Hidalgo County proclaims honor for Historical Commission after state award

The Hidalgo County Commissioners Court on Aug. 4, 2026, approved a proclamation honoring the Hidalgo County Historical Commission after the group received the Texas Historical Commission's 2025 Distinguished Service Award. County Judge Richard F. Cortez signed the proclamation and the document lists the county commissioners and the county clerk as attestations to the court's action.

The proclamation text states that "the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court hereby congratulates the Hidalgo County Historical Commission for these outstanding contributions." It explains the award is the Texas Historical Commission's Distinguished Service Award for 2025, calling it the highest state-level recognition for historic preservation, heritage tourism, public education and stewardship of local historical resources. The document says the commission "exceeded all expectations" during statewide evaluation and credits thousands of volunteer hours for work on historical markers, community partnerships and educational outreach.

The signed document records approval "this 4th day of August 2026." County officials listed on the proclamation include County Judge Richard F. Cortez; County Commissioner David L. Fuentes, Precinct 1; County Commissioner Eduardo "Eddie" Cantu, Precinct 2; County Commissioner Everardo "Ever" Villarreal, Precinct 3; County Commissioner Ellie Torres, Precinct 4; and County Clerk Arturo Guajardo Jr., who attested the proclamation. The court did not record a separate motion or vote tally in the text provided; the signature block indicates formal adoption and filing of the proclamation.