MARCH 15, 2023

Congratulations to Rattler One Act Play Team for Earning 5 Individual Awards at Laredo!

Great job by the Lady Gator Powerlifters who represented Grulla HS at the Region 5-4A Division II Regional Meet held at the Bert Ogden Arena. A special recognition goes out to freshman lifter, Kylie Trevino, for bringing home a Regional Championship and Enelee Villarreal for placing 6th place overall. RGCGISD is proud of the student athletes and coaching staff.

Roma High Football Players Earn Sports on Blue Bell/TSWA All-Sate Football Team

Olivares, and Best Technician - Sam Villarreal. Congratulations to all! Keep up the great work!

WEDNESDAY MARCH 15TH – I.C.C. 6:30 P.M.

†NIEVES G. RAMIREZ (10TH AN.) by Family

†GERONIMO LOPEZ by Lopez Family

†AGAPITO GLORIA by Family

THURSDAY MARCH 16TH – L.G. 6:00 P.M.

†RAMON CORONA by Family

†FRANCISCA MARQUEZ (2ND AN.) by Family

FRIDAY MARCH 17TH - I.C.C. 12:00 P.M.

†DOLORES S. SOLIS by Ana Maria Gonzalez

†GILBERTO RESENDEZ by Resendez Vela Family

†BAUDELIO RODRIGUEZ (1ST AN.) by Familia

SATURDAY MARCH 18th - I.C.C. 5:00 P.M.

†LOLITA & PEDRITO FERNANDEZ by Fernandez Family

†MARIA CELIA GARCIA (An.) by Family

†RUDY MARTINEZ, JR. by Family

†LEONARDA B. GONZALEZ by Family

†IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR RGCHS CLASSMATES OF 1962 by RGCHS Class of 1962

†MIGUEL ANGEL GARZA (AN.) by Family

†DANNY GOMEZ, JR. by Mom & Dad †ALBERTO GARZA by Family

†INEZ & RODOLFO MARTINEZ by Family †HERMILA P. GARZA by Su Esposo y Familia

SUNDAY MARCH 19TH – L.G.

7:00 A.M.

PRO POPULO – MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE

SUNDAY MARCH 19TH - I.C.C.

9:00 A.M.

†JOSE M. GARCIA REYNA (6TH AN.) by Family

†EVANGELINA ROSAS DE GARCIA by Family

†NARCEDALIA “NACHA” GUERRERO (6TH AN.) by Family ACCION DE GRACIAS POR

ST. JOSEPH by Ramona Olivares

SUNDAY MARCH 19TH – I.C.C.

11:00 A.M.

†NOE GUTIERREZ by Wife & Children

†RAE LYNN CLOGSTON by Family

†ABEL LEONCIO SANCHEZ by Family

†ABEL

Misa de Décimo Aniversario En Memoria de Jose Antonio Vera

04-06-93 † 03-19-13

Existen luces que no se apagan, recuerdos que no se borran, esperanzas que no se pierden y personas como tu que nunca se olvidan. Que bonito seria cambiar la ausencia por la presencia, pero sabemos que es imposible solo nos queda rogarle a nuestro Padre Dios que te resguarde en su santa gloria y desde allí nos sigas compartiendo tu amor, tu alegría y bendición eternamente.

“En ángel te has convertido, velando por nosotros estas, aguardando que se cumpla nuestra cita para reunirnos en la eternidad”

Se celebrara una misa el Domingo 19 de Marzo del 2023 a las 11:00 a.m. en la Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Refugio, Roma, Texas

Te fuiste de nuestro lado y ya jamas regresaras, sabemos que estas en el cielo y que allí nos esperaras.

Familia Vera

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.

Texas Border Czar Meets with Mayor Villarreal and Local Law Enforcement Agencies

The Texas Border Czar, Michael Banks, met with Mayor Joel Villarreal and other South Texas law enforcement agencies at City Hall Chambers. During his meeting he spoke about his roll as the Border Czar, and asked about the needs of local law enforcement agencies when it comes to border and community safety. On behalf of the City of Rio Grande City, we would like to thank Mr. Banks for visiting and working hand in hand with our local agencies to keep our community safe.

Spring Break starts for many college students. The Texas Department of Transportation wants everyone to think twice before they drink and drive. That’s why TxDOT is launching its statewide “Drive Sober. No Regrets” campaign during the week-long holiday. TxDOT is also partnering with “U in the Driver Seat,” a Texas A&M University program that focuses on students pledging to drive sober.

TMEA All-Region Honors

Roma Middle School Mariachi Students Earn

Congratulations to the Roma Middle School Mariachi Program on amazing results from the TMEA Region 15 2022-2023 All Region Mariachi Competition! The Gladiator Nation is super proud of these amazing student musicians, and thankful for the support of their hardworking instructors. Violins: Ryan Vazquez-Kanhere - 1st Chair, Laisha Rios - 3rd Chair, Angel Uresti - 5th Chair, Daniela Pomares - 12th Chair, Vidal Lopez15th Chair, Dannelle Zambrano - 17th Chair, Frida García - 18th Chair, and Debanhi Eliserio - 23th Chair. Trumpets: Diego Zuniga - 1st Chair and Dariel Luera - 8th Chair. Harp: Alexa Benitez - 2nd Chair. Guitarron: Miranda Gomez - 2nd Chair. Vihuela: Eduardo Franco - 1st Chair. Guitar: Karol Ramirez - 1st Chair, Maria Argueta - 3rd Chair, and Diego Hinojosa - 4th Chair. Tenor Vocals: Ryan Vazquez-Kanhere - 1st Chair.

Roma High Students Attend Inspirational Presentation

ICS Excelled in the Academic Rodeo of Starr County Fair

Juniors and seniors at Roma High School heard the scary, but also inspirational story of Sean Carter and his mother Jenny this morning through WhenSeanSpeaks, a program brought to RHS by TxDot, SCAN and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

Students heard about Sean’s promising career as a pre-law college student and model when a car crash changed the course of his life. Sean, who can not actually speak, told students through the aid of a computer about his decision to be a passenger of a drunk driver.

His mother Jenny discussed the trauma Sean endured as a result of the accident, and his road to recovery over the last 18 years. Together they encouraged students to make good choices for their lives, and not give up on their dreams despite the obstacles and challenges they face.

Written by : Molleigh Flores

Immaculate Conception

Catholic School of Rio Grande City takes pride in their high academic standards, diverse extracurricular activities such as Choir and Sports, and a Christ Centered atmosphere. This shined through to our local community where Immaculate

Conception School participated in the Academic Rodeo of Starr County and ICS Choir performed at the County Courthouse.

Immaculate Conception School excelled in the Academic Rodeo of Starr County on February 10th, 2023. Congratulations to 2nd and 3rd grade Spelling winners at the Starr County Fair Academic

Rodeo for Spelling. 1st place Spelling Mila Villarreal as well as Class Champion for Writing, 2nd place Spelling Lucas Leal, and 3rd place Spelling Andy Ly Truong. Christa Canales placed 3rd place in the 4th & 5th grade Spelling. Mackenzie Lopez won 4th place in 4th & 5th grade Writing. Great Job, Antelopes!

Texas Folklife Announces 17th Annual ‘Big Squeeze’ Statewide Youth Accordion Contest

Texas Folklife announces the 17th annual Big Squeeze statewide youth accordion contest. This year’s program will include a mix of virtual and inperson events in traditional Texas accordion music genres including conjunto, polka, Cajun, zydeco and more. Cajun & zydeco and polka categories are open to ages 25 and under and Conjunto is open to 21 and under. Interested participants residing in Texas and Louisiana are encouraged to review contest rules updates for the 2023 program.

Big Squeeze season is now underway and currently accepting contest entries, which should be uploaded by video. Sign-up, event details and contest rules are now available at texasfolklife. org/bigsqueeze2023. All entries are due by Friday March 31st at 11:59 PM Central Time.

A pair of in-person events will follow the virtual entries. The Conjunto Semi-Finals return live in partnership with the Museum of South Texas History in Edinburg on Saturday, April 15.

Then on Saturday, May 13, the ever-popular Big Squeeze Finals return live to the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin.

Grand prize winners each will receive a cash prize, future performance opportunities with Texas Folklife, publicity, professional development and other professional opportunities.

Interested players are encouraged to submit an application no later than March 31st at 11:59 PM Central Time. The complete contest rules and entry forms are available online at texasfolklife.org/bigsqueeze2023 or by contacting bigsqueeze@ texasfolklife.org / 512-441-9255.

The Big Squeeze is presented by Texas Folklife as part of its mission to preserve and present Texas’ diverse cultural heritage. Since 2007, Texas Folklife has promoted Texas accordion music genres through the Big Squeeze program. More than 300 young, talented players from dozens of Texas communities have participated in the program, which supports these vital community-based accordion music traditions.

SPONSORSHIP - The Big Squeeze offers a variety of opportunities for individuals and organizations to become sponsors of this distinguished program. For more information on becoming

a Big Squeeze Sponsor, visit texasfolklife.org/bigsqueeze2023 or call 512-441-9255.

The 2023 Big Squeeze is supported in part by the generosity of H-E-B, a Squeezebox Legend Sponsor, who has contributed to worthy causes through Texas and Mexico for 115 years. We also are grateful to the City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board for their long-time support. This project is made possible in part by grants from the Texas Commission on the Arts and Texas Music Office, Office of the Governor, as well as contributions from Hohner Accordions, Vitak-Elsnic Company, a Division of Music Publishers of America, and other regional partners.

ABOUT TEXAS FOLKLIFE - Texas Folklife (TXF) is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to presenting and preserving the diverse cultures and living heritage of the Lone Star State. TXF is designated by the National Endowment for the Arts as the official folk and traditional arts organization for the state.

For more information, visit texasfolklife.org

DSHS Scholarships for EMS Training Awarded in Large Numbers Early in Program

More than 1,400 scholarships worth more than $6 million have been awarded since October 2022 through a Texas Department of State Health Services program to fund emergency medical services education and grow the state’s EMS workforce, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

The scholarships are intended for those interested in beginning a career or volunteering in EMS, and to those already working in the profession who wish to acquire higher level certifications.

The scholarship program is part of the state’s efforts to address a shortage of EMS personnel working on ambulances.

“It’s going incredibly well,” said Joe Schmider, DSHS State EMS Director. “And because the interest is so high, we encourage people not to wait but to apply now for one of these scholarships.”

Pre-COVID-19, Texas had more than 77,000 Texans working in the field as emergency medical

technicians, advanced EMTs or paramedics. The staffing shortages the healthcare system experienced during the pandemic, however, led many in EMS to move out of ambulances and into other healthcare positions in hospitals and clinics. During and after COVID-19, the number of certified EMS personnel dipped below 73,000. The DSHS program to retain the current EMS workforce and fund scholarships for EMS education requires scholarship recipients to commit to serving in an ambulance for at least one year as an EMT or two years as an advanced EMT or paramedic (if upgrading certification). This ensures newly certified personnel will operate in ambulances in Texas communities upon completion of their studies and certification.

“That’s what’s unique about the program – they have committed, by taking this scholarship, to reinforce our workforce,”

Schmider said.

Especially encouraging are 227 scholarships awarded this past month to students who are brand new to the EMS profession. This influx of new talent points to the attractiveness of EMS careers in Texas.

“I think the best thing is that we can get you working in the back of an ambulance in just four or five months,” Schmider said. “It’s an exciting career or volunteer role, and you’re helping your neighbors. It’s also an exciting entry to healthcare and will open many doors for future growth. And we can help with education and training.”

Those interested in pursuing a career in EMS should contact their Texas Regional Advisory Council for information about scholarships, jobs and opportunities in their area. More information about career opportunities in EMS and scholarships for education and training is also available at dshs. texas.gov/team-texas-ems

NOTICE OF INTENT TO INTRODUCE A LOCAL BILL:

Pursuant to the Constitution and the laws of the State of Texas, notice is hereby given of the South Texas Water Utility Managers Association’s intention to introduce a bill in the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas as its regular session in Austin, Texas, the substance of the contemplated law being as follows:

A bill relating to the Rio Grande Regional Water Authority; a ecting the quali cation of a member of the board of directors of the authority.

All interested persons will, therefore take notice of the matters and facts set out in the foregoing statement of the substance of the contemplated laws as required by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Texas. Publication of this notice was paid for by the South Texas Water Utility Managers Association.

Rio Grande City recognized the Starr County Campus Psychology Club of South Texas College by installing its Starr Psych Club logo on the “Welcome to Rio Grande City” Wall in Downtown Rio Grande City on February 22, 2023. Pictured are Alex Sarabia and Eli Sarabia, STC Psychology Professors and Starr Psych Club Faculty Advisors.

Several local organizations that serve the community are featured on this welcome wall, and the newest addition has been the Starr Psych Club for its 14 consecutive years of service to the city and county. In the last 14 years, the Starr County Campus Psychology Club has had over 800 members, hosted over 50 signature events on campus.

Construction Advertisement and Invitation for Bids

The City of Rio Grande City is soliciting sealed bids for the Street Improvements Project –TXCDBG Contract Number CDV21 – 0426 for the City of Rio Grande City. Bid Opening: Will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the City of Rio Grande City – City Hall located at 5332 E. US Highway 83 – Ste. A., Rio Grande City, TX. 78582.

Deadline: Is on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. – Bid packets will be publicly opened and read aloud at 10:10 a.m.

All bids should be addressed to Angela Solis – City Secretary at the City of Rio Grande City – City Hall, 5332 E. US Highway 83, Rio Grande City, TX. 78582. Normal business hours for City Hall are Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Bids are invited for several items and quantities of work as follows:

1. Scarify & Mill Exist. Roadway (Asphalt & Base)(6 In)

2. Rework & Compact Asphalt & Base Mix (6 In)

3. Prime coat (MC-30) (0.2GAL/SY)

4. D-GR HMA (50) TY-D SAC-B-PG64-22 (2.0”)

5. 6” Concrete Pavement

6. Concrete Curb & Gutter (10” X 24”)

7. Concrete Valley Gutter (3’ width)

8. 1.5” HMAC (Type D)

9. 6” Subgrade Prep

10. 8” Caliche Base

Specifications: Bid/Contract Documents, including Drawings and Technical Specifications are on file at 200 S. 10th St. – Suite 1500, McAllen, TX. 78501 at which specifications can be obtained.

A free electronic copy of the Bid/Contract Documents may be obtained at SAMES, Inc., located at 200 S. 10th Street – Ste. 1500, McAllen, TX. 78501 – Phone: (956) 7028880

A non-refundable payment of $100.00 will be assessed for each set of paper documents. Please call our office at 956-702-8880 or email rpena@samengineering-surveying.com to obtain files.

Requirements: Upon submitting sealed bid, bidders are required to properly identify (handwritten, typed, or printed) sealed envelope and/or packet as follows: Bidder’s name and address on the upper left-hand corner of the sealed envelope and/or packet “Street Improvements Project – TXCDBG Contract Number CDV21 – 0426 for the City of Rio Grande City” on the lower left-hand corner of sealed envelope/and or packet. Overnight mail must also be properly labeled on the outside of express envelope or package. Delivered to 5332 E. US Highway 83, Rio Grande City, TX. 78582. Requests by facsimile will not be accepted. All potential bidders must be listed on the “Plan Holders List” to be eligible to bid on this project. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in bidder disqualification. Bidders may be added to the “Plan Holders List” upon payment for each set of Bid Documents.

Bid Security: A bid bond in the amount of 5 percent of the bid issued by an acceptable surety shall be submitted with each bid [for those contracts that exceed $100,000]. A certified check or bank draft payable to the City of Rio Grande City or negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (as par value) may be submitted in lieu of the Bid Bond. Adherence to the grant recipient’s Section 3 Policy is required for contracts and subcontracts in excess of $100,000.00.

The project to be constructed will be financed with assistance from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and is subject to all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations. Attention is called to the fact that not less than, the federally determined prevailing (Davis-Bacon and Related Acts) wage rate, as issued by the Department of Labor and contained in the contract documents, must be paid on this project. In addition, the successful bidder must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

All contractors/subcontractors that are debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation on federal assistance programs may not undertake any activity in part or in full under this project. Minority Business Enterprises, Small Business Enterprises, and Women Business Enterprises, and Historically Underutilized Business firms are encouraged to submit bids.

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 of Rio Grande 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 bidder’s qualifications prior to the contract award.

City of Rio Grande City Joel Villarreal, Mayor March 30, 2023

Application is being made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a WINE AND BEER RETAILER’S OFFPREMISE PERMIT , by: DOLGENCORP OF TEXAS, INC. d/b/a DOLLAR GENERAL STORE #24886 located at 4414 E. US HWY 83, RIO GRANDE CITY, STARR COUNTY, TX 78582. Officers of said Corporation are: STEVEN R. DECKARD, CEO, JOHN GARRATT, CFO, AND EMILY C. TAYLOR, SECRETARY.

NOW

HIRING

ESTILISTAS o BARBERO

CON O SIN EXPERIENCIA LIC DE COSMETOLOGIA REQUERIDA HORARIO FLEXIBLE Información llame 956-487-7247 o 682-774-7227

NUESTRA CLINICA DEL VALLE (NCDV) has employment opportunity for a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner for the Rio Grande City Clinic. Must be credentialed to practice in Texas. Excellent compensation, fringe benefits and good working hours. Bilingual (English/ Spanish) communications skills preferred. Apply on line at www.nuestraclinicadelvalle.org Mail resume to Nuestra Clinica del Valle, PO Box 1689, Pharr, TX 78577; in person 801 W. First Street, San Juan, TX 78589. EOE

Roma High Golf Team Earns 2nd at Mission CISD Invitational

Delia G. Garcia Elementary Students Enjoy Science Camp

Congratulations to the Roma High Mighty Gladiator Varsity Boys Golf Team on earning 2nd Placed at the Mission CISD Invitational! In the individual rankings, Manuel Olivarez earned 2nd place and Nathaniel Lopez earned 8th place. Great job Gladiators!

5th grade Warriors at Delia G. Garcia Elementary participated in a College 1st CAMP. Students had 5 hours to take part in wonderful, hands-on earth science activities and experiments that will greatly add to their understanding of concepts tested on the science STAAR exam. Great job Warriors.

Pero, tienen miedo a pedir por temor de perder su propiedad. Sabia que existen cosas a su favor para que eso no suceda.

RGCGISD Host the Superintendent’s Track Meet

On Wednesday March 8, 2023 Rio Grande City Grulla ISD hosted the Superintendent’s Track Meet at Joe R. Sanchez Stadium! All of the elementary schools and Middle Schools had student representation, and the student athletes had a blast participating in the different Track and Field events.

Congratulations to ALL the participants and winners! On behalf of the RGCGISD, we would like to thank all the students, coaches, and volunteer staff that help make this event possible.

General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary 1st and 2nd grade students participated and brought back several 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons. Congratulations boys and girls and thank you to the coaches- A. Aldape, J. Torres, M. Salinas, M. Ozuna, and J. Ortega!

Congratulations goes out to all La Union Elementary School 1st and 2nd grade students who participated in this years Superintendent’s Track Meet! A special Thank you goes out to Coach M. Ciénega and Assistant Coach L. Saenz. 1st Grade: Sack Race - Adileyni Lopez 2nd, Abel Bustamante 2nd, Eduardo Villarreal 3rd, and Aydan Martinez 3rd. 50 Meters - Adileyni Lopez 1st, Kendra Vasquez 3rd, Livia Saenz 3rd, and Eduardo Villarreal 3rd. 100 Meters - Adileyni Lopez 1st and Eduardo Villarreal 3rd. 400m Relay - 3rd Place: Alida Cruz, Kylie Moreno, Livia Saenz, and Adileyni Lopez. 2nd

Grade: Tug-o-War - 3rd Place: Milagros Garcia, Carolina Barrera, Jazzlyn Castillo, Sofia Vasquez, Gabriela Garza, Jaxon Bazan, Máximo Garcia, Carlos dela Cruz, Rolando Ozuna, and Bryan Rios. Sack Race - Milagros Garcia 2nd, Monserrat Velásquez 3rd, Nohely Zamora 3rd, Miguel Vasquez 3rd, Ely Medina 3rd, and Aileen Diaz 4th. 50 Meters - Arissa Diaz 3rd, Milagros Garcia 3rd, Dariel Diaz 2nd, Rolando Ozuna 3rd, and Esteban Zurita 3rd. 100 Meters - Dariel Diaz 2nd and Rolando Ozuna 3rd.

Congratulations to Ac2E Elementary 1st and 2nd grade Hawks for doing an amazing job!! Congratulations to ALL the Hawk participants and winners! Thank you Coach Ramiro Lopez III and Alaa Marzouk.

Congratulations to Alberto & Celia Barrera Elementary 1st & 2nd Grade Longhorns for doing an awesome job at Superintendent Track Meet!