Congratulations to the Rio Grande City Rattler Band Percussion Ensemble on receiving Outstanding Lot Performance and 4th place in the Intermediate Large Class at the 2024 Roma Gladiator Drumline Contest.
Join RGCGISD in the fight against childhood cancer by wearing gold to the upcoming Rattler and Gator football games! Rio Grande City Grulla ISD is proud to support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and we encourage everyone to show their solidarity by sporting gold at the games. By coming together and wearing gold, we not only raise awareness but also honor the courageous children and families affected by cancer. Together, we can make a difference—wear gold, spread awareness, and support the cause!
Starr County Commissioners’ Court Declare September 2024 as National Recovery Month
Pictured top row: Commissioner Jose F. “Kiko” Pct. 1, Commissioner Hernan “Nune” Garza Pct. 4, Starr County Judge Eloy Vera, Commissioner Raul “Roy” Pena Pct. 2 and Commissioner Eloy Garza Pct. 3. Bottom Row; Veronica Wallace – Starr County Community Coalition Program Director and Marie Solis Starr County Community Coalition Coordinator.
can embark on a journey of improved health and overall wellness. … Recovery Month spreads the message that people can and do recover every day. The impact of mental health and substance use disorders is apparent in our local community. Through Recovery Month, people become more aware and able to recognize the signs of mental health and substance use disorders and encourages people in need of recovery services to seek help. Managing the effects of these conditions helps individuals achieve healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally. The Recovery Month
observance continues to work to improve the lives of those affected by mental health and substance use disorders by raising awareness and educating communities about the effective services that are available.
“For the above reasons, I am asking the citizens of Starr County to join me in celebrating this September as National Recovery Month ”stated Starr County Judge Eloy Vera in the proclamation.
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Roque Guerra Jr. Elementary announced the 2024-2025 Student Council Officers
Nation with pride and dedication. Their passion for the school community will help shape a bright future for all students. Congratulations to the President-
Roque Guerra Jr. Elementary are proud to announce the Colt Student Council Officers for the 2024-2025 school year. These outstanding leaders are going to represent Colt
Villarreal, Yariana Bazan, Gabriela Garza, Nathalie Hernandez, and Sahadi Aguinaga—are
ST. JUDE NOVENA
Dear Residents of Starr County,
After much consideration, we, Dr. Jose A. Vazquez and Dr. Mario A. Rodriguez have decided to resign from our positions on the Board of Directors of Starr County Memorial Hospital effective, September 12th. 2024.
Over the past ten years, we have had the privilege of serving on this esteemed board and contributing to the development and success of our rural healthcare institution. Our journey has been marked by numerous achievements.
During our tenure, we have achieved the following notable accomplishments:
- Nationwide recognition for our COVID-19 pandemic management, including an exemplary testing campaign, treatment protocols, and vaccination programs, which have set a standard of efficacy across Texas.
- Establishment of a state-of-the-art imaging center, featuring technology on par with or surpassing that of larger healthcare institutions in the state.
-A strategic partnership with DHR Health aimed to enhance emergency department services, significantly increasing patient care capacity to record levels while reducing service time metrics to be competitive with other major healthcare institutions in the Rio Grande Valley. This collaboration helped improved overall patient outcomes, aligning with industry standards for efficiency and quality of care.
- Introduction of Obstetrics and Gynecology services at SCMH for the first time, provided by experienced, board-certified specialists, significantly increasing the number of deliveries at our hospital.
- Implementation of 24/7 hospitalist coverage, improving the management of hospitalizations to meet the increasing complexity of patient cases.
- Addition of gastroenterology and surgical services to address essential surgical interventions and preventative exams within our community.
- Formation of partnership agreements with Regency Nursing and Rehabilitation System, securing operations of local nursing home facilities, contributing over $2 million annually to hospital funds, and enhancing the quality of care for elderly patients.
- Support for a notable increase in specialty services within our community, including Cardiology, Urology, Pain Management, Neurology, Hematology, and Endocrinology, fulfilling our commitment to providing high-quality healthcare close to home.
- Acquisition of the Roma Rural Health Clinic, ensuring the continuity and sustainability of the only clinic serving the adult population in that area of our county.
- Establishment of a Rural Medicine Residency Program in Starr County, in collaboration with the DHR Health System, to train future physicians who will serve in their hometown without leaving the county.
- Commitment to maintaining political neutrality in our institutions, a promise we are proud to have upheld.
- Achieving accreditations from all relevant regulatory agencies, consistently earning excellent ratings and commendations for service excellence.
- We undertook extensive updates, remodeling, and enhancements across major areas and departments within the hospital, aiming to provide a more aesthetically pleasing and cleaner environment for both the community and our staff.
- We upgraded all hospital beds and rooms to meet standards comparable to those of larger and more prestigious healthcare institutions in Texas.
We are also pleased to report that all these achievements have been realized while maintaining a balanced budget each year, resulting in a wealthy amount of bank funds with ZERO debt.
Serving on this board has been a profound honor for us both, and it has been gratifying to witness the positive
impact our hospital has had on the community. However, the increasing demands of healthcare have necessitated a greater focus on our private practices to ensure we continue providing the highest quality care to our patients. Balancing these responsibilities with the personal sacrifices made over the past decade has increasingly become a challenge.
The growing complexities in private medical practices and the evolving needs of Starr County Memorial Hospital have led us to reassess our commitments. With several medical practices in the area closing, it is crucial that we direct our efforts toward maintaining and expanding our practices to continue delivering highquality care. As a result, we believe it is essential for the board to have members who can fully dedicate themselves to addressing the needs of the hospital and adapting to the changing healthcare landscape.
We, the doctors, trust that the remaining board members fully grasp the weight of their responsibility when selecting our replacements. Each current board member has been elected by their constituents, and they now face a significant duty. We hope that common sense and merit will guide their decisions, rather than politics, personal ambitions, or agendas
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our colleagues, staff, and community members for their support and collaboration throughout our tenure. It has been a deeply rewarding experience to work alongside such committed professionals and to contribute to the improvement of our community’s health and well-being.
We wish Starr County Memorial Hospital continued success and growth in the future and remain steadfast in our support of the hospital’s mission and goals.
We appreciate your understanding and support. We also wish to express our sincere gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
Yours Sincerely,
Dr. Jose A. Vázquez & Dr. Mario A. Rodriguez
DPS Issues Reminders for Child Passenger Safety Week
In recognition of Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs Sept. 1520, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding drivers to educate themselves on the best child safety seat practices in order to keep our state’s youngest passengers safe on the road.
“Children mimic the adults around them, so it is critical for parents, grandparents and loved ones to model the importance of wearing seatbelts and following other safe practices in the car,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “A child’s best protection in a vehicle collision is to be buckled up correctly in the right car seat.”
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 through 13. In 2022 alone, there were 1,129 children killed in motor vehicle crashes.
DPS offers the following tips to ensure children are properly restrained while riding in a vehicle:
•When selecting a car seat for your child, ensure it fits in your vehicle properly before purchasing it.
•Avoid purchasing a car seat if you are not aware of the history (i.e. yard sales, social media platforms).
•Model good behavior to young passengers and make sure you are wearing your seatbelt so your children will know it’s the right thing to do.
•Infant car seats should always be rear-facing, and never used forward-facing.
•Be sure to check the maximum height and weight limits of the car seat so children may be properly transitioned to the next one.
•For older children who are using booster seats with lap belts, ensure the belt is across the pelvic area
and the shoulder belt strap is placed across the shoulder. It should never be placed along a child’s neck or abdominal area. It should never be used under the arm or behind the back as it could cause severe injury in a crash.
•Texas law states all children younger than 8 years old, unless taller than 4’9”, are required to be in the appropriate car seat wherever they ride in a passenger vehicle. The car seat MUST be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
•Children 8 years and older must be in a seatbelt, if an adult hasn’t properly restrained a child, they can receive a $250 ticket.
Certified technicians are available to inspect your car seat installation or assist with the process at locations across the state.
Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website to find a location near you.
CITY OF RIO GRANDE CITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ADMINISTRATION/PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
The City of Rio Grande City plans to apply for a grant with the U.S. Economic Development Administration Public Works and/or Economic Adjustment Assistance. These services are being solicited to assist the City of Rio Grande City in its application and/or administration of the EDA contract, if awarded, to support eligible activities associated with the program in the City. Accordingly, the City of Rio Grande City is seeking to contract with a qualified Professional Administrator or Service Provider (individual/firm) to prepare the application and/or administer the awarded contract.
Please submit 6 copies of your proposal of services and a statement of qualifications for the proposed services to the following address: Attn: Angela Solis – City Secretary to 5332 E. US Highway 83, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582. Proposals must be received by the City of Rio Grande City no later than 3:00 PM on October 2, 2024 to be considered.
The City of Rio Grande City reserves the right to negotiate with any and all individuals or firms that submit proposals, as per the Texas Professional Services Procurement Act and the Uniform Grant and Contract Management Standards. Section 3 Residents and Business Concerns, Minority Business Enterprises, Small Business Enterprises and Women Business Enterprises are encouraged to submit proposals. City of Rio Grande City is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Servicios de traducción están disponibles por peticion.
CDC recommends the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older
On June 27, 2024, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended everyone aged 6 months and older get a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19 still causes
thousands of hospitalizations and hundreds of deaths each week in the US. The virus that causes COVID-19 changes over time and is better targeted with the 2024-2025 vaccine. Additionally, protection from previous infection
and vaccination decreases over time. Everyone aged 6 months and older is recommended to get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccination regardless of prior vaccination or infection status.
ACIP reviewed the latest
information on continued vaccine-preventable illness and death from COVID-19 among all age groups, including data on vaccine effectiveness and safety, cost-effectiveness, and ensuring equitable access for all to COVID-19 vaccine, including disproportionately affected populations.
Everyone 6 months and older should get the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination is especially important if you are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 (e.g., 65 years and older; live in a long-term care facility; have underlying conditions, including immune compromise; or are pregnant, to protect yourself and your infant).
ACIP will continue to evaluate this guidance as new evidence becomes available and will update these recommendations as needed.
Nature knows best: each season gives us the fruits and vegetables we need, right when we need them!
Fall Article 2024 Heidi Lopez – Better Living for Texans Agent in Starr County.
Nature’s seasons perfectly match our nutritional needs. For example, summer brings hydrating fruits like watermelon and berries to keep us cool, while autumn offers root vegetables and squashes that provide warmth and sustenance for colder months.
Eating seasonally also supports local growers and can be more sustainable for the environment.
Eating fruit and vegetables that are in season is a smart way to stay healthy and save money.
In the fall, you can enjoy fresh produce like cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and herbs. These foods are at their best during this season, perfect for salads and soups just in time for the cooler weather.
They’re full of flavor and packed with the vitamins needed for the colder months.
In South Texas, the warm climate extends the growing season, allowing for the harvest of crops like cotton, citrus, and
vegetables well into the fall. This season also marks the beginning of the citrus harvest, with favorites such as Ruby Red and Rio Red grapefruits, along with the first oranges of the year, ready to be picked. Fall is also an excellent time to start a vegetable garden. Begin by planning your garden based on the time you have available.
Choose a sunny spot where the garden space receives 6-8 hours of daily sunlight. Prepare the soil with compost, which is a great natural fertilizer. Opt for coolweather veggies like lettuce, spinach, radishes, beets, onions, or broccoli. Plant your seeds or seedlings, water them regularly, and watch them grow. There is always a great sense of accomplishment when harvesting your own food. A tomato from your garden always tastes better. Gardening in the fall is a wonderful way to get outside after the dog days of summer and to spend quality time with family. By eating in-season produce and growing your own food, you make smart choices that benefit your health, your wallet, and the planet.
Happy eating and happy gardening!
Career paths in the field of CTE
Career Technical Education (CTE) programs offer students access to a wide range of career paths. If high school students were once advised to focus primarily on traditional four-year universities as their next step after graduation, more and more of today’s students are considering CTE programs as they seek to find rewarding, lucrative career paths.
Students considering CTE may be intrigued to learn that employment prospects figure to be substantial in the years to come. In fact, the Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE) projects a deficit of 6.5 million skilled workers by 2030, which suggests students who enroll in CTE programs should encounter a thriving job market upon graduation. With that in mind, students wondering if a CTE program could be the next step in their academic journeys can explore a number of different career tracks.
· Agriculture: Farming may come to mind when individuals think of the agricultural sector, but there are many additional pathways within the industry as well, and various CTE programs can prepare individuals for such careers. The career resources experts at Indeed note that CTE programs may focus on agribusiness systems, environmental service systems, food products and processing systems, and plant systems, among other paths. Aspiring farmers, agricultural inspectors, park rangers, wildlife administrators, and others can look into CTE agricultural programs as they consider the next step in their academic careers.
· Business: Indeed notes that business courses are popular
CTE courses because they teach students the ins and outs of business operations. That’s vital knowledge for students who ultimately aspire to own their own business. In addition to the technical training students receive in CTE programs, the focus on business ensures students also are well-trained in the everyday tasks necessary to run a successful business, including general management, human resources and operations.
· Construction and architecture: According to Indeed, CTE programs focusing on construction and architecture teach students about the principles of designing and drafting structures. Construction technician, construction inspector and project estimator are some of the popular career paths among students who enroll in construction and architecture CTE programs.
· Health science: Careers in health science also may appeal to students who want to find rewarding careers in in-demand fields in the years ahead. Health science CTE programs are wideranging. A program that offers instruction on biotechnology can prepare students for a career as an emergency medical technician.
Various other specialties can prove equally beneficial to students interested in working in a health care setting, and those jobs figure to be in demand in the decades to come as the aging population continues to grow.
CTE programs can prepare students for careers in various industries, making this option worthy of consideration for students pondering their next move after high school.
Apartment For Rent
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6th grade students at Ringgold Middle School learned about bullying, the legislation, and the repercussions
The C&I department and district police from RGCGISD began annual preventive presentations on Bullying. Dr. Karina GarciaSaenz and Officer Pena presented the information to students in 6th grade at Ringgold Middle School who learned about bullying, the legislation, and the repercussions. The first step is recognizing bullying and taking proper
action to stop it. A multifaceted strategy that combines prompt response and assistance is crucial to reduce bullying behavior in schools. This presentation will be provided to all students in the district to ensure that RGCGISD continuously create a safe environment for the students.
