Friday, August 4, 2017
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Vol. 45 No. 52
Crowds and cops comingle at Mission’s National Night Out By Joe Hinton At about 6 p.m. Tuesday a caravan of vehicles resembling a funeral procession sans hearse turned west off Conway Avenue onto 8th Street in Mission. But rather than a funeral procession the vehicles arrived at Leo Peña Placita park with flashing emergency lights carrying representatives from nearly every law enforcement agency in the Rio Grande Valley. The vehicles were greeted by hundreds of families who had come to the park to commemorate the 22nd Annual National Night Out. They joined thousands of other communities across the nation participating in the annual campaign that promotes police-community partnerships. The sight impressed Sullivan City Police Chief Richard Ozuna who said he’d be happy if his city receives a small portion of the turnout in Mission when Sullivan City holds a similar event at the City Hall Pavilion on Aug. 17.
Mission resident Benita Morales brought her six children ranging in age from her one year old twins to her oldest, 15-year-old Jonathan Coats, who had just won a free kids combo meal from Raising Cane’s Restaurant by spinning a roulette wheel. Morales said the event was an opportunity to obtain free backpacks for her schoolaged children. “And to have fun with the family,” she said, adding it was the fourth year she has brought her family to the event. Mission residents Maria and Francisco Melendez brought their grandsons, Kalel De Leon, 4 and his brother Kobe, 5. The two boys preferred to climb on police motorcycles parked in a row in the park’s parking lot, ignoring the likes of children’s entertainer, Enchanted, performing in the park’s theater in the round or the nearby children’s rides. Maria Melendez said the event helped her teach the
See MISSION NIGHT OUT Pg. 9
The entertainer, Enchanted, wows her audience of adoring children whose families attended Tuesday night’s National Night Out in Mission’s Leo Peña Placita Park. Progress Times photo by Joe Hinton
MEDC Board considers funding requests to expand programs
Tom Landry stadium project manager: stadium won’t be ready
By Joe Hinton Training mentors to direct more high-school-aged women into technology-related fields and programs that help local businesses are among the funding increase requests before the board of directors of the Mission Economic Development Corporation. On Aug. 22 the MEDC board of directors will hold a public hearing on its proposed $6.3 million budget, up from $5.6 million last year. On July 18 the board heard requests from a number of different entities vying for a piece of the pie created
‘Battle of Conway’ probably will be fought in Donna
from a half-cent sales tax the corporation receives from each dollar of retail sales in the city. During the July 18 meeting Mission City Manager Martin Garza requested a $1 million allocation to help pay off the $25 million bond the city used to finance it’s new 40,000-square foot events center currently under construction. Garza said the city has to pay $1.5 million annually in debt service to the bond through fiscal year 2030. The EDC also plans to help the city pay off the loan
See MEDC BOARD Pg. 7
Art studio is Mission Economic Development Corp. success story By Joe Hinton
On Wednesday workers with Holchemont Ltd. Construction continued work on the new Tom Landry Hall of Fame Stadium at Mission High School. Progress Times photo by Joe Hinton
By Joe Hinton Though nothing is “official” yet, the contractor in charge of renovating Mission High School’s Tom Landry Hall of Fame Stadium said it’s looking more and more likely the stadium will not be ready for the September 1 season opener and possibly not in time for week two’s ‘Battle of Conway’ football game between cross-town rivals, the Mission High
School Eagles and the Veterans Memorial High School Patriots. “We are working it as diligently and as safely as possible,” said Michael C. Montalvo, project manager for Holchemont Ltd., the McAllen-based construction company that received the go ahead in February to begin dismantling the original 50-year-old Tom Landry football stadium and replace it with a new, 9,000 seat, $8
million Tom Landry Hall of Fame Stadium. “But because of the changes that have come about, whether it be rain delays or just changes such as these graphics, these minor delays, we’re looking at probably the second or third week of September” before the stadium is completed. Montalvo was referring to the graphics that will hang from the entry façade of the 70-foot tall stadium
atop which will house a new press box. Montalvo made the statement to the Progress Times during a break for executive session during a special July 27 school board meeting at which trustees were asked to approve spending a budgeted $97,425 for the ornamental banners that will feature former Mission High School players who have been inducted into the Rio Grande Valley Sports
See LANDRY STADIUM Pg. 9
About two years ago Margarita “Margie” Ramirez opened her Hands In Arts Studio business in a storefront on Bryan Road adjoining Ranch House Burgers II restaurant. Her business, a dream come true, is a hands-on arts studio where people interested in crafts like ceramics, wood working and painting have a place to go to learn, create and share knowledge about their art. It’s also a place where parents can enroll their children in kid’s camps where they can learn from art workshops. The business also is a place for
INSIDE
Agape Christian School
Former Pharr Commissioner Arrested
Mission’s Agape Christian School has entirely new management with a former Palmview High School teacher at the helm. Find out who he is inside. See Pg. 6
A Mission man who owns a Peñitas pharmacy and a former Pharr commissioner have been charged by the Feds with committing multiple counts of health insurance fraud.
company and family events where tools and supplies are provided and adults are encouraged to bring wine and snacks to enhance their artistic experience. Ramirez had only been operating her business about two months when the restaurant’s owners wanted to expand into the building in which Ramirez still had three years remaining on her lease. The problem was she wasn’t sure she could afford to break her lease and move to a new location. That’s when Alex Meade and the Mission Economic Development Corporation stepped in.
See ART STUDIO Pg. 9
Peñitas raises property tax Citing a need to fuel the city’s growth the Peñitas City Council has approved a significant property tax increase. Reporter Jose De Leon III has the details inside.
See Pg. 7
INDEX
Entertainment | pg.2
Lifestyle | pg.3
Opinion | pg.4
Obituaries | pg. 8
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August 4, 2017
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STC extends registration hours
MJHS cheerleaders excel at NCA camp
At the recent National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) camp, the Mission Junior High School cheerleading team earned a number of awards, including a bid to the NCA Senior and Junior High School National Championship to be held in Dallas in January, 2018. In addition to the team awards, four girls earned All-American nominations: Alysia Barrera, Jennelle Gonzalez, Kaylee Gordon and Brianna Perez. Gonzalez and Gordon also made the NCA All-American Team. Pictured, left to right, are Kaylee Gordon (captain), Alysia Barrera, Brianna Perez, Larissa Lopez, Emily Fernandez, Melody Leaños, Kaylee Alaniz, Jorgina Ortiz, Roseannette Abrego, Victoria Gonzalez, Belen Aguirre and Jennelle Gonzalez (co-captain). Kneeling is Alex Quinones, NCA staff. Not pictured are Layla Choate, Shelsy Coronado and Analisa Montalvo.
Kids Appreciation Day is Aug. 6 BROWNSVILLE – The Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold St., will host the 14th Annual Kids Appreciation Day, this Sunday, Aug. 6, from 12 to 4 p.m. at the zoo. Each child will receive a passport booklet which will take them on an adventure around the zoo where they will visit themed activity stations including health and
wellness, safety, animal conservation and enrichment. The first 1,000 children to receive their passports will receive a bag filled with H-E-Buddy school supplies. Once their passport is full, they will be eligible to enter a drawing for more giveaways. For more information, please contact the Zoo at 956-546-7187.
Parents urged to check immunization records With a recommendation from the Center for Disease Control, the Mission C.I.S.D. is encouraging parents to take the time, now, to make sure their children’s immunizations are up to date for the 2017-18 school year. Texas Education Code requires each student be fully immunized against disease as required by the Texas Board of Health. According to the education code, a student who is not fully immunized and has not begun the required immunizations may not attend school. When
transferring from another school district in Texas, a student may be provisionally admitted for no more than 30 days pending receipt of immunization records. The student’s immunization records must be available at the time of registration to avoid any delays in admitting their children. Students are also encouraged to get the meningococcal vaccine at a cost of $5 to $14. After age 18, the cost for the same vaccine is $150 or higher depending on the lab.
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MCALLEN – South Texas College staff will be assisting students over the summer with extended hours for fall 2017 registration. Classes begin Monday, Aug. 28. Students Services offices will be open to students Saturdays in August from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is always available 24/7 via Jagnet and at SouthTexasCollege.edu/register. Students can select courses,
register and pay online. The drop payment deadline is Aug. 16. Students may continue registering for classes up until the first class day. Installment plans and emergency loans are available. Visit the nearest cashier’s office to make payment arrangements. For more information, call 956-872-8311.
KINGSVILLE – More than 425 graduates are ready to cross the stage to receive their degrees during the summer commencement ceremony on Friday, Aug. 11, at 10 a.m. in the Steinke Physical Education Center at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Dr. Frank B. Ashley III, senior associate dean for ac-
ademic affairs at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, will be the keynote speaker for the commencement ceremony. Students receiving their master’s and doctoral degrees will be recognized within their academic colleges.
TAMUK commencement is Aug. 11
VMHS’ 2017 valedictorian Kimberly Garza was awarded the Welch Foundation scholarship and named a Texas Interscholastic League Foundation Scholar through the University Interscholastic League (UIL). The $14,000 scholarship, paid out in $1,750 per semester for four years of her undergraduate degree, Garza plans on attending medical school with a goal to become a pediatrician.
UTRGV students participate in Zika research program
Coming Attractions
August 5-6 • Join in the Upper Valley Art League’s paint party. The gallery will be closed for the month of August for annual maintenance and repairs. For two days volunteers are needed to paint the walls, pedestals, etc., of the gallery to maintain a pristine backdrop for the monthly exhibits hosted by UVAL. All supplies will be furnished, but volunteers should wear old clothes or an apron. For more information, call 956-583-2787. UVAL is located at 921 E. 12th St. in Mission. August 12 • The Mission Historical Museum will host a screening of the documentary film “As I Walk through the Valley” by first-time film makers Charlie Vela and Ronnie Garza. The film covers 40 years of the RGV music scene from 60s garage rock bands and the Reynosa nightlife across the border through to the 80s and 90s evolution of punk rock. The screening will be presented at the historic Border Theater, 905 N. Conway in Mission, at 7 p.m. Vela and Garza will participate in the Q&A session at the end. The film made its debut premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin earlier this year. • 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 956-682-0123. August 25 • The Upper Valley Art League is offering 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. To sign up and pay, stop by the UVAL gallery during regular hours or call 956-583-2787. August 31 • The Valley Symphony Orchestra will hold auditions for musicians wanting to become a member of the orchestra. Auditions are from 12 to 8 p.m. by appointment only in the UTRGV orchestra room. Fill out an audition form downloaded from the VSO website, and email it to personnel@valleyorchestra.rog. Musicians should download their instrument excerpt. For more information, call 956-661-1615. (For more Coming Attractions, go to ptrgv.com)
Consuelo Aguilar, a senior biology student at UTRGV, collects samples of mosquito eggs and larvae in a south McAllen neighborhood. The samples will be given to the CDC to analyze the data and use it to address mosquito-borne illnesses. (Photo by Paul Chouy) RIO GRANDE VALLEY – Six students from The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley are helping with research to combat Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses on the Texas border with Mexico. Earlier this year, UTRGV announced its partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Mexico’s National Center of Preventive Programs and Control of Diseases (CENAPRECE), to establish a binational effort for researching and combating the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Dr. Patricia Feria-Arroyo, the UTRGV associate professor of biology who is leading the project, said the collaboration is imperative. “Diseases don’t respect borders, so it is important that these two countries work together to fight this issue,” she said. The project led off with a workshop in Feburary, where epidemiologists and health officials from 11 states in both Mexico and the United States planned a pilot pro-
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gram to monitor virus-carrying mosquitoes – such as the Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus – commonly found in the Rio Grande Valley. Since then, the group of six, bilingual UTRGV students have been working with Feria-Arroyo to survey specified areas in McAllen and collect data using a method adopted by CENAPRECE. “We are trying to emulate the most successful monitoring program for the surveillance of mosquitos used in Mexico, and do a pilot program here in the United States,” Feria-Arroyo said. The research involves positioning “traps” in mosquito-dense areas and regularly monitoring the quantity of eggs and larvae found in the traps. Students say the project has been a truly unique experience. Marcelo Pintos, 19, a sophomore biology major at UTRGV, said working with such large national entities really puts the work they are doing into perspective. “What excited me is how the results that come out of this project are going to determine how the rest of the United States combats this problem,” Pintos said. “Working with the CDC and CENAPRECE really makes us feel like we’re a part of something big.” Jair Castro, 25, senior biology major at UTRGV, said the partnership between the two countries comes as a pleasant reminder of the comradery typical of Valley border communities. “It is refreshing to know that there is research going on in the Valley that helps joins both Mexico and the United States,” Castro said. Students will continue their research throughout the summer, and their findings will be used by the CDC in its efforts to address mosquito-borne illnesses.
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lifestyle Speer Memorial Library 12th & Kika Loop Mission • 580-8750
The Speer Memorial Library summer activities have come to an end. In this year’s “Build a Better World” annual Summer Reading Program over 300 children registered. On Thursday, July 20, the program ended with a day of fun with a meal, games, water slides, water obstacle course, water moon jumps and raspas when the reading prizes were awarded at the Ray Landry’s Fireman’s Park. Top readers were awarded medals and school supplies for their accomplishments, and a variety of drawings for prizes took place for the children and their parents.
For every five book reports submitted by readers, each of the youth were entered into a special drawing for one boy’s and one girl’s bicycle that were given away. Local businesses H-E-B Plus and Rodeo Dental joined in with games and give-a-ways enhancing the summer party for all the children. They were joined by volunteers, Foy’s Supermarket and other contributors for this year’s programming. It was another successful summer program and the library staff hopes to see more new faces next year. Speer Memorial Library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza Loop in Mission.
Top Readers for this year’s “Build a Better World” Summer Reading Program at Speer Memorial Library (not in order) were Anaisabel Hernandez, Imelda Avalos, Bryan Del Angel, Isaac Rosales, Alizee Rodriguez, Elizabeth Castillo, Jazmin Tamez, Adrian Moreno, Moonshari Rosales, Galilea Hernandez, Olivia Alonzo and Max Perales. Shown in back, far left, is Lisa Rivera, Children’s Librarian, and, far right, Issa Garcia Children’s Library Assistant.
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Fill the Bus with school supplies on Aug. 10
EVENTS
BETWEEN THE BOOKENDS
By Robert L. Rivera
August 4, 2017
CALENDAR
August 9-10 – The Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center (EWBC) invites professional and volunteer educators to participate in a Project WILD and Aquatic WILD combination workshop to learn how to connect young learners to the outdoors. It runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday. The program fee is $50 per participant. Fee includes lunch on Wednesday and snacks on Thursday. Space is limited; register no later than Aug. 4. Professional teachers will receive SBEC and TEEAC continuing education credit. Participants must attend both days to receive the WILD materials. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. For information, call 956-381-9922. August 10 – Take the family out to Astronomy Night at the Edinburg World Birding Center from 8 to 10 p.m. Admission is free for members and $2 for nonmembers. Learn about the constellations of the sky and the stories associated with them, planets that are visible during this time of year, and where in the sky they can be found. Space is limited. Call 956-381-9922 to register. August 15, 19 & 26 – The UTRGV Office of Continuing Education will hold a college application essay writing workshop in two formats – an in-class version at the McAllen Teaching Site, and an online version offered via Blackboard. On Aug. 15, the class will run from 6 to 9 p.m. and the Aug. 19 and 26 classes will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Cost for the classroom version is $89 and online is $79. The purpose is to simplify the essay writing process. F o r more information, contact the Office of Continuing Education at continuinged@utrgv.edu or 956-665-2071. August 28-29 – The Mission Hospital Auxiliary will host a $5 Jewelry and Accessories Sale from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday. The sale will be held in the Mission Regional Medical Center meeting rooms, 900 S. Bryan Rd. Cash, credit and debit cards and payroll deduction will be accepted. (For more Events, go to ptrgv.com.)
Help the Food Bank RGV collect school supplies for struggling families next Thursday, Aug. 10, with “Fill the Bus,” a single-day school supply drive. Locally, the public can drop off supplies at the H-E-B-Plus store on Shary Road in Mission. Local businesses are needed to sponsor Fill the Bus, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. New supplies and monetary donations can be dropped off at the designated locations. Online donations can be made at foodbankrgv. com. Needed items include crayons, glue, colored pencils, construction paper, dry erase markers and loose-leaf notebook paper. Every year, 60 percent
of Rio Grande Valley families that use the Food Bank RGV have to decide between paying for quality food or medicine and medical bills. The burden is heavier when August comes around and children need new clothing and school supplies for a new school year. With the Food Bank RGV’s School Tools program, over 50 elementary school campuses direct the collected new school supplies to the children that need it the most. For more information, contact Erica Lechuga, School Tools manager, at 956-904-4528 or by email at elechuga@foodbankrgv. com.
Help collect new school supplies with Little Miss Texas Daniella Luna. Fill the Bus is a single-day school supply drive located at the H-E-B-Plus on Shary Road in Mission from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Aug. 10.
Helping to fill RGV empty bowls
La Mansion Ballroom in Mission recently hosted an Empty Bowls Paint Party benefitting the Food Bank RGV, and employees at the Walmart store in Palmview have joined in with their support for the annual fundraiser. At the La Mansion event, hosted by Norma and Omar Guevara, over 60 bowls were painted and decorated in anticipation of Empty Bowls 2017 to be held Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Pharr Events Center, 3000 N. Cage. In the photo at left are Omar Guevara, Jacqueline Flores, Emmitt, Norma Guevara, Michelle Zamora (FBRGV board president) and Andrea Rodriguez showing off some of the artistic creations of the day. At right, Walmart and the employees at the Palmhurst location have joined in the cause. A long-time supporter of the Food Bank RGV, Walmart is a Soup Pot level sponsor providing up to 14,500 meals to put food on the table of Rio Grande Valley residents. To become a sponsor, to sign up and host a mobile Paint Party or to purchase individual tickets, contact Philip Farias with the Food Bank RGV by calling 956-904-4513 or email him at pfarias@foodbankrgv.com.
This Hidalgo County courthouse photo, circa 1900-1909, is part of the Robert Runyon Collection at the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.
Architect to speak on 1886 courthouse restoration
EDINBURG – The Museum of South Texas History hosts Eduardo Vela of E.G.V. Architects presenting a program on the “Restoration of the 1886 Hidalgo County Courthouse” this Sunday, Aug. 6, at 2 p.m. at 200 N. Closner Blvd. in Edinburg. Many residents in Hidalgo County may be familiar
with the current courthouse located on the city of Edinburg’s downtown square, but many do not know that the original courthouse was located near the Rio Grande in Hidalgo. The courthouse was a two-story building, made with local brick, designed and built by S. W. Brooks. The building was abandoned
after voters approved moving the county seat to Chapin, later known as Edinburg. In January, 1920, structural damage done by a fire required removal of the second floor, roof tower, cupola and woodwork. In April 1963, it received a medallion, which made the building the 671st historical building in Tex-
as and the first in Hidalgo County. In 1981, Border Bank purchased the building from the Samano family, and shortly after that restoration plans were launched to preserve the building. The courthouse was restored to nearly the condition it had been in during the 1890s, except for the missing second
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floor and cupola. Vela is the architect of record for the Restoration of the 1886 Hidalgo County Courthouse. Currently the courthouse is owned by the City of Hidalgo and is being restored under the supervision of the Texas Historical Commission. The current construction involves the
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reconstruction of the second floor, the cupola and the missing character defining features of the building lost during the fire on Jan. 18, 1920. The program is included in the regular museum admission. For more information, call 956-383-6911.
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page 4
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By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
House, Senate have not yet engaged in back-and-forth on key bills
AUSTIN — Not a single bill had been agreed to by the state House and Senate as of July 28, exactly 10 days into the 30-day special session of the Texas Legislature. Lawmakers have a tall order served up to them by Gov. Greg Abbott in the form of 20 must-resolve matters in the first called session of the 85th Texas Legislature. Something could be on Abbott’s desk in short order if top-priority “sunset” legislation to ensure the continuation of the Texas Medical Board and several other healthcare-related state oversight boards gains approval by both chambers. The Senate’s version is SB 20 by Van Taylor, R-Plano; the House has produced two versions: HB 1 and HB 2, both by Larry Gonzales, R-Round Rock. There are enough differences in the bills to spark elongated floor debates, if lawmakers are so inclined. Last week, both chambers moved beyond the as-yet unresolved sunset legislation. The House approved and forwarded two bills to the Senate: HB 7 by Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, legislation creating a tree planting credit to offset tree removal fees imposed by a municipality, and HB 13 by Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, creating reporting requirements for abortion providers about surgical complications. A number of Senate bills have gained approval and now await consideration by the House. Those bills would, for example: - Reform how local property tax rates are set and the tax programs administered; - Revise school finance; - Prevent the transfer of state funding to any healthcare provider that also performs abortions; - Amend municipal annexation laws;
- Enable a constitutional limit on the rate of growth in appropriations; and - Add new requirements for do-not-resuscitate orders. Along with SB 3, the “bathroom bill” by Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham — legislation that cleared the Senate and now awaits consideration by the House — there are a number of bills with the potential to ignite time-consuming tussles between the upper and lower chambers. House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, has signaled his disapproval for the bathroom bill, despite pressure from Gov. Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who have more or less agreed as to how public schools might accommodate transgender students. Education bill moves The full Senate on July 25 tentatively approved SB 2, school finance reform legislation by Senate Education Chair Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood. SB 2 contains $212 million in additional spending over and above appropriations passed during the regular legislative session, to help needy school districts bridge funding gaps until the Legislature devises a more broadly functional finance system. SB 2 also would create a mechanism to provide financial assistance for children with disabilities to attend private schools. DPS reports on gangs The Texas Department of Public Safety on July 25 released the Texas Gang Threat Assessment, an overview and update of gang activity in the Lone Star State. Gangs are evaluated and classified according to threat level. Also, according to the report, there are as many as 100,000 gang members across Texas. “Gangs and their asso-
ciates remain a significant threat to public safety in our state, not only because of their penchant for violence and criminal activity, but also their relationships with other criminal organizations, such as Mexican cartels,” said DPS Director Steve McCraw. Zika infection is possible The Texas Department of State Health Services on July 26 announced a Hidalgo County resident who previously had a Zika infection was most likely infected in Texas. Because the individual has not recently traveled outside the area or had any other risk factors, the infection probably was transmitted by a mosquito bite in South Texas sometime in the last few months, health officials said. Texas previously had six locally transmitted cases of Zika in Brownsville in late 2016. More information on Zika is available at TexasZika.org. AG Paxton joins in brief Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on July 25 announced he joined West Virginia’s amicus brief in Robinson v. United States, along with Indiana, Michigan and Utah in the United States Supreme Court. The case was brought over a warrantless frisk search of an individual. Paxton said an interpretation of the case by the Richmond, Virginia-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit “places an unlawful burden on Second Amendment rights.” “The Constitution plainly guarantees law-abiding citizens the right to bear arms, whether through open or concealed carry,” he said. “We must ensure the court continues to protect the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.”
Hidalgo County commissioners court report Prepared by the Hidalgo County Public Affairs Office
Budget Workshop held prior to Commissioners Court The first in a series of workshops leading to the adoption of the 2018 budget was held prior to the start of Tuesday’s Commissioners Court meeting. The county is in good financial standing: taxes have not increased in 15 years, the county has worked to pay down debt, the fund balance is over $29 million, and Commissioners Court has indicated a desire to reduce taxes in 2018. Following the Court’s lead, Budget Officer Sergio Cruz included a projected reduction in tax revenues of nearly $3 million in anticipation of a tax cut. In addition, the preliminary budget includes mandated and proposed increases. Cruz recommended that Commissioners Court cut $9 million from the preliminary budget in order to adopt another balanced budget in 2018. Additional workshops will be held leading up to the adoption of the 2018 budget in late September. Commissioners Court supports UTRGV quest for border Center of Excellence The Commissioners Court unanimously voted to support a proposal to establish a research center at UTRGV, that would focus on the U.S.-Mexico border. UTRGV Assistant Professor at the Department of Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering Dr. Hiram Moya reported the objective is to research and develop solutions, protocols, and capabilities to support Department of Homeland Security operations that detect, assess, and respond to known and unknown biological threats and hazards to residents, agriculture, and the U.S. economy. “Department of Homeland Security Centers of Excellence are university consortia that work closely with DHS Components and are led by
an accredited U.S. college or university that involve multiple partners and educate the next generation of homeland security technical experts,” said Moya. The proposal to establish such a Center of Excellence immediately on the United States-Mexico border would involve researchers and collaborators from both sides of the border who know the issues very well. Some of the collaborators with UTRGV include UT San Antonio, UT Arlington, Texas State University, Lamar University, New Mexico State University, and Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. Geographically speaking, the Rio Grande Valley is a prime location to establish a Center of Excellence in an area of the U.S. with significant cross-border commercial trade across multiple ports of entry, where law enforcement agencies have converged, and which is relevant to homeland security, said Moya. Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia signed a letter in support of the UTRGV proposal, joining over 30 other entities who have submitted letters of support. “I believe the expertise, resources, and location of the UTRGV will converge to accomplish the mission of the Cross Border Threat Screening and Supply Chain Defense Center of Excellence,” said Garcia. “It’s a good location to research and develop solutions, protocols, and capabilities to support DHS operations that detect, assess, and respond to biological threats and hazards that could adversely impact the nation.” In Memoriam: Dr. Celestino Avila, Sr. Born and raised in Donna, Dr. Celestino Avila, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home on Monday after a lengthy illness. “He passed as he had
lived, surrounded by the people he loved the most – his wife, children, grandchildren and other family,” said Public Affairs Director Julia Sullivan, who asked for a moment of silence in honor of his memory. After graduating medical school, Dr. Avila returned to his hometown to open a family practice and took care of Donna residents for more than 42 years. He also served as team physician to the Donna Redskins for 30 seasons and was affectionately called “Dr. Donna.” Visitation was held Wednesday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hawkins Funeral Home at 501 N Salinas Blvd in Donna. Visitation was at 5 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, at 306 S. Salinas Blvd. in Donna, with a Rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass was Thursday, Aug. 3, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s followed by interment at Donna City Cemetery. Remembering the brave men and women of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia kicked off Commissioners Court by taking a moment to honor the Military Order of the Purple Heart, which is observed on August 7 of each year. “The Purple Heart is the oldest American medal for military merit and is awarded to men and women who have been wounded or killed in action,” Garcia said. Over two million Purple Heart medals have been awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces since 1932. “We are forever grateful for the sacrifice of these brave men and women,” Garcia said. “Let us take a moment to honor them today and to observe Purple Heart Day next Monday.”
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Though details were not available as of press time Mission police say no one was injured when a red pickup truck collided into the corner of Victoria’s Tea Room around 8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 3. The restaurant is located on the southeast corner of Conway Avenue and Kika de la Garza Loop. Progress Times photo by Joe Hinton
Palmview interim city manager calls tight budget “unacceptable” By Jose De Leon III Palmview’s interim city manager told council members Tuesday the city does not have the reserves in its budget required by law. During the Tuesday city council meeting, Palmview city council members saw the proposed Palmview municipal budget for the 20172018 fiscal year which predicts the city will end with a “tight” budget. That’s according to Interim City Manager Leonardo Olivares who said he predicts the city will have virtually no change in its expenditures and revenues from the current fiscal year. “We’ve been steady in terms of spending and revenues but the total proposed expenditures for all departments and total estimated revenues are $5.8 million, down from $5.9 million budgeted for the 2017 fiscal year,” Olivares said after the meeting. “This budget is based on numbers from the past so based on the year we’ve had we’ll end with a tight budget. This is not acceptable.” With the tight budget, the city only has $22,242 in reserves, a far cry from the
$290,000 needed to establish a general fund reserve so the city can have a reserve balance of 25 percent, or $1,450,000 for their 90 day reserves that is required by state law, Olivares told council members. The budget proposal would have the city council approve a five-year program to reach this goal by setting aside $290,000 every year for the next five years and leaving it untouched, Olivares said. “The good news is that we have a balanced budget that does not call for a property tax increase, the budget complies with all the requirements of the charter and the budget allows us to expand the fire department service to provide medical services. It will be a point of pride for Palmview,” Olivares said. However, Olivares said that because of the tight budget, no money has been set aside for the two interlocal agreements the city has been discussing with the Agua Special Utility District as part of the Palmview Wastewater Collection System Project. The projects involve a street paving and providing sewer line connections to
vacant lots in the city. Olivares said the both projects are worth $1.2 million in capital funds. Because of the restriction in the budget, Olivares also said the budget does not provide any additional benefits to city employees such as raises or funds to create the position of a personnel director for the city. During the meeting, city council members questioned Olivares and the city finance director on the city’s existing debt which totals more than $3 million, most of which includes outstanding liabilities, accounts payable and payroll taxes. A summary of the city’s existing debt shows that since 2004, the city has taken out six different forms of debt instruments that ranged from notes, leases, bonds and grants, most of which the city will have until 2029 to finish paying. The first note made in 2004 totaled over $1 million and was to help build the city’s multipurpose center. A bond was made in 2008 to pay for “outstanding liabilities” for $1,319,566 but refinanced the following year for $924,198 at 7.25 percent interest.
Veterans Memorial High School incoming junior cheerleaders Analaura Garcia, left, and Andrea Flores, right, both 16, were among more than 100 volunteers who helped load about 2,250 back packs with school supplies Tuesday in the Bryan Elementary School cafeteria. The backpacks were distributed yesterday to deserving elementary students as part of the Mission Consolidated Independent School District’s Back to School Bash in the VMHS gym. Progress Times photos by Joe Hinton. Rachel Chapa, the city’s financial director, said she had no information on what the “outstanding liabilities” were but told council members she could prepare an updated report with that information for a later meeting. Another note released in 2014 valued at more than $621,000 was made to pay for “payroll taxes” and “accounts payable.” According to Chapa, this was because the city is still paying off penalties from the federal government for withholding an undetermined amount of payroll taxes for “some time.” The debt instruments were taken out under Ramon Segovia and John Alaniz, who were city managers at the time. Neither of them responded to interview requests as of press time. “The concern here is we’re trying to move forward but we can’t because of this past,” Council Member Joel Garcia said. “The city overspent $300,000 per year for 10 years and what do we have to show for it? More stuff that our residents have to pay for.”
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Agape Christian School under new leadership
A retired Palmview High School teacher has been named director of one of Mission’s oldest private Christian Schools. Moises Gonzalez is also the first man to fill the position at Agape Christian School, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Originally from Eagle Pass, Texas, Gonzalez retired after 33 years as an educator, his last position with the La Joya Independent School District where he taught English and Speech and served as a Language Arts Strategist for Palmview High School. Gonzalez is a University of Houston graduate where following graduation he spent his first 12 years as a teacher. He received his masters degree in Education from the former University of Texas, Pan American campus, now UTRGV.
Gonzalez is not the only newly appointed leader at the school, which within the last month appointed four new members to the school’s board of directors with three board positions remaining to be filled. Gonzalez and newly appointed board president, Romeo Sanchez, say the non-denominational school is currently accepting enrollment for classes starting Aug. 28. The school, located at 1401 E. 24th Street, has a capacity for 300 students, offers educational opportunities for children age 18-months through the sixth grade with Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes. Sanchez also graduated from UTRGV with a degree in business. He is the director of a non-profit organization that works in conjunction
with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs developing low-income housing projects, he said. Gonzalez said the school’s class schedule follows those of the Mission Consolidated Independent School District and the Sharyland ISD. “We want people to know that this is a good place to give their children a quality, Christian, well rounded education,” Gonzalez said. “Agape Christian School has been building a Christian foundation for our Christian community for over 40 years and we want people to know that we’re open for business,” said Sanchez. “Our office staff is currently accepting students for enrollment.” For more information call 956-585-9773.
Retired Palmview High School teacher Moises Gonzalez, left, is the new director of Agape Christian School in Mission. Romeo Sanchez, right, is a recently appointed school board president. Progress Times photo by Joe Hinton
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By Jose De Leon III
Following two separate data breaches within the last year that exposed the private information of thousands of school teachers across the state, the Sharyland Independent School District approved a new property and casualty insurance agent and carrier during their latest school board meeting. On Monday, July 24, board trustees elected to award the Property Casualty Alliance of Texas and Carlisle Insurance as the district’s carrier. Under this policy, cyber security will be included. Last September, an email from the La Joya American Federation of Teachers was sent out to the public that contained the social security numbers and payroll deductions of 1600 La Joya ISD teachers, according to published reports. This past June, personal information of school employees from five different districts became inadvertently visible to the public on the internet, according to a news release from the Texas Association of School Boards. Following these events the district’s insurance expert recommended the board approve coverage with PCAT as they provided cyber liability in their coverage, according to Mark Dougherty, the school district’s risk management director. Dougherty said in his presentation the total combined premium contribution for this coverage would be $525,561. Currently, the district has a property rate with the Ohio-based company, Great American, valued at nearly $417,000 that is set to expire at the end of the month. The increase, according to Dougherty, is because district property values have jumped by nearly $50 million to more than $287 million since the district last approved their property and casualty insurance three years ago. The jump was caused by the creation of Pioneer High School, Dougherty said. According to Jerry Bravenec, spokesperson for Carlisle Insurance, the cyber liability coverage includes specialists coming into the district to discuss with staff and administrators what to tell the public about a data breach. “It’s a necessary thing,” Bravenec said. “There’s a $10,000 policy in the event something happens. I know we have great technology but with everything going on, I know how data breaches can be.” Trustees recommended tabling the item for a later meeting following several unanswered questions such as the difference between crime coverage and terrorism coverage that was under the policy. However, Bravenec recommended the board vote on the item in case the rates changed by the time school board members met again. School board trustees approved the item 6-1 with Noel Garza as the dissenting vote. “This is a lot being thrown onto us without really studying it,” he said.
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Mission man charged with health insurance fraud scheme A Mission man remains free on $10,000 bond after he and a former Pharr city commissioner were charged with health insurance fraud. On July 18 a federal grand jury returned a multi-count indictment against Mission resident Omar Espericueta, and former Pharr City Commissioner Oscar Elizondo, charging they conspired to defraud Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Among the alleged victims was the city of Mission. According a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s
Office, Southern District, the pair face seven counts of health care fraud and six counts of aggravated identity theft. Espericueta, 45, who owns Peñitas Family Pharmacy, which is also known as Riverside Pharmacy, was released on bond July 25 after appearing before a U.S. magistrate following his arrest July 20. Elizondo, who was a marketer for the pharmacy, was released on a $75,000 bond July 27 after his appearance before a U.S. magistrate. Elizondo turned himself into
MEDC BOARD for the event center with proceeds generated from the sale of land adjacent to the center. Garza said last year the EDC allocated a million dollars to the city, which was used for transportation projects. Norma Salaiz, who heads a program designed to help direct high school students into curriculum that will lead them into viable occupations in the Valley requested an allocation of $75,000, the same amount it received last year. Salaiz said the money is used to fund three part-time professionals and two full time employees who coordinate with 33 teachers and administrators in the Mission Consolidated Independent School District, Sharyland ISD, and La Joya ISD whose goal is to steer students toward curriculum that will give them the training needed to be employed in existing industries in the Rio Grande Valley. She credited the program with impacting the studies of 3,000 students in the three school districts and with attracting new industry to the area. “If we’re going to attract industry to our area they need to know we have a trained workforce,” Salaiz said. “RGV Lead is aligning high schools with industry; making sure that kids entering high school are aware of the jobs that exist throughout the RGV,” Meade said after the EDC board meeting. The Texas Citrus Fiesta requested a $125,000 allocation; up from the $75,000 it received last year. TCF Board Member Carlos Garcia told the EDC board the increase is needed to keep up with rising costs associated with representing Mission in parades across the nation and to replace the air conditioning unit at the original Mission Events Center. The TCF operates the center renting it out for functions and uses the proceeds to fund the annual TCF parade and to allow the TCF’s royal court to participate in numerous other parades throughout the year. The biggest funding increase came from the EDC. Chief Executive Officer Alex Meade requested the EDC board increase its allocation for its current and future programs to $500,000, up from last year’s $350,000 allocation. Meade said the EDC is seeking to increase the city’s assistance to small businesses via its Small Business Fund Programs among which are Ruby Red Ventures. Programs like Ruby Red Ventures and Code the Town have gained the EDC statewide and national recognition and the EDC wants to capitalize on this opportunity, Meade said. Last year Ruby Red received $100,000, which was used to help small businesses in Mission expand. The EDC is asking the EDC board to increase funding to the program by $50,000. The Small Business Fund also funds ETSY, which helps artisans create online stores from which to sell their products. The EDC is also seeking $50,000 increases both for its Code to Town and New Arts Program. The former, which received $170,000 last year, offers free computer coding classes to K-12 students at the EDC’s headquarters in the Center for Education and Economic Development located at Bryan Road and 8th Street through the Sylvan Learning Center and other partners at no cost to the students. Following the July
authorities on July 21. According to the indictment, the scheme involved submitting more than $1.7 million in fraudulent claims to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas for expensive pain patches and scar creams. The defendants allegedly targeted employers that carry employee health insurance through Blue Cross such as the City of Mission, City of Pharr, Frontera Produce and Point Isabel Independent School District, among others. Working with contacts at those entities, Elizondo from pg 1
18 meeting Meade noted 45 students are currently being paid a $1,000 scholarship for a two-month boot camp style course that once completed will bestow certifications on program graduates qualifying them in cyber security and making them eligible for careers with incomes in the $90,000 range. That program is being offered through a partnership with Workforce Solutions and CompTIA, or the Computing Technology Industry Association, a non-profit trade association that issues professional certifications for the information technology industry. It is considered the largest nonprofit IT trade association in the world. Also falling under the Small Business Fund umbrella is the EDC’s rent subsidy and Downtown Façade Improvement programs. The rent subsidy program offers up to $7,500 to entrepreneurs seeking to start unique small businesses (bistros, music store, art gallery, book stores) on Conway Avenue in the downtown corridor between First and 18th Streets. The latter program offers qualifying property owners up to $3,000 to improve their storefronts. Grant recipients are required to submit three bids. The program also will provide up to $10,000 in matching funds for property owners who need to make major repairs on their buildings such as replacing a roof or other large projects. Meade said the EDC allocated $80,000 last year to its New Arts Program and is requesting an increase to $130,000. Meade noted one of the program’s accomplishments was helping to fund an Expert in Residence program. This summer the program brought to Mission Jackie Neale, the digital media director for New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, America’s largest and most-visited museum, who spent the summer working with between 15 and 20 students teaching them about the latest in electronic media. An exhibition of Neale’s and her student’s photography are currently on display in the CEED building. Also part of the Arts allocation is the Career Readiness and Empowerment of Women’s (C.R.E.W) Program. Meade said the program will be led by MEDC Programs Director Cristina Garza who will be mentoring 15 high-
school-aged young women who are in their junior and senior year at MCISD’s Collegiate High School and T-STEM Academy. The girls in the program will receive a scholarship in addition to following a “robust” curriculum focusing on career and college readiness and entrepreneurship. C.R.E.W will also expose the young women to “a plethora” of careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math fields through weekly mentorship meetings with professional women from throughout the county, Meade said. Meade said the girls in the program will receive internship credits and will have mentors culled from Garza’s contacts from large New York tech companies. “We’re synergizing the arts with technology which is in high demand today,” said Meade. Meade mentioned the purpose of all the MEDC programs are to attract industry and business to Mission while helping to create a trained available work force. Its goal is also to create a vibrant downtown. Meade said the city gets its reward in the form of increased property valuations equating to increased property tax payments and increased sales tax revenues. If the MEDC board approves the funding requests at its Aug. 22 meeting the Mission City Council will have final approval during its September council meeting.
and other marketers offered meals, drinks and promises of “free” prescription pain patches and scar creams to entice employees to turn over their insurance information, according to the indictment. The insurance information and fraudulent prescriptions were then allegedly used to submit fraudulent and medically unnecessary claims to Blue Cross. Many employees never received any pain patches or scar creams or saw a doctor to obtain a valid prescription, according to the charges. Other employees saw a doctor, but it was a doctor to whom Espericueta was allegedly paying kickbacks in the form
of cash, loans and prescription drugs. The indictment further alleges that in some instances, the defendants set up a temporary office for the doctor in a vacant office or a rented recreational vehicle near the restaurant where they solicited employees for the sole purpose of writing fraudulent prescriptions. Citing the ongoing investigation Mission City Manager Martin Garza said he could not comment on the case. Conspiracy to commit health care fraud carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine upon conviction. A conviction for aggravated iden-
tity theft carries a mandatory two year additional prison term which must be served consecutively to any other prison sentence imposed. The FBI, Mission Police Department, Texas Department of Insurance – Fraud Unit and Texas Health and Human Services Commission conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Swartz is prosecuting the case. Both men are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Randy Crane for a pretrial hearing on Sept. 1, according the clerk of the U.S. Federal Court in McAllen.
Peñitas city council approves 5-cent property tax increase By Jose De Leon III City council members unanimously voted to increase Peñitas’ tax rate during their latest meeting Wednesday. This will lead to nearly $100,000 in revenue that will go toward funding upcoming projects, city officials said The city tax rate will increase from 50 cents to 55 cents per $100 of assessed evaluation, City Manager Omar Romero explained. With the new tax rate, Peñitas residents can expect to see a tax increase of $50 per year for a home valued at $100,000, Romero said. Because the city is attempting to maintain current service and funding levels with the new tax rate, the city is not required to hold a pub-
lic hearing on the tax rate, Romero said. “The increase is due to changes in property evaluations and homestead exemptions that lowered property values and how much money we could take in,” Romero said. “Without adopting this tax rate, we’d stand to lose $97,000.” Peñitas Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Lopez said he supported the increase because he felt it would lead to growth in the city. “Right now I feel that Peñitas is a growing city,” Lopez explained. “I want to use the revenue made from this increase for future projects like a new park. Considering what we’ve added to the city in the last few years – new emergency and fire protection services and our
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incoming city hall – I think this new tax rate would benefit the city.” In other business, the city also swore in two police officers. The officers, Marco Delgado and Jesse James Garcia, are both from Peñitas. According to Police Chief Roel Bermea, the city police department currently has 15 officers on staff not including Delgado and Garcia who are officers on reserve. This means they are volunteer officers who are only required to work a minimum of 18 hours per month, Bermea said. Romero also announced that the city is preparing to hold a groundbreaking for a new city hall along Liberty Avenue behind the Peñitas Walmart within the next two months.
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Fort Worth man arrested after officer-involved shooting in Palmview By Jose De Leon III A Fort Worth man has been released from custody after posting a $100,000 bond after law enforcement officials say he held his brother hostage, leading to an officer-involved shooting in Palmview last weekend that left both men wounded. Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the 1000 block of North Farm-to-Market Road 492 to assist the Palmview Police Department in reference to a hostage situation July 28, according to a news release by the sheriff’s office. At the scene they found Ulysses Galvan, 56, holding his older brother at gunpoint,
the release stated. According to the sheriff’s office spokeswoman, Jena Palacios, Galvan’s brother, whose identity has not been released to the public, was shot in the arm during the hostage situation, leading officers to shoot Galvan. Both men were transported to a local hospital to treat their injuries none of which were life threatening, Palacios said. Galvan suffered an unspecified number of gunshot wounds and his brother suffered two stab wounds and a gunshot wound, Palacios said. Galvan and his brother were released from the hospital Monday and Galvan was taken before a Hidalgo
obituaries Cynthia Flores LA JOYA – Cynthia Yvette Flores, 26, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at her home in La Joya. Ms. Flores was born on Jan. 5, 1991, to Javier Flores and Maricela Garcia in McAllen. Survivors include her parents; sister, Kassandra Flores; and paternal grandfather, Heriberto Flores. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Maria Blanca Flores, and maternal grandparents, Alejo Garcia and Ludivina Garcia. A funeral mass was held on July 28 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in La Joya. Burial followed at Ruben Solis Cemetery in La Grulla Celia Guerra MISSION – Celia Garcia Guerra, 78, passed away Friday, July 28, 2017 at her home in Mission. Survivors include her children, Reynaldo Jr., Jose Raul, Rachel and Ricardo Garcia; siblings, Teresa Gar-
cia, Roberto Garcia and Reynaldo Garcia, all of Mission; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Adrian Guerra; son, Armando Guerra; parents, Jose and Teresa Garcia; and siblings, Josefa and Marcolfa Hernandez and Guadalupe, Efrain, Antonio and Jose Garcia. A funeral mass was held on Aug. 2 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Catholic Cemetery in Mission. Lillian Kotzur McCOOK – Lillian E. Kotzur, 74, passed away on Monday, July 24, 2017, at Solara Hospital in McAllen. Mrs. Kotzur was a 1961 graduate of Falls City High School. She was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in McCook and was employed by the Edinburg School District for 19 years as a paraprofessional and worked at McCook and De Zavala Elementary School.
County Justice of the Peace the following day where he was arraigned on a charge aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a first degree felony punishable with up to 99 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, Palacios said.
Ulysses Galvan Survivors include her children, Carl Kotzur of McCook, Mark Kotzur of McCook, Darian Kotzur of Edinburg and Karen Kotzur of San Antonio; siblings Gladys Waclawczyk, Lucian Jendrusch, Catherine Hildebrand, Ernest Jendrusch; and three grandsons. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gabriel E. Kotzur; parents, John and Tesia Jendrusch; and siblings, Edmond Jendrusch, Chester Jendrusch, Fabian Jendrusch, Marvin Jendrusch and Irene Jendrusch. A funeral mass was held on July 29 at Immaculate Conception in McCook. Burial followed at Immaculate Conception Cemetery there. Francisco Maldonado LA JOYA – Francisco Maldonado, 83, passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2017, at his home in La Joya. Survivors include his children, Dora Maldonado, San Juanita Flores, Yolanda Pena, Jesus Maldonado and Efrain Maldonado; siblings, Jesus Maldonado, Mesail Maldonado, Saul Maldonado and Aguedita Maldonado;
The Palmview Youth Center’s 12U All Star Team flew out Wednesday to the Broncos International World Series in Los Alamitos, California to face off against the 12U All Star Team from Saitama, Japan yesterday. The World Series game is the culmination of a successful season for the team that included them winning the zone tournament championship in Florida July 30 making them eligible to play in the World Series. Keep an eye out for a story on this team in next week’s issue. Courtesy photo and 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Maldonado, and son, Fernando Maldonado. A funeral mass was held on Aug. 2 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in La Joya. Burial followed at La Joya City Cemetery. Inez Marquez MISSION – Inez Lopez Marquez, 59, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Survivors include her siblings, Viola Lopez of Mission, Maria Nela Lopez of Mission and Juan Manuel Lopez. She was preceded in death by her husband, Pablo Marquez, and parents, Jose P. and Berta Lopez. A funeral mass was held on Aug. 2 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in McAllen. Inocencia Vela MISSION – Inocencia “Chencha” Vela, 88, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at McAllen Medical
Center. Ms. Vela was born in Mission and was a lifelong resident. Survivors include her siblings, Ramiro Vela, Maria Vela, Reynaldo Vela, Raul Vela, Amparo Barbosa, Roberto Vela and Rogelio Vela. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bonifacio and Carolina (Garza) Vela, and sisters, Carolina Trevino and Lydia Rodriguez. A funeral mass was held on July 28 at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission.
Notices
Elisa Arechiga LA JOYA – Elisa V. Arechiga, 95, passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2017, at her home in La Joya. Joseph Almaguer MISSION – Joseph Rene Almaguer, 37, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2017, at McAllen Medical Center. Elva De Ochoa MISSION – Elva A. De Ochoa, 88, passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2017, at
Amara Hospice in Edinburg. Sergio Dimas MISSION – Sergio N. Dimas, 50, passed away on Monday, July 31, 2017, at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen. Leonard Doehling MISSION – Leonard Walter Doehling, 82, passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2017, at his home. Joaquina Flores MISSION – Joaquina Flores, 89, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Anna Garcia MISSION – Anna Ruby Garcia, 47, passed away on Monday, July 31, 2017, at her home. Tomas Hernandez MISSION – Tomas Hernandez, 86, passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2017, at his home. Beatriz Ramos MISSION – Beatriz Soria Ramos, 59, passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at her home in Mission. Omar Silva Jr. ALTON – Omar Angel Silva Jr., infant, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at McAllen Medical Center.
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
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
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www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com from pg 1 “It’s a beautiful way that the community comes together on this important day of National Night Out as we celebrate knocking crime on its butt, especially here in our community and our neighborhoods,” Dominguez said. from pg 1 business owner. He said the program is intended to help continue the rejuvenation of the Conway Avenue downtown corridor that started about two years ago with a multi-million dollar beautification project by the Mission Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone and the city. “Every thriving city, every successful city has a decent downtown,” Meade said. Ramirez said she was lucky in that she is paying a little less than the going rate for her rent. She also applied for and received a $10,000 grant from the MEDC’s Ruby Red Ventures program.
Ramirez said she used the grant to purchase equipment for her studio like a kiln and pottery wheels for ceramics. She also used some of the money for a new business sign. She also used grant money for marketing the business and to hire a bookkeeper. “Stuff like that to get me on my feet,” she said Tuesday at her studio at 613 N. Conway Ave. “I definitely feel like a success story and without their help I probably wouldn’t be where I am right now.”
Margarita “Margie” Ramirez inside her business, Hands In Art Studio, Tuesday, Aug. 1. The Mission Economic Development Corporation helped Ramirez move to her current location at 613 Conway Avenue via its rent subsidy program. Progress Times photo by Joe Hinton
THE STATE OF TEXAS NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT: “You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do (does)not file a written answer with the clerk who issued to this citation by 10:00 A.M. on the Monday next after the expiration of forty-two (42) days after the date of issuance of this citation and Petition, a default Judgment may be taken against you.” TO: CRISTINA G. FLORES, DEFENDANT GREETINGS: You are herby commanded to appear by filing a written answer to the Plaintiff’s Original Petition at or before 10:00 o’clock A.M. of the Monday next after the expiration of fortytwo (42) days after the date of issuance of this citation the same being the on this the 11th day of July, 2017 before the Honorable Israel Ramon, Jr., 430th District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas at the Courthouse of said county in Edinburg, Texas. Said CITY OF MISSION’S ORIGINAL PETITION, REQUEST FOR PERMANENT INJUNCTION, AND REQUESTS FOR DISCLOSURE was filed in said court on the on this the 19th day of September, 2016 in this case numbered C-4372-16-J on the docket of said court and styled CITY OF MISSION VS. CRISTINA G. FLORES. Said petition was filed in said court by Attorney JAIME TIJERINA, 1201 E. 8th ST., Mission, TX 78572. A brief nature of the suit is as follows: PLAINTIFF(S) PRAY FOR TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT INJUNCTION RELIEF RELATED TO A RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 225 CITRIANA STREET, MISSION, TEXAS, CIVIL PENALTIES COURT COSTS, POST JUDGMENT INTEREST AND ALL OTHER RELIEF PLAINTIFF MAY BE ENTITLED TO AT LAW. The officer executing this writ shall promptly serve 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 SEAL of said Court at Edinburg, Texas on the on this the 11th day of July, 2017.
Sharyland Water Supply Corp. Is currently accepting resumes for the following 3 positions: Assistant General Manager
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Business or other related 8+ years of Water Utility experience 3+ years in a management or supervisor capacity Class “A” or “B” TCEQ Water License Valid Texas Driver’s License Operations Manager
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or other related 5+ years of Water Utility experience 2+ years in a management or supervisor capacity Class “A” or “B” TCEQ Water License Valid Texas Driver’s License Water Plant Operator
Qualifications:
High School Diploma / GED Class “C” TCEQ Water License (preferred) Valid Texas Driver’s License Able to work a shift schedule Interested applicants can email resume to HR@sharylandwater.com or drop off resume at 4210 E Main Ave, Alton, TX 78573 (SW Corner of 5 Mile Line & Shary Rd.)
*Sharyland WSC is an equal opportunity provider and employer
from pg 1 The trustees will be asked at its regular board meeting Aug. 9 to approve seven additional days to complete the project, which would move the current Sept. 5 completion date to September 12. In June the board denied a request from Holchemont for the additional seven days Montalvo said was caused when the board requested a change order that required additional time to bore holes and dig trenches for the stadiums new sound system. At Wednesday’s facilities committee meeting the board was offered three options to choose from ranging from about $250,000 to $545,000. Montalvo reminded the board he has filed two grievances against the school district for failing to grant additional time for additional requests on the project. During Wednesday’s meeting it was disclosed Holchemont will be assessed a $1,500 a-day penalty for every day it surpasses the contractual completion date. Though several board members urged Montalvo to take every step necessary to complete the project by at least Sept. 5. Board president, Patricia O’Caña-Olivarez said given that the stadium will serve the community for generations to come she cautioned Montalvo not to rush the project just to meet a short term goal. As for Gilpin he expects once his team takes the field in the new Tom Landry Hall of Fame Stadium it will have been worth the wait. “I think it’s going to be really something we can all be proud of,” he said. “I’ve coached in Mission for 27 years and I’ve spent a lot of time in Tom Landry Stadium so to see the upgrades and what they’re going to do I’m really excited about it. I really am.”
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PUBLIC NOTICE Council willZoning hold a The Mission Mission City Planning and Regular Meeting will on August 2017 Commission hold a 23, Regular at 5:00 p.m. the City23, Hall2017 Council Meeting on at August at Chambers, East Hall 8th Council Street, 5:00 p.m. at1201 the City Mission, Texas order 8th to consider Chambers, 1201in East Street, the following: Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Amended Amended Crystal Crystal Estates Estates Phase Phase II II 8.05 acre tract of land out of 8.05 acre tract of land out of Lot Lot 27-2, 27-2, West West Addition Addition to to Sharyland Sharyland Subdivision Subdivision If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. Anyone interested is invited to attend. Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
PUBLIC NOTICE The City of Alton Planning and Zoning Department will hold a public hearing on August 22, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. at the Alton City Hall Legislative Chambers, located at 509 S. Alton Boulevard, Alton, Texas in order to solicit input on the following: 1) The City of Alton is proposing revisions to the Official Zoning Map and Zoning Designations of Alton,Texas. Anyone interested is invited to attend and voice their concerns. Written comments received by 12:00 noon Tuesday, August 22, 2017, will be considered and should be addressed to: Jeff Underwood 509 S. Alton Blvd Alton, TX 78573 For questions please call Jeff Underwood, Assistant City Manager at (956) 432-0760.
cash, serious buyers only, call 956– 458–4778. TV ENTERTAINMENT for sale, solid wood, in good condition, asking $250, text 956-655-3795. Garage Sale GARAGE SALE FRIDAY & Saturday 8am-3pm 1612 Vin-
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PUBLIC NOTICE The Palmhurst City Council will hold a Public Hearing on August 15, 2017 at 5:00 pm at the City Hall Council Chambers, 4417 North Shary Road, Palmhurst, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: 1 acre of land out of Lot 33-5, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from Residential to Commercial. Anyone interested is invited to attend. Celina Perez, City Secretary ORDINANCE 2017-06-0711 AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING A 3.49 ACRE TRACT OF LAND BEING A PART OR PORTIONOF THE NORTH 14.00 ACRES OF LOT 42-4, WEST ADDITION TO SHARYLAND SUBDIVISION, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS AS PER MAP RECORDED IN VOLUME 1, PAGE 56 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS INTO THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF ALTON, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS; DESIGNATING A ZONING DISTRICT; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; WAIVING SECOND AND THIRD READING. READ, APPROVED, AND PASSED on this the 11th day of July, 2017. Salvador Vela, Mayor, City of Alton, Texas ATTEST: Baudelia Rojas CPM, TRMC CMC, City Secretary
16Seer $3,065, 3 1/2Ton 16Seer $3,165, 4Ton 16Seer $3,275, and 5Ton 16Seer $3,395, License No. TACLB26552C, financing available, for more information call 956–519– 3308. CANTU A/C & COMMERCIAL Refrigeration, service, sales & repair, $35 check-up, free estimates for installation. We sell Goodman, Ruud & Rheem units, over 35 yrs. experience, state license #TACLB18560R, call Raul at 956–457– 2530 or 956–329– 4636 (Bilingual) and 956–787–2256 (Spanish). Fax it in: Bring it in: 1217 N Conway Mission 585-2304
Ramirez was able to negotiate with the property owner to allow her out of her lease. The EDC also assisted by providing Ramirez with what amounted to about six month’s rent so she could afford to move into her new location. Meade said the MEDC provides up to $7,500 for rent subsidies for qualifying small businesses. Because the average Conway Avenue property owner charges about $1.25 a square foot and because most storefronts are about a thousand square feet, Meade said the grant equates to about six month’s rent for the average
His Patriot’s were scheduled to play their first three home games in the new Tom Landry Hall of Fame Stadium. Gilpin said he plans to tell his team when they report for practice Aug. 14 that where they play is out of their control and they shouldn’t worry about it. Though he would like to have played their first two games in the new stadium, Gilpin said in the end it doesn’t matter where his team plays. “We have an old saying, we’ll play them anywhere,” Gilpin said in a telephone interview Tuesday. “We’ll play ‘em in the H-E-B parking lot. We’ll play ‘em in a back street somewhere. We’re going to play a football game and regardless of where we play we’ve got to be ready to play.” On Wednesday while the perfectly marked 3-year-old artificial turf football field at Mission High School sat in a state of perfection ready for a game, everything around it remained in a state of flux. Framing for the stadium’s 9,000 seats have been erected on both the home and visitor’s sides of the field but as of Wednesday workers had installed only about half of the aluminum bench seating and flooring on the visitor’s side and none on the home team side. Four new light stanchions have been installed, one at each corner of the field. Also Wednesday workers continued working on the frame upon which the stadium’s new press box will be. The press box has yet to be completed. Ibarra said the school district is taking a wait and see attitude before trying to schedule a stadium for the third week of play but she told the district’s board of trustees Wednesday night she has been making preparations to move the first five games of the season elsewhere.
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Hall of Fame. News of the anticipated delay was no surprise to the school district’s athletic director, Leticia “Lety” Ibarra, who said she was instructed to begin finalizing arrangements for the use of other school’s fields when district employees returned from their summer vacation break on July 17. Ibarra said the school district has a tentative contract with McAllen’s Veterans Memorial Stadium for the VMHS home opener against the Harlingen Cardinals. If necessary, the game will be moved from Friday, Sept. 1 to Thursday, Aug. 31, Ibarra said. Ibarra said McAllen ISD Athletic Director Paula Gonzales has confirmed the availability of the stadium. With 13,500 seats it is the largest high school football stadium in the Rio Grande Valley, according to TexasBob.com, a website that compiles statistics on Texas high school football stadiums. Ibarra said the week two game between the VMHS Patriots and MHS Eagles – ‘The Battle of Conway’ – will, if necessary, be played on Friday, Sept. 8 at Donna High School’s 12,550-seat Bennie LaPadre Stadium. “It was the only stadium large enough for the expected number of fans and that was available on a Friday night, which is what both coaches really wanted, was to play on a Friday night” Ibarra said. “Playing in Donna will allow teams to play on Friday night which is what [MHS] Coach (Koy) Detmer and I both wanted to do; keep us in our routine because we play Laredo the following week we’re home so there’s no way we wanted to play on a Saturday and lose a day of preparation for our first district game against Laredo’s Martin High School,” said VMHS Head Football Coach David Gilpin.
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Mafia, sold freshly cooked barbecue beef to help fund department programs such as Mission Crime Stoppers and the department’s school Explorers program. Dominguez was beaming with a wide grin on his face as he noted each year attracts more people to the event.
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MISSION NIGHT OUT
boys that police are their friends who are there to help then in times of need. That sentiment would have been music to the ears of Mission Police Chief Robert Dominguez, whose department provided the event’s honor guard while others, members of the Mission
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