SEPTEMBER 24, 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. 39

487-2596 4350 E. US HWY 83 R.G.C.

Installment Loans 311 E Main St Rio Grande City TX 78582-4448

Phone (956) 487-3925

WEEKLY - WEDNESDAY • SEPTEMBER 24, 2025

9 Roma High School Class of 2026 Seniors received special recognitions by the College Board National Recognition Program The students earned a variety of recognitions including the National Rural & Small Town Award, School Recognition Award, and First Generation Student Award. All the students excelled above thousands of students across the United States. Students are eligible in their 10th and 11th grade years for their exceptional academic performance. To qualify, students must take the PSAT/NMSQT™ (10th, 11th), PSAT™ 10 (10th), and/or AP Exams by the end of 10th grade. They must have earned a cumulative GPA of B+ or higher (at least 3.3 or 87%−89%) by the time of submission.

They must demonstrate further academic achievement by being one of the top 10% of test takers in their high school, among firstgeneration college students in their state, and/or among rural and small-town students in their state; or earn 3 or higher on 2 or more distinct AP Exams in the 9th and/or 10th grade.

The seniors earning the recognitions include Abiel

Barrera - National Rural & Small Town Award and School Recognition Award; Ernesto Canales - National Rural & Small Town Award and School Recognition Award; Miguel De La Garza - National Rural & Small Town Award and School Recognition Award; Isabella Elizondo - National Rural & Small Town Award and School

Recognition Award; Emma Escobar - National Rural & Small Town Award and School Recognition Award; Nailea Garcia - National Rural & Small Town Award, School Recognition Award, and First Generation Student Award; Edgar Garza National Rural & Small Town Award and School Recognition Award; Oscar Gonzalez - National

Rural & Small Town Award and School Recognition Award; and Eliud Leija - National Rural & Small Town Award, School Recognition Award, and First Generation Student Award.

“We are extremely proud of our nine Roma High School Class of 2026 seniors who have earned recognition through the prestigious College Board

National Recognition Program,” said Dr. Jorge Guzman, Roma High School Principal. “Their hard work, dedication, and academic excellence truly reflect the spirit of the Mighty Gladiators. This honor not only celebrates their individual achievements, but also showcases the high standards of learning at Roma High School.”

Starr County youth selected to serve on the Rio Congratulations to the DMR Elementary Battle of the Grande Valley Livestock Show Leadership team Dr. Raymond Cruz Best

Books Team 2025 - 2026

FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dental Insurance, Medicaid and Chip Accepted

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

Congratulations to the Dr. Mario Ramirez Elementary Battle of the Books Team 2025 - 2026, Fernanda Rodriguez, Skylee Lopez, Frida Sofia Villarreal and Alexandriana Solis. DMR Elementary are so Congratulations to all of these Starr County youth who have been selected to serve on the Rio Grande proud of these amazing readers and can’t wait to see them represent Valley Livestock Show Leadership team this year!

Diamondback Nation!

• 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

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, SEPTEMBER 24, 2025, PAGE 2

San Isidro ISD Tiger Spotlight Awards – August

San Isidro Independent School District is proud to recognize their August awardees, individuals who go above and beyond in Tiger Nation! These honorees were celebrated at the Board Meeting for their dedication and achievements. Students of the Month: Elementary – Luke Garcia, Middle School – Valerie Rangel, and High School – Andrea Garcia. The students are being celebrated for their hard work in the classroom, positive attitude, and dedication to leading by example. Each one represents the spirit of perseverance, kindness, and excellence that makes Tiger Nation shine! Employee of the Month: Mr. Juan Ortiz. San Isidro ISD honor Mr. Juan Ortiz for his outstanding commitment, dedication, and positive impact on the campus. His willingness to go the extra mile and support staff makes a difference every day.

Congratulations to each of the August awardees! Your achievements inspire us all and reflect the true meaning of Tiger Pride.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, SEPTEMBER 24, 2025, PAGE 3

Understanding Fatty Liver and Preventing Cirrhosis By: Dr. Sarahi Herrera-Gonzalez, repeated every 1–2 years if normal.

DHR Health Gastroenterologist With abnormal results, non-invasive Fatty liver, or steatotic liver disease, occurs when fat builds up in the liver and can lead to inflammation, fibrosis (scarring), and eventually cirrhosis—a serious, potentially lifethreatening condition. It affects about 1 in 3 people and is now the leading cause of liver transplant, especially in women and adults over 65. Often underdiagnosed, fatty liver disease may show no symptoms, though some people report fatigue or discomfort in the upper right abdomen. It is commonly discovered during routine labs or imaging.

Who Should Be Screened?

Those with risk factors such as obesity, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure should be screened. The FIB-4 index, a simple lab-based risk score, is recommended and should be

imaging or blood tests to check for fibrosis may be necessary. Advanced cases may require referral to a liver specialist or gastroenterologist.

Prevention and Treatment Lifestyle changes—regular exercise, a healthy diet (especially the Mediterranean diet), and 10% weight loss—can reduce fat, inflammation, and early scarring.

Some medications, including new FDAapproved options, may help. Weightloss surgery may be considered in certain cases. It’s also important to completely avoid alcohol, since it accelerates disease progression.

If you’re worried about your liver health, I encourage you to schedule an appointment with me. I’d be happy to answer your questions and help you take steps to protect your liver.

DHR Health Multispecialty Clinic: 101 N. FM 3167, Suite 106 Rio Grande City, TX 78582 For an appointment, call (956) 362-3920

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, October 6, 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) Conditional Use Permit (CUP#2501): A request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a Duplex in a Suburban Residential District (SF). The property is legally described as Lot 1, Block 3, Rau Con Addition No. 2.

The property’s physical address is 202 North Madrigal Street, Roma, TX 78584.

The City Council for the City of Roma will be holding a Public Hearing for the case(s) on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., at the Roma City Council Chambers, located at 201 W. Convent Ave., Roma, Texas.

Sarahi HerreraGonzalez, MD Gastroenterology

La Dra. Sarahi Herrera González es la única gastroenteróloga en el Instituto de Gastroenterología de DHR Health. Se especializa en diagnosticar y tratar enfermedades del sistema digestivo, incluyendo el estómago, los intestinos, el hígado y la vesícula biliar. Con frecuencia, los pacientes acuden a ella por problemas digestivos persistentes como dolor abdominal, cambios en los hábitos intestinales u otros síntomas sin explicación.

Originaria de Chihuahua, México, la Dra. Herrera obtuvo su título de médico en la Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua. Realizó su residencia en Medicina Interna en Jersey City Medical Center–RWJBarnabas en Nueva Jersey, y posteriormente cursó una subespecialidad en gastroenterología en Saint Michael’s Medical Center, también en Nueva Jersey.

En base a su fluides en los idiomas inglés y español, la Dra. Herrera se dedica a atender a adultos de todas las edades y a ayudar a los pacientes del Condado de Starr y del Valle del Río Grande a mejorar su salud digestiva y bienestar en general.

101 N. FM 3167 Suite 106 Rio Grande City, TX 78582 (956) 362-3920

DHR Health proudly meets the federal definition of a “physician-owned hospital” (42 CFR § 489.3). As required by law, a list of the hospital’s physician owners and investors is available at www.dhrhealth.com. DHR, Ltd. and its affiliated entities comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

Para Usted. Por Su Vida.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, SEPTEMBER 24, 2025, PAGE 4

NOTICE OF PROPOSED BANK MERGER

Congratulations to Dr. Mario Ramirez Elementary 2025-2026 DMR Studios!

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.

This amazing team of Diamondbacks are going LIVE with DMR Morning Announcements, keeping the school informed, inspired, and ready to shine!

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS South Texas College is accepting competitive proposals for the following: RFP Number Description Date Due 25-26-1019 Re-Bid District Wide October 02, 2025 Exterior Wayfinding Signage

Time 2:00pm

Request for Proposals packages may be obtained by calling (956) 872-4681 or emailing stcpurchasing@southtexascollege.edu.

A pre-proposal conference will be held on September 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the STC Purchasing Department, 3200 W. Pecan Blvd., Bldg. N, Conference Room 142, McAllen, Texas. All prospective parties are encouraged to attend.

Questions regarding this RFP or requests for additional information should be addressed to Deyadira Leal, Director of Purchasing, 956-872-4686 daleal@southtexascollege.edu, or Gil Cisneros, Construction Buyer 956-872-4671 gacisneros@southtexascollege.edu.

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.

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 paperbased submissions are still accepted during this transition period. https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/southtexascollege 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.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, SEPTEMBER 24, 2025, PAGE 5

ICS held competition on the theme “Meteorologist for a Day” La Union Elementary Vipers celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and El 16 de Septiembre

La Union Elementary Vipers had a blast celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and El 16 de Septiembre!

Immaculate Conception School had the honor and privilege to have RGC Mayor Gilberto Falcon and Students showed off their traditional Mexican clothing and enjoyed a fun party full of culture and pride.

Meteorologist KRGV Channel 5’s Tim Smith join us as judges on a school competition where the Elementary students painted umbrellas and the Middle School students wrote essays on the theme “Meteorologist for a Day.” We are truly grateful for their participation. God is Good.

Your Heart IS IN GOOD HANDS

South Texas Health System® Heart is here to help improve the heart health of our patients and community. For nearly 30 years, we have provided quality, compassionate care as the Valley's only heart facility of its kind and the only facility with a dedicated cardiac emergency department.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES TO KEEP YOU HEART HEALTHY • Cardiology • Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories • Congestive Heart Failure Program • Cardiac Rehabilitation • Electrophysiology Laboratory • CMO Services • Emergency Heart Care • Heart Disease Prevention • Heart Valve Disease • Surgery • Thoracic Surgery • Vascular Services • Weight Loss • Women's Heart Health

Call 956-994-2000 or visit southtexashealthsystemheart.com to learn more about our services.

Physicians are independent practitioners who, with limited exceptions, are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The System shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 252907866-2995629 1/25

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, SEPTEMBER 24, 2025, PAGE 6

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF STARR COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Pursuant to the provisions contained in ARTICLE V, Section Five (5) of the Texas Abandoned Motor Vehicle Act, we are serving notice to the owners and/or lien holders that the below described motor vehicle, has been taken into custody by Rivera’s Towing. Failure of an owner or lien holder to claim vehicle within forty five (45) days after date of this notice and make payment of storage charges resulting from the placing of the vehicle in custody shall constitute a waiver of the right to reclaim vehicle. Please contact Yesenia or Hugo at (956) 352-8200, 3120 US HWY 83 RGC TX 78582.

VSF 0660880VSF IMPOUND DATE: 9-14-2025 VEH INFO: 2021 NISSAN SENTRA SR CVT VIN:3N1AB8AE5MY270086

APARTMENTS FOR RENT 1 bedroom, 1 bath w/ laundry, dinning, and living room appliances included.

2,999.00 FULLWITH FUNERAL SERVICE SILVER $

Sanchez CALL JEFF OR SONATA Sanchez

For info. call

Funeral Home

956-487-8989

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 ”

Time: Place:

8:30am to 11:30am & 1:30pm to 4:00pm Housing Authority of Starr County Main Office 1988 N Charco Blanco Rd Rio Grande City Texas 78582 Ph (956) 487-3216

***************************************’*************** NOTICIA PUBLICA

METAL CASKET

1511 N. WASHINGTON ST. RIO GRANDE CITY

Public Notice is hereby given that the Housing Authority of Starr County will open its waiting list for Section 8 Voucher Program & Low Rent Public Assistance. Applications will be accepted every Thursday of the month only! Beginning October 2nd, 2025.

101 AR Sanchez Sr. Dr. Roma, Tx. 78584

(956) 847-7008

Estamos notificando al publico que Las Casas Viviendas del Condado De Estrella va nuevamente abrir la lista de espera y comenzara aceptar solicitudes para asistencia de viviendas cada Jueves del mes. Empezando el 2 de Octubre 2025.

Horario: 8:30am a 11:30am Y 1:30pm a 4:00pm Lugar: Oficina de Casas Viviendas del Condado De Starr 1988 N Charco Blanco Rd. Rio Grande City Texas 78582 Tele (956)487-3216

Housing Authority of Starr County

MANAGER $PECIAL MANAGER $PECIAL 2021 GMC Sierra

2024 Chevy TRAX LS

1500 4x4 AT4

$

$

22,998

STK#27003A NICE! ONLY 16K MILES!!!

41,995

STK#27309A

2023 Chevy Traverse Premier

2023 Dodge Charger GT

43,995 STK#26849A$

STK#27258A

$

39,995

CALL

2023 Chevy Equinox

STK#26991A

$

21,995

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, SEPTEMBER 24, 2025, PAGE 7

R. & C. Saenz Elementary School Spartans hands-on lab work

The R. & C. Saenz Elementary School Spartans had an exciting day diving into hands-on science lab experiments! From exploring new concepts to testing ideas, these young scientists are building curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a love for discovery. Hands-on lab work brings lessons to life and shows students that learning can be fun, engaging, and full of possibilities. Way to go, Spartans!

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, SEPTEMBER 24, 2025, PAGE 8

SPACE AVAILABLE CALL 487-6544

On behalf of Mayor Gilberto Falcon, the RGC Commission, and City Manager Gilbert Millan along with RGCGISD we proudly declare September 27th as National GEAR UP Week!

You’re in good hands.

Auto • Home • Business • Life Hablamos Español

956-488-0160

103 W. 2nd Street Rio Grande City, Tx 78582

SPACE AVAILABLE 956-345-8159

What is GEAR UP?

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federal initiative that supports our students from middle school through high school graduation.

For Rio Grande City students, GEAR UP means opening doors of opportunity, raising expectations, and ensuring that every student has the tools and confidence to pursue higher education.

Together, we are shaping brighter futures and empowering the next generation of leaders.

SPACE AVAILABLE 956-345-8159