Area News

Mercedes ISD paid former Superintendent Benjamin Clinton $50,475 to resign following his DWI arrest in May according to a separation agreement the district released through an open records request last Friday.     A Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper arrested Clinton — who allegedly smelled of alcohol, was slurring his speech and had empty…

Due to fears related to any pain they may be experiencing, the unknown environment with strange sounds and unfamiliar faces and separation from family and friends, a hospital stay can result in stress and anxiety in children.   But this spooky season, South Texas Health System Children’s is teaming up with Spirit Halloween to help…

The Palmview City Council formally introduced Gene, a specially trained standard poodle, during its October 6 meeting, adding an animal-assisted support resource for first responders, city staff and community members.     Gene will provide emotional support and stress relief through trained therapeutic interactions, obedience, and stress-detection work designed to help officers, city employees and…

An independent evaluation of Sharyland ISD’s special education program revealed inconsistencies and contradictory practices among its campuses, highlighting a need for district-wide alignment. Stetson & Associates Inc. conducted their assessment in spring 2025 through parent and staff interviews, surveys, classroom observations, focus groups and data review. The consulting firm determined that Sharyland ISD needs to…

The Mission Lions Club will host a festive Halloween Mixer on October 29 from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at Balli’s El Patio Event Center, 1628 E Griffin Parkway, offering finger foods, drinks, prizes, and community fellowship as the chapter builds momentum toward its 100th anniversary next year. The mixer provides a friendly way for residents…

MCALLEN, TX—The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT)—the largest state community banking association in the nation—recently honored Lone Star National Bank (LSNB) in McAllen with four Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. It received a Best of Show Gold Eagle award for its “Starr County Volunteerism” community service entry, a Gold Eagle Award for its…

Edinburg, Texas: DHR Health Urologic Oncologist, Dr. David G. Alonzo, has successfully performed his 1,000th da Vinci robotic-assisted surgical procedure for the treatment of urologic cancers. This significant milestone highlights Alonzo’s extensive expertise in advanced, minimally invasive urological surgery and reinforces DHR Health’s commitment to providing cutting-edge cancer care to patients of the Rio Grande…

La Joya, TX – All eight middle schools in La Joya ISD have been selected to receive the prestigious GEAR UP Future Forward Grant, an initiative designed to prepare students for college and career success beginning in middle school.   The grant will provide academic support, college and career readiness programs, family engagement, mentorship, and…

Gumaro “Maro” Flores, Sullivan City’s founding mayor who died Monday at the age of 90, knew how to get things done — especially if they were things that would help a resident of the far southwestern corner of Hidalgo County that he called home.     A family member in jail? Flores would know someone…

The Mission school district may partner with the Hidalgo County Head Start Program to convert one of its elementary schools into a Head Start or early childhood academy campus.   A prospective academy would have 16 classrooms, about 36 staff members and a little over 500 students, 140 of whom may come from a neighboring…