WEEK OF January 26, 2022 THROUGH FEBRUARY 1, 2022
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Your Community Newspaper, Serving the Heart of the Rio Grande Valley VOLUME 99 NUMBER 4
La Feria’s UIL Competed at January 15 Meet
Lionette basketball
Page 5
Color by number
Page 6
LFHS UIL Journalism Team placed in multiple events at the Edinburg Vela HS Meet
Emilio Flores La Feria News
Poem: Cold Night
Page 7
TSC, HCC and SJC Partner To Strengthen Workforce For Ports And Aerospace Industry
Our La Feria High School UIL Journalism Team placed in multiple events at the Edinburg Vela HS Meet on Saturday, January 15th. The team was coached by Mrs. Megan Torres, the Journalism Coach for La Feria High School. Mrs. Torres had four students compete in the tournament, one of them being Jozlynn Esquivel, a Freshman in Highschool that placed
first in the Copy Editing and Feature Writing, 2nd in News Writing, and 3rd in Editorial Writing! Freshman in Highschool, Kathleen Flores, placed second in Copy Editing, 3rd in Feature Writing, and 4th in Editorial Writing. Freshman, Saiyuri Vela, placed 3rd in Copy Editing, 5th in Editorial Writing, and 6th in Feature Writing. Danielle Sanchez, also a Freshman in Highschool, also placed in the tournament,
getting 6th place in Editorial Writing. UIL Science Team Our Science Team also competed in their UIL Tournament. Mr. Roumaldo Guerrero is the coach for La Feria’s UIL Science team. Mr. Guerrero has both been a Chemistry teacher, aswell as the UIL coach at La Feria Highschool for twenty-five years! He explains, “My UIL Science Teams have been District Champions every year I've coached the team.
Regional Champions 12 times and State Champions 4 times, and State runner up teams 4 times.” The students compete in three areas: biology, chemistry, and physics. Each test consists of 20 questions in each of the 3 subjects. They practice on Saturdays before their competition, during the week, as well as on their own time. Mr. Guerrero tells La Feria News “Students that have participated in UIL Science excel
in their college science courses.” And says that many of his former students say that the problems they worked out and solved in UIL, are much harder than they do in college. He says “This is (the)source of pride for me.” UIL Academic students are eligible for Texas Interscholastic League Scholarships if they qualify for and compete at the State Meet at UT Austin. “The goal of the program,” He says, “is to get students to State and qualify for academic scholarships.” “The UIL Science students have earned TILF scholarships ranging from $1K to over $20K, throughout the years. The UIL Academics has been a tradition of excellence in this time for La Feria High School.” Great job to all the students that studied hard and competed in the different UIL Competitions. To the Journalism Team, never stop writing. Keep up the good work, and Go Lions!
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UTRGV Researcher Investigating How Pandemics Spread
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City Calendar............pg. 2 Classified....................pg. 4 Sports..........................pg. 5 Activity Page.............pg. 6 Puzzles........................pg. 7
6 LFHS Students competed against schools(mostly 6A), 6 students Placed, as they prepare for the 2022 District Competition. (L-R) Science: Haley Ramos, Angel Ibarra, Nico Noriega, Allison Rosales, Joel Reyes, Liana Navarro(Not pictured). • Bridges • Digital
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La Feria, Texas
2 • January 26, 2022• LA FERIA NEWS
Beat a Cyberbully: Here’s How Parents Can Help La Feria, TX
While remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic lowered reported instances of bullying, parents fear that, for some students, going back to school will mean going back to being bullied. “Bullying is something we worry about, especially with the beginning of each new school year,” said Zury Bourque of her family of four in Cypress, Texas. Now, 15 years after the inception of National Bullying Prevention Month in October, technology’s ever-greater presence in children’s lives has given
bullying a new outlet. With just a click, cyberbullies can taunt, harass, and threaten relentlessly, even reaching into the home via cellphone or computer. As a result, victims report feeling hopeless, isolated, and even suicidal. What can parents do to protect their kids? Taking an interest in their children’s online world can make a difference, says the National Parent Teacher Association. This interest does not necessarily require parents to become tech experts. Instead, the federal stopbullying.gov website advises parents to watch for
subtle clues that something is wrong, such as their child becoming withdrawn, hiding their screen when others are nearby, or reacting emotionally to what’s happening on their device. For Zury Bourque and her husband, Chris, that has meant being keenly aware of what “normal” looks like for their two boys, ages 12 and 10. “Knowing my children’s moods is very important because I can then detect shifts or changes in their personalities that might signal something is going on,” said Chris. Talking with kids openly
— and often — helps too. “The more you talk to your children about bullying, the more comfortable they will be telling you if they see or experience it,” UNICEF says in its online tips for parents. As their two daughters enter their teens, Houston parents Thiago and Auboni Cordolino have found that talking less and listening more works best. “We try to focus on being approachable and listening actively without reaction,” said Thiago. Beyond talking, listening, and observing, parents shouldn’t be afraid to make and enforce rules
for their kids’ online activities, experts say. The Cordolinos’ girls are allowed to play online games, but they’re expected to turn off the live chat feature to limit interactions with strangers. “We reassure the girls that we trust them and respect their privacy, but they have to stay within the boundaries we’ve set,” said Auboni. The Bourques have taken a similar approach. “We aren’t constantly over the boys’ shoulders, watching their every move, but we use a family app that lets us know how much time they’re spending on their tablets,” said Zury.
Both families cited the tips and reminders they’ve considered together with their kids, using free resources available on jw.org, the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses. One of the Bourques’ sons especially recommended one of the website’s short animated videos, “Beat a Bully Without Using Your Fists.” “I learned that if you’re being bullied, you should call someone you can trust, like parents, principals, or counselors,” he said. “They can get in between the situation and make it stop.”
AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is encouraging health care practitioners and interested members of the public to take its new online human trafficking awareness and prevention training course. The free online course, “HEART”— which stands for “Hearing, Evaluating, Activating, Resourcing and Training”—teaches physicians, nurses
and other health care providers how to recognize the signs or red flags of trafficking, support the well-being of at-risk individuals, and understand how trauma impacts overall health outcomes. “We are confident that health care practitioners who complete this new training will be better equipped to identify trafficking, and this will lead to better outcomes for survivors of this
devastating crime,” said Michael Roberts, associate commissioner for HHSC Specialty and Family Services. During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January, organizations throughout the nation raise awareness of human trafficking, or the exploitation of people for commercial sex or labor against their will. According to a
2016 study by The University of Texas at Austin, at any given time there are an estimated 234,000 victims of labor trafficking and 79,000 youth victims of sex trafficking in Texas. House Bill 2059, from the 86th Legislature in 2019, requires HHSC to review training courses on human trafficking for health care practitioners and list approved trainings on its website. Certain health
care practitioners must complete an approved course to renew their registration or license. HHSC also recently launched the new Stop Human Trafficking public donation account to raise funds for youth survivors of human trafficking. House Bill 2633 from the 87th Legislature in 2021 authorizes the creation of the account to provide grants to facilities committed to the recovery and protection
of vulnerable children and adolescents impacted by human trafficking. To learn more, visit the Stop Human Trafficking donation webpage, https://feepay.txapps. texas.gov/hhsc/stophuman-traffickingdonation-service/ For more information about human trafficking, visit https://www.hhs. texas.gov/services/safety/ texas-human-traffickingresource-center.
HHSC Launches Human Trafficking Prevention Training Course
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CALENDAR of EVENTS
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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/boards-andcommissions/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 346-248-7799. 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.
6:00 PM
FEB 9, 2022
City Commission Meeting Commission Meeting Room
115 E. Commercial Avenue • La Feria, TX
SUBSCRIPTION RATES $ 27 95 Yr. Valley $ 34 95 Out of Valley Single Copy Price ...................... $.50 ea. Back Issues available ............... $.50 ea. 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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2022
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, January 24, 2022 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.)
January 26, 2022 • LA FERIA NEWS • 3 REQUEST FOR SEALED BIDS (RFB) To the CITY OF COMBES with sealed bids for the following Construction Project:
TexSCAN Week of Jan. 23-29, 2022 ACREAGE Hunting/investment/recreational property. Starting at $650/acre. Trans Pecos region. Also the Hill Country (Edwards, Menard, Coke, Val Verde Counties free ranging exotics), South Texas (Duval County - whitetail, hogs). Large or small acreage. 30-year fixed rate owner financing, only 5% down. Call toll-free or email for individual prices and terms, www.ranchenterprisesltd.com, 800-876-9720.
ADOPTION Sunlit California nursery awaits newborn. Loving family promises secure future, devoted grandparents, education, gentle pet. Generous living expenses. Contact Amanda 650-785-9819 or attorney 310-663-3467.
AUCTION 37th Annual DeWitt County All Breeds Bull & Female Sale – Sat., Jan. 29, Cuero Livestock Commission Co. Bulls sell at 11 a.m., Females sell immediately following. Sponsored by the DeWitt County Purebred Breeders Assoc. and the DeWitt County Beef and Forage Committee. For more information: Anthony Netardus, 361-275-0816. Online cattle sale viewing and bidding: cattleinmotion.com.
GENERATORS GENERAC Standby Generators provide backup power during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions. 855-704-8579.
LOG HOMES Log Homes – Pay only the balance owed. Just Released: American Log Homes is assisting estate & account settlement on houses. Log Home kits selling for balance owed, free delivery. Model #101 Carolina, bal. $17,000; Model #203 Georgia, bal. $19,950; Model #305 Biloxi, bal. $14,500; Model #403 Augusta, bal. $16,500. View plans at www.americanloghomesandcabins.com; 704-368-4528.
REAL ESTATE Ranches at Deer Crossing (near Stephenville) – Grand Opening Land Sale, Sat. & Sun., Jan. 29-30, 10-acre homesite only $99,900; 5-acre homesites from $59,900; 5 acres and new barndo shell only $119,900. 877-7013337 x 633, RanchesatDeerCrossing.com.
MEDICAL DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-901-0467 www.dental50plus.com/txpress #6258
WANTED FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com Need Extra Cash – I Buy RVs & Mobile Homes –Travel Trailers, 5th Wheels, Goosenecks, Bumper Pulls. In Any Area, Any Condition – Old/New, Dirty or Clean! I PAY CA$H. No Title – No Problem, we can apply for one. ANR Enterprises, 956-466-7001.
Request for Sealed Bids (RFB)
005-2022
PROCUREMENT PACKETS. Interested contractors may obtain bid packets by requesting from at richard@lefevreengineering.com or by visiting www.lefevrengineering.com or Town of Combes Website www.townofcombes.com. An electronic copy on a disk may be requested from Engineer for a non-refundable fee of $50.00. All addenda and other pertinent information will be listing on the Engineer’s and City’s Website. It is the Contractor and/or other interested parties’ responsibility to ensure that all information obtained is up to date. PRE-BID CONFERENCE is scheduled for Wednesday, January 25, 2022 at 9:00 A.M. via video conference. Video Pre-Bid Conference is not mandatory. It is Contractor’s Responsibility to attend Zoom meeting at the following link: https://zoom.us/j/97732350738?pwd=MjFCdzRCYm1tRWlGcVZXdHAraXZVUT09 Password: 3Fgjbc BIDDER’S BOND from a reliable surety company licensed to operate in the State of Texas or certified Cashier’s Check, payable without recourse to the City of Combes, for the amount of not less than 5% of the total bid shall accompany the bid as guaranty that, if awarded the contract, the bidder will enter into a contract with the City of Combes. A Payment Bond is required in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Amount, if the contract exceeds $25,000. A Performance Bond is required in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Amount, if the contract exceeds $100,000. UPON SUBMITTING SEALED BID, bidders are required to properly identify (handwritten, typed or printed) sealed envelope and/or packet with Bidders’ name and address on the upper lefthand corner of the sealed envelope and/or package, and Bid No. and project name on the lower lefthand corner of sealed envelope/and or packet. OVERNIGHT MAIL MUST ALSO BE PROPERLY LABELED ON THE OUTSIDE OF EXPRESS ENVELOPE OR PACKAGE. The sealed bid must contain one (1) original and two (2) copies of bid and must be clearly identified and addressed for delivery to: Aida Gutierrez, City Administrator, Town of Combes US Postal Mail/Courier Address: Town of Combes, 21626 Hand Road, Combes, TX 78535 Physical Location: Town of Combes, 21626 Hand Road, Combes, TX 78535 BIDS ACCEPTANCE: Sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 AM on Friday, February 4, 2022 at which time they will be opened in Town of Combes Conference Room at (Physical Location) 21626 Hand Road, Combes, Texas 78535. NO FACSIMILES, ELECTRONIC BIDS OR LATE ARRIVALS WILL BE ACCEPTED. ANY BID RECEIVED AFTER THAT TIME WILL NOT BE OPENED AND WILL BE RETURNED. The successful bidder must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability or national origin. BIDS MAY BE HELD by the City of Combes for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days from the date of the opening of bids for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of bidders, prior to awarding of the contract. RFI’s shall be sent to Engineer via email at richard@lefevreengineering.com and only in this format. RFI’s will not be answered by phone. All inquiries must be received no later than January 31, 2022 3:00 pm or will be rejected.
Texas Press Statewide Classified Network 221 Participating Texas Newspapers • Regional Ads Start At $250 • Email ads@texaspress.com NOTICE: While most advertisers are reputable, we cannot guarantee products or services advertised. We urge readers to use caution and when in doubt, contact the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop.
City of La Feria Zoning Board of Adjustments variance request Notice of Public Hearing On Wednesday February 09, 2022 at 6:00 PM the City of La Feria Zoning Board of Adjustments will hold a public hearing to consider a Variance to allow a construction of a 600 square foot home on a lot zoned R-3 Single Residential District in which the lot size does not meet City requirements of a minimum 6000 sq feet of lot size. The following property is: Property located at 318 Villareal Street, La Feria Texas, the legal description being: Potter-Watson Subdivision Lot 36 Block G, Cameron Appraisal District ID # 86627, Property Owner: Brownsville Builders LLC.. The public hearing will be held at 6:00 PM. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 115 E. Commercial Ave, La Feria, Texas. All interested persons are encouraged to attend the public hearing to voice their opinion regarding the granting of the requested Variance. Interested persons may also submit written testimony to:
CITY OF COMBES – Unity Park Utility Improvements Project
REQUEST FOR SEALED BIDS (RFB) To the CITY OF COMBES with sealed bids for the following Construction Project: Request for Sealed Bids (RFB)
004-2022
CITY OF COMBES – Unity Park Commercial Road Project
PROCUREMENT PACKETS. Interested contractors may obtain bid packets by requesting from at richard@lefevreengineering.com or by visiting www.lefevrengineering.com or Town of Combes Website www.townofcombes.com. An electronic copy on a disk may be requested from Engineer for a non-refundable fee of $50.00. All addenda and other pertinent information will be listing on the Engineer’s and City’s Website. It is the Contractor and/or other interested parties’ responsibility to ensure that all information obtained is up to date. PRE-BID CONFERENCE is scheduled for Wednesday, January 25, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. via video conference. Video Pre-Bid Conference is not mandatory. It is Contractor’s Responsibility to attend Zoom meeting at the following link:
https://zoom.us/j/91981525931?pwd=aFdhYTBLdlQ0Nmo5L1hJSDN2YlI1dz09 Password: dn7j19 BIDDER’S BOND from a reliable surety company licensed to operate in the State of Texas or certified Cashier’s Check, payable without recourse to the City of Combes, for the amount of not less than 5% of the total bid shall accompany the bid as guaranty that, if awarded the contract, the bidder will enter into a contract with the City of Combes. A Payment Bond is required in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Amount, if the contract exceeds $25,000. A Performance Bond is required in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Amount, if the contract exceeds $100,000. UPON SUBMITTING SEALED BID, bidders are required to properly identify (handwritten, typed or printed) sealed envelope and/or packet with Bidders’ name and address on the upper lefthand corner of the sealed envelope and/or package, and Bid No. and project name on the lower lefthand corner of sealed envelope/and or packet. OVERNIGHT MAIL MUST ALSO BE PROPERLY LABELED ON THE OUTSIDE OF EXPRESS ENVELOPE OR PACKAGE. The sealed bid must contain one (1) original and two (2) copies of bid and must be clearly identified and addressed for delivery to: Aida Gutierrez, City Administrator, Town of Combes US Postal Mail/Courier Address: Town of Combes, 21626 Hand Road, Combes, TX 78535 Physical Location: Town of Combes, 21626 Hand Road, Combes, TX 78535
City of La Feria Attn: Planning Department 115 E. Commercial Ave. La Feria, TX 78559-5002
BIDS ACCEPTANCE: Sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 AM on Friday, February 4, 2022 at which time they will be opened in Town of Combes Conference Room at (Physical Location) 21626 Hand Road, Combes, Texas 78535. NO FACSIMILES, ELECTRONIC BIDS OR LATE ARRIVALS WILL BE ACCEPTED. ANY BID RECEIVED AFTER THAT TIME WILL NOT BE OPENED AND WILL BE RETURNED.
The City Commission meeting room is handicapped accessible. Persons with disabilities or who require auxiliary aids or services to participate in this hearing should contact the City Secretary two days before the hearing so that appropriate arrangements can be made. To request additional information, please contact Juan Ortiz, Planning Director at (956) 797-2261.
The successful bidder must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability or national origin. BIDS MAY BE HELD by the City of Combes for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days from the date of the opening of bids for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of bidders, prior to awarding of the contract. RFI’s shall be sent to Engineer via email at richard@lefevreengineering.com and only in this format. RFI’s will not be answered by phone. All inquiries must be received no later than January 31, 2022 3:00 pm or will be rejected.
First Baptist Church, La Feria
Minister Roger Goodwin
912 N. Parker Rd., La Feria 10:30am Service, 5pm Evening Service Los Domingos 2:00pm Medio Dia Los
Last week was a dark day for religion. On January 15, Malik Faisal Akram took hostage the Rabbi and 3 members of Congregation Beth Israel, outside of Fort Worth. It was the Sabbath. It was also Martin Luther King’s birthday. Malik Faisal, who died during the ordeal, was Muslim. Many people are grieving because of the rise of antisemitism. Others are pointing fingers at Islam, claiming Akram and his actions represent all Muslims. While they could not be more wrong about Islam, it was still a dark day for religion. But not all is dark. The Rabbi had welcomed Akram into the synagogue and served him tea. Later, the local Islamic center praised the Rabbi for his ongoing support of the Muslim community. The whole world is not dark. But only the hearts of the small minded who fear any religion but their own. -Mark S. Ross DMin.
“El sordo no oye, pero compone.” “The deaf can’t hear, but they piece things together.” Contribuido por: Alvino Villarreal
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4 • January 26, 2022 • LA FERIA NEWS
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APPLICATION HAS BEEN MADE WITH THE TEXAS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE COMMISSION FOR A NEW WHOLESALER’S PERMIT BY JAMES TURNER WRIGHT DBA WRIGHT VINEYARDS, LLC, TO BE LOCATED AT 24741 N FM 2556, LA FERIA, TEXAS 78559. OWNERS OF SAID CORPORATION ARE JAMES TURNER WRIGHT, MANAGER, AND MATIANA GONZALEZ WRIGHT, MEMBER.
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Annual Green Bay South Park Sale Saturday February 5th
7am-12pm
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS The La Feria ISD is soliciting Proposals for E-Rate Round 25.
Switches, Wireless LAN Controller (WLC), Uninterrupted Power Supplies (UPS) The deadline for proposals is February 23, 2022, at noon.
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Please go to the La Feria ISD school website (http://www.laferiaisd.org) under A-Z dropdown, Business Office, Purchasing, BID OPPORTUNITIES, and look for the E-Rate 25 Proposal section to obtain detailed bid specifications/packets. Specifications will be available on our district website (laferiaisd.org) on January 26, 2021. For further assistance, contact:
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AN APPLICATION HAS BEEN MADE FOR A WINE AND MALT BEVERAGE RETAILER’S OFF-PREMISE PERMIT FOR 7-ELEVEN BEVERAGE COMPANY INC., TEXAS CORPORATION, D/B/A STRIPES STORE #41977H, LOCATED AT 100 EXPRESSWAY 83, W., LA FERIA, CAMERON COUNTY, TX. 78559. SAID APPLICATION MADE TO THE TEXAS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE COMMISSION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE TEXAS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CODE. OFFICERS OF SAID CORPORATION ARE: 7-ELEVEN BEVERAGE COMPANY INC. OFFICERS: ARTHUR RUBINETT PRESIDENT, RANKIN GASAWAY – DIRECTOR/ VP/SECRETARY, DAVID SELTZER – VP/TREASURER, ROBERT SCHWERIN – DIRECTOR/VP, SCOTT HINTZ- DIRECTOR, KAREN CRAM- V, ALICIA HOWELL- VP/ CONTROLLER,BRIAN SMITH- VP, KYLE JOHNSON- VP.
PUBLIC NOTICE The La Feria Independent School District will hold a public hearing on the 2020-2021 Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) during the Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees on February 15, 2022. The Regular Meeting will be held at 203 E Oleander Ave, La Feria Texas at 6:00 p.m.
LEGAL NOTICE
APPLICATION HAS BEEN MADE WITH THE TEXAS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE COMMISSION FOR A MIXED BEVERAGE AND MIXED BEVERAGE LATE HOURS PERMIT BY BEVERAGE INVESTMENT GROUP LLC, DBA: THE ROCKIN CUE TO BE LOCATED AT 2020 S. EXPRESSWAY 83, STE. B08A, CAMERON COUNTY, HARLINGEN, TEXAS 78550. MANAGING MEMBER, BEING BENITO JOAQUIN GARCIA
PHASE 2 GRAND OPENING LAND SALE! Sat & Sun, Jan 29 & 30 ALL NEW INVENTORY!
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Mr. Daniel De Leon, Technology Director Phone: (956)-797-8330 E-mail: ERate@laferiaisd.org Bids will be recommended at the next board meeting. The district reserves the right to accept and/or reject any or all proposals. Mr. Daniel De Leon Technology Director 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 Jose Luis Rodriguez, Deceased, GREETINGS: You are commanded to appear and answer to the APPLICATION TO DETERMINE HEIRSHIP, filed by Juan N. Rodriguez, 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 For APPLICATION TO DETERMINE HEIRSHIP was filed on December 27, 2021. The file number of said Matter being No. 2021-CPC-00419 County Court at Law IV The Style being:
IN THE ESTATE OF: Jose Luis Rodriguez, 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 14th day of January, 2022. Given under my hand and seal of said Court at Office in the City of Brownsville, Texas on this the 14th day of January, 2022. Sylvia Garza-Perez, Clerk Cameron County, Texas.
By _/s/Martin Obregon_______, Deputy Martin Obregon
January 26, 2022 • LA FERIA NEWS • 5
Congratulations to the Lionettes on their 7-0 Victory on January 14th against the Raymondville Lady Kats!
Lionette Basketball La Feria Lions have Kicked off
Photo via La Feria ISD Facebook Page
Lionette basketball has started district play!
Today they played against the Grulla Lady
Gators and won 42-32!!
District Competiton
By Ruben Rodriguez La Feria News
Photo taken from La Feria ISD’s Twitter
Lionettes Begin the 2022 Softball Season By Ruben Rodriguez La Feria News
Finally after a long offseason, the La Feria Lionettes look to begin the 2022 Texas High School Softball season on a high note. After a great season that ended with a loss to powerhouse Calallen in the Bi-District Round, The Lionettes come into this season with a high expectation on how they want to finish off. The
Lionettes are set to kick off the regular season with a tough non-district calendar that includes powerhouse teams such as Weslaco East and Brownsville Pace. When District play arrives, the Lionettes are placed in arguably one of the toughest districts in the valley for softball. With district opponents such as Rio Hondo, Port Isabel, Grulla and Raymondville, La Feria looks to place high and
become a favorite to capture district Gold. In a season that ended in a playoff appearance against Calallen, La Feria looks to prepare early on for a potential postseason appearance. La Feria’s non-district schedule last season consisted of teams such as valley view and PSJA Southwest. As the case with many other teams, the road to Austin for the Lionettes begins now.
District 32-4A has officially kicked off, and the Lions look to make a statement as district play is underway. The Lions opened up their District campaign in 2022 with a matchup against the Grulla Gators. What started off as a close knit battle, both teams looked to take control early on. However, La Feria seemed to have an early foothold of the matchup as great offense and defense by the Lions cemented the outcome as they captured the win
over Grulla 42 to 33. On Tuesday, La Feria hosted the Hidalgo Pirates and looked to remain undefeated in 32-4A play. From the start, the Pirates took control as Hidalgo managed to keep the Lions’ suppressed on offense and defense. A late offensive attack by La Feria was quickly suppressed as the Pirates held on to defeat the Lions 43 to 32. Now 1-1 in district, the Lions will travel to Port Isabel to take on the Tarpons who are currently 2-0 and are the top team to defeat in district 32-4A. Following
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Port Isabel, the Lions will host Rio Hondo on January 25 before taking on Raymondville to wrap up January’s action. La Feria takes on La Grulla on February 1st to begin round two of district play. With a strong team, The Lions are on a mission to punch their ticket to the postseason and even potentially capture District Gold. After a tough nondistrict schedule, the Lions are no doubt prepared for what the remainder of 32-4A throws at them
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6 • January 26, 2022 • LA FERIA NEWS
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January 26, 2022 • LA FERIA NEWS • 7
Cameron County Spaceport Development Corporation Awarded $5,000,000
The Next Chapter Poem Cold Night Staring out the window on a cold winter night. I sit comfortably under my blanket all snug and tight. The crackling sound of the fireplace makes me content. The peace it brings me is heaven sent. The small of cookies has filled the air. Can’t wait until I can have a taste, I swear. A tall glass of milk is all I need. To devour these cookies oh yes indeed. It’s now time to slip into my warm comfy bed. Hmm, I think tomorrow I’ll bake some bread.
Cameron County is pleased to announce that the Governor’s Office of Economic Development & Tourism has awarded a conditional offer of $5,000,000 to the Spaceport Development Corporation of Cameron County. Awarded funding was made possible through the Spaceport Trust Fund, the 87th Legislature appropriated funds in fiscal year 2022, to support eligible organizations with the development of infrastructure necessary for establishing a spaceport in the State of Texas. “This award will continue to strengthen the economic impact and growing space
industry blueprint already being made in Cameron County. Over the past several years, the space industry in Cameron County has diversified and is now home to a quality workforce where the development, manufacture, and research of space exploration is happening. The creation of jobs and opportunities locally has directly impacted the economic development and growth of Cameron County,” stated Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino, Jr. “I thank Governor Abbott for the awarded funding and support to the Cameron County Spaceport Development Corporation.”
“For decades, Texas has been a trailblazer in space technology and we are proud to help cultivate more innovation and development in this growing industry in Cameron County,” said Governor Abbott. “This investment in the Cameron County Spaceport Development Corporation will create even more economic opportunities for Texans in the Rio Grande Valley and continue the Lone Star State’s legacy as a leader in space technology.” “I want to thank Governor Abbott for his continuous support for the Cameron County Spaceport Development Corporation’s ongoing mission to build the
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LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU ANSWERS
LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORDS ANSWERS
THEME: WINTER OLYMPICS ACROSS 1. Sleeps in a tent 6. Horror movie franchise 9. Varieties 13. Mozart's "Die Zauberflote" 14. Road crew supply 15. Moron
16. Workman's cotton, once 17. Exclamation of surprise 18. Monte Cristo's title, in French 19. *Olympic Athletes from ____, 2018 hockey winners 21. *Figure skating jump (2 words) 23. Capone's ilk, e.g. 24. Attention-getting sound
25. Eminem's genre 28. Cashier's call 30. Hit-or-miss 35. It will 37. *Triple one in figure skating 39. Hustle and bustle 40. German Mrs. 41. A mile racer 43. a.k.a. horse mackerel 44. Jargon
aerospace industry in our County. Funding through the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism’s Spaceport Trust Fund is helping us provide the infrastructure that will help advance the efforts for future launches from South Texas. I also am very thankful to our local Rio Grande Valley Legislation delegation in both the Senate and House during the 87th Legislative Session who worked to provide resources to build this industry,” stated Nick Serafy, Chairman of the Cameron County Spaceport Development Corporation.
46. Workbench holding device 47. Health club offering 48. Diner, e.g. 50. Latin for "and others" 52. ____ Aviv 53. Ill-mannered one 55. Curiosity's victim? 57. *2022 Winter Olympics location 61. *Torch Relay starting point 64. "____ ____ the Family" TV series 65. Refrigerator sound 67. Poppy seed derivative 69. Bitterly regretting 70. Egyptian cobra 71. Part of a stair 72. Seedy source of Omega3s 73. More, in Madrid 74. Changes to a manuscript
DOWN 1. Cape ____, MA 2. Copycat 3. Carte du jour 4. Spectrum maker 5. Delilah's lover 6. Roofed colonnade 7. Expression of satisfaction 8. Angry 9. Revered one 10. Fancy ride 11. Japanese zither 12. Pas in ballet 15. "Freezing" Marvel character 20. Letter-shaped girder 22. "____ the land of the free..." 24. Designer's studio 25. *Biathlon gear 26. Skylit lobbies 27. Manufacturing site 29. *2022 Winter Olympics number 31. Like Curious George 32. Monocot's alternative 33. "Killers of the Flower Moon" Oklahoma location 34. *Olympic award 36. *Olympic sled 38. For fear that 42. Respond 45. Circling 49. Far, old-fashioned 51. Capital of Punjab 54. Early Irish alphabet 56. Sort of warm 57. Vomit 58. Twelfth month of Jewish year 59. Pelvic bones 60. Put a hex on 61. Concert units 62. Not yet final 63. Edible fat 66. *Miracle on Ice winner 68. Not Miss or Ms.
8 • January 26, 2022 • LA FERIA NEWS
TSC, HCC and SJC Partner To Strengthen Workforce For Ports And Aerospace Industry BROWNSVILLE, Texas (January 14, 2022) - Texas Southmost College (TSC) is leading a coastal community college workforce training consortium designed to increase the number of students earning college credentials leading to high demand jobs at Texas’ seaports and the aerospace industry. Funded through a $1.8 million grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), TSC, Houston Community College (HCC) and San Jacinto College (SJC) will collaboratively create, redesign, or expand the reach of training for nine industry-aligned college credentials in transportation, distribution, logistics and information technology that support our seaports and aerospace industry. “The need for a skilled workforce in our region is growing exponentially, and there is a pressing need to fill positions at companies located
within our ports and those associated with the aerospace industry,” said TSC President Jesús Roberto Rodríguez. “With this THECB grant and the cooperative spirit of the coastal community college consortium working in unity, we will offer high value shortterm credentials and certifications that lead to immediate employment.” THECB’s Texas Reskilling and Upskilling for Education (TRUE) grant program is designed to accelerate workforce training credential opportunities urgently needed for economic recovery due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a future competitive workforce in Texas. Through the program, the consortium will invest in developing pathways for: forklift operators to earn a certified logistics associate and logistics technician certification, diesel engine mechanics, truck driving, merchant mariners, cybersecurity and networking
technology. SJC Chancellor Brenda Hellyer, Ph.D. said receiving this funding allows the consortium to grow its training in these high demand areas. “San Jacinto College appreciates the support of the THECB for awarding this consortium a reskilling grant so that we can focus on training in high demand and high growth pathways in transportation,” said Hellyer. “The Gulf Coast region is a hub for cargo destined for Midwest and Western regions of the United States, so our ability to provide training in areas such as forklift operations, truck driving, and merchant mariner are critical to keeping the supply chain moving and helping to get goods to their final destination.” HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado, Ph.D., P.E. said these funds will allow HCC to expand its training capacity and further supply the coastal region with the skilled workers it needs.
“HCC is proud to be included in the coastal community college consortium on the TRUE grant,” said Maldonado. “In addition to the opportunity to partner with our gulf coast peers, HCC greatly appreciates the opportunity it provides for our students and community in getting the necessary technology at HCC to expand our training
capacity in the IT sector, a sector that continues to see vast expansion in the Houston region.” President Rodríguez said the TRUE grant program not only enhances the longstanding collaboration between the three coastal community colleges but strengthens it. “This consortium TSC is leading has been given the opportunity to
build capacity to engage more students, develop additional training curriculum, enhance our teaching capabilities and secure additional stateof-the-art equipment,” said Rodriguez. “We look forward to building upon this momentum, working with HCC, SJC and other institutions, to meet the workforce needs of our region and state.”
while harming their hosts less. This was the case with seventh pandemic cholera bacteria. “The disease is now less severe than preceding pandemic strains, but the bacteria’s ability to compete is enhanced,” Provenzano said. Until recently, the mutations responsible for that process were unknown.
discovery that the T6SS was present in cholera bacteria, Provenzano said, an explosion in research followed in bacterial interactions, especially in host colonization and endemic microbiota. “Distinct and unique T6SS toxin genes (and the antitoxins that protect them) have been found in over 25 percent of all Gram-negative bacteria,” he said. “This suggests that this toxindelivery mechanism is of importance to these organisms.”
seventh pandemic ‘El Tor’ biotype emerged in the 1960s. Provenzano and Pukatzki, working with Dr. Daniel Unterweger, professor of intestinal microbiology at the Max Plank Institute in Germany, and other collaborators recently published their findings in Nature Communications. The authors indicated that the classical biotype cholera, which caused the first six recorded pandemics, did not require the toxin secretion system to achieve higher morbidity and mortality rates, compared to the seventh pandemic strain. However, ‘El Tor’ was able to engage the toxin secretion system against the previous pandemic strains, as well as other bacteria. Provenzano said this is consistent with the idea that pathogens are pressured to evolve toward milder forms of the disease for the sake of their own survival. “Understanding how microbial strains succeed each other during the course of pandemics sheds light on the evolutionary mechanisms that drive this process,” Provenzano said.
UTRGV Researcher Investigating How Pandemics Spread department. “It wasn’t a common practice before the germ theory emerged in the late 1800s.”
Dr. Daniele Provenzano, professor of bacterial genetics, UTRGV Biology department. (Courtesy Photo) By Karen Villarreal RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – JAN. 13, 2022 – What can an intestinal tissue sample of a Philadelphia sailor who died of cholera in 1848 teach us about the current COVID-19 pandemic? According to UTRGV researcher Dr. Daniele Provenzano, coronavirus’s evolutionary progression into the Delta-, Delta-Plus and Omicron variants is similar to cholera’s mutation process that led to seven pandemics
beginning in 1817, and continuing today. The sample of the now-extinct classical V. cholerae – preserved in formaldehyde for 172 years – may give scientists insight to better understand microbial strain succession – which may help improve the response against future pandemics. “It’s serendipitous that the sample was even collected,” said Provenzano, professor of bacterial genetics in the UTRGV Biology
BACTERIAL COMPETITION Using modern sequencing technology to amplify the DNA of V. cholerae, Provenzano and colleagues from New York and Germany detected a series of sequential mutations that, over time, may have led to the extinction of prior “classical” strains and to the rise of the current cholera pandemic strain, “El Tor.” Provenzano said the mutations they discovered center around a toxin-delivery system bacteria used to compete with each other for colonization of an unwitting host. “Bacteria interact with each other – sometimes they are compatible, other times they compete and kill each other,” Provenzano said. Disease-causing microbes want to spread and compete with each other but are at a disadvantage if they harm the host too much – so infectious agents mutate over time to increase their ability to defend against or attack other bacteria
INTEREST IN BACTERIAL ADAPTATION Provenzano’s collaborator, Dr. Stefan Pukatzki, professor of cell and molecular biology in the Biology department at City College New York, discovered in 2006 that cholera bacteria have a toxin/antitoxin offensive mechanism called the “Type 6 Secretion System (T6SS).” “Bacteria that engage in T6SS competition assemble a nanotube in the cell interior, through which they shoot a ‘stick’ that, like a poison dart, has toxins on the tip,” Provenzano said. “They insert this dart into adjacent bacteria when they come into physical contact, and quickly kill them.” Since Pukatzki’s
EVOLUTION TOWARDS MILDNESS DISCOVERED In 2014, Provenzano, Pukatzki, and colleagues reported in Nature Communications that a unique set of T6SS toxin and antitoxin genes are present in all pandemic cholera strains that determine whether strains can coexist or compete – with each other and bacteria of other species. However, after analyzing the DNA of second pandemic V. cholerae in the tissue sample, Provenzano and collaborators found that it lacks this vital defense mechanism – which might have contributed to its demise when the new,