DECEMBER 13, 2023

STARR VISION CASTAÑEDA CENTER

487-2440

300 East Main St. R.G.C.

Dr. Angie Ramirez Therapeutic Optometrist

Auto Insurance & Bail Bonds

488-0808 487-7000 280 W. 2nd St. R.G.C.

The Law Office Of

J.M. “Chema” Garza Vol. 38, No. 50 WEEKLY WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 13, 2023 Office (956) 487-6544 - Fax (956) 487-6165 - E-Mail: sctc78582@aol.com - www.starrcountytowncrier.com

Criminal Cases (Federal/State) Car Accidents/ 18 Wheeler Divorces • Real Estate/Deeds

956-317-1167 206 N. Britton Ave. Ste.B, R.G.C. jmchemagarza@gmail.com

487-2596 Mariachi Grulla De Plata 2nd Place and Mariachi 2023 Mariachi Extravaganza National 4350 E. US HWY 83 R.G.C.

Cascabel 3rd Place at National Competition High

School

Vocalist

Winners!

Installment Loans 668 E. Grant St. Ste A&B Roma TX 78584-5312

Phone (956) 849-4497

Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 National Mariachi Extravaganza High School Vocal Competition!!! 1st Place - Isabella K. Gonzalez from Roma High School, 2nd Place - Carolina Rodriguez Congratulations to the RGCGISD High School Mariachis!!! Grulla High School Mariachi Grulla De Plata from Grulla High School, and 3rd Place - Yaritsel Salinas from Grulla secured 2nd place, and Rio Grande City High School Mariachi Cascabel claimed 3rd place at the 2023 High School. Carolina and Yaritsel are members of the Grulla High National Mariachi Extravaganza High School Group Competition. A heartfelt congratulations from the School Mariachi Grulla De Plata.

Superintendent, Mr. Adolfo Peña Jr., and the School Board of Trustees – we’re bursting with pride for our Mariachi Groups!

Morgan Ramos Select to the THSCA Academic All-State Team

Dr. Raymond Cruz Best FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dental Insurance, Medicaid and Chip Accepted

487-2999 419 East 2nd St. Rio Grande City, Tx.

Congratulations to RHS Lady Rattler Cross Country student athlete, Morgan Ramos, for being selected to the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) Academic All-State Team (1st Team). RGCGISD is extremely proud of your athletic and academic achievements.

• Individual • Partnership • Corporations • LLC’s • Bookkeeping • Payroll • Financial Statements • Form 2290 • IRS Audit Representation

Mario A. Méndez, EA Licensed to practice before the IRS (Internal Revenue Service)

(NEW LOCATION)

201 S. San Antonio. St. Rio Grande City, TX (956)

317-1124

CHUY Alvarez ATTORNEY AT LAW

J.M. “Chuy” Alvarez

501 N. Britton Ave • Rio Grande City, Texas

956-487-4871 Cell: 956-208-0282 NOT CERTIFIED BY THE TEXAS BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, DECEMBER 13, 2023, PAGE 2

Ac2E Elementary Harmonix Choral Music Group Receives Recognition for Outstanding Accomplishments

2nd Anniversary Mass In Loving Memory of

Velma Alvarez May 28, 1973 - December 20, 2021

It’s been two years since you were called home by our Lord and yet it seems like yesterday. The Lord gave us the strength to go forth even though we were going through the darkest time of our lives without you. We thank God for all the wonderful heartfelt memories which we will cherish forever. We know that you’re in heaven now with God, watching over us.

Mass will be celebrated Sunday Dec. 17, 2023 at 10:00AM at San Pablo Church, La Puerta We miss you and love you very much!

Your Mom Yolanda Barrera, your children Ceci, Cory, Louie and Grandchildren

Oración a San Antonio “Bendito sea Dios en sus ángeles y en sus santos”

2,900 FULLWITH FUNERAL SERVICE SILVER $

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301 E. 2nd. St. Rio Grande City, Tx. 78582

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Roma, Tx. 78584 “Serving Our Community For Over 86 Years” (956) 487-2525 “Caring for you & your loved ones in your time of need ” (956) 847-7008

Madre y Reina de Guadalupe, que nos cuidas y nos acompañas, que estás siempre con nosotros, enséñanos a vivir como tus hijos, imitando a Jesús. Bendice todas nuestras buenas intenciones, bendice nuestro trabajo de cada día, cuida a nuestras familias, ampara a nuestros niños y jóvenes, sana a nuestros enfermos y fortalece a nuestros ancianos. Llévanos de tu mano a Jesús.

Amén.

A. L. G.

During the Regular Meeting of the City Commission on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, the Ac2E Elementary Harmonix Choral Music Group were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments and upcoming competition in February. The Harmonix group is made up of elementary students from over nine different elementary schools across Rio Grande City Grulla ISD. Performing a variety of diverse repertoire, the Ac2E Harmonix are under the direction of founding directors Noe A. Benitez and Christina Benitez.

Santo San Antonio el más gentil de los santos, tu amor por Dios y tu caridad por sus criaturas te hicieron digno, cuando estabas aquí en la tierra, de poseer poderes milagrosos. Los milagros esperaban tu palabra, la cual siempre estaba preparada para hablar por los que estaban en problemas o ansiedades.

Animado por este pensamiento, te imploro que obtengas para mi (hacer la petición). La respuesta a mi oración puede que requiera un milagro, pero tú eres el Santo de los Milagros. ¡Oh, gentil y cariñoso San Antonio!, cuyo corazón siempre esta lleno de compasión humana, susurra mi petición a los oídos del dulce Niño Jesús, que amaba estar entre tus brazos, por favor te lo suplico, no me dejes sin respuesta, yo te rezare con fervor y por siempre tendrás la gratitud de mi corazón.

Amén. Padre Nuestro, Ave María, Gloria. (Publicar después de que se conceda el favor.)

A. L. G.

5th Anniversary Mass

In Loving Memory of Benito Galvan Mass will be Patrick Suniga 10-04-1946 † 12-17-2018 02-03-1972 † 11-04-2018 celebrated Sunday December 17, 2023 at 5:00p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Rio Grande City

From the Family of Benito Galvan & Patrick Suniga

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, DECEMBER 13, 2023, PAGE 3

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, DECEMBER 13, 2023, PAGE 5

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, DECEMBER 13, 2023, PAGE 6

Salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes continues to expand, with cases doubling again A CDC food safety alert regarding an outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to cantaloupes has been updated: https://www.cdc. gov/salmonella/sundsvall-11-23/ index.html Key Points: Since the last update

LEGAL NOTICE Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a WINE AND M A LT B E V E R A G E R E TA I L E R ’ S O N PREMISE PERMIT (BG) by: TACOS ALEX ROMA LLC, dba TACOS ALEX ROMA LLC, to be located at 2271 E GRANT ST., ROMA, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS. Member Managed: ALEJANDRO ANGUIANO.

November 30, 2023, an additional 113 people infected with this outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from four additional states, resulting in a total case count of 230 people from 38 states.

An additional death has also been reported from Oregon.

Interviews with sick people and laboratory findings continue to show that cantaloupes are making people in this outbreak sick.

CDC is concerned about this outbreak because illnesses are severe with more than half hospitalized, and people in longterm care facilities and childcare centers have gotten sick. 24 people resided in long-term care facilities and 23 children attended childcare centers before they got sick.

CDC advises facilities that care for people who are at higher risk for severe illness to not serve cantaloupes that may be contaminated. This includes recalled cantaloupes and cantaloupe that was supplied pre-cut if the brand of whole cantaloupes used are not known.

What You Should Do: •Do not eat pre-cut cantaloupes if you don’t know whether Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupes were used. •Do not eat any recalled whole or precut cantaloupe products. •Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the cantaloupe using hot soapy water or a dishwasher. •All cantaloupe recalls are listed on FDA’s cantaloupe recall website.

Salmonella Symptoms: •Most people infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. •Symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria.

•Most people recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days. •Some people—especially children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems—may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization.

For more information about Salmonella, see the Salmonella Questions and Answers page.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS South Texas College is accepting competitive proposals for the following: RFP Number 23-24-1032

Description One Ton Dually Diesel Pickup Truck

Date Due January 9, 2024

Time 2:00 pm

Request for Proposals packages may be obtained at the Purchasing Department located at 3200 W Pecan Blvd Bldg N Ste 145, McAllen, TX 78501 (Corner of Quince & 31st St) or by calling 956-872-4681. Responses received after the specified time and date will not be considered and will be returned unopened. Email or Facsimile responses will not be accepted.

All responses must be submitted in a sealed envelope. Responses need to be clearly marked on the envelope with the RFP number.

The successful respondent will not be determined on opening date.

STARR COUNTY

Questions regarding this RFP or requests for additional information should be addressed to Becky Cavazos, Director of Purchasing 956-872-4681 beckyc@southtexascollege.edu, or Billy Langley, Senior Buyer of Purchasing, 956-872-4682 welangle@southtexascollege. edu. Responses to the RFP must be submitted to South Texas College, 3200 W Pecan Blvd Bldg N Ste 145, McAllen, TX 78501.

RSP #2024-0003 Homeowner Reconstruction Assistance (HRA) Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Homebuyers Assistance with New Construction (HANC)

South Texas College is an equal education and equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. As an equal opportunity employer, the College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

Starr County will be accepting new applications for the Homeowner Reconstruction Assistance Program and Homebuyer Assistance with New Construction program.

Applications will be available beginning on December 6, 2023 thru December 27, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Starr County Annex (Federal & State Department) 100 N FM 3167, Rio Grande City, TX 78582. Please answer all questions on the intake application and bring the information requested by December 27, 2023. Eligibility factors include, but are not limited to, service area, home ownership (title deed), no abandoned homes or additions to homes, homestead, single-family home, appx.

6,000 sf lot, and meet low income eligibility.

Vendors are encouraged to visit the South Texas College’s Purchasing Department website to complete the 2-part Bonfire vendor registration for receiving solicitations at: https://southtexascollege.bonfirehub.com/login

PUBLIC NOTICE City of Roma, TX - Request for Proposal (RFP) for Software ERP Solutions The City of Roma, TX invites qualified companies to submit proposals for the implementation of a comprehensive web-based Software ERP Solution. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of various city departments, including Financial Solutions and Citizen Relationship Management Solutions.

Project Overview: The proposed web-based ERP Solution should cover key functionalities such as General Ledger, Bank Reconciliation, Purchasing, Accounts Payable, Secure Signatures, Payroll, Utility Billing, Service Orders, Mobile Meter Reading, Municipal Court, Permits, Cash Receipting, and Credit Card & Online Payments. It should also have the ability to import or export data directly to State/Federal reporting systems and to interface with any third party systems are required.

Proposal Submission Deadline: All interested companies are requested to submit their proposals by no later than 1:00 PM on January 9th, 2024.

Sealed proposals must be delivered to the following address: Attention: Alejandro Barrera, City Manager City of Roma P.O. Box 947 Roma, TX 78584 Sealed proposals hand delivery is accepted at Roma City Hall at the following address: Attention: Alejandro Barrera, City Manager 201 W. Convent Blvd.

Roma, TX 78584 Additional Information: Detailed proposal requirements and specifications are available at City Website https:// www.cityofroma.net/index.html or by contacting City Manager Alejandro Barrera at 956849-1411 or abarrera@cityofroma.net The City of Roma, TX reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any irregularities in proposals or the proposal process.

The selected company will be notified no later than January 12th, 2024.

Inquiries: For inquiries or additional information, please contact City Manager Alejandro Barrera at 956-849-1411 or abarrera@cityofroma.net.

For More information contact Connie Cantu, Project Manager with Federal & State Programs at 956-716-4800 ext. 8115.

Ringgold Elementary UIL Invitational Meet Winners

The Ringgold Elementary UIL Invitational Meet was held on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Congratulations to General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary for placing first, Alberto and Celia Barrera elementary for placing second, and Dr. Mario Ramirez elementary for placing third. Pictured are Ringgold elementary principal, Mario Saenz, Dr. Mario Ramirez elementary UIL coordinator, Joanna Barrera, General Ricardo Sanchez UIL coordinator, Anissa Falcon, Alberto and Celia Barrera elementary UIL coordinator, Alissa Cantu, and Ringgold Elementary UIL coordinator Adriana Gonzalez.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, DECEMBER 13, 2023, PAGE 7

The 229th Judicial District Attorney’s Office invites everyone in the community to the Annual Tree of Angels Ceremony on Friday, December 15th, starting at 6pm in front of the Starr County Courthouse.

Publication date: December 13, 2023 PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING OF THE LA GRULLA RESILIENT COMMUNTIES PROGRAM (RCP) PLANNING COMMITTEE

Notification is hereby given that the City of La Grulla Resilient Communities Program (RCP) will conduct the first public hearing to receive comments and recommendations as it undertakes necessary development for a city-wide comprehensive plan and land use planning, update zoning and building codes, and flooding protection. The City is electing as part of its public participation efforts to provide public notice of any proposed actions and conduct an open, public hearing to accept comments from the public regarding the City’s funding application.

The City will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 5:30 PM at the City offices located at 194 S. FM 2360, La Grulla, Texas 78548 at which time it will accept comments on its proposed comprehensive plan and schedule of activities to be submitted to the Texas General Land Office (GLO). Interested persons may submit comments, obtain more detailed information about the proposed project(s) by contacting the City of La Grulla City Secretary at 956-487-3341.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENGINEER, BOND COUNSEL, AND FINANCIAL ADVISOR The City of Roma, Texas (the “City”) requests the submission of qualifications statements, which will lead to the possible award of contracts to provide services for a project involving the City’s waterworks system.

Scope of Work Services to be provided by Engineer: professional engineering services associated with proposed (a) planning, permitting, environmental, design and construction management phase services and other additional services associated with the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) Lead Service Line Replacement Project Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF); and (b) assistance in application preparation and documentation to federal, state, and other possible funding sources.

Services to be provided by Bond Counsel: assist in obtaining loan and/or grant funding and to provide legal opinion with respect to validity of any debt obligations issued by the City for capital financing; preparation of resolution authorizing and securing the debt and/or authorizing any grant or principal forgiveness agreements, as necessary.

Services to be provided by Financial Advisor: strategic financial planning; analysis of market conditions; recommended investments of bond and grant proceeds; provide recommendations to the City for financing through programs established by the TWDB, including loan, grant, and principal forgiveness funding.

Guidelines for Content of Qualification Statements DO NOT INCLUDE COST INFORMATION with the qualification statement. Responses that include cost or pricing information will be rejected and will not be considered by the City.

Detailed instructions on preparation of the qualification statement must be obtained from the City. For more information on preparing and submitting the qualification statement, contact City Manager Alex Barrera, at (956) 849-1411 or abarrera@cityofroma.net. This information should be requested as soon as possible to allow time to prepare the document and comply with the procedures.

Submittal Deadline One (1) copy of the qualifications statement must be received by the City by no later than 4:00 PM (Central) on January 5, 2024, at the offices of the City of Roma, 201 W. Convent Blvd., Roma, Texas 78584, Attn: Alex Barrera, City Manager.

Minimum Qualifications and Selection Criteria The City will evaluate the proposals to determine which firm has the best qualifications.

Contract Terms and Negotiation Schedule Consultants for Bond Counsel, Financial Advisor, Engineering services are expected to negotiate an agreement for services which is acceptable to the City. If an acceptable contract cannot be negotiated, the City may formally end negotiations and begin negotiating with the next highest qualified person or firm.

Contracts are contingent upon release of funds from the TWDB. Any contract awarded under the Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) are expected to be funded in part by a loan from the TWDB. Neither the State of Texas nor any of its departments, agencies, or employees are or will be a party to the RFQs, or any resulting contract. These RFQs are issued in accordance with Section 2254 of the Texas Government Code (Professional Services Act) and Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 31 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments).

This contract is subject to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, which includes EPA-approved fair share goals toward procurement of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) firms. EPA rules require that applicants and prime contractors make a good faith effort to award a fair share of contracts, subcontracts, and procurements to M/WBEs through demonstration of the six affirmative steps. For more details of the DBE Program and the current, applicable fair share goals, please visit www.twdb.texas.gov/dbe.

Equal Opportunity in Employment - All qualified Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap, or national origin.

Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order No. 11246, as amended by Executive Order 11375, and as supplemented in Department of Labor regulations 41 CFR Part 60. Small, minority, and women-owned business enterprises are encouraged to respond.

Prime contractors are required to comply with EPA’s good faith effort policy when awarding sub-agreements for construction, supplies, equipment, and services. A complete version of TWDB document, “Guidance for Utilization of Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Businesses in Procurement”, is available at: www.twdb.texas.gov/financial/instructions/ doc/TWDB-0210.pdf

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, DECEMBER 13, 2023, PAGE 8

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Roma ISD Parental Involvement Program Host Free Wreath Making Session

The Roma ISD Parental involvement Program hosted a free wreath making session featuring instruction from the Roma ISD Public Relations Department demonstrating a new technique for making wreaths using pool noodles. The parents really enjoyed the session coming away with important information about Roma ISD, as well as a fun new skill they can share with friends and family. (Morning and afternoon session photos)

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, DECEMBER 13, 2023, PAGE 9 The 229th Judicial District Attorney’s Office invites everyone in the community to the Annual Tree of Angels Ceremony on Friday, December 15th, starting at 6pm in front of the Starr County Courthouse.

Published on December 13, 2023: PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE CITY OF LA GRULLA FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION (BRIC) Building Resiliency in Community (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Program (FMP) The City of la Grulla will hold a public hearing at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday January 10, 2024, at City of la Grulla City Hall located at 194 S. FM 2360, La Grulla, Texas, 78548 regarding the submission of applications to the Federal emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) under the Building Resiliency in Community (BRIC) and the Flood Mitigation Assistance programs. The purpose of this hearing is to allow citizens an opportunity to satisfy citizen participation requirements and accept comments and recommendations from the general public appertaining to the City’s applications. The City encourages citizens to participate in the development of FEMA and TDEM application(s) and to make their views known at this public hearing. Citizens unable to attend this meeting may submit their views and proposals to Patricia L. Solis, Mayor, at the City Hall. Persons with disabilities that wish to attend this meeting should contact the City Manager’s office to arrange for assistance. Individuals who require auxiliary aids or services for this meeting should contact the City Manager at least two days before the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Para más información en español, comuníquese con el Administrador Muncipal al 956487-3341.

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DECEMBER 13, 2023 PAGE 10 You’re in good hands.

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Arroyo:5065 Hwy. 83 ste. A - 956-570-0702 Roma: 834 E. Grant St. Ste. C - 956-570-0701 OPEN OPEN RGC: 4370 NOW Escobares: 4522 NOW E. Hwy 83 Ste. B - 956-309-3549 East Hwy 83 Ste A. 956-429-5625 Penitas - 1715 Expressway 83 Suite A-2 Penitas Tx- 956-424-0133