Friday, September 1, 2017
www.ptrgv.com | 25 Cents
Vol. 46 No. 4
Area residents pitch in to help
Hurricane Harvey victims
Mission city employees unload cases of bottled water from the back of a pickup truck donated by a local resident at a collection point in front of the city’s Parks & Recreation Department headquarters on Bryan Road Monday afternoon. Progress Times photo by Joe Hinton
High School in the “Battle of Conway” in Donna High School’s 12,550-seat Bennie LaPadre Stadium. And VMHS will play in La Joya High School’s stadium against Laredo Martin High School in the season’s third week, Ibarra said. Michael C. Montalvo, the project manager for Holchemont Ltd., the McAllen-based construction company building the $8 million stadium, could not be reached Wednesday for comment on the status of the stadium’s completion. Montalvo said on July 27 he didn’t expect the stadium to be completed until the sec-
ond or third week of September. The company is currently contracted to complete the project by Sept. 5 and faces a $1,500 a day penalty for every day after that date the stadium is not completed. The construction company has requested an additional seven-day deadline extension that is pending a decision by the school district’s board of trustees. MCISD spokesman, Craig Verley, said Wednesday the district does not expect the stadium will be completed by Sept. 5 adding “no new date is currently available.”
Local church group reaches out to Hurricane Harvey evacuees
Mission area hotels since last weekend have been the temporary home of approximately 200 evacuees escaping Houston, Bloomington, Seadrift and other areas of the state impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Guadalupe Hernandez Sr., pastor of Cornerstone Apostolic Church in Bloomington, Texas, left his home and church last weekend
to escape the hurricane and flooding that swept across much of the state between Corpus Christi and Houston. Wednesday, his family along with all the other evacuees staying in Mission hotels, were invited to a hot lunch prepared by volunteers from Connections for Christ Church of Palmhurst, served at the Mission Food Pantry. The pastor’s wife, Mary,
See LOCAL CHURCH Pg. 9
All across the Valley in nearly every community the picture was the same, stacks of bottled water and dry goods accumulating on pallets for transport north to hurricane victims. Mission resident Stephanie E. Casas was among the many area residents who were dropping off items Monday at one of two donation sites set up by the City of Mission earlier this week to help victims of Hurricane Harvey. Mission City Manager Martin Garza said during Monday’s city council meeting that in addition to providing two commercial freight trailers to transport donated items for hurricane victims, the city had also deployed five firefighters to assist in disaster efforts. Garza said the donated items would be transported once the trailers were filled. He said three firefighters would be assisting with water rescues and two others would provide emergency medical services. Garza said the city would also be providing building inspectors to the Houston area to ensure homes are safe before displaced residents return to their homes. Casas, 30, a juvenile corrections officer, said her aunt’s home on Houston’s southeast side was under water forcing her aunt to stay with relatives in another part of town that wasn’t flooded. “She’s fine,” Casas said of her aunt. “But I’ve been watching the news and see-
See HARVEY VICTIMS Pg. 9
By Joe Hinton Cheers and applause from an overflow crowd at Mission’s City Hall followed a unanimous vote by the city council Monday passing a resolution calling on President Donald Trump to abandon plans to build additional border walls along the U.S. border with Mexico. Aware that many of the attendees to Monday afternoon’s council meeting were there because of the resolution, Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas jumped several other agenda items to get right to it. City Secretary Anna
See PASSES RESOLUTION Pg. 8
shared photos on her cell phone showing floodwaters lapping at the front door of their home in Bloomington as she explained they didn’t know if the home was flooded or not and did not know if it was safe to return. This seemed to be the case for many other evacuees. Juan Estrada, of Houston, said he too did not know
and Jose De Leon III
ing grown men crying because they’ve lost everything is heartbreaking.” Casas said donating canned foods and cases of water was the least she could do to help out the victims. She said she has wanted to donate cash but wasn’t sure how. Danella Hughes, executive director of the Harlingen-based American Red Cross of South Texas, said cash donations can be made by accessing the Red Cross’ website at www.RedCross. org. And she said automatic $10 donations can be made by texting Harvey at 90999. Doing so will result in a prompt to check a box that will add $10 to the monthly phone bill that will be donated to the Red Cross’ Harvey relief fund. Hughes said donations of food, water and clothing can also be dropped off at any H-E-B grocery store. She said the Red Cross has been shipping three tractor-trailer loads of donated items from the Valley north twice a day since Aug. 25. Hughes said the Red Cross is being inundated with offers of help. “It’s a warm feeling to have so many Valley residents and so many people from South Texas coming together and wanting to help our fellow Texans up in the Coastal Bend and Houston area,” Hughes said. “We have schools wanting to do drives, people wanting to make individual donations. I’m reaching out to businesses to see if any of them want
Mission council passes resolution opposing border wall
Tom Landry is late so VMHS opener played in McAllen
Due to ongoing construction at Mission CISD’s Tom Landry Hall of Fame Stadium the first game of the season between Veterans Memorial High School and the Harlingen High School Cardinals was played last night at McAllen High School’s Veterans Memorial Stadium. Because the Progress Times goes to the printers on Thursday afternoon look for the VMHS game results online at www.progresstimes. Mission Consolidated Independent School District Athletic Director Leticia “Lety” Ibarra said Wednesday that next week VMHS will host Mission
By Joe Hinton
A report in the Aug. 25 edition headlined, “New Mission Jr. High School among likely future projects,” it was stated that among the construction projects at Mission High School a new ROTC building was included. There will be a new ROTC facility but
Audience members at Monday’s Mission City Council meeting show their approval after a unanimous vote on a resolution against additional border walls on the U.S. border with Mexico. Progress Times photo by Joe Hinton
CORRECTION
it is being located in a renovated previously existing structure. Also, MCISD Superintendent Dr. Ricardo Lopez told members of the district’s Facilities/Environment Committee, while at Mission Junior High School, he hoped to build a new junior high school on a 40-acre
site. The report misquoted him saying he wanted to build a new high school on a 40-acre site. Also, Mission Junior High School was the location of the original Mission High, not Veterans Memorial High School as stated in the report.
INSIDE Newspaper offices closed Labor Day The Progress Times and Winter Texan Times newspaper offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 4 in observance of Labor Day. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 5.
INDEX
Entertainment | pg.2
Valley Football Returns
Citizens Awards Nominations Deadline Nears
Valley high school football is back. And the seven varsity teams from Mission, Sharyland and La Joya school districts are all in action this weekend. Reporter Luciano Guerra has an overview inside.
The deadline for nominations for Mission’s Citizens Awards – Mr. Mission, First Lady of Mission, Man of the Year and Woman of the Year – is Tuesday, Sept. 5. For nomination forms and selection criteria visit www. ptrgv.com, call the Progress Times at 956-585-4893 or email us at info@progresstimes.net.
Lifestyle | pg.3
See Pg. 6
Opinion | pg.4
Sports | pg. 6
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entertainment
28th Annual 4-H Country Hoedown Hidalgo County 4-H board members prepare for their annual scholarhip fundraiser holding a variety of items that will be up for auction at the 28th Annual 4-H Country Hoedown. Seated, left to right, are Rebecca Kotzur, Hoedown chair, and Nicky Robbins, first vice president and co-chair. Standing, same order, are Melissa Beckwith, Dr. Justin Cerelli, Nelda Barrera (president), Dora Flores, Tonya Hill, Miriam Ford, Lisa Parker (secretary), Jode Vaughan, and Tammie Hartzog. This year’s “Evening in the Wild West” is on Friday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m. at Las Palmas Race Park in Mission. Featured entertainer is legendary country artist Moe Bandy. The evening will be filled with dinner and beverages, and a live auction with a variety of drawings. Individual tickets are $75, and sponsor levels range from $1,200 to $5,000. For more information, to donate to the auction, or to buy tickets or become a sponsor, contact Mary Kelley at 956-929-4767 or via email at 4hfoundation@gmail.com.
Cultural Pow-Wow scheduled for Sept. 23 By Martha McClain SAN BENITO – San Benito’s Native American Cultural Pow-Wow 2017 is scheduled here on Sept. 23 at Veteran’s Memorial Academy at 2115 N. Oscar Williams Rd. Admission is free of charge for the colorful and action-packed event sponsored by the Texas Heritage Independence Celebration Association (THICA). The event is designed to preserve and create a greater awareness of the Native American culture in the City of San Benito and throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Native American dancers representing various tribes will participate in various styles of Native dance in colorful powwow, as well as more traditional, regalia. The AC Woodland Singers, a Southern Drum group from the Alabama Coushatta reservation in East Texas, will be drumming and singing during the powwow. Events will begin at 10 a.m. with Gourd Dancing, followed by Grand Entry at 11:30 a.m., where all the dancers come into the “are-
na” to begin the vibrant dance sessions. A second session will begin with Gourd Dance at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Grand Entry at 7 p.m. At certain times, the audience will be invited to interact and join the “circle” by participating in certain dances or festivities. The powwow ends at 11 p.m. Among the various dances, a special presentation will be made by the Rock Creek Gaan Dancers, or Apache Crown Dancers, from the White Mountain Apache Reservation in East Fork, Ariz. Vendors, drawings, cake walks and other entertainment will be included. Vendors are limited to those that sell Native American craft items plus a few food vendors. For more information, contact THICA President Bruce Kidd at 956-8732959, Fred Garza at 956215-6980, Ruben Cordova at 956-793-2357, or Anabeth Molina-Cordova at 956-8217402 for information, or go to the San Benito Powwow Facebook site, or the website, happybirthdaytexas. com.
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Mozart, Mommy & Me The Valley Virtuosi, composed of students from the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, will perform for the “Mozart, Mommy & Me” concert in the park at Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 6:30 p.m. Under the direction of Diana Seitz, UTRGV professor, the string musicians will perform classical music by Mozart, Bach and Vivaldi. Parents are encouraged to bring their preschoolers early at 5:30 p.m. to visit the “Instrument Petting Zoo.” Admission is $5 per person at the gate. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset in McAllen. Call 956-681-3370 for information.
Monroe exhibit opens Sept. 9 at UVAL The Upper Valley Art League presents a solo exhibition by local artist Jessica Monroe. The opening reception is on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 7 to 9 p.m at the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th St. in Mission. Titled “Art Ecologic” Monroe’s works focus on the chaos, movement and energy of nature. She captures colorful impressionistic magnifications of natural spaces rarely noticed or investigated by the average person hoping to remind the viewers of their connection to nature. In conjunction with the exhibition, Monroe will lead a three-part workshop series on Sept 16, 23 and 30 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on keeping a nature journal as a way to delve more deeply into the subject. Through creative writing, drawing from observation, and abstract watercolor painting, students will use their interactions with elements of the exhibit for their own creative practice. Call the UVAL gallery for information.
“The Green Heron” by Jessica Monroe Monroe received a degree, with an emphasis on painting and sculpture, from Southwestern University in Georgetown. She continued to enhance her art education by taking a class at New York University and participating in two summer study abroad programs in Madrid, Spain
and Guanajuato, Mexico. The exhibition runs through Saturday, Oct. 7, and is free and open to the public. The UVAL gallery is open Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 2 to 6 p.m. UVAL is a membership-based, nonprofit arts
organization dedicated to teaching, preserving and inspiring the arts in the Rio Grande Valley. For additional information, about UVAL, classes, events and exhibitions, visit uppervalleyartleague.org or call 956-583-2787.
‘Tip a Cop’ nights benefit Special Olympics
AUSTIN – The recent statewide ‘Tip a Cop” night at Texas Roadhouse generated $181,616 for Special Olympics Texas (SOTX), marking a new record for the annual fundraiser which was put on by police officers and members of nearly 100 law enforcement agencies in 53 Texas Roadhouse locations across Texas.
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Native American dancers will be dressed in their finest at the Native American Cultural Pow-Wow 2017 in San Benito.
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During the ‘Tip A Cop’ event, officers assisted the Texas Roadhouse wait staff with refilling beverages and serving bread rolls and cinnamon butter. Cops earned tips for their effort, which were turned in as donations for SOTX to help fund pro-
gramming, competition and training for more than 58,300 athletes statewide. Various units will participate in similar statewide fundraisers again, including at participating Dunkin Donuts locations on Saturday, Sept. 23, and at participating
Coming Attractions
September 2 • Quinta Mazatlan Word Birding Center, 600 Sunset in McAllen, will celebrate National Hummingbird Day from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There will be a bird walk, garden walks, hummingbird presentation and an activity. Native plants and hummingbird feeders will be available to purchase. The event is included in the regular price of admission – $3 for adults and $2 for children and seniors. For more information, call 956681-3370. September 16, 23, 30 • The Upper Valley Art League (UVAL) will host the workshop series, “Keeping a Nature Journal,” led by Jessica Monroe. All sessions are 10 to 11:30 a.m. Cost is $10 per class or $25 for all for UVAL members and $15 per class or $35 for all for nonmembers. All ages are welcome to join in, but children should be accompanied by an adult. Different subjects and aspects of journaling will be covered in each session. To sign up, call the UVAL gallery at 956-583-2787 or stop by during regular hours at 921 E. 12th St. in Mission. September 22 • The Valley Symphony Orchestra concert season opens with “The Simple Gift” at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley Performing Arts Center, on the Edinburg campus. The performance begins at 8 p.m. For information, call the VSO at 956661-1615. For tickets, go to tickets.vendini.com. September 25 • The On Stage & More Performing Arts (OSAM) after school program hosted by the Pharr Community Theater begins and will run through Nov. 4. Each class meets once a week for six weeks and is $30. All classes will be held at 213 W. Newcombe Ave. in Pharr. A range of classes will be offered in art, music and dance. To register, call or text Lisa Lopez, program coordinator, at 956-750-1282. Two, on-site pre-registration days will be held – Sept. 16 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. September 27-October 1 • The UTRGV Department of Theatre fall season opens with the Mainstage production “Venus in Fur,” a dark comedy by David Ives. It runs Sept. 27 to 30 at 7:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. on Oct. 1. Performances are held in the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre and the Studio Theatre in the Edinburg Liberal Arts Building South (ELABS) at the corner of University Drive and Sugar Road. For subscription information or tickets, school matinees, groups and special accommodations, contact Elva Galvan, University Productions Box Office, at 956-665-3581, or email her at elva.galvan@utrgv.edu. (For more Coming Attractions, go to ptrgv.com)
Red Robin restaurants on Saturday, Oct. 21. The groups involved in this event are members of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), SOTX’s largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle. In 2016, Texas LETR raised over $1.4 million for SOTX.
RGV Woodcarvers partner with UVAL for workshops
According to Maxilou Link, president of the Upper Valley Art League (UVAL), the Rio Grande Valley Woodcarvers will offer a number of woodcarving workshops at the UVAL facility this fall and winter. Coordinated by Fred Stenman of RGV Woodcarvers, the workshops run October through March. Scheduled dates are Oct. 24 and 31, beginning carving with Jim Trumpy as the instructor; Nov.14 and 21, Christmas tree ornaments, JimThalacker; Dec. 12 and 19, Christmas ornaments, Lon Caldwell; Dec. 12, 7, 19, carving a feather or cross; Feb. 27 and March 20, introduction to low relief carving, Fred and Elaine Stenman; and March 6 and 13, pyrography (wood burning), Brenda Lodermeier. All materials will be provided, and the fee for each workshop is $25 for UVAL members and $35 for nonmembers. Participants must pay for the classes when they sign up; instructors need to know how many students to expect. To sign up, to become a UVAL member, or for more information, call the UVAL gallery at 956-583-2787. UVAL is located in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th St. in Mission.
lifestyle
September 1, 2017
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New band directors take the lead at MCISD
By Craig Verley As the marching band season began this month, the Mission High School (MHS) Eagle Band and the Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) Patriot Band each found themselves under new leadership. Both new head band directors wasted no time jumping into work, preparing their students for football game halftime shows, and for the Pigskin UIL competitions. Sam Hjort, new director of MHS bands, hales from Georgia, where he graduated from the University of Georgia before starting his career at Brownsville Lopez High School. At Lopez,
he found success advancing students to the state marching band competition three consecutive times. Under his direction, concert bands also received numerous sweepstakes awards and UIL contests. As the director of the Lopez Winterguard, his units received the gold medal twice at the Texas Educational Colorguard Association state competition. Students also earned numerous chairs in region, area, and the Texas Music Education Association All-State Band in the highest classification. “I look forward to the opportunity to lead the Mission High School Eagle Band and can already see the hard work and dedication the stu-
UTRGV soccer matches support hurricane relief
EDINBURG – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and its Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will partner with the Food Bank RGV and H-E-B to collect supplies to be distributed in areas affected by Hurricane Harvey during soccer matches this weekend. The Food Bank RGV is encouraging the donation of bottled water; peanut butter; easy-open tuna, potted meat and Vienna sausages; and paper towels and toilet paper. UTRGV Athletics will be collecting donations at the athletics administration office in the Edinburg Health and Physical Education Bldg. 1 in Edinburg from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and at the scheduled home UTRGV men’s and women’s soccer matches Friday through Sunday. Fans donating at least five individual non-perishable food items at the UTRGV Athletics main office will receive a voucher good for free admission to any of the UTRGV men’s and women’s
soccer home matches scheduled this weekend. Fans donating at least five non-perishable food items at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex on the Edinburg campus on match day will receive free admission to that night’s matches. Current UTRGV students, who already receive free admission, will receive Orange Out for Hunger Action Month T-shirts when donating at the matches, while supplies last. All fans are encouraged to wear orange throughout the weekend to show support for disaster relief efforts. Game schedule on Friday for the men’s soccer matches Houston Baptist vs. Omaha at 4 p.m. and UTRGV vs. St. Bonaventure at 7 p.m. On Saturday in women’s soccer it’s Stetson vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 4 p.m. and UTRGV vs. Lamar, 7 p.m. Finally, on Sunday the men’s soccer matches switch up with Houston Baptist vs. St. Bonaventure at 4 p.m. and UTRGV vs. Omaha at 7 p.m.
dents of Mission CISD possess,” Hjort said. Guillermo De La Cruz III expressed similar thoughts as he started as the director of bands at VMHS. “I see great potential in the band program, and I am thrilled with the strong support for the arts in this district,” De La Cruz said. De La Cruz is starting his 10th year as a music educator. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 2011. De La Cruz taught for five years as the associate band director at Rio Grande City High School and four years with Roma Independent School District. He has taught band classes at mid-
EVENTS
September 2 – 23 – Learn how to beautify gardens at the Edinburg World Birding Center this month on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. to get the tips and techniques for a healthy start on home gardens. The fee for each class varies; call for information. Seating is limited and registration is required at least two days prior to the class. The EWBC is located at 714 Raul Longoria Rd. For more information or to make reservations, call 956-381-9922. September 19 – The Empty Bowls fundraiser gala benefitting the Food Bank RGV will again be held at the Boggus Ford Events Center from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Slots are open for local restaurants to promote their gourmet dishes along with sponsorship opportunities for businesses. Companies and individuals are encouraged to donate unique bowls and silent auction items. For info, contact Philip Farias by calling 956-904-4513 or pfarias@foodbankrgv.com. September 21 – Mission Historical Museum’s 11th Annual Fundraiser Banquet will be held at the Mission Community Center at 6:30 p.m. with a social hour, music and silent auction followed by the program and presentations of this year’s Wall of Fame honorees. Individual tickets and table reservations will be available Monday, Aug. 7, at the MHM office. For information, sponsorships and reservations, contact Linda Castañeda at 580-8646 or visit the museum at 900 Doherty Ave. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. (For more Events, go to ptrgv.com.)
VA2VETS heads to La Joya Sept. 7
LA JOYA – On Sept. 7, the McAllen Vet Center will take the Mobile Vet Center Unit out into the La Joya community to meet with veterans, and assist them with any questions regarding VA benefits.
Coaches get moving to move students As students in Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) schools begin to settle into their daily classroom routines, don’t count on them settling into the same old routines in P.E. classes this year. Leading into this school year, P.E. teachers and coaches went through a series of trainings designed to shake things up a little. “As educators, we are in a position to teach students to become productive and respectful community members while they also learn how to personally implement healthy and fitness lifestyles,” said Martina Carrillo, coordinator for P.E./health. “We can do this through so many different fun activities that improve upon cardiovascular improvements without relying on running a mile each week.” The district brought in a number of nationally known speakers to work with P.E. teachers and coaches on nutrition education and support, activities, sports, and to earn national certifications. One certification allows high schools to create a UIL archery competition team. Other items included incorporating activities such as Zumba, functional training, Body Pump, core exercises, training techniques and implementing new game ideas. “One of our goals is to be
able to offer a better variety of classes for junior high school and high school students, beyond the individual and team sports we have relied on,” Carrillo said. Trainings also went beyond just instructing the teachers on the activities and sports, but also included lessons on classroom manage-
ment and goal setting. Teachers and coaches did not just sit in lecture halls for their in-service trainings. They went through the physical motions as well and participated in each of the activities themselves to understand the movements, rules, and effects they can have on the body.
Mission First United Methodist Church 1101 Doherty Ave.
Mission TX 78572 (956) 585-1665
Sunday Services: 8:00 a.m. Informal 9:00 a.m. Contemporary Dinner with 10:00 a.m. Sunday School Friends every 11:00 a.m. Traditional 11:00 a.m. Childrens Church Friday @ 5:30pm 5:00 p.m. Spanish Worship
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Sam Hjort, left, has taken on the director of bands at Mission High School, and Guillermo De La Cruz, right, is the new director of bands at Veterans Memorial High School.
STC extends registration, fees deadline
CALENDAR
There will be no couch potato coaching for the P.E. teachers and coaches with the Mission CISD. They got their heart rates pumping in a variety of physical trainings prior to the beginning of the school year to take into the gyms at campuses across the district.
By Craig Verley
dle school and high school levels where his students have earned All Region band placements and have gone on to become high school AllState musicians. Ensembles under the direction of De La Cruz have received consistent UIL sweepstakes awards and best-in-class awards. Carlos Garcia, fine arts director for Mission CISD is pleased with the energy both new directors have injected into their respective programs. “Our students, parents and entire district are extremely excited to see our band programs continue to represent our community in a positive way this coming school year,” Garcia said.
The Vet Center staff will also have information on its free Readjustment Counseling Services. The mobile unit will be at the La Joya VFW building, 912 E. Expressway 83, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
McALLEN – South Texas College has extended registration for the fall semester after severe weather threats prompted administrators to close campuses last week, which prevented students from registering ahead of the first day of class. The college has announced that registration will be extended through Saturday, Sept. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students will be eligible
for a 100 percent refund for courses dropped (drop or withdraw) through Sept. 3 and will be eligible for a 70 percent refund for courses dropped from Sept. 4 to 18. The drop/add fee of $25 will be waived from Aug. 28 to Sept. 3 but will be applicable beginning Sept. 4. The fall semester at STC officially began on Aug. 28. For more information about registration, visit southtexascollege.edu.
Short story contest opens for Texas students AUSTIN – A new short story writing contest has opened for students, grades 6-12, and is now accepting entries. The contest is sponsored by Texas Authors Institute of History, a museum dedicated to preserving the works of Texas authors, past and present. Part of the mission of the museum is to develop and encourage future authors of Texas. Students can find the official rules and entry form
at ShortStory.TexasAuthors. Institute. The short story contest is open to any student, whether in public, private or homeschools. Each grade will have winners by region based on the first two numbers of their zip code. Then there will be statewide winners. A number of prizes will be awarded. For information or to submit a book, visit TexasAuthors.Institute on the web.
opinion By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
Hurricane Harvey assaults coast, then batters inland counties AUSTIN — Hurricane Harvey slammed the middle Texas coast on Aug. 25, hammering the region from Rockport to Palacios before continuing inland as a tropical storm and causing widespread catastrophic flooding. With wind speeds in excess of 130 miles per hour before landfall at Rockport, the National Hurricane Center in Miami gave the storm a rating of Category 4. As rains and flooding worsened, Harvey was widely reportedly to be the strongest hurricane to hit Texas since Carla in 1961. Before the storm hit, Gov. Greg Abbott requested and received a presidential disaster declaration, receiving approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The declaration cleared the way for individual assistance, public assistance and hazard mitigation to communities in affected counties, where high winds, torrential rains, flooding, tornadoes, power outages and more weather-related troubles affected millions of Texans. First responders and civilian volunteers by the hundreds went to work rescuing the stranded and rendering aid under severe conditions. Abbott’s original request for a presidential disaster declaration was for 30 counties, including: Aransas, Austin, Bee, Calhoun, Chambers, Colorado, Brazoria, DeWitt, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Harris, Jackson, Jefferson, Jim Wells, Karnes,
Kleberg, Lavaca, Liberty, Live Oak, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria, Waller, Wharton and Wilson counties. Abbott made an additional request on Aug. 26 to include 20 more stricken counties: Atascosa, Bexar, Brazos, Caldwell, Cameron, Comal, Grimes, Guadalupe, Hardin, Jasper, Kerr, Lee, Leon, Madison, Montgomery, Newton, Tyler, Walker, Washington and Willacy. On Aug. 27, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration predicted ongoing and life-threatening flooding would continue across southeastern Texas with additional rainfall accumulations of 15 to 25 inches expected, and with isolated storm totals as high as 50 inches, through Sept. 1. Judge halts voter law Laws toughening voter identification requirements continue to violate the U.S. Voting Rights Act, a Corpus Christi federal district judge ruled Aug. 23. In her ruling, Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos granted declaratory relief to the plaintiffs, who primarily represent Latino and black voters, in the form of a permanent injunction against enforcement of the 2017 law. In the case Veasey v. Abbott, originally filed in 2011, plaintiffs alleged SB 14, the voter I.D. law passed by the Texas Legislature in 2011, violates Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The suit also claimed Texas law vio-
lates the U.S. Constitution’s Article 14, due process and equal protection, and Article 15, banning racial discrimination. Section 2 prohibits state and local officials from adopting or maintaining voting laws or procedures that purposefully discriminate on the basis of race, color or membership in a language minority group. In 2016, the New Orleans-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit affirmed Ramos’s finding that the law is discriminatory. The appeals court remanded the case to her court for further consideration, and Ramos, in accordance with an instruction by the Fifth Circuit, issued an interim remedy to eliminate or reduce the discriminatory effects of SB 14 in time for the 2016 general election. Earlier this year, the Republican-dominated Texas Legislature crafted and passed SB 5, ostensibly to purge SB 14 of its discriminatory provisions. But Ramos said in her ruling last week that SB 5 falls short of that. She ordered plaintiffs and defendants to file memoranda by Aug. 31 stating whether they wish to schedule an evidentiary hearing. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Aug. 25 filed a motion with the 5th Circuit, asking that Ramos’ injunction be overturned. Rate for notes is low Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Aug. 22 announced the recent sale of $5.4 billion in Texas Tax and Revenue
September 1, 2017 November January 2, 2015 25, 2016
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS Anticipation Notes received a net interest rate of 0.96 percent. Money from the sale of “TRANs” is used to help fund expenditures such as public-school payments made early in the fiscal year before the arrival of tax revenues later in the year, Hegar said. Texas received the high-
est possible short-term credit ratings from Wall Street, which helped drive down the cost of borrowing, Hegar added. Jobless rate decreases The Texas Workforce Commission on July 18 announced the Texas economy expanded for the 13th consecutive month with the addition of 19,600 seasonally
adjusted non-farm jobs in July. Also, the Lone Star State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 4.3 percent, down from 4.6 percent in June, and annual employment growth for Texas was 2.4 percent — double the annual growth rate compared to a year ago.
The President of UTRGV spoke to McAllen city commissioners Monday night about the important role the new medical school plays in the city and explaining that the school has money for buildings and equipment, but needs cash for start up expenses. Guy Bailey never explicitly mentioned the city’s pledge of up to $2 million a year for the school that has gone mostly unpaid. “Tonight, we didn’t expect any action,” explained Bailey to reporters afterward. “All we were doing is provide them with an update. Then, what happens next is up to the commission.” He had come to address the commission at the invitation of Mayor Jim Darling, he told reporters. Bailey spent about 15 minutes going over the role the medical school plays in McAllen, and the contributions it makes to city life, including the building of a new “state-of-the-art” research facility on East Dove Avenue, east of Doctors Hospital at Renaissance and in the city of McAllen. Bailey called the research facility the “single most important facility” they will construct and that “you can’t operate a first class medical facility without one.” They just admitted the
second medical school class, Bailey continued, and 16 are from the Valley and 9 of those are from McAllen, “so we have a pretty good percentage from McAllen.” The president continued his argument that the medical school is important to McAllen, saying that out of the 139 medical residents in the Valley, 97 are at Doctors Hospital; that they give free physical exams to McAllen school students, “about 60 a year and then provide some integrated care for MISD Options students as well.” They also have a nursing clinic in South McAllen, Bailey continued and 27 percent of UTRGV faculty and staff live in McAllen, 872 of 3152. As you can see, we have a substantial presence here,” Bailey concluded. Commissioners, with John Ingram absent, listened impassively and only one, Richard Cortez, had a question. Mayor Jim Darling said city sales tax receipts are off about $5 million, which was not anticipated when the pledge was made. In 2014, McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, Pharr and Hidalgo County all pledged a total of $5 million a year to support the medical school for five years. Mission has paid nothing and McAllen made only one payment and
has paid nothing more, with no reason for the embargo ever stated. City officials have said the UT System made certain promises, they believe, that the system has not honored. A payment is in the current budget but the mayor has made no move to authorize making a payment. The current budget year ends Sept. 30. To court we go In other action, commissioners voted to file a lawsuit using the city’s eminent domain power to secure an easement on two pieces of property near Northgate Lane. The easement would be used to extend utilities to a housing subdivision nearby. Finally, City Attorney Kevin Pagan said after the meeting that the city of Dallas has just decided to join the lawsuit McAllen will file over a law passed by the Texas Legislature this summer. Senate Bill 1004 significantly strips away a municipality’s power to control the use of city easements, such as along a roadway, by telecommunication companies such as phone companies. Pagan said they now have 22 cities and towns joining their suit, which they hope to file later this week.
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September 1, 2017
Contractor appointed for third phase of Palmview’s sewer project By Jose De Leon III Despite being behind schedule, the Palmview Wastewater Project is advancing as the Agua Special Utility District Board of Directors selected a contractor for the third phase of the long-awaited project. The wastewater collection system—a $42 million project that has been in development for years—will connect approximately 1,700 homes in Palmview and surrounding areas to incoming sewer lines and four lift stations. The wastewater system will ultimately be connected to Mission’s wastewater treatment plant. During a special Aug. 24 meeting the board of directors awarded a contract to the Mercedes-based firm, Jimmy Closner & Sons Construction Co., for the third phase of the wastewater project. The first two phases of the project are devoted to putting in collection lines throughout the city to tie them into the Main Lift Station located south of Goodwin Road, Agua SUD Executive Director Oscar Cancino said in a
January interview. Phase three will connect those collection lines to lift stations in the area. Agua SUD received six bids for the third phase which ranged from $3.75 million to more than $10 million, Reddy Kajuluri, the project engineer from S&B Infrastructure Ltd. told the board during his presentation. At the end of his presentation, Kajuluri recommended the board go with the lowest bidder, Closner & Sons, after presenting an overview of their references and past work which includes a lift station in Brownsville and three lift stations in Donna. “They have four different projects which are very similar to the kind of work that we’re going to do here,” he said. “They have the experience we’re looking for so we can have the confidence that they can do the work.” Cancino fully supported the recommendation during the meeting, leading to a unanimous approval from the board. During the meeting, Board Director Lloyd Loya asked for an update on phase
two of the project which he said was behind schedule. A bid for phase two was initially awarded to Saenz Brothers Construction, the second lowest bidder for that contract, during a February board meeting. At that meeting, the board argued that the lowest bidder, O&G Construction, did not have the necessary experience to handle the project. O&G’s bid was around $11 million, a million dollars less than that of Saenz Brothers Construction. In May, the Texas Water Development Board forced Agua SUD to rescind that bid and award it to O&G or risk having project funds withheld from the utility district. The contract for phase two of the project was signed off by the contractor and a copy was sent to the TWDB for approval, Kajuluri told the board. “As soon as (the Water Development Board) approves it, we can go ahead and start,” he said, adding that the approval could happen by next week.
Palmview preparing for ‘aggressive annexation’ By Joe Hinton Two weeks ago during a Palmview city commission meeting Commissioner Javier Ramirez expressed concern over the recommendation from Interim City Manager Leo Olivares to raise the city’s property tax rate by 2.5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. “I can afford the two dollars a month extra but I’m not sure other people will be willing or able to pay it,” Ramirez had said. But on Tuesday at the first of two required public hearings on the city’s proposed property tax rate and next year’s budget no one from the public appeared to speak for or against the proposed rate hike. Olivares submitted the proposed property tax rate of 0.5001 per $100 of assessed valuation to the commission at its Aug. 15 meeting. The city’s current rate is 0.4751 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. Olivares said the value of the average home in the city is about $89,000 and that the proposed increase would mean the average homeowner would experience a $22.50 increase in their annual property tax. City Finance Director Rachel Chapa said the increase comes to $1.85 a month for the average household. Olivares said the city’s total property evaluation is $435 million including $263 million in single-family residences, $13.3 million in multi-family residences and $95.9 million in commercial property valuation. The city’s general fund for FY 2017-2018 is estimated at $5.8 million, according to the proposed budget avail-
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able on the city’s website. Olivares told the commission the tax hike would mean an additional $100,000 for the city’s general fund, which he said would be used to develop the city’s infrastructure. With no opposition to the proposed budget or tax rate Olivares used the remainder of the meeting to present his plan for economic development in the city, including what he termed an “aggressive annexation” program. Though some of his economic development plan occurred in executive session, during the public portion of the meeting Olivares said it was important the city conduct the annexations before a new state law takes effect in December that requires annexation approval by voters living in areas targeted for annexation. Olivares said cities are permitted to grow by 10 percent per year for three consecutive years but only into their Extraterritorial Jurisdictions, or unincorporated areas immediately surrounding them. He said the state also limits annexation to no more than 100 lots per year. Olivares said annexation would contribute to the city’s property and sales tax base and increase revenues for future growth. He said annexed areas would also contribute to the city’s overall budget and cited some of the city’s current major expenses such as $1 million for the city’s portion of the cost of repaving streets that will be necessary after the Agua Special Utility District excavates for new water and sewer lines. He said another $504,000 has been dedicated to run the lines to currently vacant lots. He said some of that amount
will eventually be recovered when the lots are developed. He said the city also wants to spend $160,000 to create its own ambulance service and another $58,000 on parks and recreation, including a new roof, floor and air conditioning unit for the city’s recreation center. A second required public hearing on the city’s budget will be held at 6 p.m. on Sept. 12 at the Palmview City Hall, 400 West Veterans Boulevard.
Oscar Longoria announces bid for reelection to Texas House Representative Oscar Longoria officially announced his bid for re-election to Texas House District 35, which encompasses parts of Hidalgo and Cameron Counties. Longoria has served as the State Representative for District 35 since 2013. “It is a tremendous honor to serve the people of District 35 in the Texas House of Representatives,” said Longoria. “I’m honored and humbled that the people of Hidalgo and Cameron Counties have trusted me to be their voice in Austin over the last three legislative sessions and my hope is that I have earned their trust for another term.” During the 85th Legislative Session, Longoria was appointed as Vice-Chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, where he serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee for Articles I, IV, and V. He continues serving on the Investments & Financial Services Committee and was newly appointed to the Local & Consent Calendars Committee. Most notably, Longoria was appointed a conferee to S.B. 1 (the state budget) and had a major role in securing critical funding for the Rio Grande Valley, specifically: $55 million for the UTRGV Medical School, $5 million for Space X, $25 million in grants to local law enforcement for bulletproof vests, $3.2 million for a Law Enforcement Operations Center in Western Hidalgo County –the first of its kind in District 35- which will serve as a regional base for organizing border security operations, $1 million in grants to reimburse first responder agencies – including professional and volunteer fire departments – in the border
region for costs incurred while providing emergency response services associated with the execution of law enforcement activities relating to border security, and $316.9 million for the Create Jobs & Promote Texas Economic Development/ Business programs under the Trusteed Programs Within the Office of the Governor. “I have had the privilege of being appointed to crucial committees and given the opportunity to grow as a leader within the House under the guidance and confidence of Speaker Straus. I take this with great humility and will continue working towards the progress of our state and our constituents,” Longoria said. “The House has done a great job of ensuring our state’s economic success, our future growth, and finding solutions to the issues we face under the vision and unwavering support of
Oscar Longoria Joe Straus. I look forward to continuing this progress and working alongside Speaker Straus, as he has done a tremendous job at the helm of the House. My intent is to ensure that our children and my constituents, not only in the Rio Grande Valley, but those across the entire State of Texas, receive the best care and quality-of-life for generations to come.” Longoria was born in Mission and raised in South Texas.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FILED WITH THE PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS On August 4, 2017, Sharyland Utilities, L.P. (Sharyland), Sharyland Distribution & Transmission Services, L.L.C. (SDTS), and Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC (Oncor) (collectively Joint Applicants) filed a Joint Application for Sale, Transfer or Merger with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT or Commission), copies of which are kept at Sharyland’s office at 1807 Ross Avenue, Suite 460, Dallas, TX 75201 and at Oncor’s office at 1616 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Suite 6000, Dallas, TX 75202. The Joint Application requests Commission approval of a proposed transfer of facilities between the Joint Applicants, a transfer of rights under and amendment of certificates of convenience and necessity (CCNs), and other regulatory approvals. Specifically, Sharyland/SDTS will transfer to Oncor all property and other assets used by Sharyland to provide retail electric delivery service (other than certain excluded assets) in the Stanton and McAllen divisions and all property and other assets used in Sharyland’s electric transmission and distribution business (other than certain excluded assets) in the Brady and Celeste divisions, and Oncor will transfer to SDTS certain transmission assets. Joint Applicants also propose that Sharyland will transfer to Oncor the rights under Sharyland’s CCNs to provide retail electric delivery service in the geographic areas currently certificated to Sharyland, and that Sharyland’s CCNs be amended to permit Sharyland to operate and maintain the transmission assets transferred from Oncor. After a short transition period following closing of the proposed transaction, all of Sharyland’s current retail electric delivery customers will be transitioned to Oncor, and thereafter will be served by Oncor and will be charged Oncor’s retail electric delivery rates, and Sharyland will serve only as a transmission service provider. The proposed transaction also includes several regulatory conditions to closing and commitments. Included in these regulatory conditions is Commission approval of a revision to Sharyland’s wholesale transmission service (WTS) rate to reflect the proposed transaction. The revised WTS rate will take effect on the date the proposed transaction closes. Sharyland estimates that its wholesale transmission revenue requirement will increase by approximately $52.8 million (or approximately 26 percent) and estimates that its WTS rate will increase from the current annual rate of $3.046713 per kilowatt (kW) to approximately $3.752257 per kW. Sharyland also requests Commission approval of Sharyland’s recovery of certain actual transition costs associated with the proposed transaction in an amount not to exceed $17 million through a rider to Sharyland’s WTS tariff. Customers that will be affected by the changes to Sharyland’s WTS tariff include distribution service providers who pay wholesale transmission charges pursuant to Commission Substantive Rules. The other regulatory conditions and commitments are set forth in the Joint Application. Persons who wish to intervene in or comment upon these proceedings should notify the Commission as soon as possible, as an intervention deadline will be imposed. A request to intervene or for further information should be mailed to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326. Further information may also be obtained by calling the Public Utility Commission at (512) 936-7120 or (888) 782-8477. Hearing- and speech- impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. The deadline for intervention in the proceeding is September 5, 2017. This case has been assigned PUCT Docket No. 47469. SHARYLAND UTILITIES, L.P., SHARYLAND DISTRIBUTION & TRANSMISSION SERVICES, L.L.C., AND ONCOR ELECTRIC DELIVERY COMPANY LLC
September 1, 2017
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Lobos look to keep up winning ways By Bryan Ramos Consistency is key to success and the Palmview Lobos have found that over the past three seasons, qualifying for the playoffs each year in that span. Third-year Head Coach Margarito Requenez has proven the Lobos belong with top competition in District 30-6A, but after losing a strong 2016 graduating class, Palmview is looking to rebuild this new team into a consistent contender. “We’re trying to learn how to play together, it’s a brand new team,” Requenez said. “I lost a very good senior crop and I’m hoping these new ones can step into the role very quickly. It’s exciting; this is what we’ve been waiting for and practicing for, getting ready for since the spring. We’re looking for a successful year this year.” While the Lobos 2016 campaign ended in a bi-district playoff loss to United South, the experience gained by Palmview’s seven return-
ing starters in the past three seasons has been critical to the programs success. They will be depended on to grow the program and hopefully keep the postseason appearances alive at Palmview High School. One of Palmview’s most vocal leaders is senior cornerback Jesse Herrera, who was a First Team All-District selection a year ago. His field awareness and vocal leadership from the secondary provides a key component for the Lobo defense. “This year we have a couple of fresh faces and new guys, I feel like we’re ready,” Herrera said. “I feel like we’re capable and we’re ready to show people what we got on defense. If they can’t score they can’t win.” Also returning on the defensive side of the ball for Palmview is defensive end Rolando Andrade and linebacker Mike De Hoyos. Andrade, who was voted the 30-6A Defensive Newcomer of the Year in 2016, brings a forceful presence on the defense’s frontline by consis-
tently disrupting opposing backfields. On the opposite side of the ball, Palmview lost three First Team All-District selections at quarterback, receiver and slot back, in addition to the loss of the 30-6A District MVP in Joel Piña. Returning to hold down the Palmview offense is the right side of the offensive line in seniors Roberto Barba and Moises Morales. Morales was named the 30-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year a season ago for his ability to create room from his right tackle position. Now, he will be looking to make space for a group of skill players, including firstyear starting quarterback Amador De Leon and running back Jacob Piña. “We’re trying to execute better this year,” Morales said. “We’re just trying to get blocks to open up the holes for the running backs and protect the quarterback. I want other teams to see us as strong, big and dangerous.” De Leon will be under center for the Lobos after
two years away from the program. The first-year starter is hoping to help his team keep the Palmview playoff streak alive. “Just looking to contribute any way I can,” De Leon said. “I just want to see what the team has going into the season and hopefully we can make the playoffs.” Eric Vasquez will step in to fill the shoes of pass catchers Tristen Myende and Mark Salinas, while Pina looks to bring the same running tenacity his brother brought to the Lobos. Last season, the Lobos opened the season with three straight losses against Roma,
Economedes and Edinburg High before winning five of their next seven games to finish 5-5 on the regular season. Palmview’s 4-2 district record earned the Lobos a second-place finish in 30-6A. Requenez is hoping this year’s team can put together some wins early to set the tone for the rest of the season. “Last year we started off kind of slow before we put stuff together, but I’m hoping to avoid that, get a couple wins early and set the tone,” the third-year head coach said. “It’s really good to have a couple of starters back, they kind of set the tone for
the rest of the season and if these youngsters can buy-in to our philosophy then we’re looking for a very good, successful season.” As for the rest of the Palmview football team? They’re ready to go out and show the Valley what the new look Lobos have in store. “Everybody’s excited; everybody’s ready to strap on their helmet and show Roma what we got,” Herrera said. The Lobos open up the 2017 regular season with non-district action against the Roma Gladiators 7:30 p.m. tonight at La Joya Football Stadium.
By Luciano Guerra
as the Eagles’ head coach, and only time will tell if the former Mission Eagles’, Colorado Buffalos’ and Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback turned high school head coach will be able to put the Mighty back in Mission Eagles. After opening their District 30-6A schedule with four straight losses last year, the Eagles pulled off the upset of the year when they defeated the Palmview Lobos by a score of 38-13 in week eight. The Eagles followed that with a 24-21 win over the McAllen High Bulldogs to close their season with a short, but promising two game win streak. If the Eagles are going to pick up this year where they left off last year, they’re going to have to get past the PSJA North Raiders first; the same Raiders team that defeated the Eagles 39-9 in week one last year. With sophomore Damian Gomez back under center and senior Luis Valdez back at fullback for the Eagles this year, tonight’s game should be more competitive than last year’s game turned out to be. Sharyland Rattlers at Weslaco East Wildcats The Sharyland Rattlers will have their hands full tonight as they travel to Weslaco to take on the Weslaco East Wildcats. Last year the Wildcats handed the Rattlers a 21-14 week one home loss as they went on to put together a 4-3 record (8-5 overall) and go three rounds deep into the playoffs. The Rattlers put together an impressive record of their own last season by going 6-2 in District 31-5A play and 7-4 overall. However their season was cut short when they lost to the Mercedes Tigers in the bi-district round of the playoffs by a score of 17-7. Look for junior quarterback Edgar Longoria, who led Sharyland to victories over Mission Veterans Memorial and Rio Grande City last year, to lead the way offensively as the starter this year.
McAllen Memorial Mustangs at Pioneer Diamondbacks In only their third year of existence, the 2016/2017 Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks not only qualified for the playoffs for the first time, but they earned a share of the District 31-5A title by putting together a 7-1 record (8-3 overall). Tonight the Diamondbacks will be looking to do what they couldn’t do last year by defeating 306A’s top team a year ago, the McAllen Memorial Mustangs. After suffering a 40-27 week one loss at the hands of the Memorial Mustangs last year, the Diamondbacks won eight of their next nine games to tie the Laredo Nixon Mustangs with a 7-1 district record. Memorial went on to have an undefeated district record (6-0, 8-3 overall) but lost to Laredo United in the bi-district round of the playoffs. Junior and third-year starting quarterback Jacob Rosales will be leading the Diamondbacks’ offense against the Mustangs tonight while senior linebacker Angel Chapa and senior safety Tyler Bulthuis will be leading the defense. Roma Gladiators at Palmview Lobos Despite opening their schedule with three straight losses, the 2016/2017 Palmview Lobos claimed the second seed in District 30-6A by finishing the season with a 4-2 (5-6 overall) record. Tonight the Lobos will be looking for payback against the Roma Gladiators who handed Palmview a 41-7 week one loss last year. The Lobos will be without last year’s starting quarterback, Jonathan Zieske, and running back, Joel Pina, both of whom have graduated. But look for senior Amador De Leon to take over at quarterback and senior Jacob Pina to step into his big brother’s shoes at running back. Senior defensive end Rolando Andrade and senior cornerback Jesse Herrera are expected to lead the way defensively for the Lobos this year.
Are you ready for Big 7 football?
Ready or not, Valley high school football is back. And the seven varsity teams from Mission, Sharyland and La Joya school districts are all in action this weekend. Originally only two Big 7 teams, the Juarez-Lincoln Huskies and the La Joya Coyotes, were scheduled to open their 2017/2018 seasons last night while the other five teams, the Mission Eagles, the Veterans Memorial Patriots, the Sharyland Rattlers, the Pioneer Diamondbacks and the Palmview Lobos, were scheduled to play tonight. However, with the renovations to the soon-tobe new and improved Tom Landry Hall of Fame Stadium in Mission not yet completed, the game between the Harlingen Cardinals and the VMHS Patriots, which was originally scheduled to be the stadium’s debut, had to be rescheduled and relocated to last night at McAllen’s Veterans Memorial Stadium. Even so, there is still plenty of Big 7 football action taking place tonight. Mission Eagles at PharrSan Juan-Alamo North Raiders It’s year two for Koy Detmer at Mission High School
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September 1, 2017
Sharyland ISD maintains current tax rate Three new academies approved
By Jose De Leon III Employees will receive a raise while the Sharyland Independent School District keeps its tax rate steady in its 2017-2018 fiscal year budget. The district has also approved three new academic academies. Next year’s official budget, approved by the Sharyland Board of Trustees Monday, is $113,747,950. Teacher salaries will increase by $1,050 and auxil-
iary workers will receive 2 percent pay increases. The budget will be funded chiefly by a tax rate of $1.37 per $100 of assessed property valuation. The budget will cover only 10 months as the next fiscal year for the school district will start in July 2018 and end in the following June. Previously the fiscal year ran from Sept. 1 and ended Aug. 31. The fiscal year change was approved during the school board’s
obituaries Mary Ann Cummings MISSION – Mary Ann Marsh Cummings, 90, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, at home. Mrs. Cummings was the daughter of George B. and Esther Marsh of Rio Grande City and married Mack F. Cummings in 1947. She was a homemaker and also helped run her husband’s business, Cummings Well Service, until his death in 1972. She then was employed as secretary to the superintendent of Rio Grande City school district. She was active in the PTOs and Band Boosters of her children’s schools. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Federation of Women’s Club, Sewing Club of Rio Grande City, and the Dine and Dance Club, holding various offices in each. She was an active member of Immaculate Conception Church in Rio Grande City. After her retirement, she moved to McAllen and became a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and the Breakfast Club of Mission. She met her second husband, John Crimi, and moved to Mission where
she became a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church and served as a Eucharistic minister. Survivors include her children, Pancho Cummings of McAllen, Susan Mahoney and Ginger Davis of Mission and John Clint Cummings of Fredrick, Md.; brother, Albert Marsh of Los Angeles, Calif.; and eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands and a brother, Richard Marsh. A funeral mass was held on Aug. 29 at St. Paul’s Church. Burial followed at Rio Grande City County Cemetery. Geraldine Wayland MISSION – Geraldine Wayland, 80, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, at her home in Mission. Mrs. Wayland was born to the late Glen and Edna Stanley in McAllen on Feb. 8, 1930. She married James R. Wayland on May 26, 1949. Survivors include her children, Tom Wayland, Bill Wayland, Joella Barbee, Marie Heberlein and Nanette Cameron; sister, Jackie Le-
April meeting when trustees approved the fiscal year change that takes effect next year. Then-assistant superintendent for the district’s finance and student services department, Connie Lopez, said in April the new fiscal year would give the district earlier access to some funds. The funding elements for the budget include Average Daily Attendance, property values and property tax rate. The state uses a formula to Clair; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, James R. Wayland; second husband, Fred Bird; and son, Jim Wayland. Graveside services were held on Aug. 29 at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission.
Notices
Maria Flores SULLIVAN CITY – Maria E. Flores, 74, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, at McAllen Medical Center. Nazaria Guerra MISSION – Nazaria Guerra, 86, passed away on Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, at Solara Hospital in McAllen. Maria Martinez MISSION – Maria Leonila Martinez, 71, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, at Pax Villa Hospice in McAllen. Julio Rodriguez MISSION - Julio Rodriguez, 39, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Yesenia Tapia MISSION – Yesenia Guerrero Tapia, 31, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017, at McAllen Heart Hospital.
disburse funds to school districts based on their ADA numbers. Sharyland ISD’s ADA is 9,542 with a zero percent growth from last year. The official budget consists of three different funds – general, food service and debt service. The general fund has $88.8 million. The food service fund is at $6.1 million and the debt service fund has $7 million. “I think it’s an excellent budget, we did provide raises of two percent across the board and we were able to approve year two of our strategic plan to allocate $500,000 toward new technology in the district as well as budget for capital improvement projects on a few of our campuses,” said Jaime Ortega, the district’s finance director. In other business, the board also approved three new advanced academies, two of which are projected to open in the next school year.
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
The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help locating a suspect who allegedly shot to death an Edinburg man in Alton last week. Eulalio De Los Santos Monjares, 37, is wanted on - WANTED Eulalio De Los Santos Monjares
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
One of the academies is a dual credit academy where students taking core curriculum courses such as English and Math — required of all undergraduates — simultaneously can earn a little over 40 college credit hours. The second academy would be an Advanced Placement Academy where students will be pushed to take on more Advanced Placement, or AP courses. Currently, the district has the Sharyland Advanced Academy where students receive an associate’s degree by the time they graduate high school. The two new academies would continue to help a student’s post-secondary education by targeting their college credit hours. According to Pam Montalvo, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, pre-registration for both academies will begin next January. The third academy is a healthy science institute
that will provide students with the educational foundation to be successful in a healthcare profession. The academy will make current 8th graders eligible for the district’s Health Occupational Students of America organization. As high school sophomores they will be able to apply for the program and if accepted, start in their junior year when the academy opens in 2020. Students undergoing the academy will choose from three different programs: Certified nurse’s assistant, medical billing and coding and the pharmacy technician. “This is a great opportunity to start revamping the way we do health science in the district,” District Superintendent Robert O’Connor said. “Obviously it’s a competitive market when it comes to the fields of health science and we want this institute to lead the way academically.”
Sheriff seeks public’s help locating Alton murder suspect
ChurCh DireCtory BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH 2820 N. Conway Ave. • 581-1411
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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
a capital murder charge following the death of Cesar Eduardo Jaramillo, 19, said Sheriff’s Spokeswoman Jena Palacios. Jaramillo’s body was found shortly before 2 a.m. on Aug. 22 after sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of shots fired by a resident on Trey Leal Avenue north of 7 Mile Line on Moorefield Road. When they arrived deputies found Jaramillo’s body with a gunshot wound to the head. A justice of the peace pronounced him dead at the scene, Palacios said. Palacios said a subsequent investigation showed earlier that day Jaramillo had gone to Monjares’ place of business demanding money
Monjares owed him from their former business partnership. Palacios said video surveillance shows Monjares allegedly assaulted Jamarillo and kidnapped his former business partner. An arrest warrant was then issued for Monjares, Palacios said, adding that because of the ongoing investigation she could not provide more details about the case including what type of business the pair were involved in or its location. Anyone with information about the ongoing investigation is urged to call the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office at (956) 383-8114 or Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers at (956) 668-8477.
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PASSES RESOLUTION
Carrillo read the resolution aloud prior to its passage. The resolution begins identifying iconic local attractions that could be adversely impacted by additional border fencing in the area such as La Lomita Chapel, the city’s namesake, the National Butterfly Center, the World Birding Center Headquarters and Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park, which are characterized in the resolution as “essential attractions to maintain our revenue from ecotourism as well as providing local families with quality places for wholesome recreation and enjoyment.” The resolution also acknowledges the economic impact of Winter Texans on the local economy, expressing the concern of city officials “with limited to no access to these main attractions, it will significantly change our ability to successfully recruit and retain
September 1, 2017
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com this group of seasonal visitors that are an important component to the economic health of the community.” The resolution notes that Mission and Hidalgo County are among the safest communities in the U.S. “and additional border infrastructure would do nothing to improve the effectiveness of deterrence, security, or any other justification used for the construction of the wall, and would instead negatively impact the local economy by detracting hundreds of thousands of yearly visitors to the aforementioned attractions.” Besides the deleterious environmental impact to the ecosystem by cutting off natural water flows of the Rio Grande River and disturbing wildlife migration routes, the resolution also expresses concern over the wall’s $25 billion cost “supported by an import tariff or ‘Border Tax’ on Mexican goods imported to the U.S. or U.S. goods
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entering Mexico resulting in a ‘trade war’ which leads to market instability in terms of job creation, economic development, substantial increases in the costs of goods passed to consumers, and a negative cultural impact.” The resolution concludes stating the Mission City Council is opposed to any new border walls, fences or levees and “denounces” any federal funding for a wall. “Let it be further resolved, that the City Council urges the President of the United States of America, and the United States Congress, to reconsider the use of taxpayer money for border infrastructure, and instead utilize the allocated resources to provide more cost effective methods of enforcing immigration policies, such as technology and additional personnel, which would create jobs and stimulate the region, as opposed to the negative effects associated with the wall.” Several Democratic U.S. representatives have also denounced further spending on a wall, including District 28 Rep. Henry Cuellar and Filemon Vela of Brownsville. Both were among several area representatives who in July co-signed a letter to U.S. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen, John Carter of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, ranking member of the Committee on Appropriations, Nita Lowey, and Lucille Roybal-Allard, ranking member of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security. In the letter Vela said hundreds of private landowners and municipalities have had their property condemned, and lawsuits are still pending. La Joya’s city council passed a similar resolution Monday, Mayor Jose “Fito” Salinas confirmed. Neither Texas Republican Senators Ted Cruz nor John Cornyn responded to a request for comment on the resolution submitted to their respective press offices.
Both have expressed support for additional border walls. Last month Cornyn unveiled a $15 billion border security bill. The Building America’s Trust Act would fund parts of a wall or fence, add Border Patrol and ICE agents to current ranks, and punish “sanctuary” jurisdictions. Monday’s vote by Mis-
sion’s city council was in part initiated by a group of citizen activists who two weeks ago presented to the mayor and council their own resolution asking it be placed on Monday’s agenda for approval. Instead Mayor Salinas asked City Manager Martin Garza to draft the city’s own resolution.
Mission resident, Melinda Melo, who organized the citizen’s effort said she was more than satisfied with the resolution passed Monday. “It was everything we’d hoped for and more,” she said.
By Jose de Leon III
school board and ultimately decided on De Leon during an Aug. 15 meeting, she said. De Leon explained that the La Joya school district encompasses the cities of La Joya, Palmview, Peñitas and Sullivan City. Because of a gentleman’s agreement where it was understood that all cities needed to be represented on the school board, there was no one on the board who represented the city of La Joya since Garza stepped down from the board, she said. De Leon’s swearing in was attended by local officials from Sullivan City, La Joya, Peñitas and Palmview as well as Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez, State Representative Oscar Longoria and Mission Consolidated In-
dependent School District Board President Patricia Y. O’Caña-Olivarez. This marks the second time De Leon fills in for a position held by Garza. In February, De Leon became the executive director for the La Joya Housing Authority, a position Garza held for 17 years until he was fired last December following his arrest on wire fraud charges. After her appointment to the school board, De Leon said she wished Garza well and hopes to implement two health related programs to the district that will encourage students to bike to school and grow an edible garden. “I’m working in collaboration with the board, they’re all colleagues and friends,” she said.
Daughter of La Joya mayor appointed to school board
Without any discussion, the La Joya Independent School District Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Frances Salinas De Leon as their newest school board member Tuesday. De Leon, daughter of La Joya Mayor Jose “Fito” Salinas and Mayor Pro Tem Mary Salinas, replaces Trustee Juan Jose “J.J.” Garza who resigned from the school board in March and pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges in May. De Leon is now the third generation in her father’s family to serve on the school board as Salinas, his father and two of his brothers have served as trustees nonconsecutively since 1950, Salinas said. “I’m so proud to follow my dad’s footsteps. He’s my mentor and my best friend” De Leon said after her appointment. “I’m humbled by your presence and support, I’ll be working very hard with my colleagues for the betterment of the district and our community.” De Leon’s appointment was supported under the Citizens Working Together banner, a political nonprofit started by her parents 20 years ago. According to the mayor, all the current city council members were members and school board members campaigned with support from the organization. The CWT met this past May to begin discussions on replacing Garza on the
Frances Salinas de Leon is sworn in as the newest trustee for the La Joya Independent School District Tuesday. Progress Times Photo by Jose De Leon III
The Mission Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on September 13, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: The North 5.0 acres of the South 10.0 acres of the West 20.49 acres of Lot 29-1, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from (AO-I) Agricultural Open Interim to (R-2) Duplex-Fourplex Residential; and Rezoning: Lot 10, Block 8, South Bryan Ridge #2 from (R-1) Single Family Residential to (C1) Office Building 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
ORDINANCE NO. 4536
ORDINANCE NO. 4537
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR HOME OCCUPATION- LICNESE HOME DAYCARE- 2114 W. 42 1/2 STREET, LOT 12, TAURUS ESTATES NO.9 PH. II SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 28th DAY OF AUGUST, 2017. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
ORDINANCE NO. 4538 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES - EL RODEO RESTAURANT, 622 N. CONWAY AVE, LOT 1, BLOCK 106, MISSION ORIGINAL TOWNSITE READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 28th DAY OF AUGUST, 2017. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
ORDINANCE NO. 4540 ORDINANCE NO. 4537
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES-TORTAS DEL JACK, 4001 S.SHARY ROAD, STE. 350, LOT 1, SHARYLAND PLANTATION GROVE TECH CENTER NO.2 READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 28th DAY OF AUGUST, 2017. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR BUDDY’S DRIVETHRU, 501 N. INSPIRATION ROAD, LOT 61, GEORGEANNA ESTATES SUBDVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 28th DAY OF AUGUST, 2017. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
PUBLIC NOTICE
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES-TORTAS DEL JACK, 4001 S.SHARY ROAD, STE. 350, LOT 1, SHARYLAND PLANTATION GROVE TECH CENTER NO.2 READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 28th DAY OF AUGUST, 2017. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
ORDINANCE NO. 4539 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO HAVE A DRIVE-THRU SERVICE WINDOW- BOKITAS SNACK BAR, 2515 S. COLORADO, STE. 11, LOT 2, BLOCK 2, SANTA LUCIA DEVELOPMENT READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 28th DAY OF AUGUST, 2017. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
ORDINANCE NO. 4541 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT A NEW 140’ ‘MONOPOLE’ TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWER ON PROPERTY ZONED AO-1 (AGRICULTURE OPEN INTERM), 3419-A N. TROSPER ROAD, 50’ X 50’ LEASED AREA OF LOT 41, BELL WOODS CO’S SUBDIVISION “C” READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 28th DAY OF AUGUST, 2017. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
LOCAL CHURCH
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if his home was flooded. He lives in downtown Houston near the University of Houston campus. He was grateful for the meal and the friendship offered by the volunteers at the food pantry as he, his wife and four children awaited some word about their home.
By Wednesday morning – as soon as they received word they were being allowed to return – most of the evacuees staying in Mission were headed home, hoping but not knowing if their homes were safe. A few others chose to stay a little longer because their
homes had no electricity and no water service. Mission City Manager Martin Garza Jr. said the church volunteers planned to continue serving the meals this week, as needed by the evacuee families.
Volunteers from Connections for Christ Church and other local churches flocked to the Mission Food Pantry this week, eager to give support and encouragement accompanied by a hot meal to those who had to flee their homes in the wake of Hurricane Harvey last weekend. The team of church volunteers is pictured above. From left to right are: Norma Saenz, Rita Gonzalez, Lydia Prieto, Norma Canales, Delores Lopez, Terri Lopez, Alicia Pena, Mayra Gonzalez, Alondra Gonzalez, Lyssa Aleman and Yvonne Pena.
theclassifieds Progress Times Photo
buy • sell • trade • rent • hire
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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.
Oracion Al Espiritu Santo
For Sale
Espiritu Santo, tu que me aclaras todo, que iluminas todos los caminos para que yo alcance mi ideal, tu que me das el don divino de perdonar y olvidar el mal que me hacen y que en todos los instantes de mi vida estas conmigo, yo quiero en este corto dialogo agradecerte por todo y confirmar una vez mas que nunca quiero separarme de ti por mayor que sea la ilusion material. Deseo estar contigo y todos mis seres queridos en la gracia perpetua. Gracias por tu misericordia para conmigo y los mios. La persona debera rezar esta oracion 3 dias sequidos sin decir el pedido. dentro de tres dias sera alcanzada la gracia por mas deficil que sea. (Publicar en cuanto se recibia la gracia). Agradece gracia alcanzada. T.R.
USE HAPPY JACK DD-33 to control fleas & ticks on cats, Border Enterprises, 956–487–2570, (kennelvax.com). FOR SALE IN 55+ Community, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, fully furnished, includes water, responsible for gas and light, $16,000 with land, call 715– 220–3228 for more information.
TV ENTERTAINMENT for sale, solid wood, in good condition, asking $180 or best offer, text 956-655-3795. Help Wanted
NOW HIRING FOR Funeral & Cemetery services, sales people and sales managers in all of our Valley locations, contact Monica Cordero at 956– 262–5407. OTR DRIVERS, INDIAN River transport is look-
NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received from all interested bidder at the Office of Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 6, 3735 N. FM 492, Mission, Texas 78573, for the acquisition of: (1) John Deere 5100 2WD 16X16 PWR/QD (Boom Mower) Deadline to submit bids are Thursday, September 07, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. at which time bids will be opened and read out loud. All bids may be dropped off at the same address above from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on regular business days, Monday thru Friday. Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 6 reserves the right to accept and/or reject any or all bids, and waive any formalities.
ing for CDL-A tanker drivers with 2 yrs. experience, apply online at www.indianrivertransport.com, call 855–478– 8265 or apply at 906 Business Park Drive, Mission, TX. NOW HIRING EXECUTIVE Legal Secretary needed for law firm, 2 yrs. previous experience in a legal setting required, please email resumes to agarza@ vlrhlaw.com. Services
WE PAY CASH for owner financed mortgage notes, court settlements, annuities, and lottery payments. Call 956– 279–0874, leave name, number, message; $100 referral fee conditional.
Qualifications:
Qualifications:
Joe Aguilar General Manager, HCID#6 Sharyland Water Supply Corp. Is currently accepting resumes for the following 3 positions: Assistant General Manager 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 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
Fax it in: 585-2304
PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF ALTON BUDGET The City of Alton will conduct a public hearing on the 12th day of September 2017, at 7:30 p.m., at Alton City Hall Commission Chambers located at 509 S. Alton Blvd., Alton, Texas. The purpose of the public hearing is for the general public to be present and participate in the Hearing relating to the adoption of the Fiscal Year 20172018 City of Alton Budget. A copy of the proposed budget may be viewed at the Office of the City Secretary on regular business days from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. If any person needs special accommodations as specified under the Americans with Special Disabilities Act, please contact the Office of the City Secretary at (956) 432-0760 at least 72 hours prior to the date of the meeting. Publication Date: September 01, 2017 Baudelia Rojas CPM, TRMC CMC, City Secretary
Mission saying they planned to drop a few cases of water at the Mission donation site in front of the Parks and Recreation Department. “For us, this is all we can do, we wish we could do more,” Esmeralda said. “I was horrified when I saw the news of Harvey because I remember thinking how the storm could’ve hit us. Can you imagine that destruction in the Valley if the storm had not changed course? I am helping out because I know I’d want people to help me if we were attempting to rebuild after the storm.”
Bring it in: 1217 N Conway Mission
fices at 316 S. Bentsen Palm Drive in Palmview and 214 Exp. 83 in La Joya. Donations were also being received at Peñitas City Hall, at 1111 S. Main Street, and after 5 p.m. at the city’s fire department. The Texans Helping Texans Disaster Relief program was requesting paper goods, cleaning supplies, snack foods, beverages, socks and undergarments, baby items, non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped blankets. Volunteers will be traveling to the affected areas this weekend, September 2 and 3 to deliver the collected items. Donations to the program could also be made via www.youcaring.com/hurricaneharveyvictims-916270. The City of Peñitas collected items until 9 a.m. Thursday and at 10 shipped the goods north in a tractor trailer provided by Fox Packaging. In Sullivan City, residents donated enough water and dry goods to fill a Dodge Ram 250 pickup truck and the flatbed trailer it was pulling, said City Manager Juan Cedillo. Police Chief Richard Ozuna said the truck left Thursday morning bound for the town of Angleton in Brazoria County. Employees of Mission’s Ranch House Burgers restaurant traveled Tuesday to McCampbell-Porter Airport in Aransas Pass as the city, located north of Corpus Christi, was also devastated by the storm. Workers fed first responders in the area and the restaurant planned
rera said Monday. “People are coming in with donations who are happy to help out and we’ve had a few people come in here from Corpus staying in the Valley who do not know the conditions of their home. They’re very appreciative of what’s going on. It’s sad the storm happened but look at how everyone is coming together to help.” Among the local residents who donated goods were Esmeralda Cardenas and her husband, Armando. The Palmview couple dropped off clothes at Ranch House Burgers on Bryan Road in
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Rosenberg, Texas. He said they were being assigned to Texas Task Force One and would be deployed to various agencies on an as-needed basis. He said the two other firefighters left Sunday assigned to the Emergency Medical Task Force and were being assigned to a mobile hospital in a tent “where basically they’re going to be taking vital stats and helping people who need any sort of assistance.” As of Wednesday they were helping staff a temporary medical facility at Houston’s NRG Stadium, according to Mission’s Emergency Management Coordinator James Cardoza. On Tuesday afternoon at the city’s second drop off site in the parking lot of North Town shopping center, Mission Police Officer Veronica Longoria, vice president of the Mission Police Association and Mission Fire Fighter, Robert Lopez, president of the Mission Fire Fighter’s Association, were overseeing operations in front of Movie Night, a vintage movie rental store where owner Homer Garza said he planned to entertain residents with music and free hot dogs as they dropped off donated items Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. “It’s heartening to see the public’s support with all these donations,” Garza said, gesturing to the wooden pallets loaded with cases of water, dry goods and pet foods. In Palmview and La Joya the La Joya Area Federal Credit Union was accepting donations all week at its of-
to return today to give out donated goods, said owner Michael Barrera. Barrera said as of Monday his Mission and Weslaco restaurants had each received about $5,000 worth of donated items ranging from water, clothes, toiletries and canned goods as it participated in Operation Texas Strong where several businesses across the Valley were accepting donated items. “We’d like to go on a later trip to Houston but currently all the roads to get there are flooded so we’re going to have to wait for that,” Bar-
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HARVEY VICTIMS to match some of these donations just because I know we’re going to need so much help and support in the upcoming weeks we’re going to need every dollar we can collect.” The Salvation Army is providing food trucks and shelters in the affected areas. At the Salvation Army store at 1600 N. 23rd St., in McAllen, a staff member said only food donations are being accepted for the store’s food pantry. The staff member at the store said persons wishing to donate cash to the organization can do so via its website: www. helpsalvationarmy.org or by texting “storm” at 51555 to donate via cell phone. The staff member, who declined to provide their name, said the pantry has had some requests for food from storm evacuees. “But we’re hesitant to make a full fledged public request for food donations because we’re not sure how extensive this influx will be,” she said. The Red Cross’ Hughes said it is unlikely the Rio Grande Valley will experience a great influx of evacuees from the north given that Houston is six hours from the Valley and the Red Cross and other entities have established numerous shelters in and around Houston, Corpus Christi and other affected areas. Mission’s city manager said the three firefighters sent to assist with water rescues left Saturday for the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in
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GENERAL DENTISTRY
❑ Sharyland Rattlers ❑ Pioneer Diamondbacks
❑ Juarez-Lincoln Huskies ❑ La Joya Coyotes ❑ Palmview Lobos
❑ Mission Eagles ❑ Veterans Memorial Patriots
WEEK #2 - SEP. 7-9, 2017
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
LA JOYA JUAREZ LINCOLN PALMVIEW SHARYLAND PIONEER MISSION HIGH SHARYLAND MCALLEN MEMORIAL
vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs.
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Tie Breaker 1 Enter the number of points scored by the winning team of the following game:
ROMA RIO HONDO EDINBURG ECONOMODES BROWNSVILLE PACE VETERANS MEMORIAL EDINBURG NORTH WESLACO EAST
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956-580-1999 300 W. Exp. 83 • Mission, TX 78572
Tie Breaker 2 Enter the number of points scored by the winning team of the following game:
Mission High vs. Veterans Memorial
La Joya vs. Roma
Name: __________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________ Phone & Alt Phone: __________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________ I am age 18 or older.
A $50 cash prize will be awarded each week for the winning entry. The entry coming closest to calling all the games correctly wins. In event of a tie, the tying entry that comes closest to the score of Tie Breaker #1 wins. If a tie remains, the tying entry that comes closest to the score of Tie Breaker #2 wins. If a tie still remains, the $50 prize will be divided evenly among the winning entries. Booster Club Grand Prize: At the end of the regular football season, the total number of complete, qualified entries will be tallied for each team with the team’s check box marked. The $200 Grand Prize will be awarded to the Athletic Booster Club of the team with the most entries submitted. No Purchase necessary. Limit one entry per household each week of the contest period. Must be age 18 or older to enter the contest. HOW TO ENTER: Check the box next to the team’s name that you predict to win each high school game. Next, for the tie breakers, predict the total points scored by the winning team in the Tie Breaker #1 game, and the total points scored by the winning team in the Tie Breaker #2 game. Fill in your name, address, phone number (This is how we notify the winners!), and email address. Check the box to receive the FREE Progress Times weekly newsletter and mail or drop off your entry form at Progress Times, 1217 N. Conway Ave., Mission, TX 78572. Or submit your entry online at www.progresstimes. net. All entries must be received by the Progress Times no later than 2 p.m., Thursday preceding the listed games. All entries must be submitted on the Official Entry Form printed in the Progress Times or Sharyland Times, a photocopy of the entry form, or submitted electronically from our official website submission form. Only one entry per household per week. Previous winners and all members of the same household are ineligible for subsequent weeks of the contest. Prizes must be claimed within 7 days of notification or announcement in the Progress Times. Decisions made by the Progress Times staff are final. The winners agree to allow the Progress Times to use their names and photographs to announce the winners and for promotional purposes online and in print. Employees of the Progress Times and their immediate family members are not eligible to win.
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For Your School’s Athletic Booster Club
Check your school or favorite team below. The team with the most entries at the end of the season will win $200 for the school’s Athletic Booster Club.
Español: (956) 787-2256 Bilingual: (956) 457-2530 (956) 329-4636
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Football Contest Official Entry Form
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Check the box next to the team you think will win from each of the games below
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