December 23, 2016 PT ISSUE

Peace Be With You, Merry Christmas!

Friday, December 23, 2016

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Vol. 45 No. 21

Hidalgo County official reports Edinburg Main Canal leak stopped

By Joe Hinton Water from the Edinburg Main Canal that was spilling an estimated 5 million gallons a day into a ditch that provides the main storm water runoff for Mission’s north side has been stopped, a Hidalgo County official said.

Hidalgo County Irrigation District 1 General Manager Rusty McDaniel told the Progress Times the canal “hadn’t leaked a drop” since a county work crew completed repairs on the canal about three weeks ago.

On Sept. 22 an irrigation district official informed Mission City Manager Martin Garza Jr. water was spill-

ing into the city’s concrete culvert that runs underneath the canal about a quarter mile east of Stewart Road.

Photos taken by an engineer hired by the city to review the problem revealed at least a half dozen places where canal water was pouring through seams that connect sections of the culvert.

The culvert was constructed in 1987 to allow storm water to flow from the canal’s south side to the north where it connects with the ditch that is the main source of storm water drainage for the city’s north side. Prior to the culvert’s construction Garza said storm water would build up against the

canal’s southern berm until flowing into the canal, which is the main source of drinking water for Edinburg and other cities. The culvert is a concrete and steel conduit approximately 6 by 8 feet

that runs north and south approximately 200 feet beneath the canal and the berms on either side that contain it.

Garza called the special council meeting in September over concerns the leaks

might be creating an imminent danger of the canal collapsing into the culvert sending canal water into area neighborhoods while cutting water off to Edinburg, Sharyland, Alamo and area

farms. Though the engineer reported no imminent danger of collapse, Garza said the engineer recommended the leaks be repaired to avoid

See CANAL LEAK pg. 16

La Joya ISD pays employees $2.4M in Christmas bonus

By Jose De Leon III LA JOYA—Christmas stockings for children whose parents work for the La Joya Independent School District may be more stuffed this year thanks to the school board.

During a special meeting Dec. 12 the La Joya ISD Board of Trustees voted to provide all district employees with a one-time supplemental holiday payment of $500.

The district has 4,747 employees including teachers and auxiliary workers like custodians and school bus drivers across 29 campuses, according to the district’s public information office.

Though the district did not

release the exact total of the bonuses, School Board President Oscar O. “Coach” Salinas said all staff members should have received the bonus by today. Calls to the district’s finance office were not returned by press time but if each employee received a bonus the total comes to $2,373,500.

Salinas said the board met with the district’s budget and finance department to discuss budgeting the money prior to authorizing the bonus pay.

“It’s basically a way to help out staff members as this bonus will also be received by administrative staff and auxiliary workers,” Salinas

See BONUS pg. 16

If he only knew how many children were waiting in line to see him Santa might have thought twice about landing his reindeer atop Mission’s Speer Memorial Library Thursday, Dec. 15. Though Children’s Librarian Lisa Rivera estimated Santa would see about 250 children her estimate seemed to be short by about half. As Santa poses with a group of five children library clerk Blanca Martinez, in the striped shirt, stands ready with candy canes as Janeth Ramos, 23, center right, from Mission,waits in line holding her daughter, Isabel, 11 months. To her right Jorge Rangel, 25, holds their other daughter, Jazel, 2, as their son, Jorgie, 6, stands bottom left watching as Rivera tells the photo subjects to watch the little Santa in her hand. Santa requested his name withheld.

Progress Times photo by Joe Hinton

La Joya Housing Authority fires executive director Auditor also fired

By Jose De Leon III LA JOYA — Following his indictment for wire fraud La Joya’s Housing Authority has voted to fire its executive director. The action came nearly a month after the board of directors suspended Juan J. “J.J.” Garza without pay.

Garza attended the Dec. 16 special board meeting when he was terminated from the position he held for 17 years. During the same meeting the board voted to fire the authority’s auditor.

Garza was arrested in September by federal agents in connection with an alleged bid-rigging scheme that occurred between July 2012 and March 2013. The indictment states Garza and a local con-

tractor submitted false construction bids to the Alamo and Donna housing authorities receiving payments under a company called Crane Construction and a person named Carlos Orillanas.

Garza’s attorney, Gustavo Acevedo, told the Progress Times he argued during an executive session concerning his client’s employment that Garza should not be fired because the indictment had nothing to do with Garza’s role as the housing authority’s executive director.

“He was just doing his job here and there’s nothing in his performance as executive director that would arise a cause for termination,” Acevedo said after the hearing.

“There’s no evidence he’s

neglected his duties here as housing director or acted incompetently in his duties, all of which are listed in his contract as grounds for termination.”

Mark A. Sanchez, an attorney hired by the housing authority last month to handle issues related to Garza, disagreed with Acevedo. The San Antonio- based attorney presented the board an audit report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on the housing authority’s financial data for fiscal year 2014. The report highlighted several findings that Sanchez said led the housing authority to receive a “troubled” rating from HUD. The audit noted uncollected rents had increased by

Lady Diamondbacks

Midway through their season with a 7-15 record Sharyland High School’s Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks varsity basketball team is hoping to find the right chemistry to improve their record.

See page 6

INDEX

Entertainment | pg. 2

Lifestyle | pg. 3

465% in write offs from the previous fiscal year because the housing authority did not enforce its rent collection policy. According to Sanchez, the role of enforcing that policy fell on Garza.

Juan Jose “J.J.” Garza

Husband of Mission city councilwoman killed Thursday

The husband of Mission Mayor Pro-Tem Norie G. Garza was killed yesterday after being struck by a vehicle near his Mission home.

Oscar Garza, 59, a longtime Mission businessman and public servant was struck by a southbound vehicle about 6:30 a.m. as he walked his dogs in the 2900 block of North Bryan Road, according to a Mission Police Department Press release. The driver, whose name was not released, called Mission police to the scene. Garza was transported to Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg where he succumbed to his

INSIDE

Meadow Creek Rezoning

Palmhurst Ticket Amnesty

Despite ardent opposition from residents of a retirement community on the city’s southwest side, Mission’s City council has approved zoning to allow town homes along the community’s golf course.

See page 5

Opinion | pg. 4

Sports | pg. 6

injuries, per the press release. A traffic investigation is in its preliminary stages. A Mission Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team will continue to gather information relevant to the accident.

No further information was immediately available before Thursday’s press deadline but Mission City Manager Martin Garza Jr. expressed his condolences for the Garza family saying it was “a very sad in our city… our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this very difficult time.”

Persons with outstanding tickets or arrest warrants have until the end of the month to take advantage of the amnesty program initiated by The City of Palmhurst’s municipal court judge.

See page 12

Obituaries | pg. 15

Classifieds | pg. 17

entertainment g

Kenaston Band is back for another season

Known throughout the Midwest and their native Nebraska, Roger Kenaston and his wife, Sharon, have been entertaining for many years.

For the past eight, they come to the Rio Grande Valley.

On Wednesdays they can be found at Riverside Club in Mission, and this year they are performing at El Vaquero in Mission on Tuesdays.

They also perform for dances in many of the Rio Grande Valley RV parks.

Roger is a versatile instrumentalist and singer who plays flat-top guitar, dobro, fiddle and mandolin. He also sings lead and harmony. In 2012 he was selected as the FAME’s Lead Guitarist of the Year in the Valley. Recently he was nominated for Dobro Player of the Year with the Bluegrass Association of Iowa. He is a member of the National Traditional Country Hall of Fame.

Sharon brings her vocal talent and energetic bass playing to the group. She also emcees for their performances. Playing the drums, bass and rhythm guitars round out her musical talents.

She won the National Traditional Country Music Association International Singing Competition, the Nebraska State Female Championship and National Country Music Festival Singer’s Division.

She was also awarded the FAME Award for Bassist of the Year in 2012. In 2016

she was nominated for 2016 Bass Player of the Year with Bluegrass Music Association of Iowa.

Band member Jimmy Hanson plays rhythm guitar and also is part of the vocal mix during country music dances.

Jerry Neeman, long-time member of the band, plays trumpet and gives the band a sound that is a bit different from other country bands. A former band director, who specializes in brass instruments, he is a member of the National Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame. Dec. 27 through Jan. 4 he can also be seen playing with Jay and Tammy.

Rounding out the group is Roger’s sister and vocalist, Vanessa, along with local drummer, Epi Martinez, who performs with the band during the winter season.

The Kenaston Band makes regular appearances on RFD-TV and the Midwest Country Show and have worked with Stonewall Jackson, Jimmy C. Newman, Charlie McCoy and many other well-known artists.

The Kenastons host two festivals each year: the Country & Western Fiddler’s Jamboree in Springview, Neb. (May, 2017) and the Wahoo Country Music Show (June 22-25, 2017).

For more information on the Kenastons, call (402) 936-0638.

Tidings of Comfort & Peace

As we usher in the holiday season, we are moved to remember all of the loved ones past and present who have brought so much joy and light to our lives. We cherish their presence and their memories, and all of the blessings that touch our hearts and spirits.

We hope that this Christmas and the New Year deliver much happiness, goodwill and good fortune to you and yours. Thank you for your trust in us and your friendship.

208 E. Canton • Edinburg, Texas

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Comin Attractions

December 23 • In a celebration of the Carpenters, Michelle Berting Brett honors the duo in her “Merry Christmas Darling: Carpenters’ Christmas” performance at 7 p.m. at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. Featuring the music of the Carpenters and their greatest hits and Christmas classics. Brett takes center stage accompanied by a live seven-piece band. Ticket prices range from $30 to $95 and are available at ticketmaster.com or at 800745-3000.

December 23-31 • 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 28 • The Eli Young Band Holiday Hangovers 2016 tour comes to the Boggus Ford Events Center, 3000 N. Cage in Pharr. The performance runs from 7 to 11:30 p.m. Tickets are $27 general admission and $47 reserved seating. Go to ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000.

December 29-30 • The talents of Seven Lions, Ghastly, Saymyname and FYER come together for Winter Fantasy 2016 at the Boggus Ford Events Center, 3000 N. Cage in Pharr. The event runs from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. each night. Tickets are $32.50 per person, available at ticketmaster.com or by call 800-745-3000.

December 30 • The world famous Moscow Ballet performs the Great Russian Nutcracker at 7 p.m. in the McAllen Performing Arts Center.

Ticket prices range from $26 to $148 and are available at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

2017 January 2 • Watch the bouncing ball, if you can, when the Harlem Globetrotters come to State Farm Arena in Hidalgo. Gates open at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced from $17 to $84. Go to ticketmaster. com or call 800-745-3000.

To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to ptrgv.com

Marking the RGV Civil War trail

Fourteen new historical highway and street signs marking the Rio Grande Valley Civil War Trail have been erected throughout Brownsville, including several on the campuses of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Texas Southmost College. The UTRGV Community Historical Archaeology Project with Schools (CHAPS) spearheaded the trail signs with a grant funded by the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC). It was designed, developed and launched the Rio Grande Valley Civil War Trail in February 2015, to permanently mark the sesquicentennial observation of the last land battle of the American Civil War at Palmito Ranch Battlefield in Brownsville. For more information about CHAPS, contact Dr. Russell Skowronek at 956-665-3231 or russell.skowronek@utrgv.edu.

Progress Times

December 23, 2016

page 2

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UVAL workshop explores Icon art

Members of Upper Valley Art League, and anyone who would like to become UVAL member, will have an opportunity to participate in a unique workshop in February – “Icon Painting: St. George and the Dragon.”

Instructor Michelle Leggett will conduct the class Feb. 2 to 4 for two days and a half of in-depth instruction.

Icon painting began in the early centuries to bring the divine to life and symbolically provide a literary and narrative content. This workshop will focus on painting an Ethiopian-style Icon to explore new content and form. This class is for any level painter and will guide the students from the beginning outline to the finished product.

Leggett received her degree from Arizona State Uni-

versity in Art Education and taught art for 12 years before finishing her 37-year career in education administration at the district level. She now travels the Western states in the summer and teaches Icon art in Bakersfield, Calif.

The course is $65 per person and includes the board and all paint. Times for the first two days are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and the third day finishes off with the half-day of the final coating on Saturday morning.

Class size is limited to 12 students, and advance registration is required. Students will bring #2, #4/6 and #8 brushes, paper towel or cotton rags and a water holder.

For more information, contact Leggett at 661-7428785 or amontanacat@yahoo.com.

First ocelot den discovered in 20 years

CAMERON COUNTY – Over the past year, promising signs are showing for growth of the ocelot population in South Texas refuges.

Several female ocelots have been discovered with kittens, including the discovery of the first den in over 20 years.

The females and kittens have been identified using remote cameras placed in strategic locations where ocelots live and reproduce.

“I suspect that the past couple of years of abundant rainfall have made excellent breeding conditions for these endangered wild cats,” said Hilary Swarts, wildlife biologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), stationed at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.

Precipitation leads to plant growth, which in turn provides food for the wildlife that ocelots like to eat, such as rodents, rabbits, and birds.

“With plenty of food and water, and minimal disturbance from humans, female ocelots have all the resources they need to reproduce successfully,” said Swarts.

Of the seven known adult female ocelots at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, two are just now reaching the age to reproduce, three have recently been photographed with healthy-looking kittens following close behind, and one adult female has not yet been seen with any offspring.

However, the seventh female brought researchers the most exciting discovery of all.

Using GPS technology, biologists tracked her movements and discovered the

first confirmed ocelot den at the refuge in nearly 20 years.

At the den site, they found a male ocelot kitten, weighing just shy of a pound, estimated to be three weeks old.

When the mother was absent, researchers took measurements and photos to track the kitten’s growth in the future.

His mother is approximately 11 years old.

Swarts and other researchers track and monitor ocelots in south Texas, collecting data on their population numbers, health, habitat use, range, and reproduction.

These new kittens are now part of this ongoing effort.

In addition to Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, private land plays a vital role in ocelot survival and recovery. Land owners that work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect ocelot habitat on their own property are also seeing camera evidence of new kittens.

Of the adult females captured on camera by USFWS biologists at the Yturria Conservation Easement in Willacy County, at least three have had kittens this past year.

While ocelot females usually have only one kitten per litter, researchers were excited to see that one of the three mothers had twins.

“Data gathered in Willacy County is further evidence that private ranches are often great havens for wildlife and key partners in our conservation efforts. These private lands will be crucial to protecting habitat and wildlife into the future,” said Boyd Blihovde, Refuge Manager at Laguna Atascosa NWR.

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A three-week old male ocelot kitten was found at a den site at the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, the first ocelot den discovered in 20 years.

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lifestyle

LJISD teachers accepted in Harvard program

LA JOYA ISD – The La Joya I.S.D. administration recently announced two of the district’s educators will be joining Cohort V of the Harvard University Mathematics for Teaching Graduate Program Class of 2019.

The Texas Graduate Center in partnership with the Harvard Extension School selected the two mathematics teachers – Ricardo Hinojosa, Memorial Middle School 7th grade math teacher, Daniel Garza, Palmview High School math teacher.

“I’m ecstatic to be able to fulfill my studies through such prestigious institution.

This opportunity will only bring knowledge, change and innovation to my profession.”

Hinojosa said.

“My students are beyond excited for me. Being accepted to Harvard is a special moment I’ll never forget; it’s a great professional milestone.”

Garza stated.

Hinojosa and Garza will begin the journey through Skype designations in Mercedes following seven weeks in Massachusetts during the summer session.

Ricardo Hinojosa

Daniel Garza

December 23 , 2016

page 3

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

EVENTS

CALENDAR

December 26-30 – Kids can explore the world of art and science during the Winter Break Camps at the International Museum of Art & Science. Camps run from 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Campers can register for just one day or for the entire week.

Rates are $35 per day for IMAS members and $40 per day for non-members or $160 and $180, respectively, for the whole week. Before care or after care is $5 per day; both are $10 per day. Before care begins at 8 a.m.; after care runs until 4 p.m.

Campers should bring a brown bag lunch. A snack will be provided in the afternoon. Call 956-682-0123 to register. IMAS is located at 1900 Nolana, McAllen.

December 27-30 - The Edinburg World Birding Center (EWBC) will host Adventure at the Wetlands with different activities at different times each day. Visit edinburgwbc.org for a complete list of events and times. The fee is included in the regular admission: $3 for adults, $2 for students, children, and seniors, and no charge for children aged 5 and under. Admission is free for EWBC members. Reservations are recommended. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Road.

Call 956-381-9922 for information.

December 30 – This is the deadline as the Mission Historical Museum is closing out the 2016 year for the purchase of brick pavers to honor individuals, family, friends, groups and clubs or even to advertise a business. They come in two sizes: 4x8-inch, priced at $70 for members or $75 for non-members, and square 8x8-inch priced at $140 for members and $150 for nonmembers. For more information or to order a paver, call Linda Castañeda at 956-580-8646 or visit the museum at 900 Doherty Ave. 2017 January 4 – Entries are being accepted through this date for the 11th Annual Mission Quilt Show in three categories: hand-quilted bed quilts, machine-quilted bed quilts and wall hangings. MHM is located at 900 Doherty in downtown Mission. Admission is free. For more information, call 956-5808646.

January 4 – Children ages 5 and under can learn about animal orgimai as they read The Little Bookshop and the Origami Army! and participate in activities at the IMAS Young Adventurer Day. It begins at 10 a.m. The program lasts about 30 minutes. Admission is $5 per IMAS member and $10 per nonmember. To register, call 956-682-0123. IMAS is located at 1900 Nolana Ave., McAllen.

January 4 – The Armstrong Retirees meet the first Wednesday of each month through March at 11:30 a.m. at Ann’s Restaurant in San Juan. For information, call Al Ensley at 515-360-5992 or Dick Overholser at 515-321-4034.

January 11 – 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 Mike Heep with “Plant Enthusiast.” The public is invited. For more information, call Penny at 956-203-9123.

January 15 - The 22nd Annual Mission Community Health Fair co-sponsored by the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) and Mission Regional Medical Center (MRMC) runs from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Sharyland High School gym, 1106 N. Shary Rd. Admission is free for the event, which includes a number of free health screenings and information from health service vendors. For more information, or to become a sponsor or a vendor, contact Zoe Molina at events@missionchamber.com or Rachael Houpt at rachael@missionchamber.com, or call 956-585-2727.

(For daily events and upcoming weeks, see the full calendar at ptrgv.com.)

Ready to cook Mission Jr. High School (MJH) students, staff, and district administration celebrated the official completion of the new cafeteria with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The new building was recently completed and provides the campus with needed dining and performance space. It is the only cooking kitchen in the district to date, and a new one is under construction at Mission High School. Staff will be able to cook almost everything on site instead of at the district’s main central kitchen for delivery to campuses. The new facility is 12,355 square feet, seats over 300 students and includes a stage with performance quality sound and lighting. Total cost for the building and equipment, was $3.5 million and was completed in 11 months. The old cafeteria building may be converted to serve as a theater and arts instructional area.

Putting on the Santa suit This week, employees at Mission Regional Medical Center took off their lab coats and put on their Santa suits to share hundreds of gifts with children in Sullivan City, La Joya, Peñitas, Palmview, Mission and Alton. This is their third year of their mission to “see Christmas through the eyes of a child” with multiple staff members spending numerous hours wrapping and distributing the gifts. Yesterday, 13 Santa teams delivered the gifts of toys, clothes and blankets to 340 children of needy families in area cities. MRMC employees shown with bags and bags of toys ready for delivery are, left to right, Maribel Resendez, Nellie Ibarra, Kennetha Foster, Christine Spencer, Juan Larralde, Sarah Leal-Gould, Tracy Smith, Jose Garcia, Janie Rendon and Magaly Rocha.

Season ‘s Greetings Wishing your holidays are beautiful in every way

May your holiday season be filled with every little thing that brings you joy.

On behalf of Agua SUD Board of Directors.

President – Rogelio Hernandez III Vice President – Homer Tijerina Secretary – Lloyd Loya Treasurer – Esequiel “Zeke” Ortiz Jr

Board Director – Ricardo Ochoa Board Director – Cesar Rodriguez Jr Board Director – Francisco Flores Jr. Executive Director – Oscar Cancino

In case of an emergency you may contact: 956-585-2459 for water service, water breaks and low pressure.

Norberto “Beto” Salinas City of Mission Mayor

The Magic of Chiristmas never ends and its greatest gifts are family and friends

Merry Christmas!

3120 N Abram Rd, Palmview, TX 78572 (956) 585-2459

opinion

November January 2, 23, December 2015 25, 2016

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

D

ear Mission CISD Family, Thank you for all you do to unlock the dreams of all children. Parents, I thank you for entrusting your children’s education to us; I appreciate that you have a choice, and we don’t take it lightly that you choose Mission CISD. Staff, as you prepare to head out for the winter break, I thank you for the countless hours you devote to preparing rigorous lessons that challenge our students to reach their individual potential. Our mission is to provide students the necessary academic, social, physical, and technological knowledge and skills to become successful lifelong learners and productive citizens. This statement is more than words to hang on a wall. At Mission CISD, we don’t just talk the talk; we walk the walk. We look at your child as a whole person and strive to provide opportunities for him, or her, to develop in all areas, some of which cannot be measured with numbers.

Still, we do remain accountable based on numbers, and beginning in the 2017-2018 school year, the state public school academic accountability system will

change to an assignment of A-F rating labels to describe district and campus performance. While we are on winter break, you may see the Texas Education Agency (TEA) release “mock ratings” for the 2015-2016 school year that districts and campuses would have received for Domains I-IV if the A-F rating system had been in place.

Excellence is not a destination you reach with a grade. Excellence at Mission CISD is a continuous process of self-improvement: as individuals, and as professional. That is what we hope to instill in your children. An F is not a definite judgment of failure and an A is not a finish line that allows you to rest and stop striving for higher levels.

In reviewing the mock scores for districts and schools in January, I urge you to take the information as an additional evaluation tool on top of what you see throughout the school year, and on top of the success your child experiences every day.

As we transition to the new accountability system, I encourage you to ask questions, and to have public

discussions about how the A-F ranking labels are being determined and whether they accurately represent the education taking place in the classroom every day. Mission CISD is a family and we need your support of public schools and of our teachers who, together, lead your children to unlock their dreams.

In this first semester, our students have won championships, had historic winning seasons, been recognized as best in class band students, won numerous robotics competitions, and have been enshrined in the US Congressional reports. Indeed, we have a fabulous district.

In Mission CISD, we are fueled by faith, by hope, and by the belief in each other and our students. I look forward to a successful second semester. Enjoy the remainder of the winter break with family and loved ones. We will be ready to greet your children back in class January 9, 2017.

Sincerely, Ricardo Lopez, Ed. D. Superintendent of Schools Mission CISD

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January, 2017 Show & Events

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Abbott reacts to Trump’s choice of Perry as energy secretary

USTIN — President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Rick Perry as the next secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy prompted this reaction by Gov. Greg Abbott: “Under Rick Perry’s leadership in Texas,” Abbott said, “the Lone Star State experienced unprecedented growth in the energy sector, which in turn created hundreds of thousands of jobs for Texans.

Rick Perry was instrumental in creating a more favorable regulatory environment for the energy industry in Texas, and I have no doubt that he will bring that same expertise to his new post. The State of Texas looks forward to working with him to help advance America’s energy sector to create a more robust economy and greater opportunity for all Americans.”

Perry, who served as governor of the Lone Star State from December 2000 to January 2015, previously served stints as lieutenant governor, agriculture commissioner and as a member of the Texas House of Representatives.

He unsuccessfully ran for president in 2012 and again in 2016.

Presidential Cabinet members include the vice president, the attorney general and the secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, State, Transportation, Treasury and Veterans Affairs.

Unemployment rate decreases Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.6 percent in November, down slightly from 4.7 percent in October, the Texas Workforce Commis-

sion announced Dec. 16.

Also, according to the state agency, Texas has added an estimated 210,800 seasonally adjusted jobs over the past year with the addition of 20,900 nonfarm jobs in November. The state has added jobs in 19 of the past 20 months.

“Private-sector employment has been strong over the year with the overall job growth of 171,800 including 15,800 jobs added in November,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs. “The fact that our state has added jobs for 19 of the last 20 months is a credit to the diversity and resilience of employers in Texas.”

Net widens in Zika testing State and local health departments are investigating five locally transmitted cases of Zika virus disease.

“Right now, we’re aware that local transmission has occurred in a small area of Brownsville,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner, in a Dec. 14 news release. “However, we want to cast a wide net with testing to develop a clearer picture of what is happening with Zika in the area and provide pregnant women with more information about their health.”

Zika testing is recommended for all pregnant Brownsville residents and pregnant women who have traveled there since Oct. 29. Also, those who visit Brownsville on a daily or weekly basis are asked to get Zika testing once during the first trimester of their pregnancy, and once during the second trimester. Pregnant women with limited travel should discuss it with their doctor and be tested based on when the travel occurred.

Zika’s four most common

symptoms are fever, itchy rash, joint pain and eye redness. While symptoms are usually minor, Zika can also cause severe birth defects, including microcephaly, and other poor birth outcomes in some women infected during pregnancy. More information is available at TexasZika.org.

Zika grant is awarded The U.S. Centers for Disease Control on Dec. 12 awarded the state of Texas a $5 million grant to help combat the Zika virus.

“Now that Texas has confirmed cases of local transmission of the Zika virus, this money will be crucial in our efforts to contain and combat further transmission of the virus,” said Gov. Abbott. “Texas has been at the forefront of developing and implementing the strongest possible Zika response plan and we will continue to work with our local and federal partners to ensure our communities have the tools they need to combat the Zika virus.”

‘Report Cards’ are posted Education Commissioner Mike Morath on Dec. 8 announced the availability of 2015–16 School Report Cards on the Texas Education Agency website, tea.texas.gov.

School Report Cards include the following information for each campus in Texas: - 2016 state academic accountability rating; - Attendance rates; - Enrollment figures; - Dropout rates; - Class size averages; - State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness results; - ACT/SAT results; and - Per-student financial expenditures.

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TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

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.

LETTER GUIDELINES

Letters to the Editor are welcome but must conform to certain guidelines. All letters must be original, dated, signed and bear the complete name, address and phone number of the writer/signer. No photo copied letters will be printed. No letters addressed to others will be printed. Letter content must be relevant to concerns and interests of Mission and the surrounding area. Relevance is determined by the editor.

Anonymous cards or letters are neither read nor printed. Letters may be submitted by e-mail to letters@progresstimes.net, but must include the author’s name and daytime phone number.

December 23, 2016

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Meadowcreek rezoning approved over residents’ objections

By Kathy Olivarez Despite ardent opposition from area residents Mission’s City Council has approved the rezoning of about a third of an acre of land to allow town homes along a golf course fairway in a retirement community on the city’s southwest side.

The request to rezone a 0.348-acre tract of land in the Meadow Creek Subdivision from what was originally intended as open green space to a site for townhouses was approved by the Mission City Council in their Monday, December 19, meeting.

The request came from developer Olaguer Bauza, who purchased the golf course earlier this year.

The town home site is located on the southwest corner of J.C. Parkway and Lakeview Drive. The request to rezone the property was previously remanded by the council to the Planning and Zoning Commission for reconsideration after residents pointed out plans did not reflect the changes agreed upon between neighboring residents and the developer.

Original plans encroached on a fairway golf cart path and Bauza agreed to reduce the size of the development in order decrease the impact on the golf course. Plans presented to the council Monday night reflected those changes.

After Bauza agreed to reduce the number of townhouses from 11 to seven the city’s planning and zoning commission gave its recommendation for approval which the city council did unanimously Monday night.

The vote came despite opposition from approximately 50 residents of the subdivision who attended the meeting to protest the rezoning.

One resident complained of the horrible smell coming from the sewer system at that location and felt adding housing units would only compound the problem. He

stated residents had to hold their noses when going past the sewer site and he had complained to the city several times but nothing had been done about it.

Later, following a council vote approving the purchase of chemicals used to treat sewar water and reduce odors at sewer lift stations around the city, Mayor Roberto “Beto” Salinas told Robert Salinas, who is in charge of sewer line repairs, to send somebody out to Meadow Creek and find out what the people were complaining about and get it fixed. The mayor told Salinas to purchase as many chemicals as necessary to address the issue and told Salinas if he needed more chemicals to come back to the council to request funds for more.

“I don’t want people coming in here and embarrassing us again,” the mayor said.

Some residents also expressed concern the town homes would be leased instead of sold, saying renters do not care for properties as diligently as owners. The Mayor advised Meadow Creek residents to work with Bauza to see that he builds something they approve of, instead of objecting to his building anything.

Another resident complained parts of the golf course looked like a desert and was not maintained properly. Salinas said Bauza needed to develop some of the open land around the golf course in order to fund future improvements.

Resident Randy Perez read a statement from the Covenant of Meadow Creek stating the subdivision, including the golf course, landscaped areas, and areas set aside for drainage could be platted and utilized later for residential usage as long as the owner returned to the city and presented a plat that complied with the appropriate subdivision and zoning ordinances at the time the land was being replatted.

Asked following the meeting if Salinas believed Bauza could turn the golf course into subdivisions the mayor replied, “We will not let them do that.”

In other action Monday the city council voted to align the city’s ordinance concerning the sale of alcoholic beverages in bars and restaurants with recent changes in state law. Establishments in the city will now be able to sell alcoholic beverages Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 2 a.m. and Sundays from Noon to 2 a.m. However restaurants that provide alcohol with food service will be allowed to sell alcoholic beverages on Sundays beginning at 10 a.m. Previously establishments in Mission could

sell alcoholic beverages until 1 a.m. on Sunday mornings (Saturday nights) and until midnight all other days.

Also Monday the city council voted to approve numerous appointments to various boards. Able Beltran, Victor Mesa and Ken Jones were re-appointed to the Building Board of Adjustments. Carlos Lopez, Yolanda Martinez and Connie Garza were re-appointed to the Citizens Advisory Committee. New appointments included Lorenzo Garza for the northwest position and John Lopez for the northeast position.

Ruben Femat was re-appointed to the Civil Service Commission. Jonathan Wehrmeister, Roberto Dominguez and Brad Bentsen

were re-appointed to the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Advisory Board. Gilbert Sanchez was appointed to the fire department position on the board.

Linda Requenez, Catherine Garcia, Richard Hernandez, Jody Alan Tittle, S. David Deanda Jr., Pete Jaramillo and Councilman Ruben Plata (for the mayor’s position) were re-appointed to the Mission Economic Development Corporation.

Tim Brown was re-appointed to the Parks and Recreation Board. Veronica “Betty” Mendoza was a new appointee. Ned Sheats was re-appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Jaime Gutierrez is a new appointee. Polo De Leon was re-appointed to the

Shary Golf Advisory Board.

Mario Ramirez is a new appointee. Cynthia Leon, Elizabeth Garza and Sheila Valles-Pankratz were re-appointed to the Speer Memorial Library Board. Richard Hernandez and Leonardo Lopez were reappointed to the Tax Increment Investment Board (TIRZ). Jonathan O’Cana and Dr. Sonia Trevino were re-appointed to the Youth Advocacy Advisory Board. Henry Rodriguez is a new appointee. Mike Friedrichs, Ned Sheats and Kathy Olivarez were re-appointed to the Zoning Board of Adjustments. Terry Meewes was named an alternate to the board.

Seven-year-old Arturo Gomez of Mission gets an assist from Santa and Mary Lopez, vice president of Mission Crime Stoppers, on his maiden ride on a new bicycle he received Wednesday as part of the City of Mission’s annual Kops for Kids Toy Drive as his mother, Maria Luna, looks on. Gomez was one of 50 children who received a new bike in a lottery. The program also provided 500 gift bags filled with assorted toys. Hundreds of area residents attended the event at the Mission Police Station on 8th Street. Progress Times photo by Joe Hinton

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December 23, 2016

Lady Diamondbacks looking to make a leap

W

By Bryan Ramos ith the start of a new program comes new challenges.

The Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks basketball program is focused on improving every season to build a solid foundation at a young school that just opened its doors three years ago.

Nicole Villarreal, who was tabbed to lead the Lady Diamondbacks as the program’s first head coach, is now in her third year and has seen her team’s record improve over the first two seasons from only three wins in year one to eight wins in year two.

“Building the program has been fun,” said Villarreal, the third year head coach.

“You get to see the growth, you get to see the kids develop, it’s definitely a challenge but it’s fun.”

The Lady Diamondbacks have 10 players returning from last season, including the team’s top two scorers from a year ago who are now seniors, guard Ashely Briseno and forward Miranda Ramos.

The team is currently 7-15

midway through the 20162017 season, but two more wins would bring their total to nine on the year, setting a new program record.

The Lady Diamondbacks were in action Tuesday night at home as they took on the Rio Grande City Lady Rattlers, ultimately falling by the score of 46-38. Rio held a commanding 26-10 lead heading into the half. Villarreal asked her team to come out and fight in the second half and they did just that, trimming the lead to single digits, outscoring the Lady Rattlers 28-20 in the second half.

Senior point guard Chelsea Chandler, who is leading the team in assists and steals, turned on the offense in Tuesday’s loss, scoring a teamhigh 14 points by constantly attacking the paint with drives to the basket. Briseno scored six points of her own while junior Dayanara Montalvo added five points from her power forward position.

“I thought that we did really good compared to our past games, we played really good tonight,” Chandler said. “Hopefully we can play

and fight like we did tonight and that will bring us more wins.”

With the loss, the Lady Diamondbacks sit at 0-4 early in District 31-5A action with a game to be played Thursday against their sister school, the Sharyland Lady Rattlers. The results of the game were not available at press/print time.

This Lady Diamondbacks team is heavy on senior leadership. Five players on this year’s squad were on the first Pioneer varsity team three years ago and are looking to leave their mark on the program. Seniors Kayla Alaniz and Daylann Garza join Briseno, Ramos and Chandler with two previous years of varsity experience and are hoping their leadership can help Pioneer bring home more Ws. “We’re trying to build winners here at Pioneer,” Chandler said.

Coach Villarreal’s goals reflect that of a winner, earning enough district wins to reach the postseason for the first time in program history.

“We’re still going to be battling for a playoff spot; that’s one of our goals,” Villarreal said after the team’s loss on Tuesday. “We came up short tonight but eventually our shots are going to fall and that’s all I can ask from them is to keep on working and working hard, and us trying to achieve our goals. It’s there; we just have to keep on working to get there.”

This team has been with Villarreal since Pioneer opened three years ago and she said they are leaving their mark on the Lady Diamondbacks basketball program.

“I’m really going to miss them. They started with me three years ago as sophomores,” Villarreal said.

“They’re definitely one of the groups that are leaving a legacy as the ones who started this up for us.”

The Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks will be back in action after Christmas on Friday Dec. 30 and looking to make noise in District 315A when they host the Valley View Lady Tigers at 7:30 p.m. at the Pioneer High School Gymnasium.

Sharyland Pioneer’s Chelsea Chandler takes a shot as Veterans Memorial’s Jackie Howell goes for the block during the Lady Patriots’ recent 49-33 win over the Lady Diamondbacks.

Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

Lady Patriots majoring in chemistry

C

By Luciano Guerra

We appreciate your continued support and for being part of another successful year. We strive to provide the best customer service through dedicated leadership and efficient use of resources to enhance the quality of life in our community. THANK YOU for entrusting us with your families, homes, and businesses.

Hope your holiday is blessed and happy!

From Martin Garza Jr., City Manager & Staff

Fax it in: Bring it in: 1217 N Conway Mission 585-2304

Send us your classified today!

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drifts of snow, boughs of holly

Submit online:

See LADY PATRIOTS pg 7.

Veterans Memorial’s Andrea De La Garza muscles her way in for a shot during the Lady Patriots’ recent 49-33 win over the Sharyland Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks.

Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

Or Scan This Code With Your Smartphone

hemistry is one of the most difficult subjects high school students ever take. However, when it comes to members of the Veterans Memorial Lady Patriots basketball team, they seem to be having no trouble at all with chemistry - team chemistry. Their winning record despite having only three seniors on their roster is a testament to that.

With the 3-2 Lady Patriots’ starting five consisting of a freshman, a sophomore, a junior and two seniors, team chemistry is something head coach Rafael Cantu, Jr. knew he would need to develop and develop quickly if his team was going to put together a winning season in the newly revamped, nineteam District 31-5A.

December 23, 2016

page 7

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Don’t suffer consequences of drinking and driving

Awarded $1.25M DOE grant The UTRGV College of Engineering and Computer Science was recently awarded a $1.25 million grant by the Department of Energy to house the South Texas Industrial Assessment Center. An IAC conducts energy studies to identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste and save energy and provides industrial energy assessments, at no cost, to local small- and medium-size enterprises. Shown are UTRGV College of Engineering and computer science faculty involved in the project, from left, are Dr. Chu-Lin Cheng, civil engineer assistant professor; Dr. Hiram Moya, STIAC associate director and manufacturing and industrial engineering assistant professor; Dr. Alexander Domijan, UTRGV COEC dean and principal investigator; Marianella Franklin, UTRGV Office for Sustainability director; and Dr. Jamie Ramos and Dr. Younggil Park, co-PI and mechanical engineering assistant professors. (Paul Chouy Photo)

LADY PATRIOTS “The whole secret is good chemistry,” Cantu said. “There’s no way that a team can succeed without it.

The older players have done a great job of helping the younger ones and the young ones have done a great job of listening to the older ones.

They all understand that the only way we can be the best team we can be is by playing as a team and everybody doing their part and helping each other.”

The youngest member of the Lady Patriots’ starting five is freshman point guard Veronika Cantu. While she is Coach Cantu’s daughter, it is her ball-handling skills and her unselfish play that have earned her a spot on the varsity squad and not the fact that she shares much more than a love of basketball with her coach.

As for how he is handling having his daughter on the team, Cantu said, “One thing I’ve told her is that during the game I’m her coach and after the game and off the court I’m her Dad. I’ve also told her that I’m going to expect a lot from her because she is the point guard. And the point guard is the player that runs the show and makes sure that the team is operating at the level it should be.

She loves to make passes and get assists and she takes a lot of pride in making her teammates better and that’s what

AUSTIN – The Stephens family is planning their annual holiday feast, but this year, one seat will remain empty. Their daughter Jade was killed when a drunk driver ran a stop sign and T-boned their car, just days before her 10th birthday.

“We miss her every day, but we feel the loss of her presence particularly around the holidays,” said Eric Stephens, Jade’s father. “We miss her joy, wit and infectious laugh. No other family should experience a loss like ours due to drinking and driving. All it takes is planning ahead for a sober ride.”

The Stephens family is sharing Jade’s story through the Texas Department of Transportation’s “Plan While You Can” campaign to communicate what can be devastating consequences of drinking and driving.

The goal is to save lives and decrease alcohol-related crashes, with special emphasis during the holidays when

alcohol consumption is more prevalent.

As a combined result of the “Plan While You Can” campaign and the efforts of many state and local community partners, including law enforcement, Texas experienced a nine percent decrease in alcohol-related traffic fatalities during last year’s holiday season compared to the previous holiday season.

Still, during last year’s holiday season, there were 2,374 alcohol-related crashes in Texas, resulting in 102 fatalities and 205 serious injuries.

“We are saving lives through our education efforts and by sharing compelling stories from families who have lost loved ones,” said James Bass, TxDOT executive director. “However, one life lost is one too many.

Finding a sober ride is easy and it can save you from being arrested or from injuring or killing yourself or others.

from pg 6

it takes to be a good point guard.”

For a freshman to be a starter on a team that earned a Bi-district championship the year before and lost only two starters due to graduation is an accomplishment that Veronika herself is not taking lightly.

“It means a lot to be on the varsity,” the 5-foot-2inch 95 pound freshman said.

“It tells me that coming up from junior high, I’ve proven myself. But I couldn’t have done it without the help of my teammates.”

When asked about her willingness to pass the ball to a teammate instead of going in for the shot herself, Veronika said, “A lot of people tell me that I should go in for the shot and while I am a pretty good shooter, I would much rather give it to one of my teammates if they are open.

I am not a selfish player. I like to give my teammates the ball.”

As one of the three seniors on the team, forward Lyndsey Garza is now on her fourth year as a member of the Lady Patriots’ varsity squad. When asked what she sees as the secret to the team’s success so far, Garza said,” We’ve been working a lot together. We’ve been running a lot of plays that don’t just involve one person but everybody. We just have really good chemistry and

we’re working together as a team.”

Sophomore Jackie Howell plays low post for the Lady Patriots and is a second-year member of varsity.

As a member of last year’s Bi-district championship team, Howell has even loftier expectations this year.

“We all have high expectations,” shared Howell.

“We feel like we’re doing really well in our district and if we keep playing the way we have been we should be

able to go farther this year than we did last. We’re off to a good start but we can’t be satisfied with ourselves. We have to keep pushing ourselves to get better because we know that in the playoffs things get harder and teams get tougher.”

The Lady Patriots’ next game will be at home against the Rio Grande City Lady Rattlers Dec. 30. That game is schedule to tip off at 6 p.m.

By making an effort to plan ahead for a sober ride, together, we can continue to save lives.”

The “Plan While You Can” campaign includes a statewide tour featuring an interactive dodgeball game, where participants dodge “snowballs” as virtual drinks are added to the screen. As more drinks are added, the players’ on-screen avatars respond more slowly to players’ movements. Participants experience how drinking can slow their reaction times.

TxDOT encourages everyone to plan for a sober ride before going out. Visit SoberRides.org to find alternatives to drinking and driving, such as calling a taxi or using a transportation app on a smartphone; using mass transit; asking a sober friend or family member for a ride home; or spending the night where the drinking is taking place.

Deadline nears for Master Naturalist classes

SAN BENITO – Seats are still available for Texas Master Naturalist classes beginning Jan. 11, 2017. Deadline to apply is Dec. 31 The cost is $150 and includes text book, fees and one-year membership. Full scholarships are available. All Valley residents over the age of 18 including Winter Texans are welcome.

Students attend weekly Wednesday evening classes in San Benito from 6 to 9 p.m. through April 11, 2017, in

the Cameron County Annex Building conference room at Williams Road & Hwy. 83/77.

Classes are taught by local university professors, field experts from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Visit rgvctmn.org for scholarship and membership information, application forms and more. To speak to a Texas Master Naturalist, call 956-748-3190 or e-mail rgvctmntreasurer@gmail. com.

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December 23, 2016

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Christmas Greetings from our family to yours

Sporting Our Best Wishes

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Wherever your holiday season plays out, we hope it’s a ball!

Luke 2:14

May His light shine down on you at Christmas and always.

Thanks for helping us achieve our goals in 2016. It’s great to have friends like you on our team, and we appreciate your support!

We feel blessed to enjoy the companionship of good friends and neighbors like all of you, Thank you.

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O Night Divine May the warm light of our Savior’s love illuminate your path at the holidays and all year.

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page 12

December 23, 2016

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Palmhurst offers traffic violators and persons with failure to appear warrants amnesty

By Joe Hinton Following the Aug. 2014 police shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., the U.S. Justice Department issued a 100-page report following its investigation of events leading up to the shooting. The investigation detailed how the city created animosity with residents by using its police force and municipal courts as a revenue generator with judges jailing indigent residents until they paid their fines in full. The Justice Department determined the animosity between residents and local law enforcement may have contributed to conflict between Brown and police leading up to the shooting.

Palmhurst Municipal Court Judge Horacio Peña said it was his goal to avoid a similar situation when he decided to offer amnesty to individuals with outstanding fines and arrest warrants.

Currently in Palmhurst – a town of approximately 2,800 residents – there are 6,523 outstanding arrest warrants with outstanding fines

totaling $1.408 million, said Richard Garcia, municipal court administrator. Garcia said all but a small fraction of the citations stem from traffic violations.

Throughout December persons with Class C misdemeanors or arrest warrants stemming from their failure to address their citations can request amnesty with the Palmhurst Municipal court where they will be offered several options to address their charges without facing jail time, Peña said.

Class C misdemeanors in Texas are typically traffic citations, simple assaults or petty thefts of less than $50 and are punishable by a fine of up to $500. There is no jail time for a class C misdemeanor except in cases where defendants fail to pay or make arrangements to pay.

With amnesty Judge Peña said he is trying to avoid sending police to arrest persons whose citations are delinquent or adding to the ranks of those with arrest warrants because they cannot afford to pay their fines in part or in full.

“So we’re giving people

an opportunity to come in and tell us, ‘You know I’m not working can I just discharge this with community service?’” said Pena, adding persons who are working but cannot afford to pay in full can make installment payments.

“In essence what we’re saying is come in, don’t be afraid. Let’s help you out. If you were driving without a license when you were cited but you have one now we can dismiss it with a $20 administrative fee,” he said. “All we want you to do is be able to get your driver’s license.

We don’t want to make it difficult by adding a $300 to $400 fine. And if you had a warrant for failure to appear we’ll probably dismiss that, too.”

Garcia said persons can make payment arrangements on line or can come to the Palmhurst Municipal Court between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 4417 N. Shary Rd. The office is closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m.

The deadline for seeking amnesty is Dec. 30, 2016, Garcia said.

Agua SUD drastically lowers water service fee

By Jose De Leon III

The Agua Special Utility District will start off the new year with a dramatically reduced service fee for new customers and a newly appointed executive director.

During their latest meeting Wednesday, the Agua SUD board voted to reduce the cost of their impact fee from $1,727 to $150. The Impact Fee is among the fees charged to connect property to an Agua SUD meter so res-

idents 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 to establish water service on new properties. These include a $50 deposit, $20 for an inspection, $475 for a water meter and $1,900 for water rights totaling $4,172. With the reduced impact fee, that total now stands at $2,595.

Newly appointed Executive Director Oscar Cancino

said the reduced fees would make it easier for residents to move into the area.

“We have a total of 15,000 connections in eastern Hidalgo County but since 2012 we’ve only had a stagnant growth rate of one and a-half percent per year,” Cancino said after the meeting. “With this new fee, we can spur new movement into the area.”

The Agua SUD board also voted to appoint Cancino as their executive director. Cancino was initially appointed as Agua SUD’s interim executive director in October following the sudden resignation of the previous executive director, Julio Cerda during a special board meeting held in September. During that meeting, Cerda presented his twoweeks notice to the board but the board voted to immediately render his resignation.

The motion appoint Cancino to head the utility was brought forward by Board President Rogelio Hernandez III who praised Cancino’s role as interim director.

“Since he first came in he’s been implementing new ideas and working well with all our projects,” Hernandez said during the meeting. “If we had decided to go with a different executive director, it would’ve felt hard to change after getting used to Cancino.”

After the meeting, Cancino said he was surprised by the board’s appointment.

“I’m a little speechless,” Cancino said. “My main concern when I was first brought to the board was just to help with the transition. I’m very thankful the board has brought me onto this new capacity.”

Lions Club Invitation The Mission Lions Club invites Winter Texan and other Lions Club members to join them at their new meeting location. The club meets at noon on Wednesdays at Ranch House Burgers, located at 409 N. Bryan Rd. in Mission. Guests are also welcome to visit the club to learn more about the Lions Club organization.

H-E-B issues recall on raw shelled pistachios A routine product sampling by the U.S. Food and Drug administration has led to the recall of pistachios sold by H-E-B supermarket.

According to an H-E-B news release issued Thursday the grocery store chain is recalling both bulk and packaged raw shelled pistachios.

The products are being removed due to a possible Salmonella contamination, the release stated. Per the release Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people,

and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis, the release said.

There have been no reports of illness as of press time and all products have been removed from stores,

per the release.

The recall affects products found in prepackaged plastic containers containing raw pistachios with either labels reading Shelled Pistachios or Central Market Shelled Pistachios as well as pistachios found in the bulk section with SunRidge Farms labels reading: Women’s Vitality Mix, Pistachio Nuts and Dark Chocolate Pistachios.

The recall affects products sold in H-E-B and Central Market Texas stores including the following:

PRODUCT UPC BEST BY DATE Shelled Pistachios 191200005 1/1/2017 Central Market Shelled Pistachios 198300006 1/1/2017 PRODUCT UPC PURCHASED ON OR AFTER SRF Women’s Vitality Mix 2706100000 5/15/2016 Pistachio Meats Raw Shelled 2702890000 5/15/2016 Dark Chocolate Pistachios 2705350000 5/15/2016 PPK SRF Women’s Vitality Mix 2869780000 5/15/2016 Customers who purchased the affected products can return them to the store

for a full refund. Customers with any questions or concerns may contact H-E-B

Customer Service at 1-855432-4438, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Leonardo Garza, 7, a second grader at Pearson Elementary School and his brother, Enede Garza, 13, who attends K. White Middle School, were among several hundred children who spoke with Santa at Mission’s Speer Memorial Library on Thursday, Dec. 15. Progress Times photo by Joe Hinton

80th Annual

Texas Citrus Fiesta Mission, Texas

“Cheers to 80 Years”

www.texascitrusfiesta.com • 956.585.9724

Bryceidee Leos 80th Queen Citrianna

Photo Courtesy: Rio Portrait & Design Stuido

January 14th - 28th, 2017

December 23, 2016

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page 13

Peace Be With You May the gifts of peace, love and joy light your way to fulfillment this Christmas.

Jim Brunson & Staff:

Dee Rendon, Maribel Perez, Joe Hinton, Jose De Leon III, Luciano Gurerra, Maria Smith, Carlos Ivan Reyna, Francisco Rodriguez & Adriana Gutierrez.

We are especially grateful for the friendship and support of our customers and Progress Times readers.

Merry Christmas!

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December 23, 2016

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A Christmas wish designed especially for our friends & neighbors…

Thank you for brightening our year with your visits; your faith in us is a gift we value beyond measure.

We hope your holiday is beautiful in every way; filled with friendship, love and the people you treasure.

We look forward to seeing and serving you next year!

Jose A. “Fito” Salinas Mary Salinas Mayor Mayor Pro-Tem Victorio Salinas Maria E. “Geny” Salinas Commissioner Commissioner Anna Lisa Ruiz Commissioner

Mike Alaniz City Administrator

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

1201 E. 8th St. (956) 580-8650 www.missiontexas.us

Julianita Sabala Administrative Secretary Roberto Jackson City Attorney

Happy Holidays!

MERRY CHRISTMAS www.cityofpenitas.com

Gerardo Perez Joselito Hernandez Ricardo Villarreal Mayor Pro-Tem Councilman Mayor

Joel Garcia Councilman

Linda Sarabia Councilwoman

Javier Ramirez Councilman

Ramon Segovia - City Manager David Nacianceno -Assistant City Manager

City of Alton

“The City on the Grow” Salvador Vela Mayor

509 S. Alton Blvd. • Alton, TX 78573 • www.alton-tx.gov • (956) 432-0760

Ricardo Garza COMMISSIONER

Arturo R. Galvan Jr. MAYOR PRO-TEM

Emilio Cantu Jr. Richard Arevalo COMMISSIONER

COMMISSIONER

facebook.com/ cityofpenitas MAYOR PRO-TEM

JR FLORES

COMMISSIONER

ARMIN GARZA

MAYOR

RIGO LOPEZ

COMMISSIONER

RAMIRO LOYA

COMMISSIONER

ALEX GUAJARDO

December 23, 2016

Earning a chair Nine members of Veterans Memorial High School placed with the Region 15 Texas Music Educators Association All-Region Band, competing against approximately 700 students.

Earning a spot are, left to right in front, Alexandra Galvez, flute; Kelly Lam, clarinet; and Bethany Duke, clarinet. In the middle row are Damian Gonzalez, euphonium, Jose Ramirez, alto saxophone; Fabian Gutierrez, bass clarinet; and Rodrigo Barrera-Torres, horn. In back are Paul McCoy, tenor saxophone, and Matthew Garcia-Perez, flute. Gutierrez and Gonzalez also advanced to the Pre-Area level auditions where Gutierrez advanced to the Area level auditions to take place at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in January. He will then compete for the TMEA All-State Band.

obituaries

Francisco Flores ALTON – Francisco Flores, 69, passed away on Monday, Dec. 19, 2016, at his home in Alton.

Mr. Flores was born in Brownsville and worked for Mission C.I.S.D. for 21 years as a bus driver and for 10 years for the City of McAllen.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Eulalia C. Flores; children, Celia Flores, Ramon Flores, Eva Guerra and Denise Mercado, and five grandchildren.

A funeral service was held on Dec. 21 at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Alton. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission.

Miguel Hernandez Sr. MISSION – Miguel Hernandez Sr., 60, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Hernandez was employed as a bus driver for the La Joya Independent School

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District for almost 30 years.

Survivors include his wife, Hilaria Hernandez; children, Luis I. Hernandez, Roberto Loredo, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Miguel Hernandez Jr., Brenda Lee Hernandez; siblings, Indalencia Valdez, Manuela Bautista, Antonio Hernandez, Agapita Serna, Maria Perez and Angelica Prieto; and 22 grandchildren and one great-grandson.

A funeral service was held on Dec. 17 at Funeraria Del Angel in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Antonio Longoria MISSION/AUSTIN – Antonio “Tony” Alfonso Longoria, 60, of Mission, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, at Seton Medical Center in Austin from complications following a stroke.

Mr. Longoria was born on July 10, 1956, in McAllen to Antonio and Celeste Longoria, and was raised in

Mission. He attended Notre Dame College where he received his bachelor’s in business administration and then earned his master’s in business administration from Southern Methodist University. He moved to California for a lifelong career in the automotive industry. In 2014, he moved to Austin.

He was a digital marketing consultant for YP Marketing Solutions.

Survivors include his wife, Diane Longoria; daughters, Erika Longoria of New York City, N.Y. and Rachel Longoria of Austin; father, A. E. “Tony” Longoria of Mission; and sister, Laura Aissa Longoria of Austin.

A memorial service was held on Dec. 17 at El Mesias United Methodist Church in Mission. Interment of ashes followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission.

Antonio Olivarez PALMVIEW – Antonio L. Olivarez, 88, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg.

Survivors include his children, Antonio Olivarez

Tooting their horn Three students from the Alton Memorial High School (AMJH) band program earned spots in the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-Region Band. This is the highest level of achievement for middle school students with the TMEA. The auditions were held over two days for the middle school students in the area. The AMJH students placing in one of the three TMEA All-Region Bands are, left to right, Samuel Garcia, trombone; Britney Cruz, French horn; and Daniel Martinez, clarinet.

II, Sylvia Roberts, Lionel Olivarez, Leopoldo Olivarez, Livia De Hoyos, Procoro Olivarez, Armando Olivarez and Alejandro Olivarez; and 19 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Berta P. Olivarez; parents, Procoro and Placida Olivarez; and brother, Leonel Olivarez.

A funeral service was held on Dec. 21 at Funeraria Del Angel. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Asencion Tijerina ABRAM – Asencion T. “Chonita” Tijerina, 84, passed away on Friday, Dec. 16, 2016, at Solara Hospital in McAllen.

Mrs. Tijerina was born in Rancho Anzalduas, Tamps., Mexico on Sept. 16, 1932, to Desiderio Tijerina and Claudina Villarreal. She was a lifelong resident of Abram.

Survivors include her husband, Porfirio Tijerina Sr.; children, Esmeralda Langbein, Narciso Tijerina, Diana Pittman, Argelia Tijerina, Porfirio Tijerina Jr. and Elizandro Tijerina; siblings,

Ludivina Cruz, Onodelia Perez, Gloria Tijerina, Manuel Tijerina, Elizandro Tijerina, and Desiderio Tijerina Jr.; and eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A funeral mass was held Dec. 19 at St. Mary’s Magdalene Catholic Church in Abram.

Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery in Abram.

Notices Antonia Acosta MISSION – Antonia Acosta, 62, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, at McAllen Medical Center.

Leopoldo Aguilar MISSION – Leopoldo Aguilar, 61, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Francisco Avila MISSION – Francisco Nieves Avila, 50, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016, at St. Joseph Hospital in Houston.

Ana Bolich MISSION – Ana C. Bolich, 90, passed away on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, at

Alexis Aranda Alexis Aranda with the Mission High School (MHS) Law Enforcement and Fire Science program is headed to the state Texas High School Public Service competition at Bel Air High School in El Paso in April. Aranda won first place in the Bunker Gear category and second in Fire Search and Rescue at the regional competition held at Sharyland Pioneer High School on Dec. 9 and 10.

McAllen Medical Center.

Helen Curtis MISSION – Helen R. Curtis, 91, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Jean Damours Mission - Jean Claude Damours , 76, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, at his home in Mission.

Jose Gomez MISSION – Jose Silva Gomez, 75, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Rudy Morales MISSION – Rudy Morales, 70, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, at M.D. Anderson Medical Center in Houston.

Aurora Rivera MISSION – Aurora Rivera, 63, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, at Comfort House in McAllen.

Scipio Wade MISSION – Scipio James Wade, 72, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, at his home in Mission.

page 16

CANAL LEAK further deterioration of the culvert. Garza said the engineer found prior repairs to the culvert all of which must have been conducted by the county because there are no city records of repairs to it.

The engineer suggested possible solutions could include diverting the canal so a liner could be installed over the culvert. But McDaniel said crews were able to compact soil where erosion had created voids between the culvert and the earthen berm that contains the canal and add some additional soil on top of the culvert which stopped the water flow into it. McDaniel described the work as routine maintenance that fell within the district’s existing maintenance budget.

“I’m not saying we might not revisit it in the future sometime but for now it’s fixed,” McDaniel said.

Though a resolution signed in July 1987 between

December 23, 2016

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com from pg 1 the City of Mission and the irrigation district indicates Hidalgo County is responsible for any repairs within the canal, Garza said the county sent a letter Nov. 17 to the city indicating the county would be billing the city for any repairs.

Informed the county contends repairs have been made at no additional cost Garza said he will continue to discuss with county officials a long term solution to the problem and how the costs would be delineated.

“It’s in the hands of the [irrigation] district because it’s their water and it’s their right of way,” Garza said.

“We’re willing to participate but not giving up our stance that it’s their responsibility and that they need to be a part of the participation as well.”

Property loss doesn’t dull the Christmas spirit for Winter Texans

By Henry Miller MISSION - Joann Manley looked at the scene from the levee and saw her home RV park below, devastated.

Damage to her unit was minimal compared to many who lived in the Chimney Park RV Resort.

“We were lucky,” said Manley, an Illinois resident who lives at the park, which is home to many so-called Winter Texans. It sits along the Rio Grande River on the U.S./Mexico border on Mission’s south side. Manley was referring to what experts have called a straightline windstorm on May 31 of this year that turned over and destroyed many RVs, mobile homes, awnings and other structures in the park of about 300 residents. Several residents believe it was more than a windstorm, that a tornado struck their park. And they cite twisted palm trees, completely untouched areas of destruction – and having experienced one or more twisters during their lives – as proof.

In any case, the damage was widespread throughout the park. Many families traveled south from their permanent homes within days to check the damage.

BONUS said, noting the district last paid a holiday bonus in 2012 in a similar amount.

“When we gave out that first bonus, it was to avoid having a revolving door of teachers leaving the district.

Since 2012 we’ve succeeded in giving out yearly raises and motivating our staff and we’d like to continue that to ensure everyone has a secure Christmas so they return to us happy in the next school year,” Salinas said.

Salinas said supplemental pay is subject to the federal income tax and estimated employees would receive approximately $450 after the tax.

Newly appointed board

Some stayed as long as they could to help cleanup. Others did what they could before having to return north. Some still haven’t seen the damage first-hand said the parks co-managers, Lloyd and Wendi Burns, who point out all that’s left of the damage today is a pile of aluminum comprised of the last pieces of debris collected; that and a stick the wind rammed through the roof of a small shed behind the main office.

Linda Olson and her husband, Gary, lost everything – their trailer, the attached Texas room and carport; their awning can still be seen at times in the river on the Mexico side. They arrived two weeks after the storm.

“It was horrific,” said Olson, the activities director. “The pictures were bad but when we got here it was worse.”

Chimney Park, like many RV resorts in South Texas, are filled with groups of active Winter Texans – people who volunteer and look for opportunities to help one another. Each year Chimney Park residents adopt seven families to whom they give clothes, blankets, supplies, toys, a complete Christmas dinner and other food staples at Christmas time. During from pg 1

member Alex Cantu pushed this bonus as part of his platform during November’s school board election. Cantu agreed the bonus would be a good way to help district employees.

“It’s very difficult to do your job when you don’t have the necessary resources to fulfill them,” Cantu said. “We want to retain as many teachers as we can so we want to give them incentives for the good things they bring to the job. If you have employees who are not happy with their job, that negative attitude transfers onto our children so we want to see that everyone is good to go.”

that time they also have a food drive for those in need, bring toys to the Mission Police Department’s annual toy drive and help the, “In His Hands,” ministry.

Manley and other residents were concerned the clean up efforts would require them to cut back on their giving. That, however, wasn’t the case. In fact, she said, it wasn’t even close to being an issue.

“This is a generous park,” said Paul Johnston, a park resident, adding that being able to continue with all the charitable events sent a message that “everything was back to normal.”

Johnston wrote a short note to send to the media across South Texas regarding the park’s restoration and donations.

“Twenty eight children received shoes, a clothing outfit, and a toy. Parents also received a gift as well as family game, soccer ball, blanket, and can of popcorn. They also received a total Christmas meal and a month’s supply of staples,” the release stated. “ Christmas 2016 is especially meaningful to Chimney RV Park residents who survived the damaging wind storm in May. They are grateful that no one was seriously injured and for all the help in restor-

Progress Times Like Us on Facebook scan this code with your smartphone

ing the park.”

“We didn’t miss a step,” Olson said. “But that’s these people. I’ve been around a lot of people in my life and these are the most generous group. It’s amazing.”

Olson coordinates Chimney Park’s, “In His Hands,” ministry. She said they filled two large tote bags with little cars, trucks, basketballs and soccer balls for the boys and dolls and accessories for the girls who would receive them as Christmas gifts.

“We continued to support these ministries and it’s a tradition we have,” she said.

“We are a busy group of people.”

Lloyd and Wendi Burns said they weren’t surprised by the resilience and generosity of the park residents.

The co-managers of Chimney Park were in Texarkana, Texas on their way to St. Louis to see their granddaughter when they were contacted about the storm.

“It was probably worse than what I thought it would be when I first saw it,” Lloyd Burns said. “The people here had been through the flood (in 2010) now they were going to get through the tornado. They were devastated, of course, but everyone got back up and running.”

Residents said help from the City of Mission, state police, Border Patrol and others made the cleanup easier and quicker. They said neither a tornado nor windstorm was going to slow them down when it came to helping others.

“We never do slow down – it doesn’t surprise me with this group of people,” Lloyd Burns said. “These people are family – their ‘other family,’ said Wendi Burns, referring to the camaraderie among park residents. “This is their home. They’ll spend Spring Break helping out the children at, ‘In His Hands,’ and do so much more for the community. That tornado wasn’t going to stop them.”

theclassifieds December 23 , 2016

page 17

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1 Week = $7.00 2 Weeks = $10.00 4 Weeks = $14.00

buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

this page is your oyster opening up to a world of opportunity

For Rent

ORDINANCE NO. 4441 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO PLACE A 12’ X 25’ PORTABLE BUILDING FOR OFFICE USE, 1501 INDUSTRIAL WAY, LOT 3, MISSION BUSINESS PARK SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 19TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2016.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4439 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION,TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING OF THE EASTERN 5 ACRES OF LOT 4, MRS. E.V. FLORES SUBDIVISION OUT OF PORCION 52, FROM AO-I TO C-3 READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 19TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2016.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

EFFICIENCY APARTMENT FOR rent, all bills paid including A/C & cable, downtown Mission, call 956–519-9449.

For Sale LARGE HALL COMPLETE working PA system, McAllen area, most of the equipment is new or near new, never on the road, asking $10,000. Call Dean 830–832–9893.

FOR SALE THREE electric mobility chairs all in excellent condition, need to sell, call 913–6244327.

LAUREL HILL CEMETERY Plots, Mission Texas, 2 Plots, Block #33, $1500 each - front section - 2 Plots, Block #43, $2000 each - front rows, call or text 956–

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received from all interested bidder at the Office of Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 6, 3735 N. FM 492, Mission, Texas 78573, for the acquisition of: (1) John Deere 5100 2WD 16X16 PWR/QD (Boom Mower) Deadline to submit bids are Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. at which time bids will be opened and read out loud. All bids may be dropped off at the same address above from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on regular business days, Monday thru Friday.

Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 6 reserves the right to accept and/or reject any or all bids, and waive any formalities.

Joe Aguilar General Manager, HCID#6

NOTICE

The City of Sullivan City, Texas is accepting Statement of Qualifications and a fee schedule for Auditing Services for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016. The deadline is January 31, 2017, at 4:00 p.m.

Proposals may be hand delivered to City Hall at 500 Cenizo Dr. or mailed to City Manager, P.O. Box 249, Sullivan City, TX 78595. Please include six copies of your proposal.

The City of Sullivan City reserves the right to postpone, accept, or reject any or all proposals.

Inquires may be made to the City Manager at 956.485.2828.

ORDINANCE NO. 4438 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION,TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING OF A 0.348 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF MEADOW CREEK COUNTRY CLUB PHASE I-A SUBDIVISION, FROM PUD (AO-P) TO PUD (R-1T) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 19TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2016.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

Send us your classified today!

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.

Classified Rate:

703–3010.

BEAUTIFUL ENT E R TA I N M E N T CENTER— Excellent condition. Must sell. $50, OBO. Call 956-585–4893.

Help Wanted LIFE CHOICES UNLIMITED, Inc., now hiring Direct Care Staff, Registered Nurse (PT), Coordinator Client Services/Supervisor.

Fax resume to 956316–0064 or apply at 608 S. Jackson Rd. Edinburg, info@ lifechoicesunlimited. net.

FULL TIME PARK Maintenance person, positions available at several established Valley resorts. All hours paid, minor plumbing repairs, some digging, painting, landscaping and pool maintenance.

Experience preferred, please call 956–226-9479.

LOOKING FOR AN experienced screen printer, full time/part time, apply at MCM Sporting Goods, 1302 N. ConwayMission, TX, call 956–581-1632, fax 956–581-1685, or email mcmsports@ yahoo.com.

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 electric and pay for extra hours.

NEED LICENSED HAIR dresser FT or PT, please call 956585–1287 for more information.

2008 EASY GO electric golf cart, $1,299, call 956– 580-3370.

Like Us on Facebook scan this code with your smartphone

FOR APPLIANCE REPAIR and Handyman- call Don at 956–584–7817.

SUPPLIER PRICING ON ALL 2017s ALL 2016’S MUST GO! 25%

OF MSRP

CASH BACK

OR

0% 72

ON SELECT VEHICLES

APR FOR

6,000 OFF MSRP

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2016 SILVERADO CREWCAB LT TEXAS EDITION

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2017 SPARK LS $

17,995

12,995

2017 SONIC LS $

2016 MALIBU L

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18,750

$

19,995

2017 EQUINOX LS $

BERT OGDEN CHEVROLET MISSION

EXIT EXP 83 AT BRYAN

1400 E. EXP. 83 AT BRYAN RD. MISSION WWW.BERTOGDENTEXAS.COM

83

1-866-353-7483 FOR OVER THE 956-616-4090 ORPHONE PRIVATE CREDIT APPLICATION

EXIT TRENTON ROAD AT 281

Josh Moreno

Cipi Saenz General Manager

Carlos Fonseca Sales Manager

Julio Gonzalez Sales Manager

Jan Rose Special Finance Manager

2016 Malibu L Stk# A339960 MSRP $22500, BO Disc $3750, Sale Price $18750. 2017 Spark LS Stk# A35378 MSRP $15400, 20% Off $3080, BO Disc $1325, Sale Price $10995. 2017 Equinox LS Stk# A35085 MSRP $26540, Supplier $25452, Rebate $3750, BO Disc $1707, Sale Price $19995.

2017 Trax LS Stk# A35843 MSRP $21895, Supplier $21255, Rebate $2750, BO Disc $510, Sale Price $17995. 2017 Sonic LS Stk# A35517 MSRP $17270, 20% Off $3454, BO Disc $821, Sale Price $12995. 2016 Colorado Stk# A35769 MSRP $36870, 10% Off $3687, BO Disc $2313, Sale Price $30870. 2016 Silverado Crew Cab Stock# A33749 MSRP $53555, + Offroad Package $66550, 20% Off List Price $10711, BO Disc $4995, Sale Price $50,844 ($15,000 Off List). All prices plus TTL,VI Tax & $150 doc fee WAC. Stk #’s subject to presale. Artwork for illustration purposes only. Not all customers will qualify. Offers expire December 31, 2016.

PRE-OWNED SALE!! Luxury Center

Finance Director

LOW MILE PRE-OWNED

EDDIE VARGAS

Used Car Manager

GEORGE LOPEZ

Used Car Director

13 MERCEDES BENZ SLK

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GX164280

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AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS, AMENDING THE MISSION CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 6 - ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, ARTICLE I, SECTION 6-3 HOURS OF SALE, BY ALLOWING EXTENDED HOURS. READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 19TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2016.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

Or Scan This Code With Your Smartphone

Submit online: www.ptrgv.com Bring it in: 1217 N Conway Mission

Fax it in: 585-2304

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF MISSION 1300 EAST 8TH STREET MISSION, TEXAS 78572

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public notice is given that the Housing Authority of the City of Mission, Texas will suspend taking Housing Assistance Applications for the Leased Housing (Section 8) Program and Public Housing (Low Rent) Program. The waiting list will be CLOSED effective 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11th, 2017; with the EXCEPTION for BOTH Leased Housing (Section 8) Program and Public Housing (Low Rent) Program Local Disaster Victims as proclaimed by the City of Mission, Texas; and Public Housing (Low Rent) Program for the elderly and certified handicap head of household applicants. The waiting list will remain closed until further notice. The closing of the waiting list was a decision by unanimous vote of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority at it’s November 16th, 2016 Regular Board Meeting.

NOTICIA PUBLICA Estamos notificando publicamente que el Housing Authority de la ciudad de Mission, Texas dejara de aceptar solicitudes para asistencia de viviendas bajo los programas Seccion 8 y Viviendas Publicas. Esta suspension se efectuara el dia Jueves, 11 de Enero, 2017 a las 5:00 p.m.; con la EXCEPCION del los dos programas Seccion 8 y Viviendas Publicas Victimas de Desastre Local proclamado por la Ciudad de Mission, Texas; y Viviendas Publicas seguira aceptando solicitudes para personas de la tercera edad y discapacitadas certificadas (encabezado de la familia). La lista de espera continuara cerrada hasta nuevo aviso. Esta decision fue tomada por unanimidad por los miembros de la Mesa Directiva de Comisionados del Housing Authority en una junta regular que se llevo acabo el dia 16 de Noviembre, 2016.

Joel A. Gonzalez, Executive Director/Director Ejecutivo

$12,744 14 FORD FUSION SE C342581

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$16,995 $26,500 $27,995 $28,500 $28,588 16 GMC CANYON C357161

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*These prices do not include TT&L **With credit approval

14 CADILLAC XTS

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AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A DRIVE-THRU SERVICE WINDOWXQUINKLES SNACKLAND #2, 3009 N. INSPIRATION ROAD, LOT C1, TAURUS ESTATES #3 SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 19TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2016.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

Merry Christmas & Happy New

MASSAGE AND BODYCARE by Nicole, starting at $15, call 956–6242126

Mobile Homes

$52,800

G10821, 7K

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December 23, 2016

Womens'