JUNE 30, 2021 by Starr County Town Crier

STARR VISION CENTER

487-2440

300 East Main St. R.G.C.

Dr. Angie Ramirez Therapeutic Optometrist

CASTAÑEDA Auto Insurance & Bail Bonds

488-0808 487-7000 280 W. 2nd St. R.G.C.

The Law Ofﬁce Of

J.M. “Chema” Garza Vol. 36, No. 26 WEEKLY WEDNESDAY • JUNE 30, 2021 Ofﬁce (956) 487-6544 - Fax (956) 487-6165 - E-Mail: sctc78582@aol.com - www.starrcountytowncrier.com

Criminal Cases (Federal/State) Car Accidents/ 18 Wheeler Divorces • Real Estate/Deeds

956-317-1167 206 N. Britton Ave. Ste.B, R.G.C. jmchemagarza@gmail.com

RGV Wound Care Hyperbaric Medicine and Simon Garza Chosen to Lead 487-2596 Lymphedema Management Group, PLLC Roma High Cross Country Program 4343 E. Hwy. 83 R.G.C.

NOW OFFERING OUTPATIENT WOUND CARE IN RIO GRANDE CITY

Installment Loans 668 E. Grant St. Ste A&B Roma TX 78584-5312

Phone (956) 849-4497

RGV Wound Care is a group of 3 physicians: Maria Aguinaga, MD, FAPWCA; Jose M. Rodriguez, MD, FAPWCA; Alejandro Hernandez, MD, FAPWCA all certiﬁed in Wound Care, Hyperbaric Management and Lymphedema serving communities from Rio Grande City to Brownsville Texas. Dr. Maria D. Aguinaga is a family medicine doctor in McAllen, Texas and is afﬁliated with multiple hospitals in the area. She received her medical degree from the University of Panama School of Medicine. She has been in practice for over 20 years and has been serving the Rio Grande City community for the past 2 years serving nursing home patients.

Dr. Raymond Cruz Best FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dental Insurance, Medicaid and Chip Accepted

487-2999 419 East 2nd St. Rio Grande City, Tx.

RGV Wound Care Hyperbaric Medicine and Lymphedema Management Group, PLLC is delighted to announce that we now offer outpatient wound care in the city of Rio Grande City. We are excited at the opportunity to take care of you and provide you with the highest standard of care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (956) 331-8150 RGV Wound Care es un grupo que cuenta con 3 médicos: Maria Aguinaga, MD, FAPWCA; Jose M. Rodriguez, MD, FAPWCA; Alejandro Hernandez, MD, FAPWCA todos certiﬁcados en cuidado de heridas, manejo hiperbárico y linfedema al servicio de las comunidades desde la ciudad de Rio Grande hasta Brownsville Texas. La Dra. Maria D.Aguinaga es una doctora en medicina familiar en McAllen, Texas y está aﬁliada a múltiples hospitales en el área. Recibió su título de médico de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Panamá. Ha estado en la práctica por más de 20 años y ha estado sirviendo a la comunidad de la ciudad de Rio Grande durante los últimos 2 años atendiendo a los pacientes en hogares de ancianos. En RGV Wound Care Hyperbaric Medicine and Lymphedema Management Group, PLLC estamos encantados de anunciar que ahora ofrecemos atención ambulatoria de heridas en la ciudad de Rio Grande. Estamos entusiasmados con la oportunidad de cuidar de usted y brindarle el mejor estándar de atención. Para obtener más información o para programar una cita, favor de llamar al (956) 331-8150

By: Roma ISD Athletics Program Roma ISD welcomes Simon Garza as head coach of Roma High’s Cross Country Team. A 1994 Roma High School graduate, Garza brings 19 years as an educator and coach to the position. “I have worked all levels from 7th grade to Head Girls Basketball, and I have coached cross country, volleyball, boys and girls basketball, baseball, and softball at the high school level,” he said. “It has been a joy to lead teams to the playoffs in basketball and baseball, and to the regional cross country meet. Currently I work with Adapted Physical

Education, which brings me a lot of joy working with the students and seeing them progress. I love my job, I love education and I can’t wait to bring that passion to the Cross Country Team in the new school year. Go Gladiators!”

City of Roma Police Department Safety Seat Inspection Event a Total Success

Thanks to the collaboration of Constables Rey Rodríguez and Ivan Garza, Safety Seat Inspection Event was a total success. Thanks to their efforts TXDOT Pharr District and Laredo District join forces and provided car seats and 6 technicians for the community. The event replaced 51 car seats thanks to the expertise of 13 Child Passenger Safety Technicians from TXDOT, DSHS, Roma Police Dept. and Driscoll Health Plan. 325 children under 5 years old are saved by car seats per year, and Safety Seat Inspection Event provided education and safety tips that will prevent injuries and save lives. OPEN MON-SUN 7AM-7PM

BIG DOOR SALE LARGE SELECTION

WE HAVE A NEW LINE OF DOORS AVAILABLE

956-487-2140 5470 E. HWY 83 R.G.C. TX 956-519-3237 • 6601 W. HWY 83 - MISSION, TX

• Individual • Partnership • Corporations • LLC’s • Bookkeeping • Payroll • Financial Statements • Form 2290 • IRS Audit Representation

Mario A. Méndez, EA Licensed to practice before the IRS (Internal Revenue Service)

(NEW LOCATION)

201 S. San Antonio. St. Rio Grande City, TX (956)

317-1124

CHUY Alvarez ATTORNEY AT LAW

El abogado con mas de 34 años de experiencia

501 N. Britton Ave • Rio Grande City, Texas

956-487-4871 Cell: 956-208-0282 NOT CERTIFIED BY THE TEXAS BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JUNE 30, 2021, PAGE 2

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Saturday, June 26, 2021

129 N FM 3167, Suite A | Rio Grande City, Tx

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JUNE 30, 2021, PAGE 3

Texas Senator wins national Franco’s Furniture Donates to Support Roma Baseball Team sweepstakes award

A Texas Senator and communications business owner has won the overall sweepstakes award in the National Federation of Press Women’s 2021 Professional Communications Contest. Judith Zaffirini of Laredo was honored June 12, 2021, at an online NFPW awards ceremony. She won $250 cash and a plaque for finishing in first place. She is the first Hispanic woman elected to the Texas Senate, the Kearney Hub. Recipients were honored for second highest-ranking senator, excellence in communications A big thanks to Franco’s Furniture of Roma for sponsoring the shirts for the Roma High Mighty Gladiator Baseball Team members for the and the highest-ranking woman summer league program! and Hispanic senator. She was during virtual awards ceremonies. re-elected in 2020 in the tenth landslide victory. She has received more than 1,100 awards and honors for her legislative, public service and professional work, including more than 400 in communication. Zaffirini has 13 years of teaching experience, including at college and university levels. Press Women of Texas twice selected her as their Communicator of Achievement. She has won many awards from PWT and NFPW for her publications, speeches and public relations campaigns. Through her business, Zaffirini Communications, she also provides professional communication services, including consulting, workshops and seminars, keynote addresses, and writing. NFPW President Gwen Larson praised Zaffirini for her accomplishments. “Judith Zaffirini is a talented communication professional who understands the many different channels available to share one’s message. Being able to adapt messages to a myriad of outlets is a special talent.” Mary Jane Skala of Kearney, Nebraska, a reporter for the Kearney Hub, finished in second place. Finishing in third place, Lori Potter, retired earlier this year after

a writer and photographer for the

The Valley’s Bank…Since 1983.

Proud to be Starr County’s Bank. We’re Here to Stay.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JUNE 30, 2021, PAGE 4

WEDNESDAY JUNE 30TH - I.C.C. 6:00 P.M. †CHAYSE OLIVAREZ by His Family THURSDAY JULY 1ST - I.C.C. 6:30 A.M. †GALO & LUCRECIA CREMAR by Family †TOMASITA A. GONZALEZ by Her Children FOR THE FRIENDS & BENEFACTORS OF THE BENEDICTINE SISTERS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD by Benedictine Sisters FRIDAY JULY 2ND - I.C.C. 6:00 P.M. †HUMBERTO & ALONZO LOPEZ (AN.) by Lopez Family †ILMAR DIAZ (1ST AN.) by Family

SATURDAY JULY 3RD - I.C.C. 5:00 P.M. †ENRIQUE & CELIA GARZA by Family †JOSE A. GUERRA (AN.) by Flerida Guerra & Family †HAROLD & HUGO HINOJOSA by Family †OSCAR A. GARCIA (27TH AN.) by Mr. & Mrs. Abel Porras ACCIÓN DE GRACIAS PARA VEINTICINCO ANIVERSARIO DE MATRIMONIO DE JOE & ROSA DUARTE by Su Familia SUNDAY JULY 4TH - I.C.C. 7:00 A.M. PRO POPULO - MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE SUNDAY JULY 4TH - I.C.C. 9:00 A.M. †DAVID H. GARZA, SR. by Florence

Card of Thanks In Loving Memory of

Maria de Jesus Contreras 04/10/1955 † 06/10/2021

He Only Takes The Best God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put his arms around you and whispered, ‘Come with Me.’ With tearful eyes we watched you slowly fade away, although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us... He only takes the best.

The family of Maria de Jesus Contreras would like to express our sincere gratitude to our relatives and friends for your kindness and sympathy during the loss of our loved one. Our heartfelt thanks to those who came by her side while she was at the hospital and to those who attended the services. Our appreciation goes out to everyone for your expressions of love through prayers, masses, �lowers, and food. In our time of sorrow, you have given us much needed strength.

Husband Efrain Ortiz, Children Milo, JL, & Loren

Ortiz ~ Contreras Family

Thank you, St. Jude, for the hope you offer to all who believe in you. Melissa Y. Hernandez

†JUAN LANDA JR. (23RD AN.) by Su Familia †RAMONA G. PORRAS (22ND AN.) by Porras Family †EDUARDO GUERRERO (1ST AN.) by His Children †CRUZ GARCIA by Su Esposa e Hijos SUNDAY JULY 4TH - I.C.C. 11:00 A.M. †CEFERINO PATIÑO by Patiño Family †MARIA G. DURAN (1ST AN.) by Family †ABRAHAM ORTA (1ST AN.) by Wife & Family †EDEN M. GALACE by Calderon Family †LUIS A. GOMEZ by Wife & Children 5:00 P.M. †JOSEIAS SEPULVEDA by Wife & Family

†JUAN LUIS GARCIA (2ND AN.) by Su Familia MONDAY JULY 5TH– I.C.C. 6:00 P.M. †CAROLINA M. RAMIREZ (12TH AN.) by Family †VIOLA MARIA CANCHOLA by Family †MARYANN CANCHOLA by Family TUESDAY JULY 6TH – I.C.C. 6.30 A.M. †OLIVIA R. TREVIÑO (AN.) by Alma Gloria T. Gonzalez & Family †RAUL RUBEN “RUDY” GARCIA (9TH AN.) by Family †ERNESTO I.”NETO” LOPEZ (4TH AN.) by Family

APCIA: Take Steps to Prevent Underinsurance 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.

A. P. R.

National Insurance Awareness Day is recognized on June 28 each year as an important reminder for individuals, families, and businesses to review their insurance policies, which can help prevent being underinsured. Having the right amount and the right types of insurance coverage, such as windstorm and a ﬂood insurance policy, helps individuals,

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families, and businesses financially recover quicker if their property is damaged or destroyed in a natural disaster, according to the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA). “The issue of underinsurance can arise after a major catastrophe when building costs skyrocket and consumers find they do not have enough coverage to rebuild,” said Jeff Brewer, vice president of public affairs for APCIA. “A national shortage of construction materials, including lumber and computer chips used in smart appliances, could result in delays and higher costs, making recovery and rebuilding more challenging if widespread losses occur. Take time to review your policy with your insurer or agent before a disaster strikes and create a home inventory to help make sure you are fully covered.” Underinsurance also occurs when a property is insured for the market value, which is what it can be sold for, instead of the cost to repair or replace the structure, which can often be higher than market value. When reviewing your insurance policies with your insurer or agent, APCIA offers the following tips to help make sure you are fully covered: •Ask if your policy pays replacement cost or actual cash value. Actual cash value takes depreciation into account, and replacement cost is the amount necessary to rebuild the home with construction materials of like kind and quality. •Ask if your policy includes extended replacement cost coverage, which increases the coverage available to rebuild your home if labor and material costs skyrocket after a natural disaster. •Ask if your policy includes optional higher limits of Additional Living Expense (ALE) coverage, which helps cover hotel and food costs if a longer timeframe is needed to rebuild your home. •Ask if your policy includes coverage for building code upgrades and annual inflation adjustment. •Check to see if your policy reflects the correct square footage and materials of your home. •Check to see that your policy accounts for any recent home improvements or remodels. Homeowners should also evaluate their flood risk. Flood damage is typically not covered under a standard homeowners policy. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, just one inch of water can cause upwards of $25,000 in damage to your home. Flood insurance is available as a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or the private market, although some insurers may offer it as an endorsement to the homeowners policy. Even if your home is outside of a designated flood risk zone, you could still be susceptible to flooding. “Flood policies take 30 days before they go into effect so don’t delay in obtaining flood coverage,” added Brewer.

APCIA members represent all sizes, structures, and regions—protecting families, communities, and businesses in the U.S. and across the globe.

11 Roma High Softball Players Named All-District Academic Stars

Congratulations to the amazing Roma High Mighty Gladiator Student Athletes from the Softball Team for being named to the All-District Academic Team!

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JUNE 30, 2021, PAGE 5

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JUNE 30, 2021, PAGE 6

9 señales de que su hijo pequeño tiene problemas de visión Staying safe in the great outdoors M u c h o s padres pueden atestiguar, que descifrar las necesidades de un niño puede ser un desafío cuando ese niño aún no es capaz de comunicarse por completo. El diagnóstico de problemas de salud puede requerir un poco de prueba y error. Por eso, no es de extrañar que muchos padres no sepan si sus hijos tienen problemas de visión. Los exámenes de bienestar de rutina realizados por el médico de su hijo pueden ayudar a determinar si un niño tiene problemas de visión. Los médicos pueden detectar sutilezas que los padres pueden no ver, incluidos signos que sugieren que los niños tienen problemas de visión. La Asociación Estadounidense de Optometría recomienda exámenes de la vista a los seis meses, tres años y antes de ingresar al primer grado, así

como cada dos años a partir de entonces hasta los 18 años. Las evaluaciones iniciales de la vista generalmente se realizan en el consultorio de un pediatra. Los padres pueden hablar con el pediatra de sus hijos y preguntarle si puede buscar señales de problemas de visión en sus hijos o hijas. Algunos pediatras pueden recomendar que los niños visiten a un optometrista u oftalmólogo. Además de hablar con los pediatras de sus hijos, los padres pueden estar atentos a las siguientes señales de advertencia que los niños pueden presentar cuando experimentan trastornos de la visión. ·Entrecerrar los ojos, que puede ser un signo de compensar la mala visión. ·Sentarse demasiado cerca del televisor o sostener la pantalla de una tableta cerca de la cara. ·Cubrirse o cerrar un ojo. ·Frotarse los ojos por fatiga visual y no por fatiga general. ·Acercar juguetes u otros

objetos. ·Inclinación de la cabeza, que podría ser una señal de que la visión puede ser mejor en un ojo que en el otro. ·Incapacidad para hacer contacto visual constante o seguir un objeto en un bebé mayor de tres meses. ·Ojos cruzados o desalineados después de los cuatro meses. ·Los niños que se distraen fácilmente en situaciones de aprendizaje o que tienen diﬁcultad para prestar atención pueden estar perdiendo interés debido a problemas con su visión. Un enfoque proactivo de la salud ocular por parte de los padres cuando los niños son pequeños puede ayudar a corregir los problemas desde el principio y garantizar que los niños puedan ver y funcionar con éxito a lo largo de los años. El tratamiento temprano puede conducir a mejoras importantes a largo plazo en la visión.

Vaccinations are helping many people across the globe return to something resembling normalcy after more than a year of living in unusual circumstances. Though the world seems to be on the cusp of getting back to normal life, public health officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization continue to emphasize the importance of staying vigilant to stop the spread of COVID-19. Officials with the CDC have urged political leaders to keep social distancing and mask mandates in place even as the number of vaccinated Americans exceeded 100 million. This summer people may be more comfortable getting out of the house to enjoy the great outdoors than they were a year ago, especially if they’re fully vaccinated. Those who want to follow the advice of public health officials can consider these strategies to keep themselves and others safe as they spend time in nature. · Visit beaches during off-peak hours. Crowded beaches were a

significant cause for concern in the summer of 2020. Many beachgoers did not wear masks and it proved difficult to practice social distancing on crowded beaches. This summer it may be most safe to visit beaches during off-peak hours, such as during the late afternoon. Beaches tend to be less crowded as the sun starts to set and dinnertime approaches, so people who want to stay safe but still hear waves crashing on the shore can visit the beach later in the day, even brining dinner so they can enjoy a beach picnic. · Wear masks when hiking. Hiking is a great way to enjoy all that nature has to offer. Hiking trails likely won’t be as crowded as sunny beaches, but it’s hard to stay six feet apart on narrow trails, especially when encountering hikers going in the opposite direction. Wear masks throughout your hike and afford fellow hikers as much room as possible on the trails. · Consider private experiences. Whale watching adventures and group fishing excursions are popular among vacationers and

others who want to have a fun day on the water. Unfortunately, crowded boats can make it easy for the virus to spread, especially if mask mandates have been lifted. Before booking a day on a boat, inquire about the company’s safety protocols, including whether or not they’re limiting capacity and insisting all guests wear masks. If not, consider a private boat just for your family or the people within your bubble. · Bring everything along. Bringing meals, water and snacks along on your trip into the great outdoors can minimize your exposure to others. That reduces the likelihood that you will catch the virus or potentially spread it to others. Bringing your own food and water along also ensures you won’t go hungry or thirsty while on the trails or relaxing on the beach. People may feel more safe about enjoying the great outdoors this summer than they did a year ago. But safety measures like mask wearing, social distancing and avoiding crowds should remain a priority in the months ahead.

Job Announcement For a City Engineer Rio Grande City Planning Department JOB TITLE & CLASSIFICATION: City Engineer, Rio Grande City Planning Department. Permanent, Full-Time position.

JUNE 30, 2021 REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS NO. 2021-01 ENGINEERING SERVICES PUBLIC NOTICE The City of Rio Grande City is soliciting proposals from engineering ﬁrms to perform such work in the State of Texas for: Rio Grande City Waste Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation/ Expansion and West 83 Sanitary Sewer Collection System.

A copy of the RFQ is on the city’s website: www.cityofrgc.com Please submit a statement of qualifications for each of the projects to the address below: Melissa Garza, City Secretary City of Rio Grande City 5332 E. US Highway 83 Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 Proposals shall be received by the City no later than 5:00 p.m. on the July 28, 2021. For additional information, email your requests or questions to eybeas@cityofrgc. com. The City reserves the right to negotiate with any and all individuals or firms that submit proposals, as per the Texas Professional Services Procurement Act and the Uniform Grant and Contract Management Standards. The City of Rio Grande City is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The City Engineer is responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating and directing the City’s municipal engineering programs involving civil engineering projects, developments, construction, inspection, surveying, and other related duties will include: coordinating with department supervisors and project reviewers to ensue expedient review of commercial site plans; reviews plat, approves subdivision construction plans; provides information to the public in person and on the telephone concerning subdivisions and site development engineering and planning requirements. A successful candidate must possess comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of professional civil engineering as applied to the design and construction of department projects and skill in their application, including computer applications; design specifications, construction, operation, and maintenance of complex improvement projects; and Federal, state and local laws pertaining to civil engineering and construction contracting. Candidates must also be able to analyze complex engineering projects and determine the best, cost effective approach; design, estimate and prepare plans for capital improvement programs. REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related field; prefer six (6) years of experience working in land development for a municipality or consulting engineer, including one year of experience in a supervisory role. Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Texas. Ability to operate design software and read and interpret information from construction plans. Must have a valid driver’s license. SALARY & COMPENSATION: Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include retirement, health insurance, holiday, sick and vacation leave NOTE: A full size description of the position may be acquired by email request: vbrown@cityofrgc.com Applications, Resumes and Letters of Recommendations, may be submitted to: vbrown@cityofrgc.com Application may be picked-up at City Hall Valerie Brown-Garza, Personnel Director 5332 E HWY 83 Rio Grande City, TX 78582 956/487-0672 www.cityofrgc.com City of Rio Grande City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Delia G. Garcia Elementary Warriors Enjoying New 3-D Printing Machine

The Delia G. Garcia Elementary School Warriors are enjoying using the new campus 3-D printer during their summer enrichment program. How awesome!

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JUNE 30, 2021, PAGE 7

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JUNE 30, 2021, PAGE 8

LEGAL NOTICE

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 PREMISE PERMIT, by: JUANA CAMPOS dba LA VICTORIA GROCERY, to be located at 1315 N. FM 2360, RIO GRANDE CITY, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS.

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 PREMISE PERMIT, by: LINORA RODRIGUEZ dba LAS BUGANBILIAS DRIVE THRU, to be located at 68 SUNTEX RD., RIO GRANDE CITY, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS.

Dispelling popular myths about lightning Powerful thunderstorms full of lightning can occur at any time of the year, but they are most prevalent when the weather is warm. Moisture and warmth are crucial to thunderstorms, and they form when the air is unstable. According to The Weather Channel, as the sun heats up the air near the Earth’s surface, air rises and cools. At this point, it condenses to create moisture and forms a cloud. If conditions are right, the cloud will continue to build. Moisture is carried up high and forms ice crystals or hail.

These ice particles bump into one another and give off electrical charges. Negative charges are attracted to positive charges around them, including on the ground. If the attraction is great enough, negative and positive charges will join together and discharge. It is this discharge that produces lightning and thunder. Though magniﬁcent to watch and experience, lightning can be very dangerous. That is why it is essential people move indoors when storms are approaching. In addition, it’s important to separate fact from ﬁction regarding lightning. The following are some common myths about lightning, and what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Insurance Information Institute have to say about them. 1. Myth: Lightning never strikes the same place twice. Fact: Lightning can strike the same place twice, especially if it is a tall, pointy, isolated object. The Empire State Building has been

hit up to a dozen times during a single storm. 2. Myth: Crouching down outside during a thunderstorm is a safe option. Fact: You are not safe anywhere outdoors. Try to get to a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle. 3. Myth: If the sky is clear you are safe from lightning. Fact: Lightning can strike more than three miles from the center of the thunderstorm, far outside the rain or thunderstorm cloud. 4. Myth: Lightning victims carry an electrical charge and another person can be electrocuted if he or she touches them. Fact: The human body does not store electricity. Provide ﬁrst aid immediately if you are able and call 9-1-1. 5. Myth: You are completely safe in your home. Fact: While you are much more safe in a sturdy home, lightning will travel toward the ground via the fastest route possible. That can mean along pipes, cables, gutters,

water, wires, and metal windows. Using a corded electronic device or even washing the dishes while a storm is overhead can put you at risk. 6. Myth: Rubber tires insulate people from lightning while driving. Fact: It’s actually the metal car that protects occupants. The lightning travels through the car frame to the ground. Don’t lean on doors during a thunderstorm. Lightning is a considerable hazard and should be treated as such. There is no completely safe place to be during a lightning event. However, there are ways to reduce risk of injury.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JUNE 30, 2021, PAGE 9

Health Coverage Extensions Will Help Mothers, Children Women can access critical health care longer after delivering their babies, and more children will continue uninterrupted medical care, thanks to two new bills that will become Texas law. Gov. Greg Abbott recently signed Texas House Bill 133 and House Bill 2658, ensuring longer Medicaid health care coverage for these populations who are susceptible to health complications – even death – if that care is interrupted. HB 133 extends Medicaid coverage for eligible women to six months postpartum instead of 60 days after the woman gives birth or miscarries. “We are moving in the right direction and are really excited the legislators prioritized this issue to successfully pass an extension,” said Kimberly Carter, MD, co-chair of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) Task Force on Health Care Coverage and an Austin obstetrician-gynecologist. Women can suffer a variety of serious medical problems for a full year after giving birth, according to Emily Briggs, MD, a member of TMA’s Committee on Reproductive, Women’s, and Perinatal Health. “Too many women die during pregnancy or in the year following, though nine in 10 of these deaths were potentially preventable,” she told lawmakers in written testimony this session. Many women experience problems like postpartum depression, hypertension, and other bad health

conditions after delivering a baby. Having routine access to a physician’s care can help manage or reduce these conditions, and even save lives. TMA asked lawmakers to support 12 months of continuous coverage for Medicaid-covered women in the original version of the bill because those conditions tend to linger. “When [a woman is] ﬁrst being treated for, say, hypertension, it’s not like we give her medicine and she’s cured,” said Dr. Briggs, a New Braunfels family physician. “We need time with that medication, for lifestyle management or for coping mechanisms if its depression. … It’s an ongoing life issue.” To enact the law, Texas must pursue a federal Medicaid waiver, which TMA urges the state and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to quickly negotiate.

Likewise, Texas children insured by Medicaid are more assured coverage won’t suddenly end, thanks to improvements in House Bill 2658. Children under 19 years old on Medicaid will have two consecutive six-month periods of coverage. “There was a lot of bureaucracy, a lot of red tape that resulted in a lot of kiddoes losing their coverage, and this House bill essentially removes [most of] that red tape,” said Dr. Briggs. “It makes it so that children can continue their coverage without having to jump through so many hoops.” The law directs Texas Medicaid to provide eligible children six months of continuous coverage, then the state will verify a family’s household income electronically to prove the child is still eligible for coverage for another six months.

Currently, parents must verify their child’s eligibility four more times after the initial six-month coverage period. If the child remains income-eligible, the family will not need to take additional action. If the electronic veriﬁcation cannot conﬁrm income (which often occurs), parents will be contacted to verify income before coverage lapses. (Parents previously had 10 days to provide that income-

verification documentation; now they will have 30 days.) Parents routinely missed the verification deadline, even though the children would have qualified for coverage. This contributed to Texas’ worstin-the-nation pediatric insured rate. “If a parent inadvertently misses a deadline or does not submit all the documentation, his or her child will lose coverage even though in most cases the child remains eligible.

Lost coverage means children often have gaps in care,” said Lindy McGee, MD, a pediatrician, in March legislative testimony. “If this happens, a patient can go without an asthma controller for an extended period and end up in the emergency department to treat a preventable attack,” she told lawmakers. Both HB 2658 and HB 133 take effect on Sept. 1, 2021.

TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES AND PUBLIC GROUPS: The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) issued a Categorical Exclusion from a full environmental review on June 21, 2021, for the City of Roma, Wastewater System Improvements Project, Starr County, Texas, Clean Water State Revolving Fund, TWDB Project No. 73904. The full text and maps for the Categorical Exclusion are available on the TWDB website at: http://www.twdb.texas.gov/ financial/reports/environmental_findings/index.asp. Comments regarding this determination may be submitted to the Director of Regional Water Project Development, Texas Water Development Board, P.O. Box 13231, Austin, Texas 78711‐3231 or via email at RWPDEnvironmental@twdb.texas.gov.

NOTICE OF MEETING Region M Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group Wednesday, August 4, 2021, 10:30 AM Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council 301 W. Railroad, Weslaco, TX 78596 Meeting may also be attended virtually via GoToMeeting: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/983136773 You may also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (872) 240-3412 Access Code: 983-136-773

Early Notice and Public Review 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 Starr County has determined that the following proposed action under HOME Program Reservation System Participant Contract #1003020/#1003021 is located in the 100year floodplain, and County of Starr will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and the potential impacts on the floodplain from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The proposed project is located at 109 Juarez Street, Rio Grande City, Starr County, Texas. The funds will be used to Demolish the existing dilapidated home located in a 100 year floodplain which is 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 481678C570C in flood zone A. Less than 1 acre total are in the 100 year floodplain. 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 this area. 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 Starr County at the following address on or before July 15, 2021: Starr County, 100 North FM 3167, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582, 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 Published: June 30, 2021

The Region M Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group (RGRWPG) will hold a Pre-Planning Public Input Meeting as part of their regularly scheduled meeting on August, 4, 2021 at the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council, 301 W. Railroad, Weslaco, TX 78596 beginning at 10:30 AM. Interested participants may also attend online via GoToMeeting or utilize the call-in phone number (details above). The RGRWPG was established by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) as one of sixteen Regional Water Planning Groups across the state following the 75th Texas Legislature’s passage of Senate Bill 1 in 1997. The primary responsibility of the RGRWPG is the development of a Regional Water Plan on a five-year planning cycle that takes into consideration water availability, usage, conservation, and economic viability. Region M consists of 8 Texas counties including: Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Maverick, Starr, Webb, Willacy, and Zapata. The purpose of the Pre-Planning Public Input Meeting is to provide background on the formation of the Regional Water Planning Groups and the water planning process with the primary goal of gathering suggestions as to issues, provisions, projects, and strategies that should be considered in the development of the 2026 Regional Water Plan and 2027 State Water Plan. The public will have an opportunity to provide written and oral comments during the Pre-Planning Public Input Meeting. Individuals may also submit written public comments for a period of 30-days prior to this meeting online to dkatznelson@ lrgvdc.org. Immediately following the Public Meeting, the RWPG will hold a Regular Meeting to address routine items including but not limited to: approval of minutes, updates regarding liaison duties, and discussions regarding the Sixth Cycle of Regional Water Planning. The agenda for that meeting will be filed no later than July 30, 2021. Notice of meeting and agenda are available for public review at www.riograndewaterplan. org and in the County Clerk’s office of each of the Region M Counties listed above. For more information please contact: Derek Katznelson, Program Specialist, 301 W. Railroad, Weslaco, TX 78596; (956) 682-3481; dkatznelson@lrgvdc.org.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JUNE 30, 2021, PAGE 10

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