Rio Grande City Police and Fire Departments acquire new vehicles thanks to federal funding
The Rio Grande City Police and Fire Departments announce the acquisition of new vehicles, made possible through the dedicated efforts of Congressman Henry Cuellar in securing federal funding. These much-needed additions to the city’s public safety fleet will greatly enhance the ability to serve and protect the residents of Rio Grande City.
‘’I’m excited to see the great things the city has done with this funding,” said Dr. Cuellar, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. “The Community Project Funding has been instrumental in upgrading public safety in Rio Grande City.”
The $2,509,264 in federal funding was secured by Congressman Cuellar in 2023 as Community Project Funding for the city. Rio Grande City matched that funding with $551,448 to reach $3,060,712 to assist with emergency operations and safety infrastructure.
‘’Congressman Cuellar’s efforts in securing this grant have made a profound impact on this community and especially this city,” said Mayor Gilberto Falcón. “Your dedication to our city shows your leadership and genuine care for our citizens and lays the foundation for a safer and more resilient future of Rio
Grande City.”
The Rio Grande City Police Department acquired nine vehicles, while the Fire Department added three to its fleet. The new vehicles are equipped with the latest technology and upgraded safety features, ensuring that our first responders have the tools to effectively carry out their vital duties.
Funding was also used for the new Public Safety Building’s sprinklers, video surveillance, lockers, new doors, furniture, an elevator, a new diesel generator, radio systems, uniforms for the fire department, heaters, and more.
Grulla High School Gator Band Seniors 2024-25!
On August 1st, 2024, the City of La Grulla held a special meeting to swear in their new mayor, Macario “Callo” Villarreal, III. In attendance was Laura Patricia Solis, who introduced Mayor Villarreal and facilitated the symbolic passing of the keys to the city. Justice of the Peace Eloy Zarate officiated the swearing-in ceremony. Commissioner Andy Hernandez and Mayor Pro-Tem Lorena Solis congratulated and welcomed Macario with open arms. On behalf of the City of La Grulla a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and supported this significant moment. Congratulations and best of luck to Mayor Macario “Callo” Villarreal III as he begins his new role. Here’s to a bright future for La Grulla!
Carolina Rodriguez performing at the Houston Mariachi Festival
City Commission and staff with Congressman Henry Cuellar
A huge shoutout to the amazing Grulla High School SENIOR Gator band students as they embark on their FINAL marching season! Your dedication, talent, and passion have brought countless memorable performances. As you take the field for your senior year, Grulla Gator nation look forward to witnessing your incredible spirit and leadership one last time. Let’s make this season the best one yet! Gator Pride!
Houston Mariachi Festival will be featuring Carolina Rodriguez on Fri, Aug 23, 2024. She is proudly a RGCGISD graduate, Mariachi Extravaganza National Winner and UTRGV Festiba 1st place winner. Way to go Carolina! We are proud of all your accomplishments!
Grulla Gator Band received a generous
Some of Alex Sarabia’s major academic accolades include graduating Valedictorian from Roma High School and Top Graduate from UTRGV. His most recent and significant professional accolades include being 2023 South Texas College Faculty of the Year and receiving the 20232024 national awards of Who’s Who in America, Top Educator, and Distinguished Humanitarian. He is also Advisor of the STC Starr County Campus Psychology Club and Host and
It’s a new school year and marching season for the Grulla Gator Band and they received a generous water donation 1 pallet of 40 count packs of water by ex Percussion Band member Eden Aaron Bazan, Class of 2024 who is at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He wishes you all a great marching season and school year. One Band, One Sound, One Family!
Jesus (Chuy) Maria
October 6, 1933 † August 15, 2024
Jesus (Chuy) Maria Garza (90) passed away peacefully on August 15, 2024.
Jesus was a proud veteran serving in the US Army on active duty during the Korean War Era and in the US Army Reserve state side from 1955 - 1963. During this time He served as Heavy Weapons Infantryman and was posted overseas in Germany. He
OBITUARY
received an Honorable Discharge in 1963 and was reunited to his beloved Starr County where he then married Adelfa Garcia.
Following his military service he became a Certified Aircraft Mechanic, receiving the highest scores in his class. Jesus was employed by USDA for 34 years while also contributing to the valley’s aviation community.
In the 1970s, he co-founded Rio Water Supply, starting the organization from the ground up, and serving as president for many years. He did this with no funding, using his own home as headquarters and his family as assistance. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jesus was a devoted catholic, family man, coffee enthusiast, and passionate cattle rancher.
Jesus raised black angus cattle with the same diligence and care he applied to every aspect of his life. He is best known for his sense of humor, quick wit, and the love
he had for his family. He is preceded in death by his parents Isidra Adame Garza and Ramon Garza, grandchild Angel Alaffa, and great grandchild Poema Gonzalez. He is survived by his wife Adelfa Garza, 6 children, Norma G. (Rick Esparza) Nora G. (Rodrigo Lopez) Humberto Garza (Elsa Garza) Nilda G. (Javier Gonzalez) Maricela G. (Rolando Salinas), Marissa G. (Pedro Rosales). Jesus is also survived by his 16 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. Jesus will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, youthful spirit, kind heart, and the legacy he leaves in both his family and community.
On behalf of the family of Jesus Maria Garza we wish to express our sincere appreciation to our many relatives and friends for their presence, flowers, cards, masses, food, and comforting words during our deepest grief for the loss of our beloved one.
1st Anniversary Mass In Loving Memory of Ruben C. Lopez Jr.
April 12, 1969 † August 23, 2023
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Your compassion and Your love, We entrust to Your merciful Heart the souls of our beloved departed who have gone before us in faith. We hope in Your promise that all who seek You will nd eternal life- a place of refreshment, light and peace, forever and ever.
A mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 5:00P.M. at Immaculate Conception Church
You will always be in our hearts. We Love You, your son, Ruben C. III, wife Marilie, grandkids: Ruben IV, Roel, Roman and Mariany, parents Ruben & Melba, brothers Rodrick (Becky), nephews Christopher, Mathew and Kattie.
Roel Barrera
01/03/1970 † 08/23/2021
Misa de Tercer Aniversario En Memoria de Eli
Gracias Dios mio por ver mi cansancio y dejarme descansar. El dolor se a ido; la paz es hermosa. Tu amor me rodea. Peleé una buena pelea y de alguna manera en este momento, no importa cual sea el porvenir, yo siento que he ganado. Mis deseos: Para todo hay una temporada. Yo quiero que mi familia siga adelante con sus vidas y que sepan que todo pasa por la voluntad de Dios. Que no tengan resentimientos. Todos hicieron todo lo que pudieron. Los amo a todos y yo siempre estaré con Ustedes.
Se celebrara una misa el Domingo 25 de Agosto a la 9:30 a.m. en la Iglesia Cordero de Dios en Fronton, Texas
Su Esposa Maria Teresa Barrera y Familia Barrera ~ Guerrero
Garza
Starr County AgriLife Extension Office Introduces new Extension Agents
Dr. Saldana-Director for AgriLife Extension Office introduced the two newest members of the Starr County Extension Office. Heidi LopezExtension Agent - Better Living for Texans and Lisa Ann Gonzalez – Extension Agent – Better Living for Texans. Both ladies are highly qualified and will bring their experience which will enhance the already great program in place. Congratulations to Both ladies and we look forward to hearing from you on a regular bases on all of the projects that are helping shape the lives of Starr County residents.
Pictured L-R top row –
Hernan “Nune” Garza Pct. 4 Commissioner, Starr County Judge Eloy Vera, Raul “Roy” Pena Pct. 2 Commissioner and Eloy Garza Pct. 3 Commissioner. Bottom row L-R – Neida Lopez
Martinez – Extension Agent, Heidi Lopez – Extension Agent, Dr. Saldana – Director, Lisa Ann Gonzalez – Extension Agent and Omar Montemayor – Extension Agent.
SIISD Class of 2025 Senior Sunrise Event
Attention Rio Grande City High School Students and Parents!
On behalf of RGC High School, we’re excited to announce Amnesty Days for all outstanding laptop fees! Students can clear their accounts by stopping by the library and renewing their devices without penalty! Don’t miss out on the chance to take advantage of this limited-time offer from now until August 30th!
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Roma will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 5:30 P.M. at the Roma City Council Chambers, located at 201 W. Convent Ave, Roma, Texas to consider the following case(s):
1) Rezoning: From Neighborhood Commercial District (C1) to Light Industrial District (LI); 2.4824-acre tract out of Share No. 18, Porcion 71, Ancient Jurisdiction of Mier, Mexico, now Starr County, Texas; Said tract is part of a called 4.13-acre tract of land described in Quitclaim to Alma Mireya de la O; 1800 Block of North United States Highway 83. (COZ#2405)
The City Council for the City of Roma will be holding a Public Hearing for the case(s) on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., at the Roma City Council Chambers, located at 201 W. Convent Ave., Roma, Texas.
The San Isidro Independent School District Class of 2025 came together bright and early for their Senior Sunrise event, sharing a special moment as they watched the sunrise in their final year together. It’s a beautiful tradition that marks the beginning of their last chapter at SIISD. Here’s to a year filled with unforgettable memories and new adventures!
Talk-to-Your-Kids - VAPES ARE NOT SAFE
Easily recognized as one of the most popular substance use trends among teens, vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling an aerosol produced by an e-cigarette, vape pen, or similar devices commonly known as “vapes”.
Although initially created
to help existing smokers quit, enticing flavors such as mango, mint and tutti frutti have attracted young people and non-smokers to the products.
Their popularity has by far eclipsed that of smoking cigarettes among today’s adolescents. But, it’s important to know that vapes are not safe.
Thousands of illnesses and even several dozen deaths have been linked to their use.
Vaping is serious and worthy
of concern. Just about all vape products contain nicotine, a highly addictive drug, and the negative health effects are broad and can be serious. The vast majority of people with nicotine addiction started using a nicotine product before age 21.
Despite this, a survey of parents of middle and high school students found that 40% said that they were not at all concerned about their own child’s use of vape products.
Public Hearing Notice
Starr County Self-Help Center Closure
Notice is hereby given that the Starr County Self-Help Center will hold a public hearing to discuss its upcoming closure on August 28, 2024, at 5:30 PM at La Casita, 10 Mayorga St., Rio Grande City, TX 78582.
Purpose:
To inform the community about the closure effective September 30, 2024
For More Information, Contact: Esmeralda Zarate, Director Starr County Self-Help Center (956) 488-2025
Esmeralda.zarate@co.starr.tx.us
Special Accommodations:
Please contact us 48 hours in advance for special accommodations. We look forward to your participation.
Aviso de Audiencia Pública
Cierre del Centro de Autoayuda del Condado de Starr
Se informa que el Centro de Autoayuda del Condado de Starr llevará a cabo una audiencia pública para discutir su próximo cierre el 28 de agosto de 2024, a las 5:30 PM en La Casita, 10 Mayorga St., Rio Grande City, TX 78582.
Propósito:
Informar a la comunidad sobre el cierre, efectivo el 30 de septiembre de 2024
Para Más Información, Contacte a: Esmeralda Zarate, Directora Centro de Autoayuda del Condado de Starr (956) 488-2025
Esmeralda.zarate@co.starr.tx.us
Adaptaciones Especiales: Por favor, contáctenos 48 horas antes para adaptaciones especiales. Esperamos contar con su participación.
If you believe your child may try, has tried them or is using them regularly, it is definitely an issue worth addressing.
What-You-Need-to-Knowand-How-to-Talk-to-YourKids-About-Vaping-GuidePartnership-for-Drug-Free-Kids.
pdf (drugfree.org) Message from the Starr County Community Coalition
BIDS FOR BANK DEPOSITORY
The Starr County Appraisal District will accept bids through September 9, 2024 from any bank in the State of Texas to serve as Depository for funds of the Starr County Appraisal District for a period of two years, commencing January 1, 2025 and ending December 31, 2026.
All interested parties are asked to submit their bid in a sealed envelope by 2:00 P.M. on said day and addressed to:
Starr County Appraisal Board of Directors Starr County Appraisal District 100 N FM 3167, Ste 300 Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
All depository bids will be opened on September 11, 2024 at 3:00 P.M. at the Starr County Appraisal District office, 100 N FM 3167, Ste. 300, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582.
Discussion and/or action on the depository bids will follow on October 8, 2024 at the Board of Directors meeting at 12:00 noon or at the next scheduled board meeting at the same office.
The Starr County Appraisal District reserves the right to waive any information and to reject any and all bids or to accept that bid which is its sole and absolute judgment that will best serve the public’s interest.
For further information you may contact Ms. Sonia R. Garza, Chief Appraiser for the Starr County Appraisal District or Marissa R. Longoria, Finance Director at 956-487-5613.
Wearing eyeglasses is not strictly reserved for adults.
In fact, many children wear eyeglasses, and they may need them for different reasons.
The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology
and Strabismus says children may benefit from glasses while their visual systems are still developing, within the first 12 years of life.
Glasses can be important for the normal development of kids’
Did you know?
vision, including providing better vision; straightening crossed or misaligned eyes; protecting one eye that sees better when the other eye has poor vision; and strengthening a weak (lazy) eye.
The University of Rochester
Medical Center says a child may get his or her first pair of glasses as young as a few months of age, but health care providers who specialize in pediatric eye care say kids usually become nearsighted or farsighted between
the ages of six and 12. It’s recommended children have an eye screening before they enter school. In addition, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association
recommends vision screening for all infants, preschoolers and school-aged children.
As School is Starting, Are Your Child’s Immunizations Updated?
As kids are returning to school, physicians have an important reminder for parents: Make sure your children are up to date on all immunizations.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has a list of required vaccines by grade level.
For Texas Medical Association (TMA) physicians, the aim is to keep people healthy. Doctors stress the importance of getting vaccinated because vaccines defend people from dangerous diseases that can cause them harm. If enough people in a group – such as a classroom or school – are vaccinated, that lessens the likelihood a disease will spread there.
“The more people are not vaccinated the more that protection is eroded, and we unfortunately can see examples of that across our state when we see outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases where the coverage rates are lower,” said Jason Terk, MD, a pediatrician in Keller and former chair of the Texas Public Health Coalition.
As a result, diseases once curbed by vaccines – such as measles and pertussis – are spreading.
This year 376 cases of pertussis – or whooping cough – have been reported in Texas, more than double the number reported in 2023. Dr. Terk said whooping cough is extremely unpleasant because the patient can cough for a couple of months or even longer. It is a contagious disease that can be prevented with the tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis vaccine (either DTaP or Tdap, depending on the individual’s age). Whooping cough is particularly dangerous for infants.
Texas also is seeing an increase in the number of meningococcal disease cases, according to DSHS. The vaccine-preventable disease can infect the lining of the brain and spinal cord and cause swelling that requires hospitalization to be treated.
While no measles case have been reported in Texas so far this year, outbreaks have hit several states according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Across the U.S., 211 cases of measles have been reported so far this year, 87% of which in people who are unvaccinated or of unknown vaccination status.
The measles-mumps-rubella immunization coverage in Texas is under the 95% needed for adequate protection in an area, called “community immunity” (sometimes called “herd immunity”).
Community immunity occurs when enough people have been vaccinated for the community to curb spread of a disease and help protect those who cannot be vaccinated, like young infants.
“Measles is a really scary disease because it’s so incredibly contagious,” said Dr. Terk, who also chaired TMA’s Council on Science and Public Health. “The virus tends to hang around the environment. If an individual with measles has been in a particular space, that space in and of itself is going to be contagious for an hour after they leave.”
Nine in 10 unvaccinated people exposed to the virus that causes measles will become infected, Dr. Terk said.
Parents should ask their physicians now about immunizations if they have not done so yet, Dr. Terk suggested, because ideally, they want to ensure their children get all necessary vaccines before school starts.
TMA’s Vaccines Defend What Matters page also has information and resources for parents regarding vaccinations.
TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 57,000 physician and medical student members.
It is located in Austin and has 110 component county medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.
Roma High School Earth Club officers took 144 pounds of plastic bottle caps to the
August 9,
took 144 pounds of plastic bottle caps to
Recycling Center. This initiative provided practical, experimental, and project-based learning opportunities to educate students about sustainability. Recycling fosters an understanding among students regarding the significance of conserving natural resources for the future and cultivates a mindset geared towards developing lifelong sustainable practices from an early age. (Report courtesy Crystal Habecker-Saenz.)
The City of Rio Grande City plans to apply for the upcoming 2025-2026 Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) Fund Program of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). These services are being solicited to assist the City of Rio Grande City in its application and administration of the TxCDBG CD contract, if awarded, to support eligible activities associated with the program in the City. Accordingly, the City of Rio Grande City is seeking to contract with a qualified Professional Administrator or Service Provider (individual/firm) to prepare the application and/or administer the awarded contract.
Please submit 6 copies of your proposal of services and a statement of qualifications for the proposed services to the following address: Attn: Angela Solis – City Secretary to 5332 E. US Highway 83, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582. Proposals must be received by the City of Rio Grande City no later than 3:00 PM on September 6, 2024 to be considered.
The City of Rio Grande City reserves the right to negotiate with any and all individuals or firms that submit proposals, as per the Texas Professional Services Procurement Act and the Uniform Grant and Contract Management Standards. Section 3 Residents and Business Concerns, Minority Business Enterprises, Small Business Enterprises and Women Business Enterprises are encouraged to submit proposals. City of Rio Grande City is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Servicios de traducción están disponibles por peticion.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, air currents can carry pesticides that were applied to nearby properties. That means even people who do not apply pesticides in their lawns and gardens can still be at risk of exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals.
People concerned by the prospect of being exposed to the pesticides being applied by their
Did you know?
neighbors can stay indoors with their children and pets while the substances are being applied. Those who live near fields and parks where pesticides are routinely applied can plant hardy, thick-branched trees to reduce their risk of airborne exposure.
The EPA notes that such plants and shrubs can serve as buffers against airborne pesticides, essentially acting as walls around
PUBLIC NOTICE - CITY OF RIO GRANDE CITY - 2024 TEXAS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
e City of Rio Grande City is giving notice of the City’s intent to submit Texas Community Development Block Grant Program grant application for a Downtown Revitalization Program (DRP) grant request of $500,000 for ADA improvements to sidewalks, ramps/amenities, and lighting in Rio Grande City. e application is available for review at 5332 E US Highway 83, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 during regular business hours. Para obtener una copia en español, comuníquese con el administrador de la ciudad al (956) 487-0672.
CITY OF RIO GRANDE CITY REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
ENGINEERING AND SURVEYING SERVICES
PUBLIC NOTICE
The City of Rio Grande City plans to apply for the upcoming 2025-2026 Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) Program of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). Accordingly, the City of Rio Grande City is seeking to contract with a qualified Engineering and Surveying Firm (individual/firm) to prepare all preliminary and final design plans and specifications, and to conduct and necessary interim and final inspections. These services are being solicited to assist the City of Rio Grande City in its application preparation and project implementation of a TxCDBG contract, if awarded, this grant will support project activities funded by TDA.
Please submit 6 copies of your proposal of services and a statement of qualifications for the proposed services to the following address: Attn: Angela Solis – City Secretary to 5332 E. US Highway 83, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582. Statement of Qualifications must be received by the City of Rio Grande City no later than 3:00 PM on September 6, 2024 to be considered.
The City of Rio Grande City reserves the right to negotiate with any and all individuals or firms that submit proposals, as per the Texas Professional Services Procurement Act and the Uniform Grant and Contract Management Standards. Section 3 Residents and Business Concerns, Minority Business Enterprises, Small Business Enterprises and Women Business Enterprises are encouraged to submit proposals.
City of Rio Grande City is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Servicios de traducción están disponibles por peticion.
On
2024, the Roma High School Earth Club officers
the McAllen
McAllen Recycling Center