Friday, February 19, 2016
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CONGRESSIONAL FORUM HIGHLIGHTS
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By Lea Victoria Juarez
ine candidates are vying for the 15th Congressional District seat that is being vacated by Congressman Ruben Hinojosa. Hinojosa announced his retirement after serving for 10 terms. A forum was held Feb. 15 for the candidates in the running for the next United States representative for District 15, which includes Alton, Palmview, Palmhurst and part of Mission. In the order of appearance on the ballot, the Democratic candidates are: 1. Dolly Elizondo 2. Juan “Sonny” Palacios Jr. 3.Vicente Gonzalez 4. Ruben Ramirez 5. Rance G. “Randy” Sweeten
6. Joel Quintanilla In the order of appearance on the ballot, the Republican candidates are: 1. Xavier Salinas 2. Ruben O. Villarreal 3. Tim Westley The democrats were posed questions about border security, their skill sets, education and the workforce and the legalization of marijuana. The panelists asked the republicans about drug trafficking, Obamacare, immigration reform and voter turnout. The two parties were not asked the same questions, but some of the candidates on both sides failed to properly answer questions before they ran out of time. In terms of balancing border security and the residents’ civil rights, the consensus
among the democratic candidates was that they didn’t want to see a militarization of the border. The department of public safety hired 250 new troopers for Hidalgo and Starr counties last year. However, a few of the candidates did not address how they would maintain the security and civil rights balance, with the exception of Ruben Ramirez. According to Ramirez, the way to uphold the resident’s civil rights is by utilizing technology, such as the aerostats he used when he was stationed in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army. “We need to be able to capitalize on that technology and invest in more technology to be able to combine with our Border Patrol agents, so we can have that balance that
we need,” Ramirez said. Palacios, Ramirez and Quintanilla each said they advocate for putting more agents on the border to increase security and remove Department of Public Safety agents. Regarding the subject of voting to repeal the Affordable Care Act, all of the republican candidates said they would vote to do away with the law that aims to increase the number of Americans covered by affordable health insurance. ACA, also known as Obamacare, requires certain employers to offer coverage to their employees. Instead, the candidates said they would rather give more control to employers.
Area map of District 15
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Candidates unite Mission Food Pantry housed in new location in Pct. 3 elections P
By Lea Victoria Juarez
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By Lea Victoria Juarez ity Manager Martin Garza said he remembers picking up food at 115 S. Mayberry Street with his mother when he was a child. The building has since been renovated and will now serve as a center for all families struggling to provide food for their household. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of the Mission Food Pantry’s new headquarters on Mayberry Street. Adela Ortega, who founded the pantry 30 years ago, said she can’t wait to start servicing the community from the new location. “We have come a long ways from the county warehouse to the city building on Kika de la Garza loop to this building on south Mayberry,” the food pantry director said. “This facility is going
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to be wonderful to offer our families better service.” The pantry will be open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the past, the pantry was only open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. - noon, and it served about 400 families a week, Ortega said. With a full time schedule, Ortega said she hopes to serve even more families in the area. The new location won’t officially open until Ortega receives the building’s occupancy permit from the city council, but she hopes to get to work on Feb. 26. In addition, the building is complete with a social event room which can house smallscale gatherings, and conference room. The pantry works solely off of donations from people in the community. Mission
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TOP: Community members gather to celebrate the ribbon cuttting for the new Mission Food Pantry location. ABOVE: Pantry Director Adela Ortega (left) hugs Mayor Norbeto Salinas. Photos by Lea Victoria Juarez
“The whole community needs to remember that they are feeding the needy, not the greedy.” --Adela Ortega
recinct 3’s Team Liberty has been clear about the members that make up the slate. But while those candidates were banding together, their opponents inadvertently found themselves joining forces. The group consists of county commissioner candidate Daniel Diaz, tax assessor-collector candidate Abel Prado, justice of the peace (Place 1) candidate Jozabad “Jay” Palacios, State Representative Sergio Muñoz Jr. and justice of the peace (Place 2) candidates Leo Gonzalez Jr. and Arnoldo Corpus. Also part of the group is 449th district court Judge Jesse Contreras and democratic chair candidate Patrick Eronini. The cohort gathered Feb. 14 at Quinta Las Cuatro Lunas for a “baile pachanga” to prepare for early voting. The members said that they are not running on a slate, but the partnership happened organically, according to Prado. “It’s not like we sat down and formed a team,” the tax assessor candidate said. “But our opponents were working together so we thought ‘Why don’t we pull resources?’ Our supporters kind of overlap so it makes sense.” Diaz said that a lot of the incumbents naturally gravitated to one another to learn about how they were reaching out to constituents. Some of them ran into each other while block walking and even showed up at one another’s events. The baile pachanga was the first public event that the group held to-
gether. “We’re tapping into a lot of the same supporters who want change,” Diaz said. “We haven’t drawn the line because we also understand that there are people who may vote for one of their candidates and vote for me or vote for Sergio (Muñoz) or Leo (Gonzalez.) And it probably happens vice versa.” The event was held for the volunteers that have helped the candidates campaign for elections. A lot of the attendees have helped block walk or spread the word about the elections, and Diaz said the event was meant to keep them excited and informed about early voting. Two of the candidates at the gathering are actually each other’s opponents in the JP Place 2 race – Leo Gonzalez Jr. and Arnaldo Corpus. Gonzalez said he has no issue being at the same political gathering with Corpus because they have a civil relationship and do their own campaigning. “The reason we invite that type of environment, even though somebody’s opponent is here, is because that’s the type of politics that we want to show our community,” Diaz said. “We can be in the same room and have conversations about issues that matter.”
INSIDE
Artesano Market Days
Sports teams advance to state
International crafters set up shop in Mission for the second annual Artesano Market Days Feb. 12 and Feb. 13.
Boys and girls wrestlers from area schools qualified for the state tournament, four qualify as first alternates.
Wing Museum offers a glimpse into the history of flight and its impact on preserving the freedom in the United Sates.
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Lifestyle | pg. 2
Entertainment | pg. 3
Opinion | pg. 4
Sports | pg. 8
CAF preserves WWII artifacts
Obituaries | pg. 10
Classifieds | pg. 11
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lifestyle
Purple Martin watch kicks off Feb. 20
DINBURG – The Edinburg World Birding Center (EWBC) has installed its first Purple Martin house in conjunction with Project Martin Watch, a citizen science program. A kick-off event is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 20, followed by weekly monitoring starting in April. Purple Martin Watch is a continent-wide scientific project where volunteers monitor martin nests from the beginning of nest construction until the last fledgling has left. The data collected by the Project Martin Task Force will help scientists determine the population’s reproductive success throughout its habitat range. EWBC is inviting interested individuals, ages 16
and up, to attend an “Introduction to Project Martin Watch” on Saturday, Feb. 20, from 10 to 11 a.m. The program will include a presentation on Purple Martins and their migrating habits, information on how to volunteer for the project, and training on collecting data and installing/maintaining a Purple Martin house. The fee for the introduction is $2 for participants ages 16 and older. The fee is waived for those with a EWBC family membership. Project Martin Task Force members will meet to collect data every Tuesday and Saturday from April thru July. For more information or to register, call 381-9922. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd.
he Palm Valley Association of Retired School Personnel and the Texas Retired Teachers Association are offering a seminar to inform future retirees about the retirement process. A representative from the Teacher Retirement System of Texas will be the presenter. It’s scheduled for Saturday, March 5, from 7:30 a.m.
to noon. Registration and the continental breakfast begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Lone Star National Bank corporate office, 520 E. Nolana, McAllen. Reservations are required. Send name, phone number and school district to Elena De los Santos Mycue at elenadlsm@sbcglobal.net or Jerry Albrecht at jerryal@ hotmail.com.
Teacher retirement seminar offered
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MMA parade honors Iwo Jima heroes
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ARLINGEN – The Marine Military Academy (MMA) will hold its annual Iwo Jima Parade on Friday, 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.
February 19 , 2016
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
BETWEEN the bookendS
Events Calendar Feb ruary 20 – The Museum of South Texas History, 200 N. Closner Blvd. in downtown Edinburg, invites the public to celebrate Pioneer & Ranching Crafts Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s theme will include the role of leña (firewood) and la cerca de leña (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. 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 534-7941 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. Feb ruary 25 – Hidalgo County Agriculture Extension Agent Brad Cowan will visit Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center for a program at 6 p.m. to give an inside look at agricultural production in the Rio Grande Valley. Cowan has 36 years of experience as n extension agent, 25 of which have been in Hidalgo County. The program is included in the price of admission. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset in McAllen. Call 681-3370 for more information. Feb ruary 25-27 – The Upper Valley Art League hosts Veronica Jaeger presenting a three-day workshop, “Surreal Portrait,” in oils. 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. Students will learn techniques to build an oil painting in layers with a personal twist. For more information, contact Jaeger at veronicajaeger.art@gmail.com. Feb ruary 27 – Hidden Valley Ranch, 7600 Long Dr. in Mission, will hold a quilt show from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The quilters present and discuss their quilts and talk about them and includes quilts from the community, as well as projects from the park’s quilting class. Admission is free. Hidden Valley Ranch is located west of Mission off Highway 83 at the Showers Rd exit, then north to the end of Western Rd. March Mar ch 4 – The Rio Grande Valley Quilt Guild will be offering classes as part of their “Schoolhouse” program. The classes held on Fridays, run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the South Texas College campus in Weslaco, Building G. Classes are $10 for members and $35 for non-members. The $25 pays for membership in the RGV Quilt Guild. Nancy Reisinger will teach “Sunburst Flowers: No Sew Applique.” For more information contact Karen Kill at schoolhousergvqg@gmail. com. (For daily events and upcoming weeks, see the full calendar at ptrgv.com.)
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Speer Memorial Library
12th St. & Kika Loop • Mission • 580-8750 grandfather is in a coma after By William Renner falling from a ladder at his Sometimes you stumble 100-acre apple orchard, his across a treasure when prognosis uncertain. Meanyou’re looking for some- while, decisions have to be thing else entirely.” made—her grandfather has Join us at Speer Memorial willed his entire estate to Tess Library in Mission, on Tues- and her half-sister. day, March 1, at 6:30 p.m., Set among the lush orfor a discussion of “The Apple chards and vineyards of beauOrchard,” taking place in the tiful Sonoma County, Calilibrary’s Community Room. fornia, “The Apple Orchard,” The general public is invited. written by Susan Wiggs and Twenty-nine year old Tess first published in 2013, is a Delaney works in San Fran- story about finding unexpectcisco for a firm that deals in ed treasures, some of which antiques. She specializes in money cannot buy. You might restoring valuable heirlooms say that the book itself is a and other treasures to their treasure—complete with recrightful owners. ipes. Tess never had a brother or Copies of the book availsister, and her mother told her able for check out to those almost nothing about her fa- who sign up for the book disther, who died before she was cussion. Stop by the library or born. So she is quite surprised call 580-8754. when, one hectic morning, a For more information, or tall, handsome, mysterious to sign up for the book disstranger—a banker named cussion, call 580-8750 or 580Dominic Rossi—visits her at 8754 or email reference@miswork. He is there on behalf of siontexas.us. her grandfather and half-sisSpeer Memorial Library is ter—two people whom she located at 12th and Kika De never knew existed. La Garza in Mission. Mr. Rossi explains that her
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St. Paul’s holds annual Lenten Fish Fry
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t. Paul’s Catholic Church is holding their annual Lenten Fish Fry every Friday now through March 18. Serving time is from 5 to 7 p.m. at the St. Paul’s parish hall, 1119 Francisco Ave. in Mission. Cost is $7.50 for a generous portion of fish with two sides, hush puppies and tortillas or bread. People can dine in or take advantage of the drive-thru. Drive-thru
pick-up is located down the alley between the parish hall and the school parking lot. Free beverages – iced tea, coffee or water – are available for those who dine in. Plates can be purchased at the door or tickets can be purchased in advance at the parish office or after any mass. Tickets are good for any Friday. Call Charlie Ramirez at 956-867-1882 for information.
DINBURG – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is looking to connect with potential students interested in joining the UTRGV family, and their parents. A discovery day of activities and events is scheduled for the UTRGV Edinburg campus at the Wellness and Recreational Sports Complex at 499 N.
Sugar Road in Edinburg. Griselda C. Castilla, UTRGV director of Recruitment and Scholarships, said the event is ideal for any student who wants to learn what it takes to become part of the university. “They will experience a day filled with activities, information sessions, food, door prizes, entertainment, and a chance to meet with their future friends, student organizations and professors,” Castilla said. Students who already have been admitted to UTRGV can attend and be the first to sign up for student orientation. They also will have an opportunity to meet with faculty and staff, who can answer their questions about a variety of academic fields and majors. Activities include motivational speaker Aric Bostick, a presidential welcome, University Fair with student organizations and departments, mock classroom presentation led by UTRGV professors, acterial meningitis vaccinations will be available and there will be scholarship giveaways. To reserve a spot or to learn more, visit www.utrgv. edu/discover.
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UTRGV hosts event for prospective students
entertainment ‘Late Bloomers’ about Winter Texans
Coming “ Attractions February 19 • The Harlingen Concert Association will present Savannah Jack at 7:30 p.m. at Christian Fellowship Church, 901 N. Loop 499 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, call Jan Ayoub at 399-5294. February 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. 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., with matinee Feb. 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 20 • Lovers of country music don’t want to miss three country music legends when Moe Bandy, Janie Fricke and T.G. Sheppard come together on stage at the Boggus Ford Event Center, 3000 N. Cage Blvd, in Pharr. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at the Riverside Club, the Boggus box office, ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. February 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 21 • The Rio Grande Valley Concert Band will perform at First Presbyterian Church in Mission at 3 p.m. For now and in the future, musicians with band performance experience are invited to join. The band has a special need for players of clarinets, flutes and percussion instruments. Contact Gene Goede, director, at 682-9225 for information. February 25-28, 2016 • William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is the third featured performance for the 2015-16 season of the STC Theatre. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and 2 p.m. for Sunday matinees which are interpreted by student interns. Individual ticket prices for Main Stage productions are $5 for students/faculty/senior citizens/military and $10 general admission. Individual Studio productions cost $5 general admission. All productions will be at STC’s Cooper Center, 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. For information, call 872-2301.
Late Bloomers,” a stage comedy about Winter Texans, written by Eric Wiley and produced by Thirteen O’clock Theatre, has become a Rio Grande Valley classic with multiple sold out performances over the years. The comedy will run Feb. 26 and 27 at 7 p.m. and with a 2 p.m. matinee on Feb. 28. The play will be held at the Edinburg Municipal Auditorium, 415 W. University Drive. True to its comedic title, this show brings laughter and tears when George Finch, an unusual older man who owns a fictitious RV park in San Benito, decides to stay put for the summer while he pursues a new love. Finch soon claims
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to have fallen in love with a promiscuous young woman quite out of his league. When his daughter Connie finds out about her father’s new love interest, she races down from their hometown and does everything she can to keep her father from what she believes will be complete embarrassment. Comedy ensues and the remaining RV park residents and employees are brought along for the ride. Tickets are $8 general admission and $6 for seniors and are available online at edinburgarts.com and at the Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library in Edinburg. Call 383-6246 for more information.
78th Annual Charro Days starts Feb. 21
et ready for fun times in Brownsville as the 78th Annual Charro Days celebration begins on Feb. 21. During the Great Depression, Charro Days was started as an antidote to the gloom over the economic crisis in Brownsville and the rest of the country. It celebrated Brownsville’s unique heritage as a border town with Mexico and the rich culture enjoyed by Brownsville residents. Brownsville residents dressed in the traditional costumes of Mexico and the Mexican cowboys called charros, who were the heroes of the borderlands. Today, it has grown into a large festival that celebrates the unique culture of Brownsville and nearby Matamoros, Mexico. Things kick off with the Baile del Sol Street Dance at the Charro Days headquarters, 455 E. Elizabeth. The event will be held Sunday, Feb. 21, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free. There will be food, music and folkloric dances. Festivities continue that day with “A Little bit of Mexico” held at the Arts Center at Texas Southmost College. A
reception starts at 5:30 p.m. and the program starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Call 546-4486 for information. From Feb. 20 to 27, there will be a Charro Days Art Contest display at the Brownsville Fine Arts Museum. Look for numerous parades throughout the week. The Brownsville Independent School District’s Children’s Charro Days Parade begins on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 2:30 p.m., and the illuminated parade on Feb. 26 starts at 7 p.m. A Color Guard Parade begins at 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 27, with the Grand International Parade held at 1 p.m. All parades go down Elizabeth Street through Historic Downtown Brownsville. Several dances are planned in conjunction with Charro Days. Tickets must
February 19 , 2016
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
All Valley Boat Show is Feb. 26-28 cALLEN – The 30th anniversary, all general
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30th annual All Valley Boat Show is set to sail into the McAllen Convention Center on Friday, Feb. 26, to Sunday, Feb. 28. The Lower Rio Grande Valley Boating Trades Association (LRGVBTA) will celebrate its 30th annual show in the Valley. With almost 60,000 square feet of exhibit hall space, the show will be able to feature an impressive selection of boats, fishing gear, apparel and more. The public will find a variety of boats and personal watercraft provided for exhibit by eight local dealers in the Rio Grande Valley. To commemorate the be purchased in advance at the Charro Days office. Call 542-4225 for information. On Thursday, Feb. 24, Noche Mexicana features food and folkloric dancers and music by Mariachi 7 Leguas and Noe Pro. It runs from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Amigoland Event Center, 1010 Mexico Blvd. Admission is $25 per person, and tickets are required at the door. On Saturday, Feb. 27, the Charro Days Fiesta Costume Ball with be held from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. at Amigoland Event Center featuring musical groups Mariachi 7 Leguas (five-time Grammy winners) and Little Joe & la Familia. Admission is $25 and tickets are required at the door. The, Sombrero Fest, held in Washington Park in downtown Brownsville, was started in 1986 with an array of events to enhance the annu-
admission adults will get a chance to win $50,000 toward the purchase of a new boat and Ford truck to pull it. If they enter the correct unique winning combination to the on-site vault, they win $25,000 toward the purchase of a boat or watercraft from one of the eight LRGVBTA boat dealers and $25,000 toward the purchase of a vehicle from Boggus Ford. There will also be an array of special events and fun and educational activities including the Fishin’ Simulator Sailfish Tournament for the men and women’s division and the Youth Fish Catch Tank where youth can fish.
al Charro Days Celebration. It’s non-stop events and entertainment Feb. 25 to 27. Not to be missed is the traditional Grito Contest. Events include a chili and Frijolympics cook-offs, adult costume contest, beard contest, 5K Run & Mile Run/ Walk and High School TugO-War followed by Adult Light Weight Tug-O-War and Heavy Weight Tug-O-War. There’s more contests with a Hat Stack Relay, Tortilla Frisbee Toss and Taco, Hot Wing and Jalapeño Eating Contests. Scheduled to perform are Frecuecia Nortena de Ricardo Alcantar, Retano, Grupo Mojado, Tiger del Norte, Amos de la Noche, Grupo El Roble, Dos de Oro, La Sonora Dinaminta, Los Huracanes del Norte, Gar Hobbs, Emilio Navaira with special guest Raulito Navaira and Jimmy Gonzalez
opinion STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
Supreme Court halts EPA pollution abatement rule exas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Feb. 9 heralded the U.S. Supreme Court’s 5-4 order that put on hold a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rule requiring power producers to cut back on the release of pollutants emitted mainly from coal-burning operations. In reacting to the order, Paxton and West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, the leaders of a coalition of 29 states and state agencies, declared victory over the rule referred to as the Obama Administration’s “Clean Power Plan” or as the EPA “Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units.” Texas and West Virginia originally challenged the rule on Oct. 23, 2015, the day it was published in the Federal Register. The coalition requested a halt to rule on Jan. 26. Coalition members argue that the Clean Power Plan “fundamentally changes the nation’s energy policy in violation of federal law,” according to Paxton. “The Obama Administration clearly exceeded its authority in imposing this plan, which would cost taxpayers and consumers alike hardearned money in exchange for less-reliable service,”
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By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association
Paxton added. However, EPA Director Gina McCarthy said she “remains fully confident in the legal merits of this rule” and that the rule “squarely fits within the Clean Air Act.” In accordance with the Supreme Court order, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has been scheduled to hear oral arguments on the merits of the case on June 2. Tax revenue to be sent Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Feb. 10 announced that his office would send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts $867.1 million in local sales tax allocations for February. The amount, based on sales made in December 2015, is 0.7 percent less than the amount distributed in February 2015. “Energy-centric cities such as Odessa, Midland, Corpus Christi and Houston continued to see decreases in sales tax allocation,” Hegar said, but added that other areas of the state “helped to somewhat offset those losses as cities such as San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth and Dallas saw moderate increases in allocations.” Texas leads in exports Last week the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released a report ranking Texas as the top exporting state in the nation for the
14th consecutive year. Gov. Greg Abbott on Feb. 9 praised the state’s performance and said, “This year I plan to lead more business development missions to bolster our state's economy and create opportunities for Texas businesses to further compete in the global marketplace.” Abbott pinpointed three facts in the report: - Texas exported more than $251 billion in goods in 2015; - Texas exports alone accounted for more than 16 percent of U.S. goods exported in 2015 and for the third year in a row; and - Texas surpassed California for high-tech exports for the third year in a row. Request for aid is granted Gov. Abbott on Feb. 9 announced that his request had been granted in the form of a presidential disaster declaration for 25 Texas counties that sustained damages in severe weather in late December. Abbott thanked President Obama and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for granting his request. “We will continue to work with our FEMA partners to rebuild these counties and ensure that they come back stronger than ever,” he said. Formation rate increases Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos on Feb. 8
February 19, 2016
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS announced a four-percent increase in new businesses formed in January, compared with January in the previous year. “The increase of new businesses formed in the state reflects a belief that Texas is still a great state for business,” Cascos said. “I applaud all the entrepreneurs and business leaders continuing to invest in and grow the Texas economy.” The 14,281 certificates filed in the month of January were for the formation of for-profit and professional
corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships and professional associations. The year-over-year growth for January echoes the overall trend in 2015. Last year, a total of 165,026 businesses were formed in the State of Texas, an increase of almost 5 percent from 2014, according to Cascos. Recruitment initiative begins Gov. Abbott on Feb. 10 announced the launch of his University Research Initia-
tive to help Texas institutions of higher education recruit nationally recognized researchers as faculty members. Under the initiative, eligible institutions can apply online for matching grants to assist them in attracting distinguished researchers, Abbott said. The Governor’s University Research Initiative grant program was enacted in 2015 by the 84th Texas Legislature.
On Feb. 14, Justice Scalia’s body was flown to Virginia, where he lived for many years with his wife, Maureen McCarthy Scalia, in McLean, after being held in a funeral home in El Paso. The justice’s body is at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home in Fairfax, Va. Justice Scalia’s body will lie in repose in the Great Hall of the Supreme Court on Friday, surrounded by marble busts of former chief justices. The following are statements relesed from Texas politicians regarding Scalia’s death. Governor Greg Abbott “Justice Antonin Scalia was a man of God, a patriot, and an unwavering defender of the written Constitution and the Rule of Law. He was the solid rock who turned away so many attempts to depart from and distort the Constitution. His fierce loyalty to the Constitution set an unmatched example, not just for judges and lawyers, but for all Americans. We mourn his passing, and we pray that his successor on the Supreme Court will take his place as a champion for the written Constitution and the Rule of Law. Cecilia and I extend our deepest condolences to his family, and we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.” Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick “America suffered a major loss with the passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. He was an unwavering champion of our Constitution and the rule of law. Justice Scalia said what he meant, and undoubtedly meant what he said. “A man of principle and a true constitutional textualist, his legal opinions followed the text of what constitutional authors wrote and not the wavering notions of the day. “Perhaps no other jurist coming before, or after Justice Scalia will have a better understanding of the separation of powers, or the importance of protecting states’ rights or sanctity of individual liberties. But the enormity of finding his replacement will impact us all.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Justice Scalia’s wife Maureen and his family.” U.S. Senator John Cornyn “Justice Scalia dedicated his life to upholding the Constitution. Brilliant, principled, and resolute in his beliefs, he embodied the virtues of a prudent jurist. The author of some of the most consequential and best-written Supreme Court opinions, Justice Scalia will be remembered as a giant of American jurisprudence. “Justice Scalia’s commitment to the law was unwavering, and his devotion to his faith and to his family was unquestionable. Sandy and I are saddened by today’s news, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.” U.S. Senator Ted Cruz “Today our Nation mourns the loss of one of the greatest Justices in history – Justice Antonin Scalia. A champion of our liberties and a stalwart defender of the Constitution, he will go down as one of the few Justices who single-handedly changed the course of legal history. “As liberals and conservatives alike would agree, through his powerful and persuasive opinions, Justice Scalia fundamentally changed how courts interpret the Constitution and statutes, returning the focus to the original meaning of the text after decades of judicial activism. And he authored some of the most important decisions ever, including District of Columbia v. Heller, which recognized our fundamental right under the Second Amendment to keep and bear arms. He was an unrelenting defender of religious liberty, free speech, federalism, the constitutional separation of powers, and private property rights. All liberty-loving Americans should be in mourning. “Justice Scalia’s three decades on the Court was one of President Reagan’s most consequential legacies. Our prayers are with his beloved wife Maureen, their nine children, and their precious grandchildren.”
Officials mourn the passing of Scalia
U
.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia found dead at West Texas ranch Feb. 13. Scalia, 79, was a guest at the Cibolo Creek Ranch was found dead of apparent natural causes. San Antonio Express News reported that Scalia arrived at the ranch on Friday and attended a private party that night, according to a federal official. He left the party and retired to bed earlier than others, according to Donna Sellers, a spokeswoman with the U.S. Marshals Service. When he failed to appear at breakfast, a person involved with the ranch went to his room, where he discovered his body. A priest was called to administer last rites. A federal official, who asked not to be named, said there was no evidence of foul play and it appeared that Scalia died of natural causes.
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Artesano Market Days promotes Mexican heritage
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By Jamie Treviño ibrantly color-crafted items and an array of musical performances and food brought Winter Texans and Mission residents closer to Mexican culture last weekend. Artesano Market Days, an event held Feb. 12 and Feb.13 at the Mission Historical Museum, allowed Winter Texans the opportunity to shop from both Mexican and local artisan craft and food vendors without making the trek into Mexico. This event highlights and celebrates the prominent cultural influence Mexico has had in the area, both artistically and historically. Luis Contreras, Mission Historical Museum’s director for almost four years, said that this event is a prime opportunity for not only the museum, but the city of Mission, and most importantly, the community in the Valley. Each vendor participating in the event brings a new and interesting facet of the Mexican culture into light. “We wanted to do something to both celebrate our cultural heritage and celebrate our winter visitors that are here for three to four months,” Contreras said. “We (the Mission Historical Museum) wanted to contribute both to the quality of life of our local community and our visiting community. It was a collaborative effort.” A free event in its second year, Artesano Market Days had vendors from Mexico as
well as local vendors from across the Valley set up shop outside of the museum. Vendors sold both hand-crafted artisan items and food to anyone who came by. The museum also provided live entertainment from the Bliss Brothers, Grupo Jarocho del Valle, Juan Guerrero y Los Sheekanos, and Los Liberadores. “This event is in association with the Mega Winter Texan Fiesta, run by the Chamber of Commerce,” Contreras said. “We provide music, we provide the artisan vendors, which the event is aimed to highlight a cultural awareness for, handcrafted artisan work inspired by history and tradition, both domestic and foreign… It’s a way to say thank you and honor them coming back here. It’s kind of like their welcome and their farewell.” The event took three months to organize. Because of last year’s success, even more interest was generated in both the public and vendors this year, according to Contreras. The vendors from Mexico who participated last year called early to see if the event would be happening again. Last year, Artesano Market Days had about 3,200 visitors, both Winter Texans and local Valley residents. This year, the event brought in more, generating roughly 5,000 people. “We really wanted to push the numbers,” Contreras said. “The museum gets to not only educate, but pro-
mote the museum and the quality of life. We’re able to provide these programs and events to the community and bring them in through our doors.” Because of the positive feedback about the event from the community, a lot more attention was placed on this year’s event. More promotion was done in order to increase community awareness for the upcoming Artesano Market Days. When people walked along the rows of vendors, about 55 in total, both traditional and culturally blended crafts were on display. According to vendor Ana Marie Ramirez and her parents Amador and Janie, Artesano Market Days is important in its role in cultivating and celebrating cultural artisans and their craft. They said that the event was a great way to promote not only themselves and their art, but culture as well. This is their second year participating in the event. “This is one of the only events in Mission that we’ve ever done,” Ramirez said, “and we like the atmosphere, and it is fun to do and different. And we get to meet new people and new customers that haven’t seen us yet.” Ramirez, who goes by Robot Annie when selling her merchandise, is able to gain new customers and generate even more of an interest in her current and upcoming projects. Her father sells Mexican artisan crafts designed by several artists.
“It promotes our traditions,” Amador Ramirez said. “It exposes the artisans and different kinds of crafts that are available. A camaraderie is formed, where you meet other artisans and new products.” Adriana Ortegon and her daughter, Adrienne, also from McAllen, who sell upcycled lights made from various kinds of bottles, are new to this event. They called in when they saw an ad in the paper asking local vendors to reserve a spot. “This is really nice, it brings the people out here, and you have music, and you have food. And I see so many Winter Texans here, and they’re having a good time and talking, and it’s very peaceful,” Adriana said. During the event, visitors could go inside the Museum and see the current exhibits, further increasing their cultural awareness and knowledge of Mission’s history.
Teen found dead in rural Mission
Fate of Guadalupe school up to public The fate of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church is in question with dwindling enrollment and increased costs over the past few years. A task force, reports the Dioceses of Brownsville, has recently completed a study of the school. The study was based on the need for a Catholic school in Mission and what financial planning needs to be done to assure the future of Catholic education. City wants Delta Systems to pay for damages The Mission City Council has decided to take a tougher stance in negotiations with Delta Systems Inc. for damages the city incurred with the recent EPA sewer project. The council authorized the city attorney and city manager to send a “demand letter” to Delta Systems detailing the specified damages. Alvarez leads Eagles to fourth place David Alvarez sparked the Mission Eagle boys’ track team to a strong fourth place finish in the 38th annual McAllen Invitational Relays. The Eagles scored 60 points to finish behind the team champion Corpus Christi Miller with 91.
A
By Lea Victoria Juarez
15 year old is in custody after being accused of shooting and killing 17 year old in rural Mission, Feb. 15. The victim, later identified as Miguel Angel Alcala Romero, was shot once in the back and died at the hospital. At approximately 7:30 p.m., sheriff’s deputies responded to a home at the 5200 block of Coyote Circle in rural Mission for a report of shots fired. When deputies arrived they observed an adult male with multiple gunshot wounds outside the home. Sheriff’s investigators met with witnesses who reported seeing a black SUV, possibly a Ford Expedition model. At a press conference Feb. 17, Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra said Romero went to the home with the suspect and a third person to buy drugs from homeowner Felix Rodriguez Jr, with the intention of robbing Rodriguez. Once the transaction was completed, shots were fired
from the passenger side of the vehicle. Rodriguez ran back inside his home and Romero was caught in the line of fire, according to the sheriff. The suspect and the victim are alleged gang members. In addition, Romero was an undocumented citizen with a criminal background and a history of smuggling other immigrants into the country. The 15-year-old suspect is being held at a juvenile facility. Neither the suspect, nor the victim was enrolled in school. Sherff’s investigators are searching for the driver of the vehicle. The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Investigations Division can be reached at 956-383-8114. Anonymous callers can provide information through the Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers hotline at 668-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the smart phone app “P3 Tips.” If the information provided through the crime stoppers program leads to an arrest, the tipster may be eligible for a cash reward.
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February 19, 2016
MISSION HIGH
Celebrates 70th Anniversa
MCISD district-wide community service challenge. 45,336 cans were collected and donated to the Food Pantry of Mission and Our Lady Of Guadalupe Church.
STATE FFA COMPETITION
Photo 2014-2015 Spanish Creed pictured from l-r: Sebastian Martinez (2nd Place – Agri-Scince Fair), Juli Nolan, Brandon De La Cruz, Jose Calderon(9th Place- Spanish Creed Competition), Christopher Venecia Granados, Brianna Saenz, Sebastian Carrillo
Area Competition Team
State FFA Competition
Parliamentary Procedure Workshop
Leadership Camp with Keynote Speaker
Citrus Judging
Welding Students Ready For Competition
Amanda Granados - Three Time Champion – Brahman Heiffer Sponsored by Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas
Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas Garcia Citrus Farms LLC (Jesus & Tommy Garcia) Constable Larry Gallardo Victor Gallardo Humberto “Beto” Garza III Rick Diaz “Con Mi Gente” Imelda Arriaga Cris Gonzalez Diana Newton Belinda Gonzalez Rolando Gonzalez Lacho Garza Jesus Fuentes Principal Mr. Edilberto Flores Mission FFA Alumni Craig Verley Aaron Canul Eloy Garza CTE Director Sergio Peña Rene Garza (Pearson Elementary) Mario Guillen
RGV District Livestock Show
Picnic Table Prize Production
Hands-On Instruction
The Mission High School FFA Chapter would like to thank the following individuals for their generous contributions, time, and continued support throughout the year. These individuals have helped in a number of ways ranging from cooking, cleaning, monetary, auction items, guest speakers, and countless other ways that have helped our MHS FFA members and MHS FFA Chapter achieve success.
Picnic Table Prize
Hands-On Instruction
All MHS FFA Parents MAE Tractor Supply (Weslaco) McCoy’s (Mission) Home Depot (Mission) Hugo and Linda Sanchez Andrew and Dulce De Los Santos Mario and Laura Garcia Tommy and Pearl Campos David Bazan Eloy Reyna Willie Coy Lorenzo Garcia Rey Rivera Alex Villarreal Hector Rodriguez Superintendent Dr. Ricardo Lopez MCISD School Board of Trustees MCISD Administrators Felix Meat Market Jerry Saenz State Farm Insurance
Freshmen at Greenhand Camp
Hands-On Instruction
Temple Grandin, Autism & Animal Husb Understanding Cattle Behavior at UTRGV
Belt Buckle Show
Region One
Leadership Development
Welding Students
Commun
Learning to do, doing to learn, ea
Mission High School FFA
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February 19, 2016
page 7
SCHOOL FFA
ary and Student Success
issa Alvarez, Andrea Gonzalez, Rebecca a (Lone Star Degree Recipient), Amanda
Larry Gallardo
bandry Activist speaks about V auditorium.
nity Service Project - Metal Arts
1st Annual Mission FFA Syndicated Bar B-Q & Auction - Paddle & Memorabilia: All the items were crafted from repurposed materials from the old cafeteria and library. (recycled all lumber, bricks, etc. featured on FOX 2, Channel 5 “Con Mi Gente” & Channel 4
Shop Project Exhibit Ariana Pena, Jacob Flores, Alan Hinojosa with D.J. Wernecke, alumni show judge
Mission FFA Alumni Livestock Show
Grand Champion, Alan Hinojosa & Reserve Grand Champion, Marco Garcia
Reserve Grand Champion, Eric Ramirez & Grand Champion, Amanda Granados
Reserve Grand Champion, Brandon De La Cruz & Grand Champion, Jacob Flores
Rebecca Nolan, Brandon De La Cruz, Alan Hinojosa, Brianna Saenz, Samantha Young, Nelida Garza
Sebastian Carrillo, Amelia Perez, Annie Gonzalez, Nelida Garza, Christopher Venecia
3rd Place Float @ Texas Citrus Fiesta Parade of Oranges
Metal Arts Projects
9th Annual Legacy Gala BELT BUCKLE SPONSORS Adriana Meza Art's Auto Transport Brenda L. Salinas Chick-fil-A Sharyland Towne Crossing Clean Tech Auto Care Supplies Debbie Harrison - LA Vista Trailer Park Dr. Rafael Avila - Avila Plastic Surgery
iScape Video and Audio LLC Norie Garza - REIC Realtors PrintShip Salinas Show Team Sofia Villarreal Taco Ole Weaks Martin
Leadership FFA
Chili Supper Auction Sponsors Academy Best Buy Cavender's Chick-fil-A Sharyland Towne Crossing Clean Tech Auto Care Supplies Coca Cola Dr. Rafael Avila - Avila Plastic Surgery Dr. Roman Garza and Family Flores Floral Home Depot
arning to live, living to serve.
A Leading the Way
Donated to MRMC Foundation Gala
IncrediBowl Event Center Mia's Mirror HEB Plus Mission Auto Electric Mission High School FFA Point Blank Shooting Range Ramon Ayala Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Shooter's Alley The Boot Barn The Feed Warehouse
February 19, 2016
page 8
Big 7 wrestlers advance to state Lady Huskies’ Oliva going for the gold
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By Luciano Guerra restling is one sport in which Valley athletes compete well against the best of the best from across the state. While local football, basketball, baseball and volleyball teams rarely succeed against teams from the Corpus Christi, San Antonio and Houston areas, local wrestlers win regional championships and qualify for the UIL’s State Wrestling Tournament year-in and yearout. Such was the case last week as boys and girls from all local Big 7 schools traveled to either the Blossom Athletic Center in San Antonio (6A) or the AISD Delco Activity Center in Austin (5A) to compete in the UIL Region IV Wrestling Tournaments. Of those that made the trip, five returned as regional champions, four as runner-ups, four as third place finishers, three as fourth place finishers and four as fifth place finishers. As a result, 16 Big 7 schools’ wrestlers qualified for the state tournament while four others will be making the trip to the Cypress-Fairbank ISD’s Berry Center as first alternates. While Juarez-Lincoln’s Leslie Oliva fell one win short of earning a regional championship in the 95 lb.
weight class, the fact that she is a two-time state silver medalist makes her one of the favorites to return from this weekend’s state tournament sporting one of the highly coveted state medals. With this being her senior year, Oliva is well aware of the fact that this is her last chance to make school history by being the first three-time state medalist at Juarez-Lincoln High School. However just winning another medal is not enough. Oliva wants the gold. “The first time I went to state was my sophomore year,” shared Oliva. “When I won the silver medal I knew that I had two more years to win the gold. Then last year when I won silver again, I told myself that I had my senior year to win gold. But with this being my senior year, it’s now or never.” “Knowing that I can make school history motivates me but even if I do win a medal, I will be a little disappointed if I don’t win the gold,” added Oliva. “But at the same time if I win the silver again I will be proud of myself because being in the championship match three times in a row is something to take pride in.” This past summer Oliva had the word “Fearless” tattooed on her right forearm. When asked why she did so, she said, “I got it there be-
Gustavo Arpero of Palmview HS (left) pinned Tres Davis of Westlake to win the gold medal in the 195-lb. class at the 2016 UIL Region 4 Wrestling Tournament on Feb. 13.
cause when you start a match you shake hands with your opponent. This way my opponents see the word “Fearless” just before the match starts and I’m hoping that intimidates them.” Other Juarez-Lincoln wrestlers that qualified for the state tournament are senior Pedro Perez, who placed fourth in the 145 lb. weight class, and junior Jesenia Gaytan, who took the regional championship in the 215 lb. weight class. With four state qualifiers, Veterans Memorial High School led the way among the Big 7 schools with the most wrestlers competing at the state tournament. Junior Armando Bustillos (120 lbs.) took the regional championship in the 120 lb. weight class, while Seniors Klarissa Blanco (185 lbs.), Mariah Gonzalez (165 lbs.) and Leslie Alaniz (148 lbs.) all qualified for state by placing first, second and third in their weight classes respectively. Pioneer High School and Palmview High School each had three wrestlers qualify for the state tournament. For the Diamondbacks, junior Matthew Faucette (113 lbs.) and sophomore Dominique Rodriguez (170 lbs.) both placed third in their respective weight classes at regionals while senior Robert Underhill (195 lbs.) placed fourth in his. For the Lobos, senior Gustavo Arpero took the regional championship in the 195 lb. class at the regional tournament and senior Jeremiah Esquivel placed fourth in the 120 lb. weight class to qualify. The Lady Lobos’ junior wrestler Keyla Gutierrez placed second in the 215 lb. weight class to punch her ticket into the state tourna-
See WRESTLING 09
Leslie Oliva of Juarez Lincoln pinned Alicia Messer of SA Johnson to win the silver medal at the 2016 UIL Region 4 Wrestling Tournament in San Antonio. Progress Times photos by Paul Brick
SPORTS BRIEFS
Lady Rattlers’ Maddie Garza Makes School History
During the third quarter of the Sharyland Lady Rattlers basketball team’s bi-district playoff victory against the Edcouch Elsa Lady Yellowjackets Tuesday night, 5-foot 11 senior Maddie Garza made a free throw that caused the Sharyland faithful to jump to their feet and cheer. That’s because
with that point, Garza became the first Lady Rattler in school history to have 1,000 rebounds and score 1,000 points over her high school career. Garza, who collected rebound No. 1,000 earlier this season, entered Tuesday night’s game having scored 989 points over her fouryear tenure at Sharyland. Her nine-point first half left her just two points shy of the mil
mark making each shot she took in the third quarter the potential milestone maker. Garza only scored two of her 15 points on the night in the third quarter but that was all it took to hit the 1,000 point milestone. When asked what having reached those two milestones means to her, Garza said, “It means that I’ve accomplished my goals and even more. Howeve,r I couldn’t have done it without my coaching staff and my teammates. I can’t score if they don’t pass me the ball and I can’t rebound if they don’t shoot. It means so much to me that I’ve been able to do it right here on this court because I couldn’t even imagine having played at any other school.” Garza will be looking to add to both of her career totals tonight as the Lady Rattlers take on the Victoria West Lady Warriors in the Area round of the state play-
See BRIEFS 09
page 10
obituaries
San Juanita Alaniz GRANJENO – San Juanita Alaniz, 68, passed away Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. Mrs. Alaniz was born on Aug. 12, 1947, in Corpus Christi to Felicitas Hernandez and Pedro Munguia. Survivors include her children, Carlos Alaniz, Daniel Alaniz, Esteban Alaniz, Leonardo Alaniz III and Teresa Alaniz, and five siblings, 16 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonardo Alaniz Jr. A funeral was held on Feb. 18 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at Granjeno Cemetery. Laura Carter MISSION – Laura Carter, 95, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, at Waterford Gardens in Mission. Mrs. Carter was born in Center, Neb. on July 26, 1920 and graduated from South High School in Omaha, Neb. in 1937. She worked for the FBI in Washington, D.C., during WWII and graduated with a RN degree from United Methodist Hospital in February, 1948. Her nursing career included positions with Mutual of Omaha, Omaha Public Schools and Head Start Program. She married Leslie D. Carter in Omaha in 1948. They retired to the Rio Grande Valley in 1977 after 10 years as Winter Texans. She was a volunteer for many years in the gift shops of Mission Regional Medical Center and the International Museum of Art and Science and was active member of Eastern Star for over 60 years. Survivors include her daughter, Susan Klem, and a grandchild and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held on Feb. 15 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Hilda Escobar PALMVIEW – Hilda Escobar, 84, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg.
Mrs. Escobar was born on Nov 21, 1931, in Guardado de Ariba, Tamps., Mex., to Fernando De La Garza and Sofia Bazan. Survivors include her children, Jose Luis Escobar, Maria Elvia Alvarez, Rosalba Garcia, Anabel Inocencio, Jose Angel Escobar Jr. and Artemio Escobar; brothers, Fernando and Rene De La Garza; and 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jose Angel Escobar. A funeral mass was held on Feb. 15 at Sacred Heart Parish in Escobares. Magda M. Garza MISSION – Magda M. Garza, 52, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016, at her home in Mission. Mrs. Garza was born in Reynosa, Tamps., Mex., on Sept. 8, 1963, to Rafael Salinas and Otila Torres. Survivors include her husband, Saul Garza; children, Jaqueline Garza, Saul Garza Jr., Magdaeva Lorena Garza and Giselle Teresa; and three grandchildren. A funeral mass was held on Feb. 15 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in La Joya. Eleanor Dawn Herman Oost MISSION – Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Dawn Herman Oost, 90, of Mission, passed away on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, at Comfort House in McAllen. Mrs. Oost was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., on July 4, 1925, to Joseph and Cordelia Herman. She married Robert C. Oost on June 28, 1947. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Robert; daughters, Linda VanderPloeg, Nancy Watson and Lois Breckon; and three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A private burial and service was held at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to Comfort House, 617 W. Dallas Ave.,
February 19, 2016
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CAF Museum dedicated to preserving WWII artifacts
McAllen, TX 78501. Robert Rodrigue Jr. MISSION – Robert Rodrigue Jr., 80, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Mr. Rodrigue was born in Mercedes on Nov. 25, 1935, to Robert Rodrigue and Eunice Bonds. Survivors include his children, Robert Rodigue III and Patricia Ann Rodrigue Rosales, and eight grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, James W. Rodrigue. A funeral mass was held on Feb. 18 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Sullivan City. Ignacio Rodriguez MISSION – Ignacio “Nachito” Rodriguez, 91, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016, at Grand Terrace Nursing Home in McAllen. Mr. Rodriguez was born on April 26, 1924, in Mexico. Survivors include his siblings, Caleb Rodriguez Jr., Esther Bocanegra and Raquel Guerrero. He was preceded in death by his parents, Caleb Sr. and Eloisa Rodriguez, and his siblings, Juan Alonso Rodriguez, Rosaura Alvarez, Hortencia Carrasco, Jose Adolfo Rodriguez and Arturo Rodriguez. A funeral service was held on Feb. 12 at El Mesias United Methodist Church in Mission. Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery in Mission. 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.
B
By Kathy Olivarez
ROWNSVILLE – Among the many unique sites the Rio Grande Valley has to offer, one offers a glimpse into the history of flight and its impact on preserving the freedom United States citizens enjoy today. “The Brownsville Commemorative Air Force Wing Museum…is dedicated to preserving the artifacts of World War II to educate people about the cost of freedom,” explained Tom Santos, volunteer tour guide. The museum is located at 955 S. Minnesota Ave. near the Brownsville-South Padre Island Airport. Santos explained the Commemorative Air Force got its start at Rebel Field in Mercedes when a group of former World War II pilots decided they wanted to buy a plane. Buying the first plane encouraged the purchase of another and then another. Naturally, like any other good idea, it snowballed. Soon the CAF outgrew the Mercedes field and moved to Harlingen in the 1960s where they spent 25 years at the Harlingen Airport until the airport expansion caused them to have to move again. This time the CAF had grown to a point it was decided to split up and have planes and other artifacts in a variety of locations. The headquarters moved to Midland while a wing of the CAF was established at the Brownsville airport. Because there were different numbers of planes in different locations around the country, designations were assigned according to the number of planes in each location. Santos said a Wing has more planes than a squadron, which has more planes than a detachment. Today there are more than 70 branches of the CAF with over 8000 members located across the world. Santos said there over 700 air shows are held worldwide each year.
And, it all started in Mercedes, Texas. In the Valley, the museum has a Fleet Finch, which is the oldest plane in the fleet. There is also a FW-44 German training plane on display. A rare plane, it is the only one of its kind still known to fly. Most pilots are familiar with the American trainers on display, the PT-26 – the easiest plane to fly along – along with the PT-22, the most difficult to fly. There is a Bamboo Bomber, a multi-engineer trainer, an L-17 used during the Korean War Era and a Taylor Craft used as a spotter plane in WWII. In addition to the planes, there are a number of Military vehicles such as a commander’s car, a jeep and even a Model-T on display. Information displays are housed in the museum, including the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the bombing of Britain, along with details about the B-17 and B-24 bombers and the Flying Tigers that fought in China against Japan. Santos went on to say not many people realize how important the Brownsville Airport was in prior years. The museum has a collection of artifacts relating to its history. General Claire Chennault, commanding officer
of the flight training school in San Antonio, flew in for the grand opening with a fleet of training planes. Charles Lindbergh also attended the grand opening. Amelia Earhart spent time in Brownsville where she earned her commercial license. Santos explained the Port Isabel Yacht Club was known all over the country and many notables came down to visit it, including Howard Hughes and Teddy Roosevelt. In 1927, Pan American Airlines was founded by Juan Trippe and was originally headquartered in Brownsville, added Santos. The airline was one of the first to serve Mexico and Latin America and had regular flights into Mexican cities and went as far as Panama from Brownsville. Operating hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday. Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for seniors. Santos said groups of 10 or more can make arrangement for a guided tour and pay as little as $3 per person to enter the museum. For information, call 5418585. The museum will not be open during the upcoming CAF Air Fiesta 2016 on Feb. 13-14.
OLG
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Or Scan This Code With Your Smartphone NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of ESTRELLA NORMA GARDNER, Deceased, were issued on February 8, 2016, in Cause No. P-37231, pending in the Probate Court Of Hidalgo County, Texas, to: VERN L. BAGSTAD. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.
For Sale 1989 PRAIRIE SCHOONER by Mallard, 32X8 with one slide out, lots of upgrades, Skirting, carport, steps included, must be Garage Valley RV$4,500, Park, Feb. moved, call Feb. 19 & Saturday 20, 8am -3pm, lot Feb. 20th, 8amBev 956-351-5659. Sales 441. noon. MOVING SALE, MISSION/LAUREL RUMMAGE SALELot- YARD SALE FEB. 20, Cemetery HOUSEHOLD items, HILLS OUR Savior Block 5, 2 Lutherspaces, Hidden Valley Ranch, appliances, tools, 5, each/$2,500 an Church, 1105 W. leather recliner, table, m i s c e l l a n e o u s , $1,500 Fern, 830-237-3229. McAllen, Friday two chairs, more RV priced to go, Citrus both, RICOS TAMALES VERACRUZANOS NOTICE OF INTENDED SALE OF CANAL RIGHT OF WAY con aceite de olivo, de carne, de dulce y The Hidalgo County Irrigation Number 6, pursuant to the vegetarianos. requirements of all applicable the sale of land Catering statutes para regarding sus or interest in land governmental units,Mary, hereby gives notice of its fiestas Dona intent to sell a portion956-655-4661. of a Canal Right of Way being a 0.88 of an
ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS Autos 2001 DODGE RAM Diesel 3/4 Ton Pickup, 206,000 miles, good shape, 2 door, 2 w/d, $5,600 OBO, 618-9171429. 1996 DODGE AMERICAN Cruiser Camper Van; 114,000 miles,19’ Long, Generator, A/C, RV Stool, Black Water Tank, Sink, Refrigerator, Cook top, Microwave, Wardrobe, Dinette/Queen Bed, Plenty of Storage. SALE PRICE $6,500 Gooding RV Center Mission, Tx (956)-5854481. I PAY CASH for your travel trailers, park models, fifth wheels and cars. I’ll make you a good deal. Call Jerry Garcia at 956-929-
DRIVERS:
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For Sale 1989 PRAIRIE SCHOONER by Mallard, 32X8 with one slide out, lots of upgrades, Skirting, carport, steps included, must be moved, $4,500, call Bev 956-351-5659. MISSION/LAUREL HILLS Cemetery Lot 5, Block 5, 2 spaces, $1,500 each/$2,500 both, 830-237-3229. RICOS TAMALES VERACRUZANOS con aceite de olivo, de carne, de dulce y vegetarianos. Catering para sus fiestas Dona Mary, 956-655-4661.
Help Wanted
LOOKING FOR FRY cook/kitchen, servers, bartenders, Riverside Club, Mission, call 581-1033 and ask for Jennifer.
acre tract of land situated in Porcion 52, Mission, TX 78572. Said land is more particularly described as follows:
Being 0.88 of an acre tract of land situated in Porcion 52, Hidalgo County, Texas, and being out of existing Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 6 Canal 3D5A Right of way, as described in Volume 424, Page 428, of the Deed Records, Hidalgo County, Texas, and being out of Goodwin Tract Subdivision No. 3, as recorded in Volume 6, Page 49, of the Map Records, Hidalgo County, Texas, and New Caledonia Unit No. 3 Subdivision, as recorded in Volume 6, Page 47, of the Map Records, Hidalgo County, Texas, said 0.88 of an acre tract of land. Save and except all rights to any oil, gas, wind and other minerals in and under and that may be produced from the above described property, owned by Hidalgo County Irrigation District Number 6, if any, together with the right of ingress and egress at all times for the purpose of mining, drilling, exploring, operating and developing said lands for oil, gas, wind and other minerals and removing the same therefrom the “Property”. All interested persons must submit bids for the purchase of the Property. Such bids must be submitted as sealed bids. Those submitting sealed bids should deliver all sealed bids in person to the main office of the Hidalgo County Irrigation District Number 6 located at 3735 N. FM 492Wanted (Goodwin Rd.), Mission, Texas 78574 Help on or before March 18, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. (Central Time).-(the Bid LOOKING FOR FRY Deadline”) and any bids received after the Bid Deadline will be cook/kitchen, deemed untimely and rejected.servers, The sealed bid should indicate the Riverside amount of the bid,bartenders, the specific being bid on, the person Club, Mission, property call or company making bid, asand well an address and phone number 581-1033 askasfor for the bid-maker,Jennifer. along with any other information the bid-maker feels necessary. Please indicate on the outside of the sealed bid, what property the bid isWanted in reference to. Pursuant to applicable law, any and all bids below the appraised FULL TIME, PART fair market value that has been obtained by the timeDistrict NP or will PA atbearejected. medical office in La
Hidalgo County Irrigation Joya, emailDistrict resumeNumber 6 reserves the right to reject any and to all bids at its sole discretion, including, but not jsaenz1643@aol. com. limited to, bids that do not satisfy the legal requirements necessary for sale of the Property. Pursuant to applicable law, notice File:regarding 2-19-2016the interest of the Hidalgo County Irrigation District- Number 6 to sell the above2/17/2016 9:36:46 AM described real property will be published once a week for two consecutive weeks. After theTotal 14th Sales: day of$24.75 the second publication, the Hidalgo County Irrigation District Number 6 is lawfully entitled to commence with the sale of the property. A Contract for sales of the property will be negotiated after the successful bidder is selected. The Property will be sold “as is” with no warranties or representations as to suitability for any particular use. Hidalgo County Irrigation District Number 6 will publicly open, read and tabulate the bids on March 21, 2016, during its Board Meeting which is scheduled for 1:00 P.M. at 3735 N. FM 492 (Goodwin Rd.), Mission, Texas 78573.
Help Wanted LOOKING FOR FRY cook/kitchen, servers, bartenders, RiversideVisit Club, Mission, call www.ptrgv.com 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.
c/o: LOUIS C. BROWN Attorney at Law 1207 Conway Mission, TX 78572 DATED the 16th day of FEBRUARY, 2016.
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 ProgressTimes Planeación de la Ciudad de Alton, (956) 432-0760. File: 2-19-2016
de
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- 9:36:46 AM CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT: scan 2/17/2016 thisTotal codeSales: $24.75 Blesson George, d.b.a. El Portal Food Mart is requesting a with your Conditional Use Permit to obtain a Wine and Beer Retailer’s Offsmartphone Premise Permit at 1701 N. Alton Blvd., also legally described as
the 25.32AC of Lot 45-6, West Addn. to Sharyland, 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.
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, 1 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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FOOD
High School’s Future Farmers of America collected and donated more than 45,000 cans for the new location’s grand opening. Other donors include the Mission Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Mission. “We don’t have a boundary for who we serve. We serve whoever needs it,” Ortega said. “The whole community needs to remember that they are feeding the needy, not the greedy.” Father Roy Snipes from Our Lady of Guadalupe
February 19, 2016
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com from pg 1
gave the invocation at the ribbon cutting ceremony. He compared the Mission Food Pantry to the people of La Lomita Mission who helped nurture lost missionaries that came through the area in the early 1900s. “There’s something about this town,” Snipes said. “It’s that sense of hospitality that you can pick up, that sense of ‘if you’re lost and can’t find your way, come on in and get a taquito and a cup of coffee. We’ll be your friend on this journey.’”
MJH Science Bowl team qualifies for National Science Bowl
For the third year in a row, Mission CISD will be sending a junior high school team to the National Science Bowl competition in Washington, DC. However, this will be the first time a team from Mission Jr. High School (MJH) has earned the honor. Only 50 middle school teams from around the country advance to the national competition. The team from MJH earned the chance to compete at the National Science
Bowl when they won the Regional Science Bowl Championship this past weekend. This qualified them to compete at the national event that will be held April 28-May 2. The members of the MJH team are: Briana Diaz, Lucas Dovalina, Rodrigo Moran, Paul McCoy, Damian Gonzalez. Two other teams from Mission CISD junior high schools placed toward the top. The Alton Memorial Robo-Rangers team and the
team from K. White Jr. High School tied for fifth place at the regional competition. The team members from AMJH are: Brandon Balderas, Sebastian Ortiz, Adamaris Sanchez, Miguel Garcia, Cristian Navarro. The team members from KWJH are: David Medina, Isabella Ayala, Joseph Casas, Lisa Garza, Yazmin Cortes. The 2016 Regional Science Bowl brought together teams from several counties, includ-
ing magnet schools, charter schools, and private schools. The Regional Science Bowl was sponsored by HESTEC at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The National Science Bowl is hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). It is a nationwide academic competition that tests students’ knowledge in all areas of Science and Math.
“I would propose to replace it with ACOs – accountable care organizations,” Villarreal said. “It’s a component within healthcare that allows a healthcare provider to monitor people to make sure they stay away from the emergency room for chronic illnesses.” When the democratic candidates were asked what
will they do to help schools produce a skilled workforce to land jobs at international companies and manufacturing plants, the candidates offered various approaches. Gonzalez said the answer was getting together with universities and business communities to find what types of education fits for public school students.
Ramirez said he wants all students to be armed with a trade by the time they graduate from high school, so even if they decide against college, they will still have a marketable skill. In addition, he wants to provide a tuition free trade school for students that have already graduated high school. Sweeten and Quintanilla each said there needs to be a focus on creating jobs for locals who already have a strong work ethic. Palacios and Elizondo said the key was to invest in the infrastructure to meet corporate needs and increase educational funding. The republicans split on the pathway to citizenship issue. Both Wesley and Salinas said they are against providing a pathway to citizenship, while Villarreal is in favor. Wesley and Salinas argued that people can’t pick and choose which laws to follow, or provide incentives for people to break the law. But Villarreal, a former mayor of a border town, said it’s time the U.S. followed the example of former president Ronald Reagan and provided amnesty for the undocumented citizens. “The FBI can’t find the 10 top most wanted, and we’re sure as heck not going to find 10 million immigrants living here that don’t want to be found. My solution is a path to legal status,” Villarreal said. “If they’ve been
lawful, if they’ve worked hard, if they’ve been productive parts of our community, there’s no reason why we cannot immerse them into our community because they’re already part of it.” There was also a split when it came to the legalization or decriminalization of marijuana in Texas. Ramirez, Elizondo and Palacios were for the decriminalization. Sweeten and Quintanilla were against. Gonzalez was undecided. “We need dialogue with experts and see what other states have done and what the results are before we jump at making a change that drastic,” Gonzalez said. There were complaints from crowd members say the caliber of questions were not equal between the parties and that other important issues were not addressed such as veterans services, the federal deficit and the Valley’s financial state. “The questions were just giving them a lot of wiggle room to just give their 30 second stump speech. There wasn’t any substance there,” Enoch Gowarty said. “We all know about the power of incumbency. Once you become an incumbent, it’s so hard to really get you out. So it really seems like we’re not vetting these guys. There’s a lot of just, in the words of the famous justice that passed away, a lot of applesauce questions.”
HIGHLIGHTS
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