STARR VISION CASTAÑEDA CENTER
487-2440
300 East Main St. R.G.C.
Dr. Angie Ramirez Therapeutic Optometrist
Auto Insurance & Bail Bonds
488-0808 487-7000 280 W. 2nd St. R.G.C.
The Law Office Of
J.M. “Chema” Garza Criminal Cases (Federal/State) Car Accidents/ 18 Wheeler Divorces • Real Estate/Deeds
Vol. 39, No. 10 WEEKLY WEDNESDAY • MARCH 6, 2024 Office (956) 487-6544 - Fax (956) 487-6165 - E-Mail: sctc78582@aol.com - www.starrcountytowncrier.com
956-317-1167 206 N. Britton Ave. Ste.B, R.G.C. jmchemagarza@gmail.com
487-2596 Rose Benavidez Announces Re-Election Campaign 4350 E. US HWY 83 R.G.C.
for South Texas College Board of Trustees - District 1
Installment Loans 668 E. Grant St. Ste A&B Roma TX 78584-5312
Phone (956) 849-4497
February 16, 2024 (Starr County) – Motivated by the power of education, the spirit of public service and humbled by the encouragement she has received from many students, residents and colleagues, Rose Benavidez officially announced her intention to seek re-election to the South Texas College
Dr. Raymond Cruz Best
(STC) Board of Trustees District 1 seat. “It has been an honor and privilege to serve my community and with your support, I look forward to continue to build and strengthen the collaborative success that ensure that our students’ educational needs are met and our community’s economic prosperity thrives,” said Benavidez. “Together, we have created transformational and generational change that has been vital to the progress of our region, but our work is not done.” She added. As a native of Starr County and serving as the President of the Starr County Industrial Foundation (SCIF), Benavidez has witnessed the challenges involved in overcoming high unemployment and poverty
levels. To that end she has devoted her professional career to developing the local economy, while improving access to education and creating job opportunities. Her economic and workforce development background has allowed her to bring a unique voice to STC and has served as an asset in developing practical programs that complement the area’s employment forecasts. She currently serves as Chair of the board, a position that has helped her ensure that the needs and concerns of Starr County remain a priority. As the first Latina elected to lead the national Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) she has been able to share our local successes nationally and across the globe while exploring innovative ideas that can be beneficial to our region. During her tenure, she has championed projects and
initiatives that have extensively grown the college’s campus facilities footprint, improved the lives of the nearly 34,000 Jaguars that attend per semester and saved families over $300MIL in tuition costs in just the last ten years. “The impact we have collectively made has systematically advanced our regions competitiveness and the economic outlook of our residents, but we cannot rest until every single person is afforded the right to dream and provided the tools that can make them a reality,” Benavidez stated. In communities like Starr County economic challenges are compounded by limited federal and state funding, despite that the very essence of economic vitality is driven by an educated workforce. It is only in great part through the partnerships between STC and the local school districts that this community continues to create a college going culture and
produce college ready students. Benavidez remains committed to expanding free dual enrollment and increasing the level of program offerings in Starr County, because she believes that achievement remains closely tied to the opportunities in higher education provided to our residents. “It remains true today, that in a global economy where knowledge is power, excellence in education is not just a mere advantage, but a fundamental necessity that our community deserves,” Benavidez stated.
To join the effort and strengthen the movement or to learn more about the campaign, you can attend one of the upcoming townhalls (date and locations to be announced) or you may visit rosebenavidez.com.
RGC Percussion Studio Participated Dalinda Guillen Joins in U.I.L Solo and Ensembles Texas Regional Bank
FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Dental Insurance, Medicaid and Chip Accepted
487-2999 419 East 2nd St. Rio Grande City, Tx.
On behalf of the Rio Grande City Rattler Band we would like to extend a congratulations to all the members of the RGC Percussion Studio who participated in U.I.L Solo and Ensembles. The following students earned a Division 1 on their Class 1 Solos and as well for their class 1 Ensembles: Dennis Gonzalez, Emma Veloso, Esmeralda Garza, Carolina Flores, Laurel Cantu, Sophia Cepeda, Idany Lopez, Arora Cantu, and Jaime Garcia. The following students earn a Division 1 on their Class 1 Ensemble: Angel Lopez, Angel Villarreal, and Camila Bazan. The following students earn a Division 1: Juan Zorola - on a Class 2 Solo, Joseph Romero - on a Class 2 Solo, Deseny Aguirre - on a Class 3 Solo. 24 medals in total. Thank you for representing our school and the district in this U.I.L Competition. Keep up the GREAT work!
• 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
Dalinda Guillen has joined Texas Regional Bank (TRB) as its Market Manager for Starr and Hidalgo County. She will hold a dual role where she will help grow commercial banking relationships as well as support the economic development division in the region, including helping with TRB’s public policy efforts at the federal, state, and local legislative levels. Guillen’s career has led her to hold various positions both in the public and private sector where she has garnered an array of skills ranging from public relations in the healthcare sector to navigating various levels of government from city halls to our state’s capital. “Dalinda has a unique skillset that we are very excited about, not to mention, a wealth of experience in the region and throughout the state. As we worked with her to expand into the Rio Grande City area, it became clear that she was someone who aligned well with TRB’s culture
and mindset. We are excited to have her on our team,” said Brent Baldree, President, Commercial Banking. Dalinda previously served, for nearly a decade, as the Executive Director of the Rio Grande City Economic Development Council where she worked alongside the Mayor, City Council, and the City Administration to develop and advance economic development strategies that helped to attract, DALINDA GUILLEN, page 2
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