Area News

The total of COVID-19 cases in Hidalgo County now stands at 188 after the county announced seven new cases Saturday. 33 of the 188 individuals have been hospitalized, six are in intensive care units and no no new individuals have been released from isolation, the release stated. “All the news cases and their family members have been…

An inmate at the Hidalgo County Detention Center tested positive for COVID-19, according to a Friday news release from the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office. The inmate, an unidentified male, was arrested last week on various charges which included assault family violence and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, the release stated. According to the release, the inmate was tested for…

In what the county is saying is as a grim reminder of how quickly the coronavirus pandemic may spread, an additional 35 people tested positive for COVID-19 Friday, Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez announced Friday. This represents the largest single day total since testing began as the total of COVID-19 cases in Hidalgo County now…

After their former chairman stepped down from the board, the La Joya Housing Authority is filling his spot on the board. Maria Filomena Leo, widow of former La Joya Mayor William “Billy” Leo, was appointed by current La Joya Mayor Isidro Casanova last month to serve on the housing authority board. “She has a lot…

Valley residents use their sewing skills to give back in a time of crisis When Maria Guadalupe De Leon saw a shortage of masks available to the public, she knew she had to do something. De Leon, along with several others in the Valley, has been spending her quarantine time sewing masks for anyone who…

Facing an increase in the amount of intake of animals from the public, the Palm Valley Animal Society announced they have waived all adoption fees until further notice. “We are seeing an increased intake from the public due to COVID-19 concerns and people losing their jobs,” Mike Bricker, PVAS director of operations said. “Because of…

A series spotlighting locally-owned restaurants adjusting to the pandemic For Michael and Christy Barrera, keeping the community fed is their top priority. Ranch House Burgers II, located at 409 N. Bryan Rd. in Mission, has been keeping busy as to-go and curbside orders come in. Their usual atmosphere, kept spirited with live entertainment, has had…

During a time of crisis, such as the current coronavirus pandemic that has brought the entire world to a standstill, yoga instructor Matthew Morales would like to remind his students to continue doing something vital in our everyday life: breathe. “It helps to get you out of your head which is where a lot of…

Weeks after surviving a fire in his enclosure, Spike, the National Butterfly Center’s resident tortoise, remains in the animal hospital in serious condition. Spike, the center’s 17-year-old African Spurred Tortoise, was injured after a fire in late March burned down his home. “His hay, bedding, house, tree, leaves, everything was in flames,” Marianna Treviño-Wright, executive…

La Joya ISD is working to ensure children continue to be fed. As the district extended school closures through May 4 in response to the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 in the area, their meal distribution came to a stop – for now. The La Joya Independent School District had to pause their Child…