Celebrating 126 Years of Serving the communities of Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Bigfoot, and Moore in Medina, Frio, and Atascosa Counties
The DHS Land Judging Team is STATEBOUND!! The team placed 5th qualifying them for state. Brady Loeffler was 3rd overall individual with a score of a 259 and 1st in the seniors division receiving a $3,000 scholarship.
The Team consists of Brady Loffeler, Quay Ortiz, Jack Rumfield, Madison Fritz, Zachary Ortiz, Gage Allen, and Alvin Mann. State will be held at Tarleton State in April.
This is a followup on last week’s article, in which we reported that a young man had sadly been run over in a fatal accident at the data center construction site outside Lytle on Monday, October 6th. As reported, several others at the scene were also checked for “possible radiation exposure” due to a radiography tool being damaged during the accident. Chris McFadden with the Turner Construction Company sent the following statement, and we are happy to learn that it was determined by thourough testing that there was “no release of radiation” afterall.
“As part of our immediate response, we confirm that a commonly used testing device was damaged as a result of the incident. Out of an abundance of caution, qualified personnel conducted radiation testing, which determined that there was no release of radiation. To provide additional verification, the…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!
The crowd and the sidelines go wild after Mustang Quarterback Mason Giera threw a hail mary and connected with receiver Juan Gonzales who made the game-winning catch. Still shot from video that captured this amazing play.
Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports writer
The Natalia Mustangs pulled off what some might call a miraculous win against Nixon- Smiley High School, 18-15, after Quarterback Mason Giera threw a hail mary and connected with receiver Juan Gonzales who made the game-winning catch. Head Coach Jason Reynolds described the game as one of the most exciting games he’s ever been a part of.
Reynolds said he was proud of the way his team “rose to the occasion” against a tough opponent like Nixon and how locked in the defense was during an exhilarating display of football.
“It was the craziest ending to a football game that I have ever been a part of or even seen,” Reynolds said.
Gonzales’ game winning catch will garner the most attention and rightfully so, but Reynolds broke down how the most amazing of sequences set up the team three to four plays before…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!
Our Lady of Grace in La Coste, Texas has been designated Jubilee Pilgrimage Site in the Archdiocese and will host activities on October 24 – 25, 2025. This year, the archbishop has proclaimed Assembly as an “Archdiocesan Day of Prayer, Fasting, and Reconciliation.”
This special day at our Jubilee Pilgrimage Site provides an intentional space for the faithful across the archdiocese to slow down from daily responsibilities, to give Jesus their burdens, and to recommit to their baptismal call.
By doing so, we pray everyone will leave Assembly renewed as pilgrims of hope for the world! See the advertisement which has more information and a schedule for our Day of Prayer, Fasting and Reconciliation.
ESD1 Battalion Chief David Powers, in charge of emergency response in Devine, was on hand for the ESD4 board meeting Oct. 8.
By Anton Riecher
Details in the takeover of ambulance service for Devine and Natalia by Castroville-based ESD1 were reviewed by the Medina County Emergency Services District No. 4 board of commissioners during their monthly meeting Oct. 8.
ESD1 Battalion Chief David Powers, who took charge of local fire and ambulance operations effective Oct. 1, said that the two ESD4 ambulances are scheduled for “rebranding,” i.e., new identifications stickers reflecting the change in management affiliation, by the end of October.
The ambulances will also be stocked with new supplies and fully outfitted with all the necessary medical equipment, Powers said. New equipment will include cardiac monitors and intravenous infusion pumps used to deliver medication and fluids at controlled rates.
“On the morning of Nov. 1 at 600 hours we’re ready to go, ready to respond,” Powers said.
ESD1 has also conducted interviews and hired 13 paramedics to staff the revamped operation, he said.
“They’ve accepted offers and will start at their pre-employment next week,” Powers said.
The new personnel hired will serve only as paramedics attached to the ESD4 ambulance…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!
“As you from crimes would pardoned be, Let your indulgence set me free.”
William Shakespeare
The Tempest – Act 5
The annals of true crime are filled with interesting stories. Sometimes these stories provide the seed for cinema. I recently stumbled onto one of these stories. It is too compelling not to share.
In 1948 famed Hollywood legend Jimmy Stewart was featured in the movie Call Northside 777. The movie relates a true story. Presented in a semi-documentary style, with frequent narration, much of the movie was filmed on the north side of Chicago using actual locations where the events in real life took place. This movie falls into the category of Film Noir (French for dark film – a cinematic style used in crime dramas of the 1940s-1950s, often shot in black and white). This movie is worth watching (you can find it on YouTube). Here is the backstory…
On October 10, 1944, an ad appeared in the classified section of the Chicago Times. It read – “$5,000 reward for killers of Officer Bundy on Dec. 9, 1932. Call GRO-1758, 12-7 p.m.” The ad was placed by a Mrs. Tillie Majczek, whose son Joe Majczek, along with his friend Ted Marcinkiewiez, had been convicted of the crime and was serving a 99-year sentence in the Illinois State Penitentiary. Believing her son innocent, Mrs. Majczek toiled nightly scrubbing floors, saving $5,000 reward money after working 11 years in hopes of solving the crime and freeing her son.
The actual murder that triggered the events in this story took place inside a delicatessen located at 4312 S. Ashland Avenue during an attempted robbery in December of 1932. Chicago police officer William D. Lundy was shot by two intruders as he tried to stop the robbery. The state’s key witness, Mrs. Vera Walush, owner of the deli, was operating an illegal speakeasy on the premises (a speakeasy was an illicit establishment selling liquor during prohibition).
Eleven years later, the ad placed by Mrs. Majczek caught the eyes of two veteran reporters at the Chicago Times newspaper and out of curiosity they started digging…and writing.
In the movie, as is normal in film, creative license was taken with certain details added and names changed. And the phone number from the ad, which became the title of the movie, was changed to Northside 777. Note – Before the 1950s, phone numbers were preceded by letters indicating the telephone exchange serving a particular area. Full words were used to help customers remember the telephone exchange name. Later exchange names were dropped as U.S. phone systems switched to area codes and all-number calling.
Among the troubling details real-life reporters Jack McPhaul and James McGuire dug up (in the movie Jimmy Stewart plays their role as reporter P.J. McNeal) was the fact that Vera Walush had originally told the police she could not identify the holdup men. Joe Majczek, on probation at the time for a robbery committed when he was a juvenile that netted him $2, had been placed in a police line-up. Twice Vera Walush had failed to pick him out as a suspect.
Later, Vera Walush suddenly remembered that one of the killers was Ted Marcinkiewiez, a regular at her deli and friend of Joe Majczek. It was noted that she had only identified the two men as the killers after the police threatened to arrest her for bootlegging if she couldn’t identify any suspects. To save herself, Vera lied under oath.
The reporters also learned that a detective involved in the case informed the presiding judge during the trial that Joe and Ted had been framed. The judge pledged to push for a new trial, but was advised that if he did this, his political career would come to an end.
It is believed that these two innocent men had been convicted after city leaders, fearful that violence was tarnishing Chicago’s image and causing political damage, decided to “do something.” Six murders had been committed in the city the week Officer Lundy was killed. Homicide was a growing problem in Chicago.
When the truth came out, Majczek’s story was splashed across the pages of daily newspapers everywhere. And after all the evidence was presented to the Illinois Department of Corrections, Governor Dwight H. Green granted Majczek a full pardon. On August 14, 1945, Joe Majczek walked out of prison a free man. Five years later, his friend Ted Marcinkiewiez
10/06/25 – Officers dispatched to 700 block of 7th Street for a disturbance.
10/10/25 – Officers respond to 100 block of East 3rd Street for Family Violence.
10/11/25 – Officers dispatched to 700 block of Palfrey Street regarding Assault Body Injury.
October 3
19:37PM – Kids on Mockingbird Lane saw a black car hit a speed limit sign and leave. Car is possibly a Volkswagen with damage to passenger head light.
23:50PM – Complainant on Malone Dr called in reference to a suspicious male walking dogs. All okay.
October 4
5:55AM – Complainant on Teel Dr called in reference to an unwanted male who refused to leave store after being advised to leave several times.
6:53AM – Officer dispatched to Libold Dr for minor accident; vehicle struck deer.
14:36PM – Complainant on Davis Ave called in reference to a Hispanic male in Dodge Charger outside their residence.
20:57PM – Complainant on College Ave called to report his sister had hit his car and left in a Toyota Tundra.
October 5
15:15PM – Officer dispatched to Teel N for a house fire at residence. Two males were transported to hospital by EMS.
October 6
2:43AM – Complainant on Coker Ave stated she and her husband were arguing with their son in law over property.
13:16PM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave W for a welfare check. Vehicle was on side of road. All okay, they had pulled over to take a phone call.
15:52PM – Complainant on IH 35 S called in reference to her account being use to make purchases. After officer made contact it was found by caller that it was a misunderstanding. All okay.
19:52PM – Complainant on Hondo Ave E called in reference to a suspicious vehicle behind Country Corner Inn. Vehicle left before officer made location.
October 7
19:30PM – Called on TX 132 found writing near her apartment that said “Help”. Contacted resident in apartment who stated no issues. Kids possibly wrote on ground due to Halloween.
October 8
1:29AM – Complainant on Malone Dr W called in reference to three male subjects seen at Gold Course area. Unable to locate.
2:28AM – Officer initiated stop on IH 35 N. Vehicle impounded due to no insurance/expired registration.
13:41PM – Officer stopped suspicious vehicle.
20:20PM – Officer assisted motorist on IH 35 with changing rear tire on vehicle.
October 9
1:04AM – Dispatch advised caller on Bright Dr N could hear screaming in area. Officer patrolled area but unable to locate.
12:45PM – Complainant on Griffin Dr called regarding verbal disturbance. Female identified…yelling about a cat in tree. All okay; parties separated.
13:50PM – Officer dispatched to Dixon Dr for a vehicle causing damage to the side of a business building.
Monday, October 06
6:44 AM – 19900 Blk. Doc Holiday – Officer spoke to a resident regarding activity behind their house. The case is under investigation.
8:52 AM – IH 35 SB @ MM 132 – Officers responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident involving an 18-wheeler.
8:10 PM – Saffron Trail @ Voyagers Way (Rosewood) – Officer responded to a report of a vehicle revving its engine but was unable to locate it.
8:55 PM – Stratford Cove – The officer responded to a suspicious vehicle and found everything was okay.
Tuesday, October 07
12:41 AM – 19900 Blk. FM 3175 – Officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle and discovered everything was okay.
1:51 PM – Main St. @ Prairie St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for speeding, which resulted in the arrest of an 18 year old male for Possession of Marijuana (6.42 ounces) and an active Felony warrant out of Bexar County for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
10:40 AM – 14600 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer responded to a report of suspicious activity and issued a Criminal Trespass Warning to a male subject.
1:50 PM – Adams St. @ N. Prairie St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
6:40 PM – 15000 Blk. Gate St. – Officer responded to a 911 hang-up and found no one in distress.
8:00 PM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of a suspicious person and handcuffed and released a male. The man was issued a Criminal Trespass Warning, per the manager.
Wednesday, October 08
12:20 AM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer discovered a door propped open and secured the business.
3:09 AM – FM 2790 @ Cottage St. – Officer provided traffic control for a male motorist changing a flat tire.
3:19 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to the report of a 48-year-old male with special needs who walked away from his mother. The male was discovered at his home in Twin Lakes.
6:47 PM – Assist Atascosa EMS – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency.
Thursday, October 09
12:03 AM – 14300 Blk. Main St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for driving on the improved shoulder and no front license plate, resulting in the arrest of a 36 year old male for Driving While Intoxicated. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
10:07 AM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to unlock a 2018 Ram 2500.
10:47 AM – Assist Medina County Sheriff’s Office –19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to assist in locating a female but were unable to find her.
12:08 PM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a report of a burglary resulting in a loss of $2,719 in cash, excluding damage to the building and an ATM. The case is under investigation.
1:08 PM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officers discovered during their burglary investigation that a 40 year old female had active warrants with the Texas Pardons and Paroles Board for Intoxication Assault, Failure to Stop and Render Aid, and Serious Bodily Injury Death. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
11:13 PM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officers observed a vehicle near the dumpster. Everything was okay.
Friday, October 10
5:53 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a male sleeping behind the wheel of a vehicle, which resulted in the arrest of a 31 year old male for Driving While Intoxicated. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
11:50 PM – 20100 Blk. IH 35 – Officers observed a vehicle with the occupants wearing ski masks at the ATM of the TXN Bank. As officers approached, the vehicle sped off, prompting a pursuit. The vehicle traveled into Bexar County and back to Lytle, where the occupants exited the vehicle and ran on foot. A 25 year old male was arrested for Criminal Mischief Causes Impair/Interrupt ATM, Evading Arrest/Detention Vehicle, and Burglary of a Coin Operated Collection Machine. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
Saturday, October 11
4:29 AM – 19800 Blk. IH 35 – Officers received a phone call regarding an intoxicated guest.
6:43 AM – Lytle PD – Officers spoke to a female regarding her 52-year-old brother she was unable to contact.
8:31 AM – 19500 Blk. IH 35 Frontage Rd. – Officers responded to the death of a 29-year-old male.
4:50 PM – Lytle PD – Officer conducted a follow-up on an earlier burglary case.
11:35 PM – 19800 Blk. Doc Holiday – Officer responded to a report of possible animal abuse.
Sunday, October 12
1:58 AM – 15700 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a report of a suspicious person and were unable to locate the male.
7:00 AM – 17900 Blk. FM 2790 W. – Officer responded to a vehicle vs deer traffic accident.
9:39 AM – 19900 Blk. Huckleberry – Officers responded to a disturbance, and a 56 year old female was cited for Assault by Contact and issued a Criminal Trespass Warning.
5:33 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 90 Blk. La Paz – Officers responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist with an infant having a medical emergency.
7:33 PM – Assist Lytle VFD –19600 Blk. FM 3175 – Officer responded to assist with a patient having a medical emergency.
8:24 PM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 Frontage Rd. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for disregarding a stoplight, which resulted in the arrest of a 34 year old male for Possession of Synthetic Urine for falsifying a drug test. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
10:00 PM – 19100 Blk. N. Benton St. – Officer provided a courtesy ride to an elderly female to her residence.
11:52 PM – Assist Lytle VFD – Oak St. @ Davis St. – Officer responded to a report of an arcing transformer. CPS and Lytle Fire responded.
August 26, 1942 – September 27, 2025
Diane entered Heaven on Saturday, September 27, 2025, after a life devoted to faith, family, friendship, and the countless children whose lives she touched through decades of teaching.
Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Diane was the only child of John and Helen Hallock. She graduated from Trinity University in her hometown and went on to pursue graduate studies in Iowa. Diane dedicated over 30 years to teaching elementary school, including several years in Special Education before settling into her role as a beloved 2nd grade teacher until her retirement. She cherished each of her students and kept every gift and ornament ever given to her throughout her teaching career.
Diane’s life was defined by service and community. A faithful and active member of First Baptist Church of Natalia, she gave her time generously over the decades. Whether teaching Sunday School, serving in the Children’s Ministry, worshipping in the choir, or volunteering wherever there was a need, she built lifelong friendships grounded in shared faith and love.
She also found joy in fellowship and fun, especially when it involved shopping trips with family and friends to craft and vendor shows like The Peddler Show in Fredericksburg and the Nutcracker Market in Houston.
Although strokes affected her mobility during retirement, she remained faithful in her trust of the Lord. She loved spending time with her grandchildren—attending their activities, enjoying family events at the farm, and celebrating holidays together.
In March of 1968 in San Antonio, Diane married Harold, after meeting him on a blind date. They were happily married for 53 years, building a life together rooted in love, loyalty, and shared purpose.
Diane was preceded in death by her husband Harold Querner, her father John Hallock, and her mother Helen Hallock.
She is survived by her daughter Kim Querner Chiboroski and son-in-law Craig Chiboroski; her cherished grandchildren Hannah Grossman, Lauren Chiboroski, and Craig “CJ” Chiboroski Jr.; nephew Arthur Querner (wife Mandy); and niece Sharra Querner.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Agape Heritage Home for the compassionate care and love they showed Diane over the years.
Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her as a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, faithful servant, loyal friend, and extraordinary teacher.
Diane’s life was celebrated on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Natalia at 10:00am and interment service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Shelter #5, at 1:45pm, in San Antonio, Texas.
November 30, 1933 — September 30, 2025
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Billie Fern Brannin Parker. She passed in San Antonio at the age of 91.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas L. Parker Sr., and parents; Clifford and Leatha Brannin.
Billie is survived by her sisters, Catherine and Caroline; children, Thomas L Parker, Jr. (Lynn), Fred L. Parker (Patricia); grandchildren, Patrick and Nicholas; and great grandchildren, Henry and Finn. She will also be missed by numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will have a private memorial service at a later time.
We are heartbroken to share that Michael Jeffrey Brown passed away on September 24, 2025, at the age of 65. Born on October 9, 1959, Michael was a skilled carpenter, known for his incredible craftsmanship and dedication to his trade. He had a strong faith and a deep love for his family, which was evident in everything he did. He was also incredibly generous to those around him in need of help. Michael loved gardening, and has planted roses all over Devine that will be a remembrance of his work.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert B. Brown and Ruth Marie Hernandez Brown.
Michael is survived by his loving daughters, Brittany Brown (Jacob Walker) and Carrie Cooper (James Cooper) who will carry on his memory and values. He also leaves behind his siblings, Robert David Brown (Thelma), Jeannette Brown Perez (Carlos), William George Brown (Tammy); grandchildren, Brysen and Caysen Walker, Preston (Alexis), Waylon, and Hunter Radicke, Conner, Kaylee, and Cohen Cooper, and great-grandson, PJ Radicke; and girlfriend, Lee Ann Grimsinger. He will also be missed by numerous nieces and nephews. Those who knew him will remember his warm smile, his strong work ethic, and his unwavering support for loved ones.
A public viewing will take place at Primrose Funeral Services in Devine on October 17, 2025, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Friends and family are invited to come and pay their respects. A funeral service will be held the following day, October 18, 2025, at 10:00 am, also at Primrose Funeral Services.
After the service, we will lay Michael to rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Devine, TX. Everyone who knew Michael is welcome to join us in celebrating his life and the impact he had on those around him. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in our hearts.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Primrose Funeral Services of Devine, Texas. If you would like to share a memory or express your condolences, please visit our website at www.primrosefuneralservices.com
