By Texas Times Staff

DEL RIO, TX — Val Verde County Precinct 1 Commissioner Kerr Wardlaw says infrastructure improvements remained a top priority throughout the year, with multiple road projects completed despite budget limitations.
According to Wardlaw, one of the first major projects addressed was Rose Avenue, which he described as the worst road in the precinct when he took office. The road has since been fully repaved, along with Echo Cliffs at the end of Rose Avenue.
Additional work included reinforcing the edges of Pepper Lane, repairs on Scotland Road, and ongoing maintenance along Cocobolo Road, an area prone to recurring potholes due to unstable ground conditions.
“Our roads are what citizens see every day,” Wardlaw said. “That’s our infrastructure, and it’s critical we keep it maintained.”
Wardlaw explained that Precinct 1 maintains approximately 30 miles of county roads, with 29 miles paved. Budget constraints allow for roughly one major road project per year, noting that it cost approximately $54,000 to pave just 0.21 miles of roadway.
The only unpaved road in the precinct, Gordonize Road, sees minimal traffic and serves primarily agricultural land.
Wardlaw also provided an update on the new Precinct 1 warehouse, a project initiated by his predecessor his father Martin Wardlaw. The facility sits on 25 acres along the loop between Del Rio and Laughlin Air Force Base and includes a large warehouse and storage buildings. Final office construction is underway, with a ribbon cutting planned for 2026.
Looking ahead, Wardlaw confirmed that groundbreaking is imminent for major fairgrounds improvements, including a large event center with a gymnasium, kitchen facilities, roll-up doors, and expanded vendor space.
Improvements are also planned for the county park near the cemetery, where solar lighting will be installed to enhance safety while preserving the natural views.
“We’re focused on doing things the right way,” Wardlaw said. “Saving taxpayer dollars while improving quality of life.”
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By Texas Times Staff
DEL RIO, TX — As the year comes to a close, City of Del Rio Mayor Al Arreola says 2025 will be remembered as a year of steady progress, economic momentum, and renewed focus on the needs of local residents.
“We had a lot of progress in our community and several economic boosts,” Arreola said during a recent interview on KWMC Radio. “It’s been a blessing for Del Rio. While there were challenges, the city council and administration worked together to address issues and keep the city moving forward.”
Over the past several years, Del Rio has seen consistent economic growth, with new hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses opening across the city. Arreola noted that this expansion has helped strengthen city revenues while creating new opportunities for local workers and entrepreneurs.
A key highlight for the mayor has been the continued revitalization of downtown Del Rio, where small, locally owned businesses have played a central role.
“Del Rio is a traditional community we support small businesses,” Arreola said. “When you see downtown growing, with new restaurants, bars, and shops, that tells you people believe in this city and are willing to invest in it.”
As the city looks toward 2026, Arreola said maintaining focus on core infrastructure needs will remain essential. Street repairs, improved lighting, and ongoing water and sewer maintenance are among the priorities that directly impact residents’ daily lives.
“Our responsibility is to take care of the basics first,” he said. “Streets, lighting, and infrastructure are not luxuries they’re necessities.”
The mayor also emphasized the importance of pursuing state and federal grants to fund improvements without placing additional strain on local taxpayers.
“Money is out there,” Arreola said. “If we stay focused and apply for those grants, we can bring outside dollars into Del Rio and invest them where they’re needed most.”
Looking ahead, Arreola outlined several longer-term goals, including upgrades to city parks, continued creek cleanup efforts, and exploring ways to repurpose city-owned properties for arts, entertainment, and community gatherings.
“We need spaces that bring families together,” he said. “Whether it’s parks, cultural centers, or downtown venues, those investments help improve quality of life.”
Reflecting on the year, Arreola said community unity has been one of Del Rio’s greatest strengths.
“If we continue working together and staying focused on the needs of our citizens,” he said, “2026 can be another strong year for Del Rio.”
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By Texas Times Staff
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DEL RIO, TX — This holiday season, Hyundai of Del Rio proved once again that giving back is more than a slogan it’s a way of life.
The dealership, under the leadership of General Manager Grant Bibb and ownership of the Koury Group, hosted a heartfelt Christmas giveaway that touched dozens of local families. Over the course of several days from a special Saturday event with Santa Claus through Christmas week more than 150 gifts were distributed to children and families throughout the community.
“It feels good to put a smile on someone’s face,” Bibb said. “We’re a very successful dealership, and a lot of that success comes from this community. Our philosophy is simple: how do we give back to the people we live with, worship with, raise our kids with, and cheer alongside at ball games?”

A No-Strings-Attached Gift of Joy
The main giveaway event featured Santa Claus, the Grinch, family photos, and free gifts, with no requirement to test drive a vehicle or make a purchase. Bibb emphasized that the goal was to reach families especially those who might otherwise struggle to afford Christmas presents.
“Some people in our community don’t have the means for gifts,” Bibb said. “We wanted them to come in, take a picture with Santa, and leave with a gift no catch. Just come and be blessed.”
Approximately 100 gifts were prepared, with 95 distributed that Saturday. The remaining gifts were donated to a local church to bless children during their Sunday program.
“The smiles on those kids’ faces that’s what it’s all about,” Bibb said. “When you see a child open a gift they weren’t expecting, their whole expression changes. That’s a moment you never forget.”

Giving Didn’t Stop There
What surprised many in Del Rio was that the generosity didn’t end with one event. In the days leading up to Christmas, Hyundai of Del Rio continued daily giveaways, including:
•    55-inch televisions
•    VR headsets
•    AirPods
•    iPads
•    Gift cards
•    Barbecue grills
•    Gaming consoles and accessories

“We kept going Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday right up to Christmas,” Bibb said. “And these weren’t small items. We’re talking big TVs, electronics, and things families could truly enjoy together.”
The giveaways were conducted randomly through social media, with participants simply liking, sharing, and commenting. No purchases were required.
“It’s free. Anyone can win,” Bibb said. “There’s no gimmick. We even gave away three TVs in one day because someone didn’t claim theirs we just kept giving.”

Faith, Gratitude, and Community First
Bibb credited the dealership’s giving spirit to faith, gratitude, and the philosophy of owner Nick Koury, who fully supports community investment without hesitation.
“We don’t give because we have to, we  give because we want to,” Bibb said. “God is great all the time. Christmas is about being grateful for what we have and sharing it.”
He added that Hyundai of Del Rio consistently gives back year-round through scholarships, community partnerships, and sponsorships including local museums and nonprofit organizations.
“This year alone, we’ll give another $15,000 to $20,000 in scholarships,” Bibb said. “We invest in the kids, in education, and in the future of this city.”
As the holidays come to a close, Hyundai of Del Rio’s message remains clear: true success is measured not by sales, but by service.
“You can’t be blessed if you don’t bless others,” Bibb said. “Our success comes from giving and we’re going to keep doing it."

By Texas Times Staff
DEL RIO, TX — The spirit of the holiday season was on full display this past Saturday at the Whitehead Memorial Museum during its annual Christmas at the Museum celebration, an event that combined festive activities with a meaningful food and toy drive for local families in need.
Michael Diaz, Director of the Whitehead Memorial Museum, said the event was a great success and expressed his gratitude to the Del Rio community for its continued generosity and support.
“This is our annual food and toy drive where we collect non-perishable food items for the Val Verde County Food Pantry and toys that will be donated to Ruben Chavira Elementary School,” Diaz said. “These toys will be distributed to students in need during the holiday season.”
The family friendly event featured a visit from Santa Claus, who handed out free goodie bags and posed for photos with children. Young attendees also enjoyed free arts and crafts, face painting, and live performances throughout the evening.
Diaz extended special thanks to the student choirs from Lonnie Green Elementary School and Hill Elementary School for their musical performances, as well as the Ballet Folklórico Toko Rico group, which entertained guests with a vibrant cultural dance presentation.
The event was made possible through the support of community sponsors, including Union Pacific, Friends of Val Verde Health and Wellness, The Bargain Box, the City of Del Rio, and Val Verde County.
“Not everyone experiences a great Christmas, and this is a way for the community to come together in one place and give back whether through food or toy donations,” Diaz said.
Approximately 150 toys were collected during the drive, along with a substantial amount of food donations. Diaz thanked all residents who contributed, emphasizing the importance of community involvement during the holiday season.
In addition to the food and toy drive, the museum has launched its annual Christmas Museum Lights, allowing the public to enjoy the museum’s holiday decorations free of charge.
“Over the years, we’ve expanded our decorations and decided to open the museum to the public on select evenings in December so families can enjoy the lights and take holiday photos,” Diaz said.
The museum is open from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on December 15, 19, 20, 21, 23, and 24, inviting families to walk through the decorated grounds, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and take Christmas photos at no cost.
“Families are welcome to bring their own cameras or photographers and capture their holiday memories here,” Diaz added. “It’s a great opportunity to spend quality time together.”
With a full calendar of events throughout the year, Diaz said the museum looks forward to continuing its mission of preserving history while serving the community.
“We truly appreciate the community’s support,” he said. “We’re excited to see what 2026 brings.”
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By Texas Times Staff
DEL RIO, TX — Casa de la Cultura was filled with music, tradition, and community spirit this past weekend as residents gathered for a festive posada and tamalada, celebrating one of the most cherished cultural traditions of the holiday season.
Casa de la Cultura Director Lupita La Paz said the event drew an impressive turnout from start to finish, with families participating in both the traditional and celebratory aspects of the evening.
“We had a really great turnout from the very beginning,” La Paz said. “We started with the traditional pedida de posada, visiting our neighboring homes. As tradition goes, we’re denied entry until the final stop, when Casa de la Cultura opens its doors. That’s what officially kicks off the event.”
Once the posada concluded, the celebration continued with the arrival of Matachines, followed by music, dancing, and food. La Paz noted that many attendees remained throughout the entire event, helping with cleanup afterward an example, she said, of the strong sense of community that defines Casa de la Cultura.
One of the highlights of the evening was the tamalada, made possible by volunteers who spent the previous day preparing masa, tamales, and gathering donated gifts.
“Our volunteers and helpers are incredible,” La Paz said. “From preparing the tamales to organizing the gifts and helping throughout the event, we couldn’t do this without them.”
Live music was provided by La Calle Cuatro, which kept the crowd dancing after the tamalada.
“They were awesome,” La Paz said. “It was perfect timing everyone had just eaten, so they could dance off the tamales. They played a full 90-minute set without even taking a break, and it was fantastic.”
Cultural performances were also a major highlight, including Ballet Folklórico and the Matachines, both staples of Mexican heritage. La Paz emphasized the importance of giving performers ample time to showcase their work.
“We had both our children’s group and our adult group perform,” she said. “This was their final performance of the year, so we made sure they had enough time to highlight all the states and the different dresses they’ve been working on all year.”
The Ballet Folklórico performance lasted nearly an hour and featured dances representing regions from Aguascalientes to Veracruz, taking the audience on a vibrant cultural journey. The groups will now take a short break before resuming rehearsals in late February to begin learning new dances.
La Paz said preserving tradition and culture remains central to Casa de la Cultura’s mission, especially in today’s fast-paced world.
“These traditions can fade away, but not here in Del Rio,” she said. “Casa de la Cultura exists to keep our culture alive in the community.”
La Paz concluded by thanking everyone who attended and encouraging residents to participate in future events.
“If you haven’t been to a posada or any of our events or activities, I definitely invite you to be part of it,” she said. “Casa de la Cultura is an experience. It’s something you truly have to experience for yourself.”
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By Texas Times Staff
DEL RIO, Texas — The City of Del Rio’s annual Christmas Night Parade proved to be a major success, drawing an impressive turnout and highlighting the strong community spirit that continues to define the city.
According to Esme Meza, Community Services Director for the City of Del Rio, the parade, held Friday, December 5, exceeded expectations in both participation and attendance.
“We had about 80 registered entries, but many included multiple units such as walkers, trucks, and trailers,” Meza said. “By the time everything was counted, we had well over 100 units, including floats, walking groups, vehicles, and even animals.”
Meza said the community response was overwhelming, noting that residents braved chilly weather conditions to take part in the long-standing holiday tradition.
“It was cold, so we didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “But people came prepared with jackets, hats, and blankets, and they still came out in large numbers. That really shows how much this parade means to our community.”
Parade participants also noted the size of the crowd. One entry reportedly purchased more than 1,500 candy canes, yet ran out before even reaching the halfway point of the route  a clear sign of the parade’s popularity.
This year’s theme, “Level Up,” inspired by classic arcade video games, was especially well received. Meza said many entries fully embraced the theme, featuring characters and designs from beloved games such as Mario, Donkey Kong, and other retro favorites.
“The creativity was amazing,” Meza said. “People really stuck to the theme, and it showed. The entries were colorful, fun, and very engaging.”
Several groups were recognized for their outstanding participation. The Mayor’s Choice Award was presented to one standout entry, while first place honors went to another top competitor. The Queen City Belles earned second place and also received the Holiday Award for best performance. Additionally, Del Rio High School CTE was recognized for its “Merry and Bright” themed entry, which Mesa described as one of the most memorable of the night.
Meza emphasized that the parade is about more than competition.
“We do this for the citizens, for the families, and especially for the kids both the young and the young at heart,” she said. “Whether someone had a loved one in the parade or was just there to watch, it was about coming together and celebrating the season.”
Looking ahead, Meza said residents can expect announcements early in the new year regarding future city events, including the theme for next year’s Christmas parade and the City of Del Rio’s Halloween Haunted House at City Hall.
“We’re excited for what’s ahead,” Meza said. “This turnout shows that Del Rio truly values these traditions.”
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They are large geometric patterns appearing in fields of corn, wheat, and barley. The patterns are created when certain areas are flattened while other areas are left untouched. Some people believe that they are messages from intelligent extraterrestrial life. Others say they are made by humans. Is there any benefit to the study of crop circles?
The first known reported crop circle occurred in 1678 England. It was known as the “Mowing Devil” and depicted a devilish figure cutting a circle in a field. Crop circles not only in England, but other parts of the world including, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and India. The modern crop circle phenomena did not begin until the 1960’s and 1970’s. It was during this period in the late 1970’s when two men, Doug Bower and Dave Chorley, began claiming responsibility for the crop circle development in the English countryside.
They claimed that by using simple geometry, a wooden plank, and some rope, the design of the crop circle could be accomplished in a matter of hours at night, thus leading to the overnight development of the circle without knowledge to the landowner and miraculously appearing. Many people believe that this claim ended the mystery of the crop circle and its origins. Researchers, on the other hand, say otherwise. Researchers examine the location and weather patterns of the area.
They also scrutinize the affected crops and surrounding soil with sophisticated techniques such as x-ray diffraction analysis. Electromagnetic energy readings are also taken inside and near the crop circle along with analyzing the pattern circle, e.g, comparing some complex patterns with hieroglyphics or other ancient symbols. After all the testing and data analysis, researchers, having pondered the question of crop circles for decades, still haven’t come up with an explanation as to why they exist.
There are other theories as to how crop circles are made. Some suggest that it is nothing more than swirling winds called vortices. These are similar to “dust devils”. The spinning columns force a burst of air down to the ground, which flatten wheat and other crops. Vortices are common in hilly areas of southern England. Dr. Terence Meaden of the Tornado and Storm Research Organization in Wiltshire, England, says the vortices that create crop circles are charged with energy (his idea is called the Plasma Vortex Theory).
When dust particles get caught up in the spinning, charged air, they can appear to glow, which may explain the UFO-like glowing lights many witnesses have seen near crop circles. But the question remains: How can a few seconds worth of spinning air create such intricate and perfectly defined crop circles? A few researchers have theorized that small airplanes or helicopters stir up downdrafts that push the crops down into patterns. Recreation attempts so far have not been successful in producing the downdrafts necessary to make the perfectly round edges seen in most crop circles. Some researchers believe that the Earth, in fact, creates its own energy, which forms the circles.
One possible form of Earth energy is electromagnetic radiation. Scientists have, in fact, measured strong magnetic fields inside crop circles, and visitors have sometimes reported feeling a tingling sensation in their bodies while or near the circles. In the early 1990s, American biophysicist Dr. William Levengood discovered that crops in circles were damaged much in the same way plants are heated in a microwave oven. He proposed the idea that the crops were being rapidly heated from the inside by some kind of microwave energy, thus explaining certain joints in the crop having an explosion-like appearance at the bend.
Possibly the most controversial theory is that crop circles are the work of visitors from other planets- sort of like alien calling cards. People who agree with this theory say that the circles are either the imprint left by UFO landings or messages brought to us from afar. Some eyewitnesses claim to have seen flying saucer-like lights and strange noises emanating from the crop circle sites. The crop circle phenomena is still open for debate. Will we ever find out the reason for their existence or will we lay dormant like the broken crop? Is it just another tourist money grab? Will we ever have an answer?
​ #QUESTIONEVERYTHING

I too, like many of you am a fan of some Mediterranean Foods. Not long ago I came across one dish that has been become one of my favorites now and so easy and quick to make.

I'm talking about Mediterranean Style Beets Hummus. WAIT. I know you're probably thinking Beets? Yes Beets. They have never been one of my favorite foods either but when you roast them and combine them with a few other, easy to find, choice ingredients, WOW, Yummy.

So here is the recipe.
3 Medium Beets (roasted)
3 Table Spoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sea Salt and Black Pepper to Taste
1 ½ Cooked Chick Peas (drained)
1 Peeled Garlic Clove
1 Tablespoon of Tahini
1 Splash of Seasoned Rice Vinegar

Combine All ingredients in a blender and blend to constancy.
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​Pour out and spread on a plat plate.

Top with sesame seeds and Viola. Now you have some of the best Mediterranean Beet Humus comparable to the one served in most High End Mediterranean Restaurants everywhere.
Even if you, like me, are not a huge Beet fan you should cook this easy recipe up and give it a go. Who knows, like me, you may find you end up starting to like this healthy and wholesome beet recipe. What else could you want, It uses a few ready available ingredients many of us have in our kitchens already and only takes a few minutes to throw together.
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Put it on some Tortilla Chips, some crackers or just sop it up with some great bread or even some Nan. Have a great summer and always try to stay cool and hydrated.

See you next time for another great recipe for Happy Healthy Eating.

Lo que empezó como una venta desde una cocina de una casa particular, por parte de la familia García, ahora se ha convertido en una de la empresa de Julio’s Corn Tortilla Chips, que ha puesto el nombre de esta Frontera en alto al estar en venta en más de tres mil centros comerciales en 42 estados de este país. Julio’s Corn Tortilla Chips, empezó en los años 70’s en la cocina de Julio y Lilia García, se convirtió en uno de los productos favoritos de esta Frontera, para después convertirse en los favoritos en todo el estado, y de ahí a nivel nacional, actualmente Miguel Garcia es quien está al frente de la empresa y quien sigue con el legado de sus padres para llevar este producto a todo el país, y si se puede también a otros países.
Miguel García, ya conocer que para poder abastecer la demanda de estos Chips a la comunidad, abrieron lo que hoy es el restaurante Julio mismo establecimiento en donde todo se hacía a mano para hacer estos famosos Chips para la población.
​La demanda por estos Chips fue creciendo y creciendo al punto en que no daban abasto, por lo que Miguel garcia hizo la inversión y en el 2001 compró su primer máquina que le ayudaría a producir este producto en mayor cantidad y menor tiempo. Esta unidad era para 500 libras por hora, la cual estuvo utilizando durante 14 años, hasta que nuevamente aumentó la demanda de este producto.
Fue en el 2014, cuando miguel García realizó un convenio con el centro comercial Walmart para introducir este producto en este comercio, pero el único requisito era incrementar la cantidad de productos por lo que se tuvo que hacer la inversión para adquirir una segunda máquina, pero ahora de 1600 libras Por hora, por lo que ahora el producto que hacía durante una hora con esta nueva unidad lo terminaban en 15 minutos.
Gracias a esta inversión, los jos Chips pueden ser encontrados en más de 2000 centros comerciales en todo el estado de Texas, y en más de 3000 comercios en 42 diferentes estados de este país. Después de 10 años, Miguel garcia realizó otra inversión de una nueva máquina de 2500 libras por hora, la cual actualmente se instaló y se están ultimando.
Los detalles se está trabajando en el área electrónica para empezar a hacer las pruebas antes de empezar a usarla. Se cuenta con un personal de 80 personas en esta empresa y aún así Miguel Garcia sigue atendiendo a la comunidad personalmente, ya que uno de sus reglas es atender a la población, lo mejor que se pueda, como lo hacían sus padres y así seguir siendo uno de los restaurantes Favoritos, y también que su producto de Julio Chips sean del agrado de todos. La primer máquina que se compró que era para 500 libras por hora.
Sigue siendo utilizada para hacer los Chips y embolsarlos en pequeñas bolsas, así mismo, esta empresa está ofreciendo cinco diferentes salsas originales de esta empresa y ya se está trabajando en un nuevo sabor, el cual se espera que también sea de agrado de las personas. Tanto la fábrica para hacer los julios Chips ha incrementado su tamaño para incrementar su productividad.
También el restaurante Julio se ha mejorado al contar con mayor espacio un mayor amplio estacionamiento y se busca ofrecer mejores servicios para la comunidad y los turistas que visitan este establecimiento. La meta es empezar a utilizar la nueva maquinaria para hacer Julio Chips, para empezar a poder cubrir la demanda que solicitan de este producto, siempre con la misma calidad o incluso hasta mejor para que todos puedan disfrutar de lo que empezó la familia García en 1970, ya que se siguen utilizando las recetas originales, tanto para fabricar los Chips como en el menú del restaurante Julio’s.

By Brian Argabright [email protected]

Kailyn Lomas liked being a state champion so much that she decided to do it again. The Del Rio High School junior earned her second consecutive state championship in powerlifting, winning the 97-pound weight class at the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association Class 6A State Championship held at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg in March. Lomas, making her third consecutive appearance at the state meet, not only took home a state title, but did so in dominating fashion. She lifted a total of 800 pounds including 350 pounds in the squat, 135 pounds in the bench press and 315 pounds in the deadlift.
The 350-pound squat set a new overall state record while the 315-poind deadlift and the 800-pound total were both 6A State records. Aside from earning the state title, Lomas also took home awards for Best Lightweight Squat and Best Lightweight Deadlift. She also becomes the first Del Rio powerlifter, male or female, to win back-to-back state titles since Michael Riemann achieved the feat in 2005 and 2006. But Lomas wasn’t Del Rio’s only state powerlifting champion.
Chloe Juarez, who finished fourth in the 105-pound weight class last year, took home the title this year with a total of 835 pounds lifted, 110 pounds more than her next closest competitor. Juarez had a 335-pound squat, a 175-pound bench press and a 325-pound deadlift. All three of her totals were the top weights lifted in her weight class. All three were also improvements from her showing at last year’s meet, including improving her deadlift total by 65 pounds.
​Three more Del Rio lifters competed at the state meet with two of them earning medals. “At the State level you do the best you can and live with the results. We had four medalists, one in each grade level. This was an amazing group of ladies with amazing skillsets and an even brighter future,” Del Rio High School head powerlifting coach David Gomez said.
Gabby Diaz finished as the runner-up in the 114-pound weight class, missing out on Del Rio’s third state title by 35 pounds. Diaz posted a 355-pound squat, which was best in her class; a 185-pound bench press, which was second overall; and a 300-pound deadlift for a total weight lifted of 840 pounds. Lomas, Juarez and Diaz were all regional champions. Wylie’s Thalia Gonzalez won the title in the 114-pound weight class with a total weight of 875 pounds. Had Diaz and Gonzalez finished tied, Diaz would have won state due to her weighing less than Gonzalez.
Isabella Valdez was fifth in the 181-pound weight class. She posted a 385-pound squat, a 200-pound bench press and a 375-pound deadlift for a total weight lifted of 960 pounds. Lynette Herrera of Edinburg won the state title with a total weight of 1,125 pounds. Kaisy Torres rounded out Del Rio’s state qualifiers, finishing sixth in the 195-pound weight class. She had a 390-pound squat, a 210-pound bench press and a 310-pound deadlift for a total weight lifted of 910 pounds. Areanna Marin of Los Fresnos won the state title with a total weight of 1,100.
As a team, Del Rio finished third out of 55 schools in Class 6A. “All the girls did amazing. They set goals and reached them. The goal was to get to State and do your best and that goal was achieved. It was a complete team effort,” Gomez said.