MARCH 22, 2023

Rep. Ryan Guillen Honored as Parade Grand Marshal for RGVLS

The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show announced that they were extremely honored and proud to have State Representative Ryan Guillen serve as the 2023 Parade Grand Marshal of the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show.

One of the youngest ever elected to the Texas Legislature at age 24, Starr County and Rio Grande City native, Ryan Guillen is the product of a family of public-school teachers, war veterans, and cattle ranchers. A sixth generation South Texan, he grew up working at the family’s feed store and as a ranch hand on the family farm, later receiving a degree in Agriculture from Texas A&M University, and then serving as a local high school Ag teacher before pursuing public office.

Guillen has been a staunch advocate for creating jobs, cutting taxes and red tape, reducing over testing, working to keep our families and communities

safe, maintaining Texas’ position as an energy leader, improving our roads and infrastructure, protecting property rights and our rural way-of-life, boosting our state’s role in supporting veteran families, and fostering greater efficiency and transparency in government.

Rep. Guillen is a product of our own Rio Grande Valley Livestock

San Isidro ISD Students Esmeralda Guevara and Oscar Herrera Accepted into the DHR LASER Program

Show, having exhibited a wide variety of livestock projects from the 3rd grade through his senior year of high school in FFA and 4-H programs. He has always had a special place in his heart for the show and continues to support us in every way he possibly can. He and his wife, Dalinda, have two daughters, Cinco Demi and Viva Bonita.

Roma ISD Boys, Girls Swim Teams Earn District Championships

Congratulations to San Isidro ISD GEAR UP students, 8th graders Esmeralda Guevara and Oscar Herrera on their acceptance into the DHR Health Institute for Research & Development LASER Program, four-year clinical research internship! They were 2 of 44 GEAR UP students, throughout the RGV, who were selected to participate in the 4 year LASER program with DHR. Congratulations to San Isidro GEAR UP facilitator, Mr. Cristobal Vela! San Isidro GEAR UP, partnered with Region One and Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance to provide medical field experience from clinical research to shadowing health professionals.

The City of Rio Grande City will be hosting a Color Rain Dash and Health Fair on Saturday, March 25th, from 9am to 1pm at the Basilio Villarreal Municipal Park. Registration for the run will be at 8:30am, with a kids obstacle course to follow, a RGC Police Department vs. RGC Fire Department tug-o-war match, a Vitalant blood drive, FREE exercise classes and health screenings. It’s going to be a fun day for the whole family!

Congratulations to Teacher Eliza Delgado for earning H-E-B Excellence in Education Award!!!

Coach of the Meet Award for both Diving and Swimming at the Laredo District Meet! The Gladiator Nation is super proud of these outstanding student athletes and their coaches!!

On Wednesday, March 8, 2023, Early College High School 9th Grade English Teacher, Eliza Delgado, was surprised by H-E-B as being one of five finalists in the state of Texas in the H-E-B Finalist Excellence in Education Award. RGCGISD Superintendent, Mr. Adolfo Peña Jr., and the School Board of Trustees, are so proud of Mrs. Delgado! Congratulations!

WEDNESDAY MARCH 22nd – I.C.C. 6:30 P.M.

†SILVESTRE GONZALEZ by Wife & Family

THURSDAY MARCH 23RD – L.G.

6:00 P.M.

†ENRIQUE CANTU (AN.) by Family

†ENRIQUETA & RAFAEL RESENDEZ by Resendez Vela Family

FRIDAY MARCH 24TH - I.C.C. 12:00 P.M.

†JUAN & DOLORES SOLIS by Family

†DANIEL BUSTAMANTE (1ST AN.) by Family

SATURDAY MARCH 25TH - I.C.C. 5:00 P.M.

†ANGELITA M. REYNA by Family

†RAFAELA B. OLIVAREZ (1ST AN.) by Su Esposo Antonio & Familia Barrera

†RUDY MARTINEZ, JR. by Family

†LEONARDA B. GONZALEZ by Family

†FIDEL GARCIA (36TH AN.) by Familia Barrera

†FERMIN “FRANK” ALCAZAR

(1ST AN.) by Wife Thelma Alcazar

†ALBERTO GARZA by Family

†INEZ & RODOLFO MARTINEZ by Family

†JAIME LOPEZ (3RD AN.) by Family

SUNDAY MARCH 26TH – L.G.

7:00 A.M.

PRO POPULO – MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE

SUNDAY MARCH 26TH - I.C.C.

9:00 A.M.

†NOE GUTIERREZ by Noelia Muñoz

Misa de Segundo Aniversario En Memoria de Rosendo Rosas

08/02/1955 † 03/23/2021

Cuando presencie tu partida me di cuenta de que no había preparado tu equipaje. Sentí el mas fuerte desamparo, sentí vacías mis venas, abrace tu ropa e inhale tu aroma para sentirte todavía conmigo y para que Dios me dijera que no era verdad mi desdicha. Los días cayeron sobre mi como una fuerte cascada. Me di cuenta de que no respiraba sin ti y que por mas que llorara y sufriera, no era posible alcanzarte. Si el amor pudiera haberte salvado nunca habrías muerto. Descansa en Paz

Se celebrara una misa el Domingo 26 de Marzo a la 7:00 p.m. en la Iglesia Basilica of Our Lady San Juan Del Valle, San Juan, Texas De aparte de su esposa Yolanda Rosas, sus hijos Rosie, Mayra, Rosendo Jr., Nietos y demas familiares

Familia Rosas

†GUADALUPE L. SOLIS by Noelia Muñoz

†MANUEL GARZA (2ND AN.) by Garza Ramirez Family

†ELOISA RAMIREZ by Familia Barrera

†ALFONSO & ISAURA MUÑOZ by Family

†REYNALDO & MANUELA GARCIA by Noelia Muñoz

†ARTURO O. TREVIÑO III by Noelia

Muñoz

SUNDAY MARCH 26TH – I.C.C.

11:00 A.M.

†SERGIO FLORES by Family

†COSILIA CRUZ by Family

†LAZARO & ALEJANDRA GARCIA by Letty & Valerie

†ALVARO ANTONIO GARCIA by Family

†JAIME SOLIS (6TH AN.) by Sons Jesse & David Solis

5:00 P.M. PRO POPULO – MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE

MONDAY MARCH 27TH – I.C.C.

6:00 P.M.

†ELIAS CHAPA VILLARREAL by Wife & Children

†ALFONSO O. MASCORRO (15TH AN.) by Familia Mascorro

TUESDAY MARCH 28TH – I.C.C.

6.30 P.M.

†CLODIN R. LAUREL (4TH AN.) by Hijos

†JOSE PEÑA (14TH AN.) by Family

†ROSA LOPEZ (11TH AN.) by Kids & Grandchildren

Veterans Memorial Elementary School Students Learn Lots at Drone Camp

The Patriots at Veterans Memorial Elementary School enjoyed an incredible College 1st Drones and Rovers Camp.

The students had an awesome time with hands-on learning activities that will surely enrich their understanding of key concepts ahead of STAAR testing. Great job Patriots!

NOVENA

“Miraculous Prayer”

Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for favors. This time I ask you this very special one (mention favor). Take it, Dear Jesus, and place it within your own heart, where your Father sees it. Then, in your merciful eyes it will become your favor, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favor will be granted. Never known to fail.

R. G. C.

The City of Rio Grande City will be hosting a Color Rain Dash and Health Fair on Saturday, March 25th, from 9am to 1pm at the Basilio Villarreal Municipal Park. Registration for the run will be at 8:30am, with a kids obstacle course to follow, a RGC Police Department vs. RGC Fire Department tug-o-war match, a Vitalant blood drive, FREE exercise classes and health screenings. It’s going to be a fun day for the whole family! For any questions, contact Becky Rubio, Public Relations Specialist, with the City of Rio Grande City.

Roma High FCCLA Students Earn Medals at Regional Leadership Conference

Texas Delta Theta Master Enjoys Program on Friendship

Texas Delta Theta Master of Beta Sigma Phi met in February at Jesse’s Enchanted Place with Chapter President Vangie Anderson presiding during the business meeting. Members enjoyed a wonderful program given by Rosie Garcia, following the Beta Sigma Phi 2022-23 theme, “Friends at your Fingertips.”

Roma High School FCCLA students proudly competed at the Region V Leadership Competition in Corpus Christi and were extremely successful. The students brought home 2 Gold medals, 6 Silver medals, 3 Bronze medals, and 1 participation certificate. Congratulations to Dahlia Aguirre, Joanna Aleman, Lizty Bustamante, Lizette Cabrera, Romeo Garcia III, Debra L.Garza, Juan D. Gonzalez, Michelle Gonzalez, Arazely Hernandez, Dyani Ramirez, Kaythleen Rodriguez, and Arianna Trevino for their hard work and dedication at this competition! Thanks to their FCCLA advisors Emily Flores, Lupita Ramirez, and Mirna Mendiola for their support of the students!

She began with a reading about friendship from the book, “Leaves of Gold.” Using photographs and mementos, Mrs. Garcia shared special friendships throughout her life, including childhood

friends, junior high, high school and college friends, professional friendships at North Grammar, friends through organizations such as Catholic Daughters of America and sorority, her husband—her best friend, their

children, and now grandchildren. The group participated in a service project of Starr County Council of Beta Sigma Phi which benefitted various organizations, including the 2023 Starr County Fair.

Unidos Contra La Diabetes (UCD) is a collective impact initiative working to reduce type 2 diabetes in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV)

Since 2014, UCD has partnered with hospitals, community clinics, foundations, universities, and faith based organizations to improve the lives of children and families in our area Building on existing efforts we come together as a united group to increase our impact on diabetes prevention

The goal of Unidos Contra La Diabetes is to reduce the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes, resulting in a 10 percent reduction in the prevalence of diabetes by 2030 We are committed to doing this by integrating primary and behavioral health for people at-risk for diabetes in our community with a particular emphasis on meeting the needs of low-income and underserved populations

Unidos Contra La Diabetes works with the community by the following:

Help organizations and communities to leverage funding and resources for programmatic capacities for prediabetes care

Partner with cross-sector organizations to promote prediabetes and diabetes prevention education screening and policy changes Foster communication among organizations and communities to enhance prevention and awareness

Provide shared information about the health progress of our communities and Help connect services to the community

Diabetes prevention is a shared responsibility of the entire community including the private sector, governments, schools, families, and individuals at risk for diabetes; and includes sustainably to improve social determinants of health

Unidos Contra La Diabetes works with the community in a structured and strategic way The backbone staff supports the partners workgroups, and committees towards the common agenda With the strategic direction of the Steering committee:

The Prediabetes education workgroup focuses on diabetes education and lifestyle change programs for prediabetic/at risk individuals and their families

The Screening Coordination workgroup focuses on health screenings and other prevention programs for the community The strategy for this group includes identifying gaps and building resources for linking screening

The Policy Task Force focuses on identifying, prioritizing, and advocating for relevant policy changes at the local and state levels

The Data Task Force is a collective group that seeks to support the work of the other groups by focusing on obtaining and synthesizing the data the initiative needs to learn and improve

RGV Health Connect is a distinctive component and approach in effort to diabetes prevention Managed by UCD, the site is a source of population data and community health information specific to the Rio Grande Valley region including Cameron Hidalgo Starr and Willacy county The health and quality of life data on RGV Health Connect provide a baseline and benchmark to continue moving forward

AMERICAN DIABETES ALERT DAY March 28

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes is a health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy Our body turns most of the food we eat into sugar (glucose) which is the primary source of energy for cells It does this by using a hormone produced by the pancreas called insulin

In type 1 diabetes your pancreas can not produce enough insulin and in type 2 diabetes your body becomes resistant to insulin When our body doesn't use sugar (glucose) properly instead of going into our cells, it builds up in our blood This can make it difficult to maintain normal blood sugar (glucose) levels Over time high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood can lead to the development of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes

Currently, the autoimmune disease- type 1 diabetes is not preventable and there is no cure, however, it can be managed under the care of a primary physician Prediabetes is a condition in which the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood is higher than normal but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes This means that your body is having a hard time processing sugar properly Prediabetes can be reversed with lifestyle changes such as eating healthier and being physically active however if not implemented prediabetes can eventually lead to type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is commonly known as adult-onset diabetes because it usually develops in middle-aged or older adults although more and more children and youth are also developing it Type 2 diabetes is a more serious condition where the body is unable to regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels and is frequently managed with medication and serious lifestyle changes Living with type 2 diabetes is not easy and when left unmanaged a variety of health problems can develop with our eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart

Risk factors for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes include being overweight or obese, being physically inactive, eating a poor diet and having certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol Common symptoms include increased thirst frequent urination fatigue blurred vision increased hunger and numbness or tingling in the feet or hands

According to Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) data from Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), in 2021, the diabetes rate for adults in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) was 25 7%

In 2021 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported 1 of 3 people in the RGV Medicare population had diabetes

are assessed for the Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) skin condition

The Rio Grande Valley is experiencing a crisis in diabetes rates among adults According to Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) data from Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), in 2021, the diabetes rate for adults in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) was 25 7% In 2021 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported 1 of 3 people in the RGV Medicare population had diabetes As a nation a recent study conducted by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention projected type 2 diabetes to increase in youth by 673% by 2060 Data for Texas- Region One showed in the 2021- 2022 school year 2 of 25 children in grades 1st 3rd 5th and 7th have Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) & a high risk of developing diabetes (UTRGV Border Health Office)

T y p e 2 d i a b e t e s i n y o u t h i s e x p e c t e d t o i n c r e a s e b y

6 7 3 % b y 2 0 6 0 .

The best time to prevent diabetes is now

To determine if you are at risk- scan the QR code below to complete a prediabetes risk assessment

For more accurate results, visit your primary care provider and ask for an A1C test The A1C test is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months

Meanwhile, small steps can make a big difference- reduce sugary beverages, increase water intake eat more fruits & vegetables and be physically active Unidos Contra La Diabetes challenges you to take the steps for a healthier lifestyle and prevent type 2 diabetes in Rio Grande Valley

For more information and community resources visit Unidos Contra La Diabetes at www ucdrgv org or email at info@ucdrgv org

*The Rio Grande Valley (Hidalgo, Starr Willacy and Cameron County) is part of Texas Education Agency Region One

Texas Libraries Launch Local Author Contest

The Texas Center for the Book is pleased to join in the announcement of a local author contest that will accept submissions of adult and young adult fiction, to be recognized as the top indie-published e-books in Texas by the Texas Author Project.

Winners in each category will receive $1,000, as well as:

• Honors at the 2023 Indie Author Day reception

• Opportunities to promote the winning title at Texas public libraries

• Inclusion in a full-page spread in Library Journal, one of America’s oldest and most renowned trade publications for library news

• Opportunities to earn royalties through the IAP Select collection (ePUB format required for eligibility)

The creation of the Texas Author Project gives librarians not only a chance to engage with a growing group of fresh literary voices, but also an opportunity to play an active role in the discovery and promotion of new works.

For independently published authors, the contest is an opportunity to elevate their careers and expand their

readership. Along with the accolade of the award and its perks, being recognized by librarians creates credibility and visibility in the growing marketplace of digital content and indie-published books. Winning authors will reach hundreds if not thousands of new readers via the library and can also leverage being an award-winning indie author for additional marketing opportunities.

“At the Texas Center for the Book, we seek to celebrate and support the written word,” commented Rebekah Manley, Coordinator of the Texas Center for the Book. “This contest provides an excellent platform for indie-published authors to showcase their work and receive recognition.”

Each book that is submitted to the contest must be:

• Independently published

• In the category of adult or young adult fiction

• Written by a Texas resident

• Available in either ePUB (strongly encouraged) or PDF format

The contest will accept submissions from April 1 through May 31, 2023. Authors can submit at https://indieauthorproject. librariesshare.com/texas/

Interested in becoming a

You can learn more and sign up at https://indieauthorproject.com/ judges/

For more information contact, support@librariesshare.com

Established in 1987, the Texas Center for the Book seeks to stimulate public interest in books, reading, literacy and libraries.

The Center builds partnerships with library professionals, educators, authors, publishers and booksellers who provide support to our shared mission of promoting a love of literature throughout the Lone Star State.

The Texas Center for the Book is under the direction of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission at the Lorenzo De Zavala State Archives and Library Building in Austin, Texas.

Five Roma ISD Schools Rank in Top of State According to 2022 Children at Risk Rankings

Children at Risk annually honors schools that rise beyond expectations and excel academically as Gold Ribbon Schools, which are determined as high-poverty, high-performing schools. In order to qualify as a Children at Risk Gold Ribbon School, 75 percent or more of a campus’ students must be classified as low-income, and the school must receive an A or B grade in the group’s annual academic school rankings.

Charter and magnet schools are not eligible. Five Roma ISD schools earned the Gold Ribbon recognition this year.

Out of the 3,967 ranked elementary schools in the state of Texas, R. & C. Saenz Elementary School ranked 16th, F. J. Scott Elementary School ranked 28th, and Emma Vera Elementary School ranked 39th, putting them in the top 1 percent of

Texas elementary schools! Delia G. Garcia Elementary School ranked 340th, putting them in the top 10 percent of Texas elementary schools. Only 342 Texas elementary schools earned a Gold Ribbon out of 3,967. Roma Middle School was also named a Gold Ribbon School, and is one of just 64 middle schools in the state of Texas to earn the recognition. There are 1,950 middle schools ranked in Texas, with Roma Middle School ranking in the top 15 percent in the state!

According to Children at Risk, Gold Ribbon Schools operate with a variety of characteristics that formulate success including setting a high bar for academic achievement, communication with families, using data to make decisions about what does and does not work for their students, supporting whole child development through extensive extracurricular activities, and

continually looking for resources to help improve opportunities for students and the communities they serve.

“Once again, data shows that Roma ISD has the formula for academic success, with four of our elementary schools and one of our middle schools ranking tops in the state of Texas,” said Roma ISD Superintendent Carlos M. Gonzalez Jr. “Our mission is built on a commitment to excellence in all that we do. I am so proud of the excellence shown at our campuses every day. We are strongly devoted to helping our students achieve all their goals and part of that is providing them with a solid academic foundation. Congratulations to all of these schools. I am super proud and look forward to continued success for all our schools!”

For more information on the recognition please visit https:// childrenatrisk.org/schoolrankings-2022/

Do you take care of someone with memory loss and live in a rural area? Have recent months left you stressed and isolated?

The University of California, San Francisco is offering a free online workshop to help rural caregivers. The project is funded by the National Institutes of Health. The next workshop starts on March 27.

The workshop includes training on how to reduce stress, manage the difficult behaviors of your friend or family member with memory loss, and plan for the future. You will also get support from other caregivers and trained staff.

Because it is online, the workshop is accessible to

caregivers whenever they want it, day or night, accessed on computer, tablet or smartphone. Caregivers are eligible if they live in a rural area, care for someone with memory loss, have internet access, and provide care for at least 10 hours per week. Those who participate will be asked to complete four surveys on their caregiving experiences and will receive up to $80 in cash. For information, go online to caregiverproject.ucsf.edu and complete an eligibility survey, or call toll-free 1-833-634-0603 or email caregiverproject@ucsf.

edu

Help rural caregivers connect to a new online workshop

Millions of rural caregivers

provide crucial support to family members or friends living with memory loss and dementia. These same caregivers often feel stressed and isolated. An online workshop may help them. What does the online workshop offer?

It teaches caregivers new skills to reduce their stress, take better care of themselves, manage challenging behaviors of their care partners, and plan for the future. Caregivers also get a workbook to keep, support from other caregivers, and information on community resources. Organizations that work in rural communities or have contact with caregivers can use that same contact information.

Construction Advertisement and Invitation for Bids

The City of Rio Grande City is soliciting sealed bids for the Street Improvements Project –TXCDBG Contract Number CDV21 – 0426 for the City of Rio Grande City.

Bid Opening: Will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the City of Rio Grande City – City Hall located at 5332 E. US Highway 83 – Ste. A., Rio Grande City, TX. 78582.

Deadline: Is on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. – Bid packets will be publicly opened and read aloud at 10:10 a.m.

All bids should be addressed to Angela Solis – City Secretary at the City of Rio Grande City – City Hall, 5332 E. US Highway 83, Rio Grande City, TX. 78582. Normal business hours for City Hall are Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Bids are invited for several items and quantities of work as follows:

1. Scarify & Mill Exist. Roadway (Asphalt & Base)(6 In)

2. Rework & Compact Asphalt & Base Mix (6 In)

3. Prime coat (MC-30) (0.2GAL/SY)

4. D-GR HMA (50) TY-D SAC-B-PG64-22 (2.0”)

5. 6” Concrete Pavement

6. Concrete Curb & Gutter (10” X 24”)

7. Concrete Valley Gutter (3’ width)

8. 1.5” HMAC (Type D)

9. 6” Subgrade Prep

10. 8” Caliche Base

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF ESCOBARES

2023-2024 TEXAS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

e City of Escobares is giving notice of the City’s intent to submit Texas Community Development Block Grant Program grant application (s) for a Community Development Fund grant request of $500,000 for the street improvements project in the City of Escobares. e application is available for review from March 22, 2023 to March 29, 2023 at the Escobares City Hall during regular business hours.

AVISO PUBLICO

LA CIUDAD DE ESCOBARES

2023-2024 TEXAS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

La ciudad de Escobares está dando aviso de la intención de presentar una solicitud del Programa de Subvenciones de Bloque de Desarrollo Comunitario de Texas para una subvención del Fondo de Desarrollo Comunitario de $500,000 para los mejoramientos a las carreteras y calles en la Ciudad de Escobares. La solicitud está disponible para su revisión del día 22 de Marzo 2023 hasta el día 29 de Marzo 2023 en el Ayuntamiento de Escobares durante el horario regular.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF ROMA

2023-2024 TEXAS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

e City of Roma is giving notice of the City’s intent to submit Texas Community Development Block Grant Program grant application (s) for a Community Development Fund grant request of $500,000 for the street and drainage improvements project in the City of Roma. e application is available for review from March 22, 2023 to March 29, 2023 at the Roma City Hall during regular business hours.

AVISO PUBLICO

LA CIUDAD DE ROMA

2023-2024 TEXAS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

La ciudad de Roma está dando aviso de la intención de presentar una solicitud del Programa de Subvenciones de Bloque de Desarrollo Comunitario de Texas para una subvención del Fondo de Desarrollo Comunitario de $500,000 para los mejoramientos a las carreteras y calles y sistemas de drenaje en la Ciudad de Roma. La solicitud está disponible para su revisión desde el día 22 de Marzo 2023 hasta el día 29 de Marzo 2023 en el Ayuntamiento de Roma durante el horario regular.

Specifications: Bid/Contract Documents, including Drawings and Technical Specifications are on file at 200 S. 10th St. – Suite 1500, McAllen, TX. 78501 at which specifications can be obtained.

A free electronic copy of the Bid/Contract Documents may be obtained at SAMES, Inc., located at 200 S. 10th Street – Ste. 1500, McAllen, TX. 78501 – Phone: (956) 7028880

A non-refundable payment of $100.00 will be assessed for each set of paper documents. Please call our office at 956-702-8880 or email rpena@samengineering-surveying.com to obtain files.

Requirements: Upon submitting sealed bid, bidders are required to properly identify (handwritten, typed, or printed) sealed envelope and/or packet as follows: Bidder’s name and address on the upper left-hand corner of the sealed envelope and/or packet “Street Improvements Project – TXCDBG Contract Number CDV21 – 0426 for the City of Rio Grande City” on the lower left-hand corner of sealed envelope/and or packet. Overnight mail must also be properly labeled on the outside of express envelope or package. Delivered to 5332 E. US Highway 83, Rio Grande City, TX. 78582. Requests by facsimile will not be accepted. All potential bidders must be listed on the “Plan Holders List” to be eligible to bid on this project. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in bidder disqualification. Bidders may be added to the “Plan Holders List” upon payment for each set of Bid Documents.

Bid Security: A bid bond in the amount of 5 percent of the bid issued by an acceptable surety shall be submitted with each bid [for those contracts that exceed $100,000]. A certified check or bank draft payable to the City of Rio Grande City or negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (as par value) may be submitted in lieu of the Bid Bond. Adherence to the grant recipient’s Section 3 Policy is required for contracts and subcontracts in excess of $100,000.00.

The project to be constructed will be financed with assistance from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and is subject to all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations. Attention is called to the fact that not less than, the federally determined prevailing (Davis-Bacon and Related Acts) wage rate, as issued by the Department of Labor and contained in the contract documents, must be paid on this project. In addition, the successful bidder must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

All contractors/subcontractors that are debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation on federal assistance programs may not undertake any activity in part or in full under this project. Minority Business Enterprises, Small Business Enterprises, and Women Business Enterprises, and Historically Underutilized Business firms are encouraged to submit bids.

The City of Rio Grande City reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding. Bids may be held by The City of Rio Grande City for a period not to exceed 60 days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidder’s qualifications prior to the contract award.

City of Rio Grande City Joel Villarreal, Mayor March 30, 2023

San Isidro High School UIL Students Preparing for District Meet Scheduled for March 25

Ramiro Barrera Middle School Mariachi Program Students Earn All-Region Honors

Congratulations to San Isidro High School UIL students who concluded their pre-district season after competing at the La Joya Pre-District UIL meet!!! Results are as follows: Arianna Perez - 1st Place Copy Editing and 4th Place Spelling & Vocabulary. Ryan Garza - 2nd Place Number Sense and 6th Place Science. Andrea Garcia - 2nd Place Editorial Writing. Kassandra Guerra - 3rd Place Prose. Jacob Alvarez - 4th Place Current Issues & Events. Aryanna Garza - 5th Place Copy Editing and 6th Place News Writing. Aime Lucio - 7th Place Accounting. Abraham Lucio - 10th Place Current Issues & Events. On behalf of San Isidro High School, we commend our students and coaches for all the hard and outstanding work they have put in over the last few months to get where they are, and we wish them the best of luck as they continue to prepare for the district meet scheduled for March 25!!! Keep up the great work!!! We are proud of you!!!

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, or NDAFW, is an annual, week-long, health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth. It provides an opportunity to bring together scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners – to help advance the science, so that we can improve the prevention and awareness of substance misuse in our own communities and nationwide.

This year, NDAFW is being observed March 20 – 26, 2023.

For more information, please visit National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® (NDAFW) National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov) .

Message from the Starr County Community Coalition

Congratulations to the Ramiro Barrera Middle School Mariachi Program on amazing results from the TMEA Region 15 2022-2023 All Region Mariachi Competition! The Gladiator Nation is super proud of these amazing student musicians, and thankful for the support of their hardworking instructors. Violin: Samuel Andres Garza - 4th Chair, Ava Janelle Garza - 11th Chair, and Fernanda Isabella Salazar Gonzalez - 21st Chair. Trumpet: Esteban Daniel Vela - 2nd Chair. Harp: Brittany Aylin Garcia-Delarosa - 1st Chair, Vihuela: Dariana Lizvey Perez - 2nd Chair. Guitar: Jimena Carolina Samaniego - 2nd Chair. Guitarron: Edgar Moreno - 1st Chair.

Congratulations to Ringgold Middle School Honor Band for earning Division 1 on their performance!

Congratulations to the Ringgold Middle School Honor Band on their Sweepstakes at the UIL Concert and Sight Reading Evaluation. All six judges gave them a Division 1 (Superior Performance) on their performance. They continue with a decades-long streak of success and RMS want to congratulate them for their hard work. All

Grulla Middle School Concert Band Earns UIL Sweepstakes Trophy Division 1

Congratulations to Grulla Middle School Concert Band on earning a UIL Sweepstakes Trophy Division 1 on Stage and Division 1 in Sight Reading! On Wednesday, March 3 the band had a UIL competition at the La Joya Fine Arts Auditorium. It has been 8 years since the last time this band competed and earned an award. Grulla MS are extremely proud to announce that this year’s Grulla Concert Band has done it again and earned the highest honor of Superior ratings with a 1st place Sweepstakes award at the UIL Concert and Sight-reading contest. Grulla MS are super proud of these students and all their amazing hard work and dedication. These students have proven that when you work hard anything is possible. Grulla Concert Band look forward to the future in making this award a tradition. The Fine Arts Department would like to thank the GMS Administrator and Staff for always working as a team to ensure that the band students have the best opportunities to succeed and represent the campus at the highest level.