March 18, 2016 Progress Times by Progress Times

Friday, March 18, 2016

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MISSION MOVES FORWARD WITH MADERO BRIDGE

By Jim Brunson

he City of Mission has held a Presidential permit to build a rail and vehicle bridge in the Madero area for many years. With an eye to the future, the city officials have taken measures to keep the permit active until the time when it would be needed. With cargo truck wait times to cross the Pharr bridge sometimes taking two, three or four days, local officials believe Madero’s time has come. Monday, Mission City Council approved a joint resolution with the cities of McAllen and Hidalgo to take the first step in the long journey to construct the international bridge at Madero. The resolution authorizes the Anzalduas Bridge Board to hire an engineering firm to perform the studies necessary for development

of the bridge. While the Presidential permit does not designate a specific site for the bridge, it is expected to be constructed somewhere between Conway Avenue and Inspiration Road, in the Mission city limits. The studies will be used to select the best site for the bridge. Upon completion of the studies, Mission, McAllen and Hidalgo will enter into a Madero Bridge Agreement. The Madero Bridge ownership and allocation of revenues will be: Mission, 23 percent; McAllen, 44 percent; and City of Hidalgo 33 percent – the same allocations used for the Anzalduas Bridge. Mission Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas said it is a good deal for Mission because McAllen and Hidalgo would pay for the bridge, while Mission would get none of the financial risk and would be able

to open up another 6,000 acres in the western part of the city for development. The mayors of Mission, McAllen and Hidalgo will be full voting members of the Madero Bridge Board. The remaining two members will be appointed, one by the City of Mission and one by the City of McAllen. Mayor Salinas said the Madero Bridge would be used for commercial truck traffic. Although Mission has worked many months trying to obtain permission to allow commercial trucks to cross at Anzalduas, after the Madero Bridge is constructed, the Anzalduas Bridge would revert to passenger vehicle traffic only, according to the mayor. To illustrate the need for another bridge, Mission City Manager Martin Garza cited the bridge crossings stats. For the month of January, Anzalduas Bridge

had 77,469 southbound passenger vehicles cross, compared to 65,640 at the Pharr Bridge and 232,533 at Hidalgo. Pharr had 43,933 cargo vehicle crossings, while Hidalgo had 131,443, according a bridge traffic report. Mayor Salinas said he is satisfied with Mission’s share of the bridge being only 23 percent because Mission is not having to pay for the bridge. Besides, he said, the real benefit of a new bridge is not the bridge revenues, which McAllen and Hidalgo will not see for many years. It’s the growth and development that occurs in the vicinity of the bridge. He cited the Anzalduas Bridge as the model. “The growth we’ve seen since we opened the bridge has been because of Anzalduas,” Salinas said. “The people who have benefitted the most from Anzalduas is

Miles for money Principals walk from San Juan to Palmview

By Lea Victoria Juarez wo assistant principals walked 22.1 miles to raise money for scholarships. Jorge Flores and Raul Gonzalez of Juarez-Lincoln High School came up with the idea because they didn’t want money to be an obstacle for the students who intend to pursue higher education. “We’re showing them that we’re doing everything in our power to raise money for them,” Flores said. “We want them to see that somebody cares for them, somebody is looking out for them to help them succeed in the future.” As of March 16, more than $7,000 has been collected and donations are still being made. Donors hailed from all over Hidalgo County and even of state. Students can apply for the scholarships once the application process is finalized. The requirements haven’t been laid out yet, but the applicants must be enrolled in any form of higher education institute and must be of “low socioeconomic” status. The 20-plus mile walk was a promise that symbolized Flores and Gonzalez’s dedication to the cause. “We have very good kids. Sometimes their economical circumstances may not be the best but they’re humble, they’re awesome kids and they’re very believing in us,” Flores said. The two colleagues began their trek at 5:30 a.m. on March 11 at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle. With a police escort and athletic trainer in tow,

Mission, because the day we opened [the bridge] we started growing.” Mission has also seen a major uptick in manufacturing companies opening shop in Mission’s industrial park. Garza cited two of the latest companies building facilities in Mission. “We have two new companies opening in the Mission industrial park. One is a steel company, Southwest Steel Coil, that just finished construction of their facility two weeks ago. And a 100,000-square-foot tire distribution facility is currently under construction,” he said. The city manager added, “If you look at the Anzalduas project and the Madero project, they really mirror each other. On the east side, we had the Hunt Development of Sharyland Plantation. And now on the west side, we have the Bentsen

Palm Development, which is huge.” As an example of developers ready to develop that area of the city, he said Mike Rhodes, owner of Bentsen Palm Development, submitted final plat approvals for three new subdivisions in that area. In previous discussions, city leaders indicated the Madero Bridge would be a rail bridge. When asked whether a railroad bridge would also be constructed at Madero, the mayor said, “We’re working on that; it’s very important.” He said 14 of Mission’s Mexico Sister City mayors signed a petition in January asking the president of Mexico for approval to build a rail bridge. “We want to push this rail bridge as soon as possible,” Salinas said. Kathy Olivarez contributed to this report.

City loses $60 million in state funding

By Kathy Olivarez

fter the Monday, March 14 Mission City Council meeting, the Progress Times asked Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas if there was any consideration to building the two miles of the proposed Hidalgo County Loop from Anzalduas Highway to Conway Avenue that would connect the traffic from the Anzalduas Bridge to Conway with easy access to the expressway. Salinas said the state had allocated $60 million for the project but the Hidalgo

County Regional Mobility Authority (RMA) refused to allow the city to use their right-of-way to build that portion of the project. So, the money for the project was lost. The RMA intends to build the loop toward Donna and go north then east to connect to I-69 via US 281. He said it would take 15 years to get to US 281 and it would be another 25 years before the loop goes to the west. He also said the state had issued a Minute Order telling the RMA and county officials to approve the two-mile segment but it had been ignored.

EDC requests $2 million loan Jorge Flores (left) and Raul Gonzalez celebrate the completion of their 20-plus mile walk at Juarez-Lincoln High School. Courtesy photo

the two set off to Juarez-Lincoln High School in Palmview. Throughout their journey, the two made pit stops at some schools in the district where they were supplied with water and greeted by students cheering them on to the finish line. The first 16 miles weren’t very difficult, the assistant principals said. On average, they each walk about six to eight miles a day just doing their job on campus. Flores said that according to his Fitbit, he climbs an average of 22 floors a day. Because of this, the two walked the first 16 miles with ease. But it was around the last 6 miles where they really struggled. “Those last few miles

were just dragging and dragging,” Flores said. “We started stopping more frequently to get gatorade and put cream on our calves. Mr. Gonzalez said at one point every footstep hurt and it literally did hurt as we were walking.” When Flores and Gonzalez finally reached their destination, hundreds of students met them at the finish line to show their support. The drumline guided them into the grounds, bus drivers honked their horns, the conjunto band played and the dance, flag and cheer teams rallied around the principals. It was an emotional experience, Flores said. “It was very unexpected to a certain degree and relieving. We really felt the support at that point,” he

said. “Sometimes we’re very good at hiding our feelings, but it was a very emotional time.” The walk did not come without a few injuries. Gonzalez said his feet were still swollen five days after their trek, and Flores said one of his toenails is bruised. He suspects it will fall off soon. But in spite of the injuries, the two said they would walk the path again if it meant raising money for the students. The hope is that the fundraiser becomes an annual event and maybe others can get involved also. “It’s a little bit out of the ordinary,” Gonzalez said. “But then again we’ve never been accused of being sane.”

By Lea Victoria Juarez he Mission Economic Development Corporation requests a $2 million loan for the Center for Education and Economic Development. The 55,000-square foot building is designed to be a networking hub for business professionals and students, and the loan would pay for all furniture and information technology equipment. Mission EDC’s Chief Operating Officer Daniel Silva gave a presentation on the proposed interior design at a public hearing, March 15. Each classroom will have the same furniture but a different set up in each room, as will the conference rooms. The 285 open seats will also have a variety of set ups that allow for the option of privacy with high screen dividers. The computer labs will

work similar to that of a university computer lab. There will be one “main brain” that controls all the desktops. When someone logs out of a computer, the information is wiped clean for another user. For the sound and production rooms, a full sound board and mixer will be available. Users will be able to record music, host podcasts, videocasts and potentially host radio shows. Silva said the EDC officials hope to install an FM antenna to run a radio station, but some of the equipment for the sound and production room will be acquired through grant money. Silva said the requests for proposals for the loan have already been sent out, and he and Chief Executive Officer Alex Meade are awaiting the proposals from banks. The new projected move in date for the CEED is May 1.

INSIDE

INDEX

Update in Mission murder case

SISD board meeting updates

Veterans Memorial soccer

One of three suspects was arrested in connection to a double homicide that occurred in December.

Sharyland trustees resolve settlement in yearlong legal battle, one trustee to be replaced in upcoming election.

Lady Patriots take on the Edinburg Vela Lady Sabercats in a battle that determined their playoff fate.

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See story page 5

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Entertainment | pg. 2

Lifestyle | pg. 3

Opinion | pg. 4

Sports | pg. 6

Obituaries | pg. 8

Classifieds | pg. 9

entertainment Coming Attractions March 22 • McAllen Town Band will present a spring concert at Trinity Worship Center, 4801 N. Cage (Exp. 281 and Nolana) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5. Call (956) 681-3355 for tickets or get them at the door. March 24-26 • The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley hosts the 16th Annual Brownsville Guitar Festival. The three-day concert event starts at 6:30 p.m. each day at the TSC Arts Center on the Brownsville Campus with a 7:30 p.m. performance March 25 at the Edinburg campus Performing Arts Complex. This year’s guest guitarists include Stanley Yates, Berta Rojas and Ekachai Jearakul. Tickets are free for Patron of the Arts members, $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students. For more information or for tickets, contact Catherine Compton at 882-7025. April 22-27 • Tickets are now on sale for the Harlingen Performing Arts Theater performances of “The Dixie Swim Club.” The dramatic comedy portrays a group of Southern women whose friendships began on the college swim team. They get together each August over a period of 33 years to catch up and meddle in each other’s lives. For ticket information, call 412-7529. April 28-May 1 • The 2015-16 STC Theatre season wraps up with the Rio Grande Valley premiere of Raul Castillo’s “Between You, Me and the Lampshade.” Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and 2 p.m. for Sunday matinees which are interpreted by student interns. Individual ticket prices for Main Stage productions are $5 for students/faculty/senior citizens/military and $10 general admission. Individual Studio productions cost $5 general admission. All productions will be at STC’s Cooper Center, 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. For information, call 872-2301. (To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to ptrgv.com.)

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The evening’s headlining entertainment kicks off with Texas country singer and RGV native Bo Garza, legendary Nashville star Johnny Rodriguez and Tejano super group Grupo Control. Always a crowd favorite, Rancho Caballo de Puro Raza Azteca will be performing at 1:30 and 3:30 pm at the arena, featuring dancing horses. Live cooking demonstrations and the Onion and Salsa recipe contests will be held at the culinary center. This year, Weslaco’s Lamar Jones, creator of Jank BBQ Sauce will be one of the featured cooks. Kids can enjoy free rides, courtesy of WoodmenLife, and the Knapp Medical Center Healthy Family Area will present health information,

screenings and health-related games. This year, tickets are now available online for festival goers. “We’re always looking at ways to improve our event, and online ticketing was one thing we’ve never offered before,” remarked Daryl Smith, Texas Onion Fest committee chair. “Now, festival attendees can get their tickets with a click of a button and avoid the ticket line.” Admission for adults is $6 and $4 for children. Ages 3 and under get in free. Free parking will be available at the park, through the Airport Drive entrance. To purchase tickets, visit www.weslaco. com.

DINBURG – The Museum of South Texas History will present “Photographs of South Texas in the Great Depression” at 2 p.m. in the Courtyard Gallery on Sunday, March 20. The program will provide a slideshow overview of images of the region created through the Farm Security Administration (FSA). Photographers from this government agency crisscrossed the United States to document life during the Great Depression and to support New Deal programs to alleviate poverty. Several of the agency’s photographers took images in South Texas, particularly the lower Rio Grande Valley. “The photos made un-

der the Farm Security Administration are an extraordinary part of our national heritage,” notes Lisa Adam, MOSTH curator of collections. “Their work in South Texas, particularly, presents both the hardships of the Great Depression as well as the dignity of the people affected by it.” In addition to scenes of farm laborers and migrants, the South Texas images also include views of packing sheds, government agencies at work in the region, and town and home life. At the conclusion of the program, visitors will learn how to access these photographs and others, and why they are available through public do-

main. The museum will also offer as door prizes three South Texas photographs from the FSA collection, printed and suitable for framing.

Depression era photos depict South Texas life

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ESLACO – The 27th Annual Texas Onion Fest is scheduled for Saturday, April 2 to be held at Weslaco City Park. Celebrating the development of the world famous Sweet Texas Onion developed in Weslaco at the Texas A&M University Extension Service, the festival offers a day of onion eating contests, cooking demonstrations, recipe contests, entertainment and more. Live entertainment is scheduled all day Saturday offering the sounds of country, pop and Tejano music on the Main Stage including flamenco guitarist Mario Aleman, local pop star Gabriela Ariana and country singer Madelyn Victoria.

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Mar. 24, 6:30 p.m. at El Mesias United Methodist Church 209 E. 6th St.—Mission Good Friday, Mar. 25, 6:30 p.m.

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March 18, 2016

1101 Doherty Ave. Mission, TX 78572 (956) 585-1665 www.missionfumc.com

Field worker with carrots, Edinburg, Texas, 1939.

(Courtesy of the Farm Security Administration.)

cALLEN – South Texas College Theatre and Brooklyn-based Applied Theatre Collective (ATC) is inviting the community to become involved in the creative project “We’re Here Now.” The project explores border life in the Rio Grande Valley through storytelling and theatre. Workshops scheduled on Monday, March 28, through Thursday, March 31, from 7 to 10 p.m. and Friday, April 1, from 5 to 10 p.m. All workshops will be held at the STC Cooper Center for Communication Arts Black Box Studio, located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. The final community sharing will be held Saturday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m. at the STC Cooper Center for Communication Arts Main Stage. For more information on the workshops, call 8722639 or email jrodriguez@ southtexascollege.edu. For information on community performance, call 872-2301 or email namaro1@southtexascollege.edu.

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March 18, 2016

BETWEEN the bookendS

Speer Memorial Library

12th St. & Kika Loop • Mission • 580-8750

By William Renner he public is invited to join us at Speer Memorial Library in Mission, on Tuesday, April 5, for a discussion of “The Longest Rid.” It takes place in the library’s Community Room at 5:30 p.m. in Spanish and at 6:30 p.m. in English. Everyone is welcome to attend and discuss the book. On a dark and snowy winter evening in North Carolina, 91-year-old Ira Levinson has accidentally driven his car off the road and down a steep embankment. He is injured, and, as the darkness grows and the snow continues to fall, he realizes that he is stranded as well. Struggling to stay conscious, and hoping for someone to come to his rescue, he imagines that his beloved wife Ruth is sitting in the car beside him. She can’t be there—she died nine years earlier—but Ira keeps up a conversation with her anyway, recounting the story of their long life together.

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On a nice October evening, four months before Ira’s accident, Sophia Danko, an art history major at Wake Forest University, goes to a local bull riding event with some of her friends. She meets one of the riders, a young cowboy named Luke Collins. She finds herself immediately attracted to him, noticing how he’s so unlike the immature college boys she has met. Even though they come from different worlds, Sophia and Luke start dating and soon fall in love. Sophia allows herself to imagine their future together—but Luke hasn’t told her everything. The lives of these two very different couples, from different generations and with different experiences, converge along the journey of life in a surprising and moving way. Written by Nicholas Sparks, and first published in 2013, it is a story of two romances that touch the heart. Copies of the book are

UTRGV event to honor writer Gloria Anzaldúa

DINBURG – The Mexican American Studies (MAS) Program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley will celebrate the life of Rio Grande Valley native Gloria Evangelina Anzaldúa – internationally recognized cultural theorist, creative writer and independent scholar. The special event, El Retorno: El Valle Celebra Nuestra Gloria Anzaldúa, is planned for Monday, March 21, at 3 p.m. at the UTRGV education building in the Borderlands room. The ninth annual event is free and open to the public and will feature special guest Ire’ne Lara Silva, an acclaimed poet, writer and author of the poetry collections “Furia” and “Blood Sugar Canto,” and a short story collection, “Flesh to Bone,” which received a Premio Aztlán. It begins at 3 p.m. with Lara Silva will lead a

Grito Writing Workshop, “Finding the sources of our voices.” While gritos are most often associated with mariachi groups, el Grito de Dolores, or Mexican culture, this workshop will look at gritos as a way of finding the deepest personal voice. At 6 p.m. is “El Retorno: El Valle Celebra Nuestra Gloria Anzaldúa.” The celebratory reading includes an opening performance with WAKEUP!, an all-female performance group, and local poets. Silva, who is originally from the Valley, will serve as featured presenter. For more information or special accommodations, email emmy.perez@utrgv. edu or monica.alvarez01@ utrgv.edu, or call the MAS office at 665-3212.

available for check out to those who sign up for the book discussion. Stop by the library or call 580-8754 to reserve a copy. The title is also available as an eBook at mission.lib.overdrive.com.

Next Buenas Tardes is March 24

he Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce will host its Buenas Tardes Luncheon on Thursday, March 24, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Club at Cimarron, 1200 South Shary Road in Mission. This month’s featured speaker is Lance Ames, interim CEO of McAllen Heart Hospital and STHS emergency rooms in Weslaco and Mission. The luncheons provide an opportunity for community members to network with over 150 local professionals. Tickets are $20 per person if purchased before March 24 or at the door for $25. Walk-up luncheon registrations are limited and may not be available. Arrive on time to ensure seating. To make reservations, call the Mission Chamber at 585-2727 or email events@missionchamber.com.

Planning craft and art sale

he First Presbyterian Church in Mission is hosting a hand-crafted arts sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday, March 19. The general public is invited to meet the artists who will be selling their handmade jewelry, paper crafts, art work and needlecrafts at the church located at 1102 Ash Dr. A grilled chicken plate dinner will also be sold.

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EVENTS CALENDAR Mar ch 19 – Patti Golden, local history enthusiast, is the next speaker at the Mission Historical Museum program series. It begins at 10 a.m. at the museum located at 900 Doherty. Admission is free to the public. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information, call 580-8646 missionmuseum.org.

PARKS CALENDAR

Mar ch 19 – The First Presbyterian Church, 1102 Ash Street in Mission, will host a home-crafted art sale, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Look for local artists work, jewelry, cards, bolts of fabric and trims. Chicken Plate lunches will be sold between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Mar ch 19 – Criselda Alvarado, president with Aglow McAllen Lighthouse, will share a message about being a good Christian Soldier at the next monthly meeting. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. with a complimentary prayer breakfast. Call Alvarado or location and directions at 534-7941.

REUNIONS &MEETINGS

Mar ch 19 – The staff at the Edinburg World Birding Center will hold their Spring Fairy Festival from 2 to 6 p.m. Activities include constructing a fairy home, a costume contest for the “best mystical creature,” a free photo booth, nature walks, face painting, crafts, treats and beverages. Admission is free, but there is a cost for materials. Reservations are required for this class at least two days prior to the event. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria. For information or to make reservations, call 381-9922. Mar ch 19 – The Writers’ Forum continues with its Women’s Month theme at 6:30 p.m.at the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center, 225 E. Stenger in San Benito. Refreshments will be served. Admission is $5 at the door. For more info, call Beto or Rita Conde 350-3905. Mar ch 24 – Erik Bruhnke presents a program on raptors in the Rio Grande Valley. Due to the close proximity to the tropics, the Lower Rio Grande Valley gets raptors that are found nowhere else in Texas. The program runs from 6 to 7 p.m. at Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center, 600 Sunset in McAllen. The program is included in the $3 park admission. No advance reservation is required. For more information, call 681-3370. Mar ch 25-27 – Take the family out to the annual Easter Bunny Corral and Bazaar at Gladys Porter Zoo (GPZ) at 500 Ringgold, Brownsville. The bazaar runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all three days, and the Bunny Corral is open on Easter Sunday, March 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All activities are included in the admission. For more information, call 546-7187. Mar ch 26 – “Know Any Good Yolks?” is the next Saturday Safari theme at Gladys Porter Zoo. Explore the world of animals that lay eggs. Cost is $15 per child or adult. Children must be 4 years or older. Pre-registration is required. Call 548-9453 to register or for more information or email educ@gpz.org. Mar ch 31 – “Taste McAllen,” features 30 area restaurants offering a variety of delicacies from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the McAllen Convention Center Oval Park for an evening of live music, outdoor ambiance and a chef’s cooking pit. Pre-sale tickets are $25 per person available at the McAllen Chamber, 1200 Ash Ave. Tickets sales at the door will be $35. For information, call 682-2871. (For daily events and upcoming weeks, see the full calendar at ptrgv.com.)

EWBC presents wildlife folkore presentation

DINBURG – Join Becky Reyes in a presentation of “Folklore of South Texas Wildlife” at the Edinburg World Birding Center, 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd., on Friday, March 18, from 6 to 7 p.m. The Rio Grande Valley is rich in history, a fact that lends to stories being passed down through generations. Many of these stories involve the South Texas Wildlife, making the creatures that call

this area home even more fascinating. Reyes has worked with the Birding Center as an environmental educator for more than three-years. She received her master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in anthropology and subfields in biology and history at the University of Texas PanAmerican. During graduate school, she traveled to Peru to do fieldwork research for her

thesis on medicinal plants. Reyes recently taught an environmental anthropology course at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and currently serves as the education chair for the South Texas Border Chapter Texas Master Naturalists. Admission is free, and doors open at 5:30 p.m. Seats are limited; call 381-9922 to reserve a spot.

opinion

March 18, 2016

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

Spring break highlights underage drinking

nderage drinking is a very serious problem, particularly during time of Spring break. Teens and young adults are eager to take that long week holiday to relieve the stress that comes with the never ending amount of homework and tests that school entails. However, it’s during this time, when minors need to be educated about the dangers that come with underage drinking. Here in South Texas we have one of the more popular destinations for spring breakers in Texas. South Padre Island. Every year it seems that this particular spot is getting more populated by tourists, which in turn escalates arrests related to underage drinking. Last year Channel 4 reported, that in 2014, 919 incidents related to alcohol were reported in the Rio Grande Valley alone. Half of these were caused by ages 17 to 34. Now we are in year 2016, and there is no signs of these numbers decreasing. Teens and young adults, need to not only be educated and informed but also reminded that when someone begins to drink before the age of 15 they are at a high risk of developing an addiction at a later time. Car crashes resulting in a

fatal accident when driving under the influence are unsurprisingly common. There is more to alcohol than just having a “good time”; suffering from blackouts, memory loss, and alcohol poisoning are just a few of the negative effects. Unfortunately, some teens and young adults are well aware of these facts and choose to ignore them. With shirts like “Don’t tell Madre What Happens in Padre” in addition to the fact that South Padre Island is one of the few locations where you can actually drink at the beach, it’s no wonder why many teens and young adults chose to forget the ugly truth. In the past, the Texas Department of Transportation had a campaign called “DWI Hangovers Don’t Go Away”, which served as a reminder that there are legal consequences to not just underage drinking but also drinking and driving and adults who provide alcohol to minors. Thankfully, local business are doing their part in helping with this issue. Businesses have been trying to implement strict underage drinking policies. Although it is great and refreshing to know that law enforcement and local businesses are understanding the importance of being

safe during Spring Break, not only in terms of financial revenue or enforcement of the law, here in Hidalgo County we have to remember that Spring Break just highlights the issue and that it doesn’t just happen at the island, these actions are a result of what happens within the community. For this reason, the community is encouraged to come together and be educated about this situation and the many negative effects from underage drinking and low parental involvement. For, the power of being united can help carry out the necessary action in preventing underage drinking during spring break and year-round. The Alliance for Drug Abuse Prevention Coalition, a program of Behavioral Health Solutions of South Texas, strives to strengthen the cities of La Joya and Peñitas capacity to prevent substance use among youth through collaborative prevention efforts. Visit us at 5510 N Cage Blvd., Suite R Pharr, TX for research, prevention, intervention, and treatment services. For more information, go to www.bhsst.org. To become involved with our projects, please contact Vianca Vieyra at (956) 787-7004 ext. 14.

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STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Full 5th Circuit to hear Texas voter ID case

USTIN — The entire U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals will review Texas’ controversial voter identification law. A majority of the judges of the Fifth Circuit on March 9 voted in support of an “en banc” rehearing of oral arguments in Veasey v. Abbott, a case challenging the law. No date for the rehearing has been set. The case stems from Senate Bill 14, a law passed by the Texas Legislature in 2011, which requires prospective voters to present an acceptable form of photo identification along with their voter registration card in order to cast a ballot. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton praised the development, saying: “Today’s decision is a strong step forward in our efforts to defend the state’s voter ID laws. Safeguarding the integrity of our elections is a primary function of state government and is essential to preserving our democratic process. We look forward to presenting our case before the full Fifth Circuit.” The plaintiffs, however, have argued that SB 14, passed by a Republican-dominated legislature, is a partisan move to suppress minority voter turnout. They contend that the practical effects of the law violate certain parts of the U.S. Voting Rights Act. En banc hearings are conducted with all judges of a court present and participating. The Fifth Circuit currently has 17 sitting judges. Previous hearings in Veasey v. Abbott were conducted before smaller judicial panels, and as recently as six months ago, parts of the case had been adjudged sufficient to merit consideration by the

U.S. Supreme Court. Governor files appeal Gov. Greg Abbott on March 9 announced his filing of an appeal with President Obama for “individual assistance” on behalf of Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Franklin, Rockwall and Van Zandt counties. On Jan. 26, Abbott requested a presidential disaster declaration to address damages sustained from severe weather in December 2015. Texas was granted public assistance on Feb. 9, but was denied individual assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Individuals and Households Program has two provisions: housing needs and needs other than housing. According to FEMA, these provisions may be available to citizens if their property has been damaged or destroyed in a disaster declared for individual assistance and their losses are not covered by insurance. “Since May of 2015, the State of Texas has experienced a continuing pattern of destructive storms, severe flooding and tornadoes, resulting in multiple fatalities and severe damage to hundreds of homes and businesses,” Abbott wrote. “In eight months, Texas has endured a major wildfire eligible for a fire Management Assistance Grant and three federally declared disasters. The assistance received as a result of these earlier federal disasters has been vital, but many of the same communities are still in the recovery process from these earlier disasters, and assistance is still needed.” Hegar to send revenue State Comptroller Glenn Hegar on March 9 announced his office would

distribute $586.6 million in monthly sales tax revenue to cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts. The total of local sales tax allocations for March is 0.7 percent less than in March 2015, he said. The allocations are based on sales made in January by businesses that report tax monthly. “Energy-centric cities, such as Odessa, Midland, Corpus Christi and Houston, continued to see decreases in sales tax allocations,” Hegar said. “Other areas of the state helped to somewhat offset those losses, as cities such as Austin and Dallas saw moderate increases in allocations.” Problem gambling is focus March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and the week of March 4-10 was recognized as National Problem Gambling Awareness Week. The Texas Lottery Commission announced its participation in the effort to educate the general public and medical professionals about the warning signs of problem gambling and to raise awareness about help that is available locally and nationally. In a March 8 news release, Anthony J. Sadberry, acting director of the Texas Lottery Commission, said, “If you believe that you or someone you know may have a problem with gambling, we strongly urge you to seek assistance.” System targets tobacco use Representatives from each of The University of Texas System’s 14 institutions met last week in Houston for the “Eliminate Tobacco Use Summit” to discuss creating a “systemwide tobacco-free culture.”

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The Progress Times (USPS 971-420; ISSN 0890-2666) is published each Friday by Mission Publishing Co., 1217 N. Conway, Mission, Texas 78572, (956) 585-4893. Subscriptions $20 annual in Hidalgo County; $25 outside of Hidalgo County. Second class postage paid in Mission, Texas 78572. ©2015 Mission Publishing Company, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the PROGRESS TIMES, P.O. Box 399, Mission Texas 78573.

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March 18, 2016

MCISD board meeting highlights

Highlights from the Mission City Council meeting By Kathy Olivarez esidents complain about The River club Several residents of Chimney Park, a Winter Texan RV park located on the river, came to the council meeting to complain about the noise from The River (formerly Pepe’s on the River). They said music is often played until 4 or 5 a.m. and the noise keeps the residents at Chimney Park awake at night. The spokesperson said the city ought to pay attention to the complaints of the Winter Texans who render more money into city coffers through living in the park and shopping in the area than that business could generate. When asked about the establishment, Police Chief Robert Dominguez told the council the place did not have a license to sell alcohol. However, since it was being used for private parties it could be given away. If Chimney Park residents want the music halted at a certain time they need to file a complaint. Otherwise, there is little the police could do about it. Dominguez explained to the council The River is located far enough away from Chimney Park to be able to serve alcohol and have music, but the combination of the wind moving toward the park and the empty space about the river where no brush buffers the sound seems to create “a tunnel” for the noise to flow down the river. In other action, the council approved a resolution amending the hours that bars can serve alcoholic drinks. Monday through Friday alcohol may be served from 7 a.m. to midnight. On Saturday it can be served from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. On Sunday alcohol can be served from noon to midnight with the exception of establishments where food is also served. Then it can be served from10 a.m. to midnight. Under planning and zoning items the city approved

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demolition of a building at 508 Conway Avenue with removal of all rubbish, brush and trash at that location for an amount of $14,800. The council approved an amendment to the city’s code of ordinances to limit the number of loan companies clustering in the downtown area. The new ordinance states no new credit access businesses or regulated lenders may be located within 1500 feet of similar businesses. Such businesses already located in the downtown area will be grandfathered. Approximately 10.285 acres of land from Lot One, John H. Shary Subdivision and an abandoned canal right-of-way was zoned to R-3 to allow construction of Taylor Senior Village as previously presented to the council. Once again, the parking problems associated with the bistro on the corner of FM 495 and Orange Avenue were brought to council. Approximately seven residents were present when two spoke about the traffic problems that were keeping them from having trash pick-up or getting their mail. Another complained about the large truck on the corner that made it impossible to see traffic coming on FM 495 as residents tried to leave the subdivision. Chief Dominguez said some of the cars parking in the illegal zone had been ticketed but others continued to park there because there is not enough room to park in the parking lot. Residents said the lot only has 30 spaces while 37 are required. They were told the bistro has an agreement with the law office to the east to use their parking lot for overflow but getting people to park there has been a problem. In spite of these complaints, the CUP for the restaurant was renewed. Permission was granted to close the southbound lane of Conway Avenue from 6th Street to Expressway 83, on FM 1066 to FM 494 to the La Lomita Chapel on Palm

Sunday when Our Lady of Guadalupe Church will hold its annual processional from the church to the mission. Under police business, a $30,000 Operation Stonegarden Grant was approved for overtime for patrolling the border area. A $9548 grant from Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (LEOSE) and the Texas Comptroller was approved for police officer education. L&G Engineering was selected to provide engineering services for inspection, material testing and construction management for the Inspiration Road widening project, between Expressway 83 and 3 Mile Line. The contract for the road construction project was awarded recently to Texas Cordia in the amount of $6,998,410. Plans are to start clearing the right-of-way for the expanded roadway in about 45 days. Then utilities are to be relocated by other companies, such as AEP and the natural gas company. When actual road construction begins – in about one year – it will take another two years to complete the project. Diamondback Contractors received the bid for the Melba Carter Ditch Improvements project in the amount of $168,770. Authorization to pay for emergency repairs to the western water plant was approved in the amount of $12,513. Authorization to solicit bids for a 16-inch water loop line between Bentsen Palm and Madero was approved. Rent for the Mission Food Pantry’s new location in the Service Center on Mayberry Road was set at $1 a year for three years with the contract renewable for another three years. Following executive session, changes to the city manager’s contract were approved as discussed in executive session.

By Lea Victoria Juarez

ission CISD Superintendent Ricardo Lopez received a two-year contract extension. The board trustees did not specify in the motion if any changes were made to his salary. Also up for discussion was the approval of contracts for all district employees. The board approved the contracts and employment agreements, but that does not mean that all the contracts were approved, according to district spokesperson Craig

Verley. If any motions for employment changes were made, it was discussed in executive session. The final documents were approved for the Mission High School pase III renovation project. Now the bidding process for the construction company can begin. Proposals are due April 5. The schematic design for the new administration building was also approved, which means architects can move on to the final design stages. Three items were approved for the new agricul-

tural science facilities project – a water line, a credit deletion for civil items and a service rack installation. Instead of using a 12inch PVC pipe, the engineer said a reinforced concrete pipe could be substituted for cheaper price. The district was credited $7,287. The construction company requested additional service racks for new power poles. This will cost the district $4,672.24. The added water line is a no-cost item.

to come in and try to shake anything up. I just want to be a listener. I want to make recommendations based on the facts,” Padilla said. “We have good leaders, we have good principals and a great superintendent. I just want to follow their lead and try to continue the entire Sharyland school district the best it can be.” Place 5 and Place 6 are also up for election, but current occupants Noel Garza and Noe Oliveira also did not have any opponents apply for the position. They will remain on the board. The board also approved a settlement agreement for former assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction Nereida “Nellie” Cantu. The amount of $115,023.40 will be paid to Cantu in a lump sum payment before July 31, 2016. The former assistant superintendent of curriculum

received an informal notice of a recommendation for non-extension of her contract in spring 2015 when Filomena Leo was the interim superintendent. In late May 2015, Cantu was demoted to director of professional development, but she was not told her duties and was told not to report to work. Because the board approved settlement terms, the district eliminated the position of director of professional development for the 2016-17 school year. However, Cantu is officially resigning as assistant superintendent of curriculum, according to Superintendent Robert O’Connor. “I have to be careful with what I say because there’s some terms in the settlement agreement as to what her position was and what was not,” O’Connor said.

Elections canceled, settlement approved

By Lea Victoria Juarez

haryland ISD canceled the trustee election and approved the $115,000-settlement for Nereida Cantu at the special meeting March 7. Local business owner Keith Padilla will take over Place 7 on the Sharyland ISD board of trustees, following the May 7 elections. Currently in Place 7 is Rolando Peña, who decided to not run for reelection this year, and no other candidates applied before the deadline. Padilla, the owner of Mission Duncan Insurance Agency said he’s been wanting to run for the school board for the past 10 years. He currently has three children in the school district – two at Pioneer High School and one at Shary North Jr. High. “My viewpoint is not

Town Hall meetings address underage drinking

A JOYA – The Alliance for Drug Abuse Prevention(ADAP) Coalition, a program of Behavioral Health Solutions of South Texas, in partnership with La Joya ISD, are coming together in a series of Town Hall meetings to raise awareness regarding the dangers of underage drinking. The first meeting date is March 22 at the Juarez Lin-

coln High School library, 7801 W. Mile 7 Rd., Mission. The purpose is to educate the public about consequences of underage drinking that take place in Valley communities. Research indicates that alcohol use during the teenage years could interfere with normal adolescent brain development and increase the risk of developing an alco-

hol use disorder. In Hidalgo county, underage drinking is unfortunately very common. The average age of initial use among youth is 12 years old. In many cases students have stated that alcohol is obtained from other youth and friends at parties. Other dates are April 5 at the La Joya High School library, and April 19 at Palmview High School Library.

March 18, 2016

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Huskies, Coyotes, Lobos clinch playoff spot

By Luciano Guerra or the second year in a row, the La Joya Coyotes, the Juarez-Lincoln Huskies and the Palmview Lobos boys’ soccer teams have clinched three of District 30-6A’s four playoff spots. With the three McAllen teams and the Mission Eagles being the other four teams in the district, having all three La Joya teams make the playoffs twice in a row is something that can pretty much only happen during soccer season. While the 11-0 McAllen Bulldogs have dominated the district, the Coyotes, the Huskies and the Lobos have emerged as the bestof-the-rest. However, after struggling through their first round schedule with a 2-4 record, Huskies’ head coach Victor Ramos knew that his team would have to put together a much improved second round to qualify for the playoffs and to have any shot at making a run at the state title. Even so, Ramos was not worried. He knew that his team could’ve very easily flipped that first round record around to 4-2, but 2-1 losses on penalty kicks to the Mustangs, the Bulldogs and the Coyotes and a 1-0 loss to the Lobos put the Huskies in a hole they have only recently managed to climb out of. “We’ve had a lot of injuries this season so we’ve had to adapt,” Ramos said immediately after the Huskies 3-1 second round win over the

Lobos. “A lot of the games we’ve lost were on penalty kicks. So those were games we could’ve and should’ve won. Overall we’ve been playing ok.” The fact that the Huskies have now made the playoffs all nine years of Juarez-Lincoln High School’s existence, all with Ramos as head coach, is a testament to how successful a program he has put together. “Our best playoff run was in 2010 when we made the Regional Finals,” explained Ramos. “We lost to Dripping Springs that year and they went on to win the state championship.” The 2010 season was not the only one in which the Huskies have gone up against and lost to the eventual state champions in the playoffs. Just last year, Juarez-Lincoln lost to Brownsville Rivera on penalty kicks in the Regional Quarterfinal round and Rivera went on to take the state title. Likewise, the Huskies’ 2013 season came to an end in the Regional Quarterfinals as well when they fell to Brownsville Hanna who went on to be the state runner-ups that year. With one game left in the District 30-6A schedule and with the Bulldogs having long since clinched the district’s top seed and the Lobos being locked in as seed No. 4, all that remains to be decided is which seeds, either No. 3 or No. 4, the Huskies and the Coyotes will enter the playoffs as. The fact that these two teams will be facing off

Palmview’s Erick Jimenez times his kick perfectly as he returns the ball towards the Juarez-Lincoln side of the field during the first half of the Huskies 3-1 District 30-6A win over the Lobos. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra against each other tonight at 6, makes this rematch of the Coyotes’ 2-1 first round win on penalty kicks over the Huskies all that much more meaningful. “It’s a big game because we’ll be fighting for that sec-

ond or third spot,” Ramos said. “Now that we’ve gotten our confidence back we need to keep working and get ready for the playoffs.” Having won four of their last five games, the 6-5 Huskies are on a roll as they go

already clinched playoff spots, tonight’s game is not a must-win for either team. However, a win could mean entering the playoffs as a higher seed, giving them an advantage.

Lady Patriots win thriller, make playoffs T

By Luciano Guerra alk about snatching victory from the jaws of defeat! That is exactly what the Veterans Memorial Lady Patriots soccer team did Monday night when they pulled off a come-from-behind victory that salvaged their season just when it looked as if all was lost.

Veterans Memorial sophomore Alexa Ramirez goes all-out as she battles an Edinburg Vela defender for the ball during the second half of the Lady Patriots’ playoff clinching win over the Lady Sabercats. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

into tonight’s game. However the 7-4 Coyotes have put together their best season since 2009 when they went 10-4 in district play and advanced into the Regional Semifinals. With both teams having

In a game that was played a day earlier than originally scheduled due to Spring Break, the Lady Patriots traveled to Edinburg Vela High School to take on the Lady Sabercats in a battle from which one team would emerge assured of a playoff berth while the other would most likely be eliminated from playoff contention. With the Lady Patriots, the Lady Sabercats and the Valley View Lady Tigers all entering the final game of District 31-5A play with identical 5-6 records and 15 points in the standings, and with the top two seeds in the district already spoken for by the Sharyland Lady Rattlers and the Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks, it didn’t take a Nobel Laureate to figure out that one of those three 5-6 teams would soon find themselves eliminated from the playoffs. That’s where the importance of Monday night’s head-to-head matchup between the Lady Patriots and the Lady Sabercats came into

play. And that’s where the fact that, despite not having led at any point in the game until the fifth and final penalty kick in overtime, the Lady Patriots pulling off the victory has assured them of having their ticket punched into the playoffs. With his players still celebrating their highly unlikely victory Monday night, Lady Patriots’ head coach Mike Espinoza shared how big of a win it was. “Coming into this game we knew it was going to be a tough game to win,” Espinoza said. “They’re a team that never stops running. Other than Pioneer and Sharyland, our district is very competitive and we knew very well that the winner of tonight’s game was going to take no worse than fourth place. Hopefully this win will give us momentum going into the playoffs.” With only 1:49 left on the clock in regulation and the Lady Sabercats up 3-2, Lady Patriots’ senior forward Amanda Lozano’s header found the back of the goal to force a tie, and eventual game-deciding penalty kicks. When Veterans Memorial’s fifth and final penalty kick found the corner of the net to give the Lady Patriots the 4-3 win, Espinoza knew that his team had just won it biggest game of the season

thus far even if Maria Diaz, who made the game-winner, didn’t. “Either she’d make the goal and we’d win or she’d miss and we’d go into sudden death,” explained Espinoza. “Maria didn’t even know that we’d win if she made it. In a way that was good because it took the pressure off of her.” As for Diaz herself, she was just happy to have made the goal. “I made the kick and I thought to myself, ‘Oh good, I made it,’” Diaz said. “But then I turned around and I saw everybody running towards me and I heard the ref blow the whistle and I realized that we had just won. It was crazy!” As for the kick itself, Diaz said, “I’ve been practicing kicking the ball into that same corner since the beginning of the season, just the way the coaches taught us. I knew that this was the time to put everything they’ve taught me into play so I just kicked it and it got past the keeper and went right into the corner.” Next up for the Lady Patriots will be their bi-district round playoff game against PSJA Southwest. The date, time and location of this game had not yet been determined at press time.

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MISSION MURDER SUSPECT ARRAIGNED

By Lea Victoria Juarez apital murder suspect Ramon Aguilar was arraigned Wednesday at the Hidalgo County Jail with $2 million bond. Judge Bobby Contreras set the bond for $2 million because he said Aguilar is a flight risk. Aguilar was apprehended by the U.S. Marshal Gulf Coast Violent Offender and Fugitive Task Force with assistance from Mexican authorities. The 50 year old from Pharr was arrested in connection to a double homicide

that occurred on Dec. 26, 2015 at the 6100 block of Dario St. in rural Mission. The victims in the case were identified as Rodrigo Villanueva Alvarez, 24, and Juan Camorlinga Torres, 43. According to press release from the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s office, Alvarez was living at the home where the shooting took place. While searching the property, investigators discovered firearms, more than $50,000 and 37 bundles of marijuana which were weighed at about 414 lbs. Investigators believe that Torres and other suspects

went to the home in an attempt to steal the narcotics, leading to an exchange of gunfire between them and the persons at the home. A capital murder warrant is also issued for 21-year-old Guillermo Peña and 37-yearold Alberto Garcia Ocañas. County sheriff’s office released a video of the incident to the public, which is posted on their facebook page. The investigation is ongoing. The Criminal Investigations Division can be contacted at 383-8114. Anonymous information can be given at 668-8477.

MAN ARRAIGNED IN OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING

By Lea Victoria Juarez

n incident involving a La Joya police officer firing his weapon led to the arrest and arraignment of lone suspect Eusebio Espinoza. Judge Bobby Contreras set his bond at $55,000

The 20 year old faces a total of six charges from the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, Peñitas PD and Sullivan City PD. The charges are as follows: • aggravated assault on a public servant (Hidalgo County SO) • resisting arrest during the incident (Hidalgo County SO) • resisting arrest post arrest (Hidalgo County SO) • theft of a motor vehi-

cle (Peñitas PD) • criminal attempt murder (Peñitas PD) • assault on public servant (Sullivan City PD) On the afternoon of March 15, a car was reported stolen in Peñitas. A La Joya officer spotted the vehicle and followed it to the Los Ebanos Port of Entry. While at the port, the officer attempted to pull over the driver, later identified as Espinosa. Espinosa ignored the commands of officers from multiple agencies, and rammed the La Joya Police Officer’s vehicle. The La Joya officer fired his weapon once, but no one was shot, however officers were injured

during the events that transpired. The sheriff’s officers said they believe the gun shot to be justified. It took a La Joya officer, two Sullivan City officers and several U.S. Customs Border Protection officers to arrest Espinosa. The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office is handling the OIS investigation, and at the request of La Joya PD, are also handling the investigation and charges regarding the aggravated assault on a public servant and resisting arrest charges. Espinosa is being held at the Hidalgo County Jail.

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judge ruled that the law had a “discriminatory effect,” restricting voting access for black and Hispanic Texans. The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals announced earlier this month that it would hear arguments over whether the law violates the Voting Rights Act. Abbott responded Monday by saying “rampant” voter fraud in the state is the reason for more “ballot security.” “We don’t want to open the system up to methodologies or ways of voting that would promote or allow voter fraud,” Abbott said. There were 104 cases of alleged voter fraud in Texas between 2000 and 2011, ac-

cording to a study done by News21, an investigative journalism project at Arizona State University. That's fewer than three cases of alleged fraud per 1 million votes. Five states held primaries Tuesday: Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Illinois and Missouri. Ohio had the highest turnout, with 35.2 percent of the voting-age population casting ballots, according to the state. The lowest turnout of the day was Florida, at 25.6 percent, 4.1 percentage points higher than Texas. Florida, like Louisiana, has a closed primary system. When accounting for the voting-eligible population,

an estimate that excludes undocumented immigrants and felons on probation or parole, Texas still ranks second to last. On March 1, 24.7 percent of Texas' estimated voting-eligible population cast a ballot. Ross Ramsey and Jamie Lovegrove contributed to this report.

vedo, Arminda Aguilar; siblings, Elijio Flores, Eudelio Flores, Ismael Flores, Enriqueta Garcia, Ismelda Flores and Enemelia Flores; and 21 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, March 18, at 10 a.m. at St. John of the Fields Catholic Church in Mission. Interment follows at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mission. Filognio Cuellar ALTON – Filognio Cuellar Sr., 87, passed away on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at his home. Mr. Cuellar was born on Feb. 15, 1929, in Weslaco to Mateo and Gregoria Borgas. He was employed for over 20 years with Matt’s Cash and Carry. Survivors include his wife, Bertha Lilia Cuellar of Alton; son, Filognio Cuellar Jr. of Weslaco; brother, Teofilo Cuellar of Mercedes; and three grandsons. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Gre-

goria Sandoval; and granddaughter, Nicole Cuellar. No local services were held. Olivia O. Longoria PENITAS – Olivia O. Longoria, 81, passed away on Monday, March 14, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Longoria was born in Abram on Oct. 31, 1934, to Pedro Ochoa Sr. and Leonor Gonzalez. Survivors include her husband, Roberto Longoria; children, Roberto Longoria Jr., Ricardo Longoria, Rogelio Longoria, Rodolfo Longoria, Norma Garza, Adela Cedillo, Elizabeth Longoria and Leonor Cancino; siblings, Tomas Ochoa, Pedro Ochoa Jr. and Gloria Garza; and 23 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. A funeral mass was held on March 16 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Peñitas. Burial followed at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.

Fred Star MISSION – Fred Star, 87, from Mission, passed away on March 3, 2016. Mr. Star lived in Rochester, NY for many years. After retirement, he moved back to Chautauqua Co., NY and then to Mission. He was a 60-plus year member of the Free and Accepted Masons. He was a member of the Sylvan Lodge in Jamestown, NY, for over 50 years and spent the remaining years at the Masonic Lodge in Mission. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Beverly Bernard Star; children, Joan Massare, Dan Star and Ruth Star; and three granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Marie Star. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Golf View Estates Recreation Center in Mission. Burial will be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to Temple Emanuel/ Playground Fund, 4300

N Chai St., McAllen, TX 78504, or to the American Cancer Society/Colon Cancer, 1400 Winton Rd., Rochester, NY14609. Fidela Zamora PALMVIEW – Fidela Zamora of Palmview passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2016, at Paxvilla Hospice in McAllen. Raised in Penitas, Mrs. Zamora recently celebrated her 67th birthday. Survivors include her siblings, Joe Moreno, Rosa Beck, Dr. Roberto Zamora, Lindolfo Zamora, Joe Moreno III and Veronica Moreno. She was preceded in death by her mothers, Maria Guadalupe Zamora and Celia Ramirez Zamora; fathers, Luis Moreno and Eugenio Zamora; and a brother, Eugenio Zamora, Jr. A memorial mass was held on March 16 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Peñitas. Memorial donations may be made to Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 916 Leo Ave., La Joya, TX.

City Cemetery. John Haggerty MISSION – John Haggerty, 97, passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Neyda Gonzalez MISSION – A funeral mass for Neyda Gonzalez was held on Saturday, March

12, 2016, at St. Marie Magdalene Catholic Church in Abram. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview. Leo Lopez Jr. MISSION – A funeral service for Leo Lopez Jr. was held on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church

in Mission. Burial followed at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. Santos Rios MISSION – A funeral service for Santos Rios was held on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at Lord and I Funeral Home in Peñitas. Burial followed at Lord and I

Cemetery in Palmview.

Texas still second to last in voter turnout for primaries By Jolie McCullough

The Texas Tribune fter a new round of states voted Tuesday, Texas still had the second lowest voting-age participation rate of all that have held both Democratic and Republican primaries so far, behind only Louisiana. Texas pulled in more than 4.2 million voters in its March 1 primaries, the most in state history, according to the secretary of state, but that number accounts for only 21.5 percent of residents 18 and older.

Louisiana, with 17.3 percent of their voting-age population casting ballots, was the only state of the 19 that have already voted with a lower voter turnout rate than Texas. Louisiana, unlike Texas, uses a closed system for presidential primaries, where a person must register as a Democrat or Republican before the election to be eligible to vote in a primary. In Texas, voters can decide at the polls which primary to vote in; no prior party registration is required. Recently, President Barack Obama and Gov. Greg Abbott have given op-

obituaries Stella Guerrero Rivera October 24, 1941 – March 12, 2016 It is with our deepest sorrow that we inform you of the death of our beloved wife and mother, Stella Guerrero Rivera, 74, on Saturday, March 12, 2016. She married the love of her life, Ralph del Bosque Rivera, on November 13, 1966, and they were married for 49 years. Our father and siblings lost their parents at a young age, the late Bernardo and Ramona Rivera. Their uncle, the late Transito Rivera, and cousin, Adelina C. (Mama Nina) Ramirez, raised our father and his siblings. Our Mom is survived by her loving husband, Ralph del Bosque Rivera; her brother-in-law, Rogelio Rivera (Tina); her sisters-in-law, Rebecca R. Reyna and Rosalinda “Nana” R. Flores; her precious children, Renee R. Rivera-Kirby (Keith), Ralph

Notices

Elena Ascencio MISSION – A funeral service for Elena Ascencio was held on Saturday, March 12, 2016, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Granjeno. Burial followed at Granjeno Cemetery.

G. Rivera Jr. and Regina D. Rivera (Caroline); grandsons, Joshua Adam Martinez, Ryan Andrés Rivera and Alexander Rey Rivera; and great-grandchildren Miranda Leigh Tello-Martinez and Michael Ryan Martinez. A family memorial will be held as follows: recitation of the Holy Rosary will be on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at 10:00 a.m, San Jose Catholic Church in Austin. Burial to follow at Onion Creek Memorial Park in Austin. Eva Flores MISSION – Eva Flores, 92, passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Flores was born in Diaz Ordaz, Tamps., Mexico on June 5, 1923, to Alfredo Flores and Leonor Flores. Survivors include her children, Rosbel Flores, Ercilia Torres, Maricela AceErnesto Ornelas SULLIVAN CITY – A funeral mass for Ernesto Ornelas was held on Thursday, March 17, 2016, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Sullivan City. Burial followed at Sullivan

Y’ALL COME!

OUR PALM SUNDAY MARCH TO LA LOMITA AND “DIA DEL CAMPO” IS OUR “DESPEDIDA” TO OUR WINTER TEXANS AND MIGRANTS. QUE VAYAN CON DIOS.

6TH WEEK OF LENT OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH MISSION

PADRES OBLATOS

MISSIONARY CATECHIST OF THE POOR: SR. LUPITA DAUGHTERS OF MARY MOTHER OF MERCY: SR. ELIZABETH, SR. BIBIANA & SR. MADONNA † DEACON AYALA & DEACON CASTAÑEDA WHAT A CONTRAST BETWEEN THE JOYFUL WELCOME OF CHRIST INTO JERUSALEM AND HIS REJECTION, TORTURE, AND DEATH FIVE DAYS LATER! THAT SAME CONTRAST AND TENSION BETWEEN HOSTILITY AND HOSPITALITY STILL EXISTS TODAY IN OUR WORLD AND EVEN IN OUR HEARTS.

HOLY THURSDAY - March 24, 2016 7:00 P.M. ............ Mass Of The Last Supper Washing Of The Feet “ Pan Bendito” Adoration until 10 P.M. 9:00 P.M. ................................................................Confessions

GOOD FRIDAY - March 25, 2016 3:00 P.M. ........................................................Way of the Cross 7:00 P.M. ................................................................Confessions 8:00 P.M. .................Rosary—Prayer with The Sorrowful Mother

HOLY SATURDAY - March 26, 2016 10:00 A.M ..................................... Last Chance For Confessions 8:30 - 11:00 P.M.............................................Easter Vigil Mass

EASTER SUNDAY - March 27, 2016 7:30 A.M. ................................................... Easter Sunrise Mass 9:00 A.M. ...............................................................Easter Mass 10:30 A.M. .............................................................Easter Mass 12:30 P.M. ..............................................................Easter Mass

“Texas Friendly” spoken at all masses (and confessions) CONFESSIONS

Thursday ....................................................... 6:00 P.M. Saturday......................................................... 3:00 P.M.

620 DUNLAP, MISSION, TX • 585-2623

ONE BLOCK WEST OF CONWAY ON MAGNA DRIVE (6TH ST.)

March 18, 2016

posing perspectives on voter turnout in the state. “The folks who are governing the good state of Texas aren't interested in having more people participate,” the president told The Texas Tribune’s Evan Smith last week at South by Southwest Interactive. Obama has criticized voter ID laws in the past, like the one Texas passed in 2011. The law requires most citizens to show an allowable form of photo identification, like a state driver's license or handgun license, before their ballots can be counted. Last year, a federal

ProgressTimes

Maria de Jesus Rodriguez PALMVIEW – A funeral service for Maria de Jesus Rodriguez was held on Saturday, March 12, 2016, at Lord and I Funeral Home in Peñitas. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmivew.

theclassifieds March 18, 2016

buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

this page is your oyster opening up to a world of opportunity

ORDINANCE NO. 4327 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – CATHOLIC WAR VETERANS, 901 N. SLABAUGH AVE. (AKA 500 W. BUSINESS HIGHWAY 83), LOTS 7-10, BLOCK 150, MISSION ORIGINAL TOWNSITE READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14TH DAY OF MARCH, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4328 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – ARELI’S CELEBRATION HALL, 1905 W. GRIFFIN PARKWAY, LOTS 1-4, SOUTHERN OAKS, PH. I SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14TH DAY OF MARCH, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4320 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS, AMENDING THE MISSION CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 6 -ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, ARTICLE I, SECTION 6-3 HOURS OF SALE, BY REPEALING EXTENDED HOURS. READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14TH DAY OF MARCH, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4323 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR T-REY’S DRIVETHRU CONVENIENCE STORE, 2502 W. BUSINESS 83, LOTS 131 & 132, ALA BLANCA #4 SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14TH DAY OF MARCH, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4324 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A PORTABLE BUILDING – SALE OF WATER, 2301 GOLD AVENUE, LOT 97, CHAPARRAL HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14TH DAY OF MARCH, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4325

page 9

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Autos YOUR CHOICE, ONE owner, 2005 Suburban, 94,000, loaded; 2006 Honda Civic EX, 34,000, Brownsville, 217-314 -9039. 2001 FORD F-250, 7.3 Diesel Super Duty Crew Cab Lariat, 112K miles, 50 gal aux tank, 5th

Personal classified rate:

Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m. If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573 Order by phone 585-4893 with a major credit card. The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 3 p.m.

$7 for 15 words

25¢ each additional word thereafter

Business classified rate: $15 for 15 words

25¢ each additional word thereafter

wheel hitch, electric brake system, bed cover, excellent condition, $14,000, 402450-7836. I PAY CASH for your travel trailers, park models, fifth wheels and cars. Iʼll make you a good deal. Call Jerry Garcia at 956-929-3824.

ORDINANCE NO. 4326 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – ASADERO LOS CABRITOS RESTAURANT, 1512 E. EXPRESSWAY 83, STE. 104, LOT 3, STEWART PLAZA SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14TH DAY OF MARCH, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

Fifth wheels FOR SALE OR rent 2001 Fifth Avenue Fifth Wheel 38ʼ, 3 slides, 3 axle, $11,500, Hidden Valley Ranch, 505331-8045. 2005 CARDINAL 29FT, 3 slides, Mission West Resorts, $8,500 OBO, 913594 -0558. 2005 CEDARCREEK 38.8 ft.,

3 slides, $11,800, excellent condition, Trophy Gardens, Alamo, phone 306-2097104. 2004 BIG SKY Montana, 36ft., 3 slides, Artic package, fireplace, open kitchen, 2 TVps, many other amenities, golf cart included, $13,900 offers considered, 956-509-9994. 5TH WHEEL MONTANA 2004 - 4 slide Artic Pac, one owner, very nice, $16,000 or best of-

MISSION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION NOTICE OF INTENTION BUDGET AMENDMENT TO FY 2015-2016 BUDGET TAKE NOTICE that the Mission Economic Development Corporation of the City of Mission, (the “MEDC”), shall convene not earlier than 60 days after first publishing this notice and shall consider authorizing a Budget Amendment to the fiscal year 2015-2016 Budget, as hereinafter described, pursuant to the provisions of V.T.C.A. Local Government Code Sections 505.001 et seq. The MEDC is authorized on behalf of the City of Mission, Texas to undertake the Project or Projects by paying the cost of the Project or Projects with sales tax revenues authorized under said Local Government Code sections.

fer, 956-821-5362.

2000 TAHOE GLIDE Lite 21MB Fifth Wheel by Thor, single slide, weighs 3550 LBS, 24’ long, front queen bed, (956)-585-4481.

For Rent MISSION, 1502 DUNLAP (REAR), 2 bedroom, 2 bath, carport, fenced, no bills included, no housing $575 mo., $575 dep., 956-369-0732.

For Sale RICOS TAMALES VERACRUZANOS con aceite de olivo, de carne, de dulce y vegetarianos. Catering para sus fiestas Dona Mary, 956655-4661.

Mobile homes MOBILE HOME FOR sale, Mission Trade Winds RV 55+ Lot TW-122, 3bdr, large open concept, large bathroom, furnisher included, $20,000, rent lot paid till Sept. 30, 2016, Beatrice 956-341-8367.

DRIVERS:

Drivers CDL-A: Steady Year Round Miles! SignOn, Monthly & Annual Bonuses! Great Benefits Package! Long Haul US/ Canada. 855-645-7789

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 118 ARTICLE III OF THE MISSION, TEXAS CODE OF ORDINANCES, ENTITLED WRECKERS; AMENDING SECTION 118-81 BY REDEFINING ROTATION LIST TO INCLUDE LIGHT DUTY AND HEAVY DUTY ROTATION LISTS; AMENDING SECTION 118-85 (A) BY IDENTIFYING LIGHT DUTY LIST AND FURTHER AMENDING BY ADDING SECTION (A-1) TO INCLUDE HEAVY DUTY LIST; AMENDING SECTION 118-159 (A) BY PROVIDING TWO LISTS OF ELIGIBLE WRECKERS; AMENDING SECTION 118-160(B) BY DELETING EXEMPTION FOR HEAVY DUTY WRECKER COMPANY STORAGE YARD LOCATIONS; AMENDING ARTICLE V SECTION 118-191 RATES AND FEES BY INCLUDING FEES FOR HEAVY DUTY TOW FEES; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A PENALTY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14TH DAY OF MARCH, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A RESTAURANT ON PROPERTY ZONED C-2, 1233 E. GRIFFIN PARKWAY, LOT 1, & THE S. 25’ OF LOT 2, BLOCK 1, BEL-AIRE HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14TH DAY OF MARCH, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4329

ORDINANCE NO. 4321

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS, AMENDING SECTIONS 1.2, 1.43(2), 1.44(2), 1.44A(2), 1.45(2) AND 1.46(2) OF “APPENDIX A- ZONING” OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO DEFINE CREDIT ACCESS BUSINESSES AND REGULATED LENDERS; PROVIDING FOR PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY: PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION AND PUBLICATION DATE READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14TH DAY OF MARCH, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING OF 10.285 ACRES CONSISTING OF 0.394 OF ONE ACRE OUT OF AN ABANDONED CANAL R.O.W. ADJACENT TO THE WEST OF LOT 246, JOHN H. SHARY SUBDIVISION, 8.890 ACRES OUT OF LOT 246, JOHN H. SHARY SUBDIVISION, & 1.001 ACRE BEING ALL OF LOT 1, WHITNEY-ROSS SUBDIVISION, FROM AO-I (AGRICULTURAL OPEN INTERIM) TO R-3 (MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14TH DAY OF MARCH, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

Notice of Public Hearing Mission Economic Development Corporation Notice is hereby given that the Mission Economic Development Corporation will conduct a public hearing on April 19, 2016, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas to consider the following project or projects during the proposed fiscal year 2015-2016: Operation Expenses for the Center for Education and Economic Development facility, located at 801 N. Bryan Road, Mission, TX 78572, in an amount not to exceed $300,000. Anyone interested attend and present

is invited to their comments.

Date of publication: March 18, 2016 Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

THE STATE OF TEXAS ARMANDO FLORES, REPONDENT(S),

ORDINANCE NO. 4330

ORDINANCE NO. 4322

For more information please come by La Joya City Hall located at 101 N. Leo Ave. or contact us at 956-581-7002. Written comments may be forwarded to Mayor Jose A. “Fito” Salinas, City of La Joya, P.O. Box H, La Joya, Texas 78560

IN THE MATTER OF THE MARRIAGE OF VERONICA HERRERA DE FLORES VS. ARMANDO FLORES

The Project or Projects shall consist of the following: Operation Expenses for the Center for Education and Economic Development facility, located at 801 N. Bryan Road, Mission, TX 78572, in an amount not to exceed $300,000.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE COMPLIMENTARY OFFERING OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FOR ON-SITE CONSUMPTION FOR A SOCIAL AND/OR CULTURAL EVENT, 921 E. 12TH STREET, LOT 1, MISSION LIBRARY SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14TH DAY OF MARCH, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

The City of La Joya will conduct a Public Hearing on Thursday March 31, 2016 at 6pm at San Jose Catholic Church, 115 E. Military Rd. in Havana, Texas to solicit input on the proposed annexation west of the City of La Joya. A service plan and map of the proposed annexation will be presented at the public hearing in accordance with State Law. The Public is invited to attend. All comments will be considered, the proceedings will be conducted in Spanish if required by attendees.

CAUSE NO. F-1174-16-A

The Board of Directors of the MEDC will determine whether the Project or Projects will be undertaken and whether it will finance the cost of the Project or Projects with proceeds from sales tax revenues.

Date of Publication: March 18, 2016 Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

YOU HAVE BEEN SUED. “You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who isued this citation by 10:00 o’clock a.m. on the Monday next following the expiration of twenty (20) days after your were served this citation and petition, a default judgement may be taken against you.” The petition of VERONICA HERRERA DE FLORES, Petitioner, was filed in the 92nd District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas, on this the 25th day of February, 2016, against ARMANDO FLORES Respondent, case numbered F-117416-A and entitled IN THE MATTER OF THE MARRIAGE OF VERONICA HERRERA DE FLORS VS. ARMANDO FLORES. The suit request that the Court grant a divorce and such other relief requested in the Petition. The Court has authority in this suit to enter any judgement or decree dissolving the marriage and providing for the division of property that will be binding on you. Said petition was filed in said court by: VERONICA HERRERA DE FLORES, 7540 CAMELOT DR, MISSION, TX 78572. ISSUED AND GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL of said Court at Edinburg, Texas this on this the 4th day of March, 2016.

Mission Towing inc. 1515 w. 3 MiLe Rd. Mission, Texas 78573 (956) 585-8245 • Fax 581-6668 TDLR VSF Lic. NO. 0551944VSF

956 Towing & RecoveRy LLc 1515 w. 3 MiLe Rd. Mission, Texas 78573 (956) 585-8245 • Fax: 581-6668 TDLR VSF Lic. NO. 0640957

pursuant to the provision contained in rule 85.703. subchapter f, from chapter 85, part 4 of title 16 in the texas administrative code, we are officially notifying you that the below described motor vehicles held in our custody are to be picked up, removed and all charges paid within (45) days or these vehicles will be declared abandoned according to texas law. YEAR MAKE 1999 Jeep

MODEL grand cherokee

VIN# 1J4gw58s1xc564744

BALANCE $910.00

2007 vw sport van 8awpb45Z07a328698 $690.00 total charges cannot be computed until vehicle is claimed. storage charges will accrue daily until vehicle is released. pursuant to the provision contained in rule 85.704. subchapter d, from chapter 85, part 4 of title 16 in the texas administrative code, we are officially notifying you that the below described motor vehicle(s) held in our custody are to be picked up, removed and all charges paid within (30) days. failure of the owner or lienholder to claim vehicle(s) before the date of sale is a waiver of all right, title, and interest of vehicle(s). and also a consent to the sale of the vehicle in public sale according to texas law. 2ND NOTICE YEAR MAKE home made

MODEL

VIN#

utility trailer

BALANCE $840.00

total charges cannot be computed until vehicle is claimed. storage charges will accrue daily until vehicle is released.

page 10

March 18, 2016

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La Joya chess team makes state, bound for Nationals By Lilliana Salgado

he 1,400 year-old game of Chess is considered by many to be “too hard to play” or “only played by smart people.” This stereotype, however, couldn’t be farther from the truth. Chess means discipline and is universal with rules that are consistent everywhere, no matter who you are or what part of the planet you live in. For the five members of the Husky Chess Club from Juarez-Lincoln High School, earning fourth place (out of 19) at the 2016 Texas Scholastic Chess Tournament proved that a rural school from La Joya can make it big. That spot earned them the opportunity to go on to national competition. Juarez-Lincoln senior Alexis Ortiz, juniors Jesus Ocampo and Juan Vasquez, and sophomores Misael Galvan and Elier Padilla, made up the winning combination that took home the fourth place in the High School JV Division. Of the five, 10th grader, Elier Padilla, received the second place individual rank out of 138 participants, allowing him to advance to nationals – a first for La Joya ISD. The state contest, held in Brownsville on March 5 and 6, gathered over 1,500 students (ranging from grades Kinder thru high school) from across Texas. The Juarez-Lincoln HS chess team trailed only to schools from the Austin and Laredo areas to win a top spot in the tournament, and proudly represented the Rio Grande Valley. “I think I must have been more excited than the kids,” Alex Martinez, first-year club sponsor, said of his students. “They all yelled, jumped up and down, and I could really see the joy in their eyes – it made me feel really happy for what they

had accomplished.” Practiced worldwide, chess has been integrated into the educational system as a means of improving learning, thinking, analytical and concentration skills, and helps strengthen decision-making abilities in students. The game not only incorporates elements of logic, art and math (among others), but it exercises both sides of the brain while improving memory. A chess player himself, on and off since the third grade, Martinez looked for a way to contribute to student success on his campus and took on the challenge of sponsoring the Chess Club. With no budget and very little money in a their activity account, Martinez not only donated his time, but also his own finances to ensure registration fees, T-shirts and meals covered for his state competitors. “These kids and their tough backgrounds are what motivate me to keep by their side, because I know they have it in them to be champions. Also my colleague, Mr. Emer Santos, has been a major contributing factor in the win. He has been the one to coach the kids and consequently has led them to earn the fourth place overall standing at the state level.”

said Martinez. “It felt good winning six out of the seven required rounds, to get the second place trophy,” said Padilla. “I could have placed first but missed it by just half a point. But, at the end of the day, I’m not disappointed because I know I worked hard and did my best.” While still in middle school, Padilla was invited to join the high school chess club and was able to compete alongside his older brother Elio – yet never reached the height he attained during this year’s state tournament. “My first interest in chess began when I was in the fifth grade when a girl gave me my first chess board,” said Padilla. “ My older brother, who was also into chess, then taught me the basics, and later my teachers Mr. Santos and Mr. Fajutag, coached me even more and taught me new strategies, and now here I am- ready to compete at nationals!” Next stop for the Juarez-Lincoln High School Chess Club is the USCF (United States Chess Federation) 2016 National High School Championship to be held April 1 to 3 in Atlanta, Ga. where player Elier Padilla has qualified to compete with other hopefuls vying for

La Joya Husky Chess Club team members Alexis Ortiz, Jesus Ocampo, Juan Vasquez, Misael Galvan and Elier Padilla are heading to national chess competition after placing at the state level.