Mari Rodriguez accepted a job with Central Power and Light and moved to the Rio Grande Valley in 1994. She thought it would be only for a year. Her plan did not include meeting a pharmacist from San Antonio named Cecilio who had also moved to the Valley. Mari would not return to Corpus Christi, where she lived previously. Mari and Cecilio would walk down the aisle. The couple then…
The Brownsville Public Utilities Board is now accepting applications from graduating high school seniors for its Project SHARE Scholarship program. Ten applicants will receive $1,000 each with funds sent directly to applicable financial aid offices for disbursement. To qualify, applicants must: Be a graduating high school senior Live in a household with a minimum of one year of utility service with BPUB at the application deadline date Plan to attend…
In a time when it is even more imperative to shop local small businesses comes the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce‘s “Shop the Island” initiative through Dec. 27. For every $20 spent with all Island businesses, shoppers may register for a $500 shopping spree. Many businesses are open for outdoor shopping opportunities. Every dollar spent locally also ensures a healthy and growing South Padre Island economy. Original receipts may…
South Texas College Culinary Arts students strapped on their aprons to support their peers in need this holiday season. In lieu of the department’s annual Thanksgiving Buffet this year, the South Texas College Culinary Arts Program hosted a Thanks-for-Giving Virtual Bake Sale in support of the college Student Food Pantry. In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, Culinary department chair chef Jennifer Guerra directed students in the fundraiser. Students baked thousands of cookies, hundreds of loaves…
For 10 years, Mercedes native Jose M. Gutierrez worked for Dollar Tree, earning the titles of store manager and district trainer. But four years ago, despite his success with the company, Gutierrez felt a sense of discontent. He began exploring the possibility of going to college and changing his career path. Gutierrez enrolled in evening class at the South Texas College Mid-Valley Campus in Weslaco. Two years later, after completing…
The Associate Degree of Nursing program at Texas Southmost College will soon be able to increase its training opportunities thanks to a Nursing Innovation Grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. TSC’s nursing program is one of 45 nursing programs throughout the state to receive this grant. The $75,000 grant will support clinical learning experiences. It will also support the program’s use of evidence-based alternatives to hands-on practice with patients.…
Khanh “Connie” Nguyen’s first impressions of the Rio Grande Valley in 2008 were of a place she didn’t plan to stay long. In the midst of the Great Recession, and buffeted by the upheaval of the banking industry where she worked in southern California, Nguyen’s mother advised she head to the Valley for a fresh start. Nguyen had family here and she decided it was worth a try. “Too hot,”…
Sergio Tito Lopez is the new chairman of the Brownsville Navigation District. His nomination was unanimous during the board’s regular meeting Nov. 17. Lopez also was sworn in as a commissioner, along with Ralph Cowen and John Reed. All were reelected to the commission Nov. 3. Lopez serves as chairman alongside BND Vice Chairman Cowen and Secretary Esteban Guerra, who were also unanimously elected to serve as part of the…
Texas Southmost College of Brownsville continues to develop its industrial sector education by recently celebrating its first graduates in one program and offering a new degree program in another. The college this month marked its first graduates in its Industrial Insulation program. Nine students were part of the inaugural class. The graduates were promptly offered jobs with BrandSafway, a leading global provider of services for industrial and commercial markets. Juan…
McAllen residents are being encouraged to show off their holiday spirit and decorating skills with Keep McAllen Beautiful’s Holiday Home Lights Contest. The best three homes will win cash and prizes. The Holiday Home Lights contest encourages residents to help beautify and illuminate the McAllen landscape by lighting up their McAllen home. Those who would like to compete need to register by 11:59 p.m. Dec. 15. The Keep McAllen Beautiful…