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Construction Tech Students Gain Valuable Knowledge 

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Construction Tech Students Gain Valuable Knowledge 
TSTC third-semester Building Construction Technology student Eddie Rodriguez (left) installs exterior siding on a shed for a class project while classmate Jesse Cisneros stands by for assistance during a recent lab session. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)
TSTC third-semester Building Construction Technology student Eddie Rodriguez (left) installs exterior siding on a shed for a class project while classmate Jesse Cisneros stands by for assistance during a recent lab session. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)

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HARLINGEN, Texas – With each cut that they make and each nail that they drive, students in the Building Construction Technology program at Texas State Technical College are reaping benefits that can have a profound impact on their future careers.

Third-semester students Jesse Cisneros and Eddie Rodriguez have been learning various components involved in building a shed that is one of the program’s lab projects.

Hector Rosa, a Building Construction Technology instructor, said the objective is for students to learn some of what goes into building a residential structure.

“This pinpoints how to install a floor joist and sill plates that are designed to withstand loads of the roof and walls of a residential home,” Rosa said. “The shed’s build is broken into sections that meet our course outcomes. The project takes three semesters to complete.”

In the first semester, students concentrate on the foundation and are familiarized with the terminology of the foundation. In the second semester, they proceed with the wall and roof framing. In the third semester, students focus on applying windows, doors, roofing materials and siding.

Jesse Cisneros, of Harlingen, is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in the program. He said the project has been engaging.

“The part of the process I have enjoyed is placing shingles on a roof and applying the siding because everything involves a hands-on approach,” he said. “During the process, we are able to learn more from our instructors through their direction. They have assigned us a particular job so we understand what’s entailed.”

Cisneros said there are benefits that apply to his future career.

“I worked in construction this past summer in Florida, and an industry professional told me I am able to obtain a general contractor license after I earn an Associate of Applied Science degree from this program,” he said. “I am excited for what’s on the horizon, especially with the opportunities that the Building Construction Technology degree brings with potential employers.”

Eddie Rodriguez is also studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Building Construction Technology.

The Brownsville resident said he has enjoyed the multiple processes involved with the shed.

“My favorite part was trying to learn framing,” he said. “For me, it was the most difficult to figure out.”

Rodriguez said he and his classmates get to work on various aspects of projects.

“Being able to experience how everyone is progressing is ideal,” he said. “The instructors have assigned us a different role each time. The collaboration has been great with my classmates.”

Rosa said the students have faced some obstacles along the way.

“The students have measured the cutting material incorrectly, and it takes time to figure out where the mistakes were made,” he said. “By providing the students with prints, they are able to develop a plan on how to resolve the issue.”

First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers can earn an average annual salary of $62,390, according to onetonline.org, which projects these positions to grow by 23% in the state through 2030.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Building Construction Technology, a certificate of completion in Building Construction – Craftsman, and an occupational skills achievement award in Building Inspection Level 1 on its Harlingen and Waco campuses.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Bringing Parents & School Districts Together 

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Bringing Parents & School Districts Together 
About 100 participants took part in the fourth annual parent conference, “El bilingüismo como identidad,” held at the UTRGV Edinburg Campus on Oct. 21. The one-day conference, hosted by UTRGV’s Center for Bilingual Studies in collaboration with RGV Parents United for Excellent Dual Education, was conducted in Spanish and offered a space where parents and district leaders could support each other and network. (UTRGV Photo)
About 100 participants took part in the fourth annual parent conference, “El bilingüismo como identidad,” held at the UTRGV Edinburg Campus on Oct. 21. The one-day conference, hosted by UTRGV’s Center for Bilingual Studies in collaboration with RGV Parents United for Excellent Dual Education, was conducted in Spanish and offered a space where parents and district leaders could support each other and network. (UTRGV Photo)

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EDINBURG, Texas –  UTRGV’s Center for Bilingual Studies (CBS), in collaboration with RGV Parents United for Excellent Dual Education (RGV PUEDE), on Oct. 21 held the fourth annual parent conference, “El bilingüismo como identidad.”

The one-day conference was conducted in Spanish and offered a space where parents and district leaders could support each other and network.

Of the 100 participants, about 40 were bilingual directors and other leaders from 12 Rio Grande Valley school districts and charters that offer Dual Language Education. Dual Language Education is a model of bilingual education that fosters bilingualism, biculturalism and biliteracy (B3), enhanced awareness of cultural diversity, and the highest levels of academic achievement in both English and Spanish from Pre-K to 12th grade.

The other 60 participants included parents from school districts and charters: PSJA, La Joya, McAllen, Rio Grande City Grulla, Mission, Donna, San Benito, Los Fresnos, Edcouch-Elsa, Weslaco, Vanguard Academy and Brillante Academy.

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, participants gathered in the UTRGV Ballroom on the Edinburg Campus. The conference spotlighted PSJA, because the district has the longest-running Dual Language Education program in the Valley, offers Dual Language at every campus (PK-12), and has an official school board policy that supports the program.

Speakers included Dual Language Coordinator Rosalva Silva, who was part of the team that launched the program in 1998. She spoke about how dual language education took root thanks to the support of the community and parent advocacy. Olivia Martinez (Dual Language director) explained how the program provides a B3 education that honors and develops student identities, cultures, roots and values.

Parent-speakers included Dr. Stephanie Alvarez, director of UTRGV’s Center for Mexican American Studies; and Oliva Ortega, Virginia Santana and Eva Carranza, all members of ARISE Adelante, who gave testimonios about watching their children grow bilingual, bicultural and biliterate through dual language and organizing other community members to advocate for the program.

Other speakers included Dr. Joy Esquierdo, UTRGV professor of Bilingual & Literacy Studies and director of CBS; Dr. Mariana Alessandri, UTRGV associate professor of Philosophy and cofounder of RGV PUEDE; Dr. Alex Stehn, UTRGV professor of Philosophy, associate director of CBS, and cofounder of RGV PUEDE; and Karina Chapa, director of Language Proficiency, Biliteracy and Cultural Diversity at Region One ESC.

Participants developed collaborative plans to strengthen and extend dual language programs from Pre-K to 12 across the Valley.

23-Year-Old Mission Man Arrested on Charges of Sexual Assault

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23-Year-Old Mission Man Arrested on Charges of Sexual Assault
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Field Operations officers at the Donna International Crossing arrested a man returning from Mexico Sunday evening after learning he had an outstanding warrant for Sexual Assault - Indecency with a Child out of the Mission Police Department. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Field Operations officers at the Donna International Crossing arrested a man returning from Mexico Sunday evening after learning he had an outstanding warrant for Sexual Assault – Indecency with a Child out of the Mission Police Department. USCBP Image for illustration purposes

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DONNA, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Field Operations officers at the Donna International Crossing arrested a man returning from Mexico Sunday evening after learning he had an outstanding warrant for Sexual Assault – Indecency with a Child out of the Mission Police Department. 

“CBP officers at border crossings screen all travelers attempting to make entry into the United States and frequently encounter travelers with outstanding warrants for their arrest” said Port Director Walter Weaver, Progreso/Donna Port of Entry.   “CBP works diligently to positively identify them and bring them to justice as crimes of a sexual nature against children underline the impact on public safety and of our border security mission.”

The apprehension occurred on Sunday, Oct. 23 at the Donna International Crossing. CBP officers referred a vehicle driver to secondary for further inspection due to a possible match to an outstanding warrant.

In secondary, CBP officers conducted a biometric fingerprint check and utilizing national law enforcement databases confirmed the identity of the driver as 23-year-old Juan Alejandro Lopez, a United States Citizen from Mission, Texas, wanted by the Mission Police Department on an outstanding felony warrant for sexual assault – indecency with a child.  CBP officers turned Lopez over to the Mission Police Department for adjudication of the warrant. Charges and allegations contained in criminal complaints are merely accusations.  Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Law Enforcement Collaboration Leads to Three Interdictions

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Law Enforcement Collaboration Leads to Three Interdictions
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents with state and local law enforcement departments interdicted three smuggling events leading to 15 arrests and more than $327,000 USD worth of marijuana seized. USCBP Image
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents with state and local law enforcement departments interdicted three smuggling events leading to 15 arrests and more than $327,000 USD worth of marijuana seized. USCBP Image

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EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents with state and local law enforcement departments interdicted three smuggling events leading to 15 arrests and more than $327,000 USD worth of marijuana seized.

On October 24, a Brownsville Border Patrol Station (BRP) agent observed multiple subjects carrying bundles walking north from the Rio Grande. Responding agents and a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper interdicted the smugglers as they were loading the bundles into the trunk of a waiting car. As agents arrived on scene, several subjects and bundles were observed heading back into Mexico. Agents seized almost 120 pounds of marijuana valued at $95,000 USD. DPS arrested the driver, a U.S. citizen, to face state charges.

Another load of Marijuana seized. USCBP image

An hour later, Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station (RGC) agents were led on a vehicle pursuit with a Chevrolet Tahoe in Rio Grande City. Starr County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded and located the vehicle after it crashed through a fence. Agents seized 290 pounds of marijuana valued at $232,000 USD. The driver was not located.

Also on October 24, Weslaco Border Patrol Station agents attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on a Kia Sportage as it departed a known migrant pickup location near the Rio Grande south of Alamo. The driver led authorities on a vehicle pursuit until stopping near the Donna Lakes area. The driver attempted to run from the vehicle but was apprehended. Agents apprehended 13 migrants illegally present in the U.S. The driver and migrants are from Mexico and Honduras.

“Transnational Criminal Organizations exploit the Rio Grande Valley region every day with their drug and human smuggling attempts,” said RGV Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. “Our RGV Border Patrol Agents are relentless and continue to collaborate with partner law enforcement agencies to degrade and dismantle these criminal organizations operating along the Rio Grande.”

All subjects were processed accordingly.   

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 1-800-863-9382.  

Del Rio Agents Arrest Two Child Sex Offenders

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Del Rio Agents Arrest Two Child Sex Offenders
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector arrested two convicted child sex offenders shortly after they illegally entered the United States. USCBP Image
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector arrested two convicted child sex offenders shortly after they illegally entered the United States. USCBP Image

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DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector arrested two convicted child sex offenders shortly after they illegally entered the United States.

Oct. 18, at approximately 11 p.m., Carrizo Springs agents conducting line watch operations encountered nine subjects attempting to avoid detection in the brush of a local ranch. All apprehended subjects were transported to the processing center in Carrizo Springs, Texas. While at the processing center, record checks revealed that one subject, Antonio Segura-Gonzalez, 35, a Mexican national, was convicted of sexual assault of a child, in Dallas, in 2016. He was sentenced to two years confinement and most recently removed from the United States through Laredo, Texas in 2018.

Oct. 20, at approximately 5 a.m., Del Rio agents conducting line watch operations encountered two subjects attempting to avoid detection in a local ranch. All apprehended subjects were transported to the processing center in Del Rio, Texas. While at the processing center, record checks revealed that one subject, Jesus Alejandro Gomez-Salas, 34, a Mexican national, was convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a child, in Dallas, in 2013. He was sentenced to eight years confinement and most recently removed from the United States through Laredo, Texas in 2021.

As convicted felons, they face a charge 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.

Del Rio Agents Seize over $100K in Narcotics

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Del Rio Agents Seize over $100K in Narcotics
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector seized $106,459 worth of crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, cocaine and marijuana, Oct. 20.
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector seized $106,459 worth of crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, cocaine and marijuana, Oct. 20. USCBP Image for illustration purposes

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Del Rio, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector seized $106,459 worth of crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, cocaine and marijuana, Oct. 20.

At approximately 2:43 a.m., Eagle Pass agents responded to a remote camera activation at a local ranch. Upon arrival, agents alongside their K9 unit, began their pursuit and apprehended a Mexican national. A search of his backpack revealed 24 packages wrapped in black tape. The subject was transported to the south processing center in Eagle Pass, Texas where a subsequent search of his backpack revealed the packages contained 14.77 pounds (6.7kg) of crystal methamphetamine, 5.56 pounds (2.52kg) of fentanyl pills, 1.08 pounds (0.49kg) of cocaine, and 1.08 pounds (0.49kg) of marijuana.  

The case has been turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.

To report suspicious activity, call the Del Rio Sector’s toll-free number at 1-866-511-8727.

U.S. Recall of Select Dry Shampoos for Potential Presence of Benzene

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U.S. Recall of Select Dry Shampoos for Potential Presence of Benzene
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey – Unilever United States  issued a voluntary product recall to the consumer level of select lot codes of dry shampoo aerosol products produced prior to October 2021 from Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head), and TRESemmé due to potentially elevated levels of benzene. Image courtesy of FDA
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey – Unilever United States  issued a voluntary product recall to the consumer level of select lot codes of dry shampoo aerosol products produced prior to October 2021 from Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head), and TRESemmé due to potentially elevated levels of benzene. Image courtesy of FDA

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COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT via FDA – Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey – Unilever United States  issued a voluntary product recall to the consumer level of select lot codes of dry shampoo aerosol products produced prior to October 2021 from Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head), and TRESemmé due to potentially elevated levels of benzene.

Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen. Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin and it can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life threatening. Benzene is ubiquitous in the environment. Humans around the world have daily exposures to it indoors and outdoors from multiple sources.

Based on an independent health hazard evaluation, daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products at the levels detected in testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences. Unilever U.S. is recalling these products out of an abundance of caution. Unilever has received no reports of adverse events to date relating to this recall.

The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the United States. Retailers have been notified to remove recalled products from shelves.

A complete list of the affected products produced prior to October 2021 and consumer UPC codes is provided below and can be found here

. No other products from Unilever or its brands are impacted by this recall.

An internal investigation identified the propellant as the source, and Unilever has worked with its propellant suppliers to address this issue.

Consumers should stop using the affected aerosol dry shampoo products and visit UnileverRecall.com for instructions on how to receive reimbursement for eligible products. If consumers have further questions, they may also contact Unilever U.S. by calling (877) 270-7412, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Information Source: FDA

Smugglers Abandon Migrant In Trunk Of Car In The River

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Smugglers Abandon Migrant In Trunk Of Car In The River
Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents take swift actions to save three migrant lives. USCBP Image
Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents take swift actions to save three migrant lives. USCBP Image

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EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents take swift actions to save three migrant lives. 

On October 25, a Rio Grande City camera operator observed multiple subjects load into a Ford Fusion near the Rio Grande in Roma. The vehicle departed the area only to drive into the Rio Grande after encountering responding agents. The driver and three passengers exited the partially submerged vehicle and swam into Mexico. Agents apprehended one passenger and rescued a subject from inside the closed trunk. The migrants did not require additional medical services.

Abandoned car in the Rio Grande River that had a migrant in the truck. USCBP Image

On October 24, just before midnight, Harlingen Border Patrol Station agents interdicted a group of 12 migrants near Los Indios, Texas. Upon encountering the group, the migrants dispersed in different directions. While searching the area, an agent and his K9 partner located a subject lying face down and unresponsive.  Emergency Medical Service (EMS) was requested and agents initiated chest compressions. As agents performed life saving measures, the subject opened his eyes and gasped for air. The agents carried the unstable subject through thick brush to an access road where an ambulance arrived, and a paramedic assessed the migrant. The man was transported to a hospital for further evaluation and treatment of a possible stroke. 

Also on October 24, Kingsville Border Patrol Station agents received a report from a 911 call for medical assistance for her daughter who was having seizures. Agents responded and located the subjects east of Highway 77, near Armstrong.  A Border Patrol emergency medical technician evaluated and stabilized the daughter until she was transported to a local hospital to receive further evaluation and possible treatment.

“I am very proud of our RGV Sector workforce who works tirelessly to safeguard the U.S. against all threats, while at the same time always ready to respond to emergency situations. Great job team!” – Rio Grande Valley Sector Chief Gloria Chavez.

All subjects were processed accordingly.   

RGV Agents Stop 3 Migrant Smuggling Events

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RGV Agents Stop 3 Migrant Smuggling Events
Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents made 19 arrests from three failed smuggling events. USCBP Image
Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents made 19 arrests from three failed smuggling events. USCBP Image

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EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents made 19 arrests from three failed smuggling events.

On October 22, Falfurrias Border Patrol Station (FLF) agents working at the Falfurrias Checkpoint referred a Chevrolet Suburban to the secondary inspection area after the driver displayed nervous behavior. During the inspection, one passenger was determined to be a Mexican national illegally present in the U.S. and was placed under arrest along with the driver and another passenger, both U.S. citizens. Agents discovered two 9mm pistols and ammunition during the seizure.

On October 23, FLF Checkpoint agents referred a tractor trailer to secondary following a canine alert. Agents encountered four migrants from El Salvador in the sealed refrigerator trailer. The driver, a Mexican national, was placed under arrest. The migrants were evaluated and found to be in good health, despite the 53-degree temperature inside the trailer.

On the same day, a McAllen Border Patrol Station agent responded to illicit activity near Los Ebanos and encountered a Dodge truck backed into the brush near the Rio Grande. Agents apprehended eleven subjects from the vehicle, including the owner of the truck, a U.S. citizen. The other ten subjects are Mexican nationals illegally present in the U.S.

Border Patrol processed all subjects accordingly.

“These are only a few examples of the invaluable work that our Border Patrol Agents do every day to protect our communities against all threats along our border region,” stated Rio Grande Valley Sector Chief Gloria Chavez.

McAllen Mayor Urges Residents to Go Out and Vote

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McAllen Mayor Urges Residents to Go Out and Vote
YouTube Image
YouTube Image

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As early voting for local, state and federal elections begins, Mayor Villalobos reminds Hidalgo County residents on the power and importance of voting, Americans’ most fundamental right. He urges everyone to get out and vote during Early Voting or on Election Day.

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