ADVERTISEMENT 2
ADVERTISEMENT 3
Error: No articles to display
ADVERTISEMENT 1
ADVERTISEMENT 4
Velasquez agrees to terms with Housing Authority;
Inks two year deal w/ option to renew at $80,000
A.D. Ibarra
-El Centenario
The Eagle Pass Housing Authority and newly approved Executive Directress Mary Velasquez have agreed to terms on a two year contract with the option to renew. Preliminary figures on the new contract are said to be in the range of $80,000.00 per year to lead the EPHA for the next two years.
Any term within the contract can be modified and there is still a probationary period of 90 days as this is the norm in the personnel policy of the Housing Authority.
"I'm saddened to leave the city as I have worked here for over 22 years, seven as City Secretary," stated the new person in charge of the hundreds who reside within the housing projects across our fair city as she once did as a young girl growing up in Eagle Pass, "I really love my job. My biggest satisfaction was serving the public."
Mrs. Velasquez considers this new chapter of her career as "Progress in my life as I am a product of housing assistance," she added, "I look forward to building a team with my employees and providing as many services as I can to the tenants of the Housing Authority."
She said that she welcomes the opportunity of working hand in hand with the Board of Directors as well.
The Eagle Pass News Gram will miss Velasquez in City Hall as she has always been an exceptional resource, very approachable and dependable as well. We wish her the best in her new endeavor. Godspeed and good luck.
Maverick Eagle Ford Shale Economic Impact Forum
SRSU Rio Grande College sets stage for UTSA expert
A.D. Ibarra
-SRSU Conference Room
State Senator Carlos Uresti, his staff, State Representative Poncho Nevarez, Community leaders such as Mayor Ramsey English-Cantú, City Manager Gloria Barrientos, Raul Perez, Director of the Middle Rio Grande Development Council, Jose Ceballos of the Eagle Ford Consortium, Omar Garcia of the South Texas Energy & Economic Roundtable and Dr. Thomas Tunstall, Research Director for UTSA's Institute for Economic Development were all on hand to be briefed on the latest developments and future possibilities for business and industry in the area as a result of the Eagle Ford Shale project.
"Seventeen years ago we could only dream of being energy independent," stated Senator Uresti, "Texas Energy Industry's dream is coming closer and closer to reality. The United States will surpass Russia by the year 2015. Eagle Pass is also developing into a major player for hardware and equipment, Eagle Pass can serve as as a gateway into the Mexican petroleum industry."
The senators strides toward better roads in and around the Eagle Ford Shale Project are closer coming to fruition. In Cotulla alone, the Gardendale Railroad in LaSalle County is a great indicator as to the economic development in the area.
Pick up Thursday's edition of your Eagle Pass News Gram for much more on this highly informative and intriguing forum.
EPISD Teacher of the Month
The Eagle Pass Independent School District has partnered with local businesses throughout our city to highlight the Teacher of the Month program, which honors educators who have made a difference in our community. The program recognizes outstanding kindergarten, elementary, junior high, and high school teachers in Eagle Pass, Texas.
Mrs. Maria C. Ramirez, who teaches 1st grade at Rosita Valley Literacy Academy, is the “Teacher of the Month” for November 2013. Mrs. Ramirez is a very well rounded educator who is dedicated to her profession. In her fifth year of teaching, she has demonstrated reliability, dependability, resourcefulness and professionalism. Above all she continues to showcase a true love for her craft and the children she educates. It is for all these reasons that she is an outstanding EPISD Teacher.
A segment will appear on iVision throughout the month of November detailing with many more accomplishments of Mrs. Ramirez. This month Mrs. Ramirez will also appear on our community media, news publications and the EPISD website throughout November 2013.
A teacher will be selected each month through June 2014 for a total of nine (9) honorees. The “Teacher of the Month” will be chosen based on educational achievements in the classroom, community contributions and innovativeness of the program/techniques used by the teacher. The “Teacher of the Month” will receive a certificate of recognition and will be featured on iVision, local media news, news publications and radio broadcasting. Additionally, each “Teacher of the Month” will receive donations from local businesses.
This month we would like to thank our sponsors, HEB, Luby’s and Ancira Ford – Eagle Pass.
Dr. Hector de Jesús Ruiz to return to Eagle Pass November 19th
Staff
-Eagle Pass
The Eagle Pass Library Foundation will once again bring a known author to Eagle Pass. A previous author who also came to Eagle Pass was Hipolito Acosta writer of "Shadow Catcher" which the Starz T.V. Network purchased the television rights to the book for a "Made for TV" movie.
This time they are bringing one of our own, Dr. Hector Ruiz. Ruiz was born in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. As a teenager, he walked across the Mexico-United States border every day to attend a high school here in Eagle Pass, Texas from which he graduated as valedictorian in 1964, just three years after beginning to learn English. Ruiz earned a B.S. and M.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Texas in 1968 and 1970 respectively and a Ph.D. from Rice University in 1973.
Maverick County Detention Center
To receive prisoners from MCSO
A.D. Ibarra
-Commissioner's Court
In the regular meeting of the Maverick County Court of Commissioners, Sheriff Tom Schmerber and County Judge David Saucedo assured Commissioner's Court that very soon, the Tom Bowles Detention Center would be working hand-in-hand with the new Maverick County Detention Center as their 120+ prisoners housed there will be transferred to the newly acquired facility as soon as a report is turned over to county administration which could be as soon as this week.
In a telephone interview with Sheriff Tom Schmerber, the sheriff informed The News Gram of the fact that he has met with Rodriguez, whose Southwestern Capital Markets, Inc. serve as the financial advisors to the county. He said that he expects Judge Saucedo to be receiving said report soon as to facilitate the move which according Budget Director Mario Rodriguez is the best alternative to running the new center as well as continuing to maintain the existing Tom Bowles Detention Center which is becoming antiquated and which the US Marshals' office may favor sending prisoners (Which is the bottom line to the success of any detention facility) to a much more modern and better equipped Maverick County Detention Center.
Motions were made and approved to hire an assistant auditor in the auditor's office to assist in handling the newly acquired prison and the county has gone from 220 employees to 400 in one month with this, the newest endeavor which the county hopes will allow them to rise above the multi-million dollar deficit it finds itself in this fiscal year.
Another issue brought up at this meeting was the opening of bids by local law firms who wish to serve as the county's legal counsel.
A total of three law firms submitted their bids within the allocated time period: the Nevarez Law Firm, Langley & Banack and the Law Firm of Jad Harper.
Tale of two halves; Eagles overcome
halftime deficit, to defeat Mavericks 28-7
A.D. Ibarra
-Foster-Veteran's Memorial Stadium
In a tale of two halves the CC Winn Mavericks and the Eagle Pass Eagles turned in another on for the ages as the Mav defense came out firing on all cylinders to thwart every Eagle drive in the first half corralling Ty Chisum several times behind the line of scrimmage and intercepting two big pass plays as Carlos Cerezo went both ways for the Silver & Black stopping Eagle offensive possessions with two picks.
Pre-game activities included a moving tribute to our veterans on this their week as we prepare to celebrate Veteran's Day. State Representative Alfonso Nevarez added official pomp and circumstance to the occasion by presiding over the coin toss and Senator Carlos Uresti also presented a message at halftime to show his support in this big cross-town rivalry which boasted a 7,000+ crowd of eager onlookers as the stadium was packed to capacity.
EPISD earns a place on College Board AP District Honor Roll
TEA Commissioner of Education Michael Williams today noted that Eagle Pass Independent School District was one of 14 Texas school districts in United States and Canada being honored by the College Board with placement on its “4th Annual AP District Honor Roll.”
The Honor Roll recognizes districts for increasing access to AP course work while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP Exams.
Commissioner Williams went on to state, “These outcomes are a powerful testament to educators’ belief that a more diverse population of students is ready for the sort of rigor that will prepare them for success in college.”
The 4th Annual AP District Honor Roll is based on the examination of three years of AP data, from 2011 to 2013, for the following criteria. Districts must:
- Increase participation/access to AP by at least 4 percent in large districts, at least 6 percent in medium districts, and at least 11 percent in small districts;
- Increase or maintain the percentage of exams taken by African American, Hispanic/Latino, and American Indian/Alaska Native students, and;
- Improve performance levels when comparing the percentage of students in 2013 scoring a 3 or higher to those in 2011, unless the district has already attained a performance level at which more than 70 percent of its AP students are scoring a 3 or higher.
Congratulations to the students of this district and the seamless devotion of our teachers administration and staff.
A.D. Ibarra
-Plains Capital Bank
The coaches from Eagle Pass High School and CC Winn High School were treated to their annual luncheon by Plains Capital Bank in support of the athletic programs of both high schools. Even though the coaches radio prediction show is no longer aired, Mr. Samy Juve, Region President of Plains Capital Bank wanted to continue with the coaches luncheon a tradition at the bank. Coaches from both schools were treated to a luncheon catered by the Border Bistro. Mr. Juve extended his congratulations to both coaching staffs and wished them well in their game against each other.
Meager Local Voter Participation On Amendments
Even though early voting in Maverick County show a lack of concern for the Constitutional Amendments and with a historical low turnout of only 58 voters, November 5, is an important election day for Texas and Maverick County. All nine constitutional amendments on the Nov. 5 ballot are worthy of the support of Maverick County voters, but three in particular should encourage everyone to get to the polls on Election Day.
Proposition 6 on the Nov. 5 ballot would provide $2 billion from the Rainy Day Fund to the State Water Plan, creating a low-interest loan program to finance some 560 water supply projects on a revolving basis over the next 50 years. Proposition 6 is not a major step in securing water supply for Texas. Our legislators should not raid the Rainy Day Fund for favored projects; Education programs were not even considered.
Proposition 1 and Proposition 4 are designed to help veterans and their families; I strongly encourage our local voters to support these two.
Under current state law, veterans who are 100 percents disable due to their military service are exempt from paying property taxes; Proposition 1 would extend that exemption to the spouse of a soldier killed in battle.
Proposition 4 would provide a partial property tax exemption for home donated to disabled veterans by non-profit groups. The amount of the tax credit would equal the veteran’s disability. For example, a veteran who is 80 percent disable would get an 80 percent property tax break.
Supporting these two amendments is a great way to honor Texas veterans, make sure you vote on Election Day.
A.D. Ibarra
-293rd District Court
In a case which was followed closely by local media outlets as it wound its way thru the legal system has now raised serious questions about certain media outlets’ methods and motives and will likely cause many news reporting outlets to be cautious and verify their articles in order to report stories in an accurate manner. The Honorable Cynthia Muñiz, 293rd District Judge presided over the case of Gerardo "Jerry" Morales, Individually and D/B/A American Lenders Service Company of Eagle Pass vs. Daniel Ramos Individually and D/B/A Eagle Pass Daily News.
