State Sen. Carlos Uresti on Wednesday pledged that all the resources available to his Eagle Pass, San Antonio, and state Capitol offices will be employed to help the people of Maverick County recover from last week’s  devastating flood.

“My office is evaluating daily updates on the damages incurred and the state’s response to help determine what resources are still needed to boost the recovery effort,” Uresti said. “I want to commend the people of Eagle Pass for the courage and tenacity they have shown in the face of this tragedy.”

According to the Emergency Management Division’s latest situation report, the Maverick County Sheriff’s Department is enforcing curfews in affected areas, portable lighting has been provided to curb looting and burglary, and stagnant water is being treated for mosquitoes.

In addition, the Department of State Health Services has four personnel in the area, including Public Health Emergency Preparedness staff. All food service establishments affected by flooding in Eagle Pass and Seco Mines have been inspected, and 500 doses of the tetanus vaccine will be distributed through community clinics later this week.

Many flood victims remain displaced four days after more than 16 inches of rain deluged the area, heavily damaging hundreds of homes and businesses. First responders, often jeopardizing their own safety, helped rescue some 60 people who were stranded by the high water.

Uresti’s District Office Manager Hellen Martinez also swung into action, visiting flood victims in shelters and monitoring the situation as it developed. She also worked with the offices of Gov. Perry and Lt. Gov. Dewhurst to quickly obtain a disaster declaration for the county, which was issued on Saturday.

Uresti also praised local officials, including Mayor Ramsey Cantu, County Judge David Saucedo, and state Rep. Poncho Nevarez for their quick response during the storm and in its aftermath.

“The people of Eagle Pass and Maverick County were wise to elect strong leaders who will help get them through this crisis,” Uresti said. “But the people themselves will be the greatest resource in the return to prosperity, through their individual resolve and the united strength of their families and the larger community.”

Uresti, who is attending a special legislative session in Austin, will make a first-hand inspection of the progress being made. On July 25 he will return to Eagle Pass for his annual Back-to-School Event, preceded by a town hall meeting with local elected officials and citizens.

By: Ricardo E. Calderon
An Exclusive Eagle Pass Business Journal News Story/Copyright 2013

Mother Nature reminded Maverick Countians the destructive side of it as over 17 inches of rain fell on Eagle Pass and Maverick County, Texas during a 36 hours period on June 14-15, 2013, causing severe and extreme flooding of Elm Creek, Seco Creek, El Indio Highway (FM 1021), Rio Grande River, and every low lying area within the community and millions of dollars in damages to real estate and personal property.

The June 15, 2013 great flood in Maverick County caused extensive damages to real and personal property but fortunately no lives were lost. According to Maverick County Judge David Saucedo at a press conference held on Monday, June 17th, at the Emergency Operations Center established at the headquarters of the City of Eagle Pass Water Works and Sewer System, preliminary surveys indicate that a total of 140 homes were completely flooded and destroyed, a total of 80 properties within the City of Eagle Pass were affected and another 480 homes within the County of Maverick were affected by the flood, totaling 560 homes to date.

County Judge David Saucedo reported that over 66 rescues were performed by the joint emergency task force comprised of the City of Eagle Pass Fire Department, County of Maverick Bridge and Road Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, United States Border Patrol’s Air and Boat Rescue Teams, Southwest Texas Advisory Council of San Antonio, Texas, Eagle Pass Independent School District, American Red Cross, and others.

Judge Saucedo noted that he had taken an aerial assessment of the damages within Maverick County on Saturday, June 15th, aboard a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter together with State Representative Poncho Nevarez. Saucedo stated the damage within the community was serious and widespread including areas in northern Maverick County along Elm Creek and Seco Creek and in southern Maverick County along El Indio Highway and adjacent subdivisions.
Seco Mines along Barrera Street and Seco Creek were greatly affected. Thompson Road (FM 1588) was closed for several days due to the fact that Elm Creek crested above its banks and it crosses Thompson Road.

Saucedo informed the public that Maverick County had applied and submitted an application to be designated a disaster area by Governor Rick Perry’s Office in order for the community to apply for state and federal emergency relief assistance.

Eagle Pass Mayor Ramsey English Cantu also addressed the public at the press conference and stated that all local, state, and federal authorities are working together with the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Southern Baptist Convention, and other emergency relief organizations to clean up and rebuild the community as quickly as possible. Mayor Cantu stated that this situation was not a city nor a county issue but rather a community-wide issue.

Mayor Cantu announced that an Emergency Shelter was established at the Eagle Pass Junior High located at 1750 North Bibb Street for anyone affected by the flood and that the Maverick County Food Pantry located on Del Rio Boulevard was accepting food, clothing, and cleaning supplies donations as well as disbursing these items to anyone affected by the flood.

Mayor Cantu advised the public that the City of Eagle Pass had applied for and submitted its application for to be declared a disaster area by the Governor’s Office to request state and federal emergency relief and funding.

Maverick County Sheriff Tom Schermber announced a curfew of 10 P.M. was established in Elm Creek and adjacent subdivisions to control traffic and security within the community affected the most by the flood.

Congressman Pete P. Gallego personally toured Maverick County on Sunday, June 16th, by car and air to assess the damages within the community and speak to residents affected by the flood.

State Representative Poncho Nevarez personally visited the areas affected by the flood and assisted both the City and County to apply for disaster area designation with the Governor’s Office.

State Senator Carlos I. Uresti was still in a Legislature Special Session in Austin, Texas but his Eagle Pass field representative Hellen Martinez was in contact with local authorities and residents to assist them. Senator Uresti plans to visit Eagle Pass and Maverick County as soon as the Special Legislative Session terminates in Austin.

Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst of Texas acting on behalf of Governor Rick Perry formally declared Maverick County a disaster area as a result of the June 15th flood, clearing the path for the community to apply for and receive state and federal emergency relief and funding.

Congressman Gallego has written to both FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to assist Maverick County residents and small businesses with disaster relief and funding to help them get back on their feet and rebuilding their lives and businesses.

Usually this reporter is accustomed to covering the news in Eagle Pass and Maverick County but not becoming part of the news. On Saturday, June 15, 2013, during the evening some friends invited me to go bowling to celebrate my birthday. As I left the bowling alley on El Indio Highway (FM 1021), I decided to drive towards town unbeknownst to me I drove straight into rising flood waters on El Indio Highway together with other motorists during the early morning causing our automobiles to stall and quickly get flooded by the ravaging floodwaters emanating from the over 17 inches of rain which drenched our community during a 36 hour timespan.

As I quickly abandoned my car filled-up with water inside of it, I began to wade in waist deep waters and was swept off my feet for a few seconds until I regained my footing and balance in the raging waters crossing through El Indio Highway battling the strong water current and walked towards the rear of my automobile and bumped into another vehicle with four senior citizens inside of it. I decided to help them out of their automobile and we all braced together trying to walk out of the flooded highway when two young and heroic Maverick County men, Enrique “Kike” Villareal and Tony Martinez, Jr., arrived in their  pick-up truck and rescued us by pulling us into their truck. Once inside the pick-up truck, we went from being rescued to joining these two young men in rescuing other Maverick County citizens . We were then taken to a nearby home where we were provided shelter and a safe haven away from the elements.

These brave and courageous private Maverick County citizens performed a heroic deed rescuing fellow Maverick Countians without being asked to do so but rather because it was the right thing to do. During a five to six hour time span, I personally observed and witnessed these extraordinary Maverick County citizens and family rescue more than 20 persons in southern Maverick County and offering them their home in Lewis Estates Subdivision to dry out and contact their family members for further assistance.

This whole experience made me understand and appreciate that there are still many good human beings in Maverick County who are unselfish and courageous placing other fellow human beings lives before theirs. Although there are many heroes to be thanked for their Good Samaritan deeds during the June 15th flood, Maverick County can be proud of and owes a great amount of praise for these unsung brave citizens within our community including Enrique (Kike) Villareal, Tony Martinez, Jr., Tony Martinez, Sr., Oscar Rodriguez, Jr., Chantal Garcia, Claudia Aurora Martinez, Anylu Martinez, and Pedro Pesina. I know that Maverick County citizens such as these are brave, courageous, unselfish, and extremely resilient. I am eternally grateful to these people for not only saving my life but restoring faith in the goodness and value of one’s fellow human beings. Amen.

By: Ricardo E. Calderon
An Exclusive Eagle Pass Business Journal News Story/Copyright 2013

A total of 21 Eagle Pass Independent School District student-athletes were named to the prestigious 2013 District 29-5A All-District Baseball Team. A total of 13 Eagle Pass High School Eagles and eight C.C. Winn High School Mavericks were named to the elite All-District Baseball Team.

Eagle Pass Eagles standout freshman first baseman Mando Lopez was named the Newcomer of the Year. Laredo United Longhorns pitcher and infielder Joel Garza was named the Most Valuable Player.

Eagle Pass Eagles receiving All-District Baseball Team honors include standout senior southpaw pitcher Devon Torres was named to the First Team, standout junior catcher Diego Gaona was named to the First Team, standout junior second baseman R.J. Ruiz was named to the First Team, standout senior third-baseman Juan Lopez was named to the First Team, standout junior shortstop Erick Gonzalez was named to the First Team, standout junior right fielder Jacoup Roiz was named to the First Team, standout senior pitcher Gilbert Villalobos was named to the Second Team, standout senior left-fielder Javi Cardona was named to the Second Team, standout junior pitcher Chris Perez was named to the Honorable Mention Team, standout senior first baseman Rolando Rodriguez was named to the Honorable Mention Team, standout junior center fielder Kevin Chisum was named to the Honorable Mention Team, and standout senior utility player Fernando Garza was named to the prestigious All-Academic Team.

C.C. Winn Mavericks receiving All-District Baseball Team honors include standout senior shortstop Leo Lopez was named to the First Team, standout sophomore outfielder Isaac Banda was named to the First Team, standout sophomore designated hittter Carlos Barrera was named to the First Team, standout sophomore outfielder Jonathan Villarreal was named to the Second Team, standout senior catcher Luis Ramirez was named to the Honorable Mention Team, standout junior first baseman Chris Perez was named to the Honorable Mention Team, standout sophomore third baseman Jesus Medellin was named to the Honorable Mention Team, and standout senior shortstop Leo Lopez was named to the prestigious All-Academic Team.

The Eagle Pass Business Journal congratulates all the Eagles and Mavericks named to the 2013 All-District Baseball Team and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.

The City of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico was devastated by the June 14-15, 2013 flood affecting between 40,000-50,000 residents, approximately 30-35% of its city residents, with more than 62 residential subdivisions flooded, announced Piedras Negras Mayor Oscar Lopez Elizondo.

A record 17 inches of rainfall during a 36 hour period caused all the creeks, streets, Rio Grande River, San Joaquin River, Escondido River, and the San Antonio River to crest above their banks and flooding every subdivision adjacent to them as well as many business and industrial parks suffering massive flooding.

One subdivision close to the Rio Grande River in northern Piedras Negras, Coahuila known as “Las Malvinas” remains flooded with over three feet of water destroying every home and property inside these homes leaving its residents homeless and despondent as emergency relief is unavailable to service every resident of Piedras Negras and this subdivision. Yesterday, residents of Las Malvinas subdivision protested because emergency relief has not reached this subdivision and bypassed its residents enroute to other nearby subdivisions. A Mexican military emergency relief convoy delivering emergency supplies to other subdivisions was jeered and rocked by residents of Las Malvinas who had grown upset for not receiving any relief from local, state, or federal authorities.

According to Mexican news reports, one open surface coal mine named Tajo Zacatoza/Norte operating near the banks of the Rio Grande River in northern Piedras Negras, Coahuila flooded causing its coal mining company to pump out the water from its open coal mining pits.

The City of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico is on the United States-Mexico border opposite its sister city of Eagle Pass, Texas, which it too sustained significant flooding damages, has a population between 150,000-175,000.

A total of 62 or more subdivisions in Piedras Negras, Coahuila report suffering heavy flooding and damages from the June 15th flood. Many subdivisions have received little or no emergency relief from local, state, or federal authorities. Authorities are working diligently to bring emergency relief, water, and food to its over 40,000 residents affected by the flood waters.

Many public and private schools had to close down despite the school year coming to an end in a few weeks as a result of the damages sustained from the June 15th flood as well as many teachers and students homes were affected and are busy trying to clean up their own properties. Although federal authorities are seeking to reopen public schools, most of the public schools are inoperable due to the heavy damages caused by the flooding.

The City of Piedras Negras, Coahuila is no stranger to flooding as it sits on the banks of the Rio Grande River on the U.S.-Mexico border but this community was caught unprepared by this sudden downpour of more than 17 inches of rain over a day and a half of severe thunder storms and subsequent extreme flooding. No rain has fallen on this community since Sunday, June 16th, and sunny skies are expected for the remainder of the week.

By: Ricardo E. Calderon
An Exclusive Eagle Pass Business Journal News Story/Copyright 2013

Eagle Passans and Maverick Countians now have a 24 hours a day restaurant where to go eat and meet, Huddle House, located at 2352 El Indio Highway, in a warm, friendly environment while enjoying the finest and quality food cooked-to-order, announced Diego Cruz, General Manager at the Eagle Pass Huddle House.

“We offer warm and quality food cooked-to-order so that every meal is fresh, hot and delicious made with the freshest ingredients every day and we are opened 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year,” said Cruz. Our motto is “Any Meal. Any Time,” added Cruz. “The Huddle House offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day, 24 hours a day, so the customer can eat whatever type of meal he or she wishes at any time of the day,” said Cruz.

The Huddle House is the perfect place for friends, family, sports teams, and business people can go to eat and enjoy the friendliest service, highest quality of fresh food, and a warm environment where people can gather or “Huddle Up” for great food and good times after a Friday Night Football Game, a sports game, before or after school, social meeting, business meeting, or a family night out. The Huddle House offers the finest foods and refreshments at a highly competitive, economic price for the entire family and friends.

Founded in 1964 by John Sparks in Decatur, Georgia, the Huddle House offers pancakes, waffles, and french toast 24 hours a day plus many signature, classic plates such as the Smokehouse Platter, the Ranch Platter, the Original Big House Platter, Heavenly Omelets, Southern Smothered Biscuit Platter, Meat Lover’s Scramble, Chicken Fried Chicken Breakfast Platter, Triple Huddle Burger, Grilled or Crispy Chicken Club, Chop House Burgers, Country Fried Steak, Pulled Smoked BBQ Pork Platter or Sandwich, Ribeye Steak and Shrimp, 5 Star Chili, Philly Cheese Steak, and much more appetizing platters to delight your palate.

The Huddle House also offers its world famous Hometown Blend coffee, fresh brewed Iced Tea, soft drinks, Minute Maid Orange Juice, hot chocolate, milk, chocolate milk, and ice cold water. Milk Shake lovers will definitely enjoy the thickest and creamy world famous Huddle House Milk Shakes including the Nutter Butter, Oreo, Chocolate Chip, Strawberry, and Vanilla. Customers can purchase the world famous Hometown Blend Coffee, Huddle House Picante Sauce, or the Huddle House Vidalia Steak Sauce for one’s home.

The Huddle House offers a group discount to local and out-of-town sports teams, large groups, and offers three large screen TVs to watch your favorite San Antonio Spurs game, Dallas Cowboys football game, Texas Rangers baseball game, USA Soccer Team game, or any other favorite event of yours while you dine in at the Huddle House.

Assistant Manager Manuel Vallejo invites every Eagle Passan, Maverick Countian, and visitors to stop by and enjoy the finest dining experience at the Huddle House. Hostesses Valerie Martinez and Liz Marmolejo and company will always give you a big “Hello, Welcome to the Huddle House” greeting as you walk-in to make you welcomed.

The Huddle House also delivers large orders over $100 and takes to go orders and welcomes out-of-town school and tour buses.

Every Huddle House restaurant is independently owned by a local franchisee and the Eagle Pass Huddle House is owned by Ismael Aldaba.

Come on out and enjoy the warmest, quality fresh meal in Eagle Pass with the best Hometown Blend coffee, soft drinks, and biggest hospitality in Texas at the Huddle House, 2352 El Indio Highway, Eagle Pass, Texas and its telephone number is (830) 776-7093. Remember, the Huddle House never closes and is opened 24/7/365 days.

By: Jose G. Landa
An Exclusive Eagle Pass Business Journal News Story/Copyright 2013

Eagle Pass City Manager Gloria Barrientos announced her appointment of Samuel Granato, Sr. as the new City of Eagle Pass Interim Chief of Police on Tuesday, June 18, 2013, replacing former Interim Police Chief Bruce Mills of Austin, Texas.

In naming Samuel Granato, Sr. as the new Eagle Pass Interim Police Chief, Barrientos stated that Eagle Pass is very fortunate to have someone of Chief Granato’s experience as its new interim Police Chief. Barrientos welcomed Chief Granato to the City of Eagle Pass and its Police Department.

Newly appointed Eagle Pass Interim Police Chief Samuel Granato, Sr. thanked City Manager Gloria Barrientos for her confidence and trust in his leadership to serve this United States-Mexico border community as its new interim Chief of Police and stated he looks forward to working with Eagle Pass’ finest police officers and the citizens to improving security and protecting the community through service.

Chief Granato has over 30 years of law enforcement experience including serving as the City of Yakima, Washington Chief of Police, the City of Kingsville, Texas Chief of Police, a Police Captain with the City of Corpus Christi, Texas Police Department, and with the Texas Department of Corrections. Granato is a graduate of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy, a Master Peace Officer, and has a Master of Science degree in Strategic Leadership from Mountain State University, a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement from Sam Houston State University, and an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in Law Enforcement and Police Science from San Antonio College.

Granato is recognized nationally as an extremely resourceful, accomplished, energetic and results driven law enforcement professional with over 30 years of experience in all aspects of Law Enforcement and Police Administration.

By: Jose G. Landa
An Exclusive Eagle Pass Business Journal News Story/Copyright 2013

The City of Eagle Pass, Texas City Council selected interim City Manager Gloria Barrientos as the new City Manager after interviewing Barrientos and former Eagle Pass Independent School District Superintendent Jesus Sanchez at a special meeting held on Tuesday, June 18, 2013, at the City Council Chambers in Eagle Pass.

Barrientos was appointed interim City Manager after former City Manager Daniel Valenzuela resigned to accept the City of San Angelo, Texas vacant City Manager position.

The Eagle Pass City Council voted unanimously, 4-0, to name Gloria Barrientos as the new City Manager to lead this growing community on the United States-Mexico border which is recovering from a ravaging flood caused by over 17 inches of rain during a 36 hour period on June 14-15, 2013.

Newly selected City Manager Gloria Barrientos thanked the City Council for their confidence and trust in her leadership to lead this bustling border city into the future.

Mayor Ramsey English Cantu congratulated both Jesus Sanchez and Gloria Barrientos for being the two finalists for the City Manager post. Mayor Cantu welcomed Barrientos as the new City Manager and stated the City Council looks forward to working with her to move the community forward and building a stronger economy and safer environment for its citizens.

By: Ricardo E. Calderon
An Exclusive Eagle Pass Business Journal News Story/Copyright 2013

United States House of Representative Pete P. Gallego, D-Texas 23rd, wrote a letter to Mr. W. Craig Fugate, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Mr. Alfred E. Judd, Center Director of Disaster Assistance of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) requesting their two federal government agencies “to extend their full range of resources to help individuals and local business owners recover from flooding this past weekend in Maverick County, Texas.’

Congressman Gallego personally visited Eagle Pass and Maverick County, Texas on Sunday, June 16th, to assess and visualize the damages sustained by his constituents in Maverick County as a result of a record breaking rainfall of over 17 inches during a 36 hours period during June 14-15th causing massive and extreme flooding of Elm Creek, a water tributary of the Rio Grande River, and the Rio Grande River in along northern Maverick County as well as many other areas in southern Maverick County such as Farm to Market Road 1021 (El Indio Highway), Seco Creek in Seco Mines and Siesta Acres, Jardines Verdes Subdivision, Las Herraduras Subdivision, and others. Gallego joined State Representative Poncho Nevarez, D-Eagle Pass 74th, in taking an aerial assessment of the widespread and severe damages encountered by Maverick Countians on the United States-Mexico border.

Congressman Gallego informs Fugate and Judd that “more than 400 rescues have occurred. Over 480 homes have been affected by the storms, including 140 which are completely destroyed and at least another 250 other homes which have either major or minor damage. In addition, potentially dozens of small businesses and other city buildings have been damaged. As assessments continue, I anticipate that these numbers will increase. Numerous power outages have been reported, many roads have been severely damaged and require major repair, and there remain numerous drainage issues.”

Gallego advises Fugate and Judd that the Governor of Texas, Rick Perry, declared a state of disaster for Maverick County allowing the county and community to qualify for federal assistance to its residents who have been affected by these floods.

Congressman Gallego requests FEMA and the SBA to “grant assistance to individuals, public entities, and businesses of Maverick County so that Texans can get back on their feet, work to get housing, and start their jobs once again.”

Congressman Gallego in an exclusive interview with the Eagle Pass Business Journal on Sunday, June 16th, stated that Eagle Pass and Maverick County are dear to him and his heart and considers them like his second home. Gallego personally changed his busy Congressional schedule to visit with the citizens of Maverick County and its public representatives to assess how
he and the federal government can best assist the community to rebuild and get back on its feet.