Francisco E. Jimenez
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Past articles by Francisco:
Valley MPO to push for state funding for several projects
The Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization has big plans for the new state legislative session. Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, who serves as the RGV MPO’s chairperson, said that the organization’s three main priorities include the International Bridge Trade Corridor, the 365 Tollway, and a new access point from Edinburg to South Padre Island. “Number … → Read More
In midst of congressional turmoil, Valley reps prioritize pandemic recovery
Facing one of the most divided congressional bodies in recent memory, with an incoming Democratic administration expected to be challenged often by Republican leadership, congressmen representing the Rio Grande Valley will have their work cut out for them as they advocate for their respective legislative agendas. Regardless of Tuesday’s outcome of the Senate runoff elections … → Read More
Hidalgo County judge’s leadership tested during pandemic
When Richard F. Cortez took office as Hidalgo County judge in 2019, he had four goals in mind: win the public’s trust, be efficient and effective in running his government, reduce poverty, and bring investments to the area. Cortez felt good about where he was on that list. Perhaps one of the most important issues … → Read More
Early reaction to Spirit of Christmas campaign yields $18K for families
2020 has proven to be a tumultuous and unprecedented year, but it has not impeded the charitable efforts of many throughout the Rio Grande Valley who have helped make the Spirit of Christmas campaign a success in its second year partnership between The Monitor and United Way of South Texas. (Learn more about our Spirit … → Read More
San Juan’s new police chief embraces role as community servant
SAN JUAN — There’s a new chief in town. The city of San Juan announced Tuesday that Ruben Morin, who started his voluminous law enforcement career with the San Juan Police Department in 1993, as their new chief of police. “It was his professionalism, the integrity that the guy has, the fact that he has … → Read More
Pharr police receive training on mental health issues
PHARR — The Pharr Police Chief Andrew Harvey is taking steps to move his department towards the future of community policing. That was evident Thursday morning when the department put on a demonstration for media and other guests showcasing their new mental health task force, part of a weeklong mental health training session. “The training … → Read More
Monsignor Nicolau marks 60 years in priesthood
MISSION — Monsignor Juan Nicolau stood in the narthex of San Cristóbal Magallanes Catholic Church with his eyes closed Thursday. His words were filled with electricity, as though delivering a prayer, as he reminisced on his over half-century in the priesthood. Thursday was the first day of Late Advent, which marks the last days before … → Read More
Demand remaining high, RGV Food Bank now braces for shortages
The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley has seen its fair share of challenges throughout its existence in its efforts to feed the hungry, but few could have envisioned the steep hills it would have to climb in a year with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. “This year — and I’m sure I speak for everybody … → Read More
Hanukkah drive-in event slated Sunday in McAllen
Chabad RGV’s annual Hanukkah event will be a bit different this year, but the sentiment will be just as meaningful. Chabad RGV and the city of McAllen will be hosting a drive-in Hanukkah event at 4 p.m. Sunday. The event will feature the lighting of a menorah with McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, a showing of … → Read More
Rio Grande Valley families’ needs mount in 2020
The Spirit of Christmas campaign, a partnership between The Monitor and United Way of South Texas, is in its second year of getting families in need a little help for the holidays. But while several families have already been featured in the newspaper, there are still thousands in the Rio Grande Valley who could use … → Read More
STC culinary arts students hold bake sale for food pantry
McALLEN — The South Texas College Culinary Arts Department held a virtual bake sale this week, cooking up an idea to help raise funds for its student food pantry at its three campuses. The funds raised will be used to provide canned grocery items to combat food insecurity within the student body, but the sale … → Read More
Grateful for service, Chabad RGV gifts veterans with turkeys for Thanksgiving
McALLEN — For the Chabad Rio Grande Valley community, the Thanksgiving season is more than an opportunity to give thanks, but a chance to give. The urge to give is embedded in the fabric of the Chabad RGV community, whether it’s donating food and clothing to needy families, bringing toys to children in hospitals, cleaning … → Read More
Salvation Army implements drive-thru Red Kettle efforts
McALLEN — Bells will be ringing. The Salvation Army of McAllen kicked off its Red Kettle and Angel Tree campaigns on Friday morning. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has high aspirations for the 2020 holiday season as drive-thru efforts will be implemented. “This officially kicks off what we’re doing for our Christmas campaigns,” said … → Read More
Pharr breaks ground on new, state-of-the-art wellness facility
PHARR — The city of Pharr held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Wellness and Innovation Complex on Thursday. City and state officials gathered at the complex’s future location on 1121 E. Nolana Loop to break ground and celebrate the project that they hope will encourage healthier lifestyles among Pharr residents. “This project— we’re really … → Read More
San Juan cancels holiday event; plans drive-thru tree lighting instead
The city of San Juan held a news conference Wednesday to announce the cancellation of its annual Noche De Paz event. The city’s decision to cancel the annual Christmas festival came as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Basically I made that call with the coronavirus still spreading rapidly among the community and affecting our … → Read More
Mural honoring veterans in Edinburg source of pride, patriotism
There’s another source of pride and patriotism in the Rio Grande Valley to look upon, inspired by the service of local servicemen, and it’s hard to miss. The city of Edinburg unveiled a new mural on Veterans Day that’s dedicated to the city’s hometown heroes, and quite large. The mural, located at the Edinburg Fire … → Read More
Unable to gather, Feast of Sharing adapts amid COVID to feed thousands in RGV
The feast must go on. Although H-E-B’s Feast of Sharing has had to make changes to its annual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it doesn’t mean the effort to feed thousands in local communities won’t continue. Traditionally, the Texas grocery chain would provide hot meals to families throughout the state with in-person dinner events … → Read More
Pharr plans Veterans Day fireworks displays
COVID-19 has ravaged the country for the better part of 2020, but will not keep the city of Pharr from honoring those who have served on Veterans Day. The city announced that it will be hosting a fireworks show on Wednesday evening, and is taking precautionary measures to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy … → Read More
Pharr joins Valley cities in creating 9-1-1 district
Pharr city officials have given their stamp of approval on creating the Rio Grande Valley Regional 9-1-1 Emergency Communications District, becoming one of 27 municipalities across Hidalgo and Willacy counties that support its creation. The approval came during Pharr’s Nov. 2 city commission meeting. “As you all know, everybody pays 50 cents on their cellphones, … → Read More
Hidalgo County voters decide school board races
With 32 precincts remaining to be reported on Election Day, several school board races in Hidalgo County were decided Tuesday, according to unofficial results as of press time. With 70.83% of the precincts reporting, the Weslaco ISD school board races saw longtime Place 1 trustee Erasmo “Moe” Lopez trailing with 5,269 votes while his challenger … → Read More