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www.losfresnosnews.net
City Manager Annual Evaluation Gets Council Approval By Tony Vindell
Community COVID-19 vaccination clinics on the rise
Page 2 Cameron County order issued after rising COVID-19 Cases
City Manager Mark Milum’s job as the city‘s chief administrator was discussed by the Los Fresnos City Council and he received a satisfactory evaluation. The council met in executive session during its first meeting of 2021 held Tuesday, Jan. 12. Milum has been city manager for 16 years, running a workforce of 60 employees and a budget of more than $8.1 million. He has said the city’s finances are in excellent condition and keeps reaping the benefits of an economic and population growth. In other business, the council approved a “Thank a Teacher” campaign to appreciate those work-
City Secretary Jacqueline Moya, left, receiving a plaque from Los Fresnos Mayor Alex Flores.
ing with the local school district. The board heard a report from Val Champion, the executive director of the local Chamber of Commerce, about the many events ei-
ther organized or co-hosted by the organization. A service agreement with the University of Texas Health Science Center was also approved so the city can continue
City Manager Mark Milum said the county contacted the city earlier about hosting a clinic. The initial plant was to hold the event on Friday, Jan. 15, but that changed as the vaccines arrived earlier than anticipated. A second clinic took place Friday, Jan. 15 at the Brownsville Sports Complex. The changes in plans drew complaints from area residents because as it was a last-minute decision. However, the most important thing is that some 5,000 additional vaccines were available. Los Fresnos and Brownsville clinics followed the first mass vaccination campaign held in Cameron County and up 2,000 people received the anti-virus shots.
The campaign was held on Jan. 8 at Casa del Sol in Harlingen and it was organized by the county’s Public Health Department and the city. Initially, 1,000 Moderna vaccines were on track to be administered, but another 1,000 shots were confirmed to arrive by about 10 a.m. on the day of the mass vaccination. Among those receiving a shot was Corinne Acuna of Brownsville. “I got in line since 5 a.m. today,” she said, while waiting for the suggested 15 minutes observation after a shot was given. “ Acuna said it was worth waiting for five hours. “I wasn’t sure I was going to get a shot but I got it,” she said with a sigh of relief. “And if I didn’t I would
with a program aimed at motivating residents to stay healthy. The council approved extending a contract with Republic Services for solid waste removal as well as
a “Thank a Teacher” campaign later this year. May 3-7 is this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week and Milum said there is enough time to plan something to appreciate those working for the local school district. Pablo Garza, the city’s finance director, received a certificate of achievement for excellence financial reporting and Jacqueline Moya, the city’s secretary, was recognized for completing a Texas Municipal Court Clerks Certification Program course. The councilmen also reappointed three members to the city’s Community Development Corp. board of directors. They are Leonel Casanova, Marcos Garza and Daniel Alvarez.
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Reaches Los Fresnos By Tony Vindell
Page 2 UTRGV Hospitality and Tourism Management students participate in second national competition
Page 6
LOOK INSIDE Classified................. pg 3 Sports...................... pg 4 Puzzles.................... pg 5 Activity Page........... pg 6
The battle against the Covid-19 virus has been intensifying as thousands of vaccines have been given to people working in the health care industry, first responders, people who are 65 years old and above and those with underlying conditions. The antivirus battle was brought to Los Fresnos on Wednesday, Jan. 13 as more than 2,000 vaccines were available to area residents. The vaccination clinic was held from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the city’s Emergency Medical Services/Fire Department headquarters on Rodeo Drive. Several hundred vehicles could be seen parked across from the building early Tuesday afternoon.
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The antivirus battle was brought to Los Fresnos on Wednesday, Jan. 13 as more than 2,000 vaccines were available to area residents.
have tried again.” Narciso Lopez, an employee with the Cameron County Health Department, said some people
asked about the side effects of the vaccine. “Other than that,” said the Los Fresnos resident, “everything went smoothly.”