April 11, 2018

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Vol. 33, No. 15 WEEKLY WEDNESDAY • APRIL 11, 2018 Office (956) 487-6544 - Fax (956) 487-6165 - E-Mail: sctc78582@aol.com - www.starrcountytowncrier.com

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Congratulations to our Roma High School UIL students, who competed at the 2018 UIL Academics 5A District 31 Competition held at Sharyland High School on March 23rd and 24th, 2018 and brought home an overall Team 3rd Place out of 10 competing schools! Roma High School had a total of 5 individual District Champions, 3 Team Event District Champions (Top Teams), one top Biology Champion, one top Chemistry Champion, and many other 2nd through 6th place awards. 13 Regional Qualifiers and 2 alternates will represent Roma High School at the Region IV 5A Academic Meet on April 13th and 14th at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Good luck students!! The Gladiator Nation is cheering you on all the way!!

ROMA UIL, page 4

Veterans Middle School Symphonic Band and Honors Band Received Top Honors at UIL Concert

Rio Grande City. He is the son of Jorge and Blanca Garza.

See them in action next season.

Upon graduation, Marco and Jenny plan to continue working toward their goal of playing basketball at the collegiate level.

Ringgold Middle School Sixth-Grader Wins 2018 District Spelling Bee

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For the first time in San Isidro history, two juniors were named MVP for All-District 32-AA and also earned 1st Team All Valley.

Marco Garza, sporting #33, broke a school record with 15 offensive assists for the bi-district win.

Jenny Garcia, sporting #1, is the greatgranddaughter of the late Don Esteban Garcia.

She is the granddaughter of the late Esteban Garcia Jr. and the late Laurentina Garcia of Tacubaya Ranch.

She is the daughter of Jerry and Elvira Garcia.

Marco Garza is the grandson of the late Ernesto Garza and the late Isabel Escobar Garza of Escobares, Texas. He is the grandson of the late Roberto Corona Jr. and the late Eusebia Rodriguez Corona of

The VMS Symphonic Band and the VMS Honors Band received top honors at the UIL Concert and Sight- reading Contest held at Mission Veteran’s High School. The bands received first division ratings from all judges and the coveted UIL Sweepstakes Award. The Symphonic Band is under the direction of Mr. Erick Ochoa and is assisted by Mr. Raymond Alaniz, Mrs. Lizette Alaniz, Mr. Gabe Hernandez and Mr. Eduardo Hinojosa. Mr. Raymond Alaniz is the Honors Band’s Director and is assisted by Mrs. Lizette Alaniz, Mr. Gabe Hernandez, Mr. Eduardo Hinojosa, and Mr. Erick Ochoa. Comments from the judges (Symphonic): “Thank you for playing with great dynamic contrast and phrasing.” “Some beautiful playing in Rio and fine teaching as Always.” “Great job today! Bravo.” “Great Band Sounds and awesome horns.” (Honors Band): “Outstanding Performance, every fundamental element is so refind.” “So beautiful and wonderful Bravo to everyone.”

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11-year-old Krishna Miana, a sixth-grade student from Ringgold Middle School, is the District 2018 Spelling Bee Champion. On February 9, Krishna spelled the championship word toucan in the final round of the Bee and advanced to Regionals in Harlingen on March 3, where she placed 10th against Spelling Bee Champions from 51 schools.

Congratulations to Krishna Miana, her parents, and her UIL Spelling Coach, Mrs. Dilia Villarreal.

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, APRIL 11, 2018, PAGE 2

WEDNESDAY APRIL 11TH - I.C.C. 6:00 P.M. PRO POPULO - MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE THURSDAY APRIL 12TH - I.C.C. 6:30 A.M. †JOSE PEDRO OLIVARES (10TH AN.)

by Ramona Olivares & Family FRIDAY APRIL 13TH - I.C.C. 8:20 A.M. ICS STUDENTS & STAFF 6:00 P.M. †HUMBERTO E. GARZA

by Mr. & Mrs. Israel de la Cruz †STANLEY MCMAHON

by Juan & Angie Guerra

†RAMONA G. PORRAS by Porras Family †ALBERTO BARRERA

by Wife Celia Barrera & Children †EULALIO CRUZ (17TH AN.)

by Mr. & Mrs. Rene Molina & Family †GUSTAVO OLIVAREZ, SR. (4TH AN.)

by Family SUNDAY APRIL 15TH- I.C.C. 7:00 A.M. PRO POPULO - MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE SUNDAY SACRED HEART/LOS GARCIA 9:00 A.M. †JOSE GUADALUPE GARZ by Garza Family †RUBEN KLEIN by Alicia Corona & Family †JJ PEÑA by Family †MARIA Z. GARCIA (1ST AN.)

by Severo Villarreal & Family

SATURDAY APRIL 14TH - I.C.C. 5:00 P.M. †MARIA LORETA PEÑA by Sus Hijos †BLAS PEDRO SAENZ

by Lydia Garza Saenz & Family

SUNDAY APRIL 15TH - I.C.C. 11:00 A.M. †JOEL F. SALINAS by Family

†LAZARO & ALEJANDRA R. GARCIA

by Letty & Valerie †KENNIE ALANIZ (6TH AN.) by Parents †ERNESTO VELA (3RD AN.) by Family †BERNARDITA & CEFERINO PATIÑO

by Patiño Family †FLAVIO CANALES, JR. by Wife & Children 1:00 P.M. †SIXTO FLORES, JR. by Wife & Family †HORTENCIA AGUILAR (AN.)

by Dina Muñoz & Family †ALFREDO GARCIA

by Wife Zoila Garcia & Family †ABEL S. SAENZ by Wife & Family †GREGORIO C. BARRERA (3RD AN.)

by De la Garza -Barrera Family 5:00 P.M. †HORTENCIA & RAFAEL PEÑA (AN.)

by Becky Canales †HERLINDA IBARRA by Su Familia †JUAN JOHNNY JET MILLS (AN.)

by Lee Vela & Sons

†EFRAIN GARCIA (6TH AN.)

by Familia Garcia †LUCIA R. GARZA (5TH AN.)

by Rodriguez Family MONDAY

APRIL 16TH – I.C.C. 6:00 P.M. †ANGELITA P. BROSSIG (21ST AN.)

by Daughter Beatrice Brossig †LUIS IGLESIAS by Family †OTILA M. HENDERSON (AN.) by Family †JOSE MARIA GARZA, JR. (42ND AN.)

by Sisters †DANIEL AHEARN, JR. by Class of 1958 TUESDAY APRIL 17TH - I.C.C. 6:30 A.M. †DANIEL GARCIA HINOJOSA

by Esposa e Hijos

Omnibus Bill Includes Additional USDA Funds to Address Opioid Epidemic The Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett praised an omnibus spending bill that includes an additional $20 million for a key USDA program that is helping address the nation’s opioid crisis. The funding comes at a time when President Donald J. Trump is pursuing an ambitious agenda to combat the nation’s opioid crisis.

“Opioid misuse in rural communities is more than just an issue of public health, it is an issue of rural prosperity,” Hazlett said.

“Telemedicine bridges the gap between rural communities and the medical treatment essential to recovery.”

The $20 million supplement is being provided in USDA’s Distance

If Roses grow in Heaven Lord, please pick a bunch for me.

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Because remembering her is easy, I do it every day, But there’s an ache within my heart That will never go away.

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Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program. Advanced technologies supported through the DLT program give rural communities all the modern tools possible to fight the opioid epidemic, including: •Prevention: making sure doctors’ offices and pharmacies are connected to real-time controlled substances (opioid) patient registries •Treatment: training health care providers on how to identify and treat addiction •Recovery: providing remote access for addiction treatment counseling DLT grants are available to most state and local governmental entities, federally-recognized

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tribes, non-profit groups, for-profit businesses or a consortia of these.

The $20 million supplement is in addition to $29 million that Congress provided for the DLT program’s annual budget this year. The $29 million also may be used for opioid-related projects, but, unlike the $20 million, it is not specifically targeted to those purposes.

The DLT program has been particularly effective in addressing generational poverty, which is often is linked to rural isolation and a lack of access to education.

These factors can lead to a sense of isolation and desperation that sometimes results in drug abuse.

USDA is actively involved in the opioid issue. Last month, Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett began a series of monthly roundtables on the subject. Upcoming roundtables are scheduled for April 11 in Utah, May 9 in Kentucky, June 6 in Oklahoma and July 11 in Maine. Please contact the Rural Development State Office for times, locations and registration information.

For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, APRIL 11, 2018, PAGE 3

Roma High School Mariachi Nuevo Santander Earns Division 1 Rating at UIL Competition

Roma ISD Mariachi Program Wins Big at FESTIBA

Extremely proud of the Roma ISD Mariachi Program for an outstanding showing at UTRGV’s FESTIBA. Roma High’s Nuevo Santander won all Best caption awards, including violins, trumpets, armonia and vocals, and 1st place in the 5A high school division! Congratulations also goes to Francisco Garcia from Roma Middle School for Congratulations to our Roma High School Mariachi Nuevo Santander for earning a Division 1 Superior earning 1st place vocalist in the rating and 8 individual outstanding performer medals for violins/vocalists!! Great work to this amazing middle school category and to the Ramiro Barrera Middle School group for a job well done!

Mariachi for earning 2nd place in the group competition in the middle school category.

Rio Grande City Earns Rank in Top 100 Best Places for Starting a Small Business

The Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce Rio Grande City has landed on a list of top 100 best communities in Texas to start a small business by LendEdu. Securing the 57th spot, Rio Grande City bested other Texas communities including Bandera, Poteet and Wimberly.

Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal credited the city’s entrepreneurial spirit and Rio Grande City EDC’s focus on partners and programs designed to provide technical assistance and

small business education, therefore improving the success of small business in the city.

“We know our small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” said Mayor Villarreal. “This is why we do all that we can to help them get a great start.”

“Being a small business owner is an ambitious undertaking, but the City of Rio Grande City makes it easier by encouraging and providing resources to help small businesses succeed,” said Oscar Gonzalez, small business owner and Rio Grande City Main Street

Advisory Board Vice-President.

LendEDU analyzed over 1,000 Texas communities based on their conduciveness to small businesses and used a methodology that weighed population, income, expenses, property and sales tax, utility costs and burglary and property crime scores.

“Our mission is straightforward – to provide quality services in partnership with our citizens to build a progressive city and provide a better quality of life for all of our residents,” said Rio RIO GRANDE CITY, page 4

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, APRIL 11, 2018, PAGE 4

ROMA UIL Continued from Front Page Accounting- 1st Place - Carlos Olivares, Regional Qualifier; Computer Applications- 2nd Place - Kathia Alaniz, Regional Qualifier; Computer Science1st Place - Gerardo Garcia, Regional Qualifier and 5th Place - Rene Barrera; Computer Science Team- 1st Place Team Trophy & 1st Place Team Medals & All Regional Qualifiers: Rene Barrera, Gerardo Garcia, Rigoberto Olivarez, and Leonardo Ponce; Current Issues- 5th Place - Juan Vidal; Journalism – Editorial Writing- 2nd Place - Isabella Gonzalez, Regional

Qualifier; Journalism – Feature Writing- 1st Place - Isabella Gonzalez, Regional Qualifier; Journalism - Headline Writing3rd Place - Isabella Gonzalez, Regional Qualifier; Journalism – News Writing- 3rd Place Isabella Gonzalez, Regional Qualifier; Journalism – Overall1st Team Trophy for Journalism Team: Marianna Canales, Daisy Guzman, Isabella Gonzalez, Leanza Trevino, and Maria Reyna; Informative Speaking- 1st Place - Juan Rodriguez, Regional Qualifier and 4th Place - Alan Villegas, Alternate; Lincoln

Douglas Debate- 5th Place - Andrik Garcia; Literary Criticism- 5th Place - Leanza Trevino; Persuasive Speaking3rd Place - Damaris Martinez, Regional Qualifier and 4th Place Juan Vidal, Alternate; Speaking Team– Overall - 2nd Place Team Speaking Team: Damaris Martinez, Juan Rodriguez, Juan Vidal, and Alan Villegas; Science- 1st Place - Joe Henry Doria, Regional Qualifier and 3rd Place - Jose Luis Pena, Regional Qualifier; Top Biology Score- Jose Luis Pena, Regional Qualifier; Top Chemistry Score- Joe Henry

RIO GRANDE CITY Continued from page 3 Doria, Regional Qualifier; Science Team- 1st Place Team Trophy & 1st Place Team Medals Overall Science Team & All Regional Qualifiers: Joe Henry Doria, Aaron Fernandez, Ruben Garcia, and Jose Luis Pena.

If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.

-Maya Angelou

Grande City’s City Commissioner and EDC Board President Rey Ramirez. “This ranking is a testament to our efforts.”

In 2017, Rio Grande City issued 115 commercial building permits.

The value of the improvements to those buildings amounted to $27,059,110. In addition, sales taxes in Rio Grande City have

steadily climbed, keeping in line with similar-sized Rio Grande Valley communities.

The trajectory for Rio Grande City continues to show improvement in other economic factors including record low unemployment in Starr County.

Meanwhile, in May 2017, Rio Grande City ranked as one of the best places in the United States to make more money and grow income by LendEdu. The study analyzed over 25,000 U.S. communities and judged them on their household income growth from 2000 to 2017. Additionally, these places were also graded on their forecasted income growth over the next five years.

This newest distinction from LendEdu is great news for the city and affirms Rio Grande City is poised for continued and substantial growth.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, APRIL 11, 2018, PAGE 5

Rep. Cuellar Presented with Spirit of Enterprise Award from U.S. Chamber of Commerce for 11th time

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) presented with the Spirit of Enterprise Award by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Thomas Donohue, on Tuesday in Washington.

Award Honors Congressman Cuellar’s 92% Rating from the Chamber of Commerce Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX28) was presented with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s annual Spirit of Enterprise Award, given in recognition of his support for pro-job, pro-growth policies in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The award ceremony took place at the U.S. Chamber Hill Office in Washington, DC. “I thank the Chamber for granting me this award,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Since being elected to office, I have consecutively supported probusiness, pro-growth policies at the federal level because I know that support for business means greater economic prosperity for our country. My district is home to major international trade ports and agricultural businesses, as well as thousands of local small businesses that provide jobs and support to our economy through free enterprise.”

The Chamber’s prestigious Spirit of Enterprise Award is given annually to members of Congress based on their votes on critical business legislation as outlined in the Chamber online publication How They Voted. Members who supported the Chamber’s position on at least 70 percent of those

votes qualify to receive the award.

This is the 30th year that the U.S. Chamber has formally honored the accomplishments of this select group of members of Congress.

“It’s a good time to be doing business in America, thanks to a slate of legislative accomplishments that laid the groundwork for more economic growth and job creation,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “These efforts to advance commonsense, growthoriented legislation will help Main Street American businesses thrive.

We commend Representative Cuellar for his commitment to promoting and protecting American free enterprise and economic prosperity.”

During the first session of the 115th Congress, the Chamber scored members on 14 House votes, including votes on tax reform legislation, access to Medicare, and lawsuit abuse.

Various votes in support of small business were also scored.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

A Letter to the Editor April: Alcohol Awareness Month

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. It was founded in 1987 by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependences, Inc. (NCADD). The month is dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding alcoholism and to provide information on alcohol, alcoholism, and recovery.

The theme for this year is “Changing Attitudes: It’s not a rite of passage”. Parents often forgive underage drinking as a “rite of passage.” They can simply sit back and hope their kids will “get through it,” or they can change their attitude and take an active role in learning about alcohol and drugs and help their kids do the same. After all, no other substance is more widely used and abused by youth than alcohol, making alcoholism and alcohol-related problems the number one public health problem in the United States.

Alcohol is very prevalent in our communities, in part because of its legality and also due to our Hispanic culture. Children are often times exposed to drinking at an early age through family get-togethers, quinceaneras, and birthday parties. At many of these

events alcohol is present. Thus, youth who are present are taught at an early age that drinking is socially acceptable. According to the 2016 Texas School Survey (TSS), about half of the students surveyed between grades 7 and 12 reported having ever tried alcohol.

The same survey revealed that 4 out of 10 students thought it would be somewhat or very easy to get alcohol if they wanted some.

These attitudes will often times persist into later years in college.

The Texas Health and Human services Commission in 2015 found that alcohol is not only the most commonly used substance on many college campuses, but it also leads to consequences such as a higher risk of unplanned sex, unprotected sex, falling behind in schoolwork, missing classes, and issues with police. While alcohol is legal, it is important to teach children at an early age the consequences of it. After all, more than 4 in 10 people who begin drinking alcohol before the age of 15 develop alcoholism later in life.

Adolescence is a time of heightened risk-taking and as alcohol and drugs enter the

picture, parents are faced with a unique set of challenges. They can simply sit back and hope their kids will “get through it,” or they can take an active role in learning about alcohol and drugs and helping their kids do the same.

The Prevention Resource Center encourages parents to reach out and talk to their kids regarding the consequences and risks of consuming alcohol at an early age.

The Prevention Resource Center (PRC), a program of Behavioral Health Solutions of South Texas, serves as the central data collection repository

for region 11 and the developer of a yearly Regional Needs Assessment (RNA), which is available to community members at no cost. To find out more about the prevention work being conducted in your community download the latest Regional Needs Assessment at our website, www.prc11.org/data . If you are interested in becoming a part of this project and would like to play a role in the 2018 Regional Needs Assessment process, please contact Irwin Mendoza, Regional Evaluator, at 787-7111 ext. 295.

Congressman

Henry Cuellar Congressman Cuellar Is On The Job, Working For You In The 28th District : Federal Government Assistance n

n

n

n n

Grants and Federal funding for local projects Social Security and Medicare benefits Citizenship Services and Immigration status requests Veterans’ benefits Passport applications

Constituent Services n

n

n

n

Group tours for school classes and community organizations American flags flown over the Capitol U.S. Military Academy nominations Student internships

Let Congressman Cuellar Hear Your Thoughts!

1 (877) 780-0028 n henry.cuellar@mail.house.gov www.house.gov/cuellar

Come Visit Us In Our Local Offices Rio Grande City 100 North FM 3167 Grande City, TX 78582 P: (956) 487-5603 F: (956) 488-0952

Mission 117 E. Tom Landry Mission, TX 78572 P: (956) 424-3942 F: (956) 424-3936

Constituents seeking assistance from Congressman Cuellar’s office need to reside within the 28th District of Texas This document was prepared and published at taxpayer expense.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, APRIL 11, 2018, PAGE 6

Guillen: Right Direction For Victims Of Sexual Assault

Letter to the Editor NCADD Alcohol Awareness Month 2018 “Changing Attitudes: It’s not a ‘rite of passage’” Dear Editor: April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Founded and sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) since 1987, this year’s theme is: “Changing Attitudes: It’s not a ‘rite of passage’.”

No other substance is more widely used and abused by America’s youth than alcohol, making alcoholism and alcoholrelated problems the number one public health problem in the

United States.

Fostering healthy and responsible attitudes, talking openly and honestly, encouraging supportive relationships, and showing children that their opinions and decisions matter, are all ways to help prevent the use of alcohol and drugs.

Parents often forgive underage drinking as a “rite of passage.”

They can simply sit back and hope their kids will “get through it,” or they can change their attitude and take an active role in learning about alcohol and drugs and he lp t heir ki ds do t he s ame.

It can be challenging to develop the communication skills needed

to talk with your children about drinking and drugs, but it will be well worth the effort you put into it, as you get to know your children a little better and help them build the coping skills they need to handle the anger, stress, peer pressure, loneliness and disappointment that are part of being an adolescent.

So, let’s get started. We can’t afford to wait any longer.

For more information, call 716-1795.

Sincerely, Sandra Garza Starr County Community Coalition

Backlog In Rape Kits In Texas Has Shrunk Due to Legislative Action April is Sexual Assault Awareness month and Representative Ryan Guillen (D- Rural South Texas) is proud to announce that Texas has been successful in reducing the backlog of untested rape kits. HB 1729, of which Guillen was an author, took effect in 2017 and established a grant program to fund the testing of more rape kits.

“As Texans, we must ensure that justice is served to those who commit crimes,” said Guillen.

“This bill was a step in the right direction for victims of sexual assault, but more remains to be done and I will continue to fight for these victims and their families.”

A rape kit—also known as a sexual assault kit—is a package of items used by medical personnel for gathering and preserving

physical evidence following an allegation of sexual assault.

The evidence collected from the victim can aid the criminal rape investigation and the prosecution of a suspected assailant. DNA evidence can have tremendous utility for sexual assault investigations and prosecution by identifying offenders, revealing serial offenders through DNA matches across cases, and exonerating those who have been wrongly accused. However, due to both the issue of rape kits not being submitted to crime labs for testing and the related issue of crime labs not having enough resources to test all of the submitted kits, there has developed a nationwide backlog in the processing of rape kits.

The State of Texas was the first state to enact comprehensive laws that covered all 6 pillars of rape kit reform, including

laws requiring an audit, testing of backlogged kits, testing of newly collected kits, tracking of kits, victims’ right to notice provisions, and funding for rape kit reform. In 2011 there were 18,946 untested kits in Texas and now only around 2,100 untested kits remain.

HB 1729 provides an innovative solution for the longterm funding of this testing by creating a grant program funded by voluntary donations from Texans when they apply for or renew their driver’s licenses.

During the past legislative session, Rep. Guillen also helped secure the $4,219,000 in initial funding to test the backlogged kits.

“We must constantly strive for a better, safer Texas, and this measure was a necessary step towards that goal,” Guillen added.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, APRIL 11, 2018, PAGE 7

world and prepared to participate as global VISIONS teen community service program locations are in under-resourced communities citizens.

VISIONS projects are ambitious, and around the world. They plan volunteer projects therefore challenging, gratifying and fun. You with local partners and return to the same will make and meet commitments to their host places every year in order to meet long-term Each year we sponsor one exceptional youth communities and in response to their needs. commitments. The bonds forged with local to represent our community in communities You will spend approximately 50% of our time communities translate into summer programs that are in need. Our goal is to make the world on projects, working until mid-afternoon on of depth and quality. better while exposing a deserving youth to weekdays. One day a week you will be on Teen volunteers accomplish impressive “homebase crew”, preparing breakfast for projects and build cultural bridges that last the world.

The World Service Corp Award is an everyone, visiting local markets to buy food long after the summer ends. VISIONS students opportunity for one youth to enroll in the for the next meals, and doing errands as part come to know the people whose lives they impact.

Visions Services Adventures Programs ® and of a “day in the life”.

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travel the world while helping others.

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Every VISIONS program undertakes a ground-up building project and several other construction initiatives. You will do construction because it is a pressing need in these communities and because it also teaches valuable things: technical and problem-solving skills, efficient work habits, teamwork and self-confidence.

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Rules and criteria governing this award 1. Students must be members of a minority group that is under-represented, i.e.

African-American, Hispanic, Native American, and Alaskan Native. Students must be high school juniors or seniors during the 2017–2018 academic period and plan to enroll in a four-year college or university.

2. The selection of award recipients will be based on the following criteria: a) The student’s academic record, minimum GPA of 3.0. (School Transcript required) b) The student’s participation in school, and/or outside jobs, activities, community service activities as outlined in the student’s career essay. The essay must outline why the applicant wants to participate in a world community service program, what other current community service projects they have worked on and how they plan to continue to be a service to the world.(The essay must be typed and 300 word minimum). c) The student must present three letters of recommendations: 1. High School Counselor 2. High School Teacher 3.From a Community Leader, Employer, Community Service Supervisor. d) Applicant Interview with the scholarship committee 3. Individual awards for participants will cover program tuition and airline transportation. Awards will be announced by May,11 2018. Program dates vary but all applicants must be available June-August 2018.

Instructions for Submitting a Nomination

A complete application for the 2017-2018 Pediatric Care Center World Service Corp Scholarship will contain a copy of each of the following items: From the applicant: a) A completed Application form (this form) b) A typed Career Essay minimum 300 words outlining the following: • The student’s participation in school, and/or outside jobs, activities, community service activities.

• The essay must outline why the participant wants to participate in a world community service program.

• What other current community service projects they have worked on and • How they plan to continue to be of service to their community and the world c) Official transcript of high school grades d) Photo of applicant e) The student must present three Letters of Recommendations: • High School Counselor • High School Teacher • A Community Leader, Employer, Community Service Supervisor.

The deadline to submit this application form is May 1st, 2018 Applicant’s Name: ____________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Home /Cell phone: ________________________/_____________________ E-mail address: ________________________________________________ High school: ___________________________________________________ Expected completion date of high school requirements: ________ / _________ Cumulative GPA / Maximum possible GPA: ________ / _________ Name of College Admitted to (if known): ___________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Check Minority Group: African-American ( ) Hispanic ( ) Alaskan Native ( ) Check Gender:

Native American ( )

Other (describe): _______________________ Male ( )

Female ( )

Submission Instructions:

Completed applications must be postmarked on or before May 1st, 2018.

Mail the completed application form (this form), career essay and the supporting documents (letters, transcript ,photo ,etc.) to: Dr. Daria Babineaux, World Scholarship Program The Pediatric Care Center 214 Chaparral Blvd, Rio Grande City, Texas, 78582 Call Gaby Coello 956-263-1387 for any questions

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, APRIL 11, 2018, PAGE 8

LOUELLA BOLT MEMORIAL HEALTH PROFESSIONS 2017-2018 Sponsored by The Pediatric Care Center

Rules and criteria governing this award

The deadline to submit this application form is May 1st , 2018

1.

Students must be members of a group that is under-represented in a health care related field, i.e. African-American, Hispanic, Native American, and Alaskan Native. Students must be high school seniors during the 2017–2018 academic years and plan to enroll during the 2018-2019 academic year in a four-year college or university offering a science/health degree. Students are encouraged to choose classes leading to a degree in medicine/health.

Address: _______________________________________________

2.

The selection of award recipients will be based on the following criteria:

Home /Cell phone: ______________________________/_____________________

a) The student’s academic record, minimum GPA of 3.0. b) The student’s participation in school and/or outside jobs/ activities as outlined in the student’s career essay and in the letter of recommendation from a high school counselor, math teacher or science teacher. c) The student’s reason(s) for choosing health/medicine, as outlined in the student’s career essay.

3.

Individual awards for the full academic year will be $500.00.

Awards will be announced by May, 31st 2018, and payment disbursed to each student upon receipt of a copy of the proof of 2018 fallsemester college registration. No award will be sent out after August 2018.

Instructions for Submitting a Nomination

A complete application for the 2017-2018 Louella Bolt Memorial Health Professions Scholarship will contain a copy of each of the following items:

1. From the student: a) A completed application form (this form) b) A TYPED career essay not to exceed 300 words outlining the following: * College or university chosen to attend; when and why * Reasons for choosing a health related career * Possible career choices that may be of interest c) Official transcript of high school grades d) Photo of applicant 2. A letter of recommendation from the high school counselor, math teacher or science teacher containing, but not limited to, the following: a) Verification of student’s GPA and graduation date. b) Verification of high school senior class average grade. (If confidential, High School Counselor statement is required.) c) Confirmation of minority group of student. d) Information about the student’s school, job and/or other activities.

Applicant’s Name: _____________________________________

_______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________

E-mail address: _________________________________________ Soc. Sec. No.: ___________________________________________ High school: ____________________________________________ Expected completion date of high school requirements: ________ / _________ Cumulative GPA / Maximum possible GPA: ________ / _________ Name of College Admitted to (if known): _________________________________ _____________________ Check Minority Group: African-American ( ) Hispanic ( ) Alaskan Native ( ) Check Gender:

Native American ( )

Other (describe): _______________________ Male ( )

Female ( )

Submission Instructions:

Completed applications must be postmarked on or before May 1st, 2018.

Mail the completed application form (this form), career essay and the supporting documents (letters, transcript ,photo ,etc.) to: Dr. Daria Babineaux, Scholarship Program The Pediatric Care Center 214 Chaparral Blvd, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582

WE WANT TO HELP! If you need any assistance starting, writing, or proofreading your essays for ANY collegiate application please call us!

We are here to help and guide you in any way that we can.

Our goal is to assist YOU to be as successful as YOU can be!

Call Gaby at 956-263-1387 to make an appointment.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, APRIL 11, 2018, PAGE 9

Veterans Middle School Held a Drawing to 10th Starr County Mental Health Awareness Conference Reward Students For Their Positive Behavior

Veterans Middle School held a drawing to reward students as part of their Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) STRIKE Recognition program at the VMS Gymnasium. VMS students who emulate the morals and values of a positive campus culture are given STRIKE tickets by their teachers, throughout the six weeks, that are entered into a raffle every six weeks. Pictured above are several lucky students from every grade level who received gift cards and prizes.

The Starr County Campus Psychology Club hosted its 10th Starr County Mental Health Awareness Conference at the STC Auditorium. David Shepard, STC Psychological Science Faculty, presented on the topic of “Staying Sane,” elaborating on bullying, suicide, reinforcement/punishment, phobias, and mental health over all.

Throughout his talk, Mr. Shepard showed a few interesting

video-clips, including how social media can be used to bully others and Oprah Winfrey sharing how she was suicidal as a pregnant teenager. It was a very informative conference, open to all STC students and the community, free of charge.

Alex Sarabia, STC Psychological Science Faculty, provided closing remarks and presented Mr. Shepard with a Certificate of Appreciation.

Starr Psych Club Communications Coordinator Luz Elizondo stated, “It was very eyeopening to what really is going on in the world when it comes to bullying and suicide,” whereas member Ricardo Garza stated, “Mr. Shepard showed us that bullying is something that cannot be stopped, but we as people can decide when and how to prevent it.”

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, APRIL 11, 2018, PAGE 10

RMS Honors Our First Responders Starr County Youth Coalition/RGCCISD Super

Youth Attended a Say What! Action Summit

Ringgold Middle School honored our First Responders in the 2018 Starr County Youth Fair Parade and received a 4th place ribbon with their themed float.

On behalf of everyone at RMS, we would like to thank our first responders for their honor, courage, and sacrifice. A million thanks!

Juan Garcia

Alejandra Tello

Manager

Manager

Jocelyn Rodriguez CSR

Starr County Youth Coalition/ RGCCISD Super Youth attended a Say What! Action Summit in McAllen TX. Each SayWhat!

Summit utilizes service learning to train Middle School and High School students in effective tobacco prevention activities aimed at reducing the harmful effects of tobacco use in Texas.

This year’s hashtag was #livethelife. How do you live your life? A question many of our youth answered by reflecting on how they live a healthy and drug free life.

After receiving training in the morning, all student and adult participants took part in a local Community Action Event and help make a difference that same day! And as a bonus, every participant received three hours of community service!

I commend these students for giving their Saturday up to make a difference.

For more information on how you can make a difference in our Community please contact our office at 716-1795.

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Approximately 1/4 mile on the right before getting to Hospital Road if traveling towards Roma.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, APRIL 11, 2018, SECTION II, PAGE 2

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2 recámaras, 1 baño, $400 mes, 1 recámara, 1 baño, $275 mes, $200 deposito. Estufa y refrigerador, aire central/ calefacción, lavanderia.

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, APRIL 11, 2018, SECTION II, PAGE 3

Grulla Elementary School 4th 6-wks Honor Roll

Mrs. Liliana Olivarez Principal at Grulla Elementary School is proud to announce the 4th 6-wks Honor Roll for the school year 2017-2018 PRE-KINDER Melissa Bermudez “A” Alessandro Luis Acevedo, Donovan Rene Aguirre, Mila Bermudez, Juan Manuel Garcia III., Danica Faith Guerra, Jesica Sarai Ibarra, Israel Lopez, Victor Alfonso Rios Jr., Zoraya Zarate, Camila Zarazua “A&B” Tony Ayden Alaffa, Sofia Bermudez, Cesar Alberto CoronaVazquez, Aurora Lucero Garza, Eden Olivares, Mario Alberto Pena, Jorge Salinas Jr. Elvia Estrada “A” Jaquelynn Nicole Andrade, Adriel Isidro Carrillo, James Castillo, Emma Lou Estrada, April Garcia, Anna Elizabeth Garza, Maria Liliana Garza, Jasmine Monique Lopez, Erik Pena Jr., Sholanny Rodriguez, Breanna Sofia Salinas “A&B” Jorge Luis Adame Jr., Alayna Genesis Garza, Brianna Itzayanie Garza, Salome Gonzalez IV., Jasmine Gonzalez, Evelyn Guajardo, Joshua Nathan Hernandez, Ezequiel Lopez Jr., Jeremiah Lopez, Alexa Cristal Roman, Melayne Izeray Ruiz, Derek Joel Villarreal Priscilla Garcia “A & B” Jesus Adrian Martinez Araceli Olivarez “A” Natalia Diaz, Yamilexi Yudith Flores Rubalcaba, Aile Georgette Flores, Kairi Jade Flores, Krystina Yvette Garcia, Fabian Antonio Isaguirre, Danaitzel Lopez, Jzebelle Lopez, Javier Alonso Marroquin, Khloe Yzabella Ramon, Alyson Arleth Ramos, Jesus Emilio Salazar Garza, Delahyla Salinas, Audrey Ava Solis, Jayden Zarazua “A &B” Andy Alaniz Jr., Saul Barrera III., Kenya Nicole Barrera, Yesenia Betancourt, Ricardo Antonio Diaz, Aneisy Leeann Garcia, Roel Lopez, Aaron Omar Ortiz Jr. KINDER Irma Garcia “A” Keyleen Flores, Gerardo Garcia Jr., Susana Amy Garcia, Destiny Dee Gomez, Bella Valentina Gonzalez, Victor Hugo Guerrero, David Leal, Alani Ixchel Martinez, Jaylah Lamar Ortiz, Dylan Lee Zarate “A &B” Johnathan Matthew Jimenez, Issac Jose Reyes Garcia, Emmanuel Jay Rios

Lucia Catalina Gonzalez “A” Ayssa Naime Cantu,, Analease Yaricxa Martinez, Lynette Berenice Rodriguez, Rogelio Villarreal “A & B” Edenn Lee Benavides, Samarah Lopez, Hailey Nevaeh Morin, Destiny Faith Quiroz, Pedro Santiago Rosales, Bryan Villarreal Daniel Martine Jr. “A” Dante Alberto Alaniz, Julianna Jaylee Andrade, Li-Rey Garcia, Jahaziel Garza, Jovan Javier Garza, Nevaeh Alexandra Garza, Lisa Maree Hasbun, Javier Pena Jr., Jade Joelle Rivera, Eric Ayden Rodriguez, Damian Jaiel Vergo “A & B” Elian Rae Farias, Brianda Nelly Hernandez, Cris Angel Leal, Yamilex Medina, Everardo Salinas, Elaine Itzel Trevino Mary Lynne Rodriguez “A” Sasha Deleon, Justin David Garza, Jocelyn Marroquin, Madelyn Martinez, Jasleen Lynnette Serna, Abran Vera Jr., Diana Villarreal “A & B” Emiliano Barrera, Renzo Barrera, Maria Guadalupe Garza, Gabriel Issac Garza, Alexandra Yolitza Lopez, Aleina Ramirez, Mario Alberto Salinas III., Idani Gabriel Salinas, Rogelio Zarazua Jr., Mauricio Zarazua

1ST GRADE Deyanira Ozuna “A” Jose Maria Barrera Jr., Sergio Contreras Jr., Gloria Margarita Gonzalez, Savannah Gizelle Gutierrez, Jesus Omar Lezama, Liliana Imelda Martinez, Sebastian Resendez, Odalys Rios, Roel Solis III., Nicole Marie Trujio, Anngella Vazquez “A&B” Ethan Anthony Elicerio, Daisy Samai Gonzalez Priscilla Garcia “A&B” Ezequiel Isaiah Gonzalez, Javier Ignacio Gonzalez Jennette Pena “A” Meleni Vianey Adame, Lauren Ashley Barrera, Adalnetzy Garcia Cantu, Krystal Lynette Garcia, Luis Lauro Garza Jr., Analee Delia Leal, Michel David Limon Jr., Jayden Pablo Martinez, Victoria Roel Tamez “A & B” Giovani Betancourt, Jesus Alberto Corona-Vazquez, Eric Lee Salmon Jr. Nikita Danielle Pena “A” Aaron Garcia, Julie Ann Lopez, Airam Emmanuel Saenz, Kaylee Salinas, Ry-Lee Milez Soliz, Ivan Zarazua

RFQ NOTICE Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. is requesting qualifications on the following: RFQ # 18-29 External Auditor Services The school district is requesting an initial Request For Qualifications for External Auditor Services. Initial sealed Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will be received at the Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. Purchasing Department at the address below. Request for Qualifications (RFQ) forms and any other information may be requested by calling Mr. Joe D. Smedley, Purchasing Agent at 956-716-6810.

Sealed qualifications must be received by the Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. Purchasing Office, 1 South Fort Ringgold, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 by 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 24, 2018 and will be opened and read aloud at the mentioned time.

Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. reserves the right to refuse and reject any or all proposals and to waive any or all informalities or technicalities, or to accept the qualification considered the best and most advantageous to the school district.

Mr. Joe D. Smedley Purchasing Agent

“A & B” Daisy Lee Davila, Mia Valeria Gonzalez, Briceiry Isaguirre, Mia Eleyna Rodriguez, Nancy Edith Salinas, Jesus Silva Brenda Salinas “A” Carlos Armando Belmares, Devanie Yazmin Diaz, Briella Garza, Liliana Garza, Filiberto David Martinez “A & B” Angela Vianney Alaniz, Jacob Lopez, Elijah James Ramirez, Ivan Cristobal Salinas 2ND GRADE Nancy Cahue “A” Deyaritzene Aizza Alaniz, Itzel Cruz, Ernesto Nathan Elicerio, Delaney Hernandez Villarreal, Juan Antonio Lopez, Reymundo Lopez, Modesta Kaly Rosales, Caitlin Isabella Rucker “A & B” Roel Garcia Jr., Debahni Haleigh Garza, Edie Faith Garza, Roberto Lopez, Anareidy Morales, David Pena, Emily Elizabeth Yanez Grulla Elementary Honor Roll Continued next week, April 18, 2018

BID NOTICE Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. is requesting bids on the following:

#18-30 Paving at the Transportation Department Substation The school district is requesting sealed bids for Paving at the Transportation Department Substation. Further information may be obtained from the Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. Purchasing Department at the address below or call Mr. Joe D. Smedley, Purchasing Agent at 956-716-6810.

Sealed bids must be received by the Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. Purchasing Office, 1 South Fort Ringgold, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 by 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 24, 2018, and will be opened and read aloud at the abovementioned time.

Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. reserves the right to refuse and reject any or all bids and to waive any or all informalities or technicalities, or to accept the bid considered the best and most advantageous to the school district.

Mr. Joe D. Smedley Purchasing Agent

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, APRIL 11, 2018, SECTION II, PAGE 4

Camphor weed may be a desirable landscape plant A while back I was given a small branch cut from a wildflower and asked to identify it. I do this often and it’s like playing detective; it’s fun. The plant in question was particularly interesting because it was in full

bloom in mid-winter, i.e., early February!

I made a careful examination of the plant’s features and consulted several books. Reference books on plant taxonomy contain challenging nomenclature, e.g., “pappus,” “oblanceolate,” and “stramineous.” However, I was able to work my way through the

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a WINE AND BEER R E TA I L E R ’ S O F F PREMISE PERMIT by: SOFIA RUVALCABA DE LOPEZ dba ELGENERAL PANCHO VILLA MEAT MARKET to be located at 6858 FM 1430, RIO GRANDE CITY, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS.

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a WINE AND BEER RETAILER’S PERMIT by: REYMUNDO A LVA R E Z d b a L O S ARCOS DRIVE THRU AND RESTAURANT to be located at 688 EAST GRANT STREET, ROMA, S TA R R C O U N T Y, TEXAS.

language and identify it as a camphor weed. For those of you with a scientific leaning, that’s a Heterotheca subaxillaris.

It turns out that landowners who want some color in their landscape all year long should consider planting some camphor weed.

They’re annuals or, more likely in our climate, biennials. When I had the opportunity to observe the plants from which the cutting was taken, I found the plants to be about 3 feet tall, rather loosely shaped, many branched, and loaded with both flowers and buds. The flowers look like daisies, are bright yellow and 3/4” in diameter.

Leaves near the ground are 3 or more inches in length with long petioles (leaf stems) but, as you move up the plant’s stems and branches to the top, the leaves are reduced to less than an inch and become sessile, i.e. have no petiole. The upper leaves are mostly lanceolate, wider at the base like arrowheads.

Our recent freezing weather doesn’t seem to have affected them.

In the cluster of camphor weed plants I observed, there were some old dried plants from last year, fresh, abundantly blooming plants and several young plants that will be blooming next summer. They’re quite attractive and they can reseed themselves.

In their name, the “camphor” is there because some related plants give off a camphor odor when bruised. Camphor weed doesn’t.

There may not be commercial seed sources but you can find wild plants with seed along rural roads; the seeds are tiny---1/16” inch. Camphor weed is found throughout most of the U. S. Try planting some, you may like them; what else is in attractive bloom ALL YEAR, including winter?

South Texas College Theatre presents The Elephant Man South Texas College Theatre ends the spring semester with Bernard Pomerance’s The Elephant Man. The production will run from April 26-28 at 8 p.m., and will include a matinee at 2 p.m. on April 29. Performances will take place at STC’s Copper Center for Communication Arts Black Box Studio Theatre located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen.

The Elephant Man is based on the life of John Merrick, who lived in London during the latter part of the nineteenth century. A deformed young man, Merrick is a victim of a rare skin and bone disease, and has become the star freak attraction in travelling sideshows. Found abandoned, he is admitted to London’s Whitechapel hospital.

Under the care of physician Frederick Treves, Merrick is introduced to London society. He evolves from an object of pity to an urbane and favorite of the aristocracy and literati only to be denied his ultimate dream, to become a man.

“The Elephant Man portrays John Merrick’s life as he

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navigates through the cruelty and insincerity he encounters in his brief life,” says director Joel Jason Rodriguez. “Pomerance wrote a play that places a mirror in front of ourselves and ask us the questions, ‘Who do you believe you are in this world?

How do your actions prove that to be true?’”

General admission tickets cost $5. Ticket sales from the April 26 production will go towards the Dr. John F. Carroll Drama Scholarship. The April 29 matinee production will be interpreted in American Sign Language.

Ticket cash or check purchases can be done one hour before the performance at the box office, or in advance online using a credit or debit card at https:// secure.touchnet.com/C20193_ ustores/web/store_main. jsp?STOREID=13 .

For additional information about the show, call 956-8722301 or email drodri72@ southtexascollege.edu or jrodriguez@southtexascollege. edu

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$12,995

2017 Dodge Challenger R/T

Low Miles STK# 2212

$26,995

$35,995

STK# FR637366

2016 Chevy Spark

$PECIAL Like New!!!

STK# 19286A

Chris Aguinaga Pre-Owned Director

Paco Cantu 956-208-1821

$10,995

$12,995

Ramiro Barrera 956-573-6526

Julio Zorola 956-256-4286

STK# P2225

$31,995

STK# 18868A

$18,995

2017 Chevy Silverado Texas Edition 2017 Chevy Impala LT

$PECIAL

Z71 - 4X4

STK# P2223

$45,995

$49,995

ECIAL $LikePNew!!!

STK# P2228

$21,995

$23,995

People across the Valley come home to Rio Motor Co. for big savings and family-friendly service!

No Matter Where You Live, Come Home!

(956) 487-2596 · 1-800-509-0003 www.riomotors.com