Winter Texan Times

Tales of the Hidalgo Pumphouse plays in Pharr

graphics@wintertexantimes.com (graphics) — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 22:46:52 -0500

PHARR — Sometime in the late 1970s, near the historic Hidalgo Pumphouse, an ordinary homemade tortilla became the center of an extraordinary story.

According to family members, Paula Rivera was preparing a meal in her kitchen when she noticed what she believed was the image of Jesus Christ on a small flour tortilla. She immediately called for her husband, Luis Rivera, a Hidalgo Pumphouse employee who happened to be relaxing in the living room during his day off. Together they gazed at the tortilla in amazement, convinced they had witnessed a miracle. For years afterward, people from all over the RGV would visit the couple's small home in Hidalgo to pray for miracles and healing. It’s been said that the tortilla was carefully preserved inside a hard plastic case and that it remains safeguarded, still intact, by one of Paula's granddaughters.

Great Texas Birding Classic Breaks Records in its 30th Year

graphics@wintertexantimes.com (graphics) — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 22:37:50 -0500

AUSTIN – The biggest, longest and wildest birdwatching tournament in the country, the Great Texas Birding Classic (GTBC), had a record number of teams and overall participants in the 30th iteration of the event, as well as a record amount of Conservation Grants awarded. The GTBC, organized by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), took place from April 15-May 15, with teams participating on the day of their choice.

Discover the Secret Language of Birds at Quinta Mazatlán

graphics@wintertexantimes.com (graphics) — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 21:53:57 -0500

Birds are often heard long before they are seen. Learning to recognize their songs can transform an ordinary walk into an exciting wildlife adventure. On Saturday, August 15, at 10:30 a.m., Quinta Mazatlán invites the community to Birding for Beginners: ID by Sound, an interactive workshop led by Environmental Education Specialist and longtime birder Isidro Montemayor Jr.

STHS hosts community blood drive

graphics@wintertexantimes.com (graphics) — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 21:50:03 -0500

The United States is facing a severe blood shortage, prompting the American Red Cross to issue only the second national blood crisis declaration in its history.

Since June, blood donations have declined by 25% nationwide due to extreme summer temperatures, increased travel and seasonal illnesses, according to the nonprofit organization.

Enchanted Rock SNA opens new backcountry area for day usage

graphics@wintertexantimes.com (graphics) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 23:11:22 -0500

FREDERICKSBURG – One of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area’s newest expansions, the Backcountry Area, is slated to open for expanded public day use on July 7. This is the first phase of opening for self-guided day use.

Metro McAllen launches free downtown bus circulator

graphics@wintertexantimes.com (graphics) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 23:07:04 -0500

Metro McAllen today officially launched the Downtown Circulator, a free new transit service designed to help visitors and residents effortlessly navigate McAllen’s downtown corridor.

STC Continuing Education begins free CPR courses

graphics@wintertexantimes.com (graphics) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 23:00:01 -0500

Joey Gomez
MCALLEN, TEXAS – South Texas College Continuing Education and Workforce Development are offering free CPR, Basic Life Support and first aid courses which are set to take place every weekend throughout the summer.

Preview the future Military Museum in Harlingen at temporary visitor center

graphics@wintertexantimes.com (graphics) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 22:42:48 -0500

Harlingen, TX - The Texas Historical Commission (THC) and the Marine Military Academy (MMA) are inviting visitors to get a glimpse into a new military heritage center in Harlingen through the opening of a temporary visitor center. The site is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

MOSTH announces next phase of Freddy Gonzalez Exhibit

graphics@wintertexantimes.com (graphics) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 22:37:15 -0500

The Museum of South Texas History (MOSTH) announces that the Freddy Gonzalez exhibit will enter its next phase after August 2 as part of a preservation and redesign process tied to the beginning of construction on the museum’s new gallery space.