In their effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, two Brownsville-area hospitals are reaching out to the business community for assistance in obtaining personal protective equipment. Both Valley Baptist Medical Center and Valley Regional Medical Center are low in supplies. The hospitals are looking to purchase or borrow and replace PPE equipment. This includes face shields, gloves, masks and other types of PPE. They are looking for all types of PPE,…
Working to fill a national nursing shortage, the Licensed Vocational Nursing program at Texas Southmost College recently saw its largest graduating class. In addition, it is maintaining a solid 92-percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination. “I am so proud of what our team and students have been able to achieve,” said TSC Vocational Nursing interim program director Molly Showalter. “This type of success gives our program a…
The City of McAllen has recently made free Wi-Fi hot spots available throughout the city. The McAllen Independent School District made available equipment necessary for the connection points to provide the Wi-Fi spots. With public schools across the Rio Grande Valley going virtual through April, many families who do not have internet service in their homes are struggling to find a way to fulfill these assignments. “These are just some…
Starr County began offering drive-through coronavirus testing on Sunday while Cameron and Hidalgo counties saw their number of COVID-19 cases grow over the weekend. The first coronavirus-confirmed patient in Hidalgo County is from McAllen. The second also resides in the county, but health officials did not state in which city the patient lives. Both patients were infected away from the Rio Grande Valley before returning home and showing symptoms. Cameron…
The Rio Grande Valley reported its first travel-related coronavirus case Thursday evening. This comes on the same day Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the temporary closing of schools, restaurant dining areas, gyms and bars statewide. A 21-year-old man from Rancho Viejo tested positive for COVID-19 after traveling to Spain and Ireland from March 5-12. He began feeling the coronavirus symptoms of fever and cough and then went to Valley Baptist Medical…
The International Museum of Art & Science presents its annual fundraiser, the 12th annual Night at the Brew-seum April 4. Brew-seum showcases specialty and craft beers from across Texas. It also brings together more than 25 restaurants and food trucks from the RGV who donate their time, talents and fare. The event takes place at the museum from 7-11 p.m. with VIP guests early access at 6 p.m. Brew-seum will…
The first cohort of students are now making their way through South Texas College’s Dual Credit Cybersecurity Program. The program provides students from partnering area high schools the opportunity to pursue a certificate in the field of cybersecurity. Students participating in the Career and Technical Education pathway are on track to complete their Cybersecurity Specialist Certificate. Completion will come by the end of their senior years in high school.…
McAllen ISD students recently hosted a community candidate forum for those running for the U.S. Senate in the 2020 May primary elections. Those in attendance were Chris Bell, Michael Cooper, Amanda Edwards, Jack Daniel Foster Jr, Victor Hugo Harris and Sema Hernandez. Students Jonah Riojas (McAllen High School), Karolina Vargas (Nikki Rowe High School), and Alexis Alvarado (Memorial High School) were the panelists asking questions to the candidates. Chloe Jerez…
This month, South Texas College celebrates Women’s History Month. It is marking 100 years since women nationwide were able to achieve the right to vote after years of effort. A lecture by Sarah Bell takes place March 9 in the Pecan Campus Library Rainbow Room as part of the celebration. Bell give a talk to commemorate the centennial of the women’s suffrage amendment being adopted nationwide. Bell serves as the…
A group of retired public school employees, along with two current employees nearing retirement, recently met in McAllen to begin working on a legislative agenda for the 2021 Legislative Session. Their agenda will address the critical needs of Teacher Retirement System of Texas retirees. Addressing health care First on the group’s agenda is health care. In 2017, the Texas legislature raised the health-insurance deductible for TRS retirees under the age…