February 28, 2024

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Vol. 39, No. 9 WEEKLY WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 28, 2024 Office (956) 487-6544 - Fax (956) 487-6165 - E-Mail: sctc78582@aol.com - www.starrcountytowncrier.com

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VMS Students Adrian Villalobos, Julianna Saldana, Ramiro Barrera MS Battle of the Books and Sofia Gomez Competed at District Spelling Bee Team Won Regional Competition

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Congratulations to Veterans Middle School students, Adrian Villalobos (6th grade), Julianna Saldana (7th grade), and Sofia Gomez (8th grade) for competing in this year’s District Spelling Bee! A HUGE shout out to Julianna for earning her title as Spelling Bee Champion and Adrian for earning 2nd place. Their coach Maricruz Peña and administration at VMS are extremely proud of their hard work, dedication and commitment. On behalf of the RGCGISD we wish them the best of luck as they will be competing at the Regional Spelling Bee on March 9th.

CONGRATULATIONS to the Ramiro Barrera Middle School Battle of the Books team on winning the Regional Battle of the Books Competition!!!! They made history for Roma ISD, marking the first time a middle school team from Roma has won the competition. The Titans beat out 17 other schools from across Region One to earn the championship title. From left to right in the photo are team members Terani Garza, Deisly Solis, Cipatly Cortez, and Luis Flores, and their coach, Librarian Elizabeth Perez. The Gladiator Nation is super proud of these amazing students!!!!

Congratulations to the hardworking and dedicated RGC Wrestling students on a great season!

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Aiden Valdovinos, Lilly Canales, Lia Gutierrez, and Ciara Barrera

RGC Wrestling: Another wrestling season has come to an end. While we didn’t have the results we may have wanted, we did take large strides towards our goal.

We are reloading our girls team with a solid group of girls who appear to be ready to work. This takes nothing away from our three seniors who are leaving us. They set some pretty high standards to reach but we are sure that this group can reach those and more.

The future is bright.

Our boys team, while still young, finished third in our district tournament when it wasn’t thought that we could

finish better than eighth overall.

From that group, we crowned two district champions and a regional placer, as well as another AllState placer. Even though they are young, we still bid fare thee well to our seniors who, while not being solid for four years, did set forth a great foundation to build upon. They gelled when they needed to and will propel this group forward.

While we didn’t publicize our regional placers much due to the tight turnaround to the state tournament, we must acknowledge them here.

Lia Gutierrez was a district champion, placed 2nd overall

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at 185 lbs. in the regional tournament and was a state qualifier for the fourth season, one of only a handful of Rattlers to accomplish that.

Lilly Canales was a district champion, placed 4th overall at 235 lbs. at the regional tournament and was a state qualifier in her

final season. As she is so fond to recall, this is the only season she made it to January and was still wrestling. She was the last Region 4 girl still wrestling on Day 2 in her weight class.

Aiden Valdovinos was a district champion, placed 3rd at 132 lbs. at the regional tournament and

placed 4th at the state tournament to make our sixth boy All-State wrestler. He defeated the Region 4 second place wrestler to advance to the 3rd place match enroute to his 4th place finish. Aiden is a sophomore and will return to lead the Rattlers next season.

RGC WRESTLING, page 2

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 28, 2024, PAGE 2

RGC WRESTLING Continued from Front Page Ciara Barrera 6th place at 165 lbs.

Lia and Lily will both be leaving us for their future endeavors. We wish all of our seniors who are departing the best in the future and hope that they learned some things

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RGCGISD Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee

about life along the way.

There are many others who probably should be mentioned but we choose to focus on those who had the most recent successes.

Congratulations to those wrestlers and their families for the honor of competing at the highest level offered in Texas UIL Wrestling.

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.

Congratulations, Veterans Middle School students Adrian Alanis (8th grader) and Hailey Ibarra (7th grader), and John & Olive Hinojosa Elementary student Jesus Ramos (5th grader) on joining the RGCGISD Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee! Adrian, Hailey, Jesus and other committee members enjoyed a fantastic lunch at Peter Piper Pizza before diving into a productive meeting with the Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Adolfo Peña Jr., at the Multi-Purpose Center. At the session, they tackled seven thought-provoking questions, offering valuable insights and feedback on the schools and district’s performance. Sandra Garza-Cavazos, from the Region One Center, was there to observe and was thoroughly impressed by the students’ initiative and responses. A big thank you Hailey Ibarra, Adrian Alanis, and Jesus Ramos for participating in this enriching experience!

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 28, 2024, PAGE 3

Gators Boys and Girls Golf Teams Participated in the Grulla Invitational Golf Tournament

Congratulations to the Grulla High School Gators Boys and Girls Golf teams for participating in the Grulla Invitational Golf Tournament held on February 13, 2024, at the Llano Grande Golf Course in Mercedes, TX. The ladies team included Nalanie Pena, Idani Vela, Jesse Zamora, Frida Rios, Arayani Solis, and Abree Ochoa. On the Boys side, Joel Garcia and Orlando Diaz represented the team, with Joel Garcia finishing 7th overall with an individual score of 90. Well done, Gators!

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 28, 2024, PAGE 4

Starr County Retired School Employee Association Delivered Books for Students to Local Elementary Schools Notice is hereby given that the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Roma NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, March 18, 2024, at 5:30 P.M. at the Roma City Council Chambers, located at 201 W. Convent Ave, Roma, Texas to consider the following case(s): 1) The City of Roma has proposed an Amendment to the City of Roma Code of Ordinances, Chapter 95 – Zoning (Article II, Article III, Appendix A, B, and C).

2) The City of Roma has proposed an amendment to the Official Zoning Map to reflect the most current Zoning Ordinance Amendments.

The City Council for the City of Roma will be holding a Public Hearing for the case(s) on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., at the Roma City Council Chambers, located at 201 W. Convent Ave., Roma, Texas.

On Feb. 15, 2024, Starr County Retired School Employee Association (S.C.R.S.E.A.) delivered books for students to two local elementary schools in an effort to promote reading.

This book project is a state-wide effort put forth by T.R.T.A. Top picture (L to R sitting): Nelda Laurel-2nd Vice President, and Diana Ibarra-President.

(Back row): Gregoria Villarrealmember, Thelma MartinezLa Grulla Elem. Principal, Dr. Miguel Angel Gonzalezsecretary, Janet Zarate-librarian, and Alfredo Acevedo Jr.member) Bottom picture (L to R): Diana Perez- F.J.Scott Elem. Principal,

Mike Villarreal-member, Esther Villarreal-guest, Soila G. Perezmember, Maria D. Cavazos- 1st Vice President,Olga Smedleymember, Leida P. Reyes-member, and Belen Salinas -librarian.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 28, 2024, PAGE 5

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 28, 2024, PAGE 6

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

An application has been made for a Wine and Malt Beverage Retail Dealer’s On-Premise Permit for 7-Eleven New SSP Beverage LLC, Texas Corporation, d/b/a Stripes Store 40596H, located at 2798 W. US Hwy 83, Rio Grande City, Starr County, TX. 78582.

An application has been made for a Wine and Malt Beverage Retail Dealer’s On-Premise Permit for 7-Eleven New SSP Beverage LLC, Texas Corporation, d/b/a Stripes Store 40599H, located at 401 N. FM 3167, Rio Grande City, Starr County, TX. 78582.

Said application made to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission in accordance with the provisions of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code.

Said application made to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission in accordance with the provisions of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code.

7-Eleven New SSP Beverage LLC officers: Brian Smith - VP David Seltzer – Treasurer/VP Keith Jones - Manager Kyle Johnson- VP Rory King – Manager Timothy Hall - Manager

7-Eleven New SSP Beverage LLC officers: Brian Smith - VP David Seltzer – Treasurer/VP Keith Jones - Manager Kyle Johnson- VP Rory King – Manager Timothy Hall - Manager

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Medina Electric Cooperative is seeking a Business Development Coordinator.

See www.medinaec.org for job description, application, and benefits. Job closes at 5 pm on March 8th. Only qualified applicants will be considered.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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General ranch work: feeding, Trabajo general en el rancho: fence work, tractor (mowing, alimentación, trabajo de cercas, shredding, farming, road work) tractor (corte, trituración, agricultura, trabajo en caminos) Las Maintenance skills a plus. habilidades de mantenimiento son Location Guerra Tx. una ventaja. Ubicación Guerra Tx. Full Time Employment Empleo de tiempo completo: Pay Based on Experience. pago basado en la experiencia.

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 28, 2024, PAGE 7

Rio Grande City’s Ringgold Park Renovations Nearing Completion Phase 1 of the highly anticipated renovations to Ringgold Park a p p r o a c h e s completion.

The city has invested significant resources in updating the park’s facilities, including basketball courts, soccer fields, and the pavilion area, in preparation for its reopening to the public in Spring of 2024.

Phase 1 of the Ringgold Park renovations focuses on enhancing recreational amenities to better serve the needs of the community.

The city has revamped the basketball courts and soccer fields, installing modern equipment to ensure a top-notch experience for sports enthusiasts of all ages.

In addition to the athletic facilities, the city has also paid special attention to the pavilion area, a popular venue for community events and gatherings.

The pavilion has been repainted and revitalized, providing an inviting space for outdoor festivities, picnics, and rentals for private functions.

“The revitalization of Ringgold Park is a testament to our commitment to providing quality recreational spaces for our residents,” stated Mayor Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal. “We are thrilled to see Phase 1 nearing completion and look forward to welcoming the community back to this cherished park.”

City officials anticipate that the reopening of Ringgold Park will not only promote physical activity and healthy living but also foster a sense of community among residents. With its updated amenities and refreshed appearance, the park is poised to become a vibrant hub of activity for families and individuals alike.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION - March 2 , 2024

Property to satisfy Landlord’s lien. Sale is on Saturday, MARCH 2, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. Super Starr Storage, 215 North F.M. 3167, Rio Grande City Texas 78582. Property will be sold to the highest bidder for cash only. Cleanup and removal deposit may be required. Seller reserves right to not accept any bid and to withdraw property from sale.

Property unknown until day of the sale.

Property includes contents of spaces of the following tenants: Melizza Rodriguez, Veronica Martinez and Juan J. Pena

PUBLIC NOTICE

An application has been made for a Wine and Malt Beverage Retail Dealer’s On-Premise Permit for 7-Eleven New SSP Beverage LLC, Texas Corporation, d/b/a Stripes Store 40600H, located at 2749 E. Grant St., Roma, Starr County, TX. 78584.

Said application made to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission in accordance with the provisions of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code.

7-Eleven New SSP Beverage LLC officers: Brian Smith - VP David Seltzer – Treasurer/VP Keith Jones - Manager Kyle Johnson- VP Rory King – Manager Timothy Hall - Manager

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, FEBRUARY 28, 2024, PAGE 8

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Historical Starr County A History Lesson of the Rio Grande Volunteer Fire Department RESIDENTS: Rio Grande was not an Incorporated City from 1922 to 1993. We only had the name. The City was dissolved because it could not pay the $250,000.00 loan plus the interest it had borrowed.

A History of how we got the Helicopters during Hurricane Beulah 1967: It seems nobody knows, we did not have neither a City Government, a Police Department, a City Fire Department nor a Hospital and it’s Ambulances and Paramedics.

Thank God we had the Rio Grande City/Starr County Volunteer Fire Department with more than 15 Active Volunteers. We had to work all of the County because there was no one else to help put out fires, extract accident victims, give them First Aid and even drive them to the Doctor’s clinics.

The younger people never saw and don’t know how bad we had it back then. Many times, we used cables to boost the Sheriff Deputies cars so they could go to accidents. Nobody knows who or how we Volunteer Firemen got things done, so I want to tell you some of our History while I still can remember.

When the hurricane evacuees, from the Lower Valley, were driving through Rio Grande City, the line at the only traffic light on 2nd St. grew to more than five miles long because there was no one to direct traffic. So Marco and some other Fireman took charge and directed the evacuees for

several hours until we could get a Deputy Sheriff to do it.

During Hurricane Beulah, as our Starr County were declared State of Emergency, Northern Mexico also got a lot of rain water causing the Rio Grande to grow back to 10 miles wide. Marco was the President of the Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue was the order of the day.

After rescuing and pulling hundreds off of roof tops on the American side of the river, Joe Martines, Marco Garza and the other firemen went across the International Bridge and 5 miles to Camargo to evacuate and rescue the population there in school buses. They hauled people and put them up in the schools until the water jumped over the highway. But many people had been left behind.

The next morning, Governor Connelly flew in with the Army.

Marco rushed up to the Governor explaining what had being happening and asking if he could borrow a helicopter to go check on how the remaining people in Camargo, were.

The Governor explained that he was just a passenger but he took Marco to meet the Colonel in charge of the mission. Marco explained what he needed, the Colonel said: I happen to have the General of the base with us, let’s go ask him. The Colonel told the General: “This man is with the Fire Department, they evacuated many of the people from Camargo, but the road broke

out and they were forced to leave many people behind, but they are Mexicans.” The General said: “Yes, but they are humans, let’s go.”

When the General saw thousands of people on roof tops and the water over 4 feet deep, he hit the mike and said: “Ft. Sam Houston, I want 5 Chinooks made ready for long term flights and I want them in Rio Grande City within 2 hours. And I want a tanker to supplying them.”

An hour and a half later, 6 Chinooks flew in, (one was a tanker), and started bringing 75 people at a time, landing at the bridge, going through Immigration, and loading into school buses. Most of the schools and churches were filled, with over 7,000 refugees. The choppers worked for over three days.

Mr. Marco Antonio Garza, was a civic leader, President of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Rio Grande City/Starr County Fire Department. He had the courage and fortitude to get things done. The County Officials wanted to take pictures with the Governor.

I was also a member in the Rio Grande City Volunteer Fire Department. I can tell you of many other emergency situations where our lives were endangered while trying to save lives and properties.

Marco Always knew what to do. He helped train the rest of the men and helped keep us safe.

Marco would also push the County Officials to get us more Fire Fighting

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

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Speedy Guffey, Adalberto Garza, Eugenio Pena Ill, Martin Galvan, Vidal Falcon, Ricky Reyes, Romeo Ortiz Jr, Gregorio Montemayor, Arial Guerra and Alfredo Trevino were some of the Volunteers Firemen!

When the Exxon Mobil Bulk Station caught on fire, Speedy Guffy and Pisto, the two Fire Chiefs were out of town, so three Firemen went to get Marco to come direct them.

You could see the fire from La Joya!

Under his direction, we had the fire out by the time Mission, McAllen, and Edinburg Fire Departments, got here.

I can tell you about many other Fires and Emergencies where Marco and the rest of us, Volunteer Firemen were the only “First Responders” in the County! But very few of us are still living! And nobody recognizes or even knows what we did.

If you or one of your parents were one of those survivors on those roofs, standing in the rain, please bring or mail us a letter telling us of how you felt that night and how your felt when you saw those helicopters coming to save you! We older Firemen would love to hear your stories!

Mail to: Marco Garza, 414 East Main St., Rio Grande City, TX 78582 Thank you and God bless you!

You’re in good hands.

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956-488-0160

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