February 3, 2017 - PT ISSUE

Texas Citrus Fiesta

SEE INSIDE SECTION B

Friday, February 3, 2017

www.ptrgv.com | 25 Cents

Vol. 45 No. 26

UNOFFICIALLY

FIRED

Hidalgo County Auditor Ray Eufracio

By Joe Hinton EDINBURG — Though he has not been fired yet, Hidalgo County’s district court judges have agreed not to renew the contract of county auditor, Ray Eufracio. His

the position since February 2005. Under state law Hidalgo County district judges are the authority that hires and fires the county auditor.

“Therefore I am not nominating Mr. Eufracio although he would be the recommen-

“I think when an auditor’s been around for a long time he stubbs his toe one too many times…”

Judge Noe Gonzalez

Despite chilly weather and clouds the rain did not fall on the Texas Citrus Fiesta’s 80th Annual Parade of Oranges Saturday down Conway Avenue in Mission. Queen Citrianna, Bryceidee Leos, and King Citrus, Dale Murden, found the Progress Times’ camera atop our building at 13th Street and Conway as they rode atop the royal float. Progress Times photo by Joe Hinton

Citrus industry seeks public’s help

By Joe Hinton Over the next five years Mexican Fruit Flies could cost the citrus industry $1.44 billion in lost revenues in three states including Texas, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In addition, other parasites such as the Asian Citrus Psyllid could contribute even more to lost citrus revenues, according to South Texas Citrus Alert (STCA).

STCA officials say homeowners who fail to address parasites affecting trees in their yards could be exacerbating the problem. That’s why the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Office in conjunction with the STCA is holding a Winter Texan Citrus Center Festival Feb. 10 at the university’s Kingsville Citrus Center in Weslaco.

Lorenzo Garza is the STCA’s outreach specialist whose job is, among others, to inform the public about the parasite problem. The STCA is a quasi-governmental entity that is part of the Texas Citrus Pest and Disease Management Corpora-

tion and works closely with the U.S.D.A., the university and the Texas Department of Agriculture.

STCA estimates there are approximately a half million citrus trees growing in the yards of private homes in the RGV. The organization is promoting a program that calls for residents to clean their trees each year by April 30.

“And when we say clean we mean picked off,” Garza said in a telephone interview Wednesday. “All the fruit should be picked off the tree

by April 30th. The U.S.D.A. is also pushing this and we’re trying to have a specific date in which the residents should have the fruit off their trees. This gives them a target date.”

Garza said the U.S.D.A. releases sterile fruit flies throughout the RGV periodically to mate with other fruit flies in an attempt to reduce their population. Never the less he said it is up to homeowners to contribute to the eradication efforts.

Per a South Texas Citrus Alert press release the Mex-

ican fruit fly was first found in Central Mexico in 1863, and by the early 1950s flies were found along the California-Mexico border. The pest has since been detected in Arizona, California and Texas.

“Those sterile flies still go through the fruit like any fruit fly would,” he said.

Garza said there are currently several areas in the RGV under quarantine that has stopped citrus production

in some areas of the valley.

“You cannot pick fruit in a quarantine area, period,” Garza said. “You cannot even exchange fruit within a quarantine area.” Garza said authorities recommend citrus tree owners in quarantined areas pick their trees clean and dispose of the fruit. He said it’s not recommended that homeowners in quarantine areas attempt to eat the

See PUBLIC’S HELP pg. 11

Mexican Fruit Flies have caused quarantines in two areas in the Rio Grande Valley. Citrus industry officials are seeking the public’s help in reducing their numbers. Courtesy photo

contract expires Feb. 21.

During a meeting of all 11 Hidalgo County district court judges, or their proxies, Wednesday, Judge Noe Gonzalez said he had taken a poll of his fellow judges and he did not have the six votes needed for Eufracio to be reappointed. Eufracio has held

dation I would have for the board,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez told the judges he did not as yet have an alternate person to nominate for the position.

“At one point I actually believed that we had the six

See FIRED pg. 9

Mission police arrest robbery suspect, break up burglary ring Mission police have arrested four men in connection with a string of thefts from a Mission self-storage facility in December. Police also report the arrest of a man who allegedly robbed a Mission motel in January.

Mission Police spokesman, Lt. Jody Tittle, said the burglary arrests followed a string of break-ins of storage units at the Storage Depot, 304 W. Griffin Parkway.

Tittle said many of the thefts had gone undetected for some time because the persons who leased them were behind on payments and thus denied access to them. He said one victim contacted police after encountering a unique item stolen from her unit and notified police. Following an investigation, police arrested four men, Vernandino Rodriguez, 41, Gilberto Vela Jr., 22, Roberto Derueda, 23, and Jorge Rocha, 32. Tittle said all of the suspects except Vela are from Mission. He said Vela is from Palmview.

Vela and Derueda were

arrested Jan. 16, Rodriguez was arrested two days later and Rocha was arrested Jan. 26, Tittle reported. All four were booked with $50,000 bond facing various charges including engaging in organized crime, burglary of a building, felony and misdemeanor theft. Vela also had a parole board warrant out of Austin, Tittle reported.

The manner in which the units were burglarized puzzled investigators for weeks, Tittle said. Some had locks cut, some had absolutely no damage of a break in until the owners visited their locker.

Tittle said the arrests followed the execution of search warrants in Mission and Palmview where several stolen items were recovered and returned to their rightful owners. He said the case is still being investigated and other arrests could be possible in the near future.

In a separate case, Tittle reported a 30-year-old Alton

See ROBBERY pg. 9

INSIDE

MISSION REGIONAL PROTESTED

PIONEER SWIMMING CHAMPIONS

About two dozen people protested the closure of Mission Regional Medical Center’s sexual assault forensic unit Jan.27. A hospital official said it was a necessary cost cutting measure.

Pioneer boys swim team swam away with the 31-5A championship for the first time in school history.

See page 6

INDEX

Entertainment | pg. 2

See page 5

Lifestyle | pg. 3

Sports | pg. 6

Memorial Cremation Center 208 E. Canton • Edinburg, Texas 956-720-4449

We are proud to be family owned.

Dedicated to the care of those we serve.

Two days of celebrations are planned including a golf tournament, an artisan market and entertainers highlighting Mission’s annual Mega Winter Texan Fiesta.

See page 5

Classifieds | pg. 11 Direct Cremation

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Immediate Need

entertainment

Ballet Folklórico UTRGV presents Alegría 2017 EDINBURG – The Ballet Folklórico UTRGV will present its annual concert series, Alegría 2017, with six shows at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg Campus.

The opening night show is 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Public concerts will continue on Feb. 11, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m., with matinees Feb. 12 and 19 at 2 p.m.

Alegría brings to life Mexico’s beautiful art of folk dance with a cast of 36 dancers, colorful costuming, and exciting choreographies supported by special lighting and lively music.

Ballet Folklórico UTRGV is under the direction of Francisco Muñoz, Miguel Angel Peña Caballero and Zeidy Enedy Garza-Peña.

Members of the 2017 Ballet Folklórico are Marisol Abascal, Stephanie Acosta, Alejadra Blanco, Iris Cantu, Anthony Carrillo, Karla Carbajal, Tirzah Claus, Ingrid Davila, Fancy De León, Sergio De León, Victor García, Uriel Góngora, Marisol Guerrero, Ángel Hernández, Jose Izaguirre, Renay Lopez

and Sergio Lopez.

Also, Aracely Longoria, Jennifer Lozano, Amanda Meda, Destiny Mendoza, Hanss Mujica, Perla Olivo, Erick Perales, Marco Antonio Quiroz, Daniela Rios, Guillermo Rivas Jr, Benito Salas, Brandon Salinas, Luz Salinas, Estephania Sandoval, Jose Silguero, Abril Silva Galván, Mónica Vargas, Josue Velazquez and Jasleen Vélez.

Ballet Folklórico UTRGV also will perform two shows on Feb. 10 and 17 at 10 a.m. for public and private school students and teachers at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, Edinburg Campus.

Tickets are $5 per student, teacher or sponsor. Teachers interested in attending should call the Dance Office to request a reservation form.

Pre-sale tickets will be available at patrong.utrgv. edu or at the PAC Box Office one hour prior to each event.

Prices are $12, adults; $10, seniors and students; and $8, children.

For more information, call 956-665-2230 or visit utrgv.edu/balletfolklorico

Ballet Folklórico UTRGV presents “Alegría 2017.”

‘Save the Date’ for Ranching Day

EDINBURG – The Museum of South Texas History (MOSTHistory) invites the community to celebrate Pioneer & Ranching Crafts Day on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s theme will include the history of saddles from the early days of Spanish exploration throughout the lands of the Rio Grande to the modern days of working vaqueros.

The community festival began more than 25 years ago to offer a day filled with

demonstrations illustrating the crafts and traditions of early farming and ranching in South Texas and northeastern Mexico.

Families can also experience the history of live ranch-style cooking and craft demonstrations with music and dance performances.

The event is included in regular museum admission.

MOSTHistory is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd. Call 956-383-6911 for information.

Coming Attractions

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.

February 3-5 • The Camille Playhouse, located at 1 Dean Porter Park in Brownsville, presents “August: Osage County.” A vanished father, a pill-popping mother and three sisters harboring shady little secrets set the scene for a deeper look in the dark side of a Midwestern American family as their Oklahoma homestead becomes a maelstrom of repressed truths and unsettling secrets.

Tickets are $15 for adults. Performances are at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and matinees are at 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Call 956-542-8900 or go to camilleplayhouse.net for more information and tickets.

February 4 • Texas Folklife’s Big Squeeze Accordion Contest for young players is coming to the Valley to find the best squeezeboxers in the area. This showcase will emphasize conjunto, but all genres are welcome. The talent showcase will be held at Los Fresnos High School, 907 N. Arroyo Blvd., from 2 to 4 p.m. Contestants must arrive by 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information call 512-441-9255 or visit Texas Folklife dot org.

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

Course fee is $5 for UVAL members; all materials furnished.

Students may bring their own medium. Learn the basic shapes of a variety of trees, how to sketch, paint and use them in a composition. Concepts include melodic line, contour, color variegation, negative painting, dry brushing and form. Stop by the UVAL lab, 921 E. 12th in Mission to register or to become a member, or call 956-583-2787 for information.

February 11 • The City of Granjeno invites to public to their Friendship Festival at Granjeno City Park, 6503 S.FM 495. Offering free fun for the entire family, the parade beings at 11 a.m. and the festival grounds open at 12 p.m. with food vendors, kiddie rides, arts and crafts, live music with a line-up of musicians, plus a Show and Shine car show. For information, call 956-519-0032 or 956-227-7127 • The opening of the Upper Valley Art League’s Photography Member Show is set for from 7 to 9 p.m. Photographers’ works will be on display in the UVAL gallery through March 4. The public is invited, and admission is free. Refreshments will be served. Call UVAL at 956-583-2787 for more information.

They are located in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 912 E. 12th St. in Mission.

February 12 • Men of A-Chord will perform barbershop music at 2 p.m. at El Valle del Sol 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.

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

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February 3, 2017

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MHM presents Artesano Market Day Feb. 10-11

MISSION – The Mission Historical Museum proudly presents the Third Annual Artesano Market Day. Festivities will take place on Friday, Feb. 10, from 1 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the museum, located at 900 Doherty, Mission. Admission is free to the public.

The event highlights a cultural awareness for hand-crafted artisan work inspired by history and tradition, both domestic and foreign. Visitors can shop with more than 50 artisans who come from various states in Mexico, including Nuevo

Leon, Oaxaca, Tamaulipas, Distrito Federal, Veracruz and Guanajuato.

Unique products will highlight handcrafted textiles, artwork, jewelry, decorative candles, candies and more.

From 10 to 11 a.m., stop by for a breakfast tacos and coffee offered by local food vendors before heading to nearby Leo Peña Placita Park for the Mega Winter Texan Fiesta festivities presented by the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce.

For information, call the museum office at 956-5808646.

View the “Color and Life of Quinta Mazatlán” through the eyes of artist Laura Cortez Mangelschots at Quinta Mazatlán World Birding Centeron on Thursday, Feb. 9, for the opening of an exhibit of her works, with an art sale and refreshments, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Quinta Mazatlán is located 600 Sunset in McAllen.

Call 956-681-3370 for info.

Broadway’s ‘Jersey Boys’ heads south

McALLEN – Head to the McAllen Performing Arts Center next week for the upcoming performances of the tour of “Jersey Boys.” The Broadway mega-hit runs Feb. 7 to 11 for six live performances at the McAllen Convention Center Show times are 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 7 to 9 and 8 p.m. on Feb. 10 and 11, plus a 2 p.m. matinee on Feb. 11.

The award winning Broadway musical takes a look at the four guys from Jersey that made the music world turn and look when they sang their first note – Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. They harmonized with their music, but this behind-the-scenes production

gives a look into the other side of their away from the lights and the recording studio.

The show brings back the memories with several of their hits, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “December, 1963 (Oh What A Night).”

Jersey Boys is not recommended for all ages. The show contains smoke, gun shots, strobe lights, drug references, sexual situations and profane language.

Tickets range from $47 to $87 and are available at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

2017 Winter Texan Golf

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

EVENTS

lifestyle

February 3, 2017

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Villarreal-Garcia wedding set

Vicente and Blasa Villarreal of Mission announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Vanessa, to Fernando Garcia of San Juan. He is the son of Salustiano and Elvira Gutierrez of Los Angeles, Calif.

The couple will be married on March 25 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in San Juan with Rev. Rene Gaytan officiating.

The bride-elect is a 2009 graduate of Veterans Memo-

CALENDAR

February 4 – Juan Diego Academy, a Catholic regional high school in Mission, will hold an entrance exam for students in 8th grade at 8 a.m. at the campus located at 5208 South FM 494 in Mission. The cost for the exam is $25 which takes approximately four hours and is required for all entering freshmen. No materials are needed. For more information or to register for the exam, call the school office at 956-583-2752.

February 4 – “Everything is Coming up Roses” is the theme for the Eighth Annual Puppy Love Gala from 6 to 10 p.m. at the McAllen Convention Center. It benefits the Palm Valley Animal Center and Laurie P. Andrews PAWS Center with live, blackboard and silent auctions and a dinner. 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 information, reservations or sponsorships, inquire via email at development@pvaconline.com or by phone at 956-720-4563 or visit pvaconline.com/PuppyLove.

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 5 – The Tip of Texas Orchid Society next meeting will be held at 2 p.m. at the Valley Nature Center in Weslaco.

Peter Lin, a 35-year orchid enthusiast, is this month’s speaker.

He specializes in miniature orchids, both species and hybrids, and has received numerous AOS awards. The public is invited.

February 11 - The Mission Chapter of Women’s Aglow International will meet at Emmanuel Adult Day Care, 1312 Oblate Ave., Mission, beginning with a continental breakfast at 9:30 a.m. followed by the meeting. This month’s speaker is Emily Mendez. For more information, call Lisa Gomez at 956-7768505; Sandy Rodriguez, 956-588-9313; or Gaby Rodriguez, 956-240-6607.

February 11 – The McAllen Heart Hospital Healthy Hearts 5K Fund Run & Walk begins with a 7 a.m. with a Health Expo and T-shirt pickup. The 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. at the hospital and ends there. Proceeds benefit the American Heart Association. There will be food, screenings, education displays, photo ops and drawings. Registration is $30; couples, $50; ages 5 to 12, $10; under age 5, free. Teams of 10 or more are $20 per person. There is no event day registration. To register, visit mcallenhearthospital.com/healthyhearts5K. (For more Events, go to ptrgv.com.)

Athletics Mixer to benefit Food Bank

McALLEN – Meet and greet with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley coaches and athletics administration from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at DoubleTree Suites, 1800 S. 2nd Street.

The mixer will serve as the kick off to UTRGV Athletics’ yearly “Strike Out Hunger” campaign.

For every non-perishable food item donated, guests will receive one voucher for complimentary general admission to any of the remaining 2016-17 basketball

or baseball home games.

Financial donations are also accepted; every $5 equals 25 meals for those in need and directly benefits the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley. Donations will be taken at the door.

There will be door prizes, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and happy hour pricing on drinks.

For more information, contact Tony Forina, at 956665-2048 or tony.forina@ utrgv.edu.

DENTON - The following University of North Texas students have been named to the President’s and Dean’s List for the 2016 fall semester.

Johnglenn Garcia of Mission was named to the President’s List, and had to complete a minimum of 12 academic hours with a 4.0

grade point average.

Named to the Dean’s List were James Rueben Cole, Cecilia Ana Hernandez, Phoebe J. Purvey and Michael Adam Ramirez, all from Mission. To earn that distinction, each had to complete at least 12 academic hours with a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.9.

Named to UNT lists

Completes basics

U.S. Air Force Airman Lazarus J. Flores graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio that included training ranging from military discipline, studies and values to physi-

cal fitness and basic warfare skills. It has now earned him four credits toward an associate in applied science degree.

He is a 2016 graduate of Palmview High School and married to Maritza Jimenez of Edinburg.

Tickets on sale for VSO Gala Preparations for the Valley Symphony Orchestra Gala are well underway as the Gala committee prepares for fundraiser event on March 9. Pam Havens, committee chair, is heading the preparations for the dinner and live musical entertainment in celebration of the 65th Anniversary Symphony Gala. It will be staged Thursday, March 9, at the McAllen Convention Center Ballroom, 700 Convention Center Blvd, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sponsorship opportunities are available at valleyorchestra.org or by calling the box office to 956-661-1615. Entry-level tables begin at $2,500 for symphony sponsor and $5,000 for a premium sponsor. Single tickets are $175 per person. Shown, left to right, are Rebeca Velasco, Elsie Perez, Suzanne McDonald, Vice-President; Beth Brown and Pam Havens. For information, sponsorship or tickets, call 956-661-1615 or email vivian@valleyorchestra.org.

Green Bees ready for annual quilt show

PALMVIEW – The Green Bees of Green Gate Grove presents their 14th Annual Quilt Show on Tuesday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There is no entrance fee.

Green Gate Grove is located at 2135 S. Bentsen Palm Dr. 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 are used to continue the group’s community service projects. For those who want to linger, a lunch will be sold at the event.

Take Expressway 83 west to to the Bentsen Palm Dr., La Homa Rd. exit then head approximate a mile and a half south to the resort on the left. Call Jan Schaeffer at 956-583-8969 for more information.

EDINBURG - Traditional Mennonite quilts, handmade crafts, baked items and Mexican food will all draw a crowd for the 17th year in a row at the Rio Grande Valley Mennonite Relief Sale. It’s planned for Feb. 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rio Grande Bible Institute at 4300 S. Business Highway 281.

Quilts made by Mennonites from around the country and other crafted items will be available at auction.

A craft bazaar with smaller items will operate throughout the day’s events, along with a bake sale, garage sale, food court and children’s activities.

The sale and auction is hosted by over 15 Mennonite and Mennonite Brethren churches in the Rio Grande Valley to raise funds for Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), an international development, relief, and peace organization. MCC works in the U.S. and over 50 other countries in the areas of relief, food, water, health, education, migration, and peacebuilding. Over the

last 16 years, the Rio Grande Valley Mennonite Relief Sale has raised over $250,000 for MCC and local projects.

For more information about this year’s event, go to texasreliefsale.org. Information about Mennonite Central Committee can be found at mcc.org. For other information, contact publicity coordinator Quinn Brenneke at qbrenneke@gmail.com or 260-385-2657.

RGV Mennonite Relief Sale set for Feb. 11

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page 3

rial High School in Mission.

She received a bachelor’s degree in applied technology and medical health service management from South Texas College in 2013. In 2015, she earned her master’s in public health from Texas A&M University in College Station. She is employed at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley.

The prospective groom is a graduate of PSJA High School in Pharr.

Vanessa Villarreal & Fernando Garcia (Austin Studio)

opinion

By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Abbott tells sheriff to reverse sanctuary policy or lose funding

AUSTIN—Gov. Greg Abbott has stepped up the pressure on Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez to participate in immigration enforcement, warning that she could lose state funding if she refuses.

In a Jan. 23 letter, Abbott urged the sheriff to reverse her policy directive “forbidding Travis County Sheriff’s Office employees from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer requests.”

Failure to reverse her directive would put in jeop-

ardy millions of dollars in funding from the governor’s office to Travis County, Abbott warned. Abbott mentioned that last year, he conditioned all Criminal Justice Grant funds from his office to counties on their enforcement of federal immigration law. Furthermore, Abbott said, he is committed to signing legislation that bans sanctuary cities throughout the state of Texas.

Sheriff Hernandez posted a news release in reaction to the governor’s letter, saying: “I respect the job of our state

leaders, but I will not allow fear and misinformation to be my guiding principles as a leader sworn to protect this community. I am following all state and federal laws, and upholding constitutional rights to due process for all in our criminal justice system. Our community is safer when people can report crimes without fear of deportation. I trust the court system and our judges to assess the risks and set appropriate bonds and conditions for all who are incarcerated.

The voters, who elected state

From the office of Re. Cuellar: Rep. Cuellar Issues Statement on President Trump’s Executive Order Pertaining to Construction of a Border Wall WASHINGTON—Con- such as technologies cur- tries that have long-standgressman Henry Cuellar rently deployed by the De- ing and mutually-beneficial (D-TX-28) released the fol- partment of Homeland Se- cultural and economic ties. lowing statement regarding curity including unmanned American success in a globthe executive orders Pres- aerial systems, aerostats, al economy depends on coident Trump signed today video surveillance systems, operation, not isolation. that would attempt to begin and ground sensors; along “I will continue to fight construction of a wall along with adding improvements to make the concerns of the length of the U.S.-Mex- to river access roads and border communities a priico border: increasing the number of ority for Congress and the “Today, President Trump Border Patrol agents on the country. I am committed to made the disappointing ground. doing my part in Congress move of signing an ex“During his campaign, to develop effective and ecutive order setting the President Trump ran on efficient solutions that will wheels in motion for the the idea of having Mexico address immigration and potential construction of a pay for the building of a secure our borders, while wall along the length of the wall. Now, he is calling for not adversely affecting the U.S.-Mexico border. This U.S. taxpayers to front the international trade and is a 14th Century solution bill with a cost running into tourism that is vital to our to a 21st Century problem; the tens of billions. economy.” and a decision I cannot “Through this order support.

President Trump is missing Congressman Henry “As a law and order an opportunity to build on Cuellar is a member of the Democrat and a longtime a great relationship that U.S. House Appropriations advocate for tighter border the U.S. and Mexico cur- Committee. Previously, he security, I believe there are rently enjoy. Instead, the served as a Texas State Repmore effective and efficient building of a border wall resentative and Texas Secreways to secure our borders, will divide our two coun- tary of State.

February 2017 November January 2,3,2015 25, 2016

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS leaders and me, expect and deserve a collaborative effort to come up with solutions to this very complex issue. That is precisely what I’m committed to.”

Court rules against regent Outgoing University of Texas regent Wallas L. Hall Jr. has lost the latest round in his legal battle to obtain admissions records from the university.

The Court of Appeals for the Third District on Jan. 27 ruled unanimously in favor of the defendant, UT System Chancellor William H. Raven, in a lawsuit brought by Hall.

Hall sued over McRaven’s refusal to grant Hall complete access to records containing student-admissions information. McRaven had the legal standing to deny Hall’s requests for certain information, the court ruled.

The underlying dispute began in 2013, when Hall raised concerns about potential improprieties in the admissions process of UT Austin and requested information to conduct his own investigation.

Hall was appointed to the board of regents by thenGov. Rick Perry in 2011.

Hall’s term of office ends in February.

Jobless rate stays same The Texas Workforce Commission on Jan. 20 reported that Texas added an estimated 210,200 season-

ally adjusted jobs since December 2015, with the addition of 800 nonfarm jobs in December.

Furthermore, according to the agency, the state has added jobs in 20 of the past 21 months. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate maintained a 4.6 percent rate in December, the same rate as in November, according to information posted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Education and Health Services industry recorded the largest private-industry employment gain over the month, with 7,300 jobs added. Leisure and hospitality employment grew by 3,900 jobs in December and manufacturing employment expanded by 1,400 jobs.

Abbott reappoints two Gov. Abbott on Jan. 25 reappointed Charles Smith as executive commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, effective Feb. 1, for a term to expire on Feb. 1, 2019.

Smith, first selected for the post by the governor on June 1, 2016, earlier served as deputy for child support in the attorney general’s office.

Abbott also reappointed Donna Bahorich of Houston as chair of the Texas State Board of Education, effective Feb. 1, for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2019.

Bahorich was elected to the board in November 2012.

She serves on the board’s

Committee on School Initiatives that oversees agenda items related to charter schools, State Board for Educator Certification rules and the appointment of school board members for districts located on military bases.

Both appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

Vehicles to be tested in Texas The U.S. Department of Transportation has picked Texas as one of 10 testing locations for autonomous vehicle technology.

In a Jan. 24 news release, the Texas Department on Transportation suggested the designation establishes Texas as a leader in the research and development of new transportation technologies that could make roads safer and less congested.

TxDOT will be involved in a “Texas Autonomous Vehicle Proving Grounds Partnership” with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Transportation Research, Southwest Research Institute and 32 municipal and regional entities.

“This partnership puts Texas at the forefront of automated vehicle technologies that likely will shape the future of transportation around the world,” said Marc Williams, deputy executive director of TxDOT.

Texas Senate committee weighs “sanctuary city” ban

The Texas Senate State Affairs committee met Thursday to hear state Sen. Charles Perry’s bill banning sanctuary cities and sanctuary college campuses in Texas. Hundreds were expected to testify.

A sanctuary city or campus is the general term for entities that do not comply with federal immigration law. Perry’s bill would pun-

ish local governments if county jails fail to honor requests, known as detainers, from federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to hand over immigrants in custody for possible deportation. On Wednesday, Perry announced he had tweaked the bill to include college campuses in Texas as well.

On Tuesday, Gov. Greg

Abbott designated the issue of sanctuary cities as an emergency, allowing lawmakers in both chambers to take up the issue faster. And on Wednesday, Abbott made good on his earlier threats and cut off state funding for Travis County over a new “sanctuary” policy implemented by Sheriff Sally Hernandez. — Texas Tribune

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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.

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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.

February 3, 2017

page 5

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Demonstrators protest shutdown of Mission sexual assault program

By Jose De Leon III After reading about it on social media, Ariel Hernandez contacted Mission Regional Medical Center and had her fears confirmed: Mission Regional Medical Center had shut down their sexual assault forensic unit.

“I was shocked and couldn’t help but think of people I’ve directed to this hospital,” Hernandez, a survivor of sexual assault said.

“This program is something rare to the Valley and is greatly needed to the community.”

Mission Regional’s Sexual Assault Forensic Unit (SAFE), specialized in making on-call, sexual assault forensic exams 24/7 with two Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, known in the business as SANE nurses, who collected forensic evidence to be submitted in court.

The SANE nurses were let go Jan. 25, shutting down the program, confirmed the

hospital’s Marketing Director Nick Espinoza.

Amid chants of “Greed Kills,” “Shame,” and “You’re crippling victims,” Hernandez recounted her story Friday, Jan. 27, outside the medical center located at 900 S. Bryan Road where a demonstration was held to protest the shutdown of the unit.

Hernandez was one of nearly two dozen individuals who made it to the protest.

According to Mission Regional CEO Javier Iruegas, the cuts were among 40 administrative positions that were made in the hospital as it operates under a tight budget as the hospital searches for a new buyer. Even though the hospital’s board of director’s signed a letter of intent Monday to begin negotiations to be purchased by a California medical foundation, Iruegas could not say if a purchase would mean the reopening of the unit.

“It would be up to the new

buyers,” Iruegas said.

While the registered nurses were cut, hospital officials said they will continue to offer rape kits — just not around-the-clock, news that did not sit well with demonstrators.

“Regular nurses, while trained to do a rape kit and rape assessment, are not trained forensic examiners like SANE nurses,” George Longoria, a protester said.

“Their scope of practice is outside the courtroom and they may not be able to provide the same kind of services a SANE nurse can such as discussing the results in the courtroom.”

According to a statement from Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez, SANE nurses are available on-call at McAllen Medical Center and at Harlingen’s Valley Baptist Medical Center.

“It’s imperative that the community knows there are resources available to them,

Shelsy de la Torre (left) and George Longoria (right) were among the demonstrators who protested outside Mission Regional Medical Center Jan. 28.

Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III

including other hospitals that can care for them while obtaining vital evidence that will help ensure that their at-

tackers are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Rodriguez said in a statement.

Anyone who is has expe-

rienced domestic abuse or sexual assault is urged to call Harlingen’s Family Crisis Center at 866-423-9304.

Mission to host Mega Winter Texan Fiesta

2016 Mega Winter Texan Fiesta

Mission’s annual Mega Winter Texan Fiesta, hosted by the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce and city of Mission, will be held Feb. 10-11.

The two-day event celebrating Winter Texans who winter in Mission and the Rio Grande Valley includes a “Fiesta on the Golf Course” golf tournament at Shary Golf Course, Mexican Artisan Market Days at the museum and the Winter Texan Fiesta celebration at Leo Peña Placita Park on Saturday, Feb. 11.

Enjoy a vast array of local and Mexican artists and vendors from all throughout Mexico with many traditional products at the Mexican Artisan Market at the Mission Historical Museum, 900 Doherty Ave. The

market will take place, Feb. 10 from 1 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free to the public.

Polish your golf clubs and join the fun on Friday, Feb. 10 at the Shary Municipal Golf Course, with the “Fiesta on the Golf Course.” The “Six-Person Texas Scramble” begins at 8 a.m. The cost for the 18hole division is $40, which includes food and beverage.

Payments must be made at sign-up. For more information call 956-580-8770.

Winter Texans are invited to the big event Saturday, Feb. 11 for an afternoon filled with live entertainment provided by some of the most popular entertainers touring Winter Texan resorts in the RGV this

season. Enjoy a complimentary meal starting at 11 a.m. Attendees must pick up their free meal voucher in advance at the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce located at 202 W. Tom Landry in Mission starting Monday, Feb. 6, while supplies last.

The Saturday Winter Texan Fiesta will be at Leo Peña Placita Park in downtown Mission, located on Conway Avenue and Business 83, across from the H-E-B. The chamber recommends that Winter Texans bring their lawn chairs.

Admission is free.

For more information about the event or for sponsorship opportunities contact Zoe Molina at events@ missionchamber.com or (956) 585-2727.

February 10th & 11th Winter Texan Fiesta Entertainers and Legendary Cowboy Poet “Richard Bellert”

FREE

Bill Chrastil

ez Johnny Ray Gom

ADMISSION

Regan James

rs Mama’s Wrangle

Artisan Market

Mission Historical Museum Feb 10: 1 PM - 8 PM | Feb 11: 10 AM - 5 PM

To The Artisian Market and Winter Texan Fiesta

Must collect your FREE meal ticket in advance at The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce starting February 6 at 8:30 a.m.

202 W. Tom Landry, Mission, TX (while supplies last) Beverage not included

Fiesta on Golf Course Shary Municipal Golf Course Feb 10: 8 AM - 2 PM

Richard Bellert

Richard Lynch

Terry Smith

Local Vendors, Live Entertainment & Much More!

Leo Peña Placita Park Feb 11: Begins at 11 AM

For more general information about the event or for sponsorship opportunities please contact Zoe Molina at events@missionchamber.com or at 956-585-2727.

February 3, 2017

page 6

Pioneer boys swim away with district championship

By Luciano Guerra It’s been said that competitive swimmers do more kicks than soccer players, more flips than a cheerleader, more sets than a volleyball player and more yards than a football player. Anybody attending the District 31-5A swimming championship at Bannworth Park Aquatic Center in Mission last Friday can attest to the fact that not only did the Sharyland Pioneer boys swim team do all of those things, but they did them better and faster than any of their competition.

The Pioneer boys swam away with the 31-5A championship for the first time in school history. With a combined score of 155 points, Pioneer bettered second place Sharyland High by 11 points and third place Roma by 19 points.

In the girls meet, the

Sharyland Lady Rattlers were district runner-ups to Roma with 145 points while the Lady Diamondbacks placed third with 87 points.

Roma took the girls’ district championship with 168 points.

As the coach of both the boys and girls swim teams at Pioneer, Arnold Perez is no stranger to winning district championships. He led Veterans Memorial High School to 11 district championships in a row prior to taking the job at Pioneer. Even with all that experience, Perez was not too optimistic about his boys’ chances of taking the title when going up against the likes of Roma and Sharyland.

“When I first looked at everybody that was entered and I added up the points as they were expected to finish, I saw us being a good 15-20 points back,” Perez said. “It

was mostly between Roma and Shary so I knew that it was going to be hard. Nobody, including myself, expected us to win it all. But we only lost the first event by 8/100ths of a second and in the second event, which was the 200 medley, I had four of the top six finishers.”

“So I knew that we started off the right way and as each event took place, we had guys that were expected to finish eighth or ninth place sixth or seventh, or even fourth as one of my guys did that was seated eighth or ninth,” added Perez. “It wasn’t just my main guys that were doing well either, it was a team effort.”

Pioneer sophomore Marc Rodriguez took the district championship in the 1 Meter Diving event. He scored 256.35 points which was

See SWIM Pg. 7

The Sharyland Pioneer boys swim team, made up of Luis Ponce, Ethan Saenz, Aaron Cavazos, Jae Herrera, Jacob Martinez, Andrew Adkins, Walter Peacock, Marc Rodriguez, Seth Epling and Trevor Heath claimed the first District 31-5A swim championship in school history Friday, Jan. 27.

Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

Boys & Girls Soccer:

Mission meets tough competition at La Joya

By Bryan Ramos

Five members of the Mission Eagles soccer team celebrate their 2-1, PKs victory over the La Joya Coyotes Tuesday evening.

Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

District 30-6A soccer is underway and the student-athletes are ready to leave it all on the field for a shot at the playoffs.

Mission and La Joya high kicked off the action Tuesday night with a double-header between each school’s boys’ and girls’ soccer teams.

Due to renovations at Tom Landry Stadium, neither of Mission’s soccer programs will host a home game, forcing them to assume the role of road warriors this year. Mission boys’ soccer Head Coach Christos Barouhas said he sees having to play every district game on the road as a blessing in disguise.

“The fact that we’re going to play all our games away, I would call it a blessing in disguise because they’re going to be focused on the game, they’re going to concentrate better and be on the bus getting ready for the game,” Barouhas said. “Instead of playing home where there are a lot of distractions, we don’t have those this year … so I think we’re going to be ready at the beginning of each game.”

Play between the Eagles and the Coyotes began at 6 p.m. at La Joya High School, with each team looking to get off to a strong start in District 30-6A play.

The Coyotes struck first when Jordan Montes struck a ball under the Mission

goalkeeper in the 15th minute to put La Joya up early.

In the second half, Mission mounted a comeback and put the pressure on the Coyote defense. Mission’s Nicholas Diaz put the Eagles on the board with 22 minutes remaining in the match thanks to John Cortez, who drew the goalie out of position leaving an empty net for Diaz.

Tied 1-1 after 80 minutes of play, the match went to penalty kicks to decide a winner. Mission capitalized on the opportunity by scoring on their first four kicks while La Joya only converted one-of-four penalties.

The Mission Eagles improve to 1-0 in district play

See SOCCER Pg. 7

February 3, 2017

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VMHS Students to perform in All State Choir Members of the Veterans Memorial High School Choir will perform with the Texas All-State Choir in San Antonio Feb. 11 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center as part of the 2017 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention.

Logan Dovalina and Aylin Salinas were chosen for this prestigious honor through a competitive process held this year across the state at district, region, and area levels. This will be Dovalina and Salinas’ first time performing as members of a TMEA AllState organization.

Dovalina and Salinas sing at school under the direction of Vanessa Sepulveda and Ricardo Garza who are members of the Texas Music Educators Association, an organization with more than 12,000 headquartered in Austin.

These All-State students participate in three days of rehearsals directed by nationally-recognized conductors during the TMEA Clinic/Convention. Their performances for thousands of attendees bring this extraordinary event to a close. For the All-State concert schedule and conductor information, go to the Performances section of www.tmea.org/convention.

SOCCER

La Joya’s Jordan Montes and Mission’s Carlos De Los Santos race to the ball during the first half of the Eagles’ 2-1, PKs District 30-6A victory over the Coyotes Tuesday evening.

Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

The Lady Coyotes’ Keyla Ochoa dribbles down the field as a trio of Lady Eagles look for an opening to steal the ball during the first half of Mission’s 1-0 win over La Joya.

Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

SWIM

from pg 6

10 points better than the Roma diver that placed second and 22.70 points better than Sharyland’s Luis Ponce who placed third.

With the top six finishers in each event qualifying for the Regional Meet taking place today and tomorrow at the CCISD Natatorium in Corpus Christi, Rodriguez will be one of 13 Pioneer boys competing this weekend.

What is he most looking forward to at regionals?

“I’m looking forward to the competition because it’s going to be pretty fierce. And I’m just looking forward to spending time with my friends,” said Rodriguez Freshman Diamondback Trevor Heath also earned an

individual district championship – he actually took two gold medals, one in the 200m medley and the other in the 500m freestyle.

Unlike his coach, Heath liked his team’s chances of earning a district championship.

“I really had a good idea of where we stood,” Heath said. “I knew that if we really put our minds to it, we could make a huge impact and score a lot of points.”

As for what it means to him to be part of the first district championship winning swim team in school history, Heath said, “It means a lot to me and to the whole team.

A lot of my teammates really pushed me to do my best.

My friends were a big help in all the events by supporting

me so much. It feels great to know that I contributed to this historic event by getting a lot of points.”

Sharyland High took first place in the boys 200m medley relay and in the girls 400 freestyle relay. Individual district champions for Sharyland were Abby Garza (200 freestyle), Javier Suarez Moreno (50 freestyle), Sandra Valdez (1m diving), Luciano Farias-Ramirez (100m butterfly, 100m backstroke), Sarah Chandler (500m freestyle) and Marco Rivera (100m breaststroke).

Karla Castillo (100m freestyle) was the only individual district champion for Veterans Memorial High School last Friday.

from pg 6

while the Coyotes drop to 0-1.

Diaz, who spearheads the Eagles attack from his forward position by creating opportunities for himself and his teammates, said he wanted to have home games this year but still has his mind on winning district.

“That’s sad for us because we wanted to play in our stadium and beat teams at home,” Diaz said. “Our mentality is to win district.”

Barouhas said this team is focused on their goal of winning a district championship.

“Win district,” he said.

“Coming into this game, we came with a record of 14 wins, five losses and three ties so I thought we were ready. We played against very good teams, so I think we’re ready even though the (district) competition is very good. It’s going to be a dogfight every time.”

The Coyotes attack is led by Jonathan Gutierrez, whose speed and ball control, helps his team put pressure on their opponents.

La Joya’s boys soccer Head Coach Alejandro Davila said his team needs to pick up their play to get back on their winning track.

“We need to pick it up and continue doing what we were doing prior to this game,” Davila said. “The intensity is the main thing, mentally and physically we feel OK. We started off on the wrong foot, we could have done better tonight but it is our goal to win district. We still got 11 games to go and we just need to pick it up and set the tone come Friday.”

The Lady Eagles and the Lady Coyotes took the field once the first game was wrapped up in search of their first district win.

Mission’s Cynthia Gutierrez found Iveth “Shorty” Guzman in the 11th minute of the match to put the Lady Eagles up early. The Lady Coyotes and striker Keyla Ochoa ramped up their at-

tack in the second half but couldn’t find the back of the net, giving Mission the 1-0 win.

Mission Lady Eagles Head Coach J.R. Gill’s team is made up of two seniors while the rest are underclassmen. In a tough district, the team’s goal is to finish in the top three and qualify for the playoffs.

“Our goal is to be in the top three and hopefully make the playoffs, that’s always the goal, that’s our mindset,” Gill said. “We are in a tough district, every team, including La Joya today, as you saw they jumped on us in the second there on our side so every team is going to be a really tough battle for us but the goal is to make the playoffs.”

Lady Coyotes Head Coach Lupe Moreno said his young team is coming together and needs to improve

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to make the playoffs.

“Being able to play more together, practice more together, communication plays a big role,” Moreno said.

“I only have two seniors and they’re trying their best to communicate it to the younger ones. Our goal is to improve and make the playoffs.”

Up next, the La Joya High’s boys and girls teams go on the road to take on the McHi Bulldogs. The boys’ match is set to begin at 6 p.m. with the girls’ match scheduled to start at 8 p.m.

The Mission High boys and girls soccer teams visit the McAllen Memorial Mustangs tonight for their second district game. The boys’ match is set to begin at 6 p.m. while the girls’ match is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

Mission First United Methodist Church 1101 Doherty Ave.

Mission TX 78572 (956) 585-1665

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

Everyone is Welcome!

Join us for communion the First Sunday of every month.

www.missionfumc.com

page 8

February 3, 2017

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There will be 27 students from Mission High School’s Distributive Education Clubs of America headed to San Antonio to compete at the state level competition later this month. Students will be competing for an opportunity to advance to Anaheim, California for the International DECA Career Development Conference.

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. The qualifying students are: Joselynne De La Cruz & Bianca De La Rosa (Advertising Campaign); Zachary Lopez, Genesis Trujillo (Entrepreneurship Innovation Plan); Luis Angel Venegas (Entrepreneurship Start-Up Business); Esteban E. Garcia (Buying & Merchandising Operations Research); Jeremiah Gutierrez, Melissa Carrillo, Stephanie Galaviz (Buying & Merchandising Operations Research); Emily Gonzalez, Rosa De Leon, Lisa Montes (Hospitality & Tourism Operations Research); Samantha Banda & Ricardo Montoya (Hospitality & Tourism Operations Research); Christopher Barboza & Marcella Rodriguez (Entrepreneurship International Business Plan); Samantha Alaniz, Daniella Gonzalez, Joanna Montantes (Sports & Entertainment Operations Research); Alexis Gonzalez, Michelle Valdez, Daniela Ale Lopez (Community Service); Emily Barragan & Javier Hernandez (Sports & Entertainment Operations Research); Iris Garcia & Bianca Curry (Independent Business Plan); and Joana Jaurez (Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling).

Mission hospital may be sold to California-based foundation

By Jose De Leon III Less than a month after negotiations for the purchase of Mission Regional Medical Center by an Edinburg-based hospital were dropped, the board of directors for Mission Regional signed a letter of intent Monday to sell the hospital to a California-based foundation.

According to a news release from Mission Regional, negotiations have started between the local hospital and Prime Healthcare Foundation, the first step in a potential purchase.

“Prime Healthcare is committed to continuing the 63-year legacy of Mission Regional Medical Center while upholding its tradi-

tions and ensuring the community is afforded the best patient care,” Prime Healthcare Chief Executive Officer Prem Reddy said in a statement. “Our motto is ‘Saving hospitals, Saving jobs and Saving lives’ and we are confident the medical center will grow stronger from this transition,” she said.

Prime Healthcare, a non-profit organization based in Ontario, California, would continue to operate Mission Regional in a manner consistent with its “historic mission,” the release stated.

According to Mission Regional CEO Javier Iruegas, Prime Healthcare owns and operates 44 hospitals throughout the US, 14 of which are members of the Prime Healthcare Foundation; a non-profit branch of Prime Healthcare that Mission Regional would potentially join. Harlingen Medical Center and the Weslaco-based Knapp Medical Center are the only local hospitals that are members of Prime Healthcare.

The announcement came days after a round of layoffs at Mission Regional last week. The hospital’s board had previously signed a letter of intent with Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, according

to Iruegas, but discussions between both organizations were dropped in late December. Iruegas would not provide an explanation for the failed negotiations, but did call this potential purchase a “seamless” transition.

“Prime Healthcare brings a unique knowledge and expertise in dealing with today’s changing healthcare environment,” Iruegas said.

“The opportunities we can leverage by joining a larger organization such as Prime

will help assure that our hospital continues serving our community for many years to come. Given Prime’s strong experience in similar acquisitions, I expect this review process to move efficiently.”

In the face of evil, it is often all too easy to become overwhelmed by what we cannot change. For the sake of the men, women, and children caught within the nightmare that is modern-day slavery, I ask that we as a state focus instead on what is in our power to control.

Sometimes all it takes is one person, one moment, one act to save an innocent life. That is the power of one, and that is what my office seeks to facilitate as we work our way through Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

When I was sworn in as attorney general, I immediately identified human trafficking as among the most heinous crimes plaguing our society. I thus made its elimination a top priority for my office and dedicated resources towards the creation of the Human Trafficking and Transnational Organized Crime section (HTTOC),

which specializes in investigating and prosecuting those who would exploit slave labor.

One of the challenges we face, however, is that human trafficking is hard to detect.

Victims are often isolated, alienated, fearful, and under the thumb of traffickers who may control even the most basic aspects of their lives. It therefore falls to the community—to their family, friends, and neighbors—to learn the warning signs and then report their suspicions to the appropriate authorities.

I am proud to report that Texas will soon have a new arrow in its community-empowerment quiver. As I announced at a January 12th press conference, my office is in the midst of producing an in-depth training video, which will share the story of human trafficking from the perspective of those who have endured it and from

those who saw it and did something about it. The video will help all who view it understand how modern-day slavery operates, recognize the warning signs, and know what to do and who to call if the worst should happen.

HTTOC has conducted over 100 in-person trainings since its inception one year ago, but their insight, until now, has been confined to those in attendance. Our new education video, which we expect to be completed in September, will empower all.

I have already made arrangements for the entirety of my staff to receive this crucial training once it is available.

I challenge my fellow state agency heads to follow suit.

The evil of human trafficking is significant, but even it cannot endure under the might of Texans united behind one another and vigilant of its grasp. Together, we can ensure that victims will be identified and rescued, and that traffickers will find themselves behind bars.

I invite you to read my op-ed in the Dallas Morning News to learn more about our upcoming training video as well as the work my office has done to eliminate human trafficking: http://www.dallasnews. com/opinion/commentary/2017/01/10/texas-canend-human-trafficking-onehero-time Very Truly Yours, Ken Paxton

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February 3, 2017

ROBBERY man was arrested Jan. 25 for allegedly robbing the Motel 6 at 1813 E. Exp. 83 in Mission five days earlier. Tittle identified the suspect as Jesus A. Ortiz.

Tittle reported that on Friday, Jan. 20 about 12:26 a.m. officers responded to the Motel 6 after a masked suspect entered the business and demanded money from the clerk. He threatened to shoot the clerk but never displayed

FIRED

votes to keep him and I felt comfortable with it,” Gonzalez said. And though he had talked to several potential replacements none indicated they wanted the job, Gonzalez said.

“I did reach “I out to a few people, even some local lawyers who are accountants, too, and they’re thinking about it,” Gonzalez told the judges.

“And there are other people that I talked to, some are not interested at all. They don’t like the politics of it.”

In October, members of the citizen’s watchdog group, Objective Watchers of

from pg 1 a weapon. He did have his hand covered making it seem he did have a gun. The suspect made off with an undisclosed amount of cash. It was discovered that McAllen Police also had a couple of crimes committed the same night by what seemed to be the same individual. With the assistance of McAllen Police Investigations, Ortiz was identified as the suspect and his photo was distribut-

ed to the media by McAllen police, Tittle said. Ortiz was apprehended Jan. 25 in Bexar County following a traffic stop. With the assistance of the Hidalgo County Sheriffs Department the suspect was brought to Mission where he was charged in connection with the Mission and McAllen incidents and assessed a $200,000 bond, Tittle said. from pg 1

the Legal System, expressed concern that some judges at that month’s meeting had spoken derisively about the auditor because he had questioned some of their expenditures.

reimburse the full amount requested. In that case the auditor refused to reimburse Judge Rodolfo Delgado of the 93rd District Court the full $234.60 he had requested for a dinner tab from Louie’s Backyard have nothing but high praise restaurant for him. He’s always done where Delhad excellent work.” gado taken four Judge Israel Ramon of his staff members.

The Progress Times con- The auditor did pay for the ducted a 13-month review of two-night, three-day retreat all district court judges travel in a three bedroom condoexpenses through Nov. 31, minium at South Padre Is2016, and found only one land because the cost of the instance where Eufracio’s condo was within the $139 office tangled with a judge per diem the county provides over the office’s refusal to for employees.

obituaries

Jane Allison MISSION – Jane Ann Whitfield Allison, 85, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017.

Mrs. Allison was born in Park Ridge, Ill., to the late Dorothy and Bud Whitfield.

She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Fla., and married Robert Bryan Allison in 1955.

They raised their family in Vero Beach, Fla. She taught elementary school in Miami and worked as a nurse’s assistant. She later came to Mission, where she resided for 30 years, and taught at Agape Christian School.

Survivors include her children, Jill Allison, Robin Sobbe, Jay Allison, Rene Sparks and Rusty Allison; and eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

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She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Allison; parents; and siblings, Jim Whitfield and Sue Nelson.

Services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 12 p.m. at Cox, Gifford, Seawinds Funeral Home in Vero Beach.

Burial follows at Crestlawn Cemetery.

Lois Brooks MISSION – Lois Brooks, 61, from Mission, passed away on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017.

Mrs. Brooks grew up in Ohio and married George Brooks in 1978. They moved to the Rio Grande Valley in 1980 to do missionary work here and in Mexico.

Survivors include her sons, Joshua and Elias Brooks; siblings, Alan Bishop and Diane Coffman; mother, Wanda Nisbet; and

numerous grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband and her father, Robert Bishop.

A memorial service was held on Feb. 2 at Kreidler Funeral Home in McAllen.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation at narsad.org.

Denise Garcia MISSION – Denise Marie Garcia, 40, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017 at the Comfort House in McAllen.

Ms. Garcia was born on Sept. 12, 1976, in Mission.

For 14 years, she was employed by the City of Mission and the Mission Police Department.

Survivors include her children, Destiny and Deandra of Mission; father and stepmother, Juan and Alma Guerrero of Mission; stepfather, Jorge Juarez of Houston; siblings, Roxanne and Enrique Guerrero and Jose

Following Wednesday’s meeting, Delgado said Eufracio’s refusal to fully reimburse him was not the reason he no longer supported the auditor. Delgado said it was “due to other instances that people have advised me that they do have a conflict with him which is an ongoing thing; but, myself, I have no conflict with him.”

When asked who had complained to him Delgado pointed to the room where the board of judges meeting had just concluded which by then was empty.

During the meeting, Judge Gonzalez recommended to the board to offer Eufracio to stay on the job until his placement can be found.

“Under the Texas State Constitution Article 7 Section 17 the auditor can be held over if need be, if we don’t have a replacement for him,” Gonzalez said If Eufracio declined to stay on the job, Gonzalez said there is another provision in the Texas Constitution that he found a distasteful alternative.

“And I don’t mind saying it publicly, God forbid, you have Governor Greg Abbott appointing another judge to this board from outside of

this county to vote with us to help us get a county auditor.”

Gonzalez said Eufracio indicated he would stay on in the position for as long as needed, if offered to be held over.

First Assistant County Auditor Linda Fong said Eufracio was at a conference Wendesday but agreed to text him asking him to contact the Progress Times. However Eufracio had not returned the call by the paper’s press deadline.

Judge Mario E. Ramirez Jr., who is the presiding administrative judge over the entire county court district, recommended advertising nationally for the position prior to hiring Eufracio’s replacement.

“And I’m sure we’re going to be flooded with applicants,” Ramirez said.

The judges voted at the end of the meeting to have legal staff write a memorandum of understanding for Eufracio’s signature that will state he can remain in the position until his replacement is appointed.

Following the meeting Judge Gonzalez said he could not speak for the judges who no longer support Eufracio but offered this explanation

as to why he is no longer wanted: “I don’t believe that there would be anybody who could pinpoint one particular reason. I think that when an auditors been around for a long time he stubs his toe one too many times and it gets to a point where more people are critical of him even though the criticism of him is not necessarily concrete it starts to stick. That’s the nature of county auditors around the state. It happens; they’re not always around for a long, long time. And it’s a shame because I really like working with Ray Eufracio.

I’m a big supporter of Mr. Eufracio but I recognize that each district judge has a responsibility and each one of us has a vote and I don’t have the votes so I have to work with what I’ve got.”

Judge Israel Ramon of the 430th District Court said he was disappointed with the decision saying he wasn’t aware of the reasons some of his fellow judges decided to oust Eufracio from his job.

“I have nothing but high praise for him. He has always done excellent work,” said Ramon. “He has always done his job and questioned

and Juan Gaitan of Mission and Angele Guerrero, Lydia Juarez-Olvera and Jorge Juarez Jr. of Houston.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Emma Elizondo.

Guadalupe Delgadillo MISSION – Guadalupe G. Delgadillo, 71, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017 in McAllen.

Mr. Delgadillo was born on Jan. 21, 1947 in Reynosa, Tamps., Mexico, to Severo Delgadillo and Ramona Garcia.

Survivors include his wife, Anita Delgadillo; children, Ana Garza, Miguel Delgadillo and Carlos Delgadillo; siblings, Efrain Garcia, Albino Garcia, Consuelo Peralez, Juanita Garza, Eufemio Garcia and Eva Delocio; and 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Rosa Rodriguez, Maria Villarreal and Jose Garcia.

A funeral mass was held on Jan. 31 at Funeraria Del Angel in Mission.

Juan Diaz MISSION – Juan Ricardo Diaz, 72, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg.

Santiaga Gonzalez MISSION – Santiaga Gonzalez, 84, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017, at her home in Mission.

Maria Guzman MISSION – Maria Guzman , 66, died Monday, January 30, 2017, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

Guadalupe Mercado ALTON – Guadalupe Mercado, 102, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, at her home.

Eberardo Solis LA JOYA – Eberardo “Abe” Solis, 68, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, at his home in La Joya.

Notices Richard Allen MISSION – Richard W. Allen, 53, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg.

Raymond Bucrek MISSION – Raymond Bucrek, 87, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2016, at Pax Villa Hospice in McAllen.

Nislanda Castillo PEÑITAS – Nislanda Garza Castillo, 65, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2016, at her home in Peñitas.

Jaime Coronado MISSION – Jaime Coronado, 19, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017, in Mission.

FIRED

See pg 11

page 10

MCISD employee receives state honor

The dean of instruction at Mission High School has received the highest form of recognition for Texas women from Gov. Greg Abbott.

Sandra Rodriguez received a Yellow Rose of Texas, which honors Texas women who have demonstrated outstanding volunteer and community service, according to a MCISD news release sent out Thursday.

The distinction honors Rodriguez’s extensive contributions to public education through her official positions

in local school districts up to the national level through staff development trainings.

Rodriguez’s love for learning drives her to always share and help ensure the success of those around her, the release stated.

“I’ve always provided some kind of training or staff development that reflect the basic knowledge of how to always learn more and to learn from learning itself,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “It humbles me to my core that I can have that

type of impact in a student’s life or a teacher’s career that they remember something I taught them so many years ago.”

According to the release, Rodriguez’s parents instilled a strong work ethic and stressed the value of an education to break the cycle of working as field hands. Rodriguez worked as a migrant field worker since she was 9 years old and has since held various positions in education from teaching, assistant principal, district coordinator

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and to her current position as dean of instruction.

“That’s the message I share with my students,” she

said. “If I could go from being a migrant farm worker to being degreed and hold this position of Dean of Instruc-

tion, then they can do it too.

They can even do more than I ever dreamed of.”

theclassifieds February 3, 2017

buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

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

Autos

Garage Sales

Help Wanted

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

RUMMAGE SALE AT Tropical Valley Acres, 1240 E. Bus 83 in Mission, Friday, February 17, 8am-2pm, with breakfast & lunch, bake sale and raffle.

FRIDAYSAT., FEBRUARY 3–4, also Friday- Sat., February 10–11 from 8am- 8pm, 116 Encino Ave., Mission, come and see all the great deals.

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

NURSE PRACTITIONERS/PAs for La Joya office, salary depending on experience, email resume to jsaenz1643@aol. com NOW HIRING BUS drivers with Class A license and clean driving record, 2 yrs. minimum driv-

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

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Homes For Sale NEW HOME FOR sale, 3BR/2 Bath/2 car garage- 1,511 sq. ft. live-in area, 1102 Miracle Lane, Mission, TX, contact Eloy at 945–648–1045 for more information, great location- near elementary school, parks and expressway.

ADVERTISEMENT/INVITATION FOR BIDS REQUEST FOR SEALED PROPOSALS PROJECT: City of Alton – (Old Townsite) Paving Improvements Phase II DESCRIPTION: Work of the Project consists of overlay paving improvements at the Old Townsite Streets: Adams Ave., Andrew St., Buchanan Ave., Hawaii St., Iowa St., Zinnia St., and Jefferson St. PROPOSAL DUE DATE: February 21, 2017 TIME: 10:00 A.M. The City of Alton will receive sealed bids for the (Old Townsite) Paving Improvements Phase II until 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 addressed to the City of Alton in the office of the city manager, Alton City Hall, 509 S. Alton Blvd., Alton, Texas 78573.

The bids will be publicly opened and read aloud as near as practical after 10:00 A.M. on the date of submittal at the Alton City Hall. Bids received after closing time will be returned unopened.

Bid/Contract Documents, including Drawings and Technical Specifications are available from LeFevre Engineering & Management Consulting, LLC. located at 612 Nolana, Suite 520, McAllen, Texas 78504 the phone number is 956-687-5362, upon request and payment of $100.00. The payment is non-refundable.

A pre-bid conference will be conducted by the Owner on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. The pre-bid conference shall be conducted at the City of Alton City Hall office located at, 509 S. Alton Boulevard, Alton, Texas 78573. Sub-contractors, suppliers, and equipment suppliers may attend.

A bid bond in the amount of 5 percent of the bid issued by an acceptable surety shall be submitted with each bid. A certified check or bank draft payable to the City of Alton or negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (as par value) may be submitted in lieu of the Bid Bond.

Equal Opportunity in Employment – All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap or national origin.

Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order No. 11246, as amended by Executive Order 11275, and as supplemented in Department of Labor regulations 41 CFR Part 60.

The City of Alton is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

The City of Alton reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informality in the bidding. In case of ambiguity or lack of clearness in stating prices in any bid, the Owner reserves the right to consider the most advantageous construction thereof or to reject the bid. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.

Bids may be held by the City of Alton for a period not to exceed 60 days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidder’s qualifications prior to the contract award.

City of Alton Salvador Vela, Mayor

page 11

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DatePublished: 02/03/2017

THE STATE OF TEXAS NOTICE TO RESPONDENT: “You have been sued. You may employ an attorney.

If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday next following the expiration of forty two days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you.”

To: THE WALLACE G. COOK REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST CREATED NOVEMBER 23, 1999, THE WALLACE G. COOK SURVIVING TRUST AND THE HEIRS AND THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF WALLACE G. COOK AND ELIZABETH COOK GREETING: You are hereby commanded to appear by filing a written answer to the Plaintiff’s petition at or before 10:00 o’clock a.m. of the first Monday after the expiration of 42 days from the date of issuance of this citation, the same being Monday the 20th day of February, 2017 at or before 10 o’clock a.m., before the 206th District Court of Hidalgo County, at the Courthouse in Edinburg, Texas.

Said Plaintiff’s Petition was filed on December 13, 2016 in this case, numbered C-5522-16-F on the docket of said court.

The names of the parties to the cause are as follows: RUDOLPH ARBANAS and BETTY L. ARBANAS INDIVIDUALLY AND AS TRUSTEES OF THE RUDOLPH JOSEPH ARBANAS AND BETTY LOU ARBANAS TRUST DATED JUNE 7, 2010 are Plaintiffs and THE WALLACE G. COOK REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST CREATED NOVEMBER 23, 1999, THE WALLACE G. COOK SURVIVING TRUST AND THE HEIRS AND UNKNOWN HEIRS OF WALLACE G. COOK AND ELIZABETH COOK are Defendants.

A brief statement of the nature of the suit is as follows, to-wit: The suit seeks to establish clear title in the Plaintiffs in Lot 240, Amended Plat of Aladdin Villas Subdivision, Phase II, Hidalgo County, Texas, and remove any claim or interest the Defendants may have, resulting from defects occurring in previous conveyances dating back to 1995, all as is more fully shown by Plaintiffs’ Petition on file in this suit.

If this citation is not served within ninety days after the date of its issuance, it shall be returned unserved. The officer executing this writ shall promptly served the same according to requirements of law, and the mandates thereof, and make due return as the law directs.

ISSUED AND GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND the SEAL of said court at office in Edinburg, Hidalgo County, Texas, on this January 11, 2017.

Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m.

If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573 Submit by email or pay by phone 585-4893.

The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 5 p.m.

FIRED things when they should be questioned and we need somebody that’s independent and will do that, to question something that’s not appropriate.”

Judge Keno Vasquez of the 398th District Court said he would have abstained from voting because he has only been on the job for a month and because he had provided legal counsel to Eufracio’s family when he was an attorney.

Judge Renee Betancourt of the 449th District Court also has only been on the job

from pg 9 a month and was not contacted.

OWLS members said in October, Judge Leticia Lopez of the 389th District Court was one of the judges who had voiced criticism of Eufracio. Lopez had not filed any reimbursement requests for herself during the period studied by the newspaper but two of her staff members did attend continuing legal education conferences and submitted reimbursement requests totaling $2,852.00.

Lopez left the board meeting soon after its conclusion and

did not return a call requesting comment.

Meanwhile, there is a bill working its way through the Texas senate. Introduced by State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, SB 905 would require a member of the county commissioner’s court in Hidalgo and Cameron Counties to be added to the board responsible for appointing the county auditor. In a published report, Eufracio said he opposed the legislation stating it would “disrupt the balance” if commissioners were involved.

PUBLIC’S HELP fruit from the trees in their yards.

“Basically the flies evolve from a larvae from an egg laid in the fruit. That larvae becomes a maggot which becomes a fly so if you cut that orange open it may look fine but you might find a nice little worm or a nice little maggot or any stage that precedes flies and you might not see that,” he said.

Though much of the infestation of the fruit flies in blamed on unmanaged, highly infested Mexican groves near the U.S. border, Garza said obtaining cooperation from Mexican citrus growers has been difficult.

“We’ve thought about it but trying to find out who owns those groves has been problematic,” Garza said.

During the Feb. 10 event citrus experts will inform the public the best ways to maintain their fruit trees and to kill the Asian Citrus Psyllid, a small insect that attaches itself to the bottom side of citrus tree leaves.

“Basically it injects its larvae into the leaf and into new growth on a tree,” Garza said. Then the tree starts to develop a blotchy spot on the leaf and it starts consuming the tree. It’s a non-curable disease and after it hits that one spot it starts spreading along the tree until you start

from pg 1 seeing deformed fruit, you’ll start seeing the quirky veins on the leaves until you see the die back of the tree itself.”

During the event residents will be instructed on the best chemicals to use to

kill the insect and how to apply them.

The Feb. 10 event takes place from 9 a.m. to noon at the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center, 312 N. International Blvd., Weslaco.

The red areas in the above map created by the Texas Department of Agriculture indicate areas in the Rio Grande Valley that are currently under Mexican Fruit Fly quarantine, meaning no citrus can move in or out of those areas until the quarantine is lifted. The areas in blue indicate locations where active, fertile fruit flies have been found.

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.

page 12

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February 3, 2017