OCTOBER 18, 2023

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J.M. “Chema” Garza Vol. 38, No. 42 WEEKLY WEDNESDAY • OCTOBER 18, 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

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Mariachi Nuevo Santander Students Earn Lady Cranes 8th Grade Cross Country 487-2596 Team Back to Back District Champs!! Chair at TMEA Mariachi All-State Auditions 4350 E. US HWY 83 R.G.C.

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

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Back to Back District Champs - Grulla Middle School would like to congratulate the lady cranes 8th grade cross country team on a back to back district title. The lady cranes were lead by Layla Lopez 3rd place, Michelle Vargas 5th, Deyaritzene Alaniz 6th, Kaylee Gomez 9th, Alexa Montalvo 10th, Benita Calderon 11th, Jadelyn Lopez 13th, Emily Yanez,Paloma Alvarez, Melanie Marroquin and Neyla Guerrero. A special thank you goes out to Coach Yaritza Almaguer, coach Rodrigo Garcia and the team Congratulations to six of talented Mariachi Nuevo Santander students managers Idani Salinas and Sofia Vasquez. A huge shoutout to the parents who were there throughout the from Roma High School for earning a chair at the TMEA Mariachi Allentire season supporting the team! Way to go Lady Cranes!

State 1st round auditions! They now advance to the area level. Results are as follows: Christian Martínez - 1st chair trumpet, Dayanara Salinas - 4th chair violin, Josue Molina - 6th chair violin, Mia Garza - 7th chair violin, Jorge Hernandez - 1st chair Guitarron, and Rusbel Flores - 2nd chair guitar . The area auditions are scheduled for October 28, providing another opportunity to secure a spot in the prestigious All-State Mariachi Ensemble. Help Roma ISD wish them the very best as they prepare for the state area auditions. You’ve got this!!

Veterans Middle School Dr. Raymond Cruz Best Football District Champs FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dental Insurance, Medicaid and Chip Accepted

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DAEP host Career and Technology Fair

419 East 2nd St. Rio Grande City, Tx.

On Thursday, October 5, 2023, the DAEP hosted a Career and Technology fair. Programs from Rio Grande City High School and Grulla High School were showcased: barber, cosmetology, culinary arts, health sciences, and law enforcement. The students walked around to the different stations and interacted with the instructors and students enrolled in those program to get information about their particular programs. Mrs. Laura Barrera, principal, and Mr. Orlando Ariel Guerra, counselor would like to thank the instructors and students for coming A big congratulations to the 8th grade Mighty Veterans Middle School Rattlers for their 32-20 victory over to the center to share their experiences with their students. Also, over the Zapata Middle School. The team showed great sportsmanship, played with a lot of heart, and they would like to give a special thanks to Mrs. Adelina Villarreal, CTE played hard! programs. Congrats VMS Rattlers!!!!

Director and her staff, for facilitating this wonderful event.

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Card of Thanks In Loving Memory

Maria E.“Connie” Hinojosa March 8, 1930 † September 10, 2023

“I’M FREE” Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I’ve savored much, Good friends, good times, my loved one’s touch. If my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart, rejoice with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.

Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quietly in a chair.

Perhaps you sent beautiful �lowers, if so, we saw it there.

Perhaps you sent or spoke the kindest words as any friend could say. Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day. Whatever you did, whatever your part to consoling our hearts. We prayerfully thank you so much.

Her loving children: Harold(†), Hugo(†), Daniel (Rosario) Elma Nydia (Zeferino)

Barrera-Hinojosa-Compean Families

Roma ISD School Board Honors Wall of Fame Students Congratulations to the Wall of Fame students for the first 6-weeks honored by the Roma ISD School Board at their Oct. 11, 2023 meeting!

Roma ISD’s Gladiator Wall of Fame Program shines the light on exemplary students, who are selected for the honor based on citizenship, leadership, academics, and extracurricular activities. The honorees include: Sara M. Escobar, Yarelli P. Garcia, and Victor A. Guerra of Roma High School; Emmanuel Barrera, Lizandro Cantu, and Terani Garzal of Ramiro Barrera Middle School; Alani Ballesteros, Sofia Chapa, and Regina Hernandez of Roma Middle School; Catia X. Arredondo, Sarahi M. Cruz, and Martin G. Lopez of Delia G.

Garcia Elementary School; Orlando Gonzalez, Elijah M. Guerrero, and Luis A. Villarreal of Emma Vera Elementary School; Dalayza Garcia, Samantha Gonzalez, and Demi Rios of F. J. Scott Elementary School; Noah A. Alvarez, Iker J. Garcia, and Sergio J. Onofre of R. & C. Saenz Elementary School; Anafernanda G r i m a l d o , Elementary School; and Derek and Annahly A. Peña of Veterans Alejandra Lopez, and Adrian Treviño of R. T. Barrera E. Garza Danely G. Monjarrez, Memorial Elementary School.

First Anniversary

Primer Aniversario

George “Coque” Garcia Jr.

Higinio Guerra

In Loving Memory

November 11, 1938 † October 17, 2022

If Tears Could Build A Stairway If tears could build a stairway and thoughts a memory lane I’d walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. No farewell words were spoken, no time to say good-bye, you were gone before I knew it and only God knows why. My heart’s still active in sadness and secret tears still flow, what it meant to lose you no one can ever know. But now I know you want us to mourn for you no more, to remember all the happy times, life still has much in store.

Since you’ll never be forgotten I pledge to you today a hallowed place within my heart is where you’ll always stay. God knows why, with chilling touch, death gathers those we love so much, and what now seems so strange and dim will all be clear when we meet Him. I knew you for a moment.

Garcia ~ Alaniz Family

En Memoria de 05- 3-1944 †10-24-2022

No nos hemos acostumbrado a no tenerte cerca. Todavía sentimos el dolor de no tenerte aquí. Sería hermoso volverte a ver. Es imposible olvidarnos de ti. Ha pasado un año, pero el hecho de que no estés aquí todavía duele. Nos dejaste el regalo mas bonito, el amor de tu hermoso corazón, con ternura y con fuerza recibiste el llamado de Dios con devoción. Hoy te pedimos que nos cuides desde el cielo. Con tu amor vamos a poder seguir siempre unidos. Te extrañamos y te necesitamos.

Su esposa Amelia Guerra, Sus hijos Santa, Rosa, Jesus y Evelina.

Nietos, Bisnietos, Yernos y demás familiares.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, OCTOBER 18, 2023, PAGE 3

La Casita FD Visit the Daep/Seas Texas Delta Theta Master of Alternative Education Center (DAEP) Beta Sigma Phi Installs Officers

EDUCACION Y PROMOCION DE LA SALUD

La Casita FD visited the Daep/Seas Alternative Education Center (DAEP) on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. They talked to the students about the importance of fire safety. They also talked about their careers as firefighters. They went over the qualifications and requirements and the joys of being firefighters. They also provided motivation to the students by stressing the importance of learning from their mistakes and not letting those mistakes define them. Mrs. Laura Barrera, principal, and Mr. Orlando Ariel Guerra, counselor, would like to thank Fire Chief Morales and his staff for taking the time to address the students.

They would also like to thank them for their service to the community.

Texas Delta Theta Master of Beta Sigma Phi installed their new officers for 2023-2025 at their regular monthly meeting in October, held in the festively decorated home of Jesse Pena. Installed l-r, were Diana Pena, president; Elia Perez, vice-president; Tissa Peterson, corresponding secretary; Rosie Garcia, recording secretary; Vangie Anderson, treasurer; and Nelda Laurel, chapter advisor. Elda Hinojosa, at far right, served as Installing Officer. “Watch Beta Sigma Phi Grow and Bloom” is the theme for the 2023-24 chapter year, and programs will center on this theme.

Sabado, 21 de Octubre 2023 9:00AM-12:00PM "La Victoria Community Center" 532 Gabriela St Rio Grande City, TX GRATIS Examenes médicos Actividades familiares, Concurso de disfraces, Musica, Tacos de fajita de pollo,Loteria,y mucho mas!

Programa del Centro de Educación para la Salud del Área (AHEC) patrocinado por UT Health RGV, la Administración de Recursos y Servicios de Salud (HRSA) con el apoyo del Condado de Starr, Precinto 3, Commissioner Eloy Garza

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, OCTOBER 18, 2023, PAGE 5

Congratulations Principal of the Month

Sabas Chapa, Jr. Roque Guerra, Jr. Elementary School Currently 1st Year Principal at Roque Guerra, Jr. Elementary Philosophy of Education: Students should receive evidencebased instruction in alignment with state curriculum, have access to emotional support based on their individual needs, and participate in a range of activities designed to foster social skills both inside and outside of the school environment.

Hobbies and Interests: Outside of his role as Principal, Mr. Chapa enjoys reading, cooking, stamp collecting, and watching TV/movies.

Biography: Background: Full Name: Sabas Chapa, Jr. Date of Birth: 11-11-1989 Hometown: Garciasville - La Casita Education: Bachelor’s Degree: 2008 UTPA Major: English Minor: Film Studies 2012 Walden University Masters in Education: Teacher Leadership Professional Experience: Taught 5 Years at La Union Assistant Principal 4 Years at La Union Dean of Instruction 2 Years at Ringgold Middle School

The misuse of prescription medications is a serious public health problem in the United States. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 52 million Americans over the age of 12 have deliberately misused prescription drugs at least once in their lifetime.

To help address this vital public safety and public health issue, the Drug Enforcement Administration will hold its nationwide “Prescription Drug

Favorite Quote: “Which way does a tree fall? A tree falls the way it leans. Be careful which way you lean.“ The Lorax - Dr. Seuss Message from Principal: I thank my peers for giving me the honor of this recognition, and I hope I am able to meet the highest expectations throughout my career.

I also thank all staff, students, and parents at Roque Guerra, Jr. Elementary, home of the Mighty Colts!, for all the support and trust they have given me with their campus.

Take Back” initiative on October 28, 2023. Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands, which is dangerous and can end in tragedy. For more information on the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and collection site locations, please visit Take Back Day (dea.gov) Message from the Starr County Community Coalition

Prescription Drop Boxes in Starr County: RGC Police Department, Roma Police Department, and Grulla Police Department.

Congratulations Principal of the Month

Maribel Montemayor Rio Grande City High School Biography: Maribel Montemayor, a Rio Grande City native, is an esteemed educator.

With a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Masters in School Counseling, and an EC-12 Principal’s Certification, she has dedicated her career to empowering students.

Professional Experience: She began as an inspiring elementary teacher, later becoming a transformative counselor and Assistant Principal at Rio Grande City High.

Currently, she serves as a visionary Principal at Ringgold Middle School, fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity.

Philosophy of Education: Mrs. Montemayor’s belief in each student’s potential drives her commitment to creating a nurturing, equitable, and empowering educational environment.

Achievements: Her accomplishments include the “Educator of the Year” award and significant advancements in the GEAR UP program. Her leadership at Ringgold Middle School led to substantial academic growth.

Hobbies and Interests: Beyond education, she enjoys local art, hiking, hosting movie nights, and engaging in literary discussions.

Favorite Quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela Message from Principal: Mrs. Montemayor is humbled by the Principal of the Month recognition.

She extends her gratitude to the school community, urging them to continue fostering a love for learning, embracing diversity, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Together, they can make a difference.

Flu vaccination recommended as annual flu season kicks off in Texas The Department of State Health Services recommends eligible Texans protect themselves and their families by getting a flu shot as soon as possible. It takes the body about two weeks to make flu antibodies after vaccine administration, so early vaccination is crucial.

“Seasonal influenza presents a real public health threat to Texans, and immunization remains our best defense against serious flu illness,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, MD. “Other actions can also help protect you and people close to you, like covering coughs and sneezes, washing your hands

often, and staying home from work or school when you are sick.”

DSHS recommends Texans six months of age and older get the flu shot by the end of October.

That is especially important for those more at risk of severe flu-related complications, such as young children, people 65 years of age and older, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions like heart and lung disease, diabetes and asthma. Immunization can make flu symptoms less severe and reduce flu-related deaths and hospitalizations.

People can also safely get

their flu vaccine and an updated COVID-19 vaccine at the same time, if they are due for both.

Flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu talk, sneeze or cough. Infection can also occur if a person touches an object or surface that has virus on it and then touches their mouth, nose and possibly their eyes.

Flu symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, sore throat, cough, fatigue and chills, and these can last a week or longer. Antiviral drugs to treat flu sickness are available by prescription, and these treatments can make flu illness milder and

reduce the length of symptoms if started within 48 hours of symptoms beginning.

Roughly 36,000 Americans die each year from flu-related illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making it the seventh-leading cause of death in the U.S. For more information about influenza and how to protect against flu illness, visit dshs. texas.gov/influenza-flu. You can also contact your doctor, local health department or pharmacy to learn where you can get your flu shot or use the vaccine finder at Vaccines.gov to locate where flu shots are available.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, OCTOBER 18, 2023, PAGE 6

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Celebration Held at Starr County Courthouse to Celebrate 229th District Court’s History

By Kenneth Roberts, Freelance Writer Numerous Starr County officials and residents gathered together in the 229th District Courtroom in Rio Grande City on Friday, Sept. 1 to celebrate the 54-year history of the 229th District Court and honor the six judges that have presided over the court since its formation in 1969.

A highlight of the Sept. 1 Rio Grande City event was the presentation and unveiling of portraits of the six 229th District Court judges.

The 229th District Court is comprised of Starr, Jim Hogg and Duval Counties. Two of the counties, Starr and Jim Hogg, that are part of the 229th Judicial District share borders with Zapata County.

Similar celebrations were scheduled for Sept. 5 at the Jim Hogg County Courthouse in Hebbronville and for Sept. 25 at the Duval County Courthouse in San Diego.

The judges that have served the 229th District Court since its creation are: Reynaldo Ferrer Luna of Duval County, 1969-1970; Olivero P. (O.P.) Carrillo of Duval County, 1971-1976; Ricardo Garcia of Duval County, 1976-1997; Alexander W. Gabert of Starr County, 1998-2010; Ana Lisa Garza of Starr County, 2011-2017; Baldemar Garza of Starr County, Jan. 2019 to present.

The Rio Grande City event began at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 1 in the 229th District Courtroom. R.C. Salinas, a longtime Rio Grande City educator, emphasized, “We are very proud of our two courts in Starr County. This event has happened in spite of delays due to the pandemic and other factors.” The 381st District Court, created in the mid-1990’s, covers only Starr County.

Rose Benavidez, president of the

Starr County Industrial Foundation, gave brief welcoming remarks. She commented, “We are a very culturally and historically rich area. Our historic buildings tell our history, but so do the people who helped make history. People remember the stories of justice being served and wrongs being righted.”

Current District Judge Baldemar Garza recalled, “I first became aware of the court in the summer of 1984.

Attorney Frank Randall Nye hired me that summer. I practiced law in this court for 33 years. This court has a rich history; a committee was put together to provide a written history of the court.”

“I hope that future generations will honor their future judges,” stressed Judge Garza. “Judge Vera (the Starr County Judge) is a very strong supporter of our judicial branch in this county. Judge Vera has provided me much helpful counsel, and has helped provide the court’s budgetary needs.”

Members of the History Project Committee from all three counties were recognized individually. Judge Garza contended that “Eduina Ramos (the Court Administrator for all three counties) has worked as hard as anyone on this project.” He also recognized Ana Maria Saenz of Rio Grande City, who was a past coordinator for the 229th District Court.

Ricardo Carrillo, a nephew of the late Judge O.P. Carrillo and a former Duval County Judge, emphasized, “I thank Judge Garza for taking on this project and for seeing the importance of the 229th Judicial District. The committee did an excellent job of putting together all the historical information, including newspaper

clippings from the time the court was created.”

R.C. Salinas remembered, “Judge Gabert never forgot that he had been a teacher. He took time to visit with kids who visited his court. On one occasion, kids who visited his court were so interested and inspired they went without lunch.”

After the unveiling of each judge’s photo and the recognition of each judge’s family members that were present, Salinas insisted, “The young people out there listening and watching have a chance to have your pictures up here someday.”

Robert Bazan, a representative of Congressman Henry Cuellar’s office, presented a Congressional Certificate of Recognition and read from the certificate, which was presented to Judge Garza.

Cynthia Fuentes, a History Project Committee member from Starr County, presented and read from a proclamation by the Starr County Commissioners Court commending the district court and its history.

“I think a lot of people will come in to view and admire these photos,” predicted Salinas. “Judge Carrillo and Judge Garcia also had many tremendous interactions with local students (from Starr County).”

Judge Garza contended that the celebration of the court’s history “is about more than the judges.”

He recognized Duval County Tax Assessor/Collector Robert Elizondo, who was once court reporter for Judge O.P. Carrillo. Garza pointed out, “There was an attempt to create the court 10 years prior to the court’s actual creation. This (historical celebration and reflection) is most important for the next generation.”

The judge concluded, “I’m

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honored, privileged and humbled to serve the community, including in this capacity. This is your courtroom and your courthouse. I was privileged to argue cases in court under Judges Garcia, Gabert and Ana Garza.”

The 229th District Court that is comprised of Starr, Duval and Jim Hogg Counties was created by House Bill 292 of the regular session of the 61st Texas Legislature in 1969.

Prior to the 229th District Court’s formation, Starr and Duval Counties were part of the 79th District Court, based in Brooks County. Jim Hogg County was part of the 49th District Court, based in Webb County.

State Representative Oscar Carrillo, Jr. of Benavides (in Duval County) sponsored the House bill to bring about the 229th District Court.

On March 26, 1969, House Bill 292 was passed by the Texas House of Representatives by a margin of 12615. The Senate approved the bill on May 2, 1969.

On Sept. 1, 1969, then Governor Preston Smith appointed Reynaldo Ferrer Luna of San Diego as the court’s first District Judge, and also appointed Frank Randall Nye, Jr. of Rio Grande City as the founding District Attorney. The Texas Senate confirmed both appointments on Sept. 3, 1969.

The 229th District Court History Project Committee members were as follows: Starr County- County Judge Eloy Vera, Mrs. Cynthia Fuentes and Mr. Rodolfo Carlos Salinas; Jim Hogg County- County Judge Juan Carlos Guerra and Mr. Rodolfo Gutierrez; Duval County- former County Judge E.B. Garcia, County Judge Arnoldo Cantu and Mr. Ricardo Carrillo; At Large- District Judge Baldemar Garza and Mrs. Eduina G. Ramos.

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