A large contingency of Eagle Pass, Texas residents personally attended the Eagle Pass City Council meeting held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 and spoke during the Citizens Communications agenda concerning the lack of transparency by the City Council regarding certain City-business agenda items.

The City Council agenda of January 6, 2026 included two specific items that were determined by citizens as being extremely vague and overbroad concerning potential City-business matters. Specifically, Agenda Item Numbers 19 and 21 called for “Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code, Chapter 551, Section 551.071 and 551.087 discussion, and possible action regarding a memorandum of understanding between the City of Eagle Pass and a potential investor; and any other matters incident thereto.”

Both Agenda Items Nos. 19 and 21 expressly provided that the City Council go into Executive Session (Closed Session) to discuss a potential memorandum of understanding (agreement) between the City of Eagle Pass and a potential investor, including taking possible action in Open Session. However, both agenda items fail to discuss or mention the specific topic or item the potential memorandum of understanding is about and fails to identify the name of the “potential investor.”

Eagle Pass taxpayers raised their concerns that Agenda Items Nos. 19 and 21 were extremely vague and so overbroad that they both failed to comply with the Texas Open Meetings Act notice requirements. Taxpayers complained to Mayor Aaron Valdez and City Council that they could not reasonably ascertain the specific topic or item to be discussed in closed session without taxpayers having the benefit of public notice required of each agenda item.

One taxpayer, Sandra Sassano, reminded Mayor Aaron Valdez that his campaign platform during his election was to provide “accountability and transparency” on all City-business matters. The taxpayer demanded Mayor Valdez to honor his campaign promise of “accountability and transparency.”

Alfredo Sanchez, a leader of The Border Organization, told Mayor Valdez and the City Council that approximately three weeks ago The Border Organization met with Mayor Valdez and City Manager Homero Balderas to discuss the importance of voting for a resolution against the Puerto Verde Global Trade Bridge Project, but Mayor Valdez advised the Border Trade Organization that he was going to focus on expanding the City of Eagle Pass International Bridge No. 2 and that he did not have a position on whether to support or oppose the Puerto Verde Global Trade Bridge Project.

Sanchez noted that the language on Agenda Items Nos. 19 and 21 were extremely vague and violated public notice requirements. Sanchez added that the Executive Session agenda items cannot enter into a memorandum of understanding between a governmental entity such as the City of Eagle Pass and a private investor group. Sanchez questioned Mayor Valdez and City Council as to what specific subject matter was to be discussed in closed session, demanding transparency on all City-business matters.

Jessie F. Fuentes, a Board member with the Eagle Pass Border Coalition and a Rio Grande River advocate, advised Mayor Valdez and City Council that the City of Eagle Pass needs to take a stronger position in protecting its sole source of potable water, the Rio Grande, by opposing the construction of floating water buoys by the Trump Administration and the proposed construction of the Puerto Verde Global Trade Bridge Project in flood zones within Eagle Pass, Texas. Fuentes cited two studies recommending against the construction of the Puerto Verde Bridge Project and another that it be relocated to a lesser uninhabited area of Maverick County. Fuentes concluded the City of Eagle Pass needs to take a stand against any projects that risk its only source of potable water, the Rio Grande.

Jose Alonso Corpus, a Board member of the Eagle Pass Border Coalition, addressed Mayor Valdez and City Council to remind them about the dangers, risks, and contamination of the Rio Grande by the proposed Puerto Verde Global Trade Bridge Project in Eagle Pass. Corpus cited scientific data and studies provided to the City of Eagle Pass have gone unheeded by this Administration. Corpus noted City leadership has failed to take into consideration the dangers and risks facing Eagle Pass as a result of the proposed Puerto Verde Global Trade Bridge Project.

America Garcia-Grewal of The Border Vigil and Frontera Federation spoke on behalf of Ms. Tencha Hernandez, a member of the Border Organization, stating Mayor Valdez had promised Ms. Hernandez to keep an open door whenever an issue arose, but when Ms. Hernandez sought to speak with Mayor Valdez concerning the Puerto Verde Bridge Project he was unable to meet with her. Garcia-Grewal added that City Council should table Agenda Items Nos. 19 and 21 because of the lack of transparency in open government. Garcia-Grewal stated City Council should always choose “transparency over secrecy.”

Eagle Pass taxpayers have placed Mayor Valdez and City Council on notice that they expect transparency and accountability on all City-business matters.

The Eagle Pass City Council went into Executive Session and when they returned into Open Session, Mayor Valdez announced that Agenda Items Nos. 19 and 21 would not have any action taken on them as they had been presented for informative purposes. But taxpayers still do not know what specific topics or subjects were discussed in Closed Session. Stay tuned.

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The 12th Annual Jesus “Chuy” Sanchez Memorial Cowboy Breakfast will kick-off the traditional festivities of the 2026 Maverick County Junior Livestock Show and Sale on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 7 a.m. at the Zan Mathies Showbarn at Maverick County Lake in Eagle Pass, Texas, announced Armando De La Cruz, President of the Maverick County Junior Livestock Show Association.

The traditional Jesus “Chuy” Sanchez Memorial Cowboy Breakfast will feature a delicious Texas-style Cowboy Breakfast freshly cooked and prepared on site at the event on January 20, 2026 together with fresh, hot brewed coffee and refreshments. The Cowboy Breakfast is done in collaboration the Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce.

Live musical entertainment, door prizes and gifts, and a grand old time is certain to be enjoyed by all who attend the Cowboy Breakfast. Tickets are now on pre-sale for $10 per person at the Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce, 400 Garrison Street, Eagle Pass, Texas 78852, Telephone (830) 773-3224. Bring your family, friends, co-workers, staff, and neighbors to the 12th Annual Jesus “Chuy” Sanchez Memorial Cowboy Breakfast. Tickets at the door will cost $15 per person.

“The Jesus “Chuy” Sanchez Memorial Cowboy Breakfast has evolved into a great fundraising community event for the youth of Eagle Pass and Maverick County,” said De La Cruz. The Cowboy Breakfast is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket.

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The City of Eagle Pass, Texas City Council approved on August 27, 2024 to amend the City’s financial contribution payment fee agreement from its own City-owned, Eagle Pass Water Works and Sewer System, due to certain capital improvement projects necessary to ensure the future availability of water and sewer services to the community.

On August 27, 2024, the Eagle Pass City Council formally approved to amend the Eagle Pass Water Works System financial contribution agreement on a 3-1-1 vote with Mayor Rolando Salinas and City Council Members Elias Diaz and Monica Cruz in favor while Council Members Mario E. Garcia voted against and Mayor Pro-Tem William “Billy” Davis abstained from voting on the matter.

The Eagle Pass City Council approved on August 27, 2024 to amend the Eagle Pass Water Works System financial contribution agreement to be reduced during a seven year period as follows: during the first two years of the new amended agreement, the local water works system would pay the City of Eagle Pass the sum of one (1%) percent; during the third year, the contribution would increase to one and a half percent (1.5%); during the fourth year, the contribution would increase to two percent (2%); during the fifth year, the contribution would increase to three percent (3%); during the sixth year, the contribution would increase to four percent (4%); and during the seventh year, the contribution would increase to five percent (5%).

City Secretary Erika Rodriguez and her staff duly noted the City Council’s formal approval of the amendment to the Eagle Pass Water Works System financial contribution agreement on the minutes of the August 27, 2024 meeting minutes, except City Manager Homero Balderas, Jr. forgot to follow through with the City Council’s policy decision approval until 16 months later at the December 9, 2025 City Council meeting acknowledging that “there was an oversight on my part” to inform Mr. Jorge Barrera, General Manager of the Eagle Pass Water Works System, of the City Council’s approval of the City water entity’s request to amend the financial contribution agreement.

At the December 9, 2025 City Council meeting, Agenda Item No. 9 was addressed first under the title of: An introductory ordinance of the City of Eagle Pass, amending Chapter 27,… by modifying the percentage gross revenues paid from City Waterworks System to the City from 2 percent to a tiered schedule increasing the transfer rate from one percent for the first two years, then one and a half percent for the year three, two percent for year four, three percent for year five, four percent for year six, and five percent for year seven to continue until a new agreeent is in place;…”

Balderas stated “this item was presented or approved by a previous Mayor and Council last year, but unfortunately there was some oversight in getting this agreement in place with our Water Works Department.” “We realized that this agreement has never been adopted officially on the City ‘s behalf, and that’s the reason we are bringing it back and this is the language that was approved by Mayor and Council at that time. So we are bringing it back so Mayor and Council to give consideration as to what was approved back then.” The City Administration took 16 months to realize that they had not followed through with this important policy decision made by Mayor Rolando Salinas and City Council Members Elias Diaz and Monica Cruz on August 27, 2024.

City Council Member Jessica Rey Ramon then asked City Manager Homero Balderas, Jr. “When was the last time that this was discussed with our City Water Works?“ Balderas replied that “the last time we discussed this with them was last year before we presented this to Mayor and Council and unfortunately there was an oversight that this decision was never communicated to them….I was under the impression that it had been, so when we put this item on here, I was under the impression that everyone was on the same page….When I had a conversation with Mr. Barrera soon after that, he was not aware that Mayor and Council had agreed to this….”

Balderas requested City Council to be given the opportunity to meet with Mr. Jorge Barrera, General Manager for Eagle Pass Water Works System, to discuss and negotiate the terms of this agreement because it was decided more than a year ago and he did not know what are the current circumstances of the City Water Works System.

City Councilmember Ramon made a motion to approve Agenda Item No. 9 seconded by Councilmember Mario E. Garcia with the understanding that City Manager Balderas will meet with Eagle Pass Water Works System General Manager Jorge Barrera to negotiate an agreement between the two entities and bring it back to the City Council for approval at their next meeting. The motion passed with Ramon, Garcia, and Mayor Aaron Valdez voting in favor of the motion to approve Agenda Item No. 9.

At its next scheduled regular meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Eagle Pass City Council will hear back from City Manager Balderas under Agenda Item No. 12 concerning his negotiations with Eagle Pass Water Works System General Manager Jorge Barrera and whether any agreement was reached between the two entities, which will require approval by both the City Council and Eagle Pass Water Works System Board of Trustees. The January 6, 2026 City Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, City Council Chamber, 100 S. Monroe Street, Eagle Pass, Texas is open to the public.

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January is known in Eagle Pass, Texas as the Maverick County Junior Livestock Show and Sale month. January means wearing one’s western boots, hat, and attire for the junior livestock show.

In 2026, the Maverick County Junior Livestock Show and Sale activities commence on Friday-Saturday, January 16-17, 2026 with the MCJLS BBQ Cookoff Fourth Annual State Championship with a guaranteed payout of $5,000 for the main meat category to be held at the Zan Matthies Showbarn, 2350 E. Main Street, Eagle Pass, Texas, announced Amado Esqueda. Entry fee is $225 for main meats participants and may contact Amado Esqueda at (830) 968-0076 to officially register in the BBQ Cookoff State Championship.

The activities continue on Sunday, January 18, 2026 with the prestigious Maverick County Junior Livestock Show Pageant at 5 p.m. at the Zan Matthies Showbarn, 2350 E. Main Street, Eagle Pass, Texas with young ladies and men competing in seven pageant categories, announced Pageant Director Brandi Villarreal. To register for the 2026 Maverick County Junior Livestock Show Pageant, please contact Brandi Villarreal at (956) 319-7182. Registration fee is $100 plus $50 for a Sponsor Fee if registered by January 4, 2026. After January 4th, a late registration fee of an additional $50 will be charged.

The activities continue on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 with the legendary Jesus “Chuy” Sanchez Annual Cowboy Breakfast at 7 a.m. at the Zan Matthies Showbarn co-sponsored by the Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce and the Maverick County Junior Livestock Show Association. Tickets to the Cowboy Breakfast are available at the Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce, 400 Garrison Street, Eagle Pass, Texas, Telephone (830) 773-3224.

The Maverick County Junior Livestock Show activities continue during Wednesday-Friday, January 21-23, 2026 with the annual livestock show exhibitors and their animal projects, including lambs, goats, swine, steers, poultry, rabbits, and much more. Individual breed champions and overall grand champion and reserve champion winners are selected among the various animal categories.

The highlight of the 2026 Maverick County Junior Livestock Show and Sale is on Saturday, January 24th, at 10:30 a.m. with the Annual Sale of the animals exhibited at the livestock show by 4-H and FFA members. Local and out-of-town businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, educators, and friends of youth and agriculture are cordially invited to register to become a buyer at the MCJLS Sale.

Following a week long of MCJLS activities, the 2026 Grand Daddy Show culminates with a traditional Western Dance and Dinner at the International Center for Trade in Eagle Pass, Texas. A live country and western band or musical act is usually hired to entertain the hard-working volunteers, buyers, exhibitors, students, and friends of the livestock show. Stay tuned for more details in the coming days.

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Maverick County Commissioners Court unanimously approved two Agenda Items, specifically Nos. 11 and 12, to apply for Texas Water Development Board Fiscal Year 2026 Funds to pay for the extension of water distribution lines to the entrance of the Lehmann Ranch on U. S. Highway 277 North and to North Quemado at their special meeting held hastily just two days before Christmas, December 23, 2025, catching many Maverick County residents interested in the subject on Christmas vacations and unable to attend the important meeting.

Specifically, Agenda Item No. 11 called for the “discussion and appropriate action to allow Precinct 3 to apply for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund SFY 2026 from Texas Water Development Board PIF#16990 for Highway 277 water line distribution up to the entrance of Lehmann Ranch Road.”

Meanwhile, Agenda Item No. 12 called for the “discussion and appropriate action to allow Precinct 3 to apply for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund SFY2026 from Texas Water Development Board PIF#16789 for North Quemado waterline distribution.”

Both agenda items were placed on the special meeting by County Commissioner Precinct 3 Olga M. Ramos, who has been working on water issues for Precinct 3 for several years now.

Initially, when the special meeting started at 3 p.m. only County Judge Ramsey English Cantu, Commissioner Roberto Ruiz, and Commissioner Olga M. Ramos were present, but eventually newly-appointed Commissioner for Precinct 1 Yolanda P. Ramon arrived late to the meeting.

Commissioner Ramos quickly moved to approve Agenda Item No. 11, seconded by Commissioner Ruiz, and no discussion was held prior to being approved unanimously by Ramos, Ruiz, Cantu, and Ramon. Commissioner Rossana “Roxi” Rios was not present during this vote as she was attending a community Christmas Toy Distribution event at her Precinct 2 Office.

Commissioner Ramos stated after the passage of Agenda Item No. 11 that Maverick County under her guidance had previously applied for similar grants or loans from Texas Water Development Board, but unfortunately these applications were not funded because they are judged and graded on a point-scale system and they had not scored high enough to be granted funding. Ramos noted that Commissioner’s action is simply to submit an application for these Texas Water Development Board funds.

County Judge Cantu noted that Maverick County had not applied for these Texas Water Development Board funds for 38 years until Commissioner Ramos applied.

Similarly, Agenda Item No. 12 was unanimously approved by Commissioners Court with Commissioner Ramos making the motion, seconded by Ramon, and approved by Cantu and Ruiz without any discussion.

While the Texas Water Development Board funds are notable for state water and sewer line distribution systems statewide, the key is where are these water lines going to be installed along U. S. Highway 277 North towards the Lehmann Ranch Road and northward to the Quemado lands within the county.

Maverick County taxpayers were not informed nor advised by Commissioners Ramos, Ruiz, Ramon, and County Judge Cantu as to the specific locations where these proposed water lines would be installed should Maverick County be awarded one or both of these grant-loan funds by Texas Water Development Board.

Although Commissioners Court did not disclose to the public at the meeting where exactly these water lines would be installed if these Texas Water Development Board funds are obtained, it was very clear to taxpayers present at the meeting that the primary beneficiary of these proposed water lines would be the ambitious multi-use real estate development plans of Ruben Garibay and investors of the Port Authority of Puerto Verde consisting of over 3,200 acres in northern Maverick County near or adjacent to U. S. Highway 277 North along the Lehmann Ranch Road, the Maverick County Industrial Park, the Maverick County International Memorial Airport, the former Dos Republicas Coal Partnership properties on FM 1588 (Thompson Road), Normandy, and Quemado.

Since approving a resolution in July of 2023 to do a joint public-private partnership venture with Puerto Verde Holdings, LLC concerning Maverick County’s international bridge permit rights for a third international bridge in Maverick County, Maverick County Commissioners Court is handling the entire Puerto Verde Global Trade Bridge, Green Eagle Railroad International Bridge and Line, and the Port Authority of Puerto Verde projects in total secrecy and with minimum transparency to the detriment of Maverick County taxpayers. The little public information known about the multi-billion dollar multi-use real estate development affiliated with Ruben Garibay and his Puerto Verde investors has come as a result of required public hearings from the United States Surface Transportation Board in 2024 and 2025 and from Texas House of Representatives Heriberto “Eddie” Morales, Jr..’s filing of the proposed House Bill 74 in the 89th Texas Legislature, which aimed to establish a municipal utility district known as Port Authority of Puerto Verde in over 3,200 acres in northern Maverick County.

Such a multi-billion dollar private investment in northern Maverick County will require a significant development of public infrastructure such as public water lines, sewer lines, utilities, roadways, highways, and more to sustain such an ambitious multi-use real estate development in Maverick County. Without a public infrastructure outlay, the project might not be developed, might be reduced in size, or the private investors might have to pay for the infrastructure of their proposed multi-use real estate development. Obviously, a small but vocal group of Maverick County taxpayers who own farms and ranches in these areas stand to benefit from the installation of water lines. But the principal beneficiary is Ruben Garibay and his group of Puerto Verde investors.

Maverick County Commissioners Court will no longer be able to hide the true and genuine details of its plans for northern Maverick County and will have to be held accountable for providing a full and open transparency on all Maverick County business and governmental transactions being planned, proposed, developed, and approved under the auspices of Maverick County government. Stay tuned.

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Maverick County Commissioners Court took Agenda Item No. 19 A(2) into Executive Session of their Tuesday, December 23, 2025 special meeting to discuss and consult with its Attorney regarding the Border Organization use of the June Edwards Community Center in Quemado, Texas for a town hall meeting with candidates for County Judge and Justice of the Peace Precinct 3-2.

Upon its return into Open Session, Maverick County Judge Ramsey English Cantu called Agenda Item No. 19 A(2) and stated that Commissioners Court move forward as directed by legal counsel. Commissioner Olga M. Ramos stated that she would notify the individual who made the request on behalf of the Border Organization that they can not use the June Edwards Community Center in Quemado, Texas for “political” purposes, according to legal counsel.

Maverick County Commissioners Court decision to deny the Border Organization, a non-profit corporation, use of the June Edwards Community Center for a town hall meeting caused grave consternation among Maverick County taxpayers and members of the Border Organization present at the special meeting. One taxpayer told Judge Cantu and Commissioner Ramos that they were greatly disappointed with their decision to deny the non-profit group the use of a county community center. Judge Cantu proceeded to instruct a Deputy Sheriff to remove a certain individual from the meeting.

Carol Martin, a member of the Border Organization, penned a letter to all fellow Quemadoans concerning Commissioners Court denial of use of the June Edwards Community Center. Martin stated “On behalf of the Border Organization, a non-partisan group, I requested the use of the June Edwards Community Center on January 8, 2026, for the purpose of holding a Town Hall question and answer session with all of the candidates who are running for the Maverick County Judge position next year, as well as with all of the candidates for Precinct 3-2 Justice of the Peace. We thought this would be a good opportunity for voters here in Quemado to ask questions that pertain to our community. To be clear, we are not endorsing any one candidate, but want to promote our community’s awareness of the candidates and the issues. So far, we had contacted 2 of these candidates, one of whom had agreed to attend, and were in the process of inviting the rest. Unfortunately, my request, which for some reason had to be approved by Maverick County Commissioner’s Court, was denied this afternoon. I intend to protest this decision, and to resubmit my request, this time for a proposed meeting on Thursday, January 15, 2026. If you are interested in attending this type of meeting, please respond to this post. Or, you could contact Commissioner Ramos directly to let her know whether or not you are in support of such a meeting.”

Members of The Border Organization were shocked and surprised that Maverick County Commissioners Court denied them use of the community center in Quemado, Texas based on their legal counsel’s opinion that such a town hall meeting of candidates is an inappropriate “political” purpose. One taxpayer raised the point that such ridiculous legal opinion basically denies American citizens their first amendment right of freedom of speech and to peacefully assemble in the community. Another taxpayer compared the use of Maverick County Precinct Centers for Christmas Toy Distributions as also being a “political” purpose because certain Commissioners and the County Judge used the Precinct Centers to campaign for re-election disguised as toy distributions. They took photographs and videos of themselves campaigning as toy distributions and posted them online. The line as to what is a “political” purpose and what is not seems to easily blur in the mind of the citizen.

Another taxpayer suggested that the recently held Market Days at the County Lake, Christmas Day Celebration at the Lake, and the County Judge’s Christmas Breakfast at the Courthouse all used county funds to promote certain political candidates seeking re-election, questioning whether these county events are “political” too? Stay tuned.

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Sul Ross State University International marked a major investment in regional education and economic development on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, with a dual ceremony celebrating the groundbreaking of a new Classroom & Administration Building and the grand opening of a newly remodeled campus facility.

The event opened with the posting of colors and the national anthem, followed by welcome remarks from Dr. Carlos Hernandez, president of Sul Ross State University. Hernandez emphasized the role of modern facilities in advancing student success, strengthening workforce readiness, and supporting long-term institutional growth in Southwest Texas.

State Rep. Eddie Morales, Maverick County Judge Ramsey English Cantú, and Eagle Pass Assistant City Manager Ivan Morua also addressed attendees, highlighting the university’s role as a key partner in regional economic progress and talent development.

The groundbreaking ceremony formally launched construction on an adjacent lot where the new Classroom & Administration Building will be built. The facility is designed to expand instructional space while consolidating administrative services, allowing the campus to better accommodate enrollment growth and future demand.

Ceremonial shovels were turned by university and community leaders, including Hernandez; Dr. Jorge Garza, vice president of Sul Ross State University International; Daniel Harper, vice chancellor and chief financial officer of the Texas State University System; Dr. Bernie Cantens, provost and executive vice president of Sul Ross State University; along with local and state representatives.

Following the groundbreaking, attendees gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially inaugurate the remodeled Sul Ross building. Renovations modernized classrooms and upgraded infrastructure, providing enhanced instructional spaces for students and faculty.University officials noted that the projects reflect a broader commitment to expanding access to higher education along the border while supporting workforce development and economic growth. As construction moves forward and renovated facilities come online, Sul Ross State University International continues to position itself as a central driver of opportunity for Eagle Pass and Maverick County.

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The City of Eagle Pass, Texas economic development is thriving as the Isidro De Los Santos Family celebrated the official groundbreaking ceremony of Eagle Pass’s newest business investment, Fatburger Restaurant, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at its future site located at 3763 El Indio Highway amid a large audience of local public officials, business leaders, and community members present at the historic groundbreaking.

Isidro De Los Santos IV welcomed all the dignitaries and invited guests to the groundbreaking ceremony of his family’s newest investment, Fatburger Restaurant, located in the Southside of Eagle Pass, adjacent to MicroStar, on El Indio Highway. An invocation was presented to bless the new business and all those who will work in the new restaurant establishment.

Maverick County Judge Ramsey English Cantu congratulated the De Los Santos Family on their investment and confidence in the future of Maverick County and its potential for growth and economic development, particularly on the Southside of Maverick County. Eagle Pass Mayor Aaron Valdez commended the De Los Santos Family for their long history of entrepreneurship in both Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico and being trailblazers within the international business community along the United States-Mexico border.

The De Los Santos family hosted the groundbreaking ceremony and introduced the general contractor of the project, Frontera Construction. Representatives from Frontera Construction and Falcon Bank were present at the momentous ceremony. Falcon Bank is financing the investment to purchase the franchise and construction of the new restaurant.The investment is estimated to be seven figure and anticipated to generate over 25 new jobs in the community while attracting new economic development in the region.

Fatburger is nationally known for serving fresh, wholesome food, including juicy, fresh meat hamburger patties, fresh cut vegetables, delicious onion rings, homemade chili, hand-dipped ice cream and shakes, and much more. Fatburger was founded in 1947 by Lovie Yancey and her husband, and has grown to be regularly visited by celebrities seeking a great tasting hamburger and food, earning the title of “The Last Great Hamburger Stand.”

City and county leaders spoke on the importance of continued investment in Eagle Pass and welcomed the addition of new dining options that are expected to bring jobs and increased economic activity to the region. Construction is expected to move forward in the coming months, with an opening date expected in 2026.

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Sul Ross State University International celebrated its 2025 Fall Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the International Center for Trade in Eagle Pass, Texas, awarding over 100 degrees to deserving college graduates amid a standing-room only audience of more than 2.500 people attending the ceremony.

Dr, Carlos Hernandez, the 14th President of Sul Ross State University, presided over the Fall Commencement Ceremony, leading the procession of university deans, faculty, and graduates into the International Center for Trade.

The Eagle Pass C. C. Winn High School Maverick Jazz Band played Pomp and Circumstance as the university faculty and graduates marched into the event center, decorated in university colors of red, gray, and white. The Maverick Jazz Band also provided pre-graduation and post-graduation entertainment to the thousands of attendees, playing holiday and Christmas music themes.

Keynote speaker at the 2025 Fall Commencement was Mr. Mike Flynt, a graduate of Sul Ross State University, who went on to write a book about Texas high school football that became a legendary movie, Friday Night Lights, developed into a leading strength and conditioning coach at several major universities, and lived-out his dream of playing college football at the age of 59 with the Sul Ross State Lobos, becoming the oldest linebacker to play NCAA football in the United States.

Mr. Flynt presented an eloquent commencement speech to the graduates, advising them to take control of their lives and future with three key traits: attitude, belief in oneself, and commitment to one’s endeavors. Graduates took to heart Mr. Flynt’s wise words of wisdom.

Following the keynote speech, Dr. Carlos Hernandez and university representatives presented both Masters and Bachelor degrees to the more than 100 graduates fulfilling their academic requirements for their respective degrees.

Dr. Hernandez noted that the International Center for Trade was completely filled with a standing room only audience, requiring a larger venue in the future within the community to host such a large commencement event.

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By: Victoria Martinez, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2025

A group of 67 Maverick County, Texas real property owners who had solar panels installed on their homes met on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at a local business office to hear a presentation on legal remedies available to them for alleged deceptive trade practices or fraudulent misrepresentations made to them by local and out of town solar panel installation companies, announced Enriqueta Diaz, a Maverick County community advocate.

Diaz noted that over 527 Maverick County property owners have had solar panels sold to them and/or installed at their homes by local and out of town companies through deceptive trade practices and/or fraudulent misrepresentations.

Diaz noted that local property owners were represented that they would save on their energy costs if they purchased the solar panels and had them installed on their homes. The solar panel companies assisted local property owners to apply for and receive financial credit or funding for the cost of the solar panels and their installations. Many or most of the solar panel installations were installed by unlicensed electricians or technicians and have failed to properly work as represented to them.

Most of the property owners executed written agreements either in writing or on a laptop computer provided by sales representatives of the solar panel companies and agreed to have a lien or deed of trust placed on their real properties in exchange for financing the purchase and installation of the solar panels on their homes. Since most of the solar panel installations did not meet or fulfill the promises made to the homeowners concerning the energy savings represented to them, the homeowners either stopped paying the debt owed on the solar panels or defaulted on their loans, causing the financial companies to foreclose or commence foreclosure proceedings against the real properties—mostly owned by senior citizens or low to moderate income homeowners.

Diaz has found legal representatives who specialize in representing real property owners who had solar panels installed on their homes through deceptive trade practices or fraudulent misrepresentations.

Any Maverick County real property owner who had solar panels installed on their homes or purchased them for their homes and did not work as represented to them, may contact Ms. Enriqueta Diaz at (830) 213-5694 for more information on how to contact legal representatives to assist them with their solar panel issues. Diaz is not a licensed attorney nor is she representing herself as a representative of any legal firm, but rather is simply providing a community service to the hundreds of local real property owners who may have an issue with their solar panel installation or agreement.

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