Friday, December 9, 2016
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Vol. 45 No. 19
Samaritans donate new abode to Mission octogenarian By Jose De Leon III Tears were rolling down Helen’s blindfolded face Sunday afternoon as she waited to see her brand new home. Helen, 81, whose full name and address are being withheld at her request, has been living in a school bus in north central Mission for 15 years. She’s lived with no running water and uses a long extension cord connected to a meter for electricity. But thanks to a campaign spearheaded by Mission small business owner Homer Garza, Helen now has an RV to live in. Garza presented the RV to Helen at a celebration held at one of his Mission businesses off Conway Avenue and FM 495. Garza and friends who all contributed to purchase the RV attended the celebration. “I’m sorry we took so long to get to you, but we did,” Garza said tearfully as he guided a blindfolded Helen to the RV. “It’s my honor to give you this home today on behalf of myself and my good friends. They gave
their hearts to this.” Garza then removed the blindfold and hugged Helen as she gasped at the RV, a tan, 1991 Tioga by Fleetwood. “Oh my goodness,” she shouted through sobs as she hugged Garza. “What a beauty.” Garza led Helen on a tour of her RV, which included a kitchen, a bathroom, a twin bed and a 32-inch TV that was donated by one of Garza’s friends. During the tour, Garza pointed Helen to a sign in the kitchen that reads, “Happiness is homemade.” “You’re going to have a good night’s rest tonight,” Garza told her. “You better believe it,” Helen replied. A Helping Hand An Army veteran who worked as a lab technician in institutions such as the Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Helen has had her school bus for nearly 20 years. She purchased it with plans of converting it to an RV as a gift for her mother.
See SAMARITANS pg. 9
Helen, 81, whose last name is being withheld at her request, reacts to seeing the new kitchen in an RV donated to her Sunday by concerned citizens so she could move out of an old school bus she had been living in for 15 years. Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III
Christmas tree lighting ceremony brings families together in Mission By Jamie Treviño Families gathered in a long line to take pictures with Santa while others enjoyed the many lights at the City of Mission’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 2. The evening event at Leo Peña Placita Park included performances by adults, teenagers, and children alike. Local vendors lined the sidewalk with stands offer-
ing food, art and children’s games. Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Father Roy Snipes, with his two dogs dressed in red and green Christmas attire, gave an invocation preceding the tree lighting. “We light up this Christmas tree, symbolizing tidings of great comfort and joy for all mankind,” Snipes said to more than 100 attendees. “The tree is a symbol and celebration of God’s love,
alive and active in our families and this town on the Rio Grande.” Mayor Norberto Salinas, Councilwoman Jessica Ortega-Ochoa and Councilman Dr. Armando O’Caña flipped a switch lighting the Christmas tree and hundreds of strings of lights throughout the 2.5-acre park at west 8th Street and Conway Avenue. Families watched in awe and cheered as the festive,
See CHRISTMAS TREE pg. 8
Election night a tale of two cities in La Joya winners outspent losers by nearly four to one By Joe Hinton It was Election Day night and after losing to her opponent, Alex Cantu, by 259 votes Graciela “Gracie” Flores was obviously dejected she had lost following her unsuccessful run for the Place 7 seat on the La Joya Independent School Board of Trustees. “I’m not surprised because they spent a lot of money,” Flores said of the four winning candidates, all of whom ran together on a slate called “Team Liberty.” Advised of Flores’ comment Cantu, a La Joya area businessman who operates an early childhood education center, denied it was money
that won the election. “It’s not the money it’s that we worked it,” Cantu said. “We walked the streets seven to seven. I think we did a lot with the little we had because we worked it and left it all on the field.” Cantu’s comments were made in front of Reyna’s Eventos Sociales where the winning candidates gathered on election night. Owner Elia Reyna said she donated the use of her opulent events center on Mission’s west side to the Team Liberty candidates and some Palmview city council candidates who ran together under the “Palmview One” slate. Reyna said it amounted to a $5,000 in-kind contribution.
In contrast, a majority of the LJISD losing candidates like Flores met at Buchanan’s Bar and Grill a few miles away mixing with other bar patrons on election night. Despite Cantu’s comments, campaign finance records obtained by the Progress Times show the total spent by the four winning candidates was nearly four times the combined total spent by their six opponents. In all the four winning candidates including Cantu, Alex O. “Coach” Salinas, Armin Garza and Claudia Ochoa, spent a combined $79,530 while the six remaining candidates spent a
See ELECTION SPENDING pg. 8
Mission City Councilman Dr. Armando O’Caña, center left, Mayor Norberto Salinas and City Councilwoman Jessica Ortega-Ochoa are photographed immediately after flipping a switch illuminating the lights at Leo Peña Placita Park Dec. 2 as Mistress of Ceremonies Michelle Vargas of KGBT Action 4 News looks on during the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño
O.W.L.S. feathers ruffled over county auditor’s job By Joe Hinton Indications some Hidalgo County district court judges are unhappy their travel expenses have been scrutinized by the county’s auditor has ruffled the feathers of a local government watchdog group whose members worry the auditor’s job might be in jeopardy. On Nov. 30 Hidalgo County district court judges voted to table a decision whether to reappoint County Auditor
Ray Eufracio. The decision came as about a dozen Objective Watchers of the Legal System – most wearing red shirts with an owl’s watchful eye embroidered on their backs - filled the front row of the 332nd Judicial District courtroom of Judge Mario E. Ramirez Jr., Edinburg, where the judges held their monthly meeting. The meetings, generally comprised of the 11 Hidalgo County district court judges, are held to make decisions concern-
ing court administration although due to legal reasons, do not convene as an official board, said 370th District Court Judge Noe Gonzalez. Among the decisions left up to the judges are the pay rates of the auditor, his assistants and court reporters as well as whether to hire or fire an auditor. Eufracio’s current contract expires at the end of February 2017. Fern McClaugherty said
See O.W.L.S. pg. 10
INSIDE
DIAMONDBACKS STRUGGLING
TOY DRIVE
With a 21-12 record last season Pioneer High School’s Diamondbacks varsity basketball team is so far this year struggling to build on last year’s winning season. See page 5
INDEX
Entertainment | pg. 2
Lifestyle | pg. 3
UTRGV ON PROBATION
The City of Mission is collecting toys for its annual Kops for Kids program. Find out how to donate to or participate in the upcoming holiday event.
The brand new University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg has been placed on probation by the commission that accredits Southern Universities.
See page 11
See page 10
Opinion | pg.4
Sports | pg. 5
Obituaries | pg. 9
Classifieds | pg. 11
entertainment
Legendary Vikki Carr to perform with UTRGV Mariachi Aztlan
McALLEN – Multi-Grammy winner Vikki Carr comes to the Valley stage on Friday, Dec. 16, for a Christmas concert and will be joined by the award winning University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley Mariachi Atzlan and Ballet Folklorico. The performance is at 8 p.m. at the McAllen Performing Arts Center at Ware and Expressway 83. With her international hit It Must Be Him, Carr is one of the most celebrated voices in the United States, Latin America, and Europe. The four-time Grammy and Latin Grammy winner’s works include the Grammy-winning Spanish-language albums Cosas del Amor, Recuerdo a Javier Solis and Simplemente Mujer with hits such as Grande, Grande, Grande, Somos Novios and Ni Princesa, Ni Esclava. In celebration of the Christ-
mas season, and accompanied by Mariachi Aztlan, she will share a few of her favorite Christmas songs along with some of her greatest mariachi hits. Carr has performed for five American presidents, the queen of England, and active troops around the world. She was inducted into the Latino Legends Hall of Fame in 2000 and earned her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1981. She will be inducted into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame in the spring of 2017. Tickets range from $40 to $100 and are available at the McAllen Convention Center Box Office and ticketmaster. com. For tickets or more information on the performance, visit ticketmaster.com or call 956-681-3800.
EDINBURG – Celebrate the season and fill up on holiday cheer at the Museum of South Texas History this Sunday, Dec. 11, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Fiesta de Noche Buena. The event will include lively performances and local culture activities. The afternoon will be filled with music as choruses, carolers and guitarists serenade guests with holiday favorites in the lobby. Scheduled to perform are the RGV Children’s Choir directed by Mildred Molito, Girl Scout Troop #398 from Pharr led by Caroline Aguirre and Boy Scout Troop #1954 from Edinburg led by scout leader Homer Rios. Guitars Galore from Edinburg will perform arrangements for a guitar quartet led by Eduardo Miranda. Award-winning story teller and folk singer Rickey Pittman, also known as “The Bard of the South,” will perform and present his original picture book “The ABCs of the RGV.” New this year, is the collaboration between MOSTHistory’s education department and UTRGV’s Book Buzz. Both organizations have prepared interactive book presentations followed by craft making
in the museum’s Courtyard Gallery. Books to be presented include “La Nochebuena South of the Border” by James Rice, “The Legend of the Poinsettia” by Tomie dePaola and “’Twas Nochebuena” by author Roseanne Greenfield. During “La Nochebuena South of the Border,” a special guest – Hermosita the horse, from MOSTHistory’s puppet theater – will make an appearance. Guests can document their memories at with several photograph opportunities. In the Grand Lobby, guests can take a photograph with Cowboy Santa, try on historic costumes in the classroom, get their face painted or obtain a glitter tattoo. There will be plenty of food with atole, champurrado and arroz con leche, fajita tacos, tamales, coffee, pan dulce, nachos, elote en vaso and aguas frescas. Local artisans will line the annex hallway for those with last minute shoppers. The event is included in the regular price of museum admission. MOSTHistory is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd. Call 956-383-6911 for more information.
Fiesta de Noche Buena returns to MOSTHistory
Take a picture with Cowboy Santa at MOSTHistory this weekend.
Coming Attractions
Now to December 31 • The 26th Annual Hidalgo Festival of Lights runs all month with over three million lights and 500 illuminated displays with a superheroes theme this year. Go to hidfol.com for a full lineup of activities and musical performances. • 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. December 9-11 & 19 • The Pharr Community Theater presents “A Tejano Christmas Carol,” an adaptation of the Dickens classic. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Elva and Keith Michal Performing Arts Center at 213 W. Newcombe Ave. in Pharr. Tickets can be purchased one hour before performances for $10 general admission and $7 for students, seniors and veterans. It’s free for children under age 5. For more details, call 956-600-9463. The play will also be performed at The Bogus Ford Events Center on Monday, Dec.19, at 7:30 pm. December 9-11 & 16-18 • Camille Playhouse in Brownsville stages the musical “Billy Elliot,” the story of a young boy’s struggle again the odds to make his dreams come true. At Camille Playhouse, tickets for plays are $15 and musicals are $20. Performances are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and matinees at 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Go to camilleplayhouse.net for more information. December 9-18 • Christmas is in the air at the Harlingen Community Theater as they start their new season with “Christmas Belles,” a play by Jones, Hope and Wooten. The play will be performed at the Harlingen Community Theater, 1209 Fair Park Blvd. The colorful play takes place in Fayro, Texas, and features the Futelle Sisters. Frankie is overdue with her second set of twins while Twink is in jail for inadvertently burning down half the town. Honey Raye is trying to keep the Tabernacle of the Lamb’s Christmas Pageant intact but Santa Claus has kidney stones and one of the shepherds insists on keeping his little red wagon with him. And the fun hasn’t even started. Tickets are $15. Call 956-412-7529 for more information. December 10 • The City of Alton Christmas Parade begins at 11 a.m. beginning west of Cantu Elementary and ending at the Alton Recreation Center. • The last Sunset Live concert for the fall season will bring together the talents of Sarah Aranella featuring the Gabriel Santiago Trio, Jai Malano, The Brannen & Red Show and Jeanette Garcia. Admission is free, and the event is pet-friendly. Concert-goers should bring a lawn chair or blankets to view the concert around the reflection pool at the McAllen Convention Center. • The Mid-Valley Christmas Parade in Weslaco begins at 6:30 p.m. and runs between Pike and 8th Streets. • The Jolly Night Hike will be held Resaca de la Palma State Park, 1000 New Carmen Blvd. in Brownsville from 5 to 9 p.m. • Billed as the longest lighted Christmas street parade in South Texas, the San Benito Annual Christmas Parade runs from 6 to 10:30 p.m. through downtown San Benito. December 15 • A member of the “Chicken Club” will perform with a special guest at Conjunto Nights at the Chicho. It begins at 6:45 p.m. at the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center, 225 E. Stenger Street, San Benito. They meet and perform the third Thursday each month. Suggested donation is $5. For information, contact Soledad A. Nunez at 956-244-0373. December 16 • The RGV Nights artists will host a “Winter Wonderland” at Leo Pena “La Placita Park” in Mission from 6 to 10 p.m. The event is free to the public to view original artworks, which will be for sale, along with a variety of foods for sale. Entertainment will be provided by local dance and musical groups. For more information, call 605-9393. • “The Christmas Story Comes to Life” in the form of a live nativity presented by the First Baptist Church of Brownsville from 7 to 9 p.m. There will be several scenes from the Christmas Story complete with live animals for the public to walk through the area. Following the scenic performances there will be numbers by a children’s choir and refreshments. December 16-17 • The Fourth Annual Bert Ogden Mission Chevrolet Cowboy Christmas Cook-off will be held in the dealership’s parking lot in Mission. Benefitting the Silver Ribbon Community Partners, the IBCA-sanctioned cook-off carries $15,000 in prize money. Barbecue categories include brisket, pork spare ribs and half chicken. The entry fee is $150 for one or all of the main lineup. Register and pay online and save $25 by going to bertogdenchevrolet.com. The $25 jackpot categories include ribeye steak, beans and fajitas. Judges are needed, and vendors are welcomed. For more information or to volunteer, call George Lopez at 956-984-9384. • The Upper Valley Art League is offering a ceramic workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days with Alexander Comminos from the University of Texas RGV as the instructor. Cost is $36 for UVAL members and $46 for nonmembers. Class size is limited to 12 people; payment is required at registration. Classes will be held at the UVAL studio in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th, in Mission. Call 956-583-2787 for information or stop by the UVAL gallery to register. December 18 • The annual Port Isabel-South Padre Island Christmas Lighted Boat Parade begins at 6 p.m. The awards ceremony takes place at Louie’s Backyard at the conclusion. To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to ptrgv.com
December 9, 2016
page 2
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
LJISD presents ‘Chicago’ the musical
To view a razzle-dazzle weekend performance by the Palmview High School InterAct Theater & Lobo Choir, head to the Alejandro “Alex” H. Saenz Performing Arts Center, located at 604 N. Coyote Drive, in La Joya to see a performance of “Chicago” the musical. It runs Dec. 16 to 18 with performances Friday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 17, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m. “Chicago” the musical has been on Broadway for 20 years and is now considered to be the longest-running Broad-
way show in history. This lively musical has won Tony awards, Grammy Awards, Laurence Olivier Awards and other awards during its time on Broadway and on tour. Now, Palmview High School is bringing their version of the show to the Valley. Tickets are general admission and cost $6. (No credit/ debit cards are accepted.) Tickets are sold at the door one hour prior to the start of each performance. Call 956323-2896 for more information.
PHARR – This year’s International Festival will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. George Orthodox Church, 704 W. Sam Houston Ave. in Pharr. Admission and parking are free for the family-friendly event. The entertainment line-up includes children’s activities, tours, music, a wide array of international food and more. Plus, during the festival the church sponsors the annual “Give a Can – Get a Cookie” food drive for the St. George Food Pantry. The food pantry has served over 95,000 hungry people since it began in 2004. Donations of cash, canned goods, coats, blankets, children’s clothing and toys are welcomed. The food feast of soups and ethnic baked goods, includes the church’s famous homemade baklava, baked goods, spanikopita, stuffed grape leaves and more. The Russian Tea and Coffee Shoppe features gourmet Russian teas, coffees and cold drinks and homemade baked goods, while the Greek Grill will be serving skewers of pork Souvlaki with pita bread and Tzatziki sauce.
International Specialty Food Booths include favorites from Greece, Lebanon, Mexico, Russia and Eastern Europe. The public is encouraged to bring a cooler to load up on hot international soups, ready-to-eat refrigerated items and frozen take-home foods from around the world. Pick up unique gift items of quality local and international arts and crafts, icons and books, including handmade St. George Soaps, toiletries, monastery-made beeswax candles and gourmet St. George Magnificent Mustards, Homestyle Preserves and more. The free children’s Christmas activities run throughout the day, including hands-on holiday activities in the St. Nicholas children’s area and a petting zoo from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will be free tours of the church with talks on the icons and theology throughout the day, and entertainment includes live music, Eastern European Christmas Carols and dancing. For more information, go to stgeorgetxfestival.com or call 956-781-6114.
Travel around the world Dec. 10
ENCORE performance of ‘The Little Mermaid’
Experience Ariel (Briana Arechar shown above), Sebastian and the evil Ursula coming to life at Mission High School’s E.N.C.O.R.E. Theatre production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” Performances will be held Thursday through Sunday for two weeks on Dec. 9 to 11 and Dec. 15 to 18 at the Mission High School Theatre, 1802 Cleo Dawson. Show times are 7 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Over 80 high school students are involved as the cast and crew, joined by the participation of over 140 elementary students. A different group of elementary-age performers will be featured from different schools at each performance. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students at the door. For more information, call 956-323-5700.
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lifestyle
December 9 , 2016
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Not all of Salvation Army’s ‘Angels’ were adopted
EVENTS
CALENDAR
Free photos with Santa at Speer Memorial
The magic of Christmas is coming to Speer Memorial Library with the arrival of Santa Claus. During his brief time away from the North Pole, on Thursday, Dec. 15, stop by the Children’s Department at the library from 6 to 8 p.m. for their magical moment with Santa captured forever with free pictures. Parents are encouraged to bring their own camera. Earlier in the day, Bryan Elementary Choir under the direction of Mary Ellen Taber will be at the library with Christmas caroling at 10 a.m. All activities are free and open to the public. For more information, call 956580-8753. The library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza Loop in Mission.
Spreading holiday cheer
It’s time to spread holiday cheer to children across the Rio Grande Valley with a toy drive that will benefit Easter Seals-Rio Grande Valley. Leading up to the Dec. 11 Vipers’ game against the Reno Bighorns, fans can donate unwrapped toys at the Vipers
Pro Shop in Uptown Plaza or on game days at the State Farm Arena box office. All who donate a toy will receive one free ticket to the Dec.11 game and one coupon for a free Whataburger, while supplies last.
DONNA – Casa Del Sol RV Park in Donna is hosting a Back Pack Benefit Ministry Concert on Thursday, Dec. 15. The park is located at 400 N. ValVerde. It begins at 7 p.m. The concert is a free will offering and all funds will be distributed to the First United Methodist Church for their Backpack Ministry. This ministry fills backpacks every Friday and delivers them to needy families.
Each backpack contains food to help support a family of four to eat over the weekend. The concert features gospel music, an old style singa-long, country music and storytelling. Anyone attending is encouraged to bring a camera for free photos with Santa Claus. The event is open to the public. For more information, call Butch Danielski at 956-464-8380.
The Frontera Líquida Threater Group is presenting “La Caja Misteriosa,” a pastorela by Dante del Castillo in multiple locations this holiday season. A pastorela is a popular drama that originated in Mexico in the XVI Century and recognized as a popular tradition during the holiday season. The performances are free and open to the public at the following locations: Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Festival of Lights in Hidalgo, 8 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the San
Juan Community Resource Center, 509 E. Earling, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 10, in Los Mesquites, 26657 FM 2058 in McCook, 5 p.m., with a classic community “posada”; and Thursday, Dec. 15, at the Sacred Heart Respite Center, 6:00 p.m., toys will be collected for this event and may be dropped off at the Respite Center. For more information, contact Connie Garza at 956-8670742 or at conniegarza956@ gmail.com.
Concert benefits back pack ministry
Theater group presents pastorela
December 9-22 – The International Museum of Art & Science has brought back their Gingerbread Workshops where families can decorate their own miniature gingerbread house to take home. Spacing is limited; reservations are required. Cost is $3 per person, supplies included. Call 956-682-0123 for workshop times. IMAS is located at 1900 Nolana in McAllen. December 9 – The Texas A&M University-Kingsville will hold three commencement ceremonies at the Steinke Physical Education Center. At the 10 a.m. ceremony, graduates from the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Human Sciences, the College of Business Administration and the College of Education and Human Performance will receive their degrees. At the 1 p.m. ceremony, graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences will cross the stage. The graduates from the Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering receive their degrees at 4 p.m. December 10 – Aglow International Spanish Lighthouse Chapter of Mission will hold their Christmas Party at this month’s meeting. It begins at 9:30 a.m. at Emmanuel Adult Day Care, 1312 Oblate Ave., Mission. For information, call Lisa Gomez at 956-776-8505; Sandy Rodriguez, 956-5889313; or Gaby Rodriguez, 956-240-6607. December 12 – The Rio Grande Valley Garden Club meets the second Wednesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at Speer Memorial Library, 801 E. 12th St. This month’s speaker is Roy Rodriguez on “Attracting Birds to Your Yard.” The public is invited. For more information, call Penny at 956203-9123. December 15 – The Mission Historical Museum’s Christmas luncheon, “A Nostalgic Christmas,” runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Museum’s Annex building, 200 E. Tom Landry, Mission. During the luncheon, listen to entertainer Ralph Kuster with a wide range of music styles. Take time to view the Christmas tree and seasonal Christmas card exhibits. For more information or tickets, call the museum office at 956-580-8646. Office hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. December 16 – Learn about the intriguing world of ants during this month’s segment of Friday Night with a Naturalist at the Edinburg World Birding Center from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration is required. The event is free. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. Call 956-381-9922 for information. December 17 – Don’t miss the Adult Birding Series at the Edinburg World Birding Center from 9 to 10:30 a.m. At the first session, titled “Color to Learn: Bird ID,” learn the basics of bird ID through coloring. Registration is required. The fee varies each month; call ahead for rates. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. Call 956-381-9922 for information. December 17 – Eat breakfast with Santa at the International Museum of Art & Science from 8 to 10 a.m. in a buffet style meal. Guests will have the opportunity to take a photo with Santa, make holiday crafts, play holiday games, and more. Cost is $8 per adult and $5 for children who are members and $15 for adults and $12 for children who are nonmembers. Call 956-682-0123 for information. IMAS is located at 1900 Nolana in McAllen. (For daily events and upcoming weeks, see the full calendar at ptrgv.com.)
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Winning Christmas design
Selene Salinas Elizondo of Mission just earned a $1,000 scholarship when the UTRGV senior finance major won the university’s 2016 holiday card contest. Her work was chosen from a large group of UTRGV student artists and designers for the scholarship. The published card will be mailed to donors, friends of the university and elected officials across the state and country this year. Also, a digital version of the card will be emailed to UTRGV faculty and staff. The card features a piñata, candles, seasonal flowers, ornaments, and a slice of Rosca de Reyes. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)
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By Kathy Olivarez Because there was an unusually large number of children listed as angels under the Salvation Army’s “Adopt an Angel’’ program for Christmas this year, not all children got adopted. Over 2,200 angel listings went out this year, a rise over the 2,092 that went out last year. However, according to Eloise Montemayor of the Salvation Army, there is still time to help as distributions to parents will not be made until Dec. 16. Montemayor said the children receive a gift bag valued at about $50 containing at least four items. Two
items come from the child’s wish list while two other items come from the family’s wish list for clothing, sweater, shoes, jacket, pants and shirts. Montemayor said people who adopt an angel could do it by themselves or jointly with someone else. Or people with toys or clothing items who did not adopt an angel but who want to make a child’s Christmas happier could drop things off during the week. Gifts should not be wrapped when they are taken to the Salvation Army offices at 1600 N. 23rd Street in McAllen. For more information, call the McAllen office at 956-682-1468.
Ready for Christmas
With two rehearsals under their belts, the Rio Grande Valley Concert Band members are busy preparing for their annual Christmas concert. It begins at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in McAllen. There are open spots with the band, and Gene Goede, director, invites anyone with band experience who is in-
terested in joining to contact him at 218-341-6166. The band could use more musicians on flutes, clarinets, and alto saxophones. The band will perform in six additional concerts between Jan. 8 and March 12, 2017. Rehearsals are held each Saturday at Our Savior Lutheran Church from 9 to 11 a.m.
Giving it a fresh coat
The La Joya Lions Club joined with the La Joya High School athletics, under the supervision of Head Coach Rueben Farias Jr. for a community service project. They put on a fresh coat of paint at La Joya Park on Saturday, Dec. 3. The overall project was spearheaded by the La Joya Lions Club and members, Ms. Campos, president, Enedina Vela, member; Dr. Armando Ocana and Louis Aquilar, board members; and Alma Salinas, member.
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opinion By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
Board sets state funding limit for next 2-year budget
AUSTIN—Texas lawmakers will have just under $100 billion to use for the non-constitutional spending portion of state budget for fiscal years 2018-2019. The 10-member Legislative Budget Board, which is charged with adopting a spending limit, met on Dec. 1 and accepted the figure of $99.897 billion recommended by Ursula Parks, director of the LBB. The amount is based on a projected growth rate of 8 percent in the state’s economy. The current 2016-2017 state budget for “non-dedicated” appropri-
ations — funding that’s not mandated by the state constitution — is $92.5 billion. Members of the Legislative Budget Board include co-chairs Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus; state Sens. Kelly Hancock of North Richland Hills, Joan Huffman of Houston, Jane Nelson of Flower Mound and Larry Taylor of Friendswood; and state Reps. Dennis Bonnen of Angleton; Drew Darby of San Angelo, John Otto of Dayton, and John Zerwas of Richmond. All members of the board are Republicans.
DSHS reports Zika case Some 257 confirmed cases of Zika virus have been reported in Texas, but only one known case has originated in the Lone Star State. On Nov. 28, the Texas Department of State Health Services announced the first case of Zika virus disease likely transmitted by a mosquito within the state of Texas. According to the state health department, the patient is a Cameron County resident who is not pregnant and who was confirmed by lab test to have been infected.
Recount is divisive, says AMAC ‘Whatever happened to the concept of a loyal opposition?’
WASHINGTON, DC— Shrill calls for a recount of votes cast in the 2016 Presidential Election are divisive, says Dan Weber, president of the Association of Mature American Citizens. “The chances of overturning the results of the election are slim to none. Yet boisterous calls for a recount are further dividing the nation at a time when we have a chance to come together. Whatever happened to the concept of a loyal opposition where the party that loses accepts its position and, while offering differing opinions on issues, remains loyal to the elected administration?” John F. Kennedy beat Richard Nixon in one of the closest election cycles in the history of the nation. Nixon was urged to seek a recount, but refused. “No matter
what you may think about Nixon, he was a loyalist,” says Weber. Kennedy won the popular vote by a very slim margin, but he overwhelmingly won the presidency in the Electoral College. Even President Eisenhower pressed Nixon to challenge the results, but as Nixon put it: “Our country cannot afford the agony of a constitutional crisis and I damn well will not be a party to creating one just to become president or anything else.” The situation is similar in the aftermath of this year’s election “but this time around the not-so-loyal opposition is apparently unafraid of the possibility of creating a crisis,” according to Weber. The AMAC chief says “it is important to allow the process of a peaceful transfer of
authority in our government, not for the sake of the winner but for the sake of all of the citizens of the United States. It’s that process that sets us apart in the world and that is a source of our global influence. Anything that undermines the transition can only have grim consequences on our own nation’s future.” 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 at http://amac.us/ join-amac.
November January 2, 9, December 2015 25,2016 2016
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS She reported no recent travel to any place with ongoing Zika virus transmission and no other risk factors. “We still don’t believe the virus will become widespread in Texas,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, state health commissioner. “But there could be more cases, so people need to protect themselves from mosquito bites, especially in parts of the state that stay relatively warm in the fall and winter.” Judge stops bathroom plan Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton lauded U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor’s Nov. 20 decision to prevent bathroom guidelines written by the U.S. Department of Justice from being enforced in public schools in Texas and nationwide. O’Connor, of the Wichita Falls-based U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, earlier rejected the guidelines intended to allow transgender students to use boys’ or girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms in public schools. The Department of Justice responded by asking the court to let the guidelines stand in states that had not joined a lawsuit to prevent the guidelines from taking effect. But O’Connor rejected that request, and in doing so sided with Texas and 12 other states that jointly filed
a lawsuit to prevent enforcement of the guidelines. Salary survey is released The Texas Association of School Boards and the Texas Association of School Administrators last month released their annual survey of district trends in superintendents’ salaries and benefits. Just a few of the statistics reported in the survey were: - Average superintendent salaries range from $94,920 in districts with fewer than 500 students to $308,184 in districts with more than 50,000 students; - Half of reported salaries are less than $123,015; and - The average superintendent pay increase was 3.2 percent, up from last year’s average of 2.9 percent. TxDOT announces safe zones The Texas Department of Transportation on Nov. 29 announced the implementation of GEICO-sponsored Safe Phone Zones at 55 of the 80 state-run Safety Rest Areas and Travel Information Centers across Texas. Safe Phone Zones are part of TxDOT’s Sponsor Acknowledgement Program that seeks companies to fund various benefits for drivers, such as free Wi-Fi at Safety Rest Areas and Travel Information Centers in exchange for receiving public recog-
nition through highway signage. Mark Marek, TxDOT’s director of Engineering and Safety Operations, said, “With more than 100,000 crashes in Texas each year involving distracted driving, we hope to curb this deadly habit by encouraging drivers to pull over at TxDOT Safety Rest Areas and Travel Information Centers to use apps, check email and surf the Web in a safe location.” School ratings are released The Texas Education Agency on Nov. 17 released the final 2016 state academic accountability ratings for more than 1,200 school districts and charters and more than 8,600 campuses. Districts, campuses and charters receive one of three ratings under the state’s accountability system: Met Standard, Met Alternative Standard or Improvement Required. More than 90 percent of school districts and charters across Texas achieved the rating of Met Standard. Preliminary state accountability ratings were announced by TEA in August. The final ratings include the results of an appeals process that provides districts and charters an opportunity to contest preliminary ratings.
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The Progress Times (USPS 971-420; ISSN 0890-2666) is published each Friday by Mission Publishing Co., 1217 N. Conway, Mission, Texas 78572, (956) 585-4893. Subscriptions $20 annual in Hidalgo County; $25 outside of Hidalgo County. Periodicals postage paid in Mission, Texas 78572. ©2016 Mission Publishing Company. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the PROGRESS TIMES, P.O. Box 399, Mission Texas 78573.
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December 9, 2016
page 5
Pioneer out to prove they belong
T
By Bryan Ramos he Diamondbacks are building the foundation of something great on the hardwood at Pioneer High School. With district play set to begin next week in 31-5A basketball, the Diamondbacks are eyeing another big season in only their third year of existence. In 2015, Pioneer finished the regular season with a 2112 overall record going 9-3 in district play, earning them the second seed in 31-5A behind the Vela Sabercats to qualify for the state playoffs for the first time in program history. In the first round of last year’s playoffs, the Diamondbacks, led by head coach Rene Gonzalez, took down the P.S.J.A. Bears by the score of 67-53 before dropping their second round matchup against Corpus Christi Miller 41-56. This year, the Diamondbacks are off to an up and down start after falling in three early non-district tests against top competition in the Valley. Pioneer opened the season against three perennial playoff contenders with a 5678 loss to Vela, a 43-53 loss to Nikki Rowe and a 69-79 loss to Santa Rosa. “We scheduled these tough teams for down the road for teams like Nixon and Martin who like to press the whole game,” Gonzalez said. “We pick teams that are going
to challenge us and give us a tough time. I’m not into wins, I’m into preparing my players for the playoffs, that’s what the ultimate goal is.” While the Diamondbacks dropped a few tough games early, they are starting to hit their stride as they are currently riding a three game win streak, picking up wins over Donna North, Rio Grande City and the Mission Eagles. Returning for the Diamondbacks are their leading scorer, senior combo guard Jordan Wilson and leading rebounder, senior center Michael Madrigal, who were both First Team All-District selections last year as juniors. Madrigal, who is averaging nearly eight points and five rebounds, said after struggling early the team is starting to come together. “The first games we were struggling but now we’re coming together again,” said the 6’4 center. “Last year it was kind of the same thing but now we’re coming back to show how we can play and how good we are.” In the team’s win Tuesday night over the Mission Eagles, Pioneer got off to a slow start but eventually found a way to enforce their will to pick up a dominant 47-29 win in which the Diamondbacks defense surrendered only 10 second half points. Senior combo guard Jordan Wilson, who returns after leading Pioneer in scoring
last year with 14.1 points per game, led the Diamondbacks attack on both sides over the Eagles and is looking to continue leading his team in his final year of high school ball. “I’m just trying to continue to be a leader, try to keep everybody on the same page and just be a leader,” Wilson said. Jordan Wilson is averaging 18 points per game to go with 2.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.7 steals early on in his senior season. Gonzalez and the Diamondbacks will be relying heavily on their leading scorer and rebounder to be the driving force of this Pioneer team. “They know there are high expectations. They’re seniors, they know what I expect from them,” Gonzalez said. “Experience is key in this one and our seniors have high expectations for themselves.” The Diamondbacks closed out non-district play last week and will be looking to make noise in their new nine team district which features three Laredo schools - Nixon, Cigarroa and Martin. “We’ve been preparing for Nixon, Cigarroa and Martin, just watching film, seeing little tendencies and practicing harder and harder every day and there’s only getting better from here on,” Madrigal said. “I want to help out my teammates, move the ball around and just play better all-around
Basketball Preview
Patriots hoopsters out to bounce back
G
By Luciano Guerra
oing into last season Romeo De La Garza Jr., head coach of the Veterans Memorial Patriots boys basketball team, knew he did not have the experience on his roster to have the kind of season Patriots basketball teams are accustomed to having. He only had two returning players from the year before and only one had actual playing experience. As a result, the Patriots missed out on the playoffs for only the fourth time in De La Garza’s 14year tenure at Veterans Memorial High School. “Last year we had a lot of young players come in that were asked to take up the load of being big time contributors,” De La Garza said. “We got off to a great start and were doing well but we had a couple of injuries right before district play, so it took us a while to get going. We were very competitive, but we did not win the games we’re used to winning in district play. We were always in a position to win games, but we just didn’t finish them like we have in the past.” While the 2016-2017 Patriots are not dwelling on last year’s disappointing re-
sults, De La Garza does see those results as a motivational tool this year. “These young men have a bitter taste in their mouths and they don’t want what happened last year to happen again,” said De La Garza. “We’re accustomed to being in the state playoffs.
So, even though we finished with a winning record, we take a lot of pride in making the playoffs and in being in a position to win the district title... But the guys have worked hard this off-season and I’ve been pleased with that but as I tell them, we’re doing some good things but
basketball.” Pioneer will assume the role of road warriors for their first district game on Tuesday as they pay a visit to the Laredo Nixon Mustangs, a basketball powerhouse in their own right. Nixon is currently 6-7 on the season but finished 30-8 last year and at the top of District 29-5A with a 14-0 perfect record. Laredo Nixon lost by one point in the Regional Finals of the state playoffs last year to the Vela Sabercats 70-69. Wilson is locked in mentally and ready to take on all challengers. “The mentality is don’t underestimate anybody. Go at everybody the same each week,” Wilson said. “We just have to stay focused, do-
ing what coach told us to do throughout the whole year. We just have to focus, think about what we have to do on the way there and once we’re there we just have to perform it.” The Diamondbacks are set to take the court Tuesday when they travel to Laredo to do battle with the Nixon
Mustangs as District 31-5A hoops gets fully underway. The game is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Nixon High School.
Pioneer’s Jorge Suarez goes in for a layup as Mission’s Andres Martinez and Rudy Trevino defend during the first quarter of the Diamondbacks’ 47-29 non-district win over the Eagles Tuesday night. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra
we’re a long way off from where we want to be as a team and they’re looking forward to the challenge.” One of the players De La Garza will be counting on to help lead the Patriots back to the playoffs this year is last year’s District 31-5A Newcomer of the Year, Derrick De Leon. Despite it being his first year on the varsity squad, De Leon took on the responsibility of being a team leader last year.
When asked if his team is ready for district play starting next week, De Leon said, “As the season has progressed, we have been plagued with injuries. But I believe that we are putting the pieces together in practice and that we’re orchestrating quite well. So, by the time we get to district play, we’ll be 100% ready and we’ll get it done.” As a senior this year De Leon said, “I’m looking
forward to bonding with my teammates and making long-lasting friendships. I’m looking forward to 20 years from now looking back and saying, ‘These were my teammates and I’m proud of them having been my teammates.’” Following the UIL’s most recent realignment, District 31-5A has grown from a seven team district
See PATRIOTS Pg 11
Holiday Low Rates Patriot Derrick De Leon drives the basket against Mission IDEA during the first game of the Thanksgiving Boys Basketball Tournament at Veterans Memorial. Progress Times photo by Doug Young
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CHRISTMAS TREE
multi-colored bulbs lit up the entire park, officially ushering in Mission’s holiday season. Mistress of Ceremonies Michelle Vargas of KGBT Action 4 News kept the show going. Vargas introduced Mission’s city manager, Martin Garza Jr., who kicked off the celebration. “We’re very pleased to have this ceremony,” Garza said. “It’s a humble ceremony but it brings families to-
December 9, 2016
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com from pg 1 gether and it brings the best of Mission forward.” Garza said the ceremony is meant to bring the spirit of Christmas to the community and serve families in the RGV. “It’s just a great event and one of several we have going on this season,” Garza said. “We’re having a Toy Drive with the City of Mission on the 21st of this month and ultimately we want to bring a smile to kids’ faces.”
Garza said people from all over the Valley attend the ceremony every year as an essential family event. “It’s nice that we can provide even a toy under the tree for Christmas morning,” Garza said. “And this event does that and welcomes the holiday at the same time.” During the event families lined up to receive tickets for a chance to win gifts. Various toys and bicycles, donated by several local sponsors
and donors from all over Mission, were presented to children aged 12 and under whose winning tickets were selected in a drawing. Mission Parks & Recreation Director Brad Bentsen said he was grateful so many people came together to make the event a success including sponsors and his staff. Some of the donors were the Mission Crime Stoppers, the Border Patrol and the Mission Chamber of Commerce, Bentsen said. “We gathered 27 bicycles and 67 toys for the kids today. And it’s really good for the kids,” Bentsen said. The event gave children
an opportunity to meet with Santa, who sat in the small replica chapel in the park. The line was long but children patiently waited to see Santa and take pictures. The performances included a ZUMBA demonstration led by Alejandra Flores, the MCISD Folklorico, the Bryan Elementary 5th Grade Choir, the South Texas Chamber Winds, Agape Elementary School, the Mission High School ENCORE Theatre, Sharyland Pioneer High School Bella Voce and the Mission Parks & Recreation Folklorico. “These are young kids, and they’re such great performers,” Bentsen said, not-
ing the talents of the Parks & Recreation’s performers. “It’s really awesome because they continue to keep the Spanish tradition alive and celebrate the event as a group. It’s just a really nice ceremony altogether.” As the evening progressed, families sat in the amphitheater and ate funnel cakes, tacos, and espiropapas, or spiral potatos. Children took pictures with various inflatable ornaments throughout the park, told Santa what they wanted for Christmas and watched the tall blue tree light up the night.
combined $20,419, according to campaign finance records. Seats on the board are voluntary and unpaid. Records show Cantu was the largest spender in the election having spent $31,143 with $20,000 from his own pocket. Flores spent $3,068 of the $6,700 she received in contributions, records show. The second largest spender was Team Liberty member Armin Garza, who reported expenditures totaling $24,570. His losing opponent in the race for the Place 5 seat on the board, Esperanza “Espie” Ochoa, spent $3,240 of the $8,600 in contributions she received. Ochoa received 5,362 votes to Garza’s 5,384 votes – a 22 vote margin. Salinas reported spending $16,370 in his race for the Place 6 seat on the board. Two others were also vying for the seat. Opponent Domingo “Mingo” Villarreal reported $8,682 in expenditures. Villarreal reported he borrowed $10,000 to finance his campaign in addition to the $6,500 in contributions he received. And opponent Oscar F. Martinez reported spending $2,923 in personal funds in his losing race. Team Liberty member Claudia Ochoa reported spending $7,447 in her winning race for the Place 4 seat
on the school board. She also reported the largest single contribution of $9,000 from the McAllen law firm of Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins and Mott, LLP. It was listed as an in-kind contribution for advertising expenses. Ochoa defeated challengers Laura Avendaño and Anslemo Barrera Jr. Avendaño reported spending $1,186 of the $2,750 contributed to her campaign. Barrera reported spending $1,320 from his personal funds. There were some discrepancies in the reports filed by Salinas for the period between Oct. 1, 2016 and Oct. 31, none of the addresses of his 11 contributors or 20 payees were included in the reports. During that period Salinas paid $8,670 in “salaries” to seven individuals while spending $5,100 on printing and advertising. Contacted Wednesday, Salinas said he left responsibility of his reports to treasurer Juan J. “J.J.” Garza. Garza was recently suspended from his position as executive director of the La Joya Housing authority. The suspension followed Garza’s criminal indictment in an alleged bid-rigging scheme. A hearing on the case is scheduled on Jan. 25 in Hidalgo County District Court. Both Garza and Salinas
said they plan to file amended finance reports containing the addresses by the next reporting deadline on Jan. 15. Garza said he did not include the addresses because it was cumbersome and he didn’t think anyone would notice. He said he did not believe the Texas Ethics Commission would bother to investigate, saying it once ignored his complaint that an opponent in a previous school board race had not filed the required campaign finance reports. Under Texas law a candidate must include the name and address of all persons who contribute $50 or more. The Texas Ethics Commission has the authority to enforce a civil penalty for incomplete or incorrect reports. The penalty for each questionable contribution is up to $5,000 or three times the amount in question, whichever is greater, said Ian Steusloff, TEC general counsel. Steusloff said investigations in 99 percent of the cases are the result of sworn complaints from residents and about one percent occur after a county attorney has alleged criminal offenses. Steusloff said the TEC has not received any complaints about Salinas’ reports.
ELECION SPENDING
from pg 1
December 9, 2016
SAMARITANS
“My mother suffered a massive stroke and was bedridden as a result of it,” Helen explained. “She wanted to see her brother before she left so I got the idea of buying the bus as a way to accommodate the hospital bed so I could drive her to see her brother.” Unfortunately, Helen said her mother died days after she purchased the vehicle. Eventually she drove it to the Valley and moved in on a lot the owners let her use for free. Years later, Garza reached out to Helen after years driving by her bus daily without knowing anything about her. The 49-year-old Garza said he often wondered if he should stop by and see if the woman who lived in the bus needed help, but was too shy to stop by. “I kept thinking, ‘What if when I stepped into the property someone would step out of the bus with a shotgun, how would I get out of that situation?’” That all changed for Garza last November when Helen moved the blue school bus into a different location on the lot, which caused Garza to fear for the worst. “When I drove past it and
from pg 1 didn’t even see the bus in the lot and thought it had been removed because the person living there had died,” Garza recalled. “I instantly felt regret because it made me realize that I never did anything for [Helen] when I could’ve. Even when I found out she simply moved the bus, I couldn’t help but wonder, ‘Is another day going to pass by without me doing anything for her?’” Garza, who has an active presence on social media, turned to Facebook for help. He made a public post asking for information on Helen and revealed a plan to surprise her with an RV to keep her warm this winter. Garza asked for donations from friends to help cover the cost of an RV. “When I first thought of starting ‘Project Helen’, I knew that anybody who lived in this town has seen the bus she lived in and knew what we were dealing with,” Garza said. “All my friends agreed that she needed help based on her living conditions and I got so many positive reactions to this campaign, and that’s when the donations rolled in.” Within a week of his Facebook posting Garza’s friend,
obituaries
Alfredo Espinoza MISSION – Alfredo Espinoza, 41, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, at his home in Mission. Mr. Espinoza was born on April 5, 1975, in La Joya. Survivors include his parents, Rodolfo and Maria C. Espinoza; siblings, Ludivina Vargas, Teresa Olivarez, Rodolfo Espinoza Jr., Rigoberto Espinoza, Amelia Reyna, Angelina Espinoza, Ofelia Espinoza, Javier Espinoza and Luis Espinoza. The funeral mass was held on Dec. 5 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in McAllen. Javier Gutierrez MISSION – Javier Ponce Gutierrez, 60, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016 in Edinburg.
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Mr. Gutierrez was born on Feb.18, 1956, in Mexico to Panfilo and Amalia Gutierrez Ponce. Raised in Chicago, Ill. and Houston, he eventually made Mission his home. He worked as a machinist with General Electric for almost 30 years. Survivors include his wife, Nora Elia Mancilla Ponce; children, Saul Trevino, Gabriela Ponce, Luis Ponce, Alma Ponce-Garate, Claudia Ponce, Javier Eduardo Ponce and Gerardo Jose Ponce; siblings, Gerardo Ponce, Maria Limon, Juanita Ponce, Amelia Ponce and Dora Cerda; and 14 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Alma Flores. A funeral mass was held on Dec.8 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church
Freddy Valdez, promised to pay for a $1,200 RV Garza found through a Craigslist ad. Garza said 23 people donated to ‘Project Helen’ but Valdez’s $1,200 contribution was the largest. “When I first heard of Project Helen, I thought it was such an eye-opener just to hear of Helen’s living conditions,” Valdez said. “I wanted to help but I worried that if everyone gave small donations to the project, it would go nowhere. I knew the campaign would have a much bigger impact if someone made a big donation.” Garza then reached out to Helen to let her know about their plans. “When Homer first called me, I was wary and wondering why a stranger wanted to offer me a new home,” Helen admitted. “But he sounded really nice and friendly and I was just touched by his generous offer.” Garza periodically updated donors and Helen on the project on his Facebook page as he spent nearly three weeks searching for a movein ready RV for her. According to Garza, the initial RV he planned to buy ended up being in such poor condition in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Cemetery in Mission. Elva Martinez LA JOYA – Elva Martinez, 85, passed away on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Martinez was born on Jan. 16, 1931, to Nieves Garcia and Otila Garza in San Pedro. Survivors include his children, Amanda Hernandez, Ruben Martinez, Thelma Gonzalez, Rogelio Martinez, Romeo Martinez and Rosalva Martinez; brother, Eddie Garcia; and 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raul Martinez Sr., and children, Raul Martinez Jr., Roy Martinez and Rosalinda Martinez. A funeral mass was held on Dec. 6 at Our Lady, Queen of Angels, Catholic Church in La Joya. Burial followed
he decided to continue shopping once he saw how more people were still donating to the project. Ultimately, he settled on the used Tioga, which had 64,000 miles on it and cost $3,500. However, the owner agreed to lower the asking price by $500 after learning about Helen. “Everyone came together as a community to help Helen and I’m so blessed to witness all of that,” Garza said, adding that a plumber has offered to hook her RV to a permanent water line and an electrician has offered his services as well.
“Helen is more than worthy of this gift for contributing to our system by working in hospitals and serving in the army,” Garza said. “I hope when I’m her age and if I’m living in a cardboard box or a bus, somebody will reach out and help me. Helen is someone filled with knowledge and stories and it’s such an enrichment to be near people like her.” Garza also said he is meeting with the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley to get them to deliver groceries to Helen. He is also allowing people to drop off any items
they’d like to donate to Helen at his movie rental store, “Movie Night,” at 2718 N.Conway Avenue. With a new RV to keep warm this winter, Helen said she plans on keeping her school bus for storage and cannot wait for her first Christmas in her new RV. “It’s absolutely beautiful to see total strangers with big hearts welcoming me into their lives,” Helen said. “I am so grateful and I just don’t have the words to thank everyone for today. Even though I live alone, I now know I am not lonely.”
Mission businessman, Homer Garza, wipes away tears of happiness from the joy of donating with others a RV that will replace an old school bus 81 - year-old Helen has been living in for 15 years. Progress Times photos by Jose De Leon III
Notices
at La Joya Cemetery. San Juanita Elizondo SULLIVAN CITY – San Juanita Elizondo, 56, passed away on Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg. Enrique Espinoza MISSION – Enrique Espinoza, 55, passed away on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, at McAllen Medical Center. Ismael Garza Jr. MISSION – Ismael “Smiley” Garza Jr., 73, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, at his home in Mission. Cremation was held on Dec. 2 at Memorial Cremation Center. Santos Garza MISSION – Santos Adrian Garza, 40, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg. Javier Gutierrez MISSION – Javier Ponce
Gutierrez, 60, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg. Juan Guzman ALTON – Juan Jose Guzman, 34, passed away on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, in Alton. Lucy Laymon MISSION – Lucy M. Laymon, 88, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg. Rosalina Martinez LA JOYA – Rosalina Martinez, 85, passed away on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Baldomero Muniz LOS EBANOS – Baldomero Muniz, 92, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, at PaxVilla in McAllen. Maria Nunez MISSION – Maria Guadalupe Nunez, 63, passed
away on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Ballesther Salinas MISSION – Ballesther C. Salinas, 89, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, at her home. Francisco Salinas MISSION – Francisco Salinas, 88, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center Tito Salinas MISSION – Tito Salinas, 69, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen. Maria Chapa Tarrega MISSION – Maria Ernestina Irene Chapa Tarrega, 76, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, at her home in Mission.
Come Join Us for Our
“ANNUAL FIESTA GADALUPANA JAMAICA” Sunday 12/11/16 from 4:00 - 10:00 P.M.
OUR LADY OF GADALUPE MISSION
PADRES OBLATOS THE FATHERS: †FR. JIM, FR. PHILION & FR. ROY (†MAGNA, †SENTINEL, †MAGNO, †AUGIE, †DIDYMUS, †CHUNKLY, †GIRLY, CANTINA, VALENTINE, NEWLY, BENDITO & CHARLOTTE)
MARY, OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE, REVEALED MORE THAN HER IMAGE TO JUAN DIEGO, SHE REVEALED TO HIM HIS OWN IMPORTANCE, DIGNITY AND CAPACITY AS A MAN OF COURAGEOUS, FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE. THE “LITTLE BIT” HE HAD WAS THE STUFF THAT HEROIC LEGENDS ARE MADE OF.
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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December 9, 2016
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Accrediting agency places University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on probation
By Matthew Watkins Texas Tribune
The brand new University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has been placed on probation by the commission that handles accreditation for southern universities. A federally mandated commission that handles accreditation for universities in the southern United States placed the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on probation Tuesday, possibly putting at risk the reputation of the school and the ability of its students to receive certain financial aid. The move is a blow for school officials working to build the UT System school into a research and education powerhouse for the South Texas region. The probation period will last for a year and won’t have an immediate effect on how the university is run. But, according to the accreditation agency’s sanction policy, probation “is usually, but not necessarily, invoked as the last step before an institution is removed from membership.” Losing accreditation would be devastating for the school. Students who attend unaccredited schools might not qualify for federal finan-
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a major research university in south Texas. Its first freshman class enrolled last year. The group in charge of UTRGV’s accreditation — the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges — is meeting this week and has not released the details of its accreditation decisions. But Bailey said in his letter to the campus community that it was placed on probation due to the complex process of merging the schools. Bailey called them “timing issues,” especially related to the dissolution of a prior partnership between UT-Brownsville and Texas Southmost College, which is also based in Brownsville. Many parts of the merger have been touted by UTRGV and its governing system as a success. The university awarded over 5,400 degrees in its first year. This year, it enrolled its first class of students in its new medical school. “We want to assure you that our primary effort throughout has been to ensure the success of our students; to facilitate the transition of legacy students to UTRGV; and to expand educational opportunities throughout the RGV,” Bailey said. from pg 1
she asked fellow O.W.L.S. members to join her for the most recent judges meeting because of what she had observed a month earlier when it appeared at least three judges, including 389th District Court Judge Leticia “Letty” Lopez, were upset Eufracio had questioned some of their travel expenses. “She was highly irritated is the best way I can think of to say about her reaction to him (Eufracio) questioning any of the expenses,” McClaugherty said in a telephone interview after the Nov. 30 meeting. “She was livid.” McClaugherty said Lopez never mentioned what expense the auditor had ques-
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cial aid, and many employers and professional licensing organizations require that their applicants be graduates of accredited schools. UTRGV President Guy Bailey notified the campus community of the development in an e-mail Tuesday morning. He said the school received preliminary notification that day and will receive more information in mid-January. “Please note that during this time, UTRGV remains fully accredited and the academic and administrative operations of the institution will continue as they have in the past,” he wrote. All public universities in Texas must go through the accreditation process, which includes a review of the finances and operations of the school. Accreditors are looking to make sure that universities have an appropriate mission, have the resources to meet that mission and have a track record of success. Being placed on probation is a sign that a school hasn’t met that standard. UTRGV is basically a brand new school, created through the merger of two existing University of Texas System schools, UT-Brownsville and UT-Pan American, with the goal of building up
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tioned. “She did not go into detail she just said she did not like that he would question a district judge,” McClaugherty said. McClaugherty said 139th District Court Judge Roberto “Bobby” Flores seemed to agree with Lopez. During the Nov. 30 meeting Lopez questioned Eufracio why some members of his staff received up to 8-percent pay hikes when the county commissioners had provided only a 3-percent raise for county employees last year. That’s when the 370th District’s Gonzalez intervened stating the auditor’s net payroll adjustments actually decreased by $667 from 2016 to what was budgeted in 2017, except for adjustments mandated by law. Gonzalez said 2016 salaries for the auditors office of $2.13 million increased by $112,000 in the proposed 2017 budget to $2.25 million but not because of employee step or merit pay raises. Rather he said, the bulk of the pay increases were due to changes in U.S. Department of Labor overtime policies concerning non-exempt workers that mandated some positions in the auditor’s office be reclassified to comply with those changes. Most employees are entitled to overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act. They are called non-exempt employees. Employers must pay them one-and-a-half times their pay when they work more than 40 hours a week. “At will” employment is a term used in U.S. labor law for contractual relationships in which an employee can be dismissed by an employer for any reason without having to establish “just cause” for termination and without warning. Typically at will employees are salaried workers who do not receive overtime. However, recent mandates by the Labor Department require overtime pay for at will employees under certain circumstances, Gonzalez explained. Gonzalez explained some employees who are at will needed to have their pay increased so they did not fall into categories where they would have received overtime pay thus increasing the overall financial burden to the county. “In other words there was an increase (in pay) but no increase was due to somebody making a lot more money or anything. It was to comply with what the federal government was telling us we had to do,” said Gonzalez at the Nov. 30 meeting. “You can reclassify all you want and all you’re doing is just moving the checker board so that people can get more money while other employees don’t,” Lopez responded. After the judges decided
to put off their decision on whether to retain Eufracio O.W.L.S. member Virginia Townsend addressed the board during a public hearing portion of the meeting. “I’ve been attending the commissioner’s court hearings for 30 years and I wasn’t thrilled with any of the auditors before Mr. Eufracio came,” said Townsend. “We think he does a good job holding onto taxpayer’s money.” Gonzalez thanked Townsend for her comments but said since the agenda item pertaining to Eufracio’s retention the public hearing was only on the remaining agenda items to approve the pay rate of the auditor, his assistants and court reporters. “So while I think he has done a fine job and I echo your feelings about Mr. Eufracio this is not the time to address that issue,” Gonzalez told Townsend. Following the meeting McClaugherty voiced support for Eufracio. “We want an auditor that’s looking at the money, watching the county, watching how they spend, what they’re spending on,” she said. “I just remember the previous auditor never questioned anything; he just signed the checks.” McClaugherty was referring to Eufracio’s predecessor, Tony Sandoval, whom Eufracio replaced in Feb. 2005 when the district court judges decided not to renew Sandoval’s contract. Sandoval was fired after serving a pair of two-year terms. Attempts to reach Sandoval at his current position as assistant director of the Pharr Economic Development Corporation were unsuccessful Tuesday. Neither Judge Lopez or Judge Roberto Flores returned calls requesting comment. Sandoval told the Progress Times in a Feb. 11, 2005 edition that every time he asked then District Court Judge Ed Aparicio why his contract was not being renewed Sandoval said the judge responded, “I just want you to do your job.” Eufracio, who worked as an auditor for both the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and for the Comptroller of Public Accounts and who had 25 years of auditing experience before being hired by Hidalgo County did not return a call requesting comment. “We just appreciate [Eufracio] who does question expenditures,” said McClaugherty. “And it doesn’t matter who, he doesn’t pick and choose, he’s doing his job with all of them. “Not all the judges want to get rid of him. I just think the [other judges] might go along to get along, you know what I mean.”
December 9 , 2016
PATRIOTS
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to nine. That not only means that there will now be two additional teams vying for the same four playoff spots, but it also means that the Patriots, along with their district opponents, will have four additional games added to their district schedule. When asked how that will affect him and his teammates, senior Patriots’ outside point guard Alex Rodriguez said, “It’s going to be good. Every additional game we play will just be
another bonding experience for us and an additional opportunity to create team chemistry. We’re excited about getting to play the Laredo schools because they’re new competition for us.” The Patriots will be opening district play Tuesday, Dec. 13 at home against Laredo Cigarroa. They will then be traveling to Sharyland Pioneer High School to play the Diamondbacks Friday, Dec. 16. Both games are scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m.
Mission toy drive sparks nostalgic memories
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By Henry Miller hen Mission Police Chief Robert Dominguez was a little boy, his dad worked for Hidalgo County Precinct 4 as a road grader and one Christmas his dad bought him a Tonka Toy road grader. “I played with that all the time,” he said, a slight smile coming to his face as the memories came full swing. The same goes for Mission Crime Stoppers Coordinator, Romeo Ortega. His fondest Christmas toy memory is of a wooden tractor-trailer where the wheels were made of bottle caps. “I played the heck out of that – every day,” he said. For Joe Ochoa it was his first football – at age 4. Ochoa manages the Walgreens on the corner of South Conway and Expressway 83 in Mission. These three, along with more than a dozen other Mission City leaders and officials, were in attendance Wednesday to kick off the 21st annual City of Mission’s Operation Kops for Kids Toy Drive at Walgreens on Conway Ave and Expressway 83. People can drop off new, unwrapped toys at any Walgreens in Mission to go toward the drive. The drive will end on Dec. 20 and the celebration and toys distribution will take place Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. at the Mission Police Department, 1200 E. 8th Street. Bicycles will be awarded by drawing but all other toys will be available to all children who show up, officials said. “It’s so important that we take care of those in need, to give to those who don’t have,” said Dominguez, who has been chief for three years. “It’s what God wants us to do as brothers
and sisters to provide; to give to those less fortunate.” Dominguez said when he sees a boy or girl get their toy – many who may not receive anything else for Christmas – the smiles on their faces are a continual reminder of growing up and the sheer joy that Christmas is meant to bring. Mission police optimized their toy purchases utilizing a Walgreens promotion that gave customers who purchased two toys two more toys for free. Ochoa estimated that equates to about four toys for $14 – and added that the Mission Police put it to good use, buying close to $1,000 worth of toys to start the kickoff. “It is so good to be a part of this and to be able to help the kids in the community,” Ochoa said, adding a toy donation box will remain in the front of Walgreens stores through Dec. 20. Among the most popular toys for many children will be a brand new bicycle. More than 350 families and 1,000 children throughout the community will be helped. In the past, about 50 bikes were distributed to children via a random drawing. Ortega remembers a year a lady’s car had run out of gas on the freeway with her children. Ortega had helped push it off to the side. At the toy giveaway later that year a young boy came up – the same young boy who was with his mom in that car. “He said, ‘Do you remember me?’ I told him yes,” Ortega said. “He asked me if he could have one of the bikes – he really wanted one. I told him it was a random drawing. I sure was hoping he would get one – and he did. I’ll never forget how excited he was and the smile on his face.”
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CAUSE NO. F-6058-16-2 THE STATE OF TEXAS GUADALUPE L. BARBA , RESPONDENT(S), GREETINGS: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney appear and answer before the Honorable Jaime J. Palacios, District County Court at Law #2 of Hidalgo County, Texas, at the Courthouse of said County in Edinburg, Texas at or before 10:00 o’clock a.m. of the Monday next after the expiration of 20 days from the date of service of this citation, then and there to answer the petition of Miguel G. Gonzalez, Petitioner, filed in said Court on this the 20th day of October, 2016 against, Guadalupe L. Barba, Respondent, and said suit being on the docket of said Court, numbered F-605816-2 and styled IN THE MATTER OF THE MARRIAGE OF MIGUEL G. GONZALEZ VS. GUADALUPE L. BARBA, AND IN THE INTEREST OF B.M.G. AND M.A.G., CHILDREN The nature of which suit is a request to the Court that he grant any judgment or decree and such other relief requested in the Petition. Said child(ren) was/were born on/in: Name:
Date of Birth:
B.M.G.
FEBRUARY 18, 2009
M.A.G.
MARCH 31, 2011
The court has authority in this suit to enter any judgement or decree which will be binding on you. Said petition was filed in said court by HON. OSVALDO J. MORALES, III, 2005 N. CONWAY SUITE B, MISSION, TX 78572, 956-584-1081. ISSUED AND GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL of said Court at Edinburg, Texas, this on this the 21st day of NOVEMBER, 2016.
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December 9, 2016
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Mission CISD superintendent recognized for support of music education
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ission CISD Superintendent Ricardo López has been recognized for his support of music education by the Texas Music Educators Association and designated the position of TMEA Distinguished Administrator, according to a news release. Students representing various music programs in
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In a letter from the TMEA, the organization said they have a great appreciation for daily commitments to providing a high quality, well-rounded educational experience for all students, especially given the ever-present fiscal demands and focus on standardized test results.
Welding School, according to a news release. “My plan is to take advantage of the Tulsa scholarship which will help me become a pipeline welder,” Garcia said. “I would also like to be a teacher some day, so I hope to combine these two career goals and possibly make a difference in students’ lives in the future.” The competition, held once a year at the Mercedes
Livestock Show grounds, consists on several rounds of three students at a time who race to cut metal with a torch the quickest. The fastest of the three moves up through each round until two competitors are left for the championship match. More than 300 welding students participate in this competition, the release stated.
President Oscar “Coach” Salinas said in a press release. The Dec. 3 coat drive also garnered a variety of winter items including mittens, scarves and socks, the release stated. All items donated will be distributed to La Joya I.S.D. students and their families in need. Besides community members, school board members and La Joya ISD Superintendent
Alda T. Benavides also proMike Jones’ favorite vided several winter items. “We woke up early this Christmas toy memory was morning, went to go buy getting a Big Wheel. Jones is some coats and sweaters and the manager at the Walgreens we’re here to help out the community in anything they might need,” School Board Member Alex Cantú said. “I grew up in this community, I know first-hand that there’s students that need the assistance, and that’s why we’re
Before the parade begins, attendees will be treated to a performance of the Nativity story at 10:30 a.m. at the park. The play features members of Alton’s San Martin de Porres Catholic Church. As the Nativity play is being performed roads leading to Main Street will be closed along the parade route. The parade will start after the performance, Mercado said. The parade will include high school bands, cheerleaders, dancers and an equestrian team. Confirmed food vendors include Papa’s Pizza and Taco Burger Daniel. The South Texas Lightning Volleyball Club will be selling nachos, hot Cheetos with cheese and corn in a cup.
The parade concludes with the city’s annual toy drive at the Alton Recreational Center behind city hall, 509 S. Alton Boulevard, where children will receive unopened toys donated by the city’s chamber of commerce. Live music will also be performed. “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.”
Palmview High School student wins welding competition
fter battling it out for seven rounds with other high school welders, Palmview High School senior Martin Garcia took home the top prize at “Fastest Torch of the South” welding competition. Among the prizes Garcia won were a Victor Torch Set, an Auto Darken Welding Hood, a Grand Champion belt buckle and a $2,000 scholarship to the Tulsa
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the district presented López with the honor during a recent meeting of the Board of Trustees. The TMEA Executive Board created this designation to honor upper-level school administrators who have been instrumental in preserving quality music education programs in their districts or schools.
Positive results at La Joya ISD first coat drive
a Joya I.S.D. officials say 450 coats and other winter items were donated last week in the district’s first ever winter coat drive. “It is because of great events like these that make our La Joya I.S.D. community stronger, being able to bring smiles to our students is the best gift during this time of giving”, School Board
Mission CISD Superintendent Ricardo López (center) received a special recognition from the Texas Music Educators Association. Courtesy image.
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Floundering migrants pulled from RGR south of Mission
wo undocumented immigrants spotted floundering in the Mission Canal were rescued Sunday by U.S. Border Patrol agents near Mission. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection press release states the incident occurred after a trio of undocumented immigrants entered the U.S. illegally. Agents assigned to the McAllen Station were patrolling near Mission when they encountered the three in
KIDS TOYS
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the canal after they’d been left behind by their smuggler, the release states. One person was able to swim out of the canal but the other two were struggling and were rescued by an agent who entered the canal and used a throwable water rescue device to assist the pair out of the water. The press release did not state the gender, age or from where the immigrants were arriving. It stated the immigrants were to be taken to a
hospital and once medically cleared would be “processed accordingly.” The press release did not state the location or the time of the incident but noted, “The temperature last night reached a low of 53 degrees with gusty winds and rain in the area.” Calls to the Border Patrol’s public information office were not returned.
at 2301 N. Shary Road in Mission. “We had a driveway that was half made of concrete and half of gravel,” Jones said. “It was awesome seeing
how fast we could get going before we hit the gravel and spun out. We had more than just a few wrecks with gravel stuck in our knees and legs.”
Alton Christmas Parade set for tomorrow
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LTON—Santa Claus will make an early appearance Saturday to help distribute 900 toys to children following Alton’s 11th annual Christmas Parade. Alton Director of Recreation Samm Mercado said the annual Christmas Parade Dec. 10 will start at 11 a.m. at the intersection of Los Ebanos Road and Main Street and end at the Alton City Hall at Dawes Avenue. But he suggests attendees arrive early to avoid street closures. To better view the parade Mercado recommends the public show up by 10 a.m. at the area known as “Main Street Park,” located across from the Alton Water Tower.
Mission Police Crime Stoppers Coordinator Romeo Ortega sifts through the many toys being collected for the city’s annual Kops for Kids toy drive Wednesday at Walgreens on the city’s south side. Progress Times photo by Henry Miller
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