SAN DIEGO - San Diego Independent School District has been officially accepted to the Amazon Future Engineer sponsorship program in partnership with Project STEM for the upcoming 2022-23 school year. Amazon is funding computer science education and teacher professional development for Bernarda Jaime Junior High (BJJH).
FREER - Freer Volunteer Firefighters were out on Saturday, Sept. 3 participating in the MDA Fill the Boot Campaign.
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved by resolution financial assistance in the amount of $7,000,000 to the City of Alice in Jim Wells County on Thursday, Sept. 1, consisting of $4,954,000 in financing and $2,046,000 in principal forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).
SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Independent School District board of trustees recently approved several capital projects with the additional funding provided by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
SINTON - The Orange Grove Cross Country teams placed in the Sinton Cross Country meet on Monday. Tanner Weaver finished 8th at the meet in Sinton with his best time of the season.
Julie Lynn Brandt entered eternal rest August 24, 2022, at the age of 62. She was born July 28, 1960 in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, to the late Paul and Joyce Okerman. She was a free spirit, always smiling and laughing and loved her life. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, aunt, friend, daughter in law, sister in law and teacher. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Richard Alan Landeche; her parents, Paul and Joyce Okerman; her grandson, Nicholas Alan Brandt; in-laws Cecil and Gwen Brandt. Julie leaves behind her husband, Willie Brandt of 31 years, her daughter Kristin (Tony) Mechell, her daughter Rebecca (Scott) Stewart; grandchildren Alexis Lynn Barron, Taylor Elizabeth Barron, Tony Jayden Mechell, Mason Richard Mechell; great-grandchildren, Hensley Brandt, Brinley Brandt, Hadley Brandt, Aayden Villarreal and Aaliyah Villarreal; siblings David (Joanne) Okerman, Kathy Akerman, Paula (Bill) Patterson; numerous nieces and nephews, in laws, family members and friends. Upon Julie’s wishes, there will be no formal services as she requested everyone celebrate her life in their own way as they remember her. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to send donations to the American Cancer Society.
Amanda Jo Stalnaker, age 39, entered eternal rest August 30, 2022 in Alice, Texas. She was born July 28, 1983 in Corpus Christi, Texas to Ronald Archibold Stalnaker and Shirley McQuisten Stalnaker.
Norberto T. Cadena Sr.-86 years of age entered eternal rest on August 30, 2022, at a Corpus Christi Hospital with his loving wife and family by his side. Norberto was a native of Palito Blanco Community but lived in San Diego, Texas for many years. Beto as he was known by many, was a construction worker after he worked as a truck swamper for many years. He enjoyed spending time coworkers, family, and many friends. He was an avid hunter in his younger days, enjoyed trying his luck at casinos around the area, but could not compare to his love for Las Vegas get aways. Beto had a passion for animals and would always give them unconditional love and care. He always cherished his fond memories of the family ranch while he was growing up. Beto had a passion for music especially listening and singing along with his brother and nephews Cd’s. His family will remember him as a loving husband, father, brother, uncle Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Great- Great grandfather. Norberto is preceded in death by his parents Fernando and Blanca T. Cadena, two sisters Emma C. Newby, Emilia C. Grau, one brother Arnoldo Cadena, one Grandson Francisco A. “Frankie” Cadena and one Great granddaughter Louisa Cadena. Survivors include his wife of 65 years of marriage San Juana B. Cadena of San Diego, Texas, three sons Norberto Cadena Jr. of Alice, Texas, Fernando (Cindy) Cadena of San Diego, Texas, Rolando Cadena of San Diego, Texas, one daughter Esmeralda (Raul) Padilla of San Diego, Texas, and a daughter in Law that he loved as a daughter Lydia Cadena of San Diego, Texas. other survivors include two brothers Amando (Zoila) Cadena of Palito Blanco, Texas, Noe (Juanita) Cadena of Robstown, Texas, five sisters Amada C. Lopez of San Antonio, Texas, Estella C. Guzman of Alice, Texas, Ester C. Lopez San Antonio, Texas Lydia C. Gonzalez of San Diego, Texas, Ernestina C. Hinojosa of San Diego, Texas, two sisters in law Gloria Cadena of Palito Blanco, Texas and Elvira Garza of Alice, Texas a
“The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. work is the key to success, and hard work can help you accomplish anything.” - Vince Lombardi A hard worker with a humble heart, Frank Olguin Torres, age 76, of Corpus Christi, passed away on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. Frank was born February 19, 1946, to Manuel and Filomena Torres. He grew up in Monahans, Texas, with his siblings Nancy, Manuelita, Blasa, Ramona, Nell, Susie, Rosa, Irene, and Manuel, Jr. Frank married his one true love, Sylvia, on June 28, 1968. They met at church in 1967, when his mom (who was very persistent) wanted Sylvia to meet her son. When hard times hit, their love overcame all obstacles. Even though he joked about divorce saying, “it’s cheaper to keeper,” Sylvia remained number one even when his health declined. They celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary on a celebration cruise. He loved her dearly and was so proud to become a father to their children Michael, Benji, and Adele. A true family man, he always put the family first before himself. Frank cherished time golfing with his sons and took the time to teach his daughter how to be independent. As they were growing up, when he had to scold his children, he would always finish his lecture with “ya big dummy!” Frank had an incredible work ethic. In any and all work, he took pride and passion in what he did, and was meticulous in his work. At the age of nine, he was shining shoes. At 16, he painted signs and was a drummer in a Tejano band. When he was 20, he started doing body work and vintage car restoration. His patience in complex situations helped him achieve. When he was 46, Frank opened and operated his own restaurant, “Crossroads Bar-B-Q” in Alice, Texas for 23 years. He woke up early every day to chop wood and make all the dishes from scratch, including the barbeque sauce and spices. That hard work paid off, as his restaurant was mentioned twice in Texas Monthly magazine for Exceptional Bar-B-Que
Juan G. Ramos, “Johnny”, 72, of Alice, Texas, passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at his home while surrounded by close family and friends. He was born on August 19, 1950, in San Diego, Texas to Ponciano and Paula G. Ramos. Johnny as he was known by many worked in the oil and gas industry for many years with various companies from around the area. He was a hard-working man and made sure to provide for his family all that they needed. He will be remembered for his love of the holidays and having his family together and all sharing a special meal for the occasion. He had a passion for working his land and improving it with his tractor. At times you could fine him Bar-B-Queuing for his family. Johnny was blessed and gifted with a talent to sing and perform conjunto and Tejano music. Aside from singing to family and friends at every opportunity, Johnny was very well known as a band member and singer for Ruben Naranjo y Los Gamblers, Rene Joslin y Los Favoritos and Los Estrenos de Mando Garza. His passion for music earned him an induction and award to the Tejano R.O.O.T.S Hall of Fame Museum. Everyone who knew Johnny felt his big heart and giving nature. He was a hard worker and had an amazing sense of humor, always joking and laughing. He will be missed, especially by his wife and children Johnny is survived by his wife, Gloria, of 38 years, 7 sons, Juan Jesus, Ponciano (Melissa), Gilbert (Beatris), Javier, Robert (Maricela), Randy (Toni), Johnny (Rosie), 2 daughters Rafaela and Thelma, 28 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family. Johnny was a loving father, husband, grandfather, and friend to many. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday September 10,2022 starting with a viewing and visitation at 10:00 A.M. at Rosas Funeral Home Chapel. A Holy Rosary will be recited at 11:30A.M. Funeral Procession will depart the funeral home at 12:30 P.M. to St. Francis De Paula Catholic Church of San Diego. Funeral M