Category Archives: e-Brief Features

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…

City of McAllen Hosts 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

September 9, 2021

VBR

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments

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…

Salvation Army Feeds First Responders Sept. 10

September 8, 2021

VBR

Community Community Events e-Brief Features Featured News Comments

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.…

UTRGV School of Nursing Set To Expand

September 8, 2021

VBR

e-Brief Features Education Healthcare News Comments

The UTRGV School of Nursing celebrated its expansion during a signing ceremony Sept. 2 with the City of Pharr at the site of the school’s future facility at 2800 N. Cage Boulevard. In May, the U.S. Department of Commerce awarded the school a $2-million grant under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act fund. The federal funding will also be matched with $24 million in local investments. The project…

IMAS Exhibit Honors 9/11 Anniversary

September 2, 2021

VBR

Arts Community e-Brief Features News Comments

An exhibit curated from the permanent collection of the International Museum of Art & Science will honor Sept. 11 with a series of photographs by photographer Mark Roddenberry after the attacks on Sept. 11, 2011. “Avenue of the Strongest: An Eyewitness Account of that Day in September 20th Anniversary” is a series of photographs which gets its name from a street in lower Manhattan. The street is approximately one mile…

Gayman Channel Restricts Public Access

September 2, 2021

VBR

Community e-Brief Features News Comments

Access to the Carl “Joe” Gayman Channel is closed to the public as of Aug. 28 as work continues to increase tidal exchange and restore the Bahia Grande as a major fish, wildlife and waterfowl nursery. The closure occurs south of SH 48, limiting public parking and access to the channel. The current 34-foot-wide half-mile Gayman channel connects the Bahia Grande and the Brownsville Ship Channel. It is widening to…

UTRGV Expands Healthcare With MD Anderson

August 26, 2021

VBR

e-Brief Features Healthcare News Comments

UT Health RGV is expanding its healthcare offerings in South Texas with a new Cancer and Surgery Center. In addition, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center will provide oncology advisory services at the center. The center is part of the phase 1 development of UTRGV’s McAllen Academic Medical Campus. The 100,000-square-foot center will sit within the 495 Commerce Center development, on the south side of Pecan Boulevard between…

Local Restaurant Combines History & BBQ

August 26, 2021

Ricardo D. Cavazos, VBR content editor

e-Brief Features Featured Food & Entertainment News Comments

Eduardo Casas knew he was doing more than repurposing an old building into a new restaurant when he opened SMOKE: Texas BBQ & Watering Hole. SMOKE BBQ would be housed where the Rainbo Bakery held forth on Harrison Avenue in Harlingen. Rainbo was a mainstay Harlingen business for over seven decades. Memories run long in the city when it comes to the iconic bakery. “My idea in opening here was…

Hidalgo County To Hold Online Auction

August 19, 2021

VBR

e-Brief Features Events Government News Comments

Webcast AuctionHidalgo County will hold a of general merchandise Aug. 31 at Vicksburg Property. The auction consists of SUV’s, trucks and office furniture. Buyers must register at www.amtauctions.com. Bidding starts on Aug. 30 at 10 a.m. and ends until the last item sells. In addition, the public may view items Aug. 30 at Vicksburg Property located at 12401 Vicksburg Drive in Edinburg. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with…

TWC Grant Provides RGV Students New Opportunities