HARLINGEN — There’s a place for what once was treasure but now is trash.

The city of Harlingen is hosting Trash-Off Day today from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Harlingen Soccer Complex at 4515 E. Harrison Ave.

But there are some rules.

First, anyone who wants to drop off items must be a Harlingen resident and prove it by showing a current water bill and valid identification.

Second, no contractors are allowed; it’s residential only.

Third, trash must be delivered by car or truck and trailer only.

Suggested items for the trash pile are furniture, appliances (nothing with Freon, so no air-conditioners), tires (limit of four) and electronic devices.

What isn’t going to be accepted are hazardous waste, paint in liquid form, concrete, batteries, motor oil or brush and tree limbs.

Anyone with questions about what might or might not be accepted can call 956-216-5200 for advice.

HARLINGEN — Work crews will continue flood-mitigation efforts by removing vegetation along the Arroyo Colorado from Business 77 to FM 509, city officials say.

The second phase of the brush removal will clear 16 acres along approximately four miles of the river’s banks. The first phase, completed in February 2015, cleared 29 acres.

International Boundary and Water Commission crews are responding to a request from Harlingen officials to reduce water flow from other sources into the arroyo to diminish flooding.

By removing excess vegetation, city officials believe storm water runoff will move more efficiently into the arroyo without the backups that cause localized flooding.

“We are very pleased that the IBWC will improve our storm water drain capacity through the Arroyo Colorado by removing several acres of obstructive vegetation,” City Manager Dan Serna said in a statement.

During Rio Grande flood conditions, some of the floodwaters are diverted into interior floodway channels in Mexico and the United States, including the Arroyo Colorado.

A hydraulic analysis by the IBWC has shown that growth of dense vegetation and accumulation of sediment along the Arroyo Colorado have caused water surface elevations to be higher than in the past. Data have indicated that under current channel conditions, the Arroyo Colorado could only convey 45 percent of the floodwaters it was designed to handle.

Crews are clearing overgrown vegetation and removing obtrusive trees on both sides of the channel, but leaving a corridor for the protection and movement of ocelots and other wildlife.

The work along the arroyo will begin after bird nesting season is finished, officials said.

RAYMONDVILLE — Across the United States, more Americans are turning into farmers, tending backyard gardens to yield big, healthy bounties.

This month, Aisha Cruz-Reyes will help local residents learn how to turn their backyards into gardens sprouting “chemical-free” fruits and vegetables.

“What we really want to do is teach people how to grow their own so they have access to fresh vegetables that are chemical-free and affordable,” said Cruz-Reyes, project director at the Texas-Mexico Border Coalition in San Isidro.

On March 30, Cruz-Reyes will teach small-scale farming at 9:30 a.m. at the Reber Memorial Library.

Topics will include organic production and farming, soil health and pollinator gardens.

“We want to get information to some of the newer growers in WillacyCounty on how to start a small farm or improve what they have,” Cruz-Reyes said. “We’re going to highlight what you can do in a small space.”

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SAN BENITO —Educating the young has always been a key goal at La Posada Providencia.

Two groups of young students made it their mission during their Spring Break vacation to educate themselves with La Posada’s mission.

Last week, La Posada welcomed two groups composed of high school and college students that traveled many miles to learn about immigration and the shelter.

The first group was made up of high school students from San Francisco. They organized their long trip to South Texas to receive a first-hand experience on immigration.

Volunteer coordinator Adriana Garcia said this group was part of a border witness program.

“They came to South Texas to gain a better understanding of the immigration issues and social justice issues in the area,” she said. “What both groups and future groups will do is travel up and down the border visiting different areas.”

While here, Garcia said they will visit colonias, different shelters and other immigration facilities.

For the rest of this story and many other EXTRAS, go to our premium site, www.MyValleyStar.com.

Subscribe to it for only $6.99 per month or purchase a print subscription and receive the online version free, which includes an electronic version of the full newspaper and extra photo galleries, links and other information you can’t find anywhere else.

Poor Veterans. Vietnam Veterans were spat on and called “baby killers” when they returned. No one welcomed them home. They were neglected.

Now, the Veterans that return home from the Middle East are welcomed home. They are called heroes and they are. But, they are being exploited for their service.

Look at Wounded Warriors. Using Veterans to make a lot of money (over $1 billion) and they misuse it on organization executives.

If the Veterans Administration did their job right, there would be no need for neglect or exploitation of Veterans.

Thank you. Elia Grimes Harlingen

H-E-B is voluntarily recalling more than 10,000 cans of Hill Country Fare brand 5 oz. Chunk Light Tuna in Oil because it may have been undercooked.

The company says during a routine inspection it determined an equipment malfunction that could result in some of the tuna being contaminated and possibly life-threatening if eaten.

H-E-B says there have been no reports of any customers becoming ill and the recall is voluntary.

The recall includes:

Hill Country Fare Chunk Light Tuna in Oil

UPC code: 0 4122065335 5

product lot code 6O9FZ SCEES

Best By date (printed on the bottom of the can) is 2/9/19.

Customers can return any cans to the store for a full refund.

BY Amanda Sotelo

Texas State Technical College has recognized two Harlingen employees for their efforts in starting up a new campus almost 300 miles away in Fort Bend County.

“They’re perfect examples of what our Harlingen culture brings to our statewide organization and of how Harlingen is helping us lead this statewide college,” said Texas State Technical College’s Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Hoekstra.

Both Mary Castañon, director of instructional administration and Fort Bend County project manager; and Gisela Figueroa, associate vice chancellor for financial services were the proud recipients of the much coveted Challenge Coin.

The Challenge Coin is a tradition that started during TSTC’s 50th celebration last year and was initiated by Chancellor Mike Reeser as a way for TSTC’s senior leadership to recognize and reward employees who demonstrate an excellence in service and dedication to their duties.

“We wanted to recognize these two employees for their remarkable and continued contributions to statewide initiatives that are of high priority for us right now,” said Hoekstra.

Hoekstra said there are three major priorities this fiscal year for TSTC and one is the opening of the new campus in Fort Bend County. He said Castañon, who has been with TSTC for 12 years, has worked endlessly on this project with her team and felt it was time to recognize her for her tireless efforts.

“Mary is the tip of the spear for our Fort Bend project,” said Hoekstra. “I have received a lot of positive feedback from her colleagues regarding her management and leadership over this initiative.”

Castañon is distinguished for her professionalism, her work ethic and positive attitude. Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Planning Ray Fried has been working closely with Castañon and said she is doing an excellent job at managing the startup of the new Fort Bend campus.

“I appreciate her organization of all the subject matter constantly being presented to our experts,” said Fried. “She has the most effective time management I have witnessed and has set a new standard for effective and efficient use of time.”

Figueroa, who has worked with TSTC for 13 years, is Hoekstra’s team lead in the finance division. Hoekstra said there have recently been some major changes that are critical to TSTC’s success and Figueroa has been a constant, positive and persistent leader for her team, even while struggling though significant obstacles.

“We’ve really had to move fast to serve the changing organization in procurement and Gisela really inspired her team to move rapidly in response to the change,” said Hoekstra. “She’s very dedicated to our mission and what we need to get done. Her incredible attitude, loyalty and dedicated service to the college is invaluable.”

Both Castañon and Figueroa said they were surprised and humbled to be recognized for such a prestigious honor.

“I am honored to receive such an award and surprised nonetheless,” said Castañon. “When I was given the opportunity to work with on this project a year ago I did not hesitate, rather I asked how I could be of service for such a grand initiative. We have faced challenges, but I’m fortunate to work with great people at TSTC and am happy to see great strides we are making in opening our campus in Fall 2016.”

“When my name was called I was very surprised. I did not expect such an honor,” said Figueroa. “I got excited and could hardly believe all the nice things that were being said about my contributions to the college. I am humbled and this gives me more fuel to continue working hard for TSTC.”

For more information on TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus and the programs offered visit tstc.edu/campuses/fortbendco.

Registration for Summer and Fall 2016 semesters begins April 4. Apply or register online anytime at tstc.edu.

HARLINGEN – One faith based organization gave a helping hand to another with a healing touch.

Today the Harlingen’s Mayor Prayers Breakfast awarded the Culture of Life Ministries’ Medical ministry $2,000 to Dr. Stephen Robinson to help continue the endeavor of helping people in need of medical services.

The medical ministry is a free medical clinic at Loaves and Fishes in Harilngen. The office is open three days a week on Monday, Thursday and Friday.

The National Weather Service says we should prepare for a night of thunderstorms, high winds and the possibility of hail.

Forecasters say a combination of an area of low pressure along the Gulf of Mexico, a cold front and a stationary front will give us a threat of thunderstorms and severe weather overnight.

NWS Brownsville Lead Forecaster Tim Speece says the best chances for severe weather will begin at midnight and linger until 6 a.m.

“The possible threats from these storms will be wind gusts up to 60 mph, with some golf ball size hail possible, with some locally heavy rainfall being possible also,” Speece said in his daily weather forecast on Facebook.

He says the weather service may be issuing warnings later tonight.

Speece says the forecast for today calls for a clouds with temperatures in the mid 70s to mid 80s. There is a slight chance of rain.

HARLINGEN – There’s a place for what once was treasure but now is trash.

The City of Harlingen is hosting Trash-Off Day on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Harlingen Soccer Complex at 4515 E. Harrison Ave.

But there are some rules.

First, anyone who wants to drop off items must be a Harlingen resident and prove it by showing a current water bill and valid identification.

Second, no contractors are allowed, it’s residential only.

Third, trash must be delivered by car or truck and trailer only.

Suggested items for the trash pile are furniture, appliances (nothing with Freon, so no air-conditioners), tires (limit of four) and electronic devices.

What isn’t going to be accepted are hazardous waste, paint in liquid form, concrete, batteries, motor oil or brush and tree limbs.

Anyone with questions about what might or might not be accepted can call (956) 216-5200 for advice.