May 13, 2016 - Progress Times - Digital Edition by Progress Times

Friday, May 13, 2016

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MCISD, AGUA SUD, city council election results

By Lea Victoria Juarez ncumbents remain on the Mission City Council, constituents elect only two members of Team Agua SUD and Team United to Serve All swept the Mission CISD board of trustee race for the May 7 election. Mission CISD In Place 2, Dr. Sonia Treviño took 53.3 percent of the votes over her opponent Veronica (Betty) Mendoza. A total of 4,287 votes were cast. Treviño was on the board for seven years before she stepped down in September 2014 because her sister applied for an administrative position. Mendoza was then nominated for Place 2 and has occupied the seat since then.

Treviño said she is humbled by the outpour of support in spite of an “ugly campaign” due to behavior on social media. She is excited to be back on the school board and eager to start her term. “I think it’s just time to get to work and be accountable to those constituents that believed in us,” Teviño said. “We promised to be advocates for students and teachers and be fiscally responsible for our taxpayers, and that’s what we’re going to do.” Mendoza said that although she was not elected, it doesn’t change her passion or intentions for the community. “I am hoping the board continues to have the best interest in mind when it

comes to saving costs, selecting the best vendors, advocating for the students and the voiceless,” she said. “I am not going anywhere. This is the end to a new beginning.” Jerry Zamora received 57.4 percent of the votes for school trustee, Place 3, defeating his opponent Hector Gonzalez of Team Excellence. A total of 4,256 votes were cast. For Place 4, incumbent Patricia (Patty) O’Caña-Olivarez took 61.8 percent of the votes over her opponent Marina Salinas. A total of 4,312 ballots were counted. O’Caña-Olivarez will begin her third term on the Mission CISD board of trustees. She has been the board president since August 2013.

A total of 4,228 votes were cast for school trustee Place 5. Charlie Garcia III beat out incumbent J.C. Avila by receiving 54 percent of the votes. “I’m ready to get to work and ready to move the district forward,” Garcia said. Election results will not be considered official until canvassing. Canvassing of the results is scheduled to take place on May 18, at a special meeting of the Board of Trustee. Agua SUD Only two members of Team Agua SUD were elected for their respective positions. Team Agua SUD consisted of Homer Tijerina, Roger Hernandez and Jerry Saenz. Tijerina was elected for director for county place 1

‘Faith, family and football’

with 54 percent of the votes. His opponents Abel (Peco) Rodriguez and Adalberto Javier (AJ)Chapa received 3.6 percent and 42.4 percent of the votes, respectively. A total of 961 votes were cast. Director for county place 3 went to Hernandez, who defeated Roberto (Robby) Ayala. A total of 945 ballots were counted and Hernandez earned 53 percent. Esequiel (Zeke) Ortiz Jr. beat out Saenz for director for city of Palmview by earning 53.9 percent of the votes out of a total of 724 total ballots cast. The new board members will begin their term on June 1, according to an Agua SUD representative. The meeting for induction into office has not been scheduled, as of May 10.

City of Mission Incumbents Ruben Plata and Armando (Doc) O’Caña were re-elected for places 2 and 3, respectively. Plata took 52 percent of the votes and O’Caña earned 64 percent. Place 2 challengers Oscar Martinez and Joe (Louie) Sanchez received 18.9 percent and 29 percent of the votes, respectively. Place 3 challenger Jaime Gutierrez earned 35.9 percent. A total of 3,867 ballots were counted for Place 2 and 3,931 ballots were counted for Place 3. Plata has served two terms on the city council; O’Caña has sat on the council for more than nine years.

Baccalaureate scheduled for MCISD students

By Lea Victoria Juarez

Koy Detmer speaks at Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon

By Brittany Asbury amily and football have always gone hand-in-hand in Koy Detmer’s family. In honor of National Prayer Day, the head football coach for Mission High School gave the keynote speech at the Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon May 5. The Mission High School alumnus spoke about growing up in a Christian home and how his faith got him through football in high school, college and professionally as a Philadelphia Eagle. Detmer’s football career has come full circle. It began with him playing for his father Sonny Detmer, the then Mission Eagles football coach, to Koy becoming the Mission Eagles coach himself. “Coming back and being head coach here at Mission High School, it’s awesome to be able to go to work each day in that brand new facility at the stadium where I once played and have so

many great memories,” Detmer said. “And it’s actually not work, it’s actually what I love to do. For me, that little saying…’Faith, family and football,’ really holds true for my life.” As a Mission native who prospered in the world of football and returned home in triumph, Detmer shared some of the early memories that were the basis of his success as a person and as a football player. “Our home was a Christian home. My mom, Betty, made sure we knew Jesus, but it was in high school here in Mission where I came to know the Lord on another level,” Detmer said. “It was during this time that I began to learn what it truly meant to put Jesus first in my life, why faith was first in that little phrase of ‘Faith, family and football.’” Mission is also where Detmer found inspiration and a special verse that went with him throughout his football career. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their

TOP: left to right: Sen. Juan. (Chuy) Hinojosa, Mayor Beto Salinas, Rep. Bobby Guerra, Mission CISD Superintendent Ricardo Lopez at the Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon on May 5. ABOVE: Koy Detmer Photos by Jim Brunson and Brittany Asbury

“it was in high school where I came to know the Lord on another level,” -Koy Detmer

strength, they will soar up on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31) As a Mission Eagle, he said the verse had a little

New MHS basketball coach

A Valley newcomer was named as the replacement for Everardo Castellano, the coach that spent 21 years with the Eagles program.

more meaning to him. Detmer’s connections between his faith and football were further nurtured by his time playing at the University of Colorado,

See LUNCHEON 12

INSIDE

Lifestyle | pg. 2

Entertainment | pg. 5

District Teachers of the Year

Sports | pg. 6

couldn’t speak. He told the students about being unconscious for about a week and waking up to what felt like a bomb go off in his body. All he felt was pain, he said. He couldn’t move, couldn’t turn his head left or right, couldn’t lift his hand off the bed. He felt trapped. “The doctors had put me on breathing machines that they had never used before,” Warshak said in the 2013 Progress Times article. “They put me in a hospital bed that rotated me upside down and from side to side, to try to get my lungs to work better. My wife was told to expect the worst, and to get her affairs in order. Now when they say that, that’s code word for ‘He’s not going to live.’” But in spite of the circumstances, Warshak lived. He now has prosthetic legs, and his recovery journey led him to a team of amputees in San Antonio called the Cloud Walkers. With their help, he was inspired to train and complete the 42-mile trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in South Africa in

See BACCALAUREATE 10

David Deanda, Jr is recognized for his continued leadership and contributions to the business community in Hidalgo County.

See story page 8

Opinion | pg. 4

Ian Warshak

Governor appoints Missionite

Mission CISD held a luncheon to award the campus winners for teacher of the year, as well as announce the district recipients.

See story page 7

INDEX

ack to deliver a second testimony for high school graduates is Ian Warshak, a 1998 Mission High School alumnus. Warshak will be the keynote speaker at the Mission Baccalaureate Ceremony on May 19. There ceremony will be comprised of students from Mission High School, Veterans Memorial High School, Mission Collegiate and Mission Options Academy. Students opt to participate in the privately funded non-denominational event put on by a woman’s prayer group that took over the service in 1975. “I think it’s a neat opportunity for the students that are graduating,” said Maritza Esqueda, the Baccalaureate Service committee’s co-chair. “There’s no other opportunity to get students from each high school all together for a faith-based event because religion is such a touchy subject in school. We’re very fortunate to have a superintendent that allows us to put on this event.” A student-led prayer will open and close the ceremony, and during the ceremony, a representative from each school will share an inspirational quote with the attendees. Warshak will then have the opportunity to give his testimony. The software developer fell ill with pneumonia in 2012 and eventually required the amputation of his fingers and legs. Warshak spoke of his experience at the 2013 Baccalaureate ceremony. He described how he had to use his phone to communicate because he was on oxygen and

See story page 10

Obituaries | pg. 9

Classifieds | pg. 11

lifestyle

UTRGV graduation set for May 13-14

D I N B U R G / BROWNSVILLE – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley will graduate more than 3,000 students during four Spring Commencement ceremonies – one at the Brownsville campus, and three others at the Edinburg campus. The ceremonies take place at the UTRGV Brownsville Campus at the Student Union Lawn at 6 p.m. for all colleges, and for Math and Science Academy (MSA) students. Students from the Edinburg campus will receive their diplomas at the McAllen Convention Center at 9 a.m. for the College of Business & Entrepreneurship, College of Sciences and College of Education & P-16 Integration. At 1 p.m., students will walk for the College of Engineering & Computer Science and College of

Liberal Arts programs. That ceremony will be followed at 5 p.m. for the College of Fine Arts and College of Health Affairs. Tickets will not be issued to attend the Brownville commencement ceremony, but tickets will be required at all times to attend any of the three ceremonies held at the McAllen Convention Center. Seating will be on a firstcome, first-serve basis at both locations. In the event of a weather cancellation in Brownsville, Commencement will be moved to 6 p.m. on Friday, May 13, at the McAllen Convention Center. Notification will be provided 24 to 48 hours before a change of location. For individuals unable to attend the ceremonies, a live stream will be offered at YouTube.com/utrgv/live.

Letter carriers round up food for hungry

HARR – The general public can help Stamp Out Hunger on Saturday, May 14, as the National Association of Letter Carriers’ Food Drive celebrates its 24th year helping to feed the hungry through their annual one-day food round-up. This year, 200,000 brown paper bags will be distributed throughout the Valley to help encourage more donations. Valley residents can leave non-perishable food items in the bag by their mail box on Saturday morning for their letter carrier to pick it

up. The food items will be distributed locally to those in need throughout the Valley. The Food Drive effort is the nation’s largest single-day drive. Millions of pounds of food are collected each year with a running grand total of more than 1.4 billion pounds of food collected since the drive began in 1992. For more information, contact Omar I. Rodriguez with the RGV Food Bank at 904-4514 or omarir@foodbankrgv.com.

McFarland runners to attend UTRGV’s Runners Clinic

DINBURG – In 1987, a group of Latino boys in high school organized a cross country team in McFarland, Calif. They had no experience or hope for success, yet Team McFarland became one of the most celebrated in the nation, and their story was captured in the 2015 film “McFarland, USA,” starring Kevin Costner. On Saturday, May 21, two members of that storied McFarland cross country team – Johnny Samaniego and Thomas Valles – will join local runners to participate in The University of Rio Grande Valley’s UREC Runners Clinic, on the Edinburg Campus. In a clinic session called “Chasing a Dream,” the former cross country team members will share stories about how they overcame personal obstacles and the power of teamwork. Early registration is en-

couraged. The cost of registration through May 15 is $10, and $20 from May 16 to the day of the event. The event starts at 7 a.m. with the sign-in on the day of the event. A Fun Run around the Edinburg Campus begins at 8 a.m., followed by six educational sessions at the UREC Building. Dr. Juan Gonzalez, CSCS, associate professor in the UTRGV Department of Health and Human Performance, will present a session called “Faster, Longer, Stronger,” in which he will discuss the importance of purposeful training and rest. Dr. Joey Cadena, DPT, of PhysioSports Therapy in McAllen, will cover running injuries, home treatments and signs that it’s time to seek help, in the “Am I Injured? Deciding When to See a Doctor” session. Nancy Rocha, a lecturer in the UTRGV Department of Health and Human Perfor-

EVENTS Events Calendar CALENDAR

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 – The Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association (RGVDA) “Spring Fling Bitsy Bites” will be held at the private ranch of Dr. Richard Gillett in Mission 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, there will be canoe rides, hiking with exotic animals, archery, a silent auction and dancing to two bands. Call 782-1900 for tickets and information. 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. May 14 – The next Gladys Porter Zoo Saturday Safari, “Extreme Life-Cycles,” begins at 10 a.m. in the South Texas Discovery Education Center, 500 Ringgold in Brownsville. Discover some of the world’s smallest creatures that undergo the most extreme physical changes during their life cycle. 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 15 – It’s Animal Play Day at Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold, Brownsville. Watch the animals interact with special treats and enrichment items provided by our zookeepers. This process is a vital component to the health and well-being of zoo’s animal residents. Play Day begins at 11 a.m. at Gorilla Island and continues through the exhibits throughout the day. It is included in the general admission. For additional information, call 546-7187 or visit www.gpz.org May 17 – Participants at the next book discussion at Speer Memorial Library in Mission will review “The Japanese Lover” in the library’s Community Room at 5:30 p.m. in Spanish and at 6:30 p.m. in English. Copies of the book are available at the library to check out by those who sign up for the book discussion. Stop by or call 580-8754 to obtain a copy and register for the event. Speer Memorial is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza Loop in Mission. May 17 – The Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association (RGVDA) will offer a free lecture on at the RGVDA office, 420 S. Closner Blvd. in Edinburg, at 6 p.m. The topic is “The Roll Your Pharmacy Plays in Your Health Care” by Nario Rene Cantu, R.Ph. The lecture is free to individuals with diabetes. To register, call the RGVDA office at 782-1900. (For daily events and upcoming weeks, see the full calendar at ptrgv.com.) mance, will explore eating habits for runners and the latest research, recommendations and products available to increase performance and how to prevent fatigue in “Eat your Way to First Place.” German Madrazo from the Valley Running Company will explain how to shop for a shoe that meets a runner’s specific needs, in the session “Cinderella’s Slipper – Finding the Right Running Shoe.” For more information or special accommodations, call 665-7808 or at recfitness@utrgv.edu

May 13 , 2016

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Juarez Lincoln students rank at Skills USA contest

PARKS CALENDAR

REUNIONS &MEETINGS

Sonia Hernandez and Eduardo Veliz

A JOYA – Students from Juarez Lincoln HS Career and Technology classes represented La Joya I.S.D. with a strong showing at the Skills USA state competition in Corpus Christi in April. Two seniors, Eduardo Veliz and Sonia Hernandez, walked away with first place awards – Veliz for cabinetmaking and Hernandez in HOSA. They are now contenders to compete at the national level this summer in Kentucky. The Huskies took top honors in every category and all 67 LJISD students who participated came home with a

prize. Overall, 8,000 students competed in the areas of construction, welding, auto tech, engineering, law, audio visual, and HOSA among others.

The community is invited to save the date for the upcoming Tardeada Zapateada hosted by the Mission Historical Museum (MHM). Admission is free for the Cinco de Mayo themed evening of food, fun and entertainment on Saturday, May 21, from 6 to 10 p.m. It takes place at the Mission Market Square, 200 W. Tom Landry. The public can enjoy folklorico and mariachi performances by local tal-

ents and learn about all that Mission has to offer. Representatives will be on hand with information from the City of Mission, MHM, National Butterfly Center, Mission Parks and Recreation, Speer Memorial Library, Upper Valley Art League and more. For information, call the museum at 5808646.

“Recognitions such as the ones our CTE students received build to our campus culture of success and reinstate the notion that anything is possible – that failure is not an option,” said Juarez Lincoln HS Administrator, Santos Palomo. “The experience was definitely a nurturing one and our kids can definitely use this state competition in their resumes, and portfolios when they graduate and go out into the workforce.”

‘Save the date for ‘Tardeada Zapateada’

IMAS summer camp registration opens

cALLEN – Registration has opened for the International Museum of Art & Science Imagination Operation summer camps. Each week this summer, activities will focus on different topics that incorporate science, technology, engineering, art and math skills. The classes are for children ages 4 to 14 and run from June

6 to Aug. 19. For ages 4 to 6, half-day camps are 9 a.m. to 12 noon or 1 to 4 p.m. A fullday option is also available. Ask about the appropriate at the time of registration. Operation Imagination includes all scheduled activities, instruction , supplies, a camp T-shirt and time to explore the museum. Call 682-0123 to register, or stop by IMAS at 1900 Nolana, McAllen.

May 13, 2016

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Now, Therefore, I, John F. Kennedy, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate May 15, 1963, and May 15 of each succeeding year, as Peace Officers Memorial Day, in honor of those peace officers who, through their courageous deeds, have lost their lives or have become disabled in the performance of duty. I also designate the week of May 12 through May 18, 1963, and the calendar week during which May 15 occurs of each succeeding year, as Police Week, in recognition of the service given by the men and women who, night and day, protect us through enforcement of our laws. I invite State and local governments, patriotic, civic, and educational organizations, and the people of the United States generally, to observe Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week in this year and each succeeding year with appropriate ceremonies in which all our people may join in commemorating law enforcement officers, past and present, who by their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities have rendered a dedicated service to their communities, and, in so doing, have established for themselves an enviable and enduring reputation for preserving the rights and security of all citizens.

Jose A. “Fito” Salinas Mayor

Anna Lisa Ruiz Commissioner

Mary Salinas

Victorio Salinas

Mayor Pro-Tem

Commisioner

Maria E. “Genny” Salinas

Mike Alaniz

Commissioner

City Administrator

Roberto Jackson

Julianita Sabala

City Attorney

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opinion By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Cruz ends campaign, Perry endorses Trump for president .S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, suspended his presidential campaign May 3 after losing Indiana’s GOP presidential primary to frontrunner Donald Trump of New York. The Indiana loss mathematically eliminated Cruz from achieving the necessary delegate count to gain the nomination at the Republican Party National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18-21. On May 6, Rick Perry, Texas’ former and longest-serving governor (December 2000 to January 2015) endorsed Trump for president. Perry, who dropped out of the GOP presidential primaries in 2012 and 2015, also signaled his availability as a vice presidential running mate for Trump. Cruz, who served as solicitor general under then-Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2012. Revenue total increases State sales tax revenue in April totaled $2.38 billion, up 3 percent compared to April 2015, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced May 3. However, Hegar said, “As expected, receipts from oil- and gas-related sectors continued to fall due to the ongoing decline in drilling activity.” And, he added, total sales tax revenue for the three months ending in April 2016 was down 0.8 percent compared to the same period a year ago. For the month of April, Texas collected the following revenue from those taxes: - Motor vehicle sales and rental taxes, $250 million, down 31.9 percent from April 2015;

- Motor fuel taxes, $302.9 million, up 3.2 percent from April 2015; and - Oil and natural gas production taxes, $147 million, down 36.1 percent from April 2015. According to the comptroller’s office, sales tax revenue is the largest source of state funding for the state budget, accounting for 56 percent of all tax collections, and motor vehicle sales and rental taxes, motor fuel taxes and oil and natural gas production taxes also are large revenue sources for the state. Preserving paper is goal Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush on May 3 announced the launch of a month-long campaign through which individuals who donate $30 or more will receive a Save Texas History kit that includes a limited-edition T-shirt bearing the words, “I saved Texas history.” The Texas General Land Office maintains an archive of more than 35.5 million documents and 45,000 maps dating back to the year 1561 and tracing the history of Texas’ public lands. But, Bush said, because no general revenue from the Texas Legislature is appropriated for conservation of the documents and maps, that conservation depends on private donations, map purchases and corporate sponsorships. Donations to the Save Texas History program are tax-deductible and can be made at SaveTexasHistory. org. Buckle-up program is set The Texas Department of Transportation on May 3 promoted its annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign, reminding Texans that properly fastened seat belts save lives. Police departments across

the nation will step up enforcement efforts from May 23 through June 5. In Texas, the law requires everyone in a vehicle to buckle up or face fines and court costs up to $200. Children younger than eight must be in a child safety seat or booster seat unless they are taller than 4 feet, 9 inches. “With Memorial Day weekend and the summer vacation season approaching, we’re urging people to buckle their seat belts every time they get in their vehicle,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “Every person in a vehicle — front seat or back seat — needs to buckle up. Not only is it the law, but seat belts save lives.” Alert: Post-flood car sales The Texas Department of Insurance on April 28 posted a consumer-protection message telling Texans: “There’s a reason why insurance companies usually declare flooded vehicles a total loss. Once an engine gets waterlogged, it’s almost impossible to ever make it right. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous sellers will try to buy these cars at auction and resell them to unsuspecting buyers.” The department suggests that shoppers look for the signs and smells of water damage, such as dirt or debris in the vehicle and the smell of cleaner or disinfectant applied to cover up odors. Also, the department suggests that a potential buyer check the vehicle’s title and vehicle identification number (VIN), have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle and buy from a reputable dealer. For more information, Texans may call the department’s consumer help line, 800-2523439.

May 13, 2016

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

The Rio Grande Valley needs families for children

By James Romero here is a crisis for Texas’ most vulnerable children and it’s time to do something about it. Currently there is a huge strain on the Texas foster care system because there are too many abused and neglected children and not enough places where these children can recover and heal from the trauma through which they have gone. When we talk about abuse and trauma, we have to consider what the child has gone through and for how long. Once the abuse has been reported and investigated, it is up to the state to decide what they will do with the child or children. Last year, there were 1,191 confirmed cases of abuse and neglect in Hidalgo County alone. There were 199 children placed in foster care in Hidalgo County and 120 others placed out of the county due to the shortage of foster homes. In Cameron County, 109 children were placed in the county and 46 were place out of county. In Starr County, a mere three children were placed in the county and 30 were placed out of the county; and in Willacy County, there were six children placed outside of county. First, there is the trauma of the abuse. Next, imagine being removed from the only

family you know, love and care about. A child’s world consists of family, friends and school – it’s the only life they know and understand. Here in the Valley, many children are removed from their homes with their siblings, and sometimes separated. Unlike other foster cases in Texas, sibling groups from the Valley tend to be much larger. There is often more trauma when the children are removed and placed into a foster home and then are split up from their siblings. The shortage of foster homes in our area means having to place these children outside the Valley area just to ensure siblings stay together. Living out of the area also places a financial burden on parents who are trying to rehabilitate with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and still maintain visits with their children. Our mission and ministry at Buckner International is centered around transforming the lives of vulnerable children and building strong families. We are people who are compelled by our faith. We have a network of expertise and professional excellence. When you choose to be a Buckner family, you are becoming part of a family much larger than yourself, a family that has a heritage of caring for children and families for more than 136 years.

Scripture commands us in James 1:27 “to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” Children in our community desperately need strong, loving families willing to live out the James 1:27 call to open their homes for hope and healing. Let’s keep children in their home counties to lessen the trauma involved with removal. Let’s be people who live out their faith in action every day by caring for children in distress. May 26, Buckner Children and Family Services will host an interest meeting for people who are curious about how foster care works and what it takes to be involved. Buckner has been dedicated to providing services that help strengthen at-risk children and families in the Rio Grande Valley since 1974. Last year in the Valley, Buckner served more than 4,000 individuals through 20,000 points of service through residential group homes at the Rio Grande Children’s Home, community foster care services, community programs at the Buckner Family Hope Center in Peñitas and Services to At-Risk Youth (STAR). James Romero is the foster care case manager for Buckner Children and Family Services.

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Thank you for your heartfelt and trustworthy vote and support in electing me to serve four more years as your public servant Mission City Council, Place 4.

My Vision is Mission.

Now it is time to unite for one purpose that is for the betterment of our citizens. The support during this election was incredible and I owe it to you. I am honored and humbled with your trust and the opportunity to continue to serve, for this I thank you and my Lord!

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entertainment

Accreditation approved for PCT rolls full steam ahead with psychiatry medical residency program Shakespeare and auditions

HARR – Not skipping a beat after its recent, successful run of “The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit” by Ray Bradbury, the Pharr Community Theater (PCT) has launched rehearsals for “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged.” Auditions for the next play follows, a Spanish language drama/tragedy called, “El Color De Nuestra Piel,” by Celestino Goroztiza. “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged” opens June 23 through July 2 with three actors, under the direction of Isidro Lerma, who is also chairman of the board for PCT and one of the artistic directors. Assisting him with direction will be Rise Morris. “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged is a play where three actors perform all of William Shakespeare’s plays in under two hours while playing all the parts. “We perform all of his plays in a very unconventional way from a rap of Othello to cooking show of Titus Andronicus,” said Lerma. “If

you know the plays of William Shakespeare this will be a delight to see. If you don’t know the plays then you will learn the basic storyline of every play and still be totally entertained. It’s a hilarious romp on the Bard of Avon and it’s very fitting that this year marks his 400th birthday. No play is forgotten as we pay homage to one of the greatest playwrights in theatre history, William Shakespeare.” On May 17 and 18, auditions for “El Color de Nuestra Piel” take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at the theater, 213 W. Newcombe Ave. in Pharr. This play runs July 14 through July 24 with rehearsals beginning May 23. Needed are seven men ranging in ages from 17 to 65 and four women ranging in ages 18 to 65 who can speak fluent Spanish. Auditions are cold reading from the script, first come first serve. Lucia Macias will be directing. For more information on the Shakespeare play, call 361-461-2874. For the “El Color de Nuestra Piel” auditions, call 956-655-9308.

Advanced nature photography workshop offered

OUTH PADRE ISLAND – The Rio Grande Valley Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist is offering an advanced nature photography workshop for intermediate and advanced photographers. The workshop will be held at the South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center on Friday and Saturday, May 20 and 21. Conducted by professional nature photographer Ruth Hoyt, the workshop will offer in-depth discussions on focus, exposure, composition and content. The class will gather Friday evening for Ms. Hoyt to get acquainted with the group, the gear being used and for the first classroom lecture. The field photography segment will take place on the scenic dunes and beach of South Padre Island in the early morning to take

advantage of the sunrise and morning light. The field trip will be immediately followed by additional classroom instruction and dialogue at the Nature Center, with a critiquing session for all participants. Following a lunch break, those who wish will return to the Birding Center boardwalks to incorporate the newly-learned techniques. Space will be limited in the workshop to allow for ample idea exchange and questions. Registration is required, and the fee is $150. A block of rooms is reserved at the Ramada Inn for those who wish to stay at the host hotel. Further details and registration are available on the RGVCTMN website at rgvctmn.org or by calling Heidi Linnemann, committee chair, at 787-2872.

Ingram exhibit opens May 14

he Upper Valley Art League hosts the opening reception for Shirley M. Ingram’s art exhibit, “Boundless and Bold,” from 7 to 9 p.m., this Saturday, May 14. The exhibit will be on display 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.

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Dinner with Friends every Friday @ 5:30 Everyone is Welcome!

Join us for communion the First Sunday of every month.

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By JENNIFER L. BERGHOM DINBURG – The people to choose specialUniversity of Texas ized experiences, work in Rio Grande Valley the community and do reSchool of Medicine has research,” she said. “The proceived accreditation from gram is trying to utilize the the Accreditation Council strengths of the Valley and for Graduate Medical Edu- help develop services and cation (ACGME) to offer a resources in the area.” Residents will be based medical residency program at the Regional Academic in psychiatry. The four-year program Health Center in Harlingen, will take in six residents and will practice at Valley a year starting July, 2017. Baptist Medical Center in Residents will gain experi- Harlingen and Brownsville; ence in various disciplines Rio Grande State Cenwithin psychiatry and will ter in Harlingen; Tropical treat patients of all ages Texas Behavioral Health’s throughout the Rio Grande facilities in Cameron and Hidalgo counties; the VA Valley. Dr. Francisco Fernan- Texas Valley Coastal Bend dez, inaugural dean of the System’s clinics in CamerUTRGV School of Med- on and Hidalgo counties; icine, said the psychiatry and at Origins Behavioral residency program will help HealthCare on South Padre meet the needs of a diverse Island. They also will treat the community that is greatly underserved in psychiatric same group of patients in an outpatient setting throughcare. “We are delighted that out their residency. Dingle said that with the the ACGME has approved the psychiatry residency shortage of mental health program for our School services in the Valley, this of Medicine. We are com- program will go a long way mitted to providing un- to developing a pool of psysurpassed training oppor- chiatrists who will stay and tunities for our students, practice in the community. There are about 1.3 milresidents and professionals seeking graduate medi- lion people in the Valley, cal education. This will but only 34 psychiatrists allow us to train commu- in practice here, she said. nity-minded psychiatrists About half of them work at committed to serving the institutions, and of the 34, Valley and improving the there are six psychiatrists lives and well-being of its who treat juvenile patients, but only one treats youths residents,” Fernandez said. Dr. Arden Dingle, full-time, and two treat UTRGV School of Med- youths part time. Psychiatry residents icine clinical professor of Psychiatry and Neurology also will collaborate with and director of the psychi- The UT Health Science atry residency program, Center School of Public describes the program as Health’s Brownsville Cama multi-institutional, com- pus on community outreach munity-based initiative that and research opportunities, emphasizes prevention, Dingle said. When the psychiatry early intervention, development, and the education residency begins next July, of residents in a variety of UTRGV will be sponsoring 136 residents in eight interventions. “We are going to be programs at three hospitals teaching them a broad spec- and several other healthcare trum of treatments with institutions throughout the a lot of opportunities for Valley.

May 13 , 2016

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Learn to create surreal portraitures

he Upper Valley art League will host a workshop, Surreal Portrait Painting, presented by guest artist Veronica Jaeger. The one-day class will be held Saturday, May 28, at the UVAL home in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th Street in Mission. It runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $80 for members and $90 for non-members. The course is limited to 10 students, with a minimum of four to form the class. It

is for ages 17 and up and is designed for all-level artists. Students will focus on the portrait but will need to challenge themselves to create a character out of their minds while using the traditional methods of painting in acrylics to achieve a more personal style. The painting will progress in layers and the finished painting will have luminosity and a sense of depth. For more information, contact Jaeger at verojaeger2013@gmail.com.

STC hosts Registration Roundup May 17

cALLEN – Expanded opportunities for South Texas College (STC) courses along with summer and fall registration will be available during the La Joya Teaching Center Registration Roundup on Tuesday, May 17, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Jimmy Carter Building, 603 Coyote Dr. in La Joya. The public is invited to attend this free event that will make the registration process more convenient for Western Hidalgo County residents. Being close to a college campus is often cited as one of the most difficult obstacles to attaining a higher education. For residents of La Joya and surrounding areas, this barrier was addressed in 2010 when the STC La Joya Teaching Center first opened its doors. Since that time, STC has continued to expand its offerings based on the needs of the community. “This upcoming Registration Roundup is an opportunity for current and new students, including high school seniors, to learn about courses that are available for

the summer and fall semesters while getting one-on-one help from our registration specialists,” said Dr. Rene Zuniga, coordinator of the La Joya Teaching Center. “We looked at the top majors and courses that were in demand for this area, and focused on making those available.” STC’s La Joya Teaching Center offers more than 40 courses. Starting this fall, associate degrees in education and criminal justice will also be offered. This is a significant alternative for local residents who can now earn these associate degrees close to their hometown without traveling to one of STC’s traditional campuses. In addition to certificates in business administration, human resources, information technology and human resources, developmental courses and popular science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) courses are also available. For more information, call 872-6717 or visit campuses.southtexascollege.edu/ lajoya.

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sports week May 13, 2016

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Covering Mission, Veterans Memorial, Sharyland High, Pioneer, La Joya, Palmview and Juarez-Lincoln sports

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Patriots overcome Tigers, advance to Area round

By Marco Torres

n the best of a three-game series, Mission Veterans Memorial pushed it to a third game after losing game 1 last Friday against the Mercedes Tigers in the bi-district round of the high school baseball playoffs. The Patriots ended game 2 in the sixth inning, winning by a score of 12-2 at Mission Memorial Veterans High School, Saturday, May 7. In the first game of last Saturday’s double header, the Tigers got to an early 2-1 lead at the end of the first inning, but in the second the Patriots’ bats started to connect and runs were scored. With a man on first base, designated hitter Ricky Llanas went for a sacrifice bunt, but due to a couple of errors by the Tigers, the play turned into an inside the park homerun. The bats continued to connect for the Patriots as they increased their lead little by little each inning, eventually ending the game in the sixth inning with a final score of 12-8, Patriots. Veterans Head Coach Casey Smith knows that after they lost game 1, game 2 was crucial if they wanted to keep their playoff contention alive. Smith said, “I think the

kids knew and the coaches knew that we had to play two more games on Saturday and that was our mindset. We’ve won two on a Saturday to take it to the next round and that experience plays a factor in coming out here and performing.” Game 3 took place 30 minutes after game two ended. Coach Smith knew that game 3 would be challenging, especially since the Patriots were going to face a pitcher that only allowed one hit in game 1 of the series “Our strategy early on was to work him and make him get those pitches up again,” Smith said. “Once he started to tire out in the fourth is when we opened up a little bit. We knew once we got past number 33, once we got past him, things were going to get easier.” With another fast start, the Tigers jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, but in the third inning Patriot Anthony Gonzalez brought in two runs off a base hit, to bring the score to 2-3. In the fourth inning, the Tigers started to show signs of a pitching struggle as they walked batter after batter, brought in two relief pitchers, and lost the lead. The Patriots then led by 6-3. Cristian Ramos, the Patri-

ots’ starting pitcher for game 2 and relief pitcher for game 3, was able to close out the series. “I feel good. We are bi-district champions,” Ramos said. “Day two we came out with a lot more energy than day one and that worked for us. We just need to continue to get better and work every day in practice and continue to climb and see what happens.” In the fifth inning, the Patriots’ bats connected. Combined with a couple of errors by the Tigers, that grew the Patriots’ lead to seven runs with a 10-3 score. The Tigers managed a small comeback in the sixth inning as Oliver Closner hit a three-run home run to bring the score to 107. But in the bottom of the sixth the Patriots scored two more runs, putting the game out of reach for the Tigers. Smith knows that in order to move on, his team needs to look for better pitches when they are at bat. “We struggled last night and really today too,” Smith said. “We are not swinging at good pitches … when you do that you make a pitcher’s life easier, especially a good one.” The Patriots next match up is against Flour Bluff High School for the Area title Saturday, May 14.

Taking the Lead

Eddie Galvan tags home to give the Patriots the lead for good against the Mercedes Tigers in the Bi-district Playoffs Saturday. Progress Times photo by Mike de la Cruz

Palmview wins bi-district championship Lobos lose battle but win war

By Luciano Guerra

The Palmview Lobos baseball team defeated Eagle Pass two games to one in the bi-district round of the playoffs to advance into the Area round for the third year in a row. The Lobos will be playing Brownsville Hanna in a best-of-three series starting tonight at Hanna and continuing tomorrow afternoon in La Joya. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

ore often than not, the team that wins game one of a bestof-three playoff series goes on to win the series. After all, they only need to win one out of two remaining games to take the series and advance into the next round of the playoffs. Fortunately for the Palmview Lobos baseball team, events that happen more often than not don’t always happen. And that was the case last weekend as the Lobos bounced back from their bi-district series opening game loss against Eagle Pass last Friday to take games two and three Saturday and advance into the Area round of the playoffs for the third year in a row. Knowing full well that his team was in a do-or-die situation Saturday, Palmview head baseball coach Manuel “Ricky” Garcia shared what he told his team prior to game two of the series when he said, “After losing Friday night’s game on an extra inning walk-off homerun, I told the kids not to let themselves get down because it would all come down to how they responded to the loss. I told them that if they responded like champions they would come out of it ok. I also told them that if they were going

to go down, they should at least go down fighting.” As it turns out, the Lobos did respond like champions as they took game two by a score of 10-0 and game three by a score of 9-6. Instrumental in the Lobos’ bi-district series win over the Eagles was the bat of senior catcher Cesar Rosales. “Cesar Rosales had a field day at the plate throughout the series,” Garcia said. “The young man was on fire and he put the team on his shoulders. He went eight for 11 in this series with four homeruns. There were runners on the bases for most of his homeruns so that helped the team. That’s not bad for a kid putting a team on his shoulders.” Next up for the Lobos are the Brownsville Hanna Golden Eagles in the Area round of the playoffs. Hanna defeated Edinburg North in a one-game playoff by a score of 10-3 to win their first bi-district championship in three years. “We’re playing Friday at Hanna at 7:30 p.m.” explained Garcia. “We will then come back to La Joya Saturday for game two at 1 p.m. and game three if necessary 45 minutes after the completion of game two. “Hanna is a tough team,” Garcia said. “Every team left in the playoffs is a champi-

onship team so it’s going to come down to which team wants it more.” Palmview is coming off of back-to-back trip to the third round of the playoffs. Two years ago the Lobos defeated Del Rio (2-0) in the bi-district round and PSJA (2-0) in the Area round before falling to Laredo Alexander (1-0) in the Regional Quarterfinal round. Last year the Lobos defeated Laredo United South (2-1) in the bi-district round and Weslaco (2-0) in the Area round, before once again seeing their season come to an end against Laredo Alexander (1-2) in the Regional Quarterfinal round. If the Lobos are going to surpass the past two years’ success, they will have to get past Hanna this weekend and the winner of the Laredo United/Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial Area round series next week. While that is the Lobos’ goal, they know that looking past Hanna can be costly so they are not about to take the Golden Eagles lightly. “One of the things that the kids have responded to is their wanting to move forward to another series every week if they can. So we’re going to go out and play our best each game because that’s what it’s going to take for us to advance,” said Garcia.

May 13, 2016

Mission High gets new coach

By Luciano Guerra

he Mission Eagles boys’ basketball program is undergoing some major changes. After 21 years with the program, 16 as an assistant and five as the head coach, Everardo Castellano has been reassigned and his replacement has been named. Peter Morales, a newcomer to the Valley, has been hired to revive the struggling boys’ basketball program at Mission High; a program that has finished at or near the bottom of the District 30-6A standings the past two seasons and that has not made the playoffs since the 2009/2010 season.. So who is Peter Morales and why was he selected as the man whose mission it is to restore the winning tradition once synonymous with

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Mission Eagles’ basketball? Read on for the answer to both of those questions. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Morales’ high school basketball career earned him scholarships to attend and play basketball at the junior college level and then at the university level. “After graduating from Socorro High School in El Paso, I earned a scholarship to play at Cochise Junior College in Arizona,” Morales said. “After that I attended New Mexico Highlands University on another basketball scholarship. That was where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree. I was then fortunate enough to get a graduate assistant offer at Sul Ross State University where I worked with head basketball coach Doug Davalos in what turned out to be both of our

Peter Morales has been named the new head boys basketball coach at Mission High School. Morales will be looking to lead the Eagles’ struggling basketball program back to its former glory. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

first years there. We won our conference for the first time since 1936 and I was able to get my Master’s Degree at Sul Ross State University.” Upon graduating from Sul Ross State, Morales returned to his hometown where he experienced a rather meteoric rise as a coach over his first three years. “I started my high school coaching career in El Paso,” explained Morales. “My first year there I was the freshman coach but I moved up to the junior varsity my second year. Then the following year I became the varsity head basketball coach at Bowie High School where we made it to a sweet 16 appearance my fourth year there. After that I went back to Socorro High School before moving on to Coronado High School which is also in El Paso. We won back-to-back-to-back district championships there and we made a trip to the re-

RGV 5A Soccer All Star Game: Lady Diamondbacks and Lady Rattlers came together to help the West defeat the East 5-0. Sharyland Head Coach Aaron Clemons, Stephanie Barrientos (SPHS), Priscilla Alanis (SPHS), Pioneer Head Coach J.J. Lopez, Taylor Marquez (SPHS). Nallely Garza (SHS). Not pictured Alyssa Ochoa (SHS). Photo by Progress Times

gional quarterfinals.” Morales took a year off from coaching when he accepted an Athletic Director position with the San Elizario Independent School District in San Elizario, Texas. However he missed having a direct impact on students so after just one year of being an AD, he returned to teaching and to coaching. This was last year but unlike his previous coaching positions this position was with a professional team in Mexico. Wanting to return to the states and coach at the high school level again, Morales applied for and was given the head coaching position at Mission High last month. While he is looking forward to the task at hand, which is to return the Eagles’ basketball program to its former glory, Morales had some appreciative words to share

about the man he is replacing. “Coach Castellano has been nothing but great during this whole transition,” shared Morales. “He has provided me with other coaches in the district’s phone numbers and schedules. So he’s been very, very good about it all.” When asked what his coaching strategy is, Morales said, “I believe in hard work and in teamwork. One of my mottos is, ‘Team is everything.’ I believe that if you work as a team, everything will fall into place. I’m a practice guy. By that I mean that if the players go hard in practice and they can show me that they can do it first and foremost in practice, they can also do it in a game and that’s how they earn my trust.”

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May 13, 2016

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MCISD selects elementary Teacher of the Year

By Lea Victoria Juarez ission CISD’s Maria Del Jesus Ramirez was selected as the district's elementary Teacher of the Year. But before she became an award-winning educator and earned two master’s degrees, her third grade teacher told her she would never amount to anything. Instead of letting the negativity cloud her learning experience, she used it to fuel her in her educational career. “That year I told myself, ‘I am someone and I will make something of myself,’” said Ramirez, a teacher at Joaquin Castro Elementary teacher. “As a 9-year-old little girl, I promised myself that when I became a teacher, I would never make any of my students (I call them my children) feel the way I was made to feel.” It was not until eighth grade that Ramirez met an educator that she felt cared about her as a student and a person. She said her teacher, Mrs. Garza, showed her that she had the potential to take on any career she set her mind to. Ramirez went on to graduate from Mission High School with honors and in the top 10 percent of her class, but she always felt like

she struggled more than her peers. This continued while she pursued a degree at the University of Texas-Pan American. It wasn’t until after she earned her bachelor of arts in history that she was diagnosed with dysgraphia and dyslexia at the age of 25. Dysgraphia is the inability to write coherently and dyslexia is a learning disorder characterized by difficulty reading. “Knowing that I have this felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders,” Ramirez said. “I now understood why it had always been so difficult for me. I could now tell the little girl in me…‘You are not stupid and you can do it.’” After receiving her teaching certification, she went straight into her first master's program to become a counselor. She then worked to achieve her master’s in education administration. She completed both degrees in two years and earned 4.0 GPAs in both programs. The first grade teacher is working toward her third and fourth master's degrees in curriculum and instruction (December 2017) and bilingual education (December 2018). She is a math UIL coach and helps out the campus robotics team. She has served

on five committees at Castro Elementary and is the grade level chair. In addition, she has served as summer school assistant principal and worked with central office personnel on curriculum-based projects. Because of her ability to overcome her learning disability, Ramirez said she doesn’t let her students’ behavioral or social struggles prevent them from learning at high academic levels. She implements rigorous and relevant lessons that allow them to explore knowledge on a deeper level. “My students are not concerned about who is right but are more concerned about working together to solve a problem,” she explained. “My students will leave my classroom having pride in the work they have created and with a sense of accomplishment and success.” One of Ramirez’s concerns with public education is that there is so much focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields, that students lack an understanding of the arts and humanities. By teaching students the concepts of centripetal force and artists, she believes the students will develop into well-rounded indi-

See TEACHER 12

I would like to thank the many people who

supported my candidacy by allowing my signs in their yards, holding signs in all kinds of weather, hosting events and providing encouragement. I thank God for guiding me and protecting me at all times during my campaign trail. Thank you to my family for their continued love and support. Thank you to all those who came out to vote for me. Voting is one of the most important freedoms we enjoy in our country; it was wonderful to see so many of you come out and exercise your right. Although the election did not turn out in my favor, I am grateful for the opportunity to have earned your trust and your vote. I am not going anywhere. This is the end to a new beginning!

*POLITICAL AD PAID BY CANDIDATE

VERONICA MENDOZA

Left to right: Mission CISD Secondary Teacher of the Year, Cecilia Villarreal-Rodriguez; and Mission CISD Elementary Teacher of the Year, Maria Del Jesus Ramirez. The two recipients were each awarded with $250 checks from Horace Mann Educators Corporation. Courtesy photo

Alton Jr. High teacher selected for district award

By Lea Victoria Juarez rowing up, being an educator was never on Cecilia Rodriguez’s list of possible career choices. And yet, Rodriguez was named secondary Teacher of the Year for Mission CISD. The Alton Memorial Jr. High teacher said that she saw her mother put in long hours, intense commitment and her own money into a profession. “I witnessed first-hand on a daily basis what a truly inspiring educator looked like, but I also witnessed what it took to be that kind of educator,” Rodriguez said. “I recognized at a very young age that the type of life a teacher lived was far too difficult for the compensation they were given, monetarily and emotionally.” Rodriguez helped her mother organize and decorate her classrooms, then used those skills in her own life when it came to planning parties, which were well-received by her peers. She had her sights set on law school when she entered college, but realized she didn’t have a passion for the political sciences. It wasn’t until Rodriguez was given an ultimatum of staying in the political science field and cutting ties with her English major that she realized her true passion. “My fondest memories as a child all have the same setting, the interior of a school,” the seventh grade teacher said. “As the child of a teacher, I was not only privy to all the behind the scenes moments with school staff, but I also had a deeper understanding of the great significance of those buildings and the devoted individuals in them.” The teacher of five years has duties that go beyond

regular school hours. Some of her staff leadership developments include being a UIL judge, coach, assistant coordinator and one-act play director. Rodriguez is the campus representative for Professional Learning Communities and Texas council of Teachers of English Language Arts. In addition, she is part of three different professional associations. Rodriguez said her teaching philosophy is based on the idea of imparting love and importance of knowledge and learning to her students. Part of her teaching strategy includes exposing her students to culture, history and art in all of its forms. “Student’s perceptions must be broadened to enable them to become the best individuals they can be,” Rodriguez said. Their understanding of the cast world that surrounds us gives them the curiosity to one day explore outside the confines of their city.” One of the issues Rodriguez sees in education is the lack of funding, which causes teachers to often share money between grade levels and spend their own money on classroom supplies. She believes that the community can alleviate some of the financial stress by means of fundraisers and volunteerism. “Students love to see members of their own community helping, this contributes to the ongoing need for positive role models,” she said. “Our children observe thee moments and will continually be inspired to serve as active members of our society…” Rodriguez said that working in an area with great poverty and need has allowed her to become a more flexible and creative educator. She works close-

ly with strategists and specialized instructors to stay abreast of what tools she can use to make sure her students have the highest quality instruction. The English teacher is a three-year member of the summer curriculum writing team and has also assisted in creating supplemental lessons that are used in each junior high throughout the district. In addition, she constructs specialized lessons for her gifted and talented students. Her aim is to challenge and engage her students, but she also feels that the community needs to do their part in teaching the kids. Rodriguez said she would like to see a mentoring program that involves successful citizens in the Mission community. A panel of judges from the district-serving area selected the Teacher of the Year. Rodriguez will now compete with teachers in the region to become the Region One Teacher of the Year, which is affiliated with the state and national programs. Mission CISD uses the same applications as those in the state and national programs. They include information on the teachers, including: professional background, educational history, community involvement, philosophy of teaching, and ideas on educational issues and trends. “Although it was never my original intention to become a teacher, I truly believe it was woven into the fiber of my being,” Rodriguez said. “As I cut laminated decorations, staple bordette to bulletin boards and constantly create new and innovative lessons for my students, I realize that despite the long hours, the intense commitment…it’s all been worth it.”

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May 13, 2016

obituaries

Francisco Espinoza Salas Jr. McALLEN – Francisco Espinoza Salas Jr., 69, passed away on Monday, May 2, 2016. Born in Mission, he was a long-time McAllen resident. Survivors include his

wife, Mary Ann Salas; children, Michael J. Salas, Veronica Y. Allen and Marco A. Salas; sisters, Hortencia Galvan, Sylvia Vela, Olga Salas, Elizabeth Placeres, Alicia Cano and Maribel Garza; and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death

by his parents, Francisco and Maria Salas, and a grandson, Joseph Salas. A funeral mass was held on May 6 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in McAllen. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Pallbearers were Arturo Galvan, Jr., Jerry Galvan, Salvador Vela Jr., Nick Vela,

COMBINED NOTICE TO PUBLIC CITY OF MISSION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ENTITLEMENT PROGRAM SUBSTANTIAL PROGRAM AND BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR ACTION PLAN 2015-2016 AND PROPOSED ACTION PLAN 2016-2017 (DRAFT) In accordance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the City of Mission hereby announces a public hearing to be held on May 23, 2016 at the Mission City Hall Council Chambers at 4:30 p.m. regarding a substantial program and budget amendment to the FY 2015-16 and the Proposed 2016-17 Action Plans. The Substantial Program and Budget Amendment for FY 2015-16 would eliminate the activity for Dentists Who Care, Inc. and would allow those funds to be reallocated to the City’s Mission Police Department Crime Stoppers Inc. for their Mission Crime Awareness Initiative throughout low income neighborhoods of the City of Mission. 1) (05I) Crime Awareness Mission Crime Awareness Initiative $10,000 And In compliance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant Program rules and regulations, the City of Mission hereby announces its proposed Action Plan 2016-2017 for its 33rd Year Entitlement Program. On April 12, 2016 the Citizens Advisory Committee made the following funding recommendations utilizing the city’s 2016 CDBG allocation of $904,240. 1) (05) Public Service Agencies $50,000 a) (05) Silver Ribbon - $4,000 b) (05) The Salvation Army - $2,000 c) (05A) Amigos Del Valle – Activities $4,000 d) (05A) Amigo Del Valle - Home Delivered Meals $22,000 e) (05A) LRGVDC - Area Agency on Aging $7,000 f) (05B) Easter Seals Rio Grande Valley $4,000 g) (05N) Children’s Advocacy Center $7,000 2) (14A) Housing Assistance Program Rehabilitation $15,000 Reconstruction $622,000 3) (14H) Housing Administration 4) (21A) CD Program Administration

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$637,000

$80,000 $137,240

These recommendations are being provided for public comments. Oral and/or written comments will be accepted through June 13, 2016. Accommodations for persons with disabilities, non-english speaking or handicapped individuals shall be provided upon request. Please notify the department at least three days in advance of meeting. Personas con impedimentos, quienes necesiten asistencia o interpretes para comunicarse pueden ser requeridos contactando al Departmento con tres dias laborables previos a cualquier junta para poder hacer los arreglos correspondientes. For further information on this document, contact Ms. Jo Anne Longoria, Community Development Director at (956) 580-8670.

Roberto Lopez Jr. and Armando Rivas II. Honorary pallbearers were Grayson Salas and Ashton Merkich. San Juanita Segundo MISSION – San Juanita Segundo, 67, passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2016, at her home. Mrs. Segundo was born in Mission on Sept. 24, 1948. Survivors include her children, Hector Segundo, Rey Segundo, Antonio Segundo and Anna Lisa Segundo; siblings, Eva Garcia, Carmen Morin and Anna Segundo; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Toribio Segundo; parents, Antonio Borrego Sr. and Victoria Borrego; and siblings Lydia

Limon, Efrain Borrego, Antonio Borrego Jr. and Arturo Borrego Sr. A funeral mass was held on May 10 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Texas State Veterans Cemetery.

Notices Anabella Luna LOS EBANOS – A graveside service was held for Anabella Luna on Thursday, May 12, 2016, at Los Ebanos Cemetery. Rodolfo Reyna MISSION – Rodolfo “Rudy” Reyna , 69, passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2016.

Ismael Rodriguez MISSION – Ismael Rodriguez, 31, passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2016. A funeral service was held on May 7 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home of Mission. Cindy Salinas MISSION – Cindy Salinas, 35, passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2016. A funeral service was held on May 11 at Templo Siloe in La Joya. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview. Olga Sotelo MISSION – Olga Sotelo , 69, passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2016. Rosa Maria Vasquez MISSION – Rosa Maria Vasquez, 85, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2016.

Texans urged to prepare for hurricane season now

he Texas Department of Public Safety is urging Texans to begin making plans to protect themselves and their families prior to the start of the 2016 hurricane season, which begins June 1 and continues through Nov. 30. “Texans should not wait until a storm is in the Gulf of Mexico to begin planning for a disaster. We are urging residents to get their hurricane plans and kits in order now, before hurricane season starts,” DPS Director Steven McCraw said. “Early preparation can be crucial to protecting lives and property when a storm threatens our state.” All Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas are subject to hurricanes or tropical storms. It is possible for a storm to severely impact Texas, even prior to or without making direct landfall in the state. Additionally, the rainbands associated with a tropical system have an extremely wide reach, so monitoring changing weather conditions during hurricane season is critically important for all Texans.

“Many Texans have already witnessed the perilous nature of severe weather this year, and the upcoming hurricane season presents the possibility for additional storms and dangerous conditions,” Gov. Greg Abbott said. “I urge our residents to prepare for these potential threats as soon as possible, to stay aware of local weather conditions at all times, and to always abide by warnings and evacuation orders from their local officials.” Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines, and winds can vary from 74 to 157 miles per hour (or higher). In addition, hurricanes and tropical storms can also spawn tornadoes, create dangerous coastal water conditions including storm surges along the coast, and cause extensive damage from flooding. How to prepare for potential storms: • Assemble an emergency kit that includes essential documents, supplies and provisions.

• Review hurricane evacuation maps and select a route. • Plan how all family members and pets will evacuate safely. • Consider any special needs for individuals with disabilities or the elderly. • Stay informed about changing weather conditions in and around the area. Those who need assistance during a disaster can register for the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR), a free registry that provides local emergency planners and responders with additional information about needs in their communities. To register, contact 2-1-1 Texas, the state’s free 24-hour helpline. Texans can also call (877) 541-7905 for community resources. More preparation tips can be found at www.texasprepares.org.

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www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com from pg 1

January 2016. “I could choose to mope around because I don’t have fingers or feet, but what good would that do?” Warshak said in his 2013 speech. “I’d rather be grateful for being alive.” The Baccalaureate will begin at 7 p.m. at the Mission High Neuhaus Gym.

Governor appoints Missionite to Regional Mobility Authority

overnor Greg Abbott appointed David Deanda, Jr. of Mission, Texas to serve as Chairman of the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority (RMA), a local transportation authority working to finance, design, construct, operate, maintain, expand, or extend transportation projects in Hidalgo County. Deanda, President of

Lone Star National Bank and President of the Mission Economic Development Corporation, is a seasoned banker known for fostering relationships and serving the community to advance the growth of the Rio Grande Valley. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Rio Grande Valley District Office honored Deanda in

2014 for his leadership and contributions to the business community in the Valley. Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement regarding his appointment: “In working with Mr. Deanda over many years, I am confident that he has the background, experience, knowledge, and leadership to effectively guide our lo-

cal transportation authority,” Sen. Juan (Chuy) Hinojosa said. “He will be a great asset in planning and financing the transportation infrastructure needs of Hidalgo County. I look forward to working with him to improve mobility and enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of our region.”

David Deanda, Jr.

theclassifieds May 13, 2016

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2006 LINCOLN TOWN Car - Excellent condition, low miles, one owner. $6,200. Call 956534-1100. 2003 MERCURY MARQUES, like new, 51,000 miles, call 916-813-9635. CHEVY AVEO 2009, 4 door, blue, 102K miles, asking $2,950 obo, call 956-330-9627.

UPDATED MOBILE HOME, 55+ park, own lots, 2br/2b, covered carport, screen porch/hurricane shutters, Harlingen, 903 -9009180. DBL WIDE MOBILE home, TX room, completely remodeled, 3 br, 2 baths, lg storage area, Harlingen, $75,000, 956-440-8015

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TWO STORAGE SHEDS, one 8X10, one 6X8, call for info 316-650-2640 or 720-253-8161. 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; Brake Buddy, $350; Pressure Pro, $300; lots of RV extra’s, call 248-207-1228.

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www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com Personal classified rate:

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.

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Park Models WINTER GREEN ESTATES R.V. pod for park model, 50AMP, approx. 35X65, corner lot, $18,000, lot K-13, 734-718-3398.

Services CITIZENSHIP CLASSES/CLASES de cuidadania - call 956-380-3070. FLOORING SERVICE BY Uncle Frank, laminate carpet, tile, vinyl, etc. sales and service, 956-533-9800. QUALITY COMPUTER & NETWORK repair, personal or businesses, PC’s, Mac’s, Laptops, call Angel 956-445-3924.

PUBLIC NOTICE The Mission Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on May 25, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: 10.00 acres out of an Abandoned Old Edinburg Canal ROW and Lot 185, John H. Shary Subdivision, from AO-I (Agricultural Open Interim) to P (Public); and Rezoning: 18.83 acres out of an Abandoned Old Edinburg Canal ROW and Lots 175 & 185, John H. Shary Subdivision, from AO-I (Agricultural Open Interim) to C-3 (General Business) If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. Anyone interested is invited to attend. Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

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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.

PUBLIC NOTICE The Mission City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on May 23, 2016 at 4:30 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: Lots 5, Alex Cavazos Subdivision, from AO-I (Agricultural Open Interim) to C-3 (General Business); Rezoning: Lots 1, 2, and a portion of 3, 4, and 5, of Block 1, Del Monte Orchards Company Subdivision, from AO-I (Agricultural Open Interim) to C-3 (General Business); Rezoning: A 6.658 acre tract of land out of Lot 16-2, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from AO-I (Agricultural Open Interim) to R-3 (Multi-Family Residential); Rezoning: 0.250 acres, being a part or portion of the Golf Course and Lake Reserve out of Meadow Creek Country Club Phase 1-A, from AO-I (Agricultural Open Interim) to R-2 (Duplex-Fourplex Residential); and Rezoning: Lot 5, Block 243, Mission Original Townsite Subdivision, from C-3 (General Business) to R-2 (Duplex-Fourplex) If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. Anyone interested is invited to attend. Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

HELP WANTED Drivers CDL-A: Texas-Size Bonuses! Texas-Size Benefits Package! Great Pay and Steady Miles! Long Haul US/Canada. 855-645-7789

PUBLIC NOTICE

The La Joya ISD Federal Programs Department will be hosting its annual consultation required by P.L. 107110, Section 1120, with Private Non-Profit Schools that are within the district’s attendance area. The meeting will take place on Friday, May 20, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. at Central Administration @ Nellie Schunior / Ebony Conference Room, 200 West Expressway 83, La Joya, Texas 78560. Consultations after this date will be ongoing and/or as needed. Topics to be discussed:

• •

Which services will be provided? Which children can receive services under the different programs? How will services be provided? How will the services be evaluated?

Please contact Dr. Jose Gonzalez, Federal Programs Director at (956) 323-2660 if additional information is needed regarding the referenced scheduled consultation and/or future consultations.

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MJH places third in national competition

he science bowl team from Mission Jr. High School returned home from the National Science Bowl competitions in Washington, DC with some great memories, experiences and an award. With a time of 6.81 seconds, MJH placed third in the Electric Car Competition, in which the students designed, built and raced a battery-powered model car for a distance of 20 meters. The first place team from Washington DC had a time of 6.48 seconds, and the second place team from New York City had a time of 6.80 seconds. Each of the three teams with the fastest cars in the competition received trophies and took home $500 for their schools’ science departments. The team from MJH earned the chance to compete at the National Science Bowl when they won the Regional Science Bowl Championship in early February. This is the third year in a row students from a Mission CISD junior high school have qualified for the National Science Bowl.

I Left to right: David Land, coach; Carolina Barrero, assistant coach; Jesus Razo, assistant coach; Damian Gonzalez, Briana Diaz, Rodrigo Moran, Paul, McCoy, Lucas Dovalina. Photo by Jack Dempsey, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science.

The previous two years, students from Alton Memorial Jr. High School have competed at this national event. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) hosts the National Science Bowl. It is a nationwide academic competition that tests students’ knowledge in all areas of science and math. The teams are comprised of four students, one alternate and a teacher who serves as their coach. The competition is an intense, fast-paced, game-who style competition testing the

LUNCHEON

under Head Coach Bill McCartney. Detmer described how McCartney acted as a second father to him and to the football team. “When you went into his office, the first thing he would say to you, always, he would say, ‘How’s your faith?’ because that was first in his life, and he wanted to make sure it was first in our lives,” Detmer explained. “Then he’d ask about family, ‘How’s your mom and dad? Make sure you tell them I said hello.’ And then the final thing was football, so that little phrase showed up again — faith, family and football.” Detmer went on to share some of his memories as a part of a professional football team, and how his faith was carried out as a part of his life for the ten years he played in the NFL for both him and his teammates.

Economic Development partnerships generate county success n honor of the 90th anniversary of the International Economic Development Corporation, Commissioners Court designated May 8-14 as Economic Development Week in Hidalgo County. People who work in economic development partner with industries, brokers and other key allies to produce

knowledge of the students in biology, chemistry, life science, earth science, physics, energy, and math. The DOE created the National Science Bowl in 1991 to encourage students to excel in math and science, and to pursue careers in these fields. More than 250,000 students have participated in the National Science Bowl throughout its 25-year history, and it is one of the nation’s largest Science competitions.

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Some of the Philadelphia Eagles’ accomplishments while Detmer was on the team include going to four straight NFC East Championships, going to four straight NFC Championship games and playing in the 2004 Super Bowl. While he was in Philadelphia, the team had a Bible study every Thursday after practice. “We had several guys on our team that were great people, strong Christians, and I believe there’s no coincidence why we enjoyed the success that we did,” Detmer said. “Good things happen to good people. We had a good team of good people who were strong in their faith.” Detmer expressed his hope that the message he passes on to the students of Mission High School will be one of becoming a better person along with being an

athlete, and that his life and actions would reflect that message. “My faith in God has always been a big part of my life on and off the field, and what I attribute all my success to,” the Mission coach said. “And even more so today as a coach, being a role model to these kids, somebody to look up to for direction, I look at God more than ever, for guidance and wisdom, so I can hopefully be the right kind of person they can follow.” Both Detmer and Mayor Salinas were given a special presentation of a large plaque of the state of Texas centered by a cross, and Detmer personally presented Salinas with a signed NFL football. Editor’s note: Lea Victoria Juarez contributed to this article.

the proper business climate that result in the creation of high-quality jobs, vibrant communities and better quality of life in their regions, said representatives from three local Economic Development Corporations at Commissioners Court this past Tuesday. Those who work in economic development profession also play a major role in the region's long term success by addressing is-

sues vital to businesses such as workforce availability, training, international trade, direct foreign investment, incentives and reduced cost of operations. Hidalgo County leaders work closely with local, state, federal and international partners to help spur economic development, foster growth and promote trade and commerce.

Betancourt said the bulk of the items will be uniforms for their boys and girls athletic programs, and some track equipment. The foundation reaches out to middle schools in primarily Wisconsin and Texas, as well as deserving schools in other states that have insufficient funding for after-school athletic programs, or that have no after school athletics whatsoever. In the funding notification letter, the Justin J. Watt Foundation said the funding is a means of support for extracurricular and athletic activities that give children the opportunity to learn the basic

character traits of accountability, teamwork, leadership, work ethic and perseverance while in a safe and supervised environment with their peers. Betancourt said the request process was much like the athletic programs it will serve, in that it took a team working together to put all the pieces in place. “The district’s grant writer had to work closely with our coaching staff, myself, and the district P.E. coordinator to make this happen for us,” Betancourt said. “I am really looking forward to seeing our students this fall, when they get their new uniforms and equipment.”

KWJH receives funding grant from JJ Watt Foundation

. White Jr. High School received notice that the campus request for funding through the Justin J. Watt Foundation has been approved. The funding request for athletic equipment and uniforms totals $30,305.34. “This will serve students in virtually all of our extracurricular athletic programs in one shot,” Principal Brenda Betancourt said. “It would normally take us several years to buy everything involved in this funding request. Now we will be able to have it all in place for the start of the 2016-2017 school year.”

TEACHER viduals who can look at the world critically and be “able to see the beauty, as well as create it.” The elementary teacher helps strengthen and improve the teaching profession by mentoring new teachers and student interns from UTPA, now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Ramirez said she sees many coworkers leave the profession within their first five years because they felt isolated and unsupported. By training new teachers, Ramirez said she is creating

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a much-needed support system that increases the likelihood of teacher retention. A panel of judges from the district-serving area selected the Teacher of the Year. She will now compete with teachers in the region to become the Region One Teacher of the Year, which is affiliated with the state and national programs. Mission CISD uses the same applications as those in the state and national programs. They include information on the teachers, including: professional back-

ground, educational history, community involvement, philosophy of teaching, and ideas on educational issues and trends. “If I could see my third grade teacher now, this is what I would say, ‘You once told me that I would never become anything in life,’” the teacher of 13 years said. “Here I am with these many degrees and I am still learning new things every day to improve myself as a professional and a person.’”