The McAllen Public Library is now allowing borrowers 17 years and older to take home video game titles for PS4, PS5, X-Box One, X-Box Series X and Nintendo Switch. The new circulating games carry ratings of E–For Everyone and T–For Teens. Video game borrowers must reside in the City of McAllen and be 17 years or older. They must also have an MPL card and provide verification of a current…
The Edinburg Chamber Ambassadors will host “Chamber Raids” throughout the month at local restaurants, encouraging the community to support each business. According to a release from the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, “Chamber Raids are flash mobs, but instead of dancing and singing our community rallies together to make purchases at the participating locations.” “To ensure all our business members are being supported during these difficult times we have decided to…
McAllen has once again been recognized as one of the top safest cities in America for its low crime rate, this time by MoneyGeek. The ranking compares the direct economic costs of crime to individual victims, perpetrators, communities and society at large. MoneyGeek analyzed crime statistics and research findings based on victim; criminal justice systems; crime career; and intangible costs to estimate the cost of crimes in over 300 cities…
Each month, VBR shines a spotlight on a current participant or a graduate of Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement. VIDA’s mission is to simultaneously address the need for skilled works in the Valley while preparing unemployed and underemployed residents for high-skill, high-wage jobs. This month, the spotlight is on Maria Delgado. The story is written in her words just prior to her graduation in December 2020, which will provide…
Mario Lizcano and Linda Tovar are the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce’s Man & Woman of the Year, respectively. The two receive the honors due to their positive impact on the Edinburg community. According to the chamber, both “demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to civic engagement to benefit our community.” Mario Lizcano currently serves as DHR Health’s administrator of Corporate Affairs. He also serves as Edinburg Census Committee chairman, promoting efforts…
Roy Mitte grew up in Brownsville with a favorite spot by one of the city’s many resacas. Ringgold Park lay nestled next to one of Brownsville’s oxbow lakes. In the 1930s and 40s, a young Roy loved being at the park, forming memories of his hometown that would never leave him. He would grow up and go on to success and wealth in the insurance industry. He and his wife,…
Medical residency programs always bring and require what Dr. Timothy Heath calls an “intensity of experience” as young physicians make their way through real-life training. Add the rigors and challenges of dealing with the recent pandemic and coping with situations not seen in a century. The reality of it all is testing 14 physician residents under Heath’s supervision in ways no one imagined. “I’ve spoken to colleagues and I can…
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is encouraging Texans to “start the new year in nature” with a First Day Hike at a Texas state park. Citizens can walk, bike or paddle their way into 2021 on a First Day Hike at 89 Texas state parks. First Day Hikes at Texas’ state parks aim to help visitors commit to their New Year’s resolutions to get healthy. Last year, 5,242 visitors…
Texas Southmost College recently delivered toys to the children of Rosa E. Del Castillo Elementary School in Brownsville to help make Christmas a little brighter. Every year, TSC selects a different elementary school that will benefit from the Angel Tree Toy Drive hosted by TSC Student Life. The drive garners hundreds of donations from TSC students, faculty and staff over the course of several weeks. This year, TSC was able…
UTRGV will invest $1.5 million to double the amount of merit-based scholarships available in Fall 2021. The additional funding comes in effort to retain top high school students from the region. The UTRGV Scholars Program currently awards 200 merit-based scholarships. Starting next fall, the program will double to have 400 merit-based scholarships available. Overall, over the course of the four-year scholarship program, UTRGV will invest a total of $8 million dollars.…