WEEK OF May 18, 2022 THROUGH MAY 24, 2022
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Your Community Newspaper, Serving the Heart of the Rio Grande Valley VOLUME 99 NUMBER 20
Torres Named Lone Finalist for Superintendent Position On Tuesday, April 19, 2022, the La Feria Independent School District Board of Trustees selected and named Mrs. Cynthia Anne Torres as the Finalist for the position of Superintendent of Schools for the District. From Mrs. Cynthia Torres: I am humbled and honored that the school board has named me as the finalist for the position of Superintendent of Schools for the La Feria Independent School District. I believe it was the foundation I received in La Feria as a student from grades K-12 as well as great mentors that I have worked with as an educator in the district that prepared me for this leadership position. I have worked for the district for 32 years beginning as a junior high English language arts teacher, transitioning as an administrator in the department of Curriculum & Instruction, and then
Self-Eliminating Genes Tested On Mosquitoes
Page 2
It Is Playoff Time in Texas!
Page 5
Movin’ on up!
Page 5
Cynthia Torres, selected as La Feria ISD's new Superintendent
Spot the difference
Page 6
serving as Assistant Superintendent for 8 years. This past year I served as Assistant Superintendent in Sharyland ISD. I have had the privilege of working with amazing superintendents, teachers, and support staff. Education is arguably the most vital partnership in any community. Achieving success as a superintendent requires the commitment to keep children at the forefront of every decision that is made and model and hold the highest expectations for all stakeholders. As the leader of our District, I will work side-by-side with the board, students, parents, staff, and the community to provide those opportunities for our students to excel. I am excited about what the future holds for La Feria ISD, and believe that collectively as one district and one community with one focus - we will achieve student success.
Seen in La Feria We want to provide our community with knowledge and learning!
Bailey H Dunlap Library
The Positive Effects Of Gardening On Mental Health
Page 8
City Calendar............pg. 2 Classified....................pg. 4 Sports..........................pg. 5 Activity Page.............pg. 6 Puzzles........................pg. 7
Open: 12PM - 6PM Books available now
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2 • May 18, 2022• LA FERIA NEWS
May 18, 2022 • LA FERIA NEWS • 3
LEGAL NOTICE
APPLICATION HAS BEEN MADE WITH THE TEXAS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE COMMISSION FOR A MIXED BEVERAGE PERMIT AND A MIXED BEVERAGE LATE HOURS PERMIT BY VIRGINIA DE BRISENO MEDINA DBA CANTARES BAR, TO BE LOCATED AT 953 E ADAMS STREET, SUITE B, BROWNSVILLE, CAMERON COUNTY, TEXAS.
v
CALENDAR of EVENTS
KNOW WHERE TO VOTE / SABER DONDE VOTAR DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION/ LAS PRIMARIA DECISIVA DEMOCATICO
ELECTION DAY/ DÍA DE ELECCIÓN TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022/ MARTES, 24 DE MAYO DE 2022 7 A.M. - 7 P.M. PCT
LOCATIONS/LUGARES DE VOTACIÓN
ADDRESS/DIRECCIÓN
24
Santa Maria ISD Administrative Bldg. Board Room
11119 Military Hwy 281, Santa Maria
26, 55, 58
American Legion Hall
219 E. Commerce Ave., La Feria
27
Maria Luisa Ruiz Guerra County Annex
116 Santa Vista Ave., Santa Rosa
More countywide locations at: Más lugares de votacion en el condado:
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-and-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 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.
MAY 10, 2022
6:30 PM City Commission Meeting Commission Meeting Room
115 E. Commercial Avenue • La Feria, TX
MAY 24, 2022
cameronvotes.com
KNOW WHERE TO VOTE / SABER DONDE VOTAR REPUBLICAN PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION/
ELECCIÓN PRIMARIA DECISIVA DEL PARTIDO REPUBLICANO
ELECTION DAY/ DÍA DE ELECCIÓN TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022/ MARTES, 24 DE MAYO DE 2022 7 A.M. - 7 P.M. PCT
LOCATIONS/LUGARES DE VOTACIÓN
ADDRESS/DIRECCIÓN
24
Santa Maria ISD Administrative Bldg. Board Rm
11119 Military Hwy, Santa Maria
26, 55, 58
American Legion Hall
219 E. Commercial Ave., La Feria
27
Maria Luisa Ruiz Guerra County Annex
116 Santa Vista Ave., Santa Rosa
More countywide locations at: Más lugares de votacion en el condado:
cameronvotes.com
6:30 PM City Commission Meeting Commission Meeting Room
115 E. Commercial Avenue • La Feria, TX
“Your Community Newspaper since 1923”
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. Minister Roger Goodwin
Church of Christ 912Minister N. ParkerGene Rd., LaHead Feria Sunday536-9832 10:30am Service 912 N. Parker Rd., La Feria, Sunday 5pm Evening Service Wednesday 6:30 pm Bible Study, LosSunday Domingos9:30am 2:00pmBible MedioStudy, Dia Los 10:30am Service, 5pm Evening Service 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.
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 & fifth Pastors Jose & Bertha Belmares 10:30AM (Contemporary) 797-3621, HC second, fourth & fifth 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
128 W. Oleander Ave., Downtown La Feria, TX
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
956-797-9920
E-MAIL: laferianews@aol.com We are open Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE: Call 956-330-6838
SUBSCRIPTION RaTES $ 27 95 yr. Valley 34 95 Out of Valley Single Copy Price ...................... $.50 ea. Back Issues available ............... $.50 ea. $
First Baptist Church, La Feria Once upon a time, a man at the races observed a priest moving among the horses before each race. The priest always picked one horse, laid hands on it, and prayed. That horse won. The man began to bet on the priest’s choice. It paid off each time. At the last race of the day, the priest laid his hands on and prayed over the worst looking horse in the lineup. The odds were horrible. Still, the man followed the priest’s pick, betting everything he had. At the start, the priest’s pick ran 10 feet and dropped dead. Enraged, the man confronted the priest. “What happened?” The priest patiently explained there is a difference between a blessing and last rites. At this year’s Kentucky Derby, Rich Strike was the horse least expected to win. He had entered the race the day before, given the last pole position, and 80-1 odds. The jockey had never ridden in a Derby and the trainer had never trained for a Derby. Rich Strike did not drop dead but won the Derby. Jesus said the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. I do not think God cares about horse races. But he does want to remind us that the least likely to succeed often does just that. If we do not know what is in a horse, how much less do we know what is in each other? -Mark S. Ross DMin.
Also distributed to each LFISD School Student.
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MAILING ADDRESS
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CONTENT EDITOR OFFICE MANAGER
Nelda Briones
956-797-9920 MEMBER 2020 2022 TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION
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,May 16, 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.)
4 • May 18, 2022 • LA FERIA NEWS La Feria Independent School District (LFISD) is accepting Request for Proposals for: Special Education Services: Physical Therapy Services Request for Proposals RFP# 0721-PTS Great Classifieds... List Yours Today by Calling 956-233-9928 or 956-797-9920.
REMEMBER: Deadline is Wednesday at NOON for ads to be published in the following week’s edition.
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“Special Education Services: Physical Therapy Services RFP # 0721-PTS”.
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Any proposals received late will be returned unopened. La Feria ISD is not responsible for proposals misplaced or mailed incorrectly. The deadline to submit is June 9, 2022, at 3:00 p.m.
956-797-4036
Please reply using the enclosed forms. Please submit one (1) original and four (4) copies of your proposal. Please submit in the format provided, in order to expedite our analysis. We will only consider proposals submitted in our format. Any questions on this Request for Proposals should be submitted in writing to Alex Cespedes, CFO via email, alejandro.cespedes@laferiaisd.org. The awarding of the proposal will take place at a public school board meeting. The La Feria ISD School Board reserves the right to accept, reject any and /or all proposals, waive minor technicalities, or to award the contract to the most responsible offer or which best serves the interest of the District.
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Alex Cespedes Chief Financial Officer CITATION BY PUBLICATION - TRC 109 & 114
THE STATE OF TEXAS 2020-DCL-00309 Federico Mendoza Aguilar
§
IN THE 445TH DISTRICT COURT
VS
§
OF
Maria Del Carmen Gutierrez Alhadro
§
CAMERON COUNTY, TEXAS
TO:
Maria Del Carmen Gutierrez Alhadro No Known Address
NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: "You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 am on the Monday next following the expiration of 42 days after the date this citation was issued, a default judgment may be taken against you. In addition to filing a written answer with the clerk, you may be required to make initial disclosures to the other parties of this suit. These disclosures generally must be made no later than 30 days after you file your answer with the clerk. Find out more at TexasLawHelp.org."
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You are hereby commanded to appear by filing a written answer to the Amended Original Petition for Partition of Real Property at or before 10:00 o'clock A.M. on the Monday next after the expiration of 42 days after the date of issuance of this citation before the Honorable 445th District Court of Cameron County, at the Courthouse in said County in Brownsville, Texas. Said Amended Original Petition for Partition of Real Property was filed in said court on the 17th day of August, 2021 in the above entitled cause. A brief statement of the nature of this suit is as follows, to-wit: Lot 47, Rancho Viejo Subdivision, Section 1, A Subdivision in the Town of Rancho Viejo, Cameron County, Texas as is more fully shown by Amended Original Petition for Partition of Real Property on file in this suit. Issued and given under my hand and seal of said Court at Brownsville, Texas, on this the 27th day of April, 2022. ATTORNEY: Chester R. Gonzalez 08125550 (956)550-9550 117 E Price Rd Brownsville TX 78521-3527
Laura Perez-Reyes
District Clerk of Cameron County 974 E Harrison Street Signed: 4/27/2022 Brownsville, Texas 785201:39:05 PM By:________________________________________ Vilma Garcia, Deputy Clerk
NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS AGAINST THE ESTATE OF FRANCES RITA GROVER, DECEASED
Notice is hereby given that original letters testamentary upon the Estate of FRANCES RITA GROVER., Deceased, were issued to the undersigned on the 2nd day of May, 2022 in the proceeding indicated below our signatures hereto, which is still pending, and that we now hold such letters. All persons having claims against said estate, which is being administered in the county named below, are hereby required to present the same to us respectively, at the address below given, before suit upon same are barred by the general statutes of limitation, before such estate is closed, and within the time prescribed by law. The address for such notification is 515 E. Harrison, Ste. A, Harlingen, Texas 78550. DATED this 6th day of May, 2022
Rita Scoggins, Co-Independent Executor of the Estate of FRANCES RITA GROVER, Deceased Cheryl Ann Janssen, Co-Independent Executor of the Estate of FRANCES RITA GROVER, Deceased Cause No. 2022-CPC-00107 in the County Court at Law 4, Cameron County, Texas
May 18, 2022 • LA FERIA NEWS • 5
Santa Rosa Oline An Amazing Season Challenge 1st Place Overall
Photo taken from Rio Hondo's Powerlifting Twitter account. @RHBobcatPower
Lionettes Team Picture taken after their win against Zapata on April 28th. Photo taken by La Feria ISD's Facebook page By Ruben Rodriguez scoring two runs to tie the 4-2 lead. La Feria News game up at 2-2. La Feria’s offense quickly The Lady Owls offense went back to work, scoring The La Feria Lionettes took control in the top of three runs in the top of took on the Hondo Lady the sixth inning, bringing the sixth inning to retake Owls in the Area Round in three runs. Hondo’s the lead 5-4. Despite solid of the 2022 UIL Class 4A defense would shut La defense, The Lady Owls Region 4 Playoffs. The Feria down to hold on and would score six runs in the Lionettes advanced to capture game two 5-2. bottom half of the sixth Area after a thrilling series Saturday comes around, inning. Hondo again would victory over Zapata in the La Feria is once again display a great defense to Bi-District Round. The down 0-1 in a similar case hold La Feria Scoreless and Hondo Lady Owls out of as last week’s Bi-District defeat the Lionettes 10-5 District 29-4A. Round matchup against to advance to the Regional Game one of a three Zapata. La Feria would Quarterfinal, ending the game series took place on waste no time and score Lionettes’ stellar season. Friday with the Lady Owls two runs in the first two Hondo will now face off scoring in the top of the innings. Hondo would against 31-4A Powerhouse first inning. A defensive respond in the bottom of Calallen in the Regional battle for the majority of the second inning and Quarterfinal. La Feria the game saw Hondo score tie the game up at 2-2. finishes their season at a second run in the top Another defensive battle 24-13 overall, and 10-0 in of the fourth inning. La in game two saw Hondo district play. Feria would respond in the score later on in the bottom bottom of the fifth inning, of the fifth inning to take a
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6 • May 18, 2022 • LA FERIA NEWS
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May 18, 2022 • LA FERIA NEWS • 7
5 Must-Have Items for Your Spring Camping Trip The Next Chapter Poem The Shepherd Heavenly Father up Above, May I sow Agape Love, With Thy Son Who reigns on High, In Thy Blessed, Peaceful Sky. Angel voices sing to Thee Praises for Eternity. Glory to our God Above, God of Peace and God of Love. May I be Christ’s sheep each day. It is in His Name I pray. Poem by James E. Arnold
(StatePoint) The spring camping season is here and it’s time to get ready. These five musthave items are not only compact, they’ll ensure you have fun and make the most of your trip: 1. Rest and relaxation: After a day of vigorous activity, you deserve to put your feet up. And there is no better way to relax than with a hammock. Hammocks that come with their own stand offer super easy set-up, instantaneously turning your
campgrounds into a home away from home. 2. Tech support: Whether your day-time excursions include fishing, hiking or rappelling, wearable tech can support your adventures. The ProTrek PRT-B50 Series of watches feature a compass, an altitude/barometer and temperature measurements so you can stay oriented and safe. For those tracking their fitness goals, calories burned and step count offer valuable metrics that are recorded
by the ProTrek Connected app. The app also offers a lineup of useful tools for the outdoors, including a Trekking Log that plots altitude points along the trail, and a Location Indicator, to help you track your route from pinned locations. 3. Delicious snacks: For a delicious evening snack, don’t forget supplies for S’mores. To simplify your packing, get a kit that comes with all the ingredients and tools you need for gooey goodness, including roasting sticks. All you need to provide is the campfire. 4. Music makers: Speaking of campfires, the best nights under the stars are those accompanied by music. To shake things up a bit, bring along a portable keyboard, like the Casiotone CT-S200. This ultra-compact model is powered by six AA batteries and features a
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LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU ANSWERS
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THEME: GRADUATION ACROSS 1. Like a bug on windshield noise 6. G-man 9. Type of race 13. Late actor Ledger 14. Waikiki necklace 15. Group of lions 16. Knight's shiny garb
17. Ensign, for short 18. One to beat 19. *Graduation proof 21. *"School's Out" singer 23. An indigenous person in Laos 24. 6-shooter 25. Founder of People's Republic of China 28. Porous rock 30. *MFA or BA
35. Comrade in arms 37. Be inclined 39. Had in mind 40. Was a passenger 41. Ventricular beater 43. Same as ayah 44. ____ Trick, rock band 46. Nicholas II, e.g. 47. Initiation ceremony, e.g. 48. "Pollock" actor Ed
built-in carrying handle and speakers, so you make music wherever and whenever you want. Weighing less than 8 pounds and small enough to fit into a slightly oversized backpack, it’s the perfect instrument for on-the-go adventures. 5. Streamlined entry: National Park Pass: Frequent campers should not leave home without a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Covering entrance, standard amenity fees and day use fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle, it’s a cost-effective way to enjoy over 2,000 national parks and wildlife refuges nationwide. As you ease into the camping season, gear up with supplies that make every adventure amazing.
50. Foolish one 52. Ever, to a poet 53. "House of Gucci" star 55. Masters Tournament peg 57. *Mortarboard attachment 60. *"No more ____, no more books" 64. Fancy boat 65. Mozart's "L'____ del Cairo" 67. Arm bones 68. Orderly arrangement 69. Granola grain 70. Gustatory sensation 71. Lord Byron's composition 72. Dashboard unit 73. Weasel's aquatic cousin
DOWN 1. Herring's cousin 2. "Frasier" actress Gilpin 3. Bulb holder 4. Coral reef island 5. Neck cavity 6. Pestilence pest 7. Even, to a poet 8. "Saturday Night Fever" music genre 9. Type of coffee maker 10. Gauche or Droite in Paris 11. Month of Purim 12. Styling product 15. For the time being, Latin (2 words) 20. Cave opening 22. Like Hemingway's certain man on sea 24. Type of rummy 25. *One in "Pomp and Circumstance" series 26. Hello to Israel Kamakawiwo'ole 27. Ahead in years 29. *"You have brains in your head, you have ____ in your shoes" 31. Cleats to soccer player 32. China grass 33. Related on mother's side 34. Olden days anesthetic 36. *School ____, which is about 180 days 38. No-win situation 42. Old-hat 45. Wilbur's home 49. *Famous frat house 51. Adjective in sheet music 54. Low light 56. Enthusiastic approval 57. Tropical edible root 58. Land measure 59. A fake 60. Beaten by walkers 61. Research facil. 62. It's better than never? 63. Tiresias in "Oedipus Rex" 64. Small dog's bark 66. *Gown's companion
8 • May 18, 2022 • LA FERIA NEWS
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THIS IS AN AMERICAN PROBLEM, AND WE NEED BOTH PARTIES TO STEP UP. My message to PRESIDENT BIDEN: American citizens who live on the border feel the brunt of our broken immigration policies. Unless action is taken soon, the surge coming across will surpass the alarming numbers we experienced last year. Meanwhile, DREAMers continue to wait for justice as employers continue to wait for updates to work visas.
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It’s time to fix immigration now.
My message to GOVERNOR ABBOTT: Immigration should not be used to gain political points. Rhetoric that dehumanizes immigrants and insults Texas’ number 1 trading partner makes reform less likely and hurts Texas Jobs. We need reasonable limits and smart technology, but we also need a resolution for DREAMERS.
It’s time to sit down at the table to fix immigration now.
F F O N RU th
4 -20th 2 y a M May 16
ting Early Vo
Pol. Adv Paid for by Morgan LaMantia for State Senate
9 • May 18, 2022 • LA FERIA NEWS
Runoff Election date: May 24 Early Voting: May 16-20
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Cameron County Precinct 4! My name is J.V. Garcia (Juan Virgilio) and I am in a Democratic Runoff Election to be your next Cameron County Commissioner! Please remember that this week is Early Voting (May 16-20) and Runoff Election Day is May 24! I am a licensed Civil Engineer and Certified Floodplain Manager with 17 years of experience in designing, inspecting, and managing road, drainage, water, and sewer projects. I know the drainage ordinances, or lack thereof, that have led us to where we are at regarding the flood crisis that is decades in the making. Imagine, if a Civil Engineer was leading the conversation at Commissioner’s Court with the expertise and experience regarding proper developments and adequate infrastructure. As a young Civil Engineer, I was responsible for designing and overseeing miles of road construction, including City, County, and State roads. I know the permit process required for homes to be built, and it is the local government's responsibility to ensure a proper infrastructure for water, sewer, drainage, and roads. What is happening in Cameron County with our continued flooding and pothole covered roads is unacceptable, and the buck stops at the top of the County Commissioner’s Court. I’ve also seen and witnessed the compadre system in action, giving freebies to friends and family, and on drainage infrastructure for that matter, which has made the flooding problem worse! As your Commissioner, I will always make sure the project is done right, and I will always see it through to its completion. This is why I am running for Commissioner; as a Civil Engineer, I bring knowledge, experience, accountability, and oversight for the citizens. In closing, I’d like to give a summary of my full platform so you can consider when voting for your next Cameron County Commissioner for Precinct 4. As some of you may know, solving the flooding is what I’ve become known for and what you hear me speak about the most, BUT this is because it is the most important pre-cursor in beginning to accomplish the rest of our goals, which I’ve set forth in my platform throughout the last year on the campaign trail.
wetlands, migratory pathways, etc.) to increase sales tax revenues without raising taxes on residents of Cameron County. For example, instead of the so-called Arena, let’s use the Hotel/ Venue tax to create an Ecotourism Center where I call “Ground Zero” of the flood crisis: Tio Cano Lake. This Tio Cano Lake Ecotourism Center will allow revitalization of the Santa Rosa and La Feria Downtowns and we can flourish once again as a thriving community! This is turning a negative of repeated flooding, into a positive of economic and sustainable communities.
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Sustainable and resilient infrastructure, which includes flood mitigation resulting in more resilient and longer lasting roads. I’ve taking Master’s level classes in sustainable and resilient civil engineering infrastructure and practice this design concept on a daily basis as a Civil Engineer and Small Business Owner. Ecotourism, which will promote job creation, and expand upon environmental blessings in our region (ie. beaches, resacas, lakes,
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Economic development, through responsible building methods such as Low Impact Development (LID), updating building policies, and tax incentives for developers who build responsibly. I led discussions and debate to finally update the inadequate drainage policy in the City of Harlingen as a Planning and Zoning Board member. And it only took 5 months! (My opponent has had 6 years in office and the county still has a failed drainage policy!)
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Fostering support for our Public Schools, Community Colleges, and University, by expanding on STEM curriculums (I am a partner member of the TSTC Advisory Board to help with Engineering curriculum), as well as medical professions, renewable energy technologies, welding, and many other skilled professions offered at these institutions. And, I will continue to do my part by participating in good ol’ fashion Career Days and encourage Science Fairs to inspire the next generation of Civil Engineers.
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Oversight and accountability to bring
transparency to the community, and put an end to the rampant nepotism (aka “The Compadre System”), and bringing fairness to application of rules across the board. Everyone talks about, but no one does anything about it. I will. •
ACCESSIBILITY, frequent town hall meetings and returned phone calls. You will not be ignored when I am elected County Commissioner!
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Citizen concerns will drive policy, not private agendas. The agenda of a public servant is that of the people they serve.
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Mental and physical well-being, affordable housing, local medical care, and a Veteran’s Cemetery for ALL Cameron County VeteransWhat I am doing right this second, by writing this article, can only be possible because of the veterans who fought for me to exercise my 1st Amendment right of Free Speech, along with the La Feria News being able to post this through our 1st Amendment right of Free Press! THANK YOU to all who have served, are currently serving, and who have a loved one who served or is currently serving.
Thank you CAMERON COUNTY Precinct 4 in considering me, J.V. Garcia, Civil Engineer, to becoming YOUR next County Commissioner. I look forward to meeting you and discussing the future of our communities. Let’s engineer a better Cameron County! Thank you, J.V. Garcia 956-970-1159 (Please leave a message or text)
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10 • May 18, 2022 • LA FERIA NEWS
Texas Strawberry Season Average Amid Up and Down Weather and some fields were cut for hay with up to 1 bale per acre yields reported. Some wheat was being plowed under, but fieldwork was halted by wet conditions. Summer grasses were growing. Ranches were culling herds deeper. Some cotton farmers were still concerned about moisture, and many acres were yet to be planted. Most sorghum was planted, and some emerged in areas with moisture. Some producers planted Sudan grass, and others were waiting for moisture to plant.
Strawberries grown in a high tunnel hoop house. Locally grown strawberries are a favorite among consumers and continue to be in high demand. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Russ Wallace) Written by Adam Russell Texas strawberry producers have experienced an average season so far despite freezes, drought and temperature variability impacting yields, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. The growing season started in October with planting, said Russ Wallace, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension horticulturist in Lubbock and professor in Texas A&M’s Department of Horticultural Sciences. Strawberry crowns and root systems develop over winter, and cold temperatures help the plant prepare for fruit production in the spring. Growth is good around much of the state, but up and down temperatures impacted early season production opportunities, he said. Above-average winter temperatures pushed strawberry plants in East, North and Central Texas to flower early, but a cold front with freezing temperatures knocked off blooms and set plants back. Last year, Winter Storm Uri also “dinged” strawberry plants, but they recovered and performed well overall, Wallace said. Fluctuating temperatures somewhat confused the plants this season, he said. Strawberries are a coolseason crop, and while freezing temperatures can hurt blooms and fruit sets, summer-type temperatures can signal the plant to shut down. Plants typically do well with day temperatures into the low 80 degrees and cooler nights, Wallace said. Poteet, which is known for its strawberry production, experienced multiple freezes that hurt production, but the area also experienced 100-degree daytime temperatures a few weeks ago, Wallace said. “Strawberries are very tolerant of cold temperatures, though freezes hurt fruit sets,” he said. “Warmer temperatures signal the plants the end is near. So, if you lose a fruit set or two early to freeze and the plants shut down sooner than they should, it can reduce your production window by several weeks.” Roller-coaster growing conditions for Texas strawberries Drought was another factor for strawberry production, Wallace
said. Most commercial production acres are irrigated, but meeting plant and fruit daily waterdemands at critical stages can influence fruit quality. “I saw photos of plants around the state earlier this year, and they looked really good,” he said. “After the freeze they reset flowers and were loaded. At that point, if you don’t keep up with the irrigation demand, the strawberries will not fill out properly.” But too much water can also hurt fruit, Wallace said. Too much water can dilute the brix counts, which is the sugar content measurement in fruits like strawberries and watermelons. Typically, a 9-10 brix count are good for strawberries. Severe drought can negatively impact strawberries, but drier weather can also help producers by reducing pest and disease pressure, Wallace said. Rainfall and humidity can fuel fungus and mold outbreaks in strawberries, which can be devastating for the crop. Some strawberry varieties have performed below average this year, Wallace said. The variety Albion has not performed very well at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research trial plots in Lubbock, Wallace said. He also heard several producers comment about the lack of production by that variety. Wallace questioned if it could be the fluctuating temperatures, drought or a combination of conditions that led to the subpar performance. “We don’t really know what happened with that variety this year,” he said. “They’re a day-neutral variety, and so they flower more slowly, and in our area, it can get too hot for them compared to the Junebearing varieties.” Consumers want local strawberries Texas strawberry production makes up a small percentage of the nation’s yield. Texas has around 400 acres compared to top-ranked California’s 38,000 acres, Wallace said. Most commercial producers grow anywhere from 1-12 acres and the largest strawberry operation is around 20 acres. Producers usually grow about 14,000 plants per acre and yields of 1.25 pounds per plant, or 17,500 pounds, are good for
growers, he said. Despite the small acreage, the crop has become a lucrative direct-to-consumer product. Wallace said locally grown strawberries sold at farmers markets or at pickyour-own farms are in high demand throughout the season. They are typically much preferred over strawberries from other states because shipped strawberries are harvested somewhat early to reach grocers in marketable condition. This season, Wallace has seen prices ranging from $32 for 12 pints, or a flat of strawberries, which is around 8-10 pounds, to $7 per pint at farmers markets, or around three-fourths of a pound of the fruit. “Consumers are starting to see the difference in locally grown produce, and strawberries are one of those that consumers really want because the taste is so much better,” he said. “There’s just really no comparison.” AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries: CENTRAL An area-wide, soaking rain was received, but soil moisture levels remained mostly short. Rains should help wheat finish and keep corn, sorghum and cotton going. Wheat looked good relative to growing conditions, but winter freeze, drought and Hessian flies were likely to impact yields. Leaf rust was becoming an issue. Corn was off to a decent start. Cotton planting wrapped up, and fields were beginning to emerge. Several instances of poor emergence were noted. Pastures were improving with moisture and warmer overnight temperatures. Cattle remained in good body condition with some producers continuing to feed hay on a limited basis. Stock tank levels were unchanged, and runoff rainfall was needed to get them back to comfortable levels. ROLLING PLAINS Several counties reported rainfall with totals ranging from 0.5-6 inches. Some areas received light showers and remained relatively dry. Wheat conditions improved after the rains, and irrigated wheat looked good. Some wheat was being grazed,
COASTAL BEND Some scattered showers occurred, but only isolated areas received significant rainfall. Emerged crops were holding on. Cotton was mostly planted, and some had emerged, but it appeared some acres failed due to lack of emergence. Crops still needed a soaking rain. All rice acres were planted. Pastures and hay also needed moisture. Livestock were in fair to good condition, and some cattle were being weaned or sold early to help relieve some supplemental feed costs. Most producers were supplementing with hay and protein, but hay supplies were getting short in some areas. EAST Rain fell over most of the district with 2-4 inches reported in some areas. Many counties remained behind on rainfall totals for the year. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair to good. Subsoil and topsoil conditions were short to adequate. Cherokee County reported producers were beginning to cut and bale ryegrass and clover stands. Other counties reported very little ryegrass growth recently. Cattle market prices were good. Livestock were in fair to good condition. Wild pig control remained a problem. SOUTH PLAINS Portions of the district received up to 3 inches of rainfall, but some areas remained dry. Fire danger was high with high temperatures and strong winds. Cattle were being provided supplemental feed. PANHANDLE Soil moisture levels were very short to short. Light rain arrived midweek, but much more was needed to change extreme dry conditions. Conditions continued to decline with high winds and above normal temperatures. Irrigated wheat stages ranged from flagging to pre-boot, depending on how much water was applied to the field. Crop, rangeland and pasture conditions were very poor to poor. NORTH Soil moisture was adequate across the district. Temperatures for the week were around 70 degrees. Winds were constant. There was 1-2 inches of rainfall, which helped grass growth. Winter pasture grazing continued. Most row crops were planted and
looked good. Winter wheat looked good. Corn emerged and looked good. Fruit trees also looked good. Livestock were in good condition, and spring-born calves were faring well.
emerging. Some rice was planted, but other rice plantings were delayed by rainfall. Rangeland and pasture conditions were very poor to excellent with mostly fair ratings.
FAR WEST Average high temperatures were 91 degrees with average low temperatures of 48 degrees. Overall, conditions remained extremely dry, and fire danger continued to be a concern, with 20-30 mph sustained wind most days. Precipitation ranged from trace amounts up to half an inch and some damaging hail. A tornado touched down in Pecos County and tore up fences and barns. Fieldwork was on hold until rains improve moisture conditions. Watermelons were planted and being irrigated. Corn was struggling due to short moisture. Cotton planting should begin soon. Pastures were bare, and there were reports of trees dying. Mesquite trees were still struggling to bud out. Livestock producers were supplementing cattle diets with hay and protein because pastures were in poor condition. Cattle were in fair shape considering the conditions, but some ranchers were expected to wean and ship early if poor conditions continued. Wheat fields were being used to make hay rather than take the crop to grain production. Working of lambs and kid goats was in full swing. Irrigation in pecans and alfalfa continued. No pests were reported in pecan orchards, but producers were spraying. Most Pima cotton was planted, and planted cotton had emerged.
SOUTHWEST Rainfall amounts ranged from 0.75 of an inch to 3 inches. Increased moisture helped corn, sorghum, cotton and wheat. Pasture and rangeland conditions improved slightly from the rain. Windy conditions continued across most of the area. Weather conditions continued to be hot and dry. More rainfall was needed as summer approaches. Supplemental feeding of livestock and wildlife continued.
WEST CENTRAL Some parts of the district received some muchneeded rain, while the majority stayed dry. Most areas were in desperate need of rain to improve rangeland and soil moisture conditions. Pastures were struggling to green up, and mesquite trees were flowering. Irrigated wheat was maturing. The number of cows at the sale barns increased. Short availability of grazing meant cattle had to be supplemented with highpriced feed. SOUTHEAST Parts of the district reported rainfall, but some areas had already dried. Soil moisture levels were short to adequate. Rainfall should help pastures. Producers reported favorable growing conditions. Temperatures were warmer. Ryegrass continued to decline, and warm season grasses were
SOUTH Northern and western parts of the district were very short on moisture. Eastern areas reported short moisture levels, and southern areas were short to adequate. Some areas received rainfall with totals ranging from trace amounts up to 6 inches. Some croplands had standing water in low spots. Row crop farmers were monitoring fields for emergence, but most grain and cotton had not emerged yet. Corn producers reported earworms in non-Bt varieties. Corn and sorghum fields were under irrigation. Onion harvest was wrapping up. Sugarcane aphids were reported in some sorghum fields. Some cotton aphid pressure was reported as well. Irrigation slowed in areas that received rainfall. Strawberries were still coming off, and vegetable crops were being harvested or planted. Citrus producers continued to manage trees and were hoping for better production this season. Irrigated Coastal Bermuda grass fields were producing bales. Pastures and croplands were in very poor condition in many areas, and most crops were expected to be insured out due to continued drought conditions. Wildlife and livestock were still suffering from lack of forage. Cattle producers were relying on supplemental feed, but rainfall was expected to help pastures and rangelands. Feed prices continued to rise. Some pastures and rangelands responded to the rainfall but will need time to grow for grazing. Southern areas reported hay pastures were in good condition. Stock tanks were replenished depending on rainfall runoff, but some water levels continued to decline. Cattle prices were consistent at local markets.
Growing strawberries can be difficult, but producers are seeing value in direct-to-consumer sales. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Susan Himes)
