Category Archives: e-Brief Features

Conquering Workplace Conflict — Part 2 

workplace conflict

In part one of this series, we learned that workplace conflict starts with you. Some conflict is our own fault due to our own conflicting thoughts and desires. Yet, giving people the benefit of the doubt can help greatly reduce stress in the workplace.  In this installment, continue to focus on you. I know you think it is someone else who is causing the toxic work environment. But you must…

Read More

International Trucking Expo Saturday

Pharr International Trucking Expo

The 2019 Pharr International Trucking Expo takes place Sept. 21, offering the public free access to services, employment, products, prizes and health screenings. Companies from both Mexico and the United States will be offering their services, products and jobs, as well as financing for the purchase of trucks, parts and equipment. The event also features a live DJ, truck contest and more. “Trucking is a vital industry to our economy,…

Read More

Edinburg Chamber Seeks Man & Woman of the Year

Edinburg Chamber of Commerce 2018 Man and Woman of the Year Robert and Janet Vackar

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking nominations for Man and Woman of the Year for 2019. Robert and Janet Vackar, owners of Bert Ogden Auto Group, were the 2018 Man and Woman of the Year. The chamber encourages everyone to nominate someone who exceeds in professional and civic commitment. They should also be avid in volunteerism within the community of Edinburg. The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Man &…

Read More

Dual Enrollment Celebrates 20 Years

Rebecca Marie De Leon serves as dean of South Texas College's dual enrollment program.

Rebecca Marie De Leon was an aspiring student and high school athlete at Mission Veterans Memorial High School when she enrolled in a dual enrollment program in the early 2000s. The future collegiate golfer was pressed for time in balancing academics and athletics. Dual enrollment, which blends college and high school courses, then grounded her in the need for effective time management.  “It set the foundation for me,” said De…

Read More

Helping Business Owners Help Themselves

Christopher Wycoco conducts free one-hour seminars as part of his Business Made Easier series.

For Christopher Wycoco, business isn’t just about making money. It’s also about helping the community.  That’s why this young entrepreneur and owner of Wycotax is hosting regular free seminars for business owners who want to learn more about running their companies, whether it is a store, restaurant, doctor’s office or insurance agency.  Wycoco has been holding seminars called “Business Made Easier” throughout the Valley for several months and he will continue…

Read More

Shop Fresh at Tres Lagos Farmers’ Market

Pica Natural artisans spices that can be used for seasoning, dips or salsas.

The weekend is fast approaching and if you’re looking for a leisurely, family-friendly Sunday afternoon, Tres Lagos Farmers’ Market should be on your list. The Tres Lagos Farmers’ Market takes place from Sept. 1 from 2-5 p.m. at 4350 Tres Lagos Blvd. in McAllen. There’s live music playing as you walk the market, which features roughly 30 different vendors to shop from.    The market also offers a wide variety…

Read More

Clear the Shelter

Friendly pups wait anxiously for their forever family to adopt them.

For the rest of the month of August, The Laurie P. Andrews PAWS Center and Palm Valley Animal Center are hosting a “Clear the Shelter” event. With more than 100 dogs, and over 60 cats and kittens who need their forever homes, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the $10 adoption fee.  The $10 adoption fee includes the first series of vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, microchip, rabies shot, ID…

Read More

Flood Insurance … Do You Need It or Not?

The morning of June 25, Lago Drive took on its namesake. It looked like a lake as homeowner James Terry assessed the damage and the depth of the water at the end of his driveway. During Hurricane Dolly in 2008, the water didn’t even reach halfway up the driveway, making the recent storm quite a surprise for residents on this street. More than half the homes on Lago received water damage inside. Just about a mile away, areas hit harder included Palm Valley, the home of the Harlingen Country Club, and along Bass Boulevard north of the Interstate. Willacy County, including Raymondville, was also hit extremely hard by the June storm.

Nearly six weeks later, water-damaged loveseats, bathroom cabinets, piles of floor tiles and black bags full of damp and mildewed photo albums still pepper the curb along Lago Drive on the west side of Harlingen just south of the Interstate. This is the result of a rainstorm that poured down 12 inches during a span of about four hours on June 24. Reportedly, more than 4,000 homes in the Harlingen…

Read More

Ranchers to Gather in Rio Grande City

TSCRA ranch gathering

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association will host a ranch gathering Aug. 27 at the Triple G Livestock Auction in Rio Grande City. The event will provide an opportunity for local cattle producers to learn about TSCRA’s recent activities. TSCRA will also discuss issues facing cattle raisers while attendees can connect with other cattle producers in the area. TSCRA Special Ranger Joe Aguilar will also provide an update on…

Read More

It’s Time to Play Ball in McAllen

Olympic pitcher Monica Abbot Powers throws the pitch to McAllen Mayor Jim Darling.

Olympic softball pitcher Monica Abbot Power threw out the first pitch Aug. 18, officially opening the new and improved McAllen Municipal Softball Complex. Joining Power were officials from the City of McAllen, Parks and Recreation, and Cavazos Sports Institute. Also on hand were representatives of the Boys and Girls Club of McAllen. The McAllen Municipal Softball Complex now hosts six new fields along with new batting tunnels, restrooms and concessions stand. It…

Read More