Community Announcements
The heart of our community. Celebrations, life transitions, and public notices from your neighbors and local organizations.
Regional Spotlight
Edinburg ACE Center Extends Operating Hours
Edinburg, TX - To make cultural experiences and creative opportunities more accessible to the community, the City of Edinburg Arts, Culture, and Events (ACE) Center is excited to announce new extended hours. Beginning Monday, June 1, the ACE Center will now be able to welcome the public to the facility Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The updated schedule allows for additional Friday evening and Saturday classes, giving students families, and those with busy weekday schedules more opportunities to participate in programs and explore their creativity. The center will now also accept rental inquiries on Saturdays, making it more convenient for community members interested in booking venues for events, workshops, and special occasions. As a friendly reminder, the ACE Center will remain closed on Sundays and Mondays as part of the updated operating schedule. Whether visiting for a class, a creative project, or a future event, the City of Edinburg Arts, Culture and Events Center looks forward to welcoming more members of the community through these expanded hours and opportunities. This program is organized by the Edinburg Cultural Arts Division. For more information, visit the Edinburg ACE Center at 315 W. McIntyre Street, call 956-388-8224, email [email protected], or visit edinburgarts.com.
Recent Community News
Edinburg ACE Center Extends Operating Hours
Edinburg, TX - To make cultural experiences and creative opportunities more accessible to the community, the City of Edinburg Arts, Culture, and Events (ACE) Center is excited to announce new extended hours. Beginning Monday, June 1, the ACE Center will now be able to welcome the public to the facility Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The updated schedule allows for additional Friday evening and Saturday classes, giving students families, and those with busy weekday schedules more opportunities to participate in programs and explore their creativity. The center will now also accept rental inquiries on Saturdays, making it more convenient for community members interested in booking venues for events, workshops, and special occasions. As a friendly reminder, the ACE Center will remain closed on Sundays and Mondays as part of the updated operating schedule. Whether visiting for a class, a creative project, or a future event, the City of Edinburg Arts, Culture and Events Center looks forward to welcoming more members of the community through these expanded hours and opportunities. This program is organized by the Edinburg Cultural Arts Division. For more information, visit the Edinburg ACE Center at 315 W. McIntyre Street, call 956-388-8224, email [email protected], or visit edinburgarts.com.
Edinburg Names Ben Alonzo as Full-Time City Attorney
Edinburg, TX - At its May 21, 2026, City Council meeting, the Edinburg City Council officially confirmed Ben Alonzo as the City of Edinburg’s full-time City Attorney, recognizing his years of dedicated public service, legal expertise, and commitment to the community he proudly calls home. A native of Edinburg, Alonzo is a graduate of Edinburg High School and has built a distinguished legal career rooted in public service and municipal leadership. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government from The University of Texas at Austin before obtaining his Juris Doctorate from Texas Tech University School of Law. Alonzo began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney at the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office, where he represented the State of Texas in criminal proceedings and gained extensive courtroom experience. He later served as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of McAllen, advising city leadership and departments on municipal law, contracts, ordinances, and regulatory matters. Returning to serve his hometown, Alonzo joined the City of Edinburg as Deputy City Attorney, where he became a trusted legal advisor and played an integral role in supporting the City’s legal operations and strategic initiatives. His leadership and institutional knowledge led to his appointment as Interim City Attorney and ultimately to his confirmation as City Attorney. “Ben has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, integrity, and dedication to the City of Edinburg throughout his service,” said Mayor Omar Ochoa. “His deep understanding of municipal law, combined with his commitment to our community, makes him the right leader to serve as our City Attorney. We are proud to officially welcome him into this role.” As City Attorney, Alonzo serves as the principal legal advisor to the City Council, City Manager, and all City departments, helping ensure the City of Edinburg operates in full compliance with applicable laws while advancing the interests of residents and the community. Alonzo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving the city where he was raised. “It is an incredible honor to serve the community that helped shape who I am,” said Alonzo. “I am grateful to the Mayor and City Council for their confidence and support, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside City leadership and staff to serve the residents of Edinburg with integrity, professionalism, and dedication.”
Edinburg Launches Christmas Tree Recycling Program Jan 5-30
City of Edinburg launches tree recycling program Edinburg, TX - As the holiday season winds down, the City of Edinburg invites residents to join in the environmentally friendly tradition of recycling Christmas trees. The Tree Recycling Program encourages residents to transform their festive evergreens into valuable mulch at designated drop-off locations. January 5-30, 2026, residents can drop off their bare Christmas trees at the following locations: Resource Recovery Center, 3102 S. Business 281 Edinburg Regional Landfill, 8601 N. Jasman Rd. Edinburg Nature Trail Park, 1300 N. Doolittle Rd. To ensure the success of the recycling process, residents are asked to remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, stands, and flocking from the trees. If the tree exceeds 6 feet in height, homeowners should cut it in half before dropping it off. Tree bagging is not permitted. The drop-off locations are open Monday through Friday, with varying weekend hours at each site. No live wreaths, garlands, or plants will be accepted as part of this program. By participating in this initiative, Edinburg residents contribute to the city's sustainability efforts, reducing waste and promoting a greener community. The recycled trees will be chipped into mulch, which will then be repurposed for landscaping and conservation projects.
Edinburg Honors 90 Fallen Heroes at Memorial Day Ceremony
Edinburg, TX — Proudly recognized by the Texas Legislature as a “Hometown of Heroes,” the City of Edinburg invites the community to gather in solemn remembrance during its annual Memorial Day Commemorative Ceremony on Friday, May 22, at 10 a.m. at the Edinburg Municipal Auditorium, located just behind Edinburg City Hall.This meaningful ceremony will pay tribute to Edinburg’s 90 fallen heroes—all brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States. Their courage, patriotism, and selfless service continue to inspire the community and serve as a lasting reminder that freedom is never free. The program will feature a distinguished keynote address by GySgt. Juan Rodriguez-Chavez, USMC (Ret.), recipient of the Navy Cross, one of the nation’s highest military honors for valor.The ceremony will also include a stirring musical tribute and a symbolic Battlefield Cross presentation by the Edinburg High School JROTC Honor Guard, under the direction of SFC (Ret.). Micaela Reyes, a 21-gun salute by VFW Post 8788, and the Presentation of Colors by the Marine Corps League of the Rio Grande Valley Detachment 1456.In one of the ceremony’s most moving moments, members of American Legion Post 408 will read the names of Edinburg’s fallen heroes—from World War I through the most recent conflicts—ensuring that each name is spoken with honor and remembered with gratitude.A special portion of the ceremony will recognize the community’s Gold Star families—those who have lost a loved one in military service to our country. The City of Edinburg extends a heartfelt and personal invitation to the families of its 90 fallen heroes to attend this solemn tribute. “Memorial Day is a sacred opportunity for our community to pause and honor the extraordinary men from Edinburg who gave their lives in service to our nation,” said Mayor Omar Ochoa. “As a Hometown of Heroes, we are committed to preserving their memory and ensuring future generations understand the profound cost of the freedoms we enjoy today.”The ceremony is free and open to the public. Veterans, active-duty military personnel, military families, students, and civic organizations are especially encouraged to attend and join the community in paying tribute to the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.For more information, please contact the City of Edinburg Library & Cultural Arts Department at (956) 388-8224. Event Details Date: Friday, May 22, 2026 Time: 10 a.m. Location: Edinburg Municipal Auditorium, located just behind Edinburg City Hall
IDEA San Antonio's Class of 2026 Celebrates College Signing Day
IDEA Public Schools’ 2026 College Signing Day events are in full swing! On Thursday, April 23, IDEA San Antonio’s senior class celebrated College Signing Day at Freeman Coliseum. The day kicked off in celebration of seniors from IDEA Brackenridge, IDEA Burke, IDEA Carver, IDEA Mays, IDEA Najim, and IDEA South Flores. Later in the day, the venue was filled with students and families from IDEA Eastside, IDEA Ewing Halsell, IDEA Ingram Hills, IDEA Judson, IDEA Monterrey Park, and IDEA Walzem. The region honored over 700 seniors across 12 IDEA San Antonio campuses, celebrating over 3,000 college acceptances, with 900 acceptances to Tier 1 and Tier 2 schools. At College Signing Day 2026 in San Antonio, 27 seniors were honored with scholarships to help fund their next four years in college. Twenty-four students were awarded IDEA’s GiveMeFive Scholarship of $8,000, funded by generous donations from the IDEA Team and Family. In addition to GiveMeFive Scholarships, one student from each campus was selected for the unique Facilities Team Scholarship of $5,000. In honor of IDEA Public Schools’ former Board Chair and Acting CEO, the family of Al Lopez honors one senior in each region with a scholarship award in his memory. This year’s recipient of the Al & Judy Lopez Scholarship in San Antonio was Kehinde Green from IDEA Burke, who was awarded $10,000 towards college. Students from IDEA San Antonio’s Class of 2026 have been accepted to the nation’s top colleges including the University of Michigan, Trinity University, Kalamazoo College, Baylor University, Emory University, New York University, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and University of Texas at San Antonio. Join us in congratulating the graduating class of 2026 and their families on this joyous milestone. We invite the IDEA Team & Family to continue celebrating the collective success of IDEA’s Class of 2026! The College Signing Day celebration continues this week in Tarrant County, followed by six events in the Rio Grande Valley beginning on May 20. We’re excited to continue celebrating our graduating classes across IDEA during the 2026 College Signing Day season! Click here to learn about upcoming College Signing Day events and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on CSD 2026. The post IDEA San Antonio’s Class of 2026 Shines Bright at College Signing Day appeared first on IDEA Public Schools.
IDEA Elsa Celebrates Every Kid Healthy Week
IDEA Public Schools’ Healthy Kids Here program is a proud partner of Every Kid Healthy Week, an annual national celebration led by Action for Healthy Kids, observed this year during April 20-24, 2026. Every day this week highlights a key area of student health and wellness, because healthy kids learn better. Commit to a healthier lifestyle and join us in this week’s daily initiatives. Mindful Monday: Mental Health & Wellness Kick off the week by practicing mindfulness with your scholars by incorporating mindfulness throughout the day. Supporting kids’ mental health and wellness helps with focus, feeling calm, and better learning. Creating space for self-regulation teaching coping skills and supports a healthy emotional well-being. Simple practices like breathing breaks, journaling, and gratitude activities help kids build focus, resilience, and self‑awareness; skills that support learning inside and outside the classroom. Tasty Tuesday: Nutrition Education Cooking and eating nutritious foods together supports lifelong healthy habits. Download this year’s Healthy Kids Here Cookbook. For the first time, every recipe comes from a student submission featuring a variety of healthy, family-friendly recipes for all skill levels. Download your copy in English and Spanish today! Wellness Wednesday: Physical Activity Wellness Wednesday highlights the power of movement! Regular physical activity helps kids strengthen their bodies, improve mood, and boost academic performance — whether it’s recess, classroom brain breaks, or family walks. Commit to moving more as a family and make it part of your weekly routine. Thoughtful Thursday: Risk Prevention & Education Learn how to create space for important conversations about safety, decision‑making, and risk prevention. Schools and families can support kids by building awareness, strengthening communication, and promoting healthy choices. When kids feel informed and supported, they’re better equipped to make safe and healthy decisions. Family Friday: Family Engagement When families and schools work together, kids build healthy habits for life. Family Friday celebrates the powerful role families play in student health. When schools and families work together, kids are more likely to build—and keep—healthy habits at home and at school. This Friday, share a meal together, play outdoors as a family, and foster strong school‑family partnerships that support student success. Discover more resources to help you commit to Every Kid Healthy Week at home. Visit Action for Healthy Kids to get tips and ideas to reinforce and model healthy habits at home. The post Join Healthy Kids Here in Celebration of Every Kid Healthy Week™ appeared first on IDEA Public Schools.
IDEA Elsa Celebrates Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week
IDEA Public Schools is celebrating Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, April 20–24, 2026, in partnership with the National AfterSchool Association (NAA), to recognize, appreciate, and advocate for our Team and Family who work with IDEA students during out-of-school time. What is Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week? Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (APAW) is a time to recognize, appreciate, and advocate for those who work with our students during out-of-school time. The week is marked by celebrations, public awareness, and advocacy efforts that elevate the essential role afterschool professionals play in supporting youth, families, and communities. Over 10 million children participate in afterschool programs each year; for every child enrolled, two more are waiting to get in. Skilled professionals make these experiences possible. Because of the important role afterschool professionals play in the lives of IDEA students, they deserve our recognition, investment, and support. Where Passion Meets Purpose Afterschool professionals are the heartbeat of school culture and community. From supporting academic growth to fostering social and emotional development, these professionals are essential to develop a thriving student community at IDEA Public Schools. Meet some of the instructors making a difference in the lives of IDEA students. IDEA Weslaco Pike Academy sports instructor Heaven Mireles knows that her after-school club is more than just fun and games. Heaven Mireles “Every day, I have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our scholars,” she said. “Whether it’s helping with homework, creating a safe and supportive environment, or simply being someone they can trust and look up to, the impact we make as after-school specialists goes beyond the classroom,” continued Mireles. Octavio Cantu For IDEA Alamo College Prep drumline instructor Octavio Cantu, his initiative to create an entirely new program has allowed him to share his passion while creating new opportunities for students. “It feels amazing to bring music education to IDEA Alamo’s middle and high school students,” he said. “The drumline program opens eyes and ears to new possibilities for those who enjoy music in an academic environment,” shared Cantu. Being an afterschool specialist, instructor, or coach is a pathway for passionate people to share their skills, knowledge, and expertise with their communities. IDEA Weslaco Academy Cheer Instructor and IDEA alumna Arielle Alfaro is proud to give back to the IDEA Team and Family. Arielle Alfaro “As a former IDEA Cheerleader, I know cheer teaches more than routines—it builds discipline, strength, confidence, and teamwork,” she said. “Cheerleaders don’t just support each other; they help lead the entire campus in school spirit and true IDEA Pride,” beamed Alfaro. Out-of-School Programs Time “Research shows that skilled and knowledgeable program staff are the backbone of program quality and are key to positive youth outcomes,” said Dena Shaath, IDEA Family Engagement Specialist. “We hope everyone joins us this week in celebrating afterschool professionals and continues to advocate for job quality in support of these essential team members throughout the year.” Afterschool experiences support students’ growth, spark curiosity, and help them thrive to and through college. Behind every program is a skilled afterschool professional who creates safe, engaging environments where our scholars can grow. To learn more about after-school programs at IDEA, visit our Out of School Program Time webpage. The post IDEA Public Schools Celebrates Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week appeared first on IDEA Public Schools.
Edinburg Honors 90 Fallen Heroes at Memorial Day Ceremony
"Edinburg, TX — Proudly recognized by the Texas Legislature as a “Hometown of Heroes,” the City of Edinburg invites the community to gather in solemn remembrance during its annual Memorial Day Commemorative Ceremony on Friday, May 22, at 10 a.m. at the Edinburg Municipal Auditorium, located just behind Edinburg City Hall.This meaningful ceremony will pay tribute to Edinburg’s 90 fallen heroes—all brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States. Their courage, patriotism, and selfless service continue to inspire the community and serve as a lasting reminder that freedom is never free. The program will feature a distinguished keynote address by GySgt. Juan Rodriguez-Chavez, USMC (Ret.), recipient of the Navy Cross, one of the nation’s highest military honors for valor.The ceremony will also include a stirring musical tribute and a symbolic Battlefield Cross presentation by the Edinburg High School JROTC Honor Guard, under the direction of SFC (Ret.). Micaela Reyes, a 21-gun salute by VFW Post 8788, and the Presentation of Colors by the Marine Corps League of the Rio Grande Valley Detachment 1456.In one of the ceremony’s most moving moments, members of American Legion Post 408 will read the names of Edinburg’s fallen heroes—from World War I through the most recent conflicts—ensuring that each name is spoken with honor and remembered with gratitude.A special portion of the ceremony will recognize the community’s Gold Star families—those who have lost a loved one in military service to our country. The City of Edinburg extends a heartfelt and personal invitation to the families of its 90 fallen heroes to attend this solemn tribute. “Memorial Day is a sacred opportunity for our community to pause and honor the extraordinary men from Edinburg who gave their lives in service to our nation,” said Mayor Omar Ochoa. “As a Hometown of Heroes, we are committed to preserving their memory and ensuring future generations understand the profound cost of the freedoms we enjoy today.”The ceremony is free and open to the public. Veterans, active-duty military personnel, military families, students, and civic organizations are especially encouraged to attend and join the community in paying tribute to the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.For more information, please contact the City of Edinburg Library & Cultural Arts Department at (956) 388-8224. Event Details Date: Friday, May 22, 2026 Time: 10 a.m. Location: Edinburg Municipal Auditorium, located just behind Edinburg City Hall "
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