February 21, 2024 by Starr County Town Crier

STARR VISION CASTAÑEDA CENTER

487-2440

300 East Main St. R.G.C.

Dr. Angie Ramirez Therapeutic Optometrist

Auto Insurance & Bail Bonds

488-0808 487-7000 280 W. 2nd St. R.G.C.

The Law Ofﬁce Of

J.M. “Chema” Garza Vol. 39, No. 8 WEEKLY WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 21, 2024 Ofﬁce (956) 487-6544 - Fax (956) 487-6165 - E-Mail: sctc78582@aol.com - www.starrcountytowncrier.com

Criminal Cases (Federal/State) Car Accidents/ 18 Wheeler Divorces • Real Estate/Deeds

956-317-1167 206 N. Britton Ave. Ste.B, R.G.C. jmchemagarza@gmail.com

487-2596 4350 E. US HWY 83 R.G.C.

South Texas CDL Institute Celebrates their Grand Opening

Installment Loans 668 E. Grant St. Ste A&B Roma TX 78584-5312

Phone (956) 849-4497

The South Texas CDL Institute celebrated their grand opening on Friday, February 2nd. The greater chamber of commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for South Texas CDL institute located at 5813 E. US Highway 83 in Rio Grandy City. On behalf of the South Texas CDL Institute, we would like to thank the city of Rio Grande EDC and a greater chamber of commerce, the Rio Grande City, police department, and workforce solutions and all our Family and friends, who joined us once again thank you. Come visit us if you NEED A CDL or for any restriction removals also endorsement hazmat or to inquire about the DOT medical card. We invited you to stop by. come on over and LET’S DROP A GEAR and disappear into a new career.

Local Veteran Honored as National Citizen San Isidro ISD Received Scientist by El Faro Health and Therapeutics $1,990 Nutrition NOW Grant Dr. Raymond Cruz Best FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dental Insurance, Medicaid and Chip Accepted

487-2999 419 East 2nd St. Rio Grande City, Tx.

Local hero and Veteran (former medic in the Army) was recently honored as a National Citizen Scientist by El Faro Health and Therapeutics for his exemplary volunteerism in clinical research. Martin Carrion was celebrated at El Faro for helping in the efforts to find a cure/ treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and always wanting to be the first individual to participate in any new study. In Texas alone, it is estimated that more than 400,0000 people are currently living with Alzheimer’s Disease and experts predict that this number will increase to 490,000 people by 2025. Furthermore, the Hispanic population is 1.5 times as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease compared to older White Americans, and research has not yet identified the cause. That is why people like Martin who are dedicated to volunteering to accelerate clinical research are extraordinary in helping the future. El Faro Health and

Therapeutics honored to host their very own Citizen Scientist Award nominee celebration for Mr. Martin Carrion. Mr. Carrion is very active in our community and is always advocating for participation in research. He is a proud Veteran. A Citizen Scientist is a local citizen who advocates and participates in research. The Global Alzheimers Platform

• Individual • Partnership • Corporations • LLC’s • Bookkeeping • Payroll • Financial Statements • Form 2290 • IRS Audit Representation

Mario A. Méndez, EA Licensed to practice before the IRS (Internal Revenue Service)

(NEW LOCATION)

201 S. San Antonio. St. Rio Grande City, TX (956)

317-1124

Mrs. Lally Carbajal visited San Isidro Independent School District to present the CNP Director, Mr. Leonel Olivarez, and District Foundation created this award Superintendent, Ms. Sara A. Alvarado, with the $1,990 Nutrition to celebrate Alzheimer’s and NOW Grant the school received back in January. Thanks to this Parkinson’s disease clinical trial grant, the high school students will soon have a Cafeteria Coffee Bar serving refreshing iced coffee daily! participants. On behalf of the El Faro Health and Therapeutics we thank him for his Service and for always helping us and participating in studies. We’d like to thank everyone who attended and made this event so special for Mr. Martin Carrion.

Wednesday - February 21 Thursday- February 22 Friday - February 23 Saturday - February 24

CHUY Alvarez ATTORNEY AT LAW

J.M. “Chuy” Alvarez

501 N. Britton Ave • Rio Grande City, Texas

956-487-4871 Cell: 956-208-0282 NOT CERTIFIED BY THE TEXAS BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 21, 2024, PAGE 2

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 21, 2024, PAGE 3

Kudos to Calf Scramble Roma High School JV Mariachi Santander and Varsity Recipient Natalee Alvarez!! Mariachi Nuevo Santander Earn Straight Division 1s Double Congratulations! The Roma High School JV Mariachi Santander achieved straight Division 1s at the RGV Area Mariachi UIL Contest! They delivered an outstanding performance. Way to go!! And that’s not all – huge congratulations to the Varsity Mariachi Nuevo Santander for earning straight Division 1s at the RGV UIL Contest!They now advance to the STATE UIL Contest, which will be held on February 24-25 in Seguin, TX! Calf scramble recipient! Congratulations to Natalee Alvarez on catching a Calf in San Antonio. Natalee caught a calf and has earned a spot in the ﬁnals. Natalee will be participating at the end of the month for a chance at earning another certiﬁcate to purchase an animal. Way to go, Natalee and good luck‼

Roma Independent School District P.O. Box 187, Roma, Texas 78584 Tel: (956) 849-1377 • Fax: (956) 849-4874

PUBLIC NOTICE A public hearing will be held for public discussion on the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) 2022-23 during a regular board meeting on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Manuel Guerra Building.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 21, 2024, PAGE 4

Immaculate Conception School The Serenity Sewing Group Helps Raise Money Open Enrollment Kicks Off for their Furry Friends at Hope for Paws

2,900 FULLWITH FUNERAL SERVICE SILVER $

.00

METAL CASKET

Sanchez CALL JEFF OR SONATA Sanchez Funeral Home

301 E. 2nd. St. Rio Grande City, Tx. 78582

(956) 487-2525

SANCHEZ

“Serving Our Community For Over 86 Years” “Caring for you & your loved ones in your time of need ”

Memorial Funeral Home 101 AR Sanchez Sr. Dr. Roma, Tx. 78584

(956) 847-7008

For a limited time only, you can save on enrollment fees for the 2024-2025 school year at Immaculate Conception School! Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to secure your child’s spot while enjoying exclusive savings.

Open Enrollment kicks off on Monday, February 12, 2024, and continues through Sunday, March 31, 2024. Mark your calendars and take advantage of this special offer before it’s too late! Give your child the gift of a quality Catholic education in a supportive environment. Reach out to our admissions ofﬁce for more details and to begin the enrollment process today. Don’t wait – invest in your child’s future now! Written By: Molleigh Flores

The Serenity Sewing group: Mackenzie Lopez, Sophia Marichalar, Leila and Kinsley Martinez would like to thank the Rio Grande City community for their support at the October and December Market Days. The girls sewed dog and cat bandanna’s plus homemade dog treats to help raise money for their furry friends at Hope for Paws. They were able to donate several bags of dog and cat food with their proﬁts. Hope to see you at the next Market Days.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 21, 2024, PAGE 5

STC Psychology Club Named Fair Volunteer Group of Year Mariachi Grulla De Plata Advanced to the State Mariachi Festival

Congratulations to the Starr County Campus Psychology Club at South Texas College has been named 2024 Volunteer Group of the Year at the Starr County Fair. Also to be congratulated are Alex Sarabia and Eli Sarabia, brothers and South Texas College Psychology Professors, who are the founding faculty advisors of the Starr County Campus Psychology Club that has been in existence for the last ﬁfteen years, making a positive difference in the college and Starr County community at large. Starr County Campus Psychology Club and its advisors have volunteered at the Starr County Fair for about eight years, helping at the entrance with stamping, cleaning, setting up, assisting attendees at the rides or in the animal section, and any other help that was needed and asked for. Starr County Campus Psychology Club Co-Advisor Alex Sarabia has also served as judge a couple of times for the Starr County Fair Pageant, both at the actual pageant and in the essay/writing section. The group has also participated in the Starr County Fair parade. Starr County Campus Psychology Club is the largest and most active club / student organization in all South Texas College campuses. This is their 15th anniversary, leading the way

since 2009. In the last 15 years, the Starr Psych Club has had over 800 members, over 200 meetings, over 80 fundraisers, and fundraised over $40,000 to donate to numerous causes and to award twelve $1,000 scholarships. The Starr County Campus Psychology Club has hosted many signature events on campus: 14 Starr County

Role Models Get Inspired Conferences, 13 Starr County’s Got Talent Shows, 13 Starr County Mental Health Awareness Conferences, six Crossing Disciplines Conferences, 8 Starr Congratulations to Mariachi Grulla De Plata for earning a Division I at the UIL Contest in La Joya High County Campus Psychological School PAC. They advanced to the State Mariachi Festival which will be in Seguin High School PAC on Science Majors Orientations, 10 February 22-24, 2024. Once again Congratulations!!! Department of Psychological Science Faculty Proﬁles, and a Meet the STC & UTPA Presidents Conference.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 21, 2024, PAGE 6 Did you know? -- Though cancer is a formidable foe, data from the World Health Organization suggests that millions of cancer fatalities can be prevented each year. According to the WHO, cancer accounted for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. Roughly one-third of those deaths are due to tobacco use, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, low fruit and vegetable intake, and sedentary lifestyles. Cancers linked to such behaviors can be prevented when individuals make healthier lifestyle choices. In fact, the WHO estimates that between 30 and 50 percent of cancers can currently be prevented by avoiding risk factors, including tobacco use and poor diet, and implementing evidence-based prevention strategies, such as measures designed to minimize occupational exposure to ionizing radiation and reducing exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollution.

Grulla Elementary students learn about electronic cigarettes and HB 114

Dr. Karina Garcia-Saenz presented the Rio Grande City Grulla ISD fourth and ﬁfth grade students a refresher on electronic cigarettes and HB 114 as part of the continuous efforts to inform them about the health and legal repercussions of vaping. Students were given this information so they may learn about the negative aspects and potential legal consequences. We need to teach our students about harmful devices, like vaping, and the new Texas law. Students will continue to receive prevention education. Thank you Grulla Elementary’s students, teachers, and administration!

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 21, 2024, PAGE 7

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 21, 2024, PAGE 8

Cornyn, Colleagues’ Bill to Help Prevent Child Abuse Passes Senate Bill Encourages Community-Based Prevention Education and Training for Teachers, Caregivers, and Students

U.S. Senators John Cornyn (RTX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) released the following statements after their Jenna Quinn Law, which would allow current grant funds

to be used to train and educate students, teachers, caregivers, and other adults who work with children in a professional or volunteer capacity on how to prevent, recognize, and report

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION - March 2 , 2024

Property to satisfy Landlord’s lien. Sale is on Saturday, MARCH 2, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. Super Starr Storage, 215 North F.M. 3167, Rio Grande City Texas 78582. Property will be sold to the highest bidder for cash only. Cleanup and removal deposit may be required. Seller reserves right to not accept any bid and to withdraw property from sale. Property unknown until day of the sale. Property includes contents of spaces of the following tenants: Melizza Rodriguez, Veronica Martinez and Juan J. Pena

child sexual abuse, passed the Senate. The bill is named for Jenna Quinn, a Texan and child abuse survivor, and is modeled after successful reforms passed by the Texas Legislature in 2009. “Congress must ensure every state has robust resources to train those who work with our children on how to identify and prevent the vicious cycle of child sexual abuse,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation, inspired by Texan Jenna Quinn, would give students, teachers, and caregivers more tools to protect vulnerable children nationwide, and I urge my colleagues in the House to

pass it without delay.” “We must work together to prevent the sexual abuse of children,” said Sen. Hassan. “I was proud to help introduce this bipartisan legislation that provides people who work with children the training that they need to prevent, recognize, and report child sexual abuse, and am glad to see its pass unanimously in the Senate. I urge my colleagues in the House to help us keep children safe by supporting this commonsense bill.” “Every child deserves protection from abuse. Ensuring all adults, teachers, and caregivers are equipped with the knowledge to identify, prevent, and report child sexual abuse is a necessary and life-saving mechanism,” said Sen. Luján. “Jenna’s Law is implemented across several states – including New Mexico – and

should be federally recognized. I’m proud to see this bipartisan legislation passed the Senate, bringing us one step closer to providing funding to train and educate students, teachers, and parents on best practices to prevent and report abuse.” Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) also cosponsored this legislation. Background: Jenna Quinn has been an outspoken advocate for survivors of child sexual abuse and was the driving force behind what is now known as Jenna’s Law in Texas. Unanimously passed by the Texas Legislature, Jenna’s Law was the ﬁrst child sexual abuse prevention law in the U.S. that mandates K-12 trainings for students and school staff and was amended in 2017 to include sex trafﬁcking prevention education in schools. More than half of all states have adopted a

form of Jenna’s Law. After Jenna’s Law passed in Texas in 2009, a study found educators reported child sexual abuse at a rate almost four times greater after training than during their pre-training career. The Jenna Quinn Law, which passed the Senate unanimously last Congress, would: •Authorize federal grants to eligible entities for increasing evidence-based or informed training on sexual abuse prevention education and reporting to teachers and school employees, students, caregivers, and other adults who work with children. •Ensure these grant recipients coordinate with local educational agencies to train students, professionals, and volunteers who work with students on sexual abuse prevention, recognition, and reporting.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 21, 2024, PAGE 9

Children of Addiction Week (February 11 - 17, 2024) breaks the silene that engulfs and traps kids and teens living with parental addiction and offers the chance for children at risk to become children of promise. Addiction is a national health epidemic and communities across the country are struggling with ever-increasing demands for more treatment options for those with addiction. The impact on children is staggering. One in four children

lives in a family impacted by parental addiction. Science validates the emotional and personal damage to developing children in these families and without support – can be passed on to the next generation. We cannot afford to forget the countless children – those who are often the ﬁrst hurt and last helped by this devastating disease. Join the growing number of caring adults from around the globe combining voices so that children can hear they are not alone. Whether you are a professional who provides services to families, a teacher concerned about a student, a neighbor wondering

how to make a difference in the lives of the kids living across the street, or a coach looking for information to help one of your players, we’re here to help. Are you the non-using parent concerned about your family, or a grandparent who lives hours away yet worried every day about your grandchildren? Maybe you are an older sibling off to college but nervous about what is happening at home. NACoA offers resources for anyone interested in providing support to children living with parental alcoholism/addiction, and their parents. Message from the Starr County Community Coalition.

PUBLIC NOTICE - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT The City of Rio Grande City invites all citizens to a public hearing at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 26, 2024 at the City Hall Chambers, 5332 E US Highway 83, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 to review performance and obtain comments regarding its 2021 Texas CDBG Program Community Development Contract CDV21-0426. Disabled persons or those who require auxiliary aids or services who wish to attend this meeting should contact the City of Rio Grande City at (956) 487-0672 at least two days before the meeting to make arrangements. AVISO PÚBLICO - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT La ciudad de Rio Grande City invita a todos sus ciudadanos a una audiencia pública el 26 de Febrero del 2024, a las 5:00 p.m. en la sala municipal localizada en 5332 E US Highway 83, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582, para evaluar el desempeño y obtener comentarios sobre el contrato CDBG del 2021, numero CDV21-0426. Las personas discapacitadas interesadas en atender a la audiencia pública que requieren de acomodaciones o servicios especiales, deben comunicarse con la Rio Grande City al (956) 487-0672 no menos de dos días antes de la junta para hacer arreglos necesarios. Residentes que necesiten un intérprete deben comunicarse con la ciudad por lo menos 24 horas antes de la audiencia pública.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Roma will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, March 4, 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) Marielva Garza has ﬁled a request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a Duplex in a Suburban Residential District (SF). The property is legally described as Lot 6, Porcion 74, Ancient Jurisdiction of Mier, now Starr County, Texas. The property’s physical address is 2340 Fourth Street, Roma, TX. (CUP#2403) The City Council for the City of Roma will be holding a Public Hearing for the case(s) on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., at the Roma City Council Chambers, located at 201 W. Convent Ave., Roma, Texas.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 21, 2024, PAGE 10

PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE Application is being made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Wine and Malt Beverage Retail Dealer’s Off-Premise Permit by Dolgencorp of Texas, Inc. d/b/a Dollar General Store #25736 located at 1859 US HWY 83, Roma, Starr County, TX 78584. Officers of said Corporation are Steven R. Deckard, CEO, Kelly M. Dilts, CFO, Neal E. Miller, VP Tax, and Emily C. Taylor, EVP/Secretary.

An application has been made for a Wine and Malt Beverage Retail Dealer’s On-Premise Permit for 7-Eleven New SSP Beverage LLC, Texas Corporation, d/b/a Stripes Store 40596H, located at 2798 W. US Hwy 83, Rio Grande City, Starr County, TX. 78582. Said application made to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission in accordance with the provisions of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code.

Now Hiring Ranch Hand

General ranch work: feeding, Trabajo general en el rancho: fence work, tractor (mowing, alimentación, trabajo de cercas, shredding, farming, road work) tractor (corte, trituración, agricultura, trabajo en caminos) Las Maintenance skills a plus. habilidades de mantenimiento son Location Guerra Tx. una ventaja. Ubicación Guerra Tx. Full Time Employment Empleo de tiempo completo: Pay Based on Experience. pago basado en la experiencia. For more info. call Para más información. llame al (956) 735-6628 (956) 735-6628

7-Eleven New SSP Beverage LLC ofﬁcers: Brian Smith - VP David Seltzer – Treasurer/VP Keith Jones - Manager Kyle Johnson- VP Rory King – Manager Timothy Hall - Manager

PUBLIC NOTICE

Se Solicita Trabajador de Rancho

PUBLIC NOTICE

El Tanque WSC 17 Country Estates Rio Grande City, TX 78582 (956) 487-2869

An application has been made for a Wine and Malt Beverage Retail Dealer’s On-Premise Permit for 7-Eleven New SSP Beverage LLC, Texas Corporation, d/b/a Stripes Store 40599H, located at 401 N. FM 3167, Rio Grande City, Starr County, TX. 78582.

An application has been made for a Wine and Malt Beverage Retail Dealer’s On-Premise Permit for 7-Eleven New SSP Beverage LLC, Texas Corporation, d/b/a Stripes Store 40600H, located at 2749 E. Grant St., Roma, Starr County, TX. 78584.

Said application made to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission in accordance with the provisions of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code.

El Tanque WSC is now accepting applications for the position of a waterworks crewman.

7-Eleven New SSP Beverage LLC ofﬁcers: Brian Smith - VP David Seltzer – Treasurer/VP Keith Jones - Manager Kyle Johnson- VP Rory King – Manager Timothy Hall - Manager

Must have experience working with waterworks operations. (Fixing water leaks, installing meters, reading meters, and all other duties assigned to you). Being able to work 40 hours a week, plus on call when needed.

NOW HIRING!

POSITION: WATERWORKS CREWMAN

Qualifications required.

Salary will be based on experience. Apply In person at El Tanque WSC office, located at 17 Country Estates Dr, Rio Grande City, TX. 78582.

MANAGER $PECIAL MUST GO!! MANAGER $PECIAL 2023

2022 Chevy Blazer LT $

Chevy MUST GO!! Silverado$ 38,995

39,995

35,990

STK# P2447 NICE! ONLY 16K MILES!!!

STK#25228A

2020 Honda CR-V

$ STK#24959A

2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD Diesel

31,995

5 9 9 , 8 2

35,995

STK#25498A

CALL

2023 Challenger Coupe R/T

STK# 25623A

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People across the Valley come home to Rio Motor Co. for big savings and family-friendly service!

No Matter Where You Live, Come Home! (956) 487-2596 · 1-800-509-0003

Paco Cantu 956-208-1821

Rolando Flores 956-416-8945

www.riomotors.com

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 21, 2024, PAGE 11

People across the Valley come home to Rio Motor Company!

2024 CHEVROLET 1500 CREW CAB CUSTOM 2WD MSRP $48,265

STK# 25355

For well-qualiﬁed buyers

1.9% 72 APR FOR

MONTHS

when you ﬁnance with GM Financial. (1)

48,265

(1) Monthly payment is $14.71 for every $1,000 you finance. Average example down payment is 16.7%. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with leases and some other offers. Residency restrictions apply. Must take new retail delivery by 03/04/2024. See Dealer for details. All prices plus tax, title and license. Vehicle is subject to pre-sale.

“No Matter Where You Live, Come Home!” (956) 487-2596 • 1-800-509-0003 www.riomotors.com

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 21, 2024, PAGE 12

¿Necesitas ayuda de PROVIDER en tu casa, o PROVIDERS conoces a alguien que necesita PROVIDER? PAGANDO HASTA Pero, tienen miedo a pedir por temor de perder su propiedad. Sabias que existen cosas a su favor para que eso no suceda.

HABLEME: CONSULTA GRATIS

12.00 POR HORA

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OMAR REYES (956) 533-9001

You’re in good hands.

Auto • Home • Business • Life Hablamos Español

956-488-0160

103 W. 2nd Street Rio Grande City, Tx 78582

Arroyo:5065 Hwy. 83 ste. A - 956-570-0702 Roma: 834 E. Grant St. Ste. C - 956-570-0701 OPEN OPEN RGC: 4370 NOW Escobares: 4522 NOW E. Hwy 83 Ste. B - 956-309-3549 East Hwy 83 Ste A. 956-429-5625 Penitas - 1715 Expressway 83 Suite A-2 Penitas Tx- 956-424-0133