Commissioner Brings New Action to Stop Family from Continuing Fraud
Despite the prior regulatory, civil and criminal actions, Brian and Kristi Alfaro didn’t stop. In April 2020 – while Brian Alfaro was under house arrest awaiting criminal sentencing - they allegedly began perpetrating a new securities scheme.
Press Release
On November 10, Brian Keith Alfaro, from San Antonio, was sentenced to serve 121 months in federal prison. The sentence follows a jury finding him guilty of seven counts of mail fraud in connection with defrauding investors in an oil and gas investment scheme. The evidence showed Brian Alfaro used their funds to further an extravagant lifestyle – including the purchase of a Lamborghini and season tickets for the San Antonio Spurs.
Brian Alfaro has a long history of misconduct and fraudulent investment schemes. FINRA, the Texas State Securities Board and other state regulators previously brought enforcement actions against him and his companies. After being expelled from the industry, he was sued by defrauded investors and later put his oil investment company in bankruptcy. Despite the bankruptcy filing, the victims later won a judgment of approximately $8 million against him. The Bankruptcy Court appointed a Receiver, and the Receiver successfully recovered money after suing Brian Alfaro and Kristi Alfaro, his wife, for fraudulently transferring property.
Despite the prior regulatory, civil and criminal actions, Brian and Kristi Alfaro didn’t stop. In April 2020 – while Brian Alfaro was under house arrest awaiting criminal sentencing - they allegedly began perpetrating a new securities scheme. Brian and Kristi Alfaro allegedly began contacting potential investors – including elderly persons – and encouraging them to invest in a fraudulent wildlife breeding and development program.
On November 9, 2020, Commissioner Iles entered an Emergency Cease and Desist Order to stop Brian Alfaro and Kristi Alfaro from perpetrating the scheme. The scheme is being promoted by ARCA Wildlife Development and Conservation, LLC – an entity recently organized by Kristi Alfaro. Together, ARCA Wildlife and Brian and Kristi Alfaro are marketing units issued by Texas Savanna Partners, LLC. They are allegedly telling potential clients that ARCA Wildlife will use the proceeds of the sales of units to acquire livestock, improve property and manage a wildlife breeding scheme in Zavala County, Texas. more
Texas A&M-Kingsville Will Waive Application Fee for Veterans
Officials with the Office of Veterans Affairs at Texas A&M University-Kingsville have announced that they will begin waiving the Application Fee for all veterans beginning in the spring semester.
Press Release
Officials with the Office of Veterans Affairs at Texas A&M University-Kingsville have announced that they will begin waiving the Application Fee for all veterans beginning in the spring semester.
“This will allow our student veterans a worry-free and quicker application process,” said Eloy Gamez, director of the Office of Veterans Affairs. “The transition from military to civilian is one filled with many obstacles. Veterans who are discharging look forward to starting their journey in education and the utilization of their benefits help them reach their goals.
“By us waiving these fees, we are removing one of the first hurdles a veteran can face when starting their education career. It also is a great way to show support to our veterans and service members,” Gamez said.
The process is a partnership with the Office of Admissions, Gamez said. “There is a digital Applicant ID form which now includes a Military/Veteran Applicant type. Our students will select that option along with their Applicant level and attach a qualifying service form (DD214, Orders, Transcript) for our review and verification.”
Currently, the application fee is $25 for undergraduates and $35 for graduate students.
Roberson as new Regents Professor
Joining the ranks of Regents Professors at Texas A&M University-Kingsville is Dr. Susan Roberson, English Professor in the Language and Literature Department.
Press Release
Dr. Susan Roberson, English Professor in the Language and Literature Department.
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION — The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has designated 15 faculty members and seven agency service, extension or research professionals within the A&M System as Regents Professors and Regents Fellows for 2019-2020.
Joining the ranks of Regents Professors at Texas A&M University-Kingsville is Dr. Susan Roberson, English Professor in the Language and Literature Department.
“My first reaction is that I am just giddy!” Roberson said. “It is such an honor to be recognized like this by my peers and by the Texas A&M University System. It has been one of the great periods of my life to have worked for and served Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Javelina Nation is a place where people can be nourished and grow to their potential.
“I follow in the footsteps of two other Regents Professors from the Department of Language and Literature, Dr. Jacki Thomas and Dr. David Sabrio,” she said. “I think that having another Regents Professor in the ranks of my home department and the College of Arts and Sciences will shine a light on the Humanities and Literature and the contributions that we make to learning and to the lives of our students.”
The Board established the Regents Professor Awards program in 1996 and the Regents Fellow Service Awards program in 1998 to recognize employees who have made extraordinary contributions to their university, or agency, as well as to the people of Texas.
“These individuals exemplify the commitment to excellence in research and service that sets A&M System employees apart,” Elaine Mendoza, Chairman of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. “I hope their example will inspire others in their own endeavors.”
Roberson earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Baylor University. She received her master’s and doctoral degrees in English from Texas A&M University.
She came to Texas A&M-Kingsville in 2003 as chair of the Language and Literature Department. During that time, she also served as interim chair of the Department of Communications and Theatre Arts.
In 2010, she was promoted to assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. During her time there, she served as interim chair of the Department of Psychology and Sociology, interim director of the Undergraduate Writing Center and interim director of the Women and Gender Studies Program.
She served as the director of the Women and Gender Studies Program for two years. She is now an English Professor.
Roberson has edited six books and written numerous articles and chapters and conference papers. She has chaired many conference sessions including some for Women and Gender Studies Program. She also has organized conferences and symposia.
She received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 and was the university’s nominee for the Minnie Piper Award in 2015. In 2006, she received the Javelina Alumni Association’s Distinguished Researcher Award.
Other recipients of this year’s Regents Professor Award include:
• Dr. Julia Ballenger, Texas A&M University-Commerce
• Dr. Frances Bernat, Texas A&M International University
• Dr. Jane Bolin, Texas A&M University Health Science Center
• Dr. Fred Bonner II, Prairie View A&M University
• Dr. Yassin Hassan, Texas A&M University
• Dr. Alex Hunt, West Texas A&M University
• Dr. Patrick Louchouarn, Texas A&M University at Galveston
• Dr. Bhimanagouda Patil, Texas A&M University AgrilLife Research
• Dr. Luz Mary Rincon, Texas A&M University-Texarkana
• Dr. Susan Roberson, Texas A&M University-Kingsville
• Dr. Christine Stanley, Texas A&M University
• Dr. Gregory Stuntz, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
• Dr. David Threadgill, Texas A&M University Health Science Center
• Dr. Edward Westermann, Texas A&M University-San Antonio
• Dr. Peter Yu, Texas A&M University
This year’s recipients of the Regents Fellow Service Awards are:
• Dr. Diane Boellstorff, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
• Mr. D. Lance Bullard, Jr., Texas A&M Transportation Institute
• Dr. Susan Chrysler, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
• Mr. John Crawford, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station
• Mr. Alphonse Davis, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
• Mr. Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service
• Dr. Ruben Saldaña, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension
The selection process for the awards begins with a call for nominations from the chancellor. Final nominations are put forth to the chief executive officer of each respective entity. They are then subject to a System-level review consisting of academic vice chancellors and past recipients of the awards. Finally, nominations are forwarded to the chancellor and the board for final approval.
To date, 268 A&M system faculty members have been recognized with the Regents Professor Award and 157 agency professionals have received the Regents Fellow Service Award.
Child Support Division Sets New Record
Texas currently leads the nation in total child support collections - more than 27 other states and territories combined.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that the Office of the Attorney General’s Child Support Division set a new record by collecting more than $4.8 billion in child support for the state fiscal year 2020. The Child Support Division serves over 1.6 million children and surpassed the previous year’s record by ten percent. Texas currently leads the nation in total child support collections - more than 27 other states and territories combined.
“I am immensely proud of the hard work and dedication of our Child Support Division to improve the lives of Texas children and ensure that families receive the support they need and deserve,” said Attorney General Paxton. “This success is particularly remarkable in light of the challenges the division faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of physical offices. The Division’s performance improves each year and, as such, continues to benefit children across the state.”
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Child Support Division successfully transitioned to a virtual service delivery model. Since mid-March, the Division has leveraged technology to build efficient new administrative and legal processes that kept child support cases moving forward and created live chat capabilities that have become a preferred method of contact for many of the families the division serves.
Serving one in four Texas children, the Child Support Division handles over 1.5 million cases annually and collects $11.68 for children for every $1 spent to operate the program. While physical offices currently remain closed to the public except for limited services by appointment, services may also be obtained via email, phone, videoconference, and the program’s new chat function. For more information about the attorney general’s office and the child support services it offers, visit https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/child-support.
Thanksgiving Break ‘Vacation Station’ Camp
While busy with your holiday tasks, get your children set for fun activities during their Thanksgiving school break at the Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation’s Vacation Station camp.
Press Release
Press Release
corpus Christi – Vacation Station will be offered Monday through Wednesday, November 23, 24 & 25, 2020, from 7:30am to 6pm at Oso Recreation Center, 1111 Bernice Drive, and at Lindale Senior Center, 3135 Swantner Drive. Camp fee is only $30 per child per day.
Online sign up closes Friday, November 13, 2020 at 5pm. Sign up on the interest list for the site of your choice at https://cclatchkey.egdata.com/parent_login.cfm.
Additionally, a new safety protocol will be offered as we Play it Safe due to COVID-19. All children will have their temperatures taken at the door prior to entering. Parents will be required to pick up their children outside of the facility. Additional restrictions and safety guidelines which will be implemented and are listed at www.ccparkandrec.com (click “After Hour Kid Power”).
NEW ONLINE SIGN UP PROCESS:
Please note that by adding your information to the interest list you are NOT guaranteed a position for the camp until you receive a phone call from the “After Hour Kid Power” program with further instructions.
Use the drop-down menu on our registration page to select the site your child will attend.
Submit your contact information, the number of spaces you wish to reserve, and if you will or have been approved for TWC assistance.
No payment is required at this time.
The system will generate a time stamp that will allow us to determine who to call first.
Once you receive our phone call, you will have 24 hours to complete registration and make payment to secure your child’s spot.
For more information, call (361) 826-3499 or visit www.ccparkandrec.com (click “After Hour Kid Power”).
Nueces County Public Health District Changes Operational Schedule
The Nueces County Public Health District will change its normal operating schedule to Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Press Release
Beginning Monday, November 23, 2020, the Corpus Christi - Nueces County Public Health District will change its normal operating schedule to Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The schedule adjustment will allow citizens who usually work Monday through Friday to have access to drive thru services and mass vaccination clinics on Saturdays when the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available to the public.
The Health District continues to provide services by appointment only and does not offer walk-in services. Vital Record services are available as a walk-in Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the first floor of City Hall, 1201 Leopard Street.
For more information regarding access to services, contact the Health District at 361-826-7200.
City Responds to Employee Outburst during City Council Meeting
Shortly after the incident, the employee admitted fault and personally apologized for their actions to the City Manager.
Press Release
Corpus Christi – During Tuesday’s regularly scheduled City Council meeting, there was an incident involving a City employee who used an expletive aimed at the City Manager while the employee was participating online in the council meeting.
Shortly after the incident, the employee admitted fault and personally apologized for their actions to the City Manager. The City has accepted the employee’s resignation and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
“The City of Corpus Christi expects professionalism in its employees at all times whether interacting in person or on online. The City will continue to keep and hold staff accountable for any action that is detrimental to the organization,” said City Manager Peter Zanoni.
Corpus Christi Historic Preservation Plan
This project aims to identify historic places, spaces, and other types of cultural heritage important to the community and worthy of protecting for future generations.
Press Release
Photo by https://texashistoricalmarkerguide.wordpress.com
Corpus Christi — The community is invited to learn more about the City’s upcoming update to its Historic Preservation Plan at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2020. A public workshop with consultants from McDoux Preservation, including a presentation and question-and-answer session, will be streamed live on YouTube, Facebook, and the City’s cable access channel. A video recording of the workshop will be made available for later viewing.
The City adopted its first preservation plan in 1976 and last updated it in 1992. This project aims to identify historic places, spaces, and other types of cultural heritage important to the community and worthy of protecting for future generations. It will also recommend ways historic preservation can be used as a resource for property owners, to support economic development, tourism, improved property values, and downtown revitalization.
Your input is requested and welcome! The City is collecting suggestions and feedback via email (DSOutreach@cctexas.com) and through the project website at www.cctexas.com/hpp. You can also sign up for project updates via email at www.cctexas.com/hpp.
For more information, visit https://www.cctexas.com/DS or contact Priscilla Ramirez, Development Services, PriscillaR@cctexas.com or (361) 826-3040.
About this project: The City of Corpus Christi Historic Preservation Plan is funded in part through a Certified Local Government Grant from the National Park Service, U. S. Department of the Interior, as administered by the Texas Historical Commission. For more information, visit https://www.thc.texas.gov/preserve/projects-and-programs/certified-local-government.
About McDoux Preservation LLC: McDoux Preservation is an award-winning Houston-based historic preservation consulting firm. McDoux’s data-driven, community-driven approach seeks to develop equitable and inclusive solutions that serve diverse community groups in support of their goals. For more information, visit https://mcdoux.com.
Applications for Operation Heat Help will Begin on December 1
This annual program was developed to assist the community by covering the gas portion of a customer’s utility bill from November 2020 to February 2021, up to $100 per household, for those that qualify.
Press Release
Corpus Christi – The City of Corpus Christi Gas Department and Utility Business Office, with assistance from the Nueces County Department of Social Services will provide Operation Heat Help assistance to those in need. This annual program was developed to assist the community by covering the gas portion of a customer’s utility bill from November 2020 to February 2021, up to $100 per household, for those that qualify.
Applications will be accepted December 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021. To apply, visit the Nueces County Department of Social Services website: www.nuecesco.com. If you need application assistance, please call (361) 888-0837.
All applicants must present a utility bill, valid form of identification, proof of all household income including child support, TANF and SSI for the past 30 days and copies of checks and award letters relating to other family resources.
Funds are limited, and awards are given to those who qualify on a first come, first serve basis. For more information visit www.cctexas.com/gas or contact, Energy and Marketing Representative Amanda Moody at 361-885-6923 or by email at amandam4@cctexas.com.
CCIA Recovery Outpacing the National Average
Nationwide, less than one third of traffic has returned. Seventy-five percent of CCIA’s seats and flights have returned in the current November schedule.
Press Release
Corpus Christi - The Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA) is recovering faster than the national average in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Since April, CCIA has seen a steady increase in traffic each month. In September, more than half of CCIA’s pre-COVID traffic had returned to flying. Nationwide, less than one third of traffic has returned. Seventy-five percent of CCIA’s seats and flights have returned in the current November schedule.
During an update to the City Council on Tuesday, November 10, Assistant Director Kevin Smith laid out some of the action taken by the airport staff to weather the downturn and to stimulate continued traffic growth in the future. Among the highlights:
CCIA has partnered with Visit Corpus Christi and is engaging airline planners in discussions about the vitality and resilience of this region
CCIA launched a digital marketing campaign reaching local customers on-line as they actively make travel plans. The goal is to grow customer preference for CCIA
CCIA has installed new technology to enhance cleaning and disinfecting
CCIA is planning a multi-year terminal rehabilitation to replace critical, aging equipment and to modernize the flow of people, luggage, and security processes
The airport is moving forward with federally funded construction projects to improve the commercial and general aviation aprons (aircraft movement and parking areas)
CCIA will purchase a new aircraft rescue firefighting truck later this year that will be paid for with federal funds
“As more and more people become comfortable with flying again, our numbers at CCIA continue moving in the right direction,” said Kevin Smith, Assistant Director of Aviation at CCIA. “The airlines are still going through hard times, but we are actively working with them to create new opportunities for this community in the future,” said Smith.
U.S. Supreme Court Hears Oral Argument on Obamacare
While the Supreme Court previously upheld the law in 2012 as a valid exercise of Congress’s taxing power, Congress changed the law in 2017 to eliminate its tax provision—so Obamacare is no longer justifiable as a tax.
Press Release
AUSTIN – In the United States Supreme Court, Texas Solicitor General Kyle Hawkins argued that Obamacare unconstitutionally exceeds Congress’s enumerated powers and should be declared invalid. While the Supreme Court previously upheld the law in 2012 as a valid exercise of Congress’s taxing power, Congress changed the law in 2017 to eliminate its tax provision—so Obamacare is no longer justifiable as a tax. Obamacare now exceeds Congress’s powers because it simply commands Americans to purchase health insurance.
“It is plainly unlawful for the federal government to order private citizens to purchase subpar insurance that they don’t want. Under Obamacare, Texans faced higher costs, fewer choices, and a power imbalance between the people and their government,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The Framers’ constitutional design leaves it to the states to identify and implement the best healthcare system for their citizens, particularly those with preexisting conditions. Today, Texas seeks to preserve that federalism. It’s time to end Obamacare’s one-size-fits-all approach and let the states do what works for them.”
Obamacare consistently and unlawfully imposes rising costs on citizens and transfers an enormous amount of regulatory power to the federal government. When the Supreme Court upheld Obamacare in 2012, a majority of the justices agreed that Obamacare’s individual mandate was only constitutional due to its accompanying tax penalty. Furthermore, Congress and the Obama administration made it clear that the individual mandate was an essential component of the law, without which the remainder of the law would not have been enacted.
AG Paxton: Poll Watchers Must Be Permitted
The lawsuit at issue alleges that the Travis County Central Counting Station sequestered poll watchers behind a locked door in a separate room where they could not observe counting activities and did not have sufficient access to verify the integrity of the process.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a brief in the Texas Supreme Court arguing that under the Texas Election Code, county election officials must permit poll watchers to observe the counting of ballots. Attorney General Paxton’s friend-of-the-court brief comes in response to a lawsuit alleging that the Travis County Central Counting Station is violating Texas law by excluding poll watchers from areas where ballots are being counted and obstructing poll watchers from performing their duties under Texas law.
“The election laws passed by our Legislature were specifically designed to ensure integrity, security and transparency. Poll watchers are critical for increased confidence in election integrity and the prevention of fraud,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Texas law provides for poll watchers as a procedural protection against irregularities or unlawful conduct. Watchers must be allowed to perform their lawful duty and verify the ballots are counted correctly—something they can’t do when stuck in a holding room. I will always fight to uphold the law and preserve the integrity of our elections.”
The lawsuit at issue alleges that the Travis County Central Counting Station sequestered poll watchers behind a locked door in a separate room where they could not observe counting activities and did not have sufficient access to verify the integrity of the process. These allegations are supported by sworn declarations.
Read a copy of today’s filing here.
Social Worker Charged With 134 Felony Counts Involving Election Fraud
Kelly Reagan Brunner, a social worker in the Mexia State Supported Living Center (SSLC), with 134 felony counts of purportedly acting as an agent and of election fraud. If convicted, Brunner faces up to 10 years in prison for these offenses.
Press Release
Kelly Reagan Brunner, Photo by Limestone County Sheriff's Office
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that his Election Fraud Unit assisted the Limestone County Sheriff and District Attorney in charging Kelly Reagan Brunner, a social worker in the Mexia State Supported Living Center (SSLC), with 134 felony counts of purportedly acting as an agent and of election fraud. If convicted, Brunner faces up to 10 years in prison for these offenses.
“I strongly commend the Limestone County District Attorney's Office, Sheriff’s Office, and Elections Office, as well as the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General for their outstanding work on this case and their commitment to ensuring a free and fair Presidential election in the face of unprecedented voter fraud,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Registering citizens to vote or to obtain mail ballots without their consent is illegal. It is particularly offensive when individuals purport to be champions for disability rights, when in reality they are abusing our most vulnerable citizens in order to gain access to their ballots and amplify their own political voice. My office is prepared to assist any Texas county in combating this insidious form of fraud.”
State Supported Living Centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Brunner submitted voter registration applications for 67 residents without their signature or effective consent, while purporting to act as their agent. Under Texas law, only a parent, spouse or child who is a qualified voter of the county may act as an agent in registering a person to vote, after being appointed to do so by that person. None of the SSLC patients gave effective consent to be registered, and a number of them have been declared totally mentally incapacitated by a court, thereby making them ineligible to vote in Texas.
Texas AG Joins Coalition of Businesses in Lawsuit Against El Paso Judge
The El Paso judge’s unlawful orders include shutting down all non-essential services for a two-week period, including in-person dining, gyms and salons. Attorney General Paxton issued a warning letter to Judge Samaniego.
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton joined a coalition of businesses suing El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego for imposing restrictions on local public health orders that are inconsistent with Governor Greg Abbott’s disaster orders. The El Paso judge’s unlawful orders include shutting down all non-essential services for a two-week period, including in-person dining, gyms and salons. Attorney General Paxton issued a warning letter to Judge Samaniego yesterday evening.
“El Paso County Judge Samaniego has no authority to shut down businesses in El Paso County. This is a direct violation of Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Recommendations must not be confused with requirements, especially those that unlawfully burden private citizens and businesses.”
Read the letter to the El Paso County Judge here.
Nueces County - Last Day for Early Voting
There are 25 early voting locations throughout Corpus Christi and Nueces County.
Press Release
Early voting in person for the November General & Special Bond Election will end on October 30. You can vote in person from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
There are 25 early voting locations throughout Corpus Christi and Nueces County.
Nueces County Voting Locations
Nueces County Courthouse, 901 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi
Adkins Middle School, 2402 Ennis Joslin Rd., Corpus Christi
American Bank Center (Room C101), 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi
Banquete ISD (Boardroom) – 4339 Fourth St., Banquete
Ben F. McDonald Library, 4044 Greenwood Dr., Corpus Christi
Bishop Multipurpose Building, 115 S. Ash St., Bishop
Corpus Christi Army Depot – NAS (Building 8, Hallway in front of Subway), 308 Crecy St., Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi Christian Fellowship (Fellowship Hall), 6602 S. Staples St., Corpus Christi
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center (Lobby), 5151 McCardle Rd., Corpus Christi
Del Mar College (Heldenfels Administration Building), 101 Baldwin Blvd., Corpus Christi
Flour Bluff ISD (Transportation/Maintenance Building), 2510 Waldron Rd., Corpus Christi
Grant Middle School (Gymnasium), 4350 Aaron Dr., Corpus Christi
Hattie Martin - Robstown ISD (Cafeteria), 701 N. 1st St., Robstown
Hilltop Community Center (South Wing #1, Back of Building), 11425 Leopard St., Corpus Christi
Johnny Calderon Building (Auditorium), 710 E. Main St., Robstown
London ISD Middle/High School (Library), 1306 F.M. 43, Corpus Christi
Magee Elementary – Star Annex (Building #3, Room C2 & C3), 4201 Calallen Dr., Corpus Christi
New Life Church (at Sunrise Mall), 5801 McArdle Rd., Corpus Christi
Padre Island Baptist Church, 14253 S. Padre Island Dr., Corpus Christi
Port Aransas Community Center, 408 N. Alister St., Port Aransas
Texas A&M University Corpus Christi (O’Connor Building, Room 135), 6300 Ocean Dr., Corpus Christi
Tuloso Midway High School (Foyer), 2653 McKinzie Rd., Corpus Christi
The Valencia, 6110 Ayers St., Corpus Christi
Veteran’s Memorial High School (Auditorium), 3750 Cimarron Blvd., Corpus Christi
West Oso ISD Administration Area (Room #35), 5050 Rockford Dr., Corpus Christi
First case of West Nile in Nueces County
The individual resides in zip code 78417 where there has not been a positive case of West Nile Virus identified in mosquitoes. This is the first human case of West Nile Virus identified in Nueces County for 2020.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI - The Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District has received laboratory confirmation of a West Nile Virus infection in a Nueces County resident. The individual resides in zip code 78417 where there has not been a positive case of West Nile Virus identified in mosquitoes. This is the first human case of West Nile Virus identified in Nueces County for 2020.
The patient is a male in his 50s and is currently hospitalized locally. Further information is not being released for privacy and confidentiality reasons.
West Nile Virus is a disease spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Texas has reported 48 cases of West Nile and eight deaths for 2020.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus includes:
Fever
Headache
Tiredness
Body aches
Occasionally a skin rash, sometimes on the trunk of the body
Swollen lymph glands
Illness can be as short as a few days or last several weeks
Residents are advised to protect themselves from mosquito bites by avoiding outdoor activities, especially during dusk and dawn. While outdoors wear FDA approved insect repellant containing DEET and reduce mosquito breeding grounds by disposing items in the yard that can contain standing water such as tires, toys, or water buckets. Lastly, if residents develop any these symptoms following a mosquito bite, seek medical assistance immediately.
As a result of this confirmed case, Vector Services will implement the Mosquito Management Response Plan. The response entails the following:
The spraying of a 1/2-mile radius around the area of the detection for three consecutive nights beginning Wednesday evening, weather permitting.
Police Directed Patrol Officers and Neighborhood Services personnel will be attempting to locate any standing water in the affected neighborhood including examining abandoned properties.
Vector Services will conduct continuing surveillance of mosquito traps in the immediate area for signs of the Culex species of mosquito responsible for West Nile Virus.
Spring Youth Basketball League
This eight-game season league will run from January 11–March 6, 2021, at the Corpus Christi Gym, 3202 Cabaniss Parkway.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI – Registration is now open at the Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department’s Winter 2021 Youth Basketball League. The league is for girls and boys ages 6-13 (as of December 31, 2020). This eight-game season league will run from January 11–March 6, 2021, at the Corpus Christi Gym, 3202 Cabaniss Parkway.
REGISTER ONLINE now through November 29, 2020, for $80 per person at register.ccparkandrec.com. LATE ONLINE REGISTRATION will be offered November 30–December 6, 2020, for a $105 late fee per person. SCHOLARSHIPS (up to 25) are available for qualifying participants with required documentation. For more information about scholarship applications and the process, call the Athletics Office at (361) 826-3482.
Our computer-generated system will place players on teams, so there will not be an evaluation. Coaches are allowed only one guaranteed player on their team, their child.
Players will have the opportunity to sharpen their technical skills and challenge themselves against their opponents through weekly practice and games. The team structure will also help them develop physical, social and mental skills.
For more information, contact the Athletics Office at (361) 826-3588 or (361) 826-3478, or visit www.ccparkandrec.com (SPORTS).
Reasonable accommodations are provided upon request and in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. For assistance or to request a reasonable accommodation, please call (361) 826-3478 at least 48 hours in advance.
Corpus Christi - City Council Approves 2 years of the $80 Million Street Maintenance Plan
The funds will go towards the Public Work Department’s preventative maintenance and reconstruction program.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI – Infrastructure Management Plan (IMP) is a five-year rolling program focusing on the maintenance of the City’s streets. Corpus Christi City Council approved the first two years of the five-year plan. The additional three years of the plan will be considered by City Council in December. Programs in the IMP include Street Preventative Maintenance, Residential Street Rebuild, In-House Pavement Rehabilitation, and Concrete Restoration. From this point forward, during the annual budget process, the IMP will be presented to City Council for approval. The IMP can only be changed with City Council approval.
To review the current 2021 and 2022 IMP please visit: www.cctexas.com/imp. This website is a user-friendly interactive platform with maps provides residents continuous updates and easy access to search for specific streets that are in the IMP program.
The goal of the IMP is to provide the best possible planning and maintenance schedules for the City of Corpus Christi’s streets infrastructure. With today’s action, Public Works and Contractors will repair streets from the approved list of neighborhoods, arterial, and collector streets. This plan was developed from assessment and review of the City’s street conditions and input from Public Works public sessions in February 2020. The IMP will provide the community certainty when specific streets will be rehabilitated.
In September, Council approved nearly $80 million for street maintenance and reconstruction for FY 2021. These funds will go towards the Public Work Department’s preventative maintenance and reconstruction program. Public Works continues to improve processes to rebuild Corpus Christi roads faster. This work FY 2021 will begin in January and last approximately one year.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place on Sunday, November 1, 2020.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI – The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place on Sunday, November 1, 2020.
Health and safety remain a top priority for everyone and this year’s free event will not include a large in-person gathering, instead organizers encourage small teams to participate by walking in your neighborhood, walking trails or even your home treadmill.
Participants will experience an interactive online opening ceremony beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Promise Garden at Cole Park. The walk kicks off at 1:30 p.m. When sharing your walk on social media, please use the hashtag #ENDALZ.
Teams or individuals wishing to take part in raising awareness for Alzheimer’s can register at act.alz.org\corpus. There is no registration fee but everyone is invited to make a donation.
For tips on how to maximize your fundraising efforts please visit act.alz.org/walk_fundraising.
For more information contact Walk to End Alzheimer’s co-chairs Janice Cagle at (361) 215-4777 or Pat Eldridge at (361) 215-0150.
Annual Economic Forum Will be Virtual Event
This year’s keynote speaker is Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar. He will talk about Navigating the Road to Recovery: An Overview of the Fiscal Health of the State and Challenges for Texas in the Upcoming 87th Legislative Session.
Press Release
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar
Kingsville - The College of Business Administration (CBA) at Texas A&M University-Kingsville will host its annual Economic Forum, but this year’s will be virtual. The 10th annual Economic Forum will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
This year’s keynote speaker is Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar. He will talk about Navigating the Road to Recovery: An Overview of the Fiscal Health of the State and Challenges for Texas in the Upcoming 87th Legislative Session.
This year’s forum will feature a study of three South Texas counties that have similar COVID-19 case levels. Dr. Thomas Krueger, J.R. Manning Endowed Professor of Innovation in Business Education and chair of the department of accounting and finance from the College of Business Administration, will present his research entitled Economic Conditions in Kleberg County, Fayette County and Medina County: Three South Texas Counties with Similar COVID-19 Case Levels.
To register for the economic forum, go to http://www.tamuk.edu/business/researchoutreach/economic-forum.html and click on the Register Now button. Follow the directions as if ordering tickets. Follow through until the end. Then on the day before the forum, Monday, Nov. 2, all those registered will get an email with their own individualized link to the Zoom meeting.
About Glenn Hegar
Glenn Hegar was elected the 36th Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts in November 2014.
As Texas’ Chief Financial Officer (CFO), he is the state’s treasurer, check writer, tax collector, procurement officer and revenue estimator.
Soon after taking office, he reorganized the agency for quicker and more effective decision-making and reduced its administrative footprint by working with the Legislature to eliminate inefficient programs and transfer others that didn’t fit core missions.
As CFO of the world’s ninth-largest economy, Hegar monitors Texas’ financial health to ensure it maintains strong fund balances.
Hegar is a graduate of Texas A&M University and St. Mary’s University where he earned a master of arts and his law degree. He earned a master of laws from University of Arkansas.
About Dr. Thomas Krueger
Dr. Thomas Krueger is the J.R. Manning Endowed Professor of Innovation in Business Education at Texas A&M-Kingsville. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, a master’s degree in business administration from Minnesota State University and a doctorate in business administration in finance from the University of Kentucky.
Before joining Texas A&M-Kingsville, he taught finance at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. While at UW-La Crosse, he was chair of the Finance Department and internship coordinator of the East Central European Scholarship Program.
Since joining Texas A&M-Kingsville in 2011, Krueger has taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses. Some of the classes taught over the past year are business finance, personal financial planning, capital budgeting, financial ranch management and global finance.
Krueger has authored over 90 refereed journal articles and been cited 1,254 times in other articles. His H-statistics of 13, means that at least 13 authored articles have been cited 13 or more times. Perhaps his most widely-read article, titled “Super Bowl Stock Market Predictor,” was published in the top-tier Journal of Finance.
Other research has resulted in winning six Best in Track Awards and one Distinguished Research Award at national finance meetings. He was chosen for the 2015 Teaching Excellence Award, an acknowledgement as the best instructor in the finance discipline, by the Academy of Finance, an international association of Finance Professionals. From 2014 through 2019, Krueger was the recipient of the College of Business Administration’s Distinguished Research of the Year awards.
He was the 2017 President of the Academy of Finance, 2017-present chair of the accounting and finance department at Texas A&M-Kingsville, and member of the Graduate Education Advisory Committee of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board from 2016-2019, where he has played a role providing inflation–adjusted information regarding student loan debt and graduate education costs in Texas.