Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Hebbronville Station, working in conjunction with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), halted a human smuggling attempt in Hebbronville, Texas. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Hebbronville Station, working in conjunction with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), halted a human smuggling attempt in Hebbronville, Texas.
On Dec. 6, Border Patrol agents while working their assigned duties, observed a tractor-trailer hauling a dump trailer with individuals riding in the trailer on Farm to Market Road 2050 in Bruni, Texas. Moments later, Border Patrol agents noticed the vehicle traveling on State Highway 359 approaching Hebbronville, Texas. Border Patrol agents began to follow the vehicle as it then turned to travel north on State Highway 16 away from the town.
DPS conducted a vehicle stop of the tractor-trailer just north of the town. During the vehicle stop, Border Patrol agents inspected the tractor-trailer and discovered a total of 15 individuals in the trailer. After they were taken into custody, Border Patrol agents conducted record checks on the individuals. The individuals were found to be illegally in the United States and from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. All subjects were taken to the Hebbronville Station and processed accordingly.
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.
Governor Greg Abbott celebrated the announcement of Air Products and The AES Corporation’s (AES) new mega-scale green hydrogen facility in Wilbarger County. Bgd Image Source: AirProducts.com for illustration purposes
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AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott celebrated the announcement of Air Products and The AES Corporation’s (AES) new mega-scale green hydrogen facility in Wilbarger County. The project is anticipated to create more than 1,300 construction jobs, 115 permanent operations jobs, and 200 transportation and distribution jobs. It is also expected to generate approximately $500 million in revenue to the State of Texas over the course of the project’s lifetime and be the largest green hydrogen facility in the United States.
“With the announcement of this groundbreaking facility by Air Products and AES, the State of Texas will extend its leadership in U.S. energy production and help meet our country’s energy needs for decades to come,” said Governor Abbott. “This project will not only bring hundreds of jobs and millions in revenue to the Lone Star State, but will also expand our state’s robust energy sector and further solidify Texas as a global powerhouse in this critical industry. I thank Air Products and AES for choosing Texas, and I look forward to working alongside the two companies and local leaders as we keep Texas a global energy leader.”
“We are very pleased to extend our hydrogen leadership and our extensive operations in Texas and announce this exciting joint venture with AES for a new green hydrogen production facility, which will be competitive on a global scale while bringing significant tax, job and energy security benefits to Texas,” said Air Products Chairman, President, and CEO Seifi Ghasemi. “This new facility will be, by far, the largest, fully integrated green hydrogen production facility in the country, using wind and sun energy to produce clean hydrogen for U.S. customers. We are very appreciative of the support of Governor Abbott and state and local officials in the development of this project.”
“This project will capitalize on AES’ strength in energy innovation and Texas’ abundant renewables resources to extend Texas’ leadership position in the energy sector,” said AES President and CEO Andrés Gluski. “We are very pleased to be partnering with Governor Abbott, the State of Texas, and the communities, officials and citizens of Wilbarger County to bring this important project to fruition. We are also pleased to be working alongside Air Products, the world leader in hydrogen production, for this first of its kind mega-scale green hydrogen facility in the U.S.”
“The Air Products/AES hydrogen project is a game changer for Wilbarger County,” said Business Development Corporation of Vernon Member Rick Hardcastle. “We welcome this project and the significant new jobs to be created during construction and beyond. With this project, we’re entering an exciting next chapter.”
“We are honored that these two industry-leading global corporations are looking to our county as the site of this major energy project,” said Wilbarger County Judge Greg Tyra. “Texas is known as the home for so many world-class companies and facilities working to provide real energy solutions. We look forward to Wilbarger County becoming the site of the largest green hydrogen project in the U.S.”
Air Products and AES plan to invest approximately $4 billion to build, own, and operate this green hydrogen production facility in Wilbarger County. The power to operate this hydrogen project will entail over 1 gigawatt of renewable energy and electrolyzer capacity capable of producing more than 200 metric tons per day (MT/D) of green hydrogen.
The facility is targeted to begin commercial operations in 2027 and will primarily serve mobility and other industrial markets. The project will broaden Texas’ energy portfolio and will position our state as the country’s leader in green hydrogen while helping to reduce emissions.
Last night, at Las Americas Library in Mercedes, Texas, former Mayor of Mission, Norberto ‘Beto’ Salinas was sworn in as a Board Member for the South Texas ISD Board of Trustees. Courtesy Image
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Last night, at Las Americas Library in Mercedes, Texas, former Mayor of Mission, Norberto ‘Beto’ Salinas was sworn in as a Board Member for the South Texas ISD Board of Trustees.
Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez Swears in the STISD Board Members. Courtesy Image
“I appreciate the confidence of Richard Cortez, Hidalgo County Judge for appointing me to the position. I will utilize my 50 years of governmental and community affairs experience to best serve the students and taxpayers. I believe that education is the key for success and our youth deserve to have the best opportunities and tools to achieve their dreams,” Beto Salinas said.
Judge Cortez Shakes hands with Beto Salinas after the Swearing in. Courtesy ImageMeeting of the Board. Courtesy Image
At last night’s meeting, Norberto Salinas proposed to the board and staff their consideration of providing free lunch to all students. “I feel that if we are spending money on big buildings and facilities, this should be a priority,” he said.
ABOUT NORBERTO SALINAS
Newly appointed STISD Board Member, Beto Salinas. Courtesy Image
• In 1980 Beto Salinas was elected Hidalgo County Commissioner – Precinct 3 where he served for 12 years.
• In 1983 he was appointed by Governor Mark White to his Indigent Health Care Advisory Task Force.
• In 1991, Texas Governor Ann Richards appointed him to the Texas Funeral Commission and was later reappointed by Governor George W. Bush.
• In 1998, he was elected Mayor of the City of Mission where he served for 20 years.
Beto Salinas meeting with another official during the meeting. Courtesy Image
• In 2001, Texas Governor Rick Perry appointed him to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Norberto Salinas has served since 1998 as the Vice Chair of the Anzalduas Bridge Board, was the previous Chairman of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council Board of Directors, and has served as Chairman and Secretary of the Texas Department of Transportation MPO Policy Committee.
Salinas with other officials, Courtesy Image
He has served as a Director of the Texas Tech Prep Board of Directors; Hidalgo Chapter of the American Red Cross; President of the Texas Ambulance Association; Board of Director of the Mission Chamber of Commerce; Leadership Member of the Boy Scouts of America; and as President of the Amigos del Valle Board of Directors.
Beto Salinas has always supported the youth and the elderly and has received numerous awards from the following organizations, Appreciation awards from the Hidalgo County Juvenile Court; Sullivan City Headstart Program; Children, and Families & Elderly of the Abram-Perezville Community, in 2008 he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Mission Boys and Girls Club and in 2009 was awarded the Mr. Amigo Award from Amigos del Valle.
Beto Salinas with a fellow board member. Courtesy Image
Mr. Salinas community involvement has been extensive he was honored by being named Man of the Year for the City of Mission in 1987 and Mr. Mission for outstanding service to the community in 2006 he was inducted into the Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame in 2007 and received the Citizen of the Year award from the Rotary Club of Mission in 2008.
ABOUT STISD
Niche just released its 2023 Best Schools K-12 School & District Rankings, and for the ninth year in a row, South Texas Independent School District (STISD) and its campuses ranked among the best in the state and nation.
With an A+ overall grade, STISD ranked 2nd in Texas (out of 1,018 school districts ranked) and 38th in the nation (out of 10,751 districts ranked) in the Best School Districts rankings. For the second year in a row, the district also earned the top spots in the state in the Best Places to Teach in Texas and the Districts with the Best Teachers in Texas. STISD also ranked 6th out of 11,687 districts ranked in the Districts with the Best Teachers in America.
All six STISD campuses eligible for the ranking were ranked among the best in the state and nation in the 2023 Niche K-12 Schools lists, which grade and rank schools and districts based upon criteria ranging from academics to culture and teachers.
South Texas ISD serves 4,300 students and is a state and nationally recognized public school district offering tuition-free college- and career-preparation to students in grades 6-12 from Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy Counties.
The open-enrollment, all-magnet district is comprised of seven secondary campuses within the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, including four high schools – South Texas ISD Health Professions in Mercedes, South Texas ISD Medical Professions in Olmito, South Texas ISD Science Academy in Mercedes, and South Texas ISD World Scholars in Edinburg; two middle schools – South Texas ISD Preparatory Academy in Edinburg and South Texas ISD Rising Scholars Academy in San Benito; and one virtual campus, South Texas ISD Virtual Academy, now in its second year, through which students in grades 6-10 (and eventually grades 6-12) can learn 100 percent from home.
For additional information, call 1-800-21STUDY or visit www.stisd.net.
McAllen Mayor Villalobos and District 1 Commissioner Aguirre will be among the countless volunteers who stand outside and “Ring the Bell,” all in effort to encourage shoppers to give during this season. Image Source: salvationarmy.ca; Mayor and Comm. Courtesy Photos for illustration purposes
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McALLEN, Texas – The Salvation Army Bell Ringers, and what they represent, are as synonymous with the Christmas season as the spirit of giving the holiday brings. McAllen Mayor Villalobos and District 1 Commissioner Aguirre will be among the countless volunteers who stand outside and “Ring the Bell,” all in effort to encourage shoppers to give during this season.
“I am honored to continue this holiday tradition of ringing the bell and help the Salvation Army to raise funds to truly help those who need it most, those that the Salvation Army takes care of year-round, not just on Christmas,” said Mayor Villalobos. “I hope that I can encourage people to give, even if it is just a little, because every little bit helps.”
“Especially this year, it is important that we give, because many people are now struggling, through no fault of their own, because of inflation and the lingering effects of the pandemic,” said Comm. Aguirre. “Especially those of us who have been blessed, the least we can do is give to those in need.”
According to the Salvation Army of McAllen, the organization truly appreciates all their volunteer bell ringers, which include church groups and even families, and point out that the City of McAllen has provided countless bell ringers for years.
“The City of McAllen has been a great supporter of the Salvation Army-McAllen Red Kettle Campaign for years. All of our volunteers are a part of helping us fulfil our goal of serving those in need.” – Salvation Army.
Funds collected from the Salvation Army-McAllen Red Kettle campaign are to benefit the many programs here in Hidalgo Country, including: emergency shelters; soup kitchens; social services; and the Angel Tree program, which provides assistance and Christmas gifts to children 12 and under.
Locally, bell ringers will be in various locations throughout McAllen, such as La Plaza Mall, including the Food Court, J.C. Penney, Macy’s and Dillard’s, as well as other free-standing locations, like Walmart, Walgreen’s and Sam’s Club, among others.
WHO: City of McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos
Dist. 1 Comm. Tony Aguirre, Jr.
WHAT: Ringing the Bell for Salvation Army-McAllen Red Kettle Campaign
WHEN & Friday, December 9, 2022 8:30 a.m., Comm. Aguirre; 9:30 a.m., Mayor Villalobos WHERE: Walmart, 2800 W. Nolana Ave.
Governor Greg Abbott ordered all Texas state agencies to ban the use of TikTok on any government-issued devices as the threat of the Chinese Communist Party gaining access to critical U.S. information and infrastructure continues to grow. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott ordered all Texas state agencies to ban the use of TikTok on any government-issued devices as the threat of the Chinese Communist Party gaining access to critical U.S. information and infrastructure continues to grow. In letters to Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dade Phelan, and state agency leaders, the Governor highlighted the State of Texas’ responsibility to preserve the safety and cybersecurity of Texans, in addition to the federal government’s responsibility for foreign policy issues.
“TikTok harvests vast amounts of data from its users’ devices—including when, where, and how they conduct Internet activity—and offers this trove of potentially sensitive information to the Chinese government,” reads one of the letters. “While TikTok has claimed that it stores U.S. data within the U.S., the company admitted in a letter to Congress that China-based employees can have access to U.S. data. It has also been reported that ByteDance planned to use TikTok location information to surveil individual American citizens. Further, under China’s 2017 National Intelligence Law, all businesses are required to assist China in intelligence work including data sharing, and TikTok’s algorithm has already censored topics politically sensitive to the Chinese Communist Party, including the Tiananmen Square protests.”
With more than 85 million users in the United States, the video-sharing mobile application TikTok is owned by a Chinese company that employs Chinese Communist Party members and has a subsidiary partially owned by the Chinese Communist Party.
Governor Abbott directed state agency leaders to immediately ban its officers and employees from downloading or using TikTok on any government-issued devices, including cell phones, laptops, tablets, desktop computers, and other devices capable of Internet connectivity, which is to be strictly enforced by an agency’s IT department. The Governor also ordered direct joint action by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Department of Information Resources to develop a model plan for other state agencies that would address vulnerabilities presented by the use of TikTok on personal devices by January 15, 2023. Each state agency will then have until February 15, 2023, to implement its own policy governing the use of TikTok on personal devices.
Additionally, the Governor informed Lieutenant Governor Patrick and Speaker Phelan that the Executive Branch stands ready to assist in codifying and implementing any necessary cybersecurity reforms when the 88th Texas Legislature convenes next year, including passing legislation to make permanent the Governor’s directive to state agencies.
Governor Abbott has taken significant action to combat threats to Texas’ cybersecurity, including signing the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act last year to fortify certain physical infrastructure against threats that include hostile foreign actors.
Rail is a crucial component of the US logistics system, and a prolonged strike would lead to chaos. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Dr. M. Ray Perryman President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group
We just avoided a major train wreck!
Rail is a crucial component of the US logistics system, and a prolonged strike would lead to chaos. It would exacerbate ongoing supply chain challenges, put additional upward pressure on prices and, thus, do substantial economic harm. We rarely stop and think about how critical railroads are in knitting our complex economy together, but we came perilously close to a stark reminder.
Although a tentative agreement had been reached between the major railways and union representatives (with assistance from the Biden Administration), it required ratification by members of 12 unions before going into effect. That didn’t happen, and a strike loomed large.
Fortunately, Congress has the power to force the issue, and it did. Under the new contract, workers will receive an additional paid day off and a 24% pay raise through 2024. There are also provisions related to health insurance premiums and deductibles. Eight rail unions ratified the agreement, but four did not, primarily because of concerns regarding paid sick leave.
To illustrate the economic damage such a strike could have wrought, we recently analyzed the cost of a hypothetical one-month shutdown to the US and Texas economies. This assessment is based on the proportion of the economy that relies on the system and involves modeling the use of rail freight across several hundred detailed sectors.
We estimate that a one-month rail shutdown would have cost the US economy over $285 billion in gross product and nearly 1.3 million job-years of employment. (A job-year is the equivalent of one person working for one year, although in this instance, it would primarily be multiple individuals working partial years.) For Texas, the corresponding losses would have been over $29 billion in gross product and about 97,700 job-years.
Industries which would be particularly hard hit by a rail strike include chemicals and petroleum refining, processed food, electric and electronic equipment, petroleum and natural gas, agricultural products, and fabricated metals. Most of these are key export generators for both the United States and Texas.
A major rail strike would have been a substantial blow to the economy, and the timing was particularly bad. The supply chain is only now recovering from the pandemic disruptions and other calamities, and the last thing it needed was a further challenge. Higher prices and fewer choices for consumers would also have been part of the inevitable fallout. With inflation already high and the holiday season approaching, the effects would have been magnified.
We most definitely dodged a major bullet. While I prefer that such matters be resolved in the private market and it is unfortunate that Congress had to intervene, it was the only choice without devastating consequences. Stay safe!
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Dr. M. Ray Perryman is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group (www.perrymangroup.com), which has served the needs of over 2,500 clients over the past four decades.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South Station arrested a convicted sex offender and a gang member in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South Station arrested a convicted sex offender and a gang member in Laredo, Texas.
On Dec. 3, Border Patrol agents while working their assigned duties apprehended a group near a ranch in south Laredo. After agents conducted record checks one of the persons in the group, identified as Carlos Moran, a 52-year-old male Guatemalan national who had a prior felony conviction for Sex Assault-Sodomy-Girl-Strongarm.
On Dec. 5, Border Patrol agents while working their assigned duties in south Laredo, apprehended a 27-year-old male Mexican national, identified as Jose Adrian Tzintzun-Ramirez. After record checks were conducted it revealed he is a member of the Sureno gang with felony drug convictions.
Both individuals were transported to the Laredo South Station to be processed accordingly.
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.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge apprehended Inocencio Hernandez, a male Mexican national and lawful permanent resident from Donna, Texas wanted for aggravated sexual assault of a child. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge apprehended Inocencio Hernandez, a male Mexican national and lawful permanent resident from Donna, Texas wanted for aggravated sexual assault of a child.
“CBP is committed to bringing those wanted individuals in to face their day in court, especially those wanted for heinous crimes such as sexual offenses against children,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas.
On December 1, 2022, 60-year-old Inocencio Hernandez, arrived from Mexico at the Hidalgo International Bridge and a CBP officer immediately secured him after discovering Hernandez was a possible match to an arrest warrant. Once in secondary, biometric verification confirmed his identity along with the active arrest warrant from Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office. Hernandez has been wanted since May of 2013. He is charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child, a first-degree felony in the State of Texas.
A Hidalgo County deputy arrived and took custody of Hernandez and transported him to the city jail.
Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
The Texas Historical Commission (THC) and the Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site commemorated the first official lighting of the historic lighthouse in 117 years on Dec. 9, 2022. Image Courtesy of Texas Historical Commission
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The Texas Historical Commission (THC) and the Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site commemorated the first official lighting of the historic lighthouse in 117 years on Dec. 9, 2022.
The THC funded and coordinated the reproduction of a 3rd Order Fresnel Lens to be fitted into the lantern room at the top of the lighthouse. The new installation will offer visitors a glimpse into the working past of the lighthouse and the service it provided to the Gulf Coast.
The New lensilluminates the night skies. Image courtesy of the Texas Historical Commission
“The Port Isabel Lighthouse is a major heritage attraction for visitors, offering a glimpse into the past of the community and its maritime history,” said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the THC. “Thanks to the support of the Texas legislature and our statewide leaders, visitors will now see the lighthouse much as it would have appeared more than a century ago.”
About the Lens
The Fresnel Lens changed the world and saved countless lives – the new technology was a monumental step forward in lighthouse lighting technology and maritime safety. The lens could produce an unlimited number of flashing combinations and intensified the light so it could be seen at greater distances, allowing mariners a greater deal of safety in their navigations near shore. At the Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site, Dan Spinella and the team at ArtWorks Florida have replicated a functional Fresnel lens, pedestal, and lamp, based on a 19th century plan showing the design of the lens specific to the site. There are a number of Fresnel lenses operating inside lighthouses, but you can also find them inside tons of everyday items: magnifying glass, cameras, traffic lights, solar panels, modern VR technology, and many more applications.
About Port Isabel Lighthouse:
Operated by the City of Port Isabel, the Port Isabel Lighthouse is a Texas Historical Commission state historic site. It was built in 1852 to protect maritime traffic in the Brazos Santiago Pass. The Point Isabel Lighthouse (later changed to “Port Isabel”) was active off and on until it was decommissioned in 1905. As the last Texas lighthouse open to the public, visitors can explore the exhibits in the reconstructed Keeper’s Cottage before climbing up the 72-foot lighthouse and enjoying beautiful coastal views.
The 1888 lens was removed from its perch and the tower sat darkened until it became a Texas State Park in 1952. For the past several decades, the lighthouse has been ornamentally illuminated, continuing its service as a beacon for travelers and locals. In 2019, the property was transferred from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department to the Texas Historical Commission. The THC quickly began work to source funds and support refitting the lantern room with a historically accurate reproduction of a 3rd Order Fresnel Lens, guaranteeing an authentic and welcoming environment to anyone who wishes to explore the tower and observe the Gulf Coast from an extraordinary vantage point.
About the Texas Historical Commission
The THC manages 34 state historic sites, the Texas Heritage Trails Program, the Texas Main Street Program, and many more heritage tourism and historic preservation initiatives across the state. For more information, visit thc.texas.gov.
