MARCH 3, 2021

STARR VISION CENTER

487-2440

Dr. Angie Ramirez Therapeutic Optometrist

CASTAÑEDA Auto Insurance & Bail Bonds

488-0808 487-7000

300 East Main St. R.G.C.

280 W. 2nd St. R.G.C.

The Law Office Of

J.M. “Chema” Garza Vol. 36, No. 9 WEEKLY WEDNESDAY • MARCH 3, 2021 Office (956) 487-6544 - Fax (956) 487-6165 - E-Mail: sctc78582@aol.com - www.starrcountytowncrier.com

487-2596

RGCHS Girls Basketball All District Selections

4343 E. Hwy. 83 R.G.C.

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

Michael Villarreal Second Lieutenant (2LT) in the United States Army

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

Phone (956) 849-4497

RGCCISD All District Selections for RGCHS Girls Basketball. Coach of the Year: Gustavo Valenciana.

District MVP: Emily Lopez. All Defensive Team(Top 5 defensive players): Emily Lopez and Melanie Lopez. 1st Team All-District: Melanie Lopez, Britzeida Sanchez, and Claudette Rodriguez. 2nd Team All-District: Angela Razo and Haley Garcia. Honorable Mention: Moniq Lopez. All-Academic Team: Congratulations to Rio Grande City native Michael Villarreal who Moniq Lopez, Ava Cortinas, Melanie Lopez, Haley Garcia, Sydney Rubalcava, and Azeneth Perez. recently got commissioned a Second Lieutenant (2LT) in the United States Army after completing the US Army’s Officer Candidate Congratulations Ladies!!

School (OCS), Fort Benning, Georgia. Officer Candidates are taught Crime Victims Coordinator Bernice Garza and Chief Investigator basics military training, tactics and leadership and military history. is a 2014 graduate of Rio Grande City high School, holds Trinidad Lopez Receive Prestigious Award Scholarship Michael a BA in Business from UTRGV. He is currently employed with the 229th Judicial District Attorney on Crimes Against Women.

The training is in keeping with the RGCCISD – Ringgold Middle School and works a Business Teacher.

Gocha Allen Ramirez announces This prestigious scholarship offices pledge to prioritize crime He is married to Vanessa and have a 6 month old daughter Emma. He that Crime Victims Coordinator to attend this conference was victims, their families and all is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Jesus and Maggie Balderas-Villarreal both Bernice Garza and Chief awarded directly to Investigator victims of violent crime. graduates of Rio Grande City High School. Once a Rattler always a Investigator Trinidad Lopez, both Lopez and Coordinator Garza by Congratulations Coordinator Rattler! of the 229th Judicial District the Texas Governor’s Office. The Garza and Investigator Lopez for Attorney’s Office, have been conference on Crimes Against receiving the prestigious award awarded full scholarships to the Women is the premier training in scholarship! upcoming 16 Annual Conference the United States on this topic.

Covid-19 Vaccinations at RGCCISD

Dr. Raymond Cruz Best FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dental Insurance, Medicaid and Chip Accepted

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

Staff at RGCCISD were able to get the first dose of Covid-19 Vaccinations, with special thanks to State Representative Ryan Guillen, Judge Eloy Vera and Dr. Antonio Falcon that helped procure the vaccines.

Acting Superintendent Adolfo Pena, Jr. and the School Board of Trustees believe the safety of our staff and our students is of utmost importance, and worked in collaboration with State Representative Guillen, Judge Vera and Dr. Falcon to ensure these vaccines were designated for RGCCISD. In the coming weeks, RGCCISD plans to have the vaccine available to all district personnel.

RGC H.S. Band Member Selected as 2021 Texas All-State Musician RGC High School are very proud of all the students who participated in the audition process during this challenging year; Daniela Garcia on French Horn, Paige Delgado on Bb Clarinet, and Debani Alaffa on Eb Clarinet they competed at the TMEA Area G. Tryouts held virtually for the first time!!! Among four Regions in Texas, students competed for a chance to advance as a TMEA All-State Band Member.

This is the highest achievement a high school band student can earn.

After months of hard work, dedication to musical excellence and determination RGC High are very Proud to present the newest member of the RGC H.S Rattler Band to earn a chair in the prestigious 2021 TMEA ALL-STATE BAND Sophomore Daniela Garcìa French Horn, she is a student of Mr. Gabriel

Hernandez. This is her second time as a member of a TMEA All-State organization. Daniela is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jose Carlos and Mireya Garcia Rivera A huge Congratulations to Daniela Garcìa for her tremendous accomplishment!!!

RGC High are extremely proud of the band students for their outstanding dedication. Keep up the great work! All in all the time!

OPEN MON-SUN 7AM-7PM

BIG DOOR SALE LARGE SELECTION

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CHUY Alvarez ATTORNEY AT LAW

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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, MARCH 3, 2021, PAGE 2

Obituary

TOMASITA ALANIZ GONZALEZ 10-06-1929 † 12-01-2020

TOMASITA ALANIZ GONZALEZ, 91, was called home to be with the Lord on December 1, 2020, at her residence in Rio Grande City, Texas.

She was born on October 6, 1929 in Hebbronville, Texas to Jose Cruz Alaniz and Alejandra H. Alaniz.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, Rene J. Gonzalez, and her siblings, Cruz Hector Alaniz, Gloria A. Gonzalez, David Alaniz, Edna A. Castaneda, Mirtha A. Barrer, and Diego Juan Alaniz.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Rene A. Gonzalez, Maria T. Saenz, Jorge L. Gonzalez, Olivia G. Cruz (Carlos Jr.), Sandra Raymond (Jesse Solis), her grandchildren, Rene, Victor, Alexandra, Stacy, 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.

Eden, Jason, Aisha, Virginia, Cristina, Evan, John; her great grandchildren, Sofia, Tomas, Lucas, Christian, Kimberly, Jason Jr, and Tristan; and her surviving siblings Dora A. Garza, Rosario A. Garcia.

Tomasita attended schools in Hebbronville and graduated in 1947. Married July 22, 1951 to the love of her life Mr. Rene J. Gonzalez, they moved to Laredo and then to Rio Grande City in 1967.

Tomasita was humbly committed to serve her church and community. Along with her husband, she was a lector at Immaculate Concepcion Church.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Society, Misericordia Divina and Catholic Daughters of Americas. She also served as a member and officer of the Woodmen of the World Rosa del Valle Lodge 6052, now Magnolia Chapter 6167.

Tomasita lies in rest next to her husband at the Hebbronville Cemetery. She continues to be dearly missed by her family, friends and all those whose lives she touched. She was a kind and gentle soul.

Thank you to family and friends for the kind words of condolences, phone calls, cards, letters, beautiful flowers, plants and special masses for our beloved mother. Your generosity to our family is greatly appreciated.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 3RD - I.C.C. 6:00 P.M. PRO POPULO - MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE THURSDAY MARCH 4TH - I.C.C. 6:30 A.M. FOR THE FRIENDS & BENEFACTORS OF THE BENEDICTINE SISTERS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD by Benedictine Sisters FRIDAY MARCH 5TH - I.C.C. 6:00 P.M. †JOSE MARIA ALVAREZ, SR. by Family †ANGELITA M. REYNA (12TH AN.)

by Family †REYNA DECEASED FAMILY MEMBERS by Family †ABRAHAM ORTA by Wife & Family †MARIA LYDIA M. BROWN

by Daughter †RENE MOLINA (1ST AN.)

by Wife & Children SATURDAY MARCH 6TH - I.C.C. 5:00 P.M. †CRISTINA & FEDERICO GUERRA (AN.) by Flerida Guerra & Family

†HAROLD & HUGO HINOJOSA

by Family †SILVESTRE GONZALEZ

by Alma Gloria T. Gonzalez & Family †ARNOLDO RODRIGUEZ (9TH AN.)

by Vasquez & Rodriguez Family †DOMINGO IBARRA (2ND AN.) & HERLINDA IBARRA by Su Familia †LETICIA SOLIS

by Irene Clain & Fernando De Loera 45TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OF GUSTAVO & DIANA HERNANDEZ

by Children SUNDAY MARCH 7TH - I.C.C. 9:00 A.M. †CHRISTIAN HERNANDEZ

by Su Mama, Papa y Hermano †DAVID H. GARZA, SR.

by Florence †ALICIA R. CORONA (1ST AN.)

by Corona Family †ARNOLDO RODRIGUEZ (9TH AN.)

by Corona Family †JUAN LANDA GUTIERREZ (10TH AN.) by Su Familia

2,500 FULLWITH FUNERAL SERVICE SILVER $

Sanchez Funeral Home

301 E. 2nd. St. Rio Grande City, Tx. 78582

(956) 487-2525

CALL JEFF OR SONATA SANCHEZ

“Serving Our Community For Over 86 Years” “Caring for you & your loved ones in your time of need ”

Sanchez

Memorial Funeral Home 101 AR Sanchez Sr. Dr. Roma, Tx. 78584

(956) 847-7008

PUBLIC NOTICE

Pursuant to the provisions contained in ARTICLE V, Section Five (5) of the Texas Abandoned Motor Vehicle Act, we are serving notice to the owners and/or lien holders that the below described motor vehicle, has been taken into custody by H&L Wrecker Service, and will be sold. Failure of an owner or lien holder to claim vehicles within forty-five (45) days after date of this notice and make payment of all towing, preservation, and storage charges resulting from the placing of vehicles in custody shall constitute a waiver of the right to reclaim vehicle. Contact Humberto Lucio at 956-4873384, 5879 E. Hwy. 83, Rio Grande City, TX 78582 for information concerning vehicles.

2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU VIN:# 1G1ND52J13M526463 LP: CTZ1937 FLORIDA

MONDAY MARCH 8TH– I.C.C. 6:00 P.M. †JIMMY SEALE (8TH AN.)

by Angelina Garcia & Family SPECIAL INTENTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

by Ana Maria Barrera TUESDAY MARCH 9TH – I.C.C. 6.30 A.M. †PEDRO GONZALEZ by Family

Paseo del Arte Virtual Art Show theme is “Show your LOVE of ART”

.00

METAL CASKET

SUNDAY MARCH 7TH - I.C.C. 11:00 A.M. †RICARDO & JUAN JOSE JACKSON

by Amanda Solis & Family †RICARDO MARTINEZ by Family 5:00 P.M. †SOFIA S. GONZALEZ (21ST AN.)

by Su Familia †LETICIA SOLIS

by Irene Clain & Fernando De Loera †ESPERANZA RODRIGUEZ & SON

by Lile Carrera & Family POR LA SALUD MARCELO O. CARRERA by Lile Carrera & Family POR LA SALUD ROEL & NATALIA VILLARREAL by Lile Carrera & Family

SILVER

Paseo del Arte Virtual Art Show theme is “Show your LOVE of ART” - Youth Kids draw someone or something special using their favorite medium—paint, pencil, crayons, collage, etc.—then take a good quality photo of your piece and send it to the library at rgclibrary@ yahoo.com. Along with your artwork, please send the title of the piece, a description, and the name of the artist. This virtual art

show is open to youth artists of all artistic levels. All artwork is due by March 12, 2021.

Paseo del Arte Virtual Art Show theme is “Show your LOVE of ART” – Teens & Adults We will ask participants to create a 3-5 minute video of their work. We ask that the videos be creative and/or educational in content. Participants introduce themselves and show us what you’re all about! It can be in the form of a performance, a “behind the scenes” look, a poem(s), or an exhibit of their art, the possibilities are endless!

Submitted videos are subject to editing to fit time constraints and flow. All work is due by March 12, 2021.

If You are 75 Years of Age or Older, You are Needed for an Important Study S a l v e , custodio d e l Redentor y esposo de la Virgen María. A ti Dios confió a su Hijo, en ti María depositó su confianza, contigo Cristo se forjó como hombre.

Oh, bienaventurado José, muéstrate padre también a nosotros y guíanos en el camino de la vida.

Concédenos gracia, misericordia y valentía, y defiéndenos de todo mal.

AMEN Melissa Y. Hernandez

DHR Health Institute for Research and Development, which is affiliated with DHR Health, is recruiting participants for a clinical trial known as PREVENTABLE. The study, coordinated by Duke University and funded by the NIH, will investigate whether taking atorvastatin can prevent dementia, disability, and heart disease in adults 75 and over. Atorvastatin, more commonly known as Lipitor®, is normally used to lower cholesterol.

The PREVENTABLE study is being conducted simultaneously at 100 sites across the U.S. This is a unique opportunity to feel a part of something bigger to advance medical knowledge for adults 75 and older. Participants will be joining up to 20,000 others interested in learning if atorvastatin will allow people to live well for longer. Participants, who must not currently have heart disease or dementia, will be randomized, some receiving atorvastatin and others receiving a placebo. This placebo is a pill that looks like atorvastatin but does not have medicine in it. Researchers will follow participants for up to five

years and test their memory, thinking, and physical abilities and will watch them during this time for conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.

PREVENTABLE has been designed to be easy for participants.

Researchers will follow participants using electronic health records and Medicare data. Study visits will be done by phone, and the atorvastatin or placebo will be shipped to participants’ homes every three months.

“Few studies have focused exclusively on individuals aged 75 or older,” said Dr. Sohail Rao, executive vice president of DHR Health and president and CEO of the DHR Health Institute for Research & Development. “While statins have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events for some patients, PREVENTABLE will help us learn if they are helpful for older adults who do not have heart disease.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Among people ages 65 and older, African Americans have the highest prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease

and related dementias (13.8 percent), followed by Hispanics (12.2 percent) and non-Hispanic whites (10.3 percent), American Indian and Alaska Natives (9.1 percent), and Asian and Pacific Islanders (8.4 percent).”

The population in the Rio Grande Valley makes our region an important site for PREVENTABLE. “Patients often ask me what they can do to stay healthy and prevent dementia.” said Dr. Karen Alexander, geriatric cardiologist at Duke University Medical Center and principal investigator for PREVENTABLE. “Results from this study will help us provide valuable answers to improve how we age.”

PREVENTABLE is funded by the National Institute of Aging and the National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award number U19AG065188. To learn more about PREVENTABLE, visit www.preventabletrial.org. To find out who can take part in the study, or for more information, please call 956-362-2391 or email dhrresearch@dhr-rgv.com.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, MARCH 3, 2021, PAGE 3

After 2020 Cancellation, Rattler Baseball Prepares Grulla Gators Boys Golf Team Place 2nd in for 2021 with High Hopes of Continued Excellence the Lyford Invitational Golf Tournament

By Kenneth Roberts, Freelance Writer The Rio Grande City Rattler varsity baseball team is eagerly preparing for the 2021 season with high hopes of continuing and even improving upon the tremendous success achieved during the 2017-2019 seasons.

The Rattler baseball program and other athletic programs throughout Texas and the nation remain under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the cancellation of the 2020 baseball season and all athletic activities in mid-March.

About the shortened and cancelled 2020 season, Rattler head coach Roque Cortinas recalled, “We won two of three tournaments we played last year – in Callalen and Pharr. At one point last year, we were ranked in the top 10 in the state.”

The Rattler baseball program experienced exceptional success in the 2017, 2018, and 2019 seasons. In 2017 and 2018, they reached the second round of the state playoffs and achieved a 12-4 district record in 2017. In 2019, they ascended to the third round of the playoffs and fell one victory short of advancing to the fourth round.

Concerning the 2021 outlook, Cortinas, about to begin his sixth season of directing the Rattler baseball program, emphasized,

“We do have really high hopes and expectations for this year’s team. We’re hoping we can equal or surpass our success in 2019...

Based on our experience and past accomplishments, it will be a disappointment for us not to win district.”

The coach pointed out, “Right

now some polls have us ranked in the top 10 in state 5-A rankings.”

“We’re working to get back in the swing of things,” stressed Cortinas. “The mental adjustment is the big thing -- adjusting to months of idleness for everybody, RATTLER BASEBALL, page 4

Congratulations to the Grulla Gators Boys Golf Team for placing 2nd in the Lyford Invitational Golf Tournament held at the Raymondville Golf Course on February 3, 2021. The boys battled through cold weather but still managed to prevail. The team consisted of Team Captains Andy Hernandez, Jr., Jaime Villarreal, Isaac Garcia, and Salvador Soliz. Great job Gators!

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, MARCH 3, 2021, PAGE 4

LEGAL NOTICE Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a WINE AND B E E R R E TA I L E R ’ S PERMIT, by: MARIA DE LOURDES RODRIGUEZ d b a Q U I N TA L A S GUACAMAYAS, to be located at 4889 E. HWY 83, ESCOBARES, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS.

Starr County Texas Community Block Grant Program (TxCDBG) 2020-2021 Contract No. 7219429 Advertisement and Invitation for Bids The County of Starr will receive bids for Street Improvements until 10:00 am on Friday, March 19th, 2021 at the Starr County Judge’s Office located in Starr County Annex, 100 FM 3167, Rio Grande City, Texas. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud immediately after at 10:00 am on Friday, March 19th, 2021 at the Starr County Annex, 100 FM 3167, Rio Grande City, Texas.

The project will consist o.f the reconstruction of a section of Guerra Garza Rd., the construction of Mi Ranchito St., Mike’s 8th, Luis Martinez Ln, and Beto Guerrero Ln. Bids are invited for, but are not limited to, the items and the approximate quantities as follows: 1. 1,200 LF of street construction consisting of 1 ½ inch HMAC, 8” Caliche base, 6” Subgrade along Guerra Garza Rd. 2. 680 LF of street construction consisting 1 ½ inch HMAC, 8” Caliche base, 6” Subgrade, along Mi Ranchito St. 3. 984 LF of street construction consisting 1 ½ inch HMAC, 8” Caliche base, 6” Subgrade, along Mike’s 8th. St. 4. 802 LF of street construction consisting 1 ½ inch HMAC, 8” Caliche base, 6” Subgrade, along Luis Martinez Ln and Beto Guerrero Ln. Bid/Contract Documents, including Drawings and Technical Specifications are on file for review at Starr County Annex, 100 FM 3167, Rio Grande City, Texas during normal business hours or may be obtained by interested parties for fifty dollars ($50.00), non-refundable, per set or copy, at Rio Delta Engineering located at 117 Rio Vista Blvd., Rio Grande City Tx. 78582, (956) 263-1041.

A pre-bid meeting will be held at Starr County Annex, 100 FM 3167, Rio Grande City, Texas at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 15, 2021. Any comments, questions or additional information pertaining to the Bid Packet or Construction Plans is needed this should be directed to the Project Engineer (Rio Delta Engineering) via email or phone prior to 12:00 pm, Wednesday, March 17, 2021. If any amendments are required, this shall be done the via email.

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 $25,000. A certified check or bank draft payable to the Starr County or negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (as par value) may be submitted in lieu of the Bid Bond.

Attention is called to the fact that not less than, the federally determined prevailing (DavisBacon and Related Acts) wage rate, as issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture Office of Rural Affairs 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 identity, gender identity, or national origin. Adherence to the grant recipient’s Section 3 Policy is required for contracts and subcontracts in excess of $100,000.00.

The County of Starr reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding.

Bids may be held by Starr County 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.

Starr County 3/03/2021

Eloy Vera, County Judge

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.

Flash Floods Responsible for Most Weather-Related Deaths “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign offers safety tips for motorists traveling through flooded areas Texas is famous for its everchanging weather, including flash floods that can make driving treacherous in low-lying areas and on water-covered roadways. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is reminding drivers to heed this important life-saving warning: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”

Flash floods are the leading cause of weather-related deaths

in Texas, and about 60% of floodrelated deaths in our state involve motor vehicles. Just six inches of fast-moving water—enough to barely touch most people’s lower legs or cover their ankles—can cause motorists to lose control of a vehicle, even a pickup truck or SUV. Flood waters also may be hiding dangers such as debris, tree branches, power lines, or damage to the road that can seriously damage a vehicle and harm or even kill drivers and passengers.

State law requires drivers to heed barriers blocking low water

RATTLER BASEBALL Continued from page 3 and getting everybody back in shape physically. The kids are adjusting really well. The fact that we have a lot of experienced seniors helps a lot. A lot of the kids worked out at a strong pace on their own. Many of the kids came back in even better condition.”

About the District 30-5A outlook, the coach noted that the reminder of the district is comprised of Mission Veterans, Roma, La Joya Palmview, Laredo Martin and Laredo Cigarroa. He explained, “This is the first year under the (U.I.L) realignment from February 2020. The Sharyland schools are not in our district; they were still in our district had the 2020 season been played.”

Cortinas commented, “We don’t know a lot about the Laredo

schools. We return as much experience as anybody. Roma lost a lot of players. The other district teams have quality players, but their talent is young.”

The coach explained that “we don’t have preseason tournaments this year. We tied Callalen in a scrimmage, tied Weslaco East (in a scrimmage) and defeated Flour Bluff (in another scrimmage).

In non-district games, McAllen Memorial will be our only confirmed opponent. Other nondistrict games will likely be played.”

The Rattlers will open district play on March 11 with their first home game scheduled for March 16. They opened the regular (non district) season with a 19-1 win over McAllen Memorial.

crossings or flooded roadways, or face a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail. Motorists who tamper with or remove a roadway warning sign or barricade are subject to a fine of up to $1,000, up to two years in jail, or both.

TxDOT advises motorists in areas experiencing heavy rain or flooding to follow these safety tips: · Stay informed about weather conditions. · Never drive through still or moving flood waters. Turn around, don’t drown! · Reduce your speed, drive to conditions, and turn off cruise control. · Be especially careful driving at night, when it can be harder to see flood dangers. · If your vehicle stalls in flood waters, if you can do so safely, leave it and move to higher ground.

“Be Safe. Drive Smart.” is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and wordof-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel such as wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

November 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, MARCH 3, 2021, PAGE 5

Roma ISD Middle School Mariachi Students Stand Out In TMEA All-Region Competition

Congratulations to the Roma ISD Middle School Mariachi Program students from Roma Middle School and Ramiro Barrera Middle School who had outstanding results from the TMEA All-Region 15 Middle

School Instrumental Auditions!

Twenty-three out-of-the 25 students that participated earned a chair at the prestigious TMEA All-Region Middle School Mariachi, more than any other school in the region for

the 8th consecutive year!

“It doesn’t matter the distance or any other hardship, our mariachi program students continue to succeed,” said Roma ISD Mariachi Program Director Eloy Garza.

“I want to congratulate our great mariachi staff for guiding the students to this phenomenal success! The commitment to the learning of our students and teaching staff has been tremendous.

I also want to thank the families of our students who go out of their way to ensure the kids have every opportunity to succeed. And lastly, we want to thank our peer teachers and the administrators who continue to guide our Mariachi kids to academic excellence every day. We are all part of one big teaching team, instilling the ideals of excellence in all facets of life in these students.”

Roma Middle School - Maríachi Escandon, Director Abiel Hinojosa Trumpet - Ricardo Ramos, 3rd Chair and Mario Canales, 4th Chair. Violins - Arnoldo Garza, 1st Chair Group A, Renata B. Lopez, 3rd Chair, Valeria Garza, 7 Chair,

Regina Lopez, 8 Chair, Dariana A. Aguillon, 9 Chair, Lorraine Garza, 10 Chair Group A, Caremi Ramirez, 14 Chair Group B. Harp - Christian Cano, 1st Chair Group A. Guitarron - Jorge Hernandez, 1st Chair Group A. Vihuela - Emmanuel Zuniga, 3 Chair Group B. Guitar - Rusbel Flores, 2nd Chair Group A. Ramiro Barrera Middle School – Mariachi Juvenil Santander, Director Jose A. Delgadillo Trumpet - Christian Martinez, 1st Chair Group A. Violins - Isabella K. Gonzalez, 2nd Chair Group A, Brianey Morales, 4th Chair Group A, Josue E. Molina, 5th Chair Group A, Alexia Loera, 17th Chair Group B, Renata Barrera, 21st Chair Group B. Harp - Melany Siller, 2nd Chair Group B. Guitarron - Javier Garza, 2nd Chair Group A. Vihuela - Jasmine Rangel, 2nd Chair Group A. Guitar - Mayte Pena, 6th Chair Group B.

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: YESSICA SOSA GARCIA dba GARCIAS GROCERY STORE, to be located at 120 W. PALMA ST., RIO GRANDE CITY, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, MARCH 3, 2021, PAGE 6

AUTO REPAIR SHOP

Guzman Bookkeeping and Income Tax Inc.

FOR SALE 2-120X45 Lots 1-48x24 Bldg

NOTARY PUBLIC Walk-ins welcomed after 5:00pm (Monday-Friday) After 2:00pm (Saturday and Sunday)

Location: 504 W. Santa Maria St. Rio Grande City, Tx.

Looking forward to seeing our regular customers and new customers.

301 N. FM 3167 Suite B, Rio Grande City, Tx. 78582

For More info. Call Gustavo Gomez 956-437-7047

Please call to schedule appointments with Mrs. Stephanie Guzman or Mrs. Sylvia Menchaca

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

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LECTURA DE CARTAS Trabajos, Amarres, Atracción, Destierros, Retiros, Abrir Caminos, Problemas de Perdida de Dinero, Trabajo, Pareja, Casa, Salud y de Ley.

FOR SALE

2014 Ford F-150 4x4

citas 907-5155

Call 956-207-8538

SAN ROBERTO APTS.

Spacious 2 Bdrm, 2 Bath with appliances including washer & dryer in units.

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NOW HIRING

DIESEL MECHANIC & CDL DRIVER Grande Garbage Collection Co. is currently seeking an experienced Diesel Mechanic and CDL Driver For an application: Call 956-487-4234 to collect and deliver at 505 E. Main Street, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 or e-mail at grandegarbageco@yahoo.com.

NOW HIRING!!!

•A/C TECHNICIAN •INSTALLERS •HELPERS

(SULLIVAN CITY)

956-252-5676 •956-257-7044

2019 GMC Terrain

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2019 Ford Fusion SE

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2020 Chevy Blazer LT

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2020 Chevy Impala

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2020 Cadillac XT5

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, MARCH 3, 2021, PAGE 7

Clammyweed is both attractive and malodorous Malodorous is another way of saying smelly. The stems and leaves are covered with tiny hairs each of which is tipped with a gland. If you handle or step on a plant, you release a strong, rank smell.

The flowers, however, in clusters of about 20 at the tips of stems are sweet scented.

Clammyweed is sometimes called redwhisker or Western clammyweed. The redwhisker name comes from the white flower, sometimes with a purple base, which has long reddish stamens.

It’s a self seeding, 1 to 3 foot, a n n u a l f o u n d throughout most of the U. S. and Canada and adapts well to a wide range of soil types. It’s often found in disturbed areas, especially sandy or gravelly ones, where it may be the only vegetation. That it’s drought tolerant is obvious. It also requires little care and blooms from June into November.

It’s a good candidate for flower gardens.

In addition to its other virtues,

its seeds are eaten by many game birds such as scaled quail, bobwhites, mourning doves and white winged doves. Also, their nectar attracts butterflies.

Historians have learned that indigenous people including the Zunis and Hopis ate clammyweed.

They boiled it along with grains and dried it for winter consumption.

I’m glad to see it here at the ranch where I live.

Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce Extension of Emergency SNAP Benefits for March Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will provide approximately $229 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits for the month of March as the state continues its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Providing emergency SNAP benefits is critical to our state’s ongoing COVID-19 response because it ensures that Texas families can continue to put healthy meals on the table,” said Governor Abbott. “I thank the USDA for their continued partnership as we ensure access to healthy food for Texans in need.”

“We are proud of the work Texans do each day in fighting this pandemic and these additional food benefits will help SNAP recipients purchase healthy foods for their families,” said Texas HHS Access and Eligibility Services Deputy Executive Commissioner Wayne Salter.

HHSC received federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to extend the maximum, allowable amount of SNAP benefits to recipients based on family size.

The emergency March allotments are in addition to the more than $2.5 billion in benefits previously provided to Texans since April 2020.

Recipients will also continue to receive a 15 percent increase in their total benefits, which will continue monthly until June 2021. This additional 15 percent increase and the emergency allotment amount should appear in recipients’ accounts by March 31.

Administered by HHSC, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1.6 million eligible low-income families and individuals in Texas.

Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits. com or use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage their benefits.

Historical monument stolen from La Grulla Guerra Theater. The historical monument going back to 1949. Report has been filed with La Grulla Police Department and is currently under investigation.

Please call La Grulla Police for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individuals who stole it. If the sign is returned no charges will be filed, no questions asked.

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Historical Starr County

SPACE AVAILABLE FOR MORE INFO. CALL 956-487-6544 MARCH 3, 2021 PAGE 8

Starr County Youth Fair – 56 years and Going Strong (1965-2021) A brief history of one of our local traditions Let us start this story on the west side of town. Did you ever wonder why we have a “Fairground Roads” on the west side of Rio Grande City? As you drive next to Roque Guerra Elementary School, you see the street sign “Fairgrounds Road”. Many locals also refer to Fairgrounds Road as “la calle del rodeo”.

The Fairground’s road is there for a reason and yes it has a lot to do with our “Starr County Fair History”.

More on this as we go through memory lane on our “56” years of our County Fair.

The Early Days In the early 1960’s, before we had a County Fair, the 4H youth would gather at a designated place proposed by the county extension agent. The county extension agent would organize the events and would gather judges and awards were presented.

In 1965, the first youth fair in Starr County was held in the West Grammar/Roque Guerra Jr. School grounds located in the street that bears its name “Fairgrounds Road”. The fair was held in January for several years. Lamb projects won at the county fair ended up going to compete in Donna back then. As the Starr County Show progressed, the county fair leadership decided to move the fair event to the last weekend in February which was a week before the Valley’s Livestock show and Rodeo held annually in Mercedes, Texas. This change to the last week in February would allow the students to compete their 4H, FHA, and FFA projects entered at the Valley show.

A queen’s contest was later added in the 1976. The students would compete in local country and western attire. Neither high heels nor stilettos but plenty of Cowgirl boots were worn through the contest.

The first fair was financed by local raffles, donations, fund raisers, and 4Hers sold cookies and popcorn to cover project costs. During the first year of the Fair, there were five steers, and less then 10 lambs. We had Women’s Arts and Crafts in the senior division. It was a modest start, but we knew that we had begun a new tradition in Starr County.

A Tradition Grows

Dolly and Fidencio Guerra, parade marshals valley show. Fidencio served as General Chairman for the Fair 1981-1983.

By the middle of the 1970’s, the number of entries in the County Fair grew and over 600 entries in all the categories were made by members of the 4H, FHA and FFA. The entries of steers grew to up to almost 20 steers and over 30 lambs competed. Industrial and building trades projects were soon added to the fair competition.

The addition of the science fair and a County Art exhibit was added, and this attracted more student participation and added more visitors. A Country and Western dance, parade and Rodeo were also added.

In agreement with the RGCCISD, the fair moved its operations to the Fort Ringgold Campus through the late 1980’s. By the mid 1990’s the Starr County Fair Association purchase land across from Fort Ringgold and built the current Fair Association Fair grounds. The Fair grounds are located next to the Sheriff’s Posse arena.

In 1983, the Starr County Fair Association was founded, elected board members and allowed the fair to grow into the Fair we know today. The Fair continues to be an all-volunteer force run event and is privately funded.

A County Fair For A New Millennium In the 21st Century, the Starr County Fair sees a second-generation membership and leaders. The

RGCCISD added a new high school: La Grulla High School. This added four to the number of high schools participating in the Fair: Rio Grande City High School, Grulla High School, Roma High School, and San Isidro High School. The fair has added several events to the events and has expanded to more then one just one weekend and January also plays as an initial part of the fair. The Science Fair, Art Exhibit and building trades events have drop off in the early 1990’s but there are efforts to bring it back.

Today, the Starr County fair is a well-organized community event and continues to attract local and valley wide visitors. The fair has grown to several events and has expanded and broken off the events spanning several weekends The fair has added the following events: Chill and Grill Cook-Off (January), Queens Pageant (January),Parade (February) Scholarship awards and recognition , Live Bands - Conjunto, Tejano and Country and Western. A wild game dinner (February) has also been added. During the Main Fair Weekend (3 days in February) the community enjoys Carnival rides, Live bands, Stock Show, Petting Zoo and even Kid’s pig scramble.

An All-Volunteer Force The Starr County Fair is 100% organized and operated by local volunteers. They are teachers, bankers, attorneys, ranchers, housewives, retirees and even military members of the Armed Forces.

They all have one thing in common: they volunteer.

In the mid 1990’s the Fair Association began to recognize local individual volunteers and business group volunteers. These volunteers are annually recognized and awarded recognition awards presented to them for their selfless service to the community.

Volunteerism is alive and well in our community.

Happy Trails and looking forward towards the many Fairs to follow!

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