La Feria News 9-7-22

Emilio Flores La Feria News

The Public Works Warehouse is getting some renovations that will allow them to work more efficiently and have some muchneeded space that Alfonso Rodriguez, says he’s been wanting for a long time now.

The Public Works Department is responsible for water, sewer, brush pickup, garbage pickup, street maintenance, programs for kids, and more.

The Director, Alfonso Rodriguez shares that there’s more coming.

The City will be redoing some of the parking lot at the Scott Sloan park, to make entering and exiting easier. Rodriguez also share new outdoor exercise equipment that will be installed at Memorial Park; a story to come on that.

With over 500 new homes coming to La Feria as mentioned in our previous story titled, First of Many New Subdivisions, the City is making efforts to be sure they are

ready for this kind of growth. Providing office spaces for the public works department, along with Public Works Supervisors and animal control that Rodriguez says, “Don’t have offices.”

He says the space that the department has is very limited but now they will have their own assigned offices. He says by January 15th, they should have the project finished.

He’s excited for his workers to have the space for a breakroom; having space to eat and relax. At the facility, they will also be installing working restrooms, and the break room Rodriguez says can also be used for presentations or training sessions they may need, the Director, Rodriguez, says he’s excited about that.

He says that this is something he has looked forward to.

Working for the City for close to 29 years he expresses that he's happy to see the growth and development of not only the City but also a bigger space for his

department over the years. It is something truly great. He says “You know, my guys don't have a break room,” He says that the building is so hot they usually eat out, which is also more expensive. "Now they can come,

and relax. They'll have a TV to watch aswell."

Finally, Rodriguez thanks the commissioners, the Mayor and the City Manager, for looking out for his guys and "knowing these facilities are needed."

A lot more content coming, to stay upto-date on the latest follow us on Twitter and Facebook, also don’t forget to check out our website where you can find our previous issues and exclusive content.

Overhead view of the warehouse that will have office spaces, a breakroom, restrooms along with additional renovations for more storage space

The Art of Manliness Monthly Segment

You’ve Got to Be a Man, Before You Can Be a Gentleman

“Over-sentimentality, over-softness, in fact washiness and mushiness are the great dangers of this age and of this people. Unless we keep the barbarian virtues, gaining the civilized ones will be of little avail.”

–Theodore Roosevelt

Sometimes when young men begin their journey into manhood, they start in on the gentlemanly side of things.

They dress in stylish, classic attire, don a fedora, and focus really hard on manners and etiquette. They hope that by doing so, others will recognize them as grown men, good men.

Yet oftentimes others cringe and chuckle at these would-be gents instead, and they become the fodder for “m’lady” memes on the internet.

Why do these wellmeaning but hapless guys elicit this reaction?

The best answer to that question comes from — who else? — the Duke himself.

In one of my favorite John Wayne movies — McLintock! — he drops this incredible line:

“You’ve got to be a man first before you can be a gentleman.”

Gentlemanliness

presupposes manliness. It’s a softening, a harnessing of the core characteristics of masculinity: strength, courage, mastery, and honor.

A gentleman, as scholar Harvey Mansfield put it, is a manly man with polish.

The respect given a gentleman is thus premised on constraint.

A gentleman has the ability — the power, cleverness, confidence, and even the desire — to ride roughshod over your interests, muscle you aside, and manipulate you…but, he has instead voluntarily chosen to restrain himself to follow a more moral course. He’s a coiled spring, and his self-control showcases one of the timeless markers of manhood: will.

As anthropologist Paul Friedrich puts it: “The highest praise that one can give a man is that he is capable of doing harm but chooses not to.”

Gents of the “m’lady” persuasion, however, get the equation backwards. They try to be a gentleman before becoming a man. Without the structure of the hard, tactical virtues of manliness behind them, the gentle virtues shapelessly droop and sag, and fail to engender the same kind of respect.

This is because the exercise of the gentle virtues in such men requires little to no constraint or will. If an inherently mild-mannered man demonstrates mildness, it is not an act of selfmastery, but of following the path of least resistance. As 17th century writer and philosopher Francois de La Rochefoucauld put it:

“Nobody deserves to be praised for goodness unless he is strong enough to be bad, for any other goodness is usually merely inertia or lack of will-power.”

In Roman Honor, Dr. Carlin Barton points out that in antiquity, a man who lived in involuntary poverty was not respected for his frugality, and the “impotent man got no credit for continence. Rather, self-control was most to be praised where it was least expected.” Cicero got at this idea when he said: “To the degree that moderation is more rare in kings, to that degree it is more to be lauded.”

In other words, it is most impressive for a man to demonstrate virtues that he will struggle to achieve, and be sorely tested to violate.

If an awkward man who goes about his life very quietly and privately stays

faithful to his wife for 50 years, we think it’s nice and praiseworthy. But, if say, a prime minister, who will have ample temptations to stray, exhibits the same loyalty, we are quadrupely impressed. In the first case, the man’s goodness may have more to do with a lack of opportunities than active restraint. In the latter case, we see clear evidence of the demonstration of energy and will.

Barton brings this distinction home by having the reader imagine a person who is trying to swear off junk food and decides to test their will by passing by a vending machine without making a purchase. If this man feels the pull towards getting a candy bar, but doesn’t act on it only because he doesn’t have the money, this will not constitute an exercise of his will, and the man will thus not feel empowered. Likewise, if he doesn’t buy a candy bar simply because he doesn’t know how to operate the machine, he will leave “not with a feeling of increased energy but with embarrassment and a feeling of inadequacy.” To enhance his willpower, the man must “approach the machine with both the necessary change

and full knowledge of how to work the machine.” To gain credit in his own eyes, and in the eyes of others, he must “have both the desire and the ability to transgress.”

The man who could effectively exercise his baser and primal instincts but chooses not to, is the one who wins our honor and respect.

Conclusion There’s definitely nothing wrong with cultivating gentlemanly behaviors — we’re obviously huge advocates for it! And in many ways learning how to tie a bow tie and mind your p’s and q’s is an easier and more accessible place to start improving yourself than developing things like strength, courage, and mastery.

But the real power behind manners and decorum lies in restraint. You have the ability, the raw thumos, and the desire to further your own interests to the greatest extent possible. But, you intentionally decide to harness that energy in order to act civilly, do good, and respect the interests of others. You could bulldoze and manipulate your way through each day and all the way to the top, but you don’t.

In the absence of this power, of this demonstration of manly will, gentlemanliness often reads as mealy — the gilding of one’s innate timidity. The lion who allows someone to pet him elicits respect; a house cat in a lion’s costume, only giggles. As Nietzsche put it, “I have often laughed at the weaklings who thought themselves good because they had no claws.”

Gentlemanliness without manliness fails to be empowering for its possessor, as it robs him both of the self-respect developed by winning the struggle between desires, and the honor of others who recognize the stakes of that contest.

I do disagree with the Duke on one thing though: you don’t have to prioritize manliness over gentlemanliness. It’s quite possible to work on both at the same time: opening doors for ladies and your mind to masculine philosophy, practicing your table manners and your krav maga; lifting weights, and the downtrodden.

Be a gentleman. And a scholar. And a beast.

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. La

Space Channel Launches at Texas Southmost College

Roberto Rodriguez stood in front of local media and community stakeholders to announce the exciting launch of the program which will use Texas Southmost College students as part of Space Channel’s production team.

Chairwoman Adela Garza said she has seen so many faces come through TSC’s doors to become successful and is proud more opportunities continue for students.

communities.

“It’s a testament to who we are….evolving and changing and having the courage to move forward to adapt to the times and continue to serve our communities,” Dr. Rodriguez said.

job in Hollywood to start Space Channel, explained his reasoning behind putting so much emphasis on Brownsville.

A new partnership has landed at Texas Southmost College. Space Channel, a network dedicated to video coverage on the world of aerospace travel has selected TSC students

to be the talent behind their programming in Brownsville.

Space Channel CEO Chad Mallam, TSC Board Chair Adela Garza, and TSC President Jesus

“This is an exciting opportunity for our students,” Mrs. Garza said. “All of our students are wonderful. Thank you, Space Channel, for choosing TSC.”

President Rodriguez added that through its 95 years of rich history, TSC continues to serve and be the heartbeat of our

Space Channel’s website lists Brownsville, Texas as its ‘Global News headquarters’ and the place where the network will provide engaging and informative coverage of notable space launches. TSC students will be a part of exciting moments in space history with the progress of SpaceX’s operations at Starbase, Boca Chica Beach. As well as reporting on the wave of space-related companies arriving in the Brownsville region.

Mallam, who left his

“We wanted to put Space Channel at the apex of what’s happening in the industry,” Mallam said. “We met Dr. Rodriguez and were impressed with his compassion and how he talked about the students, the campus, and everything that is going on at TSC.”

Following the press conference, Mallam and Bob Schefferine, COO of Space Channel, headed to the North/South Courtyard to take part in Welcome Week activities to recruit potential students for the network.

Stephanie Hernandez was one of those students that stopped by the booth to put her name down.

“I’ve always been interested in space, galaxies, and stars. When SpaceX came down here I thought it was pretty awesome for the community. So, when I saw the Space Channel booth I thought ‘Wow that’s a way for me to learn skills and get involved at the same time.’ “

Both Mallam and Schefferine were pleased to see lines of eager students putting their names in the hat to be on-air, behind the camera, and editing talent.

The network predicts news stories coming live from Texas Southmost College will occur in 30 days.

If you missed Space Channel’s booth on-campus students can reach out to the network using crew@ spacechannel.com

UT System Board of Regents Approves $145M Funding for UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center

The center will allow for the provision of comprehensive cancer and surgical services that are on the leading edge of medicine, by serving as an incubator to train the physicians and scientist leaders of the future.

By News and Internal Communications

EDINBURG, TEXAS

– AUG. 29, 2022 –The University of Texas System Board of Regents has approved more than $145 million in funding for the new UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center that will provide imperative healthcare services to the Rio Grande Valley.

The approved funding – $145,723,401 – will come from the Permanent University Fund (PUF), Tuition Revenue Bond (TRB), and other funding and gifts, including a recent $1 million donation from the City of McAllen toward this project.

“This crucial funding will help address an underserved healthcare need in our region and

provide unprecedented education and research opportunities for our physicians and students,” said UTRGV President Guy Bailey. “I’d like to thank the UT System Board of Regents for believing in our goal of serving as a major catalyst for healthcare and well-being in the Valley. This center truly will be a gamechanger for our region.”

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, a world leader in cancer care and research, is providing oncology advisory services to the Cancer and Surgery Center, to develop and launch the program.

In addition, development plans were approved for the three-story center that will be located on the UTRGV McAllen Academic Medical Campus, on the south side of Pecan

Boulevard between Jackson and McColl roads, within the 495 Commerce Center development.

“I would like to congratulate UTRGV President Bailey for his leadership in helping to make a cancer research center in the Valley a reality,” McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos said. “The City of McAllen is proud to make this donation for development of this cancer research center.”

The 144,231-square-foot Cancer and Surgery Center will include:

• A radiation oncology clinic.

• Medical oncology clinic.

• Diagnostic imaging suite.

Rehabilitation therapy.

• Ambulatory surgery center.

• Orthopedics center.

“This is tremendous news for us, as it will serve the student and patient care needs in the region by providing firstclass multidisciplinary education, research and clinical services,” said Dr. Michael Hocker, dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine. “We are looking forward to providing opportunities to expand cancer research and healthcare in the Valley, as our area has a higher rate of many cancers, with the majority in advanced stages at initial detection.”

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, offi ce: 502 S. Canal church: 500 South Canal St., La Feria, Saturday Mass 5:30pm, Sunday Mass 8am Spanish, 10am English, 12pm Bilingual.

Christ In Our midst missionary Church Pastor: Rev. Daniel Carrizalez 956-742-6311

1 mile N. of FM 506, La Feria Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Sunday Worship - 11:00 a.m., Wednesday Service - 7:00 p.m., Monday Prayer - 7:00 p.m.

New Hope presbyterian Church 208 West Central Ave, La Feria,TX, 956-277-0208

Services Sunday 4:30 pm Sunday School 3:15 pm Communion on the 1st Sunday of every month

Cowboy Church 11235 Swift Ln. Santa Rosa, Tex. Service at 11:00am Sunday 6:30pm pm Monday 956-975-6144 www.westernoutreach.org St. paul Lutheran Church Pastor Nathan Wendorf Sundays 8:00AM (Traditional) HC fi rst, third & fth 10:30AM (Contemporary) HC second, fourth & fth (956) 423-3924 602 Morgan Blvd. Harlingen, TX 78550 church@saintpaulharlingen.com templo Getsemani Pastor Julio y Claudia Mendoza

First Baptist Church, La Feria

The 20th chapter of The Revelation describes a great white throne and a final judgment. All of the dead, great and small stand before that throne for judgment. None are exempt from the judgment. John says, even, “The sea gave up the dead which were in it.”

Recent droughts have so lowered water levels that “the sea” has been giving up a lot recently.

China’s Yangtze River has given up Buddhist statues over 600 years old. Spain has seen the emergence of a prehistoric stone circle dubbed the "Spanish Stonehenge.” The Danube’s low levels have given up the hulks of dozens of explosives-laden German warships sunk during World War Two.

Even here in Texas, the waters of Dinosaur State Park have given up dinosaur tracks 113 million years old. The most gruesome revelation is from Lake Mead where low water levels have given up four sets of human remains. “The sea” really has given up the dead.

All of this might tempt us to become apocalyptic prophets of doom, screaming, “The End is Here!” But as the waters recede something more sobering may be true. Nothing remains buried. All shall be revealed. Or, as the Bible says, “Be assured your sin will find you out.” Thank God for grace. Bixby La Feria Iglesia bautista 956-797-1740 Conquista Exp. 83 Suite A. La Feria Sunday Service 10am Bible Study, 11am Worship Service, 7pm Wednesday Family Service

Rendering of UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center. (UTRGV Photo)

Texas Southmost College and Space Channel announced a partnership that will provide TSC students an opportunity to be the talent behind their programming during a press conference at the TSC Performing Arts Center Wednesday, August 24, 2022. From left, Texas Southmost College President Dr. Jesús Roberto Rodríguez, Space Channel COO Bob Schefferine, TSC Board of Trustees Chair Adela Garza and Space Channel CEO Chad Mallam.

LEGAL NOTICE

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 956-440-8900 Brownsville, Texas 78520 1018 East Tyler Harlingen TX 78550

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

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. TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that Letter Testamentary in the Estate of Sharon O. Taylor Deceased, were issued to Mark William Taylor, on August 17, 2022, in Cause No. 2022 CPC 00226 now pending in the County Court at Law Number Four of Cameron County, Texas. Claims should be addressed to the Independent Executor, c/o Hamilton & Lucio, P.C., 805 Old Port Isabel Road, Brownsville, 78521

A Rough Start La Feria Opens 2022 Season vs Donna

By Ruben Rodriguez La Feria News

The La Feria Lions kicked off the 2022 Texas High School Football Season against the Donna Redskins. High expectations are on the Lions, who had a great 2021, finishing as the 164A Division One District Champions. After a short stint in the playoffs, the Lions took advantage of a lengthy offseason to prepare for 2022.

The Lions defense was put to the test as the Donna Redskins went on the offensive early, scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter, jumping to a 14-0 lead. The Redskins would extend their lead to 21-0 on a touchdown three minutes into the second quarter. La Feria would score as Justin Rodriguez caught a 10 yard touchdown pass into the endzone to make it 21-7.

Donna would pick up two more touchdowns before the half to lead 35-7.

In the Third quarter, Donna tacked on one more touchdown to lead 42-7 in the third quarter. La Feria would boost the offense in the fourth quarter as The Lions scored two more touchdowns before the final whistle. Despite the strong effort by the Lions, Donna would prevail 42-21.

La Feria will take on PSJA Southwest next as they look to prepare for a lengthy district.

Warrior Strong Santa Rosa opens 2022 Football Season with big win

By Ruben Rodriguez La Feria News

The Santa Rosa Warriors opened up the 2022 Texas High School Football Season with a big win over the Marine Military Academy Leathernecks of Harlingen. Coming off a State Title Game appearance in 2021, the Leathernecks were looking to give Santa Rosa a test on

week one.

The Warriors took control on a strong offense and played excellent defense to shut down the Leathernecks on both sides of the ball. The Warriors relied on a fast paced offense and a high coverage defense all night. Santa Rosa would hold on to win 34-0 and capture a big win to kick off the season.

Santa Rosa’s remaining

schedule is September 2 vs St. Joseph Academy. The Warriors will take on La Villa next, then Progreso. The Warriors’ district opponents consist of George West, Odem, Monte Alto, Taft, Hebbronville and Banquete.

The Warriors look to recover after a rough 2021 schedule, going 2-8 overall and 1-5 in District.

The Next Chapter Poem Collectors

Keep Medicines, Vitamins and Supplements

Safely out of Children’s Reach

(StatePoint) While you may already understand the importance of keeping 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 approximately 220,000 ingestions by young children reported to U.S. poison centers. Pediatric hospitalizations and more serious outcomes also increased, largely due to an increase in unintentional melatonin ingestions,” says Mary

Leonard, managing director, Consumer Healthcare Product Association (CHPA) Educational Foundation.

“Much like medication, you take vitamins 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 Foundation 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 following tips can help:

• Keep medicines, vitamins and other supplements (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 counter, table or at a sick child’s bedside.

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

• Always relock the safety 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, vitamins, and supplements out of their sight and reach,” says Leonard.

PAC Art Exhibit Features Valley Nature Theme

UTRGV

By Santana Peralez

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – AUG. 26, 2022 – "Sophia’s Song," showcasing artwork by Rio Grande Valley-based artist Jessica Monroe, is on exhibit at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex (PAC) on the Edinburg Campus.

The exhibit, which runs through the end of the fall semester in December, is free and open to the public.

Monroe’s paintings, completed over the course of several years, focus on the Valley’s natural assets, like the undergrowth of area landscapes and large-scale details of native plants and insects.

“What is consistent throughout is a love and respect for the natural world,” Monroe said.

“I stay with this subject believing that nature offers

us a window to Hagia Sophia, or Divine Wisdom. In her rhythms, the cycles of season and life. I feel an interconnectedness with all things. I am home.”

Monroe, a Valley native, spent her summers in Lasara on her grandparents’ ranch, surrounded by the native plants and animals, and she remembers how reluctant she was to leave the ranch for the Edinburg suburbs, where she grew up and still lives.

“For me, getting back to the native plants and animals of this area honors this space. And on a personal level, it's my respite,” Monroe said.

She said many of the Valley’s natural spaces have been lost, taken over by buildings and roads and other development.

“We're losing something that makes this area unique. We're losing part of our identity. We're losing access to these beautiful spaces that serve to recharge us and reconnect us to nature,” she said.

Dr. Dahlia Guerra, UTRGV assistant vice president of Public Art and Special Projects, said Monroe’s deep reverence for the natural beauty of the Valley is evident throughout the exhibit.

“We are delighted to showcase Monroe’s ‘Sophia's Song’ exhibit and her representation of Valley landscapes and nature,” she said. “The PAC strives to inspire our visitors with annual artistic exhibits,

so they can experience a variety of wonderful cultural events.”

Monroe originally wasn’t sure of the exhibition would happen because she had a newborn baby, and the COVID-19 pandemic was well underway. She couldn’t paint, and she didn’t have new inventory.

So, she decided to select pieces from different series that she already had painted.

“The PAC is such a phenomenal space,” Monroe said. “And, if you're given the opportunity to have your work in this gorgeous building, you figure out

how to make it happen. And that's what we did.” She also was excited to have her exhibition at the PAC because it is a performing arts space.

“I've gone there and seen the Ballet Folklórico and the mariachis. There is this energy and rhythm in the performances that are presented within that space, and I feel very connected to that in a visual way as an artist,” she said.

“The PAC has these big, beautiful windows connecting visitors to the outside space, and my work is all about the outdoors. So, it just feels like a phenomenal show that I'm really glad came together.”

Forensic Macro Photography at TSC

Advanced photography class teaches Law Enforcement to Identify the missing

this, I understand academic knowledge is important but what’s even more important is practical knowledge,” Kimbriel said. “There are a lot of practical exercises. The goal of the training is for them to become very confident in taking photographs and the paperwork associated with that.”

Kimbriel’s class teaches everything from the basics of the equipment to advanced practices of the trade.

Identifying bodies of missing, abandoned or murdered persons is tough work and can be grim. However, it is extremely important to be quick and efficient for both the law enforcement agency involved and for families and loved ones waiting for closure.

Texas Southmost College offers a Forensic Macro Photography course, in two sections, that allows officers and future officers a chance to learn, sharpen and advance a highly indemand skill. Graduates will leave the course able to provide a valuable tool to a department that can save

thousands of dollars per identification.

When it comes to learning a craft that includes taking highquality photos of missing persons that may have been decomposing for weeks, months, even years, it pays to learn from an instructor with decades of in-the-field experience.

That’s where course instructor Thomas Kimbriel comes in, bringing in-the-field experience to the program. He explained that this skill is helpful for all types of searches from crime victims and cold cases to migrant fatalities to

missing elderly.

“It doesn’t matter why the body has been encountered,” Kimbriel said. “If it’s a murder victim it’s the same thing, the quicker we can start on reconstructing the person’s last 72 hours, the better chance of getting a successful resolution. We’re talking about getting I.D.s in less than a week which costs an agency nothing compared to getting DNA.”

Macro photography, using DSLR cameras, is valuable technology especially when it’s difficult to get a fingerprint from a body.

“Because I have done

“The photographs are very difficult to take so we start from the beginning,” Kimbriel said. “We start to teach them how to use the camera in general and then we go into advanced techniques like painting with light, ambient light, long exposure photography for night crime scenes.”

Advancing agencies

Kimbriel spoke about the value that can be created by efficiently identifying missing persons compared to the storage and DNA cost.

He spoke about a nearby county that deals with a high volume of deceased migrants.

“An identification after 3

days saved the department $3,500 on one case...that county is close to 200 bodies this year,” Kimbriel said. “I could train three of their deputies, using their own equipment and that county would be selfsufficient for the cost of storing one body.

Director of the Criminal Justice Institute, Willemina Edwards, served as a Lieutenant in the Dallas Police Department. She emphasized the importance of Kimbriel’s contributions to the police academy.

“His area of expertise stood out when we first brought him on board,” Edwards said. “He is a subject matter expert on crime scenes. Adding intermediate crime scene is a benefit to in-service officers who are already in the field. He’s brought more technology into the courses. We’re looking into adding specifics on advanced fingerprinting, 3D scanning. We’re building out an advanced crime scene certification process.”

Kimbriel spoke about the support from Texas Southmost College has allowed him to provide realistic scenarios and

mock-crime scenes. “It’s been wonderful,” he said. “I must have a certain number of kits and equipment to do the cases. I have my own classroom with everything I need to support that. We have a car to do crime scene analysis. Our students get realistic, real-world scenarios to be able to take these photos.”

This class is an attractive option for police officers looking to fulfill annual Texas Commission on Law Enforcement credits.

The course is five days in a row with a short break between sections to ease scheduling for the agency sending an officer for training. Each section is set at $500, which Kimbriel says is a huge value for the skills attained during the course.

While the course provides great benefits for current law enforcement officers, you do not need to be a sworn officer.

For information on registering for the course, you can reach out to Mr. Kimbriel at (956) 295-3724 or can e-mail criminaljusticeinst@tsc. edu

An art piece from Jessica Monroe's series of paintings currently on display at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg Campus. The free exhibit, titled "Sophia's Song," will be on display through December. (Courtesy Photo)

Rio Grande Valley-based artist Jessica Monroe at work. (Courtesy Photo)

Artwork that is part of “Sophia’s Song,” an exhibit at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg Campus. (Courtesy Photo)