Día del Niño Celebration: A Fun-Filled Afternoon for Kids!
Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated Día del Niño celebration from 5:00pm – 7:00pm on April 24, 2025, at the CDA Event Center (KC Hall) in Rio Grande City! This family-friendly event promises an afternoon packed with excitement, entertainment, and valuable resources for children of all ages.
Thanks to a collaboration with the City of Rio Grande City, Save the Children, The Pediatric Care Center, 229th District Attorney Gocha Ramirez, Family Health Center, and Friends of the Rio Grande City Public Library, this event will feature a variety of activities and performances, all designed to celebrate and uplift
our community’s youth. Every child in attendance will receive a book, a book bag, and other fun incentives, emphasizing the importance of literacy and learning. Throughout the day, kids can enjoy performances from the Art Show, Ukulele Camp, Dance Tots, and Dance Kids, showcasing local talent and creativity.
The event will also feature exciting games, activities, and snacks, all designed to keep the little ones entertained and engaged. Local businesses and community organizations have joined forces to ensure an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Adding to the festivities, DJ El
Club de Bonny y Goblito will be on hand to provide lively music and entertainment, keeping the energy high and the atmosphere full of joy.
Join us for this vibrant celebration of children, community, and culture – Día del Niño is the perfect way to spend a fun and meaningful afternoon with your family! Don’t miss out on the festivities!
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, April 26 , 2025, 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 live will be from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and will require a picture identification or register online at www.bondauctioneers.com. 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 3.50% processing fee. Cashier Checks accepted, No personal or business checks. For additional information, please contact the County of Starr Sheriff ’s Office, at (956) 4875571 or visit our website www.bondauctioneers.com AUC#17532 - Jose A. Camarillo
Public Notice – Public Hearing to Review and Obtain Citizen Input on Initially Prepared Regional Water Plan
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group (RGRWPG) will hold one in-person/virtual public hearing on May 22, 2025, to receive written and oral comments on the Initially Prepared Plan (IPP) for the Rio Grande 2026 Regional Water Plan. All meetings of the RGRWPG are open to the public and include opportunities for public comment.
Public Hearing
Date: May 22, 2025
Time : 2:00 p.m.
Location : Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council 301 W. Railroad St. Weslaco, TX 78596
Virtual Meeting Link: https://meet.goto.com/581851189 Call in #: United States +1 (571) 317-3122 Access code: 581-851-189
The IPP includes primarily updated and new information on water demand due to population change, current water supplies, and water management strategies. The RGRWPG planning area encompasses the 8-county region of Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Maverick, Starr, Webb, Willacy and Zapata.
The IPP has been submitted to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), which will combine it with the other 15 regional plans into the State Water Plan that is used to guide state funding for water projects. To review the IPP in advance of the public hearing, please go to the website, www.riograndewaterplan.org
A printed or electronic copy of the IPP is available at the County Clerk’s of�ice and at a depository library in each county in the region. A list of depositories are available on the RGRWPG website at www.riograndewaterplan.org
If you are unable to attend the public hearing, but would like to comment on the IPP, please send written comments to:
Jim Darling, Chairman
Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group
301 W. Railroad St. Weslaco, TX 78596
Email: Outreach_RegionM@BlackandVeatch.onmicrosoft.com
Written comments on the IPP will be accepted upon posting of this notice until July 22, 2025
The RGRWPG will be accepting written and oral comments on the IPP at this public hearing. They will acknowledge these comments and report to the TWDB how these comments will be incorporated into the �inal plan to be submitted to the TWDB by October 20, 2025. For questions or additional information regarding the public hearing, please contact Mrs. Melisa-Gonzales Rosas at (956)682-3481 ext.163 or melisa.gonzales@lrgvdc.org, or at the physical address listed above.
According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, 17 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant. More than 103,000 people, including children, are currently on the transplant waiting list in the United States.
The Canadian Institute for Health Information reports that more than 3,400 Canadians were on organ transplant waiting lists at
the end of 2023. Among the 681 Canadians removed from those lists in 2023, nearly one-third (31 percent) had died while waiting for a transplant.
of Organ Donation
and Practices found that 90 percent of the adult population of the United States supports organ donation, but only 60 percent have signed up as donors. Closing that gap could save an untold number of lives. Did
Such figures underscore the issues surrounding organ donation shortages in each country, where waiting lists grow but donor lists do not always increase, despite support for the cause.
In fact, the 2019 National Survey
South Texas Health System Urging Valley Residents to Take Measures to Prevent the Threat of Dengue Fever Following Record Rainfall Across the Region
Following the severe thunderstorms and recordbreaking rainfall in Deep South Texas, Rio Grande Valley residents have been left dealing with the aftermath of flash flooding across the four-county region.
Aside from cleaning up the damage and debris associated with the torrential downpours, people from Brownsville to Roma are dealing with an increased risk of dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses.
Common in tropical and subtropical climates, dengue fever is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. In the United States, there were nearly 3,000 cases of
dengue fever reported in 2024, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the Valley, nine cases were reported at South Texas Health System facilities alone last year. This year, one case of dengue fever has been reported at an STHS facility to date.
But health experts warn that the flooding caused by the heavy rainfall may lead to dengue fever outbreaks because standing water is the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
“The rapid increase in mosquito populations after a flood event like the one we experienced can lead to a higher risk of dengue transmission, as more mosquitoes are available to bite and spread
the virus,” says Eduardo Candanosa, MD, a family and emergency medicine physician affiliated with South Texas Health System’s freestanding emergency departments.
“Moreover, floods often displace people from their homes, leading to crowded conditions in shelters or temporary housing, which can further facilitate the spread of dengue as people are more exposed to mosquitoes.”
“It’s important for the community to understand the symptoms and take precautions against dengue fever, especially in those hardest-hit areas,” says Dr. Candanosa. “While dengue fever can cause symptoms like high fever, headache and body
aches, many people infected with the dengue virus experience only mild ones, making a diagnosis difficult.”
When symptoms do occur, they can be mild and like the flu, including high fever, headache, body aches, nausea and vomiting. In some cases, dengue can progress to a more severe form, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), which can be lifethreatening. DHF can cause severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding (gums, nose, etc.), and in severe cases, shock. It can also lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure and even death.
“Severe dengue fever can develop quickly and is considered a life-threatening medical emergency,” says Dr. Candanosa. “So, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you or a loved one experiences a high fever that’s difficult to control along with generalized weakness, headaches, severe stomach aches, bleeding and persistent vomiting. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.”
To help avoid dengue outbreaks following the region’s recent flooding, South Texas Health System offers the following prevention tips to protect you and your loved ones:
•Remove standing water: After a flood, stagnant water pools can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, so it’s important to eliminate them. That includes discarded tires, clogged gutters and air conditioner drip trays.
•Empty and scrub containers: Regularly drain and clean containers that hold water like tarps, buckets, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers or trash containers.
•Tidy up your yard: Keep your yard and surrounding areas tidy to prevent the accumulation of water-holding items.
•Keep mosquitoes out of your home: Repair holes in screens and keep windows and doors closed to ensure mosquitos don’t have a way in.
•Stay indoors during peak mosquito activity: Avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito biting hours, which are typically dawn and dusk.
•Use insect repellent: When spending time outside, apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Use an EPA-registered repellant that contains 20-30% DEET or other ingredients known to keep mosquitos away.
•Wear protective clothing: Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover your skin.
“The best way to prevent dengue fever is to avoid getting bit by mosquitoes,” says Dr. Candanosa. “By adhering to these tips, you can reduce your risk for dengue fever, as well as other mosquito-borne illnesses.” If you suspect you or a loved one has dengue fever, seek immediate medical attention. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www. southtexashealthsystem.com
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
South Texas College is accepting competitive proposals for the following:
RFP Number Description Date Due Time 24-25-1059 Purchase and Installation April 24, 2025 3:00 PM of LED Flat Panels-Starr County Campus Building E
Request for Proposals packages may be obtained at the Purchasing Department located at 3200 W Pecan Blvd Bldg N Ste 145, McAllen, TX 78501 (Corner of Quince & 31st St) or by calling 956-872-4681. Responses received after the specified time and date will not be considered and will be returned unopened. Email or Facsimile responses will not be accepted. All responses must be submitted in a sealed envelope. Responses need to be clearly marked on the envelope with the RFP number.
The successful respondent will not be determined on the opening date.
Questions regarding this RFP or requests for additional information should be addressed to Deyadira Leal, Director of Purchasing, 956-872-4681 daleal@southtexascollege.edu, or Gil Cisneros, Senior Buyer-Construction, 956-872-4671 gacisneros@southtexascollege.edu Responses to the RFP must be submitted to South Texas College, 3200 W Pecan Blvd Bldg N Ste 145, McAllen, TX 78501.
South Texas College is an equal education and equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. As an equal opportunity employer, the College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.
Vendors are encouraged to visit the South Texas College’s Purchasing Department website to complete the 2-part Bonfire vendor registration for receiving solicitations at: https://southtexascollege.bonfirehub.com/login
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
South Texas College is accepting competitive proposals for the following:
RFP Number Description Date Due Time
24-25-1062 Non-Credit Course Registration May 7, 2025 2:00 PM and Management Software 24-25-1063 Nursing and Allied Health - May 7, 2025 3:00 PM Lab Equipment and Supplies
Request for Proposals packages may be obtained at the Purchasing Department located at 3200 W Pecan Blvd Bldg N Ste 145, McAllen, TX 78501 (Corner of Quince & 31st St) or by calling 956-872-4681. Responses received after the specified time and date will not be considered and will be returned unopened. Email or Facsimile responses will not be accepted. All responses must be submitted in a sealed envelope. Responses need to be clearly marked on the envelope with the RFP number.
The successful respondent will not be determined on the opening date.
Questions regarding this RFP or requests for additional information should be addressed to Deyadira Leal, Director of Purchasing, 956-872-4681 daleal@southtexascollege.edu, or Vanessa Campos, Senior Buyer, 956-872-4661 vsolis_3079@southtexascollege.edu
Responses to the RFP must be submitted to South Texas College, 3200 W Pecan Blvd Bldg N Ste 145, McAllen, TX 78501.
South Texas College is an equal education and equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. As an equal opportunity employer, the College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.
Vendors are encouraged to visit the South Texas College’s Purchasing Department website to complete the 2-part Bonfire vendor registration for receiving solicitations at: https://southtexascollege.bonfirehub.com/login
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Texas who sustained economic losses due to the drought beginning Jan. 28.
The declaration includes the counties of Aransas, Austin, Bee, Brooks, Calhoun, Colorado, Concho, DeWitt, Dimmit, Duval, Fayette, Goliad, Gonzales, Hidalgo, Jackson, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kimble, Kleberg, La Salle, Lavaca, Live Oak, Mason, Matagorda, Maverick, McCulloch, McMullen, Menard, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Schleicher, Starr, Sutton, Tom Green, Victoria, Webb, Wharton and Zapata.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to
small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re
pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months after the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/ disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba. gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than Dec. 1.
Alcohol Awareness Month is a national a health awareness campaign that was formerly sponsored by the National Council for Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD). Each April, Alcohol Awareness Month aims to raise awareness for communities and to help understand the cause and treatment available for one of the nation’s biggest health issues. The campaign also aims
to reduce the social stigma associated with alcoholism and to educate people on how the disease can be addressed; offering help and advice for families as well as direct engagement with those afflicted with alcohol use disorder. Alcohol addiction and abuse is not only a considerable burden on government spending, it also claims thousands of lives across the county each year. Some notable statistics on alcohol addiction include: (1) more than 65 million Americans report binge drinking or heavy deinking in a one-month period, which is more than 40% of those who drink alcohol, (2) in 2018, there
were 10,511
alcohol-impaired driving fatalities, totaling 29% of all traffic fatalities for the year, and (3) teen alcohol use kills 4,700 people each year, more than all illegal drugs combined. By making people aware of the situation and the viable solutions, alcohol awareness month aims to reduce the pain and suffering alcohol abuse causes to people’s lives.
For more information, please visit Alcohol Awareness Month 2025: Get Involved!
Message from the Starr County Community Coalition
CITY OF RIO GRANDE CITY PUBLIC UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
BID NOTICE
NORTH LOPEZ SANITARY SEWER COLLECTIONS PROJECT
The City of Rio Grande City Public Utilities Department is soliciting sealed bids for the “North Lopez Sanitary Sewer Collections Project”. Bids will be read aloud at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, May 2, 2025 at the City of Rio Grande City – City Hall Chambers located at 5332 E. U.S. Highway 83 – Suite A., Rio Grande City, Texas 78582.
Plans, specifications, and contract documents may be viewed at the City of Rio Grande City Public Utilities Department located in City Hall at 5332 E. U.S. Highway 83, Rio Grande City, Texas during normal business days. Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.
Bidders may obtain the official bid documents, plans, and specifications by visiting Rio Delta Engineering located at 117 Rio Vista Boulevard, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 or by calling the lead engineer at (956) 263-1041. There will be a non-refundable fee of seventy – five dollars ($75.00) per set.
The sealed bids will be received until 11:00 A.M. on Friday, May 2, 2025 and must be clearly identified and addressed for delivery to:
City of Rio Grande City
Attn: City Secretary’s Office 5332 E. U.S. Highway 83 Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
The sealed envelope shall be marked with the following on the lower left-hand corner: “CITY RIO GRANDE CITY – NORTH LOPEZ SANITARY SEWER COLLECTIONS PROJECT”. Any bid received after the closing time will be rejected and returned to the bidder unopened.
The project in general includes “labor and materials”, but is not limited to the following:
• 358 LF OF 15” SEWER LINE
• 472 LF OF 12” SEWER LINE
• 817 LF OF 8” SEWER LINE
• 30 SANITARY SEWER CONNECTIONS
• 11 SANITARY SEWER RECONNECTIOS
• 3 SANITARY SEWER MANHOLES
A pre-bid meeting will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. at the City Rio Grande City – City Hall Chambers located at 5332 E. U.S. Highway 83 – Suite A., Rio Grande City, Texas. All prospective bidders are encouraged to attend.
Please direct any questions regarding this bid to Mr. Ruben Salinas, Interim Public Utilities Director by calling (956) 487-2702 or via-email at rsalinas@cityofrgc.com The lead engineer can be contacted at the number and address previously listed.
The City of Rio Grande City, reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding. Bids may be held by the City for a period not to exceed 60 days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidders’ qualifications prior to the contract award.
Renta Casa
En
2rec.,
Para mas información: 956-735-5981 956-353-4534
