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. 38, No. 43 WEEKLY WEDNESDAY • OCTOBER 25, 2023 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.
Installment Loans 311 E Main St Rio Grande City TX 78582-4448
Phone (956) 487-3925
TO VOTE FOR PROP. 9 RGC Fire Department Celebrates Fire Prevention Week REASONS Teacher Retirement System of Texas Dr. Raymond Cruz Best FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Dental Insurance, Medicaid and Chip Accepted
487-2999 419 East 2nd St. Rio Grande City, Tx.
The RGC Fire Department & Emergency Management kicked off Fire Prevention Week with a fun-filled skit performed for Rio Grande City Grulla ISD students on Tuesday, October 10th, at the RGCGISD Auditorium. This year, the theme for Fire Prevention Week is focusing on cooking safety, “Cooking Safety starts with YOU! Pay attention to fire prevention.” “Students had a great time learning about safe cooking practices, reviewing stop, drop, and roll procedures, and remembering to find two safety exits in case of a fire,” said RGC Fire Chief Manuel Muniz. “We would like to thank the Rio
Grande City Fire Department for taking the time to educate students in our community about the importance of fire safety,” declared RGC Mayor Joel Villarreal. Fire Prevention Week is an annual event celebrated in the United States to promote the importance of fire safety and prevention. Here are some tips to prevent fires while cooking: Stay in the kitchen: Never leave the kitchen while cooking. Fires can start when the heat is too high, or if you leave something on the stove for too long. Watch what you are cooking: Keep an eye on what you are cooking. If you see any smoke or
• 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
the grease starts to boil, turn the burner off. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove: This will prevent anyone from accidentally bumping into them and spilling hot food or liquid. Keep a lid or baking sheet nearby: If a fire does start, use a lid or baking sheet to cover the pan. This will help smother the flames. Clean your appliances regularly: Grease and food particles can build up on your appliances and increase the risk of a fire. By following these tips, you can help prevent fires while cooking and keep your kitchen safe.
The Teacher Retirement System of Texas is actually the retirement system for ALL publiceducation employees, from bus drivers, nurses, police officers, and custodians, to cafeteria staff, counselors, librarians, classroom aides, interpreters, secretaries, administrators, and teachers. Proposition 9, when passed, will provide the first cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) since 2004 for 420,000 Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) annuitants. No Texas public-school employee who has retired since September 1, 2004, has ever received a COLA. That is 70% of TRS retirees! TRS annuitants are living on an average monthly annuity of just $2,174, though more than 140,000 receive $1,000 or less per month! Inflation is the highest it has been in 40 years. A pension increase for TRS retirees is needed and is overdue! All TRS retirees are suffering from inflation; but longer-term retirees are hit hardest. Many are struggling to pay their bills and are making difficult choices about food and medicine.
Prop 9 will provide a tremendous value to the retirees, which in turn will benefit the local economy. Most retired teachers are not eligible to receive Social Security; therefore, a TRS pension is their primary source of income. The Social Security raises that helped so many recently were often not received by the community’s retired school personnel. As a voter and taxpayer, you should know that when passed, Prop 9 will not create a tax increase! The Texas Legislature has already set aside the funds to make this happen with voter approval using surplus funds. In fact, Prop 9 has unanimous legislative support. Every single one of the members of the Texas Senate and House voted to support this much-needed retirement boost!
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, OCTOBER 25, 2023, PAGE 2
Starr County Domestic Violence Coalition Rally October 19, 2023
Domestic Violence will not be tolerated was the message at the Starr County Domestic Violence Awareness Rally sponsored by the 229th District Attorney Gocha Allen Ramirez and his staff, and the Rio Grande Valley District Attorney’s Coalition. A proclamation was signed by the district attorneys noting that they will not tolerate Domestic Violence.
The document which states “The District Attorney of Joining the District Attorneys were law enforcement Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy Counties together officers from all areas of the Rio Grande Valley and many with our specialized Domestic Violence Units, Crime local leaders, community members and students. Victims” Assistance Units and staff shall stand together It takes the communities as a whole to help end with each other to provide awareness of Domestic domestic violence. Violence and educate the communities of assistance programs.
STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, OCTOBER 25, 2023, PAGE 3
ISD Students Earn Spot in the Veterans Middle School 7th grade Football Team Roma TMEA All Region Middle School Orchestra won the Championship for the 2023 Football Season
Congratulations to the very talented Roma ISD Orchestra Program middle school students that competed at Morris Middle School. The following students earned a spot in the TMEA All Region Middle School Orchestra: Valeria Garcia - 13th Chair Violin, German Ramos - 7th Chair Viola, and Jaeden Vela - 3rd Chair Cello. The Gladiator Nation is extremely proud of these student musicians! Keep up the Congratulations to the Veterans Middle School 7th grade Football Team for claiming a share of the District Championship for the 2023 great work!!! (Thanks to Performing Arts Director Daniel Renteria Football Season. The Rattlers finished the season with an overall season record of 5-1 (4-1 District). for the report.)
Medicare Advantage
Plans designed with your health in mind. Discover the variety of benefits and services available through Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage.
Did you know that Cigna Healthcare℠ Medicare Advantage plans offer all the coverage of Original Medicare plus added benefits to support your health and well-being? Plans in your area may include benefits,* like: •
$1,500 off your annual1 Part B premium3
•
$3,000 dental allowance - go to the dentist of your choice
•
Up to $440 over-the-counter annual allowance1
Talk to a Licensed Benefit Advisor to enroll now. 855.248.0378 (TTY 711) 7 days a week, 8 am to 8 pm cignamedicareTX.com
Act Now: the Annual Enrollment Period ends December 7. *Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/service area. Limitations, exclusions, and restrictions may apply. Contact the plan for more information. Specific benefit allowance amounts will be added to your Cigna Healthy Today card and do not carry over to the next quarter or the following year.1Annual amount based on possible monthly or quarterly amounts. 3Cigna Healthcare will reduce your monthly Part B premium based on the plan’s specific benefit amount. Cigna Healthcare products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group. The Cigna names, logos, and marks, including THE CIGNA GROUP and CIGNA HEALTHCARE are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. All pictures are used for illustrative purposes only. Subsidiaries of The Cigna Group contract with Medicare to offer Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans and Part D Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) in select states, and with select State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in a Cigna Healthcare product depends on contract renewal. © 2023 Cigna Healthcare. 979013 08/23 A_PA_4208 Y0036_24_1054208_M
STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, OCTOBER 25, 2023, PAGE 4
Rio Grande City Grulla ISD hosted their Grulla Homecoming Parade, pep rally and bonfire on Wed. Sept 20, 2023 and held the tail gate party and game on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. Members of the community enjoyed free food, and music where Gators played the Rio Hondo Bobcats. Our Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Adolfo Peña Jr., as well as some of our Board of Trustee members enjoyed talking to attendees and helped the central office staff and several campuses pass out food and drinks. We would like to thank the entire RGCGISD family for making this event such a success!
STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, OCTOBER 25, 2023, PAGE 5
Rio Grande City Grulla ISD hosted their Rio Homecoming Parade, pep rally and bonfire this past Thursday. Our Rio community enjoyed seeing the beautiful floats and enjoyed the performances our students masterfully did before burning down the opponent’s letter in anticipation of the homecoming game. Then RGCGISD held their Tailgate Party, on Friday,October 20, 2023. Members of the community enjoyed free food, and music where Rio played Mcallen Rowe Warriors. Our Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Adolfo Peña Jr., as well as some of our Board of Trustee members enjoyed talking to attendees and helped the central office staff and several campuses pass out food and drinks. We would like to thank the entire RGCGISD family for making this event such a success!
STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, OCTOBER 25, 2023, PAGE 6
Fire Prevention at Immaculate Conception School Rio Grande City’s Main Street Program Continues to Promote Tourism with its Annual Pumpkin Patch
Immaculate Conception School held Fire Prevention Day on October 10th, 2023. Fire prevention is important for students, faculty, and staff to learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. The RGC fire department provided life-saving information and topics to our school. ICS would like to thank the RGC fire department for their educational presentation to students about fire safety. A big thank you to Mrs. Casarez (ICS Consultant) for her hard work in obtaining a sponsor for our firefighters’ meal at Whataburger, and Whataburger of RGC for making this a reality. (Written By: Molleigh Flores)
Rio Grande City’s Main Street program recently announced its annual Pumpkin Patch, located next to the City’s downtown Fire Dept., is now open to the public. “We invite everyone to come out and take a photo this holiday season. Make sure to tag us @ RGCMainSt when posting your photos,” stated RGCMS program coordinator Yandery De La Cruz. “We’d like to thank our Main Street Advisory Board and volunteers for the helping hands. You are marvelous.” Over the past few years, the City’s annual Pumpkin Patch has become a popular destination for families during the Fall season as a backdrop for portraits and other activities.
Tourists visiting the City’s Pumpkin Patch has also led to increased revenue for local photographers, local businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and popular shops along Rio Grande
City’s Historic Main Street. Rio Grande City’s Pumpkin Patch is located on 910 E Main St. For more information, please contact the RGC Main Street Program at (956) 488-0047.
People across the Valley come home to Rio Motor Company!
2023 CHEVROLET SILVERADO CREW CAB HIGH COUNTRY 4WD
$6,500 OFF MSRP MSRP PRICE REDUCTION BELOW MSRP 1
$7 6 , 6 1 5 -$ 6,500
SALE PRICE
$7 0 , 1 1 5
AVAILABLE SPECIALS: 0% APR For 36 Months + No Payments For 90 Days For Very Well Qualified Buyers When Financed w/GM Financial 2
$
70,115
STK# 24845
(1) Not available with special financing, lease and some other offers. Must take new retail delivery by 10/31/2023. (2) No monthly payments for 90 days. Must finance with GM Financial. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Offer not available in PA. Some customers may not qualify. 0% APR for 36 months for well-qualified buyers when financed w/GM Financial. Monthly payment is $27.78 for every $1,000 you finance. Average example down payment is 15.4%. Not available with leases and some other offers. Must take new retail delivery by 10/31/2023. 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, OCTOBER 25, 2023, PAGE 7
Bus Safety Presentation at Roque Guerra Jr. Elementary Open
The RGCGISD Transportation Department visited Roque Guerra, Jr. Elementary to share their top-notch bus safety presentation with the students. They shared their knowledge on safe and responsible bus travel - ensuring their daily commutes are both educational and secure.
Enrollment Period for Medicare has Started! The open enrollment period for Medicare has started! Between October 15 and December 7, you can compare Medicare plans and find the right plan for you. Plans change every year. So can your health. Now is the time to compare your current coverage to all your choices for 2024 and select the plan that best fits your needs and budget. For more information, visit Medicare. gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-
800-633-4227). If you need assistance with your Medicare benefits, please contact any of the Congressman Henry Cuellar offices: Rio Grande City: (956) 4875603 • Washington, DC: (202) 2251640 • Laredo: (956) 725-0639 • San Antonio: (210) 271-2851
2,900.00 FULLWITH FUNERAL SERVICE SILVER $
METAL CASKET
Sanchez CALL JEFF OR SONATA Sanchez Funeral Home
301 E. 2nd. St. Rio Grande City, Tx. 78582
SANCHEZ
Memorial Funeral Home 101 AR Sanchez Sr. Dr.
Roma, Tx. 78584 “Serving Our Community For Over 86 Years” (956) 487-2525 “Caring for you & your loved ones in your time of need ” (956) 847-7008
STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, OCTOBER 25, 2023, PAGE 8
K AN AN
Obamacare STARTs NOV. 1st
956-370-0070
Renew en or Enroll...Before Enroll... nr Before ef e!! R e ne ew w o r E n rolllll....B e fore iit’s t’s ttoo oo llate! ate N Ava Avasolo va v solo St TX 582 82 T 78 7 8 78582
1503 N Garcia St. Roma, TX 78584
Sanchez
10 Mayorga Rd. RGC, TX 78582
605 S 10th St McA cA n, c ll l en, n TX T McAllen,
Sanchez
Funeral Home
Memorial Funeral Home
(956) 487-2525
(956) 847-7008
301 E. 2nd. St. Rio Grande City, Tx. 78582
101 AR Sanchez Sr. Dr. Roma, Tx. 78584
“Serving Our Community For Over 92 Years” “Caring for you & your loved ones in your time of need ”
STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, OCTOBER 25, 2023, PAGE 9
STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, OCTOBER 25, 2023, PAGE 10
STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, OCTOBER 25, 2023, PAGE 11
TO THINK THINK SSCARY CARY TO YOU RENEEW YYOOU D RENEW W ANYWHERE ANYYW WHERE ELSE ELLSSE
Obamacare STARTs NOV. 1st
956-370-0070
Renew en or Enroll...Before Enroll... nr Before ef e!! R e ne ew wo rE n rolllll....B e fore iit’s t’s ttoo oo llate! ate 701 7 70 1 N Ava Avasolo v solo St va RGC, C TX C, T 78 7 582 82 8 78582
1503 N Garcia St. Roma, TX 78584
10 Mayorga Rd. 605 S 10th St McA c cAlllen, n T n, TX McAllen, RGC, TX 78582
STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, OCTOBER 25, 2023, PAGE 12
STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, OCTOBER 25, 2023, PAGE 13
Governor Abbott Encourages Texas Students to Participate in Cybersecurity Training On October 19, 2023, Governor Greg Abbott encouraged Texas high school and college students to participate in CyberStart America (CSA) and Cyber FastTrack (CFT), innovative, online cybersecurity talent search and competition programs sponsored by the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation that award over $20 million in scholarships to high-performing students. “As Texas’ technology industry continues to grow, it is more important now than ever for Texas to strengthen our cybersecurity workforce and talent development,” said Governor Abbott. “These immersive, online cybersecurity programs will help ensure high school and college students have the opportunity to develop crucial skills for high-demand jobs in this critical industry.
CyberStart and Cyber FastTrack are engaging ways to jumpstart a career in cybersecurity, and I encourage Texas students to take advantage of this opportunity to become leaders in this important field. Together, we will continue to build a more secure Texas.” Registration for both CSA and CFT is now open, with student play ending on March 15, 2024. Open to all students in grades 9-12, CSA provides students with access to over 200 unique security challenges they can solve as cybersecurity agents investigating criminal gangs. As students play, they develop cybersecurity skills and receive cybersecurity credentials for subjects that include coding, penetration testing, digital forensics. CFT aims to simplify and accelerate college students’ path to a cybersecurity career by
helping them develop advanced training and skills needed for the profession. Currently, there are more than 58,000 cybersecurityrelated job openings in Texas and over 660,000 open cyber-related jobs in the United States. In 2022, the Texas Department of Information Resources created the CyberStart America Texas task force to increase awareness and participation in both CSA and CFT among Texas students. The task force is working to include Texas curriculum standards in CSA challenges to support educators who want to bring the program into their school. In the 2022-2023 school year, more than 5,000 Texas high school students participated in CSA. In 2020, Governor Abbott announced a partnership with CyberStart America to help promote the cybersecurity field for Texas high school students.
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 November 18, 2023, 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 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 on the day of auction only with certain conditions. For additional information, please contact Bond and Bond Auctioneers (956) 283-0422 Jose A. Camarillo AUC#17532.
STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, OCTOBER 25, 2023, PAGE 14
PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Pursuant to the provisions contained in ARTICLE V, Section Five (5) of the Texas Abandoned Motor Vehicle Act, we are serving notice to the owners and/or lien holders that the below described motor vehicle, has been taken into custody by Lobo Wrecker Service, and will be sold. Failure of an owner or lien holder to claim vehicles within thirty (30) days after date of this notice and make payment of all towing, preservation, and storage charges resulting from the placing of vehicles in custody shall constitute a waiver of the right to reclaim vehicle. Contact Humberto Lucio at 956-487-3384, 5879 E. Hwy. 83, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 for information concerning vehicle.
Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a RETAIL DEALER’S OFFPREMISE LICENSE (BF) by: MUNCHY-LANDIA DRIVE THRU LLC, dba MUNCHY-LANDIA DRIVE THRU LLC, to be located at 704 CAPUL DR., ROMA, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS. Manager Managed SEVERIANO GARCIA JR.
2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE SILVER LP’s: A80TPA5 TAMAULIPAS, MEXICO VIN# 1J4HS58N25C580345
APARTMENTS FOR RENT 2 bdrm., 1 bath 294 VENUS ST., RIO GRANDE CITY
For more info. call Alaniz Apartments
956-735-1537
GARAGE SALE
The Party Place 1960 W. Hwy. 83, RGC • 956-279-3175
Oct. 26 - Thursday - 6pm-8pm Oct. 27 - Friday - 6pm-8pm Oct. 28 - Saturday - 7am-12am
NOW HIRING
1. Housekeeper / ayuda con limpieza y organización (3-5 días) 2. Yard work and odd jobs fixing fencing, pipes, yard as needed For more info. call Joel
956-844-9303
MANAGER $PECIAL MANAGER $PECIAL 2022 MUST GO!! ! ! O G T 2021 Chevy S Ford MU Camaro $
Mustang
35,995 $
STK# 25079A NICE! ONLY 16K MILES!!!
32,995
$
36,995
STK# 25065As
2020 Honda CR-V
STK#24959A
$
31,995
$
33,995
2022 Nissan Frontier
STK#25088A
CALL
2016 Chevy Tahoe
$ STK# 25137A
33,995
$
29,995
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, OCTOBER 25, 2023, PAGE 15
Roma High School Book Club Volunteers at Starr County Domestic Violence Coalition Conference
Roma High School Book Club volunteers at the Rio Grande Valley District Attorney’s Coalition for Starr County Domestic Violence Coalition Conference held in RGC at the Starr County Courthouse. Officials from Hidalgo, Willacy, and Starr County were present. Book club members helped pass programs and ribbons, as well as signing in and welcoming guests.
¿Necesitas ayuda de PROVIDER en tu casa, o conoces a alguien que necesita PROVIDER? 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
OMAR REYES (956) 533-9001
Your local source for Medicare. Yesenia Lopez Licensed Sales Agent 956-370-0070, TTY 711
OCTOBER 25, 2023 PAGE 16 You’re in good hands.
Auto • Home • Business • Life Hablamos Español
956-488-0160
103 W. 2nd Street Rio Grande City, Tx 78582
Presented by Knights Of Columbus District #212 Rio Grande City tty (2597) | Roma (3367) | San Isidro (3919) | Escobares (9982)
Nov ove ov vember 28, 2023 a v nt Center Julab abe Eve ve a ulco St., Rio Grande City t , TX T 5533 Acap ap ty
Scan To Register
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