WEEK OF December 15, 2021 THROUGH DECEMBER 21, 2021
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Your Community Newspaper, Serving the Heart of the Rio Grande Valley VOLUME 98 NUMBER 50
Former SICC Student Excels in the Career of Welding Emilio Flores La Feria News
Preparing For The Franken-Burger
Page 3
Lion Pride!
Page 5
TXDoT Gives Port Top Marks in Risk Assessment
Page 7
UTRGV Grad Student Lands Engineering Job With Jacobs Group Upon Graduation
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City Calendar............pg. 2 Classified....................pg. 4 Sports..........................pg. 5 Activity Page.............pg. 6 Puzzles........................pg. 7
Clarivel Lugo is a former student from Southern Industrial Career Center that has been making her strides in the welding industry recently, has a go-getter-like attitude, and has been an encouragement everywhere she goes. La Feria News got the opportunity to talk with Clarivel and dive a little into what it’s like having a career in welding and, as a woman, and what her mindset and mentality have been. Something that may translate into life lessons to someone’s everyday life. Ms. Lugo currently works at Welding Works International, where she continues to excel in everything she’s doing. She explains that she started off as an assistant "Grinding out the phalanges…” she said that she’d be helping with whatever they needed to be done. Then the opportunity arose to learn more about the business side of things, helping with inventory, recruiting, and logistics. And that’s exactly what Ms. Lugo has been doing. Making sure inventory is stocked with the materials needed for projects, learning blueprint layouts, and helping to manage the projects themselves. She expressed the importance of making sure production never stops. She says “(We’re) making sure production does not stop, because in this industry, production stops… and that’s no good”
Clarivel explains that she wants to just learn as much as she can, and she shows that through everything she does. Ms. Lugo also explains that some of her greatest motivations have been instilled by her parents. She accredits a lot of her ambitious attitude to her parents. She says "I wanna say my parents have always instilled that... hard work will get you a long way" When La Feria News asked what advice she would give to any younger women she responded said to stay positive, be aggressive, and be a lifelong learner. "not being afraid... to just go out there and get it done." another tip she gives is, “learn how to handle conflict...” and something really important to Clarivel is to support other women. She says that learning as much as you can will bring more opportunities, and encourages others to never hesitate to ask questions. Lugo says, "You gotta get out of your comfort zone to be able to progress," and again, "Get out of the comfort zone!" Clarivel Lugo finished her necessary course in welding at Southern Industrial Career Center in 8 weeks, and within 30 days of finishing, landed the job that she has now at Welding Works International. Lugo has been working there for 5 months now and has been enjoying the new challenges and looks forward to continuing to grow in her career field.
Clarivel Lugo Graduated from Southern Industrial Career Center(SICC) back in June of this year, and now has her full-time job at Welding Works International. Photo via SICC
Elementary School Gets A New Playground Nelda Briones La Feria News
Soon Sam Houston Elementary School in La Feria will complete its new playground. The playground was first approved by the school board back in August. They approved a purchase order to American Parks Company in the amount of $113,677. The equipment is to be paid by ESSER
The only Community Bank with locations in Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy Counties
funds. ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund) are funds that were appropriated for Texas schools as part of the American Rescue Plan. Congress passed three stimulus bills since 2020 to help schools with federal funding, which were ESSER, ESSER II and ESSER III. The latter of funds was passed in March of 2021, under the
Sam Houston Playground. Photot via La Feria ISD Facebook Page • Bridges
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2 • December 15, 2021• LA FERIA NEWS
Valley Baptist Health System Continues to Offer Bereavement Support During Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic HARLINGEN & BROWNSVILLE – William Shakespeare’s keen observation of life is articulated in his statement, “He who lacks time to mourn, lacks time to mend.” True for both adults and children, the awareness of how to properly care for grief is important to holistic health. When a person experiences significant loss of a person or something important, bereavement is the process they journey through, said former Valley Baptist Health System Vice President Mission & Ministry Joe Perez. “During this COVID-19 era, many people are journeying through the season of bereavement because they have experienced loss of a special someone. Some individuals and families have experienced multiple losses,” he said. “Others may be fortunate enough to not have lost a loved
one, but the pandemic has created for all other kinds of losses, like daily routines, jobs, loss of relational contacts, normal resources for life, and many others.” Grief is normal to the human condition, said Perez, who currently serves as Chief Mission & Ministry Officer at Baptist Health System – a sister system to Valley Baptist located in San Antonio. While feelings of grief are often intensified during the holiday season, Perez said the grief process is unique to each individual person. As a chaplain, Perez said he has learned that saying the phrase “I know what you’re going through” is not helpful when it comes to helping others cope with grief, because while situations of loss and grief may be similar, the consistency of relationships and circumstances are always different. “One may think this is relating, but
using this phrase does not invite the one suffering to disclose their thoughts and feelings because they are said to already be known. The result, then, is that the one grieving does not share his/her experience, which impedes the healing process by not allowing the bereaved to process their grief and grow in their ability to cope,” he said. Perez said that while it can be difficult to help others cope with grief, there are ways to help. “What can be more helpful is saying something like, ‘I have had a similar experience, but I know everybody’s different. How’s it going for you?’” he said. “If you have not had a similar experience, then simply ask, ‘How’s it going for you?’” Perez said Dr. Alan Wolfelt, an influential educator on death and the grieving process, articulates the healing process through grief as,
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“Let’s remind ourselves of the importance between the terms grief and mourning. Grief is the internal thoughts and the feelings of loss and pain, whereas mourning is the outward, shared expression of that grief – or grief gone public. All bereaved families grieve when someone they love dies. But if they are to heal, they must have a safe, accepting atmosphere in which they can mourn.” “There's no ‘one size fits all’ approach to managing one’s grief from the loss of a love one or the loss of something significant. At the same time, there are some essentials that help and obstacles that hinder the process to healing,” said Paul Luna, Valley Baptist Medical CenterBrownsville Pastoral Services Supervisor. “The best help is having a safe companion or community of persons to share life’s difficult experiences.”
Perhaps one of the greatest challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has been the isolation that can be experienced during necessary social distancing. While the pandemic disrupted gatherings and in-person support groups, it continues to bring to the forefront new methods of navigating the grieving process together. “Keeping safe practices in mind, we need to remember that human beings are meant to be and relate to other human beings as a part of our holistic health. Therefore, we need to be more creative about how we can journey together through these difficult times. Setting up family and/or friend’s phone or video chat times will assist in keeping our community as well,” Luna said. “Seeing each other stimulates more of our senses to work towards healing. Being in each
other’s presence, as it can be done safely, is important as well. Most importantly, if you find yourself isolated, reach out to a trusted family member, friend, or community member as one way to take initiative in your health.” For those working through the grieving process, Valley Health System’s Pastoral Services Department continues to offer comfort for those seeking bereavement support in the community. For more information on the service of remembrance or support groups offered at Valley Baptist Health System, call the Valley Baptist Pastoral Services Department at (956) 389-1194 or email pastoralservices@ valleybaptist.net. Also, information about local RGV resources for Children's Bereavement can be found at https://cbcrgv.org/our-services.
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115 E.Commercial Ave. • La Feria, Texas 78559 • (956) 797-2261 In accordance with the Order of the Office of the Governor issued March 16, 2020, the City of La Feria will conduct the meeting and provide audio/telephonic availability for the public using live stream in order to advance the public health goal of limiting face-to-face meetings (also called “social distancing”) to slow the spread of the Coronavirus (also known as Covid-19). To view the meeting via internet live streaming, please visit https://www.cityoflaferia.com/boardsand-commissions/city-commission/agendas-2020/ where you will find the agenda for the next meeting. The pdf for the agenda will include a link, meeting ID and passcode for the Zoom meeting. More information is available by calling 346248-7799. Members of the public may sign up for public comment on an agenda item or for another item of public concern by submitting an email to amorales@cityoflaferia.com containing (1) the name of the individual wishing to comment; and (2) the item number or subject matter the individual wishes to comment on. Please submit requests for public comment no later than two hours before the meeting. Join the meeting at the time and login listed above and the Mayor will call on you when it is your turn to speak. A recording of the meeting will be made and will be available to the public in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. If during the course of the meeting, any discussion of any item on the agenda is permitted to be held in executive or closed session, whether such item is already so identified on this Agenda or not, the City Commission will convene in such executive or closed session in accordance with Texas Government Code Section 551.001-551.146.
6:30 PM
DEC 21, 2021
City Commission Meeting Commission Meeting Room
115 E. Commercial Avenue • La Feria, TX
DEC 23 & 24, 2021
Closed City Offices Closed
City offices will be closed for Christmas Holidays
Also distributed to each LFISD School Student.
PUBLISHERS
MONDAYS _____________
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 12135 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:30pm St. Francis Xavier Parish Hall at the corner of West & Cypress (956) 797-266 LA FERIA SCHOOL BOARD 2nd Monday, 6:30pm Board Room Central Administration Office 505 N. Villarreal St. (956) 797-8300 LA FERIA BAND BOOSTERS 3rd Monday, 7:00pm La Feria HS Band Hall (956) 797-8300 SANTA ROSA SCHOOL BOARD 3rd Monday • 6:30pm Santa Rosa HS Library (956) 636-9800 MAINSTREAM/PLUS DANCE Mondays • 9:30am - noon Park Place Estates Ballroom • Harlingen
TUESDAYS _____________
BLUEGRASS JAM SESSIONS Every Tuesday, 1:30pm Kenwood RV Resort 1201 N. Main • La Feria (956) 797-1875
WEDNESDAYS _____________
Musicians by invite only OPEN TO PUBLIC Park Place Estates Ballroom • Harlingen contact Charlie (308) 379-4589 LINE DANCING Weds • 9:00am - 11:30am • $3 Park Place Estates Ballroom • Harlingen
THURSDAYS _____________ SANTA ROSA CITY COUNCIL MEETING 3rd Thursday • 7:00pm Santa Rosa City Hall (956) 636-1113
FRIDAYS _____________
LINE DANCING Sat • 1:00pm - 3:00pm • $3 Park Place Estates Ballroom • Harlingen
SATURDAYS _____________ ORDER OF EASTERN STAR HARLINGEN CHAPTER #641 3rd Saturday • 2:00pm Masonic Temple 702 E. Harrison • Harlingen (956) 423-5544
COUNTRY JAM Wednesdays • 2-4pm
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CORRECTION POLICY Although the La Feria News Staff strives for excellence in all stories and advertising, spelling or typographical errors can occur. If you find any confirmed factual or other type of error, please call 956-233-9928 during business hours or leave a message. WEEKLY COLUMNS printed in the La Feria News contain the opinions of the Authors. They may or may not be the opinion of the Newspaper. HOW TO SUBSCRIBE: 1 year subscription delivered by U.S. Postal Service…$27.95 or can be purchased at several convenient locations throughout the cities of La Feria, Santa Rosa, Santa Maria & Blue Town for 50¢. The La Feria News is mailed and delivered Monday, December 13, 2021 and published weekly by La Feria Publishing, LLC. Periodical Postage Rates paid at La Feria, TX., Post Office. Advertising deadline is noon Thursday at the office at 128 W. Oleander Ave., La Feria, TX 78559. (POSTMASTER send address changes to La Feria, P.O. Box 999, La Feria, TX 78559.)
December 15, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS • 3
Preparing For The Franken-Burger By Hughes Abell, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association president One day in the nottoo-distant future, you may walk into your local supermarket and next to the ground beef, you will see something different. It will look like ground beef, and it might even say “ground beef” on the label, but somewhere in impossibly small type, it will also say “cultured.” However, this new product will not be the same beef we have all come to know and love since humankind domesticated cattle some 10,500 years ago. No, this so-called meat is made in a laboratory, just like Frankenstein. The scary part about this story, though, is that it’s real. In 2013, European scientists created the first lab-grown burger, cultured in a petri dish from fetal bovine serum. That first burger cost about $300,000 to produce. Today the cost
is approximately $11 per burger, and numerous companies are preparing to sell these lab-grown products to American consumers. The Franken-burger is coming, and we must act now to protect consumer confidence and ensure a level playing field. The sellers of plantbased meats have already demonstrated their willingness to use prominent cattle images and terms like meat and beef on their packaging to lure unsuspecting consumers. Not surprisingly, the companies creating lab-grown products, academic elitists and the usual critics of animal agriculture are already arguing they should be allowed to use common meat terms to label their products, too. How these new products are labeled will be critical. Otherwise, you’ll be in the supermarket with a magnifying glass trying to read the fine print to figure out if you’re buying
lab-grown meat that you don’t want. It’s also important for cattle producers. Should there be a food safety issue with labgrown products, it must be distinguishable from the natural beef humans have safely consumed for millennia. In 2019, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service and the Food and Drug Administration signed an agreement to jointly oversee these products, which they currently refer to as “comprised of or containing cultured animal cells.” Under the agreement, USDA will be responsible for how the products are labeled. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association recently submitted comments to the agency on behalf of cattle producers and consumers, calling for lab-grown products to be clearly labeled and differentiated from natural beef. These products should be prominently
labeled with a term like “lab-grown” to ensure consumers both recognize and understand what the product is. For the same reason, they should refrain from using words like “beef,” which consumers have come to trust as defining a wholesome, natural product. Because independent scientists have not yet analyzed lab-grown products to determine their compositional and nutritional properties, it will be imperative to do so before they are publicly available and include any such differences prominently on the label, as well. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association will continue to fight for accurate and understandable labeling of both lab-grown and plant-based products. I hope you’ll join in the fight so we can preserve the integrity of real, natural beef for American consumers.
FIRST NOTICE NOTICE TO OWNERS & lien holders: Your vehicle, 2017 Polaris Ranger Crew Diesel, VIN # RGSWM22A9GB741591 , LP# NONE (TX) , has been impounded. Unit was picked up at Los Indios POE Los Indios, Texas. Charges as of 12/02/2021 are $426.72 Please contact American Eagle Towing, 956-364-2275, 26938 Road 374, La Feria TX 78559 TDLR 0648924VSF
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS SANTA MARIA ISD State Financial Accountability Rating Santa Maria ISD will hold A public meeting At 5:30 PM, December 13, 2021 In the Santa Maria ISD Administration Board Room 11119 Military Rd., Santa Maria, Texas 78592 The purpose of this meeting Is to discuss Santa Maria ISD Rating On the state’s financial accountability system. Hughes Abell
CHURCH SERVICE DIRECTORY 1st United methodist church Pastor Federico Perez, 797-1393 331 S. Main St., La Feria, Sunday School 10am, Traditional Worship Service 9am, Contemporary Service 11am, UM Youth 5pm International Worship center Bishop Ronaldo Ortiz 956-797-1204 116 W. Seventh St., La Feria Services Sunday (English) 9:30am Domingo (Espanol) 11am, Miercoles 7pm Interdenominational Worship Extreme Youth Sat. 6 pm First baptist church of Santa rosa Pastor Harold Parker 956-636-1603 118 Jesus R. Cruz, Santa Rosa Sunday Services 9:30am Bible Study, 10:30am Morning Worship, 7pm Wednesday Evening Worship. Apostolic Faith Tabernacle Pastor Ramon Zarate 357-6384 621 South Main, La Feria Sunday School 10am Sunday Worship 4pm, Wed. Evening 7:30pm. All services are bilingual. Iglesia Oracion en Su Presencia missionary church,Inc. Pastors Frank & Janie Gonzalez 797-0044 4th Street, La Feria,TX Sunday 10am & 6pm, Monday 7 pm Prayer Service, Wednesday 7 pm, Friday 7 pm. church of christ Minister MinisterRoger GeneGoodwin Head 536-9832 912 N. Parker Rd., Feria, 912 N. Parker Rd., LaLaFeria Wednesday 6:305pmpmEvening Bible Study, 10:30am Service, Service Sunday 9:30am Bible Study, Los Domingos 2:00pm Medio DiaService Los 10:30am Service, 5pm Evening Los Domingos: 12:00 Medio Dia Los Jueves: 7:00 pm Estudio De Biblia Faith church of christian & missionary Alliance church Pastor Oscar Loredo 797-1739 125 W. First St., La Feria,Tx Bilingual Ministry Sunday 10am Sunday School, 11am Worship, Wednesday 7 pm Bible Study, Friday 7 pm Prayer.
Santa rosa United methodist church 408 Main Street (Hwy. 107/506) Santa Rosa, across from High School Sunday Coffee and Fellowship 9:30 AM Worship10 AM (Communion first Sunday) Wednesday Prayer Service 9:00 AM Pastor: Carole Lahti (956) 279-3407
Living Water church and ministry Pastor Henry and Rosie 2805 Memorial Suite B. La Feria Sunday Service 11am, 6pm Spanish Worship Service, 7pm Wednesday Service St. Francis Xavier catholic church Fr. Rodolfo Franco 797-2666, office: 502 S. Canal casa de church: 500 South Canal St., La Feria, Esperanza Apostolic Saturday Mass 5:30pm, church Sunday Mass 8am Spanish, 416 W. Spruce La Feria 10am English, 12pm Bilingual. 965-639-4301 Bilingual Services Sunday at 1:00pm christ In Our midst Daniel Martinez - Pastor missionary church Pastor: Rev. Daniel Carrizalez St. mary’s catholic 956-742-6311 church 1 mile N. of FM 506, La Feria FR. Edouard Atangana, Sunday School - 9:45 a.m., 956-636-1211 Sunday Worship - 11:00 a.m., 101 San Antonio Ave., Santa Rosa Wednesday Service - 7:00 p.m., Monday Saturday Mass 5pm Bilingual, Prayer - 7:00 p.m. Sunday Mass 8am Spanish, New Hope 10am English. Presbyterian church 208 West Central Ave, First baptist church of La Feria,TX, 956-277-0208 La Feria Services Sunday 4:30 pm 797-1214 Sunday School 3:15 pm Main St. & Magnolia, La Feria Communion on the Wednesday 6:30pm Youth Bible Study & 1st Sunday of every month Mission Friends, 9:45am Sunday School, 11am Morning Worship Service cowboy church 11235 Swift Ln. Santa Rosa, Tex. Service St. Albans at 11:00am Sunday Episcopal church 6:30pm pm Monday Reverend Scott Brown 956-975-6144 956-428-2305, www.westernoutreach.org 1417 E. Austin, Harlingen,TX Holy Communion 8am, Sunday School St. Paul Lutheran church 9:15, Holy Eucharist 10:30am. Pastor Nathan Wendorf Sundays 8:00AM (Traditional) Hope in the Word church HC first, third & fi fth Pastors Jose & Bertha Belmares 10:30AM (Contemporary) 797-3621, HC second, fourth & fi fth 28354 S. Bixby Rd., La Feria (956) 423-3924 Services Friday 6pm, Sunday 10am. 602 Morgan Blvd. All services are Bilingual, English & Harlingen, TX 78550 Spanish. church@saintpaulharlingen.com Templo Getsemani Primera Iglesia Pastor Julio y Claudia Mendoza bautista Phone (956) 589-5016 956-797-1740 11418 Fifth St. La Feria 519 N. Main, La Feria Servicios: Bilingual Services: Sunday 9:45am Tuesday & Thursday 7pm Sunday School, 10:45am Worship Friday Pray at 7pm Service, 5:00pm WMU, Sunday Bible Study at 10am & 6pm 6:00 pm Evening Worship Service, Immanuel Lutheran Iglesia Generacion church & School En conquista Rev. Ed Weber Pastor Samuel y Magda Cervantes, 956-565-1518 Office (M-F; 8-12 noon) Phone (956) 536-2215 956-565-3208 School (Grades: PK-5th 2803 W. Exp. 83 Suite A. La Feria 703 W. 3rd St., Mercedes, TX Sunday Service 10am Bible Study, 11am Sunday Worship Services 9am Worship Service, Sunday Bible Class 10:30 am 7pm Wednesday Family Service immanuelmercedes@gmail.com lutheranmercedes.com
First Baptist Church, La Feria I have friends on both sides of the gun debate. Some insist common sense should prevail. Everyone does not need a semiautomatic weapon. Other friends see guns as a projected right. The safest community is an armed community. One of their arguments is that guns do not kill but people do. It appears a Michigan court agrees. Guns are not the problem, people are. And not just one person. Ethan Crumbley has been charged with murder. But his parents have also been charged with involuntary manslaughter. There is some sad irony that they are all three in the same jail. Apparently, it is too difficult to pass even minimal laws that regulate guns. But regulating people has not worked too well either. “Thou shalt not kill” has been on the books for a long time.
-Mark S. Ross DMin.
“Amigo que no es cierto, con un ojo cerrado.” “Watch a friend who is not constant with one eye.” Contribuido por: Alvino Villarreal
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REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS CITY OF COMBES The City of Combes is receiving funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP Act) program from the U.S. Department of Treasury. Accordingly, the City is seeking to contract with a qualified Engineering Firm (individual/firm) to prepare all preliminary and final design plans and specifications, and to conduct all necessary interim and final inspections. These services are being solicited to assist the City in its preparation and project implementation of American Rescue Plan Act contract(s), to support eligible activities in the City of Combes. Please electronically submit your proposal in .pdf format via email to grantworks@ grantworks.net AND agutierrez@townofcombes.com. Proposals must be received by the City no later than 2:00PM on Monday, December 27th 2021 to be considered. The City reserves the right to negotiate with any and all proposers, as per the Texas Professional Services Procurement Act and the Uniform Grant and Contract Management Standards. Minority Business Enterprises, Small Business Enterprises, Women Business Enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are encouraged to submit proposals. The City of Combes is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer. Servicios de traducción están disponibles por peticion.
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CITATION BY PUBLICATION
CLERK OF THE COURT Sylvia Garza-Perez 974 E. HARRISON STREET BROWNSVILLE, TX 78520
ATTORNEY OF PERSON FILING THE CAUSE Judith P. Lucio 805 Old Port Isabel Road Brownsville TX 78521-3557 THE STATE OF TEXAS
In the County Court at Law IV of Cameron County, Texas To: UNKNOWN HEIRS, IF ANY OF Patricio A. Carrillo, Deceased, GREETINGS: You are commanded to appear and answer to the Application To Determine Heirship, filed by Marco Antonio Carrillo, at or before 10 o’clock A.M. of the first Monday after the expiration of 10 days from the date of service of this citation, before the Honorable County Court at Law IV of Cameron County, at the Courthouse in Brownsville, Texas, Said Application To Determine Heirship was filed on December 01, 2021. The file number of said Matter being No. 2021-CPC-00312 County Court at Law IV The Style being:
IN THE ESTATE OF: Patricio A. Carrillo, Deceased,
The nature of said proceeding being substantially as follows, to wit: Determine who the heirs and only heirs of decedent are and their respective shares and interests in this estate; that no appraisers be appointed; and for all other relief to which applicant may be entitled. Issued on this the 2nd day of December, 2021. Given under my hand and seal of said Court at Office in the City of Brownsville, Texas on this the 2nd day of December, 2021. Sylvia Garza-Perez, Clerk Cameron County, Texas.
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By _/s/Martin Obregon______, Deputy Martin Obregon
CITATION BY PUBLICATION
CLERK OF THE COURT Sylvia Garza-Perez 974 E. HARRISON STREET BROWNSVILLE, TX 78520
ATTORNEY OF PERSON FILING THE CAUSE Clark Martin 2000 West Loop South Suite 2200 Houston TX 77027 THE STATE OF TEXAS
In the County Court at Law IV of Cameron County, Texas
To: UNKNOWN HEIRS, IF ANY OF
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GREETINGS: You are commanded to appear and answer to the AMENDED APPLICATION TO PROBATE WILL AND FOR ISSUANCE OF LETTERS TESTAMENTARY PURSUANT TO SECTION 301.002(a) OF THE TEXAS ESTATES CODE, filed by Patricia Marie Parks, at or before 10 o’clock A.M. of the first Monday after the expiration of 10 days from the date of service of this citation, before the Honorable County Court at Law IV of Cameron County, at the Courthouse in Brownsville, Texas, Said AMENDED APPLICATION TO PROBATE WILL AND FOR ISSUANCE OF LETTERS TESTAMENTARY PURSUANT TO SECTION 301.002(a) OF THE TEXAS ESTATES CODE was filed on November 18, 2021. The file number of said Matter being No. 2021-CPC-00284 County Court at Law IV The Style being:
IN THE ESTATE OF: GERALD EUGENE PARKS, DECEASED,
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The nature of said proceeding being substantially as follows, to wit:
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Issued on this the 6th day of December, 2021.
Determine who the heirs and only heirs of decedent are and their respective shares and interests in this estate; that no appraisers be appointed; and for all other relief to which applicant may be entitled.
Given under my hand and seal of said Court at Office in the City of Brownsville, Texas on this the 6th day of December, 2021. Sylvia Garza-Perez, Clerk Cameron County, Texas.
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By _/s/Martin Obregon________, Deputy Martin Obregon
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December 15, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS • 5
Lion Pride! By Ruben Rodriguez La Feria News
As Tournament Fever gripped the valley, The La Feria Lions took part in the 10th annual Hidalgo Pirate Classic on December 2nd through the 4th. The Lions were sorted to compete in Pool H alongside the Edinburg North Cougars and los Potros de Reynosa. The Lions kicked off Pool Play against Edinburg North on Thursday. A high scoring matchup early on, Edinburg North took control offensively and defensively. La Feria began to overcome the Cougars’ defense to tack on 13 points, while the Cougars put up 19 points. In the second quarter, La Feria also looked to take control early on but the Cougars responded to the Lions’ offense. Edinburg North again limited La Feria to less than 13 points to make it 32 to 23
Photo via La Feria ISD Facebook Page
going into the half. Going into the second half, Edinburg North again had a fast paced offensive attack that La Feria also matched as both teams combined for 38 points in a high scoring third quarter. Edinburg North maintained control to win 68 to 48. La Feria also faced off against the Rio Grande City Rattlers in what was also a fast paced matchup. Throughout the game, both The Lions and Rattlers battled it out in a classic chess match of a game. With both teams in control of a game that could have gone either way, La Feria held on to win the game 57 to 53. The Lions handed Rio Grande City their third loss in Tournament play. On Saturday, La Feria faced off against the Donna North Chiefs in another close matchup. Similar to the LionsRattlers game, both teams juggled for control
to attempt to capture a win in tournament play. The Chiefs, who went into that game with a 2-2 record in tournament play, looked to end their tournament run with a winning record. After a back and forth battle, La Feria took control and ultimately won with a close knit score of 40 to 33. The Lions wrapped up Tournament play with a winning record and finished off against great teams, such as the Cougars, Rattlers and Chiefs. The Lions have one more tournament and its before kicking off district play January 18th vs Hidalgo at home.
A Strong Finish
By Ruben Rodriguez La Feria News
The La Feria Lionettes hosted the 47th installment of the Tommie Wiseman Girls basketball tournament on December 2nd through the 3rd. A 12-team Tournament that featured great teams such as Sharyland, Economedes, Mercedes and PSJA Memorial. The Lionettes were sorted into Pool A The Lionettes kicked off Tournament Play taking on the IDEA Alamo Lady Griffins. Quickly the Lionettes got off to a hot start to outscore the Lady Griffins by 10 points. Setting up a dominant defense was the tempo as The Lionettes limited IDEA Alamo to less than 10 points in each of the first three quarters, including a scoreless second quarter.
The Lady Griffins also played defense of their own to limit La Feria down to only 7 points in the second quarter. However the Lionettes also played great offense to overcome the Lady Griffins’ defense in the second half to take the win 48-30. Kaya Dickerson put up 11 points to earn player of the game. After advancing to the elimination round. La Feria set up a matchup with Edinburg Economedes in the Semifinal matchup. Similar to the IDEA Alamio matchup, The Lionettes gained the upper hand in a very close first quarter that finished with La Feria leading Economedes by a score of 13 to 10. The Lady Jaguars quickly responded to limit La Feria to four points with a quick attack offense and fast paced defense to lead
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25 to 17 at the half. Heading into the third quarter, La Feria and Economedes were close on the scoring with The Lady Jaguars out-scoring the Lionettes by two points. Economedes held on the Lionettes’ offensive attack to win 39 to 32, punching their ticket to the championship game. Jasmine Laredo led the scoring with nine points. The Lady Jaguars would eventually capture the Platinum Bracket Championship with a win over Mercedes 63 to 37. Sharyland defeated PSJA Memorial 23-16 to capture the Gold Bracket. The Lionettes finish off Tournament play with a 2-1 record and have one more non-district matchup game before they kick off district play against Rio Hondo.
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La Feria Lions compete against Donna North at the Hidalgo Pirates Tournament. Photos via Rio Sports Live
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6 • December 15, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS
THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITY PAGE BROUGHT TO YOU BY THESE SPONSORS: Helping you get more for your REAL ESTATE
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December 15, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS • 7
TXDoT Gives Port Top Marks in Risk Assessment
The Next Chapter Poem
A Busy Bee Busy as a bee high above a tree; a flower so pretty will soon be a pot of honey! As the sun goes up and down, it will go back and forth through the town. The bee will move all around, left, right, up, and down. The bee will continue this cycle till work is down Poem by Selene Olguin 12 years old
The South Port Connector Road includes two bridges over wetlands in the area to minimize environmental impacts on the local ecosystem. The Texas Department criteria such as a local surrounding businesses project is made possible of Transportation government’s credibility, and support the space by a partnership between (TXDoT) in October audit history, financial industry in South Texas. the BND, Cameron issued the Port of records, compliance, The road will improve County, the CRMA, Brownsville a grade communications, vehicular traffic safety by the Rio Grande Valley A score for its Local expertise, stability, providing a connection Metropolitan Planning Government Risk and teamwork. between Ostos Road Organization (RGVMPO) Assessment based on the Interdepartmental inside the port with and TXDOT. performance of the South collaboration between State Highway 4, adding In accordance with Port Connector Road port departments was key another entry and exit federal and state construction project. in achieving the score. to and from the port as regulations, TxDOT A risk score of Construction of the well as convenient access has a responsibility A signifies that the 1.9-mile South Port to commercial lanes at to determine whether Brownsville Navigation Connector Road Project Veterans International each local government District (BND) presents a began August 2020 and Bridge. is qualified and has low-level risk to TXDoT is slated for completion The connector road adequate resources and based on the current at the end of 2021. is is the first phase controls to perform project performance. The road is one of the of Cameron County project work, prior to The Local Government latest infrastructural Regional Mobility authorizing it to perform Risk Assessment and advancements at the Authority's (CCRMA) any element of the project Qualifications Review port that will benefit not larger East Loop Corridor development process. process includes only port tenants but construction project. The
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LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU ANSWERS
LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORDS ANSWERS
THEME: Year in Review ACROSS 1. Coalition of countries 5. King trump-er, sometimes 8. Cuckoo bird 11. ____ weevil 12. Smelting waste 13. Kitchen-wear
15. Coke or Pepsi 16. Check-in via text, email, etc. 17. Settler transport 18. *2021 Super Bowl winner, two words 20. Before long, to Shakespeare 21. Jeopardy 22. Auction action 23. Puts down 26. Coroner's
performance 30. Band booking 31. Snicket of "A Series of Unfortunate Events" 34. Stravinsky's "The ____ of Spring" 35. Mine passages 37. *Build Back Better ____ 38. Eucharist plate 39. Table hill
40. Good review 42. "Tit for ____" 43. Buck feature, pl. 45. *First female VP 47. Evergreen creeper 48. It goes with gin, according to Snoop Dogg 50. Mongolian desert 52. *COVID-19, e.g. 55. Poison ivy or Poison oak 56. International Civil Aviation Org. 57. Distinctive smell 59. House coat 60. Asian cuisine food thickener 61. Pelvic parts 62. Gallery display 63. Self-proclaimed greatest boxer 64. Count on DOWN 1. "Monty Python" broadcaster 2. Rioter's take 3. Cantina pot 4. Fasteners or holders 5. Cover story 6. *Suez ____, too tight for Ever Given 7. Like custard 8. Mythological ship 9. "High" time 10. Wayside stop 12. Thinly spread 13. Look forward to 14. *____ Papers, leaked offshore account information 19. Banana refuse, pl. 22. Exchange for money 23. Old World lizard 24. *January 20th honoree 25. Anti-elderly one 26. Those not in favor 27. Pita, alt. sp. 28. Take without asking 29. Gossiper, Yiddish 32. *Perseverance landing spot 33. Edible tuber 36. *Kabul's organization in power 38. *The Nobel ____ Prize was awarded to Ressa and Muratov 40. Snoop around 41. Snowmobile brand 44. Give the boot 46. *"Stronger" by Cindy McCain, e.g. 48. Southwestern hut 49. Sushi restaurant staple 50. ____ gum, food additive 51. Leave out 52. Home to the Leaning Tower 53. Not in use 54. One in mattress 55. Spot for a facial 58. *Actor Liotta, star in "The Many Saints of Newark"
8 • December 15, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS
Are ladybugs harmful?
Annual swarms, home invasion raise questions about native, Asian beetles
UTRGV Grad Student Lands Engineering Job With Jacobs Group Upon Graduation
A ladybird beetle, or ladybug, in The Gardens at Texas A&M University. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Laura McKenzie)
Media Inquiries to Laura Muntean, Written by Adam Russell The annual ladybug invasion appears to be in motion. Reports of ladybird beetles, commonly known as ladybugs, invading homes and structures across the southern U.S. have raised questions and concerns. According to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert, ladybugs are definitely a friend, but sometimes even friends can wear out their welcome. Wizzie Brown, AgriLife Extension integrated pest management specialist, Austin, said the increased sightings of ladybugs inside homes and structures are related to colder temperatures. They are crawling through cracks and crevices around the home to find warm, dry spots as temperatures outside drop. Brown said ladybugs are a beneficial insect to gardeners. They are an effective predator against soft-bodied insect pests like aphids that can affect ornamental plants and devastate fruit and vegetable production. “If they’re outside and not bothering you, it’s best to just leave them alone,” she said. “Having them overwinter around your home means it’s likely you will have good populations present when garden pests start emerging in the spring.” Native ladybugs versus the Asian lady beetle Despite their benefits outside, ladybugs can be a nuisance when they invade homes, she said. They can stain fabrics and are smelly when they die or when they release a fluid used as a defense mechanism. Sometimes, when they feel
threatened, ladybugs can bite. Native ladybugs prefer to hibernate outside, but their counterparts, the Asian lady beetle, prefer indoors, so it is likely that invading beetles are the invasive species, Brown said. Native ladybugs and Asian lady beetles are different species. Aside from their overwintering preferences, provide the same benefits around vegetable gardens and landscapes. Both native and Asian ladybugs can share similar colors and spots, Brown said. Asian ladybugs can be identified by a small M or W, depending on how you look at them, on the shield-like section behind their head. “They are both ladybird beetle species, and while the Asian species tends to be a brownish-red or orange with spots, they can also be red with spots,” she said. “So, the best way to differentiate them is the M or W.” How to remove ladybugs from my home If ladybugs are moving indoors in very large numbers, Brown said, homeowners can easily remove them and practice exclusion methods around the home to prevent future entry. Brown suggests sucking them up with a vacuum cleaner and either bagging them for the trash or releasing them outside. To prevent ladybugs from entering a building, Brown suggests exclusion methods, including: Pruning trees and shrubs back away from the house or roof. Moving firewood or other items that might harbor insects away from the house. Installing weather stripping around loose-
fitting doors and windows. Blocking weep holes in brick or stone facades. Using caulk or expanding foam to fill cracks and crevices on the outside of the house and around pipe and wire penetrations. Keeping window screens in good repair. Using stainless steel mesh wire to block potential access points in the attic, including vents. “Ladybird beetle invasions are very sporadic,” she said. “If you’ve had an issue before, it is likely to happen again, but environmental conditions and what is going on around the house play a big role in their activity from year to year. The good thing is, if you practice the exclusion methods, you’re going to prevent other insect pests that might be looking for shelter this time of year from entering your home.” Are ladybugs harmful to pets? Brown said pet owners should not worry about ladybugs poisoning their animals. A story and photo that continues to circulate on the internet about a dog with the ladybugs in its mouth is about one instance. “Apparently the dog was one that eats anything and everything, and it got into a large number of ladybird beetles,” she said. “Some ladybugs were clamping down in its mouth and releasing their defensive fluid trying to avoid being eaten, so you get the viral photo and subsequent panic among pet owners. But veterinarians have tried to dispel any hysteria and agree there is really very little concern about their toxicity beyond some possible stomach irritation.”
A ladybird beetle searching for aphids. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Erfan Vafaie)
Samantha Avila, a UTRGV grad student who will graduate this weekend with a master’s in Civil Engineering during the UTRGV Fall Commencement ceremonies this weekend, on the jobsite at the Edinburg Hidalgo County Courthouse this past summer. (Courtesy Photo) By Amanda A. Taylor to access security camera competition, Jacobs offered systems and protocols in Avila a full-time position as RIO GRANDE construction security. a junior engineer in Dallas. VALLEY, TEXAS – “Jacobs is a very large She accepted with full DEC. 7, 2021 – Not every company, so they have all confidence and excitement engineer gets a chance to of the necessary resources for her future. work on a $180 million to get the best people “Jacobs has values and renovation project, and into teams to make each a great environment that most job interns can only project run smoothly,” made my decision easy,” dream about it. she said. “The team I Avila said. But Samantha Avila, was able to work with She was offered jobs a UTRGV grad student were very knowledgeable from a number of other pursuing a master’s degree and being able to help engineering companies, but in Civil Engineering, got project managers with she turned them down. to help on the project – their responsibilities on a “During my summer the ongoing renovation day-to-day basis gave me internship, I got to see of the Hidalgo County a broader understanding of firsthand all the different Courthouse in Edinburg, management.” programs they offer. And led by Jacobs Engineering Avila had completed since it’s an international Group based in Dallas. her bachelor’s degree company, I can work on This Saturday morning, in Civil Engineering in jobs in Australia or Europe Avila will graduate 2019 at UTRGV, inspired – pretty much anywhere I from UTRGV in its Fall by her love of math and want to go.” Commencement ceremony the broadness of the During her internship at the Bert Ogden Arena to engineering field. at Jacobs, Avila said, accept her master’s degree Aside from gaining her interest in project knowing she already has important insight for her management and structural a job waiting for her at future career during the design grew. Her time at Jacobs Engineering. courthouse renovation UTRGV, combined with She interned with the project, Avila also won a the internship, helped company from June to districtwide competition her gain the necessary August, which gave her that Jacobs hosts for knowledge to put her skills three months of crucial, summer interns. to work. hands-on experience in Avila represented the “Attending UTRGV has the field. Not only was it a Hidalgo County project been a great experience dream come true for Avila, and went up against 20 for me,” she said. “I have but also led to a full-time other interns from varying been really involved job with Jacobs. districts, to share a project with the people here and “I worked on looking with regional leadership everyone has made me feel over constructor on what they’ve learned so welcome. It’s been a fun subcontractors, and I was during their internship. experience. So, I’m happy responsible for helping She won the districtwide to graduate, but it’s also sad with payments and competition and was to say goodbye.” inspections,” she said. invited to present at the UTRGV Fall “Our group also helped company’s monthly town Commencement starts with moving management, hall meeting. at 5 p.m. Friday at the as we helped move the “It was a presentation UTRGV Parking Lot B3 in current employees at the based off what we learned Brownsville and continues courthouse to another over the summer and how into Saturday in Edinburg location so renovation it correlates with what I with ceremonies at 8:30 could start on certain learned at UTRGV,” Avila a.m., noon and 3 p.m. at the sections.” said. “It was really nice Bert Ogden Arena. Due to the pandemic, getting recognition from For additional most of the construction the group here in the Valley information on this was postponed, so she got and the group in Houston, weekend’s commencement to see all the initial stages as well.” ceremonies, visit www. of the project, such as Based on her hard work utrgv.edu/commencement. putting up walls and beams, on the project and her and she even learned how win in the districtwide