December 30,2020

STARR VISION CENTER

487-2440

Dr. Angie Ramirez Therapeutic Optometrist

CASTAÑEDA Auto Insurance & Bail Bonds

488-0808 487-7000

300 East Main St. R.G.C.

280 W. 2nd St. R.G.C.

The Law Office Of

J.M. “Chema” Garza Vol. 35, No. 53 WEEKLY WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 30, 2020 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 4343 E. Hwy. 83 R.G.C.

Installment Loans 311 E Main St Rio Grande City TX 78582-4448

Phone (956) 487-3925

Former Grulla High School Twin Sisters Become Doctors Jacqueline and Juliana Falcon are twin sisters who graduated from Grulla High School in 2013 as the top two students— Va l e d i c t o r i a n and Salutatorian, respectively. Their parents are Noe and Rosa Falcon from La Paloma Subdivision in Alto Bonito, Texas.

They have a brother Abraham and a sister Jarettzy.

Jackie and Juliana did their Pre-Med work at The University of Texas at Austin each earning a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences along with a Certificate in Business Foundation in May 2017. Both graduated “WITH HONORS,”

Roma Middle School Student Emma Escobar Selected for TMEA All-Region Orchestra

Congratulations to Emma Escobar, a 7th grader from Roma Middle School, for being chosen as a member of the TMEA Region 15 All-Region Philharmonic Orchestra! She made 16th chair overall competing against middle school cello students from all over Region 15. This is the second year Emma has made the TMEA All-Region Orchestra. Way to Go, Emma! Congratulations to Emma, her proud parents and her teachers Mr. Andrew Balandrano which is among the highest of applying to a family medicine and Mr. Francisco Garcia. recognition at the University level.

Then, they were both accepted at the Texas Tech University Health Science Center—School of Medicine in Lubbock, Texas. They are about to complete this phase of their medical studies in May, 2021 and at that time will be conferred the title “Doctor.”

Both are currently in the process

Residency program. They are going through the interview process hoping to find a program that “matches us with a supportive and collaborative work environment that can teach us how to become competent and confident family doctors,” stated Jacqueline.

Juliana stated, “Texas Tech has FALCON, page 4

that came to practice every day and improved throughout the process.

Flutes: Zayra Vela, Daniela Molina, Joanna Garcia, Grace Canales, Tiffany Pena, Daniella Sandoval, Emily Pena, Jocelyn Mirelez, Alaissa Alaniz, and Brianna Maldonado. They are students of Ms. Jennifer Villarreal.

Oboes: Angie Martinez, Alexa Ibarra, and Litzy Bustamante.

Students of Mr. Ivan Trevino.

Bassoons: Aracely Garcia, Matheo Botello, and Katlyn Moreno.

Students of Mr. Ivan Trevino.

Clarinets: Ivana Rodriguez,

Cassandra Renteria, Aldo Moreno, Jose R. Soto, Mitzy Hernandez, Nicole Garza, Angela Rodriguez, Estefany Pena, Isis Gonzalez, Luisa Garcia, Victoria Ramirez, Kassy Romero, Kassandra Paez, Dariana Hernandez, Lauren Garza, and Eugenio Ramirez. Students of Mrs. Maricruz Perez and Mr. Corey Graves.

Saxophones: Jaime Paz, Luis Martinez, Ezequiel Lopez, Mario Madrigal, Clarissa Gomez, Jesus Sandoval, Dylan Morales, and Eden Ramirez. They are students of Mr. Eden Perez.

Roma High Mighty Gladiator Band Members Progress to Area Auditions

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 the 67 students from the Roma High School Mighty Gladiator Marching Band that earned placement in the TMEA Region 15 All-Valley Band! We are so proud of these students who had no lessons with teachers inperson and stayed motivated to not only pass all classes, but also come to online practice every day before school starts with the directors!

More Roma High School band students earned a chair in the AllValley Band than any other 5A or 6A high school from Roma to PSJA. We are so proud of every student

Trumpets: Isaac Acevedo and Juan Alaniz. Students of Mr. Olegario Lopez.

Horns: Daniel Garza, Itzel Gutierrez, Derrick Lazusky, and Paola Saucedo. Students of Mrs. Dena Laurel and Mr. Orlando Medrano.

Trombones: Angel Herrera, Cristian Galindo, Mario Rangel, Juan Garcia, and Azael Ramirez.

Students of Mr. John Mireles.

Euphoniums: Luis Garza and Jorge Ayala. Students of Mrs. Rebecca Cannon.

Tuba: Jose Medina, Victor

Hernandez, Justin Elizondo, Daniel Morales, Reyes Toscano, and Christian Casas. Students of Mr. Lizardo Hinojosa.

Percussion: Xiomara Gonzalez, Luis Garcia, Ivan Del Angel, Iram Del Angel, Alyssa Yere, Davian Hinojosa, Jr, Aaron Garcia, and Jacinto Vasquez. Students of Mr. Moses Simon and Mr. Josue Ortega.

We look forward to our next announcement of the students who will advance to the TMEA Area band auditions...just one step before becoming a TMEA All-State Musician!

OPEN MON-SUN 7AM-7PM

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, DECEMBER 30, 2020, PAGE 2

DPS Announces Temporary Waiver for DL/ID Expirations Ending in April 2021 The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced that the waiver on expiration dates for driver licenses (DLs) and identification cards (IDs) ends on April 14, 2021. Customers who need to renew are urged to make an appointment today.

The waiver, granted by Governor Greg Abbott in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, applied to DLs, commercial DLs, commercial learner permits, ID cards and election identification certificates that expired on or after March 13, 2020.

Online renewals still a convenient option Many Texans are eligible to skip the trip to the office entirely by renewing their DL/ID card or changing their address online at Texas.gov. Customers can also renew by phone at 1-866-3573639 (1-866-DL-RENEW). The requirements and cost for online and phone renewal are the same as in-person transactions.

Scheduling an appointment

DPS launched a new appointment solution when DL offices reopened in May, and all services are now conducted by appointment only. (DL offices have implemented several COVID-19 protocols to ensure a safe environment.)

To schedule an appointment or check availability, visit the online appointment scheduler. If you are unable to find an appointment at the office of your choice, check back for availability at that office or other locations nearby. Please check often as availability does change.

The appointment system is designed to provide additional convenience, reducing the time Texans wait in line. Customers can book appointments for a specific day and time, up to six months in advance, and show up 30 minutes or less before their scheduled time. Customers can check-in using the kiosk inside the office or from their mobile device.

ST. JUDE NOVENA May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus pray for us.

Holy Mary, Mother of Jesus, pray for us, St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. (Say this nine times a day, by the 8th day your prayer will be answered. Say it nine days, it has never been known to fail.

Publication must be promised.)

Thank you St. Jude.

Melissa Y. Hernandez

Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for favors. This time I ask you this very special one (mention favor). Take it, Dear Jesus, and place it within your own heart, where your Father sees it. Then, in your merciful eyes it will become your favor, not mine.

Amen.

Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favor will be granted.

Never known to fail.

A reminder, if you are unable to make your scheduled appointment, please change it ahead of time. Customers not showing up has become a major issue statewide. From May 26 through Nov. 30, approximately 27% of people were no-shows for their appointments.

To help combat that issue, many offices are offering customers without an appointment a spot on a “standby” list. These customers are required to wait in the office and are assisted in the event of a cancelation or no-show. The number of standby appointments available is limited to ensure all customers who are placed on the list will be served by the end of the day.

Additionally, a limited number of same-day appointments will be available at each DL office.

These appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Customers who book these appointments can leave the DL office until their designated time.

S a l v e , custodio d e l Redentor y esposo de la Virgen María. A ti Dios confió a su Hijo, en ti María depositó su confianza, contigo Cristo se forjó como hombre.

Oh, bienaventurado José, muéstrate padre también a nosotros y guíanos en el camino de la vida.

Concédenos gracia, misericordia y valentía, y defiéndenos de todo mal.

AMEN Melissa Y. Hernandez

Melissa Y. Hernandez

The RGC Crimestoppers along with several community businesses and volunteers helped spread a little joy in RGC this year at the 12th annual Toys for Rio Kids event on December 21, 2020. We want to recognize the amazing contributions of our sponsors and volunteers for their selfless devotion to our community.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF US AT RGC POLICE DEPARTMENT AND CRIMESTOPPERS. H.E.B. • Marine Foundation Toys for Tots • Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. • Walmart • KRGX Estrella 95.1 FM • Snap Fitness • Woodmen of the World • Ford Payne • El Tigre • R&R Collision • Woman’s Club • Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Tijerina • EDP Renewable Energy • LF Distributors • Calaveras Biker Club

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, DECEMBER 30, 2020, PAGE 3

Congratulations Elian Villarreal and Jordan Lazo for Placed 1st Chair and 2nd Chair All-State Congratulations to Elian Villarreal and Jordan Lazo for their awesome way of representing themselves, Grulla High School and their communities.

E l i a n Villarreal placed 1st Chair All-State on Guitarron and Jordan Lazo placed 2nd Chair All-State on Guitar.

The TMEA Area Mariachi virtual auditions were on October 31st, 2020 – November 4, 2020.

Happy New Year from Senator Judith Zaffirini and her darling grandsons, Asher and George Committed to Faith, Family and Us!

These students competed, not only, against 4A schools but 5A and 6A schools. The TMEA AllState Virtual Concert will be in February 2021.

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” —Carl Bard

DHR Health OB/GYN Services at Starr County Memorial Hospital Luis A. Ramirez, M.D. OB/GYN

- DHR Health Physicians - Highest Level of Care - State-of-the-Art Facilities - Quality Maternity Care - Newborn Wellness - Close to Home

For more information call (956) 487-5561.

DHR Health proudly meets the federal definition of a “physician-owned hospital” (42 CFR § 489.3). As required by law, a list of the hospital’s physician owners and investors is available at www.dhrhealth.com. DHR, Ltd. and its affiliated entities comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, DECEMBER 30, 2020, PAGE 4

WEDNESDAY DEC. 30TH - I.C.C. 6:00 P.M. †CELIA & ENRIQUE GARZA (4TH AN.)

by Ana Lisa Garza †ENRIQUE B. & MANUELA GARZA (AN.) by Family †DOMINGO & DIONISIA GARZA

by Family †MELECIO GARZA by Family †CHAYSE OLIVAREZ by Family THURSDAY DECEMBER 31ST - I.C.C. NEW YEAR’S EVE 6:00 P.M. †ENRIQUE & CELIA GARZA

by Ana Lisa Garza †CHRISTIAN HERNANDEZ

by Iris Alaniz FRIDAY JANUARY 1ST - I.C.C. NEW YEAR’S DAY 10:00 A.M. NEW YEAR’S MASS

SATURDAY

JANUARY 2ND - I.C.C. 5:00 P.M. †HAROLD & HUGO HINOJOSA

by Family †ROEL GONZALEZ (6TH AN.)

by Wife & Family †TOMAS HERNANDEZ (33RD AN.)

by Sus Hijas †MARIA GREGORIA GONZALEZ (19TH AN.) by Sus Hijas †MARIA GUADALUPE CANTU (8TH AN.) by Su Familia SUNDAY JANUARY 3RD - I.C.C. 9:00 A.M. †ESPERANZA R. RODRIGUEZ & SON

by Odilia Carrera & Family †DAVID H. GARZA, SR. by Florence †MARIA EDNA GARZA

by Rodolfo Resendez †RODOLFO & FIDELA RESENDEZ

by Sara M. Corkill

Laura Alicia Guerra August 17, 1966 ~ December 20, 2020

Laura Alicia Guerra, 54, a life long resident from El Sauz, Texas has gone to be with our Lord.

She has left us unexpectedly on Sunday, December 20, 2020.

Laura is preceded in death by her mother Alicia G. Perez and survived by her father Benito Perez Sr., daughter Ida Lou Reyes, son Juan Andres Guerra.

Grandchildren Leonardo Nava IV, Galilea Marhay Nava, Ernesto Salinas Jr. and Juan Andres Guerra Jr., whom she loved and adored.

Brothers Benito Perez Jr.

MONDAY JANUARY 4TH– I.C.C. 6:00 P.M. †ENRIQUE & CELIA GARZA

by Ana Lisa Garza

2,500 FULLWITH FUNERAL SERVICE SILVER

Obituary (Priscilla), Roberto Perez (Melissa), Jaime Perez and sister Anna Lee García (Bobby). She left behind numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Laura was an active member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in El Sauz, Tx. She was a member of the Annual Cactus Country Festival Committee and many cook-offs. She was a member of the Starr County Fair Cook-Off Committee.

Laura worked at The Cattlemen Restaurant for seven years and was currently employed at Starr Home Health Agency.

Laura was an avid outdoors person, loved nature and she loved being around a fire pit. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Laura was a very creative person and was very proud of her creativeness.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Sanchez Funeral Home of Rio Grande City.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness, your generosity, and support to our family during this difficult time is greatly appreciated.

SUNDAY JANUARY 3RD - I.C.C. 11:00 A.M. †ENRIQUE & CELIA GARZA

by Ana Lisa Garza †IGNACIO G. GUTIERREZ (AN.)

by Rosario G. Pope & Family †BILL D. POPE, SR. (1ST AN.)

by Wife Rosario G. Pope & Family †TOMASITA GONZALEZ

by Amanda Solis & Family †DIANA & OSCAR OZUNA (1ST AN.)

by Ozuna Family †CHARLIE OZUNA (11TH AN.)

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“Serving Our Community For Over 86 Years” “Caring for you & your loved ones in your time of need ”

NOVENA “Miraculous Prayer” Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for favors. This time I ask you this very special one (mention favor). Take it, Dear Jesus, and place it within your own heart, where your Father sees it. Then, in your merciful eyes it will become your favor, not mine.

Amen.

Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favor will be granted.

Never known to fail.

V. G.

December 27 ENGINEERING/ARCHITECTURE/SURVEYING SERVICES

Sanchez

Memorial Funeral Home 101 AR Sanchez Sr. Dr. Roma, Tx. 78584

(956) 847-7008

NOVENA “Oración Milagrosa”

Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, en el pasado te he pedido favores. Esta vez te pido este muy especial (mencione el favor). Tómalo y colócalo dentro de tu propio corazón, donde nuestro Padre lo vea. Entonces, ante sus ojos misericordiosos se convertirá en tu favor, no en el mío. Amén.

Diga esta oración durante tres días, prometa la publicación y el favor será concedido.

V. G. ORACIÓN AL DIVINO NIÑO JESÚS

PUBLIC NOTICE

The City is seeking to contract with qualified Engineering/Architectural Firms (individual/firm) to prepare all preliminary and final design plans and specifications, and to conduct all necessary interim and final inspections. The City will consider each of the following projects individually: Project No. 2020-01 Drainage Plan/Study Project No. 2020-02 Thoroughfare Plan Project No. 2020-03 Public Works Office and Warehouse Project No. 2020-04 Street Improvements Project No. 2020-05 Boys & Girls Club Facility and Offices Project No. 2020-06 Public Safety Building Project No. 2020-07 Repairs and Improvements to the Water Treatment Plant #1 Project No. 2020-08 Animal Kennel Expansion Project No. 2020-09 City Hall Modifications Please submit separate proposal of services and a statement of qualifications for each of the projects to the address below: Melissa Garza, City Secretary City of Rio Grande City 5332 E. US Highway 83 Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 Proposals shall be received by the City no later than 3:00 p.m. on the January 14, 2021. For additional information, email your requests or questions to eybeas@ cityofrgc.com. The 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.

The City of Rio Grande City is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

NOTE: THE PARISH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON DEC. 24, 2020 TO JAN. 3, 2021 DUE TO CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. REGULAR OFFICE HOURS WILL RESUME MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021.

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS & A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO ALL!

FALCON Continued from Front Page

.00

METAL CASKET

TUESDAY JANUARY 5TH – I.C.C. 6.30 A.M. †ENRIQUE & CELIA GARZA

by Ana Lisa Garza †GUILLERMO & GUADALUPE GOMEZ by Family †JOSE MARIA ALVAREZ, SR.

by Family †CHRISTIAN HERNANDEZ

by Iris Alaniz †HERMINIO SAENZ (AN.)

by Luis & Jerry

Niño amable de mi vida, consuelo de los cristianos la gracia que necesito, pongo en tus benditas manos.

(Padre Nuestro...) Por eso con fe y confianza, humilde y arrepentido, lleno de amor y esperanza; este favor yo te pido (se pide la gracia que se desee y decir 7 veces: “Divino Niño Jesús, bendícenos”).

Publicar en cuanto se reciba el milagro.

provided me with an amazing experience thus far. The training and education I have received there has been awesome. The faculty and fellow colleagues have been phenomenal.” Jacqueline added, “It’s been a wonderful experience at Texas Tech. Our clinical experiences in Odessa, Tx have been excellent. We have seen similar patient populations to Rio Grande City and that has contributed greatly to our dream of eventually treating the people of the Valley.”

Both Jacqueline and Juliana hope to open their own medical clinic in the Rio Grande Valley. Jacqueline says, “I would like to have my own private practice alongside my sister in the Valley, especially in Rio Grande City. There is a lot of need for primary care in the Valley and I want to be the doctor taking care of the community that raised me.”

Juliana added, “I want to practice family medicine (primary care) in an underserved area like the Valley.

I want to provide good health care, education and mentorship to my patients, hoping to make a significant difference in their lives.”

Reflecting on her college experience, Juliana says, “The journey has been tough. Being a first generation college student, there was much I had to learn on my own. But, despite these challenges, anything is possible if you set your mind to it. Starting off from a small town like La Grulla may seem impossible; but it is NOT! There is hope. Get yourself out there and strive for your dreams. You can do it!

Jacqueline added, “I believe that UT-Austin equipped me with the proper tools and knowledge to succeed in medical school. Living in the big city of Austin taught me about diversity, adversity and resilience, all necessary experiences to survive medical school. Every step has been a journey and they all contribute to the end product in their own way.” She adds a quote from Alfred, Lord Tennyson, “It’s better to have tried and failed than to live life wondering what would’ve happened if I had tried.”

Jacqueline and Juliana Falcon are Outstanding Role Models from our area. [Written

by BSáenz; photo by JMartinez].

Practice fire safety this new year Increased wildfire potential is expected across much of the state due to approaching dry cold fronts and high temperatures. Dry fuel conditions will expand north from the southern Hill Country into the Rolling Plains, southern High Plains, eastern Hill Country and Cross Timbers regions, aligning with the pre- and post-frontal winds to create an increase in potential wildfire activity.

“Most wildland fires this time of year occur just before or just after a frontal passage,” said Brad Smith, Texas A&M Forest Service Predictive Services Department Head. “These fronts often pass through with little precipitation, but they do bring increased wind before and after the front passes.

These increased winds can help to spread fire in a landscape that is full of freeze-cured grasses.”

Texas A&M Forest Service

urges everyone to be careful when participating in activities that may start a wildfire or house fire and practice fire safety. One spark can ruin the new year celebration.

Wrapping paper and tree recycling - The danger doesn’t end just because the holidays are over. In Texas, careless debris burning causes the largest number of human-caused wildfires. Unsafe burning of wrapping paper, gift boxes and Christmas trees after the holidays could spark outdoor fires.

There are several alternatives for safe disposal.

Chip the tree and use the material as mulch in landscaping beds. Cut the trunk of the tree into small pieces to use as pathway edging. Composting is a great way to dispose of your tree and tissue paper. Remove tape, ribbons, and bows and recycle the wrapping paper, or save it to use again.

Repurpose other items such as newspaper or pillow cases to wrap presents.

Fireworks safety - Fireworks are often used to mark special events and holidays. When using fireworks during the new year, don’t let your fun turn into flames.

Check for local restrictions on fireworks and burn bans before use.

Fireworks should be used outdoors on flat, smooth surfaces away from dry grass and flammable materials.

Always have a water source nearby in case a fire ignites while using fireworks.

If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.

For information on wildfire prevention, please visit the Texas A&M Forest Service website at http://tfsweb.tamu.edu

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, DECEMBER 30, 2020, PAGE 5

TX GLO Announces 2021 “Treasures of the Texas Coast” Children’s Art Contest Annual art contest for Texas students now accepting applications

Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush announced the 2021 “Treasures of the Texas Coast Children’s Art Contest” is open for entries. All Texas students (public, private, and home-schooled) in grades K-6 are encouraged to participate.

Artwork should be based on the theme “Treasures of the Texas Coast” and portray why the Texas coast is important or noteworthy to the participating student. The top 40 pieces of art will appear in a 2022 calendar which will be distributed throughout the state.

“Each year, I am inspired by the Adopt-A-Beach Art Contest entries and how these young students are eager to showcase their work and how

our coast is special to them,” said Commissioner Bush. “I share these young students’ excitement and look forward to see the Texas coastal environment pictured through their talent.”

This year’s grand prize winner will receive two round-trip coach-class tickets to United Airlines’ destinations throughout the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, one 7-night Caribbean cruise from Royal Caribbean International departing out of Galveston, Miami, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, Port Canaveral or Puerto Rico, and a Feed the Fish Tour at the Texas State Aquarium. The grand prize winner’s teacher

will also receive two roundtrip coach-class tickets from United Airlines, and one 7-night Caribbean cruise courtesy of Royal Caribbean International.

All 40 winners will receive a ticket to the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi, prizes and a certificate of recognition from the Texas General Land Office and copies of the 2022 calendar displaying the winning artwork.

All entries must be postmarked

by Wednesday, March 3, 2021.

For more information, guidelines and entry form for the art contest, visit the Adopt-A-Beach website.

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, DECEMBER 30, 2020, PAGE 6

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Celebrating the new year on January 1 is a relatively recent phenomenon. The calendar as we know it today has evolved several times and months have gone by different names.

On the early Roman calendar, March was the first month of the 10-month calendar. That is why the last four months of the year have prefixes that coordinate with the seventh (September), eighth (October), ninth (November), and tenth (December) numerals.

King Numa Pompilius reformed the calendar around 700 BCE by adding the months of January and February to the

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original 10 months. But the calendar still required some additional tweaking to be more aligned with the seasons.

In 46 B.C., Julius Caesar introduced a solar-based calendar that was an improvement on the ancient Roman one, which was lunar-based. During this time, the month of Quintilis was renamed July in honor of Julius Caesar and Sextilis was renamed August in honor of Augustus. Shortly after the introduction of the solar calendar, the beginning of the year was moved from March 1 to January 1.

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, DECEMBER 30, 2020, PAGE 7

TDLR provides second chances for formerly incarcerated individuals

New agreement with other state agencies will expand opportunities As part of its ongoing commitment to reducing recidivism and supporting reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals, TDLR is working with state agency partners and stakeholders to provide a licensing pathway that previously might have been unattainable because of an applicant’s criminal history.

Thanks to a memorandum of understanding (or MOU) signed, TDLR, the Windham School District, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and the Texas Workforce Commission will help formerly incarcerated individuals get licenses and employment in

cosmetology, air conditioning and refrigeration and electrical jobs.

The agencies will work together to help people with criminal histories obtain employment once they’ve completed their prison sentences.

Under the agreement, the Windham School District will help students who want to become cosmetologists, electricians or ACR technicians to obtain criminal history evaluation letters (CHELs) from TDLR before getting that training.

TDLR will provide the CHELs for the incarcerated individuals at a reduced cost and educate Windham and TDCJ staff on the various licensing requirements and the application process.

The Workforce Commission

will help the individuals with submitting their licensing applications and align their reentry services across their various programs.

“It’s exciting to have these four organizations work together for the betterment of our state, and I’m pleased that TDLR is involved,” said Rick Figueroa, chair of the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation.

“This MOU is a vehicle that will allow these agencies to work together instead of standing flat-footed,” said TDLR Commissioner Helen Callier.

“This program will touch the lives of men and women reentering society and enable them to contribute in a positive way.”

HB 1342 (86th Legislature)

allows TDLR to issue a restricted license to formerly incarcerated individuals to work as an electrician or air conditioning technician. Work is performed while under the direct supervision of a TDLR licensee who ensures that the individual complies with the conditions of the restricted license. Each restricted license indicates where the licensee is authorized to work, and clearly indicates the restricted nature of the license.

Applicants with a criminal history that might preclude them from obtaining a license can ask the Texas Commission

of Licensing and Regulation to issue a restricted license to them.

TDLR has issued four restricted electricians licenses since the law went into effect in September 2019.

“Being able to provide for their families and rejoin society will help formerly incarcerated individuals keep from reoffending and heading back to prison. TDLR is thrilled to provide a boost to formerly incarcerated individuals who are seeking to rebuild their lives and contribute to Texas’ economy,” said Brian E. Francis, TDLR executive director.

TDLR staff have been visiting various TDCJ facilities for the past eight years, meeting with incarcerated individuals and providing information about the licensing process for cosmetologists, electricians and air conditioning technicians -and sharing how TDLR can assist with obtaining licensure after the incarcerated individual completes their education in three of the job training pathways offered by TDCJ’s own school system, the Windham School District.

Francis said, “We expect more great things to come out of this partnership.”

City of Rio Grande City Patrol Officer

Job Title & Classification Patrol Officer for Rio Grande City Police Department, Regular full-time non exempt position.

Requirements Graduate from an accredited High School or GED Certificate, experience preferred but is not required, a valid Texas Driver’s License and T.C.O.L.E. License. Must be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, and maintain on-call status. Applicant must pass a thorough background check (employment & criminal) and a pre-employment drug test.

Must be physically fit and pass a physical agility requirement.

Salary Salary will be based on department pay scale.

Deadline Positions open until filled.

Applications may be picked up at Rio Grande City Police Department 402 E. Main St. Rio Grande City, TX 78582 956-487-8892 www.cityofrgc.com City of Rio Grande City is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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