January 6, 2017 - PT ISSUE

Friday, January 6, 2017

www.ptrgv.com | 25 Cents

Vol. 45 No. 22

‘Riverside Dreamer’

By Joe Hinton It was Black Friday 2016 around noon on a perfect day for 32 souls including owner and captain Johnny Hart and his wife and business partner, Jennifer, to cruise the Rio Grande River aboard the 55-foot long Riverside Dreamer. Under the power of twin 135-horsepower Honda outboard motors the boat, 12 feet wide and with a seating capacity of 49, headed east from its dock in the 200 block of Chimney Shades Road on a one hour tour of a small fraction of the 1,896-mile-long river south of Mission.

Some on board came from as far away as Canada and Los Angeles providing a first timer’s perspective on the view of two nations from the river’s confines.

Others were native Texans who provided a nostalgic reminiscence of past area experiences.

The first part of the boat’s route consists of about a 15 minute cruise east from the boat’s dock to the Anzalduas Dam where a passenger’s view east over the dam is

of a more natural river, the way it appeared before it was damned in 1960 to provide irrigation and flood control for both sides of the border. Above the dam the view along the riverbanks is a different story with water as deep as 50 feet in places, said Hart.

If there was one impression some first timers and old timers shared it was that the U.S. side of the river – at least within the confines of the one hour river tour – appeared more the undeveloped side than did Mexico’s side.

Passengers cooed at the sight of what appear to be million-dollar homes along the Mexican riverbank as well as parks and private campground developments.

On the U.S. side there was mostly undeveloped land, an RV park, a few modest homes and the Riverside Restaurant also owned by the Harts.

“Guess they don’t have to worry about people passing through their back yards to get into the country,”

sparks discussion, nostalgia among passengers

A Texas Department of Public Safety gunboat was one of the sights sparking conversation among patrons aboard the Riverside Dreamer on the Rio Grande River south of Mission on Black Friday.

Progress Times photo by Joe Hinton

See RIVERSIDE pg. 16

A look back at Mission’s top 10 stories of 2016

By Joe Hinton Granted, any list of the top 10 news stories in Mission is subjective and open to argument but being relatively new to the RGV and having perused every Progress Times issue in the past year the author offers the following as the top stories of 2016. #10 Center for Education and Entrepreneurship Development (CEED) opens After two years of planning and renovations the

Center for Education and Entrepreneurship opened its doors last August.

Once a K-Mart store, the converted 55,000-square foot complex is a collaboration of the city, its Economic Development Corporation and private investors. Located at 801 Bryan Road, the center officially opened its doors in October after a soft opening in August.

It’s intended to function as a work force development center and a resource for lo-

cal entrepreneurs to network, obtain high tech training and help their businesses grow. It houses a computer lab with 50 computers, five conference rooms, 23 office lease spaces, a sound and video production room, and an area set aside for a small manufacturing facility. Among the entities housed in the CEED building are Sylvan Learning, Schreiner University, Teach for America and various startups that have come out of the Mission EDC

Ruby Red Ventures Program. #9 Work on Expressway 83 overpass continues Work on the U.S. 83 Overpass at Inspiration Road continued to constrict and disrupt traffic in the area.

The demolition of the old bridge at Inspiration Road closed traffic on Business 83 during work hours. But roadwork was completed on the eastbound portion of the project from Business 83 to Los Ebanos Road.

Mission’s Peter Piper Pizza holds re-grand opening

By Jose De Leon III Veterans Memorial High School Junior Damien Gomez tries to go to Mission’s Peter Piper Pizza whenever he can.

Most summer days when school is out the 17-year-old can be found in the restaurant on the corner of Conway Avenue and Mile 2 Road.

However, his routine of dining there with friends was interrupted during the holidays when the chain restaurant was closed for nearly three weeks.

“We tried other restaurants but it wasn’t the same,” Gomez said. “This location is convenient because it’s close to our school and

where we live. The day we found out it re-opened we came straight here.”

Gomez and his friends were one of the dozens of customers attending Peter Piper Pizza’s re-grand opening Tuesday where a new look for the location was unveiled. Customers included public officials such as Mission Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas.

Changes included a digital menu displayed on large screen monitors, more televisions and a brightly lit game room. The restaurant also put up a plexiglass divider to sound proof the game room from the dining area. And

See PETER PIPER pg. 4

Mission Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas rides the carousel during the re-grand opening of Mission’s Peter Piper Pizza Jan. 3. Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III

H-E-B store. #7 Mission moves forward on Madero Bridge The city council approved a joint resolution with the cities of McAllen and Hidalgo to take the first step in the long journey to construct the international bridge at Madero. The resolution authorized the Anzalduas Bridge Board to hire an engineering firm to perform the studies necessary for development of the bridge. Upon comple-

See TOP 10 pg. 5

Deadline for entering Texas Citrus Fiesta parade looming

By Joe Hinton With a week left to file applications to participate in the 80th Annual Texas Citrus Festival parade the festival’s director said the organization has received only about a third of the number of entrants as participated last year.

Texas Citrus Fiesta Director Bibi Peña is urging entrants to file their applications as soon as possible to avoid a mad rush of entrants before the Jan. 13 filing deadline. Peña said last year about 200 entrants participated including a record 75 floats. Peña said she and her

staff have been working 12 to 16 hour shifts nearly seven days a week preparing for the festival events that begin next weekend with the Product Costume Style Show and shoe box float competition for children.

In this year’s parade themed, “Cheers to 80 Years,” there are nine non-competitive categories and a dozen competitive categories. Competitive entrants are eligible for up to a $1,000 prize for first place.

All types of floats are eligible to enter the non-competitive categories that also include vehicles, bicycles,

See DEADLINE pg. 5

INSIDE

LADY LOBOS WIN With a win over the Juarez-Lincoln Lady Huskies Palmview Lady Lobos basketball team head coach, Anisa Reyes, is aiming to build off backto-back winning seasons the past two years.

See page 8

INDEX

#8 Mission City Council approves funding for new event center In May the city council approved a resolution to authorize $25 million for the city’s new event center.

The council also approved the acquisition of about 10 acres of land from the John H. Shary subdivision for the center’s location. The new facility is to be located on a 10-acre site just east of Shary Road and north of Victoria Avenue, behind the present

Entertainment | pg. 2

Lifestyle | pg. 3

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL BATTLES

The public will have the opportunity name the “People’s Choice Award” by voting on their favorite watercolor painting at the Hidalgo Water Color Society’s annual exhibit Jan. 14 .

District 30-6A boys basketball is back and the race for a top four finish is underway as the seven teams that make up the district are competing for a postseason berth.

See page 2

Opinion | pg.4

Sports | pg. 8

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Dedicated to the care of those we serve.

See page 9

Obituaries | pg. 11

Classifieds | pg. 13

Direct Cremation

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Immediate Need

entertainment

Annual HWS watercolor exhibit opens Jan. 14 The Hidalgo Watercolor Society will open its annual exhibition with a reception on Saturday, Jan. 14, from 7 to 9 p.m at the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th St. in Mission. All works in the exhibit will be original watercolor paintings created by the Society’s members.

Watercolor is a painting method in which the paints are made of pigments suspended in a water-based solution. Watercolor refers to both the medium and the resulting artwork. Traditionally, watercolors are painted on paper. The paper is often made entirely or partially of cotton, which gives a good texture and minimizes distortion when wet. Watercolors are usually translucent, and appear luminous because the pigments are laid down in a pure form with few fillers obscuring the pigment colors.

The public will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite painting. The work chosen will receive the “People’s Choice Award” and will

become the image used to promote next year’s exhibition, just as this year’s show poster features last year’s People’s Choice winner “Red Tail Hawk,” by Dennis Grover.

Members paint together in the Artlink building on Fridays. In conjunction with the January exhibition, HWS sponsors a week-long watercolor workshop, taught by a visiting artist.

The exhibition runs through Feb. 8, and is free and open to the public. The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m.

HWS operates under the auspices of the Upper Valley Art League which is a membership-based nonprofit arts organization dedicated to teaching, preserving and inspiring the arts in the RGV. For additional information about UVAL, its classes, events and exhibitions, visit the website at uppervalleyartleague.org or call 956-5832787.

“Red Tail Hawk” by Dennis Grover

UVAL sign up underway, art classes offered

The Upper Valley Art League has organized a range of art classes in the coming weeks designed to put artists on a firm foundation for artistic growth. The classes are for members only, and to take advantage of the special

rate for each class, the time is right to join since membership runs on the calendar year from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.

Membership is $30 per individual, $12.50 for students and $50 for families.

Register at the UVAL front

Before winter cold sets in, and after the summer vacation traffic is slowing down along the main drag of Highway 76 in Branson, Mo., scores of musical performers start packing their bags to tour the country.

Many head south to entertain Rio Grande Valley audiences, who have long been the beneficiary of the winter touring circuit that brings top acts to town.

Bluegrass and gospel music group Lindley Creek is one such group with a heavy Valley performance schedule this winter.

“We are happy to be back in the Rio Grande Valley and performing for our friends,” said Kathie Greer of Lindley Creek. “The family is writing new music to perform and we are working on a new CD in Nashville that will come out after the first of the year. We are especially looking forward to our show, “Faith, Family, Freedom” that will also feature Link Union. It will take place at Park Place in Harlingen, Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.”

The Greer Family, known as Lindley Creek, is an acoustic family band playing traditional bluegrass and gospel music. They sing soulful songs and perform original music written by Katie Greer. They have performed together since 2003 at venues around their home state of Missouri. Later they branched out to travel the United States and Canada and, of course, the Rio Grande Valley playing their music and sharing their faith.

Kathie Greer, mother, plays acoustic guitar, piano and clarinet. She started singing in church as a child and played in

a country band in high school.

She serves as stage director for the shows, maintains their wardrobe and website and in general “is the glue that holds the family together.”

John Rob Greer provides the rhythm, playing bass during their shows. While the entire family offers spiritual guidance through their music, John offers inspiring sermons at churches he visits on tour.

Jase Greer is now 21 and an accomplished musician who plays fiddle, chin cello, saxophone, electric guitar and sings bass vocals. He took violin lessons with Jim VanCleve of the Josh Turner Band. He considers Michael Buble, Michael Cleveland and Andy Leftwich as his musical inspirations.

At 19, Katie Greer is the lead singer for the group and primary mandolin player. She enjoys writing songs, some of which are performed by the group. Her inspirations are Carrie Underwood, Allison Krause, Toni Kelly and Manisa.

Lindley Creek can be seen on Jan. 5 at Twin Palms, Rio Hondo; Jan. 7, Roadrunner RV, Alamo; Jan. 8, at Gateway RV, Raymondville, 2 p.m.; and Jan. 15, Big Valley RV, Donna. On Jan. 16 they will appear at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Faith, Family, Freedom Show at Park Place in Harlingen.

On Jan. 18 they will be at VIP La Feria; Jan. 25, Paradise Park RV, Harlingen; Jan. 28 at Mission West in Palmview; and Jan. 29, Paradise South in Mercedes.

For tickets to any of the shows, contact any of the venues directly.

Main Street Branson meets Rio Grande Valley

January 6, 2017

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

desk between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. UVAL is located in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th, Mission.

On Jan. 12 and 19, select a morning or evening class from 9 a.m. to Noon or 6 to 9 p.m. for “Perspective for the Artist” with instructor Betty Vermeer. Registration is $5; all materials will be furnished. Students will learn seven basic principles to create effective perspective in any art work: vanishing points, diminishing scales, layering, directional lines, focal point, color saturation and temperature shifts.

Ever sit in wonder on how airbrush artists create their works? On Jan. 21 and 28, take the Airbrush Basics Class for beginners led by Pete Krystiniak. Held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, cost is $5 for the course; all materials are furnished.

Day one covers equipment assembly, car, troubleshooting, basic moves and graduation of painting and shading. Day two, students will create a cityscape using a stencil and tape and create free-hand clouds.

On Feb. 9, from 9 a.m. to Noon, learn how to draw or paint artistic trees with Betty Vermeer, instructor, at the Upper Valley Art League.

Course fee is $5; all materials furnished. Students may bring their own medium if they choose.

Students will learn the basic shapes of a variety of trees, how to sketch, paint and use them in a composition. Concepts include melodic line, contour, color variegation, negative painting, dry brushing and form.

To register for any or all of the classes, call UVAL at 956-583-2787 or stop by the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center.

Bullfight season opens Jan. 8

LA GLORIA – Santa Maria Bullring opens the 2017 season this Sunday, Jan. 8, with Leal Montalvo, the 2016 maximo triunfador and winner of the Golden Ear Award.

In the dramatic encounter with Leal’s last bull in the grand finale last season, the bull caught him and tossed him 10 feet in the air. When he hit the ground, the bull picked him up again nearly putting a horn in his hip. Leal jumped up grabbed his cape and dropped onto both knees and caped the bull around him in a 360-degree pass that brought a roar from the crowd.

They kept it up, and Montalvo turned it on with 10 more passes before he limped away from his adversary.

He then returned and grabbed the rose from the shoulders of the bull in the symbolic kill, and the fans roared their approval. The judge, Don Gerardo Martinez, awarded him symbolic ears and tail and the golden trophy.

Montalvo suffered a major hematoma to his right hip that was tended to by doctors after his return to Monterrey.

Appearing with Leal in the

opener this season is young matador Andre Lagravere who recently returned from a tour of Spanish rings including the capital in Madrid. He scored high among the Spaniards, appearing in 10 different cities.

The bulls for the first event are from Don Rafael Mendoza and Don Gerardo Martinez.

The two ranches produce high quality fighting stock.

Tickets are available at the following locations: Progress Times, 1217 N. Conway, Mission, 956-585-4893 (Cash Only); Weslaco Visitors Center, 275 Kansas St., Weslaco, 956-968-2002; and Border Tire, intersection of Mayberry and Bus. 83, Mission, 956585-8473. Or make reservations by calling Fred Renk, 956-481-3300.

Tickets are $30 on the sunny side, $35, shady side and $40 covered ringside box seats.

Come early for food and entertainment prior to the 4 p.m. event. The gates open at 1 p.m. There is no charge for parking, and food will be served by Lane’s Restaurant of San Isidro.

EVENTS

lifestyle

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 12 – What was life like on a south Texas ranch in the late 1800s? Robert Ramirez answers those questions at Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center at 6 p.m. for a look back at the chronicles of a ranch family as they went about their daily lives. He brings to life the stories found in the book “Ranch Life in Hidalgo County after 1850.” The program fee is $3 per person; no advance reservation is required. Quinta Mazatlan is located 600 Sunset in McAllen. For more information, contact Quinta Mazatlan at 956-681-3370.

January 14 – Aglow International Spanish Lighthouse Chapter of Mission will hold their monthly meeting at Emmanuel Adult Day Care, 1312 Oblate Ave., Mission. It begins at 9:30 a.m. for a continental breakfast, and the meeting follows. Pastor Ruth Cantu of Pharr will be the guest speaker. For information, call Lisa Gomez at 956-776-8505; Sandy Rodriguez, 956-588-9313; or Gaby Rodriguez, 956-240-6607.

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.

January 27 – This is the deadline for submitting antique – or just “old and interesting” – quilts for the annual “Turning of the Quilts” program at the Mission Historical Museum in February. To share a vintage quilt, take them by the museum located at 900 Doherty in Mission. For information and instructions for submission, call the museum at 956-580-8646.

The program is part of the awards ceremony of the 11th Annual Mission Quilt Show at 2 p.m. on Feb. 10.

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

EWBC offers water and bird classes

tify local bird calls through an indoor interactive program, followed by a bird walk. Kids Birding Club is a once a month series running through February.

Families are encouraged to attend each session as different topics will be covered each month. In addition, club participants will be invited to take part in special field days to different nature centers across the area, where they will get to interact with other kid birding enthusiasts across the Rio Grande Valley. The fee for this program is a regular admission, member families are free.

EWBC daily admission fees are $3 for adults, $2 for children ages 6 and up, and $2 for seniors, 55 and older.

It is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. For more information, call 956-381-9922 or visit www.edinburgwbc.org.

EDINBURG – Among the 2,500 plus brands of beer in the U.S., there is one that is nationally – and possibly internationally – recognized: Dos Equis and its marketing campaign known as “The Most Interesting Man in the World.”

In South Texas, there is a beer that came before the Dos Equis campaign that united communities: Lone Star. Join the presentation to learn more about the Texas beer and its marketing efforts to become the national beer of Texas on Sunday, Jan. 8, at 2 p.m. at MOSTHistory.

Presenting at the first Sunday Speaker Series this year is Joseph Fox, the associate education officer at MOSTHistory, who completed his thesis on the Lone Star brand and its marketing campaigns across Texas during the 1970s, which started in Austin but later linked up with local Valley musicians like Freddy Fender from San Benito.

In the early 1970s, a large number of young Texans moved from rural areas and small towns to much larger cities. In Austin, the migration sparked an energetic music scene dubbed “Progressive Country” where traditional country, folk and western swing music blended with electric instruments and urban attitudes. Looking to capitalize on this music scene, Lone Star beer regional manager Jerry Retzloff established friendships with local musicians and venue owners who voluntarily promoted Lone Star beer to their fans.

Over the course of the marketing campaign, Lone Star’s efforts extended beyond Anglo markets by enlisting Tejano musicians like Freddy Fender and Sunny and the Sunliners as well as African-American musicians like Freddie King, The

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

1970’s campaign bridged beer, music and cultures

CALENDAR

EDINBURG – From plants to birds, the Edinburg World Birding Center staff is offering tips on how to spruce up a garden and how to identify the birds that live in and visit the Rio Grande Valley.

If proper care for trees is of interest, the Landscape Series “Water Features” on Thursday, Jan. 12, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. will provide answers. The series will teach how to incorporate water features into a garden with experts from Ewing Irrigation. They will explain the variety of water features available, what type is best in a garden and how to successfully construct one. The fee is $2 for members and $4 non-members. Registration is required.

On Saturday, Jan. 14, take part in the Kid’s Birding Club from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Kids and their families will learn about Birding by Ear, and learn how to iden-

January 6, 2017

Pointer Sisters and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. As a result, Lone Star beer became synonymous with the Progressive Country scene and propagated a new urban, metropolitan form of the “Texas Mystique” that was not just celebrated by the Austin counter-culture but also by traditional country music fans across the state of Texas. This presentation uses Lone Star beer and its impact on Texas history to outline the intersection of identity, music and consumer products in Texas.

Fox earned a master’s degree in history from Texas State University in San Marcos where he completed a thesis on the Lone Star beer and the 1970s Austin music scene. He has written articles for the Handbook of Tejano History, book reviews for Texas Books in Review, a historical marker for the Texas Historical Commission, and is currently conducting further research on Lone Star beer to expand his Master’s thesis into a book.

The program is included in the regular museum admission. MOSTHistory is located at 200 N. Closner.

Call 956-383-6911 for information.

Initiative introduces youth to classical music

McALLEN – The Valley Symphony Orchestra is again presenting the Children’s Education Concert Initiative for 2017 to help expose young children ages 9 to 14 to a classical, symphonic concert at least twice before entering high school.

This year, over 10,000 children will have a unique opportunity to attend the new McAllen Performing Arts Center on Jan. 13 and 27 for their first classical symphonic concert. The repertoire will include POPS genre music from Star Wars Suite, The Nutcracker and Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suites.

In its 16th year, these concerts provide an outlet for live classical music, diversi-

ty, and an impactful cultural experience that many low-income students could not ordinarily obtain. The Valley Symphony Orchestra is a philanthropic, tax-exempt, public corporation governed by a board made up of business and civic leaders from our community.

For additional information about how to get involved with the Children’s Education Concert Initiative as a classroom, school or to become a sponsor this year, call Vivian Vargas, VSO marketing manager at 956661-1615 for more details.

Visit valleyorchestra.org for details about upcoming concerts, the 2017 Gala and sponsorship opportunities.

PHARR – Tickets are on sale now for the Food Bank RGV Farm Dinner fundraiser set for Saturday, Jan. 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. at 724 N. Cage Blvd.

The dinner will be an elegant full course meal featuring gourmet cuisine by Larry and Jessica Delgado, with all food and drink locally sourced. Tickets are $100 per person and are available at foodbankrgv.com.

The Farm Dinner fundraiser will help the Food Bank RGV Community Garden continue to provide quality, chemical free produce to clients and the community while teaching important habits for a healthier life.

For more information, contact Chris Bueno, Community Garden manager, at 956-904-4525 or by email at chbueno@foodbankrgv.com.

Farm Dinner tickets available now

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80th Annual “Cheers to 80 Years”

• SHOE BOX FLOAT COMPETITION • PRODUCT COSTUME SHOW

Mission, Texas 2017 EVENTS CALENDER

• ROYAL RECEPTION • ROYAL CORONATION OF KING CITRUS & QUEEN CITRIANNA

• PARADE OF ORANGES

• CITRUS YOUTH SHOW • FUN FAIR • PARADE CONCESSIONS • VAQUERO COOK-OFF • FUN RUN

January 2017 - Entries due at Speer Memorial Library by, Jan 12, 2017 Saturday - January 14, 2017 - 2 P. M. $5.00 a person Location: Mission Community Center, 1420 E. Kika de la Garza Saturday - January 21, 2017 - $50 a person Location: Balli’s Terrace Event Center 1509 Industrial Blvd, Mission Thursday- January 26, 2017 - 7 PM - $5.00 General Seating $10.00 Reserved Location: Mission High School Neuhaus Center - 1802 W. Cleo Dawson

SATURDAY- JANUARY 28, 2017 10 AM TO 10 PM Saturday - January 28, 2017 - 3 PM Line-Up 11 AM -2 PM at 2 Mile Line and Conway. Parade will run North to South on Conway starting at FM 495- south to 4th Street Non-Commercial Entry $40.00 Commercial (Businesses) Entry - $ 250 Submit Entries between 3-6 pm Friday 1-27-17 Free Gate Admission- Food Vendors –Arts & Crafts Entertainment Each 10’ x 10’ space Non-Commercial -$100 Commercial- $150 Concession Sales on parade route 12pm- 6pm -Starting at $ 50 $250 per team - Additional $100.00 for advertising (NO political signs)-Location: Leo Pena Veterans Park, 9th St. & Conway Call 956-580-8760 - Call: Mission Parks & Recreation

January 14th - 28th, 2017 www.texascitrusfiesta.org 956.585.9724

Bryceidee Leos 80th Queen Citrianna

Photo Courtesy: Rio Portrait & Design Stuido

Texas Citrus Fiesta

A

opinion

By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Patrick applauds action preserving North Carolina’s ‘bathroom bill’

USTIN — Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has applauded the North Carolina legislature’s refusal to repeal a law banning individuals from using public bathrooms designated for the opposite sex.

Patrick, who has made the passage of similar legislation in Texas one of his priorities, said in a Dec. 22 statement: “Legislation like this is essential to protect the safety and privacy of women and girls, and is simple common sense and common decency.

“Legislation to protect women’s privacy and business is essential to assure that sexual predators, like those who exploit the internet, will not be able to freely enter women’s restrooms, locker rooms or showers and that businesses are not forced by local ordinances to allow men in women’s restrooms and locker rooms.”

The filing of legislation proposing new bathroom access laws is certain in the Texas Legislature’s upcoming 85th Regular Session, beginning Jan. 10. Several bills have already been filed by Democratic state lawmakers, all proposing a prohibition on discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression in regards to employment, access to public facilities, etc.

TAB chief decries NC bill Chris Wallace, president of the Texas Association of Business, issued a statement taking the opposite position on the North Carolina bathroom bill.

“After months of debate and an unprecedented special session by the North Carolina Legislature, it’s unfortunate to see that the state chose not

to repeal the discriminatory law created by HB 2. North Carolina and states that embrace discriminatory legislation will continue to suffer dire economic consequences, losing revenue and major events and disrupting job creation and investment.

“That’s why the Texas business community has made clear that discriminatory laws like HB 2 have no place in Texas. We can’t afford to slam the door on the Texas Miracle and create an environment hostile to business, unsafe and unwelcoming for citizens and harmful to our larger economy and prosperity. Keep Texas Open for Business will continue to press our own Texas lawmakers to roundly reject discriminatory bills, no matter how they’re phrased or what they’re named.”

New case of Zika confirmed The Texas Department of State Health Services and Cameron County Department of Health and Human Services on Dec. 22 announced that an additional Brownsville resident has contracted the Zika virus locally, bringing the total to six in Cameron County and Texas.

Work is ongoing to identify and offer testing to anyone with possible Zika symptoms and to all pregnant women in the area with or without symptoms. Efforts include environmental assessments to help reduce mosquito habitats. Recent cold temperatures, combined with mosquito control efforts, have reduced the mosquito population in the area. However, on warm days, residents should continue to use mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves and pants. It is also important

to dump out containers that hold standing water in and around homes to deny mosquitoes a place to lay eggs.

Eco-minded actions urged The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on Dec. 21 posted its annual plea to be eco-friendly during the holidays and into the new year: “Whether we try to save money, lose weight, or quit certain habits, one habit worth breaking is throwing away items that can be reused or recycled. Every year, landfills take on more and more things we no longer want or need. In fact, in 2015, Texans added about 33.5 million tons of stuff to them. That’s more than six-and-a-half pounds of trash per Texan per day!

If recent trends continue, that number will have increased for 2016. And at this rate, we only have enough landfill space to last another 56 years.”

Among things the TCEQ asks of Texans: - Use and re-use gift bags; - Serve meals on reusable plates and use cloth napkins; - Use rechargeable batteries and recycle them when they no longer hold a charge; and - Sell, donate or recycle old electronics.

Also, because more than 80 billion pieces of junk mail are delivered each year and most of it ends up in landfills, the TCEQ suggests that Texans opt out of unwanted catalogs, prescreened credit and insurance offers and remember to recycle junk mail.

Last but not least, the TCEQ recommends: “Consider reusing holiday cards in craft projects instead of tossing them in the trash.”

January 6, 2017 November 2, 2015 25, 2016

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PETER PIPER

from pg 1

the entire restaurant was repainted into a solid red color.

The restaurant underwent a remodeling to reflect the chain’s new abstract logo, which was first revealed in 2014. The Arizona-based pizza chain has 10 locations valley wide. According to General Manager Cindy Rodriguez-Elizondo, all Valley locations will go through a similar renovation.

“We wanted to make this remodeling a big deal for the community,” Elizondo said.

“We’ve evolved but the pizza is the same.”

The approximate costs of the renovations were $275,000, the general manager said. The restaurant

closed Nov. 28 and reopened Dec. 16.

“We’d get several phone calls while we were closed asking when we’d re-open,” Elizondo said. “Apparently our regulars tried other Peter Piper Pizza locations but everyone gets a different vibe from each location so they’re saying ‘We missed you guys.’”

Mission Chamber CEO Josh Stockell attended the red ribbon cutting Tuesday.

Stockell said the location’s renovation was a sign of its success.

“Typically it takes about $3.5 million per year to maintain a location like this so when they’re doing well

enough to temporarily close it to renovate it then they’re doing something right,” he said.

Stockell said he and his family were among the people excited to see the restaurant re-open and praised its new design.

“It’s very professional and modern, but they didn’t remove the fun,” he said. “Peter Piper Pizza has a strong name brand in the community. When you have one that’s invested in a community everyone likes to go to it. When they close their doors down to revamp it, it’s even better.

It’s a big deal and the city knows that.”

Colleges Are Failing to Prepare Students for Work; Here’s the Solution

By Francine Glazer Job prospects for today’s college seniors are looking up. The hiring of bachelors-degree holders is expected to jump by 19 percent this year.

But few are actually prepared for employment. Even though nine in 10 recent college grads believe they’re ready for the workforce, only half the nation’s employers agree.

Colleges and universities need to address this. Specifically, they should aggressively incorporate into their courses high-impact educational practices (HIP), which connect academic lessons to real-world problems and foster the creativity and critical thinking employers value.

These practices can turn academically engaged students into profession-ready graduates.

Today, academic skills alone aren’t sufficient for career success. Employers also want workers who communicate effectively, know how to manage their time, and can get a task done with minimal supervision. Indeed, over 90 percent of businesses value such “soft” aptitudes more highly than any specific college major.

High-impact practices provide this pre-professional base, often through extended research, collaborative projects, or community-based service jobs. In every case, a central feature is frequent, rigorous feedback. Students improve through input from peers and professors. Instead of toiling away at solo homework assignments and term

papers, students operate in an environment that approximates the working world.

It’s no surprise, then, that students feel more confident with their professional prospects after participating in HIP, with 75 percent reporting that this work prepared them for life after college.

Employers also highly value HIP experience. Ninety-four percent of employers are more likely to hire a recent college grad who has completed a long-term project that included intensive research and problem-solving skills.

And student participants don’t have to wait until they get to the workplace before reaping the benefits, since HIP programs immediately enhance their academic performance.

Consider a study of nearly 400 colleges and universities. Researchers tracked students in “learning communities” -- where folks took classes together and lived in close proximity -- and found that these students put more effort into their school work, took harder courses, and developed closer relationships with faculty than those who did not.

Likewise, research from Kent State University shows that students with more HIP engagement have higher GPAs. Some higher-education institutions have already recognized the power of HIP. At the University of Iowa, for example, students interested in business live together in the “BizHawks” community. This program sponsors a contest in which

student groups work collaboratively on a business pitch.

“BizHawks” even practice business manners at meals with faculty and receive extensive feedback on their resumes.

And at my own university, New York Institute of Technology, faculty members provide students with real-world experiences, typically through team-based capstone projects or internships at companies and nonprofits. These internships are meaningful experiences and sanctioned by the school, as students sign an agreement with our office of career services detailing the skills they hope to develop.

In our school of architecture and design, one professor implements HIP in his course by having students transfer their designs into virtual reality apps so they can walk through their work and “see” ways to improve it.

Industry leaders also inspect these virtual reality projects and provide honest feedback, giving our budding architects a taste of real-world project management.

Today’s college students will enter a promising job market. Universities must evolve to better empower students to succeed once they’re in the workforce.

High-impact educational practices should be a central part of that equation.

Francine Glazer is associate provost for educational innovation and director of New York Institute of Technology’s Center for Teaching and Learning.

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1217 N. Conway • Mission, TX (956) 585-4893 MEMBER 2016

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.

January 6, 2017

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tion of the studies, Mission, McAllen and Hidalgo will enter into a Madero Bridge Agreement. The bridge is needed to help reduce the backup of commercial traffic at the Pharr International Bridge that currently can extend for several days.

Mission Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas said it is a good deal for Mission because McAllen and Hidalgo would pay for the bridge, while Mission would get none of the financial risk and would be able to open up another 6,000 acres in the western part of the city for development.

The idea is for the Madero Bridge to be for commercial traffic and the Anzalduas Bridge would be for passenger vehicle traffic. More or less, the Madero Bridge will fall between Conway and Inspiration Road and the city is looking to Inspiration to funnel the heavy trucks.

The next project is widening of Inspiration between Expressway 83, all the way to 3 Mile Line, said Mission City Manager Martin Garza Jr. The city has six years to start construction and Garza said it’s going to take the full time to get everything into place. #6 Butterfly sculptures begin appearing around the city In homage to the National Butterfly Center and the city’s popularity with migrating butterflies a large butterfly statue was installed in front of city hall in April.

It was the first of 20 butterfly statues sponsored by the city, businesses and clubs.

The city has since installed numerous statues throughout the city mostly at major intersections and cross walks across the city. #5 Mission extends city manager’s contract, gives him a pay raise In April Mission City Manager Martin Garza Jr. received a hefty pay raise and a six-year extension to his employment contract.

The city manager’s new contract increased Garza’s salary from $186,500 per

year to $225,000. Mayor Salinas, who negotiated the contract, explained the reason for the sizeable pay raise was to keep neighboring cities from taking Garza away from Mission. The city has lost five employees hired away by other local cities, he added – some to McAllen and one to Edinburg.

“Martin has been doing an excellent job for the city,” Salinas said. “Going ahead and getting a six-year contract is the best thing we can do.”

4# Mission bans smoking in public buildings Following a nationwide trend, in June the city council voted to ban smoking in public places and places of employment throughout the city, including not only city and school buildings, but also businesses such as restaurants and retailers. #3 Mission adds eight more police officers and increases patrols Thanks to a $1.2 million grant the Mission Police Department was able to add eight new police officers to its staff, purchase 34 new bulletproof vests, and increase police patrols throughout the city.

On Oct. 10 the city council approved acceptance of the FY 2016 COPS Hiring Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. The grant funded 75 percent of the eight new officers’ salaries at a value of $1 million over the three-year grant period. The city is responsible for a 25 percent match that amounts to $358,069.

Those funds will come from the federal drug forfeiture funds the police department receives. The city is required to maintain the positions for one additional year once the grant expires at 100 percent expense to the city. #2 Special health care district tax defeated In November Mission voters joined Hidalgo County residents in defeating Proposition 1, a referendum to create a special health care taxing district. Mayor

Salinas opposed the tax at several public forums on the referendum. The measure called for an initial tax rate increase of 8 cents per $100 valuation on homes and properties in Hidalgo County, which would raise about $24 million annually to take care of indigent health care, including reimbursements to local hospitals that incur much of these costs. #1 Violent storms cause extensive damage to three area communities In June volunteers, businesses and agencies worked together to provide temporary housing and food for up to 1,000 residents of three area neighborhoods whose property was damaged by a catastrophic windstorm.

The unusual wind shear caused by the storm, some argued was a tornado, destroyed or damaged most of the trees and power poles in the Madero, Granjeno and Chimney Park communities south of Mission causing damage to most of the homes, ranging from shattered windows to rooftops blown away.

The American Red Cross provided assistance in setting up a temporary shelter for storm victims who had to evacuate their homes.

Incumbent Joe Flores speaks to a crowd after he is sworn in as Precinct 3 Commissioner Jan. 1. Constable Lazaro “Larry” Gallardo, Luis Garza (Precinct 3 Place 1), Marcos Ochoa (Precinct 3 Place 2) and Justice of the Peace Luis Garza were also sworn in during the ceremony.

Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.

DEADLINE

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churches, golf carts, military units, marching units, Go Carts and Winter Texans.

Motorcycle or Horse Groups and political and religious campaigning are prohibited.

The competitive categories include golf carts, marching bands from junior through senior high schools, as well as military and civilian bands. Float categories are general division, church, commercial, elementary, Valley products and Winter Texans I and II. The Winter Texan II category comprises RV parks with 200 or more residents.

The entry fee for non-commercial entries is $40 and $250 for commercial and governmental entities.

The Parade of Oranges begins at 3 p.m. starting at Griffith Parkway and Conway drive and will terminate at First Street. All par-

ticipants must check in with fiesta organizers between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at 2 Mile Line and Conway Avenue.

Government and commercial entries must be in line by 1 p.m.

Peña said entrants are rotated each year so participants who may have been at the front of the parade last year would be rotated toward the back this year.

Applications must be submitted in person at the fiesta’s office at 220 E. Ninth St., Mission. Entry passes must be picked up from the fiesta offices on Tuesday, Jan. 24 or Wed., Jan. 25 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Entries without a pass will not be allowed in the parade line up area.

The first events of the annual fiesta begin next week with the shoe box float competition for fourth and fifth graders of Mission Consolidated Independent school

District. Peña said students from the La Joya and Sharyland school districts were also invited but as of publication had not confirmed with festival officials.

Interested students can obtain applications from their school librarians. Entrants will be judged Saturday, Jan. 14 at 3 p.m. at the Speer Memorial Library, 801 E. 12th St. Also Jan. 14 judging will occur for the annual Product Costume Style Show. Entrants are comprised of either full costumes made mostly of citrus plant materials or hats of similar materials.

Judging will occur at 2 p.m. at the Mission Community Center, 1420 E. Kika de la Garza Loop, Mission.

For more information one can visit the organization’s website at www.texascitrusfiesta.org or by calling 956585-9724.

Join Us on Game Day! A catastrophic windstorm on June 1 destroyed trees and property in three area communities. Shown was damage to trees and a power pole in Granjeno.

Fri., Jan 6 • 7pm

VS. Mon., Jan 9 • 7pm

Breakfast Tacos 99¢* *Except meat tacos

Lunch Tacos $1.79* *Additional ingredients extra

Mission

1800 W. Griffin Pkwy.

584-3441

Mission

Palmview

McAllen

304 N. La Homa Rd. 585-0323

4524 S. Ware Rd. 994-0060

1901 W. Mile 3 Rd. 585-8411

Wed., Jan 11 • 7pm

Mission

2201 W. Expressway 83 583-9898

For tickets visit Ticketmaster.com or call the Vipers at 956-972-1144.

On behalf of Agua SUD Board of Directors.

Board Director – Ricardo Ochoa Board Director – Cesar Rodriguez Jr Board Director – Francisco Flores Jr. Executive Director – Oscar Cancino President Rogelio Hernandez III

Vice President Homer Tijerina

Secretary Lloyd Loya

Treasurer Esequiel “Zeke” Ortiz, Jr.

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

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

January 6, 2017

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January 6, 2017

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January 6, 2017

Girls Basketball:

Lady Lobos, Lady Huskies vie for top in District 30-6A spots

T

By Bryan Ramos he holiday season is in the rearview mirror and district play is underway as teams are locked in and making a push to claim one of the top spots in 30-6A. The Palmview Lady Lobos and the Juarez-Lincoln Lady Huskies are two squads focused on coming out of the district grind not only successful in their own eyes, but to put everybody else on notice.

Lady Lobos head coach, Anisa Reyes is intent on building off back-to-back playoff appearances the last two seasons. This year’s squad is a threat from inside and out with attacking from the perimeter from sophomore guard and the team’s leading scorer, Renee Flores, while senior Edna Ovalle and junior Cyndar Magallon hold down the paint.

“More than anything,

we’re trying to make sure we’re playing our Grade A game because everyone else is so good in our district,” Reyes said. “Mentally we have to stay focused one possession at a time, one quarter at a time; it’s just a matter of executing.”

The Lady Huskies and head coach Adrian Treviño are focused on growing and improving every game.

With a young team, including nine sophomores and juniors, Treviño said putting pressure on opponents and speeding the game up is what the Lady Huskies do best.

“Our biggest asset is our speed and our quickness, even with our posts,” Treviño said. “Right now, we’re not going to beat anybody on experience; everybody has more experience than us but I think when we speed up the game it works to our advantage. The press helps create easier baskets for us and it’s something that runs

Mission First United Methodist Church 1101 Doherty Ave.

Mission TX 78572 (956) 585-1665

Sunday Services: 8:00 a.m. Informal 9:00 a.m. Contemporary Dinner with 10:00 a.m. Sunday School Friends every 11:00 a.m. Traditional Friday @ 5:30pm 11:00 a.m. Childrens Church 5:00 p.m. Spanish Worship

Everyone is Welcome!

Join us for communion the First Sunday of every month.

www.missionfumc.com

throughout the program from the freshmen, junior varsity and varsity levels.”

The sister schools clashed Tuesday for a District 30-6A rivalry game as the Lady Lobos hosted the Lady Huskies. Students may be on winter break but there were plenty in the stands showing support for their teams three days into the new year.

The Lady Huskies used their full court pressure to slow the Lady Lobos and jumped out to an early 9-1 lead on the road behind two buckets apiece from juniors forward Diana Bustos and guard Noemi Millan.

The Lady Lobos fought back in the first half, led by 13 points from sophomore point guard Renee Flores and eight points from senior post Edna Ovalle to take a commanding 32-21 lead over the Lady Huskies into the locker room.

“Even though we were down, we pushed it to where we’re supposed to be and showed who we are,” said Flores, the team’s leading scorer on the season.

In the second half, the Lady Lobos used their height and length to clamp down on the Lady Huskies to pull away with a 60-34 victory. Flores totaled 20 points in the game while Ovalle dropped 15 of her own.

With the victory, the Lady Lobos improve to 2-2 in District 30-6A action while the loss drops the Lady Huskies to 0-3.

Reyes said her team wants to finish at the top of District 30-6A and build off what the program has accomplished in the previous two years.

“We want to supersede

what we’ve done in the past,” Reyes said. “The past two years we’ve been very fortunate in starting something here, we just want to build on the tradition and go as far as we can. We have the tools; it’s just a matter of finishing and following through.”

Finishing in the top three is in the mind of all the Lady Lobos but Flores is also out to prove she is amongst the best in the district as she chases an offensive MVP award.

“Our goals are to finish in the top three of our district, make the playoffs and for myself, the Offensive MVP Award,” said Flores.

The Lady Lobos take the court tonight as they visit the Rowe Lady Warriors at 6 p.m. for a District 30-6A battle at Nikki Rowe High School.

Treviño said he thinks this young Lady Huskies squad is moving in the right direction while gaining valuable experience at the varsity level.

“I think we’re coming together slowly but surely. This team is filled with sophomores and juniors, that’s the heart of this team right now,” Treviño said. “I just want to see growth and hopefully it materializes into wins when you build from the bottom up. Our biggest thing is just gaining experience and I think better things are still to come.”

The Lady Huskies play host to the Mission Lady Eagles and will be looking to pick up their first district victory. The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Juarez-Lincoln High School Gymnasium.

Palmview senior post Edna Ovalle deflects the shot taken by Juarez-Lincoln sophomore point guard Megan Bell during the first quarter of the Lady Lobos’ 60-34 District 30-6A win over the Lady Huskies.

Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

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Juarez-Lincoln junior power forward Diana Bustos takes a jump shot during the second quarter of the Palmview Lady Lobos’ 60-34 District 30-6A win over the Lady Huskies.

Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

January 6, 2017 Boys Basketball

Lobos, Huskies clash in District 30-6A

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By Bryan Ramos inter is here but the hardwood is heating up.

District 30-6A boys basketball is back and the race for a top four finish is underway as the seven teams that make up the district are competing for a postseason berth.

The Palmview Lobos are a team that has experienced recent success, qualifying for the postseason in four of the past five years. Head basketball coach Andy Saenz’ team

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has a towering team that plays from the inside out, running the offense through 6’4” senior swing forward Ever Perez and 6’0” junior center Paco De La O while senior guards John Castanon and Tristen Myende attack from the outside in.

“Try to get better every day, I don’t want to look too far ahead,” Saenz said.

“We’ve been fortunate to make the playoffs four out of the last five years so that’s something that we strive for.

We know nothings given, ev-

Palmview’s John Castanon goes in high and fast for a lay-up as two Juarez-Lincoln defenders look on during the second quarter of the Lobos’ 64-44 District 30-6A win over the Huskies.

Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

erything is earned so we just try to get better everyday in practice and keep working hard.”

The Juarez-Lincoln Huskies (13-11) are a team on the come up, led by head coach Albert Carrillo and junior center Luis Garza. Garza is averaging 13.1 points per game from his post position but is not afraid to extend his offense beyond the paint. The Huskies play a style of defensive basketball that puts pressure on the opposing offense by guarding

them for 84 feet.

The two teams battled on Tuesday at Palmview High School for a District 30-6A rivalry game between the sister schools, the first time the team’s meet this year.

The Huskies pounced on the Lobos early on their home floor, jumping out to a 20-8 lead in the second quarter by forcing Palmview into uncomfortable positions on the court and Garza attacking the paint.

The Lobos climbed back in the game by attacking the

Juarez-Lincoln junior shooting guard Eduardo Torres goes up high for a lay-up during the second quarter of the Palmview Lobos’ 64-44 District 30-6A win over the Huskies.

Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

Huskies inside with the play of De La O, whose strength on the low block provided the scoring Palmview needed to claim a 30-22 lead going into halftime.

The Lobos locked down in the second half, ultimately coming away with a 62-42 win. The victory improves the Lobos to 2-0 in District 30-6A action while the loss moves the Huskies to 0-2 “Early we were knocking down shots and going at it; we had a lot of intensity,” Carrillo said. “I’d like for our team to continue to be aggressive and be confident in themselves. Once we get down on the scoreboard we can’t give up.”

The Juarez-Lincoln Huskies next opportunity to pick up a district win will be tonight on their home floor as they host the Mission Eagles at 7:30 at Juarez-Lincoln High School Gymnasium.

After Palmview’s win and moving to 2-0 in district play, Perez said he liked what he saw from his team in their comeback effort as the Lobos are focused on each 30-6A game.

“I liked the intensity we showed here today, that’s the kind of character we have,”

Perez said. “Our goal is to make the playoffs for the fifth year, which we’ve never done. We just have to play together and play as hard as we can. Right now we just want to take one game at a time and take care of business.”

The Palmview Lobos are in action tonight as they take their game on the road for a clash with the Rowe Warriors at 7:30 for a matchup between District 30-6A playoff contenders.

Saenz knows his team has the ability to claim one of the top four spots in District 30-6A and is looking for his team to put in the work to do just that.

“They play hard and we’re just looking for a little more consistent play so that’s something to strive for as the games go on and in district. So it’s of the upmost importance for us to play consistent to put us in a better position to win every ball game because we know how hard this district is,” Saenz said. “The kids are up for the challenge and they work hard so we just have to keep working.”

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RIVERSIDE

from pg 1

NOTICE OF RATE CHANGE REQUEST

On December 30, 2016, as required by order of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (“PUCT” or “Commission”) in Docket No. 45414, Sharyland Utilities, L.P. (“Sharyland”) and Sharyland Distribution & Transmission Services, L.L.C. (“SDTS”) (collectively “Applicants”), regulated electric utility companies, filed an application with the PUCT titled Amended Application of Sharyland Utilities, L.P. and Sharyland Distribution & Transmission Services, L.L.C., Statement of Intent to Change Rates, and Request for Grant of a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity and Transfer of Certificate Rights (“Amended Application”).

The Amended Application requests: (1) the setting of new wholesale and retail rates that Sharyland will charge its customers; (2) the establishment of rates that SDTS will charge its only customer, Sharyland; and (3) the grant of a certificate of convenience and necessity (“CCN”) and transfer of CCN rights to SDTS. This proceeding is the first in which Sharyland’s rates will be set on a system-wide basis.

The Amended Application is based on a twelvemonth test year ending December 31, 2015. The Amended Application supports an increase in Sharyland’s adjusted testyear retail base rate revenues of approximately $1.4 million or 1.4 percent, exclusive of riders. Sharyland’s system-wide cost-based retail base rate revenue requirement is $101.2 million, plus an additional $2.23 million that Sharyland is seeking to recover on an annual basis through certain riders.

This includes a proposal to recover $30 million for deferred costs associated with construction of the electric system in the McAllen division during its initial years of operation. As proposed, monthly delivery rates for an average residential customer consuming 1,333 kWh in the Stanton, Brady, and Celeste divisions will decrease by approximately $3.14 per month, exclusive of riders, but in McAllen and Mission they will increase by approximately $35.69 per month, exclusive of riders. The Amended Application also supports a total wholesale transmission cost of service of $147.6 million, plus an additional $3.7 million that Sharyland is seeking to recover on an annual basis through certain riders.

The Amended Application also supports a total revenue requirement for SDTS of approximately $170 million.

SDTS’ proposed rates are lease payments that SDTS will charge only to Sharyland for leasing its transmission and distribution assets. In a new tariff for SDTS, separate rates will be provided for the leasing of transmission assets and for the leasing of distribution assets.

The Amended Application also requests that the PUCT grant a CCN to SDTS and transfer rights under Sharyland’s CCNs to SDTS authorizing SDTS to own transmission and distribution assets and lease those assets to Sharyland for the provision of electric service, along with any other rights as necessary. No new facilities are being sought in the Amended Application.

The Amended Application potentially affects all customers and classes of customers in Sharyland’s Stanton, Brady, Celeste, and McAllen divisions. The Amended Application also affects all customers taking service under Sharyland’s Tariff for Wholesale Transmission Service.

In addition, the result could be a change in Sharyland’s transmission cost of service rates, which would impact all load serving entities in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. The Applicants have proposed that the requested rates be made effective February 3, 2017.

A complete copy of the Amended Application is available for inspection at the following locations: • Sharyland 1031 Andrews Highway, Suite 400 Midland, Texas 79701 -or1807 Ross Avenue, Suite 460 Dallas, Texas 75201 •Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP 600 Congress Avenue, Suite 2000 Austin, Texas 78701 Persons who wish to intervene in or comment upon these proceedings should notify the Public Utility Commission of Texas (Commission) as soon as possible, as an intervention deadline will be imposed. A request to intervene or for further information should be mailed to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326. Further information may also be obtained by calling the Public Utility Commission at (512) 936-7120 or (888) 782-8477. Hearingand speech impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission through Relay Texas by dialing 7-1-1. The deadline for intervention in the proceeding is February 13, 2017.

The view east from the Anzalduas Dam provides patrons of the Riverside Dreamer a more natural view of the way the Rio Grande River might have appeared prior to the dam’s completion in 1960. quipped Will F. Betzner, 82, a retiree from Connecticut now living in Kerrville, regarding the expensive homes on Mexico’s riverbank.

“Sure would be a shame to block that view with a wall,” said his companion, Maureen H. Granflaten, 77, a retiree from South Dakota also now living in Kerrville.

“Would have to be a glass wall.”

Having run his river tours since 1982 when he started with a 27-foot boat – the Riverside Dreamer is Hart’s third river cruiser, custom built 10 years ago – at 62 Hart said he has heard similar comments from passengers over the years. Hart said he points out to passengers much of the land on the U.S. side of the river is owned by the U.S. government and is protected wildlife habitat. Other parts are farmland where sugar cane is grown.

“They try to compare it to lakes and waterfronts in-

Progress Times photo by Joe Hinton

side the U.S. and that’s not the case,” Hart said in a telephone interview two days after the boat tour. “A lot of them think there should be tons of restaurants and condominiums overlooking the water. But you know it’s all a flood zone inside that levee so most people won’t even build inside the levee. They don’t understand that,” Hart said referring to a portion of 100 miles of levees constructed along the U.S. side of the river to control flooding.

As for the Mexican side of the river, Hart cannot speak for the developers. But he attributes the development to being on the fringe of Reynosa, a city of around 600,000 residents.

“So that’s a very heavily populated area,” he said.

Another observation made by some aboard was the presence of the U.S. security forces along the U.S. side of the river. The boat

passes three mobile observation towers manned by the Border Patrol. As part of his observations made over a public-address system Hart told guests the river was patrolled by the Texas Department of Public Safety, the U.S. Border Patrol and Texas Game Wardens. As if on cue a pair of DPS power boats appeared, heading at a high rate of speed until they approached the Riverside Dreamer and reduced power to a crawl. Guests on the boat appeared somewhat in awe of the two gunboats, one man commenting they looked like a scene from the movie, “Apocalypse Now,” which featured a Navy PT Boat crew patrolling waters in Vietnam during the war. Both DPS boats were equipped with machine guns mounted on each corner of their sterns and another forward, each protected with armor shields. Each boat had about a half-dozen officers all donning military-style combat gear and most wearing either black or olive drab-colored ski masks covering their faces.

Hart again spoke to passengers over the PA system.

“People ask me if the river

is safe. What do you think?

I think this river might be one of the safest places in the whole country.”

The sight of such heavily armed officers on the river was a surprise to Marianne F. Pacifico, 56, who along with her three sisters were visiting from Toronto. She said the Border Patrol does not make its presence quite as obvious along the border with Canada.

“No they definitely don’t.

And we grew up near a border town,” said Pacifico, who called the gunboats presence intimidating.

“I think that was their intent to be intimidating,” said Hart. Who added he has never communicated with the gunboat crews.

The heavy security presence caused some on board to recall the days before September 11, 2001 and more recently the violence caused by narcotics traffickers, making many believe it is unsafe to travel south of the border.

“Our parents used to take us bird hunting near Reynosa and the Mexican boys would fetch the birds for the hunters,” recalled Pharr native, Robin A. Cramer, 68, a retired area school teacher who now lives in McAllen.

“I can’t remember the last time we went down there (to Reynosa).”

Cramer was on the cruise with her 41-year-old daughter, Marissa A Cramer, who brought her boyfriend, Chris J. Webb, 35, from Los Angeles. The younger Cramer and her mother ticked off a list of restaurants and clubs in Reynosa they no longer frequent.

“It was a right of passage in high school to go to the clubs in Reynosa,” said Marissa Cramer. “But not anymore.”

As the boat returned to its dock it once again passed a mobile Border Patrol observation tower.

“Wave to hello the Border Patrol,” Hart said over the PA. Several passengers did.

Cheers to 80 years

Thank you for giving us so much to celebrate in 2016.

We appreciate your loyal support.

Gerardo Perez Mayor

Joselito Hernandez Mayor Pro-Tem

Ricardo Villarreal Councilman

Ramon Segovia - City Manager

Joel Garcia Councilman

Linda Sarabia Councilwoman

David Nacianceno -Assistant City Manager

Javier Ramirez Councilman

January 6, 2017

obituaries

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

Mrs. Acosta was born on July 21, 1954, to Mr. Valentin Valdez and Maria Arreola in Zacatecas, Mexico.

Survivors include her sons, Jose Angel Perez and Juan Antonio Acosta; siblings, Jacinto Ordaz, Maria Guadalupe Gonzalez, Benjamin Ordaz and Juanita Valdivia; and two grandchildren.

A funeral mass was held on Dec. 22 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in La Joya. Cremation followed at Val Verde Memorial Gardens in Donna.

Maria Ignacia Bazan LA JOYA – Maria Ignacia (Natcha) Bazan, 89, was called by the Lord on Monday, January 2, 2017, at 1:00 a.m. at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Natcha was born on March 16, 1927 in Havana, Texas, she was the 5th child born to Nicasio † and Adela Salinas Bazan †. Also preceding her in death are her two brothers Reyes and Roberto Bazan Sr., her two sisters Guadalupe (Lupita) Bazan and Estella Bazan. Also her brother-inlaw Pablo Treviño Jr. and sister-in-law Enedina G. Bazan.

Natcha is survived by her sister Brigida Bazan Treviño and her nieces and nephews, Juan Pablo (Viola) Treviño, Alda T. Benavides, Alma (Braulio) Ortega, Javier (Eliamar) Treviño, Adela (Juan) Peña, Adelina Alaniz, Roberto Bazán Jr., and Connie (Sergio) Muñoz and numerous grand nieces and nephews.

She was a fiesty little lady with a colorful personality who loved life (and her cats) and will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her faith in God and for nurturing her friendships throughout her life.

Pallbearers will be Victor Lucas Benavides, Matthew Marco Benavides, Nicholas Ortega, J.J. Peña, Sergio Muñoz Jr., and Gerardo Manuel Alaniz.

A special Thank You to the entire staff at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

and to her two care givers, Sulema Garza and Hortencia Horsley for their special care and attention to our dear aunt.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary recited at 7:00 p.m.

A funeral mass was held on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in La Joya, at 11:00 am. Interment followed at Havana Cemetery in Havana, Texas.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lord and I Funeral Home of Peñitas, Texas.

Teresita Duarte MISSION – Teresita Duarte, 49, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at Comfort House in McAllen.

Mrs. Duarte was a teacher for many years at Castro Elementary and Alton Elementary.

Survivors include her husband, Felix Duarte; children, Felix Duarte Jr., Alberto Duarte and Adriana Duarte; mother, Irma Avila; siblings, Sandra Salinas, Hugo Avila, Susana Gutierrez, Maritza Garza and Marlen Schwichtenberg; and grandmother, Teresa Palacios.

She was preceded in death by her father Manuel Avila.

A funeral mass was held on Jan. 5 at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Alton. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens.

Homero Garcia MISSION – Homero Salinas Garcia passed away on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016.

Mr. Garcia retired after 31 years working for Inland Steel in East Chicago, Ind. Survivors include his wife, Martha Salinas Garcia; children, Marina Godinez and Homero Garcia Jr.; and siblings, Graciela Paz, Alberto Salinas, Artemio Salinas, Inocencio Salinas and Sara Flores.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wenceslao Salinas; mother, Maria Luz; and siblings, Americo Salinas, Oscar Salinas and Aida Salinas Garcia.

A funeral mass was held on Dec. 31 at Our Lady Queen of Angels in La Joya.

Cremation followed.

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www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com Oscar Garza MISSION – Oscar Garza, 59, went to be with our Lord on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016.

He was the youngest of nine children born to Hermenegildo I. and Concepcion Flores Garza on August 12, 1957 in Gilroy, CA. Oscar spent his formative years in McFarland, CA where he worked the fields with his parents and siblings and excelled in sports, having been coached by the famous Jim White.

When Oscar was 15, the Garza family moved to Mission, TX. He was a graduate of the Mission High School Class of 1976. While in high school, he made life-long friends, was a proud Eagle athlete, and was nicknamed “Catfish”. Oscar worked throughout the school years and helped his father at the ranch. In the summers, he worked as a longshoreman in Galveston, TX. As a sophomore, Oscar met the love of his life, Noralinda “Norie” Gonzalez Garza; they married on November 19, 1982, and had four children. Oscar was loved and cherished as a son by his in-laws, Arturo and Emma Gonzalez, and the entire Gonzalez and Gomez families.

Oscar was a family man, deeply devoted to his wife and children, parents and siblings, and above all, his grandsons. He was a longtime Mission businessman, rancher, little league coach for his children, owner of Real Estate Investments, LLC in Mission and McAllen, TX, and, like his father before him, the proud owner of Cabrito Market, Inc. in Palmview, Texas. Oscar was a dedicated public servant, having served on the Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 6 Board of Directors for 30 years and as president of the board since 2007.

Oscar had an unwavering faith; he began and ended each day with prayer. He loved nature and all of its beauty, and enjoyed spending his free time by the Rio Grande River. Oscar loved watching the sun rise on his morning walks while he prayed and reflected on God’s blessings. He was on his last walk when he was called to be with our Lord. He will always be remembered by his

joy for life and love of family, his youthful spirit, and strong work ethic.

Oscar was preceded in death by his father, Hermenegildo I. Garza, and his siblings Orfila Garza, Ovidio Garza, and Horacio Garza.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 34 years, Norie Gonzalez Garza; children Carina Garza De Luna (Marco), Aissa Garza, Oscar Arturo Garza (Maiela), and Alyna Garza. He is also survived by Grandpa’s joys; Josiah Arturo Garza, Isai Sebastian De Luna, and Cristian Emiliano De Luna; as well as his mother, Concepcion Flores Garza, his siblings Otilia Laguna, Hermengildo “Kiro” Garza, Jr. (Irene), Olivia Lopez (Andres), Odilia Moreno (Jose), and San Juanita “Janie” Garza; and 18 nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass was held on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Burial followed at San Jose Catholic Cemetery in Mission.

Javier Salinas, Rigoberto Garza and Joe Aguilar, and his nephews, Joseph Lopez, Adrian Lopez, Jose Heriberto “Eddie” Sandoval and David Moreno served as pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers were Marco Antonio De Luna, Jose Luis “Wicho” Flores and Delfino Cervantes and Oscar’s grandsons, Josiah Arturo Garza, Isai Sebastian De Luna and Cristian Emiliano De Luna.

Tomas Garza LA JOYA – Tomas Ricardo Garza, 44, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

Mr. Garza was born to Alejandro Garza and Dora Garza on Sept. 13, 1972, in McAllen.

Survivors include his wife, Melissa Ramirez Garza; children, Denise Dominguez and Alexandra Garza; mother, Dora Garza; siblings; Rosa Lopez, Veronica Garza, Alejandro Garza Jr., Roberto Garza, Marco Garza, Thelma Vela, Melissa Garza, Oma Rodgers, Evangelina Flores and Cynthia Chavez; and a grandson.

A funeral service was held on Jan. 4 at Lord & I Funeral Home in Peñitas. Burial fol-

lowed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview.

Sarah Goffnett MISSION – Sarah Goffnett, 90, of Mission, passed away at Comfort House in McAllen on Friday, Dec. 30, 2016.

Mrs. Goffnett was born on June 5, 1926, in Mt. Pleasant, Mich., to John and Eva Moore. She retired from Mt. Pleasant Regional Center in 1979. She moved to the Valley in 1979.

Survivors include her children, John Goffnett, Gary Goffnett, Barb Elliott and Aimee Severson; and nine grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Cecil Goffnett; grandsons, John Goffnett and Baldemar Villarreal; and parents and nine siblings.

Her ashes were laid at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.

The family suggested donations to be made to Comfort House, 617 W. Dallas, McAllen, TX 78501.

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

Mr. Morales was born and raised in Mission and was a graduate of Mission High School. He spent over 30 years working in the oil industry.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Mary Morales of Mission; children, Yvonne Treviño of Burleson, Rudy J. Morales of Austin and Rene J. Morales of Mission; and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Osvaldo and Felicia Morales.

A funeral was held on Dec. 23 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission.

Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in McAllen.

Nicolas Ortiz LA JOYA – Nicolas Ortiz, 96, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Ortiz was born on Dec. 7, 1920 to Margarito Ortiz and Inocencia Muniz in Tabasco, Texas.

Survivors include his children, Ricardo Ortiz, Yolanda Ortiz Alaniz and Juan David Ortiz; and eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

A funeral mass was held on Dec. 23 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in La Joya. Burial followed at Havana Cemetery in La Joya.

Domingo Perez MISSION – Domingo Perez, 86, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016.

Mr. Perez was born on Jan. 26, 1930, in Mission.

Survivors include his son, Roberto Perez, and four grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Isabel Perez; wife, Maria Eva; and son, Ruben Perez.

A funeral mass was held on Dec. 27 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission.

Gregorio Treviño PEÑITAS – Gregorio Treviño, 90, passed away on Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg.

Mr. Treviño was born on May 9, 1926, in Arcabuz, Tamps., Mexico, to Casimiro an Josefa (Reyna) Treviño.

Survivors include his children, Ezequiel Treviño, Artemio Treviño, Ismelda Treviño, Casimiro Treviño and Elizabeth Treviño; sister, Rosa Treviño; and 19 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Guadalupe; parents; and children, Olga Peña and Eulalio Treviño.

A funeral mass was held on Jan. 5 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in McAllen. Burial followed at Peñitas Cemetery.

See Death Notices on Page 12

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January 6, 2017

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Notices

Maria Balderas MISSION – Maria G. Balderas, 90, passed away on Friday, Dec. 23, 2016, at Comfort House in McAllen.

Jesus Cardoza MISSION – Jesus Cardoza, 84, passed away on Friday, Dec. 23, 2016, at Briarcliff Nursing and Rehab Center in McAllen.

Beatriz De Puente MISSION – Beatriz De La Rosa De Puente, 52, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Juan Fuentes MISSION – Juan Fuentes, 69, passed away on Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Benito Garcia MISSION – Benito G. Garcia, 68, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, at his home in Mission.

Guadalupe Gonzalez LA JOYA – Guadalupe Gonzalez, 85, passed away

on Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg, San Juanita Gonzalez MISSION – San Juanita Gonzalez, 67, passed away on Monday, Dec. 26, 2016, at her home.

Royston Guidry MISSION – Royston Grovenor Guidry, 97, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016, at his home in Mission.

Ofelia Hernandez SULLIVAN CITY – Ofelia Rios Hernandez , 65, passed away on Friday, Dec. 23, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Ruben Hilario MISSION – Ruben Hilario, 42, passed away on Friday, Dec. 23, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Maria Hinojosa LA JOYA – Maria E. Hinojosa, 80, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016, at her home in La Joya, Aurora H. Longoria MISSION – Aurora H. Longoria, 92, passed away on Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, at

Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg.

Ray Lopez MISSION – Ray Lopez, 62, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Vicenta Martine MISSION – Vicenta Martinez, 84, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

Steven McCormick MISSION – Steven Bruce McCormick, 64, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, at Solara Hospital in McAllen.

Domingo Ozuna PEÑITAS – Domingo Ozuna, 67, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Domingo Perez MISSION – Domingo Perez, 86, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016, at his home in Mission.

William Ramsdale Jr. MISSION – William John Ramsdale Jr., 77, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Sabas Rayas MISSION – Sabas Rayas, 97, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016, at Solara Hospital in McAllen.

Sigifredo Salinas MISSION – Sigifredo Salinas, 74, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016, at the Mission Regional Medical Center.

Progress Times Like Us on Facebook

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2017 Winter Texan Golf

“Fiesta On The Greens” February 10th, 2017 - starting time 8am Sign-up - January 30th starting time 8am

Free Event!

22 Annual COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR nd

January 15, 2017 | sharyland gym | 7:30 - noon 1106 NORTH SHARY ROAD, MISSION, TEXAS 78572

FREE BLOOD TESTS TO FIRST 500 HEALTH AND WELLNESS AWARENESS ANSWER QUESTIONS

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED 12 HOUR FASTING REQUIRED SCREENINGS INCLUDE: COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (ANEMIA) COMPREHENSIVE METABOLIC PANEL (DIABETES, LIVER & KIDNEY FUNCTION) LIPID PROFILE (TOTAL CHOLESTEROL HDL & LDL) PSA (PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING) FOR MALES OVER 40 TSH (THYROID FUNCTION SCREENING) FOR FEMALES BONE DENSITY SCREENINGS (OSTEOPOROSIS) PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTS FLU VACCINES AND MORE

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

theclassifieds January 6, 2017

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buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

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

HELP WANTED The Mission Progress Times newspaper is now accepting applications for the following job opening.

OFFICE ASSISTANT

The right candidate will possess excellent computer, typing and office clerical skills. Must type 40 wpm and have excellent command of English and Spanish languages, including speaking, reading, writing, spelling and grammar. Office experience preferred. This is a part-time position, Monday-Friday. No weekend work. Starting pay depends on experience.

TO APPLY Apply in person at the Progress Times office at 1217 N. Conway, Mission. Tests will be administered for typing, spelling and proofreading skills. For more information, please call 956-585-4893

Classified Rate:

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

For Rent 3BDRM/1BA GATED home with A/C in Palmview, $500 per month, call 956–878-5040.

For Sale MERMAID MERCHANDISE, WE have jewelry, clothing & more, visit/follow our website www.sherusirena. com.

TRIUMPH 400T TREADMILL, in great condition, $150, call 309– 613–6857.

Help Wanted LOOKING FOR AN experienced screen

PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL SERVICES “The La Joya Housing Authority is requesting competitive proposals from qualified, licensed, and reputable lawyers to provide professional legal services to the Authority on various matters related to the business of the Authority. Interested parties cannot be on the Office of Inspector General Exclusion or Disbarment list nor have a history of or pending lawsuits against any other housing authority. A written scope of the Request for Proposal is available at 945 Leo Ave., La Joya, Texas 78650. Sealed proposals in compliance with HUD Handbook 7460.8 can be mailed or delivered to Ms. Frances Salinas DeLeon, Chairwoman, La Joya Housing Authority, no later than 3:00 pm CST on Friday, January 20, 2017.”

AUDITING SERVICES “The La Joya Housing Authority is requesting competitive proposals from qualified, licensed, and reputable auditors to provide professional auditing services to the Authority. Interested parties cannot be on the Office of Inspector General Exclusion or Disbarment list nor have a history of or pending lawsuits against any other housing authority. A written scope of the Request for Proposal is available at 945 Leo Ave., La Joya, Texas 78650. Sealed proposals in compliance with HUD Handbook 7460.8 can be mailed or delivered to Ms. Frances Salinas DeLeon, Chairwoman, La Joya Housing Authority, no later than 3:00 pm CST on Friday, January 20, 2017.”

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.

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.

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

$1,299, call 956– 580-3370.

Mobile Homes

GERMAN, JAPANESE, U.S WW2 MILITARIA guns, swords, helmets,

2008 EASY GO electric golf cart,

medals, etc., top cash paid, collector,

Motorcycle 2007 HONDA VTX 1300, pearl white, new tires, new battery, 12,052 miles, $3,800 or OBO, call 605–431–7199.

Wanted

712–310-0905.

LEGAL NOTICE Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Wine and Beer Retailer’s permit by Jorge Meza dba Kato Sushi to be located at 2306 E. Expressway 83 Suite 12, Mission, Hidalgo County, Texas. Officers of said corporation are Jorge Meza, Kathia Meza and Dora Garza.

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

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January 6, 2017