FEBRUARY 12, 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. 7

WEEKLY - WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 12, 2025

Roma HS Choir Program students earn Colt Nation is the RGCGISD 487-2596 Division 1 Superior Ratings and advance to Elementary District Battle the State UIL Solo & Ensemble Competition of the Books Champion 4350 E. US HWY 83 R.G.C.

Installment Loans 311 E Main St Rio Grande City TX 78582-4448

Phone (956) 487-3925

Congratulations to the Roma High School Choir Program students who earned Division 1 Superior Ratings at the UIL Solo & Ensemble Competition held in La Joya! Seven of the 8 students are headed to the State UIL Solo & Ensemble Competition held in Austin, TX in May!! The students earning a medal are Alexa Barrera, Daisy Bazan, Ulises Carlos, Rimberlyn De Anda, Emma Escobar, Sophia Garza, Melanny Hernandez, and Juan Sepulveda. The Gladiator Nation is super proud of these hard working students and their Director Alicia Pena!!

Roque Guerra, Jr. Elementary announced that Colt Nation is the RGCGISD Elementary District Battle of the Books Champion!

Members of the team are Jordyn Eguia (Team Captain), Samarah De La Torre, Marissa Rodriguez, and Romel Hinojosa. Special recognition goes out to Samarah and Marissa for placing the top scores in the competition and advancing to the regional Battle of the Books competition on February 27, 2025.

Grulla Middle School Cheerleaders place The IncrEdibles Proudly represent top 5 at the NCA High School Nationals RGCGISD at the Food Challenge Contest Dr. Raymond Cruz Best FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dental Insurance, Medicaid and Chip Accepted

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

2025 San Antonio Livestock Show & Rodeo Food Challenge Contest Proudly representing RGCGISD in San Antonio: Senior Team The IncrEdibles - Diego and Nicolas Guerra (Rio High), Aiden Gonzalez (Grulla High) competed in the Food Challenge Contest.

The IncrEdibles placed 1st in the Preliminary round- Appetizer and advanced to the Final Challenge. The IncrEdibles took home an impressive 4th place overall out of 34 teams. Congratulations Team!

Congratulations to our Grulla Middle School Cheerleaders for placing top 5 at the NCA High School Nationals in Dallas Tx. Girls hit zero both days and brought the Superior Showmanship award! What a way to represent their school. Thanks to Coach Adilene Barrera for working continuously with these girls. A special thanks to Cesar Alarcon from RGV Cheer for all his training and guidance.

• 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, FEBRUARY 12, 2025, PAGE 2

Card of Thanks In Loving Memory of

Grulla High School rootEd seniors tour the STC Technology Campus

Jose E. “La Negra” Olivarez November 03, 1945 † December 28, 2024

We wish to express our sincere appreciation to our many relatives and friends for their presence, flowers, cards, masses, food, and comforting words during our deepest grief for the loss of our beloved one.

A special thanks to Starr County Memorial Hospital ER Staff, EMT staff, Rural Clinic Rogelio Contreras & Staff, Sanchez Funeral Home & Staff.

Wife Maria Consuelo Olivarez, daughter Norma (Antonio) Quezada, son Jose Olivarez, Jr., grandchildren Griselda & Mariano Quezada, Gracie (Jose “Prieto”) Olivarez and great grandchildren Jaxon & Gianna Olivarez, sister in law Crisanta Gonzalez, brother in law Reymundo (Odette) Gonzalez

Olivarez & Quezada Families

On Wednesday, February 5, Grulla High School rootEd seniors toured the South Texas College Technology Campus, gaining firsthand experience with technical certificates and associate degree programs. Some of the highlights included drafting/architecture, automotive technology, HVAC, and welding—all high-demand fields offering incredible career opportunities. This hands-on experience gave students valuable insight into technical careers and workforce pathways. Way to go, GHS seniors!

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 12, 2025, PAGE 3

RGC Lady Rattlers 1st place finish at the Mission I.S.D. golf tournament

The RGC Lady Rattlers are to be commended for there impressive 1st place finish at the Mission I.S.D. golf tournament held at Shary Golf Course. Left to Right are Eliana Mendoza, Jenelle Gonzalez, Sarah Barrera, Leticia Lozano and Khloe Iruegas. A special recognition goes out to Leticia Lozano who was the Champion medalist.

STARR COUNTY 229TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Chapter 59 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure that the 229TH Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Rio Grande City, Texas will hold a public auction on Saturday March 1, 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 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. Accepting Cashier’s Checks only, no personal or business checks. For additional information, please contact the 229th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, at (956) 716-4800. Jose A. Camarillo AUC#17532

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 1, 2025, 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 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. Only Cashier Checks accepted. For additional information, please contact Bond and Bond Auctioneers (956) 283-0422 Jose A. Camarillo AUC#17532.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 12, 2025, PAGE 4

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 12, 2025, PAGE 5

F. J. Scott Elementary celebrated the raising of their U. S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Award Flag

F. J. Scott Elementary School celebrated the raising of their U. S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Award Flag. The students enjoyed a wonderful ice cream treat courtesy Blue Bell Ice Cream. They also received a special proclamation from City of Roma Mayor Jaime Escobar, and a Congressional Recognition and U.S. Flag from the Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar. Thank you to everyone who made the event special for the students and staff!!

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 12, 2025, PAGE 6

Any school employee planning on retiring this school year, 2025, or any previous school year and is interested in becoming a member of the Starr County Retired School Employees Association, please contact the following: Dee Cavazos (956) 437-2212 • Dr. Miguel A. Gonzalez (958) 735-8178

War & Peace on the Rio Grande, 1861-1867, a traveling exhibit Rio Grande City Grulla ISD and Revive Fort Ringgold, in collaboration with UTRGV, proudly hosted War & Peace on the Rio Grande, 1861-1867, a traveling exhibit that brought to life the rich and complex history

of the US Civil War along the Texas-Mexico border. The exhibit, displayed at the RGC Grulla ISD Multipurpose Complex, featured life-size mannequins, historical artifacts, and interactive displays that highlighted key figures, major

battles, and the economic impact of the war in South Texas.

The museum will remain on display until May 25, 2025, giving the community plenty of time to experience this remarkable journey through history.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 12, 2025, PAGE 7

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 12, 2025, PAGE 8 Rio Grande City Employer Expo & Job Fair Thursday, February 27th • 10 am - 1pm • South Texas College Starr County

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS South Texas College is accepting competitive proposals for the following: RFP Number 24-25-1050

Description Sport Utility Vehicles II

Date Due February 27, 2025

Time 5:00 PM

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 Billy Langley, Senior Buyer, 956-872-4682 welangle@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

Do sleep needs change as adults grow older?

Adults know much about their health changes as they grow older, but health experts note that sleep requirements generally remain the same throughout adulthood. According to the National Institute on Aging, older adults need roughly the same amount of sleep as all adults.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the recommended amount of sleep for adults is at least seven hours each day, and various organizations recommend adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night.

Those recommendations can

promote optimal health into one’s in 10 were falling short of the golden years, but that advice is recommended daily amount of not being heeded by a significant sleep. portion of the adult population.

The CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) tracked the sleeping habits of men and women between 2013 and 2022 and ultimately found that 37.5 percent of men and 36 percent of women were not getting enough sleep during that time period.

The percentage of individuals not getting enough sleep was particularly high among adults between the ages of 39 and 64, among whom nearly four

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 12, 2025, PAGE 9

Rio Grande City Employer Expo and Job Fair Medina EC Recognized for High Member Satisfaction Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation invite you to another Rio Grande City Employer Expo and Job Fair held on February 27, 2025, at the South Texas College Starr County Campus located at 142 N. FM 3167 in Rio Grande City.

This event is organized by the Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation in partnership with Workforce Solutions to deliver employers and job seekers in Rio Grande City with career-matching opportunities.

The Rio Grande City Public Library will begin the week

by providing resume writing assistance and job seekers will have the opportunity to print up to five free copies to bring to the job fair. The morning of the RGC Employer Expo & Job Fair, from 9 am to 10 am, Workforce Solutions will provide a targeted interviewing skills session to help job seekers build confidence and prepare for meaningful conversations with employers like you. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 27th the Employer Expo & Job Fair will start at the Student Activities Center (Building H) at STC Starr County Campus.

There is no cost to participate in this event. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity and reserve your booth today by contacting Janette Aguirre, Workforce Solutions Business Solutions Representative at (956) 313-2788 or by email at janette.aguirre@ wfsolutions.org.

Medina Electric Cooperative was recently recognized by Touchstone Energy® as a member cooperative that received one of the top 5 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI®) scores for energy utility services among all cooperatives participating in measurement for Touchstone Energy in the fourth quarter of 2024.

In Q4 (2024), Medina EC received an ACSI score of “88” on a 100-point scale.1 Medina EC’s score is higher when compared to publicly measured cooperative utility scores reported in the syndicated 2024 ACSI Energy Utility Study and places Medina EC 14 points higher than the average investorowned utility score of 74, 13

points higher than the average municipal utility score of 75, as well as 10 points higher than the average cooperative utility score of 78.

Medina EC serves members in Atascosa, Brooks, Dimmit, Duval, Edwards, Frio, Jim Hogg, Kinney, LaSalle, McMullen, Medina, Real, Starr, Uvalde, Webb, Zapata and Zavala counties.

Public Notice Starr County Invitation for Bids February 12, 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, February 27, 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 responsible Bid. 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, February 20, 2025. All Perspective Bidders are encouraged to attend.

All Bidders/Contractors must be registered 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, FEBRUARY 12, 2025, PAGE 10

755 ESTATES Se venden lotes Estates ½ ACRES LOTS ende755 ½ acres.

FOR SALE. Financiados por

2,999 FULLWITH FUNERAL SERVICE SILVER $

.00

METAL CASKET

Sanchez CALL JEFF OR SONATA Sanchez Funeral Home

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

(956) 487-2525

SANCHEZ

Memorial Funeral Home

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

101 AR Sanchez Sr. Dr. Roma, Tx. 78584

(956) 847-7008

OWNER FINANCED. el propietario.

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

Apartment for rent 111 Corona Dr. Rio Grande City.

2 recamaras, un baño.

Deposito $350.00 $675.00 por mes Para mas informacion hablar al número

956-437-9374

I’m looking for Pedro Ruiz this is Angela.

My husband wants to adopt the children.

Please contact me at pinkie0130@gmail.com

Amplio Apartamento de Renta

2 recamaras, 1 baño, A/C, estufa, refrigerador, cuarto para lavadora y secadora. En Rio Grande City

956-358-8723

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT El Sauz Water Supply Corporation is now accepting applications for:

GENERAL FIELD WORK / MAINTENANCE / PART TIME Please apply at El Sauz Water Supply Office, 7 miles North on FM 649.

Applications will be accepted through February 21, 2025 (956) 486-2273

This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

MANAGER $PECIAL MANAGER $PECIAL 2021 Chevy Silverado 2022 Chevy Trail Boss

Crew Trail Boss

STK#26666A NICE! ONLY 16K MILES!!!

STK#26242A

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2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4X4

STK#26354B

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2020 Toyota Tacoma SR5

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STK#26667A

2024 Cadillac XT4 Sport

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STK#26076A

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

No Matter Where You Live, Come Home!

(956) 487-2596 · 1-800-509-0003

Paco Cantu 956-208-1821

Rolando Flores 956-416-8945

www.riomotors.com

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 12, 2025, PAGE 11

ICS students placed in the GFWC Florence J. Scott Woman’s Club of Rio Grande City Writing Competition

ICS is very proud of five students who placed in the GFWC Florence J. Scott Woman’s Club of Rio Grande City Writing Competition where students from the entire United States participated. 80 students from our area competed and five ICS students placed 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable Mention. The first and second place winners will be going to compete in the District and if they place District they will go to State. Good Luck!.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS South Texas College is accepting competitive proposals for the following: RFP Number Description Date Due Time 24-25-1048 Starr County Campus Building J February 27, 2025 2:00 PM Analog to Digital Classroom Upgrade

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

Rio Grande City’s Newest Luxury Community is now Leasing 1,2,and 3 Bedroom Apartment Homes UNIT AMENITIES: • Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling • Inside Washer/Dryer Connections • Lighted Ceiling Fans • Fully Equipped Kitchens with Energy Star Appliances • Microwave • Vinyl Planking • Huge Walk-in Closets • Faux Mini Blinds • Handicap Units Available • Pets Welcome

COMMUNITY FEATURES: • Laundry Facilities Available • Equipped Playground • Clubhouse • Craft Room • Control Access Gates •Pavilion • Sparkling Swimming Pool • After School Programs • Summer Children Programs • Monthly Resident Events

PH. (956) 487-0022

615 West Eisenhower Road Rio Grande City, Texas 78582

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 12, 2025, PAGE 12

SPACE AVAILABLE CALL 487-6544

Home Health Hospice Provider Services

PROVIDERS EMPESAMOS

$13 POR HORA

Llameme!

Maria Saenz ¿Tiene preguntas sobre los nuevos planes de seguro?

956-331-8462 Aceptamos:

You’re in good hands.

Auto • Home • Business • Life Hablamos Español

956-488-0160

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

For limited time only

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