Veronica Villalobos Barajas (53), daughter of the late Jesus “Chuy” Villalobos, passed to eternal rest together with her mother Elida Villaloboson February17, 2023. Courtesy Image
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CRYSTAL CITY — Veronica Villalobos Barajas (53), daughter of the late Jesus “Chuy” Villalobos, passed to eternal rest together with her mother Elida Villaloboson February17, 2023.
Veronica was an exceptional wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, and sister. She is survived by Joel Barajas, her loving husband of 35 years and four daughters; Ruby (Mathew) Villareal, Vanessa (Adrian) Ibarra, Valarie (Tom) Vela, Viviana (AJ) Zarate, and 14 grandchildren.
She truly had a heart of gold that held nothing but love and kindness towards others. She was a faithful servant of our Lord, her family,andhercommunity. She was a humble, loving, passionate, unselfish spiritual warrior who always put the needs of others before hers and made every person she encountered feel lovedand special. This selflessness was demonstrated by her caring for her mother, Elida Villalobos, until the last moment of their lives. Her passing has left a void in her family and community that will forever go unfilled.
The family finds solace in knowing that Veronica strongly believed in Our Savior Jesus Christ and eternal life. Therefore, they are comforted by the fact that all who believe will someday be reunited with her once again.
Double funeral services were held in Mayor Villalobos’ hometown of Crystal City, Texas at Castle Ridge Mortuary, 303 E. Kinney.
Viewing was held on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and continued on Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Thereafter, the bodies were taken to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 115 E. Kinney for final services at 10:00 a.m.
Elida Maldonado Villalobos entered into eternal rest together with her daughter Veronica Villalobos Barajas on February 17, 2023, at the age of 84. Courtesy Image
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CRYSTAL CITY — Elida Maldonado Villalobos entered into eternal rest together with her daughter Veronica Villalobos Barajas on February 17, 2023, at the age of 84. Elida was an exceptional wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Jesus (Chuy) Villalobos, and her sons Zacarias and Oscar Villalobos. She is survived by her children; Maria (Pablo) Santana, Jesse “Bo” (Oneida) Villalobos, Javier (Annette) Villalobos, Marissa (Joe) Montoya, and Sylvia (Steven) Vasquez. She is further survived by 25 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren.
She was a faithful servant of our Lord who adored her family. She was a woman of exceptionally strong character that instilled the importance of education, hard work, and strong ethics to her children. She raised her family with strict discipline, stressing the importance of good manners, hard work, and learning the difference between right and wrong. Her children were molded by these values and are forever grateful to her for such an upbringing.
Elida’s untimely passing has left a void in her family. She will forever be missed.
Double funeral services were held in Mayor Villalobos’ hometown of Crystal City, Texas at Castle Ridge Mortuary, 303 E. Kinney.
Viewing was held on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and continued on Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Thereafter, the bodies were taken to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 115 E. Kinney for final services at 10:00 a.m.
Governor Greg Abbott today announced a record 10-year, $100 billion statewide roadway construction plan with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) that will increase the number of transportation projects to improve congestion, maintain roadways, and increase safety across Texas. Image for illustration purposes
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AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today announced a record 10-year, $100 billion statewide roadway construction plan with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) that will increase the number of transportation projects to improve congestion, maintain roadways, and increase safety across Texas. The proposed 2024 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) is estimated to be $15 billion more than the 2023 UTP and is primarily based on the record projected revenue from state sources.
“I’m proud to announce a record $100 billion plan to strengthen and improve our transportation infrastructure,” said Governor Abbott. “Under TxDOT’s 2024 Unified Transportation Program, we will dedicate critical funds to bolster our major roadway infrastructure to address the unique needs of Texans in rural, urban, and metropolitan communities. This 10-year plan will further boost our economy and keep Texas the economic juggernaut of the nation. Together, we are working to ensure that Texas remains the premier destination for people and businesses.”
“As the state of Texas continues to see exponential population and economic growth, this funding will help meet the needs of all Texans,” said Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr. “As cities grow every year, it’s important we continue to address congestion in our busiest parts of the state through our Texas Clear Lanes initiative, which is also set to get a significant boost.”
“Safety is a top priority for TxDOT, and these funding levels reflect that,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “This historic Unified Transportation Plan allows the department to deliver on a record number of projects that are not only innovative but will help improve safety for all Texans. These efforts can, and do, have real impacts on our ability to drastically reduce fatalities on our roadways.”
In August 2022, Governor Abbott announced the adoption of TxDOT’s 2023 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) that advances a $85 billion, 10-year statewide roadway construction plan.
The UTP is a planning document that guides the development of transportation projects across the state. Additionally, the UTP identifies public transportation, maritime, aviation, and rail investments. Projects are selected by TxDOT and local transportation leaders based on effectiveness in addressing criteria such as safety, pavement condition, capacity, and rural connectivity, with opportunities for public input at both the state and local levels.
More information on the UTP projects is available here.
South Texas College commemorated the start of its Construction Technician Apprenticeship Program with a visit from McCoy’s Building Supply representatives who presented the program with $2,500 worth of materials, as well as $500 worth of tools to students. STC Image
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By Joey Gomez
MCALLEN, Texas – South Texas College commemorated the start of its Construction Technician Apprenticeship Program with a visit from McCoy’s Building Supply representatives who presented the program with $2,500 worth of materials, as well as $500 worth of tools to students.
“McCoy’s is a company where we’re always wanting to give back to our community, and it’s really important for us to stay connected not only with our builder community, but with anything that really affects our industry,” said Manny Gonzalez, McCoy’s store manager based in Pharr. “I was just really inspired by the fact that there’s a big need for tradesmen in our area and in our industry as a whole. You have you have a lot of young students who want to enter our industry and we want to be a part of that effort to motivate them and inspire their pursuit through this business.”
The Construction Technician Apprenticeship Program is a collaboration between STC, Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) as well as the college’s partners in the business community, which stemmed from a need by builders for additional house framers, who among their chief duties specialize in maintaining foundations, as well as exterior features like doors, windows, walls and roofs.
The new apprenticeship program is funded through a grant by TWC to STC, registered and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, which will award students an apprenticeship certification after completing the course. As part of a requirement for the course, students will build a small home from the ground up as part of their practical training.
STC’s Continuing Education department helped establish the program and tapped Construction Supervision Program Coordinator Israel Medrano to teach the class.
“We are so thankful for the donation by McCoy’s, and we plan on sharing that check between the apprenticeship program and the construction supervision program,” Medrano said. “We plan to spread the funds for materials so we can finish the small house project that is part of the requirements for students to receive their certification.”
STC recently enrolled its first class for the new apprenticeship program, which is a 192-hour journeyman certificate that includes 2,000 hours of field experience for students entering the construction industry.
STC faculty say what started as a course with 14 students has since grown to 30 students in two separate classes which covers elements of house framing, safety, and estimating for future leadership positions in the construction industry.
“We are growing so, so fast, and we are hoping to have more partners in the community come out and help us so that we can continue to grow our construction program,” Medrano said. “Here at South Texas College, we are training the next generation of (construction) superintendents, project managers, or any other position of leadership in the construction field.”
Christina Aguilar, faculty with STC’s Electrician Technology program, said she jumped at the chance to enter the new apprenticeship program to supplement her knowledge in the construction field.
“I got involved because I wanted to know more about what goes on in the construction side. I already do electrical work, but I wanted more construction skills. We’re already building two little houses along with the framing, rafters, walls and flooring,” Aguilar said. “We even go through tool usage and how to properly use all the tools and set them up. It’s a lot it’s a lot of information and it’s beneficial to learn at all.”
STC student and veteran Eddie Luna said he has already received an Associate of Applied Science in Electrician Technology as well as an associate in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) and is taking the new apprenticeship program to build a home.
“I think it’s a good it’s a good program. It’s taught me a lot about the actual techniques and the way everything is supposed to be done so I can build my home the right way,” Luna said. “This is all about knowing exactly the way everything is supposed to be built. That’s what this course gives its students.”
Classes for the construction technician apprenticeship program are already full for the spring semester but will next enroll students in the fall. Students can visit STC’s Construction Supervision program for more information at www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/construction/index.html or call 956-872-6262.
The County Corrections Academy will begin this summer at the Regional Center of Public Safety Excellence in Pharr. It will be a six-week accelerated program that will help students enter a high-demand field in a local county detention facility with physical agility and training to meet the state certification requirements. Courtesy Image for illustration purposes
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To tackle a never-ending shortage of correctional officers in the state, South Texas College is getting ready to launch one of its newest programs – the County Corrections Academy.
The program will begin this summer expanding on the Public Safety programs offered at the Regional Center of Public Safety Excellence in Pharr.
“County correction officers must be licensed through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, our program is designed to provide students with the academic skills and support needed to complete it,” said Victor Valdez, program chair for the Public Safety program. “Currently, county jails train their new employees with their own resources, but with this program they can come here, to STC. In addition, those who haven’t been hired, but want to apply, can get their license as well.”
STC’s County Corrections Academy will be a six-week accelerated program that will help students enter a high-demand field in a local county detention facility with physical agility and training to meet the state certification requirements. Additionally, graduating from the program will earn students nine college credits that they can use towards a degree in law enforcement.
Classes will start in June and will be held Monday through Friday for five hours.
STC will host two academies in the spring and fall and one in the summer, for a total of five opportunities to enroll throughout the year.
Valdez explained that this program is a year in the making and is a result of a long-time partnership with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.
“We are working very hard on a program that will not only graduate good quality correction officers, but will help our students pass the state exam on their first attempt. Our program meets state requirements and meets state demands, so our industry partners know that their employees are highly qualified,” Valdez said.
Admission into the program requires a polygraph test, a medical and psychological screening and a fingerprint submission to ensure a person’s eligibility to work at a city or county jail when they graduate.
“The jailer position in law enforcement is often unappreciated and overlooked,” Valdez explained. “We’re looking for students with a strong ethical background who want to serve their community and understand the importance of following the rules.”
STC Law Enforcement Instructor Fernando Cano emphasized that this program can be a steppingstone for students interested in law enforcement.
“This is actually a great steppingstone to determine if this is a career they want to continue to pursue. They will learn how to deal with stressful situations that will give them a real perspective on law enforcement,” Cano said. “It’s also just a six-week program, a short commitment that will pay well for the amount of time they will be investing.”
Cano added that those enrolled in this program will also be trained in ethics to gain awareness on how to be respectful of inmates. He shared that working as a correctional officer for two years before becoming a police officer helped him understand the importance of treating people fairly and respectfully.
“Some people are in jail unnecessarily or they’re being accused falsely, which is why all inmates must be treated fairly, objectively and humanely. We want to encourage them to be respectful,” he said. “They might be dealing with people with mental illnesses who might also be aggressive, we will teach them how to de-escalate those type of situations and how to avoid getting into trouble by instructing on human relations, cultural awareness and ethics.”
Additionally, the program will include an overview on how properly register inmates’ information and on administration.
“We will see everything related with an inmate’s process when entering the jail, as well as the intake process, fingerprinting, paperwork, searching, restraining and transporting. We will also discuss the importance of ensuring that their rights are protected as far as recreational time or visitation.”
To apply for the County Corrections Academy or for more information on training and programs offered at STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence, visit southtexascollege.edu/rcpse/ or call 956-872-4208.
Airmen from the Texas Air National Guard detected and apprehended three drug smugglers near Brownsville, Texas, February 19, 2023. Photo: Texas Military Department
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Texas Military Department
CAMERON COUNTY, Texas — Airmen from the Texas Air National Guard detected and apprehended three drug smugglers near Brownsville, Texas, February 19, 2023. The Guardsmen seized 112 pounds of cannabis with a street value of $89,000 from the smugglers who illegally entered the U.S. from Mexico.
The Guardsmen used advanced day and night optics to help spot the suspected drug smugglers illegally crossing the Rio Grande River. The Guardsmen routinely provide unique skills and equipment to assist partner agencies detecting and preventing illegal activity.
“The situation began to unfold when our Border Patrol partners let us know they saw some suspicious activity near the border,” said Staff Sergeant Santos Flores, a Special Operations team member in Task Force South. “So, I formulated a plan on how our team could operate tactically and stealthily, putting us in the best position to apprehend the drug traffickers.”
The Airmen volunteered for Operation Lone Star and work side-by-side Texas Department of Public Safety and other law enforcement partners to deter criminal activity from spilling across the Texas – Mexico border.
Texas Border Czar, Mike Banks, toured Texas National Guard emplacements and fortified positions along the Rio Grande River near Brownsville, February 2023. Texas Military Department Image
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Texas Military Department
CAMERON COUNTY, Texas –Texas Border Czar, Mike Banks, toured Texas National Guard emplacements and fortified positions along the Rio Grande River near Brownsville, February 2023. Governor Greg Abbott appointed Banks to be his special advisor on border matters in January.
“Human trafficking and drug smuggling are big problems at Texas’ southern border,” said Banks, who worked for over 20 years as a border patrol agent. “Operation Lone Star is essential for the safety and security of Texans.”
During his tour, Banks met with myriad of troops involved in several different facets of Operation Lone Star.
“I wanted to come to speak with the Airmen and Soldiers on the frontlines to find out what resources and tools are working the best to stem illegal immigration,” said Banks. “We are going to expand our infrastructure and utilize advanced technology to continue to curb criminal activity at our border.”
Banks asked questions and also answered questions from Operation Lone Star Guardsmen.
“He gave us great insight into how the mission will unfold moving forward and how it continues to evolve in a positive way. It was a big morale boost,” said TSgt Bryan LaCour, the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Standards and Evaluations in Task Force South. “We have been hearing about the Border Czar–and now being able to put a face with the name, and having some questions answered helped troops to see the big picture of border security and stay laser-focused on the job.”
Operation Lone Star has led to more than 350,000 illegal immigrant apprehensions, over 24,000 criminal arrests, and more than 362 million deadly fentanyl doses seized.
Cartels are trying to take advantage of border patrol agents by overwhelming them with mass illegal migration, creating a diversion so drug smugglers and criminal aliens can sneak into Texas according to Banks who said Texas National Guardsmen are doing all they can to fill in the gaps.
“We are keeping Texans safe by apprehending illegal aliens and properly processing them, so we know who is trying to enter our country, we will not allow criminals to overrun our border,” said Banks. “I am extremely honored to be in this position and appreciate our guardsmen working to protect our border, this is truly Texans serving Texans.”
Governor Greg Abbott today outlined his economic priorities for the 88th Texas Legislative Session to meet our state’s growing economic and population needs at the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce in North Texas. Photo: Office of the Governor
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AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today outlined his economic priorities for the 88th Texas Legislative Session to meet our state’s growing economic and population needs at the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce in North Texas.
Governor Abbott meeting with officials. Photo: Office of the GovernorPhoto: Office of the GovernorGovernor Abbott meeting with officials. Photo: Office of the Governor
“Here in Texas, a small family business can aspire to employ hundreds of people and become leaders in their local community,” said Governor Abbott. “Our success has been aided by economic tools that have kept Texas the best state for business 18 years in a row. From our large metro areas, to rural Texas, and everywhere in between, businesses large and small have made Texas an economic juggernaut. Working together, we’ll ensure that Texas remains an unflinching economic force in the world.”
During his remarks, the Governor noted that he will work with the Texas Legislature to alleviate the personal property tax burden for businesses, invest in our high-quality workforce, and reform the regulatory environment so businesses large and small can continue to thrive in Texas’ booming economy. Governor Abbott also discussed his infrastructure plans to further prepare for our growing economy and population, including initiatives to strengthen the Texas power grid and a $100 billion plan to bolster the state’s transportation infrastructure.
As Arlington’s oldest and largest business organization, the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce serves over 1,000 members and advocates for the “Can Do” business community of greater Arlington. Their key strategy is to grow their members’ business, foster economic prosperity, amplify the voice of business, and develop their community’s future.
City of Edinburg leaders joined a Valley delegation of 100+ for RGV Day at the Capitol. The event is hosted by the RGV Partnership. Image courtesy of the City of Edinburg.
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City of Edinburg leaders joined a Valley delegation of 100+ for RGV Day at the Capitol. The event is hosted by the RGV Partnership. The groups broke out into teams and met with area legislators to discuss issues such as broadband connectivity, economic development, transportation, infrastructure, environmental issues, and public safety. The theme of the visit was “One Region, One Voice.”
City of Edinburg VideoCity of Edinburg officials at the Capitol. Image Courtesy of the City of EdinburgEdinburg Mayor and city officials discussing issues with Senator Hinojosa in his office at the Capitol.City of Edinburg officials with Senator Juan ‘Chuy’ Hinojosa at the Capitol. Image Courtesy of the City of EdinburgCity of Edinburg officials at the Capitol. Image Courtesy of the City of Edinburg
A resolution was also held on the house and senate floors in recognition of “RGV Day at the Capitol.”
Senator Juan “Chuy’ Hinojosa’s statement about RGV Day at The Capitol
The Texas Senate adopted Senate Resolution No. 196 recognizing February 22, 2023, as Rio Grande Valley Day at the State Capitol.
The RGV is a thriving region and we continue to make progress in workforce development, transportation, border infrastructure, healthcare, and educational opportunities. We appreciate our public officials, business and community leaders and all those who made the trip to the Capitol to promote and advocate for the needs of the Rio Grande Valley.
Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson for joined us for the RGV Day group photo. Secretary Nelson is our 115th Texas Secretary of State. She has the experience, knows the legislators and the legislative process, and has the knowledge of the duties and responsibilities required for this position. Besides elections, another responsibility includes serving as an ambassador for Texas which will require her to work with other nations for the betterment of our state economy, currently the ninth largest in the world. She will be an excellent Secretary of State!
Statement Information source: Senator Hinojosa Facebook
The University of Texas System’s board of regents said Wednesday it has put a pause on all new policies that promote diversity, equity and inclusion at its 13 university and health campuses and asked all school leaders to provide a report on their current DEI policies.
UT System board Chair Kevin Eltife said that while the system strives to promote diversity among its students and faculty, “certain DEI efforts have strayed from the original intent to now imposing requirements and actions that, rightfully so, has raised the concerns of our policymakers around those efforts on campuses across our entire state.”
Eltife’s comments, which were first reported by the Austin American-Statesman, did not specify which DEI efforts he considered to cross a line. The UT System did not immediately respond to further questions.
Earlier this month, Gov. Greg Abbottsent a letter to public university and state agencies warning them that DEI hiring practices violated federal and state employment laws and barring them from hiring on factors “other than merit.” Law experts have said the governor’s office mischaracterized the legal practices employers use when considering diversity in their hiring.
Texas Tech University came under fire recently after a conservative advocacy group criticized the university’s biology department for its DEI hiring practices.
Across the country, conservative lawmakers have raised objections with university departments that require so-called diversity statements in which job candidates are asked to write about their experience working with diverse student populations and share ways they plan to help students from all backgrounds be successful.
In response to the governor’s memo, Texas A&M University in College Station recently said it changed its hiring policies. According to an email obtained by The Texas Tribune, the vice president of faculty affairs told college deans late last week that they should consider only a cover letter, resume, personal statement and professional references in hiring.
“There was not a university-wide requirement for applicants to submit a diversity statement, however, some units did require such statements. There was not consistency in the approach or common understanding of how diversity statements were used in the decision-making process,” said Susan Ballabina, Texas A&M’s chief external affairs officer and senior vice president for academic and strategic collaborations, in a statement Tuesday. “To ensure adherence to the guidance highlighted in the letter from the Office of the Governor on February 6, 2023, the Texas A&M administration made a decision, after consultation with the System Office of General Counsel, to standardize faculty application requirements.”
Workplaces across the country have developed diversity, equity and inclusion policies to increase representation and foster environments that emphasize fair treatment to groups that have historically faced discrimination.
Over time, universities have embraced DEI policies as a way to correct past biases, acknowledging that they have historically not served many groups well — including people of color, women, students with disabilities and veterans.
They created offices and hired staff to lead those efforts and make sure their campuses were places where historically underrepresented groups could be successful and graduate.
In recent months, conservative politicians and advocates have targeted diversity, equity and inclusion practices, criticizing efforts to help underrepresented groups as products of left-wing ideology meant to reinforce liberal ideas about structural racism and discrimination.
On Wednesday, Eltife said that board members welcome elected officials looking into DEI policies across Texas, adding that they might consider a uniform DEI policy for the whole system.
