January 20, 2017 - PT ISSUE by Progress Times

Friday, January 20, 2017

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Vol. 45 No. 24

Contruction on $20 million Mission Event Center underway By Joe Hinton

Donning a wool scarf around his neck on a chilly Wednesday morning Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas led from the center during a ground breaking for the $20 million Mission Event Center that will be located on the east side of Shary Road about one-third of a mile north of Expressway 83 in Mission. Progress Times photo by Joe Hinton

If there is one thing Mission Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas wants Mission residents to know most of all is construction of the $20 million Mission Event Center will not increase area property taxes. “We’re not going to spend money where we can’t justify it and by the time we get through with the EDC project we’ll cut 50 percent off the cost,” Salinas told about 100 people who gathered for a ground breaking ceremony Wednesday for the approximately 40,000-square foot building to be located on the east side of Shary Road about a third of a mile north of Expressway 83. Salinas was referring to the retail taxes that will be generated once the city’s Economic Development Corporation develops the 19 acres it purchased adjacent to the Event Center, which will be located between the H-E-B store and La Fogota Restaurant. In May 2016 the city council authorized up to $25

million in bonds (certificates of obligation) to pay for 10 acres and construction of the building but the cost was reduced when a planned auditorium was removed from the plan after being deemed unnecessary. City Manager Martin Garza said the EDC property will be the third prong of planned development on an overall 35-acre site. Garza said 19 acres purchased by the EDC will be divided into nine pads available for hotels, retail stores and restaurants. He said the event center will be the anchor that attracts businesses to the site. A 75,000-gallon water tower will also be built to supply the area, Garza said. If all goes as planned the center will be completed in 385 days, he said. Salinas told the audience - comprised of numerous media outlets, members of the Sharyland High School marching band, an honor guard of Mission police and firefighters, the Veterans Me-

See UNDERWAY Pg. 10

Researcher has formula for reversing decline in Winter Texan population By Henry Miller

Dennis Zanetti operates the RC sailboat controls at Alamo Rec-Veh Park. Remote control vehicles from quad copters to race cars and racetracks have become a hot activity for a few Winter Texan Parks and their residents. Courtesy Photo

Though a study shows the Winter Texan population is dwindling in South Texas some parks are seeing growth they haven’t seen in nearly a decade. And a researcher said finding the right combination of activities and better marketing is a key to attracting more retirees to the region. “If we are going to maintain the industry we have to attract the new Winter Texans,” said Dr. Penny Simp-

son, marketing professor and director of the Business and Tourism Research Center at UTRGV. Every two years the center produces a study that looks at trends in the South Texas Winter Texan population. The overall population has been declining since 2009 according to recent reports. Simpson said to reverse the trend parks need to recognize that with a new generation of Winter Texans comes a new set of preferences. “It’s important to know

what the people want and to offer those activities or programs to these newcomers,” she said. “The image probably of RV parks is with shuffleboard and rocking chairs but baby boomers don’t necessarily want those things. I’m 75 and my preference is sitting on a chair and visiting friends, that doesn’t mean the 60-year-old wants that.” One property that seems to have found the right combination is Llano Grande Resort and Country Club in Mercedes, which has a wait-

ing list of people who want residency in the 1,160-site property. It’s the first time in eight years the park has been in this situation — a good problem to have, said Activities Director Linda Anklam. She said that waiting list didn’t come by chance, however. Meetings took place where new ideas were tossed about, a new 1,100seat Hynes Event Center was built and there was plenty of marketing and advertising focused on recruiting Winter

See WINTER TEXANS Pg. 11

Year in review:

Relative newcomer wins People’s The top City of La Choice award at Product Costume Show Joya stories of 2016 By Kathy Olivarez

By Jose De Leon III

There is a new top designer on the horizon for the Texas Citrus Fiesta’s Product Costume Show. For the past three years Dalia Vivian has designed costumes for the shows and in two of those years she’s won not only first place, but the People’s Choice Award as well. Vivian is an artist who likes to work with ceramics. She enjoys painting designs on her ceramics so creating costumes for the Texas Citrus Fiesta Product Costume Show is just another art form for Vivian to come up with designs. “I like to do 3-D designs,” she said. She had plenty of good themes to select from be-

Scandals, elections and groundbreakings dominated the La Joya ISD and City of La Joya last year. With the New Year having commenced the Progress Times looks back at the biggest sto-

See AWARDS Pg. 13

Dalia Vivian and her daughter, Tyra, won the People’s Choice Award in this year’s Texas Citrus Product Show. Her son, Gilbert took first place in the shoebox float competition. Progress Times photo by Joe Hinton

FESTIVAL EDITION INSIDE It’s that time of year again. Find out in our special insert inside who are this year’s princesses and duchesses and a schedule of events.

See Section B

INDEX

Entertainment | pg. 2

Lifestyle | pg. 3

INSIDE

PALMVIEW GROUNDBREAKING

Four decades after beginning his high school basketball-coaching career at Mission High School, Roy Garcia is back on the court as an assistant for the Sharyland Rattlers boys’ basketball team.

Palmview officials recently broke ground on a $42 million wastewater collection system they’re hoping to attract growth by eliminating the need for residential septic tanks.

See page 6

Sports | pg. 6

See COACH Pg. 9

Oscar O. “Coach” Salinas (right) is congratulated by an unidentified supporter Nov. 8 at Reyna’s Events Center in Palmview after Salinas was reelected to the La Joya ISD Board. Progress Times photo by Joe Hinton.

GARCIA GOES TO SHARYLAND

Opinion | pg.4

ries of 2016. #5 La Joya ISD’s new budget On Aug. 24 the La Joya ISD School Board approved a $358.5 million budget, including debt service costs, for the 2016-17 fiscal year

See page 5

Obituaries | pg.11

Classifieds | pg. 13

entertainment

Tejas RC to host Fun Fly

The Tejas Radio Control Model Aircraft Association will host its annual Fun Fly at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 21-22. It will be staged at the Tejas Club flying field, located on Stewart Road south of San Juan. All Rio Grande Valley clubs are invited to participate in the Fun Fly and Swap Meet. The field is located on the east side of Stewart Road 2.5 miles south of Expressway 83. Entrance to the field is through a steel gate. The event is free and open to the public and will feature different models of radio-controlled aircraft, including trainers, aerobatic,

and scale models powered by electric, nitro and gasoline fueled engines. Flying demonstrations will also include scale model warbirds, such as the P51 Mustang, and helicopters, quadcopters and scale model jets. Concessions will be available for visitors. Visitors should bring folding chairs for a comfortable view of the show. For more information, contact Dick Ware at 937423-0236, or e-mail warerv@aol.com; Charlie Yow at 956-802-5976 or e-mail cyow@me.com; or visit tejasrcassociation.org.

NPBR tickets now on sale

MERCEDES – Get tickets now for the “hottest eight seconds of the year” when the National Professional Bull Riders bring top bull riders to the Payne Auto Group Arena at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Showgrounds in Mercedes on January 28 and 29. Cris Marshall and James DeBarry open the Saturday, Jan. 28, show with music at 5:30 p.m. Ruthi opens the Sunday show at 12 p.m. Pro Rodeo clown and barrelman Rockin’ Robbie

Hodges of Cave Spring, Georgia and step in to distract bulls for the riders when they hit the ground. Hodges will perform his comedy routine as some of the toughest bull fighters in the nation square off. Pre-sale tickets are available at all Boot Jack Western Stores. Adults are $14 pre-sale and $16 at the gate. Seniors are $12 pre-sale and $14 at the gate. Kids 6 to 12 are $7 pre-sale and $8 at the gate. Children 5 and under get in free.

Bullring packs weekend of performances

LA GLORIA – Santa Maria Bullring will host a weekend of bullfighting this Saturday and Sunday. Fred Renk, owner, announced an International Bullfighting Festival on Saturday, Jan. 21, featuring international stars. Facing purebred Spanish bulls will be Karla Santoyo, Leal Montalvo, Juan Antonio Hernandez, Arturo Gillio II, Joselito Sainz and Cayetano Delgado. Tickets are $20 for general seating, and proceeds benefit South Texas State College. Make a reservation by calling 956-481-3300. All tickets for the festival will be sold at the bullring only. On Sunday, Jan. 22, An-

dre Lagravere, the 17-yearold son of the great French matador de toros Andre Lagravere Sr., will return to the Santa Maria Bullring. Appearing with him, and making his debut at Santa Maria, is San Luis Potosi, Mexico matador Joselito Sainz, another dynamic young matador. Tickets for Sunday are on sale in Mission at the Progress Times office, 1217 N. Conway in Mission; at Border Tire, corner of Mayberry and Business 83, call 956585-8473; or by calling the bullring at 956-481-3300. Gates open at 1 p.m. There will be food and entertainment. The bullfight starts at 4 p.m.

Rancho Lomitas tour set for Jan. 25

Stronger Together CViolence Domestic and Sexual omm unit has NO place in the community y

Peñitas Library

1111 Main St, Peñitas, TX 78546

EDINBURG – Take the next tour of Rancho Lomitas in Starr County with the Edinburg World Birding Center staff. The group leaves at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25, from the EWBC. Return time is 3:30 p.m. from the native oasis north of Rio Grande City. Ranch owner and ethno-botanist Benito Treviño, will lead participants through a tour of the ranch and discuss how knowledge of local plants and their practical uses have helped people survive in the Rio Grande Valley for hundreds of years. Cost is $20 for EWBC members and $25 for nonmembers. Seating is limited, call ahead no later than two days before the trip to reserve a space. Participants are encouraged to bring a sack lunch or money to purchase it. Call 956-381-9922 to make a reservation or for more information.

January 20, 2017

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Coming Attractions

January 21 • Head to the Mission Historical Museum for a presentation at 11 a.m. by Rio Grande Valley writer and Fullbright Scholar W.F. Strong as he presents “Stories from Texas – Some of them are True.” His tales of South Texas include genuine humorous pieces of general interest. Admission is free. The museum is located at the 900 Doherty in Mission. Call 956-580-8646 for more information. 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. January 22 • The Museum of South Texas History hosts Deval “Pino” Shah in a program, “Architecture of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Photography Project,” at 2 p.m. Shah specializes in architecture and performing arts photography and is based out of McAllen and Ahmedabad, India. The presentation will focus on his effort to create a comprehensive photographic database of the architecture of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The program is included in the fee for regular museum admission. MOSTHistory is located at 200 N. Closner in Edinburg. Call 956-383-6911 for more information. January 24 • The next book discussion at Speer Memorial Library in Mission is on The Beekeeper’s Ball in the library’s Community Room at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited. To obtain a copy of the book stop by the library or call William Renner or Rose Alvarez at 580-8754. Registration is also available via email at reference@missiontexas.us. Speer Memorial Library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission. January 25 • Schlitterbahn will host its annual WinterFest, an all-day music festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Admission to the day-long (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) festival will include a fish or shrimp basket with coleslaw and hush puppies. Call 956-772-7873 for reservations. January 26 • The Texas Citrus Fiesta Royal Coronation will be held at 7 p.m. at Mission High School in the Neuhaus Center, 1802 W. Cleo Dawson. General admission is $5, reserved seating is $10. Advance tickets are available at the Texas Citrus Fiesta office at 220 E. 9th St., Mission. January 27-28 • The Rio Grande Valley Quilt Show will be held at the South Padre Island Convention Center. January 28 • The Texas Citrus Fiesta Parade of Oranges will be held at 3 p.m. on Conway Avenue. It will run north to south between FM 495 and 4th Street. The Texas Citrus Fiesta Fun Run will be held at the Mission Hike and Bike Trail at 8 a.m. Registration at 7 a.m. Registration is $20 adults. The Texas Citrus Fiesta Fun Fair will be open from 10 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. at Leo Pena “Placita” Park in downtown Mission. January 29 • Men of A-Chord will perform barbershop music at 2 p.m. at Oleander Acres in Mission. Those interested in joining can attend choir practices on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. at St. Marks United Methodist Church in McAllen, located on the southwest corner of 2nd and Pecan. February 2-4 • “Icon Painting: St. George and the Dragon,” will be offered with instructor Michelle Leggett at the Upper Valley Art League. The course is $65 per person, including the board and all paint. Times for the first two days are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and the third day finishes off with the halfday of the final coating on Saturday morning. Class size is limited to 12 students, and advance registration is required. Students will bring #2, #4/6 and #8 brushes, paper towel or cotton rags and a water holder. For more information, contact Leggett at 661-742-8785 or amontanacat@yahoo.com. February 3 • Take a trip to the stars with the Valley Symphony Orchestra’s fourth concert of the season, “Star Wars and Galactic Pops.” The performance begins at 8 p.m. at the new McAllen Performing Arts Center, 801 Convention Center Blvd. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets begin at $35 for backhouse, $45 front house and $55 orchestra level. To purchase tickets go to ticketmaster.com, call 1-800-745-3000 or stop by the McAllen Convention Center box office weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • McAllen’s First Friday Artwalk will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on N. Main Street. To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to ptrgv.com

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lifestyle

EVENTS

January 20, 2017

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

BETWEEN the bookendS

CALENDAR

January 20 – Learn how to start a spring vegetable garden 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, is the instructor. Seats are limited; call to reserve a spot. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Call 956-381-9922 for more information or reservations. 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. February February 1 – The Armstrong Retirees meet the first Wednesday of each month through March at 11:30 a.m. at Ann’s Restaurant in San Juan. For information, call Al Ensley at 515-360-5992 or Dick Overholser at 515-321-4034. February 1 – It’s a world of bugs for children ages 5 and under as they learn about the cycle of a butterfly and read The Very Hungry Caterpillar and participate in activities at the IMAS Young Adventurer Day. It begins at 10 a.m. The program lasts about 30 minutes. Admission is $5 per IMAS member and $10 per nonmember. To register, call 956-6820123. IMAS is located at 1900 Nolana Ave., McAllen. February 4 – Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1105 W. Fern Ave. in McAllen, will host its Annual Lutefisk Dinner with two seatings for the meal. Ticket prices are $18 each for a complete meal of lutefisk, Swedish meatballs, lefse, mashed potatoes, krumkake and lingonberry jam. Call the church office for tickets at 956-631-6121. February 4 – The Marine Military Academy (MMA) in Harlingen will host the Introductory Training Parade & Graduation at 10 a.m. All parades are held on the academy grounds, and the public is invited. Veterans and former classmates and their families are encouraged to attend. February 7 – The Green Bees of Green Gate presents their 14th Annual Quilt Show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. The show will include bed quilts, wall hangings, wearable and miscellaneous textile art, scissor sharpening and vendors. Drawing tickets for a quilt will be available at the show. Proceeds from the show supports the group’s Community Service Projects. Lunch will be available. The park is located at 2135 S. Bentsen Palm Dr. in Palmview. Call Jan Schaeffer at 956-583-8969 for information. (For daily events and upcoming weeks, see the full calendar at ptrgv.com.)

Grant facilitates 40,000-book distribution to LJISD families

The national non-profit organization, The Molina Foundation, last week presented La Joya Independent School District with 40,000 books to distribute to families in the LJISD community. The donation came about through a grant written by the district. The California-based group, whose mission is to provide new books and health resources to children and families in need across the country, based their donations on servicing organizations with high-need and low-income students. “We care deeply about helping children in their aca-

demic and personal achievement,” stated Dr. Martha Bernadett, Foundation president and founder. Thousands of children’s storybooks by various authors and publishers will cover learning levels from preschool to high school. The big book give-a-way will take place during “Love Your Library” week in February throughout all schools and grade levels across the district. Alma Salinas, director of the library, media, textbooks department at La Joya ISD, stated the district’s goal is to make every child a reader and a lifelong learner.

Speer Memorial Library

12th St. & Kika Loop • Mission • 580-8750

By Robert L. Rivera You may have heard about 3D printing, but have you experienced it in action? Learn how to design objects that can be replicated on the newest and latest printing technologies. Join us at Speer Memorial Library in Mission, on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 5:30 p.m., for a free 3D Workshop to take place in the library’s Community Room. Budding inventors, creators, aspiring entrepreneurs and enthusiastic hobbyists will soon be able to turn ideas into reality at the library. Pre-registration is required. The 3D printing allows people to use a computer file to create a three-dimensional object by using successive layers of material. Participants will design their own personal name plate utilizing Tinkercad ready for 3D printing. The newly implemented 3D printer has been awarded to the library funded through a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (2017) with help

from the Central Texas Library System. Library staff have received training on its use and it will become available to the public starting in February. Patrons looking to print their own designs will now be able to do so. Public access to print will only incur the cost of materials used to print the design. This is an exciting time for 3D printing. In education, today’s youth need to be familiar with 3D printing to have an edge in the business world. In business, it is a good time for business owners to learn about 3D printing and develop a strategy for its adoption. For the do-it-yourselfer, 3D printers bring problem solving to a new level. And for art and craft, 3D printing is still new and is only now becoming generally accessible. For additional information, or to sign up for the workshop, please call 5808750. You can also register at the Circulation Desk or by email at library@missiontexas.us. Speer Memorial Library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission.

Juan Diego Academy, a Catholic regional high school in Mission, will host an open house for prospective students and all those interested in learning more about the school on Sunday, Jan. 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the campus located at 5208 South FM 494. Guided tours of the cam-

pus will be offered, along with the opportunity to meet and talk with current students, parents, teachers and administrators. Registration materials for the 2017-2018 school year will also be available. For more information, contact the school office at 956-5832752.

JDA schedules entrance exam

Juan Diego Academy, a Catholic Regional High School in Mission, will hold an entrance exam for students in 8th grade on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 8 a.m. at the campus located at 5208 South FM 494 in Mission. The cost for the exam is $25. The exam takes approximately 4 hours and is required for all entering

“Helping our families to have a home library will facilitate and recognize literacy as a vital component of life,” Salinas said.

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8th Annual Puppy Love Gala set for Feb. 4

McALLEN – “Everything is Coming up Roses” is the theme for the Eighth Annual Puppy Love Gala. The charity event takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the McAllen Convention Center. It’s the combined efforts of the Palm Valley Animal Center, Laurie P. Andrews PAWS Center, Puppy Love Gala committee and Bert Ogden Rio Grande Fiesta Dealerships “People go to Puppy Love to have a great time while helping a great cause, but its auctions are definitely one of the highlights. Original art by many of the Valley’s most talented artists are offered alongside fabulous dinners and trips, like this year’s Indy 500 getaway,” said Keely Lewis, Palm Valley Animal Center board of director’s secretary and Puppy Love committee member. “The first ostrich egg from the Gladys Porter Zoo is just one of many one-of-a-kind items at Puppy Love. With three different types of auctions throughout the evening, there’s something for everyone.” The Puppy Love Gala includes live, blackboard and silent auctions and a dinner to raise funds to help Palm Valley Animal Center and

Laurie P. Andrews PAWS Center care for homeless companion animals. The nonprofit organizations seek to enhance the relationship between animals and people through adoptions, education and community outreach. “We (PVAC/PAWS) have changed the way we care for the animals under our care and we have seen these changes bring about a real difference to the quality of life for those animals,” said Rebeca Villanueva, director of development. “We are spending more money and time on keeping healthy animals healthy by extending our medical testing procedures, vaccination policy and including all dogs in our PLAYgroup program.” The gala is open to the public. Advanced tickets are required and sponsorship tables are available. Tickets are $150 per person, $1500 for a table for 10. For more information about reservations, tables, and/or sponsorships, contact Tim Ousley, Amanda A. Taylor or Rebeca Villanueva via email at development@ pvaconline.com, by phone at 956-720-4563 or visit pvaconline.com/PuppyLove.

Save the date for JDA open house

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freshmen. No materials are needed. For more information or to register for the the exam, call the school office at 956583-2752.

Tickets are on sale for the Eighth Annual Puppy Love Gala benefitting Palm Valley Animal Center and the Laurie P. Andrews PAWS Center. Committee members from left, front row, are Becky Gerling, Keely Lewis and Vicki Penn. Pictured in the back are Yvonne Kautsch, Tim Ousley, Brandon Hausenfluck and Barbara Guerra. Not pictured are Lisa Adam, Lynne Beeching, Chris Cardenas, Daniel Galvan, Dr. John Gerling, Becky Guerra, Kitty Hall, John King, Charles L. Meyer, Virginia Meyer, John Sigrist, Janet Vackar and Joann Wright

opinion By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

January 20, 2017 November 2, 2015 25, 2016

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS fident we will pass a budget that meets our needs and keeps the economy growing.” Monthly revenue distributed Comptroller Hegar on Jan. 11 announced his office would send cities, counties, transit systems and spe-

cial purpose taxing districts $647.4 million in local sales tax allocations for January. The amount is 4.9 percent more than in January 2016. These allocations are based on sales made in November by businesses that report tax monthly. “The cities of Dallas,

Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio continue to see significant increases in sales tax allocations,” Hegar said. “The cities of Houston and Sugar Land saw noticeable decreases in sales tax allocations.”

Texas Legislature convenes in 85th regular session ICYMI: Secretary Pablos Addresses Opening Session Of 85th Texas Legislature

USTIN — Lawmakers gathered at the state Capitol in their respective houses on Jan. 10, opening day for the 85th regular session of the Texas Legislature. The 140-day session will conclude on May 29. After taking the oath of office and being sworn in, the Texas House of Representatives, on a vote of 1500, unanimously re-elected Rep. Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, to a fifth term as speaker of the House, tying a record for the most terms as speaker. Meanwhile, after being sworn in, the Texas Senate voted unanimously in favor of Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, as speaker pro tempore. Seliger will wield the Senate gavel in the absence or temporary disability of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the 31-member body. Should the governor and lieutenant governor be temporarily unavailable, he will serve as governor in their absence. Newly appointed Secretary of State Rolando Pablos conducted roll calls in the assembled House and the assembled Senate, and Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht administered the oath of office to each body. In the coming days, while Speaker Straus and Lt. Gov. Patrick go about naming committees and assigning chairs and members to them, lawmakers will continue filing legislation. As of Jan. 10, House and Senate members had filed about 1,300 bills since Nov. 14, the first

day “pre-filing” of legislation was allowed. Each bill proposes to create, amend or repeal a state law. The total number of bills, not including resolutions, filed in an average session may grow to more than 6,000. After Straus was re-elected as speaker, he delivered a 1,500-word speech. During his remarks, he said: “If you walk into a factory or a restaurant or a hospital, you will find citizens of different races, religions and political beliefs working together every day. And that’s what Texans should expect of us. So let’s follow their example. Let’s govern with the same sense of goodness, the same humanity and decency that we so clearly recognize in the people we represent.” Seliger, in wrapping up his comments after being elected Senate pro tempore, called for the 85th Texas Legislature to be “the standard of deliberation, cooperation and leadership that should define service.” Gov. Greg Abbott, in separate speeches to the House and to the Senate, told legislators: “We may bring different political perspectives, but we unite under one Capitol dome and a cause that’s bigger than any one person or any political party. It’s the cause that makes Texas far more than just a state. It’s the cause that makes Texas a passion. I pray that God blesses you and guides you during the next 140 days and that God forever blesses the great State of Texas.” Revenue estimate comes in Texas Comptroller Glenn

Hegar on Jan. 9 released the state’s Biennial Revenue Estimate, a document that projects the state will have just under $105 billion in revenue available for general-purpose spending during the 2018-19 budget cycle. The amount represents a 2.7 percent decrease from amounts available for the current 2016-17 biennium, Hegar noted. “While our state revenues were down in 2016 and we face some difficult decisions in the coming months, Texas remains fiscally healthy,” Hegar said. “Despite energy-related headwinds, Texas has gained 210,000 jobs in the last year, and while our gains have not been at the same rapid rate as a few years ago, it is important to note that we have added jobs in 19 of the last 20 months. We have also seen signs of possible improvement in recent months, with some modest acceleration in job growth and oil prices and rig counts rising. And December brought the best monthly sales tax revenue collections since May 2015.” Also, Hegar said, the state’s Rainy Day Fund balance currently stands at approximately $10.2 billion, and absent any additional appropriations that might be made by the Legislature, the balance is expected to be $11.9 billion at the end of the 2018-19 biennium. State Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, said: “We will align our priorities with the revenue we have available. I am con-

ATTENTION! ROAD CLOSURES

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28th Due to the festivities taking place with the 2017 Texas Citrus Fiesta the following roads will be closed at the times notated.

FUN FAIR

The Texas Citrus Fiesta Fun Fair will be located at the Leo Pena Plazita Park, downtown Mission. Business 83 at Conway intersection will be closed all day long, from 9:00am – 11pm for the Fun Fair. • Fun Fair parking will be located in the Fallas Paredes parking lot, located between Business 83 & Tom Landry. Entry to the parking lot will only be permitted through Perkins Street.

“In this, the dawn of the 21st century, Texas is the place to be.”

USTIN, TX – Texas Secretary of State Rolando Pablos addressed the opening session of the 85th Texas Legislature this week, encouraging lawmakers to work on behalf of all Texans to ensure the continued prosperity of the Lone Star State. Secretary Pablos’ Full Remarks: It is a tremendous honor to gavel in the 85th Legislative Session, and assume an office first held by the great Stephen F. Austin. I am extremely grateful to Governor Abbott for his trust and confidence in me to execute the duties of this office. I would also like to express my appreciation to outgoing Secretary of State, Carlos Cascos, and thank him for his service to our state. Today, ladies and gentlemen, you have answered the call to serve. Collectively, you have descended on this hallowed chamber to represent the interests of nearly 28 million Texas from 254 distinctly diverse counties. Texans have always answered the call to serve, no matter how high the price, since the time William Barret Travis drew “a line in the sand.” Whether on fields of battle, in boardrooms and in classrooms, in houses of faith, or through charitable giving, Texans have long embraced their civic duty to serve their community. And as you accept the challenges of service over the next 140 days – and beyond – I encourage you to always remember this: Texas leads, others follow. Travel the world and tell them you are from Texas, and they will have a distinct image in their mind. They will know the Lone Star State. They will sense your pride. They will understand what you are made of and will wish they, too, lived here. But Texas is so much

more than cowboy hats, oil wells, and pickup trucks. Yes, our rural communities are the backbone of our great state. Our farmers and ranchers give so much of themselves, and of their bounty. But we are also an urban state – home to the arts, to high-tech jobs, world-class medical centers, top multinational corporations, and hip restaurants. We not only drill for oil, but harness the wind, and we welcome more Californians to their new home than any other state. In this, the dawn of the 21st century, Texas is the place to be, and it is the great men and women in these chambers who chart the course for this great state. What happens in Texas, the world’s 10th largest economy, leaves a powerful impression on other economies around the globe – from Canada and Colombia to Japan and Singapore to Belgium and the Netherlands, and especially our friends in Mexico – our largest trade partner – whose relationship serves as a force-multiplier for Texas’ economic success. Our rightful place on the international stage is, in fact, center stage. And you, today, hold the key to this continued success. The momentum for our state’s continued achievement is fueled by your decisions. You arrive here today with unique perspectives and, in some cases, passionate differences. I know that every one of us will respect those differences with the purpose of finding common ground in order to advance the common good. We may have different ways of getting there, but we all have a common objective: to keep Texas the land of opportunity – a place that rewards hard work, one that develops talent, one that attracts investment, where a

vision can become reality. I ask one thing of you today: please ensure that you will always put Texas, and Texans, first. And not stand just with the powerful, but on behalf of the powerless. Like Travis at the Alamo, I ask that you draw a line in the sand in defense of this state we love and its people: our seniors, our disabled, and especially the youngest generation. I would like to close by telling the story of one of those young Texans who is with us today. He, along with his parents and high school principal, helped me gavel in this session. On the outside, he looks like any other high school senior preparing for his last semester, but Coby Shorter IV has a story that defies the odds. You see, during the spring of his freshman year, he was involved in a major accident on the road just outside the family farm – a tragic event that left him fighting for his life. While Coby could have used this incident as an excuse to give up, he accepted the challenge of learning to walk again, enduring 19 surgeries, returning to and excelling in school, and giving back to his community and to those who helped save his life. Coby is an inspiration to all who know and love him. Will you please help me recognize and congratulate Coby for the courage and determination he has demonstrated at such an early age. But the simple fact is, ordinary Texans do extraordinary things every day, making this Texas we love a truly special place. It is their interests we serve. It is their lives we must honor. It is their future we must advance.

Thank you, and may God bless you and continue to give you the courage and determination to fight for Texas.

PARADE OF ORANGES • 3PM

Once again the Texas Citrus Fiesta Parade of Oranges will be on Conway; the route is from Griffin Parkway (495) to 1st Street. Spectators should line up north of 1st Street for the Parade.

10am – Conway, from Griffin Parkway (495) north to 2 Mile Road closes. 1pm – Griffin Parkway (495) closes 12pm – All cross streets off of Conway will be closed, with the exception of: •Kika de la Garza Loop •East Tom Landry •6th Steet •4th Street •1st Street 2pm – All Cross streets mentioned above will be closed.

Please make your travel plans accordingly, and allow yourself enough time in your commuting on Saturday to arrive safely at your destination. In case of an emergency, please call 911.

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1217 N. Conway • Mission, TX (956) 585-4893 MEMBER 2017

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

The Progress Times (USPS 971-420; ISSN 0890-2666) is published each Friday by Mission Publishing Co., 1217 N. Conway, Mission, Texas 78572, (956) 585-4893. Subscriptions $20 annual in Hidalgo County; $25 outside of Hidalgo County. Periodicals postage paid in Mission, Texas 78572. ©2017 Mission Publishing Company. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the PROGRESS TIMES, P.O. Box 399, Mission Texas 78573.

LETTER GUIDELINES

Letters to the Editor are welcome but must conform to certain guidelines. All letters must be original, dated, signed and bear the complete name, address and phone number of the writer/signer. No photo copied letters will be printed. No letters addressed to others will be printed. Letter content must be relevant to concerns and interests of Mission and the surrounding area. Relevance is determined by the editor. Anonymous cards or letters are neither read nor printed. Letters may be submitted by e-mail to letters@progresstimes.net, but must include the author’s name and daytime phone number.

January 20, 2017

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Mission cop who resigned after drug test named Peñitas’fire marshal By Jose De Leon III

State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (center) speaks to the crowd attending the groundbreaking for Palmview’s Wastewater Collection System Jan. 13. Progress Times Photo by Jose De Leon III.

Agua SUD breaks ground on Palmview wastewater collection system ithin 2 1/2 years Palmview residents will be able to stop using their septic tanks and be connected to a wastewater system. That’s according to Oscar Cancino, executive director for the Agua Special Utility District (Agua SUD) who attended the groundbreaking for the city’s wastewater collection system Jan. 13. The wastewater collection system—a $42 million project that has been in development for years—will connect approximately 1,700 homes in the city and surrounding areas to incoming sewer lines and four lift stations, Cancino said, adding the wastewater system will ultimately be connected to Mission’s wastewater treatment plant. Due to the potential to over flow spreading fecal matter and the difficulty in maintaining them Cancino said septic tanks have long posed a health risk in the area. Once the wastewater system is put in place Cancino said residents will have one less thing to worry about. “For years residents in this city have relied on septic tanks and this wastewater system will be an improvement to the community,” Cancino said. “With this system we’ll be providing a safe and efficient way to maintain wastewater without the environmental hazards of having a septic tank in your property.” The system will be completed in four phases with the first two phases devoted to putting in collection lines throughout the city to tie them into the Main Lift Station located south of Goodwin Road, Cancino said. The first phase is scheduled to last

11 months with the following three phases commencing simultaneously afterward. Once residents are connected to the water line they’ll pay a monthly water rate that will be set by Agua SUD once the project nears completion. Cancino said the monthly cost will be based on comparative costs in neighboring areas with similar service. He did not provide a figure for how much it will cost homeowners to connect to the service initially. According to Cancino, Agua SUD received funding for the project through grants and loans from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB.)

For city councilwoman Linda Sarabia, the project has been a long time coming. During the groundbreaking, she recalled how in 2011 she traveled to Austin as a member of the city’s chamber of commerce to speak with the TWDB about the need for a wastewater system. “To go from advocating for this project six years ago and now seeing it in action means a lot,” Sarabia said. “Too often have we seen businesses and people not moving here because of a lack of a sewer system but now we will finally see some real growth happening here. It’ll be a special development for the city.”

Mission First United Methodist Church 1101 Doherty Ave.

Mission TX 78572 (956) 585-1665

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

Everyone is Welcome! Join us for communion the First Sunday of every month.

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80th Annual

Texas Citrus Fiesta Mission, Texas

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

• PARADE OF ORANGES

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

Romero said. Romero said Gonzalez will receive no additional pay and he’ll have no law enforcement responsibilities besides doing inspections and reviewing fire code. According to a July 2012 published report Gonzalez resigned from the Mission police force after he was suspended following a drug test. Despite that incident, Romero said he feels confident in the city’s decision to appoint Gonzalez. “I feel he’s the best person for the job. It was probably a one-off situation and as far as I’m concerned he’s still the best man for the job,” Romero said. Attempts to reach Gonzalez went unanswered as of press time. The board also voted to update the city’s organizational chart to include the fire department and two new positions, a narcotics officer and warrants officer. According to Romero, the city is currently accepting applications for those positions and plans to fill them within the next month.

Saturday - January 21, 2017 - $50 a person Location: Balli’s Terrace Event Center 1509 Industrial Blvd, Mission Thursday- January 26, 2017 - 7 PM - $5.00 General Seating $10.00 Reserved Location: Mission High School Neuhaus Center - 1802 W. Cleo Dawson

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

“Cheers to 80 Years” January 14th - 28th, 2017 www.texascitrusfiesta.org 956.585.9724

Bryceidee Leos 80th Queen Citrianna LXXX

Photo Courtesy: Rio Portrait & Design Stuido

By Jose De Leon III

PEÑITAS—The Peñitas city council has named a former Mission police officer who resigned after being suspended following a drug test as the city’s first fire marshal. And it has named the fatherin-law of Armin Garza to replace the outgoing council member. During the council’s first meeting of the year Jan. 12, council members voted to appoint Peñitas resident Felipe Quintanilla to fill the place 3 city council seat left vacant by Garza’s election to the La Joya ISD school board. Peñitas Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Lopez recommended Quintanilla, a 58-year-old retired business owner, to the board during the meeting. “I think Quintanilla will be a good fit for the city of Peñitas,” Lopez said after the meeting. “He’s a resident and business owner, who is involved with the surrounding community and sponsors our soccer teams. He represents the people.” Quintanilla said while helping Garza in his school

board campaign numerous residents suggested he replace Garza on the council and Peñitas officials noticed, he said. Following his appointment Quintanilla said he plans to run for re-election in May. “I take pride in being part of a city that I have personally seen grow and want to continue to assist the city in bettering the quality of life of our fellow residents,” Quintanilla said in a prepared statement. Following Quintanilla’s appointment the council voted to appoint former Mission Police Officer Jose Gonzalez as the city’s first fire marshal. City Manager Omar Romero said the role was crucial as the city’s fire department became operational Jan. 14. Romero said Gonzalez has been with the city’s ad hoc fire department comprised from Palmview and La Joya firefighters for two years and is currently a lieutenant handling code enforcement and the permits and inspections division. “He’s done everything that he possibly can to ensure the city is protected and he’ll do the same as a fire marshal,”

January 20, 2017

page 6

5-0 La Joya Coyotes making run for district title By Bryan Ramos 12 years. That’s how long it’s been since the La Joya Coyotes boys’ basketball program have been crowned district champions. Head coach Eric Montalvo is in his second year calling the shots at his alma mater, where he was a standout on the court for the Coyotes from 1997-2000. He has turned things around and has this year’s squad focused on putting La Joya back at the top of District 30-6A. “It’s a goal we’ve been talking about and if I’m not mistaken it’s been 12 years,” Montalvo said. “That’s something we tell our kids every day, that we can do something special if we stay humble and work hard.”

The Coyotes (21-7, 5-0) are currently riding an eightgame winning streak and are the only unbeaten team in the in District 30-6A after knocking off the Nikki Rowe Warriors (20-6, 4-1) by the score of 54-41 Tuesday night in a clash between playoff hopefuls. The Warriors entered Tuesday night with a hot streak of their own as winners of six straight games. The two teams had met once prior to district play at the City of Palms Tournament in December where Rowe defeated the Coyotes 60-32. On Tuesday night, the Coyotes were locked in on avenging the loss with the support of their home crowd behind them. The Warriors jumped out to an early 8-0

lead and finished the first quarter up 14-7 over La Joya. The Coyotes stormed back to outscore the Warriors 47-27 over the final three quarters by playing lockdown defense and moving the ball around to the open shooter on offense. La Joya senior post Romel Villarreal said they’ve faced deficits before but this year’s squad has the ability to fight back in tough games. “We’ve been in that situation before, especially since last year, always coming back but not always having enough gas in the tank to come back but this year we seem to have a lot more, we added fire to that gas.” La Joya attacked the Warriors inside with big games from their two starting senior posts. Villarreal finished the game with 16 points while Julio Gonzalez poured in 14 of his own, including six in the final quarter to give the Coyotes a comfortable lead.

After the game, Gonzalez said he was a little nervous approaching the game between district championship contenders but was able to overcome that with a solid performance. “I was a little bit nervous but I had to put that down,” Gonzalez said. “From this win, we expect to go higher and we just want to go as high as we can.” Montalvo said he told his team all week this was one of their biggest tests of the season and liked the way his team responded to the words of the coaching staff. “I told them from the very beginning that it’s a big game,” Montalvo said. “I told my coaches that we have to talk about it and if they weren’t going to be ready for something like this then not to expect to make the playoffs, so we talked about it throughout the week and

See LA JOYA Pg.9

La Joya senior Julio Gonzalez goes up for a layup as a Nikke Rowe defender goes for the block during the third quarter of the Coyotes 54-41 District 30-6A win over the Warriors Tuesday night. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

Hall of Famer Roy Garcia to coach at Sharyland

position, with no teaching responsibilities, led Garcia to Some 43 years after he accept the offer. began his high school basket“People have asked me if I ball coaching career at Mis- would ever go back to coachsion High School, Rosendo ing,” Garcia said. “While “Roy” Garcia is back on the I’ve thought about it, it would court. Only have to be this time It’s nice to have some- s o m e t h i n g it’s as an asthat I’d enbody with that much joy sistant for doing. the Sharyexperience come in I knew that land RatI didn’t tlers boys’ and watch what you’re want to go basketball doing and spot those areas back into team. the classR a t - you can improve on. That room. Then tlers’ head man’s golden. when David basketball - David Kieth asked me coach Daif I wanted vid Keith offered Garcia the to coach, I asked him under position after the departure what conditions. When he of assistant coach Joey Hi- said that it would be strictly nojosa created a vacancy on basketball and no teaching, I his staff. The fact that the gladly accepted.” position is solely a coaching

By Luciano Guerra

“

”

Roy Garcia

See HALL OF FAME Pg.9

January 20, 2017

page 7

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THANK YOU!

From Mission Police Department and Crime Stoppers Thanksgiving Turkey

Things work out wonderfully during the Holidays with the help of others. Mission Housing Authority Farmers Insurance/Karina Martinez Arqcarpa Design & Construction/ Cesar Cardenas Kohl’s Michael Castillo RGV Cycling Club

Give-Away Kops for Kids Christmas Toy

Here is a BIG THANK YOU to our SUPPORTERS!

Give-Away Mission Crime Stoppers Mission West RV Park Seven Oaks K-White Jr. High Kevin Naumann Lorena Gurny Lilliam Santana Barrera The Foundation of Mission Regional Medical Center/ Cynthia Guerra The Bounce World/ Martin Lopez Mission Rotary Club Okie-Dokie Party Rental Mi Mundo D’Fiestas Oleander Acres Wagon City North

Wagon City South Chimney Park McCoy’s Leo Marcel O’Grady Chili’s Shimotsu Elementary B L Gray Jr. High Escobar Rios Elementary H.E.R.O.S. City of Mission Mission Regional Medical Center Walgreens Pharmacy MCISD Main Office Veterans High School –

t a grea s i w o N r o orde t e m i t n criptio a subs family for a er or memb . friend

Aladdin Villas West Kohl’s Bentsen Grove Chimney Grove Resort Mission Boys & Girls Club Frank Vela Ameri Cana RV Resort El Valle de Sol – Luna Resort Fiesta Village Lemon tree RV INN Lemon Tree Estates Weaks Martin Implement Co. Mission Bell RV MH Resort Storage Depot The Split Rail RV Park City of Palmhurst Trade Winds RC MH Park WI Resort RV Park Bert Ogden Cadillac Bert Ogden Chevy

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SADA Club First United Methodist Church – Mission Mission Jr. High School Frost Bank Blue Bunny Ice Cream Sam’s Club Bryan Elementary Castro Elementary Leal Elementary Chick-fil-A Mims Elementary Pearson Elementary Clay Ministry Pioneer High School Hygeia Sharyland High School Esquinkles RGV Cycling Club Aladdin Villas East

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January 20, 2017

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Wood chips will be flying at annual show, seminar

SAN JUAN – The Rio Grande Valley Woodcarvers have planned a week of “strutting their stuff” beginning this Friday and Saturday, Jan. 20-21. In the same location, the annual Rally on the Rio seminar follows on Monday to Saturday, Jan. 23 to 28, to bring Valley woodcarvers together for instruction from woodcarvers across the country. Both events will be held at Cielo Banquet Hall, 1101 E. FM 495, in San Juan RGV Woodcarving Show This weekend’s show, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, will feature exhibits by carvers, carving instructors, tool vendors and wood vendors. A total of 27 different competition categories of carving will be open to all carvers by division. Admission is $3 per person or $5 for two people, and door prizes will be given every 30 minutes with three large prizes to be given at the end of the show. Winter Texans from across the country and Valley

woodcarvers come together to compete and exhibit their work. Competition categories include carvings ranging from realistic human, animal and bird to relief, bark, walking sticks, caricature and chip carvings. The members of the Rio Grande Valley Woodcarvers are a diverse group of men and women, many who started carving when they were children, while others became involved after retirement. Some of the members are instructors, while others beginners in the world of carving. Members are also participating in related skills such as pyrography (wood burning) and working with eggs, antlers, stone, plastic and glass. Painting techniques include oil and acrylics with brushes and pencils, or airbrushing. Some members sculpt with clay on armatures made with wood and metal while others are involved with intarsia – making pictures or animals with different colored pieces of wood.

Rally on the Rio Wanting to offer more than just a fabulous woodcarving show each year, the RGV Woodcarvers have now been hosting Rally on the Rio for almost 20 years, bringing together carving instructors from around the country to put on a woodcarving seminar for Valley residents and Winter Texans alike. The 2017 Rally on the Rio will take place Jan. 23

through Sat., Jan. 28. The Rally features a variety of carving, pyrography, and painting classes with 23 nationally-known instructors. Classes range from $30 to $200 depending on the difficulty of the project. George and Charlotte Vaughn of “The Tool Box” will have a large supply of carving supplies available and will also sharpen tools for carvers.

RGV Carvers meet weekly from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursdays, October through March, at the Nomad Shrine Club, 1044 West Nolana Loop in Pharr. Visitors are welcome. During the winter, professional carving instructors are available to answer questions about carving and to give advice. After a person has visited three times, they are asked to join by paying the annual

dues of $15 per year for a couple. They maintain a library of carving book patterns and video tapes for use of members. Carving supplies, tool sharpening and new ideas are available weekly. For more information, contact Fred Stenman at 320-253-2132 or fstenman@ msm.com or Jim Crawford at 956-279-6013 or whittlinsam@outlook.com.

NOTICE OF RATE CHANGE REQUEST

On December 30, 2016, as required by order of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (“PUCT” or “Commission”) in Docket No. 45414, Sharyland Utilities, L.P. (“Sharyland”) and Sharyland Distribution & Transmission Services, L.L.C. (“SDTS”) (collectively “Applicants”), regulated electric utility companies, filed an application with the PUCT titled Amended Application of Sharyland Utilities, L.P. and Sharyland Distribution & Transmission Services, L.L.C., Statement of Intent to Change Rates, and Request for Grant of a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity and Transfer of Certificate Rights (“Amended Application”). The Amended Application requests: (1) the setting of new wholesale and retail rates that Sharyland will charge its customers; (2) the establishment of rates that SDTS will charge its only customer, Sharyland; and (3) the grant of a certificate of convenience and necessity (“CCN”) and transfer of CCN rights to SDTS. This proceeding is the first in which Sharyland’s rates will be set on a system-wide basis. The Amended Application is based on a twelvemonth test year ending December 31, 2015. The Amended Application supports an increase in Sharyland’s adjusted testyear retail base rate revenues of approximately $1.4 million or 1.4 percent, exclusive of riders. Sharyland’s system-wide cost-based retail base rate revenue requirement is $101.2 million, plus an additional $2.23 million that Sharyland is seeking to recover on an annual basis through certain riders. This includes a proposal to recover $30 million for deferred costs associated with construction of the electric system in the McAllen division during its initial years of operation. As proposed, monthly delivery rates for an average residential customer consuming 1,333 kWh in the Stanton, Brady, and Celeste divisions will decrease by approximately $3.14 per month, exclusive of riders, but in McAllen and Mission they will increase by approximately $35.69 per month, exclusive of riders. The Amended Application also supports a total wholesale transmission cost of service of $147.6 million, plus an additional $3.7 million that Sharyland is seeking to recover on an annual basis through certain riders. The Amended Application also supports a total revenue requirement for SDTS of approximately $170 million. SDTS’ proposed rates are lease payments that SDTS will charge only to Sharyland for leasing its transmission and distribution assets. In a new tariff for SDTS, separate rates will be provided for the leasing of transmission assets and for the leasing of distribution assets. The Amended Application also requests that the PUCT grant a CCN to SDTS and transfer rights under Sharyland’s CCNs to SDTS authorizing SDTS to own transmission and distribution assets and lease those assets to Sharyland for the provision of electric service, along with any other rights as necessary. No new facilities are being sought in the Amended Application. The Amended Application potentially affects all customers and classes of customers in Sharyland’s Stanton, Brady, Celeste, and McAllen divisions. The Amended Application also affects all customers taking service under Sharyland’s Tariff for Wholesale Transmission Service. In addition, the result could be a change in Sharyland’s transmission cost of service rates, which would impact all load serving entities in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. The Applicants have proposed that the requested rates be made effective February 3, 2017. A complete copy of the Amended Application is available for inspection at the following locations: • Sharyland 1031 Andrews Highway, Suite 400 Midland, Texas 79701 -or1807 Ross Avenue, Suite 460 Dallas, Texas 75201 •Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP 600 Congress Avenue, Suite 2000 Austin, Texas 78701 Persons who wish to intervene in or comment upon these proceedings should notify the Public Utility Commission of Texas (Commission) as soon as possible, as an intervention deadline will be imposed. A request to intervene or for further information should be mailed to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326. Further information may also be obtained by calling the Public Utility Commission at (512) 936-7120 or (888) 782-8477. Hearingand speech impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission through Relay Texas by dialing 7-1-1. The deadline for intervention in the proceeding is February 13, 2017.

Fine arts charter school seeks to open Mission campus By Joe Hinton Sometime this year Vanguard Academy, a fine arts charter school, is planning to open two new campuses, one each in Mission and Weslaco. That is if the school receives approval from the Texas Education Agency. The school’s intentions became apparent from documents contained in the agenda packet for the Mission Consolidated Independent School District’s Finance Committee, which held its monthly meeting Wednesday night. State law requires charter schools requesting to expand to seek impact statements from schools within a 30 mile radius of the proposed expansion, said Ana M. Mendoza, deputy superintendent and chief operating officer for the charter school that already has four campuses, one each in Alamo and Edinburg and two in Pharr. MCISD officials were

notified in a letter from Vanguard Academy Superintendent Robert L. Oliveraz the school was requesting TEA approval to open the two new schools. The TEA requires neighboring school districts to be notified in instances where expansion “may adversely impact a district financially or if the proposed change may impact the student enrollment of a district in a manner that impairs the district’s ability to comply with a court order.” According to the statement of impact amendment accompanying Oliveraz’s letter Vanguard Academy is requesting TEA’s permission to double its current maximum approved enrollment from 4,000 to 8,000 students “The reason we’re asking for the increase is because we’re expanding,” Mendoza said in a telephone interview Tuesday. She said the academy’s four schools already have 3,800 students meaning it is reaching its maximum

student enrollment 16 years after receiving its initial state charter. Mendoza said charter schools must also cite a compelling reason for seeking to expand. Though Vanguard officials have been preparing for the past six to nine months to apply for the expansion Mendoza said the TEA does not begin accepting applications until Feb. 1 of each year. Mendoza would not say where the Mission campus would be located or how much has been budgeted but said the new campuses would accommodate between 400 and 500 students. In Texas charter schools cannot assess property taxes with funding coming from the state. Though some schools may open multiple campuses and have boards of directors many operate without a formal school district title, said TEA spokeswoman, Lauren Callahan. Mendoza said Vanguard

is an open-enrollment charter school meaning except for certain pre-kindergarten classes it may not charge tuition and can only charge the same fees that a traditional public school may charge. MCISD Assistant Superintendent for Finance told the district’s finance committee the district would oppose the academy’s expansion. Following the meeting she said the district could lose approximately $5,000 in state funding per each student it might lose to the academy. “That equals about a half-million dollars for every 100 students we lose,” she said. Despite MCISD’s opposition to the academy’s expansion district spokesman Craig Verley in his nearly 19 years with MCISD he has never known said the TEA to deny a charter school’s request for expansion.

Peñitas community health fair to focus on crime victim’s assistance Crime victim’s assistance will be the focus of the city of Peñitas’ first ever community health fair. According to Mayra Garza, a crime victim’s liaison with the city police department, the Jan. 24 health fair

will provide informative panels about programs available to crime victims. “People aren’t aware of the help made available for victims of crimes so we’re starting a conversation to change that,” Garza said.

“We have counseling available in different areas of the Valley and we can even assist residents in relocating if they feel they’re in danger. There’s many options available for them.” Garza, who joined the po-

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lice force late last year, said the idea of the health fair and its focus on victim assistance came to her on her first case with the city which involved a crime victim who was “unaware” of the public assistance available to them. Garza would not reveal details on the case but said the victim received monetary assistance to get her life back together after she was victimized. The health fair—which will be held at the city library, 1111 S. Main St.— will have refreshments for the public and feature speakers from the local women’s shelter, Mujeres Unidas, the crime victim service, RGV Empowerment Zone, and more.

Correction

The Jan. 13 Progress Times and Sharyland Times editions incorrectly reported Ewin Zuo, who is working on an app to help the visually impaired, attends Sharyland High School. He attends Sharyland Pioneer High School.

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January 20, 2017

COACH

and adopted a tax rate of $1.311 per $100 of assessed property valuation. The district has had the same tax rate for at least five years. While La Joya’s tax rate is lower than Mission CISD and Sharyland ISD, La Joya has far more students and receives more state and federal funding. By comparison, Mission CISD lowered its tax rate for the 2016-17 year by nearly a penny, setting the new rate at $1.3582. Sharyland’s ISD approved a 4-cent tax rate increase, setting the district’s tax rate at $1.3755. According to LJISD As-

LA JOYA

from Pg. 6

ed.” The Coyotes will carry their eight-game winning streak into the final game of the first go-round of District 30-6A action. If the team keeps up their play, they could very well bring home the district title to La Joya High School for the first time since 2005. Next up for the Coyotes is a rivalry game with the Palmview Lobos (3-2) tonight as they visit Palmview High School for a scheduled 7:30 tipoff. Villarreal said the team is taking it one game at a time and looking take advantage of every opportunity lying ahead. “We just keep taking it one game at a time,” Villarreal said. “We don’t let one game get to us because we know every game matters, every game counts and we have to take advantage of them.”

page 9

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com sistant Superintendent for Administration and Finance Alfredo Vela, La Joya ISD teachers received a $2,100 pay raise this year, while auxiliary staff and paraprofessionals received a $1 per hour increase. Meanwhile, Mission CISD and Sharyland ISD gave teachers a $1,000 raise. #4 Groundbreaking for new city hall In 2016 the city renovated Military Park and several of its streets but its biggest addition was a new city hall and police station that will open this summer. The new city hall will be housed in what was formerly a PlainsCapital Bank. Ground breaking was held Oct. 26 for an addition to the east side of the building to accommodate the police station. The purchase was made

HALL OF FAME

Garcia is a 1993 inductee into the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame, a 2015 inductee into the Texas High School Coaches Association’s Hall of Honor and a 2016 inductee into the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches’ Hall of Fame. His 29-year coaching tenure at Mission High began in 1972 and included 23 years as MCISD’s athletic director. After winning 666 games at Mission, Garcia went on to coach at San Benito High and at PSJA Southwest. In total, Garcia accumulated 712 victories over 43 years. When asked what the secret to his coaching success has been, Garcia modestly replied, “When you have

from pg 1 possible through a $3.5 million loan the city received from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2010, according to La Joya Mayor Fito Salinas. The complete five-acre property was appraised at $1.9 million by PlainsCapital Bank but the city purchased it for $1 million. Salinas said the city budgeted $2 million for construction and renovations and any leftover funds will be used to purchase new police department vehicles. In December the city held another groundbreaking for its first medical emergency room that will be housed behind the new city hall. The facility—South Texas ER— is planned to open in mid2017. Texas ER Management will manage the facility. CEO Dan McLean said the ER will be staffed 24-hours and used to stabilize patients good players you can be one hell of a coach. So the coaches are made by the players and I’ve been fortunate to have some of the best.” Of his 712 career victories, there’s one that stands out in Garcia’s memory. “We played this team from Pasadena once,” shared Garcia. “They had a 7-footer, a 6 foot 10 inch player and a 6 foot 7 inch player. The first game of the tournament, we beat them. I don’t know how but I did know that I was not going to play our normal game against them. I had to adjust and play keep-away. We only shot layups and free throws and we walked off the court with a win.” Two other memorable

before transferring them to a hospital “The alternative is to wait 30 to 45 minutes in the back of an ambulance to take you to Mission Regional Medical Center (the closest hospital to La Joya) and not all patients can wait that long,” he said. Alaniz said the city contributed nothing to the construction cost but donated 1.5 acres where the ER will be built. #3 School board member Jesus Avendaño dies After serving on the La Joya ISD School Board for nearly four years, Peñitas resident Jesus (Chuy) Avendaño passed away from a massive heart attack March 29. He was 53. Avendaño suffered the attack while working at Angelical Home Health in La Joya. He was transported to Mission Regional Medical Center where he was later

pronounced dead. Prior to the school board, Avendaño served as an alderman for Peñitas from August 2008 to November 2012. Avendaño was a graduate of La Joya High School and was known for his life as a migrant worker. “Mr. Avendaño was a supportive board member who took his role seriously and always took time to attend as many events as possible to demonstrate his support for La Joya ISD students on the field and in the classroom,” Superintendent Alda Benavides said in a statement. “He will be dearly missed by our community.” #2 The saga of J.J. Garza Following his indictment for wire fraud La Joya’s Housing Authority fired its executive director, Juan J. “J.J.” Garza, during a Dec. 16 special board meeting. In September federal agents arrested Garza and

local contractor, Armando Jimenez, in connection with an alleged bid-rigging scheme. The indictment states that between July 2012 and March 2013, Jimenez and Garza submitted bids under the false names of Crane Construction and Carlos Orillana so Jimenez Construction would win the bidding for construction projects. At his bond hearing Sept. 22, Garza pleaded not guilty to seven counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Each count of wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Bond for Garza was set at $50,000 and he was released later that week. Garza is also a La Joya ISD trustee, but the charges

games for Garcia were headto-head games against his son, and the current head coach of the Mission High Lady Eagles, Roy Garcia II. “We have coached against each other twice,” explained Garcia. “I was coaching at San Benito and he was at PSJA High. We won both games but I didn’t feel good about it. I wanted him to win but I wasn’t about to just let him win.” Garcia II, Veterans Memorial Patriots’ head basketball coach Romeo De La Garza Jr. and the Lady Patriots’ head basketball coach Rafael Cantu Jr. are just three of Garcia’s former players that went on to follow in his footsteps as coaches.

While David Keith is not one of Garcia’s former players, there is a strong connection between the two. Garcia is Keith’s father-in-law. As Keith explained, that family tie had nothing to do with his hiring “I wasn’t the first one to ask him to come out of retirement,” Keith said. “That’s for sure. I went with him in part because he was available but mostly because when you see somebody like him that can come in to help you and keep you sharp, not that we were getting dull, but it’s nice to have somebody with that much experience come in and watch what you’re doing and spot those areas you can improve on. That man’s

golden.” “I think that my players recognize the opportunity to grow as players and as young men by playing under him,” added Keith. “He’s not only a veteran in the armed forces but he’s a long time athletic director, coach and teacher. He knows quite a bit about the educational system so they see that as a resource. And what they don’t see, I tell them.” After a 5-3 first round District 31-5A record, the Rattlers opened the second round against Laredo Martin with a 67-38 loss Tuesday night. Next up for Sharyland is a home game against the Roma Gladiators tonight.

See COACH 10 from Pg. 6

page 10

January 20, 2017

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COACH

Garza is also a La Joya ISD trustee, but the charges are unrelated to the district. The audit pertaining to the housing authority’s 2014 financial data was presented by Mark A. Sanchez, an attorney hired by the housing authority to handle issues related to Garza. Sanchez noted the audit revealed write offs due to uncollected rents had increased by 465% from the previous fiscal year because the housing authority did not enforce its rent collection policy. According to Sanchez, the role of enforcing that policy fell on Garza. During the Dec. 16 meeting the board also voted to fire housing authority 2017 2009 KIA XXXXX SORENTO auditor, Luis Orozco, for failing to submit the current audit to HUD. This led to HUD giving the housing authority a zero rating in September when the audit was due. The board also requested reimbursement of the $7,500 it had paid Orozco for the audit. Garza has a Feb. 6 pretrial hearing set in U.S. District Court in McAllen. #1 School district election results Despite having been accused in a pending lawsuit of illegally steering LJISD

CARGAZING

from pg. 9

business to unapproved food reelection. vendors, Oscar O. “Coach” Salinas was elected along Salinas defeated challengers with newcomers Armin GarDomingo “Mingo” Villarreal za, Claudia Ochoa and Alex Jr. and Oscar “Rito” Marti- Cantu to the seven member, nez for the Place 6 position non-partisan board. All four on the board in November’s ran together on a slate they general election. called Team Liberty, and Election Day Salinas gar- pledged to encourage greatnered more than 50 percent er parental involvement and of the 13,430 ballots cast bring better pay and working and was sworn in as school conditions to district emboard president the follow- ployees. ing week. In a story published Dec. In a lawsuit filed against 9., campaign finance records the school district in August, obtained by the Progress the district’s former Child Times show the total spent Nutrition Services Depart- by the four winning candiment Operations Manager, dates was nearly four times Ricardo E. Rodriguez, al- the combined total spent by leged Salinas was one of two their six opponents. persons who pressured him In all the four winning to purchase food from two candidates spent a combined unapproved food vendors. $79,530 while the six reRodriguez claims he was maining candidates spent a wrongfully discharged by the combined $20,419, accordschool district after bringing ing to campaign finance rethe allegedly illegal purchas- cords. Seats on the board are es to the attention of school voluntary and unpaid. district officials. Rodriguez There were some discrepresigned in May amidst a ancies in the reports filed by theft investigation by the Salinas for the period in the THEofNUMBERS Texas Rangers. The case is BY month October as none price: $25,400of his 11 still pending and authorities Base of the addresses will not comment on the al- Wheelbase: contributors 109.4 or 20 in.payees legation. were included 187.4 in in.the reports. Length: In an election night inter- Width: Salinas74.4 said in. he plans to file view, Salinas called the alle- Height: amended reports 66.3finance in. gation he steered business to Engine: containing the addresses 2,4-liter inline by unapproved vendors a lie and four thecylinder, next reporting deadline 185 hp, said he felt vindicated by his 178 onlb.-ft. Jan. 15.torque

Sorento demonstrates safety PRESS RELEASE

ia Motors America’s best-selling CUV, the 2017 Sorento, has earned top honors – Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) – from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when equipped with optional front-crash prevention. With the Sorento earning “good” crashworthiness ratings and a superior rating for the optional frontcrash prevention system, Kia continues to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to safety. “These results are a clear indication that Kia places a high priority on safety by offering advanced crash avoidance technologies and enhancing vehicle structure through the use of advanced high-strength steel,” said Orth Hedrick,

UNDERWAY

Transmission: Sixfrom pg 1 speed automatic days we’re excited to see EPA site.Mileage: 21 city, this thing open and see what 28 highway There will be 15,000

morial High School mariachi group and numerous government officials and business else is going to come to this square feet of patio space representatives - that he area.” along the center’s south, east plans to seek a tax reduction During the ceremony Ar- and west sides. Also on the in October. chitect Ramiro O. Zapata de- building’s east side will be LINEUP “We’re always looking scribed some of the center’s The a walking track open to the third-generation for something to give back to features. public.is available in five Sorento The handsomethe taxpayer and in October The building will face trim levels. The center will also be SX, we’ll do that simply because southwest on its Shary Road ly equipped equipped LX, withEX,state-of-themodels are compatible pow[people are] spending more lot with a prominent lobby and artSXLelectronics by audio, a 2.4-liter four-cylmoney,” Salinas said. “This entrance featuring a 25-foot ered with video and comthat produces 185 is going to be a great project high ceiling. The lobby will inder puter connectivity, he said. and 178 lb-ft. The Kia Sorento adds an Advanced Touring Packand and Advanced Package for 2017. and I Technology hope that everybody comprise approximately horsepower “With the lobby, the ballof torque, or a 3.3-liter V-6 enjoys it.” 10,000 square feet travers- that room and with all the patios makes 290 horsepowvice president, product strength With and an head average of nology, ing thehigh-beam length of theassist building er and we wanted to have a variety 252 lb.-ft. of torque, planning, KMA. “We are restraints – as well as an and rear parking 120,000 vehicles a day Mis- (HBA), from the west to east sides, while of different types of spaces the EX trim is also proud that the Sorento “advanced” or “superior” sion EDC President Alex assist. said Zapata. that had different kinds of available with a 2.0-liter received strong ratings rating for front crash preMeade said the development “That lobby can actually feels; a lot of natural light turbocharged four-cylinder CHANGES across the board, and vention. that produces 240 is The being2017 located near the be an activity space of its engine so the community is going having earned the prestiSorento is bushorsepower 260 lb.-ft. iest intersection in Hidalgo own,” he said. to have a and lot of opportunity FOR 2017 gious TSP+ award bolsters available with many drivThe 2017 Sorento carrieswill of torque. County, Sharysystems Road and ExThe main ballroom to develop activities for each our strong safety record er-assistance continues to Zapata over into its second model pressway 83. have approximately 20-foot Sorento of those spaces,” and the integrity of our including Autonomous an advanced new technology products.” Emergency Brakingis(AEB), “So the growth a tes- year highwith ceilings with approxi- offer said. “So I feelAWD goodsysabout that automatically as Android and To qualify for a Top Advanced tament notSmart only Cruise to the ef- such mately 18,000 Auto square feet of tem the way this helps us come power to the wheel avail-events routes Safety Pick Plus rating, Control, LaneofDeparture fort the City Mission has Apple floorCarPlay space. (late Besides together. It has been a group with the most traction, ability) in addition to two each vehicle must earn Warning System (LDWS), placed into the area but also new likepackages weddingthat receptions and effort. Everybody has shared while inside, the Sorento add “good” ratings in each of Blind Detection just aSpot natural growth that’s greater quincenearas the room can delivers their vision andpremium I feel like we class-up flexibility – the the five crashworthiness (BSD), Rear Cross Traffic been drawing from McAl- Advanced be divided into seven differ- materials, capturedoffering the majority of what the perTouring Package tests – small overlap Alert (RCTA), and HID len and west Hidalgo Coun- and entthe conference everybody needed to see for combination of refineApple CarPlay and Android Auto are also additions to the Advancedareas. A full fect front, moderate overlap headlights with Dynamic ty,” said Light Meade. “So techin 385 Technology service kitchen is also on ment the and citizens of Mission.” capability. Package. Sorento lineup for the new model year. front, side impact, roof Bending (DBL)

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Warranty is a Limited Powertrain warranty. For details see retailer or go to kia.com. 2017 Kia Sportage Stk#K15193 MSRP: $24160 BO Disc:$1600 KMA lease cash:$500 Sale Price: $22060. 36 mo. close ended lease of $149/mo.Based on $5619 down (total due at signing). Total payments for lease term $5364. 2016 Kia Soul Stk#K15186 MSRP: $18420 BO Disc: $1000 KMA lease cash $1400 Sale Price: $16020. 36 mo. close ended lease of $97/mo. Based on $5394 down (total due at signing). Total payments for lease term $3492. 2016 Kia Optima Stk#: K15248 MSRP: $23120 BO Disc: $1400 KMA lease cash $2700 Sale Price: $19020. 36 mo. close ended lease of $97/mo. Based on $5704 down (total due at signing). Total payments for lease term $3492. 2016 Kia Forte Stk#K14877 MSRP: $19815 BO Disc:$1400 KMA lease cash $2800 Sale Price: $15615. 36 mo. close ended lease of $97/mo. Based on $5584 down (total due at signing). Total payments for lease term $3492. 2017 Kia Sorento Stk#K15091 MSRP:$29670 BO Disc:$1800 KMA lease cash $2000 Sale Price: $25870. 36 mo. close ended lease of $169/mo. Based on $6294 down (total due at signing). Total payments for lease term $6084. *All prices include TTL,VI Tax & 150 doc fee WAC. First payment due at signing. 10k miles per year. Mile overage fee is $0.20/mi. No security deposit required. Customer will be responsible for maintenance. Early termination fees will apply. Excessive wear and tear fees may apply. Stk #’s subject to presale. Artwork for illustration purposes only. Not all customers will qualify. Customer is responsible for maintenance, car insurance and possible payment delinquencies. Offers expireo December 31, 2016. Dálse! Ga

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January 20, 2017

obituaries

Maria Cavazos PALMHURST – Maria Esmeralda Cavazos, 63, passed away on Thursday, Jan 12, 2017, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg. Mrs. Cavazos was born to Pedro and Ester Guajardo on Feb. 4, 1953, in McAllen. Survivors include her husband of 33 years, Manuel Cavazos Jr.; children, Manuel Cavazos III, Elane Ramon Rangel, Marla Benavides and Gerardo Cavazos; siblings, Maria Hernandez, Lydia Soto, Herminia Cardenas, Pedro Guajardo Jr. and Velma Cavazos; and 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents. A funeral mass was held on Jan. 16 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Dennis Curl MISSION – Dennis Duane Curl, 77, of Mission, passed away on Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, at his home. Mr. Curl was born in Iowa to Irvin and Ethel Curl. He married Peggy Sue Ott on Nov. 6, 1959, after they met in Amarillo while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force. They moved to the Rio Grande Valley in 1963 where he began his career in the air conditioning business. He and his wife owned a cattle ranch in central Texas, and he was a supporter of the 4-H and FFA organizations. Survivors include his children, Tim Curl and Debbie Hanson; sisters, Frances Bull and Virginia Anderson; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife and parents, and brothers, Robert Curl and Harold Curl. A funeral service was held on Jan. 14 at Kreidler Funeral Home in McAllen. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Pallbearers were Colton Hanson, Marshall Curl, Tom Curl, David Curl, Kevin Curl and Chris Curl. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Cowboy Church of the Val-

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ley, P.0. Box 796, Weslaco, TX 78599, or a charity of one’s choice. Susan Dietz MISSION – Susan “Florine” Dietz, 92, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, at Comfort House in McAllen. Mrs. Dietz was born on Sept. 2, 1924, in Robstown. She earned a master’s degree and worked in special education as a teacher until her retirement. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mission, Mission Study Club and Library Club and was politically active. Survivors include her children, Sterling Dietz of Alice and Elizabeth Parker of Mission; and five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sterling “Doc” Dietz, and her parents and siblings. A memorial service was held on Jan. 16 at First Presbyterian Church in Mission. Memorial contributions may be made to Comfort House, 617 W. Dallas Ave., McAllen, TX 78501. Abraham Ibarra MISSION – Abraham Ibarra, 16, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg. He was a student at Mission Veterans Memorial where he played on the basketball team. Survivors include his parents, George and Araceli Ibarra; siblings, Brandon Ibarra, Kameron Ibarra, Evelyn Lomas, Andrew Lomas, Carmen Morales, Caroline Ibarra, George Ibarra Jr. and Jorge Ibarra; and maternal grandmother, Marcelina Vargas. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Julian Ibarra and Elena Guerrero, and his maternal grandfather, Jesus Vargas. A funeral service was held Jan. 13 at Palm Valley Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mission. Maria Lopez MADERO – Maria Flores

Lopez, 91, passed away on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Survivors include her children, Daniel Lopez Jr. of Madero, Alba Hernandez of Mission, Mario Lopez Sr., of Madero and Orlando Lopez of Madero; brother, Teodoro Flores; and nine grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Daniel Lopez, Sr.; son, Rene Lopez Sr.; grandson, Mario H. Lopez Jr.; and great-grandson, Joshua Tobias A funeral mass was held on Jan. 19 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Madero. Burial followed at Granjeno Cemetery. Juan Lucio MISSION – Juan Alberto Lucio, 67, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, at his home in Mission. Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Martha Lucio of Mission; children, Deborah Lucio of Edinburg, Liz Marie Lucio of Mission and Juan Alberto Lucio Jr.; siblings, Enrique Lucio, Jose Lucio, Luis Lucio, Guadalupe Lucio, Gloria Pellettier, Diana Lucio and Angie Lucio; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Enrique and Esperanza Lucio, and brother, Erasmo Lucio. A funeral mass was held Jan. 14 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in McAllen.

Notices

Americo Cantu LA JOYA – Americo Cantu, 66, passed away on Thursday, Jan.12, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Sandra Dolan MISSION – Sandra Dolan, 67, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Joel Garcia MISSION – Joel Garcia, 49, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, at Mexico. Nohelia Garcia MISSION – Nohelia Garcia, 65, passed away on

WINTER TEXANS

Texans. “We have so much going on here to attract new residents,” Anklam said. “The baby boomers like more rock and roll and we are bringing in more shows like that. They are more active and play tennis and pickleball and we have that. The younger Winter Texans are still moving fast and they want different activities.” The Hynes Event Center is an attraction both for residents and the local community. The Oak Ridge Boys just completed a four-day show there and other shows planned include a Beatles tribut band, and Eagles tribute band and the Bellamy Brothers. Remote control racing has become popular at several South Texas resort and RV parks. Alamo Rec-Veh Park currently has two tracks completed and is constructing a carpet track for its RC owners. The park also attracts visitors on a regular basis who want to check out drone racing, RC speedboat and sailboat racing, fishing in the seven-acre lake or take a look at the park’s indoor shooting range with targets 10 meters way and .177-caliber rifles. During a recent Red, White & Blue RC League race — which includes Alamo Palms and Victoria Palms resorts — a group from Kenwood Park in LaFeria stopped by to watch the races at Alamo Rec-Veh, said resident Dave Langseth.

Monday, Jan. 16, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Adalberto Gutierrez MISSION – Adalberto Gutierrez, 45, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg. Daniel Lopez MISSION – Daniel Lopez, 91, passed away on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Mary Meek MISSION – Mary Helen Meek, 92, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, at her residence. Catherine O’Brien MISSION – Catherine M. O’ Brien, 87, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, at Solara Hospital in McAllen.

“One of the guys came up to me after and said he had six guys who were going to Hobbytown right after to by some race cars,” Langseth said. “That’s good for our park and the whole Valley.” Langseth added that the general manager at the park indicated it was about 90 percent full during a recent month. “We had another couple come to look at the gun range,” Langseth said. “When we turned on the lights they said ‘Oh, wow, we didn’t know this was available. We may have chosen this park if we had known.’” “We may have to add amenities and activities that will appeal to the new group,” said the UTRGV’s Simpson. “Maybe they are baby boomers and they don’t like Glenn Miller but the older ones do. You have to figure out how to accommodate both groups and how to make it happen.” While some parks are claiming a growth in numbers, others are stagnant or even shutting their doors, said Simpson. According to the last two Winter Texans reports done by Simpson, only about three percent of the survey respondents have been first-timers. “That means we are not getting new people here,” she said. “To attract new people, things will have to be done differently.” Simpson suggested doing at least two things — be

Melida Ochoa MISSION – Melida Ochoa, 90, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, at his home. Carlos Ramirez MISSION – Carlos Ramirez, 87, passed away on Friday, Jan. 13, 2017, at his home in Mission. Maria Reyna PALMVIEW – Maria Yolanda Reyna, 79, passed away on Friday, Jan. 13, 2017, at McAllen Heart Hospital. Juan Salinas MISSION – Juan A. Salinas, 51, passed away on Friday, Jan. 13, 2017, at his home in Mission.

from pg 1 appealing and get the word out. It does no good to make changes for the new generation if the new generation never hears about those new activities and amenities, she said. “We have to get the word out from North Texas to Canada, it’s not enough to do it just here,” Simpson said. “I think the communities are making a lot of changes and there are a lot of things happening here to meet the needs of both the long-time Winter Texans and the new ones, but there needs to be more marketing and more spreading the word.” Simpson said she would be more than interested in helping create another survey to report what baby boomers are interested in, especially if it will help attract them to South Texas and put a stop to the declining population. “The baby boomer generation may settle for small,” Simpson said, referring to responses from the survey, “but they want nice.” Anklam said Llano Grande seems to have found a good equation — having a lot of dances, shows, activities and amenities. And at least one Alamo Rec-Veh Park resident likes the variety of activities available to him. “There’s a new generation of Winter Texans coming,” said Langseth. “There’s going to be a lot of change.”

Syndalla Treviño MISSION – Syndalla Treviño, infant, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. Roque Tijerina MISSION – Roque Tijerina, 88, passed away on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017, at McAllen Heart Hospital. Tomas Vallejo SULLIVAN CITY – Tomas Vallejo, 91, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Maria Vasquez MISSION – Maria Yolanda Vasquez, 68, passed away on Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, at Lifecare Hospital in McAllen.

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January 20, 2017

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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.”

CITY OF LA JOYA NEW CITY HALL AND PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Holchemont Ltd., Construction Manager for the City of La Joya, will receive sealed proposals from sub-contractors and/or suppliers for the construction of a project titled City of La Joya New City Hall and Public Safety Building on February 7, 2017 at 4:00 pm at the office of Holchemont Ltd., located at 900 North Main St., McAllen, Texas 78501. Proposals are to be submitted in a sealed envelope indicating Proposer’s name and marked “Proposal for City of La Joya New City and Public Safety Building” and addressed to “Michael Montalvo, Holchemont Ltd., 900 North Main St., McAllen, Texas 78501”. Submit proposals for any of the following specifications sections: City of La Joya New City Hall and Public Safety Building: Division 2 Site Work, Division 3 Concrete, Division 4 Masonry, Division 5 Steel, Division 6 Wood and Plastics, Division 7 Thermal And Moisture Protection, Division 8 Doors and Windows, Division 9 Finishes, Division 10 Specialties, Division 11 Equipment, Division 13 Special Construction, Division 15 Mechanical & Division 16 Electrical Contract Documents are on file at the Rio Grande Valley AGC Plan Rooms, Dodge Reports, and Builders Exchange of Texas at which locations the plans and specifications may be examined. Copies of the Contract documents may be obtained by providing a check payable to Holchemont, Ltd. in the amount of $200.00 for each set of the documents. Documents may be obtained from RGV REPROGRAPHICS at the following address: RGV Reprographics 519 S. Broadway McAllen, Texas 78501 (956) 686.1525 The deposit will be refunded if the documents and drawings are returned in good condition within 10 days following proposal due date. A Pre-Proposal Conference will be conducted at the proposed project site, 701 E. Expressway 83, La Joya, TX. 78560, on January 30, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. All firms proposing to submit proposals on this project are strongly encouraged to attend. For questions regarding contract documents contact via email Michael Montalvo at: bids@holchemont.com Attention is called to the fact that not less than the federally determined prevailing wage rates must be paid on this project. In addition, successful bidders must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin. Holchemont Ltd. reserves the right to reject any or all of the proposals or to waive any informalities in the bidding process. Proposals may be held for a period not to exceed 45 days from the date of the proposal due date for the purpose of reviewing the proposals and investigation of the bidders qualifications prior to awarding construction contracts. Holchemont Ltd. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, and handicapped status in employment or provisions of service.

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Submit online: www.ptrgv.com Fax it in: Bring it in: 1217 N Conway Mission 585-2304

MISSION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION NOTICE OF INTENTION BUDGET AMENDMENT TO FY 2016-2017 BUDGET TAKE NOTICE that the Mission Economic Development Corporation of the City of Mission, (the “MEDC”), shall convene not earlier than 60 days after first publishing this notice and shall consider authorizing a Budget Amendment to the fiscal year 2016-2017 Budget, as hereinafter described, pursuant to the provisions of V.T.C.A. Local Government Code Sections 505.001 et seq. The MEDC is authorized on behalf of the City of Mission, Texas to undertake the Project or Projects by paying the cost of the Project or Projects with sales tax revenues authorized under said Local Government Code sections. The Board of Directors of the MEDC will determine whether the Project or Projects will be undertaken and whether it will finance the cost of the Project or Projects with proceeds from sales tax revenues. The Project or Projects shall consist of the following: A retail project in an amount not to exceed $100,000 over a period of two years. The retail project is located on the North-West corner of Mile 2 and Conway, Mission, Texas 78572. Date of Publication: January 20, 2017 Anna Carrillo City Secretary

Mission Towing inc 1515 w. 3 Mile Rd. Mission, Texas 78573 (956) 585-8245 • Fax 581-6668 TdlR VsF lic. no. 0551944

escaleRa wReckeR inc. 1515 w. 3 Mile Rd. Mission, Texas 78573 (956) 585-8245 • Fax 581-6668 TdlR VsF lic. no. 0548371

PURSUANT TO THE PROVISION CONTAINED IN RULE 85.703. SUBCHAPTER F, FROM CHAPTER 85, PART 4 OF TITLE 16 IN THE TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, WE ARE OFFICIALLY NOTIFYING YOU THAT THE BELOW DESCRIBED MOTOR VEHICLES HELD IN OUR CUSTODY ARE TO BE PICKED UP, REMOVED AND ALL CHARGES PAID WITHIN (45) DAYS OR THESE VEHICLES WILL BE DECLARED ABANDONED ACCORDING TO TEXAS LAW. YEAR MAKE 2012

KIA

MODEL SORENTO

VIN# 5XYKT3A2OCG289624

BALANCE $910.00

TOTAL CHARGES CANNOT BE COMPUTED UNTIL VEHICLE IS CLAIMED. STORAGE CHARGES WILL ACCRUE DAILY UNTIL VEHICLE IS RELEASED. PURSUANT TO THE PROVISION CONTAINED IN RULE 85.704. SUBCHAPTER D, FROM CHAPTER 85, PART 4 OF TITLE 16 IN THE TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, WE ARE OFFICIALLY NOTIFYING YOU THAT THE BELOW DESCRIBED MOTOR VEHICLE(S) HELD IN OUR CUSTODY ARE TO BE PICKED UP, REMOVED AND ALL CHARGES PAID WITHIN (30) DAYS. FAILURE OF THE OWNER OR LIENHOLDER TO CLAIM VEHICLE(S) BEFORE THE DATE OF SALE IS A WAIVER OF ALL RIGHT, TITLE, AND INTEREST OF VEHICLE(S). AND ALSO A CONSENT TO THE SALE OF THE VEHICLE IN PUBLIC SALE ACCORDING TO TEXAS LAW. 2ND NOTICE YEAR MAKE 2003

VOLVO

MODEL VNL-SERIES

VIN# 4V4NC9JF93N341204

BALANCE $18,356.00

TOTAL CHARGES CANNOT BE COMPUTED UNTIL VEHICLE IS CLAIMED. STORAGE CHARGES WILL ACCRUE DAILY UNTIL VEHICLE IS RELEASED.

January 20, 2017

AWARDS

cause the theme this year celebrated the Texas Citrus Fiesta’s 80th anniversary with the theme “Cheers to 80 Years.” Designers were allowed to go back and use any of the themes used in the past. Vivian selected the 2014 theme of Western Glitz and Glamour. She created a costume for her 6-year-old daughter, Tyra Alvarez, modeled after a Barbie Generations of Dreams 50th anniversary edition dress that is covered with different patches commemorating 50 years of Barbie. But for her daughter it became Little Mission Party Barbie with patches commemorating 80 years of Texas Citrus Fiestas. Vivian said the base costume was covered in citrus leaves from orange, grapefruit, lemon and lime trees dehydrated and pulverized to make a fine powder. She used pumpkin seeds dipped in bougainvillea leaves that had been dried and ground into a fine powder. She chose patches that represent the U.S., Texas and the Citrus Festival. One patch on the skirt had the State of Texas that had been covered with cantaloupe seed and burnt citrus product. She added a heart-shaped tangerine medallion deep in the heart of Texas. A heart-shaped appliqué on the front of the skirt was covered with white and purple onionskin and cornhusk. The silhouette of a cowgirl was created using burnt orange product. A third patch is a tree covered in ground mesquite and ground grapefruit and orange product. Dehydrated leaves and dehydrated fruit slices

finished off the patch. A fourth patch on the skirt was a double horseshoe covered in burnt citrus and pumpkin seeds. A fifth patch consisted of a large boot of white onion and accented with purple onion and burgundy bougainvillea petals. On the bodice there was a U.S. flag patch. She created the red stripes from dehydrated lemon, grapefruit and orange products and for the white stripes she used white onionskins. The shoulder of the dress was made of white onionskin and accented with medallions of orange and grapefruit peels. One shoulder had a bird fashioned from onionskins, cantaloupe, sunflower seeds and mesquite branches. Vivian plans the costume before covering the base and leaves the areas where the patches go without base product so the patches will more easily adhere to the base costume. She feels that creating patches instead of trying to do designs on the base product makes them stand out more. Vivian also created jewelry and a crown out of grapefruit product and pumpkin and cantaloupe seeds. Her final touch were boots covered in onionskin and purple bougainvillea. Citrus leaves and dehydrated tangerine slices decorated the boots. Circles of dehydrated lime were used to create the spurs on the boots. Vivian also created a large cake for the 80th anniversary party that Tyra carried on her catwalk. It was a white cake on the outside but marbled inside with swirls of red and green product. In her other

theclassifieds buy • sell • trade • rent • hire Classified Rate:

this page is your oyster opening up 1 Week = $7.00 to a world of opportunity 2 Weeks = $10.00 4 Weeks = $14.00 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.

Autos

Help Wanted

2008 BMW 328I, silver with grey leather interior, 72,000 miles in good shape for $7,500, call 956–369–4004.

PET DOCTOR 911 is looking for fulltime night Veterinary technicians for a growing emergency Veterinary Hospital, please apply at the office, 7017 N. 10th St., Suite T, McAllen. NIGHT RESTAURANT MANAGER for Mexican restaurant and bar seeks night manager with 2yrs. experience, send resume to lacasadeltaco@aol. com 2 NURSE PRACTITIONERS or PAs for La Joya office, salary depending on experience, email resume to jsaenz1643@aol. com NEED LICENSED HAIR dresser FT or PT, please call 956585–1287 for more information.

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, follow on Instagram and Facebook and visit our website www.sherusirena.com. Garage Sales THIS SATURDAY ONLY, 8am-6pm, 1705 Iowa St. (Mission Manor), Mission, furniture, household accessories, bedding, clothing and etc.

page 13

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

Notice of Public Hearing Mission Economic Development Corporation Notice is hereby given that the Mission Economic Development Corporation will conduct a public hearing on February 9, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. at the Center for Education and Economic Development building, 801 N. Bryan Road, Mission, Texas 78572 to consider the following project or projects during the proposed fiscal year 2016-2017: A retail project in an amount not to exceed $100,000 over a period of two years. The retail project is located on the North-West corner of Mile 2 and Conway, Mission, Texas 78572. Anyone interested is invited to attend and present their comments. Date of publication: January 20, 2017 Anna Carrillo City Secretary

from pg 1 hand Tyra carried a goblet covered in citrus leaves with the word, “cheers,” spelled out in bougainvillea. Asked how she got so many different designs on the dress Vivian said, “I am artistic and I have many ideas swirling around in my head on how to create the pictures

I want. I just have to stop and decide what products I want to use to get the effect I want.” In addition to costumes for the product costume show Vivian also helped her son, Gilbert, design his winning shoebox float. A student at Bryan Elementary School Gilbert used the same prod-

ucts used on the Barbie Dress to cover his float. It also used the theme Western Glitz and Glamour. His float had a scene on the western prairie with tiny lights to represent stars. The base of the float was a desert motif with a horse and a snake out under the stars. There is a Barbie doll with a dress similar to

Tyra’s near the horse. With only three years of experience in the Product Costume Show, Vivian has already shown she is a talented designer full of creative ideas. Look for bigger and better - or more intricate designs - in the future as she allows her creativity go wild in creating future costumes.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE AND AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS NOTIFICACION PARA AUDENCIA PUBLICA SOBRE FONDOS DISPONIBLES The City of Mission will conduct several public hearings to solicit comments from interested residents and agencies for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The City is expecting to receive notification of the proposed fiscal year 2017 CDBG allocation, which is anticipated to be $904,240. Comments received will be considered for preparation of the City of Mission’s Action Plan FY 2017/2018. Interested parties are encouraged to attend and make their views known. These funds can be utilized for activities benefiting low/moderate income areas and/or persons. We are accepting funding request forms for CDBG funds for Fiscal Year 2017 (October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018). Applications can be picked up at the address listed below or download from website, www.missiontexas.us. The applications are due in our office by 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 24, 2017. La Ciudad de Mission llevará a cabo una serie de audiencias públicas para solicitar comentarios a los residentes y agencias interesadas en el programa para el Desarrollo de la Comunidad (CDBG). La Ciudad espera recibir la notificación para la recepción de fondos por un total de $904,240 para el año fiscal 2017. Los comentarios que se reciban serán considerados para la preparación del Plan de Acción Anual para el periodo 2017/2018. Los interesados podrán asistir a estas audiencias y exponer sus puntos de vista. También estamos aceptando aplicaciones para la solicitud de financiamiento para fondos aplicables por parte de CDBG para el año fiscal 2017 (1 de Octubre 2017 hasta el 30 de Septiembre 2018). Estos fondos podrán ser utilizados para actividades que beneficien a zonas y/o personas de bajos recursos. Las aplicaciones estarán disponibles en la dirección de nuestra página web: www.missiontexas.us. Las solicitudes deberán presentarse en nuestra oficina el día Viernes, 24 de febrero, 2017 antes de las 5:00pm. CDBG funds may be used to finance any activity that accomplishes one of the following national objectives. Los fondos del programa CDBG pueden ser utilizados para financiar alguna actividad que logre uno de los siguientes objetivos. 1. Principally benefits low and moderate income persons/Este programa beneficia principalmente a personas de bajos recursos. 2. Aids in the prevention or elimination of slum and blighted áreas/Ayuda en la prevención o eliminación de barrios marginales y zonas deterioradas. 3. Meets a need having a particular urgency/Responde a una necesidad de urgencia particular. The Public Hearings are scheduled as follows/Las Audiencias Publicas son programadas: DATE/FECHA: Tuesday, March 14, 2017 Tuesday, March 28, 2017 Tuesday, April 11, 2017 PLACE/LUGAR: City Hall Council Chambers Pearson Elementary Evaristo”Slim” Olivarez 1201 E. 8th Street 315 N. Holland Ave. 722 N. Mayberry Street Mission TX 78572 Mission, TX 78572 Mission, TX 78572 TIME/HORA: 5:30 PM 5:30 PM 5:30 PM Accommodations for persons with disabilities or persons who do not speak English shall be provided upon request. Please notify the department at least three days in advance of meeting. For more information, please call or come by our office. Para personas con impedimentos o personas que no hablen el Inglés y deseen presentaciones se harán los adecuaciones correspondientes. Favor de comunicarse al Departamento tres días hábiles antes de la junta. Para más información puede visitarnos o llamar a nuestra oficina: City of Mission Community Development Department 1301 E. 8th Street, Suite 102 Mission, Texas 78572 (956) 580-8670

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January 20, 2017

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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 â&#x20AC;¢ 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