As South Texans look for cool freshwater relief to beat the heat, thousands travel to South Padre Island to enjoy the massive Schlitterbahn water park complex. Open since 2001, Schlitterbahn operates its summer-seasonal outdoor park with churning wave pools, water slides with varying thrill levels and calmer waters more suited for a relaxing tube float. In 2012, Schlitterbahn opened its year-round indoor water park and resort hotel. But elsewhere in…
Charles “Chuck” Stark is the new regional vice president in South Texas for South Texas Health System, effective June 29. Stark now has regional responsibility for hospitals in both the McAllen and Edinburg markets. He will also oversee those in Laredo and Eagle Pass. Prior to joining South Texas Health System, Stark served as chief executive officer of Brookwood Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham, Ala. Previous service includes a number…
The windows that wrap around Stephen Reynolds’ office at the Echo Hotel look out into a city that has grown around the nearly 60-year-old facility. “It’s one of the grand hotels of the (Rio Grande) Valley,” said Reynolds, the general manager and one of the owners of the iconic Edinburg hotel. “It was built by the citizens of Edinburg and it’s still a great facility with a lot of character.”…
This week, Edinburg Mayor Richard Molina and the city council gave a commitment for funds establish the city’s first downtown bus trolley system. The $126,000 letter of commitment is as a local match for a federal program that through Valley Metro – if approved by the Federal Transportation Administration – would provide an additional $719,000 to establish routes in the local community. Funds from the federal goverment would come via the…
When the final school bell rings in the summer break, many parents turn to private businesses for programs to keep their children active through new experiences. Throughout the Rio Grande Valley there are dozens upon dozens of summer camps offering just about any activity that catches a youngster’s fancy. From horseback riding to physical fitness and art to academics, these businesses offer year-round classes in their fields, but come summer…
Edinburg EDC is currently accepting submissions for a new visual identity from Edinburg students and residents. The professional logo design should be recognizable and promote the EDC’s community mission to ” promote economic growth in the Edinburg EDC and South Texas through the attraction of new innovative commerce, retaining and preserving our existing businesses by providing the resources that support successful business and quality of life for the citizens of…
The UTRGV SBDC invites high-tech, innovative companies interested in seed funds for research and development to attend a workshop March 27-28. The government’s Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs are the focus. The two collectively offer more than $2.6 billion in high-risk, non-dilutive capital available to innovative small companies annually. Expert speakers for the sessions include Michael Kurek from BBBetc and Bijo Mathew from the UTSA SBDC Technology…
On March 2, the City of Edinburg Library and Cultural Arts Division and the Edinburg Arts Foundation unveiled a new sign marking the spot of the future South Texas Arts and Cultural Center. Plans are in the works to renovate the old Sam Houston Elementary School. The vision is to feature local artists, host family-friendly cultural events, and attract more visitors to the city. The city acquired the property at the corner…
At daycare facilities across the Rio Grande Valley, kids can be found playing ball, catching Frisbees or splashing in a swimming pool, and then maybe taking a good, long nap. Except these children are of the four-legged variety. Dog daycare is a growing segment for many dog-boarding businesses to meet the demand for short-term canine care. More and more dog owners are turning to daycare to avoid leaving their pets…
On a recent Friday, Edna Pena walked into the Dustin M. Sekula Memorial Library in Edinburg and seemed to know everyone and everything before making her way to the office of the director. “I’m a social butterfly and a free spirit,” said Pena, the president of the Edinburg Arts Foundation and a former president of the local chamber. “I never start at zero. I start at 100 percent and go…