Brownsville needed to send out a different kind of message that fit with the times of a city that sees itself as the state’s new space city. City leaders wanted to accelerate the process of getting business prospects through the grind of meeting building codes and ordinances. Every city has those measures in place, but it doesn’t mean they have to be overly cumbersome in the process of getting a…
The City of McAllen has long prided itself on having superior infrastructure with well laid out streets and drainage that usually avoids the kind of flooding other Rio Grande Valley cities see. These qualities were the pride and joy of Mayor Othal Brand, who during his 20-year tenure would drive around the city checking for potholes. Beautification has been another source of pride. Keep McAllen Beautiful is a non-profit organization…
McAllen city officials recently announced the return of the McAllen Holiday Parade for Dec. 4. Stepping off the parade at 6 p.m. at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium is the U.S. Air Force Parade Element Honor Guard and Drill Team. “A lead step-off sets the tone of the parade and creates excitement for the rest of the floats and bands as they march down the parade route,ˮ said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. …
Jennifer Han, a fourth-grade teacher at McAllen ISD’s Seguin Elementary, is now a finalist for the Texas Teacher of the Year Award after being named the Regional Elementary Teacher of the Year. She is one of only six finalists for the statewide award and the only one from the Rio Grande Valley. Han has been teaching for 13 years and is also a robotics team coach. She is a 2003 graduate…
A year ago, Delyssa Gonzalez was working as a home health provider in Brownsville. At the time, employment opportunities looked to be limited. Where Gonzalez is at the present time – training to be an electrician – is unimaginable compared to where she was. It’s a story she told in brief form in front of a crowd recently at the administrative offices of the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement.…
Texas Southmost College is the recent recipient of a Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior Becas program grant from the Consulate of Mexico in Brownsville. The Mexican government program provides help to organizations and institutions of higher education that promote and focus on areas such as literacy, English as a second language, adult education, computer skills and job training. “The Hispanic community is a large community and sometimes they…
Rosalinda Castillo had her sights on her goal of becoming a registered nurse but she also saw the hurdles she would have to face to get there. “There are many people with bright minds out there who do not have the financial means to study a career they wish to fulfill,” Castillo said. She understood full-time students best meet the demands of the nursing program at South Texas College, but…
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and City of Brownsville will soon be hosting youth clinics and athletic events, all of which are presented by Chick-fil-A Boca Chica. The women’s soccer team will host a free youth clinic on Aug. 13 from 4:30-6:15 p.m. followed by an intrasquad match at 7 p.m. at Brownsville Sports Park. The clinic is open to girls ages 10-18 who are…
The Leadership Edinburg Class XXXII recently celebrated its graduation at the historical Southern Pacific Depot. This past year, LE hosted its courses virtually. “This class was definitely different from our traditional LE courses.” said Ronnie Larralde, executive director of the Edinburg Chamber. “This just shows how committed our LE Class is to making a difference in our community. They maintained their goals and completed their project despite the distractions of…
Hidalgo County will hold a webcast auction of general merchandise at two area locations Aug. 10. The webcast auction consists of general merchandise, such as computers, office furniture and bicycles. Items are available to view in person at Palmer Pavilion (301 E. Hackberry, McAllen) and Robert’s Warehouse (317 North Closner, Edinburg). Viewing hours at both locations on Aug. 9 are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a closure from noon…