Rio Grande Herald (Rio Grande City, Tex.), Vol. 91, No. 18, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 29, 2004 Page: 1 of 8
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THURSDAY
WEEKLY
EDITION
April 29, 2004
91st YEAR No. 18
#215
IK )A(i B(X)K. HINDI.RY
127 RAIL ROAD
SPRINGPOR1, Ml 49204
•*r ^
1 '
——Rio Grande
HERALD
A Newspaper Serving the People of South Texas
Murder victim found
north of Escobares
<tr
RGC High JROTC holds annual Military Ball
The Rio Grande City High School JROTC held their annual Military Ball on Apni 17 Members from
throughout the community and RGCCISD administration were present in support of the program I his event
recognizes all seniors, the Military Court, and scholarship recipients. The 2003-2004 JRO'K scholarship
recipients are pictured left to right: Cadet Major David Requeue/. Cadet Colonel Li/ett Oyervides, Cadet
Captain Dario Marquez, Cadet Captain Claire Robledo, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Ricardo Salinas, Cadet
Captain Yomaira Rivas, Cadet Major Isabel Zurita and Master Sergeant Marco A Pena (Instructon
(RGCCISD photo).
Public meeting talks planned
program office closures
By KENNETH ROBERTS
In a public meeting on
Wednesday afternoon, April 21 at
the Multipurpose Center in Rio
Grande City, the expected impact of
the state s plan to heavily utilize
call centers in the administration of
social service programs such as
food stamps was discussed, along
with the expected large-scale closure
of numerous local offices in Texas,
including in Starr County
It was indicated that programs
such as Children's h.alth Iterance
Program (CH1I ", Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families
(TANF), Medicaid, nutritional
assistance programs such as food
stamps, long-term care services,
community-based support services,
and other health and human
services programs would be affected
by the expected sweeping changes
It was also indicated that the
Texas Health and Human Services
Commission will conduct a public
hearing on Friday, April 30 from 3
p.m. to 8 p.m. at the UT-Pan
American Auditorium in Edinburg
to receive puoiic comment on the
proposed use of call centers for
eligibility determination and the
proposed administrative rule for the
implementation of call centers.
Gracie Alvarez led off the Rio
Grande City meeting by
emphasizing, "I am an employee of
TDHS (Texas Department of
Human Services), but I'm speaking
as a member of the Texas Public
Employees Union."
"This will mean millions of
dollars in cutbacks for each
community," lamented Alvarez.
"We want to know why such a
sudden change is needed. Why the
change from real human service to
phone service? If this becomes
40 marijuana plants
confiscated in RGC
Exactly 40 marijuana plants were
seized at an abandoned house in Rio
Grande City on Wednesday, April
21 in an operation carried out by
the Starr County Sheriff's
Department and two narcotics task
forces.
c^ riff's Department Chief
Deputy Rene Fuentes indicated that
40 marijuana plants were seized at
an abandoned residence on Garcia
Street in Rio Grande City. The
operation took place between 9:30
and 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April
"The plants were inside the
property area." noted Fuentes. "The
plants were found in the front yard
and back yard. I think the plants
weighed roughly 30 pounds."
Fuentes emphasized that
investigation into the incident is
continuing.
Fuentes explained that the
operation was carried out by the
Sheriff's Department, with
assistance from the HIDTA Task
Force, and the McAllen-based
Combined Task Force.
reality, the meaning of real human
service will be omitted. This will
be destructive to all communities in
Texas."
Alvarez contended, "We
understand thai change is often
needed, but we don't need to
eliminate real human person-to-
person services. This will increase
the unemployment rate in Texas
and Starr County. Human beings
should not be considered burdens."
Alvarez concluded, "In reality,
most of these particular programs
are from federal funds. We call on
Commissioner Hawkins and other
state leaders to slow down and do
this right. Basically, the proposal,
based on House Bill 2292 that was
passed and signed in June 2003, is
to convert to call centers by
October 2004."
Veronica Flores insisted, "Many
people utilizing these programs do
not have telephone service and even
fewer have access to the Internet. If
there's going to be change to this
degree, I think we need to have a
lengthy period of transition."
"Applications will go to call
centers in March-May 2005," stated
Flores. "From September-
November 2004, 797 field staff
workers will lose their jobs. From
March-May 2005, over 1300 state
employees will lose their jobs and
2400 more will lose their jobs from
June-August 2005."
Flores continued, "A total of
6221 state employees will lose
their jobs in the next 15 months,
with offices to be reduced from 385
to 130."
"Under this, our clients will now
become only names," she
(See CLOSURES, Page 8)
Klein named Acting Utility
Director after Alvarez termination
Ruben Klein is serving as Acting
Director of the Rio Grande City
Public Utility Department after
Jose Maria "Chcma" Alvarez, Jr.
was terminated from the position in
late March.
City Administrator Leonardo
Olivares indicated, "I informed the
board (of aldermen) of the decision
on March 2ft . The termination was
my decision. The Public Utility
Director is a regular employee of
the city; not an officer."
The administrator noted that he
had orally designated Klein as
Acting Public Utility Director on
March 9 and provided that
designation in writing on March
26.
"We did terminate Mr. Alvarez
for personnel reasons," stated
Olivares. "We did have an internal
investigation of some personnel
issues. Based on the investigafon, 1
feh that termination was the mo.t
appropriate action."
Olivares declined to discuss
specifics involved in the
termination, emphasizing that
"personnel issues are confidential."
"On March 9, Mr. Alvarez was
placed on administrative leave with
pay," explained the administrator.
"The investigation was basically
completed by March I1' The final
decision was made on March 26 "
The Sheriff's Department is
continuing an intensive
investigation into the gunshot
murder of a young adult male
whose body was discovered north of
Escobares in the San Julian area on
Friday, April 16.
As of Monday morning, April
26, the identity and place of
residence of the victim had not been
determined.
Chief Deputy Rene Fuentes
indicated on Monday, April 26,
"We found a body in the San Julian
area just north of Escobares. The
body was found on April 16 in the
afternoon hours...The body was
found at 3:45 p.m. on April 16 by
a passerby."
"The victim was a male in his
late 20'.s or early 30's," stated
Fuentes. "He was of medium build.
medium complexion, and short,
black hair and brown eyes. He was
roughly 5 feet, 9 inches tall and
weighed roughly 200 pounds."
Fuentes declared, "He apparently
had been dead for two to three
days."
"The victim was wearing a black
Starter sports T-shirt and Nautica
blue jean shorts," noted the Chief
Deputy. "He was also wearing
Nautica white socks and brown
sandals."
Fuentes indicated, "The victim
had sustained one gunshot wound to
the back of the head. The bullet
entered through the back of the head
and exited through the
front...There's no firm indication
as to what kind of weapon was
used."
Fuentes stated, "His body was
found on Dockers Street in San
Julian on the side of the road. The
body was found in an open field.
That's not a heavily traveled road "
Fuentes emphasized, "We don't
believe where he was found was the
crime scene."
"The body was wrapped in two
blankets." explained the Chief
Deputy. "...The victim's arms were
tied behind his back with black
electrical cord."
Fuentes noted. "Preliminary
autopsy results indicated the victim
had been beaten in the facial area."
Fuentes stressed that the Sheriffs
Department is continuing its
investigation into the murder
Anyone with relevant information
is strongly encouraged t • contact
the Sheriff's Department at 487-
5571. All information provided will
remain confidential.
Starr cities show increases in
April 2004 sales tax rebates
On Friday, April 9, State
Comptroller Carole Keeton
Strayhorn delivered monthly sales
tax rebates to 1122 cities and 122
counties, with all three Starr
County cities recording increases
from the April 2003 sales tax
rebates.
The City of Rio Grande City's
April 2004 rebate check of
$184,511.56 is 13.69 percent
higher than the April 2003 rebate
check of $162,289.45. For the first
four months of 2004. Rio Grande
City has received $814,819.20 in
rebate checks, a decrease of 0.14
percent from the $815,972.46
received during the same reporting
period of 2003.
The City of Roma's April 2004
rebate check of $59,991.58 is 8.86
percent higher than the April 2003
rebate check of $55,104.71. Thus
Cantare Choir to
present Spring
Concert Friday
Members of the Cantare'
Community Youth Choir have been
busy with preparations for their
third annual Spring Concert The
musical event, " A Festival of
Song", will take place on Friday,
April 30lh at 7 00 in the evening at
the Francisco G "Paco" Zarate
Center for the Performing Arts in
Rio Grande City
Cantare' extends a cordial
invitation to the Starr County
communities Admission is free of
charge donations are welcome
far in 2004, Roma has received
$287,187.19 in rebate checks, an
increase of 2.24 percent from the
$280,879.68 received during the
same reporting period of 2003.
The City of Grulla received an
April 2004 rebate check of
$631.39, an increase of 4.25
percent from the Apr.. 2003 rebate
check of $605.61. For 2004 to date,
Grulla has received $3539.76 in
rebate checks, an increase of 24.40
percent from the $2845.34 received
during the same reporting period of
2003.
On April 9, Comptroller
Strayhorn delivered $215.6 million
in monthly sales tax payments to
1122 Texas cities and 122 counties,
a 10.8 percent increase compared to
the $194.6 million a! ocated in
April 2003.
April sales tax rebates include
local sales taxes collected in
February and reported to the
Comptroller in March. March state
sales tax revenue i.s also based
mainly on sales that occurred in
February.
The sales tax rebates included
$199.1 million to Texas cities,
11.2 percent higher than the April
2003 payments of $179.1 million.
For the 2004 calendar year to date,
city sales tax allocations are
running 8.7 percent higher than in
2003.
Texas counties received April
2004 sales tax rebates of $16.7
(See REBATES, Page 8)
Lady Rattlers make history
with undefeated season
By ROEL OLSON, JR.
The Lady Rattler fastpitch
Softball team completed the 2004
district season undefeated with a 10-
1 victory over Edinburg North on
Friday. April 23.
RGC entered the 5A ranks in
1987. The Rio girls are the first
varsity team in any sport to go
undefeated in district play.
Jessica Garcia picked up her 11th
win and allowed six Cougar
singles. The Lady Cougars
struggled with Garcia's fastball and
when they put the ball in play, the
Rattler defense smothered the ball.
For the second consecutive game
the pitchers were backed up by two
double plays.
Jenny Vasquez was the pitcher on
Tuesday against Edinburg
Economedes when the Rattlers
executed two twin-killings to back
her up.
Vanessa Villarreal and Jessica
Martinez led Rio in the hitting
department as they ripped two hits
apiece. Villarreal also had tw RBls
and scored once. Cecilia Ba/an had
two infield single-, and I. ills Mores
smashed a triple in the sixth. Pam
Alaniz, Monica Alvarez and Idanv
Bazan also picked up singles for
(See RATTLERS, Page 8i
Olivares declared, "An initial
inquiry began on March 4. A full-
fledged investigation began on
March 9...He was suspended on
March 9."
Olivares commented, "We
followed the procedures in our
Personnel Policy Manual in
conducting the investigation. The
investigation was a joint effort
between the Personnel Department
and myself."
In a March 26 memo to Klein,
Olivares stated, "We have faith in
you and your staff's abilities to
administer and operate the
department. Please let us know it
(Sec UTILITY, Page 8)
. a
3
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Ktt Iff
Rattler gridiron standouts honored at banquet
These Rio Grande City Rattler football players were honored for their 2003 performances at the R; C
City Quarterback Club's Annual Football Banquet recently Pictured ubove are Juan Hernandez. Hru \guilai.
Eric Soils. Mike O/.una, Luis Gonzalez, Juan Requenez. Carlos Garcia and P.ocl Garza Not pictured .s I uis
Garza. Former Rattler James Falcon was the featured speaker at the banquet (See related story inside
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Roberts, Kenneth. Rio Grande Herald (Rio Grande City, Tex.), Vol. 91, No. 18, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 29, 2004, newspaper, April 29, 2004; Edinburg, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth196266/m1/1/?q=%22%22~1: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Rio Grande City Public Library.