Murder, Suicide Reported in RGC

(Updated) Valley Media reports on a shooting rampage in Rio Grande City in which at least three people are confirmed dead and one remains in critical condition. Investigators believe one of the victims is likely the suspect himself.
(Source Article 1, Source Article 2)

RGCHS Class of 70 Grad. Honored at Retirement Ceremony

Air Force Reserve Col. (Dr.) Raul A. Aguilar has retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserve after 22 years of faithful and honorable service to the nation.

At his retirement ceremony, Col. Aguilar was decorated with the Legion of Merit Medal for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the U.S. as commander of the 433rd Medical Group at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.  His exemplary leadership, strategic vision and devotion to duty that he consistently demonstrated resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and overwhelming success of the medical group, the 4th Air Force, and the Air Force Reserve Command.  His "service-before-self" spirit and energetic style of command set the example as his squadron members continually volunteered to support the Global War on Terrorism, Air Expeditionary Forces rotations, and humanitarian missions.  His dedication to mission readiness ensured medical support of more than 2,500 wing personnel in response to both wartime and humanitarian missions.  Through his leadership, personnel were handpicked as subject matter experts to train others, both locally and in foreign countries.  Aguilar managed and directed the operations, training and activities of three medical squadrons composed of more than 480 medical personnel.  Under his tutelage, he led all three medical squadrons to successfully attain an "outstanding" rating on health services inspections.

New Replacement RGC HS Planned for 2012-13

The RGCCISD is in the early stages of planning the construction of new facilities in northern Starr County (just north of Embassy Rd.) which will replace the ones currently being used today as Rio Grande City High School. For now, the plan is to convert what is currently RGC High School, into a middle school, and have the new facilities serving as RGC's central high school by the 2012-2013 school year.

Local College Says Goodbye to Longtime Friend Mike Allen

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Mike Allen, District 3 Representative on South Texas College’s Board of Trustees, passed away on Wednesday, August 25. Serving on the board since May 2004, Allen represented the interests of the constituents of south McAllen, southwest Pharr, Hidalgo, Sharyland, southeast Mission and Granjeno.


“STC has lost a great friend, relentless advocate and admirer of our many accomplishments,” said Dr. Shirley A. Reed, STC president. “He admired STC and recognized the contribution the college is making to the economic development and future prosperity of the region. He was a beloved friend of the college, City of McAllen, and the entire deep South Texas border region of Texas. Rest assured, he will continue to watch over us and admire all that we do for the people in the Rio Grande Valley.”    

Allen recently completed a term as chairman of the college’s board, and won reelection to his seat in May 2010.

“I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to continue my service on the board,” Allen said of his reelection. “I am a strong believer that when you connect business and industry with the college, job growth and development will be the outcome. I plan to continue focusing on developing innovative workforce training programs to develop the skilled business and industry leaders of tomorrow.”

New Grulla Gator Cheerleaders Ready for Season

RGCCISD Grulla High School Cheerleaders kicked off their year by participating in the New Teacher Orientation held on August 12, 2010. The squad showed their Gator spirit by performing a few cheers for the crowd. The cheerleaders participate in various events throughout the school year and are currently preparing for the 2010 Football Season. The squad is under the direction of Rosie Chapa. Pictured l to r are; Front row (left to right): Kayla Arriazola, Yuliana Cantu, Yolitza Griego, Melissa Galaviz Varsity Captain, Michelle Montalvo Varsity Captain, Stacey Torres, and Koraima Alfaro. Second row (left to right): Claudia Torres, Kristina Flores, Brenda Longoria JV Captain, Bianca Venecia JV Captain, Tina Bazan, and Anahi Cardenas JV Captain. Third row (left to right): Selina Lopez, Jennifer Cantu, Miguel Vela, Alyssa Zarate, and Joalda Zarate.

2010-11 Football Camp Successfully Concludes

Rio Grande City CISD football coaches hosted the 2010-11 Rattler Football Camp on July 24-27, 2010. Boys from 6 years through 14 years had the opportunity to participate in this camp. The players had on-the-field practice and instruction demonstrations on football fundamentals. Learning the proper techniques at young age is important and will help them be successful players in the future.

Former La Grulla Police Officer Arrested

Hugo Ochoa (40), a former La Grulla police officer was arrested for alleged sexual assault of a child. He was arrested by the Starr County Sheriff's Deputies after a family member accused him of Sexual Assault.
(Read Source Article)

Local Org. Successfully Concludes Summer Children's Program

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Colonias Unidas expresses it's appreciation to the presenters that helped make their “Juega y Aprende” Children’s Summer Program a great success.

Colonias Unidas, is non-profit community-based organization whose mission is to improve the lives of colonia residents in Starr County, a rural community which has one of the highest level of poverty in the country. At the present time, Colonias Unidas is focused on providing educational and cultural opportunities to families in an effort to improve their quality of life.  We operate an after school program as well as adult educational programs.  We also organize health fairs, cultural and art projects, and other community activities. Contact Info: Priscilla Martinez, Executive Director, 956-487-0964.

Congressman Visits Local FEMA Center

Congressman Henry Cuellar greets a FEMA worker during his recent stop at the Disaster and Recovery Center in Rio Grande City. The center, established to help victims of Hurricane Alex and other atmospheric conditions that hit the area last month, will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 7 p.m. on Sunday until further notice. The center is located at the Starr County Courthouse Annex, 100 N. FM 3167, in Rio Grande City. Representatives of the state, federal and voluntary agencies, as well as customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), will be available at the center to answer questions and provide disaster loan information to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. Written materials about various assistance programs are also available to individuals and business owners.

Texas Cong. Comments on President Signing Border Security Funding Bill

WASHINGTON, DC - On Friday, Aug. 13, Congressman Henry Cuellar, TX-28,issued the following statement following President Obama’s signing of the Emergency Border Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, which provides a total of $600 million to strengthen border security.

“Today is a big day for residents living along the U.S.-Mexico Border. Both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate understand what these funds mean to those living along the Rio Grande, and for this reason, we placed this bill on the fast track to ensure the dollars made their way to the border in the shortest time possible,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar, TX-28. “I also applaud and thank my colleagues in the Border Caucus, for without their support, this bill would not have reached the President’s desk as fast as it did. These resources will increase our national security and keep our communities safe, and the President’s signature demonstrates how important the safety of all Americans is.”

Rattler/Gator Football Schedules Released

The 2010 - 2011 Rattlers Varsity Football Schedule is now available for viewing/downloading at RGCCISD Home Page.
Click here to view/download

Also available on the site is the 2010 - 2011 La Grulla Gators Varsity Football Schedule.
Click here to view/download

Commission Announces Dam Releases Reduced; Stabilizing

The International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico, has reduced the release of floodwaters from Falcon Dam, located at Falcon Heights, Texas-Nueva Ciudad Guerrero, Tamaulipas from 30,000 cubic feet per second (860 cubic meters per second) to 27,000 cubic feet per second (760 cubic meters per second) on August 13 and will continue to reduce releases gradually over the weekend to match reservoir inflow, currently around 18,000 cubic feet per second (500 cubic meters per second), in order to maintain reservoir elevation near normal conservation capacity. 
Flows from the San Juan River, a Mexican tributary to the Rio Grande downstream from Falcon Dam, have also decreased due to reduced releases from Mexican reservoirs.  With these reductions, diversions of water into the U.S. interior floodway at Anzalduas Dam in the Lower Rio Grande Valley will continue to decline in the coming days, thereby reducing water levels in the Banker Floodway, Main Floodway, North Floodway, and Arroyo Colorado in Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy Counties.  

Buffelgrass & Forage Quality Workshop to be Held Aug. 20

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Rio Grande City, TX – In recent years, advances in plant and animal breeding, introduction of new products, and development of new management approaches have made it possible to increase animal performance. However, for this to be realized there must be additional focus on forage quality.

Buffelgrass is a highly nutritious grass and is considered excellent for pasture in hot, dry areas and is valued for its production of palatable forage and intermittent grazing during drought periods especially in dry land areas. The focus of this Educational Program will highlight Buffelgrass and its establishment in Starr County.

The Cooperative Extension Program, Texas Agrilife Extension and the Texas/Mexico Border Coalition will be hosting this educational program. Dr. Wayne Hanselka, Dow Chemical Company will provide a topic on Forage Quality & Chemical Treatments, U.S. Insurance will provide a topic on Pasture & Rainfall Insurance for 2011, and the USDA Natural Conservation Service will provide topic on Increasing Productivity & New Conservation Practices. The Program will take place at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Hall in El Sauz, Texas on August 26, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. Please reply by R.S.V.P. before August 20, 2010.

Play, Musical to be Performed at Colonias Unidas in RGC Aug. 19

The Pharr Literacy Project & Cultural Arts Center offers a tour of the musically fun and entertaining short play "Bird Brains" performed at Colonias Unidas, 8019 Embassy St. (Las Lomas), Rio Grande City, on Thursday August 19 at 7:30 pm. Written and directed by Pedro Garcia, Bird Brains is the charming story about 3 birds living in the Rio Grande Valley and Lovin It! (see synopsis below)

Performed by valley kids, the play incorporates song and dance in a fun and inspiring story for all ages. The touring production includes awesome costumes by Maria Moreno, stage make-up and a make-shift set. Lyrics and Music are by the valley's Carlos Gonzalez and Eddie De la Garza, with voice coaching by Henry Treviño. Choreography is by Amanda L Sasser and Cecy Molina. An original backdrop was painted by Omar de Leon, and a fun Bird Brains painting by Robert Viña.

FEMA to Open Disaster Recovery Center in Starr Co.

WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman Henry Cuellar, TX-28, announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will set up a Joint Field Office in Laredo and Disaster Recovery Centers in several counties (Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Starr, and Webb) affected by the recent heavy rains and flooding by the end of the week.

The establishment of these offices comes as a result of Congressman Cuellar’s efforts in working with FEMA and the White House. For the last several weeks, Congressman Cuellar worked with FEMA and local community leaders to collect data and report to FEMA and the White House.

Following the President’s disaster declaration, Congressman Cuellar worked with FEMA to establish offices in the affected region.

The Joint Field Office to open up in Laredo will house FEMA, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Small Business Administration and other agencies, and will be the focal coordinating point in overseeing the recovery efforts in the region.

President, FEMA Declare Starr and Other Counties a Major Disaster Area

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Washington, DC – Congressman Henry Cuellar, TX-28,  lauded President Obama for declaring the State of Texas (which includes Bexar, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb, and Zapata counties) a major disaster area as a result of Hurricane Alex and a Tropical Depression, which severely impacted the state from June 30 - July 28. This declaration was made based on a recommendation from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under direction from the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

As part of the disaster declaration, the counties impacted by the severe weather will be able to apply for federal funds.

“I personally thank President Obama for declaring this area a major disaster and for taking into consideration the severe damages that the inclement weather brought upon counties in my district. I also thank FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and FEMA Regional Administrator Tony Russell for the collaboration in this disaster declaration process,” said Congressman Cuellar. “To the families affected by the rain and flood I say: Be patient. Help is on its way.”

Local Org. Hosts Free 3 Day Event; Everyone Invited

The “Una Mano Amiga” organization is hosting a Free Three-Day event, featuring live musical performances and special guest speakers. The event will also have donation booths set up for both school supplies for local children, and supplies/clothing for local flood victims.

The festivities will take place at the KIOSK located in Down-Town Rio Grande City, from August 13 – 15. Event organizers encourage the entire community to be a part of the activities, and/or volunteer to help with arrangements. For more information about this event call 956-583-7227 or 956-844-1974.

Valley Students Help Spread Valuable Energy Saving Techniques

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Summer time is in full swing and anybody that has lived in the Valley for any length of time knows that means a ton of heat and a lot of staying indoors with the A/C on full blast. But those who have to pay the electric bill at the end of the month know that there are always ways to reduce their energy costs.

So South Texas College teamed up with TXU Energy for the second year for TXU Energy’s Home Energy Makeover Program. The makeover is meant to take an existing home and turn it into a more energy efficient home to help homeowners learn inexpensive fixes that can help them save money and help the environment at the same time.

Furthermore, students from STC’s Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Program and Electrician Assistant Program were able to volunteer, taking what they learned in the classroom and putting it into real world use.

New Music Shop Open in RGC

Sol's Music Shop is now open for business in Rio Grande City. The shop focuses mainly on guitar sales, and offers guitar lessons, at several skill levels, for both children and adults . The shop is located at the corner of Lopez St., and Second St.
RGHerald.com proudly promotes locally/independently owned businesses, if you know of a recently opened business that would benefit from this service, email us at: rgherald@gmail.com

813 lbs of Marijuana Seized in RGC

 Border Patrol Agents noticed a pickup truck parked along the riverbank of the Rio Grande River. The driver of the pickup truck fled as agents approached the truck which, they later discovered, was carrying a total of 813 pounds of marijuana. (Source Article)

RGC Pub. Library Planning 20th Ann. Celebration

Plans are underway for a celebration of 20 years of existence for the Rio Grande City Public Library, to be held Thursday, August 12, 2010.  The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with tours and door prizes to be given every hour.  The focus will be on the library’s three main objectives: to promote literacy, culture, and history.  Local historians and artists are invited to display and share their art, music, stories, or photographs throughout the day. Call Librarian Norma Fultz to select your time of appearance or to arrange for your display.  Special guests will be the students of the Starr County Public Library Club sponsored by the social studies classes of Mrs. Estela Hernandez at Ringgold Junior High 1981-1984.  A scrapbook they created will be on display, along with other historical artifacts.  Pictured are Mrs. Fultz, Mrs. Hernandez, Library Board President Judy Solis, Friends of the Library President Rosa E. Gonzalez, and other Library Friends and board members.

House Passes $701 Million in Funding for Southern Border Security

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Washington, DC – On July 29, U.S. Congressmen Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Solomon P. Ortiz (TX-27), Ruben Hinojosa (TX-15), Ciro D. Rodriguez (TX-23), and Silvestre Reyes (TX-16) released the following statement after the House passed late Wednesday $701 million in emergency federal funding to further secure the nation’s southern border.

“At a time when our neighbor to the south, Mexico, is experiencing high incidents of border violence along the more than 1,200 miles of Texas-Mexico border, we approved a measure that would provide much-needed funding for border security and will augment our current security efforts by adding more Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents, as well as deliver other support for local law enforcement. We will remain engaged in this debate with our colleagues in Congress and the White House to ensure we allocate the much-needed funding.”

Auto Mishap Sends Two to Hospital

Valley Media reports on a crash involving a U.S. Customs vehicle in Starr County over the weekend which resulted in two children having to be airlifted to the hospital. We'll post more information on this incident as it becomes available (Source Article)

Operation Lone Star Offers Free Medical Care in RGC

Operation Lone Star will offer free health clinics in Starr County for the week of Aug. 2-6, at Rio Grande City High School, 144 FM 3167,  in an effort to provide health services to people in South Texas.

Services include health screenings and treatments, immunizations, physicals for students, hearing and vision exams, and limited dental care. Last year Operation Lone Star provided medical services to more than 12,000 residents.