April 10, 2024

Rio Grande City listed in Top 8 Small Towns to Retire in Texas

Rio Grande City was recently designed by worldatlas.com as one of the top 8 small towns in Texas to retire and we couldn’t agree more. Rio Grande City is the ideal retirement destination with no state income tax, housing that is 26% lower than the national average, and an abundance of modern conveniences found in any major metropolitan area.

“I am delighted to share the exciting news that Rio Grande City has been recognized as one of the top 8 small towns to retire in Texas,” said Mayor Joel Villarreal. “This recognition reaffirms our ongoing efforts to create a city that caters to the diverse needs and interests of our residents and visitors. Thank you to World Atlas for shining a spotlight on Rio Grande City. Let’s celebrate this recognition and look forward to a bright future filled with opportunities and joy for retirees in nuestro lindo Rio Grande.”

Residents and visitors can find a variety of dining experiences and indulge in the abundance of local flavors. Shopping opportunities range from multiple shopping plazas, major franchise chains, a ten-screen movie theatre, and downtown high-end boutiques. For couples looking for a nostalgic getaway, Rio Grande City is the perfect place with its Victorian ambiance, intimate dining, quiet courtyards, and live music at several distinct locations.

Retirees can flock to Rio Grande City’s Chachalaca Wildlife Refuge and Fordyce Nature Trails to see a variety

of bird and butterfly species gather along the Rio Grande River. For those seeking more adventurous activities, you can take advantage of the meandering trails for hiking and biking. And at a hop, skip and a jump away, you can find the World Birding Center on scenic bluffs above the river in Roma, Texas. If fishing is your angle, you can try your luck with largemouth bass and channel catfish at one of the best freshwater fishing lakes in South Texas. Explore, fish and bird watch along the trails and lakeshore at Falcon State Park. RIO GRANDE CITY, page 9

Congratulations

Notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Adjustments for the City of Roma will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 5:30 P.M. at the Roma City Council Chambers, located at 201 W. Convent Ave, Roma, Texas to consider the following case(s):

1) Francisco Solis is requesting a variance to the City of Roma’s Zoning Ordinance to allow a five-foot (5 ft.) side yard corner setback, as opposed to the required ten-foot (10 ft.) side yard corner setback, in a Suburban Residential District (SF) for a proposed new residential construction. The property is physically located at 309 Dr. Mario E Ramirez Avenue and is legally described as Lot 8, Block C, Mirador Addition. (BOA#2401)

2) Edgar Gonzalez is requesting a variance to the City of Roma’s Zoning Ordinance to allow a 3-foot (3 ft.) rear setback, as opposed to the required ten-foot (10 ft.) rear setback, in a Suburban Residential District (SF) for an addition to an existing house. The property is physically located at 401 East Garfield Avenue and is legally described as Lot 1, Unit 2, Nicanor Subdivision. (BOA#2402)

Exceptional Performance of the Gators Boys and Girls Golf Teams in

their 2023-2024 season!

Congratulations Principal of the Month

March 2024

Brenda Escamilla-Carmona

General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary

Biography : 2005 Graduate from Rio Grande City High School and attended the University of Texas Pan American and graduated Sum Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2008. I attended the University of Texas- Tyler in 2016 and graduated with a 4.0 GPA and received a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. I have lived in Rio Grande City most of my life, having moved from California at 8 years old. Growing up in RGC and thriving as a student with amazing teachers and principals, inspired me to study education and become an educator within my community. I am a wife, mother to 2 wonderful daughters, and proud principal of an amazing school-GRSE.

Professional Experience: I have worked with RGCGISD for over 15 years. My professional career began as an elementary teacher for 9 years before becoming an Assistant Principal for 3 years and now currently a Principal for 3 years. I have worked in various professional environments within and outside my district that have given me the experience and knowledge needed to work with the di erent aspects of education.

Congratulations Principal of the Month

February 2024

Mario A. Saenz, Jr.

Ringgold and Ac2E Elementary

Biography: I was born and raised in Rio Grande City by my devoted parents Mario and Maricela Saenz. At a very young age my parents instilled the importance of faith and value of education. Growing up I always knew I wanted to work in the education eld. Teachers have always been my heroes, they shape and inspire young minds. A er graduating from Rio Grande City High School I le home to attend the University of Texas Pan American where I received my bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. A er a few years of teaching in Edinburg I returned to my home town with my loving wife and continued my career in education for the Rio Grande City Grulla School District. As I stepped into the role of Administration the support of my wife has been a pillar of strength in my journey as an educator. is year I am honored to be the principal of Ringgold and the Academy for Academic Excellence Elementary

Philosophy of Education: I believe that with perseverance and hard work, all students are capable of learning and demonstrating achievements that are tailored to their suitable academic and overall student needs. I feel passionate about the education we provide our students and consider myself an advocate for every student, parent, and educator when it comes to ensuring our students get the very best education possible. Our top priority is for every student to be given the right academic tools needed by delivering a curriculum, creative enrichment opportunities, and technology skills through instruction in order to be academically successful.

Achievements:

Sum Cum Laude UTPA Graduate, Top Honor Graduate UT Tyler, General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary “Gold Ribbon School for At Risk Students” in 2021, RGCGISD Elementary UIL Champions, General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary Texas Campus of the Year Finalist for Bilingual Growth 2021-2022, General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary Texas Campus of the Year Finalist for Bilingual Growth 2022-2023, General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary Texas State Odyssey of the Mind Champions 2023, General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary Odyssey of the Mind World Champions 2023

Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family, and reading books.

Favorite Quote: “Let us all work in excellence, as if done for the Lord.” When you strive to live and work in your life with excellence, you reap the bene ts of the success that comes with it.

Message from Principal: Each individual has a unique purpose in life. We are each meant to make a di erence and make a positive impact in this world. I truly believe that my purpose in life is to educate students, empower teachers, build leaders, and create a learning environment within my campus that produces strong academic, social and emotional achievements for all my students. I am here to passionately serve my campus, district, and community with all that I am able to contribute through my knowledge and experiences.

Professional Experience: Began my educational career as a 4th grade Bilingual selfcontained teacher in Edinburg where I taught for seven years. I then returned home and taught for Two years as a 5th grade Reading Bilingual Teacher at Alto Bonito Elementary. I began working in administration as an assistant principal in Roque Guerra, Jr. Elementary for two years. A er my years as an assistant principal I worked as Dean of Instruction at Veterans Middle School for two years. Currently I am the proud principal at Ringgold and Ac2E Elementary.

Philosophy of Education: All students can learn. Our job in education is to identify the needs of our students and tap into their interest. I try to focus on creating a positive inclusive school environment, and make decisions with student growth and the student’s best interest in mind.

Achievements: Alfonso Ramirez Elementary 2013 Teacher of the Year

Hobbies and Interests:

I love cooking outdoors and lounging by the pool. It’s my way of relaxing and enjoying the great outdoors. It’s a fun way to share what brings me joy with my family and friends.

Favorite Quote:

“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” – J,K, Rowling from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. is quote resonates with me because it reminds me to make thoughtful choices that align with our school vision and the well-being of our students and sta .

Message from Principal:

I am honored to receive this recognition. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our amazing sta , students, and families. Together we make our school a special place for learning and growth. ank you for this incredible honor!

Congratulations Principal of the Month

March 2024

Marisa Peña Preparatory for Early College High School

Marisa Peña is a rst-generation college student who was born in a small, rural town in Tamaulipas, Mexico and immigrated to the United States at the age of six. She grew up in Channelview Texas, a Houston suburb, where she earned her high school diploma at Channelview High School. A er graduation, she moved to the valley in order to manage the family farm in Mexico. While managing all of the intricacies of a farm, she began her career in education, earning her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at the University of Texas Pan-American. She began her educational career at RGCGISD serving as a mathematics teacher at Veterans Middle School, Grulla High School, where she was nominated the 2013 Teacher of the Year, and at the Preparatory for Early College High School, where she

was also honored to be nominated as the 2016 Teacher of the Year as well as the 2016 District Secondary Teacher of the Year. As an educator, Marisa strived to ensure excellence in her teaching while instilling a love and passion for education in her students.

During her time at the Preparatory for Early College High School, Marisa earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. From 2018 to 2023, Marisa served as the Dean of Instruction at the Preparatory for Early College, where she now proudly serves as the Principal. Marisa has an undying passion for education and stands strong in her belief that every child is capable of learning, and that learning is inevitable. Her message to students and the community resonates with a call for collective action, urging everyone to focus on the possibilities ahead. She advocates for innovation, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, aligning with a shared vision of success for all.

Marisa admires Albert Einstein’s message that all people are geniuses when their abilities are viewed from within the right context, and that it is important to look at individuals’ unique promise and merit, rather than setting one speci c standard for success and intelligence.

During her free time, Marisa enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends, as well as spending time at the farm, tending to the land and the farm animals.

Joel Garcia had a standout performance, earning him a spot in the Regionals Qualifiers Tournament as an individual. He will prepare to showcase his skills at the Colony Creek Golf Course in Victoria, TX, on April 15 and 16, 2024.

Congratulations to the remarkable achievements of the Grulla High School Gators Boys and Girls Golf teams for their exceptional performance in the 2023/2024 season! Their representation of Grulla HS at the 32-4A District Golf tournament at Treasure Hills Golf Course in Harlingen, TX, was truly inspiring. Let’s rally behind the Gators and wish them continued success!

Congratulations to the Roma Middle School and Ramiro Barrera Middle School students who traveled to Washington, D.C. during their spring break. They enjoyed learning about our nation’s history as they visited the many landmarks, monuments, and memorials in our nation’s capital. They were accompanied by Roma Middle School history teachers Bertha Guerra and Adriana Loera, along with Dr. Adrian Guerra.

Roma Middle School and Ramiro Barrera Middle School students traveled to Washington, D.C.

Emmanuel Moreno Receives US Customs and Border Protection Head of the Class Award

Congratulations

of the Class Award! Emmanuel dedication and hard work have truly paid off. On behalf of the Rio Grande City High School, we’re incredibly proud of your achievements and wish you continued success in your future endeavors. Keep shining bright, Emmanuel!

Pida a los 3 Ángeles

San Miguel, Rafael y Gabriel.

Prenda 3 velas blancas en un plato con agua y azúcar, haga su petición.

A los tres días publique esta oración.

Aunque no crea mire que pasa el cuarto día.

A. P. R.

Notice To Creditors

Notice is hereby given that original Letters

Testamentary for the Estate of Donald Joe omas, Deceased, were issued on April 4th, 2024 Under Cause No. PR-24-005 pending in the County Court-at-Law of Starr County, Texas, to: Sundy Dawn Mauldin.

Claims may be presented in care of the executrix of the estate, addressed as follows:

All persons having claims against this estate, which is currently being administered, are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

Representative, Estate of Donald Joe omas, C/O Sundy Mauldin

10912 Trestles Rd. Frisco, Texas 75035

DATED April 5th, 2024

01/01/1949 † 04/13/2023

Memories

1st Anniversary Mass In Loving Memory of Silvano Saenz Jr.

We thought of you with love today but that is nothing new. We thought about you yesterday and days before that too. We think of you, in silence we often speak your name, all we have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake with which we’ll never part. God has you in his keeping, we have you in our heart. No farewell words were spoken no time to say goodbye, you were gone before we knew it and only God knows why. If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever. God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen

Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 10:00AM at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, La Casita, Tx.

Loving you always, your wife San Juana, Children: Silvano III, Hector, Belinda, Grandchildren and Saenz Family

to Rio Grande City High School outstanding student, Emmanuel Moreno, for receiving the prestigious US Customs and Border Protection Head

The Great American Cleanup (GAC) is the nation’s largest community improvement program, celebrated in Texas from March 1 through May 31.

Volunteer groups and individuals of all ages are invited to register to participate in the event, which mobilizes and inspires thousands of Texans to beautify and clean their community. Great American Cleanup events include beautifying parks and recreation areas, cleaning waterways, handling recycling collections, picking up litter, removing graffiti, planting trees, and conducting educational programs and litterfree events — anything that keeps your community beautiful! The Great American Cleanup is part of a nationwide effort with Keep America Beautiful that

kicks off in more than 20,000 communities each spring. Any Texan can participate in the Great American Cleanup. Online registration is now available for local organizations to schedule events in their communities and gain access to valuable resources to plan, promote, and host an event. Event organizers are encouraged to register their GAC events with Keep Texas Beautiful. Participants are also encouraged to post their event information on the Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) event calendar. KTB encourages individuals and community groups seeking volunteer opportunities to visit the KTB event calendar to find an event in their area.

Keep Texas Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup includes the Don’t Mess with Texas®

Trash-Off and the Keep Texas Waterways Clean program. The Don’t Mess with Texas® TrashOff serves as Texas’ signature event held annually in April in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The Keep Texas Waterways Clean program promotes waterway cleanups across Texas such as rivers, lakes, streams, tributaries, bayous, creeks, and beaches.

No event is too big or too small, any action has significant results.

Anyone can order supplies to clean up a TxDOT-maintained roadway or waterway during GAC.

Visit www.ktb.org/gac today to learn more about how you can get involved in an event in your local community!

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

South Texas College is accepting competitive proposals for the following:

for Proposals packages may be obtained at the Purchasing Department located at 3200 W. Pecan Blvd, Bldg N, Ste 145, McAllen, TX 78501 (Corner of Quince & 31st Street) or by calling 956-872-4681. Responses received after the specified time and date will not be considered and will be returned unopened. Facsimile responses will not be accepted. All responses must be submitted in a sealed envelope. Responses need to be clearly marked on the envelope with the RFP number.

The successful respondent will not be determined on opening date.

Questions regarding this RFP or requests for additional information should be addressed to Deyadira Leal, Interim Director of Purchasing 956-872-4681 daleal@southtexascollege. edu, or Vanessa Campos, Senior Buyer, 956-872-4661 vsolis_3079@southtexascollege.edu Responses to the RFP must be submitted to South Texas College, 3200 W. Pecan Blvd, Bldg N, Ste 145, McAllen, TX 78501.

South Texas College is an equal education and equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. As an equal opportunity employer, the College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

Purchases made as a result of this solicitation will be funded through The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Perkins Basic Grant Program.

Vendors are encouraged to visit the South Texas College’s Purchasing Department website to complete the 2-part Bonfire vendor registration for receiving solicitations at: https://southtexascollege.bonfirehub.com/login

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

South Texas College (STC) is accepting Competitive Sealed Proposals (CSP) for the following project:

PROJECT NAME: Pecan Campus Kinesiology Building Phase I Project No. 23-24-1040

PRE-PROPOSAL April 11, 2024 @ 10:00 a.m.

CONFERENCE TIME STC Purchasing Department & LOCATION: 3200 W Pecan Blvd Bldg. N Ste 142 McAllen, Texas 78501

PROPOSAL DEADLINE & April 25, 2024 @ 3:00 p.m.

SUBMITTAL LOCATION: STC Purchasing Department 3200 W Pecan Blvd Bldg. N Ste 145 McAllen, Texas

CSP documents will be available beginning on April 03, 2024. The documents may be obtained from RGV Reprographics located at 519 South Broadway, McAllen, Texas (Phone: 956-686-1525) upon the deposit of a refundable check in the amount of $100.00 payable to South Texas College. The deposit check will be returned if project plans are returned in good condition within ten (10) days after the proposal deadline.

Proposals shall be accompanied by a Certified or Cashier’s Check or acceptable bidder’s bond, payable to South Texas College, in an amount not less than five (5%) percent of the proposed project amount.

Proposals received after the specified time and date will not be considered and will be returned unopened. Facsimile responses will not be accepted. All proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope. Responses need to be clearly marked on the envelope with the CSP number and name of the project.

South Texas College is an equal education and equal employment opportunity/ affirmative action employer. As an equal opportunity employer, the College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

Vendors are encouraged to visit South Texas College’s Purchasing Department website at https://southtexascollege.bonfirehub.com/login to complete the Bonfire 2-part vendor registration for receiving solicitations.

Wyatt Ranches Donates More than $1 Million Dollars to Support Area Organizations

Already this year, donations and grants from the Wyatt Ranches Foundation and Wyatt Ranches have exceeded $1,072,000.00.

Rio Grande City’s historic sites and museums pay tribute to the unique Spanish, German, Irish, and French history of this region.

Kiosko, Easter at the Park, and the Starr County Fair. Rio Grande City is also one of two designated Main Street Programs in the Rio Grande Valley. We take pride in this level of distinction and the recognition it brings to our proud community.

Visit our Historic Downtown District anchors: the LopezTijerina Courtyard, the Rio Grande City Public Library, La Borde House, and the Grotto of Lourdes.

The United Veterans Burial Association, an organization that provides military funeral honors for veterans in South Texas counties, had requested a $2,000 donation. The Foundation surprised the veterans with a $30,000 grant, as advocated for by Jim Wells County Sheriff Daniel

Last week, during a Wyatt Ranches Foundation Board of Directors meeting held at the Tasajillo Division in Realitos, grants and donations were awarded to several organizations for needed services and to enhance the quality of life in rural communities of South Texas.

J. “Danny” Bueno, who appeared in support of the veterans. The Burial Association’s Commander, Gilbert Trevino, along with several honor guard members, expressed their appreciation for a previous grant from the Ranches in 2020, which funded a black Ford Transit van for transporting the honor guard to and from WYATT RANCHES page 10

Public Service Announcement: Fair Housing, It’s the Law

To promote fair housing practices, e City of Roma encourages potential homeowners and renters to be aware of their rights under the National Fair Housing Law. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin in the sale or rental of units in the housing market. For more information on fair housing or to report possible fair housing discrimination, call the Texas Workforce Commission at (888) 452-4778 or (512) 463-2642 TTY: 512-371-7473.

Policy of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability

e City of Roma does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or employment in, its federally assisted programs or activities. e City Manager has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) regulations implementing Section 504 (24 CFR Part 8).

Citizen Participation & Grievance Procedures Notice

e City of Roma has adopted complaint and grievance procedures regarding its Texas Community Development Block Grant Programs (TxCDBG). Citizens may obtain a copy of these written procedures at 201 W. Convent Blvd. Roma, TX, 78584-0947 during regular business hours. Citizens may also request the procedures be mailed to them by calling the Mayor, Civil Rights O cer at 956-849-1411. ese procedures outline the steps for a citizen to follow if s/he wishes to le a complaint or grievance about TxCDBG activities. A person who has a complaint or grievance about any services or activities with respect to the TxCDBG project, may during regular business hours submit such complaint or grievance, in writing to the City Manager at PO BOX 947, Roma, TX 785840947 or may call 956-849-1411. e City of Roma will make every e ort to respond fully to such complaints within een (15) working days where practicable.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

e City of Roma does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

Aviso Publico: La Equidad en la Vivienda, Es La Ley

Para promover prácticas de vivienda justa, La Ciudad de City of Roma anima a los posibles propietarios de vivienda e inquilinos a que conozcan sus derechos conforme a la Ley Nacional De Vivienda Justa. El Título VIII de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1968, según enmendada, prohíbe la discriminación contra cualquier persona por motivos de raza, color, religión, sexo, discapacidad, estado familiar u origen nacional en la venta o renta de unidades en el mercado de la vivienda. Para obtener más información sobre vivienda justa o para informar sobre una posible discriminación de vivienda equitativa, llame a la Comisión Laboral de Texas al (888) 452-4778 o (512) 463-2642 TTY: 512-3717473.

Póliza de No Discriminar a Base de Estado de Discapacidad

La Ciudad de City of Roma no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad en la admisión, el acceso o el empleo en sus programas o actividades con asistencia federal. City Manager ha sido designado para coordinar el cumplimiento de los requisitos de no discriminación contenidos en los reglamentos del Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano (HUD) que implementan la Sección 504 (24 CFR Parte 8).

Participación Ciudadana y Procedimientos de Quejas Aviso

La Ciudad de City of Roma ha adoptado procedimientos de quejas y reclamos relacionados con sus programas de Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG). Los ciudadanos pueden obtener una copia de estos procedimientos escritos en 201 W. Convent Blvd., City of Roma, TX, 78584-0947 durante el horario comercial habitual. Los ciudadanos también pueden solicitar que se les envían los procedimientos por correo llamando al Mayor, O cial de Derechos Civiles, en 956-849-1411. Estos procedimientos describen los pasos que debe seguir un ciudadano si desea presentar una queja o reclamo sobre las actividades de TxCDBG. Una persona que tenga una queja o reclamo sobre cualquier servicio o actividad relacionada con un proyecto del programa TxCDBG, puede presentar dicha queja o reclamo durante el horario comercial habitual, o por escrito a City Manager, a PO BOX 947, City of Roma, TX 78584-0947 o puede llamar a 956-8491411. La Ciudad de City of Roma hará todo lo posible para responder con plenitud a las quejas dentro de los quince (15) días hábiles cuando sea posible.

Declaración de Igualdad de Oportunidades de Empleo

La Ciudad de City of Roma no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, religión, sexo, orientación sexual, identidad de género u origen nacional.

The Kelsey Bass Museum offers a glimpse into the people who braved the treacherous waters of the Rio Grande to create this once bustling river port and the Robert E. Lee Museum tells of the proud military history of Fort Ringgold. As well as our Bessie III Trolley Tour that explores our historic downtown’s back streets, hidden places, and points of interest. Seniors enjoy a welcoming community that frequently comes together to celebrate local traditions, such as El Grito en el

Retirees will undoubtedly discover our vibrant history, genuine hospitality, and South Texas charm that is Rio Grande City.

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for WINE AND MALT BEVERAGE RETAILER’S ONPREMISE PERMIT (BG), by: BUFFALOS WING PUB ROMA, LLC dba BUFFALOS WING PUB ROMA, LLC, to be located at 1895 E. GRANT ST., ROMA, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS Manager Managed: GABRIELA GARCIA.

Wyatt Ranches associates gather in tribute for the annual fundraiser at the Briscoe Western Art Museum on the Riverwalk of San Antonio.

provide the Chevrolet Suburban, but to also equip the vehicle with advanced lifesaving and rescue equipment, which the City could not fund. Chief Garcia indicated that the increased border traffic of migrants has created many more calls for emergency services and local government resources were stressed. The Foundation provided a $100,000 grant for the Roma Police and thanked the Roma police officers for their dedication to public safety in their border community.

County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne. Sheriff Hawthorne, who is now the President of the DPS Troopers Foundation, presented a request for scholarships to students whose parents are members of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in the amount of $60,000.

funerals. Commander Trevino stated they were now needing funds for uniforms and other expenses to provide the military funeral honors. The Foundation acknowledged the veterans for volunteering their time to provide these emotional and final military honors for South Texas veterans.

The Ramirez Common School District had asked the Foundation for $70,000 to purchase a Ford Transit van. The van was needed for transporting pupils to and from school. The school was represented by Superintendent Gloria Hamill and Trustee Irma Lopez. The Foundation’s Board determined the school did not need a van, but an actual school bus. The Foundation provided a grant for almost double the school’s request in the amount $120,000 and a 2024 model school bus was delivered to the District within seventy-two hours. This new bus is the second school bus donated to Ramirez CSD by the Wyatt Ranches Foundation, as a previous new school bus was funded in 2021.

Chief Eden Garcia and Police Chaplain Troy Riggs from the Alice Police Department appeared before the Foundation Board and requested funds for computer tablets and the corresponding mobile connections for their patrol cars. Chief Garcia spoke of the need to replace the officers’ older laptop computers with these more modern and efficient tablets. The Chief also gave statistics which reflected a decline in burglaries and an overall downward trend of crime in Alice. A grant in the amount of $80,000 was awarded for the field-use computer tablets and the vehicle cradle points.

Chief Iv Garcia, Jr. of the Roma Police Department, accompanied by Officer Jorge Oyervides, Jr., requested a paramedic response Chevrolet Suburban for emergency medical services to be provided by the Police Department in Roma when the Starr County Memorial Hospital ambulance was not immediately available or when needed in conjunction with their services. The Chief indicated almost all his police officers were cross-trained and certified in firefighting and/or EMS services. He stressed the need to not only

The Freer Independent School District requested funds for enhancements and upgrades to their athletic facilities.

Duval County Commissioner Marty Perez accompanied Superintendent Conrad Cantu, and the District’s Athletic Director, Fran Adami, gave a detailed presentation of the school’s needs. Their request was unanimously approved and grant in the amount of $50,000 was awarded to Freer ISD.

Sergeant Ron Zirbes of the Corpus Christi Police Department and Jon Box of the Police Athletic League received a grant in the amount of $30,000 for upgrades needed to their athletic complex. Sergeant Zirbes stated the funds would be used improve the League’s facilities, which are used for after-school sporting activities for the youth of Corpus Christi.

Duval County Sheriff Romeo Ramirez, Chief Deputy Geno Martinez, and Sheriff’s Sergeant Lucas Wallek requested a grant for their continued communityoriented patrols, where deputies provide protection at school sporting events, life safety services at neighborhood action events, funeral escorts, added patrols in rural and outlying communities - all after their regular duty hours. Communityoriented patrols are intended to build partnerships between citizens and law enforcement for safer neighborhoods, which allow for the deputies to engage more with the community. In addition, funds for a crisis entry team were requested for gaining access to structures during emergencies. The Board voted to award a grant in the amount of $100,000 to the Sheriff’s Office in San Diego. The South Texas Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) requested funds for their military drills and training needs. Colonel Luis Barrera and Major Saul Gonzalez, along with an honor guard from the JROTC, appeared before the Board. Although the Colonel had requested $20,000 from the Foundation, the Board was moved by the group’s dedication and awarded a grant more than double their request, in the amount of $50,000.

The Texas DPS Troopers Foundation appeared before the Board and was represented by

In addition to the educational scholarships, their organization provides support for members of the DPS and their respective families, many of which are paramount when a member of the Department of Public Safety is killed in the line of duty. With this in mind, the Foundation’s Board provided a grant in excess of the requested amount and awarded $70,000 to the state trooper’s organization.

The San Isidro Independent School District received $20,000 for one $10,000 college scholarship and two $5,000 trade school scholarships to be awarded to students entering fields and trades relating to ranching and/ or occupations that would benefit rural areas.

The San Diego Rotarians received their Duval County Fair 2024 allocation in the amount of $272,000, which exceeded last year’s grant provided by the Wyatt Ranches Foundation.

The Rotarians will announce the details of the fair’s proceeds sometime in April or May.

Lastly, two health-related grants were awarded. Friends of Hope, an organization in the Rio Grande Valley, had requested a donation in the amount of $7,500.00 to aid children who are stricken with cancer. The Board surprised the organization with a grant in the amount of $30,000 to provide this critical assistance to children needing chemotherapy treatments. In addition, a grant in the amount of $120,000 was awarded to UT Health in relation to their treatment of children suffering from skin cancer.

Situated in South Texas and also in West Texas, Wyatt Ranches has six cattle ranching divisions. These cattle ranches are scattered south from Agua Dulce to the Rio Grande River; and west from Marfa to Valentine, with some ranches supplemented with agricultural farming operations.

The Wyatt Ranches Foundation has made numerous donations to governmental entities and nonprofit organizations in the rural areas of both South and West Texas…as well as donations for hospitals and teaching universities in the metropolitan areas of Texas.

The Foundation’s Board of Directors include Judge Ana Lisa Garza, Robert T. “Tio” Sakowitz, William C. “Billy” Wells, Oscar S. “Trey” Wyatt III, and Bradford A. “Brad” Wyatt.

Director Clay Taylor, Highway Patrol Lieutenant Richard L. Jankovsky III, and by former Highway Patrol Sergeant and now Chambers

Wyatt Ranches associates gather in tribute for the dedication of the Lynn Wyatt Square, an entire city block situated in Downtown Houston and dedicated to the Wyatt Ranches’ matriarch.

Roma ISD’s Gladiator LIFE Center students Participated at the Special Olympics Regional Competition

Sunburns and Skin Cancer

Individuals are urged to guard against sunburns and skin cancer by applying a sunscreen. But what does SPF and the various numbers associated with it mean?

SPF refers to sun protection factor. The SPF rating, according to Verywell Health, refers to how long a person can stay in the sun without getting burned while wearing the sunscreen compared to how long he or she could stay

in the sun before burning without wearing sunscreen.

For example, if you normally burn after 10 minutes in the sun and you apply an SPF 15 product, it will take 15 times longer to burn in the sun, or 150 minutes (2.5 hours).

Wearing a higher SPF product doesn’t protect you better, it does protect you for longer durations.

Therefore, you could conceivably

wear an SPF 5 and with frequent reapplication, get the same level of protection as wearing SPF 45. Higher number SPF products may be preferable since people can easily get distracted or forget to apply sunscreen regularly while outdoors.

But experts recommend reapplication of sunscreen every two hours, regardless of the SPF number on your sunscreen bottle.

Roma ISD’s Gladiator LIFE Center students had an amazing time demonstrating their abilities in different sports at the Special Olympics Regional Competition hosted by Roma ISD. Great job Gladiators! Thanks to Blanca Garza for the report.