New Fire Truck acquired by the City of La Grulla
Canales Drive Inn
50th
Anniversary Celebration
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for joining us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Canales Drive Inn on June 15, 2024. Your presence made our celebration truly special and memorable. e community support over the years has been felt, and it was a joy to share this milestone with everyone who attended. We celebrated this momentous occasion because of you our customers, ank you!
On behalf of the City of Rio Grande City, we would like to introduce the 2024 Miss RGC Freedom Fest Royal Court! Congratulations to all the contestants and thank you for your participation in our pageant! Tiny Miss RGC Freedom Fest - Katalina Bazan, Little Miss RGC Freedom Fest - Mackenzie Rose Lopez, Junior Miss RGC Freedom Fest - Sarah Lee Barrera, and Miss RGC Freedom Fest - Michelle Aurora Meraz.
Rio Grande City Rattler Band 2024-2025 Band Officers: ♦President: Alyna Flores ♦VicePresident: Laurel Cantu ♦ Uniform Manager: Naydeen Marmolejo ♦Assistant Uniform Manager: Cristian Garcia, Deeandra Salinas, Jairo Ojeda, Christian Lozano, Meagan Castillo, and Trinity Rodríguez ♦ Librarian: Christian Lozano ♦ Assistant Librarian: Cristian Garcia, Hector Padron ♦ Historian: Christa Salinas ♦ Equipment Manager: Sammy Sepulveda ♦ Assistant Equipment Manager: Cristian Garcia, Jordan Guzman, and Joseph Romero ♦ Chaplain: Alyna Flores.
Rio Rattlers and Grulla Gators athletes represented the 5A/ Sub 5A West Teams at the RGVCA Senior Basketball Showcase
2024 Seniors Artemio Belmontes and Diego Rodriguez signings to the UT-RGV Track & Field Team
Congratulations to Rio Rattlers athletes Role Rodríguez III and Ezzy Garcia and Grulla Gators athletes Andrew Sanchez and AJ Overvidez for representing the 5A/Sub 5A West Teams at the RGVCA Senior Basketball Showcase held at San Benito HS. RGCGISD is extremely proud of your accomplishments and for representing our community.
Congratulations to Roma High School Class of 2024 Seniors Artemio Belmontes and Diego Rodriguez on their signings to the UT-RGV Track & Field Team!!!
La Comisión de Servicios Públicos insta a los Tejanos a Prepararse Para la Temporada de Huracanes de 2024
La Comisión de Servicios
Públicos de Texas (PUCT) insta a los tejanos a mantenerse alerta e informados durante la temporada de huracanes en el Atlántico de 2024, que comienza 1 de junio y se extiende hasta el 30 de noviembre.
“A medida que nos acercamos a la temporada de huracanes, todos los tejanos deberían tomarse el tiempo para considerar sus planes para condiciones climáticas severas y preparar a sus familias y propiedades para una posible tormenta”, dijo el presidente de la PUCT, Thomas Gleeson. “Los huracanes pueden causar daños importantes a la infraestructura eléctrica y provocar cortes de energía localizados y otros riesgos de seguridad. Es extremadamente importante comprender su propio riesgo personal de huracanes y revisar la PUCT y otros recursos estatales antes de cualquier clima severo”.
En caso de un huracán, los consumidores de electricidad en Texas pueden utilizar la página web Storm Resources de la PUCT para monitorear los cortes de energía locales, encontrar información de contacto para informar cortes locales y revisar otros consejos de seguridad útiles. La División de Manejo de Emergencias de Texas (TDEM) alienta a los residentes en áreas propensas a huracanes a monitorear los pronósticos climáticos locales, elaborar un plan de emergencia, revisar las rutas de evacuación en caso de huracanes, construir un kit que contenga suministros de emergencia y considerar revisar
el riesgo de inundaciones y la cobertura de seguro. Para prepararse para la temporada de huracanes, la PUCT trabaja con proveedores de electricidad en todo el estado para garantizar que cuenten con medidas adecuadas de preparación para huracanes y puedan responder rápidamente a los cortes. La PUCT también ayuda a los proveedores en áreas propensas a huracanes a proporcionar a los clientes información de preparación como parte de sus estados de cuenta. Como parte del Consejo para el Manejo de Emergencias de Texas, la PUCT trabaja en estrecha colaboración con la Oficina del Gobernador,
TDEM y más de otras 30 agencias estatales y sistemas de educación superior para prepararse, responder y recuperarse de condiciones climáticas severas. Durante una emergencia climática severa, el Centro de Comando de Operaciones del Estado de Texas sirve como centro de coordinación y comunicación con el público. Los tejanos deben visitar el Centro de Huracanes de Texas en gov.texas.gov/hurricane y ready.gov/hurricanes para obtener más recursos de preparación y consejos de seguridad.
To learn more, please visit https://www.puc.texas.gov.
CDC Releases Guidance for Preventing Spread of Infections in Schools to Keep Children Healthy and
On May 17, 2024, CDC released consolidated, evidencebased guidance for preventing the spread of infections in K-12 schools. The guidance includes everyday actions that schools can take to prevent and control the spread of respiratory and stomach viruses, such as influenza and norovirus, and bacterial illness, such as strep throat. This guidance is designed to maximize school attendance and its benefits for all students, while also preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Being in school provides many benefits, including ongoing learning and social and emotional development.
“CDC has updated actions schools can take to prevent germs from spreading and keep kids healthy and learning,” said CDC Director Mandy Cohen, M.D., M.P.H. “This update puts lessons learned into actionable steps schools can follow to keep our kids, teachers, and school staff safe.”
This guidance is being released for consideration for the 2024 – 2025 school year. As school administrators are closing out the current school year and planning for the new school year in the fall, CDC is providing the
guidance now to ensure it can be part of those back-to-school preparations.
The strategies found in the new guidance are based on research and expertise CDC gained from decades of working to prevent disease transmission in school settings. They include:
• Teach and reinforce proper hand washing and respiratory etiquette.
• Take steps for cleaner air by improving ventilation in schools. Schools should consider ventilation enhancements and design when undergoing remodeling or when undertaking new building construction to optimize clean air.
• Clean, sanitize, and disinfect, when appropriate.
• Promote vaccinations for students and staff.
When children or staff do become ill, there are additional strategies schools can implement to help slow the spread of infectious diseases, including:
• Have staff and students stay home when they are sick. The guidance makes clear what specific symptoms necessitate staying home.
• When applicable, use personal protective equipment (PPE) for
school staff who are caring for sick children.
• Hand washing, respiratory etiquette, cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting remain important. If illness activity is elevated, schools can consider implementing additional strategies as part of a layered approach to prevention. These additional strategies depend on several considerations, but include actions such as: wearing masks, increasing space and distance between students and using cohorts, conducting illness screening, and testing to screen for illness.
The new guidance also recommends updating or developing school emergency operation plans that include infectious disease sections, and establishing and maintaining key partnerships with health departments, local medical systems, and other community health providers.
The new guidance is consistent with the recently released CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance It is intended to support schools in developing and implementing actions and plans to guide them in maintaining a healthy and safe environment.
DHR Health is delighted to host the 4th Annual Purple Project 5K: A Uniting Run for All Cancers event, scheduled to take place at 8:00 a.m. on June 29, 2024, at the scenic Edinburg Municipal Park located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Road. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Renaissance Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization of DHR Health dedicated to helping local underserved cancer patients with financial and transportation assistance, as well as free wigs. The 5K aims to raise cancer awareness during the month of June, known as “National Cancer Survivors Month.” DHR Health invites cancer survivors, caretakers, family members, and friends to participate in this empowering event that unites
cancer survivors and remembers the memory of lives lost to cancer while demonstrating unwavering support for those currently fighting the disease.
“This event is a celebration of life for cancer survivors, patients, families, and the community. Plus, it’s all for a wonderful cause as the monies we raise help support cancer patients from throughout the Rio Grande Valley,” said Evelyn Saenz, Executive Director of the Renaissance Cancer Foundation.
“With the support of our sponsors and registrants, we raised more than $9,000 at last year’s event, and we hope to exceed those numbers this year.”
Registration is now open. The registration fee is $10 for cancer survivors (no time chip), $25 for runners (with a time chip),
and $20 for walkers (no time chip). Additionally, the first 300 registered participants to cross the 5K finish line will receive a commemorative medal. To register, visit the event’s official website at www.dhrhealth.com/ purpleproject5K.
According to the National Cancer Institute, an individual is considered a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis through the balance of his or her life. Each survivorship experience is unique, as survivors may face various challenges during and after treatments.
For more information about the Purple Project 5K, to make a donation, please contact Evelyn Saenz, Executive Director of the Renaissance Cancer Foundation, at 956-362-2191 or via email at ev.saenz@dhr-rgv.com.
Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain
To: All interested Agencies including all Federal, State and Local, Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that County of Starr has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 and/or 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management, to determine the potential affect that its activity in the floodplain and wetland will have on the human environment for HOME Program Reservation System Participant under Contract No. 1003549/1003550. The proposed project is located at 600 E. Dr Martin St., Rio Grande City, Starr County, Texas. The funds will be used to Demolish existing dilapidated home located in a flood area, located in a lot of approximately 50 feet wide and approximately by 120 feet long, and reconstruct new housing on the same footprint. This home will be for elderly and/or physically challenged citizens. Property is located on FEMA FIRM 48427C0570C in Zone A. Less than 1 acre total are in the 100 year floodplain
The County of Starr has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values:
1. Relocate the proposed activities outside the floodplain – this alternative suggests purchase of additional property to relocate residents and was rejected due to additional financial commitments.
2. Choose applicants that are not in a 100 year floodplain – this alternative suggests excluding applicants that are not located in a 100 year floodplain. This was rejected because applicants are based on need, and this is an opportunity to assist those that are considered most in need as well as better reinforce the structures to resist possible flooding.
3. Locate the proposed activities within the floodplain – this is considered necessary from a public interest standpoint and the homes are intended to be elevated about the base flood elevation.
The County of Starr has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of [Executive Order 11988 and/or 11990], are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments. This activity will have no significant impact on the environment for the following reasons: This projects pose no significant impacts to residents or floodplain as the home is intended to be raised above two feet the base flood elevations.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information about floodplains can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by the County of Starr at the following address, 100 North FM 3167, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 on or before June 27, 2024: Attention: Ms. Connie Cantu, Project Manager during the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Comments may also be submitted via email at ccantu@co.starr.tx.us
Date: June 19, 2024
RGC Public Library Kicks-Off 2024 Fun
Friday’s Series with Jurassic RGV Presentation
The Rio Grande City Public Library kicked off its Summer 2024 Fun Friday’s series with a thrilling presentation by Jurassic RGV, featuring life-like dinosaurs that captivated audiences on Friday morning, May 31.
The Summer Fun Friday’s series will continue with a variety of engaging and entertaining events for the community. The upcoming schedule includes:
June 21: Rio High Wrestling Team (10:00 am, Basilio V. Municipal Park)
July 12: PokeFest (10:00 am, RGC Public Library)
July 19: Author Patty York Raymond (10:00 am, RGC Public Library)
July 26: RGC Police Department (10:00 am, RGC Public Library)
August 2: Kelsey-Bass Museum (10:00 am, RGC Public Library)
August 9: Smoky Bear’s 80th Birthday (10:00 am, Basilio V. Municipal Park)
All events are free and open to the public, offering a range of activities designed to entertain
and educate attendees of all ages. “We’re excited to bring such a diverse lineup of events to our community this summer,” said RGC Public Library director
Norma Fultz. “Our goal is to provide fun, educational, and memorable experiences for families and individuals in Rio Grande City.”
Texas A&M-Kingsville Graduates Celebrate Spring Commencement
Graduates from Texas A&M University-Kingsville walked the stage Friday, May 10, in three commencement ceremonies held in the Steinke Physical Education Center.
Prospective undergraduates from the College of Business Administration, the College of Education and Human Performance and the Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering crossed the stage at 10 a.m.
Students with the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the College of Arts and Sciences graduated at 1:30 p.m.
Graduates students receiving either master’s or doctoral degrees from all colleges received their degrees during a 4:30 p.m. ceremony.
There were a total of 791 students who graduated Friday.
All ceremonies can be viewed at https://www.tamuk.edu/ commencement/ and are shared on the university’s social media pages.
Rio Grande City
Bachelor of Music: Carlos Javier Garcia, Domingo Garza, Maritza A. Gonzalez, and Erin Solis. Bachelor of Science - Sabrina
Garza.
