Category Archives: News

Academy Program Links STC, Texas A&M

Education News Comments
The Texas A&M Engineering Academy saw enrollment more than triple from its first to second year of existence. (Courtesy)

A partnership with Texas A&M University is bringing the Aggie spirit to South Texas College students who aspire to be part of the university’s renowned engineering program.  The Texas A&M Engineering Academy at the STC McAllen campus is one of 10 such partnerships in Texas. The program links Texas A&M’s flagship campus in College Station with higher educational institutions around the state. The academy introduces A&M’s engineering program to first-…

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Hardware Store Serves ‘Working Town’

News Retail Comments
Rafael Aguilera is now owning and running a hardware store in his ‘retirement’ from a state agency job.

The motto of a local hardware store speaks to its place in its community and the area around it. “Heart of a Working Town,” it says on a store window by an entrance of Express Hardware in Elsa. The store is located about a block away from the intersection on FM 88 and state Highway 107. It has become a crossroads corner for the communities that make up what’s known…

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Restoration Honors History Of School

News Real Estate Comments
Angela and Marc Millis stand near the hound/beagle mosaic on the east side of The Annie, the couple’s second sign that they should purchase the historic property.

Angela Diaz-Millis and her husband, Marc, noticed a desolate building four years ago that is bordered by 16th and 17th streets in McAllen. A sign declared the property was for sale.  The couple are licensed realtors and own Millis Real Estate Group. They couldn’t overlook the distinct architectural elements of the building, which told their trained eyes that it held historic significance. The property was under contract, they discovered, but…

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Edinburg Chamber Opens New Opportunities

News Comments
edinburg chamber staff

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce has announced the departure of its Director of Membership Dulce Cortina and in turn, is now seeking candidates to fill two pivotal roles. “We are incredibly grateful for Dulce’s contributions to our organization,” said Ronnie Larralde, executive director of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. “Her dedication and hard work have been instrumental to our growth. While we will miss her greatly, we wish Dulce nothing…

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TSTC Honors Stone at Distinguished Alumni Gala

e-Brief Features Education Events News Comments
Joel Stone

Texas State Technical College will present its inaugural Distinguished Alumni Gala on Sept. 10, recognizing inspiring TSTC alumni who embody a legacy of success. Receiving the the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award is Joel Stone, an alumnus of the college’s Building Construction Technology program and now the chairman and CEO of construction company SpawGlass. Stone received his certificate of completion in 1984 when TSTC was Texas State Technical Institute. “TSTC has been a foundation in the…

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SBA Seeks Nominations for Small Business Awards

e-Brief Features Featured Government News Comments
2025 Small Business Awards

The U.S. Small Business Administration is now accepting nominations for its highly celebrated National and District Small Business Week Awards, including Small Business Person of the Year. To help nominators prepare a successful package, the Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office will present two September webinars explaining the nomination guidelines. “The SBA’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office is ready to accept nominations,” Angela Burton, district director, said. “I encourage…

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UTRGV and Pharr EDC Open Pharr Global Business Hub

Community e-Brief Features Education News Comments
Members of the Pharr EDC and UTRGV communities unveil a mural at the grand opening of the Pharr Global Business Hub on Aug. 15. (photo Paul Chouy, UTRGV)

UTRGV and the Pharr Economic Development Corporation have officially opened the doors of the Pharr Global Business Hub, designed to help bring in new businesses and strengthen current businesses in the Rio Grande Valley. The facility, a project four years in the making, will prioritize the creation and expansion of businesses and jobs in the city, along with key trainings. Dr. Magdalena Hinojosa, UTRGV senior vice president for Strategic Enrollment…

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IMAS to Honor Local Leaders at Collage Gala

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
45th Annual Collage Gala honorees Joe Brown, Jim Darling and Tim Smith

The International Museum of Art & Science hosts its 45th annual Collage Gala on Sept. 14. The prestigious black-tie fundraiser event will honor Joe Brown, Jim Darling and Tim Smith for their contributions to the community. “The Collage Gala is our signature event that raises annual operating funds to directly support our education and exhibit programs,” states IMAS Executive Director Ann Fortescue. “This event would not be possible or as…

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Tawil Named New McAllen City Manager

e-Brief Features Government News Comments
Isaac Tawil

McAllen Mayor Javer Villalobos and the McAllen City Commission have selected Isaac Tawil as McAllen’s next city manager, following a comprehensive and competitive search. Tawil brings experience in public administration, leadership and community engagement to the role, as well as legal expertise. The City of McAllen invites the community to join in welcoming Tawil at an upcoming reception on Aug. 26 at 4:30 p.m. at McAllen City Hall, Commission Chamber…

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BND Appoints Port Director and CEO

e-Brief Features Manufacturing/Industrial Moving On Up News Comments
William Dietrich

At a regular board meeting last week, the Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to appoint William Dietrich as port director and CEO. Dietrich becomes the ninth port director and CEO in the port’s 88-year history. In December, the BND Board named Dietrich interim port director and CEO while the navigation district conducted a national search for a new port director and CEO. “I would like to congratulate…

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