July 22, 2020 by Starr County Town Crier

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J.M. “Chema” Garza Vol. 35, No. 30 WEEKLY WEDNESDAY • JULY 22, 2020 Ofﬁce (956) 487-6544 - Fax (956) 487-6165 - E-Mail: sctc78582@aol.com - www.starrcountytowncrier.com

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Starr County Resident Rises to National Grazing Lands Coordinator Starr County resident, Michael Margo, is the new the National Grazing Lands Coordinator in Fort Worth. He will be responsible for leading national partnerships with groups such as the National Grazing Lands Coalition, Society of Range Management and the National Cattleman’s Beef Association. NatGLC is a nationwide consortium of individuals and organizations working together on mostly private land to maintain and improve the management and the health of the Nation’s grazing lands. The NatGLC works with state coalitions such as Texas Grazing Lands Coalition (TXGLC) to help accomplish its mission by organizing rancher workshops, demonstrations, and trainings throughout the year. NRCS and TXGLC have trained grazing land specialists that can work voluntarily one-on-one with landowners and land managers at no charge. Conservation Legacy Margo was raised in a conservation-minded ranching

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Sebastian, Andres, Daniel and Marlon Earned State Barber License

Rep. Cuellar Announces $90,600 in Federal COVID-19 Emergency Funding for First Responders in Rio Grande City

Funds will support law enforcement’s response to the pandemic Rio Grande City, TX – equipment, and medical support secure $850 million for the Congressman Henry Cuellar needed to combat this crisis. Coronavirus Emergency (TX-28) announced $90,600 As a senior member on the Supplemental Funding (CESF) in federal funds to assist Rio Appropriations Committee, I am program in the Coronavirus Aid, Grande City in their efforts to committed to fighting for our first Relief, and Economic Security prevent, prepare for, and respond responders receive the necessary (CARES) Act. to the coronavirus. These funds, support to slow the spread of The CESF Program provides awarded through the Coronavirus the coronavirus and protect our financial assistance to cities and Emergency Supplemental community. I will continue to counties to address the public Funding (CESF) Program, will work with the State of Texas safety challenges posed by the be used for overtime, protective to ensure all funding that the outbreak of COVID-19. Local equipment and supplies for our federal government allocated governments are able to use this first responders. is dispersed hard-working men funding for overtime, equipment, “We must all work together and women combatting this hiring, supplies, training, travel to protect our law enforcement pandemic every day.” expenses, and addressing the and first responders who are Coronavirus Emergency medical needs of inmates in working on the front lines every Supplemental Funding (CESF) state/ local prisons and detention day to keep South Texans safe,” Program centers. This funding is dispersed said Congressman Cuellar. This As a senior Member of the through the Texas’ Public Safety funding will help ensure they Appropriations Committee, Office. receive the proper training, Congressman Cuellar helped

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family in Rio Grande City and had the opportunity to see a successful partnership with the family ranch and conservation benefits throughout his life. The Margo family has worked with the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) now the USDANatural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) since 1947, when his grandfather, Raymundo T. Margo, was the first chairman of the Starr County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). His grandfather was also the first SWCD member who had a

conservation plan on the family’s south Texas ranch. “My father, Dr. Roberto S. Margo, has continued the working relationship with NRCS since the late ‘60s while serving as ranch manager,” said Margo. “My uncle, Ray T. Margo Jr., retired from SCS/NRCS in 1993 as New Mexico’s State Conservationist after 37 years of service working in both Texas and New Mexico.” “I have personally seen the results of successful conservation practices that have been implemented with the assistance of NRCS at the family ranch over many years,” said Margo. “My upbringing has inspired me to continue the legacy of conserving our natural resources not only at the family ranch but on private lands across the nation.” Legacy Shapes Career After three years of undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University in College Station, Margo returned to south Texas to join AmeriCorps for two years, promoting environmental MARGO, page 4

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Four RGCCISD High School students remained Future Focused and earned their state barber license in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic! Congrats! Sebastian Gonzalez, Andres Guerra, Daniel Salazar and Marlon Millan.

Rio Grande City CISD Share a Returning Student Registration Update! Snap Codes required to register returning students online Will Be Mailed Out Between: 7/20/2020 to 7/24/2020 If you do not receive your Snap Code please contact Student Services at 956-716-6786.

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JULY 22, 2020, PAGE 2

South Texas College saves taxpayers more than $3.6 million from 2020 bond refunding On July 1, 2020, South Texas College sold a total of $41 million in Limited Ad Valorem Tax Refunding Bonds which saved the College and taxpayers more than $3.6 million in debt service providing a reduction in ad valorem taxes to the residents in Hidalgo and Starr Counties. The 2020 Refunding Bonds received strong ratings from two major rating agencies. The College’s Board of Trustees authorized administration to pursue potential reﬁnancing options in March 2020. “The rating agencies acknowledged the College’s strong ﬁnancial position. This combined with the current historically low interest rate environment allowed the College the opportunity to save millions of dollars in interest

costs. These savings will directly benefit the taxpayers of Hidalgo and Starr Counties. We continually look for opportunities to achieve debt service savings.” said STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed. The 2020 Refunding Bonds were rated “Aa2” and “AA” by Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s, respectively. Moody’s noted in their rating assessment that the Aa2 rating is supported by a large tax base in South Texas with stable student enrollment, a strong financial position effectively steered by a seasoned management team, and manageable debt and pension burdens. Standard & Poor’s noted that their AA rating reflects our opinion of the College’s deep and

diverse property tax base, which benefits from growth spurred by international trade; strong finances with stable overall operations and very strong reserves; and good financial management policies and practices. The sale included a total of $41 million in refunding bonds for interest cost savings to refinance the Limited Ad Valorem Tax Bonds previously issued in 2014. Overall, the transaction produced total savings of $4.4 million and net present value savings of $3.6 million with an overall true interest cost of 2.19%. The interest cost savings that resulted from this bond sale will allow for the reduction in debt service costs funded by taxpayers in Hidalgo and Starr Counties.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JULY 22, 2020, PAGE 3

Plasma of Recovered COVID-19 Positive Patients Can Save Lives!

Feeding the community During COVID-19 Pandemic

LIQUID GOLD: The Plasma of Recovered COVID-19 Positive Patients Can Save Lives! Starr County Texas Health Authority Dr. Jose Vazquez explains how the antibodies of recovered COVID-19 positive patients can turn around and save the lives of those critically affected by the virus. If you would like to learn more about donating plasma, please call (956)215-3166 or (956)3424896. You can also email dhrresearch@dhr-rgv.com

Starr County Pct. 4 Commissioner Ruben D. Saenz is providing 2,500 families with nutritious groceries every month. Saenz has developed a curbside services for the safety of his staff as well as residents needing provisions. During this uncertain times families are struggling to feed their families due to loss of income or other extenuating circumstances. Commissioner Saenz as well as all Starr County Commissioners are working diligently to allocate monies from their budgets to ensure that food gets to the tables of our hard working families who have lost their jobs or are going through difﬁcult situations and illnesses.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JULY 22, 2020, PAGE 4

First Anniversary Mass In Loving Memory of

Juan Peña Guerra June 23, 1947 † July 25, 2019

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved still missed and very dear.

Mass will be celebrated Sunday, July 26, 2020 at 9:00 A.M. Immaculate Conception Church Rio Grande City, Tx.

WEDNESDAY JULY 22ND - I.C.C. 6:00 P.M. †BENJAMIN GARCIA (1ST AN.) by Son & Family †SILVESTRE GONZALEZ by Alma Gloria T. Gonzalez & Family †JORGE LUIS SOLIS by Ramona, Liza Solis & Family

FRIDAY JULY 24TH - I.C.C. 6:00 P.M. †FELIZA P. SALAZAR (29TH AN.) by Family

“I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light. All the pain and the grief is over, every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, safely home in Heaven at last. Did you wonder I so calmly trod the valley of the shade? Oh! but Jesus’ love illumined every dark and fearful glade. And He came Himself to meet me in that way so hard to tread; And with Jesus’ arm to lean on, could I have one doubt or dread? Then you must not grieve, for I love you dearly still: Try to look beyond earth’s shadows, Pray to trust our Father’s Will. There is work still waiting for you, so you must not idly stand; do it now, while life remaineth-- You shall rest in Jesus’ land. When that work is all completed, He will gently call you Home; Oh, the rapture of that meeting, Oh, the joy to see you Home.”

A re�lective mass will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 6:00 PM at Sacred Heart Church in Escobares, Tx.

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NOVENA AL SAGRADO CORAZÓN DE JESÚS

ST. JUDE NOVENA ¡Oh Santísimo Corazón de Jesús!, fuente de todas las bendiciones, yo te adoro, yo te amo, y con sincero arrepentimiento de todos mis pecados, yo te ofrezco este mi pobre Corazón. Hazlo humilde, paciente, puro y totalmente sumiso a tu voluntad. Concédeme, misericordioso Jesús, poder vivir para ti y por ti, protegeme en todos los peligros, confortame en mis tribulaciones, dame salud y ayuda en mis necesidades temporales, tu bendición mientras vivo y el favor de morir en tu gracia.

I. N. G. G.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, gloriﬁed, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus pray for us. Holy Mary, Mother of Jesus, pray for us, St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. (Say this nine times a day, by the 8th day your prayer will be answered. Say it nine days, it has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised.) Thank you St. Jude.

A. P. R.

Valley residents with antibodies to COVID-19 have potential to save lives of seriously-ill hospital patients, says DHR Health’s Sohail Rao, MD

By DAVID A. DÍAZ Legislativemedia@aol.com Rio Grande Valley residents who have developed antibodies to COVID-19 have the potential to save lives of seriously-ill hospital patients who are suffering from that infectious and dangerous disease, according to Sohail Rao, MD, MA, DPHIL, President and CEO for DHR Health Institute for Research and Development. “When the COVID pandemic hit the nation (in March 2020), we started a process of creating some therapeutic options for our patients and our physicians,” said Rao. “At that time, and still, the only therapeutic tool that is available to treat COVID-19 infection is transfusing (convalescent) plasma to these patients.” Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood. Convalescent plasma (konvuh-LES-unt PLAZ-muh) therapy is an experimental treatment that some doctors are using for people with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). No drug has been proved to be safe and effective for treating COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved any drugs speciﬁcally to treat people with COVID-19. As the pandemic has begun to affect more individuals in deep South Texas, Rao continues his public call for qualiﬁed volunteers, through their donation of convalescent plasma containing antibodies to COVID-19, to become heroes in the battle against the virus. “You have your community members, your friends, your family who are in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and who

are struggling to recover. They need help. The only help we can provide to them in terms of therapy is convalescent plasma,” said Rao. “They need some passive boosting of their immune system. If that is not enough of a motivation for you to donate after you have recovered, and God has been so kind with you, then I don’t know what additional motivation I can provide.” People who recover from COVID-19 do so, at least in part, because their blood contains substances called antibodies, which are capable of ﬁghting the virus that causes the illness. It turns out that for some other diseases caused by viruses, giving people the liquid portion of blood (plasma), obtained from those who have recovered from the virus, leads to more rapid improvement of the disease. Patients with COVID-19 may improve faster if they receive plasma from those who have recovered from COVID-19, because it may have the ability to ﬁght the virus that causes COVID-19. https://www.mayoclinic.org/ coronavirus-covid-19 As of late June 2020, DHR Health and other major hospital systems in the Rio Grande Valley had treated more than 80 patients using convalescent plasma therapy, and “have seen a very positive outcome of this particular intervention in patients with COVID-19 disease,” Rao said. He urges potential donors to call him directly at 504/444-2318 or DHR Health at 956/215-3166 for more information. Rao explained how DHR Health determines who can be donor.

“Once the individual decides they would like to be a donor, we bring them into DHR, into our research institute, and we do a very thorough screening,” he said. “At that time, we also obtain a little bit of blood, send it to our own laboratory to actually do assessment of antibodies. The test comes back in a matter of a couple of hours. The only thing we can see is whether they have the antibodies or they don’t.” To learn if an individual qualifies as a donor, visit https://b. link/DHRHIRD_COVID19, or email dhrresearch@dhr-rgv.com to request more information. A donor who is qualified to donate convalescent plasma also will be paid $75 (seventy five dollars) by DHR Health. “We are available 24/7. In

SUNDAY JULY 26TH - I.C.C. 11:00 A.M. †CONSTANTINA OSORIO by Jose & Nona Calderon 5:00 P.M. †JULIO & OFELIA CHAPA (AN.) by Israel & Lupita Chapa †ANDRES & RAMONA CANALES (AN.) by Israel & Lupita Chapa †SUSIE GARZA by Family MONDAY JULY 27TH– I.C.C. 6:00 P.M. †YOLANDA G. CANTU by Family TUESDAY JULY 28TH – I.C.C. 6.30 A.M. PRO POPULO - MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE

MARGO Continued from Front Page

2,500 FULLWITH FUNERAL SERVICE SILVER $

4th Anniversary Mass Elida Vera Menchaca 11-19-48 † 7-26-16

SUNDAY JULY 26TH - I.C.C. 9:00 A.M. †CRUZ GARCIA by Su Esposa e Hijos †JUAN GUERRA (1ST AN.) by Family †ALBERTO ZURITA by Garza-De la Torre Family †MARIA ELENA PEÑA (17TH AN.) by Su Esposo e Hijos †GENARO DORIA (29TH AN.) by Sus Hijos †ROMEO GARCIA, SR. by Perez Family

THURSDAY JULY 23RD - I.C.C. 6:30 A.M. PRO POPULO - MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE

Guerra - Gloria Family In Loving Memory of

SATURDAY JULY 25TH - I.C.C. 5:00 P.M. NO MASS

the last three days, I have only slept about six hours. I am both collecting plasma and at the same time arranging plasma for our patients,” Rao said, and emphasized, “I am available to the community. Please give me a call. I beg you.” According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC): • COVID-19 can affect anyone, and the disease can cause symptoms ranging from mild to very severe, and even death; • Everyone is at risk for getting COVID-19 if they are exposed to the virus; and • Some people are more likely than others to become severely ill, which means that they may require hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe, or they may even die.

awareness issues at the Texas AgriLife Extension Office in Rio Grande City. His experience with AmeriCorps and working with ranchers, NRCS and extension rangeland specialists inspired him to change his major to Rangeland Ecology and Management. He returned to A&M and earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Rangeland Ecology and Management. Margo started his federal career with the Department of Interior in Estes Park, Colorado from 2004 to 2006. His next move was to Marfa, Texas as a rangeland management specialist from 2006 to 2014 then onto Tolland, Connecticut as NRCS Soil Survey Region 12 ecological data qualify specialist where he worked on development of ecological sites. He was hired in May 2020 as the national grazing lands coordinator and moved to Fort Worth. “Developing effective grazing plans requires knowledge of land resources, their potential, and dynamics and NRCS provides this valuable information for ranchers or land managers through a product called ecological site descriptions,” said Margo. “Ecological sites are the basic component of a land classification system that identifies areas of land with unique soil and vegetation characteristics. By providing a description of the site’s physical and biological characteristics (soil, climate, landform, plant community dynamics, plant production, and management interpretations), a rancher or land manager can assess the condition of current resources, evaluate management opportunities, and predict the outcome of their management decisions.” Margo served in several details and acting roles with NRCS including: assisting the national rangeland management specialist in development of an ecological site description handbook and ecological site training; served as a subject matter expert for the NEDC course Rangeland

THANKSGIVING NOVENA TO ST. JUDE

O Holy St. Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need, to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. St. Jude pray for us and all who invoke your aid. Amen.

Say three Our Fathers, three Hail Marys and Glorias. Publication must be promised. This Novena has never been known to fail. I have had my request granted. Publication promised.

A. P. R.

Ecology I and II; served in details assisting the National Grazing Land Team in Ft., Worth, and serving as President of the National Organization of Professional Hispanic NRCS Employees (NOPHNRCSE). Margo has been a member of the Society of Range Management since 1999. “I would like to acknowledge my parents, Dr. Roberto S. Margo and Minerva H. Margo for instilling the importance of education, responsibility, and integrity and my wife, Suzanne Margo our son, John Michael and my daughter who is arriving end of this month.” Future Conservation Efforts As the new national coordinator, Margo would like to continue the success of the organization, but also cultivate new national and state partner organizations who support the vision and mission of NatGLC. “Local grazing coalitions are the key to disseminating pertinent grazing land information and assistance,” said Margo. “I would like to eventually see all states have local coalitions. My experience with AmeriCorps has instilled in me their motto of Getting Things Done while working as a team member and that’s what I intend to do in the realm of grazing lands stewardship.” Landowners and land managers interested in knowing the productivity of their land, or need help developing a conservation management plan, or would like a soil and ecological site map of their ranch, can contact their local USDA service center for assistance.

Oración a San Expedito

Mi San Expedito de las causas justas y urgentes, intercede por mi junto a Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, para que venga en mi socorro en esta hora de aﬂicción y desesperanza. Mi San Expedito tú que eres el Santo guerrero. Tú que eres el Santo de los aﬂigidos. Tú que eres el Santo de los desesperados. Tú que eres el Santo de las causas urgentes, protégeme, ayúdame, otorgándome: fuerza, coraje y serenidad. ¡Atiende mi pedido! (hacer el pedido). Mi San Expedito, ayúdame a superar estas horas difíciles, protégeme de todos los que puedan perjudicarme, protege a mi familia, atiende mi pedido con urgencia. Devuélveme la Paz y la tranquilidad. ¡Mi San Expedito! Estaré agradecido por el resto de mi vida y propagaré tu nombre a todos los que tienen Fe. Muchas Gracias. Padre Nuestro, Ave María y Credo.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JULY 22, 2020, PAGE 5

STC Introduces CARES ACT Funded Scholarships for Fall 2020 South Texas College has announced that it will begin offering scholarships to eligible dual and traditional “last dollar” students who have completed their FAFSA application, and who are registered for fall courses. South Texas College introduces two new scholarship opportunities for students who are seeking to enroll at the College in the fall. Approved by STC’s Board of Trustees in June, the college will begin offering two scholarships to dual and traditional “last dollar” students who have completed their FAFSA application, and who are registered for fall courses. STC plans to award approximately $1.2 million in scholarships to students. One scholarship will be $250 for STC Dual Credit Program seniors who just graduated from high school. The other will be a “last dollar” scholarship for traditional

students. The ﬁrst scholarship is for eligible recent high school graduates who participated in the STC Dual Enrollment program and are enrolled for at least 12 hours in the fall. The second scholarship is for eligible traditional students who are enrolled for at least 9 hours in the fall to receive last dollar funds applied towards their ﬁnal balance after all grants and scholarships are applied such as federal Pell grants or state aid. The CARES Act authorizes the U.S. Secretary of Education to make additional awards to address needs directly related to the coronavirus. South Texas College was awarded an allocation due to its Minority Serving Institution status and has opted to use fund to create CARES Act grant funded scholarships for students. In order to apply for the scholarships, students must

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submit their application online through a link on STC’s website. In order to determine eligibility, only students who are or could be eligible for Federal Title IV programs will be considered. Detailed eligibility criteria and the scholarship application are available on the STC website at www.southtexascollege.edu/ cares-scholarship. STC will award scholarships on a first come, first served basis. Scholarships will be awarded until funds are depleted, upon which the college will stop accepting applications. Students who are awarded the scholarship will be notified via e-mail. DREAMers needing financial assistance are encouraged to submit a free Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TAFSA) and contact the Office for Student Financial Services at 956-8728375 to learn more about state aid programs.

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Rio Grande City Native Darren Garcia Named to LEGAL NOTICE Marquette University’s Spring 2020 Dean’s List Darren Garcia of Rio Grande City, has been named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2020 semester at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Garcia is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. To make the Dean’s List, students must have earned at least 12 credits for the spring 2020 semester and have no disqualifying graces. The GPA threshold varies by college:

College of Education and Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, undergraduate students must have at least a 3.7. The undergraduate GPA requirement is 3.5: Diederich College of Communication, College of Business Administration, College of Health Sciences, Opus College of Engineering and College of Nursing. All other programs have a 3.75 GPA minimum.

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a WINE AND BEER R E TA I L E R ’ S O F F P R E M I S E P E R M I T, PA C K A G E S T O R E PERMIT AND PACKAGE S T O R E TA S T I N G PERMIT by: REGALADO INVESTMENTS LLC dba: LOYAL LIQUORS & TOBACCO to be located at 605 W. MAIN ST., SUITE 6, RIO GRANDE CITY, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS. Officers of said LLC are ANGELINA REGALADO.

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JULY 22, 2020, PAGE 6

LEGAL NOTICE DPS Reminds Texans to Take Extra Safety Precautions Application has been made as Summer Heat Continues to Blaze Across the State

with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a WINE AND BEER RETAILER’S OFFPREMISE PERMIT, BY SYNTHIA A. GARCIA LA PASADITA dba CONVENIENCE STORE, to be located at 5097 E. HWY 83, ROMA, STARR COUNTY, TX.

As the dog days of summer Texas Department of Public Safety as the heat can pose an increased continue and temperatures across (DPS) wants to remind all Texans danger for at-risk populations — the state top triple digits, the to take extra safety precautions, including children and the elderly — particularly in vehicles. “We know extreme temperatures place children at a greater risk The San Isidro I.S.D. will be accepting for injury, and even death, when they are left unattended in a proposals for L.P. Gas, Propane, Gasoline, vehicle, and that’s why we want and Diesel Fuel. Proposals must be in the to remind Texans to take every possible and do their Business Office, 5175 FM 1017, San Isidro, precaution part to help ensure no children Texas 78588 by 2:00pm on August 5, 2020 are left unattended in vehicles for further information contact Mr. Leonel this summer,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Extreme heat Olivarez at (956)481-3100. brings many dangers, and those dangers should not be taken lightly. Heat-related injuries and deaths are often preventable, and we must all be vigilant in taking The Area Agency on Aging of the South Texas Development Council is the necessary steps to protect ourselves and others.” currently seeking contractors who are qualiﬁed entities to provide Congregate According to the National Trafﬁc Safety Meals, Home Delivered Meals, Demand/Response Transportation, Highway Administration (NHTSA), Residential Repair, Homemaker, Personal Assistance, In-home Respite, vehicular heatstroke is one of the Emergency Response and Health Maintenance Services. leading causes of fatalities — that is not crash-related — among children. In 2019, 52 children died These services are provided to individuals 60 years of age and older, their in the U.S. due to heatstroke from family members and other caregivers under the Older Americans Act of being left in vehicles. Temperatures inside of a 1965 as amended with funding administered by Health and Human Service vehicle can rise by more than 20 Commission in the Counties of Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb and Zapata. degrees in 10 minutes. If it is a comfortable 60 degrees outside, it can be a sweltering 110 degrees Parties interested in providing services within our service area must contact inside a vehicle. Leaving windows the Area Agency on Aging and request an application during the closed partially rolled down doesn’t help. Additionally, the younger the enrollment period June 15, 2020 through July 31, 2020 for consideration. child, the more severe the effects of heat on their body because of

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To request an application package contact:

South Texas Development Council Area Agency on Aging 1002 Dickey Ln. P.O. Box 2187 Laredo, Texas 78044-2187 (956) 722-3995 1-800-292-5426

their inability to regulate internal temperature. DPS offers the following tips to prevent vehicular heatstroke, and for staying safe and managing the heat: • Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, and always check the back seats or cargo areas of a vehicle before walking away. • Establish reminders that help ensure you remove children from the vehicle. This can include leaving your bag, lunch or cell phone in the back seat with the child’s car seat. • If you see a child alone in a car, call 9-1-1, and emergency personnel will provide guidance. • Teach children not to play in vehicles, and make sure to place keys out-of-reach when not in use. •Drink plenty of water throughout the day even if you do not feel thirsty; you may not realize you’re dehydrated until it’s too late. Also avoid alcohol and beverages high in caffeine or sugar during periods of prolonged outdoor exposure. • Pay attention to your body. Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can develop quickly. Know the warning signs and seek medical attention if necessary. • Check on others, especially the elderly, sick, very young and those without air conditioning. • Don’t forget pet safety. Animals

are also susceptible to heat-related injury or death — don’t put your pets in these dangerous conditions. • Monitor local weather updates and stay aware of any upcoming changes in the weather. • Limit exposure to the sun and stay indoors as much as possible. If possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day. • Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a hat are recommended while spending time outdoors. • Wear sunscreen. Sunburns can affect your body’s ability to cool down. • Be extra careful when cooking outdoors, building campfires or driving off-road to avoid igniting dry vegetation. Also, stay aware of burn bans in your area and always abide by restrictions on outside burning. For additional information on preventing heatstroke in vehicles, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Additionally, Ready.gov, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and the National Weather Service also have helpful tips on staying safe in the heat.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JULY 22, 2020, PAGE 7

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JULY 22, 2020, PAGE 8

NOW HIRING!

S Casa Blanca Apartamentos 2 recámaras, 1 baño, $425 mes, $200 deposito. Estufa y refrigerador, aire central/calefacción, lavanderia. 1805 W. Main St., RGC

Installer - Helper

956-263-1925

Horario Lunes a Viernes 8:00 am a 1:00 pm y 3:00 a 6:00 pm

Trinity A/C & Foam Insulation @ Rio Grande City

Sra. Blanca Lopez

Sr. Fernando Lopez

437-7243 437-7256 Oﬁcina:

488-0345

HELP WANTED

562-1791

2- RANCHES FOR SALE

48 acre & 140 acre - with water well, stock tank & electricity Las Lomas Blanca Rd. Call Johnny for more info.

956-966-0777

SE RENTA O SE VENDE CASA V.F.W. HALL RENTALS En el Garceño. 4 recamaras, 3 baños completos , A/C, cochera, porche con chimenea, cercada.

Para mas información:

956-386-9718

FORForPARTIES AND EVENTS info. call or text - Cell Phones:

735-3295 • 487-5050 • 422-8771

Se vende dos ranchos uno de 48 acres y uno de 140 acres con noria de agua y electricidad Llame a Juan para mas informacion

956-966-0777

SAN ROBERTO APTS.

Spacious 2 Bdrm, 2 Bath with appliances including washer & dryer in units. Walking distance from schools at 399 San Roberto Rd.

CONCRETE PLANT MANAGER

Experience Preferred In Roma, Texas For more information call Granchelli Construction Ken Duke

(956) 454-1043

(956) 535-3952

www.riograndecityapartments.com

CUSTODIAN

NUESTRA CLINICA DEL VALLE, INC. (NCDV) has opening for a Custodian for the Rio Grande City Clinic and Roma Clinic. Experience in routine housekeeping, maintenance and operating various janitorial equipment. Apply at Nuestra Clinica del Valle, Inc. 600 N. Garza, Suite A, Rio Grande City, TX or mail resume to: P.O. Box 1689, Pharr, TX 78577 phone 787-8915; fax 787-2021 Online: www.nuestraclinicadelvalle.org EOE

NOW HIRING!!!

•A/C TECHNICIAN •INSTALLERS •HELPERS

(SULLIVAN CITY)

956-252-5676 •956-257-7044

2019 VW Jetta

STK# P2360

NICE! SUNROOF ONLY 16KLEATHER! MILES!!!

2018 Chevy Colorado

16,995

STK#21194A

NICE ONLY 3KMI

25,995

2019 Hyundai Elantra

STK# P2367

LIKE NEW!

15,995

2017 Ford Explorer XLT

STK# HGA68941

NICE!

24,995

2018 Ford Mustang

STK# 21691A NICE!!

22,995

2018 Chevy Suburban

STK# 20212A

Texas Edition

36,995

2019 Chevy Cruze

STK# 22076

LIKE NEW

15,995

People across the Valley come home to Rio Motor Co. for big savings and family-friendly service!

No Matter Where You Live, Come Home! Paco Cantu Ramiro Barrera 956-208-1821 956-573-6526

Rolando Flores 956-416-8945

(956) 487-2596 · 1-800-509-0003

www.riomotors.com

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JULY 22, 2020, PAGE 9

Trust in America’s farmers, ranchers remains high

Staying Safe this Summer Summer is in full swing, and that means it is time for fun in the sun! As you ﬁnd yourself spending more time outdoors, Medina Electric Cooperative reminds you to stay safe. Home Improvement Projects: Pay attention to where you place metal ladders or dig for fence posts. Before you start any projects, always look up and avoid overhead power lines. Keep a minimum of 10 feet between you and overhead lines. Also, always call 8-1-1 before doing any digging to ﬁnd out if the area you will be working in is clear of underground power lines. •Look Up: Children should never climb trees near power lines – always assume a wire is live. Fly kites and remote-controlled

airplanes in large open areas like a park or a ﬁeld, safely away from trees and overhead power lines. •Taking a Dip: Electrical devices, such as stereos, should be kept at least 10 feet away from swimming pools, and outdoor electrical outlets should always be covered. If you hear a rumble of thunder, exit the pool right away. •Storm Season: Speaking of thunder, summer storms can be dangerous if you’re caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. We are currently in storm season and if you ﬁnd yourself outdoors during a storm, move toward suitable shelter with covered sides, and stick to low-lying ground if possible. •Better Boating: Avoid swimming near a boat or launching

ramp. Electric shock drowning can occur when an electric current escapes boats, docks and lights near marinas, shocking nearby swimmers. The electric shock paralyzes swimmers, making them unable to swim to safety. “It is critical that the public understands electricity can be a silent danger no matter what season. Just because you are outside and away from electronics and electrical outlets, doesn’t mean you are away from the dangers of electricity,” explains Medina EC’s Safety Coordinator, Derly Carrizales. Medina EC encourages its members to have some fun in the sun and always keep safety in mind when enjoying everything summer has to offer.

By Gary Joiner, Publisher A new American Farm Bureau Federation poll shows 84 percent of Americans trust the nation’s farmers and ranchers. The same overwhelming majority support ﬁnancial

assistance from the government for farmers and ranchers struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both ﬁndings are encouraging. It shows the American people understand the challenges of COVID-19 and the impacts it has on the nation’s food supply chain. Importantly, they recognize farmers and ranchers aren’t to blame. Another interesting note from the poll is 59 percent of Americans believe the federal government should classify U.S. agriculture as a matter of national

security. The public is aware how important a stable food supply is to the health and well-being of our nation, and COVID-19 is the reason for that. Many Americans saw limited or empty grocery store shelves for maybe the ﬁrst time in their lifetime. Addressing agricultural labor shortages, ensuring farm and food worker safety and protecting trade partnerships to stabilize agricultural markets are all part of prioritizing U.S. agriculture. It’s heartening to know that, through it all, trust in farmers and ranchers continues to be strong.

CHEVY OPEN ROAD SALES

E VE NT

People across the Valley come home to Rio Motor Company!

STK# 21611

16,995

STK# 21798

24,995

25% OFF

MSRP

MSRP PRICE REDUCTION BELOW MSRP SPECIAL VALUE PRICE 1 CUSTOMER CASH 2 SALE PRICE

2020 CHEVROLET TRAX LS

$16,995

OTHER AVAILABLE OFFERS: 0% APR For 84 Months When You Finance w/GM Financial

STK# 21870

MSRP

MSRP $33,380 PRICE REDUCTION BELOW MSRP -$ 3,378 $30,002 SPECIAL VALUE PRICE 1 -$ 5,007 CUSTOMER CASH 2

$22,790 -$ 2,377 $20,413 -$ 3,418

12,465

SALE PRICE

2020 CHEVROLET EQUINOX LT STK# 21973

OTHER AVAILABLE OFFERS: 0% APR For 84 Months When You Finance w/GM Financial

16% OFF

MSRP

SALE PRICE

2020 CHEVROLET SPARK LS

46,641

18% OFF MSRP PRICE REDUCTION BELOW MSRP SPECIAL VALUE PRICE 1 CUSTOMER CASH 2

$24,995

MSRP

$15,195 -$ 907 $14,288 -$ 1,823

MSRP PRICE REDUCTION BELOW MSRP SPECIAL VALUE PRICE 1 CUSTOMER CASH 2

$12,465

SALE PRICE

2020 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN LS

1 Not available with special finance, lease or some other offers. 2 Not available with special financing, lease and some other offers. 3* 0% APR for 84 months for very well-qualified buyers when financed w/GM Financial.

Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. See Dealer for details. Residency restrictions apply. All prices plus tax, title and license. Take delivery by 08/03/2020.

“No Matter Where You Live, Come Home!”

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

$55,525 -$ 3,332 $52,193 -$ 5,552 $46,641

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JULY 22, 2020, PAGE 10

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JULY 22, 2020, PAGE 11

Wildlife is as stressed as we are!

Covid-19, job losses, race riots and climate change with a weeks long heat dome and no rain, could things get much worse? Probably not for us but, hopefully, we’re ﬁnding ways to cope and some ultimate solutions are beginning to emerge. However, our wildlife species are also facing some increasing challenges. Climate change and the heat dome with little, if any, rain are stressing both plants and animals. Plants are dying or going dormant which denies food for insects which many animals rely on for food. Changing weather patterns also mean that plant foods like berries and seeds mature at different times than animals have come to depend on

to feed young ones. Morning dew is gone and puddles have become little dust bowls. Food and water are increasingly scarce. I have 5 water containers in my bird feeding area. Three are on the ground and 2 are on pedestals. When I w a t c h b i r d s these days it’s early morning or late afternoon and I’m in the shade. While sitting there, I can’t avoid noticing that the birds, doing some feeding, are deﬁnitely attracted to the water. The mockingbirds are especially fond of taking a drink. The scaled quails, who come several times a day to feed never fail to line up for a long drink. I’ve also seen giant toads, Texas toads and frogs doing some soaking. An occasional indigo snake comes

by for a drink. In the morning, tracks and depressions in the moistened soil from tipped water trays are signs the armadillos have been here. What I’m leading up to is this: put some trays of water in your yard! If you do, you’ll not only save some wildlife but you’ll have the enjoyment watching their activity. Not only that but you can feel good about yourself! You can bring even more color and entertainment to your yard by scattering some birdseed and planting s o m e nectar producing flowering plants. Hummingbirds and butterﬂies are delights to watch.

2020 GMC TERRAIN SLE $7,095 OFF

2020 GMC ACADIA SLE $7,190 OFF

MSRP PRICE REDUCTION BELOW MSRP SPECIAL VALUE PRICE 1 CUSTOMER CASH 2

STK# 21542

STK# 21585

MSRP

SALE PRICE

$30,090 -$ 3,595 $26,495 -$ 3,500

SALE PRICE

$22,995

22,995

STK# 21822

28,995

STK# 21599

MSRP

SALE PRICE

$28,995

2020 GMC SIERRA CREW CAB SLE 4WD $10,000 OFF

2020 GMC YUKON XL SLE $10,000 OFF MSRP PRICE REDUCTION BELOW MSRP SPECIAL VALUE PRICE 1 CUSTOMER CASH 2

$36,185 -$ 4,440 $31,745 -$ 2,750

MSRP PRICE REDUCTION BELOW MSRP SPECIAL VALUE PRICE 1 CUSTOMER CASH 2

$57,370 -$ 9,500 $47,870 -$ 500

SALE PRICE

$47,370

47,370

$53,140 -$ 4,000 $49,140 -$ 6,000 $43,140

43,140

1 Not available with special finance, lease or some other offers. 2 Not available with special financing, lease and some other offers.

See Dealer for details. Residency restrictions apply. All prices plus tax, title and license. Take delivery by 08/03/2020.

“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 conoces a alguien que necesita PROVIDER? 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

OMAR REYES (956) 533-9001

Historical Starr County

JULY 22, 2020 PAGE 12

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 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 E. Hwy 83 Ste. B - 956-309-3549 East Hwy 83 Ste A. 956-429-5625 RGC: 4370 NOW Escobares: 4522 NOW Penitas - 1715 Expressway 83 Suite A-2 Penitas Tx- 956-424-0133

New meeting, party and gathering space for Starr County. Isolated with plenty of parking. For more information, please contact: Estela Hernandez @ 279-3175 or Patricio Hernandez @ 735-9914 1960 W. U.S. Highway 83 (old Grande Garbage truck yard). Approximately 1/4 mile on the right before getting to Hospital Road if traveling towards Roma.