having car trouble. Couple were waiting on someone to help. Helped move vehicle to gas station parking lot.
16:15PM – Complainant on SH 173 called in reference to dark blue King Ranch F150 that was unable to maintain lanes. Unable to locate.
17:05PM – Complainant on Davis Ave called in reference to male subject on ring camera asking for help. Neighbor made location to get elderly man. All okay.
23:02PM – Complainant on IH 35 called in reference to two semis on access road by Walmart broken down blocking traffic. All okay.
May 15
8:27AM – Officer dispatched to Teel Dr S for minor accident.
14:02PM – Complainant on Hondo Ave reported a male in a wheelchair on the road. Unable to locate.

Lytle Police Report

Monday, May 12
12:05 AM – 14600 Blk. Main St. – Officers observed a suspicious vehicle with a broken windshield. Everything was okay.
2:06 AM – 19800 Blk. IH 35 – Officers discovered an unsecured door.
6:07 AM – Saddle Ridge Blvd. @ IH 35 Frontage Rd. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
10:46 AM – 14800 Blk. Lytle-Somerset St. – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver but could not locate the vehicle.
10:50 AM – 14600 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer responded to unlock a 2014 Dodge Ram pickup.
11:25 AM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a parent regarding an incident at the Lytle Learning Center.
2:00 PM – FM 2790 @ Rosewood – Lytle Public Works located a contractor accessing city water without authorization.
6:44 PM – 15000 Blk. Railroad St. – Officers observed and removed debris from the roadway.
8:36 PM – 15300 Blk. Adams St. – Officers responded to unlock a 2019 Chevrolet Sonic.
Tuesday, May 13
8:49 AM – 19900 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was open, and it was a false alarm.
11:02 AM – 14700 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of a stolen purse containing the elderly female’s identification cards by an unknown suspect.
11:00 AM – Lytle PD – Officer took a written statement on an open case.
3:24 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a stolen vehicle. It was discovered that the vehicle had been repossessed.
3:55 PM – 15400 Blk. Adams St. – Officer stood by as a resident removed their belongings from the home.
7:16 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of infants in a vehicle. The infants were with a parent.
7:31 PM – 15500 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a report of suspicious activity, and everything was okay.
10:44 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a vehicle on fire that resulted in the arrest of a 67 year old male for DWI. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
Wednesday, May 14
12:45 AM – IH 35 SB @ Fm 2790 E. – Officer responded to a report of a disabled bus in the roadway but was unable to locate it.
3:30 AM – Huckleberry St. – Officers responded to a report of someone ringing their doorbell but were unable to locate anyone.
4:47 AM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
8:53 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a wallet stolen containing credit cards, identification, and $27.00 cash at approximately 10:40 PM on 5/13/2025 by an unknown customer.
10:29 AM – IH 35 Frontage Rd. @ Creek St. – Officer posted a “cease and desist” letter to the operator of a food trailer operating without a permit.
10:45 AM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a female on the phone regarding an issue with the U.S. Mail. She was referred to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
10:55 AM – 18900 Blk. FM 2790 – Officers provided an escort to an LHS Tennis player headed to state.
3:14 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to the report of a wallet containing $1,500 and an ID being stolen. After watching the store video, it was determined that no theft occurred at the HEB.
4:00 PM – Lytle PD – Officers spoke to a male regarding unwanted contact with the female complainant.
4:37 PM – 18900 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer attended a special event at the High School.
7:13 PM – 19800 Blk. IH 35 – Officer spoke to a guest requesting extra patrols at the hotel during their stay.
7:28 PM – 19400 Blk. S. Somerset St. – Officer spoke to a stranded motorist regarding her vehicle in the roadway.
9:29 PM – N. Prairie St. @ Laredo St. – Officers responded to a verbal family disturbance.
9:49 PM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to unlock a 1993 Toyota Tundra.
10:08 PM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for speeding, which resulted in the arrest of a 41 year old male for DWI. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
Thursday, May 15
1:14 AM – 14600 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a report of a 14-year-old female who had run away. Ofc. /Inv. A. Lopez later recovered the Juvenile in Natalia.
10:45 AM – 14800 Blk. Lytle-Somerset St. – Officer responded to a verbal disturbance between a customer and an employee.
11:40 AM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to do a welfare check only to discover the female was not at home.
2:30 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of two females asking for groceries in the parking lot.
3:45 PM – 19100 Blk. N. Benton St. – Officers responded to a report of an elderly female who had fallen. The female said she was okay and did not need medical assistance.
4:15 PM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer conducted a fire inspection for a certificate of occupancy.
5:40 PM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a report of a suspicious person and were informed by employees that no call had been made.
10:28 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to an unwanted customer.
Friday, May 16
1:17 AM – Lytle Community Cemetery – Officer responded to a vehicle parked on the roadway. Everything was okay.
2:09 AM – Assist Texas DPS – IH 35 NB @ MM 131 – Officers responded and provided traffic control while the highway was shut down after an 18-wheeler rollover.
11:25 AM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
9:38 PM – Main St. @ S. Benton St. – Officers observed a vehicle stopped in the roadway. Everything was okay.
10:30 PM – Assist Medina County Sheriff’s Office – IH 35 – Officers attempted to locate a 2007 black Chevrolet Silverado that was involved in a hit and run accident outside the city limits of Lytle but were unable to find it.
11:24 PM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
11:57 PM – IH 35 Frontage Rd. @ FM 3175 – Officers responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident, which resulted in the arrest of a 50 year old male for Driving While Intoxicated, 2nd offense. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
Saturday, May 17
12:55 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a male walking around the 18-wheelers. The homeless male was asked to relocate to another area.
12:55 AM – Assist Medina County Sheriff’s Office – Main St. – Officer responded to a report of an unknown vehicle traveling 120 MPH heading towards Lytle but was unable to locate it.
1:36 AM – Main St. @ S. Somerset St. – Officers responded to a report of a damaged sign.
11:15 AM – FM 3175 @ IH 35 SB Frontage Rd. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
1:11 PM – 19500 Blk. Tippen Rd. – Officer responded to the report of a male shouting but could not locate him.
5:36 PM – 15100 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of a stolen Xbox, controller, and five video games valued at $75.
7:14 PM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
7:41 PM – FM 3175 @ IH 35 S. Frontage Rd. – Officer observed an 18-wheeler blocking the roadway and assisted the driver in turning.
11:31 PM – Assist Medina County Sheriff’s Office – Main St. @ FM 2790 N. – Officer assisted in looking for a male having a Mental Crisis but could not find him.
Sunday, May 18
12:48 AM – FM 2790 @ Waterfield Rd. (Rosewood Subdivision) – Officer observed a construction zone sign in the roadway and moved it out of the road.
1:01 AM – 14500 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer observed a traffic sign in the roadway and cleared it.
2:06 AM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 400 Blk. Ala Blanca Dr. – Officers responded outside the city limits of Lytle to search for a reckless driver but were unable to locate it.

Natalia Police Report

05/12/2025 – Officers were dispatched to the 21000 block of FM 471 for a minor accident report. Upon their arrival officers found that two semi-tractor trailers had slightly collided with each other. The accident was minor enough that the officer(s) let the drivers exchange insurance information and settle the issue on their own.
05/12/2025 – Officers responded to the 2600 block of TX-132 for a runaway child report. Upon the officer’s arrival he was notified by parents that their child ran away from home. As the officer was about to enter the child into the missing person file, the officer received a call notifying the officer that the child was located. Officer drove to the location where the child was located and there he met with the child/missing juvenile. The recovered child made threats of harming herself so the officer emergency detained the runaway juvenile and he transported her to the hospital for an evaluation.
05/14/2025 – Officer responded to the intersection of Miller and 6th Street for a minor accident report. According to witnesses one vehicle ran the stop sign and collided with a passing vehicle.

Pirates sail to Semi-regionals

Lytle Pirates Varsity baseball are Area Champions after sweeping the Industrial Cobras 2-0. Lytle moves on to the semi-regional round where they face Orange Grove at Karnes City Thursday, May 15 at 6:00 p.m. Above the Pirates dowse Coach Bippert after the big win.

See more photos and story by logging into www.devinenewsmembers.com and get instant online access to our E-edition.

Leaders battle over new“Kill Switch Law”, locals to gather in Medina County this May

A guest speaker hosted by the Medina County Republican Women’s group will be holding a presentation in Hondo this coming May 20th from 6-7 pm. Terri Hall (the director of Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom) will be speaking at the meeting which will be held at Hermann Son’s Steakhouse.
Put simply, the Kill Switch law mandates new passenger vehicles by 2026 to include technology that can be remotely controlled or manually operated, preventing vehicle engines from starting by disrupting electrical circuits.
While some say it will enhance safety and deter car theft, others are raising concerns about privacy, potential misuse, and personal autonomy.

The story behind the Foster family Brand, Rileys to carry on ranching legacy

r Triple C Steakhouse has become a showcase and a shrine of many cattle brands from South Texas and beyond. This week the Foster family of Devine is celebrating their family brands being added to the wall.
This includes, “my grandfather’s ’Housetop J,’ my dad’s ‘Script F’, and my own ‘TF Connected’,  with thanks to the Cox family,” said Mr. Tom Foster.
Foster shared a little about the history of how the Foster family brands came to be.
“My grandfather Robert Foster moved to South Texas with two young children…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!

Memorial Day event

VFW Post 3966 will present a Memorial Day ceremony for the public on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 9:30 am. The ceremony will be held at VFW Post 3966, 211 W. College Ave, Devine TX. This year the ceremony will take place on the east side of the Bingo Hall across from the Post Office. South Upson Drive will be closed for the ceremony.


Memorial Day honors members of the military who died in service to our country. The Post will hold the ceremony under the patriotic mural painted on the east side of the Bingo Hall. As part of this ceremony, we will recognize veterans who have passed away. If you wish to honor a veteran who has passed away, we will have a sign up prior to the event.


As in years past, the Post will have a flag retirement as part of the ceremony. If you have a flag that is no longer serviceable, please bring it to the ceremony to be retired. If you cannot attend and have a flag to be retired, you may drop it in the flag drop box at the main entrance to the VFW (near the flagpole).
Following the ceremony and flag retirement VFW Post 3966 will have free hot dogs in the Bingo Hall or courtyard, depending on the weather.

The Devine Current Events Club will be kicking off their Wreaths Across America program with an informational table at the ceremony site. After the ceremony they will be giving away ice cream in the Bingo Hall or courtyard.
If you need more information about the event, please contact Gary Saathoff at 210-289-6204 (text or call) or email to vfw3966commander@yahoo.com.

See more photos and stories by logging into www.devinenewsmembers.com and get instant online access to our E-edition.

Warhorse Robotics Team Triumphs at Buc Days Robotics Competition

Corpus Christi, TX – May 3, 2025
The Warhorse Robotics team under the leadership of Mr. James Wilcox delivered a standout performance at the Buc Days Robotics Competition in Corpus Christi on May 1-3, 2025. With a strong showing of teamwork, technical execution, and competitive spirit, the team emerged with a first-place alliance victory, the Spirit Award, and a total of $1,550 in prize money.
Over the course of the event, Warhorse Robotics participated in 16 of the 40 matches, consistently demonstrating their robot’s reliability in both autonomous and manual control phases. Their strategic alliance with the Robonauts EveryBot 10118 and the Robo Raiders 3561 proved pivotal, propelling the alliance into the finals and securing a first-place win.
In recognition of their energy, enthusiasm, and team camaraderie, Warhorse Robotics was also honored with the Spirit Award — a testament to their positive presence and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
The team’s senior members — Eli James, Tate Wisenbaker, Felix Mendoza, and Roy VanDerSlice — provided experienced leadership and guidance throughout the season. Juniors Curtis Kuykendall, Gwyn DeLeon, Zack Martinez, and Jacelyn Delaney made significant contributions across all aspects of the competition, from design to strategy. Sophomores Marshall James and Oscar Perdoma played key support roles, helping keep the robot running smoothly throughout the event.
The team also featured a strong group of freshmen — Nate Favela, Kassandra Fajardo, Nora Palmer, Asher Mills, Landon Kendrick, and Kasen Oaks — whose energy, enthusiasm, and quick learning added depth to the team and promise for the future.
The Warhorse Robotics team’s achievements at Buc Days highlight their dedication, collaboration, and passion for innovation — setting a strong foundation for continued success in seasons to come.

See more photos and story by logging into www.devinenewsmembers.com and get instant online access to our E-edition.

Water Well Screening: drop off May 28,results May 29

Medina County will have a Water Well Screening May 28th and May 29th. Sample drop off date is Wednesday, May 28th from 8:30am-10:00am at the AgriLife Extension office (1506 Ave M, Hondo).

Thursday, May 29th is the results meeting at 10:00am at the same location. There is a $15.00 per sample brought in, bring as many as you want. Pick up sampling materials from AgriLife Extension beforehand.

Proper sampling ensures accurate results. For more information, contact Joel Pigg at 979-321-5946 or j-pigg@tamu.edu or Taryn Titsworth at 830-741-6180 or taryn.titsworth@ag.tamu.edu.