Friday, November 18, 2016
www.ptrgv.com | 25 Cents
Vol. 45 No. 16
Water leak is losing 5 million gallons per day By Jim Brunson The City of Mission and Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 1 have spent the last eight weeks trying to decide who is responsible for the cost of repairing major leaks in the Edinburg Main Canal. They still haven’t reached an agreement. Meanwhile, water leaking from the canal is pouring an estimated 5 to 6 million gallons of water daily into an 8 by 7 by 6-foot box storm drain, owned by the city, that crosses under the canal. The site of the canal leak is one-quarter mile east of Stewart Road in Mission. When Mission City Manager Martin Garza Jr. first learned of the leaks on Sept. 22, he called an emergency meeting of the Mission City
Council the next morning to obtain authorization to hire an engineering firm to determine how to repair the water leaks and to assess if there was an imminent danger of the canal collapsing, potentially flooding homes in the area. However, he explained at that meeting, the city was researching city records and other documents from when the storm water drain was constructed to determine who is responsible for the repairs. Garza explained to the council members that the Edinburg Main Canal belongs to and is maintained by Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 1. Concerns remain that the water pouring from the Edinburg Canal into the storm water drainage box underneath could eventually wash
out the canal wall if left too long without repairs. This could cause a breach or collapse of the canal, sending many millions of gallons of water into nearby neighborhoods. Since the Edinburg Main Canal supplies much of the water for Sharyland Water Supply Corporation, the city of Edinburg, and Alamo Water Supply, a breach could also threaten the water supply to municipalities, as well as many farmers who rely on irrigation water from that source. Garza said Monday evening, according to the city’s research, the resolutions and documentation indicate any repairs needed within the irrigation district’s right-of-
See WATER LEAK Pg. 5
Retiring fire chief recalls 37 years of adventure By Joe Hinton At 56 Rene Lopez Jr. has been hanging around Mission’s Fire Department since he was eight years old. “I was like the department mascot because my father used to bring me with him to work. In fact, I’ve been here for every hurricane since Hurricane Beulah,” Lopez said during an interview Tuesday, referring to the category five storm that hit the Rio Grande Valley in 1967. Since then Lopez has seen his share of disasters. Besides hurricanes, among some of the most memorable was the 1980 fire that destroyed a downtown hardware store at Tom Landry Boulevard and Conway Avenue. “That was my first structure fire as a volunteer fireman,” he said Tuesday in his office at the department’s Central Fire Station at 415 Tom Landry Boulevard, not far from where the fire occurred. Lopez said that fire was memorable because the store’s owner narrowly es-
caped disaster when he attempted to unlock the front door for firefighters. “And a firefighter saw what he was doing and pulled him away from the door. But he’d just turned the key and the door opened and just like the movie Backdraft the flames came flying out the door. And I watched all the windows across the front of the building explode.” Fortunately no one was seriously injured. Then there was the 1989 crash of a Mission CISD school bus that killed 21 students after it was hit by a soft drink delivery truck knocking the bus into a flooded caliche excavation pit near 5 Mile Road and Bryan Road. “On that one I was left alone to man the station and the radios because it seemed everyone in the county responded,” he said. But today, after all those years, and so many experiences, Lopez will leave the station not for the last time – because he intends to remain a volunteer firefighter - but for the last time as
the department’s chief. Rene Lopez Jr. is now officially retired from the position he has held since March 2015 when he replaced outgoing chief Ricardo Saldaña who became Hidalgo County’s Emergency Management Coordinator. Lopez served as deputy chief for 17 years before being appointed to head the staff of 66, overseeing five fire stations, 20 emergency vehicles and a $6.1 million budget. Dec. 21 would have been his 35 year anniversary with the department, 37 years if one includes the two years he volunteered on a part-time basis earning a small fuel stipend for each call out. It was 1979 when Lopez began as a volunteer while attending the University of Texas Pan American campus where he was studying to become a biologist. “That’s my dark secret. I wanted to become a scientist,” Lopez said. Lopez credits his father for getting him involved
See CHIEF RETIRING Pg. 10
This photo of one of several leaks into a City of Mission storm water drain shows water pouring into the concrete drainage structure underneath the Edinburg Main Canal. Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 1 engineers estimate they have been losing 5 to 6 million gallons of water per day since the leaks were first discovered eight weeks ago. A video showing the leaks is available online at www.ptrgv.com. Courtesy photo
Mission City Council rejects apartment building along Meadow Creek Golf Course By Kathy Olivarez Mission’s City Council has voted to deny a developer’s rezoning request that would have allowed construction of a 120-unit apartment building along a retirement community’s golf course on the city’s southwest side. But the council approved some zoning change requests in the adjacent Meadow Creek subdivision while voting to delay deciding on two others.
The Nov. 14 actions came after dozens of residents of the Meadow Creek subdivision filled the standing room only council chamber to protest the proposed zoning changes aimed at undeveloped land around Meadow Creek Golf Course, including the apartment project proposed by developer Eduardo Gamba. Residents also voiced opposition to zoning changes proposed by Olaguer Bauza, who bought the golf course earlier this year. Two of the requests were
tabled after residents pointed out to the mayor and council that city Planning Department plans failed to reflect modifications that had been worked out with residents and the developer to mitigate the impact of the proposed building projects on the golf course and surrounding neighborhood. Council member Norie Gonzalez Garza was absent but the remaining council members voted against the apartment
See COUNCIL REJECTS Pg. 9
Agua SUD to reduce water meter fee By Jose De Leon III
Mission City Manager Martin Garza Jr. prepares to present a plaque containing a key to the city to Fire Chief Rene Lopez Jr. who officially retired today after 37 years of service to the city. Courtesy Photo
Property owners hoping to connect with the Agua Special Utilities District are awaiting an announcement this weekend of an anticipated decrease in the amount it will cost to connect newly constructed homes to the major water provider in the area. During their latest meeting Tuesday night, the Agua SUD board voted to publish a proposed amended amount for the Agua SUD Impact Fee by Saturday. The Impact Fee is a ser-
vice fee, currently set at $1,727, to connect property to an Agua SUD meter so residents can receive water and Agua SUD can monitor their usage. The Agua SUD website states the Impact Fee is one of five one-time service fees the district charges new customers to get a water connection. These include a $50 deposit, $20 for an inspection, $475 for a water meter and $1,900 for water rights. These charges, plus the current Impact Fee total $4,172. According to Agua SUD Interim Executive Director
Oscar Cancino, the board will publish an amendment for the price of the Impact Fee as a legal notice in Saturday’s edition of the McAllen Monitor newspaper to announce the proposed change. Afterward, the board must wait for 31 days to lapse before the amendment can be considered. The board will host a hearing on the proposed amendment tentatively set for Dec. 21, Cancino said “Our plan is to have the hearing followed by a special board meeting where we
See AGUA SUD Pg. 11
INSIDE The Nov. 11 editions of the Progress Times and Sharyland Times incorrectly reported the Mission Consolidated Independent School District approved $9 million in renovations to the Tom Landry Stadium at Mission
INDEX
High School and that $1 million of that figure was “soft costs” such as planning and design. The correct amount approved was $6 million in construction costs, $2 million in soft costs bringing the project’s total to $8 million.
Entertainment | pg. 2
Montelongo conducts honor students
Area runner goes to NCAA Championship Finals
Tom Landry Stadium costs correction
La Joya H.S. 2014 graduate Michael Guerrero will compete against the nation’s best cross country runners this weekend at the NCAA nationals championships in Terre Haute, Indiana. Michael Guerrero
Lifestyle | pg. 3
If you need to go to the
Opinion | pg. 4
See Michael Guerrero Pg. 6
Sports | pg. 6
Vannesa Montelongo
Obituaries | pg. 11
R. Cantu Junior High School’s assistant band director traveled to West Virginia this week to teach and conduct some of the nation’s best student musicians at the 18th Annual Alderson Broaddus University Wind Ensemble.
See Cantu Jr. High Pg. 5
Classifieds | pg. 13
entertainment
‘Annie’ national tour plays Nov. 27
McALLEN – In a robust beginning to a holiday season of quality entertainment, and for the season opener, the McAllen Society for the Performing Arts hosts the U.S. National Tour of “Annie.” Now in its third smash year of touring, it plays Sunday, Nov. 27, at 7 p.m. in the new McAllen Performing Arts Center at 801 Convention Center Blvd. The original production opened April 21, 1977, at the Alvin Theatre and went on to win the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, seven Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, the Grammy for Best Cast Show Album and seven Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, Best Book (Thomas Meehan) and Best Score (Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin). The show remains one of the biggest Broadway musical hits ever. It ran for 2,377 performances after it first opened and has been performed in 28 languages and always running somewhere around the world for 39 years. The beloved score familiar to millions, includes “Maybe,” “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,”
“Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You” and the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.” Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin for the 19th time, this production of the musical is a new incarnation of the iconic award-winning original. The production features a 25-member company. In the title role of Annie is Tori Bates, an 11-year-old actress from Sarasota, Fla., making her tour debut. She most recently starred as Young Josephine in the sold-out run of Josephine at Asolo Repertory Theatre. Gilgamesh Taggett continues to star as Oliver Warbucks. In the role of Miss Hannigan is Erin Fish. Also starring in the tour are Casey Prins as Grace Farrell, Michael Santora as Rooster, Mallory King as Lily and Jeffrey B. Duncan as F.D.R. Sunny and Macy, rescue terrier mixes, star as Sandy. The musical has a book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin. All three authors received 1977 Tonys for their work. Choreography is by Liza Gennaro, who has incorporated selections from her
BROWNSVILLE – Music students in the Bravo Opera Company at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley are in the final week of rehearsals for “Seasons of Love,” the company’s annual fall gala, featuring a selection of alltime favorites. It will be presented Saturday, Nov. 19, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 20, at the Texas Southmost College Arts Center on Taylor Avenue/ Bravo Opera Company is celebrating its 20th anniversary season with scenes from beloved operas and musicals, including “West Side Story,” “South Pacific,” “The Merry Widow,” “Don Giovanni,”
“The Magic Flute,” “A New Brain” and “RENT.” “Seasons of Love” begins with music celebrating the vitality and fun of summer flings followed by a reflection on the change and maturity of autumn. The second half features composer Samuel Barber’s gorgeous mezzo aria, “Must the Winter Come so Soon,” from the opera “Vanessa,” and explores loss and loneliness before a joyous renewal of spring hope and love. For more information or special accommodations, contact Vallerie Hernandez at Patron of the Arts, 956-882-7025 or vallerie.hernandez@utrgv. edu.
UTRGV music students prepare for annual gala
National tour of ‘Annie’ brings music and message of hope to Valley stage.
father Peter Gennaro’s 1977 award-winning choreography. The celebrated design team includes scenic design by award winner Beowulf Boritt (Act One, The Scottsboro Boys, Rock of Ages); costume design by Costume Designer’s Guild Award winner Suzy Benzinger (Blue Jasmine, Movin’ Out, Miss Saigon); lighting design by award winner Ken Billington (Chicago, Annie, White Christmas); and sound design by Peter Hylenski (Rocky, Bullets Over
Broadway, Motown). The lovable mutt “Sandy” is once again trained by William Berloni (Annie, A Christmas Story, Legally Blonde). Musical supervision and additional orchestrations are by Keith Levenson (Annie, She Loves Me, Dreamgirls). Tickets range from $37 to $77 and are available at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. For more information, visit LiveInMcAllen.com.
BROWNSVILLE – The University of Texas RGV is shining a spotlight on the #subculture of artists who bring vibrant energy, sounds and colors to downtown Brownsville. The UTRGV #subculture: Urban Arts Experience event starts at noon on Saturday, Nov. 19. The event is free and open to the public. UTRGV #Subculture will feature UTRGV students collaborating with area arts organizations and businesses to highlight talented UTRGV students, who will display their artwork and provide workshops for the public. Arts organizations involved include Brownsville Artists and Musicians (BAM!), Activating Vacancy Arts Incubator (AVAI), The Kraken Lounge and Main Street Brownsville District – in the heart of downtown Brownsville. From noon to 4 p.m., visitors can participate in workshops and interactive exhibits, ranging from learning about printmaking to checking out photography and virtual reality presentations. The public
can also dine food from local food trucks, and music will be by UTRGV Radio, and special guests. As part of the activities, the AVAI will hold a steamrolling printmaking event, in which art will be created using a steamroller as the press. Participants will be given a mock passport when they enter at Adams and 12th streets, to collect a stamp for each workshop and offers a chance to win items. The first 200 participants to fill up their passport get a free T-shirt. For more information, contact McGehee-Valdez at Jennifer.mcgehee@utrgv.edu or at 956-882-5105.
UTRGV to host subculture arts event
Annual Jazz Bash is Nov. 22
KINGSVILLE – The music department at Texas A&M University-Kingsville will host their 33rd Annual Jazz Bash at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 22, in Jones Auditorium. This free concert is held each year on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to kick off the holidays. This year’s Jazz Bash features the Latin Jazz Ensemble, directed by Glynn Garcia, lecturer; Jazz Band III, directed by Dr. Kyle Millsap, assistant professor; Jazz Band II, directed by Dr. James Warth, associate professor; and Jazz Band I, directed by Dr. Paul Hageman, Regents professor and chair of the music department. The music performed will be a wide variety of jazz styles including swing, ballad, rock, Latin, fusion, mixed-meter and eclectic. For more information, call 361-593-2803.
November 18, 2016
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Coming Attractions
November 18 • The Valley Symphony Orchestra’s popular “A Touch of Frost” holiday concert begins at 8 p.m. at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Performing Arts Complex in Edinburg. Ring in the season with holiday favorites featuring the VSO directed by Dr. Peter Dabrowski, Valley Symphony Chorale directed by David Means, and Mariachi Aztlán directed by Frank Loera. The concert will also feature renowned tenor, David Sadlier. Doors open at 7 p.m. Only children five and older are allowed into the symphonic performances. Ticket prices range from orchestra $55 to $35. For information or tickets, call 956-661-1615 or visit valleyorchestra.org. • Check in at McAllen’s Food Park Unplugged, 10 N. Broadway, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. to enjoy food prepared by McAllen Food Truck chefs along with live music. Admission is free. November 18-19 • PSJA Early College High School presents The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon. The production presents various characters in the mash-up of famous and not-so-famous fairy tales. Performance dates are Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. Admission is $6. For information or group reservations, call 956-354-2319 and leave a message. November 18-20 • South Texas College Theatre presents Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, adapted by Greg Banks. It runs Nov. 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. at STC’s Cooper Center for Communication Arts Main Stage, located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. General admission tickets are $10. Student, faculty, military, and senior citizen are $5. The play contains some strong language and mature themes. Parental discretion is advised. The Sunday matinee production will be interpreted in American Sign Language. Ticket cash purchases can be made one hour before the performance at the box office. For info or for group rates, call 956-872-2301. • The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s University Productions will launch its fall season with a presentation of “Antigone,” a tragedy by Sophocles translated by Don Taylor. Performances are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday in the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre in the Liberal Arts Building (ELABS) on the Edinburg Campus. Tickets for reserved seating are $15. General admission is $10 and $5 for non-UTRGV students. UTRGV students, faculty and staff with a current UTRGV ID attend free and can bring a guest for free. No children below third grade will be admitted. The box office opens one hour before each performance. For more information, call 956-665-3581. • The Pharr Community Theater presents “Peter & Wendy” by Jeremy Bloom at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Elva and Kieth Michal’s Performing Arts Building, 213 W. Newcombe Ave. Tickets are $6 for adults and free for children. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door one hour before show time, upon availability. Seating is limited to 50 persons per show. For information, call 956-600-9463, 956-2939468 or 956-207-7201 • The Tower Theater of Weslaco (Mid Valley Civic Theater) presents the comedy play “Lettice & Lovage” at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $10. Call for reservations at 956-969-2368. The theater is located at 120 S. Kansas Ave. November 19 • The 26th annual King Ranch Hand Breakfast will be held from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tickets are $6 per person. There will be team roping, cow camp demonstrations, cowboy poetry, storytelling and musical entertainment. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling 800-333-5032 or 361-592-6411 or at the breakfast. November 20 • Dia La Revolucion Mexicana celebration will be held at the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center, 225 E. Stenger Street, San Benito. For information, contact Soledad A. Nunez at 956-2440373. November 21 – December 31 • Brownsville’s Holiday Village, located at Dean Porter Park across from Gladys Porter Zoo, officially opens for the season. Come out for the first lighting of the season at 7 p.m. Take in the food, fun and festivities from 6 to 10 p.m. throughout the season on weekdays and 6 to 11 p.m. on weekends. Admission is free. November 23 • The International Museum of Art & Science hosts the opening of the Mansfield exhibit in the IMAS Central Gallery. It runs through Feb. 12, 2017, in Central Gallery. The San Francisco psychedelic artist Mansfield donated 38 art works, record albums, and sheet music to IMAS. A musician, as well as an artist, Mansfield (born Alan Perkins) developed a technique of collage that blended silkscreen, airbrush and photography. IMAS is located at 1900 Nolana, McAllen. Call 956-682-0123 for information. To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to ptrgv.com
lifestyle
November 18, 2016
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Speer Memorial to host first Comic Expo
EVENTS
CALENDAR
November 18 – The Edinburg World Birding Center is offering a program about birds migrating through the Valley at 6 p.m. with Dr. Timothy Brush, UTRGV Ornithology professor. Admission is free. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the presentation begins at 6 p.m.The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. For more information, call 956-381-9922. November 19 – The Mission First United Methodist Church, 1101 Doherty, will host the Second Annual Fiesta Mexicana from 4 to 7 p.m. There will be a service in Spanish, mariachi music and Mexican food at the free event. The public is invited. November 19 – The Fashion with Compassion luncheon and fall fashion show benefiting the Mission Food Pantry begins at 11:30 a.m. at the City of Mission Social Center, 115 S. Mayberry St. Doors open at 11 a.m. Tickets are a $15 per person. There will also be a silent auction of one-of-a-kind crosses made by members of the Upper Valley Art League. For any additional information, contact Adela Ortega, Pantry manager, at 5853542 or via email at aortega@missiontexas.us. November 19 – In the next Oral History Project at the Mission Historical Museum, author and genealogist Moises Garza will present “American Genealogical Resources to Help You Discover Your Mexican Ancestry” at the museum at 11 a.m. MHM is located at 900 Doherty in Mission. For more information, call 956-580-8646 or go to missionmuseum.org. November 19 – The Rio Grande valley Diabetes Association (RGVDA) is hosting a “Break a Sweat for Diabetes” Zumba cardio workout at Sharyland Bannworth gym at 9:30 a.m. Individuals or teams that consist of 10 individuals or more are encouraged to sign up. Each person is asked to donate $15 with all proceeds going to maintain the services RGVDA. “Break A Sweat for Diabetes” is sponsored by HEB and the City of Mission. For more information or to register, call the RGVDA office at 956-782-1900. November 19 – The Aglow International McAllen Community Lighthouse prayer breakfast begins at 9:30 a.m. This month’s speaker is Marisol Moralez Garcia. She and her husband, Pastor Roland Garcia, pastor at All Valley Christian Outreach in Edinburg, established in 2012. The meeting will be held at the residence of Criseld Alvarado, president, 7212 N. 31st. St. in McAllen. For directions, call her at 956-534-7941. November 19 – The Edinburg World Birding Center presents the annual Migration Celebration and Scenic Arts Festival from 1 to 4 p.m. There will be guided butterfly walks, monarch education stations, show and tell presentations, face painting and crafts and games. Food vendors will also be on site. The EWBC is located at 714 Raul Longoria Rd. For information, call 956381-9922. November 19 – The next Gladys Porter Zoo Saturday Safari presents “Habitat Sweet Habitat” from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the South Texas Discovery Education Center. Children can learn what animals consider a home. Located at 500 Ringgold in Brownsville, a zoo tour, arts and crafts, animal encounter and snacks are included in each class. Cost is $15 per child or adult with a $5 discount for GPZ members. Pre-registration is required; space is limited. For information call 956-548-9453. November 21 – The UTRGV Continuing Education and the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley will host a Healthy Holidays Lunch and Learn fundraiser, to promote healthy eating and making educated food choices throughout the holidays and beyond. It starts at 11 a.m. at the UTRGV McAllen Teaching Site, 1800 S. Main St., Suite 1100, in McAllen. Admission is $10 per person. To register, go to utrgv.edu/ce or call 956-665-2071. November 26 – “Who’s on the Menu?” is the next Saturday Safari at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville starting at 10 a.m. where kids can learn the “links” in food chains and what makes up the food web. Located at 500 Ringgold in Brownsville, a zoo tour, arts and crafts, animal encounter and snacks are included in each class. Cost is $15 per child or adult with a $5 discount for GPZ members. Pre-registration is required; space is limited. For information call 956-548-9453. (For daily events and upcoming weeks, see the full calendar at ptrgv.com.)
In celebration of National Gamers’ Day observed in the month of November, Speer Memorial Library will be hosting its first ever Comic Expo on Saturday, Nov. 19,
from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the library’s community room. The expo is free and open to the public. The library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission.
‘Little Free Libraries’ opening to LJISDcommunity
skills, creativity and wisdom across generations.” Proposed by Dr. Alda T. Benavides, LJISD superintendent, the movement to get the community’s own Little Free Libraries started has been in the works for a while now. “We partnered with LittleFreeLibrary to become a steward (provider) for the library locations across our district,” stated Alma Salinas, director of the library, media and textbooks department at La Joya ISD. “Our staff will be diligently checking, maintaining, and stocking the Little Libraries to ensure that they always have books available for our community,” Salinas added. With the help of high school students in construction classes from the three high schools, the school district has been able to set up attractive, well-built containers that house and protect the books. More locations will be popping up soon at
LJISD plans coat drive
LA JOYA – Warming the community one coat at a time, the La Joya I.S.D. will hold a Winter Coat Drive on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The collection point will be at the Public Information Center, 201 E. Expressway 83 in La Joya. All donations need to be bagged and should be new or gently used winter clothing, including scarves, gloves,
Sign up now for Alton Christmas parade ALTON – Entries are being accepted for the Alton Christmas Parade planned for Saturday, Dec. 10. Parade entry registration fee is $50 and nonprofit organizations are exempt unless entering the float competition. Parade line-up time is 10 a.m. with an 11 a.m. parade start beginning west of Cantu Elementary and ending at the Alton Recreation Center. No one is allowed to throw toys or any other items during the parade, and consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited. Payment and registration must be submitted at Alton City Hall, 509 S. Alton Blvd., Alton TX 78573, or faxed to 956-432-0766, or emailed to samm.mercado@ alton-tx.gov.
The family-oriented expo will consist of local collectors, vendors, cos-play (costume) contest, and two card tournaments (Magic: The Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh!).
St. Rose of Lima Court observance St. Rose of Lima Court #827 in Mission celebrated Catholic Daughters of the Americas on Oct. 16 with a Corporate Communion Mass at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mission. It was officiated by Rev. Oliver Angel, JCL. CDA members present, included, first row, left to right, Irma Rodriguez, Ethyl Gonzalez, Elsie Chapa, Adela Ortega (Worthy Financial Secretary), Ana Maria Salinas (Worthy Regent), Sara Valdez (Dist. Deputy #21), Connie Canales (Worthy Vice-Regent) and Anne Whitfield (Worthy Treasurer). Second row, same order, are Sheila Fernald, Leonor Pena, Carmen Fernandez, Mary Rodriguez, Ofelia Guerra, Martha Sanchez, Minnie Rodgers and Sylvia Wolf. Rev. Angel is pictured at top.
LA JOYA – They’re little, and they’re popping up around the communities served by the La Joya Independent School District – with more to come. They’re Little Free Libraries, the brain-child of the founder of LittleFreeLibrary. org. It’s a Wisconsin-based nonprofit organization that supports offering free exchange of books housed in small containers. The small wooden libraries are now available to the public at the Sullivan City, La Joya and Palmview parks. Similar to mini food pantries found on the sidewalks in urban areas, where homeless or people in financial need can walk up to select from donated food items left by others, the libraries are built on the same concept, but to feed the mind. The mission: “To promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide and build a sense of community to share
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coats and hats. For more information, call 956-323-2585.
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Little Libraries are popping up across the communities served by La Joya I.S.D.
local businesses where children and adults will be able to take a book to enjoy or to leave a book. “These structures might be ‘little’ libraries but are sure to cause a BIG impact on student success,” said Dr. Gisela Saenz, LJISD assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction,
The expo will not only give the public the opportunity to explore the library but it will also serve to enhance the knowledge of collecting and at the same time experience what a comic expo is all about. The expo will feature a diverse group of collectors from across the Valley, local artist and cosplayers. At this type of event, comic lovers along with non-comic lovers can interchange information, complete their collections or start new ones. Attendees could also choose to participate in the tournaments or cosplay contest or can simply chose to enjoy the gathering. These pop-culture events gather fans of all ages and collections which consist of comics, action figures, pins, patches, handmade artifacts featuring the character from comics, television shows and/or movies, also key chains, posters and much more. Local and small businesses that are sponsoring the event include Hot Topic, Geeks and Jokes ThunderB’s and RB collectibles For additional information, contact Lulu Garcia, library assistant, at 580-8714 or via email at lulu@missiontexas.us.
during a ribbon cutting ceremony recently held at the La Joya Municipal Park. La Joya ISD’s role as a steward of the Little Free Libraries adds to the global movement of more than 40,000 Little Libraries worldwide for people of all ages.
STC kicks off 11th Annual Turkey Trot
It’s time to warm up for the starting line of the South Texas College 11th Annual Turkey Trot tomorrow, Nov. 19.
MCALLEN – The Kinesiology Department at South Texas College will host the 11th annual Turkey Trot on Nov. 19. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. at STC’s Cooper Center located at 3200 W. Pecan in McAllen. Admission fee is only eight cans of food to feed the needy, in lieu of an admission fee. “The Turkey Trot has the dual purpose of serving the community by becoming aware of different ways to live an active lifestyle and at the same time helping others by contributing to the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley,” said Janice Lee Perez, coordinator of Kinesiology Instructional Facilities
at STC. “A small entry fee of eight canned goods will greatly benefit many needy families around the RGV during this holiday season.” The race begins promptly at 7:30 a.m. and consists of a 2.2 mile run/walk that will begin at the Cooper Center, and wind through adjacent neighborhoods which surround the college. Prizes will be awarded to top finishers in men’s and women’s divisions. Free T-shirts and goodie bags will be given to the first 150 registrants. For more information call 956-872-3707 or visit southtexascollege.edu/info/ turkey-trot/.
As we begin this holiday season, a time for thanks and a time for reflection - I thank God for all the tremendous blessings He has bestowed upon me - family, friends, and health. I thank Him for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Hidalgo County as your Judge of the 206th District Court. I also thank my tremendous staff and the many, many people who have made this year as your judge a success. May everyone have a very happy, healthy and safe holiday. May God Bless You!
Judge Rose Guerra Reyna Pol. Adv. Paid for by Rose Guerra Reyna Campaign, John Skaggs - Treasurer, P.O. Box 2285, McAllen, Texas 78502-2285; 956-687-8203. In compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.
A
opinion By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
Trump victory turns eyes to possible cabinet nominees
USTIN — Republican Donald J. Trump, on his way to winning the presidential election on Nov. 8, won the vote in Texas with 4,651,955 votes, or 52.39 percent of the 8,878,152 votes cast. Some 2,842,553 votes, or 43 percent, were cast by Texans for former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a Democrat, in the race for the White House. From now until his inauguration, president-elect Trump must choose people to flesh out his administration. A few names floated as possible nominees for cabinet-level appointments turned up in various journals last week. Texans among those were: - U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul of Austin, chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security; - U.S. Rep. Jeb Hensarling of Dallas, chair of the House Financial Services Committee; - U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Senate majority whip and former member of the Texas Supreme Court; - Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and former state representative; and - Rick Perry, former governor, agriculture commissioner and state representative. Spotlight on Nov. 8 results All incumbent members of the Texas congressional delegation won re-election on Nov. 8. In the two contests for open seats: - Democrat Vicente Gonzalez won the race for U.S. House District 15. Gonzalez will succeed U.S. Rep. Ruben Hinojosa Sr., who is retiring. The district, which stretches from east of San Antonio down to McAllen, includes
the counties of Guadalupe, Wilson, Karnes, Live Oak, Jim Hogg, Duval, Brooks and Hidalgo. - Republican Jodey Arrington won the race for U.S. House District 19. Arrington will succeed U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer, who is retiring. The district includes the West Texas counties of Bailey, Borden, Castro, Cochran, Crosby, Fisher, Gaines, Garza, Hale, Haskell, Hockley, Howard, Jones, Kent, Lamb, Lubbock, Lynn, Nolan, Parmer, Scurry, Shackelford, Stonewall, Taylor, Terry, Throckmorton, Yoakum and Young and parts of Floyd and Stephens. Challengers bested four incumbent state representatives and one state appellate justice: - Three-term Republican State Rep. Kenneth Sheets, whose House District 107 includes most of Mesquite and parts of Dallas and Garland, lost a close race to Democrat Victoria Neave, an attorney and community advocate. - One-term state Rep. Rick Galindo, R-San Antonio, lost by two percentage points to Democrat Philip Cortez in House District 117, which includes south and west Bexar County. - One-term state Rep. Gilbert Pena, R-Houston, lost by nearly 21 percentage points to Democrat Mary Ann Perez, an insurance agent and former state representative who was elected to the House District 144 seat in 2012 and lost to Pena in 2014. The district includes parts of east Houston, half of South Houston, and parts of Pasadena and Baytown. - State Rep. John Lujan, R-San Antonio, who won a special election in January 2016 to succeed retiring House District 118 Rep. Joe
Farias, lost by 10 percentage points to Democrat Tomas Uresti. The district includes south San Antonio, Somerset, Elmendorf, St. Hedwig, Selma and Universal City in Bexar County. - In the race for the 4th Court of Appeals, Place 6, Justice Jason Pulliam of San Antonio, a Republican, lost by three percentage points to Democrat Irene Rios of San Antonio, a former Bexar County court-at-law judge. The court is comprised of seven justices who hear cases from 32 counties in South Texas and the Texas Hill Country. In a few other races: - Former state Rep. Wayne Christian, a Republican, won a seat on the three-member Texas Railroad Commission with 53 percent of the vote. - Current state Rep. Borris Miles, D-Houston, won the race to succeed retiring longtime state Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, with 92.5 percent of the vote. Senate District 13 includes parts of Harris County and Fort Bend County. - Republican Dawn Buckingham, a medical doctor, surgeon and former school board member, won the race to succeed retiring state Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, with 72.4 percent of the vote. Senate District 24 includes the Central Texas counties of Taylor, Callahan, Brown, Comanche, Mills, Hamilton, San Saba, Lampasas, Coryell, Bell, Burnet, Llano, Burnet, Kerr, Gillespie, Blanco and part of Travis County. Democrat Barbara Gervin-Hawkins won the race for House District 120 over independent state Rep. Laura Thompson, who won a special election to finish the unexpired term of long-
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS time Democratic state Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon, who resigned from office in January 2016, due to illness. The district includes the part of Bexar County that includes the cities of Kirby and Windcrest, and parts of Converse and San Antonio. Emergency funds called for The Senate Finance Committee Workgroup on Child Protection met on Nov. 7 and issued the following recommendations for emergency funding to address deficits in care: - A $12,000 annual pay
raise for frontline caseworkers, to be phased in for new workers; and - The immediate hire of 50 investigative caseworkers and 50 special investigators to ensure timely face-to-face contact with children following an allegation of abuse or neglect. Sen. Jane Nelson, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, said, “This is the first step of a continuing effort, but rest assured we will do everything we can to protect children. There is no issue of greater importance.”
Hegar sends tax rebates Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Nov. 9 announced he would send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts $737.9 million in local sales tax allocations for November, 0.8 percent more than in November 2015. These allocations are based on sales made in September by businesses that report tax monthly, and sales made in July, August and September by quarterly filers.
Trump’s election was a victory for the nation
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ASHINGTON, DC - “The election of first time politician Donald Trump to be the 45th president of the United States was not so much a victory for Trump as it was a victory for the country,” according to Dan Weber, president of the Association of Mature American Citizens. Weber said that Trump’s election was a “repudiation of eight years of inept governance, a leadership that steered our country in the wrong direction. We have an opportunity now to set things right. We have a chance to rebuild our economy, to create jobs, to regain the respect of our allies abroad and to show our enemies that we mean business. Perhaps, most important, is Mr. Trump’s promise to reset the balance of power on the Supreme Court by appointing justices who will strive to protect our Constitutional rights.” The AMAC chief noted that he looks forward to the repeal of the Affordable Care Act and its replacement with
a law that will actually make healthcare affordable for all Americans. The across the board Republican sweep in the 2016 election cycle was, to a large extent, the result of the failure of Obamacare, he said. “The slate needs to be wiped clean. What we need is a comprehensive healthcare insurance system such as one proposed in Congress that includes the use of Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and puts patients in charge of their health care.” The preservation of Social Security is of keen interest to Weber’s senior advocacy organization. He has long promoted measures to ensure its continued viability. “We’ve proposed a plan that lawmakers seem to like and that we hope will appeal to the president-elect. It involves what we call a Social Security Guarantee, a simple three-part reform that includes fair and balanced age setbacks for future recipients, guaranteed minimum cost of living increases and a provision for a new person-
al Early Retirement Account (ERA).” Weber said that he is hopeful Mr. Trump will work with Congress to create solutions to the problems that face the nation. “He has the resources and the management skills that are needed for the task and, after all, the reason he won was to bring about positive change. No matter what you may feel about the choice the electorate made this week, no matter if you are a Republican or a Democrat, it is incumbent on each of us to offer him our support and encouragement.” ABOUT AMAC The Association of Mature American Citizens [http://www.amac.us] is a vibrant, vital senior advocacy organization that takes its marching orders from its members. We act and speak on their behalf, protecting their interests and offering a practical insight on how to best solve the problems they face today. Live long and make a difference by joining us today
he American people have delivered a resounding message that they’re ready for change, and eager for Republicans to tackle the big challenges facing our nation. “I look forward to working with President-elect Trump to address the critical issues Texans and the American people have entrusted us to solve.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement in response to the Presidential election results:
“I want to congratulate President-elect Trump on his remarkable victory after one of the most hard-fought elections in recent memory. As this election made clear, Texans and all Americans are understandably concerned for our country and the direction we’re headed. “The threat posed by radical Islamic terrorism is real and growing, as Texans were reminded just this week. Obamacare continues to implode as Texas families face higher costs and fewer choices for coverage. And near-
ly eight years of President Obama’s draconian regulatory regime has suffocated job creators and hamstrung an underperforming economy. “The American people have delivered a resounding message that they’re ready for change, and eager for Republicans to tackle the big challenges facing our nation. I look forward to working with President-elect Trump to address the critical issues Texans and the American people have entrusted us to solve.”
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Sen Cornyn statement on the Presidential election
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WATER LEAK
The newly restructured board for the La Joya Independent School District poses for a photo following a special meeting Wednesday, Nov. 16 to swear in the newly elected members. From left to right, Armin Garza, Johnn Alaniz, Claudia Ochoa, Superintendent Dr. Alda T. Benavides, Alex Cantu and Oscar “Coach” Salinas. Not pictured is Juan Jose “J.J.” Garza and J.J. Peña.
Cantu Jr. High director honored as guest conductor at university ensemble
R. Cantu Jr. High School assistant band director, Vanessa Montelongo, traveled to West Virginia this week to be a guest conductor for the Alderson Broaddus University 18th Annual Honors Wind Ensemble. Montelongo was invited to be a guest conductor and clinician at the three-day event that gives students in the region an opportunity to work and interact with many of the most talented professional musicians in the nation. The event culminated today with a concert performed at the university located in Philippi, West Virginia. According to information provided by the Mission Consolidated Independent District, Montelongo is an international performer in horn and in jazz trombone. She has studied, competed and performed at the International Horn Symposium 2007 in La Chaux de fonds, Switzerland; where she competed in the Young Artists Quartet Competition and the Dorothy Frizelle High Horn Competition. A participant at the International Horn Symposium 2012 at the University of North Texas- Denton;
where she was a featured artist in the Young Artists Ensemble performance. In the Fall of 2013, Montelongo performed with the Western Illinois University- Jazz Studio Orchestra as a 2nd Jazz Trombonist and toured with famous Trumpeter Bobby Shew, who is known to be the lead trumpet in movie soundtracks such as: Grease 1 and 2, Rocky 1 and 2. She had the opportunity to perform in Salvador, Bahia, Brasil in collaboration with the Universidade Federal Da Bahia. Both Universities participated in the “Explorando as Raizes do Jazz” (Exploring The Jazz Roots), where each group performs together, educated each other in regional music, improvisation, presentations and donations of musical instruments for aspiring musicians. The concept of the project was to develop opportunities for collaboration between the students of WIU and UFBA and are interested in learning more about the North American music. Along with ensemble performances, Montelongo has participated in master classes with Annie Bosler, Dylan Hart, Bill
Scharnburg, Gail Williams (former assistant horn of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra), Tom Bacon, Paul Basler and Michel Garcin-Marrou. During her graduate studies, Vanessa was the Graduate Assistant for the Bands Department at WIU. She had the amazing opportunity to perform an Illinois premiere of a solo horn piece called “EllenSong” by James Mobberley at the WIU Showcase of Bands Spring 2013. This particular piece is in memory of the passing of one of the most treasured and influential horn professors, Ellen Campbell of the University of Missouri- Kansas City. Montelongo was a 20122013 WIU Concerto Competition Winner where she performed with the Western Illinois University Symphony Orchestra performing Camille Saint-Saëns, Morceau de Concert. Montelongo was the Principal Horn for the WIU Wind Ensemble and the WIU Symphony Orchestra. She was also a member of the the Knox-Galesburg Symphony Orchestra and the Quincy Symphony Orchestra.
way are the irrigation district’s responsibility, not the city of Mission. But the irrigation district doesn’t agree. “We’re back and forth,” Garza said. “We still want to work with them. We understand that this is a project that affects both the district and the City of Mission. There’s interest on both parties to resolve this. However, based on documentation and history the responsibility of maintenance falls on them…. It’s their water that’s leaking into those boxes. And those boxes are north of the south embankment, which clearly states is their responsibility. Ours is south of that embankment.” In a telephone interview Wednesday morning, Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 1 General Manager Rusty McDaniel said, “We haven’t come out with [who is responsible] yet. We’re still talking about it…. That research is ongoing and this will be decided in the pretty near future.” McDaniel added, “It’s hard to commit to anything, but I will say this, the district [is] proactive. We’re going to be sure that this is taken care of in short order. And then we can probably argue about who owes who what later. We’re going to push real hard here to get it done in a timely fashion.” The irrigation district had a crew making limited repairs this week. “We were out there (Tuesday) and we used some of our equipment and put some dirt on top of where we had found an area that we thought was probably going down in,” McDaniel said Wednesday. “And it helped the leaks a lot. So we’re going to be reevaluating that today or tomorrow to see how that’s holding and where we need to go from there.” Neither Garza nor McDaniel could put a price tag on the estimated cost of the repairs needed, as the engineers are still trying to decide which option is best. One option the irrigation district is considering is install-
ing a liner in that section of the canal to prevent leakage. McDaniel said they want to complete their investigation to determine the most cost effective solution that will get the job done long term. If a liner is installed, the storm drain boxes would still need to be repaired, he said. But he doesn’t think it will be long before the repairs are made. “We’ll certainly be moving on something in a very short period of time… I don’t think it’s in months, it’s in weeks,” McDaniel said. Following an executive session Monday evening to discuss the matter, the Mission City Council authorized the city manager to negotiate a resolution with Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 1, and if unable to reach a resolution, to take any legal action necessary for the preservation of property in the surrounding area. Garza said the city’s structural engineers and the
from pg 1 county’s engineers have both studied the leaks and have come up with differing solutions to make repairs. The city’s engineers offered two repair proposals and the county came up with a third recommendation. While the city manager did not want to disclose the range of costs estimated for the different recommendations, very rough estimates revealed at the emergency meeting six weeks ago said costs could range from $300,000 to $1.5 million. The most expensive option would be to construct a bypass for the Edinburg Canal. This would allow the cities of Edinburg and McAllen to have an uninterrupted water supply during the time required to make the repairs. McDaniel explained that the cities typically have only enough water storage to last a few days and could not go without a water source for weeks if the repairs required that much time.
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Former La Joya Coyote qualifies for NCAA Nationals
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By Luciano Guerra
NCAA championships qualifier Michael Guerrero
former La Joya Coyote will be among the nation’s best cross country (XC) runners competing in tomorrow’s NCAA National Championship. Michael Guerrero, a 2014 graduate of La Joya High School, qualified for Nationals last week by finishing ninth out of 142 runners at the NCAA South Central Regional meet. Guerrero, a junior at U.T. Arlington, ran the race of his career to become only the fifth U.T. Arlington Maverick to qualify for the NCAA Championship. His time of 30:32.5 in the 10k race was just 10.5 seconds behind his teammate and eighth place finisher, Craig Lautenslager. Their two top 10 finishes played a major role in the Mavericks’ third place finish overall, the highest regional team finish in school history. A XC standout for the Coyotes, Guerrero qualified for the state XC meet his junior and senior years, was a four-time regional qualifier, won the district XC title as a senior after finishing as runner up his sophomore and junior years, and was the cross country regional runner up
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Guerrero considers qualifying for tomorrow’s NCAA Championship in Terre Haute, Indiana, to be his No. 1 achievement. He also considers the race he ran to qualify for Nationals, to be among his best ever. “I would say that if it was not the best race I ever ran, it was right up there,” Guerrero said. “I’ve never run a race like that where I was in the front pack from the start. I’ve always worked my way up. But I’ve run this particular course before and I knew that if you don’t get out at the beginning, more than likely you won’t catch up in the end.” As for what he’s looking to the most at Nationals, Guerrero said, “I’m looking forward to the competition. I’ve never faced a nationally ranked field before, and I love racing and I love competition, so I’m ready to see where I end up when it’s all over Saturday.” The men’s race will begin at approximately 11 a.m. Central time tomorrow (Saturday). A live webcast of the championships will be broadcast from 10 a.m. until the conclusion of the awards ceremony, on NCAA.com.
Judging by what he accomplished his first two years at U.T.A,, Guerrero has certainly succeeded in taking his running to the next level. As a freshman, Guerrero’s accomplishments included but were not limited to earning second-team All-Sun Belt Conference accolades in XC, placing eighth at the league meet, coming in 34th at the NCAA South Central Regional, having top 10 finishes at both the Bear Twilight Invitational (10th) and UTA Season Opener (7th) and winning the 5000 meters at the Texas A&M Invitational. As a sophomore, Guerrero was the team’s top finisher at four cross country meets but was injured and unable to compete at the Sun Belt Conference Cross Country Championships. Still, he had top 10 placements including third in two events at the 2016 SBC Indoor Championships, was the runner-up in the 5000 meters and took fourth in the 10,000 meters at the Sun Belt Outdoor Championships and set a school record in the 10,000 meters at the Mt. SAC Relays, with a time of 29:52.45. As impressive as this partial list of accomplishments is,
Postseason fight falls short
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By Bryan Ramos
Wishing All Our Costumers a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
and sixth place finisher at the state meet his senior year. “My junior year I made it to state for the first time,” said Guerrero. “I was really excited to try to place as high as I could. But a half mile into the race, I got stepped on and I lost my spike (shoe) and I had no idea where it went. I just kept running like that for 2 ½ miles and I ended up close to last place. I just remember that feeling and I told myself that I’d be back next year and that I’d finish in the top 10.” Guerrero did make a return trip to the state meet his senior year and his eventual sixth place finish played a big role in getting him several scholarship offers. “I had scholarship offers from several schools including Stephen F. Austin University, U.T. San Antonio and others, but I chose U.T. Arlington because I really liked the team atmosphere and the coaching here is great,” shared Guerrero. “It came down to the fact that it was the school that offered what I felt I needed to take my running to the next level. It’s not a full ride scholarship that I was given but it covers pretty much everything except for my food.”
he electricity could be felt around the state of Texas as the high school playoffs began last Friday with every team left standing locked in on the win or go home situation. Four “Big 7” playoff teams put it on the line Friday night as the Pioneer Diamondbacks and Sharyland Rattlers represented District 31-5A and the Palmview Lobos and Juarez-Lincoln Huskies representing District 30-6A in the first round of postseason play. (See separate story for Mission Veterans Memorial High School.) The Pioneer Diamondbacks and head coach Jason Wheeler made history for their third year program in 2016. The Diamondbacks brought home their first district championship to Pioneer High School, as they finished with a 7-1 league record, splitting the title with the Laredo Nixon Mustangs. The district title guaranteed
the Diamondbacks a spot in the state playoffs, the first time Wheeler’s squad would be playing in the postseason. The Diamondbacks first round playoff matchup pitted them against the Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets last Friday at Bennie LaPrade Stadium in Donna. The Yellowjackets jumped out to a 14-0 lead on the Diamondbacks but Pioneer wasn’t going out without a fight. Sophomore quarterback Jacob Rosales scored two first half touchdowns on a pass to running back Logan Harris and punching one in on the ground. The Diamondback defense stood strong by making a goal line stand with seconds remaining in the second quarter as senior linebacker Jesus Sanchez and the Pioneer front seven stuffed the Yellowjackets to keep them out of the end zone and send the game into halftime down 2114. “Our offense did a really good job of keeping us in the game,” Wheeler said. “We had a good goal line stand there before half so we felt good going into halftime because we’ve been a second half team.” Rosales found senior receivers Alec Garcia and Enrique Hurtado in the end zone for two second half Pioneer touchdowns but it wasn’t enough as the Diamondbacks fell to the Yellowjackets 45-28. Wheeler said he’s proud of the run his team made this year. “Our kids fought hard, I’m proud of them,” Wheeler said after the game. “We checked off a lot of goals this year. We won a district championship, we wanted to
Pioneer wide receiver Enrique Hurtado carries the ball with two Edcouch- Elsa defenders in hot pursuit in last Friday’s bi-district championship game. Hurtado scored one of the Diamondbacks’ four touchdowns on the night, but the EE Yellowjackets swarmed Pioneer for a 45-28 victory. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra
keep playing in the playoffs but it didn’t work out and give them credit. I’m proud of the way we fought.” The Pioneer Diamondbacks end their memory making season with 8-3 record but will only be looking to grow the program from here. “We’re just going to take this feeling and move for-
ward and continue to get better. It’s been quite a journey; I’m proud to be the head coach here at Pioneer,” said Wheeler. Sharyland Rattlers The Sharyland Rattlers won their final two district games to qualify as the third seed in District 31-5A. The
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Playoff Patriots ready for showdown with Flour Bluff
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By Bryan Ramos he Mission Veterans Memorial Patriots are in familiar territory following a third consecutive bi-district championship in this year’s playoffs. Now, head coach David Gilpin and his team are locked in on picking up another win Friday night over a familiar foe standing between the Patriots and their goal of practicing late during Thanksgiving by reaching the third round of the state playoffs. “Those goals can all be accomplished on Friday night,” coach Gilpin said. “We’re going to play football and let the chips fall where they may. Our mentality is we’re going to go lay it on the field Friday night.” Coming off a 46-13 win in the regular season finale over the Valley View Tigers to secure a playoff spot, the Veterans Memorial Patriots squared off with the Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers last Friday on the Chargers home field at Sams Memorial Stadium. The Patriots used an all-around performance to pull off a dominant 35-14 victory over the Chargers. Senior quarterback Diego Hernandez connected with four different receivers for touchdowns while senior running back Johnny Martinez punched in one of his own on the ground. Sophomore receiver, Landry Gilpin, has totaled 56 receptions for 763 yards to go with 12 receiving touchdown as well as one on the ground in nine games played.
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Rattlers drew a first round road game against Mercedes on the Tigers home field. The Rattlers and the Tigers each scored first quarter touchdowns; Sharyland’s coming off a Blake Klein reception. The game was tied at seven until the third quarter when the Tigers broke the tie with a field goal followed by a fourth quarter touchdown to win the game 17-7. The Rattlers season comes to a close with a 7-4 overall record and a 6-2 district record. Palmview Lobos The Palmview Lobos bi-district bout set them up for a home game against the Laredo United South Panthers at La Joya Football
Veterans Memorial receiver Buda Gonzalez hauls in one of his two touchdown passes during the Patriots’ 20-16 win over District 31-5A rival Roma. Progress Times photo by Doug Young
After the five different players found the end zone in the team’s first round game, Landry knows it will be tough for defenses to matchup with the versatile threat the Patriot offense presents. “Having that many guys score on the field, it’s going to make it hard for defenses because they can’t key in on one player. It’s going to be really hard to cover all five of us,” said Landry, who had a team high eight catches for 87 yards and a touchdown in the team’s bi-district championship win.
The Patriots defense wreaked havoc on the Chargers offense and is peaking at the right time, holding opponents to scores of 14 and 13 over the last two games. The defense sacked the Chargers quarterback three times on the night and forced three turnovers on their way to an impressive first round victory over a district champion. “Bottom line, we got a belief in our program, a belief in what we do,” said head coach David Gilpin. “There were a few certain things that I told the kids I felt we need-
Stadium. The Lobos were tied with the Panthers 7-7 for much of the first quarter, but were outscored 34-14 heading into halftime. The Lobos fought back to score 19 second half points but ultimately fell short against the Panthers, 54-33.The Lobos end their season 5-6 overall with a second place finish in District 30-6A with a 4-2 record. Juarez-Lincoln The Juarez-Lincoln Huskies, who claimed the fourth and final playoff spot in District 30-6A with a 2-4 record, dropped their bi-district matchup 33-17 as they travelled to San Antonio to take on the Southwest Dragons. Head coach Tomas Garcia and the Huskies wrap up their season with a 4-7 record on the year but have
much to build on after qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in program history in 2015 and following that up with another postseason berth this year. With the loss, the four playoff qualifiers close the book on the 2016 football season with the memories of fighting alongside their brothers on the field, putting it all on the line for their coaches, and the strong bonds built during the grind. Next year, the Huskies and Diamondbacks will be out to build off their playoff appearances, while the Lobos and Rattlers hope to continue their tradition as players in the postseason, all in hope of taking another step forward in 2017.
With Our Thanks May your plate be filled with an abundance of blessings at this special time of year. Your trust and support mean so much to us, and we wish you all the best. Happy Thanksgiving!
from all of us, your elected officials of Hidalgo County Precinct 3
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ed to be successful at to win the football game and we were able to do that in convincing fashion on the road in a hostile environment.” Awaiting the Patriots in the second round of the state playoffs is the Flour Bluff Hornets, a team Veterans Memorial has faced five times in the last eight years. This year, the Patriots will have home field advantage on their side as the game will be played at Tom Landry Stadium. Patriots senior receiver and defensive back Roman De Leon, who gets it done on both sides of the ball, has posted 76 receptions, 877 yards and six receiving touchdowns to go with 49 total tackles this year. De Leon said he’s excited for the opportunity Friday night presents. “It’s big. When it comes to Flour Bluff we know it’s going to be a dog-fight. Getting them on our home turf is something we’re really excited for. Playing them to get into the third round, we’re going to be excited, especially in a packed house. We’re hoping we just come out and execute everything we need to do.” Flour Bluff (6-5, 5-1) is coming off an impressive performance of their own after a 42-6 victory in the first round over the San Antonio Southside Cardinals. The Hornets finished second in the 11-team District 30-5A, winning their first five league games before losing to the Calallen Wildcats in the district championship game. “ They have great tradition and success. Our men-
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page 7 tality is put our backs to each other and swing at anything that comes and that’s the mentality we’ll have against Flour Bluff,” coach Gilpin said. “Those guys are going to come to Tom Landry Stadium and our football team will be ready to play. Our football team will be ready and we will give every ounce that we have to win this football game because we think we can.” The last time the Patriots played the Hornets in the playoffs was in the Area Championship in 2014. The Hornets prevailed over the Patriots, winning 55-28. This year, the Patriots are looking forward to the opportunity of winning a home playoff game in the second round. “It would be our first time making it to the third round of the playoffs in the school’s history and to be able to do it in front of our home crowd would be very special,” Landry said. “We have the team to do it, we have an opportunity and it’s really fun having something like that.” The Area Championship
playoff matchup between the Mission Veterans Memorial Patriots and the Flour Bluff Hornets is set for 7:30 p.m. at Tom Landry Stadium. Coach Gilpin is dreaming big and has his team following suit, focused on making program history and advancing to the third round. “There will be 16 teams left in our bracket if we find a way to win Friday night. That’s exciting to me. I dream big, I want this program to dream big, I want our kids to dream big. When we talk about playing in the Sweet 16, we talk about practicing during Thanksgiving. When we talk about things that have never been done, that’s exciting to me,” coach Gilpin said. “I want our kids excited about it, I want them dreaming about that. I want them saying, “Why not this team from Mission Veterans Memorial? Why wait two years from now, why wait 10 years from now? Let’s do it right now, we have the opportunity sitting in our lap. Let’s go out and seize the day.”
Wishing All Our Family, Friends, & Neighbors Bountiful Blessings This Thanksgiving.
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1242 E. Bus. 83, #7 - Mission
Fred Moron, R.Ph. 581-5499
2120 E. Griffin Pkwy. - Mission
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November 18, 2016
We’re filled with gratitude to be surrounded by friends and neighbors like you at Thanksgiving. Your year-round support means the world to us, and we thank you for your visits.
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COUNCIL REJECTS
complex which would have been located on 6.685 acres across from Leal Elementary School. Located on Mile One South between Scenic Way and Los Ebanos Road the site would have encompassed a 1,245 foot long by 200 foot deep swath of land along the fringe of the golf course. Though the project included plans for a new student drop off location at the school to mitigate increased traffic, one Meadow Creek resident complained traffic is already hazardous at the location and would be worsened by the apartment complex. Another resident complained the sewer system at the location already emits foul odors and said the addition of the apartments would create unbearable smells and sewer problems. And another voiced concerns of children playing on the golf course in harm’s way if the apartments were built on the property butting up to the golf course. In voting to deny the rezoning council members sided with recommendations of City Manager Martin Garza Jr., Mission’s Planning and Zoning Commission and Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas. The council voted to table two other requests for zoning changes. One would have allowed 11 townhouses to be built on a 0.531-acre tract located on the southeast corner of J.C. Parkway and Lake View Drive. And another would have allowed home construction on a 0.850-acre trace of land between J.C. Parkway and Lake Front Drive along the east side of Lake View Drive. Residents complained the proposed construction of a two-story residence on the latter parcel would block the view of the golf course, the lake and sunsets. Seemingly everyone in the room raised their hands when Quautemoc F. Roldan, of the 2100 block of Crystal Drive, asked the audience who among them opposed the projects. He then turned back to the council. “We worked hard, saved our money and retired so we could have a good life,” Roldan said. “We bought a home on a golf course with a pretty view of the lake where we thought we would enjoy our senior years. Now the developer is trying to take away all of those amenities by adding buildings that take portions of the golf course
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www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com away to provide housing that will block views and add a number of people in crowded housing we don’t want to our subdivision. It will take away from the ambience and decrease the value of the retirement homes we bought.” His comments brought cheers and applause from Meadow Creek residents in the audience. Speaking for the developer, Engineer Julio Cerda, said Bauza had already spent $350,000 on improvements to the golf club house and needed to develop vacant lots to recoup his investment. But that argument did not sit well with Christina Roldan-Schinn who told the council Bauza should be spending his money improving the golf course so people would want to play at Meadow Creek and not tearing it apart by adding more housing. When asked by Salinas how he was supposed to tell Bauza he could not use the land he bought, RoldanSchinn replied the mayor should have consideration for the people who had already bought the homes there because they liked the golf course as it exists now. She told the mayor if he didn’t take heed she would vote against him next time. The council voted to approve Bauza’s request to rezone a 0.427-acre tract lo-
from pg 1 cated between Debby Lane and River Bend along the south side of Circle Drive, an irregularly shaped lot that will be divided into two single-family lots. Approval was also granted to rezone to residential two smaller tracts in the subdivision. One was a 0.193-acre tract located at the intersection of Meadow Way Drive and the east side of River Bend Drive and the other was a 0.138-acre tract located 700 feet east of Circle Drive along the south side of Meadow View Drive. The mayor said the two tabled zoning change proposals would come back before the council once the Planning Department has updated it’s plans. In other business Monday the council voted to approve a request from the Mission Consolidated Independent School District to expand the hours vehicular traffic is prohibited along Mission High School’s east side during school hours. The council’s action will prohibit vehicles from entering the 1700 block of Cummings Drive between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Previously the street was closed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Council also approved the second amendment to a funding mechanism that would enable the city to spend up to $1.3 million for reimbursements on expenditures for a lift station
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project for Bentsen Palm Development and $682,000 for the Military Waterline Loop project. The council approved spending $45,588 to purchase 4G mobile broadband devices residents can check out from Speer Memorial Library to use for “education,
job search and cultural purposes.” And the council voted to allocate $14,000 to the Lower Rio Grande Valley Storm Water Task Force and appointed Juan de la Garza as the city’s representative to the task force. In conjunction with the University of Tex-
as-RGV the task force will study storm water management programs while aiding the city in maintaining compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
Vendors needed at 11th annual Alton Christmas Parade The city of Alton will hold the 11th annual Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. The parade will start at the intersection of Los Ebanos and Main Street and end at the Alton City Hall at Dawes Avenue. To accommodate parade attendees, Alton Recreational Director Samm Mercado is looking for a total of five vendors to sell food the community. So far, the city only has one confirmed vendor who will be selling burger combos and an order of bistek tacos for $8 each along with $1.50 breakfast tacos. Mercado says he’s hoping for vendors to sell corn in a cup, soft drinks and fajita tacos. “We had a second vendor who was planning to sell turkey legs and loaded potatoes,
but unfortunately they pulled out from the parade,” Mercado said in a phone interview Tuesday. “We’d definitely like to have five vendors total so people visiting the parade will have a variety of options. We’re doing the parade for them and we want them to know it.” To qualify to be a vendor at a parade, vendors must have a current food handler’s certificate and be able to provide their own items. Vendors must register by Thursday, Dec. 8 and can do so by emailing Mercado at samm.mercado@alton-tx. gov or calling him at (956) 432-0790. Vendors will only have to pay a $35 fee as part of the application, a number Mercado said vendors will easily make back during the parade.
Aside from vendors, the parade will include high school bands, cheerleaders and dancers and an equestrian team. The parade will then conclude with the city’s annual toy drive at the Alton Recreational Center where children will receive unopened toys donated by the city’s chamber of commerce followed by live music. “We’re 11 years into this parade and we’re not changing anything, we’re just celebrating a fun time with the community with lots of color and excitement,” Mercado said. “This parade is a special time for the community and seeing how it’s grown with each passing year is a sign of how important a tradition this parade is.”
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Happy Thanksgiving! As we gather around with family and friends this holiday, we offer up thanks for the many blessings that make life meaningful. Gifts like friendship, love, health and prosperity make us especially grateful, and we hope you enjoy these same blessings in abundance at this special time of year and always.
Norberto “Beto” Salinas City of Mission Mayor
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November 18, 2016
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CHIEF RETIRING
with the department. Rene Lopez Sr. was a volunteer with the department for 32 years until his death in 1995. He served two years as the department’s chief, back before firefighting in Mission became a full time job, Lopez said. Reflecting back recently on his life as a young man the junior Lopez had no intention of becoming a full-time firefighter. “Of course back then we
had a lot more fire calls because there was no Alton Fire or Palmview, Peñitas or La Joya. There was just the Mission Fire Department that covered all the area. So we were gone most of the day fighting fires, doing rescues - all kinds of searches. So there was a lot to do. It was an adventure everyday without having to join the military. It was very, very exciting.” Lopez dropped out of the
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from pg 1 university in his sophomore year, a decision that he sometimes second-guessed until one day in the mid-1980s when he was the first responder to a downtown area home fire. “Back in those days there was only one firefighter per truck. And when I arrived there was a young lady standing in the front doorway. I remember yelling at the lady, ‘Get out of the house. The house is on fire.’ And she
looked at me and said, ‘My baby’s in here.’” Lopez said he rushed into the home to find one side of the living room engulfed in flames. “The drapes, carpeting, everything was on fire.” Lopez said he made it through the living room and kitchen to a room in the back of the house where he found a toddler boy in his crib and scooped him into his arms. “And fortunately there was a back door so we went through it.”
Lopez said he was surprised to see the child’s mother had followed him through the flames. “She wasn’t going to leave her baby there but she burned the right side of her face and her shoulders. That’s when I realized this is important work. Up until then I was fighting fires but, you know, they were grass fires, businesses, stuff like that - nothing really dangerous. And riding with her and her baby to the hospital in the ambulance that’s when I realized this is really important.” It’s clear Lopez is liked by the firefighters. He has an easy-going way with them. Several at the station Tuesday said it won’t be the same without Lopez. “He’s always been here,” said engineer and 10-year department veteran Luis Villarreal. “I mean, when you think of Mission Fire Department you think Chief Lopez.” Others like emergency medical technician Henry Peña, 40, who has worked for Med-Care EMS as a paramedic the past seven years, say Lopez has left a lasting legacy. He credits Lopez with reducing the response time for paramedics by housing the privately contracted paramedics in the firehouse with firefighters. “He brought EMT into the house. Before we were like staying in hotels and responding separately. Now we respond with the firefighters so we don’t have to ask, ‘What’s the situation?’ We’re right there with them to see it,” said Pena. “He has been a great chief and great to work with.”
As for life in retirement Lopez said he hopes to spend more time with his wife, Adela Lopez, a teacher at Veteran’s Memorial High School, and his son, Rene Lopez III, 25, and 24-year-old daughter Risa. Lopez said he also plans to spend more time on his hobby as a ham radio operator with contacts across the globe and visiting Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park in west Texas. “That’s my love at this stage, the whole big region. I used to go out there three or four times a year. Now I’ll probably do six or seven times a year.” If there is one thing Lopez said he will have to get used to is the lack of routine. And the radios. “All my career I’ve lived with radios so I hear the tone outs, the dispatches, I hear everything. I’m not going to have that anymore. Those tones will be forever ingrained in my mind.” City Manager Martin Garza Jr. said he has not yet decided who to appoint from the fire department to act as interim chief but that he will make that decision by Nov. 28 when he will offer that name to the city council for approval. After that the city will advertise for a permanent replacement and he encouraged Mission Fire Department personnel to apply. Regarding Lopez’s retirement Garza said, “We’re truly grateful for his service and dedication to the city and its citizens and we wish him the best in his personal and professional endeavors.”
November 18, 2016
AGUA SUD
can vote on this issue on the same day and the new Impact Fee will take into effect as soon as it is approved,” Cancino said. “The fee is used to fund infrastructure but we need to make that charge affordable to help the community.” Cancino declined to reveal the new Impact Fee amount proposed and only said that a special committee was formed to come up with the price. According to Cancino, one of the amendments they proposed was lower-
ing the Impact Fee to $150. However, Cancino would neither confirm or deny that the amendment the district will publish will be the same one as the committee came up with. Among the residents waiting to see the changes to the fee is Palmview resident Melinda Montenegro. Montenegro recently purchased property near Mile Two Road and FM 492, but has yet to begin construction there as she is holding off on paying the Impact Fee. She explained after
obituaries
F. Louis Eckroat MISSION – F. Louis Eckroat, 79, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016, at his home in Mission. Mr. Eckroat married his wife, Peggy Ahrens, in 1958. He was a rancher and cleared land, and in 1965 went to work for the Texas Department of Health for 27 years as a meat inspector. He later developed a Christmas and Oak tree farm. He served on the Hidalgo County Irrigation District #6 board where he was vice-president. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Peggy Eckroat; children, James Eckroat of Mission, JoAnn Salazar of Nixon and Linda Krueger of Denison; sister, Rosann Pebley; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Sylvia Eckroat, and a brother, Kenneth Eckroat. A funeral mass was held on Nov. 12 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. William Hernandez MISSION – William Hernandez, 56, passed away on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, at his home in Mission. Mr. Hernandez was born on April 23, 1960, in Mission to Amadeo Hernandez and Elida Conde. Survivors include his children, William Hernandez Jr., Aaron Hernandez, Dustin James Guthrie and
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Cody Allen Hernandez; siblings, Adela Conde Ellison, Estrella Guerrero, Amadeo Hernandez Jr., Adalia Cerda and Adolfo Hernandez; and one grandchild. . He was preceded in death by his brothers, Ernesto Hernandez and Alberto Hernandez. A funeral service was held on Nov. 16 at Lord & I Funeral Home in Peñitas. Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery in Abram.
Frances Patricia Jeglum MISSION – Frances Patricia (Pat) Jeglum, a resident of Mission, Texas, was born on November 6, 1943, and passed away October 25, 2016. She was the eldest child of seven siblings. She is survived by Rose Anne Ringelman (Roger) of Weirsdale, FL, David Kehoe of Baraboo, WI, Daniel Kehoe (Sheree) of Madison, WI, Jeannette Miller (Bennett) of Kingston, OK, Kevin Kehoe (Rene) of Bessie, OK, Connie Purcell of Oshkosh, WI, Ann Sharon Bodin of Kenai AK and family, numerous nieces and nephews, and the family of Louis White. She was preceded in death
from pg 1 the meeting that even though she needs a water line to her property, she is unwilling to pay an “expensive” fee for her property. “These impact fees are too high,” she said. “I’m not paying for it until I see something happening where water becomes affordable in the city. If officials really want the city to grow, they need to make it more affordable to live here.”
by her husband, Andrew Jeglum; her longtime partner, Louis White; her parents, Lawrence and Lillian Kehoe; her stepfather, William Radtke; her brother, William Kehoe; her sister-in-law, Dianne Kehoe; her nephew, Ryan Ringelman; and her stepson, Jeffrey Jeglum. Pat graduated from Baraboo High School and Viterbo College in LaCrosse, WI. She was employed by Badger Ordnance Works in Baraboo, WI, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation in Madison, WI, and American Milk Producers in Shawano, WI. She lived with a larger than life attitude and brought joy to everyone she touched. She enjoyed having her pet cats and dogs and is survived by her little dog Queenie in Mission, Texas. She enjoyed playing golf late in her life and she was always interested in birdwatching and supported the Audubon Society. Memorial services will be planned at a later date. Any donations can be made to your local Humane Society. Pat’s family would like to thank the staff at McAllen Heart Hospital and Amara Hospice for their compassionate care and efforts to make Pat’s transition comfortable and peaceful. Fernando Rivera MISSION – Fernando Rivera, 57, passed away on Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Mr. Rivera was born to Abelino Rivera and Josefina Treviño on Jan. 30, 1959, in
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Mission. Survivors include his daughter, Sonia Rivera; mother, Josefa Rivera; siblings, Lucia Adame and Reynaldo Rivera; and two grandchildren. A funeral service was held on Nov. 17 at Virgil Wilson Mortuary in Mission. Burial followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Abram. Mable Aline Russell MISSION – Mable Aline Russell, 94, passed away on Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, in McAllen. Survivors include her children, Donald Russell of Mission, Betty Brown of Jonesboro, Ill. and Robert Russell of Mission; and nine grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandsons. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ernest Victor Russell; son, Willie Ernest Russell; and two brothers and four sisters. A memorial service was held on Nov. 17 at Calvary Baptist Church in McAllen. The family suggested that memorials be made to the Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Notices
Ernesto Alvarado PEÑITAS – Ernesto Alvarado, 81, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Amelia Alvarado ALTON – Amelia Alvarado, 79, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, at
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McAllen Medical Center. Ruben De La Garza MISSION – Ruben De La Garza, 79, passed away on Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, at Comfort House in McAllen. Juana Peña de Rodriguez MISSION – Juana Peña de Rodriguez, 80, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, at her home in Mission. Jesus Elizondo PEÑITAS – Jesus Elizondo, 79, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016, at his home. Juan Manuel Garcia Sr. MISSION – Juan Manuel Garcia Sr., 51, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, at McAllen Medical Center. Gonzalo Gamez MISSION – Gonzalo Gamez, infant, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, at Women’s Hospital in Edinburg. Armando Garza MISSION – Armando Garza, 47, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, at his home in Mission. Maria Estella Garza PEÑITAS – Maria Estella Garza, 68, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, at Harlingen Medical Center. A funeral mass was held on Nov. 11 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in La Joya. Burial followed at Peñitas City Cemetery. Maria Del Rosario Madrigal MISSION – Maria Del Rosario Madrigal, 72, passed
away on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, at her home in Mission. Manuel Martinez MISSION – Manuel Martinez, 66, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Leanna G. Maytas MISSION – Leanna G. Maytas, 77, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Jose Perez MISSION – Jose Perez, 93, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Arnulfo Salinas MISSION – Arnulfo Salinas, 64, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Sidulfo Salinas PEÑITAS – Sidulfo Salinas, 74, passed away on Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, at Valley Baptist Hospital. Dennis Lee Thode MISSION – Dennis Lee Thode, 76, passed away on Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital. Eugenio Treviño LA JOYA – Eugenio Treviño, 84, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, at LifeCare Hospital in McAllen. Juan Gilberto Vasquez MISSION – Juan Gilberto Vasquez, 44, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016, at his home in Mission.
Join us Sunday for 3 p.m. Mass @ La Lomita
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE “OLG Activity School of the Gospel, Pre-School, Day Care” Open for Registrations
MISSION
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 FATHER KERALUM HAD SOME PRETTY GOOD EXCUSES TO GIVE UP, TO THINK HE DIDN’T “HAVE WHAT IT TAKES,” BUT HE DARED TO DREAM! FAITHFUL TO CHRIST, HIS KING, HE STRUCK OUT ON A NEW ADVENTURE IN FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE, AND WE’LL NEVER FORGET IT ! WAS HE A “LOSER” OR A “WINNER”?
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.)
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The public is invited to attend and express support for or opposition to this application. You may also file written support or opposition to by 12:00 noon on December 6, 2016, for the Planning and Zoning and the City Commission. For questions please call Jeff Underwood, Assistant City Manager at (956) 432-0760.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING OF A 0.138 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF LOT 15-2, WEST ADDITION TO SHARYLAND SUBDIVISION, FROM PUD (AO-P) TO PUD (R-1) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
ORDINANCE NO. 4426
Now
Fax it in: Bring it in: 1217 N Conway Mission 585-2304
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Send us your classified today!
REZONE REQUEST: Antonio Villeda is requesting a zone change of 721 N. Trosper Blvd., legally described as the S212’-N462’-E261.36’ of Lot 42-4 1.27AC, West Addition to Sharyland, Hidalgo County, Texas from “R-1” Single Family Residential District to “D” Two Family Duplex District.
Submit online:
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT: Juan Mora, d.b.a. Alton Drive Thru, is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to obtain a Wine and Beer Retailer’s Off-Premise Permit at 2115 E. Main Avenue, legally described as Palmasola Subdivision, Lot 31, Alton, Hidalgo County, Texas.
Or Scan This Code With Your Smartphone
PUBLIC NOTICE The City of Alton will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. at the City Hall Legislative Chambers located at 509 S. Alton Boulevard to consider the following requests: Si desea información en español, llame al departamento de Planeación de la Ciudad de Alton, (956) 432-0760.
ORDINANCE NO. 4429
November 18, 2016
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HIRING Mr. G’s Fireworks
is looking for responsible persons to operate fireworks stand. Must stay on premises & be over 21 years of age.
Call: (956) 399-3469 ORDINANCE NO. 4427
ORDINANCE NO. 4430 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS, RESCINDING ORDINANCE 3170, SECTION 1 AND ADOPTING ORDINANCE NO. 4430 PROVIDING FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL AS FOLLOWS: NO VEHICLE SHALL PROCEED THROUGH THE 1700 BLOCK OF CUMMINGS STREET BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 7:30 A.M. TO 5:30 P.M. DURING THE TIME THAT MISSION CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT HAS SCHOOL IN SESSION; PROVIDING FOR INSTALLATION OF SAID SIGNAGE THEREOF AND MAKING PROVISIONS OF THE STATE TRANSPORTATION CODE AND TRAFFIC ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF MISSION IN REGARD TO PENALTY FOR VIOLATION APPLICABLE THERETO: READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING OF A 0.577 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF MEADOW COUNTRY CLUB PHASE I-B SUBDIVISION, FROM PUD (AO-P) TO PUD (R-1) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
ORDINANCE NO. 4424
ORDINANCE NO. 4425
ORDINANCE NO. 4422
ORDINANCE NO. 4428
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING OF A 0.233 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF THE NORTH 4 ACRES OF LOT 172, JOHN H. SHARY SUBDIVISION, FROM R-1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO R1-T (TOWNHOUSE RESIDENTIAL) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING OF A 3.18 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF THE NORTH 4 ACRES OF LOT 172, JOHN H. SHARY SUBDIVISION, FROM AO-P (AGRICULTURAL OPEN PERMANENT) TO R1-T (TOWNHOUSE RESIDENTIAL) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING OF LOTS 19, 20, & 21, BRYAN POINTE SUBDIVISION PHASE I, FROM C-1 (OFFICE BUILDING) TO C-3 (GENERAL BUSINESS) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING OF A 0.193 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF LOT C-2, MEADOW CREEK COUNTRY CLUB PHASE I-B SUBDIVISION, FROM PUD (COMMON AREA) TO PUD (R-1) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
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AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING OF A 0.427 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF MEADOW CREEK COUNTRY CLUB PHASE I-A SUBDIVISION, FROM PUD (AO-P) TO PUD (R-1) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
theclassifieds November 18, 2016
buy • sell • trade • rent • hire
1 Week = $7.00 2 Weeks = $10.00 4 Weeks = $14.00
this page is your oyster opening up to a world of opportunity
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.
Fifth Wheel 2016 37’ PLATINUM, 3 slides, 2 a/c, W/D, electric awning, 20 gal. hot water heater, much more, no pets, no smoking, like new, for information call 956–222–0496.
For Sale
BEAUTIFUL ENT E R TA I N M E N T CENTER— Excellent condition. Must
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www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com Classified Rate:
sell. $50, OBO. Call 956-585–4893.
Garage Sales
1614 ARIES ALADDIN Villas, Mission, Friday 18th and Saturday 19th, from 8am2pm, furniture, pictures, Christmas items, custom jewelry, clothes, etc.
Help Wanted NECESITO AYUDA CON limpieza de
ORDINANCE NO. 4423 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING OF A 0.521 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF THE NORTH 4 ACRES OF LOT 172, JOHN H. SHARY SUBDIVISION, FROM R-1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO C-3 (GENERAL BUSINESS) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
casa, llame despues de las 5:00pm al (956) 279–8477. POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN several Valley resorts for workcampers. We need front desk help and maintenance, minor carpentry, painting, mowing, and weedwacking. Please call 956–226 -9479, we offer site and elec-
tric and pay for extra hours. NEED LICENSED HAIR dresser FT or PT, please call 956585–1287 for more information. 2008
Mobile Homes EASY GO electric golf cart, $1,299, call 956–580-3370.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Travel Trailer 2000 28’ NASH Trailer, teal interior, 1 slideout, couch, dinette. 1 year old steel metal carport, extras, asking $8,000. Call 918– 633-8415 or 956– 585-3805.
The Mission City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on November 28, 2016 at 4:30 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: A 0.304 acre out of all of Lot C-3, Meadow Creek Country Club Phase I-B Subdivision, from PUD (Planned Unit Development – Common Area) to PUD (Planned Unit Development – Single Family Residential); Rezoning: A 0.531 acre tract out of Meadow Creek Country Club Phase I-A Subdivision, from PUD (Planned Unit Development – Permanent Open Space District) to PUD (Planned Unit Development – Townhouse Residential); Rezoning: A 0.850 acre tract of land out of Meadow Creek Country Club Phase 1-A Subdivision, from PUD (Planned Unit Development – Permanent Open Space District) to PUD (Planned Unit Development – Townhouse Residential) If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. Anyone interested is invited to attend. Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
THE STATE OF TEXAS NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT: “You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do (does)not file a written answer with the clerk who issued to this citation by 10:00 A.M. on the Monday next after the expiration of forty-two (42) days after the date of issuance of this citation and Petition, a default Judgment may be taken against you.” TO: Antonio Rodriguez, DEFENDANT(S) GREETINGS: You are herby commanded to appear by filing a written answer to the Plaintiff’s Original Petition at or before 10:00 o’clock A.M. of the Monday next after the expiration of fortytwo (42) days after the date of issuance of this citation the same being the on this the 12th day of October, 2016 before the Honorable Israel Ramon, Jr., 430th District Court of Hidalto County, Texas at the Courthouse of said county in Edinburg, Texas. Said CITY OF MISSION’S ORIGINAL PETITION, REQUEST FOR PERMANENT INJUNCTION, AND REQUEST FOR DISCLOSURE filed in said court on the on this the 12th day of January, 2016 in this case numbered C-0176-16-J on the docket of said court and styled CITY OF MISSION VS. ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ. Said petition was filed in said court by Attorney JAIME TIJERINA, 1201 E. 8th ST., Mission, TX 78572. A brief nature of the suit is as follows: PLAINTIFF(S) PRAY FOR DAMAGES IN AN AMOUNT TO BE PROVEN AT TRIAL, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ACTUAL DAMAGES, DIRECT AND CONSEQUEINTIAL DAMAGES, ATTORNEY FEES AND TAXABLE COURT COSTS. The officer executing this writ shall promptly serve the same according to requirements of law, and the mandates thereof, and make due return as the law directs. ISSUED AND GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL of said Court at Edinburg, Texas on the on this the 12th day of October, 2016.
REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS ENGINEER, BOND COUNSEL, AND FINANCIAL ADVISOR STORM WATER DRAINAGE MASTER PLAN
REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS ENGINEER, BOND COUNSEL, AND FINANCIAL ADVISOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES
The City of Alton requests the submission of qualification statements, which will lead to the possible award of a contract to provide Engineering, Bond Counsel, and Financial Advisor services for a project involving the development of a city-wide storm water drainage master plan.
The City of Alton requests the submission of qualification statements, which will lead to the possible award of a contract to provide Engineering, Bond Counsel, and Financial Advisor services for a project involving the City’s Wastewater Treatment Facilities.
Scope of Work The services to be obtained for the Engineer requires 1) Experience with storm water modeling; 2) Design of storm water facilities; 3) Project Team and project team resumes; 4) Experience with TWDB funded projects; 5) Experience in the design/construction services in the South Texas area; and 6) List of references with contact information. The services to be obtained for the Bond Counsel requires 1) Experience with TWDB funded projects; 2) Experience providing bond counsel services in the South Texas Area; and 3) List of references with contact information. The services to be obtained for the Financial Advisor requires 1) Experience with TWDB funded projects; 2) Experience providing pertinent services to clients in the South Texas area; and 3) List of references with contact information. Guidelines for Content of Qualification Statements DO NOT INCLUDE COST INFORMATION with the qualification statement. Responses that include cost or pricing information will be rejected and will not be considered by the City. Detailed instructions on preparation of the qualification statement must be obtained from the City. For more information on preparing and submitting the qualification statement, contact Jeff Underwood, Assistant City Manager, at (956) 432-0760. Submittal Deadline Three copies of the qualifications statement must be filed with the City by: December 2, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at Alton City Hall located at 509 South Alton Boulevard, Alton, Texas 78573 Minimum Qualifications and Selection Criteria The City will evaluate the proposals to determine which firm has the best qualifications. Contract Terms and Negotiation Schedule The consultant for Bond Counsel, Financial Advisor, and Engineering services are expected to negotiate an agreement for services which is acceptable to the City. If an acceptable contract cannot be negotiated, the City may formally end negotiations and begin negotiating with the next highest qualified person or firm. This contract is contingent upon release of funds from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). Any contract or contracts awarded under this Invitation for Bid (IFB) or Request for Qualifications (RFQ) are expected to be funded in part by a loan from the TWDB. Neither the State of Texas nor any of its departments, agencies, or employees are or will be a party to this IFB, RFQ, or any resulting contract. RFQ’s are issued in accordance with Section 2254 of the Texas Government Code (Professional Services Act) and Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 31 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments). This contract includes goals for Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise participation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the following Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) & Women Business Enterprise (WBE) “fair share goals” for the TWDB State Revolving Fund programs. EPA policy does NOT mandate that the fair share goals be achieved but does mandate that a documented good faith effort be made toward achieving the goals. CONSTRUCTION SUPPLIES EQUIPMENT SERVICES
MBE WBE 12.94% 9.68% 7.12% 10.84%
8.72% 9.34% 5.39% 5.72%
Prime contractors are required to comply with EPA’s good faith effort policy when awarding sub-agreements for construction, supplies, equipment, and services. A complete version of TWDB document, “Guidance for Utilization of Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Businesses in Procurement ”, is available at: www.twdb.texas.gov/financial/instructions/doc/TWDB-0210.pdf The City of Alton is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap or national origin. Small, minority, and women-owned business enterprises are encouraged to submit proposals.
Scope of Work The services to be obtained for the Engineer requires 1) Experience with the design of Wastewater Treatment Plants; 2) Project Team and project team resumes; 3) Experience with TWDB funded projects; 4) Experience in the design/construction services in the South Texas area; and 5) List of references with contact information. The services to be obtained for the Bond Counsel requires 1) Experience with TWDB funded projects; 2) Experience providing bond counsel services in the South Texas Area; and 3) List of references with contact information. The services to be obtained for the Financial Advisor requires 1) Experience with TWDB funded projects; 2) Experience providing pertinent services to clients in the South Texas area; and 3) List of references with contact information. Guidelines for Content of Qualification Statements DO NOT INCLUDE COST INFORMATION with the qualification statement. Responses that include cost or pricing information will be rejected and will not be considered by the City. Detailed instructions on preparation of the qualification statement must be obtained from the City. For more information on preparing and submitting the qualification statement, contact Jeff Underwood, Assistant City Manager, at (956) 432-0760. Submittal Deadline Three copies of the qualifications statement must be filed with the City by: December 2, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at Alton City Hall located at 509 South Alton Boulevard, Alton, Texas 78573 Minimum Qualifications and Selection Criteria The City will evaluate the proposals to determine which firm has the best qualifications. Contract Terms and Negotiation Schedule The consultant for Bond Counsel, Financial Advisor, and Engineering services are expected to negotiate an agreement for services which is acceptable to the City. If an acceptable contract cannot be negotiated, the City may formally end negotiations and begin negotiating with the next highest qualified person or firm. This contract is contingent upon release of funds from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). Any contract or contracts awarded under this Invitation for Bid (IFB) or Request for Qualifications (RFQ) are expected to be funded in part by a loan from the TWDB. Neither the State of Texas nor any of its departments, agencies, or employees are or will be a party to this IFB, RFQ, or any resulting contract. RFQ’s are issued in accordance with Section 2254 of the Texas Government Code (Professional Services Act) and Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 31 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments). This contract includes goals for Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise participation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the following Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) & Women Business Enterprise (WBE) “fair share goals” for the TWDB State Revolving Fund programs. EPA policy does NOT mandate that the fair share goals be achieved but does mandate that a documented good faith effort be made toward achieving the goals. CONSTRUCTION SUPPLIES EQUIPMENT SERVICES
MBE WBE 12.94% 9.68% 7.12% 10.84%
8.72% 9.34% 5.39% 5.72%
Prime contractors are required to comply with EPA’s good faith effort policy when awarding sub-agreements for construction, supplies, equipment, and services. A complete version of TWDB document, “Guidance for Utilization of Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Businesses in Procurement ”, is available at: www.twdb.texas.gov/financial/instructions/doc/TWDB-0210.pdf The City of Alton is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap or national origin. Small, minority, and women-owned business enterprises are encouraged to submit proposals.
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November 18, 2016
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In the tradition of Thanksgiving, we’d like to share our thanks and best wishes with all of the good folks we know here in the community. Your friendship and goodwill have made this a very special year for us, and we are grateful for your kind support.
Thank You & Happy Thanksgiving!
www.CityOfPenitas.com facebook.com/CityOfPenitas
1201 E. 8th St. (956) 580-8650 www.missiontexas.us
Norberto “Beto” Salinas MAYOR
Norie Garza MAYOR PRO-TEM
Jessica Ortega-Ochoa COUNCILWOMAN
Ruben Plata COUNCILMAN
Dr. Armando Ocaña COUNCILMAN
Martin Garza, Jr. CITY MANAGER
MAYOR PRO-TEM
COMMISSIONER
JR FLORES
“The City on the Grow” Salvador Vela Arturo R. Galvan Jr. Mayor
Ricardo Garza COMMISSIONER
Jaime Aranda Councilman
Ruben De Leon Councilman
Israel Silva Councilman
MAYOR PRO-TEM
Emilio Cantu Jr. Richard Arevalo COMMISSIONER
www.cityofpalmhursttx.com
Ramiro J. Rodriguez, Jr. Mayor
RIGO LOPEZ
COMMISSIONER
RAMIRO LOYA
COMMISSIONER
ALEX GUAJARDO
Happy Thanksgiving!
City of Alton
509 S. Alton Blvd. • Alton, TX 78573 • www.alton-tx.gov • (956) 432-0760
MAYOR
ARMIN GARZA
COMMISSIONER
Robert A. Salinas Mayor Pro-Tem
Ofelia Peña Perez Councilwoman
Gerardo Perez Joselito Hernandez Ricardo Villarreal Councilman Councilman Mayor
Joel Garcia Councilman
Linda Sarabia Councilwoman
Javier Ramirez Councilman
Ramon Segovia - City Manager David Nacianceno -Assistant City Manager
Jose A. “Fito” Salinas Mayor
Mary Salinas Mayor Pro-Tem
Maria E. “Geny” Salinas Commissioner
Victorio Salinas Commissioner
Anna Lisa Ruiz Commissioner Mike Alaniz City Administrator
Roberto Jackson City Attorney
Julianita Sabala Administrative Secretary