The Rio Grande Valley communities between McAllen and Brownsville for much of their history lacked a local higher education option to college campuses a long commuter drive away. Donna, Mercedes, Weslaco and surrounding Mid-Valley communities with their high school graduates may have seen a college education, or technical training, as being out of reach. In the late 1990s, the gap began to be addressed with the launch of the Mid-Valley…
The U.S. Small Business Administration is currently celebrating National Veterans Small Business Week through Nov. 4. The week includes a series of virtual and in-person events highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience of veteran small business owners. The celebration also comes on the heels of SBA announcing additional funding opportunities for community-based organizations to create targeted, impactful programming and expand access to SBA resources to support veteran entrepreneurs. “Each year we celebrate…
Brownsville’s extensive network of hike-and-bike trails has a new addition with the opening of the West Rail Trail. The nearly 7-mile-long trail was officially opened on Oct. 14 at Oliveira Park during a ceremony with remarks from Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr. and Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez. The $8-million trail project runs from Palm Boulevard in the heart of the city and on northward past Alton Gloor Boulevard. It…
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its inaugural RGV Chamber of Commerce Alliance Breakfast on Oct. 17. The private event hosted over 12 local chambers from throughout the Rio Grande Valley at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance. Texas Governor Greg Abbott proclaimed Oct. 17-21 as Texas Chamber of Commerce Week. The Edinburg Chamber led the efforts regionally by bringing together area chambers by recognizing their efforts in advancing…
South Texas College was recently honored with a 2022 Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Gold Award by the Texas Veterans Commission’s Veterans Education Program. STC is the only college in the Rio Grande Valley to receive this highest distinction. According to a press release from Governor Greg Abbott’s office, the award recognizes universities and colleges for providing excellence in education and related services that significantly contribute to the academic success of…
McAllen Public Library will welcome the community to its free, in-person ninth annual South Texas Book Festival Oct. 27-31 at the library on 4001 North 23rd Street. The festival features a diverse group of national, regional and local authors participating in readings and panel discussions. Also on the schedule are crafts, food trucks and other activities. This year, the festival will include a special night just for the over 18…
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and the City of Edinburg are now accepting community entries for its Edinburg Night of Lights Parade. Individuals, schools, businesses and organizations may participate in the festivities with this year’s theme “A Storybook Christmas.” The parade of brightly decorated floats and a visit from Santa Claus rolls on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. The parade route will be along North Closner Boulevard beginning at the…
Working at home as a full-time wife and mother has been recognized as an honorable and rewarding job, as well as one of the most difficult. And, unfortunately, it does not come with a paycheck. Vanessa Cantu of Brownsville watched her husband, Norberto, go to work each day as a driver for a car dealership as she cared for their three sons. Despite his commitment to his job, they struggled…
South Texas College continues to expand its reach across the border with its fourth Dual Credit Programs partnership that will make a college education more affordable and accessible to high school students in Reynosa. The Non-Resident Memorandum of Understanding notes that the objective is to guide juniors and seniors at Integrity School toward general education, or core completion, while in high school. The partnership will help them gain a foundation…
The McAllen Convention Center hosts a Critical Incident and “Stop the Bleed” Training on Oct. 14, geared towards festival and event organizers, and venue operators. The event features Mark Herrera, director of Education for the International Association of Venue Managers. As part of his duties, Mark teaches Situational Awareness-Mindset training aimed at giving venues the tools to be safer and more secure. “Given recent incidences at events around the world, this…