Friday, August 17, 2018_PT ISSUE

Friday, August 17, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | 50 Cents

Vol. 46 No. 53

Jesus Trejo, Jr.

Hundreds attend “Reclaim the River” event at National Butterfly Center

“Loved and loved back, unconditionally”

By Jamie Treviño MISSION - Family, softball players, Boy Scouts, coaches and educators remember Jesus Trejo, Jr., a teacher and coach who was born, raised, and lived in Mission.

He passed August 12, while on a camping trip with Boy Scout troop 83. His wife of 26 years, Beatriz Trejo, said he was doing one of the things he loved.

“This was him in a nutshell: softball, Boy Scouts and family,” Beatriz said.

“When he passed, he was doing what he loved, he was out there scouting with my son. They were camping.”

“We’re finding out how

Attendees of the “Reclaim the River” event enjoy a view of the Rio Grande River Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018. Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.

By Jose De Leon III As an avid hiker, Alton resident Isaac Casas can be seen hiking along the Mission Hike and Bike Trails or the Bentsen State Park. For Casas, the wildlife along the Rio Grande River makes the area unique.

“It’s welcoming, this is a place that is hard to come by,” Casas said. “It’d be a shame if people lose access to it.

Last Sunday, August 12, Casas joined hundreds of other residents along the banks of the Rio Grande River for “Reclaim the River,” a free event at the National Butterfly Center that also marked the one-year anniversary of the border wall protest at the La Lomita Chapel.

That protest drew nearly 1,000 people to the historic chapel where they walked four miles between Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in downtown Mission to La Lomita after concerns that President Trump’s proposed border wall would leave the mission south of the wall.

This year, the “Reclaim the River” event aimed to commemorate that event by raising awareness of the wildlife along the river. This comes after Trump signed a spending bill last spring that included $1.6 billion for fencing and other border security measures.

Since that bill was signed, U.S. Customs and Border Protection notified landowners of plans to build 33 miles of barrier in Hidalgo County and Starr County. The 25 miles it plans to build in Hidalgo will consist of 18-foot-tall fencing atop vertical concrete river levees — similar to an existing levee-wall structure the federal government built a decade ago. Plans also call for a 150-foot-wide "enforcement zone" on the river-facing side of the barrier with a road for law enforcement and private property owners, 24-7 lighting, cameras and sensors.

Part of that wall would go through the Bentsen State

Park, essentially shutting it down. The wall would also separate the La Lomita Chapel-located south of the levee-from the public and go through the National Butterfly Center, which has 70 percent of its property located south of the levee.

As part of the “Reclaim the River” event, the Center held activities on its property south of the levee-usually reserved for members of the center-to the public.

Attendees could enjoy sand sculpting by the award-winning local artist Sandyfeet of South Padre Island, guided nature hikes, fishing, a petting zoo and a pet adoption drive courtesy of the Mission Pawsible Program.

For Casas, the best part of the event was the ability to go to the banks of the Rio Grande River, and witness the majesty of the area.

“This is the first time I’m here, seeing the river up close,” Casas said. “It’s bumming me out that this is my first time here and I may not see this again if the wall comes through. It’s upsetting.”

Also at the event were Jen and Christopher Gabler, who brought their three children to the event. This was the first time the Gablers came to the Center as a family and both say they are vocally against the wall.

For Christopher, a biologist at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, the proposed border wall would be a disaster.

“We bring classes along the river here and it’ll impact our abilities to teach students about these ecosystems,” Christopher said. “Some of these habitats are some of the last ones as intact as they are so their conservation value is really high. Even just constructing a wall affects the migration of species, water dynamics, it’s just generally going to be the final blow for these habitats that have been struggling for a century already.”

Scott Nicol, an executive

See RECLAIM THE RIVER Pg. 7

much of an impact he had,” Beatriz added. “He stayed here, so everyone knows him.”

Family and community members have been gathering all week, lending their support to his wife, children Ina and Antonio Trejo and his siblings. Ina and Antonio said he helped people all over the Rio Grande Valley, and was known in many cities.

“He gave so much of himself,” Ina said. “He didn’t expect anything in return, he did it because he loved everyone. He was a great dad, the best dad.”

Visitation and a rosary for Jesus was held Tuesday at

See JESUS TREJO, JR. Pg. 10

Team Un1ted candidates file for school board

by Dave Hendricks Candidates supported by Team Un1ted filed for school board Monday, accompanied by more than 70 supporters from across western Hidalgo County.

Politicos packed the boardroom Monday afternoon to watch incumbent school board Trustee Johnn Alaniz, former school board Trustee Espie Ochoa and political novice Nereyda Cantu submit ballot applications.

“Both of these ladies have a lot of experience in education,” said Alaniz, 42, of Palmview, the CEO of the La Joya Area Federal Credit Union.

Team Un1ted brought together members of Team L1berty — which had dominated western Hidalgo County politics since November 2016 — with supporters of Hidalgo County Commissioner Joe Flores.

Supporters of Team Un1ted pose for a photo with the candidates Monday afternoon in La Joya. Progress Times photo by Dave Hendricks.

Along with Alaniz, they backed Ochoa, 48, of Palmview, an educator who served on the school board from 2008 to 2016; and businesswoman Nereyda Cantu, 40, of Palmview, the sisterin-law of school board Trustee Alex Cantu.

After filing ballot applications, the candidates posed for photos with supporters, including Palmview Mayor Jerry Perez, Peńitas Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Lopez, school board President Armin Garza, Agua Special Utility District board Pres-

ident Roger Hernandez and state Rep. Sergio Muńoz Jr. “I look forward, again, to working hard and getting this election going,” Nereyda Cantu said, drawing applause from the crowd.

See TEAM UN1TED Pg. 10

LJISD holds 4th annual Back to School Bash at three high schools

By Jamie Treviño With three different locations for parents and students to gather for back to school supplies and information, the Back to School Bash produced a large turnout.

The La Joya Independent School District held their 4th annual Back to School Bash last week at Palmview High School, Juarez-Lincoln High School and La Joya High School. Each location included booths and faculty

Students and parents from the La Joya school district gather school supplies and backpacks at Palmview High School, one of three locations for the 4th annual LJISD Back to School Bash.

Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

from the middle and elementary schools that feed into each high school were present.

The Back to School Bash provided immunizations, access to online registration, free haircuts, school supplies and backpacks. Various departments within the district such as transportation, migrant, special education and parental involvement were also available in case parents or students had any questions about the upcoming year.

LJISD Board of Trustees members Johnn Alaniz and Alejandro “Alex” Cantu were present at the Palmview High School Back to School Bash. They both spoke about the importance of the event in the district.

“We understand the times we are living in right now,” Alaniz said. “Not everyone

can afford all of these things, and we want to make sure that everybody has the same opportunities as anybody else.”

“As a community, we take pride in having everybody united,” Cantu added. “For the community to come out and support our district and our kids, it really goes a long way, especially in providing the resources necessary to start off the new school year.

It helps a lot of families out.”

The Back to School Bash was made possible through donations and sponsors from all over the La Joya and Palmview communities.

“This is just a small token, and it has nothing to do with LJISD, we just help organize this,” Alaniz said. “I’d like to thank all the sponsors for putting this all together. It’s

See BACK TO SCHOOL BASH Pg. 10

INSIDE Mission City Council Meeting The city will re-solicit bids for their emergency ambulance services and has authorized staff to begin negotiations for a drainage assessment. More information about the meeting, inside.

See Pg. 4

INDEX

Entertainment | pg. 2

New Agape Directors

City of Palmview Elections

Agape Christian School has recently named a new director and assistant director. To read more about Sandy Ehlinger and Janice Nevanen, see the article by Jose De Leon III.

With elections coming in November, Mayor Jerry Perez has announced that he will not be running for re-election. Dave Hendricks has the latest news and details about Palmview.

See Pg. 6

See Pg. 6

Lifestyle | pg. 3

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Sports | pg. 5

Obituaries | pg. 7

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Classifieds | pg. 8

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entertainment

Coming Attractions

August 18 • The grand opening and ribbon cutting of the “Seed to Table” interactive exhibit at the International Museum of Art & Science will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. The exhibit teaches healthy lifestyle choices and is made possible by the H-E-B Tournament of Champions. Admission will be free from 2 to 4 p.m. that day.

August 20-21 • The Valley Symphony Chorale will hold auditions in the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex choir room at 1201 W. University Drive in Edinburg from 4 to 6 p.m., by appointment only. Requirements include the ability to sing “Gloria to God” from Handel’s Messiah; sing the first phrase of “America the Beautiful” unaccompanied in different keys; and a simple sight-reading with an example. Go to valleyorchestra.org/chorale-auditions to download the audition music. For an appointment, email Dr. David Means, chorale conductor at david.means@utrgv.edu. Rehearsals are Monday evenings in the UTRGV choir room from 7 to 9:30 p.m. beginning in September.

August 30 • Registration ends Aug. 30 for a special three-day Painterly Portrait Workshop led by award-winning artist Alain J. Picard that is hosted by the Upper Valley Art League (UVAL). The workshop will be held Oct. 11 to 13. The workshop runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day at the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th St. in Mission. Working in either pastels or oils, workshop participants will learn how to develop lifelike paintings from live models or photographs.

The workshop is $210 for UVAL members and $230 for nonmembers. A supply list will be available to all participants after registration. To sign up, contact Maxilou Link at maxiloulink88@gmail.com or Mandy Wilson at mandylwilson@ gmail.com to register and pay for the workshop. .

(For more Coming Attractions, go to ptrgv.com)

PHARR – “Tales of the Hidalgo Pumphouse” opens runs Aug. 22 to 26 at the Elva and Kieth Michal Performing Arts Center, 213 W. Newcombe Ave. The show runs Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

“After all these years, there is something magical about the huge old building with its aluminum exterior, some of it brown from years of baking in the hot sun and from weather aging – sitting tall, strong and mysterious,” said Pedro Garcia who cowrote the script and is the PCT artistic director.

“The high, white concrete smoke stack that touches the clouds and the deep pits inside the building where huge and heavy Corliss and Hamilton engines rest on top of strong cement beds are still there, as well as the gigantic furnaces where mesquite wood was once burned to help create the steam that would pump millions of gallons of water from the Rio Grande every day for crop irrigation. I grew up in Hidalgo and I have fond memories of my childhood and coming of age around the Pumphouse with my friends,” Garcia said.

Today it has become a Texas Historical marker and a Museum and World Birding Center open to the public.

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‘Tales of the Hidalgo Pumphouse’ opens Aug. 22 in Pharr

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Rhiannon Garza, playing as La Llorona/The Weeping Woman, and Francisco Crisanto, who portrays La Muerte/Death, rehearse a scene from “Tales of the Hidalgo Pumphouse” playing at Pharr Community Theater running Aug. 22 to 26. wrote the story and grew up in Hidalgo said, “My grandfather, Bartolo, worked there before I was born and my uncle, Luis, for nearly 50 years up until he retired when the old pump house shut down in 1983.”

Luis Rivera is a character in the play, played by Gustavo Saucedo, as well as his wife, Paula, played by Atenea Garza. Another real life character in the play is Rufus Wisdom, played by Larry Weinreich, who was a long time foreman with nearly 40 years working at the Pumphouse.

“It was our public swimming pool and fishing hole of sorts,” added Rivera.

“Water that was stored in the huge receiving basins before heading out through the canals became a fun place for swimming and fishing for me and the other boys growing

up there.”

The play tells of Luisito, played by Gilberto Castro, Jr., and his buddies as they come of age and search for a hidden treasure while the girls are writing a historical-report about the Pumphouse and practicing an ancient dance in honor of the Rio Grande.

The story is also about the parents and ancestors who worked and lived around the Pumphouse since it was built in 1909 and closed in 1983.

The tale is laced with history, folktales and adventure including the creepy and sometimes funny fantasmas/ spirits such as, La Llorona/The Weeping Woman, played by Rhiannon Garza; La Lechuza/The Witch Owl played by Alma I. Izaguirre; La Muerte/Death, played

by Francisco Crisanto; and El Hombre Sin Cabeza/The

Headless Man, played by Sergio Luna. Together the youth and adults, with help from a historian named Mrs. Stonewall, played by Connie Garza, and the magical pirate Hidalgo, played by Cielo Barrios, save the Old Pumphouse from destruction.

The story is bilingual, predominately told in English with nearly 23 local cast members, including 10 adolescents, who have been in rehearsals since early June.

Seres Jaime Magaña, director, says directing a play is a fresh start for him to adapt a story into a visual form.

“A lot of the approach is letting the story tell me where it wants to go and then me being able to show that and to translate it. Not only is it a historical and fun play for the whole family, it’s also got a lot of heart,” added Magaña.

Thirteen-year-old Arianna Compean from Edinburg plays Janie in the play and attends Barrientes Middle School.

“I do theater because I listen to broadway tunes and it’s a dream for me to perform there one day. This play has helped me learn about the Rio Grande, about where you live and about remembering childhood stories,” she said.

Tickets are $6 for kids under 12; $8 for seniors, veterans and students; and $10 general admission. Seating is limited to 60 persons per show. For advanced tickets call 956-239-0412. Tickets will also be sold at the door, starting one hour before curtain, upon availability. The show has a viewer rating equivalent to a PG movie.

MOSTHistory program delves into Gutierrez-Magee Expedition

EDINBURG – The Museum of South Texas History hosts Jesus Correa, local historian from Starr County, with a presentation on the Gutiérrez-Magee Expedition and the early 19th century, Spain’s Northern provinces, which are now Texas.

Correa will discuss the expedition’s documented history in his Spanish-speaking presentation, “Gutierrez-Magee Expedition 18121841,” on Sunday, Aug. 19, at 2 p.m. at the Museum of South Texas History.

The provinces were under strict government control and chafing under Spanish rule. The Gutiérrez-Magee Expedition profoundly impacted that relationship.

Early in August of 1812, Bernando Gutiérrez de Lara,

Jesus Correa

a representative from the San Antonio area, seeking to free Mexico from Spain’s control, and Lt. August Magee, who was stationed in Fort Jessup in Louisiana, led an expedition into Texas. This expedition included easy captures

of towns such as Nacogdoches but, also, unforeseen defeats and executions. This expedition also included the Battle of Medina in 1813.

Correa’s works have been previously published in the “History of Ciudad Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas” (2002), “A History of Christopher Columbus” (2005) and “The History of Roma, Texas” (2009). Currently, copies of his book, “The Stories of Starr County,” are available for purchase at the MOSTHistory Museum Store.

The program is included in the regular museum admission. MOSTHistory is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd. Call 956-383-6911 for more information.

China university hosts UTRGV exhibit

By Amanda L. Alaniz EDINBURG – A University of Texas Rio Grande Valley art exhibit showcasing aspects of Mexican musical culture had a week-long run recently at Hengyang Normal University (HYNU), located in Hengyang, Hunan, China.

The exhibition, “The Magic of Mariachi / La Magia del Mariachi,” was created by Dr. Steven Schneider, UTRGV professor of creative writing, literature and culture studies, Creative Writing Program, College of Fine Arts, and his artist wife, Reefka Schneider.

The exhibit featured artwork inspired by mariachi performers, sketches by Reefka Schneider, and poetry written by Steven Schneider that was translated from English to Chinese by collaborating professors in China.

The inspiration for the entire assignment was sparked by mariachi music traditions, he said.

“I had to do a lot of research on the history of mariachi, as well as the instruments and the music, to write my poems for the book,” he said. “Reefka’s paintings were inspired by the very colorful pageantry of mariachi, including the instruments, the costuming and the figures of the musicians.”

The exhibition was a collaborative idea between UTRGV and HNYU faculty, Steven said, and UTRGV already has a partnership with HYNU that involves both a faculty and student exchange.

‘The Magic of Mariachi / La Magia del Mariachi,’ a University of Texas Rio Grande Valley art exhibit showcasing aspects of Mexican musical culture had a week-long run recently at Hengyang Normal University (HYNU), located in Hengyang, Hunan, China.

Last year, HYNU professor Leilei Nie visited a faculty member from the UTRGV School of Art and attended a poster presentation of the art exhibit at the Pharr Memorial Library, along with UTRGV graphic design professor Dr. Robert Gilbert.

“Professor Nie became very interested in ‘The Magic of Mariachi’ and began to translate my poems into Chinese,” Steven said, “This led to an invitation from Dr. Tan Xiaoli, director of the International Exchange Office at HYNU, to host our exhibit at their university.”

The China exhibit was a year in planning, with Gilbert helping to design the show and Nie and Professor Jiadi Wang of Hunan First Normal University translating the poetry.

“The Magic of Mariachi” opened May 21 at the Yifu Art building, with faculty, administrators and students from both universities present.

The Schneiders said they

felt honored and excited to know their exhibit was on display at an international level, and Steven noted the impact of having their work presented to another culture.

“I think it’s a real tribute to the culture and vitality of the Rio Grande Valley, and of our university, to have this work displayed internationally,” he said.

The art exhibit stayed on display for about a week and an estimated of 2,000 people visited the exhibition, HYNU reported.

There are plans in the works for the mariachi-inspired art exhibit to be displayed at another university in China. Hunan First Normal University in Changsha, capital of Hunan province, extended an invitation to display “The Magic of Mariachi” in Spring, 2019. The exhibit will be sponsored by the Deans of the Foreign Language School and the Music and Dance School at Hunan First Normal University.

lifestyle

August 17, 2018

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

EVENTS

CALENDAR

Daniel Rosales Jr. and Laurelee Inez Ramos

Ramos-Rosales engagement announced

Elizardo and Lelia Ramos III of Palmhurst announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their daughter, Laurelee Inez, to Daniel Rosales Jr. He is the son of Daniel Sr. and Josefina Rosales of Alton.

The couple will exchange their vows in a ceremony to Speer Memorial Library 12th & Kika Loop Mission • 580-8750

be held on Saturday, Aug. 25, at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Alton.

Rev. Luis Sanchez will officiate.

The bride-elect and prospective groom are both 2008 graduates of Veterans Memorial High School in Mission.

BETWEEN THE BOOKENDS

By William Renner The public is invited to join us at Speer Memorial Library in Mission on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, for a discussion of The Girl on the Train, to take place in the library’s Community Room at 5:30 p.m. in Spanish, and at 6:30 p.m. in English.

Every morning, Rachel takes the commuter train into London. And, every morning, the train momentarily comes to a stop at the same signal, allowing her a glimpse at the backyards of a row of houses along the track.

On most mornings, she can see a seemingly happy couple—Megan and Scott— on the patio at one of the houses. Although Rachel does not know them, she bonds with them, inventing names and a happy life story for them. A few houses down the track stands her former home, where her former husband, Tom, now lives with his new wife Anna and baby daughter. Although Rachel’s alcoholism destroyed her marriage with Tom, she still resents Anna.

One day, Rachel sees

something that upsets the happy story that she has constructed for Megan and Scott. Now, she wants a chance to observe them up close, which leads her to make some surprising discoveries about several of the characters in the story—and their hidden motives and connections.

Written by Paula Hawkins, and first published in 2015, The Girl on the Train, alternately narrated by three of the characters (Rachel, Megan and Anna), is a novel that gradually unravels into a Hitchcock-style psychological thriller.

Copies of the book are available to check out for those who sign up for the book discussion. Stop by the library or call at 580-8754.

The title is also available as an eBook at hidalgocotx. oneclickdigital.com.

For more information, or to sign up for the discussion, contact William Renner or Rose Alvarez at 580-8754 or 580-8750 or by email at reference@missiontexas.us.

Speer Memorial Library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission.

August 22 – The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce and RGVision will host a back-to-school mixer on from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mission Event Center, 200 N. Shary Rd. The event will honor Dr. Shirley Reed, president of South Texas College. Proceeds will benefit Teach for America and their educational mission of working with local children. Donations are $20, which includes appetizers and a complimentary drink. Tickets are available online at riograndevalley.teachforamerica.org/mixer.

August 23 – Quinta Mazatlán World Birding Center hosts a reptile show presented by Jaime Zepeda from the Gladys Porter Zoo at 7 p.m. He will present several species of reptiles, turtles, snakes and even an alligator. The program is included in the $3 admission. Quinta Mazatlán is located at 600 Sunset in McAllen. For more information, call 956-6813370.

August 25 – The Edinburg World Birding Center, 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd., is hosting a Nature Exchange, a swap shop for nature, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring personal collections of natural items to earn points to trade them for other nature items. The event is free. For more information, call 956-381-9922.

August 31–September 1 – The Mission High School High (MHS) Flyers Dance and Drill Team will hold a High Flyers 40th Reunion for alumni. All former and current drill team members, directors, and principals from 1978-2018 are invited to attend. It begins with an Alumni Tea at the MHS library on Aug. 31 at 2 p.m. followed by the MHS pep rally at 3:45 p.m. The day ends with the Mission Eagles vs.

Veterans Memorial Patriots football game which includes participating in a collaborative half-time show. On Sept. 1, an alumni luncheon will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Location details will be announced later. Alumni are invited to join the Facebook group “High Flyers 40th Reunion,” and/or contact Josie Flores at josieflores@att.net for more details.

(For more Events, go to ptrgv.com.)

Planning meeting today for MHS 50th reunion The Mission High School Class of ’69 is preparing for their 50th Reunion, and the next meeting will be held today, Aug. 17, at 5 p.m. at the American Legion Post on the frontage road in Mission. Former classmates are invited to attend. The steering committee, shown left to right, are Robert Garza, Paulette Jones, Martha Sanchez, Thelma Sanchez, Alma Aranda and Ramon Sanchez. Contact Robert Garza at 956-222-3871, Martha Sanchez at 956432-5399 or Thelma Sanchez at 956-358-2342 for information. Go to ClassCreator.com for detailed information about the upcoming event.

Climbing 110 for the 343 who gave their lives McALLEN – The McAllen Stair Climb, a nonprofit organization, will hold the fifth annual Stair Climb on Sunday, Sept. 9, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., to commemorate the lives of the 343 firefighters who perished in their rescue attempts following the 9/11 terrorist attacks on World Trade Center Towers in New York in 2001.

The organization does this by holding a stair climb event every year the Sunday morning on or before Sept.

11 at the Neuhaus Tower, also known as the Chase Tower, located at the corner of Business 83 and 10th Street in McAllen.

Anyone 18 years of age and older can register to climb at mcallenstairclimb. com. The registration fee is $40. Individuals or teams can sign up.

VMHS teacher receives state Lone Star FFA Degree Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) teacher, Fernando Perez has been awarded the Honorary Lone Star FFA Degree. The honor came during the recent 90th Annual Texas FFA State

Fernando Perez

Convention recently held in Fort Worth. The Honorary Lone Star Degree is the highest honorary degree bestowed by the Texas FFA. The degree recognizes individuals who have rendered outstanding service to agricultural education and the Texas FFA. Perez was the only teacher from the Rio Grande Valley to be given the award this year.

The 90th Annual Texas FFA Convention recorded about 12,000 members and guests. Members of the state’s largest agricultural youth leadership organization spent the week attending leadership workshops, participating in events and activities, being recognized for their achievements, and serving as the legislative body for the Texas FFA Association.

The Texas FFA is the nation’s largest state FFA association with a membership of more than 123,000.

Participants carry a tag with a photo, name and unit assigned of a firefighter that died that day. They climb a total of 110 stories total, which was the height of the towers. After the participant has completed climbing 110 stories, they ring a bell one time in remembrance of the fallen hero of their tag.

There is a 9/11 memorial ceremony which kicks off the event at 7:45 a.m. The ceremony is held outside and is open to the public to attend.

Proceeds benefit the Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force and the Rio Grande Valley Firefighters and Fire Marshal’s Association which support first responders and their families in the event of a line of duty death and trains firefighters on skills used in the field.

The McAllen Stair Climb will hold their annual stair climb event, the equivalent of 110 stories, in remembrance on the 343 firefighters who perished in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

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Judge dismisses political retaliation lawsuit against Peñitas

By Dave Hendricks Nearly two years after a policewoman filed a federal lawsuit against Peñitas — claiming the city fired her for conducting traffic stops on the mayor and his father-inlaw — a judge dismissed her case.

Former Peñitas police Officer Melissa Cantu filed the lawsuit in November 2016, alleging that City Manager Omar Romero asked her to stop ticketing city officials for minor traffic offenses.

Cantu refused. The city fired her less than two months later.

After her attorney quit in November 2017, though, Cantu didn’t hire a new lawyer. The case stalled, and U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez dismissed the lawsuit on Aug. 7 for lack of prosecution.

“From the very beginning, I felt it was just basically a disgruntled employee suing the city,” Romero said.

“I never took the case very seriously because I knew all the allegations were false.”

The City Council wanted officers to focus on community policing, Romero said, adding that he had frank discussions with officers about being friendly and courteous to citizens.

“And she just never wanted to go along with that,” Romero said. “Fought it at every turn. Would make comments that were unnecessary. Would argue and be insubordinate. Even with the chief.”

Cantu started working for the Peñitas Police Department as a dispatcher in December 2010, according to Texas Commission on Law

August 17, 2018

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Enforcement records. After graduating from the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council police academy, Cantu became a patrol officer in January 2015.

Romero asked her to avoid conducting traffic stops on city officials “because he would just give the citation to the judge and get it dismissed,” according to the lawsuit. The comment upset Cantu.

“I would rather be terminated for doing my job than be employed and be their puppet,” Cantu said in a statement. “I refused to be a puppet of city politics.”

In January 2016, she stopped Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Lopez for speeding.

Cantu warned him, but she didn’t write a citation.

Weeks later, she cited the mayor’s father-in-law, David Ramirez, for driving on the shoulder.

“He told her that it was pointless to cite him because he is the father-in-law of the mayor and the citation would just get dismissed,” according to the lawsuit. “She stated that she would continue issuing the citation since that is her job, and it is not her concern what happens in court.”

Cantu tangled with city administrators again on Feb. 13, when the police department assigned her to check street vendors for permits.

Cantu cited a woman for selling Valentine’s Day gift baskets without a permit. The woman, however, claimed the mayor personally granted her permission.

The citation caused a kerfuffle at City Hall.

Romero accused Cantu of treating the woman rude-

ly and refusing to follow instructions from the city.

The woman, who works as a custodian, couldn’t stop

by City Hall to complete the paperwork during normal business hours. She called the mayor for help, Romero said, and the mayor worked with City Hall to grant her permission.

“That was basically the straw that broke the camel’s back,” Romero said, adding that Cantu refused to apologize or withdraw the citation.

Police Chief Roel Bermea fired Cantu on Feb. 22, 2016.

She filed the lawsuit roughly nine months later, claiming the city wrongfully terminated her and requesting at least $200,000 in damages.

“It’s a classic example of David vs. Goliath,” Cantu said in a statement. “Attorneys are expensive. Lawsuits are exhausting. I’m at a point in my career and life where I just want to put this behind me.”

After filing the lawsuit, Cantu moved to Central Texas, where she took a job with the Lometa Police Department. The city promoted her to police chief last month.

“My kids are happy, I’m happy,” Cantu said in the statement. “Leaving the Valley has been the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. I get to be the chief of police in a community that supports law enforcement by providing information in cases when crimes are committed in a timely manner. Having a personal relationship with members of the community and knowing that they can trust us to report crimes is personally satisfying.”

Mission to re-solicit proposals for emergency ambulance services

By Jamie Treviño After extending the city’s contract with Med-Care EMS, the council voted to reject the current proposal for 911 emergency ambulance services and have the bids re-submitted and looked over by the Ambulance Board.

The City of Mission originally received one proposal response. The item was brought up during this week’s city council meeting.

“Hidalgo County EMS was found non-responsive by not submitting signed and executed a solicitation award form,” Purchasing Director Eduardo Belmarez said.

Council member Ruben Plata asked if the departments had received a notice of renewal, and Belmarez said they tend to anticipate renewal through contracts management.

Plata said he had contacted members of the Ambulance Board and they were not aware that the city was up for renewal in these services, and it was his understanding that the board typically reviewed this item in the past.

“There’s no requirement in the ordinance that it be presented to the Ambulance Board,” City Attorney Abiel Flores said.

Mayor Pro-Tem Norie Gonzalez Garza asked about the purpose of the Ambulance Board, which has not met since June 2017, and Flores said it was created in order to consider anything dealing with ambulance and emergency services.

Emergency Management Coordinator James Cardoza said that the board was overseen by the previous mayor, Norberto Salinas, who was the executor of the board.

The meetings kept getting delayed, even when the city was 45 days away from the end of the contract.

“At that point we brought it up, [Salinas] said hold off,” Cardoza said. “Elections came through, and when it was presented it was too short to take it to

the Ambulance Board. We tried to make a meeting with the board members and we couldn’t, it is really difficult.”

Cardoza also brought up that they wanted to include a change in the scope of service provided such as adding a rotor for a helicopter that would allow citizens emergency access to helicopter and fixed-wing services.

Mayor Armando O’caña clarified that the city does not intend to purchase a helicopter or airplane, but find a way for people to have access within the first hour of an emergency.

The current contract with Med-Care EMS has been extended until Sept. 28, but mayor and council hope to meet earlier in order to re-solicit bids as soon as possible.

Council began discussing the validity of the Ambulance Board, and the consensus was that they should meet in order to evaluate the proposals that will be brought up.

Council also authorized city staff to begin negotiations with a firm for comprehensive storm drainage assessment.

Mission received four proposals for the drainage assessment, and staff concluded that L & G Engineering and Tedsi Infrastructure Group were the most qualified for the job.

O’caña recommended Tedsi, because L & G is currently undergoing a drainage assessment of Precinct 3 and Hidalgo County.

Martinez suggested the city wait on going through with the assessment until after the county’s is complete, in order to save money and focus on the problem areas in Mission. Gonzalez Garza said with an upcoming election in November potentially bringing approximately $150 million of drainage money for Hidalgo County, the city should wait until after that to conduct a city evaluation.

“The outlets are not the only problem we have in Mission,” O’caña said. “I

have ten major questions for this engineering firm to answer for the City of Mission.

The first one is why was 80 percent of Mission under water [in regards to the flood in June]?”

O’caña said he did not want to delay the assessment and wanted to get answers for people who were flooded in Mission. City Manager Martin Garza, Jr. said that he thought a drainage assessment plan was necessary for the city because the last one they created was in 1995.

Council voted to negotiate with Tedsi Infrastructure Group for an assessment contract, and approved the motion.

The city will also be going through with implementing employee engagement surveys within city departments. Council received two proposals, one from Organizational Health Diagnostic and Development Corporation, which would involve two phases, the first of which would be free, and one from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Director of Economic Research Michael Uhrbrock, which would cost about $5,000.

“The survey would allow the city to evaluate and improve the goals, communication and leadership of the organization and its departments,” City Manager Martin Garza said. “The idea would be to also allow employees from other departments to participate in a survey on how our HR Department is communicating to the departments and the employees themselves.”

The council approved the motion.

Mission will be utilizing the services of Ecolectrics USA to conduct a solar power feasibility study on every city-owned building. This initial contract would be at no cost, but there is no word on how long the study would last.

“It’s a good start for a greener Mission,” said O’caña.

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The Progress Times (USPS 971-420; ISSN 0890-2666) is published each Friday by Savy Publishing, LLC, 1217 N. Conway, Mission, Texas 78572, (956) 585-4893. Subscriptions $20 annual in Hidalgo County; $30 outside of Hidalgo County. Second class postage paid in Mission, Texas 78572. ©2018 Savy Publishing, LLC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the PROGRESS TIMES, P.O. Box 399, Mission Texas 78573.

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Anonymous cards or letters are neither read nor printed. Letters may be submitted by e-mail to letters@progresstimes.net, but must include the author’s name and daytime phone number.

THE

August 17, 2018

Sports week

BIG7 SCHOOLS

page 5

www.ptrgv.com/sports

Covering Mission, Veterans Memorial, Sharyland, Pioneer, La Joya, Palmview & Juarez-Lincoln Sports

Coyotes

on the prowl for the playoffs

By Luciano Guerra Last year the La Joya Coyotes football team seemed destined to miss out on the UIL state playoffs for the ninth time in the past 10 years. Consecutive losses to Mission, McAllen High and McAllen Memorial to open District 30-6A play had second-year head coach Reuben Farias’ squad at the bottom of the standings with only three games left on their schedule.

While most teams would’ve thrown in the towel on the season, the 2017 Coyotes were not most teams. They strung three wins together by defeating the Juarez-Lincoln Huskies (24-10), the Nikki Rowe Warriors (17-14) and the Palmview Lobos (49-14) to even up their district record at 3-3 and earn their first playoff berth under Coach Farias.

Once in the playoffs, the Coyotes went up against the 6-1 San Antonio Southwest Dragons in the bi-district round. While La Joya played Southwest tough, they fell short by a score of 14-7.

Coyotes’ middle line-

backer Trey Perez believes that last year’s regular season success, and their near success in the playoffs, will have a positive effect on this year’s team.

“We should’ve won that game against Southwest,” the 5-foot-9-inch, 180-pound, senior said. “It didn’t go as planned at the end of the day but hopefully this year we’ll get past the first round and go even further.”

Before the 2018 Coyotes can even think about going deeper into the playoffs, they must first qualify for post-season play. When asked what it’s going to take for the Coyotes to do that, Perez said, “It’s going to take chemistry. Knowing each other better we appreciate each other more. And that will help us to get even better.”

And as for what it means for him to be a La Joya Coyote, Perez said, “It’s an honor. My grandpa played for the Coyotes, my Dad played for the Coyotes and now I’m playing.”

When it comes to high school football, Valley teams aren’t supposed to play San

2018 La Joya Coyotes Football Team Antonio teams as tough as the Coyotes played the Dragons last year; especially not 3-3 Valley teams. Coach Farias shared his thoughts on the game and what he sees as his team’s chances this year.

“It was 7-7 all the way into the fourth quarter,” Farias said. “Then with about three minutes left in the game, their quarterback ran for a touchdown on a broken play.

Defensively, we were playing really good. Offensively, we controlled the ball. It was one of those defensive battle type of games and I feel that if we stay healthy, we can remain competitive.”

With the UIL’s most recent realignment, there have been a few changes to Dis-

trict 30-6A, including the departure of the Palmview Lobos and the addition of the PSJA Bears and the PSJA North Raiders.

“There are a lot of tough teams in our district,” Farias said. “Mission is returning a great nucleus of guys. PSJA North didn’t have a great season last year but they had a lot of young players plus some key injuries so they’ll be tough. Then there’s the Pharr Bears, they’re another tough team in our district as are Memorial and McAllen High.”

“As a result of being part of such a tough district, we are approaching each game as a playoff game,” added Farias. “Nobody in our dis-

trict is going to give us an easy week.”

La Joya junior running back Eddie Villarreal is in his third season on the varsity. He will be counted on to spark the Coyotes’ offense this season by carrying the ball and catching passes out of the backfield. Being an integral part of last year’s playoff qualifying team gives Villarreal a pretty good idea of what it will take for the Coyotes to make it backto-back playoff appearances this year.

“We just have to take each game one at a time,” said the 5-foot-9-inch, 210-pound running back. “We have to work hard every day, finish drives on the offense and for

the defense, tackle well and cause turnovers.”

As for what he likes best about the running back position, Villarreal said with a smile, “Getting hit and hitting people back. That feels good.”

The Coyotes will be opening their 2018 campaign Friday, August 31 with a non-district game at the Palmview Lobos. As for their seven game, District 30-6A schedule, that will kick off on the road at PSJA against the Bears Thursday, September 27 and followed by a home game against the McAllen Memorial Mustangs Friday, October 5.

Eagles on a Mission in 2018

Mission ready to debut in renovated Tom Landry Stadium

By Bryan Ramos It’s been 672 days since the Mission Eagles last played a game at Tom Landry Hall of Fame Stadium.

After renovations to the stadium hit a delay and prevented Mission High from playing on their homefield in 2017, the Eagles have now been practicing on the new turf of Tom Landry Stadium, a welcome change from the dirt and grass they were used to last season.

“It’s season time, everyone’s excited to come out here and get back in action,”

said senior receiver Sebastian Gonzalez. “We’re fortunate that we have the stadium now. Last year we were on a practice field the entire time, but now we get to practice here and we get to play here at home, so we’re all really excited about that.”

And finally, for the first time since October 14, 2016, the Mission Eagles will play in front of their home crowd at Tom Landry Stadium as they host a scrimmage tonight against the Los Fresnos Falcons.

“That’s going to be fun for these guys,” said Head Coach Koy Detmer. “We

spent all year away and that was tough, especially for the senior group we had last year not getting to play any home games. These guys are excited to play at home and they did a great job with the renovations. We’re excited to have a quality group to go against and gauge where we’re at right away.”

In Detmer’s two years as head coach of the Eagles, the team has compiled a 7-13 record. But in those two years, the Eagles have displayed a competitiveness that keeps them in each game, no matter

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The Mission High offense works on their ground game during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 14 at Tom Landry Stadium. The Mission Eagles, 4-6 last season, return 10 starters in 2018 and are focused on putting the team back in the postseason.

page 6

August 17, 2018

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Agape Christian School names new director, assistant director

By Jose De Leon III

Agape Christian School director Sandy Ehlinger and assistant director Janice Nevanen. Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.

MISSION EAGLES

from pg 1

the opponent across the field, and in 2018, Detmer feels the Eagles are close after taking strides forward.

“We’re very close; we made strides forward and there’s some fundamental things last year in some of those games that weren’t far off,” he said. “Correcting some of those simple, fundamental things would have given us a chance to possibly win those close games. With our talent, our athleticism, we’ll make things happen, but we have to be fundamentally sound first.”

And that’s one thing that’s certain: this year’s Mission Eagles team isn’t short on talent or athleticism.

In each of the last two seasons, Mission’s starting quarterback has missed time due to injury. Last year, when starter Damian Gomez went down with an injury, the short-handed Eagles were forced to fill the void at quarterback with running backs.

This season, things are a bit different in the quarterback room with three viable options, including Gomez who returns for his junior year, and the additions of McHi transfer J.R. Cortez, a senior with varsity playing experience, and freshman Jeremy Duran, who Detmer

says plays above his level.

“We have a good group of guys and it’s the first time I’ve been here that we’ve had a crew of them,” Detmer said. “We have a good crew of guys there and they’re all working to improve their game, and when they’re called upon they’ll be ready to go.”

And there’s no shortage in weapons at the skill positions for the Eagles with the return of Gonzalez, one of the speediest receivers in the Valley, senior receiver Al Tijerina, and the returning running back combination of junior Horacio Moronta and sophomore Andrew Maldonado.

“We have potential,” Gonzalez said. “Offensively, we’re looking good as a team. We have a lot of people returning on the offensive side, so that’s good. We’re getting a few offensive guys to go both ways to get speed on both sides of the ball, so that’s pretty good for our team.”

Defensively, the Eagles are eager to prove they’re a fast, demolishing unit. The return of junior linebacker Aleksander Gomez and senior Joe Resendez, who missed six games due to a high ankle sprain in 2017, has the defense fired up and

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ready to roll this year.

“All of us are excited, especially our linebacker Alek, he’s real excited,” said Resendez. “It fires us all up, he gets us into this mentality where the sky’s the limit.”

The sentiment is shared throughout the entire team, and with a new district, each player is focused on one thing: “Go to the playoffs,” Gonzalez said. “It’s been a while since we’ve made the playoffs, but like I said, we have potential this year. Our team’s looking pretty good.

We’re hoping for the best and trusting everyone’s doing their part.”

The Eagles will make their 2018 preseason debut at Tom Landry Hall of Fame Stadium tonight when they host the Los Fresnos Falcons in a scrimmage. The Eagles and Falcons will begin their scrimmage at the conclusion of the freshman and junior varsity scrimmages, which are set to start around 5 p.m.

Mission High will open the regular season with a marquee matchup for the entire city as the Battle of Conway between the Eagles and the Mission Veterans Patriots is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 31 at Tom Landry Hall of Fame Stadium in week one of non-district action

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When Agape Christian School begins its next school year later this month, two familiar faces will be leading the school.

Sandy Ehlinger, who has worked at the school in several different capacities over the years, was recently named as the school’s director and started her first day on the job Wednesday.

She is joined by Janice Nevanen, a teacher at Agape who was recently named assistant director for the private school and also started Wednesday.

“I believe in the foundation of Christian values for children and this is the place to really instill those values in them,” Ehlinger said. “Agape provides those things for spiritual and character development as well as academic excellence. I just wanted to be part of that.”

The non-denominational school is currently accepting enrollment for classes start-

ing Aug. 27. The school, located at 1401 E. 24th Street, has a capacity for 300 students, offers educational opportunities for children age 18-months through the sixth grade with Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes.

Nevanen, a former high school teacher with the McAllen school district, has worked at Agape for nearly four years as an English teacher. The new position of assistant director was created to help develop a bridge between the prekindergarten and elementary students at the school. Despite her new position, Navanen said she plans to keep teaching.

“I’d help in the office but I’d really want to be a teacher, that’s where my heart isin the classroom with kids,” Navanen said. “I’m here to help students achieve their potential academic success and develop an appreciation for the Christian faith.”

Ehlinger started working for the school as a business manager and then its day-

Palmview mayor says he will not run for re-election

Mayor Jerry Perez

By Dave Hendricks Palmview Mayor Jerry Perez will not run for re-election, clearing the way for City Councilman Rick Villarreal to take the top job.

After two decades in city government — he joined the City Council in 1996 and ran for mayor in 2014 — Perez said he’s ready to retire.

“I can’t be an elected official in the city of Palmview forever,” Perez said, adding that turning 50 years old changed his perspective.

“It’s time for me just to move forward and move on.”

Perez weighed running for re-election, but ultimately decided against seeking a second term. With the City Council firmly supporting Villarreal, he faced a tough race without any obvious allies.

Villarreal plans to campaign with City Councilman Joselito “Hoss” Hernandez, who’s running for re-election, and retired teacher Arturo “Art” Alaniz, who would replace him on the City Council.

Asked whether or not he would support them, Perez said he wished the candidates well but remained noncommittal.

“No. I haven’t really thought about it because nobody will be able to fill my

Rick Villarreal

shoes,” Perez quipped. “I just hope that they can continue the momentum.”

Villarreal, Hernandez and Alaniz said they’ll file ballot applications before the Monday deadline.

They’re focused on the basics: a balanced budget, improving infrastructure and public safety, Villarreal said, adding that Palmview suffered from bad management and irresponsible spending during prior administrations, which saddled the city with debt.

“When it came to budget, when it came to finances, we never had a true picture,” said Villarreal, an assistant superintendent at the La Joya Independent School District who joined the City Council in 2010. “We were never given a true picture.”

The City Council didn’t know about many of the problems until Palmview hired a new city manager and replaced the accountant who briefed them on budget matters, said Hernandez, the bus parts manager for the school district.

“We were actually relying on him to tell us the truth,” Hernandez said, adding that the City Council felt misled after learning about the financial problems.

Villarreal and Hernandez said they supported a push to

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care supervisor more than 20 years ago, she said, adding that her familiarity with the school will help her serve as its director.

For both women, their goal as directors is to ensure their students excel academically and spiritually.

“Children learn so much in the first few years of their life forging relationships and connections with their families and trusted adults around them,” Ehlinger said. “When you take that into consideration, we know we need to add additional spiritual growth to their development.

With that, you have nowhere to grow but up.”

Agape Christian School has an open enrollment policy where any potential student can apply.

“I have an open door policy, my goal is to listen and meet the needs of each child and their parents,” Ehlinger said. “We here at Agape are willing to listen and accommodate our students. That’s half the battle.”

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re-examine city spending.

The review uncovered questionable spending at the police department, which triggered a federal audit; old budget problems, which required the city to borrow money for operating expenses; and credit card bills with unexplained expenditures.

Alaniz, 54, graduated from La Joya High School and earned a master’s degree from the University of Texas-Pan American. He taught math and science before retiring from the Sharyland Independent School District in 2016.

While he lived in Palmview for 25 years, Alaniz said he attempted to steer clear of local politics.

“My sister called me yesterday. ‘What are you doing?’” Alaniz said, recalling the conversation. “I said ‘Yeah, I know Hoss. We played basketball together when we were in high school.

And Rick and I used to work at the ninth grade center. For two years, I think.”

Alaniz said he had frank discussions with them about his political philosophy.

“And I go ‘I hate politics.

I don’t like a lot of the stuff in it.’ And they said ‘Well, that’s why we want you,’” Alaniz said, recalling the conversation. “And I said ‘I don’t trust politicians.’ And they said ‘Another reason we want you. We want to establish a new type of leadership, one with transparency and accountability.’”

With that commitment, Alaniz said he agreed to run.

He wants the city to address drainage problems, build more sidewalks and research the possibility of tax breaks for people who install solar panels.

City Councilman Joel Garcia, who supports all three candidates, said they would continue the progress Palmview made during the past two years.

“I don’t think anybody that would want to run against these gentlemen would want to do it for the best of the city,” Garcia said.

“They would want to run just for the power.”

August 17, 2018

obituaries Maria Jimenez ALTON – Maria Jimenez, 98, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, at her home in Alton.

Mrs. Jimenez was born on July 22, 1920 in Jalisco, Mexico, to Antonio Navarro and Eufracia Paredes.

Survivors include her children, Graciela Lopez, Consuelo Jimenez, Ramon Jimenez, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Juan Gomez and Jose Jimenez; parents; and children, Ramon Jimenez, Pedro Jimenez, Maria Jimenez, Aureliano Jimenez, Manuel Jimenez, Lydia Jimenez, Juan Jose Gomez and Julian Gomez.

A funeral mass was held on Aug. 13 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission Ramon Navarro MISSION – Ramon S. Navarro, 82, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, at Grand Terrace Nursing Home in McAllen.

Mr. Navarro was born on Oct. 25, 1935, in Mission to Victor and Guadalupe Navarro.

Survivors include his children, Esmeralda Ruzicka, Edna Rivas, Elsie Gonzalez, Marti Ramirez, Melly Pena, Debbie Navarro, Carlos Navarro and Jessica De Leon; siblings, Socorro Garcia, Gloria Salazar, Anna Lozano, Hilda Lara, Ruben Navarro and Rosendo Navarro; and 15 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Aminta H. Navarro; his parents; and sister, Dolores Cantu.

A funeral mass was held on Aug. 15 at St. John of the Fields Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Catholic Cemetery in Mission.

Jesus Trejo Jr. MISSION – Jesus Trejo Jr., 49, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018, at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen.

Mr. Trejo was born and raised in Mission and graduated from Mission High School in 1987. He taught for 27 years in Mission and McAllen school districts. He was a softball coach for RGV Thunder, and was a two-time National Championship coach. He received his Eagle Scout in 1983 and stayed active with the Boy’s Scouts.

Survivors include his wife of 26 years, Beatriz Trejo; children, Ina Trejo and Antonio Trejo; parents, Jesus and Gertrudis Trejo Sr.; siblings, Debra Barbosa, Diana Treviño, Dahlia Perez and Dora Piñon.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Antonio and Sabina Trejo, and maternal grandparents, Arturo and Francisca Vega.

A funeral mass was held on Aug. 15 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission.

Notices Elias Barajas ALTON – Elias Barajas, 18, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018, in Mission.

Dan de la Garza MISSION – Dan de la Garza, 50, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Maria Guerrero PEÑITAS – Maria Antonia Moreno Guerrero, 85, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2018, at her home.

Samuel Lopez PALMHURST – Samuel Gomez Lopez, 23, passed away on Friday, Aug. 10, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center.

Police tight-lipped about Palmview High School student who drowned in Alton

By Dave Handricks Seven days after a Palmview High School student apparently drowned in Alton, major questions about his death remain unanswered.

Divers found Elias Barajas, 18, of Mission dead on Sunday afternoon, when they pulled his lifeless body from a lake in Alton.

An autopsy “revealed the cause of death to be drowning and the manner accidental,” according to a news release from the Alton Police Department. Police Chief Jonathan Flores, though, said the drowning remains under investigation.

“He was a great kid,” said his sister, Erika Barajas, adding that investigators hadn’t told the family why Elias

RECLAIM THE RIVER

board member of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Sierra Club, said the event is important for the community to spread awareness of the incoming border wall.

He praised last year’s protests which he said had a hand in preventing Congress from allocating border wall construction through the Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge, but said there’s still a lot of work to be done.

“When crossing the levee to get here, people probably didn’t realize they were crossing the spot where the wall would be up,” Nicol said. “There’s certainly a lot more awareness of what’s at stake locally and nationally, but we still need to send a message to Congress and decision makers that the local community is very much opposed to any border walls here.”

Marianna Treviño-Wright, the executive director of the butterfly center, called the event a success.

drowned. “We don’t know what went wrong.”

Members of the Barajas family said they last saw Elias on Thursday, Aug. 9.

When he didn’t come home, they filed a missing persons report on Saturday.

Officers determined Elias had been walking near the intersection of North Chicago Street and East Harding Avenue early Friday morning. That intersection is part of a neighborhood south of St. Jude Avenue between Mayberry Road and Alton Boulevard.

Thick brush separates the neighborhood from a small lake. Several tiny islands dot the lake, which is part of the city drainage system and connects to a nearby canal.

“We had some witness in-

from pg 1

She discussed a meeting that occurred last week between the United States Border Patrol and property owners along the river who have been contacted about having border wall construction in their property within the next few months.

She said bulldozing and excavation to begin construction along the levee is set to begin next February.

“People are still not aware the wall has been funded,” Wright said, gesturing at the area surrounding her. “It’s not a matter of maybe, it’s a matter of when and all of this could be lost behind the wall.

People can do as we’ve done today and be present. Enjoy the places that are open and accessible and insist that they still remain accessible. These lands belong to our community, and if the government will not buy the land from us, they do not have the ability to deny us access to it.”

ChurCh DireCtory BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH 2820 N. Conway Ave. • 581-1411 CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 2322 N. McColl. - McAllen 682-2092 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 5609 S 29th St. - McAllen 682-4881 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 2Mile & Bryan Rd Mission.

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Missonaries • 580-2570 CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH 911 N. Main - McAllen 686-4241 CONWAY AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 2215 N. Conway • 585-2413 EL FARO BIBLE CHURCH 15 miles W. of Mission on Exp. 83 Sullivan City, TX • 585-5617 EL MESIAS UNITED METHODIST 209 E. 6th • 585-2334 FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 3 miles N. Shary Rd. • 581-1465 FAITH FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH 1 mile N. Exp. 83 on Tom Gill Rd. 519-6311 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1302 Doherty • 585-1442 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 12th and Miller - Mission 585-7281 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1102 Ash St. • 585-4829 for worship schedule.

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FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1101 Doherty • 585-1665 FREEDOM LIFE CHURCH 2214 W. Griffin Pkwy. • 519-7000 Mission GRACIA DIVINA MINISTRY 11809 N. Shary Rd. • 584-3112 GREAT OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH 2722 N. Conway • 451-5500 Mission HERITAGE BAPTIST MCALLEN 2549 Lindbergh Ave. McAllen • 451-6358 IGLESIA ADVENTISTA DEL SEPTIMO DIA 1725 W. Griffin Parkway 581-9008 IGLESIA BAUTISTA BETANIA 851 S. Breyfogle Rd. • 585-5688 IGLESIA BAUTISTA CRISTO EL REY 1600 E. Bus. 83 - Mission IGLESIA BAUTISTA COLONIAL 3713 N. La Homa Rd. • 585-5332 IGLESIA BAUTISTA DEL VALLE 217 W. Mile 3 Rd. • 424-1602 Palmhurst IGLESIA DEL PUEBLO 7500 West Expressway 83 581-1900 IGLESIA DEL DIVINO REDENTOR 1020 North Los Ebanos Rd 585-5898

IGLESIA PENTECOSTES NUEVA VIDA A/G 211 W. Mile 3 Road Palmhurst • 956-342-9711 Rev. Candelario Banda

LA RESPUESTA CHURCH 405 W. 12th Street • 585-0787 MISSION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 1 mi. E. 495 • 585-6683 NEW HOPE AT THE BORDER 905 N. Conway • 369-3603 NORTH MISSION CHURCH OF CHRIST 1410 E. Mile 3 Rd. • 585-0146 Palmhurst NORTH PALMVIEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH 7612 W. 6 Mile Ln. ONLY THRU JESUS 1511 E. Mile 2 Rd. Mission • 918-760-1625 OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS One-half mile South Leo Avenue La Joya • 585-5223 OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH 6634 El Camino Real • Granjeno OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH 2.5 miles S. Conway (FM 1016) Mission OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH 620 Dunlap • 585-2623 OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY CHURCH 923 Matamoros St. • 581-2193 PALM VALLEY CHURCH 1720 E. Griffin Pkwy.

585-3203 PEÑITAS BAPTIST CHURCH 1/3 Mile S. of Exp.83 on FM 1427 583-6236 PRIMERA BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of 6th & Oblate 585-4711

PROMISE LAND CHURCH 2300 E. Palm Circle (Corner of 495) Mission, TX 78572 • 624-9307 RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH 901 S. Shary Rd. (Located in the Holiday Inn Express Conference Room) 451-4838 SAN CRISTOBAL MAGALLANES & COMPANIONS PARISH

3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5

Mission • 580-4551

SAN MARTIN DE PORRES 5 mi. N. Conway, 1/2 Mile West Alton • 585-8001 & 585-8002 SPIRIT OF PEACE EV. LUTHERAN CHUCH 3104 Los Milagros Mission • 581-1822 ST. JOHN OF THE FIELDS CATHOLIC CHURCH 1052 Washington Ave. • 585-2325 ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1119 Francisco • 585-2701 ST. PETER & ST. PAUL EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2310 N. Stewart Rd. 585-5005 SHINING LIGHT BAPTIST CHURCH 6 1/8 N. Doffing Rd. (FM 492) 580-4078 TEMPLO BIBLICO 5 Mile/Conway 581-4981or 585-3831 TEMPLO EVANGELICO, M.B. CHURCH La Joya TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 3905 W. 3 Mile Line • 585-3261 VALLEY FELLOWSHIP 1708 E. Griffin Parkway Mission • 424-7200

PRIMERA IGLESIA DEL VALLE APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY 210 N. St. Marie. • 585-8651

KING, GUERRA, DAVIS & GARCIA ATTORNEYS AT LAW

DAVID H. GUERRA

DARRELL DAVIS

301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622

MISSION AUTO ELECTRIC, INC. DBA

ER MAE EPQOU IW PMENT

Commercial Lawn Equipment “Since 1954”

915 West Bus. 83 • Mission, tX 78572 • (956) 581-7433

formation that he entered the water and nobody ever saw him come out,” Flores said.

Flores declined to identify the witness or witnesses, concerned that information might compromise the investigation.

Why Elias entered the water remains unclear.

Asked whether or not police had been searching for Elias on Thursday night or Friday morning, before the Barajas family filed a missing persons report, Flores declined to comment.

“I can’t confirm that at this time,” Flores said.

The Barajas family filed a missing persons report with the Mission Police Department on Saturday. After reviewing the report, Alton asked the Mission Fire Department dive team to search the lake.

The search started Sunday morning. Divers found Elias within hours.

“It was just sudden,” Erika Barajas said. “Nobody thought it was going to happen.”

Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Place 2 Justice of the Peace Marcos Ochoa declared Elias dead and requested an autopsy.

“The pond was kind of hidden,” Ochoa said. “I don’t know how he could have gotten in there or if he knew that pond was there.”

Ochoa said he always requests an autopsy after a drowning as a precaution.

Investigators agreed with the autopsy report, which concluded Elias drowned as

Elias Barajas the result of an accident.

Friends described Elias as a happy-go-lucky guy who loved cracking jokes. While he occasionally had problems, Elias always remained upbeat.

The word “Blessed,” tattooed on Elias’ left hand, underscored that attitude. Elias also had a cross, along with a palm tree, clouds and praying hands, inked on his right arm.

He played junior varsity football at Palmview High School during freshman year and talked about buying a truck, according to friends.

“We’re grateful for them,” said his mother, Francisca Barajas, who added that support from Elias’ friends helped the family cover funeral costs. “They’re good friends.”

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this page is your oyster opening up to a world of oppor tunity

Classified Rate:

1 Week = $7.00 2 Weeks = $10.00 4 Weeks = $14.00

ORDINANCE NO. 4662

ORDINANCE NO. 4663

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTCILE IV. SECTION 1.16.4A. – PROVIDING FOR THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, QUORUM, PROCEDURES FOR APPEALS AND POWERS OF THE BOARD; PROVIDING A CODIFICATION CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING A PUBLICATION DATE READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 13th DAY OF AUGUST, 2018.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTCILE V. SECTIONS 1.20., 1.21., 1.23., AND 1.24. – AMENDMENTS, PROCEDURES, FILING FEE AND APPEALS FROM DECISIONS OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION; PROVIDING A CODIFICATION CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING A PUBLICATION DATE READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 13th DAY OF AUGUST, 2018.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4665

ORDINANCE NO. 4666

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING BEING A 19.61 ACRE TRACT OF LAND COMPRISED OF THE SOUTH ½ OF LOT 262, JOHN H. SHARY SUBDIVISION, AO-I (ARGICULTURAL OPEN INTERIM) TO R-1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 13th DAY OF AUGUST, 2018.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE AND ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – TINSELTOWN MISSION, 2516 E. EXPRESSWAY 83, LOT 1, TINSELTOWN SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 13th DAY OF AUGUST, 2018.

ORDINANCE NO. 4668 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 – TORTAS DEL JACK, 4001 S. SHARY ROAD, SUITE 350, LOT 1, SHARYLAND PLANTATION GROVE TECH-CENTER NO. 2 READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 13th DAY OF AUGUST, 2018.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4669 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR TWO DRIVE-THRU SERVICE WINDOWS – TROPICAL BREEZE, 1610 W. GRIFFIN PARKWAY, LOT 19, BLOCK 1, OAKWOOD ESTATES SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 13th DAY OF AUGUST, 2018.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

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 Submit by email to info@progresstimes.net or pay by phone 956-585-4893.

The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Notice of Budget Hearing

ORDINANCE NO. 4664

Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing on the City of Palmhurst, Texas Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 (October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019) will be held on Monday, September 17, 2018 at 4:30 pm at City of Palmhurst City Hall, 4417 N. Shary Rd., Palmhurst, Texas 78573.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTCILE X. SECTIONS 1.50.

AND 1.56.

– CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS; PROVIDING A CODIFICATION CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING A PUBLICATION DATE READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 13th DAY OF AUGUST, 2018.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4667 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS AMENDING ORDINANCE NO.780 DESIGNATING PLACES WHERE BEER AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY BE SOLD WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF MISSION TO INCLUDE THE PREMISES LOCATED AT 2516 E. EXPRESSWAY 83, LOT 1, TINSELTOWN SUBDIVISION, TINSELTOWN MISSION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 13th DAY OF AUGUST, 2018.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4670 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS AMENDING ORDINANCE # 3793CREATING A JUVENILE JUSTICE AND DELINQUENCY PREVENTION ADVISORY BOARD; AMENDING SECTION 2 MEMBERSHIP AND TERMS SECTION 3 QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP. READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 13th DAY OF AUGUST, 2018.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4671 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS, RESCINDING SECTION 3 (g) OF ORDINANCE NO. 3922 AND ADOPTING ORDINANCE NO. 4671 PROVIDING FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL AS FOLLOWS: THAT NO VEHICLE MAY PROCEED AT A SPEED IN EXCESS OF FORTY (40) MPH ON INSPIRATION ROAD BETWEEN INTERSTATE 2 AND GRIFFIN PARKWAY AND THAT NO VEHICLE MAY PROCEED AT A SPEED IN EXCESS OF FORTY (40) MILES PER HOUR ON INSPIRATION ROAD BETWEEN GRIFFIN PARKWAY AND THE THREE MILE LINE IN EITHER DIRECTION; PROVIDING FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SAID TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AND PROPER SIGNAGE THEREOF AND MAKING PROVISIONS OF THE STATE TRANSPORTATION CODE AND TRAFFIC ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF MISSION IN REGARD TO PENALTY FOR VIOLATION APPLICABLE THERETO READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 13th DAY OF AUGUST, 2018.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

theclassifieds August 17, 2018

page 9

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buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

this page is your oyster opening up to a world of oppor tunity

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

Classified Rate:

1 Week = $7.00 2 Weeks = $10.00 4 Weeks = $14.00

Sheriff’s Sale Writ of Execution/ Order of Sale

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That by virtue of a certain Writ of Execution/ Order of Sale Cause No. C-5686-16-B file on the 16th day of May 2017, and issued out of the Honorable 93rd District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas on the 15th day of June 2018 and styled Bentley Estates Homeowners Association, Inc., Plaintiff VS Edith Lopez, Defendant for the sum of Four Thousand Nine Hundred Eight Dollars, and Eighty Five Cents ($4,908.85); actual damages of One Thousand Six Hundred Ninety Four Dollars, and Thirty Four Cents ($1,694.34); Attorney’s fees in the amount of Two Thousand Five Hundred Forty Seven Dollars, and Fifty Cents ($2,547.50); court costs of Three Hundred Ten Dollars, and Seventy Three Cents ($310.73); service of process in the amount of One Hundred Five Dollars, and No Cents ($105.00), and for post judgment interest from May 16, 2017, through the anticipated foreclosure date of August 7, 2018, in the amount of Two Hundred Fifty One Dollars, and Twenty Eight Cents ($251.28) together with a foreclosure of a lien, together with the Sheriff fees, under Judgment in favor of Bentley Estates Homeowner Association, Inc. and placed in my hands for service on June 26, 2018, I, J.E. “Eddie” Guerra, as Sheriff of Hidalgo County, Texas, did on the 28th day of June 2018, levy on certain Real Property, situated in Hidalgo County, Texas, described as follows, to-wit: 2512 Churchill Avenue, Edinburg, Texas 78539-8276, as more fully described as Lot 89, Bentley Estates Subdivision, Hidalgo County, Texas.

And levied upon as the property of Edith Lopez and that on the first Tuesday in the month of September 2018, the same being the 4th day of said month at 317 North Closner Blvd., Hidalgo County Clerk Records Management Facility, Edinburg, Texas between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by virtue of said levy and said Writ of Execution/ Order of Sale, I will sell said above real estate at public venue, for cash, to the highest bidder as the property of Edith Lopez, and in compliance with the law, I give this notice by publication, in the English Language, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks immediately proceeding said day of sale, in THE PROGRESS TIMES in Hidalgo County Texas.

Witness my hand on this 2nd day of July 2018

SHERIFF’S SALE ORDER OF SALE

Submit by email to info@progresstimes.net or pay by phone 956-585-4893.

The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 5 p.m.

For Rent 2 BDR/ 1 1/2 BATH unfurnished, washer, dryer, and refrigerator included, Golfview Manor a 55+ quiet golview community, $625 per month, call 956844-8168 for more details.

For Sale HOHNER PANTHER BUTTON Accordion with case, $400, call Tom at Sundance RV Village, 956-5619691.

THE PERFECT FISHING boat, 21 ft. Cajun center console boat with perfect 150hp Johnson Oceanrunner salt water motor, custom built tandem axle trailer with all new tires and spare, has electric anchor and lots of accessories, all pumps and equipment work perfectly, boat & motor always serviced

by Bayside Marine with all records, clean titles on all 3, very safe, health demands sale, appraised $18,950,

first $10,500 takes everything, always garaged, new gel coat this year, call Tom at Sundance RV Village, 956-5619691.

Garage Sale CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE, Saturday, August 18 from 7am- 12:30,1020 N. Los Ebanos Rd., Mission, several booths in parking lot, baby items, frames, food, hunting, tables, too many items to name, come and shop with us!

Homes For Sale

FRAME HOME CASA de madera, ready to be moved, ubique en su solar, 800 sq. ft., 2 Bdr/ 1 Ba, cash deals only or good down payment, $30,500, for more information call 956-458-4778.

The rose and the thorn, and sorrow and gladness are linked together.

- Saadi

NOTICE OF 2018 TAX YEAR PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR CITY OF MISSION A tax rate of $0.4862 per $100 valuation has been proposed by the governing body of City of Mission.

PROPOSED TAX RATE $0.4862 per $100 PRECEDING YEAR’S TAX RATE $0.4862 per $100 EFFECTIVE TAX RATE $0.4968 per $100

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That by virtue of a certain Order of Sale in Cause No. C-3257-16-B issued out of the DISTRICT COURT OF THE 93RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS on the 26th day of September 2017, and styled Homeowners’ Association of Cimarron, Inc. (Plaintiff) VS Maria Del Refugio Gracia Gracia (defendant) and whereas plaintiff recovered a judgment for the sum of : Four Thousand Six Hundred Seventy Nine Dollars and Seventy Four Cents ($4,679.74); actual damages of One Thousand Five Hundred and Fifty Five Dollars and Twenty Two Cents ($1,555.22); attorney’s fees in the amount of Two Thousand Five Hundred and Two Dollars and Fifty Cents ($2,502.50); court cost of Three Hundred and Seven Dollars and Thirteen Cents ($307.13); service fees of One Hundred and Fifteen Dollars and Zero Cents ($115.00); and for post judgment interest from September 26, 2017, through the anticipated foreclosure date of September 4, 2018, in the amount of One Hundred Ninety Nine Dollars and Eighty Nine Cents ($199.89) together with a foreclosure of a lien on the following described property, together with the cost of executing this writ with all costs of suit as of record is manifest, in favor of Homeowners’ Association of Cimarron, Inc. and placed in my hands for service on June 18, 2018, I, J.E. “Eddie” Guerra, as Sheriff of Hidalgo County, Texas, did on the 24th day of July 2018, levy on certain Real Estate in Hidalgo County, Texas, described as follows, to-wit: *208 San Saba Street, Mission, TX 78572, as more fully described as Lot 5, Block 24, Cimarron Country Club Subdivision, Section- 4, Phase- 1, Hidalgo County, Texas; And levied upon as the property of Maria Del Refugio Gracia Gracia and that on the first Tuesday in September 2018, the same being the 4th day of said month, at 317 N. Closner County Clerk Records Management facility of Hidalgo County, in the City of Edinburg, Texas, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by virtue of said levy and said Order of Sale, I will sell said above described Real Estate at public venue for cash, to the highest bidder, as the property of said Maria Del Refugio Gracia Gracia in compliance with the law, I give this notice by publication, in the English Language, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks immediately proceeding said day of sale, in The Progress Times a Newspaper in Hidalgo County, Texas.

Witness my hand on this 24th day of July 2018

The effective tax rate is the total tax rate needed to raise the same amount of property tax revenue for City of Mission from the same properties in both the 2017 tax year and the 2018 tax year.

Sharyland Independent School District Public Notification of Nondiscrimination in Career and Technical Education Programs

Distrito Escolar Independiente de Sharyland Notificación Pública de No Discriminación en Programas de Educación Técnica y Vocacional

Sharyland Independent School District offers career and technical education programs in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; Architecture and Construction; Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications; Business Management and Administration/Finance; Education and Training; Health Science; Human Services; Information Technology; Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); and Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics. Admission to these programs is based on interest and aptitude, course sequencing, age appropriateness, and class space availability.

Some programs require an application process.

It is the policy of Sharyland ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its vocational programs, services or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

It is the policy of Sharyland ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required

by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

Sharyland ISD will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.

For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator, Deborah Garza, at 1200 N. Shary Rd. Mission, TX 78572, (956) 5805200.

El Distrito Escolar Independiente de Sharyland ofrece programas de educación técnica y vocacional en ciencias agrícolas; arquitectura y construcción; artes, tecnología y comunicación; gestión empresarial y administración/ finanzas; educación y entrenamiento; ciencia de la salud; servicios humanos; información técnica; ley y seguridad pública; ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería y matemáticas; y transporte y distribución. La admisión a estos programas se basa en las aplicaciones recibidas, edad apropiada, año escolar, aptitud e interés, y la secuencia lógica de cursos. Algunos programas requieren un proceso de admisión.

YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE ABOVE RATES CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS: property tax amount = (rate) x (taxable value of your property)/100 For assistance or detailed information about tax calculations, please contact: Pablo (Paul) Villareal Jr. City of Mission Tax Assessor-Collector 2804 S. Business Hwy 281 Edinburg, TX 78539 (956) 318-2157 propertytax@hidalgocountytax.org http://www.hidalgocountytax.org

Es norma del Distrito Escolar de Sharyland no discriminar en sus programas, servicios o actividades vocacionales por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo o impedimento, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación de 1972; y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda.

Es norma del Distrito Escolar de Sharyland no discriminar en sus procedimientos de empleo por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, impedimento o edad, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación de 1972; la ley de Discriminación por Edad de 1975, según enmienda; y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda.

El Distrito Escolar de Sharyland tomará las medidas necesarias para asegurar que la falta de habilidad en el uso del inglés no sea un obstáculo para la admisión y participación en todos los programas educativos y vocacionales.

Para información sobre sus derechos o procedimientos para quejas, comuníquese con la Coordinadora del Título IX, Deborah Garza, en 1200 N. Shary Rd. Mission, TX 78572, (956) 580-5200.

page 10

JESUS TREJO, JR.

Ric Brown Family Funeral Home, and a funeral mass was held Wednesday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. His final resting place is at the Laurel Hill Cemetery, also in Mission.

His family described him as compassionate and caring, and said he never shied away from who he was, no matter who he was talking to.

“Rain or shine, my dad was going to be there for you,” Ina said. “Regardless if you’d spoken to him, if it had been a few weeks, a few years, my dad was going to be there.”

“I’m the person I am to-

from pg 1 day because of him and what he taught me,” Ina continued. “He did a lot for girls all over the Valley.”

One of his passions was softball, and he coached the sport for several years. Jesus was a softball coach for RGV Thunder, and a two-time National Championship coach.

Ina was grateful for the support given from her father, who got to see her play softball in college and recently graduate.

“That was an honor for him,” Beatriz said. “He pushed her and we were there every game. He made sure. And even when he wasn’t coaching her, he was

TEAM UN1TED Team Un1ted will face several independent candidates — if the fragile political coalition holds together.

Nereyda Cantu will run for Place 1, the seat held by incumbent school board Trustee J.J. Peńa.

Peńa won the Democratic Party primary for justice of the peace Precinct 3 Place 2.

While state law allows a justice of the peace to serve on a school board, Peńa said he will not run for re-election.

Ochoa will run for Place 2 against incumbent school board Trustee Frances Salinas, 50, of La Joya, the executive director of the La Joya Housing Authority; and teacher Pamela Flores, 49, of Palmview.

Supporters spent months asking her to run, but Ochoa politely declined, concerned about her health.

Ochoa said doctors diagnosed her with Stage 0 breast cancer during June. She’s scheduled for a lumpectomy in November.

“I’m in a good place. I’m going to be fine,” Ochoa said. “Do I need to address it? Yes.” After the Stage 0 diagnosis and conversations with her mother, Ochoa said she decided to run.

“The voice of the profes-

August 17, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com coaching from the sidelines.”

Jesus coached many softball players throughout the Valley through his work with RGV Thunder, and Beatriz said he helped motivate several girls to go on to the next level.

Jesus worked closely in RGV Thunder with his brother-in-law Marcelino Barbosa, who is married to Jesus’ sister Debra Mae “Debbie.” Both spoke highly on his character and his dedication to not only family, but the community as a whole.

“There were so many people at the viewing last night, educators, students, classmates, coaches, teammates

from pg 1 sionals, the educators, to a certain degree, has been neglected,” Ochoa said. “And as an educator, they know that I will be not only advocating for them, but voicing what's best for them and their campuses.”

Running for Place 2 pits her against Frances Salinas, but Ochoa said the move wasn’t meant as a slight.

“I know I’m going against Frances because that’s the place that I was placed in.

It is nothing against Frances. I think she’s done well,” Ochoa said, adding that Frances Salinas served the district admirably. “It’s not about her, but it’s about running in Place 2.”

The board appointed Frances Salinas, the daughter of La Joya Mayor Jose A. “Fito” Salinas and City Commissioner Mary Salinas, in August 2017 to replace school board Trustee J.J. Garza, who resigned and pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges. She also took J.J. Garza’s job at the housing authority.

Frances Salinas, who filed her ballot application on July 31, declined to comment.

Whether or not she’ll form a rival team remains unclear.

Alaniz will run for re-election to Place 3.

La Joya is increasing competing with charter schools, Alaniz said, adding that every lost student means less state funding.

“I think I bring some experience and some knowledge to the table, as far as how to combat some of this stuff,” Alaniz said. “I’d just like to keep up the innovative thinking we’ve had on the board.”

He’s widely expected to face a challenge from businesswoman Mary T. Hernandez of rural Mission.

Hernandez filed an appointment of campaign treasurer form on Aug. 7, but left the box specifying which place she would run for blank.

“Family and friends of LJISD, after much consideration and encouragement from many of you, I’ve accepted the challenge to run for school board trustee,” Hernandez wrote in a Facebook post. “It’s time to change the focus back to what really matters, our students, community, and resources for our teachers and staff.”

On Wednesday night, Hernandez announced she planned to file her ballot application.

Filing ends Monday.

and so many Boy Scouts,” Debbie said. “He was a man who wore different hats and had different titles, and it was very comforting to know that he had an imprint on everyone’s heart.”

Jesus was a teacher with both the Mission Consolidated Independent School District and McAllen Independent School District for 27 years.

“He was an excellent math instructor,” Debbie said. “His students are now

excelling, and they had siblings who wanted to be in his class. He always had lunch with his students in the cafeteria. He was an educator. He never gave up on kids, he always instilled how they can better themselves.”

Marcelino said Jesus just wanted to help all people.

“He wanted to help society become productive versus veering in the wrong direction,” Marcelino said.

“He was a very compassionate individual, and he wanted

people to succeed.”

Beatriz, Ina and Antonio said because of Jesus, they were able to meet so many people and gain many friends over the years.

“He was very proud of us, and we are very proud of him,” Ina said.

“He was a family man,” Beatriz added. “He was loved and loved back, unconditionally.”

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH something to do for the community and bring everyone together.”

This being the fourth year the event has taken place in La Joya ISD, both board members said it has definitely grown over time.

“It’s been growing every year, it’s been getting better and better,” Cantu said.

“We get a lot more response from the community. I think the closer the community is, the more results we see from our students, our staff and everybody surrounding our district.”

Victor Garza, the LJISD Director for the Sports and Learning Complex, was also present at the PHS location.

He said there is a need for the Back to School Bash annually.

“We do have a lot of families, a lot of children who maybe don’t have the resources,” Garza said. “And by having these types of opportunities, they’ll be at least as prepared as any of the other students who might have the resources that first day of school.”

from pg 1 Last year’s Back to School Bash at Palmview High School was held in the cafeteria, but due to the turnout it was moved into the gym.

“We were just overcrowded and we needed a bigger facility,” Garza said. “We have people waiting in the hallways, keeping them in the air conditioning and in a safe environment.”

Palmview Principal Yvonne Ayala was active during the event, handing out backpacks and moving around the gym to ensure it was moving smoothly.

“We serve a group of students who are highly in need,” Ayala said. “Anything we can do to help them out and help out the parents, we’re here in any way.”

Ayala said they were trying to get everyone excited for the new year.

“We want to make sure that we spread out that excitement to the rest of the community,” Ayala said.

“We want the parents and the students to know that we are happy and excited to wel-

come them back for the new year.”

Mary Lily Garza-Ibarra, the principal of Enrique Camarena Elementary School, was helping greet students and parents and passed out supplies.

“I believe in it and we love it,” Garza-Ibarra said.

“It’s great to see the kids who need the backpacks get them and the joy in their faces.”

Garza-Ibarra continued to say that this event evens out the playing field for students.

“It’s just a little help that gives kids the right start at the beginning of the year.”

She added that as the event has been implemented, there has been a change in how students take on the first day back.

“Being able to help kids be prepared for their first day is a wonderful thing. I’m very proud of the district,” Garza-Ibarra said. “We see kids feel great about themselves on the first day of school because they come to school ready.”

Local businesses compete in H-E-B Quest for Texas Best

By Jose De Leon III H-E-B has named the winners of its 2018 Primo Picks Quest for Texas Best competition last week-a competition two local businesses were previously named finalists in.

Cappadona Ranch, based out of Linn-San Manuel, and the McAllen-based Nuts and Cows businesses were named among the 25 finalists for this competition, where they competed to have their products showcased at H-E-B shelves and to win the grand prize- $25,000 and a new Toyota Tundra.

The winner of the competition was the Austin-based Mmpanadas, a retail operation that offers over 20 different types of empanadas.

Though Nuts and Cows and Cappadona Ranch didn’t place in the top four, both of the business owners felt honored being named as finalists in the first place.

“We made it to the top 25 out of 700 other businesses that applied for it and that says we have something special, unique and native to Texas,” Victoria Cappadona, owner of Cappadona Ranch said. “It’s been a wonderful experience and we’re excited to have made these wonderful connections, we’re elated.”

Elizabeth Davis Cappadona submitted her company’s mesquite bean flour, which she said can be used as a healthy alternative to sweeteners.

Elizabeth Davis, owner of Nuts and Cows, submitted her company’s pecan butter to the competition. She agreed with her fellow-business owner on how the exposure from the competition was its own reward.

“It was an awesome experience just having our products showcased,” Davis said.

“I would’ve loved to have won the $25,000 but we still had the opportunity to connect with people who got to see our products in action.

We’re both passionate business owners who have put out products we are proud of

Victoria Cappadona and we loved seeing the reactions from people when they tasted it.”

Katelyn Roche Gosslee, a public affairs specialist with HEB, praised Cappadona and Davis. Gosslee said that even though their business didn’t place in the top four, their items could still show up on HEB shelves.

“Competitions like these are important because it’s a reflection of the food that makes the Rio Grande Valley the Rio Grande Valley,” Gosslee said. “It’s important we host these events in these customer’s backyards so people can see HEB is more than the national products they see on our shelves.

It goes back to our founding way of business in 1905 to partner with local business owners and sell those products on shelves and that’s what we’ve been doing ever since.”

Gosslee also noted that HEB has something in common with Cappadona Ranch and Nuts and Cows. Like those businesses, a woman founded HEB after its founder, Florence Butt, opened the store in 1905 and invested $60 into it.

Today, it is one of the largest supermarket chains in the country with more than 350 locations nationwide.

According to the National Association of Women Business Owners, women own nearly 12 million firms across the nation. Last year, they employed nearly 9 million people and generated$1.7 trillion in sales.

“Women owned businesses are the largest growing small businesses in Texas so we’re pleased that so many of the finalists were women,” Goslee said. “The legacy of Florence is living on in this contest with finalists like Victoria and Elizabeth.”