February 12, 2016 - Winter Texan Times by Progress Times

Friday, February 12, 2016

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LOCAL CANDIDATE SHOWDOWN

By Lea Victoria Juarez arly voting for local elections starts Feb. 16, and for the last few months the candidates in their respective races have been campaigning and making themselves known to voters. County Commissioner The two candidates for Precinct 3 county commissioner are Joe Flores and Daniel Diaz. Flores, the incumbent, has held the position for 15 years and ran unopposed for every election. He is most proud of reforming the county’s approach to health insurance and workman’s compensation by enacting self-funded programs that have saved more than $50 million tax dollars. According to the Cuevitas native, he has developed a reputation for philanthropy. Flores said 100 percent of his paycheck from the county is donated to people in the community for general needs, funeral expenses or hospital bills. Flores also served 15 years on the Transportation Policy Committee for the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and he owns multi-million dollar businesses. The commissioner said his goal is to continue serving the community the same way he has for the last 15 years. He is currently spearheading expansions to five major roads in Precinct 3, including Shary Road, Taylor Road, 2 Mile Line, 3 Mile Line and 7 Mile Line. “I’m wiser and older and I feel I’ve been blessed that I have two businesses that I’ve made from scratch,” Flores said. “The track record has proved everything we’ve done for all of the cities.” Daniel Diaz is a Palmview native who believes a change is in order for Precinct 3. He has a background in community engagement with groups such as the League of United Latin American Citizens and La Union Del Pueblo Entero, where he served as vice president and community organizer, respectively. While with LUPE, Diaz worked on projects to improve the living conditions of low-income neighborhoods and colonias. His accomplishments include helping residents negotiate $14 million in disaster recovery stormwater drainage funds in 30 colonias. Additionally, he took part in negotiating the inclusion of low-income neighborhoods into the disaster recovery house projects that totaled $105 million. Diaz said he believes it is time for the younger generation to take control in office and make decisions for their

future. His goal is to restore the people’s trust in local government and keep local officials accountable. “We want to make sure we bring in the businesses in the area, schools, local colonia neighbors to hear their concerns,” Diaz said. “Then they start trusting government a little bit more because they’re part of the decision making. That starts fighting off this feeling that the government is corrupted.” State Representative Sergio Muñoz Jr. and Abraham Padron are in the running for District 36 state representative. Muñoz is the three-term incumbent and second-most senior member of the Hidalgo County delegation. He also doubles as an attorney with a specific practice in civil and criminal law. The Mission native has authored legislation that promotes access to healthcare, secures funds for public education and encourages economic development in South Texas. If re-elected, Muñoz said he plans to look into bringing more state assistance to the Rio Grande Valley regarding education and transportation. Muñoz stressed the importance of re-election because seniority means more credibility and influence in the House of Representatives for District 36. “A lot of times we don’t necessarily need to impact the legislative process by having a bill with our name on it,” Muñoz said. “A lot of the times the work we can do is on amendments or tailoring certain bills that don’t always make the news stories, but we know in the end that our efforts have an effect in our community that we can live with going forward.” Abraham Padron, the self-starting businessman that immigrated to the United States at 7 years old, is the challenger. He has no previous experience in politics, but he wants to bridge the communication gap between community members and the state governmental body. For 18 years, Padron has run his insurance company that now has 11 locations from Brownsville to Laredo. Through auto, business, home, life and health insurance, he serves more than 19,000 families. Although the state rep candidate is a self-proclaimed “small businessman,” Padron said he feels he can soundly represent the District 36 community because of his low socioeconomic upbringing. “A state rep. needs to have a pulse in the community and be able to go to the capital with conviction and ask and demand that we get the resources we need,” Padron

said. “I built this business from the ground up and I understand what it is to have families depend on you.” Tax Assessor-Collector The two candidates in the running for Hidalgo County Tax Assessor-Collector are incumbent Pablo “Paul” Villarreal Jr. and newcomer Abel Prado. The Hidalgo County tax

Circus comes to Valley

INDEX

assessor collects from 42 cities, schools, counties and special districts annually. More than 350,000 properties in Hidalgo County and over 568,000 registered vehicles are entrusted to the person in the position. Since elected into the position, some of Villarreal’s accomplishments include opening a Tax & Motor Vehi-

cle office in the Edcouch-Elsa area and implementing increased employee positions for the Hidalgo county Tax Office & Motor Vehicle department. He created the investigation position for the county fraud department to help with inspections and title hearings. In addition, the incumbent is overseeing the county

unpaid fines list, also known as the Scofflaw program, in which more than $4,000,000 has been collected. Villarreal also serves on six local and state boards. Newcomer Abel Prado said that he decided to run after he helped hundreds of people contest their taxes last year when the appraisal

See SHOWDOWN 5

INSIDE

Girls basketball teams advance

Mission City Council meeting

Carson & Barnes is celebration it’s 80th tour, bringing an allnew 2016 edition to Palmview on Feb. 15 and 16.

VMHS prepares for their game against PSJA High School Monday evening to take on the Lady Bears in the bi-district round of playoffs.

Mayor Norbeto “Beto” Salinas is concerned about a low bid on the Inspiration Road widening project.

See story page 2

See story page 8

See story page 11

Entertainment | pg. 2

Lifestyle | pg. 3

Opinion | pg. 4

Sports | pg. 8

Obituaries | pg. 11

Classifieds | pg. 13

Friday, February 12, 2016

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LOCAL CANDIDATE SHOWDOWN E

Circus comes to Valley

INDEX

See SHOWDOWN 5

INSIDE

Girls basketball teams advance

Mission City Council meeting

Carson & Barnes is celebration it’s 80th tour, bringing an allnew 2016 edition to Palmview on Feb. 15 and 16.

VMHS prepares for their game against PSJA High School Monday evening to take on the Lady Bears in the bi-district round of playoffs.

Mayor Norbeto “Beto” Salinas is concerned about a low bid on the Inspiration Road widening project.

See story page 2

See story page 8

See story page 11

Entertainment | pg. 2

Lifestyle | pg. 3

Opinion | pg. 4

Sports | pg. 8

Obituaries | pg. 11

Classifieds | pg. 13

entertainment

Carson & Barnes Circus 80th comes to Valley their seats watching death-de-

ALMVIEW – Carson & Barnes Circus is celebrating their 80th tour, bringing an all-new 2016 edition to Palmview on Feb. 15 and 16. Hosted by the Palmview Crimestoppers, they are bringing the Big Top to 304 N. La Homa for two days during their tour across the Rio Grande Valley. Show times are 5 and 8 p.m. each day. This year the tent comes to life with acrobats and performers from around the world. For two hours audiences will be on the edge of

fying motorcycle daredevils in the globe of death, enjoy the laughter of the comedy routine created by Pinky the clown and get swept away as the acrobats demonstrate strength and agility soaring to captivating heights. The menagerie of animals parading through the tent featured four-legged, cuddly canines and high stepping Appaloosa stallions, complete with the biggest stars of the show, the majestic performing elephants. Carson & Barnes is the only circus under a Big

Top in the Valley this year to feature elephants. They have disappeared in the circuses in Mexico and are being retired from Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey. Advance tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children under age 12. Prices are higher on circus day. Purchase tickets at Palmview City Hall, 400 W. Veterans Blvd. Complete tour dates and locations and ticketing information are available on the Carson & Barnes Circus website at BigTopShow.com or by calling 580-743-7292.

‘Ice Cream Suit’ auditions announced PHARR – Auditions for the upcoming presentation of “The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit,” will be held held on Feb. 15 and Feb. 16. The cold readings from the script will be held from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Pharr Community Theater, 213 W. Newcombe Ave. Rehearsals will begin Monday, Feb. 22. No appointment is necessary to audition and will be held first come first serve. The play will be directed by Armando Gonzalez, a recent UTRGV theater, television and film graduate. Needed to fill the roles are seven men ranging in ages 18 to 30, one man of about 50 and four women ranging in ages 18 to 45. Auditions for these roles are open to anyone willing to try out and who can commit to a seven-week rehearsal period for 10 perfor-

Surreal portrait workshop offered

he Upper Valley Art League hosts Veronica Jaeger presenting a three-day workshop, “Surreal Portrait,” in oils. It’s scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 25 to 27. Thursday and Friday classes run 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Kika De La Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th in Mission. Cost is $110 members and $140 non-members (includes $30 membership fee). The course is limited to 10 students, and a minimum of four is required for the class to be held. The class is for ages 17 and up. Student will learn the techniques on how to build an oil painting in layers to create a portrait with a personal twist. The painting will progress in layers and the finished artwork will have a sense of volume and depth. For more information contact Jaeger at veronicajaeger. art@gmail.com. mances spanning from April 14 through May 7, including eight shows in the Pharr Theater and two tours to nearby cities in the Valley. Written by Ray Bradbury in 1972, it tells the story of five young men who invest together in a beautiful suit, as pure and white as vanilla ice cream. Since none of them can afford it on their own, they all pool their money and vow to share it, each of them getting a brief moment of glory wearing the suit. Each suit wearer has a designated time to strut out on the town and become a ladies magnet or a chance to briefly live out whatever realization of his personal dream fantasy he might envision. For more information, call 563-9026 or 655-9308.

February 12, 2016

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Coming Attractions

February 12-13 The Mission Historical Museum presents the Second Annual Artesano Market Days featuring the hand-crafted artisan work of 60 artisans representing various states in Mexico. Festivities, highlighted by music throughout the day on Friday, take place on Friday from 1 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the museum, located at 900 Doherty. Admission is free and open to the public. For information, call the museum office at 580-8646. February 12-14, 19-21 Ballet Folklórico UTRGV presents Alegría 2016 with six shows on the Edinburg campus. Alegría Gira brings to life Mexico’s beautiful art of folk dance with a cast of 30 dancers. Show times are Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the UTRGV Performing Arts Center. Public concerts continue on Feb. 13, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., with matinees Feb. 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the PAC Box Office one hour prior to the event. Tickets prices are $12 for adults; $10 for seniors and students; and $8 for children. For advance ticket information, contact the Dance Program office at 665-2230 or visit utpa.edu/balletfolklorico. February 13 The opening reception for the Upper Valley Art League 2016 Annual Photographic Art Show runs from 7 to 9 p.m. in the UVAL gallery at 921 E. 12th in Mission. It is free and open to the public. The artists’ works will be on display through March 5. Contact UVAL at 583-2787 for further information. February 13-14, 20-21 Take in the colorful dances of Mexico during the La Joya I.S.D. mariachi and folklorico concerts. Palmview High School Folklorico and Mariachi will perform Feb. 13 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. La Joya High School Folklorico and Mariachi performances are Feb. 20 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. All performances will be held at the Alejandro H. Saenz Performing Arts Center, 604 N. Coyote Drive, in La Joya. Tickets are $8. Ticket can be purchase at the PAC Box Office, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. For information, call 323-2897 or 323-2898. February 14 Santa Maria Bullring in La Gloria presents bulls from Rancho Viejo, in Txcala, Mexico in the next event of world class bloodless bullfight bulls. Before the bullfight at 3 p.m. Alexa Michelle Posas, a mariachi singer from Roma, will perform, and Mario Ordaz and his Andalusian horses will also be part of the day’s entertainment. Gates open at 1 p.m. Food service starts at 1:30. Pre-bullfight entertainment starts at 3:15, and the bullfight starts at 4 p.m. Tickets are available at the Progress Times in Mission. Call 585-4893 to reserve tickets. They are also at Border Tire at Business 83 and Mayberry Road in Mission. Call 585-8473. Reservations can also be made by calling the bullring at 4813300. Payment can be made upon arrival. (To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to ptrgv.com.)

lifestyle

(For daily events and upcoming weeks, see the full calendar at www.ptrgv.com.)

Juan and Delfina Calvillo of Mission honored their daughter, Elba Emilia, to celebrate her 15th birthday. The celebration was held Jan. 30 at La Cantera Social and Event Center in Palmview. Her escort was Julian Lee Sanchez of Houston. The honoree is a ninth grade student at Mission Collegiate High School. (Austin Studio)

MHM quilt show winners announced

inners of the quilt show held in January by the Mission Historical Museum were announced at an awards ceremony held Friday, Feb. 5. Wall hanging division winners were Gerald Brauer, “Star Burst,” first place; Jane Pronovost, “Joel’s Quilt,” second; and Bonnie M. Hall, “Challenged Poinsettias,” third. Machine-quilted bed quilt division winners: Lynne Benson, “Fire Island Hosta,” first; Janet A. McDonald, “Batik Circling Reversible Quilt,” second; and Sally Brown Kosmider, “Fourpatch Posey,” third. Hand-quilted bed quilt division winners: Alene Wanless, “Magic Vine,” first; Mary Sue Schaefer, “Healing Stitches,” second; and Sandra Newland, “One Block Wonder,” third. The Viewer’s Choice Award went to Mary Schaefer with “Healing Stitches,” and Best of Show was awarded to Arlene Wanless with “Magic Vine.”

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Events Calendar

Feb ruary 13 – The Rio Grande Valley Mennonite Relief Sale, hosted by over 15 Mennonite and Mennonite Brethren churches, will be held at the Rio Grande Bible Institute (RGBI). There will be an auction, food court, craft bazaar, garage sale and children’s games. Breakfast will be sold in the food court at 7 a.m. The garage sale will open at 8 a.m. Auctioning will begin at 10 a.m., and lunch will be sold at 11 a.m. The craft bazaar, children’s games and live music will be available throughout the day. All activities will end at 2 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, contact Quinn Brenneke at qbrenneke@gmail.com or 260-385-2657. Feb ruary 14 – The Museum of South Texas History, 200 N. Closner Blvd. in downtown Edinburg, will host Jan Seale in a poetry reading at 2 p.m. to commemorate Valentine’s Day. Doors open at 1 p.m., and visitors are invited to start the visit by writing a love letter to the museum, and posting it on the “love board” or decorating a letter/poem for someone special. Refreshments will be served following the presentation. For more information, call 3836911. Feb ruary 14 – Stop by the Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold in Brownsville, for a “Valentine’s Day” themed Animal Play Day to watch the animals interact with special treats and enrichment items. It begins at 11 a.m. at the Gorilla Island and move to the surrounding exhibits throughout the day. It is included in the regular price of general admission. For information, call 546-7187 or visit gpz.org Feb ruary 16 – Dorothy A. Lund Nelson will present a program on the “Orphan Train Riders” at Fiesta Village, 205 S. Stewart Rd. Open to the general public and to all ages, admission is $5. Fiesta Village is located at 205 S. Stewart Rd. in Mission. Feb ruary 18 – The John Deere Waterloo, Iowa annual Reunion will be held at 11:30 a.m. at Gatti’s Pizza, 4100 N. 2nd St. in McAllen. For employees’ spouses are welcomed. For information, call 584-2654. Feb ruary 20 – The Aglow International McAllen Community Lighthouse will host a complimentary prayer breakfast at 9:30 a.m. For location and directions, contact Criselda Alvarado, president, at 5347941 or email Criseldalvarado@gmail.com. This month’s speaker is Sara Ann Neie. Feb ruary 23 – Michael Delesantro and Renee Rubin will share their “Birding on a Budget” adventure in Alaska during a presentation at Frontera Audubon at 6 p.m. The presentation is free for Frontera Audubon members and $3 for non-members. For more info, call 968-3275. Feb ruary 25 – The Mission Historical Museum will host a “History of Mission” presentation by Amancio Chapa. Call 580-8646 for more information. The museum is located at 900 Doherty Ave.

December 31, 2015

Meet and greet local authors at Speer Memorial

ocal authors will take over Speer Memorial Library, located at 12th St. and Kika De La Garza Loop, on Thursday, Feb. 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Community Room during the library’s author book fair. The library staff is planning for an event to provide adults and children an unforgettable experience to meet and greet the authors. It’s an opportunity for library patrons to get inspired and discover their next great read. The author’s works cover every kind of literature: health and safety, young adult fiction, border lore and folktale of South Texas, memoirs, historical fiction, religion, relationships, inspiration and motivation, self-help, children’s fiction, fiction, poetry and topics on horror, poetry and romantic

love in Spanish. Books will be available for purchase and signing by the authors. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Robert Rivera at 580-8479 or visit mission.lib.tx.us. Authors scheduled to appear include Alejandro Cabada author of “La espiral de la locura” (2016), a book of horror short stories; Anita Sandoval, “Broken Chains: How I Broke the Cycle of Abuse and Neglect and Went from Victim to Survivor” (2015); David Bowles, an award winning translator of Aztec and Mayan poetry and author of “The Smoking Mirror,” a young adult novel selected as a Pura Belpré Honor Book; E m m y Pérez, “With the River on Our Face” (2016) and “Solstice” (2011); and Jaime

Pioneer-Ranching Day is Feb. 20

DINBURG – The Museum of South Texas History invites the public to celebrate Pioneer & Ranching Crafts Day on Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This community tradition began 26 years ago and continues to offer a day filled with entertainment and demonstrations that illustrate

the crafts and traditions of early farming and ranching in South Texas and northeastern Mexico. Visitors can expect to discover something new and rediscover many favorite family activities from previous years. This year’s theme will include the role of leña (firewood) and la cerca de leña

Perez, “Through You,” his first published work based on a true story about his father. Also, Katherine Hoerth, author of four poetry books, the most recent, “Goddess Wears Cowboy Boots” (2014) received the Helen C. Smith award from the Texas Institute of Letters; L.M. Keatts, author of “Laura’s Diary” (2015) that several years ago sprang from an idea for a story that became a book; Mary Bain, author of “Reading Logically,” a fivebook series to teach reading; Santos Vallejo, “Against All Odds,” a true story written so kids know they can be whatever they want to be; and Stephen Pantoja, author and illustrator of “The Amalaganimals,” a children’s book series and had a live action television show in NYC.

(mesquite fence) in the lives of early settlers of the region. Experience the history of live ranch-style cooking and craft demonstrations with music and dance performances. The event is included in regular museum admission. For more information, call 383-6911. The museum is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd. in downtown Edinburg.

Join the food drive Open House scheduled for Bahia Grande

HARR – February is National Canned Food Month and the Food Bank RGV is encouraging schools, businesses, organizations and churches to hold food drives to fill the shelves. To sign up, visit the Food Bank webpage at foodbankrgv.com and click on “How to Help.” For more information, contact Omar Rodriguez at 904-4514 or omarir@foodbankrgv.com.

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n 2005, waters from the Laguna Madre re-flooded the 9500-acre wetland area known as the Bahia Grande Unit. Efforts to restore the coastal bays to their former productivity have been ongoing. Visitors will have the opportunity to see this area as it’s being restored during the first public open house on Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A one-way, seven-mile caliche road will be open for visitors to drive through the unit where they will pass through coastal prairies, salt water bays and some freshwater wetlands. Several stations will be available for

viewing birds, learning about the history and restoration work and getting a fishing lesson. Binoculars and cameras are recommended, as well as, larger, high clearance vehicles. Low vehicles may not be allowed to enter. Entrance is free and will be on State Highway 48, four miles south of State Highway 100 between Port Isabel and Brownsville. Call 2442019 for more information. For more information contact the refuge at 7483607, Ext. 108, or visit the refuge’s website fws.gov/ refuge/laguna_atascosa.

opinion By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Governor, congressman seek details on border security cuts AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott and U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-McAllen, are asking U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson for detailed information regarding border security cuts. Of particular interest to Abbott and Cuellar is the federal agency’s decision to cut resources for aerial-based border security support in a program known as Operation Phalanx. Specifically, the Department of Homeland Security’s request for aerial detection, situational awareness and monitoring capability support for Operation Phalanx from the Department of Defense for calendar year 2016 was 50 percent lower than that of recent years. The decrease came despite the governor’s Sept. 30, 2015, request for additional aerial observation resources along the border, and despite the fact that Congress fully funded Department of Defense support for Operation Phalanx in the recently passed omnibus appropriations bill, according to the governor’s office. “Given the recent surge of migrants from Central America and Cuba along the southern border, we believe (the Department of Homeland Security) should be requesting more surveillance and security resources, not fewer,” Abbott and Cuellar wrote in a Feb. 1 letter to Johnson. “Any decrease in aerial observation is not only imprudent, but contradicts the very mission of border security enforcement.” Abbott and Cuellar noted that the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to decrease surveillance

resources “is unsettling” and requested the following information: - Metrics used to determine that a 50 percent reduction in aerial resources would sufficiently support Operation Phalanx; - Detailed plans on how the cuts would impact staffing, resource allocation and operation levels in Laredo, the Rio Grande Valley and Tucson; and - What resources the department plans to use “to backfill any gaps” the reduction presents. Abbott posts first year report Gov. Abbott on Feb. 2 released a “Report to the People of Texas” listing highlights of his first year in office. The report, as stated in a news release, “takes a look at the economy and businesses that expanded or relocated to Texas, in addition to providing an overview of legislation passed to cut taxes, improve Texas’ public and higher education systems, build new roads, secure our border and chart a course that keeps the Lone Star State a beacon of individual liberty and economic opportunity.” State representative resigns State Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon, D-San Antonio, who is suffering from lung cancer, resigned from office effective Jan. 26. Gov. Abbott set May 7 as the date for a special election to fill the House District 120 seat held by McClendon for the last 20 years. The winner of the special election will serve out the rest of McClendon’s term, which expires Dec. 31, 2016.

Sales tax revenue decreases Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Feb. 2 said state sales tax revenue in January totaled $2.47 billion, down 4 percent compared to January 2015. “As expected, reduced spending in oil and gas-related sectors resulted in a fall in total sales tax revenue,” Hegar said. “Collections from industries mainly driven by consumer spending, including retail trade, restaurants and services, continued to grow, as did receipts from the construction sector.” However, Hegar noted, sales tax collections in January 2015 were a record high and represented a double-digit percentage increase over January 2014, meaning this month’s collections are being compared to unusually high collections from a year ago. Heroes Day is proclaimed Gov. Abbott has proclaimed Feb. 2 to be Texas Military Heroes Day. Last year, Feb. 2 was celebrated as Chris Kyle Day to honor the late Medal of Honor recipient who became widely known as the U.S. military’s most prolific sniper. Abbott said his proclamation now calls Texans to remember “scores whose names are unrecognized and have quietly done their duty, serving Texas and the United States faithfully. Today, and from every Feb. 2 hereafter, we will honor all who have sacrificed and served on behalf of the Lone Star State. No matter the battle, no matter the job, they deserve our thanks.”

February 12, 2016

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Cornyn Stresses Need to Reform Mental Health and Criminal Justice System WASHINGTON – Wednesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee convened a hearing addressing the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system. U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) has introduced the Mental Health and Safe Communities Act, a bill that reforms how the criminal justice system handles mentally-ill individuals. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s opening remarks at today’s hearing are below, and video can be found here. “Over the last three decades, America’s prisons, jails, and criminal justice system have become the de facto mental healthcare provider in America.” “The problem is our criminal justice system isn’t adequately equipped to treat individuals with mental illness. In fact, it’s one of the worst places imaginable for these individuals. Our nation’s law enforcement and correctional officers are the best in the world, but they are not mental health practitioners. So it should come as no surprise that mentally

ill individuals who enter the criminal justice system generally become more sick, more likely to reoffend, and more likely to become violent.” “Our current system of warehousing the mentally ill is not working. And it is our duty to address the problem, so we can improve public safety, protect civil rights, and save taxpayer dollars. And across the country we are beginning to see promising signs of reform. And that’s where Sheriff Pamerleau and my home town of San Antonio come in.” “By screening people with mental illness and diverting them to evidence-based treatment instead of jail, Bexar County has saved millions of dollars per year, reduced crime rates, increased public safety, and given mentally-ill individuals a chance to break the cruel cycle of their illness. That model for mental health treatment has become a beacon of success.” “We do need to do more to target our existing federal resources to repair the

broken mental health system. The legislation Chairman Grassley mentioned, the Mental Health and Safe Communities Act, which I’ve sponsored, is a product of hard work – not just from me and my staff in the Senate, but also the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Council of State Governments Justice Center, the American Correctional Association, and the National Sheriffs’ Association, just to mention a few. It’s modeled, really, on the successes we’ve seen around the country, not just in Bexar County, but around the country.” “What I hope we will ultimately do, and I’ve talked to Senator Alexander about, is putting together these various pieces in a piece of consensus legislation that we might be able to pass with good results. So I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will listen to the lessons of this hearing and work with all of us in a bipartisan manner to address this issue.”

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1217 N. Conway • Mission, TX (956) 585-4893 MEMBER 2015

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

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

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February 12, 2016

Place 2 candidates vie for justice of the peace bench

By Lea Victoria Juarez hree candidates are in the running for place 2 – incumbent Marcos Ochoa, Arnaldo Corpus and Leo Gonzalez Jr. Ochoa was appointed to the position in October 2014, following criminal charges and the resignation of former JP Ismael “Melo” Ochoa, who is not related to Marcos Ochoa. Marcos Ochoa was born and raised in Peñitas and has served on the Peñitas city council and as a mayor for a total of 16 years. Since his appointment to JP, Ochoa has completed his 80 hours of judicial training from the Texas Justice Training Center and accrued on-the-job experience. “I never thought I would be a justice of the peace but I love it, especially working with truancy,” Ochoa said. “I feel that a major problem with kids today is there is no communication with the parents. Life is moving so fast.” In his court, he stresses communication. It has been his foundation since he was a child and is what has helped keep his marriage and family successful, he said. Ochoa explained that he has built a reputation of being available to the public, which helped him win his elections for the city of

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Peñitas. He said he believes the dynamic he has built with the office staff and other justices of the peace gives him an advantage over his opponents, in addition to being up-to-date with the technological aspects that come with the position. “I’m here accessable from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. I have an open door policy and we listen to everybody,” he said. “We’re here doing what it takes to run the office as best as anybody does.” Arnaldo Corpus served as Pct. 3, place 1 JP for 16 years. Since being voted out of office in 2000, the vested judge has continued to conduct weddings and remained available to the community, he said. The reason Corpus is running is because he feels the taxpayers were short-ended when Ochoa was appointed to the position. “Would you rather have experience on the bench or somebody that is just learning on your dollar, whereas if I come in, I know how to run a court,” Corpus said. Corpus came under fire in recent years after he and two other bond agencies freed wanted man Omar Guerrero, the former Hidalgo County district clerk that fled to Mexico to avoid facing sexual assault of a child, drug and tampering charges. Corpus said he approached

Ochoa when he announced his candidacy and assured a clean campaign on his part, expecting the same in return. While he was a JP, Corpus was lecturer for state Justice of the Peace Education Committee and served on the state juvenile delinquency board. He is most proud of touring with the education committee for a year, following the 1989 bus accident in Alton that led to the death of 21 students. Corpus did the inquest on the accident and toured with other officials that were involved in accidents with a high death rate. Even though he has not been on the bench for 16 years, he said he thinks he would be better suited to run the people’s court because he has more experience. “The courts are still run the same and because I’ve been around it, I haven’t lost anything,” the independent candidate said. “I might have to get familiar with new laws, but the fact that you have people visiting the new court hasn’t changed.” Leo Gonzalez Jr. is also running as an independent. He is the son of the late Leo Gonzalez Sr., who was a local justice of the peace in the 1970s. The Mission native has been the international sales director for DB research for seven and a half years, working in wholesale electronics. Part of his job means working in customer service with people of all backgrounds, experiences the he believes will benefit him in the courtroom. After seeing the other candidates in the race, Gonzalez said he was just convinced he was a harder worker. “I want to set an example for leading an honest and open and fair court that will make the

citizens of Precinct 3 and Hidalgo County proud,” Gonzalez said. “I think I’ve demonstrated by going door-to-door and asking people for support that I want to be known as a hard working justice of the peace.” Gonzalez’s main concern is restoring transparency to the courtroom, which is a slogan that he has branded himself with. Because he is not being endorsed by anyone besides family and friends, he said he will not owe any favors if elected JP. “(I’m) just going to do the job the way the law dictates that it should be done,” he said. “I’m a different generation than either of my two competitors. If the people choose to elect me as their next justice of the peace, I will be as impartial and fair as I can be. I will follow the example set by my late father.”

SHOWDOWN

district collapsed. The marketing analyst said he thinks the process is flawed and outdated and he wants to make a change. Prado said he plans on using the assessor’s office as a way to hold the Appraisal District accountable and aid any resident looking to contest their property taxes. Additionally, Prado seeks to modernize the department of motor vehicles to make management as efficient as possible. Justice of the Peace Place 1 Jozabad “Jay” Palacios is challenging incumbent Luis Garza for place 1 of the people’s court. Palacios is a Mission native who works as an assistant principal in Santa Maria ISD and is a business owner. As an educator, he said he believes he has the skills to run a courtroom that is more in tune with schools and the community it serves. His campaign is based on transparency and communication. “I feel that there needs to be a change because you’re in

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an elected position and people need to know who you are. You need to be accessible at any time,” Palacios said. “What you’re going to get with me is somebody who is doing their job, someone who is going to get there early and leave late probably. That’s just my demeanor; that’s just my work ethic.” Luis Garza seeks his fifth term as justice of the peace. Garza is part of Team Liberty, which consists of Joe Flores, Abraham Padron, Justice of the Peace (Place 2) Marcos Ochoa, Tax Assessor & Collector Pablo “Paul” Villarreal Jr., 398th District judge candidate Keno Vasquez, State Representative Oscar Longoria (D-35) and Constable Lazaro Gallardo. Garza could not be reached for comment for this article went to press. Early voting runs from Feb. 16 to Feb. 26. The poll stations are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except for Sunday, Feb. 21 when they are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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February 12, 2016

Misson Area Early Voting Sites UTRGV hosting early voting sites By Gail Fagan

ALTON SUB Comm. Chambers (Sala de Comisionados) City Hall 509 S. Alton Blvd. Alton, Tx

MISSION SUB Community Room (Sala de Comunidad) Mission City Hall 1201 E. 8th St. Mission, TX

LA JOYA SUB Main Entrance (Entrada Principal) “NEW” City Hall 701 E. Expressway 83 La Joya, TX

MISSION SUB Gym Boys & Girls Club @ Bannworth Park 1822 N. Shary Rd. Mission, TX

PALMVIEW SUB Back Entrance (Entrada Trasera) Co. Comm. Pct. #3 “The Mansion” 2401 N. Moorefield Rd. Palmview, TX PENITAS SUB Meeting Room Peñitas City Hall 1320 S. Main St. Peñitas, TX

SULLIVAN SUB Main Entrance (Entrada Principal) Sullivan Fire Station 500 Cenizo Sullivan City, TX

Early Voting: Feb. 16-26 Election Day: March 1st

Early voting sites will be available at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Brownsville and Edinburg campuses for students, faculty, staff and others wanting to cast a ballot in the upcoming Democratic and Republican primary election. Registered voters in Hidalgo County can go to the early voting site in the Student Union Commons on the Edinburg Campus. The site will be open on the following dates and times: •Feb. 15-20, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. •Feb. 21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. •Feb. 22-26, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Registered voters in Cameron County can cast their ballot early at the Brownsville Campus Student Union La Sala. The site will be open on the following dates and time: •Feb 16-19, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Voters will be required to show one of the following acceptable forms of photo identification at the polling location before they will be permitted to cast a vote. •Texas driver’s license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). •Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS.

See UTRGV 7

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February 12, 2016

Mission EDC seeks $2 million loan for new building

By Lea Victoria Juarez he Mission Economic Development Corporation should be moved into their new 55,000-square foot location by June, but before that can happen, the EDC needs to purchase furniture and computers for the space. Known as the Center for Education and Economic Development, the building will house all of Mission EDC’s programs, provide office space for local business owners and a professional working space for the general public. The board authorized CEO Alex Meade to issue a request for proposals from

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banks to take out a loan of $2 million. The seven-year loan would cover IT, furniture and could also be used to pay rent or to cover any unforeseen expenses. Those who aren’t renting an office space in the CEED can purchase a membership to use the coworking space. Much like at a gym, the membership guarantees entrance into the facility, with 285 open space seats, not including classroom, conference room or lecture hall seats. Meade compared the working space seats similar to coffee shop seating. The monthly membership fees are $35, $75, $150, $200, and the perks in each level build on the perks from

the previous level. With the first level, a person gets admittance into building and access to wifi. Meade said the EDC is working out an agreement with another entity in another city that has a similar concept as the CEED, but he was not able to disclose the business’s name. For people who purchase a $75 membership, they would get access to the CEED and the other building as well. “The idea is that if someone wants to have a business meeting, they can tell their client ‘You can meet me in my Mission location or this other location,’” Meade explained. The $150-level gives a

person access to conferences rooms, and the $200-level allows the member to use the CEED as a mailing address. Students from K-12 and in college will be able to use the facilities for free, as long as they have a student ID. Senior citizens and Winter Texans will also be able to use the facilities for free, provided they have identification. “It is our attempt at closing that digital divide by allowing people to have access to the internet,” the CEO said. In addition to office space and memberships, a coffee shop will secure a space in the building. The

revenue from all three avenues should generate approximately $50,000 a year, according to Meade. Ultimately, the goal is to have the money generated from building pay off the loan and help pay rent. The MEDC board also approved five positions for the CEED -- director of strategic partnerships and program development, director of technology, a building receptionist and a program director and administrative aid for when the Mission EDC programs expand.

UTRGV

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•Texas personal identification card issued by DPS. •Texas concealed handgun license issued by DPS. •U.S. military or Veteran Affairs identification card bearing the person’s photograph; •U.S. citizenship or naturalization certificate bearing the person’s photograph. •U.S. passport. Neither of the UTRGV early voting sites will be a polling location on Election Day, March 1, 2016.

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February 12, 2016

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Lady Rattlers, Lobos and Patriots advance to playoffs

By Luciano Guerra uesday night’s District 31-5A finale against Edinburg Vela may not have been a do-or-die scenario for the Veterans Memorial Lady Patriots basketball team but it was close. With the Lady Patriots going into that game in a threeway tie for second place with Vela and Rio Grande City, and with Roma only one game behind the trio, a loss would’ve almost certainly resulted in Veterans Memorial ending their district schedule in either a twoway tie for one playoff spot or a three-way tie for two. However, the Lady Patriots emerged from Tuesday’s game with a 61-48 win over the Lady Sabercats clinching the district’s second seed in the playoffs. As a result of that clutch win and the subsequent coin flip, the Lady Patriots will be traveling to PSJA High School Monday evening to

take on the Lady Bears in the bi-district round of the playoffs. That game is scheduled to tip-off at 7 p.m. Veterans Memorial’s four-year starter, Ashley Smith, led the way for the Lady Patriots Tuesday with 31 points. When asked how she and her teammates were able to pull off the win over the Lady Sabercats on their home court, Smith said, “We played amazing defense. We rebounded well and we tried shutting Muhammad down so that helped us.” The Muhammad she referred to is Vela junior point guard Jaida Muhammad. Not certain if her 31 points was a season, or even a career high for her, Smith credits her offensive onslaught to her state of mind. “I guess I just stayed focused throughout the game,” explained the 5-foot-6 point guard. “I struggled in the first quarter, but I tried to pick myself up from that point on and I think I did that well.”

As a senior, Tuesday night’s game could’ve been Smith’s swan song at Veterans Memorial had the Lady Patriots not made the playoffs. Instead, Smith and her teammates now have a chance at winning their second bi-district championship in a row and possibly going even deeper into the playoffs than they ever have before. “It means a lot to me to have made the playoffs again this year,” Smith said. “Last year, we got the first bi-district win for the school so hopefully we’ll be able to win it again for the second year in a row.” Veterans Memorial head girls’ basketball coach Rafael Cantu Jr. liked the way his team responded to the high pressure situation they were in against Vela. “We did everything we had to do to be ready to play Vela,” Cantu said. “And to the girls’ credit they went out there and played and competed hard and played

our best overall game of the year.” “We knew that was what it was going to take because Vela is a very good team and especially tough to beat at home,” added Cantu. “They were in the same situation we were in by needing a win to assure a spot and I’m so proud of the girls for the way they all came together with a single purpose. It was just a great win for us.” As for the 10-2 Sharyland Lady Rattlers, they claimed the 31-5A district championship and will be facing off against the winner of the play-in game between the Donna Lady Redskins and the Edcouch-Elsa Lady Yellowjackets as their bi-district match-up. The day, time and location of this game will be determined later. The only other girls’ Big 7 team to qualify for the playoffs is the Palmview Lady Lobos. Their 9-3 District 306A record has clinched them the third seed in the district and will have them playing the losers of the Laredo United vs Laredo Alexander play-in game next. The day, time and location of this game will be determined later as well.

Boys Basketball Standings Note: Teams above dotted line are currently in position to make playoffs. DISTICT 30-6A Overall District GB McAllen Memorial* 23-5 10-0 McAllen Rowe* 23-10 8-2 2.0 Palmview High 17-15 5-5 5.0 McAllen High 4-7 6.5 13-17 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------La Joya High 15-15 3-7 7.0 Juarez-Lincoln 7-15 3-7 7.0 Mission High 6-22 2-8 8.0 DISTICT 31-5A Overall District GB Edinburg Vela* 28-2 10-0 Sharyland Pioneer 19-11 7-3 3.0 Valley View 19-15 6-5 4.5 Roma 5-5 13-17 5.0 Sharyland High 9-18 5-5 5.0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Veterans Memorial 17-17 2-9 8.5 Rio Grande City 10-23 1-9 9.0 *Clinched Playoff Spot DISTICT 31-5A Overall District GB Edinburg Vela 23-2 5-0 Roma 12-13 4-1 1.0 Valley View 17-12 4-2 1.5 Sharyland Pioneer 15-10 3-2 2.0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5-17 1-4 4.0 Sharyland High Veterans Memorial 16-12 1-4 40 . Rio Grande City 9-19 0-5 5.0

Girls Basketball Standings Note: Teams above dotted line are currently in position to make playoffs.

Veterans Memorials Ashley Smith is shown approaching the basket in a game early this season against The La Joya Lady Coyotes. Progress Times photo by: Luciano Guerra

DISTICT 30-6A Overall District GB McAllen Rowe* 23-9 11-1 McAllen Memorial* 21-12 10-2 1.0 Palmview High* 22-9 9-3 2.0 McAllen High* 13-20 6-6 5.0 La Joya High 16-18 4-8 7.0 Juarez-Lincoln 9-24 2-10 9.0 Mission High 2-30 0-12 11.0 DISTICT 31-5A Overall District GB Sharyland High* 25-8 10-2 Veterans Memorial* 22-13 8-4 2.0 Rio Grande City 22-11 7-5 3.0 Edinburg Vela 15-18 7-5 3.0 Roma 13-20 7-5 3.0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sharyland Pioneer 8-26 2-10 8.0 Valley View 10-23 1-11 9.0 *Clinched Playoff Spot

February 12, 2016

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Big 7 wrestlers take district titles

By Luciano Guerra Last year 25 Big 7 schools’ wrestlers made it all the way to the University Interscholastic League’s (UIL’s) state tournament – 19 as qualifiers and six as alternates. Of those 25, two returned to the Valley having won one of the highly coveted state medals - Juarez-Lincoln’s Leslie Oliva, silver medalist in the 95 lb. weight class, and La Joya’s Daisy Ramirez, fifth place finisher in the 165 lb. weight class. How many local wrestlers will be making the trip to the state tournament in Garland, Texas this year and how many of those will return with medals, is still to be determined. However, seven Sharyland, Mission and La Joya 16-5A and eight 16-6A wrestlers took the first step towards achieving that lofty goal last week by winning district championships in each of their respective weight classes. At the District 16-5A championship tournament held at Veterans Memorial High School, the Rio Grande City boys’ and girls’ teams

both took district titles with the Pioneer boys and the Veterans Memorial girls being the runners-up. In that tournament, Armando Bustillos (120 lbs.) of Veterans Memorial, Joseth Suarez (126 lbs.) of Sharyland and Dominique Rodriguez (170 lbs.) of Pioneer took district titles for the boys. In the girls’ tournament four members of the Veterans Memorial team took district titles - Joaida Tornes (102 lbs.), Brandi Alaniz (138 lbs.), Mariah Gonzalez (165 lbs.) and Klarissa Blanco (185 lbs.). As a three-time state qualifier, Blanco (16-0 record) will be looking to not only make her fourth trip to Garland in as many years but also to better her previous best finish at state of sixth place. “Last year I was really looking forward to getting first in state but I fell short because I needed more cardio,” shared Blanco. “That is why I went to the gym all summer preparing myself for the season and why I’ve been working hard during the season preparing myself for state. This is my

last year and I really want to place first. That would make me so happy; especially because Coach (David) Gilpin told me that he would put my name on a banner in the gym if I placed first at state.” Like Blanco, Joaida Tornes is in her senior year of wrestling for the Lady Patriots. And like Blanco, Tornes has her sights set on a regional championship and a return trip to the state tournament. “I’ve always wrestled in the 95 lb. weight class,” Tornes said. “This year I jumped up to the 102 lb. class and it took me, my coaches and everybody by surprise that I was able to win at district at this weight. Going into regionals, I have the mentality of leaving everything on the mat. It comes down to whoever has the most heart.” Brandi Alaniz earned her first district championship in this her senior season. She credits her success in part to the leadership provided by two of the Lady Patriots’ captains. “Klarissa and Joaida are both very good captains and

Lady Diamondbacks and Lady Rattlers set to clash

team has been counting down the days until this game,” Reyes said. “It’s going to take all of us being on our A-game and all of us to keep playing the way we’ve been playing to beat Sharyland. One of our goals this year is to take the district championship and winning this game is going to go a long way towards helping us achieve that goal.” Lady Diamondbacks’ sophomore midfielder Nikki Cuellar scored her fourth goal of the district season against the Lady Patriots Tuesday night. When asked what she believed it would take to turn the tables on the Lady Rattlers by defeating them tonight, Cuellar said, “We’re going to have to all play together and be on our best game. Also, we cannot let ourselves be intimidated by them. We have great team chemistry and that’s what has allowed us to do as well as we have in just our second year.” Overall the Lady Diamondbacks are 11-1 this season with their only loss coming to Katy Seven Lakes which is in the Houston area. Among their preseason achievements was bettering the field at the Laredo Border Olympics Soccer Tournament to earn the championship. As for the Lady Rattlers, they are 9-2 overall this season, having outscored their three district opponents thus

By Luciano Guerra Last year, the Sharyland Lady Rattlers and the Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks soccer teams were each one playoff win away from advancing into the Region IV 5A finals. Had the Lady Rattlers defeated Cedar Park and had the Lady Diamondbacks defeated Austin Vandegrift, the fifth round playoff game would’ve showcased the two Sharyland teams going head-to-head for the right to advance into the state tournament semifinals, otherwise known as the state’s Final Four. Unfortunately, the much anticipated match-up between the two Sharyland sister schools never took place. The Lady Rattlers suffered a 2-0 loss to the Lady Timberwolves and the Lady Diamondbacks lost 1-0 to the Lady Vipers in the Regional Semifinals. Ten months and two days later, the playoff match-up that never was, will finally be taking place. And while it will not be in a playoff scenario, there certainly will be playoff implications as the 3-0 Lady Rattlers host the 4-0 Lady Diamondbacks tonight at Sharyland’s Richard Thompson

Stadium. As the two top teams in District 31-5A last season, the 12-0 Lady Rattlers and the 10-2 Lady Diamondbacks swept all their district competitors not from Sharyland. With their only two losses coming at the hands of the Lady Rattlers, the Lady Diamondbacks had an extremely successful inaugural season. And with both teams coming into tonight’s game undefeated, the victor will be sure to have the inside track to this year’s district title. Coming into tonight’s game, the Lady Diamondbacks have outscored their opponents 19-1. Their most recent victims, the Veterans Memorial Lady Patriots, who they defeated 5-1 Tuesday night, are the only team to find the back of their net with a ball since district play started. In that game, sophomore forward Andrea Reyes scored three goals to raise her season total to 8. After the game, Reyes shared how much she and her teammates have been anticipating their first opportunity to play the Lady Rattlers this year. “I think that the whole

From left to right are Joaida Tornes, Klarissa Blanco, Armando Bustillos, Mariah Gonzalez and Brandi Alaniz. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

they’ve taught me a lot,” shared Alaniz. “By watching them, by having them tell me that I can do it and by them pushing me to that point that they have is what’s helped me to succeed.” In her first year of wrestling, Mariah Gonzalez took the district championship in the 165 lb. weight class. Having previously devoted herself to volleyball, Gonzalez shared why she took up wrestling in this her senior year when she said, “Two of my cousins, Rudy Gonzalez and Jackie Gonzalez, wrestled and went to state; Jackie got second and Rudy got fourth. It’s taken a lot of work for all these girls to win championships and ad-

far this season by an impressive margin of 21-3. That includes their 11-1 Tuesday night victory over the Roma Lady Gladiators. In their first round matchup last year the Lady Rattlers defeated the Lady Diamondbacks 3-1. In their second round matchup Sharyland shut out Pioneer by a score of 3-0. Tonight’s game is part of a Pioneer vs Sharyland girls/ boys doubleheader with the girls’ game scheduled to start at 6 and the boys’ game scheduled to start at 7:30.

vance to state and I just wanted to be a part of that.” In the 16-6A tournament held at Edinburg Economedes High School, the Weslaco boys and the Juarez-Lincoln girls took the team district titles. Individual district champions for the boys included Gaudencio Tavarez (113 lbs.) of La Joya High, Rene Beas (182 lbs.) of Juarez-Lincoln, Gustavo Arpero (195 lbs.) of Palmview and Jonathan Mares (220 lbs.) of Mission High. Individual district champions for the girls included Leslie Oliva (95 lbs.) and Jesenia Gaytan (215 lbs.)

of Juarez-Lincoln and Rosario Ramirez (119 lbs.) and Steffany Rosas (185 lbs.) of La Joya High School. The Region IV 5A and 6A championship tournaments are both being held today and tomorrow (Feb. 12 and 13). The 5A tournament is being held at the AISD Delco Activity Center in Austin while the 6A tournament is being held at the Blossom Athletic Center in San Antonio. The 2016 UIL State Tournament is being held February 19 and 20 at Cypress-Fairbanks ISD’s Berry Center in Houston.

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February 12, 2016

obituaries

Adan Becho Jr. MISSION - Adan Becho Jr., 80, passed away at his home on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Genoveva R. Becho; children. Dora L. Becho-Diaz, Diana Becho, Sylvia Gonzales, Adan Becho III, Dolores Staneland, Raquel Becho and Nilsa Sulivan; brothers, Jesus Becho and Juan Ramon Becho; and seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adan and Dolores Becho Sr., and siblings, Nieves B. Vargas

Notices

Alonso Ivan De La Garza MISSION – A funeral mass for Alonso Ivan De La Garza was held on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview. Maria Gonzalez MISSION – Maria Gonzalez passed away on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, at her home in Mission. Melvin Jozwiak MISSION – Melvin Jozwiak, 86, passed away on Friday, Feb. 6, 2016, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Eleanor Marie Kindsvater MISSION – Eleanor Marie Kindsvater, 77, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Esther Lemus MISSION – Esther Lemus, 80, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Christina Ordaz MISSION – Christina Ordaz, 36, passed away on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Arnold Strander MISSION – Arnold Strander, 88, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

and Ricardo Becho. A funeral mass was held on Feb. 6 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission. Juan Manuel Brown MISSION – Juan Manuel Brown, 77, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Mr. Brown was born on Nov. 27, 1938, in McAllen to Howard Brown and Virginia Jasso Brown. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Rosalinda Brown; children, Sergio De La Garza, Juan Manuel Brown II, Krystal Ann Acevedo, Catalina Brown and Raquel Brown; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Regina Yvette Brown. A funeral was held on Feb. 9 at Iglesia Del Pueblo in Mission. Burial, with military honors, followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mission. Pallbearers were Juan Manuel Brown, Nathan Isaiah Brown, Francisco Garcia, Saul Cabrera, Jorge Garcia and Marcos Aparicio. Arcelia Casas MISSION – Arcelia Casas, 92, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016. Mrs. Casas was born on Oct. 28, 1923, to Andres and Sarita Farias Rojas in Delmita. She married Leonel Casas on May 5, 1946, and moved to Mission shortly after. Survivors include her children, Leonel Casas of Mission, Alma Ramos from Mission, Alicia Peña of Mission, Maria Margarita Casas of Mission, Ida Steindel of McAllen, Raquel Tellez of Bonita, Calif., and Nora Piotrowski of Mesa, Az.; and eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers, Jose Maria Rojas and Asencio

Rojas. A graveside service was held on Feb. 5 at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Pedro Gomez Jr. MISSION – Pedro Gomez Jr., 44, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg. Survivors include his parents, Pedro and Gloria Gomez Sr.; daughter, Brandy Gomez; and sisters, Dalila Cervantes, Belinda Ramirez and Cynthia Flores. A funeral mass was held on Feb. 8 at San Martin De Porres Catholic Church in Alton. Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery in Abram. Pedro Robledo Sr. GRANJENO – Pedro Robledo Sr., 93, passed away on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, at Edinburg Regional Medical Center. A lifelong resident of Granjeno, he retired from Missouri Pacific Railroad after 33 years of service. Survivors include his children, Pedro Robledo Jr. of Edinburg and Emilia Anzaldua of Granjeno; and nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Carolina Robledo; daughters, Juanita Noelia Cavazos and Elsa Cabera; and granddaughter. Rebecca Anzaldua. A funeral mass was held on Feb. 10 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Granjeno. Burial followed at Granjeno Cemetery. All obituaries must be submitted by the funeral home. Obituary notices are run FREE OF CHARGE in the Progress Times if they are submitted in a timely manner to run the same week of the date of death. Otherwise, there is a fee for notices submitted later than the closest possible publication date. Late obituaries will be subject to a $50 charge. Obituaries can be found online and are updated as they are received. Visit www. progresstimes.net to stay current with obituaries and other news that matters to you.

Mission mayor concerned about low bid on $10.56M project

By Kathy Olivarez

t Monday’s Mission City Council meeting, Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas questioned a low bid submitted by Texas Concordia LLC for the Inspiration Road widening project. While the city had estimated the cost of the the Inspiration Road project to be $10.6 million, the low bid submitted by Concordia came in at $6,998,000. The project scope includes widening of Inspiration Road from Business 83 to the Mile 3 Line. The low amount of the bid had Mayor Beto Salinas wondering why there was such a price variation in the figures the city had calculated and those received from low bidder. The second lowest bid was $8.5 mission, submitted by Foremost Construction. He pointed out there are two intersections with lights that would add to the cost. The city had projected the cost to be $10,582,000, which includes $8,456,000 from federal funding, $1,862,000 from state funding and $253,000 from the city. “We don’t want to have the same problems we had with the bid on repairs for the Mayberry Service Center where the company who got the bid went broke and it took a year and a half to get the project completed through their insurances,” the mayor said. After asking if anyone from Concordia was present at the meeting, he said he would like staff to set up a meeting with the company so he could question them further. After the mayor expressed his doubts, the council approved the lowest bidder because the mayor said it would save the city, the state and federal government $3.3 million dollars, if the company could do the project for the amount of the bid. If the project is completed for the bid price, the city’s portion of the

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 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.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1101 Doherty • 585-1665

NORTH MISSION CHURCH OF CHRIST 1410 E. Mile 3 Rd. • 585-0146 Palmhurst

FREEDOM LIFE CHURCH 2214 W. Griffin Pkwy. • 519-7000 Mission

NORTH PALMVIEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH 7612 W. 6 Mile Ln.

GRACIA DIVINA MINISTRY 11809 N. Shary Rd. • 584-3112

ONLY THRU JESUS 1511 E. Mile 2 Rd. Mission • 918-760-1625

GREAT OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH 2722 N. Conway • 451-5500 Mission 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 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

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

Commercial Lawn Equipment “Since 1954”

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

KING, GUERRA, DAVIS & GARCIA ATTORNEYS AT LAW

DAVID H. GUERRA

DARRELL DAVIS

301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622

based on income. August De Kock, who owns the property adjoining the site under consideration, said he was not saying he approved or disapproved but had questions. He asked if the units would be Section 8 housing, if there would be increased law enforcement in the area to take care of the units, if families could stay for extended lengths of time and what will this cost the taxpayer. Lisa Helle answered several questions, saying the cost to taxpayers was $100 to approve the application. Once the project is built and on tax rolls, the owners would pay property taxes like everyone

Reminiscing...

See LOW BID 12

30 Years Ago This Week

December Sales Fatten City’s Tax Check Te Valley’s mid-tier of cities had the best sales gain percentagewise for December, shows the February report from Texas Comptroller Bob Bullock. Mission, Pharr and Weslaco posted healthy gains with Pharr showing a 34.8 percent gain over the same reporting period in 1985. Weslaco was second percentagewise with a 26.37 percent increase while Mission posted a 25.50 percent increase. 1912 Grad Funds Innovative Program The Mission School District has received a substantial grant from a 1912 graduate of Mission High School to fund a “Writing To Read” program for kindergarten students. School Trustees gave the green light to the computer-based introduction to writing and reading developed by Dr. John Henry Martin of Florida for the IBM corporation. Supt. Dr. Kenneth White told trustees that most of the funding for starting the pilot program in four elementary schools this summer and next fall would come from Dr. Ben D. Wood, a 1912 graduate of Mission High School and formerly a professor at Columbia University. Youth Advocacy Group Holds First Meeting Mission’s Youth Advocacy Board held its first meeting Thursday, February 6, at the Mission City Hall. The 15 members of the panel authorized by city resolution elected officers and set priorities to promote the welfare and enrichment of the youth of Mission. The Youth Advocacy Board is comprised of citizens living within the Mission, Sharyland or La Joya school districts. The make up was partially determined by the above mentioned resolution.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

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

THE SPIRIT OF LA LOMITA MISSION LIVES HERE AT

OLG

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH THE SPIRIT THAT CONQUERS SIN AND DEATH! CELEBRATE LIFE & LOVE WITH US

MISSION

ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1119 Francisco • 585-2701 ST. PETER & ST. PAUL EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2310 N. Stewart Rd. 585-5005

PALM VALLEY CHURCH 1720 E. Griffin Pkwy. 585-3203

SHINING LIGHT BAPTIST CHURCH 6 1/8 N. Doffing Rd. (FM 492) 580-4078

PEÑITAS BAPTIST CHURCH 1/3 Mile S. of Exp.83 on FM 1427 583-6236

TEMPLO BIBLICO 5 Mile/Conway 581-4981or 585-3831

PRIMERA BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of 6th & Oblate 585-4711

TEMPLO EVANGELICO, M.B. CHURCH La Joya

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

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 3905 W. 3 Mile Line • 585-3261

PROMISE LAND CHURCH 2300 E. Palm Circle (Corner of 495) Mission, TX 78572 • 624-9307

cost will drop to $168,000. In other action, the council approved a resolution in support of a gated community for senior citizens. Taylor Senior Village, will be located at 1600 N. Taylor Road if approved for state funding. The Village would be gated and comprised of one bedroom/one bath and two bedroom/two bath single story units. The number of units proposed would range from 112 to 126, depending on the number of units approved. All units would have storage rooms, laundry facilities, covered patios, Energy Star kitchens with microwave ovens, ovens, refrigerators and high speed Internet. Cost to rent the units would be tiered

FIRST WEEK OF LENT

VALLEY FELLOWSHIP 1708 E. Griffin Parkway Mission • 424-7200

MISSION AUTO ELECTRIC, INC. DBA

ER MAE EPQOU IW PMENT

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IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. MISSION 585-1618

  

THANK GOD FOR THE “VALENTINES” HE SENDS US!

“Texas Friendly” spoken at all masses (and confessions) Saturday (English) ........................................... 4:00 P.M. Saturday (Spanish) .......................................... 7:00 P.M. Sunday (Spanish) ........................................... 7:30 A.M. Sunday (English)............................................. 9:00 A.M. Sunday (English)........................................... 10:30 A.M. Sunday (Tex-Mex) Mariachi Mass ......... (Noon)12:30 P.M. Sunday (Tex-Mex)............................................ 5:30 P.M. Monday - Wednesday & Friday (Tex-Mex) ....... 6:55 A.M. Thursday (Tex-Mex) ......................................... 7:00 P.M.

CONFESSIONS

 





WHEN WE’RE LOST IN THE DESERT AND “ALMOST PERSUADED” TO GIVE UP, HIS SWEET LOVE KEEPS WILLING US HOME! (DAVID HOUSTON)

 

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

620 DUNLAP, MISSION, TX • 585-2623

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

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MMA parade honors Iwo Jima heroes

ARLINGEN – The Marine Military Academy will hold its annual Iwo Jima Parade on Feb. 19, at 4 p.m. on the MMA Parade Grounds. This year marks the 71st anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. Open to the public, the event honors the sacrifice made by those who fought to preserve freedom during the battle. Because of the subtropical climate of South Texas, MMA is the only organization in the country that holds a battalion-size parade on the

actual anniversary of the Feb. 19, 1945, event at the Battle of Iwo Jima. Last year, more than 350 people attended. There will be special reserved seating for Iwo Jima survivors in front of the parade stand, which directly faces the historic Iwo Jima Monument. During the parade, the Iwo Jima survivors will join the MMA superintendent for the ceremonial pass in review. Event-goers are encouraged to stop by the Iwo Jima Museum before 3 p.m. to watch a video depicting the Battle of Iwo Jima. They are

also encouraged to view the Iwo Jima Monument and the gravesite of Cpl. Harlon Block before or after the parade. Since April 1982, MMA has been home to the Iwo Jima Monument. The magnificent statue depicts five Marines and one Navy Corpsman raising the American flag on Feb. 23, 1945, during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Block, the Marine depicted at the base of the flagstaff, was a native of Weslaco. For more information, call 421-9225 or e-mail atkinson@MMA-TX.org.

LOW BID else. There would be no special abatements for the project. Background checks for criminal activities would be performed on everyone allowed to live there, according to Helle. The mayor said there could be some Section 8 housing because the income levels are to be staggered, but it is a senior citizen project. Senior citizens are not known to cause much trouble, he said. Virginia Townsend spoke in favor of the project, saying there are not many op-

tions for seniors who want to downsize and get rid of their larger homes. After discussion, the council approved Resolution #1430 in support of Taylor Senior Village. In other action, the council created the Mission Development Advisory Board, which is designed to promote the city’s continued growth. State law allows such boards in municipalities with a population of less than 900,000. Rosalinda Gonzalez, Jerry Saenz, Marisela Marin, Julio Cerda

from pg 11

and Rudy Garcia were appointed to the board to serve two-year terms. Under police business, the council approved accepting an additional $30,000 to add to the Stonegarden Grant. The Mission police are working with the Border Patrol on a project, and the money will be used for overtime. A Firehouse Subs Safety Grant in the amount of $13,995 was approved. The funds are to purchase bicycle medic equipment and a trailer that can be used to provide first aid in situations where vehicle access is restricted. The council approved Ordinance 4210, repealing Ordinance 3022, and amending the code of ordinances that called for increased sewer rates for subdivisions outside the city limits. The purpose of this change is to increase growth in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. Approval was granted to solicit bids to build a new 2700-square-foot laboratory that would serve both the north and south water treatment plants. The council approved a resolution authorizing the Texas Coalition for Affordable Power, Inc. to negotiate an extension to the city’s current electric supply contract. The resolution calls for a rate reduction from the current 7 cents per kilowatt-hour to a rate not to exceed 4.25 cents per kilowatt-hour for the coming year.

Medical Services Directory The Upper Valley Has Excellent Health Care Facilities And Dedicated Doctors And Health Care Specialists.

MISSION NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER • 170 bed licensed & certified medicare/medicaid nursing facility • RN’s 24 hrs. Daily • Recreational Activities • Physical Therapy

• Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy • I.V. Therapy • Enteral Therapy • Respiratory Therapy • Therapeutic Diets

1013 S. Bryan • Mission • 580-2100

PENITAS

Bryan Medical Plaza

519-9955

Next To Mission Hospital

FAMILY PHARMACY We Accept: • Most Private Insurances • Texas Medicaid/CHIPS Only Pharmacy West of Mission Open Late Hours! • Medicare Part D • Workers Comensation M- 8am-11pm

581-8833 Alton

• Full PrescriPtion service • Diabetic suPPlies

Friday 8am-9pm Saturday 8am-1pm

We Oﬀer: Home & Medical Supplies/Equipment Diabetic Shoes

956-580-3500

SHARYLAND DENTAL CARE

583-0044

We carry a • Durable Medical Equipment variety of HME Equipment & Deliv- • Most Insurance Accepted ery City Wide! NOW CARRYING DIABETIC SHOES

• Workmen’s Comp. • Medicare Provider • Medicaid

GENERAL DENTISTRY EXCEPTIONAL CARE Since 1982

581-2773

Timothy W. Brann, D.D.S.

Richard A. Young, D.D.S.

2407 E. Griffin Pkwy. • Mission, Tx 78572

CPR

can keep your love

ALIVE!!

Send your kids to school with their prescribed asthma medication

Develop a zero-tolerance attitude for asthma attacks. www.texaslung.org

SOUTH TEXAS PODIATRY Foot Specialist Foot Surgeon 2009 Griffin Pkwy. (Lone Star Plaza)

Mission - 581-1643

Medicare & Medicaid Accepted

Dr. Brad Stowers, D.P.M. Diplomate American Board of Podiatric ----rgery

theclassifieds February 12, 2016

buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

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

ORDINANCE NO. 4311 AN ORDINANCE CREATING A CITY OF MISSION BOARD OF DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD; SPECIFYING THE TERMS OF OFFICE; SPECIFYING THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP; AND ORDAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT MATTER THEREOF PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS THE 8TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

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forsale RICOS TAMALES VERACRUZANOS con aceite de olivo, de carne, de dulce y vegetarianos. Catering para sus fiestas Dona Mary, 956-655-4661.

garagesale C L O T H E S , HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, shoes, furniture, etc..., 1710 Basham Mission, TX, Feb 12th &

PUBLIC NOTICE The City of Alton will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 7, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at the City Hall Legislative Chambers located at 509 S. Alton Boulevard to consider the following request: Si desea información en español, llame al departamento de Planeación de la Ciudad de Alton, (956) 432-0760. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT: Juan D. Iracheta is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allow an accessory building at 2618 E. Stevenson Ave., also legally described as Magnolia Pointe, Lots 23 & 24, Alton, Hidalgo County, Texas. CLDC Alton, LP, is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allow an irrigation water well at 320 S. Stewart Blvd, also legally described at Las Esperanza-Alton Subdivision, Lot 1, Alton, Hidalgo County, Texas. Orchard Estates, LP, is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allow an irrigation water well at 1100 S. Stewart Blvd, also legally described at Orchard Estates Subdivision, Lot 1, Alton, Hidalgo County, Texas. The public is invited to attend and express support for or opposition to this application. You may also file written support or opposition to by 12:00 noon on March 8, 2016, for the Planning and Zoning and the City Commission. For questions please call Jeff Underwood, Assistant City Manager at (956) 432-0760.

Personal classified rate: $7 for 15 words

25¢ each additional word thereafter

Business classified rate: $15 for 15 words

25¢ each additional word thereafter

13th, 8am -5pm. SOUTHGATE COMMUNITY WIDE Sale, 100 W. Moore Road, Pharr, Saturday, February 13 from 8:30am4pm.

helpwanted LOOKING FOR FRY cook/kitchen, servers, bar-

tenders, Riverside Club, Mission, call 581-1033 and ask for Jennifer.

wanted FULL TIME, PART time NP or PA at a medical office in La Joya, email resume to jsaenz1643@ aol.com.

PUBLIC NOTICE The Mission Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on February 24, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: 10.285 acres consisting of 0.394 of one acre out of an abandoned canal R.O.W. adjacent to the west of Lot 246, John H. Shary Subdivision, 8.890 acres out of Lot 246, John H. Shary Subdivision, and 1.001 acres being all of Lot 1, Whitney-Ross Subdivision, from AO-I (Agricultural Open Interim) to R-3 (Multi-Family Residential) If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. Anyone interested is invited to attend. Anna Carrillo, City Secretary Notice of Public Hearing Mission Economic Development Corporation Notice is hereby given that the Mission Economic Development Corporation will conduct a public hearing on March 15, 2016, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas to consider the following project or projects during the proposed fiscal year 2015-2016: Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment and unforeseen expenses, in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000 for the Project known as, Center for Education and Economic Development. The building is located at 801 N. Bryan Road, Mission, Texas 78572. Anyone interested is invited to attend and present their comments. Date of publication: February 12, 2016 Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4310 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3022 AND AMENDING CHAPTER 98, SECTION 98-273 OF THE MISSION CODE OF ORDINCANCES ENTITLED CAPITAL RECOVERY FEES FOR NEW SUBDIVISIONS THAT CONNECT INTO THE CITY OF MISSION’S WASTEWATER SYSTEM, BY REMOVING THE DISINCTION BETWEEN INSIDE AND OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS; AND PROVIDING A PUBLICATION DATE PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS THE 8TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary HELP WANTED Driver Hiring Event! Excellent Hourly Pay/Benefits. No CDL Req. just current TX Drivers License and ability to pass background and drug screen. Apply today (EOE): www.lefleur.ent/ Application.aspx Must be Bilingual Call for details: 855-200-4631

DRIVERS:

CDL-A: Steady Year-Round Miles! Sign-On, Monthly & Annual Bonuses! Great Benefit Package! Long Haul US/Canada. 855-645-7789 Oracion Al Espiritu Santo

Espiritu Santo, tu que me aclaras todo, que iluminas todos los caminos para que yo alcance mi ideal, tu que me das el don divino de perdonar y olvidar el mal que me hacen y que en todos los instantes de mi vida estas conmigo, yo quiero en este corto dialogo agradecerte por todo y confirmar una vez mas que nunca quiero separarme de ti por mayor que sea la ilusion material. Deseo estar contigo y todos mis seres queridos en la gracia perpetua. Gracias por tu misericordia para conmigo y los mios. La persona debera rezar esta oracion 3 dias sequidos sin decir el pedido. dentro de tres dias sera alcanzada la gracia por mas deficil que sea. (Publicar en cuanto se recibia la gracia). Agradece gracia alcanzada. T.R.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Mission City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on February 22, 2016 at 4:30 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: A 256’ x 176’ tract of land out of Lot 24, New Caledonia Unit #1 Subdivision, from C-3 (General Business) to R-3 (MultiFamily Residential); and Rezoning: A 1.322 gross acre tract of land, more or less, out of a 7.21 acre tract of land out of Lot 29, Bell-Woods Co’s Subdivision “C”, from AO-I (Agricultural Open Interim) to C-3 (General Business) If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. Anyone interested is invited to attend. Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ISSUE CITY OF LA JOYA, TEXAS CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Commissioners (the Governing Body) of the City of La Joya, Texas (the City) will convene at its regular meeting place in the City Hall, 101 Leo Ave, La Joya, TX 78560, at 6:00 o’clock P.M., on March 15, 2016, and, during such meeting, the Governing Body will consider the passage of an ordinance or ordinances and take such other actions as may be deemed necessary to authorize the issuance of one or more series of certificates of obligation in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $3,482,000.00 for the purpose or purposes of paying contractual obligations of the City to be incurred for making permanent public improvements and for other public purposes. Funding will be used to to pay for the costs relating to a new City Hall facility, to-wit: (1) to acquire real property, improvements and personal property from Plains Capital Bank, which real property and improvements are more particularly described as Lot “A”, QUAIL-HOLLOW ESTATES, an addition to the City of La Joya, Hidalgo County, Texas according to the map or plat plat thereof recorded in volume 31, Page 179, Map Records, Hidalgo County, Texas; (2) architect fees; (3) construction costs for the improvements to the aforesaid property; and (4) the payment of professional services related to the construction and financing of the aforementioned projects. The certificates of obligation (the Certificates) will be payable from the levy of an annual ad valorem tax, within the limitations prescribed by law, upon all taxable property within the City and from a lien on and pledge of net revenues derived by the City from the operation of the City’s Waterworks and wastewater system. The Certificates are to be issued, and this notice is given, under and pursuant to the provisions of the Certificate of Obligation Act of 1971, as amended, Texas Local Government Code, Section 271.041 through Section 271.065 and Chapter 1502, as amended, Texas Government Code. _________________________ Julianita R. Sabala City Secretary City of La Joya, Texas

MISSION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION NOTICE OF INTENTION BUDGET AMENDMENT TO FY 2015-2016 BUDGET TAKE NOTICE that the Mission Economic Development Corporation of the City of Mission, (the “MEDC”), shall convene not earlier than 60 days after first publishing this notice and shall consider authorizing a Budget Amendment to the fiscal year 20152016 Budget, as hereinafter described, pursuant to the provisions of V.T.C.A. Local Government Code Sections 505.001 et seq. The MEDC is authorized on behalf of the City of Mission, Texas to undertake the Project or Projects by paying the cost of the Project or Projects with sales tax revenues authorized under said Local Government Code sections. The Board of Directors of the MEDC will determine whether the Project or Projects will be undertaken and whether it will finance the cost of the Project or Projects with proceeds from sales tax revenues. The Project or Projects shall consist of the following: Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment and unforeseen expenses, in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000 for the Project known as, Center for Education and Economic Development. The building is located at 801 N. Bryan Road, Mission, Texas 78572. Date of Publication: February 12, 2016 Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

CONSTABLE’S SALE The State of Texas County of Hidalgo Notice is Hereby Given that by virtue of a certain Writ of Execution issued out of the honorable COUNTY COURT AT LAW #1 OF TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS, on the 11TH of DECEMBER 2015, for the sum of $18,367.75 on interest thereon at the rate of 5% per annum from the 26th of JUNE 2015 and cost of suit, under a judgment in favor of TRAVIS TILE SALES INC., in a certain cause in said court, No. C-1CV-15-000813 And styled TRAVIS TILE SALES INC. Vs. JUAN CARLOS CERVANTES INDIVIDUALLY, D/B/A PANGEA FLOOR COVERINGS And placed in my hands for service for service on 13th of JANUARY 2016, I, Lazaro Gallardo Jr., as Constable Pct.3 Hidalgo County, Texas, did on the 23rd of JANUARY 2016, levy on certain real estate in Hidalgo County, Texas, described as follows, to-wit Legal Description: WEST ADDN. TO SHARYLAND S330’ LOT 34-2 10.00 AC GR 9.85AC NET. , And levied upon as property of JUAN CARLOS CERVANTES INDIVIDUALLY, D/B/A PANGEA FLOOR COVERING and that on the first Tuesday in MARCH 2016, the same being the 1ST day of said month, at the court house door of Hidalgo County, TEXAS in the City of Edinburg, Texas, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (sale starts at 10:00 a.m.) by virtue of said levy and said writ of execution, I will sell said above described real estate at public venue for cash, to the highest bidder, as the property of said JUAN CARLOS CERVANTES INDIVIDUALLY, D/B/A PANGEA FLOOR COVERINGS and in compliance with the law, I give this notice by publication, in the English language, once a week for three consecutive weeks immediately proceeding said day of sale, in The PROGRESS TIMES a newspaper published in Hidalgo County. Witness my hand, this 2ND day of FEBRUARY 2016

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