Contact us at361-460-9493

ENGLISH / SPANISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER SERVING SOUTH TEXAS

VOLUME 93 NUMBER 51 Every WednesdayContact us at: 361-460-9493

04-29-20

Contact us at361-460-9493

Enterprise celebrates

94th Anniversary

Third COVID-19 casereported in Freer

Makayla Yvette Henry

Madison August Salinas

Commissioners deny funding for District Attorney positionAndrew Emil Garza

Dozens of home schools open up nationwide

Evan Alexander LyerlySchool of Science and Technology - Corpus Christi

Finley Fletcher and CharlieNew York, New York

Elizabeth MunozSDHS - San Diego

A specially called meeting of the Duval County Commissioners Court, closed to protect the public, staff and members from potential exposure to the coronavirus disease, ended Tuesday with the court denying the hiring of a Assistant District Attorney.

If approved, the agenda item would have au-thorized a $30,000 salary to former Duval County Judge Ricardo O. Carrillo from the General Budget to serve as Assistant District Attorney beginning April 7, 2020.

Requested by 229th District Attorney Omar Escobar, the motion, made by Commissioner Da-vid Garza with a second by Commissioner Rene Perez, failed with Commissioner Gilberto Uribe and Commissioner Adelina Trigo voting against and Judge Gilbert N. Saenz abstaining.

The City of Freer has confi rmed a third positive case of COVID-19 in Duval County.

A press release from Freer Mayor Arnold Cantu and Freer City Coun-cil members posted on the internet stated they received the notice in a letter received May 1, 2020.

The affected person is an em-ployee of the City of Freer, who is stationed at Freer City Hall. The individual is between the age of 30 to 39 and did not report any travel, according to Mayor Cautu.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is sup-porting the City of Freer and Duval

County to help identify any close contacts of the patient so they can be isolated and monitored for symp-toms.

City and County officials are working together with other vital agencies to be sure the appropriate measures are taken.

The individual is currently quarantined while adhering to all federal privacy laws protecting the individual.

Due to the circumstances, Mayor Cantu and Freer City Council mem-bers have decided to close city administrative offi ces until further notice.

Hebbronville High School Top 10 Scholars include Makayla Henry (Valedictorian), Madison Salinas (Salutatorian), Daniela Aguilar (Top 3), Andrew Garza (Top 4), Sandra Villarreal (Top 5), Brianna Morales (Top 6), Jsenia Marquez (Top 7), Nicholas McRae (Top 8), Krista Martinez (Top 9), and Jacob Martinez (Top 10).

The Enterprise will cel-ebrate Cinco de Mayo with a celebration of its own.

On May 5, the newspaper turns 94 after being established in 1926. Enterprise Publishers Poncho and Juanita I. Hernan-dez, along with Writer/Editor Carmelinda S. Garcia, will celebrate the occasion at home.

THE ENTERPRISE Wednesday, May 6, 2020 Page 2

...LET US HELP YOU WITH ALL YOUR NEEDS! ALSO IN ALICE & FREER

ALAMO LUMBER COMPANY

Danny OlivarezBranch Manager 111 E. Galbraith St.

Hebbronville, Texas 78361

Phone: (361) 527-9074Fax: (361) 527-9046

We Offer Free Estimates. Price Match Guarantee

Shop our merchandize book

at our store - online. Call to order. If we

don’t have it, we will get it.

Home Town Banking Since 1954209 E. GravisP.O. Box 427

San Diego, Texas 78384361-279-3316

www.fsbsandiego.com

TeleBank1-877-226-5440

First State Bank of San Diego

On-Line BankingATMDebit Card Member FDIC

Enterprise GraphicThe 67,000 coronavirus deaths reported in the United States as of Sunday, May 3, would eliminate the entire population of Jim Hogg, Duval, Jim Wells and Kleberg counties.

Senator Judith Zaffirini embraces two of her favorite blessings, her grandsons, Asher Maxwell (2 years, 11 months) and George William (10 months). What she wishes for them is what she works for and wishes for all children. They are the sons of her equally beloved son, Carlos Jr., and Audrey.

She and Carlos Sr. relish their roles as “Ma Z” and “Pa Z.” Their prayer is that the Lord will continue to bless you and your loved ones and that you will enjoy a loving and memorable Happy Mother’s Day!

By Poncho Hernandez Jr.The Enterprise

It wasn't uncommon for teachers to see empty desks in their classrooms in the early 1950s. The desks were vacant be-cause the children that occupied them had ei-ther left town, were too crippled to attend school, or had died from a polio pandemic that preyed on children.

It wasn't until a cure was found that the coun-try rejoiced in ringing bells, blowing factory whistles, and weeping silently in their homes. Those were difficult times.

For America, the an-nouncement proclaimed the wonders of science and research with chil-dren in tears after receiv-ing the vaccine and moth-ers proclaiming, "Better you should cry, than I ...."

In time, America got back to business as its doctors administered the treatment to children.

But it took a vaccine to return the country to normalcy.

Today, the idea of “normalcy” in the fi ght against the coronavirus still feels far off espe-cially since we do not yet have a vaccine available. There is progress in this area, with researchers expediting trials to try to get a viable vaccine to the masses, but until that ar-rives, and herd immunity develops, we are stuck in a state of limbo, much like the times before the

polio vaccine was readily available for mass distri-bution.

As we continue to await an approved vac-cine, more than 67,000 people in the United States have died be-cause of the coronavirus epidemic. That's more people than live in Heb-bronville, San Diego, Benavides, Realitos, Al-ice, Freer, Kingsville, Orange Grove, Premont, Bruni, Mirando City, or roughly the population of a four-county area.

While I realize there is much uncertainty regard-ing plans to reopen our economy, and I empathize with businesses and fami-lies struggling through these hard times, the lack of a vaccine and the sta-tus of nascent treatments such as remdesivir sug-gest that we may not yet be at a point of safety with

reopening our economy.Still, there is much to

learn from listening to our doctors and historians.

In 1918, during the time of the Spanish in-fl uenza pandemic, cities reopened after only three to fi ve weeks, effectively giving the go-ahead for life to resume as usual. Americans went out, gathered together and were surprised when the fl u returned forcing the country to close its doors once again.

It was a hard les-son, and one that we do not want to repeat. If guidelines such as social distancing and wearing masks are ignored, and if a return to “normalcy” is rushed in the absence of a vaccine and proven medical treatments, a re-surgence of the disease could become a reality, once again.

Normalcy in coronavirus fi ght still feels far off

So, what comes after the coronavirus pandemic, and what have others specu-lated in response to this question?

In an idealized version, I see a quiet world with people more focused on their families and everyday lives, not moving at a fast pace and conserving resources. I also see a world where technology plays a bigger role as people communicate with friends and family on electronic devices. People will limit their time on the road, conserve fossil fuels, and will prepare their homes for the next pandemic, with more food, water, and supplies on hand.

Unfortunately, I see less people working, fewer restaurants, less mom-and-pop shops, fewer convenience stores, as well as empty seats on planes, trains, and automobiles. I also see more people working from home with busi-ness, and government taking advantage of cost saving measures.

And then, there are the more serious repercussions as decreasing sales and

property tax payments cripple federal, state and local governments; schools lay off teachers as parents move to alterna-tive education and home schooling; large companies streamline their opera-tions to maintain profi tability for share-holders; and money becomes scarce as oilfi eld, retail, service, travel and construction jobs tighten. People will shop closer to home, trips to the larger towns could become less frequent, and family vacations could center on closer attractions.

There are others who have speculat-ed that alternative scenarios could arise.

For example, a recent CNN article talked about some in New York City wanting to move to the suburbs to escape the density of the city. So will we see changes in population in urban versus rural areas? What about how we treat and regard workers of all types? Could this result in additional pay and

NEW WORLD, Page 6

Will a new world emerge from the coronavirus pandemic?

THE ENTERPRISE Wednesday, May 6 , 2020 Page 3

THE ENTERPRISEEnglish/Alternative

Language

Newspaper

304 E. Galbraith, Hebbronville, Texas

78361Copyright 1998 by

the Jim Hogg County Enterprise. All rights

reserved.No part of this

publication may be reproduced by

any means without permission of the

publishers.Entered as Second Class Matter at Hebbronville,

Texas under May 5, 1926, at the Post Offi ce the Act of

March 8, 1979, Second Class Postage Paid at

Hebbronville, Jim Hogg County, Texas 78361.POSTMASTER: Send

address changes to Jim Hogg County

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LLAME 361-460-9493 PARA MAS INFORMACION

Owners Poncho & Juanita Hernandez

Melda Flores Perez, Broker361-527-0200

www.dosydoerealestate.com

Dosydoe RealtyBuyers and Sellers Welcome!

Melda F. Perez, Broker(361) 527-0200 Call or Text

dosydoerealestate.com

Homes6248 Ranirez St. Realitos - 2 BR, 1 BTH, Corner lot502 E. Clayton - 3 BR, 2 BTH, 2 Large Lots607 E. North - 3 BR, 1 BTH, Includes garage/apt in back1310 N. Rigma - 4 BR, 2 1/2 BTH, Offi ce, 2-Story25577 Hwy.. 359 Bruni - ,800 sq. ft. Home with 27+ Acres

1218 W. Linar - Custom Double Wide Mob. Home 3 BR, 2BTH on 2 Lots708 W. Lucille - 3 BR. 1 TH Close to School107 E. VIGGO 3 BR, 2 BTH710 W. Kohler - 4 BR, 2 BTH 2 Lotss, Near School Bring me an offer312 E. Tilley - 3 BR, 2.5 Bths, Big Game Room, Fence502 S. Seguin, Two homes/1 :pt 2 BR. 2 BHT; 3 BR, 2 BTH 912 N. Sigrid - 2 homes, 3 lots1213 W. Viggo, 3 BR, 3 BTH, Corner Lot16 Cheyenne - Mobile Home, Covered Carport, 2 acres111 E. Kohler - 3 BR, 2 BTH104 E. Garza - 2 BR, 2 BTH702 W. Lucille - 4 BR, 2 1/2 BTH39 Robbie Dr. - 3 BR, 2 BTH, Offi ce, 1 Acre209 N. Wilhelma - 3 BR, 2 BTH on 2.5 Lots by the Park312 W. Thompson - 3 BR, 2 BTH, Storage, Carport

1407 W. Tilley - 3 BR, 2 BTH, Large Covered Carport410 W. Linar - 2 BR, 2 BTH

Land612 E. Lucille - 1 Corner Lot27+ Acres with Brick Home - 1/2 mile from Bruni174 Old Randado Rd. - 2 Lots30 Acres with House 1/2 mi from Bruni40 Robert Lane - 100’ x 100’ tract

Commercial Properties101 E. Garza - Formerly Longhorn Drive Thru502 W. Viggie - Country Corner Store 205 S.Smith - Store Building on Main Hwy - Over 2,000 Sq. Ft. of Space; Covered Parking! 133 E. David St. - 5,000 sq. ft. steel/brick building107 N. Elm - Apartments 4 Units202 N. Elm408 N. Mesquite628 N. St. Mary’s - Falfurrias - Large Auto Body store/shop.

As a Texas Realtor, I can show you any property advertised

by another Realtor.

REAL ESTATE NEWS

MERIDIAN CARE OF HEBBRONVILLE

POLICY OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

MERIDIAN CARE OF HEBBRONVILLE PROVIDES CARE ON A

NON-DISCRIMINATORY BASIS SO THAT ALL RESIDENTS ARE ADMITTED AND

RECEIVE BENEFITS AND SERVICES WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, RELIGION,

COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, SEX, DISABILITY, MARITAL STATUS OR

PAYMENT SOURCE.

MERIDIAN CARE OF HEBBRONVILLE PROVIDES TWENTY-FOUR HOUR NURSING

AND PERSONAL CARE TO EVERY RESIDENT.

MERIDIAN CARE OF HEBBRONVILLE

Meridian Care of Hebbronville is now accepting applications for the following

positions:

DIETARY COOKLVN’SCNA’s

Please come by our offi ce at 606 W. Gruy or call 361-527-4411 for an application.

Meridian Care of Hebbronville is anequal opportunity employer.

OBITUARIES (EDITOR’S NOTE: Obituaries published in The Enterprise are published free of charge. No charges are assessed to the family of the deceased or to your preferred funeral home.)

SUNDAY MASS

Viewers in San Diego, Hebbronville, Benavides, and Freer joined Father Evancio of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Hebbronville for Sunday Mass at the park while parishioners stayed in their cars.

YOU CAN VIEW OUR PAGES AT enterprisenews.info

THE ENTERPRISE Wednesday, May 6, 2020 Page 4

Buying Junk Cars, Trucks and any kind of

ScrapCall Jerry Troop, Bruni. Call 361-747-5205

WANTED

NOTICEAn expanded version of today’s

newspaper will appear this Wednesday on our website and on our Enterprise facebook account. To view

on our website go to:enterprisenews.info

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATION ANDINTENT TO OBTAIN WATER QUALITY PERMIT RENEWAL

PERMIT NO. WQ0010067001

APPLICATION Duval County Conservation and Reclamation District, P.O. Box 469, Benavides, Texas 78341, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to renew Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permit No. WQ0010067001 (EPA I.D. No. TX0127205) to authorize the discharge of treated wastewater shall not exceed a daily average flow of 250,000 gallons per day. The domestic wastewater treatment facility is located at Benavides Wastewa-ter Treatment Facility, at 2174 Farm-to-Market 2295, Benavides, in Duval County, Texas 78341. The discharge route is from the plant site to Santa Gertrudis Creek; thence to San Fernando Creek; thence to Baffin Bay/Alazan Bay/Cayo del Grullo/Laguna Salada. TCEQ received this application on March 12, 2020. The permit application is available for viewing and copying at Duval County Conservation and Reclamation District-Administration Building, 222 Main Street, Benavides, Texas. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility's general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For the exact location, refer to the application.https://tceq.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=db5bac44afbc468bbddd360f8168250f&marker=-98.385%2C27.595&level=12

ADDITIONAL NOTICE. TCEQ’s Executive Director has determined the application is adminis-tratively complete and will conduct a technical review of the application. After technical review of the application is complete, the Executive Director may prepare a draft permit and will issue a preliminary decision on the application. Notice of the Application and Preliminary Decision will be published and mailed to those who are on the county-wide mailing list and to those who are on the mailing list for this application. That notice will contain the deadline for submitting public comments.

PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC MEETING. You may submit public comments or request a public meeting on this application. The purpose of a public meeting is to provide the opportunity to submit comments or to ask questions about the application. TCEQ will hold a public meeting if the Executive Director determines that there is a significant degree of public interest in the application or if requested by a local legislator. A public meeting is not a contested case hearing.

OPPORTUNITY FOR A CONTESTED CASE HEARING. After the deadline for submitting public comments, the Executive Director will consider all timely comments and prepare a response to all relevant and material, or significant public comments. Unless the application is directly referred for a contested case hearing, the response to comments, and the Executive Director’s decision on the application, will be mailed to everyone who submitted public comments and to those persons who are on the mailing list for this application. If comments are received, the mailing will also provide instructions for requesting reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision and for requesting a contested case hearing. A contested case hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in state district court.

TO REQUEST A CONTESTED CASE HEARING, YOU MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOW-ING ITEMS IN YOUR REQUEST: your name, address, phone number; applicant's name and proposed permit number; the location and distance of your property/activities relative to the proposed facility; a specific description of how you would be adversely affected by the facility in a way not common to the general public; a list of all disputed issues of fact that you submit during the comment period and, the statement "[I/we] request a contested case hearing." If the request for contested case hearing is filed on behalf of a group or association, the request must designate the group’s representative for receiving future correspondence; identify by name and physical address an individual member of the group who would be adversely affected by the proposed facility or activity; provide the information discussed above regarding the affected member’s location and distance from the facility or activity; explain how and why the member would be affected; and explain how the interests the group seeks to protect are relevant to the group’s purpose.

Following the close of all applicable comment and request periods, the Executive Director will for-ward the application and any requests for reconsideration or for a contested case hearing to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting.

The Commission may only grant a request for a contested case hearing on issues the requestor sub-mitted in their timely comments that were not subsequently withdrawn. If a hearing is granted, the subject of a hearing will be limited to disputed issues of fact or mixed questions of fact and law relating to relevant and material water quality concerns submitted during the comment period.

TCEQ may act on an application to renew a permit for discharge of wastewater without pro-viding an opportunity for a contested case hearing if certain criteria are met.

MAILING LIST. If you submit public comments, a request for a contested case hearing or a re-

consideration of the Executive Director’s decision, you will be added to the mailing list for this specific application to receive future public notices mailed by the Office of the Chief Clerk. In addition, you may request to be placed on: (1) the permanent mailing list for a specific applicant name and permit number; and/or (2) the mailing list for a specific county. If you wish to be placed on the permanent and/or the county mailing list, clearly specify which list(s) and send your request to TCEQ Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below.

INFORMATION AVAILABLE ONLINE. For details about the status of the application, visit the Commissioners’ Integrated Database at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/cid. Search the database using the permit number for this application, which is provided at the top of this notice.

AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION. All public comments and requests must be submitted either electronically at https://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/, or in writing to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Please be aware that any contact information you provide, including your name, phone number, email address and physical address will become part of the agency’s public record. For more information about this permit application or the permitting process, please call the TCEQ Public Education Program, Toll Free, at 1-800-687-4040 or visit their website at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/pep. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040.

Further information may also be obtained from Latitudes Environmental LLC at the address stated above or by calling Ms. Marjorie Zavala at (713) 636-9501.

Issuance Date: April 16, 2020

LICENSE FOR OFF-PREMISES APPLICATION

Application has been made with the Texas Alcohol Beverage Com-mission for an off-premises license/permit by Angie Pena, dba, Pena’s Drive Thru, to be located at 721 South Humble Street, Benavides, Duval County, Texas. Officer of said corporation is Angie Pena.

BRUSHLAND REALTYRanchland - Commercial - Residential

Isidro B . Gutierrez Jr.Agent/Owner

Land 178 Old Randado Rd.

1-Lot

3 6 1 - 52 7 - 3 0 2 3FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

PLEASE GIVE US A CALL.

NOTICE TO DEFENDANTDANIEL LOPEZ GOMEZ

NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation at or before 10 o’clock a.m. of the first Monday after the expira-tion of 42 days from the date of issuance of this citation a default judgment may be taken against you. Your answer is due no later than 10 o’clock a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2020.

The Court has authority in this suit to enter any judgment or decree in the Plaintiff’s interest which will be binding upon you.

ISSUED AND GIVEN under my hand and seal of office on March 25, 2020, at San Diego, Texas, Duval County, Texas.

Rachel S. Vela, clerk229th Judicial District CourtDuval County, Texas

By Zandra I. Rivera,Deputy Clerk

Pol. adv. paid for by Senator Judith Zaffirini, Guadalupe Castillo, Treasurer, P.O. Box 627, Laredo, TX 78042.

We’re here to help you and your families. Please contact us if we can be of assistance.

Senator Judith Zaffirini

Capitol Office: 512/463-0121 District Office: 956/722-2293

P.O. Box 627 Laredo, Texas 78042

Judith.Zaffirini@senate.texas.gov

THE ENTERPRISE Wednesday, May 6, 2020 Page 5

FINANCIAL FOCUSWhat Should Retirees Consider Doing in a Down Market

Strange and bizarre occurrences in rural Texas will return this May.

Houston Wig Shop Owner Denied COVID-19 Insurance

Claim When She needed it mostAnd she’s among the fi rst in the state

to fi ght back

South Texas Court CasesPresented by Jennifer Lester on behalf of DeSouza Injury Lawyers

Jennifer Lester

Thanks South Texas! We’re passed the 32,000 views threshold on our enterprisenews.info website

Jennifer Lester is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a BS in Anthropology.

Now open for breakfast7 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

To Order Call

(361) 231-7001(361) 527-4488

- Drive Thru Open -

The health aspect of the coronavirus affects everyone – we’re all con-cerned about our well-being and those of our loved ones and communities. Howev-er, the economic impact may vary among different age groups – and if you’re retired or about to retire, you might have some special concerns about starting to draw income from your investments when the financial markets are down. What moves should you consider making?

Here are a few suggestions:• Review your strategy (and avoid

making major changes). During a mar-ket downturn, you might be tempted to “do something” – and for many people, that “something” is selling stocks to cut their losses. But this is more of an emotional response than a logical one, because your stocks are long-term investments, and by selling them when they’re down, you’re basically lock-ing in your losses. Instead, try to address your current income needs by the cash, cash equivalents and short-term fi xed-income investments in your portfolio, along with other sources, such as Social Security, dividends and interest, and even your pension, if you have one.

• Review your withdrawal rate. When you retire, you need to determine how much you can withdraw each year from your retirement accounts, such as your IRA and 401(k), without running the risk of outliving your money. Before the market downturn, you might have es-tablished an appropriate withdrawal rate for your needs. Suppose, for example, this rate was 4%. However, given the recent fl uctuations in the markets, your portfolio’s value may have declined,

meaning your withdrawals may be higher as a percentage of your portfolio. Therefore, you might consider adjusting your withdrawal rate downward, or, as an alternative, look for ways to cut down on your spending in the short term. With the stay-at-home measures being undertaken across the country, you may already have cut down spending in areas such as travel-ing, entertainment and dining out, so you may only have to make a few adjustments.

• Review your reliance rate. Your reliance rate is how much you rely on your investment portfolio for your income needs. For example, if you need $60,000 in income each year and you’re get-ting $40,000 of that from your portfolio, your reliance rate is 66%. The higher your reliance rate, the more sensitive you may be to fl uctuations in investment prices. If your risk tolerance has been greatly tested by the recent downturn and you don’t have much fl exibility with your expenses, you might look for ways of lowering your reliance rate, such as certain annuities, which can provide a guaranteed lifetime income regardless of what’s happing in the fi nancial markets.

You may want to consult with a fi -nancial professional to discuss the above suggestions and determine what other moves you might need to make. As a re-tiree, or near-retiree, it can be unsettling to start tapping into your resources when the fi nancial markets are so turbulent. But if you’ve prepared or you’re willing to explore new courses of action, you can move into your golden years without get-ting unduly tarnished.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

B a r b a r a L a n e -Snowden is a small business owner with a big goal to serve others. And last fall, her dream came to fruition when she launched her very own wig store, called Hair Goals Club.

Hair Goals Club, lo-cated in Humble just out-side Houston, sells both synthetic and real human hair wigs of all different lengths and sizes. It has various styles to fit all ages and genders. And many of its clients are those dealing with serious health issues like can-cer and Alopecia Areata (a condition that causes hair to fall out in small patches).

She shared her story and desire to help people with the Houston Chron-icle last December.

Whether they had ex-perienced hair loss due to chemotherapy or another condition, Barbara said, "It's devastating, especial-ly if you're dealing with the situation to where you are going through chemo-therapy, and it's such an immediate change."

But sadly, when CO-VID-19 struck, all non-essential businesses were forced to close temporar-

ily. And Barbara's store was considered non-es-sential. She had been in business for just a short four months at the time of the news. And she thought that the business inter-ruption insurance she'd invested in could help her weather the storm. Yet when she fi led a claim, the answer came back no. Denied.

Barbara was shocked. "I cried like a baby be-cause I couldn't believe it. That insurance was my last line of defense," she said in an interview with Bloomberg.

Unfortunately, Bar-bara is not alone. Small businesses around Texas and across the country are denied their claims. The insurance companies say that pandemics are not included in Business Interruption Insurance and that this type of insur-ance is meant for physical damages.

Yet, the American Property Casualty Insur-ance Association esti-mates that small busi-nesses with less than 100 employees could lose as much as $431 billion a month.

However, Barbara and many other business own-ers are fi ghting back. She was one of the fi rst busi-ness owners in Texas to fi le a lawsuit against her insurance company for

denying the claim. And others are following suit.

As it stands, each state will have to determine how it will address these claims. Some of the fac-tors that may play a role in the decisions include 1) whether COVID-19 did cause physical damage to the business, 2) would it fall into a category of applicable exclusions, 3) any interruption-related coverage extensions that could be applied, and 4) is it possible that legislation is introduced to limit in-surance companies abili-ties to deny claims.

The outcome remains to be seen. As for now, Barbara is a trailblazer who is fighting a legal battle that many other business owners are watching – and may fol-low suit.

DeSouza Law Firm is a leading personal injury firm representing acci-dent victims throughout Texas.

If you've been injured by a car, truck, 18 wheel-er, company vehicle, or in the oilfi eld, call DeSouza Injury Lawyers today at 361-799-2222

THE ENTERPRISE Wednesday, May 6, 2020 Page 6

Public Notice

Invitation to Bid for Overlay Hot Mix / Paving Project CR 103

BIDS DUE:

May 8, 2020 AT 5:00 P.M.

AT THE DUVAL COUNTY JUDGE’S OFFICE

P.O. Box 189, 400 EAST GRAVIS AVENUE

SAN DIEGO, TEXAS 78384

The County of Duval is requesting sealed bids for hot mix overlay paving project on County Road 103 until 5:00 p.m. May 8, 2020 at the Duval County Courthouse, P.O. Box 189, San Diego, Texas 78384. Bids received after the due date and time will not be accepted. The bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 9:00 a.m. on May 11, 2020 during a regular meeting at Duval County Courthouse, County Commissioners’ Courtroom. Bids are invited for items and quantities of work as follows: This overlay paving project involves approximately one (1) mile on and over a specified portion of County Road 103 Duval County, Texas. (To include, road width minimum twenty (20) feet wide and 1.5 inches in depth overlaying type D hot mix asphalt) The successful bidder will be responsible for equipment and logistics of oil and asphalt to be used on the project. Specifications, terms and conditions for the bids may be obtained at the office of the Duval County Judge at 400 East Gravis Avenue, San Diego, Texas 78384 and can be requested by phone (361) 279-6204 or email at: dora.paiz@co.duval.tx.us and/or gsaenz@co.duval.tx.us The subject roadway may be viewed and inspected upon request to County Judge Gilbert N. Saenz, at (361) 279-6204 or Commissioner Adelina Trigo at (361) 279-6203. Duval County reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding. Bids may be held by Duval County for a period not to exceed 30 days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidder’s qualifications prior to the contract award. Date: April 17, 2020 By: Gilbert N. Saenz Title: Duval County Judge

DUVAL COUNTY ELDERLY NUTRITION DIRECTOR POSITION

Elderly Nutrition Director will be recruited, hired, and assigned by the County Judge and will be subject to the employment policies applicable to all county employees.

The preferred candidate will be detailed-oriented, punctual, self-driven, able to work with minimal direct supervision, often on multiple projects at once, and will be effective at organizing a large workload. Duty hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional additional hours.

To apply, please send resume to: Duval County Judge, Gilbert N. Saenz, gsaenz@co.duval.tx.us. Please call 361.279.6204 with any questions. Com-petitive compensation based upon experience and qualifications. All resumes will be accepted until May 12, 2020 or until position is filled.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate, research and apply for Grants and Public Program assistance; Lead and administer the County-wide Elderly Nutrition Grant Program; Ensure all requirements are met and reports submitted in a timely fashion;

• Handle all office matters for the Elderly Nutrition department; Draft, edit, format and print memos, documents, correspondence, and reports in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Publisher; Manage incoming and outgoing mail, faxes, and telephone calls;

• Miscellaneous administrative duties, including time sheets for payroll, purchase requests, and meal distributions and activities;

• Assist with current and anticipated office activities to ensure efficient office operations and office budgeting; Manage and purchase supplies and equipment and building repairs if necessary; Supervise a staff of employees to assist with carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the nutrition program and civic centers.

• Maintain and complete assigned work on files within the required time frame; Coordinate schedules and maintain requirements per state and local rules and regulations, and convey messages, notices and guidance to county civic centers; and

• Other duties as assigned by the office of the County Judge.

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelors’ or Associates in public or business administration preferred; • Minimum of five (5) years successful administrative and leadership

experience involving elderly and senior citizen needs, nutrition and healthy life-styles, including AAA grant applications and administration; Experience in local county government preferred.

• Excellent research and writing abilities; and team-oriented outlook and skills.

• Proficiency in the Windows operating system, Microsoft Word and Excel applications, and computer data entry.

• Be a resident of Duval County or be willing to move to Duval County, Texas within 6 months of being hired.

Duval County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

PROPERTY TAX PROTEST AND APPEAL PROCEDURES

The law gives property owners the right to protest actions concerning their property tax appraisals. You may follow these appeal procedures if you have a concern about: • the market or appraised value of your property • the unequal appraisal of your property • the inclusion of your property on the appraisal roll • any exemptions that may apply to you • the qualification for an agricultural or timber appraisal • the taxable status of your property • the local governments which should be taxing your property • the ownership of the property • the change of use of land receiving special appraisal • any action taken by the chief appraiser, appraisal district or appraisal review board (ARB) that applies to and adversely affects you. ONLINE FILING OF NOTICE OF PROTEST Sec 41.415 of the Texas Property Tax Code allows the owner of a property that for the current tax year has been granted a residence homestead exemption to file a protest online if the reason for protest is:

value is over market value and/or value is unequal compared with other properties

Please visit the appraisal district website at www.duvalcad.org and click on the “Contact us” button or call the appraisal district office at (361)279-3305 for more information. INFORMAL REVIEW Property owners or their representatives are encouraged to meet with an Appraisal District staff appraiser before filing a protest. Staff appraisers will be meeting informally with property owners or their representative to discuss any of the items listed above which may affect any property owners. Interested persons should call (361)279-3305 and ask to speak to an appraiser. REVIEW BY THE ARB If you cannot resolve your problem informally with the county appraisal district (CAD) staff, you may have your case heard by the ARB. The ARB is an independent board of citizens that reviews problems with appraisals or other concerns listed above. It has the power to order the CAD to make the necessary changes to solve problems. If you file a written request for an ARB hearing (called a notice of protest) before the deadline, the ARB will set your case for a hearing. You will receive written notice of the time, date and place of the hearing. If necessary, you may request a hearing in the evening. Prior to your hearing, you may ask to review the evidence the CAD plans to introduce at the hearing to establish any matter at issue. The law provides that before a hearing on a protest or immediately after the hearing begins, you or your agent and the CAD shall each provide the other with a copy of any materials – whether in paper or electronic form – intended

to be offered or submitted to the ARB at the hearing. (Multiple copies of these materials typically must be brought to the hearing so that each ARB member has a copy of all the materials to review.) To the greatest extent practicable, the hearing will be informal. You or a designated agent may appear in person to present evidence or you may send notarized evidence for the ARB to review at your hearing. The CAD representative will present evidence about your case. You may cross-examine the CAD representative. The ARB will make its decision based on the evidence presented. In most cases, the CAD has the burden of establishing the property’s value by a preponderance of the evidence presented. In certain protests, the chief appraiser has the burden of proving the property’s value by clear and convincing evidence. You should review ARB hearing procedures to learn more about evidence and related matters. You can get a copy of a protest form from the appraisal district office or from the Comptroller of Public Accounts at comptroller.texas.gov/taxinfo/taxforms/50-132.pdf. You should not try to contact ARB members outside of the hearing. The law requires ARB members to sign an affidavit saying that they have not talked about your case before the ARB hears it. REVIEW BY THE DISTRICT COURT OR AN ARBITRATOR After it decides your case, the ARB must send you a copy of its order by certified mail. If you are not satisfied with the decision, you have the right to appeal. If you choose to go to court, you must start the process by filing a petition within 60 days of the date you receive the ARB’s order. In certain cases, as an alternative to filing an appeal in district court, you may file, not later than the 45th day after you receive notice of the ARB order, a request for binding arbitration with the county appraisal district. TAX PAYMENT You must pay the amount of taxes due on the portion of the taxable value not in dispute, the amount of taxes due on the property under the order from which the appeal is taken or the amount of taxes due in the previous year. MORE INFORMATION You can get more information by contacting the Duval County Appraisal District office:

in person at: 100 W Gravis, San Diego, TX by mail at: PO Box 809, San Diego, TX 78384-0809 by phone at: (361)279-3305

You can get additional information on how to prepare a protest from the Comptroller’s publication, Property Tax Basics, available on the Comptroller’s Property Tax Assistance Division’s website at comptroller.texas.gov/taxinfo/proptax/pdf/96-1425.pdf.

DEADLINE FOR FILING PROTESTS WITH THE ARB*

USUAL DEADLINE On or before April 30 for residence homesteads and May 31 for all other property (or within 30 days after a notice of appraised value was mailed to you, whichever is later). Late protests are allowed if you miss the usual deadline for good cause. The ARB decides whether you have good cause. Good cause as defined by Tax Code Section 41.45(e-2) is a reason that includes an error or mistake that was not intentional or was not the result of conscious indifference and will not cause undue delay or injury to the person authorized to extend the deadline or grant a rescheduling. Local ARB hearing procedures may also address specific examples of good cause. Late protests are not allowed after the ARB approves the appraisal records for the year. SPECIAL DEADLINES

For change of use (the appraisal district informed you that you are losing agricultural appraisal because you changed the used of your land), the deadline is not later than the 30th day after the notice of the determination was delivered to you. For ARB changes (the ARB has informed you of a change that increases your tax liability and the change did not result from a protest you filed), the deadline is not later than the 30th day after the notice of the change was delivered to you. If you believe the appraisal district or ARB should have sent you a notice and did not, you may file a protest until the day before taxes become delinquent (usually Feb. 1) or no later than the 125th day after the date you claim you received a tax bill from one or more of the taxing units that tax your property. The ARB decides whether it will hear your case based on evidence about whether a required notice was mailed to you.

*The deadline is postponed to the next business day if it falls on a weekend or legal, state or national holiday.

DCAD 2020-05

Capitalism Vs. Covid 19

The COVID-19 virus recovery years could be a good time to start a new economic system. Currently, our economy is based on 2/3 good/bad capitalism and 1/6 public socialism and 1/6 corporate socialism. Capitalism is a system where a very few at the top own and control how the economic businesses are run. I am suggesting maybe try a new economic business system where the employees of a corporation or company own and control the business. The employees will decide what to do with the profits and call all the business shots by creating a voting system. Instead of most of the profits going to the CEO and Board of Directors and shareholders, they now go to the employees, which in turn helps build up the middle class, which means the middle class will now have more money to spend and would reduce the poor class in size.

This new economic system could be a substitute for business bankruptcies that are going to be created by this pandemic.

What I am trying to do is to erase some of these wealth inequality issues and mega greed addictions that the rich have and give everyone a shot at the American Dream.

Please don't take my word for it, you should do your own research online and educate yourself before our country goes into a severe economic austerity (hard-ship) way of life.Please tell your friends about this Letter to the Editor.

Tomas Cantu, an economic researcher

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

respect for traditionally marginalized groups of blue-collar workers? And the people that claimed their liberties were stripped – could they act rebelliously and cause further spread of the virus?

Could one of the benefits of the coronavirus result in lasting changes for how we educate our children, where hybrid and online offerings become the norm for K-12 students?

Also, what are the political impli-cations of this virus? Will people lean more conservative or liberal in the wake of the aftermath?

Though it’s too soon to gauge the true effects of the pandemic, the actions we take today could be a good antidote to remedy at least some of the problems of our current society.

NEW WORLD - From Page 2

PROPERTY TAX PROTEST AND APPEAL PROCEDURES

Hebbronville * Falfurrias * McAllen * WeslacoVisit us at: GSTBANK.COM

THE ENTERPRISE Wednesday, April May 6, 2020 Page 7

HOME SCHOOLS

The National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) has named Dr. Susana Garza, Superintendent of Schools, Jim Hogg County Independent School District, to the District Leadership Institute graduating class of 2020.

The group recently recognized 45 senior educa-tion leaders from across the United States for their commitment to increase access to higher education for low-income students through advocacy, train-ing, and research. All the leaders participated in the program as part of their affiliation with the GEAR

Hebbronville superintendent one of 45 District Leadership Institute graduates

Dr. Susana Garza, JHCISD

UP program.The participants engaged in an intensive

10-month professional learning experience designed to empower them to create, sustain, and strengthen the college-going culture of their school districts. “The future of thousands of students across the United States hold even greater promise because of the resources, best practices, and professional learning experiences these leaders will bring back to their school districts” said NCCEP Interim President & Vice President for Government Relations Alex Chough. “I am extremely proud of this class. Not only are they steadfastly navigating the repercus-sions of the COVID-19 pandemic in their schools and districts, they are more committed than ever to improving outcomes for all students.”

Under the DLI, participants joined in five days of professional learning and contributed to a variety of problem-solving discussions face-to-face and online. The class explored case studies, current research, advocacy strategies, and leadership ap-plications created to develop them into agents of systemic change on behalf of students.

A program for the U.S. Department of Educa-tion’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) community, the NCCEP DLI maximizes the talent and leadership skills of district leaders serving GEAR UP grantees. A large portion of the 10-month curriculum engaged the participants in collaborative activities with direc-tors and district leaders of the GEAR UP program.

With the number of working rigs drilling for oil and natural gas continuing to plummet, area businesses have begun to recall their equipment. As much as 40 percent of the nation’s oil rigs are now on standby. The rigs in the photo were photographed at an Alice location.

May10, 2020

(StatePoint) Debido al cálido y húmedo invierno que experimentamos, los expertos predicen que en los Estados Unidos habrá un verano con una cantidad de insectos por encima de lo normal.

Según el informe anual, Barómetro de Insectos, de la Asociación Nacional de Manejo de Plagas, las condiciones ambientales son ideales para que todo tipo de insectos estén presentes en cantidades por encima de lo normal. Más insectos afuera probable-mente significará más insectos tratando de entrar a su casa.

“Debemos esperar que la cantidad de insectos crezca significativamente porque las lluvias de primavera y el sol de verano hacen que el número de insectos aumente”, dice la entomóloga Gabriela Nine. “Las personas deben tomar las precauciones necesarias a fin de estar preparados. Estos insectos, como las cucarachas y hormigas, saben bien cómo encontrar comida y albergue en nuestros hogares. En esta época del año, entran por los espacios menos esperados o por la puerta principal para disfrutar de todo lo que pueden en nuestros hogares”.

Para combatir el aumento en hormigas, cucara-chas, termitas y otras plagas, y asegurarse de que no invadan su área, tenga en cuenta los siguientes consejos:

• Evite la humedad. Inspeccione su casa y patio buscando áreas donde haya acumulación de humedad en superficies o agua estancada. Los mosquitos y otros insectos se reproducen en estas áreas mas que en ninguna otra.

• Aliméntese usted, no a las plagas. Asegúrese de cerrar bien los recipientes con comida y guardarlos correctamente en el refrigerador y los armarios. Barra la cocina a diario y limpie las mesas y superfi-cies después de preparar y comer sus alimentos. Así eliminará los derrames y migas.

• Rocíe con confianza. Según una encuesta real-izada por Zevo, más del noventa por ciento (90%) de las personas se preocupan por los insectos en su casa. Al mismo tiempo, casi ochenta y siete por ciento (87%) – se preocupa por cual tipo ingrediente químico es usado en los insecticidas tradicionales. ¿Existe algo nuevo? Hay formas efectivas de matar insectos usando ingredientes que no hacen daño o son inofensivos.

Por ejemplo, Zevo Instant Action Bug Killer Spray, funciona contra muchos insectos domésticos tales como las hormigas, cucarachas, moscas, mos-cas de la fruta (jejenes), mosquitos y arañas. Zevo está hecho con aceites esenciales diseñados para los receptores nerviosos de los insectos.

Consejos para combatir las invasiones de insectos domésticos de forma segura

Lorysa Destiny GarcíaCollins Parr Elementary - San DiegoLorysa Destiny GarcíaCollins Parr Elementary - San Diego

Lorysa Destiny GarcíaCollins Parr Elementary - San Diego

Roy PerezBenavides Elementary - Benavides

Ayden Jayce EverettCollins Parr Elementary - San Diego

Edward ValadezCorpus Christi

Alexis Farías and Abigail AguilarAlice

Derrick VelaCollins Parr Elementary - San Diego

THE ENTERPRISE Wednesday, May 6, 2020 Page 8

Columns Columns LAS ESQUINITAS Columns Columns

LaJamaica

By Carmelinda S. GarciaThe Enterprise

Throughout many “esquinitas” people are figuring out how to adapt to our changing world. May is upon us and instead of all the festivities that accompany graduating seniors, we are facing challenges on how to make this last month of their school year memorable for these outstanding students. Not to worry; we will find some way to celebrate this monumental occasion!

This year, there was no prom; banquets were cancelled or postponed. There was no softball or baseball season and some UIL events such as San Diego High School’s One Act Play troupe were kept from advancing.

Another tradition that was cancelled was the annual St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church Jamaica! Seeing its beginnings more than 25 years ago, this was the first year that many of us didn’t flock to the church grounds to sit on lawn chairs enjoying the musical line up that never disappoints. I remember the first Jamaica brought to San Diego by our beloved Father Benito. He got all this started and it grew through the years. He was such a good sport. I remember the year that the Jamaica featured a dunking booth and Father climbed up and played along. He laughed after getting dunked. No mercy.

But this year will be different. There will be no cake walk. There will be no bingo and we will have to do without Lala’s wonderful “gorditas” and the KC’s “mollejas” and “fajitas” tacos. The bright colorful tee shirts will not be sold and the silent auction will literally be silent.

We won’t get to go browse Irma’s Plant Stand or purchase so many cute items at Lupita’s Country Store. Two years ago, I bought my grand-daughter, Annelies, a little set of dishes that she still cherishes. There will be no bouncy houses and no trains. San Juanita and Dago’s funnel cakes, which are always a hit, will be missed. The children’s tent will not be set up nor will the cute wagon selling “raspas.” No face painting; no balloons; no go fishing. And then, there’s the mariachi! Oh how San Diego enjoys their mariachi. Those too will be missed. All we have are memories and the hope that next year will be different.

Libby will once again get things going asking for

donations for the bingo and the cake walk. The KC’s will get ready for their fabulous barbeque and we will certainly dust off those lawn chairs to once again listen to the music which is heard almost all day. Maybe they’ll bring back “Los Chamacos!” They were great last year.

One popular activity associated with the Jamaica is the annual prize raffle which usually offers many wonderful treasures. Luckily, this was not cancelled. This year, there are gift cards; picnic tables; barbecue packages; gift baskets; jewelry sets; a small freezer; a camera bundle; a 32” television and other wonder-ful items totaling 35. Tickets can be purchased from organization members or at the Church Rectory Office. Price is $2.00 a ticket and the drawing will take place on Sunday, June 14 after the 11:30 am Mass in front of the CCD Building. Need not be present to win!

Texas is slowly re-opening even though we are do-ing that with caution following many regulations. This is true of the doors of St. Francis. Masses will resume on Saturday, May 9 but there will be some restrictions. We haven’t seen each other in a very long time and it is certainly going to be tempting to shake hands; hug and give each other the customary quick peck on the cheek. Fight the urge and don’t do it. We must continue to observe social distancing guidelines and other safety measures since there still is no treatment or a vaccine

for this terrible virus. But, let’s not lose hope. This will not last forever;

the day will come when we once again return to some-what of a normal life. Until then, remember que sus vidas sean llenas de paz y que cada “esquinita” sea llena de buena fortuna!

Carmelinda Sepulveda-Garcia is a graduate of Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos where she received her Bachelor of Science majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in English. She went on to receive her Masters of Science at Texas A&I University in Kingsville. She retired as an Assistant Superintendent of Schools from San Diego ISD and holds various certifications.

Father Benito with JAZ Lopez and Aurora Canales

Gilbert Pena

Adam Garcia

“Raven Watch”

The ravens are back. Last year they had a nest right on

my hiking trail but I didn’t notice them making it. I didn’t notice when they started guarding it or when the female laid eggs. I didn’t notice a thing. I never saw the nest—which is almost five feet across—and I’m not feeling too stupid about that because the nest is more than 100 feet in the air. I didn’t notice a thing until the chicks were hatched. Then I noticed.

A baby raven is a lot closer to a baby pterodactyl than any baby bird I’ve ever encountered. They are not sweet. Whatever the opposite of sweet is, that is a baby raven.

They are unbelievably loud, ter-ribly demanding, and make a harsh, almost frightening cry whenever they are hungry—which appears to be every minute of every day.

The parents fly back and forth and back again trying to keep their little monsters fed. At some point, the babies have to venture out of the nest and I don’t think I could stand the suspense of that first flight. When the first step out of your home is a 100-foot drop, you better be pretty sure you know what you are doing. The whole idea is terrifying.

This year, I kept my eye on the old nest and, sure enough, there were a couple of birds tidying it up. In addition to adding a few new sticks here and there, one of the ravens got in the nest and turned around 360 degrees while flapping her wings. I’m sure this was pretty effective and it was great fun to watch—even from 100 feet below.

Now, every day, I watch for the ravens and I usually see one, sitting a few feet from the nest, making occasional noises. As you have probably gathered, I am not a serious bird watcher but to me the call sounds like, “Yup. Still here. How’s it going?” I have been pointing out the nest to people I see on the trail.

“Did you see the ravens’ nest?”“No! Where?” And I show them. Ev-

eryone has been delighted to see the nest except one woman.

“Did you see the ravens’ nest?”“No. I hate ravens. Such garbage

birds!” I didn’t show her the nest. And I smiled as I walked away

because I could guess why she didn’t like them. Ravens are very smart. If you leave the lid to your garbage can open even a crack, they think it is great fun to get inside and throw your gar-bage everywhere. Everyone in town knows this and everyone knows they have to have their lids totally shut. But every now and then I will see someone who either forgot or figured the ravens wouldn’t notice.

The ravens always notice. I’d be willing to bet that woman has

picked up garbage at least once. Judg-ing by her bad attitude, probably more than once.

The other day I got back from my hike and my husband, Peter, was very

excited. “They’re building a nest right here!” “Who?”“The ravens!”I went out to look and he was right.

It seemed a little late to get started, but there was a pair of ravens building an enormous nest in the top of the tall pine tree by the side of our home. It was impressive.

So now I have two homesteads to keep an eye on, two sets of pterodactyls to listen for, and one more reason to make certain the lid to my garbage can is down tight.Till next time, Carrie

Carrie Classon’s memoir is called, “Blue Yarn.” Learn more at CarrieClas-son.com.