The importance of she: Nour Kuri exhibition challenges viewers through sculptures

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August 25, 2024

Entering the “Elle” exhibition at the International Museum of Art & Science, a tall red sculpture, “Farolito,” a bronze with a flashy Ferrari red patina, provides a focal point to the many smaller sculptures occupying the surrounding space. Mexico City artist Nour Kuri’s body of work examines the various personal connections everyone has to a woman, be it their mother, grand-mother, sister, cousin, friend or significant other. Everyone has a special woman in their life.

The recurrent theme in Nour’s work is capturing moments of life, love, family, and community. It is a celebration of relationships and moments of empathetic impact within those moments.

Centering the exhibition, “Farolito” summarizes Kuri’s exhibition philosophy with the phrase, “Farolito, Our way…Your light!.” It declares woman as a beacon or lantern that illuminates everyone’s life.

In this collection the connections, perceptions, and emotions held for the the women in our lives are expressed through cast bronze, marble, wood, terra cotta, and glass. Kuri’s concept reflects a strong feminine mystique; a wall statement expresses one of the repeated feminist dichotomies behind her exhibition, particularly the sculpture “En Familia”:

“It’s me, It’s you,

Woman, daughter, sister, friend, mother, grandmother, partner …

She is … Fragile and Strong, Feminine and Safe,

Tender and Demanding.”

Where Kuri’s inspirations are fluid and moving, the bronze images express static and impenetrable weight. ‘Bandolier” searches for a dream, looks forward and enjoys the present, but the visual weight of the piece seems to restrict the inner movement.

The choice of artistic stylization in combination with her message of deeply humanistic dimensions creates a tension in these sculptures. Her stylization has historically been related to dehumanization, but she achieves relatively cohesive solutions through the positioning of the figures, the tilting of the head, a solitary pose, or the melding of figures into each other — both figuratively and virtually. “Foto” is a witty take on a concept by converting a group photograph into an image of connected relationships.

‘Foto’
by Nour Kuri
Bronze, 2010
(Courtesy: Nancy Moyer)

The push-pull dynamic in these works also explores how we experience our cherished relationships; how do we separate them from the hectic outside world? Throughout this exhibit the positive side of humanity reigns. Her ‘Dama de Sombrero” reminds us to allow an instant to forget the world outside by relaxing and putting on the symbolic hat “that assumes a time of ours in peace.”

Additional wall statements reinforce the contradictions that are found within the benevolent concept of the artist’s universal “She.” Many of the work’s titles include lyric and poetic thoughts expressing the artist’s feelings during its creation. Kuri describes these sculptures as “moments of herself,” a life in the process of being lived, and she freezes those moments forever.

“Entre Nubes” addresses a moment of romantic love, when it seems we are not touching the floor; we are among the clouds. Here, two figures blur into each other with their legs becoming a song of swirling amorphic shapes.

Commenting on her show, Kuri stated, “Expressing the female relationship has been something fluid from my soul, and not even my intention, but empathetic. I have been working, and I will, for myself. The surprise has been the empathy with the people and that has been something very nice.”

Nour Kuri’s ‘Ella’

WHERE: International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 Nolana Ave., McAllen

WHEN: Through Jan. 12, 2025

HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday

INFORMATION: (956) 681-2800 or theimasonline.org

‘Abrazaditos’ (Hugs)
by Nour Kuri
Bronze, 2012
(Courtesy: Nancy Moyer)

‘Doña’
by Nour Kuri
Bronze, 2011
(Courtesy: Nancy Moyer)

‘Entre Nubes’ (Among the Clouds)
by Nour Kuri
Bronze, 2010
(Courtesy: Nancy Moyer)

‘No duermo, pienso’ (I don’t sleep, I think)
by Nour Kuri
Bronze, Farrari Red patina, 2010
(Courtesy: Nancy Moyer)

Nancy Moyer, Professor Emerita of Art, is an art critic for The Monitor. She may be reached at [email protected].

Lavender: Not just a pretty flower

By

Barbara Storz

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August 25, 2024

Lavender fields at Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop in Minnesota. (Jessica Fleming / Pioneer Press)

Most of us are familiar with the scent of lavender. It is used in cakes and cookies, and commonly found in room sprays, perfume, floor cleaner and bath soap, to name a few uses. After all, its name comes from the Latin verb lavare, meaning to bathe. But there is so much more to this garden shrub!

Interest in growing lavender for commercial production in the United States began in the late 1990’s when several studies showed promise in lavender’s ability to reduce stress, calm nerves, and lift moods. Studies showed that Lavender used in aromatherapy or consumed as tea (consumed twice daily) can be effective in reducing stress and depression.

Another study showed that lavender could also reduce restless leg syndrome.

It has been shown to relieve pain associated with headaches, carpel tunnel, lower back pain, arthritis and pain post-surgery. Lavender is also a strong antimicrobial that may help prevent certain diseases, especially some bacterial or fungal diseases.

In a study published in 2023, a 2% lavender oil concentration improved psoriasis by 64% with no skin irritation. And, at a 10% concentration, 73.67% improvement in psoriasis was achieved, but with a slight skin irritation.

Lavender essential oil should never be consumed or placed directly on the skin. Carrier oils, like olive oil or coconut oil with a few drops of essential oil are used instead. A review of 20 research studies showed lavender oil increased wound healing, promoted the growth of collagen, and boosted the tissue remodeling process of the skin. Thus, lavender certainly shows promise to be very useful in medicinal areas along with its uses in the cosmetic and culinary industries.

Lavender is native to the mountainous areas of countries surrounding the Mediterranean region. It has been adapting to its native regions for thousands of years. This may contribute to the reason it is so picky about garden placement in the United States.

If you would like to grow lavender, the plants are available here in mid to late September or early October. Choosing the right variety is important in growing lavender. Although English lavender, Lavendula augustifolia, is hardy in parts of the country, it will not survive our heat. Instead try Spanish lavender, Lavandula stoechas, or a cross between the English and Portuguese lavender, Lavandula x intermedia, commonly called “Provence.” This last one is a Lavandin, a cross between two true varieties of lavender.

Use raised beds or containers with good drainage and mix pea gravel with a quality potting mix without any fertilizer. The roots cannot take standing water. And be sure it is in full sun. After the first year, you can very lightly trim the plant to shape it, but never give it a hard pruning. Flowers can be deadheaded. Place it in a pot large enough to give it plenty of air space and, hopefully, keep it happy for several years. It is similar to rosemary in its demands.

Lavender buds for making tea will be available Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Farmers Market in McAllen’s Firemen’s Park, located at 201 N. 1st St., just off Business 83, next to Town Lake. This market is under a large, covered area and their summer hours are 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Barbara Storz is a local horticulturist who writes about plants that can grow in the Rio Grande Valley. You can find her on Facebook.

PSJA North starts season as No. 1 team in RGV

By

Bryan Ramos

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August 25, 2024

ALC_0947 Large — PSJA North at RGVSports.com Lower Valley Media Day on July 31, 2024 at Harlingen South High School. Photo by Andrew Cordero - Special to RGVSports.com.

PHARR — No team in the Rio Grande Valley has won more games over the last three seasons than PSJA North and its 35 victories.

The Raiders haven’t lost a regular season contest since Nov. 4, 2021, and while that streak may end, PSJA North is far from falling off despite graduating a strong senior class.

The Raiders return some of the RGV’s top players on both sides of the ball to start the 2024 season as the RGVSports.com No. 1 team at the 5A/6A level.

PSJA North running back Ethan Guerra (21) carries the ball against La Joya Palmview in District 15-5A DI game at PJSA Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, in Pharr. (Joel Martinez | [email protected])

PSJA North finished last season with a 12-1 record and fell short of its goal of reaching the state semifinals and state championship game after losing in the regional semifinals against Brownsville Veterans by a score of 45-28. The Raiders’ season ended with a sour taste in their mouth as Brownsville Veterans charged on to the state semifinals, the Valley’s first team to do so in 20 years.

That motivated PSJA North’s returning group to get back to work in the offseason with hopes of putting together another deep playoff run in 2024.

“We’ve been working all summer and we have some guys back. We’re still a force to be reckoned with and I don’t think anybody should sleep on us,” senior offensive lineman Jordan Brewster said.

Offensively, PSJA North brings back five starters spearheaded by junior running back Ethan Guerra and the senior Brewster.

PSJA North junior running back Ethan Guerra and senior offensive lineman Jordan Brewster. Photo by Andrew Cordero – Special to RGVSports.com.

The 6-foot, 4-inch Brewster cooked up 91 pancake blocks and graded 95% or better in every game last season. He’ll slide from right tackle to center this season to lead the middle of the PSJA North O-line alongside senior Matthew Pompa.

That bodes well for the Raiders’ all-purpose back Guerra, who has 4.6 speed and the ability to do damage on the ground and through the air. He finished with 1,572 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on 153 carries last season, while also catching 13 passes for 374 yards and three touchdowns.

“The only way we got here was through hard work and thanks to the teammates I’ve had,” Guerra said. “It’s the same expectation as every year and I think we’ll be good.”

Junior Daren Garcia is taking over starting quarterback duties after playing sparingly the last two seasons late in fourth quarters with PSJA North up big. He made the most of his opportunities, however, completing 15-of-25 passes for 252 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Senior athlete Diego Aparicio (236 rushing yards, two touchdowns) will also be leaned on as a Swiss Army Knife in different positions in PSJA North’s multiple pro style offense.

PSJA North senior athlete Diego Aparicio and junior quarterback Daren Garcia. Photo by Andrew Cordero – Special to RGVSports.com.

PSJA North’s “Blackshirt Defense” has been the RGV’s top defensive unit during their run and this year’s group shouldn’t be far off thanks to key returners in several positions.

Senior four-year starters Steven Garza and Jesse Montez star as the linebackers in the Raiders’ 4-2-5 scheme and play with their hair on fire. They’re fast, physical and can blow up plays in the running and passing game. Garza posted 109 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss and two sacks in 2023, while Montez recorded a team-high 114 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss and one interception.

The Raiders also have experience in the secondary with junior defensive backs Ethan Montemayor (72 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks) and Bryan Guerrero (56 total tackles, one interception) and seniors Devante Espinosa (25 total tackles, one interception) and Raul Isasi, who also starts at kicker. The top task for the Raiders defense will be filling holes on its defensive line to play next to senior Alejandro Villarreal.

PSJA North senior linebacker Steven Garza and junior defensive back Ethan Montemayor. Photo by Andrew Cordero – Special to RGVSports.com.

“We play at 110% and we don’t give up,” Garza said of the Raiders’ defense. “We’re looking forward to having a better season than last season.”

PSJA North will be pushed in district play this year as they join the new look 15-5A DI which features nine teams, seven of which qualified for the postseason in 2023. The Raiders will lock horns with Coastal Bend powers Corpus Christi Flour Bluff and Corpus Christi Veterans in district, while also battling against hard-nosed RGV teams in Harlingen South, PSJA Memorial, Weslaco East, Donna High, Donna North and Brownsville Rivera.

The Raiders will have to fight for a playoff spot but possess the tools to finish as a top four team in 15-5A DI while also chasing a third consecutive district title.

“It’s a tough task but I think we have the capability to keep it up,” Brewster said.

PSJA North opens the regular season with a marquee matchup against San Benito at 7 p.m. Friday at Bobby Morrow Stadium in San Benito. The Raiders then face rival PSJA High in the Tri-City Classic in Week 2 before kicking off District 15-5A DI action against Donna North in Week 3.

[email protected]

TSTC Vocational Nursing student’s hands-on experience at school and the job prepares her for workforce

By

Special to MyRGV.com

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August 25, 2024

2R7A8319 — Arlene Vargas, a TSTC Vocational Nursing student, uses a stethoscope to listen to the lung sounds on a medical manikin during a recent lab session. (Courtesy: Texas State Technical College/TSTC)

HARLINGEN — Arlene Vargas knew that she wanted to pursue a career in the dental field after her own personal experience.

“I visited Harlingen Family Dentistry for monthly follow ups because I used to wear braces,” Vargas said. “I really liked how the team of dental professionals interacted with me. I asked what their job entailed. I liked what they explained to me, and I felt that I could do that job.”

However, her career outlook changed when she did not get accepted in the Dental Hygiene program at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus.

“My stepfather, David Salas, is a Vocational Nursing instructor at TSTC, and he suggested that I try to study nursing at the college,” Vargas said.

Before enrolling, Vargas applied for a job at an area hospital to learn if she would enjoy a career in nursing.

After working at Harlingen Medical Center as a part-time nursing assistant in 2022, Vargas chose to enroll in TSTC’s Vocational Nursing program, where she will start her third semester in the fall.

“I give patients a bath, feed them and other duties,” she said of her hospital assignments.

Noemi Cortez-Duran is a clinical supervisor at Harlingen Medical Center.

“Arlene’s bedside manner is exemplified through the compassion she emulates by developing a rapport with her patients,” Duran said. “She’s impacted our team by being a role model through her perseverance.”

The San Benito resident said that her job has inspired her.

“It makes me happy to see a patient’s health improve when you do everything you can for them,” she said.

Tomas Perez is one of Vargas’ Vocational Nursing program instructors.

“When Arlene first started the program, she was shy,” Perez said. “Now she is a vocal and inquisitive nurse. She’s demonstrated confidence during clinicals. That’s a quality that we emphasize for our students to develop when working with patients.”

Arlene Vargas, a TSTC Vocational Nursing student, uses a stethoscope to listen to the lung sounds on a medical manikin during a recent lab session. (Courtesy: Texas State Technical College/TSTC)

Vargas, who earned an Associate of Science degree in Biology from TSTC in 2022, said the Vocational Nursing program has prepared her for success

“Although the program is challenging, our instructors are great at motivating us,” she said. “Every student works together to make sure that we all succeed.”

In Texas, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earn an average annual salary of $57,010, according to onetonline.org, which forecast the number of such positions to grow in the state by 17% from 2020 to 2030.

TSTC offers a Vocational Nursing certificate of completion at its Breckenridge, Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses. An Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing is offered at its Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses.

Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Alleged getaway driver in Alamo McDonald’s fatal shooting was dating victim

By

Mark Reagan

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August 24, 2024

Probable cause affidavits for the arrests of two suspects in the Alamo McDonald’s parking lot killing on Tuesday indicate the victim was threatened with murder or a beating prior to a fatal meeting there.

Those documents identify the victim as Raul Cantu Jr.

He was shot and killed at approximately 11:47 p.m. that day at the eatery at 1018 W. Frontage Road.

Alamo police thus far have arrested three people: Jose Alberto Jimenez Jr., a 26-year-old resident of Pasadena, Texas, 23-year-old McAllen resident Alberto Angel Medina and 44-year-old Alamo resident Christina Louise Montemayor. All three remained jailed in the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center.

Meanwhile, Alamo police announced Friday afternoon that they are seeking a fourth suspect in the case who they say should be considered armed and dangerous.

Carlos Alfredo Rivera Jasso, 31, is sought on an active murder warrant.

Police said he stands 5 feet, 7 inches tall and has black hair. He has multiple tattoos, including a skeleton hand tattooed on his right hand.

Investigators also said he is an active Tri-City Bomber gang member.

Police spokesman Jacob Garcia has said previously that investigators believe the shooting is gang and drug related.

When authorities arrived at the McDonald’s that night they found Cantu dead with multiple gunshot wounds.

“During the review of the McDonald’s camera footage, Investigators observed Raul Cantu Jr. walk through the parking lot towards frontage road where he made contact with two male subjects,” the affidavit stated. “Investigators observed Raul Cantu Jr. interact with the subjects on what appeared to be a transaction.”

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Then a man — Jimenez — arrives in a blue Ford Fusion.

“One of the male subjects later identified as ‘Los’ struck Raul with both his hands, while the second subject punched Raul Cantu Jr. with his left hand and pushed Raul Cantu Jr.,” the affidavit stated.

That’s when Medina pulled out a black handgun from his waistband and shot Cantu twice in his upper torso, according to the affidavit.

That document says that’s when the men were seen leaving in a brown 2013 Chrysler 200, which investigators learned was driven by Montemayor — Cantu’s girlfriend.

Alamo investigators were familiar with Montemayor from “previous encounters” so they called her and asked her to come to the police department to provide a statement.

She complied and initially told investigators she went to McDonald’s to get food for her kids, according to the affidavit.

However, she recanted and said she went there because “Los” was going to give Cantu $100.

She also told police she picked up “Los” and Medina at 1301 19 ½ St. in McAllen and drove them to the McDonald’s to meet with Cantu.

She also claimed to not know the men, according to the affidavit. However, after the shooting she drove “Los” to the Motel 6 located at 700 W. Expressway 83.

“The defendant stated she heard shots being fired but did not see what happened,” the affidavit stated.

Meanwhile, investigators responded to that address — which was the scene of a homicide in July in McAllen — and arrested Medina.

Garcia, the police spokesman, previously said a murder occurred at the residence and The Monitor confirmed through affidavits that the murder he is referring to occurred on July 18.

In that case, McAllen police have charged Carmen Lizeth Valdez, 31, of McAllen, and 30-year-old Donna resident Nathan Antonio Germain for the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Donna resident David Martinez. Both Valdez and Germain remain held in the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center.

It isn’t immediately clear whether the Alamo and McAllen cases have anything to do with each other.

And Medina — who was arrested at that McAllen residence — declined to provide investigators with a statement.

Panera Bread to open first RGV locations in Edinburg, McAllen

By

Erika De Los Reyes

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August 24, 2024

panera-02 — Panera Bread preparing to open in Edinburg on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024. (Courtesy: City of Edinburg)

The Rio Grande Valley is officially getting its first ever Panera Bread locations this coming fall.

“We could not be more excited to open the first Panera Bread restaurants in the Rio Grande Valley,” Will Collins, CEO of Merit Commercial Real Estate, said in a news release. “As the largest retail landlord and developer in the Rio Grande Valley we invest significant time recruiting top-tier restaurants and retailers. Panera Bread has been at the top of our list for the past five years.”

One of the new restaurants will be located at 2800 W. Expressway 83 in McAllen while the other will open at 201 E. Trenton Road in Edinburg.

The Edinburg location is scheduled to open in October while the McAllen location, which will be located near the Dave and Buster’s, is expected to open in November.

A sign promotes the opening of Panera Bread in Edinburg on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024. (Courtesy of the city of Edinburg)

Each location of the popular bakery-cafe restaurant will measure 3,800 square feet and will also include drive-thru lanes.

For Rebecca Olaguibel, director of retail recruitment and retention for the city of McAllen, the addition of Panera Bread only adds to the city’s “vibrant dining scene.”

“This aligns perfectly with our city’s growth and commitment to quality-of-life amenities for our residents and visitors,” Olaguibel said in the release. “Congratulations to Merit Commercial Real Estate for adding Panera Bread to their tenant lineup and further establishing McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley as a premier destination for business, investment and commerce.”

Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. shared similar sentiments adding that the addition of Panera Bread emphasizes the Valley’s growth.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Edinburg residents to enjoy a restaurant we haven’t seen in the Rio Grande Valley before,” Garza said in the release. “Our list of retailers continues to expand, reflecting Edinburg’s growing appeal for business investment. Panera Bread is a testament to the success we’re seeing in attracting new businesses to our city.”

According to a news release from the city of Edinburg, the new location will create 40 full-time jobs with a capital investment of $5.9 million.

Photo Gallery: Botello, Pioneer capture Mission tourney title

By

Delcia Lopez

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August 24, 2024

Sharyland Pioneer’s Hailey Botello punches a ball at the net during their championship match against McAllen Memorial at Mission Veterans Memorial gymnasium Saturday Aug.24, 2024 in Mission. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])

Sharyland Pioneer’s Scarlet Verjel, left, and Ava Saenz, right, celebrate a point against McAllen Memorial during their championship match against McAllen Memorial at Mission Veterans Memorial gymnasium Saturday Aug.24, 2024 in Mission. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])

Sharyland Pioneer’s Itzel Hernandez steps up to spike the ball against McAllen Memorial’s Karly Bazan, left, and Natalia Rangel, right, during their championship match against McAllen Memorial at Mission Veterans Memorial gymnasium Saturday Aug.24, 2024 in Mission. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])

Sharyland Pioneer’s Hailey Botello, right, hits a ball past McAllen Memorial’s Danara Cardenas, left, during their championship match against McAllen Memorial at Mission Veterans Memorial gymnasium Saturday Aug.24, 2024 in Mission. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])

McAllen Memorial’s Danara Cardenas gets a ball past Sharyland Pioneer’s Itzel Hernandez, left, and Izabella Cano, right, during their championship game at Mission Veterans Memorial gymnasium Saturday Aug.24, 2024 in Mission. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])

Sharyland Pioneer’s Ava Saenz hits over McAllen Memorial’s Karly Bazan during their championship game at Mission Veterans Memorial gymnasium Saturday Aug.24, 2024 in Mission. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])

McAllen Memorial’s Danara Cardenas steps up to spike the ball against Sharyland Pioneer’s Scarlet Verjel during their championship match at Mission Veterans Memorial gymnasium Saturday Aug.24, 2024 in Mission. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])

Sharyland Pioneer’s Ava Saenz, left, and Scarlet Verjel, right, block a shot at the net against McAllen Memorial during their championship match at Mission Veterans Memorial gymnasium Saturday Aug.24, 2024 in Mission. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])

Sharyland Pioneer’s Itzel Hernandez, left, and Elle Hill , right, defend at the net against McAllen Memorial’s McAllen Memorial’s Danara Cardenas during their championship match at Mission Veterans Memorial gymnasium Saturday Aug.24, 2024 in Mission. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])

Sharyland Pioneer’s Itzel Hernandez slaps the ball against McAllen Memorial’s Ana Flores during their championship match at Mission Veterans Memorial gymnasium Saturday Aug.24, 2024 in Mission. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])

Editorial: Hosts, adults should know they have a responsibility for minors’, guests’ safety

By

AIM Media Texas Editorial Board

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August 24, 2024

082424.ROWE_MEMORIAL.jm.011 — Roses are held during memorial service for Kevin Uriel Martinez and Adan De La Cruz at Nikki Rowe High School on Friday, Aug. 24, 2024, in McAllen. (Joel Martinez | [email protected])

The death of a McAllen Rowe student should remind us all that people who host parties and other events should do what they can to ensure the safety of their guests, and that adults particularly need to supervise the activities of people who are under the legal age of responsibility.

Adan De La Cruz, a senior at the school and three-year letterman on the football team, was injured Sunday afternoon at a private party. His death was reported Wednesday.

We offer our deepest condolences to his family and all those involved.

Full details of the accident haven’t been released, but video has been posted to at least one social media platform. It appears that De La Cruz was on the roof of a gazebo and might have been planning to jump from there into a backyard pool when he fell and struck his head on the ground.

Such a tragedy is terrible for everyone who hosted or attended the party. But legal, and criminal, issues can compound the matter for some of those involved.

Three people, two of them who like De La Cruz are under the legal drinking age, have been charged with providing alcohol to a minor. The death could aggravate the charges or lead to new ones.

Police reports indicate that people who attended the party paid a fee. It’s a common practice that helps hosts pay for food, drinks and sometimes entertainment and other expenses. Once allowed entrance the guests reportedly had free access to food and drinks there, including alcohol. Those facing charges allegedly planned the party or collected the money.

Hosts at many such parties like to give their guests free rein, and trust them to take care of themselves. Alcohol consumption, however, can affect a person’s ability to act responsibility and hosts should take responsibility for their guests’ safety, especially when they drink alcohol.

That accountability can be more important with regard to minors. Legal age limits are set for many activities, including alcohol consumption, for people who are deemed too young to reliably make the best decisions. Thus, hosts could be held liable if they knowingly or negligently provide alcohol to someone who already is intoxicated is or under the legal age.

Fortunately, most gatherings of this kind go on without incident. Everybody gets home safely and no one gets hurt. Tragic accidents such as this incident are rare, but enough Rio Grande Valley residents have been arrested for driving under the influence or involved in accidents on their way home from parties to rank this area among the state’s worst in those categories.

Regardless of how well people know or how much they trust people they host at their homes or festive events, they should monitor the conditions of the people and environment, and do what they can to restrict underage guests’ access to alcohol, and encourage others to stop drinking or avoid driving if they begin showing signs of impairment.

Let us let De La Cruz’s tragic death build a legacy of a new commitment from people who host, and even those who attend, such gatherings to take more responsibility for the welfare of our family, friends and fellow guests — not solely because of any legal liability, but also because we care about each other.

Edinburg man pleads guilty to kidnapping-turned-murder

By

Mark Reagan

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August 24, 2024

PREVIEW-Jorge Arredondo — Jorge Arredondo

A 23-year-old Edinburg man has admitted to his role in the kidnapping and murder of a 37-year-old man in March 2022.

Jorge Arredondo pleaded guilty on Friday.

He was charged with capital murder for the March 25, 2022 killing of 37-year-old Teodoro Martinez.

On Monday, Arredondo was sentenced to 40 years in prison with credit for time served on a lesser charge of murder. He had been facing a capital murder charge.

Also charged in the case are Nallely Ruby Belmares, 29, Josias Hernandez, 21, and Juan Duenes, 21, all of Edinburg.

They are charged with capital murder and have pleaded not guilty.

The investigation began when Martinez’s body was found in a burning car at approximately 12:23 a.m. near Val Verde and Mile 22 ½ Road in rural Edinburg.

The burning vehicle — a red GMC Envoy — was traced to its last owners, who told investigators they traded the vehicle to a woman who was with a man who said they were “going to make the vehicle disappear.”

From left, Nallely Ruby Belmares, Josias Hernandez and Juan Duenes during their arraignment on capital murder at the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Facility on Thursday, April 7, 2022, in Edinburg. (Joel Martinez | [email protected])

Authorities have said previously that Martinez was kidnapped prior to his body being discovered.

Arredondo’s phone records revealed that he was involved in the trade and investigators found video of Arredondo driving by Martinez’s residence and pointing it out to an unknown person.

The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office said previously that three masked and armed men helped Arredondo in the kidnapping.

Martinez died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Belmares, Hernandez and Duenes are all scheduled for pre-trial hearings in September.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with new information.

Staff writer Xavier Alvarez contributed to this report.

Harlingen man caught with 196 pounds of meth at Progreso port

By

Staff Report

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August 24, 2024

112310.NUEVO_PROGRESO.006 — Few vehicles enter the bridge checkpoint on into Mexico at the Progreso International Bridge in this Nov. 23, 2010, file photo. (Monitor Photo)

A Harlingen man is facing federal charges after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Progreso port of entry found a little more than 196 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in the roof of the Jeep he was driving.

CBP officers encountered Gilberto Lucio on Thursday when he arrived at the bridge in a black Jeep Patriot where he was referred for a secondary inspection.

“Further inspection of the Jeep Patriot by (CBP officers) revealed multiple bundles containing a white crystal substance concealed in the roof of the vehicle,” a criminal complaint states.

CBP officers extracted a total of 108 bundles from the vehicle’s roof.

“During an interview, Lucio waived his Miranda Rights and made statements admitting to the knowledge he was transporting illegal narcotics from Mexico into the United States,” the complaint stated. “Further, Lucio admitted to transporting the narcotics for financial gain.”

Lucio made a first appearance Friday in Brownsville federal court in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Ignacio Torteya III, who ordered him held without bond pending further proceedings, court records show.