Undefeated Lady Diamondbacks Sweep Bi-district Playoffs
Three VMHS Athletes Compete at State Meet See pg. 6
See pg. 7
Friday, May 6, 2016
www.ptrgv.com | 50 Cents
The MHS construction project, financial history
By Lea Victoria Juarez he Mission High School construction and renovations project has been a long and drawn out process that began in 2008. It has been broken up into three phases and two bonds. At Mission CISD’s April 27 board meeting, Econ Construction was awarded the contract for phase three, which is the final part of the final phase. Construction will begin as soon as possible, after classes let out June 1. Econ is not to exceed $33.2 million, based on the scope of work. The $33.2 million includes $2.2 million worth of alternates or possible items in the scope of work. Phase three originally required the renovation of several buildings and construction of a new cafeteria and instructional building. The original budget for phase three was based on a certain scope of work, but the cost associated with the project
increased because the scope of work steadily increased. “What happened is that when I first got here in 2013, nothing was decided on and we had to move forward,” Superintendent Ricardo Lopez said. “So, the scope of work was minimal. But then as we looked at five years passing, we noticed a lot more needs.” Due to the added scope of work, inflation rate and the adoption of a wage rate, Mission CISD is short from the original scope by anywhere from $6.4 million to $8.3 million. Financial breakdown Phase one, which was funded with the 2006 bond, consisted of renovations to Neuhaus Gym; $3.7 million was used from the $57 million bond. When the $59 million bond passed in 2008, $18.4 million was earmarked for Mission High School. Phase two was funded mostly by the 2006 bond, but some funds from the 2008 bond were used for the project. This phase consisted of
the renovation of five buildings. In 2012, $10 million from the 2008 bond was added from the allocation of an elementary school that was never built, bringing the MHS phase three project budget to about $28 million. The board approved a larger performing arts building in September 2015, which was an additional $4 million. This will be an expansion and renovation of the existing band hall to create a performing arts instructional building to house all the arts programs. The approval of a new agricultural science building added $2 million to the total. New fire alarm codes are going into effect in November. The alarms have a new voice system, which will be added to the entire campus, including the swimming pool complex, the field house, stadium, baseball and softball complexes and the restrooms. That added $310,000 to the project. In addition, new compli-
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in Palmview – Saenz Hardware. His intent is to provide transparency and be dedicated to every customer that the water supplier serves. Saenz said he feels confident going into Election Day. He stressed that voters become educated before casting their ballots. “They just need to make sure who they’re voting for. I want them to be informed and ask questions,” Saenz said. “Win or lose, everything we did, we did it with the best intention for the community.” The candidates for director for county place 2 are Homer Tijerina, Abel “Peco” Rodriguez and Adalberto Javier “AJ” Chapa. Tijerina is a Peñitas-Abram native and business owner. He already serves on six committees for Peñitas, La Joya ISD and Hidalgo County. He also wants to bring transparency to the board, in addition to better rates and better service. His strategies for bringing openness to the board consists of community updates via newsletter, social media or through the website. Director county place 3 candidates are Roger Hernandez and Roberto “Robby” Ayala. Hernandez, a La Joya ISD coach, has served as a board
member for the La Joya Credit Union for the last eight years, where he also served as vice president. He believes his advantage lies in his knowledge of finances and budgeting. Ayala said he and his teammate are “feeling good” as they head into the big day. “I would just like thank the community for believing in this new era of leadership,” Ayala said. Saenz, Tijerina and Hernandez are running on the same slate. Ortiz, Chapa and Ayala are running on a separate slate. Mission CISD Place 2 candidates are Veronica “Betty” Mendoza and Sonia “Dr.” Treviño. Mendoza replaced Treviño on the board in 2014 when Treviño’s sister applied for an administrative position. Before then, Treviño served on the board for seven years. Treviño is running again because she said the board needs someone like her, an individual that can handle an open debate, facilities or curriculum discussion and the decision making that is required of board members. Additionally, Treviño is a former teacher. Mendoza, said she is proud of the fact that she has fulfilled her duties as a board member, despite hav-
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Pictured is a rendering of the new, two-story building at Mission High School. Courtesy of PBK Architects.
ance codes for the HVAC and lighting controls added $200,000 to the project. Administration expanded the dining and cafeteria to accommodate two lunch periods, adding 8,000 square feet for approximately $1.7 million additional costs. “We added a scope of work for the cafeteria because having three to four lunch shifts wasn’t feasible to run a high school. Then we
Candidates prep for Election Day
By Lea Victoria Juarez ocals have three races to keep an eye on for this round of elections. Eight contenders are battling it out four places on Mission CISD’s board of trustees; seven candidates are vying for the three open positions on the Agua Special Utility District board; five hopefuls are in the running for places 2 and 4 for Mission City Council. Early voting ended May 3 and the candidates are gearing up for Election Day on May 7. Regarding early vote counts, a total of 3,201 votes were cast for the City of Mission, 3,487 ballots were counted for Mission CISD and 1,333 people voted in the Agua SUD election. Agua SUD The Agua Special Utility District provides water to residents in western Hidalgo County. A seven-member board of directors governs the utility district – three at-large directors and four directors that represent Peñitas, Palmview, Sullivan City and Mission, which are elected by residents. Jerry Saenz and Esequiel “Zeke” Ortiz Jr. are running for director for city of Palmview. Saenz is the manager of longtime family business
ing to play catchup. If she is re-elected, one of her priorities is to make sure the students at risk of dropping out receive attention as a preventative measure. Place 3 candidates are Hector Gonzalez and Jerry Zamora. Gonzalez is a network services manager for city of McAllen and he currently serves on the facilities committee for Mission CISD. He thinks his strengths lie in his technological experience, but is most concerned with boosting morale in the Mission CISD community. Zamora has a total of 18 years of combined law enforcement and military experience. His reason for running for Mission CISD trustee is to bring more knowledge about security to the school district. The former Mission police officer said he would like to see the implementation of a district police department, and having local and federal officers become more involved in educating the students on the drugs and crime. Place 4 candidates are incumbent Patricia “Patty” O’Caña-Olivarez and Marina Salinas. O’Caña-Olivarez is the sitting board president. The
also added the ag. building and the fine arts complex,” Lopez said. “It would have been a costly project...but we were preparing for this because if we wait, we can see where the projects are only going to get more expensive. This a perfect opportunity to touch all those buildings at one time rather than wait.” The inflation rate, as per the national average index, has been 4.5 percent per year.
There is also an increase for soft costs and the architect fees because the fee of 5.25 percent was based on original $18.4 million. The district also had to adopt a Davis-Bacon Wage Rate for this project. It’s a federal wage rate that requires contractors and subcontractors to pay their workers no less than the locally
See CONSTRUCTION 10
Election Day polling locations, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Mission CISD • Bryan Elem. School, Precincts 9 & 103 • Castro Elem. School, Precincts 10, 63, 82 & 102 • Mission High School, Precincts 28 & 98 • Pearson Elem. School, Precincts 93, 94 & 204 • Alton Elem. School, Precincts 86, 88, 125, 183, 205, 218, 220, 243, 244, 247 & 248 Mission City Council • Bryan Elem. School, Precincts 9 & 103 • Castro Elem. School, Precincts 10, 82 & 102 • Mission High School, Precincts 28, 78, 98, 99, 210, 218 & 219 • Pearson Elem. School, Precincts 29, 93, 94, 128,145, 185 & 187 • Mission B&G Club @ Bannworth Gym, Precincts 38, 63, 83, 188, 203, 204, 215, 220, 236 & 248 Agua SUD • Multi Purpose Facility/Palmview Youth Center, Precincts 64, 78, 99, 100, 145, 170, 182, 185, 187 & 254 • Peñitas City Hall Annex, Precincts 11, 131, 195, 197, 198 & 257 • Sullivan Fire Station, Precinct 80 (Starr Co. Precinct 9)
See CANDIDATES 10
INSIDE
INDEX
Mud Volleyball Tournament
Lady Diamondbacks sweep Porter
Get in on the fun at the Mission Lions Club’s annual tournament; complete with food, carnival rides a mobile pet adoption and more.
So makes this year’s Pioneer softball team different from last year? Coach Orlando Garcia has the answer
Catch up on the highlights from Mission CISD’s United in Safety conference, and learn about the new drug that teens are using.
See story page 5
See story page 7
See story page 9
Lifestyle | pg. 2
Entertainment | pg. 3
Opinion | pg. 4
Sports | pg. 6
Raising drug awareness
Fun Page | pg. 9
Shop Walmart for your
MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS
215 E. 3 Mile Rd. • Palmhurst • 519-8453
1705 Exp. 83 • Peñitas • 580-6840
Classifieds | pg. 11
lifestyle
May 6, 2016
page 2
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Volunteers donate $73,000 Spring Fling benefits RGV to MRMC Diabetes Association
EVENTS CALENDAR
May 7 – The Gladys Porter Zoo’s May Saturday Safaris start off with “Creature Feature” at 10 a.m. in the South Texas Discovery Education Center. The zoo is located at 500 Ringgold in Brownsville. Learn why animals have their unique characteristics that allow birds to fly, fish to swim and how polar bears survive freezing temperatures. Classes are $15 per child or adult. Children must be age 4 or older. Pre-registration is required. Call 548-9453 to register or for more information or email educ@gpz.org. May 8 – The Museum of South Texas History, 200 N. Closner Blvd. in Edinburg, hosts Rossy Evelin Limas who will preview her forthcoming book, “The Everliving Mothers of America.” It is part of a program discussing the influence of past mothers and goddesses who helped shape maternal culture over the centuries. The artistic works of Corina Carmona, a Rio Grande Valley native, will be shown. Her works represent maternal culture with striking paintings. The program begins at 2 p.m. in the Courtyard Gallery. May 10 – The Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association will host its monthly cooking classes at 420 S. Closner Blvd., Edinburg, at 5:30 pm. This month’s class will focus on “First Step to Diabetes Management” to show how people with diabetes through nutrition guidelines and diabetes meal plans. The classes are free to the public, but space is limited. For information, call 782-1900. May 12 – The annual Dine on the Lawn fundraiser of the Frontera Audubon Society will be held featuring a meal prepared by the Rio Grande Valley Chefs Association. For more information, contact the Frontera Audubon Society at 968-3275 or go to fronteraaudubon.org. Frontera Audubon is located at 1101 S. Texas Blvd. in Weslaco. For info, call 968-3275. May 13-14 – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine and UTRGV Continuing Education are hosting the “Healthy Communities: Mental Health, Substance Abuse and HIV Prevention Conference” from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the ballroom on the UTRGV Edinburg campus. Registration through May 11 is $150. Onsite registration on May 13 is $200. Registration for UTRGV students is available through May 11 at $50 per person. Continuing medical education (CME) credits are available for physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners for an additional $50 per person. To register, visit utrgv.edu/ce. For special accommodations, call 665-2071 or email continuinged@utrgv.edu. May 14 – Aglow International Spanish Lighthouse Chapter of Mission will meet at Emmanuel Adult Day Care, 1312 Oblate Ave., Mission, at 9:30 a.m. for a continental breakfast. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. with Pastor Ruben Reyes Morales as the speaker. He pastors at La Iglesia Del Cuerpo de Cristo in McAllen. For more information, call Lisa Gomez at 776-8505; Sandy Rodriguez, 588-9313; or Gaby Rodriguez, 240-6607. May 14 – Toddlers can learn more about nature and butterflies at the next monthly Edinburg World Birding Center Toddler Play Date. For ages 1 to 4, it runs from 9 to 10:30 a.m. each month and may include interactive puppet shows, storytelling, crafts, free time and guided nature walks. Cost is $2 and free for one guardian. Space is limited; registration is required. To register, call 383-9922. The EWBIC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. (To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to ptrgv.)
PARKS CALENDAR
REUNIONS &MEETINGS
Dora Banda (left), Mission Regional Medical Center Auxiliary board president, presents a check for $73,000 to Javier Iruegas, MRMC CEO, along with and Lilliam Santana-Barrera, MRMC director of Volunteer Services. The presentation was made at the annual banquet on April 12.
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he Mission Regional Medical Center (MRMC) Auxiliary made a donation of $73,000 to the hospital at their annual banquet and officer installation. Auxiliary Board President Dora Banda presented the check to Javier Iruegas, CEO of Mission Regional Medical Center. The check presentation was made April 12 at The Club at Cimarron in Mission. Funds donated are the proceeds from the hospital gift shop along with other fundraising activities held by the auxiliary. The incoming board members for 2016-2017 are Dora Banda, president; Martha Harrison, senior vice-president; Federico Salinas, vice-president of membership; Gloria Ibarra, treasurer; Rosa Nea Garza,
assistant treasurer; Carmen Garza, recording secretary; and Nancy Martinez, parliamentarian. Nancy Martinez stood out as an exemplary volunteer this past year, contributing 1,600 hours to the organization. Approximately 115 volunteers donate their time each year, amounting to over 21,000 hours in volunteer service. Volunteers fill several roles at Mission Regional Medical Center, including escorting guests, helping behind the counter at the gift shop, and delivering flowers and mail all throughout the hospital. For more information about volunteering at the hospital, contact Lilliam Santana-Barrera at 3231104.
IMAS program honors mothers
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cALLEN – Treat your mother to a day of family-friendly activities at the
International Museum of Art & Science on Sunday, May 8, from 1 to 5 p.m. Join the staff in the Bio-
Getting ready for the May 14 RGV Diabetes Association Spring Fling are, front, left to right, Gaby Jones, Ruben Cavazos and Eugenio Uribe. Center row, same order, are Richard Gillett, event chair; Dr. R. Gillett, RGVDA board member; Laura Gillett; and Amir Elsayed, RGVDA board member/founder. In back, are Knox Jones, Luis Morales and Chef Larry Delgado.
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ISSION – The Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association (RGVDA) announces its fundraiser, “Spring Fling Bitsy Bites,” on Saturday, May 14, at Dr. Richard Gillett’s private ranch in Mission. It will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person for the food tasting event and more. Besides the food and beverage sampling from several area restaurants, guests can take a canoe ride, hike with exotic animals along the trail, participate in archery, bid during the silent auction and dance to two bands. Guests are encour-
aged to dress comfortably for the evening. There will be a variety of other vendors on hand, also. Musical entertainment will be provided by Johnny Walker and The Blue Labels and Lauren Coezine and the Cozmic Cowboyz performing a variety of musical styles. The RVGDA is a local and independent not-forprofit organization serving Hidalgo County. Programs and services are tailored specifically for this area and local proceeds from this event and others are used for the residents of Hidalgo County.
Zone to explore DNA and its impact on inherited traits while learning about maternal instincts during a special talk on the nature of animal mothers. Family members can stop to make an origami heart or tissue flower in the Art Studio to give to their
mothers. All activities are included with general admission. For special accommodations, call 665-2071 or email continuinged@utrgv.edu. IMAS is located at 1900 Nolana Ave., McAllen. Call 6820123 for further information.
The Mission CISD Board of Trustees, administration and staff extend sincere thanks to our teachers. We think that all of you are picture perfect.
Efrain Cavazos Alton Elementary School
Matilde Reyna Bryan Elementary School
Stephanie Salvatore Cantu Elementary School
Illiana Gomez Midkiff Elementary School
Guadalupe Saenz Mims Elementary School
Richard Obligar K. White Jr. High School
Dawne Hill-Varlack Mission Jr. High School
Maria Del Jesus Ramirez Castro Elementary School
Nancy Ramirez Cavazos Elementary School
Melissa Garcia Escobar/Rios Elementary School
Melinda Y. Perez Leal Elementary School
Sheila Peña Marcell Elementary School
Imba Ramsey Karla Garza Newcomers Academy O’Grady Elementary School
Sonia A. Treviño Pearson Elementary School
Samuel Tagle III Salinas Elementary School
Corina Avila Waitz Elementary School
Cecilia VillarrealRodriguez Alton Memorial Jr. High School
Manuel M. Villarreal R. Cantu Jr. High School
Alfredo Barreiro Veterans Memorial High School
Jesus H. Montemayor Mission Collegiate High School
Armando Salas Mission Options Academy
Mario Perez Roosevelt Alternative School
Imelda R. Becho Mission High School
Support provided by:
entertainment
Olga Valle-Her
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Museum on Saturday, May 7, from 1 to 5 p.m. The museum is located at 1800 N. Congress Ave. in Austin. The all-star line-up includes former Big Squeeze Champs Juan Longoria, Los Morales Boyz featuring Na-
NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Jan Seale
Step back in time: 1960s Quinta Mazatlan
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cALLEN – The staff at Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center will recreate the vibe of the Age of Aquarius and the original 1960s Quinta Mazatlan Coffee House on Thursday, May 12, at 6 p.m. for an evening of history, culture, and entertainment. Texas Poet Laureate Jan Seale will recite her nature poetry, as well McAllen’s first Poet Laureate Olga Valle-Herr. A few special guests will read parts of the short story, “The Bonus Tree” and talk about the history of the coffee house during the 1960s. Seale, the 2012-13 Texas Poet Laureate, is a longtime
resident of McAllen. Her book, titled “Valley Ark,” composed of 50 poems with photos captured by her son on the flora and fauna of the Rio Grande Valley, is a favorite among locals. Seale has written trail scripts and captions for Quinta Mazatlan, as well as editing several Valley Land Fund pictorial volumes. She has taught writing at three universities and has held a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship. The $3 park admission includes the program; no advance reservation is required. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset in McAllen. For information, call 681-3370.
MAC plans 7th Annual Fine Art Exhibit
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cALLEN – The McAllen Arts Council (MAC) has announced the seventh annual McAllen Arts Council Fine Arts Exhibit. The opening reception will be held at the McAllen Creative Arts Incubator, 601 N. Main Street, during the Art Walk event tonight, May 6. This year, MAC and the Creative Incubator are collaborating to recognize and showcase a visual exhibit by past and present Incubator tenants as well as invited artists.
Creative Incubator is a venue that offers low cost studios for start-up artists to foster the creativity of the tenants and provide emerging artists and organizations with managerial, legal, and technical support. The pieces will remain on display through the end of May and are available for sale. The exhibition will be open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, contact Laura Robles at 687-2787 or by email at lrobles@mcallencvb.com.
Big Squeeze Festival celebrates 10th anniversary
USTIN – In a “Long Live the Accordian” tribute, a concert celebrating the 10th anniversary of Texas Folklife’s Big Squeeze Accordion Contest will be held at the Bullock Texas State History
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
La Joya students need public support in national contest
Coming Attractions
May 6-7 • The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Ballet Company will present its first annual concert, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex (PAC) on the Edinburg Campus. Tickets will be available at the PAC Box Office one hour before the performances. General admission tickets are $5 for adults, seniors, students and children. For information, contact the Dance Program office at 665-2230 to request a reservation form. May 7 • The Mission Lions Club’s 4th Annual Mud Volleyball Tournament at 4-3/4 Mile N. Conway in Alton. Play begins at 9 a.m. There will be food, mobile pet adoption, Segway rides and Kids’ Fun Zone with carnival rides, moon jumps, rock walls and more. New this year is the Daniel Gerlach Texas Lions Camp Cook-off, an IBCA-sanctioned event, with music entertainment lined up throughout the day. Proceeds benefit the Texas Lions Camp for Handicapped Children. Go to Mission Lions Club Mud Volleyball on Facebook to download for sign-up fees and application forms. Admission is free and open to the public to cheer on the teams and check out the vendor booths. • The RGV Bandidas will meet shoulder to shoulder and elbow to arm in a roller derby bout at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Team Purple will face off Team Teal in a serious rematch of hard-hitting action at the De Leon Soccer Complex, 4238 N. 29th St. in McAllen. Ticket prices are $10 for Suicide (front row), $8 at the door and $5 presale or $4 for kids. Tickets are available online at RGVBandidas2015.bpt.me or in-person at the gate. • The Museum of South Texas History will host a double performance featuring 60 students with the Alvarez Elementary Folklórico Dance Academy and the Alvarez Elementary Drum Line at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 7. The program is included in the regular museum admission ranging from free for MOSTHistory members and children ages 3 and under to $7 for adults ages 18 and over. The museum is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd. in Edinburg. May 12 • Members of the McAllen Symphonic Band and the South Texas College Music Department present “Chamber Music for Winds” at 7 p.m. at the South Texas College Cooper Center Black Box Theater, 3200 Pecan Blvd., McAllen. The program features music by Haydn, Danzi, Gounod and others. Admission is free. May 14 • The Upper Valley Art League hosts the opening reception for Shirley M. Ingram’s art exhibit, “Boundless and Bold,” from 7 to 9 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through June 4 at the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th St. in Mission, through June 4. Ingram will be in attending, and some of the works will be available for sale. Refreshments will be served, and the public is invited to the free event. (To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to ptrgv.com)
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May 6, 2016
chito Morales, Keyun Dickson and the Zydeco Masters, the Dallas Street Ramblers featuring Elizabeth Kelley, and the All Around Czechs featuring Brandon Hodde and Garrett Neubauer. The event is free and
open to the public and takes place outside on the Lone Star Plaza. Accordian fans should bring their folding chairs and dancing shoes. For more information, call 512-441-9255 or visit TexasFolklife.org.
Shoes create a unique canvas for the artwork of La Joya High School students in a national contest.
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A JOYA – Art students at La Joya High School have made it to the top 50 – out of 2,400 schools nationwide – in the 2016 Vans Custom Culture Art Competition. Using four pairs of blank, white Vans shoes as their canvas, contestants were asked to create their most artistic and inventive designs. The general public can now help the students make it to the top five out of the 50, based on the most online votes received. Online votes can be cast at http://sites. vans.com/customculture for La Joya High School. Vot-
ing will remain open until Wednesday, May 11, at 5 p.m. In case of advancement, the students will travel to California in June for the opportunity to win $50,000 dollars for the school’s art program. In addition, the winning school will potentially see one of its designs produced for sale at select Vans retail locations and Vans.com, plus several other prizes such as a $25,000 partial scholarship to for one student to attend The College of Art and Design in Santa Monica, Calif.
Trash turns into art ‘Second Time Around’
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INGSVILLE — Millions of pounds of trash are discarded around the world daily. “Second Time Around: The Hubcap as Art” takes a small part of that trash and turns it into something special. The traveling exhibit will be on display at the John E. Conner Museum at Texas A&M University-Kingsville through May 25. It features 35 unique selections from Landfillart, Inc., a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit that solicited artists from around the world to transform discarded hubcaps into fine art. Artists answered the call and the metal canvases serve to empower artists with a message to incite creative thinking and problem-solving for environmental issues.
The artists reclaimed rusted hubcaps and transformed them into their own statements. Not only are these metal scraps saved from the landfill, but they are repurposed to convey creative and political messages about consumption in American culture. In turn, visitors are confronted with new perspectives of the material culture we live in. The museum is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and closed Sunday and university holidays. The museum closes to the public at 4 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month. Admission is free. For more information, call 361-593-2810.
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VOTE FOR SCHOOL BOARD Team Excellence Veronica R. Mendoza, PL. 2 Hector Gonzalez, PL. 3 Marina Salinas, PL. 4 J.C. Avila, PL. 5
Election Day Saturday May 7th, 2016 7am - 7pm
VOTE FOR CITY COUNCIL: Jaime Gutierrez Ruben Plata
Jaime Gutierrez
J.C. Avila
Veronica R. Mendoza
Marina Salinas
Hector Gonzalez
Ruben Plata *POLITICAL AD PAID BY AMANDA ZAMORA
opinion
May 6, 2016
page 4
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
Voter ID case sent back to Fifth Circuit exas’ voter identification law will remain in effect for now, but the U.S. Supreme Court has instructed a lower court to rule on its constitutionality before November’s election. On April 29 the Supreme Court temporarily upheld a stay granted by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Oct. 14. The stay has allowed the Texas law to remain in effect. Justice Clarence Thomas, acting on behalf of the high court, ordered the New Orleans-based appellate court to decide Veasey v. Abbott by July 20, well in advance of the November 8 General Election. The plaintiffs allege the state law’s requirement — that in order to cast a ballot at an election poll a voter must present certain approved photographic identification — places a discriminatory and therefore unconstitutional burden on blacks and Hispanics. Earlier decisions in lower courts found that the law did violate Section 2 of the U.S. Voting Rights Act, which prohibits voting practices or procedures that discriminate on the basis of race, color, or membership in one of certain language minority groups identified elsewhere in the act. Denial of a citizen’s right to vote and intentional dilution of the voting strength of a community of common interest are common tests courts use in determining whether an election law is discriminatory. The Fifth Circuit set May 24 as the hearing date, the exact date of the state runoff election. Also of concern is that poll workers must be trained in time to oversee and
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assist voters in accordance with any court decisions come Election Day in November. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton commented after the Supreme Court issued the order: “Texas enacted a common-sense law to provide simple protections to the integrity of our elections and the democratic process in our state. We appreciate the Supreme Court allowing the law to remain in effect at this time and look forward to defending the merits of our case in front of the entire Fifth Circuit next month.” Cascos reminds voters Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos, the state’s chief elections officer, on April 21 reminded voters that the law does not allow them to cross parties between the primary and the primary runoff election. “If you voted in a party’s primary or nominating convention, you must stick with that party for any runoff elections,” Cascos said. However, he added, “Eligible Texans who did not vote in the primary or participate in a nominating convention are free to vote in either primary runoff election.” Early voting in runoff elections will begin May 16 and end on May 20. Election Day is May 24. Obama grants disaster aid President Obama on April 25 granted Gov. Greg Abbott’s April 24 request for individual assistance to residents of the flood-stricken counties of Fayette, Grimes, Harris and Parker. “I would like to thank the president and FEMA for quickly granting Texas’ request for individual assistance following last week’s severe weather,” Abbott said. “The State of Texas will con-
tinue to work with our local and federal partners to aid Texans recovering and rebuilding from flood damages and ensure all those affected receive the assistance they need.” Citizens who reside in the affected counties now may apply for “individual assistance” grants of up to $33,000 and low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Alcohol stings are planned Last month, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission publicized its stepped-up effort to curb underage drinking during the prom and graduation season. Undercover operations are being focused on TABC's North Texas region and will target premises that sell alcohol for on- and off-premises consumption. Undercover TABC agents will accompany minor-aged volunteers into selected retail establishments that sell alcoholic beverages. “The minor will attempt to purchase alcohol from the retailer, who could face TABC administrative action if a sale is made. Retailers who sell alcohol to a minor could face TABC administrative action,” the agency stated in a news release. Motorcycle campaign begins The Texas Department of Transportation on April 27 promoted its “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign and May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. On average, according to TxDOT, a motorcyclist dies in a crash on Texas roads every day. Motorcyclists are nearly five times more likely than car or truck occupants to be injured in a crash and 26 times more likely to be killed.
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ongressman Henry Cuellar congratulated the students graduating from the following colleges and universities in Starr and Hidalgo counties: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, South Texas College, University of Phoenix “The past years of study you have invested in your future will pay off in innumerable ways. Not only will they
open doors of opportunity for you in your career, but they will make your mind richer and strengthen your character. “Although no one in my family had ever attended college, I found support in my family, friends and educators to be the first generation in my family to get a college degree. I now have five advanced degrees, which tremendously helped shape the
quality of life for both myself and my family. “Education is the great equalizer in our society, and I applaud you for your hard work and dedication. “As you embark on the next stage of your life, take the lessons you have learned in the classroom and out, from professors and classmates alike, as a foundation on which you can begin to build your life.”
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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.
May 6, 2016
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County judge receives 2016 leadership award
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Playing in the mud – big kid style
idalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia was presented with the 2016 Urban County Leadership Award at a luncheon on April 15 at South Padre Island. The Urban County Leadership Award was established to honor the contributions and work of individuals who have provided outstanding support to communities in the areas of economic and community development, advocacy and resources. In addition to the Hidalgo County Urban County Program and representatives from all four commissioners
precincts, the membership includes the mayors and other city leaders from the City of Alamo, City of Alton, City of Donna, City of Edcouch, City of Elsa, City of Granjeno, City of Hidalgo, City of La Joya, City of La Villa, City of Mercedes, City of Palmview, City of Peñitas, City of Progresso, City of San Juan, City of Sullivan and City of Weslaco. Garcia was presented the award by past honoree Paco Valentin, Texas state director of rural development for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “This year’s conference
theme of Building Culture and Community, strikes to the very core of what we do as public servants,” Garcia said. “The Urban County Program, and all those who work to build communities, are shining examples of leaders.” Garcia, who is serving his third term as Hidalgo County Judge, commended attendees for working to effect the change they want to see happen. As county judge, Garcia chairs Commissioners Court, the governing body that makes policy decisions that guide the direction of county operations.
More fun than playing in the mud as a kid is getting to do it as an adult. It’s all for a good cause at the Mission Lions Club Annual Mud Volleyball Tournament which benefits the kids at the Texas Lions Camp for Handicapped Children. The public is invited to go out and cheer on the teams on May 7, at 4-3/4 Mile N. Conway in Alton. The action begins at 9 a.m., and admission is free. Along with the mud-splattered action in the volleyball pits, there will be food, mobile pet adoption, Segway rides and the Kids’ Fun Zone with carnival rides, moon jumps, rock walls and more. The new Daniel Gerlach Texas Lions Camp Cook-off, an IBCA-sanctioned event, has been added, along with a music entertainment line-up throughout the day. Photo by Bill Leidner
City moves forward with new event center
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By Lea Victoria Juarez y way of certificate of obligation, Mission City Council approved a resolution to authorize $25 million for the new event center project at special called meeting May 3. The council also approved the acquisition of property for the event center, which is about a 10-acre tract of land out of about a 30-acre tract of land from Lot 185 of the John H. Shary Subdivision.
Mission city staff was authorized to enter into negotiations and execute a contract with Javier Hinojosa Engineering for the project. Their services are to include, geotechnical engineering, surveying, project management, inspection and material testing, according to City Manager Martin Garza. The $25 million will be used to purchase land for construction, the payment of contractual obligations in-
curred for construction and all related improvements and infrastructure necessary to access all public utility services. This includes off site infrastructure, rightof-ways, access ways, road ways and drainage improvements, parking spaces and other parking lot improvements, the renovation of assisting municipal buildings, the professional services in connection and the cost of issuance of the actual certificate of obligation.
Left to right: Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia, Hidalgo County Urban County Director Diana Serna, and Hidalgo County Precinct 1 Commissioner A.C. Cuellar Jr. Urban County Leadership Award.
Courtesy photo
ELECT VERONICA “BETTY” MENDOZA The Arnulfo “Tatan” Rodriguez, Jr. Family humbly asks for your vote for Veronica “Betty” Mendoza for Mission CISD School Board of Trustees, Place 2.
Sunday Worship Times
8:00 a.m. Informal 9:00 a.m. Contemporary 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Traditional 11:00 a.m. Childrens Church 5:00 a.m. Spanish Worship Dinner with Friends every Friday @ 5:30 Everyone is Welcome!
Join us for communion the First Sunday of every month.
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• Live Music All Day • Teen/Adult Division Ages 15 & Up • Food – Drinks – Music – Door Prizes • Various sponsor packages available • All net proceeds go to charity
IBCA Sanctioned Dan Gerlach Texas Lions Camp BBQ Cookoff For more information contact: Luciano Guerra - (956) 458-6681 Fax - (956) 585-2304
E-Mail - MissionLionsMudVolleyball@yahoo.com
All forms available on Facebook: Mission Lions Club Mud Volleyball
May 6, 2016
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Patriots’ trio on track to state meet
By Luciano Guerra hree Veterans Memorial track athletes have earned the right to compete on the biggest stage the University Interscholastic League (UIL) has to offer. The UIL Track and Field State Meet which will be taking place May 12-14 at Mike A. Myers Stadium at the University of Texas Austin. The three athletes are Fabian Garcia, Jesus Mata and Luis Trujillo. So what did these three talented athletes have to do to qualify for the state meet? Let’s backtrack (pun intended) a bit to find the answer. First they had to finish among the top two in their respective events at the District 31-5A Championship Track Meet to qualify for the regional meet. Mata took the regional championship in the 800m run, Trujillo placed second in the pole vault and Garcia took the district championship in the 3200m run and placed second in the 1600m run. With that taken care of, the trio then
had to do what only a handful of Valley athletes do from year to year. That was to finish among the top two in their respective events at the regional meet. Trujillo’s vault of 13’ 06” earned him a second place finish at regionals, Mata’s time of 1:55.46 earned him the regional championship in the 800m run and Garcia’s times of 4:24.13 and 9:30.36 in the 1600m and 3200m runs respectively earned him a second place finish and a regional championship to make him a state qualifier in two events! Patriots’ head boys track coach David Longoria shared what it was about Garcia that allowed him to qualify for state in two events when he said, “Fabian came into this season with a big challenge ahead of him. Last year he was not around for our district meet so this year he made a big commitment to us with hard work and dedication and that put him where he is right now. A first place in the 3200m run and a second place in the 1600m run. That was quite an accomplishment for him but he worked hard and earned it.” “Jesus Mata, our 800m qualifier was a champion at the regional meet as well,” added Longoria. “He struggled with events all year long. Last year he was very successful, coming in first in
most track meets, but this year I don’t think he won first in a single track meet. But he stepped up to the challenge at the regional meet. He went from fourth place with about 120 meters to go to second place and then he overtook the leader with about five meters to go.” As for Trujillo, his disappointing finish at the regional meet last year motivated him to do better this year. “Luis was our district champion last year so he had the opportunity to experience regionals but he was disappointed about how he did there,” explained Longoria. “I remember him telling me that we would be there again next year and that he would do better. Lo and behold, there were five guys going into the final mark of 14 feet, one guy crossed it but none of the others did. Luis however was the one with the least misses before that so that bumped him into the state meet.” As proof of what an accomplishment it is for the Patriots’ boys to have three state qualifiers in four events, the only other state qualifiers from the Big 7 schools were Karen Guerra of Juarez-Lincoln High School who earned the regional championship in the discus and the Pioneer High boys’ 1600m relay team that placed second.
VMHS track athlete signs with division 1 university
Veterans Memorial distance runner Fabian Garcia is among three Patriots’ athletes that qualified for the UIL State Meet. Here an exhausted Garcia raises his arms in celebration as he wins the district championship in the 1600m run. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra
Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) senior, Jordan de Leon has signed a letter of intent, accepting a track scholarship with the University of New Orleans. De Leon is best known for his performance in the shot put and discus events at VMHS. De Leon is pictured with family members and VMHS staff, as he was about to sign his letter of intent, officially accepting the scholarship. Courtesy Photo
May 6, 2016
Pioneer’s Mariah Youngblood delivers a pitch during the first inning of the Lady Diamondbacks 8-3 bi-district round playoff game victory over the Lady Cowboys. Youngblood won both of the Lady Diamondbacks’ games over the Lady Cowboys this past weekend. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra
Lady Diamondbacks sweep Porter
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By Luciano Guerra
or the second year in a row, the Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks are softball Bi-district champions. And for the second year in a row, it was the Brownsville Porter Lady Cowboys that they swept to earn that title. While it was a case of deja vu all over again in the first round of the playoffs for
the Lady Diamondbacks, this season has by no means been a repeat of their 2015 inaugural season. That’s because while last year’s 8-4 District 31-5A record did earn the Lady Diamondbacks a playoff berth, this year’s 12-0 record earned them their first ever district championship. So what is it about this year’s Lady Diamondbacks’ team that differs from last year’s? Pioneer head softball coach
Orlando Garcia has the answer. “From last year when I took this position, I came in knowing that I was getting a special group of girls because I had coached some of their older sisters,” Garcia said. “These girls have really grown together as a cohesive group. Last year was kind of a getting to know each other year and we did well. This year it’s been a matter
of working together and the girls have come through in seven innings of play in big games. And you can’t ask for anything more as a coach.” The Lady Diamondbacks’ two wins over the Lady Cowboys were by almost identical scores of 8-2 and 8-3. In the first game, which was played last Friday at Brownsville Porter, two players came through in a big way. “We had a sophomore, Fabiola Gonzalez our No. 9 batter, hit a homerun in the first game,” shared Garcia. “It was her first of the season. And Emily Michki did what she’s done all year long in that game by hitting two homeruns, one with two runners on base and the other a solo. She just brings so much to the table offensively and when you compliment that with our defensive play and our pitching, it’s just a tremendous team.” The pitching Garcia referred to is pretty much ju-
Pioneer shortstop Emily Michki prepares to round third base on her way home as she scores the Lady Diamondbacks’ first run during their 8-3 bi-district round playoff game victory over Brownsville Porter. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra
nior Mariah Youngblood. She’s the ace of the staff and she pitched and won both games against Porter. “We’ve got two pitchers, our freshman Madison Sparks who has pitched for us with no problems and Mariah who has the experience. Mariah has playoff experience and she knows what it takes to win big games,” Garcia added. In the fifth inning of Game No. 2 against Porter, Youngblood seemed to be on the ropes. She had already allowed one run to score, which made the score 4-3 Pioneer at the time, and she was facing a bases loaded with no outs situation. That was when her big game experience paid off as she retired the next three batters to get out of the inning without giving up any additional runs. “I knew that the score was 3-4 at the time and I just had to rely on my defense to make the plays because we couldn’t afford to give up
any more runs,” explained Youngblood. Then in the bottom of the inning, Youngblood pretty much cinched the win when she drove in two big runs with a line double to center field. “The infield was shifting to the left, the center fielder to the right and the left fielder was on the line so there was a big gap in left-center field,” Youngblood said. “So I said to myself, ‘If I don’t hit it there, these runs aren’t going to score.’ So I hit it exactly where I wanted to and I drove in both runs.”’ Next up for the Lady Diamondbacks is Corpus Christi Calallen in a best-of-three series. Game No. 1 is scheduled to be played at Calallen tonight (Friday) at 7 p.m. Game No. 2 is scheduled to be played tomorrow afternoon at Pioneer starting at 2. Game No. 3 (if necessary) will be played 30 minutes after the completion of Game No. 2 also at Pioneer High.
MAY 21, 2016 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Gabby Lerma Signs Letter of Intent
Veterans Memorial High School student athlete, Gabby Lerma, has signed a letter of intent, accepting a scholarship to Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma. Lerma will be playing volleyball for the university as she pursues her studies at the university. Progress Times photo
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May 6, 2016
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Parent conference raises drug awareness
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By Jamie Treviño ission CISD’s new task force, United in Safety, held a drug symposium April 30, to educate and warn district parents and students about the dangers of synthetic drugs. This parent conference is the first of its kind. It focused on synthetic marijuana (spice), bath salts and club drugs, such as ecstasy. Cynthia Wilson, task force member and the district’s Executive Director for Secondary Education, said that United in Safety was created to bring awareness to parents. “It [synthetic drugs] keeps changing and ever-evolving,” Wilson said. “It’s important that we continue to keep parents abreast on what’s out there. It’s for awareness.” Synthetic narcotics have led to a surplus in the poisoning of youth all over the country. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, since January, there have been 1,070 reported exposures to synthetic marijuana alone. “We’ve got to stay informed. So be proud that you’re here,” Superintendent Ricardo Lopez said to the attendees. “I want you to share the information you learn. Because this is about all kids.”
The symposium consisted of three different presentations. Speakers informed those in attendance of the signs they should look for to prevent their child from being influenced into using harmful substances. The first session was given by Mission PD’s Officer Adrian Alejandro. It offered a comprehensive look at the drugs young people have access to, the effects of those drugs and the legal ramifications if caught in possession of them. He told the parents that there was no exact definition for synthetic drugs, because they change all the time. “It’s basically any manmade drug,” Alejandro said. “The term is used to describe a wide range of chemical products that are ever-changing.” Alejandro said that spice is often sold in smoke shops legally, and because manufacturers keep changing the product, it is harder to make the drug illegal. “They contain a wide range of chemical combinations not meant for human consumption,” Alejandro said. “Which is put on the packaging. The product is sold as potpourri but used as a drug.” Alejandro, who has been with Mission PD for seven years, described an encounter he had with a young person under the influence of
obituaries
Ernesto Galaviz Sr. PENITAS – Ernesto Galaviz Sr., 65, passed away on Monday, May 2, 2016, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen. Mr. Galaviz was born in Los Altos, Tamps., Mexico on April 20, 1951, to Santos Galaviz and Virginia Gonzalez. Survivors include his wife, Gloria Hilda Galaviz; children, Nilda Galaviz, Nancy Garcia, Melissa Galaviz, Ernesto Galaviz Jr. and Gloria Hilda Galaviz; and several grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A funeral mass was held on May 4 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in La Joya. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview. Lazaro Hernandez MISSION – Lazaro “Larry” Hernandez, 51, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Survivors include his wife, Sonia Cantu; children, Samantha Marie Hernandez and Lazaro Hernandez Jr.; siblings, Eduardo Hernandez Jr., Emilio Hernandez, Eloy Hernandez, Sandra Marti-
synthetic narcotics at a movie theater. “He didn’t know where he was, and you could end up with a high like that,” Alejandro said. “And it could really hurt you mentally because you don’t know the effects those chemicals have.” The second session was presented by Carmen Villegas, the Program Director for Behavioral Health Solutions of South Texas. The information highlighted how parents could monitor and prevent the negative influence of synthetic drugs in their child’s life. “The parent is the most important influence on their child’s life,” Villegas said. “And they’ll engage with other people in their life, but the parents are the biggest. Your role is important.” During the presentation, Villegas selected volunteers from the audience to demonstrate a scene where a youth was at first surrounded by positive influences who protected her from the negative ones. As the exercise went on, Villegas slowly began taking positive influences away, leaving the youth alone and therefore more susceptible to negative influences. “The risk factors, the bad influences, were the ones sticking around,” Villegas said. “A lot of times life happens, and we forget that we
Scholarship Program
ATTENTION
All 2016 High School Graduates of the City of Mission, The Boys & Girls Club of Mission Will be Giving Out Scholarships to Qualified Graduates. All Applications are Due by May 15, 2016 Applications are available for pick up at Mission Boys & Girls Club 209 W. 18th Street, Mission, TX Or request by email or phone at: ccastillo@missiontexas.us or xsanchez@missiontexas.us PH: 956.585.3606
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See CONFERENCE 10 nez, Diana Mendiola, Israel Hernandez, Elizabeth Alcoser, Erica Garcia and Esmeralda Solis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eduardo and Irene G. Hernandez, and brother, Ernesto Hernandez. A funeral mass was held on May 2 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Lord & I Cemetery in Palmview. Efren Chapa Olivarez MISSION – Efren Chapa Olivarez, 75, passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2016, at Paxvilla Hospice in McAllen. He was born to Sotero Chapa and Idelfonsa Olivarez on July 9, 1940 in Vala-
deces, Mexico. Survivors include his wife, Sara Chapa; children, Roel Chapa, Jorge Chapa, Efrain Chapa, Eleazar Chapa, Juan A. Chapa, Sotero Chapa, Artemio Chapa, Mario Chapa, Hector Chapa and Sara Chapa; siblings, Sotero Chapa, Guadalupe Chapa, Oralia Solis, Paula Garcia and Elvira Chapa; and 32 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sotero and Idelfonsa Chapa, and siblings, Telesforo Chapa, Simon Chapa, Ramona Ybarra, Jose Salome Chapa, Manuela Alafa and Leonila Vasquez. A funeral mass was held
on May 2 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Lord & I Cemetery in Palmview. Julia Sanchez MISSION – Julia Sanchez, 87, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2016. Mrs. Sanchez was a born in Raymondville and was raised in Mission. She was a homemaker and pastored with her husband at Primera Iglesia Bautista Church in Mission for 37 years. Survivors include her husband of 71 years, Eleazar
Sanchez Sr.; children, Tony Sanchez, Eleazar Sanchez Jr., Joe Sanchez, David Sanchez, Esther De La Garza, Ruth Mancias and Norma Sanchez; and 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren She was preceded in death by her sons, Rumaldo Sanchez and Noe Sanchez. A funeral service was held on April 30 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in McAllen.
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CANDIDATES
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attorney served two terms as a trustee and was selected by teachers as the Texas Classroom Teachers Association School Board Member of the Year. As a board member, a few of her priorities were to see the growth of the arts programs and the district’s reading initiative. From a facilities standpoint, she is determined to see the completion of Mission High School, which has had ongoing construction since 2008. Salinas is a teacher in the Sharyland school district and is the daughter of Mayor Norbeto Salinas. She made a promise to the constituents that if O’Caña-Olivarez didn’t have an opponent, she would run against the attorney. Salinas said she feels that the district needs to have someone with first-hand teaching knowledge sitting on the board of trustees. Place 5 candidates are incumbent J.C. Avila and Charlie Garcia III. Avila is Mission’s project manager for public works. Past experience includes being the director of the Mission Boys & Girls club and volunteering with students for more than 15 years. According to his campaign announcement, his goal is seeing the completion for the pending projects such as the agricultural farm, Mission High School construction and renovation and the new central office. Garcia is an architect and comes from a family that is rooted in Mission. He believes he’ll be able to offer his expertise when it comes
to construction projects, which has been a hot topic with the board given the various construction and renovation projects. Treviño, Zamora, O’Caña-Olivarez and Garcia are running on one slate. Mendoza, Gonzalez, Salinas and Avila are running on another slate. Mission City Council For council Place 2, the candidates are Ruben Plata, Oscar Martinez and Joe “Louie” Sanchez. Plata has served two terms as a city councilman. The incumbent’s main goal for the city is to improve the quality of life for families. Some of his ideas to accomplish this include providing more activities for families, family-friendly bike trails, a pet’s park and general improvements to the park system. The incumbent stresses voter turnout for Election Day. Martinez is a former Mission CISD school board member. He did not return calls from Progress Times before this article went to press. Sanchez is a first-time candidate who seeks to unseat Plata. The public relations manager at Flores Funeral Home said his biggest concern is Mission’s economic development. While he sees the surrounding cities grow, he thinks Mission is getting left behind, which is what inspired him to run for office. “We need to sit down with people at the EDC to see what we can do to get people to invest here. Why were we not creating jobs? Why are
people not spending money here?” Sanchez said. “I chose to challenge the Place 2 incumbent because I feel he is out of touch with Mission and I believe this now more than ever after speaking to people during early voting.” The candidates for Place 4 are Armando “Doc” O’Caña and Jaime Gutierrez. O’Caña has sat on the council for more than nine years. He works for La Joya ISD as the emergency operations coordinator and safety director, and is a former fire chief for Mission. One of his reasons for running again is to see the completion of unfinished projects such as the expansion for the Anzalduas Bridge, construction of a second bridge at Madero and the building of the rail bridge. Gutierrez ran for mayor in the last election and lost to Norbeto Salinas. In his campaign announcement, he stated that he has served as a board member of Silver Ribbon Community, Zoning Board of Adjustments, OCN and is a member of Mission Historical Museum. The skills that he’s honed from these positions include collaboration, policy development, being a good listener and an eclectic approach to problem solving. Gutierrez said he understands voters might get confused with the various elections that have occurred in the last few months, but emphasized the importance of casting a ballot. “We invite the community to come out and vote and participate so they can have their voice heard,” he said.
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CONSTRUCTION prevailing wages and fringe benefits for corresponding work on similar projects in the area. According to Econ, the rate approximated up to an additional $500,000 to the project. However, $1.5 million is deducted from the total budget of $33.2 million for the Child Nutrition Program’s equipment because those funds come from federal sources. Accrued interest With regards to the bond interest money, all the money that has been generated through interest revenue on the bonds has been invested in projects for the school district, according to Rumalda Ruiz, the assistant superintendent of finance. This includes construction, furnishing and equipping the buildings for those projects. But interest hasn’t been significant since the 2008 depression, Ruiz said. Revenue is not as high as administration would like it to be. “On the 2008 bond that was passed, the majority of those projects hadn’t even started by 2013. Technically, you want those finished in four years,” Lopez explained. “So when we start those projects in 2013, the cost has significantly increased no matter what project we were doing. So the money that we generated on interest, you lose because
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ach Mission CISD campus has made their selections for Teacher of the Year at their school. These top educators were then entered into the Mission CISD Teacher of the year program. From this program, one elementary and one secondary teacher will be selected to represent Mission CISD in the Regional Teacher of the Year contest. 15 elementary Campus Teachers of the Year for this year are: Efrain Cavazos, Alton Elementary; Matilde Reyna, Bryan Elementary; Stephanie Salvatore, Cantu Elementary; Maria Del Jesus Ramirez, Castro Elementary; Nancy Ramirez, Cavazos Elementary; Melissa Garcia, Escobar/Rios Elementary; Melinda Y. Perez, Leal
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CITY CITY OF OF MISSION’S MISSION’S GENERAL GENERAL CITY CITY ELECTION ELECTION MAY 7, 2016 MAY 7, 2016 ELECTION ELECTION DAY DAY POLLING POLLING LOCATION LOCATION 7:00 7:00 am am -- 7:00 7:00 pm pm Precincts Precincts 9 & 103 9 & 103
Poll Location Poll Location Bryan Elementary Bryan Elementary
10, 82 & 102 10, 82 & 102 28, 78, 98, 99, 210, 218 & 28, 78, 98, 99, 210, 218 & 219 219 29, 93, 94, 128, 145, 185 29, 93, 94, &128, 187 145, 185 187 203, 204, 38, 63, 83,&188, 38,215, 63, 220, 83, 188, 204, 236203, & 248 215, 220, 236 & 248
Castro Elementary Castro Elementary Mission High School Mission High School Pearson Elementary Pearson Elementary Boys & Girls Club at Boys & Girls Club Bannworth Park at Bannworth Park
Address Address 1300 Elm Dr. 1300 Elm Dr. Mission, TX Mission, TX 200 S. Mayberry 200 S. Mayberry Mission, TX Mission, TX 1802 W. 18th St. 1802 W. 18th St. Mission, TX Mission, TX 315 Holland Ave. 315Mission, HollandTX Ave. Mission, TXRd. 1822 N. Shary 1822 N. Shary Mission, TXRd. Mission, TX
you’re paying at a higher rate. “We did generate some money,” Lopez continued, “but when you turn around and you’re paying for something five years later, all of a sudden you’re paying a higher amount in wages, not only in steel and construction. We’ve lost a lot of money; that’s why it’s real important for us to get this off the ground.” Rick Rivera, the assistant superintendent for operations, said that every set of trustees and administrators that has been part of the process since the 2006 bond, has been “very fiscally responsible.” “On the 2006 $56 million bond, there were only 11 projects for those $56 million, an additional 24 projects were done with the same amount of money,” Rivera explained. “With the 2008 bond for $59 million, there was 20 original projects for that money, an additional 43 projects had been done.” The architects Three architects have also taken on the Mission High School renovation project since the process began, which has also been a reason for the delay. The board of trustees approved that the district enter into negotiation with Milnet Architectural Services on March 11, 2009, but on Feb.
3, 2010, it was discussed that the project be reassigned. ERO Intl. Architects was selected as the architect for the MHS renovation project on Feb. 10, 2010. On April 10, 2013, administration recommended approval for a new scope of work, but after a year of failing to produce a design that would meet the budget, ERO’s contract was terminated. PBK Architects was selected to take over the renovations project in October 2014. The home stretch Rivera said that administration is working on alternatives with Econ Construction on possible ways to lower the total cost, but still keep the structures at high caliber. Board president Patty O’Caña-Olivarez made it clear she doesn’t want to sacrifice quality for cost. “Do not bring cheaper material because then we’re going to wind up back here again with ‘Change order this, change order that.’ I don’t care what board I’ve served on, none of us have liked change orders,” O’Caña-Olivarez said. “If you want to change the structure of the roof make sure it’s comparable. We’re in it, we all made a commitment to finish it.”
Campus teachers of the year announced
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Location Location Cafeteria Cafeteria Cafeteria Cafeteria Fine Arts Bldg. Fine Arts Bldg. Cafeteria Cafeteria Gym Gym
Elementary; Sheila Peña, Marcell Elementary; Illiana Gomez, Midkiff Elementary; Guadalupe Saenz, Mims Elementary; Karla Garza, Newcomers Academy; Imba Ramsey, O’Grady Elementary; Sonia A. Treviño, Pearson Elementary; Samuel Tagle III, Salinas Elementary; Corina Avila, Waitz Elementary. The nine secondary Campus Teachers of the Year are: Cecilia Villarreal-Rodriguez, Alton Memorial Jr. High; Richard Obligar, K. White Jr. High; Dawne Hill-Varlack, Mission Jr. High; Manuel M. Villarreal, R. Cantu Jr. High; Imelda R. Becho, Mission High; Alfredo Barreiro, Veterans Memorial High; Jesus H. Montemayor, Mission Collegiate High;
CONFERENCE need to engage and maintain positive attitudes toward our youth.” Villegas also talked about how students are still growing and are therefore changing. Parents, she explained, need to remember and be aware of that. “They know what’s right and wrong,” she said. “But even as adults we like positive reinforcement. And we forget to challenge these students.” She informed the audience that it is important to be there for children so they feel encouraged and more informed on the right decisions, as their brains are still developing. Villegas said that positivity and care needs to come from home, from the parents. The last session was presented by Miguel Lopez, a clinical social worker from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He is part of a new clinic for children ages 12-18, the John Austin Peña Memorial
Armando Salas, Mission Options Academy; Mario Perez, Roosevelt Alternative. Each of these teachers filled out a questionnaire used in the Texas Teacher of the Year program. A panel of judges selected from the community reviewed the questionnaire. These judges make the final selection of the two teachers to represent MCISD in the regional competition. The decision will be announced at Teacher of the Year Luncheon on May 6, at Balli’s Social and Event Center. The district administration and Board of Trustees will also honor each campus Teacher of the Year during this special luncheon.
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Center, which helps those dealing with mental health issues and addiction. Lopez discussed the medical effects that using spice creates in a body. An example given was of a youth who was admitted to the hospital with severe hallucinations who had attempted to kill herself with a nail file. He said that the only thing she smoked was spice. Lopez went on to say that any time a person talked about addiction, they were talking about the brain, and that the U.S. Government recognizes addiction as a disease of the brain, because when the body gets used to it chemically, the tolerance becomes a need, not just a want. “You aren’t the best friend, you’re the parent,” Lopez said. “You have to break down the law from the very beginning and be honest. Teach them that it isn’t right. Teach them to be responsible, give them that opportunity.”
May 6, 2016
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Autos For Sale
2006 LINCOLN TOWN Car - Excellent condition, low miles, one owner. $6,200. Call 956534-1100. 2000 MERCURY GRAND Marquis - Low miles, good condition, $2,100. Call 956-534-1100. 2003 MERCURY MARQUES, like new, 51,000 miles, call 916-813-9635.
For Sale TWO STORAGE SHEDS, one 8X10, one 6X8, call for info 316650-2640 or 720253-8161. KILL FLEAS AND ticks faster, control mosquitoes with Happy Jack DuraSpot. 92% flea control in 24 hours. Contains NYLAR! RioFarm & Ranch Supply (716-8236) (kennelvax.com) MISC. 20’ ALUM. FLAG pole, new $35; pvc flag set plus flag, $15;
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Brake Buddy, $350; Pressure Pro, $300; lots of RV extra’s, call 248-207-1228.
Lots For Sale LOTS FOR SALE at Monte Cristo R.V. Community, single
CITY OF PENITAS REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS DESIGN BUILD SERVICES CITY HALL PROJECT The City of Penitas is requesting Statement of Qualifications (“SOQ’s”) from qualified and experienced firms interested in performing design/build services related to the City of Penitas City Hall Project, pursuant to the Design/Build Statute, and in accordance with the terms, conditions and requirements set forth in the Request for Qualification (“RFQ”). Statement of Qualification must be submitted to the City of Penitas, City Manager’s Office, 1111 S. Main St Penitas, TX 78576 by 2:00pm Central Time on May 17, 2016. SOQ’s received after this deadline will not be considered. Inquiries regarding this RFQ must be in written form only, and must be received by 2:00pm central time on May 13, 2016. The RFQ including project scope, Key Events Schedule, and Submittal Requirements may be obtained from: City of Penitas 1111 S. Main St Penitas, TX 78576 Ph: 956-581-3345 Fax: 956-581-3346 Rodrigo “Rigo” Lopez, Mayor ORDINANCE 2016-05-0412
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SIGN REQUIREMENTS AS SET FORTH IN ORDINANCES 1993-09, 2001-16, 2003-12, 2008-9 AND 2009-05; ADOPTING NEW SIGN REGULATIONS; PROVIDING FOR EFFECTIVE DATES; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. READ, APPROVED, AND PASSED on this the 12th day of April, 2016. Salvador Vela, Mayor, City of Alton ATTEST: Baudelia Rojas TRMC|CPM, City Secretary
Personal classified rate: $7 for 15 words
25¢ each additional word thereafter
Business classified rate: $15 for 15 words
25¢ each additional word thereafter
and double deeded lots, available starting at $9,000, city sewer, water and electricity, full concrete, 512-4237929.
50AMP, approx. 35X65, corner lot, $18,000, lot K-13, 734-718-3398.
Lots For Sale
CITIZENSHIP CLASSES/ CLASES de cuidadania - call
WINTER GREEN ESTATES R.V. pod for park model,
Services
NOW HIRING
SALES REPRESENTATIVE Advertising sales rep needed to take over existing RGV sales territory with many established clients. This is an exceptional opportunity with excellent earning potential. JOIN OUR TEAM for a great work enviroment and no nights or weekends. Prior sales experience much preferred. Email resume to: resume @progresstimes.net Or call 956-585-4893. CITY OF PENITAS REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS PROFESSIONAL INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT CITY HALL PROJECT The City of Penitas is requesting Statement of Qualifications (“SOQ’s”) from a professional firm (Consultant) registered as an Architect or Engineer to provide a scope of services to the City of Penitas during the feasibility, development, and construction of the new municipal building. Statement of Qualification must be submitted to the City of Penitas, City Manager’s Office, 1111 S. Main St Penitas, TX 78576 by 2:00pm Central Time on May 17, 2016. SOQ’s received after this deadline will not be considered. The RFQ including project scope, Key Events Schedule, and Submittal Requirements may be obtained from: City of Penitas 1111 S. Main St Penitas, TX 78576 Ph: 956-581-3345 Fax: 956-581-3346 Rodrigo “Rigo” Lopez, Mayor
Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m. If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573 Submit by email or pay by phone 585-4893. The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 5 p.m.
956-380-3070. FLOORING SERVICE BY Uncle Frank, laminate carpet, tile, vinyl, etc. sales and service, 956-5339800. QUALITY COMPUTER & NETWORK repair, personal or busi-
nesses, PC’s, Mac’s, Laptops,
call Angel 445-3924.
956-
ORDINANCE 2016-06-0412 APPOINTING SEVEN MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS WAIVING SECOND AND THIRD READING. READ, APPROVED, AND PASSED on this the 12th day of April, 2016. Salvador Vela, Mayor, City of Alton ATTEST: Baudelia Rojas TRMC|CPM, City Secretary NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION, SERIES 2016 TAKE NOTICE that the City Council (the City Council) of the City of Mission, Texas (the City), shall tentatively convene at 4:30 p.m. on the 11th day of July, 2016, at its regular meeting place in the City Council Chambers at 1201 E. 8th Street, Mission, Texas 78572 and during such meeting, the City Council will consider the passage of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of certificates of obligation in an amount not to exceed $25,000,000.00 for the following purposes: the purchase of land for construction of an events center, the payment of contractual obligations incurred for the construction of the special events center and all related improvements and infrastructure necessary and reasonable to access all public utility services including off-site infrastructure, rights of way, access ways, roadway and drainage improvements, parking spaces and other parking lot improvements, the repair, rehabilitation and renovation of existing municipal buildings, the professional services in connection therewith and the costs of issuance of the certificates of obligation. The Certificates of Obligation will be payable from a combination of the City’s ad valorem tax within the limits authorized by law on all taxable property of the City, and a limited pledge of $1,000 from the net revenues from the operation of the City’s water and sewer system. The Certificates of Obligation are to be issued, and this notice is given, under and pursuant to the provisions of the Certificates of Obligation Act of 1971, as amended, Local Government Code Section 271.041 through Section 271.063. Norberto Salinas, Mayor City of Mission, Texas
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May 6, 2016