April 30, 2025

New Location STARR VISION

CENTER

487-2440 302 E. 2nd St., R.G.C.

Dr. Angie Ramirez Therapeutic Optometrist

CASTAÑEDA Auto Insurance & Bail Bonds

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

Office (956) 487-6544 • E-Mail: sctc78582@aol.com • issuu.com/starrcountytowncrier Vol. 40, No. 18

WEEKLY - WEDNESDAY • APRIL 30, 2025

487-2596 RGC High School’s Mariachi Cascabel earns 2nd Place 4350 E. US HWY 83 R.G.C.

Roma ISD Band Director Rudy Barrera inducted at the 2025 TAME 5A State Mariachi Competition into the RGV Band Directors Hall of Fame

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

Phone (956) 849-4497

Congratulations to the Rio Grande City High School’s Mariachi Cascabel on earning 2nd Place at the 2025 TAME 5A State Mariachi Competition! Their performance was a stunning display of talent, tradition, and Rattler pride. Mariachi Cascabel continues to set the standard for excellence and passion in every note they play. Your hard work, discipline, and heart have made Rattler Nation proud. Felicidades, Mariachi Cascabel—you are truly among the best in Texas!

Dr. Raymond Cruz Best

Congratulations to Rudy Barrera, a Roma ISD Band Director, who was inducted into the 2024-2025 Class of the Rio Grande Valley Band Directors Hall of Fame, April 26 in McAllen, TX! Mr. Barrera taught band for Roma ISD from 19952008 as trumpet teacher, serving as Roma Middle School Head Band Director and then Roma High School Director of Bands.

During the time he was Director of Bands at Roma High School the Roma High Mighty Gladiator Marching Band reached new heights including earning Bands of America South Texas Regional and San Antonio Super Regional Class Champions in 2005 and 2007; the UIL 4A State Marching Band Championship in 2001; and UIL 4A State Marching Band Finalists in 2003, 2005, and in 2007 placing 4th in the state; TMEA 4A State Honor Band Finalists in 2002 and 2004; and was the TMEA 4A State Honor Band runner-up in 2006.

Under his leadership, the Roma High Band was the first high school band program in the state

chosen by Texas Bandmasters Association for the Exemplary Band Program Award in 2006.

At the request of then Roma ISD Band Director Dena Laurel, in 2021 Barrera came out of retirement to return to Roma ISD as a cornet/trumpet teacher.

“We are so fortunate to have Mr. Barrera’s influence on our young band students because he is an incredible motivator for students musically,” expressed Laurel, who currently serves as Roma ISD’s Director of Elementary Music Education.

MR. BARRERA, page 2

Ringgold Middle School Girls Golf Team IncrEdibles place 3rd in the Side are Back to Back District Champions The Dish category at Houston Livestock

Show & Rodeo Food Challenge Contest

FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dental Insurance, Medicaid and Chip Accepted

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

2025 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Food Challenge Contest Proudly representing RGCCISD, the Senior Team – The IncrEdibles— Diego Guerra, Nicolas Guerra (Rio High), and Aiden Gonzalez Ringgold Girls Golf Team District Champions! Mariana Garcia 3rd, Marcela Lopez 4th, Lynea Lara 5th, (Grulla High)—showcased their culinary skills in the Food Challenge and Kaylee Garza 10th. Head Coach Benny Carmona and Assistant Danny Villarreal. And a big round Contest! Congratulations to The IncrEdibles for placing 3rd in the of applause for the Ringgold Boys Team for finishing strong in 3rd place! Let’s celebrate these amazing Side Dish category! Your hard work, talent, and passion for cooking made RGCCISD proud! Keep shining! accomplishments!

• 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

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, APRIL 30, 2025, PAGE 2

MR. BARRERA Continued from Front Page “Due to his influence, there are hundreds of band directors and professional musicians who continue teaching and performing to this day. Because of his long-standing dedication to improving the lives of

students through the study and appreciation of music, he is highly deserving of this recognition and award! The Gladiator Nation extends our sincerest congratulations to Mr. Barrera!!”

Starr Project Club 3rd Annual Earth Day Roadside Cleanup was a success!

2,999.00 FULLWITH FUNERAL SERVICE SILVER $

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

Starr Project Club 3rd Annual Earth Day Roadside Cleanup was a success! Partnering with Adopt-A-Highway, students and sponsors came together to clean up our community and make a difference. Special thanks to the police escorts for keeping everyone safe. Starr Project Club look forward to continuing their mission of protecting our environment!

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, APRIL 30, 2025, PAGE 3

OBITUARY

Grulla Student Athletic Trainers represent GHS at the VATA Student Trainer Workshop

Angiolina Margo Ramirez

A huge shoutout to the incredible Grulla Student Athletic Trainers! They dedicate themselves year-round, from August to May, and their hard work truly shines. This year, they had the opportunity to represent August 4, 1927 † February 23, 2025 Grulla High School at the VATA Student Trainer Workshop, where they excelled by earning 4th place in the Quiz Bowl and 3rd place in the Trainer Olympics. Additionally, they have received their CPR/First Angiolina Margo Ramirez, Aid Certification. GHS are so grateful for their unwavering commitment to the program and couldn’t be age 97, entered eternal life on prouder of their achievements!

Sunday, February 23, 2025. She was born on August 4, 1927, in Rio Grande City, Texas, the daughter of the late Virginia Garza and Raymundo T. Margo. Angiolina is preceded in death by her loving husband, Judge Horacio Sabas Ramirez, who passed on March 6, 2005. Angiolina, or “Jolly” as friends and family affectionately called her, was a strong, independent, and courageous woman whose deep love of family and commitment to preserving history continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends.

Angiolina was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, librarian, advisor, community leader, and cherished friend. An avid reader, researcher, historian, writer, and self-taught genealogist, she meticulously documented volumes of historical notebooks tracing her family’s roots to the early 1800s. Her greatest joy was spending hours educating family and friends on the importance

of legacy, culture, heritage, and family roots, ensuring future generations would understand and cherish their history.Born on August 4, 1927, in Rio Grande City, Texas, she attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School and graduated from Rio Grande City High School in 1944. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and, later in life, a Master of Education with specializations in Supervision and Library Science from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. On August 8, 1949, she married the love of her life, Horacio S. Ramirez, and together they built a life in Hebbronville, Texas, where they raised six children. Through years of hard work and dedication— whether in ranching, farming, or public service—Angiolina and Judge Ramirez instilled in their family the values of resilience, perseverance, and unity. A steadfast supporter of her husband’s public service, Angiolina stood by his side throughout his 12-year tenure as a three-term County Judge, along with various other roles in the public sector. Judge Horacio Ramirez encouraged and supported Angiolina’s pursuit of advanced education, which, in addition to her full-time role as an educator, required regular commuting from Hebbronville to San Antonio, Texas, for two years.

Passionate about the power of education, Angiolina dedicated her career to teaching mathematics and business and serving as a high school librarian in Hebbronville. Her students often sought her wisdom long after their school years, a testament to the lasting impact of her guidance and mentorship.

As a passionate community leader, she was a highly respected

charter member of the Catholic Daughters of America, a founding member of the Museum Foundation of Hebbronville, and a past president of the Cenizo Garden Club. Her relentless efforts in historical preservation were instrumental in safeguarding Jim Hogg County’s landmarks and heritage, and she was a dedicated advocate for South Texas historical societies.

Angiolina Ramirez is survived by her six children: Dr. Horacio Ramirez, Leticia Ramirez, Margo (Jim) Keyes, Ricardo Ramirez, DDS (Carmen), Roberto (Bobby) Ramirez, and Marissa Ramirez Anchia.

She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 11 greatgrandchildren, extended family members, and life-long friends who will remember her fondly.

A Memorial Mass will take place in the family’s hometown on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, located at 504 E. Santa Clara Street, Hebbronville, Texas 78361.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Angiolina’s lifelong passion for family, heritage, and legacy, donations may be made in her name to the Museum Foundation of Hebbronville at P.O. Box 1035, Hebbronville, Texas 78361.

The Ramirez, Keyes, and Anchia families extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who have reached out with condolences and support during this time. In addition, our families are grateful to Jolly’s Angels, four loving and dedicated caregivers with Emerald Care, and the health care providers with Supportive Hospice Care who demonstrated loving care for our beloved mother in this final season of her beautiful life.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, APRIL 30, 2025, PAGE 4

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Starr County Memorial Hospital has an immediate opening for an Accounting Clerk.

Job responsibilities include assisting with general accounting functions including general ledger, payroll and/or accounts payable related duties.

Job Qualifications include a High School Diploma and an Associate Degree in Accounting or related field. Knowledge of business and accounting processes usually obtained from a previous job is also preferred.

Employment candidates without an associate degree must have at least two years of work experience in a business office setting.

This is a full-time position. Excellent benefits including health insurance, retirement and PTO. Salary will be commensurate with experience and education.

Persons interested in applying could apply online at www.starrcountyhospital.com or should submit their application and resume to: Starr County Memorial Hospital Attn: Diana Garza, Human Resources Department 128 N FM 3167 Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 Email: dianagarza@starrcountyhospital.com Phone: 956-370-6016 Fax: (956) 370-6563 Starr County Memorial Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS South Texas College is accepting competitive proposals for the following: RFP Number 25-26-1001

Description Childcare Services

Date Due June 4, 2025

Time 3:00 p.m.

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 Street) or by calling 956-872-4681. Responses received after the specified time and date will not be considered and will be returned unopened. 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 opening date.

Questions regarding this RFP or requests for additional information should be addressed to Deyadira Leal, Interim 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.

Purchases made as a result of this solicitation will be funded through The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Perkins Basic Grant Program.

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

Social Security Administration Implements New AntiFraud Measures to Enhance Telephone Claim Processing The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced the implementation of enhanced fraud prevention tools for claims filed over the telephone, further modernizing the agency’s services and strengthening program integrity.

Beginning April 14, 2025, SSA will allow individuals to complete all claim types via telephone, supported by new anti-fraud capabilities designed to protect beneficiaries and streamline the customer experience.

The enhanced technology enables SSA to identify suspicious activity in telephone claims by analyzing patterns and anomalies within a person’s account. If irregularities are detected, the individual will be asked to complete in-person identity proofing to continue processing their claim. These advancements allow SSA to maintain the security of its services while continuing to expand access for customers who may be unable to file online or

Bid Notice

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ENTER INTO DEPOSITORY CONTRACT Eloy Vera, County Judge of the County of Starr, State of Texas, does hereby give Notice that the Commissioners Court of Starr County, Texas, will consider bids to act as Depository for the County Funds.

Sealed Bids should be addressed to Eloy Vera, County Judge of Starr County, Rio Grande City, Texas, with notation in lower left hand corner of envelope “Bids on Bank Depository”. Bids will be received by the County Judge’s Office, 100 N. FM 3167, STE. 202, RIO GRANDE CITY, TEXAS 78582 at 9:00 A.M. MAY 12, 2025. Bids received after the date and time specified will be returned unopened. The County will not be responsible for late deliveries or mail delays. Fax Transmittal will NOT be accepted.

By order of the County Judge of Starr County, Texas on this the 28th, day of April, 2025.

visit an office in person. The agency will continue to conduct identity verification for all inperson claims.

“We are modernizing how we serve the public—enhancing both security and accessibility,” said Leland Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security.

“These updates improve our ability to detect and prevent fraud while providing more flexible options for people to access their benefits.”

The updated policy reflects SSA’s broader commitment to customer service, program integrity, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. SSA has worked around the clock to develop and deploy these improvements, driven by the return of employees to full-time in-office operations.

Surge capacity is being put in place to support higher demand starting on the 14th and last month, SSA spent $16.5 million to modernize telephone services nationwide.

This update supports the Administration’s broader efforts to protect Social Security and ensure higher take-home pay for seniors by ending the taxation of social security.

PUBLIC NOTICE County of Starr Request for Proposals (RFP) The County of Starr is now accepting proposals from qualified engineering firms for two major infrastructure improvement projects: Improvements and Rehabilitation for the Roma-Ciudad Miguel Alemán Suspension Bridge and Starr County International Toll Bridge System I. Purpose Starr County (“the County”) seeks statements of qualifications from engineering firms to provide comprehensive design and consulting services for: • Project 1: Structural rehabilitation of the Roma-Ciudad Miguel Alemán Suspension Bridge.

• Project 2: Repurposing the existing pedestrian lanes on the Starr County International Toll Bridge into a third lane for commercial traffic.

These services will be included in a Master Service Agreement (MSA). Work orders may be initiated for one or both projects based on funding availability.

Deadline for Proposal Submission: May 21, 2025, For detailed RFP documents and submission guidelines, visit: www.co.starr.tx.us For inquiries, please contact: Ms. Reyna Guerra Starr County, Texas 100 N. FM 3167 Rio Grande City Texas, 78582 Email: rguerra@co.starr.tx.us

Public Notice Starr County Invitation for Bids APRIL 23, 2025

The County of Starr is requesting bids for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, supervision and performance of all work required for the reconstruction of single family residential homes. The following homes to be reconstructed are: 109 Juarez St, Rio Grande City, TX 78582 169 Garceno Loop, Roma TX 78584 600 E Dr Martin ST, Rio Grande City, TX 78582 Project Type: Reservation System Participant, RSP Agreement #2024-0003; Starr County Contract Number #1003549/1003550.

Bid Documents (Project Manual) may be obtained in person from Starr County Court House Annex at 100 N FM 3167 Rio Grande City, TX, between the hours of 8:00a.m. & 5:00p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays). Bid packages are limited to one package per contractor. For further information contact Connie Cantu, Project Manager at 716-4800 ext. 8115.

Sealed Bids will be accepted by the Starr County Federal & State Programs Staff at Starr County Annex suite 220 at 100 N FM 3167 Rio Grande City, TX. Until 3:00 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2025. Bids not received prior to the date and time set forth above will not be accepted for consideration. Starr County will consider the lowest responsive, reasonable and responsible Bidder.

Bids may be held by Starr County for a period not to exceed 90 days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidder’s qualifications prior to the contract award.

Pre-Bid conference will be held at Starr County Courthouse Annex 100 N. F.M. 3167 Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025. All Perspective Bidders are encouraged to attend.

All Bidders/Contractors must be registered and ACTIVE with the sam.gov and secretary of the State website. Bidder/Contractor shall be an Equal Opportunity Firm and practice nondiscrimination. All Bidders/Contractors must present proper documentation of capability, adequate staffing and experience to perform the tasks required. Starr County supports the submission of Bids from historically underutilized businesses. All qualified Bidders will receive consideration for selection without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, and handicap or as otherwise provided by applicable law.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, APRIL 30, 2025, PAGE 5

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, APRIL 30, 2025, PAGE 6

LEGAL NOTICE

SE RENTA APARTAMENTO 2 recamaras, 1 baño,

y ref., entre Efren Application has been made estufa Ramirez y Hwy 83. with the Texas Alcoholic Para mas información llame: (956) 208-0090 Beverage Commission for a RETAIL DEALER’S OFFPREMISE LICENSE (BF) Pida a los 3 Ángeles by: LINDA GONZALEZ, San Miguel, Rafael dba EL FALCON DRIVE y Gabriel.

Prenda 3 velas blancas & GROCERY, to be en un plato con agua y located at 2709 N US 83, azúcar, haga su petición.

ROMA, STARR COUNTY, A los tres días publique esta oración.

TEXAS.

“Feliz Dia del Niño”

Aunque no crea mire que pasa el cuarto día.

A. P. R.

755 ESTATES Se venden lotes en 755 Estates de ½ ½ ACRES LOTS acres.

Financiados FOR SALE. por el propietario.

OWNER FINANCED.

Victor Daniec - Mobile (956) 821-7108 Jose Martinez - Mobile (956)-451-5039

MANAGER $PECIAL MANAGER $PECIAL 2022 Dodge

2024 Nissan Sentra

$

Challenger

22,995

$

STK#26652A NICE! ONLY 16K MILES!!!

5 9 9 , 9 2

STK#26470A

2024 Chevy Silverado 4X4

STK#26733A

CALL

2023 Chevy Colorado Crew Cab

STK#26748A

$

29,995

2021 Chevy Tahoe

STK#26814A

CALL

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, APRIL 30, 2025, PAGE 7

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, APRIL 30, 2025, PAGE 8

SPACE AVAILABLE CALL 487-6544

You’re in good hands.

Auto • Home • Business • Life Hablamos Español

956-488-0160

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