Starr County Sheriff's Officers Receive Training on the Newly Acquired COPsync Program

Starr County Sheriff' Rene Fuentes and his staff received training on the newly acquired COPsync which is a program designed to facilitate nationwide information on license plates, criminal records, warrants and as a tool in locating missing persons. The program allows for much faster communication from officers to dispatchers at the command centers and will be installed in 23 units allowing officers to utilize the latest technology from their vehicles. The units will also be outfitted with a GPS system to insure constant awareness of officer location during crucial situations.  This state of the art equipment will aid in the safety of
the community as well as the officers who work tirelessly to serve and protect. (County of Starr Public Relations Office)

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Commissioner Raul "Roy" Pena Expands Fleet

Commissioner Roy Pena has purchased four (4) new vehicles to serve his precinct more efficiently.  The vehicles will be utilized by his staff to cover the more than 300 miles that encompasses his precinct. Commissioner Pena is always vigilant to insure progress and takes great pride in his projects and strives for excellence in the growth of his precinct.  He commends his workers for their dedication and hard work in implementing all of the improvements that have been made.  (County of Starr Public Relations Department)

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County Continues Efforts to Ensure 911 System Efficiency for Rural Communities

Starr County Rural Community Addressing Systems (911) holds meeting to insure that addresses are current and registered for emergency purposes.  911 Addressing Clerk Jessica Salinas and other county departments work closely to update all information necessary to bring all of the rural area homes and ranches updated physical addresses to assist the emergency responders to locate homes in case of emergencies.  For additional information you may contact Mrs. Salinas at the Starr County Courthouse Annex or at (956) 716-4800 Extension 4825.  (County of Starr Public Relations Office)

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Commissioner, Staff Host Breakfast for San Isidro ISD Faculty

 Commissioner Ruben D. Saenz hosted a delicious breakfast to welcome all San Isidro Teachers and staff to the new school year.  Commissioner Saenz thanked the San Isidro ISD staff for their commitment to the students. Mrs. Antonia (Toni) Trevino-Pct 4 Justice of the Peace also commended the staff and encouraged them to call or visit her office if they need her assistance.  Mr. Mike Garcia-Superintendent presented two staff members who retired commemoration plaques.  The retirees  Mrs. Araceli Garza who dedicated 35 years to education and Mr. David Munoz who dedicated 30 years to the students of the community were commended by the Superintendent for dedicating a lifetime to education and imparting wisdom to so many students.

Starr County Judge Eloy Vera Hosts Budget Workshop

 Starr County Judge Eloy Vera, Commissioners Court and county department heads recently met for a budget workshop. Budget workshops are held to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to discuss the needs for the successful operation of each different department. The Budget Fiscal Year begins October 1, 2012 and everyone is working together in order to prepare for the new year. The county has been able to maintain a healthy fund balance amidst severe loss of revenues due in part to declining natural gas prices. The price of natural gas went from about $14.00 per mcf a few years back to about $2.00 mcf now, therefore creating a loss of about $2.6 million in revenues in the last two (2) years.

Commissioner, Roma Nutrition Center Crowns 'King and Queen'

Pct 2 Roma Nutrition Center hosted a Coronation Ball recently to honor Queen Balbina Monroy and King Alfredo Villarreal who were selected by their peers as the new royalty.  The event was attended by many senior citizens who enjoyed a great afternoon conversing with friends, dancing and having a good time  The Court included kings and queens from neighboring nutrition centers and adult day cares.  Pct. 2 Commissioner Roy Pena was honored to serve as Master of Ceremonies and had the distinction of crowning the king and queen. The function was held at the Salineno Community Nutrition Center.  Commissioner Pena would like to thank everyone who participated for making this event memorable for all.  (County of Starr Public Relations Office).

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Abel N. Gonzalez, Jr. Community Center Serves San Isidro Residents

The Abel N. Gonzalez, Jr. Community Center is utilized as a multi function center which serves San Isidro area residents.  The center is utilized during the day as a nutrition and activities center for senior citizens where nutritious meals are provided.  The center staff Irma Beltran-Site Manager and her assistant Evangelina Farias work diligently to insure everyone registered receive a meal.  They also provide different activities that are geared at keeping senior citizens engaged in manual and mind exercises for a healthier mind and body.  Pct. 4 Commissioner Ruben Saenz is happy to announce that the center is also being outfitted with about 15 computers donated by different agencies to be utilized by community members and students to access the Internet for research and school assignments.  The Rio Grande City Library donated various books that may be checked and a big screen T.V.  will  be available for visitors to see news programs when they visit. Pictured with Pct. 4 Commissioner Ruben Saenz are community leaders visiting the center.  (County of Starr Public Relations Office).

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Local Entities Team Up to Assists Starr Students with "Back to School" Supplies

 Mary Barrera-City of Rio Grande, Cynthia Garcia Fuentes and Judy Solis-County of Starr, Sandra Garcia and Holly Douglass Guerrero-City of Rio Grande were among the volunteers who assisted students to purchase back to school clothing and supplies.  The United Way of South Texas awarded 120 middle school students from all over the valley with $150.00 each for back to school clothing and supplies thanks to employee contributions of many individuals including employees in the County of Starr and the City of Rio Grande.  Volunteers from all over the Rio Grande Valley gathered at the Target on North Tenth on Wednesday August 15th to assist the students in making proper selection of clothing and supplies. Students were also given free haircuts by volunteers from Vogue College.  The students were very excited and eager to buy the much needed items and are now prepared to begin the new school year,  (Starr County Public Relations Office)

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Commissioner Saenz Meets with Lomas Residents, Discusses Concerns

Starr County Pct. 4 Commissioner Ruben Saenz met with the residents of Las Lomas area to listen to  their concerns on different issues.  One main concern was trash and debris illegally dumped in vacant lots and on the side of streets.  Commissioner Saenz assured the residents that he will look into the situation and work with city and county entities to find a solution to the problem.  Commissioner Saenz thanked everyone for attending and invited them to call his office or visit with him anytime that they needed his assistance.  Mrs. Blanca Juarez helped organize the meeting and was on hand to relay community issues.  (Starr County Public Relations Office).

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Operation Lone Starr Volunteers Honored with Dinner

2012 Operation Lone Star Military personnel  and volunteers were treated with a delicious dinner sponsored by the District Attorney's Office, Starr County Clerk, and Knights of Columbus Members in appreciation for assisting the residents with much needed medical assistance.

Operation Lone Star was held on July July 23 - 27, 2012 at the Ringgold Middle School and served about 800 persons. The Operation is a joint exercise of State Health and Human service agencies, Texas Military Forces, County Health and Human Services and other entities. All organizations work together to bring free medical services to under-served communities along the Texas border. Some of the services provided free of charge were immunizations for children, diabetic screenings, blood pressure screening, hearing and vision exams, sports physicals and much more. The operation is made possible with the help of hundreds of local service groups and volunteers

Pictured with District Attorney Heriberto Silva are State Representative Ryan Guillen, Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Oscar Guerra,  Lt Commander Bogard, Lt Commander Mulligan, 1st Sgt Pooser, Chief Medical Officer Colonel Bower, Incident Commander Mauro Ruiz, Major William Bohl, Texas Military Forces Evaluator, Knight of Columbus Members, OLS coordinator Sylvia Garza. Special thanks to the Knights of Columbus members, District Attorney's office, and County Clerk's office. Belinda Trevino-Crime Victims Coordinator and Stephanie Ortiz-Deputy Court Clerk. (Starr County Public Relations Office)

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Commissioner's Efforts Yields New Home for Local Disaster Relief Funds Recipients

Commissioner Roy Pena and Judge Eloy Vera presented homeowners Max and San Juanita Gutierrez with the keys to their brand new home.  The Gutierrez family was eligible to receive Disaster Relief Owner-Occupied Housing Assistance Program funds.

Commissioner Pena and his staff worked diligently  to bring the property up to par so that the construction could take place.  Commissioner Pena and his staff take great pride in the completion of all of their projects.
Pictured left to right; Starr County Judge Eloy Vera, Commissioner Pct. 2-Roy Pena, Homeowners Max and San Juanita Gutierrez, Olga Bazan -Starr County Federal Programs Office, Connie Cantu-Starr County Federal Programs Office, David Reyna-Reyna Construction,  (Starr County Public Relations Office)

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Local Law Enforcement Tours Forensic Unity Facility

Starr County Sheriff's Investigators Marcos Rios and Leonel Alvarez were joined by Rio Grande City Police Lt. Elizandro Bermudez, Detective Santiago Alaniz and Mayor Ruben Villarreal at Mission Hospital for a guided tour of the Forensic Program area. Evonne L. Garza, RN,CA/CP SANE Program Coordinator guided the congregation through the unit so that they could see the technology in place at the hospital that is utilized to asses rape victims. The unit is equipped to take all necessary precautions to expedite investigation aspects in a minimal amount of time. The hospital's unit is available 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. The victims are able to have all of the medical treatments performed immediately including DNA collections and all other assessments needed for court evidence.  The unit also allows for a more private setting for victims during time of duress. Pictured left to right Investigator Leonel Alvarez, Mayor Ruben Villarreal, Detective Santiago Alaniz, Investigator Marco Rios, and Lt. Elizandro Bermudez. (Starr County Public Relations Office).

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Four Starr County Employees Graduate from Police Academy

In a ceremony held at Mario's Banquet Hall in Mission Texas, on August 2, 2012, Four (4) Starr County Employees graduated from the the LRGVDC Police Academy Class #155 Pictured with Sheriff Rene Fuents left to right are Justin Falcon-Starr County Detention Center, Carla Lozano-Starr County Detention Center, Maida Garza-Starr County Human Resources Office, Leonel Garza-Starr County Federal Programs Office.  All of them are employed full time and attended the police academy in the evenings. Several other Starr County Residents also received their Peace Officers Certificate that night. They are all commended for their accomplishments and for demonstrating that a dream can become a reality with hard work and dedication. (Starr County Public Relations Office).

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Villarreal Recognized for Years of Outstanding Service

Starr County Sheriff Rene Fuentes and staff presented Elias Villarreal with a plaque in commemoration of his 22 years of service at the Starr County Detention Center.  Sheriff Fuentes commended Elias for his hard work and dedication and for assisting Captain Romeo Ramirez to insure that the detention center be in compliance with Texas Jail Certification Standards.  His professionalism and attention to detail have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers. "We wish you a happy retirement" said Sheriff Fuentes as he presented the plaque to him during a reception held to honor him.  Elias has been married to Becky Villarreal for 40 years and they have two sons Elias Villarreal Jr., and Luis Carlos (Liza).  Elias' pride and joy are his grandchildren Isaac Jacob, Luis Carlos Jr., and Lexis Briana Villarreal.  Mr. Villarreal will now have more time to enjoy his hobby of riding his horse and spending time in his ranch surrounded by his family.  Starr County Judge Eloy Vera was at hand to thank Elias for a job well done. Pictured Left to right Guillermo (Willie) Pena-Chief Deputy, Starr County Judge Eloy Vera, Elias Villarreal, Starr County Sheriff Rene Fuentes and Starr County Detention Center Captain Romeo Ramirez, Jr.  (Starr County Public Relations Office)

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Starr County Olympian Honored with Key-to-City, Street Naming

The sound of Rio High School and Grulla High School  Bands, a lit scoreboard with video and live images playing, cheerleaders dancing, the angelic sound of Stephanie Rodriguez as she sang the National
Anthem, about 1300 fans and volunteers cheering added to the excitement of the event honoring Olympian Stephen Saenz on Thursday night. An awe from the audience could be heard as Stephen walked in with grandeur and poise to filled stadium.  The memory of this night will forever be embedded in the minds of all who attended. "What an honor to be standing next to him" said a mother to her children as she waited for him to autograph their program.  Indeed what an honor to see this young man who has accomplished what most just dream. To witness his humility and pride in talking to each and every person that wanted to take a picture with him and get his autograph. Stephen spoke from his heart as he encouraged the young children and teens to dream big and work hard to achieve it because nothing worthwhile comes easy was the message he relayed.  Stephen said "there's always that someone out there working harder than everyone else...I want to be that person".

Starr County Pct. 4 Nutrition Center Provides Meals for Senior Citizens

The Nutrition Center located in San Benito Street next to the Starr County Fairgrounds serves nutritious meals for  senior citizens who reside in Pct. 4.  The center also provides several types of educational and entertainment activities geared at providing the attendees with a place to go and feel right at home. Commissioner Ruben D. Saenz, Judge Eloy Vera, Center Director Tina Saenz and the center staff invite other senior citizens in Pct. 4 to visit the center at anytime.  Persons wishing to attend the center please contact Pct. 4 personnel at 500 N. Britton Avenue or call (956) 487-2922 for details on how to enroll.  (Starr County Public Relations Office)

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Local Boys and Girls Club Performed the 'Beauty and the Beast'

The Boys and Girls Club members performed their rendition of "Beauty and the Beast"  on Saturday July 28 2012 at the Francisco "Paco" Zarate Fine Arts Center.  Mayor Ruben Villarreal Opened the night with acknowledgments and asked all of the parents to stand to be recognized, he also introduced Mrs. Dina Garcia- BGC Director who briefly discussed the activities and projects that the kids worked on at the Boys and Girls Club.  Mr. Ramon Galvan-BGC President spoke of the role that the directors play and how he is so proud to be part of an organization that helps kids to shine.  Marcus Villarreal asked the audience to relax, sit back and enjoy the play.

Starr County Historical Society Continues Efforts to Build Museum

 The Starr County Historical Society held their monthly meeting on Friday, July 20, 2012 at the Starr County Annex.  The members are working diligently on a plan to acquire land to to build a museum.  Starr County is situated in an area with enormous historical wealth and the museum will serve as an  informational venue for future generations to learn about their ancestors and their traditions and much more.  (County of Starr Public Relations Office).

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Judge, Sheriff Welcome Operation Lone Star Organizers

Judge Eloy Vera and Sheriff Rene Fuentes visited with Operation Lone Star Organizers and were very pleased to see that many residents participated in this event. Operation Lone Star was held on July July 23 - 27, 2012 at the Ringgold Middle School and served over 800 persons.  The Operation is a joint exercise of State Health and Human service agencies, Texas Military Forces, County Health and Human Services and other entities to prepare for disasters.  All organizations work together to bring free medical services to under-served communities along the Texas border.  Some of the services provided free of charge were immunizations for children, diabetic screenings, blood pressure screening, hearing and vision exams, sports physicals and much more. The operation is made possible with the help of hundreds of local service groups and volunteers.  Judge Vera would like to thank everyone who volunteered in this very worthwhile cause and also commends all of the organizers for a job well done.  (Starr County Public Relations Office)

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Starr County Org. Applauds Presidential Decision

President Obama signed into law new drug legislation that will permanently ban the deadly chemical compounds marketed and sold as bath salts and incense in the United States. 

“President Obama’s swift approval of this federal ban is the final nail in the coffin for the legal sale of bath salts in smoke shops and convenient stores in New York State and throughout the rest of the country,” said Sen. Charles Schumer, (D-N.Y.) the bill’s author.

“This law will close loopholes that have allowed manufacturers to circumvent local and state bans and ensure that you cannot simply cross state lines to find these deadly bath salts, and I’m pleased that after a great deal of effort, it has become law. We have seen bath salts catalyze some of the most heinous crimes in recent months across Upstate New York, and the President’s signature ensures that the federal government can fight this scourge with a united front, across state lines and at our borders.”

The new law’s unique force is that it prohibits not only the compounds currently identified as “bath salts,” but also outlaws similar compounds that may be produced in the future. In addition to the identified compounds, the law also prohibits other any synthetics that may have different chemical formulas but produce the same effects.