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Texas A&M Transportation Institute Grows Its Research Footprint in The RGV

Feb 3, 2023

“I applaud TTI for adding Sergio and Pete to its Advisory Council,” says District 20 Texas State Sen. Juan Hinojosa. Courtesy Images for illustration purposes.

Texas Border Business

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) continues to partner with stakeholders in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) to provide innovative solutions to key transportation-related projects. From implementing radio-frequency identification (RFID) and Bluetooth technologies to measure traffic congestion at the border, to planning for emergencies such as train derailments, TTI addresses complex transportation challenges and opportunities with innovation, objectivity and unmatched technical expertise.

TTI’s research and presence in the transportation sector are supported by an Advisory Council comprised of high-level transportation and business professionals across the state of Texas and from every sector of the transportation world. Sergio Contreras, CEO of Atlas, Hall and Rodriguez, LLP, and Pete Sepulveda, Jr., executive director of the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority and an administrator with Cameron County, recently joined TTI’s Advisory Council representing the RGV and will be essential in providing advice to TTI on transportation issues and trends in the region.

“I applaud TTI for adding Sergio and Pete to its Advisory Council,” says District 20 Texas State Sen. Juan Hinojosa. “Their leadership and knowledge of the border and South Texas will further strengthen the great work already being done by TTI. I appreciate the research and investments under way in the RGV and look forward to even more being done to further improve the safety and efficiency of our border transportation network to benefit our communities and the Texas economy.”

One example of innovative work TTI is doing in the RGV and along the U.S.-Mexico border is using RFID readers to measure wait border times. TTI, along with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, developed and implemented the Border Wait Time Measurement System at seven of the most heavily traveled commercial border crossings in Texas — including the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge and Veterans Bridge at Los Tomates — to gather information from RFID tags and Bluetooth devices. The system provides researchers with the time it takes a commercial vehicle to travel from point A on the Mexican side to point B on the Texas side. The system provides data that can be turned into tools to help ease traffic congestion and strengthen Texas’ supply chain.

“As the chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, I have worked closely with TTI to address our state’s complex transportation challenges and have always found TTI’s technical expertise to be unmatched,” says District 40 Texas State Rep. Terry Canales. “The addition of Sergio and Pete to the board demonstrates the importance of our border communities in helping develop solutions to our state’s supply chain challenges. The Rio Grande Valley is an economic engine for the state, and TTI is at the forefront of helping us harness the full economic potential of our region.”

Hazardous materials travel daily by road, rail, pipeline, waterway and air throughout the Lone Star State. This includes the RGV, where regional and national railroad companies have operations in Edinburg, McAllen, Weslaco, Harlingen, Brownsville and nearby communities. Most rail hazmat cargo shipments arrive safely. But when things go wrong — like a hazmat incident or train derailment near a school — advanced planning and preparedness save lives. Texas Education Code Section 37.108 mandates that school districts with any property line within 1,000 yards of a rail track have a train derailment policy in their emergency plans. In 2021, TTI researchers developed the Hazardous Materials and Train Derailment Emergency Planning Guide for School Districts and Community Colleges, which provides recommendations for hazmat and derailment emergency planning practices, and supplements standards and protocols published by the Texas State School Safety Center.

TTI researchers have also worked with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and many Texas communities on hazardous materials transport studies, emergency plan reviews, and incident risk assessments for hazmat transportation by road, pipeline and rail. This coming year, TTI researchers will be working with TDEM, Local Emergency Planning Committees, and local emergency managers and responders in South Texas on workshops to improve hazardous materials response coordination and mutual aid in the event of a train derailment or major hazmat incident.

Another way TTI supports safety initiatives in the RGV is through ongoing crash data analysis using TxDOT’s Crash Records Information System. TTI recently analyzed a decade of crashes related to wrong-way driving (WWD) on freeway corridors across the RGV for the TxDOT Pharr District. The study revealed WWD crashes on freeway main lanes tended to occur on weekends and in the late-night hours, while crashes on corridors in general — which include frontage roads — were evenly spread across days of the week and more likely to occur in the middle of the day. Several safety improvement countermeasures were suggested for TxDOT, including increased use of one-way signage for larger commercial land uses in the Harlingen metropolitan area and the application of a safety checklist to ensure freeway exit ramp signage (Do Not Enter and Wrong Way signs) and pavement markings are present and well maintained across the RGV. This safety improvement effort mirrors similar initiatives to reduce WWD supported by TxDOT and TTI in San Antonio, Houston, Fort Worth, Austin, El Paso and Dallas.

“Congratulations to Pete and Sergio for being appointed to TTI’s Advisory Council. Both individuals have the knowledge and understanding of the unique needs of South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley,” says District 39 Texas State Rep. Armando Martinez. “Their ability to relentlessly search for solutions to transportation problems and find innovative ways to solve them will be a significant benefit for TTI. TTI, South Texas and the entire state of Texas are very fortunate to have Mr. Sergio Contreras and Mr. Pete Sepulveda on TTI’s Advisory Council.”“TTI is committed to continuing to grow our research program in the Valley, and we are pleased that Mr. Contreras and Mr. Sepulveda are on our advisory council to provide input on the greatest transportation challenges and opportunities in the region,” says Greg Winfree, TTI agency director. “Our team of transportation researchers is ready to help the region prosper for years to come, and that depends on safe and reliable methods of transportation.”

Recognized as one of the premier higher-education-affiliated transportation research agencies in the United States, TTI’s research and development program has resulted in significant breakthroughs across all facets of the transportation system for more than 70 years. TTI research is widely known as an excellent value with a proven impact of saving lives, time and resources. The Institute conducts over 700 research projects annually with over 200 sponsors at all levels of government and the private sector

Edinburg PD Working Against School Violence Threats

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Feb 3, 2023

Following a pair of reports of school violence threats in the City of Edinburg within the last week, the Edinburg Police Department is reminding the community of the severity of the consequences related to making such threats. YouTube Image

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Edinburg, TX – Following a pair of reports of school violence threats in the City of Edinburg within the last week, the Edinburg Police Department is reminding the community of the severity of the consequences related to making such threats.

YouTube Video

Making a fake threat of violence is a state and federal crime. To combat the issue, Edinburg PD is working in conjunction with local school districts to ensure that students and parents alike are informed of what could happen if their child were to make a threat in their community in an effort to deter similar actions and the disruption of a school day. In addition, the department has released a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to highlight the importance of this issue.

Officials emphasize that every threat of violence reported to the Edinburg Police Department is taken seriously and each report is investigated thoroughly. Criminal charges will be pursued to the full extent of the law.

Furthermore, residents are the eyes and ears of the community. If you see something, say something. For emergency situations, call 911. For all other concerns, contact the Edinburg Police Department at (956) 289-7700.

Drought Threatens Businesses & Communities

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Feb 3, 2023

Western states remain gripped by an ongoing drought, the driest 22-year period in the last 1,200 years. Water supplies are at critically low levels. Image for illustration purposes

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US Chamber of Commerce

Western states remain gripped by an ongoing drought, the driest 22-year period in the last 1,200 years. Water supplies are at critically low levels.

Why it matters: Water scarcity will affect drinking water access and agriculture. Water is also a critical input for many industries, from manufacturing to mining, explains Grant Baker, Chamber Associate Manager for State and Local Policy.

Be smart: There are significant federal resources available to states and localities to help:

· The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided $8.3 billion in funding for water resilience for Western states and communities.

· Many states also have ample American Rescue Plan Act funds available.

And: President Biden should declare a federal disaster to free up further federal emergency resources for drought-stricken states.

Bottom line: Policymakers at all levels of government must help build greater water resiliency to address this challenge.

New Rules Will Cause Consumers to Pay More in Credit Card Bills

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Feb 3, 2023

Ultimately the CFPB’s new rules will force responsible cardholders – who pay their bills on time – to subsidize the costs of those who don’t. Image for illustration purposes

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US Chamber of Commerce

On Wednesday, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed new rules limiting the ability of credit card companies to impose late fees for overdue payments.

Why it matters: Credit card issuers already provide robust disclosures (as required by law) regarding late fees, which consumers agree to at the time of enrollment. Ultimately the CFPB’s new rules will force responsible cardholders – who pay their bills on time – to subsidize the costs of those who don’t.

But: Don’t take our word for it. In its proposed rule, the agency itself acknowledges this fact.

· “Cardholders who never pay late will not benefit from the reduction in late fees and could pay more for their account if maintenance fees in their market segment rise in response – or if interest rates increase in response and these on-time cardholders carry a balance. Frequent late payers are likely to benefit monetarily from reduced late fees, even if higher interest rates or maintenance fees offset some of the benefits.”

Our take: “Ultimately, what the American credit card user can expect from this rule change is higher costs and reduced choices as a direct result of the CFPB imposing more red tape on businesses,” said Bill Hulse, vice president with the Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness.

Federal Trade Commission Wants to Radically Expand Its Authority

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Feb 3, 2023

By attempting to ban non-compete clauses in employment contracts, the Federal Trade Commission is attempting to create for itself the ability to regulate competition. Image for illustration purposes

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US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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By attempting to ban non-compete clauses in employment contracts, the Federal Trade Commission is attempting to create for itself the ability to regulate competition.

Why it matters: If allowed to stand the FTC would use its expanded authority to target companies and business practices that do not conform to its progressive policy agenda.

Details: As Sean Heather, Chamber Senior Vice President, International Regulatory Affairs and Antitrust, explains, the FTC could go after many common business practices:

· Exclusive contracts: Exclusive provider or dealer contracts foster efficiency and enhance competition and have been found to be beneficial to consumers.

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· Loyalty rebates: Companies use these to encourage repeat business.

· Discount pricing: Companies charge different prices to different customers based on factors such as buying early or buying in bulk.

Big picture: The FTC “would effectively rewrite decades of antitrust jurisprudence and learning,” Heather explains. “Under the FTC’s rulemaking approach, the agency could issue blanket bans without evaluating the impact on consumers or competition.”

Bottom line: The FTC is attempting to unilaterally assume the power to regulate the entirety of the economy without Congressional authorization. This is why the Chamber is opposing the FTC’s efforts using all the tools at our disposal, including litigation.

Personal Injury Attorney Convicted of Obstructing Justice

TBB

Feb 3, 2023

A 56-year-old Houston resident has been found guilty on multiple counts related to a complicated tax fraud scheme. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/richardjplezia/photos for illustration purposes

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US Department of Justice

HOUSTON, Texas – A 56-year-old Houston resident has been found guilty on multiple counts related to a complicated tax fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

A federal jury convicted Richard J. Plezia for conspiracy as well as two counts of making false statements and falsification of a record following a month-long trial and approximately eight hours of deliberation.

“We are a nation of laws, where lawyers swear to uphold those laws” said Hamdani. “When lawyers, like Plezia, corrupt their oath for their own gain, such actions can corrode the public’s confidence in our legal system. It is important to deter such conduct, and we are pleased with the jury’s verdict holding Plezia accountable for his crimes.”

“I can tell you that justice was served and the professionalism of our special agents from the start of the case to the testimony during the trial is a testament to the outstanding work IRS-Criminal Investigation (CI) does to bring conspiracies like this to finality,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Ramsey E. Covington of IRS-CI’s Houston Field Office. “We are here to serve our community by working with the United States Attorney’s Office to bring criminal activities, specifically those with tax and financial ties, to an end.”

The evidence detailed a complex tax fraud scheme in which Plezia funneled approximately $500,000 through his business account from attorney Jeffrey Stern. The money was given to case runner Marcus Esquivel, from whom Stern was illegally purchasing personal injury cases.

Separately, Plezia himself was illegally buying cases from Esquivel and another case runner. On his tax returns, Stern took illegal tax deductions for his payments to various runners including Esquivel. This caused approximately $4.3 million in tax loss to the IRS. Plezia filed false returns, incorrectly claiming the pass-through payments from Stern through Plezia to Esquivel as income and taking corresponding incorrect deductions for marketing and advertising.

In 2016, Plezia lied to authorities, claiming he had not paid Esquivel for case referrals. Two years later, he again lied. He claimed the approximately three years of pass-through payments were the result of Stern financing a large toxic tort case Plezia was handling. To back up his false story about the money flow, Plezia produced falsified documents in response to a federal grand jury subpoena. These included an alleged 2010 letter from Plezia to Stern proposing the financing arrangement and invoices allegedly from Esquivel that purported to bill Plezia for services on the tort case.

Both Stern and Esquivel previously pleaded guilty and provided testimony that the payments through Plezia had nothing to do with the tort case. The jury heard corroborating evidence from multiple attorneys and medical providers who were involved in the matter.

U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal presided over the trial and set sentencing for May 31. At that time, Plezia faces up to 20 years for the falsification of records and five years on each of the other convictions.

Plezia was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

Stern and Esquivel, both of Houston, are also pending sentencing.

IRS-CI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Johnson and Richard Bennett are prosecuting the case.

New Texas Border Czar Joins Operation Lone Star

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Feb 3, 2023

New Texas Border Czar Joins Operation Lone Star

Mike Banks has been hired as Special Advisor on Border Matters to the Governor and will serve as the State of Texas' first-ever Border Czar. Photo: office of the Governor — Mike Banks has been hired as Special Advisor on Border Matters to the Governor and will serve as the State of Texas’ first-ever Border Czar. Photo: office of the Governor

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are continuing to work together to secure the border; stop the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas; and prevent, detect, and interdict transnational criminal behavior between ports of entry.

Since the launch of Operation Lone Star, the multi-agency effort has led to over 347,000 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 24,000 criminal arrests, with more than 22,000 felony charges reported. In the fight against fentanyl, DPS has seized over 360 million lethal doses of fentanyl during this border mission.

Texas has also bused more than 9,100 migrants to our nation’s capital since April, over 5,200 migrants to New York City since August 5, more than 1,500 migrants to Chicago since August 31, and more than 890 migrants to Philadelphia since November 15.

Operation Lone Star continues to fill the dangerous gaps left by the Biden Administration’s refusal to secure the border. Every individual who is apprehended or arrested and every ounce of drugs seized would have otherwise made their way into communities across Texas and the nation due to President Biden’s open border policies.

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS FROM OPERATION LONE STAR:

Governor Abbott Announces New Texas Border Czar

Governor Greg Abbott this week announced the new position of Texas Border Czar to oversee border security in President Joe Biden’s absence at a press conference on a Texas border wall construction site in San Benito. Mike Banks has been hired as Special Advisor on Border Matters to the Governor and will serve as the State of Texas’ first-ever Border Czar.

“As an award-winning Border Patrol Agent, with decades of federal law enforcement and border security experience, Mike is the perfect choice to oversee Texas’ fight against the surge of illegal immigration, lethal drugs, and deadly weapons flowing into our state and nation,” said Governor Abbott. “I have no doubt that Mike’s strong record of leadership and wealth of experience will provide Texans—and Americans—the level of border security expertise they deserve from a proper Border Czar.”

Read more about Texas’ new Border Czar.

WATCH: DPS Lt. Olivarez Discusses Public Safety Threat From Border Crisis

DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez joined Fox News this week to highlight the ongoing security threat to Americans created by President Biden’s ongoing border crisis. Transnational criminal organizations are expanding their networks further into the U.S., while human smugglers are profiting off the federal government’s failure to enforce border security.

“We’ve encountered illegal immigrants trespassing on private ranches, some of whom are MS-13 gang members, gang members from Mexico or the United States. Some are also wanted for murder in other countries,” said Lt. Olivarez. “That’s the problem with this situation. When Border Patrol agents apprehend these individuals, there’s no vetting process. They’re not able to determine if they’ve committed crimes in another country. That’s a threat to public safety.”

WATCH: 15-Year-Old Human Smuggler Leads DPS Troopers On High-Speed Pursuit

DPS troopers were led on a high-speed pursuit by a 15-year-old smuggler from San Antonio on I-35 in Frio County in a vehicle that was reported stolen. Because of wet road conditions, the driver lost control of the vehicle and vaulted onto the interstate. The 12-year-old passenger was a reported runaway and involved in human smuggling, and an illegal immigrant was found in the vehicle and transported to the hospital with injuries.

The teenage driver was arrested and charged with human smuggling causing bodily injury, evading arrest causing bodily injury, drug possession, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

WATCH: DPS Trooper Finds Five Illegal Immigrants Smuggled In Car Near Del Rio

A DPS trooper working Operation Lone Star stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation near Del Rio and during the stop determined the driver was involved in human smuggling. Five illegal immigrants were found in the car, including a male Iranian national inside the trunk.

The driver from Houston was arrested for smuggling of persons. All five illegal immigrants were referred to Border Patrol.

WATCH: DPS Troopers Led On High-Speed Pursuit Of Smuggler With Toddler

A smuggler led DPS troopers on a high-speed pursuit in Hidalgo County. The driver veered off US-83 and onto a dirt road, where he bailed out and ran into the brush. Four illegal immigrants, including a 2-year-old from El Salvador, were located inside the vehicle and referred to Border Patrol. The driver was found hiding in the brush and charged with human smuggling and evading arrest.

WATCH: Texas National Guard Teams Help Stem Flow Of Illegal Immigration

Texas National Guard soldiers are observing an impact on illegal immigration and transnational crimes from the Operation Lone Star border security efforts. Teams supporting the mission include boat operation crews that turn away people before they cross the river illegally and engineers who clear paths and provide access to equipment and armor.

“When I first got here on the mission when it started, we were getting anywhere from 40 to 80 apprehensions a day, along with mass groups, and now we’re getting significantly less due to operations down here,” said Spc. Connor Bell, Task Force West. “Without our presence, it would be a lot less safe in our southern Texas communities.”

DPS Brush Team Apprehends Three Chinese Nationals In Mission

In Mission, the DPS Brush Team apprehended three Chinese nationals, who told troopers they each paid $35,000 to cross into the U.S. All were referred to Border Patrol for processing.

39th Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards Recipients

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Feb 3, 2023

First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Honorary Chair of the Governor's Volunteer Awards, announced the recipients of the 39th Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards. Image for illustration purposes — First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Honorary Chair of the Governor’s Volunteer Awards, announced the recipients of the 39th Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN, Texas — First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Honorary Chair of the Governor’s Volunteer Awards, announced the recipients of the 39th Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards. These awards, presented in conjunction with OneStar Foundation, honor the exemplary service of individuals, groups, and organizations that have made a significant contribution to Texas communities through service and volunteering in the past year.

“I am thrilled to recognize the 14 outstanding winners of this year’s Governor’s Volunteer Awards for their selfless dedication to Texans across the state,” said First Lady Abbott. “The true strength of Texas is found in our people, and this year’s award winners are a moving testament to the character of the Lone Star State.”

“This year’s award recipients reflect the strength and resilience inherent in the Texan spirit of service,” said OneStar President and CEO Chris Bugbee. “We are honored to shine a spotlight on these stellar examples of volunteer service with the hope that it will inspire even more generations of Texans to get involved and take action in their own community.”

Awardees will be honored during National Volunteer Month in April at a reception hosted at the Texas Governor’s Mansion.

The recipients of the 39th Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards are:

Harriet Marmon Helmle (San Antonio): Governor’s Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award

Harriet Marmon Helmle has dedicated most of her life to improving education, helping the homeless and disabled, improving medical care for all, and giving girls and women the tools needed to succeed. During the past four decades, she has raised tens of millions of dollars for San Antonio area nonprofits. In 1984, Harriet founded San Antonio Youth Literacy to reach high-risk high school students and their families in disadvantaged neighborhoods that now serves over 900 students on 75 campuses.

Mindy Gross (Fort Bend): Governor’s Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award

Mindy Gross has worked with the Fort Bend Women’s Center since the late 1990s to assist domestic violence and sexual assault survivors and their children in achieving safety and self-sufficiency. Mindy’s countless volunteer hours and continued commitment have enhanced the Richmond community, volunteers, and staff. In various leadership roles, Mindy has worked with Child Advocates of Fort Bend County and the United Way. She also founded the STARS volunteer auxiliary in 2004, co-founded and served as inaugural co-chair for their annual Girlfriends Giggle benefit, and raised more than $1 million for Fort Bend Women’s Center’s programs and services.

Rose Wilson (Lubbock): Governor’s Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award

Rose Wilson continues to leave an outstanding legacy in Lubbock with decades of volunteer service spanning from fighting food insecurity to mentoring students to advancing social justice causes. At 95 years old, Rose continues to engage in new volunteer opportunities, help organize events, and serve on boards. Rose has been active with the Lubbock NAACP since the 1960s, becoming the first African American woman to be elected president in 1978 and remaining president for 30 years. She continues to serve on the executive board of the Lubbock NAACP, helping with membership drives and fund development and serving on the finance committee.

Catherine Bai (Houston): First Lady’s Rising Star Award

After seeing the loneliness experienced by many nursing home residents, Catherine Bai started an Adopt a Senior program for residents rarely visited by family members. She soon realized the power of music therapy to help people with dementia and founded the Pearland branch of WeCareAct, a student volunteer organization to involve youth in community service in the Greater Houston area. So far the group has more than 100 volunteers, 1,000 hours dedicated, nine formal holiday concerts organized, and 900 seniors and community members served. Catherine presented her music community service project to the 2022 Future Problem Solving International Conference to raise awareness of the elderly in need.

Vedha Vaddaraju (Dallas): First Lady’s Rising Star Award

Vedha Vaddaraju co-founded Letters of Gold, a Texas nonprofit with the mission of uplifting Texas residents and individuals around the world with letters of light in times of darkness. Letters of Gold delivers more than 3,000 letters to different groups in need every month, primarily in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. As a rising senior in high school, Vedha leads a team of almost 100 youth volunteers throughout Texas and has chapters of her organization in nearly 10 schools in the DFW area. Having the opportunity to speak in global conferences for the past two years and featured on various news sources in Texas, Vedha uses her skills to empower those around her to write letters and offers monthly training sessions for youth to encourage them to act in their community.

Elizabeth Watkins (Frisco): Volunteer of the Year Award

Elizabeth Watkins founded Refresh Frisco in 2019 to provide hygiene products to students in need. With the mission in mind that proper hygiene is critical for a child’s health and self-esteem, Elizabeth set out to ensure that every child in her community has access to personal hygiene items. As an example of their rapid growth, Refresh Frisco served around 150 students in November 2019 and, by May 2022, had expanded to serve over 1,400 children in K-12 in Frisco ISD. She has recently expanded to Refresh Little Elm, serving more than 300 Little Elm ISD students and growing.

Dr. Gary Beach (Austin): Volunteer of the Year Award

Dr. Gary Beach began volunteering with the Volunteer Healthcare Clinic in 2008 and has improved the lives of countless uninsured patients. As a Vietnam veteran, Gary received the Meritorious Mast from the U.S. Marine Corps and went on to become an acclaimed physician for more than 42 years. He has repeatedly won Top Doctor awards in both Texas Monthly and Austin Monthly. Gary also uses his volunteer time at VHC to mentor the next generation of healthcare providers. He has supported and taught many pre-med students who have gone on to medical schools such as Dell, Southwestern, McGovern, Baylor, University of Texas Medical Branch, Texas A&M, and Stanford.

Diana & Glen Egley (New Danville): Volunteer Family of the Year Award

Diana and Glen Egley are committed volunteers at New Danville, a rural nonprofit community in Willis for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Diana is president of Legally Authorized Representative Alliance, an organization that sponsors activities and supports New Danville’s day program clients and residents, where Glen also often volunteers. The family is central to the annual Christmas Market where clients get to shop for free gifts to give to their family and friends, and they are also key volunteers for theater productions performed by New Danville clients. The Egleys also volunteer for Love Fosters Hope, a nonprofit that serves children and teens in foster care who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned.

LGI Homes (Fort Bend, Harris & Montgomery Counties): Corporate Volunteering Champion Award

LGI Homes has made a tremendous impact by planning, completing, and funding a $25,000 project for SIRE, a nonprofit that supports individuals with special needs through therapeutic horsemanship. More than 40 LGI Homes employees provided over 500 hours of volunteer labor for the organization, constructing 10 stalls and outfitting a building for saddles and equipment. In October 2022, LGI Homes also oversaw the completion of a new 4,500-square-foot education and visitors center, valued at $1.2 million, which provides classroom space for SIRE programs, meeting space for local organizations serving people with disabilities, and office space for SIRE staff. LGI Homes is also very involved with Habitat for Humanity in Montgomery County and has employees serving on the board of directors at both SIRE and Habitat for Humanity.

Midland High School Football (Midland): Innovation in Volunteerism Award

The Midland High School Football program has developed a reputation of being the go-to for volunteers in Midland. Head Coach Thad Fortune has built the MHS football program to include intentional and service leadership-based volunteer programming. It starts with his “Path of the Bulldog” principles given to every football player and parent beginning in 7^thgrade through 12^th grade, reaching more than 600 students. MHS Football players are led by Coach Thad in intentional and coordinated volunteer service, including summer trash pick-ups in partnership with Keep Midland Beautiful and “Books and Bulldogs” summer reading programs with the Midland YMCA.

Unite & Inspire (Houston): Innovation in Volunteerism Award

Unite & Inspire is a youth-led nonprofit with a mission to unite and inspire children, youth, and adults into giving back to their communities through volunteering and to share resources that cultivate their growth as responsible global citizens. Their volunteer projects include disaster relief campaigns, STEAM education, cause-related internships, services for children and seniors, and medical and health support for cancer patients, first responders, and military. During Winter Storm Uri, they provided 500 families with hot meals, essential supplies, and recovery care packages.

Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group (Aransas, Bee, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio & San Patricio Counties): Excellence in Disaster Volunteerism Award

Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group (CBDRG) is an established network of business, nonprofit, faith-based, private sector, and government organizations partnering to support long-term disaster recovery in 11 counties of the Coastal Bend. In response to Hurricane Harvey, CBDRG rebuilt 81 homes, replaced 79 manufactured homes, and completed 181 major repairs at a cost of $8.5 million. CDBRG provided disaster case management for 1,282 clients, with 450 of the clients fully recovered from the disaster. In Winter Storm Uri, they helped 133 clients restore basic water service that was lost due to freezing pipes.

Texas Search and Rescue (Statewide): Excellence in Disaster Volunteerism Award

Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR) is composed of volunteers who are dedicated Texans serving Texans with a spirit of “service above self” during times of emergency, loss, disaster, and pain. TEXSAR makes itself available as a resource to all 254 counties in the state when requested by local, state, or federal agencies. Though “search and rescue” is part of the organization’s name, TEXSAR has played particularly significant roles in disasters of various sorts, ranging from floods to fires to pandemics to winter storms. TEXSAR volunteers are valuable additions to the efforts of law enforcement, fire, and other agencies because of their spirit, dedication, training, empathy, professionalism, and preparedness—all of which adds up to excellence at times when Texans need it most.

Samiksha Deme (Houston): National Service “Make a Difference” Award Samiksha

Samiksha ‘Sami’ Deme joined Sewa International’s Disaster Preparedness Group as an AmeriCorps Outreach Specialist. With her educational knowledge and skillset in environmental science, Sami is transforming critically needed disaster preparedness training for underserved and often marginalized communities. Sami’s preparedness trainings are centered on environmental justice, healthcare equity, and the crossroads between natural and human-made disasters. Sami also takes on volunteer projects outside her service responsibilities—from vaccine clinics to clothing drives for Afghan refugees to personal essentials for the homeless.

For more information, visit onestarfoundation.org/governors-volunteer-awards.

Learn more about OneStar.

$150 Gift Cards to Foster Nursing Moms with Puppies

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Feb 2, 2023

Palm Valley Animal Society will be providing a $150 gift card to the foster caregivers of one dozen nursing moms and their puppies, thanks to a grant from Maddie's Fund. Image for illustration purposes — ***Palm Valley Animal Society*** will be providing a $150 gift card to the foster caregivers of one dozen nursing moms and their puppies, thanks to a grant from Maddie’s Fund. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

EDINBURG, Texas – Palm Valley Animal Society will be providing a $150 gift card to the foster caregivers of one dozen nursing moms and their puppies, thanks to a grant from Maddie’s Fund. The grant will also fund the shelter’s stock of foster supplies so, as always, foster caregivers will leave with everything they need to care for their foster pets. The grant is part of a small study focused on determining the impact of providing resources, including a stipend, on the likelihood of fostering and positive outcomes for pets.

As one of the shelter’s most vulnerable populations, nursing moms with puppies are most in need of foster care placement. Nursing puppies’ immune systems aren’t fully developed, which can increase their chances of becoming ill when they’re around other dogs. In a foster home, their exposure to contagious illness is limited. Foster pets also spend their time learning how to live in a home and practice forming attachments with their caregivers until they’re adopted or transferred to a rescue partner.

To be eligible for the $150 gift card, caregivers must foster the family until the pets are either transferred or adoption-ready. Becoming a foster is easy, and no experience is required. PVAS will teach fosters all they need to know to care for these families. Sign up online at https://www.pvastx.org/foster or visit either the PVAS Trenton Center or PVAS Andrews Center during the shelter’s operating hours of Monday – Thursday from 2 pm – 7 pm and Friday – Sunday from 12 pm – 7 pm.

McAllen Stage 2 Water Restrictions Lifted

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Feb 2, 2023

Mandatory stage 2 water restrictions were lifted for McAllen Public Utility water customers, including residents and businesses. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

McALLEN, Texas – Mandatory stage 2 water restrictions were lifted for McAllen Public Utility water customers, including residents and businesses. Stage 2 restricted sprinkler system irrigation to only two days a week, during specific hours for each of the six zones McAllen had been divided into. Stage 2 was triggered when the water supply from Amistad and Falcon Dam reached less than 25% capacity.

“McAllen Public Utility is a responsible steward of our water and during the drought last summer we felt it important for MPU water customers to follow the mandatory water restrictions out of necessity to ensure a continued adequate water supply and pressure,” said Mark Vega, P.E., general manager for McAllen Public Utility. “Recent rains and the lower temperatures have already reduced the deman for water, so we felt it important to lift the mandatory restrictions on irrigation and recreational use of water. However, we do encourage our customers to continue to voluntary conserve water when possible and avoid unnecessary waste of our most precious resource.”

The City of McAllen Water Conservation Plan has five stages. Stage 1 is completely voluntary, and Stage 5 is the most restrictive.

For more information on the plan, other ways to conserve water and other water information, visit www.mcallenpublicutility.com.

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