Rep. Cuellar Announces $963,000 in Federal Funding for Starr County Juvenile Housing and Rehabilitation Center
Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) announced $963,000 in Federal Funding for Starr County Juvenile Housing and Rehabilitation Center. The funds come from an earmark the Congressman secured for Starr County in FY 24.
to help renovate the facility and upgrade security features. Currently, the Center faces challenges with outdated and inadequate security and juvenile housing facilities.
Through this funding, Starr County can better address current needs and potential security issues.
It can also work in concert with surrounding rural communities like Jim Hogg, Duval, and Zapata counties.
“Through these funds, the Starr County Juvenile Housing and Rehabilitation Center will keep our community secure and continue their important work helping affected youth,” said Dr. Cuellar, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. “I am grateful to Judge Vera and Starr County Juvenile Director Dora Liza for their efforts in assisting the center.”
The Center will use this funding
Specifically, the funding will be used to upgrade security systems, replace the current fence with a hurricane fence, add additional exterior lights, replace the exterior drain and adding a pump to assist with flooding, upgrade the exterior storage room, extend the roof and gutter at Sallyport/Recreation Center, replace outdated ceilings, upgrade and replace the plumbing system, create a more secure medical screening and intake area, seal the storage room to prevent water infiltration, provide a new generator, and more.
The Congressman has recently secured more than $13,000,000 for local infrastructure projects in Starr County.
He secured $1,000,000 for Las Americas Industrial Park in Roma, $2,500,000 for the East Water Loop Project in Rio Grande City, $2,509,364 for the Rio Grande City Public Safety Building and Emergency Shelter, $5,000,000 for the Roma Suspension Bridge, and $2,392,763 for the Starr County Courthouse.
10 Roma High School Mariachi Program students earn a chair in the TMEA Region 15 All-Region Mariachi
Mariachi Cascabel member Michelle Meraz advances to the next round in the State Mariachi competition
Introducing the City of Roma’s Royal Court 2024. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all participants in this years Miss Roma Pageant! Valeria Garza - Miss Roma, Isabella Gonzalez - Princess, and Caremi Ramirez - Duchess.
2024!
Congratulations to 10 Roma High School Mariachi Program students on earning a chair in the TMEA Region 15 All-Region Mariachi! They now advance to the Area Competition later this month. The Gladiator Nation is super proud of these awesome student musicians! Mario Canales, Jr. (Junior) - 1st Chair Trumpet, Jorge Hernández (Senior) - 1st Chair Guitarron, Rusbel Flores (Senior) - 1st Chair Guitar, Christian Cano (Senior) - 1st Chair Harp, Samuel Garza (Sophomore) - 2nd Chair Violin, Josué Molina (Senior) - 3rd Chair Violin, Lorraine Garza (Junior) - 6th Chair Violin, Isabella Gonzalez (Senior) - 7th Chair Violin, Debanhi Eliserio (Freshman) - 8th Chair Violin, and Ryan Vazquez-Kanhere (Sophomore) - 9th Chair Violin.
Congratulations to the Rio Grande City High School Mariachi Cascabel member Michelle Meraz for advancing to the next round in the State Mariachi competition. She will be recording with La guitarra de golpe on her advancement. Let’s wish her the best!!!!
The City of Rio Grande City is hosting its annual Trunk or Treat Thursday, October 24th starting at 6 P.M. at Basilio Villarreal Park. Don’t Forget Your Costume! Businesses can start signing up October 1st to join in on the spooky fun Games, music, contests, haunted trolley, and so much more!!! Don’t miss out.
Master Ritual Conducted by Texas Delta Theta Master
Vangie Anderson was honored with the Master Ritual as a member of the chapter for thirty years. President Diana Pena and other members conducted the candlelit ceremony during the first meeting of the chapter year for Texas Delta Theta Master. Members will enjoy monthly meetings and programs centering around the 2024-25 theme, “Beta Sigma Phi—the Right Place to Be!” Shown left to right are members Elia Perez, Nelda Laurel, Diana Pena, Vangie Anderson, Elda Hinojosa, Rosie Garcia, and Tissa Peterson.
Roma ISD celebrated the ribbon cutting for the new bleachers at the Mighty Gladiator Arena Stadium
Roma ISD’s School Board, Administration, staff, and students celebrated the ribbon cutting for the new bleachers at the Roma ISD Mighty Gladiator Arena Stadium. The project, which doubled the capacity of the bleachers, was funded by the $41.9M 2023 Roma ISD School Bond Election, Proposition B. Voters of the community voted overwhelming in favor of the proposition, which will not only fund the bleacher expansion, but also new stadium concession stands and new restrooms, but also dressing rooms for the baseball, soccer, and tennis teams.
“When you get home tonight, say thank you to your mom and dad, all your family members, and every adult in the community, because they are the ones that made this project, and all our upgrades, possible for you,” said Roma ISD School Board President Ricardo A. Perez. “Everything we are doing is for you, to help you realize your goals and help put you a little further on the path to reaching your dreams.”
Trunk or Treat 2024!
The City of La Grulla invites YOU to our annual Trunk or Treat on October 31st, 2024! We’re calling on all citizens to come out for a night of fun, treats, and community spirit. We also want to see our amazing local businesses and organizations join the fun! If you’d like to participate and set up a trunk, please get in touch with City Hall to get involved. Let’s make this a spooktacular event for our community!
When: October 31st, 2024
Where: La Grulla To participate, call: (956)487-3341
They say there is a reason. They say that time will heal, but neither time nor reason, will change the way we feel.
For no-one knows the heartache that lies behind our smiles, noone knows how many times we have broken down and cried. Gone from home that smiling face, those Cheerful happy ways, the heart that won so many friends in by gone happy days.
We want to tell you something so there won’t be any doubt you’re so wonderful to think of but so hard to be without. We cannot bring the old days back when we were all together the family chain is broken now, but memories live forever.
1st Anniversary In Loving Memory of Aroldo Omar Guerrero, Jr.
Your lovely wife (Fany) & daughters (Rosabel, Lilliana, Stephanie and Lorena) 09/12/1952 † 10/08/2023
Roma High School students Anaiza
selected to attend the Fall 2024 STC
Roma High School students Anaiza
and Flor Gomez were selected to attend the Fall 2024 STC Convocation. They represented Roma ISD for the partnership with STC, which provides students the opportunity to take dual credit courses while still enrolled in high school.
Dual enrollment is an excellent way to allow students to get a head start on their higher education goals. This program also allows students to experience what is it to be a college student and prepare for university-like expectations.
Way to go Anaiza and Flor!!
(Thanks to Counselor Jacqueline Rodriguez for the report.)
and Flor
Guzman
Guzman
Gomez
Our students and sta are just as capable as those in top performing districts. RGCGISD can excel too! It’s time for a change.
Enough of the POLITICAL WELFARE and POLITICAL
New Vision, New Era for RGCGISD:
Restoring Financial Responsibility, Prioritizing Our Children’s Education, Supporting Teachers, and Strengthening Schools to Create a Fair and Equitable Future for All.
• 40% BUDGET CUTS ON CAMPUSES
Over the past few years, RGCGISD has slashed school funding by 40%. is means less money directly bene ting our children and their education.
• ATHLETICS IN DECLINE
Sports Programs: Reduced budgets have deprived our athletes of the necessary resources they need to succeed.
• UIL COMPETITIONS:
Our students deserve to compete on equal footing, but with 40% budget cuts, they are le without the support they need to shine.
• A NEW VISION FOR RGCGISD
RGCGISD is TOP-HEAVY. Too much money goes to administrative bloat, while campuses lack the support they need. Let’s rebalance the focus to where it belongs: Our Schools and Classrooms
• A NEW ERA FOR OUR TEACHERS
Competitive salaries matching neighboring districts, yearly raises, and better health insurance fully paid by the district. It’s time to show our teachers they are valued and needed. is will improve morale and, in turn, the education provided to our children. OUR STAFF DESERVES RAISES NOT STIPENDS
• PROMISES LEFT UNFULFILLED
BOND PROJECTS: Nearly $900,000 was wasted on facility plans that never materialized. No Natatorium or Fine Arts Center. Poor planning, COVID, is not to blame.
• MANIPULATION OF “A” RATING
IMPRESSIVE WORK manipulating videos, but the facts are facts. RGCGISD’s “A” rating isn’t for nancial responsibility but for simply following standard procedures.
GREAT THEATRICS JAY!
IF WE DIDN’T KNOW THE FACTS WE WOULD BELIEVE YOU.
Meanwhile, incurring a nancial de cit, unnecessary positions were created. political hires were made, and raises were only given to a select few within the inner circle. (EMPLOYEES UNDER the POLITICAL TENT)
It’s time for a New Vision and New Era where financial responsibility is restored, and the focus is on what truly matters: OUR STUDENTS, TEACHERS, EMPLOYEES and SCHOOLS. Let’s Level the Playing Field in OUR District.
Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a RETAIL DEALER’S ON PREMISE LICENSE (BE) by: LUCERO GARZA & DAVID VAZQUEZ , dba HILLTOP 2.0 CAFE to be located at 158 GUERRA GARZA RD. STE B, RIO GRANDE CITY, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS.
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.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention Month
Awareness months might seem trivial in theory—shouldn’t we be concerned with important issues like domestic violence all twelve months of the year? —but they are shown to be effective. Like a birthday, awareness months set aside a specific time to direct focused attention on an important cause. The media focuses stories on that issue or concern, events are planned, fundraisers are held and, inevitably, people are talking about it. One could argue that making even one more person to not feel alone that month is worth the effort.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence. Every October, organizations and individuals unite across the country for a national effort to uplift the needs, voices, and experiences of survivors.
The History Behind the
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Movement and Its Color
The women’s movement was growing momentum in the 1960s and ‘70s, but few people were openly talking about the injustice of domestic violence, or even knew there were shelters where women could go to find refuge from an abusive partner.
On July 9, 1978, nearly 100,000 advocates marched on the capitol in Washington, D.C. in support of equal rights. Many survivors of abuse—at the time, more commonly known as battered women—were wearing purple. Battered women chose purple as an evolution of the lavender from decades past because lavender was seen as a color of royalty.
As the battered women’s movement grew, the first awareness campaign began on the first Tuesday in October 1981. It grew to a week, and as more advocates and programs created local awareness efforts, it would go on to expand to the full month
South Texas College is accepting competitive proposals for the following:
RFP Number Description Date Due Time 24-25-1023 Purchase of Laser Projectors October 31, 2024 2:00 pm
Request for Proposals packages may be obtained at the Purchasing Department located at 3200 W Pecan Blvd Bldg N Ste 145, McAllen, TX 78501 (Corner of Quince & 31st St) or by calling 956-872-4681. Responses received after the specified time and date will not be considered and will be returned unopened. Email or Facsimile responses will not be accepted. All responses must be submitted in a sealed envelope. Responses need to be clearly marked on the envelope with the RFP number.
The successful respondent will not be determined on opening date.
Questions regarding this RFP or requests for additional information should be addressed to Deyadira Leal, Director of Purchasing, 956-872-4681 daleal@southtexascollege.edu, or Vanessa Campos, Senior Buyer, 956-872-4661 vsolis_3079@southtexascollege.edu
Responses to the RFP must be submitted to South Texas College, 3200 W Pecan Blvd Bldg N Ste 145, McAllen, TX 78501.
South Texas College is an equal education and equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. As an equal opportunity employer, the College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.
Vendors are encouraged to visit the South Texas College’s Purchasing Department website to complete the 2-part Bonfire vendor registration for receiving solicitations at: https://southtexascollege.bonfirehub.com/login
of October. In October 1987, as DVAM was officially observed in the U.S., the country’s first free national domestic violence hotline was in operation. More and more survivors felt emboldened to reach out for help.
Two years later, the U.S. Congress would officially designate October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Congress declared the month of October to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989.
Angels of Love is a non-profit organization which provides free services to victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking across Hidalgo County. The organization is dedicated to providing services to victims of domestic violence. Angels of Love was founded with the purpose of developing a full array of services for women, children and families who are victims of abuse. It is our intention to fill the service gaps left by underfunded and understaffed governmental services to women and children.
Angels of Love helps service victims through Advocacy, Victim & Family Support, Empowerment Classes for Survivors, Youth programs, Teen Dating Violence programs, Parenting classes, Financial Literacy classes, Emergency Shelter, Legal Advocacy, Therapy and Counseling, and Referral Services.
Angels of Love’s vision is to extend itself throughout the Rio Grande Valley with providing services, workshops, conferences, youth programs, counseling, emergency shelter, etc... call (956) 972-0685 to become a volunteer, schedule a presentation, or for additional information or send an email to officialangelsoflove@ gmail.com
Three
Since the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic in early 2020, businesses big and small have faced significant challenges. Though the pandemic has ended, many sectors, including the agricultural industry, are facing familiar and unfamiliar challenges.
The agricultural sector is crucial to the survival and health of billions of people across the globe. Though it’s obvious that modern agriculture is vital to feeding a global population that was greater than eight billion people at the dawn of 2024, the United Nations notes that agriculture also boosts prosperity and economies by providing jobs. That reality only underscores the notion that the challenges facing the agricultural sector are facing everyone, even those whose livelihoods are not directly linked to the industry. According to Earth.org, an organization that offers environmental news, data analysis, research, and policy solutions, the following are three sizable challenges facing modern agriculture.
1. Climate change: Perhaps no challenge is greater for humanity in the twenty-first century than climate change, and the agricultural sector is no exception. Climate change has caused shifting weather patterns marked by unpredictability and potentially disastrous developments like prolonged drought. Estimates from NASA indicate corn yields may decrease by 24 percent by the end of this century, a potentially dangerous development linked to a host of factors, including a shifting climate and elevated surface carbon dioxide concentrations that can be traced to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Population growth: The booming global population is attributable to numerous factors, including longer life expectancies in developed nations due to medical advancements. How to keep the global population fed at a time when the climate is adversely affecting crop yields is a significant challenge facing both humanity and the agricultural sector. As the population grows, so, too, does the demand for water, which also must be used to grow crops. Navigating this challenge will be significant, and how it’s managed could affect the economic stability of the agricultural industry in the decades to come.
3. Investment: Perhaps no industry is more vital to human survival than agriculture. Earth. org notes that countries with strong agricultural sectors often boast higher standards of living and health than nations with a less productive agricultural industry. Despite that, Earth. org notes that investment in the agricultural sector is not commensurate with the growing population. Supporting measures to invest more heavily in the agricultural sector could reduce food shortages in the decades to come and ensure the agricultural sector is better positioned to address the many challenges it is already confronting in the twenty-first century.
The challenges facing the agricultural sector affect those who work in the industry but also the global population as a whole. Recognition of that reality may compel more people to support measures designed to ensure the agricultural sector can thrive and help the world to overcome potentially devastating challenges in the decades ahead.
ATTENTION City of Rio Grande City!!
Expect Traffic delays and plan accordingly as removal of rails is anticipated to commence on FM755 beginning October 16th.
Road crews will remove the old railroad crossing on FM 755, just north of US 83. Work is scheduled October 16-30. It will be a 24-hour operation. Anticipate possible delays in this area while work is completed.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
The City of Roma, Texas, invites qualified firms to submit proposals for administrative services for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fiscal Year 2024 Economic Development Initiative (EDI) – Community Project Funding (CPF) grant No. B-24-CP-TX-2086. Services include planning, permitting, environmental design, construction management, and assistance with application preparation and documentation for federal, state, and other funding sources.
Proposal Submission Guidelines:
• Contact: Detailed guidelines for the proposal can be obtained by contacting City Manager Alejandro Barrera at (956) 849-1411 or abarrera@ cityofroma.net
• Deadline: Submit seven (7) hard copies and one (1) digital copy of the proposal no later than Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 4:00 PM (Central) to the City of Roma, P.O. Box 947 or 201 W. Convent Blvd., Roma, Texas 78584, Attn: Alejandro Barrera, City Manager.
The City of Roma reserves the right to negotiate with any and all persons or firms submitting proposals, per the Texas Professional Services Procurement Act and the Uniform Grant and Contract Management Standards.
Along with your proposal, you must also include verification that your company as well as the company’s principal or principals are not listed (is not debarred) through the federal government’s System for Award Management (www.SAM.gov). Please include a printout of the search results.
All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. Small, minority, and women-owned business enterprises are encouraged to respond.
DO YOU VOTE YOUR VALUES? ¿VOTA POR SUS VALORES?
Answer the questions below either “yes” or “no” to find out if you vote your values.
Responda las preguntas con “sí” o “no” para saber si vota por sus valores.
1. Do you believe we should have a large tax cut for workers?
¿Cree que deberíamos hacer un gran recorte de impuestos para los trabajadores?
2. Do you believe only U.S. citizens should be able to vote in our elections?
¿Cree que solo los ciudadanos estadounidenses deberían poder votar en nuestras elecciones?
3. Do you believe we should defend the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights to protect freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to keep and own arms?
¿Cree que deberíamos defender la Constitución y la Declaración de Derechos de los Estados Unidos para proteger la libertad de expresión, la libertad de religión y el derecho a guardar y poseer armas?
4. Do you believe that your tax dollars should not be used to pay expenses for inmates to obtain sex changes?
¿Cree que sus impuestos no se deberían usar para pagar gastos para que los internos obtengan cambios de sexo?
5. Do you believe we should protect social security and Medicare with no cuts, including no changes to retirement age?
¿Cree que deberíamos proteger la seguridad social y Medicare y que no haga recortes, incluyendo no cambios en la edad de jubilación?
6. Do you believe boys and men should not be allowed in women and girl’s restrooms, showers, and locker rooms?
¿Cree que no se debería permitir que niños y hombres entren a los baños, duchas y vestuarios de mujeres y niñas?
7. Do you believe we should protect women’s sports and prevent men from competing against women and girls in women’s sports, including boxing?
¿Cree que deberíamos proteger los deportes de mujeres y prevenir que los hombres compitan contra mujeres y niñas en deportes de mujeres, incluido el boxeo?
8. Do you believe we should produce our own energy and not depend on foreign countries for our energy needs?
¿Cree que deberíamos producir nuestra propia energía y no depender de países extranjeros para nuestras necesidades energéticas?
9. Do you believe we should take care of our veterans before illegal migrants?
¿Cree que deberíamos cuidar a nuestros veteranos antes que a los inmigrantes ilegales?
10. Do you believe we should welcome legal immigration, but seal our borders and stop the illegal migrant invasion?
¿Crees que deberíamos dar la bienvenida a la inmigración legal, pero cerrar nuestras fronteras y detener la invasión de inmigrantes ilegales?
If you answered 5 or more of these questions “yes”, you are a Republican. Help us to elect candidates who share your values in November.
Si respondió “sí” a 5 o más de estas preguntas, es republicano. Ayúdanos a elegir candidatos que compartan tus valores en noviembre.
“Latinos are Republican. They just don’t know it yet.” …Ronald Reagan
“Los latinos son republicanos, sólo que aún no lo saben”. …Ronald Reagan
• 38 acres o FM 2360 (La Victoria), 4 miles from La Grulla High School
• Apartments just south of Dr. Mario Ramirez Elem.
• 6.9 acres on FM 755/La Carla 2miles from Rio Grande High School
• Approx 2,800 sq. ./over 1/2 acre downtown RGC
• Sale/Lease 10,800 sq. . (LFD Building) downtown Rio Grande City
Casa
Hernandez Rd. 3bdrm, 1ba, kitchen, living rm
Starr County Memorial Hospital, Rio Grande City, TX seeks a full-time Medical Technologist. Duties: Performs laboratory procedures, interpret results and maintain laboratory instruments. Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology, AMT or ASCP or equivalent certification. Apply on line at www.starrcountyhospital.com or send resume to HR Department: diana.garza@ starrcountyhospital.com
Jurassic R.G.V. visits students at Delia G. Garcia Elementary School
Students at Delia G. Garcia Elementary School roared into their day with a special program from Jurassic R.G.V., which allowed them to see very realistic replica costumes of what dinosaurs may have looked and acted like when they roamed the earth. The Warriors were delighted with the highly interactive experience! Enrichment opportunities like these bring science lessons to life. Great job D.G.G.!
