June 12, 2024

City of Rio Grande City Swears in New Elected Mayor and Commissioners

The City of Rio Grande City held a special meeting on Monday, June 3, to accept the final canvassing totals and perform the swearingin ceremony for its newly elected officials. The event marked the formal induction of Mayor Gilberto Falcon, Commissioner Ediel Barrera, and Commissioner Eudolio Barrera into their respective offices.

The ceremony was conducted by Judge Jose Luis Garza of the 381st District Court, who administered the oaths of office to the newly elected officials. The meeting, which took place at City Hall, was attended by city officials, residents, and supporters who gathered to witness the transition in leadership.

Mayor Gilberto Falcon expressed his gratitude and readiness to serve the city, emphasizing his commitment to addressing the needs of the community and working collaboratively with the city council and residents.

Commissioners Ediel Barrera and Eudolio Barrera also shared their enthusiasm and dedication to their new roles, highlighting their

Elder Abuse Prevention Month observed in Starr County

Mighty Gladiator Kayleen Perez receives the Gladiator Pride Coin

front row L to R: Nadia Cantu – APS Investigator IV, Norma

Community Engagement Specialist, Daissy Salinas APS Supervisor, Cristina

Melissa Daniels APS Intern, and Aaliyah Hernandez – APS

“Whereas people who are elderly or have disabilities have contributed to the general welfare of this County by helping to preserve customs, convictions, and traditions of many people from diverse backgrounds”

“These residents are vital and integral members of our society and their wisdom and experience have enriched our lives; Elder abuse is grossly underreported because the elderly who are being abused find it very difficult to tell anyone and are usually ashamed and sometimes afraid”.

Protection of senior citizens and disabled citizens is of the utmost importance to Judge Vera, Starr County Commissioners and the Adult Protective Services Personnel who work diligently to ensure that all adults are treated with respect. Judge Vera and the Commissioners urge all citizens to work together to help reduce abuse and neglect of people who are elderly or have disabilities. If anyone wishes to report suspicious behavior please call the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at (800) 252-5400.

Attention Gladiator Nation - Scam Alert

As the digital world increases its hold on our daily lives, so have scam opportunities. Please be aware of a new scam targeting potential donors to Roma ISD schools and programs. If you receive an alert or message from Campus Box Media about a donation or sponsorship, please know it is NOT affiliated with Roma ISD. If you ever have a question about whether a 3rd party is working with a Roma ISD, please call your child’s school or the Roma ISD Administration Building to ensure the partnership exists.

Pictured

Rodriguez – APS Faith Based-

Santana – APS Worker,

Intern. Back Row L to R: Commissioner Jose F. “Kiko” Perez Pct. 1, Commissioner Hernan “Nune” Garza Pct. 4, Judge Eloy Vera, Commissioner Raul “Roy” Pena Pct. 2 and Commissioner Eloy Garza Pct. 3.

Roma ISD Superintendent Carlos M. Gonzalez Jr. gave a commemorative Gladiator Pride coin to Roma High Mighty Gladiator Kayleen Perez in honor of her second State Powerlifting Championship! She is a phenomenal student athlete who is making the Gladiator Nation mighty proud!!

Rio Rattlers and Grulla Gator Athletes Represented the 5A/ Sub 5A West Teams at the RGVBCA Senior Basketball Showcase

Rio Grande City Rattler First Class of Piano Studios Students

Congratulations to Rio Rattlers athletes Kayla Ramos and Moniq Lopez and Grulla Gator athlete Ailynn Solis for representing the 5A/Sub 5A West Teams at the RGVBCA Senior Basketball Showcase held at San Benito HS. In addition, Rio’s Moniq Lopez was presented with the Coach Roy Garcia Memorial Scholarship. RGCGISD is extremely proud of your accomplishments and for representing our community. We also thank our coaching staff for their continual support of our athletes.

Huge Congratulations to the Rio Grande City High School First Class of Piano Studios Students!!! On Monday, May 13th, the RGC Rattler Choir/Piano held their 2024 Spring Concert. The students have made incredible progress, from learning the basics of hand position and finger numbers to playing beautiful melodies. Their hard work and dedication have paid off, and RGC Rattler could not be prouder of each and every one of you! Here is to many more years of making music and creating memories together! Keep playing, and never stop loving music!

Ramiro Barrera Middle School Symphonic Winds Earns 1st Place at the TMEA Honor Band 2C Region 15 Hearing

Congratulations to the Ramiro Barrera Middle School Symphonic Winds on earning 1st Place at the TMEA Honor Band 2C Region 15 Hearing! The band is under the direction of Lizardo Hinojosa. The next hearing will take place at the end of the month in San Antonio, where the students will have the chance to advance to the state level. The Gladiator Nation is mighty proud of these talented student musicians and their teachers!!

Misa de Décimo Aniversario En

Memoria de Alonso Ibañez R.

11-15-45 † 06-12-14

Recordándote

Hace diez años que te fuiste y párese que fue ayer, recordando tu sonrisa nos das una alegría y un nuevo amanecer. Quizás por ser como fuiste estamos aferrados a ti, con nuestros recuerdos sigues estando aquí. Tus hijos te recuerdan por el gran padre y amigo que fuiste, yo te recuerdo como el gran esposo y maravilloso amigo que tu fuiste. Tu fuiste nuestra tristeza y también nuestra alegría; porque tu nos marcaste a cada uno en nuestras vidas. El amor que tu nos diste nunca lo olvidaremos. Por ser el gran hombre que fuiste en nuestros corazones siempre te llevaremos. Te fuiste sin ningún adiós, pero se que desde el cielo nos cuidas con mucho amor.

Se celebrara una misa el Miércoles 12 de Junio a las 6:30 p.m. en la Iglesia Inmaculada Concepcion en RGC, Tx.

Su esposa Rosa E. Ibañez, sus hijos Alonso Jr. (Clarissa), Claudia (Arcadio), Alvaro (Lori Ann), Alfredo y sus nietos.

Familia Ibañez ~ Canales

Senior Karyme G. Silva has been Awarded the Prestigious Terry Foundation Scholarship

Karyme G. Silva, a Class of 2024 senior at Roma High School, has been awarded the prestigious Terry Foundation Scholarship.

This esteemed recognition is a testament to Karyme’s outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, and dedication to community service.

The Terry Foundation Scholarship is granted to exceptional Texas high school seniors who demonstrate exemplary leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to community involvement giving them a full ride to their designated university.

Karyme will pursue her undergraduate education at the

esteemed McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin, majoring in accounting. Congratulations, Karyme!! *** Education is something we have to keep pursuing day after day. ~Premier Brian Gallant

First Anniversary Mass

It’s been a year since you were called home by our Lord and yet it seems like yesterday. The Lord gave us the strength to go forth even though we were going through the darkest time of our lives without you. We thank God for all the wonderful heartfelt memories which we will cherish forever. We know that you’re in heaven now with God, watching over us.

Mass will be celebrated June 17, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Rio Grande City, Tx.

Love you always, your mom Alicia Garza and Mr. & Mrs. Eric Garza

RGCGISD Sensational Reading Challenge Millionaires

Rio Grande City Grulla ISD is proud to recognize the Sensational Reading Challenge Millionaires. These students read at least A MILLION words and tested in the Accelerated Reader program during the 20232024 school. They were celebrated at the Ultimate Hype Trampoline Park and received a USB charging backpack. The Library and Media Services Department proudly provides a world of opportunities for students to engage in reading fostering a desire for lifelong learning.

VMS Celebrated Success with Fun Activities

The Outstanding Achievement of the Veterans Middle School students is so satisfying and rewarding. It gives a sense of pride and humility to see their progress and accomplishments. On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, VMS held the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade unit ceremony where students received their awards. The students then celebrated their success with fun water activities and a wonderful barbecue. The students had an amazing time full of core memories and keep sakes to remember that anything is possible as long as they are willing and try.

It’s Hot! Stay Hydrated and Remain Vigilant to Avoid Heat Exhaustion or Worse, Doctors Say

Texans are no strangers to hot temperatures, but physicians are warning Texans about the dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

“As the temperatures rise and the heat index surges, we see more people in the emergency department (ED) suffering from heat-related illnesses,” said Hilary Fairbrother, MD, an emergency medicine physician and chair of the Texas Medical Association’s Committee on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Trauma.

Austin is an example: since April, Austin-Travis County EMS responded to 177 calls for help because of the heat, a nearly 90% increase from the same period last year. In May, 123 people went to Austin hospitals with heat-related illnesses, compared to 48 last year, officials said.

Human bodies have mechanisms to adapt to the heat; sweating is one of them. If the heat index becomes very high or if someone stays out in the heat too long, the body becomes overwhelmed and cannot cool down enough. That’s when heat

exhaustion or the more severe heat stroke can occur.

Dr. Fairbrother, who treats patients suffering from heat illnesses, says some of the signs of heat exhaustion are a racing pulse, rapid heartbeat, headache, dizziness, nausea, and mild confusion. The condition may pass if the person rests in the shade and drinks water.

Someone suffering from heat stroke will exhibit similar symptoms but on a higher scale. Heat stroke is a serious heatrelated illness that can increase body temperature to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It also can cause permanent disability or death if the person does not receive immediate medical help.

“A person suffering from heat stroke will appear intoxicated, will not make sense, and sometimes will become unconscious or comatose,” said Dr. Fairbrother, adding, “Their body temperature has gotten so high their brain is not functioning very well.”

The emergency physician says

the best way to stay safe in the heat is to stay hydrated. Drink water before going outside, and continue to drink water while out in the heat.

Dr. Fairbrother says she sees patients in her ED who cannot take care of themselves, like infants or older adults who are unable to remove themselves from a dangerously hot environment. Two examples, she says, are a child left in a hot car or an older adult who does not have a working air conditioner, and has no transportation. Seniors in that situation should call 311 to get a ride to a cooling center, she said.

She stresses the importance of being vigilant because intense heat like the Texas summer brings can seriously affect people’s health.

“Sadly, we lose patients every year to heat-related illness,” said Dr. Fairbrother. “They have organ failure because their body has been too hot for too long, and they die.”

She says to immediately call 911 to get medical help if someone has passed out in the heat or seems very sick.

DPS Reminds Texans to Plan Now for Hurricane Season

In support of hurricane preparedness efforts across the state, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds Texans to make an emergency plan. The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season runs June 1 through November 30.

“These storms can pose a serious threat to communities, and it’s crucial that Texans are prepared for whatever may come our way,” said DPS Director

Steven McCraw. “The time to take action to keep your families, loved ones and property safe should a tropical storm or hurricane hit our state this year – is now.”

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

SAFETY TIPS:

•Assemble an emergency kit that includes items such as water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid, flashlights, batteries, battery-powered radio, personal hygiene items and important

documents. Ensure your kit is stored in an easily accessible location, like your vehicle.

•Review hurricane evacuation maps and identify your local evacuation zones. Choose at least two routes in case you need to evacuate.

•Keep your vehicle fueled and ready to go in case evacuation becomes necessary.

•Consider any special needs for individuals with disabilities or the

elderly, including appropriate transportation and support. Ensure they have access to needed medications, medical equipment and mobility aids.

•If you might need assistance during a disaster, register now with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR)—a free registry that provides local

Congratulations to Roma High School Pharmacy Technician Program students who passed

Congratulations to the 14 Roma High School Pharmacy Technician Program students who passed their certification exam! This marks the largest group in school history that has earned their national certification. They are ready to start good-paying jobs right out of high school, and can also choose to go on to study to be pharmacists with great knowledge and skills already under their belts. The students were celebrated

special pinning and award ceremony. They received their pins from their instructor, Milton Barrera, who certified that they are ready to be pharmacy technicians. Thanks to Mr. Barrera for his hard work with the students to prepare them for the rigorous exam, as well as to CTE Director Jaime Escobar Jr. for providing the tools and opportunity for the students to achieve this impressive goal. Congratulations Mighty Gladiators! The Gladiator Nation is mighty proud of you!! (Thanks to GTN student Bruno Garza for the photos.)