May 20, 2016 Progress Times by Progress Times

Friday, May 20, 2016

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SHARYLAND HIGH DUO WINS STATE

By Luciano Guerra ast year, Sharyland High’s Sebastian Arizola came within one win of a state championship. He and his former doubles partner, Carlos Ramones, advanced all the way to the UIL Tennis State Championship match last year only to lose to a team from Grapevine in straight sets 6-0, 6-4. With Ramones having graduated, Arizola knew that he would be needing a new doubles partner in this his senior year. Having only played singles and doubles his entire high school career the thought of teaming up with a girl and forming a mixed doubles team was not something that Arizola had given much thought to. However, that quickly

changed once he teamed up with the Lady Rattlers’ Emilia Ramos over the summer. “Emilia plays very well and I consider myself to be a pretty good player as well so we teamed up for tournaments in the summer,” Arizola explained. “Once we started winning and we saw that we had a good thing going, we decided to keep playing as a mixed doubles team.” That partnership paid off big this week as Arizola and Ramos brought home what is believed to be the first tennis state championship in Sharyland High School history when they defeated Texarkana’s Aubree Cramer and Cullen Schoen, 6-2, 6-2, at Texas A&M University in College Station Tuesday. So what is it about this

dynamic duo that allowed them to reach the pinnacle of Texas high school tennis in their first year together? Arizola summed it up in one word when he said, “Trust. We trust each other and without trust there’s no team.” As for Ramos, her path to the state championship has been a much different one than Arizola’s. For one thing, she only recently moved into the United States from her home country of Mexico. And for another, she is not just a one sport athlete. “I used to live in Irapuato, Guanajuato in the center of Mexico,” Ramos said. “My mother, my brother and I moved here last year. I began playing soccer for the Lady Rattlers but my friends told

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Sharyland High seniors Sebastian Arizola and Emilia Ramos won the 5A mixed doubles tennis state championship at Texas A & M University in College Station this week. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

MEDC approved $6 million land purchase

By Kathy Olivarez

ission Economic Development Corporation held a public hearing on the proposed purchase of 19 acres of land valued at $6 million for future development. The site is located just east of Shary Road and fronts Victoria Avenue, which is the street behind the Shary Crossing shopping center where HEB and Target are located. MEDC CEO Alex Meade said the land is adjacent to the site where the City of Mission is planning to build an events center. The entire site encompasses about 29 acres but only 10 acres are planned to be part of the event center. The land

MEDC is purchasing will be used for restaurants, hotels and an extended shopping area to complement the event center, according to Meade. City Manager Martin Garza said the City of Mission plans a bond issuance for up to $25 million for the new event center to be built on 10 acres on Shary Road. Authorization for solicitation of bids for the 40,000-squarefoot facility will be on the city council agenda Monday, May 23. From solicitation of bids to completion of the project should take at least 18 months, according to Garza. Plans are for construction of one large building that can be divided into three smaller rooms or used as one large

area; it will have seating of about 1,200 people. One of the three larger areas can be divided into six smaller conference rooms that will accommodate about 60 people each for smaller meetings and events. The facility will have a kitchen and a large storage area for chairs and tables. Garza envisions trade shows, quinceneras, weddings, Winter Texan events, large Chamber of Commerce events, Texas Citrus Fiesta pageants, health fairs and many other uses for the facility. Currently, the largest facility in town is Mario’s Banquet and Conference Center with seating capacity of 700 people. The new event center is planned to accommodate

larger groups. “The Mission Community Center has served the city for many years but it is the only venue the city currently has for city events.” It is currently too small for many city events because of rapid city growth, Garza explained. “While the size will not compete with the larger facility in McAllen, it will accommodate the needs of the City of Mission for years to come.” Garza stated as MEDC sells parcels of the 19 acres for hotels, restaurants and shopping facilities, the proceeds from the sale will be used to pay on the principal of the event center and will reduce the cost dramatically.

JP candidates prep for runoff election

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Mission CISD swears in new trustees

By Lea Victoria Juarez

or the first time since July 2015, Mission CISD has a complete school board. Dr. Sonia Treviño, Jerry Zamora, incumbent Patricia (Patty) O’Caña-Olivarez and Charlie Garcia III, were sworn into their places at the May 18 board of trustees meeting. Treviño holds Place 2, Zamora is in Place 3, O’Caña-Olivarez remains in Place 4 and Garcia was elected into Place 5. In July 2015, Patricia Rivera, formerly Bazaldua, resigned from her position on the board. Her seat remained vacant up until this election. Mission CISD had a representative of the Hidalgo County Elections Department read aloud the election returns from May 7. Out of 26,199 registered voters, 4,372 ballots were cast in this election. Team United To Serve

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All, which was comprised of the newly inducted board members, swept 10 precincts over the opposing team, known as Team Excellence. Team Excellence consisted of former trustees Veronica Mendoza and JC Avila, who were not present at the board meeting, Hector Gonzalez and Marina Salinas. They swept precincts 102, 204 and 205. The board also approved a reorganization of officers — O’Caña-Olivarez remains the president, Roy Vela is the vice president and Petra Ramirez is the secretary. Treviño, who was sworn in by 398th District Court Judge Aida Salinas Flores, said it was emotional for her when she stepped down in 2014. She had been with the board for seven years and chose to not finish her term because her sister applied for an administrative position with the school district. When she decided to run

Jerry Zamora, Place 3, is sworn into office by State Rep. Sergio Muñoz Jr. at the May 18 Mission CISD board of trustees meeting. Photo by Lea Victoria Juarez

for school board again, Treviño explained that she looked back on lessons she learned from previous elections and was reminded of the leadership qualities that led her to where she is today. “What I learned in this community is that you have to lead without uncertainty...

with no fear and you have to learn to do the right thing and you stand up for what’s right,” she said. “My success in life, as a student athlete, as a doctor, as a business owner is not accident; it all has one common denominator — the community.”

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By Lea Victoria Juarez

arcos Ochoa and Arnaldo Corpus will go head-to-head in the May 24 primary election runoff for Justice of the Peace, Pct.3, Place 2. Results from the March 2 election showed that Ochoa received 48.7 percent of the votes against his opponents Corpus, who had 37 percent, and Leo Gonzalez Jr., who raked in 14.2 percent. Ochoa was appointed to the bench in 2014 after former JP Ismael (Melo) Ochoa resigned from the position due to criminal charges. The two Ochoas are not related. Corpus served as the JP for Pct. 3, Place 1 for 16 years before he was voted out of office in 2000. The vested judge came under fire in recent years after his bond agency and two others freed wanted man Omar Guerrero. Guerrero is the former Hidalgo County district clerk that fled to Mexico to avoid facing sexual assault of a child, drug and tampering charges. Corpus said the reason he is running for Place 2 JP is because he thinks the taxpayers deserve a judge with his amount of experience. “I don’t think that this precinct deserves to have somebody appointed that has no experience whatsoever,” he said. “He’s never been elected, and he doesn’t have the qualifications to run the court. It’s not a simple court and I think our taxpayers deserve somebody that can run the court and knows what they’re doing.” Ochoa did not return phone calls from Progress Times before this article went to press. A representative from the JP’s office said Ochoa will be out of town for the next two weeks. In the initial primary elec-

tion, Ochoa aligned himself with Team Liberty which consisted of State Rep. Oscar Longoria (D-35), Pct. 3 Commissioner Joe Flores, JP Luis Garza (Place 1) and Tax Assessor & Collector Pablo “Paul” Villarreal. The slate also included 398th District judge candidate Keno Vasquez and Abraham Padron, who was a candidate for state rep. (D-36). Now that Ochoa is not running with a slate, Corpus believes he has a better chance at winning the race. “They combined a lot of money and now it’s all changed because now it’s only Judge Ochoa running. It’s a lot harder for him to duplicate the primary,” Corpus said. “I was by myself, but they (Team Liberty) were very strong. I had to fight for survival, we did that and now I feel that we’ve changed the momentum and we’re going to win this thing.” Corpus said he took votes for granted during the March 2 primary election, but he won’t be making that mistake again. He changed his campaign team and focused more on block walking in the months leading up to the runoff. In a February interview with Progress Times, Ochoa said his advantage over Corpus was being up-to-date with the changes that have taken place in the 16 years that Corpus has been out of the court. “All the voters in Pct 3, I want to continue being their judge and doing the very best that we’re doing,” Ochoa said in the February interview. Early voting began May 16 and will run until May 20. Polling stations are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day is May 24. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

INSIDE Read to lead

Students and teachers dressed as characters from their favorite books for Mission CISD’s second annual Reading Rally.

Lobos win Area round

Campus Chronicles

After an intense threegame series, Palmview’s baseball team continues their run to the third round of playoffs against Laredo United.

La Joya ISD graduates five senior classes, and the seniors have accumulated countless accomplishments since the beginning of their final year.

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Lifestyle | pg. 2A

Entertainment | pg. 3A

Opinion | pg. 4A

Sports | pg. 6A

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Obituaries | pg. 9A

Classifieds | pg. 11A

lifestyle

IDEA schools named Broad Prize finalist

IDEA Public Schools has been nominated as one of three public charter school organizations in the country for the 2016 Broad Prize for Public Charter Schools. The winner of the prize will receive $250,000 toward college-readiness efforts. The prize is awarded to the public charter school network that demonstrates outstanding academic performance and success reducing the achievement gap between low-income students and their affluent counterparts. The winner will be announced at the National Charter Schools Conference in June. Tom Torkelson, founder and CEO of IDEA Public Schools, says, “To me, the Broad Prize for Public Charter schools is the equivalent to the Academy Awards for

film or the Nobel Prize for literature. It is a huge honor to have been nominated for the last three years.” In addition to IDEA, the Broad Foundation nominated Success Academy Charter Schools of New York and YES Prep Public Schools of Houston, both high-performing charter networks. In 2014-15, all of IDEA schools were in the top 30 percent of Texas schools for advanced proficiency for low-income and Hispanic students in elementary, middle and high school English, math and science. To learn more about IDEA schools, contact Kisella Cardenas at 956-998-9120 or kisella.cardenas@ideapublicschools.org or visit www.ideapublicschools.org.

Alton gears up for ‘Safarai Adventure’ summer camp

LTON – The City of Alton is gearing up for their Summer Youth Camp 2016, “Safari Adventure,” beginning June 6 and running through July 29 at the Alton Recreation Center. Youth will take a journey across the wild kingdom to learn about wild animals and the eco-system. An introductory parent night to meet the camp staff and camp director is scheduled for Thursday, June 2, from 6:15 to 7 p.m. in the Alton Recreation Center gym. Campers will gather from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. throughout the eight-week program and must be age 5 to 12 to participate. Breakfast and lunch will be provided by the MCISD Nutrition Program. “Safari Adventure” will feature jungle and safari crafts for kids, the Wild About Books Reading Room; Go Bananas in the

Safari Theatre; basketball skills; Kid Fit; and group floor games, dance time and archery. This years’ camp will also feature special field trips to Bentsen State Park, Gladys Porter Zoo, McAllen and the McAllen Nature Center. The summer will end with a Super Fun Friday Celebration with time at the pool, moon jumps, play time in the gym topped off with hot dogs, chips and ice cream. Summer campers will help with the “Aluminum Recycling Challenge.” The goal is to collect as much aluminum during the eightweek summer camp season to help fund the Super Fun Friday. All campers will be encouraged to bring in aluminum cans daily and drop them off in the recycling bin each day.

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS Maribel Leiva honored her daughter, Angela Darlene, in celebration of her 15th birthday. A service was held at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Mission on April 30, and a reception followed at the Galleria Event Center in Palmview. The honoree was escorted by Cesar Sanchez Jr. of Mission. She is a ninth grade student at Mission High School. (Austin Studio)

EVENTS CALENDAR

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. Registration is $20 to the day of the event which begins at 7 a.m. with the sign-in. A Fun Run around the Edinburg Campus begins at 8 a.m., followed by six educational sessions at the UREC Building. For more information or special accommodations, call 665-7808 or at recfitness@utrgv. edu May 21 – The Aglow International McAllen Community Lighthouse invites the public to a complimentary prayer breakfast from 9:30 a.m. to noon for the first anniversary of their organization. For location and directions, call Criselda Alvarado, president, at 534-7941. May 21 – The Rio Grande Valley Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist, presents an advanced nature photography workshop at the South Padre Island Birding Center, 6801 Padre Blvd. It is open to any level of photographer. Fee is $50. For details and registration, go to rgvctmn.org. An advanced workshop will be held Saturday, May 21. Registration is required; space is limited. Payment can be made by check or online with PayPal. For additional information, see rgvctmn.org or contact Heidi Linnemann at 797-2872 or hhlinnemann@aol.com. May 21 – The Saturday Safari, “Habitat Sweet Habitat,” begins at 10 a.m. at Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold St., Brownsville. Learn to identify various animal homes by the elements present that make it suitable for living. 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 28 – The next Saturday Safari, “Creatures of the Night,” takes paly at 10 a.m. at Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold, Brownsville. Learn about the animals that come out after the sun sets to hunt in the dark. 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. June June 6 – The first round of classes begins 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 through Aug. 19. For ages 4 to 6, half-day camps are 9 a.m. to 12 noon or 1 to 4 p.m. A full-day 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. (For daily events and upcoming weeks, see the full calendar at ptrgv.com.)

PARKS CALENDAR

REUNIONS &MEETINGS

Kick-off set for Family Summer Adventure Challenge

DINBURG — Families looking for something different to do this summer are invited to participate in the RGV Family Summer Adventure Challenge (FSAC) at the Edinburg World Birding Center. Explore, discover interesting facts and win by taking on 12 challenges at 21 nature sites throughout the Valley this summer while enjoying the outdoors. The Family Summer Adventure Challenge takes participants to the different nature centers and parks of the Rio Grande Valley while completing the challenges. Upon completion and a journal submission, participants’ names will be placed in a drawing to win prizes. To kick off the FSAC, the EWBC is hosting Family

Picnic Day on Saturday, May 28, from 12 to 4 p.m. Bring a lunch and have a picnic at the center’s pergola while participating in the picnic activities such as sack races, making giant bubbles, nature walks and more. Families can begin to complete some of the challenges in their journal. FSAC is for families with children ages 18 and under. The deadline to complete challenges and turn in journals is Saturday, Aug. 27. Pick up a copy of the journal at EWBC or print a copy by visiting www.edinburgwbc. org. Only one prize pack will be awarded per winning family. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. For more information, call 956-381-9922.

Prepping Camp Energy for kids with diabetes

The Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association (RGVDA) is preparing for the 9th Annual Camp Energy set for June 9 to 11. The three-day, two-night camp held at Camp Energy in Mission is provided free to children with both Type I and II diabetes ages of 6 to 16. The children will participate in all the activities summer campers expect: arts and crafts, canoeing, archery, hiking, dancing (hip hop and folklorico) and swimming. The fun is combined with educational information to empower them in the battle against diabetes. Preparing for the event, in the front, left to right, are Miguel Zepeda, Iliana Guerra-Martinez (camp dietitian), Jennifer Arredondo and Vicky Gomez. In back are Amir Elsayed, RGVDA Board member and founder, and T.A. Garcia, camp director. For more information or to register a child, call the RGVDA office at 956-782-1900.

Where:

ALTON CITY HALL

When:

Mon - Fri 8:30am - 4:30 pm

Ages:

5-12 Birth Certificate Required

Cost:

MAY 21, 2016 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

ENJOY FOLKLORICO AND MARIACHI PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL TALENTS, AND LEARN ABOUT THE CITY OF MISSION, MISSION HISTORICAL MUSEUM NATIONAL BUTTERFLY CENTER, PARKS AND RECREATION, SPEER MEMORIAL LIBRARY, UPPER VALLEY ART LEAGUE AND MORE.

COME OUT AND JOIN US FOR AN AFTERNOON OF FOOD, FUN, AND ENTERTAINMENT!

$100.00 per child Camp will take place June 6 - July 29 Mon-Fri 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at the Alton Recreation Center Kids will enjoy many fun & safe activities Breakfast & lunch will be provided. Parent night - Meet the Camp Director & Staff June 2nd 6:00-7:00 pm

ADMISSION IS FREE TO THE PUBLIC

FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE MUSEUM OFFICE AT

956-580-8646

entertainment

Grant expands UTRGV AmeriCorps services to Edinburg By Vicky Brito

DINBURG – AmeriCorps at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has received an increase in grant funding that will subsidize expansion of the program to the Edinburg Campus. The grant originally was awarded in the amount of $1.8 million through the 2017-2018 academic year. However, to keep pace with the growth of the new distributed university, the grant was increased to $2.5 million. AmeriCorps started at UTRGV legacy intuition UT Brownsville in 2009. Daniel Yarritu, program director of AmeriCorps at UTRGV, said the increase allows for

the program to double in size and can now subsidize 80 members on both campuses. AmeriCorps members help high school seniors with the college enrollment process, including admission applications, testing, academic advising, financial aid, orientation and registration. They also facilitate workshops for parents and serve as higher education liaisons for students in area school districts. About 4,000 high school students across the Rio Grande Valley have benefited from AmeriCorps since 2009. For more information on AmeriCorps or to apply, visit www.utrgv.edu/americorps or contact Yarritu at 956882-7890.

MHM presents ‘Tardeada Zapateada’

he community is invited to the 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 talents 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 580-8646.

Taiwanese exhibit opens at IMAS

cALLEN – The International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 Nolana in McAllen, has opened an exhibit of native objects from the National Museum of History in Taiwan. Featuring 40 native weavings from the Taiwanese indigenous peoples, including the Atayal,

Truku, Amis, Puyuma, Paiwan and Rukai tribes, it will now be on display through Oct. 2. It gives IMAS visitors a rare glimpse into their unique lifestyles and value systems. For more information, call IMAS at 956-6820123.

Coming Attractions

May 28 • The Upper Valley Art League hosts Surreal Portrait Painting by guest artist Veronica Jaeger. It takes place at the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th Street in Mission 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. For more information, contact Jaeger at verojaeger2013@gmail.com. (To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to ptrgv.com)

JDA student earns national writing award

hen the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) recently announced its annual Achievement in Writing Award recognizing students for superior writing, Juan Diego Academy’s Paulina Camara was one of eight students selected from the state of Texas. Camara, an avid writer, decided to submit her non-fiction work to the NCTW a few months ago and expressed “gratitude and a little shock” upon learning she had been selected as one of the recipients of the award. Camara’s composition featured a complex narrative highlighting the balance reflected in the world’s ancient civilization traditions and the impact of those teachings. Specifically, she analyzed and appraised specific teachings concerning the Ying Yang Theory and connected them to the ancient Aztecs and their methods of praising the pyramids. “I love how those ancient teachings and traditions play out,” said Camara. “I am fascinated by the history of these elements. The way the pyramids used to be praised and the connection between the sun and the moon really made writing this piece a lot of fun for me.” Camara’s English teacher, Kathleen Carroll, Ed.D., expressed joy as she announced the achievement.

“The NCTE recognizes only the best writers in the

Paulina Camara state and having Paulina earn this award definitely shines a bright light on our school. I am proud of Paulina and her accomplishment and I have a feeling we haven’t seen the best out of this young lady when it relates to writing. She is very smart and has a bright future ahead of herself,” Carroll said. This accolade marks the second time this year Paulina has earned an academic laud as she was tabbed the thirdrd place winner of The American Library of Poetry, Student Poetry Contest for her work, “Tellurian Innocence.” Camara holds the office of treasurer for her junior class, is a member of the volleyball and basketball teams and is a founding member of the Robotics Club. She is the daughter of Julian and Silvia Camara. For more information about JDA, call 956-5832752.

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Juan Diego Academy announces top ranking students

uan Diego Academy Catholic Regional High School in Mission has announced the valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2016. Leading the way as valedictorian is Matthew Mercado, 18, son of Drs. Allan and Gladys Mercado. Matthew attended St. Joseph Catholic School prior to attending Juan Diego Academy (JDA). While attending JDA, Matthew helped organize and lead the liturgical ensemble, assisted in leading the basketball team to the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) 1A State Semi-Finals, and participated as the vice president of the National Honor Society among other extracurricular activities and accomplishments. He has been a member of the Boy Scouts of America since 8th grade and recently received the rank of Eagle, Scouting’s highest honor. Additionally, Matthew participated in the Texas Music Teachers Association Theory Exam and received a Superior mark from the National Piano Scholars Association numerous times. Reflecting on his high school experiences, Matthew states, “Juan Diego Academy has really cultivated me into the strong individual I am today. By attending this institution, I feel that I’m prepared to face the world and strive toward my future goals. My four years at Juan Diego Academy taught me perseverance, patience, and prudence. There have been countless instances in which I was tempted to give up. I

will always cherish my experiences at JDA; those experiences have really shaped me and will propel me to success.” He will be attending the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley this fall to study biomedical sciences under the A-PRIME TIME program. Salutatorian is Matthew Joseph Lee, son of Thomas Lee and Kristie Lee. He attended school at Sharyland I.S.D. through eighth grade. At JDA, Matt participated in soccer, basketball and track, earning many individual and team honors such as TAPPS First Team All-State for Basketball, back-to-back District MVP in Basketball, and First Team All-District for Soccer. He led the basketball team to two district titles and the TAPPS 1A Basketball State Semi-Finals in 2015. He graduates as the school’s all-time leading scorer. Among his extracurricular activities, he is a senior class officer and a member of the National Honor Society. In his parish, Matt participates as an altar server and as a team member with the Catholic Youth Renovation Project. He will attend Texas A&M University in the fall, majoring in chemical engineering. The 2016 commencement exercises take place Saturday, May 28, at 2 p.m. in the school’s gymnasium. A baccalaureate mass will be celebrated in the gym on Friday, May 27, at 9:30 a.m. For more information, contact the JDA school office at 956-583-2752.

Matthew Mercado

Matthew Lee

opinion

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

High court rules on school finance method USTIN — The current method devised by the Texas Legislature in 2011 to fund public education does not violate the state constitution, the Texas Supreme Court unanimously ruled May 13. The lawsuit challenging the state’s education-funding method originally was brought in 2011 by more than 600 school districts identifying themselves collectively as the Texas Taxpayer and Student Fairness Coalition. Lawyers for the coalition argued that the state falls short of the constitution’s imperative of equitable funding by failing to provide enough money for school districts’ classroom instruction, maintenance and operation and other critical budget areas. Article 7 of the constitution says: “A general diffusion of knowledge being essential to the preservation of the liberties and rights of the people, it shall be the duty of the Legislature of the State to establish and make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools.” In a 100-page ruling, the court said the current system ensures that “all Texas children have access to a quality education that enables them to achieve their potential and fully participate now and in the future in the social, economic, and educational opportunities of our state and nation.” The court agreed that the current funding system, while imperfect, is “good enough” to satisfy the constitutional mandate, and going forward, it is up to the Legislature, not the courts, to amend the funding formula. Gov. Greg Abbott called the ruling “a victory for Tex-

May 20, 2016

as taxpayers and the Texas Constitution.” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, House Speaker Joe Straus, Attorney General Ken Paxton and many Republican lawmakers joined the governor in welcoming the ruling. Paxton echoed the ruling in saying school finance “must be debated and shaped by the Texas Legislature, not through decades’ worth of ongoing litigation in the court system.” In contrast, organizations such as the Texas Association of School Boards, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, the Texas Democratic Party and a number of Democratic lawmakers expressed disappointment over the nine-member, all-Republican court’s ruling. Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, said, “The Texas Supreme Court’s ruling held that the state’s school funding system met ‘minimum constitutional requirements,’ turning a cold shoulder to at least two-thirds of Texas school districts that were desperately seeking relief from an inequitable, inefficient and unsustainable school finance system that Texas courts had previously labeled unconstitutional.” Rep. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, said, “Our children deserve more than a minimal education and the Legislature should do all they can to ensure we repair this broken system. Over five million public school students are counting on us.” Speaker Straus acknowledged “there is ample room for improvement” in school funding and said the Texas House “will continue working to deliver value for taxpayers and provide an outstanding education for our students.” Revenue is up slightly

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on May 11 announced his office would send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts $767.7 million in local sales tax allocations for May. The total was based on sales made in March by businesses that report tax monthly, plus sales made in January, February and March by quarterly filers. It is 1.1 percent more than allocated in May 2015. “The cities of Dallas, San Antonio, El Paso and Fort Worth saw noticeable increases in sales tax allocations,” Hegar said. “Energy-centric cities such as Houston, Odessa and Midland continue to see decreases in sales tax allocations.” Blaze ruled intentional The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms on May 11 announced its research laboratory’s finding that the April 17, 2013, fire at the West Fertilizer Company plant in the town of West, Texas, was intentionally set. Fifteen people died and some 160 were injured in the fire and explosion. “We will gladly assist in any way possible in the days ahead to expose the criminals behind this heinous crime,” said David Maxwell, director of law enforcement for the Texas attorney general’s office. GOP meets, Dems are next The Republican Party of Texas held its state convention May 12-14 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. The final party platform is available online at texasgop.org. The Texas Democratic Party will hold its state convention June 16-18 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The party platform is available online at txdemocrats. org.

he Texas Supreme Court ruled that the Texas school finance system is constitutional. Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement: “I am disappointed with the Texas Supreme Court’s ruling that Texas’ school finance system is constitutional. Education is the best

equalizer we have in our society and we cannot succeed as a state if we do not make smart investments in our students, teachers, and schools. The state’s funding formula fails to provide adequate funding and to distribute it fairly among school districts. Our children and families should not be penalized be-

cause of their neighborhood. Each child should receive an equal amount of funding regardless of where the child lives. Texas must provide an equal playing field to ensure comparable access to educational funds for every public school system. Our children deserve better.”

School finance decision could spell disaster for Texas

Dallas Morning News he Texas Supreme Court agreed Friday that Texas’ system of public education needs wholesale improvements. Unfortunately, the nine justices stopped well short of doing anything about it themselves. In refusing to intervene, they’ve placed an enormous responsibility to fix our system of school finance on the shoulders of state lawmakers, the same lawmakers who have refused for decades to do what is needed. As a result, Texas’ 5 million public school children will be the ones who most directly bear the costs of the high court’s refusal to fix a system that it concedes requires “transformational, top-to-bottom reforms.” We deeply resent that the court has set the bar so extraordinarily low for what the Texas Constitution requires of state officials when it comes to public education. The ruling, we fear, all but shuts the courthouse door on future legal challenges over the adequacy of public schools. That’s frightening for all who remember that it has been court challenges over the past 30 years that have steadily pushed the

Texas Legislature to make what improvements that have been made. We’re especially disappointed that in concluding that the current system of school finance is bad — but not bad enough to violate the constitution — the justices discarded evidence of widely disparate funding levels. They concluded that “inputs” like per-pupil spending, students’ access to facilities or other external factors have no legal meaning. Instead, the decision relied heavily on “outputs” like test scores and graduation rates to show that the system as a whole is improving. Never mind that those graduation rates are in dispute. Yes, some districts spend more than others — so what? the court seemed to be saying. That does not prove that the system as a whole violates the Constitution. That’s a kind of indifference that is tough to swallow. And if those outputs — graduation rates or test scores, for example — are wildly different for poor students than they are for wealthy ones? Or for native English speakers and those just learning English? The Constitution is no help there, either. The justices ruled that the

state Constitution guarantees only an adequate overall system of education, not one that helps remove obstacles for what the court calls subgroups. After all, many of those students arrive at school carrying burdens that are beyond the responsibility of their teachers. Why should a public education system that failed to address those weaknesses be deemed inadequate? Why? Because the Constitution guarantees more than an education system that does the basics. It should also guarantee equal opportunity, and require that the lawmakers craft a system that works for every student in this state, rich or poor. The justices concluded that they could not do what they know Texas students need. Instead, they refused to second-guess the Legislature and were reduced instead to pleading with lawmakers to fix a system they recognize is broken. We’d feel less darkly about the prospects for such a fix if those legislators had not so frequently failed to find the courage to spend what is necessary to give all Texas students a chance at a public education that is more than adequate.

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1217 N. Conway • Mission, TX (956) 585-4893 MEMBER 2015

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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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May 20, 2016

Councilmen Ruben Plata and Dr. Armando O’Caña reelected

By Kathy Olivarez he Mission City Council canvassed the votes from the recent city election at the May 17 council meeting. For Place 2, incumbent Ruben Plata received a total 2,015 votes winning over opponents Oscar Martinez, who received 730 votes, and Joe “Louie” Sanchez, who received 1,122 votes. Plata was sworn in by Judge Omar Maldonado. His wife, Teri Plata, mother Angela Gutierrez, and daughters, Victoria and Karisma Plata, stood with him during the ceremony. Place 4 incumbent Dr. Armando O’Caña won with 2,521 votes defeating opponent Jaime Gutierrez who had 1,410 votes. His niece, Judge Patty O’Caña-Olivarez administered the oath of office. His wife Maria, and son, Jonathan, stood with him during the swearing in ceremony.

The council approved a resolution outlining the terms for purchase and delivery of funds for the $2 million purchase of furniture approved for the Mission Economic Development Corporation for the new Career Education and Economic Development building located on Bryan Road. The expenditure was approved in a previous meeting. In other action, the council approved the temporary closing of state right-of-way subject to approval of the Texas Department of Transportation on May 28 so that a Triathlon of Light, sponsored by the Mission Lions’ Club, can be held. The route of the triathlon will be First Street south to Military Highway, eastbound on Military Highway turning southbound to FM 494 toward Granjeno, and looping around FM 494 back to FM 1016, continuing northbound to First Street. The race will move

east on First Street to Mayberry Road where it will end at the 100 block of south Mayberry at the Mayberry pool. The street closures will involve only the right lanes of the roads and will last from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Approval was granted for Mission Consolidated Independent School District and Sharyland Independent School district to enter into an interlocal agreement for youth services to be offered at Jessie Jensen Elementary. Emergency repairs to the floor at the Mission Boys and Girls Club were approved in the amount of $49,300 to Austin Quartz and Floors. A budget of $51,000 was approved for the Mission Boys and Girls Club. Following executive session the City manager was authorized to retain outie legal counsel related to the Sharyland Utilities case.

Peñitas mourns victim of bus rollover

By Lea Victoria Juarez welve residents and/ or employees of Peñitas were involved in a bus crash on May 14 in Webb County. The 12 were on a charter bus, headed to the Kickapoo Lucky Casino Hotel in Eagle Pass when the driver lost control and the bus rolled over. Francisca Guerrero of Peñitas was among the eight that died in the crash; 44 passengers were injured in total. The other Peñitas community members involved in the crash include Roel Cardenas, Irma Cardenas, Lisa Garza, Natalie Alaniz, Marta Villarreal, Rosemary Bernal, America

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Cerda, Alma Alonzo, Ana Ochoa, Laura Peña and Romeo Pena. The charter bus company is OGA Charters LLC, based out of San Juan. None of the Peñitas residents or employees have filed lawsuits as of May 18. Five of the injured were employees from JFK Elementary of La Joya ISD, this included one counselor and four front-office staff. The individuals are either at medical facilities or home recovering. Guerrero was La Joya ISD employee for 30 years and most recently worked as the Child Nutrition Services secretary, according to the district Public Information

Officer Eden Ramirez. According to a press release from Ramirez, La Joya ISD is providing counseling services to students and staff. Mayor Rigo Lopez held a press conference, extending his condolences to the family on behalf of the city staff. Lopez knew the victim personally and said it is a great loss to the Peñitas community. “She was a very outgoing person, a very loving person, always involved in our community and school district. She will be greatly missed,” the mayor said. Funeral arrangements for Guerrero have not been finalized.

MCISD kicks off summer reading initiative

Waitz Elementary teachers and staff recreate The Magic School Bus book series for the Once Upon a Time Parade at the Reading Rally. Photo by Lea Victoria Juarez

By Lea Victoria Juarez

ission CISD students broke a record on May 17 with the largest choral reading in south Texas. About 5,800 students gathered at Tom Landry Stadium for the second annual Reading Rally to kick off their summer reading activities. Together, the students, teachers, visiting parents and visiting high school students read a short story about football. Mission CISD began the reading initiative to combat the summer slide, which is when students lose progress they’ve made during the school year because they don’t continue academic activities. The summer slide has a greater effect on English language learners, according to a 2013 study called Locating Learning: Second Language gains and language use in family, peer and classroom contexts. Last year, the students were given three books to read during the summer. This year, the students selected their own grade-appropriate books online. When they return to school in the fall, they may take an Accelerated Reader test to earn their school points. The top three

schools with the most AR tests wins more money in their budget for the following year. This year’s top three AR campuses are Cavazos Elementary, first place with $5,000; Bryan Elementary, second place with $4,000; Leal Elementary, third place with $3,000. Cavazos Principal Fidel Garza said the funds will go toward expanding the book selection and equipping the library with research centers. The MCISD principal of one year said the campus library is open before school until 5 p.m. every day. In addition, Cavazos Elementary has parent reading nights twice a week and the students are also tested on those books. “I’m a firm believer that the AR is very closely related to testing at the end of the year,” Garza said. “If they read the chapter books and novels, then they’re able to have the stamina for the endof-the-year testing.” At the rally, the students and teachers from each elementary donned costumes based on a specific book they selected. The teachers then marched on the field in the Once Upon a Time Parade, also known as the Books

Come Alive Parade, for a chance at winning the Big Book Trophy. The trophy is a customary book display, which was crafted by the maintenance department. The parade winner for this year was Waitz Elementary for their recreation of The Magic School Bus, a series of books that features Ms. Frizzle and her students as they explore impossible locations on her morphing school bus. Waitz Principal Ruby Rodriguez said her staff is already thinking about what to do for next year’s book. Last year, Waitz was the $5,000 winner and they used their money to furnish their library and buy Spanish books. At the Reading Rally, coaches Koy Detmer and David Gilpin from Mission High School and Veterans Memorial served as guest readers. They stressed the importance of reading for any career the students may seek as adults. “I want to encourage you to get into books, to find reading fun,” Detmer said. “Find something that you enjoy and have a passion for, read about it, learn about it and go chase your dreams.”

sports week May 20, 2016

sports@progresstimes.net

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

ProgressTimes.net/sports

Palmview’s Elias Ovalle delivers a pitch during the sixth inning of the Lobos Area Round, weather delayed Game 2 win over Brownsville Hanna. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

Palmview’s Andrew Puente scores the winning run in the 10th inning of the weather delayed Game 2 of the best-of-three Area round playoff series between the Lobos and the Brownsville Hanna Eagles Monday. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

The Long Road Lobos win area in three games

obos win Area round in three games

By Marco Torres In a three-game series that took four days to finish, the Palmview Lobos won the best of three against the Brownsville Hanna Eagles, winning the Area championship May 16 at the La Joya baseball complex. The Lobos continue their run to the third round of the Texas 6A baseball playoffs against Laredo United. Lobos Head Coach Rick Garcia feels good about what his team was

able to accomplish over the weekend. “This is the third year in a row where we fought the weather, some tough teams in the second round and we wind up in the third round,” Garcia said. The Eagles won game one of the series, 3-4, as the Lobos struggled at the plate. Game two started fast for both teams as they were able to get on the board in the first inning. Although the Eagles had the early 2-1 lead, it

wasn’t until the bottom of the fourth when a combination of hits by the Lobos and errors by the Eagles gave the Lobos a 4-2 lead. In the top of the sixth inning with the score remaining 4-2, at about 3 p.m. Saturday rain storms moving through La Joya caused the game to be delayed, then moved to PSJA baseball field, where it had not yet rained. The game resumed at about 5:15 p.m., but after only one inning of action lightning struck to delay the

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game again as the storms passed through the Pharr area. After hours of waiting, and seeking permission from the UIL, the game was finally rescheduled for Monday, where they would finish game two and possibly have a game three. Coach Garcia knew the struggles of starting a game on Saturday and finishing Monday. “Spoke to the kids on Saturday and told them that we just need to believe,” Garcia said. “We had to keep the kids motivated.” Garcia told his players, whoever is mentally tough is going to win this series.

As game two continued on Monday, May 16, Lobos pitcher Leonel Perez kept the Eagles scoreless. Then Lobo Victor Flores hit a double to bring in the winning run, tying the series at one game apiece. Perez continued pitching for the Lobos in game three, posting seven strikeouts, lifting the Lobos to a 10-0 victory to close out the series. “My arm still feels good,” the right-handed pitcher said.“ The Lobos opened game three, keeping the momentum they gained from game two. Bats were connecting, giving the team an early 2-0 lead by

the end of the first inning. Meanwhile, the Eagles kept making errant throws that allowed Lobos runners to advance into scoring position. It wouldn’t be long until the errors became the Achilles heel for the Eagles as runners scored for the Lobos inning after inning until the game was called in the fifth. With the bases loaded a ball four call would bring in the final run of the game. The Lobos next game is a quarterfinals match up against Laredo United, who is currently on a sixgame win streak, scheduled for Saturday, May 21 in a best-of-three series.

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TAPPS 1A Girls 4x400 Relay Team Wins State

Juan Diego Academy (JDA) girls 4x400m relay team won the gold medal at the TAPPS 1A Track and Field State Competition on May 7 at Baylor University in Waco. JDA’s track team also won 4 other medals at the state competition. The boys 1600m relay team won a silver medal, the girls 400m relay team won bronze and Hunter Erickson also won bronze in the 200m dash. The 4x400 relay team are from L to R: Hunter Erickson, freshman; Kayla Gonzalez, freshman; Shelsea Ramirez, senior and Emily Caceres, sophomore.

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May 20, 2016

On the Trail in Mission

By Brittany Asbury

he Texas Tropical Trail Region held their 126th monthly partner event in Hidalgo County on May 17. The board members and tourism partners of the TTT plan the events to gather information on the history, culture and heritage of South Texas. The TTT members have been touring the 20 counties within the region for more than 10 years on a monthly schedule to visit historical sites and discover the stories behind them. The first stop on this trip into the past was the Riverside Club, a family owned and operated bar, grill and event center on the bank of the Rio Grande. Mexico is in view just across the water, and river tours can be seen gliding past from the extensive back veranda and landscaped grounds. Riverside has been hosting events and offering tourists a place to enjoy local birds and nature for more than 30 years. The stop at Riverside included light refreshments and a welcome by the members of the Mission City Council, including Mayor

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www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com Salinas and City Manager Martin Garza. The second stop was just down the road at La Lomita Chapel. The chapel was first built in 1865, rebuilt in 1899, and then rebuilt once more in the 1920s. As La Lomita Mission, the home and resting place of the Oblate missionaries who cared for the Rio Grande Valley, La Lomita became the namesake of the new city of Mission in 1908. The chapel is currently a religious shrine and a window into the history of Mission and the Rio Grande Valley. The third stop was the Bryan House, located on the corner of Bryan Road and 2 Mile Line in Mission. The Bryan House was the winter home of William Jennings Bryan: three time presidential candidate, two-time United States congressman for Nebraska, U.S. secretary of state for President Woodrow Wilson and the lead prosecuting lawyer for the famous Scopes Monkey Trial. The current owner of Bryan House, Ariel King, is making the house available for tours. Those with historical items or information

related to the Bryan House can contact King at 956-3307497. The tour was broken by lunch at Waterford Gardens, courtesy of Lucille Cavazos, the owner of the senior living community. While the diners enjoyed a Mexican buffet that ended with a choice of desserts from cake to pudding, they were entertained by showcases for Waterford Gardens itself as well as Renee’s of Sharyland, a boutique that features a restaurant, spa and salon, and offers home decor. After lunch, the final stop was the Mission Historical Museum where Maria Hurtado, the museum’s exhibit designer, gave a presentation on the history of Mission and the city’s annual Texas Citrus Fiesta. The museum itself is the historical Shary Building, built by John H. Shary in 1939. The museum’s annex is the old Mission Post Office building built in 1940, which houses an original Works Project Administration mural, the only one still existing in the Valley. A new landscape project was completed in 2013 to link the two buildings and provide outdoor performance space.

27TH annual festival celebrates accordion kings and queens

USTIN – Whether making a weekend trip or starting off on vacation across Texas, it might be worth a stop to start off the summer fun with a little bit of music at the 27th Annual Accordion Kings & Queens Festival. Texas Folklife will bring its annual celebration of the state’s accordion roots music to Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theatre on Saturday, June 4, at 7 p.m. In keeping with its mission to preserve and present Texas’s diverse musical heritage, the festival will feature stars and legends in polka, Cajun, zydeco and conjunto. This year’s accordion stars will include David Lee Garza and special guests, the Magnolia Sisters, Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, and the Czech Melody Masters. All the entertainment will be co-emceed by writers and radio hosts Joe Nick Patoski and Tony Diaz. The festival is free and open to the music-loving public. Festivalgoers wanting seats in the pavilion area can pick up their free tickets the day of the festival at the Miller Box Office or become members of Texas Folklife and receive reserved tickets in advance. Membership information is available at texasfolklife.org/ info/membership. David Lee Garza has had a 30-year career playing the accordion in Texas. He started at age seven in his hometown of Poteet, which he still maintains as his home base. Garza and his band, Los Musicales, have generated hit after hit with their blend of progressive conjunto, country, Tex-Mex and Tejano. The band has produced over 30 albums, worked with two major labels and has recently started their own label, JROD Records. The first CD produced from the new label, “Just Friends,” won a Latin Grammy for Best Tejano Album in 2013. Geno Delafose is a zydeco accordionist and singer. His father is the famous zydeco accordion player John Delafose. Geno is one of the younger generations of the genre who has helped create the musical style known as nouveau

zydeco. This style is deeply rooted in traditional Creole music with strong influences from Cajun music and also from country and western. His debut album, which was released in 1994, was titled French Rockin’ Boogie. The name of the album became the name of his band with whom he still plays today—and will be on stage with him at the Festival. He was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album in 2007 for his Le Cowboy Creole album. The Magnolia Sisters have been called folklorists as well as gifted musicians. The band has a rich repertoire that hails from southwest Louisiana—Cajun, Creole, dancehall favorites and front porch ballads. In addition, they sing rich harmonies on a cappella ballads, play string band numbers from the 1930s, tell stories, and play songs from long lost Cajun musical scores. The four members include Ann Savoy on accordion, guitar, fiddle, and

vocals; Jane Vidrine on guitar, fiddle, and vocals; Anya Burgess on fiddle, guitar, and vocals; and Lisa Trahan on bass, vocals, percussion, and accordion. The Czech Melody Masters describe themselves as Austin’s only authentic Czech polka band. Their repertoire includes historic melodies they’ve rescued from faded music scores and 78 rpm records. They have performed all over the country and have produced four albums. Members include Dennis Svatek, lead trumpet, lead vocals, and music arranger; Dave Bedrich, trumpet and vocals; Thomas Durnin, stand up bass; Frances Barton on accordion; Rob Schmidt on drums; and Stephen Svatek on baritone and guitar. The Miller Outdoor Theatre is located just south of downtown Houston, near the museum district and the Houston Medical Center at 6000 Hermann Park Drive. For more information, call 281-373-3386.

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Texas Tropical Trail Tour Pictured are a few of the members of Texas Tropical Trail gathered at Mission Historical Museum for a guided tour by bus of some of Mission’s historical sites including the Riverside Club, La Lomita Mission, the William Jennings Bryan home and the John H. Shary office building, which now houses the museum.

Senator announces water product sales tax holiday

en. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, along with Comptroller Glenn Hager and State Rep. Drew Darby, held a press conference on May 17, announcing the first ever sales tax holiday for water efficient products intended to encourage water conservation. On Memorial Day weekend, beginning May 28 through midnight on May 30, Texans can purchase water conservation products and/or a WaterSense product without paying a sales tax. This past legislative session, Hinojosa authored and passed SB 1356 to add water efficient products to the already existing tax free weekend for energy efficient products to as an incentive for consumers statewide to make smart choices in conserving water. Water efficient products save consumers money and reduce consumption rates for the state’s water resources, which are even more valuable in the event of a drought. “Although Texas is currently experiencing heavy rains and dangerous flooding, we must remember that many of our state’s regions

are water-challenged and often experience long periods of drought which can have devastating impacts to our state,” Hinojosa said. The tax free weekend is estimated to save Texans almost $5 million in sales tax by buying these products over the Memorial Day weekend. “We hope to raise public awareness about the importance of water conservation through this tax free weekend highlighting the steps that Texans can take to make

smart water choices in an effort to have more water available during times of drought,” Hinojosa said. Tax free items include shower heads, a soaker or drip-irrigation hose, mulch, plants, trees, and grasses, rain barrels, a moisture control for a sprinkler or irrigation system, and others. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase. More information can be found at the Texas Comptroller’s webpage at comptroller.texas.gov.

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UT System institutions present campus carry policies he University of Texas may carry a concealed hand-

System Board of Regents reviewed rules and regulations for UT institutions that will govern the implementation of Senate Bill 11, also known as the campus carry law, and ultimately took no action on May 12. Board Chairman Paul Foster said the board will consider the issue again at its next meeting, scheduled for July 13. The law, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott on June 1, 2015, provides that license holders

gun on public university campuses beginning Aug. 1, 2016. The law gives discretion to university presidents to regulate campus carry. However, the law also stipulates that the rules and regulations may not either “generally prohibit” or “have the effect of generally prohibiting” license holders from carrying concealed handguns on campus. Under Texas law, a person must be at least 21 years old to obtain a concealed carry license, therefore many un-

dergraduate students do not qualify to hold a license. The campus carry law also gives university system governing boards the opportunity to review and modify rules established by the president with a two-thirds majority vote. Regents discussed three motions that called for: ·Striking the provision in UT Austin’s requirement that a license holder who carries a semiautomatic handgun on campus must carry it without a chambered round of ammunition

Commissioners Court Report Sheriff recognized for work with inmates

ay is Mental Health Month, when the community is encouraged to learn about mental illness and to promote awareness and prevention. Chief Executive Officer of South Texas Health System Joe Rodriguez spoke about the importance of recognizing the behaviors caused by mental illness when responding to law enforcement calls during Tuesday’s Commissioners Court meeting.  “For the last 69 years (Mental Health Month) has been celebrated and it’s a good opportunity for us to bring awareness to the community,” Rodriguez said. Rodriguez added that the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, under the leadership of Sheriff J.E. “Eddie” Guerra, has made great strides in reducing the number of arrests of people who may be

mentally ill. “Today I’m here because it’s a special honor for me to recognize Sheriff Guerra and the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s department for all the work that they do for our patients in Hidalgo County and for how sensitive they are with our patient needs,” said Rodriguez as he presented a plaque to Guerra. In the United States, nearly 44 million adults and millions of children experience mental health issues each year, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress. In the Hidalgo County Jail, one in three inmates suffer from a mental health issue, Guerra said. “When I came in to office a little over two years ago, one of my priorities was jail operations. One of the things that caught my attention was

MOSTH hosts Cuban model hobbyist

DINBURG – The Museum of South Texas History welcomes miniature model hobbyist Rafael Morales as a guest speaker presenting, “Big Transport in a Small Scale,” starting at 2 p.m. in the Courtyard Gallery this Sunday, May 22. Morales made a career in the aviation industry, which led him to create miniature models of historic transportation. Since 1992, Morales has painted and built miniature models in 1:48 and 1:350

May 20, 2016

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scales for carriages and naval models, respectively. Originally from Cuba, the 48-year-old hobbyist has one of his largest commissions on permanent display at the Naval Museum of La Havana at Castillo de la Real Fuerza. Morales’ largest commission includes working with two other model makers who created four replica Habanera ships including Santísima Trinidad which was the largest ship in the world to launch from Havana, Cuba in 1769.

·Revising the UT Austin provision allowing employees to prohibit concealed carry in their offices at their discretion to require approval by the institution’s president if the employee presents a reasonable justification · Assuring that all campus policies contain language requiring a license holder to carry the handgun in a holster that completely covers the trigger and entire trigger guard. The holster must have sufficient tension or grip on the handgun to retain it in the holster even when subjected to unexpected jostling. The UT System is made

up of eight academic and six health institutions and the make-up of the campuses – both in students, mission and physical layout – are very different. The rules presented on May 12 were largely similar across campuses with the major difference being the need for special consideration of patient care areas on health campuses. Most of the policies restrict guns in dormitories, but allow them in apartment style housing generally for older students and keep them out of laboratories where certain chemicals and flammable materials present a

dangerous situation if a gun were to discharge. All campuses prohibit the carrying of concealed handguns at ticketed sporting events. Campus carry is also generally prohibited at: ·On-campus childcare facilities ·Patient care areas, including where mental health services are provided ·Locations where formal disciplinary and grievance hearings are conducted ·Areas in use as a polling place on Election Day and during early voting

MRMC awards $17,000 in healthcare scholarships

(Mission, TX) Mission Regional Medical Center (MRMC) and the MRMC Medical Staff awarded $17,000 in scholarships to high school seniors from the Mission area and surrounding communities. The MRMC scholarships are awarded annually to outstanding seventeen students interested in pursuing a career in health care. Participating schools include Mission, Sharyland, Veterans Memorial, La the number of inmates with mental disorders,” Guerra Joya, Juarez-Lincoln and Palmview High Schools. Juan Diego Academy said. “So we teamed up with and Jimmy Carter Early College High School are also among the recipient our district attorney, judicial staff, our stakeholders and schools. mental health providers to Academic performance, financial need and extra-curricular activities deterbetter recognize those who are in need of treatment, mine the winners of the $1,000 scholarship. A one-page essay is also required. rather than jailing them. I Recipients of the 17 Mission Regional Medical Center Scholarships are: appreciate all the hard work Alejandra Garcia (Jimmy Carter Early College High School) that South Texas Behavioral • Lisset Gonzalez (Jimmy Carter Early College High School) Health has done to help us in • recognizing and conquering • Ariana Castillo (Juan Diego Academy) the problem.” Sofia Chavez (Juarez-Lincoln High School) Rodriguez said there has • been “tremendous change in • Marlin Garcia (Juarez-Lincoln High School) the Sheriff’s office,” and for • Adriana Serna (La Joya High School) that, Guerra is receiving the recognition. Ilse Puente (La Joya High School) • The next commissioners • Diego Bustillos (Mission High School) court meeting will be May 24 at 9:30 a.m. after the • Rosa Gonzalez (Mission High School) Drainage District meeting Krista-Bella Carlos (Palmview High School) at 9 a.m. Both meetings will • Alyssa Gutierrez (Palmview High School) be located at the Courthouse • Annex at 100 E. Cano Edin- • Nadia Gomez (Pioneer High School) burg. • Jennifer Shepherd (Pioneer High School) The presentation will dis- • Ivana Castañeda (Sharyland High School) cuss Morales’ previous work Miguel Garza (Sharyland High School) in Cuba and the types of • tools and unique techniques • Brittany Bazaldua (Veterans Memorial High School) he uses during the model Karina Farias (Veterans Memorial High School) making process. Morales is • relatively new to the U.S., Mission Regional Medical Center and its medical staff congratulate the dedihaving moved to the Rio cation of these exceptional students and encourage their career in the health Grande Valley in 2015. The presentation will be in En- care industry. glish and Spanish. Following the presentation, guests can try their own hand at model making by purchasing a wooden covered wagon model kit at the museum store for $3 each. The program is included in the regular museum admission. The museum is located on the courthouse square in Edinburg.

About Mission Regional Medical Center

Mission Regional Medical Center is a 297-bed, private, non-profit hospital that provides inpatient and outpatient hospital services to the people of the Rio Grande Valley. Rated one of the top hospitals in the country for clinical excellence in many services including maternity and orthopedic care, Mission Regional Medical Center, has been offering quality health care, close to home, for 60 years. For more information visit www.missionrmc.org

Front Row (L-R): Miguel Garza, Nadia Gomez, Jennifer Shepherd, Brittany Bazaldua, Ariana Castillo, Alyssa Gutierrez, Krista-Bella Carlos and Lisset Gonzalez. Middle Row (L-R): Diego Bustillos, Rosa Gonzalez, Ivanna Castañeda, Alejandra Garcia, Sofia Chavez, Marlin Garcia and Adriana Serna. Back Row (L-R): Carlos Treviño, Chief Operating Officer; Kennetha Foster, Chief Nursing Officer; Javier Iruegas, Chief Executive Officer and Tim McVey, Chief Financial Officer. This summer MHM will present The Historical Mystery Tour: a tour that will provide children the opportunity to visit and learn about the city’s historic sites through exhibits, informational tours, special presentations, reenactments, hands on activities, and mystery scavenger hunts. This program will begin June 7 and concludes June 23; Tuesday-Thursday. Sites include: 1. Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church 2. La Lomita Chapel 3. NABA Butterfly Center – Oblate Trail 4. William Jennings Bryan Home 5. Shary Mansion 6. Gregg Wood Home 7. Border Theatre 8. La Lomita Chapel - End of Program Celebration

Space is limited. Registration ends May 27, 2016

Our Historical Mystery Tour Summer Programs are FREE for Museum Members or $30 per child for the full three week session. Family memberships may be purchased for $50 for the year and will allow up to four kids per family to enroll in our Summer Programs. Any additional kids per family may purchase a $10 student membership to attend the programs.

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May 20, 2016

Telehealth language for rural veterans passes full house

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ep. Henry Cuellar announced the passage by the full U.S. House of the Fiscal Year 2017 House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill. The bill includes language to increase telehealth options for veterans. The bill also includes the nearly $2.4 billion requested by the President for telehealth. The bill passed on a vote of 295-129 May 19. Telehealth is the use of electronic and telecommunications technologies to support remote health care delivery. While in many cases veterans can access a medical office, this often does not extend to the specialty care they need or those who are in very rural areas or are infirm. Within the field of telehealth is telemedicine, which tends to refer specifically to health care services provided remotely

via technologies such as the computer, phone or videoconferencing, although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. The funds and language, which encourages the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to explore innovative ways to use telemedicine to care for rural and infirmed veterans, have to be passed by the full House and Senate before being sent to the President’s desk. The VA has implemented programs such as the Veterans Choice Program, which allows veterans who live more than 40 driving miles from the nearest VA medical facility to use local health care providers. With telemedicine, veterans can in some cases dial into a visit from home or videoconference with a VA health care specialist in a remote location from a VA health care facility. In 2015, the VA provided

Diane Emma Austin MISSION – Diane Emma Kariger Austin, 76, of Mission, passed away on Monday, May 16, 2016. Mrs. Austin was born on June 6, 1939, in Chicago, Ill., to Harold and Florence Kariger. She married Gordon Austin on Feb. 12, 1967, and they resided in Mission for the past 35 years. She was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mission where she served as a Eucharistic minister and in the church choir. Survivors include her husband of 49 years, Gordon; children, Dan Heath of Poplar Grove, Ill. and Debra Neubauer of Plainfield, Ill.; and seven grandchildren and stepchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Jeffrey Heath; and siblings, Bob Kariger, John Kariger and Alice Fisher. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, May 20, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested for memorial donations to be made to St. Paul’s

8 A.M. Choir. Francisca Irasema Guerrero PEÑITAS – Francisca Irasema Guerrero, 52, passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2016, in Laredo. Ms. Guerrero was born in Reynosa, Tamps., Mexico on Dec. 6, 1963, to Francisco Guerrero and Guadalupe Tijerina. She worked for the La Joya I.S.D. for 30 years in Nutrition Service. Survivors include her sisters, Irma Cardenas, Imelda Ochoa and Irene Camacho. She was preceded in death by her parents; maternal grandparents, Albeto and Maria Tijerina; and paternal grandparents, Manuel Guerrero and Lorenza Aguillon. A funeral mass was held on May 19 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Peñitas. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview. Serving as pallbearers were Marcos Tijerina, Eddie Tijerina, Efren Ochoa, Esiquiel Ochoa, Carlos Lopez, Juan Ramirez and Mark Ramirez. Rey Amador was an honorary pallbearer. Noemi Benavidez Lopez

obituaries

more than 2 million telehealth consultations to over 677,000 veterans, 45 percent of whom were in rural areas. “Telemedicine is the wave of the future in medicine, not just for general practice but also for veterans’ care,” Cuellar said. “Not only does telemedicine make receiving medical treatment easier, but studies have found it drives down health care costs in Texas and across the country. “I’m not arguing that telemedicine is the appropriate course of action for all patients,” Cuellar continued. “However, with a disability compensation benefits program for 4.4 million veterans, 405,000 survivors of wars and nearly 35,000 veterans in the 28th Congressional District alone, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, it should be used as a tool when called for.” SULLIVAN CITY – Noemi Benavidez Lopez, 66, passed away on Monday, May 16, 2016, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg. Noemi was born on July 20, 1949, in Mission to Rosendo and Maria Benavidez. She lived in Sullivan City most of her life where she owned the Quick Stop store. She was also employed by the La Joya I.S.D. as a paraprofessional for 25 years. Survivors include her daughters, Belinda and Selina; mother, Maria Benavidez; siblings, Roel, Joel and Nidia; and several grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father and a son, Seferino Lopez Jr. A funeral mass was held on May 18 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Sullivan City. Burial followed at Benavidez Cemetery in Sullivan City. Cesarea Chapa de Olvera MISSION – Cesárea Chapa De Olvera, 62, passed away on Thursday, May 12, at Paxvilla Hospice in McAllen. Mrs. Olvera was born on Aug. 9, 1953, in Reynosa, Tamps., Mexico, to Nicolas and Gregoria Salinas Chapa.

Trustees

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Charlie Garcia III (left) is sworn in to the MCISD board of trustees by Sergio Muñoz, Jr. Photo by Lea Victoria Juarez

Zamora was sworn in by State Rep. Sergio Muñoz Jr. The man of few words thanked the constituents, his family and said he was ready to take on the job as trustee. Flores also swore in O’Caña-Olivarez. The board president said this election was tough for both her family and coworkers because it took time away from those

aspects of her life. But she wanted to show that she was committed, the attorney said “Even if you didn’t vote for us, I want you to have the confidence that we are here to work for you regardless if you entrusted us with your vote,” O’Caña-Olivarez said to the board meeting attendees. “From this day forward, it really is just team Mission

CISD.” Garcia, who was also sworn in by Muñoz, kept his speech to a minimum. He thanked his family, the voters and said he was humbled to be entrusted with the responsibilities of a board member. “I’ll keep it short and sweet,” Garcia said. “I’m ready to get to work and I’m ready to serve you guys.”

Survivors include her children, Claudia Raquel Perez, Saul Olvera and Daisy Peña; siblings, Gilberto Chapa, Hector Chapa, Gregoria Chapa Quilantan and Lidia Chapa de Galvan; and 12 grandchildren. A funeral service was held on May 16 at St. John of the Fields Catholic Church in Mission. Cremation followed. Rodolfo Reyna MISSION – Rodolfo "Rudy" Reyna, 69, passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2016, in Mission. Mr. Reyna was born to Jose Reyna and Eva Farias on Sept. 12, 1946, in Mission. He worked 35 years for the Mission C.I.S.D. Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Luisa Reyna; children, Rodolfo Reyna II and Dianne Reyna; brothers, Aguinaldo Reyna and Ruben Reyna; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Joe Reyna, Jr. A memorial service was held on May 13 at Virgil Wilson Mortuary in Mission. Javier Ricardo Rios MISSION – Javier Ricardo Rios of Mission passed

away on Saturday, May 14, 2016, at Paxvilla Clinic in McAllen. Survivors include his mother, Marcelina Rios; children, Jennifer Gonzalez, Sonia Piña, Jorge Navarro, Yesenia Cereceves and Javier Ricardo Rios Jr.; sisters, Teresa De Leon, Maria Arismendez, Rosa Marquez, Nora Sifuentes, Gloria Rios and Ana Sifuentes; and 11 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Pedro Rios; brother, Ramon Rios; and sister, Clementine Treviño. A funeral mass was held on May 19 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church of Mission. Cremation followed.

Cemetery. Kris Gonzalez PEÑITAS – A funeral mass was held for Kris Gonzalez on Saturday, May 14, 2016, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Peñitas. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview. Guadalupe H. Uresti MISSION – Guadalupe Uresti, 67, passed away on Thursday, May 12, 2016. A funeral service was held on May 16 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview. Rosa Maria Vasquez MISSION – Rosa Maria Vasquez, 85, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2016. A funeral service was held on May 13 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Donald Ward MISSION – Donald Ward, 69, passed away on Monday, May 16, 2016.

Notices Alejandro P. Alanis ALTON – A funeral mass was held for Alejandro P. Alanis on Thursday, May 19, 2016, at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Alton. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens

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Language in agriculture appropriations bill to aid poverty areas Congressman Henry Cuellar announced he included language in the FY 2017 U.S. House Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to bring

May 20, 2016

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aid to areas in the 28th Congressional District with a history of poverty. All told, the language could lead to at least $924,630,300 million going to persistent-poverty areas. Now that the language has

been approved, it will have to be approved by the full House and Senate before being sent to the President’s desk. The congressman’s language calls on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to

prioritize and set aside at least 10 percent of federal funding through specific programs for counties where 20 percent or more of the population has lived in poverty over the past 30 years; this includes Hidalgo County. Some of the programs that will prioritize persistent-poverty areas include: • Section 502 Single Family Housing Direct Loan Program ($1,000,000,000 for at least $100,000,000 for persistent-poverty areas) • Mutual and Self-Help Housing Grants ($30,000,000 for at least $3,000,000 for persistent-poverty areas) •Rural Community Facilities Program ($47,100,000 for at least $4,710,000 for

persistent-poverty areas) •Rural Business Program Account ($76,883,000 for at least $7,688,300 for persistent-poverty areas) •Rural Cooperative Development Grants ($26,550,000 for at least $2,655,000 for persistent-poverty areas) •Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program ($533,210,000 for at least $53,321,000 for persistent-poverty areas) •Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans Program ($6,940,000,000 for at least $694,000,000 for persistent-poverty areas) •Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program ($62,560,000 for at least $6,256,000 for persistent-poverty areas) The congressman sim-

ilarly directed the United States Department of Agriculture to emphasize persistent-poverty counties in its efforts to improve economic opportunities for residents of rural, impoverished areas through the StrikeForce Initiative for Rural Growth and Opportunity. StrikeForce is a USDA program, which has been providing assistance to rural areas since 2010. In 2015 the StrikeForce Initiative assisted 1,348 projects in Texas providing an investment of $462 million. In addition to the language calling on USDA to prioritize persistent-poverty areas the congressman advocated for funding to assist rural communities and colonias.

UTRGV College of Business named after local

By Patrick Gonzales

n the largest single donation in the history of higher education in the Rio Grande Valley, Robert C. Vackar, CEO of the Bert Ogden Auto Group, will give $15 million to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s College of Business & Entrepreneurship. To honor Vackar for his gift, the college will be named the Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship. “This is a monumental moment not only in the history of UTRGV but the entire Rio Grande Valley,” said Founding President Guy Bailey. “We are extremely grateful to Bob for his generosity, and we look forward to the tremendous impact his gift will have now and for

Bob Vackar

generations to come.” The gift will be set up as an endowment, so College of Business & Entrepreneurship students will benefit in perpetuity. “This recognition is such an honor,” Vackar said.

“Growing up in Edinburg and living in the Rio Grande Valley has been such a great experience for our family — Janet and I just love this place. But after the many years of support our family and our businesses have received from this community, the real honor is being able to give back to the community, students and the university.” This is the second gift the Vackar family has given UTRGV this year. In January, they donated more than $2 million for scholarships. “I am grateful that Bob understands the value of philanthropy and that this gift will change the face of philanthropy not only at UTRGV but also in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Kelly Cronin, UTRGV vice president for advancement.

Edinburg Medical Center celebrates highest company-wide recognition

mployees at the Edinburg Regional Medical Center campus celebrated team success last week at a reception held in their honor. The Edinburg Regional Medical Center campus, which includes Edinburg Children’s Hospital and Edinburg Regional Rehab Center, received the 2015 Quality Award from Universal Health Services, Inc., at the corporation’s annual hospital management conference held in March. This award is presented to only one UHS acute care facility each year for overall quality. Among its accomplishments, Edinburg Regional Medical Center achieved the best patient safety score among UHS acute care facilities in 2015, and placed among the highest in patient experience ratings. Jennifer Garza, chief executive officer of the Edinburg facilities, hosted a reception to honor the employees and thank them for their continued achievements.

MEDC from pg 1A

“There will be no new taxes to pay for the planned event center,” emphasized Garza. In other action, MEDC board held a public hearing on the proposed budget, not

Sharyland from pg 1A

me that I should play tennis because tennis is my first sport even though I hadn’t played it competitively in a few years. That’s because I decided to focus on my studies since that is my top priority.” As for what it was like to compete at the state tournament for the first time Ramos said, “I was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect in regards to the level of play. I didn’t know if they were going to be really good or just OK. I had an idea because of my regionals

“Quality improves when staff members are committed to achieving the highest level of patient care and to establishing a culture of patient safety. We’ve achieved high quality ratings because of the dedication of our staff and physicians,” Garza said. “Together, we have opened lines of communication at town halls held every quarter, recognized employees’ contributions during special times such as hospital week or with the DAISY award for exceptional nursing and we make sure patient care is consistent among our staff by integrating training tools like AIDET into our daily routines. As part of the celebration, the hospital was presented with a crystal bowl. Garza asked each department to choose an item that reflected their work to place in the bowl to signify teamwork in achievement. Some of the items chosen by the employees included a dumbbell for rehab, a coffee cup for nursing administration, a test tube for lab, a PICU doll for

the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and a hemostat for surgery. The 2015 UHS Quality Award is the latest award received by Edinburg Regional Medical Center. As part of South Texas Health System, it was recognized as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures for 2014 by The Joint Commission and was named Best Regional Hospital in 2015 by U.S. News & World Report. The Edinburg Regional Medical Center campus is an accredited Chest Pain Center, certified Primary Stroke Center, Asthma Center of Excellence and operates two ERs – an adults-only ER and an ER for kids. Edinburg Regional Medical Center offers robotic surgery, advanced imaging, inpatient rehabilitation services and maternity care. Edinburg Children’s Hospital specializes in advanced pediatric care and offers outpatient services in pediatric endocrinology and diabetes management.

to exceed $30,000 per year, for the operation of the new Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED) building now nearing completion on Bryan Road. MEDC board members heard a financial report for

the month of April. The report showed total resources of $3,650,861 and expenditures of $3,324,376. Total assets amounted to $3,410,035 while liabilities and fund balance stood at $3,411,035. Debt service was set at $2,665,013.

final match and I figured that every single match would be like that. And that made me nervous.” Ramos, who is planning on returning to Mexico and attending Tecnologico de Monterrey in hopes of becoming a neurosurgeon, had aspirations of continuing her tennis career at UTSA. However, while she does have an acceptance letter from that school, she was never contacted by any of their coaches so she has pretty much given up on that possibility. “I did try out for the tennis team at the Tecnologico de Monterrey and I made it but I don’t know yet if I’m

going to play there or not,” shared Ramos. “I realize that I’ve chosen a hard career so I don’t know if I’ll be able to do both. I will consider offers from other schools here in the U.S. but as of right now, I’m planning on attending the university in Monterrey.” Arizola and Ramos qualified for the state championship match by defeating the team of Kali Hamilton and Calum Robe of Grapevine, 6-3, 6-1, in the state quarterfinals and the team of Tory Templin and Lily Taylor of College Station A&M Consolidated, 6-4, 5-6, 6-4, in the semifinals.

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NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ISSUE CITY OF LA JOYA, TEXAS CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Commissioners (the Governing Body) of the City of La Joya, Texas (the City) will convene at its regular meeting place in the City Hall, 101 Leo Ave, La Joya, TX 78560, at 6:00 o’clock P.M., on June 21, 2016, and, during such meeting, the Governing Body will consider the passage of an ordinance or ordinances and take such other actions as may be deemed necessary to authorize the issuance of one or more series of certificates of obligation in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $3,482,000.00 for the purpose or purposes of paying contractual obligations of the City to be incurred for making permanent public improvements and for other public purposes. Funding will be used to pay for the costs relating to a new City Hall facility, to-wit: (1) to acquire real property, improvements and personal property from Plains Capital Bank, which real property and improvements are more particularly described as Lot “A”, QUAIL-HOLLOW ESTATES, an addition to the City of La Joya, Hidalgo County, Texas according to the map or plat thereof recorded in volume 31, Page 179, Map Records, Hidalgo County, Texas; (2) architect fees; (3) construction costs for the improvements to the aforesaid property; and (4) the payment of professional services related to the construction and financing of the aforementioned projects. The certificates of obligation (the Certificates) will be payable from the levy of an annual ad valorem tax, within the limitations prescribed by law, upon all taxable property within the City and from a lien on and pledge of net revenues derived by the City from the operation of the City’s Waterworks and wastewater system. The Certificates are to be issued, and this notice is given, under and pursuant to the provisions of the Certificate of Obligation Act of 1971, as amended, Texas Local Government Code, Section 271.04 through Section 271.065 and Chapter 1502, as amended, Texas Government Code. _________________________ Julianita R. Sabala City Secretary City of La Joya, Texas HELP WANTED Drivers CDL-A: Texas-Size Bonuses! Texas-Size Benefits Package! Great Pay and Steady Miles! Long Haul US/Canada. 855-645-7789

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NOTICE OF INTENT TO CONTRACT FOR THE MISSION CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT PROJECT In accordance with the Public Property Finance Act, Section 271.001, et seq., Texas Local Government Code, as amended (the “Act”), notice is hereby given that it is the intent of the Board of Trustees of the Mission Consolidated Independent School District situated in Hidalgo County, Texas (the “District”), to enter into one or more lease/purchase contracts with a public facility corporation (the “Corporation”) created by the District pursuant to Chapter 303, Texas Local Government Code, for the use, purchase, or other acquisition of real property or an improvement to real property for public school purposes, consisting of: (1) the demolition of the currently existing administration office of the District and the construction and equipment of a new school building to be utilized as an administration office to be located at 1201 Bryce Drive, Mission, Texas 78572; and (2) other improvements functionally related to the above (collectively, the “Projects”). The District tentatively proposes to enter into one or more contracts in an aggregate amount not to exceed $13,464,000, the presently estimated amount of costs to be incurred for construction, engineering, architectural, legal, and other professional fees in connection with the Projects, and including a land sale (see paragraph below) but excluding any operations and maintenance costs. Proceeds from the contract(s) may also be used to fund a reserve fund. In accordance with the Act, the term of the contract(s) shall not exceed 25 years and the net effective interest rate shall not exceed the amount provided in Chapter 1204, as amended, Texas Government Code. The District presently proposes to provide for payment of the contract(s) from money biennially appropriated to the District by the Texas Legislature which may be used for capital outlay or debt service, subject to annual appropriation by the District, or any other lawfully available funds of the District. Such contract(s) shall never be a charge on such revenues, except in accordance with its terms, which include the right not to appropriate payments for payment of such contract(s). To finance the Projects, the District will sell certain land and current improvements on such land, (valued at the approximate amounts of $992,000 and $1,122,000, respectively) for the site on which the Projects will be constructed, to the Corporation. The Project and the land on which it will be located will be subject to one or more mortgages and, therefore, will be subject to foreclosure if the District fails to make lease payments to the Corporation. The District will apply the land sale proceeds it will receive from the Corporation to the Projects. The Board intends to consider matters related to approval of the lease/purchase contract(s) on or about (but not earlier than) the 60th day after the date of publication of this notice. In accordance with the Act, if, within 60 days of the date of publication of this notice, a written petition signed by at least 5% of the registered voters of the District is filed with the Board of Directors requesting that the Board order a referendum on the question of whether the lease/purchase contract(s) should be approved, the Board may not approve the lease/purchase contract(s) unless the question is approved by a majority of the votes received in a referendum ordered and held on the question. BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MISSION CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

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Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon

Mission High School Head Football Coach and former NFL quarterback Koy Detmer was the featured speaker at the Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon held May 5. He is pictured in the photo at left with his wife, Monica. Top Center: Mission Mayor Norberto Salinas is shown addressing the capacity crowd at the luncheon. Bottom Center: Veterans Memorial High School Toros de Plata Mariachis. Right: Mission School Board candidates Marina Salinas and J.C. Avila.

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Ochoa is Lions president; Townsend named top member Ciro Ochoa, Jr. was installed as president of the Mission Lions Club and Pat Townsend, Jr. was named Lion of the Year for 1986as the club held its annual installation of officers and Ladies’ Night.

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LJISD students receive scholarships Seniors Linda Mendez and Norma Martinez from La Joya receive scholarships from the La Joya Educational Secretaries Association.

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Mission Girl Scout receives Gold Award Carolanne Todd, a member of Senior Girl Scout Troop 190 in Mission, earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting. She is the first in the Valley to earn this award. Padron receives scholarship from Valley tennis coaches The South Texas Tennis Coaches Association has awarded Abraham Padron, senior member of the Mission Eagle tennis team, with a scholarship for $639.