Escobares in Starr County. I’ve had the privilege to serve as Starr County Tax Assessor & Collector for two terms. I am seeking re-election on November 5th so that I may continue to protect our tax dollars as I have done for the past eight years. I will ensure
that the work carried out by the Tax Office and Motor Vehicle continues to be efficient, with integrity and financial transparency. As Starr County Tax Assessor & Collector, along with my dedicated staff, I have implemented so many changes for the improvement of the department, and have accomplished many goals. One
of the changes I made as soon as I took office was to continue serving the public throughout lunch hours because I value taxpayer time. One of my proudest achievements is opening a substation in San Isidro so that the residents there do not have to drive all the way to Rio Grande City to conduct business with the tax office or the motor vehicle dept. We also have substations in Roma and La Victoria for the residents of those areas. Through the American Rescue Plan, we collected over $2.6 million Dollars in delinquent tax relief and encouraged
Starr County Team Named National Champions in National 4-H Food Challenge!
The Vaquero Chefs from Starr County have been crowned National Champions in the National 4-H Food Challenge, held recently at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. This talented team, comprising of Juan “LJ” Rocha Jr., Israel “IJ” Alvarez Jr., Meagan Castillo from Vaquero 4-H, and Omar Mendoza from Rattler 4-H, also clinched the title in the main dish category at the State 4-H Roundup in College Station earlier this year. Following their state victory, the team was invited to compete in the prestigious Great American Seafood Cookoff in New Orleans, where they emerged as champions once again.
The national contest in Dallas featured 15 teams from across the United States, including Texas,
Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Arkansas, Virginia, Louisiana, New Mexico, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Illinois, and Kentucky.
The 4-H Food Challenge Contest, inspired by the popular show Iron Chef, requires contestants to create a dish using ‘mystery’
ingredients, supplemented by a selection of pantry items, all within a 40-minute timeframe.
The competition also includes a presentation on food and kitchen safety, as well as the nutritional value of the dish, based on the FOOD CHALLENGE, page 4
taxpayers of Starr County with delinquent taxes to apply for said relief. My doors are always open to any taxpayer that needs assistance with property taxes or motor vehicle renewals/ registration. It has been mine and my staff’s mission to inform and assist the taxpayers of Starr County with any issues or questions they may have. I have earned the designation of Professional County Collector (PCC) from the Tax Assessor-
are in good hands. Thank you!
Sincerely
Ma. Ameida Salinas
Roma High School Junior Emma Escobar Earns 2nd Chair, Soprano 2 in the TMEA District Mixed-Choir
Congratulations to Roma High School Junior Emma Escobar on earning 2nd Chair, Soprano 2 in the TMEA District Mixed-Choir! Emma competed against more than 100 participants to secure her spot. She moves on to the next round of competition at the TMEA AllRegion Auditions on Nov. 9, 2024. She will perform with the choir on November 23, 2024 in McAllen. She is taught by Roma ISD Choir Director Alicia Pena. Great job Emma!
Collector’s Association of Texas and continue to take courses in property and motor vehicle tax collection in order to better serve Starr County. I ask that you consider voting for me so that we may continue serving the community and ensuring that your tax dollars
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, Rio Grande City High School’s JROTC Cadets attended and supported U.S. Custom and Border Protection’s celebration event hosted at the port of Mexico. LTG (R) Sanchez and Ms. C Gutierrez from KRGV TV station, delivered guest speaker comments about Hispanic history, equality and non-discrimination.
NEW VISION - NEW ERA
The future of our DISTRICT is in our hands. Together, we can create a New Era where students are at the heart of every decision.
EARLY VOTING
FORT RINGGOLD F.A.C.E. BUILDING & CENIZO PARK IN LA CASITA
OCTOBER 21ST - 25TH AND OCT. 28TH - NOV. 1ST 8AM-5PM
The Rio Grande City Lions Club has been conducting vision screenings in the Rio Grande City Grulla ISD elementary campuses and at Immaculate Conception School. These screenings are a non-invasive vision screening process that utilizes a handheld device called the “Spot Vision Screener” to quickly identify potential eye problems in young children, this is important for early intervention. Another project the Lions Club is working on is the recycling of eyeglasses. A collection box is being left at every elementary
campus in the RGCGISD so students can help recycle prescription glasses that are not in use anymore. So, if you have old glasses and you no longer need them, you can donate them and make a difference for someone. These glasses will be refurbished and used to improve the quality of life for children and adults living in low- and middle-income communities around the world.
The Rio Grande City Lions Club has been around since 1953 and is proud to serve our community
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate nutrition criteria. Teams are judged on innovation, technique, food and kitchen safety, cleanliness, and the quality of their presentation on the recipe’s nutritional benefits.
Juan “LJ” Rocha Jr, son of Juan and Laura Rocha, is a graduate of IDEA- RGC and is currently attending Texas A&M University, McAllen campus.
Israel “IJ” Alvarez Jr, son of Israel Alvarez and Sergio and Brenda Gonzalez, is a graduate of IDEARGC and is currently attending Texas A&M University- Kingsville.
Omar Mendoza, son of Eli and Irvette Mendoza, is a graduate of IDEA-RGC and is currently attending the University of Texas in Austin.
Meagan Castillo, daughter of Nicolas and Melissa Castillo, is currently a senior at Rio Grande City High School.
Neida Martinez, AgriLife
Extension Family and Community Health Agent in Starr County expressed immense pride in the team’s achievements. “Starr County 4-H has been very involved in food challenge contests, taking them seriously and traveling across Texas to compete in events in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Waco. This team has been exemplary 4-H members and have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills. I am extremely proud of them!”
The Vaquero Chefs and their Agent extend their heartfelt gratitude to the team’s parents for their unwavering support and to all the sponsors who helped cover contest and travel expenses.
Congratulations to the Vaquero Chefs for their remarkable achievements and for bringing home the national title!
Dr Mario Ramirez Elementary had a fabulous National School Lunch Week!
Dr. Mario Ramirez Elementary had a fabulous National School Lunch Week!
DMR students enjoyed music during lunch, engaging activities throughout the week, and Mrs. Barrera’s 1st-grade class even got an awesome cafeteria tour!
On behalf of the Dr. Mario Ramirez Elementary, we would like to express a very huge thank you to our amazing cafeteria staff for everything they do for our Diamondback students and staff!
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
South Texas College is accepting competitive proposals for the following: RFP Number Description Date Due Time
24-25-1024
24-25-1025
24-25-1026
Catering Services II October 31, 2024 3:00 PM
Sport Utility Vehicles October 31, 2024 4:00 PM
Campus Dining and Food October 31, 2024 5:00 PM Trucks – Mid Valley Campus
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 the 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 Billy Langley, Senior Buyer, 956-872-4682 welangle@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
Rio Grande City Grulla ISD hosted their Grulla Homecoming Tailgate Party, on ursday, October17, 2024. Members of the community enjoyed free food, and music where Gators played the La Feria Lions. Our Interim Superintendent of Schools, Elsa V. Morris, as well as some of our Board of Trustee members enjoyed talking to attendees and helped the central o ce sta and several campuses pass out food and drinks. We would like to thank the entire RGCGISD family for making this event such a success!
