U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector recently arrested two convicted sex offenders for illegally entering the United States. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector recently arrested two convicted sex offenders for illegally entering the United States.
Oct. 30, Eagle Pass agents apprehended Jimmy Palacio-Ramirez, 48, a Nicaraguan national. Record checks revealed Palacio-Ramirez was convicted of assault to commit rape, in San Jose, California, in 1995. He was sentenced to one year confinement and two years probation. He was most recently removed from the United States in 2011.
Nov. 1, Eagle Pass agents conducting line watch operations encountered 11 subjects attempting to avoid detection near Eagle Pass. All apprehended subjects were transported to the Eagle Pass processing center, where record checks revealed that Pedro Valdez-Garcia, 55, a Mexican national, was convicted of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, in Ottawa, Illinois, in 2005. He was sentenced to 180 days imprisonment and most recently deported in 2007.
As convicted felons, they faces charges of 8 USC § 1326 – Re-entry after Deportation, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
All subjects are processed in accordance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection policies.
To report suspicious activity, call the Del Rio Sector’s toll-free number at 1-866-511-8727.
Bridge of the Americas methamphetamine load. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing in El Paso, Texas intercepted 26 pounds of methamphetamine and 10 pounds of fentanyl in a single failed smuggling attempt.
“Most smuggling cases involve a single type of drug,” said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray E. Provencio. “Seeing large amounts of two hard drugs being smuggled together is notable. This was an excellent find by our CBP Officers who remain focused on their drug interdiction mission.”
The interception occurred on Nov. 6, when CBP officers encountered an 18-year-old male U.S. citizen who arrived from Mexico via the vehicle lanes. A CBP officer referred the man for a secondary inspection of the vehicle which included a non-intrusive inspection (x-ray) exam. After anomalies were detected, a thorough search was conducted leading CBP officers to locate 25 bundles concealed within the vehicle. 21 of the bundles contained 26.23 pounds of methamphetamine and four of the bundles contained 10.09 pounds of fentanyl.
The narcotics and vehicle were seized by CBP. No arrested were immediately made as the case remains under investigation.
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents arrested 29 migrants and two drivers from two tractors pulling a grain hauler style trailer and a refrigerated trailer. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents arrested 29 migrants and two drivers from two tractors pulling a grain hauler style trailer and a refrigerated trailer.
On November 7, Kingsville Border Patrol Station agents working at the Javier Vega Jr. Checkpoint apprehended 14 migrants from a tractor trailer. Agents referred the vehicle to the secondary inspection area and discovered the migrants in the grain hauler style trailer with a tarp over the top. The driver, and migrants who were unlawfully present in the U.S., were placed under arrest. All subjects were in good health.
On November 5, Falfurrias Border Patrol Station agents at the Falfurrias Checkpoint referred a tractor trailer to the secondary inspection area following a canine alert. Agents discovered 15 migrants inside the trailer. The migrants were medically evaluated and did not require additional medical services. The driver, and migrants who were unlawfully present in the U.S., were placed under arrest.
“These human smuggling incidents highlight the extreme measures smugglers take to maximize profits regardless of the lives they endanger,” stated RGV Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. “Incredibly proud of the work our Border Patrol agents do around the clock to keep our communities and those we encounter safe.”
Paul and Sony were a great selection. Man of the Year Paul R. Rodriguez is the President and CEO of Valley Land Title Company, a real estate title insurance agency with offices in McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, and Weslaco.
Woman of the Year restaurant entrepreneur and creator of Santa Fe Steakhouse Wine Classic and University Drafthouse Beer Festival, Sony Rego, is the 2022 McAllen Chamber Woman of the Year.
It was November 3, 2022, at Embassy Suites located at the McAllen Convention grounds, where this great event occurred.
It is important to point out that the McAllen Chamber of Commerce has celebrated the Man and Woman of the Year since 1955. It is essential to say that the McAllen Chamber has never missed a bit when it comes to the selection of outstanding pillars of the community. Congratulations to all!
Just a few of your winers from the 2022 election. Left to Right: Vicente Gonzalez, Monica de la Cruz, Dan Patrick, Gregg Abbott, Sid Miller, Richard Cortez and Morgan LaMantia. Images for illustration purposes only. Sources: Twitter, texas.gov, hidalgocounty.gov, ballotpedia.org
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Select the document below to see the results of some of the notable races in Texas.
The US economy is currently facing notable challenges, but I think we’ll see things improve once we get through the immediate hurdles. Image for illustration purposes
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Dr. M. Ray Perryman President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group
Gazing out over the next few decades, I see at least three major challenges confronting the US economy. First, we have to overcome the consequences of the lingering effects of the pandemic, including getting inflation under control, dealing with the inevitable fallout that effort will involve, and working through ongoing supply chain disruptions. Second, we must confront the chronic worker shortages. Third, we need to fashion a realistic energy policy which both meets climate goals and provides for future essential resources (more on that another time).
The pandemic’s disruptions understandably wreaked havoc across a broad spectrum. A federal funds rate of 0% and aggressive quantitative easing helped to avoid a catastrophic downturn, but now must be (somewhat painfully) unwound. Federal stimulus packages flooded households with cash which increased demand even as disruptions curtailed supply, contributing to price escalation. Combined with the war in Ukraine, shutdowns in China, weather disruptions, and tight labor markets, and you have the makings of stubborn inflation.
Unlike the late 1970s and early 1980s, the factors driving this phenomenon are not structural in nature and not permanently baked into the system. Pressures are not rapidly dissipating, though prices for many things are stabilizing and some (including housing) are beginning to notably decline. If we avoid turning inflation into a self-fulfilling prophesy, it bodes well for long-term growth and stability.
The US economy is currently facing notable challenges, but I think we’ll see things improve once we get through the immediate hurdles. There are many underlying features of the US economy that bode well for expansion and sustainability. Our most recent long-term projections indicate that, over the 2021 to 2050 period, real gross product is expected to increase from an estimated $19.5 trillion to $41.4 trillion, a 2.64% compound annual rate of growth. Employment is forecast to rise by 1.58% per year on average over this time horizon, leading to the creation of 84.3 million net new jobs and total wage and salary employment of 230.4 million by 2050.
A slowdown in the pace of growth over the next year or so seems unavoidable at this point and uncertainty abounds on many fronts, but the long-term outlook for the national economy remains decidedly positive. Stay safe!
Dr. M. Ray Perryman is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group (www.perrymangroup.com), which has served the needs of more than 3,000 clients over the past four decades.
UTRGV President Guy Bailey welcomed students to the new Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration program in October. The program, which includes full tuition and fees covered by UTRGV, will be delivered in an accelerated online format, allowing the entire program to be completed in one year by the first of two cohorts. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)
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EDINBURG, Texas – A historic educational journey, which includes full tuition and fees covered by UTRGV, began this fall semester for more than 100 university employees selected to take part in the new Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration program.
The Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration degree, approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in August 2022, is geared toward development of the next generation of leaders at UTRGV.
“In the larger picture, higher education has changed rapidly,” UTRGV President Guy Bailey said during a program kick-off held in person and virtually so students from both the Edinburg and Brownsville campuses could attend. “We need to adjust, as well. It’s important that we have generations of leaders coming up to sustain what we’re doing now. So, we’re making this investment.
The new MA program – housed in the Department of Organizational and School Leadership within the UTRGV College of Education and P-16 Integration – will be delivered in an accelerated online format, allowing the entire program to be completed in one year by the first of two cohorts.
The first cohort of 50 began the program Oct. 26, 2022, and the second group of 50 will begin Jan. 11, 2023.
Dr. Federico Guerra, chair of the Department of Organizational and School Leadership and program coordinator for the MA in Higher Education Administration, said the program empowers graduates to be administrators at the level required in higher education.
“With a deeper understanding of how the university system functions, an employee can move from one department to another – wherever their talents and interests best align – and be highly qualified to lead,” Guerra said.
The Master of Artsin Higher Education Administration degree, approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in August 2022, is geared toward the development of the next generation of leaders at UTRGV. The first cohort of 50 began the program Oct. 26 while the second group of 50 will begin Jan. 11, 2023. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)UTRGV employees were selected to participate in the new Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration degree program this fall semester. The initial program for university employees will be unique in that it will also include an experiential learning component. (UTRGV Photo by Raul Gonzalez)
NURTURING AND NETWORKING UTRGV TALENT
The program will be open to others outside of UTRGV in the future. However, the first two cohorts will be comprised exclusively of UTRGV employees from departments throughout the university.
“We want to cultivate our own talent,” Bailey said. “This MA creates a path for individuals within the university who aspire to be in leadership positions at a large university like ours.”
Dr. Janna Arney, UTRGV executive vice president and provost, said the initial program for UTRGV employees is unique in that it will also include an experiential learning component.
“Our employees have been admitted to the accelerated online master’s degree, with the entire experience overseen by our faculty,” Arney said. “However, as a scholarship recipient, they will have the additional opportunity and responsibility to participate in face-to-face sessions led by institutional leaders, where specific UTRGV topics will be discussed. These leader-led talks will help contextualize the classroom learning.”
Guerra said the program will strengthen existing partnerships internally and create new opportunities for networking.
One of the courses in the degree plan is a practicum in which students go to different departments to experience how they operate – areas like student affairs, advising, recruitment and outreach, admissions and financial aid.
“We hope it gives them a larger perspective of what’s going on outside of their office in the university,” Guerra said. “Others’ roles may be different and more exciting than what you may think.”
A student of the first cohort, Glorimar Colon, J.D., said she is eager to collaborate with like-minded colleagues in areas outside of her own.
“It seems like an exciting opportunity for networking, and to be an instrument for change,” said Colon, executive director of Research Compliance & Export Control within the Division of Research. Another student accepted to the first cohort, Salvador Arellano III, said he is most excited to learn from leaders like Bailey about how educational institutions relate to state policymaking and legislation.
Dr. Michelle Abrego, assistant professor in the Department of Organization and School Leadership, spoke to new students in the Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration program during a welcome reception in Brownsville. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)
“It’s how you make true, lasting, sustainable change,” said Arellano, a research associate in the Department of Family Medicine.
Generations of his family have attained college degrees, he said, and he believes education is another key element in the success of individuals and the region.
“By completing this degree, with the support of UTRGV, I believe I will aid in fostering this generational growth,” Arellano said.
ACCELERATED PATH
The accelerated master’s program divides the semester differently from traditional degrees.
While a typical semester course runs for 14 weeks, accelerated courses last seven weeks. Taking two courses per accelerated semester, or a “module,” means students can complete four courses in Fall and Spring semesters, and four in the Summer. The entire 30-hour program can be completed in 11 months.
Bonnie Hernandez. Image from Facebook @bonnie.hernandez.501
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Introduction:
When Bonnie Hernandez read the article posted by Texas Border Business about Annette Franz, her reaction was to honor Annette by writing and describing her feelings. Annette impacted Bonnie’s life during turbulent times. At a time when you no longer find a way out. At a time when you feel that everyone has turned their backs, including God. We must not forget that God manifests himself through man. This time, Annette’s turn was to serve and help someone who seemed like a ship adrift.
Read below:
I turned my back on God, but God never left my side.
Years ago, my sons and I met beautiful, inspiring, empowering, extraordinary Annette Diaz Franz, and our world changed.
I was going through a tough time.
I had just gotten divorced and survived domestic, violent abuse, and I lost my job of 18 years.
I had just lost my car and was sinking fast.
Then I met Annette.
My parents had to lend me one of their vehicles, and she called me and wanted me to help promote some beautiful Mochilla bags that, in turn, helped mothers and their children survive in another beautiful country.
The day I met her, I was blown away by her beautiful heart
When she spoke, it did something to me.
It made me remember that I could start over, which was not my situation. It gave me hope that I could rebuild.
Before we left, she whispered something to my sons, and then they came up to me and said this is for you from us. It was one of those beautiful Mochilla bags. Those bags are so unique and handmade by women and their daughters. They come from a country considered very poor yet rich in love.
Annette would go out of her way to visit them and help them and educate them. She was helping rebuild their lives.
I didn’t want to take the bag because I didn’t feel worthy, and with tears in my eyes, she hugged me and said God loves you so much and your very best days are coming.
After meeting her, God begins to work in my life.
I was so embarrassed about living and being abused that I turned my back on God, but God never left my side.
Why do I tell you the story?
Because you must know Annette was a part of me not giving up.
She has accomplished so many things, and there was a point when the Mcallen chamber wanted this better-than-amazing woman to resign, but God Almighty had other plans.
God’s plans are always better than our plans.
In that moment of her life when things seemed to have been going wrong, she and her husband used the most powerful weapon God has given us, prayer.
They fell to their knees, and they prayed.
That’s when God turned it all around.
I hope one day you get to meet Annette. Your life will be changed for the better because you will realize that God’s plans are always better than ours and that your life has a purpose.
That’s who Annette is. She breathes life into those around her and everything she touches.
I would love for you to take the time to read this article.
She’s truly a beautiful soul.
She always makes sure that everyone is honored.
Well, today, I want to honor her.
I want to tell the world that God has blessed us with an extraordinary woman like Annette, who is a gift to our world.
My sons and I love you, Annette, and you hold a very special place in our hearts.
I will never forget how you loved my children and me on a day when I was so broken.
Love,
Bonnie Hernandez
“I would rather stand with God & be judged by the world, than stand with the world & be judged by God!”
Cody Cannon, who joins Vantage Bank with more than 20 years of commercial banking experience in the Houston area, has been named Market President for the Houston office. Courtesy Image for illustration purposes
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SAN ANTONIO, Texas – San Antonio-based Vantage Bank today announced its expansion into the Houston market with a temporary location to open by the end of this year at 5151 San Felipe. Two permanent locations will open within the next two years.
“We have had our eye on Houston for some time,” said Vantage Bank’s President and CEO Jeff Sinnott. “Houston is a dynamic, growing market. We are excited to bring our business-focused, community banking products and services to one of the largest markets in Texas. We have built a stellar team of seasoned, Houston-based bankers with deep industry experience and strong reputations in the community. In time, our strategy is for Houston to become our largest Texas market.”
Cody Cannon, who joins Vantage Bank with more than 20 years of commercial banking experience in the Houston area, has been named Market President for the Houston office. Cannon has more than 22 years of banking experience in corporate, middle market, commercial and business banking, working with both publicly traded and privately held companies. During his career as a commercial lender, he has focused on helping manage the financial needs of both small and mid-sized companies. His expertise includes complex debt financing, trade financing, cash management, treasury services, and other traditional commercial banking products and services.
“We are thrilled to welcome Cody to our team. We look forward to his leadership as we work to grow awareness about Vantage Bank and expand our relationships with businesses in the Houston area,” added Sinnott.
Sinnott says Vantage Bank will continue to grow in the Houston market and will build on its reputation of attracting talent that fits with Vantage Bank’s “people first” culture.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South station dismantle a stash house in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South station dismantle a stash house in Laredo, Texas.
On Nov. 4, Border Patrol agents working together with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Webb County Constables from Precinct 2 and Webb County Attorney’s Office convened at a residence in the southern part of the city. They apprehended a total of five individuals that were found inside the home.
All were illegally present in the U.S. All subjects were taken into Border Patrol custody 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.
