June 23, 2017 _PT ISSUE

Friday, June 23, 2017

www.ptrgv.com | 25 Cents

Vol. 45 No. 46

Mission touts Sanitation, Parks Departments success

By Jim Brunson

The Inspiration Road Overpass Project, now substantially complete, cost $445 million, but the city’s share was only 2.5% of the total project cost.

The city of Mission recently held a workshop for the city council to review the progress on city projects and discuss major capital improvement needs as they begin planning for next year’s budget, which must be approved later this summer.

During the workshop presentation it became clear that the city has had great success this year in implementing new city programs, completing a large number of city projects, and saving the taxpayer millions of dollars in the process.

Some of the city’s most significant accomplishments include: the successful implementation of the new Sanitation Department, which, now only in its third year of operation, is producing a big profit for the city; a citywide parks improvements program; and the city’s continued success in securing grants and other funding to pay 80 percent of the cost of the city’s transportation projects.

This week, the Progress Times met with Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas and City Manager Martin Garza Jr. to discuss some of the highlights of the city work-

shop held June 8. While there are simply too many projects to enumerate them all, three standout achievements serve as good examples of how city departments are exceeding expectations.

First is the financial and customer service success of the city’s new Sanitation Department. The mayor explained that the city had to go to court to try to get out of a bad contract with BFI before the city could start doing its own garbage and brush pickup. The contract required the city to give the company five year’s notice to cancel the contract.

Salinas said after they went to court, BFI finally agreed to let the city begin it’s own residential trash and brush pickup service.

Commercial garbage collection, however, would not be transferred to the city for five years.

The city’s Sanitation Department began residential trash pickup services in September 2014, providing service to more than 22,000 residences two times a week, and brush pickup once a month.

Now in it’s third year of operation, the Sanitation Department is generating a

See CITY PROJECTS Pg. 10

Sharyland ISD approves pay raises Veterans Memorial pitcher selected

By Jose De Leon III Sharyland Independent School District employees will see a pay increase in their July paychecks. The Sharyland School Board on Monday approved a two percent pay raise for all district employees.

At the Monday, June 19, meeting, the Sharyland ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted for the pay increase which will see teachers receiving the biggest increase – a $1,050 per year raise – meaning the teacher’s starting salary will now be $46,500.

Auxiliary workers with a pay of $12 per hour will see an increase of 24 cents per hour.

According to Connie Lopez, assistant superintendent for business, finance and student services, the total cost of the pay increase is more than $1.3 million with nearly half of that going to the district’s 615 teachers.

District Superintendent Robert O’Connor was not part of the pay increase as his salary will be negotiated with the board in January, he said.

“It’s tough economically and district employees deserve all the increases they get,” O’Conner said. “All

staff members are getting this raise so the district can stay competitive with the market and we’re just glad we can reward the staff members.”

In other business, school board members were treated to a presentation from the Iowa-based corporation Curriculum Management Solutions. The presenter, Jim Ferrell, showed the board the results of the district’s curriculum audit, which he said he had been working on since December and completed last month.

The audit looked at the district’s curriculum assessment to determine how the district implements it in their classrooms and how they control their policies, Ferrell said.

According to the findings, the district lacks comprehensive board policies to provide effective management of the school’s curriculum.

Ferrell also said the district has an inadequate written curriculum guide that fails to provide clear guidance for effective teaching and learning.

Ferrell also noted that despite the fact that Sharyland ISD consistently has test scores above the state average, achievement gaps continue to persist for economically disadvantaged and

English Language Learners across the district.

“Economically disadvantaged students performed slightly below their peers by about seven percent,” he said. “But ELL students performed significantly below district average. They make up nearly a third of the student population at Sharyland.

The fact that the district still beats the national average in test scores with that disadvantage says a lot.”

Ferrell recommended the board create an expanded curriculum plan to meet audit standards, work to create a professional development plan with teachers to better implement lectures, update the student assessments plan and adopt performance-based budgeting as part of the school system.

These changes could take between three to five years to be fully implemented in the district, Ferrell said to the board.

“Think of this audit as you taking the steps to invest in your curriculum and the time you’ve taken in it so far.

You’ve set in motion the ability to make a change,” Ferrell told the board. “Sharyland has a rich history and it’s hard to move away from

See SHARYLAND ISD Pg. 8

Summertime Fun

Maybe the library isn’t the first place folks think of when looking for some fun (and free) activities for the kids this summer, but it should be. Read about the full line-up of summertime fun – for kids and adults – at Speer Memorial Library.

by San Diego Padres in MLB Draft

Dream becomes reality for Noel Vela

By Bryan Ramos Noel Vela’s hard work and dedication on the baseball diamond paid off as the Mission Veterans Memorial High School left-handed pitcher was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft last week.

Over his four years, Vela established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers and reliable batters not only in the state of Texas, but across the nation. He was recently named a First Team All-American and brought home the award for Baseball Player of the Year at the RGVSports.com All-Valley Awards.

After being selected by the Padres as the third pick in round 28, Vela weighed his options of joining the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley baseball team where he committed, or joining the San Diego Padres organization. He officially signed his rookie contract with the Padres organization Friday, June 16.

See NOEL VELA Pg. 6

INSIDE Vets Baseball Coach leaves for Pioneer

Entertainment | pg.2

Lifestyle | pg.3

MEDC receives $100,000 grant for cyber security

The head baseball coach at Mission Veterans Memorial HS who has led the team to five district championships and an appearance in the state’s Sweet Sixteen is leaving the district.

Mission Economic Development Corporation has been recognized for its innovative initiatives providing hightech training for the region, receiving a state grant to provide cyber security training.

See Pg. 6

See Pg. 10

See Pg. 5

INDEX

Noel Vela delivers a pitch during Veterans Memorial’s 6-3 win over visiting Sharyland Pioneer in March. Progress Times photo by Doug Young

Opinion | pg.4

Sports | pg. 6

Obituaries | pg. 7

Classifieds | pg. 9

entertainment

Save the date for Mission BBQ Throwdown

Save the date and prep the grills for an evening to eat, drink and dance at the Mission Community BBQ Throwdown. Teams of culinary chefs from top area restaurants, along with professional and competitive cook-off teams, will be battling for bragging rights at the Saturday, July 22, event running from 5 to 10 p.m. at Mission Market Square, 202 W. Tom Landry in Mission.

The event is a fundraiser for Mission Prosperity Ventures, a foundation and nonprofit arm of The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds provide scholarships to Mission C.I.S.D. and Sharyland I.S.D. students who are furthering their education in E-STEAM programs (Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics).

In an IBCA-sanctioned cook-off, for a $185 signup, teams will be entered in all three competition categories: brisket, half chicken and pork spare ribs. There is a $2,500 cash payout for the top contenders in the cookoff: $500, grand champion; $200 reserve grand champion; $300, first prize; $200, second; and $100, third.

Jackpot categories, with an entry fee of $25 each, include Michelada, margarita and Border Buttermilk. Toes

will be tapping and the dance floor moving throughout the evening with a line-up of live entertainment performing in a range of genres. Then cool off with craft and domestic beverages at the Beer Garden, presented by The Loretto in Mission.

The family-friendly event includes a play area for children, handmade craft and artisan vendors, and other local food and beverage merchants. For more information or event participation, the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce at 956-585-2727 or events@ missionchamber.com.

Early bird admission tickets for the general public, $10 per person, are on sale now until June 30. General admission after that date is $15, and VIP tickets are $25.

VIP tickets gives access to air conditioned and special facilities, activities and a cash bar. Purchase tickets online today at missionchamber.com, or stop by the Chamber offices.

To sign up for the cookoff , make checks payable to Mission Prosperity Ventures and mail it or drop it off at 202 W. Tom Landry, Mission TX 78572. To become a vendor, email Zoe Molina at zoe@missionchamber.com, call 956-585-2727, or stop by the Chamber office for an application.

Kids’ nature photography contest begins

McALLEN – Quinta Mazatlán World Birding Center and the Valley Land Fund have again teamed together to host the annual free summer nature photo contest, “Southern Exposures,” for kids ages 8 to 18.

Families are encouraged to take their children outdoors for walks and photograph the beauty found across the Rio Grande Valley.

Photos are to be submitted online by July 31 to valleylandfund.com.

Sign up under “Youth Photo Contest.” A free awards ceremony will take place at Quinta Mazatlán on Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. Every youth who enters will receive a free T-shirt and have one photo featured in the multi-media finale to be shown outdoors on the large LED screen. The top win-

ners will receive cash prizes for their work.

Children and teenagers benefit from experiences in nature more than any other population, particularly in the area of academic performance. A study by the American Institutes for Research demonstrated that students in outdoor science programs improved their science testing scores by 27 percent.

The overall body of research confirms that direct contact with nature increases mental health and psychological and spiritual development. Benefits include stress reduction, a sense of coherence and belonging, improved self-confidence and self-discipline.

For more information, please visit quintamazatlan. com or call 956-681-3370.

Parents are encouraged to take their children ages 8 to 18 outdoors this summer with their phones and/or cameras to take pictures of nature in the Rio Grande Valley and to submit their works to the “Southern Exposures” nature photo contest.

Mission First United Methodist Church 1101 Doherty Ave. (956)585-1665 Sunday Worship 8a.m.

9a.m.

11a.m.

5p.m.

Vacation Bible School June 26-30 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Grades K-5th

www.missionfumc.com

June 23, 2017

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Coming Attractions

June 23 • Support the Mission Crime Stoppers at their 14th Annual Golf Tournament. The three-person net scramble format tees off with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. at Shary Municipal Golf Course.

Team registration begins at 11 a.m., and sign-up is $300 per team. The minimum handicap per team is 36, with one single digit handicap per team. Sponsorships are available. For more information, call Officer Robert Rodriguez at 956-648-9326, T. Plata at 956-522-8753 or the golf course at 956-580-8770.

• Bo Garza is the headliner for the kick-off of the first Education Foundation of Mission C.I.S.D. Concert Series performance at the Mission Community Center, 1420 E. Kika De La Garza Loop. Doors open at 7 p.m. opening act country-western group Texas Dezire. The evening includes a silent auction, food and non-alcoholic beverages in the ticket price. Guests can come B.Y.O.B. Tickets are $400 for a table for 10 guests or $50 for a single ticket. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call Hector Olivarez at 956-445-4255 or Candy Martinez at 956240-2059.

• The staff at the Edinburg World Birding Center invites members and prospective members to an evening of music, food, live animals and fun from 7 to 9 p.m. to learn more about the EWBC. The entry fee is free for members and their guests. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Road. For more information call 956-381-9922.

June 23-25 • South Texas College (STC) Theatre presents George Büchner’s play “Woyzeck” at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday with Sunday 2 p.m. at STC’s Cooper Center for Communication Arts Main Stage, 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. General admission tickets cost $5. This play contains strong language and mature themes. Parental discretion is advised. The June 25 matinee will be interpreted in American Sign Language.

Cash tickets can be made purchased one hour before the performance at the box office. For additional information or for group rates, call 956-872-2301 or email rdehoyos_8271@southtexascollege.edu or jrodriguez@southtexascollege.edu.

June 29 – July 2 • University Productions with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley presents “Rough Magic,” a fantasy by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, at 7:30 p.m. each night and 2 p.m. on July 2. All performances are at the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre on the Edinburg campus. Tickets are $20 for reserve seating, $15 for general admission, $10 for non-UTRGV students with school ID, and $5 for UTRGV students, faculty and staff. For more information, group reservations, or to be added to the theatre mailing list, call the box office at (956) 665-3581 or email elva. galvan@utrgv.edu.

June 29, July 8 & 29, August 12 • Explore the world with Robotics Workshops at the International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 Nolana Ave. Junior Robotics classes will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on June 29, July 8 and Aug. 12. Robotic Tech is set for June 17 and July 29 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $2 for IMAS members and $9 for nonmembers (includes the price of general admission. Space is limited; make reservations by calling 956-681-2800 or 956682-0123.

June 29 & July 27 • In one of two workshops, learn to “Paint Your Pet,” a one-day acrylic workshop with instructor Veronica Jaeger. Hosted by the Upper Valley Art League (UVAL), both run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th St., Mission. The class is for beginner and intermediate artists and limited to 15 students each, ages 14 and up. Cost is $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Each student is responsible to bring their own materials. Contact Jaeger for a list or to reserve a spot at veroniajaeger.art@gmail.com or call the UVAL gallery at 956-583-2787.

June 30, July 28, August 25 • The Upper Valley Art League is offering three, one-day ceramic workshops with Alex Comminos as the instructor. Classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th St. in Mission. Cost is $25 per class for members and $35 for nonmembers with payment made in advance of each class. Deadline for the June 30 class is June 28. To sign up and pay, stop by the UVAL gallery during regular hours or call 956-583-2787.

July 1 • ResacaFest 2017, celebrating the Spirit of America, the City of San Benito is hosting a day of live music, refreshments and performances on the Resaca at Heavin Memorial Park, 705 N. Bowie Street. It will be capped by a fireworks display over the resaca. Arts, crafts and food vendors are welcomed. Call 956361-3800 for information.

(For more Coming Attractions, go to ptrgv.com)

Contacto Animals comes to Quinta Mazatlan

Get up close and personal with a Tyrannosaurus Rex and other prehistoric creatures when Contacto Animal brings their life-size creatures to Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center on Thursday, June 29, at 7 p.m. In an evening filled with comedy, dinosaurs and audience participation, show creator Alejandro Rafael Millan Cervantes, has designed the program to entertain and educate the public on different animal species. Admission is $3 per person. No advanced reservation is required. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset in McAllen. For more information, call 956-681-3370.

EWBC plans summer camps for kids of all ages EDINBURG – The Edinburg World Birding Center (EWBC) is offering specialized nature day camps for kids to explore the wonders of nature through hands-on activities, explorations, arts and crafts and more.

Superhero Nature Camp is for children ages 9 to12.

Campers will explore the science behind superheroes and study the animals that inspired in a variety of activities, including nature explorations, games, and a field trip. This camp runs from June 27 to 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day. Camp fee is $50 for EWBC members and $56 for nonmembers.

Tiny Tots Explorers Nature Camp is designed for toddlers ages 1 to 3 and their parents. The camp runs from July 5 to 7 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. each day. Camp fee is $10 for EWBC members and $14 for nonmembers.

Art Explorers Nature Camp is for children ages 6 to 9 where campers will experience a new way of

approaching art and nature through outdoor art activities and crafts using natural materials. The camp runs July 18 to 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day. The fee is $30 for EWBC members and $36 for nonmembers.

Children ages 4 to 6 can join the Creepy Crawly Creatures Nature Camp and venture into all things gross, from slimy snails to slithering snakes, through a fusion of outdoor games, crafts, puppets and more.

This camp runs July 25 to 28 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. each day. The fee is $24 for EWBC members and $30 for non-members.

Registration is required for each camp as space is limited. The registration deadline for each camp is one week prior to the first day of the camp, and full payment is due two days prior to the camp.

The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Road.

For more information call 956-381-9922 or visit edinburgwbc.org.

Survival series brings out the warrior

Mark your calendars and get ready for the upcoming Summer Survival Series at the Edinburg World Birding Center in July. Participate in the Water Warrior Trainings to learn new survival skills from local experts, and then come out for the challenge and to use those skills to knock out the competition and take home the prize.

Water Warrior training is planned for Tuesday, July 11, and Thursday, July 13, from

6 to 8 p.m. both nights. The Swamp Monster Survival Challenge takes place on Saturday, July 15, from 6 to 8 p.m.

All participants must be 8 years of age or older to participate and accompanied by an adult if under age 16.

The entire series is free.

Space is limited; call ahead to 956-381-9922 to reserve a spot. All events will be held at the EWBC, located at 714 Raul Longoria Rd.

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June 23, 2017

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Summit to strengthen fathers’ influence in the home

New officers installed

On June 20, the Mission Sunset Lions Club inducted new officers for the coming year. Left to right are Veronica “Betty” Mendoza, first vice president; Belia Ramon, treasurer; Maria Ester Salinas, secretary; Meri L. Gomez, president; Enedina Vela, Past District Governor; and Zoe Alaniz, third vice president. Not pictured are Jesse Lopez, tail twister, and Jesus Garcia, second vice president. The club meets every first and third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Meri’s Event Center, 2019 N. Conway. For more information about the club, call President Meri Gomez at 956-605-1143.

TMN chapter organizes speakers’ bureau

The Rio Grande Valley Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist (TMN) organization has activated a speakers bureau with more than 50 free presentations available to local groups.

As part of their education and outreach, the chapter offers speakers to non-political events and meetings. Topics are about the Rio Grande Valley’s unique ecosystem from birds, butterflies, native plants and trees, shrimping the Gulf of Mexico, tracking, composting, water features on a budget, to amphibians and basket weaving using materials found in nature.

Presentations are designed

to be electronically projected to large audiences or tailored to 20-minute stand-up information programs with questions and answers. Texas Master Naturalist experts also are available for guided native plant walks and other field trips. Photography, writing and presentations skills workshops are available for a fee.

The chapter meets the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Cameron County Annex Building at 1390 W. Expressway 83. Meetings are free and open to the public. Visit rgvctmn.org/speakers-bureau for a list of topics and to request a speaker.

Local student receives Region I scholarship

EDINBURG – Anapaula Guajardo of Sharyland High School was one of 10 students named as a recipient of the Region One ESC Texas Energy Center Scholarship.

For the 11th consecutive year, the Region One ESC energy cooperative, Texas Energy Center (TEC) awarded the $1,000 scholarships to

graduating seniors pursuing a four-year degree.

Students were selected based on their academic achievement, community participation, and a written essay on energy savings. To be eligible, students must graduate from a high school in a TEC participating school district.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Erika Betancourt graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio after completing eight weeks of military discipline and studies, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Betancourt is the wife of Jose Betancourt and daughter of Martha and Genaro Chapa of Mission. She is 2007 graduate of Sharyland High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in 2011 from the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg.

EVENTS

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PALMVIEW – The Alliance for Drug Abuse Defense Coalition (ADAP), in partnership with the La Joya ISD Police Department, will host the first “Fathers Engagement Summit.” It takes place on Saturday, June 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the La Joya I.S.D. police department, 7209 Ann Richards Rd., Palmview. Registration is at the door.

The Summit focuses on strategies to encourage and motivate fathers and paternal role models to actively engage in the daily lives of their children and youth. Research shows that when children who are well-bonded and have involved fathers in their lives, they tend to have less behavioral problems, and in many cases are less involved with alcohol and drug abuse.

(Gross, 2014).

Summit speakers include professionals with knowledge in family communication, substance abuse prevention, men’s mental health, suicide prevention and personal testimonies.

For more information, contact Vianca Vieyra at 956-7877004 ext. 14 or by email at vvieyra@bhsst.org.

CALENDAR June 24 – The Río Grande Valley-Texas Democratic Women will host a Legislative Update on Saturday, June 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Don Pepe’s Restaurant, 306 N. McColl Road, McAllen. Featured guests are State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and State Rep. Oscar Longoria. Tickets are $20 and $10 for seniors and students. For information, contact Kenna Giffin at 956-283-4669 or rgvtdwtreasurer@ gmail.com.

June 24 – At the Edinburg World Birding Center, from 10 a.m. to noon, Brownie Girl Scouts can participate in handson activities that will fulfill the badge requirements for the Home Scientist badge. Patches are not included, but scouts will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program. The program fee is $4 per scout. Entry is free for scout leaders. This is not drop off program; children must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or scout leader. To register, call 956-381-9922. Registration is required by June 19. The EWBC is located 714 S. Raul Longoria.

(For more Events, go to ptrgv.com.)

STC hosts robotics summer camps

South Texas College is hosting Robotics & Automation Summer Camps throughout the summer for ages eight to 17 to engage in interactive activities led by professionals.

It’s geared for kids interested in robotics, computer science, engineering, math, automation technology or advanced manufacturing. All camps take place at STC’s Technology Campus located at the intersection of Ware Road and Military Highway. The cost is $175 per student. Children will receive breakfast, lunch, a camp T-shirt and a certificate of completion. To register, visit southtexascollege.edu/go/ robotics or call 872-6197. For a complete schedule, visit southtexascollege.edu/kidcamps/.

AmeriCorps, STC seeking volunteers

MCALLEN – AmeriCorps, in collaboration with South Texas College, is seeking participants for its Continuing Education volunteer program who will assist with GED, ESL, computer, work place and literacy initiatives.

AmeriCorps VISTA, working in tandem with the Continuing Professional and Workforce Education

(CPWE) program at STC has begun the year-long program in an effort to fight literacy and assist low-income communities in the region.

Anyone looking to volunteer can contact Alyssa Garcia, VISTA coordinator for volunteers, at 872-1671 or email at alyssa.n.garcia01@ gmail.com.

MCALLEN – High school graduates who earned college hours through the Dual Credit Program are encouraged to attend the next South Texas College student and parent open house on Saturday, June 24, at the Pecan Campus Student Services from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Help will be available to develop a degree plan, apply for financial aid, enroll in courses and to sign up for the First Year Connection Orientation. For more information, call 956-872-8391 or email outreachDE@southtexascollege.edu.

KINGSVILLE — A free Educator Training Workshop featuring a wild bird conservation curriculum will be held Monday and Tuesday, July 10 and 11, at the Tio and Janelle Kleberg Wildlife Research Park at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK).

Limited positions are available, and sign up deadline is Monday, July 3, through Janel

Ortiz at tamukbirdsgk12@ gmail.com. A light continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Participants will earn a certificate for 16 hours of professional development.

The workshop is open to teachers of all levels and the curriculum is aligned with the science TEKS. For more information, visit ckwri.tamuk. edu/research-programs.

STC open house is June 24

Educator workshop features wild bird curriculum

to all the recipients of the Mission Crime Stoppers Amanda Longoria Scholarships.

Mission Crime Stoppers was able to give scholarships to eleven students from seven local high schools.

Congrats to all the 2017 High School Graduates!!!

Sharyland High School: Pioneer High School: Mission High School: Veterans High School: Idea Academy: Juan Diego Academy: Daniela Valladares Juberto T. Alfaro Maximo Sanchez Illiana Garza Emily Cepeda Amanda Arevalo Clea Garza Mitzy Y. Chispa Cuevas Amber Solis Emmanuel Martinez Mission Collegiate High School: Sara Gonzalez

June 23, 2017

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Speer Memorial Library offers summer programs

Elliana Gonzalez and her sister Ever Gonzalez pick and read through some children’s book prior to lunch at the Speer Memorial Library. The sisters also attend the summer program with their other two sisters Elise Gonzalez and Leanna Gonzalez.

By Henry Miller Summer has just begun but the Speer Memorial Library has been on summer mode for nearly a month.

The library offers programs, crafts, continuing education, guest speakers and entertainers and a 3D printer among other amenities for all ages. And, of course, they have books (books to read, books to download and audiobooks).

The children’s programs are open for ages 3-17. Matt Tardy entertained the young ones on Wednesday. Tardy is a juggling magician from Austin and children’s librarian Lisa Rivera said that the reception for the summer entertainers so far has been strong.

“Of course it varies as to how many children come but we have gotten 65-75 for some of our speakers,” Rivera said. “That and when we have crafts seems to bring in the largest number of kids. The numbers will vary though. We expect more in July after summer school is over and when a lot of family vacations are done.”

H-E-B, the National Butterfly Center, an ambulance group, Rodeo Dental and other local organizations volunteer to come and entertain and talk with the children during the summer.

More than 280 children have signed up for the library’s summer program and can still register. The program is free and offers a variety of activities. The

summer reading program can give children a head start on the upcoming school year with AR (Advance Reading) points. They read a book, answer two questions about the book and then can test to earn points in the advanced reading program.

One of the latest trends in school programs is focusing on STEM classes (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and the library looks for opportunities to teach the kids different ways they can use those courses.

“One time we gave them toothpicks and marshmallows and asked them to build a tower as high as they could.

They started working together to do it,” Rivera said. “It’s having fun while being educational. Of course, some of the kids wanted to eat the marshmallows before they built the tower.”

During one day this week, children were seen scattered throughout the library. Some were looking for books, others were coloring and some were playing games – from the interactive ABC Mouse program to educational and even adventure games on the computers in the children’s section. More than 250 computers are spread throughout the library. Computer assistance is available from staff and a patron can even check out a mobile hotspot device to use.

Another popular program for the children is the yoga classes; there’s even baby and toddler yoga classes.

“There’s something for all ages and a wide variety of

things for everyone to do,” Rocha said. “Every year it gets bigger and we are doing more.”

Another favorite is in the coding world when Mission CISD brings its Ozobots. Its next trip to the library is slated for 3:30 p.m. on June 28.

Ozobots are tiny robots that are programmed to follow a path drawn on craft paper using a specialized pen that the robots can “read” through their programming.

Of course, where would a summer program be without crafts – lots and lots of crafts. The participants have already created a birdhouse, a fish and a family tree. Other upcoming projects include a fidget spinner (June 26), a robot (June 27), Fourth of July poppers (July 3), a straw bracelet (July 10) and an air balloon (June 11).

Plenty for Adults Too But adults don’t have to feel left out. There are many programs the library offers for them as well. Of course, there’s a summer reading book list – and yes a book review is due for each book.

With the review comes two entries for a Fire 7 tablet to be drawn on Aug. 4.

“We alternate the type of books from classic to a newer book,” said Library Director Mayra Rocha. “We have about 15 regulars who enjoy the group discussions.”

Another popular techno toy for the adults is a new 3D printer. Not only can a patron build something to print, but they can look through books that show a variety of 3D crafts and items. If they find

“Road To Recycling”

Rio Grande Valley regional tire collection project Citing a “huge problem” of illegal dumping of vehicle tires, the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council is sponsoring a free tire collection project.

On Saturday, June 24, residents in the counties of Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy will be able to dispose of up to four tires per resident.

The event will be held

between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. allowing residents to drop off the used tires at one of more than 25 drop off locations, usually at a county precinct office, according to the LRGVC website. Some area locations are in Precinct 2, 119 El Gato Rd., South Alamo, Precinct 3, 1129 Military Rd., Palmview and 8100 N. Los Ebanos Rd., Alton, and in Precinct 4 at 1051 N.

Doolittle Rd., Edinburg and 6025 E. Davis Rd., Alamo.

Interested persons can find the closest drop off location by accessing the council’s website: LRGVDC.org or by calling (956) 682-3481.

Persons wanting to dispose of used tires are required to show proof of residency via a driver’s license or utility bill.

Fiesta Lube Express Full Service Oil Change

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one they particularly like, they just print the item – in three dimensions.

The library also offers a variety of online classes.

Subjects like babysitting, decoration or coding classes are offered as well as classes to earn a GED. “These are great classes to take,” Rocha said. “You earn a certificate of completion and if the subject is something you are looking to do maybe as a career then you have this certificate to put in with your resume and experience. It’s very helpful.”

Of course, what would a summer program be without summer movies. Speer Memorial Library has two dates reserved for the 18-and-older Movie Days on Aug. 8 when they will show “The Accountant” and on Aug, 25 when “Collateral Beauty” is played. Popcorn and drinks will be provided.

Patrons can also download e-audio books and e-books as well as digital magazines and Comics Plus. All a patron needs to check out a book is a library card from any of the libraries in the county. If the book is not at the nearest library, the libraries work together to find the book somewhere in the county and send it to the library where the patron is. That’s not the same with the electronic books and magazines as each city has different programs for their online material. That, however, will soon change as a grant provided by the county will merge all of the magazines, books and comics online to provide patrons with a huge selection of options.

“We’re really excited about that,” said Rocha, who admitted to be an audiobook fan. “A lot of people use those electronic editions or

listen to ebooks and to be able to provide such a variety to everyone in the county is just a terrific capability.

The Speer Memorial Library’s web page is filled with images of programs currently taking place. Click

on the image and more information about that program is provided. Visit www.mission.lib.tx.us for more information. The Speer Memorial Library is located at 801 E. 12th St. in Mission.

Haylee Loya, left, and Karen Gamez work together on a computer in the children’s section at the Speer Memorial Library.

Matt Tardy, a juggling magician from Austin, entertained children at Speer Memorial Library on Wednesday as part of the library’s summer program to engage young library patrons. Progress Times Photo

Aileen Munoz looks through some books on the shelves at Speer Memorial Library while also helping her brother, Francisco Munoz III, find something to read.

June 23, 2017

page 6

Mission Veterans Coach Casey Smith makes move to Pioneer other struggling program and turning it into a winner.

“The situation at Pioneer is a similar to the situation I had at Mission Vets,” Smith said. “Pioneer hasn’t won much in baseball – kind of like Mission Veterans was when I first got there. The challenge of getting to build a program from the ground up and building that foundation, that’s fun to me. It was a lot of fun at Mission Veterans and I’m looking forward to doing it again at Pioneer.”

Smith may be looking forward to what is yet to come at Pioneer, at the same time he has fond memories of his tenure at Veterans.

“There are a lot of moments that stand out as being extremely vivid and fun but what stands out the most about my time at Mission Veterans is the relationships with the kids and doing

something with them that was special,” Smith shared.

“To me that’s what really stands out. When I look back at a memory I’ll look at the time we made it to the Sweet 16. And what I see more than the Sweet 16 and the trophies we won getting there is the excitement in the kids’ faces and the celebrations we had.”

It remains to be seen who will be taking over the Patriots baseball program. However Smith has one potential candidate he is backing all the way.

“I know that one of my assistants, Chase Deton, is applying for the position at Mission Vets,” Smith said.

“Hopefully for his sake he’ll get the job. He’s who I’d be behind if I had to recommend somebody.”

After going 1-11-0 in District 31-5A play the first two years of the Pioneer baseball

program, the Diamondbacks improved to 5-11-0 this past season. While that was a definite improvement, the Diamondbacks still finished tied for sixth place in the district, nine games behind the first place Patriots.

When asked what it’s going to take to turn the Diamondbacks into a playoff team and a district champion contender, Smith said, “It’s going to take nothing different than what it took at Mission Veterans, discipline and hard work. We’re going to put the time in and we’re going to get better. What that leads to, only the good Lord knows that, but my expectations won’t come down. And by that I mean that I expect us to be successful game-in and game-out and I expect us to win the district title.”

NOEL VELA

Coach

Casey Smith

By Luciano Guerra Mission Veterans Memorial Patriots’ head baseball coach Casey Smith is now the former Veterans Memorial Patriots head baseball coach. He is the new head baseball coach at Sharyland Pioneer High School, replacing Coach J. Wade McDaniel who has been the only head baseball coach the Diamondbacks have ever had.

At Pioneer, Smith will be working to do with the Diamondbacks what he did with the Patriots; turn them into perennial winners.

In eight years as head

coach at Mission Veterans, Smith led the Patriots baseball team to seven playoff berths, five district championships, three bi-district championships, one area championship and one regional quarterfinal championship that resulted in the Patriots making an appearance in the state’s Sweet Sixteen.

So why would Smith choose to leave one of the most successful baseball programs in the Valley to head up a program that in three years has finished at or near the bottom of the district standings?

“Primarily it’s a decision

that benefits my family,” Smith said. “It’s about half the distance from my home to Pioneer than it is to Mission Vets. In addition, the situation was real good in regards to the people I’ll be working with and in regards to the athletic period. Also, I’ve got three kids ages one, three and five at home and Pioneer is located five minutes away from their elementary school and that’s pretty convenient for me.”

While convenience and family considerations are the primary reasons Smith made the move to Pioneer, he is also looking forward to the challenge of taking over an-

Former Mission Veterans Memorial Head Coach Casey Smith, who spent four years coaching Vela, recognized the talent and potential he had in his first year.

“You could tell he was special and very talented as a freshman,” Smith said. “It was quite obvious and he really blossomed his sophomore year, he became an elite player and you could just see the talent there. I’m really excited for him and proud of him, for him to start the process of working his way, hopefully, up to the major leagues eventually. It’s a long process so I’m excited for him and proud of him as a coach.”

The 6’1” 165 left-hander will begin his professional career in the Arizona Rookie League playing for the Padres organization.

from pg 1 The San Diego Padres identified pitching as strength in this year’s draft and came away feeling good with their additions, General Manager A.J. Preller said in a news conference last week.

“We had mentioned pitching as a potential strength of the draft this year,” Preller said. “The ability to go get some of the pitchers we did, left-handed pitching and catching, and get guys that our scouts liked, guys that from a makeup standpoint I know are going to help us win and help us get better at the big-league level down the road, it’s a good feeling.”

Vela was a part of a talented group at Mission Veterans that won the District 31-5A

championship while going 26-6 on the year.

The Patriots swept Donna High School in the bi-district round of the playoffs, but fell short in the area round, losing to Calallen in three games.

In his senior season, Vela racked up an 8-1 record on the mound with a 0.94 ERA, striking out 87 batters in 52 innings. At the plate, the Padres draft pick hit .462 with 45 RBIs and two home runs.

T h e left-

hander, who spent time at first base when not dealing, finished with a 31-7 record over his dominant high school career with an ERA of 1.34. He also finished with a batting average of .438, 152 RBIs and 10 homeruns.

Veterans Memorial junior catcher Anthony Gonzalez, who spent three years on the varsity level catching for Vela, said he learned a lot playing side-by-side the now MLB draftee.

“This group was amazing. I’ve been here since my freshman year and I’ve learned a lot from guys like Noel; never quit, never back down, always keep coming at them even if we have bad innings.”

Smith said as Vela turns his love and passion for baseball into a career, he will have to continue to grow both on and off the field.

“As far as off the field, he has grown and become a better teammate, a harder worker, and that’s an area that he’ll continue to have to improve upon as he makes this his career,” Smith said.

“What I’ve told Noel was by the time he graduates after four years, was he’d be a better person than he was four years ago; I think the talent, in addition to that, has a chance to carry him a long way.”

Vela could not be reached at press time.

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June 23, 2017

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obituaries

Serapia Delgadillo MISSION – Serapia R. Delgadillo, 92, passed away Saturday, June 17, 2017, at Mission Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Mrs. Delgadillo was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church Altar Society in Mission and served as a Eucharistic minister.

Survivors include her children, Hermelinda Aguilar, Herminia Villarreal, Sera Ojeda, Henry Delgadillo, Irene Wilson and Jaime Delgadillo; siblings, Guadalupe Villa, Bernardino Rodriguez, Salvador Rodriguez and Sara Rodriguez; and 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Enrique Delgadillo; mother, Leonor Rodriguez; daughters, Maria Belcher and Margarita Morales; and three grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 23, from 1 to 9 p.m. from with a 7 p.m. rosary at Rivera Funeral Home in Mission. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, June 24, at 9 a.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mission. Burial follows at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission.

Antonia E. Diaz PALMVIEW – Antonia E. Diaz, 69, passed away on Monday, June 19, 2017, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg.

Survivors include her children, Armando Diaz Jr., Martin Diaz and Jaime Diaz; sibling, Carmen Quesada; and 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Armando Diaz.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, June 23, at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial follows at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Michelle Machac McCOOK – Michelle “Shelly” Machac, 52, passed away on June 15, 2017, at Retama Manor Nursing Center in Harlingen.

Survivors include her mother, Angela Machac of McCook; siblings, Yvonne Payton of Harlingen, Eileen Wyant of Harlingen, Monica Vale of San Antonio, Rebecca Palomarez of Dallas, Vanessa Galvan of Amarillo and Frank Machac of Mission.

She was preceded in death by her father, Frank D. Machac Sr. A funeral mass was held on June 19 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in McCook. Burial followed at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in McCook.

Notices Gilbert Aguirre MISSION – Gilbert Davila Aguirre Sr., 69, passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at Pax Villa Hospice in McAllen.

Rogelio Alanis MISSION – Rogelio Alanis, 85, passed away on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at Comfort House in McAllen.

Dale Arms MISSION – Dale Lewis Arms, 80, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Jose Arteaga MISSION – Jose Arteaga, 93, passed away on Friday, June 16, 2017, at Mission Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Pauline Brinker MISSION – Pauline Brinker, 73, passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Julian Cantu MISSION – Julian Cantu, 89, passed away on Monday,

June 19, 2017, at Las Palmas Nursing Home in McAllen.

Serapia Delgadillo MISSION – Serapia Delgadillo, 92, passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2017, at Mission Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Marcos Garcia MISSION – Marcos T. Garcia, 91, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2017, at his home in Mission.

Estefana Garza PEÑITAS – Estefana Garza, 95, passed away on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at McAllen Nursing Home.

Jaime Guerrero ALTON – Jaime Guerrero, 55, passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2017, at his home in Alton.

Paula Martinez MISSION – Paula Martinez , 75, passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at McAllen Medical Center.

Elva Muniz MISSION – Elva V. Muniz, 80, passed away on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at Pax Villa Hospice in McAllen.

Avelina Perez PALMVIEW – Avelina Perez, 91, passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Santiago Solis ALTON – Santiago Solis, 66, passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Jose Suarez MISSION – Jose Angel Suarez, 82, passed away on Monday, June 19, 2017, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

Juana Vallejo MISSION – Juana Reyna Vallejo, 72, passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Zaragosa Zamora PEÑITAS – Zaragosa Zamora, 73, passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

The Sharyland High School LEO Club attended the Texas Leo Awards Programs and Elections Conference in San Antonio last month where four members were elected to state office. Pictured from left to right are newly-elected Texas LEO Club State Vice-President Claudia Martinez, TLC State President Carolina Becerril and TLC State Treasurer Diego Lopez.

Not pictured is TLC State Public Relations officer Jihu Bae. Progress Times Photo

ChurCh DireCtory BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH 2820 N. Conway Ave. • 581-1411 CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 2322 N. McColl. - McAllen 682-2092 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 5609 S 29th St. - McAllen 682-4881 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 2Mile & Bryan Rd Mission.

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Missonaries • 580-2570 CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH 911 N. Main - McAllen 686-4241 CONWAY AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 2215 N. Conway • 585-2413 EL FARO BIBLE CHURCH 15 miles W. of Mission on Exp. 83 Sullivan City, TX • 585-5617 EL MESIAS UNITED METHODIST 209 E. 6th • 585-2334 FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 3 miles N. Shary Rd. • 581-1465 FAITH FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH 1 mile N. Exp. 83 on Tom Gill Rd. 519-6311 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1302 Doherty • 585-1442 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 12th and Miller - Mission 585-7281 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1102 Ash St. • 585-4829 for worship schedule.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1101 Doherty • 585-1665 FREEDOM LIFE CHURCH 2214 W. Griffin Pkwy. • 519-7000 Mission GRACIA DIVINA MINISTRY 11809 N. Shary Rd. • 584-3112 GREAT OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH 2722 N. Conway • 451-5500 Mission HERITAGE BAPTIST MCALLEN 2549 Lindbergh Ave. McAllen • 451-6358 IGLESIA ADVENTISTA DEL SEPTIMO DIA 1725 W. Griffin Parkway 581-9008 IGLESIA BAUTISTA BETANIA 851 S. Breyfogle Rd. • 585-5688 IGLESIA BAUTISTA CRISTO EL REY 1600 E. Bus. 83 - Mission IGLESIA BAUTISTA COLONIAL 3713 N. La Homa Rd. • 585-5332 IGLESIA BAUTISTA DEL VALLE 217 W. Mile 3 Rd. • 424-1602 Palmhurst IGLESIA DEL PUEBLO 7500 West Expressway 83 581-1900 IGLESIA DEL DIVINO REDENTOR 1020 North Los Ebanos Rd 585-5898

IGLESIA PENTECOSTES NUEVA VIDA A/G 211 W. Mile 3 Road Palmhurst • 956-342-9711 Rev. Candelario Banda

LA RESPUESTA CHURCH 405 W. 12th Street • 585-0787 MISSION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 1 mi. E. 495 • 585-6683 NEW HOPE AT THE BORDER 905 N. Conway • 369-3603 NORTH MISSION CHURCH OF CHRIST 1410 E. Mile 3 Rd. • 585-0146 Palmhurst NORTH PALMVIEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH 7612 W. 6 Mile Ln. ONLY THRU JESUS 1511 E. Mile 2 Rd. Mission • 918-760-1625 OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS One-half mile South Leo Avenue La Joya • 585-5223 OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH 6634 El Camino Real • Granjeno OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH 2.5 miles S. Conway (FM 1016) Mission OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH 620 Dunlap • 585-2623 OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY CHURCH 923 Matamoros St. • 581-2193 PALM VALLEY CHURCH 1720 E. Griffin Pkwy.

585-3203 PEÑITAS BAPTIST CHURCH 1/3 Mile S. of Exp.83 on FM 1427 583-6236 PRIMERA BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of 6th & Oblate 585-4711

PROMISE LAND CHURCH 2300 E. Palm Circle (Corner of 495) Mission, TX 78572 • 624-9307 RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH 901 S. Shary Rd. (Located in the Holiday Inn Express Conference Room) 451-4838 SAN CRISTOBAL MAGALLANES & COMPANIONS PARISH

3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5

Mission • 580-4551

SAN MARTIN DE PORRES 5 mi. N. Conway, 1/2 Mile West Alton • 585-8001 & 585-8002 SPIRIT OF PEACE EV. LUTHERAN CHUCH 3104 Los Milagros Mission • 581-1822 ST. JOHN OF THE FIELDS CATHOLIC CHURCH 1052 Washington Ave. • 585-2325 ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1119 Francisco • 585-2701 ST. PETER & ST. PAUL EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2310 N. Stewart Rd. 585-5005 SHINING LIGHT BAPTIST CHURCH 6 1/8 N. Doffing Rd. (FM 492) 580-4078 TEMPLO BIBLICO 5 Mile/Conway 581-4981or 585-3831 TEMPLO EVANGELICO, M.B. CHURCH La Joya TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 3905 W. 3 Mile Line • 585-3261 VALLEY FELLOWSHIP 1708 E. Griffin Parkway Mission • 424-7200

PRIMERA IGLESIA DEL VALLE APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY 210 N. St. Marie. • 585-8651

KING, GUERRA, DAVIS & GARCIA ATTORNEYS AT LAW

DAVID H. GUERRA

page 7

DARRELL DAVIS

301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622

MISSION AUTO ELECTRIC, INC. DBA

ER MAE EPQOU IW PMENT

Commercial Lawn Equipment “Since 1954”

915 West Bus. 83 • Mission, tX 78572 • (956) 581-7433

page 8

June 23, 2017

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Feds report increase in hard drug seizures; Local drug smuggling declines

By Joe Hinton Though the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is reporting significant increases in seizures of hard drugs in the region, locally numbers are down from last year’s figures.

Last month, CBP reported its components have seen a significant increase in cocaine and heroin seizures throughout the region this year. From Del Rio to Brownsville, Border Patrol agents and Customs and Border Protection officers were interdicting hard drugs at international ports of entry and checkpoints, CBP reported.

The CBP reported the South Texas Corridor (STC) has seen a 177% increase in heroin and 129% increase in cocaine seized by agents and officers in the field. The increase in illicit drug activity comes at a time when apprehensions have declined in recent months, the CBP reported. The CBP did not provide the total amounts of drugs seized so far this fiscal year.

The CBP reported in recent seizures smugglers have been utilizing a variety of tactics to smuggle the contraband past law enforcement. They have

been caught with drugs hidden in vehicle gas tanks, manufactured compartments, propane tanks, shipments of fruit and vegetables, stuffed in personal belongings, bags of candy, and even transported methamphetamine in liquid form inside milk and juice cartons.

The CBP reported it employs a multitude of approaches to combat the efforts of drug smugglers, which range from the operations in the field and at the ports to K-9 units, high tech inspection equipment and strategic targeting of criminal organizations by working with federal, state, local and international partners.

“The alignment of policy and strategy has led to significant gains in reducing illicit cross border activity in South Texas, we must stay vigilant,” said Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor Commander Manuel Padilla Jr. “Low apprehension numbers do not equate to a quiet border. Criminal organizations will continue to smuggle their contraband and threaten border security.”

“Our law enforcement partners are also working hard to get drugs off our streets, and stopping them from coming into our country, but we can’t

Even though U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports a significant increase in cocaine and heroin seizures throughout the RGV Sector this year, Mission Police Chief Robert Dominguez reports drug seizures in Mission have dropped dramatically. This he attributes to the beefed up presence of State Troopers and Border Patrol agents in our area. Courtesy Photo

win this battle alone,” Padilla said. “The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in our South Texas communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.”

According to statistics reported monthly by the Mission Police Department to the city council, seizures of all drugs except heroine are down from the same period last year.

As of April, the last month for which statistics are available, Mission police report its officers, including those detailed to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, seized 3.22 kilograms of heroine since the start of the current fiscal year that began October 1, 2016.

That is up from the 2.55 kilos seized during the same period last year. The heroine seized this year has a street value of $67,891, based on MPD’s reported street value of $17,680 per kilo.

However, marijuana seizures this year are only onethird of the amount seized during the same period last year. So far this year, 18,666 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $10.5 million has been seized locally since the start of the current fiscal year. During the same period last year agents seized 55, 136 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $27.5 million, based on MPD’s street value estimate of $506 per pound.

Cocaine seizures are also down from last year when agents seized 483 kilos of cocaine with a street value of $5.88 million. This year agents have seized 124.8 kilos of cocaine with a street value of $1.2 million, based on a street value of $11,726 per kilo. That’s one-fourth the amount seized in the same period last year.

Last year agents seized 44.5 kilos of methamphetamine worth just over a half million dollars based on a street value of $11,925 per kilo. Between October 2016

and April of this year agents seized just under 18 kilos of meth with a street value of $214,055. This represents a 60% decline in meth seizures.

Currency seizures also down from last year’s figures for the same period. As of April of this year agents seized $375,579 in cash.

During the same period last year agents had already seized $830,281 locally.

Mission Police Chief Robert Dominguez attributes the decline in drug seizures to the success of law enforcement agencies working together to stop the flow of drugs across the border. He noted that when Operation Strong Safe-

ty began in June 2014 with a large contingent of Texas DPS officers being assigned to our area to work with local police and other enforcement agencies, “The large loads we used to get have been displaced to Starr County.”

In September 2015, DPS changed the operation name to Operation Secure Texas, he said, and that operation continues in the border region helping to protect our border cities.

Chief Dominguez also noted that measures have been taken to thwart the tactics of smugglers, which has contributed to the decline in drugs seized in Mission. For

SHARYLAND ISD those things you’ve seen as comfortable. This audit will hopefully change that mindset of the system and become part of the school culture. It’s a long process but in districts who’ve fixed these issues there’s records of increased student achievement, which we all want.”

O’Connor said after the meeting he is looking forward to address Ferrell’s findings.

“The board hired this firm to point out where our shortcomings were to help us improve as a district,” he said.

“It wasn’t designed to tell us if we were doing anything great. It was designed to be used as an improvement tool to tell us how we can do better. It’s a proactive method for us to be evaluated as we always want to get better and this report will tell us how.”

During the meeting, the board also addressed the Texas Education Agency’s closure of the 2015 investigation into the district’s accreditation and audit following allegations of the district’s practices involving expenditures.

The board presented a letter dated April 6 addressed to O’Connor and then-school board President Noe Oliveira,

example, large boulders have been placed in six or seven locations along the Rio Grande River that has stopped retreating drug runners from escaping back into Mexico by “splashing down” or driving into the river and jumping into pre-positioned rafts where they transferred their loads into the rafts before returning back into Mexico to try again another time. He said some of the locations were at Anzalduas, Chimney Park and Abram Road among others.

He said the decline in seizures has been throughout the RGV because of the cooperation of state, local and federal law enforcement.

from pg 1 and to Ivan Perez, of the law firm Jones, Galligan, Key & Lozano. In it Monika Auchterlonie of the TEA’s Special Investigation Unit stated “The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has reviewed the documentation and determined that the district has addressed the reported concerns that are within the scope of the Texas Education Agency. This concludes the SIU’s review of the matter and no further action or information is necessary.”

After the meeting O’Connor said it was important the public be aware of the end of the investigation to bring closure to the controversy.

“We want to bring closure to it. A lot of questions were brought up and we’re glad the letter from TEA says the issue is no longer under investigation,” he said.”

The investigation began when former district superintendent, Virginia Richter, hired the McAllen-based private investigations firm Hildreth Investigations to look into concerns about the district’s practices involving expenditures in 2014 following inconsistencies they found in previous construction work.

Among other concerns, the

investigation looked into whether contractors’ expenditures were approved without bids that should have gone through the public bidding process.

The concerns were also reported to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which led to a TEA investigation into the matter. Richter resigned under pressure from the board in September 2014, one month after Hildreth Investigations interviewed Jesus “Jesse” Muñiz, the district’s assistant superintendent for business and finance who served for the district for 15 years before leaving during the investigation.

Muñiz was present at the Monday school board meeting and called the investigation an “unfortunate experience.”

“In 15 years we’ve built $130 million in construction not to mention the reports that kept coming back clean,” he said. “Whatever negative publicity was received from this, there was nothing found.

All the internal controls for purchasing were in place.

Nothing was revealed as out of compliance, everything was in compliance.”

theclassifieds June 23, 2017

Classified Rate:

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

buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

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

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 2002 CHEVY SILVERADO PICKUP w/Ext. Cab, long bed, low miles- 76,000 miles, A/C, auto, PS, PB, new tires, cruise control.

Excellent condition, Blue Book price is $8,000+, asking $7,000, call 956–802-6530.

FOR SALE 1997 BUICK LeSabre, runs great, $2,200, also oakwood TV entertainment center, $250, call 956–5812859 for more information.

For Sale USE HAPPY JACK mange medicine to control horse mane dandruff, Mission Feed & Hardware, 956–581–2153 (fleabeacon.com) TV ENTERTAINMENT for sale, solid wood, in good condition, asking $380 or best offer, text 956655-3795.

Help Wanted IDEAL TILE & CONSTRUCTION, una nueva compañia en el Valle esta buscando instaladores de piso de ceramica y ayudantes, para mas informacion llame a A.J. Sanchez al numero 956–5103125.

LOOKING FOR A multitask individual with Fundraising experience and computer knowledge, will

Now

page 9

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

be well compensated, submit resume to stoppingschizophrenia@gmail.com, Immediate hire with proper qualifications.

HIDALGO COUNTY IRRIGATION District #6 is seeking to hire a full-time Field Supervisor. The Field Supervisor will be under the direction of the General Manager on all daily operations including, but not limited to, maintaining and repairing canals, supervising employees’, ordering materials and supplies and conducting shop duties and equipment repairs.

Three (3) years’ experience in field work is preferred but not required. Applicant must be knowledgeable in operating and maintaining all type of heavy equipment. Applicant must also be computer literate, possess organizational skills, be able to multitask, exhibit strong leadership skills, be self-motivated and be safety-minded.

Applicant must have a current and clear driver’s license and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Applications may be picked up at 3735 N FM 492, Mission, TX, or call (956) 5858389. Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 6. is an equal opportunity employer.

HIRING Mr. G’s Fireworks

MISSION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION NOTICE OF INTENTION TO UNDERTAKE A PROJECT OR PROJECTS 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 and undertaking a Project or Projects, 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) City of Mission in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000; B) Texas Citrus Fiesta in an amount not to exceed $125,000; C) RGV Lead in an amount not to exceed $75,000; D) Small Business Fund Programs in an amount not to exceed $500,000; E) Downtown Façade Improvement Program in an amount not to exceed $100,000; and F) Rent Subsidy Program in an amount not to exceed $50,000.

Date of publication: June 23, 2017 Anna Carrillo City Secretary

Notice of Public Hearing Mission Economic Development Corporation Notice is hereby given that the Mission Economic Development Corporation will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. at the Center for Education and Economic Development building, 801 N. Bryan Road, Mission, Texas to consider the following project or projects during the proposed fiscal year 2017-2018: A) City of Mission in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000; B) Texas Citrus Fiesta in an amount not to exceed $125,000; C) RGV Lead in an amount not to exceed $75,000; D) Small Business Fund Programs in an amount not to exceed $500,000; E) Downtown Façade Improvement Program in an amount not to exceed $100,000; and F) Rent Subsidy Program in an amount no to exceed $50,000.

Anyone interested is invited to attend and present their comments.

Date of publication: June 23, 2017 Anna Carrillo City Secretary The 2016 Drinking Water Quality report for the City of Mission water supply customers is now available online. Starting July 1, 2017 you will be able to view the City of Mission annual water quality report on-line at http://goo.gl/7BouPQ This report contains important information about the source and quality of your drinking water. The web link will be available on your water bill and at City web site. http://missiontexas.us/ If you would like a paper report mailed to your home, please call (956) 580-8780.

El reporte anual de la calidad del agua del año 2016 de la ciudad de Mission, estará disponible en línea a partir del primero de Julio del 2017. Enlace http://goo.gl/7BouPQ Este reporte contiene información importante sobre la calidad de agua potable para tomar. El enlace estará disponible en su recibo del agua de la CD. de Mission y la página de internet. http://missiontexas.us/ Si desea obtener por correo una copia de este reporte puede llamar al (956) 580-8780.

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page 10

June 23, 2017

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Mission cyber security boot camp receives $100,000 grant Officials celebrate computer science bill

By Jose De Leon III

With the growing demand for more people literate in computer science, Mission Economic Development Corporation held a news conference June 15 to celebrate the passage of a computer science bill and grant that will prepare Valley residents for a career in cyber security.

Public officials were present at the Mission Center for Education and Economic Development June 15 to formally announce a $100,000 state grant Awarded to MEDC to provide cyber security training to Rio Grande Valley residents.

This comes after the Mission Economic Development Corporation launched their first eight-week cyber security training program with an initial class of 40 students earlier this month. The students will get paid for their time spent in the training and have a chance to become certified as cyber security analysts.

According to the website for the international vendor CompTIA – which is partnering up with the MEDC in this training – people with cyber security training are in demand because they can prevent, detect and combat cyber security threats.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that information security analysts will be the fastest growing job by 2022 with a 37 percent overall growth.

“This will change the perception of the city of Mission,” Alex Meade, Chief Executive Officer of the MEDC, said at the news conference.

“One would’ve thought a

grant like this would’ve been announced for a community in central Texas because they’re known for computer programs but instead, a grant like this came to the RGV. No one expected the RGV to lead the effort.”

MEDC received more than 200 applications from residents in Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties out of which only 40 could be selected for the inaugural class, Meade said.

This first group committed to attending classes eight hours per day for eight weeks at the CEED building, which could lead them to receive certifications from the international vendor CompTIA. The grant will be used to pay for books, certification, class expenses and pay the participants $500 per month for attending the training, Meade said.

At the conference, Texas Workforce Commissioner Julian Alvarez compared the program to those offered in Silicon Valley, an area in the San Francisco Bay area home to many of the world’s largest high-tech corporations.

“Before when we would mention Mission, Texas, we would start talking about vacationing, Ruby Reds and things like that. Now we are talking about terms like coding-camps, cyber security and that’s all starting off here,” Alvarez said. “This collaboration will provide high-tech, customized training for high-demand cyber security careers while increasing business’ competitiveness in the global market.”

The grant was celebrated alongside the May 26

passage of House Bill 728, which allows school districts across the state to give students a choice of taking computer science classes as core credits.

The credits from the computer science class can also be used to satisfy advanced math and science requirements, Meade said, adding that the passage of the bill was “monumental.”

“It will not only help the region become more competitive, but the state as a whole. We are leading the efforts in an industry we are not known for,” he said.

“We’re not known for technology-related usage but here we are, changing the law of how students will now be able to take classes at the high school level.”

Before the bill, computer science courses were treated as electives, but with HB 728, Meade said he hopes more students will be encouraged to participate and get exposure to the field of computer science at an early age.

The bill was authored

by Rep. Bobby Guerra, co-authored by Rep. Sergio Muñoz Jr. (D-Mission), and sponsored in the Senate by State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (D-McAllen). Hinojosa was one of the speakers at the conference.

“This is huge in terms of advancing students,” Hinojosa said. “It fits right in with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Before, these classes didn’t count toward graduation and it didn’t count when applying for college. Now it does.”

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Tatan Rodriguez Park Playscape

Installation of a playscape area at Tatan Rodriguez Park on 1st Street is just one of the dozens of improvements made to many city parks as part of this year’s highly successful parks improvements program. Courtesy Photo

Rotary Park

At Rotary Park in downtown Mission, the Parks Department constructed a pergola, landscaped the Kika de la Garza monument, and planted a butterfly garden with drip irrigation. Progress Times Photo

CITY PROJECTS profit of $1.6 million annually, and currently has a fund balance of $5.2 million. The profits will be reinvested in establishing commercial sanitation service helping pay other city expenses. The city manager estimates it will cost $2,122,000 to purchase the necessary equipment and hire the additional staff to provide commercial service beginning in 2019. But the city needs to place orders for the equipment in August 2018, and the profits from the residential sanitation services will cover that cost, so the city doesn’t have to borrow money for the capital investment.

In addition, Garza said he anticipates once the commercial operation is up and running, the city will make an additional annual profit of $1.5 million.

Garza expects that the city will be able to use the new Sanitation Department’s profits to pay for other major capital expenditures in the near future, such as a new P25 radio system for the Police Department. The new $2.1 million system is mandated to allow Valley law enforcement agencies to communicate with each other.

The city manager attributes the success of the new Sanitation Department to the city staff.

First, the city promoted a supervisor in the meter reader department to become the director of Sanitation.

“He was already familiar with the routes we used for meter reading. There is a trashcan for every meter, so he knew how to set up the routes in the most efficient manner to save the city money. That was success number one: choosing the right person to do the right job,” Garza said.

Second is vehicle maintenance. Garza said every morning before they go out on their routes, the staff checks out their vehicles.

They go through a checklist, checking things like oil levels and tire pressure to make sure their vehicles are well maintained so they will last longer.

City Parks The next area of success is more visible to the average Mission resident: city parks.

Last summer, Mayor Salinas

from pg 1 lamented the condition of the city parks that were in need of a lot of TLC. That’s when the mayor and city council decided to hire six additional employees for the Parks & Recreation Department, forming a “strike team” that was tasked with the job of doing whatever was needed to restore the parks from their condition of disrepair.

The council also added about $400,000 to the parks budget to pay for the materials and other costs to better maintain the city’s 24 parks. The results have been remarkable, as evidenced by the long list of park improvements accomplished over the past 9 months since the new budget year started last October.

Nearly every park in the city has benefitted from the improvements, ranging from sandblasting and repainting rusted picnic shelters to planting trees and butterfly gardens complete with water-saving drip irrigation systems. The city is taking full advantage of the skills of Brad Bentsen, the fairly new director of Parks & Recreation, who is a former landscaping designer and contractor. Park bathrooms have been repainted, newly designed park entrance signs have been constructed, barbecue pits, water fountains, trash cans and pet waste stations have been installed, sidewalks have been replaced and walking trails have been resurfaced, as well as other park improvements where needed. And more is to come.

Street Task Force Seeing the success of the Parks Strike Team, the city council is planning to establish a Streets Task Force that will be assigned to resurfacing deteriorating streets throughout the city.

“If you look at the improvements that our Strike Team has done for us in parks, it’s incredible. It’s incredible. So we said, since this has worked so well for us in parks, why can’t it work for us in streets?” Garza explained.

Garza said the city has been budgeting about $800,000 each year to repave city streets, rather than waiting until later and passing a big bond issue for paving streets as has been done

in the past. City crews are currently doing much of the repaving work, and about $550,000 each year is spent contracting out additional work. The city plans to add five employees to establish the Streets Task Force so they can work resurfacing streets full time. The city will continue to contract out $550,000 for larger scale paving projects, while the task force concentrates on residential neighborhood streets.

“We will continue outsourcing the big projects – your major corridors,” said Garza. “We will be [allocating] about $1.7 million per year on streets now. We’ve seen the success of the Strike Team in the parks and we want to do the same thing with streets.”

Leveraging City Funds A third successful area for city operations that stands out is that of leveraging city funds – or getting others to foot the bill for city projects.

Observers of the city are very well aware of the mayor’s knack for securing funding from outside sources to pay the lion’s share of the cost of many city projects, especially road construction projects.

Garza said the mayor has secured $19.1 million from the MPO (Hidalgo County Metropolitan Planning Organization) to help pay the cost of the proposed Madero International Bridge Connecting Roadways Project, and the city is working on securing additional funding for the project, which is the preliminary study stage.

Just about every major transportation project conducted in the city of Mission for the past 10-15 years has received substantial funding from outside entities such as TxDOT (Texas Department of Transportation). A good example is the Inspiration Overpass project, which is now substantially complete with a ribbon cutting planned for the near future. The project cost $45 million, but the city’s share was only 5.5 percent of that cost, or $2.5 million.

Garza said the city’s share of these major construction projects has been averaging about 20 percent of the cost.