Blood Sweat And Steers Local FFA Students Capture Top Awards at Livestock show
See pg. 6A
Friday, March 25, 2016
www.ptrgv.com | 50 Cents
CRAFTING A BUSINESS
Classes for Mission Etsy program underway
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By Lea Victoria Juarez he second installment of Mission EDC’s entrepreneurship initiative is underway. By combining artistry, business and technology, the Etsy Craft Entrepreneurship wields people with the tools to start their own online shop. In November, the economic development corporation announced their partnership with Etsy, a website where people sell handmade items. Similar to Mission EDC’s Ruby Red Ventures program where people learn how to develop The Etsy Craft Entrepreneurship takes place at the Speer Memorial Library and nurture their own company, in Mission. Classes are Monday from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. until April 11. the Etsy classes teach would-be Photos by Lea Victoria Juarez business owners how to start their own business through the website. No money is awarded at the end of the program, but unlike Ruby Red, “What we’re trying to do is empower the anyone from anywhere can attend individual to have a new skill that allows them to the classes. make additional income” “What we’re trying to do is --Alex Meade, Mission EDC CEO empower the individual to have a new skill that allows them to make “The Valley can be isolating. additional income,” said Mission classes is taught by a seller that already runs a successful Etsy The market here is definitely small EDC CEO Alex Meade. “Some shop. Local Etsy sellers were especially for handmade items like of them have been making these vetted by the EDC staff and that,” Monroe said. “This opens up products but haven’t capitalized ultimately, Rebecca Monroe was your market, and you can do it part on the internet.” hired to teach the course. time. It’s something you can do as The highest grossing Etsy seller Monroe began selling her much or as little as you want.” was raking in almost $80,000 a crocheted items on the ecommerce Mission is the third city in month in sales, as of February site in 2013. She’s a middle school Texas to sign partnership with 2015, according to Business teacher during the week and a selfonline marketplace provider, Insider. The hat and scarf shop known as Three Bird Nest opened proclaimed weekend warrior when following Austin and Dallas. The it comes to her side gig. partnership came at no cost, but in November 2011. The curriculum covers the EDC is required to pay for About 13 people have attended branding, pricing, product the instructor. In addition, Meade to the first two classes at the presentation and strategies for said the corporation purchased a Speer Memorial Library. Some growth -all areas that Monroe had backdrop, camera and lights for of the products from Mission’s to navigate through on her own people in the class to take photos craft entrepreneurship class are through trial and error. But what of their product. woodwork, jewelry and homemade she likes about Etsy is that it gives Classes for the Etsy Craft candles and soap. her a marketplace that connects to As per Etsy requirement, the See Etsy 12A curriculum for the entrepreneurship the rest of the world.
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Sonia Trevino plans return as school trustee
r. Sonia Treviño announces her bid for election to the Mission CISD School Board of Trustees, Place 2. She is the daughter of the late Benito and Socorro Treviño. She has been married to Michael Howell for over 17 years and has two children, Jacqueline and Michael Jr. Dr. Treviño is a proud honors graduate of Mission High School, Class of 1986. She recognizes that she was afforded many educational and athletic opportunities because of Mission CISD. She pursued her higher education on a full scholarship to San Jacinto Jr. College where she earned an associates degree in science. She then graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Florida State University. Dr. Treviño received her Doctorate Degree at Texas Chiropractic College and her Doctorate in Medicine at the Universidad Mexico Americano Del Norte. “I feel that our greatest strength in our district is our teachers. They strive to educate and motivate our students. They continue to
Dr. Sonia Treviño
amaze me with their passion for involvement in our community to ensure that our children take pride in themselves. It is this same pride that was instilled in me early on in my educational career. I came from a home of minimal financial resources so I knew that educating myself was the only way to fund and fulfill my higher education.”
See Treviño 5A
O’Caña-Olivarez seeks reelection to MCISD Board
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ission attorney and judge, Patricia “Patty” O’Caña-Olivarez, announces her bid for reelection for Mission CISD School Board Trustee, Place 4. Ms. O’Caña-Olivarez currently serves as the board president and was first elected in May 2008. In July 2015, she was recognized at the annual TCTA Convention and awarded the statewide honor of the Texas Classroom Teachers Association School Board Trustee of the Year. She is the granddaughter of Apolonia “Pola” and Antonio O’Caña, Sr. and Amelia and Ramon Sotullo. She is also the daughter of Guadalupe and Jorge O’Caña, Sr. She has been married to Hector Olivarez for over 19 years and they have a daughter, Victoria Saraí, a third grader at Mims Elementary. O’Caña-Olivarez graduated with honors from Mission High School in 1991 and received her Bachelor’s of Business Administration from the University of Texas Pan American. She received her Juris
Patricia O’Caña-Olivarez
Doctor from St. Mary’s University School of Law and was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in November 2002. In December 2014, Ms. O’Caña-Olivarez was appointed as an alternate municipal court judge in the City of Alton. “I credit my education and pro-
See O’Caña-Olivarez 5A
INSIDE
LJISD police hold correctional graduation
Palmhurst city council updates
5A soccer playoffs kick off
Four students who were arrested in October 2015 are given a chance at a fresh start and a clean record.
Mayor Ramiro Rodriguez Jr. plans to attend next legislative session in Austin; highlights from the March meeting.
Sports reporter Luciano Guerra evaluates the records of the four local teams that made it to the next round of the season.
See story page 5A
See story page 8A
See story page 4B
Entertainment | pg. 2A
Lifestyle | pg. 3A
Opinion | pg. 4A
Sports | pg. 1B
Obituaries | pg. 11A
Classifieds | pg. 13A
entertainment FFA students place at 2016 RGV Livestock Show
page 2A
March 25, 2016
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Coming M s n o i t c a r t t A
March 25-26 • The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley hosts the 16th Annual Brownsville Guitar Festival. The three-day concert event starts at 6:30 p.m. each day at the TSC Arts Center on the Brownsville Campus with a 7:30 p.m. performance March 25 at the Edinburg campus Performing Arts Complex. This year’s guest guitarists include Stanley Yates, Berta Rojas and Ekachai Jearakul. Tickets are free for Patron of the Arts members, $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students. For more information or for tickets, contact Catherine Compton at 8827025. March 28-April 2 • South Texas College Theatre and Brooklyn-based Applied Theatre Collective (ATC) will hold creative workshops from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday and on Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. for the public to participate in the “We’re Here Now” project to share their life along the border through storytelling and theater. It will be held at the STC Cooper Center Black Box Studio, located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. The final event is Saturday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m. at the STC Cooper Center Main Stage. For workshop info, call 872-2639 or email jrodriguez@ southtexascollege.edu. For performance info, call 872-2301 or email namaro1@southtexascollege.edu. April 1-3 • The RGV Home & Garden Show will be held at the McAllen Convention Center on Friday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is $17 for adults and $5 for ages 65-plus and active military. April 2 • Harlingen Market Days will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jackson Street between 4th Street and Commerce Ave. with live music, fresh produce, collectibles and more. Call 423-4041 for information. • The Sizzling in the Tropics Bar-B-Q Cook-off will be held at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce from noon to 5 p.m. BBQ brisket, chicken pulled pork, pan de campo and beans will be cooked up. There will be live music. Cost is $15 per person. • The 27th Annual Texas Onion Fest takes place at Weslaco City Park.Celebrating the development of the world famous Sweet Texas Onion developed in Weslaco at the Texas A&M University Extension Service, the festival offers a day of onion eating contests, cooking demonstrations, recipe contests, entertainment and more. The gate opens at 10 a.m. Admission for adults is $6 and $4 for children. Ages 3 and under get in free. Free parking will be available at the park, through the Airport Drive entrance. To purchase tickets, visit www.weslaco.com. April 6 -10 • “Disney on Ice: 100 years of Magic,” will be at State Farm Arena. Show times vary each day. Ticket prices range from $15 to $55 and are available at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. (To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to ptrgv.com)
ERCEDES – Several students from Mission and La Joya area schools have won top spots with Champion, Reserve Champion, and the top three positions at this year’s Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show in Mercedes. Students have spent several months to two years raising and taking care of their animals to have their opportunity in the show arena. David Reyna with Sharyland Pioneer FFA placed first in the Jr. All Other Breeds
division for heifers calved Sept.-Oct. in 2014. In the Jr. Beefmaster calved heifers, students placing included Ryan Longoria, Sharyland Pioneer (SP), third place, (calving date) April 2015; Richard Longoria, SP, first place, March 2015; Ryan Longoria, SP, first place, Feb. 2015; Richard Longoria, SP, third, Jan. 2015; Paul Hornaday, SP, third, July–Dec. 2013; and Ryan Longoria, SP, second, June 2013. Placing in the 2016 Jr.
Chianina division were David Reyna, SP, first place and Reserve Champion, Jan. 2015; Servando Coronado, La Joya Palmview FFA (LJP), first place and Reserve Champion, Sept-Oct 2014; Jorge De La Rosa, La Joya FFA (LJ), third, SeptOct 2014; and Clyte Best, SP, first place and Reserve Champion, July-Dec 2013. The Jr. Commercial Female competition winners were Catalina Hernandez, LJ, first place and Champion in the Unspecified Class.
Class 1 winners, all from La Joya Palmview, included Alicia Gauna, La Joya Palmview, first; Samantha Jimenez, second; and Arely Deanda, third. Class 3 winners were Samantha Ramirez, Juarez-Lincoln (JL), first place and Reserve Champion; Paul Hornaday, SP, second; and Sarah Salinas, LJ, third. Also, Kassy Torres of Sharyland 4-H placed first in Class 4; Ryan Zamora,
See LIVESTOCK SHOW 03
Documentary premiers at Quinta Mazatlan
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cALLEN – The public is invited to the outdoor premiere of “From Water to Wildlife in the Lower Rio Grande Valley” by documentary filmmaker Richard Moore. The show starts at 6 p.m. on the outdoor LED screen on the lawn at Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset, on Thursday, March 31. Admission is
free. Meet Moore and view his newest documentary focusing on the need to conserve water in the rapidly growing Rio Grande Valley. The film explains how planting native plants both conserves water and provides food and habitat for wildlife, while helping make the Valley more beautiful by preserving
Richard Moore
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riachi Juvenil Aztlán, was deemed one of the top 10 presentations for its elegant choreography of dance and music from the Mexican state of Puebla. Nationally recognized adjudicators made the selection based on artistic excellence and merit. The ACDA South Conference was held at the University of Southern Mississippi, where more than 45 college and university dance programs attended from across the nation and competed March 11 to 14. The dance troupe is under the direction of Francisco Muñoz, artistic director and interim chair of the Dance
Program, and the mariachi ensemble is under the direction of Francisco Loera, School of Music lecturer. The Ballet Folklórico performance, titled “Puebla – Los Chinacos (1994),” was choreographed by renowned guest artist Rafael Zamarripa and restaged by Muñoz. The performance was described as “a beautifully executed dance in the tradition of Mexican folklórico. The dancers and musicians personify the rich cultural tapestry of Mexico with precision, percussive footwork and vibrant costumes transforming the stage into a celebration of community.” This is not the first time
the area’s natural heritage. Moore is a South Texas native and president of Valley Nature Films. As an independent photographer and writer, he has complete control of story selection and does all videography, writing, voicing and editing. Advance reservation is required. Call 681-3370.
Ballet Folklórico, Mariachi Aztlán earn trip to Washington
By Melissa Vasquez DINBURG – The UTRGV Ballet Folklórico and Mariachi Juvenil Aztlán spent part of Spring Break performing their hearts out at the American College Dance Association (ACDA) South Conference. Their dedication and hard work earned the two groups accolades and a trip to Washington, D.C., where they will perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts June 8 to 11 at the 2016 National College Dance Festival. The UTRGV Ballet Folklórico, accompanied the Ma-
the university Ballet Folklórico has advanced to the National College Dance Festival. They performed at the festival in 2012 and 2014 under the umbrella of The University of Texas-Pan American, a UTRGV legacy institution. The Mariachi Juvenil Aztlán is UTRGV’s newest mariachi troupe, made up primarily of freshman music students, and is making a name for itself on the university mariachi circuit. In November 2015, the group took first place in the university-level group competition of the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza in San Antonio.
UTRGV Ballet Folklórico perform “Puebla – Los Chinacos” earlier this month at the American College Dance Association (ACDA) South Conference in Mississippi. The choreography helped place the group in the top 10, advancing them to competition in the 2016 National College Dance Festival in June at The Kennedy Center. (UTRGV Photo)
lifestyle
Laguna Atascosa WR marks 70th anniversary
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OS FRESNOS – Established in 1946, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge has been providing habitat for wildlife for 70 years. On March 26 the refuge will celebrate its anniversary and all visitors will enjoy free entrance. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. kids’ activities and ranger talks will be offered. From 8 to 11 a.m. there will be a bird banding demonstration. Encompassing more than 97,000 acres, the refuge was established in 1946 to provide habitat for wintering waterfowl and other migratory birds, including redhead
ducks. The refuge’s mission has an expanded emphasis that includes endangered species conservation and management for shorebirds. The refuge is a premiere bird-watching destination with more recorded species of birds than any other refuge in the National Wildlife Refuge System. The refuge is also home to one of the two remaining populations of ocelots in the United States. For more information, call 748-3607, Ext. 108, or visit the refuge’s website at fws. gov/refuge/laguna_atascosa.
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Mar ch 25-27 – Take the family out to the annual Easter Bunny Corral and Bazaar at Gladys Porter Zoo (GPZ) at 500 Ringgold, Brownsville. The bazaar runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all three days, and the Bunny Corral is open on Easter Sunday, March 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All activities are included in the admission. For more information, call 546-7187. Mar ch 26 – “Know Any Good Yolks?” is the next Saturday Safari theme at Gladys Porter Zoo. Explore the world of animals that lay eggs. Cost is $15 per child or adult. Children must be 4 years or older. Pre-registration is required. Call 548-9453 to register or for more information or email educ@gpz.org. Mar ch 29 – Learn about “Bird ID 101 – Raptors of the LRGV” with Erik Bruhnke at Frontera Audubon, 1101 S. Texas Blvd. in Weslaco. The program begins at 6 p.m. He will share field-learned techniques for identifying raptors both up close and at a distance. Cost is free for members and $3 for non-members. For more information, call 968-3275. Mar ch 31 – “Taste McAllen,” features 30 area restaurants offering a variety of delicacies from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the McAllen Convention Center Oval Park for an evening of live music, outdoor ambiance and a chef’s cooking pit. Pre-sale tickets are $25 per person available at the McAllen Chamber, 1200 Ash Ave. Tickets sales at the door will be $35. For information, call 682-2871. Mar ch 31 – Yoga on the Lawn returns at Frontera Audubon, 1101 S. Texas Blvd. in Weslaco. Jackelin Treviño will lead the weekly sessions at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays through April. The Yoga for Resilience program is designed to provide the stress relieving, relaxing benefits of yoga. Poses can be modified for any body type and skill level. Cost is $10 per person. Arrive early to pay the fee inside the Visitors Center and to set up your mat on the lawn. For info, call 968-3275. April Apr il 5 – Join in the book discussion for “The Longest Ride” at Speer Memorial Library in Mission in the Community Room at 5:30 p.m. in Spanish and at 6:30 p.m. in English. Written by Nicholas Sparks, and first published in 2013, it is a story of two romances that touch the heart. Copies of the book are available for check out to those who sign up for the book discussion. Stop by the library or call 580-8754 to reserve a copy. The title is also available as an eBook at mission.lib.overdrive.com. Apr il 5 – The Alliance for Drug Abuse Prevention (ADAP) Coalition, in partnership with the La Joya I.S.D., will hold a Town Hall meeting to raise awareness regarding the dangers of underage drinking at the La Joya High School library from 6 to 8 p.m. Apr il 9 – Birdathon teams are still forming for this year’s event at Frontera Audubon, 1101 S. Texas Blvd. in Weslaco. Teams will bird for 24 hours across the Rio Grande Valley to see as many species as possible. This is a fundraiser for Frontera. Pledges will be collected by each team (i.e. 50 cents per bird, or $20 per team,). Birders of all levels may participate. Packets are available at Frontera Audubon. For info, call 968-3275. (For daily events and upcoming weeks, see the full calendar at ptrgv.com.)
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Juan Diego annual Spring Festival is April 2
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uan Diego Academy (JDA) in Mission is preparing for their Fifth Annual Spring Festival. It’s scheduled for Saturday, April 2, on the school’s campus located at 5208 S. FM 494 in Mission. The festival organizers have planned activities for everyone—young, old and between. All proceeds go to support the school. The event begins with a 25-Mile Bike Ride and 5K Fun Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m. Games and booths are open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Grand Chalupa (bingo game) will be played from 12 to 2:30 p.m. Cost is $10 for two cards. A barbecue chicken plate lunch will be sold and served up from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plates are $8 for one-half chicken with sides and trimmings. For information, call 583-2752 or visit juandiegoacademy.org.
PARKS CALENDAR
Serval kittens introduced at GPZ
ROWNSVILLE – Gladys Porter Zoo staff introduced the newest members of the African serval family to the public this week. Two kittens born Jan. 18 are now exploring their exhibit under the watchful eye of their mother, Eshe. Female servals typically produce litters of one to five kittens, with two being the average. In the wild, servals will stay with their mothers for at least a year before be-
EVENTS CALENDAR
March 25, 2016
coming fully independent. These kittens will eventually leave the Zoo to assist in conservation/breeding programs at other AZA accredited facilities. The biggest threat to African servals in the wild is poaching and habitat loss. While they are listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, their numbers are diminishing in certain parts of Africa.
Reminiscing... 30 Years Ago This Week
Building activity slips in February Mission fowled the pattern of other Valley cities by recording lower-than-expected totals in new construction in February. For the first time in many months, Mission recorded less than $1 million in new construction, posting $714,079. The Valley’s figures were less than half of the January total and well behind figures in 1985. Chamber analyzes Winter Texas season In recent months there have been various complaints that this winter tourist season was not profitable as in past years. Auction s and the re-sale of mobile home and RV parks seem to be the major proof for these accusations. After surveying various business entities in the Mission area, the Mission Chamber of Commerce reports that winter tourism is not falling off, it is merely shifting and adjusting to new circumstances. La Joya ISD looking at $9 million program. The La Joys ISD school board hear a report from Art Hinojosa, school architect, who told the board that the projected costs of building over the new few years will be $9 million. At present, the district has $6 billion in bond revenues set, leaving an additional $3 million needed to complete the project. Postmaster receives special commendation Mary Martinez of the U.S. Post Office in Mission has received a Department of Defense Certificate of Appreciation for support of the naval Reserve. Compromise reached in zoning dispute The controversy over the right-of-way along the city’s drainage canal for South Mission through the Big Lake Subdivision has been settled. The issue, which has kept the members of the planning and zoning commission at odds with the owners of the subdivision, was settled with a compromise of a 12.5-foot right-ofway along the canal bank. Mission track star invited to run in Poland Senior David Alvarez of the Mission Eagle track team and an all-state selection on the 1985-86 Class 5A cross-country team has been invited to compete in a dual meet with Poland on July 6 in Warsaw. Alvarez was invited by the International Sports Exchange to go to Poland with a group from the U.S., coached by Don Ruh.
REUNIONS &MEETINGS
Local completes basic training
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.S. Air Force Airman Justin J. Espinoza graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio following an intensive, eight-week program ranging from military discipline to basic warfare principles and skills. He has now earned credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Espinoza is the son of Julio and Maria C. Espinoza of Mission and is a 2014 graduate of Idea Mission College Prep School in Mission.
Elect
MARINA SALINAS “An Educator For Education” Mission CISD Board of Trustees PL. 4 •
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Marina Salinas graduated from UTPA with a Bachelor of Science degree in Poitical Science and later received her teacher certification and became a Bilingual certified teacher. She has been an elementary bilingual teacher for 10 years. In 2009 she became a licensed real estate agent, and shortly after, she became a licensed real estate broker. She is currently a broker/owner of her own company - Hidalgo Starr Realty. Marina has had a passion for educating children for the last several years. It is her desire to serve the students of Mission with the same dedication she has as an educator. Political Ad Paid by Candidate.
LIVESTOCK SHOW LJ, second, Class 5; Dustin Bazan, SP, first, Class 6; and Andrea Sepulveda, LJ, second, Class 10. In Class 14, Samantha Ramirez, J-L, placed first with Xavier Coronado, LJP, third. Clyte Best, SP, took Reserve Champion and first place in Class 15, and Hunter Garcia, Sharyland 4-H received third place in Class 16. The Jr. Santa Gertrudis division winner was Nadia K. Gomez, SP, first, for heifers calved Feb. 2015 In Open All Other Breeds, Hunter Garcia, took second, May 2015 heifers, and Cesar Rosales Jr., LJP, placed first for bulls calved March-April 2015. Three champions came out of the Open Chianina heifer division: David Reyna, SP, first and Reserve Champion, heifers calved Jan. 2015; Servando Coronado, first and Champion, LJP, Champion, Sept-Oct 2014; and Clyte Best, SP, first, Champion and Reserve Champion, July-Dec 2013 For the Open Commercial Female top honors went to Arely Deanda, LJP, second, Class 1; Megan Bell, J-L, third, Class 1; Gabriella Salinas, S4-H, first, Class 2;Kassy Torres, S4-H, first, Class 4; Jesus Manuel Herrera, LJP, second, Class 4; Damian Saenz, LJP, third,
from pg 2A
Class 9; Samantha Ramirez, J-L, first, Class 12; Clyte Best, SP, third, Class 13; and Hunter Garcia, S4-H, second, Class 14. In non-animal competitions, 4-H and FFA groups also placed. Seth Carter, Gerardo Lopez, Luis Quintanilla and Asaiah Garcia from the Sharyland FFA earned the overall Reserve Grand Champion honors in the Class D Wildlife Equipment category and Champion in the same category. Seth Carter also placed first in Wildlife Equipment, while Clyte Best with SP FFA earned first in the Trailers – 10-ft Box and Under category. Servando Coronado from La Joya Palmview FFA earned first in the Small/Medium Size Barbecue Pits. Metal Art second place went to Randy Wood with third place going to Lawrence Wood, both from the Sharyland FFA. Taxidermy third place was earned by Jacobo Madrigal of SP FFA. Finally, Alejandra Martinez with La Joya High School placed second in the Categroy B Watercolor/ Transparent Acrylic/Tempera among the Western Art winners this year.
opinion By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
Paxton seeks halt to regional haze rules USTIN — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on March 18 asked an appeals court to prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from implementing new regional haze regulations until a trial of the state’s pending lawsuit challenging the new rules. Paxton filed the 328-page motion in the New Orleansbased U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. In February, Paxton filed suit, acting on behalf of the State of Texas and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Public Utility Commission of Texas and a list of powergenerating companies. The suit came after the EPA in January rejected Texas’ proposed revision to its state implementation plan for reducing regional haze. The EPA rejected the state’s plan in favor of a federal plan that Paxton said would require power generators “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.” Disaster declared, aid granted Gov. Greg Abbott issued an emergency disaster proclamation on March 14 and two days later revised it to include a total of 21 counties to address severe weather and flooding. The disaster proclamation applies to the counties of Angelina, Erath, Gregg, Hardin, Harrison, Henderson, Hood, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Marion, Newton, Orange, Parker, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Tyler and Walker. Abbott toured the area to survey damages from the
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storms, which began March 7. Gov. Abbott on March 18 requested Individual Assistance and Public Assistance for Orange, Jasper and Newton counties from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. On March 19, Abbott’s request was granted, opening the door for affected citizens in those counties to apply for federal “Individual Assistance” grants of up to $33,000 and lowinterest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. “As Southeast Texas continues to face severe weather, it is imperative that Texans receive the vital assistance needed to begin rebuilding and restoring their communities,” Abbott said. Abbott said the state government is working with local partners “to ensure life safety needs continue to be met” and with federal government partners “to ensure Texans receive all eligible assistance they need to recover from, and ultimately surmount, the challenges posed by the flooding in Southeast Texas.” At 11 p.m. on March 18, the Texas Department of Transportation said eastbound and westbound lanes of Interstate 10 at the Texas-Louisiana border had reopened, three days after the roadway was closed because of rising waters. TxDOT officials said floodwaters had receded and affected areas would be monitored and inspected. Business filings increase February brought a double-digit increase in the number of business formations processed by the Office of the Texas Secretary of State compared to a year ago, the state agency reported March 8. Some 15,325 certificates of formation were filed with the Texas Secretary of State
in February, a 17.83 percent increase over February 2015, which saw the formation of 13,006 new business entities. These numbers exclude nonprofit entity formations. Secretary of State Carlos Cascos said, “Business owners take into consideration the state’s fair legal system, economic strength and low taxes when deciding to relocate or begin their businesses in Texas.” Security measures deployed The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on March 14 announced Texas game wardens, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Domestic Nuclear Detection Office and the U.S. Coast Guard “are deploying an impenetrable maritime border to stop the threat of radiological or nuclear material smuggling into U.S. waters.” Coastal patrols will be using recently acquired advanced detection equipment designed to identify and intercept potential radiological or nuclear threats. Since January, the Parks & Wildlife Department said, Texas game wardens have been conducting land search exercises, waterborne vessel stop exercises and dockside searches as part of an intensive training program on radiological and nuclear matter, and the use of the equipment to detect and identify dangerous materials. Texas Game Warden Assistant Commander Cody Jones said, “While we focus on our core mission of conserving and protecting the state’s natural resources, enforcing game and fish laws and conducting water safety, it is imperative that we continue to deploy the tools required to keep our homeland safe from illegal activity and terroristic threats that face our nation.”
March 25, 2016
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Texas Democratic leaders on state, national issues
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Affordable Care Act he Affordable Care Act (ACA) turned six years old on March 22. Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa issued the following statement: “On behalf of the millions of Texas families, we say: Thanks Obama. “The Affordable Care Act works. Millions of Texas families are sleeping better at night and living healthier lives because of this signature achievement of the Democratic Party. “We’ve made progress, but Texas Democrats know our work is not yet done. That is why we continue to stand with families, the business community, medical professionals, and faith leaders who understand that it is time to do more. We all know that filling the medicaid coverage gap is the right deal for Texans. “With the stroke of a pen, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott could deliver healthcare to 1.1 million more Texans through Medicaid. Texas still remains the nation’s capitol of the uninsured, but it doesn’t have to be that way. We can draw down billions of our own money back from the federal government to fuel healthcare services and strengthen our economy. We welcome Republicans to join Texas Democrats and deliver real solutions for Texas families.” On Ted Cruz’s call for police patrols of Muslim neighborhoods: “Senator Cruz, this is not leadership; this is fear-mongering. “Divisive rhetoric does not keep us safe. Now, more than ever, we must lead from principle. We must remember who we are. “Once again, we see Ted Cruz will lie, do, or say anything to score cheap political points. Apparently, he’ll even compromise the very fabric of who we are as Americans. “The United States of
America has always been the beacon of hope and freedom to the world. We will not let terrorists win. Today, we join millions around the world in prayer for Brussels.” DREAMers U.S. House Republicans, including Texas Republican Congressman Will Hurd, led an unprecedented attack on DREAMers and their families. For the first time, the House of Representatives voted to file an official amicus brief with the Supreme Court. The brief is on U.S. v. Texas et al, the Republican-led case against the President’s DACA and DAPA programs which have helped immigrants contribute to our economy, kept families together, and decreased the fear of deportation. Texas Democratic Party Deputy Executive Director Manny Garcia issued the following statement: “This is yet another indicator that Donald Trump’s divisive anti-immigrant positions have long been a page in the Republican Party and Will Hurd’s playbook. “Texas families know that Trump plays on immigration are unworthy of our great state. It's disappointing, but not surprising that Tea Party Republican Will Hurd is part of the Anti-immigrant Trump team. Will Hurd is dead wrong targeting hard-working Texas DREAMers and their families who contribute to our economy. “This is just one more reason why Texas families are ready to send Pete Gallego, a no nonsense Texas Democrat, back to Congress. He knows it's time to deliver solutions for our families and economy on the broken immigration system.” Obama’s SCOTUS Nomination President Obama announced that Merrick Brian Garland will be his nominee to the United States Supreme Court. Garland is the Chief
Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R.Utah, the longest serving Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, recently told the conservative newsite Newsmax, “[Obama] could easily name Merrick Garland, who is a fine man.” [Newsmax, March 13, 2016] President Obama noted that he’s, “consulted with legal experts and people across the political spectrum, both inside and outside government” on this nomination. Chief Judge Garland clerked for the late Justice William Brennan, has nearly two decades of experience on the bench, and oversaw the Oklahoma City bombing and “Unabomber” terror cases as a prosecutor. For weeks, Republicans have been threatening that they will not give the nominee a vote or hearing no matter who it is. Last Monday, Republican Senator John Cornyn went so far to say the Supreme Court nominee, “will bear some resemblance to a piñata.” Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa issued the following statement: “Texas Democrats congratulate Chief Judge Merrick Brian Garland on his nomination to the United States Supreme Court. Judge Garland is immensely qualified to join our nation’s highest court, and he’s a centrists choice. As President Obama has noted, Garland knows that High Court decisions affect the daily lives of our families. “The Constitution dictates that the President nominate an appointee and that the Senate do its job to consider the nominee. Americans expect and deserve nothing less. President Obama has honored our constitution. He is fulfilling his obligation and doing his job. Will Republicans do the same?”
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1217 N. Conway • Mission, TX (956) 585-4893 MEMBER 2015
TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION
The Progress Times (USPS 971-420; ISSN 0890-2666) is published each Friday by Mission Publishing Co., 1217 N. Conway, Mission, Texas 78572, (956) 585-4893. Subscriptions $20 annual in Hidalgo County; $25 outside of Hidalgo County. Second class postage paid in Mission, Texas 78572. ©2015 Mission Publishing Company, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the PROGRESS TIMES, P.O. Box 399, Mission Texas 78573.
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Letters to the Editor are welcome but must conform to certain guidelines. All letters must be original, dated, signed and bear the complete name, address and phone number of the writer/signer. No photo copied letters will be printed. No letters addressed to others will be printed. Letter content must be relevant to concerns and interests of Mission and the surrounding area. Relevance is determined by the editor. Anonymous cards or letters are neither read nor printed. Letters may be submitted by e-mail to letters@progresstimes.net, but must include the author’s name and daytime phone number.
March 25, 2016
1st offenders graduate from correctional program
Inspiration Road project updated
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By Kathy Olivarez andido Bocanegra of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDoT) updated the status of the $25 million bridge project over Inspiration Road in the March 22, meeting of the Mission Redevelopment Authority and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) board of directors. Bocanegra told the board the $25 million project was scheduled for completion in April of 2017. The eastbound lane is expected to be completed by April 25 and traffic will be moved to the eastbound lane so that work could begin on the westbound lane now in use. The entire project is expected to be completed by April 2017. In addition to completion of the bridge, there would be a regrading and repair of the railroad crossing Inspiration Road and Business 83 at that site. The entire intersection would be reworked. When asked about the widening of Inspiration Road to the north and south, he said that was a totally different project and was not included in the scope of work for this project and was not part of this timeline. In other action, a request by Mario Reyna of Meldon & Hunt Engineering to go out for bids on the Bentsen Palm Lift Station Project was approved. Approval was granted by the TIRZ approved the project on Feb. 23 and from the city council on March 14. The project was
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advertised Mar. 7 and Mar. 22 and bids will be opened on April 5. Construction of the project will begin on April 18. The lift station will be located in Bentsen Palm Development. It will increase capacity for sewer in the Bentsen Palm area to allow for additional development, according to Daniel Silva of the Mission Redevelopment Authority. A request for a 16-inch water loop to run from Conway to Inspiration Road was also approved. The line will run along Military Highway and connect to lines on Conway and Inspiration Road. It will help alleviate water pressure problems. It is part of the city’s master water system that will help the flow of water in the southwestern side of Mission. The TIRZ approved the request on Feb. 23 and the city council approved it on March 14. The bids were advertised March 17 and 22 and bids will be opened on April 5. Construction is expected to start April 18. In other action, a finance report was given for MRA. Total assets and liabilities stood at $4,298,337. Capital projects assets and liabilities were set at $5,365,475. The debt fund had an estimated fund balance of $75 at the end of March. However, MRA bookkeeper Janie Flores told the board a large deposit was pending from the city that would bring the fund back up to about $2 million. from pg 3A
“Our students deserve to be equally prepared as any other student in the world and should have a curriculum that aligns itself with competing in our global economy.” She seeks this position so as to be a part of ensuring that each student receives such an opportunity. Treviño is also a small business owner of Treviño Chiropractic and S&M Builders. With her experience as a business owner, she provides insight for continued fiscal responsibility for Mission CISD. She also believes in contributing to her community. She is active in her parish, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, serves on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Mission, and serves on the board of the Education Foundation of Mission CISD. Through her involvement
in such organizations, she assisted in raising funds to contribute to the children of Mission CISD. “I believe that children should be involved in different organizations to help them grow as leaders in their own community. I commend and congratulate the many teachers/coaches who give of their time to programs such as UIL, athletics, band, robotics and Destination Imagination, just to name a few. Some of these teams have advanced as far as Nationals. Now that is dedication from the teacher/coach and students.” “I ask for your support and vote so that I may have an opportunity to work for you and with you to promote success for all those in Mission CISD.” This announcement was provided by the candidate.
National community development week
he CDBG Program provides annual funding and flexibility to local communities to provide decent, safe, and sanity housing conditions to all people. It ensures suitable living environments and economic opportunity to low and moderate income people. Affordable housing opportunities are becoming more possible with the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. High priority spending like streets, parks, drainage
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systems, water and sewer improvement are among the list of priorities to be funded through the Urban County Program and HOME funds. Totaling more than $280 million for numerous non-profit organizations which provide a service to low and moderate income residents, Hidalgo County has designated the week of March 28 – April 2 as National Community Development Week.
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
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By Lea Victoria Juarez our La Joya ISD students shredded their criminal files on Monday. The students were arrested in October 2015 – three for possession of marijuana and one for theft. After completing the 1st Offender Program with the La Joya ISD Police Department, the students were allowed clear their record. The program consists of a six-week training and a 90-day probation period. Both the students and their parents are required to attend the training where they go over topics such as the consequences of the student’s actions, who else they’re affecting, life skills and substance abuse resistance. During the training, the students are required to write an apology letter to their parents and read it aloud to them in order to receive credit. In addition, they create a parent-student contract that states what steps have to be taken in order to restore the relationship. “We realize that when something happens, especially an arrest, things change at home,” Officer David Torres said. “We want to be able to rebuild those bonds that might have been broken, encourage more interaction and make it something that is a norm for them.” During the probation period, Torres is monitoring at-home and classroom behavior by meeting with the family and teachers. If the student attends all the classes and isn’t arrested while on probation, they receive a certificate of
Four students receive a certificate of completion from the La Joya ISD Police Department’s 1st Offender Program. Photo by Lea Victoria Juarez
completion and can shred their entire criminal file. In addition, the chief clears all information from the department’s computer database. Ordinarily, cases would be submitted to the juvenile justice center. Within 10 days, the fingerprints would be submitted to the Texas Department of Public Safety and the files kept in the database permanently. Page-by-page, the four inaugural graduates slid their documents into the razortoothed slot as the 30 other students who are still in the program watched. There are currently nine students in the 90-day probation and 21 in the six-week training. “We mean what we say and we’re going to do our best to make sure that you have a fair opportunity,” Superintendent Alda Benavides said. “Everyone makes mistakes, but it’s only
a mistake if we don’t learn from it. When you don’t learn from it, it’s no longer a mistake.” Gilberto Herrera, who was caught smoking marijuana on campus, sat looking at his graduation certificate after the ceremony concluded. He said he wanted to quit the program because he didn’t like to attend the Saturday morning classes, but he wanted to clean his record. “I feel good now,” the 14-year-old said. “I’m not going to do the same. I’m going to try to go to school.” Torres said that when Herrera began the program he told the officer that he didn’t expect to continue his education after high school. But when the discussion of scholarship and grant opportunities arose, the student’s views changed. Now, Herrera says he would like to attend the University
O’Caña-Olivarez fessional successes to my Mission CISD teachers. I was not a good standardized test taker, and my third grade teacher at Bryan Elementary, Mr. Weeces, saw beyond what a standardized test measures. He invested in each student and instilled the belief in me that I could be an attorney and judge. He, along with my principal, Mr. Hurla Midkiff, ensured that I was accepted to the Gifted and Talented Program because of the potential they saw in me.” For this reason Ms. O’Caña-Olivarez believes there is more to a child’s success than what a state test measures. She is passionate about ensuring each child receives a quality education. Throughout her tenure on
of Texas Rio Grande Valley and enter the welding or electrical fields. As the La Joya ISD police officers have cases coming in, they comb through files, see who qualifies for the 1st Offenders Program and approach the eligible students. Students must be between 10 and 16 years old. Only those from a Class B misdemeanor to a state felony charge can enter the program, but students arrested for violent crimes are non permissible. La Joya is the only school district in the state to implement this type of program. “It’s not about us arresting kids. It’s about us helping kids,” Chief Raul Gonzalez said. “Our commitment to (the students) is that we’re going to do everything in our power to help them succeed.” from pg 1A
the MCISD Board of Trustees, she supported and encouraged measures that facilitated the RGV Read to Lead Program, the summer reading program, expanding the award winning robotics program to elementary schools, beginning a new dyslexia program structure, ensuring that the SAT prep curriculum was integrated into Kinder-5th grades, expanding college readiness course offering, beginning the dual language model in PreK-2nd grades, improving facilities and building new facilities, and implementing the universal full day Pre-K. Ensuring a quality education for children is also the reason that she was so passionate about creating a stand-alone early college
high school. This began the dream of Mission Collegiate High School. “It is my honor to be a part of the process in seeing the facility and programs come to fruition at Mission Collegiate High School. Many early college high schools are housed within a school or in portable buildings on site at a school campus. This was unacceptable to me. You cannot maximize your resources and programs when limited in space. It was crucial to me that Mission Collegiate High School be its own campus with access to their own classrooms and resources.” In its third year, Mission Collegiate High School recently earned a Bronze Medal from U.S. News & World
Report in its annual ranking of the best high schools in the U.S. This June, they are celebrating their first graduating class. Ms. O’Caña-Olivarez helps her community by volunteering pro-bono hours for her parishioners at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, serves on the Education Foundation Board of Mission CISD that raises funds for scholarships, and assists domestic violence victims in their transition to return to a home. Ms. O’Caña-Olivarez seeks your support and vote to continue her commitment to progress and dedication to improvement for everyone in Mission CISD. This announcement was provided by the candidate.
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March 25, 2016
BLOOD, SWEAT W
Melanie Turrubiates – Sharyland 4-H – Division Champion Market Goat J.D. Turrubiates – Sharyland 4-H – 2nd Place Market Goat Meagan Turrubiates – Sharyland 4-H – Reserve Division Champion Market Goat
Alejandro Campos – Sharyland 4-H Division Champion Market Goat
hen Sharyland Pioneer High School FFA member Nadia Gomez purchased the market goat she planned on exhibiting at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show, she knew it was going to take a lot of hard work to get him into show shape. He was suffering from a viral infection primarily found in goats and sheep and commonly referred to as sore mouth. While this was a temporary affliction, it caused her goat to look so long and thin that she named him Hot Dog. With 11 years of show experience behind her, Gomez knew that she was up to the challenge of getting Hot Dog show-ready. If there’s one thing that she and so many of her fellow 4-H and FFA members that participate in livestock shows are not afraid of, it’s hard work. And despite the fact that Hot Dog was a long way from looking like a winner when she first got him, she knew that putting her blood, sweat and tears into him would eventually pay off. Little did she know how well it would pay off. Much to her surprise, Hot Dog was named Grand Champion market goat at last week’s 77th Annual Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show (RGVLS). “I didn’t have any idea that I could win the Grand Championship,” Gomez said. “I didn’t think that I was going to win it at all. As a matter of fact, as I came into this year’s Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show I thought to myself how I’ve had a good run here even though I’d never get to experience the thrill of winning a Grand Championship. Then when I won I was very shocked.” While Gomez was caught by surprise when the judge selected Hot Dog as the “top dog” at the RGVLS market goat show, his previous winnings did make her aware of the fact that he was the better of the two goats she raised this year. “The goat I showed at this year’s STAR show won third place,” explained Gomez. “But we knew that we would be showing Hot Dog at the RGVLS because when we did show him at different prospect shows throughout the year, he always ended up winning the Reserve Grand Championship.” At the RGVLS all Grand Champions down to third place class winners are sold at the Sale of Champions the last Saturday of the show. The Grand Champion steer always goes first, the Grand Champion market hog goes second and the Grand Champion market goat goes third.
Zenaida Alaniz - Veterans Memorial FFA - Champion Showman
Danielle Rangel – Pioneer FFA – Reserve Breed Champion Market Steer
Karina Saenz – Palmview FFA Reserve Breed Champion Market Rabbit
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Maddy Guerra – Pioneer FFA Reserve Breed Champion Market Hog
March 25, 2016
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AND STEERS After the top steer sold for $25,000 and the hog sold for $11,000, it was Hot Dog’s turn to go through the auction. After some highly competitive bidding, the auctioneer pounded his gavel and declared the bidding closed at the $10,000 mark. That was what Gomez earned for turning her once ugly duckling goat into a champion. Other top winners from the Mission, Sharyland and La Joya area at last week’s RGVLS included Sharyland 4-H members Alejandro Campos and Melanie Turrubiates (division champion market goats), Sidney Escobar (reserve champion Santa Gertrudis market steer) and Megan Turrubiates (reserve champion market goat), Pioneer FFA’s Maddy Guerra (reserve champion OPB market hog) and Danielle Rangel (reserve breed champion Chianina market steer), Mission FFA’s Nelida Garza (reserve champion Fine Wool market lamb) and Jacob Flores (reserve champion Maine market steer) and Palmview FFA’s Karina Saenz (reserve champion market rabbit). While Gomez was the only local FFA or 4-H member to win a Grand Championship with her animal, there was one Veterans Memorial High School FFA member that won a championship of her own. Zenaida Alaniz was selected as Champion Showman in the senior division of the market hog showmanship competition. When asked what it takes to win a showmanship competition, Alaniz said, “The judge is looking for an exhibitor that presents his or her hog well and that involves not letting it get lost in the crowd. Also, it’s important to make good eye contact with the judge so that he’ll know that you’re doing your best to keep your hog in front of him.” While Alaniz has won showmanship championships in the past, this was her first at the RGVLS. The sheer number of exhibitors competing in the senior division at this year’s RGVLS made Alaniz’s win all that much more impressive. “There were eight heats with more than 20 exhibitors and hogs in each heat,” explained Alaniz. “That means that there were over 160 competitors. I was really surprised and I actually started crying when I was told that I had won.” Alaniz was awarded a belt buckle and $415 in cash as her showmanship championship prizes.
Nadia K. Gomez – Pioneer FFA – Grand Champion Market Goat
Nelida Garza – Mission FFA Reserve Champion Market Lamb
Sidney Escobar – Sharyland 4-H Reserve Breed Champion Market Steer
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Drug bust in Palmview
wo individuals were apprehended in a drug bust in Palmview on March 16. Hidalgo County sheriff’s investigators executed a search warrant at a residence located on the 1800 block of Mata Blvd. in rural Palmview at approximately 4:00 p.m. When deputies and investigators arrived at the home to execute the search warrant, they observed a male
March 25, 2016
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and a female running outside toward the rear of the property. Both adults were detained and identified as 29-year-old Roger Sierra and 27-year-old Irene Barrera. A search of the property resulted in the discovery of 313 bags of synthetic marijuana (5lbs), 96 clonazapam pills, 31 xanax pills and .09 ounces of marijuana. Three children were also at the home. Sierra and Barrera were
taken before a Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace Judge Homer Jasso where they were both arraigned on charges to include: manufacturing/delivering controlled substance, possession of controlled substance, possession of marijuana and endangering a child (criminal negligence). Sierra was given a $160,000.00 total cash surety bond and Barrera was given a $145,000.00 total cash
surety bond. Both were committed to the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center. In October 2015, the Hidalgo County Health Department received reports of approximately 15 cases a week, of persons between the ages of 15 to 21 who became ill attributed to usage of syn-
thetic marijuana. The number has decreased recently to approximately six cases a week in February 2016 (persons ages 15 to 21). The cases are voluntarily reported to the Hidalgo County Health Department by behavioral hospitals and emergency rooms.
Information about persons selling narcotics or synthetic marijuana can be given to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office at 956-383-8114. Anonymous tips can be given to the Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers at 956-668TIPS (8477).
Palmhurst mayor opposes property tax cap
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By Brittany Asbury
ayor Ramiro Rodriguez Jr. opened discussion at the city council meeting stating he will be going to Austin during the next legislative session to oppose the movement of two activist groups who are advocating for a law to limit city annexation and proposing a cap on city property taxes for the Rio Grande Valley area. “As cities, we aren’t raising property taxes,” Rodriguez said. “The activists want to put a cap on property tax, then have elections to do rollback. Elections are expensive, and it’ll cost more to hold an election. It’s money down the drain.” Rodriguez hopes to bring local people to back up the issues while he leads as an advocate for annexation, especially in relation to bringing city utilities such as police, fire and sewer services to newly annexed areas. “Annexation allows cities to control development,” Rodriguez said. “It’s not about property taxes. We had a strip club outside of city limits, and it was a crime haven. We couldn’t do anything to control it until we annexed
the area. They had to reapply for licenses, and we were able to shut it down.” Reporting on the recent Hidalgo County MPO Transportation Policy Committee, the mayor said the county has been working on the interchange, and has agreed to hire a consultant and now need to produce the money to pay the consultant. It was also proposed that the council look into a non-binding agreement with the Hidalgo Regional Mobility Authority for a bridge proposal. The council members will investigate the proposed bridge and the agreement will be re-introduced for further discussion at the next meeting of the council. At the close of the Mayor’s Report, Councilman Robert Salinas was elected Mayor Pro-Tem by the other council members. He will preside at the meetings when the mayor is absent. The public safety report by Police Chief Michael A. Vela was considered and the council approved the Year 2016 Racial Profiling Report, which will require police officers to report the race of all drivers that are stopped. Mayor Rodriguez mentioned that he spoke with the police
chief and Vela indicated this report could bring in more grants for the police. The City Planning Department reported on the progress of several commercial establishments whose plans to build or extend franchises within Palmhurst were still pending. Javier Hinojosa Engineering has submitted a proposal for C.G. J. Subdivision on N. Bryan, just south of the 4 Mile Line, but further progress is still pending. The Popeye’s franchise has been confirmed to begin building a new restaurant location within the year. During the update on Capital Outlay Projects it was reported that the proposal for sidewalks from Conway to Los Ebanos is pending completion of the cost estimates and specs for the sidewalks and how they will impact the street. Estimates by the council’s consultant are expected to be submitted by April. Finally, the Church of Christ Seal Coat Project came under review and was approved. The council has received four bids on the project and will give the project to the bidder who can complete the seal coat within the next 30 days. “Everybody utilizes this; I think it’s a good project,” Rodriguez said in his closing remarks. According to City Attorney Darrel Davis, there will be an agreement between the city and the property owners, which will provide general public access to the walking track. “A sign with appropriate wording will be placed on the property stating that the track is open to all citizens of Palmhurst and that some maintenance funds are provided by the City of Palmhurst,” Davis said. The city manager’s report focused on concerns for the 2016 Hurricane Season. The council approved the designation of Republic Services for the pick up of brush and bulky items during the 2016 hurricane season, as the usual waste pick up service, Allied Waste, does not designate for brush or bulky item pick up during that time. The Palmhurst City Council will have its next regular meeting on the third Tuesday of April.
March 25, 2016
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MHS bond issue renovation project passes major milestone
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Maximino Herrera
Jason Sandoval
Israel Jaramillo Abundis
Jesus Rafael Tapia
Man arrested in link to Mission shooting
By Lea Victoria Juarez
ne man was arrested and two other suspects identified in connection to a fatal shooting that occurred in rural Mission on March 21. Jason Sandoval, known as Andy Lee Rodriguez from Dalton, Georgia, was arraigned at the Hidalgo County Jail, Wednesday. He is facing a charge for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Sandoval has a cash surety bond set for $500,000. Capital murder warrants have been issued for 23-yearold Jesus Rafael Tapia and 29-year-old Maximino Her-
rera. Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an unknown disturbance occurring at a home located at the 36000 block of Cedar Rapids Street in rural Mission at approximately 7:41 p.m. on March 21. When deputies arrived at the home, they discovered the body of an adult male with apparent gunshot wounds, later identified as 29-year-old Israel Jaramillo Abundis. Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace Luis Garza pronounced him dead at the scene. Sheriff’s investigators believe Abundis was at the home with other
suspects in a drug deal gone badly, which led to an exchange of gunfire. Investigators learned that Sandoval was on the scene at the time of the homicide, but his involvement is still under investigation. Sandoval is believed to be a convicted felon. Sheriff’s investigators met with witnesses who reported hearing shots fired. Witnesses reported seeing a white SUV and a white pickup truck leaving the area at a high a speed rate. Border Patrol agents located and conducted a traffic stop on a white SUV in the McCook area on March 22.
Other agents conducted a traffic stop on a white pickup truck in Starr County. Both vehicles are believed to be connected to the homicide. The persons in both vehicles are being interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division can be contacted at 956-383-8114. A person with information may remain anonymous by calling the Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers hotline at 956-668-TIPS (8477). If the information provided through the hotline leads to an arrest, the caller may be eligible for a cash reward.
Mission High School FFA Member, Amanda Granados experienced a tremendous year of success with her Brahman Heifer named NBS MISS 3 Diamond 245/5 also nick named “LANA”. Amanda and Lana earned multiple awards throughout the show season. This school year and livestock show season they won the following awards at numerous livestock shows. Three Breed Championships, one Reserve Breed Champion, one 2nd place and one 3rd place ranking. Amanda and Lana won 1st place at 5 different livestock shows including the prestigious San Antonio Livestock Show & Rodeo in February. Amanda is a Junior at Mission High School and a proud member of the Mission High School FFA Chapter. Lana is a Pure Breed Brahman Heifer and comes from El Salinas Ranch out of Mission, TX. Amanda and the entire Mission FFA Chapter would like to thank the Breeder Mr. Norberto “Beto” Salinas and El Salinas Ranch for raising such an outstanding heifer and their continued support throughout this competitive and successful year.
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he major renovation project planned for Mission High School as a part of the 2008 bond issue approved by voters took a major step forward this month. The board of trustees approved the final documents for Phase III of renovations and construction at the campus. This is the largest of the projects to be undertaken as a part of the 2008 bond issue. With the approval of the final documents, the bidding process for prospective contractors immediately began. Even though the main portion of the MHS renovation project has seen some delays, two phases of work have been completed at the campus. These phases included: re-roofing of buildings, new HVAC work, lighting upgrades throughout the campus, new ceilings, drainage improvements, electrical wiring for increasing technology needs, and much needed work for improved handicapped accessibility throughout the school. “There is excitement in our community for this state of the art project to kick off,” said Superintendent Ricardo López. “It’s a complex project and we wanted to ensure the scope of work would meet the needs of teachers and students. In doing so, I believe the community will be proud of the final project. The building is stunning. It was important that we try to meet as many needs a possible, and provide an instructional environment that will meet the needs of students and Mission CISD for decades to come.” This third and final phase of the project has already be-
gun to dramatically change and improve MHS. This past summer, crews demolished a classroom building, the original library building (recently used as the Eagle Cafe), and the cafeteria. This was done while students were away for the summer to allow for a quicker demolition process, and to avoid noise and safety issues associated with the demolition. It would also allow for a quicker start up of construction once the project was ready to proceed. The third phase of renovation and construction will provide a new, two-story instructional building, new cafeteria, new Ag building (similar to Veterans Memorial High School), renovations and expansion of the band building into a fine arts building, renovations and re-configuring of buildings “A”, “M”, “N”, and new visitors parking and entrance area for the school. Part of the building “N” renovation will include facilities needed for an expanding JROTC program. Work for the fine arts building will include adequate spaces for band hall, practice rooms, dance, mariachi room, orchestra room, choir room, piano room, and art classrooms. The new instructional building will include 35 classrooms and 3 student lab spaces. The current construction budget for the MHS renovations and construction project is $22.3 million. López said district officials hope to have the project substantially complete in late summer/early fall of 2017.
Pictured is the architectural rendering of the front of MHS after the renovations and construction project is completed. PBK Architects provided the rendering.
City of Mission Community City of Mission
Moving our community forward,
one family at a time. City Mission City ofof Mission Community Development Department
Celebrates Community Development Department Community Development Department For more information call us at
Fair Housing Month & CBCG Week March 28th thru April 2nd, 2016
956-580-8670 Or visit our website Www.missiontexas.us .
Celebrates Celebrates
Fair Housing Month Fair Housing Month & FAIR HOUSING IS YOUR RIGHT: USE IT!
& CBCG Week CBCG Week City of Mission
Moving our community forward one at aforward, time. Moving our community forward Moving ourfamily community
family a time. oneone family at aattime. For more information call us at 956-580-8670 Or visit our website more information us at ForFor more information callcall us at www.missiontexas.us
956-580-8670 956-580-8670 Moving our community forward, Or visit our website Or visit ourat website one family a time. Www.missiontexas.us Www.missiontexas.us . .
Development Department March 28th thru April 2nd, 2016Celebrates March 28th thru April 2nd, 2016 Community Development Department Equal Opportunity for all regardless of:
Race, color, national origin, religion, sex/gender, familial status,
Celebrates
disability, source of income
FAIR HOUSING YOUR RIGHT: USE IT! FAIR HOUSING IS YOUR RIGHT: USE IT! For more information call us at FAIR ISIS YOUR RIGHT: CDBG’s main purpose is to provide decent, safe andHOUSING sanitary housing, a suitable living environment and econom- USE IT! 956-580-8670 Fair Housing Month & CBCG Week ic opportunities to low-Opportunity andOpportunity moderate-income people. Equal for all regardless Equal for all regardless of: Or visit our website Equal Oppourtunity for all regardless of:of: The City has also provided funding to several agencies like March Amigos del28th Valle which activities at thruprovides Aprilsenior 2nd, 2016 Www.missiontexas.us Race, color, national religion, sex/gender, familiRace, color, national origin, religion, sex/gender, familithe Arnaldo Ramirez Senior Service Center; national Area Agency on Aging thatorigin, provides medication assistance and hearRace, color, origin, religioun, sex/gender, familial status . ing aids to seniors; Children’s Advocacy provides screening and counseling services for battered and abused chilstatus, alal status,
dren; and Dentists Who Care provides oral exams and preventative dental services for indigent elementary children through their mobile dental unit. Easter SealsFAIR of the RGVHOUSING provides rehabilitation to handicapped individuISservices YOUR RIGHT: USE IT! disability, source income disability, source income als. Silver Ribbon provides utility and rent deposits and assistance to elderly. ofof
CDBG’s main purpose is to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing, a suitable living environment and economic oppourtunities to lowandregardless moderate- income Equal Opportunity for all of: people.
CDBG’s main purpose is provide to provide decent, safe sanitary housing, a suitable living environment economCDBG’s main purpose is to decent, safe andand sanitary housing, a suitable living environment andand econom-
The City has also provided to several agencies like Amigos del Valle which provides senior familiactivities at the Arnaldo Race,funding color, national origin, religion, sex/gender, ic opportunities to lowand moderate-income people. ic opportunities to lowand moderate-income people. Ramirez Senior Service Center; Area Agency on Aging the provides medication assistance and hearing aids to seniors; Children’s al status, Advocacy provides screening and funding counseling for batteredlike and abused children; and Dentists Who Care provides oral exThe City also provided funding to several agencies like Amigos Valle which provides senior activities The City hashas also provided to services several agencies Amigos deldel Valle which provides senior activities at at disability, source of income ams and precentative dental services for indigent elementary children through their mobile dental unit. Easter Seals of RGV proArnaldo Ramirez Senior Service Center; Area Agency Aging that provides medication assistance hearthethe Arnaldo Ramirez Senior Service Center; Area Agency on on Aging that provides medication assistance andand hearvides ing rehabilitation servicesChildren’s to handicapped individuals. Silverscreening Ribbon provides utility andservices rent deposits and assistance to elderly. aids to seniors; Advocacy provides and counseling for battered and abused chil-
ingCDBG’s aids to seniors; Children’s Advocacy provides screening and counseling services for environment battered and and abused chilmain purpose is to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing, a suitable living economdren; Dentists Who Care provides oral exams and preventative dental services for indigent elementary children dren; andand Dentists Who Care provides oral exams and preventative dental services for indigent elementary children ic opportunities to low- and moderate-income people. through their mobile dental unit. Easter Seals RGV provides rehabilitation services to handicapped individuthrough their mobile dental unit. Easter Seals of of thethe RGV provides rehabilitation services to handicapped individuThe City has also funding toprovides several agencies like Amigos del Valle whichto provides senior activities at als. Silver Ribbon utility rent deposits assistance to elderly. als.provided Silver Ribbon provides utility andand rent deposits andand assistance elderly. the Arnaldo Ramirez Senior Service Center; Area Agency on Aging that provides medication assistance and hearing aids to seniors; Children’s Advocacy provides screening and counseling services for battered and abused children; and Dentists Who Care provides oral exams and preventative dental services for indigent elementary children through their mobile dental unit. Easter Seals of the RGV provides rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals. Silver Ribbon provides utility and rent deposits and assistance to elderly.
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March 25, 2016
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A Celebration of the Resurrection On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the miraculous resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him. As we enjoy Easter festivities with family and friends, let us not forget this true meaning of the holiday.
IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. Bus. 83 at Shary Rd., Mission • 956.585.1618
Blessings at Easter!
216 N. Mayberry • Mission • 585-1287
BLESSINGS AT EASTER PHARMACY & MEDICAL EQUIPMENT Alberto Vela, R.Ph.
583-2700
585-0115
1418 E. Business 83 • Mission
Fred Morón, R.Ph.
581-5499
between Bryan Rd. & Stewart Rd.
1242 E. Bus. 83, # 7 - Mission 2120 E. Griffin Pkwy. - Mission
Happy Easter
A Time to Rejoice
A Time for New Beginnings
Renew your faith this spring as we celebrate the miracle of the Resurrection.
SHARYLAND DENTAL CARE
Timothy W. Brann, D.D.S.
Richard Young, D.D.S.
GENERAL DENTISTRY EXCEPTIONAL CARE
2407-A Griffin Pkwy. • Mission, Tx • 581-2773
Rene Martinez, Pharmacy Doctor/Owner Cynthia Martinez, MPH/Owner, Registered/Licensed Dietitian, Chef Certified in Adult/ Adolescent Weight Management Lifestyle Counselor
He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Matthew 28:6
1300 S. Bryan Rd Suite 101 Mission, TX 78572 956.271.4258
Have A Wonderful Easter! ®
Open 24 Hours
215 E. Mile 3 Rd. Palmhurst • 519-8453 1705 Expwy. 83 Peñitas • 580-6840
March 25, 2016
obituaries
Ramon Flores Bazaldua MISSION – Ramon Flores Bazaldua, 85, passed away on Friday, March 18, 2016, at his home in Mission. Mr. Bazaldua was born in 1930 in Weslaco to Agustin and Isabel (Chabelita) Bazaldua and was raised in Teran, N.L., Mex. A resident of Mission and McAllen, he met his wife in California in 1955 and they married in November, 1958. He was a residential painter and occasionally traveled north to for seasonal farm work. Survivors include his wife of 76 years, Maria Cruz Silva Flores; children, Francisco Bazaldua, Cesar Bazaldua, Rigoberto Bazaldua, Louie Bazaldua, Martha Garcia and Alma Garza; and 21 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held on March 23 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery. Maria Guadalupe Ramirez Blanco ALTON – Maria Guadalupe Ramirez Blanco passed away on Friday, March 18, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. A lifelong resident of Alton, Mrs. Blanco was born on June 13, 1924, in Matamoros, Tamps., Mex. to Fidencio and Manuela Blanco. Survivors include her husband of 72 years, Martin Ramirez; children, Dora E. Guajardo, Oscar Ramirez, Guadalupe Alvarez, Elodia Ozuna, Anabelia Ramirez, Martin Ramirez, Rosember Ramirez, Aracely De La Cruz, Janie Salinas and Frances Ramirez Martinez; brother, Gilberto Blanco; and 40 grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Ramon Ramirez. A funeral service was held on March 24. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Ruben Eleno Fuentes
Notices
Isabella Rose Adams MISSION – Isabella Rose Adams, infant, passed away on Thursday, March 17,
MISSION – Ruben Eleno Fuentes, 40, passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2016, at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Brownsville. He was born to Alfonso Fuentes and Maria del Socorro Lopez on Jan. 10, 1976, in McAllen. Survivors include his parents; children, Savannah Fuentes and Ruben Fuentes Jr.; siblings, Mayleen Beltran, Paublo Fuentes and Elias Fuentes. He was preceded in death by a brother, Alberto Fuentes. A funeral mass was held on March 21 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Maria Ella Garza MISSION – Maria Ella Garza, 90, passed away on Monday, March 14, 2016. Mrs. Garza was born in West, Texas and lived in Alpine. At the age of 19 she worked at the Marfa Air Base during WWII as a mechanic’s assistant when she met her husband, Reymundo Garza. They married in Alpine in July, 1944, and moved to the Rio Grande Valley. She was a homemaker and later went to work for the Mission Consolidated Independent School District as a teacher’s aide. After receiving her GED, she enrolled at Pan American University and earned her bachelor’s degree and went on to A&I in Kingsville to receive her master’s. She spent the next 22 years working in education. A member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, she was active in Damas Catolicas and participated in a prayer group for 25 years that visited the elderly and sick at Mission Nursing Home. She and her husband were Eucharist ministers for St Paul’s since its inception. Survivors include her children, Anna Ward, George W. Garza, Rebecca Cochran, Richard Garza and Ray Garza; and three grandchildren
2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Genaro Avila Jr. MISSION – A funeral ser-
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www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Reymundo Garza; siblings, Ismael Moreno, Willie Moreno and Fay Moreno Urquidez; parents, Nicholas Moreno and Anita Pallanez Moreno; and daughter, Gloria Garza Plummer. A funeral service was held on March 21 at St. Paul’s. Burial followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission. Manuela C. Longoria MISSION – Manuela C. Longoria, 76, passed away on Friday, March 18, 2016, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Survivors include her husband, Arturo Roel Longoria Sr.; children, Arturo Longoria Jr., Oscar Longoria, Ronnie Longoria and Martin Longoria; siblings, Raul Cerda, Pablo Cerda, Antonia Garcia, Evanjelina Canales and Maria Del Jesus Gonzalez; and eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Antonia Cerda; siblings, Martin and Rumaldo Cerda; and great-grandson Wyatt Acevedo. A funeral service was held on March 22 at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mission. A private cremation followed. Maria Guadalupe Mendoza MISSION – Maria Guadalupe “Lupita” Mendoza, passed away on Friday, March 18, 2016 at Mission Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Mendoza was born on Dec. 12, 1928, in Mexico. Survivors include her children, Adela Reyna, Augustina Zamora, Jose Mendoza, Juan Mendoza, Maria de la Luz Hacker, Jose Javier Mendoza, Lucio Mendoza Jr., Guadalupe Mendoza, Maria Revilla, Joel Mendoza and Norma Mendoza; and siblings Tomasa Carrera, Gil Puente, Lorenza Vasquez and Matiana Cerda. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lucio Mendoza Sr.; daughters, Ignacia Mendoza and San Juanita
Mendoza; and siblings, Felipa Puente and Maria Puente. A funeral mass was held on March 22 at St. John of the Fields Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen.
vice for Genaro Avila Jr. was held on Saturday, March 19, 2016, at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission.
Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery in Mission. Ramon Flores MISSION – Ramon
Mario J. Pisano MINNESOTA – Mario J. Pisano, 85, of Thief River Falls, Minn., passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2016, in his home at Greenleaf Assisted Living. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 25, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Service Chapel in Thief River Falls with Reverend Kristen Ostercamp officiating. Burial will be held later in the spring at Pine Hill Cemetery at Williams, Minn. Visitation was held on Thursday, March 24, 2016, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Service. It will also be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday. Mario was born on April 13, 1930, in Chicago, Ill. to Rocco and Lucy (Conzenza) Pisano. Mario lived in Chicago and worked for Mead’s corrugated cardboard facility until 1970 when he was introduced to Janet Walters who worked for his brother, Father Louis Pisano. After many phone calls and plane rides, Mario and Janet were married by his brother and he moved to Syracuse, N.Y. He transferred to Mead’s New York facility and worked there until starting working for Onondaga County where he worked until he retired
early to take care of Janet who was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Mario lost Janet in May of 1999. The following year he met Joan Craig of Thief River Falls and Mario decided to move to Minnesota to be with Joan. Joan and Mario traveled together and enjoyed each other’s company until Joan passed away in November of 2011 due to cancer. Mario was an expert in many things. He was a photographer who developed his own photos, he was a woodworker who made many beautiful pieces, he was a stamp collector, he enjoyed CB radios and talked to many people, and he built his first computer in the 1990s and loved to learn new technology. He had many dogs who he loved dearly. Mario loved to fish and camp and went on many camping trips in the last few years. Mario is survived by his brother, William Pisano of Chicago, Ill.; nephews and nieces, Donald, Madelyn, Alex, LuAnn, Billy, Rocky and Michael; Joan’s daughters, Kelly (Tod) Matelski of Warren, Minn., Paula Craig of Thief River Falls and Wendy (Bill) Klopp of Thief River Falls; and five grandchildren, Andrew Matelski, Trevor Matelski, Samantha Klopp, Taylor Klopp and Christopher Klopp. Mario was preceded in death by his wife, Janet; his parents, Lucy and Rocco Pisano; siblings, Mario (who he was named after), Bess (John) Rago, Peter (June) Pisano, Raphael (Connie) Pisano, Fr. Louis Pisano, and Salvatore (Irene) Pisano; and sister-in-law, Lynn Pisano. Condolences may be shared by visiting www.johnsonfuneralservice.com. Ricardo Rios MISSION – Ricardo “Richard” Rios, 60, passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2016, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen. Mr. Rios was born on March 30, 1955, to Antonio and Celia Rios of Mission. Survivors include his wife, Delfina Rios; children
Aurelia Rios, Maria Tavarez, Luis Rios, Gabriel Rios, Erica Rios, Julio Rios and Ricardo Rios Jr.; and 11 grandchildren. A funeral mass was held on March 23 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens. Oscar Ybarra M I S S I O N / D E T R O I T, Mich. – Oscar Ybarra passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2016, at his home in Detroit. Mr. Ybarra was born and raised in Mission on March 4, 1952, to the late David and Felicitas Ybarra. He was employed at Coca Cola in McAllen for over 20 years and also worked at Renewed Equipment in Michigan. Survivors include his wife, Alicia Ybarra; children, Oscar Ybarra Jr., Juan Ybarra, Oscar Ybarra, Sandra Ybarra, Maria Ybarra and Heriberto Ozuna; siblings, Jose, David Jr., Apolonio, Elivorio, Jaime and Alfredo Ybarra, and Olivia Alaniz, Lydia Garza and Tomasita Guerra; and 29 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Javier and Rolando Ybarra. A funeral mass was held on March 21 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Evangelina Zuniga MISSION – Evangelina Zuniga passed away on Friday, March 18, 2016, at her home in Mission. Mrs. Zuniga was born in Veracruz, Mex. on May 30, 1925, to Tanilo and Modesta Franco. Survivors include her children, Javier Zuniga, Guadalupe Lopez, Tomas Zuniga, Ofelia Folk, Adela Salinas, Miguel Zuniga and Ruben Zuniga; sister, Julieta Franco; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tomas Zuniga, and a son, Jaime Zuniga. A funeral service was held on March 23 at Templo Biblico in Alton. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen.
Flores, 85, passed away on Friday, March 18, 2016, at his home in Mission. Eloy Lucio
MISSION – Eloy Lucio, 54, passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2016, at his home in Mission.
HAPPY EASTER
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
THE FATHERS: †FR. JIM, FR. PHILION & FR. ROY (†MAGNA, †SENTINEL, †MAGNO, †AUGIE, †DIDYMUS, †CHUNkLY, GIRLY, CANTINA, VALENTINE, NEwLY, bENDITO & CHARLOTTE)
PADRES ObLATOS
MISSIONARY CATECHIST OF THE POOR: SR. LUPITA DAUGHTERS OF MARY MOTHER OF MERCY: SR. ELIZAbETH, SR. bIbIANA & SR. MADONNA † DEACON AYALA & DEACON CASTAÑEDA
HAPPY EASTER EVERYbODY! HAVE A GREAT ONE! MAY YOU CELEbRATE LIFE AND LOVE TODAY wITH A DEEP JOY AND AwARENESS OF THAT MYSTERIOUS, UNCONqUERAbLE LOVE OF CHRIST ALIVE IN YOUR OwN HEARTS, FAMILIES, IN EACH OTHER’S EYES, IN THE MESqUITE TREES IN ALL OF NATURE AND IN THE wHOLE UNIVERSE!
GOOD FRIDAY of the Lord’s Passion March 25, 2016 3:00 p.M.......................................Way of the Cross/Via Cruces adoration of the Cross & Holy Communion 7:00 p.M................................................................Confessions 8:00 p.M..........................Rosary of the broken hearted mother of Christ and our mother, Mary.
HOLY SATURDAY - March 26, 2016 10:00 a.M.................last Chance For Confessions before Easter 8:30 - 10:30 p.M............................................Easter Vigil Mass
EASTER SUNDAY: Resurrection of the Lord
March 27, 2016
7:30 a.M...................................................Easter sunrise 9:00 a.M...............................................................Easter 10:30 a.M.............................................................Easter 12:30 p.M..............................................................Easter
Mass Mass Mass Mass
NO 5:30 P.M. MASS ON EASTER SUNDAY!
620 Dunlap, Mission, TX • 585-2623
ONE bLOCk wEST OF CONwAY ON MAGNA DRIVE (6TH ST.)
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F
Several arrested in illegal gambling raids
ollowing the execution of four state search warrants, five males were arrested on state charges in connection to illegal gambling operations in La Joya and Mission on March 17. The arrests were: Lin Feng Yuan, 36; Chen Guang Yao, 22; Chen Bin,21; Zhixiong Liu, 21; Wei Feng Zhuo, 20. The searches were executed simultaneously at 200 E. Expressway 83 in La Joya (3 Diamonds gaming facility), 730 E. Expressway 83 in La Joya (Lucky 7’s gaming facility) and two apartments
Etsy from pg 01
Entrepreneurship program began March 14 and will run every Monday until April 11 at the Speer Memorial Library from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. One Saturday class will be held March 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The plan is to have three rounds of Etsy Craft Entrepreneurship courses throughout the year, and the next one will take place in the new Center for Education and Economic Development when it opens in May. “We have so many talented people here in the Valley and because of the digital divide or lack of education or whatever it is, they’re not aware that they can sell these things on the internet,” Meade said. “On the weekend, they go to the pulga and sell their product, but they could be sitting at home making money.”
in Mission. The following state charges were filed on all five suspects: possession of gambling device, equipment or paraphernalia, gambling promotion, keeping a gambling place and engaging in organized criminal activity. Patrons and employees inside the gaming establishments were identified and subsequently released. Investigators also seized $427,561.42 from all four locations. This case is pending further investigation. Criminal investigators from the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s office executed the four state search warrants with the assistance of the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s HIDTA Task Force, Hidalgo County Precinct 3 and Precinct 4 Constables, Mission Police Department, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Border Patrol and Texas Department of Public Safety. In November 2015, the county district attorney’s office began an investigation targeting an illegal gambling organization operating in La Joya. The DA’s office received several reports of illegal gambling occurring at “eight liner” gaming facilities. Through undercover investigation and surveillance they were able to corroborate these reports. According to a media release from the county, the DA’s office will continue to investigate reports of illegal gaming establishments and enforce any violations of applicable Texas State Law.
theclassifieds March 25, 2016
buy • sell • trade • rent • hire
this page is your oyster opening up to a world of opportunity
For Rent MISSION, 1502 DUNLAP (REAR), 2 bedroom, 2 bath, carport, fenced, no bills included, no housing $575 mo., $575 dep., 956369-0732.
For Sale 4 PIECE BEDROOM set white, washer good condition, tire, clothes, 1813 Thornton, Mission, TX., Liz 956599-7759. RICOS TAMALES VERACRUZANOS con aceite de olivo, de carne, de dulce y vegetarianos. Catering para sus fiestas Dona Mary, 956655-4661. LARGE LOT 80’X46 with shed, all utilities, 55+ gated park in Pharr South Park, 651-442-9386. GOLF CARS, NEW Yamaha’s $5,500; 2010 EZGO, $1,900(SOLD); 2011 EZGO, $2,000(SOLD); 2012 Yamaha Electric, $1,950(SOLD); 2012 Yamaha gas, $3,500; 2013 Yamaha, $2,300; 2014 Club car, $3,700; lots of older carts coming in off rental, 2508 West Expressway 83 Mission, 956-580-3370 or EasyrideGolfCars. com.
Mobile Homes MOBILE HOME FOR sale, Mission Trade Winds RV 55+ Lot TW-122, 3bdr, large open concept, large bathroom, furnisher included, $20,000, rent lot
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paid till Sept. 30, 2016, Beatrice 956341-8367. NEW TRUE MANUFACTURED homes for sale in the low $20,000’s (MHDRET00036724), used homes with great move in incentives and rentals available at our communities. Ask about our Canadian@Par offers. Email:c.fuller@strvh.com. 2013 16x60, $39,000, 2 bedroom, 2 baths, furnished, attached shed, golf cart, $99 per month rent first year, 314960-5159. 14X52 SCHULTZ MOBILE home, 2br, 1ba, fully furnished, large kitchen with lots of counter and cupboards, pantry, new central air, carport, large covered deck, shed, Bentsen Grove Resort, Mission, gated, 956-3797819. MOBILE HOME FOR sale Mission Trade Winds RV 55+ lot TW-122, 3bdr, large open concept and
large bathroom, furnishing included, $20,000, rent lot paid til Sept 30, 2016, Beatrice 956-341-8367. WINTER HAVEN 55+ community Pharr, 12X56, 2b/1ba, fully furnished, washer and dryer, lot 7, 402360-1629. 14’X40’ MOBILE home with 12’X16’ Texas room, front door glass French doors, this home has been completely renovated, c/w beautiful gardens, must see, 956-460-4333. 16X60, 2BR/2BA, Alamo Country Club 55 +, partially furnished,
Personal classified rate: $7 for 15 words
25¢ each additional word thereafter
Business classified rate: $15 for 15 words
25¢ each additional word thereafter
carport, covered patio, includes lot, golf cart, $54,500, 956342-7362. 1988 16X52 & LOT 2 bed, 2 bath, newer appliances, windows, awnings, furnished, Texas room, steel, roof storage, shed, handicap accessible, Mission 515-6815970. DOUBLEWIDE FURNISHED, COVERED carport & deck, reduced, negotiable, Casa del Valle, 956783-2330 or 785713-2271. WE BUY MOBILE homes, trailer houses, RV’s, 5th wheels,
park models. We pay cash, any year, any condition, old or new. Call Ms. Davis anytime at 956-5451118. PHARR SOUTH MOBILE Home park, 55 + gated community 1402 S. Cage, privately owned homes & lots, open house first weekend every month, December thru April, 1-4pm,
DRIVERS:
Drivers CDL-A: Steady Year Round Miles! SignOn, Monthly & Annual Bonuses! Great Benefits Package! Long Haul US/ Canada. 855-645-7789
ORDINANCE 2016-04-0308
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.
for info call 956-2838764. DO YOU WANT to sell your RV? Do it the Texas Trader Way! and is cost nothing! No fees ever! No contract! Call today for your free appraisal, Texas Trader RV, La Feria, TX 956-7973000, transport available, ask for Mark.
Services BUSCO TRABAJO DE limpieza en casa, de entrada por salida, 956-2662009. APPLIANCE REPAIR, MOST brands, handyman plumbing and electrical repairs, over 55 years experience, 956-584-7817.
INCOME TAX SERVICE, YOUR place or mine, E-File, all states, 40 years experience, call for an appointment 715850-1481. FREE ROOF INSPECTIONS, South Texas Roofing & Siding contractor of choice, custom carports, Trueroofing.net, 956884-1688.
PUBLIC NOTICE The City of Alton will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 11, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at the City Hall Legislative Chambers located at 509 S. Alton Boulevard to consider the following request: Si desea información en español, llame al departamento de Planeación de la Ciudad de Alton, (956) 432-0760. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ALTON, TEXAS PROVIDING A WATER CONSERVATION PLAN AND A PUBLIC EDUCATION/ INFORMATION PROGRAM, WAIVING SECOND AND THIRD READING.
Hugo G. Aguilar on behalf of Maria L. Aguilar, owner, is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allow an accessory building at 1219 S. Los Ebanos Blvd., also legally described as the 1.24AC of Lot 372, West Addn. to Sharyland, Alton, Hidalgo County, Texas.
READ, APPROVED, AND PASSED on this the 8th day of March, 2016.
The public is invited to attend and express support for or opposition to this application. You may also file written support or opposition to by 12:00 noon on April 12, 2016, for the Planning and Zoning and the City Commission.
Salvador Vela, Mayor ATTEST: Baudelia Rojas TRMC|CPM, City Secretary
ORDINANCE 2016-03-0209 AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE CLASSIFICATION FOR ZONING PURPOSES OF THE FOLLOWING TRACT OF LAND: 0.97 ACRES OUT OF LOT 391, JOHN H. SHARY SUBDIVISION, ALSO DESCRIBED AS LOTS 13 AND 71 OF STEWART LANDING PHASE II SUBDIVISION, ALTON, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR THE AMENDMENT OF THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF ALTON, TEXAS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOREGOING ZONING CLASSIFICATION CHANGES; PROVIDING FOR A SAVINGS AND REPEAL CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE, WAIVING SECOND AND THIRD READING. READ, APPROVED, AND PASSED on this the 9th day of February, 2016. Salvador Vela, Mayor ATTEST: Baudelia Rojas TRMC|CPM, City Secretary
For questions please call Jeff Underwood, Assistant City Manager at (956) 432-0760.
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A Reason to Rejoice As we celebrate the miracle of our Savior’s resurrection,
we’d like to share with your our sincere best wishes for a joyous and blessed Easter season. May the power of His love and sacrifice bring peace, joy and contentment to you and yours.
www.cityofpalmhursttx.com
Gerardo Perez Joel Garcia, Jr. Ricardo Villarreal Gracie Flores Arlando Nacianceno Joselito Hernandez Mayor Pro-Tem Councilwoman Councilman Councilman Mayor Councilman Ramon Segovia - City Manager
David Nacianceno -Assistant City Manager
RamiroRodriguez, J. Rodriguez, Jr. Jr. Ramiro Mayor
Mayor
James Aranda James Aranda Mayor Pro-Tem Mayor Pro-Tem
Ruben De De Leon Ruben Leon Councilman Councilman
RobertA. A. Salinas Robert Salinas Councilman Councilman
Israel Silva Israel Silva Councilman Councilman
911 Miller • Mission, TX
585-2142 • 585-5411 LOCATIONS IN
LA JOYA • PALMVIEW • WESLACO
(956) 585-6207 www.lajoyafcu.com
Happy Easter Wishes and Greetings!
Happy Easter! Insured by NCUA. Equal housing lender.
Ofelia Peña Perez Ofelia Peña Perez Councilwoman Councilwoman
March 25, 2016
P
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Lady Diamondbacks perfect so far
By Luciano Guerra
erfection is a standard many strive for but very few attain. In baseball and softball, a perfect game is when a pitcher retires every batter he or she faces without giving up a walk, a hit or having an opposing player reach base on an error. Likewise a team is said to have a perfect record when it goes undefeated. With wins against Valley View, Rio Grande City, Edinburg Vela, Veterans Memorial and Sharyland through the first five games of its District 31-5A schedule, the Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks softball team is a perfect 5-0. Shortly after the Lady Diamondbacks’ 12-1 fiveinning win over the Lady Rattlers Tuesday night, Pioneer head softball coach Orlando Garcia gave some insight on how his team has managed to remain perfect thus far. “Our bats have been our strongpoint this season but our strong defense has complimented our offense well,”
explained Garcia. “At 5-0 after this game, our season has gone well. We’ll finish up the first round Thursday against Roma. So hopefully we’ll be able to finish up the first round at 6-0 which is what we set out to do.” Last year, the Lady Diamondbacks’ inaugural season, Pioneer put together an 8-4 district record and claimed a bi-district championship thanks to their two-games-to-none first round series win against Brownsville Porter. “We were the only team out of our district that won their bi-district game last year,” Garcia said. “We’ve brought everybody back from last year so that is a big plus. We’ve got two seniors that are on the field at all times, first baseman Brooke Garza and third baseman Faye Ramos, our other starters are under-classmen.” Two of those returning starters are juniors Mariah Youngblood and Emily Michki. Youngblood is the Lady Diamondbacks’ starting pitcher
while Michki plays shortstop. Youngblood held the Lady Rattlers scoreless through four innings of play Tuesday night but did give up one run in the fifth. It was too little too late for Sharyland however as the Lady Diamondbacks’ 11run lead resulted in the game being called after five innings due to the 10-run rule. “My strategy is to keep the batters off-balance, but I mainly rely on my defense to make the plays,” Youngblood said. Keeping the batters off-balance is what Youngblood did very well against Sharyland. As for Michki, she is one of the main reasons Youngblood has learned to rely on her defense. That is because she rarely lets anything get past her at shortstop. As a matter of fact, Michki is so talented that she actually tried out for and made the Rattlers’ baseball team as a freshman. “It was a cool experience,” Michki said. “I was the
only girl trying out for the boys’ team. I did make the team but I chose to play softball because I can go to college and possibly make a career out of softball. And playing college ball is what I’m shooting for.” As for what it’s going to take for the Lady Diamondbacks to win the district championship this year, Michki said, “We’ve been working our butts off. We’re out there sweating on Saturday mornings and then we come to the games and it shows. I’m very confident in our team. We’re working together and it’s all clicking right now. That’s all that matters.” The Lady Diamondbacks’ biggest second round challenges are expected to be against Rio Grande City April 5 and Edinburg Vela April 8. If they can win both those games, they should be well on their way to clinching the first softball district championship in the school’s brief, two-year history.
La Joya teams well represented in playoffs
Two weeks ago the La Joya Coyotes came from behind to defeat the Mission Eagles, 4-3, which helped them secure a playoff spot again this year. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra
F
By Luciano Guerra or the second year in a row, four of the La Joya Schools’ six soccer teams have qualified for the playoffs. And for the second year in a row, they are the Juarez-Lincoln boys and girls, the Palmview boys and the La Joya boys. With these four teams all having played their bi-district round games last night, a look back at how each team did in the playoffs last year, how they did in district play this year, who they played last night and who they could be matched up against in the Area round should they advance, should be very good indicators of which teams will be the most likely to bow out of the playoffs early and which could make a legitimate run at the state title. First let’s look at the teams that saw their post-season runs end the quickest last season. Juarez-Lincoln Lady Huskies The 7-5 Lady Huskies entered the 2015 playoffs as the fourth seed in District 30-6A. As a result, they were matched up against District 29-6A’s top seed, 9-1 Del Rio, in the bi-district round. While the Lady Huskies played the Lady Rams extremely tough, they saw their season come to an end when
they lost on penalty kicks by a score of 1-0. At 6-6 this year, the Lady Huskies are once again the district’s fourth seed. If they’re going to advance past the first round this year, they will have to defeat the Laredo United South Lady Panthers. Should they do so they will be going up against the winner of the Los Fresnos vs PSJA North bi-district game in the Area round next week. Palmview Lobos In 2015, the Palmview Lobos compiled a 8-4 District 30-6A record and 25 points to tie the Huskies for second place. They faced off against Del Rio in the bi-district round but failed to advance any further when they fell to the Rams by a score of 3-1. This year the Lobos’ 6-6 record and 17 points in the standings makes them the district’s fourth seed and as a result they are matched up against Laredo United South in the bi-district round. A victory against the Panthers will see the Lobos facing either Brownsville Veterans Memorial or Edinburg North in the Area round next week. La Joya Coyotes As District 30-6A’s fourth seed last year, the La Joya Coyotes went up against
See LA JOYA 4B
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page 2B
March 25, 2016
2016 S
Congratulations and go
La Joya Coyotes
Juarez Lincoln Lady Huskies
Palmview Lobos
Juarez Lincoln Huskies
The CiTy of Palmview would like To CongraTulaTe The la Joya PaCk on
making The Playoffs.
BesT of luCk!
Gerardo “Jerry” Perez Mayor
Joel Garcia, Jr. Mayor Pro-Tem
Gracie Flores Councilwoman
Arlando “Lando” Nacianceno Councilman
Ricardo “Ricky” Villarreal Councilman
Joselito “Hoss” Hernandez Councilman
Ramon Segovia David Nacianceno City Manager Asst. City Manager
We Support All
CONGRATULATIONS
Mission, Sharyland & La Joya Schools
AND GOOD LUCK IN THE PLAYOFFS!
Jose A. “Fito” Salinas Mayor
215 E. 3 Mile Rd. • Palmhurst
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580-6840
Mary Salinas Mayor Pro-Tem
Anna Lisa Ruiz Commissioner
Victorio Salinas Commissioner
Maria “Geny” Salinas Commissioner
Mike Alaniz City Administrator
Roberto Jackson City Attorney
Julianita Sabala Administrative Secretary
March 25, 2016
Season
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ood luck in the playoffs
Sharyland Lady Rattlers District Champions
Sharyland Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks
Sharyland Rattlers District Champions
Missions Veterans Memorial Lady Patriots
Best of luck from the Board of Trustees!
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March 25, 2016
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5A soccer playoffs kick off W
By Luciano Guerra
hen it comes to the game many call soccer but most call fútbol, the Sharyland Rattlers, the Lady Rattlers and the Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks play it as well, if not better, than most high school teams across the state. As a matter of fact, the Rattlers are one of the few Valley teams in any sport to have ever earned a state championship. As for the Lady Rattlers and the Lady Diamondbacks, they were both one win away from facing off against each other in the Region IV-5A Finals (final four) last year. Therefore it should come as no surprise to anybody that these three teams are all in the playoffs again this year. Will the Rattlers make a run at another state title? Will the Lady Rattlers and Lady Diamondbacks go even deeper into the state playoffs this year than they did last? Only time will tell. However, this look back at each team’s District 31-5A results, who they played last night and who they could be matched up against in the Area round next week, should they advance, should help answer those questions. Before we look at the three Sharyland teams in the playoffs however, let’s first look at the only other 5A Big 7 team in the playoffs – the Lady Patriots. Veterans Memorial Lady Patriots After having missed out on the playoffs last year, the Veterans Memorial Lady Patriots have succeeded in extending their season this year by putting together a 6-6 District 31-5A record and by accumulating 17 points in
the standings. As the fourth seed, the Lady Patriots will be going up against PSJA Southwest in the bi-district round of the playoffs tonight at 7 at PSJA Stadium. The winner of this game will be facing off against the winner of the Uvalde vs Gregory Portland game in the Area round next week. Sharyland Rattlers After an 11-1 regular season, the Sharyland Rattlers saw their 2015 post-season run end in the bi-district round when they fell to Donna 3-2 on penalty kicks. Sharyland is once again entering the playoffs this year as District 31-5A’s top seed with an identical 11-1 record. If the Rattlers are going to avoid replicating last year’s first round playoff exodus, they will have to defeat Donna North. Should they do so, they will then be matched-up against either Victoria East or Laredo Martin in the Area round next week. Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks In their inaugural season, the Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks posted a 10-2 District 31-5A record to earn the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. They then proceeded to defeat Edcouch Elsa in the bi-district round, Victoria East in the Area round and Edinburg Vela in the Regional Quarterfinal round to advance into the Regional Semifinals where their season came to an end against Austin Vandegrift, the eventual state runner-ups, by a score of 1-0. Pioneer’s bi-district round opponent this year is Brownsville Pace. The winner of this game will face off against the winner of the Victoria East vs Eagle Pass Winn in the Area round
next week. Sharyland Lady Rattlers The Sharyland Lady Rattlers’ 12-0 District 315A record this season has not only earned them the top seed in the playoffs, but it also means that since 2012 they’ve compiled an extremely impressive 62game winning streak against their district opponents. After advancing into the Regional Semifinals last year, the Lady Rattlers will be kicking off post-season play this year against Edcouch Elsa. The winner of this game will be facing off against the winner of the Flour Bluff/Laredo Nixon game in the Area round next week.
Student heads to national free throw contest
T
exas state champion Miguel Angel Gonzalez, who attends Sharyland North Junior High, won the 2016 Southwest Regional Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest held in Dallas last Saturday, March 19. Sponsored by the McAllen Elks Lodge at the first stage of competition, he won the 12-13 year old boys division by sinking 23 free throws out of 25 attempts, two baskets better than the second place finisher. Gonzalez now advances to the national finals in Chicago, Ill., on April 15
to17 where he will compete against 11 other regional champions for the national title, and to have his name added on the Elks trophy in the Basket Hall of Fame. To earn a spot in the regional competition, he won his local lodge contest McAllen lodge and then the South District shoot-off. He earned the Texas title at the Texas Elks State Association championship. This year over 340,000 kids in the Southwest Region (Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas) were expected to compete in the contest, according to Russell
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The Juarez-Lincoln Huskies defeated Palmview last week en route to a playoff spot again this season. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra
and lost to Laredo LBJ (20) in the bi-district round of the playoffs. This year the Coyotes improved to 7-5 in district play and are seed No. 3 in the district. As a result, they will be looking to improve on last year’s playoff results by defeating Laredo LBJ in the opening round and facing off against either Brownsville Lopez or
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VMHS Lady Patriot teammates rush to celebrate the game-winning penalty kick by Maria Diaz in last week’s tie-breaker victory over the Edinburg Vela Lady Sabercats. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra
Edinburg Economedes in the Area round next week. Juarez-Lincoln Huskies Last year the 8-4 Juarez-Lincoln Huskies saw their season come to a close when they lost to Brownsville Rivera, the eventual state champions, 2-1 on penalty kicks in the Regional Quarterfinal round.
With a 7-5 District 30-6A record and 23 points this season, the Huskies are the second seed and as such have been paired up against Laredo United in the bi-district round. A win against the Longhorns will see the Huskies facing off against either PSJA Memorial or Brownsville Rivera in the Area round next week.