newest members of the Roque Guerra, Jr. Elementary Championship Battle of the Books Team are: Leilany Cruz, Sophia Gonzalez, Khloe Hinojosa and Aiza Garza. These outstanding readers have earned their place on the team through hard work, dedication, and a true love for books. Roque Guerra Jr. Elementary are so proud of their commitment and can’t wait to see them showcase their knowledge and teamwork as they represent Colt Nation in the upcoming competition. Way to go, champions in the making—your journey to success begins now! Congratulations to the newest members of the Roque Guerra, Jr. Elementary Championship Battle of the Books Team! The Starr County Veterans Service Office is proud to announce that LTC James Falcon, MD has been selected for promotion to the rank of COLONEL in the United States Army (Texas National Guard). LTC (P) Dr. Falcon will be promoted this Fall with a promotion ceremony to be held later in Rio Grande City. LTC (P) James Falcon, MD selected for promotion to the rank of COLONEL CONCERT FOR VETERANS The U.S. Air Force Band – Free Performance 5-Member Ensemble | Honoring Our Heroes Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025 | 6–7 PM | El Kiosko, Britton Ave – Rio Grande City.
NOTICE OF PROPOSED BANK MERGER
Notice is hereby given that TNB Merger Sub, Inc., 201 S. Texas Avenue, Mercedes, Texas 78570, filed an application with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, for consent to merge with and into Citizens State Bank, 1709 N. Grant Street, Roma, Texas 78584. Citizens State Bank will be the surviving bank in the merger.
Any person wishing to comment on this application is encouraged to submit comments through the FDIC’s website at https://cra.fdic.gov/. Any person wishing to comment on the application may file his or her comments, in writing, with the Regional Director of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation at its Dallas Regional Office at 600 North Pearl Street, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75201, not later than September 26, 2025. The non-confidential portions of the application are on file in the regional office and are available for inspection during regular business hours. Photocopies of the non-confidential portion of the application will be made available upon request.
Science is alive at Veterans Memorial Elementary School!
Veterans Memorial Elementary School Patriots are exploring, experimenting, and discovering through exciting lab activities and hands-on learning. From sparking curiosity to building future-ready skills, these young scientists are proving that learning is an adventure every day!
The County of Starr is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer
Rio Grande City High School newly appointed 20252026 Army JROTC Battalion Command and Staff
A big shoutout to the amazing Eagle Patrol!
Each morning the General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary Eagle Patrol step up as leaders, helping guide the Little Lions safely to the bus area. Their responsibility, kindness, and teamwork keep the mornings safe and smooth!
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 Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 12:00 P.M. at the Roma City Council Chambers, located at 201 W. Convent Ave, Roma, Texas to consider the following case(s):
1) Rezoning (COZ#2505): A request to rezone a property from Office/ Professional/Retail District (OPR) to Multi-Family District (MF) for proposed Apartment Residential use; Legal Description is Lot 106, Amended La Hacienda Subdivision, Starr County, Texas; Physical Address is 2741 Mustang Street, Roma, Texas 78584.
The City Council for the City of Roma will be holding a Public Hearing for the case(s) on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., at the Roma City Council Chambers, located at 201 W. Convent Ave., Roma, Texas.
A COMMITTED PARTNER IN STARR COUNTY
BARIATRIC SURGERY
R. Armour Forse, MD
2795 Pharmacy Rd. Rio Grande City, TX (956) 362-3930
Manish Singh, MD 2795 Pharmacy Rd. Rio Grande City, TX (956) 362-3930
Menon, MD 101 N. FM 3167 Ste. 104 Rio Grande City, TX (956) 362-3950
COLORECTAL SURGERY
Fernando Lambreton, MD 2795 Pharmacy Rd. Rio Grande City, TX (956) 362-3930
MEDICAL ONCOLOGY/ HEMATOLOGY
Jose Cruz, DO 101 N. FM 3167 Ste. 106 Rio Grande City, TX (956) 362-3920
PULMONOLOGY/ SLEEP & CRITICAL CARE
Juan M. Ortiz, MD 101 N. FM 3167 Ste. 106 Rio Grande City, TX (956) 362-3920
UROLOGY
Henry Ruiz, MD 101 N. FM 3167 Ste. 106 Rio Grande City, TX (956) 362-3920
Diego AguilarPalacios, MD
101 N. FM 3167 Ste. 106 Rio Grande City, TX (956) 362-3920
Congratulations to the Rio Grande City High School newly appointed 2025-2026 Army JROTC Battalion Command and Staff. The Cadets were selected based on their leadership potential, performance and ability to motivate other students. The Staff will be led by soon to be promoted C/LTC Nadia Martinez, Executive Officer C/MAJ Yaritza Varela and C/CSM Amy Cervantes.
PROUDLY SUPPORTING RIO
Moving to a new city for college feels unfamiliar in every way. Waking up in a room that isn’t my childhood bedroom feels strange, as if I’ve been dropped into someone else’s life. And it’s now mine. The silence hits hard
too. I no longer hear my dog, Luna, barking in the morning or my mom screaming at me from the hallway to get up. Instead, she’s hours away, and the people I once saw daily are now faces and voices I can only see and hear
Settled In
on the other end of a phone call. Sundays are different too. Back home, church was a place where I recognized every face, where the priest knew me and my family, and his sermons just felt right. It was familiar. Here? Now, I sit in
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
South Texas College is accepting competitive proposals for the following: RFP Number Description Date Due Time 25-26-1018 Audiovisual Upgrade September 25, 2025 2:00 pm Active Learning Classroom
Request for Proposals packages may be obtained through our OpenGov Procurement Portal, calling (956) 872-4681, or emailing stcpurchasing@southtexascollege.edu
South Texas College encourages vendors to register on OpenGov and subscribe to our Procurement Portal using the link below. This will provide access to solicitation documents, receive updates, and submit responses electronically. Please note that paper-based submissions are still accepted during this transition period. https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/southtexascollege
If submitting a paper-based submission, it must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked on the outside with the RFP number to:
South Texas College Purchasing Department
3200 W Pecan Blvd, Bldg. N Ste 145 McAllen, Texas 78501
Responses received after the specified time and date will not be considered and will be returned unopened. Email responses will not be accepted.
Questions regarding this RFP may be submitted through the OpenGov Procurement Portal or directed to:
The successful respondent will not be determined on the opening date.
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.
a pew surrounded by new people, listening to voices that I don’t recognize just yet. But it’s all new. The classes, the professors, the friends, the streets, and just life in itself. It feels like one big reset.
It’s been over a week since I left home but I feel myself adjusting slowly. I’m finding my groove and creating a routine out of a new lifestyle. I’ve learned to pick
up the phone and call the people I miss instead of wondering what they’re doing. FaceTime helps a lot, but nothing can replace hugging my parents or kissing them goodnight. The truth is it won’t be the same. I understand that I won’t be going to the comfort of my home every night exactly as it was and that’s okay. Even though I’m miles away, my promise to
love everyone home won’t ever change. If anything, it only grew stronger. I’m settling into my new normal, and little by little, I’m just watching it begin again.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Interior Painting and Wall Resurfacing Services of Hospital Patient Rooms
The Starr County Memorial Hospital is seeking qualified contractors to submit sealed proposals for interior painting and wall resurfacing services for designated hospital patient rooms. The objective of this project is to ensure that all patient rooms meet the hospital’s standards for cleanliness, maintenance, and appearance, thereby supporting a safe and comfortable environment for patients.
Scope of Work
The scope of work for this project includes, but is not limited to:
• Resurfacing of walls where necessary;
• Complete repainting of hospital patient rooms;
• All preparation work including surface cleaning, patching, priming and protection of surrounding surfaces and furnishings;
• Use of hospital-approved paints suitable for healthcare settings;
• Coordination with hospital staff to minimize disruption to patient care.
Site Visit and Questions
Interested contractors may schedule a site visit or submit questions regarding the project scope by contacting, Assistant Administrator, Eloy Garza, Jr., at (956) 370-6013 or via email at eloy.garza@starrcountyhospital.com no later than September 9, 2025.
Proposal Submissions
All proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly labeled “Proposal –Hospital Patient Room Painting Services” and delivered no later than 3:00 PM on September 12, 2025 to the following address: Mary Ramirez Administrative Secretary Starr County Memorial Hospital 128 N. FM 3167, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Proposal Requirements
Submitted proposals should include the following:
- Contractor’s name and contact information;
- Detailed cost estimate and timeline for project completion;
- Description of materials and paint products to be used;
- Summary of similar projects completed in healthcare or institutional settings, if any;-Proof of insurance.
Selection Process
The proposals will be publicly opened on September 12, 2025 at 4 PM at the Hospital’s Administrative Board Room located at 128 N FM 3167, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582.
Starr County Memorial Hospital reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to award the contract in the best interest of the Hospital. Evaluation criteria may include cost, experience, materials, timeline, and references. The Hospital reserves the right to waive any informalities. Bids may be held by the Hospital for a period not to exceed 30 days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidders’ qualification prior to the contract award.
-Alma R. Peña RGC High School Class of 2025
Grulla Middle School Cheer proudly wore yellow in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness
A huge THANK YOU to the Alto Bonito Elementary amazing 5th Grade Helper Crew!
Kids First
When your child is ill or injured, know that South Texas Health System® is right here – just like we have been for nearly two decades
Children’s
FIRST IN THE REGION TO PUT KIDS FIRST
Since opening our doors in 2006, we have been providing quality pediatric care in a kid-friendly setting that helps put young patients (and their families) at ease. We are especially proud to have been the first in the area with a dedicated pediatric emergency department.
SPECIALTY SERVICES PARENTS TRUST
In addition to providing just-for-kids emergency care and being an Asthma Center of Excellence, we offer a wide range of specialty pediatric services, including everything from gastroenterology to sports medicine to cardiology and beyond.
DESIGNED WITH KIDS IN MIND
Being in the hospital can be stressful for children and their families. We provide a colorful, comfortable atmosphere, with large pediatric playrooms, an outdoor Children’s healing garden and a virtual playroom that lets patients take part in activities from the comfort of their hospital room.
Learn more about our services at southtexashealthsystemchildrens.com
South Texas Health System Children’s, a trusted member of the Valley community, has been providing healing and hope for kids since 2006.
These awesome students are the real MVPs, making sure the baby Roadrunners get to their classrooms safe and sound every day. Alto Bonito Elementary appreciate your kindness, leadership, and big hearts. Keep shining, Roadrunner stars!
Grulla Middle School stand united to honor and support the brave children and families fighting this battle.
Hazel Health Awarded as Mental Health Services Provider for ESC Region 1 Schools
Ensuring All Students have Access to Mental Health Services at Home and School through the Hazel Health & ESC Region 1 Partnership
Hazel Health, the nation’s most trusted provider of schoolcentered telehealth, is proud to announce its approval as an official provider to school districts through the ESC Region 1 RFP 25-0170: Mental Health Services and Resources. This designation enables schools across Texas to rapidly expand barrier-free access to evidence-based teletherapy for all students—at no cost to families.
“Research shows that 1 in 5 students are experiencing mental health challenges, a reality that schools are being asked to
address with limited resources,” said Michele Moore, District Partnerships Director at Hazel Health. “Hazel helps bridge that gap by providing much needed capacity to support students both in school and at home, at no cost to families. It also supports existing staff and ensures families can access care without added burden.”
Why Districts Choose Hazel
● Hazel supports all students at no cost to families
● Hazel does not limit the number of therapy sessions
● Hazel students see attendance gains post-therapy (+11 days per student/year)
● Hazel students experience a reduction in disciplinary incidents (40-50%) post therapy
● Hazel services are delivered by bilingual licensed pediatric clinicians Hazel’s program integrates seamlessly with the school district’s existing student services, offering flexible appointment scheduling, a parent-friendly referral process, and additional care coordination. Sessions are confidential, culturally responsive, and supported in English and Spanish. Access to high-quality, mental health services available from 7:00AM-7:00PM Monday-Friday. Interested school districts can begin the onboarding process today. For more information: contact michelemoore@hazel.co or visit www.hazel.co.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
South Texas College is accepting competitive proposals for the following:
RFP Number Description Date Due Time 25-26-1020 Childcare Services - II October 1, 2025 2:00 pm
Request for Proposals packages may be obtained through our OpenGov Procurement Portal, calling (956) 872-4681, or emailing stcpurchasing@southtexascollege.edu
South Texas College encourages vendors to register on OpenGov and subscribe to our Procurement Portal using the link below. This will provide access to solicitation documents, receive updates, and submit responses electronically. Please note that paper-based submissions are still accepted during this transition period.
The successful respondent will not be determined on the opening date.
Purchases made as a result of this solicitation will be funded through The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Perkins Basic Grant Program.
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.
Governor Abbott, THECB Announce Free College Application Week
Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) today announced Free College Application Week Oct. 13-19, 2025.
“Texas prioritizes opportunities for students to pursue the best education they need to succeed in high demand, good-paying jobs after graduation,” said Governor Abbott. “During free college application week, Texans can apply to their preferred colleges or universities without application fees. By supporting our students today, we are investing in a stronger Texas tomorrow.”
Free College Application Week is a statewide initiative that helps Texas residents apply to public colleges at no cost. Created by Senate Bill 2231 during the 89th Texas Legislative Session, all public colleges and universities in Texas are required to waive admission application fees for Texas residents who apply through ApplyTexas to undergraduate programs.
Alongside My Texas Future, ApplyTexas, and the Direct Admissions program, Free College Application Week
provides one more tool to help students streamline their college search and make achieving their higher education goals more affordable.
“In addition to the cost savings, combined with other tools available to Texans for planning and achieving educational and career goals, free application week removes a barrier so more students can take their first step toward higher education,” said THECB Commissioner Wynn Rosser.
For this first year, Free College Application Week is October 1319, 2025. Every year after that, it will be held the second full week of October (Monday-Sunday).
All Texas residents applying for undergraduate admission at Texas public institutions through ApplyTexas may participate.
This includes first-time college students and transfer students.
For details on residency status, see the Texas Residency Guidelines. My Texas Future, a digital tool that connects Texans with resources and information about postsecondary opportunities, includes personalized interactive features to help prospective
CITY OF LA GRULLA
students identify interests and skills, explore careers and programs, plan for school, and navigate financial aid.
Visitors can create accounts, save preferences, and request to speak to an advisor. My Texas Future also connects prospective students to ApplyTexas and the Direct Admissions program. Users may begin an exploration of professional interests with a career quiz. With information about jobs that might fit their interests, users can compare hundreds of Texas-based careers by local demand, pay, required education, and related skills. They may also compare credential programs by average tuition, location, and salary after graduation.
Direct Admissions provides students with a list of participating Texas institutions where they can qualify for acceptance before they even begin the college application process. Students share their academic information, including class rank, grade point average, and SAT/ACT score, through their My Texas Future profile, and can receive their list as early as the end of their junior year.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
PROFESSIONAL WATER & SEWER OPERATIONS SERVICES
The City of La Grulla, Texas, is requesting sealed proposals from qualified firms/ individuals to provide Management, Operations, and Maintenance of the City’s Water and Sewer Systems.
Facilities include:
- Water Plant No. 1
- Water Plant No. 2
- Alto Bonito Elevated Storage Tank
- La Victoria Standpipe
- River Pump Station
- Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Eight (8) Lift Stations
Staffing Requirements:
- Two (2) licensed operators per shift at the Water Plants/River Pump Station to cover three (3) shifts per day, 24/7/365.
- Two (2) licensed operators at the Wastewater Treatment Plant to cover the day shift, 365 days per year.
Evaluation Criteria (100 points total):
- Experience / Previous Work Performance – 40 points
- Capacity to Perform – 20 points
- Best Value to the City – 20 points
- Previous Experience with the City – 20 points
Additional Categories (scored separately):
- Price – 20 points
- Local Presence (principal place of business or satellite office in Starr County) – 10 points
RFP Documents:
All prospective respondents must obtain a copy of the full Request for Proposals from the City of La Grulla. Copies are available in person at La Grulla City Hall, 194 S. FM 2360, La Grulla, Texas 78548, by email at info@cityofgrulla.com, or by phone at 956-487-3341.
Submission Requirements:
One (1) digital copy must be emailed to info@cityofgrulla.com and two (2) hard copies delivered or mailed to:
City Commission
City of La Grulla
194 S. FM 2360
La Grulla, Texas 78548
Deadline: All proposals must be received no later than September 24, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Late submissions will not be considered.
The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive formalities, and accept the proposal determined to provide the best overall value to the City.
DPS Rolls Out New Driver License Design
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has rolled out a new design on Texas driver license (DL) and identification (ID) cards. Began Aug. 18, all newly issued Texas DLs and IDs will feature a new look, which has increased security features. The previously issued cards, with the current design, are still valid until their expiration date.
“The way driver licenses are made can make a big difference
in terms of public safety,” said DPS Driver License Division Chief Sheri Gipson. “This new card design will make it even more difficult for criminals to produce counterfeit cards, and it enhances ways we can protect Texans’ identities from being stolen.”
Texas’ new DL and ID cards are made of tamper-resistant polycarbonate material that is difficult to reproduce and
compliant with American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) standards. Instead of a gold star, these new cards now feature a black, laser-engraved star in the upper right corner to indicate REAL ID compliance. The new cards also reorganize personal information in a clear and easyto-read format for identification and verification.
What were the September 11 attacks? The September 11 attacks were a series of
Congressman Henry Cuéllar visited the City of La Grulla New City Water Plant
The City of La Grulla was honored to welcome Congressman Henry Cuéllar as he visited to see the progress of their New City Water Plant. He was greeted by Mayor Macario “Callo” Villarreal, Commissioners Sergio Contreras and Oscar Castillo, and City Manager Robert Salinas. Also in attendance were Javier Santiago, Head Plant Operator for the City of La Grulla, along with Woods Davis, President of Ferguson Service Systems, and his Foreman, Bobby Navarro.
It has been three years since Congressman Cuéllar joined City of La Grulla for the groundbreaking ceremony, and he was astonished by the transformation, noting: “Last time I was here there was nothing—and now look at what has been accomplished.”
On behalf of City of La Grulla, we sincerely thank Congressman Cuéllar for visiting La Grulla and for meeting with our city commission to discuss future endeavors that will continue to move our community forward.
Need more information before you buy that home or car? Check its insurance history by getting a CLUE report. What’s the report? It’s the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange or CLUE report. It shows claims filed for homes and cars for the past seven years. Most Insurance companies report information based on filed claims, including: •Date of loss. •Loss type. •Amount paid on claim. How do I get a report? If you’re buying a home or car, you can ask the current owner for the report.
of a home or car
Each year, you can get a free report on property you own by contacting LexisNexis. You also can contact LexisNexis to dispute information in the report or to add an explanation. Have a question about insurance? Visit www.tdi.texas.gov.
PROUDLY SUPPORTING GRULLA GATORS
El Grito en el Kiosko 2025 Celebration turnout was incredible!!
