Los Fresnos News, April 9, 2014

Page 1

Week of April 9, 2014 through April 15, 2014

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Folklorico Group Receives Top Score at Rio Grande Valley Dance Festival Talented Group Moves on to Regional Competition

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The Los Fresnos High School Folklorico dance group received a Divison I rating at the Rio Grande Valley Dance Festival March 24 at Valley View. With the rating, the group now qualifies for regional competition April 4-5 in Edinburg. Qualifiers there advance to the state competition DVWHU LV RQO\ D IHZ ZHHNV DZD\ /RRNLQJ WR VHUYH April 25-26 in Corpus Christi. Representing LFHS are students pictured (left to right) Karla Rangel, Andres Alamaraz, Sandra Atilano, Edgar Page 5 D QHZ GHVVHUW WR IDPLO\ DQG IULHQGV WKLV \HDU" 7U\ Valero, Elisa PeĂąa, Noe Quintero, Mariela Gomez, and Yahir Salazar. The group’s sponsor is Aurora Gomez-Solis. LFCISD Photo NLQJ XS /LVD &DQFLOODÂśV (DVWHU .QRW &RRNLHV :LWK D OLJKW

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Milum Gives Positive Financial Report to Chamber

to their monthly meeting held on March 25th at the Los Fresnos Inn & Suites. City Manager. Mark Milum discussed the current financials as compared to 2002. In 2002 the City of Los 'LUHFWLRQV ‡ 7R PDNH EXWWHU LFLQJ Fresnos was in the negative ‡ &UHDP EXWWHU DQG FRPELQH FRQIHFWLRQHUV $350,000 and in 2013 had a positive income of $719,437 VXJDU VXJDU DQG EXWWHU $GG therefore as per Milum cur‡ $GG HJJV PLON DQLVH DQLVH 6ORZO\ DGG PLON rently the City is in a good DQG YDQLOOD WR GHVLUHG FRQVLVWHQF\ financial situation. Milum ‡ &RPELQH WKH VLIWHG $GG IRRG FRORULQJ RI also reported that currently à RXU EDNLQJ SRZGHU \RXU FKRLFH the Retirement system for the City is $117% funded. Another DQG VDOW $GG VORZO\ WR Page 8 positive for the City is the Tax WKH ZHW PL[WXUH rate, back in 2004 the tax rate ‡ *UHDVH FRRNLH VKHHWV was .690 and now in 2014 it 5ROO GRXJK LQWR ¾ is at .715, as per Milum this is ORJV DQG IRUP LQWR due to the City living within the means therefore helping NQRWV the tax rate to not increase. ‡ %DNH DW ) IRU Everyday Low Prices Milum also mentioned that PLQXWHV currently the city is dependent ‡ 'XQN LQ LFLQJ DQG OHW on the property tax which is GU\ See Specials on not a good thing. Milum explained that currently existing the Back Page businesses are not suffering G E\ /LVD &DQFLOOD 3DUOLQ 1- 3RS

with the opening of the new businesses. Z MXVWDSLQFK FRP HDVWHUNQRW Milum also explained that Recipe..................pg 5 %URXJKW WR \RX E\ $PHULFDQ +RPHWRZQ 0HGLD the city has extended more sewer lines out to Fm 511, Classified..............pg 3 Indian lake and Laureles. Cricket’s Corner...pg 3 Some operation indicators that Milum mentioned were the

-Janet

Currently there is more police staff to help a 24/7 patrol. The officers are out doing security and safety checks at businesses at night checking the doors to make sure they are locked. Milum would like for the police department to have updated contact numbers of all the business so that incase a door was left open by accident the owners or persons in charge

provements include improvements to parks, upgrades to Rodeo, stock show, 4th of July celebration, Halloween, Christmas in the Park, and Girls and Boys Club. He discussed that the city is very serious about graffiti and crime rates. He also mentioned that speed limit has now been increased on the East side due to a traffic study that was con-

there were no changes due to the study showing that people drive below the average posted speed limit in this area. The city manager gave a list of new developments in the city which included Little Caesers, McDonald’s, Church’s, Storage units, apartment complex off of Whipple Road, and Wal-Mart. ► CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Mark Milum Los Fresnos City Manager

Resaca Receives $20,000 Check from Verizon Foundation

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Look Inside

The Verizon Foundation presented a check of $20,000 to Resaca Middle School last week

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2 • April 9, 2014 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS

2014 Miss Los Fresnos Scholarship Pageant Entries

FREE MOVIE, POPCORN AT STROKE SUPPORT GROUP/DIABETES MEETING IN HARLINGEN

Ten students will compete for titles in three divisions in the 2014 Miss Los Fresnos Scholarship Pageant, scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at Los Fresnos High School. Admission fee is $15. All proceeds go to the Miss Los Fresnos Pageant Scholarship Fund. The pageant is sponsored by the Los Fresnos Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Los Fresnos, the Community Development Program, and the Los Fresnos CISD. The pageant was created in 1995 to help female students further their education after high school. Contestants are also informed about the Los Fresnos community through workshops on the city’s government, economy and educational importance. Contestants, who must be current students of the Los Fresnos CISD, are: - Little Miss, 6-8 years of age: Tatyana Damaris Castillo and Kandis Gisell Hudock. - Miss Pre-Teen, 9-11 years of age: Fatima Sarahi Gallegos, Alexis Daniella Castillo, Ishka Nagel Treviño, Rosely Solis. - Miss Los Fresnos, Grades 9-11: Rebecca Lynn Atkinson , Pela Gutierrez, Danielle Ariel De Leo, Kathleen Alexandra Clark. There is also a category for Miss Junior Teen for students in 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Kourtney Shears will be crowned in that division, because she was the only entry. For more information, contact the Los Fresnos Area Chamber of Commerce at 233-4488.

Texas Historical Commission To Participate In Nationwide Park Day Activities BROWNSVILLE, Texas—The Texas Historical Commission (THC), in conjunction with local cohost the Cameron County Historical Commission (CHC); Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park (NHP); the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, South Texas Refuge Complex; and with support from the Brownsville Historical Association will host Park Day for Palmito Ranch Battlefield National Historic Landmark (NHL), known as the last land battle of the American Civil War. Starting at 9:00 a.m., Palo Alto Battlefield NHP will serve as the site host for the Cameron CHC’s Civil War Symposium on the topic of South Texas and the Cotton Trade in the Civil War. Following the morning’s

symposium attendees will relocate to Palmito Ranch Battlefield for Park Day. WHO: THC, Cameron CHC, Palo Alto Battlefield NHP, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Brownsville Historical Association. Free and open to the public. Free breakfast tacos and drinks at the morning symposium (while supplies last). For the Park Day session bring sunscreen, working cloths, and hat. Bottled water, disposable gloves, and trash bags will be provided. WHAT:Civil War symposium on the topic of South Texas and the Cotton Trade in the Civil War, followed by Park Day activities including a trash pick-up and an historic interpretation of Palmito Ranch Battlefield NHL, as well as the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service’s conservation efforts at the Santa Anna National Wildlife Refuge. WHEN:Saturday, April 5, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The morning’s symposium will be held at Palo Alto Battlefield NHP’s Visitor Center. Park Day will then be held at Palmito Ranch Battlefield (maps to the core battlefield area will be distributed during the morning’s orientation). WHERE:Palo Alto Battlefield NHP is located at the northeast corner of the intersection of FM 1847 and FM 511, approximately five miles north of Brownsville. The Palmito Ranch Battlefield NHL core battlefield area [site of Park Day]

is located 16.3 mileseast of Brownsville on State Highway 4 (Boca Chica Hwy). BACKGROUND: Park Day is an annual event sponsored by the Civil War Trust and the History Channel, which seeks volunteers to clean and repair the grounds of Civil War battlefields. At each site, volunteers receive a free T-shirt and patches (while supplies last), and have the opportunity to hear historians interpret the battle. Palmito Ranch Battlefield NHL lies in the Texas Tropical Trail Region, which showcases the heritage, natural beauty, and rich culture of South Texas for the benefit and enjoyment of Texans and travelers.

HARLINGEN – A free movie showing, “Diabetesville, USA” – along with free popcorn – will be available at a H.O.P.E. (Haven Offering Patient Encouragement) Stroke Support Group on Tuesday, April 15, at 6 p.m. at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen (in the Woodward Conference Center on the first floor of the hospital, enter through the South Tower). The meeting is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be provided. The compelling movie, produced by Michael Seringer of San Antonio, provides a realistic summary of diabetes research that was conducted in Cameron County. According to the film, almost 30% of the Valley population has Type II Diabetes. Multiple generations of families are dealing with devastating complications of diabetes – including stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, blindness, and amputation. Following the special movie screening, prizes will be awarded to those who participate in an interactive “review” game about the film. Stroke is a type of cardiovascular disease that affects the arteries leading to the brain and the arteries within the brain. Stroke is a medical emergency – call 911 immediately if you experience symptoms. It is critical to keep in mind that the sooner treatment begins, the better the patient’s chances of surviving without disabilities. At Valley Baptist Medical Center, a clot-busting medication called tPA is used when medically indicated to reverse strokes – but the medication must be given as soon as possible. Valley Baptist is also the only hospital in the Valley with endovascular stroke procedures, with are performed by specially-trained neurologists in state-of-the-art “biplane” cath labs. For more information about the Stroke Support Group, please contact Debbie Diehl at dchords6@gmail.com, call (888) 902-5433 (LIFE), or visit www.facebook.com/ HopeStrokeSupport.

DIABETES MOVIE – A movie on diabetes in the Valley – which was filmed in Cameron and Hidalgo counties – will be shown for no charge in Harlingen on Tuesday, April 15, at 6 p.m. at Valley Baptist Medical Center (in the Woodward Conference Center on the first floor of the hospital, enter through the South Tower). Above, the film’s maker, Michael Seringer of San Antonio, shows a DVD version of the movie.

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Although the Los Fresnos 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 Los Fresnos 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 ... $24.95 or can be purchased at several convinent locations through out the cities of Los Fersnos and Brownsville for 50¢. The Los Fresnos News is mailed and delivered Tuesday, April 8, 2014 and published weekly by Wright Ventures, Inc., President Donald R. Wright, Secretary Mary Elizabeth Wright. Periodical Postage Rates paid at Los Fresnos, TX. Post Office. Advertising deadline is noon Thursday at the office at 203 N. Arroyo, Los Fresnos, TX 78566. (POSTMASTER send address changes to Los Fresnos, P.O. Box 990, Los Fresnos, TX 78566.)

April 9, 2014 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 3

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City of Los Fresnos Water Conservation is currently at Stage-1 Normal Conditions Goal: Achieve a voluntary reduction in water use in Los Fresnos. Guidelines for Initiation: Voluntary conservation is the first phase of the “Plan”. It is always in effect unless higher phase is required. Guidelines for Restrictions: 1. Recommend that all landscape areas be irrigated no more than three times per week and that such irrigation occur from 5am to 9am and 7pm to 11pm. 2. Recommend water customers to limit water use for nonessential purposes such as washing any sidewalks, walkways, parking lots, tennis courts or other hard surface areas by using a automatic water cut off nozzle.

PUBLIC NOTIfication OF DESTRUCTION OF STUDENT RECORDS In accordance with the United States statutes, the Los Fresnos Consolidated Independent School District will destroy special education records on June 4, 2014. These individual student records contain confidential data including, but not limited to, the following: individual education plans, evaluations for eligibility for special education and ARD committee meeting records/forms. The information contained in this file may be needed for Social Security benefits or other purposes in the future. Therefore, this correspondence serves as notification to the parents and/or students that graduated or reached the age of 21 prior to 2008, to provide them with an opportunity to obtain their records. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a file of the records in writing or in person on or before May 23, 2014 at the following address:

He is a handsome white neutered boy who is about three. All I need a loving home. He is an indoor cat only and get along well with other cats and some dogs. He am extremely shy since we were kittens. We need someone with love and patience, so we actually should be called “special patience” kitties. For information please call (956) 541-3833 or 831-7167

Arlo is another new friend

Arlo was rescued from Brownsville Shelter. He’s about four but he acts much younger and his teeth are really white and in excellent condition. He’s neutered, heartworm negative, has all his shots, and is ready for a loving, forever home of his own. He’s super sweet, loves to be loved, and absolutely LOVES to play with other dogs. He likes cats, too, but quickly learned to avoid the resident cat after she gave him “the business”. He’s a quick learner and a smart boy!

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Los Fresnos C.I.S.D. Special Services Department P.O. Box 309 Los Fresnos, TX 78566 Telephone: (956) 254-5104 (956) 254-5100 This notice is in compliance with federal regulations 34CFR 300.573 as related to students with disabilities receiving special education services.

Library Hours Monday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 402 W. Ocean Blvd. • Los Fresnos, TX 78566 • (956) 233-5330

4 • April 9, 2014 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS

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Falcons’ Soccer Team Soars in OT Victory

Los Fresnos Bests San Benito in 2-0 Win for Bi-District Title It was a hard fought win for the Los Fresnos Boys Soccer team in their March 27, victory over San Benito. The Greyhounds and Falcons fought to a scoreless regulation game but the Falcons were able to secure the win in overtime with a pair of scores coming off the leg of Jonathan Valdez. The senior scored the goals after regulation had run out and the second half of overtime had begun. The Los Fresnos win secures the Bi-District Championship and allows the Falcons to advance further in the playoffs.

Sam Ibarra

Joseline Caraveo

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April 9, 2014 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 5

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Houston – Statewide survey results released today by the America’s WETLAND Foundation (AWF) show a majority of Texans worried about the future of the Texas coast as an economic engine driven by a healthy ecosystem. In a presentation at the 2014 Texas A&M Harte Research Institute’s Gulf of Mexico Summit, Valsin Marmillion, AWF managing director, said, “Texas is poised to recognize its role as a leading coastal state among the world’s great ecosystems.� Dr. Larry McKinney, who directs the Harte Institute, elaborated on the findings, noting they establish a valuable baseline with implications for the state’ s future. “The new findings are a powerful instrument for charting a course forward for dealing with coastal issues in Texas,� McKinney said. “It was a bit disturbing to see confirmation that Texans see themselves as a state with a coast, rather than a coastal state. That may seem subtle but to those of us for whom this issue is paramount, the poll draws a line in the beach sand. It will be the measuring stick of our effectiveness in convincing our fellow citizens that the future of Texas rests with assuring a coast that is economically and environmentally healthy and productive,� he said. In the survey of registered voters, 62 percent of respondents said Texas was a state with a coast; 38 percent called it a coastal state. “We found the same when we first polled coastal issues in Louisiana a decade ago,� Marmillion said. “Like in Houston, people in New Orleans didn’t view themselves as a coastal community. Today in postKatrina Louisiana, that has all changed. Seventy-four percent of Louisiana voters statewide now say coastal restoration is the issue of their lifetime,� he said. Louisiana currently experiences the greatest rate of coastal land loss on the planet. In the survey,Texans cite the availability of fresh water as most worrisome, When asked about the

amount of fresh water reaching the coast, 75 percent of Texas voters say they are concerned, with 38 percent of that number expressing extreme concern. The same percentage (75%) of Texans are concerned with the loss of coastal habitat, not surprising in a state that values coastal hunting, fishing and recreational resources, which are jeopardized by deterioration of the state’s coastline. Fresh water tops other coastal issues on the minds of Texans, with 62 percent of respondents saying fresh water shortages would motivate them to take action, compared to 49 percent for a disruption to the energy sector that causes price spikes. Carole Baker, executive director of the Texas Water Foundation, said, “The results of this poll are encouraging when it comes to the public’s opinion about future water supply. Five years ago, Texas polling showed water supply as very low on the priority list. With severe drought conditions in the state since 2011, it seems the public is beginning to be aware of the challenges we face. The state needs to make sure this awareness continues. Diverse water resources and their connection to our other natural resources impact our economy, public health, environment and our way of life.� When it comes to energy and the economy, other notable survey findings include: 68% believe Americans must learn to consume less of everything as the only way to become energy independent and protect the quality of our environment, In contrast, only 24% say that there is plenty of oil off our shore, and oil companies should be free to drill and find it. 88% of voters agree the federal government should provide a higher percentage of oil and gas revenues to the energy producing states. 95% of voters feel that perceived conflicts between energy production and environmental protection have become to politically divisive and that greater cooperation is needed, with 86% saying that a strong Texas economy is dependent on a healthy coastal environment. 85% of Texans say it is reasonable to expect that we can drill for oil in the Gulf and still protect the environment. Voters were spilt on their views concerning the BP oil spill: 59% say handling of the spill hurt the energy sector’s reputation and BP’s credibility, and 44% said that BP has been effective in showing that the company has good intentions. Disaster preparedness is-

sues are also on the minds of voters. When asked who needs to do more to prepare communities for disaster, 70 percent say that the State of Texas should do more, and 51 percent said the Federal government. When asked about property insurance, 67 percent of Texas voters feel that federal elected officials should not have allowed large federal subsidies, but 68 percent say it would be wrong to pull the plug on federally backed insurance immediately. Eighty-seven percent of those surveyed connect a healthy coastal system to the insurance issue; with 36 percent strongly agreeing that the State needs to sustain its coastal assets to avoid rises in insurance rates. Texans are also worried about evacuation, emergency response and vulnerable housing areas, by margins of 62 percent, 56 percent and 49 percent, respectively. Thomas Colbert, associate professor at the University of Houston, said, “We often think the average person doesn’t know about the challenges facing our coastal cities and ecosystems. Now we know that isn’t the case. Most people in Texas are indeed aware of needs like disaster preparedness, hurricane protection, drought, wetlands, habitat protection and resilience planning. This survey gives our political leaders the ammunition they need to respond to these critical national security challenges and shows the people of Texas think we should be better prepared to meet them.â€? By margins of 70 percent and 68 percent, respectively, voters statewide in coastal counties both said climate change is a problem, with only 28 percent saying that the issue was not problematic. “The poll shows that voters across the state, not just along the Texas coast, see the link between a strong environment and the economy that depends upon it,â€? Sidney Coffee, senior advisor for AWF, said. “This indicates great potential for future support by Texans of sound policies and funding for restoring coastal areas. The people are saying the Texas coast is important to everyone in the state and are looking for strong leadership on these issues,â€? Coffee said. The poll included a separate carve-out of voters in coastal regions and only in a few instances were the findings dramatically different from the majority of Texans. Exceptions included awareness overall about disaster preparedness, hurricane protection, and coastal erosion. The Kitchens Group of Orlando, FL conducted the survey of Texas voters in the first quarter of 2014. It included a survey sample of 489 voters conducted statewide in Texas, with oversample of 200 conducted in the coastal areas. The margin of error for this survey is Âą 4.4%, with a 95% confidence level. Demographic representation included: Republican (39%), Democrat (36%), Independent (25%), White (59%), Hispanic/Latino (19%), AA (15%), Other (7%). For more information, visit www.americaswetland. com or www.futureofthegulfcoast.org.

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6 • April 9, 2014 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS

Ask Our Dentists

Resaca Receives $20,000 from Verizon Foundation ► CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Q: What is baby bottle tooth decay?

ANSWERED by DR. ERIC VALLE: Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by the frequent and long-term exposure of a child’s teeth to liquids containing sugars. Among these liquids are milk, formula, fruit juice, sodas and other sweetened drinks. Every time a child consumes a sugary liquid, acid attacks the teeth and gums. After numerous attacks, tooth decay can begin. The condition also is associated with breastfed infants who have prolonged feeding habits or with children whose pacifiers are frequently dipped in honey, sugar or syrup. Fortunately, baby bottle tooth decay can be prevented by never allowing children to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula or other sweetened liquids. Giving an infant a sugary drink at nap or night time is harmful because during sleep, the flow of saliva decreases, allowing the sugary liquids to linger on the child’s teeth for an extended period of time. If left untreated, pain and infection can result. Also, clean the baby’s gums to help establish healthy teeth and to aid in teething. Wrap a moistened washcloth around the finger and gently massage the gums and gingival tissues. This should be done once a day. Tooth brushing should begin upon eruption of the first baby tooth. When brushing a child’s teeth, use a soft toothbrush and a pea-shaped amount of fluoride toothpaste. Parents should first bring their child to the dentist between six and 12 months old. Keep in mind that healthy baby teeth will usually result in healthy permanent teeth and ‘happier’ trips to the dental office. Call us if you have any questions or concerns about baby bottle tooth decay; we love seeing kids of all ages in our practice and do our best to make it a fun visit.

Superintendent Gonzalo Salazar called a day of celebration, and Resaca Middle School did the celebrating. Dancing the beat of the Verizon song “Blue Eyes” by Ladyhawke, six girls and the cheerleaders celebrated after the school received a $20,000 check from the Verizon Foundation Wednesday. The check was a reward for the six students – Cassandra Baquero, Grecia Cano, Caitlyn Gonzales, Jacquelyne Garcia Torres, Kayleen Gonzalez and Janessa Leija – and their teacher-sponsor Maggie Bolado who developed the concept for an app that received a Best in Nation award in the Verizon App Challenge. Resaca was one of eight winners chosen – four middle schools and four high schools. Representatives from Verizon

in Dallas will be at the celebration. The team’s app, Hello Navi, integrates a variety of digital tools such as a compass, scanner, VoiceOver, optical braille readers and Google indoor navigation technology to guide blind or visually-challenged students around their school. Andres Salas, a visuallyimpaired student at Resaca, was the inspiration behind the app. About the Verizon App Challenge Each Best in Nation winning team has earned its school a $15,000 Verizon Foundation grant, in addition to a $5,000 grant for achieving Best in Region. Resaca Middle School will use the grants to help build the team’s app and advance Science, Technology, Engineering

John Michaelson AUSTIN – As the tax deadline approaches, those who have to pay in but don’t have the money may think a payday loan is a good option, but for many it can lead to a deep cycle of debt. According to the payday industry, it fills a need for those who have cash emer-

gencies, but Dallas City Council member Jerry Allen said with exorbitant interest rates and fees, such loans become predatory and the lenders prey on the most vulnerable. “These are folks who have jobs. They’re hard working, but unfortunately it’s very difficult for them to get out

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National News Media Attention The Resaca story has picked up attention nationwide. People.com the online version of People Magazine, posted a story on its website and a link on its Facebook page. A story in the printed magazine is also possible. Other national news media stories are in the works and will be announced as they are posted.

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bers of the MIT App Inventor Training Corps. Verizon will then help the teams share and distribute their finished apps via the iTunes and Google Play stores. The story has attracted attention from the national news media, including cable television network programs a national magazine’s print and digital publications.

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and Mathematics (STEM) education. Nearly 1,300 Teams entered the national competition aimed at boosting students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Members of the eight winning teams will be invited to present their apps in person – on tablets they will be receiving – at the 2014 National TSA Conference in Washington, D.C. June 27-July 1. Bolado will receive training to build the app. She will then coach the students to build the app before June 1 for submission to the national conference. In early April, students will focus on developing their app concept into an actual app. To build their app, they will learn to code and how to use MIT App Inventor, with hands-on support and training from Verizon employees and mem-

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of the cycle of debt, paying a tremendous amount of fees on top of fees on top of fees.” Allen led the charge for payday lending reform in Dallas with passage of an ordinance in 2011. As of today, 16 cities have adopted the regulations, providing the protections to around 7 million people. The list of cities includes Austin, El Paso, San Antonio and Houston, where Steve Wells is pastor at South Main Baptist Church. “These are not fine, upstanding business people who are providing a needed service in our community,” Wells said. “These are predators actively seeking to deceive people and leave them worse than they found them. So why a faith community response? Because it’s clear to me that, one, the scripture says you shouldn’t charge usury to poor people. And two, that kind of

victimizing of people is very far from what God wants in the world.” Wells added that while payday loans mainly prey on poor people, senior adults are also targeted, and that’s done in two ways. “One is the same sort of deceptive appeals that they make to people who are desperate because of their financial straits. The other is to get them to cosign loans for their grandchildren. So not only are they trying to take the nothing that poor people have, they’re trying to take the nest age from our senior adults,” Wells said. Wells, Allen and consumer groups such as AARP Texas are all pushing for statewide regulations on payday lending, with legislation to be introduced in the 2015 session. The payday ordinance passed in Houston is online at www.houstontx.gov.

Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals on 4/9/2014: This is to give notice that the City of Los Fresnos has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 and/or 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management, to determine the potential affect that its activity in the floodplain and wetland will have on the human environment for Community Development Block Grant Program under contract 713301. The City of Los Fresnos proposes a Street, Drainage & Sewer Improvements project to reconstruct approximately 2,220 LF of street with 6” subgrade, 6” base, 2” HMAC pavement & appurtances at Ebony from Old Port Rd to end, Pecan from Old Port Rd to end; Magnolia from Old Port Rd to end, East 6th from Coma to Pita; install 640 LF 18” storm sewer pipe, 4 manholes & appurtenances in the drainage easement from end of Magnolia to end of Huisache; install 2 submersible pumps, electrical, controls, & appurtenances at the lift station on FM 1847, south of 10th; Los Fresnos, Cameron County. The project shall include activities within approximately 1 acre of the 100-year floodplain. The City of Los Fresnos has considered a reduction in scope, alternate locations, and no action to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values. This project shall comply with state and local floodplain protection procedures. The City of Los Fresnos has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request during regular business hours at the City Hall. This activity will have no significant impact on the environment for the following reasons: The project involves rehabilitating existing infrastructure, there shall be no significant increase to impervious surface, and best management practices shall be employed during construction. The primary purposes for this notice include (1) People who may be affected by activities in floodplains and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas; (2) An adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool to disseminate information about floodplains and facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas; and (3) As a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received on or before 4/16/2014 by the City of Los Fresnos at 200 N. Brazil, Los Fresnos, TX 78566-3640, (956) 233-5768. Attention: Polo Narvaez, Mayor, during regular business hours. Comments may also be submitted via email to juliem@ grantworks.net.

April 9, 2014 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 7

Milum Gives Positive Financial Report to Chamber ► CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Los Fresnos Chamber of Commerce members listen as City Manager Mark Milum breaks down the financial situation with the city LFN Photos Lastly Milum discussed the improvements that are coming to the city. Those would include Whipple Road sidewalks, Evergreen Street from Ocean Blvd to Whipple Road, Henderson Road, and general street rehab. Badeaux introduced the new owners of Los Fresnos Inn & Suites Mr. and Mrs. Atish Chhagan & Avnee Bhakta. She also thanked them for providing the venue for the general meeting. Guests that attended were Commissioner David Garza and Mr. Raul Gomez, City Councilman Javier Mendez, Pastor Dale House, Mr. Tom Moses, DJ Moody, and City Manager Mark Milum. Badeaux thanked Las Campanas Restaurant for catering lunch. Upcoming events and an-

nouncements included: • Miss Los Fresnos Scholarship Pageant April 5th, 2014 • Leo Aguilar Foundation raised enough money to give 8 scholarships this year at the Leo Aguilar Memorial Golf Tournament • Pre-Easter Fun Run with Overdrive Fitness April 12th, 2014 • Dragon Capsule Release thru Spacex.com March 30th at 9:40 p.m. • Big Squeeze Accordion Contest 2014 March 29, 2014 • Highlight of High School Programs at Olmito Elementary The drawing was held for the disaster fund gifts. Gifts were provided by, Leo Aguilar Foundation, Ms. Carlota Narvaez, Dr. Julian Alvarez and Kona Ice.

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Latest Weapons in the Valley Baptist Arsenal Advanced Gear Offers Aid for Heart and Stroke Victims The Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen enjoys the reputation of being on the cutting-edge of revolutionary advances in the world of medical science. Not surprising that the announcement of their new “biplane” Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory places them as the only hospital in the Valley with two bi-plane cath labs to diagnose and treat stroke heart and stroke patients. The VBMC doctors can now better prescribe treatment through “3-D road mapping” of the brain--not possible with just one camera. Their latest addition of the second bi-plane suite gives the cardiologists the ability to treat two heart or two stroke patients at the same time. This dual-camera technology will allow doctors to give more precise treatment, as the technology allows the attending physicians to see inside the blood vessels in a great level of detail. The two cameras provide a state -of-the-art, three-dimensional imaging. They can see the tiny blood vessels from two-angles or “planes.’’ This benefits the patients because it means doctors have more options to treat blockages and other problems in the blood vessels. It also means less radiation and less “contrast dye” for the patient during the procedures. This Cath Lab advancement places VBMC as the only hospital in the Valley with this two-camera capability. When the hospital introduced the General Electric bi-plane lab in 2012, they were the first and only hospital in the coun-

try to have the equipment and know-how at that time--others followed. That tradition of excellence ranks right along with the hospital’s other achievements: The hospital is designated as the “Lead Level III Trauma Center for Cameron County“. The hospital is also the first primary stroke center in the Valley. In 2011, VBMC became the first hospital in the country to be certified with a Gold Seal of Approval specifically for knee and hip replacement surgery. Dr. Frank Mazzola and Dr. Luis Eguia, Cardiac Electrophysiologists, spoke about the new specialized duo-cath labs. They stressed what a great new ability they have available. Dr Mazzola said, “The new cath lab expands our capability to provide the most advanced specialized treatment to more of our patients.” Using this new equipment, Dr. Farley Neasman, Cardiologist, recently inserted the Valley’s first miniature heart monitoring device--about the size of a “triple-A battery“-into a heart patient, in Valley Baptist’s cath lab with excellent outcome. This 2nd Dual-Camera Cath Lab is the latest weapon in the Valley Baptist arsenal to help patients win the war against the ravages of heart attacks and stroke. Parker MacDonald, Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab, said this shows Valley Baptist’s commitment “to serving our community by keeping our services on the cutting edge of technology.”

Equipment used in a new “bi-plane” cardiac catheterization laboratory at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen includes two camera arms instead of one, which allows physicians to see inside tiny blood vessels from two angles. A second bi-plane cath lab at Valley Baptist will give the Valley increased capacity to treat heart and stroke patients, including those needing “electrophysiology studies” for problems with their heartbeat. Cutting the ribbon for the new specialized lab are, from the left, Dr. Wondwossen Tekle, Endovascular Neurologist at Valley Baptist; Dr. Victoria Parada, Board-Certified Vascular Neurologist and Clinical Director of Neurosciences and the Stroke Program at Valley BaptistHarlingen; Todd Mann, CEO of Valley Baptist-Harlingen; Dr. Farley Neasman, Interventional Cardiologist; Dr. Ameer Hassan, Endovascular Neurologist; Parker MacDonald, RN, BSN, CCRN, Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories at Valley Baptist; Dr. Frank Mazzola, Cardiac Electrophysiologist; and Dorraine Lebeouf Araiza and Danny Payton, members of the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.

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