Category Archives: Featured

McA2 Virtual Art Walk Seeks Local Artists

On Aug. 7, McA2, a virtual art walk series, takes place and artists Angelika Eleni Ruiz Gualberto and Victoria Lopez are seeking artists who would like to participate. The collaboration of the two artists came from the need to express art in the community. Gualberto and Lopez have already successfully hosted two events. Assisting them with technical support are Joe Martinez of KCYP and Stephen Samuel Lopez. The June 5…

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City of McAllen Urges Businesses to Stay Open

In a July 21 release, the City of McAllen encourages business owners to review and abide by Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s orders regarding businesses in Texas. “Those orders do not require businesses to close nor are businesses or their customers required to adhere to particular hours, other than those contained in Governor Abbott’s orders,” reads the statement. The statement comes following Order 20-011 effective today, from Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez.…

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THC Extends Preservation Awards Deadline

(photo Patrick Hughey, THC)

Nominations for the 2020 Texas Historical Commission’s Preservation Awards have been extended through July 31. The THC offers these annual awards to recognize the most accomplished and prestigious historic preservation leaders and projects in Texas. The THC is accepting nominations for the following awards: Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation John L. Nau III Award of Excellence in Museums Ruth Lester Lifetime Achievement Award John Ben Shepperd County Historical Commission Leadership…

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SBA Programs – Scams and Fraud Alerts

scams

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) includes provisions to help small businesses. Fraudsters have already begun targeting small business owners during these economically difficult times.  Be on the lookout for grant fraud, loan fraud and phishing. Scams and Fraud Schemes Grants SBA does not initiate contact on either 7a or Disaster loans or grants. If you are proactively contacted by someone claiming to be from the…

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RGV Cities Run High For Healthy Actions

Three Rio Grande Valley communities rank at the top of Texas cities of their size in a statewide competition that focuses on healthy actions like doing a workout, eating notorious food and drinking ample amounts of water.  McAllen, Harlingen and Los Fresnos each finished first among all cities of their population ranges in the 2020 It’s Time Texas Community Challenge. The competition recorded an eight week-period of time this year…

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McAllen Small Business Grant

grant money

The City of McAllen and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce are currently on the second round of funding in its $1.5 million COVID-19 Small Business Grant program. McAllen small businesses have until July 31 to submit their applications. Small businesses with revenues less than $2 million may receive grants for up to $5,000 each. The program helps fund businesses or programs that creatively address a need to create, enhance, restore…

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Pharr Selects Andy Harvey as Chief of Police

Andrew "Andy" Harvey Jr.

Andrew “Andy” Harvey Jr. is the City of Pharr’s new chief of police. Harvey was appointed by interim City Manager Ed Wylie and then confirmed by the Pharr City Commission. He was sworn into office at a Pharr City Commission meeting by Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez. “Having the opportunity to return to the Valley in a fast-growing, dynamic city and region is incredible,” said Harvey.  “I look forward…

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McAllen Passport Facility Opens

passport

The City of McAllen Passport Division Facility is once again accepting U.S. Passport applications in person.  Walk-ins are on a first-come first-serve basis, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The division is also open every second and fourth Saturday of the month. The next Saturday the facility is open is July 25. Those preferring an appointment may schedule one by calling 956-681-1450. City of McAllen Passport Acceptance Facility is…

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You Have the Power

what's next

The word on the street is, “Why are we as businesses expected to monitor our customers? If customers lower their masks, we can be fined. How is that right?” Here at VBR, we agree the burden of customers’ facial covering practices should not be on business owners and their employees. Even with the new state orders by Governor Abbott requiring individuals to mask up in public, local county judges continue…

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Removing Roadblocks Among Stepping Stones

Gabriel Villasenor

Grabiel Villasenor worked at a tire shop for four years before taking his first steps toward a career in health care. Feeling the pull to go a different route, he decided to return to school to study patient care. Working as a certified nursing assistant at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance was a stepping stone for Villasenor. It was not a final destination. Even then, Villasenor had his sights set on…

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