Weslaco strikes gold with DPS

With shovel blades and even the overturned earth bearing a gold coloring, Weslaco Mayor Buddy de la Rosa and other Valley legislators literally and figuratively hit pay dirt in Weslaco on Friday, May 14, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the planned $40 million Department of Public Safety Regional Headquarters.

The complex will feature about 110,000 square feet and accommodate 212 employees, who will serve and protect area residents as a regional state public safety command center – including housing the Highway Patrol, Texas Rangers, and aircraft – plus focus on criminal investigations, intelligence and counter-terrorism, crime laboratory, communications, and emergency management. In addition, the complex will include a driver’s license facility, victim services, information technology, and agency support. It is expected to open for business by the summer of 2011. In 2007, the Texas Legislature, led by the Valley legislative delegation, authorized the funding for the construction of the facility, which will serve Hidalgo County.

The trickle down economic impact to the surrounding businesses that will be participating in supplying services and materials for the construction of this 110,000 square foot facility will be phenomenal.

Celebrating the legacy of civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr.

The long and difficult path to freedom: People throughout history helped pave the way for Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights

Over- and under-: Black History Month is a good time to recognize the work of overlooked and underappreciated artists

Israel - Palestinian War