When Jose Cavazos’s co-worker at Barcom Technology Services in Harlingen told him they had a service call at the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement office in Mercedes, he felt a sense of both nostalgia and excitement. Cavazos had considered stopping in VIDA’s former office in Weslaco several times, but it was always closed by the time he got out of work. “As soon as we walked into the building,”…
Four officers from the City of Pharr Police Department are recent graduates of a four-week joint-agency National Horse Patrol Certification program through the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol sector. The officers are the first to be Nationally Horse Patrol Certified since the department’s creation in the early 1900s. The unit is the first horse-patrolled police department unit in the region. Graduates of the program are Sgt. Max Longoria, officer Luis…
Moody’s Investor Services assigned a stable outlook to the Brownsville Navigation District and reaffirmed a high “A2” credit rating on its revenue bonds. The stable outlook reflects Moody’s view that “the port will maintain ample liquidity supported by strong operating cash flow margins.” Moody’s noted the Port of Brownsville’s “competitive position for cross border trade as well as the upside potential of near-term projects at the port and major private…
McAllen ISD International Baccalaureate junior Gaby Markle learned to crochet during the summer of 2020. “My grandma tried to teach me, but I am left-handed, so she gave me a book and a link to a YouTube video to learn,” Markle said. “I was not very good, so I wanted to create a club to improve and to get others involved.” Rather than establishing an official school club, which means…
Avi Gonzalez and Karina Vela have plenty to do with their day jobs as public school music educators. In early 2020, they added even more to their duties in opening a business with a connection to what they know best. The Armonia Music Academy & Store in San Benito is their version of the School of Rock with an emphasis on violins, acoustic guitars and vocals. The partners have turned…
Growing up in Weslaco, Zeke Reyna had big dreams growing up during the glory years when Tiger Woods dominated the golf world. “I always thought I’d win the Masters,” Reyna said. He didn’t quite get there although he was an outstanding high school golfer. Reyna was good enough to compete collegiality at SMU in Dallas and then the University of Oregon. He went on to spend some time on the…
Thomas and Ashley Garcia were aspiring entrepreneurs in the summer of 2018 and looking for the right spot to start their coffee shop business. The location they chose to open their Bandera Coffee seemed unorthodox at the time. It was on Van Buren Avenue in the La Placita section of downtown Harlingen. Thomas described it as part of town that had “a rough reputation,” but he and his wife decided…
Even through challenges, separations and hardships, the need to share special moments or celebrate never diminishes. The spreading of good cheer is a celebrated part of life, and Yard Fonts and RGV Yard Cards are both instrumental in bringing families and friends together one yard at a time. With their decorative and creative front yard displays, the two Hidalgo County-based businesses splash color and spark celebrations, especially when loved ones…
Weslaco often touts itself as a strategic mid-point in the Rio Grande Valley. Here, goods and services can move quickly and efficiently to all points in the region. The marketing pitch rang true to Robinson Fresh, one of the largest produce companies nationally. It is making a move to utilize a 46,000-square-foot facility at the Mid-Valley Industrial Park which will serve as a storage and distribution point for fresh produce…
Hidalgo County is currently holding a Webcast Auction of fleet vehicles, heavy equipment and general merchandise March 31. Bidders can view items in person at Sunrise Hill/Sunset Park on March 30 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (closed noon- 1 p.m.). Interested buyers must register with AMT Auctions at amtauctions.com. Bidding continues until the last item sells. Auctioned items sell “as is” with all sales final. Payments of cash or…