Los Fresnos | February 24, 2021

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Volume 17 Number 8

Los Fresnos, Tx 78566

www.losfresnosnews.net

Record winter weather ices the Valley

Falcons Basketball: Young Team in Playoffs

Page 4 Unexpected Weather brings problems across RGV Temperatures in the 20s and percipitation allowed many in Los Fresnos to wake up to icicles on their homes and businesses. Photo: Ashley Ramirez

Page 4 The Love Affair Vehicles left outside were virtually gauranteed to be covered in a quarter inch of ice by morning. If you needed to drive, you probably needed water to defrost and allow the car doors to open. Photo: Christina Garza

Page 5 2500 Turtles Rescued in Laguna Madre

Most percipitation was in the form of freezing rain or sleet. But occasionally some areas saw snow flurries briefly. Photo: Ashley Ramirez

Page 7

LOOK INSIDE Classified................. pg 3 Sports...................... pg 4 Puzzles.................... pg 5 Activity Page........... pg 6

Ice was sure to form on any unprotected plants. Let’s hope the citrus industry is okay. Photo: Bianey Guillen

Area children got to enjoy the pleasures of freezing winter weather for a few days. Hold those memories! Photo: Bianey Guillen

Additional stories and content on our website GET SCHEDULES, SCORES & LIVE BROADCASTS OF LOS FRESNOS GAMES LIVE BROADCASTS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

2 • FEBRUARY 24, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS

Because Your Health Matters

Frigid weather cuases widespread problems in RGV

Community Health Outreach Program The City of Los Fresnos offers a free Community Health Outreach Program within itscommunity. The program offers a variety of free classes/activities, nutrition support,cooking classes and diabetes prevention classes. It also offers free health screenings suchas blood pressure screenings, BMI screenings, A1C testing and followup care to both menand women 18 years of age and older. Screenings are currently not offered.

Class Update: Exercise classes are offered through Facebook post in the City of Los Fresnos CommunityHealth Outreach Program’s Facebook group and with limited space at the Los FresnosMemorial Park. The current exercise class schedule offers Walk 2 Fitness, Cardio Kick Boxing, Zumba, Body Sculpting, Boot Camp and Dance 2 Fitness. All classes are taught byCertified Fitness Instructors.

Stacy Ramos and Bryant Longoria, both employees with the Cricket store in Los Fresnos, talk about the cold spell. Photo: Tony Vindell

By Tony Vindell Although today’s temperatures keep climbing up, the cold spell of last week caused widespread problems all over the Rio Grande Valley.

Los Fresnos however, weathered the arctic front much better than other cities in the Valley as hundreds of homes and businesses were

without electricity for several days in places like Mercedes, Laguna Vista, Bayview, and on South Padre Island.

Though power was on and off here, most shops and restaurants were open - something which did not happen in many other Valley cities.

One of the hottest items consumed by people from here

To register for the City’s Community Health Outreach Program contact Los Fresnos Community Health Worker Christine Martinez at 956-312-1406 or email at cmartinez@citylf.us.

Once enrolled in the program participants are able to participate in all classes/activities atno charge as offered by the City of Los Fresnos. The current schedule offers 15 classes tochoose from each week!

Some found out that freezing temps plus sprinkler equals a winter wonderland. Photo: Martha Ramirez

and elsewhere was gasoline and propane.

Some filling stations were out of gasoline but continued doing business as usual.

Harvey’s LP Gas Co. on Texas Highway 100 couldn’t keep up with the demand of both liquids. Lines of vehicles could be seen waiting for their turn, causing a sort of mayhem on Tuesday afternoon.

Freezing rain caused an accumulation of ice on hard surfaces.

Many residents found their car doors iced shut.

The cold snap forced many businesses to close in cities like Brownsville where entire blocks of populated areas were without electricity for many hours.

Whataburger, McDonald’s, Burger King, and many of

the fast food joints and several H-E-B supermarkets closed last Tuesday as did many other retailers in cities like Brownsville, the Island, and in Port Isabel.

But here in Los Fresnos, very few were impacted by the weather.

Elaido Jaimez, a spokesperson for AEP, said more than 150,000 were without electricity last Tuesday and crews were working around the clock trying to restore power.

Area officials and people familiar with electricity issues were putting part of the blame on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), a company that has been managing the grid since deregulation took effect some years ago.

AEP has plenty of power, a source said, but whenever ERCOT says to shut down the lines they have no choice but to follow orders.

Laguna Vista resident Don Maschburm said he spent more than two days without power.

“I moved here from Sacramento a couple of years ago to get away from this,” he said.

“So much for rolling blackouts”.

But Bryant Logoria and Stacy Ramos said things in Los Fresnos went better than in most Valley cities.

“Your Community Newspaper” 705 W. Highway 100, Suite B-2 Los Fresnos, TX E-MAIL: info@losfresnosnews.net

For more information contact Christine Martinez, Los Fresnos Community Health Worker at 956-3121406 or email at cmartinez@citylf. us or Los Fresnos City Hall at 956-2335768.

We are open Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE: Call 956-264-7720

“No hace nada de frio” Translation:

“It’s not cold at all” Christine Martinez

Community Health Worker 956-407-3348

Contribuido por: Landon Jennings If you have a Mexican saying you’d like to share, please call: 956-797-9920

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Although the Los Fresnos News Staff strives for excellence in all stories and advertising, spelling or typographical errors can occur.

If you find any confirmed factual or other type of error, please call 956-233-9928 during business hours or leave a message.

WEEKLY COLUMNS printed in the Los Fresnos News contain the opinions of the Authors. They may or may not be the opinion of the Newspaper.

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HOW TO SUBSCRIBE: 1 year subscription delivered by U.S. Postal service...$27.95 or can be purchased at several convinent locations through out the cities of Los Fersnos and Brownsville for 50¢. The Los Fresnos News is mailed and delivered Tuesday, February 23, 2021 and published weekly by Los Fresnos Publishing, LLC. Periodical Postage Rates paid at Los Fresnos, TX. Post Office. Advertising deadline is noon Thursday at the office at 203 N. Arroyo, Los Fresnos, TX 78566. (POSTMASTER send address changes to Los Fresnos, P.O. Box 990, Los Fresnos, TX 78566.)

FEBRUARY 24, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 3

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice PUBLIC NOTICE To Whom It May Concern Pursuant to the provisions of Article V of the Texas Abatement Act. V.C.S. 447-9a, Sec. 5.05, We hereby notify you that we took custody of the Following described motor vehicles: DECLARING MOTOR VEHICLES ABANDON VEHICLE: 1999 ACURA INTEGRA WHITE VIN: JH4DB7653XS003141

Public Notice CITY OF LOS FRESNOS PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING ON ZONING CHANGE The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to receive comments from the public on the re-zoning of a property in Los Fresnos. The public hearing will be held on Monday, March 15, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall, 520 E Ocean Blvd., Los Fresnos, Texas.

The registered owner of the lienholder has the right to claim the motor vehicle within ten (10) days from the date of this publication by payment of all towing, notification, preservation and storage charges, and a release for the impounding law enforcement agency. Unclaimed vehicles will be turned over to the Police Department to be declared abandoned, and sold at Public Auction to satisfy the charges against the said vehicle.

By: RAMIRO SANCHEZ ALL VALLEY WIDE TOWING LLC Phone: 956-233-4840

PUBLIC NOTICE GET SCHEDULES, SCORES & LIVE BROADCASTS OF LOS FRESNOS GAMES

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ETHEL L. WHIPPLE

Notice is hereby given that sealed Bids for a 2021 Closed Cabin Vibratory Soil Compactor, a 2021 Compact Track Loader, and a 2021 Front End Loader will be received by the Brownsville Navigation District of Cameron County, Texas. All Bids must be sealed and delivered to the Brownsville Navigation District, Director of Finance, 1000 Foust Road, Brownsville, Texas, on or before February 24, 2021 at 10 a.m. All submittals must be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope: “Bid for (example: a 2021 Closed Cabin Vibratory Soil Compactor”). Bids must comply with the requirements set out in the “Request for Bids” which may be obtained from the office of the Director of Maintenance, Oscar Garcia, ogarcia@portofbrowsville.com and/or the Port of Brownsville website. Bid security will be required as stated in the Specifications. No Bid will be accepted via fax or electronic submission. THE RIGHT IS HEREBY RESERVED by the Board of Commissioners to reject any and all Bids.

MEMORIAL LIBRARY

New Library Hours Monday - Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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4 • FEBRUARY 24, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS

(956) 797-9920 • email: riosportsmagazine@gmail.com

Falcon basketball team in playoffs again Boys High School Basketball District 32-6A Final Standings X-Weslaco 13-1 Y-Los Fresnos 11-3 Y-Harlingen 11-3 Y-Harlingen South 8-6 Hanna 6-8 Rivera 5-9 San Benito 1-12 Donna North 1-13 X-District Champ Y-Playoff Berth The Falcons boys basketball team completed its regular season February 12th at Donna North. Los Fresnos came away with the win. This put their record at 11-3 in district and 22-4 overall.

The team played very well across the regular season. Question marks were left after last years deep run in the playoffs. Four starters graduated last year.

Gerry Martinez started last year as a freshman and continued to improve in his sophomore campaign. He is often the anchor of scoring and can be deadly with very deep three point shots.

Juniors Roger Capetillo and Darius Garcia have stepped in as above average players. This forms a nice core of solid play and rebounding.

Coach Marco Hinojosa was able to also bring in another freshman to follow in Martinez footsteps, JJ Salazar. Salazar has put up 11.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg, and 1.8 spg. Stellar numbers for any player, but awesome for a freshman playing varsity.

The future looks bright with such young talent playing well. But what about this season.

Early on, it looked like the Falcons were going to run away with District 32-6A. That says a lot,

becuase District 32 boast some excellent teams with great coaches and history of great play.

Weslaco got a late start in district play because of Covid 19 protocols. But when they got started boy did they roll. The Panthers’ only district los came at the hands of Los Fresnos by a score of 70-67.

Late in the season the Falcons falter to Weslaco in overtime, and also in close games to Harlingen and Harlingen South. All three losses were by a total of 11 points. Really this tells us that all four teams are very good. Something we expected before the season began.

The Falcons first playoff game is Friday Feb 19 versus PSJA North. This game has already been played as you are reading this, but not at the time of writing.

Los Fresnos are the favorites. These teams played in preseason with the Falcons winning decidely by a score of 72-47.

If the Falcons win, their next opponent will be either O’connor or Laredo Nixon.

Lady Falcons season end versus Edinburg Bobcats

Special to LFN The 2020-21 basketball season was a struggle for all teams. School was different. Home was different. School was at home sometimes.

Practice was different. And

gameday was different.

One thing was NOT different. The heart, soul and spirit of the athletes on the court. Through all the trials and all the changes these girls came together as a team and put the work in.

Unfortunately Covid rules prevented many fans from seeing the results.

After a strong regular season, the Lady Falcons playoff campaign ended after one game. Their Edinburg Bobcat opponents

turned in a dominating performance on both sides of the floor. The Falcons fought hard but it was not enough. Final score 54-27.

Great job ladies. Your season was over too soon.

Tues-Sat • 7am-1pm CURBSIDE ONLY 32184 State Hwy 100 • Los Fresnos

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FEBRUARY 24, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 5

The Next Chapter

The Love Affair Pt. VI

By Nandy Ekle

Being with Jose, she was able to forget Bryan’s neglect, the splatters of beer on the floor around him, and the cookie and chip crumbs thick as piles of sand.

She could forget the glob of mustard that had landed on her new dress.

She could forget the fact that the real competition was not between the jerseys chasing the ball on the television, but between those jerseys and her. And she could forget the fact that the jerseys would always win.

So she relied on Jose to bring the romance and adventure to her boring existence. She might be a shadow behind Bryan’s games, but to Jose, she was life.

“THAT’S IT! THAT’S MY BOYS! SUPER BOWL CHAMPS! AGAIN!” Bryan yelled.

“The End,” Jose whispered sadly.

Christine sighed. As she rubbed her hand across Jose’s face one last time, she closed his jacket and set him on the coffee table.

“You know I’m always just an arm’s length

away,” she heard him whisper as she gave one last caress to the front of his face.

“Oh, Babe! What a great game! Did you see that last play? Did you see it?”

She blinked her eyes to clear thoughts of Jose Amante from her head, then she looked at her husband. Overweight, greasy and powdery with potato chip leavings, a scruffy beard on his face. She wondered why he couldn’t be more like the heroes in her books—so genteel, so handsome, only desiring to please their lady loves. Completely the opposite of this mighty cave bear.

She looked away nearly in tears.

Bryan sat on the couch and placed his hand on her bare foot. It felt warm and comforting to her. “So, how was the book?” He asked.

She sighed and smiled.

“Good, as always. Tell me about your game.”

He opened the wine, filled the two glasses, and handed one to her.

“Oh, good, as always.

Hey, nice dress.”

Christine wasn’t sure she heard him correctly.

“What?”

“I like that dress.” He looked at her for a moment and she wondered what he was thinking.

“How long has it been since I told you I love you?” As she took the glass, he reached out a hand and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

The goose bumps were back.

He brought his glass up, indicating for her to do the same.

“I guess we’re going to toast the champion?” she asked.

“You bet.” She took a deep breath and closed her eyelids so he wouldn’t see her eye roll. “To Christine, the champion of my life.

Thanks, Babe, for being so patient.” They clinked glasses.

“Hey, do you still have

that little cheerleader outfit you used to wear during the games?”

“Oh, Bryan. That wouldn’t even fit my big toe anymore.”

“Show me.”

He stood, bent down

LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS

31. Curved like a foot 34. Mother Earth to Ancient Greeks 35. Truck amounts 37. “____ the land of the free...”

38. Hitler’s Third 39. Capri, e.g.

40. Walked 42. Grande, e.g.

43. Remove scales 45. Accustomed, two words 47. Like arctic air 48. More capable 50. Tibetan priest 52. *Part of a whole number 55. Grinding tooth 56. Stare amorously 57. Hoofbeat sound 59. Garlic mayo

The End.

A new story starts next week. The Next Chapter is a column featuring a serialized continuing short story from a local author.

You can submit your own original story for publication at news@laferianews.net.

Want your story in the paper?

jminson.lfn@gmail.com

LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU ANSWERS

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: MATH 101 ACROSS 1. À la mode 5. Westminster broadcaster 8. Lamb’s momma 11. Depression drifter 12. Alternative to truth 13. Like a Druid, e.g.

15. Verify 16. Flair 17. Avoid paying taxes 18. *Same as power in math 20. Surrender territory 21. Mini, midi or maxi 22. Longnosed fish 23. *Round #23 Down 26. Adverb derived from zone 30. Miner’s bounty

and hefted her off the couch. She giggled as they headed up the stairs.

60. Kick out 61. Gossamer 62. *Pi’s second digit 63. High ____ 64. “Brave New World” drug

DOWN 1. Half a particular dance 2. Past tense of heave 3. Type of mountain goat 4. Body six feet under 5. Harvest helper 6. Small goose 7. Abe’s coin 8. Exclamation of surprise, archaic 9. Do like fly fisherman 10. Between northeast and east 12. One who denies 13. Popular pie nut 14. *Sum divided by count 19. Southern cuisine pods 22. Apollo to ancient Greeks 23. *Three-dimensional object 24. Not poetry 25. Mends 26. *Whole number between -1 and 1 27. Scottish landowner 28. In accordance with law 29. Search engine pioneer 32. Pigeon’s home 33. H in British HMS 36. *Kind of point 38. Set to zero 40. Cunning 41. Pleasing to the ear 44. Ticks and mites, taxonomically speaking 46. Short for Fredericas 48. Lock horns 49. Popular craft wood 50. Under a fig leaf?

51. Gel producing plant 52. *0.3048 meters 53. Pasta with ____ and alio 54. “Cheers” regular 55. Cultural Revolution leader 58. Money in Myanmar

6 • FEBRUARY 24, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS

Top Tips for College Entrance Exam (StatePoint) College entrance exams remain important, even in these unusual times. Fortunately, there are many ways you can help ensure you’re ready for test day. Here are a few tips to consider: • Know the test format: Be sure you understand the basic format of the test and the types of questions that will be included so you don’t waste precious time on test day managing surprises. By using an up-to-date study guide, you won’t encounter any curve balls.

• Get comfortable with your calculator: During your preparations and practice tests, be sure to use the same calculator you’ll be bringing with you on test day. Getting familiarized with the tool’s full functionality will help you be speedy and accurate when it matters most.

When the clock is ticking, it’s best to be holding a calculator with an easyto-use interface, intuitive icon-based menu and natural textbook display, such as the scientific and graphic calculators available from Casio.

To ace the science and math portions of the test, your pre-test preparations can also include checking out the webinars and resources available on the Casio education site: casioeducation.com.

• Find study buddies: You don’t need to feel alone during test preparations.

Remember, your friends are going through the same thing as you. Consider getting some pals together for a series of remote study sessions. Your group can work together to address lingering questions and concerns, share test-taking strategies and more. ► CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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Calculators: good or bad for math students

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Wachiwit / iStock via Getty Images Plus (StatePoint) If you remember your teachers and parents telling you not to rely too heavily on calculators, you may be inclined to pass on the same mindset to your own children.

Here are some of the pros and cons to using calculators to master STEM subjects: • Adaptation to a Changing World: Tech tools are ever evolving, featuring expanded capabilities with each new update or model.

Being able to successfully

navigate these tools and platforms over time is critical, and calculators are no exception. In fact, in many math and science classrooms, calculators play a central role in lesson plans and are even allowed to be used during tests. Being able to comfortably use a calculator will give your child a leg up academically.

What’s more, kids today are digital natives. Giving them a resource that feels familiar to them may help draw them closer to math.

• Speed and accuracy:

There is no doubt that actually understanding how calculations are arrived at is fundamental, and this means some initial learning will need to take place calculator-free. This is especially true when a student is first grasping basic arithmetic. However, once a student has attained a certain skill or understands the reasons why a particular equation is needed for a given problem, there is no need to deny them a tool they would have access to “in the real world.” Having a calculator on-hand

can help them apply their knowledge, contributing to a broader understanding of math and enabling them to quickly check their work.

• Expense and value: Calculators range widely in price, and you may balk at the price tag on some of today’s models. However, there are many highquality options that can be obtained affordably. For the best value, consider a calculator that grows with your student, supporting learning over a number of years and grade levels.

For example, the graphing calculators from Casio, have all the mathematical functions a student would need starting in grade school up through college.

What’s more, the brand has created an online calculator tool, ClassPad. net, which features the same wide range of functions and can be used for free on any device.

Whether your student is working on the basics of addition and subtraction or is tackling integrals and derivatives, a calculator can be a trusty tool that supports their learning and success.

FEBRUARY 24, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 7

Ask Our Dentists

Q:My dad has some lesions in his mouth that I think his ill-fitting dentures created. He says they’ve been there for years; should I be worried? My sister is worried about oral cancer. We know nothing about “oral” cancer. What are the facts that we should all know and who should we take him to see?

by DR. ADAM LALONDE

You should immediately take him to his general doctor SOON. Early detection is key here. Sadly, every hour of every day, someone in North America dies of oral cancer, and this rate is not improving. In fact, oral

Dr. Adam Lalonde

cancer is on the rise, especially

among men. It’s imperative that you know the signs: • Red or white patches in mouth • Sores or lumps • Trouble swallowing or throat irritation • Thickening of the mouth, lip, or throat area Any abnormalities that don’t heal within 2 weeks should be checked in a timely manner. The 5-year survival rate for oral cancer is only 50%, but this improves to 80% if detected early. We can help with early detection as we screen for cancer at every check-up in our office utilizing the Oral ID system, at no charge to our patients. For more information, call our office or visit us at www. losfresnosdental.com.

Improve the fit of your mask (StatePoint) As more Americans get vaccinated against COVID-19, you may find yourself out and about more. Whether you’re returning to the workplace or just getting a haircut, mask requirements may be in place in certain venues you frequent.

New Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations highlight the importance of snugly fitting masks. The good news is that innovations are helping people secure the fit of their masks, and, at the same time, solve some of the most common complaints they have when wearing them.

“As we began to wear masks in 2020, we found ourselves frustrated by things like fogging glasses and slipping masks.

Our team has extensive experience solving health-related challenges and thought there had to be a way to address this,” says Dave Franchino, co-founder at MaskTite, a company that makes a medicalgrade, double-sided tape designed to adhere to the inside of a mask for a more secure fit.

Franchino, with his background in medical product design, set to work with his team to design a way to give people of all face sizes and shapes a fast and easy way to make every mask fit better.

Made of skin-safe, medical-grade, adhesive tape, MaskTite strips eliminate common mask problems like gaps, fogging glasses and slipping, and are sized for adults and children.

Here Franchino

956-233-4400

www.losfresnosdental.com

Improving the fit of your mask will make you more comfortable and safer.

explains how to solve some of most common mask woes, some of which you’ve likely experienced: • Loose fit and slipping masks: Readjusting your mask when it starts to slip is not always possible, whether it’s because you have your hands full of groceries or work tools or you simply want to avoid touching your face. Keeping the mask affixed to your face with tape can eliminate slipping when it matters most, and achieve a tighter fit, supporting the latest CDC recommendations.

• Foggy glasses: The warm air of your breath escaping from the top of your mask can quickly make glasses foggy, causing a new hazard -- an inability to see.

While it can be tough to find a mask that fits securely enough to eliminate fog, applying a solution like MaskTite to the inside of your mask means you can get a proper fit and better visibility, no matter what mask you’re using.

• Irritating straps: A tight-fitting mask is great in many respects, but the straps can put a

strain on the backs of one’s ears. Plus, there are times when mask straps can simply be in the way, such as when you’re getting a haircut.

Securing your mask to your face with tape means you can go strapfree.

Waterproof and hypoallergenic, MaskTite strips can improve mask fit in a variety of environments, including healthcare, schools, retail and restaurant settings, salons, offices, manufacturing and more. Packaged in a resealable, plastic pouch that’s easy to throw into a pocket, purse, backpack or briefcase, they are currently available for sale through Amazon.

MaskTite is made in the U.S. from U.S. materials. Learn more at MaskTite.com.

“From fogging glasses to slipping, nearly every issue that stems from wearing a mask is related to the mask’s fit. For those spending a lot of time in a mask, at school, work or elsewhere, a good maskwearing experience can make all the difference,” says Franchino.

Rick W. Bassett, M.D. To all our patients and people who need care for their knee and hip pain.

We are still here to serve you! Using special precautions and ultra clean rooms, we have seen more than five hundred patients at our clinic in the past four months. With laminar air operating rooms and minimally invasive surgery, ninety percent of our patients have gone home in 12 hours, walking after a knee replacement or hip replacement. Same day surgery (outpatient) Those patients who need to stay in the hospital have a private room.

Not one person has had an infection.

Thank you, Rick W. Bassett, M.D

(956) 421-2663

1601 Treasure Hills Blvd. | Harlingen, Texas 78550

8 • FEBRUARY 24, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS

Thousands of cold stunned sea turtles rescued

Photo: Tony Vindell

New anntena at city hall

by Tony Vindell The antenna on top of Los Fresnos City Hall is not there for watching one’s favorite channels on a television set.

It’s actually there to get the local weather – something which many cities do on a daily basis.

But thanks to Councilman Tom Jones that has changed as anyone can now find the latest weather conditions and more so after this latest encounter with just above and below the freezing mark of 32 degrees.

Jones made a recommendation during a meeting last year after noticing that Los Fresnos was hardly men-

tioned by TV and radio forecasters even though this city of some 7,000 residents continues to grow by leaps and bounds.

Also, tens of thousands of vehicles pass through the city daily on their way to South Padre Island or toward the Port of Brownsville.

The port is home to some of the Valley’s largest employers like Amfels, for instance.

During his biweekly reports, City Manager Mark Milum has been giving updates about the weather station and other projects as well such as the city’s Nature Park, the Hike and Bike Trail and the Henderson Road

crossings.

“The weather station is up and running,” he said at the last city council meeting held Tuesday, Feb. 9.

Anyone interested in finding about the current weather conditions in Los Fresnos can now do so by downloading an application that is free of charge but registration is required.

After logging in, they can go to Davis Weather Link. Once there, click on Los Fresnos City Hall and voila!

Weather conditions such as temperatures, rainfall, wind directions and so on are given on a daily basis for Los Fresnos.

By Tony Vindell The cold spell that descended onto the Rio Grande Valley earlier this month has been taking its toll on the region’s flora and fauna.

Scores of ornamental plants and trees have caved in to the below freezing temperatures and birds and sea turtles have died either by accident or by the act of nature.

Dead pelicans can be seen on Texas Highway 48, particularly over the Jaime Zapata Bridge, making it the second kill of these brown pelicans in the last two years.

Other victims of

the brutal cold are numerous Atlantic sea turtles.

More than 2,500 turtles have been rescued from the Laguna Madre area, Arroyo City and from Boca Chica Beach.

More are added daily as cold weather continues.

While that is a lot, many more are feared dead.

Dozens of volunteers have been combing the waters and the beaches in search of these stranded turtles.

Once found, the turtles are transported to South Padre Island’s Turtle Center and at the Convention Centre.

Teams of volunteers could be seen working so the turtles can recover.

An employee with the center said it would take several days before the turtles internal system stabilizes.

“These are cold blooded reptiles,” Sanjuana Zapata said.

“When their bodies get cold, their temperature drops and they go into shock. It’s a mess here but we are confident many of them will survive.”

Sea Turtle Inc. and volunteers mounted this rescue while SPI did not have any electrical power.

Volunteers help find room for the hundreds of rescued sea turtles at the Island’s Convention Center. Photo: Tony Vindell

College exam tips Continued from page 6 You may also want to consider signing up for a virtual test prep courses or getting paired with a remote tutor.

• Read as much as possible: While memorizing vocabulary lists is one strategy for pulling out all the

stops on the humanities portions of the test, the best way to adopt good grammar, boost reading comprehension and hone writing skills is to be an avid reader. This is especially effective if you select a range of reading materials, including fiction,

biographies, journalism and more.

While a lot has changed about education this past year, much about college entrance exams has stayed the same, and you can still get a leg up by ensuring you’re wellequipped and ready to succeed on test day.

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