January 10, 2024

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. 39, No. 2 WEEKLY WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 10, 2024 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 Mighty Crane Cheerleader Team Earns 1st Place Lucia Riojas Remains Undefeated!!

4350 E. US HWY 83 R.G.C.

at the NCA South Texas Regional Championship

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

Phone (956) 849-4497

On behalf of the Grulla Middle School we would like to congratulate our Mighty Crane Cheerleader Team for getting 1st place at the NCA South Texas Regional Championship in San Antonio. Outstanding Mighty Cranes. Keep up the amazing work.

Roma 4-H Members Compete at the RGVLS Citrus & Vegetable Show

8th grade student from Ramiro Barrera Middle School student, Lucia Riojas, finished off her middle school tennis career undefeated.

Over the past two years, she went 10-0 in tournaments and 40-0 in all her matches. She won a Harlingen tournament, three McAllen Tournaments, four Sharyland Tournaments, and two District Tennis Tournaments. Go Titans!

Officer Juan Islas was sworn into the Rio Grande City Police Department Dr. Raymond Cruz Best FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dental Insurance, Medicaid and Chip Accepted

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

On Saturday, December 16, 2023, Roma 4-H members traveled to Mercedes, TX to compete at the RGVLS Citrus & Vegetable Show. Members competed in the Ag Product ID and Food Challenge. They did an outstanding job representing our community. Congratulations to all of our members!

Ag Product ID Junior Team - Grand Champion Team: *Arizabella Alanis (Emma Vera Elementary), *Thiago Castillo (R. T. Barrera Elementary, *Jaime Ramirez (Emma Vera Elementary), and *Ayelette Rodriguez (F. J. Scott Elementary).

Ag Product ID Individual Junior

Aw a r d s : *Thiago Castillo Junior High Point and *Jaime Ramirez 3rd.

Ag Product ID Senior Team - Starr County Team 1 - 2nd Place: *Kaylon Ramon (Roma High School).

Food Challenge Junior Team “Vaquero Hot Shots” - 2nd Place: *Savannah Flores (Emma Vera Elementary). Food Challenge Junior Team “Bacon Us Crazy” - 4th Place, *Arizabella Alanis

• 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

(Emma Vera Elementary), *Thiago Castillo (R. T. Barrera Elementary, *Jaime Ramirez (Emma Vera Elementary), and *Dailyn Zambrano (R. C. Saenz Elementary).

Thanks to Roma HS Teacher Daisy Ramon for the report!

Newly hired Police Officer Juan Islas has been officially sworn into the Rio Grande City Police Department.

“Welcome to our family in blue,” said Rio Grande City Police Chief Noe Castillo to Officer Islas immediately after he was sworn in.

According to the Texas Constitution, all elected and appointed officers, including police officers, must take an official oath of office before they enter upon the duties of their

offices.

The oath includes a promise to faithfully execute the duties of the office and to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of Texas.

The purpose of the oath is to ensure that police officers are committed to upholding the law and protecting the rights of citizens. By taking the oath, police officers are held accountable for their actions and are expected to act with integrity and professionalism.

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, JANUARY 10, 2024, PAGE 2

As flu season reaches peak, Driscoll reminds parents to vaccinate kids RGC City Secretary Angela Solis Named ViceWith flu season in full swing, Driscoll is urging families to vaccinate their children against the influenza virus.

In December, Driscoll saw 477 children with the flu visit the emergency room. Of those patients nine were admitted and hospitalized, including one child in the Intensive Care Unit on a heart lung machine.

“We are more than halfway through flu season. It’s never too late to take your child to your doctor or pharmacy for a flu vaccination. Even a common virus like the flu can cause serious illness in children,” said Driscoll Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Mary Dale Peterson.

Flu shots can be given to

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

children older than 6 months of age, while a nasal spray vaccine can be administered to kids older than 2 years of age.

Children who have received the vaccine can still get sick with influenza, but symptoms will be milder and last less. Studies have shown children who receive the influenza vaccine have reduced risk of flu-related emergency department and urgent care visits. Most importantly, it can be lifesaving for children.

Infants under 3 months with a fever greater than 100.4 F should be taken to the emergency room.

President of Prominent RGV Association

Rio Grande City CitySecretary Angela Solis was recently sworn in as Vice president of the Lower Rio Grande Valley City Secretaries/ Clerks chapter.

“On behalf of the City of Rio Grande City we would like to wish a heartfelt congratulations

to our City Secretary, Angela Solis, on her recent appointment as Vice-President to the Lower Rio Grande Valley Clerks Association,” declared Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal. “This is indeed a testament to your dedication and leadership within our city.”

The LRGVCS/C chapter is made up of City Clerks and City Secretaries who regularly come together to explore various cityrelated topics. Their discussions encompass essential subjects like Time Management, Public Information, Open Meetings Act, TABC compliance, and other matters crucial to their roles in serving the community.

The Lower Rio Grande Valley, often referred to simply as the “Rio Grande Valley” or RGV, is a region located in the southernmost tip of Texas along the United States-Mexico border. The region is named after the Rio Grande, a major river that forms the boundary between Texas and Mexico.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 10, 2024, PAGE 3

Veterans Middle School 7th-grade Boys Baseball Team Big WIN against Zapata Middle School

A huge congratulations to the Veterans Middle School 7th-grade boys baseball team on their big WIN against Zapata Middle School!! Their last game of the season was a great game where the boys scored 8-2. After the game, they were treated to Buffalo Wings & Rings, thanks to their coaches. Way to end off the season with hard work and lots of dedication. Way to go boys!!! RattlerPride!!

1st Anniversary In Loving Memory of

Maria Thelma Garza October 31, 1964 † January 12, 2023

It’s been a year since you were called home by our Lord and yet it seems like yesterday. The Lord gave us the strength to go forth even though we were going through the darkest time of our lives without you. We thank God for all the wonderful heartfelt memories which we will cherish forever. We know that you’re in heaven now with God, watching over us.

With Love, your husband Raymond, Children: Raymond Jr., Justinrey, Heather Nicole and Lydia Alicia

Garza~ Bazan Families

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 10, 2024, PAGE 4

Texas Delta Theta Master Service Project Benefits General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary

Texas Delta Theta Master of Beta Sigma Phi is proud to carry out their annual autumn service project, helping Starr County schools with funds for uniform shirts, jackets, or money for a Book Fair purchase for students who may be in need. Service committee members Rosie Garcia, chairman, and Tissa Peterson are shown presenting a check to Principal Brenda E. Carmona and Assistant Principal Anissa Falcon with a group of students at General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary School, RGCGISD.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 10, 2024, PAGE 5

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 10, 2024, PAGE 6

Unintentional Firearm Injury Deaths Among Children and Adolescents Aged 0–17 Years Firearms used in unintentional firearm injury deaths among children and adolescents were often stored both loaded and unlocked. Overall, children were most often fatally injured when the shooter was playing with or showing the firearm to others.

Unintentional injury is a leading cause of death among children and adolescents aged 0-17 years in the United States, and firearms are a leading injury method. CDC examined unintentional firearm injury deaths among children and adolescents in the U.S. from

2003-2021 using data from the National Violent Death Reporting System.

Two-thirds (67%) of unintentional firearm injury deaths among children and adolescents occurred when the shooter was playing with the firearm or showing the firearm to others. Overall, firearms used in unintentional injury deaths were often stored unlocked (76%) and most of these unlocked firearms were also loaded (91%).

Unlocked firearms were most commonly accessed from a

nightstand or other sleeping areas (30%).

Unintentional firearm injury deaths among children and adolescents are preventable.

Putting a firearm out of sight or out of reach is not safe storage and is not enough to prevent use by children and adolescents.

The report’s findings underscore the importance of policymakers, health care professionals (e.g., pediatricians), and others partnering with parents, caregivers, and firearm owners to promote secure firearm storage.

It’s OK To Be a Winter Weather Prepper We all know how unpredictable winter weather can be in Texas.

Ice, winds and flooding all have the potential to strand you on the road or at home, possibly without power. Despite the reputation that “preppers” might have earned for their zeal about getting ready for emergencies, preparedness is essential for ensuring your safety this season and Medina Electric Cooperative encourages you to be prepared.

Prepare at Home Make a family communications plan. Your family might not be together when disaster strikes, so it’s important to know how you’ll stay in touch, how you’ll get back together and what you’ll do in case of an emergency. Don’t rely on cellphones because networks could go down.

Get a battery-powered emergency weather radio to receive broadcast alerts and warnings directly from the National Weather Service.

Keep a three-day supply of nonperishable foods and drinking water in storage.

Consider having a way to heat water that does not require electricity. Camping gear can be a solution for cooking during power outage emergencies.

Download smartphone apps (available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency

and the American Red Cross) that provide emergency notifications and information about finding shelter, providing first aid and seeking recovery assistance.

Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home in high winds.

Insulate pipes and allow faucets to drip during cold weather to avoid freezing pipes.

Locate your home’s water valve and learn how to shut it off, just in case a pipe bursts.

Keep fire extinguishers handy, especially if alternate heating sources are in use, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them.

Maintain a supply of heating fuel sufficient to last several days. You could become isolated in your home, and regular fuel sources might be unavailable.

Store dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.

Vent all fuel-burning equipment to the outside and keep the vent clear. Extend the life of your fuel supply by better insulating walls and attics, caulking and weatherstripping around doors and windows, and covering windowpanes with plastic.

Bring pets and companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with nonfrozen drinking water.

Winterize Your Vehicle Check (or have a mechanic check) the following items on your car: Antifreeze levels. Ensure that they’re sufficient to avoid freezing.

Battery and ignition system.

Make sure they’re in top condition and that battery terminals are clean.

Brakes. Check for wear and fluid levels.

Exhaust system. Look for leaks and crimped pipes, and repair or replace as necessary.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is deadly and happens with little warning.

Fuel and air filters. Replace regularly. Keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas, which will keep the fuel line from freezing.

Heater and defroster. Ensure that they work properly.

Lights. Check all bulbs.

Oil. Check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal at lower temperatures and don’t lubricate as well.

Windshield wiper equipment.

Repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.

Tires. Make sure there’s adequate tread or install winter tires. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 10, 2024, PAGE 7

Registration for RGC’s Youth Basketball League Now Open, Coaches Needed Registration for the upcoming season of Rio Grande City’s Youth Basketball opens, January 3rd. The league is open to 2nd through 6th grade athletes, with a registration fee of only $40.

“Register today for the RGC Youth Basketball League,” said Rio Grande City Parks & Rec. Director Frank Eguia Jr. “Athletes must have a completed physical prior to registration. We are also looking for volunteer coaches.”

Former volunteer coaches of Rio Grande City Parks and Recreation sport leagues have described volunteering as a coach is a uniquely rewarding experience. Coaching offers a multitude of benefits such

as the joy of witnessing the growth and success of athletes.

Coaching also cultivates a diverse skill set, including leadership, communication, and problem-solving, enhancing not only coaching abilities but also

overall professional and personal competencies.

For more information residents are encouraged to call Eric Escamilla or Frank Eguia at the RGC Parks and Recreation Department (956)488-8728.

Additionally, if you are aged 65 or over, if you have a sickness or disability that prevents you from voting in person on Election Day without the likelihood of needing personal assistance or injuring your health, or if you will be giving birth within three weeks of Election Day, you are eligible to vote by mail. Lastly, you may be eligible to vote by mail if you are confined in jail or if you are a sexually violent predator who is civilly committed.

There are several ways you can obtain an application to vote by mail. In Starr County, you can call the Election Administrator’s office at (956) 716-4843 or send an email to elections@co.starr.

tx.us and ask them to mail you an application. If you are in the area, you can also go by and request an application in person at the Starr County Annex. The application can also be downloaded from the Texas Secretary of State’s website. Regardless of where you obtain your application to vote by mail, you should return the application to the Starr County Election Administrator at 100 N FM 3167, Room 218, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582.

And remember, even though you may be eligible to vote by mail, unless incarcerated or civilly committed, you are welcome to vote in person during early vote or on Election Day!

VOTING BY MAIL

By Toni Treviño, Starr County Republican Chair Other than the beginning of the New Year, do you know the importance of January 1, 2024?

January 1 of this year is the first day you can apply for an application to vote by mail, often called an application for ballot by mail (ABBM).

You are qualified to vote by mail if you expect to be out of the county on Election Day and during the regular hours for early voting by personal appearance. Election Day for the 2024 primary elections is March 5, 2024. Early voting in person will be conducted from Tuesday, February 20, until Friday, March 1. For example, if you are leaving Starr County on February 1 to work in the oil fields in West Texas and you do not expect to be back in the county until after March 5, you can vote by mail.

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.

Request for Proposal Notice City of Rio Grande City Police and Fire Department Vehicles The City of Rio Grande City is requesting sealed proposals for 13 vehicles that will be for the Police and Fire Department use. The proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at the City if Rio Grande City – City Hall Chambers located at 5332 E. US Highway 83 – Suite A, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582. Proposals should be received until 2:00 p.m. on January 25, 2024.

The list of vehicles needed are as follows: 1.) Police Department: 9 – 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom Trucks White) 1 – 2024 Chevrolet Trax LS (White) 2.) Fire Department: 2 – 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom Trucks (Red) 1 – 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Custom Trucks 4X4 (Red) Specifications and Proposal Documents may be obtained at the City Secretary Office – City Hall located at 5332 E. US Hwy 83, Rio Grande City, TX. 78582 or at the city websites link: https://www.cityofrgc.com/business/bids_proposal_ opportunities/index.php. For any questions you can contact Projects Director Elisa Y. Beas at (956) 488 – 8728.

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 30 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.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 10, 2024, PAGE 8

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Application has been made Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for B e v e r a g e C o m m i s s i o n a RETAIL DEALER’S f o r a W I N E A N D O F F - P R E M I S E M A LT B E V E R A G E LICENSE (BF) by: LA R E TA I L E R ’ S O F F CARNICERIA LLC, dba P R E M I S E P E R M I T LA CARNICERIA, to be (BQ) by: ANDRES I. located at 1201 W. MAIN RAMIREZ ROBLES, dba STREET, RIO GRANDE EL CUBETAZO DRIVECITY, STARR COUNTY, THRUto be located at 6 TEXAS. Manager Managed HACKBERRY LANE, MONICA RIOJA. ROMA, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS.

LEGAL NOTICE An application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a General Distiller’s License by Ancestral Craft Spirits Corp, to be located 702 Portscheller St, Roma, TX 78584, Starr County Texas. The officers of said company are Guillermo Enrique Hayaux Du Tilly and Eduardo Ocampo Gayon. President & Director respectively.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOW HIRING

MOTORCYCLE - VIN# 3SCK4DKB4M1005419 MOTORCYCLE - VIN# 3SCK29EL3P1000448

For more info. call Joel

Housekeeper / ayuda con limpieza, preparar comida y organización (3-5 días por semana)

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 Ochoa’s 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 Juan Ochoa at 956-488-9789, 112 Old Military Rd., Garciasville, TX 78547 for information concerning vehicles.

956-844-9303

MANAGER $PECIAL MUST GO!! MANAGER $PECIAL 2023

2022 Ford Mustang $

$

Chevy MUST GO!!

Silverado$ 38,995

34,995

29,995

$

STK# 25065A NICE! ONLY 16K MILES!!!

STK#25228A

2020 Honda CR-V

$ STK#24959A

$

31,995

28,995

35,995

2020 GMC Acadia Denali

$ STK#25281A

$

34,995

5 9 9 , 9 2

2021 Chevy Camaro

$ STK# 25079A

35,995

$

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, JANUARY 10, 2024, PAGE 9

Make a Wish Foundation and Melhart Music Honored Yaritza’s Dream Texas A&M-Kingsville Holds Winter Commencement Texas A&M UniversityKingsville students walked the stage Friday, Dec. 8, during Winter Commencement at the Steinke Physical Education Center. There were 523 prospective graduates that received degrees in two ceremonies.

Students from the College of Arts and Sciences and the

College of Education and Human Performance received their degrees at the 10 a.m. ceremony, followed by the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the College of Business Administration and the Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering at 2 p.m.

STARR COUNTY GRADUATES RIO GRANDE CITY Bachelor of Science - Sabrina Garza, Master of Business Administration Joshlynn Michelli Flores, and Master of Music - Ramon Perez.

ROMA Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - Anthony E. Lazusky.

It was a big surprise for Roma High School Band Program Drum Major Yaritza Moreno when her dream of owning her own French Horn came true thanks to Make a Wish Foundation and Melhart Music! She was surrounded by her family, band teachers, and classmates as she was surprised with her brand new instrument. A huge thank you to Make a Wish Foundation and Melhart Music for honoring Yaritza’s dream in such a wonderful way during Christmas time! It was amazing to see the joy Yaritza felt, as well as the joy of her parents.

IT’S TIME TO DISCOVER NEW OPPORTUNITIES. People across the Valley come home to Rio Motor Company!

2023 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB ZR2 4X4 $10,000 OFF MSRP

STK# 24992

MSRP PRICE REDUCTION BELOW MSRP SPECIAL VALUE PRICE CUSTOMER CASH 1

$7 7,900 -$ 6,250 $7 1 , 6 5 0 -$ 3,750

SALE PRICE

$67,900

$

67,900

(1) Not available with special financing, lease and some other offers. Must take new retail delivery by 1/31/2024.

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

¿Necesitas ayuda de PROVIDER en tu casa, o PROVIDERS conoces a alguien que necesita PROVIDER? PAGANDO HASTA 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

$

Your local source for .00 Medicare.

12

POR HORA

EN EL CONDADO STARR

OMAR REYES (956) 533-9001

Historical Starr County

District 32 A Baseball Champions Year 1957-1958

Yesenia Lopez Licensed Sales Agent 956-370-0070, TTY 711

JANUARY 10, 2024 PAGE 10 You’re in good hands.

Auto • Home • Business • Life Hablamos Español

956-488-0160

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

Back Row: Coach Hernandez, R. Gomez, C. Guerra, O. Garcia, D. Kellum, R. Garza, C. Garza, Roy Garcia, and W. Meierhoff.

Front Row: H. Rodriguez, W. Thompson, David Kellum, M. Rodriguez, G. Salinas, L. Perez, R. Gutierrez, and R. Hernandez. (sent by Comino Garza)

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

SPACE AVAILABLE PLEASE CALL 956-487-6544