A school district that began in 1964 as a rehabilitation facility and today has career and technical campuses across two counties is celebrating its 60th anniversary. The South Texas Independent School District is based in Mercedes – the city where it got started – and grown far beyond its original mission. In the mid-1980s, the district opened South Texas High School for Health Professions (Med High). It was the first…
A 10K race that started in the early 1980s as a way to honor a beloved school teacher and running advocate in Edinburg has gone from lean beginnings to an event that attracts over 10,000 participants. The namesake of the David Chavana 10K Run/Walk has called the event and others connected to it as being a “big time race for a small town.” Organizing the yearly event in early February…
Edinburg’s opening of its new Arts & Cultural Events Center marks a new commitment by the community to build upon its “city of festivals” designation. The 36,000-square-foot facility was opened with much fanfare in late 2024. Having such a downtown-area venue to host art exhibits, live performances and community events has long been a dream for Edinburg leaders active in local arts. The Edinburg Arts & Cultural Center is located…
Rebecca Rodriguez describes herself as being a florist – and a farmer. The latter is a distinction well-earned given Rodriguez grows many of the flowers she sells at her shop in Harlingen. Rodriguez tills the soil and grows an array of flowers at a family farm located between Harlingen and Santa Rosa. Her farm-grown flowers include marigolds, zinnias, cosmos and anemones. She refers to the farm-to-shop model as being “sustainably…
The City of McAllen has appointed of Juan Olaguibel as assistant city manager, overseeing McAllen’s EB-5 and foreign investor programs, international relations, intergovernmental relations and special projects. In addition, Olaguibel will continue to remain in his position as superintendent of bridges for the McAllen International Bridge System. “Juan’s extensive experience in international affairs and his proven leadership at McAllen’s international bridges make him uniquely qualified to excel in this new…
When it comes to surmounting barriers to higher education, Alyssa Soto of Pharr could be a first-place hurdler. In her mid-30s, Soto is a single mother of three children, ages 8, 9 and 14. Prior to 2022, she had been a stay-at-home mom for 10 years. When her circumstances changed, Soto realized she needed to pursue a degree; she chose nursing and gained acceptance to South Texas College in the…
The UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center has earned the University Economic Development Association Award of Excellence in the Engaged University category. The recognition highlights the ECC’s eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization in partnership with the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation. The prestigious award acknowledges the ECC’s eBridge network, dedicated to economic development, innovation and community collaboration through various programs and initiatives. “The UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center plays a vital role in Brownsville and the lower Rio Grande Valley by…
Wildlife in Focus is expanding its popular photo contest statewide in 2025 and is offering a record $40,000 in prize packages. The goal of the competition is to promote wildlife habitat conservation and to create a visual record of the beauty of native Texas land and wildlife. The prize-winning photos will be part of a coffee table book and also be of use in WIF’s educational outreach program for children…
VA will be hosting free food drive-thrus for veterans and their families Dec. 19 in Harlingen and Jan. 16 in McAllen. The drives are part of VA’s work to eliminate food insecurity among veterans and their families. The Harlingen drive will take place from 9-11 a.m. (or while supplies last) at Harlingen VA Health Care Center, 2601 Veterans Drive. The McAllen VA Clinic at 901 East Hackberry Avenue will host the…
The Brownsville Navigation District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held a groundbreaking ceremony on Dec. 6 for Phase 2 of the Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project. The project will deepen the 17-mile-long Brownsville Ship Channel from 42 feet to 52 feet, improving navigational safety and enabling larger commercial vessels to access South Texas. “The Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project is paramount to the Port of Brownsville’s…