Category Archives: e-Brief Features

STC Path Links Low-Income Students to Careers

e-Brief Features Education Healthcare News Comments
Valley lawmakers join leadership from South Texas College for the official launch of a pilot program targeting 80 low-income students, existing firefighters and first responders. The grant will encourage students to complete or re-certify their first responder certification. (photo STC)

South Texas College is offering a new pilot program to match the needs of low-income students with the ongoing demand for skilled first responders. The program will target 80 low-income students as well as existing firefighters and first responders. The goal is for participants to complete or re-certify their first responder certification. With a grant from AT&T, the pilot program will cover all costs associated with the first responder certification.…

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McAllen Public Library Hosts International Festival

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
In addition to the international festival, the McAllen Library will host lanterns from the City of Jinju, South Korea's famous lantern festival.

The McAllen Public Library will host an international festival Feb. 8, launching its new World Languages Collection. The festival will celebrate the successful introduction of new materials offered in Korean, Tagalog and Hindi. The festival will include food, visual displays, story time, and arts and crafts activities. Guests of all ages can also enjoy stories featuring multi-lingual storytellers including Cat Avila and Dr. Mohammed Uddin. Additionally, a temporary exhibit of…

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McAllen Chamber Seeks Top Small Businesses

e-Brief Features Events Moving On Up News Comments
2016 winners of the McAllen Top 5 Small Business Awards (photo McAllen Chamber)

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting nominations for its Top 5 Small Business Awards. The honor recognizes “those businesses which have been the foundation for the economic prosperity and resilience which McAllen has experienced over the last several years.” Businesses may showcase accomplishments and impact on the community. The chamber views the exposure as an outlet to tell success stories of businesses. Participating businesses must complete a Top 5…

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Hidalgo Holds Vehicle and Machinery Auction

e-Brief Features Events Government News Comments
Samples of vehicles and heavy machinery available for surplus auction.

Hidalgo County will hold a surplus auction by AMT Auctions at the Precinct 3 Citizen Waste Collection Site Jan. 15. The auction will include vehicles, trucks, tractors, backhoes and construction equipment. This event is open to the general public. Interested buyers can pre-register and view items on Jan. 24, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and then Jan. 25 from 8-10 a.m. on site at 8116 N. Los Ebanos Road in Mission.…

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Hidalgo County Holds Surplus Auction

Community Community Events e-Brief Features Government News Comments
Hidalgo County's surplus auction Jan. 18 includes county vehicles.

Hidalgo County will hold a surplus auction by AMT Auctions at Palmer Pavilion (301 E. Hackberry Ave., McAllen) on Jan. 18. The auction will include the sale of office furniture, computers, IT equipment, security cameras and office chairs. Also on auction are filing cabinets, commercial washers and dryers, printers, IP phones and more. Items will sell by the pallet load. Interested buyers can pre-register and view items on Jan. 17…

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“Read to your Bunny” With Rosemary Wells

Community Community Events e-Brief Features Gallery News Comments
Two girls admire the six original artworks from Max and Ruby.

On Jan. 11, the McAllen Public Library hosted free to the public “Read to Your Bunny.” The educational talk and discussion featured Rosemary Wells, author and illustrator of “Max & Ruby.” During the event, Wells signed copies of “Twin Trouble,” the most recent “Max & Ruby” children’s book. During the event, a talk was also held between Wells, parents and caregivers. Wells reiterated to the audience the importance and impact…

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Los Fresnos Makes Donations to Matamoros Firefighters

Community e-Brief Features Featured Government News Comments
Gene Daniels talks about the equipment Los Fresnos FD/EMS donated to the Matamoros FD.

The Los Fresnos Volunteer Fire Department made history this week by donating thousands of dollars in equipment to their counterparts from Matamoros, Mexico. Representatives of the two departments met Thursday night in the year-old LFFD/Emergency Medical Services. Here, all witnessed the generosity from a department that has 35 volunteer firefighters. Chief Gene Daniels estimated the equipment at some $40,000. It includes a brush truck, the jaws of life, boots, tanks…

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Students Create Environmentally Sustainable Fashion Line

Arts e-Brief Features Education Giving Back News Comments
Model Hannah Grace Vaughan poses in “Newsflash” of the Modern Chaos series.

Local high school seniors recently began an environmental conversation by using their artistic creativity and passion for fashion design and photography to advocate for ecological sustainability within the world.  International Baccalaureate Programme at Lamar Academy students Gisselle Costa and Denisse Damken are the designers of a fashion line completely made out of recycled materials. The project raises awareness of environmental conservation.  “The name of our project, Modern Chaos, illustrates what…

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Rosca de Reyes Lends Sweet Celebration

e-Brief Features Featured Food & Entertainment News Comments
An employee at Ayala's Bakery in Brownsville shows a Rosca de Reyes panaderias.

While the holiday season is over for most people, another traditional celebration took place among some Rio Grande Valley residents. Such was the case for those who celebrated Three Kings Day with the traditional Rosca de Reyes, a round-shaped pastry consumed by people who follow the customs each Jan. 6. Bakeries throughout the region prepared the item by the hundreds, decorating the rings with dried fruit, cherries and other ingredients. Spanish-speaking…

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Valley Metro Is Moving Forward

e-Brief Features News Transportation & Travel Comments
The new Edinburg Valley Metro station is set to open later this month.

The Rio Grande Valley with its estimated population surging above 1.4 million is reflecting its new urban realities via Valley Metro. The regional bus system is adding transportation hubs and new routes with each passing year.  Later this month, Valley Metro will open a new hub in Edinburg between City Hall and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The new hub will come off a year where Valley Metro…

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