Category Archives: e-Brief Features

Southwest Adds More Capacity at VIA

e-Brief Features News Transportation & Travel Comments
(photo Southwest Airlines)

Effective March 10, 2022, Southwest Airlines plans to offer more flights from Valley International Airport. Two non-stops between Austin and Harlingen will offer same-day round-trip opportunities for customers. Southwest will also operate a daily nonstop between Dallas/Love and Harlingen. Additionally, the carrier plans to operate four daily flights between Houston/Hobby and Harlingen daily except on Saturdays when they will operate three flights.  “These new flights will offer even greater connecting opportunities for…

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New SPI Business Keeps Books On Island Shelves

e-Brief Features Food & Entertainment News Retail Comments
Karma Coffee & Books adds a cool vibe on South Padre Island.

Walk into Karma Coffee & Books in South Padre Island and it’s immediately a place where you want to sit and stay a while. There’s a wide variety of coffee-based drinks to go with breakfast and lunch sandwiches – and of course books. It’s an ideal place to take a break from the beach sun and surf. The way that Will Everett sees it is that his new coffee and…

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Pharr To Host Start Of The Produce Season

Agriculture e-Brief Features Events News Comments
The Pharr International Bridge is the site for "A Taste of Trade" on Oct. 6. (courtesy)

The Pharr International Bridge will host a special event to initiate the start of the 2021-2022 Produce Season Oct. 7. Officials invite the public to celebrate alongside produce growers, importers, distributors, and consumers from the United States and Mexico. The annual “Start of the Produce Season” event begins at 10 a.m. at the bridge, 9900 South Cage Blvd. “The Pharr International Bridge continues to remain the number-one produce gateway in the…

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VTX1 Brings Broadband To Willacy Housing Residents

Community e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
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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TSTC Transforms Mechanics Into Technicians

e-Brief Features Education Featured News Comments
(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

e-Brief Features Education Featured News Comments

  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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National Apprenticeship Week Nov. 15-21

Business Advice e-Brief Features Government News Comments

The U.S. Department of Labor celebrates the 2021 National Apprenticeship Week Nov. 15-21. The weeklong celebration allows labor and business leaders, educational institutions, career seekers and other partners to demonstrate support for apprenticeships. These positions prepare a highly skilled, diverse workforce to meet the talent needs of employers and train Americans for good-paying jobs across multiple industries. “Registered apprenticeships provide a path to the middle class for workers, and this year’s National…

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Life-Changing Decision Leads To Nursing Career

e-Brief Features Education Featured News Comments
Maria Delgado

When McAllen resident Maria Delgado first applied to the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement in 2012 after learning about it from an outreach counselor at South Texas College, the VIDA staff knew she was an excellent candidate. Delgado was a single mother with two daughters, ages 11 and 5, unemployed and on public assistance and a first-generation college student. She served in the National Guard for two-and-a-half years. But…

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City of McAllen Hosts 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
september-11

City of McAllen officials and the McAllen Fire Department will host a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony Sept. 11 at 9 a.m. at the McAllen Central Fire Station, 201 N. 21st Street. The public is invited to join the McAllen Fire Department and first responders as they pay tribute to those that gave it all so others may live. City leaders will make remarks on the anniversary of 9/11 during the Remembrance…

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Salvation Army Feeds First Responders Sept. 10

Community Community Events e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
first responder

The Salvation Army in Harlingen will provide an appreciation luncheon for all first responders Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is completely free for any and all first responders in the community. The Salvation Army asks any first responders not in uniform to present their credentials. First responders may eat inside the facilities at 119 E. Monroe in Harlingen or they can take it with them.…

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