AUGUST 16, 2023

RGC Border Patrol Station hosted Memorial Service in Honor of Patrol Inspector Augustin De La Pena

The Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station hosted a memorial service on Thursday, August 10th, beginning at Immaculate Conception Church and continuing at the Catholic Cemetery in Rio Grande City, in honor of Patrol Inspector Augustin De La Pena who died in the line of duty in August of 1925.

The official record offers very limited facts of the incident, and aside from family and friends,

there was no official memorial for this hero of our community and country.

On this day, the RGC Border

GHS Lady Gator Varsity Volleyball Defeated Santa Rosa Warriors (30) and Santa Maria Cougars (3-2)

Congratulations to the Grulla HS Lady Gator Varsity Volleyball for defeating the Santa Rosa Warriors (3-0) and the Santa Maria Cougars (3-2) on Wednesday, August 9th. Great way to start off the non-district season. Best to the Lady Gator athletes and coaching staff.

Patrol Station rectified that and held a beautiful ceremony to honor and remember Patrol Inspector Augustin De La Pena.

Roma ISD Host Ribbon Cutting for New LIFE Center

cooking, cleaning, laundry, and other personal care skills. It will also be a center providing potential employment skills like baking, gardening, and carpentry. Students will enjoy therapeutic activities like art and music as well.

“This is a very exciting new venture for our district to really serve the full needs of our special education population,” explained Roma ISD Special Education Department Director Dr. Adrian Guerra. “In the past there has been no next step for our high school graduates in our program, so they usually have gone back

to the high school. Now, this center will provide a real path to transition into adulthood for the graduates. They needed a calm environment totally focused on their needs, and that is exactly what this center provides.”

Roma ISD’s LIFE Center provides a welcoming, peaceful environment for students to learn self care like maintaining a home,

“It was thrilling to see the joy and smiles of our future center students as they toured the facility, which we made just for them,” said Roma ISD Superintendent Carlos M. Gonzalez Jr. “These young women and men are excited about their future, and we want to ensure we give them every tool possible to make their lives richer and more enjoyable.”

“I want to thank everyone who made this center possible including our visionary School Board, Dr. Adrian Guerra, and especially our Maintenance Department, who put in all the labor to prepare the building to be safe and welcoming for the

students,” added Gonzalez. “I also want to thank Dr. Daniel King, Region One Executive Director, for his guidance and advice to help us get this idea from a seed to fruition. Lastly, I want to thank our community for putting their trust in us to do the right thing to help their children. We will continue to do everything we can to provide the tools and pathways for all our students to have the brightest futures possible.”

The Life Center will begin serving students on August 14, 2023.

Obituary

A Tribute Together In Legacy

Together - Many Are Called but Few Are Chosen. e Canales Sisters Passing a Few Days Apart is A Memory at Will Never be Forgotten.

16th Anniversary Mass In Loving Memory of Marie D. Lopez

I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday and days before that too. I think of you, in silence I often speak your name, all I have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is my keepsake with which I’ll never part. God has you in his keeping, I have you in my heart.

$2,900.00

Sylvia Sonia Canales

12/26/57 – 8/6/23

survived by Noel, Jessica, Gabriel & Bobby

The Canales Sisters Passing a Few Days Apart is A Memory

That Will Never be Forgotten.

Called to be with Our Lord, from the homestead of the Belen La Sacatosa Canales Ranch.

Both Sisters relocated from San Antonio to devote and plan conservation into practice agricultural operations.

The dream was to harvest a seed and grow old in the field of hay pastures and steward applications to programs available for livestock and water and carry on for generations.

The day rise the: sun shade and in a glimpse of a second your life was taking to rest

Nelda Dina Canales

12/25/56 – 8/10/23

survived by Linda, Nelda Ann, Adam & Steven (Liza RIP 04/08/22)

God’s Angels came to prove to us – He Only Takes The Best!

In Tribute Memorial Service Family Heritage Canales Ranch

Our gratitude of appreciation to Sanchez Funeral Home for the patience and full support to arrange all services. Thank You to all the relatives and friends for the prayers, donations, flowers, and logistics to memorial services.

AUGUST 17, 2023 ROMA

SANCHEZ FUNERAL HOME

AUGUST 18, 2023 ROMA

LADY OF REFUGE CATHOLIC

CHURCH

AUGUST 18, 2023 BELEN

MEMORIAL CEMETERY RECEPTION

NOVENA “Miraculous Prayer”

Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for favors. This time I ask you this very special one (mention favor). Take it, Dear Jesus, and place it within your own heart, where your Father sees it. Then, in your merciful eyes it will become your favor, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favor will be granted. Never known to fail.

Misa de Segundo Aniversario

Eli Roel Barrera

The Rio Grande City Public Library announced that permanent StoryWalk™ installations at the Basilio Villarreal Park and the Miriam Vale Park a fun way for families to combine health and literacy. StoryWalk™ consists of laminated pages from a children’s book displayed on stands along the parks walking path to encourage walking and reading. StoryWalk™ books will be on display year-round and available during park hours. Look for a new story at the beginning of each month. The title of the new story and other library activities and events will be posted on the Rio Grande City Public Library’s website and Facebook page. In a collaborative effort with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Rio Grande City Public Library, Rio Grande City Parks & Rec, Working on Working on Wellness Environments (WoW-E), Healthy Nation in Parks: Creating a More Active America, Together and community leaders.

palabras

Si un día mi mano te suelta y la vida en mi se agota recuerdame bonito y déjame dormir en las estrellas. No invoques la tristeza, búscame en tu sonrisa. Tu me has salvado no me has perdido porque todo lo que soy se queda contigo. Si mis palabras no te sirven cierra tus ojos y escucha tus latidos, ahí esta mi nido, mi refugio eterno que no conoce de olvidos.

Se celebrara una misa el Domingo 20 de Agosto a la 9:30 a.m. en la Iglesia Cordero de Dios en Fronton, Texas

Cordero

Su Esposa Maria Teresa Barrera y Familia Barrera ~ Guerrero

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

Rambo, We Love You!

5:00 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church

San Isidro High School Lady Tigers take down Progresso HS Red Ants

(25–22) and set 5 (15– 7). This was the opening games for both schools and their 2023 Volleyball Seasons.

Progresso’s Jr. Varsity defeated San Isidro’s J.V. 2 out of 3 sets.

San Isidro’s HS New Volleyball Coaches this season are Head Coach, Gerardo Odie Arambula and Assistant Coach Ray Garza.

Thank You for Your Support!!

San Isidro High School

Volleyball Lady Tigers take down Progresso HS Red Ants in a thrilling 5 set match at Progresso High School.

The Lady Tigers showed up roaring defeating the home team 25-17 in the opening set with two separate rallies, one early with 6 straight points and one late in the set finishing the set with 5 straight

points. The Lady Red Ants made necessary adjustments between sets 1 and 2 and were able to win set 2 (17-25) and set 4 by the same score.

San Isidro made adjustments of their own by hustling on the defensive end and consistently serving tough with a team high 12 aces, and won the match by defeating Progresso high in set 3

Action Picture: Isabela Reyes, Monze Gamez and Aryana Garza.

On behalf of Roel Peña and all the Peña Family we want to thank and appreciate each and everyone who helped with the brisket sale benefit. We continue to battle this disease. Keep me in your Prayers #PeñaStrong

RGCGISD, Driscoll Health Plan, SCAN

Annual Back to School Bash a Big Success

On Friday, August 4, 2023, Rio Grande City Grulla ISD partnered with Driscoll Health Plan and SCAN for the Annual Back to School Bash where students received Backpacks and School Supplies along with Health Care Application Assistance Information and Dental Education. On behalf of our Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Adolfo Pena, Jr., and the entire School Board of Trustees, we would like to thank everyone for making this event a SUCCESS! We would like to thank our Sponsors that contributed to this event: South Texas Development Council, Nuestra Clinica del Valle, Border Region, DHR / Starr County Memorial Hospital, SCAN, Joya Dental, and the Youth members from the Starr County Community Coalition.

I have learned that it takes a village to raise our children. If it weren’t for the countless inspiring people in my life, I would never be in the position to give back that I am so blessed to �ind myself in at this time in my life. To all the mothers, fathers, teachers, counselors, troop leaders, military personnel, government of�icials, family members and beautiful loving Grandmothers, this scholarship program is in memory of your effort to inspire our future leaders. This scholarship is for those who constantly motivate and impress those around them. We believe in these wonderful children like Louella Bolt believed in me.

Dr. Daria Babineaux

Ailyn Alejandre Zapata High School

Danelly Perez Rio High School

Alexa Cruz Zapata High School

Carolina Salinas Roma High School

Julissa Lisette Pena Zapata High School

Dana Jamila Guerra Roma High School

Kayla Lynelle Medina Zapata High School

Pedro Gonzalez Zapata High School

Valentina Garza Rio High School

Dana Karina Flores Preparatory for Early College High School

Hailey Solis Rio High School

Briana Alaniz Zapata High School

Angelica Landaverde Zapata High School

DPS Issues Reminders for Drivers to Use Extra Caution In-and-Around School Zones and Neighborhoods

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds drivers to use extra caution inand-around school zones and neighborhoods as we start the new school year. This includes knowing state laws about driving near stopped school buses and not using cell phones when you’re behind the wheel. It also means utilizing the many resources available to parents, school staff and students.

“It takes time for drivers to get used to seeing buses on the roads and more kids walking on the sidewalks or crossing streets,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “We’re asking people to take some extra time and be cautious in order to do your part and keep everyone safe as kids across the state head back to school. We’re also encouraging parents to talk to their kids now about how to stay safe and when to report anything that may seem suspicious.”

DPS offers these tips for backto-school safety:

•Give students extra room and don’t assume they are paying attention to your vehicle. Students are often distracted by mobile devices, listening to electronic devices or by other students, and they may not be paying attention to their surroundings.

•Don’t block a crosswalk when stopped at a red light or stop sign.

•Follow the directions of school crossing guards.

•Watch for children on bicycles traveling to and from schools.

•Reduce your speed when you spot a school bus and know children may unexpectedly step into the road without checking for oncoming traffic.

•Be careful around railroad

crossings. School buses are legally required to stop at them.

•Know the laws regarding school buses. According to Texas law, if a bus has alternating flashing red signals visible from the front or rear, drivers MUST stop before reaching the bus. Drivers can only proceed if the flashing lights are no longer activated, the driver signals you to proceed or the bus has resumed driving. Approaching drivers do NOT have to stop for a school bus that is operating a visual signal if the road is separated by a physical barrier or an intervening space. If a highway is only divided by a left-turn lane, it is not considered divided, and drivers must stop for school buses.

•Drivers who illegally pass a school bus face fines up to $1,250 for the first offense. For people convicted of the offense more than once, the law allows for the person’s driver license to be suspended for up to six months. A ticket for this offense cannot be dismissed through defensive driving. Criminal charges are possible if a driver causes someone serious bodily injury.

•Always obey speed limits and traffic laws in school zones.

•Remember, texting while driving is illegal in Texas.

Career and Technical Education Methods of Administration (MOA)

(Notificación Pública de No discriminación en los Programas de Educación Profesional y Técnica)

RGCGISD ofrece carrera y programas de educación técnica en:

Servicio Público: Ciencias de la Salud

STEM: Ciencia, Tecnología, Ingeniería y Matemáticas

Servicio Público: Servicios Humanos

Negocios y endoso Industria: Manufactura

Negocio y Industria Aprobación: Administración y Dirección de Empresas

Negocio y Industria Aprobación: Arte, A / V Tecnología y Comunicación

Negocios y endorso Industrial: Tecnología de la Información

Negocios y endorso Industrial: Transporte, Distribución y Logística

Negocios y endoso Industria: Transporte, Distribución y Logística

Negocio e Industria Aprobación: Hospitalidad y Turismo

Negocio e Industria Aprobación: Agricultura, Alimentos y Recursos Naturales (subcapítulo-A)

Negocio e Industria Aprobación: Arquitectura y Construcción

La admisión a estos programas se basa en normas no discriminatorias.

Es la políza de RGCGISD no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, impedimento o edad, en sus procedimientos de empleo, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmendada; Título IX de las Enmiendas de Educación de 1972; y la Ley de Discriminación por Edad de 1975, según enmendada; y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmendada.

RGCGISD tomará medidas para asegurar que la falta de conocimiento del idioma inglés no sea una barrera para la admisión y participación en todos los programas educativos y vocacionales.

Para información sobre sus derechos o procedimientos para quejas, póngase en contacto con el director del departamento del Título IX, el Dr. Arcadio Salinas, en la 1ª Fort Ringgold Rio Grande City, Texas 78582, Si usted tiene alguna pregunta o duda llamar a la CTE Directora Sra. Adelina G. Villarreal al (956) 716-6700

Career and Technical Education Methods of Administration (MOA)

(Public Notification of Nondiscrimination in Career and Technical Education Programs)

RGCGISD offers career and technical education programs in:

Public Service: Health Science

STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Public Service: Human Services

Business and Industry Endorsement: Manufacturing

Business and Industry Endorsement: Business Management and Administration

Business and Industry Endorsement: Arts, A/V Technology & Communication

Business and Industry Endorsement: Information Technology

Business and Industry Endorsement: Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

Public Service: Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security

Business and Industry Endorsement: Hospitality & Tourism

Business and Industry Endorsement: Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (Subchapter-A)

Business and Industry Endorsement: Architecture & Construction

Admission to these programs is based on non-discriminatory standards.

It is the policy of RGCGISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

RGCGISD will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.

For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Department Director, Dr. Arcadio Salinas, at 1st Fort Ringgold Rio Grande City, Texas 78582, If you have any questions or concerns call the CTE Director Mrs. Adelina G. Villarreal at (956) 716-6700

Governor Abbott Signs Largest Property Tax Cut In Texas History

On August 9, 2023, Governor Greg Abbott ceremonially signed legislation delivering the largest property tax cut in Texas history—$18 billion— passed during Special Session #2 of the 88th Legislature in New Caney. The Governor was joined at the historic bill signing by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dade Phelan, Senator Paul Bettencourt, Representative Morgan Meyer, and other members of the Texas Legislature.

“Today, I am signing a law that will ensure more than $18 billion in property tax cuts—the largest property tax cut in Texas history,” said Governor Abbott. “If passed by voters this fall, Texas homestead exemptions will rise to $100,000, senior homeowners

will be protected from being priced out of their home, the small business exemption for the Franchise Tax will double, and Texas small businesses will be protected from excessive appraisal increases. None of these monumental changes could have been accomplished without the hard work of Lieutenant

Governor Patrick and Speaker Phelan. We all came together to offer Texans the property tax relief they so desperately deserve, and I am proud to sign these new laws today.”

In his 2023 State of the State address, Governor Abbott made cutting property taxes for Texans an emergency item for the 88th

Legislature. Under Senate Bill 2 and Senate Bill 3, $18 billion of Texas’ historic budget surplus will be allocated toward driving down school district property tax rates, increasing homestead exemptions for Texas homeowners, and increasing Franchise Tax exemptions and appraisal caps for small businesses.

“The signing of this Texassized tax cut, the biggest property tax cut in history, is a massive victory for all 5.7 million Texas homeowners,” said Lieutenant Governor Patrick. “The combination of compression and the $100,000 homestead exemption is a powerful onetwo punch that will cut school property taxes for the average priced home by $1,250 to $1,450 every year on their homesteaded property.”

“As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas— and now that includes property tax relief,” said Speaker Phelan. “At the start of the session, state

leaders set out to pass legislation that would provide relief in a way that property owners would actually see and feel. This $18 billion package—the largest in the country—will do just that.

I appreciate the hard work of all House members who helped make this historic achievement possible and am grateful to our Senate counterparts for working with our chamber to get this done.”

“Governor Abbott just signed the greatest tax cut in the history of the world,” said Senator Bettencourt. “It’s a fabulous $18 billion tax reduction bill, and every Texan will see huge savings on their tax bill. It was a great joy working with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker, House, and Representatives Meyer and Metcalf.”

“I want to thank the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker for their leadership on this issue,” said Representative Meyer. “It was fantastic to be able to work with the Senate to deliver

this historic tax relief to the state of Texas. This absolutely, unequivocally shows that we listen to our constituents.”

Senate Bill 2 (Bettencourt/ Meyer) provides property tax relief through tax rate compression, an increase in the homestead exemption, and a pilot project limiting the growth in appraised values. For tax year 2023, this will save the average Texas homestead owner over $1,200. Texas homestead owners over 65 or with a disability will see over $1,400 in savings.

Senate Bill 3 (Bettencourt/ Geren) law increases the Franchise Tax “no tax due” threshold to $2.47 million and removes burdensome filing requirements for those who do not owe tax.

The constitutional amendment to provide the largest property tax cut in Texas history will be added to the Texas Constitution if approved by a simple majority of Texas voters on November 7, 2023.

Chief of Police: Lead with integrity, innovation, and a commitment to public safety. Bring your experience to a dynamic team dedicated to protecting and serving Escobares.

Police O cers: Become a vital part of our force, ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens. Join us in upholding justice and maintaining a safe environment.

For more information, call 956-847-1400 or email Court@cityofescobares.net

¿Buscas

¡Estamos contratando para los puestos de Jefe de Policía y O ciales de Policía en el Departamento de Policía de la Ciudad de Escobares!

Jefe de Policía: Liderar con integridad, innovaci6n y compromiso con la seguridad publica. Aporta tu experiencia a un equipo dinámico dedicado a proteger y servir a Escobares.

O ciales de Policía: Conviértase en una parte vital de nuestra fuerza, garantizando la seguridad y el bienestar de nuestros ciudadanos. Unase a nosotros para defender la justicia y mantener un entorno seguro.

Para obtener mas información, llame al 956-847-1400 o envíe un correo electrónico a Court@cityofescobares.net. ¡Haga la

en Escobares, presente su solicitud hoy!

Pneumococcal Vaccines Protect Kids From Dangerous Diseases

Physicians highlight vaccine importance for kids under 2 years old

Texas physicians have a message for parents getting ready to send their kids to daycare or school – make sure your children are up to date on their pneumococcal vaccine. The vaccine prevents infectious diseases that spread easily through a cough or sneeze in crowded settings.

“It is important for infants to be immunized at a young age, typically 2, 4, 6, and 15 months of age, especially before daycare entry,” said Valerie Smith, MD, who is a pediatrician and chair of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) Council on Science and Public Health. She said very young children and older adults are most at risk for pneumococcus.

Many people, including young children, have pneumococcal bacteria in their nose or throat. The

bacteria can cause noninvasive diseases like ear infections, but in some cases, it can develop into dangerous invasive diseases like meningitis.

“Physicians worry about pneumococcus because it can cause invasive disease spreading to the lungs, the blood stream, or the lining of the brain, which can lead to severe, life-threatening illnesses,” Dr. Smith said. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when someone is affected by an invasive disease, germs invade parts of the body that are normally germ free.

In Texas, nearly 2,000 invasive pneumococcal disease cases are reported each year.

TMA created a public awareness campaign, Vaccines Defend What Matters, reminding Texans to get their children’s vaccinations updated and to get the flu shot this fall.

“The new school year is an exciting time, but in addition to new clothes and school supplies, it is an important time for families

to make sure their children are healthy and protected from vaccine preventable diseases,” Dr. Smith said. She recommends parents contact their primary care physician’s office for more information and guidance about the pneumococcal vaccine, as well as other vaccines children need for school.

LEGAL NOTICE

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a WINE AND MALT BEVERAGE RETAIL DEALER’S ONPREMISE PERMIT (BG) by: ADAN LONGORIA dba FIVE STAR BURGERS AND MORE to be located at 1609 W. MAIN ST., RIO GRANDE CITY, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS.

Author Dr. Isaias Rodriguez at the RGC Public Library’s Fun Friday

Rio Grande City Road Runner FC Team Attended Their First Soccer Tournament

The Rio Grande City Road Runner FC, coached by Fabian Zamora, attended their first soccer tournament on Saturday, August 5th, in Laredo, Texas, also in attendance was RGC International Business Ambassador, Ruben Islas. The Rio Grande City semi-pro soccer team has been practicing and working hard for weeks and finally were able to show off what they’ve been work on, during this tournament they went head to head with the Laredo

CHEVY SUMMER DRIVE SALES EVENT

See Dealer for details. All prices plus tax, title and license. Vehicle is subject to pre-sale.

RGC Public Library’s Fun Friday on July 7 featured Author Dr. Isaias Rodriguez entertained the guests with his book “Mom, Are you Ready?”. Dr. Rodriguez is a national early childhood consultant, a children’s author and illustrator. Friends of the Rio Grande City Public Library bought 10 books to raffle to kids present. For more information on library programs call 956-487-4389 or visit www.rgclibrary.org .