Danny Smith was taking a holiday break in New Mexico when one of his sons called with devastating news on the first day of 2022. “Dad, your shop is on fire,” Smith recalls upon hearing his 125,000-square-foot Matt’s Building Materials store in Pharr was engulfed in flames. Baldo Arriaga, a 20 year-plus employee of Matt’s, got to the store 30 minutes after the blaze was reported to the local fire…
Associate dean for the UTRGV College of Sciences Cristina Villalobos has been elected Fellow of the American Mathematical Society “for contributions to modelling and optimization and for broadening the participation of underrepresented groups in mathematics.” Villalobos, who is also a Myles and Sylvia Aaronson endowed professor in the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, becomes the first UTRGV faculty member to be named an AMS fellow. “It is an honor to have…
Alma Salazar, an English teacher at Faulk Middle School in Brownsville, is one of 15 recipients of a 2022 Humanities Texas Outstanding Teaching Award. Texas State Senator Eddie Lucio Jr. and former Humanities Texas board member Manuel Medrano presented Salazar with her award during the Brownsville ISD board meeting at on Dec. 13. Salazar also received a $5,000 cash award with an additional $1,000 for Faulk Middle School to purchase…
As the holiday season continues, the Pharr Police Department wants to remind the public to take extra precautions behind the wheel. Increased patrols are now in effect through Jan. 1, 2023. Pharr Police officers will be on the lookout for speeding violations, traffic safety laws, seatbelts, drunk drivers and other violations. The Pharr Police Department encourages the public to find safe ways home, including designating a sober driver. According to…
Dec. 17 is National Wreaths Across America Day, a national event to remember, honor and teach about our nation’s veterans with the laying of wreaths at more than 3,400 cemeteries throughout the United States. This year, National Wreaths Across America Day will lay wreaths throughout the Valley. Wreath sponsorships and volunteer opportunities are still available. Participating groups/locations are Old City Cemetery in Brownsville, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery in…
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce is promoting health and wellness this holiday season by collecting soccer balls, basketballs and footballs. All donations will go to the Capable Kid’s Foundation and McAllen Boys & Girls Club. Individuals and businesses can attribute to the goal of 100 soccer balls, 100 basketballs and 50 footballs. The chamber will match all donations up to $1,250 to help accomplish this feat for the holiday season.…
DIX Industries is the Port of Brownsville 2022 Chairman’s Award honoree in recognition of the company’s accomplishments throughout its 75-year history at the port. Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra presented the award to Lee Ostos, president of DIX Industries, on Dec. 8 during the annual Customer Appreciation Luncheon at the Ambassador Event Center. DIX Industries was established in 1947 by Richard Ostos at the Port of Brownsville. The family…
UTRGV has again attracted the attention of Forbes magazine, being recognized for its return on investment in education. Edward Conroy’s article “Which Colleges Are Doing The Most For Students With The Least?” highlights UTRGV’s success in graduating students with low post-graduation debt. The findings used price-to-earning metrics compiled by Washington, D.C.-based think tank Third Way. UTRGV has programs in place both encourage a turnover in graduation rates and low rates…
Quinta Mazatlan ILLUMINA Fest is back for five nights from Dec. 13-17 with more than 3,000 luminarias lighting the forest trails. A half-mile walk through the woods features over 30 light installations highlighting the various winter celebrations including Christmas, Hanukkah, Chinese New Year, Kwanzaa, Diwali and more. The one-way illuminated trail also guides visitors past light shows, art installations, community performers and holiday treats. The Food Courtyard features many local…
Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement is one of Texas Mutual’s 48 grant recipients from across the state to promote workforce development and foster economic growth in Texas. “We are immensely thankful to Texas Mutual for selecting VIDA as one of its grant recipients for workforce development and safety training initiatives.” said VIDA President and CEO Felida Villarreal. “Equitable career training opportunities and human capital investment must be prioritized…