JANUARY 22, 2025 by Starr County Town Crier

Gladiator Television Network and Graphic Design students excelled at the BPA Regional Leadership Conference

Every student received a State Qualiﬁer or State Alternate Award.

Broadcast News Production Team - 2nd Place - State Qualiﬁer: Arnoldo Garza, Dayanara Garcia, Kiara Sandoval, and Gysselle Hinojosa.

Garcia, Angel Santana, and Lou Salazar.

Podcast Production Team - 1st Place - State Qualiﬁer: Fernando Lozano, Isaiah Benavides, and Anthony Rodriguez.

Publishing: Isabella Rios - 1st Place - State Qualifier, Miranda Villaseñor - 2nd Place - State Qualifier, Angela Reyna - 3rd Place - State Qualifier, and Enya Padilla - 4th Place - State Qualifier.

Fundamentals of Desktop

Video Production Team - 1st Place - State Qualiﬁer: Nicholas Lopez, Orlando Garza III, and Gabriela Vera.

Video Production Team - 2nd Place - State Qualiﬁer: Joaquin

Podcast Production Team - 5th Place - State Alternate: Yazmin Guerra and Jorge Guerra.

Digital Media Production: Arnoldo Garza - 3rd Place - State Qualiﬁer.

Advanced Desktop

Publishing: Brendan Mayne3rd Place - State Qualiﬁer and Brianna Guerrero - 4th PlaceState Qualiﬁer. Congratulations to all these Roma students and their teachers!

Roma ISD students compete at the Business Professionals of America Regional Leadership Conference

Congratulations to all the Roma ISD students that competed at the Business Professionals of America Regional Leadership Conference! Several students earned spots to move on to compete at the state competition, or serve as alternates.

Special congratulations go to:

Oscar Gonzalez – 1st Place in Basic Office Systems and Procedures, State Qualifier. Miguel Garcia – 2nd Place in Basic Office Systems and Procedures, State Qualifier. Emiliano Olivera – Advanced Office Systems and Procedures, State Qualifier.

Raul Pena – Fundamental Desktop Publishing, State Qualiﬁer.

Loreno Lopez-Barcenas and Karol Pena – Economic Research Team, State Alternate. Airela Cantu – Fundamentals of Spreadsheet Applications, State Alternate.

Amberlin Sandoval, Amaya Vazquez, and Isabella Elizondo – Small Business Management Team, State Alternate.

Chaylem Pena – Health Administration Procedures, State Alternate.

Samantha Rodriguez –Health Research Presentation, State Alternate.

Chaylem Pena, Emiliano Olivera, Luis Eliserio, Manuel Vela, and Jose Eliserio –Parliamentary Procedure Team, State Alternate.

Manuel Vela – Human Resource Management, State Alternate.

The Gladiator Nation is mighty proud of these student competitors and looks forward to cheering them on at state competition!!

Veterans Middle School students Joel Garza, Julio Ramirez, Jorge Garza and Kamila Solis qualify to 2024-2025 MS All-Region 15 Mariachi

Cash Martinez participates in the Cattlelac Elite Show Series III in Rosenberg, TX

Congratulations to

participated in

Results are as

Exotic

San Isidro ISD student Cash Martinez who

the Cattlelac Elite Show Series III in Rosenberg, TX.

follows: Reserve Champion Senior Heifer Showman, Reserve Breed Champion Commercial AOB Heifer, Breed Champion ORB Heifer, Reserve

Division Heifer, and 7th Overall Supreme Heifer.

Congratulations to the following VMS students for qualifying to the 2024-2025 MS All-Region 15 Mariachi: Joel Garza - 1st Chair Trumpet, Julio Ramirez - 3rd Chair Guitar, Jorge Garza - 2nd Chair Tenor, and Kamila Solis - 3rd Chair Alto.

ICS had a surprise visit from Tessie Ledesma, Author of

School had a surprise visit from Tessie Ledesma, Author of “Polly the Possum” book. ICS

students. The book is about a celebration of self-acceptance and a reminder that uniqueness is beautiful, Polly the Possum tells us that no matter who we are, each of us can make a difference in our world. The book is amazing and very colorful. It was a beautiful day to listen to this book reading session from Tessie Ledesma.

The ICS Faculty and staff were very happy and excited to meet her especially since she is from Mercedes, Tx. She is a resident from the RGV. God is Good.

Immaculate Conception

TMA Asks Lawmakers to Make Social Media Safer for Children, Prevent Data Mining

It’s a common sight: children and teens scrolling through social media apps for hours on their phones or tablets. Social media addiction can cut into time spent studying, playing with friends, or even eating meals. Studies show children and adolescents who spend more than 3 hours a day on social media face a higher risk of mental health

problems including depression and anxiety – which physicians ﬁnd concerning, since a recent survey found teens spend at least that long scrolling every day.

To address this problem, the Texas Medical Association (TMA) and Texas Pediatric Society told the Texas Legislature about the importance of developing policies that promote healthy technology use for young people and restrict data-mining of minors’ information.

“I have patients with poor school performance because they are up all night on their phones,” said Lindy McGee, MD, a

Houston pediatrician and chair of TMA’s Committee on Child and Adolescent Health, in today’s hearing. “We all know that these algorithms can lead kids to dark places as it did with my patient who told me that she developed an eating disorder because her social media feed told her to.”

Social media addiction can also lead to sedentary behavior causing chronic inﬂammation, frequent headaches, and back pain in children and adolescents –as well as poor nutrition choices, culminating in hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.

Dr. McGee called on lawmakers

to develop policies that make social media safer. She advocated restrictions on the data mining of minors’ information. Social media companies can collect a large amount of personal data and exploit the data for targeted advertising, the physician told lawmakers. Children may lack sufﬁcient critical-thinking skills to recognize this manipulation.

“If you take away the media company’s ability to target minors with advertising, then you take away their incentive to keep minors on their platform with addictive practices,” said Dr. McGee.

Physicians’ other suggestions for lawmakers:

• Public education on healthy technology use – particularly by minors – including risks and the

addictive nature of social media algorithms;

• Make social media sites less addictive by preventing algorithms on accounts for minors; and

• Allow researchers and regulators access to data on social media algorithms and the integration of artiﬁcial intelligence features that mimic “friends” – features that should not be available to minors without parental consent.

Dr. McGee said the focus on algorithms is important because they allow social media platforms to amplify the “ﬁlter bubble” effect, pushing harmful content like eating disorders, violence, and suicidal thoughts, based on an individual’s online use patterns.

“My patient who started out

searching for healthy eating tips ended up on an algorithm which pushed disordered eating,” she said.

With youth mental health concerns becoming more prevalent in U.S., Dr. McGee said it is important to “act swiftly and decisively to protect children and adolescents from harm.”

This hearing preceded the start of the 89th session of the Texas Legislature, which convenes next week.

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.

Governor Abbott Recognizes January 2025 As Human Trafﬁcking Prevention Month

Proclamation

Americans cherish the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. One of the greatest threats to these rights is human trafﬁcking, which impacts approximately 25 million people each year.

Human trafﬁcking is marked by sexual exploitation or forced labor, and it is widely considered a modern form of slavery. Ending human trafﬁcking is our collective responsibility, and to do so, we must understand warning signs, recognize the urgent need for action, and support ongoing rescue efforts.

Law enforcement and private organizations work in conjunction with statewide entities to carry out prevention initiatives, protect vulnerable populations, and bring trafﬁckers to justice. While there has been meaningful progress through these endeavors, much work remains to eradicate human trafﬁcking once and for all.

Each year, the month of January is dedicated to raising awareness about human trafﬁcking and honoring the organizations, government agencies, and law enforcement ofﬁcials who are working to end it. At this time, I encourage all Texans to educate

themselves about the dangers and indicators of human trafﬁcking and to take action to eliminate this scourge from our society. Therefore, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim January 2025 to be Human Trafﬁcking Prevention Month in Texas and urge all Texans to observe the occasion with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto afﬁxed my signature this the 13th day of December, 2024. Governor of Texas

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR OIL & GAS WASTE DISPOSAL WELL PERMIT

Triad O&G, LLC, 3201 Villanova St., Dallas, TX 75225 is applying to the Railroad Commission of Texas for a permit to dispose of produced salt water or other oil and gas waste by well injection into a porous formation productive of oil or gas. The applicant proposes to dispose of oil and gas waste into the Frio Sandstone formation, Montalvo N.R. Lease, Well Number 44. The proposed disposal well is located 5 miles southwest of San Isidro in the Sun (D-1) Field, in Starr County Texas. The waste water will be injected into strata in the subsurface depth interval from 4490 to 4580 feet.

LEGAL AUTHORITY: Chapter 27 of the Texas Water Code, as amended, Title 3 of the Texas Natural Resources Code, as amended, and the Statewide Rules of the Oil and Gas Division of the Railroad Commission of Texas.

Requests for a public hearing from persons who can show they are adversely affected or requests for further information concerning any aspect of the application should be submitted in writing, within ﬁfteen days of publication, to Technical Permitting, Oil and Gas Division, Railroad Commission of Texas, P.O. Box 12967, Austin, Texas 78711 (Telephone 512/463-6792).

Take Steps to Protect you, your family, and your home

The time from January through February has historically been when the harshest winter weather hits our area. Medina Electric Cooperative encourages the community to be prepared and take steps to keep you and your family safe during the extreme cold.

Remain indoors: This is the best choice to make if you have the option, but always be prepared if rolling blackouts occur by charging cellphones and power banks. If a blackout does occur, ignite the ﬁreplace if you have one and bundle up with extra blankets and clothes to keep your body from losing heat. Remember to

never run any type of generators or gas-type heat sources within the home.

Protect your home, indoor and outdoor: Keep pipes from bursting by opening cabinets under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow air from your home’s heater to warm the pipes. Let faucets drip to keep water from freezing quickly. Insulate outdoor faucets and pipes with insulated protection devices, newspaper, or towels. Protect outdoor plants from freezing by covering them with plant-cover fabric, towels, or a light blanket with plastic sheeting on top of it. If you have plants in containers, try to bring

them inside during the winter.

If you must leave the home: Cover yourself as much as possible by wearing warm clothing in layers, along with a hat, mittens or gloves, a scarf, and thick or heavyduty footwear. If using a vehicle, double check the battery, ﬂuids, and tires, make sure you have jumper cables and plenty of fuel. Plan before departing by checking road conditions and watch out for “black ice” if travelling after or during freezing rain and slow down. For more tips and information related to cold weather preparedness, visit MedinaEC.org/ExtremeWinter-Weather-Preparations

Updated Property Tax Information Now Available for Texas Taxpayers

Rio Grande City — New and updated property tax information has just been compiled by Starr Central Appraisal District and is available now to assist taxpayers. This property tax information is current and covers a wide range of topics, such as taxpayer remedies, exemptions and appraisals, and has information for select groups, such as disabled veterans and persons age 65 or older.

“Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, disabled veteran or taxpayer, it’s important you know your rights concerning the property tax laws.” said Sonia R. Garza, Chief Appraiser of the Starr Central Appraisal District. “You can contact us about any property tax issues with full conﬁdence that we will provide you the most complete, accurate and up-to-date information available to assist you.”

This includes information about the following programs.

•Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans - The law provides partial exemptions for any property owned by disabled veterans or surviving spouses and surviving children of deceased disabled veterans. Another partial exemption is for homesteads donated to disabled veterans by charitable organizations at no cost or not more than 50 percent of the good faith estimate of the homestead’s market value to disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The exemption amount is determined according to percentage of service-connected disability. The law also provides a 100 percent homestead exemption for 100 percent disabled veterans and their surviving spouses and surviving spouses of U.S. armed service members killed or fatally injured in the line of duty.

•Property Tax Exemptions – Non-profit organizations that meet statutory requirements may seek property tax exemptions and must apply to their local appraisal district by a specific date. Businesses that receive tax abatements granted by taxing units; ship inventory out of Texas that may be eligible for the freeport exemption; store certain goods in transit in warehouses that are moved within 175 days; construct, install or acquire pollution control property; own and operate energy storage systems; convert landfill-generated gas; or store offshore drilling equipment while not in use may also be eligible for statutory exemptions.

•Rendering Taxable Property - If a business owns tangible personal property that is used to produce income, the business must ﬁle a rendition with its local appraisal district by a speciﬁed date. Personal property includes inventory and equipment used by a business. Owners do not have to render exempt property such as church property or an agriculture producer’s equipment used for farming.

•Appraisal Notices – Normally, taxpayers receive a notice of appraised value from the appropriate local appraisal district. The city, county, school districts and other local taxing units use the appraisal district’s value to set property taxes for the coming year.

•Property Taxpayer Remedies – This Comptroller publication explains in detail how to protest a property appraisal, what issues the county appraisal review board (ARB) can consider and what to expect during a protest hearing. The publication also discusses the option to request limited binding arbitration to compel the ARB or chief appraiser to comply with a procedural requirement

and the options of taking a taxpayer’s case to district court, the State Ofﬁce of Administrative Hearings or binding arbitration if the taxpayer is dissatisﬁed with the outcome of the ARB hearing.

•Homestead Exemptions – A homestead is generally deﬁned as the home and land used as the owner’s principal residence on Jan. 1 of the tax year. A homestead exemption reduces the appraised value of the home and, as a result, lowers property taxes. Applications are submitted to the appropriate local appraisal district.

•Productivity Appraisal – Property owners who use land for timberland production, agricultural purposes or wildlife management can be granted property tax relief on their land. They may apply to their local appraisal district for an agricultural appraisal which may result in a lower appraisal of the land based on production, versus market value.

•Residence Homestead Tax Deferral - Texas homeowners may postpone paying the currently delinquent property taxes due on the appreciating value of their homes by ﬁling a tax deferral afﬁdavit at their local county appraisal district. This tax relief allows homeowners to pay the property taxes on 105 percent of the preceding year’s appraised value of their homestead, plus the taxes on any new improvements to the homestead. The deferral postpones the remaining taxes, with interest accruing at 8 percent per year but does not cancel them.

•Property Tax Deferral for Persons Age 65 or Older or Disabled or Disabled Veteran Homeowners – Texans who are age 65 or older or disabled, as defined by law, or who qualify for a disabled veteran exemption may postpone paying current and delinquent property taxes on their homes by signing a tax deferral affidavit. Once the affidavit is on file, taxes are deferred, but not cancelled, as long as the owner continues to own and live in the home. Interest continues to accrue at 5 percent per year on the unpaid taxes. You may obtain a deferral affidavit at the appraisal district.

•Notice of Availability of Electronic Communication – In appraisal districts located in counties with a population of more than 200,000 or that have authorized electronic communications, and that have implemented a system that allows such communications, chief appraisers and ARBs may communicate electronically through email or other media with property owners or their designated representatives. Written agreements are required for notices and other documents to be delivered electronically instead of mailing.

•Protesting Property Appraisal Values – Property owners who disagree with the appraisal district’s appraisal of their property for local taxes or for any other action that adversely affects them may protest their property value to the appraisal district’s ARB.

•Informal Meetings – Property can request an informal meeting with appraisal district staff to try and resolve their disputes prior to attending ARB hearings.

For more information about these programs, contact Starr Central District at 100 N. FM 3167, Ste 300 Rio Grande Ctiy, Tx 78582 www.starrcad.org (956) 487-5613

Information is also available on the Comptroller’s Property Tax Assistance Division’s website at comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/.

Highlights Importance of Statewide Alert Program

In recognition of National AMBER Alert Day, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds Texans of the importance of this lifesaving tool—and the entire Statewide Alert Program—as a critical resource to public safety efforts in the state.

DPS Recognizes National AMBER Alert Day

“As Texans, looking out for one another—especially our children—is second nature,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “So many children have been rescued and returned home to their families because of the tips provided by the public through AMBER Alerts. On this National AMBER Alert Day, and every day, please remember to remain vigilant so we can work together to better protect our communities.”

In 2024, DPS activated 47 AMBER Alerts in Texas. When an alert has been activated, DPS asks all Texans to pay attention to alert messages and to be observant of their surroundings. If an alert is posted either on a highway sign or information is shared in other formats such as mobile phones, broadcasts or social media, take time to read and digest the information. Once the description of the child, suspect or vehicle is shared, be aware of possible matches. Texans should immediately call 911 if they have information to share with law enforcement.

AMBER Alerts

America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response or AMBER Alerts inform the public of serious child abductions to generate tips

and leads for law enforcement agencies. The name AMBER Alerts was given in honor of Amber Hagerman, a nine-yearold girl who was abducted while riding her bicycle in Arlington, Texas in 1996. Four days later, she was found brutally murdered in a creek just a few miles from her home.

Following Amber’s death, local media and law enforcement created the nation’s ﬁrst AMBER Alert program in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area. In 2002, Governor Rick Perry created Texas’ AMBER Alert network per Executive Order RP-16, later codiﬁed through legislation in 2003. In 2023, Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation authorizing local area activation of the AMBER Alert system in certain circumstances in honor

of seven-year-old Athena Strand who was kidnapped and murdered in Wise County the year prior. Texas’ Statewide Alert Program

DPS is responsible for administering multiple alerts as part of the Statewide Alert Program. Each of these alerts— and the criteria needed to activate them—is established by laws passed by the Texas Legislature. The Statewide Alert Program issues urgent public safety warnings meant to warn the public of possible danger for themselves or a missing person. Each is designed to speed up the apprehension of a violent criminal and/or locate missing persons and children by generating tips and leads for the investigating agencies—therefore giving those agencies the best opportunity to

apprehend a criminal or rescue someone who is at-risk. In addition to AMBER Alerts, the Statewide Alert Program includes Silver, Blue, Endangered Missing Persons, CLEAR, Power Outage and Active Shooter alerts.

Alert Activation

DPS activates an alert when an authorized requestor declares in writing that the required activation criteria has been met.

DPS continues the activation until the requestor asks that it be discontinued. Agencies typically request discontinuation after the missing or wanted person has been found alive, if the investigating agency has reason to believe that the missing or wanted person is deceased or if the investigating agency determines that the alert is no longer needed, even though the person may still be wanted or

missing. An archive of all alerts activated by DPS, including AMBER Alerts, can be found on the department’s website. It is important to note that alerts that are no longer active are labeled as Found or Discontinued, though this status should be considered preliminary and unofﬁcial.

DPS does not maintain a comprehensive or ofﬁcial record of the outcome of each activated alert. Instead, conﬁrming the outcome of a particular alert should be obtained from the investigating agency.

Governor Abbott Urges Texans To Report Winter Weather Damages

On Friday, January 10, 2025, Governor Greg Abbott encouraged Texans impacted by this week’s winter weather to document and report any property damages sustained from ice, snow, and excessive rainfall by utilizing the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s online, self-reported damage assessment tool.

“The State of Texas continues to work with local ofﬁcials to provide all available resources to Texans impacted by this week’s winter weather,” said Governor Abbott. “As communities across the state begin to recover, I urge Texans to report any damage to their homes or businesses through the iSTAT damage survey to help the state determine if Texas qualiﬁes for federal disaster assistance. With some areas of the state still experiencing hazardous conditions, Texans should regularly monitor road conditions and drive cautiously on bridges and overpasses to

keep yourself and your family safe. Working together, we will ensure all Texans have the support and resources they need to move forward from this winter weather.”

Texans can report storm damage to homes and businesses using the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) damage survey. iSTAT surveys can be ﬁlled out in English and Spanish by visiting damage.tdem. texas.gov and clicking “January 6th Winter Weather.”

By ﬁlling out the iSTAT survey, residents provide key details that enable emergency management teams to assess the severity and scale of the damage caused by ice, snow, and excessive rains. This data also supports efforts to determine if the state qualiﬁes for federal disaster assistance.

Using the iSTAT tool is voluntary and is not a substitute for reporting damages to your insurance provider and does not guarantee disaster relief

assistance. Resources, including video tutorials on how to complete the survey, are available at damage.tdem.texas.gov.

The Texas State Operations Center remains activated at Level II (Escalated Response) to support local ofﬁcials with response and recovery efforts. State ofﬁcials are working with utility regulators to ensure electrical providers quickly restore power to Texans who have been impacted by localized outages.

Despite the majority of the ice and snow moving out of the state, hazardous road conditions still may persist in some areas, especially bridges and overpasses. Texans are encouraged to remain weather aware, monitor local weather forecasts, and follow directions from local ofﬁcials.

Texans can ﬁnd winter weather resources, including warming center information and a map of licensed plumbers, in the Texas Disaster Portal at tdem.texas.gov.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

South Texas College is accepting competitive proposals for the following:

RFP Number Description Date Due Time 24-25-1043 Food Truck Services - January 30, 2025 4:00 PM Technology Campus

Request for Proposals (RFP) documents will be available beginning January 15, 2025. The RFP documents may be obtained from the South Texas College - Purchasing Department, located at 3200 W Pecan Blvd Building N Room 145, McAllen, Texas. The Purchasing Department contact information is as follows: Phone: 956-872-4681 and Email: stcpurchasing@southtexascollege.edu. 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 the opening date.

Questions regarding this RFP or requests for additional information should be addressed to Deyadira Leal, Director of Purchasing, 956-872-4681 daleal@southtexascollege.edu, or Billy Langley, Senior Buyer, 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.

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.

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

South Texas College (STC) is accepting Request for Proposals (RFP) for the following project:

PROJECT NAME: Mid Valley Campus – Child Care Development Canopy Expansion Project No. 24-25-1033

PRE-PROPOSAL 10:00 a.m., January 23, 2025

CONFERENCE TIME STC Purchasing Department & LOCATION: 3200 W. Pecan Blvd, Bldg. N, Ste. 142 McAllen, Texas 78501

PROPOSAL DEADLINE & January 30, 2025 @ 2:00 p.m.

SUBMITTAL LOCATION: STC Purchasing Department 3200 W Pecan Blvd Bldg. N Ste 145 McAllen, Texas

Request for Proposals (RFP) documents will be available beginning on January 15, 2025. The RFP documents may be obtained from the South Texas CollegePurchasing Department, located at 3200 W Pecan Blvd Building N Room 145, McAllen, Texas. The Purchasing Department contact information is as follows: Phone: 956-872-4681 and Email: stcpurchasing@southtexascollege.edu.

Proposals shall be accompanied by a Certiﬁed or Cashier’s Check or acceptable bidder’s bond, payable to South Texas College, in an amount not less than ﬁve (5%) percent of the proposed project amount.

Proposals received after the speciﬁed time and date will not be considered and will be returned unopened. Facsimile responses will not be accepted. All proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope. Responses need to be clearly marked on the envelope with the CSP number and name of the project.

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.

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

NOTICE OF SALE

STATE OF TEXAS X BY VIRTUE OF

STARR COUNTY X

DATED DECEMBER 20, 2024

and issued pursuant to judgment decree(s) of the District Court of Starr County, Texas, by the Clerk of said Court on said date, in the hereinafter numbered and styled suit(s) and to me directed and delivered as Sheriff or Constable of said County, I have on December 20, 2024, seized, levied upon, and will, on the ﬁrst Tuesday in February, 2025, the same being the 4th day of said month, at the South Side Doors of the Courthouse, of the said County, located at 401 N. Britton, Rio Grande City, Texas, between the hours of 10 o’clock a.m. and 4 o’clock p.m. on said day, beginning at 10:30 AM, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder all the right, title, and interest of the defendants in such suit(s) in and to the following described real estate levied upon as the property of said defendants, the same lying and being situated in the County of Starr and the State of Texas, to-wit:

TS-10-106, Account No(s). 0037837 (142300360000600000000)

ROMA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, CITY OF ROMA, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. BLAS LOPEZ, ET AL

0.1652 acre, more or less, situated in Original Share No. 15, Porcion No. 72, Ancient Jurisdiction of Mier, Starr County, Texas, as described in deed dated November 4, 1985, from Gilberto Gonzalez etux to Blas Lopez Segovia etux, in Volume 549, Page 71, Ofﬁcial Records of Starr County, Texas, and carried on the Appraisal Roll as Lot 6, Block 36, Rau-Con Addition No. 3, Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $63,900.00

TS-11-78, Account No(s). 0035697 (145000760000700000000)

RIO GRANDE CITY CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, CITY OF RIO GRANDE, STARR COUNTY AND SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE VS. NARCISO CANTU JR.

Lot 7, Block 76, Rio Grande City, Starr County, Texas, as described in Volume 1539, Page 31, Ofﬁcial Public Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $54,090.00

TS-12-128, Account No(s). 0035335 (142300240000100000000)

ROMA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, CITY OF ROMA, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. JESUS RAMIREZ, ET AL

0.1377 acre, more or less, situated in Share 14-A, Porcion 72, Mier Jurisdiction, Starr County, Texas, now known as Lot 1, Block 24, Rau-Con Addition #1, as described in deed dated December 30, 1985, from Gilberto Gonzalez Garcia etux to Jesus Ramirez etux, in Volume 688, Page 583, Ofﬁcial Public Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $34,830.00

TS-13-44, Account No(s). 0067239 (057000040002700000120)

ROMA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, STARR COUNTY, CITY OF ROMA AND SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE VS. KEYLA AYLIN SOTO, ET AL

0.150 acre, more or less, out of Lot 27, Block 4, Canales Subdivision, a subdivision in Starr County, Texas, as described in deed dated October 22, 2002, from Emede Barrera etux to Keyla Aylin Soto etal, in Volume 985, Page 618, Ofﬁcial Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $125,850.00

TS-14-1, Account No(s). 0012589 (003300660059800003000)

ROMA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, STARR COUNTY AND SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE VS. JOSE ANGEL GUERRA, ET AL

0.26 acres, more or less, out of and forming a divided part and portion of Share 25- C, Porcion 66, Ancient Jurisdiction of Mier, now Starr County, Texas, as described in deed dated April 27, 1982 from Noe Guerra et al to Jose Angel Guerra and wife Irma G. Guerra, recorded in Volume 455, Page 688, Deed Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $28,240.00

TS-15-179, Account No(s). 0034189 (000950750004800000000)

ROMA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. HUMBERTO ALANIZ A/K/A HUMBERTO SILVA ALANIZ, ET AL

0.111 acre, more or less, out of Tract 59, Porcion 75, Abstract 95, Starr County, Texas, as described in deed dated November 20, 1981, from Jose Amado Escobar etal to Humberto Alaniz, in Volume 458, Page 101, Deed Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $7,500.00

TS-15-179, Account No(s). 0034188 (000950750006800000000)

ROMA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. HUMBERTO ALANIZ A/K/A HUMBERTO SILVA ALANIZ, ET AL

0.0597 acre, more or less, out of Porcion 75, Abstract 95, Starr County, Texas, as described in deed dated October 8, 1981, from Juan Manuel Escobar etux to Humberto alaniz etux, in Volume 458, Page 99, Deed Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $3,000.00

TS-16-131, Account No(s). 0018229 (173000010000100000000)

RIO GRANDE CITY CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, CITY OF RIO GRANDE CITY, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. SERGIO H. RODRIGUEZ, ET AL

Lots 1 and 2, Block 1, Addition No. 1 to Trevino’s Subdivision, an addition to Starr County, Texas, as described in Volume 280, Page 50, Deed Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $16,960.00

TS-17-17, Account No(s). 0082392 (119180000001400000000)

RIO GRANDE CITY CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. ISELDA CRUZ ALVAREZ, A/K/A ISELDA C. ALVAREZ

Lot 14, Mesquite Country Subdivision, a subdivision in Starr County, Texas, according to the map or plat thereof, recorded in Volume 3, Page 413, Map Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $83,840.00

TS-17-139, Account No(s). 0045907 (054750000502100000000)

ROMA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, CITY OF ROMA, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. VILMA GONZALEZ

Lot 21, Block “E”, Campobello Subdivision, Unit II, Rio Vista Estates, Inc.an addition to the City of Roma, Starr County, Texas, according to the map or plat thereof, recorded in Volume 2, Page 222, Deed Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $77,140.00

TS-17-139, Account No(s). 0047305 (054750000502000000000)

ROMA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, CITY OF ROMA, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. VILMA GONZALEZ

Lot 20, Block “E”, Campobello Subdivision, Unit II, Rio Vista Estates, Inc.an addition to the City of Roma, Starr County, Texas, according to the map or plat thereof, recorded in Volume 2, Page 222, Deed Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $8,930.00

TS-17-151, Account No(s). 0034805 (113000000100200000000)

ROMA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. MARIA BALLEZA

Lot 2, Block “A”, Loma Vista Subdivision, a subdivision in Starr County, Texas, according to the map or plat thereof, recorded in Volume 2, Page 194, Plat Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $25,440.00

TS-18-51, Account No(s). 0004315 (064000000100300000000)

ROMA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, CITY OF ROMA, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. JULIO C. LOPEZ, ET AL

Lot 3, Block “A”, De La Cruz Subdivision, a subdivision in Starr County, Texas, according to the map or plat thereof, recorded in Volume 2, Page 187, Map Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $25,190.00

TS-18-69, Account No(s). 0045833 (150000230000300010000)

ROMA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, CITY OF ROMA, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. OSIEL LOPEZ A/K/A OSIEL LOPEZ FALCON, ET AL

Lot 3, Block 23, Original Townsite to the City of Roma, Starr County, Texas, as described in Volume 935, Page 233, Ofﬁcial Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $91,750.00

TS-19-18, Account No(s). 0047940 (114000000000600000000)

ROMA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. JOSE LUIS GARCIA, JR.

Lots 6 & 7, Loma Vista Subdivision, Addition 1, a subdivision in Starr County, Texas, according to the map or plat thereof, recorded in Volume 2, Page 211, Plat Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $32,820.00

TS-19-18, Account No(s). 0047941 (114000000000700000000)

ROMA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. JOSE LUIS GARCIA, JR.

Lot 7, Loma Vista Subdivision, Addition 1, a subdivision in Starr County, Texas, according to the map or plat thereof, recorded in Volume 2, Page 211, Plat Records of Starr County, Texas and carried on the Appraisal Roll as Deleted for 2021 and combined with Property ID# 0047940., with an adjudged value of $23,100.00

TS-19-90, Account No(s). 0042197 (055000300002000000000)

ROMA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, CITY OF ROMA, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. AMADEO JAMES HERNANDEZ A/K/A AMADEO HERNANDEZ JAIMES

Lot 20, Campobello Subdivision, Rio Vista Estates, Inc., Unit III, a subdivision in Starr County, Texas, according to the map or plat thereof, recorded in Volume 2, Page 186, Plat Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $72,080.00

TS-19-158, Account No(s). 0009574 (062000000301000000000)

RIO GRANDE CITY CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, CITY OF RIO GRANDE CITY, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. ALFREDO RUIZ, JR., ET AL

Lot 10 and the South 1/2 of Lot 11, Block “C”, Clarke Subdivision, a subdivision in Starr County, Texas, according to the map or plat thereof, recorded in Volume 1, Page 93, Map Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $39,530.00

TS-19-256, Account No(s). 0053787 (106500000009000000000)

ROMA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. FRANCISCO RAMIREZ, AKA FRANCISCO JAVIER RAMIREZ

1.63 acres, more or less, being Lot 90, Lago Vista Estates, according to the map or plat thereof, recorded in Volume 2, Page 242, Plat Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $14,200.00

TS-20-76, Account No(s). 0018848 (000820780003800000000)

RIO GRANDE CITY CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, CITY OF RIO GRANDE CITY, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. MATIAS OCHOA

0.170 acre, more or less, out of Porcion 78, Abstract 82, Starr County, Texas, as described in deed dated July 25, 1966, from Francisco Trevino etux to Matias Ochoa, in Volume 319, Page 24, Deed Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $32,090.00

TS-20-121, Account No(s). 0021562 (150000050000700000000)

ROMA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, CITY OF ROMA, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. PABLO A. RAMIREZ, (DECEASED), ET AL

Lot 7, Block 5, City of Roma, Starr County, Texas, as described in Volume 376, Page 781, Deed Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $21,150.00

TS-20-141, Account No(s). 0074361 (141670000001700000000)

ROMA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. ENRIQUE MARROQUIN, ET AL

Lot 17, Rancho Viejo Estates, Phase IV, an addition to Starr County, Texas, according to the map or plat thereof, recorded in Volume 2, Page 334-A, Map Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $43,380.00

TS-20-259, Account No(s). 0017518 (086000000001600000000)

ROMA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. RUBEN OCTAVIO ZAPATA, JR., ET AL

Lot 16, Rio Vista Estates, Falconaire Subdivision, Unit 2, a subdivision in Starr County, Texas, according to the map or plat thereof, recorded in Volume 1, Page 182, Plat Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $9,840.00

TS-21-129, Account No(s). 0021639 (051500010002400000000)

RIO GRANDE CITY GRULLA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. SANDALIO PENA RAMIREZ, A/K/A SANDALIO PENA, ET AL

Lots 24 and 25, Block 1, Alvarez Subdivision, Starr County, Texas, according to the map or plat thereof, recorded in Volume 1, Page 176, Map Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $57,970.00

TS-21-154, Account No(s). 0058501 (086600000001602000000)

ROMA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. JOSE RAMON ANDRADE

Lot 16-B, Flor Del Rio Subdivision, an addition to Starr County, Texas, as described in Clerk’s File #2020-354383, Ofﬁcial Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $79,680.00

TS-22-195, Account No(s). 0053538 (107250000001400000000)

ROMA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, CITY OF ROMA, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. RONNIE GUERRA’S INTERNATIONAL TRADERS, INC., ET AL

Lot 14, Las Flores Subdivision, a subdivision in Starr County, Texas, as described in Volume 2, Page 239B, Map and Plat Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $28,330.00

TS-22-231, Account No(s). 0062315 (145000850000500000000)

RIO GRANDE CITY GRULLA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, CITY OF RIO GRANDE CITY, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. CARLOS X. GOMEZ, AKA CARLOS XAVIER GOMEZ

The South 1/2 of Lot 5, Block 85, City of Rio Grande City, Starr County, Texas, as described in Volume 682, Page 225, Deed Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $18,590.00

TS-22-231, Account No(s). 0006785 (145000850000400000000) RIO GRANDE CITY GRULLA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, CITY OF RIO GRANDE CITY, SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE AND STARR COUNTY VS. CARLOS X. GOMEZ, AKA CARLOS XAVIER GOMEZ

The South 1/2 of Lot 4, Block 85, City of Rio Grande City, Starr County, Texas, as described in Volume 682, Page 225, Deed Records of Starr County, Texas., with an adjudged value of $15,560.00

(any volume and page references, unless otherwise indicated, being to the Deed Records, Starr County, Texas, to which instruments reference may be made for a more complete description of each respective tract.) or, upon the written request of said defendants or their attorney, a sufﬁcient portion of the property described above shall be sold to satisfy said judgment(s), interest, penalties, and cost; and any property sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person having an interest therein, to redeem the said property, or their interest therein, within the time and in the manner provided by law, and shall be subject to any other and further rights to which the defendants or anyone interested therein may be entitled, under the provisions of law. Said sale to be made by me to satisfy the judgment(s) rendered in the above styled and numbered cause(s), together with interest, penalties, and costs of suit, and the proceeds of said sales to be applied to the satisfaction thereof, and the remainder, if any, to be applied as the law directs.

RECENT CHANGES IN THE PROPERTY TAX CODE NOW REQUIRE PURCHASERS OF TAX SALE PROPERTY TO HAVE A STATEMENT FROM THE STARR COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR CERTIFYING THAT THE PERSON/FIRM/COMPANY PURCHASING PROPERTY AT A TAX SALE OWES NO DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES TO ANY TAXING ENTITY WITHIN THE COUNTY. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A TAX SALE DEED TO ANY PROPERTY YOU PURCHASE WITHOUT THIS CERTIFICATE.

TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR STARR COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR AT LEAST THREE WEEKS PRIOR TO THE SALE. OFFICE 956.716.4800

Dated at Rio Grande City, Texas, December 20, 2024

NOTES:

THIS SALE IS BEING CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO STATUTORY OR JUDICIAL REQUIREMENTS. BIDDERS WILL BID ON THE RIGHTS, TITLE, AND INTERESTS, IF ANY, OWNED BY THE DEFENDANT(S) IN SUCH SUIT(S) IN AND TO THE REAL PROPERTY OFFERED.

THE PROPERTY IS SOLD AS IS, WHERE IS, AND WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. NEITHER THE COUNTY NOR THE SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT WARRANTS OR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATIONS ABOUT THE PROPERTY’S TITLE, CONDITION, HABITABILITY, MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. BUYERS ASSUME ALL RISKS. IN SOME SITUATIONS, A LOT OF FIVE ACRES OR LESS IS PRESUMED TO BE INTENDED FOR RESIDENTIAL USE. HOWEVER, IF THE PROPERTY LACKS WATER OR WASTEWATER SERVICE, THE PROPERTY MAY NOT QUALIFY FOR RESIDENTIAL USE. A POTENTIAL BUYER WHO WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION SHOULD MAKE ADDITIONAL INQUIRIES OR CONSULT WITH PRIVATE COUNSEL.

ESTA VENTA SE REALIZA CONFORME A LOS REQUISITOS ESTATUTARIOS O JUDICIALES. LOS POSTORES LICITARÁN POR LOS DERECHOS, TÍTULOS E INTERESES, SI FUESE EL CASO, DE LA PROPIEDAD INMUEBLE QUE SE OFRECE. LA PROPIEDAD SE VENDE TAL CUAL, DONDE SE ENCUENTRE Y SIN NINGUNA GARANTÍA EXPRESA O IMPLÍCITA. NI EL CONDADO NI EL DEPARTAMENTO DEL ALGUACIL GARANTIZAN O REALIZAN ALGUNA DECLARACIÓN RESPECTO AL TÍTULO, CONDICIÓN, HABITABILIDAD, COMERCIABILIDAD O APTITUD PARA UN PROPÓSITO PARTICULAR. LOS COMPRADORES SE RESPONSABILIZAN POR TODOS LOS RIESGOS.

EN ALGUNAS SITUACIONES, UN LOTE DE CINCO ACRES O MENOS SE PRESUME QUE SE DESTINA PARA USO RESIDENCIAL. SIN EMBARGO, SI LA PROPIEDAD CARECE DE SERVICIOS DE AGUA POTABLE O ALCANTARILLADO, LA PROPIEDAD PUEDE NO CALIFICAR PARA USO RESIDENCIAL. SI UN COMPRADOR POTENCIAL DESEA MÁS INFORMACIÓN DEBE PREGUNTAR O CONSULTAR A UN ASESOR PRIVADO.

The Minimum Bid is the lesser of the amount awarded in the judgment plus interest and costs or the adjudged value. However, the Minimum Bid for a person owning an interest in the property or for a person who is a party to the suit (other than a taxing unit), is the aggregate amount of the judgments against the property plus all costs of suit and sale. ALL SALES SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION WITHOUT NOTICE. THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE ON THE PROPERTY WHICH HAVE BEEN ASSESSED SINCE THE DATE OF THE JUDGMENT. For more information, contact your attorney or LINEBARGER GOGGAN BLAIR & SAMPSON, LLP, attorney for plaintiffs, at:

LINEBARGER GOGGAN BLAIR & SAMPSON, LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW 1512 S. LONE STAR WAY EDINBURG, TEXAS 78539 (956) 289-7917

Early Childhood Academy PK3 students learn all about community helpers

Ringgold Middle School is proud of their amazing soccer team! They played a fabulous game and gave it their all. Keep your heads up and continue to stay strong and positive, ladies!

Early Childhood Academy - Mrs. T. Hernandez’s PK3 students had an amazing day learning all about community helpers! From doctors to teachers, and police officers to firefighters, the little learners discovered the importance of each role!