Laura Hinojosa, Hidalgo County District Clerk, warns citizens to remain vigilant of any jury scammers who continue to target citizens with false jury service claims and threatening arrest for a missed jury summons.
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Laura Hinojosa, Hidalgo County District Clerk, warns citizens to remain vigilant of any jury scammers who continue to target citizens with false jury service claims and threatening arrest for a missed jury summons. The callers, impersonating court officials or other law enforcement officers, will typically contact random victims to try to convince them to pay a fine to avoid arrest for failing to appear for jury duty. The scammers will further insist that their victims either pay over the phone with a credit card or bring cash or prepaid credit cards to the courthouse where they arrange to meet them.
“Jury scams continue to exist and have become more elaborate over the years making it more difficult for citizens to quickly identify its fraudulent nature,” said Hinojosa. “We want to ensure the public is aware that the courts or law enforcement will never call anyone to arrange payment of fines over the phone for failure to appear for jury duty, for outstanding warrants, or for any other infraction.”
Fraudulent Jury Summons Sample. Courtesy Image
A court will always send a jury summons by mail and will never demand payment or sensitive information over the telephone. In most cases, a prospective juror who disregards a summons will be contacted by the court clerk’s office and may, in certain circumstances, be ordered to appear before a judge. A fine may be imposed but not until the court appearance, during which an individual has the opportunity to explain a failure to appear.
Anyone who believes they may be a victim of a scam should refrain from providing the requested information or making any payments. Further, victims should report the incident to their local police department or law enforcement office immediately.
Packages containing fentanyl and methamphetamine hidden within a scooter seized by CBP officers at Paso Del Norte crossing. Package containing 2.2 pounds of fentanyl seized by CBP officers at Paso del Norte crossing. USCBP Images
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Paso Del Norte international border crossing in downtown El Paso, foiled multiple narcotic smuggling attempts on two consecutive days.
“CBP officers use multiple layers of enforcement including technology, officer expertise, and canine enforcement teams, to identify and stop drug smugglers,” said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio. “Disrupting the flow of illegal narcotics at our ports of entry plays a significant role in our border security mission.”
On Feb. 23, CBP officers intercepted a mixed load of 0.5 pounds of fentanyl and 4.76 pounds of methamphetamine. The interception occurred when a CBP canine alerted to a moped scooter driven by a 23-year-old male, U.S. citizen. A thorough search resulted in the discovery of bundles concealed within the headlight area of the scooter.
On Feb. 24, CBP officers intercepted 70.19 pounds of cocaine. The discovery was made following a search by a CBP canine and non-intrusive exam (x-ray) of a vehicle driven by a 21-year-old female U.S. citizen.
A few hours later, CBP officers intercepted a mixed load of 2.02 pounds of fentanyl and 15.78 pounds of methamphetamine. The narcotics were located following a non-intrusive exam and CBP canine search of a vehicle occupied by a 23-year-old male and 24-year-old female, both U.S. citizens.
Later that same day, CBP officers intercepted .15 pounds of cocaine from a 26-year-old female, U.S. citizen, pedestrian. The woman was referred for a secondary inspection where a pat down search and CBP canine search were conducted. The woman then voluntarily removed a cocaine filled bundle from her vaginal cavity.
The subjects arrested by CBP officers were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations and/or state and local authorities for prosecution.
A total of 13 students from Economedes High School in Edinburg recently earned their Microsoft Office Specialist certifications while others earned their Adobe Professional certifications through the STC Information Technology program as dual credit students. STC Image
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By Clarissa Martinez
Thanks to South Texas College Dual Credit Program, a group of high school students are celebrating professional certifications usually reserved for college students or industry professionals.
A total of 13 students from Economedes High School in Edinburg recently earned their Microsoft Office Specialist certifications while others earned their Adobe Professional certifications through the STC Information Technology program as dual credit students.
STC Dual Credit Instructor Maria Carmen Salinas said the students are part of the Computer Applications Specialist certificate program and did intensive studying to pass the multiple exams needed to earn the industry-recognized credentials.
“This is a major accomplishment for these students,” Salinas said. “Because it’s an STC class, I always push and encourage them to try new programs, and now they’ve reached this expert level.”
The Computer Applications Specialist program allows students to develop skills in business applications such as word processing, spreadsheet and database management systems, as well as multimedia software.
Norma L. Zaragoza, STC Information Technology Program instructor, said these expert credentials show that the students have the highest understanding of the software programs.
“These specific industry certifications are valid forever – they will not expire,” Zaragoza said. “So, these students have this as proof that they have the ability to work in the industry and also teach these programs in whatever workforce they’re going to be in. There’s a lot of potential for our students to continue in the field and we’re so excited and proud of them.”
Zaragoza added that the dual credit classes are also able to feed right into the Associate and Bachelor of Science programs offered at STC.
“All of this leads into the bachelor’s program for Information Technology so any of our students who are taking these courses are also able to enroll in the program,” Zaragoza said.
Jacob De La Cruz, a junior at Economedes High School, said he has always been interested in computers and programing, and that being among classmates pushed him to earn as many certifications as he could. He passed a total of five exams to earn the Microsoft Office Specialist Expert Certificate.
“I had already started learning about computers at home, and I taught myself 3D animation, at first,” De La Cruz said. “Then when I found out about this opportunity I decided to join. Once I started passing the (certification) exams, I just kept going and eventually earned five. Not every kid knows that this is out there and that it can help you find a decent job in the future.”
Senior Joseline Cuellar said she encourages students to consider how they can use the computer applications certificates in their future careers.
“I’m thinking about studying accounting,” Cuellar said. “The Microsoft Excel program is something accountants have to learn, and I’m already certified so it’s like I’m one step ahead.”
Brandon Rocha, a senior, said he found out about the STC program after taking Business Information Management, a high school class required for graduation.
“After that class I really became interested in Microsoft and I started seeing how much of an advantage learning all those programs can be,” Rocha said. “So, I went and talked to my counselor and she told me this certificate would be a perfect match.”
The Economedes students who earned Microsoft Office Specialist Associate certifications included Jaime Cavazos, Joseline Cuellar, Paola Davila, Jacob De La Cruz, Nia Garcia, Lyzette Garza, Israel Leal, Maximus Lorenzi, Joel Munoz, Brandon Rocha, Jocelyn Salas, Sergio Velasquez and Lesly Gracia.
In addition, five students passed the highest level for Microsoft Office Specialist exams, earning them Microsoft Office Specialist Expert Certificates. They were Joseline Cuellar Zamora, Jacob De La Cruz, Israel Leal, Brandon Rocha and Joel Munoz.
Students who passed the Adobe InDesign Certification were Kadee Gonzalez, Diego Gonzalez and George Lara. Two students passed both the Adobe Photoshop and InDesign exams, earning them the Adobe Certified Professionals in Visual Design certification. They were Ismael Gomez and Isai Quirion.
Rocha and his classmates agreed that their success was due to the effort they put into their studying. He added that he’s excited to see the dual program continue to grow.
“When our teacher started these classes in 2010, she only had four students,” Rocha said. “Now it has grown to eight classes, so it has definitely helped out a lot of students. Not many people get this type of opportunity while in high school. It gives us a really big advantage.”
Governor Greg Abbott advocated for education freedom and parental rights to a crowd of over 300 Texas parents, students, and advocates at a Parent Empowerment Night at Parks Meadows Academy in Corsicana. Photo: Office of the Governor
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AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott advocated for education freedom and parental rights to a crowd of over 300 Texas parents, students, and advocates at a Parent Empowerment Night at Parks Meadows Academy in Corsicana.
Addressing the crowd. Photo: Office of the Governor
“Many public schools in Texas are excellent, but we must do more to ensure every student has the best possible education available to them,” said Governor Abbott. “Ultimately, no one knows what is best for a child’s success than their parents. This session, we will empower every parent with the ability to choose the best high-quality education option for their child. Together, we will chart a course toward brighter futures and bigger opportunities for young Texans across our state.”
Sharing time with a student. Photo: Office of the Governor
Governor Abbott was joined by Representative Cody Harris, Texas Public Policy Foundation Campaign Director Mandy Drogin, Park Meadows Academy faculty, and other parent empowerment advocates.
Governor Abbott with a family at the Meeting. Photo: Office of the Governor
During his remarks, the Governor made clear that parents deserve access to school curriculum, school libraries, and what is being taught in the classroom. He mentioned that the way to fully empower parents is by expanding school choice options through state-funded Education Saving Accounts to all Texas students. The Governor also noted that a majority of urban, suburban, and rural Texans support empowering parents to choose the best education for their child.
Hosted by the Parent Empowerment Coalition, Parent Empowerment Night brings together education leaders and stakeholders to discuss education reform and the growing need for parental empowerment in their children’s education.
The Governor addressing the crowd. Photo: Office of the Governor
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo North Station apprehended a convicted sex offender in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo North Station apprehended a convicted sex offender in Laredo, Texas.
On Feb. 24, Border Patrol agents while working their duties near the Rio Grande apprehended a group of individuals. The individuals were taken into custody for processing. Record checks revealed that one of the individuals was identified as Gabino Castelano-Cruz, a 43-year-old Mexican national who was illegally in the country. Gabino Castelano-Cruz has a prior felony conviction out of Dumas, Texas for Sexual Assault of a minor. He was taken into custody and was processed for felony re-entry.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-343-1994.
The Western Athletic Conference (WAC) announced on Monday that junior Angelo Cabral of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is the WAC Baseball Pitcher of the Week. UTRGV Image
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EDINBURG, Texas – D1Baseball.com and the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) announced on Monday that junior Angelo Cabral of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is both the National and WAC Baseball Pitcher of the Week.
Cabral struck out a career-high 15 batters in a career-high 6.1 scoreless innings of two-hit, two-walk ball to beat No. 27 Central Michigan 9-2 in the second game of a doubleheader on Friday.
The 15 strikeouts are the most by a UTRGV pitcher since prior to 2010.
UTRGV finished with 19 strikeouts in the game, the team’s highest total since May 5, 2012 at NJIT, when two pitchers combined for 19 strikeouts in 17.2 innings.
Cabral now has 17 strikeouts in 8.2 innings across two appearances, tied for the 23rdhighest total of strikeouts in the NCAA. Cabral ranks 10th in the NCAA in strikeouts per nine innings at 17.65.
UTRGV took three out of five from Central Michigan and is now 6-2 this season. UTRGV hosts Houston for three games Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 12 p.m. at UTRGV Baseball Stadium.
Rats and mice are known to carry many diseases. Image for illustration purposes
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Rats and mice are known to carry many diseases. These diseases can spread to people directly, through handling of rodents; contact with rodent feces (poop), urine, or saliva (such as through breathing in air or eating food that is contaminated with rodent waste); or rodent bites. Rodents can also carry ticks, mites, or fleas that can act as vectors to spread diseases between rodents and people. Many diseases do not cause any apparent illness in rodents, so you cannot tell if a rodent is carrying a disease just by looking at it.
Infestation of rodents in and around the home is the main reason disease spreads from rodents to people. The best way to prevent a rodent infestation and contact with rodents is to remove food sources, water, and items that provide shelter for rodents. Learn how to eliminate a rodent infestation, prevent future rodent infestations, and prevent diseases spread by rodents.
Signs that Rodents are Present
The first signs of rodents usually appear before you even see a rat or mouse. Regular inspection of the inside and outside of a home or business is important to identify signs of rodents. It’s easier to control rodents before they have time to become established.
Two classic signs of rodent presence are rodent droppings and gnaw marks.
Rodent droppings can be found anywhere rodents have accessed but are common in cabinets, drawers, and other areas out of plain sight. Rodent droppings are pointed at one end and often contain hair. It can be challenging to know if there is an active rodent population just by examining droppings. One way to be sure is to safely clean the area. If droppings are present after cleaning, this indicates an active rodent presence.
Rats and mice gnaw to create better access points and keep their teeth at the proper length. Their teeth leave distinct marks and are a good sign that rodents were active in the area. Gnaw marks alone may only mean that rodents were active in the area at some point. Gnaw marks are often found in the same area as droppings, and the same clean-up techniques can be used to help determine if there is an active rodent presence.
Diseases Spread by Rodents
Rodents, such as rats, mice, and chipmunks are known to carry many diseases. Diseases can spread to people directly and indirectly from rodents. The following list provides links to more information about some of the diseases that can spread from rodents, these are not exhaustive lists.
Diseases spread directly by rodents
Certain diseases can spread from rodents to people through direct contact with infected rodents (for example, breathing in contaminated air, touching contaminated materials and then touching eyes, nose, or mouth, being bitten or scratched by an infected rodent, or eating food contaminated by an infected rodent).
Certain diseases can spread from rodents to people through indirect contact. This can occur when people are bitten by ticks, mites, fleas, and mosquitos that have fed on infected rodents. Diseases can also spread to people from rodents through the consumption of an intermediate host (for example, beetles or cockroaches).
Various nightly full closures will be taking place next week as construction on the I-2 /I-69C Interchange Project progresses. Image for illustration purposes
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PHARR – Various nightly full closures will be taking place next week as construction on the I-2 /I-69C Interchange Project progresses.
Veterans Boulevard underpass Full Closure
The Veterans Boulevard underpass will be closed in both directions Monday, February 27 through Thursday, March 2. The closure will occur nightly from 8PM to 6AM.
I-69C Southbound Frontage Road Full Closure in Pharr
The I-69C southbound frontage road will be temporarily closed between SH495 and I-2. The closure will take place nightly, Monday, February 27 through Saturday, March 4, from 8PM to 6AM.
I-2 Main Lanes Full Closures in Pharr
Alternating full closures, of the eastbound and westbound I-2 main lanes in Pharr, between the Sugar Road exit ramp and Gumwood Street, will occur on Friday, March 3, from midnight to 6AM. The eastbound and westbound main lanes will not be closed simultaneously. Westbound traffic will be detoured to exit Cage Boulevard and use the next available entrance ramp to re-enter the main lanes. Eastbound traffic will be detoured to exit Sugar Road and use the next available entrance ramp to re-enter the main lanes.
Leadership officials from CBP, GSA, City of Laredo, U.S. House of Representatives, TxDOT, Mexico Consulate General, Laredo and the international trade sector pose in front of the four new FAST lanes dedicated at World Trade Bridge in Laredo, Texas. An aerial view of the approach to the four new FAST lanes at World Trade Bridge, a Donations Acceptance Program project submitted by City of Laredo. USCBP Images
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the General Services Administration (GSA), and the City of Laredo are pleased to announce the completion of a large-scale infrastructure improvements project at the World Trade Land Port of Entry (LPOE).
Under CBP’s Donations Acceptance Program, CBP, GSA, and the City of Laredo partnered to construct four Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lanes at the World Trade LPOE over an 18 month period to facilitate the processing of commercial truck drivers who participate in the FAST program. The City of Laredo outfitted the lanes with the necessary infrastructure and technology.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to pursue public-private partnerships with local entities, such as the City of Laredo, to strengthen our ports of entry and the surrounding communities,” said Pete Flores, Executive Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Field Operations. “These port improvements will assist CBP in processing legitimate trade and travel while alleviating traffic congestions for the trucks and vehicles crossing through the port.”
The City of Laredo submitted a formal proposal under CBP’s Donations Acceptance Program (DAP) in November 2016 for infrastructure improvements to reduce congestion at the Laredo World Trade LPOE. After years of planning and designing, the formal Donations Acceptance Agreement (DAA) was signed in December of 2020. Today’s announcement of construction completion finalizes a project and strong partnership which provides positive benefits to the port, drivers, and surrounding communities.
Prior to the donation project, the port experienced severe bottlenecking of traffic that stretched into Mexico due to the high volume of commercial truck traffic and port layout. By designating the four FAST lanes for pre-approved, low risk commercial carriers for expedited processing, the port is expected to see a reduction in wait times for all travelers.
“As International Trade continues to grow, so does the need for Laredo to adapt to meet these market conditions,” said Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño. “As the #1 Land Port in the Americas, strategies and programs are essential to improve efficiency and customer service. The 4 FAST Lanes program increases commercial crossings and traffic flow for truck drivers who are enrolled in the “FAST Program.” This program will reduce congestion and expedite safe and secure international trade. I look forward to continuing our great partnership and relationship between the City of Laredo and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.”
“The completion of the four Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lanes at the World Trade Bridge is a tremendous improvement to Port Laredo,” said Vanessa Perez, Mayor Pro Tempore, Council Member District VII. “We continue facilitating trade through improvements like this FAST lane project that reduce wait times and congestion in the FM1472 and I69 corridor. We thank CBP and GSA for their partnership and all the stakeholders committed to ensuring an efficient and thriving Port Laredo.”
Pursuant to 6 U.S.C. § 301a, and more generally, the Homeland Security Act of 2002, 6 U.S.C. §§ 112 et seq., as amended, CBP and GSA are authorized to accept donations of real property, personal property (including monetary donations) and non-personal services from private sector and government entities. Accepted donations may be used for port of entry construction, alterations, operations, and maintenance activities.
Public-private partnerships are a key component of CBP’s Resource Optimization Strategy and allow CBP to provide new or expanded services and infrastructure at domestic ports of entry. For more information, visit www.cbp.gov/DAP.
Paso Del Norte port of entry cocaine load. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at El Paso area ports of entry intercepted approximately 302 pounds of marijuana, 177 pounds of methamphetamine, 61 pounds of cocaine, and a half pound of fentanyl in the span of five days.
“CBP officers are committed to the mission of border security by stopping the flow of dangerous drugs at our ports of entry,” said CBP El Paso Director Field Operations Hector A. Mancha.
On Feb. 17 at the Presidio port of entry in Presidio, Texas, CBP officers intercepted 133.82 pounds of marijuana and 22.48 pounds of methamphetamine. The discovery was made during a secondary inspection of a vehicle driven by a 42-year-old male accompanied by a 40-year-old female, Mexican citizens.
Later that same day, at the Paso Del Norte border crossing, CBP officers intercepted 168.52 pounds of marijuana. The discovery was made in secondary following a CBP canine alert and search of a vehicle occupied by two males, 23-year-old and 42-year-old U.S. citizens.
On Feb. 18 at the Paso Del Norte border crossing, CBP officers intercepted 43.5 pounds of cocaine. The narcotics were located following a non-intrusive (x-ray) exam of a vehicle. The vehicle was driven by a 37-year-old male accompanied by a 34-year-old female and two minor children, Mexican citizens.
Later that same day at the Ysleta port of entry, CBP officers intercepted 155.51 pounds of methamphetamine. The discovery was made during a secondary inspection of a vehicle with the aid of a CBP canine. The vehicle was driven by a 31-year-old male, U.S. citizen.
On Feb. 21 at the Ysleta port of entry, CBP officers intercepted .24 pounds of fentanyl strapped to a juvenile’s groin area.
Later that day at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing, CBP officers intercepted .30 pounds of fentanyl. The discovery was made following a CBP canine alert and pat down search of a 52-year-old male, U.S. citizen.
On Feb. 22 at the Paso Del Norte border crossing, CBP officers intercepted 18.07 pounds of cocaine. The discovery was made following a search and CBP canine alert to a vehicle driven by a 32-year-old male, U.S. citizen.
The subjects arrested by CBP officers were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations and/or state and local authorities for prosecution.
