JULY 2, 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. 27

WEEKLY - WEDNESDAY • JULY 2, 2025

Rose Benavidez Announces Candidacy for Starr County Judge, Pledges to Lead with Purpose and Expand Opportunities for Progress

487-2596 4350 E. US HWY 83 R.G.C.

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

Phone (956) 487-3925

Starr County, TX – Rose Benavidez, a lifelong resident of Starr County and a dedicated public servant, has officially announced her candidacy for Starr County Judge. With a wellestablished record of leadership and community investment, Benavidez is entering the race with a clear vision to continue building a future defined by opportunity and progress for all families.

“Like many in our community, I didn’t grow up with wealth, but I grew up with purpose,” said Benavidez. “That resolve has guided me to this moment, and I am proud to announce

my candidacy for Starr County Judge, not in spite of the odds, but because of them.”

Benavidez currently serves as President of the Starr County Industrial Foundation and has devoted her professional career to advancing economic development, education, and workforce opportunities throughout the region. Under her leadership, Starr County has experienced measurable gains in infrastructure, job creation, and access to essential services.

“This campaign is more than a candidacy. It is a movement to elevate voices, empower families, and expand what is possible for Starr County,” she said. “Together, we have built a strong foundation, but our work is not finished.”

Benavidez outlined several key priorities for her campaign: • Expanding economic investment to attract sustainable, higher-wage jobs to the region.

• Strengthening public education, healthcare, and

workforce development through collaborative partnerships that prepare residents for long-term success.

• Promoting transparency and accountability in local government, ensuring decisions reflect the needs of the community, not political interests.

• Preserving the county’s integrity and vitality by putting people and progress above politics.

“I believe public service is about purpose, not power,” she emphasized. “And that the value of a person’s work should be measured by merit, not political loyalty.”

Benavidez also spoke directly to the next generation of leaders in Starr County.

“This campaign is for the young girl sitting in a Starr County classroom wondering if she can lead. It is for the migrant family working in the fields so their children can one day walk across a graduation stage. It is for every resident who believes Starr

County deserves better, because we do.”

Framing her candidacy as the continuation of communitydriven change, she emphasized that public service should always be rooted in real impact.

“Our responsibility as public servants is not about recognition.

It is about realization—the realization that we can create meaningful change that improves lives. I am ready to continue that work because we have already seen what is possible when we work together.”

With deep roots in Starr County, extensive leadership experience, and a commitment to progress, Benavidez is asking for

the community’s support as she embarks on this next journey of service.

“Backed by years of experience and inspired by the people I serve, I humbly ask for your vote,” she said. “Together, we will build on our shared success, rise to new heights, and give faith to a new generation as we write the next chapter in the history of Starr County.”

For more information about Rose Benavidez and her campaign for Starr County Judge, please contact the campaign office or visit: https:// www.facebook.com/rose. benavidez.7

Political ad paid by the Rose Benavidez Campaign

La Casita Volunteer Fire Department received Roma ISD participated in the generous donation from Wyatt Ranches Foundation LRGV Bird Migration Study Contest Dr. Raymond Cruz Best

FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dental Insurance, Medicaid and Chip Accepted

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

June 23, 2025, marks a significant milestone for Starr County Precinct #3 and the La Casita Fire Department.

La Casita Fire Department are proud to announce the arrival of their brand-new Fouts Bros Fire Truck Engine, courtesy of Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists, Inc. On behalf of Starr County Commissioner of PCT. #3, Eleazar Velasquez Jr. and the La Casita Volunteer Fire Department, we extend our deepest gratitude to the Wyatt Ranches Foundation for their generous donation of $150,000 to the La Casita Volunteer Fire Department. This substantial contribution has been used to purchase the new Fouts Bros Fire Truck Engine and Holmatro rescue tools, significantly enhancing the department’s emergency response capabilities.

Commissioner Velasquez stated, “This donation is a tremendous blessing for our community and a major step forward in protecting the lives and property of our residents. We are sincerely thankful to the Wyatt Ranches Foundation for their commitment to public safety and their continued support of Starr County.”

• 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

For the first time this year, Roma ISD participated in the LRGV Bird Migration Study Contest, a program dedicated to the study of nocturnal birds that migrate across the lower valley.

The Roma High School Art Department is proud to announce that high school student Alyson Martinez won 1st Place and a monetary award out of all the student participants!

Additionally, the Roma High Art Department also tied in 2nd Place and won a monetary stipend for the quantity of participation in the contest.

Additionally, Ramiro Barrera Middle School’s Art Program also participated and the students had a great showing! 6th grader Dario Pena earned 4th Place, 8th

grader Emily Gonzalez earned 7th Place, 6th grader Christian Ochoa earned 8th Place, and 8th grader Adilen Arredondo earned 10th Place.

Ramiro Barrera Middle school’s Art Department tied in 1st Place and they won a monetary stipend for their participation.

Congratulations to all the very talented student artists!!

(Report courtesy Teacher Yesenia Toscano.)

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JULY 2, 2025, PAGE 2

Starr County Memorial Hospital EMS team participated in an Emergency Vehicle Operation Safety (EVOS) course

Starr County Memorial Hospital EMS team participated in an Emergency Vehicle Operation Safety (EVOS) course to sharpen their skills in safely navigating the roads during emergencies.

Starr County Memorial Hospital remind all drivers: When you see or hear an ambulance with lights and sirens, please yield the right of way. Your cooperation helps ensure the safety of EMS

team, the patients, and everyone on the road.

When you see or hear an ambulance with lights and sirens: • Pull to the Right & Stop – Give ambulances a clear path to pass.

• Stay Alert – Watch for flashing lights and listen for sirens.

• Don’t Block Intersections – Clear the way so emergency vehicles can get through quickly.

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Sanchez CALL JEFF OR SONATA Sanchez Funeral Home

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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

R. Armour Forse, MD, PhD Cirugía Laparoscópica Avanzada y Cirugía Bariátrica

El Dr. R. Armour Forse es un cirujano general y cirujano bariatra con más de 40 años de experiencia. Está comprometido a ayudar a sus pacientes a perder peso y mejorar su salud, ya sea con tratamientos quirúrgicos o sin cirugía.

Trabaja junto a un equipo de especialistas que incluye endocrinólogos, nutriólogos, psiquiatras, enfermeros practicantes, dietistas,yentrenadores físicos, para asegurar que cada paciente esté bien informado y preparado para su procedimiento y que cuente con el apoyo necesario para adoptar un estilo de vida más saludable.

El Dr. Forse se dedica a brindar atención segura, efectiva y con resultados que realmente marcan la diferencia.

Ahora, está expandiendo sus servicios al Condado de Starr, y llega con el compromiso de brindar atención médica de calidad con el profesionalismo y la calidez que lo distinguen.

2795 Pharmacy Rd. Rio Grande City, TX 78582 (956) 362-3930

DHR Health proudly meets the federal definition of a “physician-owned hospital” (42 CFR § 489.3). As required by law, a list of the hospital’s physician owners and investors is available at www.dhrhealth.com. DHR, Ltd. and its affiliated entities comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

• Follow at a Safe Distance – Never try to “chase” an ambulance or follow closely behind.

• Be Patient – Every second counts during an emergency.

Your cooperation can save lives.

Together, we can help ensure the safety of the EMS teams, patients, and everyone on the road. Thank you for doing your part!

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JULY 2, 2025, PAGE 3

MIL GRACIAS !! We are overwhelmed by the outpour of community support we have received before and after the launch of our campaign to be your next Starr County Judge. Last night we were blessed to be joined by over 500 friends, supporters and family members at our Kickoff Celebration.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to all those that were able to attend, that sent messages, that reached out and that generously contributed to our cause.

Thank you for believing in this movement and being part of this journey that is driven by hope, opportunity and purpose.

Political ad paid by the Rose Benavidez campaign

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JULY 2, 2025, PAGE 4

RGCGISD AVISO IMPORTANTE: Requisitos de mochilas para el ciclo escolar 2025–2026 ~ by Alma Peña TODOS los estudiantes registrados y futuros estarán OBLIGADOS a: •Usar mochilas transparentes y/o de malla en todos los planteles del distrito This summer is different. It’s for ourselves and accomplish days like we did not long ago. It’s •Usar bolsas transparentes de 12x12 pulgadas para toda persona que asista a eventos deportivos en el distrito not about preparing for uniform dreams that once felt far of reach. crazy to think that was just a year

In Transition

shopping or waking up early for extracurricular activities.

It’s about learning how to say goodbye- to our routines, our comfort zones, and sometimes, even parts of ourselves. Whether we’re packing to leave for college, staying behind to help our families, or stepping into the workforce, one thing is certain: life, as we know it, won’t be the same again.

We’re all changing, it may be in different ways, but we’re all moving forward one way or another. Some of us are leaving home to start fresh in new cities, hoping to make a name

Others are staying, grounding themselves in the hometown that shaped us, balancing family responsibilities while continuing with college or work. Each choice is scary. Every path is brave and takes resilience. No matter where we’re headed, we’re all figuring out what it means to “adult.” And as scary as that sounds, there’s also something empowering about finally stepping into our next chapter.

As we do, we can’t help but notice incoming seniors start their last year-getting ready for their “last firsts”, planning pep rallies, and counting down the

ago. Back then, it felt like we had all the time in the world. Now, the countdown is over, we lived through our final high school memories, and we’re standing on the edge of something bigger, something real.

Maybe we aren’t fully ready.

But we’re ready enough. We’re putting our toes in the water, feeling the pull of our futures. It’s the end of something familiar and the start of something we’re still learning how to name. There’s uncertainty, yes- but also peace, hope, and joy for what’s to come.

Welcome to the transitional period.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JULY 2, 2025, PAGE 5

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JULY 2, 2025, PAGE 6

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JULY 2, 2025, PAGE 7

Governor Abbott Announces Federal Approval For Healthy Texas Women Waiver

On June 27, 2025 Governor Greg Abbott announced the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Healthy Texas Women federal Medicaid demonstration waiver is renewed through June 30, 2030, following approval by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

“During this year’s successful legislative session, we passed record funding for Healthy Texas Women to ensure that women across our great state continue to have access to essential health services,” said Governor Abbott. “By securing this waiver extension through 2030, Texas will further support the health and well-being of women, especially those most vulnerable amongst us. I thank President Donald Trump and his Administration for approving this waiver and supporting our state’s efforts to provide high-quality healthcare to Texas women and foster a

culture of life.”

“We’re thankful to Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature for their ongoing support in providing Texas women with crucial preventive and family planning services,” said HHS Executive Commissioner Cecile Erwin Young.

Healthy Texas Women provides women’s health and family planning services to eligible, low-income women.

These services include pregnancy testing, contraception, screening and treatment for postpartum depression, and breast and cervical cancer screenings.

Eligible Texas women will continue receiving services through Healthy Texas Women, and enrolled providers will continue to receive reimbursement for covered services.

In fiscal year 2023, more than 430,000 women on average were enrolled in Healthy Texas

Women. For more information, visit the HHSC Healthy Texas Women website.

Texas residents can dial 2-1-1 to learn about HHSC programs and services or follow HHSC on social media.

Oración a San Expedito

Mi San Expedito de las causas justas y urgentes, intercede por mi junto a Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, para que venga en mi socorro en esta hora de aflicción y desesperanza. Mi San Expedito tú que eres el Santo guerrero. Tú que eres el Santo de los afligidos. Tú que eres el Santo de los desesperados. Tú que eres el Santo de las causas urgentes, protégeme, ayúdame, otorgándome: fuerza, coraje y serenidad. ¡Atiende mi pedido! (hacer el pedido).

Mi San Expedito, ayúdame a superar estas horas difíciles, protégeme de todos los que puedan perjudicarme, protege a mi familia, atiende mi pedido con urgencia. Devuélveme la Paz y la tranquilidad. ¡Mi San Expedito! Estaré agradecido por el resto de mi vida y propagaré tu nombre a todos los que tienen Fe. Muchas Gracias.

Padre Nuestro, Ave María y Credo.

S. G.

Notice of Application for Commercial Surface Treatment and Disposal Facility On June 6, 2025, R360 Environmental Solutions of TX, LLC (R360) filed an application with the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) to renew a COMMERCIAL SURFACE TREATMENT and DISPOSAL FACILITY to treat and/or dispose of non-hazardous oil & gas waste.

The proposed Commercial Surface Treatment and Disposal Facility site is located approximately 19 miles northeast of Rio Grande City, Texas, in the GB & CNG RR CO Survey, Abstract No. A-256, Starr County, Texas. The proposed treatment and disposal site is located on real property owned by Donald D Cameron JR and leased by R360.

Affected persons may protest this application. Protests must be in writing and must be received by the 15th day after the last date of publication of this notice.

The last date of publication of this notice is expected to be July 2, 2025, which means protests should be received by July 10, 2025 Protests must be sent to: Technical Permitting Section

CITY OF RIO GRANDE CITY REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES The City of Rio Grande City is requesting the submission of qualifications statements, which will lead to the possible award of contract to provide Engineering Services for a project involving the Water System Improvements Project Phase II. Scope of Work: The services to be provided by the Engineers:

•Preparation of an Engineering Feasibility Report and Environmental Information

Document in accordance with requirements of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) • Preliminary and Final Design Plans and Specifications •Preparation of the Bid Packet and Construction Documents • Construction Phase Engineering and Inspections • Project Management and Other Special Services as they may be required Guidelines for Content of Qualification Statements:

Oil and Gas Division Railroad Commission of Texas P.O. Box 12967 Austin, Texas 78711

DO NOT INCLUDE COST INFORMATION with the qualifications statement. Responses that include the cost or pricing information will be rejected and will not be considered by the City. Detailed instructions on preparation of the qualification statements must be obtained from the City.

For more information in preparing and submitting the qualification statements, please contact the Public Utilities Director Ruben Salinas at (956) 487 - 2702 or at rsalinas@ cityofrgc.com. This information should be requested as soon as possible to allow time to prepare the document and comply with the procedures.

(Telephone 512-463-3840)

Submittal Deadline:

NOTICE TO BIDDERS The City of Rio Grande City will receive bids for the Rio Grande City Public Library Expansion until 3:00 PM on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at the City Secretary’s Office located in City Hall at 5332 E. US Highway 83, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582. Shortly thereafter all submitted bids will be gathered and taken to the City Hall – Chambers located at 5332 E. US Highway 83 – Suite A., Rio Grande City, Texas 78582, to be publicly opened and read aloud.

Bid documents and plans can be downloaded from the City of Rio Grande City web page address: www.cityofrgc.com , or may obtain a copy at the City Secretary’s Office located in City Hall at 5332 E. US Highway 83, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582. Bids shall be for: RIO GRANDE CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY EXPANSION If you have any questions or require additional information regarding this bid, please contact Ms. Norma Fultz, Library Director at (956) 487-4389 or via-email at nfultz@ cityofrgc.com .

Bids are to be Delivered to: City of Rio Grande City – City Secretary’s Office 5332 E. US Highway 83, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 Bids must be submitted in an envelope sealed with tape and prominently marked on the lower left-hand corner of the bid envelope labeled with the project name: “Rio Grande City Public Library Expansion”.

Any bids received after the closing time will not be accepted and will be returned to the bidder unopened. It is the responsibility of the bidder to see that any bid submitted shall have sufficient time to be received by the City Secretary’s Office prior to the bid opening date and time. The receiving time in the City Secretary’s Office will be the governing time for acceptability of the bids. Bids will not be accepted by telephone or facsimile machine.

All bids must bear original signatures and figures.

The City of Rio Grande City reserves the right to refuse and reject any or all bids and to waive any or all formalities or technicalities and to accept the bid deemed most advantageous to the City, and hold the bids for a period of 60 days without taking action.

Six (6) copies of the qualification statements must be received by the City of Rio Grande City no later than 3:00 PM on Thursday, July 10, 2025. RFQ’s are to be delivered to the City Secretary’s Office located in City Hall at: 5332 E. US Hwy 83, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582, Attn: Lynette Montemayor, Interim City Secretary.

Minimum Qualifications and Selection Criteria: The City will evaluate the proposals to determine which firm has the best qualifications.

Contract Terms and Negotiation Schedule: The consultant for Engineering Services is expected to negotiate an agreement for services that is acceptable to the City. If an acceptable contract cannot be negotiated, the City may formally end negotiations and begin negotiating with the next highest qualified person or firm.

This contract is contingent upon release of funds from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). Any contract or contracts awarded under this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) are expected to be funded in part by a loan from the TWDB. Neither the State of Texas nor any of its departments, agencies, or employees are or will be a party to this RFQ, or any resulting contract. RFQ’s are issued in accordance with Section 2254 of the Texas Government Code (Professional Services Act) and Title 10 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 2 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements of State and Local Governments).

This contract is subject to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, which includes EPA-approved fair share goals toward procurement of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) firms. EPA rules require that applicants and prime contractors make a good faith effort to award a fair share of contracts, subcontracts, and procurements to M/WBEs through demonstration of the six affirmative steps. For more details of the DBE Program and the current, applicable fair share goals, please visit www.twdb.texas.gov/dbe.

The City of Rio Grande City is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap or national origin. Small, minority, and women-owned business enterprises are encouraged to submit proposals.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JULY 2, 2025, PAGE 8

SPACE AVAILABLE CALL 487-6544

Big News for Animal Welfare in RGC!

You’re in good hands.

We had a productive and inspiring meeting with the RGC City Manager Gilbert Millan, Assistant City Manager Sara Hernandez, and Animal Control Director Eli Gonzalez, along with some of the most dedicated animal advocates in our community: Claudia Diaz Campbell – top volunteer, Laura

Saenz, Gloria Gonzalez – Pawradise Dog Rescue & Sanctuary, Rebecca Chavez – Yaqui Animal Rescue, and Sonia Venecia – Yaqui Animal Rescue.

Highlights from the meeting: • The newly created Animal Control Department now includes certified peace officers – a huge

step forward in enforcement and protection for animals.

• Plans to purchase spay and neuter equipment • Bringing in veterinary services for community events • Expansion of facilities with additional kennels • Partnering with local students

for volunteer and educational opportunities A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who participated in this meeting and to all the volunteers working tirelessly every day. This is what progress looks like – together, we’re creating a safer, kinder future for animals in RGC!

Auto • Home • Business • Life Hablamos Español

956-488-0160

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