Raymondville Chronicle

2008 was a tough year for county

By Paul Whitworth — 12/31/2008

Many local residents will be glad to see the end of the year 2008. It has been a year in which our financial fortunes have taken a decided turn for the worse. We suffered minor damages from a hurricane and our cotton crop was pretty much ruined by bad weather.

EARLY MORNING FIRE CLAIMS LIFE OF LOCAL MAN

12/31/2008

Ramiro Reyna, 53, was burned to death early Tuesday morning when a fire broke out at his home at 783 W. Main Street, in Raymondville. Fire Chief Frank Torres said the EMS received a telephone call at 4:10 a.m. and reached the scene a few minutes later only to find it totally engulfed in flames.

RISD awards $13.8 million middle school contract

By Paul Whitworth — 12/31/2008

Raymondville ISD board president John Solis said Tuesday that a $13.8 million contract has been awarded for the construction of a new 2- story Myra Green Middle School. Peterson Construction Company of McAllen and Corpus Christi was the successful bidder, Solis said.

"What is your New Year's Resolution?"

12/31/2008

"Don't sweat the small stuff and to laugh so hard that my side hurts at least once a day." - Kayla White

Chronicle to begin charging for obituaries & social news

12/31/2008

With great reluctance we are forced to change our policies and to begin charging for things that the daily newspapers have charged for over many years. This change in our policy has been made necessary because of the poor economy and declining business conditions.

Top baby names of 2008

12/31/2008

The top 100 names for 2008 are in! Big news this year: Aidan is at the top of the list for boys for the second year in a row, while Isabella skyrockets to #1 for the first time ever. Top 10 Girl Names of 2008 1. Isabella 2.

New Year's Resolutions for drivers

12/31/2008

Meriden CT - At this time of year, everyone hopes to close the book on bad habits and resolve to do better. Experts agree that many people break their New Year's resolutions because they set unrealistic goals for themselves.

CRASH ON BROADWAY AVE. AND BUS. 77 AGAIN!!

12/31/2008

In Lyford on Monday morning there was a car that was run over by a 18 wheeler truck (rig). The 18 wheeler truck was going to Santa Rosa from Raymondville and failed to make the stop, the driver said, " It's been awhile since I passed through here and I didn't see any warning of a new stop sign along the road.

UNSIGHTLY PROBLEM

12/31/2008

Roadside littering down 1st St. near FM 1762 continues to be an eyesore and raises questions on health concerns. A resident described the temporary dumping grounds as the worst it's been in years.

Willacy elected officials to be sworn in Thursday

12/31/2008

Barring any last minute changes newly elected county officials will be sworn in and take their oaths of office at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2009, according to Sheriff Larry Spence. Judge Migdalia Lopez will come from Brownsville to conduct the ceremony, Spence said.

Load bearer - Coach Steve Cantu (Bearkat Varsity Hoops)

by Tom Cantu — 12/31/2008

The Raymondville Bearkats are now well into the basketball season. Athletic Director Alex Leal has pinned his 2008-2009 hoop-hopes on Coach Steve Cantu to bear-the-load this hoops season. Coach Leal is confident that Steve, who is cool, confident and affable, will be up to task.

RHS Athletic Booster Club meeting

12/31/2008

There will be a RHS Athletic Booster Club meeting on Monday, Jan. 5, at 6:15 p.m. at the RHS gym.

Lyford's Andrew Delgado named to All-State team again

by Tom Cantu — 12/31/2008

Someone once said, "Superstars show discipline all game long. Then know just when to lower the hammer and get it done." This quote describes Lyford's wide-receiver and all-purpose football player - the titleist Andrew Delgado #23.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS ARE THE NFL FLAG FOOTBALL SUPERBOWL CHAMPS

12/31/2008

The 7-8 year old team were undefeated all season and the Superbowl game was held on Dec. 7. Shown, bottom row, left to right, Daniel Rodriguez, C.J. Anzaldua, Jason Rodriguez, Andy Garcia, Jaden Tagle. Middle row, Levi Chavez, Xavier Ledesma, Darian Cortez, Trez Perez, Daniel Gutierrez. Top row, left to right, Chito Rodriguez, Efrain Perez, J.P. Tagle, J.J. Rodriguez.

THE 5/6-YEAR-OLD DALLAS COWBOYS

12/31/2008

Flag football team had a victorious season winning the Superbowl playoffs against the 5/6 year old Detroit Lions. Top, back row, coaches, from left to right, Art Sayas, Lupe Ruiz, Mike Carlos. Middle row, left to right, Darren Ramirez, Dylan Ramirez, Isaiah Tovar, Derick Ramirez.

Article

12/31/2008

THE U6 WILLACY COUNTY FUTURE 'KATS SOCCER TEAM were undefeated playing in the Aysc League. Future 'Kats also played a tournament in Corpus Christi and will be advancing to the National Tournament in Round Rock, Texas this January. Future 'Kats also completed a tournament in Harlingen with 3-0-1 record.

Santa Anna cannonball stolen in San Antonio

12/31/2008

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - The original owner of a cannonball reported stolen from a display in San Antonio won't be claiming the weapon of war when it's found. Police say the historic cannonball, which was still missing Tuesday, had belonged to Mexican Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.

Article

12/31/2008

WILLACY COUNTY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE'S 2ND PLACE TEAM for Superbowl I, 5-6yr old division. Kneeling: Gabby Delagarza, Janelle Tamez, Mena Brown. Standing: Tres Rodriguez, Raymond Ochoa, Ernesto Garcia, Dalton Kiefer, Andy Guerra. Coached byLioneTl amez.

Article

12/31/2008

SAN BENITO BOYS & GIRLS CLUB RAYMONDVILLE TITANS PEE WEE TACKLE FOOTBALL TEAM CHAMPS, 11-12 age group with a record of 14-0. First row, left to right, James Rodriguez, Arturo Vela, III, Robert Anthony Cervantes, Sergio Gonzales, Jr., Cordero Isaiah Castro, Diego Gonzalez. Middle row, Adrian Robles, Asst. Coach, BJ Cavazos, Bradley A. Robles, Patrick A.

Texas A&M offers free tuition to freshmen

12/31/2008

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) The Texas A&M University System has approved a new program that guarantees it will pay tuition and mandatory fees at all its schools for incoming freshmen who maintain a 2.5 grade-point average and whose families make $30,000 or less.

Article

12/31/2008

SAN BENITO BOYS & GIRLS CLUB RAYMONDVILLE TEXANS PEE WEE TACKLE FOOTBALL TEAM - 9-10 age group with a record of 6-7. First row, left to right, Edward Pedraza, JP Torres, Guadalupe "Sonny" Hernandez, Anthony R. Nieto. Middle row, Max Trevino, Daniel M. Garcia, Matthew J. Villarreal, Johnny D. Gonzales. Third row, Jaime Villarreal, Jr., Adrian J. Rubalcaba, Brandon M.

Holidays Passed

By Gina Tiano — 12/31/2008

I lug the faded blue suitcase with the once-gold inscription Lady Baltimore on the front down from the attic. Grandmother's dusty valise is a coffer of trinkets holding memories with the capacity to take me back to childhood days.

Behind the Badge

By Larry G. Spence — 12/31/2008

As the year 2008 comes to a close and we prepare to welcome 2009, we must pause however briefly and look at this past year and all that has happened. Then perhaps we should examine more closely some of the happenings that took place, see if there is anything we can learn from them, and then move on.

New Year's Resolution: No more nutty lawsuits

By Bill Summers President Rio Grande Valley Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse — 12/31/2008

The holiday season and the New Year bring out the best of intentions: promises of good behavior, commitments to kick nasty habits and pledges to be more nice than naughty. As we ready our lists and resolutions, a peek into our nation's courtrooms can serve as a guide for how not to behave.

Governor appeals FEMA decision to deny aid

By Ed Sterling — 12/31/2008

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry on Dec. 19 appealed the Federal Emergency Management Agency's decision to deny his request for an extension of Hurricane Ike relief. Perry had asked for 18 more months of 100 percent reimbursement of emergency protective measures, debris removal and other relief work related to the September hurricane.

Letter to the Editor

12/31/2008

To whom it may concern: I just came through Lyford and saw that there was another accident at the famous new stop sign. Why is it there? Obviously no one believes there should be a stop sign at that intersesction.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

12/31/2008

Editor, We want to bring to your attention some of the things that are going on in these walls. This is just a tiny piece of what the administration of this place is doing to us. Officers are trying to make us as miserable as possible. They are calling us very offensive names, constantly reminding us that we are nobodies and have no rights.

2008 Willacy County 4-H Highlights

12/31/2008

Happy Holidays from the AgriLIFE EXTENSION service. This has been an exciting year for 4-H in Willacy County and we are looking forward to another great year in 2009. In the spring, there were three active 4-H Clubs: Raymondville 4-H, Stillman 4-H and Rising Stars 4-H.

Cotton Market Weekly

A Service Provided by Plains Cotton Cooperative Association — 12/31/2008

Trading was thin and choppy with most brokers on the sidelines in advance of the Christmas holiday, but cotton futures on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) managed to close marginally higher toward the end of the week. Most in the industry do not expect market interest to pick up until after the new year.

TDA Market Recap - Dec. 29, 2008

12/31/2008

AUSTIN - (Dec. 29, 2008) For the week ending Dec. 27, 2008, fed cattle prices were $1 higher per hundredweight as higher beef prices allowed processors to increase bids. Feeder cattle prices for Texas auctions are not available since all the locations covered by TDA Market News were closed last week for the holidays. Cotton and grain prices were higher.

Lyford Elementary holds 1st annual Mother/Daughter Dinner

BETSAIDA ZACARIAS Free Lance Journalist — 12/31/2008

What makes a good mom? How about feeding your daughters corn flakes for dinner or clothing them warmly during the winter cold fronts? At least these were the answers Lyford elementary girls gave during the 1st annual Lyford Elementary Mother/Daughter Dinner Thursday evening.

SUSAN BELL CHERRY

12/31/2008

Susan Bell Cherry, 62, of Austin, Texas, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on December 25, 2008. A memorial service was held on Monday, December 29, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Weed- Corley-Fish Funeral Home Chapel located at 3125 N. Lamar Blvd.

ANITA GUTIERREZ

12/31/2008

LYFORD - Anita Gutierrez, 70, died Sunday, December 28, 2008 at her home in San Antonio. She is survived by her three daughters, San Juanita (Paul) Rocha of San Antonio, JoAnn (James) Burnett of San Antonio and Kathy (Ruben) Perez of Lyford; three sons, Ricardo Gutierrez of San Antonio,

MINERVA COCHRAN

12/31/2008

Minerva Cochran, 56, died December 24, 2008 at her home in Raymondville. She is survived by her daughter, Erika Davis; and two grandchildren, Ronnie Cochran and Harvern Davis III, all of Mississippi. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Duddlesten Funeral Home.

ELIODORO CHAPA PERALES

12/31/2008

Eliodoro Chapa Perales, Sr., 68 died Monday, December 29, 2008 at Harlingen Medical Center in Harlingen. He was born October 29, 1940 to Jose Perales, Sr. and Delfina Chapa Perales. He was preceded in death by both his parents; two sisters, Ventura P. Flores and Carolina Perales; one brother, Jose Perales, Jr.

ERNEST WESLEY EGGLESTON, JR.

12/31/2008

Ernest Wesley Eggleston, Jr. died Monday, December 22, 2008. He was born on August 22, 1928 to Mattie and Ernest Wesley Eggleston, Sr. in Agua Dulce, TX. During the early part of his life, he served 12 years in the U.S. Army National Guard 36th Division of Texas.

FRANCES LaVERNE STEWART

12/31/2008

PORT MANSFIELD - Frances LaVerne Stewart, 79, died Monday, December 22, 2008 at her home in Port Mansfield. She was a member of Seventh Day Adventist Church of Lyford. She is survived by her husband, Charlie E.

WILLIAM WADE CALDWELL

12/31/2008

HOUMA, LA - William Wade Caldwell, 71, a native of Raymondville and a resident of Houma, LA died Saturday, December 20, 2008. He is survived by three sisters, three daughters, two sons and 12 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.

ROWENA PEARL HART

12/31/2008

Rowena Pearl Hart, 86, died Monday, December 29, 2008. She was born August 12, 1922 in Buffalo, OK to Sterling and Ivy Reed. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Chester Hart, Sr.

VIOLA QUINTANILLA PEREZ

12/31/2008

TEXAS CITY, TX - Viola Quintanilla Perez, 76, died Thursday, December 25, 2008 at Texas City, TX. She is survived by one daughter, Norma (Anthony) Myers; two sons, Ramon Perez, Jr. and Gustavo (Laura) Perez; Ramon Perez, Sr., all of Texas City, TX; one sister and two brothers, Eva Q. Mesa of Raymondville; Abelardo F. and Jose F. Quintanilla both of Raymondville.

Kenedy County Sheriff's Dept. Report

Ramon Salinas, III, Sheriff — 12/31/2008

DECEMBER 21 - 911 call/motorist assist - South of Sarita Border Patrol Checkpoint. Public intoxication - Sarita Border Patrol Checkpoint. Suspicious circumstances - South of Sarita Border Patrol Checkpoint. P.O.M. arrest - Sarita Border Patrol Checkpoint.

Willacy County Sheriff's Dept. Report

Larry G. Spence, Sheriff — 12/31/2008

DECEMBER 24 - Public intoxication/ disorderly conduct/retaliation, Gary Coleman, 5th and Jones, LaSara. Theft, Glen Lofton, Lyford. Criminal mischief, La Rosita. Accident, minor, 1600 blk Buffalo Dr., Raymondville.

District Clerk's Report

12/31/2008

Suits filed: Candido Rosales vs Rosalinda Rosales - divorce and in the interest of three children. Order of foreclosure vs Balde Huerta and Minerva Garcia Castillo, et. al. Nation Star Mortgage vs Julio Vasquez and Norma Vasquez - foreclosure.

RAYMONDVILLE POLICE BLOTTER

12/31/2008

DECEMBER 29 - Burglary of building, 300 blk W. Hidalgo. Criminal mischief, 300 blk W. Hidalgo. Criminal mischief, 700 blk N. 5th. Burglary of building, 600 blk N. 3rd. Incident, commitment to VBMC, 300 blk E. Kimball. Incident, 300 blk S. 4th.