Tagged News

• Natalie Martinez Signs her NLI to Texas Lutheran University Play Video

  March 27, 2021 11:04 PM

  RIO HONDO - Natalie Martinez from Rio Hondo HS signing her NLI Saturday afternoon to continue her basketball career at Texas Lutheran University. The senior was named MVP during her time with the lady bobcats. She plans on majoring in nursing to become a neonatal nurse. more »

• Rio Hondo's Villarreal Commits To Central Methodist Play Video

  May 21, 2020 7:42 PM

  RIO HONDO - Another Valley athlete is going to get the chance to compete at the next level. Rio Hondo's Jabez Villarreal signed to play basketball at Central Methodist University Wednesday night. Villarreal, who received several honors his senior season, was one of the state's top scorers in... more »

• Comisionado municipal de Rio Hondo enfrenta cargos relacionados con excavación de tumba Play Video

  March 11, 2020 9:51 PM

  BROWNSVILLE - Se giró orden de arresto contra el ex-alcalde y actual comisionado de la ciudad de Rio Hondo Alonzo Garza. Garza compareció en una corte del condado donde se efectuó una audiencia para notificarle los cargos en su contra en relación con la excavación de una tumba. ... more »

• Rio Hondo city commissioner arraigned on charges related to grave digging Play Video

  March 11, 2020 6:24 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – Former mayor and current city commissioner of Rio Hondo, Alonzo Garza, was arraigned for charges related to grave digging. The details as to when Garza dug up the gravesite are unclear, but police tell CHANNEL 5 NEWS they first got the report on Feb. 27. Garza... more »

• Rio Hondo's Kaitlynn Peña Off To Wesleyan College Play Video

  March 5, 2020 11:04 PM

  RIO HONDO - The next stop for Kaitlynn Peña is Wesleyan College in West Virgina. The Rio Hondo senior signed to play soccer for the NCAA Division II program Thursday. "It's a huge step for girls here in the Valley," said Peña. "So, I am very excited." more »

• Rio Hondo Softball Hopes To Repeat Success Play Video

  February 28, 2020 10:50 PM

  RIO HONDO - After reaching the sweet 16 last season, the Rio Hondo softball team is looking for another good showing this year. CHANNEL 5's Erica Ross visited with the team Friday afternoon. more »

• 5 on 5: February 10th Play Video

  February 10, 2020 11:24 PM

  RIO HONDO - The Port Isabel boys basketball team defeated Rio Hondo 63-58 Monday night for their sixth straight district win. CHANNEL 5's Joel Villanueva has this 5 on 5 update. more »

• 5 on 5: January 28th Play Video

  January 28, 2020 11:05 PM

  WESLACO - There were some big district games on Tuesday night's high school basketball schedule. CHANNEL 5's Joel Villanueva has the following highlights in this 5 on 5 update: Vela vs Weslaco (boys) Hidalgo vs Rio Hondo (boys) Hidalgo vs Rio Hondo (girls) Los... more »

• 5 on 5: December 16th Play Video

  December 16, 2019 10:56 PM

  RIO HONDO - It was 4A versus 6A Monday night as Rio Hondo welcomed Harlingen South. The 6A Hawks scored the non-district win. CHANNEL 5's Joel Villanueva has highlights and post-game reaction. more »

• Rio Hondo Lift Bridge Back Open Play Video

  December 15, 2019 11:09 PM

  RIO HONDO - The Rio Hondo Lift Bridge is now back open. Crews wrapped up their repair work after a bus crashed into it. Video released by the Texas Department of Transportation showed the bus crossing into oncoming traffic, swiping a passing car, before slamming into the... more »

• Cerrarán puente de Río Hondo por reparaciones Play Video

  December 11, 2019 8:40 PM

  RIO HONDO – Los conductores que viajan por el puente de Río Hondo tendrán que buscar una ruta alterna para los siguientes días. El Departamento de Transporte de Texas anunció que cerrarán el puente por reparaciones. Una de las columnas resultó dañada después de que una autobús chocara... more »

• Rio Hondo Claims Tommie Wiseman Tournament Title Play Video

  December 8, 2019 10:45 PM

  LA FERIA - The 46th Tommie Wiseman Tournament took place at La Feria High School over the weekend. Rio Hondo and Valley View making it to the championship Saturday afternoon. The Lady Bobcats getting it done, 53-49. Check out the highlights. more »

• Rio Hondo Lift Bridge Reopens After Bus Accident Play Video

  December 7, 2019 11:04 PM

  RIO HONDO - The Rio Hondo Lift Bridge reopened Saturday evening after a bus accident. Four people, including two ICE detainees, were hospitalized after the bus crashed Friday night. Authorities shut down the bridge so they could investigate. The driver of the bus said to be in... more »

• Rio Hondo Ready For Area Round Play Video

  November 21, 2019 7:17 PM

  RIO HONDO - As they get ready for their area round playoff game, the Rio Hondo Bobcats say they're peaking at the right time. CHANNEL 5's Erica Ross reports. more »

• CON MI GENTE: A Lonely Soldier's Grave Play Video

  November 7, 2019 11:15 AM

  RIO HONDO – On Monday the Rio Grande Valley will celebrate Veterans Day. A day to honor all those who served honorably in our military. In Rio Hondo, there is a grave that stands by itself. It's only a group of trees close by that keep this grave... more »

• DPS investiga accidente mortal cerca de Rio Hondo Play Video

  November 4, 2019 5:39 PM

  WESLACO - El Departamento de Seguridad Pública ha dado a conocer la identidad del conductor en un accidente vehicular fatal. Sucedió poco antes de la medianoche del domingo cerca de Rio Hondo. Cody Alan Jones de 29 años murió despues de chocar con un poste de luz. ... more »

• Rio Hondo Readies For Undefeated La Feria Play Video

  October 3, 2019 9:00 PM

  RIO HONDO - The Bobcats welcome 5-0 La Feria Friday in a week six, non-district clash. CHANNEL 5's Erica Ross has more on a Rio Hondo team that's preparing for one of their toughest challenges this season. more »

• Identifican víctima de accidente fatal en Rio Hondo Play Video

  August 29, 2019 10:07 PM

  RIO HONDO - Oficiales del Departamento de Seguridad Pública del estado investigan un fatal accidente en Río Hondo. Las autoridades dieron a conocer la identidad de la víctima y algunos avances del trágico percance. La víctima fue identificada como Teresa Arenas Vásquez, de 75 años, residente de San... more »

• Two-A-Day Tour: Rio Hondo Play Video

  August 17, 2019 6:57 PM

  It's time to talk Valley high school football again. Throughout the month of August, CHANNEL 5 will be visiting every team as we get ready for the 2019 season. It's all part of our Two-A-Day Tour. In this video, we focus on Rio Hondo. more »

• Improvement at Toxic Paint Site after 7 Years Play Video

  August 2, 2019 3:37 PM

  RIO HONDO - It's been years in the making, but residents living near a toxic paint site are finally seeing results. The trash and burnt paint cans in William Templeton’s property sat for over seven years. Now, we can see the debris separated into piles and some of... more »

• San Benito Food Pantry on Verge of Shutdown Play Video

  July 31, 2019 5:40 PM

  SAN BENITO - A Rio Grande Valley food pantry is still feeling the effects of a government shutdown that happened over six months ago. The San Benito food pantry is trying to survive, but government workers, the increase of summer needs and the lack of donations is a combination... more »

• CON MI GENTE: 2nd Annual Rio Hondo Bridgefest Play Video

  July 25, 2019 4:13 PM

  RIO HONDO – Last year they held their first festival to celebrate the reopening of the Rio Hondo Bridge. The bridge is the city’s main connection to the rest of the Rio Grande Valley. The celebration, Bridge Fest, started with a parade. The bridge was closed for... more »

• School Board Runoff Election Most Costly for Rio Hondo ISD Play Video

  June 21, 2019 6:35 PM

  RIO HONDO – One school board election was too close to call during the May elections. Cameron County election officials tell CHANNEL 5 NEWS it’s the perfect example to show that every vote matters. Each of the two candidates received 473 votes. Neither incumbent Ernestina Rodriguez nor... more »

• Feds: There's a Lack of Water Sensors to Control Flooding in RGV Play Video

  May 13, 2019 5:17 PM

  WESLACO - The U.S. Geological Service has only one water quality sensor. The government says they need more sensors to gather more information about the flow of water. The only sensor in the Rio Grande Valley is next to the Rio Hondo Bridge; it does not measure the... more »

• Rio Hondo Lift Bridge to Close Monday for Repair Play Video

  May 12, 2019 4:58 PM

  RIO HONDO- The Rio Hondo lift bridge will be closed to traffic for four hours Monday as TXDOT crews work on a repair. In a press release, officials said the closure will take place from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. Crews will be working on the roof of... more »

• Rio Hondo Adds Huge Talent to Roster Play Video

  April 8, 2019 7:37 PM

  RIO HONDO - When putting together a puzzle, a missing piece stops you from completion. The Rio Hondo softball team knows that incomplete feeling all to well; until now. "She helps us, she really does," said second baseman Nayeli Garcia. "She takes off a lot of stress... more »

• Rio Hondo Softball Keeps District Streak Alive Play Video

  April 6, 2019 11:13 PM

  RIO HONDO - The undefeated lady bobcats stay undefeated after crushing Grulla 17-2 in three innings. The Gators started off strong going into the top of the second inning 2-0. Torris stole home to make the score 6-2. Silguero hit a nice line drive right down the... more »

• Authorities Searching for 2 Suspects Involved in Numerous Burglaries in Cameron Co. Play Video

  February 11, 2019 12:25 PM

  HARLINGEN – Authorities are searching for two alleged burglars in Cameron County. Surveillance video shows the two men who broke into several homes in the Harlingen and Rio Hondo areas. They were seen leaving in a 2011 tan-colored Chevrolet Malibu. If you have any information, call the... more »

• Clean Up Begins at Toxic Paint Site Property in Rio Hondo Play Video

  January 17, 2019 4:14 PM

  RIO HONDO – Work has begun to clean up a toxic paint site, which sparked a massive fire several years ago near Rio Hondo. The owner of the property, which is located at the corner of FM-106 and FM-803, is now taking responsibility, as ordered by the court. ... more »

• Arrestan a Hombre Tras Años de Descuido a su Propiedad Play Video

  November 9, 2018 1:31 PM

  RIO HONDO - El propietario de una propiedad del Valle del Río Grande fue arrestado la semana pasada por descuidar su propiedad por años. William Templeton, el propietario del lote ubicado en la esquina de FM 803 y FM 106, se presentó ante un juez del Condado de Harris. Hace... more »

• Man Taken Into Custody for Unkempt, Hazardous Property Play Video

  November 8, 2018 6:01 PM

  RIO HONDO – A Rio Grande Valley property owner was arrested last week for neglecting his property for years. William Templeton, the owner of the property located at the corner of FM 803 and FM 106, went before a Harris County judge. Six years ago, a fire broke out fueled... more »

• Rio Hondo Bridge Now Open after Being Shut Down for 2 Years Play Video

  July 13, 2018 9:10 PM

  RIO HONDO – The Rio Hondo Bridge is now open after being shut down for two years. The bridge shut down in September of 2016 due to the need for repairs. The closure affected many nearby businesses. “The bridge was in very poor shape,” says City Commissioner Jerry Hartzog. “TxDOT... more »

• Officials Say Rio Hondo Bridge to be Complete Soon Play Video

  June 26, 2018 4:04 PM

  RIO HONDO – City officials in Rio Hondo say the reconstruction of the Rio Hondo Bridge could be completed as soon as Friday. Texas Department of Transportation spokesman Octavio Saenz says crews are completing final inspections on electrical, mechanical and operational systems. TxDOT officials will meet with city officials Tuesday... more »

• Lifting Spirits in Rio Hondo through Celebration Play Video

  May 17, 2018 8:57 AM

  RIO HONDO – The reopening date for the Rio Hondo Bridge has been postponed many times and residents have grown irritated by its push back. The bridge has been closed for repairs since September, two years ago. The city mayor says the bridge is what connects Rio Hondo with surrounding... more »

• Rio Hondo Businesses Hopeful Bridge Fest Boosts Economy During Bridge Closure Play Video

  April 28, 2018 5:14 PM

  Rio Hondo businesses are hoping "Bridge Fest" will bring in new customers. Many places took a hit following the closure of the bridge back in 2016. "I would say our business (is down) maybe 30 to 40 percent," said Roman Gil with Gil's Service Station. Gil's car shop is right... more »

• En Verano Terminan Renovaciones del Puente de Río Hondo

  April 17, 2018 8:03 AM

  RÍO HONDO - La finalización estimada de las renovaciones del puente elevado de Rio Hondo ha pasado de dos semanas a por lo menos dos meses más. Los dueños de negocios en Rio Hondo les cuentan a CHANNEL 5 NEWS que sienten que están jugando con ellos. "Siento que solo... more »

• Completion of Rio Hondo Bridge Renovations Pushed Back to Summertime Play Video

  April 16, 2018 6:56 PM

  RIO HONDO – The estimated completion of the renovations of the Rio Hondo Lift Bridge has gone from two weeks to at least two more months. Business owners in Rio Hondo tell CHANNEL 5 NEWS they feel they're being toyed with. "I feel like they are just playing games with... more »

• Rio Hondo Boil Water Advisory Still In Effect Play Video

  April 13, 2018 6:18 PM

  UPDATE (4/17): Tap water in Rio Hondo is still not safe to drink unless it's been boiled, according to the city manager. Officials say the problem is with the clarity of the water. Crews are still working to get the water up to state standards. The city manager adds the... more »

• Rio Hondo Bridge Closure Continues to Impact Businesses

  April 9, 2018 8:53 PM

  RIO HONDO – Businesses in Rio Hondo are ready for bridge construction to be over. Meanwhile, the city says the completion date was pushed back, once again. The Texas Department of Transportation closed the Rio Hondo Lift Bridge for restoration about a year and a half ago. Business owner Selene... more »

• Rio Hondo Families Concerned if Hazardous Chemicals are in Soil of Nearby Property Play Video

  March 7, 2018 12:33 PM

  RIO HONDO – Families living near a burned down paint warehouse want answers. It’s been abandoned for six years. This pile of burned, rusting and empty paint cans is a neglected landmark. A Rio Hondo homeowner said it shouldn't be here. "I am afraid that there are a lot of... more »

• Rio Hondo Residents Still Dealing with Hail Damage Nearly a Year Later Play Video

  February 10, 2018 4:24 PM

  RIO HONDO--The remnants of a hail storm nearly a year ago can still be felt by residents in Rio Hondo. According to the National Weather Service, the hail last spring was reported to be around 2 to 3 inches in diameter. It caused significant damage to both vehicles and homes.... more »

• Local Police Tackling School Bus Stop Sign Violators Play Video

  January 29, 2018 10:30 PM

  RIO HONDO – Whether it’s in the morning when children are being picked up or in the evening when they’re being dropped off, Rio Hondo police say it's an issue which happens whenever the buses are out; cars passing buses when their red lights are activated. "It's dangerous because of... more »

• Rio Hondo Bridge Now Expected to Open in April Play Video

  January 28, 2018 7:24 PM

  RIO HONDO--The city of Rio Hondo is releasing more information on when the lift bridge will be back open to the public. TX--Dot began the renovation project in 2016. Last week, the city met with TX-Dot where they learned the estimated reopening date will be in April. Those who live... more »

• Items at Pawn Shop Lead City to Stolen Goods Play Video

  January 24, 2018 10:38 PM

  RIO HONDO – Thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment stolen from the city of Rio Hondo were tracked down. Police found one of the items at a pawn shop miles away. Rio Hondo Police Chief William Bilokury says these thefts have been going on for a while, "This defiantly hurts... more »

• Authorities Highlight Safety Tips for Holiday Shoppers Play Video

  November 23, 2017 7:26 PM

  RIO HONDO – With Black Friday hours away, police are reminding Rio Grande Valley shoppers to protect their cars and themselves from burglars this shopping season. Officials say locking your doors may not be enough to keep your car safe. "Number one, don't have them in plain view," said William... more »

• Padres de Familia de Rio Hondo Preocupados trás Falla de Notificación. Play Video

  October 26, 2017 10:46 PM

  RIO HONDO – Un estudiante de quinto grado de Rio Hondo Intermediate School está a salvo después que se emitiera una alerta Amber por él. A la hora de salida de el Miércoles, lo recogió “una persona desconocida.” La policía creyó que el niño se encontraba en peligro, más tarde... more »

• Rio Hondo Parents Concerned Over Notification Failure Play Video

  October 26, 2017 8:00 PM

  RIO HONDO – A fifth grader from Rio Hondo Intermediate School is safe after an Amber Alert was issued for him. During pick up time Wednesday, he was released to quote, “an unknown individual.” Police believed the child to be in immediate danger. It was later revealed it was the... more »

• State Rep. Says Amber Alert System Must Be Utilized Properly Play Video

  October 26, 2017 7:15 PM

  WESLACO – A set of strict criteria must be met before an Amber Alert is issued. CHANNEL 5 NEWS reached out to State Representative Eddie Lucio III, who helped establish a similar alert system for the Rio Grande Valley. He said these tools cannot be utilized lightly. When it comes... more »

• Amber Alert Lifted for 10-Year-Old Rio Hondo Boy Play Video

  October 26, 2017 8:36 AM

  UPDATE (10:30 AM): The Texas State Operations Center discontinued the Amber Alert for 10-year-old Angel Jesus Jimenez De La Cruz as of 10:15 a.m. Further details in the case have not been released but Rio Hondo ISD told CHANNEL 5 NEWS the child is safe in the custody of his... more »

• Rio Hondo Fire Dept. Evaluating High-Rise Fire Capabilities Play Video

  October 4, 2017 6:28 PM

  RIO HONDO – A fire in Rio Hondo required quick action, along with specialized training and gear from the fire department. The fire broke out Monday morning at the base of a windmill. Rio Hondo Fire Chief William Bilokury said, for years, the town hasn’t dealt with fires in tall... more »

• GLO Reviewing Request to Stop Erosion in Cameron Co. Play Video

  September 25, 2017 4:44 PM

  RIO HONDO – The Texas General Land Office is now reviewing a $500,000 request from Cameron County to help stop the erosion at Adolph Thomae Park. Cameron County Parks director Joe Vega told CHANNEL 5 NEWS the Arroyo Colorado is eroding the park about one foot to a foot and... more »

• Rio Hondo Businesses on the Brink of Closure

  September 18, 2017 6:46 PM

  RIO HONDO – After a year of dwindling business, Rio Hondo resident Maria Lucio has decided to put her business up for sale. It was the first pizzeria to open its doors in Rio Hondo. Fourteen years later, the closure of the lift bridge for repairs was just too big... more »

• Reward Increased in 1988 Cold Case Play Video

  August 15, 2017 4:14 PM

  RIO HONDO – The Department of Public Safety increased a reward for information leading to an arrest on a 15-year-old's murder in 1988. Michael Flores was shot as he sat inside his bedroom at his home on the 200 block of Forrest Street . It will be 29 years since... more »

• Valley Man Still Paying 1984 Student Loan He Never Took Out Play Video

  August 11, 2017 9:19 PM

  RIO HONDO - A Rio Hondo man said he is still paying off a student loan. The problem is he claims he never took it out. The government claims the papers for his loan are dated 1984. Michael Hicks enrolled in Jay's Truck Driving School in Missouri just over 33... more »

• Rio Hondo Bridge Repairs Also Affecting Businesses in Adjacent Cities Play Video

  June 13, 2017 10:35 PM

  ARROYO CITY – Businesses in Arroyo City said they're taking a hit following the temporary closure of a Rio Hondo bridge. The bridge, a popular route to get to the fishing town, currently has drivers taking detours due to its ongoing repair project. Ismael Yanez has been a fishing guide... more »

• Río Hondo Busca Atraer Negocios y Rejuvenecimiento a su Zona Centro Play Video

  June 13, 2017 7:19 PM

  RÍO HONDO – Los negocios de Río Hondo están pasando por una crisis debido a que forzaron que el tráfico rodee el puente levadizo que está bajo construcción hasta diciembre. La ciudad está tomando acciones para rejuvenecer su zona centro con la esperanza de atraer a visitantes y negocios. “Todas... more »

• Rio Hondo Looks to Attract Business with Downtown Renovation Play Video

  June 13, 2017 6:55 PM

  RIO HONDO – Businesses in Rio Hondo are hurting due to traffic being forced to go around the draw bridge, which is undergoing construction until December. The city is taking steps to rejuvenate its downtown in hopes of attracting visitors and businesses. "All the sidewalks will be reconstructed with brick... more »

• Dinero Falso Circula por Río Hondo

  June 3, 2017 9:32 AM

  RÍO HONDO – Montones de bolsas de evidencia llegaron al escritorio del Jefe de Policía de Rio Hondo, William Bilokury el viernes por la tarde. El mostro al equipo de CHANNEL 5 NEWS alguna de la evidencia confiscada en la cuadra 200 de Mesquite Ave. Billetes falsos de $10 y... more »

• Counterfeit Cash Circulating in Rio Hondo Play Video

  June 2, 2017 11:30 PM

  RIO HONDO – Piles of bags with evidence mounted on Rio Hondo Police Chief William Bilokury's desk Friday evening. He showed a CHANNEL 5 NEWS crew some of the evidence confiscated at the 200 block of Mesquite Ave. Counterfeit $10 and $20 dollar bills served as evidence to charge 18-year-old... more »

• Farm Owner Upset with Water Company Over Construction on Property Play Video

  May 23, 2017 6:42 PM

  RIO HONDO – A farm owner in Cameron County said she’s upset with a water supply company after they dug up her land and damaged the native vegetation around her home to install water lines. Lucy Wilkinson said she was out of town when a friend called to ask why... more »

• Daños en Propiedad por Tormenta de Granizo en Rio Hondo Play Video

  April 3, 2017 6:55 PM

  RIO HONDO - Personas en Rio Hondo continúan a lidiar con daños después de una tormenta de granizo la noche del domingo. Gilberto Santana, residente de Rio Hondo dijo que él se estaba relajando con su familia cuando empezó la tormenta y se interrumpió la electricidad. "Sentí el granizo chocando... more »

• Departamento de Bomberos de Río Hondo Cuenta con Nuevo Camión Play Video

  January 24, 2017 6:24 PM

  RIO HONDO - Un nuevo camión de bomberos está dando una gran ayuda al Departamento de Bomberos de Río Hondo. El Jefe del Departamento de Bomberos de Río Hondo, William Bilokury, dijo que el departamento recibió el camión en mayo. Sin embargo, los bomberos no pudieron utilizarlo debido a que... more »

• Rio Hondo Fire Dept. Puts New Fire Truck into Use Play Video

  January 24, 2017 5:14 PM

  RIO HONDO - The Rio Hondo Fire Department is getting an upper hand with a new brush fire truck. Rio Hondo Fire Department Fire Chief William Bilokury said the department got the truck in May. However, firefighters weren’t able to use it because it needed some repairs. The truck was... more »

• Grass Fire in Rio Hondo Play Video

  January 22, 2017 5:57 PM

  RIO HONDO-- A grass fire in Rio Hondo is now out. The fire started around 1 p.m. near the intersection of 106 and 345. The Rio Hondo police chief said the fire burned about two acres. No one was hurt, but some animals were killed. The fire was only a... more »