A.D. Ibarra

-The US-Mexico

Border

The traditional Abrazo Ceremony was held on Friday in the middle of International Bridge I between The Honorable Ramsey English-Cantu, the Mayor of Eagle Pass and The Honorable Oscar Lopez Elizondo.

The event was organized by the Good Neighbor Council, an organization that works to breach the gap that the geography has created between our countries and to create the bond that should exist due to the culture that unites us as a people.

One of the most visible and vocal members of this council, Roberto Ruiz, who now serves Maverick County in the capacity of County Commissioner of Precinct 4, emceed the gala event which was symbolically held at the exact spot which divides our two nations, the US-Mexico Borderline on International Bridge I.

Bruce Ballou and Francisco Juaristi who were named Mr. Amigo for their respective sides of the border, were also on hand to address the gathering.

Ballou of course is the Director for Probation in the Tri-County Area and the visionary leader who made an immediate impact on the criminal justice landscape in Eagle Pass by coordinating the construction of the new Border Hope Juvenile Detention Center which is now up and running and beginning to generate much needed funds for Maverick County in only a year after being named by District Judges The Honorable Cynthia Muñiz and The Honorable Amado Abascal.

Juaristi of course is the founder of the Zócalo newspaper in Piedras Negras due to his philanthropical generosity to the poor people of Piedras Negras without the need for fanfare.  He has also been known to donate to schools and churches there and is greatly known for his altruism.

A.D. Ibarra

-Eagle Pass

An inauguration was held on Thursday on Adams Street where the new Smile Factory Pediatric Dentistry clinic opened it's doors officially located in front of the old Maverick County Hospital/Biolife building.

"We ask that the community show support to new businesses such as this and we would like to thank Dr. Esquivel for providing much needed jobs to our community which is what we have the most need for," stated Sandra Rodriguez of the Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce, "We welcome the services they will provide as well as the fabulous staff they will have here who will make your visit pleasant."

Rodriguez also welcomed Mr. Joe Ornelas who represented State Representative Alfonso Nevarez before thanking the local media for covering the Chamber's numerous events throughout the year in order to inform the public of the progress of the Eagle Pass Business Sector.

She went on to introduce Dr. Esquivel and ran through his CV which states that he studied abroad in Puerto Rico as well as in the States when he attended Colorado University and received his DDS in 2011 and working in the Hill country before opening his own practice here.

"We would like to inform the public that we are offering dental care for infants from 6 mos. to a year old and up with special needs even if they are hospitalized as well as all your needs in pediatric orthodontics," stated Dr. Esquivel.

A.D. Ibarra

-Del Rio, TX

According to the Western District of Texas, US District Court, Jose Luis Aguilar who was implicated in the case of Rodolfo Heredia, who was initially arrested along with David Gelacio in October of last year, on charges of Conspiracy to lauder money, aiding and abetting money laundering and conspiracy to smuggle bulk cash.

Aguilar was initially set to appear before The Honorable Judge Alia Moses on April 9th for docket call or re-arraignment, but his attorney, Tracy Lynn Spoor has been advised that his re-arraignment will be held on March 27th at 10:30 A.M.

In a re-arraignment, Aguilar will more than likely plead guilty to all or some charges in order to speed up the sentencing phase of his trial.

According to Daryl Fields in a re-arraignment hearing, there is usually a plea involved. Fields is a Public Affairs Officer for the US Attorney's Office, Western District of Texas.  What usually follows is what is known as a precedence report with the judge which outlines details in the case which will help the judge make the appropriate sentence and usually takes 30 to 60 days.

Also on for docket call or re-arraignment are Juan Carlos Moncada, Rodollfo Heredia, Cesar Flores, Eliaz Maldonado and Javier Gonzalez are on the judge's calendar for April 9th at the Federal Courthouse in Del Rio.