January 3, 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. 1 WEEKLY WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 3, 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

487-2596 4350 E. US HWY 83 R.G.C.

Rep. Cuellar Announces $3,498,739 in Federal Funding Congratulations to Roma Head for Border Security and School Safety in Starr County Football Coach Frank Villanueva!!

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On December 19, 2023, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) announced $3,498,739 in federal funding for border security and school violence prevention in Starr County. $3,000,000 was provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Operation Stonegarden Program for the Starr County Sheriff’s Office. The funds will be used to pay overtime wages and purchase new equipment, including communications technology for faster emergency response times. Since 2008, Starr County has received $27,966,193 in Operation Stonegarden funding to cover extraordinary expenses incurred to reinforce border security. $498,739 was provided by the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing

Service (COPS) School Violence Prevention Program for Rio Grande City Grulla Independent School District (RGCGISD). The funds will be used to install safety fences and control systems at RGCGISD, enabling a safer environment for the school district’s 10,000 students and 2,000 staff members.

“Every year, the resources provided by Operation Stonegarden assist our local law enforcement in their efforts to protect our border communities.

By providing resources for more manpower and essential equipment, these federal funds allow our local law enforcement to carry out the necessary operations to enhance security along our southern border,” said Dr. Cuellar. “I helped start Operation Stonegarden in 2008 and have since secured nearly $28 million

in Operation Stonegarden funds for Starr County. This has meant more security for the people at the border to feel safe at home, work, and school. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I will continue to provide the necessary funding our local law enforcement agencies need to keep our South Texas communities safe and secure. Thank you to Starr County Sheriff Rene “Orta” Fuentes, Border Patrol, and our local, state, and federal officers for their commitment to helping secure our southern border.”

Dr. Cuellar continued: “Additionally, the COPS School Violence Prevention Program helps equip our schools with the safety measures they need to protect our students. We’re seeing

District 16-5A Division II Football Co-Coach of the Year Frank Villanueva-Roma HS Head football coach Frank Villanueva led the Roma Gladiators to a share of the District 16-5A Division II championship title in 2023.

“Our team set a goal, worked hard, believed we could do it and make history,” said Roma head coach Villanueva. The Gladiators went undefeated in their first nine games to ensure themselves of a share of the district title before Football Coaching Conference falling to Mission Veterans.

Villanueva will now be on March 29-30th, 2024. “This honored at the High School Sports is a true honor,” says Villanueva.

(HSSMIMages/Ruiz) Magazine South Padre Island The RGC Cross Country programs will host their 2nd Annual 5K Glow Run on Jan. 6, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. It will be held at the Fort Ringgold Grounds with registration in front of the Ac2E Elementary School.

Same Day Registration 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

5k Starts at 7:00 p.m. Sharp For more information contact Coach Joe Ramirez (210) 380-4130 or Coach Ricardo Altahif (956) 500-1502

Roma High School Varsity Swim Team Diver Jayda Perez Breaks School Diving Record

REP. CUELLAR, page 4

Early College High School Students Pass Their Certified 487-2999 Phlebotomy Technician and Patient Care Technician Exams Dr. Raymond Cruz Best FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dental Insurance, Medicaid and Chip Accepted 419 East 2nd St. Rio Grande City, Tx.

On behalf of theRio Grande City Grulla ISD we would like to congratulate these hardworking and dedicated students from Preparatory for Early College High School! Thrilled to announce that these exceptional students from Early College High School have successfully passed their Certified Phlebotomy Technician and Patient Care Technician exams. Their dedication and hard work have truly paid off. Congratulations students! Keep up the GREAT work!

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Congratulations to Roma High School Varsity Swim Team Diver Jayda Perez for breaking the school diving record at the Brownsville SNOWcase Aquatic Center with a total score of 255.3! The last record was from 2016 with a score of 224.3. Her outstanding work ethic and dedication is what displays her achievements towards this sport! The coaches are beyond proud of her.

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 3, 2024, PAGE 2

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

The Gates Scholarship Semi-Finalists Mighty Gladiator Wrestling Team Competes

at Lobos Invitational Wrestling Tournament Pictured left to right are: Diego Diaz 4th Place 285 lbs Weight Class, Diego Benitez 1st Place 150 lbs Weight Class, Julio Cabrera 3rd Place 119 lbs Weight Class, and Angel Ochoa 2nd Place 165 lbs Weight Class.

Thanks to Coach Canales for the report.

Rio Grande City High School announce that two of their exceptional students, Rafael Ramirez and Emmanuel Moreno, have been named semi-finalists for the prestigious Gates Scholarship!

The Gates Scholarship is a highly competitive and prestigious program founded by Bill and Melinda Gates. It aims to provide outstanding, minority, and low-income students with the opportunity to pursue higher

education and achieve their dreams.

Being selected as semi-finalists is a remarkable achievement that reflects their dedication, hard work, and academic excellence.

On behalf of the RGCGISD, we want to wish you the best of luck as you move on to the next round. This is a testament to your incredible potential, and we believe you’ll continue to Congrats to the Mighty Gladiator Wrestling Team who competed in shine as you pursue this fantastic the Lobos Invitational Wrestling Tournament at La Joya Palmview High School with some awesome results!! opportunity.

Pida a los 3 Ángeles San Miguel, Rafael y Gabriel.

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A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS 2024 TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, and I pray 2024 brings you the best. I want to thank each and every one of you for your loyal support of Grande Garbage Collection Company, LLC. Grande Garbage was blessed with another year of business, and we are looking forward to 2024 as it roars in.

Grande Garbage was established in 1980 and will celebrate 44 years of service here in our great Starr County in 2024. Looking back, our journey was not easy.

We have experienced many ups and downs; however, we are resilient, and so far, we have survived all obstacles through hard work thanks to your relentless support. It is imperative to acknowledge that none of our accomplishments would have been possible without your unquestionable loyalty.

Our company started with two very old trucks leased from Starr County when the county decided to get out of the trash collection business years ago. Today, we have 12 trucks out on the road every day of the year. In about a month, we will have two additional residential trucks, and in about three months, we will have two more commercial trucks. These four additional trucks will significantly improve service by minimizing downtime and alleviating pressure points. Our operations will visibly improve, and you will witness a marked improvement in service delivery. We are incredibly excited about these additions to our fleet.

Your loyalty and support have allowed us to grow and prosper. That experienced growth allows Grande Garbage to employ 30 locals and provide them with a living wage and the ability to thrive. Grande Garbage intentionally BUYS RIO FIRST, and we happily give back. Our local investments through jobs and supporting local vendors contribute to the vitality of our local economy. Every year, we provide about $15,000.00 in scholarship money and other forms of monetary support to schools, clubs, and organizations such as the Mighty Rattler Marching Band and the Starr County Youth Fair.

Our goal has always been to be our best and provide our customers with consistent and reliable service. It has taken us many years to frame this company as it needs to be, and 2024 will be a banner year. We are here for the long haul and are thankful you are here to share in our growth. Thank you for being our customer.

Again, thank you! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND CHEERS TO A HEALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE NEW YEAR. Patricio Hernandez CEO Grande Garbage Collection Co. LLC

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 3, 2024, PAGE 4

REP. CUELLAR Continued from Front Page the results of that today right here in Starr County. Thank you to RGCGISD Superintendent Adolfo Peña, Jr. and the RGCGISD Board of Trustees for working with me to secure these federal dollars and improve school safety in South Texas.”

“I would like to thank Congressman Henry Cuellar and the federal government for providing Starr County with Operation Stonegarden funds that allow us to enhance our community’s security.

We work jointly with our federal, state, and local partners to keep our community safe. The monies will be shared with our local partners;

Starr County District Attorney, Starr County Attorney, Rio Grande City Police Department, Roma Police Department, Escobares Police Department, La Grulla Police Department and Brooks County Sheriff’s Office and will be utilized to provide overtime pay and equipment. These dollars go a long way towards our collaborative efforts to secure the U.S.-Mexico Border,” said Starr County Sheriff Rene “Orta” Fuentes.

“RGCGISD is thrilled to announce our receipt of the School Violence Prevention Program grant, a significant boost of approximately $498,000. These

funds are earmarked for crucial enhancements in Access Control and Safety Fencing, fostering a significantly safer learning environment for our students, staff, and community. Our heartfelt gratitude extends to the entities that made this possible. Special thanks to County Judge Eloy Vera, State Representative Ryan Guillen, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, and the Rio Grande City Police Department for their invaluable support. Together, we’re creating a safer and more secure environment for our sensational school district,” said Rio Grande City Grulla ISD Superintendent Adolfo Peña, Jr.

AEP Texas reminds residents to be aware of utility scams Customers should recognize the signs of a scam to protect themselves AEP Texas reminds customers to stay alert and know the signs of a utility scam.

In November, AEP Texas responded to reports that scammers contacted residents threatening to disconnect their electric service unless an immediate payment was made.

In addition, scammers contacted customers indicating the need to change the electric meter and asked for payment to cover the cost of the upgrade.

These are scams, and customers need to protect themselves from this illegal activity. AEP Texas Communications Director Omar Lopez said. “Customers need to treat every scam attempt as illegal activity and protect themselves and their households.”

Scammers throughout the country have increased calls, texts, emails, and in-person tactics to contact customers asking for immediate payment to avoid service disconnection.

AEP Texas employees will never proactively contact a customer demanding an immediate payment, insist a payment be made with a prepaid debit or credit card, or ask a customer to meet in a parking lot to make a payment. Also, AEP Texas employees do not offer special prices for electricity.

Anyone claiming to be an AEP Texas representative who makes this type of offer should not be believed.

Some common utility scams include: •Threatening to shut off power unless an immediate payment is made. (Note: As an energy delivery company, AEP Texas does not bill the customer directly.)

•Telling customers that they need a new electric meter, but that they must make a payment before the new meter is installed.

•Demanding a deposit be paid immediately.

•Offering any kind of discount on their utility bill. (Note: As a distribution and transmission, or “Wires” company, AEP Texas does not bill the customer directly.)

•Leaving a call-back number that takes the customer to what sounds like an AEP Phone Center.

Always call the REP phone number on your monthly bill.

More red flags indicating possible scam activity: • The scammer instructs the customer to purchase a pre-paid debit or credit card – widely available at retail stores – then call back to make a payment to AEP Texas using the card.

• The scammer asks the customer for the prepaid card’s receipt number and PIN number, which grants instant access to the card’s funds.

• The scammers are calling from numbers that names AEP Texas on the Caller ID, and they have a telephone recording that sounds like an AEP Texas phone system message.

How to protect yourself: • Call your Retail Electric Provider (REP) to verify your account balance and date your payment is due. The correct phone number is shown on your monthly electricity bill.

• The Retail Electric Provider (REP), not AEP Texas, will notify customers that their account is past due and that their electric service may be disconnected.

• If you suspect someone is trying to scam you, hang up and call the local police and then AEP Texas. Never dial the phone number the scammers provide.

• Customers, who suspect or experience fraud, or feel threatened during contact with one of these thieves, should contact local authorities, and then AEP Texas at (877) 373-4858.

AEP Texas continues to educate customers about scams through messages on their electric bills, at AEPTexas.com, and through social media and public service announcements. AEP Texas works with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute scammers. For more information visit https://aeptexas.com/ StopScams or follow AEP Texas on Twitter, and Facebook.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 3, 2024, PAGE 5

Campus Leadership Teams from Monte Alto ISD (K-8) Visit Rio Grande City Grulla ISD Campuses

Mrs. Thelma Martinez, Principal at Grulla Elementary, and Mr. Rene Pena, Principal at Grulla Middle School, organized a Collaborative School Visit on November 30th and December 1st for the School Action Fund (SAF) -Transcend cohort.

Campus Leadership teams from Monte Alto ISD (K-8) visited Rio Grande City Grulla ISD campuses participating in the SAF grant, alongside technical providers from Transcend

Redesign.

This event provided a platform to share insights on impactful initiatives at Grulla Elementary and Grulla Middle School, such as Strong Start, Advisory Social Emotional Learning Periods, High-Quality Instructional Material (HQIM), and Blended Learning incorporating station rotations.

Guided by Mrs. Guadalupe Garza, Director of School Improvement, and Mrs. Idani

Salinas, Administrator for Effective Schools and Campus Leadership Teams, this collaborative experience fostered mutual support for school improvement. It included sharing insights and trends from redesign implementation, offering feedback and recommendations, and strengthening connections within the RGV school community. The result was a heightened sense of unity and collaboration among the teams.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 3, 2024, PAGE 6

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a WINE AND M A LT B E V E R A G E R E TA I L E R ’ S O F F PREMISE PERMIT (BQ) by: ANDRES I. RAMIREZ ROBLES, dba EL CUBETAZO DRIVETHRUto be located at 6 HACKBERRY LANE, ROMA, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS.

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a WINE AND M A LT B E V E R A G E R E TA I L E R ’ S O F F PREMISE PERMIT (BQ) by: JAIME SALINAS, d b a L A PA S A D I TA CONVENIENCE STORE to be located at 32 95 RAMIREZ ST., ROMA, S TA R R C O U N T Y, TEXAS.

An application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a General Distiller’s License by Ancestral Craft Spirits Corp, to be located 702 Portscheller St, Roma, TX 78584, Starr County Texas. The officers of said company are Guillermo Enrique Hayaux Du Tilly and Eduardo Ocampo Gayon. President & Director respectively.

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 3, 2024, PAGE 7

The Stars Scholarship Fund brought a wave Congratulations to Veterans Middle School December Students of the Month! of inspiration to the Grulla Gator Seniors!

Dr. Cindy Marroquin-Garza, rootEd Advisor, is a living testament to the transformative power of this scholarship! Picture this: Dr. Marroquin-Garza, from her bachelor’s all the way through her doctoral degree, soared to academic heights with the support of the Stars Scholarship Fund. Now, it’s YOUR chance to step into the spotlight, chase your dreams, and let this scholarship fuel your journey to success.

Don’t let this golden opportunity pass you by. Apply, dream big, and let the Stars Scholarship Fund be the beacon guiding you toward an incredible future! Your journey to greatness begins here. Let’s make your academic dreams a reality!

¿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.

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JANUARY 3, 2024 PAGE 8 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