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Youngsters hope to earn passports to England

Photo Caption: Left to Right: Lucas Winbolt (Atascosa County), Elijah Gerard (Bexar County), Sophia Gutierrez (Medina County) Skye Richey – teacher (Uvalde County) Brooks Ficke (Medina County) Aaron Richey (Uvalde County)

A dedicated group of homeschooled high school students from Medina, Uvalde, Atascosa, and Bexar counties are working hard to make a big dream come true. These 11th-graders from the Classical Conversations Challenge III program will host a series of fundraisers to help cover the cost of an upcoming educational trip to England this spring.
For the past two years, the class has immersed themselves in British literature, European art, Shakespearean plays, and historical studies. They’ve memorized thirty lines from five different Shakespeare plays, written essays connecting faith and culture, and held countless class discussions—all pointing toward the moment when they can finally walk the same cobblestone streets they’ve studied.
From Yard Work to Community Service
The students have already been out in the community across South Texas, offering to do yard work, clean church grounds, and assist with local projects—all for donations. Their work ethic has earned praise from residents who admire their initiative, politeness, and willingness to serve.
The town of Utopia has been especially gracious, welcoming the students to complete projects for Living Waters Church, the Utopia Food Bank, several local residents, and even the beautification areas at the town’s entrance. Their generosity has not only provided valuable fundraising opportunities but also strengthened the students’ appreciation for community support and service.
Upcoming Drawing and Market Day Fundraisers
Next on their fundraising list is a ticket drawing featuring a lineup of exciting prizes, including:
A TurtleBox speaker, generously donated by Mummee’s
Two tickets to Cirque Musica – Holiday Wonderland at the Tobin Center
A box of Wagyu beef, assorted premium cuts
The drawing will take place on December 6, and details on ticket prices will be announced soon.
In addition to the drawing, the students will have booths set up at several local market days, including:
Sabinal Market Day – October 25
Utopia Market Days – November 1
Vintage in Verdi – December 5–6
Community members and business owners can get involved in several ways:
Donate a prize to be added to the raffle ticket,
Contribute a lump-sum donation toward the group’s travel expenses, or
Hire the students for community or yard work projects.
Every contribution helps these South Texas students continue learning, serving, and representing their communities with excellence as they prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime educational experience.
About Classical Conversations
Classical Conversations is a homeschool program that uses the classical model of education—teaching students how to think, not just what to think. Through rigorous academics, Socratic discussion, and a biblical worldview, students learn to connect knowledge across subjects and apply it to real life.

Contact Information
For more information, to schedule work, or to make a donation:
Brandi Gutierrez: 210-535-2545 | b_gutierrez80@yahoo.com
Skye Richey: 830-890-8854 | skyehomeschool2025@gmail.com

Lytle Band wins 2nd and four captions for “The Flame Within”,focuses in on UIL this Saturday, Oct 18

Lytle Band earns Best Front Ensemble, Best Drumline, Best Color Guard, Best Music, and Best Marching Oct. 11

By Joshua Chessher, M.S. Ed.
Director of Bands, Lytle ISD
The Lytle Pirate Band delivered another outstanding performance of “The Flame Within” at the God’s Country Marching Festival in Hondo on October 11, 2025, earning top honors across multiple categories and continuing their season of excellence. The band was awarded Best Front Ensemble, Best Drumline, Best Color Guard, Best Music, and Best Marching, capping off the day with an impressive 2nd Place Overall finish among 3A bands.
Under the direction of the Lytle Band staff, the Pirate Band’s powerful performance showcased musical precision, disciplined marching, and a spirit of pride that captured the attention of judges and audiences alike. Each section demonstrated the dedication, teamwork, and heart that define the Lytle Band Program.
The Pirate Band now turns its focus to the UIL Region Marching Contest, where they will perform on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 5:15 p.m. at Hondo High School. The students and staff invite the community to come out and cheer them on as they represent Lytle, proving that Little Things Turn Into Big Things!

Natalia Band wins 1st Place at God’s Country Marching Festival; set to compete in UIL Contest Saturday

The Natalia High School Marching Mustang Band received a 1st Division from all three judges and were honored as Best Drum Majors and won 1st Place Overall- 3A in Hondo last weekend, Saturday, October 11 at the God’s Country Marching Festival.
Judges’ comments included…Very Impressive show! Wow! What a good band.  Very musical. The band constantly plays with good tone quality.  Very good technique from all sections.
“I’m very proud of our students.  They have been working very hard and it’s always nice to see their hard work pay off,” said Natalia Band Director Sergio Mendez.
Natalia High School will perform at the Region 11 Marching Contest in Hondo this Saturday, October 18, 2025.
Performance time is 4:40 pm. The community is invited to come out and cheer them on as they compete in Hondo this Saturday.

Retired teachers to meet Oct. 27th in Hondo

Huajilla (HARTS) Retired Teachers will meet Monday, October 27, 2025 at First Baptist Church, Hondo, beginning with registration at 9:30 am; meeting at 10 am. Catered meal.
Please check FB, contact your caller or call Earline at 830-931-4921 for details.

Kevin wants to be a police officer when he grows up

Kevin is one of many South Texas kiddos waiting to find his forever family.

Kevin is an energetic 13-year-old who can easily engage in conversations with others. Kevin is also friendly, kind, cheerful and outgoing. He is a very responsible teen who enjoys staying busy. He is also detail oriented and always works to present his best possible appearance.
For fun indoors he likes to play video games and watch YouTube videos. Outdoors, it’s exploring nature and being active riding his bike.
Kevin enjoys going to school to work on his math & science skills, visit with his friends, and he can play football & basketball.
Kevin has special talents when it comes to music, as he is in a mariachi band where he plays the guitalele (comparable to the guitar) and has also started learning how to play French horn, next he would like to learn how to play the trumpet.
When asked about any ideas as to a career when he gets older, Kevin says he would like to be a police officer.
Although Kevin does not have any pets of his own, he likes animals of all kinds. His favorite foods are, pizza, breakfast tacos, Chick-fil-a and any Mexican restaurant. Other activities that he looks forward to taking part in is indoor rock climbing and spending the day at a water parks.
Kevin stated he wants to be adopted by a family no matter how big or small to love him like their own.
If you think you could be a forever family for Kevin 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.

Firefighters rescue man and his dog from burning home

John King was rescued by FF Robert Vasquez and lifted out a window from his burning home.

By Kathleen Calame
Publisher, The Devine News
Forty-six-year-old John King was rescued from his burning home after the front bedroom and porch caught on fire blocking his escape, in a heroic act by firefighters and first responders near downtown Devine last Sunday, October 5, 2025. King was rescured and transported to SAMMC with burns. His dad, 82-year-old, Fred King, was transported as well.
“It is rare to get a save in a house fire. Most people go a whole career without one. That just doesn’t often happen. In my 30 years I have only been a part of one until now, “ said Fire Chief Clint Cooke, MCESD1. “All the crews did really well, they did a great job from Devine and Natalia.”
“Fire fighter Robert Vasquez was able to drag the victim through the house and lift him up out of the window,” Chief Cooke said. “This hardly ever happens in house fires. I’m in awe at how it all went. Proud of him and everyone there. We couldn’t have done it without them all… ESD1 crew, Natalia VFD, Devine PD, MCSO, and others all working together,” Cooke said.
This was this ESD1s fifth…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!

Young man loses life in accident at new Data Center construction site

news of a young man who was tragically killed in an awful accident this past Monday, October 6th. The 9-1-1 call came in around 9 am that morning. The young man, Maurice McGowen 28 years old, was reportedly struck by heavy equipment operating on the construction site of the newest data center located just outside of Lytle on Hwy 132.
After first responders arrived, Bexar County Hazmat was called to the scene also, as several people at the scene were checked for possible radiation exposure.
“The young man was working on the ground taking a soil sample when he was unfortunately hit by a large dump truck,” said Sheriff Randy Brown. He was pronounced dead on scene.
A tool that contains radioactive materials (which was being used to test the soil) was also damaged during the accident, thereby requiring extra precautions.
“The levels were high enough that they determined the testing needed to be done, because of the equipment that was damaged during the accident,” Sheriff Brown added.
While our knowledge of this subject is limited, Sheriff Brown did confirm that…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 “love birds” reach rare milestone

Bill and Audrey Boyd, of Bigfoot, shared their first kiss on a Ferris Wheel over 75 years ago…

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
Seventy-five years of marriage represents three quarters of a century, and it is very rare indeed to reach this milestone coined a “Diamond Anniversary.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only one-tenth of 1 percent of marriages even reach 70 years. These two “love birds”, Bill and Audrey Boyd of Bigfoot, are celebrating 75 years of love and laughter through good times and bad.
“They had their first date to the Poteet Strawberry Festival, and shared their first kiss on the ferris wheel,” said their daughter Melissa Hengst. “Not only do they love each other–but they still ‘like’ each other.”
No more ferris wheel rides, but now they love to sit in their recliners and watch the Wheel of Fortune, their favorite show.
“They are always putting each other first,” Hengst explained. “If I say ‘hey I’m going to the grocery store and ask dad if he needs anything, he will say ‘Let’s ask mama if she needs anything.’”
They are both in their 90’s now, he is 97 and she is 93.
“Dad waits on her hand and foot, just like she did back in the day,” Hengst said. “I remember not only did she have supper ready for him when he got home, but daddy has always loved sweets, so she always had something baked for daddy too. Now, he gets around a little better than her, so anything she needs–he’s right there. They have always made a great team. They treat each other with respect.”
They were married on the 8th of October at 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!