March 19, 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. 12

WEEKLY - WEDNESDAY • MARCH 19, 2025

487-2596 Roma High School EMT Team wins Gold State Maya Magallanes State Champion Medal at the TXPSTA State Meet Champion and Best Bench 4350 E. US HWY 83 R.G.C.

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

Phone (956) 849-4497

CONGRATULATIONS to the Roma High School Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Team on winning the Gold State Champion Medal at the TXPSTA State Meet in Houston, Texas, making them the best in the entire State of Texas!!! Students Liani Mercado, Angela Estrada, Sebastian Rodriguez, and Miah Ochoa made history for Roma High with this awesome win!! The Gladiator Nation is super proud of you and your instructors Rene Garza and Leroy Rivera!!! (Thanks to Rena Garza for the report.)

Congratulations to Rio Grande City High School student Maya Magallanes State Champion and Best Bench! You’re a powerhouse! Maya Magallanes, your achievements are truly inspiring!

Winning the State Championship in the 242+ lb weight class and the Best Bench Award for the Heavy Platforms is outstanding. Way to go, Maya!

Kendall Rodriguez earns Bronze Johanna Montalvo earns Silver Natalie Garcia earns 1st Place Medal in 3-D Nail Art at SkillsUSA Medal in Flat Nail Art at SkillsUSA in Esthetics at SkillsUSA Dr. Raymond Cruz Best

FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dental Insurance, Medicaid and Chip Accepted

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

Congratulations Kendall Rodriguez for earning the bronze medal in 3-D Nail Art at SkillsUSA District 13 at TSTC! Under the guidance of CTE teacher Mrs. Joelda Arredondo, Kendall showcased incredible creativity and skill. As a Rio Grande City High School student, Kendall’s achievement highlights the dedication and talent within the CTE programs. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

• 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

Grulla High School student Johanna Montalvo has earned the silver medal in Flat Nail Art at the SkillsUSA competition at TSTC! Under the guidance of CTE teacher Mrs. Gloria Gonzalez, Joanna’s hard work and talent have earned her a spot at the state competition in April, where she will proudly represent her school and Region 13. “We are so proud of her achievement and can’t wait to see her shine at state!”

Congratulations Natalie Garcia for earning 1st place in Esthetics at SkillsUSA! Under the guidance of CTE Cosmetology teacher Mrs. Joelda Arredondo, Natalie’s dedication and talent have earned her a spot at the state competition in Corpus Christi this April. She will proudly represent District 13 of the Rio Grande Valley, and Rio Grande City High School can’t wait to see her excel at the next level! Best of luck at state, Natalie!

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 19, 2025, PAGE 2

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, MARCH 19, 2025, PAGE 3

Historic Transfer: US Army Reserve Center Returns to RGCGISD As of March 6, 2025, the U.S. Army Reserve Center, located next to Fort Ringgold, has officially been transferred to Rio Grande City Grulla ISD at zero cost to the district.

This facility has been a part of our community since the early 1960s, serving as a home for local U.S. Army Reserve soldiers. Many families in Rio Grande City have fond memories of their loved ones reporting for their monthly weekend duties, with several former RGCGISD employees among those who served here, including: Renato Chavez, Arcadio Salinas Sr., Manuel Guerra, Alvaro Venecia, Joseph Ellert, … and countless others.

In the early 2000s, the U.S. Army Reserve consolidated its units to larger cities like McAllen, Harlingen, and Brownsville, leading to the closure of this center. Now, after decades, this building returns to Fort Ringgold and the citizens of Rio Grande City.

Superintendent Mrs. Guadalupe Garza and Central Office administrators toured the very spacious facility, taking in its potential as it transitions to its new role in the district.

Superintendent Garza has announced that the building will now serve as the RGCGISD Police Department, providing a valuable resource for campus safety and security.

A special thank you to Colonel (Retired) Ross Barrera, Director of the Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation, for facilitating this transfer. This collaboration between the city and school district is a testament to the power of local government working together for the betterment of our community.

OBITUARY

Sergeant Major

Guadalupe C. Garza US Army Retired November 4, 1935 † March 7, 2025

Misa de Cuarto Aniversario En Memoria de

Rosendo Rosas 08/02/1955 † 03/23/2021

Han sido cuatro años desde que Nuestro Señor lo llamo a su casa y sin embargo párese que fue ayer. el Señor nos dio la fuerza para seguir adelante a pesar que estamos pasando por la época mas obscura de nuestras vidas por el dolor tan grande que nos causo tu partida, pero aceptar la voluntad de DIOS es la plegaria mas hermosa que puede nacer de un corazón que sufre.

Descansa en Paz. Te queremos, Te extrañamos y nunca Te olvidaremos.

Guadalupe C. Garza was born on November 4, 1935, and went to be with the Lord on March 7, 2025, at the age of 89. He is preceded in death by his parents Juan Garza and Ramona Garza, sister Endelia Garza, brother Elias Garza, brother Oscar Garza, his wife Yolanda, and grand-daughter Miley. Survivors include his brother Reynaldo (Ray) Garza; children, Edward L. Garza, wife Rosalinda, Michael C. Garza, wife Lynette, Richard A. Garza, Debra A. Garza; 9 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and other loving family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in his honor.

Guadalupe was born and raised in Los Saenz-Roma, Texas and

graduated from Roma High School in 1954. While growing up he tended the family livestock and toiled in the family fields for sustenance as he matured. He traveled the South Texas area and the country, working in various fields picking cotton, fruits and vegetables eventually getting a job at Caterpillar, in Joliet Illinois, working as a welder.

Guadalupe enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955 and did his basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, and did Advanced Individual Training June 1956 at Ft. Bliss, El Paso, Texas as a Nike Ajax Missile Crewman. His Army career had several job changes over a span 25 years to include Recruiter, Recruiter Instructor and Career Counselor/Reenlistment NCO. Throughout his career he received numerous recognitions and awards for his work including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf, Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf, the Army Good Conduct Medal 8th Award, and the National Defense Medal. He retired at Ft. Sam Houston Texas on December 31, 1980, at the rank of Sargent Major.

Guadalupe returned to his home in Roma, Texas where he used his experience to serve his hometown as an On-Site Inspector for a new sewer plant that was under construction. He was asked and accepted an appointment to the Municipal Court as a Judge for

the City of Roma where he served for 12 years. He served on various County and State Regional Water Boards as a volunteer and held several positions to include the Chair. He ranched on his and his wife’s properties as a hobby to get outdoors and exercise and to alleviate the stress of work, always enjoying working the land.

Guadalupe and his wife moved to San Antonio in 2003 to be closer to the Military Medical Services and has been a resident since.

Guadalupe visited many states and countries as part of his military assignments and enriched his life with the experiences which he would share with his children and grandchildren.

Guadalupe will be remembered for his dedication to his home, Country, love of God and his great passion for both his immediate and extended families.

Visitation will begin on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. with an evening service at 6:30 p.m. at Puente & Sons Funeral Chapels 14315 Judson Rd, San Antonio, TX 78233 Service will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St Helena Catholic Church, 14714 Edgemont St, San Antonio, TX 78247. Interment to be at 1:00 pm at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

For personal acknowledgement, you may sign the online guestbook at www. puenteandsons.com/obituaries.

2,999.00 FULLWITH FUNERAL SERVICE SILVER $

Se celebrara una misa el Domingo 23 de Marzo a la 1:30 p.m. en la Basilica of Our Lady San Juan Del Valle, San Juan, Texas

De parte de su esposa Yolanda Rosas, sus hijos, nietos y demas familiares

METAL CASKET

Sanchez CALL JEFF OR SONATA Sanchez

Familia Rosas

Funeral Home

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

(956) 487-2525

SANCHEZ

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

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 19, 2025, PAGE 4 Puede denunciar el fraude de seguros por Internet. ¿Tiene preguntas sobre seguro? Llame a la Línea de Ayuda de TDI al 800-252-3439 o visite tdi.texas.gov.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

Please email resume to mario@mendezandrobles.com

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a MIXED BEVERAGE PERMIT (MB) by: HILLTOP 2.0 CAFE LLC, dba HILLTOP 2.0 CAFE LLC to be located at 158 GUERRA GARZA RD., SUITE B, RIO GRANDE CITY, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS. OFFICERS OF SAID LLC ARE DAVID VAZQUEZ AND LUCERO GARZA.

Las investigaciones del fraude de seguros recuperan millones para los texanos Los investigadores de Texas identifican a las personas que cometen costosos fraudes de seguros y ayudan a recuperar millones de dólares a las víctimas de estos fraudes.

En el 2024, la Unidad de Fraude del Departamento de Seguros de Texas (Texas Department of Insurance, TDI, por su nombre y siglas en inglés) contribuyó con las investigaciones recuperando casi $58 millones en restituciones ordenadas por los tribunales.

Más de 20 investigadores de TDI localizados alrededor del Estado examinaron más de 350

denuncias de fraude de seguros, centrándose en los casos con mayor repercusión posible.

Su trabajo puede ahorrar dinero a todos los consumidores.

Kyson Johnson, uno de los abogados de TDI que ayudan a las autoridades locales y federales en el seguimiento de las investigaciones, declaró: “Si recuperamos la restitución para las compañías de seguros y los consumidores, es de esperar que esto provoque un menor aumento de las primas. Esas compañías y consumidores ya no están expuestos al fraude”.

Una investigación ayudó a detener a los médicos de Dallas Desi y Deno Barroga. Ambos recetaron opioides en exceso y falsamente facturaron a los planes de salud millones de dólares.

La información recopilada por un investigador de TDI ayudó al FBI y a otras agencias a construir un caso penal. Los médicos se declararon culpables y fueron condenados a prisión. Un juez de distrito de EE.UU. les ordenó pagar $9 millones en concepto de indemnización. Ambos tuvieron que renunciar a sus licencias médicas.

Public Notice Starr County Invitation for Bids March 19, 2025 The County of Starr is requesting bids for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, supervision and performance of all work required for the reconstruction of single family residential homes. The following homes to be reconstructed are: 109 Juarez St, Rio Grande City, TX 78582 169 Garceno Loop, Roma TX 78584 600 E Dr Martin ST, Rio Grande City, TX 78582 Project Type: Reservation System Participant, RSP Agreement #2024-0003; Starr County Contract Number #1003549/1003550.

Bid Documents (Project Manual) may be obtained in person from Starr County Court House Annex at 100 N FM 3167 Rio Grande City, TX, between the hours of 8:00a.m. & 5:00p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays). Bid packages are limited to one package per contractor. For further information contact Connie Cantu, Project Manager at 716-4800 ext. 8115.

Sealed Bids will be accepted by the Starr County Federal & State Programs Staff at Starr County Annex suite 220 at 100 N FM 3167 Rio Grande City, TX. Until 3:00 p.m. Thursday, April 3, 2025.

Bids not received prior to the date and time set forth above will not be accepted for consideration.

Starr County will consider the lowest responsive, reasonable and responsible Bidder.

Bids may be held by Starr County for a period not to exceed 90 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.

Pre-Bid conference will be held at Starr County Courthouse Annex 100 N. F.M. 3167 Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 27, 2025. All Perspective Bidders are encouraged to attend.

All Bidders/Contractors must be registered and ACTIVE with the sam.gov and secretary of the State website. Bidder/Contractor shall be an Equal Opportunity Firm and practice nondiscrimination.

All Bidders/Contractors must present proper documentation of capability, adequate staffing and experience to perform the tasks required. Starr County supports the submission of Bids from historically underutilized businesses. All qualified Bidders will receive consideration for selection without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, and handicap or as otherwise provided by applicable law.

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

GRANDE CITY, TEXAS OFFICIAL NOTICE OF TRAFFIC PATTERN CHANGE Rep. Cuellar Announces Social Security RIO EFFECTIVE DATE: 03-26-2025 * AVISO OFICIAL DE CAMBIO EN EL PATRÓN DE Fairness Act Payments to Begin TRÁFICO FECHA DE ENTRADA EN VIGOR: 03-26-2025 On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) announced that the Social Security Administration is immediately beginning to pay retroactive benefits and will increase monthly benefit payments to people whose benefits have been affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), thanks to the Social Security Fairness Act, which Congressman Cuellar helped champion into law.

“The time is now to help our teachers, law enforcement, postal workers, and other public servants,” said Dr. Cuellar. “I am pleased to have supported public servants in my district by co-sponsoring and passing legislation that ensures they get the benefits they’ve rightfully earned, which is now being implemented across the country.

Over the years, I’ve worked across the aisle to restore full social security benefits for our workers. I am thankful for the support from my colleagues in helping get money in the pockets of those most in need.”

Most people will receive their one-time retroactive payment by the end of March, which will be deposited into their bank account on record with Social Security.

Many of these people will also receive higher monthly benefits, which will first be reflected in the benefit payment they receive in April. Depending on factors such as the type of Social Security benefit received and the amount of the person’s pension, the change in payment amount will vary from person to person.

Anyone whose monthly benefit is adjusted, or who will get a retroactive payment, will receive a mailed notice from Social Security explaining the benefit change or retroactive payment.

Most people will receive their retroactive payment two to three weeks before they receive their notice in the mail.

Social Security urges beneficiaries to wait until April to ask about the status of their retroactive payment, since these payments will process incrementally into March.

Since the new monthly payment amount will begin with the April

payment, beneficiaries should wait until after receiving their April payment, before contacting Social Security with questions about their monthly benefit amount.

Visit the agency’s Social Security Fairness Act webpage to learn more and stay up to date on its progress. Visitors can subscribe to be alerted when the webpage is updated.

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 19, 2025, PAGE 6

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, MARCH 19, 2025, PAGE 7

Measles Outbreak Hits 124 Cases, One Death; Exposed Unvaccinated People Urged to Get Vaccinated

DSHS, CDC Say MMR Vaccine Can Provide Some Protection for Unvaccinated People Even After Exposure As measles cases continue to spread in and around Gaines County in West Texas, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) said one unvaccinated child has died of the highly contagious disease.

The number of measles cases has grown to 124 people as of Feb. 25, the vast majority of whom are unvaccinated. It’s the worst outbreak in Texas since 1992.

DSHS urges any unvaccinated person who was exposed to measles to get vaccinated quickly.

The health authorities say an unvaccinated person exposed to measles can benefit by receiving one dose of the mumps-measlesrubella (MMR) vaccine within 72 hours of exposure. According to DSHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), doing so may provide some protection for previously unvaccinated people exposed to measles. This does not apply to people who are severely immunocompromised or infants less than 6 months old.

“The measles virus is one of the most infectious viruses we know of,” said Ronald Cook, DO, the Lubbock public health authority and a Texas Medical Association physician leader. “Those that do come down with the virus are pretty sick for several days with high fever (it may spike to 104 degrees), cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (red, watery

eyes).” The telltale measles rash appears three to five days after the first symptoms.

To date, 18 people in West Texas have been hospitalized.

Patients with severe cases of measles can get pneumonia or encephalitis (swelling of the brain which can lead to loss of hearing or intellectual disability) or die.

DSHS says the best way to increase defense against getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of the MMR vaccine.

DSHS and CDC recommend children receive one dose of the vaccine when they are 12 to 15 months old and another at 4 to 6 years of age. Adults also can be vaccinated to defend against the disease.

Dr. Cook, who also is the chief health officer at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, urges unvaccinated people to get the shots.

“It is a very good and safe vaccine and provides lifetime immunity if you complete the two full doses,” he said.

At least 95% of people in an area must be fully vaccinated to achieve sufficient “community immunity” to protect those who are not eligible to get vaccinated, such as children who are less than 6 months old or cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, which weakens immune systems.

However, in Gaines County where this outbreak began, about 82% of public school kindergarteners have received the

MMR vaccine, and about 90% of public school seventh graders received the shots, according to DSHS data.

Less than half of Texas counties have the ideal 95% or higher coverage of the MMR vaccine for kindergarteners.

“There’s a number of individuals that just don’t want to take the vaccine because of all the disinformation that’s on social media, and it’s unfortunate,” said Dr. Cook.

Given the low vaccination rates in the area, Dr. Cook expects the outbreak will likely continue to worsen.

If the outbreak spreads, unvaccinated people need to know that receiving at least one shot of the MMR vaccine can provide some protection for themselves if they are exposed to measles, according to DSHS and CDC. Completing the full vaccine series before being exposed provides the most protection, however.

The measles outbreak comes during the nation’s worst flu season in years. CDC calls this the worst flu season in the country since 2018 – as the flu vaccination rate is at its lowest since 2020. As of Feb. 15, CDC estimates that there have been at least 33 million illnesses, 430,000 hospitalizations, and 19,000 deaths from flu this season.

Talk to your physician about vaccines that can help you and your family stay healthy.

Legal Disclaimer TMA is the largest state

medical society in the nation, representing more than 59,000 physician and medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 110 component county medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.

CITY OF RIO GRANDE CITY PUBLIC UTILITES DEPARTMENT BID NOTICE NORTH LOPEZ SANITARY SEWER COLLECTION The City of Rio Grande City is soliciting sealed bids to be received at the City Secretary’s Office located in City Hall at 5332 E. U.S. Highway 83, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582. Normal business days are Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and shall be closed on recognized holidays.

Bids shall be addressed an delivered to: Lynette Montemayor, Interim City Secretary City of Rio Grande City Attn: City Secretary’s Office 5332 E. U.S. Highway 83 Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 Bids will be received until 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Shortly after, all submitted bids will be gathered and taken to the City Hall Chambers Room to be publicly opened and read aloud. Any bid received after closing time will be rejected and returned to the bidder unopened. The sealed envelope shall be marked with the following on the lower left-hand corner: “CITY RIO GRANDE CITY – NORTH LOPEZ SANITARY SEWER COLLECTION”.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS South Texas College is accepting competitive proposals for the following: RFP Number 24-25-1055

Description Building Moving Services

Date Due April 3, 2025

Time 2:00 PM

24-25-1056

Network Cabling Services For Building Renovation Projects

April 3, 2025

3:00 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

The project in general includes labor and material, but is not limited to the following: • 358 LF OF 15” SEWER LINE • 472 LF OF 12” SEWER LINE • 817 LF OF 8” SEWER LINE • 30 SANITARY SEWER CONNECTIONS • 11 SANITARY SEWER RECONNECTIOS • 3 SANITARY SEWER MANHOLES Plans, specifications, and contract documents may be viewed at the City of Rio Grande City – Public Utilities Department located in City Hall at 5332 E. U.S. Highway 83, Rio Grande City, Texas during normal business days. Bidders may obtain the official bid documents and plans by visiting Rio Delta Engineering at 117 Rio Vista Boulevard, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 or by calling (956) 263-1041.

There will be a non-refundable fee of seventy – five dollars ($75.00) per set.

A pre-bid conference will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at the City Rio Grande City Chamber Room located in City Hall at 5332 E. U.S. Highway 83 – Suite A, Rio Grande City, Texas. All prospective bidders are encouraged to attend.

The City Rio Grande City reserves the right to accept or reject submitted bids, waive formalities in bidding, accept the bid deemed most advantageous to the City, and to hold the bids for a period of sixty (60) calendar days without acting.

Please direct any questions regarding the preparation of bids to Mr. Eric Flores, City of Rio Grande City Public Utilities Director by calling (956) 487-2702 or via-email eflores@cityofrgc.com. The Engineer can be contacted at the number and address previously listed.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, MARCH 19, 2025, PAGE 8

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

Financiados FOR SALE. por el propietario.

OWNER FINANCED.

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

MANAGER $PECIAL MANAGER $PECIAL 2023 KIA

2022 Chevy Trailblazer RS

Seltos EX

$

$

21,997

STK#26072A NICE! ONLY 16K MILES!!!

5 9 9 , 1 2

STK#25993A

2024 Chevy Trax

STK#26609A

$

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

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, MARCH 19, 2025, PAGE 9

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

SORORITY SUPPORTS LOCAL SERVICE PROJECTS

Texas Delta Theta Master met recently to plan the rest of their chapter year. Recently, they have promoted and participated in the beautiful Sweetheart Ball honoring the sweethearts and debutantes of all Starr County chapters, completed volunteer service in several divisions of the Starr County Fair, and unanimously donated to two worthy local causes, the Starr County Council of Beta Sigma Phi annual raffle which benefits special projects in our community, and the Starr of Hope 5th annual Spring Raffle, benefitting this worthwhile endeavor. They are proud to be a member chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, an organization dedicated to sisterhood and service.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, MARCH 19, 2025, PAGE 10

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