TEAM L1BERTY COACH CLAUDIA ALEX ARMIN OCHOA CANTU SALINAS place 4
place 6
GARZA
place 7
place 5
LA JOYA ISD SCHOOL BOARD
1
PALMV1EW
Arlando Jose Luis Pastor nacianceno
Perez
Juan Dela garza
place 1
place 3
place 5
PALMVIEW CITY COUNCIL
EARLY VOTING OCT. 24 - NOV. 4 • ELECTION DAY NOV. 8 POLITICAL AD PAID FOR BY CANDIDATES.
Friday, October 21, 2016
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Vol. 45 No. 12
MISSION’S TOP CITIZENS HONORED AT CHAMBER BANQUET
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By Jim Brunson our of Mission’s most outstanding citizens were honored last week for their extraordinary service to the citizens of Mission. Their service spans anywhere from 10 to 65 years and is as varied as are the individuals honored. Some of the organizations that have benefited from their volunteerism include the Boy Scouts of America, the Mission Boys and Girls Club, the Foundation at Mission Regional Medical Center, Mission Lions Club, Mission CISD Board of Trustees, Mujeres Unidas, Leadership Mission, Mission Chamber of Commerce, Mission Economic Development Council and Mission Historical Museum. The Progress Times presented the Citizens Awards
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By Kathy Olivarez ith a theme of “The Roarin’ 20s” the chamber staff and some from the community dressed in costumes of that era the Mission Chamber of Commerce Banquet was a lively affair. The band, Starlight Quartet, played jazz songs, such “String of Pearls” from the era when the music of Glen Miller, Jimmy Dorsey and Benny Goodwin was music for dancing. Dancers from Nadia’s Dance School performed the Charleston and did a bit of Jitterbugging to add to the theme of the banquet, giving it a new liveliness. Guests were welcomed by Mission Mayor Norberto Salinas, who said it always great to recognize the city’s
The Progress Times presented this year’s citizens awards at the Mission Chamber of Commerce banquet last week. Pictured from left are: Don Reinhardt, Mr. Mission; Pete Jaramillo, Man of the Year; Connie Garza, First Lady of Mission; and Deborah Cordova, Woman of the Year. Progress Times Photo by Doug Young
for Mission’s Woman of the Year, Man of the Year, Mr. Mission and First Lady of Mission during the annual banquet of the Mission
I
n an attempt to meet the demand by many Hidalgo County voters for more information about Proposition 1, the non-partisan, civic organization Futuro McAllen hosted a forum Tuesday evening to shed more light on the topic. Proposition 1 is a ballot
leading citizens and pay tribute to those to who so much for the city. He praised Josh Stockel, who is new to the chamber but who has jumped in as the organization’s new president and CEO, bringing new ideas to continue the success of the chamber in promoting local businesses. Guests were welcomed again by Stockel, who told the audience it is the chamber’s job to promote educational and business opportunities and to promote tourism and Mission’s special nature treasures, including the National Butterfly Center and the World Birding Center headquarters that draw people into the city. Navin Buxani, immediate past chairman of the board
See BANQUET Pg. 14
See TOP CITIZENS Pg. 5
initiative that will allow Hidalgo County voters to decide on Nov. 8 whether to form a new healthcare taxing district. KURV radio’s Davis Rankin moderated the panel discussion held at the McAllen Convention Center. Representing those in favor of the proposition were Ann
Entertainment | pg. 2
2016-17 Mission Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors This year’s board officers are Dan Martin, board chairman; Trung Nguyen, chair-elect; Diana Alcocer, secretary; Veronica Ghavidel, treasurer; Cathy Garcia, vice-chair for Business Development; and Nick Espinosa, vice-chair for Membership Development. Also serving on the board of directors are Lance Ames, Albert Chapa, Debra Franco, Ryan Krause, Dan Ogletree, Cesar Suarez and TJ Tijerina. Progress Times Photo by Doug Young
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Palmview city council race heats up
By Jose De Leon III
See FUTURO Pg. 8
Dr. Nedra Kinerk, of Futuro McAllen, introduces the panel during the forum Tuesday evening on Proposition 1. Progress Times Photo
INDEX
munity. This year’s honorees were: Deborah Cordova, Woman of the Year; Pete Jaramillo, Man of the Year;
News Editor Mendi Brunson said, “Although she doesn’t seek honors for her efforts, she has received them for her exemplary service. She was Mission’s 1993 Woman of the year, the 1998 Hispanic of the Year, Volunteer of the Year with Mujeres Unidas, a Texas Corrections Association Shining Star and even more.” After 46 years of service, Garza continues to take on new causes as she tries to help those who suffer. She has undertaken the challenge to help create a shelter locally for victims of human trafficking, partnering with Tamar’s Tapestry, a non-profit organization in McAllen that serves the needs of trafficked women. Woman of the Year Deborah Cordova is well
Mission Chamber banquet was Roarin’ affair
Futuro McAllen explains Proposition 1
By Jim Brunson
Chamber of Commerce, continuing a 65-year-old tradition of recognizing those who have performed outstanding service to the com-
Connie Garza, First Lady of Mission; and Dr. Don Reinhardt, Mr. Mission. First Lady of Mission Connie Garza is well known in the community for her multiple civic, church and benevolent service endeavors over a period of 46 years. Some of her community service includes: Silver Hair Legislator representing the Rio Grande Valley, Infinite Love volunteer serving the needs of cancer patients at Texas Oncology, Pan de Vida volunteer at Calvary Baptist Church, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Hospitality Center, Leadership Mission board, Mission Boys and Girls Club board, Mujeres Unidas, Mission CISD Board of Trustees, and many others. Making the presentation of this award at the banquet, Progress Times Community
ith this year’s general election set for Nov. 8 and early voting commencing Monday, Oct. 24, the Progress Times reached out to the six candidates vying for three seats on the Palmview City Council. Arlando Nacianceno (Place 1) is the only incumbent running for reelection. He joins Jose Luis Perez (Place 3), a middle school teacher, and Juan de la Garza (Place 5), a local pastor, to make the “Palmview 1” slate. The trio is facing off against the “Progress for Palmview” slate, which consists of Javier Ramirez (Place 1) a high school teacher, businesswoman Linda Sarabia (Place 3) and business owner Joel Garcia (Place 5). While both slates want to make improvements in the city, they have focused on differing priorities.
Lifestyle | pg. 3
Place 1 Arnaldo Nacianceno (Palmview 1), who has served on the city council for two years, said he joined the slate because he believes his running mates will help him accomplish what he couldn’t do in office in his first term. “My biggest priority was always to improve several of our streets but those projects were always put on hold by other councilmembers,” the
Opinion | pg. 4
See PALMVIEW Pg. 5
Palmview 1 Slate Juan de la Garza, Arlando Nacianceno, and Jose Luis Perez
Progress for Palmview Slate Joel Garcia Sr., Linda Sarabia and Javier Ramirez
Sports | pg. 6
Obituaries | pg. 11
Classifieds | pg. 13 DON’T MISS OUR COSTUME CONTEST AT 6:15PM
Mission Regional Medical Center
Oct. 27 • 5:30 - 7:30 PM
entertainment Camille Playhouse opens 2016-17 season
MHM celebrates Dia de los Muertos
The Mission Historical Museum’s annual Dia de los Muertos Family Festival runs from 6 to 10 p.m. tomorrow, Oct. 22, at the Mission Historical Museum, 900 E. Doherty. Admission is free. Pictured as a “Catrina” at last year’s celebration is Amanda Vic. The event features live entertainment, a variety of food and craft vendors, a curated altar exhibit, original artwork, face painting and children’s activities. The community is encouraged to dress in their finest Calaca, Catrin or Catrina apparel. For more information, call 580-8646.
LJISD troupe presents ‘The Lion King’
ThisWay! Musical Theatre Company at Juarez-Lincoln High school in La Joya presents “The Lion King” in four performances this weekend. The production is based on the Broadway production by Julie Taymor and the book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi. The company is comprised of the Juarez-Lincoln High School Theatre and the Juarez-Lincoln High School Choir students. The production will be presented in two evening and two matinee performances. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21 and 22, performances are set for 7 p.m. The matinees will
be held Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 22 and 23, at 2 p.m. All performances will be staged at the Alejandro “Alex” H. Saenz Performing Arts Center, 604 N. Coyote Dr. in La Joya. Tickets are $6 per person and will be sold at the door one hour prior to each performance. All seats are general admission. For ticket information, contact Melissa Casas at 956-323-2897. By the Juarez-Lincoln High School Theatre students alongside the Juarez-Lincoln High School Choir students.
Astorga, Gonzalez works to open at STC gallery
MCALLEN – The South Texas College Library Art Gallery presents an exhibit exploring two artists with disparate points of view and their connection through photography in a specific region. STC will host a photography exhibit entitled “Line of Sight” with professional photographers Conrado Gonzalez and Hector Astorga. Talks will be given by each artist. The exhibit will be on view in the library located in Building F on Oct. 26 to Dec. 1 at STC’s Pecan campus, 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen.
All exhibits and talks are free and open to the public. Astorga explores the medium in the natural landscape while Gonzalez photographs people and their interaction with the urban environment. Astorga will give a talk about his work on Oct. 26 at 1:20 p.m. at the library located in Building F. Gonzalez will also speak on Oct. 26 at 5 to 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Gina Otvos at 956872-3488 or email at gotvos@southtexascollege.edu.
For those who loved the old black and white TV series, Camille Playhouse is opening their new season and taking a step back in time to present “The Addams Family” On Oct. 21-23 and October 28-30. Wednesday Addams has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family, a man her family has never met. If that were not upsetting enough, Wednesday asks her father, Gomez Addams, to keep it a secret from her mother, Morticia. Everything will change when the family hosts a dinner for the “normal” boyfriend and his parents. In December, the musical “Billy Elliot” will be presented Dec. 8-11 and Dec 16-18. Set in a northern England mining town, it is the inspirational story of a young boy’s struggle again the odds to make his dreams come true. Billy stumbles from the boxing ring to a ballot class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and his community and changes his life forever. In January look for Maria Callas’ “Master Class,” which features Maria Callas teaching a class in front of an audience. She is glamorous, larger than life and drop dead funny. Callas’ first “victim” is Sophie, a ridiculous overly-perky soprano, who chooses to sing the difficult sleepwalking scene from “La Sonnambula,” which Callas made famous. Callas glories in her own career, dabbles in opera dish a d flat-out seduces the audience. This tour de force was hand -picked for last season’s scene-stealing star of “Sweeny Todd,” Sylvia Lester.
“Master Class” can be seen Jan. 27-29 and Feb. 3-5. In March look for “Curtains” set in 1959. Boston’s Colonial Theatre is hosting the opening night for a new musical when the leading lady mysteriously dies on stage and the entire cast and crew are suspects. Homicide Lieutenant Frank Cioffi, who is a musical theatre fan, must solve the who-done-it. Find out on Mar. 17-19 or Mar. 2426. In April their presentation for youth,”James and the Giant Peach,” will be on stage. Based on a children’s book by Raold Dahl, James is sent by his old aunts to cut down a peach tree but discovered a magic potion that grows a tremendous peach that rolls into the ocean and leads to a journey of enormous proportions. Travel the world with the giant peach April 14-16 and April 21-23. This production is not included in season ticket price. “The Boys Next Door” takes place in a New England city where four mentally handicapped men live under the supervision of an earnest but increasingly burned out social worker named Jack. Norma, Lucien, Arnold and Barry look to Jack as a mentor/brother. When Jack mentions he may be moving on, the boys go into a tailspin. Look for this show to round out the season May 19-21 and May 26-28. Tickets for plays are adults $15. Tickets for musicals are adults $20. There are performances at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and matinees at 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Contact the Camille Playhouse at camilleplayhouse. net for more information.
By Gail Fagan
American Ballet. He was mentored by the late Nikita Talin, at the Harkness Ballet School. Under the direction of the late Doria Avila, an internationally noted dancer and teacher, he performed with Avila’s Rio Grande Valley Ballet in the celebrated “Ballet Fiesta Mexicana.” It was there that he met his wife, Evie Peña-Shives, also an accomplished dancer from Edinburg. Shives went on to a rich and expansive career performing with the Eglevsky Ballet, Tulsa Ballet Theatre, National Ballet Folklórico de Mexico and Milwaukee Ballet, among other famous and internationally renowned dance companies. He has received numerous recognitions for his outstanding artistry, including a 2005 Texas Legacy Award, an annual award celebrating and honoring the accomplishments of individuals for excellence in lifetime contribution, artistic achievement and outstanding service. Performances by the 42-member ballet company will be the first of the new PAC Distinguished Artists Series. On Saturday, Oct. 22, the ballet will perform at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 23, at 3 p.m. Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 .
Ballet San Antonio to perform at UTRGV
EDINBURG – The Ballet San Antonio is coming to the Rio Grande Valley for two performances on Oct. 22 and 23 at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Performing Arts Complex (PAC) Auditorium on the Edinburg Campus. The Ballet San Antonio’s new artistic director, Willy Shives, is an Edinburg native and a former lead dancer and 16-year performer with the Joffrey Ballet Chicago. At age 9, Shives received a prestigious Ford Foundation Scholarship allowing him to study with George Balanchine at the School of
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October 21, 2016
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Coming Attractions
October 21 • Brownsville Historical Association will sponsor a ghost hunt with paranormal investigators at Old City Cemetery at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. Call 956-541-5560 to register. • McAllen’s Food Park Unplugged will take place from 8 to 10 p.m. at 10 N. Broadway. Enjoy live music while eating food prepared by some of McAllen’s Food Truck Chefs. Free admission. October 21-22 • The South Texas Indian Dancers will hold their 27th Annual South Texas Pow Wow at the Lark Community Center, 2601 Lark Ave. in McAllen. On Friday, the grand entry begins at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, doors open at 10 a.m. and activities continue all day and evening. For more information, contact Robert Soto at 956-648-9336. October 21-23 • South Texas College (STC) Theatre presents “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” at the STC Cooper Center Black Box Studio, 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. Parental discretion is advised. Friday and Saturday performances are 8 p.m. The Oct. 23 performance is 2 p.m., to be interpreted in American Sign Language. For more information, call 956-872-2639. • The 24th Annual Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center Conjunto Festival, at 225 E. Stenger, San Benito, features accordion-driven sounds from top bands in the area and beyond. For vendor/booth information, contact Yolanda Lopez at 956-5713325. For other information, contact Rogelio T. Nunez at 956367-0335. October 22 • Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center, 600 Sunset in McAllen, presents Planta Nativa from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. with food and beverages, an art exhibition, music and a guest speaker. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance. For info and tickets, call 681-3370. October 22 & 29 • Get acquainted with Brownsville’s resident ghosts when the Brownsville Historical Association presents the popular “Murder, Mystery and Mayhem” tour at the old city cemetery. Actors from the Camille Playhouse will be in costume and lead the tour. Cost is $15. Make a reservation by calling 956-5415560. October 26 • The South Texas College Library Art Gallery presents a photography exhibit “Line of Sight” with professional photographers Conrado Gonzalez and Hector Astorga. Talks will be given by each artist. It will be on view through Dec. 1 at the library in McAllen. It is free and open to the public. Astorga will give his talk at 1:20 p.m., and Gonzalez will speak at 5 p.m. in the library located in Building F. Light refreshments will be provided. • The Brownsville Historical Association presents “Shades of Haunted History Walking Tour of Fort Brown.” Cost is $15. Make a reservation by calling 956-541-5560. October 27 • The Easter Seals 64th Annual Dinner will be held at Embassy Suites by Hilton near the McAllen Convention Center and features a 6 p.m. reception followed by the dinner at 7 p.m. with an Ostrich Egg Auction. For more information and reservations, contact Rebekah Harrison at 956-631-9171 or via email at rharrison@easterseals-rgv.com. October 28 • Karaoke Night at McAllen Food Park, 8 to 10 p.m., 10 N. Broadway. Free admission. October 29 • Museum of South Texas History on courthouse square in Edinburg will host Dias De los Muertos/ Pantheon: A vigil for souls celebration from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. with Mexican crafts, foods and customs. • It is Dia de los Muertos: Authors’ Night at The Writers’ Forum at 6:30 p.m.at the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center, 225 E. Stenger in San Bentio. For more information, call 956350-3905. October 29-30 • Join the staff at the International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 Nolana in McAllen, as two cultures merge during the Halloween Bash and Day of the Dead Festival. The Halloween Bash is Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Day of the Dead Festival is Oct. 30 from 1 to 5 p.m. Explore the history of both holidays through demonstrations, lectures, and family-friendly activities. Call 956-682-0123 for more information. October 29 - November 2 • The Texas Butterfly Festival will be held at the National Butterfly Center, 3333 Butterfly Park Drive, Mission. The event is packed with seminars and field trips about butterflies. Call 956-583-5400 for details, reservations and information or go to texasbutterflyfestival.com. October 30 • The Mission Lions Club is serving up their annual fall barbecue of top sirloin with all the trimmings. Plates are $8 each and can be picked up at Hidalgo County Veterans Pavilion, S. Inspiration Road in Mission. It is carryout only from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.For tickets, call Jim Brunson at 956-534-1100 or contact any Lions Club member. To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to ptrgv.com
J&D
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lifestyle
October 21, 2016
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
FUMC offers ESL classes
EVENTS CALENDAR
October 21 – Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park/World Birding Center, 2800 S. Bentsen Palm Road presents Butterfly gardening at 8:30 a.m. October 25 – For National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Calvary Baptist Church, 1600 Harvey in McAllen, will host a discussion on domestic violence from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. A panel from Mujeres Unidas, the McAllen Police Department, the Hidalgo County district attorney’s office and the probation department will be represented. For more information, contact Elizabeth Zamora at 956-686-4364 or Connie Garza at 956-867-0742. October 26 – Check out the nocturnal creatures along the Thicket Trail at Frontera Audubon, 1101 S. Texas Blvd., Weslaco, during the Creatures in the Night program. Guides will lead the group by flashlight at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $3, but anyone wearing a Halloween costume gets in free. For info, call 956-968-3275. October 26 – Edinburg World Birding Center, 714 S. Raul Longoria Road, will host Volunteer Planting Day at 8:30 a.m. Call 956-381-9922 for information. October 27 – Denver Holt will visit Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center, 600 Sunset in McAllen, at 6 p.m. with a program on Snowy Owls. He is founder and president of the Owl Research Institute and the Ninepipes Wildlife Research Center, in Charlo, Mont. Admission is $3 per person. For info, call 681-3370 or visit quintamazatlan.com. October 28 – The Marine Military Academy (MMA) in Harlingen will host their 51st Anniversary Parade at 4 p.m. All parades are held on the academy grounds, and the public is invited. Veterans and former classmates and their families are encouraged to attend. October 29 - The San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Alton will hold the parish’s annual Jamaica from 4 to 10 p.m. Admission is free. All activities take place in the church parking lot and parish hall located at 621 W. Main St. in Alton. There will be games, a moon jump, free rides, face painting, bingo and more. The parking lot will be filled with festive music and food booths. A drawing will be held for 10 prizes, including a 2016 Chevy Colorado truck as first prize. For more information, call the parish hall office at 956-585-8001. October 29 – Those looking to put their strength to the test are invited to come out to the RGV Fire Truck Pull at the Mission Fire Department, 415 W. Tom Landry St. Proceeds benefit the Special Olympics Texas program for children and adults in the Rio Grande Valley. Check-in and registration opens at 9 a.m. and the first pull is slated for 10 a.m. Registration can be completed in advance at sotx.org/news-events/fire-truck-pull/ a1/. Teams of 10 work together to pull a 55,000-pound fire truck 75 feet. Awards will be presented to the fastest teams. Entry fee is $300 per team or $30 per person. Teams with fewer than 10 people should indicate it so that “fill-ins” can be found. To learn more about Special Olympics, visit specialolympicstexas.org or call 800-876-5646. October 29 – Head to the Edinburg World Birding Center at 10 a.m. to create a pumpkin planter garden. Bring a pumpkin, and the center will supply the soil, plants, and other decorations needed to create the masterpiece. Registration deadline is Oct. 27. The fee is $5 per family, per pumpkin planter. For more information or to register for this program, call 3819922. EWBC is located at 714 Raul Longoriad Rd. October 29 – The Edinburg World Birding Center debuts the “Night Critters” puppet show. Take the “spooky” out of night creatures and learn often misunderstood nocturnal animals. There will be various crafts for families to enjoy after the show. The free program begins at 2:30 pm. EWBC is located at 714 Raul Longoriad Rd. Call 381-9922 for info. October 29 – Incredible Edibles is a book written by South Texas native Esteban “Steve” Bravo and will be the program topic at Frontera Audubon, 1101 S. Texas Blvd., Weslaco. The book works as a field-guide to help identify useful native plants. The class is free and begins at 10 a.m. For info, call 956-968-3275. October 29 - Mobile artists Jay and Amanda a fall-themed painting class, Sip & Dip Painting from 6 to 8 p.m. on the lawn at Frontera Audubon, 1101 S. Texas Blvd., Weslaco. This is an adult-only event; cost is $35 per person. To sign up, call Jay at 956-373-5923 or visit www.art66studio.com to purchase tickets online or at Frontera Audubon. Space is limited. For info, call 956-968-3275. October 29 – The Gladys Porter Zoo’s, 500 Ringgold in Brownsville, hosts the next Saturday Safari, “Creatures of the Night,” at 10 a.m. Children and their parents can learn about animals that hunt in the dark and those that use the night to hide from others. A zoo tour, arts and crafts, an animal encounter and snacks are included. Cost is $15 per child or adult with a $5 discount for zoo members. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call 956-548-9453 or e-mail educ@gpz.org. For daily events and upcoming weeks, see the full calendar at ptrgv.com.
PARKS CALENDAR
REUNIONS &MEETINGS
JDA hosts Sixth Annual Gala The students and staff at Juan Diego Academy invite the public to their Sixth Annual Gala on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. at the school campus, 5208 S. FM 494 in Mission. “Nautica” is this year’s gala theme, and proceeds are earmarked towards the expansion of the math and science building. JDA students pictured above are holding just a few of the items that will go up for bids during the silent and live auctions. Funds will also be used for the continued growth and development of JDA’s academic and extracurricular programs. To become a sponsor, make a donation, purchase tickets or for more information, call the school at 956-583-2752.
Hosting Trunk-or-Treat
The First United Methodist Church in Mission is hosting a Trunk-or-Treat from 5 to 7 p.m. in the church parking lot across from the church at 1101 Doherty in Mission. The community is invited to
Ceremony to honor Vietnam Vets
SAN BENITO – On Oct. 24, U.S. Army Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez, commander of the U.S. ground forces in Iraq will be the keynote speaker at the Vietnam-Era Veterans’ Tribute ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Academy, 2115 N. Oscar Williams Rd., San Benito. All Rio Grande Valley Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces between Nov. 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975, in the Vietnam-era – regardless of location – will be recognized for their service. The public is invited. It begins at 6 p.m. and features a social hour, tributes and refreshments. For more information, call 956-361-3800.
Direct Cremation
$795
come out for tailgate trick or treating, and church members will be serving up hot dogs, nachos and lemonade. Call 585-1665 for more information.
Public invited to “Make a Differnce”
LA JOYA – The La Joya Independent School District will be holding their first “Make a Difference Day,” in conjunction with the national event of the same name. LJISD joins the movement by asking the community to make donations that will directly benefit La Joya ISD students in need. This Saturday morning, Oct. 22, district volunteers will be accepting new/gen-
Immediate Need
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tly used items, such as coats, shoes, jeans, uniform shirts, backpacks, personal hygiene items, new undergarments, feminine products, heaters and fans/AC units. A drop-off point has been set this Saturday, Oct. 22, at all three high school campuses from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.: La Joya High School, 604 N. Coyote Dr.; Juarez-Lincoln High School cafeteria, 7801 W. Mile 7 Rd., Mission; and at Palmview High School cafeteria, 3901 N. La Homa Rd., Mission.
The First United Methodist Church in Mission will offer English as a Second Language (ESL) classes starting in November. Registration is set for next Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 9 to 11a.m. at the church, located at 1101 Doherty in Mission. The classes begin on Wednesday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will be held at the church. Open to everyone, participants do not need to be FUMC members to attend. Free childcare is also available. Call 585-1665 for more information.
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St. John’s plans fashion show
St. John of the Fields Catholic Church is making preparations for a Fashion Show and Luncheon on Saturday, Nov. 12. It takes place at the church located at 1052 Washington St. in Mission. Doors open at 11 a. m., and tickets for the event are
$10 per person, and all proceeds benefit the church. Fashions will be sponsored by Lionels Western Wear and Boutique and Bec’s Fashions. For more information and tickets, call 585-2325 or 581-1289.
Reminiscing... 30 Years Ago
This Week City Receives $45,227 Check for Sales Tax
In the news this week 30 years ago, the city of Mission received a check from Comptroller Bob Bullock for $45,227.36 as the city’s share of the one-percent sales tax for October. This is up more than $4,000 from the same period last year and brings the city’s total for 1986 to $696,384.10, an increase of more than four percent over last year’s total of $665,568.77 for the same period. Hidalgo County sales tax totals were $655,126.73 for all the cities, down from last year’s total of $696,449.66 at
the same time. Bullock Friday sent checks totaling $55.4 million in local sales tax to 1,033 cities that levy the one-percent tax. Bullock said 1986 payments to date were down .6 percent as compared to the payments to date in October last year. The decrease in the checks is a continuing reflection of the downtown in the Texas economy, he said. Houston’s check was the largest —$8.4 million— bringing total payments in 1986 to to $116.7 million, down five percent from last year.
A
opinion
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By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS Abbott, Patrick, Straus call for action by Child Protective Services
USTIN — Texas’ top three officeholders on Oct. 12 instructed the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to improve the protection of children at risk of abuse. With recent data showing the agency is struggling to see children in a timely manner, Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus sent a letter to Department of Family and Protective Services Commissioner Hank Whitman, calling for immediate action to more quickly help vulnerable children. “Protecting children from abuse is going to be a top priority in next year’s legislative session, but there is a need for action right now,” Straus said. The letter instructs Whitman to: - Develop a plan to hire and train more special investigators; - Develop a plan to ensure that DFPS has the caseworkers to handle the increase in cases and to prioritize hires in the most critical regions of the state; - Develop a plan to address a shortage of foster homes and residential providers; - Reinforce a culture of accountability within CPS; and - Build upon ongoing efforts to enhance partnerships with faith-based communities. The 85th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature will convene on Jan. 10. Registration breaks record Texas Secretary of State Carlos H. Cascos on Oct. 13 announced the number of registered voters was 15,015,700, an all-time high number for the state. The last day to register in time for the Nov. 8 election
October 21, 2016
was Oct. 11. The 15 million-plus number reported by Cascos is about 78 percent of Texas’ estimated voting age population of 19,307,355. Voting age population estimates include Texans who may not be eligible to vote, such as non-citizens or convicted felons who have not yet fully discharged their sentence. Cascos said the number of registered voters reported is preliminary, and likely will increase a bit as last-minute applications continue to be processed during the next few days. According to figures compiled by the Secretary of State’s Elections Division, in 2012, the last presidential election year, Texas had 13,646,226 registered voters, or 75 percent of voting age population. In 2008, the number was 13,575,062 or roughly 77 percent of the voting age population. More recently, ahead of the 2016 primaries in March, Texas had 14,238,436 registered voters, or 74 percent of estimated voting age population. October allocations improve Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Oct. 10 announced cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts would receive $650 million in local sales tax allocations for October. The amount to be allocated, based on sales made in August by businesses that report tax monthly, is 5.5 percent greater than in October of the previous year. “The cities of San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano and McKinney saw noticeable increases in sales tax allocations,” Hegar said, but “the cities of Houston and Midland saw significant decreases
in sales tax allocations.” School bus safety is urged The Texas Department of Public Safety on Oct. 13 urged drivers to comply with laws prohibiting the passing of school buses. During National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 17-21, DPS Highway Patrol troopers will watch for drivers who pass any school bus that is stopped and operating a visual signal, either flashing red lights or a stop sign. Drivers who violate the law could face fines as much as $1,250. Texas law requires a driver traveling in either direction to stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped and operating a visual signal. The driver may not proceed until one of the following occurs: the school bus resumes motion; the operator is signaled by the bus driver to proceed; or the visual signal is no longer activated. DSHS issues Zika reminder The Texas Department of State Health Services on Oct. 14 issued a public reminder that Zika testing is available for pregnant women who cross the border with Mexico. DSHS encouraged those women to discuss testing with their health care providers. Under U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, Zika testing is recommended for any pregnant woman who has traveled to a country with ongoing Zika transmission, including those who regularly cross the U.S.-Mexico border. Testing for Zika antibodies is now a part of routine prenatal care during the first and second trimesters in pregnant women with an ongoing risk of Zika exposure.
Election Advice from Fern By Fern McClaugherty O.W.L.S.
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his November an important election will take place because we are voting for a new president and deciding if we want to create a new taxing district. If you watch the TV concerning city, county or school board meetings you have seen members of the OWLS representing the people. We are trying to ensure that our elected officials use public funds responsibly. Many times these elected officials act in their best interest rather than in the best public interest. This is why I have decided to make the following recommendations. Now is the time and this election is the place to say no more taxes. I have heard both County Judge Ramon Garcia and Senator Juan Hinojosa say that if this Healthcare Taxing District does not pass, it will be on the ballot again next year. Therefore, it is extremely important that you vote and that you take your friends and neighbors to vote against the Healthcare Taxing District. For a second time, the Border Health PAC has given significant political contributions to most elected officials and also told uninsured individuals that they will become healthier if this bill passes. They will become healthier if they vote to provide funding for the University Of Texas School Of Medicine. The University of Texas and the School of Medicine are part of the Permanent University Funding System; this funding source places the University of Texas among the top five highest funded educational institutions in the nation. Senator Hinojosa has said that people in one of the poorest counties in Texas should vote to be taxed to ensure that they have skinin-the-game. If the Healthcare Taxing bill does not pass, the School of Medicine will continue without change. How
much sense does it make for the poor to be taxed so that the School of Medicine and private-for-profit hospitals get more money? If this bill passes, everyone will be taxed and the cost of food, shelter, transportation and all other services will increase, making it more difficult for the poor to survive. And the bad news is that this is not the only major tax increase being planned. The county has initiated plans to build a new courthouse that will cost from $300 million to $400 million. Funding for the courthouse project will be divided into several parts so county commissioners can say that they are staying within their estimated $150 million budget. The cost will be divided between a restructuring of the existing debt, increases in service costs and a new bond issue. We are going to pay more taxes and the County Judge will continue to say the county has not increased the tax rate in 14 years. A new report from the Hidalgo County Social Services 2017 Action Plan indicates that 100,000 households live in poverty. This means that 340,000, or 42.5% of the population, is unable to economically maintain themselves without public assistance. How is increasing taxes going to help? So this is our strategy, the main focus needs to remain the Healthcare Taxing Bill because it includes a forever tax and there is no way of modifying the actions of an appointed board. They can keep placing tax increases on the ballot every year. It does not matter if they are Republican or Democrat; people need to vote against those who perpetually see increasing taxes as a solution to problems. The county has about 3,600 employees and they are now receiving a minimum wage of $12 an hour. Our elected officials are betting that this will make them the good guys and that employees will vote for a small forever tax increase.
An eight-cent tax increase for healthcare plus a new courthouse, school bond issue and more drainage will make any salary increase worthless. Take the salary increase and vote NO on everything. Only that will give you a forever salary increase. The second part of keeping the Healthcare Taxing Bill from returning is to vote against those who would keep bringing it back. We need to vote against this bill to such an extent that it will signal others not to try again. We also need to vote for those who oppose existing elected officials. Take your neighbors, take your friends and vote against these individuals; if they do not have an opponent write-in Donald Duck. The politicians we have elected are not working for us, they are working for themselves. Senator Juan Hinojosa and Representative Bobby Guerra were born and raised in the Valley and they are very familiar with the conditions of poverty that exist. How can they support increasing taxes on the poor? It all goes back to that old saying “Texas has the best politician’s money can buy.” In this election, you can show these politicians that they need to listen to the people. No more taxes! My final comment is that if we are going to tax everybody, the indigent should receive free healthcare. How can we tax the most needy to build medical facilities and then charge them to receive services they cannot afford? The good news is that we already have a program that provides free healthcare to indigents; it provided $15 million of services in 2015. The program was created by the same private, for-profit hospitals that now want to create a Healthcare Taxing District. Senator Hinojosa has a bill that will terminate this program if the bill passes. We do not have to tax the poor to educate doctors or provide medical services. What they really need is free healthcare.
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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. Periodicals postage paid in Mission, Texas 78572. ©2016 Mission Publishing Company. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the PROGRESS TIMES, P.O. Box 399, Mission Texas 78573.
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October 21, 2016
PALMVIEW the La Joya ISD Custodial Director said. “We have enough money to improve at least four roads and I’d like to fix Greene Road, one of our main roads, because if residents and businesses know we’re trying to fix ourselves, it’ll make us look more attractive as a destination.” Nacianceno also expressed an interested in hiring a Public Relations manager within the first 100 days in office to update the city’s website and social media presence. Javier Ramirez (Progress for Palmview), an English special education teacher at Palmview High School, believes the Palmview city council needs integrity to attract businesses. Ramirez expressed a need to have the city’s official website updated weekly in order to have the city council be more transparent. A visit to the website shows the most recent city board meeting agenda posted on the website is from November 2014. “Not a lot of people are aware of what goes on in the city because that information is so hard to find,” Ramirez said. “We need to have more people attend our meetings so they can be aware of their own city and how the city council is using their money because it’s not fair to keep taxpayers in the dark on those issues.” Ramirez also said he and members of his slate would look into the city’s discretionary spending to make sure it is being used correctly and to hire city employees based on merit. Place 3 Jose Luis Perez, a math teacher at Juan de Dios Salinas Middle School, is a member of the “Palmview 1” slate. Like Ramirez, Perez said the city should be more accessible to Palmview residents. Because of this, he and his slate members, plan on instituting an “open door policy.” “We want people to feel comfortable enough to voice their concerns so they can be better exposed to the city,” Perez said. “Many of the previous city council meetings have only been attended by
TOP CITIZENS known at the Mission Boys and Girls Club where she has not only served on the board of directors for nine years, but has worked to ensure the success of the club’s annual gala, which provides scholarships for Mission area high school seniors. One summer, she and club staff painted all four walls of the gym, and another summer she and others prepared meals for the Summer Program staff. It’s not everyday one will see a successful attorney willing to take such a hands-on approach to serving the children of the community. She chaired the first annual Wills for Heroes Clinic benefitting the Hidalgo County retired veterans. She also served on planning committees for the annual Monster Bash benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the annual school supply drive benefitting Foster Children of the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Hidalgo County – and more. Cordova is also the first woman to serve as the Chair of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership Chamber of Commerce in 69 years. Mr. Mission Don Reinhardt, DDS (retired) may have retired from dentistry, but he never retired from serving, said Progress Times Publisher Jim Brunson when presenting the award. Reinhardt served a remarkable 65 years in Scouting, holding just about every position possible for an adult Scouter, including Scoutmaster. When he moved to Mission in 1995, he immediately got involved, joining the Mission Lions Club, an organization he has served for 55 years, and getting involved with the local Boy Scout troops. A life long member of the Methodist Church he has served on many church committees and is currently
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a handful of people. More of them need to be aware of what the city is doing for them.” Perez said despite the fact that his slate is composed of members from three different backgrounds—facilities, education and religion—they all share a common goal to strengthen the city. The “Palmview 1” slate recently released an agenda of what they plan to do in their first 100 days in office. Among the pledges included in the agenda is to have four of the city’s streets paved and install more streetlights. Perez believes these actions will help the city as it grows. “We need to improve ourselves before we attract businesses,” the 48-year-old said. “Our city has remained stagnant for years and before we get any bigger, we need to have a strong foundation.” The city is currently working with the Agua Special Utility District (Agua SUD) to bring sewer to the city. The Texas Department of Transportation proposes to widen FM 495 from a twolane road to a four-lane road, between La Homa and North Abram Road. With all these changes coming into the city, Perez also expressed a desire to build a library or learning center for the Palmview, something that is shared by his opponent, Linda Sarabia. Linda Sarabia, 39, (Progress for Palmview) said a library is needed for the city as it is the only city in the La Joya area that doesn’t have one. “We only have a Boys and Girls Club that caters to only student athletes,” the owner of Sarabia Financial Services said. “We need something everyone can enjoy and to do that, we need to bring the city into the 20th century as we’re far behind on infrastructure.” Sarabia, who is the founder of the Palmview Chamber of Commerce, agrees with her Place 1 running mate Ramirez on updating the city website. She also proposes live-streaming city council meetings so residents who can’t attend will still have access to meetings. Sarabia believes she and her running mates are the from pg 1
chairman of the PPR (Pastor Parish Relations Committee), is program chairman for Methodist Men and he sings in the church choir, as well as doing lots of the “little jobs” that always need to be done at church. He is a Gideon and a Shriner and a board member of McAllen Community Concerts. He also belongs to the Elks Club and American Legion and is a charter member of Mission Historical Museum. As he presented the Mr. Mission award to Dr. Reinhardt Jim Brunson said, “He joins to be a worker – to be an active member – to give 110 percent and do it well. He doesn’t join organizations to be recognized, he joins because he believes in what the organization stands for.” Man of the Year Pete Jaramillo is well known in the community due to his active involvement for many years. “Here is a man who exemplifies the spirit of quiet leadership – unpretentious, always kind, always ‘there’ – serving without fanfare, not seeking the accolades of his peers,” Jim Brunson said of Jaramillo. “Extremely active in his professional life, he makes the time to serve his community and his neighbors.” He has served in numerous leadership positions and on committees of a variety of civic and church organizations, including Mission Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Mission Chamber of Commerce, and Mission Historical Museum where he has served on the board a number of years and as board president. He also served on the Leadership Mission board for several years, helping develop future leaders of Mission.
perfect candidates to move the city forward, as they all have experience operating successful businesses. “Palmview has had the same administration for 20 years and it’s time for a change, and [Progress for Palmview] has the experience to lead the city in a new direction,” she said Place 5 Juan de la Garza (Palmview 1), a pastor for the nondenominational church Iglesia del Pueblo, has become more active in the community in the past three years. The 65-year-old from the Mexican state of Tamaulipas said he only decided to run for city council after Palmview Mayor Gerardo Perez asked him to. “Being an influential person in the city is one thing, but making decisions for the city is another,” de la Garza said. “I’ve been a community leader for many years and I decided to run because I feel I want to help the mayor’s vision and the city’s and I have a lot more to contribute to the community as a councilman than as a pastor.”
De la Garza said he and his running mates will clean the city by removing debris from lots, pave four streets and install more street lighting. “We already know sewer is coming to the city, but for now we can focus on preparing the city for more people coming in,” he said. “I would like to see businesses flourish throughout the community and provide jobs to residents so they don’t have to drive to Mission or McAllen for work everyday. De la Garza also responded to allegations he was using his church as a political platform. In a recent post from the official “Progress for Palmview” Facebook page, the slate shared screenshots of a post allegedly showing de la Garza promoting his slate in his church. According to Linda Sarabia, using a church to promote candidates is against non-profit 501c3 status guidelines and for de la Garza to use his church to promote his candidacy makes the race an “uneven playing field.”
De la Garza, however, pointed to a series of guidelines provided by the Alliance Defending Freedom website saying pastors can personally endorse candidates. “As long as it’s me doing the endorsement from my pulpit without telling my congregation to follow my example, then the church is not promoting anyone,” he said. “If there’s something wrong with that I’d like to know what my sin is.” Joel Garcia, owner of auto shop Collision Masters, is de la Garza’s opponent in the city council Place 5 race. Garcia served as a board member for the La Joya Independent School District before deciding to run for city council. He said once elected, he and his running mates of the “Progress for Palmview” slate will work closely with city administrators to improve the city, no matter how long it takes. “We’re going to come into the office hitting the ground running,” the Palmview resident said. “We know what we can do but it’ll depend
on city administration to see how much money we have and what we can use to move forward. Anyone can have a wish list of what they want to do and say ‘We can do it in 100 days,’ but it’s different once you’re actually executing them. We need time and money to move forward.” Like his fellow running mates, Garcia expressed a desire to update the city’s website but also has plans to make Palmview grow as they wait for the Agua SUD wastewater project and the TxDOT road widening project to start. “We’re at least 20 years behind compared to other cities and need to move forward as soon as possible,” he said. “[Linda] Sarabia, as a member of the city chamber of commerce, is already working with businesses to bring them into the city and we should look into promoting our local mom and pop stores so they stay open, and bring in big businesses that don’t require sewers, such as clothing stores, anything to put Palmview on the map.”
October 21, 2016
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Sharyland hunting 31-5A crown Rattlers ready to rebound with road test
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By Bryan Ramos he Sharyland Rattlers (5-2, 4-1) are no strangers to big games with playoff implications attached. In what head coach Ron Adame believes is the toughest district in the Val-
ley, the Rattlers are still in contention for the District 31-5A crown with three games left to play. “This is the toughest district in the Valley, in my opinion,” Adame said. “On any given night anybody can beat anybody. We knew it
was going to be a dog fight when we found out the teams that were going to be a part District 31-5A.” The Rattlers had their toughest district test to date last week when they faced their sister school – the Pioneer Diamondbacks (5-2, 4-1) – for a city championship in the third edition of the Snakeskin Classic. The Rattlers and the Diamondbacks exchanged touchdowns in the first half to go into the locker room tied at 14 apiece after two rushing touchdowns from Sharyland junior running back Blake Klein. In the second half, the Diamondbacks enforced their will and were able to take down the Rattlers 28-14 for
2016 Football Scoreboard
Last Week’s Game - Week #8
Nikki Rowe – 24, Mission High – 17 McAllen High – 35, Juarez Lincoln - 19 McAllen Memorial – 45, La Joya High – 14 Sharyland Pioneer - 28, Sharyland High – 14 Veterans Memorial and Palmview (Open)
This Week’s Game - Week #9
Rattler linebacker Javo Lopez tackles Pioneer’s Christian Rivera during the Diamondback’s 28-14 win over Sharyland Progress Time photo by Doug Young
the first time in their program’s history. The loss was Sharyland’s first in district play, after opening up to a 4-0 start.
The last time the Rattlers lost was in week one when they took on the Weslaco East Wildcats 13-21. They responded by rattling off five
straight victories, outscoring their opponents 188-64 in the process.
See SHARYLAND Pg. 7
Diamondbacks riding hot in District 31-5A
Mission High at Palmview - Thursday 7:00 p.m.* La Joya High at Juarez-Lincoln - Friday 7:30 p.m.* Valley View at Sharyland Pioneer - Friday 7:30 p.m.* Rio Grande City at Veterans Memorial- Friday 7:30 p.m.* Sharyland High at Laredo Nixon- Saturday 7:00 p.m.* *District Game Win/Loss Records Season District Pioneer High 5–2 4–1 Sharyland High 5–2 4–1 Veterans Memorial 4–3 3–2 La Joya High 3–4 2–1 Palmview 3–4 2–1 Juarez Lincoln 3–5 1–3 Mission High 1–7 0–4
Pioneer establishing themselves as powerhouse
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By Bryan Ramos ust three years since opening its doors, Pioneer football is already building tradition. That has been on display this fall as the Diamondbacks (5-2, 4-1) find themselves sitting atop District 31-5A in a three-way tie with just three games remaining. The Diamondbacks are currently riding a three-game win streak in district play and are in prime position to claim a playoff spot and at least a share of the 31-5A title. Pioneer head coach Jason Wheeler said his third year team is seeing success due to their commitment to the game. “The more you’re invested the harder you’re going to fight,” Wheeler said. “I have six seniors who have started since they were sophomores and they’re leaders now. We have to stay focused and understand we control our own destiny. Each game we’re playing for a gold ball. We went from our goal of making the playoffs to winning a city championship to having the opportunity to win a dis-
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Pioneer defensive back Tyler Bulthuis reaches for the ball during the Diamondback’s 28-14 win over Sharyland Progress Time photo by Doug Young
trict championship.” During their hot streak, Pioneer has beaten the Mission Veterans Memorial Patriots 30-14 and sister school the Sharyland Rattlers 28-14, both for the first time in program history. Junior middle linebacker and Pioneer’s leading tackler, Angel Chapa, said the recent victories over the 31-5A forces are something they’ve
earned through hard work. “It feels great, we’ve really worked hard for it,” Chapa said. “It feels like something we’ve earned, something people didn’t really believe we could do. It feels great after all the hard work we’ve put in.” Pioneer been tested in District 31-5A, one of the toughest districts in Rio Grande Valley football. After
PROGRESS TIMES
THE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
juarez-lincoln
la joya
mission
HUSKIES
COYOTES
EAGLES
SPECIAL TEAMS
SPECIAL TEAMS
#9 Jesus Zaleta
#1 Joseph Moreno
OFFENSE
DEFENSE
OFFENSE
DEFENSE
#84 Albert Martinez
#1 Manuel Briseno
#1 Joseph Moreno
#42 Rey Hernandez
SPECIAL TEAMS
OFFENSE
#2 Steven Deleon
#11 Sebastian Gonzalez DEFENSE
#2 Steven Deleon
the Diamondbacks complete performance to hand Sharyland their first district loss, Wheeler said his team was ready to build a tradition of their own. “We got a lot of respect for Sharyland, they have a lot of tradition. I just kept telling [the team] our tradi-
See DIAMONDBACKS Pg. 7
WEEK #8
October 21, 2016
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District races heating up as Big 7 teams battle for playoffs but the results of several key matchups will go a long way towards determining not only which teams are true playoff contenders but which teams will be vying for district championships as well. District 30-6A As of the end of Week 8’s games, the 4-0 McAllen Memorial Mustangs held a 1 ½ game lead over their three nearest challengers; the Nikki Rowe Warriors, the Palmview Lobos and the La Joya Coyotes. With this trio of 2-1 teams being the only other teams in the district with winning records, it would be easy to dismiss
I
By Luciano Guerra t may seem as if the Valley high school football season just kicked off a few weeks ago, but this weekend’s games mark the ninth week of the 11 week regular season. While the past eight weeks have begun to separate the pretenders from the contenders, the majority of District 30-6A and 31-5A teams are still very much alive in their respective district’s playoff races. Which teams will help their playoff chances this weekend and which will hurt them still remains to be seen,
DIAMONDBACKS
the 1-2 McAllen High Bulldogs, the 1-3 Juarez-Lincoln Huskies and the 0-4 Mission Eagles as the teams that will be on the outside looking in come playoff time. However, the fact that just last year the Palmview Lobos qualified for the playoffs with a 2-4 record, should be proof enough of the fact that not even the winless Mission Eagles can be completely eliminated from playoff contention at this point in time. With the four Big 7 District 30-6A teams going head-to-head against each other in two separate games this week, Mission at Palmfrom pg 6
Wheeler said. “We had two tough wins the last couple weeks so I felt like we were battle tested against some really tough teams. I felt like we were more prepared for this game than any time.” In last week’s rivalry game, the Diamondbacks and the Rattlers exchanged blow for blow in the first half. Sharyland senior Blake Klein provided two touchdowns for his squad while Pioneer senior receiver Alec Garcia scored on an acrobatic catch in the end zone from sophomore quarterback Jacob Rosales and senior receiver Bobby Acosta returned a kickoff 94 yards to send the team’s into the locker rooms at 14-14. In the second half, it was all Diamondbacks as they shutout the Rattlers with a swarming defense and dominant ground attack. Pioneer used a block kick from senior defensive end Senon Moya and bruising style of junior running back Christian Rivera to take down Sharyland 28-14. Rivera racked up 158 rushing yards on his way
to two touchdowns on the night. Pioneer junior slot receiver William Proctor, who has 205 yards and three receiving touchdowns on the season, said the Diamondbacks are focused on accomplishing the team’s ultimate goal, a District 31-5A title. “We’re gold ball chasing, we want that gold ball,” Proctor said. We want the district championship and this is a step to get there. We’re excited being able to be a part of the first team in district title contention. I love it. There’s nothing like it.” The Diamondbacks have surrendered a district low 62 points through five games played and have found a formula that’s been working for them, punishing opponents on the ground and shutting down opposing offenses with a suffocating defense. Pioneer posted 346 rushing yards in their week five victory of the Patriots and has prevented the last three opponents from scoring in the second half. Now, the Diamondbacks,
Volleyball Standings
Note: Teams above dotted line represent the teams currently in position to make playoffs. DISTICT 30-6A Overall District GB McAllen Memorial 35-4 9-1 McAllen High 38-2 9-1 McAllen Rowe 28-14 8-2 1 Mission High ----5-5 4 --------------------------------------------------------------------Palmview High ----- 2-7 6.5 Juarez-Lincoln ----1-8 7.5 La Joya High ----- 1-10 8.5 DISTICT 31-5A Overall District GB Veterans Memorial 26-11 13-0 Sharyland Pioneer 26-8 10-3 3 Sharyland High 21-16 9-4 4 Laredo Nixon ----- 9-4 4 --------------------------------------------------------------------Valley View ----6-5 6 Roma 13-19 5-8 8 Laredo Cigarroa ----- 4-10 9.5 Rio Grande City ----0-8 10.5 Laredo Martin ----- 2-11 11
the Sharyland Rattlers and the Laredo Nixon Mustangs all hold 4-1 records in District 31-5A to set up a threeway tie for first place. Sharyland and Nixon play tonight in Laredo so the tie will be broken one way or another. With three games remaining against Valley View, Laredo Martin and Roma, Wheeler and his squad know they must remain persistent in their pursuit of a first ever playoff appearance. “Hungry and humble. We just have to keep grinding and enjoy the grind,” Wheeler said. “For us to keep an edge we just have to be focused, play hard and have fun. We want to be playing our best football going into the playoffs.” The Diamondbacks’ next hurdle to a district title and playoff berth will be against the Valley View Tigers (25, 1-4). The District 31-5A battle between the Diamondbacks and the Tigers is set for 7 p.m. at Richard Thompson Stadium.
view last night and La Joya at Juarez-Lincoln tonight, it’s a given that two will emerge victorious and two will suffer yet another loss. With only two weeks left in the regular season, it’s the Eagles and the Huskies that can least afford another loss while the Lobos and the Coyotes will still be in the hunt should they find themselves falling to 2-2 in district play. District 31-5A What a difference a week makes. Just last week it looked as if the 4-0 Sharyland Rattlers and the 4-0 Laredo Nixon Mustangs would be battling it out for sole possession of first place in 31-5A on the Mustangs’ home field tomorrow night.
That however was before the Pioneer Diamondbacks surprised the Rattlers by a score of 28-14 and the Rio Grande City Rattlers pulled off the upset of the year against the Mustangs by a score of 1413. As a result, there is now a three-way tie for first place in the district with the Rattlers, the Mustangs and the Diamondbacks all sporting 4-1 records. That makes tomorrow night’s matchup between the Rattlers and the Mustangs even more of a must-win for both teams since the loser will be all but eliminated from district championship contention with two games remaining on the schedule.
SHARYLAND
The other big game this weekend is the 4-2 Rio Grande City Rattlers at the 3-2 Veterans Memorial Patriots. Having lost their last two games, the Patriots could find themselves in a playoff hole so deep they may not be able to climb out of should they fall to 3-3 tonight. However, a win against the Rattlers will not only allow them to leap-frog Rio Grande into a third place tie with the loser of the Sharyland/Nixon game but it will also give the Patriots a tie-breaking advantage over Rio Grande should the two teams end the regular season with identical records.
from pg 6
Senior left tackle Adolfo Trevino said the Rattlers have put the loss behind them and are looking forward to their next challenge. “It was a tough loss but in the game of football you have to have a short-term memory,” Trevino said. “The Pioneer game is in the past and now we’re trying to bounce back and win out from here on. We just have to do what we do best, do our job. If all of us do our jobs and execute, we’ll be fine.” The Rattlers now sit at 4-1 in District 31-5A in a threeway tie for first place with the Diamondbacks and the Laredo Nixon Mustangs (6-1, 4-1). With only three games remaining and a matchup with the Mustangs in Laredo on Friday night between district title contenders, Trevino and the Rattlers are embracing the district grind. “I like competition. With three teams battling right now for first place, it brings the best out of everybody,” Trevino said. “It’s just another business trip.” The Mustangs are coming off their first loss of the
Football Standings through 10-14-16
season after being upset by the Rio Grande City Rattlers last week 13-14. With the Rattlers and the Mustangs both coming off losses into a game with district title implications, they will both be fighting for a shot at the 315A crown. Coach Adame’s squad is road tested, having travelled to Laredo twice this season, picking up a 40-7 win over the Martin Tigers and a 35-7 win over Cigarroa Toros. He knows his team will be prepared to execute and focused on getting back on the right track with a victory over Nixon. “We lost a close game to a very good opponent. Hats off to Pioneer, they played a great game. We certainly have every opportunity to get back on track with our next game against Nixon.” Adame said. Sophomore linebacker Javo Lopez, Sharyland’s leading tackler with 70 total tackles, is confident in the character the team is building through playing in one of the strongest district’s across the Valley.
“It’s very challenging but it’s good because later on in the playoffs teams are going to be tough so it’s good because we’re getting prepared for it,” Lopez said. “We love the challenge. I know we have the ability to get back on top.” The Rattlers final three games come against teams all fighting for one of four playoff spots in District 315A. After Saturday’s game against Nixon, the Rattlers will be on the road against the Veterans Memorial Patriots and the Rio Grande City Rattlers. “In our case it’s game by game,” Adame said. “We’re facing playoff contenders our last three games. God-willing we’re fortunate to make the playoffs like we’ve set our goals for. I know heading into the playoffs, these games are going to prepare us to make a run. The showdown between District 31-5A top dogs is set for 7 p.m. Saturday at Shirley Field as the Rattlers travel to Laredo to take on the Nixon Mustangs to break the threeway tie for first place.
Prep Schedule
Note: Teams above dotted line represent the teams currently in position to make playoffs.
DISTICT 30-6A Overall District GB McAllen Memorial 6-2 4-0 McAllen Rowe 6-1 2-1 1.5 Palmview High 3-4 2-1 1.5 La Joya High 3-4 2-1 1.5 -------------------------------------------------------------------McAllen High 2-5 1-2 2.5 Juarez-Lincoln 3-5 1-3 3 Mission High 1-7 0-4 4 DISTICT 31-5A Overall District GB Sharyland Pioneer 5-2 4-1 Sharyland High 5-2 4-1 Laredo Nixon 6-1 4-1 Rio Grande City 6-2 4-2 5 -------------------------------------------------------------------Veterans Memorial 4-3 3-2 1 Laredo Martin 2-5 2-3 2 Roma 4-4 2-4 2.5 Valley View 2-5 1-4 3 1-7 0-6 4.5 Laredo Cigarroa
Saturday District Volleyball – Oct. 22 McAllen Memorial at Juarez-Lincoln 12 p.m. La Joya High at Nikki Rowe 12 p.m. McAllen High at Palmview 12 p.m. Sharyland High at Veterans Memorial 1 p.m. Laredo Martin at Sharyland Pioneer 1 p.m. Mission High (Open)
Tuesday District Volleyball – Oct. 25 Sharyland Pioneer at Roma Palmview at La Joya High Veterans Memorial at Valley View Rio Grande City at Sharyland High Mission High at McAllen High Juarez-Lincoln (Open)
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page 8
October 21, 2016
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Night Out event helps unite Palmhurst residents
P
By Henry Miller ALMHURST – Asaf Bushnell ducked under one of the swinging arms and leaped over another. He avoided getting hit or knocked off balance on the kids’ style obstacle activity. He looked like a police officer in the making. That was only appropriate considering he was enjoying one of many activities at Palmhurst’s fifth annual National Night Out event Tuesday at the North Mission Church of Christ on Mile 3 Road. Games, food, giveaways, entertainment and more were available for an event that is held in thousands of communities around the country every year. National Night Out is a campaign with the purpose of improving relationships between law enforcement and their local communities. It promotes partnerships and programs to help enhance community safety. Asaf, a 10-year-old student at Hinojosa Elementary School in Sharyland, asked his mom to go to the event to support the police officers. “He wanted to say thank you to the officers for catching the bad guys,” said Alma Ruth Bushnell, the boy’s mother. “He wanted to meet
them and thank them for their efforts. He’s having fun doing it.” Palmhurst Police Chief Michael Vela was in attendance not only with several other police officers – many taking part in the games alongside the kids – but also with law enforcement officials from all over Hidalgo County. “It’s important to be able to get the community and law enforcement together, not only to work together but to enjoy time together,” Vela said. “There has been a lot of negativity toward law enforcement recently and we do not want to create any friction. We are here for camaraderie, to educate the community, for the community to educate us and, most importantly to have fun and show support.” Palmhurst law enforcement officials paraded several vehicles in simultaneously prior to the National Anthem. Many people from the community arrived earlier than the 5:30 official starting time and got an early start on the giveaways – from Whataburgers to T-shirts to school supplies and more. Arnold Martinez Jr., owner of Smokin’ Moe’s BBQ Catering, had a food booth at the event for the third
straight year. “It gets bigger and bigger each year and it’s a great event,” he said. “It’s important too, not only because of the issues that have been taking place but it brings crime watch groups together and helps those who don’t have a crime watch to form one. Now more than ever crime watch groups and strong communities are critical. Things seem more dangerous now everywhere. There is drug smuggling or illegal alien harboring. You don’t know what’s in the house next door. But with a tight community, you make it harder for the negative things to come in.”
county can go above this standard, but not below. Indigent care eligibility requirements: -- Must be a legal resident of the county. (Residency is not the same thing as citizenship.) -- Income standard: one must be below 21% percent of the federal poverty level to be eligible for the indigent care program. That puts the maximum income at approximately $5,000 per year for a family of four. What Does A Healthcare District Do? The district provides basic healthcare, such as doctor visits, immunizations, lab
X-rays, prescriptions, in and outpatient hospital care and diabetic supplies. By statute the county is only obligated to provide that care up to a maximum of $30,000 per recipient per year, but the average spent per client in Hidalgo County in 2015-2016 was about $1750. The Present Indigent Program In the 2015-2016 fiscal year, Hidalgo County allocated $5.5 million for the indigent care program specifically, plus another $1.5 million for administration of the program, or $7 million total. That equates to roughly a tax rate of 2.3 cents per $100 val-
FUTURO from pg 1
Cass of Proyecto Azteca and Equal Voice Network, and Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez. Panelists representing the opposing view were attorney Mark Walker and Hidalgo County Pct. 2 Commissioner Eddie Cantu. David Girault, of Futuro McAllen, made a presentation on the basic facts regarding the proposed healthcare district, providing a foundation to help audience members better understand the complex issue. This article, based on Girault’s presentation, provides that foundational information. Watch for a follow-up story in next week’s issue of the Progress Times for comments by the panel members. Girault said, “We hear a lot of the people saying, ‘We want some of the background facts. We’re not familiar with how the healthcare system works here in Hidalgo County, so we’d like some clarification.’ “So we want to provide you with some of the basic information we have received from the Hidalgo County Health Department and some of the research we have done independently at Futuro McAllen to let you know how things work now and how, as we understand it, they may work if Proposition 1 passes. The information presented by Girault is listed below. Healthcare District Basics All counties in Texas are mandated by state statute, if there is no hospital for indigent care, then the county must provide care to its indigent residents. Indigent is a legal definition, set by state law. It is a minimum standard. The
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uation. A one cent tax countywide raises about $3 million in revenue. There were 7,749 applicants to the county indigent care program, and 5,186 clients were served. The average spent per client was about $1750. The total spent on indigent care was $9.1 million, including federal matching dollars. The Federal Government 1115 Waiver allows states to draw down Medicaid funding (as part of the Affordable Care Act) as a match to their local spending. This year the match was about $1.36 for every dollar spent by the county. Last year the county allocated $5.5 million to the state for
indigent care, in exchange for which the state and federal government returned about $12.98 million. The excess over the $9.1 million – almost $4 million – went to uncompensated care, which is different than indigent care. What is Uncompensated Care? Girault gave two scenarios to illustrate what uncompensated care is. Scenario No. 1 is someone above the $5,000 indigent income level without insurance. If they show up at the emergency room, they have to be treated. If they don’t pay the bill, that is a form of uncompensated care. Scenario No. 2: Girault said, “The other day, my
daughter had an allergic reaction and I had to take her to the emergency room. In addition to what my insurance paid, because it was an emergency room visit, I got a bill for $1,100. If I were to not pay that bill, that would be uncompensated care.” Uncompensated care in Hidalgo County is estimated to be about $100 million to $120 million annually. What Uncompensated Care is Not Uncompensated care is not the difference between what the hospital bills you and the amount they get paid by insurance.
See FUTURO Pg. 12
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10-year-old Asaf Bushnell pauses to pose with Palmhurst Police Chief Michael Vela and two other police officers during the City of Palmhurst’s celebration of National Night Out Progress Times Photos by Henry Miller
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Name: __________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________ Phone & Alt Phone: __________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________ I am age 18 or older. Yes, I would like to receive the newsletter and promotional emails from the Progress Times. We will NEVER share your email address with anyone else. High School Football Contest Rules A $50 cash prize will be awarded each week for the winning entry. The entry coming closest to calling all the games correctly wins. In event of a tie, the tying entry that comes closest to the score of Tie Breaker #1 wins. If a tie remains, the tying entry that comes closest to the score of Tie Breaker #2 wins. If a tie still remains, the $50 prize will be divided evenly among the winning entries. Booster Club Grand Prize: At the end of the regular football season, the total number of complete, qualified entries will be tallied for each team with the team’s check box marked. The $500 Grand Prize will be awarded to the Athletic Booster Club of the team with the most entries submitted. No Purchase necessary. Limit one entry per household each week of the contest period. Must be age 18 or older to enter the contest. HOW TO ENTER: Check the box next to the team’s name that you predict to win each high school game. Next, for the tie breakers, predict the total points scored by the winning team in the Tie Breaker #1 game, and the total points scored by the winning team in the Tie Breaker #2 game. Fill in your name, address, phone number (This is how we notify the winners!), and email address. Check the box to receive the FREE Progress Times weekly newsletter and mail or drop off your entry form at Progress Times, 1217 N. Conway Ave., Mission, TX 78572. Or submit your entry online at www.progresstimes. net. All entries must be received by the Progress Times no later than 2 p.m., Thursday preceding the listed games. All entries must be submitted on the Official Entry Form printed in the Progress Times or Sharyland Times, a photocopy of the entry form, or submitted electronically from our official website submission form. Only one entry per household per week. Previous winners and all members of the same household are ineligible for subsequent weeks of the contest. Prizes must be claimed within 7 days of notification or announcement in the Progress Times. Decisions made by the Progress Times staff are final. The winners agree to allow the Progress Times to use their names and photographs to announce the winners and for promotional purposes online and in print. Employees of the Progress Times and their immediate family members are not eligible to win.
Bert Ogden
BERTOGDEN.COM
October 21, 2016
Texas Butterfly Festival highlights peak of butterfly season
U
SA Today calls Mission, Texas “the Butterfly Capitol of the USA. Now, at the peak of butterfly season, visitors are coming to Mission from all parts of the United States to see as many of these beautifully delightful creations as possible during the 21st annual Texas Butterfly Festival. The festival kicks off with a free Community Day on October 29 and runs through November 2 with a series of field trips and seminars at the National Butterfly Center (NBC) in Mission. Last year, visitors from 22 states and five foreign countries participated in the festival, which takes place in an area that encompasses 11 different habitats and attracts about 300 species of butterflies, along with 500 species of birds and 90 species of dragonflies. The festival takes place during prime butterfly season and is growing in popularity each year. This year, the Texas Butterfly Festival will also be the North American Butterfly Association’s biennial meeting. There will be field trips designed for beginners and
others for experts. While popular trips to Sabal Palms Sanctuary and Camp Lulu Sams are already sold out, other tours still have openings. The Riverboat “Ride & Seek” with Captain Johnny Hart is still available along with the Butterfly Beltway where visitors tour the grounds of the Butterfly Center and the Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park World Birding Center Headquarters, both in Mission. There are trips to Cielo Escondido (Hidden Heaven), The King Family Compound, the Wonders of Weslaco, West (Starr County habitats), and Coastal Specialties. The field trips include Into the Wild, La Sal del Rey (The King’s Salt) and Military Highway. The festival begins on Saturday, Oct. 29 with Community Day, which has become an extremely popular event with the young, and the young at heart, ex-
obituaries
Ramiro Garza MISSION – Ramiro Garza, 43, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, at his home in Mission. Mr. Garza was born to Epifanio Garza and Leonila Gonzalez on Sept. 9, 1973, in San Juan. Survivors include his mother, Leonila Garza, and siblings, Epifanio Garza Jr. and David Garza. He was preceded in death by his father, Epifanio Garza Sr., and brothers, Efrain Garza and Damian Garza. A funeral service was held on Oct. 18 at Virgil Wilson Mortuary in Mission. Burial followed at Roselawn Memorial Park in McAllen
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Dorothy Lee McGuinness MISSION - Dorothy Lee McGuinness, 67, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg. Mrs. McGuinness was born in Winston Salem, N.C. Survivors include her husband, James Patrick McGuinness; children, Travis Hewitt, Michelle Camp and James McGuiness II; sister, Gayle Ault Sturges; and five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Joanne Bufford, and brother, Marvin Bufford.
plains National Butterfly Center Director Marianna Trevino-Wright. “One of the favorite activities during Community Day is our butterfly brew demonstration,” explained Wright. “It’s gross, stinky and sticky but we show everybody how to make what we call butterfly brew. It’s basically a bait for butterflies. It’s made up of putrefied bananas, brown sugar and imported beer so it’s very fragrant to them and it lures them in to feed. We do those demonstrations throughout the day and we let people take a little bit of brew home with them so that they can feed all the butterflies flying through.” “We’ll also have basic bird and butterfly identifi-
cation sessions where you can walk and talk with our docents and staff members in the gardens to learn about different bird and butterfly species and how to recognize them,” added Wright. “We’ll have some gardening talks as well as the fun stuff that everybody enjoys like face painting, arts, crafts and different games with priz-
es for the young and for the old. We’ll be open for free that Saturday from around 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. I believe, and the public is welcome to explore the National Butterfly Center’s formal gardens and wildscapes. We’re continually planting this area, and the birds, the butterflies, the bugs, the mammals and the reptiles should all be active,
and out and about, as long as the weather is good.” The National Butterfly Center is open for the public to explore its trails and gardens from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. To register for the Texas Butterfly Festival online, visit www.texasbutterflyfestival.com. Or call 956-5835400 for more information.
‘Empty cupboards’
Donations needed at Mission Food Pantry By Jose De Leon III
S
Courtesy Photo
ince April of this year, more than 15,800 items from the Mission Food Pantry have been given out to 1,551 different families in the city. That’s according to a report by Mission Food Pantry Manager Adela Ortega. Ortega, who helped found the pantry 30 years ago, says the center is in “dire” need of donations if it wants to keep up with the demand for assistance by the needy in the area. “In the past, we were only open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. until noon and served about 400 families a week,” Ortega said. “Now that we’re open longer, we cannot keep up with more people coming in for food. We have several empty cupboards and do not want
Froilan Ramirez Jr. SULLIVAN CITY – Froilan “Tito” Ramirez Jr., 64, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg. Mr. Ramirez was born in McAllen on Aug. 21, 1952, to Froilan Ramirez Sr., and Faustina Moreno. Survivors include his children, Froilan Ramirez III, Marisela Ramirez and Patricia Ramirez; sister, Margarita Moreno; and 10 grandchildren. A funeral service was held on Oct. 17 at Lord and I Funeral Home in Sullivan City. Cremation followed. Zodell Smith MISSION – Zodell Smith, 85, passed away on Monday, Oct. 17, 2016, at her home in Mission. Mrs. Smith was born on
Feb. 21, 1931, in Wellington to George Thomas Austin and Zora Lee Moore Austin. Mrs. Smith graduated from Wellington High School in 1948. She continued her education at Waveland Baptist University in Plainview and North Texas State University in Denton. She married Donald R. Smith, an instructor stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, on Feb. 2, 1952. Survivors include her children, Faith White of Columbia, S.C., Hope Matthews of Weisbaden, Germany and Mark Austin Smith of Galveston, and seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22,
people to leave empty-handed.” The center relies on food donations to distribute amongst needy residents. According to the report by the Mission Food Pantry, only 9,665 food items have been donated to the pantry since this past April when the center started keeping records of their items. Ortega said she and other members of the pantry usually have to buy groceries to stock up the pantry. “We’re giving away much more food than we’re receiving, Ortega said. “If everyone in the city donated at least two cans then our shelves would be stocked in time for the holidays.” The center asks for dried and canned goods such as: dry beans, rice, flour, dry pastas, mixed vegetables, canned beans, canned chili, beef stew, canned tuna,
canned meat, peanut butter, dry cereal, oatmeal, evaporated and powdered milk Donations can be given to the pantry at their new location near Catholic War Veterans Park at 115 S. Mayberry Street during the pantry’s regular business hours Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The pantry is closed for lunch weekdays at noon. Ortega says only one person per family can receive food. The family requesting food must be in an “emergency” situation which includes being either homeless and unemployed, having too many expensive medical bills to pay, or are waiting to receive food stamps. Food is given out monthly or on an as needed basis. Pantry visitors must have an I.D. and a proof of address to receive food.
at 10 a.m. at North Fairview Cemetery in Wellington. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America on their website at alzfdh.org or Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th Floor. New York, NY 10001.
Isabel Martinez MISSION – Isabel Martinez 91, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, in McAllen. Miguel Rocha Jr. MISSION – Miguel Rocha Jr., 69, passed away on Friday, Oct. 14, 2016, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Jose Manuel Serrano MISSION – Jose Manuel Serrano, 75, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, at his home in Mission. Vicente Vicinaiz MISSION – Vicente Vicinaiz, 83, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.
Notices Joseph Greagrey MISSION – Joseph Greagrey, 74, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, at his home in Mission. Alejandro Lopez LA JOYA – Alejandro Lopez, 38, passed away on Friday, Oct. 14, 2016, at his home in La Joya.
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
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PADRES OBLATOS THE FATHERS: †FR. JIM, FR. PHILION & FR. ROY (†MAGNA, †SENTINEL, †MAGNO, †AUGIE, †DIDYMUS, †CHUNKLY, †GIRLY, CANTINA, VALENTINE, NEWLY, BENDITO & CHARLOTTE) MISSIONARY CATECHIST OF THE POOR: SR. LUPITA DAUGHTERS OF MARY MOTHER OF MERCY: SR. ELIZABETH, SR. BIBIANA & SR. MADONNA † DEACON AYALA & DEACON CASTAÑEDA WHEN WE ARE HEALTHY AND HEARTY OUR”BEAUTIFUL LIFE” (OUR REAL LIFE) ISN’T A COMPETITION WITH OTHERS, BUT LIVING AND LOVING TO REAL, TO BE SINCERE, AND NOT PHONY OR SUPERFICIAL, TO BE FAITHFUL TO GOD AND TRUE TO OURSELVES! YOU WANT TO PRAY? BE SINCERE OF HEART! YOU WANT TO BE SINCERE? PRAY FROM YOUR HEART!
MASS SCHEDULE “Texas Friendly” spoken at all masses (and confessions) Saturday (English) ........................................... 4:00 P.M. Saturday (Spanish) .......................................... 7:00 P.M. Sunday (Spanish) ........................................... 7:30 A.M. Sunday (English)............................................. 9:00 A.M. Sunday (English)........................................... 10:30 A.M. Sunday (Tex-Mex) Mariachi Mass ......... (Noon)12:30 P.M. Sunday (Tex-Mex)............................................ 5:30 P.M. Monday - Wednesday & Friday (Tex-Mex) ....... 6:55 A.M. Thursday (Tex-Mex) ......................................... 7:00 P.M.
CONFESSIONS
Thursday ....................................................... 6:00 P.M. Saturday......................................................... 3:00 P.M.
620 DUNLAP, MISSION, TX • 585-2623
ONE BLOCK WEST OF CONWAY ON MAGNA DRIVE (6TH ST.)
page 12
FUTRUO Setting the Record Straight Girault said, “You may have heard that the county is required to spend a certain percent of its budget on indigent care. That’s old law. That is no longer correct.” Under an older program, before the 1115 Waiver was created there was a statute that said if the county spent 8% of its budget on indigent
October 21, 2016
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com from pg 8
care, that was the maximum obligation the county would face. The state would then match 90 cents for every dollar the county spent over the 8%. But the state basically defunded that program when the 1115 waiver came in. There is no obligation for a certain percentage of the county budget, Girault said. Healthcare Districts in Other Counties
Hidalgo County is now the fifth largest metro area in the state. Each of the other six most populous counties in the state all have healthcare districts. The healthcare district serving Austin, called Central Health, levies an 11.8¢ tax. “Their district functions similarly to what we understand this healthcare district will function like. That is, the Austin healthcare district does not have any hospitals or clinics that they operate directly. They pay their money and draw down 1115 money to match it and then they pay for healthcare services by the Seton and St. Davis healthcare systems (hospitals) and others,” Girault stated.
“So their operation is somewhat similar to ours, although there are some unique differences, not the least of which is the taxable value of Austin vs. Hidalgo County.” The current tax rates of the healthcare districts serving the states most populous counties are: Harris County, 17 cents; El Paso County, 22 cents; Tarrant County, 23 cents; San Antonio (Bexar County), 27 cents; and Dallas, 28 cents. What Will Hidalgo County’s Healthcare District Look Like? • Initial tax rate: 8 cents • The taxes set by the district are subject to the rollback rules of the tax code if the taxes increase more than
8 percent. A $0.75-cent tax rate increase will trigger a tax rollback election. Assuming no increase in property valuations by the appraisal district. • To have a rollback election, seven percent of the registered voters in the county must sign a petition for a rollback election. As of this week, seven percent of the registered voters would be 23,668 signatures that will be necessary for a tax rollback petition. • It took only 50 signatures to get Proposition 1 on the ballot. • The maximum tax rate is capped in the statute at 25 cents per $100 – “sort of.” The statute allows the board to call an election to increase that rate above 25 cents. They have to designate what rate they want when they call that election. If that election is successful then the cap increases. • Ultimately, the Texas Constitution caps the rate at 75 cents. The Powers of the District The powers granted to the Hidalgo County Healthcare District, as set forth in the statute, are fairly consistent with the powers of other large county healthcare districts, with some exceptions. 1. The district, if created, would have full responsibility for providing medical and hospital care for the district’s indigent residents. The district would replace the county’s obligation for indigent care. 2. The proposed district can borrow funds on either a long-term or short-term basis. 3. The district can use revenue bonds and tax funding bonds.
4. The district can employ numerous types of medical practitioners as well as other accounting, legal and engineering professionals. 5. The district can purchase, build or operate clinics 6. The district board is charged with the responsibility for setting rules for the operation of the district and the duties of the staff. 7. The board can operate various types of facilities other than hospitals and clinics, such as emergency medical services, home health, longterm care, skilled nursing, intermediate nursing or hospice care. 8. They can also loan or grant money for the development of medical education and research. That’s code for fund portions of the University of Texas RGV medical school and residency programs, Girault said. 9. The district does have imminent domain power. 10. The district can create or sponsor non-profit organizations that further its purposes. How is the Hidalgo County District Different? 1. In our legislation there is no provision for the removal of a board member once he is appointed. 2. There is no provision for an integrated health system. Some of the larger counties, such as Houston and Dallas, that have hospitals, have created what they call an integrated health system. 3. Other districts are not specifically authorized to do things like emergency medical services, home health, long-term care, etc.
theclassifieds October 21, 2016
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2013 BUICK REGAL GS, 29K miles, carfax available, all maintenance up to date, text Martin 956–5785715. 2014 CRUZE, 51K miles, $5,900, 2012 Chrysler 200, 52K miles, $5,500. Call 956–867–2216. For Sale HOSPITAL BED W/ new mattress, electric & manual wheelchair, new shower chair, brand new potty chair, asking $1,200 for everything, serious buyers only 956–4555122. 250 GALS. PROPANE Tank with RegulatorVery Good Condition, Gas Stove - Good Condition, call 956– 585–4751. Garage Sales THURSDAY, FRIDAY, & SATURDAY from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., 609 Ju-
lio St., Mission, men’s large clothes, women’s clothing, & misc., good prices. Help Wanted LIFE CHOICES UNLIMITED, Inc., now hiring Direct Care Staff, Registered Nurse (PT), Coordinator Client Services/Supervisor. Fax resume to 956-316–0064 or apply at 608 S. Jackson Rd. Edinburg, info@lifechoicesunlimited.net. NATIONAL LUBE EXPRESS now hiring full-time Lube Tech, must have drivers license, call 956–7825673. NEED LICENSED HAIR dresser FT or
PT, please call 956585–1287 for more information. Homes 4 BDRM/3.5 Bath, 2 car garage, North McAllen, near hospitals and schools. Community park & pool, $1600/mo., 956–279-1590. Miscellaneous ALL NEW WINDOWS, 72” x 72” $195, 60” x 24” $85, arched 72” base $50, all are double pane, 585–5833 or 279-7097. Mobile Homes 2008 EASY GO electric golf cart, $1,299, call 956–580-3370.
Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m. If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573 Submit by email or pay by phone 585-4893. The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 5 p.m.
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page 13
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS Mission Consolidated Independent School District’s State Financial Accountability Rating
CITY OF PALMVIEW
The City of Palmview Fire Department is accepting applications for the position(s) of
Mission C.I.S.D will hold a public meeting at 6:45 p.m., November 9, 2016 in the Mission C.I.S.D. Boardroom, 1201 Bryce Drive, Mission, Texas.
Firefighter / EMT Firefighter / EMT - Intermediate Firefighter / EMT - Paramedic Applications can be picked up and dropped off at Palmview City Hall located at 400 W. Veterans Blvd from 8am - 5pm Monday through Friday. Deadline to submit applications is November 11th at 5pm.
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss Mission C.I.S.D.’s rating on the State’s financial accountability system.
ProgressTimes
PROBATE NO. P-37790 CITATION BY PUBLICATION ************* THE STATE OF TEXAS
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THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ESTATE OF DELA M. HOWLETT DECEASED:
RESOLUTION CALLING A HEARING FOR EXCLUSION NONIRRIGATED LAND OF HIDALGO COUNTY IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO.6
OF
WHEREAS, the following described property is believed to constitute Nonirrigated Land under Tex. Rev. State. Ann. Art. 8280-3.2; and WHEREAS, the District desires to call a public hearing in order to receive evidence regarding the status of such land as Nonirrigated Land; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That in accordance with Texas Water Code, Chapter 58, and Tex. Rev. Civ. Stat. Ann. Art. 8280-3.2; HIDALGO COUNTY IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 6, hereby calls a hearing before the District’s Board of Directors concerning the exclusion form the District as Nonirrigated Land the following described real property, to-wit: Continue on Exhibit “A”: attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. SUBDIVISIONS TO BE EXCLUDED 1) Del Sol Subdivision 2) El Rancho Estate 3) Anali Subdivision That the hearing will be held on November 14, 2016, at 1:00 P.M. in the District boardroom, wherein all persons interested in the matter of exclusion of the above-described property, or any part thereof, from the District Nonirrigated Land are invited to attend and to offer evidence in support of or opposing the exclusion of said property, or any part thereof. READ, CONSIDERED, APPROVED, SIGNED AND EFFECTIVE on this 17th day of October, 2016 at a Regular Called Meeting of the Board of Directors of HCID#6 at which a quorum was present and which as in accordance with Vernon’s Texas Codes Ann., Government Code and pursuant to the Texas Open Meeting Act. ATTEST: Oscar Garza, President Diana Izaguirre, Secretary
On the 11th day of October, 2016, EMMA LEE KELLER filed an Application for Determination of Heirship in a proceeding styled the ESTATE OF DELA M. HOWLETT DECEASED, and bearing Probate Case Number P-37790, in the Probate Court of Hidalgo County, Texas. The Court may hear the said Application for the Determination of Heirship at 10:00 A.M. on the first Monday after the expiration of ten (10) days from the date this citation is published, at the County Courthouse in Edinburg, Texas. All persons interested in the aforesaid estate are commanded to appear at or before the time set for said hearing by filing a written contest or answer to the Application for the Determination of Heirship should they desire to oppose or contest it. Said written contest or answer shall be filed in the office of the County Clerk of Hidalgo County, Texas, in Edinburg, Texas. The officer serving this citation shall, in compliance with the law, serve it by publication once in a newspaper of general circulation in this, the county in which such proceeding is pending, for not less than ten (10) days before the return day hereof, exclusive of the day of publication and the date of publication said newspaper bears shall be the day of publication. If this citation is not served withing 90 days after the date of issuance, it shall be returned unserved. ISSUED UNDER MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF SAID COURT at office in Edinburg, Texas, this the 11th day of October, 2016.
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1400 E. EXP. 83 AT BRYAN RD. MISSION WWW.BERTOGDENTEXAS.COM
1-866-353-7483 FOR OVER THE 956-616-4090 ORPHONE PRIVATE CREDIT APPLICATION
EXIT TRENTON ROAD AT 281
ON THE CORNER OF TRENTON & BUS 281
BERT OGDEN CHEVROLET MISSION
Josh Moreno
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Rose Carlos Fonseca Julio Gonzalez Oscar Villarreal Jan Special Finance Sales Manager
Sales Manager
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page 14
October 21, 2016
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com “Everyone in the district is working towards one common goal – which is to bring every leaver back to school,” added Dropout Prevention Coordinator Bertha Perez. Participants began their morning routes Sept. 22 and resumed the following day, working tirelessly throughout the day to seek out students to register. Middle and high schools had representa-
La Joya ISD employees visit homes to get students back on track
A
rmed with files, maps and addresses, La Joya ISD employees set out across campus to recruit students who have yet to attend class this school year, or enroll in school. Once a year, groups of educators take to the streets in search of these students,
known as “leavers,” in hopes of persuading them to get back on track to finishing their education and receiving their diploma. To help with the task, the LJISD Dropout Prevention Department organized the 9th annual “Community Walk” where during Sept. 22
through Sept. 23, district employees went out looking for leavers – students who at one point came to school but then stopped coming. The teams – which consisted of social workers, counselors, police officers and central office personnel, -- drove out to homes to per-
sonally speak with leavers and convince them to enroll back in school on that same day. The time urgency is important because after the last Friday in September, leaver students are no longer classified as leavers, but become dropouts.
tives waiting to receive the students at their home campuses to get them enrolled. The La Joya ISD Police Officers were also on hand to help drive those students to and from school. Thus allowing a greater window of opportunity in retrieving the maximum number of students possible.
Sharyland High School celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with live theatre
R
uby Nelda Perez, acclaimed Chicana theatre performance artist and recipient of the Living Legend Award by the San Antonio Theatre Coalition, performed two shows Friday, Sept. 30 at the Sharyland High School Auditorium. For over 30 years her performances have taken her from labor camps to prisons to such prestigious venues as Lincoln Center and the Whitney Museum in New York. Her shows titled Dona Rosita’s Jalapeno Kitchen
and A Woman’s Work inspired students to embrace their cultural traditions and set goals for their future success. A Woman’s Work is about a Latina student teacher who reflects on her life’s journey from her awkward adolescent years to regretful/abusive relationships and fighting for her own personal accomplishments. Audience members, especially teenage students, were able to reflect, laugh, think and relate to life’s obstacle and finding inner strength to succeed.
The live theatre performances were made possible by a Texas Commission on the Arts Grant. Librarian Nicole Cruz and Sharyland High School Theatre Director Christopher Fernandez partnered to make this event possible. Cruz applied for the grant in late July. The grant provides about one third of the funds necessary to bring the Ruby Nelda Perez and her cultural awareness productions to the students. The other two thirds are allocated from theatre
Join us if you dare!!!!
Peñitas 4th Annual Halloween Bash Monday, October 31, 2016 6 pm to 9pm 1111 S Main St., Peñitas, TX
COSTUME CONTEST, HAUNTED HAY RIDE, GAMES, MOON JUMPS, CANDIES, SNACKS, REFRESHMENTS & LOTS OF FUN
and library budgets. “Providing our students with cultural enrichment is an integral part of Sharyland High School Theatre. We believe that in order for our students to have the most opportunities and choices before they graduate, they need as much real life exposure as we can provide,” Fernandez said. “Having Ms. Ruby Nelda Perez perform live at Sharyland High School is just another example of our commitment to excellence in bridging this transition for our students.” Sharyland High School Principal Carolyn Mendiola states, “Theater is the oldest form of entertainment and has existed for at least 10,000 years. I would like to acknowledge Mrs. Cruz and Mr. Fernandez for their concerted efforts in making this event possible. Our hope is that our youth will continue to show a love and appreciation for live theatre performances as a result of this experience.”
Games and Hay Ride begin at 6 pm Refreshments and Candies at 7 pm Costume judging begins at 8 pm Put together spooky, Peñitas 4tha creative, Annual funny or imaginative costume. All costumes are welcome; it doesn’t make any difference if they are homemade, found, purchased, rented or if they magically appeared.
0—4
5—8
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
1111 S Costume Main St, Peñitas, TX 78576 Contest Ages:
5-8 H9-12 13-18 19+ COSTUME0-4 CONTEST, AUNTED HAY RIDE, GAMES, MOON JUMPS, CANDIES, SNACKS, REFRESHMENTS & LOTS OF FUN Games and Hay Ride start at 6:00pm Refreshments and Candies at 7:00pm Costume judging begins at 8:00pm. Put together a creative, spooky, funny or imaginative costume. All costumes are welcome; it doesn't make any difference if they are homemade, Found, magically appear, purchased or rented.
Jitterz Coffee Shop was named Business of the Year.
Royal Technologies was named Partner of the Year.
BANQUET
Halloween Bash Monday, October 31, 2016
Outgoing Chairman of the Board Navin Buxani is presented a plaque by Mission Chamber President Josh Stockel. Progress Times Photos by Doug Young
9—12
from pg 1
for the chamber, talked about the tremendous growth the city has seen during the two years he has served as chairman. He credited the Go Mission program, developed
previously by the chamber, with aiding in the success of retail merchants. Dan Martin, incoming chairman of the board, said he sees some changes com-
Stay Safe on Halloween! Be aware, never trick-ortreat alone and have an adult check your candy before you eat it.
13—18
19+
Safety first on Halloween:
• Strangers’ home are off limits • There’s no doing it alone • Stay close to home • Choose safe costumes • No toy guns • Bring a flashlight along • Stick to the sidewalks • Be wary of masks
Happy Halloween from your friends at
City of Alton
509 S. Alton Blvd. Alton, TX 78573 (956) 432-0760 www.alton-tx-gov
ing under Stockel’s leadership. Mission has grown tremendously in the past couple of years and Martin foresees more successful growth in the future. Stockel then returned to the stage to award Business of the Year, which went to Jitterz Coffee Shop. This year’s chamber award for Partner of the Year was presented to Royal Technologies, which has invested millions of dollars in the Mission industrial park building a facility and creating hundreds of jobs locally. Martin introduced the 2016-1017 Board of Directors including Martin as chairman of the board, Trung Nguyen, chair-elect; Diana Alcocer, secretary; Veronica Ghavidel, treasurer; Cathy Garcia, vice-chair for Business Development; and Nick Espinosa, vice-chair for Membership Development. Other members of the board are Lance Ames, Albert Chapa, Debra Franco, Ryan Krause, Dan Ogletree, Cesar Suarez and TJ Tijerina.