JULY 19, 2023

Rio Grande City 6u All Stars Team Advance to PONY League South Zone World Series

Texas & US Flags donated to RGCGISD Athletic Department

RGC Fire Department was awarded a 1998 Stewart Stevenson M1078 Truck

Senator Zaffirni Wins 53 Awards from Press Women of Texas

Continuing a standard of excellence in communication

The Press Women of Texas (PWT) recently announced that Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, won 53 awards in its 2023 Professional Communication Contest. Established in 1893, the statewide and nationally affliated organization champions First Amendment rights, supports women in communication and provides college scholarships.

The senator’s winning entries included 24 first-place, 13 second-place, 8 third-place and 8 honorable mentions in myriad categories ranging from speech writing to photography. Her 24 first-place entries advanced to the highly-anticipated National Federation of Press Women’s contest, where she won another 17 awards, namely, five firstplace awards, three secondplace, five third-place and four honorable mentions.

“I am delighted to receive these awards from the esteemed PWT, of which I have been a

proud member since 1973,” Senator Zaffirini said. “Their recognition is especially appreciated because it reflects my longstanding commitment to upholding the highest standards of communication, particularly in my capacity as a legislator.” Of the more than 1,200 awards she has won for her legislative, professional and civic leadership, more than 600 are in communication, including this year’s 53 state and 17 national awards.

Senator Zaffirini holds Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts and PhD degrees in communication from The University of Texas at Austin, where she worked at The Daily Texan as a reporter, feature writer, copy editor, headline writer, assistant editor and special issue editor. In 2003 The University of Texas at Austin named her a Distingushed Alumna, and in 2016 the university’s Moody College of Communication named her its Oustanding Alumna. What’s more, in 2013 she received the Presidential Citation, the highest honor bestowed by The University of Texas.

RGC Fire Department & Emergency Management are excited to share some great news with the community!!! The RGC Fire Department was awarded a 1998 Stewart Stevenson M1078 Truck, Cargo 2.5 Ton through an application submitted to the Texas Forest Service - Firefighter Property (FFP) Program Assistance grant. This newly acquired unit will be converted into a brush and rescue unit to greatly benefit our area. Thank you to the Texas A&M Forest Service for this tremendous addition to the fleet.

The RGCGISD Athletic Department would like to thank Mrs. Maria B. Saenz and Mrs. Elda Lopez from the Woodman Life Magnolia Chapter 6167 and Mr. Roberto Bazan from the office of Congressman Henry Cuellar for their donation of Texas & US Flags to be used at the athletic venues. RGCGISD truly appreciate your gracious act of kindness.

WEDNESDAY JULY 19TH – I.C.C.

6:30 P.M.

PRO POPULO – MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE

THURSDAY JULY 20TH – L.G.

6:00 P.M.

†DANNY GOMEZ JR. by Mom & Dad

†MARIA LUISA LOPEZ by Iris Alaniz & Family

†FEDERICO HERNANDEZ by Iris Alaniz & Family

FRIDAY JULY 21st - I.C.C.

12:00 P.M.

†MARIO ENRIQUE AGUILAR

by Su Esposa e Hijos

†MAYRA GARZA (3RD AN.) by Family

SATURDAY JULY 22ND - I.C.C.

5:00 P.M.

†JORGE SOLIS (4TH AN.) by Ramona Olivares

†SILVESTRE GONZALEZ by Wife & Family

†DELIA L. CRUZ by Israel & Lupita Chapa

†BEATRICE & SELSO CORTINAS by Alfredo Cortinas

†ELIDA NARVAEZ by Alfredo Cortinas

†SYLVIA GUAJARDO by Alfredo Cortinas

†ELIZABETH IRIS LOPEZ by Las Comadres Group

†ARACELY SAENZ (1ST AN.) by Family

†DIANA OZUNA (6TH AN.) by Familia Ozuna

†RAYMUNDO ZURITA (13TH AN.) by Familia Zurita Briseño

†MA. TERESA ZURITA (1ST AN.) by Familia Zurita Briseño

†RUDY MARTINEZ, JR. by Cristina Martinez

†INEZ & RODOLFO MARTINEZ by Cristina Martinez

†LEONARDA B. GONZALEZ by Cristina Martinez

†ALBERTO GARZA by Cristina Martinez

ACCION DE GRACIAS JOHN & MAYELA POPE

SUNDAY JULY 23RD– L.G.

7:00 A.M.

PRO POPULO – MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE

SUNDAY JULY 23RD - I.C.C.

9:00 A.M.

†JOSEIAS SEPULVEDA by Sepulveda Family

†CRUZ GARCIA by Su Esposa e Hijos

SUNDAY JULY 23RD – I.C.C.

†SERGIO

11:00 A.M.

Goodnight Moon, Goodnight You! 10 Habits to Promote Relaxation & Sleep

Dr. Mimi Secor is a fitness and health advocate passionate about helping women lose weight and feel great, and is the author of Healthy & Fit at Any Age: A Guide to Creating nutrition, exercise, and mindset habits for busy women!

What Dr. Mimi can say in an interview on How to Relax Before Bedtime:

Some old, some new—we can all benefit from incorporating these healthy habits into our often hectic and harried everyday lives. Here are ten tried and true avenues to relaxation after a busy workday:

1. Avoid caffeine during your work shift, especially near the end of the shift.

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

Prenda 3 velas blancas en un plato con agua y azúcar, haga su petición. A los tres días publique esta oración. Aunque no crea mire que pasa el cuarto día.

2. Exercise earlier in the day. Regular exercise can promote sleep; however, working out too close to bedtime can make it challenging to unwind and fall asleep.

3. Eat high-protein, easy-todigest snacks, like egg whites with cinnamon or a protein smoothie.

4. Take a warm bath with scented candles and soft music.

5. Listen to relaxing music— put those music subscription services to work!

6. Meditate or listen to meditation programs to clear your mind.

7. Give and/or receive massages to someone in your household if possible.

8. Minimize exposure to bright light from any device one hour before the desired bedtime (including laptops, tablets, and cell phones).

9. Try aromatherapy. Lavender is particularly known for relaxing and can promote drowsiness and sleep.

10. Not just for kids! Listen or read a bedtime story.

Dr. Mimi Secor, DNP, FNPBC, FAANP, FAAN, is a Nurse Practitioner, Educator, and Health & Fitness Advocate specializing in Women’s Health for over 40 years. She is a sought-after national speaker and consultant who has been featured in numerous local and national media outlets and is still actively educating advanced practice clinicians and consumers worldwide. She is the author of the #1 International bestselling book, Debut a New You: Transforming Your Life at Any Age, and the newest title: Healthy & Fit at Any Age: A Guide to Creating nutrition, exercise, and mindset habits for busy women!

Watermelon Fest at City of La Grulla Community Service Center

City of RGC - Kelsey Bass Museum hosted Rosario

Ozuna author of The Tears Behind the Smile

It was a watermelon fest at the City of La Grulla Community Service Center with the kids painting activity by Mayra Arevalo with SCAN who sponsored the event. The kids were very exciting and eager to begin painting and didn’t care that they got their clothes stained with paint. You could see the excitement in them painting their watermelon picture canvas and as they did asked that they wanted to do it again. After their painting session, the kids were treated to the sweetest watermelon with chamoy and treschas. The parents present were also treated to sweet bread courtesy of Amanda Garcia from San Isidro and watermelon. Please be on the look out for Grulla City Facebook page for upcoming events.

The City of RGC -

Museum hosted special guest Rosario Ozuna, author of The Tears Behind the Smile, on Thursday, July 13th, for a book signing and meet and greet. During this event, Mrs. Ozuna read one of the poems from her book and answered questions from the audience about the writing and editing process. On behalf of the City of Rio Grande City we would like to congratulate Mrs. Rosario Ozuna on the release of her book and wish her continued success for all her future endeavors.

Kelsey Bass

Governor Abbott Statement On Passage Of Historic Property Tax Cuts

On July 13, 2023, Governor Greg Abbott released a statement on the Texas Legislature’s passage of historic property tax cut legislation during Special Session #2:

“I made a promise to Texans during my campaign that the State of Texas would use at least $13.5 billion from our historic budget

surplus to provide substantial relief to property taxpayers across Texas. Today, we will deliver even more with over $18 billion in property tax cuts. The Texas House and Senate fulfilled our promise with an agreement that delivers a comprehensive, longlasting solution to increasingly burdensome property tax bills. I

thank my partners in the Texas Legislature for coming together to honor the best interests of hardworking Texans who want to own their property—not rent it from the government. I look forward to signing this legislation into law to provide Texans with the largest property tax cut in Texas history.”

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ISSUE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION

NOTICE is hereby given that it is the intention of the Commissioners Court of Starr County, Texas (the “County”) to issue interest-bearing Certificates of Obligation of the County to be designated and known as the “STARR COUNTY, TEXAS CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION, SERIES 2023” (the “Certificates”) for the purpose of providing for the payment of contractual obligations to be incurred for the design, planning, acquisition, equipping, construction, and renovation of public property, and designated infrastructure and for other public purposes specifically being (i) improvements to County roads (including utility relocation, related drainage improvements and rights-of-way acquisition); (ii) equipment for public works department; (iii) improvements to existing County cemeteries and acquisition of land therefore; (iv) County parks; and (v) the payment of contractual obligations for professional services in connection with such projects (including, but not limited to, financial advisory, legal, architectural, and engineering). The Commissioners Court tentatively proposes to authorize the issuance of the Certificates at its regular meeting place in the Commissioners Court meeting room, Starr County Courthouse, 401 North Britton Avenue, Rio Grande City, Texas, at a Regular Meeting of the Commissioners Court to be commenced at 10:00 a.m., on the 28th day of August, 2023, in an amount not to exceed $2,550,000. The Commissioners Court presently proposes to provide for payment of the Certificates by the pledge of an annual ad valorem tax levied upon all taxable property within the County, within the limits prescribed by law, and by a limited pledge of $1,000 of the surplus revenues of the County’s International Toll Bridge System. The Certificates are to be issued, and this notice is given, pursuant to Section 271.041, et seq., Texas Local Government Code.

In accordance with the provisions of Subchapter C of Chapter 271, Texas Local Government Code, as amended (“Chapter 271”), the following information has been provided by the County: The current principal of all outstanding debt obligations of the County is $333,333.36, the combined principal and interest required to pay all currently outstanding debt obligations of the County on time and in full is $409,432.98, the estimated combined principal and interest required to pay the Certificates of Obligation on time and in full is $4,036,713.00, the estimated interest rate for the Certificates of Obligation is 6.50%, and the maximum maturity date of the Certificates of Obligation will not exceed the maximum allowed by law. Market conditions affecting interest rates vary based on a number of factors beyond the control of the County, and the County cannot and does not guarantee a particular interest rate associated with the Certificates of Obligation.

CHEVY SUMMER DRIVE SALES EVENT

/s/ Eloy Vera County Judge, Starr County, Texas

The Technology Department hosted a training on How to create a fog server and upload or download images for desktops or laptops. The training was presented by Ernie Seale and Jesus Alaniz, thank you to everyone who attended! The RGCGISD staff members are having trainings throughout the district in order to stay up to date on all of the initiatives to better serve the students. Keep up the great work!

CDC to Launch “Bridge Access Program” in Fall 2023 to Provide Free COVID-19 Vaccines to

To help ensure that millions of uninsured and underinsured American adults continue to have access to no-cost COVID-19 vaccinations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is launching the Bridge Access Program for COVID-19 Vaccines this fall.

There are an estimated 2530 million adults without insurance in the U.S., and there are additional adults whose insurance will not provide free coverage for COVID-19 vaccines after these products transition

Uninsured and Underinsured Adults

to the commercial market for procurement, distribution, and pricing, later this fall.

The pandemic highlighted longstanding barriers to adult vaccination, including lack of accessibility, lack of availability, and lack of confidence. Under the management and oversight of CDC, the Bridge Access Program – for a limited time – will allow adults who are uninsured or underinsured to receive free COVID-19 vaccinations.

“Protecting people from COVID-19 remains a top priority

for CDC,” CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen said. “CDC is partnering with state and local public health agencies, health centers, and pharmacies to ensure that all adults nationwide maintain access to lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines. Ultimately, we know that vaccines save money and lives. Vaccination is especially important as we head into fall and winter, a time when COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases are likely to circulate.”

A dedicated team within CDC’s Immunization Services

Division has been established to help launch the new program this fall. CDC will purchase COVID-19 vaccines and allocate them, along with the funding needed to implement this new program, through CDC’s established network of state and local immunization programs. These partners will then facilitate distribution of these vaccines to participating communitybased providers, including local health departments and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-

supported health centers. In order to broaden access, CDC is also working closely with select national pharmacy chains, as well as vaccine manufacturers, to enable uninsured adults to receive free COVID-19 vaccines at participating retail pharmacy locations.

CDC has published its intent to modify existing Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program contracts with those select pharmacy partners with proven capacity to reach and vaccinate millions

of adults. It is expected that through such agreements with participating pharmacy chains that the Bridge Access Program will reimburse pharmacies for the administration fees, enabling pharmacies to administer vaccine doses for the Program. CDC has also been working closely with manufacturers, as their voluntary collaboration is critical to ensure that there is an adequate supply of vaccines for this program.

It’s important to note that the Bridge Access Program serves COVID-19 VACCINES, page 7

Medina Electric Cooperative Emphasizes Storm Preparedness

With a steadfast commitment to community safety and service, Medina Electric Cooperative is dedicated to proactive measures that minimize power disruptions and expedite restoring service in the event of severe weather conditions.

Medina EC suggests you do the same in preparing your family and property before storms approach.

Stay well-informed regarding various emergency scenarios which could impact you and know the corresponding recommended actions to take. Create a comprehensive emergency plan for your family. Assemble an

essential emergency supply kit. Engage with your community by actively participating in emergency preparedness efforts.

Additionally, Ready.Gov, an official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, offers a wealth of storm preparedness tips, including:

•When thunder roars, go indoors! Seek shelter indoors or within a vehicle with a roof during adverse weather conditions.

•Turn around. Don’t drown! Avoid driving through flooded roadways.

•Pay attention to weather reports. Stay in the know with

local weather reports for your area before severe weather hits. The effects of severe weather can impact power. Medina EC members should report outages by calling 1-866-632-3532. Members can also track any issues crews are facing and view our outage map at MedinaEC. org/Outages.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON Starr County Appraisal District Budget

The Starr County Appraisal District will hold a public hearing on a proposed budget for the 2024 fiscal year. The public hearing will be held on August 8, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at the Starr County Appraisal District Office, 100 N. FM 3167 Ste. 300, Rio Grande City, Texas.

A Summary of the Appraisal District Budget follows:

The total amount of the proposed budget is $1,928,423.48 The total amount increase compared to the current year’s budget is $181,159.19

The number of employees compensated under the proposed budget is 23 (full-time Equivalent) 3 temporary.

The number of employees compensated under the current budget is 23 (full-time Equivalent) 3 temporary.

The appraisal district is supported solely by payments from the local taxing units served by fee appraisal district.

If approved by the appraisal district board of directors at the public hearing, this proposed budget will take effect automatically unless disapproved by the governing bodies of the county, school districts, cities and towns served by the appraisal district.

A copy of the proposed budget is available for public inspection in the office of each of those governing bodies. A copy is also available for public inspection at the appraisal district office.

Starr County Appraisal District

100 N.FM 3167 Ste. 300 Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 Phone: (956)487-5613

COVID-19 VACCINES Continued from page 6

as a “temporary bridge” and is scheduled to end in December 2024. A longer-term solution is the Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program, proposed in both the FY 2023 and 2024 Presidential Budgets, which would create a permanent initiative modeled after the successful Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, and would cover all recommended vaccinations at no cost for uninsured adults. This proposal has not yet been enacted into law.

Efforts related to the Bridge Access Program launch are

LEGAL NOTICE

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a WINE AND MALT BEVERAGE RETAILER’S OFFPREMISE PERMIT (BQ) by: PEDRO ANTONIO GARCIA, JR., dba LA FINIKERA DRIVE THRU to be located at 5529 FM 1430, RIO GRANDE CITY, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS.

ongoing, and additional details will be shared in the coming weeks and months. Visit https://www.cdc.gov/ vaccines/programs/bridge/index. html for more information.

CITY OF ROMA POLICE DEPARTMENT NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Chapter 59 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and Transportation Code 683, Subsection B, 683.012, of the Texas Department of Transportation that the City of Roma Police Department, Roma, Texas will hold a public auction on Friday July 28, 2023, at 10:00am for said vehicles, equipment & property items. Location: 2101 I-69C, Edinburg, Texas 78542. Registration to bid will be from 8:00am to 10:00am and will require a picture identification. Items to be auctioned are vehicles, equipment, and property items. All items will be sold “As Is-Where Is” to the highest bidder. Onsite Buyer’s Premium is 14%, Internet Buyer’s Premium 16%. All sales are final and must be paid on the same day with cash, major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express), Debit & Credit with a 3.99% processing fee. Checks accepted day of auction only with certain conditions. For additional information, please contact Bond and Bond Auctioneers (956) 283-0422 Jose A. Camarillo AUC#17532.

THE COUNTY OF STARR SHERIFF’S OFFICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Chapter 263.153 of the Texas Local Government Code & Chapter 59 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and Transportation Code 683, Subsection B, 683.012, of the Texas Department of Transportation that the County of Starr Sheri ’s O ce, Rio Grande City, Texas will hold a public auction on Friday July 28th , 2023, at 10:00 a.m. for General Surplus, Equipment and Vehicles which have been forfeited to the State of Texas under the provisions of Chapter 59 Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Location: 2101 I-69C, Edinburg, TX 78542. Registration to bid will be from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and will require a picture identi cation. Examples of items to be auctioned are cars, trucks, heavy equipment, personal computers, electronics, o ce furniture, surplus, etc. All items will be sold “As Is - Where Is” to the highest bidder. Onsite Buyer’s Premium 14%. Internet Buyer’s Premium 16%. All sales are nal and must be paid on the same day with cash, major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express), Debit & Credit with a 3.99% processing fee. Checks accepted day of auction only with certain conditions. For additional information, please contact the County of Starr Sheri ’s O ce, at (956) 487-5571. AUC#17532 - Jose A. Camarillo

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2020, and that 86% of those who drowned weren’t wearing life jackets.

The National Safe Boating Council recommends these tips for boaters:

•Take a boating safety course to gain valuable knowledge and onwater experience. Options for novice to experienced boaters are available.

•Check equipment. Schedule a free vessel safety check with your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadrons to make sure all essential equipment is present, working and in good condition.

•Make a float plan. Always let someone onshore know the trip itinerary, including operator and passenger information, boat type and registration, and communications

equipment on board.

•Wear a life jacket. Make sure everyone wears a life jacket—every time. A stowed life jacket is no use in an emergency. They should be U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for the planned water activity and fit properly.

•Use an engine cut-off device— it’s the law. An engine cut-off device, or engine cut-off switch, is a proven safety device that stops the boat’s engine should the operator unexpectedly fall overboard.

•Watch the weather. Always check the forecast before departing on the water and frequently during the excursion.

•Know what’s going on around you at all times. Nearly one-quarter of all reported boating accidents in 2020 were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout.

•Know where you’re going and take it slow. Get familiar with the area and local boating speed zones

and always travel at a safe speed.

•Never boat under the influence. Boating while intoxicated is involved in one-third of boating fatalities.

•Keep in touch. Have more than one means of communication that works when wet. VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones and cellphones can all be important in an emergency.

Other important safety reminders include understanding electric shock drowning, how to prevent it and how to know the signs of someone who is a victim of ESD. Residual currents could put anyone in the water at risk of electric shock drowning. Avoid swimming near a boat, marina or launching ramp. Do not enter the water if someone is experiencing electric shock in the water. Immediately turn off the power source and call 911. Use an insulated device, like a fiberglass rescue crook, to attempt to remove the victim from water.

Safety Tips for Boaters Medina Electric Cooperative encourages safety on the water

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Travel X-Ray Technician (AART Certified) Accuread Quality Mobile X-Rays (Rio Grande City)

Apply online accureadxrays.com or call us (956)447-8300

LAB TECHNICIAN

NUESTRA CLINICA DEL VALLE, INC. (NCDV) has employment opportunity for a Lab Technician for the Rio Grande City/Roma Clinics. High school graduate or GED. Lab Technician certi cation preferred. Experience in clinical work, including instrument calibration. Phlebotomy skills required. Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills. Apply on line at www.nuestraclinicadelvalle. org Mail resume to Nuestra Clinica del Valle, PO Box 1689, Pharr, TX 78577; in person 801 W. First Street, San Juan, TX 78589, or 600 N. Garza, Suite A, Rio Grande City, TX 78582. EOE

3 vitamins that promote healthy eyes

A nutritious, well-balanced diet is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. Though a healthy diet is often and correctly cited as a means to maintaining a healthy weight, a diet rich in various vitamins also can be good for both kids’ and adults’ eyesight. As adults and parents plan diets for themselves and their children, they can make an effort to ensure these three eye-friendly vitamins feature prominently at mealtime.

1. Vitamin A: The World Health Organization reports that vitamin A deficiency is one of the more common nutrient deficiencies across the globe, particularly among children. In fact, the American Optometric Association notes that vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children.

So why is vitamin A so vital to eye health? The AOA reports that

vitamin A supports functioning of the conjunctival membranes and cornea. In addition, the Chicagobased Kraff Eye Institute notes that vitamin A deficiency can contribute to problems with night vision. Foods such as carrots, milk, eggs, and pumpkin are good sources of vitamin A.

2. Vitamin E: The AOA reports that vitamin E can help to reduce the progression of agerelated macular degeneration, which the National Eye Institute characterizes as an eye disease that can blur cental vision. The NEI also notes that AMD is a leading cause of vision loss among older adults. Vitamin E also can reduce the risk of cataracts. Almonds, sunflower seeds and peanuts are good sources of vitamin E.

3. Vitamin C: Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C helps to

neutralize oxidative damage that can contribute to the formation of cataracts and AMD. The Kraff Eye Institute notes that oxidative stress is responsible for various aging processes and occurs when the body experiences an imbalance between harmful free radicals and helpful antioxidants.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help combat a number of age-related eye issues, which underscores the need to include vitamin C in a diet. Cauliflower, cabbage, lemon, and oranges are good sources of vitamin C.

Vision loss is often accepted as an inevitable side effect of aging. Though certain individuals may not be able to avoid some degree of vision loss as they grow older, a diet rich in vitamins A, E and C can reduce risk for various agerelated eye health issues.

Starr County Pct. 4 Nutrition Center members took a Historical Excursion in Rio Grande City

Starr County Pct. 4 Nutrition Center (San Isidro) members took a Historical Excursion in Rio Grande City on the Bessie. Everyone had an amazing time learning about the sites from Aminta Reyna who is a great speaker. Starr County Pct. 4 Nutrition Center would like to thank Mrs. Dalinda Guillen from Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation for her generosity.