The City of Rio Grande City is proud to recognize Border Town Supermarkets as our Business of the Month for October 2025! Founded by Dalinda and Amando Peña, Border Town began with a vision to bring accessible supermarkets and hardware stores to rural and underserved communities across Starr County. Their journey started in Alto Bonito, later expanding to Los Villarreales, Sullivan City, and eventually Rio Grande City, where they took on major retailers in a competitive market and flourished.
Over the years, the Peña family has built a thriving business rooted in faith, perseverance, and community values. Today, Border Town proudly operates 20 stores across South Texas—from Zapata County to Cameron County—with new locations opening soon in Citrus City and within Rio Grande City city limits on FM 3167, marking their sixth store in Starr County. Through challenges, including the pandemic, Border Town not only endured but continued to grow, serving thousands of families across the Rio Grande Valley. Their success is a testament to their dedication, vision, and the power of
The City of Rio Grande City is proud to recognize LTC James Falcon, MD as our Citizen of the Month for October — a distinguished native son who has made extraordinary contributions both in the military and in medicine.
For more than 18 years, Dr. Falcon has honorably served in numerous military assignments, including Operation Enduring Freedom, as a flight surgeon and medical leader. His distinguished service includes roles as Brigade Surgeon for the 82nd Airborne and Battalion Surgeon for the 3rd Special Forces Group. Currently serving in the Texas Army National Guard, he has supported Operation Lone Star and most recently deployed to Poland in support of medical operations.
His military honors include a Bronze Star Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, and two Army Achievement Medals, among others.
Join City of Rio Grande City in congratulate Business, Citizen, and Employee of the Month – October 2025
He is US Army Airborne qualified, a US Army Flight Surgeon, and a Combat Action Badge recipient. Beyond his military service, Dr. Falcon continues to serve our community as an emergency physician at Family Health Center and SCMH, and through his work at El Faro Health and Therapeutics, focusing on Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials. His passion for service, leadership, and dedication make him an outstanding role model and true asset to Rio Grande City. Join us in congratulating Col. James Falcon, MD, our Citizen of the Month for October 2025!
Employee of the Month
Join us in congratulating Roel Solis from our IT Department for being named our Employee of the Month!
Roel’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence ensure that our daily operations run seamlessly. From keeping systems secure to supporting staff with technical solutions, his contributions are essential to our success.
Thank you, Roel, for going above and beyond every day. We’re proud to have you as part of our team!
Roma ISD Administration team support Breast Cancer Awareness Month
STARR COUNTY 229TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Chapter 59 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure that the 229TH Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Rio Grande City, Texas will hold a public auction on Saturday October 25, 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 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. Live & Online Buyer’s Premium 14%. 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. Accepting Cashier’s Checks only, no personal or business checks. For additional information, please contact the 229th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, at (956) 716-4800. Jose A. Camarillo AUC#17532
In honor of Cancer Awareness Month, Rio Grande City Grulla ISD is proudly standing united against every type of cancer. This year, the Superintendent of Schools, Mrs. Guadalupe Garza, along with Central Office staff and Principals, gathered at Joe R. Sanchez Stadium to form a powerful human ribbon showcasing multiple colors to represent the many battles faced by our loved ones. The colors on display symbolized the district’s commitment to raising awareness, honoring survivors, and remembering those we have lost. This tradition continues to highlight the strength and unity of the RGCGISD
On behalf of the
family, we want to thank everyone who participated and encourage our community to join us in this important cause. Together, let’s stand in solidarity, spread hope, and support all who are
and
Can’t Wait
THE SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM® TRAUMA & CRITICAL CARE INSTITUTE OFFERS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE TRAUMA AND CRITICAL CARE IN THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY
South Texas Health System McAllen is designated a Level I Trauma Center by the Texas Department of State Health Services and the American College of Surgeons.
South Texas Health System Edinburg is an accredited Chest Pain Center, a certified Primary Stroke Center and a Level IV Trauma Center.
South Texas Health System Children’s is proud to have been the first dedicated pediatric Emergency Department in the Rio Grande Valley, providing emergency care just for kids.
South Texas Health System Heart features a designated Level IV Trauma Center that treats all emergencies, including critical cardiac cases.
Plus, seven freestanding emergency departments – all certified in Chest Pain Management and designated Acute Stroke Ready Hospitals by The Joint Commission* – provide emergency care around the clock.
Learn more at southtexashealthsystem.com/trauma
If you are having a medical emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
family.
RGCGISD
fighting
surviving cancer.
The Roma ISD Administration team is proudly wearing pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month! On behalf of the entire Roma team, we’re standing together to raise awareness and honor the strength of survivors, fighters, and those we’ve lost. Join us in spreading hope and supporting the fight against breast cancer!
Rio Grande City Grulla ISD Opens Second-Chance Learning Center for Students 18–26
Rio Grande City Grulla ISD hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 23, 2025, to recognize the opening of the LEAD Center, a new campus for students between 18–26 years of age who want to return to school and earn a high school diploma and industrybased credential.
“We are opening doors to hope and second chances,” said Rio Grande City Grulla ISD Superintendent Guadalupe Garza.
“Every young adult that will walk through these doors will have the chance to learn again, excel on their own terms and advance toward new opportunities. We will not give up on students.
We will provide the support and encouragement they need.”
According to the district, the LEAD Center is designed for young adults balancing work and family responsibilities. Students
can complete their high school diploma, earn an industry-based credential and connect to nextstep opportunities in college and employment.
Nineteen-year-old Brianna Canales said she learned about the LEAD Center from her mother.
“I am ready to return to school and prepare for college,” Canales said.
She said is considering exploring careers in law or nursing.
“I really like helping people,” Canales said. “Returning to school lets me give back to my community. This school gives me the chance to do that. I am excited to graduate and begin working and expect to earn my diploma very soon.”
During the 2023–2024 school year, Region One launched a dropout recovery initiative to
provide a second chance for students who stepped away from education. By partnering with Edcouch-Elsa ISD and Weslaco ISD, schools offer flexible options that allow students to
1st Anniversary In Loving Memory of Lázaro Peña Barba
August 19, 1939 † October 6, 2024
Lázaro Peña was a man who de ed every limit life placed before him. Born in Camargo, he rose from humble beginnings to become a brilliant mathematician and engineer, and later a beloved professor at South Texas College, where he taught until the age of 82. At 65, a er losing his wife Martita, he began his rst master’s degree in mathematics; at 74, his second in engineering—all while surviving two di erent cancers, mentoring students, and lling every room with curiosity and humor.
He lived a life of quiet heroism, one built on perseverance, reinvention, and love for his family. ose who knew him— his children Adriana, Luisa, and Lázaro, his friends in Rio Grande and Camargo—saw in him a rare courage: the will to begin again, to study, to teach, and to nd joy even in the face of illness. His life was proof that resilience is not de ance, but devotion—to learning, to purpose, and to love.
Even near the end, he woke up early to “ponerse guapo,” to face each day with dignity. His legacy lives not only in the students he taught or the equations he solved, but in his example: that the human spirit can reach beyond its limits. As we remember him, we celebrate a life spent probing the boundaries of the in nite
earn a diploma and explore career pathways. Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD also operates a campus for young adults.
With the opening of the LEAD Center, five school systems in
the region now offer diploma pathways for adult learners: Edcouch-Elsa ISD, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD, Rio Grande City Grulla ISD, Weslaco ISD and The PossAble Dream Adult High
School.
All participating school districts are now accepting students.
Call (956) 984-6149 or e-mail
studentrecovery@esc1.net for more information and guidance.
Dr. Jose Cruz, board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology and hematology, treats all types of cancer and blood disorders—including anemia, hemophilia, leukemia, sickle cell anemia, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolisms. He also offers cancer genetic risk assessments for patients with a personal or family history of cancer. Dr. Cruz is known for his compassionate care and takes the time to listen, explain, and guide each patient through every step of their treatment.
A proud Rio Grande Valley native, Dr. Cruz earned his biomedical engineering degree from Yale, a Master of Public Health from Texas A&M, and his medical degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center. He completed his hematology and oncology fellowship at the University of Louisiana Health Science Center–Shreveport, where he served as chief fellow.
Now expanding services to Rio Grande City, Dr. Cruz is dedicated to bringing expert, compassionate care closer to home.
101 N. FM 3167 Suite 106
Rio Grande City,
(956) 362-3920
Notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Adjustments for the City of Roma will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, October 29, 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) Zoning Variance (BOA#2501): A request for a variance to the City of Roma’s Zoning Ordinance to allow the following:
a. A five-foot (5 ft.) side yard setback, as opposed to the required fifteenfoot (15 ft.) side yard setback;
b. A five-foot (5 ft.) rear yard setback, as opposed to the required fifteenfoot (15 ft.) rear yard setback; and
c. Direct parking space access to Solimar street, as opposed to the requirement that prohibits parking spaces from backing to a public right-of-way.
The property is located within an Office/Professional/Retail District (OPR), and is being proposed for a new commercial construction. Legal Description is a tract of land containing 0.17 of one acre of land, forming a part or potion of Tract 69 of the Homer Trimble Map of Porcion 74, Ancient Jurisdiction of Mier, Mexico, now Starr County, Texas, Geronimo Saenz, Original Grantee, Abstract 165. Physical Address is 1821 East Grant Street, Roma, Texas 78584.
