Winter Texan Times

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The Valley’s traveling Veggie Man

Details: Published: Tuesday, 12 January 2021 14:11

Veggie Man IMG 2970 He goes by “Pineapple Joe,” or “Big Joe.”

At Canyon Lake RV Resort, on the marker board outside the dining hall, it simply reads: 4 p.m. - Veggie Man.

All of those monikers represent Jose Ybarra and for 21 years he has driven his portable market stand filled with produce and more to Winter Texan parks across the Rio Grande Valley. He brings good deals, fresh vegetables, fruits and more and when his truck appears in a park/resort, the lines start growing.

While the coronavirus pandemic has restructured the way people live, they still need to eat, and Ybarra provides. While the lines may not be as long as in the past, they still know when Ybarra is about to show up and they have their internal clocks ready.

McAllen’s historic growth continues today

Details: Published: Tuesday, 12 January 2021 14:06

McAllen Heritage Museum 4738 600x600 McAllen has a long history even before it was officially incorporated on February 20, 1911. Some records have the development of the city going as far back as 1767 when some land grants were granted to Juan Antonio Villarreal and Antonio Gutierrez by the Spanish crown. The City of McAllen was developed from parts of these grants.

In celebration of birds

Details: Published: Tuesday, 05 January 2021 14:13

By John Brush, Urban Ecologist at Quinta Mazatlán, McAllen

The falcon, aglow with the evening’s golden light, banked sharply over the onion field. In response, the seemingly inactive rows suddenly propelled into motion as pipits burst into flight, alarm calls ringing out in warning. After just seconds of the birds whirling together, the falcon flew away empty-taloned, wheeling to the west, and the field returned to its visual dormancy. This time, however, I knew that the pipits were there in the bunches of onions, perhaps trying for one last insect snack before going to roost.

Liberty hatches on the Sea Turtle Art Trail

Details: Published: Tuesday, 05 January 2021 14:09

turtle art 4202 South Padre Island is hatching a very special sea turtle on the Sea Turtle Art Trail at Beach Resort South Padre Island. Painted by local muralist and artist Christina Salazar, “Liberty” is a stunning tribute to the dedication and service of first responders and frontline healthcare workers. A heartbeat is painted on her shell and the overall theme takes on the feeling of the flag in red, white, and blue elements throughout.

Enjoy the outdoors in Mission

Details: Published: Tuesday, 05 January 2021 14:07

Mission, being full of history, is also a hotspot for birding and butterfly enthusiasts. Mission also has a hiking and biking trail, a state park, and other sites to suit just about any interest. Having a little bit of everything in Mission, makes it a great place to visit any time of year.

U.S. Constitution takes center stage in new exhibit

Details: Published: Tuesday, 05 January 2021 14:05

Womens Suffrage The U.S. Constitution and Color take center stage in the Texas Quilt Museum’s winter exhibits Deeds Not Words: Celebrating 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage and Red, White, & Blue. Both exhibits will run January 7-March 21, 2021.

IMAS releases ‘Inside the Vault’ series

Details: Published: Tuesday, 05 January 2021 14:01

imas vault The International Museum of arts and Sciences (IMAS) is open and has several exhibits on display and programs taking place online. Currently online, IMAS has released their “Inside the Vault” series. In this new series by IMAS, the series will take a special look inside the vault of their permanent collections.

MOSTH presents Killer Bees

Details: Published: Tuesday, 05 January 2021 13:59

Were you in the Rio Grande Valley in 1990? Do you remember the fear over a new insect introduced to the area? The Museum of South Texas History (MOSTH) present “Killer Bees! The Panic over Africanized Honeybees in the Rio Grande Valley” featuring Dr. Jamie Starling. The presentation is part of their Sunday Speaker Series that will be presented online on Facebook Live on Sunday, January 10 at 3 p.m.

Softball league starts next week

Details: Published: Tuesday, 29 December 2020 15:10

Senior Softball IMG 1943 600px The Senior Texan Slow Pitch Fun Softball League is preparing to play for the 2021 season. They are looking for players over 55 to add to their teams. There are two leagues to join. Playing begins on January 4 and 5.

Progreso Bridge upgrades

Details: Published: Tuesday, 29 December 2020 14:59

progreso bridge Progreso International Bridge Director Marga Lopez recently announced the ribbon cutting of the Pedestrian Inspection Lobby.

“We have been busy during this pandemic; we took advantage of this slower than normal time to remodel and double the size of the pedestrian processing area,” said Lopez

Adopt a Family with the Food Bank

Details: Published: Tuesday, 29 December 2020 14:52

During the holiday season, the Food Bank RGV launched a new initiative allowing the general public to give directly in order to “Adopt a Family” and sponsor a family’s meals for an entire month or for the full year.

McAllen opens recycling drop-off facility

Details: Published: Tuesday, 29 December 2020 14:50

The City of McAllen Public Works Department has opened a newly constructed Recycling Center Citizen Drop-Off Facility, with services for both the public at large and those specifically available to McAllen residents. Hours of operation for the facility are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

How to plant shade trees in Texas

Details: Published: Tuesday, 29 December 2020 14:46

Written by Adam Russell

In Texas, late-fall and early winter is the perfect time to plant shade trees.

Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offer some expert advice to help you get your sapling out of the container, into the ground and off to a good start.

Transplanting and establishing container trees is a relatively easy process if you follow Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service recommendations. Now is a good time to apply these tips and get shade trees in the ground.

Texas A&M Forest Service launches TreeMD application

Details: Published: Tuesday, 29 December 2020 14:42

header image conserve COLLEGE STATION, Texas —Texas A&M Forest Service launched an application today to help users quickly identify the root of a tree’s problem, whether it be caused by insects, diseases or other factors.

The TreeMD application is part of the Texas Forest Information Portal, and its main feature is a diagnosis tool which allows users to quickly find results from TreeMD’s vast database. Users are prompted to enter the tree species, prominent symptoms exhibited or even the specific part of the tree that is being affected to help diagnose the problem. In the event there are still questions on the actual cause, users can upload pictures and connect with a professional.

Transplant tips to establish fruit trees

Details: Published: Tuesday, 22 December 2020 14:44

By Adam Russell, TAMU

Establishing fruit trees in Texas takes some effort, but these time-tested tips from a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert can guide the way from transplant to production.

Peaches are the most universally planted fruit tree in Texas.

When it comes to fruit trees, Larry Stein, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension fruit specialist, Uvalde, said to plant in late December through February. The key is that trees be totally dormant at planting.