Rep. Henry Cuellar announced $14,477,723 in federal reimbursements for Starr County school districts
Roma ISD’s
Elementary School hosted a special event where U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar announced $14,477,723 in federal funding for Starr County school districts for free or reduced cost meals for students.
“These federal dollars will provide free, quality, and nutritious meals for our students,” said Rep. Cuellar. “These funds have also previously been utilized by school districts for essential equipment to allow staff to provide food services in Starr
County. In Congress, I will continue to fight to ensure our students have the resources they need to succeed. I would like to thank Starr County School district Superintendents, food service workers, and educators for their continued commitment to our students’ success.”
Roma ISD received a total of $5,922,078, Rio Grande City Grulla ISD received a total of $8,366,325, and San Isidro ISD received a total of $189,320. This funding ensures that each student in Roma ISD, Rio Grande City Grulla ISD, and San
The federal funding comes from USDA’s National School Breakfast Program (SBP) and National School Lunch Program (NSLP). The goal is to provide adequate food to safeguard the health and well-being of our school children while addressing food insecurities for low-income families and their children. These programs aim to promote good eating habits by providing nutritionally balanced, free or reduced-cost breakfast and lunch for students to enjoy.
Congratulations to the 2024-2025 SIISD FFA Officers!
On behalf of San Isidro ISD, we are excited to see the incredible things you’ll achieve this year. Here’s to a successful year of growth, leadership, and service in FFA!
CTE Director, for her outstanding work in securing this grant and her unwavering advocacy for the students.
Mrs. Morris continues to champion CTE courses and programs that equip the students with the skills, licenses, certifications, and post-secondary degrees needed for success in high-demand careers. On behalf of the Rio Grande City Grulla ISD, we’re excited about the opportunities this grant will create for our students!
Arturo Martinez crafted a costume of the character Spring Bonnie
Arturo Martinez, a diligent and dedicated student of Rio Grande City High School, has meticulously crafted a remarkable costume over the span of six months.
Drawing inspiration from the fictional character Spring Bonnie from the film “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” Arturo’s artistic prowess and creativity shine through in this exceptional creation.
Constructed from cardboard, fabric, and pipe cleaners, the costume boasts full articulation, including a functional bottom jaw.
This project serves as a testament to Arturo’s boundless imagination, unwavering patience, and insatiable desire for artistic expression. Congratulations Arturo!!!
Delia G. Garcia
Isidro ISD can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at no cost.
Roma Cross Country team ran at the Zapata Stampede Invitational
“Serving Our Community For Over 92 Years” “Caring for you & your loved ones in your time of need ” Sanchez Funeral Home would like to welcome our newest member to our staff ANNA VILLARREAL welcome aboard, we are honored to have you.
On August 17th, the Roma Cross Country team ran at the Zapata Stampede Invitational. The Gladiators and Lady Gladiators were able to medal in their respective divisions. Race results as follows: Varsity Boys - Gael Rodriguez 5th, Ricardo Rodriguez 6th, and Oziel Cortez 17th. Varsity Girls - Dariana Lopez 4th, Zuleika Sanchez 5th, Eleina Peña 10th, Anahi Escoto 11th, Alexia Nieto 12th, and Alejandra Escoto 13th. JV Girls - Fernanda Salazar 18th. JV Boys - Sergio Barrera 4th, Gael Gonzalez 5th, Alexander Miranda 6th, Roel Serna 7th, Joel Gonzalez 8th, Santos Oliva 9th, Alonso Salinas 11th, Luis López 14th, and Víctor Garza 16th. Freshmen Boys - Saúl Acosta 2nd, Daniel Rubio 3rd, Ober Gomez 7th, Héctor Salinas 9th, and Emiliano Gonzalez 10th. Freshman Girls - Berelynn Peña 2nd.
For two weeks a few of San Isidro Independent School District students had the opportunity to take part in the DHR Medical Internship. The students learned skills ranging from suturing, CPR certification, phlebotomy and researching to compose and publish a clinical manuscript. We are very proud of you all!
Headed Out To The Country For Dove Season? Keep An
For
Texas hunters headed out for dove season are asked to watch for abandoned or deteriorated water wells, and to report any they find to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
There are thousands of abandoned or deteriorated water wells in Texas, so chances are that hunters could spot these potential safety hazards that also contribute to groundwater pollution. Abandoned or deteriorated water wells can contaminate groundwater by providing a direct conduit for chemicals and other surface contaminants, such as animal waste and pesticides, to directly enter aquifers. Uncapped wells also present a physical danger to humans and animals who can be severely injured or killed when they fall partially or completely into the well.
What does an abandoned or deteriorated water well look like?
There could be a plastic, steel, brick or concrete casing (pipe) that extends above ground, or there could be a hole in the ground with no apparent bottom. Some abandoned wells have concrete or brick casing extending above ground or a windmill with missing blades. Abandoned or deteriorated well casings or pipes may be cut off at ground level, posing an additional threat.
Wells are “abandoned” when they are not in use, as defined by Texas Occupations Code, Section 1901.255.
A “deteriorated” well is a well that is causing or likely to cause pollution of any water in the
Or Deteriorated Water Wells
state, including groundwater. If you’re aware of abandoned or deteriorated wells, please report them to TDLR: https:// www.tdlr.texas.gov/abwells/ default.aspx. When filing the report, please include an address or GPS Coordinates and any photos or video of the well, if possible.
To avoid problems related to a water well that’s no longer in use, landowners should install a locking well cap or sanitary well seal – not just a cover over the well – to prevent unauthorized use or entry into the well. The well cap should not be easily removable by hand and should be capable of withstanding 400 pounds of weight. Septic systems should be pumped and inspected as often as recommended by the local health department. Care should be taken when mowing or working near the well.
Landowners are responsible for abandoned or deteriorated water wells on their property, and once they’re aware of an abandoned well on their property, they must plug it within 180 days. Landowners can plug the well themselves (in compliance with Title 16, Texas Administrative Code, Section 76.104: Capping and Plugging Wells Standards) or hire a well driller or pump installer licensed by TDLR to plug the well or bring the well into compliance.
If a landowner chooses to plug the well themselves, they are required to plug the well in accordance with TDLR’s well plugging specifications (https://
BID NOTICE
www.tdlr.texas.gov/wwd/ wwdspecs.htm) and submit a State of Texas Plugging Report to TDLR within 30 days from the date the well was plugged.
Resources: Helpful guide to plugging wells: https://www. tceq.texas.gov/downloads/ publications/rg/landownersguide-to-plugging-abandonedwater-wells-rg-347.pdf
Check whether a water well driller or pump installer is licensed: https://www.tdlr.texas. gov/LicenseSearch/.
Water Well Drillers Law, Plugging Water Well: Texas Occupations Code, Section 1901.255.
Water Well Drillers and Pump Installers Administrative Rules, Technical Requirements— Standards for Capping and Plugging of Wells and Plugging Wells that Penetrate Injurious Water Zones: Title 16, Texas Administrative Code, Section 76.104.
TDLR provides regulatory oversight for a broad range of occupations, businesses, facilities, and equipment in Texas. The agency protects the health and safety of Texans by ensuring they are served by qualified, licensed professionals. Inspections of individuals, businesses, and equipment are done on a regular basis to safeguard the public. Visit TDLR’s website for more information and resources. TDLR’s Customer Service line is available anytime between 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1-800-803-9202.
City of Rio Grande City - Department Vehicles
The City of Rio Grande City is requesting sealed bids for 3 vehicles that will be for the Public Library, Public Relations, and EDC Dept. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 2:30 P.M. on Friday, 9/20/2024 at the City of Rio Grande City – City Hall Chambers located at 5332 E. US Highway 83 – Suite A, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582.
The following department vehicles needed:
• 1 – 2024 Mid-size SUV
• 1 – 2024 Full-size SUV
• 1 – 2024 Compact SUV
Specifications and Bid Documents may be obtained at the City Secretary’s Office at City Hall located at 5332 E. US Highway 83, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 or at the city website link: https://www.cityofrgc.com/business/bid_opportunities.php. For any questions you can contact Projects Director – Elisa Y. Beas at (956) 488 – 8728.
The City of Rio Grande City, reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding. Bids may be held by the City for a period not to exceed 45 days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidders’ qualifications prior to the contract award.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
South Texas College is accepting competitive proposals for the following: RFP Number Description Date Due Time 24-25-1016 Grounds Maintenance September 19, 2024 2:00 PM 24-25-1017 Industrial Supplies Materials September 19, 2024 4:00 PM and Accessories
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 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
How to safely run your portable generator
Texas Insurance Tips
A portable generator can make a big difference during a power outage.
Follow these tips to use your generator safely:
•Read the generator’s owner’s manual to avoid dangerous risks.
•Run the generator outdoors at least 20 feet from your home’s doors, windows, or vents. You don’t want to breathe in carbon monoxide gas, which is colorless,
odorless, and deadly. Wind can blow carbon monoxide inside.
Never use a generator in a garage, even if the door is open.Turn your generator off and let it cool before refueling.
•Don’t store fuel inside your home.
•Use a heavy-duty, outdoorrated extension cord to power appliances connected to the generator.
•If you want to connect your
generator to your home’s
hire a licensed
Make sure the electrician uses a properly rated switch that meets electrical codes.
•Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home, even if the generator stays outside.
Have a question? Call the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office at 512-676-6988 or visit www. tdi.texas.gov/fire.
The basics of ADHD
A condition like ADHD can compromise a child’s ability to excel in the classroom.
A new school year contains a host of challenges for every student, but some, particularly those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), may face steeper challenges than others.
ADHD is common in both the United States and Canada. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that ADHD affects between 4 and 12 percent of school-aged children, while the Center for ADHD Awareness, Canada indicates between 5 and 7 percent of Canadian youngsters have the condition. Such figures are disconcerting, particularly when considering the adverse effects of ADHD on academic performance. In fact, a 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that ADHD was associated with substantially lower performance in school independent of socioeconomic background factors.
The stakes are high regarding ADHD and academics, so as a new school year begins, students
and their families can familiarize themselves with the condition to ensure it does not interfere with their efforts to do their best in the classroom in the year ahead.
What is ADHD?
The AAP describes ADHD as “a chronic condition of the brain that makes it difficult for children to control their behavior.” Such characterization explains why the link between ADHD and poor academic performance is so strong. The AAP notes that children with ADHD often have trouble getting along with other children and, if they have issues with attention, they can have difficulty learning.
Behavioral symptoms of ADHD
The AAP notes that ADHD includes three distinct groups of symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Children with inattention may daydream and have a hard time paying attention, often do not seem to listen, may be easily distracted from work or play, and may not follow through on instructions or finish tasks.
Children with hyperactivity may be in constant motion, exhibit difficulty staying seated, frequently squirm or fidget, talk
too much, and be incapable of playing quietly. Children with impulsivity may frequently act and speak without thinking, run into a street without first looking for oncoming traffic, be incapable of waiting, and frequently interrupt others.
It’s important for parents to recognize that children with ADHD will not necessarily have all the symptoms. Symptoms are classified by the type of ADHD a child has, and a physician will indicate that upon diagnosis.
ADHD cases are usually determined to be inattentive only, hyperactive/impulsive or combined ADHD, which includes symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. When should I alert a physician?
The AAP notes that all children exhibit the symptoms noted above from time to time. However, a physician should be alerted when children exhibit those symptoms on a regular basis for more than six months.
ADHD can affect children both academically and socially.
More information can be found at healthychildren.org.
Governor Abbott Announces Over 1 Million Ineligible Voters Removed From Voter Rolls
Provides Update On Voter Roll Cleanup Efforts Ahead Of 2024 Elections
On August 26, 2024, Governor Greg Abbott announced that since signing Senate Bill 1 into law in 2021, Texas has removed over one million people from the state’s voter rolls, including people who moved out-of-state, are deceased, and are noncitizens. That removal process has been, and will continue to be, ongoing.
“Election integrity is essential to our democracy,” said Governor Abbott. “I have signed the strongest election laws in the nation to protect the right to vote and to crackdown on illegal voting. These reforms have led to the removal of over one million ineligible people from our voter rolls in the last three years, including noncitizens, deceased voters, and people who moved
to another state. The Secretary of State and county voter registrars have an ongoing legal requirement to review the voter rolls, remove ineligible voters, and refer any potential illegal voting to the Attorney General’s Office and local authorities for investigation and prosecution. Illegal voting in Texas will never be tolerated. We will continue to actively safeguard Texans’ sacred right to vote while also aggressively protecting our elections from illegal voting.”
Since Governor Abbott signed Senate Bill 1 into law in 2021, Texas has removed over 1 million people from the voter rolls, including: Over 6,500 noncitizens; Over 6,000 voters who have a felony conviction; Over 457,000 deceased people; Over 463,000 voters on the suspense list; Over 134,000 voters who responded to an address
confirmation notice that they had moved; Over 65,000 voters who failed to respond to a notice of examination; Over 19,000 voters who requested to cancel their registration.
Total: Over 1.1 million
Of the over 6,500 potential noncitizens removed from the voter rolls, approximately 1,930 have a voter history. The Secretary of State’s office is in the process of sending all 1,930 records to the Attorney General’s Office for investigation and potential legal action. To better crackdown on illegal voting, Governor Abbott signed House Bill 1243 into law last year, increasing the penalty for illegal voting, including voting by noncitizens, to a second-degree felony.
In 2021, Governor Abbott signed Senate Bill 1, Senate Bill 1113, and
City of Rio Grande City Leaders held a public work session
House Bill 574 into law. Senate Bill 1 elevated lying while registering to vote to a state jail felony, criminalized ballot harvesting, required the Secretary of State to conduct randomized audits of elections every two years, banned distribution of unsolicited mailin ballot applications and ballots, and required ID for mail-in ballots.
Senate Bill 1113 empowered the Secretary of State to withhold funds from counties that fail to remove noncitizens from their voter roll.
House Bill 574 made it a seconddegree felony to knowingly count invalid votes or refuse to count valid votes.
In 2017, the Governor signed Senate Bill 5, which increased the penalty for election workers who knowingly permit noncitizens and other ineligible persons to vote.
City of Rio Grande City Mayor Gilberto Falcón and City Commissioners Roger Olivarez and Ediel Barrera held a public workshop on Monday, August 26, 2024, to discuss plans to enhance the services provided by the Animal Control Department.
During the meeting, concerned community members had the opportunity to address the commission with their valuable insights on ways to better improve kennels, create vaccination programs, and the need to establish spay/neuter services.
The Mayor and Commissioners highly appreciate the active participation of the community and are committed to the care and wellbeing of animals in our city.
THE COUNTY OF STARR SHERIFF’S OFFICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Chapter 263.153 of the Texas Local Government Code & Chapter 59 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and Transportation Code 683, Subsection B, 683.012, of the Texas Department of Transportation that the County of Starr Sheriff ’s Office, Rio Grande City, Texas will hold a public auction on Saturday, September 28th , 2024, at 10:00 a.m. for General Surplus, Equipment and Vehicles which have been forfeited to the State of Texas under the provisions of Chapter 59 Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Location: 2101 I-69C, Edinburg, TX 78542. Registration to bid will be from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and will require a picture identification. Examples of items to be auctioned are cars, trucks, heavy equipment, personal computers, electronics, office furniture, surplus, etc. All items will be sold “As Is - Where Is” to the highest bidder. Onsite Buyer’s Premium 14%, Internet Buyer’s Premium 16%. All sales are final and must be paid on the same day with cash, major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express), Debit & Credit with a 3.99% processing fee. Checks accepted “day of auction” only with certain conditions. For additional information, please contact the County of Starr Sheriff ’s Office, at (956) 487-5571. AUC#17532 - Jose A. Camarillo
HUNTERS EDUCATION CLASS 2024
The hunters education class was held Saturday August 24th, 2024 at the AMCLO Home and Hardware Store. The class instructor was Edward Chapa. Mr. Chapa is trained and certified by Texas Parks and Wildlife, to teach the class. AMCLO Home and Hardware is proud to help sponsor the class. The class consisted of 30 students. The certification is required by the Texas Parks and Wildlife for anyone born after September 2, 1971. Thank you Mr. Edward Chapa for volunteering to teach the class And to AMCLO Home and Hardware for hosting again this year.
Sleep is restorative and essential for ensuring our minds and bodys operate at peak capacity. But many kids are not getting enough sleep. According to WebMD, bedtimes have gradually become later as children must contend with social, family and school activities. This is
