December 8, 2017 - PT ISSUE by Progress Times

Friday, December 8, 2017

www.ptrgv.com | 25 Cents

Vol. 46 No. 18

Cinderella Pet Rescue

seeks public’s help to save more cats and dogs By Joe Hinton Go to the Cinderella Pet Rescue webpage and one can find about a dozen examples of what can only be described as dramatic transformations of dogs from the time they were acquired by the animal rescue center and after their wounds were healed and maladies treated. There’s Goldie, a mixedbreed dog that was so weak when she arrived she could barely stand, suffering malnutrition and with ears so tick infested the ear canals were blocked with the blood sucking parasites and the remaining underside of the ear was blanketed with them. The after photos are of a healthy, happy animal with no signs of neglect. Then there’s Phoenix, nearly starved to death and barely a hair left on his body when he arrived at the shelter in March 2014, today he is a happy, healthy boy ready for adoption. And there’s Ricky, a German Shepherd that arrived at the shelter with paws so swollen he could barely even walk on grass. Today he runs and plays enthusiastically among some of the 74 other dogs housed on about 10 acres of what was once an equestrian training center owned by Eerie, Pa. native Suzanne

Herzing. Pulling out her cell phone Herzing showed a recent photo of a dog’s paw missing all of its skin after a chord that was left wrapped around its lower leg cut off circulation to the paw. Once the animal was stabilized its right rear leg was amputated leaving enough, as Herzing explained, to sit on. “If you leave too much of the leg they try to use it,” she said. In 2008 Herzing converted 10 of 19 acres of what she refers to as her “ranchette” into the no kill shelter. Herzing, 66, who has lived in and out of the Valley since she was six, said she made the transition after breaking her back and spending a month in the hospital after being thrown form a horse. It was also in response to the 30 to 40 dogs a year that wandered onto her sprawling property after being dumped in the rural area near Mission’s border with Palmview. She wanted to save as many of the estimated 25,000 dogs euthanized each year in Hidalgo County. Currently there are 75 dogs on the property including 15 more she is fostering at her adjoining home. There are also 24 cats living in a converted chicken coop

See PET RESCUE Pg. 12

Cinderella Pet Rescue founder Suzanne Herzing with three of the 75 dogs currently available for adoption from the no-kill shelter, from the front, DeeGee, Waffle and Bessie Anne. Progress Times photo by Joe Hinton

Events Center coming soon Mission prepares for opening of its $17.8 million events center By Joe Hinton

Hundreds, if not thousands of area residents joined Mission city officials, vendors and entertainers for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony Nov. 30 at Leo Peña Placita Park. Progress Times photos by Joe Hinton.

CodeRGV president: Repeal of ‘net neutrality’ not fair game for consumers By Jose De Leon III The president of a McAllen-based non-profit organization with the goal of spreading digital literacy throughout the Rio Grande Valley said repeal of rules protecting internet neutrality would not be good for consumers.

Last month, the Federal Communications Commission released a plan to dismantle landmark regulations that ensure equal access to the internet, clearing the way for internet service companies to charge users more to see certain content and

See NET NEUTRALITY Pg. 10

Drew Lentz

Mission’s city council has taken several actions to prepare for the scheduled March 1 opening of the city’s $17.8 million events center, not the least of which is deciding just how much to charge people to use it. During its Nov. 27 meeting the council formalized an agreement with the Mission Economic Development Corporation to repay the $17.8 million certificate of obligation the city took on to pay for the 45,000 square foot center. Under the agreement the city will pay the cost of the center and be reimbursed by the MEDC at a rate of $1 million per year with another half million dollars per year coming from the city’s Tax Incentive Reimbursement Zone, said City Manager Martin Garza. The two economic drivers will reimburse the city each year until the certificate of obligation is repaid, Garza said. Additionally, profits from the sale

INSIDE

INDEX

Guilty of insurance fraud

275th District Court race

A Mission man and a former Pharr commissioner have pleaded guilty to bilking Texas Blue Cross of $1.7 million in an insurance fraud involving pain relief medicines. Find out who they are inside.

Two Mission lawyers are vying for the seat on the 275th Hidalgo County District Court. Reporter Jose De Leon III details their qualifications inside.

See Pg. 4

See Pg. 5

Entertainment | pg.2

Lifestyle | pg.3

Opinion | pg.4

Sports | pg. 8

FREE

of properties adjoining the events center owned by the MEDC will be used to pay down the debt on the center, Garza said. The council also approved spending nearly $300,000 for equipment for the center’s kitchen, which city engineer, Juan P. Terrazas has described as a “warming kitchen,” to be used by caterers. The equipment will be purchased from Ace Mart Restaurant Supply of Austin and San Antonio. The equipment ranges from dishwashers and stainless steel tables to microwave ovens. The council also approved spending more than $428,000 on furniture, which is being purchased from Office Depot. The cost includes installation of the furniture. On Nov. 24 council members and Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas met for several hours in a planning session with Garza and his deputies, Aida Lerma and Randy Perez, to discuss what to charge the public to use the facility which can be used as a sin-

gle nearly 18,000 square foot “Grand Orchard Ballroom” or can be divided up into seven separate meeting rooms of varying sizes named Ruby Red, Valencia, Key Lime, Lemon, Tangerine, Pomelo and Mandarin. In addition the center’s 7,258 square foot foyer and 2,543 square foot patio can also be rented separately. The session became both an economic and philosophic discussion with varying views from council members about how much should be charged and why. Garza started the planning session saying the city does not intend to recoup the cost of constructing the center but it needs to charge enough to pay the estimated $40,000 a month to maintain and operate it. Pricing too high could send perspective customers to competing venues, pricing too low could mean the city would be subsidizing its operation. Perez told councilmember’s Brownsville has

See EVENTS CENTER Pg. 5

THE

BIG7 SCHOOLS

District 30-6A basketball

Sports writer Bryan Ramos believes four boy’s basketball teams in the Big 7 have a good chance of improving on their performance this year. Find his analysis inside.

See Pg. 8

Obituaries | pg. 9

Classifieds | pg. 11

WEDDING, QUINCEAñERAS & SWEET 16 ANNOUNCEMENTS Call (956) 585-4893 for details, or email Community News at: ptcomnews@gmail.com

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December 8, 2017

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Coming Attractions

December 8-9 • The Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) Harlequins present “Fiddler on the Roof” at 7 p.m. each night. Tickets - $5 for students and $10 for adults – can now be purchased at the VMHS front office weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or at the VMHS Theater door the night of the show. December 8-10 • The PSJA Early College High School Thespians will perform Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the PSJA Early College High School, 805 W. Ridge Road, San Juan. Tickets are $7 for adults. Call 956-354-2300 for information. • The Harlingen Community Theater presents Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park.” Show times are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8-9, and 3 p.m. on Dec. 10. The theater is located at 1209 Fair Park Blvd. Ticket sales begin two hours prior to show time. Seating begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students age 18 and under. Call 956-412-7529 for information. December 8-17 • The Camille Playhouse presents Irving Berlin’s musical “White Christmas” at the theater, 1 Dean Porter Park in Brownsville. Tickets are $20 for adults. Call 956-542-8900 for more information. December 8-10 & 19 • The Pharr Community Theater (PCT) presents “A Tejano Christmas Carol.” Performances will be presented at PCT, 213 W. Newcombe, through Saturdayat 7:30 p.m. and Sundayat 3 p.m. It will also be presented Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Pharr Events Center, 3000 N Cage Blvd. Tickets are $7 general admission and $5 for students, seniors and military. Tickets will be sold at the door starting one hour before each play, on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, call 956-239-0412 or 956-655-9308. Tickets for the Dec. 19 performance at the Pharr Events Center are $3 each. Call 956-402-4500 for that night. December 12 & 19 • The Upper Valley Art League (UVAL) hosts Rio Grande Valley Woodcarver member Lon Caldwell teaching how to make Christmas ornaments. All materials will be provided. The fee is $25 per session for UVAL members and $35 for nonmembers. Payment is due at sign up. To register, 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. • The Upper Valley Art League (UVAL) hosts Rio Grande Valley Woodcarver member Jan Jansen teaching how to carve a feather or cross. All materials will be provided. The fee is $25 per session for UVAL members and $35 for nonmembers. Payment is due at sign up. To register, 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. December 13 • The UTRGV School of Music presents international euphonium superstars Steven and Misa Mead in a brass virtuosic concert at 7 p.m. at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, 1201 W. University Dr. in Edinburg. The event is free and open to the public. For questions, call 956-6653881. (For more Coming Attractions, go to ptrgv.com)

Celebrating Christmas across the Valley

RIO GRANDE VALLEY – It doesn’t matter where Rio Grande Valley residents are traveling, visiting or shopping across the region during December, there is something happening close by to enjoy for the holidays. Across the Rio Grande Valley, cities, museum and churches are decking the halls, planning parties and inviting the general public to take in the sights, sounds, flavors and feelings of the Christmas season. Alton • The City of Alton Christmas Parade & Festival is planned for Saturday, Dec. 9. The parade begins at 11 a.m. and travels from Cantu Elementary to the city hall. The Christmas Festival begins at 5 p.m. at the Alton Recreation Center with live entertainment for the entire family. La Joya • The City of La Joya 12th Annual Christmas Parade begins at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, at Expressway 83 and travels down La Joya Ave. Mission • The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce will hold a Welcome Back Winter Texans Party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, (weather permitting), with entertainment, tourist attractions, discounted food and more. Call GMCC at 956585-2727 for info. • The City of Mission and Hands in Art Studio present a Winter Wonderfland Festival on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 4 to 10 p.m. at Leo Peña Placita Park in Mission. There is no admission cost for this event, which will include a night of music, handmade crafts and local food. Palmview • On Thursday, Dec. 14, the City of Palmview will host its Posada Navidena from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Palmview Parks & Recreation, located at 406 W. Veterans Blvd. The event will

City of Alton Clubs, Schools, and Organizations: You’re invited to join the

12th Annual

Christmas Parade & Festival

Saturday, Dec. 9th • Start Time: 11am • Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place floats We welcome floats, cars, bands, military, police, fire, bicycles, horses, motorcycles, RVs and trucks. Register your parade entry at: Alton City Hall 509 S. Alton Blvd. or call 956-432-0760 samm.mercado@alton-tx.gov baudelia.rojas@alton-tx.gov

Join us for the festivities at 5:00pm at the Alton Recreation Center. Brought to you by the

Greater Alton Chamber of Commerce & The City of Alton

Live Entertainment And Nativity Play For All To Enjoy!

include food, music, dance and fun for the whole family. McAllen • Due to weather, the Quinta Mazatlan “Parula Winds Concert & Santa in the Park” has been changed to next week on Thursday, Dec. 14. At 6 p.m., join in the Christmas Carols sing-along and enjoy Klughardt’s Woodwind Quintent and Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro with Parula Winds woodwind chamber ensemble before the special appearance by Santa Claus. The ensemble is made up of flautist Beth Van Epps, oboist Carlos Cantu, clarinetist Cecilia Smith, hornist Oscar Medina and bassoonist Christopher Jones. Light refreshments will be provided. Visitors should dress for the weather for this outdoor event. The program fee is $3 per person. Santa’s Animal Forest Fest takes place at Quinta Mazatlan on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will be a snow flurry machine, nature caroling, stage shows, storybook stations, inflatable animal characters, crafts, photos with Santa and more. The fees are $5 for kids and $3 for adults. Discovery Days are going on all month long from 11 a.m. to noon and 2 to 3 p.m. Decorate the nature tree on the Dec. 9 and 23; paint watercolor nature scenes, Dec. 27; check out “Thorn Forest Skulls to Bones to Fur & More,” Dec. 28; take the Feather Fun Foto nature walk on Dec. 29; and learn survivor skills, Dec. 30. The fee is $3 per person. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset Drive in McAllen. For more information, call 956-681-3370. • The International Museum of Art & Science Guild annual Christmas tree forest has opened, and the 21 artificial, six-foot trees will be on display through Jan. 4, 2018. This year’s theme, “Christmas in the Great Outdoors,” celebrates natural wonders, outdoor activities and national and state park systems. Trees were decorated by individuals, families and orga-

nizations from across the Rio Grande Valley, competing for prizes in various categories. The display is included in the regular price of admission. IMAS is also holding gingerbread workshops every weekend through Dec. 23, with participants decorating graham cracker houses. IMAS is located at 1900 Nolana Ave. Call 956-6820123 for more information. • “A Christmas Musical” presented by Holy Spirit Catholic Church in McAllen will benefit the Santo Niño Chapel. It will be held at the McAllen Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15, $20 and $25, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or at the McAllen Convention Center Box Office weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Edinburg • The UTRGV School of Music will close its 2017 holiday concert season on Monday, Dec. 11, with a performance by the UTRGV Flute Ensemble at 7 p.m. at the Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg Campus. For more information about these concerts or for special accommodations, email patron@utrgv. edu or call 956-665-3881. To purchase tickets, visit patron. utrgv.edu or tickets.vendini. com. • On Monday, Dec. 11, the UTRGV School of Music will present its Holiday Concert & Carols at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, located at 1201 W. University Dr. in Edinburg. The performance by candlelight features the UTRGV Flute Ensemble and begins at 5 p.m. General admission is $5. Tickets can be purchased at tickets.vendini. com. For questions, call 956665-3881. • The Edinburg North High School Winter Festival will be held on Friday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. with “real snow,” food, arts and crafts and more. The school is located at 3101 N. Closner Blvd. in Edinburg. • The Edinburg Dance Theatre presents “The Nutcracker,” from Friday to Sunday, Dec. 8-10, at Johnny Economedes High School,

Ralph Kuster

A Traditional & Country Christmas VARIETY SHOW & CHRISTMAS

DEC. 13 • $7pp • 6:30 PM • BIT O’ HEAVEN 1051 W. Bus. 83 • Alamo, TX • 603-396-2786

NEW CHRISTMAS SHOW

DEC. 14 • $6pp • 7 PM • CASA DEL SOL 400 Val Verde Rd. • Donna, TX • 464-9024

DEC. 15 • $6pp • 6:30 PM • WINTER GREEN ESTATES 500 N. Bryan Rd. Mission, TX • 989-708-0921

DEC. 16 • BORDER THEATER $10 pp at the door • 2 PM

905 N. Conway • Mission, TX • 417-230-8198 DEC. 18 • $7 pp door $6 adv. • 7 PM • TROPIC WINDS 1501 N. Loop 499 • Harlingen, TX • 956-423-5484

DEC. 20 • $7 pp • 7 PM • PARK PLACE

5401 W. Baus. 83 • Harlingen, TX • 956-412-0375

DEC. 21 • $7 pp • 7 PM • WINTER RANCH 600 State Hwy. 495 • Alamo, TX • 417-293-4438

DEC. 22 • $6 pp • 7 PM • TROPIC STAR 1401 S. Cage Blvd. • Pharr, TX • 956-787-5773

SEE YOU THERE! Video presentation for each song in the show

DEC. 23 • $7 pp • 7 PM • SUNSHINE RV RESORT 1900 Grace Ave. • Harlingen, TX • 830-765-0272

1414 Alamo Road in Edinburg. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Friday; 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $12 and are available at the Dancentre of Edinburg, located at 2750 Hedfelt, or by calling 956-383-2623. San Juan • The City of San Juan will host Noche de Paz on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 3 to 11 p.m. at the San Juan Municipal Park, located at 506 E. Business 83 in San Juan. There will be entertainment, food, a parade and games. Call Roy Garcia for more information at 956-402-8395. Alamo • The City of Alamo will hold its Eighth Annual Lighted Christmas Parade and Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at 800 Main St., Alamo. Call 956787-6699 for questions. • The Alamo Museum, 130 S. 8th St., is displaying 200 nativity scenes on loan from Demaris Swint during the month of December. The nativities are displayed alongside approximately 1,600 angel figurines. The museum is open from 9 a.m. until noon and 1 to 4 p.m. daily. For more information call 956961-4398. Donna • The Donna Hooks Fletcher Historical Museum has Christmas trees decorated by elementary school students on exhibit through Jan. 6. The hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. The museum is located at 129 South Eighth St. in Donna. Weslaco • Put on the Santa suit for Weslaco’s 23rd Annual Mid-Valley Lighted Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 6 p.m. on Texas Blvd. This year’s theme, “A Superhero Christmas,” has racers kicking off the parade at 5:30 p.m. with the Third Annual Santa Dash 5K. Participants decked out in a five-piece Santa suit will begin at the Weslaco City Hall parking lot and run down Texas Blvd for spectators to cheer on. Registration fees for the Santa Dash 5K are $30, suit included, or $25 for those that still have last year’s suit. Fees will go up on race day. Registration for the 2017 Santa Dash 5K is available online at mve.webconnex.com/santadash3. Brownsville • At the Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 East Madison St., a miniature holiday village is on display through Jan. 6 with more than 500 Department 56 ceramic pieces of figurines, animals and lighted structures. The exhibit can be seen with paid museum admission. The museum will host a Historical Happy Hour Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest for adults on Dec. 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the historic Laureles Ranch House. The event, complete with a prize for the ugliest sweater, is free to museum members and $5 for nonmembers. For information, call 956-548-1313. The museum is also participating in the Brownsville Holiday Village in Dean Porter Park. Admission is free to stroll past the decorated, child-sized cottages, with the park open until 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. La Feria • First United Methodist Church of La Feria will host a live nativity on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16 and 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Each night the church parking lot transforms into the town of Bethlehem. It is free and open to the public. The church is located at 331 S. Main St. For more information or to volunteer, call 956245-5742 or 956-797-1393. Port Isabel • The City of Port Isabel will hold its first Hometown Holiday Parade on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 4:30 p.m. in front of the Laguna Madre Youth Center on Port Road. The route will head east on Queen Isabella Blvd. and end at the Port Isabel Events Center. The annual Christmas Lighting will take place at 7 p.m. at Beulah Lee Park. There will be live performances and food and drink vendors. Call 956-9432682 for more information.

December 8, 2017

MHM to host ‘Behind-the-Scenes Tour’ The Mission Historical Museum is will be hosting a Behind the Scene’s Tour of their two historic buildings on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This tour will show areas of the museum that are not seen by the public. The tour will start with a History of Mission Presentation by local history enthusiast Patti Golden followed by a rare tour of the museum’s collections room led by museum archivist Vernon Weckbacker. The highlight of the tour will finish in the museum’s annex building where the tour group will experience the first basement tour ever given by the museum. The basement is only open once a year at Halloween for a haunted house when it’s not clearly visible due to the decorations. Assistant Chief Jose Antonio Garcia, who worked in the building when it was used by the Mission Police Department, will lead the basement tour where visitors can see the original jail cells that still stand. The museum is housed in two historic buildings in downtown Mission. The Shary Building, which carries a Texas historical marker, was built by Valley pioneer John H. Shary in 1939, and housed his business offices until purchased by the City of Mission in 1960. The structure was transformed into a museum after serving as Mission’s City Hall for many years.

Marine Corps League to form new Detachment HARLINGEN – The Rio Grande Valley Detachment of the Marine Corps League announces that the Commandant of the Department of Texas Marine Corps League will conduct a meeting at the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m. The meeting has been slated to form a new Detachment in Rio Grande Valley, and any Marine interested in joining as a Charter Member is invited to attend the meeting. The Marine Corps League was one of the earliest established veterans organizations, organized in June of 1923 and chartered by Congress in August, 1937. Membership in the Marine Corps League is for any Marine, FMF corpsman or FMF chaplain who have served honorably or are currently on active duty. For more information, contact Sean Downey at 956372-7427.

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The second building incorporated into the museum is the Mission Post Office built in 1940, which later became the Mission P.D. office. It is now the MHM annex. It also home to an original Works Progress Administration (WPA) mural, the only one still existing in the Valley. WPA was created during the Great Depression to provide economic relief. Under the WPA, the Federal Art Project was created to help provide jobs for artists. A new landscape project was completed in the summer of 2013 to link the two buildings and provide outdoor performance space. The tour is $5 per person, and tickets must be purchased in advance at the museum, 900 Doherty, Mission. Each tour group member will receive a Mission Historical Museum T-shirt. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call Lisa Price at 956-580-8646

Fiesta de Noche Buena traditions return at MOSTHistory

EDINBURG – Returning for its third year, the Museum of South Texas History presents Fiesta de Noche Buena to celebrate the Christmas season. The event will feature local traditions, performances, artisans and tasty traditional foods at the museum, 200 N. Closner Blvd., on Sunday, Dec. 10, from 1 to 5 p.m. The afternoon will be filled with music from choruses, guitarists and mariachis, serenading guests with holiday favorites. Opening the performances is the renowned Mariachi Mariposas, an all-female mariachi group that received first place in the 2014 Best in Texas Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Following the award-winning mariachi group performance, the Bard of the South, Rickey Pittman, will present his children’s book, “Rio Grande Valley ABC.” Pittman is a storyteller, folksinger and the grand prize winner of the 1998 Ernest Hemingway Short Story Competition. Performing holiday favorites is the First United Methodist Church Edinburg choir led by Omar Samaniego. Brand new this year is a bilingual presentation titled “La

EVENTS

CALENDAR

December 8 – Edinburg World Birding Center, 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd., hosts Javi Gonzalez in a beginner birding program, “Intro to Sparrows” at 2 p.m. Admission is $2. Call 956-381-9922 for info. December 9 – Learn woodcarving at the Edinburg World Birding Center, 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. It will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Registration is required at least two days prior to each class. For more information, or to register, call 956-381-9922. December 9 – Kids can enroll for the next Saturday Safari, “Toys for Animals,” at Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold in Brownsville. From 10 a.m. to noon, they will learn how playing is serious business for zoo animals. A zoo tour, arts & crafts, animal encounter and snacks are included in each class. Cost is $15 per child or adult with a $5 discount for Zoo members. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. For more information or to register, call 956-548- 9453 or e-mail educ@gpz.org. December 12 – Amigos de Los Niños de Mexico will meet at 1:30 p.m. at the First Methodist Church, 228 S. Main St. in Donna to prepare to bring food and toys to the children of Progresso, Mexico, for Christmas. At the meeting, sign up for committees, drop off donated items and get general info. For information, contact Carol Schnase, publicity chairman, at 956-332-8855. December 16 – The Sixth Annual Bert Ogden Cowboy Christmas Cook-off will be held at the Mission Chevrolet dealership parking lot. There is $15,000 in prize money waiting for the winners in the IBCA-sanctioned event. Categories include brisket, pork spare ribs and half chicken, and there are $25 jackpots for rib eye steak, beans and fajitas. There is $175 entry fee for one or all IBCA categories. Vendors are welcomed. Set-up is Friday, Dec. 15, from 4 to 8 p.m. Register and pay online at cowboychristmascookoff. com. For more information, call Johnny at 956-212-1163. December 16 – Take the family on a photography scavenger hunt at 9:30 a.m. at the Edinburg World Birding Center with Texas Master Naturalist and Adventure Guide Neil Cassady. Cameras will be provided, but families are encouraged to bring their own. It is included with regular paid admission. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. For information, call 956-381-9922. December 16 – The next Saturday Safari at Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold in Brownsville, is “Pets 101” from 10 a.m. to noon. Children will learn from the animal experts about taking care of animals. A zoo tour, arts & crafts, animal encounter and snacks are included in each class. Cost is $15 per child or adult with a $5 discount for Zoo members. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. For more information or to register, call 956-548- 9453 or e-mail educ@gpz.org. (For more Events, go to ptrgv.com.)

Navidad en México/Christmas in Mexico,” that explores the culture and history of Mexican Christmas traditions such as the pastorela play, the symbolism of piñatas and the community posada. The presentation will be conducted by museum staff and José Manuel González, a retired professor of Spanish and Latin American History. Following the presentation, guests can participate in the first-ever “Posada Por Tiempo” where visitors will visit costumed interpreters in the River Frontier and River Highway exhibits singing “Pedir Posada,” a song that tells the story of Joseph and Mary seeking shelter before the birth of Jesus. If weather permits, children can participate in the breaking of a piñata – a tradition also practiced outside of

the Christmas festivities. Another Mexican Christmas tradition is the use of the poinsettia and its role in Christmas festivities including Nochebuena. Families can learn more about the poinsettia and Nochebuena during UTRGV’s Book Buzz Club book presentations. Enjoy the stories of “La Nochebuena South of the Border” by James Rice, “The Legend of the Poinsettia” by Tomie dePaola and “’Twas Nochebuena” by author Roseanne Greenfield. Guests can continue making memories with free photograph opportunities, either in front of a 12-foot-tall fiesta tree, or children can be photographed with Cowboy Santa and his saddle. For border-twist fun, the “Try On History Project” will have a number of costume pieces for

the family to model and to take selfie photos. The event is complemented by traditional Mexican food favorites such as tamales, elote en vaso, pan dulce, atole, champurrado and arroz con leche. New this year, guests will learn about and taste the artisan chocolates made at the Mozna Chocolate factory, currently operating in Hidalgo. Artisan vendors will line the annex hallway, giving visitors the opportunity to shop for last-minute holiday gifts. The Museum Store will also be open for guests who seek an array of gifts and books about South Texas history. Fiesta de Noche Buena is included in the regular museum admission. Call 956-3836911 for information.

Attention Citizens of Mission Be advised I am humbly appointing an Exploratory Committee to consider the possibility of running for Mission’s “Mayor position”. Text 956-2225739 to vote yes, run or no, do not run. The committees’ composition is as follows: Maria De Jesus Ocaña Tommy Parker Armando O’caña Jr. Charles Austin Spring O’caña George Guerra Drew Orner Reynaldo Mercado Armando O’caña III Romelio Silva Esperanz“Hope” O’caña Humberto Martinez Jacob Ramiro O’caña Jose Israel Martinez

Dr. Armando O’caña

Johnathan Lee O’caña Joe Pena Amanda O’caña Lupita Bottomly Jerimaya Garza Aleda Reyes Gabby Garza Karina Madrigal Sam Fuente Rogelio Reyes Matthew James Ocaña Ester Pena Milagro Soria Mercy Reyes

Antonio O’caña Jr. Margarita Ortega Tomas O’caña Juana Reyes Alberto O’caña Teresa Smith Jorge O’caña Yolando Lipold Ramiro O’caña Daphne Stewart Patricia O’caña Olivarez Ruben Alonzo

You are invited to 1809 West FM 495, Mission Texas to Areli’s Event Center from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM on January 4, 2018 (Thursday)

for the results. I will be announcing the results and will notify you if I am running and use this event as my kickoff or not. There will be food, drinks and entertainment. Please RSVP at 956-222-5739 if you will be attending so that I may ensure a dinner plate is reserved for you. Donations are currently being accepted please mail your check and make it payable to: Dr. Armando Ocana’s Campaign Fund 927 Greenlawn Street, Mission, Texas 78572. Political Ad Paid for By Candidate

• MISSION • MCALLEN • WESLACO • HARLINGEN • BROWNSVILLE

Coming Soon in Palmhurst!

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December 8, 2017

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Highway fund, Rainy Day fund receive hefty infusions

AUSTIN — State Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Nov. 29 announced the transfer of $1.47 billion into the State Highway Fund and the Economic Stabilization Fund, with $734 million going into each fund. The transfer was enabled by Texas voters, who in the November 2014 constitutional amendment election passed a measure allocating at least half of the state’s oil and gas production severance taxes to the “Rainy Day Fund” and the remainder to the State Highway Fund for use on non-toll highway construction, maintenance and right-of-way acquisitions. The transfer brought the new balance of the Rainy Day Fund to $10.98 billion. “The Rainy Day Fund is an important tool for our state because it allows us to maintain solid fiscal footing even during unforeseen circumstances, such as those our state encountered during Harvey,” Hegar said. “The governor and Legislature will determine how best to use this important asset, but I think all Texans are glad this tool is in place. Similarly, the transfer into the State Highway Fund will continue to allow the state to address growing transportation needs to keep our economic engine running smoothly,” Hegar added. Cognizant to open site Gov. Greg Abbott on Nov. 30 announced Cognizant would open a new regional technology and service delivery center in Irving in early 2018. Cognizant is a Fortune 500 multinational corporation providing information technology, consulting and business process services. The company has more than

3,600 employees in Texas. The governor’s office made a Texas Enterprise Fund grant offer of $2.1 million to Cognizant and said the firm plans to create 1,090 new jobs based out of the new facility. The company made a capital investment of more than $8 million, according to the governor’s office. Effort aims for safety The Texas Department of Transportation on Nov. 30 said that during last year’s holiday season, about one in four deaths on Texas roadways was alcohol-related. From Dec. 1 through Jan. 1 of this year, TxDOT’s “Plan While You Can” campaign is reminding drivers to make planning a sober ride part of their holiday celebrations. “Tragically, there are many families who experience the holidays without a loved one due to a drunk driver,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “We need to remember that each time someone dies or is seriously injured on our roadways, it affects a family and an entire community. Don’t make a bad decision that could cause heartache for your family and others. Make a plan to get home safely. It could save lives.” In 2016, there were 2,321 alcohol-related crashes in Texas from Dec. 1 to Jan. 1. Those crashes killed 82 people and seriously injured another 199, TxDOT said. Fund grows by billions The State Board of Education on Nov. 30 announced that the Texas Permanent School Fund has reached a record high value of $41.44 billion. Already the nation’s largest educational endowment, the Texas Permanent School Fund gained $4.16 billion

in value in fiscal year 20162017, which ended Aug. 31. “During the 2018-2019 biennium, the Permanent School Fund is projected to distribute $2.5 billion to Texas schools,” said State Board of Education member David Bradley, chair of the board’s Committee on School Finance/Permanent School Fund. “This is the largest distribution in the Fund’s 163-year history and is $400 million higher than the distribution made in the 20162017 biennium,” he added. Paxton joins court briefs Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Dec. 1 announced that he has joined a 12-state effort led by West Virginia to defend the right of states to prohibit abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Paxton said Texas also joined a 20-state coalition led by Wisconsin to prevent discriminatory abortion based on disability, gender and race. “States have a valid interest in protecting the dignity of human life and defending human life at all stages of development. No society should tolerate brutal abortion procedures or killing an unborn child based on discriminatory beliefs regarding disability, gender or race,” Paxton said. Trees go up in Capitol House Speaker Joe Straus’s office on Nov. 27 announced the display of a 23-foot Christmas tree in the House Chamber. On Nov. 30, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the display of a 24foot Christmas tree in the Senate Chamber. Ornaments from each of the state’s 150 House districts were used to decorate the House tree. Decorations from the Senate’s 31 districts were used for the Senate tree.

Two area men plead guilty to $1.7 million insurance fraud

The owner of a Peñitas pharmacy and a former Pharr city commissioner have both pleaded guilty for their roles in a conspiracy to defraud Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas of $1.7 million. Omar Espericueta and Oscar Elizondo each face a potential 10-year prison term and up to a $250,000 fine when they are sentenced Feb. 7, 2018 by U.S. District Judge Randy Crane, according to press releases from the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas. On Dec. 1, Espericueta, 45, a Palmhurst resident and owner of Peñitas Family Pharmacy pleaded guilty to one count of health insurance fraud. His guilty plea was preceded by that of his co-conspirator, former Pharr Commissioner Oscar Elizondo, 47. According the U.S. Attorney’s Office, as a marketer for Peñitas Family Pharmacy – also known as Riverside Pharmacy – in Penitas, Elizondo targeted employers that carried employee health insurance through Blue Cross, such as the City of Pharr, Frontera Produce and Point Isabel Independent

Espericueta

Elizondo

School District, among others. Working with contacts at those entities, Elizondo and other marketers offered meals, drinks and promises of “free” prescription pain patches and scar creams to entice employees to turn over their insurance information. Elizondo’s co-conspirators then used the insurance information, along with fraudulent prescriptions, to submit fraudulent and medically unnecessary claims to Blue Cross. The insurance company was billed for prescriptions for individuals who never received pain patches or scar creams or who never saw a doctor to obtain a valid prescription. Other employees saw a doc-

tor, but it was a doctor involved in the scheme who received kickbacks, including prescription pain medication, to write prescriptions for all patients Elizondo and other co-conspirators brought him. In addition, Penitas Family Pharmacy billed Blue Cross for prescription refills that were never requested by, or delivered to, patients, according to the press release. The FBI, Mission Police Department, Texas Department of Insurance – Fraud Unit and Texas Health and Human Services Commission conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Swartz is the case prosecutor.

Mission CISD announces holiday schools schedule The Mission Consolidated Independent School District has released its holiday schedule. Thursday, December 21 will be an early release day for MCISD students and staff. District schools and offices will be closed for Winter Break, Friday, Dec.

22 through Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. On Thursday, Dec. 21 elementary schools will release at 12 noon, junior high schools and high schools will release at 1:00 p.m. and administrative offices will close at 1:00 p.m. Mission CISD students

will return to class from Winter Break on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. Most district employees will return to work on Thursday, January 4, 2018 for Staff Development Day and Friday, Jan. 5 has been designated as a teacher work day.

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

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

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

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Mission lawyers vie for 275th District Court Judgeship

From left, Patty O’Caña-Olivarez with Ricardo “Ric” Godinez after filing her paperwork to run for 275th District Court Judge. Progress Times Photo by Jose De Leon III

By Jose De Leon III With 275th District Court Judge Juan Partido retiring at the end of his current term, two Mission residents have thrown their name into the ring in the hopes of serving as his successor. Patty O’Caña-Olivarez, a lawyer who currently serves as president of the Mission Consolidated Independent School District board of trustees, filed her paperwork Wednesday to run for Partido’s seat. She will face Mission lawyer, Marla Cuellar, who filed to run last month. O’Caña-Olivarez filled out her paperwork at the law office of Ricardo “Ric” Godinez, chairman of the Hidalgo County Democratic Party. As she signed her paperwork, O’Caña-Olivarez expressed her feelings about

EVENTS CENTER lost money on its events center for the past three years. Complicating the matter, said Garza, was the fact most competing venues would not divulge to the city theirs rates. So he said the city based its rate on the similarly-sized Brownsville center which bases it rental price at 22-cents a square foot as compared to the McAllen Convention Center which rents space at 35-cents a square foot. Garza presented a preliminary chart depicting the individual rooms, their square footage and the potential seating capacity based on three potential configurations for banquets, theater setting or classrooms. The chart suggested prices for each based on whether the prospective renters are Mission residents, non-profit organizations, non-residents or corporations with the lowest prices offered residents and non-profit organizations. “We wanted to make sure the people who are using the community center we have right now would have the ability and affordability to be able to have events there themselves,” Garza said, referring to the current aging facility on Kika De La Garza Loop and the new center on Sharyland Road. Early on council members came to a consensus to add a fifth category for renters to include promoters and producers who would incur the highest rental rates to put on concerts. When all the rooms are opened into what has been named the “Grand Orchard” there is seating for up to 1,176 patrons in a combined 17,778 square feet of floor space. Also available for rent separately are the center’s 2,500 square foot patio and its 7,258 square foot foyer, the latter of which council members concluded could only be rented alone if there were no other functions at the center on the same night because the foyer is the common entryway into the center. Council member Ruben Plata, a banker by profession, was the first to express concern prices in the preliminary chart were too low for the center to operate in the black. Plata argued if the center is set up for 300 people and the charge is $1,200 the price equates to $4 per

running. “After practicing law for 15 years, it was time to make a decision as to where I wanted to take my career and this is something I’ve been wanting to do since I was a little girl,” O’Caña-Olivarez said. “With the open bench, it just felt like the perfect opportunity to do this as citizens will have an opportunity to choose the new judge.” O’Caña-Olivarez received her law degree from St. Mary’s School of Law in San Antonio and has her own law firm in the city. The 44-year-old said her experience as a lawyer and on the Mission CISD board of trustees prepared her for this role. “I feel that I’ve always made decisions after being well informed and after much thought and consideration toward the effect the

decisions of the school board will have on our students,” she said. “As the eldest of four kids, I’ve always been the leader in my family and have always kept an eye out on how my actions would affect them. I plan to use in the courtroom those same morals and values that I’ve been raised with to apply the law equally to every person in our courtroom.” If elected, O’Caña-Olivarez said she’d have to resign from the school board by Dec. 31, 2018 as she would be sworn in as 275th District Court Judge the following day. However, as a member of the board of directors for the Texas Association of School Boards, she’d still be working in education, which she says is her passion. “I became a lawyer thanks to a teacher who took

a chance on me when I was eight years old,” she explained. “I was not able to make it to the Gifted and Talented program at school because I wasn’t doing so well on the standardized tests, but my government teacher nurtured me and made sure I made it into the program.” That was the same year Sandra Day O’Connor was sworn in as the first female Supreme Court justice, O’Caña-Olivarez said. “So in his GT class we learned about the impact O’Connor would have on our history as a woman on the Supreme Court,” O’Caña-Olivarez said. “That’s when I started getting interested in being a lawyer and a judge and now I’m running to be one. I would not have had that spark to work in law without that teacher.” Another individual who credits her upbringing for spurring an interest in law is O’Caña-Olivarez’s opponent, Marla Cuellar. Cuellar, who has been licensed as an attorney for 21 years, comes from a family of migrant workers and from a young age worked with them in the fields. “I didn’t know if I wanted to be a lawyer as a kid, but I did know at a young age that I did not want to work in the fields forever,” Cuellar said. “Being in the fields taught me humility and how difficult life can be without an education, law was something I was ultimately drawn

Marla Cuellar, courtesy image to as a senior in high school.” Cuellar, 48, also graduated from St. Mary’s School of Law. For Cuellar, this would mark her second time running for a county position after unsuccessfully running for judge of County Court at Law No. 8 in 2014. “When we finished that race, despite the loss I felt it was a very positive campaign,”Cuellar said. “I’ve always wanted to serve the people and give back to the community and I believe I can do that on the bench. It is importance to ensure justice is ensured for everyone in the community and in order to protect the law we need to protect our citizens.”

Cuellar said her legal background in family, criminal, civil and school law will provide her with the necessary experience to fulfill her duties on the bench. Despite the outcome, she is looking forward to the campaign, she said. “With any race, the true beauty of this campaign is the democratic process of it,” Cuellar said. “People will have a choice and I hope to have a strong campaign and a positive race that will help the voters decide who is right for the job.” Voting for the primary election is set for Tuesday, March 6, 2018 with early voting scheduled to begin Friday, March 2, 2018.

from pg. 1

Above is a floor plan diagram depicting the various room layouts of the Mission Events Center set to open in March. person, which he felt was too an Norie Gonzalez Garza low for a first rate facility. quipped people go to banks “You think if they rent to get loans to throw parties. it for five dollars a person The planning session that they’re not going to come?” started in the morning continPlata asked. ued into the afternoon. City In referring to the individ- Manager Garza said after the ual rooms Plata said, “I think meeting the prices would be every one of them should reviewed and revised before have a break even point. In being presented to the counsome of them you’re going cil for final consideration and to lose money but we have its Dec. 18 council meeting. to make it up in some oth- He noted residents can reer ones. The goal here is to view the center’s layout the have it rented out as much size of each room on the as we can so at least we can city’s website under the drop break even.” down box, “Events Center Before the planning ses- Coming Soon.” sion ended council members came to a consensus to raise some prices above what originally appeared on the pricing sheet Garza’s staff had prepared. For example, the price for non-residents was raised from $3,000 to rent the Grand Orchard for a night to $4,500 but remained the same for residents at $2,500. Prices for residents did go up to rent the foyer or patio from $500 a night to $650. “As long as you leave the residential and non-profit prices alone I’m happy with the numbers,” said Councilmember Dr. Armondo O’Caña. “I don’t want to break people,” said Plata, “But we also have a lot to offer. We have lowered taxes because of the need. Parties aren’t a need. I’m telling you I see a lot of people in the bank they 1210 U.S. 83 Business, spend so much money on parties.” Palmview, TX To that Councilwom(956) 584-5788

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Covering Mission, Veterans Memorial, Sharyland, Pioneer, La Joya, Palmview & Juarez-Lincoln Sports

District 30-6A basketball

Big 7 teams looking for strong showing in 2017-2018

La Joya Coyotes Basketball By Bryan Ramos If you ask around what district is the toughest in boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; basketball, 30-6A is what you might hear. Last year, these four of the Big 7 teams had a good showing, but are looking for more in the 2017-2018 season. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a look at their status among the Big 7 teams in District 30-6A basketball. La Joya Coyotes The lone Big 7 team to qualify for the postseason a year ago, the La Joya Coyotes and Head Coach Eric

Montalvo are out for backto-back playoff appearances after ending an eight-year drought last season. The Coyotes are currently 4-6 with two returning starters in Juztin Pulido and Alexis Tovar, and four others with varsity experience. While the group got a taste of success last year, finishing 8-4 in district play, Montalvo knows La Joya wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be sneaking up on anybody this year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I told the kids last year was last year, this is a totally different team,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Mission Eagles Basketball â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year we have to prepare differently, we have different personnel, and the one thing that I talk to them about is weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going to be able to sneak up on people this year because everybody is going to be ready for us because they know we did well last year.â&#x20AC;? The Coyotes have lost close games in non-district and tournament play early this season, losing games by one, two, four and six points. Montalvo said the Coyotes need to play with more intensity to win 50-50 balls,

Juarez-Lincoln Huskies Basketball

which often swings momentum and games. In order to reach the postseason for the second year in a row, the Coyotes will have to come together on the court. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The goal is to make the second round of the playoffs this year,â&#x20AC;? Montalvo said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know last year we got in the playoffs, we hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t got in for eight years. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one thing we talk about daily and hopefully we work hard enough and we come out and get there.â&#x20AC;?

See BOYS BASKETBALL Pg. 10

District 31-5A basketball

Palmview Lobos Basketball

Lady Patriots, Rattlers and Diamondbacks looking to bounce back

Veteran Memorial Lady Patriots Basketball By Lucinano Guerra As the Mission Veterans Lady Patriots, the Sharyland Lady Rattlers and the Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks basketball teams open district play this week, the fact that they were all left on the

outside-looking-in during last seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playoffs is still fresh on their minds. While the Lady Diamondbacks have yet to make the playoffs during their first three years of existence, the Lady Patriots and the Lady Rattlers have both been perennial

Sharyland Lady Rattlers Basketball playoff qualifiers for pretty much as long as most of the players on their rosters have been in existence. Whether or not the Lady Patriots and the Lady Rattlers have ever both missed out on the playoffs in the same season is not clear, but

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Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks Basketball that were moved into 31-5A last season occupied the top three spots in the standings leaving only one playoff spot available for the remaining six teams in the district. Will history repeat itself this season? Not if the Lady Patriots, the Lady Rattlers

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and the Lady Diamondbacks have anything to say about it. With that in mind, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s look at these three Big 7 teams from each of their coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective. Mission Veterans Lady Patriots The Mission Veterans Lady Patriots finished the 2016-2017 regular season with a 10-6 record and in a fourth place tie with the Rio Grande City Lady Rattlers. The fact that they split their Paseo Arts Fou head-to-head El matchups with each other made it necessary for the Lady Patriots and the RGC Lady RattlersAtoClassic play Fi a one-game tiebreaker to deTuesday, January 10, 2017 termine team would The Good,which The Bad and The Ugly, Directed by Sergio Leone advance into Leethe playoffs Starring: Clint Eastwood, Van Cleef, and Eli Walla huntingteam scam joinswould two men in have an uneas andAthirdbounty which in a race to discover a fortune of gold buried in Regarded as a highly end. influentialAs example the Weste their season itofturns acclaimed as one of the greatest films of all time. out, Rio Grande won the Tuesday, January 24, 2017 Mission tiebreaker leaving It Happened One Night Veterans outCapraof the playoffs Directed by Frank and Claudette Colberta deforStarring: the Clark firstGable time in over Regarded as one of the best romantic comedies ever ma film ever to sweep the Oscars, winning Best Picture, cade. Writing and Best Actor and Actress awards for the star â&#x20AC;&#x153;We made theparents, playtrying to runhad away from her controlling is hel by a man who is really a reporter in need of a big story offs in 12 straight years before lastFebruary season,â&#x20AC;? Tuesday, 7, 2017said Lady Love Storyhead coach, Rafael Patriotsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Directed by Arthur Hiller Cantu, Jr.Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the young Starring: Ryan and Ali MacGraw The film is the love story of a wealthy, upper-class H team we had, lasta bright, year was who falls in love and marries talented but lo romantic drama for is tragedyus. that is conside a student. goodThis season We romantic films of all time. This film also spawned doz today, one ofjob the top to 100 films America didremains, a great goon the10-6, 100 list for love stories. andof the top making the playoffs wouldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been a feather Tuesday, February 21, 2017 in Some our Like capIt Hot but we fell short Directed by Billy Wilder against RioMonroe, Grande Starring: Marilyn Tony Curtisand and Jackwe Lemm The filmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plot is based on the story of two male mus were disappointed. The girls the Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Massacre and flee Chicago. They t female band that is heading and disguise remember that to Florida game andthe This film was one of the first 25 films inducted into the they remember how it felt to Registry. lose it and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re using that Tuesday, March 7, 2017 as Singinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; a driving force this year.â&#x20AC;? in the Rain Directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly With six seniors, five juStarring: Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O This filmand is often regarded the best movie musical e niors only as two sophoof the film follows the trials and tribulations of a sile mores team, thetransition Lady companyon tryingthe to make a very difficult to s AFIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greatest Movie Musical list. Patriots have several returning starters this season as well as others with game experience. SPIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Island Cin Tuesdays: January 24, Febr â&#x20AC;&#x153;Four of our 10,starting Tickets: Purchase at theRonnie door of five, Jackie Howell, per film; Season and Pass Cantu, Selinda Cortez Paragraphs Book S Gaby Gallardo, are returning starters,â&#x20AC;? Cantu said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sophwww.elpas

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See GIRLS BASKETBALL Pg. 10

December 8, 2017

Mission adopts new sign codes

By Joe Hinton With less than a year before the mayor and two city council members will run for reelection Mission’s city council has passed an ordinance doubling the number of days candidates can display campaign signs. On Nov. 27 the council voted unanimously to increase the number of days campaign signs can be displayed from 60 days prior to an election to 120 days. The action was part of an overhaul of the city’s sign codes that City Planning Director Jaime Acevedo said was intended to bring city sign ordinances in line with a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling. According to published reports, in 2015 the Rev. Clyde Reed sued the city of Gilbert Arizona claiming the town treated signs giving directions to his itinerant church differently from other short-term signs. Gilbert’s sign code limited the size and length of time the church’s signs could be displayed. But the ordinance allowed other types of temporary signs — including political and ideological ones — to be bigger and stay up longer. The court found the ordinance to be content-based regulation of speech, which violates the

First Amendment and caused counties and municipalities across the country to review their sign codes in order to avoid the same experience as Gilbert. Mission’s new ordinance regulating campaign signs pertains to temporary signs no greater than four square feet in size. Larger signs, up to 40 square feet in size, cannot be displayed until 60 days prior to an election. Larger signs erected sooner than 60 days prior to an election are subject to a $50 per sign fee. The ordinance also requires campaign signs placed at a minimum of 25-foot intervals from each other and must be removed with 15 days following an election. A $50 fine will be assessed for each sign larger than four square feet that are not removed by 15 days following and election and a $25 fine will be assessed for signs four square feet or smaller not removed within the same time period. As for other types of signs the city has limited to three the number that can be placed per property and limits the size to no larger than four square feet. But it has limited “for sale” or “for rent” signs to one per property. Signs may be erect-

obituaries Jose Esquivel LA JOYA – Jose Roberto “Carrasco” Esquivel, 57, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017, in Mission. Mr. Esquivel was born on July 8, 1960, to Angel and Maria A. Esquivel in McAllen, raised in La Joya and lived in Corpus Christi. A memorial service was held on Dec. 3 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in La Joya. Burial followed at La Joya Cemetery. Rene Gonzalez PALMVIEW – Rene Gonzalez, 63, passed away on Monday, Nov. 27, 2017. Mr. Gonzalez was born

on Oct. 25, 1954, in Ralls to Guillermo and Leonor Gonzalez. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and was an educator for the La Joya I.S.D. and for the Mission C.I.S.D. He was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in McAllen. Survivors include his wife, Rebecca Gonzalez; children, Anissa Monjaras, Janette Gonzalez, Sara Gonzalez, Rene Gonzalez Jr., Brandon Gonzalez and Veronica Gonzalez; siblings, Carlos Salinas, Ana Maria Weaver, Rafael Gonzalez, Rosalva Holmes and Guillermo Gonzalez Jr.; and five grandchildren.

ed no more than 30 days prior to construction on developing properties and shall be removed within 15 days following the sale or lease of the premises. The majority of the city’s sign code overhaul was directed at regulating temporary signs but the council also gave its first time approval of LED faced billboards. The city is restricting the “digital billboards” to static messages only and shall have no animation, movement or the appearance or optical illusion of movement. Digital billboards are also restricted from “flashing, scintillating lighting or varying of light intensity.” The new ordinance also reduces the size permitted for billboards located along “secondary arterials,” meaning anywhere not along an expressway, from 484 square feet to 378 square feet which Acevedo said reflects the 10.5 foot by 36 foot industry standard for secondary road signs. And the ordinance also changed regulations pertaining to banner signs used to advertise businesses and the use of portable business signs.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Enedelia Garza; and a granddaughter, Evelyn Monjaras. A funeral mass was held on Dec. 1 at St Joseph the Worker. Burial followed at La Piedad Cemetery. Marie Guevara MISSION – Marie Iliana Guevara, 36, passed away on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, in Mission. Mrs. Guevara was born on Jan. 1, 1981, in McAllen. Survivors include her husband, Israel Guevara; parents, Francisco Garcia and Guadalupe Pulido; stepchildren, Rachel Guevara, Genevie Guevara, Destiny Guevara and Israel Guevara Jr.; and siblings, Heriberto Garcia, Benigna Carcano, Francisco Garcia, Cynthia Yepez, Nelly Garcia, Esmeralda Garcia and Ernesto

Peñitas sees shuffle on economic development entities

By Jose De Leon III Peñitas’ city council has appointed three persons to replace one who stepped down from a pair of city economic development entities. During the Wednesday council meeting, Andres Morales, who served on the city’s Economic Development Corporation and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Committee, resigned after two years with both entities. “I’m going to concentrate more on my consulting company,” Morales said following the meeting. “I’ve served on these boards for two years and want to give the opportunity to serve the community to someone else.” Peñitas’ EDC Director Armin Garza, said city coun-

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

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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

Like Us on Facebook scan this code with your smartphone Garcia. A funeral service was held on Dec. 4 at Rivera Funeral Home in McAllen. Cremation followed.

Notices

Michael Anderson MISSION – Michael F. Anderson, 78, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017, at his home in Mission. Celestino Buentello MISSION – Celestino Buentello, 97, passed away on Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Baldomero Cantu Sr. PEÑITAS – Baldomero Cantu Sr., 88, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017, at McAllen Medical Center. Gilberto De La Torres SULLIVAN CITY – Gilberto De La Torre, 89, passed

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

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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

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cil appointed three different men to replace Morales. LLoyd Loya, a teacher at La Joya’s Diaz Villarreal Elementary School, and Raul Gonzalez, an assistant principal at Lincoln High School, were appointed to the TIRZ Committee. Located at the shopping center near the city’s Walmart on 1705 E Expy 83, the city’s TIRZ was approved by county commissioners in 2005 to preserve the near- and longterm integrity of the economic and social investment in the designated tax zone and to encourage additional new projects within that area, Garza said. The TIRZ board makes recommendations to the city council related to that mission and those efforts. Garza said the appointments of Loya and Gonzalez

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away on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Concepcion de Vasquez PALMVIEW – Concepcion Alvarado de Vasquez, 79, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, at her home in Palmview. Maria Garcia MISSION – Maria D. Garcia, 45, passed away on Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg. Maria Khan MISSION – Maria Alicia (Arevalo) Khan, 76, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Esperanza Puente ALTON – Esperanza (Salinas) Puente, 92, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, at Comfort House in McAllen.

were unanimously approved by the city council and cited how both men have helped the city in the past. “Lloya has helped with our city’s Crime Control Prevention District and Gonzalez has served on our water board which serves as a middle man between the city and the Agua Special Utility District,” Garza explained. “Both men are very outspoken about wanting to see the city grow and will do what they can to help get that accomplished.” Garza said that with show shopping plazas in the TIRZ-designated area, he hopes more businesses are brought into the city. Ezequiel Garcia Jr., a teacher at Corina Peña Elementary School, was appointed to replace Morales on the city’s EDC, Garza said. Through the EDC, Peñitas has the ability to finance new and expanded business enterprises in the city, Garza said.

Rosa Ramos ALTON – Rosa Barbosa Ramos, 86, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, at Comfort House in McAllen. Maria Reyna MISSION – Maria Del Rosario “Rosie” Reyna, 61, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Maria Ruiz LA JOYA – Maria M. Ruiz, 80, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, at her home in La Joya. Karen Steinmetz MISSION – Karen Steinmetz, 76, passed away on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, at her home in Mission.

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GIRLS BASKETBALL

fifth starter. Also, two or three of the girls that will be coming off the bench for us played quite a bit last year.” As for what it will take for the Lady Patriots to not only make it back into the playoffs but also make a run at the district title, Cantu said, “We fully expect to compete for the district title. Our ball handling and our shooting are our strengths but we need to get tougher and more physical all the way around. Not only our posts, not only our bigs but our guards. We have to play bigger than we are.” Due to end-of-course testing this week, the Lady Patriots district opener against Laredo Martin that was originally scheduled to be played Tuesday, will instead be played tomorrow at 11:30 at Mission Veterans. Tonight the Lady Patriots will be on the road against Roma. Sharyland Lady Rattlers For the first time in two decades, the Lady Rattlers have a new head coach. Her name is Julie Clinton and she was former head coach Dale Whitaker’s first assistant for the past two seasons. In her first season under Whitaker, the Lady Rattlers claimed the 31-5A district title with a 10-2 record. Last year they

placed fifth with a 7-9 record. Clinton attributes that decline to the loss of several experienced players to graduation after the 2015-2016 season. When asked what it’s going to take for the Lady Rattlers to have a bounce-back season and finish among the top four in the district, Clinton said, “As far as our goals, we are definitely trying to get to the top four but we would love to be district champs once again. My girls know that they need to work hard because success is not going to come easy. And in order to be the best we have to beat the best and being that the Laredo teams did come into our district and they’re the top three teams from last year, they’re on our radar. We’re going after them and we’re working as hard as we can every day.” With three freshmen, three sophomores, four juniors and only one senior on the Lady Rattlers team, they are extremely young. That, however, does not mean Clinton is about to let her girls use that as an excuse not to succeed. “We are relatively young and inexperienced but they’re taking advantage of every moment that they can to learn and soak up everything that

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com from pg. 8 NET NEUTRALITY

they possibly can,” Clinton said. “I believe that with the passion that my first assistant Stanley Asumnu and I both have and with the desire that our girls have to succeed, we will be a force to be reckoned with.” The Lady Rattlers will be opening their District 31-5A schedule on the road tonight at Valley View. Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks The Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks managed to win just two out of 16 games last season. That resulted in an eighth place finish for the third year program led by head coach Nicole Villarreal. When asked to what she attributes that disappointing record, Villarreal said, “Last year was an accumulation of things. We had some injuries to some of our starters that we had to replace with younger, much less experienced players. Then there was the fact that we had very tough teams like Martin, Cigarroa and Nixon come into our district which made it even tougher for us.” Like the Lady Rattlers, the Lady Diamondbacks are a very young team that should improve with experience. “We’re definitely growing and getting better but we’re definitely a very young team,” Villarreal said. “I’ve only got two players coming back from last year’s team so everybody else is brand new. We’ve got some freshmen playing some key roles and I’ve got some players coming off the bench who were either on J.V. last year or who were playing eighth grade basketball.” As is the case with pretty much every team heading into a new season, the Lady Diamondbacks have their sights set on the playoffs. “We’ve got our mindset of making the playoffs so that’s where we’re headed,” Villarreal shared. “If we continue to improve as we’re going, because we have been improving since our first games in Corpus, I think we’re in a better position now that we’re heading into our district season than we were then.” The Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks opened their District 31-5A schedule at home against Laredo Cigarroa Tuesday and will be following that up with an away game against Laredo Nixon this coming Tuesday.

curb access to some websites. The proposal, made by FCC chairman Ajit Pai, a former top lawyer for Verizon, one of five major cable companies pushing for a sweeping repeal of rules put in place by the Obama administration in 2015. Current net neutrality rules prohibit internet service providers from stopping or slowing down the delivery of websites. They also prevent the companies from charging customers extra fees for high-quality streaming and other services. In a statement on the FCC website, Pai defended his proposal and argued the elimination of these regulations would “restore internet freedom.” “On a party-line vote [the Obama administration] imposed heavy-handed, utility-style regulations upon the

BOYS BASKETBALL

The Coyotes are taking part in the Hidalgo Tournament and faced Edinburg North and Brownsville Pace on day one of the tourney on Thursday. The results were not available as of press time. Mission Eagles The Mission Eagles were the only Big 7 Team in 306A to make a change at the top as first year Head Coach Rico Martinez, a 1995 graduate of Mission High, takes over the program. “It’s very humbling. It’s a proud experience,” Martinez said. “This is my dream job, being back home and being able to give back to the program that taught me the game of basketball and the game of life.” The Eagles sit at 7-7 and have shown the effort Martinez wants to see out on the court. He brings an in your face-style of high intensity for all 32 minutes, and has enjoyed the process of getting acquainted with his players. “It’s good to be back home at Mission High School. I’m trying to get the program back to where it used to be in the past; trying to bring in my own style and getting acquainted with the kids has been a process. But it’s been a process that I’m having fun with and the kids are responding well and we’re off to a decent start.” Mission has two returning starters in Yan Martinez

December 8, 2017 from pg. 1 Internet,” Pai said of net neutrality. “That decision was a mistake. It’s depressed investment in building and expanding broadband networks and deterred innovation. ...Under my proposal, the federal government will stop micromanaging the Internet. Working with my colleagues, I look forward to returning to the light-touch, market-based framework that unleashed the digital revolution and benefited consumers here and around the world.” The FCC is scheduled to vote on this repeal during its meeting scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 14. Drew Lentz, co-founder and president CodeRGV, a local nonprofit that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship through technology, warns the public that the repeal is not a fair game to consumers. and Juan Escobedo, along with two other returning lettermen, like Andy Martinez, who have stepped into leadership roles for the Eagles. Juarez-Lincoln Huskies If any team has been a surprise thus far, it’s been the Juarez-Lincoln Huskies who sit at a perfect 10 after winning a close 72-69 game over Rio Grande City on Tuesday night. Last season, the Huskies finished 15-19 overall and won just two district games, but this year’s team has the potential and ability to put Juarez-Lincoln in the playoff picture in District 30-6A. “You can feel it in the building, there’s a lot more motivation, there’s more energy, and it all comes with winning; winning solves everything,” Head Coach Alberto Carillo said. Carillo and the Huskies have been putting pressure on their opponents with their full-court, man-to-man defense, and it has proven to be pivotal to their success. The starting unit has played together since their freshman season and have now turned the Huskies into a serious threat. Seniors Jose Galvan, Cruz Mendoza and Luis Garza have been starting lineup teammates since freshman year. The Huskies will be back in action on Tuesday Dec. 5 as they host the

“What the net neutrality repeal is doing is saying, ‘whoever owns the connections can limit or block anything they want,’” Lentz said during a phone interview last week. “This includes any streaming video service, website, whatever premium your streaming provider wants to charge you.” As an example, Lentz listed Spectrum, which he said is one of the biggest internet service providers in the Rio Grande Valley. Spectrum is owned by Time Warner which owns a number of different properties such as Cinemax, HBO and Hulu. According to Lentz, under the net neutrality repeal Time Warner would make it difficult for their Spectrum customers to stream TV shows or visit websites not owned by them to ensure their cus-

See NET NEUTRALITY Pg. 12 from pg. 8

Brownsville Hanna Eagles at 7:30 p.m. Palmview Lobos The Palmview Lobos have gotten off to a slow start in 2017, much different than last year’s team. The Lobos lost a strong senior group from a year ago, and Head Coach Andy Saenz is committed to getting this year’s team to play together. “It’s definitely a process,” Saenz said. “They have to get acclimated to playing with one another and it’s going to take some time. It’s not going to happen today or tomorrow, it’s going to be a season-long process and hopefully we start clicking.” With only one returning starter in Paco De La O and returning lettermen point guard, Dante Olmeda and Josias Zapata, who is making his return from ACL surgery, Saenz is hoping the Lobos are playing their best ball as they enter district play in a couple weeks. “Lack of experience might hurt us but we’re trying to work out those kinks right now in non-district play and all the tournaments, that way once we get into district we’ll be rolling on all cylinders,” Saenz said. The Lobos are back on the court on Tuesday when they host Donna High at 7:30 p.m. at Palmview High School.

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PUBLIC NOTICE The Mission City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on December 18, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Discussion and Action Amending Ordinance No. 4576, Amending Various Portions of Chapter 86 – Signs of the Mission Code of Ordinances 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

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PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT: The City Council of the City of Palmview, Texas will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at Palmview City Hall located at 400 W. Veterans Blvd., Palmview, Texas, to consider the following Adoption of an ordinance providing for the creation of a reinvestment zone, determining its boundaries and the concept of tax increment financing. The Public is invited to attend. Annette Villarreal, CMC, CPM City Secretary City of Palmview, Texas

TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATION AND INTENT TO OBTAIN WATER QUALITY PERMIT RENEWAL PERMIT NO. WQ0012675001 APPLICATION. City of La Joya, 101 North Leo Avenue, La Joya, Texas 78560, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to renew Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permit No. WQ0012675001 (EPAI.D. No. TX0127337) to authorize the discharge of treated wastewater at a volume not to exceed an annual average flow of 1, 470,000 gallons per day. The domestic wastewater treatment facility is located approximately 1.5 miles south-southwest of the intersection of U.S. Highway 83 and Farm-to-Market Road 2521 in Hidalgo County, Texas 78560. The discharge route is from the plant site directly to Rio Grande below Falcon Reservoir. TCEQ received this application on May 18, 2015. The permit application is available for viewing and copying at La Joya City Hall, 101 North Leo Street, La Joya, Texas. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility’s general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For exact location refer to application. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/hb610/index.html?lat=26.228888&lng=98.488055&zoom=13&type=r ADDITIONAL NOTICE. TCEQ’s Executive Director has determined the application is administratively complete and will conduct a technical review of the application. After technical review of the application is complete, the Executive Director may prepare a draft permit and will issue a preliminary decision on the application. Notice of the Application and Preliminary Decision will be published and mailed to those who are on the county-wide mailing list and to those who are on the mailing list for this application. That notice will contain the deadline for submitting public comments. PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC MEETING. You may submit public comments or request a public meeting on this application. The purpose of a public meeting is to provide the opportunity to submit comments or to ask questions about the application. TCEQ will hold a public meeting if the Executive Director determines that there is a significant degree of public interest in the application or if requested by a local legislator. A public meeting is not a contested case hearing. OPPORTUNITY FOR A CONTESTED CASE HEARING. After the deadline for submitting public comments, the Executive Director will consider all timely comments and prepare a response to all relevant and material, or significant public comments. Unless the application is directly referred for a contested case hearing, the response to comments, and the Executive Director’s decision on the application, will be mailed to everyone who submitted public comments and to those persons who are on the mailing list for this application. If comments are received, the mailing will also provide instructions for requesting reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision and for requesting a contested case hearing. A contested case hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in state district court. TO REQUEST A CONTESTED CASE HEARING, YOU MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN YOUR REQUEST: your name, address, phone number; applicant’s name and proposed permit number; the location and distance of your property/activities relative to the proposed facility; a specific description of how you would be adversely affected by the facility in a way not common to the general public; and, the statement “[I/we] request a contested case hearing.” If the request for contested case hearing is filed on behalf of a group or association, the request must designate the group’s representative for receiving future correspondence; identify an individual member of the group who would be adversely affected by the proposed facility or activity; provide the information discussed above regarding the affected member’s location and distance from the facility or activity; explain how and why the member would be affected; and explain how the interests the group seeks to protect are relevant to the group’s purpose. Following the close of all applicable comment and request periods, the Executive Director will forward the application and any requests for reconsideration or for a contested case hearing to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting. The Commission will only grant a contested case hearing on disputed issues of fact that are relevant and material to the Commission’s decision on the application. Further, the Commission will only grant a hearing on issues that were raised in timely filed comments that were not subsequently withdrawn. TCEQ may act on an application to renew a permit for discharge of wastewater without providing an opportunity for a contested case hearing if certain criteria are met. MAILING LIST. If you submit public comments, a request for a contested case hearing or a reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision, you will be added to the mailing list for this specific application to receive future public notices mailed by the Office of the Chief Clerk. In addition, you may request to be placed on: (1) the permanent mailing list for a specific applicant name and permit number; and/or (2) the mailing list for a specific county. If you wish to be placed on the permanent and/or the county mailing list, clearly specify which list(s) and send your request to TCEQ Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below. AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION. All written public comments and requests must be submitted to the Office of the Chief Clerk, MC 105, TCEQ, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, TX 78711-3087 or electronically at www.tceq.texas. gov/about/comments.html. If you need more information about this permit application or the permitting process, please call TCEQ Public Education Program, Toll Free, at 1-800-687-4040. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040. General information about TCEQ can be found at our web site at www.tceq.texas.gov.

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Comisión de Calidad Ambiental del Estado de Texas AVISO DE RECIBO DE LA SOLICITUD Y EL INTENTO DE OBTENER PERMISO PARA LA CALIDAD DEL AGUA RENOVACION PERMISO NO. WQ0012675001

SOLICITUD. Cuidad De La Joya,101 Norte Leo Avenida, La Joya, Texas ha solicitado a la Comisión de Calidad Ambiental del Estado de Texas (TCEQ) para renovar el Permiso No. WQ0012675001 (EPA I.D. No. TX0127337) del Sistema de Eliminación de Descargas de Contaminantes de Texas (TPDES) para autorizar a La Ciudad De La Joya la descarga de aguas residuales tratadas en un volumen que no sobrepasa un flujo promedio diario de 1,470,000 galones por día. La planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales domésticos está ubicada Aproximadamente 1.5 millas sur-sur oeste en la intersección de U.S. Carretera 83 y Camino Rural 2521 en el Condado Hidalgo, Texas 78560. La ruta de descarga es del sitio de la planta a el Rio Bravo aguas avajo De La Presa Falcon. La TCEQ recibió esta solicitud el May 18, 2015. La solicitud para el permiso está disponible para leerla y copiarla en Las Oficinas De La Ciudad De La Joya, Texas. Este enlace a un mapa electrónico de la ubicación general del sitio o de la instalación es proporcionado como una cortesía y no es parte de la solicitud o del aviso. Para la ubicación exacta, consulte la solicitud. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/hb610/index.html?lat=26.228888&lng=98.488055&zoom=13&type=r AVISO ADICIONAL. El Director Ejecutivo de la TCEQ ha determinado que la solicitud es administrativamente completa y conducirá una revisión técnica de la solicitud. Después de completar la revisión técnica, el Director Ejecutivo puede preparar un borrador del permiso y emitirá una Decisión Preliminar sobre la solicitud. El aviso de la solicitud y la decisión reliminar serán publicados y enviado a los que están en la lista de correo de las personas a lo largo del condado que desean recibir los avisos y los que están en la lista de correo que desean recibir avisos de esta solicitud. El aviso dará la fecha límite para someter comentarios públicos. COMENTARIO PUBLICO / REUNION PUBLICA. Usted puede presenter comentarios públicos o pedir una reunión pública sobre esta solicitud. El propósito de una reunión pública es dar la oportunidad de presentar comentarios o hacer preguntas acerca de la solicitud. La TCEQ realiza una reunión pública si el Director Ejecutivo determina que hay un grado de interés público suficiente en la solicitud o si un legislador local lo pide. Una reunión pública no es una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso. OPORTUNIDAD DE UNA AUDIENCIA ADMINISTRATIVA DE LO CONTENCIOSO. Después del plazo para presentar comentarios públicos, el Director Ejecutivo considerará todos los comentarios apropiados y preparará una respuesta a todo los comentarios públicos esenciales, pertinentes, o significativos. A menos que la solicitud haya sido referida directamente a una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso, la respuesta a los comentarios y la decisión del Director Ejecutivo sobre la solicitud serán enviados por correo a todos los que presentaron un comentario público y a las personas que están en la lista para recibir avisos sobre esta solicitud. Si se reciben comentarios, el aviso también proveerá instrucciones para pedir una reconsideración de la decisión del Director Ejecutivo y para pedir una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso. Una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso es un procedimiento legal similar a un procedimiento legal civil en un tribunal de distrito del estado. PARA PEDIR UNA AUDIENCIA ADMINISTRATIVA DE LO CONTENCIOSO, USTED DEBE INCLUIR EN SU PEDIDO LOS SIGUIENTES DATOS: su nombre; dirección; teléfono; nombre del solicitante y número del permiso; la ubicación y la distancia de su propiedad/actividad con respecto a la instalación; una descripción específica de la forma cómo usted sería afectado adversamente por el sitio de una manera no común al público en general; y la declaración “[Yo/nosotros] solicito/solicitamos un/a audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso”. Si presenta por parte de un grupo o asociación el pedido para una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso, debe identificar el nombre y la dirección de una persona que representa al grupo para recibir correspondencia en el futuro; debe identificar un miembro del grupo que sería afectado adversamente por la planta o la actividad propuesta; debe proveer la información ya indicada anteriormente con respecto a la ubicación del miembro afectado y la distancia de la planta o actividad propuesta; debe explicar como y porqué el miembro sería afectado y como los intereses que el grupo desea proteger son pertinentes al propósito del grupo. Después del cierre de los períodos para los pedidos y comentarios, el Director Ejecutivo enviará la solicitud y los pedidos para reconsideración o por una audiencia administrative de lo contenciosos a los Comisionados de la TCEQ para su consideración en una reunion programada de la Comisión. La Comisión otorgará solamente un audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso sobre los hechos reales disputados del caso que son pertinentes y esenciales para la decision de la Comisión sobre la solicitud. Además, la Comisión sólo otorgará una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso sobre los asuntos que fueron presentados antes del plazo de vencimiento y que no fueron retirados posteriormente. Si ciertos criterios se cumplen, la TCEQ puede actuar sobre una solicitud para renovar un permiso para descargar aguas residuales sin proveer una oportunidad de una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso. LISTA DE CORREO. Si somete comentarios públicos, un pedido para una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso o una reconsideración de la decisión del Director Ejecutivo, la Oficina del Secretario Principal enviará por correo los avisos públicos en relación con la solicitud. Ademas, puede pedir que la TCEQ ponga su nombre en una or mas de las listas correos siguientes (1) la lista de correo permanente para recibir los avisos de el solicitante indicado por nombre y número del permiso específico y/o (2) la lista de correo de todas las solicitudes en un condado especifico. Si desea que se agrega su nombre en una de las listas designe cual lista(s) y envia por correo su pedido a la Oficina del Secretario Principal de la TCEQ.

Further information may also be obtained from the City of La Joya at the address stated above or by calling Mike Alaniz at 956-581-7002.

CONTACTOS E INFORMACIÓN DE LA TCEQ. Todos los comentarios escritos del público y los pedidos para una reunión deben ser presentados a la Oficina del Secretario Principal, MC 105, TCEQ, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, TX 787113087 o por el internet www.tceq.state.tx.us/about/comments.html. Si necesita más información en Español sobre esta solicitud para un permiso o el proceso del permiso, por favor llame a El Programa de Educación Pública de la TCEQ, sin cobro, al 1-800-687-4040. La información general sobre la TCEQ puede ser encontrada en nuestro sitio de la red: www.tceq.state.tx.us.También se puede obtener información adicional de la Ciudad De La Joya a la dirección indicada, 101 Norte Leo Avenida, La Joya, Texas o llamando a Mike Alaniz al 956-581-7002.

Issuance Date: 12-08-2017

Fecha de emission: 12-08-2017

page 12

PET RESCUE

about the size of an RV that has undergone what she characterizes as a “catification.” Besides numerous cat enclosures and pens the rear wall is covered with a series of literal catwalks connecting with small wooden box-like enclosures the cats can hang out in. All of the cats in the enclosure are available for adoption. In addition to the dogs and cats there are five horses, three available for adoption, and two are paid boarders. And

there are six miniature donkeys. Since opening the shelter Herzing, with the help of volunteers and two part time employees, has rescued and orchestrated the adoptions of more than 1,000 dogs finding 88 homes for dogs in 2017, despite regularly declining applicants a pet. The adoption process begins with a fourpage application. On a tour of the property Monday, Herzing introduced

this reporter to every dog on the property, all of whom live either in a kennel, converted horse stall or covered shelter with fenced enclosures each with one, two or three dogs grouped by their temperament. And in each case Herzing knew the dog’s name and history. A thousand dogs, a thousand stories. There’s Conway, an eightyear-old Basset Hound that was living a relatively feral

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Four-year-old Phoenix arrived at Cinderella Pet Rescue in September severely malnourished with mange and skin infection. With proper care he has fully recovered and is ready for adoption. Courtesy photos lifestyle when a shelter volunteer recently rescued the dog after watching it walking down the middle of the Expressway 83 frontage road as traffic drove around him. Conway was suffering from heartworm, benign tumors and his gums were, as of Monday, still suffering because of hair and other matter caught between his teeth that were cleaned Wednesday by a vet. And there’s another dog named Peek-a-Boo. “Because when he came that’s all he would do is peek out. And he would growl and snap at everybody. It took me a while to get him friendly.” Others dogs Herzing described came to the shelter by way of foreclosure, changes in work schedules, living situations or abandonment. Over the years Herzing has overseen the shelter’s operation with a myriad of volunteers and two part-time employees. Though last winter she had several Winter Texans volunteering to walk dogs, transport them to common play yards, or cleaning their pens, Herzing said many relocated to other locals leaving her severely short handed. Currently she has only one local woman who comes in one full day a week and about an hour or two on random days. There are a few sporadic volunteers who come when they can but the numbers and times are limited, she said, adding there are so many dogs and

so few volunteers the need is great. “If I had six people a day I’d be in Heaven,” Herzing said. “But even four people a day would be awesome.” Herzing said she cannot afford to pay more employees because the 501c3 non-profit only receives enough in donations to cover about half the approximately $100,000 it takes to run the center each year. The rest comes out of her pocket. “But I’m hoping that’s changing,” she said. “That’s my goal.” At one time Herzing operated a bed and breakfast out of her home to generate additional income. But she said between dogs barking and the 60 hours a week it takes to run the shelter she decided she could no longer divide her attention between the two and stopped operating the bed and breakfast. She said typically the fees charged to adopt an animal don’t cover the costs of the dog’s food, vaccinations and other vet bills. Though the center is granted some discounts it is still charged for vets to treat the animals, she said. She said all dogs receive medications to prevent ticks, fleas and heartworms and they receive whatever else medical attention they need. And all animals are either spayed or neutered. Because there is no advertising budget the dogs are

brought to the public’s attention via the center’s webpage and Face Book page. Twice a month a dozen dogs are loaded into the center’s donated school bus, the total capacity the bus can hold, and taken Saturdays to PetSmart on 10th Street in McAllen and once a month they’re taken to Mission’s Petco on Expressway 83 and Taylor Drive. Occasionally the center holds weekend “adoptathons.” So as the center enters its tenth year Herzing is hoping to receive more volunteers, more donations and more people willing to adopt a dog that, like Peek-a-Boo, may be a little on the shy side when it comes to humans. “Most people who come want the easy dogs. You know the ones that say” – she shifts into a high falsetto voice – “pick me, pick me. I’m so cute. I’m house trained I’m really good on a leash. I’m easy to bathe, I’m wonderful in the car and it’s just great.” Herzing returns to her normal voice. “They want the perfect dog and we have plenty of them but they don’t give the sweet dogs that are shy and need people more than anybody else, they don’t give them a chance because there’s a little more work involved.” Anyone wanting to volunteer, donate, or adopt can contact CPR by calling 956391-4399 or visit its website at http://www.cinderella-pet-rescue.org

NET NEUTRALITY tomers only visit their websites and could be charged a premium for more services. “Potentially, your internet access plans will look like cable packages,” Lentz said. “Internet service providers will provide you a fee for basic websites, then charge a higher fee for premium websites and a third, ridiculous fee to have access to all the websites. Because of this, whoever has the content is absolutely going to control every transaction that happens at the internet whether

from pg. 10 you watch movies or stream music or want access to sites like Amazon, the provider will have total control over that. The internet will no longer be an open area to contribute.” Lentz argues that net neutrality fosters job growth, drives innovation and protects consumers from paying higher internet fees. Small businesses, he says, could be affected by the repeal because providers could potentially steer traffic toward bigger websites and make it

virtually impossible to access the site of a small business or be charged a higher fee for consumer access to their site. “You’re essentially going to pay more as a user to get the content you’re already getting,” Lentz said. According to Lentz, the majority of five-member board of the FCC are Republicans like Pai, meaning the repeal will likely pass.

D E L L E C AN