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The Maverick Times News
Maverick County’s leadership has successfully ensured the county remains eligible to recover over $500,000 in reimbursements from the Operation Lone Star (OLS) program. This significant development came through a united effort by County Attorney Jaime Iracheta, County Judge Ramsey English Cantu, and District Judges Amado Abascal and Maribel Flores. Their collective engagement with OLS officials clarified that the county can still file for funds previously excluded by former County Auditor Raul Treviño, whose unilateral decision not to pursue reimbursement has sparked widespread questions. Independent Actions by the Former Auditor Raise Concerns During the December 16, 2024, Commissioners Court meeting, County Attorney Iracheta revealed that former Auditor Treviño independently decided against seeking reimbursement for eligible expenses, including courtroom equipment and salaries. His decision, made without consultation with key county offices or state officials, left taxpayers at risk of absorbing substantial costs unnecessarily. “This decision was made entirely without input or collaboration,” Iracheta explained. “It is clear that these funds were eligible, and the opportunity to recover them was there all along.” The unclaimed expenses, which total over $500,000, were later confirmed as reimbursable under the terms of the OLS grant. Residents and officials alike are left questioning why these funds were not pursued and what safeguards can be implemented to prevent similar oversights in the future. A Post-Meeting Breakthrough Following the Commissioners Court meeting, local officials engaged in critical discussions with OLS representatives, who confirmed that Maverick County remained eligible to submit reimbursement claims. This discovery, made after the court session, marked a turning point in the county’s effort to address the oversight and protect taxpayers from unnecessary financial strain. “This was a collaborative achievement,” said a source close to the discussions. “Through persistent effort and clear communication with state officials, Maverick County secured the opportunity to correct this mistake.” Elected Leaders Collaborate to Protect Taxpayers The successful resolution of this issue was made possible by the unified efforts of County Attorney Iracheta, Judge English Cantu, and Judges Abascal and Flores. Together, they ensured that the county’s eligibility was reaffirmed and that the unclaimed funds could still be pursued. Their leadership highlights the importance of collaboration and accountability in addressing complex financial challenges. The process required thorough documentation, clear communication, and persistent advocacy to ensure Maverick County did not lose access to vital grant funding. “This outcome reflects what happens when elected officials work together for the good of their community,” said one official familiar with the case. The Path Forward Lies With the County Auditor Responsibility for submitting the reimbursement claims now falls to Interim Auditor Karla Mazuka. Officials have emphasized the urgency of resubmitting the claims to secure the funds and ensure taxpayers are not left shouldering the financial burden of this oversight. “The process is in place, and the funds are eligible,” noted a Commissioner during the meeting. “The time to act is now, and it’s critical that these claims are prioritized.” The Commissioners Court has also signaled a commitment to improving oversight and communication within county departments to prevent future issues. Workshops and procedural updates are being planned to strengthen grant management processes and enhance accountability. The Maverick Rundown Thanks to the determined efforts of County Attorney Jaime Iracheta, Judge Ramsey English Cantu, and Judges Amado Abascal and Maribel Flores, Maverick County has retained its eligibility to seek over $500,000 in grant reimbursements from Operation Lone Star. This funding, previously left unclaimed by former Auditor Raul Treviño, represents a significant opportunity to protect taxpayers from unnecessary financial strain. The decision now lies with Interim Auditor Karla Mazuka, who must act to ensure these funds are recovered. This situation serves as a wake-up call for Maverick County, emphasizing the importance of transparency, collaboration, and accountability in public office. The steps taken in the coming weeks will determine whether the county can reclaim the funds and restore confidence in its fiscal management. Maverick County residents are left asking a vital question: how could such an oversight occur, and what measures will be put in place to ensure this does not happen again? The answers to these questions will shape the county’s approach to governance and grant management moving forward.
OLS Officials Confirm Former County Auditor Acted Independently in Not Seeking Reimbursement
The Eagle Pass City Council moved closer to raising solid waste collection rates for the first time in 15 years after approving the second reading of a new ordinance on December 10, 2024. This decision comes as the city faces increasing costs and inflation, which have put pressure on the waste management system. However, the ordinance isn’t finalized yet—it still needs a third and final reading before becoming law. The second reading passed unanimously with Mayor Rolando Salinas, Councilwoman Monica Cruz, Councilperson Elias Diaz, and Councilman Mario Garcia in attendance. Councilman Billy Davis was not present for the vote. What Will the New Rates Be? For city residents, the monthly garbage collection fee will increase from $13.50 to $17.00. County residents outside city limits, originally slated to pay $20.00 per month under the proposed ordinance, will now face a rate of $25.00 per month. This higher figure was determined after the council’s Executive Session, reflecting the additional costs of servicing these areas. The increase is expected to generate much-needed revenue to cover rising operational expenses, including maintenance of collection equipment, fuel costs, and staffing. City officials have emphasized that the adjustment is necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of waste management services. Future Fee Adjustments Linked to Tipping Costs A critical amendment to the ordinance ties future county collection fee increases to changes in tipping fees set by the Maverick County Solid Waste Authority. The tipping fee, currently $40.00 per ton, has been unchanged since the landfill opened in 2010. If this fee is raised in the future, county residents’ collection rates will increase by the same percentage. This provision directly links county fees to the cost of waste disposal at the landfill, ensuring that any financial burdens stemming from tipping fee adjustments are proportionately shared. Why Are Rates Increasing Now? Eagle Pass has not updated its solid waste collection rates since 2009, despite steady increases in operational costs over the years. Inflation, higher fuel prices, and rising equipment maintenance expenses have strained the system, prompting the need for a rate hike. Without the proposed increase, the city risks significant challenges in maintaining reliable waste management services. The updated rates are intended to provide the resources needed to address current demands and improve service efficiency. Officials noted that the increase was long overdue and vital for the system’s stability. The Role of the Maverick County Solid Waste Authority The Maverick County Solid Waste Authority operates the Type 1 landfill where city and county waste is processed. Its tipping fee of $40.00 per ton has been a cornerstone of waste management costs in the region. These fees cover essential landfill operations, compliance with environmental regulations, and waste processing. If the authority raises tipping fees in the future, the ripple effects could directly impact county residents’ collection rates under the ordinance’s new provisions. This connection underscores the landfill’s central role in the local waste management ecosystem. Resident Concerns About Fee Increases The proposed fee hikes have drawn mixed reactions from the community. While some residents acknowledge the need for adjustments after 15 years without a change, others are frustrated by the steep increases. County residents, in particular, have expressed concerns about the additional costs and the possibility of future rate hikes tied to tipping fees. Many residents are also questioning how the additional revenue will be utilized and whether it will lead to noticeable improvements in waste collection services, such as addressing delayed pickups and upgrading aging equipment. What Happens Next? The ordinance must still pass a third and final reading before the new rates and provisions for future adjustments can take effect. The City Council has encouraged residents to attend upcoming meetings to share their feedback and stay informed about the changes. As the final vote approaches, public interest in the ordinance continues to grow. Residents and officials alike are focused on how the increased funds will be managed and whether they will effectively address the challenges faced by the city’s waste management system. This rate adjustment represents a pivotal moment for Eagle Pass as it works to balance financial sustainability with the needs of its community.
Eagle Pass City Council Moves Forward with Solid Waste Fee Increase
A Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Trooper recently uncovered a harrowing child smuggling operation in Del Rio, Val Verde County. The discovery was made during a traffic stop after border surveillance cameras captured images of a man carrying a child across the Rio Grande, prompting swift action from law enforcement. The Traffic Stop and Discovery Acting on information provided by the border surveillance system, a DPS Trooper pulled over a Ram 1500 on a highway north of Del Rio. Inside the vehicle, officers found a 5-year-old girl who had just been illegally smuggled across the border. The child, a Mexican national, matched the description from the surveillance footage. The child’s mother, Dolores Lopez, was also in the truck. Lopez, a Mexican citizen living temporarily in North Carolina, admitted to hiring an online smuggling network to bring her daughter into the United States. According to Lopez, she had agreed to pay the smugglers $8,000 for their services. Arrest of the Smuggler The driver of the truck, identified as 27-year-old Roman Ibarra Rojo, a permanent U.S. resident originally from Mexico, confessed to being hired to transport the child. He admitted that he was to be paid $1,000 for his role in the operation. Rojo was arrested at the scene and charged with smuggling a person under 18, a serious felony offense in Texas. What’s Next for the Mother and Child Both the mother and child were handed over to U.S. Border Patrol for further processing. Meanwhile, the Texas DPS has launched a follow-up investigation and is working with the District Attorney’s Office to determine whether Lopez will face additional charges for organizing the smuggling attempt. Officials confirmed that the case is being reviewed carefully to assess the extent of her legal responsibility. The Role of Smuggling Networks This case sheds light on the alarming reach of smuggling organizations that exploit families seeking to reunite or relocate. Lopez admitted to finding the smugglers online, a troubling example of how accessible these illegal services have become. These networks often put children in dangerous and life-threatening situations, with little regard for their safety. Law Enforcement's Swift Action The incident underscores the importance of advanced technology and vigilant policing in combating human smuggling. The DPS’s use of border surveillance cameras played a critical role in identifying the smuggling operation before it could go any further. Their prompt response ensured the safety of the child and the arrest of the smuggler. A Complex Case Cases like this highlight the ethical and legal dilemmas surrounding border security and immigration enforcement. While the smuggler faces clear legal consequences, the role of the mother—who sought the smuggling services to reunite with her daughter—adds a layer of complexity. Federal authorities must balance the enforcement of immigration laws with the welfare of the child involved. Ongoing Investigation Texas DPS has pledged to continue investigating this case to uncover any additional individuals or networks tied to the operation. Their commitment to dismantling human smuggling rings remains strong, with a focus on protecting vulnerable individuals caught in these illegal activities. This case serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges along the U.S.-Mexico border and the importance of coordinated efforts to address them. For families, the risks associated with illegal crossings can have life-altering consequences, both legally and personally.
Texas DPS Trooper Stops Smuggling Operation, Rescues 5-Year-Old Girl in Val Verde County
Multiple Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) were reportedly spotted over Arizona on November 29, 2024, captivating onlookers and igniting discussions online. A TikTok user shared a video of the incident, recorded while driving with family to a movie theater. The footage quickly went viral, drawing significant interest across social media platforms. The sighting joins a growing trend of UAP reports in recent years. While many encounters are eventually explained as drones, weather balloons, or other terrestrial objects, some remain unexplained, fueling intrigue among enthusiasts and experts alike. UAP sightings frequently occur near airports or military installations, suggesting connections to experimental technology or misidentified aircraft. However, the Arizona sighting has sparked curiosity, leaving many to wonder whether it points to something beyond the ordinary. As public interest in UAPs continues to rise, the Arizona incident serves as another reminder of the mysteries surrounding these aerial phenomena and the need for thorough investigation.
Arizona UAP Sightings Capture Attention After TikTok Video Goes Viral
In the early hours of the morning, a group of 289 illegal immigrants crossed into Maverick County, prompting swift action by U.S. Border Patrol. The crossing occurred at approximately 3:30 a.m., with the group including seven Special Interest Aliens (SIAs) from Iran. Border Patrol agents responded quickly to apprehend the individuals. Special Interest Aliens are classified as individuals from countries or regions known to pose potential national security concerns. Their presence among the group raises additional questions about the ongoing border security challenges. This large-scale crossing highlights the continued influx of migrants into the region, straining local and federal resources. Officials have yet to release further details regarding the apprehensions or any investigations related to the SIAs.
Mass Border Crossing in Maverick County 289 Apprehended, Including Special Interest Aliens from Iran
Terminated County Employee Allegedly Concealed a Major Salary Overpayment, Files a Petition to the Court Alleging Sexual Assault! But the situation gets interesting, as local attorney filed a petition attempting to remove the County Attorney from moving forward with the prosecution of a Maverick County Sheriff's Deputy for alleged domestic violence case. Tonight 8PM Episode 26: Was it white or wrong? Get the FULL story behind this high-stakes drama, only on The Maverick Times Podcast! 🎙️ Don’t miss this exclusive deep dive into the documents that will tell you the entire story. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host(s) and guest(s) and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of any organizations, businesses, or entities mentioned or affiliated with the podcast. The information provided is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research or consult professionals where appropriate.
The Maverick Times Podcast Episode 26 - Was it white or wrong?
In a tragic incident early Sunday morning, multiple people were injured, and one individual was killed in a shooting on the campus of Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) launched an investigation at the request of the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. The shooting occurred at approximately 1:40 a.m., and authorities are now asking the public for assistance in their investigation. According to ALEA, a total of 16 individuals sustained injuries during the incident. An 18-year-old juvenile was pronounced dead at the scene, marking a devastating loss for the Tuskegee University community. Twelve people sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to nearby hospitals in Montgomery and Lee counties for medical treatment. Four additional individuals experienced injuries unrelated to gunfire during the chaotic incident. ALEA is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward to aid in the investigation. Those with knowledge of the events are asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or upload any relevant digital files through an online portal at fbi.gov/tuskegeeshooting24. Law enforcement officials are seeking any information that could help bring clarity to the events and identify those responsible. In response to the incident, Tuskegee University has announced that all classes scheduled for Monday, November 11, will be canceled. Law enforcement continues to investigate the scene, and the university aims to ensure student safety and provide support to those affected. Grief counselors will be available for students in the university chapel on Monday, offering a space for the community to come together in the wake of this traumatic event. As the investigation remains ongoing, ALEA and local authorities have not released further details. The university community and residents of Macon County are in mourning as they await answers and seek justice for the victims.
Shooting Incident at Tuskegee University Leaves One Dead and Multiple Injured, Classes Canceled
When Trump Knows There Are Just Two Days From Election Night
When Trump Knows There Are Just Two Days From Election Night
Javier Ramirez will be competing in the Texas UIL State Cross Country Champion on Saturday, November 2, 2024. We had the opportunity to catch up with Javier Ramirez to get to know him and how significant this race is to the community and Eagle Pass Athletes.
The Maverick Times Podcast with Javier Ramirez Senior Maverick Cross Country State Qualifier
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