2016 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS
YOUR VOTES ARE IN!
A supplement to the Alice Echo-News Journal
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Zertuche surprised by Readers’ Choice by Melissa Trevino mtrevino@aliceechonews. com The residents of Alice chose Alice Police Department’s Lt. Hector Zertuche Jr. as this year’s Readers’ Choice for the Best City Employee. He said his doesn’t know why his was selected, but was
appreciative of the honor. Lt. Zertuche worked as a patrol officer for 23 years with Alice police before his promotion to lieutenant. In those years, he learned that most people are just looking for someone to listen to them. “I don’t know why I, out of everyone who works for Alice,
would get this honor,” Zertuche said. “ I was extremely surprised, I haven’t even told my family.” Zertuche is one of the first persons at the office and other than the patrol officers is one of the last to leave. “I come to do my job not to be recognized,” he said. “I like what I do.”
According to Zertuche, people are comfortable discussing issues they face with him. He lives and works in the same community. He has neighbors and friends just like everyone else. People who know him say he is an outstanding member of the community and it reflects through his position. Zertuche attends council meetings and is the treasurer of the Police Officer’s Association. “Now I sit behind a desk, but there are times I’m out with my fellow officers,” Zertuche said. “I have a different relationship with the community then I did as a patrol officer. I treat everyone with respect and I do my best to help people with their problems or issues.” While he is not sure why he would be bestowed with such an honor, he is thankful for the recognition.
Lt. Zertuche worked as a patrol officer for 23 years with Alice police before his promotion to lieutenant.
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Indigo brings big town flavor to Alice By Andre Lopez alopez@aliceechonews.com For several residents in Alice, the address was a place that meant lunch after church, or late night dinners after long shifts, out of town games, or a date to the movies or dance hall. Residents can remember a time when Dena’s was a staple of the community for the distinct flavors that they had. Since it closed it’s doors other restaurants have occupied the same spot. However, new owners Leo Camarillo and Rick Medina have come in with a classic concept made new and a flavor that is fresh in more ways than one. Camarillo and Medina took over ownership of The End Zone in late September 2015 and went to work reinventing the business. “We love food with a passion and there is not one good American food restaurant with steak and seafood here in Alice,” said Camarillo. “We’re bringing a big town feel to the small town.” Indigo Bar and Grill since its inception has attracted customers. And that’s why this year they were voted as Best Overall Restaurant by the Alice Echo-News Journal readers and are this year’s Readers’ Choice. Compared to other restaurants, the menu is a simple one with only a handful of items under each category. When they took over,
they started with the previous menu and began to cut out items that were not selling
and putting things they felt would help the – See INDIGO, next page
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(continued from previous page) restaurant take off. “We wanted to have every category of our favorite things. If it doesn’t make dollar, it doesn’t make sense,” Camarillo said. With items like a pan seared tuna steak, prime rib and ceviche, Indigo is getting set up for success by offering high quality meals not available anywhere else in Alice, at a reasonable price. Other draws for the restaurant
are the Wagyu Wednesdays when Kobe beef is offered, and Sunday Fun Day where they offer items not on the menu. David Galvan is the chef that helps to make the tasty food that comes from the kitchen, and with an emphasis on consistency in great food and customer service, Indigo Bar and Grill is well on its way to becoming a new tradition in Alice.
“We look for consistency with the time and recipes and we make sure that everything looks good. It’s a privilege and an honor to serve the people of Alice,”
Camarillo said. “ We appreciate the fact that people picked us to win and hope for continued success.”
Pictured (l-r) are Indigo Bar & Grill owners Rick Medina and Leo Camarillo. With items like a pan seared tuna steak, prime rib and ceviche, Indigo is getting set up for success by offering high quality meals not available anywhere else in Alice, at a reasonable price.
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Several items off the Indigo Bar & Grill menu...
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Barrientes known for helping those in need Barrientes follows his father’s footsteps as a hot tar roof, a dying breed, Barrientes said. “I was always with my father and he Every morning Jesse Barrientes and his workers prepare for a taught me about this business,” day’s work of roofing for people he said. “I am just an ambitious workin Alice and surrounding comer,” Barrientes said. “When I was munities. told about being named best Barrientes is the owner of roofer I was honored. I felt like all Jesse’s Roofing in Palito Blanco. Jesse was recently voted Readers’ my hard work and the work of my employees had paid off.” Choice Best Roofer by residents Barrientes understands that a of the community. By Melissa Trevino mtrevino@aliceechonews.com
roof over one’s head is important and works will people of all budgets to make sure people have a good roof. As part of this community Barrientes has provided his services at no cost to non-profit organizations and churches to name a few. When families need help he is there with no expectation of payment. Barrientes has repaired roofs for those with no money and for those with money to
spare. “I think the difference between me and bigger businesses is that I work with everyone,” Barrientes said. “I don’t work only with people that have the luxury to upgrade their roof.” “I treat everyone with respect as they should be,” he said. “My customers have brought me along way and I thank them.”
Barrientes understands that a roof over one’s head is important and works will people of all budgets to make sure people have a good roof.
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Lalo’s Music serving musicians since 1980 of the more than 35 years he’s His love of music has been lessons in the store and his been in business. passed on to his children and daughter has a music school Lalo’s Music store has been some of his grandchildren. His in McAllen. Perez also has a grandson that plays drums and Lalo Perez wakes up every day popular for many years and was son Jose is a professional musiselected 2016 Readers’ Choice by cian living and working in Los a granddaughter that plays the with an eagerness to get to work. Alice Echo-News Journal readers Angeles. His other son is a forcello. “I love what I do,” he said. as the Favorite Music Store. mer band director and gives – See LALOS, Page 8 “It’s not work, it’s a vacation.” Considering he is a musician who has made a successful business selling musical instruments and supplies to the residents of Alice and the surrounding area, it’s easy to see why he loves his job. Perez first opened up his store around November of 1980 to fill a need that he saw in Alice. “I started playing when I was 12 and I had to go to Corpus (Christi) whenever I needed new drumsticks or strings,” Perez said. “ I opened up a shop to sell strings and drumsticks to the people of Alice.” The first store was a smaller shop that was next to Alice Shoe Shop but his business soon outgrew it. It became necessary to find a larger space and when the opportunity was right, Perez bought the space he is currently in and has been for the majority Perez first opened up his store around November of 1980 to fill a need that he saw in Alice. By Andre Lopez alopez@aliceechonews.com
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(continued from Page 7) His is not the only family that has a multigenerational connection to his store. Perez has had several instances where parents bring their children to buy instruments and supplies for band and remark on how they used to come to the store with their parents. “People come in and say ‘remember me? Perez said. “I used to come in and get lessons when I was 10,’ and now they’re 30 and bringing their children.” When he’s not serving customers or maintaining his shop, Perez can usually be seen playing on the drums or congas. While he is a store owner, he is also a musician with a love
of playing and can be found playing gigs on the weekends whenever he get’s the chance. However, Perez is glad to help residents get the instruments they want and even provide lessons. His son teaches guitar and percussion while his daughter in law teaches brass instruments. Perez credits his success and longevity to treating people right and giving them what they want. “I’m humbled, honored and grateful to serve the local people and I’ll be doing this until I’m down under the ground,” Perez also added. “As long as I can walk, I’m here. I don’t have plans to retire anytime soon.”
Lalo’s has a large selection of musical instruments from beginner to professional. Lalo’s is located in downtown Alice.
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De La Garza voted Best Sheriff’s Deputy found the community’s recognition hard to believe. “I work a lot and mostly nights so I can’t say that I work with the A 14-year veteran of the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Department majority of the community,” he was recently voted as the Best Sher- said. “I’m truly honored. I’m one officer out of so many departments iff’s Deputy in Alice Echo-News in the community who are all workJournal’s 2016 Readers’ Choice. ing towards the same goal.” Sgt. Ramon De La Garza Jr. has by Melissa Trevino mtrevino@aliceechonews.com
Sgt. Ramon De La Garza Jr.
De La Garza is a humble man who keeps to himself; always on the look out for the community and his fellow officers. “I do my best at every call and help deputies do their best,” he stated. De La Garza patrols, takes calls and assists with traffic. Over the years, De La Garza has learned to separate himself from each case especially cases that involve children. Being a peace officer means seeing
people at their worst, helping in difficult times, and working near death calls at times. De La Garza gets the satisfaction when he has helped someone. Law enforcement is a career choice where officers are not always acknowledged for their good deeds. “In the rare occasion that we do get a ‘thank you’ it’s nice,” he stated. “I guess this honor is that rare occasion for me.”
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Stewart Title was named this year’s 2016 Readers’ Choice by Alice Echo-News Journal readers for Best Home Title Company
Since 2006, Stewart Title has partnered with customers in Alice and its neighboring counties on real estate transactions and on building solid relationships.
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Flores chosen as 2016 Readers’ Choice Community Volunteer Joshua Flores’ volunteerism began as a member of the Boy Scouts of America - Troop 270, assisting the club with canned food drives and other efforts to aid those in need in the community. He has since continued to support Scouting by various means years after leaving. Joshua has, for the last 10 years, donated his time and efforts to the USO and Supply our
Joshua Flores 2016 Reader’s Choice Community Volunteer
Soliders, organizations who send care packages to troops serving our country overseas. “Having a great-grandfather, grandfather, brother and close friends who all served in the armed forces,” he said, “I felt this effort well needed for those who protect our freedoms.” Because of his unselfishness, Joshua Flores was selected as our 2016 Readers’ Choice Community Volunteer by Alice Echo-News Journal readers. In the wake of severe weather which impacted our fellow Texans, Joshua also coordinated an American Red Cross fundraising effort in Corpus Christi with the assistance of area musicians and venues. Upon returning home to Alice, he has proudly been involved in the Alice Rotary Club and has recently committed himself to the revitalization project at Veterans Plaza Park in the city’s south side. Joshua also participates in autism awareness efforts throughout the area as well as the March of Dimes and United Way and was inducted as an Alice Ambassador.
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Cruz has super sophomore season All-Around athlete leaps to regional track meet By Pete Garcia pgarcia@aliceechonews.com
Moments before the triple jump warm-up run-throughs at the District 30-5A track and field meet in Memorial Stadium, Criselda Cruz began stretching and running just to the side of the pit. It was a big meet, every track and field athlete from the district was in the stadium. Add to that coaches, parents and students. Then, the meet was in Alice’s home stadium, so it made for an even more crowded field. Still, amid the chaos — friends and teammates talking around her and coaches offering up some last-minute advice — the Alice High School sophomore found peace. She blocked everything out and focused at the task at hand — out-jumping everyone around her. She ended up jumping 36-5 to win the district championship in the event. A week later, she
cleared 35-2 to win the District 29 and 30-5A Area Championships and earned herself a spot in the Region IV-5A track and field meet in Alamo Stadium in San Antonio. Cruz was also a part of the Alice girls’ 1,600-meter relay team which placed third at the area meet to advance to regionals. It’s an impressive effort for any athlete, but something special for a sophomore. However, it’s the kind of performance that those at Alice High School have come to expect from Cruz. It’s also why she was named our Readers’ Choice Local Sports Athlete, an honor bestowed on the area’s most outstanding competitor. Cruz also had a standout season in basketball. She helped the Lady Coyotes end their playoff drought and get back in the postseason, earning 30-5A’s Co-Newcomer of the Year honors. She was also named to the district’s allCriselda Cruz was named Readers’ Choice Local Sports Athlete. academic team.
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Silver Star Food Store wins eight categories
figure out why exactly his customers and the community would give his business not one but Think of snack time, eight awards. “It’s a one-stopthink of Silver Star Food shop,” Rodriguez said. Store, located at 909 “We do try to accommoSouth Cameron, after all the Alice community date everybody.” Rodriguez along just awarded them with several Reader’s Choice with his brother, Lupe, and his wife, Melinda, Awards. opened the business 18 Owner Silvestre Rodriguez was speech- years ago. The business started across the street less as he attempted to By Melissa Trevino mtrevino@aliceechonews. com
from its current location but through hard work they grew and were able to purchase land and build a new store.
“We are proud of the acknowledgement by the community,” Silvestre said. “They have a selec-
– See SILVER STAR, Page 14
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(continued from Page 13) tion of stores to choose from. They chose us not only for these awards but for their business.” Silvestre believes the store has to be doing something right to receive the recognition for Best Convenience Store, Best Customer Service Representative, Best Cook, Best Secretary, Best Salsa, Best Nachos, Best breakfast tacos and Best fries. They were selected for 2016 Readers’ Choice by Alice Echo-News Journal readers. Customers
like Liza Canales and Ralphie Lopez visit the store frequently daily. “The people are always friendly and it’s in our neighborhood,” Canales said. “It’s clean, reasonably priced and their food is awesome.” Silver Star owners and employees thanked everyone who voted for them.“Without our customers we wouldn’t have anything, we wouldn’t be successful,” Silvestre said.
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2016 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS Tax Preparer Company David Boatright
Apartment Complex Bordeaux Apartments
Real Estate Company Betty Allison Real Estate
Public/ Private School St Joseph
Storage Company Buckhorn Mini Storage
Towing service R&R
Pest Control Alice Pest Control
Photography Studio Pete Garcia
Auto Parts Store Auto Zone
Bail Bonds AAA Bail Bonds
Grocery Store HEB
Kids Clothing Store Kids Kloset
Adult Day Care La Vida Buena Daycare
Appliance Dealer Sears
Tool Rental Store Alamo Lumber
Sign Company Macareno Signs
Taxidermists Briseno
Truck Accessories Trucker’s Equipment
Pawn Store EZ Pawn
Plumbing Company Neff’s Plumbing Service
New Car Dealer Love Chrysler
Bank Wells Fargo Bank
Women Clothing Store Bealls
Portable Building Dealer Damascus Portable Buildings
A/C & Heating Rescue Heating and A/C
Law office Lemon & Gonzalez-Lemon LLP
Roofing Company Jesse’s Roofing
Mattress Store Edwards Furniture Co.
Tire Dealer Pueblo Tires & Service
Tree/ Lawn Service Company E.W. Nash Lawn Service
Used Car Dealer Tino Auto Sales
BBQ Restaurant Cowboys BBQ
Men Clothing Store Bealls
Catering Gil’s
Pharmacy Walgreens
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2016 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS Portable Building Dealer Damascus Portable Buildings Tree/ Lawn Service Company E.W. Nash Lawn Service Catering Gil’s Veterinarians Alamosa Animal Hospital Cellular Dealer AT&T
Vitamin & Nutritional Store Get-a-Grip
Dry Cleaner Brite Star Uniform & LInen Service
Radiator Shop Alice Radiator
Pet Groomer Spa 4 Pets
Child Care Prodigy Child Academy
Screen Printing/ Embroidery Alice Screen Printing
Convenience Store Silver Star Food Store
Fitness Gym Fit 24
Welding Company Lozano
Dental Clinic Advance Dental
Oil Changes The Grease Rack
Farm Equipment Dealer Tractor Supply
Local Church St Joseph
Window Tinting Jesse’s Auto Glass
Loan Company Gold Star Finance-Alice
Flower Shop Johnny’s Blooming Shop
Shoe Store Shoe Dept
Family Doctor Office Dr Patel
Glass/ Windshield Repair Hub City Glass
Hardware Store Sutherlands
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2016 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS Hair Salon Adrianna’s
Real Estate Company Betty Allison Real Estate
Place to Work Prodigy Child Academy
Store Manager Faustino Medina-Ray Vess
Nurse Valeri Cantu
Fishing/ Hunting Guide Captian Charles Patrick
Lumber Store McCoys Lumber
Public/Private School St. Joseph Sign Company Macareno
Onion Rings Big House Burgers Elected Official Mayor Ike Ornelas
Shakes/ Ice cream Dairy Queen-Main Street
Guacamole Chili’s Doctor Sergio Saul Cantu’ M.D.
Carne Guisada El Charro
Mattress Store Edwards Furniture
Breakfast Tacos Silver Star Food Store
Storage Company Buckhorn Mini Storage
School Organization AHS Band
Taxidermists Briseno
Desserts Chili’s
Tire Dealer Pueblo Tire & Service
Local Sports Athlete Criselda Cruz
Towing Service R&R
Subs Café Villa
Truck Accessories Trucker’s Equipment
Youth Organization/ Club Boy’s & Girl’s Club
Tree/Lawn Service Co. E.W. Nash Lawn Service
Seafood Big House Burgers
Landscape Greens Nursery Funeral home Rosas Funeral Home Gun Dealer Dos Amigos Guns Furniture Store Edwards Furniture Co. Dance Studio Amy’s School of Dance Gift Shop Rushing & Gonzalez Cheerleading Gym Twist & Cheer Home Builder James Dean Wrecker Service R&R Home Health Services Haven Home Health Auto Body Shop Precission Collison Hunting Outfitters Surplus Outlet Sporting Goods Store Hibbett Sports Insurance Agency Carlisle Insurance Physical Rehab Humpal Physical Therapy Jewelry Store Ray Vess Jewelers Child Rehab/Child Psychologist Romeo Mungia Liquor Store Jiggers Music Store Lalos Music Meat Market Marios Meat Market Overall Restaurant End Zone Home Title Company Stewart Title Hotel/ Motel Holiday Inn Nail Salon Peter Nails Optical Dealer Cloud Eye Associates Pest Control Alice Pest Control Pawn Store EZ Pawn Pharmacy Walgreen Photography Studio Pete Garcia Plumbing Company Neff’s Plumbing Service
Veterinarians Alamosa Animal Hospital
Friendliest Customer Service Plains Capital Bank
Pest Control Alice Pest Control
Overall Breakfast IHOP
Pawn Store EZ Pawn
Tortillas Nortex Bakery & Fast Food
Pharmacy Walgreens
Auto Mechanic Ruben Gonzales
Photography Studio Pete Garcia
Margaritas Chili’s
Plumbin Company Neff’s Plumbing Service
Tax preparer David Boatright
Real Estate Company Betty Allison Real Estate
Steak Strips Dairy Burger
Tool Rental Store Alamo Lumber
A/C Service Technician Durbin’s Air Conditioning & Heating Service
Cleanest Restaurant Café Villa Minister Deacon Emede Gonzalez Hamburger Big House Burgers Principal (School Location) Dr Marissa Kubala Fries Silver Star Food Store Teacher (School Location) Cristelia Gonzales Buffalo Wings Wing Stop Community Volunteer Joshua Flores Pizza Domino’s Pizza Coach Benito Barrera Sandwiches Café Villa Admin Asst. Melinda Rodriguez Salads Café Villa Boss/ Supervisor Jennifer Rodriguez Coffee Café Villa
Tea Dairy Burger
Attorney District Attorney Carlos Garcia BBQ Sandwich Cowboys Car Salesman Mari Araujo-Alice Cheverlot Nachos Silver Star Food Store Bank Teller Mario Vilarreal Salsa Silver Star Food Store Cook Amanda Friedeck-Silver Star Food Stores Menudo Silva’s Grocery Y Cocina
Tamales Rosie’s Tamales Dentist Dr. Dolezal Quesadillas El Charro Carpenter Gonzelo Rodriguez Enchiladas Chente’s Roofer Jesse Barrientes Fajita Chente’s
Butcher Arnold Ruiz-Ralphs Food Store BBQ Ribs Cowboy’s BBQ Waiter/ Waitress Esperanza “Hope” Noguez Fried Chicken Popeye’s Realtor Brandon Torres-Carlisle Realty Fruit Cups Tutti Frutti Hair Stylist Joe Vincent 4 Bakery Nortex Bakery & Fast Food
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2016 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS Eye Doctor Cloud Eye Associates Oriental Food Panda Express Pharmacist Danny Garcia-Walgreens Smoothie Tutti Frutti Photographer Pete Garcia Snow cones Silvas Plumber Elias Villalobos Taco Taco Bell Insurance Agent Barbara Villarreal Kids Meal McDonalds-Main Street County Employee County Clerk JC Perez Yogurt RVB City Employee Hector Zertuche Pasta NY Joe’s City/ Volunteer Fireman
Adan Garcia Bar/ Lounge The Spot Police/ Sheriff Deputy Raymond Delgarza Local Band Something Wicked Fitness Instructor Marissa Utley Community Event RSVP Customer Service Rep. Garrett Friedeck Silver Star Food Store Family Entertainment Paladium Bowl Building Contractor Miguel Rodriguez SR Florist Johnny Perez-Johnny’s Blooming Shop Welder Oscar Lozano Diesel Mechanic Bruno Diaz Electrician Arturo Salas - A&D elec Chiropractor Dr. Mark Salinas Tattoo Artist Daniel Charles
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WAMS coach has important job to keep them interested By Pete Garcia pgarcia@aliceechonews.com in the program. It may not be a position what gets the glory With 22 years of that coaching in the coaching and teaching high school ranks my under his belt, Benny get, but Barrera believes Barrera can only smile in disbelief at the honor the role of coaches in the middle school is our reader’s awarded vital for the overall athhim. The Alice native, who letic department. “The job we do here is currently the boys at William Adams is athletic coordinator at William Adams Middle very important to the overall program, beSchool, was given the cause we help prepare award of Reader’s our kids to be able to Choice for Coach. make it at the high “Wow!” he said. school level,” Barrera “That’s really great… said. “What we do as Hey, I’m just glad our coaches is important for kids are reading.” the success of the high His role in the Alice school program.” ISD athletic program Barrera is a 1984 puts him over the boys graduate of Alice High seventh and eighth School. He gradugrade squads. He has ated from Texas A&M a hand in coaching the boys in football, basket- University-Kingsville. ball and track and field. He also had two children — Ben and Amalia At this level, his job is — come through the to introduce athletics to youngsters who may Alice school system and have never played orga- the Alice High School nized sports before and athletic program. Benny Barrera has 22 years of coaching experience under his belt.
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