News Protal
Selene's Accomplishments
Explore Selene's Work & Achievements
Young Author & Writer
Young Author Selene Olguin Continues Local Book Tour
Rio Grande Valley teen author Selene Olguin continues her local book tour this month, including an appearance at Sip Society in Brownsville on July 27.
Olguin began her publishing journey at age 11 with Animal Tails in 2020. Her poetry was later featured in La Feria News, leading to a journalism internship.
In 2024, she published A Poetic Journey, a five-year collection showcasing her growth as a writer.
Olguin remains active in the local writing community and is expected to hold more events throughout the RGV.
Book Signing Event
Book Signing at Bailey H. Dunlap Library
Selene Olguin, a local author, held a book signing event on July 31, 2025, at the Bailey H. Dunlap Memorial Library, as part of her tour. At the event, Selene offered coloring pages from her book, Animal Tails, providing an engaging activity for children. Parents also joined in, making it a fun and interactive experience for all attendees
Inspiring Young Authors
Selene Olguin, Inspiring New Authors in Students
Selene Olguin, one of the youngest authors in the Valley, continues inspiring young students through school visits.
She recently visited Muñoz Elementary in La Villa, where she read *Animal Tails* to students from Pre-K through 5th grade. Students asked about her future books, and Selene shared that she is working on three—one collaborative book and two personal books.
She also challenged students to submit their poems, promising to read each one and select a favorite for publication in the La Feria Newspaper.
Poem Challenge Winners
Selene’s Poem Challenge Winners
Selene Olguin, a local author, held a book signing event on July 31, 2025, at the Bailey H. Dunlap Memorial Library, as part of her tour. At the event, Selene offered coloring pages from her book, Animal Tails, providing an engaging activity for children. Parents also joined in, making it a fun and interactive experience for all attendees
Written Columns
Selene as a Journalist
Creating Handmade Crafts
Creating Smiles Stitch by Stitch
Alice Tietsort first learned crocheting in fourth grade but didn’t return to it until age 11. After picking up a crochet hook and yarn again, she quickly developed her skills and began selling her handmade crafts at markets.
Alice enjoys making stuffed animals and baby toys, finding inspiration from library books and online videos. She says seeing people enjoy her creations motivates her to keep going.
Although she was nervous at her first market, Alice has grown more confident in advertising and connecting with customers. With support from her family and friend Hilarie, she hopes to expand her business, sell her merchandise in stores, and take custom orders online.
Photography & Meaningful Memories
Jennifer Castillo: Behind the Lens Photography at Castillo
Jennifer Castillo owns Jennifer Kristin Photography, a business she started 14 years ago and opened as a storefront five years ago.
Inspired by family gatherings and school yearbooks, Jennifer turned her passion for photography into a career focused on capturing meaningful memories. Her family remains her biggest inspiration, while her faith has also played a central role in her journey.
Jennifer Kristin Photography specializes in studio photography, including maternity, newborn, birthdays, and milestones. Through her work, Jennifer has built lasting relationships with families and continues to capture their special moments.
Jiu-Jitsu Gym in La Feria
The First Jiu-Jitsu Gym in La Feria!
Art Castillo, owner of Anomaly Jiu Jitsu, began his training in 2007 after discovering a gym specializing in mixed martial arts, Muay Thai, and Jiu Jitsu. After training at several gyms, he eventually found a home at Cinco MMA in Weslaco, where he trained with Dan Rodriguez and earned his black belt.
Raised in La Feria, Art always dreamed of opening a local gym in his hometown. With encouragement from his wife, Jennifer Castillo, that dream became reality.
Despite struggling with self-doubt and a fear of failure, Art continued pursuing his goal. With Jennifer’s support, he overcame the challenges and opened Anomaly Jiu Jitsu in La Feria.
Web Exclusive
March 11th City Meeting
The La Feria city meeting was held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, covering city minutes, property rezoning, grant services, a property lease, and economic development.
The rezoning items were removed by the applicant. The city approved grant-related services for potential street improvements and approved the lease of city-owned property to Our Lady of the Lake University.
The board entered a closed session at 6:43 PM to discuss possible economic development incentives with Noble Texas Builders.
City Council Meeting Highlights
City Council Discuss Grants, Sidewalk Improvements & More
The La Feria city meeting was held Tuesday, January 14, 2025, and called to order at 6:40 PM. The meeting began with an update on city taxes for 2023–2024.
The council approved the December 17 meeting minutes and Fair Housing Month proclamation. They also approved several resolutions related to grant services, disaster recovery funding, engineering services, sidewalk improvements, and CDBG civil rights policies.
The meeting adjourned at 7:32 PM.