A battle-worn firefighter’s helmet rests on a shelf over the bar at Chris Cuellar’s restaurant in Weslaco. The rigors of the job he held for over 10 years in service to his community would take a physical toll. Injury problems would compel him to leave the Weslaco Police Department and bring a need to reinvent himself while still being a young man. Being a restaurateur is a thought that had…
The 56th annual Fiesta Edinburg is coming up from February 27 to March 2 at the Bert Ogden Arena, expecting to draw in thousands of attendees to Edinburg. This year’s star-studded musical lineup kicks off on Friday with Corrido artist Edgardo Nuñez, T3R Elemento, and Nivel. On Saturday, five-time Grammy Award winner La Mafia takes the stage as well as Latin Grammy Award-winning artist and former lead singer of Grupo…
The Pharr EDC Foundation, in partnership with the Pharr Economic Development Corporation and the City of Pharr, is currently accepting applications from eligible students for the 2024-2025 Pharr EDC Foundation Scholarship. Applications are available online with a submission deadline of March 14 by 5 p.m. “The Pharr EDC Foundation is dedicated to investing in the future of our students by providing financial assistance for higher education,” said Victor Perez, president…
The City of McAllen has shattered its all-time sales tax record, receiving an unprecedented $11.9 million in February’s sales tax allocation for the same month of December (2024 vs 2023). This is a 12.3 percent increase over last year’s collection for the same period. The milestone surpasses the previous high of $10.6 million collected last year. “McAllen’s long-term strategy of becoming a destination city, encouraging booming residential and commercial development, facilitating international…
The City of McAllen Passport Division will be open on Feb. 22 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its facility in the McAllen Downtown Parking Garage at 221 South 15th Street. Applicants must be present and must provide a valid photo identification with a signature and proof of citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate or certificate of naturalization. All documents must be originals. Passport fees must be paid…
San Juan resident Rosa I. Diaz describes life as a single mother with four children as both challenging and rewarding. Working full time as a provider, she earned above minimum wage; however, stretching her $11-per-hour earnings proved to be no small task. “While I was grateful for my job, I knew I wanted more for myself and my family,” Diaz said. She saw an advertisement for the Valley Initiative for…
Clear skies and fair weather welcomed spectators gathered along the shores of South Padre Island’s Isla Blanca Park on Feb. 2, to bid farewell to the storied USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) as she entered the Brownsville ship channel for dismantling and recycling at International Shipbreaker Ltd. Commissioned in 1968 and decommissioned in 2007, the JFK served the U.S. Navy with distinction for nearly four decades. Among those present to see the vessel’s final…
McAllen International Airport achieved a historic milestone for commercial air service in the Rio Grande Valley in 2024 with more than 1.2 million travelers. This achievement marks a 25 percent increase in year-over-year total passengers. “Thanks to McAllen International Airport’s expanding air service, reaching 1.2 million flyers marks one of the many achievements for McAllen in 2024,” said City of McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, “Non-stop service to key domestic and…
More than five years in the making, South Texas College Digital Learning has become the only online program in the state of Texas to earn an “Exemplary Program” designation indicating the highest level of achievement for all its online courses. The designation awarded by Quality Matters, an international leader for quality assurance in online and digital environments, came about through a college-wide effort where STC met rigorous standards of online…
Just like any meaningful relationship, managing a small business requires effort, care and the right resources. In the spirit of appreciation, we’re sharing the small business resources we love just in time for Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, these resources will help you blossom. SBA Resource Partners The U.S. Small Business Administration has built an extensive support network of resource partners that provide a…