March 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. 11

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

Installment Loans

WEEKLY - WEDNESDAY • MARCH 12, 2025

Rio Grande City Rattlers Basketball Team Bi-District Champions

311 E Main St Rio Grande City TX 78582-4448

Phone (956) 487-3925

In the first round of the playoffs, the Rattlers went on to defeat Gregory Portland High School’s Wildcats earning the title of Bi-District Champions and securing their spot in the next round. The Rattlers finished their season with an overall record of 25-13 and District Record 11-5. Standing L-R Head Coach Juan Aldape Jr., 1st Assistant Noe Rodriguez III, Jesus Mijares, Adiel Barrera, Javi Canales, Giovanni Valenciana, John Ramirez, Diego Martinez, Leo Garza, Noah Peña, Louie Falcon, Noe Mijares, Dante Hinojosa, Leo Lopez, Assistant Coach Frankie Mireles, and Assistant Coach Armando Sanchez. Not pictured are Assistant Coaches Demetrio Rodriguez and Rey Rios.

Dr. Raymond Cruz Best

Grulla MS 7th & 8th Grade Mighty Roma High Mighty Lady Gladiator Cielo Hernandez earns 2nd Girls Soccer Team District Champions Place at the Zapata Relays

FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dental Insurance, Medicaid and Chip Accepted

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

Congratulations to the Grulla Middle School 7th & 8th Grade Mighty Girls Soccer Team and their coaches on winning the District Title! This achievement was the result of incredible teamwork and dedication all season long. “We saw outstanding saves from our goalie, crucial defensive takeaways, relentless endurance from our midfielders, and selfless play from our forwards. Every player contributed to this well-earned title. At GMS, we ask our athletes to do three things: try your best, play smart, and stay humble. The Mighty Cranes embodied all of these values, making us proud every step of the way.Congratulations, Mighty Cranes! You represented GMS with excellence. Be The One, Be The CHANGE, GO CRANES!”

• 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

Congrats to Roma High Mighty Lady Gladiator Cielo Hernandez for earning 2nd Place at the Zapata Relays with a throw of 113 -11. Not only did she place, but she broke the previous school record for discus with this throw! Way to go!! (Thanks to Coach Saenz for the report.)

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, MARCH 12, 2025, PAGE 2

Bringing Fitness & Literacy Together! Delia G. Garcia Elementary start Read Across

On February 26, 2025, the RGCGISD Physical Education Department hosted its first Meet & Greet with David Norec, author of The Adventures of Exo and Cy, at General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary! This unique book blends fitness and literature, engaging students in fun exercises while teaching them about the dangers of Diabetes. The students had a blast getting active and learning important health lessons!

On behalf of the GRSE, we want to give a huge thank you to our PE teachers and librarians for bringing the Fit-Lit Program and Fitness Walk to life in our schools. Together, we’re inspiring healthy habits and a love for reading!

America Week with special book distribution event

The Warriors at Delia G. Garcia Elementary are thrilled to start Read Across America Week with a special book distribution event! Nothing inspires young minds like the magic of a good book, and the school is proud to help put stories in the hands of students. A huge thank you to Region One Education Center’s Project Bloom for helping the Warriors become lifelong readers!

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

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

New Consumer Fraud Attacks Texas Consumers Through Fraudulent Texts Investigators with the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC) have identified a sophisticated new criminal method that uses multiple steps to defraud consumers by

impersonating law enforcement.

•The criminals send a fraudulent text alert to a victim, saying there have been suspicious transactions on their financial accounts and asking the victim

to confirm that the transaction is indeed suspicious.

•The criminal then contacts the victim while impersonating a bank representative and tells the victim that the suspicious activity

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THE TEXAS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CODE THAT, AYVAZ PIZZA, LLC HAS FILED AN APPLICATION FOR A WINE AND MALT BEVERAGE RETAIL DEALER’S ON PREMISE PERMIT, TO BE ISSUED TO PIZZA HUT #39228, LOCATED AT 229 E GRANT ST, ROMA, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS 78584 SHOUKATALI DHANANI – MANAGER/MEMBER

is part of an FBI investigation.

•The criminal persuades the victim to withdraw and deposit funds into a “new account” via an ATM that is controlled by the criminal. Sometimes, these are video calls where the victim is on the phone with the criminal, who has their video turned off.

•The criminals give the victim a debit card number linked to the criminals’ accounts to add to Apple pay or other third-party apps.

•Once the transactions are completed, the criminals instruct the victim to delete the debit card number and throw out receipts –

which prevents law enforcement from tracing the fraudulent transaction.

“This new fraud method is concerning because it takes advantage of people who are concerned about their bank accounts and who want to be helpful when law enforcement or other authorities seek assistance,” said Adam Colby, FCIC director.

“Please remember that law enforcement and banks will never ask for sensitive information via text or phone. Never provide information about your bank account or debit or credit cards to someone who calls you or texts

you.”

The FCIC urges consumers to protect themselves by: blocking and •ignoring, deleting unsolicited text messages or calls about financial accounts.

•being skeptical of any unsolicited texts claiming to be from your bank or from law enforcement. Banks and law enforcement will never ask you to move money from your existing bank account to a “safe account.”

•remembering that law enforcement and banks will never ask for sensitive information via text or phone.

FCIC, page 5

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS South Texas College is accepting competitive proposals for the following: RFP Number 24-25-1053 24-25-1054

Description Vehicle and Environmental Graphics Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Services

Date Due March 26, 2025

Time 2:00 PM

March 27, 2025

2:00 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

PUBLIC NOTICE

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Professional Consulting Services Roma Economic Development Corporation The Roma Economic Development Corporation (REDC) is seeking qualified professional consultants to assist in the development, marketing, and management of the Las Americas Logistics & Industrial Park in Roma, Texas.

Scope of Services: The selected consultant will be responsible for: • Marketing and business attraction strategies • Stakeholder engagement and industry outreach • Public relations and media coordination • Investor and business recruitment • Lot sales and business liaison services • Managing the Secondary Examination Station at the industrial park Submission Requirements: Interested firms or individuals may submit an SOQ in response to this RFQ by delivering it in person or by mail to the following address: In-Person Submission: Roma Economic Development Corporation Attn: Alejandro Barrera, Executive Director 201 W. Convent Blvd Roma TX 78584 Mailed Submission: Roma Economic Development Corporation Attn: Alejandro Barrera, Executive Director PO Box 947 Roma, TX 78584 All submissions must be clearly labeled as: “SOQ Submission – Professional Consulting Services” Important Dates: • RFQ Release Date: March 12, 2025 • Deadline for Questions: March 18, 2025 • Submission Deadline: March 26, 2025 • Evaluation & Selection: March 27, 2025 Additional Information: For full details regarding submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and scope of work, please contact Alejandro Barrera at abarrera@cityofroma.net.

REDC reserves the right to reject any or all responses.

The Roma Economic Development Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

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

FCIC continued from page 4 •never deleting transaction records – anyone who asks you to do that is trying to scam you.

•verifying any suspicious activity by contacting your bank directly, either by going in person or using the contact information they have used in the past, and by contacting law enforcement.

•never sharing banking details, debit card numbers or PINs over the phone.

•never adding unknown debit

cards to mobile payment apps like Apple Pay. •being wary of requests to withdraw or transfer money, especially to new accounts.

•taking immediate action to freeze your financial accounts if you provide information to someone you think is a scammer.

Remember – there’s no shame in bring a victim of this type of crime. Reporting it as soon as possible helps law enforcement

keep others from being victimized.

•preserving evidence by taking and keeping screenshots of messages, calls and transactions.

Save any emails, phone numbers and receipts – do not delete them!

If money was withdrawn from your account via an ATM, quickly ask for the ATM surveillance footage if possible.

Visit the FCIC’s website for more information and resources.

RIO GRANDE CITY, TEXAS OFFICIAL NOTICE OF TRAFFIC PATTERN CHANGE EFFECTIVE DATE: 03-26-2025 This notice is to inform the public that pursuant to City Council approval on January 31, 2025, the traffic pattern on N East St. between First and Second Streets will be converted from one-way to two-way traffic.

AVISO OFICIAL DE CAMBIO EN EL PATRÓN DE TRÁFICO FECHA DE ENTRADA EN VIGOR: 03-26-2025 Este aviso es para informar al público que, de conformidad con la aprobación del Concejo Municipal el 31 de enero de 2025, el patrón de tráfico en N East St., entre las calles Primera y Segunda, se convertirá de un sentido a doble sentido.

THE COUNTY OF STARR SHERIFF’S OFFICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Chapter 263.153 of the Texas Local Government Code & 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 County of Starr Sheriff ’s Office, Rio Grande City, Texas will hold a public auction on Saturday, March 29 , 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 live will be from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and will require a picture identification or register online at www.bondauctioneers.com. 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 3.50% processing fee. Cashier Checks accepted, No personal or business checks. For additional information, please contact the County of Starr Sheriff ’s Office, at (956) 4875571. AUC#17532 - Jose A. Camarillo

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Roma will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, April 7, 2025, 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) Amendment to the City of Roma Comprehensive Plan: Future Land Use Plan Amendment for the area generally located at the northeast corner of United States Highway 83 and North Ebony Avenue, extending approximately 1,000 feet North of United States Highway 83. The amendment proposes to change the future land use designation from Residential to Commercial/Retail/Office.

2) Rezoning: From Suburban Residential District (SF) to General Commercial District (C2) for a proposed Mechanic Shop; Legal Description is One (1) lot, numbered Fifteen (15), forming a part of a tract of land containing 2.12 acres, more or less, herein being partitioned out of Porcion 73, Ancient Jurisdiction of Mier, Starr County, Texas; Physical Address is 1312 North Ebony Avenue, Roma, Texas 78584. (COZ#2501) The City Council for the City of Roma will be holding a Public Hearing for the case(s) on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., at the Roma City Council Chambers, located at 201 W. Convent Ave., Roma, Texas.

CITY OF RIO GRANDE CITY PUBLIC UTILITES DEPARTMENT NOTICE TO BIDDERS SLUDGE TRANSPORTATION AND DISPOSAL SERVICES The City of Rio Grande City is requesting sealed bids for Sludge Transportation and Disposal Services Bids will be opened and read aloud at 3:00 PM on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at the City of Rio Grande City – City Hall Chambers located at 5332 E. US Highway 83 – Suite A, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582.

Specifications and Bid Documents may be obtained at the City Secretary’s Office at City Hall located at 5332 E. US Highway 83, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 or at the city website link: https://www.cityofrgc.com/business/bid_opportunities. php. For any questions you can contact the Public Utilities Director – Eric Flores at (956) 487 – 2702.

The sealed bids will be received until 3:00 PM on Thursday, March 27, 2025 and must be clearly identified and addressed for delivery to: Lynette Montemayor, Interim City Secretary City of Rio Grande City Physical Address: City Secretary’s Office 5332 E. US Highway 83 Rio Grande City, TX. 78582 Bidders are required to print on the sealed envelope and/or packet as follows: Bidder’s name and address on the upper left-hand corner and “Sludge Transportation and Disposal Services” on the lower left-hand corner of the sealed envelope and/or packet. Overnight mail must also be properly labeled on the outside of the express envelope or package.

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 60 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, MARCH 12, 2025, PAGE 6

SE RENTA APARTAMENTO (para una o dos personas) 2 rec., 1 baño, A/C, ref. y estufa. En RGC 956-735-6582 • 844-6898

2,999.00 FULLWITH FUNERAL SERVICE SILVER $

METAL CASKET

Sanchez CALL JEFF OR SONATA Sanchez SANCHEZ

Funeral Home

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

(956) 487-2525

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

NOW HIRING

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

Financiados FOR SALE. por el propietario.

OWNER FINANCED.

Full-Time Social Worker Job qualifications: Responsible for identifying medically related social and emotional needs of patients. The social service worker will be responsible for implementing discharge planning, as well as following through on multi-disciplinary patient care planning.

She/he will also be responsible for communicating with families, making the community aware of the facility’s social services, and encouraging staff to become more aware of the patients’ psychosocial needs.

Experience: Prior Work Experience 1 to 2 years. Student practice provided as required to obtain degree in Social Work.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work

Starr County Memorial Hospital Attn: Diana Garza, Human Resources 128 N FM 3167 Rio Grande City, Texas 78582-6211 (956) 370-6016

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

JOB OPENING Position: Full Time/Part-Time Bookkeeper Qualifications: • Proficient typing, computer, and office management • Effective organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills • Bilingual: English and Spanish • Income tax preparation experience (preferred) • QuickBooks software experience (preferred) • Bookkeeping experience required • Knowledge in payroll and sales tax reports preferred but not required

Apply on line at www.starrcountyhospital.com or send resume to HR Department: diana.garza@starrcountyhospital.com Starr County Memorial Hospital is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Please email resume to mario@mendezandrobles.com

MANAGER $PECIAL MANAGER $PECIAL 2023 Nissan

2022 Chevy Malibu LT

$

Altima

19,995

$

23,888 $

STK#26755A NICE! ONLY 16K MILES!!!

STK#26312A

2024 Chevy Trax

STK#26609A

$

25,995

25,995

2022 Chevy Blazer

26,995$ 8,995 STK#26038A $

2

2022 Ford Explorer

$

24,995 $27,995

STK#26156A

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

Martial Arts Academy attended Black Cobra Karate Open Tournament

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

On Saturday February 25, 2025 Martial Arts Academy attended Black Cobra Karate Open Tournament bringing home 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals.

Attending the tournament were Black Belts Victoria Contreras, Rogelio Gael Contreras, Deputy Belt Lazaro Garza, Red Belts Jesus A. Garza, Ruben Garza, Felipe Carrillo, Brown Belt Nathan Leal, Blue Belt Jerry Guajardo, Green Belt Heriberto Barrera, Ramon Cantu, Orange Belts Santiago Zarate, Sebastian Zarate, Yellow Belts, Edward Benavidez, Olivia Benavidez, Matthew Calzada Belinda Trevino, Jaylen Lara, Ezequiel Villarreal, White/Yellow Belt Alejandro Villarrea Rodriguez and White Belts Raul Perez, Ever Salinas, Eli Salinas.

STUDENTS ON AN AWESOME l, Omar Villarreal, Ricardo Galvan, Edgar Martinez, Emiliano C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S JOB…

L or e

People across the Valley come home to Rio Motor Company!

2025 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB LT MSRP

For well-qualified buyers

$57,340

2.9%

AVAILABLE SPECIALS: 2.9% APR For 72 Months For Well-Qualified Buyers When Financed w/GM Financial (1)

APR FOR

72

MONTHS

when you finance with GM Financial. (1)

% 2.9

FOR

APR

72 MONTHS

riomotors.com

STK# 26317

(1) 2.9% APR for 72 months for well-qualified buyers. Monthly payment is $15.15 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment is 18.8%. Must finance with GM Financial. Some cutomers may not qualify.

Not available with lease and some other offers. Must take new retail delivery by 3/31/2025. 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

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, MARCH 12, 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

For limited time only

For Limited Time Only!

Arroyo:5065 Hwy. 83 ste. A - 956-570-0702 Roma: 834 E. Grant St. Ste. C - 956-570-0701 OPEN NOW OPEN RGC: 4370 NOW 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