March 11, 2016 - Progress Times

Friday, March 11, 2016

www.ptrgv.com | 50 Cents

Chamber CEO moving on Marina Salinas announces

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By Jim Brunson oday is George Myers’ last day as President and CEO of the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce. He has led the chamber for two years and four months.

In an interview with the Progress Times last week, Myers was very upbeat about the chamber’s accomplishments during his tenure as CEO. “The thing I am most proud of is we really have raised the stature of the organization in the community,” Myers said.

He explained that since he didn’t have a background previously in the chamber of commerce or any non-profit, the only perspective he had was how would a business do it. So, like any good business, his goal was to try and create value for all of their stakeholders. To him, that meant creating value in the programs and services the chamber provides to the chamber membership and the community.

“I think that we’ve certainly accomplished that. I’ve had many positive comments about our events, our programs. People like that we’ve always tried to challenge ourselves to make it better,” he said.

He said the annual Chamber Banquet is a great example. Myers effectively elevated the annual banquet to a new level with a very upbeat tempo and fiery entertainment.

He also worked closely with the City of Mission and Mission Historical Museum to

raise the bar on another already very successful event – the Winter Texan Fiesta. In 2015, this event was expanded from a single event held for Winter Texans on a Saturday afternoon, to a three-day celebration. This new “Mega Winter Texan Fiesta” now includes a golf tournament at Shary Municipal Golf Course and a two-day Mexican Artisan Show at the museum with entertainment for the entire community to enjoy.

Myers was quick to share the credit for

See MYERS 5

LOCAL MUSIC FESTIVAL MAY DISBAND

for MCISD Place 4

arina Salinas has announced her candidacy for Mission CISD Board of Trustees, Place 4.

“I am making this run for our students and for the greater good,” said Salinas. “I cannot promise to make the district great in a day, but I can help make it better every day. I can promise to make our students the number one priority over everything else. I have a passion for kids and I do it every day.”

Currently a teacher at Sharyland ISD, she is certified in bilingual education. Salinas began her teaching career in 2005 at La Joya ISD after graduating from the University of Texas-Pan American, majoring in political science. She also holds a license as a realtor and real estate broker.

“In my 10 plus years in education, I have never had a single parent complain against me. I take a lot of pride in that. My students and my parents are always my first priority. I have always gone above and beyond for all of them,” she added.

Salinas has been involved with Mission School Board issues concerning students for the past eight years. During this time she has had parents reaching out to her on how to help their children succeed in school.

Her decision to run for the Mission School Board began last August when she was contacted by a parent regarding what she felt were serious concerns regarding the district.

She said that soon after 10 parents were at her house every evening asking for her help.

According to Salinas, after much work, including filing grievances with the administration, the problems were eventually resolved. However, she feels other persistent problems can best be addressed as a member

of the school board.

Salinas concluded, “I have no self-interest for myself. I am a God-fearing woman who has so much to be grateful for already. All I want to do is make MCISD the best district it can be. I want every single teacher to love this district. Most importantly, I want every single student to be proud and successful in this district.

“I can do it with your help. I owe no one anything, except God. I will make you proud of having supported me. So, please come out and support me and my team and let’s make MCISD great again!”

Dr. O’caña seeks reelection to Mission City Council

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Dance Gavin Dance guitarist Will Swan at the 2015 Never Say Never Music Festival.

Photo by Lea Victoria Juarez

Deftones headline Never Say Never

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By Lea Victoria Juarez he future of the one of the Valley’s largest music festivals lies in the hands of its patrons.

Las Palmas Race Park is home to the Never Say Never Music Festival, which is owned, produced and promoted by locals George “Geo” Culberson and Baltazar “Zar” Castillo. The eighth annual NSN is set for March 16, but it might be the last.

The entire production ranges from $200,000 to $300,000, and for eight years, Culberson and Castillo have paid out of pocket, splitting the cost 50/50. But every year, the duo fails to break even, according to Culberson. They don’t fall too short of their goal, which is how they still manage to bring the festival back every year.

“It’s something that we don’t want to realize the reality of, but we’re both very much

aware of the financial strain,” Castillo said.

“The Valley is a very small market, so we’re always climbing an uphill battle with trying to produce these events.”

More than 300 artists from around the globe apply to be a part of the spring break attraction.

The festival has been a starting ground for acts that have gone on to play the Super Bowl and win Grammy’s such as electronic dance music duo LMFAO and rapper Macklemore.

Last year, more than 3,000 people attended the event, despite lightning and a downpour of rain. It’s a small festival, according to Culberson, but it has a loyal fanbase.

This year’s headliner is rock band Deftones, a Latino-fronted band that formed in the late 80’s and caters to an older demographic, which is different than NSN’s usual post-hardcore/metal genre for a teen and college crowd.

See FESTIVAL 5

r. Armando O’caña Sr. has announced his bid for reelection for Mission City Council, Place 4. Election day for city elections is May 7.

Dr. O’caña said he continues to have a vision for the City of Mission.

“Mission is my vision! So I can bring more progress, value and prosperity using the same skills I have acquired as a professional educator, ex-City of Mission Fire Chief, and Texas Peace Officer.”

As Dr. O’caña seeks his fourth term this May, it’s plain to see his vision is coming to life, and his hard work has paid off, his announcement states.

Born and raised in Mission, Councilman O’caña has vivid memories of what his hometown used to look like, and how much it has changed, in part due to his service as councilman jointly with Mayor Norberto said. He helped lead the way in reforming “Beto” Salinas and the other council mem- the city’s approach to property taxes, spendbers working together. ing and enacting self-funding projects that When he first took office more than nine have saved city taxpayer dollars. years ago, Councilman O’caña knew the only O’caña’s work in establishing a Juvenile way the city could prosper was through propSee O’CAÑA 5 er planning, foresight and targeted vision. He helped cultivate expectations for city staff in planning for conservative, on-target he Progress Times length and uniform style. project spending to maindeadline to accept canCampaign announcetain a balanced city budget. didate announcements ments may be published at O’caña, Mayor Salinas, and the other council members for the upcoming May 7 elec- the discretion of the publishhave worked as a team plan- tion is Wednesday, March er and should reference only ning and budgeting for in- 16. Announcements received the candidate’s qualificafrastructure improvements after this date must be run tions, platform and campaign that have enabled the city as paid advertising. Submit issues. No attacks on politito become one of the fast- announcements by email to cal opponents are permitted.

For questions regarding est-developing, safest and news@progresstimes.net.

Attach a jpeg portrait photo announcements, contact Jim most economically sound of the candidate. The jpeg Brunson, publisher, at 956cities in the state of Texas.

“The City of Mission must be at least 2MB in 585-4893. For political adis a better place today than size, or 5 x 7 inches at 300 vertising contact Lindslee it was before I became a dpi. Political announcements Brunson or Dee Rendon at Councilman,” Dr. O’caña must not exceed 600 words the same number. and are subject to editing for

Candidate Announcement Deadline

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INSIDE

Jerry Saenz

Homer Tijerina

Palmview resident enters the race for Agua S.U.D. board member.

The business owner announces his candidacy for Agua SUD Director for County Place 1.

See JERRY page 7

INDEX

Lifestyle | pg. 3

Roger Hernandez La Joya ISD educator runs for Agua SUD Director for County Place 3.

See HOMER page 7

Entertainment | pg. 2

Opinion | pg. 4

Daylight Saving

See ROGER page 7

Sports | pg. 6

Obituaries | pg. 9

See DAYLIGHT page 7

Classifieds | pg. 10

entertainment

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March 11, 2016

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Next MHM oral history program is March 19

‘Making History Matter’ membership campaign underway

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he Mission Historical Museum, located at 900 Doherty, is continuing with its annual membership campaign, “Making History Matter,” running through March 18.

The Membership Campaign Celebration is set for Thursday, March 31, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the museum. The program will cover the museum’s vision for future growth.

Since it opened its doors in 2000, the museum’s focus has been to collect, preserve, exhibit, and promote the history and cultural heritage of its local and surrounding communities. Their successes are always reliant upon the dedication of the members, board of directors and staff to continue

to provide quality exhibits and educational programs for the community, visitors and tourists of Mission.

This year the museum is reaching out to everyone in the community to join or renew in 2016.

Those who become a new member or renew a current membership will receive benefits and special discounts on upcoming museum programs. All new memberships and renewals will receive a commemorative “Making History Matter” T-shirt.

The membership levels are Student, $10; Individual, $25; Family, $50; Museum Partner, $100 (organizations or businesses); $500 Corporate Membership; and $1,000 History of Mission Fellowship

March 11-12

• A festival celebrating Texas Independence Day, with three live re-enactments of battles leading up to the State’s freedom from Mexico, takes place at the San Benito Fairgrounds off of FM 510. Events throughout the twoday festival include the Second Annual Elks Lodge Chili Cook-off, a brisket plate sale, period parade, Declaration of Independence signing ceremony, live music, drawings and refreshments, along with pan de campo baking, quiltmaking and other era skill demonstrations.

March 12

• The opening reception for the Upper Valley Art League’s Fiber Arts exhibit will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the UVAL gallery. “Come see what happens to fiber, fabric, ribbons and thread in the hands of artists drive to stitch, paint, dye and glue.” Patrons will vote for the People’s Choice award. Refreshments of wine, cheese and a dessert buffet will be served. The exhibit will be on display through April 2. UVAL is located at 921 E. 12th St. in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center in Mission.

Call 583-ARTS for more information.

March 13

• The Rio Grande Valley Concert Band will perform at Paradise Park in Mission at 3 p.m. Contact Gene Goede, director, at 682-9225 for information.

March 14

• Harlingen Concert Association will present Stringfever, 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.

March 17

• It’s “Conjunto Nights at the Chicho.” Every third Thursday of the month, a member of the “Chicken Club” will perform with a special featured guest to be announced. It begins at 6:45 p.m. at the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center, 225 E. Stenger Street, San Benito.

Admission donation is $5. For information, call Soledad A. Nuñez at 244-0373.

March 22

• McAllen Town Band will present a spring concert at the Trinity Worship Center, 4801 N. Cage (Exp. 281 and Nolana) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5. Call (956) 681-3355 for tickets or get them at the door.

(To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to ptrgv.com.)

(lifetime membership).

Benefits for all members are a 10 percent discount on items from the museum store, discounts on select museum programs and events, subscription to the MHM quarterly newsletter, advance mailings and invitations to all museum exhib-

its, events, and programs; and special discounted rates on museum fundraiser efforts.

For more information on becoming a member or to join, contact Linda Castaneda at the museum office at 580-8646 or online at www.missionmuseum. org.

he Mission Historical Museum continues its series of historical presentations telling story of early Mission. Patti Golden, local history enthusiast, is the next speaker for the meeting on Saturday, March 19, at 10 a.m. It will be held at the museum located at 900 Doherty.

Golden’s narrative takes a walk through Mission’s history of early commerce and the ways of Mission pioneer families.

Golden started visiting Mission in 1978 before taking up permanent residence in 1984. She was fascinated with Mission’s culture and history, and became an avid researcher. A graduate of Leadership Mission in 2004,

she is a former employee of the museum where she worked as the education coordinator for 10 years.

Admission is free to the public.

The museum is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For information, call 5808646 missionmuseum.org.

Mission Food Pantry donation

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himney Park residents Al and Gail Quivey, left, and Lloyd Burns, right, present a check, along with food, from the park’s residents, to Adela Ortega, Mission Food Pantry director. They made the delivery to the pantry, now housed in a new location at 115 S. Mayberry Road. Accepting the donations, Adela Ortega, pantry director, said, “Our Winter Texans help the Mission Food Pantry so much when they are here from November to April. We get many food donations. The food helps us feed our families. The cash donations are used to purchase food from

Foy’s Supermarket at cost to supply needed items not donated.” As Winter Texans clean out their kitchen cabinets to head back north, Ortega invites them to donate non-perishable food items to the Mission Food Pantry. Local individuals, organizations and church who are also encouraged to organize food drives or to make monetary donations.

The pantry is now open in its new location at 115 S. Mayberry. For more information, call Ortega at 458-9066. The new hours are now 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

lifestyle

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

UTRGV guitar festival showcases professional and new talent

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ROWNSVILLE/EDINBURG –The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley will host the 16th annual Brownsville Guitar Festival, March 24–26, on the Brownsville Campus, with an additional concert on the Edinburg Campus. The three-day concert event starts at 6:30 p.m. each day at the TSC Arts Center on the Brownsville Campus.

The festival features an ensemble competition to involve younger guitar players from the area combined with guest

performers who will hold master classes throughout the festival.

Some of the greats in the classical guitar world have performed and taught master classes at the Guitar Festival, including, David Russell, the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet and Los Romeros. This year’s guest guitarists include Stanley Yates, Berta Rojas and Ekachai Jearakul.

Yates performs at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at the TSC Arts Center in Brownsville with

Rojas performing on Friday, same time and location. On the Edinburg campus, Ekachai Jearakul will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 25, in the Performing Arts Complex and performs again on Saturday, March 26, at the TSC Arts Center at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are free for Patron of the Arts members, $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students.

Created by Dr. Michael Quantz, UTRGV professor of guitar, in 2001, the festival

77th Annual Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show kicks off today

was designed to benefit guitar students of all levels. Ensembles from more than 40 cities across the United States have participated in the annual competition.

“The Brownsville Guitar Festival is really special in the RGV arts community because it brings together students and professionals who are passionate about guitar, from young children to renowned professional artists,” said Catherine Compton, Patron of the Arts coordinator. “The acoustic

guitar ensemble competition is unique to the national scene, and the artists who perform the guest recitals associated with the festival are some of the

most elite guitar performers in the country.”

For more information or for tickets, contact Compton at 882-7025.

EVENTS CALENDAR

Mar ch 12 – Aglow International, Spanish Lighthouse Chapter of Mission, will hold their monthly meeting beginning with a continental breakfast at 9:30 a.m. followed by the meeting. It will be held at Emmanuel Adult Day Care, 1312 Oblate Ave., Mission. For information, call Lisa Gomez at 776-8505; Delia Bazan, 240-5813; Gaby Rodriquez, 240-6607; or Connie Escamilla, 279-7887.

Mar ch 12 – San Benito Market Days, featuring vendors, live music and food, will be held during the Texas Independence Day Celebration on the Fairgrounds at FM 510 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Batts Street & Railroad Tracks. Call 361-3804, Ext. 304, for info.

Mar ch 12 – The Writers’ Forum presents “Women’s Voices” for International Women’s Month at 6:30 p.m. at the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center, 225 E. Stenger in San Benito. The program will consist of works by female writers. Refreshments will be served. Admission is $5 at the door. For more info, call Beto or Rita Conde at 3503905.

Mar ch 12 – Learn which is faster – a cheetah or a jackrabbit – at Brownsville’s Gladys Porter Zoo Saturday Safari. Cost is $15 per child or adult. Children must be 4 years or older. Pre-Registration is required. Call 548- 9453 to register or for more information or email educ@gpz.org.

Mar ch 14-18 – Join the Gladys Porter Zoo staff working with the wild animals during the Junior Zookeeper Camp. It runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The camp ends on March 19 at 6:30 p.m. with a Starlight Safari sleepover. Find out what it takes to take care of animals and get to help with some of the daily chores at the zoo. For the sleepover, additional friends and family can participate for just $25 each. Minimum age for sleepover is 7 years old. Jr. Zookeeper Camp is $175 and $155 for GPZ members. Pre-registration is required. Call 548-9453 to register or email educ@gpz.org for more information.

Mar ch 15 – Ben Yudesis, attorney, is the guest speaker for the next Window to the Past program. Sponsored by the San Benito Historical Society, it is set for 6 p.m. at the San Benito Community Building, 210 E. Heywood. He will speak on Jewish families who settled ad worked in the Rio Grande Valley. The program is open to the general public, and admission is free. Light refreshments will be served.

Mar ch 19 – The First Presbyterian Church, 1102 Ash Street in Mission, will host a home-crafted art sale, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Look for local artists work, jewelry, cards, bolts of fabric and trims. Chicken Plate lunches will be sold between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Mar ch 19 – Criselda Alvarado, president with Aglow McAllen Lighthouse, will share a message about being a good Christian Soldier at the next monthly meeting. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. with a complimentary prayer breakfast. Call Alvarado or location and directions at 534-7941.

Mar ch 19 – The staff at the Edinburg World Birding Center will hold their Spring Fairy Festival from 2 to 6 p.m. Activities include constructing a fairy home, a costume contest for the “best mystical creature,” a free photo booth, nature walks, face painting, crafts, treats and beverages. Admission is free, but there is a cost for materials. Reservations are required for this class at least two days prior to the event. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria. For information or to make reservations, call 381-9922.

Mar ch 19 – The Writers’ Forum continues with its Women’s Month theme at 6:30 p.m.at the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center, 225 E. Stenger in San Benito. Refreshments will be served. Admission is $5 at the door. For more info, call Beto or Rita Conde 350-3905.

Mar ch 25-27 – Take the family out to the annual Easter Bunny Corral and Bazaar at Gladys Porter Zoo (GPZ) at 500 Ringgold, Brownsville. The bazaar runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all three days, and the Bunny Corral is open on Easter Sunday, March 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All activities are included in the admission. For more information, call 546-7187.

Mar ch 26 – “Know Any Good Yolks?” is the next Saturday Safari theme at Gladys Porter Zoo. Explore the world of animals that lay eggs. Cost is $15 per child or adult. Children must be 4 years or older. Pre-registration is required. Call 548-9453 to register or for more information or email educ@gpz.org.

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

PARKS CALENDAR

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he 77th annual Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show and Rodeo, one of the largest livestock shows in the nation, runs from March 11 through March 20. Complete with PRCA Xtreme Bullriding and PRCA Rodeo events, concerts, agricultural exhibits, horse and cattle shows along with pigs, goats, rabbits, and other animals on display for judging, it runs the gamut of experiences with something for everyone.

The Livestock Show parade begins at 10 a.m. this Saturday in downtown Mercedes and proceeds to the Livestock Show Grounds.

Kicking off the entertainment, Granger Smith headlines the Friday night show March 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the rodeo arena. Opening acts are Earl Dibbles Jr. and Matt and the Herdsmen. Tickets are $20 and include gate admission to the livestock show.

On Saturday, March 12, Justin Moore, with special guest Kyle Park, headlines in the arena at 7:30. Tickets range from $30 to $100 (VIP).

There will be a petting zoo for children. Exhibit halls will be filled with FFA and 4-H projects, antique farm equipment, specialty entertainment and a variety of vendors with items for sale. Food vendors keep the midway filled with aromas from the wide variety of offerings of food, snacks and beverages.

On Wednesday, March 16, ages 60 and over will enjoy a $5 gate admission between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

First responders and military with I.D. will have a $5 gate admission between 4 p.m. and midnight.

Adult season passes are $40. Rodeo tickets cost $10 for general admission and $15 for reserved seating.

All tickets can be purchased online at

www.rgvls.com.

See the full schedule of daily activities, concerts and rodeo events on the website. The schedule will be approximately the same throughout the rest of the Livestock Show, but the animal competitions change day to day.

Reigning over the 77th Annual Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show is Cover Girl Anika Hovda of Weslaco (shown center). One of the largest livestock shows in the nation, it takes place at the Mercedes show grounds March 11 to 20. Serving with her, shown left to right, are Gentry Magee, third runner up, from Harlingen; Leena Sanchez, first runner up, Weslaco; Hovda; Kennedy Boylin, second runner up, Harlingen; and Gina Garza, fourth runner up, Edinburg.

Not pictured are Bianca Garcia, Miss Congeniality, from Edinburg, and Giovana Zamorano, Miss Photogentic, from Weslaco.

Annual Spring Powwow is March 12

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cALLEN – The catchers, arts and crafts and South Texas Indian beads will be sold.

Dancers will hold Leading the group will their NDE DAA Spring Pow- be Alfonso Castillo as the wow on March 12. Open to Head Man Dancer and Viothe public, it takes place at let Soto, Head Lady Dancer. the Lark Community Center, Carlos Gonzalez and Ruben 2601 Lark Ave, from 10 a.m. Soto are the Head Singers, to 9:30 p.m.

There will be two grand entries, at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., with Indians from YLER – Jessica Datiny tots to senior citizens vidson of Mission dressed in full Indian regamade the President’s lia. In addition to the dancing, there will be cake- Honor Roll at the Universiwalks, drawings and Amer- ty of Texas at Tyler during ican Indian jewelry, dream the 2015 fall semester. To

South Wind as the Head Drum and Ryan Rands taking the spot as Head Gourd Dancer. Erwin de Luna serves as this year’s emcee, and Danny Villarreal is the director.

Named to President’s Honor Roll

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make the list, she had to carry 12 or more hours for the semester and earn an “A” in all courses during that time while earning her bachelor’s degree.

REUNIONS &MEETINGS

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March 11, 2016

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By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

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STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

arch 1 Super Tuesday election returns posted by the Texas Secretary of State’s Elections Division show 2.8 million (about 20 percent) of the state’s 14.2 million registered voters cast a ballot in the Republican Party Presidential Primary.

In the Democratic Party Presidential Primary, the statewide turnout was 1.4 million, or about 10 percent of the state’s registered voters.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas won the GOP contest with 1,239,370 votes, or 43.75 percent. Coming in second was New York businessman Donald Trump with 757,618 votes, or 26.74 percent. In third place was U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida with 502,223 votes, or 17.73 percent. Ohio Gov. John Kasich placed fourth with 120,257 votes, or 4.24 percent.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of New York won the Democratic contest with 934,999 votes, or 65.21 percent. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont placed second with 475,561 votes, or 33.16 percent.

In 2012, about 1.45 million people voted in the Texas Republican Party Primary and about 590,000 people voted in the Texas Democratic Party Primary. Those primaries were held on May 29, 2012.

Court hears HB 2 case Before the U.S. Supreme Court on March 2, Texas Solicitor General Scott Keller delivered oral arguments in support of House Bill 2, legislation passed by the Texas Legislature in 2013 in to toughen existing abortion laws.

Supporters of HB 2 say the legislation improves patient safety and raises the standard of care for women at abortion facilities. Op-

ponents say HB 2 puts an unconstitutional burden on women in need of a variety of health services, including abortion.

A ruling on the case is expected in June.

Paxton files haze suit Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Feb. 29 announced the state has filed suit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for rejecting Texas’ seven-year-old proposed revision to its plan for reducing regional haze in the state.

The lawsuit was filed in the New Orleans-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

In January, the EPA rejected the state’s plan in favor of a federal plan. Paxton said that under the EPA’s plan, power generators “would have to install costly, unnecessary upgrades to become compliant. This could both make electricity more expensive, and could result in fewer plants at a time when Texas needs more capacity, not less.”

More are taking tests Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath on March 1 announced the number of Texas graduates taking at least one “Advanced Placement Program” exam during high school has more than doubled over the past decade, according to College Board’s AP Cohort Data Report for the Class of 2015.

Also, according to the announcement, the percentage of Texas students taking at least one AP exam in high school continues to outpace the national average.

DPS Upholds Decision Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw on March 1 issued a letter of final termination, upholding his Jan. 28 preliminary decision to

terminate Trooper Brian Encinia from the department for reasons related to the trooper’s traffic stop of Sandra Bland on July 10, 2015, in Prairie View.

Encinia has the right to appeal his termination to the Texas Public Safety Commission, the five-member oversight board for the DPS, McCraw stated in the text of the letter.

Bland was booked into Waller County Jail following her arrest by Encinia.

She was found hanged in her cell three days later, on July 13. The assistant county medical examiner issued an autopsy report on July 24, ruling the death a suicide.

Zika cases increase The Texas Department of State Health Services on March 4 reported Texas so far has had 18 confirmed cases of the Zika virus disease.

Of those cases, 17 were found in travelers who were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. One case involved a Dallas County resident who had sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad.

Case numbers by county were listed as follows: Bexar, 3; Dallas, 2; Fort Bend, 1; Harris, 9; Tarrant, 1; and Travis, 2.

Economy adds jobs Texas employers expanded their payrolls in January with the addition of 31,400 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs, marking the tenth consecutive month of job growth for Texas, the Texas Workforce Commission reported March 4.

Also, Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 4.5 percent in January, down from a revised 4.6 percent in December, and remained below the national average of 4.9 percent.

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TEXAS

Supreme Court Vacancy n remarks in the Senate Judiciary Committee today, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) addressed the opposition from Senate Democrats to giving the American people a voice in the selection of the next Supreme Court Justice. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video of his speech can be found here.

“I can’t help but think, while listening to our colleagues across the aisle, that if flip-flops were an Olympic sport, that there might be some gold medals awarded.

It’s really breathtaking. I do, though, believe the debate that we’re having today is an important one, and we should welcome it.

“Clearly the stakes are high, and that’s why we’ve decided that the American people should have their voice heard in the selection of this next lifetime appointment.

“The Senate has clear Constitutional authority to demand this, and my Republican colleagues and I do intend to do the job we were elected to do on the people’s behalf. It’s fair to say our friends across the aisle don’t like this idea. But of course, they’re feigning a lot of outrage. We know they would do exactly the same if the shoe were on the other foot.

“Our friends claim that our position, the humble proposition that the people should choose who makes that selection, is unprecedented. But it’s simply not the case. No President has filled a vacancy in an election year with divided gov-

John Cornyn TIMES

ernment as we have today in well over a century.” “The American people are well into the process of deciding who the next President of the United States will be. They can choose to extend eight years of anemic economic growth, national weakness, and disdain for the Constitution and other institutions that have made our country great, or they can choose a different direction, for the better.

“The Supreme Court will have a central role in determining the path we take. And the people should have a voice in that decision, too.”

Human exploration strategy Following Commander Scott Kelly’s return to Earth last night after a year aboard the International Space Station, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the Mapping a New and Innovative Focus on our Exploration Strategy (MANIFEST) for Human Spaceflight Act to require the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to develop plans for the future of U.S. manned space exploration. The bill is based on the recommendations of a 2014 National Academies report, which called on NASA to commit to an exploration pathway that recognizes Mars as the horizon goal for human space exploration.

“We need a long-term strategy from NASA so we can focus existing assets on priority exploration missions and opportunities.

This legislation creates that framework, and for the first

time would designate a human presence on the surface of Mars as a long-term goal of NASA,” Sen. Cornyn said. “With this bill, we can rightly prioritize human space exploration and affirm our commitment to exploring the next frontier.”

More information on the MANIFEST for Human Spaceflight Act of 2016: • The legislation would require NASA to regularly provide Congress a human exploration strategy outlining goals and destinations for future manned space missions.

• To ensure the agency considers independent views, NASA is directed to partner with the National Academy of Sciences to provide input and further recommendations that would be included in the final strategy.

• The exploration strategy would be updated every five years, consistent with an independent review cycle applied to other NASA programs.

• For the first time, the bill would amend NASA’s guiding exploration goals to specifically designate a human presence on the surface of Mars as the long-term goal, a position supported by the Spaceflight Committee’s report as well as the broader space exploration community.

• The legislation is based on the recommendations of a 2014 report from the National Academies’ Committee on Human Spaceflight.

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March 11, 2016

Synthetic drug symposium held in Hidalgo County

By Lea Victoria Juarez Behavioral Health Solutions of South Texas held a Regional Stakeholder Symposium on Synthetic Drugs, Feb. 26. Among the attendees were members of Mission Crime Stoppers and students from Pioneer High School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions.

The symposium presenters covered the laws and prosecution regarding synthetic cannabinoids, its product compositions, effects and treatment for users.

Synthetic cannabinoids are chemical compounds that are sprayed on dried plant material, which can be smoked or liquidized to be vaporized and inhaled

FESTIVAL Deftones are charging the NSN owners six figures to play at Las Palmas, which is a price range Culberson and Castillo are familiar with, as they also paid six figures for 2012 headlining rapper Wiz Khalifa. But it’s the most the pair has ever paid for a rock act.

The NSN duo decided to go a different direction this year in the hopes of expanding the festival to a broader audience.

“If we see that the scene doesn’t accept it well, we can talk about rebuilding a whole new festival and start all over,” Culberson explained.

“I’m definitely going to continue into the future, but it’s completely undecided right now on which direction we’ll go.”

MYERS

the success the chamber has enjoyed over the past two years.

“I want to be real clear,”

he said. “It’s not George Myers that did this. I had a couple of ideas, but it was an incredible board, incredible staff and incredible partners, like the city of Mission. If they hadn’t given me the latitude, and the flexibility and in many cases the funding to go out and do these things, they would have just remained ideas.”

Myers also introduced new ideas to add value to chamber membership for area businesses by creating tiers of memberships.

Each tier, priced at $19.99, $29.99, $49.99 and $99 per month offer different packages of services, depending on the needs of the business. Some of the new services now available as part of chamber membership include free business cards and website design.

He said when he first introduced the idea of the new tiers, some people asked, “How in the world are you going to get peo-

in e-cigarettes. They mimic the effects of THC, which is naturally found in marijuana and how it adopted the name “synthetic marijuana.” Other known terms are kush or spice.

However, the effects are worse than that of marijuana and can even be fatal, according to Susan L. Dalterio, a Ph.D who has published more than 70 journal articles on drugs. Some of the side effects can include projectile vomiting, heart attack or acute kidney injury, but users have no way to predict how they will react to the drug.

Dalterio said spice is the third most popular group of drugs for teens.

In August 2014, Connor Eckhardt,19, from California died after a single inhalation of synthetic marijuana.

In 2010, 17-year-old David Rozga from Iowa committed suicide after smoking synthetic marijuana. This incident sparked a movement to criminalize the drug, which was made a law in 2011.

“This stuff is like playing

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Russian Roulette,” Assistant Attorney General Rick Berlin said. “You can buy two packets in the same day, that were made from the same batch; one of them is going to get you high and one of them is going to kill you, and there is no way to tell the difference.”

There are students at Pioneer High School that have allegedly used spice, according to Junior SADD member Alexa Rodriguez. However, she said those that have tried the drug, didn’t like it.

“I’ve heard a couple of kids talk about it,” Rodriguez said. “Thankfully they haven’t liked it but they still might turn to regular weed, so we still have our work cut out for us. But it has been talked about it at our school.”

Rodriguez said the SADD members attended the symposium to educate themselves on synthetic drugs and relay the message to their peers.

“Drugs are a big issue right now with our age group,” the 17 year old said.

“Seeing that we can get more information would be great, especially if we’re going to start talking to elementary students about things they should watch out for.”

The drug is appealing because it is inexpensive, according to Willacy County prosecutor Jeremy SoRelle.

In addition, it is also difficult to be prosecuted for, even though synthetic marijuana in all forms is illegal in Texas.

In 2011, lawmakers made a list of illegal compounds for law enforcement and prosecutors to refer to, which made it easy to convict users. But the drug’s makers are continually changing its composition, which means newer compounds aren’t on the list.

SoRelle said synthetic drug cases are not a high priority when it comes to lab testing, so users that are arrested can either spend months in jail on taxpayer dollars, or be released.

“My options are: one, I get a case and hope it’s on a from pg 1

So far the response has been positive on social media and it’s showing in ticket sales. Castillo said they’re seeing receipts from Arkansas, New Mexico, Arizona and other areas that are unique to this year. Culberson said the split is almost 50/50 between out of town and local sales.

The event producers also negotiated a proximity clause in the contract, which states that the Deftones isn’t allowed to play anywhere south of San Antonio for this particular tour.

“We’ve seen where the promotion overlaps. If they play in Corpus Christi, which is only two hours away...we start competing with each other,” Culberson explained.

“We pull sales from each

other and it makes it so much more difficult to break even or make the festival successful.”

Patrons are also paying to see some of their other favorite acts, such as Sons of Texas, a Valley-based band that has gained national attention from touring. Guitarist Jon Olivarez said fans from Corpus Christi and San Antonio are making the trip to Mission to see them play.

The Santa Rosa native said the Valley’s music scene is more active and diverse compared to other places Sons of Texas has traveled.

But the specific genre that Never Say Never is known for, is not something Valley residents get to experience too often.

“It’s really important that

Geo and Zar are bringing that type of music to the Valley.

It’s becoming one of those festivals that bands want to be on,” Olivarez said. “What we see a lot of is that their headliners go on to be bigger and bigger acts. In a way, they’re kind of discovering the next big thing.”

Castillo said the idea of this being the last NSN hurts him, but the producers will decide what happens next, after the event on March 16.

“The future of this festival really depends on if people embrace it or not. I can’t force-feed something down their throats,” Culberson said. “If it’s something they want then it’s something I’ll keep doing. If there’s no need for it, I’ll work on a different project.”

ple to pay $99 a month when before they paid $199 for the year?”

Referring to the $99 per month membership level, Myers said, “When we brought that out, that’s all anybody wanted.”

Myers also introduced three new levels of Premier Corporate Partnership packages. These include the Kiskadee for $2,500, Ruby Red at $5,000 and Monarch level for $10,000.

While it was Myers’ predecessor who came up with the concept for the Go Mission discount card, in his typical fashion Myers took things up a notch.

He has promoted the card so successfully that there are now 30,000 cardholders. Many of these are in digital form using their smart phone app. The program was awarded best program in the state by the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives Association.

Of course, as one who is never satisfied with the status quo, no matter how successful it is, Myers said

last week, “Stay tuned because one of the last things I’m going to do before I leave the chamber is flip the switch on version 2.0.

We’re going to have a brand new website.”

During Myers term as CEO, the chamber also introduced the Discover Mission marketing campaign, targeting Winter Texans and other tourists.

The tag line used on the Discover Mission website is “Mission Texas Extended Winter Forecast: 0% Chance of Snow.” The new website promotes local nature attractions such as the World Birding Center and the National Butterfly Center, the rich local cultural heritage and local dining and shopping, as well as the RV resorts.

Myers said he is very proud of the way the chamber, the city of Mission and Mission Economic Development Corporation have been able to work together so successfully.

“There’s no way that we could have had the successes we’ve had at the

chamber if we didn’t have the cooperation of entities like the city of Mission and the Economic Development Council…. I thought that was the way it worked in all cities. But now that I’ve worked in this industry, I found out in a big way, that’s not necessarily the case.”

“It’s been a great run.

I’m still going to be a Mission guy. I’m moving just up the street a few blocks.

I’m here to serve on any board they feel like I can be of use,” he said.

Myers has been hired

by Plains Capital Bank where he will serve as Vice President Senior Business Development Officer at the Mission branch office.

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from pg 1

list of substances and I can get a conviction,” the prosecutor said. “Two, I can say that it’s an analog (drug) and somehow I get through the court system. Three, we go out and we do public health messages.”

Mission Crime Stoppers Investigator Ramon Ortega said police departments in many cities handle synthetic drug cases, but he couldn’t recall any particular case that Mission PD has manage. His

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main reason for attending the symposium was to also become more educated on the topic.

“Information is power.

It’s just about educating ourselves,” Ortega said. “Sometimes we’re not familiar with what is out there, so we educate ourselves and know what to look for. We want to prevent those things, educate the parents and schools about the severity of the situation.”

O’CAÑA Justice Prevention Delinquency Advisory Board has had an enormously positive impact for the city and set the standard for other areas.

Currently,Councilman Dr. Armando O’caña is spearheading an effort, alongside Mayor Salinas, for improved drainage, infrastructure development and expansion of public safety in all four quadrants of the city.

“I always have said these improvements will bring business, and that’s what we need to increase our tax base while freezing our tax rate,” O’caña said. “I voted for the construction of Anazalduas Bridge, the expansion, and a railroad crossing bridge.”

Major projects completed during O’caña’s term in office, or currently underway, include: drainage on south and north Keralum, expansion of 2 Mile Line west to La Homa Rd., Inspiration Rd. overpass and widening from Expressway 83 north to 3 Mile Line, and sewer capacity improvements. Other major accomplishments include creation of a new Sanitation Department, allocating 25% of the city budget for public safety, improved parks, investing over $3 million to downtown improvement, voting to decrease taxes by two cents per $100 property value, and hiring an in-house city attorney staff.

from pg 1

Dr. O’caña is passionate about being a public servant, and he says he has more work to do for the benefit of Mission and her citizens.

His future vision for Mission includes building traffic flow corridors to move south, north, west and east, a new swimming pool on the west side of the city, a public safety training center, and to finalize plans for the 700 or more capacity Mission Events Center. In addition, he plans to install a new water tower in the Sharyland area, add phase II to the downtown area, expand the Boys and Girls Club facilities, build a central distribution garbage center for efficiency of vehicle usage, and expansion of sewer capacity to enable the city to continue to grow.

Councilman O’caña has been married to Maria de Jesus Ortega O’caña for over 41 years. He has three sons, Armando Jr., Johnathan Lee, and Matthew James O’caña and grandchildren. He attends Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

Currently, he is employed for La Joya Independent School District as the Emergency Operation Coordinator and School Safety Director.

Editor’s Note: This announcement was provided by the candidate.

Reminiscing...

30 Years Ago This Week

Construction gets trustee study The Mission School Board gave tentative approval to a new academic wing at Mission High School, five new classrooms at Alton Elementary School and extensive remodeling and renovating of the learning resources centers and cafeterias at Pearson and Bryan schools.

Six OEA finalists earn trip to state Six members of the Mission High School Office Education Association will compete with other area finalists at the Tarrant County Convention Center in For worth.

La Joya shut out RGC Rattlers The Coyotes defeated Rio Grande City 15-0 in a district 16-4A baseball game. La Joya put the game out of reach with 11 runs in the first inning.

March 11, 2016

page 6

Coyotes’ late heroics down Eagles

Mission fans ejected from Tom Landry Stadium

W

By Luciano Guerra

ith the high school soccer season winding down, it’s do-or-die time for many Big 7 teams as they vie for one of the four playoff spots in each of their respective districts.

The La Joya Coyotes and the Mission Eagles are two such teams as the Coyotes entered their Tuesday night match-up at Tom Landry Stadium against the Eagles tied for second in District 306A with a 5-4 record and 15 points. The Eagles went into that game tied for fourth with a 3-5 record and 10 points.

The fact that just last year the Coyotes and the Eagles tied for the fourth and final playoff spot in the district with identical 6-6 records and 18 points but the Coy-

otes advanced into the playoffs while the Eagles didn’t, was something that gave the Eagles’ coaches and players a little extra incentive to even the score this time around. And for a while, it did look as if it was going to be Mission’s night. However the Coyotes overcame a late 3-2 deficit, scoring two goals within the last two minutes of play to win the game by a score of 4-3, and also all but end the Eagles’ playoff aspirations.

Immediately after their almost implausible victory, first-year La Joya head coach Alexandro Davila discussed what the win meant to his team.

“In regards to the playoffs, it keeps us right there,” Davila said. “However, when it comes to our team

morale and to making all the work we’ve put into this season worthwhile, it’s huge. It would’ve been easier if we had not had to come from behind the way we did, but doing so makes it even more motivating for my players to know what they’re capable of.”

With the 4:07 left in the game, and Mission holding on to a 3-2 lead, it seemed as though the Eagles were on their way to their fourth win of the season and adding another three points to their all-important points total.

However, a boisterous fan on the Mission side caused the referee to stop the action on the field and ask a security guard to have the fan ejected.

That incident however led to other Mission fans voicing their disapproval of the

La Joya’s Edgar Cortina dribbles the ball past several Mission defenders during the first half of the Coyotes’ 4-3 District 30-6A win over the Eagles Tuesday night.

referee’s actions which then resulted in the same referee asking to have the home-side stands cleared completely.

After a confusing 15 or 20 minutes in which members of the MCISD administration became involved and the Eagles’ coaches were told that they would have to forfeit the game if the stands were not cleared, all the Mission fans were escorted out of Tom Landry Stadium. Once the game resumed, it took less than two minutes for the Coyotes to tie the game at 3-3 and only 30 seconds longer for them to score the eventual winning goal.

Whether the game stoppage caused the Eagles to lose their momentum and eventually the game is not known, but it is quite possible that the Eagles could’ve

La Joya’s Luis Alvarado and Mission’s Rene Gonzalez collide after both going for the ball during the opening minutes of the Coyotes’ 4-3 win over the Eagles Tuesday night.

held onto their lead and won the game had the stoppage not occurred.

After the game, Mission head coach Christos Barouhas was not available for comment on what took place at 4:07 left in the game, but Davila was.

“That was the fear for us,”

Davila said. “That stopping the game like that would take away what momentum we had at that point in the game.

But it seemed to help us by giving us a second wind. As for the Eagles, it did seem to take away their momentum.”

Mission’s Lupe Arellano pulls off a successful sliding tackle against La Joya’s Jonathan Gutierrez during the second half of the Coyotes’ 4-3 win over the Eagles Tuesday night.

Lady Eagles off to hot start

By Luciano Guerra

S

ure it’s still early in the season, but the Mission Lady Eagles softball team is hot…hot… hot. Take for example their Tuesday night game against the Palmview Lady Lobos.

Mission scored five runs in the first, seven in the second, one in the third and two in the fourth, to take a 15-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning and invoke the 15-run rule bringing the game to an end.

In their District 30-6A opener against the McAllen Lady Bulldogs last Tuesday evening, the Lady Eagles didn’t put on such an impressive offensive display but they didn’t have to. That’s because while the Lady Bulldogs limited the Lady Eagles to single runs in the first, third and fourth innings, Mission held McAllen to only two runs, both in the first inning, to

get their district schedule off on the right foot with a 3-2 win.

While getting off to a good start is always a plus, the Lady Eagles’ secondyear head coach Reuben Trigo is well aware of the fact that a good finish is much more important; case in point, Mission’s 10-2 district record last year followed by a quick, first round exit from the playoffs.

“We did not like the way our season ended last year but we have eight starters returning this season so we are expecting great things,” Trigo said. “Our district is going to be extremely tough because it seems as if everybody is returning seven to eight starters.

However we are looking forward to the challenge; in other words no excuses.”

“My girls are hungry to make the 2016 season a successful one,” added

Trigo. “My seniors are ready to step up and lead this team but it all won’t fall on their shoulders. We have a good crop of juniors, sophomores and even freshmen that are ready to make a difference in our program as well.”

As for what went wrong in the bi-district round of the playoffs last year, Trigo said, “We played great defense but we couldn’t hit the ball and we lost to Laredo LBJ 2-0. But it’s not as if we lost to some pushover team. LBJ went on to defeat Brownsville Veterans Memorial before losing to the same San Benito team that went to state.”

If the 2-0 Lady Eagles (11-3 overall) are going to make it two trips to the playoffs in as many years under Trigo, they are going to have their work cut out for them.

“In my opinion, McAllen Memorial is the

MHS Varsity Softball Team Alondra Leija (00), Alyssa Olivarez (1), Briana Cantu (2), Emily Alvarado (3), Lexi Flores (4), Anahi Perez (5), Amber Solis (6), Alexis Farias (7), Maria Garcia (8), Amanda Flores (9), Kazzy Rodriguez (10), Mia Lerma (11), Jasmine Gamino (12), Andrea Rodriguez (13) and Samantha Hernandez (15) Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

team to beat in our district,” explained Trigo. “La Joya is returning everybody and I believe that they are going to be a sleeper team. And while nobody is talking

about them, the Nikki Rowe Lady Warriors are last year’s champions and as such they are the team that everybody’s going to be chasing.”

As for which of his players he is counting on the most to lead his team back to the playoffs, Trigo said, “I have three seniors that have been with us four years. Kazzy Rodriguez is our pitcher, Alyssa Olivarez is our shortstop and Briana Cantu is our catcher. They make us strong up the middle and give us a great

nucleus to build our team around. They’re also great examples for the rest of the team.”

“I’ve just got a bunch of girls that want to win,” added Trigo. “They make my job a lot easier. I come out here and make sure they know what they have to do and they go out and take care of business on the field. When you have good seniors, like I have, it makes things a lot easier for you.”

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

Easter Sunday, Mar. 27 8:00 a.m. Informal • 9:00 a.m. Contemporary 10:00 a.m. Traditional • 10:00 a.m. Sunday School Easter Egg hunt for the children during Sunday School.

Please join our church family for this special month.

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

March 11, 2016

G

Gerardo ‘Jerry’ Saenz campaigns for Agua SUD

erardo “Jerry” Saenz, a committed family man and business owner, has taken on a new endeavor by now committing to run for Agua S.U.D. board member.

Born in Roma, his parents moved to Palmview when he was only 6 months old. He has lived there ever since that time. Saenz is a 2001 La Joya High School graduate, he attended STCC From 2002-2004, graduating with a certificate of computer aided drafting and design.

Jerry, has managed one of the founding businesses of Palmview for the past 16 years – Saenz Hardware – which is owned by his parents. And at the same time he runs and operates a drafting company – GM Drafting Service, AKA “House Plans” or “Blue Prints.” He initiated that business in 2006 and continues to operate it to this day.

Saenz plans to bring honesty, integrity, friendly service, but most of all transparency to all customers of Agua S.U.D., according to his campaign announcement.

“We will work in accordance to all rules and regulations, but at the same time targeting the best outcome to benefit the consumers,” he said.

“The City of Palmview sewer project is crucial for

March 13 marks the day we spring forward due to the Daylight Savings Time tradition.

At 2 a.m. on

Jerry Saenz the future growth of chain franchise companies in the area. We have been limited in that department for a very long time. Now that it is in place we need to work full force to make sure it is done a.s.a.p.”

The slate consists of Jerry Saenz and two other honorable and respected community leaders, Homer Tijerina and Roger Hernandez, he states.

Early voting will take place April 25-May 3 and election day is May 7.

“We sincerely and humbly ask for your support and vote, in our quest of improving our community’s future,” Saenz said.

Sunday, clocks are to be turned an hour ahead to 3 a.m., which means an hour of sleep will be lost. One hour of daylight is switched from morning to evening.

Switching to Daylight Saving Time is meant to be energy efficient, save lives by preventing traffic accidents and decrease crime.

Homer Tijerina announces candidacy for Agua SUD

H

omer Tijerina, a successful business owner and a committed community leader, is now candidate for Agua SUD Director for County Place 1, according to his campaign announcement.

Raised in the Peñitas-Abram communities, Tijerina is a 1990 graduate of La Joya ISD and earned a degree in electronics from TSTI. Homer is the owner of Ace’s Audio Alarm & Tint in Palmview, which he opened in 1997.

Tijerina has always been involved with community events and organizations, his announcement states. He currently serves as Peñitas EDC vice chairman, Peñitas TIRZ treasurer, Hidalgo County Democratic Party precinct chair No. 145, La Joya High School SBDM member, Tabasco Elementary SBDM member, La Joya Early College High School SBDM member, and Hidalgo County deputy voter registrar. Tijerina has also served as the Peñitas White Wing Festival president, as a member of Palmview Crime Stoppers, and on the Palmview Spring Fest Committee.

Homer has also helped many families, individuals, and students with a variety of fundraisers for expenses and organizations.

If elected, Tijerina says his business finance experience will enable the Agua SUD board to formulate a plan for reducing the current debt. This will make lowering meter prices more feasible, ensuring that increased infrastructure and new businesses come to Peñitas, Palmview, Sullivan City, and county areas. He will also work closely with Agua SUD’s CEO, board members, the City of Palmview, and the City of Mission on the construc-

NY Times best seller visits Mission High

M

By Lea Victoria Juarez

ission High School Librarian Margie Longoria entered a twitter contest in the hopes of winning a prize from young adult author Simone Elkeles. Longoria won some one-on-one time with the New York Times best seller, but decided to share her gift with students.

Elkeles’s book Perfect Chemistry is the most checked out book in the Mission High School library, Longoria said. It’s also the most “lost” book in the library.

The Young Adult novel is part one of a series that revolves around three lower class teenager brothers of Mexican lineage. The boys face struggles with gangs, romance and home life. In the end, the bad boy protagonists redeem themselves.

But when Longoria first read the Perfect Chemistry’s synopsis, she was offended by the writing.

“I thought, ‘Who are you to be writing a book if you

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don’t know anything about our culture?’” the librarian said. “But then I read the book and I fell in love.”

Elkeles did extensive research for her books to immerse herself in the culture.

She turned to the Chicago Police Department for help on gangs and spoke to former gang members that became her fans after Perfect Chemistry was released. The author said she is standing up in the wedding of a former gang member who left the gang after reading Perfect Chemistry because he wanted to be like the protagonist.

“I don’t set out to be like ‘I’m going to teach a lesson and I’m going to blah, blah, blah.’ I’m just going to write a story that entertains me,” Elkeles said. “But it actually changes the world sometimes. You never know.”

During the author meet and greet, freshman Jawden Villarreal asked for advice on how to write a book. Villarreal said she tried writing in sixth grade but didn’t know how to get started.

“If you make yourself sit

in a chair and even if it takes you five minutes to write a word, soon it will take four minutes and then three minutes and then all of a sudden you’re typing fast again,” Elkeles said. “You allow yourself to write crap first and then revise it, but you can’t revise a blank page.”

The novelist said she was drawn to write about the Mexican culture because of her friend Eduardo who seemed to dislike his heritage.

“I wanted to write this series of boys who were Mexican and so proud of it, their culture, their family and if you don’t think Mexico’s cool then you’re kind of a loser type of thing,” she explained. “I wanted to dedicate it to him to show that you should have pride in who you are.”

Senior Sheila Palacios said she never read a book for pleasure before picking up Perfect Chemistry in seventh grade. But after reading book one, she continued with

Homer Tijerina tion costs and fees for the Palmview Sewer Project.

“We have to be efficient and cost-effective on the total cost of the project to help keep sewer rates and connection fees down for the customers,” Tijerina said. “Rates will affect my business, too.”

He pledges to have an open-door policy, to maintain transparency, and to keep customers informed by website, newsletter, or social media on the progress of Agua SUD. “We are here to serve the people, not for the people to serve us,” he said.

The slate “Team Agua SUD” will consist of Homer Tijerina, Jerry Saenz, and Roger Hernandez.

Visit www.facebook.com/ teamaguasud for more details.

Early voting will be from April 25 to May 3.

Election Day is May 7, 2016.

“On Election Day, we humbly ask for your vote and support for a better future,” he stated.

R

Roger Hernandez enters race for Agua SUD

oger Hernandez, an employee of La Joya ISD for the past 8 years, announces his candidacy for Agua SUD Director for County Place 3. He currently works at Lorenzo De Zavala Middle School as a physical education teacher, as well as a coach for football, basketball, soccer, and track and field.

In his campaign announcement, Hernandez states he was raised in Sullivan City to the age of 12, and he later moved to Palmview. Hernandez had an intense football education as a young boy and grew up with one thing on his mind, to become a football coach and an educator. He is a former football player for La Joya ISD and graduated from La Joya High School in 2004.

He continued his education, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 2008 from the University of Texas Pan American. Right after graduation he began working for La Joya ISD as a Physical Education teacher and football coach.

Hernandez has always been a part of community as a volunteer and member of organizations, he says. For the past eight years he has been a board member of La Joya Federal Credit Union, in which he also served as vice president. One of the many achievements as a board member has been the development of low interest rates that have been provided to our community. The credit union facilities have successfully improved, from new technology developments like the Mobile Banking App to the availability of ATM access to over 520 Stripes stores. He was also part of the La Joya Federal Credit Union earning the Juntos Avanzamos “Together We Advance” designation that serves the Hispanic commu-

Roger Hernandez

nity through its bilingual and bicultural environment.

The experience that Mr. Hernandez has gained in running a $50 million bank as well as skills in financial marketing and budgeting institutes, will allow him, with the other Agua S.U.D. Board Members and staff, to find a way to help decrease the meter prices and help new developments in our cities like Sullivan City, La Joya, Peñitas, Palmview and our county areas. Hernandez pledges to always have an open mind to any new ideas that our people might have that can help our Agua SUD organization and clients.

“We have to provide the best services that we can to help each and everybody in our organization. After all we are the voice of the people,” he stated.

The slate “TEAM AGUA SUD” will consist of Homer Tijerina, Jerry Saenz, and Roger Hernandez. Early Voting will be from April 25 thru May 3. Election Day is May 7.

We would invite everyone to come out to vote and support the future candidates, he stated.

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March 11, 2016

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Locals inducted to Walk of Fame

By Lea Victoria Juarez Eleven locals were inducted to the Hidalgo BorderFest Walk of Fame March 3.

Alejandro Perez represented the city of Alton. After 32 years, Perez decided to close his family-owned business Perez Grocery. He was awarded the Heritage Award from the Greater Alton Chamber of Commerce in April 2015, and he is a member of San Martin De Porres Catholic Church.

Perez is known for his positive outlook on life and dedication to serving his community.

From the Alton Chamber of Commerce, Leandro Garcia is known as “a mover and a shaker” in the community. The owner of Leo’s Flea Market opened a venue named Hacienda Michoacan in 2012, which is used for special occasions.

Leandro is a member of the Alton Lions Club and is a member of San Martin De Porres Catholic Church.

Eulogio “Pacho” De Rueda and Ara De Rueda were named Granjeno’s inductees.

The two have contributed to to programs such as the Friendship Festival in Granjeno and BorderFest in Hidalgo.

For 35 years, Ara served as secretary of Hidalgo ISD and played a major role in all of Granjeno’s financials. Pa-

cho helped provide jobs for citizens to get them back on their feet. The two are recognized for their volunteered time and leadership in the community.

From La Joya, Anna Lisa Ruiz brings a sense of pride and desire to serve her community. She is a volunteer with Citizens Working Together. Ruiz has spent her life in service to the city of La Joya.

Amancio Chapa Jr. is recognized as a leader in the city of Mission and surrounding area. His service and volunteer work includes many civic and nonprofit organizations such as the National Council of La Raza, the La Joya ISD school board, the Texas Association of Community Development Corporations, Mexican American Democrats of Texas.

In 2001, Chapa was honored for 22 years of service on the LJISD board of trustees.

Gen Long represented the Mission Chamber of Commerce for the Walk of Fame induction ceremony.

Known as a Mission’s “favorite daughter,” Long was awarded the 1990 Woman of the Year Award. She is the founder and first president of Texas Agri-woman in 1985 where she served as vice president several committees.

She was appointed to the USDA Advisory Board by

President George H.Bush to oversee funding marked from the president’s budget and allocated for agricultural research and scientific development.

Long also dedicated her time to helping charitable organizations such as the Mission Historical Museum and the Mission Lion’s Club.

Representing Palmhurst, Darrell Davis is a lawyer and attorney for the city. He’s a member of Mission CISD, Municipal Court Prosecutor and the Kiwanis Club.

For 47 years, Davis has practiced law with his partner David H. Guerra at King, Guerra, Davis & Garcia.

Also representing Palmhurst is Gary Wilson Toothaker. He is known for his volunteer work and love for his community. The University of Texas - Pan American graduate is a man of action and one who worked to see the projects come to fruition in the city of Palmhurst.

Palmview’s Linda Sarabia is an advocate for small business owners. She is the founder and president of the Palmview Chamber of Commerce. Her experience led her to host a radio program called Principios de Exito where she gave advice and provided resources to her audience.

From Peñitas, the late Blas M.Loya Sr. has a legacy that continues through the lives he changed.

Gen Long and Amancio Chapa were Mission’s selections for this year’s BorderFest Walk of Fame.

In January 1955, Loya was drafted into the U.S. Army and earned honorable discharge in 1957. Blas then earned a degree in accounting at the McAllen Business College.

In the late 1950s he started a little league baseball team called the Peñitas Raiders, and he worked to secure the land for the construction of a baseball park where the kids could play.

He was instrumental in getting the La Joya Water Supply started, and the organizer of Comunidades Unidas En Progreso.

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

Family Health SHARYLAND DENTAL CARE Center of Mission GENERAL DENTISTRY EXCEPTIONAL CARE Since 1982

Accepting NEW PATIENTS of All Ages Open until 6pm • Mon-Wed

581-2773

Timothy W. Brann, D.D.S.

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PENITAS

Sylvia Bustamante MPAS, PA-C

Daniel Contreras MD

Elizabeth Gonzales MPAS, PA-C

FAMILY PHARMACY We Accept: • Most Private Insurances • Texas Medicaid/CHIPS Only Pharmacy West of Mission Open Late Hours!

• Medicare Part D • Workers Comensation

2009 Griffin Pkwy.

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581-8833 Alton

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We carry a • Durable Medical • Full Equipment variety of HME PrescriPtion Equipment & Deliv- • Most Insurance Accepted ery City Wide! service

• Diabetic suPPlies

We Offer: Home & Medical Supplies/Equipment Diabetic Shoes

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Bryan Medical Plaza

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• Workmen’s Comp.

• Medicare Provider • Medicaid

Richard A. Young, D.D.S.

2407 E. Griffin Pkwy. • Mission, Tx 78572

Steven Havener MD

Joshua Lucas MPAS, PA-C

Matthew Johnson MD

Mandie Navarro MD

Chris A. Dennett MPAS, PA-C

Linda Rasmussen PA-C

Family HealtH Center oF mission Mon-Wed 8am-6pm Friday 8am-5pm

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March 11, 2016

obituaries Elma Villarreal Cruz MISSION – Elma Villarreal Cruz, 86, passed away on Thursday, March 3, 2016, at her home in Mission.

Survivors include her daughters, Laura Vela and Maria Alvarez; siblings, Amalia Loya, Rosa Estrada and Adelaido Villarreal; 10 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren; and a foster daughter, Isabel Gonzalez, and her four children and 10 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Juanita Acevedo; siblings, Maria Olivia Villarreal, Alberto Villarreal and Gregorio Villarreal.

A funeral service was held on March 7 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Ojo de Agua Cemetery in Abram.

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Girbrian Acevedo, Juan Rendon, Ramiro Perez, Aldo Alvarado, Luis Reyna and Hector Guzman served as pallbearers, with Major Efrain Reyna Jr. and Ruben Alvarez Jr. as honorary pallbearers.

Jessie Helen Garner MISSION – Jessie Helen Garner, 81, passed away on Friday, Feb. 26, 2016.

Survivors include her husband, Harold Garner; children Jeff Taggart and Susan Chedester; and four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

A celebration of life service was held at the Aladdin Villas ballroom on March 5.

Walter Ronald Lauckner MISSION – Walter Ronald Lauckner, 84, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2016, in Mission after a brief illness.

Mr. Lauckner was born in

Windsor, Ontario, Canada, on June 25, 1931. He attended W.D. Lowe and worked as a court reporter for over 40 years.

Survivors include his wife Maisie (Pundsack) Lauckner; children, Pamela, Jason and Fred Lauckner; and six grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, William and Vera Lauckner, and brother, James Lauckner.

Ricardo Ruiz PORTLAND, Ore. – Ricardo Ruiz, 83, passed away on Feb. 26, 2016, the V.A. Hospital in Portland.

Mr. Ruiz was born on Oct. 13, 1932, in Mission to Miguel and Isabel (Arce) Ruiz.

He moved with his family to Amity, Ore. from Edinburg in 1970, where he pursued a career with U.S. Bank.

Survivors include his wife Claudina; daughters, Norina, Nelda, Norma and Noelia; siblings, Rey Ruiz, and Olga Ramos- Ruiz; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT: The City of Peñitas, Texas proposes the following: SUBDIVIDING OF ANADAL #2 LOT 9 (1.61 ac) A public hearing will be held by and before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Peñitas, Texas on the 5TH day of April, 2016 at 6:00pm at the Penitas Public Library at 1111 S. Main St. in the City of Peñitas, Texas, for all persons interested in the above-proposed item. At said time and place, all such persons shall have the right to appear and be heard.

If a zoning is amended after the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Penitas Zoning Ordinance and will be presented to the City Council at a Regular Meeting to be held on April 6, 2016 at 6pm at the Penitas Public Library, 1111 S. Main St in Penitas TX for final adoption.

Mayor Rigo Lopez, City Secretary Ana Valdez

A funeral service was held on March 6 at Macy & Son chapel in McMinnville, Ore. Burial followed at Willamette National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Research in care of the funeral home.

Adolfo Sanchez MISSION –Adolfo Sanchez passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at Rio Grande Regional Medical Center in McAllen.

Mr. Sanchez was born on Sept. 26, 1930, to Maria de Salinas Sanchez and Jose Maria Sanchez. He was married to Socorro Garcia Sanchez for 54 years. He served in the Army and National Guard for numerous years and eventually went on to retire from the Sharyland School District after 21 years.

Survivors include his children, Sonia de la Garza, Adolfo Ruben Sanchez Jr., Jose Maria Sanchez and Alberto Sanchez; and 12 grandchildren and nine great-grand-

children.

A funeral service was held on March 5 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mission.

Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission.

David S. Elbers MISSION – David S. Elbers, 69, passed away on March 7, 2016, at McAllen Medical Center.

Born in Oakland, California, Mr. Elbers lived most of his life in the Valley and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mission.

He served in the U.S. Navy and owned and operated a mechanic shop for 35 years.

Survivors include his wife, Geneva Elbers; children, Nicole Jacobs of Frisco and Daniel Elbers of La Vernia; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Henrietta Elbers, and sister, Jeanne Kanis.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 11, at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Mission.

Gloria Herlinda Sanchez MISSION – Gloria Herlinda Sanchez, 78, passed away on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Survivors include her children, Alma Gloria Gonzalez of Mission, Jose Angel Sanchez of Mission, Graciela Torres of Mission, Jose Alberto Sanchez of Pasadena, Linda Marlen Vela of Mission and Amy Sanchez of Mission; brother, Isaac Farias; and 13 grandchildren and 11 greatgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Jose Angel Sanchez; parents, Manuel Farias and Angela Barrera; and brother, Manuel Farias Jr. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 11, at 10 a.m. at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission.

Burial follows at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mission.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT: The City of Peñitas, Texas proposes the following: REZONING OF PENITAS NUEVO LT 8 BLK 3 FROM SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (R1) TO MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (R3) A public hearing will be held by and before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Peñitas, Texas on the 5TH day of April, 2016 at 6:00pm at the Penitas Public Library at 1111 S. Main St. in the City of Peñitas, Texas, for all persons interested in the above-proposed item. At said time and place, all such persons shall have the right to appear and be heard.

If a zoning is amended after the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Penitas Zoning Ordinance and will be presented to the City Council at a Regular Meeting to be held on April 6, 2016 at 6pm at the Penitas Public Library, 1111 S. Main St in Penitas TX for final adoption.

Mayor Rigo Lopez, City Secretary Ana Valdez

Notices Martin Bustos MISSION – Martin Bustos, passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. A funeral service was held on March 9 at Casa de Sion in Edinburg. Burial followed at Lord & I Cemetery in Palmview.

Noel Cantu MISSION – Noel Cantu, 75, passed away on Wednesday, Mar. 2, 2016, at his home in Mission.

Maria De Franco MISSION – A funeral

service for Maria De Franco was held on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Alton. Burial followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Abram.

David Elbers MISSION – David Elbers, 69, passed away on Monday, March 7, 2016, at McAllen Medical Center.

Sofia Elizondo ALTON – Sofia Elizondo, 90, passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at LifeCare Hospital

in McAllen. A funeral mass was held March 4 at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Alton. Burial followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission.

Maria S. Flores SULLIVAN – Maria S. Flores, 78, passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2016, at Solara Hospital in McAllen.

A funeral mass was held on March 8 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Sullivan City. Burial followed at Los Ebanos Cemetery.

Isidro Noyola Jr. MISSION – Isidro Noyola, Jr., 63, passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. A memorial service was held on March 5 at Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Mission.

Antonio H. Perez ALTON – A funeral mass for Antonio H. Perez was held on Saturday, March 5, 2016, at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Alton. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in

Mission.

Filogonio Cuellar Sr. ALTON – Filogonio

Cuellar Sr., 87, passed away on Wednesday, March 10, 2016, at his home in Alton.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH

5TH WEEK OF LENT

THE SPIRIT OF LA LOMITA MISSION LIVES HERE AT OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH THE SPIRIT THAT CONQUERS SIN AND DEATH! CELEBRATE LIFE & LOVE WITH US

MISSION

IT IS NOT THAT I HAVE REACHED IT YET, OR HAVE ALREADY FINISHED MY COURSE; BUT I AM RACING TO GRASP THE PRIZE IF POSSIBLE SINCE I HAVE BEEN FRASPED BY CHRIST (JESUS). BROTHERS, I DO NOT THINK OF MYSELF AS HAVING REACHED THE FINISH LINE. I RUN TOWARD THE PRIZE TO WHICH GOD CALLS ME – LIFE ON HIGH IN CHRIST JESUS.

“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

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.)

theclassifieds page 10

March 11, 2016

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buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

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

ORDINANCE 2016-03

Autos

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MUNICIPAL COURT TO ACCESS FINES AND COURT COSTS AS HEREIN STATED; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE

2001 FORD F-250, 7.3 Diesel Super Duty Crew Cab Lariat, 112K miles, 50 gal aux tank, 5th wheel hitch, electric brake system, bed cover, excellent condition, $14,000, 402-4507836.

I PAY CASH for your travel trailers, park

READ, CONSIDERED, and APPROVED on Second Reading, waiving Third Reading this the 18th day of February, 2016 at a Special CALLED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PENITAS, TEXAS, at which a quorum was present and which was held in accordance with Chapter 551, of the Texas Government Code.

Rodrigo “Rigo” Lopez, Mayor Attest: Ana Valdez, City Secretary ORDINANCE 2016-01 AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO ANNUAL REGISTRATION OF OFFDUTY PEACE OFFICERS, ADDING OFF- DUTY PEACE OFFICER PERMIT AND RENEWAL FEES, AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. READ, CONSIDERED, and APPROVED on Third Reading this the 18th day of February, 2016 at a Special CALLED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PENITAS, TEXAS, at which a quorum was present and which was held in accordance with Chapter 551, of the Texas Government Code.

Rodrigo “Rigo” Lopez, Mayor Attest: Ana Valdez, City Secretary

Personal classified rate: $7 for 15 words

25¢ each additional word thereafter

Business classified rate: $15 for 15 words

25¢ each additional word thereafter

models, fifth wheels and cars. I’ll make you a good deal. Call Jerry Garcia at 956-

Fifth wheels REDUCED, OWNER MOTIVATED, 2015 Tradition by Mobile Suites, selling re: health reasons, loaded, like new, mint luxury unit, three slides, two air, dish-

ORDINANCE NO. 2016-02 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AND ENACTING A NEW CODE FOR THE CITY OF PEÑITAS, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF CERTAIN ORDINANCES NOT INCLUDED THEREIN; PROVIDING A PENALTY FOR THE VIOLATION THEREOF; PROVIDING FOR THE MANNER OF AMENDING SUCH CODE; AND PROVIDING WHEN SUCH CODE AND THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE. READ, CONSIDERED, and APPROVED on Second Reading, waiving Third Reading this the 18th day of February, 2016 at a Special CALLED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PENITAS, TEXAS, at which a quorum was present and which was held in accordance with Chapter 551, of the Texas Government Code.

Rodrigo “Rigo” Lopez, Mayor Attest: Ana Valdez, City Secretary

washer, residential fridge, convectional microwave, generator, solar panels, 55’ main TV, 32” bedroom TV, fully body paint, electronic toilet, and more, over $40,000 in upgrades, $85,000 OBO, 956250-9158.

For sale MISSION/LAUREL HILLS Cemetery Lot 5, Block 5, 2 spaces, $1,500 each/$2,500 both, 830-237-3229.

SET HUB CAPS FOR 1955 Ford Thunderbird; 2nd , 1970 Mustang Mach I, nice condition, 618550-0151.

RICOS TAMALES

Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m.

If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573 Order by phone 585-4893 with a major credit card.

The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 3 p.m.

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

GOLF CART, $1250 Sporty convertible with custom windshield, steering wheel, and musical horn, Mission, 605310-2585.

WOOD SHED, 6X8, $300, all offers considered, 918-5195629.

LARGE LOT 80’X46 with shed, all utilities, 55+ gated park in Pharr South Park, 651-4429386.

NICE WOODEN TV stand, $80, glass doors, side openings

ORDINANCE 2016-07 AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE CITY OF PENITAS, TEXAS READ, PASSED AND APPROVED

BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PENITAS, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS ON THIS THE 18th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2016 AT A SPECIAL CALLED MEETING AT WHICH A QUORUM WAS PRESENT. Rodrigo “Rigo” Lopez, Mayor Attest: Ana Valdez, City Secretary

DRIVERS:

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

for DVD’s, sold for $200 new, phone# 309-335-9080.

2009 BIG HORN 34’ RL, 3 slides, king bed, w/d hookup, oak interior excellent, $22,500 OBO, Alamo, 816-244-5999.

Garage sale

4 FAMILIES, 3/16 thru 3/18, 9am-2pm, Colonia Tierra Dorada 206 Mina De Oro, Mission, TX, habra un poco de todo.

For Rent

Health Care

HAVE KNEE PAIN, foot, hip, back shoulM I S S I O N , 1 5 0 2 der, stomach, miDUNLAP (REAR), 2 graines, diabetes or bedroom, 2 bath, any illness, call for a carport, fenced, free evaluation 956no bills included, 502-9668, Mr. Jarimno housing, $575 ba. No medication, mo., $575 dep., no surgery, same day 956-369-0732. results ORDINANCE 2016-04 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PEÑITAS, TEXAS; ESTABLISHING A POLICY AND PROCEDURE FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SPEED LOWERING DEVICES ON CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL STREETS; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY FOR THE VIOLATION OF THIS ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR REPEALING, SAVINGS AND SEVERABILITY CLAUSES; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE; AND PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION OF THE CAPTION HEREOF. READ, CONSIDERED, and APPROVED on Second Reading, waiving Third Reading this the 18th day of February, 2016 at a Special CALLED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PENITAS, TEXAS, at which a quorum was present and which was held in accordance with Chapter 551, of the Texas Government Code.

Rodrigo “Rigo” Lopez, Mayor Attest: Ana Valdez, City Secretary

NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS AGAINST THE ESTATE OF ROSA DELEON GARCIA, A/K/A ROSA GARCIA, DECEASED AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 308.057, TEXAS ESTATES CODE Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Testamentary for the Estate of ROSA DELEON GARCIA, A/K/A ROSA GARCIA, DECEASED, were issued on the 1st day of March, 2016 in Cause No. P-37,286, in the Hidalgo Country Probate Court to Carla Yvette Garcia Rodriguez.

The Residence of such Independent Executrix is Hidalgo County, Texas.

THE MAILING ADDRESS IS: c/o JOANNE GARCIA GARZA GARCIA, PLLC 2416 Buddy Owens Blvd.

McAllen, TEXAS 78504 All persons having claims against the Estate being administered are required to present the same within the time prescribed by law.

DATED the 2nd day of March, 2016.

GARZA GARCIA, PLLC 2416 Buddy Owens Blvd.

McAllen, TEXAS 78504 ORDINANCE 2016-06 AN ORDINANCE RENEWING THE ESTABLISHED PROGRAM RESPONSE AND RECOVERY PHASES OF COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT; ACKNOWLEDGING THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR; AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF AN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR; AND PROVIDING FOR THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THOSE OFFICES; IDENTIFYING AN OPERATIONAL ORGANIZATION; GRANTING NECESSARY POWERS TO COPE WITH ALL PHASES OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT WHICH THREATEN LIFE AND PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF PENITAS; AUTHORIZING COOPERATIVE AND MUTUAL AID AGREEMENTS FOR RELIEF WORK BETWEEN THIS AND OTHER CITIES OR COUNTIES AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES READ, PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PENITAS, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS ON THIS THE 18th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2016 AT A SPECIAL CALLED MEETING AT WHICH A QUORUM WAS PRESENT. Rodrigo “Rigo” Lopez, Mayor Attest: Ana Valdez, City Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE The Mission Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on March 23, 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: 0.250 acres, being a part or portion of the Golf Course and Lake Reserve out of Meadow Creek Country Club Phase 1-A, from AO-I (Agricultural Open Interim) to R-2 (Duplex-Fourplex Residential); Rezoning: A 0.85 acre tract out of Lot 29-4, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from AO-I (Agricultural Open Interim) to C-3 (General Business); and Rezoning: Lots 19, 20 & 21, Bryan Pointe Subdivision, Ph. I, from C-1 (Office Building) to R-1T (Townhouse 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

theclassifieds March 11, 2016

buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

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

Homes for Sale

HILL COUNTRY, BED & breakfast, ownership opportunities, 830321-0466.

2 BED, 2 bath, large garage, 2 lots on river, perfect retirement home. Can be seen

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on Zillow.com, 6943 860th Ave, Colfax, WI 54730, $130,000, call 715-816-0156.

Miscellaneous 4X8 UTILITY/GOLF cart trailer, $500, 612-817-6912.

SIGMA GUITAR DM 4 w/case, purchase 1987, never learned to play, excellent condition, $275, 704-905-0048.

WINTER TEXANS ARE you looking to get your RV sold?

Call Texas Trader today, we will sell your

Personal classified rate: $7 for 15 words

25¢ each additional word thereafter

Business classified rate: $15 for 15 words

25¢ each additional word thereafter

RV here on consignment on our lot in La Feria. No fee, no contract, buyer pays commission. Call for your free appraisal, transport available, Texas Trader RV La Feria, 956-797-3000, ask for Mark.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS/QUALIFICATIONS TO SUPPLY CITY OF PALMVIEW with sealed qualifications/proposals on “EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICES FOR CITY OF PALMVIEW.” QUALIFICATIONS/PROPOSALS PACKETS may be obtained by contacting the CITY OF PALMVIEW at (956) 432-0300, requested via email crbarrera@palmviewpd.us or may be picked up in person at the City of Palmview, with a Physical location of: 400 W. Veterans Blvd. Palmview, Texas 78574 UPON SUBMITTING SEALED QUALIFICATIONS/PROPOSALS, bidders are required to properly identify (handwritten, typed, or printed) sealed envelope and / or packet as follows: Bidder’s name and address on the upper left hand corner of the sealed envelope and/or package and CITY OF PALMVIEW “EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICES FOR CITY OF PALMVIEW” on the lower left hand corner of sealed envelope and/or packet. OVERNIGHT MAIL MUST ALSO BE PROPERLY LABLED ON THE OUTSIDE OF EXPRESS ENVLOPE OR PACKAGE. The sealed bid must contatin (1) original and five (5) copies of bid and must be clearly identified and addressed for delivery to: C. Robert Barrera, Chief of Public Safety City of Palmview US POSTAL MAIL/COURIER ADDRESS 400 W. VETERANS BLVD Palmview, Texas 78574

PHYSICAL LOCATION 400 W. VETERANS BLVD Palmview, Texas 78574

Sealed proposals will be accepted until 12:00p.m on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at which time they will be opened in the City of Palmview Conference room at Physical Location 400 W. Veterans Blvd Palmview, Texas 78574 NO FACSIMILES OR LATE ARRIVALS WILL BE ACCEPTED. ANY RFP RECEIVED AFTER THAT TIME STATED WILL NOT BE OPENED AND WILL BE RETURNED. City of Palmview reserves the right to refuse and reject any/all proposals and to waive any/ all formalities, or to accept the proposal considered the best and most advantageous to the City.

Mobile homes 16X56, 3 BR, 2 BA, 55+ Valley View, u-own lot, carport, Texas room, concrete drive, fully furnished, $30K, 612-2390404.

Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m.

If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573 Order by phone 585-4893 with a major credit card.

The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 3 p.m.

16X60 2006 MOBILE home, furnished, storage shed, large corner lot, own the land, sits on cement, all electric, $56,000, offer, 320-815-3501.

1988 16X52 & LOT 2 bed, 2 bath, newer appliances, windows,

awnings, furnished, Texas room, steel, roof storage, shed, handicap accessible, Mission 515-6815970.

1998 SCHULTZ BUILD, 16X60 with garage and parking, furnished, Alamo

Palm Park, Lot 579, 956-702-9338.

2006 16X76, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, office, shed, rock yard, fruit trees, like new, furnished, appliances, gated, 55+ Alamo Palms, call 419-7444616.

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March 11, 2016

STAR SHOW BREEDS COMPETITORS

Grand Champion Market Hog Seth Carter – Sharyland FFA

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Reserve Supreme Champion Heifer Clyte Best – Pioneer FFA

Grand Champion Market Goat Melanie Turrubiates – Sharyland 4-H

Story and Photos by Luciano Guerra he 13th Annual South Texas Agricultural Roundup, more commonly known as the STAR Livestock Show, was a huge success due in part to the hard work of the hundreds of exhibitors from across Hidalgo County who’ve been working hard for months to get their animals show-ready.

The competition was fierce but the best of each breed of cattle, hogs, goats, lambs, chickens and rabbits were selected and breed champions were pitted against breed champions until the 10 grand champions and supreme champions were named.

While rivalries are commonplace among athletes and the teams they play for, they can also develop between two competitors at livestock shows. And a rivalry has most certainly developed in the hog show ring between Sharyland FFA’s Seth Carter and Veterans Memorial FFA’s Javier Martinez. Since last year’s STAR Show, Carter and Martinez have gone head-to-head three times with Carter currently holding a 2-1 advantage. That advantage, however, may soon vanish as the two could very likely go head-to-head in the hog show ring once again at next week’s Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show.

Having exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Market Hog at last year’s STAR Show and the Grand Champion at last year’s Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show, Carter was out to add to his already impressive list of champions at last week’s STAR Show. With nine years of hog show experience behind him, Carter knew that his dark crossbreed hog had the potential to win him another grand championship.

However, he also knew that there would be plenty of competition in his weight class and breed and that should his hog qualify for the Grand Champion drive, he could very well go up against Martinez and his light crossbreed gilt (female hog) for the ultimate prize.

And that is exactly what happened. In what must’ve felt like a dejavu experience, Carter’s and Martinez’s hogs both won their respective breed championships and were selected as the top two hogs just as they were last year. However, this time around, it was Carter who took the grand championship and Martinez the reserve.

Afterwards, Carter shared

what it was about his hog named Vicky that made this win much more meaningful.

“We raised her,” explained Carter. “When she was a week old her mom died. She went through a lot but she comes from a very successful line of pigs. Her mother was the great granddaughter of a gilt that won reserve grand champion at a breeding gilt show several years back.”

As for Martinez, he realizes that having one of the two top hogs in back-to-back years is quite an accomplishment, so he took his minor setback in stride.

“The Grand Champion drive was very exciting,” Martinez said. “It came down to Seth and me again.

He is very competitive and so am I. This year though he had the better hog and I’ve got to give it to him.”

Martinez may have the opportunity to even up the score with Carter next week when he takes his other hog, a dark cross, to the RGV Livestock Show. Carter will be exhibiting a light cross gilt, so should both take their respective breed championships, they could very well find themselves going headto-head in the Grand Champion drive once again.

Carter and Martinez went head-to-head at last year’s RGV Livestock Show when they both exhibited heavyweight light cross hogs and Carter’s hog took first in its class while Martinez’s took second. Carter’s hog then went on to win the grand championship. Had Martinez won the class, he could’ve gone on to do the same.

Other top winners at the 13th Annual STAR Livestock show included Sharyland 4-H’s Melanie Turrubiates (Grand Champion Market Goat) and Meagan Turrubiates (Breed Champion Market Goat), Pioneer FFA’s Thalia Ochoa (Grand Champion Percentage Breeding Goat), Danielle Rangel (Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer), Clyte Best (Reserve Supreme Champion Heifer), Julian Salinas (Breed Champion OPB Market Hog) and Audrey Smith (Breed Champion Lightweight Market Goat), Palmview FFA’s Miguel Gonzalez (Grand Champion Breeding Gilt) and Sharyland FFA’s Marco Rivera (Breed Champion York Market Hog).

Grand Champion Percentage Breeding Goat Thalia Ochoa – Pioneer FFA

Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer Danielle Rangel – Pioneer FFA

Grand Champion Breeding Gilt Miguel Gonzalez – Palmview FFA

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Reserve Grand Champion Market Hog Javier Martinez – Veterans Memorial FFA