(Laredo, Tx)- Webb County Commissioner Jaime Canales will be treating a group of students to an afternoon of bowling and  pizza as a reward for demonstrating good character and excelling in their academics. Many of these students are victims of poverty, drug addiction, and family violence.

For their efforts, Commissioner Canales will be taking approximately 45 students and staff to the Jett Bowl Wednesday, May 23.  The event starts at 11 a.m.

Courtesy Kristina Guerra,

 In recognition of Law Enforcement “Police” Week, the Webb County Sheriff’s Office  hosted the 2012 Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony that  included local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.  The program shedule consisted of several categories of awards such as The  Law Enforcement Appreciation Award, Meritorious Award, Law Enforcement Civilian Support Award, Life Safety Award, Supervisor of the Year, Sheriff’s Award, Sheriff’s Choice Award among many others.  The event was held yesterday morning at Roli’s Music Hall.

(Laredo, Tx)- What started out as a community based idea in the early fall of 2010 to assist families facing a specific challenge to insure their children’s safety has now come full circle from the planning stage to completion.  On Tuesday May 15th the Webb County Family Drug Treatment Court will host its first graduation of families who have completed the requirements of the court’s program to graduate.

According to Alma Gomez, Program Director for Family Based Safety Services and one of the catalyst for the program, it took the efforts of the Webb County community to make the project come to fruition, as more than 100 community members joined together for the first planning meeting in August of 2010. 

 Locally, Judge Oscar Hale along with the Women’s Shelter, CASA, MHMR and Anna L. Cavazos Ramirez from the Webb County Attorney’s Office, along with many others has lent their support to the courts success.  During the past year, the court received a sixteen thousand dollar grant to fund a court coordinator and assist in funding the project.

 The Webb County drug court is based on other Texas drug courts in Bexar, Nueces and Travis counties, to name a few.  

 ”The Bottom line is, the success of any drug court is dependent on the leadership of the judge. The judge sets the tone they have to be supportive, and at times firm. A judge has to have the ability to engage participants and keep them coming back each week. We are very lucky to have Judge Paul Gallego as he has really embraced this project” says Gomez.

 The first set of parents will be graduating after having completed the program.  However before entering the program, the parents had to meet certain criteria: 

•             Must sign the required “Release of Information” documents.

•             Must have an open Conservatorship case with CPS.

•             Must not have a conviction/pending charges of a violent act, such as injury to child/family member, and cannot have drug trafficking conviction.

•             They must be over the age of 18.

•             They cannot be diagnosed with a serious mental health disorder, such as Schizophrenia. Cases with mental health disorders will be assessed and admitted into the program on a case-by-case basis.

 Today’s graduation is just the first as there are currently ten families participating in the FDTC program.

 “When this program was proposed, it was with the sole intent to assist the school district with a serious concern of absenteeism.  The children should be in school on a daily basis so that they do not miss out on the daily lessons. I am committed to assisting our schools and the children of our community,” stated Sheriff Martin Cuellar. 

Although the SAM Program was proposed as a pilot program, Sheriff Cuellar will soon meet with school officials to discuss the impact of the program and discuss future plans.

Sheriff Cuellar will be visiting students from H.B. Zachry Elementary today to congratulate them on a great school year.

Courtesy Larry Sanchez,

 Students from LISD, UISD, and the Webb Consolidated School District will be presented Letters of Commitment from the GEO Group in ceremonies to be held Tuesday, May 15^th at 10:30 a.m. in the Webb County Courthouse.  Members of the Webb County Commissioners Court and Mr. Warden “Butch” Head, Warden of the GEO facility will be making the presentation. 

This is the sixth year that the GEO Group has awarded scholarships to area students as they pursue their college education.  Twenty five scholarships will be awarded for total of $25,000.   A reception will follow after the ceremony.  The Webb County Courthouse is located at 1000 Houston Street.

(Laredo, Tx)- The Lady Longhorns invite you to a one day tournament on Sunday May 20th at the United High School Gym team entry fee is $150 and it is open to all elementary school levels.  Three game guarantee.  Space is limited call Roland de La Cruz for more information at 956-236-6052.  Trophies and Medals will be awarded for 1st and 2nd place winning teams.  Space is limited so call today!

Webb County Commissioner of Precinct 1 Frank Sciaraffa will be hosting the official groundbreaking ceremony today for the second phase of La Presa Park Project on .  The groundbreaking will start at  today at 9:30 a.m. at La Presa Community Center.

The park project will be constructed on an eight acre tract and will feature a walking and jogging trail, little league baseball field, basketball court, a children’s playground, and picnic tables for use by all residents of La Presa Community. 

“Community development has always been very important to me, especially when it comes to providing alternatives to our community’s children,” said Commissioner Sciaraffa. 

“The La Presa Park not only symbolizes my commitment to community development, but also my commitment to ensuring that we have united families and recreational activities for them.”

Members of the La Presa Community and the surrounding areas as well as the public are invited to attend.

(Laredo, Tx)- Mariscos El Pescador hosted children from Sacred Heart Childrens Home yesterday afternoon to a sit down lunch in observance of Dia del Niño.  The event took place at their location on South Zapata Hwy.  The children enjoyed a Lil’ Sailors Boat which is the restaurants signature menu item for children 12 and under.  The Lil’ Sailors Boat was served with their choice of a hamburger or chicken and was accompanied by french fries.  Their refreshments were served in a souvenir cup. 

(Laredo, Tx)-Secretary of State Hope Andrade will be in Laredo Wednesday, April 18 as she kicks off a state-wide media and community tour in advance of the primary and general elections.During her stop in Laredo, the Secretary will comment on the public education program on voting.  During her tour she will attend the 6^th Annual Webb County Employee Appreciation Luncheon that will take place at the Webb County Courthouse at noon.

The Secretary will be available to answer questions from the media.