January 24, 2024

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. 39, No. 4 WEEKLY WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 24, 2024 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

Starr Chefs Food Challenge RGC High School Winter Guard Won First 487-2596 Inter. Team Earns 2nd Place Preliminary Competition of the Season 4350 E. US HWY 83 R.G.C.

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

Phone (956) 849-4497

Congratulations to the Rio Grande City High School Winter Guard for competing in their first preliminary competition of the season at Economedes High School on Saturday, January 13, 2024, and winning their division! Wishing the best of luck to the group and staff as they prepare for their next preliminary competition on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Valley View High School; performance is at 6:40 p.m. On behalf of the entire Rattler Nation, we are very proud of each and every one of you and looking forward to seeing what’s yet to come this season!

RGC Fire Dept. Welcomes New Volunteer Fire Fighters

Congrats to some cool cooks from Roma ISD that competed in Mercedes, TX at the RGVLS Citrus & Vegetable Show. The Starr Chefs Food Challenge Intermediate Team earned 2nd Place in their category including: Leah Garza (Ramiro Barrera Middle School), Elise Mendoza, Emily Garza (Ramiro Barrera Middle School), and Terani Garza (Ramiro Barrera Middle School). Thanks to Susana Garza for the submission.

Dr. Raymond Cruz Best FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dental Insurance, Medicaid and Chip Accepted

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

RGC Fire Department & Emergency Management Chief Manuel Muniz and Assistant Chief Martin Galvan introduced four of our volunteer firefighters at the City Commission Meeting on January 16th.

“These four volunteers are the newest members of our Fire Department who will be attending the La Casita Fire Academy, stated Fire Chief Manuel Muniz.

“Cadets Liana Rios, Cesar Hernandez, Deavan Diaz, and Arturo Martinez are grateful for this opportunity to serve their community, and are excited to get started at the academy.”

A volunteer firefighter is a dedicated individual who chooses to contribute their time and efforts to serving their community by actively participating in firefighting and

• 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

emergency response activities on a voluntary basis.

Volunteer firefighters willingly offer their skills, time, and commitment without financial compensation. These individuals undergo training to acquire the necessary firefighting and rescue skills, ensuring they are wellprepared to respond to various emergencies such as fires, accidents, and natural disasters.

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, JANUARY 24, 2024, PAGE 2

Great Performance of the Mighty Gladiator Girls and Rio Grande City High School is proud to Boys Powerlifting Teams at the RGC Invitational Meet present the 2023-2024 Piano Studios Program!

Congratulations to the Roma High Mighty Gladiator Girls and Boys Powerlifting Teams on a great performance at the Rio Grande City Invitational Meet. The Girls Team earned 4th Place as a team. Several students earned individual awards. Girls Team - 1st Place: Kayleen Perez and Briseida Robles. 2nd Place: Clarissa Garcia. 3rd Place: Yanelly Garza, Mariela Moreno, and Dianna Cantu. 5th Place: Melanie Pena.

7th Place: Cielo Hernandez and Janie Lopez. 10th Place: Janella Benitez. Boys Team - 2nd Place: Rene Hernandez. 6th Place: Rene Aguirre. 7th Place: Ediel Garcia, Elian Cruz, and Nick Paez. 9th Place: Diego Introducing the Maestros of Tomorrow! It’s with immense joy and anticipation that Rio Grande City Grulla ISD present to you the 2023-2024 Piano Studios Program!

Mendez. Thanks to Coach Mario Arce for the report!

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 24, 2024, PAGE 3

Congratulations Principal of the Month

Congratulations Principal of the Month

Jose Alfredo Hinojosa

Jesse A. Rodriguez

Veterans Middle School Biography: Graduated from San Perlita High School, Attended UT-Austin and Texas A&I University.

BA – History, MS – Education Administration; Classroom Teacher 16 years Professional Experience: 24 years Philosophy of Education: “Maslow before Bloom”

Achievements: 2x campus teacher of the year at Ringgold Middle School Hobbies and Interests: Walking, Reading, Listening to Music Favorite Quote: “If the grass looks greener on the other side….. stop staring, stop comparing, stop complaining, start watering the grass you’re standing on”. – Angel Chernoff Message from Principal: At Veterans Middle School, we strive for excellence every day.

Excellence in character, excellence in academics and excellence in extracurricular activities. Our students, teachers, and staff work as a family to ensure a holistic approach to our scholars learning experience.

Congratulations Principal of the Month Brenda Escamilla-Carmona General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary Biography: 2005 Graduate from Rio Grande City High School and attended the University of Texas Pan American and graduated Sum Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2008. I attended the University of Texas- Tyler in 2016 and graduated with a 4.0 GPA and received a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. I

have lived in Rio Grande City most of my life, having moved from California at 8 years old.

Growing up in RGC and thriving as a student with amazing teachers and principals, inspired me to study education and become an educator within my community. I am a wife, mother to 2 wonderful daughters, and proud principal of an amazing school-GRSE. Professional Experience: I have worked with RGCGISD for over 15 years. My professional career began as an elementary teacher for 9 years before becoming an Assistant Principal for 3 years and now currently a Principal for 3 years. I have worked in various professional environments within and outside my district

Alto Bonito Elementary Biography: 1999 Rio Grande City School High School Graduate University Of Texas Pan American, Edinburg, Tx. 201213 Major: M.ED. in Educational Administration all level certified 2013 University Of Texas Pan American, Edinburg, Tx. 2003-06

Major: B.S. in Kinesiology all level certified 2006 Minor: Spanish Philosophy of Education: As a facilitator, it is vital to equip students and teacher with what is needed. Only then will our students and teachers be successful.

Professional Experience: 16 YEARS Achievements: First In My Family to Attend and Graduate From College Hobbies and Interests: Sports Quote: Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world - Nelson Mandela

that have given me the experience and knowledge needed to work with the different aspects of education.

Philosophy of Education: I believe that with perseverance and hard work, all students are capable of learning and demonstrating achievements that are tailored to their suitable academic and overall student needs. I feel passionate about the education we provide our students and consider myself an advocate for every student, parent, and educator when it comes to ensuring our students get the very best education possible. Our top priority is for every student to be given the right academic tools needed by delivering a curriculum, creative enrichment opportunities, and technology skills through instruction in order to be academically successful.

Achievements: Sum Cum Laude UTPA Graduate, Top Honor Graduate UT Tyler, General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary “Gold Ribbon School for At Risk Students” in 2021, RGCGISD Elementary UIL Champions, General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary Texas Campus of the Year Finalist for Bilingual Growth 2021-2022, General Ricardo Sanchez

Elementary Texas Campus of the Year Finalist for Bilingual Growth 2022-2023, General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary Texas State Odyssey of the Mind Champions 2023, General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary Odyssey of the Mind World Champions 2023 Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family, and reading books.

Favorite Quote: “Let us all work in excellence, as if done for the Lord.” When you strive to live and work in your life with excellence, you reap the benefits of the success that comes with it.

Message from Principal: Each individual has a unique purpose in life. We are each meant to make a difference and make a positive impact in this world. I truly believe that my purpose in life is to educate students, empower teachers, build leaders, and create a learning environment within my campus that produces strong academic, social and emotional achievements for all my students. I am here to passionately serve my campus, district, and community with all that I am able to contribute through my knowledge and experiences.

Roma High School 2024 TMEA All-State Band Musicians 59 annual Starr County th

Youth Fair Parade “Cultivating Futures~Nurturing Traditions” Saturday, February 17, 2024 - 10:00 a.m.

Lineup begins at 8:00 on South Britton Avenue and Water St.

Congratulations to the nine Roma High School Mighty Gladiator Band Program students who earned seats in the prestigious 2024 TMEA All- State Band!!

Sebastian Rodriguez for oboe; Eugenio Ramirez for clarinet; Reyli Paz for French horn; Juan G. Gonzalez Jr. for trumpet; Mariano Garcia for trombone; Ruben Gomez for euphonium; Justin Elizondo for tuba; Luis C. Garcia for percussion; and Naydelleen Salinas for flute.

This is Justin and Eugenio’s third time earning All-State Honors, and the second time for Reyli, Naydelleen and Sebastian. These students will perform with the Texas All-State Band in San Antonio, Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the Henry B. González Convention Center as part of the 2024 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention.

“We are super proud of these amazing student musicians who have proven they are at the top of their game,” said Roma ISD Superintendent Carlos M. Gonzalez Jr. “As a former band member I know how hard these

students work to perfect their skills. I really admire these students who have not only worked to perfect their musical abilities, but also maintained their academic grades. This is a huge honor for them and for Roma. I congratulate them, their parents, as well as their teachers who have supported them in this arduous journey every step of the way! They are going to be part of some unforgettable moments at TMEA.” The students were chosen for this prestigious honor through a competitive process held this year across the state at District, Region, and Area levels. High school students selected to perform in the All-State concerts have competed through auditions to qualify at the state level. AllState is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive. 1,875 students are selected through a process that began with over 70,000 students from around the state vying for this honor to perform in one of 18 ensembles.

Texas Music Educators Association sponsors the Texas

All-State competition. This competitive process begins throughout the state in auditions hosted by 33 TMEA Regions.

Individual musicians perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument or voice part. From this ranking, a select group of musicians advances from their Region to compete against musicians from other areas in eight TMEA Area competitions. The highestranking musicians judged at the TMEA Area competitions qualify to perform in a TMEA All-State music group. Only the top 2.6% of musicians who initially audition become AllState musicians.

These All-State students participate in four days of rehearsals directed by nationally recognized conductors during the TMEA Clinic/Convention. Their performances for thousands of attendees bring this extraordinary event to a close.

For the All-State concert and conductor information, go to the Performances section of www. tmea.org/convention.

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 24, 2024, PAGE 4

Rattler 4-H Students are Fair Ready! Roma Wall of Fame students for the third 6-weeks Congratulations to the Wall of Fame students for the third 6-weeks honored by the Roma ISD School Board at their Jan. 17, 2024 meeting! Roma ISD’s Gladiator Wall of Fame Program shines the light on exemplary students, who are selected for the honor based on citizenship, leadership, academics, and extracurricular activities.

The honorees include: Luis C. Garcia, Juliana J. Gonzalez, and Brizeida M. Ramos of Roma High School; Danelly Hinojosa, Catalina Riojas, and Daniela Salinas of Ramiro Barrera Middle School; Saul Acosta, Pictured are the Rattler 4-H 2023-2024 students! Rio Grande City Grulla ISD very own Rattler 4-H Kamila Garcia, and Davian Rios of Roma Middle School; Ainslie students are getting Fair ready!

L. Alanis, Sandra N. Alaniz, and Mia I. Cruz of Delia G. Garcia Elementary School; Javier Garcia, Zayanna Gonzalez, and Camila Rodriguez of Emma Vera Elementary School; Jose Alvarez, Yamil Barrera, and Barbara Trevino of F. J. Scott Elementary School; Emilio Barrera, Danna

Covarrubias, and Rene A. Diaz of R. & C. Saenz Elementary School; Elyza Garza, Sophia Treviño, and Maraely Torres of R. T. Barrera Elementary School; and Alejandro Alvarez, Alexandra G. Belmontes, and Lizandro Solis-Soria of Veterans Memorial Elementary School.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 24, 2024, PAGE 5

OPENING Politiqueras - You Don’t Want a Felony Conviction The City of La Grulla is acceptingJOB job applications for the position of Crime Victim Liaison.

By Toni Treviño, Starr County Republican Chair For many decades, female campaign workers, known as “politiqueras,” have determined who wins elections in South Texas. Although there have been some male campaign workers, “politiqueros,” the vast majority of the campaign workers in South Texas are female.

These women are very

influential in their communities and manage to earn a large amount of money for their families during campaign season. It is not uncommon for a politiquera to earn between $500 and $1000 per week for their work. Better yet, politiqueras are paid in cash, so no wages are reported to the government and no taxes are collected.

The politiquera’s work begins

before the period to request a mail-in ballot. They begin visiting the homes of their neighbors and friends, typically the elderly or disabled. They offer to help them fill out an “Application for Ballot

By Mail” and may even mail the application for them. A list is maintained of all of the voters they visit and the date when the “Application for Ballot By POLITIQUERAS, page 6

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Roma will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 5:30 P.M. at the Roma City Council Chambers, located at 201 W. Convent Ave, Roma, Texas to consider the following case(s): 1) Orfalinda Longoria, representing, Ubaldo and Rubi Hinojosa, owners, has filed a request for a Change of Zone from Multi-Family District (MF) to Neighborhood Commercial District (C-1). The property is legally described as Lot 3, Block 27, Original Townsite of Roma, Starr County, Texas. The property’s physical address is 1104 North Estrella Street. (COZ#2401) 2) The City of Roma has proposed an Amendment to the City of Roma Code of Ordinances, Chapter 95 – Zoning (Article II, Article III, Appendix A, B, and C).

3) The City of Roma has proposed an amendment to the Official Zoning Map to reflect the most current Zoning Ordinance Amendments.

4) The City of Roma has proposed a Change of Zone from General Commercial District (C-4) to Mixed-Use District (MU) along the Garcia Street/North Grant Street Corridors. The exact list of properties can be found at www.cityofroma.net or by visiting Roma City Hall at 201 W. Convent Avenue, Roma, TX 78584.

The City Council for the City of Roma will be holding a Public Hearing for the case(s) on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., at the Roma City Council Chambers, located at 201 W. Convent Ave., Roma, Texas.

This position generally provides victims, family members and groups with the psychosocial support needed in the aftermath of violent situations. Services include advising family caregivers, providing education and counseling, making referrals for other services, creating plans for treatment or recovery, and following client progress with treatment plans.

Qualifications • • • • • • • • • •

Knowledge of community resources and counseling /social work practices with high-risk populations.

Experience working with persons in crisis.

Good documentation skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to establish rapport.

Ability to motivate others toward achieving goals.

Ability to work independently and with a strong sense of focus.

Task-oriented, non-judgmental, open-minded, and experienced in setting clear boundaries.

A strong sense of and respect for confidentiality involving both clients and coworkers.

Ability to work in various settings with culturally diverse families and communities in a culturally sensitive and appropriate manner.

Be a licensed Texas Peace Officer with a minimum of five years-experience in law

enforcement.

Responsibilities

• • • • • • • • •

Provide holistic and comprehensive case management services, including the following: intake assessment, benefit assessment; goal setting, weekly and longterm case plan development, progress monitoring, individual money management, tenant education, advocacy, and referrals.

Maintain a caseload of a multiple number of families.

Meet with clients weekly or biweekly as necessary for up to several months.

Connect families with needed and available community resources.

Follow up with clients and agencies, as appropriate, to document use and success of referrals. Input accurate and complete data for all client contacts into the agency’s database.

Ensure that all documents submitted on behalf of clients are valid.

Provide all required documentation in a timely manner, which may include client follow-up, outcome evaluation, client contact sheets, and evaluations.

Adhere to agency policies, procedures, and professional code of ethics.

Manage Federal and State Grants online as requested or assigned.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Applications are available at La Grulla Police Department or by calling 956-4878522.

Applications should be turned in to the La Grulla Police Department by 5:00 pm on January 31, 2024.

Updated Property Tax Information Now Available for Texas Taxpayers Rio Grande City — New and updated property tax information has just

been compiled by Starr County 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 County 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 Appraisal 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/.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 24, 2024, PAGE 6

LEGAL NOTICE

POLITIQUERAS continued from page 5

LEGAL NOTICE

Application has been made Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Beverage Commission for a WINE AND for a WINE AND M A LT B E V E R A G E M A LT B E V E R A G E R E TA I L E R ’ S O F F R E TA I L E R ’ S O N PREMISE PERMIT (BQ) P R E M I S E P E R M I T by: CARNES FINAS ( B G ) b y : C J M S DEL VALLE, LLC, dba INVESTMENTS LLC, CARNES FINAS DEL dba EL OASIS GROCERY VALLE, LLC, to be located STORE, to be located at at 5177 E. US HWY 83, RIO 1479 N. FM 2360, RIO GRANDE CITY, STARR GRANDE CITY, STARR C O U N T Y, T E X A S . C O U N T Y, T E X A S .

Managers of said LLC are: Manager of said LLC: GERARDO GARCIA JR, CECILIA J. SALINAS. DANIEL MARTINEZ, AND KARINA SOLIS.

Mail” is mailed to the Election Administrator. In some areas, politiqueras had affiliates who worked in the elections office who would let them know when the ballots were being mailed to the voters.

Once the ballot arrives at the voter’s residence, the politiquera “assists” the voter to fill out the ballot. Of course, the assistance typically results in the voter either marking the ballot for the candidate who hired the politiquera or the politiquera filling in the ballot herself making sure to mark the ballot for her candidate. Sometimes, the politiquera mails the ballot back to the elections office herself.

All of this activity is carefully documented so the candidate knows exactly how many votes he

or she has before the ballots even make it back to the elections office and long before a vote is officially counted. The documentation also helps to know which voters have been contacted and which are still available to vote.

If asked what the candidate is paying, the politiquera will typically say that the candidate is just paying for gas or providing their lunch, when in fact, they are paid hundreds or thousands of dollars for their work during a campaign season.

If you are a politiquera or campaign worker, you should be aware of a law that could lead to your arrest and felony conviction.

During the 1987 Legislative Session, the Texas legislature enacted Section 276.015 of the Texas Election Code which

defines “[v]ote harvesting services” as “inperson interaction with one or more voters, in the physical presence of an official ballot or a ballot voted by mail, intended to deliver votes for a specific candidate or measure.”

As of December 2, 2021, it is against the law in Texas, either “directly or through a third party,” to knowingly provide or offer “to provide vote harvesting services in exchange for compensation or other benefit”. Simply being in possession of a mail-in ballot or official carrier envelope in connection with vote harvesting is illegal.

In other words, if a paid politiquera is in the presence of a mail-in ballot with a voter, to encourage or assist the voter to fill out the ballot, she is committing

a third degree felony. A third degree felony is punishable by imprisonment for 2 to 10 years and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Politiqueras, please do not allow candidates or their supporters to convince you to work as you may have in the past. Doing so could result in a felony conviction, a lengthy prison sentence, a huge fine, and time away from your family. Keep in mind that this law also makes it illegal for anyone to recruit you to engage in vote harvesting services in exchange for compensation or other benefit “reasonably regarded as a gain or advantage, including a promise or offer of employment, a political favor, or an official act of discretion,” to you or to a person whose welfare is of interest to you.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 24, 2024, PAGE 7

Every 4 ½ minutes, a baby is born with a birth defect in the United States. That means nearly 120,000 babies are affected by birth defects each year.

Although not all birth defects can be prevented, women can increase their chances of having a healthy baby by managing health conditions and adopting healthy behaviors before becoming pregnant. Some tips to follow: 1.) Plan Ahead. a. Get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. b. See a healthcare professional regularly.

2.) Avoid Harmful Substances. a. Avoid alcohol at any time during pregnancy. b. Avoid smoking cigarettes. c. Avoid marijuana and other drugs. d. Prevent infections. e. Avoid overheating and treat fever promptly.

3.) Choose A Healthy Lifestyle. a. Keep diabetes under control. b. Strive to reach and maintain a healthy weight.

4.) Talk With Your Healthcare Provider. a. Talk to a healthcare provider about taking any medications.

b. Talk to a healthcare provider about vaccinations (shots).

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it also can be stressful.

Knowing that you are doing all that you can to get ready for pregnancy, staying healthy during pregnancy, and giving your baby a healthy start in life will help you to have peace of mind.

Message from the Starr County Community Coalition, SCAN *** A birth defect can be found before birth, at birth, or any time after birth. Most birth defects are found within the first year of life.

Some birth defects (such as cleft lip) are easy to see, but others (such as heart defects or hearing loss) are found using special tests, such as echocardiograms (an ultrasound picture of the heart), x-rays or hearing tests.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 24, 2024, PAGE 8

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Application has been m a d e w i t h t h e Te x a s Alcoholic Beverage Commission for WINE AND MALT BEVERAGE R E TA I L E R ’ S O N PREMISE PERMIT (BG), by: BUFFALOS WING PUB, LLC dba BUFFALOS WING PUB, to be located at 1895 E. GRANT ST., ROMA, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS. Manager Managed: GABRIELA GARCIA

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a MIXED BEVERAGE PERMIT by: NUESTRO PA R A I S O L L C , d b a N U E S T R O PA R A I S O LLC, to be located at 2817 N. FM 755, RIO GRANDE CITY, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS. Officer of said LLC: MARIBEL CLARKE, OWNER/MANAGER.

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 24, 2024, PAGE 9

Advertisement and Invitation for Bids: The County of Starr, is soliciting sealed bids to be received by Starr County Pct.#1 Commissioner Jose F. Perez, Jr. at 100 N. FM 3167, Rio Grande City, TX 78582. Starr County’s normal business days are Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Bids should be addressed to: Starr County c/o Pct.#1 Commissioner Jose F. Perez, Jr. 100 N. FM 3167 Rio Grande City, TX 78582 Bids shall be received until 9:00 a.m. Friday February 2, 2024. Shortly, thereafter all submitted bids will be gathered and taken to the Starr County Annex Conference Room to be publicly opened and read aloud. Any bid received after the closing time will be rejected and returned to the bidder unopened. The sealed envelope shall be marked with the following on the lower left hand corner: 2023 Ford F-550 Chassis_4 x 4_

Equipment in general includes, but is not limited to the following: 1. Price and Year Ford F-550 Chassis Truck Year: _________ $_____________ PLEASE SUBMIT BID PER UNIT ITEM. Truck shall be complete, operational and capable of providing the functions intended.

Bid awarded should be honored for 3 months. Bids shall be sealed and prominently marked on the lower left hand corner of bid envelope with the project title “2023 New Ford F-550 Chassis Truck”. Please direct your questions regarding this equipment to Mrs. Reyna G. Guerra, Starr County Judge’s Office at (956) 716-4800.

IT’S TIME TO DISCOVER NEW OPPORTUNITIES. People across the Valley come home to Rio Motor Company!

2023 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB ZR2 4X4 $10,000 OFF MSRP

STK# 24992

MSRP PRICE REDUCTION BELOW MSRP SPECIAL VALUE PRICE CUSTOMER CASH 1

$7 7,900 -$ 6,250 $7 1 , 6 5 0 -$ 3,750

SALE PRICE

$67,900

$

67,900

(1) Not available with special financing, lease and some other offers. Must take new retail delivery by 1/31/2024.

See Dealer for details. All prices plus tax, title and license. Vehicle is subject to pre-sale.

“No Matter Where You Live, Come Home!”

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

¿Necesitas ayuda de PROVIDER en tu casa, o PROVIDERS conoces a alguien que necesita PROVIDER? PAGANDO HASTA Pero, tienen miedo a pedir por temor de perder su propiedad. Sabias que existen cosas a su favor para que eso no suceda.

HABLEME: CONSULTA GRATIS

$

Your local source for .00 Medicare.

12

POR HORA

EN EL CONDADO STARR

OMAR REYES (956) 533-9001

Yesenia Lopez Licensed Sales Agent 956-370-0070, TTY 711

JANUARY 24, 2024 PAGE 10 You’re in good hands.

Auto • Home • Business • Life Hablamos Español

956-488-0160

103 W. 2nd Street Rio Grande City, Tx 78582

SPACE AVAILABLE PLEASE CALL 956-487-6544

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