The words of Dr. John Krouse, dean of the UTRGV Medical School, became the headline of a story in the July issue of Valley Business Report. Addressing the high incidence of obesity, diabetes and heart and lung disease in the Rio Grande Valley, Krouse stressed that we need to “build a culture of health.” When addressing physical health, the tendency is to focus on nutrition and fitness, which are undeniably…
The City of McAllen’s Building Department is launching a program to conduct live remote video residential building inspections. The purpose of the Remote Video Inspections program is to provide an alternative to on-site locations. “As we try to navigate through these unprecedented times, the business of the city must go on,” said McAllen City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez. “Homes are being constructed or renovated and we must make sure that…
On Aug. 7, McA2, a virtual art walk series, takes place and artists Angelika Eleni Ruiz Gualberto and Victoria Lopez are seeking artists who would like to participate. The collaboration of the two artists came from the need to express art in the community. Gualberto and Lopez have already successfully hosted two events. Assisting them with technical support are Joe Martinez of KCYP and Stephen Samuel Lopez. The June 5…
In a July 21 release, the City of McAllen encourages business owners to review and abide by Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s orders regarding businesses in Texas. “Those orders do not require businesses to close nor are businesses or their customers required to adhere to particular hours, other than those contained in Governor Abbott’s orders,” reads the statement. The statement comes following Order 20-011 effective today, from Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez.…
The International Museum of Art & Science will host a virtual back to school week Aug. 3-7. This event will provide school supplies and hands-on art and science projects to school-aged children in the Rio Grande Valley in the form of a free activity kit. >“The museum serves our community youth as a place of exploration and creativity, which has translated into online programming, live videos and workshops over the…
Three Rio Grande Valley communities rank at the top of Texas cities of their size in a statewide competition that focuses on healthy actions like doing a workout, eating notorious food and drinking ample amounts of water. McAllen, Harlingen and Los Fresnos each finished first among all cities of their population ranges in the 2020 It’s Time Texas Community Challenge. The competition recorded an eight week-period of time this year…
The City of McAllen and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce are currently on the second round of funding in its $1.5 million COVID-19 Small Business Grant program. McAllen small businesses have until July 31 to submit their applications. Small businesses with revenues less than $2 million may receive grants for up to $5,000 each. The program helps fund businesses or programs that creatively address a need to create, enhance, restore…
The City of McAllen Passport Division Facility is once again accepting U.S. Passport applications in person. Walk-ins are on a first-come first-serve basis, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The division is also open every second and fourth Saturday of the month. The next Saturday the facility is open is July 25. Those preferring an appointment may schedule one by calling 956-681-1450. City of McAllen Passport Acceptance Facility is…
South Texas College’s fall 2020 offerings beginning Aug. 24 will include about 20 percent in an in-person/hybrid format. The rest of its 4,500 courses will be available in online format with instructional plans being modifiable in the event of ever changing state or federal guidelines. With the in-person/hybrid model, courses requiring hands-on activities will be split into 50 percent classroom instruction and 50 percent online instruction. Programs requiring hands-on learning include Nursing…
We have all been deluged with local, state, national and international statistics about COVID-19 in recent months. The term “underlying conditions” is often cited in describing those who have become critically ill or who have passed away. There has been more limited information about the actions individuals and communities can take to improve the chances of fighting COVID-19 and other deadly viruses and diseases. Eddie Olivarez, the chief administrator for…