NOVEMBER 8, 2023

STARR VISION CASTAÑEDA CENTER

487-2440

300 East Main St. R.G.C.

Dr. Angie Ramirez Therapeutic Optometrist

Auto Insurance & Bail Bonds

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

The Law Office Of

J.M. “Chema” Garza Vol. 38, No. 45 WEEKLY WEDNESDAY • NOVEMBER 8, 2023 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

San Isidro FFA Grillers 1st Place Rio Grande City Grulla ISD Finalists of the 2023 487-2596 Mariachi Extravaganza National Vocal Competition at La Feria HS BBQ Competition 4350 E. US HWY 83 R.G.C.

Installment Loans 311 E Main St Rio Grande City TX 78582-4448

Phone (956) 487-3925

Dr. Raymond Cruz Best

Rio Grande City Grulla ISD introduce the four exceptional finalists for the 2023 Mariachi Extravaganza National Vocal Competition!

RGCGISD are proud to have the most students in the Mariachi Extravaganza Vocal Finals.

Congratulations to these talented students: Michelle Meraz from Rio Grande City High School, and Yaritzel Salinas, Carolina Rodriguez, and Anali Hinojosa from Grulla High School!

Save the date: The competition will take place on December 2, 2023, at the Lilia Cockrell Theatre in San Antonio, TX. Rio Grande City Grulla ISD are incredibly proud of Michelle, Yaritzel, Carolina and Anali, and wish them the best of luck on December 2nd!

Keep up the sensational work, students!

Big congratulations to the San Isidro FFA Grillers for taking home 1st Place in the Wings Division at the La Feria High School BBQ competition! Team Members: Brandon Guerra - 9th Grade, Albino Eli Alaniz - 10th Grade, Andrew Lane - 11th Grade, and Miguel Cruz 12th Grade. Outstanding job, guys! Your grilling skills are sizzling hot!

Congrats to Roma High Gladiators who participated at the UIL Academic Competition

FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dental Insurance, Medicaid and Chip Accepted

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

Congrats to the Roma High Gladiators who participated at the UIL Academic Competition at La Joya Jimmy Carter Early College High School on October 21, 2023. All the students excelled in individual events. Great job Gladiators!

• 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

J.M. “Chuy” Alvarez

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, NOVEMBER 8, 2023, PAGE 2

In recognition of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the millions of children it serves each day, the RGCGISD Child Nutrition Program celebrated National School Lunch Week (NSLW) October 9-13, 2023. The fun and creative campaign theme, “Level Up with School Lunch’’, highlights the importance of a healthy school lunch to students’ success both in and out of the classroom. In addition, it reminds us that

the heart of every school beats in its cafeteria, and that school nutrition professionals serve love on every tray.

“School lunches offer students fruits, vegetables, meats, whole grains, low fat milk and meet federal nutrition standards limiting fat, calories and sodium,” said Mrs. Patsy Ramirez,RD, LD, Program Director. NSLW gives us an opportunity to educate parents and students about all the wonderful benefits of school meals.

Activities included hands-on recipe demos, kitchen tours and daily props to highlight the week’s events.

The federally funded NSLP has been fueling students for success for 75 years, and RGCGISD Child Nutrition Program has served over 320,000 lunch meals since August 2023! Our program takes pride in the quality of meals served, and our staff does their very best to ensure that no child goes hungry. #LevelUpWithSchoolLunch

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, NOVEMBER 8, 2023, PAGE 3

Veterans Middle School 7th Veterans Day message from Texas Veterans Commission Chairwoman and U.S. Navy Veteran Laura Koerner In America, Veterans Day is oneself to a cause greater than is here to ensure veterans receive the service to all Americans. Showing Grade B-Team Basketball the day in which we reflect and an individual. To serve is to set benefits they have earned and connect appreciation can be as simple as honor the sacrifice, service, and aside one’s personal motivations services and resources they may saying thank you for your service.

Tournament Champions!!! dedication of the men and women for the betterment of all. with need.

Laura Koerner, Texas Veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. November 11 is a time to appreciate and honor all who served in the military—whether serving here at home or overseas.

This day serves as a reminder of the true meaning of the phrase, service before self. To commit to service in the military is to pledge

Veterans Day originates from May we always remember veterans’ Commission Chairwoman and U.S. Armistice Day, World War I, Nov. selflessness, commitment to duty, and Navy Veteran 11, 1918. From those who fought to create our great nation, to those who are currently deployed, we owe a permanent debt of gratitude.

The Lone Star State is home to more veterans than any other state.

The Texas Veterans Commission

20th Anniversary Mass In Loving Memory

Consuelo M. Lopez

2,900 FULLWITH FUNERAL SERVICE SILVER $

Big cheers and congratulations to the Veterans Middle School 7thgrade B-Team for their fantastic victory at Saturday’s October 28, 2023 basketball tournament hosted at Roma Middle School! Way to go team! “When you give your absolute best, failure simply can’t keep up.

.00

09-09-1926 † 11-12-2003

METAL CASKET

Sanchez CALL JEFF OR SONATA Sanchez Funeral Home

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

(956) 487-2525

SANCHEZ

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

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

(956) 847-7008

It’s lonely here without you; We miss you more each day.

For life is not the same to us, Since you were called away.

If we could only have one lifetime Wish, One dream that could come true. We’d ask with all our hearts, for yesterday and you.

A 20 year anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 9:00AM at Immaculate Conception Church in Rio Grande City, Tx. Mom we miss you and love you very much, your sons & daughters Santos Jr.(†), Rosa Linda, Arturo, Blanca, Ricardo, Cynthia, Hector, Roberto, Al, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Lopez Family

Card of Thanks

For all the love, kindness and support you have shown us, we are so thankful.

It will always be remembered.

From the family of

Pauline Klein De La Cruz February 28, 1949 † October 23, 2023

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Act Now: the Annual Enrollment Period ends December 7. *Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/service area. Limitations, exclusions, and restrictions may apply. Contact the plan for more information. Specific benefit allowance amounts will be added to your Cigna Healthy Today card and do not carry over to the next quarter or the following year.1Annual amount based on possible monthly or quarterly amounts. 3Cigna Healthcare will reduce your monthly Part B premium based on the plan’s specific benefit amount. Cigna Healthcare products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group. The Cigna names, logos, and marks, including THE CIGNA GROUP and CIGNA HEALTHCARE are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. All pictures are used for illustrative purposes only. Subsidiaries of The Cigna Group contract with Medicare to offer Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans and Part D Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) in select states, and with select State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in a Cigna Healthcare product depends on contract renewal. © 2023 Cigna Healthcare.

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, NOVEMBER 8, 2023, PAGE 4

LEGAL NOTICE Congratulations to Ringgold Elementary Wonderful

School Halloween Pumpkin Winners! Annual

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Grand Champion Beverage Commission Melania for a WINE AND ValdezM A LT B E V E R A G E Ortiz R E TA I L E R ’ S O N PREMISE PERMIT (BG) by: FIVE STAR BURGERS AND MORE, LLC, dba FIVE STAR BURGERS AND MORE, Grand Champion - Melania to be located at 1609 W. Valdez-Ortiz (3rd Grade); MAIN ST., RIO GRANDE Reserve Champion - Joshua Juarez-Trevino (3rd Grade); CITY, STARR COUNTY, and 3rd Place, Alaia Reyna (2nd TEXAS. Manager Managed: Grade). Raider creativity was in ADAN LONGORIA & full force with all entries! Thank you students for all Amazing MARIA LONGORIA. pumpkin projects! You all are so talented!

Time at Roma ISD’s Trunk or Treat Event

Reserve Champion Joshua Juarez Trevino

3rd Place Alaia Reyna

The Gladiator Nation had a wonderful time celebrating Halloween together at Roma ISD’s annual Trunk or Treat. On behalf of Roma ISD we thank every employee and community vendor that participated to bring joy to more than 1,000 children. We look for to an even bigger event next year!!

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, NOVEMBER 8, 2023, PAGE 5

Rep. Cuellar Announces $498,739 to Improve United Way Brings Latina Hope Program to the Community of Roma School Safety at Rio Grande City Grulla ISD

On Friday, November 3, 2023, U.S. Congressman H e n r y Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) announced $498,739 in federal funds to improve school safety at Rio Grande City Grulla Independent School District (RGCGISD), formerly known as Rio Grande City Consolidated Independent School District.

The funds, provided by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Service (COPS) School Violence Prevention Program, will be used for a variety of evidencebased school safety programs,

including: •Training for local law enforcement officers to prevent school violence; •Placement and use of metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; and, •Acquisition and installation of technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency.

“The COPS School Violence Prevention Program helps equip our schools with the safety measures they need to protect our students. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I worked hard to keep this program fully funded.

We’re seeing the results of that today right here in Starr

County,” said Dr. Cuellar. “In Congress, I will continue to fight to improve school safety in South Texas. Thank you to RGCGISD Superintendent Adolfo Pena, Jr. and the RGCGISD Board of Trustees for working with me to secure these federal dollars.”

To read more about the COPS School Violence Prevention Program, https://cops.usdoj.gov/ svpp .

City of Roma is grateful to United Way for bringing the Latina Hope program to the community in Roma, Texas. This initiative is making a real difference in the lives of women who aspire to start small businesses, whether it’s through crafting or other homemade projects. They had an incredible session with Wells Fargo Bank, where the participants learned valuable insights on money

management.

Councilwoman Citlali Gonzalez stopped by for a few motivational words, and Maria Santos Salinas presented to them on promoting their products through social media which was truly enlightening.

The Latina Hope program is not only empowering women but also equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in the business

world.

Thank you, United Way, for your commitment and for making programs like this accessible to the community. Your support is shaping the future of many aspiring entrepreneurs.

On behalf of the City of Roma we are incredibly grateful for your dedication to our community’s growth and prosperity.

Connection matters.

TurnToSupportsTX.org Discover More Here

Turn to the people and things that make life happier and healthier.

A conversation with a close friend.

A walk in your favorite park.

A relaxing family dinner.

A new hobby that makes you smile.

For more resources and support, visit TurnToSupportsTX.org

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, NOVEMBER 8, 2023, PAGE 6

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, NOVEMBER 8, 2023, PAGE 7 The Grulla High School Junior class will be hosting the first ever Gator Market Day Fundraiser on Saturday, December 9th, 2023. All RGCGISD campuses, local businesses, and vendors of all kinds are invite to participate. Contact Jessica De La Cruz to reserve your spot (956) 500-0815 - jldelacruz003@rgccisd.org - $35 for vendor booths - $25 for advertising/RGCGISD organization. Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss out on this amazing community event that will be fun for the whole family!

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF BANKING APPLICATION TO ESTABLISH A BRANCH

Notice is hereby given that Texas Regional Bank, 6770 West Interstate 2, Harlingen, Cameron County, Texas 78552 will file an application with the Texas Department of Banking on or about November 8, 2023 to establish a branch to be located at 4389 East US Highway 83, Rio Grande City, Starr County, Texas 78582.

Any person wishing to comment on this application, either for or against, may file written comments with the Texas Department of Banking, 2601 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78705-4294, within fourteen (14) days of the date of this publication. Such comments will be made a part of the record before and considered by the Banking Commissioner. Any person wishing to formally protest and oppose the proposed branch establishment and participate in the application process may do so by filing a written notice of protest with the Texas Department of Banking, 2601 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78705-4294 within fourteen (14) days of the date of this publication, together with a filing fee of $2,500. The protest fee may be reduced or waived by the Banking Commissioner upon a showing of substantial hardship.

NOTICE OF BRANCH APPLICATION Notice is hereby given that Texas Regional Bank, 6770 West Interstate 2, Harlingen, Cameron County, Texas 78552 intends to apply to the Federal Reserve System for permission to establish a branch to be located at 4389 East US Highway 83, Rio Grande City, Starr County, Texas 78582. The Federal Reserve considers a number of factors in deciding whether to approve the application, including the record of performance of applicant banks in helping to meet local credit needs.

You are invited to submit comments in writing on this application to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Banking Supervision, P. O. Box 655906, Dallas, Texas 75265-5906. The comment period will not end before November 24, 2023 and may be somewhat longer.

The Board’s procedures for processing applications may be found at 12 C.F.R. Part 262.

Procedures for processing protested applications may be found at 12 C.F.R. 262.25. To obtain a copy of the Board’s procedures or if you need more information about how to submit your comments on the application, contact Ms. Karen Smith, Director Mergers & Acquisitions, at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas at (214) 922-6786. The Federal Reserve will consider your comments and any request for a public meeting or formal hearing on the application if they are received by the Reserve Bank in writing on or before the last day of the comment period.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, NOVEMBER 8, 2023, PAGE 8

Cómo obtener descuentos en el seguro de vivienda ¿Quiere reducir los costos del seguro de vivienda?

Asegúrese de que esté recibiendo todos los descuentos.

Pregúntele a su agente o compañía de seguros por posibles descuentos como: •Descuento por hogar seguro, sobre todo si tiene una alarma de seguridad.

•Descuento de detectores de humo o sistema con rociadores.

•Descuento por vivienda nueva.

Si su vivienda se ha construido o renovado en los últimos cinco años, su compañía de seguros podría reducirle la prima.

•Descuento del techo. Las aseguradoras suelen ofrecer descuentos por techos fabricados con materiales que ayuden a prevenir daños o resistentes al fuego. Las casas con techos más nuevos pueden obtener un descuento por la cantidad de años que tenga el techo.

También puede obtener un descuento por tener varias pólizas con la misma compañía.

Además, comparar diferentes aseguradoras puede ser beneficioso. Obtenga ejemplos de tarifas en HelpInsure.com (solo en inglés) del Departamento de Seguros de Texas. ¿Tiene preguntas sobre seguros?

Llame al Departamento de Seguros de Texas al 800-252-3439 o visite www.tdi.texas.gov.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, NOVEMBER 8, 2023, PAGE 9

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, NOVEMBER 8, 2023, PAGE 10

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 Ochoa’s 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 Juan Ochoa at 956-488-9789, 112 Old Military Rd., Garciasville, TX 78547 for information concerning vehicles.

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, NOVEMBER 8, 2023, PAGE 11

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, NOVEMBER 8, 2023, PAGE 12

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, NOVEMBER 8, 2023, PAGE 13

VMS Students of the Month LEGAL NOTICE Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a WINE AND M A LT B E V E R A G E R E TA I L E R ’ S O F F PREMISE PERMIT ( B Q ) b y : VA L P E R INVESTMENTS LLC, dba BUDDY’S GROCERIES to be located at 204 E. EISENHOWER ST., RIO GRANDE CITY, STARR C O U N T Y, T E X A S .

Member Managed ROBERT GEORGE PEREZ, JR.

Attention Gladiator Nation!

You will start seeing Kindness Stones around the community. Feel free to take them as a gift from our students and staff. We encourage you to take a photo and send it in, as well as make decorated stones of your own to leave in the community as a motivational blessing to others.

THE COUNTY OF STARR SHERIFF’S OFFICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Chapter 263.153 of the Texas Local Government Code & Chapter 59 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and Transportation Code 683, Subsection B, 683.012, of the Texas Department of Transportation that the County of Starr Sheriff ’s Office, Rio Grande City, Texas will hold a public auction on Saturday November 18th, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. for General Surplus, Equipment and Vehicles which have been forfeited to the State of Texas under the provisions of Chapter 59 Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Location: 2101 I-69C, Edinburg, TX 78542. Registration to bid will be from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and will require a picture identification. Examples of items to be auctioned are cars, trucks, heavy equipment, personal computers, electronics, office furniture, surplus, etc. All items will be sold “As Is - Where Is” to the highest bidder. Onsite Buyer’s Premium 14%. Internet Buyer’s Premium 16%. All sales are final and must be paid on the same day with cash, major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express), Debit & Credit with a 3.99% processing fee. Checks accepted day of auction only with certain conditions. For additional information, please contact the County of Starr Sheriff ’s Office, at (956) 487-5571. AUC#17532 - Jose A. Camarillo

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1.9% APR for 36 months for well-qualified buyers when financed w/GM Financial. Monthly payment is $28.60 for every $1,000 you finance. Average example down payment is 20.2%. Not available with leases and some other offers Must take new retail delivery by 12/04/2023. See Dealer for details. All prices plus tax, title and license. Vehicle is subject to pre-sale.

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NOVEMBER 8, 2023 PAGE 14 You’re in good hands.

Auto • Home • Business • Life Hablamos Español

956-488-0160

103 W. 2nd Street Rio Grande City, Tx 78582

Presented by Knights Of Columbus District #212 Rio Grande City tty (2597) | Roma (3367) | San Isidro (3919) | Escobares (9982)

Nov ove ov vember 28, 2023 a v nt Center Julab abe Eve ve a ulco St., Rio Grande City t , TX T 5533 Acap ap ty

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Arroyo:5065 Hwy. 83 ste. A - 956-570-0702 Roma: 834 E. Grant St. Ste. C - 956-570-0701 OPEN OPEN RGC: 4370 NOW Escobares: 4522 NOW E. Hwy 83 Ste. B - 956-309-3549 East Hwy 83 Ste A. 956-429-5625 Penitas - 1715 Expressway 83 Suite A-2 Penitas Tx- 956-424-0133