Author Archives: VBR

TWC Grants Enable Local Students To Attend STEM Summer Camps

e-Brief Features Education News Comments
STEM Camp Code grants

South Texas College and Harlingen CISD are two of 12 state-wide recipients to receive Camp Code grants from the Texas Workforce Commission. The grants enable middle-school students to attend various camps this summer for free to get a head start in science, technology, engineering and math careers. STC will provide 72 scholarships with its $44,815 award. Students in the camps will create prototypes of different electronic projects utilizing actual engineering…

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Aaron Watson To Headline Texas Cook’Em

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
Aaron Watson

Texas Cook’Em High Steaks returns June 30 to July 1 and will feature country music star Aaron Watson as its headliner. Watson will perform on June 30. On July 1, Texas Cook’Em High Steaks will feature two cover bands, the Fooz Fighters, a tribute to the Foo Fighters, and No Duh, a tribute to No Doubt. The grounds of Ebony Hills Golf Course serve as the festival’s location, also featuring…

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Federal Red Snapper Season Opens June 1

e-Brief Features News Recreation & Tourism Comments
red snapper

The private recreational angler red snapper season in federal water opens on June 1. Red snapper fishing is open year-round in state waters. Bag and size limits will remain unchanged. The regulations for red snapper are two fish per person daily with a 16-inch minimum size limit in federal waters, and four fish per person daily with a 15-inch minimum in state waters. Red snapper caught in federal waters count…

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UT System Approves UTRGV Computer Science PhD

Education Featured News Comments

The University of Texas System Board of Regents on Thursday approved a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science with Interdisciplinary Applications degree program at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. By design, the program will prepare graduates to become faculty at research-intensive universities or to establish research careers in industry. It will also offer rigorous, fundamental training in computer science and the application of computational methods to other disciplines.…

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Wendy’s Opens In Mercedes

Featured Food & Entertainment News Comments

A new Wendy’s location held its grand opening May 5 in Mercedes with the Mercedes Area Chamber of Commerce and the Development Corporation of Mercedes. The new location is at 8001 E.  Expressway 83 on the northeast corner of Mile 2 E and Expressway 83.  Highlighting the grand opening celebration were music, prizes, and giveaways. The first 100 dine-in customers were awarded free Wendy’s for a year.  “We are thrilled…

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Salvation Army Receives $5K Donation

Featured News Non-Profit Comments
The Security Service Charitable Foundation presents $5,000 to The Salvation Army McAllen Corps of McAllen

The Security Service Charitable Foundation has donated $5,000 to The Salvation Army McAllen Corps of McAllen. This donation will go to supporting two programs that provide food for the community. “Being able to lend our community a helping hand when they need it most is such a great feeling,” said Maggie Pena, business operations administrator for The Salvation Army McAllen Corps. “Without donations like this to help us provide programs…

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Texas State Parks Runs Sweepstakes

Community Featured News Comments
Texas State Parks Sweepstakes

To celebrate 100 years of Texas State Parks, Toyota and Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation have teamed up to offer a giveaway to help Texans get away. One sweepstakes winner will take home a Toyota Tundra prize package that includes everything needed for a Texas outdoor adventure, including a Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, plus extras from YETI, Solo Stove, PAKMULE, Tecovas, SWAROVSKI OPTIK, Turtlebox, PECOS Outdoor and more. “Gulf States…

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Forza Steels Strengthens Operations

e-Brief Features Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments
Forza Steel rendering

The Port of Brownsville continues to gain strength in the steel industry as Forza Steel invests $60 million to build its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at the port. The Mexican company, which specializes in the manufacturing of carbon steel pipe, plans to install equipment in July to begin rolling mill operations. For over 20 years, Forza Steel has serviced the Mexican and U.S. steel markets from their manufacturing facility located in…

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Pharr Waives Permitting Fees Due To Storm

Community News Q & A Comments
Pharr permits

In response to this past weekend’s damaging storm, the Pharr Building and Code Compliance Department is prioritizing permitting and waiving fees for fence and re-roofing (shingle replacement) repairs. Permitting fees will be waived through May 14. This waiver only applies to repairs for damages on fencing and shingles caused by the April 28 storm. “This storm caused severe damage and we are working with our community to support our citizens…

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STC’s Corrections Academy Graduates Guaranteed Jobs

e-Brief Features Education Featured News Comments

The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office will be offering jobs to graduates of the new Corrections Academy at South Texas College. Once students complete the six-week academy and pass the corresponding Texas Commission on Law Enforcement licensing examination, their careers in law enforcement can start immediately. “This is a full-time accelerated program that can help students start a career in law enforcement with a job secured. It’s a short commitment that…

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