Governor Greg Abbott today announced Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant of more than $316,000 by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to La Joya Independent School District (ISD) to support career training. Image for illustration purposes. Bgd: googlemaps
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas ⎯ Governor Greg Abbott today announced Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant of more than $316,000 by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to La Joya Independent School District (ISD) to support career training. The grant will help La Joya Juarez-Lincoln High School purchase and install equipment to initially train 130 students for careers as welders, with more students trained in the future. The welding program prepares students for an industry-recognized credential or certification leading to employment in welding.
“Texas continues to support and boost our world-class workforce through comprehensive training and skills development programs across the state,” said Governor Abbott. “Through grants like Jobs and Education for Texans, we are working to provide more opportunities for students pursuing careers in high-demand industries such as welding. I thank the Texas Workforce Commission for helping to build a diverse, highly trained workforce to meet the needs of our growing state.”
“Using the JET program, La Joya ISD has developed facilities designed to prepare students for a high-demand career in welding,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “This investment provides an opportunity for high school students to gain high-value credentials and quickly become a part of the growing South Texas workforce.”
TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez will present the grant award to La Joya Juarez-Lincoln High School at an event this evening.
Through funding provided by the Legislature and approved by the Governor each biennium, TWC uses JET grants to defray start-up costs of developing career and technical education programs for public community, state and technical colleges, school districts, and open enrollment charter schools. Equipment funded through JET grants must be used to train students for jobs in high-demand occupations.
Visit the JET webpage for more information on the program.
Judge Cortez teamed up with commissioners, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and other local officials to create the Cooking School for Emergencies, a novel educational program to help residents better prepare for natural disasters. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – The Texas Association of Counties (TAC) recently awarded the Hidalgo County Judge’s Office with the prestigious “Best Practice” Award for the Cooking School for Emergencies events. The honor was announced by the TAC on August 15, 2022, and Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez and his staff were recognized at Tuesday’s meeting of Commissioners Court for their achievement.
View video of Cooking School for Emergencies event:
The award recognizes the Hidalgo County Judge’s Office for a series of Cooking School for Emergencies events that were held in June 2021. The live cooking sessions took place in each of the four precincts. In-person and livestreamed classes showed residents what to include in a home emergency kit and how to cook nutritious meals safely for up to three days without electricity.
Motivated by the prolonged power failure experienced during the deadly winter storm of February 2021, the flooding and outages wrought by Hurricane Hanna in July 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic, Judge Cortez teamed up with commissioners, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and other local officials to create the Cooking School for Emergencies, a novel educational program to help residents better prepare for natural disasters.
Presenting the Award to Judge Cortez and his staff. Courtesy Image
“It is so important to be prepared for any type of emergency or disaster. These classes challenged our residents to think outside the box on how they must prepare and respond to any weather event they may encounter – freeze, flood, hurricane,” said Cortez. “I want to commend my staff, and thank all of our partners who made these events possible. Without your support and dedication our residents who would not have received this vital information.”
According to the TAC website, “Every other year, the Texas Association of Counties’ County Best Practices Awards Program recognizes noteworthy innovations and solutions that increase efficiency, improve operations or overcome obstacles brought about by, say, a pandemic. These solutions help Texas counties better serve their residents. The best of them also are models that other counties can shape to fit their own needs.”
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents foiled several human smuggling attempts, apprehending over 40 people during a very busy weekend. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents foiled several human smuggling attempts, apprehending over 40 people during a very busy weekend.
On September 23 at the checkpoint on U.S. Highway 83, Laredo West Station agents took into custody four undocumented individuals from a black pickup truck that had approached the primary inspection lane. During an immigration inspection of the driver, agents discovered the individuals underneath several bags and concealed in the back seat. Later that evening, Border Patrol agents intercepted a silver SUV at Mile Marker 33 on I-35 with 10 undocumented individuals inside. The driver and passengers had attempted to abscond after coming to a stop, but were quickly apprehended by agents.
On September 24, agents conducted a vehicle stop of a white SUV suspected of transporting undocumented individuals at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Convent Avenue. Agents took into custody one undocumented individual that was inside the vehicle. During another vehicle stop of a black SUV at Mile Marker 32 on I-35, agents took into custody 12 undocumented individuals. Later that day, agents apprehended four undocumented individuals after a black SUV that the agents were pursuing crashed into the median safety cables at Mile Marker 26. An additional four individuals were later apprehended that had attempted to flee the vehicle when it briefly stopped near Mile Marker 31.
The last incident occurred on September 25, when agents conducted a vehicle stop of a black SUV on the east access road near Mile Marker 32. The stop resulted in the apprehension of eight undocumented individuals. Less than 30 minutes later, agents also apprehended three undocumented individuals at a ranch gate near U.S. Highway 83. The driver of a red SUV had stopped at the gate and had planned to break open the lock to enter the ranch.
A total of 46 undocumented individuals from the countries of Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico taken to custody to be processed.
Packages containing seven pounds of fentanyl seized by CBP officers at Eagle Pass Port of Entry. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EAGLE PASS, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Eagle Pass International Bridge intercepted $578,456 worth of alleged fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine on September 24, 2022.
“The smuggling of illicit narcotics is a serious international health and security threat,” said (A)Port Director Elizabeth Garduno, Eagle Pass Port of Entry. “CBP will continue to intercept these dangerous drugs through our vigorous enforcement actions.”
Packages containing nearly 21 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Eagle Pass Port of Entry. USCBP Image
On September 24, 2022, CBP officers assigned to the Eagle Pass International Bridge encountered a 22-year-old man driving a black Chevrolet Aveo making entry from Mexico. The vehicle was selected for inspection utilizing non-intrusive inspection (NII) equipment. After conducting a physical inspection, officers discovered 17 packages concealed within the vehicle. The packages contained seven pounds (3.2kg) of alleged fentanyl, 20.9 pounds (9.5kg) of alleged cocaine, and 14.9 pounds (6.8kg) of alleged methamphetamine.
CBP officers seized the narcotics and vehicle. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) arrested the driver and has initiated a criminal investigation.
Packages containing more than 20 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Brownsville Port of Entry. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Gateway International Bridge intercepted alleged narcotics in two separate enforcement actions that have a combined estimated street value of $306,427.
“Every drug seizure big or small helps keep our borders secure and is one less load that reaches our streets,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.
The first seizure took place on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the Gateway International Bridge when a 25-year-old male Mexican citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, attempted entry into the United States driving a 2014 Ford. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. While in the secondary inspection area, with the aid of a non-intrusive inspection system (NII) and a canine unit, CBP officers discovered one package hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the package which contained a total of 2.31 pounds of alleged cocaine.
The second seizure took place on Saturday, Sept. 24, also at the Gateway International Bridge when a 40-year-old female United States citizen who resides in Brownsville, Texas, attempted entry into the United States driving a 2009 Chevrolet. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. While in the secondary inspection area, with the aid of a non-intrusive inspection system (NII) and a canine unit, CBP officers discovered nine packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages which contained a total of 20.63 pounds of alleged cocaine.
The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizures is approximately $30,907 and $275,520, respectively.
CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicles, arrested the drivers and turned them over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.
Nearly 90% of Americans have lost sleep at night due to worries about the economy and health, according to a new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Newswise — Nearly 90% of Americans have lost sleep at night due to worries about the economy and health, according to a new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Finances are cited as a worry that has caused lost sleep in 87% of people, including one-fifth of the population who “almost or almost always” lose sleep worrying about money. Worries about health have kept 86% of Americans up at night, and 65% have lost sleep due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The current state of the economy and financial uncertainty, along with health concerns and the ongoing pandemic, are enough to keep anyone up at night,” said Dr. Anne M. Morse, a member of the AASM Public Awareness Advisory Committee. “These stressors can lead to anxiety, which can raise your heart rate and body temperature, making it harder to achieve quality sleep.”
For many people, thoughts tend to go toward the negative when night arrives, and they finally lie down to sleep. To combat these negative thought patterns and temporary stressors, the AASM recommends the following tips to get a better night of sleep.
• Keep a regular sleep schedule – Even if your bedtime or wake time has changed due to the pandemic, try to get at least seven hours of sleep by going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, including weekends and holidays.
• Create a peaceful sanctuary – Keep outside noise and distractions to a minimum by making your bedroom quiet, dark and a little bit cool – and only use the bed for sleeping, not watching TV or reading.
• Follow a relaxing nightly routine – With all the unrest in the world, it’s essential to schedule at least 30 minutes to unwind before bed. Consider developing a relaxing nightly routine, which may include reading, meditating or taking a warm bath or shower.
• Reduce time with social media or the news – Minimize your exposure to stress-inducing news and social media chatter near bedtime to avoid dwelling on new stressors before sleep.
• Try journaling before bed – Writing down what’s on your mind can be a great way to bring you calmness and a sense of control. Release worries and stress from the day on paper, so you’re not holding on to unwanted thoughts when you get into bed.
“While proper sleep hygiene may help disrupt the pattern of sleepless nights and stressful days, those who continuously experience sleeplessness should seek help from the sleep team at an AASM-accredited sleep center,” said Dr. Morse.
Download these 2022 AASM Sleep Prioritization Survey results at aasm.org. To learn more about the importance of healthy sleep, visit SleepEducation.org.
About the Survey
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine commissioned an online survey of 2,010 adults in the U.S. The overall margin of error fell within +/- 2 percentage points with a confidence interval of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between Feb. 17-24, 2022. Atomik Research is an independent market research agency.
About the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Established in 1975, the AASM advances sleep care and enhances sleep health to improve lives. The AASM has a combined membership of 11,000 accredited sleep centers and individuals, including physicians, scientists and other health care professionals who care for patients with sleep disorders. As the leader in the sleep field, the AASM sets standards and promotes excellence in sleep medicine health care, education and research (aasm.org).
As Hidalgo County marks the 4,000th COVID-19 related death, it released its 4th memorial video showing some of the victims of the deadly disease. YouTube Image
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG – As Hidalgo County marks the 4,000th COVID-19 related death, it released its 4th memorial video showing some of the victims of the deadly disease.
“Each of these deaths is a tragedy,” said Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez. “But our hope is that this latest video memorial shows our family, friends and neighbors as they lived, which is how our community should remember all of these people.”
The video memorial is composed of photos submitted by relatives and friends of people who have died from complications of COVID-19 and represents the 4th such video since the pandemic began locally in March of 2020.
In total, nearly 600 photos of Hidalgo County residents have been submitted as part of the video memorial series.
“We are proud to honor the memory of our residents,” Cortez said. “But we must remember that these video memorials represent only a fraction of those who succumbed as a result of this terrible disease.”
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Men’s Basketball Head Coach Matt Figger announced on Monday the additions of Chris Buchanan as an assistant coach and Tyler Guidry as a special assistant to the head coach. UTRGV Images
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Men’s Basketball Head CoachMatt Figgerannounced on Monday the additions of Chris Buchanan as an assistant coach and Tyler Guidry as a special assistant to the head coach.
Chris Buchanan
Buchanan comes to UTRGV from Odessa College, where as an assistant coach in 2021-22, he helped the team to the NJCAA Tournament Quarterfinals and an undefeated record in conference play. He executed and presented strategic scouting reports to the coaching staff and players that led to an average margin of victory of 20 points. Buchanan coached an All-American and four All-Conference selections while recruiting current top Division I and junior college prospects. He also assisted with the team’s academics, as the team finished the fall with a 3.56 GPA.
Buchanan was an assistant coach at Portland from 2019-21 after serving as the assistant director of basketball operations since the summer of 2017. As one of the youngest Division I assistant coaches in the nation, Buchanan recruited multiple All-West Coast Conference and Player of the Week selections. He prepared and presented scouting reports, collaborated with the strength & conditioning staff, and coordinated with academics. In his operations role, Buchanan managed day-to-day operations, including game day, practice and travel logistics, managing and training student managers, and implementing youth clinics and camps.
“Chris is an extremely hard worker and a student of the game,” Figger said. “He brings lots of energy and work ethic to my staff. He’s one of the guys that’s going to challenge us every day of work. I’m very excited to have him on staff.”
Prior to his time at Portland, Buchanan worked as the Assistant Director of Scouting for Anthony Ray’s Arizona Preps from 2015-17 after working as an intern the previous two years. His role included traveling to local, regional, and national tournaments to evaluate high school and junior college prospects for the organization. He co-ran the Arizona Preps Fall Showcase from 2015-17, which brought together many former Arizona area standouts and helped land local prospects college basketball scholarships.
Buchanan also worked many high-profile camps including the Reebok All-American Headliners Camp, Arizona Preps Spring Showcase, West Coast Elite All-Star Camp, West Coast Elite’s Spring High Academic Camp, John Lucas Enterprises Right Way Camp, and John Lucas Enterprises’ International Middle School Combine.
“I’m very excited to be here and part of the UTRGV family,” Buchanan said. “I really appreciate Coach Figger and the staff for bringing me aboard. As a men’s basketball program and as an athletic department, I think UTRGV is a sleeping giant. I’m very fortunate to be part of this team and I’m happy to do whatever I can to bring some wins to this program and #RallyTheValley.”
Buchanan graduated from Arizona in May 2015 with a bachelor’s in communications and a minor in sports management. While in Tucson, he worked for WildcatAuthority.com, a Scout.com affiliate web site that focused on Arizona basketball recruiting.
A McDonalds All-America nominee as player at Arcadia High School in Phoenix, Buchanan went on to play two years at Peninsula College in Port Angeles, Wash. He was a part of the Peninsula team that won the Northwest Athletic Associate of Community Colleges Championship as a freshman and the team was ranked No. 15 nationally as a sophomore. The Pirates finished with a 47-13 overall record in his two years with the program.
Tyler Guidry
Guidry joins UTRGV after four seasons as the head boys’ basketball coach at his alma mater, Westbury Christian School, where he coaches several NCAA Division I student-athletes. The 2021 Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Coach of the Year, Guidry led his team to the state championship in 2020-21. His team also went 27-12 in 2021-22, reaching the state semifinals.
“Tyler is another guy who brings a lot of energy and a great work ethic to our staff,” Figger said. “He was a successful college player and then a successful coach at Westbury Christian. He has connections with people in the city of Houston. He’s a great addition to our staff.”
Guidry has previous collegiate experience as an assistant coach at Wiley College in 2017-18 and as a graduate assistant at St. Thomas from 2015-17.
While at Wiley, Guidry assisted in recruiting, film breakdowns, scouting reports, and compliance.
In 2016-17, Guidry helped St. Thomas to the Red River Athletic Conference Tournament for the first time since 2014. Guidry coached the 2016-17 RRAC Freshman of the Year, a pair of 2016-17 second team all-conference selections and a 2015-16 first team all-conference honoree. He graduated with a Master of Business Arts in General Business in May 2017.
“I am very excited to join the UTRGV men’s basketball family,” Guidry said. “I was to thank Coach Figger for giving me this opportunity to grow and learn at the Division I level. Winning is very important to me, and I will do whatever I can to help this program win. I look forward to helping grow this program and putting UTRGV on the map.”
Guidry played collegiately for Southwestern Assemblies of God University from 2011-14. He helped the Lions win the 2013 RRAC Championship and reach the 2013 NAIA Championship game. In Guidry’s four years, SAGU reached the NAIA Tournament three times. In 2013-14, Guidry helped the Lions win the Sooner Athletic Conference Championship. He was named the team’s most improved player following the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons. Guidry ranked in the top 40 in the NAIA in assist to turnover ratio in 2013-14. He is in the top five at SAGU in career assists with 221. Guidry graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
Guidry played high school basketball at Westbury Christian in Houston, where he helped his team win back-to-back state championships in 2009 and 2010 and three-straight district titles from 2009-11. He earned First Team All-State honors in 2011 and Second Team All-State in 2010. Guidry earned All-District honors in 2010 and 2011.
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents interdicted five smuggling events over the weekend leading to 45 arrests.
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents interdicted five smuggling events over the weekend leading to 45 arrests.
On September 23, an Air National Guard helicopter observed a Ford F150 heading north from the Rio Grande near Mission. The vehicle came to a stop north of La Homa and multiple subjects bailed out. Responding agents apprehended five migrants unlawfully present in the U.S.
Just before midnight on the same day, Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station agents attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on a Jeep Cherokee near Fronton. The vehicle failed to yield and proceeded toward the Roma Port of Entry where the vehicle came to a stop and approximately seven subjects fled into Mexico. Agents apprehended two migrants from inside the vehicle.
The following day, McAllen Border Patrol Station agents and Sullivan City Police Department officers interdicted a migrant load vehicle as it departed Los Ebanos. The vehicle came to a stop in an open field and the occupants fled into the brush. Agents apprehended six subjects and identified two of them as suspected smugglers.
Additionally, agents interdicted two migrant smuggling attempts at two Rio Grande Valley airports, resulting in 32 arrests.
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.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol awards first Youth of the Month honorees for the 2022-2023 school year. Pictured are September Youth of the Month Honorees. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol initiated the Youth of the Month program for the 2022-23 school year with a ceremony at United High School.
On September 23, 2022, Laredo Sector Border Patrol and community program partners presented 11 senior honorees from Laredo area high schools with the Youth of the Month award. “The United States Border Patrol Laredo Sector is honored to be part of the Youth of the Month Program. I congratulate you for being named Youth of the Month, Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Carl E. Landrum said. “This award exemplifies your academic achievement, community involvement and determination to succeed. On behalf of the men and women of the Laredo Sector Border Patrol, I congratulate you in distinguishing yourself from your peers. Best wishes on your future endeavors.”
The Border Patrol Youth of the Month program, in collaboration with community partners, has recognized Laredo’s top high school seniors for 36 years. At the end of the school year, 11 Youth of the Month recipients are considered for the prestigious Border Patrol Youth of the Year award.
