Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why Harlingen seniors are risking their health to keep power bills down

Also check out Frontera Fest: Kevvo & Vale Pintos - Saturday on the Harlingen Patch calendar

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Greetings Harlingen! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Harlingen seniors are risking their health to keep power bills down
  • How Harlingen adults can earn a free diploma at TSTC
  • Why Harlingen's municipal auditorium now bears Gloria Canales' name

Also on today's calendar: VetConnect Day RGV and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: I'm a rock group with 4 members; one member was assassinated. What am I? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Mostly sunny, breezy and hot, with a high of 100 and low of 80 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny, windy and hot, temps: high: 99, low: 79.
  • Sunday: Windy with record-tying heat, with a high of 100 and low of 78 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Senior citizens in the Rio Grande Valley are paying the price for oppressive heat (texasstandard.org) — Harlingen residents, especially seniors, are struggling to afford air conditioning as oppressive heat drives electric bills far beyond fixed incomes, with limited state and federal aid available. Local agencies in Cameron and nearby counties say funds for utility assistance and home weatherization run out quickly, even after a Harlingen couple's heat-related deaths spurred new paramedic outreach efforts.
   

2. TSTC and The PossAble Dream Open New Path for Adult Students in Harlingen (texasborderbusiness.com) — Adults in Harlingen ages 18 to 50 now have a new tuition-free path to a high school diploma through The PossAble Dream Adult High School, hosted at TSTC's Harlingen campus. The partnership places students directly in a college environment, easing transportation barriers and connecting them to technical programs and in-demand career training close to home.
   

3. Harlingen auditorium renamed after the late Gloria Canales (valleycentral.com) — Harlingen's former municipal auditorium has been officially renamed the Gloria G. Canales Auditorium, honoring the beloved Folklorico dancer and longtime local instructor. Located on Fair Park Boulevard, the venue once hosted her school's practices and recitals and will now carry her legacy forward for future performances and community events.
   

4. 'Disappointed, frustrated, angry': Vendors lose thousands after sudden Frontera Fest cancellation (valleycentral.com) — Harlingen vendors and visiting businesses are reeling after Frontera Fest was abruptly canceled Thursday, leaving many out thousands in inventory, travel costs, and fees. City officials stress the festival was not city-sponsored, while organizers blame an unresolved insurance bond and promise refunds for ticket holders, vendors, and city health permits tied to the event.
   

5. Norwegian energy company's biggest U.S. battery project is online in Texas (expressnews.com) — A new 100‑megawatt battery storage facility has gone online near Harlingen, promising to bolster grid reliability and generate millions in local tax revenue. Built by Equinor's East Point Energy, the Citrus Flatts Energy Center will store excess wind and solar power and sell it into the ERCOT market, helping stabilize prices for Texas customers during high-demand heat waves.
   

📸 Around Harlingen

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • This sweet dog was in my driveway waiting for me this morning.
    Is anyone missing this Aussie? I couldn't just let this cutie roam around in this heat with its own built in Alaskan jacket on… so he's inside having… (Nextdoor Briggs)
  • If you love to dance, mark your calenders for Friday, Oct.
    16 for some great dancing on the greatest, wooden, dance floor on the east side of RGV in San Benito. Google the address on your phone. Along with… (Nextdoor Breedlove St/Loop 499)
  • Tolunay-Wong Engineers, Inc. posted a job opening for Construction Materials Technician in Harlingen. Apply here.
  • Phenom People posted a job opening for Customer Service Part Time in Harlingen. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Harlingen here.

Ok Harlingen! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Mount Rushmore (Thank you J.J. W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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