HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL SERIES PLAYOFF SCORES: Flour Bluff 8, Harlingen South 7 - Flour Bluff ties the series. Game 3 on Saturday. CC Veterans Memorial 20, Weslaco East 2 - CC Veterans Memorial wins the series to advance. CC Carroll 6, Brownsville Lopez 2 - Carroll wins the series to advance. SA East Central 11, San Benito 3 - SA East Central leads series 1-0. Weslaco 6, Buda Johnson 9 - Buda Johnson leads series 1-0. Eagle Pass 13, Harlingen 2 - Eagle Pass leads the series 1-0. Orange Grove 13, Raymondville 8 - Orange Grove wins the series to advance. Santa Gertrudis 6, Lyford 1 - Santa Gertrudis wins the series to advance. Rio Grande City 4, Mercedes 3 - Rio Grande City advances. Save Listen-1.0x+0:0011:55Produced by ElevenLabs and News Over Audio (Noa) using AI narration near the state’s southern tip along the U.S.-Mexico border The condition affects about one in five adults on Medicare—more than double the national rate “Everybody has somebody in their family” with dementia a neuroepidemiologist who studies aging at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley This article was featured in the One Story to Read Today newsletter. Sign up for it here. He preached Wednesday-night services and hand-delivered donations of rice and ate his favorite homemade foods—pineapple upside-down cake and cream-of-mushroom chicken over rice.Dementia looms over the Cantú family tree Two of Tomas’s 10 siblings had it; Jessica wondered whether more might have she began working as a nurse practitioner at the county’s first private Alzheimer’s-specific research site “I don’t know what it is that’s causing all of this.” Tomas Cantú’s headstone stands across the street from the Whataburger where he used to meet his sons and his brother for coffee every Saturday morning in Roma (Cheney Orr for The Atlantic)Dementia has no single trigger it can emerge from a lifetime of accumulated strain—from genetics Researchers have identified a dozen risk factors that could theoretically delay or prevent roughly 40 percent of cases worldwide: traumatic brain injury; conditions including high blood pressure and heavy drinking; environmental and social forces including air pollution and limited education.These “risk factors usually do not come [as] one; they come in clusters,” Maestre said—and in Starr County Nearly one in three people lives in poverty; a quarter lack health insurance Chronic conditions are widespread—especially diabetes and heart disease—while access to care is limited: There’s just one primary-care physician for every 3,000 to 4,000 people These accumulate in cycles of grief and stress: The people I spoke with talked about deaths in the family followed by strokes that cascade into cognitive decline many in Starr County struggle to make sense of it And no matter the cause—no matter which conglomeration of causes—they must live with dementia’s reality Joann died from the disease in February 2022 as Sissy's father had several years earlier Garza-Ray retired in 2023 from her job as a nurse at an assisted-living facility in Rio Grande City where many patients have Alzheimer’s; she believes stress and poor nutrition are overlooked risk factors for dementia (Cheney Orr for The Atlantic)Joann Ray Blake scoops punch on her wedding day in this photo pulled from a box in her bedroom may reflect not just risk but endurance: people living longer with the condition research shows that Hispanic people tend to live longer than non-Hispanic white people despite facing higher rates of chronic disease and steeper socioeconomic disadvantages—a pattern sometimes called the “Hispanic paradox.” And in the Rio Grande Valley part of what might sustain people through dementia is the culture: Dementia is seen less as a medical emergency and more as a natural people with dementia may live in nursing homes or take expensive new Alzheimer’s drugs with modest benefits surrounded by family who offer familiarity and stimulation but constant—and backed by research showing that familiar environments and home-based care can enhance both quality of life and cognitive function for people with dementia.“He was never never—since the day I brought him to my home—he was never one day alone,” says Juan “Manny” Saenz of his father Francisco “Pancho,” who died at home last month at age 94 Pancho began to grow forgetful and repetitive about a decade ago she made him promise not to put his father in a nursing home Pancho’s appearance was impeccable: He was bathed and perfumed and relished his coffee-and-cookie merienda snack break—or breaks told me exactly what Jessica Cantú had: “We take care of our own.” use the bathroom in Manny’s home in Rio Grande City in December 2023 Manny was sitting outside the same bathroom while his father sat on the toilet “Never in my entire life has my dad said he loved me.” Manny laughed we go back to our same routine.” (Cheney Orr for The Atlantic)Pancho’s daughter kisses her dad when visiting to help Manny with caregiving duties in November 2023 She and Pancho used to spend time together wandering the aisles of Home Depot as he examined tools and studied sandpaper sometimes he would buy just a bag of nails,” she said (Cheney Orr for The Atlantic)The Saenz family: Pancho and Carmen in bed at home in the 1970s (Cheney Orr for The Atlantic)Carmen rests her hands on top of her dad’s in November 2023 “I remember him doing hand puppets with a gas lamp during a thunderstorm when we lost electricity,” she said “And he would put his hand under his armpit and make that sound He always had a sense of humor.” (Cheney Orr for The Atlantic)Monica Saenz Silva made a similar decision for her mother the kind of person who kept every receipt for taxes and reminded her adult children to change their tires a few years after her dementia symptoms appeared “that was out the door,” Monica told me.Today Ramona will approach a taco or hamburger quizzically; she’s forgotten how to bite into them she doesn’t recognize the house where she’s lived for decades so they’re in a familiar surrounding,” she said “It’s not all the time that she doesn’t know she’s home.”The response of many families here to dementia is shaped by limited treatment options: Alzheimer’s and related dementias have no cure and come with potentially life-threatening side effects some caregivers eschew pharmaceuticals for aromatic teas Theirs is an ethic of endurance: If dementia is here many still consider Alzheimer’s to be a normal part of aging—at most but almost never a neurodegenerative disease “It’s okay to just be forgetful at the age of 70 It’s okay because Grandma and Grandpa were forgetful at the age of 70,” she said some caregivers live with a sense of dread: In many cases and the structural forces that compounded their loved ones’ risk haven’t disappeared Cantú frets about her mind; Monica Saenz Silva checks her memory every day And they don’t necessarily want for themselves what they did for their parents: If his time comes Manny Saenz wants to go to a nursing facility the person with Alzheimer’s is spared the memory of their decline; the burden belongs to those who remember and that’s a risk he doesn’t want to pass on and tucks her hair behind her ear in December 2023 (Cheney Orr for The Atlantic)Monica cuts her mom’s hair in Ramona’s living room in March 2023 Monica has been cutting her mom’s hair for the past 40 years initially as practice for high-school cosmetology classes Her mom was a reluctant model in those days “I remember her telling me: ‘Do not let my ears show,’” Monica said (Cheney Orr for The Atlantic)A family Easter celebration in Ramona’s backyard (Cheney Orr for The Atlantic)Ramona and her longtime friend Graciela “Gracie” Gonzalez sit together in Ramona’s backyard Ramona has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Gracie’s daughter believes her mother is also in the disease’s early stages Hispanic Americans face a significantly higher risk of dementia than white Americans and are also one of the country’s fastest-aging groups scientific understanding of dementia has drawn from data from mostly white and affluent populations; Hispanics make up fewer than 5 percent of participants in Alzheimer’s clinical trials That limits researchers’ understanding of the condition the less dementia seems like a single disease with a uniform pattern and the more it appears to be a spectrum of diseases—each unfolding with its own course of symptoms researchers have detected amyloid plaques—the sticky protein clumps long considered hallmarks of Alzheimer’s—more frequently in the brains of white participants with dementia or mild cognitive impairment than in their Black In several studies that measured tau proteins Black adults with—or without—symptoms of dementia had lower levels than white participants The genetic variant most strongly linked to Alzheimer’s disease is less common—and possibly less potent—among people with certain Hispanic backgrounds than among white people.In 2021 the National Institute on Aging designated a new Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center in South Texas a neurologist at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Their goal is to understand the Rio Grande Valley’s dementia cluster—and what can be done about it—in part by examining the effects of environmental hardship and linguistic isolation and by investigating protective factors such as bilingualism and family networks who directs the Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center for Minority Aging Research at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley walks through a field outside the university’s neuroscience institute in Harlingen Her aspirations extend beyond the lab: She envisions medical researchers collecting data door-to-door in vulnerable neighborhoods over a decade or more art in the street—all of it as support and stimulation for the brain.” (Cheney Orr for The Atlantic) families like Jessica Cantú’s are left to do what they can he would tell her about the sick people he visited who would reach up with their arms (toward the kingdom of heaven he was still going to church and chatting with people at the H-E-B grocery store But then Tomas lost his appetite and grew frail “It just gave me that comfort to know that he was ready and that everything was going to be okay.” Support for this story was provided by the Magnum Foundation, in partnership with the Commonwealth Fund This piece originally misstated Sudha Seshadri's affiliation High school students from Rio Grande City Grulla ISD work on a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine recently at South Texas College’s Pecan Campus A long-standing and historic partnership between South Texas College’s Dual Credit Programs and Rio Grande City Grulla ISD is preparing students for careers in manufacturing and industry.  A long-standing and historic partnership between South Texas College’s Dual Credit Programs and Rio Grande City Grulla ISD is preparing students for careers in manufacturing and industry As the Dual Credit Program celebrates 25 years in 2025 its partnership with the district is a testament to the amazing impact the program has had in preparing young students for rewarding careers before they even graduate high school.  Sixteen students from Rio Grande City High School are among those taking dual credit courses in Advanced Manufacturing Technology at STC’s Starr County campus he jumped at the chance to begin earning college credit Chapa said an opportunity to learn a trade in manufacturing is an opportunity to change people’s lives as he considers a future as an entrepreneur and inventor.  Currently set to graduate this May with a certificate in Precision Manufacturing from drafting parts and seeing them come to life through technology is inspiring him to make a difference in the world He plans to come back to STC and get his associate degree while also finding experience in the field.   “This is important to me because I enjoy the pursuit of progress and innovation I am just fascinated by all the things we can accomplish in this world I want to be able to make a difference in people’s lives with what I do,” Chapa said I am able to create my ideas using technology and then bring them to life with the skills the college has given me It’s all hands-on and you get to learn so much in the process It's such an amazing opportunity to be able to earn college credit graduate from STC and maybe even find a career right out of high school.” The partnership between the South Texas College Dual Credit Programs and Rio Grande City Grulla ISD exemplifies our commitment to providing students with valuable educational opportunities…By fostering such partnerships we pave the way for a brighter future for our students and community STC introduced its Dual Credit Programs to the Rio Grande Valley community the program has emerged as a national leader and the only in Texas to be accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) serving 21 partnering school districts and students from more than 70 partnering schools like Rio Grande City Grulla ISD Across more than two decades of excellence STC’s Dual Credit program has served more than 145,000 students and saved RGV families over $450 million dollars in tuition “The partnership between the South Texas College Dual Credit Programs and Rio Grande City Grulla ISD exemplifies our commitment to providing students with valuable educational opportunities,” said Associate Vice President of Dual Credit Programs and School District Partnerships Rebecca De Leon “This collaboration allows us to equip dual credit students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today's competitive job market we pave the way for a brighter future for our students and community." Dual Credit Programs students taking Advanced Manufacturing at STC are all on track to receive a certificate in Precision Manufacturing Technology once they graduate from high school and are then able to return to STC to complete their Precision Manufacturing Technology Associate of Applied Science within a year students learn marketable skills including blueprint reading mill and lathe work and the understanding of the mathematics behind the trade.  “We are incredibly proud of our students in the Advanced Manufacturing program and truly grateful for our partnership with STC,” said Rio Grande City-Grulla ISD Superintendent Guadalupe Garza “This dual credit opportunity is more than just a head start It provides our students with real-world experience confidence and a sense of purpose.  As superintendent it means everything to see our students gaining the skills and confidence to create genuine opportunities for themselves and their families.” STC trustee and Starr County Industrial Foundation President Rose Benavidez said the partnership between STC’s Dual Credit Program and the district is a benefit for those who work in industry “All of us at South Texas College have always prided ourselves on being in tune with industry needs and wants in order to get them that skilled workforce so the idea that we are able to set a foundation to teach someone not just soft skills but actual trades they can take into a career is something that we are absolutely thrilled about,” Benavidez said “There has been a lot of talk about apprenticeships and how to begin that training from a young age and I think what we have learned is that companies see true value in someone when they not only learn on the job but when they have industry-recognized skills going in It makes it so much easier for our graduates to find a job but more importantly for them to keep it.”  Rio Grande City High School senior Leo Alonzo said he is also taking advanced manufacturing courses in high school to prepare him for an engineering degree after he graduates he said he also plans to return to STC after he graduates high school to further his education “My goal is to enter a career in engineering and when I saw that the Precision Manufacturing program was looking for students I jumped at the chance to gain the necessary experience in STEM to get there I decided this was the perfect opportunity to jumpstart my future in engineering by being introduced into things like mechatronics really help students like me get that experience early on which then helps us get ahead into a future we can be proud of.”     at South Texas College’s Starr County Campus Attendees will have access to a variety of free professional services aimed at helping them make a strong first impression A free Interviewing Skills Workshop will also be offered from 9 a.m the Rio Grande City Public Library will provide resume assistance throughout the week leading up to the job fair Participants can receive help with resume writing and take advantage of five free resume prints The event is hosted in collaboration with Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation contact the Rio Grande City EDC at (956) 487-3476 STC is expanding law enforcement opportunities in Rio Grande City with the upcoming launch of a Police Academy at its Starr County campus South Texas College is expanding law enforcement training opportunities in Rio Grande City with the upcoming launch of a Police Academy at its Starr County campus STC’s Police Academy is a comprehensive 26-week program that trains aspiring peace officers with firearms and defensive skills and criminal and traffic law knowledge needed to serve and protect the community “We are thrilled with the growth and expansion of our law enforcement program to the Starr County area giving students the opportunity to receive their training right at home,” said STC Dean of Business we are not only strengthening our community but also ensuring accessible training for future police officers.” STC was granted a Training Academy license by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) after successfully meeting rigorous standards in curriculum The process included an assessment of classroom settings equipment and overall readiness to train recruits Established in 2012 through a partnership with the city of Pharr STC’s Police Academy has graduated hundreds of police officers over the years who now serve across the Rio Grande Valley and beyond the college has begun expanding its training services starting last year at STC’s Mid-Valley campus which successfully graduated its first academy class last month and now to Rio Grande City "Bringing these opportunities to Starr County is a significant milestone because it eliminates a long commute for students which could be more than an hour each way," said Victor Valdez STC Public Safety Programs department chair “We’ve had several students who wanted to pursue this but didn’t have the means to drive to Pharr we are not only strengthening our community but also ensuring accessible training for future police officers He shared that while students will complete most of their studies at the Starr County campus they will also experience high-tech training with the innovative technology housed at STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence in Pharr which includes a state-of-the-art shooting simulator driving simulator and virtual reality immersive training "One of the most impactful aspects of this initiative is that their instructors will be from Starr County agencies with many of our long-standing law enforcement partners actively involved in their training providing students with firsthand experience of what their future careers will be like," he added “This is a close-knit community that truly cares for each other so I’m confident many will seize this opportunity.” STC Starr County Campus Administrator Arturo Montiel noting that short-term workforce opportunities like this one are highly beneficial for the community it’s a vital credential that will help students enter the workforce and make an immediate impact,” he said It’s a life mission and we’re thrilled to finally bring this opportunity to the Starr County area STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence offers two full-time daytime academies per year in addition to a full-time academy in Weslaco Requirements to join the program include a comprehensive application process and agility test a Compliance Specialist will be available every Wednesday at the Starr County campus to assist anyone interested in joining visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/law-enforcement or call 956-872-4208 Rio Grande City's mayor took the stage Wednesday to deliver the first state of the city address of his term Mayor Gilberto Falcon talked about ongoing projects in the city.  infrastructure and new businesses were big topics as well as advancements in healthcare.  A new DHR Health campus under construction was highlighted during the address There is now a dedicated animal cruelty officer who can address the stray and abused animal problem in the city.  “That investigator will actually be out there investigating any animal cruelty cases,” Rio Grande City Interim Police Chief Jose Solis said its water infrastructure has needed help keeping up.  The city previously said broken water meters left them out thousands of dollars Mayor Falcon said a project to replace meters has brought back that money  “The past four months we were able to increase our water revenue by $400,000 Falcon said the new meters are partially funded through a grant.  Rio Grande City residents aren't connected to the city sewer system Falcon said the city is working on this issue “We're gonna be installing some sewer lines they're within city lines and they didn't have sewer,” Falcon said “We think those basic necessities need to be addressed and we've approved that project." Falcon says they'll be focusing on water and transportation infrastructure projects Watch the video above for the full story.  EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was updated on Wednesday 2025 with information on Angela Solis' bond Rio Grande City’s former city secretary turned herself in to police Tuesday following a month-long investigation into abuse of gas cards provided to city employees Angela Solis faces was charged with credit card abuse and abuse of official capacity Rio Grande City Police Chief Jose Solis said Channel 5 News learned Angela Solis was released on bond the investigation began after the city switched gas companies and employees received new gas cards the previous gas company that used to provide gas cards to city employees was still charging the city Through security cam footage at different gas stations police saw that gas cards were being used by “non-city employees,” including Angela Solis The investigation revealed that the abuse had been going on since 2023 More arrests are expected in connection with the investigation Mayor Gilberto Falcon will be giving a speech on the state of Rio Grande City on Wednesday The event is happening at the Versailles Event Center will talk about the projects accomplished last year and look ahead to what's in store for the rest of 2025 City officials say they have put an emphasis on improving the city's infrastructure The city also recently created an animal control department Officials say there is still plenty more to look forward too in Rio Grande City incentives like the 2,500 wolf's scratch and many many important projects we are working on," City Manager Gilbert Millan said The state of the city begins at noon. It will be livestreamed on the city's Facebook page. Joel Quiroz said he’s been working as a bus driver at the Rio Grande City Grulla ISD for the last three years Quiroz said staffing issues are stretching his department thin “We used to have 15 plus spare drivers “We're having to combine routes every day Quiroz said he believes pay is a recruitment and retainment issue He told Channel 5 News other bus drivers want more coworkers as they are driving nearly double the kids they normally do 70 — it's a safety issue,” Quiroz said Quiroz and other drivers took their concerns to the school board but their frustrations have led the board to look for backup plans Rio Grande City Grulla ISD trustees authorized district Superintendent Guadalupe Garza to reach out to other school district drivers to help close the gaps “She will be able to negotiate with other neighboring districts if there comes an emergency,” district school board president Veronica Barrera said Barrera said the district hopes to hire more drivers “What [Garza’s] doing is not replacing our bus drivers or hiring outside of our district it's just preventing us from having a shortage,” Barrera said “But the plan is if we don't get them from within this area then we'll be able to reach out to the neighboring districts." The district currently has five open bus driver positions as the district faces an $18 million budget deficit RELATED STORY: Nearly 60 Rio Grande City Grulla ISD employees to be laid off amid budget deficit “We were able to put the freeze aside and say 'this is needed,’” Barrera said Although the district said they have yet to reach out to other school districts for that extra help the idea is upsetting for Quiroz and his fellow drivers Quiroz said he feels it's a temporary fix.  “We understand why they would do that but we want to know why they would do that instead of fixing the issue at hand and hiring local drivers,” Quiroz said Following a Tuesday night vote from Rio Grande City Grulla ISD school board members nearly 60 district employees will be laid off from the district's administrative level “Our central office is overstaffed,” district school board president Veronica Barrera said adding that the layoffs are in an effort to fix a nearly $18 million budget deficit.  Barrera told Channel 5 News overstaffing contributed to the deficit “In the past couple years we've had an increase of 15% in employment but a decrease in our enrollment,” Barrera said the layoffs will save the district about $5 million every year.  and even a temporary restraining order that barred the school board from discussing the layoff plan behind closed doors in executive session.  the school district's attorney announced that order was dissolved The plan has many concerned that certain employees will be targeted including board member Basilio Villarreal.  “This is an attempt to retaliate for political affiliation,” Villarreal said Barrera dismissed those claims and said the plan was put together by the superintendent and school district attorney.  “They're the ones that know about positions they're the ones that looked into the plan and they haven't even given us the names yet,” Barrera said Channel 5 News was told all impacted employees will be able to finish the school year They will also have the opportunity to be hired back in other open roles.  Highlights from the Rio Grande Citys softball team's win over Mission on Tuesday evening Rio Grande City commissioners have voted to suspend Police Chief Noe Castillo once again Commissioners who voted for the suspension accuse Castillo of neglecting water meters while he was acting city manager costing the city one million dollars.  Castillo wasn't at the public hearing he requested through a lawsuit over his first suspension last month.  was at the meeting and said he planned to show commissioners evidence he believed would force them to reverse the city's first suspension decision Peña left the meeting before it started after he said he was told he wouldn't be allowed to speak for Castillo.  RELATED STORY: Judge reverses suspension of Rio Grande City police chief Rio Grande City Mayor Gilberto Falcon told Channel 5 News that Castillo was asked to be in the meeting.  “The only one that can provide an explanation to his employer is Mr and that's what we wanted from him today,” Falcon said Four out of the five commissioners voted for the suspension “I don't think it's right to him to retroactively hold him accountable for that with the facts that are now known,” Olivarez said Olivarez was on the commission for several years while Castillo was acting city manager.  Castillo brought up billing problems and suggested looking into broken meters in the past Olivarez said commissioners at the time didn't believe there were any and told Castillo not to investigate meters.  “I cannot agree with holding him totally responsible when he was just going on the facts that were presented to him and on the direction that we as a previous commission were giving him,” Olivarez said Castillo's suspension is set to last until the city finishes their internal investigation When Channel 5 News asked Mayor Falcon of the status of the investigation he said the city still needs to confirm the amount of loss from several water accounts.   A Rio Grande City official is speaking to Channel 5 News after the city’s suspended police chief filed a lawsuit Rio Grande City Police Chief Noe Castillo was suspended on Nov 13 as the city investigates reports of “negligent mismanagement” of the public utilities department that allegedly occurred while Castillo was serving as deputy city manager The lawsuit filed on Friday revealed that the investigation into Castillo involves “faulty meters and water loss.” READ MORE: Suspended police chief sues Rio Grande City 40%,” Rio Grande City City Manager Gilberto Millan said he said he checked up on the departments he was now overseeing and noticed water bills from three accounts did not add up South Texas College’s Starr County location and the El Sauz Water Corporation saw lower water bills in the four years Castillo served as deputy city manager Castillo also oversaw those accounts as part of his role “It went from thousands of dollars to a couple hundred,” Milan said “All the entities are pretty current in their bill Millan said the city lost about $1 million because of the payment issue Castillo’s attorney told Channel 5 News his client feels the city is not being transparent “Channel 5 News unfortunately knows a lot more about this issue than my client knows about this issue and that's surprising to me,” attorney Jay Peña said “And that's why we filed this lawsuit.” Peña said the suspension was political and that the new city leadership is treating his client unfairly “I have enough evidence to show that he was targeted — his employment has been targeted,” Peña said "All of the evidence seem to point to just looking for a reason to fire him." Peña wants to show that evidence in public The lawsuit asks a judge to force the city to hold any discussion about Castillo in an open meeting and reverse the suspension that wasn't made in public A hearing for the lawsuit has not been scheduled as of Tuesday evening McALLEN –– As election officials across Texas work to retain voter confidence in how their elections are managed one South Texas town is giving residents the option to wrestle control of elections from the city amid allegations of bias Rio Grande City has added a charter election scheduled for Tuesday that will allow voters to decide whether to have an outside agency run future elections instead of the city secretary A second proposition would set term limits for elected officials allowing them to serve only two four-year terms The proposed amendments came from the city's newest elected officials He and two city commissioners were elected in May and after clashes with the city’s administration during the campaign Falcon believes their elections should be handled by an independent body "There were a lot of challenges that we had to overcome during the election that should have not been in place," Falcon said "We should have been able to feel assured that there was going to be an election run with integrity." Located approximately 40 miles west of McAllen Rio Grande City’s recent elections have triggered allegations of corruption by challengers against incumbents Falcon and the two new commissioners made similar allegations during the campaign — but this time in a lawsuit against the city over a trove of public records requests submitted to the city secretary Barrera accused officials of delaying the release of the records he sought to prove his opponent was corrupt Our newsroom is celebrating 15 years of innovation Your gift today is doubled thanks to a $5,000 match for our 15th birthday Choose an amount or learn more about membership assured the public that the city secretary’s office was complying with state law The secretary’s office has faced heavy scrutiny over the last five years City Secretary Lyzette Peña was arrested on allegations she illegally recorded other city employees Her replacement, Melissa Garza, was arrested in 2022 on money laundering charges related to a drug-trafficking ring that federal prosecutors claim was led by her husband Ignacio Garza pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance the city commission made sweeping changes to the city administration a new city attorney and a new city manager The commissioners removed Castillo as deputy city attorney but kept him on as police chief The city secretary who oversaw the city's May election resigned last month The city is currently accepting applications for the position the Starr County Elections Department is running the city’s charter election the first time the city has ever contracted the county for elections and other political subdivisions to request that the county run their elections director of the Starr County Elections Department said she hopes that combining the city and county election sites on Election Day will help boost turnout Smaller city elections typically see lower participation since [the charter elections are] going to be at our precinct they'll get a better outcome of people voting,” Martinez said Falcon said the city would continue to contract with the county for future elections as well but the city would retain control of the locations "It's just a way to assure the community that whoever wants to run in the future they're going to get a fair shot," he said Reporting in the Rio Grande Valley is supported in part by the Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Choose an amount or learn more about membership Rio Grande City Grulla Independent School District has been hit with a temporary restraining order over their plans to reduce staff A board meeting to talk about the plan Friday night was canceled after the district was reportedly served minutes before the meeting was set to start The layoffs are part of a reduction in force plan said she was upset because the plan was going to be discussed behind closed doors instead of in public.  "The impact of a RIF not only affects the school district especially when the district is probably the biggest employer in the county," Hernandez said A court hearing is scheduled for early March but the school district's attorney said they'll be asking for an earlier date Edinburg 3 - Harlingen South wins series 2-0 PSJA North 3 - Weslaco East wins series 2-0 Falfurrias 4 - Raymondville wins series 2-0 Palmview 0 - CC Veterans Memorial leads series 1-0 between Main Street and 2nd Street will revert from a one-way to a two-way street The change comes following City Council approval on Jan and is intended to improve traffic flow in the area Implementation work is scheduled to begin on March 12 and will be completed in time for the transition motorists may experience temporary lane closures and detours a new stop sign will be installed at the intersection of N to accommodate the updated traffic pattern and remain alert for vehicles traveling in the newly established direction The guided tour is a collaborative effort between the City of Rio Grande City and the City of Roma and will highlight the historic architecture and history of the region Participants will visit historical sites in Rio Grande City and Roma “This tour is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the deep roots of Starr County and showcase the historical treasures of our communities,” said Rio Grande City Mayor Gilberto Falcon “We are proud to work alongside the City of Roma to share the stories of our past with both residents and visitors.” Reservations are required due to limited seating and those interested can call 956-488-0047 to secure a spot with payment accepted in cash or check only The meeting and drop-off point for the event is 406 E contact the City of Rio Grande City at (956) 487-0672 or visit cityofrgc.com Additional details are also available through the City of Roma at (956) 849-1411 or cityofroma.net City officials encourage locals and visitors alike to take part in the event and gain a deeper appreciation for the history and culture of Starr County The Rio Grande City Lady Rattlers are district champions the softball team is hoping to add 'undefeated district champions' to that title It'd be the first undefeated season for the program since the Lady Rattlers accomplished it back in 2004 "I just felt like it was so amazing to have finished my senior year as district champs again," Rio Grande City senior center fielder Nina Zurita said "It just really felt like all the hard work felt like it had definitely paid off." "In the beginning of the season I wanted that district title now I want to go for that undefeated crown," Rio Grande City junior utility player Lainy Fuentes added I just have so much faith in my team that we can do it." The Lady Rattlers nearly finished district play undefeated three years ago Losing their chance at a perfect district season in the final game "I mean I lost that one game my freshman year which we could've been 14-0 but we ended up losing the game but it wasn't a confidence defeater it just made a confidence booster," Fuentes said The Rio Grande City softball team is achieving this success despite a coaching change this season New head coach Roque Cortinas was the head baseball coach at McAllen Memorial for two years an assistant softball coach at Rio Grande City.  it was time to return to the program he once served on the staff for "It's been an awesome experience so far," Cortinas said "It's a team that had lost five seniors from last year's ball club some people thought it was gonna be kind of a rebuilding year for us Being with them this year has been a great season." "What's on our shirt that coach rod has put as our motto," Rio Grande City junior right fielder & third baseman Leilani Reyna said "We're family and I think we created that sister bond since the beginning before preseason that family bond that we have is what makes it so much easier to play and have fun with each other." three students at Rio Grande City Grulla ISD have committed suicide the district is starting a committee made up of administrators and psychologists who want to prevent another student from taking their life.  “We had several community members reach out,” Interim Rio Grande City Grulla ISD Superintendent Elsa Morris said “Some were retired educators who were asking Morris said the committee will meet every month The committee is working on a campaign to let students know what resources are available “If we equip our teachers with skills and signs to look for I think that would help us do a better job,” Morris said Morris said hotlines are another resource after a student recently called the Sandy Hook Promise hotline for help Representatives from that call center were able to save that student's life by connecting with the district and local police.  so we have had success with those call centers,” Morris said Morris said the committee wants parents and students to join.  Those interest in joining the committee can call the district at 966-716-6700 help is available by calling or texting the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 A boil water notice went into effect Monday in Rio Grande City.  City officials said the boil water notice stems from a 15-hour water outage that led to a drop in water pressure making it dangerous for residents to drink or cook using water from the tap Residents in the Las Lomas community and across Rio Grande City will have to boil their tap water They said it’s an inconvenience that’s still better than the two days they spent without water Maria Arellano says she and several neighbors teamed up while their taps ran dry.  and we shared with three other houses” Arellano said.  The two-day dry spell — and now boil notice — is because a major pipe burst on Friday night PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Water service disruption affecting residents near Rio Grande City Channel 5 News has learned that the city lost nearly 3.3 million gallons of water during that leak “It was a lot of hours without service so it really emptied some of the reservoirs,” Rio Grande City City Manager Gilberto Millan said The city hopes to add 30 more valves across the city's water system.  “A valve cuts off not too far from where the leak is at so you don't have to shut down a whole neighborhood,” Millan said “The city is working to not only fix this in a shorter amount of time we're working on solutions to prevent this,” Millan said Channel 5 News will keep you posted on when the boil water notice is lifted A woman was arrested on Friday after her four children were found alone in a vehicle at a Walmart parking lot according to the Rio Grande City Police Department.  Armandina Mandy Pruneda was charged with four counts of abandonment of a child with intent to return in connection with the investigation A police affidavit obtained by Channel 5 News said officers responded to the Walmart located at 4534 East US Highway 83 Friday at around 3:39 p.m officers found the children sitting together in the front passenger seat of a vehicle with Washington license plates Surveillance video showed that the children were left unattended in the vehicle with the engine off for 45 minutes One of the children was “sweating profusely” and “wearing cold weather attire and in direct sunlight putting him at risk of heat exhaustion,” according to the affidavit The affidavit identified one of the children as an infant and the others as under the age of 15 Police said Pruneda was released from custody on a $12,000 bond on Saturday This landmark initiative is designed to provide local residents with an interest in law enforcement the opportunity to pursue their dream career without leaving their hometown “As our city continues to grow and flourish it’s essential that we expand and adapt to meet the needs of our community,” said Interim Police Chief Joey Solis “The Rio Grande City Police Academy will not only train the next generation of officers but will also allow current law enforcement professionals to earn additional certifications to advance their careers and enhance the service they provide.” The academy will serve as a resource for both aspiring law enforcement officers and current agents seeking advanced training City leaders emphasized its role in fostering a stronger safer community while addressing the region’s growing demand for well-trained public servants “Rio Grande City is taking a bold step forward in ensuring the safety and prosperity of our residents,” said Mayor Gilberto Falcon “This academy represents a significant investment in our people providing them with opportunities to achieve their career goals while strengthening the community they call home.” The Rio Grande City Police Academy is now accepting applications visit www.lrgvdc.org/academy.html or call (956) 682-3481 bringing new dining options and economic growth to the community was welcomed with a grand opening ceremony this morning which was attended by city officials Mayor Gilberto Falcon praised the addition of IHOP emphasizing its positive impact on the local economy “The opening of IHOP in Rio Grande City is a testament to our city’s growth and commitment to attracting new businesses,” Falcon said “This establishment not only provides more dining choices for our residents but also creates jobs and strengthens our local economy.” The new IHOP location offers a diverse menu City officials encouraged the community to visit and support the restaurant Ive’s development is expected to boost economic activity in the area attracting more businesses and visitors while creating new employment opportunities for local residents who has served as interim city manager since June was officially appointed as Rio Grande City’s permanent city manager during a City Commission meeting on September 18 Millan has been with the city for nearly two decades beginning his career in 2005 as a code enforcement officer His extensive experience in city planning and administration played a significant role in his selection for the permanent role Millan holds a political science degree from the University of Texas-Pan American and a Certification of Public Manager from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Gilberto Millan as our city manager,” Mayor Gilberto Falcon said and deep understanding of our city’s needs make him the right choice to continue leading our administration We’re confident in his ability to guide us as we face new opportunities for growth and development.” Millan worked closely with city officials and departments overseeing various projects and initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure he will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Rio Grande City driving growth and development initiatives while collaborating with city leaders to tackle future challenges The Rio Grande City Police Department has announced that a missing teen has been found Police say 14-year-old Anahi Capulin has been safely located The teen was last seen Thursday night at the 1800 block of Summerfield Drive near the Starr County South Texas College campus on FM 3167 adding her experience and dedication to the city’s ongoing downtown revitalization efforts passion and professional investment to the community she has been an advocate for local commerce and creative entrepreneurship qualities the commission believes will make her an asset to the advisory board Orta to the Main Street Advisory Board,” Mayor Gilberto Falcon said “Her expertise and deep commitment to our city will play an important role in enhancing the vibrancy of our downtown district We look forward to the positive impact she will bring to our community.” The Main Street Advisory Board works to support economic development historic preservation and community engagement in the downtown area Orta’s appointment aligns with Rio Grande City’s ongoing efforts to foster business growth and cultural enrichment Her appointment was formally approved at the latest city commission meeting and takes effect immediately Former Rio Grande City Secretary Angela Solis and three individuals turned themselves into police custody in connection with the credit card abuse investigation in Rio Grande City according to Interim Police Chief Jose Solis Angela Solis is accused of charging more than $11,000 on fuel cards provided by the city without authorization Leslie Ann Munoz and Yahir Luna are facing charges of credit card abuse and engaging in organized criminal activity RELATED STORY: Records reveal former Rio Grande City secretary charged more than $11,000 on gas cards Chief Solis confirmed Hector and Heron are Angela Solis' sons Angela Solis has already been charged with credit card abuse and abuse of official capacity A detective later discovered that several vehicles were involved in the fuel card scheme.