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McAllen’s Jeff Johnston Honored with Texas Emergency Management Leadership Award

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McAllen’s Jeff Johnston Honored with Texas Emergency Management Leadership Award
Tony Peña, TDEM Assistant Chief and former Hidalgo County Emergency Management Coordinator stands with City of McAllen’s Assistant City Manager and Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Johnston, who was awarded the Texas Emergency Management Leadership Award at the annual TDEM Emergency Management Conference for his 24 years of coordinating emergency response in McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley and Hidalgo County Emergency Management Coordinator Rick Saldaña for his leadership over the years in helping to navigate Hidalgo County through many weather events and spearheading the annual South Texas All-Hazards Conference. Image courtesy of The City of McAllen
Tony Peña, TDEM Assistant Chief and former Hidalgo County Emergency Management Coordinator stands with City of McAllen’s Assistant City Manager and Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Johnston, who was awarded the Texas Emergency Management Leadership Award at the annual TDEM Emergency Management Conference for his 24 years of coordinating emergency response in McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley and Hidalgo County Emergency Management Coordinator Rick Saldaña for his leadership over the years in helping to navigate Hidalgo County through many weather events and spearheading the annual South Texas All-Hazards Conference. Image courtesy of The City of McAllen

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The City of McAllen’s Assistant City Manager and Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Johnston has received the prestigious Texas Emergency Management Leadership Award from the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). The award was presented today during the annual Texas Emergency Management Conference, held at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

The award recognizes an individual whose outstanding leadership and achievements have had a transformative impact on emergency management operations and community resilience. Johnston was nominated by his colleagues in recognition of his commitment to public safety, innovative leadership, and years of dedicated service in McAllen and throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

“Jeff has been a key player in the Rio Grande Valley emergency management community and continues to be one,” said Tony Peña, TDEM Assistant Chief and former Hidalgo County Emergency Management Coordinator. “His leadership has strengthened interagency coordination, improved emergency readiness, and ensured our communities are better protected during times of crisis.”

Under Johnston’s leadership, McAllen has enhanced its emergency response capabilities through improved disaster preparedness planning, inter-jurisdictional collaboration, and the enhancement of local response teams, including the McAllen/Lower Rio Grande Valley Public Works Emergency Response Team. He has been instrumental in coordinating large-scale response efforts during hurricanes, public health emergencies, and regional flooding events.

“Jeff Johnston’s vision and dedication to public safety have made McAllen a model for emergency preparedness,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “We are incredibly proud of his leadership and this well-deserved recognition by the State of Texas.”

Also receiving the prestigious Texas Emergency Management Leadership Award today was Hidalgo County Emergency Management Coordinator Rick Saldaña for his leadership over the years in helping to navigate Hidalgo County through many weather events and spearheading the annual South Texas All-Hazards Conference, the second largest emergency management conference offered free to approximately 3,000 personnel who respond to emergencies in Hidalgo County, the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas.  

The Texas Emergency Management Conference is one of the largest emergency management events in the nation, drawing over 4,000 emergency professionals, elected officials, and decision-makers from across Texas and beyond. 

This year’s event held May 27–30, featured more than 200 educational sessions, an expansive exhibit hall, and keynotes from leaders such as Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, and Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp.

Each year, TDEM’s awards program honors individuals and organizations making significant contributions to emergency preparedness and response. Johnston’s recognition underscores the City of McAllen’s ongoing commitment to public safety, resilience, and innovation in crisis response.

Information source: The City of McAllen

Their Mission Started Here: Four Developers Share Why They Chose Mission

Roberto H. Gonzalez
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Their Mission Started Here: Four Developers Share Why They Chose Mission
Teclo Garcia, CEO of Mission EDC; Ernesto Gonzalez, Owner of Arch Renati/Tekna Impact; Eddie Silva, Developer with Domain Development; Luis Rodrigo Castillo, Co-Owner of Union Design Developers; and Dr. Rolando “Rollie” Ortiz, Chief Operating Officer of Killam Development—pictured at the Mission EDC Commercial and Investment Tour, showcasing the leadership shaping Mission’s future. Photo by Roberto Hugo González
Teclo Garcia, CEO of Mission EDC; Ernesto Gonzalez, Owner of Arch Renati/Tekna Impact; Eddie Silva, Developer with Domain Development; Luis Rodrigo Castillo, Co-Owner of Union Design Developers; and Dr. Rolando “Rollie” Ortiz, Chief Operating Officer of Killam Development—pictured at the Mission EDC Commercial and Investment Tour, showcasing the leadership shaping Mission’s future. Photo by Roberto Hugo González

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By Roberto Hugo González

Teclo Garcia. Photo: Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

On May 28, 2025, the Mission Economic Development Corporation (Mission EDC) hosted a Commercial and Investment Tour at the Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED), spotlighting four developers whose work is reshaping Mission, Texas. The event, led by Mission EDC CEO Teclo Garcia, offered guests a panel discussion and virtual tour, with insights from developers who each launched or expanded their ventures in the city.

“Thank you for being here, taking time to talk about some really important issues regarding development,” Garcia said as he welcomed the crowd. “We’ve got some great guests.”

The panelists, who represented a range of industries and development types, included Dr. Rolando “Rollie” Ortiz of Killam Development, Luis Rodrigo Castillo of Union Design Developers, Eddie Silva of Domain Development, and Ernesto Gonzalez of Arch Renati/Tekna Impact.

Dr. Rolando “Rollie” Ortiz. Photo: Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

Dr. Ortiz, COO of Killam Real Estate, has overseen multiple projects in Mission, including the highly anticipated El Milagro development. “We’ve done several developments in Laredo, Texas, and we’ve been doing work here in Mission for about five years,” he said. El Milagro will include over 360 single-family homes, 100 townhome lots, and 30 acres of commercial space, extending from Anzalduas to Conway.

“We asked the community what they wanted in a subdivision,” Ortiz said, describing a weeklong series of charettes that shaped the design. “The idea is live, work, and play.” Killam currently owns about 2,200 acres in the area. Garcia noted the company’s major role, stating, “They’re certainly a large contributor to Mission.”

Luis Rodrigo Castillo. Photo: Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

Luis Rodrigo Castillo, co-owner of Union Design Developers, shared a personal connection to Mission’s growth. “We’re locals now,” he said, pointing to the family-owned nature of the business. Castillo credited his parents for their early vision for Mission. “The vision always existed,” he explained. The company is planning a 145-acre industrial park near the Anzalduas Bridge, driven by nearshoring opportunities. “It started with a napkin, a paper, and a lot of coffee,” he said. “But now it’s about execution.”

Ernesto Gonzalez. Photo: Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

Ernesto Gonzalez, a Mission resident of over 25 years, presented two ventures—TEKNA Impact and Arch Renati. TEKNA provides labels to critical industries and offers early signals of economic shifts. Arch Renati builds shipping container homes aimed at extremely low-income residents. “There are 680,000 people in Texas waiting for housing,” Gonzalez said. “We’re focusing on rentals under $1,000 to provide safe and dignified homes.”

He added that the container homes are duplex units priced around $50,000 total—$25,000 per apartment. “Stable housing equals stable families, which equals thriving communities,” Gonzalez said. He praised Garcia for helping connect the company to grants and resources. “He immediately started seeing how he could help.”

Eddie Silva. Photo: Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

Eddie Silva of Domain Development highlighted Mission’s strong commercial performance. “The shopping centers we have in Mission are our highest performing,” Silva said. Domain Development has completed several projects in the city, including retail and residential developments near Business 83 and Shary Road. “We’re actively looking for our next project in Mission,” Silva said. “It’s really difficult to find land right now. That should tell you something.”

Silva noted the synergy between national, regional, and local tenants in their centers. “It serves as a trampoline for many local tenants to grow or start and hit the ground running,” he said.

Throughout the panel, Garcia facilitated the discussion with humor and candor. “We’re gonna kind of go around the horn here and let people talk about their projects, why they’re in Mission, and what they’re doing,” he said. His closing words summed up the event’s spirit: “We’re super happy with the investment happening in Mission. And for many of these developers, their mission really did start here.”

See related stories:

Killam Development: A Century-Old Legacy Reshaping Mission, Texas
Mark Hanna outlines 10-year trends and growth forecast at Mission EDC investor tour
Mission EDC Showcases Growth and Opportunity During Investment Tour

Historic Property Tax Relief Bills Passed by the Legislature

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Historic Property Tax Relief Bills Passed by the Legislature
Authored by Senator Paul Bettencourt and joint-authored by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, these bills will increase the school district homestead tax exemption. Image: The office of Senator Hinojosa
Authored by Senator Paul Bettencourt and joint-authored by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, these bills will increase the school district homestead tax exemption. Image: The office of Senator Hinojosa

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Senator Juan ‘Chuy’ Hinojosa

Austin, TX – The Texas Senate granted final passage to significant pieces of legislation that will help reduce the burden of rising property taxes on Texas homeowners: Senate Bill 4/Senate Joint Resolution 2 and Senate Bill 23/Senate Joint Resolution 85. Authored by Senator Paul Bettencourt and joint-authored by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, these bills will increase the school district homestead tax exemption.

SB 4/SJR 2 will raise the homestead tax exemption from $100,000 to $140,000. Additionally, SB 23/SJR 85 provides an increased homestead tax exemption for disabled homeowners and those aged 65 and older, raising it from $10,000 to $60,000.

Both measures ensure that school districts will not face funding losses from the higher homestead exemptions, as the state will compensate for the difference through general revenue under the new state aid formulas. If approved by voters in November, these exemptions will apply to property taxes for the current year.

Senator Chuy Hinojosa stated, “Rising property taxes are a pressing concern for Texans and a top priority for Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and the Texas Senate. Over the past decade, we have focused on reducing property tax burdens for families, which often feel like a second mortgage. High property taxes strain homeowners and businesses, making it difficult for families to stay in their homes and hindering economic growth.”

Hinojosa continued, “If approved in November, this legislation will provide significant tax relief by raising the homestead exemption to $140,000 and up to $200,000 for homeowners over 65 and individuals with disabilities. This is the largest tax relief package yet and will save families hundreds of dollars on their property tax bill.”

In 2015, the Texas Legislature approved an increase in the residence homestead exemption from $15,000 to $25,000, followed by a voter-approved increase to $40,000 in May 2022. Most recently, in 2023, the Legislature raised the homestead exemption to $100,000 with an overwhelming 83% approval from voters. Texans will have the opportunity to vote on these new proposed increases in the upcoming November election.

Information source: Office of Senator Hinojosa

STC Child Development Center Earns National Reaccreditation & Maintains Top State Rating

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STC Child Development Center Earns National Reaccreditation & Maintains Top State Rating
The South Texas College (STC) Child Development Center, located at the Mid-Valley campus, has been reaccredited by the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs, an honor held by only 1,300 programs across the country. STC Image
The South Texas College (STC) Child Development Center, located at the Mid-Valley campus, has been reaccredited by the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs, an honor held by only 1,300 programs across the country. STC Image

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By Veronica Salinas

The South Texas College (STC) Child Development Center, located at the Mid-Valley campus, has been reaccredited by the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs, an honor held by only 1,300 programs across the country.

Notably, the STC Child Development Center is the only nationally accredited childcare program in the Rio Grande Valley, according to Sylvia Serrano, Child Development Center manager.

“We are incredibly proud of this recognition,” said Serrano. “Our staff consistently demonstrates the capacity, commitment and competence to support high-quality learning based on research-driven standards and evidence-based practices.”

First nationally accredited in February 2010, the center continues to uphold its reputation for excellence. In addition to national reaccreditation, the center has maintained its Texas Rising Star Four-Star rating, the highest quality designation awarded by the state of Texas, that it received in March 2017.

The center serves not only STC students, faculty and staff, but also families from the surrounding community. It provides care and education for children ages 12 months to 5 years, with services extended to school-aged children up to 8 years old during summer sessions.

“Our mission is to serve as a model training program for early childhood professionals while supporting families in our community,” said Veronica Rodriguez, Child Development Program Chair. “This reaccreditation validates that we’re meeting the highest national standards and continually evolving as leaders in early childhood education.”

Rodriguez emphasized that the center’s success is deeply rooted in the dedication, education and passion of its staff.

“The heart of our program is our staff. Every teacher holds at least an associate degree in Early Childhood Education. That standard has not only elevated the quality of our program, but has also driven enrollment. Parents consistently tell us they choose our center because of our highly-qualified team and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

In addition to offering high-quality early childhood education, the center also serves as a dynamic training center for STC students studying Child Development and Early Childhood or a variety of other disciplines such as psychology and other related fields, giving students valuable, hands-on learning experiences. they can apply in a classroom or real-world setting. By working directly with children under the guidance of experienced professionals, these students gain critical skills that prepare them for their careers.

The voluntary reaccreditation process STC follows includes a self-study, on-site validation visit and ongoing reporting.

“It’s a rigorous process that includes external documentation review and on-site observations,” Serrano said. “It can be intense, but it affirms that our daily practices are effective and truly making an impact.”

The National Accreditation Commission’s voluntary program helps early childhood centers demonstrate their dedication to quality through detailed evaluations of practices and outcomes. Accreditation provides families with the assurance that their children are in a nurturing, high-quality learning environment.

“Achieving reaccreditation is more than a milestone,” said Rodriguez. “It’s a powerful reaffirmation of our dedication to quality, professionalism and ongoing improvement. We aim for excellence and we’re proud to continue setting the standard.”

For more information about the STC Child Development Center and its programs, visit: https://www.southtexascollege.edu/child-development-center/.[AS6] 

Information source: STC

Illegal Alien Guilty of Illegal Possession of Firearm

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Illegal Alien Guilty of Illegal Possession of Firearm
 A 20-year-old Honduran national who illegally resided in Corpus Christi has been convicted of being an alien who unlawfully possessed a firearm. Image for illustration purposes
 A 20-year-old Honduran national who illegally resided in Corpus Christi has been convicted of being an alien who unlawfully possessed a firearm. Image for illustration purposes

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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 20-year-old Honduran national who illegally resided in Corpus Christi has been convicted of being an alien who unlawfully possessed a firearm.

Josias Eliseo Ulloa-Pavon had been driving under the influence of alcohol before crashing Feb. 18. 

Upon arrival at the scene, authorities found Ulloa-Pavon pinned inside the fully overturned vehicle. No other cars were in the vicinity. Ulloa-Pavon had red bloodshot eyes, a strong odor of alcohol and appeared unsteady on his feet, swaying as he stood. They removed him from the vehicle and placed him under arrest. 

A search revealed a magazine containing six rounds of ammunition in his pocket. Ulloa-Pavon admitted he had a Bersa Model Thunder .380 caliber pistol in his car which law enforcement located and seized.

Ulloa-Pavon had admitted during a previous interaction with law enforcement to being from Honduras and not lawfully in the United States.

U.S. District Judge David Morales will impose sentencing Aug. 27. At that time, Ulloa-Pavon faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Corpus Christi Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Bird prosecuted the case. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

Updated May 28, 2025

FEMA, SBA and the State of Texas Opening Additional Disaster Recovery Centers in South Texas 

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FEMA, SBA and the State of Texas Opening Additional Disaster Recovery Centers in South Texas 
In coordination with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) staff will open three additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) on May 30 to offer face-to-face help to residents of the four South Texas counties affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred March 26-28. Image for illustration purposes
In coordination with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) staff will open three additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) on May 30 to offer face-to-face help to residents of the four South Texas counties affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred March 26-28. Image for illustration purposes

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In coordination with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) staff will open three additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) on May 30 to offer face-to-face help to residents of the four South Texas counties affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred March 26-28. Homeowners and renters in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties may be eligible for FEMA assistance for losses not covered by insurance. FEMA and SBA will support state-led recovery efforts at the recovery centers. Staff can help survivors apply for federal assistance. They can also identify potential needs and connect survivors with local, state and federal agencies, as well as nonprofits and community groups. 

The new DRCs join the four already open in the affected counties. All seven centers will be open Friday, May 30, and will remain open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.: 
 
Cameron County 
NEW: San Benito Parks and Recreation Building 705 N Bowie St. San Benito, TX 
Harlingen Convention Center 701 Harlingen Heights Harlingen, TX 78552 
 
Hidalgo County 
NEW: Las Palmas Community Center 1921 N. 25th St. McAllen, TX 
NEW: Pharr Development & Research Center 850 W. Dicker Rd Pharr, TX 
Weslaco EDC 275 S. Kansas Ave. Weslaco, TX 78596 
 
Starr County 
Starr County Courthouse Annex 100 N FM 3167 Rio Grande City, TX 78582 
 
Willacy County 
Sebastian Community Center 434 West 8th St. Sebastian, TX 78594 

Residents can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the state of Texas and the SBA. No appointment is needed. Additional locations may be added. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish). FEMA staff are easily recognizable by their official photo identification (ID). If you meet people offering assistance, first ask to see their ID before giving them your personal information. They may have FEMA clothing, but that can be easily imitated. FEMA staff can help residents in several ways including: 

• Checking the status of an application already in the system and making minor changes to applications. 

• Contacting faith-based organizations, community groups, private sector businesses and public libraries that may have the capability to distribute disaster-related information to residents in the impacted counties. 

• Identifying organizations providing disaster-related services and/or resources to the public for long-term recovery. 

• Gathering information about impacts to communities. 

• Providing flyers explaining how to apply for disaster assistance. 

Survivors with homeowners or renters insurance should first file a claim with their insurance company as soon as possible. If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may then be eligible for federal assistance. SBA’s Customer Service Representatives are available at the centers to answer questions, assist business owners complete their disaster loan application, accept documents and provide updates on an application’s status. For information and to apply online visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. 

For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. Survivors can apply to FEMA in several ways including going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, downloading the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. 

To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube. For more information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4871. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/. ### FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. 

If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll[1]free at 833-285-7448). If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

Information source: City of McAllen

De La Cruz Advocates to Combat New World Screwworm in Hidalgo County

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De La Cruz Advocates to Combat New World Screwworm in Hidalgo County
Given Hidalgo County's proximity to the border and the existing infrastructure, it is strategic and beneficial to select this location for a potential new sterile fly facility. Image for illustration purposes
Given Hidalgo County’s proximity to the border and the existing infrastructure, it is strategic and beneficial to select this location for a potential new sterile fly facility. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins advocating for the USDA to establish a new sterile fly facility at the Moore Air Base in Hidalgo County, Texas. The facility is critical to protecting Texas livestock and wildlife from New World Screwworm.

In the 1960s, Moore Air Base housed a sterile fly facility that helped successfully eradicate the New World Screwworm. Given Hidalgo County’s proximity to the border and the existing infrastructure, it is strategic and beneficial to select this location for a potential new sterile fly facility.

Read the full letter here or below.
 
“Dear Secretary Rollins,


I write to you today regarding the potential establishment of a new sterile fly facility within the United States, a matter of critical importance to the protection of our livestock and wildlife. As you know, the threat of invasive fly species, such as the New World screwworm, poses a significant risk to the health and economic well-being of our agricultural sector and the delicate balance of our ecosystems.


Given the strategic importance of this facility, I strongly advocate for its location within Texas’ 15th Congressional District, specifically at Moore Air Base. This base was previously the site of a facility to help combat screwworm in the 1960’s. Additionally, the United States Department of Agriculture currently operates a fruit fly rearing and eclosion facility in this area and the addition of a new sterile fly facility would logistically make sense due to the existing USDA infrastructure in place and the operational runway at Moore Air Base. This region also presents a compelling case for consideration, primarily due to its proximity to the United States-Mexico border.


The Moore Air Base location offers several key advantages: 

  • Border Proximity: The proximity to the border with Mexico is crucial for effective monitoring and control of potential incursions of invasive fly species. A facility in this region would allow for rapid response and containment, minimizing the spread of infestations into the United States.
  • Existing Agricultural Infrastructure: The region boasts a robust agricultural sector with established infrastructure and expertise in livestock management. This existing framework would facilitate efficient integration of the sterile fly facility and streamline its operations. Additionally, Moore Air Base has operations runways equipped to distribute sterile flies.
  • Strategic Location: Moore Air Base offers a central location for distribution of sterile flies to other areas in the southern United States, if such a need arises. Additionally, this base was the site of a facility used in the 1960’s to successfully combat screwworm.
  • Economic Impact: The establishment of such a facility would provide valuable economic opportunities for the region by generating jobs and stimulating local economies.

I understand the Department of Agriculture’s commitment to safeguarding our agricultural resources and natural habitats. I believe that locating this vital facility in Texas’ 15th Congressional District would be a prudent and strategic decision, enhancing our ability to protect our livestock and wildlife from the devastating impact of invasive fly species.


I respectfully request that you give this matter your full consideration and explore the feasibility of establishing the sterile fly facility within Texas’ 15th Congressional District at Moore Air Base. I am prepared to provide any additional information or support that may be required during your evaluation process.


Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. 

Sincerely,

Monica De La Cruz”

Governor Requests SBA Disaster Declaration for South Texas Severe Storm Weather 

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Governor Requests SBA Disaster Declaration for South Texas Severe Storm Weather 
If approved, the SBA declaration will make federal assistance available through disaster loans for Jim Wells County and its contiguous counties. Image for illustration purposes
If approved, the SBA declaration will make federal assistance available through disaster loans for Jim Wells County and its contiguous counties. Image for illustration purposes

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AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott announced that he requested a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for South Texas communities impacted by severe storms earlier this month. If approved, the SBA declaration will make federal assistance available through disaster loans for Jim Wells County and its contiguous counties.

“Today, I requested a disaster declaration for Texans in Jim Wells County whose homes or businesses were damaged by recent severe storms,” said Governor Abbott. “Approval of this declaration will provide access to low-interest loans to help Texans rebuild their communities. As Jim Wells County and surrounding areas begin to recover, I urge Texans to report any damage to their homes or businesses through the iSTAT damage surveys.”

If the request from Texas is approved, the SBA would provide low-interest loans through disaster programs to qualifying Texans whose homes and businesses sustained damage during the severe weather incident, including but not limited to tornadoes, thunderstorms, and straight-line winds.

Governor Abbott’s request follows an analysis of the damage sustained in impacted communities conducted by local, state, and federal officials. The analysis verifies that Jim Wells County meets the federally required thresholds for SBA assistance. Officials also reviewed disaster damage details provided by Texans through the self-reporting Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) surveys.

Governor Abbott continues to take action to provide all available resources to help support local communities impacted by severe storms including:

  • Requesting local, state, and federal partners joint preliminary damage assessment of homes and businesses in South Texas communities.
  • Activating state emergency response resources ahead of severe weather threat.

McAllen Police Entrance Exam Interest at 12-Year High

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McAllen Police Entrance Exam Interest at 12-Year High
“The number of applicants for this police entrance exam is the highest we have seen in 12 years." -- Victor Rodriguez, McAllen Chief of Police. Couresy images
“The number of applicants for this police entrance exam is the highest we have seen in 12 years.” — Victor Rodriguez, McAllen Chief of Police. Couresy images

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The City of McAllen will be administering a Civil Service Examination for Entry Level Police Officer on Friday, June 6, 2025.  

The McAllen Police Department is feeling optimistic for the latest civil service exam—not only because it helps fill key vacancies, but also because it marks a 12-year high in applicants. This encouraging turnout suggests that careers in law enforcement are regaining their appeal, especially among those eager to serve and protect their communities.

The number of applicants that have registered for this exam is 184.  This is the highest number of exam registrants since November 9, 2012, which had 259 applicants.

Statement by V. Rodriguez, Chief of Police: “The number of applicants for this police entrance exam is the highest we have seen in 12 years.  This is exciting.  Providing our community with public safety services is our mission and priority.  The gold lining, as opposed to the silver lining, is that interest in law enforcement careers may be returning to previous levels.  Filling police vacancies with Officers that are motivated in a career in public safety and want to make a difference in their community best serves all goals.”      

The current McAllen police officer annual base pay, upon completion of one (1) year of service, is $67,295.86. 

Information source: City of McAllen

Edinburg Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child

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Edinburg Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
 A Hidalgo County jury found Jorge Alberto Aguilar Garcia, 44, of Edinburg, Texas, guilty of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. Courtesy image
 A Hidalgo County jury found Jorge Alberto Aguilar Garcia, 44, of Edinburg, Texas, guilty of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. Courtesy image

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EDINBURG – A Hidalgo County jury found Jorge Alberto Aguilar Garcia, 44, of Edinburg, Texas, guilty of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child.

The jury returned its verdict on April 25, 2025, and Aguilar Garcia was sentenced by the 430th District Court of Hidalgo County on May 27, 2025. 

The case was initiated on September 8, 2021, when the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched in reference to an indecency with a child outcry involving Aguilar Garcia and a minor child. The ensuing investigation revealed that Garcia had sexually abused a 9-year-old minor. As a result of these details, the investigation was reclassified as an aggravated sexual assault of a child, a first-degree felony.  

Throughout the jury trial, evidence and testimony showed that the minor was forensically interviewed and medically evaluated to ensure her well-being. Further, the evidence demonstrated the disturbing manner in which Aguilar Garcia, while using a fake name every time he contacted the minor and the minor’s family, sexually abused the 9-year-old child. Aguilar Garcia was sentenced to serve 35 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. 

The jury trial was heard by the Honorable Judge Orlando J. Esquivel of the 430th District Court of Hidalgo County. 

“This defendant engaged in horrific conduct, and the lengthy sentence he received will help make our community a safer place while he is locked up,” said Palacios.

The case was prosecuted by Special Crimes Assistant District Attorney Ricardo Hernandez.

Information source: City of Edinburg

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