March 13, 2024

Mariachi Grulla De Plata Earns Division I at the 2024 UIL State Solo and Ensemble Contest

Abel Gonzalez III Inducted into the Texas A&M Kingsville Athletic Hall of Fame

to Mariachi Grulla

Contest held in Seguin High School Performing Arts Center. In addition, the entire 17 members received a metal for Outstanding Performance. Mariachi Grulla De Plata was the only ensemble that received 17 Outstanding Performance Metals, meaning the entire ensemble, in 3A and 4A. Once again, Congratulations and way to represent Gator Nation!!!

congratulations to our Rio Rattlers Head Football Coach /Athletic Coordinator, Abel Gonzalez III, for being inducted into the Texas A&M Kingsville Athletic Hall of Fame. Alongside notable TAMUK Alumni, Coach Abel Gonzalez will represent the induction class of 2023. Coach Gonzalez played his stellar high school career at Rio Grande City High School from 1996-1998 where his talents led him to an athletic scholarship with the TAMUK Javelinas. During his time at TAMUK from 19992002, he passed for 5,448 yards and threw for 47 touchdowns while compiling over 7,371 total yards. A 2x All- Conference and All Regional quarterback, Coach Gonzalez was also selected as a finalist for the Harlan Hill Award for the best NCAA II player in the nation.

Prior to arriving at RHS, coach Gonzalez led the Mighty GHS Gators Football Team to 11 playoff appearances, 1 district championship and 2 bi-district championships. The reception was held on Friday, Feb. 16th at the Memorial Student Union Building at TAMUK. RGCGISD is extremely proud of his well deserved recognition and accomplishments.

Ramiro Barrera Middle School Symphonic Winds and Roma Middle School Symphonic Winds Earn “Sweepstakes” at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest

Congratulations to the Ramiro Barrera Middle School Symphonic Winds and Roma Middle School Symphonic Winds for earning “Sweepstakes” at their UIL Concert and SightReading Contest held at La Joya on March 6th!

Congratulations

De Plata for earning a Division I at the 2024 UIL State Solo and Ensemble

Ramiro Barrera Middle School (top) and Roma Middle School (bottom) were awarded Division One ratings from all three judges in both the Concert and Sight-Reading portions of the competition. The Gladiator Nation is extremely proud of these students and their directors for their accomplishment! (Thanks to PAC Director Daniel Renteria for the report).

Veterans Middle School Earns 3rd Place at the One Act Play Competition

Sara M. Hernandez Appointed Interim

EDC Executive Director for RGC

At the most recent directors meeting of the RGC Economic Development Corporation, Sara M. Hernandez was appointed as the interim EDC Executive Director for the City of Rio Grande City.

As a Rio Grande City native, Ms. Hernandez has worked with the city for nearly 9 years in multiple leadership roles, and with her expertise, we are confident she will continue advancing the economic prosperity of Rio Grande City.

On behalf of the City Commission of Rio Grande City, we would like to congratulate

Sara M. Hernandez in her new role as interim EDC Executive Director!

City of Rio Grande City Annual Easter at the Park Event Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 10am to 12pm Fun-filled day of Easter Egg Hunts, FREE games, FREE food, and FREE activities! HOP to it! We’ll see you there!

Congratulations to all the outstanding Veterans Middle School students and coaches who emerged victorious in the District UIL event, as well as earning 3rd place at the One Act Play competition!

intenciones, bendice nuestro trabajo de cada día, cuida a nuestras familias, ampara a nuestros niños y jóvenes, sana a nuestros enfermos y fortalece a nuestros ancianos.

Llévanos de tu mano a Jesús.

Amén. S. G.

The Rio Grande City Police Department urges everyone to arrange for a designated driver or alternative transportation if they plan to consume alcohol during this Spring Break. The safety of our community is always our top priority. Expect to see increased traffic enforcement in our area. Have a safe and fun Spring Break. REMINDER: IF YOU’RE GOING OUT, WE ARE, TOO ... PLEASE DON’T DRINK & DRIVE ...

STARR COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

128 N FM 3167, Rio Grande City, TX 78582-6211

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION

Notice is hereby given that Starr County Memorial Hospital will hold a public auction on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 10:00 AM for medical equipment, office furniture, personal computers, electronics, general surplus equipment and other supplies.

Some items on inventory that are being auctioned include:

Hospital Beds: Electric and manual Ultrasound, EKG, Vital Signs Monitors

Exam Tables, IV Poles, Ventilators

Patient stretchers, patient tables

Office Furniture, chairs and desks

Computers, printers, servers

Floor maintenance equipment

Refrigerators, recliners

Tables, file cabinets, wooden doors

4 vehicles, 1 golf cart

Mobile water tank with 1,000 gallon capacity

Plus many more surplus items and small equipment Galindo Auctions LLC will be conducting this public auction. Auction will begin behind the hospital’s main building at 10:00 AM and will continue at the San Juan Plaza Building “C” enclosed parking lot located at 600 N. Garza St., Rio Grande City, Texas 78582.

For photos, Terms, & Conditions visit: www.galindoauctions.com

Questions: Office phone (956) 370-6014

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

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

PROJECT NAME: District Wide Flooring Replacement - Mid Valley Campus North Academic Building G and Student Union Building F

PROJECT No. 23-24-1041

PROPOSAL DEADLINE & March 26, 2024 @ 3:00 P.M.

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

Request for Proposals (RFP) documents will be available beginning on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. The RFP documents may be obtained from the South Texas College - Purchasing Department, located at 3200 W. Pecan Blvd., Bldg. N Ste 145 McAllen, Texas by calling (956) 872-4681 or email at stcpurchasing@southtexascollege.edu

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 RFP 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. Roque Guerra

A huge thank you to Mrs. Norma McKee, Family & Parental Engagement Director, for being Roque Guerra Jr. Elementary’s special guest reader to kick off Read Across America Week! Mrs. McKee brought so much joy to Mrs. Brenda Reyna’s 2nd grade class as she read the timeless classic “Caps for Sale.” It was a delight seeing the children’s faces light up with each turn of the page! Mrs. McKee dedication to promoting literacy and fostering a love for reading is truly inspiring. Thank you for taking the time to share your passion with the students. Roque Guerra Jr. Elementary are grateful for your generosity and support!

Rio Grande City Hosts Successful Annual Employer Expo and Job Fair

The Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with Workforce Solutions and the Rio Grande City Public Library, recently organized the highly anticipated annual RGC Employer Expo and Job Fair. Held at the South Texas College Starr County Campus, this event brought together over 30 local employers eager to engage with job seekers and discuss job opportunities within their companies.

The event offered a unique platform for individuals seeking employment to connect directly

with potential employers. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with representatives from various industries, ranging from hospitality to healthcare.

Moreover, the job fair went beyond traditional offerings, providing attendees with additional benefits. Commissioner Alberto Escobedo, the proprietor of Esco Spa and Salon, generously offered complimentary professional haircuts to attendees, ensuring they presented their best selves during interviews. Merle Norman

Cosmetics provided free makeup consultations, helping individuals feel confident and prepared for their job search journey.

Furthermore, BTA Kids offered free professional headshots, a valuable asset for job seekers to enhance their online profiles and resumes. Additionally, Workforce Solutions offered personalized assistance in resume writing, empowering attendees with the necessary tools to stand out in the competitive job market.

The event proved to be a great success, fostering meaningful connections between job seekers and employers while offering valuable resources and services to facilitate career advancement within the community. With a collaborative effort from various organizations, the annual RGC Employer Expo and Job Fair continues to serve as a cornerstone event in Rio Grande City, supporting economic growth and prosperity for all stakeholders involved.

CITY OF ROMA POLICE DEPARTMENT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Chapter 59 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and Transportation Code 683, Subsection B, 683.012, of the Texas Department of Transportation that the City of Roma Police Department, Roma, Texas will hold a public auction on Saturday March 23, 2024, at 10:00am for said vehicles, equipment & property items. Location: 2101 I-69C, Edinburg, Texas 78542. Registration to bid will be from 8:00am to 10:00am and will require a picture identification. Items to be auctioned are vehicles, equipment, and property items. All items will be sold “As Is-Where Is” to the highest bidder. Onsite Buyer’s Premium for weapons is 14%, Internet Buyer’s Premium 16%. All sales are final and must be paid on the same day with cash, major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express), Debit & Credit with a 3.99% processing fee. Checks accepted day of auction only with certain conditions. For additional information, please contact Bond and Bond Auctioneers (956) 283-0422 Jose A. Camarillo AUC#17532.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENGINEER

The City of Roma, Texas (the “City”) requests the submission of qualifications statements, which will lead to the possible award of contracts to provide services for a project involving the City’s waterworks system.

Scope of Work

Services to be provided by Engineer: professional engineering services associated with proposed (a) planning, permitting, environmental, design and construction management phase services and other additional services associated with the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) Water System Improvements Project Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF); and (b) assistance in application preparation and documentation to federal, state, and other possible funding sources.

Guidelines for Content of Qualification Statements

DO NOT INCLUDE COST INFORMATION with the qualification statement. Responses that include cost or pricing information will be rejected and will not be considered by the City.

Detailed instructions on preparation of the qualification statement must be obtained from the City. For more information on preparing and submitting the qualification statement, contact City Manager Alex Barrera, at (956) 849-1411 or abarrera@ cityofroma.net. This information should be requested as soon as possible to allow time to prepare the document and comply with the procedures.

Submittal Deadline

One (1) copy of the qualifications statement must be received by the City by no later than 4:00 PM (Central) on March 29, 2024, at the offices of the City of Roma, 201 W. Convent Blvd., Roma, Texas 78584, Attn: Alex Barrera, City Manager.

Minimum Qualifications and Selection Criteria

The City will evaluate the proposals to determine which firm has the best qualifications.

Contract Terms and Negotiation Schedule

Consultants for Bond Counsel, Financial Advisor, Engineering services are expected to negotiate an agreement for services which is acceptable to the City. If an acceptable contract cannot be negotiated, the City may formally end negotiations and begin negotiating with the next highest qualified person or firm.

Contracts are contingent upon release of funds from the TWDB. Any contract awarded under the Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) are expected to be funded in part by a loan from the TWDB. Neither the State of Texas nor any of its departments, agencies, or employees are or will be a party to the RFQs, or any resulting contract. These RFQs are issued in accordance with Section 2254 of the Texas Government Code (Professional Services Act) and Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 31 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments).

This contract is subject to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, which includes EPA-approved fair share goals toward procurement of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) firms. EPA rules require that applicants and prime contractors make a good faith effort to award a fair share of contracts, subcontracts, and procurements to M/WBEs through demonstration of the six affirmative steps. For more details of the DBE Program and the current, applicable fair share goals, please visit www.twdb.texas.gov/dbe.

Equal Opportunity in Employment - All qualified Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order No. 11246, as amended by Executive Order 11375, and as supplemented in Department of Labor regulations 41 CFR Part 60. Small, minority, and women-owned business enterprises are encouraged to respond.

Prime contractors are required to comply with EPA’s good faith effort policy when awarding sub-agreements for construction, supplies, equipment, and services. A complete version of TWDB document, “Guidance for Utilization of Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Businesses in Procurement”, is available at: www.twdb.texas. gov/financial/instructions/doc/TWDB-0210.pdf

TABC conducting Spring Break public safety operations throughout March

Agents from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission will be in liquor stores, bars, beaches, and other locations where alcohol is sold throughout March as the agency kicks off its annual spring break public safety operations.

Dozens of TABC’s more-than 200 commissioned peace officers will take part in the operations, which identify locations where

alcohol is sold to minors in violation of state law. Planned operations for 2024 include underage compliance operations, in which TABC agents attempt to identify businesses selling alcohol to people younger than 21.

“The spring festival season, including spring break and a number of popular events across the state, is among the busiest

times for alcohol retailers,” said Thomas Graham, TABC executive director. “Each year, TABC makes it a point to empower our retailers to identify some of the most common violations and take steps to help keep their business and communities safe.”

Prior to the operations, TABC auditors often visit alcohol retailers in the most popular

spring break destinations to provide training and answer questions about best practices related to preventing the sale of alcohol to minors. One such meeting took place on South Padre Island in mid-February, giving retailers there a chance to learn about best practices for avoiding safety risks such as illicit alcohol sales.

“The ultimate goal is not to penalize retailers who are doing their best to conduct business during a busy time,” Graham said. “What we want to do first and foremost is to ensure they have the tools they need to successfully operate while keeping their customers and employees safe.”

to sell alcohol. Employees who conduct the sale could also find themselves charged with a class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail.

For more information about TABC, visit tabc.texas.gov.

Businesses that sell alcohol to people under 21 could face a civil fine or suspension of their license

Older Adults Now Able to Receive Additional Dose of Updated COVID-19 Vaccine

CDC Director Mandy Cohen endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation for adults ages 65 years and older to receive an additional updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose. The recommendation acknowledges the increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19 in older adults, along with the currently available data on vaccine effectiveness.

Previous CDC recommendations ensured that people who are immunocompromised are already eligible for additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Data continues to show the importance of vaccination to protect those most at risk for severe outcomes of COVID-19.

An additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine may restore protection that has waned since a fall vaccine dose, providing

increased protection to adults ages 65 years and older.

Adults 65 years and older are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, with more than half of COVID-19 hospitalizations during October 2023 to December 2023 occurring in this age group.

CDC and ACIP will continue to monitor COVID-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness. CDC continues to recommend that everyone stay up to date on their

Advertisement and Invitation for Bids

Request for Proposal - Construction Skill Instructor Contract #7219013

The Starr County Self Help Center is inviting qualified and experienced individuals to submit bids for the Construction Skill Instructor contract. We are seeking a skilled Instructor to conduct 10 classes at the Starr County Self Help Center.

· Project Overview:

We invite proposals from qualified and experienced individuals to provide Construction Skills Classes. The selected bidder will be responsible for conducting 10 classes, with a focus on repairing or building a home and/or installing necessary residential infrastructure.

· Scope of Work:

The Construction Class Instructor will be required to:

1. Develop a curriculum for 10 classes covering basic concepts of carpentry, tile installation, door installation, home repairs, masonry or other.

2. Conduct classes in a classroom in a bilingual setting.

3. Instruct students on the usage and safety of all power tools.

4. Teach participants to comprehend and execute carpentry, basic tile installation, door installation, masonry tasks, and other.

5. Include all necessary supplies and materials for the classes in the bid proposal.

6. Instruct students with hands-on training.

· Qualifications:

Bidders must possess the following qualifications:

1. Experience as a Construction Class Instructor must be bilingual.

2. Knowledge and experience of construction principles, skills training and practices.

3. Ability to communicate complex concepts to participants.

· Proposal Submission Requirements:

Interested bidders should submit the following documents:

1. Cover Letter: Introducing the bidder and expressing interest in the project.

2. Proposal: Outlining the bidder’s approach to conducting the classes and providing a detailed curriculum.

3. Resume highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.

4. References: Contact information for at least three professional references.

· Evaluation Criteria:

o Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Qualifications and Experience.

2. Proposed Curriculum.

3. Cost Competitiveness.

4. References.

· Cost Details:

1. Cost for a class to include materials and supplies: $____________

2. Total Bid Amount for 10 classes, including materials, hands-on training, and supplies: $_______________

· Submission Deadline:

All proposals must be submitted by March 20, 2024. Late submissions will not be considered.

Bid Submission Requirements:

Bid Packets and statement of qualifications must be received by the Self Help Center no later than 10:00 a.m. on March 20, 2024.

Address for Submission: Starr County Self Help Center, c/o Esmeralda Zarate –Director, 100 N. FM 3167, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582.

Bid Opening:

March 21, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.

Location: All submitted bids will be gathered and taken to the Starr County Annex Conference Room to be publicly opened and read aloud. Any bid received after the closing time will be rejected and returned to the bidder unopened. The sealed envelope shall be marked with the following on the lower left-hand corner: Starr County Self Help Center Construction Class Instructor.

Contact Information:

For inquiries and submission of proposals, please contact:

Esmeralda Zarate, Director

10 Mayorga St.

Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 (956) 488-2025 or (956) 488-2395.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer:

The Starr County Self Help Center and the County of Starr are committed to Affirmative Action and are Equal Opportunity Employers.

COVID-19 vaccines, especially people with weakened immune systems.

The following is attributable to Dr. Mandy Cohen: “Today’s recommendation allows older adults to receive an additional dose of this season’s COVID-19 vaccine to provide added protection,” said Mandy Cohen, M.D., M.P.H. “Most COVID-19 deaths and

hospitalizations last year were among people 65 years and older. An additional vaccine dose can provide added protection that may have decreased over time for those at highest risk.”

Project Overview:

The Starr County Self Help Center (SCSHC) is soliciting proposals for Contract #7219013 to provide essential public services in the Starr County Self Help Center Target Areas. This bid invitation is for

Solid Waste Removal services.

Scope of Work:

The selected subcontractor will undertake waste removal activities, in five key colonias (Mesquite, Victoria, Venecia, Share52, and Treviños) including:

1. Large item trash pick-up

2. The objective is to remove approximately 100,000-lbs.in total of solid waste, ensuring proper disposal.

3. Weight tickets are an important requirement.

Bid Packet Contents:

Cover Letter:

1. Introduction and purpose of the bid packet.

2. Contact information for inquiries.

Bid Submission Form:

Company details, contact information for inquiries, and representative signature.

Project Overview and Scope of Work:

Detailed description of project objectives and tasks under solid waste removal service.

Company Profile:

1. Overview and experience in solid waste removal.

2. References (if available).

3. Experience in solid waste removal services.

Technical Proposal:

Approach, methodology, equipment/resources, timeline, safety measures, and environmental considerations.

Financial Proposal:

1. Cost breakdown, total project cost, payment terms.

2. Qualifications and Certifications:

3. Documentation of relevant licenses, certifications, and key personnel qualifications.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement:

Confirmation of compliance with policies.

Submission Requirements:

Bid Packets and qualifications statements must be received by 10:00 a.m. on March 20, 2024, at:

Starr County Self Help Center

C/o Esmeralda Zarate - Director

100 N. FM 3167

Rio Grande City, Texas 78582

Bid Opening: Date: March 21, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.

Location: Starr County Annex Conference Room.

Contact Information:

For additional information, contact Esmeralda Zarate, SHC Director, at (956) 488-2025 or (956) 4882395.

Thank you for your interest in serving our community.

Note: Proposals must be received by the County no later than 10:00 am on March 20, 2024, to be considered. The County of Starr reserves the right to negotiate with any and all individuals.

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer:

The Starr County Self Help Center and the County of Starr are committed to Affirmative Action and are Equal Opportunity Employers. Thank you for your interest in serving our community.

Application

Did you know that RGCGISD has a credit recovery program?

Chance2B is a self paced credit recovery program, which allows students to acquire the necessary credits to graduate. To some students, it’s a place where the dream of graduating becomes a reality.

Last year, over 30 seniors were able to walk on stage, with proud parents yelling and screaming praises, as they received the much anticipated diploma.

Students have attributed their success at Chance2B to its peaceful atmosphere, helpful teachers, and non stressful, selfpaced program.

Pictured are Mr. Luis Garza, instructor, Mr. Tony Cantu, teacher of record, and Mr. Danny Villarreal, instructor.

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.

THE COUNTY OF STARR SHERIFF’S OFFICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Chapter 263.153 of the Texas Local Government Code & Chapter 59 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and Transportation Code 683, Subsection B, 683.012, of the Texas Department of Transportation that the County of Starr Sheriff ’s Office, Rio Grande City, Texas will hold a public auction on Saturday March 23rd, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. for General Surplus, Equipment and Vehicles which have been forfeited to the State of Texas under the provisions of Chapter 59 Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Location: 2101 I-69C, Edinburg, TX 78542. Registration to bid will be from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and will require a picture identification. Examples of items to be auctioned are cars, trucks, heavy equipment, personal computers, electronics, office furniture, surplus, etc. All items will be sold “As Is - Where Is” to the highest bidder. Onsite Buyer’s Premium 14%.

Internet Buyer’s Premium 16%. All sales are final and must be paid on the same day with cash, major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express), Debit & Credit with a 3.99% processing fee. Checks accepted “day of auction” only with certain conditions. For additional information, please contact the County of Starr Sheriff ’s Office, at (956) 487-5571. AUC#17532 - Jose A. Camarillo

PROCUREMENT OF ENGINEERING & ADMINISTRATION/PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR APPLICATION PREPARATION AND GRANT CONTRACT IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES CITY OF RIO GRANDE CITY

The City of Rio Grande City seeks to develop an application to the Texas Department of Agriculture for the Texas Community Development Fund Downtown Revitalization/Main Street Program for eligible activities associated with the Texas Community Development Block Grant Program. Accordingly, the City of Rio Grande City is separately soliciting (A) proposals from Administrative Consultants for Application Preparation and Project Administration and (B) statements of qualifications from TexasRegistered Engineers to provide engineering services associated to application preparation and project implementation. Firms and/or individuals should have past experience with federally funded programs.

Please submit 6 copies of your proposal/statement of qualifications for the proposed services to the following address: