NOVEMBER 9, 2022

STC Board Leader Benavidez named first Latina to serve as National Chair

of Education advocating for higher education and championing the students of the Rio Grande Valley.

“This is a great honor and a greater responsibility,” said Benavidez.

“Today we broke barriers and a glass ceiling for all the other women and girls like me that are to come. It’s a privilege having this type of platform to address local and regional issues in higher education, economic progress and workforce development.” She added, “We have national attention, and we must ensure we address our needs, highlight our successes and the transformational impact we are having in our communities across the RGV.”

ACCT is a non-profit educational organization of governing boards, representing more than 6,500 elected and appointed trustees who govern over 1,200 community, technical and junior colleges in the United States.

success and the opportunity for individuals to achieve economic self-sufficiency and security, that aligns with Benavidez’s local vision.

“At STC, we believe access to higher education should be for everyone and that every resident is entitled to educational and career success whether it’s through academic programs or technical/ workforce training,” she said. “It’s a basic need and a basic right.”

Benavidez follows in her late father’s footsteps, Manuel Benavidez, who was a founding STC Board of Trustee. He served in ACCT as Chair of Diversity Committee, selected as a Regional Trustee of the Year and ultimately received an ACCT Lifetime Membership Award in 2005 for his leadership.

Starr County Precinct 3 Commissioner Eloy Garza is proud to announce the completion of the “Commissioner Eloy Garza Memorial Cemetery”.

The Starr County native will serve on the national stage,

the

The organization’s mission is to promote high-quality and affordable higher education, cutting-edge workforce and development training, student

The younger Benavidez was first elected to the ACCT Board in 2017 representing ACCT’s western region and like her father, served as chair of the Diversity Committee.

“I knew of my dad’s effort and BENAVIDEZ, page 6

Residents of Precinct 3 can now have the peace of mind of knowing that they will have an eternal resting place near their home.

There are a few requirements to follow to obtain a plot, which are as follows:

•Plots are on a first come first served basis. Loved ones must

show proof (in the form of on an ID) that the deceased person lived in Precinct 3. The next plot may then be reserved for their spouse.

This service is brought to you free of charge by Starr County Precinct 3.

The land, which has over 2000 plots, is located on Pimenta Road, and was generously donated by Heritage Development.

For more information please contact the Starr County Precinct 3 Office at (956)487-2120.

Mighty Freshman Rattler Football Team Defeated

PSJA North in Final Game of the 2022 Season

On behalf of the entire Rattler Nation we would like to wish a huge CONGRATULATIONS to the Mighty Freshman Rattler Football team for defeating PSJA North in their last game of the season! We are so proud of these young men for the hard work and dedication they have shown throughout the season! Thank you to the coaching staff for guiding these athletes! Finally thank you to the parents and the Rattler fans that supported our students all season long. This is what #RattlerPride is all about!

Starr County Precinct 3 Commissioner Eloy Garza Announces the Completion of a New Cemetery

South Texas College Board of Trustee Chair Rose Benavidez was recently inaugurated in New York City as the chair of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Board of Directors, making her the first Latina to hold this distinguished position in the organization’s more than 50-year history.

working with top leadership in

nation from the White House to Congress and the U.S. Department

The County of Starr, is soliciting

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 9th - I.C.C. 6:30 P.M.

†JOHN A. POPE, III by Anna Pope & Family

†ELOY & MARIA MONTALVO by Anna Pope & Family

†ELOY MONTALVO, JR. by Anna Pope & Family

†JOHN JR. & RAQUEL POPE by Anna Pope & Family

†MARIA CRUZ LOPEZ LOPEZ (6TH AN.) by Family

†MARK SMITH by Family

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 10TH LOS GARCIAS 6:00 P.M.

†JESUS MURGUIA (1ST AN.) by Friends

†MARK SMITH by Family

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11TH - I.C.C. 12:00 P.M.

†MARK SMITH by Family

†ARNOLDO “BABY ARNOLD” LOPEZ JR. by Parents

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12th - I.C.C. 5:00 P.M.

†IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR RGCHS CLASSMATES OF 1962 by RGCHS Class of 1962

†CONSUELO M. LOPEZ (19TH AN.) by Sons & Daughters

†HARRY MORRIS BROWN, SR. (3RD AN.) by Wife Angelica & Children

†RENE MOLINA by Thelma Molina & Family

†RUDY MARTINEZ, JR. by Thelma Molina & Family

†ALEJANDRO SAENZ by Garcia Villarreal Family

†MARK SMITH by Family

†RODOLFO & INEZ O. MARTINEZ by Cristina Martinez

†LEONARDA B. GONZALEZ by Cristina Martinez

†ALBERTO GARZA by Cristina Martinez

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 13th – L.G.

7:00 A.M.

†CRISTIAN DE JESUS HERNANDEZ (2ND AN.) by Sus Padres y Hermano

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 13th - I.C.C. 9:00 A.M.

†RAQUEL VELASCO VALLE by Gloria De Loera

†MARIA GUADLAUPE VELASCO VALLE by Gloria De Loera

†CRUZ GARCIA by Su Esposa e Hijos

†HECTOR RODRIGUEZ by Sus Hijos

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 13th – I.C.C. 11:00 A.M.

†EXCELSA VALERA by Patiño Family

†LAZARO & ALEJANDRA GARCIA by Letty & Valerie

†TEODORA & MARTIN GARZA by Lydia Garza Saenz & Family

†MARK SMITH by Family

†LEONEL & LETICIA LOPEZ (2ND AN.) by Lopez Family

IN THANKSGIVING SERRA CLUB #812

5:00 P.M.

†GUADALUPE ALANIS (6TH AN.) by Family

MONDAY NOVEMBER 14th – I.C.C. 6:00 P.M.

†ALBERTO BARRERA, SR. by Celia G. Barrera & Family

†MARK SMITH by Family

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15th – I.C.C. 6.30 P.M.

†EMMA GLORIA by Family

†GUADALUPE RAMIREZ by Ramirez Family

†MARK SMITH by Family

†FOR ALL THE SOULS IN PURGATORY by Anna Pope & Family

Brush Truck and Equipment shall be complete, operational and capable of providing the functions intended. Bid awarded should be honored for 3 months. Bids shall be sealed and prominently marked on the lower left hand corner of bid envelope with the project title “2023 FORD F-550 DIESEL FIRE TRUCK/ EQUIPMENT”. Please direct your questions regarding this equipment to Mrs. Reyna G. Guerra, Starr County Judge’s Office at (956) 716-4800.

Senator Judith Zaffirini and her grandsons, Asher (5 ) and George (3)

Pol. Adv. Paid For By Senator Judith Zaffirini

Senator Judith Zaffirini

Rio Grande City High School student Liana Rios win 1st place in the Misdemeanor Traffic Stop in the TXPSTA State competition. Rattler Nation are so proud of Liana for her hard work and dedication to the CTE program!

A huge congratulations to the Roma High School Mighty Gladiator Cross Country runners who placed at the Lasara Lion Pride XC Invitational. The team brought home 24 individual medals and 3 first place team plaques!

Texas Delta Theta Master Service Project Benefits Alto Bonito Elementary and Emma Vera Elementary Roma High Students Participate in FSA Drive

The Roma High Counseling Department put together an FSA ID application drive. They helped the students get their accounts ready to apply for college financial aid. Thank you to our counselors for helping our students on their college journey!

Texas Delta Theta Master of Beta Sigma Phi is proud to carry out their annual autumn service project, helping county schools with funds for uniform shirts or jackets for students who may be in need. Service committee members Rosie Garcia, chairman, and Tissa Peterson are shown presenting checks to: (Left picture) Assistant Principal Laura Garza, center, the librarian, and a fourth grade teacher, Patricia Montes and Elsa Solis at Alto Bonito Elementary School, RGCGISD. The principal, Yvette Pena, is not pictured but expressed her gratitude for the contribution. (Right picture) Principal Yvonne Guerrero, Assistant Principal Aleida Alaniz, Counselor Gladys Rodriguez, and Facilitator Isabel Trevino at Emma Vera Elementary School, Roma ISD.

leadership growing up and admire everything he accomplished. Being elected to the STC board made his vision clear and helped me establish a foundation to strengthen my resolve to expand access and create opportunities in our community.”

During her tenure with ACCT, Benavidez has successfully participated in advocating for increased federal funds for higher education, alignment of skills training with meaningful wage employment and the promotion of student success across the United States, Canada, Europe and the Pacific Islands.

Benavidez is committed to improving the economic standing and quality of life for her region, continues to find innovative ways to solve issues affecting her community and leads by example through volunteerism and service

to countless local, regional, state and national non-profit and civic organizations and charities.

Benavidez currently serves as the President of the Starr County Industrial Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded and supported by local government and business leaders committed to developing the local economy.

For her contributions she has also been inducted into the Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame, received the “State of Texas Women of Distinction Award” from the Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) and most recently honored as a Woman of Distinction by the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

STC President Ricardo Solis said Benavidez’s work has given STC a national spotlight and it’s an honor that she is a part of the STC

family.

“Her leadership, tireless advocacy for our region and students and her efforts toward advancement for our college is invaluable,” said Solis. “We congratulate her on this great achievement.”

Benavidez said all of this has been possible due to the support she receives daily from family, friends and the community she serves.

“I am fortunate to have the trust of the residents I serve, and I will use my voice, our collective voice, to ensure that our community’s priorities aren’t overlooked,” she said. “I am humbled, and I will continue to work hard every day to lead advancements in our community.”

Benavidez will serve as chair of the ACCT for a one-year term.

INVITATION TO BIDDERS

The City of Rio Grande would like to invite you to submit a bid on the following:

Specifications: A copy of drawings and technical specifications may be obtained at SAMES, Inc., 200 S. 10th Street, Suite 1500, McAllen, TX 78501 phone number (956) 702-8880. A non-refundable deposit of $75.00 will be assessed for each set of paper documents or an electronic file can be requested via email at no cost to rpena@samengineering-surveying. com. Be advised that SAMES, Inc. is the primary source of all bid documents and bidders list. Obtaining bid information from a third-party planning room may lead to incomplete submissions. SAMES, Inc. will issue out any applicable addendums to those listed on their bidders list. Bidders are responsible for obtaining all the necessary information required for a compliant bid.

Pre-Bid Conference: A Virtual Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. You can receive virtual access by calling SAMES, Inc. before 2:00 p.m. on the day of the conference at (956) 702-8880.

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 package RFB # ENG 22.004 “RGC PUBLIC SAFETY

DEVELOPMENT FOR WATER AND SEWER LINE DESIGN” 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.

Bidder understands that the City of Rio Grande Reserves the right to accept or reject bids submitted; waive formalities in bidding; accept bid deemed most advantageous to the City, and hold the bids for a period of (60) calendar days without taking action.

The sealed bid must contain (2) original complete bid required documents (including all bonds) and must be clearly identified and addressed for delivery to: Angela Solis, City Secretary City of Rio Grande City

Physical Location: City Secretary Office 5332 E. US Highway 83 Rio Grande City, TX 78582

Deadline: Sealed bids will be accepted until Monday, November 28, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at which time they will be opened in the City of Rio Grande Conference room at Physical Location: 5332 E. US Highway 83 Rio Grande City, TX 78582. No facsimiles or late arrivals will be accepted. Any bid received after that time will not be opened and will be returned.

Bid Security: Bid Security in the amount of 5% of the largest possible total of bids submitted must accompany each bid in accordance with the Instruction to Bidders. The surety must be a guaranteed or surety company acceptable to the City of Rio Grande.

Please direct your questions regarding bid documents and specifications to SAM Engineering and Surveying at 956-702-8880 or by email to rpena@samengineering-surveying.com

Rep. Guillen to Embark on Listening Tour

State Representative Ryan Guillen (R-District 31) will once again be on the road talking issues and raising blood sugar levels with fellow South Texans during his seasonal DQ Listening Tour on November 12, 2022.

“The opinions of my constituents are very important to me,” Guillen said. “I value every opportunity to speak directly with the people of South Texas and hear their thoughts firsthand.”

In the spring, summer, and fall, Representative Guillen has traveled to a local Dairy Queen in each county seat in District 31 to hear the questions, thoughts, and concerns of his constituents. The DQ Listening Tour is just one of several outreach programs promoted by Guillen to maintain communication with the residents of the district.

The schedule is as follows:

7:00am at the Dairy Queen in Rio Grande City

8:30am at the Dairy Queen in Zapata

10:00am at the Dairy Queen in Hebbronville

11:00am at the Dairy Queen in Falfurrias

12:15pm at the Dairy Queen in San Diego

1:30pm at the Dairy Queen in George West

3:00pm at the Dairy Queen in Karnes City

4:00pm at the Dairy Queen in Floresville

STARR COUNTY 229TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Chapter 59 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure that the 229TH Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Rio Grande City, Texas will hold a public auction on Saturday November 19th, 2022, 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 12%. Internet Buyer’s Premium 14%. 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 229th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, at (956) 716-4800. Jose A. Camarillo AUC#17532

CITY OF ROMA POLICE DEPARTMENT NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to 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 City of Roma Police Department, Roma, Texas will hold a public auction on Saturday November 19, 2022, at 10:00am for said vehicles. Location: 2101 I-69C, Edinburg, Texas 78542. Registration to bid will be from 8:00am to 10:00am and will require a picture identification. Items to be auctioned are vehicles. All items will be sold “As Is-Where Is” to the highest bidder. Onsite Buyer’s Premium for vehicles is 12%, Internet Buyer’s Premium 14%. 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 Bond and Bond Auctioneers (956) 283-0422 Jose A. Camarillo AUC#17532.

Advertisement and Invitation for Bids:

The County of Starr, is soliciting sealed bids to be received by Starr County Pct.#4 Commissioner Ruben D. Saenz at 100 N. FM 3167, Rio Grande City, TX 78582. Starr County’s normal business days are Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Bids should be addressed to: Starr County

c/o Pct.#4 Commissioner Ruben D. Saenz 100 N. FM 3167

Rio Grande City, TX 78582

Bids shall be received until 9:00 a.m. Monday November 14, 2022, . Shortly, thereafter all submitted bids will be gathered and taken to the Starr County Annex Conference Room to be publicly opened and read aloud. Any bid received after the closing time will be rejected and returned to the bidder unopened. The sealed envelope shall be marked with the following on the lower left hand corner: Used Equipment: Two

Starr County Precinct 2: Advertisement and Invitation for Bids “Reconstruction of Salineño Community Center Phase #2 Indoor Reconstruction”

Starr County Pct. 2 is requesting bids for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, supervision and performance of all work required for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Outer Face or Front Entrance to the Salineño Community Center. The project consists of demolishing and reconstructing the front entrance to the community center.

Bid Documents and Information towards the reconstruction may be obtained at the office of Commissioner Peña in Roma, Texas. The office is located at 500 East Grant St. Roma, Texas at Roma Motor Mart.

Bids will be received until 10:00 a.m. on November 18, 2022 after 10:00 a.m. bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at Starr County Pct. 2 office.

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 Pct. 2 for a period not to exceed 30 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. All contractors/subcontractors that are debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded from are ineligible for participation.

Bidders / Contractor shall be an Equal Opportunity Firm and practice nondiscrimination. All Bidders/ Contractors must present proper documentation of capability adequate staffing and experience to perform the tasks required. Starr County supports the submission of Bids from historically underutilized businesses. All qualified bidders will receive consideration for selection without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, and handicap or as otherwise provided by applicable law.

Public Service Announcement: Fair Housing, It’s the Law

To promote fair housing practices, e City of Roma encourages potential homeowners and renters to be aware of their rights under the National Fair Housing Law. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin in the sale or rental of units in the housing market. For more information on fair housing or to report possible fair housing discrimination, call the Texas Workforce Commission at (888) 4524778 or (512) 463-2642 TTY: 512-371-7473.

Policy of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability

e City of Roma does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or employment in, its federally assisted programs or activities. e City Manager has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) regulations implementing Section 504 (24 CFR Part 8).

Citizen Participation & Grievance Procedures Notice

e City of Roma has adopted complaint and grievance procedures regarding its Texas Community Development Block Grant Programs (TxCDBG). Citizens may obtain a copy of these written procedures at Roma, TX, 78584-0947 during regular business hours. Citizens may also request the procedures be mailed to them by calling the City Manager, Civil Rights O cer at 956-849-1411. ese procedures outline the steps for a citizen to follow if s/he wishes to le a complaint or grievance about TxCDBG activities. A person who has a complaint or grievance about any services or activities with respect to the TxCDBG project, may during regular business hours submit such complaint or grievance, in writing to the , at PO BOX 947, Roma, TX 78584-0947 or may call . e City of Roma will make every e ort to respond fully to such complaints within een (15) working days where practicable.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

e City of Roma does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

Aviso Publico: La Equidad en la Vivienda, Es La Ley

Para promover prácticas de vivienda justa, La Ciudad de City of Roma anima a los posibles propietarios de vivienda e inquilinos a que conozcan sus derechos conforme a la Ley Nacional De Vivienda Justa. El Título VIII de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1968, según enmendada, prohíbe la discriminación contra cualquier persona por motivos de raza, color, religión, sexo, discapacidad, estado familiar u origen nacional en la venta o renta de unidades en el mercado de la vivienda. Para obtener más información sobre vivienda justa o para informar sobre una posible discriminación de vivienda equitativa, llame a la Comisión Laboral de Texas al (888) 452-4778 o (512) 463-2642 TTY: 512-371-7473.

Póliza de No Discriminar a Base de Estado de Discapacidad

La Ciudad de City of Roma no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad en la admisión, el acceso o el empleo en sus programas o actividades con asistencia federal. City Manager ha sido designado para coordinar el cumplimiento de los requisitos de no discriminación contenidos en los reglamentos del Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano (HUD) que implementan la Sección 504 (24 CFR Parte 8).

Participación Ciudadana y Procedimientos de Quejas Aviso

La Ciudad de City of Roma ha adoptado procedimientos de quejas y reclamos relacionados con sus programas de Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG). Los ciudadanos pueden obtener una copia de estos procedimientos escritos en , City of Roma, TX, 78584-0947 durante el horario comercial habitual. Los ciudadanos también pueden solicitar que se les envían los procedimientos por correo llamando al City Manager, O cial de Derechos Civiles, en 956-849-1411. Estos procedimientos describen los pasos que debe seguir un ciudadano si desea presentar una queja o reclamo sobre las actividades de TxCDBG. Una persona que tenga una queja o reclamo sobre cualquier servicio o actividad relacionada con un proyecto del programa TxCDBG, puede presentar dicha queja o reclamo durante el horario comercial habitual, o por escrito a , a PO BOX 947, City of Roma, TX 78584-0947 o puede llamar a . La Ciudad de City of Roma hará todo lo posible para responder con plenitud a las quejas dentro de los quince (15) días hábiles cuando sea posible.

Declaración de Igualdad de Oportunidades de Empleo

Equipment shall be complete, operational and capable of providing the functions intended. Bid awarded should be honored for 3 months. Bids shall be sealed and prominently marked on the lower left hand corner of bid envelope with the project title “USED EQUIPMENT”. Please direct your questions regarding this equipment to Mrs. Reyna G. Guerra, Starr County Judge’s Office at (956) 716-4800.

La Ciudad de City of Roma no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, religión, sexo, orientación sexual, identidad de género u origen nacional.

6:15pm at the Dairy Queen in Cotulla

“Each time someone shares their thoughts, concerns, or questions, it helps us improve how

we serve everyone throughout the district,” said Guillen. “This provides folks with yet another opportunity to let me know what’s on their minds.”

The Rio Grande City High School Girls and Boys Cross Country Teams are hosting a 5K

December 3, 2022, at 7 P.M., at the Fort Ringgold Campus Grounds as well as Joe R. Sanchez Stadium. All funds raised will benefit the Rio Grande City High School Girls and Boys cross country programs.

JOB OPENING

Qualifications:

• Proficient typing, computer, and office management

• Effective organizational, communications, and interpersonal skills

• Bilingual: English and Spanish

• QuickBooks software experience required

• Bookkeeping experience required

• Knowledge in payroll and sales tax reports (preferred) but not required

Please email resume to mario@mendezandrobles.com

Qualifications: • Proficient typing, computer, and office management • Effective organizational, communications, and interpersonal skills • Bilingual: English and Spanish • Income Tax preparation experience preferred • QuickBooks software experience preferred • Bookkeeping experience required • Knowledge in payroll and sales tax reports (preferred) but not required

• Bachelor’s or Associates Degree in Accounting

Please email resume

Roma High Gladiator Marching Band Champs of PSJA Tri City Classic Festival

Roma ISD Superintendent Carlos M. Gonzalez Jr. and members of the Roma ISD Administration treated the Roma High School Mighty Gladiator Band students and staff to Roma Pride pins and cupcakes in celebration of their dedication and hard work resulting in their Class 2A Championship and Overall 3rd Place at the Bands of America Competition. The Gladiator Nation is super proud of these amazing students and staff!

Congratulations to the Roma High Mighty Gladiator Marching Band on being named Grand Champions of the PSJA ISD Tri City Classic Marching Band Festival! The Gladiator Nation is super proud of you!!