The Thanksgiving turkey and tamales are already a savory memory. Holiday lights sparkle throughout our communities. But nothing says “most wonderful time of the year” quite like music. In McAllen, a revered town band has spread the spirit of Christmas for over 50 years. The McAllen Wind Ensemble is actually the third name of the group, which was established in 1973. Businessman Bill Wilson brought the idea home to McAllen…
SpaceX with its Starbase on Boca Chica Beach is transforming the Brownsville economy and is bringing in a slew of outside investors and companies into the area. The buzz of Brownsville becoming a space city has made some local residents wonder when the opportunities others are seeking will come their way. “We’ve heard it plenty of times from the public,” said Nathan Burkhart, the vice president of entrepreneurship and innovations…
Alexis Wooderson takes a look up a 40-foot tower that Brownsville’s Camp RIO calls its Treehouse and begins to unpack what it can do. “It can seem like a puzzle,” said Wooderson, who manages the camp’s new ropes course that runs through the tower. “It looks like a daunting course, but once you’re up there, you can feel how secure it is.” With the help of a nearly $600,000 grant,…
The Ebony Hills Golf Course and the adjoining Echo Hotel were signature pieces for decades on Edinburg’s landscape as the city established itself during its earliest years. The golf course was opened in 1927 as a municipal property before being privately owned and today is again a public golf course. The Echo opened about three decades later as a showpiece two-story hotel. Community leaders developed the Echo as a city…
The Port of Brownsville has begun the demolition phase of the Cargo Dock 3 reconstruction project, marking the start of a major modernization effort for the port’s turning basin. Originally constructed in the 1940s, Cargo Dock 3 served the port for nearly 90 years handling a wide range of cargo. Located on Windhaus Road on the west side of the turning basin, Cargo Dock 3’s reconstruction will update the facility to…
The City of McAllen Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of police officer. Individuals who are ready to serve their community with courage, integrity and pride are encouraged to apply and take the next step toward a career in law enforcement. “This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who want to serve their community,” said McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez. “When our community calls, police officers answer…
South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce‘s “Shop the Island” initiative is back Nov. 22 through Dec. 16. For every $20 spent with any Island businesses, shoppers may register for a $500 Island shopping spree. Every dollar spent locally also ensures a healthy and growing South Padre Island economy. Original receipts may be dropped off no later than the close of business on Dec. 16 at the following SPI Chamber member…
This holiday season, American Advertising Federation–Rio Grande Valley is hoping to strike out hunger across the four-county region. The organization will host its fourth annual “Keep It Ugly” Charity Bowling Tournament on Dec. 3 at Flamingo Bowl in McAllen, with proceeds benefitting the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley and the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, which helps provide Christmas gifts for hundreds of thousands of children around the…
The South Pole Illuminated Festival, presented by H-E-B Helping Here, will bring the community together to celebrate the joy of Christmas with lights, festive entertainment, and new attractions for 2025. The festival’s signature Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 28 will once again mark the start of the holiday season in McAllen, officially transforming the city into the South Pole of Texas. During a press event on Nov. 11, McAllen Mayor…
The Brownsville Public Utilities Board received the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2024. This report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and…