Friday, January 13, 2017
www.ptrgv.com | 25 Cents
Vol. 45 No. 23
Legal scholar: some judge travel expenses unjustified Hidalgo County spent $1,285 on a judge’s “staff retreat”
A
By Joe Hinton
retired law professor and legal scholar said paying for Hidalgo County district court judges to attend continuing legal education courses is unjustified given modern technology negates the need to travel to legal conferences. That was the reaction
Rudy Delgado Geoffrey C. Hazard Jr., had to some travel reimbursement records showing judges spent thousands attending continuing legal education conferences in 2016 and one judge whose staff was reimbursed for attending a twonight retreat in a three-bedroom South Padre Island condominium. The judge who filed for the retreat reimbursement said he created it to “Encourage employees to
embrace change and sharpen their skills. Team Building.” The latter was what Judge Rodolfo “Rudy” Delgado of the 93rd District Court stated in a travel reimbursement request submitted in July 2016, for a retreat that occurred June 16-18. Records show a portion of Delgado’s reimbursement request was challenged by a staff member in the county auditor’s office headed by Ray Eufracio. The reimbursement payment was one of 37 records obtained by the Progress Times, a result of a public records request for travel spending records for district court judges and their staffs. The records, covering the period from Nov. 1, 2015 through Nov. 30, 2016, were requested after members of the citizen’s watchdog group, Objective Watchers of the Legal System, expressed concerns Eufracio’s contract might not be renewed at the end of February after some judges were critical of Eufracio at a judge’s meeting in October. The district court judges decide whether to renew Eufracio’s contract. They postponed their decision at a Nov. 30, 2016 judges meeting that was attended by about a dozen OWLS members. Records show Delgado requested reimbursement
See JUDGE pg. 5
Mission family helps keep Texas Citrus Fiesta costume show alive
M
By Henry Miller
ISSION – Walk into Jovita Garza’s home and a light citrusy aroma fills the air. Looking to discover the aroma’s origin one’s eyes fall on bright colors on her living room wall with tables and sofas covered with what one might first assume are craft items. Those items, however, are
much more. They’re also the reason for that fresh smell. For more than a month Garza and family members have been preparing their entries for the annual Texas Citrus Fiesta Product Costume Show where rules require costumes are comprised of at least 50 percent of citrus and other products grown in the Valley and incorporated into costumes that include evening gowns,
hats and accessories. Contestants will display their entries tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the Mission Community Center, 14210 E. Kika de la Garza. The show is the kickoff to the annual Texas Citrus Fiesta, an event that has been held in Mission since December 1932. For the fourth straight year Garza is heavily involved preparing her 16-year-old granddaughter Briana Garza’s dress for the event. On Jan. 6 the products in their efforts were strewn throughout her living room. The outfit includes a dress, earrings, shoes, basket and a hat. Garza’s daughter, Dalia Vivian, 40, is also designing a dress and her other daughter, Sylvia Gonzalez, 36, is
Jovita Garza sifts some dehydrated and pulverized leaves from orange, lemon and grapefruit onto the costume she is making for the annual Citrus Fiesta Costume Show on Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Mission Community Center. Progress Times photos by Henry Miller
Council also funds body cameras for police
M
ission’s City Council has taken measures to assist children and families in need by approving the use of one building and the construction of another. The council also approved funding to pay for body cameras for its police officers. On Jan. 9 the council agreed to lease for $1 a year the Strickland Building on Conway Avenue to be used by the Children’s Advocacy Center. Currently the closest center is in Edinburg. The CAC was established in 2000 to help victims of child abuse in Hidalgo and Starr Counties. CAC is one of 70 centers across the state that addresses the needs of child abuse victims ages 2 to 17, said executive director, Victoria Medina. Medina said the centers provide a safe, child-friendly environment for victims to meet with representatives of law enforcement, child protective services as well as prosecution, medical and mental health professionals who may share information
and develop effective programs to help each child. CAC will provide specialized forensic interviews that are taped and may be admissible in court as evidence, said Medina. Medical and mental health assessments and treatment will be done locally through an agreement with Mission Regional Medical Center. Team reviews will assure all information relative to the case has been gathered. There will be debriefings and assessments of children and non-offending family members for crisis and crisis intervention, if needed. Individual and family counseling and support groups will also be available, Medina said. City Manager Martin Garza said this new location will be an asset to many Mission parents for whom transportation to Edinburg has been difficult. Also Monday the council approved a $50,000 allocation for construction of a home that will be used to provide shelter for temporarily displaced families or families in unexpected emergencies. Deputy City Manager
Aida Lerma said the time the families could stay would be limited and the home would be used only in cases of extreme emergency. The home will be constructed on property donated to the city by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, she said. In other action the council approved plans to seek a state grant to purchase 165 body cameras for city police. The $200,815 grant from the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division would include the software and other accessories, Police Chief Robert Dominguez told the council the city would provide a 20-percent match of $40,163 that would be paid through the Federal Drug Forfeiture Fund. The council also approved the chief’s request to spend $11,981 to purchase 15 bullet proof vests to replace those in the police department that are five years old or older. And the council agreed to permit Dominguez to seek a $26,700 grant to purchase computer-based software that will allow MPD to convert a Uniform Crime Report
TEXAS BATHROOM BILL Texas Sen. Lois Kolkhorst has filed legislation seeking to restrict access to restrooms, locker rooms and other sex-segregated facilities on the basis of sex or gender.
See page 4
INDEX
Entertainment | pg. 2
Lifestyle | pg. 3
into an Incident Based Reporting System. Also Monday the council approved resolutions declaring the adoption of four new Mexico Sister Cities. They are the cities of General Teran, Santiago and Guadalupe, each in the state of Nuevo Leon, and the city of Coatlan del Rio in Morelos. The Speer Memorial Library declared 10 older computers as surplus and the council approved plans to donate them to Mexico Sister Cities. Another 40 old computers will be auctioned for parts on the Internet, per council approval. Under board appointments, Eric Eli Olivarez was appointed to the southeast position for the Citizens Advisory Board. Heraclio “Laco” Flores Jr., was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Board. Councilman Ruben Plata will serve as alternate for the mayor’s position on the Mission Educational Development Corporation. And Julian Gonzalez was appointed to serve as an alternate to the Zoning Board of Adjustments.
See CITRUS FIESTA pg. 10
Jovita Garza shows off two earrings she made in preparation for the annual Citrus Fiesta Costume Show on Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Mission Community Center. Costumes have to be made with at least 50 percent of vegetation, citrus, leaves and plants grown in the Rio Grande Valley.
Mission approves programs to help distressed children and families
By Kathy Olivarez
designing hats this year, Garza said. Garza’s family is among eight contestants in this year’s costume show, said Sylvia Vick, who chairs the event. Vick said she started out as a designer about six years ago and worked her way up to chairwoman. During the past half dozen years she said up to 20 contestants have submitted costumes but she said it seems each year there are fewer participants. “That’s because it’s so time and labor intensive,” said Vick. “People just don’t have the time.” The Garza family is helping to keep the tradition alive.
S
Sullivan City hires new city manager
By Jose De Leon III
ULLIVAN CITY— Juan Cedillo likes to think of himself as persistent and hopes members of the Sullivan City council will feel the same. “When given the opportunity, I can get things done. I feel I can do some good here,” he said. Cedillo was named city manager of Sullivan City during the Dec. 20 city council meeting two months after his predecessor, Judy Davila, announced she would step down from the position.
Juan Cedillo, city manager of Sullivan City
According to City Secretary Veronica Gutierrez, Davila accepted an unspecified position with the Texas Department of Public Safety after serving as city manager for five years. “Everything Davila did was for the betterment of the city and now that she’s stepped down, we’re looking to create a better future,” Gutierrez said. “Cedillo is a well-rounded man with great experiences and I’m happy he’s on board. The city is ready to expand economically and professionally with him.” Cedillo said he was one of the candidates who applied for the position in 2011 before Davila was named city manager. The 55-year-old Pharr resident has served as city manager for several cities in Hidalgo County such as Alton, Elsa and Edcouch. Cedillo said his experiences as city manager in other cities will serve him well in his new role. “I have the blueprint to help the community move forward,” he explained. “I
See CITY MANAGER pg. 10
INSIDE
MCISD ATHLETIC DIRECTOR RETIRING
STUDENT APPLYING
CODING SKILLS
A 17-year-old Sharyland High School senior is developing a smart phone application to help visually impaired persons like himself to better navigate their surroundings.
After committing himself to education and student athletes for four decades MCISD Athletic Director Joe Sanchez has decided it is time to re-direct his focus.
See page 5
See page 6
Opinion | pg.4
Sports | pg. 8
Obituaries | pg. 11
Classifieds | pg. 13
entertainment
Oak Ridge Boys to perform Jan. 14-18
MERCEDES – The legendary Oak Ridge Boys will perform for five nights at Llano Grande Resort in Mercedes this Saturday through Wednesday, Jan.14 -18. Performances start at 7 p.m. Their high-energy stage show remains the heart and soul of what they do best – performing classic gospel, country and patriotic music. The Oak Ridge Boys have one of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in the country music industry. Their string of hits includes the pop-chart-topper “Elvira,” as well as “Bobbie Sue,” “Dream On,” “Thank God for Kids,” “American Made,” “I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes,” “Fancy Free,” “Gonna Take a Lot of River” and many others. They scored 12 gold, three platinum, one double-platinum album, and one double-platinum single and have had more than a dozen, national number one singles and over 30 Top Ten hits. Ev-
ery time they step before an audience, the group brings three decades of charted singles and 50 years of tradition to the stage. Their four-part harmonies and upbeat songs has garnered a host of industry and fan accolades including Grammy, Dove, ACM and CMA awards. In 2008 they were awarded the coveted Academy of Country Music Pioneer Award. In 2015, the Oak Ridge Boys were honored with induction into the elite Country Music Hall of Fame. “I feel like I can do what I do on stage just as good now as I could 20 years ago,” said Joe Bonsall. “I plan to be rockin’ my tail off out there as long as I am healthy. The people who come out, who bring their families to see us, deserve everything I’ve got.” Bass singer Richard Sterban added, “I think our stage show is one of the reasons for our continuity. We are still having fun doing this. We love what we do. Getting
on stage and bringing music to people is still what we live for.” To purchase tickets call Llano Grande at 956-565-
2228 or tickets can be purchased online at hyneseventcenter.com. Ticket prices start at $25.
Oak Ridge Boys
Coming Attractions
Join us for communion the First Sunday of every month.
January 14 • The Hidalgo Watercolor Society will present their annual exhibition of members’ works with an opening reception from 7 to 9 p.m, at the Upper Valley Art League gallery in 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. The public will vote on their favorite painting for the “People’s Choice Award.” 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. • Billy Droze, former lead will singer of Grammy Award-winning super group Shenandoah, is returning to Texas to perform a special concert in two performances at the Border Theater in Mission at 2 and 6 p.m. Tickets are $12. For more information go to www.billydroze.com. January 19 • Select a morning or evening class, 9 a.m. to Noon or 6 to 9 p.m. for “Perspective for the Artist” with instructor Betty Vermeer at the Upper Valley Art League. Registration is open to all UVAL members for $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. To register or to become a member, call UVAL at 956583-2787 or stop by the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921. E. 12th, Mission. January 21 & 28 • The Upper Valley Art League is offering an 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 and is open to all UVAL members; all materials are furnished. To register or to become a member, call UVAL at 956-583-2787 or stop by the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921. E. 12th, Mission. Class size is limited.
www.missionfumc.com
To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to ptrgv.com
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 11:00 a.m. Childrens Church Friday @ 5:30pm 5:00 p.m. Spanish Worship
Everyone is Welcome!
January 13, 2017
page 2
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Tickets on sale for VSO galactic-themed concert
McALLEN — Take a trip to the stars (spacesuits optional) during the Valley Symphony Orchestra’s fourth concert of the season, “Star Wars and Galactic Pops.” It’s a far-out tribute to some of the classic sci-fi masterpieces. The performance begins at 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3, at the new McAllen Performing Arts Center located on 801 Convention Center Blvd. Doors to the venue will open at 7 p.m. to allow time for patrons to visit the concessions before the concert. A nod to all things celestial, Maestro Peter Dabrowski, VSO conductor and music director, has chosen pieces to transport the audience into the cosmos, such as Also sprach Zarathustra – Introduction by Richard Strauss. Most listeners today recognize Strauss’ piece by its famous opening prologue, which was immortalized in Stanley Kubrick’s classic film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Another great and familiar movie soundtrack, Star Trek Through the Years by Jerry Goldsmith will astound the audience. Goldsmith’s music currently spans 13 feature films and six long-running television series in Hollywood all while adding to the enjoyment and dedication of millions of fans around the world. Composer John Williams’ Star Wars Suite remains among the most highly recognizable and popular pieces of symphonic POPs in the world. The orchestra will transport listeners to the yearning melody of Princess Leia, the relentless angularity of the Imperial March, and the bold fanfares of the main title theme that fans will re-
call from the full length feature films of yesterday and today. To wrap up the musical adventure, the audience will hear the first and fourth movements of Gustav Holst’s orchestral masterpiece, The Planets: “Mars, the Bringer of War” and “Jupiter, The Bringer of Jollity.” Holst loved to study ancient cultures and was fascinated by the idea that one’s personality could be determined by the influence of planetary alignment. This concert marks the first performance for the Valley Symphony Orchestra at the new 93,471 square-foot, state-of-the-art McAllen Performing Arts Center sponsored by long-time supporter and symphony friend, Trudie Elmore Abbott. Tickets begin at $35 for backhouse, $45 front house and $55 orchestra level. To purchase tickets go to ticketmaster.com, call 1-800-7453000 or stop by the McAllen Convention Center box office weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Patrons are encouraged to take advantage of the VSO Bundle Package deal available now through Feb. 3 for the remaining three concerts of the season to be held at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. The bundle is priced at a 20 percent discount off the regular price. Visit ticketmaster.com for more details, pricing and availability while seats remain. For more information on the Valley Symphony Orchestra or Maestro Dabrowski, contact Vivian Vargas at 956-661-1615 or email vivian@valleyorchestra.org.
MHM hosts ‘Stories from Texas’ author Come celebrate Texas’ character, culture and history with Rio Grande Valley writer W.F. Strong as he presents “Stories from Texas – Some of them are True” at the Mission Historical Museum on Saturday, Jan. 21, at 11 a.m. His tales of South Texas include genuine humorous pieces of general interest. W. F. Strong is a Fulbright Scholar and communications professor at The University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley. He received his doctorate in rhetoric from The University of Arizona, his master’s in communication from The University of North Texas and a bachelor’s in speech from Abilene Christian University. He teaches courses in intercultural communication, American oratory and broadcasting. Strong grew up in the ranch country of Brooks County – in Falfurrias – where he was surrounded by the storytelling tradition that still thrived among the farmers and ranchers he worked for as a boy. This influence drove him to become a voracious reader of great storytellers like Mark Twain – the focus of his doctoral thesis
W.F. Strong
– along with writers Larry McMurtry and Cormac McCarthy. For seven years W.F. Strong has been broadcasting his “Stories from Texas” on public radio stations in Texas and sometimes they are played in far flung places like New York and California. He is a regular commentator on Texas Standard out of Austin, which is considered the NPR for Texas, and is carried on 25 stations around the state, including KERA in Dallas, TPR in San Antonio and KUHF in Houston.
33rd Causeway Run/Walk is Jan. 14 The Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce will again sponsor the annual Longest Causeway Run & Fitness Walk on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. Runners will start at 10 a.m. and walkers will start a 10:15 a.m. from the Community Center. Late registration is available on-site at the Port Isabel Community Center, 213 Yturria, Port Isabel on Friday, Jan. 13, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. The cost is $35. Runners’ chips and bibs will be handed out Friday and Saturday at the Community Center during late registration. The race course is 10K, or 6.2 miles, and starts at the Port Isabel Community Center and ends at Louie’s Backyard on South Padre Island. The run is a USA Track and Field certified course. There will be water stations along the way.
The Fitness Walk course is 5K, or three miles. It starts at the Port Isabel Community Center and finishes at the statue of Padre Balli on South Padre Island. This is not a race; it is a participation walk. Shuttle service will start at 7 a.m. at Louie’s Backyard to the start line at the community center. The shuttles will also transport participants from Louie’s Backyard to Port Isabel for vehicle pick up. Expect delays with buses. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first three overall places in both male and female running categories. First place winners receive $500; second place, $300; and third place, $200. Everyone who finishes will receive a finisher medal.
lifestyle
JDA students to attend inauguration
The opportunity only presents itself every four years, and three of Juan Diego Academy’s students plan to make the most of it. Next week, sophomores Kayla Gonzalez and Joseph Seiba, and senior Nick Villarreal, will travel to Washington D.C. for the presidential inauguration. Their four-day Presidential Inauguration Leadership Summit program through Envision will be highlighted by presentations from world-renowned speakers, including Gen. Colin Powell, Gov. Martin O’Malley, Carly Fiorina and Spike Lee. Beyond hearing the
speakers, students will actively participate in small delegations regarding topics such as diplomacy, technology, environmentalism, medicine and education. Together, students will work throughout the program towards national and global solutions to the challenges their generation and the incoming president will face. The Summit will culminate in a special Inaugural Gala to be held at the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum, marking the ultimate civics lesson. For more information, please contact the school at (956) 583-2752.
January 13, 2017
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
BETWEEN the bookendS
Speer Memorial Library
12th St. & Kika Loop • Mission • 580-8750
By William Renner Join us at Speer Memorial Library in Mission on Tuesday, Jan. 24, for the next book discussion on The Beekeeper’s Ball. It takes place in the library’s Community Room at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited. In this novel (the sequel to The Apple Orchard), Isabel Johansen, who lives with her grandfather in a hacienda on a 100-acre apple orchard, is finally able to pursue her dream of turning her home into a cooking school. She is also planning the summer wedding of her recently acquainted half sister, Tess Delaney, an antiques specialist whose timely research saved the estate from financial ruin. But when a biographer
Get a jump on spring gardening
Left to right, Joseph Seiba, Kayla Gonzalez and Nick Villarreal are heading to Washington, D.C., next week for the presidential inauguration and to participate in the Presidential Inauguration Leadership Summit.
STISD enrollment begins Jan. 14
MERCEDES — South Texas Independent School District (STISD) will open enrollment for the 2017-18 school year on Saturday, Jan. 14. To be eligible, students must reside in Cameron, Hidalgo or Willacy County. The enrollment application must be completed online at www.stisd.net. Limited slots will be available, and enrollment for each campus will close once the school reaches capacity. Students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. STISD offers students an educational alternative through six magnet schools throughout the Rio Grande Valley – two middle schools and four high schools. The district’s two middle schools include Rising Scholars Academy of South Texas in San Benito and South Texas Preparatory Academy in Edinburg. Both of these campuses serve students in grades 7 and 8. STISD’s four high schools offer students in grades 9-12 the opportunity to complete career-and-technology coursework and gain handson experience in specific vocational areas while engaging in college-level learning experiences, with the chance to earn college credits. These campuses include South Texas Business, Education & Technology Academy in Edinburg; South Texas High School for Health Professions in Mercedes; South Texas Academy for Medical Professions in Olmito; and Science Academy of South Texas in Mercedes. This year, all campuses will begin their enrollment on Saturday, Jan. 14; however, each individual campus will begin at a different time during that day. Registration times are as follows: Med High, 9 a.m.; Medical Academy, 10 a.m.; Science Academy 11 a.m.; BETA, 12 p.m.; STPA, 1 p.m.; and Rising Scholars Academy 2 p.m. Rising Scholars Academy will accept applications
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for students entering the seventh- or eighth-grade in August 2017. STPA will only accept applications for students entering the seventh-grade. Those who will start the 9th or 10th grade in August, 2017, may enroll at any STISD high school. There is no cost to attend any STISD school. Bus transportation is provided free of charge. For more information about enrollment, visit www. stisd.net or call 956-5652454.
EVENTS
page 3
EDINBURG – Learn how to start a spring vegetable garden at the next Friday Night with a Naturalist on Friday, Jan. 20, at 6 p.m. at the Edinburg World Birding Center, 714 Raul Longoria Rd. The program is free. Sylvia Casselman, South Texas master gardener and South Texas Border Chapter Texas master naturalist, will teach participants how to start a vegetable garden, even if there is only limited gardening space available. Learn which vegetables and herbs grow best in the spring, and which grow best together to ensure a successful crop yield at the end of the season. Participants can also learn about the various types of gardening beds and what soil mixtures will work best for the crops. Seats are limited; call to reserve a spot. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Call 956-381-9922 for more information or reservations.
shows up to interview the grandfather, many unexpected family secrets are revealed. Will the past and the present conspire to uproot Isabel’s future, or will it be planted even more deeply in the rich soil of the land she loves? Set among the lush orchards and vineyards of beautiful Sonoma County, California, The Beekeeper’s Ball, written by Susan Wiggs, and first published in 2014. It is a heartwarming, enchanting story of family, food, home and honeybees—complete with recipes. Copies of the book available for check out to those who sign up for the book discussion. Stop by the library or call William Renner or Rose Alvarez at 580-8754 to sign up or to obtain a copy via Interlibrary Loan. Registration is also available via email at reference@ missiontexas.us. Speer Memorial Library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission.
STC registration made easy
McALLEN – Registration has been made a little easier for the upcoming Spring 2017 semester at South Texas College (STC). Classes start January 17 at all STC locations in Hidalgo and Starr County. For students who are unable to make it to campus during normal hours of operation, extended registration hours will be available at the Pecan, Mid-Valley and Starr County Campuses on Saturday, Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. where one-on-one assistance will be offered. Registration is also available 24/7 via JagNet and at SouthTexasCollege.edu. Financial aid is still available and the college offers a variety of installment plans and
emergency loans for students who have registered. For those who don’t think they have time to continue your educational goals, Mini-mester courses may be an answer. The six- to 14week classes are great for students who were unable to begin the semester in the typical fashion. They’re shorter in length and offer flexibility for a busy schedule. Minimester classes offer the same quality instruction and credit but in a shorter time span. Several core classes are being offered in traditional and online settings. For more information, call South Texas College at 956-872-8311 or visit SouthTexasCollege.edu.
Getting healthy on Jan. 15th The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) and the Mission Regional Medical Center (MRMC) have joined for the 22nd Annual Mission Community Health Fair. It runs from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.at the Sharyland High School Gymnasium. The event is free and open to the public. Free screenings, awareness and education will be provided to low-income individuals and families. The Mission Regional Medical Center laboratory team will be providing master blood tests to the first 500 people. Free screenings and services include bone density, cholesterol, diabetes, liver and kidney function, pulmonary function, flu vaccines and more. A 12-hour fast is recommended for those wishing to have blood screening tests performed. For information, contact Zoe Molina at zoe@missionchamber.com or at 956-585-2727.
CALENDAR
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 14 – Take part in the Kid’s Birding Club from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Edinburg World Birding Center. Kids and their families will learn about Birding by Ear, and learn how to identify 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. The program is included in the regular admission; member families are free. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. For more information, call 956-381-9922 or visit www.edinburgwbc.org. 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 19 – Participate in Campfire with a Naturalist: Folklore Stories of South Texas Wildlife at 6 p.m. at the Edinburg World Birding Center, 714 Raul Longoria Rd. Cost is $3 for members and $5 for nonmembers. Learn about the various stories that surround birds, mammals, insects and other critters, and then enjoy a snack by the fire to share stories. Families are welcomed. Registration is required; deadline Jan. 16. Call 956-381-9922 to register or for more information. January 21 – Join the EWBC at 9 a.m. for the Adult Birding Series, “Birding Through Habitat Preference,” and learn how to find birds based on the habitat they prefer. Raul Garza Jr., ranger at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge-South Texas Complex, will offer useful tips for identification. The fee is $2 for members and $4 for nonmembers. Registration is required. Call 956-381-9922 to reserve a spot. 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. January 27-28 – Our Savior Lutheran Church will hold their annual rummage sale beginning at 8 a.m. both days. All proceeds are used to serve those who are less fortunate. Donations are welcomed on Wednesday, Jan. 25, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call 956-631-6121 for more information. January 28 – Tickets are on sale now for the Food Bank RGV Farm Dinner fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m. at 724 N. Cage Blvd. The dinner will be feature 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. For more information, contact Chris Bueno, Community Garden manager, at 956-904-4525 or by email at chbueno@foodbankrgv.com. January 29 – Our Savior Lutheran, 1105 W. Fern Ave. in McAllen, will hold their Annual Polka Worship Service at 8 a.m. featuring a four-piece band in the main worship center of the church. For more information, call 956-631-6121. (For daily events and upcoming weeks, see the full calendar at ptrgv.com.)
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opinion
January 13, 2017 November 2, 2015 25, 2016
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By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
Legislation proposes to regulate access to restrooms, locker rooms
AUSTIN — Texas now has a “bathroom bill.” The Lone Star State has joined Alabama, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington as states where legislation has been filed in an effort to restrict access to restrooms, locker rooms and other sex-segregated facilities on the basis of sex or gender. On Jan. 5, Texas Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, filed Senate Bill 6, titled the Texas Privacy Act. The legislation, she said, would address “the personal privacy concerns of many Texans.” The legislation comes after a May 13, 2016, “joint guidance” from the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice “to help provide educators the information they need to ensure that all students, including transgender students, can attend school in an environment free from discrimination based on sex.” Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the federal agencies said, “schools receiving federal money may not discriminate based on a student’s sex, including a student’s transgender status.” The federal agencies signaled their intent to treat a student’s gender identity as the student’s sex for purposes of enforcing Title IX. However, last fall, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor of the Northern District of Texas granted an injunction against enforcement of the federal “guidance.” The judge ruled that the injunction applies not only to Texas, but to all states. Kolkhorst termed the federal agencies’ “guidance” an “edict.” She said “the proposal to have boys and girls potentially showering and
using the same restroom” alarmed the public. “This bill is written not to begin a controversy, but to end one,” said Kolkhorst. “The Texas Privacy Act is a thoughtful solution to a sensitive issue. It preserves an expected level of privacy for our public schools and buildings. At the same time, it also allows for schools and universities to make personal accommodations for those requesting an alternate setting. Senate Bill 6 also allows Texas businesses to determine their own policy without government interference.” Kolkhorst said SB 6 “is unique” in that it enhances penalties for crimes committed in a bathroom against any individual, regardless of their sex or gender identity. Opponents of “bathroom legislation” have argued that it is unconstitutional not to accommodate transgender people and the passage of such legislation would result in negative impacts on business activity. Pablos takes office Gov. Greg Abbott on Jan. 5 appointed Rolando Pablos of El Paso as the 111th secretary of state, replacing outgoing Secretary Carlos Cascos. Pablos, a former utility regulator, is co-founder and chief executive officer of Uriel Americas. Most recently, he served as chief executive officer of the Borderplex Alliance, a bi-national economic development organization based on the U.S.-Mexico border. Pablos formerly served as a member of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Texas Racing Commission. Hegar finishes ports tour Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Jan. 4 announced his completion of a multi-
month travel itinerary that included visits to six of Texas’ 29 ports of entry. “The vitality of Texas’ international trade can be seen everywhere, from the Houston Ship Channel, the nation’s busiest waterway, to the Laredo port of entry, whose five international bridges accommodate more than 2 million trucks and 3,600 trains each year,” Hegar said. “We reap enormous advantages from world trade every day, and for the ports tour my agency has quantified those benefits,” he continued. “We’ve found that Texas ports of entry accounted for nearly $650 billion in international trade in 2015. In all, that trade supports nearly 1.6 million Texas jobs and adds more than $224 billion to our gross state product. It’s a vital part of the economy, and keeps it an essential destination for business and industry,” Hegar added. Revenue total is reported Comptroller Hegar on Jan. 4 announced state sales tax revenue totaled $2.44 billion in December, 4.9 percent more than in December 2015. “Sales tax revenue growth was led by collections from sectors driven by consumer spending — retail trade and information services,” Hegar said. “Tax receipts from oil– and natural gas–related sectors continued to decline relative to the previous year.” Total sales tax revenue for the three months ending in December 2016 was up by 0.6 percent compared with the same period a year ago. Sales tax revenue is the largest source of state funding for the state budget, accounting for 58 percent of all tax collections, Hegar added.
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Hegar gives lawmakers dour revenue estimate for 2017 session By Edgar Walters
F
Texas Tribune acing sluggish economic forecasts amid low oil prices along with billions in tax revenue already dedicated to the state highway fund, Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced Monday that lawmakers will have $104.87 billion in state funds at their disposal in crafting the next twoyear budget, a 2.7 percent decrease from his estimate ahead of the legislative session two years ago. Hegar told state lawmakers he expected a “slow to moderate” expansion of the Texas economy. Still, he said, the amount of revenue they will be able to negotiate over has fallen. That’s largely because lawmakers in 2015 moved to dedicate up to $5 billion in sales tax revenue every two years to the state’s highway fund, rather than making it available to spend on other priorities such as schools, health care or reforms to the embattled Texas foster care system. “We are projecting overall revenue growth,” Hegar said. “Such growth, however, is more than offset” by the demands of the state highway fund and other dedicated funds. The revenue estimate does not determine the scope of the entire Texas budget. Rather, it sets a limit on the state’s general fund, the portion of the budget that lawmakers have the most control over. The general fund typically makes up about half of the state’s total budget. Two years ago, Hegar estimated that the Legislature would have $113 billion in state funds, also known as general revenue. Adding in federal funds and other revenue sources, lawmakers
would have $221 billion in total for its budget, as well as $11.1 billion in the state’s Rainy Day Fund, he said at the time. Lawmakers ultimately passed a $209.4 billion budget, which included billions in tax cuts. On Monday, Hegar estimated lawmakers would have $104.87 billion in general revenue and $224.8 billion in total revenue to write a budget for the 2018-19 biennium, which begins in September. The state’s Rainy Day Fund, fed largely by taxes on oil and gas development, will have a balance of $11.9 billion at the end of the next two-year budget, assuming legislators don’t tap that savings account during the session that begins Tuesday, Hegar said. “There are obviously going to be cuts to the budget. We’re just going to have to figure out where those cuts are going to come,” said state Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo, one of the House’s experts on the budget. He said that the amount of general revenue available to lawmakers is $5 billion to $6 billion less than what it would take to cover current services when inflation and the growth of the state are taken into account. It would take about $109 billion in general revenue to cover the cost of current programs and services provided by the state, a little more than $4 billion more than Hegar estimated the state will have to spend, according to an estimate from the left-leaning Center for Public Policy Priorities. Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement Monday that Texas would live within its means. “As fiscal conservatives, we must treat our state budget the way families do – by
funding our priorities, while constraining the size and growth of government,” Abbott said. “I will work with the Legislature this session to craft a budget that funds our most vital services without growing faster than the growth of population and inflation.” Hegar’s forecast for oil prices Monday was far less rosy than it was two years ago, when he based his estimate on the assumption that a barrel of West Texas crude would average between $65 and $75 over the 2016-17 biennium. At the time, oil was trading at around $46 a barrel. The averages since then have been well below $50 a barrel. On Monday, while a barrel of West Texas crude was trading at around $52, Hegar’s office said his latest forecast assumed oil would trade at $55.11 a barrel for the first year of the biennium and $59.26 for the second year. Hegar has also tempered his views on the state’s future economic growth. Two years ago, Hegar and his analysts predicted that real gross state product would grow 3.2 percent in the 2016 fiscal year and 4.1 percent in 2017. In the new estimate released Monday, his office noted that 2016 turned out much worse, with just 0.2 percent growth. He is now predicting growth of just 2.5 percent in the current fiscal year, which ends in August. Looking forward even further, Hegar forecasted real gross state product growing 3 percent and 3.1 percent, respectively, in the 2018 and 2019 fiscal years. Ross Ramsey, Patrick Svitek and Alexa Ura contributed to this report.
Supreme Court won’t review Hazlewood Act AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton this week praised the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to deny review of a ruling that upholds the constitutionality of the state’s Hazlewood Act. A decision by the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in June upheld the Legislature’s authority to establish state policy – a victory for Texas taxpayers and veterans. Passed by the Legislature in 1923, the Hazlewood Act
waives public state university tuition for honorably discharged veterans who enlisted in the military while residing in Texas. A lawsuit sought to include tuition exemption for every veteran who moves to Texas, which would be cost prohibitive and runs contrary to the legislative intent of the Hazlewood Act. “Today’s announcement by the U.S. Supreme Court helps ensure the Hazlewood
Act’s financial future and means Texas will continue to provide an important benefit to veterans who put their lives at risk to protect our freedoms,” Attorney General Paxton said. “Texas will continue to exercise its sovereign right to encourage Texas students to finish high school, volunteer for military service, and bring their skills back to the state to pursue higher education.”
AG Files Amicus Brief in Challenge to Racial and Sex-Based Quota System AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas supporting a lawsuit that challenges unconstitutional racial and sex-based quotas for board membership on the State Bar of Texas. Currently, the board of directors of the Texas bar expressly requires “four minority member directors.” Austin attorney Greg Gegenheimer wants to apply
for an open director position on the board, but the bar is only allowing “female, African-American, Hispanic-American, Native American, or Asian-American” members to be considered for that position. Gegenheimer, who is a white male, argues in his lawsuit that his exclusion amounts to race and sex discrimination in violation of the U.S. Constitution’s equal protection clause. In the amicus brief, Attorney General Paxton urges the
court to invalidate the unconstitutional quota system. “This is really not a difficult case,” Paxton said. “The courts have made clear that the use of racial and sexbased quotas by the government in situations like this is blatantly unconstitutional. Leadership positions should be available to all state bar members based on their merit, not their skin color, ethnicity or sex.”
View a copy of the amicus brief here: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/files/epress/Amicus_Brief_-_State_Bar_of_ Texas.pdf?cachebuster:18
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January 13, 2017
M
Student hopes his App will aid the blind
By Henry Miller ISSION – People talk about their passions quite often. Many times they become defined by that passion and make a living with that passion. Ewin Zuo, a 17-yearold senior at Sharyland High School, found his passion at the age of 12 – in computer coding. That passion, and his vision for an application that would be a visual assistant for the blind, earned him in November one of five E-STEAM $1,000 scholarships, provided by The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce and Grande Produce. E-STEAM is an initiative to develop and promote programs and create workers and entrepreneurs skilled in science, technology, engineering, art, design and mathematics. “The thrill of seeing my creations in action and the frustration that I experience when I’m fixing a bug can only be understood by other coders,” Zuo wrote in his essay that was part of the criteria for the scholarship. “In the real world, people are restricted by the immutable laws of nature, but on a computer, the possibilities are endless as long as people allow their imagination to run wild.” Zuo’s mom, Yinting, holds a master’s degree in computer science and he credits her with introducing him to the computer world
JUDGE
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of $931 for the retreat that took place at the Saida Towers condominiums. The judge received $86.40 in mileage compensation and $562 for the three-bedroom condominium. County rules allow traveling court staff to spend up to $139 per day for lodging. In an Aug. 18, 2016 email to Delgado’s office administrator, Joel Espinosa, Assistant County Auditor Zoraida Escamilla said she could not approve the judge’s requested $234.60 compensation for a tab from Louie’s Backyard restaurant citing the county’s $18 per diem dinner allowance for each employee. She went on to question why four employees who traveled to the same location each submitted separate mileage reimbursement requests. To resolve the matter Escamilla suggested one employee could be fully reimbursed or reimbursement could be divided among the four staff members. Escamilla’s email prompted a response the next day from Delgado in which the judge said he believed the county should pay for the meal since he provided a receipt. “I acknowledge that I did not research any specific provision of the county travel policy that would allow for the reimbursement of the actual cost of the meal nor will I cite one at this time,” Delgado wrote. “Nonetheless, I do not have the time nor the inclination to research the issue nor to argue the reasonableness of my request. Rather, I withdraw my request for reimbursement of the actual cost of the meal and will accept the per diem amount of $18.00 for my 4 staff members and myself.” The auditor’s office paid Delgado $90.00 for the meal and reduced the total amount the judge was reimbursed to $786.40. Records show it was Eufracio who decided to reimburse each of Delgado’s four staff members for their mileage after Delgado argued his staff had to leave at staggered intervals in order to maintain coverage in his office. Eufracio also approved reimbursing Delgado’s staff for their remaining three days of meals bringing the total cost of the retreat to $1,285.00. The Progress Times asked Prof. Hazard to comment on the expense. Hazard is a Trustee Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School and Director Emeritus of the American Law Institute, “the leading independent organization in the U.S. producing scholarly work to clarify, modernize and otherwise improve the law,” according to its web-
at a young age. He would spend as much time in front of a computer as he could, learning about websites and creating code. Then, as a sophomore, he started having vision problems; staring at a computer screen would be painful to his eyes and head. His dad brought him to an ophthalmologist who diagnosed Zuo with degeneration in both eyes and a retinal tear. As Zuo wrote in his essay, “Long story short. I learned that I was going blind.” Zuo’s passion took a back seat. Everything that meant anything to him seemed to be out of reach. He spent most of his time alone, depressed, in his room. Finally he registered with the National Federation of the Blind and his motivations started to return. He thought this would be an opportunity to create something to help those who were visually impaired. “What if a machine could see for man?” he said. “I drew up some ideas for an app that could be a visual assistant for the blind; to help the visually impaired and blind understand as completely as possible their surroundings.” He is currently in the coding stage of a smart phone application Zuo calls “SmartEyes.” The plan is to use image recognition from a device’s camera to detect objects in the path of a visually impaired person. The phone then speaks or alerts the user from pg 1 site. According to the University of Pennsylvania law school, “Hazard is perhaps the primary figure in legal ethics in the country today. His treatise, Civil Procedure, (Foundation, 5th ed. 2001) is a mainstay of American legal education.” And he is a former adviser to the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility. Contacted via telephone at his California home Hazard said he believed the retreat expense was unnecessary. “It seems odd to make such a trip at such an expense in order to improve working conditions of the group of associates in that office as you could do that staying home,” he said.
to objects in their path. Zuo hopes the app will be ready for testing within the year. “It’s still in the early stages, it’s not ready to test. We’re still working on the back end,” he said. “Trying to figure out how to integrate is best with Google Vision, then see what interface will it be most accessible for everyone to use. I’m also trying to determine the best way so people can use these services.” Advancements in artificial intelligence in recent years has made Zuo optimis-
tic his app will go from just something that may happen down the road one day to being in the forefront of an innovative breakthrough. Still, he’s going to need some help – especially with funding. “I really want to add some people to my team,” he said, adding that Code RGV has offered to help with the servers. “There’s still a lot of optimizing to be done and working to make it usable on both Androids and iPhones. Hopefully we’ll be Beta testing within the year.”
Ewin Zuo, a senior at Sharyland High School, sits in front of a computer with his web page (www.smarteyes.io) on the screen. Zuo is designing an app that is intended to help the visually impaired and blind understand their surroundings better. Zuo is one of five E-STEAM scholarship recipients provided by The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce and Grande Produce.
Cheers to 80 years
Progress Times photo by Henry Miller
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Mission CISD athletic director Looking back on the top 10 stories of the MCISD in 2016 announces retirement
A
fter 40 years in education, the last nine as MCISD’s athletic director, Joe Sanchez has informed district officials he plans to retire at the end of the school year. A 1972 graduate of Rio Grande City High School, Sanchez started his career in Alpine ISD as a junior high school math teacher. In an MCISD press release Sanchez said even then he knew he wanted to become an athletic director. Following teaching stints at Sul Ross State University, McAllen High School, PSJA High School, Hidalgo High School and then PSJA Memorial High School, in January 2008 he fulfilled his dream with CISD. Looking back now on his career Sanchez said he leaves
his AD post proud of his accomplishments. “That has included everything from tracks and turf, to scoreboards, new field houses for Mission High School and Veteran’s Memorial High School, to the renovation of Tom Landry Stadium that is about to begin,” Sanchez said. After retiring Sanchez said he plans to tackle lots of personal projects and spend time hunting, fishing and spending more time with his family, especially his grandchildren, he said. Sanchez said he plans to keep tabs on MCISD teams and will occasionally be among the faces in the stand cheering on the student athletes of his longtime home and professional home of MCISD.
Joe Sanchez Mission CISD athletic director
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:
teams to make it to the state was the first budget approved playoffs. under the newly established #8 MCISD increases secufiscal school year. Previously rity on campuses, hires 15 the fiscal year ran October 1 guards through September 30. DisIn August MCISD’s board trict Spokesman Craig Verely of trustees voted to hire 15 said the change was made so unarmed security guards to district employees could start be stationed at each of the ordering supplies at the be14 elementary campuses and ginning of the year instead of at the Roosevelt Alternative waiting until the new budget School. opened almost two months The board also approved into the school year. The budan interlocal agreement with get is just less than the City of the Precinct 3 constable’s Mission whose council apoffice, which states that one proved a $166 million budget constable will travel between in September. each of the six elementary #5 Superintendent Loschools outside the Mission pez’s popularity increases city limits and provide supIn March the board of port where it’s needed. The trustees approved a two-year school district already had 20 contract extension for Susecurity guards that were em- perintendent Lopez whose ployed with the district. original contract was set to Eleven peace officers were expire in August. At the time also previously contracted to the board didn’t specify if any cover in their jurisdictions - changes were made to his salseven from Mission PD, two ary. However in November an from Alton PD and one with auditor’s report showed the Palmhurst PD. With the ad- amended contract increased dition of the 15 officers, one Lopez’s annual salary from roving constable and one $185,000 to $210,000.00. It roving corporal, a total of 47 also requires the district to security guards and officers provide $10,000 annually into are now employed with the the superintendent’s state redistrict. tirement account. It also allo#7 MHS Phase III concates a monthly cost of living struction projects bring allowance of $1,333.33. The eight-year project closer to district also provides Lopez a completion $1 million life insurance polCrews broke ground on icy. In April the Association Phase III of major construc- of Latino Administrators and tion and renovation projects Superintendents announced it at Mission High School that had named López their Latiwere originally approved in no Superintendent of the Year 2008. In April the district’s for 2016. In accepting the board of trustees awarded award Lopez credited all of Econ Group Construction the students and MCISD staff of Edinburg the contract for for aiding in his success. phase three, which is the final #4 Plans for new district part of the project. Construc- admin building hits a snag tion began over the summer In April the board of trustafter classes let out June 1. ees were full steam ahead on Econ was not to exceed $33.2 plans to build a new two-stomillion, based on the scope of ry, $9.5 million adminiswork. tration building that would The projects impacted have increased office space nearly every aspect of the to accommodate the number school’s campus. A pair of of people who work at the bonds passed in 2006 and district’s Bryce Drive central 2008 totaling $116 million office. However throughout funded the three phases of the year cost estimates conprojects. tinually rose when in Oc#6 New fiscal year tober board members were implemented for district told construction could run budget as high as $12 million which In July the board (Cash/Tax of trust- exceeded available funds for Incl.) ees approvedGeneral a fiscal bud- theAdmission project. Board members get of $162,838,737 for the were informed the unavailDoors 5:30pm 2016-2017 fiscal year, whichOpen ability of competing contracwill run from July 1, 2016 tors tied up in other major through June 30, 2017. It projects in the RGV was a
contributing factor. The board accepted Superintendent LoRobotics, construction, pez’s suggestion to shelve the sports and construction deproject until more contractors lays round out the top stories became available to offer of the Mission Consolidated more competitive bids. In the Independent School District meantime district administrain 2016. tive employees will remain #10 Robotics used to in the current building conspread interest in Science structed as a hospital in 1953 and Technology hoping the air conditioning In November about a system and roof will survive thousand MCISD students another year. werebussed to Palm Valley #3 Sonia Trevino returns Church’s main auditorium to to school board with two be inspired to study science, incumbents technology, engineering and In May Mission voters math. The featured speaker returned Dr. Sonia Treviño was Phoenix area high school to her seat on the board of teacher Faridodin “Fredi” trustees after a two-year abLajvardi. In 2004 Lajvardi sence. Treviño was on the took four students from Carl board for seven years before Hayden Community High she stepped down in SeptemSchool to compete in an unber 2014 because her sister derwater robotics competition applied for an administrative and defeated teams from three position with the school disother high schools, four comtrict. Treviño was replaced by munity colleges, two public Veronica Mendoza who made universities, and the Massaan unsuccessful run for the chusetts’s Institute of TechPlace 2 seat on the board she nology. Actor George Lopez held since Treviño stepped in the film, “Spare Parts”, down. Treviño took 53.3 perportrayed Lajvardi. His visit cent of the 4,287 ballots cast. to Mission was sponsored by Voters also returned incumthe school district with the bents Jerry Zamora and board intent of inspiring students president Patricia (Patty) to take interest in science and O’Caña-Olivarez to office. technology courses which #2 Trustees approve sevdistrict superintendent Dr. Rieral improvement projects cardo Lopez and school board throughout district members view as the wave of In September the board of the future. trustees approved a $310,000 #9 Veterans Memoriupgrade to the Veterans Meal High School Patriots morial High School tennis Football Team has historic court. The budgeted items season included competition level In December members of lighting, which will cost bethe VMHS Patriots Football tween $150,000 to $190,000; team were honored both at a canopy construction, at MCISD school board meet$60,000; and $82,500 in planing and by Mission’s City ning and development costs. Council after making it to A month prior the board the third round of the Texas and City of Mission agreed University Interscholastic to terminate a 50-year sharAssociation 31-5A District ing agreement on the North playoffs. The team made it side Swimming Pool located to the playoffs after beating at Mission High School. The the Flour Bluff Hornets 28board agreed to early reno14 in the Area Championship vation and refurbishing degame at Tom Landry Stadium signs showing the total cost Nov. 18 with a packed home for modifications came out crowd on hand. The fact that to about $1.3 million. But the Patriots met their match because city officials decided Nov. 26 when they went up to contribute $405,000 to the against the Dripping Springs project the district’s projected Tigers in San Antonio’s Alacost was reduced by an equal mo Stadium and lost 35-69, amount. did nothing to diminish Head And in November the Coach David Gilpin’s pride board voted to go ahead with over what his team accomplans for a $9 million renovaplished last season having tion project on Mission High been only one of four area School’s Tom Landry football stadium. The renovation is needed to bring the stadiFeb 4 um into compliance with the 7-11 pm Americans with Disabilities 7-11pm Act. Plans include about 700 (Cash/Tax Incl.) (Cash/Tax Incl.) General Admission seats centered on the 50-yard General Admission Doors Open 5:30pm Doors Open 5:30pm line area of the home field seating that will include 24 Darrell McCall & Mona McCall Justin Treviño Bobby Flores inch-wide seats with backs and arm rests. #1 This is what its all about after all In May students in MCISD’s three high schools celebrated their graduations. According to the Texas Education Agency in the class of 2016 there were a combined total of 904 seniors in the w/special guest Lauren Corzine school district’s three high Doors Open Corzine 6:00pm w/special guest Lauren schools, Mission, Veterans Memorial and Collegiate. w/special guest Lauren Corzine Doors Open 6:00pm Though 2016 statistics were Doors Open 6:00pm not available TEA reports show in 2015 87.9 percent of MCISD seniors graduat(Cash/Tax Incl.) ed from high school with 0.5 (Cash/Tax Incl.) Lauren Corzine 8:30-Gene Watson percent receiving GED’s. In Lauren Corzine 6:30--8:00 8:00 Reserved Seating 2015 5.9 percent of the stu8:30-Gene Watson 6:30 Lauren Corzinedents who would have been had dropped out of TicketsOnly OnlySold SoldatatRiverside Riverside Club Club 6:30 - 8:00 seniors Tickets school, per TEA statistics. 214 Chimney Rd • Mission, TX Another 5.7 percent though 214 E. Chimney Rd Mission, TX seniors, were not eligible to graduate but indicated they planned to continue their high school careers.
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• 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.
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page 7
Boys Basketball:
New head coach hopes to bring life to Mission hoops
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By Bryan Ramos hanging the culture of a program is a tall order; the team needs to buy-in from the top down, coaches and players alike. That is the challenge the Mission Eagles and new boys head basketball coach Peter Morales are facing as he takes over a program that hasn’t made the postseason in eight years. “There’s something in them that we have to get out and we have to change the culture of this program and it’s going to take some time but I believe in these kids,” Morales said. “I come in every day hoping and praying and making them understand
that they can win and they have to believe they can win, and that’s about changing the culture. Is that going to be easy? No, it’s not, but slowly but surely we have to change the culture here.” Morales now leads the Mission basketball program but is no stranger to running a team and turning them into contenders, winning district championships as a head coach at Coronado High School and Bowie High School in El Paso. Although the Eagles are off to a 0-4 start early in District 30-6A action, Morales believes his team has what it takes to pick up some wins while changing the culture at Mission High School.
“These guys, despite 0-4 in district, they’re still coming to practice on time; they’re all showing up to practice. They’re ready to work,” Morales said. “We got to find a way. There’s no quitting, there’s no letting our guard down. We got to find a way. Our guys have to find a way to step up together.” This year’s Mission Eagles squad is led by seven seniors and the team’s size inside. With 6’6” senior center Gio Solis and junior posts Juan Escobedo and Tomas Garcia, listed at 6’5” and 6’4”, the Eagles like to attack opponents inside. After losing starting senior point guard Oscar De La Garza
two months ago, the Eagles have relied on the play of their big men in games, including senior forward Rudy Trevino. The Eagles began the season by winning five straight games, including four at the Edcouch Elsa Basketball Tournament in November to qualify for the championship game before ultimately falling to La Joya. During the five-game win streak, Morales’ squad throttled Idea Academy 54-12 and followed that up by winning two overtime games against PSJA Memorial 45-41 and PSJA Southwest 49-46. “We’re trying to establish
See BASKETBALL Pg. 11
Mission’s Oscar De La Garza goes for the block as Sharyland Pioneer’s Andrew Ogletree drives to the basket for a layup during the second quarter of the Diamondbacks’ non-district 47-29 win over the Eagles. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra
Girls Basketball:
Lady Rattlers need second round turn-around
H
By Luciano Guerra
Sharyland sophomore Aydee Hinojosa has her shot blocked by Veterans Memorial’s Jackie Howell during the second quarter of the Lady Patriots’ 36-32 first round District 31-5A win over the Lady Rattlers. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra
alfway through their District 31-5A schedule, the Sharyland Lady Rattlers have a 4-4 record in district play (18-11 overall). Back-to-back losses to Veterans Memorial and Rio Grande City to end the first round of district play has Sharyland in sixth place. The top four teams advance to the playoffs. The good news for the Lady Rattlers is that with eight games to go, there’s still time to turn their season around. However, they are in an extremely tough nineteam district that includes the likes of Laredo Cigarroa (81) and Laredo Nixon (8-1). So as Lady Rattlers’ head coach Dale Whitaker recently shared with his team, unless they go 6-2 the rest of the way out, they’ll most likely be on the outside look-
ing in when the playoffs roll around. “We started out really good by beating Valley View,” said Whitaker. We then went to Laredo Martin and lost a close game but we bounced back with wins over Roma and Sharyland Pioneer. We were 4-2 at one point but then we ran into some really good teams and lost two in a row.” “An 8-8 record is not going to get us into the playoffs,” added Whitaker. “We can probably get there with a 10-6 record since that will most likely be good enough for third or fourth place. Fortunately, we have all three Laredo teams and Rio Grande at home in the second round which gives us a pretty good home schedule from here on out.” Despite being double, and even triple, teamed against most district op-
ponents, Sharyland senior post Anna Marshall is the Valley’s top scorer with 21 points per game. In addition she reached two major milestones of 1,500 points and 1,000 rebounds for her varsity career this season. When asked what she does to overcome having two or three defenders guarding her the majority of the time, Marshall said, “There’s not really anything you can do about it. You just have to keep working. It comes to a point where it’s assists, helping move the ball down the court and rebounds that matter. Fortunately, they can’t stop me from rebounding, even if there are four people in there.” With this being her senior year, Marshall is determined to do whatever it takes to get the Lady Rattlers into the playoffs; if for no other reason, for her coach.
“In the 19 or 20 years he has been coaching here, Coach Whitaker has missed having a team in the playoffs only twice,” shared Marshall. “My freshman year was one of those two times so I don’t want to be on two of the three teams he’s coached that missed the playoffs.” Despite being a sophomore, point guard Aydee Hinojosa has become one of the Lady Rattlers’ team leaders. When asked what she and her teammates need to do to have a shot at the playoffs, Hinojosa said, “We need to work on moving the ball around. We also need to try to score more. Not all of us are confident on the court.” Having just come off their bye, the Lady Rattlers will be opening their second round of district play tonight at Valley View against the Lady Tigers. This game is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m.
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obituaries
Faustino Barrientos MISSION – Faustino Barrientos Rivas, 76, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017. Mr. Rivas was born in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico on Feb. 13, 1940. to Filimon and Elodia Barrientos. Survivors include his wife, Maria De Jesus Barrientos; children, Maria Barrientos, Jose Barrientos, Jaime Barrientos, Alberto Barrientos, Janie Ortega, Elodia Barrientos, Jesus Barrientos and Faustino Barrientos Jr.; siblings, Teresa Barrientos, Marciana Barrientos, Juan Barrientos and Miguel Barrientos; and numerous grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Raymundo Barrientos. A funeral mass was held on Jan. 6 at St. John of the Fields Catholic Church in Mission. Miguel De Anda MISSION – Miguel De Anda passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017. Mr. De Anda was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Madero, where he helped with Sunday masses and organized numerous annual barbecue fundraisers. In later years, he attended St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mission where sang in the Family Choir and was active in ACTS. Survivors include his children, Mike De Anda, Diana De Anda, Terry Gomez and Manuel De Anda; sister, Rebecca Espericueta; and eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irma Garza De Anda; parents, Manuel and Lupita De Anda; and sib-
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lings, Gilberto De Anda, Maria Gonzalez, Micaela Ruiz, Maria Luisa Ayala, Margarito De Anda and Faustino De Anda. A funeral mass was held on Jan. 7 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Burial followed at Granjeno Cemetery.
Alice Holland Alice Pauline Holland, 82, of Mission, Texas, and former resident of Goldsby, Oklahoma, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, January 6, 2017 in Goldsby, Okla., surrounded by her loved ones. She was born August 5, 1934 in Sentinel, Oklahoma to James Thomas Tatum and Pauline (Cluck) Tatum. Alice was a homemaker and enjoyed making crafts and painting, playing bridge, dancing and was a member of the Red Hat Society. She was a church member of Hidden Valley Ranch Chapel in Mission, Texas and Iron Chapel in Dibble, Okla. She loved her family and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Pauline Tatum; first husband, Glen Sanford; brother,
James Tatum, Jr.; three sister, Nelda Bowie, Mary Robinson and Patrica Tatum; son, Terry Glen Sanford, Sr.; and grandsons, Bill Glen Sanford and Rodney Sanford. She is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Nathan Holland of Mission, Texas; three sons, Travis Ray Sanford, Sr. and wife Rhonda of Conroe, Texas, Raymond Holland and wife, Lisa, of Wilson, N.C. and Robert Holland and wife, Tina, of Rocky Mount, N.C.; two daughters, Paula Oyerbides and husband, Gilbert, of Monahans, Texas, Kathy Kuhn and husband, Roger, of Goldsby, Okla.; daughter-in-law, Angie Sanford of Shiprock, N.M.; sister, Bobbie Dudeck and husband, Robert, of Mission, Texas; 21 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Private family services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2017, in Valliant, Okla. Local arrangements are by Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell, Okla. Send online condolences at wilsonlittle. com. Aurora Longoria MISSION – Aurora H. Longoria, 92, passed away on Monday, Jan. 2, 2017. Mrs. Longoria was born in Mission on Aug. 12, 1924, to Amador Sr. and Aurora Hinojosa. She attended Mission schools and graduated from Mission High School in 1942. In 1945, she married Joe Longoria, Sr. and raised four children in Elsa. While living in Elsa, she was a Head Start director, Cub Scout leader and a homemaker. They moved their family to Mission in 1968 where she was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Survivors include her
Send us your classified today! children, Joe Longoria Jr., David Longoria Sr., Raymond Longoria and Lillian Ochoa; siblings, Amador Hinojosa Jr. and Aaron Hinojosa; and 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and sister, Viola Theis. A funeral service was held on Jan. 6 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in McAllen. Pallbearers were her grandsons, Michael Longoria, Eric Longoria, Bobby Longoria, David Longoria, Daniel Longoria and Jacob Longoria. Honorary pallbearers were her granddaughters, Melissa Roth, Stephanie Longoria, Stacie Carrier and Christina Ochoa. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Roel Longoria MISSION – Roel Longoria, 85, passed away on Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Survivors include his children Roel Longoria, Oscar Lee Longoria, Ronnie Longoria and Martin Longoria; siblings, Salvador Longoria Jr., Leofredo Longoria, Iris Whitney and Irma Petty; and eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, of 55 years, Manuela C. Longoria; parents, Salvador and Beatrice Longoria; brother, Rolando Longoria; and great-grandson, Daemin Wyett Acevedo. A funeral mass will be held Friday, Jan. 13, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mission. Burial follows at Garden of Angels Cemetery. Manuel Pinedo ALTON – Manuel Pinedo, 70, passed away on Sun-
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day, Jan. 8, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Mr. Pinedo was born on June 20, 1946 in Valparaiso, Zacatecas, Mexico to Serfin Pinedo and Maria del Refugio Landeros. He owned and operated a country feed business for over 30 years. Survivors include his wife, María Pinedo; children, Victor Pinedo, Angelica Pinedo and Leticia Sandoval; siblings, Maria del Carmen de la Rosa, Vicente Roldan, Arturo Sanchez and Carlos Sanchez; and eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. A funeral mass was held on Jan. 12 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in McAllen. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens.
Notices
Enedina Cantu LA JOYA – Enedina Cantu, 47, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Florentino Castaneda Jr. MISSION – Florentino James Castaneda Jr., 63, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg. Dennis Curl MISSION – Dennis Curl, 77, passed away on Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, at his home in Mission. Arturo Gonzalez MISSION – Arturo Gonzalez, 57, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg. Ricardo Gonzalez MISSION – Ricardo Luna Gonzalez, 48, passed away on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center.
Illdegardo Hinojosa MISSION – Ildegardo Hinojosa, 69, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, at Paxvilla Hospice in McAllen. Celedonia Pruneda MISSION – Celedonia Pruneda, 91, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, at McAllen Medical Center. Guillermina Ramirez MISSION – Guillermina Ramirez, 57, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen. William Ray MISSION – William R. Ray, 93, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Enrique Sanchez MISSION – Enrique Sanchez, 82, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg. Georgia Stahl MISSION – Georgia Stahl, 83, passed away on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Barbara Surr MISSION – Barbara Surr, 78, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at her home in Mission. Jaime Teran PEÑITAS – Jaime Teran, 54, passed away on Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, at McAllen Medical Center. Marie Vogelsberg MISSION – Marie Vogelsberg, 93, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Felipe Ybarra ALTON – Felipe Ybarra, 72, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017, at his home in Alton. Cremation was held on Jan. 11 at Memorial Cremation Center in Edinburg.
page 10
JUDGE
However Delgado said in a Jan. 6 telephone interview studies support the efficacy of retreats to bond professionals by bringing them together outside of the professional atmosphere. “I don’t know if Professor Hazard has ever been a judge, obviously in academia, which is dealing with the theoretical aspect of law, which is far, far different than seeing people in front of us day in and day out who are charged with crimes or are going through a family dissolution or have been injured or killed or in some way maimed, is certainly different than in academia,” Delgado said in justifying the retreat. “And to say that we can all stay in our residential homes and accomplish the same things I beg to disagree.” But Hazard also questioned whether judges should be reimbursed at all for travel expenses to conferences to obtain required continuing legal education credits when
CITRUS FIESTA
“They chose the theme, ‘fun and flowers,’ for this year’s pageant,” Garza said. “Last year it was cartoons and comics,” and Briana was dressed as Tinkerbell. Using oranges, lemons, pumpkin seeds, sunflowers, purple bougainvillea and other plants and leaves, Garza and another granddaughter, Sara Gonzalez, 17, have also been immersed in preparing Sara’s costume. “You definitely can use your imagination,” said Gonzalez, who created a backpack for her hiker costume, using palm tree bark. “But you have to make a lot of product for all the decorating.” Opening up a bag of finely dehydrated then pulverized orange tree, grapefruit tree and lemon tree leaves, Garza pours some into a coriander to spread over one corner of the dress which has been prepped with glue to keep the mixture from falling off. She spreads it out evenly. Later she will place flowers in an upside down “V” pattern along the front of the dress to complete it.
January 13, 2017
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com today most can be obtained online. In Texas judges in their first year on the bench are required to obtain 30 hours of CLE but the number reduces to 16 hours annually thereafter. Records obtained by the Progress Times show in 2016 Delgado attended four CLE conferences at a cost of $3,402.00 and with a total potential 57.25 CLE credit hours. In 2015 Delgado attended three CLE conferences at a cost of $2,107.45 with a potential of more than 50 hours of CLE. But Delgado was not the top spender in 2015. In November 2015 Judge Jose R. “Bobby” Flores spent $2561.00 attending a five day conference presented by the American Institute of Justice at a posh resort in Hawks Cay, Florida where he could have obtained up to 20 CLE hours, according to a brochure included in his reimbursement request. And last year Flores, of the
from pg 5 139th District Court and who is presiding judge over all 11 Hidalgo County District Courts, spent $1,145.54 attending two CLE conferences. Records show Judge Juan Partida of the 275th District Court spent $2,546.25 attending two CLE conferences in 2016. Also last year Judge Israel Ramon of the 430th District Court spent $2,283.91 on CLE and Judge Mario Ramirez Jr. of the 332nd District spent $1,653.04. Other judges and staffers submitted reimbursement requests of varying lesser amounts and at least one judge filed no requests for reimbursement. In 2017 the courts were budgeted a combined $83,371 for court travel expenses, according to records provided by the county’s public information office. The figure is comprised of amounts each judge requested for anticipated travel expenses this year and range from a low of $600 requested
“I used to sew a long time ago,” she said. “But stopped and now I’m doing it again. I really enjoy it and love to see my granddaughters wearing it. I get tired at times, having to go and get the product, especially. It takes a lot of time.” Alongside the dress on the table are containers and zip-lock bags filled with dehydrated and pulverized plants and fruits Garza uses to decorate it. While most of the colors are earthy, the bougainvillea’s purple brightly stands out. As much as Garza enjoys the sewing and decorating, she is especially fond of the conceptual part; coming up with the idea and the color scheme. “We have to make a sketch and really use our minds to come up with something that’s fun and tells a story,” she said. “Then you have to go find the colors and make the product. You can get very creative.” Making the product can take the most time. First is gathering the leaves, then dehydrating them. That alone
from pg 1 can take 15 hours or more if one doesn’t have a dehydrating machine. But Garza said the leaves can also be infected with swarms of insects, meaning it’s time to try again. After the dehydrating comes a baking process. The longer the dehydrated product bakes, the darker it becomes, said Garza. Sometimes, however, the color just doesn’t come out right and the process starts over again. Garza has the dress finished and is ready for the Citrus Fiesta events. The following week on Saturday, Jan. 21, there will be the Royal Reception at the Mission Community Center. And on Thursday, Jan. 26 the Royal Coronation of King Citrus and Queen Citrianna happens at 7 p.m. at Mission High School’s Neuhaus Center. On Saturday, Jan. 28 the Fun Fair begins at 10 a.m. and the Parade of Oranges starts at 3 p.m. on Conway Ave. For more a full list of events and their times and locations visit www.progresstimes.net.
by Judge Partida to $8,000 requested by both Delgado and Judge Luis M. Singleterry of the 92nd District Court. Flores did not return a call requesting comment but Judge David Sanchez of the 444th District Court in Brownsville, Board Chairman of the Texas Center for the Judiciary - the organization that presents CLE training classes across the state - said there are many reasons for a judge to attend more CLE courses after obtaining the 16-hour required minimum. Saying he was speaking as a judge and not on behalf of the Texas Center for the Judiciary, Sanchez said judges whose courts see a variety of cases from civil to criminal benefit from a variety of CLE classes. “The mere fact we get elected and don these black robes doesn’t mean we become omniscient in the law. So I think it’s important
judges do their best to get themselves educated in the areas they’re going to have to make decisions in,” Sanchez said. Delgado agreed citing an example when a judge might want to attend a CLE conference after having met the minimum number of hours required. “If I have a case coming up in June which involves some areas of law and there happens to be a seminar wherein there are some specific speakers and are renowned experts, perhaps like Professor Hazard, I think it would be prudent for a judge to make an attempt to get freshened up [on the law] before getting perhaps 60-78 citizens of Hidalgo County to try to form a jury of 12 people to listen to the case.” But Hazard disagreed saying in the age of the Internet there is no need to attend CLE courses at taxpayer’s
expense. “It seems an unnecessary expense and if it’s unnecessary it’s unjustified,” Hazard said. But the 444th’s Sanchez argues online courses cannot always replace in person conferences where judges from different jurisdictions come together. “You know beyond the classroom there’s really a lot of enrichment available - just open dialogue and discussion with other judges,” Sanchez said, “Because we’re prohibited from discussing our cases with anybody but other judges a judicial conference creates a venue where we can meet with other judges we normally wouldn’t see and it fosters discussion groups and ideas of trying to get answers to different questions we might have as judges with the different scenarios we might come across.”
have a seasoned experience and a city council that I’ll help move in a right direction.” According to Cedillo’s resume, he secured money through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Texas Water Development Board for a sewer plant as Edcouch city manager. During his tenure in Alton, Cedillo oversaw the completion of a memorial park at 5 Mile and Bryan Roads and an industrial park across from the city hall at 500 S. Alton Blvd.
“By the time I left my position with the city, Alton went from a rural to an urbanized community,” he said. “Sullivan City is an economically distressed city but much like Alton and other cities I’ve been with, it’ll benefit from funds available through the USDA and city projects that will be best for the community.” One of the projects that will be completed under Cedillo’s tenure is a splash pad water feature at Sullivan City Memorial Park with an expected completion date set
for May. According to Cedillo, the $75,000 splash pad will recycle water to create a water park with no standing water and the project will go out for construction bids in February. Cedilla says his door will be open to any resident who needs to voice a concern. “Every community is dynamic. It has different people and you have to go out and hear from the citizens,” he said. “I’m happy to be here and work for the community, I’m here for as long as I need to be.”
CITY MANAGER
from pg 1
January 13, 2017
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
BASKETBALL from pg 7 the inside game,” Morales said. “We’re not as talented as other teams and we have to make up for that with our hard work and playing hard and getting those 50-50 balls because those make a difference. I feel that if we do the little things we have a chance to win.” After the team’s most recent loss to perennial hoops powerhouse Nikki
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PUBLIC NOTICE
The Mission Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on January 25, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: Lot 9, Glenwood Subdivision, from R-1 (Single Family Residential) to R-3 (Multi-Family Residential); and Rezoning: 8.50 acres of land out of Lot 202, John H. Shary Subdivision, from (C-1) Office Building & (AO-I) Agricultural Open Interim to (R-3) MultiFamily Residential If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. Anyone interested is invited to attend. Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
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.
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, accessories & more, visit/follow our website www. sherusirena.com.
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www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com Rowe on Tuesday night, Morales said he liked the way his team fought, but wants to see that effort from his team from jump ball to the final buzzer. “I thought they came out with more fight. We have to come out with that from the beginning. We just have to get better,” Morales said. “Bottom line is guys [have] got to lay it all on the court and we [have] got to get better. Our prac-
Classified Rate:
1 Week = $7.00 2 Weeks = $10.00 4 Weeks = $14.00
Help Wanted CIELITO LINDO ADULT Daycare now hiring LVN/ RN, drivers & attendants, apply at 9717 N. 10th St., McAllen,TX. PET DOCTOR 911 is looking for fulltime night Veterinary technicians for a growing emergency Veterinary Hospital, please apply at the
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Mission City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on January 23, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: A 2.36 acre tract of land, more or less, out of the Southwest one-quarter (S.W. ¼) of Lot 24-9, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision of Porciones 53, 54, 55, 56 and 57, from AO-I (Agricultural Open Interim) to R-3 (Multi-Family Residential) If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. Anyone interested is invited to attend. Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
office, 7017 N. 10th St., Suite T, McAllen. A HEALING TOUCH is now hiring RN’s, LVN’s & CNA’s for Hospice, interested individuals call 956447–1803 or fax resume to 956–4471813. LOOKING FOR AN experienced screen printer, full time/part time, apply at MCM Sporting Goods, 1302 N. Conway-
tices are intense, our practices are tough. They’re doing it in practice and we just have to find a way to translate that into games.” With eight games remaining in District 30-6A action, the Eagles are determined to turn things around in 2017. The Eagles next opportunity to pick up a district win is tonight at 7:30 as they visit the Palmview Lobos, who are currently 2-1 and in third place in 30-6A.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER LA JOYA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT’S LOCAL INNOVATION PLAN The La Joya Independent School District will hold a Public Hearing as part of the Board meeting at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 18, 2017 in the La Joya ISD Board Room located at 200 West Expressway 83, La Joya, Texas. The purpose of this meeting is to receive stakeholder input and consider whether La Joya ISD should develop a local innovation plan for designation as a Distric of Innovation
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.
Mission, 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 information.
Wanted GERMAN, JAPANESE, U.S WW2
MILITARIA guns, swords, helmets, medals, etc., top cash paid, collector, 712–310-0905.
Mobile Homes 2008 EASY GO electric golf cart, $1,299, call 956–580-3370.
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.”
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January 13, 2017
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
Ian
THOMAS
Jimmy
Sean
FLYNN
Michelle
WRIGHT
EMERY
The
Tom
STAMPEDERS
LEADBEATER
Tues. January 31 & Wed. February 1, 2017
MCALLEN CONVENTION CENTER 700 Convention Center Blvd, McAllen, TX, 78501 • 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
FREE ENTERTAINMENT will be showcased from country to classic to pop.
Presented by Medipac (US) International Inc.
www.snowbirdextravaganza.com
FREE ADMISSION
to enter the McAllen Convention Center and experience the show. Parking is free.
FEATURE AREAS
at the show offer workshops, exhibits and the comfort of our hospitality center.
For sponsor and exhibitor information please call 1-800-326-9560
www.facebook.com/snowbirdextravaganza