Author Archives: VBR

Children have been exploring nature and documenting their experiences with a camera or smart phone this summer in the Rio Grande Valley. The exhibit “Nature through the Eyes of Children,” showcasing one winning image from each contestant, is on display at Quinta Mazatlan throughout August. The Valley Land Fund and Quinta Mazatlan’s RGV Youth Nature Photo Contest offers an opportunity for young people to capture their understanding of the natural…

North McAllen To See High-End Mixed-Use Development

August 24, 2023

VBR

Community e-Brief Features News Real Estate Comments

Domain Development has announced a $120+ million mixed-use development plan at the southwest corner of North 10th Street and Wisconsin in North McAllen. The project promises to offer an urban lifestyle experience akin to San Antonio and Austin, complete with upscale shopping, top-tier dining, a dynamic entertainment scene, and modern living all in one location. The planned development, named The District, will feature a wide variety of retail shops, from…

McAllen ISD Earns District of Distinction Award

August 23, 2023

VBR

Education Featured News Comments

McAllen ISD is one of just 68 school districts in Texas to earn the Texas Art Education Association 2023 District of Distinction Award. This is the fourth straight year McAllen ISD has earned this honor, placing the district in the top 5.5 percent of school districts in the state. “We are excited TAEA has recognized the creativity and hard work of our dedicated teachers and talented students,” McAllen ISD Acting Superintendent…

TSC President Rodríguez Receives CEO Award

August 22, 2023

VBR

Education Featured News Comments

Texas Southmost College President Jesús Roberto Rodríguez was recently announced as the winner of the 2023 Western Regional CEO Award by the Association of Community College Trustees. The national award is only one of five bestowed annually to CEOs by the organization, one for each of its five regions across the United States and Canada. Rodríguez’s recognitions comes from his work in initiating or helping to develop innovative programs as…

Local Schools Receive $4 million In TWC Grants

August 18, 2023

VBR

e-Brief Features Education News Comments

South Texas College and partners in education La Joya and Weslaco Independent School Districts and Vanguard Academies Mozart, Beethoven and Rembrandt are the recipients of a total of $4,718,866. The funds come through nine Jobs and Education for Texans grants from the Texas Workforce Commission. “This is a significant accomplishment that took much coordination and effort with La Joya ISD, Weslaco ISD and Vanguard Academy, these funds will help continue…

STC Introduces AI Curriculum

August 17, 2023

VBR

e-Brief Features Education Featured News Comments

Artificial Intelligence courses are arriving at South Texas College as soon as this fall. For the first time ever, STC’s Bachelor of Applied Technology Degree in Computer and Information Technologies program will be incorporating the basics of AI. CITP has installed a curriculum established by Amazon Web Services called “Machine Learning Foundations” into the program’s CITP 3310 Survey of Programming Languages course this fall. Machine Learning combines Computer Science with…

Avalos Joins DHR Health Heart Institute

August 17, 2023

VBR

e-Brief Features Healthcare News Comments

DHR Health has welcomed Dr. Christian D. Avalos to its team of cardiologists at the DHR Health Heart Institute. In his role as an interventional cardiologist, Avalos will specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of heart and blood vessel conditions using advanced catheter-based techniques and specialized imaging methods. Avalos’s expertise extends to addressing coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, and congenital heart ailments, as well as preventing heart disease and…

City of Pharr Appoints Assistant City Managers

August 16, 2023

VBR

Featured Government News Comments

During last week’s city commission meeting, Dr. David D. Friedlein was appointed as Pharr’s new assistant city manager and Hilda Pedraza was reappointed as assistant city manager by Interim City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores. Both Friedlein and Pedraza have a long history of public service, community relations and will work closely alongside Flores to continue the city’s exceptional growth. “The City of Pharr is continuing to expand our services,…

Texas Hunting, Fishing Licenses on Sale Aug. 15

August 14, 2023

VBR

Featured Government Recreation & Tourism Comments

Current-year Texas hunting and fishing licenses (except the Year-from-Purchase All-Water Fishing Package) expire at the end of August. Licenses for the 2023-24 season go on sale Aug. 15. Texans purchase more than 2.7 million hunting and fishing licenses annually, directly funding a multitude of conservation efforts and recreational opportunities. Some of the many projects made possible by license sales include fish stocking, wildlife management, habitat restoration, public hunting leases, river…

Pharr Police Department Hiring Police Officers

August 12, 2023

VBR

Featured Government News Comments

The Pharr Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of police officer. The deadline to apply is Aug. 18 at noon. As a member of the department, officers have the chance to explore and excel in various specialized units, including the Mental Health Unit, K-9 Unit, Motorcycle Division, Mounted Patrol, Criminal Investigation Division and more. “Pharr PD is dedicated to providing a supportive and dynamic work environment,” Chief…