Category Archives: Featured

Labor Market Steadily Rebounding

unemployment_Aug2021

The Texas Workforce Commission recently released the August Labor Market and Employment reports. The seasonally adjusted national unemployment rate decreased by 0.2 percent to 5.2 percent. Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by 0.3 percent to 5.9 percent. According to Aaron Gonzalez with Workforce Solutions, “The August unemployment rates had significant changes across the region with Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties reflecting decreases of 1.1 percent, 1.9 percent 1.4 percent,…

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VTX1 Brings Broadband To Willacy Housing Residents

VTX1 provides a $1,000 sponsorship check to the Willacy County Housing Authority to help cover costs for a new playground. In attendance were Dr. Adalberto Garza, VTX1 board member; Patrick McDonnell, VTX1 COO; Dolly Villarreal, VTX1 board president; and Jaime Serna, the housing authority's executive director.

VTX1 Companies is extending broadband services to more than 100 units with the Willacy County Housing Authority.  The $100,000-plus investment by VTX1 is a major plus for housing residents who work from home, students who need the services for homework, and senior citizens who need to connect to healthcare providers. Jaime Serna, the executive director of the housing authority, praised VTX1 for its service to the community. “We are excited…

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Brownsville Schools Receive Blue Ribbon Distinction

Brownsville ISD

Two elementary schools in the Brownsville Independent School District now hold the distinction of National Blue Ribbon Schools. Dr. Ruben Gallegos Elementary and Mittie A. Pullam Elementary received the honors from the U.S. Department of Education. Schools receive recognition in one of two performance categories. These are on the basis of all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates: Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing…

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TSTC Ranks Top in Texas For Two-Year Institutions

Texas State Technical College, which has 10 campuses statewide, has been ranked first in Texas and third nationally among two-year institutions by Niche.com. TSTC received high marks in six categories: diversity, location, professors, safety, student life and value. The technical college was lauded for its 100-percent acceptance rate and its average $10,237 yearly tuition. Also receiving recognition is TSTC’s awarding of more than $6,699 in yearly average financial aid. “We’re…

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TSTC Transforms Mechanics Into Technicians

(photo TSTC)

Texas State Technical College Automotive Technology instructor Miguel Zoleta is making sure his program’s students stay plugged in to advancements in the automotive industry. “Right now, we’re seeing that a lot out of industry is electrical vehicles, and electrical vehicles are coming out in every dealership,” he said. “Every company is trying to come out with at least one line of an electrical vehicle.” The bells and whistles that come…

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Local Businessman Donates To TSC Scholarships

  Brownsville native and entrepreneur Steven De La Garza understands, firsthand, the vital role community colleges have in developing the next generation workforce. To ensure students have access to high-quality education that will connect them with careers that are in demand, he is funding scholarships at Texas Southmost College.  His first donation of $30,000 will go toward full student scholarships for workforce training programs. This includes welding, industrial scaffolding, plumbing…

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Texas Game Warden Cadet Class Now Accepting Applications

Game warden (photo Texas Parks & Wildlife)

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is currently accepting applications for their 65th Texas Game Warden Cadet class. As fully commissioned peace officers, game wardens are responsible for the enforcement of Texas laws across the state. This includes water safety, natural resource protection and environmental management. Texas Game Wardens patrol the state’s natural waterways, oversee hunting and fishing regulation, and often support local landowners. More widely known are the skills…

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Edinburg Chamber Accepting Man & Woman of the Year Nominations

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2021 Man & Woman of the Year awards. The winners will be recognized at the chambers Installation and Awards Banquet on Oct. 14. Each year the Edinburg Chamber organizes a committee by a community-driven selection process that appoints a man and a woman as the award winners. The winning individuals must excel in professional and civic commitment within the…

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McAllen Welcomes UTRGV Expanded Cancer Center

UT Health RGV

The University of Texas Health Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine is expanding its healthcare offerings in South Texas with a new Cancer and Surgery Center at its McAllen Academic Medical Campus. McAllen officials are hoping to establish and develop the area around the campus as a medical center for the region. “I am so proud of the efforts being made by UT Health RGV School of Medicine to expand…

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Hidalgo County Holds Jewelry Auction

Hidalgo County jewelry auction

Hidalgo County will hold a Webcast Auction of court awarded jewelry at the Hidalgo County Administration Building Purchasing Department Sept. 16. Buyers must register with AMT Auctions at amtauctions.com. Bidding starts on Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. and ends when the last item sells. Potential buyers may view items in person at the Purchasing Department Sept. 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed noon- 1 p.m.). The building address…

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