La Feria News 8-31-22

Four La Feria ISD Board of Trustees spots the ballot

The City of La Feria received its new sanitary vehicle two weeks ago. Public Works Director, Alfonso Rodriguez, says it's gonna “make all the difference.” The new Sanitary truck will allow the City to service the larger three cubic yard bins once they start incorporating; that doubles the size that the City can service which is much needed for the larger commercial accounts they have.

Rodriguez shares that they have over 3,500 accounts that they service. Not only that, Rodriguez explains that one account might have several trash bins to be serviced every week. The Stripes for example, has five or six and Whataburger about seven. So, though there are 3,500 accounts there are many more actual bins to service with only more to come with the new subdivisions.

As of running against current place 4 board and board president Lisa Montalvo. For Place 5, which is by Gloria Casas, candidate

Loredo Candidates Aurora Hinojosa Olga Estrada

board seat, which is held by member Katie Johnson. Place 7 board member Juan Briones is the only member that will run unopposed this election.

The new equipment will definitely be put to work according to Rodriguez.

He says this is the third truck that the City Board Members Seeking

Emilio Flores La Feria News

Lisa Montalvo, 4 Gloria Casas, Place 5

Katie Johnson, Place 6 Juan Briones, Place 7

has now, the two other Sanitary trucks are over 10 years old; one of them being closer to fifteen years old.

La Feria will be servicing around 500 new residents with all the new subdivisions. With that being said, the city is trying to prepare. One nice feature about the truck is that front loading arms have attachable accessories to accommodate the larger 3 cubic bins. Surprisingly, all this large machinery can easily be operated by one worker. Making the new invest a valuable asset to the fleet.

Alfonso shares that they are staying very busy, and there’s more development to come that La Feria

News is excited to share as we get closer to the end of the 2022 year. Stay up-to-date by following us

on our social media and by checking out our website at laferinews.net

Keep Medicines, Vitamins and Supplements Safely out of Children’s Reach

(StatePoint) While you may already understand the importance of keep ing medicines safely up and away from the reach of little ones, you may not be treating your vitamins and other supplements with as much care. Experts warn that these products also pose safety risks and should be kept up and away and out of sight and reach of young children.

“We’ve seen this play out recently with melatonin supplements. Recent data show that between 2012–2021, the annual number of pediatric ingestions of melatonin increased more than 500%, with approxi mately 220,000 ingestions by young children reported to U.S. poison centers. Pe diatric hospitalizations and more serious outcomes also increased, largely due to an increase in unintentional melatonin ingestions,” says Mary Leonard, managing director, Consumer Health care Product Associa tion (CHPA) Educational Foundation. “Much like medication, you take vita mins and supplements to feel your best, but they can be dangerous if left out and within reach of children in

the home.”

To keep kids safe, the CHPA Educational Founda tion in collaboration with the Up and Away campaign of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionled PROTECT Initiative, is reminding families that safe medicine storage also includes vitamins and other supplements. To prevent accidental ingestions, keep all medicines, vitamins and other supplements -including those in gummy form -- up and away and out of sight and reach of young children. The fol lowing tips can help:

• Keep medicines, vitamins and other supple ments (including those carried in purses, bags, pockets or pill organizers) in a safe location that is too high for young children to reach or see.

• Never leave medicines or vitamins out on a coun ter, table or at a sick child’s bedside.

• At home or away, keep medicines in child-resistant containers until right before you take them.

• Always relock the safe ty cap on bottles. If it has a locking cap that turns, twist it until you can’t twist

anymore or until you hear the “click.”

• Teach children what medicine and vitamins are and why you or another caregiver must be the one to give it to them.

• Never tell children that medicine or vitamins are candy so they’ll take it, even if your child doesn’t like to take their medicine.

• Remind babysitters, houseguests and visitors that purses, bags or jackets that have medicines or vitamins in them should be kept up and away and out of sight when they’re in your home.

• Keep the Poison Help number in all of your phones: (800) 222-1222 or text “POISON” TO 797979 to automatically save it.

For additional tips, safety information, and resources to spread these messages visit upandaway.org.

“Children are curious by nature, always getting their little hands into something they shouldn’t. We can’t stop their inquiring minds, but we can keep them safe by keeping medicines, vita mins, and supplements out of their sight and reach,” says Leonard.

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 551.001551.146. PM E. Commercial La Feria, TX

STC Valley Scholars Program Continues To Change Lives

Initiative (TSI) College Ready or exempt.

Throughout the year, Valley Scholar recipients also participate in community service activities such as Keep McAllen Beautiful, Relay for Life for the American Cancer Association, Food Bank RGV, Rio Grande Children’s Home and annual holiday toy drives, including serving as STC Student Ambassadors.

More than 1,000 students have been helped through this program - one of those students is Coral Suarez, who serves as class president and said she is really excited to be a part of the Valley Scholars Program.

“My family and I really need the financial help in order for me to go to college,” said the 18-yearold Rio Grande City native.

really need the help and we greatly appreciate the financial assistance available to us through this program,” she said. “A big thank you to STC and the donors that make this possible.”

The Valley Scholars Program will host its annual scholarship fundraiser “A Night with the Stars,” gala on October 13, where support from sponsors and donors help provide scholarship funds to high-achieving students.

Amanda Sotelo

South Texas College is entering a new semester with a brand-new class of Valley Scholars – class 26.

The 25 students that make up this year’s Valley Scholars cohort have each received a $2,000 scholarship that will be divided into four semesters to help with tuition, books, supplies and other basic

needs.

Lacy Culpepper, STC coordinator of Academic Excellence Programs, said every year it’s exciting getting to work with these students who are highly motivated individuals.

“Many of these students are first-generation college students and the goal of achieving a degree is massive for them and their families,” said Culpepper.

“They are a group of movers and shakers who have the drive to overcome generational roadblocks and I’m always impressed with how well they balance school, work, home and volunteer opportunities. We are blessed to have had them choose STC.”

The Valley Scholars program was established at STC in 1997 to recognize and encourage academic

excellence by providing scholarships, academic support, mentoring and leadership development to students from Hidalgo and Starr counties.

To qualify for the Valley Scholars Program, students must be a recent high school graduate in Hidalgo or Starr County, must be in the top 10% of their class or have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and are Texas Success

“Receiving this scholarship will allow me to pay for my classes and save up for a car so I can have reliable transportation to get to school. This program has a lot to offer and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

The Social Work student said she is thankful to STC and the donors who ensure that students have access to a college education.

“As students, we

“We encourage our community to consider sponsoring this annual scholarship fundraiser and supporting our top-performing students that want to stay in the Rio Grande Valley and pursue their dreams of a higher education,” said Dr. Anahid Petrosian, interim vice president for Academic Affairs. “Valley Scholars attain degrees, provide countless hours of community service and are well on their way to improving the lives of their families and our community.”

For more information on the Valley Scholars Program and how to become a sponsor, visit southtexascollege.edu/ nightwithstars or call 956872-6440

First Baptist Church, La Feria

In 1988, Salman Rushdie published his novel, “The Satanic Verses.” Declaring the book blasphemous, Iran’s leader issued a fatwa the next year, calling on every Muslim to assassinate Rushdie, “sending him to hell.” It took 34 years, but a few weeks ago, Rushdie was stabbed multiple times at a speaking event in upstate New York. He is expected to recover, although with life changing injuries.

It would be easy to say, “That is a Muslim issue.” But blaspheme is not just a sin in Islam.

Leviticus 24:16. “One who blasphemes the name of the Lord shall be put to death.” Every religion is compelled to defend their god. However, does God really need our defense?

In Isaiah 46, the prophet mocked the Babylonian gods, Bel and Nebo. He said, when attacked, the worshipers must protect their gods from capture by loading them on overburdened donkeys, to carry them to safety. Which begs the old question. Do you have to carry and defend your god? Or, is God someone who carries us?

-Mark S. Ross DMin.

Every year, the STC Valley Scholars Program awards 25 high-achieving, college-bound students with $2,000 scholarships.

These Valley Scholars pictured are Class 26 of the program that has served more than 1,000 students in Hidalgo and Starr counties.

LEGAL NOTICE

APPLICATION HAS BEEN MADE WITH THE TEXAS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE COMMISSION FOR A BREWER’S LICENSE (BW) PERMIT BY PLUTON BREWING CO. INC. LOCATED AT 805 E ELIZABETH ST, CAMERON COUNTY, BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS 78520. PRESIDENT, BEING DANIEL ARIZPE.

LEGAL NOTICE

APPLICATION HAS BEEN MADE WITH THE TEXAS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE COMMISSION FOR A WHOLESALER’S PERMIT BY DIAZ EXPORTS LLC DBA DIAZ EXPORTS, TO BE LOCATED AT 4605 E RUBEN TORRES BOULEVARD, SUITE B, BROWNSVILLE, CAMERON COUNTY, TEXAS. OFFICERS OF SAID LLC ARE BALDOMERO I. DIAZ – MANAGING MEMBER, JAVIER B. RAMIREZ – MEMBER, CARLOS R. TIRADO - MEMBER

Daniel Zuniga IN THE 103RD § OF Anette Gonzalez § CAMERON

TO: Anette Gonzalez, DEFENDANT – GREETINGS:

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." "

You are hereby commanded to appear by filing a written answer to the Original Petition 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 103rd District Court of Cameron County, at the Courthouse in said County in Brownsville, Texas. Said Original Petition was filed in said court on the 29th day of July, 2022 in the above entitled cause.

A brief statement of the nature of this suit is as follows, to-wit: Trespass to Try Title as is more fully shown by Original Petition on file in this suit.

Issued and given under my hand and seal of said Court at Brownsville, Texas, on this the 22nd day of August, 2022.

ATTORNEY: Laura Perez-Reyes TRAVIS BENCE District Clerk of Cameron County 24029441 974 E Harrison Street

Nearing Opening Kickoff!

One more preseason game before Dallas and Houston begin the regular season

By Ruben Rodriguez La Feria News

With week one of the 2022 NFL Season nearly underway, the preseason for the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans continue to prepare for week one. However, the preseason has fared differently for both teams.

For America’s team, the preseason calendar has been an up and down roller coaster. Week one Dallas suffered a big 17-7 loss after defensive dominance by the Denver Broncos. Week two saw a completely different Cowboys team as they

took on the Los Angeles Chargers. Great offense and defense propelled Dallas to a 32-18 win. Now with one more game to go, Dallas will host their first preseason game at home against the Seattle Seahawks.

For the Houston Texans, things have been smooth sailing. Houston opened week one with a 17-13 win over the New Orleans Saints in a thrilling nail biter. Houston again has been evenly matched with every team in the preseason calendar. In week two, the Texans faced off against the defending Super Bowl

Champion Los Angeles Rams. In another close knit game, Houston came out on top 24-20. Heading towards week three, the Texans will take on NFC West Powerhouse, The San Francisco 49ers.

With Houston 2-0 and Dallas 1-1. Both teams look to gear up for the regular season. Dallas will face off against Tampa Bay, Cincinnati and New York in the first three games. The Texans will face off against Indianapolis, Denver and Chicago in their first three weeks.

Ready for Fall

Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys 2022 Schedules released

By Ruben Rodriguez La Feria News

With the 2022-23 NFL Season Fast approaching, The Houston Texans and the Dallas Cowboys are waiting anxiously for opening day. Here are the 2022-23 Schedules for Houston and Dallas.

For the AFC South’s Houston Texans, the Preseason will feature the New Orleans Saints on August 13, the Los Angeles Rams on August 19, The Regular season kicks off on September 11th against the Indianapolis Colts. Week 2 against the Denver Broncos on September 18th. Week 3 against the Chicago Bears on September 25th. Week 4 against the LA Chargers. Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Week 6 will be the Texans’ BYE week.

Week 7 against the Las

Vegas Raiders. Week 8 against the Tennessee Titans, week 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Week 10 against the New York Giants. Week 11 against the Washington Commanders. Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins. Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns. Week 14 against the Dallas Cowboys. Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Week 16 against the Tennessee Titans. Week 17 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Week 18 against the Indianapolis Colts.

With an exciting calendar for the Houston Texas, Fans all over South Texas are happily counting the days until the preseason. Now

For the Dallas Cowboys

The regular season begins September 11th on Sunday Night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Week 3 against

the New York Giants. Week 4 against the Washington Commanders. Week 5 against the LA Rams. Week 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Week 7 against the Detroit Lions. Week 8 against the Chicago Bears. Dallas will have their BYE Week on week 9. Week 10 will kick off against the Green Bay Packers. Week 11 against the Minnesota Vikings. Week 12 against the New York Giants. Week 13 against the Indianapolis Colts. Week 14 against the Houston Texans. Week 15 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans. And lastly, Week 18 against the Washington Commanders.

The Next Chapter Poem Plowin’

by James E. Arnold

Hitchin’ the mules

Early each day

To get his plowing Under way.

He knows that in

The midday sun Them stubborn critters

Ain’t much fun.

With strength of purpose

And hand on rein

He plows and breaks

The sod again.

For furrow straight

He sights a post

HHSC Receives Federal Grant to Expand Fraud Prevention Efforts

Agency Working to Develop Innovative Strategies to Prevent Fraud

AUSTIN – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded the Texas

Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) a federal grant of more than $400,000 to

And guides the plow

Where e’er it goes And as the sun

Climbs hotter and hotter

His mules get thirsty

And balk for water.

‘Til they drink

And get their fill

He knows the plow

Is lying still.

At end of day

With aching back

He puts the tack

Up on its rack.

And limps to bed

To get his rest

A goodly man

Has passed life’s test.

further the agency’s fraud prevention efforts for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

HHSC has prevented the misuse of more than $147 million in public funds since 2017 by identifying and stopping potential fraudulent payments for SNAP, Medicaid, and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

"We are extremely proud to be the recipients of this grant and know that it will have a positive impact on the work we do to put taxpayer dollars to good use in Texas,” said Wayne Salter, deputy executive commissioner for HHSC Access and Eligibility Services.

The grant will be

used to provide ongoing support for HHSC staff to receive training, develop innovative fraud prevention training methods, and conduct an educational campaign for the public on fraud prevention. The grant period is from August 2022 through August 2024.

Misuse of benefits can result in loss of benefits, fines and criminal charges. If someone suspects or knows about fraud, waste or abuse by clients or providers in health and human services programs, HHS urges people to call the HHS Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-436-6184 or visit ReportTexasFraud.com.

The Annual Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center

Who: The Narciso Martínez Cultural Arts Center

What: 29th Annual Conjunto Festival

When: October 7,8,9, 2022

Where: Los Fresnos Memorial Park, 900 North Arroyo Blvd, LOS FRESNOS, TEXAS.

Admission: $10.00 per day or $25.00 for 3-day pass

Los Fresnos, Texas. The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center proudly presents the 29th Annual Conjunto Festival. This 3-day event is a one-ofa-kind cultural program attracting over 2,500 people for a celebration of the best in live Texas Mexican Conjunto music. This year the festival will include 16 Conjuntos from the Rio Grande Valley, Dallas, Kingsville, Laredo, Victoria, Seguin, and San Antonio, Texas. The 16band line-up is filled with the most highly skilled musicians who continue to maintain the Conjunto music tradition alive. We will also feature the Los Fresnos Elementary Conjunto and the Los Fresnos High School

Conjunto Halcon. The line-up includes beginning musicians to the older musicians who are ready to bring Conjunto lovers to the dance floor for a great time.

The Conjunto tradition rests on the shoulders of these musicians. The 29th Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival is the longest running Conjunto festival in the Rio Grande Valley, and 1 of 2 festivals within the Conjunto musical genre in the nation. The Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival is the largest cultural production of the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center, which was founded on October 29, 1991, on Narciso Martinez’ 80th birthday.

Enjoy 3 days of live Conjunto music. There will be dancing, food, beverages, and authentic RGV driven hospitality. Bring your own lawn chairs. NO OUTSIDE BEVERAGES OR FOOD WILL BE ALLOWED. We look forward to a safe and healthy event. We will follow all COVID-19 protocols.

The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center

preserves, promotes and develops the rich cultural heritage of the Mexicano community through programs in the visual arts, music, theater, dance, and literature.

FRIDAY: October 7, 2022

Ole Trevino y Su Conjunto Conjunto Imprezzion Grupo Azido

Issac De Los Santos y Sangre Chicana Morales Brothers

SATURDAY: October 8, 2022

Conjunto Halcón (Los Fresnos High School) and Los Fresnos Elementary Conjunto D Boys Conjunto Cats

HACHE 3 Epi Martinez and Friends Flavio Longoria and Conjunto Kings Tejano Boys

Sunday: October 9, 2022

Riley y Los Gilitos Cindy Ramos y Su Conjunto Gilberto Perez, Jr. y Su Conjunto La Naturaleza Max Baca and Texmaniacs

Conjunto Festival To

By Saira Cabrera RIO GRANDE

VALLEY, TEXAS –AUG. 10, 2022 – UT

Health RGV physicians encourage men in the community to become proactive in their health and schedule checkups.

Gerardo MuñozMonaco, medical director for the UTHealth RGV Family Medicine Clinic in Mercedes, knows the importance of making his own health a priority – not only for himself and his family, but for his patients, as well.

"What men, and all people, need to do to take care of themselves and their body is very simple," he said. "We need to start by understanding that the mentality surrounding the ‘If it ain't broken, don't fix it’ attitude cannot be applied when it comes to one's health."

Muñoz-Monaco, M.D., F.A.A.F.P. – who also is program director for the UT Health RGV / Knapp Family Health Center and chief of Family Medicine for Knapp Medical Center – said that, just as with anything in life, physical and mental health are not accrued over time; we must work on them in the long term.

"It doesn't come in six months or a year," he said. "It's a process of dedication and continuous work."

He recommends that men start seeing a physician at least once a year because routine

visits with primary care providers can help prevent escalation of illness and disease.

“We should do every test that we can to help avoid diseases and apply primary prevention as much as possible," he said.

"Primary care prevention should be the priority, and men need to understand that they have to make time just for that."

START YESTERDAY

Health professionals recommend that men schedule their first visit with a primary care physician by the age of 20, though starting immediately, no matter one’s age, can still help.

"If you haven't had the chance, you need to do it now," MuñozMonaco said. "The American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Heart Association recommend that you see your physician every year.

By age, by BMI (body mass index) after 25, you probably need to start seeing a physician every year. It's important. Start yesterday; start as soon as you can."

A SIMPLE TALK

Jennifer L. Ortega, a behavioral scientist and clinical assistant professor of Family and Community Medicine at UT Health RGV/Knapp Family Health Center, said being conscious about healthy habits can start with having a simple talk with

your doctor.

"Start by having a conversation with your primary care provider," said Ortega, D.P.C., L.P.C. "Talking about how you're feeling, your health concerns, or discussing lab results, is a good start."

As a behavioral scientist, Orteaga said it is important for her to understand the big picture.

“It’s essential because physical and mental health are connected," she said.

She recommends that patients who don’t have a primary care doctor stop by one of the UT Health RGV clinics to see what the best course of action is for their individual needs.

"The physicians at UT Health RGV will work with you on developing a plan," Ortega said. "They'll refer you to dieticians or specialists, if needed, and they will refer you to get physical therapy, depending on what you need."

REGULAR EXERCISE

Both Ortega and Muñoz-Monaco agree that because physical and mental health are interconnected, excise plays a vital role in overall well-being.

"Just like you have a work schedule, you need to have an exercise schedule and you need to embed it into your schedule somehow," Muñoz-Monaco said. "It requires dedication. It

requires some sacrifice. But it also comes with great benefits."

Ortega said getting more physical activity into your daily routine starts by setting realistic goals.

"We never want to set up an unattainable goal," she said. "Start by getting out there and simply doing a bit of exercise. It doesn't mean you have to be in the gym for hours – it could just be a little walk around the neighborhood, the subdivision, or the local park. Do small, attainable and realistic things for yourself."

DON'T WAIT

Both health care professionals recommend that men see a physician at least once a year to avoid more significant health issues.

"Be proactive about your health; be proactive about your wellness," Muñoz-Monaco said. "We're available. Walkins are welcome – we have 20 physicians at the Mercedes clinic ready to see patients of all ages.

“We are here to educate patients on what's better for them and what's best for their conditions, and to provide individualized care,” he said. “Let's start being more proactive about our health."

For more information on UTHealth locations and services, visit UTHealthRGV.org.

Dr. Jennifer L. Ortega, behavioral health, counseling/ psychotherapist for the UT Health RGV/Knapp Family Health Center and clinical assistant professor for the Knapp Family Medicine Residency Program, says healthy habits can start by having a simple talk with your doctor. (UTRGV Photo)

Dr. Gerardo Muñoz-Monaco, program director for the UT Health RGV/Knapp Family Health Center, chief of Family Medicine for Knapp Medical Center, and medical director for the UTHealth RGV Family Medicine Clinic at Mercedes, knows the importance of making his health a priority. (UTRGV Photo)