Congratulations to the amazing Roma ISD Teachers of the Year, Reuben Gonzalez and Alma D. Rios, who were honored by Region One at their regional Teacher of the Year celebration. Roma ISD is super proud of these talented leaders who represented Roma ISD with pride!
San Isidro Independent School District Introducing the 2022-2023 High School and Middle School coaching staff. San Isidro ISD look forward to a great athletic season.
The Rio Grande City High School Boys and Girls Cross Country Team competed at the Flour Bluff Invitational meet held at the National Gulf Seashore in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Boys placed 4th and the Girls placed 6th overall. The boys were led by Isaac Peña 6th place and the girls were led by Lynn Fuentes 16th place. In the girls 4A varsity, Morgan Ramos won first place. The Rattler Cross Country Team represented the school well with their effort and behavior on and off the competition. RGC High School are extremely proud of all these athletes.
Ac2E Elementary would like to welcome the 2022-2023 RGCGISD Elementary Music Performing Group under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Benitez! Congratulations to all students who will be representing the school district this school year! Great Job by Mr. and Mrs. Benitez for bringing in this amazing music program to the Ac2E Elementary! Thank you for allowing the students to find new interests! Cannot wait to enjoy a performance!!!
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 21st - I.C.C.
6:30 P.M.
†BISHOP RAYMUNDO PEÑA
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 22ND LOS GARCIAS 6:00 P.M.
†SILVESTRE GONZALEZ by Alma Gloria T. Gonzalez & Family
†MARICELA & PANCHITO GARZA by Lydia Garza Saenz & Family
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 23RD - I.C.C.
12:00 P.M.
†BISHOP RAYMUNDO PEÑA
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24TH - I.C.C.
5:00 P.M.
†ESTEBAN & PAULA GARCIA by Ana Lisa Garza & Family
†DANNY GOMEZ, JR. (6TH AN.) by Mom & Dad
†JACINTO GARCIA by Osvelia Garcia
The world has lost a vibrant and beautiful mother. Olivia “Bibi”
Rivera gained her angel wings on the morning of Saturday, September 17, 2022. She was 79 years young. She passed away peacefully at her home with her daughter, Veronica Rivera-Cox and her nieces who were daughters to her as well, Diana Y. Medina and Olga “Gingie” Garcia by her side when she took her final breaths and her soul departed to heaven. She was not in pain and knew she was very deeply loved.
Bibi, as she was called, was born on April 4, 1943 in Rio Grande City. She was a hard worker her entire life. She worked with family at the H&H Drive-In. She was an office manager and bookkeeper. She worked for Valley Mart with the Diaz family for over 25 years, including the Fort Ringgold Motel. She also worked at El Chaparral Supermarket and lastly at the Starr County Town Crier. She was dedicated to her duties and always gave her all in everything she did.
†ANA MARIA SALINAS by Lydia Garza Saenz & Family
†FRANCES Z. GARZA by Mr. & Mrs. Israel De la Cruz
†RUDY MARTINEZ, JR. by Mr & Mrs. Pete Garcia
†SEVERITA GUERRA by Mr. & Mrs. Abel Porras
†DIANE SHAFFER by Mr. & Mrs. Abel Porras
†MAXIMIANO GARCIA (26TH AN.) by Familia Garcia ANNIVERSARY MASS FOR PADRE PIO by Israel & Lupita Chapa
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH - I.C.C.
9:00 A.M.
†ALISIA PEÑA CASTAÑEDA by Gloria De Loera
†MA. FELISITAS VALLE GONZALEZ by Gloria De Loera
†MARIA ELENA PEÑA by Su Esposo e Hijos
will live on in each of us who knew and loved her. We all learned something from her and even now, we want to learn more.
We may feel lost without her, but we know she will find a way to guide us and still watch over us. We will miss her every single day.
Olivia “Bibi” Rivera was preceded in death by her parents, Reynaldo Lopez and Maria Ascension Rosa, her cousin who raised her, Celia G. Villarreal (Rene “Chino”), their son Raul Ruben Villarreal; and her loving sister, Maria Olga Lopez Brown and other family members. They are reunited now.
†RENE RAMIREZ by Vela Family
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH – L.G. 7:00 A.M. PRO POPULO – MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH – I.C.C. 11:00 A.M.
†SERGIO FLORES by Family †LAZARO & ALEJANDRA GARCIA by Letty & Valerie †MIGUEL & NICOLASA G. GUZMAN by Marie Guzman
†MARIA D. RODRIGUEZ by Family †ANTONIO GUTIERREZ, JR. (3RD AN.) by Family †ADAN H. FIGUEROA by Family †ESTELA LEAL (2ND AN.) by Family
5:00 P.M.
†BISHOP RAYMUNDO PEÑA
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 26TH – I.C.C. 6:00 P.M.
†ESTEBAN & PAULA GARCIA by Ana Lisa Garza & Family
†ELIAS CHAPA VILLARREAL by Wife & Children
†SILVESTRE GONZALEZ by Alma Gloria T. Gonzalez & Family †SUSIE GARZA by Mom & Sisters
†MARIA MINERVA VILLARREA by Su Hijo y Familia
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 27TH – I.C.C. 6.30 P.M.
†TERESA & EXIQUIO CREMAR by Ana Lisa Garza & Family
†ARTURO O. TREVIÑO by Alma Gloria T. Gonzalez & Family
†DOMITILA GONZALEZ by Yolanda Peña
July 2, 1930 - August 27, 2022
Edgar Christian ”Eddie” Svenningsen
Edgar Christian Svenningsen (aka Eddie) passed away on September 15, 2022.
Eddie is survived by his three daughters Judy (Mark Ramirez), Celinda (Oscar Castillo, Jr) and Nennette (Philip Silvera).
today without her in it.
She was a dedicated and faithful wife of Jose Luis Rivera for just over 50 years. She loved his family and embraced their love as well.
She loved all of you. She loved spending time with you, whether it was in person or on the phone. Any time spent with her was a blessing. She brought so much joy to so many.
Olivia “Bibi” Rivera had only one daughter, but she was a mother to so many as many of you know this first hand. Her kindness and love extended to anyone. Her heart knew no limits to helping others and loving them. Her daughter was glad to share her love with all of you, because Bibi didn’t know any other way to be and taught us that love has no limits.
There is always more love to give. The strength she showed was truly amazing.
Bibi is survived by her husband, Jose Luis Rivera and her daughter, Veronica Rivera-Cox (Luke Cox), her half-siblings Reynaldo Lopez and Oralia Guerrero Lopez. Rosie V. Wilson and Rene “Pito” Villarreal (Cindy) were like her children in the home where she was raised. She is also survived by her sister Olga’s children and their children who she loved as her own, Diana Y. Medina (Aldo Medina), Joe Gonzalez and Olga “Gingie” Garcia (Leonel Garcia). Her sister’s grandkids and great grandkids were loved as her own grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rick Garza (Valerie), Georgina McCarthy (Mike), Aldo Medina; Susana Gonzalez Hernandez (Fercho); Victor Quiroz Jr. (Jenny); Oscar Quiroz; Oliver Quiroz and Angel Garcia.
Bibi has many other loving nieces and nephews who she loved dearly and with all her heart. A story of her life will be shared and all the family and friends who were a part of her extraordinary life.
He leaves behind eight grandsons, one granddaughter and one great grandson.
He will be greatly missed.
RIP Apa
We want to give our most sincere thanks to all our relatives and friends who have prayed and keep praying for us in this time of sorrow in the loss of a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend that Martin was to all of us. Thank you for your comforting words, �lowers, cards, and food.
Gone yet not forgotten. Although we are apart Your spirit lives within me Forever in my heart.
11/21/1983 † 09/27/2019
It has been three years since you went home to be with our Lord. It broke my heart to lose you. But you didn’t go alone, for part of me went with you the day God called you home. I often sit and think of you and think of how you died, to think I couldn’t say good-bye before you closed your eyes. I suffer so much sorrow, and its never-ending grief, which I must bear, until I breathe my last farewell and finally meet you there.
Anniversary mass will be celebrated September 25, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at Immaculate Conception Church in Rio Grande City, Tx.
She played softball and golf. She loved sports and staying active. She was part of the RGC Band Booster. She was extremely creative and crafty. There wasn’t much she couldn’t do or figure out. She loved history and researching her family history. She loved music immensely. Her home was always welcoming and warm with decorations for every holiday. Her yard was the envy of the neighborhood. Her home was a place where many parties and celebrations took place, including her daughter and sonin-law’s wedding reception last year which she made magical.
One of her best traits was her amazing smile and genuine gratitude to see or talk to family and friends. We are all very much grieving and at the same time, we are so incredibly grateful for the joy and love she brought into our lives. To know Bibi was to love her and be loved back with an unconditional and fierce love. She loved with her whole heart. The world is a lot less vibrant
Her daughter was her world. She loved her with a love that will endure time and beyond. She always said even though she didn’t have her mother, she was going to be the best mother she could be. She was and always will be.
She was a fighter, a true warrior. She endured so much in her life. She fought cancer for many years and yet, she still had more energy than most of us. She was one of a kind. She was the most thoughtful woman. She always remembered everyone’s birthdays and anniversaries. She was always there to help with anything you needed. Even in her last months, she worried and wanted to make sure everyone was fine and taken care of.
She was a remarkable and amazing mother, mother-inlaw, wife, sister, cousin, aunt and friend. There will never be enough words to express just how remarkable and amazing she was and still is. Her legacy
Thank you all so much for your love and support. Thank you to all who came by to see her, visit with her, share memories and condolences. Rest in Eternal Peace. We love you always. We will see you again one day.
Arrangements made by Hernandez Funeral Home in Rio Grande City. Memorial Services with her ashes will be on Thursday, September 22, 2022 from 4pm to 9pm. Rosary at 7pm. Rosaries are being held daily at her home in RGC at 6:15pm until Sunday, September 25.
December 26, 1946 - September 10, 2022
The Broken Chain
We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone for part of us went with you, the day that God called you home. You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
We want to give our most sincere thanks to all our relatives and friends who have prayed and keep praying for us in this time of sorrow in the loss of a mother, wife, daughter, sister, grand-mother, great-grand-mother, niece, and friend that Maria was to all of us. Thank you for your comforting words, �lowers, cards, and food.
Olivia “Bibi” RiveraOn behalf of our entire School Board of Trustees and our Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Adolfo Peña Jr. we would like to give our most sincere thanks to all who attended and all who made it possible. It was an amazing event and we are very proud we had the opportunity to highlight our Historic Fort Ringgold. We trust everyone enjoyed themselves and gained a better understanding of the rich history we have in our district
An application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a reinstatement of a temporarily surrendered ( BG) LICENSE FOR WINE AND MALT BEVERAGE RETAILER’S ONPREMISE SALE AND CONSUMPTION PERMIT , by: THE COLUMBUS CLUB ASSOCIATION OF RIO GRANDE CITY, TEXAS dba THE COLUMBUS CLUB HALL, to be located at 201 EAST FOURTH STREET, RIO GRANDE CITY, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS. Officers of said corporation are: Vice President- Lupito Pena, Treasurer- Jesus Balderas Jr., Secretary- Sergio Barrera, ComptrollerJesus Solis, and TrusteePorfirio Uribe.
Customer Protection Division Assists Consumers with Billing Issues
The Public Utility Commission of Texas secured refunds and bill credits of $599,865 for Texas electric, water, and telecommunications consumers in fiscal year 2022 (Sept. 1, 2021 – August 31, 2022). The agency’s Customer Protection Division team of 22 employees assisted 12,248 customers who reported billing issues or other complaints to the agency across all three industries the PUC regulates.
“There’s a reason the first word in our agency’s name is “public”, our team is extremely proud of the work we do on behalf of Texans to help resolve issues with their service providers,” said Chris Burch, Director, Customer Protection Division. “We always encourage Texans to try to work with their provider to resolve a complaint, but we’re also just a phone call or email away to jump in and help them.”
Dollar value of refunds and bill credits secured, categorized by industry in FY 2022.
Industry - Dollar Amounts of Refunds and Credits
Electric - $540,866 Water - $52,324 Telecommunications - $6,675 TOTAL $599,865
The PUC’s Customer Protection Division also assists consumers with issues relating to electric, water and telecommunication utility disconnections and refusal of service. There are several ways consumers can contact our Customer Protection Division for assistance or to file a complaint. We also have important information on your rights as consumer on our website.
About the Public Utility Commission - Our mission is to serve Texans by regulating the state’s electric, telecommunication, and water and sewer utilities, implementing respective legislation, and offering customer assistance in resolving consumer complaints. Since its founding in 1975, the Commission has a long and proud history of service to Texas, protecting customers, fostering competition, and promoting high quality infrastructure.
To learn more, please visit http://www.puc.texas.gov
Public
The City of Escobares will hold a public hearing on the 2022-2023 Proposed Budget at 5:00 p.m. on September 29, 2022 at Escobares Community Center, 4829 Old Highway 83, Building B, Roma, Texas 78584. A copy of the proposed budget can be viewed at City Hall, 4829 Old Highway 83, Roma, Texas 78584
THIS BUDGET WILL RAISE ABOUT THE SAME REVENUE FROM PROPERTY TAXES AS LAST YEAR’S BUDGET. THE PROPERTY TAX REVENUE TO BE RAISED FROM NEW PROPERTY ADDED TO THE TAX ROLL THIS YEAR IS $2,647.
I would like to take the opportunity at this time to clarify some of the misstatements being circulated around the community. The purpose of these misstatements is no doubt to downplay the important role the previous City Administration played in the incorporation of Escobares in 2005 and their accomplishments during their governance. It would be outright disrespectful ignoring the contributions made two years prior to 2005 by a group of caring, hardworking volunteering citizens desiring a self- governing and self- sustaining community……..incorporation
Then began the task of setting up a city and its government; organizing, planning, research and finding both human and economic resources to operate our people’s new organization. The city has evolved to what it is today due to these untiring efforts by folks with a vision for the community’s future…….a desire for progress and together with its citizens recognizing community’s needs.
Looking back and looking at inventory of what was accomplished during this period by previous Administration, the following are among some of the past Administration’s accomplishments:
• The construction of a Fire Department in 2010
• Obtained a fire truck and a brush truck
• Development and construction of a Community Center
• The planning and construction of a one million dollar underground drainage project starting at Lopez Road all along Old Hwy 83 and other streets ending at Moreno’s Creek
• City Trash Collection was initiated and continues to operate today –two units
• Engineering and drawings for new 3,200 SF City Hall
• The acquisition of funding for City Park from Parks and Wildlife (which included engineering, clearing area not only for park, but also for parking area)
• Reconstruction of city streets like San Julian Road, Bazan Street, Luciano Road, Viola Street, portion of Pera Lane, Manuel Perez Roads, Intersection of San Julian and Docker Road. Projects prioritized by urgency/need. List of all streets in Escobares on file by priority need of repairs.
• Street Lighting in Pena and Agua Verde Subdivisions
• Obtained most, if not all, equipment on city’s inventory to operate a city to include police Department vehicles/equipment
Over 5 million dollars were obtained in Government grants for accomplishments of these and other projects. Generally it takes an average of two years for accomplishment of each of these projects. City must have clear/clean audit (examining all accounts of revenues/expenditures for proper accountability) on a yearly basis in order to qualify for these funds.
Projecting city growth, both in size and economically, were always priorities of previous council’s agenda. The answer to this was the establishment of a 10-year Plan in 2012 for future projects (should be on file). This included:
• Begin construction of City Park
• Begin construction of New City Hall
• Re-doing Old Hwy 83 in Garceno
• Re-doing Escobar Road
• Re-constructing Flores Street to alleviate flooding to private residents yards
• Revitalizing Old Hwy 83 in Escobares (5,200 lineal feet)
• Constructing low water crossing at San Julian Creek (for daily commute of citizens residing in outlying areas and school bus traffic during inclement weather and possible access to Loop 195. This Loop starts east of Rio Grande City and will intersect at Loma Blanca/US 83. Purchasing right of way on going in some areas of San Julian)
However; the pursuit of these goals/plans came to a screeching halt between February 2019 and the end of calendar year 2020 when the whole country was put on hold due to COVID-19 pandemic----Escobares, like the entire world was placed on hold and the City’s focus and time was taken by efforts ensuring that basic services were provided and the enforcement of the many restrictions that were being placed on our country by the pandemic to keep our residents as safe as possible.
So as I reflect back to 2005, I would have to say YES…….the previous Administration did do something that Escobares did not have before 2005 and YES much more needs to be done. All of these accomplishments can be attributed to the fact that the majority of the time council was working in unison and listening to citizen’s needs.
CITIZENS OF ESCOBARES……….Thanks for your support.
NOEL ESCOBAR Former Mayor City of Escobares Kudos to Roma ISD Choir Teacher Alicia Peña on holding wonderful Summer piano camps for Roma ISD middle school students. Not only did the students learn to play piano, but also learned music theory. Awesome work Gladiators!Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a WINE AND MALT BEVERAGE RETAILER’S OFFPREMISES PERMIT (BQ) , by: WEST HILL RANCH GROUP dba WHRG STORE #3514 , to be located at 5270 E. HWY 83, RIO GRANDE CITY, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS. Officers of corporation TURJO WADUD, MEMBER and LAMAR FRADY, MEMBER.
Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a WINE AND MALT BEVERAGE RETAILER’S OFFPREMISES PERMIT (BQ) , by: WEST HILL
RANCH GROUP dba
WHRG STORE #3520, to be located at 900 E. 2ND ST., RIO GRANDE CITY, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS. Officers of corporation TURJO WADUD, MEMBER and LAMAR FRADY, MEMBER.
Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a WINE AND MALT RETAILERS PERMIT (BG) , by: CARNES ASADAS EL ESTABLO LLC dba CARNES ASADAS EL ESTABLO, to be located at 5168 E. HIGHWAY 83, ROMA , STARR COUNTY, TEXAS. Owner of said LLC: JOSE IVAN GARZA.
Child Passenger Safety Week is Sept. 18-24, and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding drivers to make sure your young passengers are secured properly in order to save lives.
While most people believe their children are properly buckled up, NHTSA estimates about half of all car seats are misused.
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, etc.).
•Model good behavior to young passengers and make sure you are wearing your seat belt 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 seat belt, if an adult hasn’t properly restrained a child, they can receive a $250 ticket.
Additional information is available at the DPS website.
South Texas College is accepting competitive proposals for the following:
RFP Number Description Date Due Time 22-23-1026 Purchase of Air Purifiers – II October 6, 2022 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 Becky Cavazos, Director of Purchasing 956-872-4681 beckyc@southtexascollege. edu, or Vanessa Campos, Technical Buyer of Purchasing, 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.
Purchases made as a result of this solicitation will be funded through a grant from the United States Department of Education – Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF).
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
Through Career Exploration Classes, Roma ISD middle school students are encouraged to discuss, explore and understand the vast career choices available to them. Students explore professions and get advice from industry professionals.
These are great classes for our students to understand the wide array of career options available to them.
Six students from Roma ISD took advantage of their summer break to expand their nursing skills. Roma
High School students attended Rio Grande Nursing School in Rio Grande City since early July. They completed the theory portion of the Certified Nurse’s Aide Program. Congratulations to these students for their dedication and commitment and for taking advantage of this great opportunity and experience! Pictured left to right are Nohely Gonzalez, Damaris Garza, Joceline Peña, Ashley Mariscal, Karla Silva and Nicole DelaGarza.
SONATA
The 94th Annual Texas FFA State Convention was held in Fort Worth, Texas with more than 14,000 FFA members from across the state united under one roof proudly wearing their FFA jackets and representing their chapters.
Roma FFA Secretary, Kaylon Ramon, took part in this lifetime event. Kaylon worked on a research study about electronic waste production within our community and presented his findings at the convention’s Agriscience Fair competition.
Learning never stops within the FFA, as Kaylon also participated in several workshops to expand his leadership skills and attended
the Texas FFA General Sessions. During his time there Kaylon represented our chapter and community as he participated in the Stock A Backpack
Community Service Initiative, which included donating and packing backpacks with school supplies for students in need. Awesome job Kaylon!
