February 23, 2018 - PT ISSUE by Progress Times

EARLY VOTING Feb. 20th - Mar. 2nd

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Richard Cortez

TEAM L1BERTY

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ELECTION DAY March 6th

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Vol. 46 No. 28

Subpoenas show Agua SUD investigation focuses on controversial severance payments By Dave Hendricks The Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office investigation of the Agua Special Utility District focuses on two former employees who received six-figure severance payments, according to grand jury subpoenas obtained by the Progress Times. Prosecutors sent the first subpoena in November, requesting records on severance payments to former Community Relations Coordinator Oscar “Coach” Salinas and former utility Project Manager Armin Garza. Prosecutors sent four more subpoenas in January, requesting employment records for Salinas and Garza. They also sought text messages between the utility board and the former executive director who approved

the severance payments. District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez declined to comment on the investigation or the subpoenas. “It’s still ongoing,” Rodriguez said, adding that the investigation remains merely a “review to determine if there has been a criminal offense committed.” Prosecutors asked the Texas Rangers to join the investigation in January, days before the second round of subpoenas. The move had wide-ranging political implications in western Hidalgo County, where Salinas and Garza serve on the La Joya school board. While employed by the utility district, Salinas and Garza reported to former Executive Director Oscar Cancino, who reported to

See AGUA SUD Pg. 10

Chief Robert Dominguez and Judge Renee Betancourt are joined by panel of members who attended the ceremony for three graduates of the First Time Offender Program. Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

Mission holds graduation for Former 1st Time Offenders By Jamie Treviño Holding documents that could have affected their lives in varying ways, three students from Mission gladly shredded the records that had previously been hanging over them. Last Thursday, Mission’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Advisory Board held a graduation for three first time offenders who successfully passed the First Time Offender Program in order to clear their records and start fresh. The gradua-

tion took place during a special meeting held at Mission City Hall. The three youths will remain unnamed and not be described, as per the request of the board and the chief of police, in order to truly expunge their records and leave no trace of what they had done. Prior to the graduation, a presentation was given by 449th District Court Judge Renee Betancourt. She detailed the process of dealing with the juveniles that are brought into her courtroom,

as well as her experiences as a judge. “When I first got on the bench, you have this idea that ‘I’m going to save everybody,’ but unfortunately that’s not the case,” Betancourt said. “You can’t save everyone, but you can try.” Betancourt, who has been actively involved in juvenile justice issues, says she and her department do extensive work in an effort to get treatment for kids who need the help. “Anything we can help with, we will. Unfortunate-

presented the awards and spoke about each company there that day. “We feel very comfortable with the strength of the proposals that were given,”

Cristina Garza said. “It was a tough one. It was a little bit nerve-wracking to have so many people watch them, but everyone did an incredible job. The three here today

ly, sometimes the situation happens where we do have to get them arrested or detained,” Betancourt said. “And sometimes that’s just help. I’m not there to punish, or to ruin their life, I’m there to help them, and I’m there to give them a second opportunity. I do believe in second chances, and I’ve seen we have had some great success stories.” Betancourt said that the programs being set up all over Hidalgo County are

See GRADUATION Pg. 11

Mission EDC presents Ruby Red Ventures Awards

Martin Garza addresses a crowd during a Friday, Feb. 16 press conference concerning Mission Firefighter Homer Salinas. Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III

City of Mission filing lawsuit against insurance carrier ByJose De Leon

The city of Mission is coming to the defense of a cancer-stricken firefighter after their health insurance carrier, TML Intergovernmental Risk Pool, denied coverage for his cancer treatment. Mission City Manager Martin Garza made this announcement during a press conference Friday, Feb. 16 where he told the crowd the

Mission City Council authorized the hiring of outside legal counsel to assist in filing a lawsuit against TML in the hopes of ensuring Lt. Homer Salinas-who has served with the city fire department-receives assistance to pay for treatment for his kidney cancer. “This is very unconventional but extremely important for our council, elected

See LAWSUIT Pg. 10

By Jamie Treviño Hopefully the boost they need to grow even more, three local businesses have just received awards after presenting for the Mission Economic Development Corporation. At the most recent Mission EDC board meeting held at the Center for Education and Economic Development on Feb. 20, the Ruby Red Ventures Awards were given to the top three business presentations. Seven companies presented at the CEED Building two weeks ago, and the top three were selected by the Mission EDC Team. $50,000 was distributed among the winners. Cristina Garza, Mission EDC’s Program Director,

did an astounding, and amazing job.” Alex Meade, the Chief Executive Officer of Mission EDC, also commented on the quality of the presentations that were given. “The competition is definitely getting stronger,” Meade said. “I would not want to be in their shoes.” In first place was bbeauty, a beauty app that is headed and being developed by Pamela Garza. The company won $25,000, that will be put toward future business. “She has been working on this for several years, she first joined the coding boot camp that we used to hold a few years ago with the expectaRuby Red winners stand with the board from the tions of being able to create Mission EDC. Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño. See RUBY RED AWARDS Pg. 10

INSIDE

Pioneer High School hosts Rio Grande Valley Special Olympics

More than 1,000 Special Olympians gathered at Sharyland Pioneer High School last Saturday to display their skills on the court as Pioneer hosted the annual Rio Grande Valley Special Olympics basketball competition for the third consecutive year.

Incumbent Jessica Ortega faces political newcomer Henry Rodriguez for a seat on the Mission City Council. Their bios can be found inside.

A check of nearly $500,000 was awarded to the Mission economic development Corporation Wednesday that will allow them to continue training students in cyber security.

See Pg. 8

See Pg. 12

See Pg. 6

INDEX

Entertainment | pg.2

$500K grant awarded to MEDC

Mission City Coucil Place 1 elections

Lifestyle | pg.3

Sports | pg. 7

Obituaries | pg. 9

Classifieds | pg. 11

entertainment

Mariachi Los Coyotes y Grupo Folklórico Tabasco Spring 2018 concert is March 2-3

LA JOYA – La Joya High School’s Mariachi Los Coyotes y Grupo Folklórico Tabasco will present their Spring 2018 concert, “Orgullo y Tradición,” at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 4. Performances will be held at the Alejandro “Alex” H. Saenz Performing Arts Center, located at 604 Coyote Dr. in La Joya. This year, in addition to the mariachi/folklórico performances, organizers have planned a “Feria Artesanal,” and pre-show entertainment that includes performances by Conjunto Los Diamantes, “The Gentlemen,” and Folklórico groups from Dr. Saenz Middle School, Lorenzo de Zavala Middle School and Cesar Chavez Middle School. “Orgullo y Tradición”

translates to “Pride & Tradition,” and Mariachi Los Coyotes y Grupo Folklorico Tabasco have earned the mantra. As the longest running mariachi and folklórico high school groups in the nation, they have an extensive resumé that dates back to 1982. The program was first born as a means to increase student attendance and lower dropout rates, but now, the program is a big part of La Joya’s traditions. The groups have performed for dignitaries such as former Texas Governors Ann Richards and Mark White, former Presidents George Bush Sr. and Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore. They have also performed in Niece, France, at the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans, and at the White House. This year, they

will also perform at Fiesta San Antonio 2018. Mariachi Los Coyotes is ranked amongst the top five in the State of Texas, and consistently earn Superior ratings at UIL (University Interscholastic League) competitions. G r u p o Folklórico Tabasco was crowned the grand champion at the Competencia Folklórica de Tejas 2017 in Corpus Christi. Tickets can be purchased at the Fine Arts Office, next to the Alejandro “Alex” H. Saenz Performing Arts Center at La Joya High School, 604 Coyote Drive, in La Joya. Advance tickets are sold Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to Noon and 1 to 4 p.m. General admission is $8. For information, call 956-323-2895.

UTRGV to present Broadway’s ‘In the Heights’

EDINBURG – The modern and popular musical “In the Heights” is coming to the UTRGV University Productions Theatre’s main stage. The production will be staged in the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre in the ELABS building on the Edinburg campus. Performances will be held will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 28 to March 3, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, March 4. Music and lyrics for “In the Heights” are by Lin-Manuel Miranda of Hamilton fame, with book by Quiara

Alegría Hudes. The story is set over the course of three days, following the hopes and dreams of young people and their hard-working parents in the largely Dominican-American neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York City. The musical tackles cultural issues like the importance of home and family, and whether the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. “In the Heights” opened on Broadway in 2008 and was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, winning four, in-

cluding Best Musical and Best Original Score. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, and was nominated for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. UTRGV professor Dr. Brian Warren directs a UTRGV cast and crew of students from the university and from the community. For more information, call the University Productions Box Office at 956-6653581, or email Elva Galvan at Elva.Galvan@utrgv.edu.

STC to hold auditions for ‘Elephant Man’

MCALLEN – South Texas College (STC) Theatre will hold auditions for its final spring show “The Elephant Man” by Bernard Pomerance. Auditions will be held Feb. 27 and 28, 7 to 10 p.m., at the STC Cooper Center Black Box Studio, 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. All STC students and the general community, ages 18 and over, are invited to audition. The director seeks six men and two women. “The

Elephant Man” is scheduled for performance at the Cooper Center on April 26 to 29. “The Elephant Man” is based on the life of John Merrick, who lived in London during the latter part of the 19th century. A horribly deformed young man, Merrick was a victim of a rare skin and bone disease and become the star freak attraction in traveling sideshows. Found abandoned and helpless, he is admitted to London’s prestigious Whitecha-

pel hospital. Under the care of celebrated young physician Frederick Treves, Merrick is introduced to London society and slowly evolves from an object of pity to an urbane and witty favorite of the aristocracy and literati only to be denied his ultimate dream, to become a man like any other. For more information, call 956-872-2639 or email jrodriguez@southtexascollege. edu or rdehoyos_8271@ southtexascollege.edu.

EXPERIENCE

Asiya Korepanova

VSO concert brings Broadway to the RGV

McALLEN – The Valley Symphony Orchestra will present Spectacular Broadway & Much More, featuring pianist Asiya Korepanova at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 2. It takes place at the McAllen Performing Arts Center, 801 Convention Center Blvd. The concert will bring together Broadway classics like “On the Town” and “Fiddler on the Roof” followed by a Tchaikovsky performance. Russian born, Asiya Korepanova is returning by popular demand after her performance with the Valley Symphony Orchestra in October 2016. She is a creative force, expressing herself through several mediums – music transcription, visual arts, poetry and composition. She is currently the only pianist to perform the complete 24 Franz Liszt Etudes at the same recital, a collection of pieces notorious for their prowess and dexterity. For this concert, Korepanova will be performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 on the house piano she personally selected for the McAllen Performing Arts Center. Under the direction of Dr. Peter Dabrowski, the Valley Symphony Orchestra produces five classical concerts and one POPS concert each season, showcasing the talents of 92 professionally trained local musicians. Single tickets prices for Spectacular Broadway & Much More are Orchestra, $58; Front House, $48; and Back House, $38. To purchase tickets

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Coming Attractions

February 23-25 • The South Texas College (STC) Theatre will present Tony Kushner’s “The Illusion,” Feb. 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. and for a 2 p.m. matinee on Feb. 25 at STC’s Cooper Center Main Stage Theatre, 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. General admission tickets are $10. Tickets for students, faculty, military and senior citizens are $5. Ticket cash purchases can be purchased one hour before the performance at the box office, or in advance online at goo.gl/vAVsNA. For information or group rates, call 956-872-2301. February 23-25, March 2-4 • The Harlingen Community Theatre brings Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man to the stage for six performances. Directed by T.J. Farver and Mike Ensign, show times are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students under age 18. Tickets are sold one hour before show time, and seating begins 30 minutes prior to the curtain time. The theater is located at 1209 Fair Park Blvd. Call 956-412-7529 for information or email playhousefairpark97@gmail.com. February 24, March 3 & 10 • In a three-session workshop at the Upper Valley Art League learn how to make a short comic strip using digital programs with instructor Francisco Rodriguez. Classes run from 5 to 7 p.m. Cost to UVAL members is $40 and $50 for nonmembers. Participants should bring a laptop computer with Photoshop or another digital drawing program. Classes will be held at the UVAL gallery in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 912 E. 12th St. in Mission. For more information, call 956-583-2787. February 26 • Carson & Barnes Circus presents “Circus Saurus” featuring once extinct dinosaurs under the circus big top. It will be set up on next to the Walmart in Peñitas at 1705 E. Expressway 83 on Feb. 26 and 27. Show times are 5 and 8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. Purchase discount tickets in advance at bigtopshow.com. For more information, call 580-743-7292. February 26-27 • The Upper Valley Art League will host a beginner’s encaustic workshop with instructor Jan Kreut in the UVAL art annex of the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 912 E. 12th St. in Mission. It runs 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Cost is $50 for members for both days and $60 for nonmembers. An additional fee of $20 is required to pay for the wax – payable to Jan Kreut. All materials will be provided. Bring an apron to the class or wear old clothes, and bring a sack lunch for the Tuesday class. For more information, call 956-583-2787. February 27 & March 20 • The Upper Valley Art League hosts Fred and Elaine Stenman presenting workshops in “Introduction to Low Relief Carving” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each date. Cost for each workshop is $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. All materials will be provided. Classes will be held at the UVAL annex in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 912 E. 12th St. in Mission. For more information, call 956-583-2787. February 28-March 3 • The 2018 spring season for the UTRGV Department of Theatre opens with the musical, “In the Heights,” with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton), and book by Quiara Alegria Hudes. Performances are Feb. 28 to March 3 at 7:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. on March 4. School matinees will again be available for this production. Performances are held in the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre and the Studio Theatre in the Edinburg Liberal Arts Building South (ELABS) at the corner of University Drive and Sugar Road. For subscription information or tickets, school matinees, groups and special accommodations, contact Elva Galvan, University Productions Box Office, at 956-665-3581, or email her at elva.galvan@utrgv.edu. March 2 • Concert V of the Valley Symphony Orchestra brings the re-emergence of Broadway classics and the return of guest pianist Asiya Korepanova performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. The concert, Spectacular Broadway and Much More, is set for 8 p.m. at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. Single tickets for all concerts are currently on sale and range in price: orchestra, $58; front of the house, $48; and back of the house, $38. For tickets, visit valleyorchestra. org or stop by the McAllen Performing Arts Center box office weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 6 & 13 • The Upper Valley Art League (UVAL) hosts the Rio Grande Valley Woodcarver member Brenda Lodermeier teaching pyrography (wood burning). All materials will be provided. The fee for each workshop 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. (For more Coming Attractions, go to ptrgv.com)

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February 23, 2018

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GMCC Buenas Tardes luncheon is March

Registration opens for Jeffrey Ortiz Memorial Run

Registration is underway for the Jeffrey T. Ortiz Memorial Scholarship Run and 1 Mile Fun Run set for Saturday, April 7, at the Sharyland I.S.D. (SISD) Donna Wernecke Elementary. The school is located at 4500 W. Dove Ave., McAllen – on Bentsen Rd. between 3 Mile and 4 Mile Roads. Jeffrey passed away in September, 2017, from a congenital heart defect (CHD). He was the son of Yoli Mandujano, an administrative assistant at Wernecke Elementary. The run is to promote CHD awareness, and all proceeds will be used to provide scholarships for SISD Pioneer High School students.

The course will be mapped around the Wernecke and North Jr. High campus, primarily on sidewalks and pavement, with some off road portions to the course. Check-in is 8 to 8:45 a.m. that day, and the run begins at 9 a.m. Entry fee is $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 4 to 12. The fee includes a T-shirt and sports towel, but a 3 p.m., March 9, pre-registration deadline is set to guarantee a shirt for runners. Checks should be made payable to the Jeffrey T. Ortiz Scholarship Fund. For information, or to register, contact Yolanda Mandujano at 956-467-6573 or at yoli21366@yahool.com.

Teams can now sign up for the upcoming Tom Landry Golf Classic hosted by the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce (GMCC). The tournament will be held Friday, March 23, at Cimarron Country Club, 1200 S. Shary Rd. in Mission. Tournament day registration begins at 7 a.m. for the 8 a.m. tee-off. Registration for teams of three is $500, and includes course fees, golf cart, gift

bags, breakfast and lunch. For $20, players can purchase two mulligans. Proceeds benefit the GMCC, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the annual Mission C.I.S.D. Backto-School Bash to buy school supplies for students in need. To become a tournament sponsor, or to pre-register, call 956-240-4047 or email events@missionchamber. com.

One of the world’s leading authorities on raptor identification, Bill Clark, will be at Quinta Mazatlán to discuss “Raptors of the Rio Grande Valley” on Thursday, March 1, at 6 p.m. Clark has worked as a raptor tour leader in 12 countries since 1983 and teaches Raptor ID Weekends throughout the United States and is a published author. Admission is $3. Quinta Mazatlan is located 600 Sunset in McAllen. For more information, call 956-681-3370.

Tom Landry Golf Classic is March 23

Program looks at RGV Afro-Mexican history

EDINBURG – The Rio Grande Valley is majority Hispanic but there are and were a few people of African descent who settled in this region. To learn more about this complex history, Dr. Jamie Starling, a professor at the University of Texas–Rio Grande Valley, will present “Afro-Mexican Spaces and Legacies on the Rio Grande” on Sunday, Feb. 25, at 2 p.m. at the Museum of South Texas History, 200 N. Closner Blvd. The presentation will discuss the accounts of people of African descent along the Spanish-Mexican frontier of the lower Rio Grande. Most of the research was derived from the legacy of the “Hacienda de Miguel Pérez” in present-day Starr County. The ranch was home to a number of servants of African and Native American heritage. Afro-Mexicans also became soldiers, landholders and political leaders of note in the region, especially in the first decades after Mexican independence.

Jaime Hernandez (above) will present the next program at the Mission Historical Museum, 900 Doherty Ave., on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 11 a.m. Dressed in authentic uniforms, Hernandez and Jack Ayoub will give a “Living History” presentation on “Palo Alto and the Mexican War: 1846 – 1848,” focusing on the cause of the Mexican War from Mexico’s and America’s point of view. Admission is free to the public. Call the 956-580-8646 for more information.

A live ocelot ambassador from the Cincinnati Zoo will make an appearance for the March 3 Ocelot Conservation Day at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville.

Observing Ocelot Conservation Day

Dr. Jamie Starling Starling has a doctorate’s degree in history from the University of Texas-El Paso and has published articles on intermarriage during the U.S.-Mexico War (American Catholic Studies), Afro-Mexicans in South Texas (The Journal of South Texas), and Catholicism in the colonial period (Password). Starling is the co-founder of the Global Latin America lecture and engagement series at UTRGV. The program is included in the regular admission. Call 956-383-6911 for additional information.

BROWNSVILLE – The first Saturday in March is the official “Ocelot Conservation Day.” An event for families will be held March 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the South Texas Discovery Center at Gladys Porter Zoo (GPZ). The zoo is located at 500 Ringgold in Brownsville. Activities for kids include face painting, making ocelot masks and magnets. There will be a variety of information tables and exhibits featuring ocelot conservation. A presentation, including an appearance by a live ambassador ocelot from the Cincinnati Zoo, is scheduled for 10 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 and 2:30 p.m. on a firstcome, first-served ticketed basis. The entire event is included in the price of GPZ admission. In the United States, oce-

page 3

lots were historically found throughout Texas and into Arkansas and Louisiana. Today, fewer than 80 of these native wild cats are estimated to be left in the U.S., all of which are found deep in South Texas. The loss of dense forest habitat and getting hit by cars are the greatest threats to their long-term survival.

The next Buenas Tardes luncheon, hosted by the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce (GMCC), features Alberto Altamirano as guest speaker. The luncheon, sponsored by the Mission Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), will be held Friday, March 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cimarron Country Club, 1200 S. Shary Rd. in Mission. Altamirano, is co-founder and CEO of CityFlag, Inc.

EVENTS

He was named as a Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneur. He is a Rio Grande Valley native and is a MEDC “expert-in-residence.” Tickets for the luncheon are $20 in advance or $25 at the door on a first come, first served basis. Spaces are limited. The public should arrive early to ensure seating. For tickets or further information, contact the GMCC at 956-585-2727 or via email at events@missionchamber.com.

CALENDAR

February 24 – The Deep South Texas Master Gardeners will host a free workshop on “Spring Vegetable Planting” from 9 to 11 a.m. at their educational garden located at North San Juan Park, 509 E. Earling Rd. (Nolana Loop). Bring garden gloves, a sun hat and dress for the task at hand. All supplies will be provided. Space is limited. Register with the Hidalgo county Extension office at 956-383-1026. February 24 – The next Gladys Porter Zoo Saturday Safari, “River Giants,” runs from 1 to 3 p.m. Learn about the river giants lurking in local fresh waters. A zoo tour, arts and crafts, animal encounter and snacks are included in each class. Cost is $15 per child or adult. Pre-registration is required. The zoo is located at 500 Ringgold in Brownsville. For additional information, call 956-546-7187. February 24 – Learn quilting/sewing 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. March March 3 – The UTRGV Geology Club presents “Geology Rocks!” at the Edinburg World Birding Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Club members will guide visitors in exploring the various components that form the earth with rock and mineral samples ranging from salts to meteorites. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. in Edinburg. Call 956381-9922 for information. March 6 – Join in the next book discussion at Speer Memorial Library in Mission, to review Ways of Going Home in the library’s Community Room at 5:30 p.m. in Spanish and at 6:30 p.m. in English. For more information, or to sign up for the book discussion, call William Renner or Rose Alvarez at 580-8754 or 580-8750, or email the library at reference@missiontexas.us. The library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission. March 10 – From 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., volunteers are needed at the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife to plant seedlings to create more thornscrub forest habitat. Bring work gloves, shovel, sturdy shoes/boots, water bottle, sunscreen and hat. Water refills and snacks will be provided. Go to fws.gov/ refuge/Laguna_Atascosa, or call 956-748-3607 for updated directions. (For more Events, go to ptrgv.com.)

Congratulations to 2018

RGV Walk of Fame

City of Palmhurst inductee

ISRAEL SILVA

Ramiro J. Rodriguez, Jr. Mayor

Robert A Salinas Mayor Pro-Tem

Ruben De Leon Councilman

Jaime Aranda Councilman

Israel Silva Councilman

Ofelia Peña-Perez Councilwoman

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By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Hazard mitigation funding for Harvey recovery becomes available AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott traveled to Rockport and Houston on Feb. 13 to announce the availability of new funding for hazard mitigation projects along the Gulf Coast following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. Abbott invited cities and counties to submit applications for projects and said the funding would provide an estimated $1 billion for hazard and flood mitigation projects designed to both help Texas rebuild and reduce the risk of future damage from flooding and Hurricanes. The funding, to be administered by the Texas Division of Emergency Management, can be used for: - Buyouts and elevations of flood prone properties; - Drainage and reservoir projects that eliminate future flooding; - Projects to lessen the frequency or severity of flooding; - Flood risk reduction projects such as dams, retention basins, levees, floodwalls; and - Large-scale channeling of waterways.

Of the estimated $1 billion that Texas will receive, $500 million in funding is available now, while the remaining funding will be provided on or before August 25. Additional funds may also become available as FEMA continues to process and approve project requests from Texas cities and counties, the governor’s office said. AG Paxton joins coalition Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Feb. 13 joined a bipartisan coalition of 56 states and territories urging Congress “to end secret, forced arbitration in cases of workplace sexual harassment.” In a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, the coalition led by Florida and North Carolina asked Congress to pass legislation to ensure that sexual harassment victims have a right to their day in court. “Congress today has both opportunity and cause to champion the rights of victims of sexual harassment in the workplace by enacting legislation to free them from the injustice of forced

arbitration and secrecy when it comes to seeking redress from egregious misconduct condemned by all concerned Americans,” the states’ attorneys general wrote. Electioneering addressed Attorney General Ken Paxton on Feb. 14 dispatched cease-and-desist letters to Brazosport, Holliday and Lewisville independent school districts regarding alleged violations of the Texas Education Code for unlawful electioneering. Those school districts, Paxton said, used taxpayer resources to distribute messages to their staff and the public advocating for or against certain political candidates and measures. “My office fully encourages Texas schools to educate their students on civic duties and assist them in registering to vote. But pushing faculty or others to vote for a particular person is a clear violation of the Texas Election and Education Codes,” Paxton said. The letters include screenshots of the school district’s political messaging on social media, as well as campaign

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videos. In some cases, Paxton said, districts distributed partisan information on behalf of the school district as a government entity, using resources that belong to Texas taxpayers. African-Americans honored Gov. Greg Abbott on Feb. 9 proclaimed the month of February to be African-American History Month in Texas. “As a state and nation shaped by the diversity of our citizens, it is vital we recognize and celebrate the different races, nationalities and backgrounds of the land we love. In particular, African-Americans have made

tremendous contributions to our society. “Having faced slavery, many forms of oppression, deep-rooted adversity and the very real dangers of demanding equality and change, the contributions and achievements of African-Americans are imbued with a unique strength and resilience, which are respected and greatly valued in the Lone Star State,” Abbott stated in the proclamation. Heart health is focus State Rep. Walter “Four” Price, R-Amarillo, authored House Resolution 2683 in the 2017 session of the Texas Legislature to recognize February as “American

Heart Month in Texas.” On Feb. 14, Price, who chairs the House Committee on Public Health, noted that heart disease is the leading cause of death among adult Texans and the leading cause of death for women. “February is the perfect month to raise overall awareness of potential heart disease and encourage specific individual attention to heart health, given the celebration of Valentine’s Day. My hope is that everyone takes the time to love his/her very own heart by seriously thinking about heart health,” Price said.

Citing nearly $3 million in outstanding issues resulting from unpaid traffic tickets, the city of Palmview is giving residents an opportunity to pay their tickets without being arrested. At Tuesday’s city council meeting, council members unanimously approved an amnesty program for residents to pay their outstanding warrants at the Palmview Municipal Court. Court Administrator Gloria Acevedo said the city is looking to pay off nearly $3 million in fines as a result of 5,167 warrants the city has that date from as far back as 2010. “People have the misunderstanding that since they have a warrant out for them they’ll get arrested once they come here to pay. That’s not going to happen,” Acevedo said of the program. “We’re starting it Monday, Feb. 26 and letting it run through March 9 but may even extend it through the end of March. We’re hoping that since it’s income tax season, people will want to pay their tickets with their refund.” Acevedo said the warrants stem from people failing to pay their Class C misdemeanor tickets -violations stemming from public intoxication, speeding and driving without a license - which cost up to $176. However, people are charged an addi-

tional $300 for a warrant fee and failure to appear in court. Under the amnesty program, both of those fees would be waived, Acevedo said. “The last time we offered the amnesty program we had around $100,000 in fees paid off,” Acevedo said. “But with $3 million in fees, we need to lower that.” Residents can make a payment online at trafficpayment.com or in Palmview City Hall at 400 W. Veterans Blvd. In other business, the city council also approved a resolution to begin establishing a Sister City with Canadian cities. According to Palmview interim city Manager Leonardo Olivares, a large number of Winter Texans who stay in the Valley during the winter are from Canada. “It’s a significant amount of economic impact they bring to the Valley,” Olivares said, adding that Winter Texans spend around $30 million per year and have an indirect economic impact of $760 million throughout the Valley. “A relationship like this would be new and novel in the Valley. I’m not sure how many other cities do this but a relationship like this would give us some kind of exposure and bring business to the community.” Olivares recommended

the council look for a city in the municipalities of Russell, from the Canadian province of Manitoba, Saskatoon, from the Canadian province of Saskatchewan and Edmonton, from the Canadian province of Alberta. “A major source of Winter Texans are from Ontario followed by Manitoba so we’ll look into Ontario and then use Manitoba as a backup,” Olivares said. “Usually in the Sister Cities community you want to find a city that is comparable to your own so we need one that’s in a suburban community in a metro area.” The city council unanimously approved this motion, with Council Member Ricky Villarreal expressing enthusiasm for it. “It’s another world they bring to us,” Villarreal said of the Canadian Winter Texans. “With Canada and Mexico as our neighboring countries we should address people from both those countries. Canadian Winter Texans are here for several months out of the year and contribute to our community.” Olivares said the city will reach out to the Canadian cities within the next few weeks to begin negotiations for the Sister City program.

Palmview to offer warranty amnesty program

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1217 N. Conway • Mission, TX (956) 585-4893 MEMBER 2018

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; $30 outside of Hidalgo County. Second class postage paid in Mission, Texas 78572. ©2018 Savy Publishing, LLC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the PROGRESS TIMES, P.O. Box 399, Mission Texas 78573.

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Letters to the Editor are welcome but must conform to certain guidelines. All letters must be original, dated, signed and bear the complete name, address and phone number of the writer/signer. No photo copied letters will be printed. No letters addressed to others will be printed. Letter content must be relevant to concerns and interests of Mission and the surrounding area. Relevance is determined by the editor. Anonymous cards or letters are neither read nor printed. Letters may be submitted by e-mail to letters@progresstimes.net, but must include the author’s name and daytime phone number.

February 23, 2018

LJISD Board of Trustees moves not to allow IDEA and Charter Schools to participate in extracurriculars By Jamie Treviño With a large student population, La Joya Independent School District has recently moved to keep the focus on those actually enrolled at LJISD. At a special called board meeting this week, the trustees carried a motion that will not allow students from IDEA and other charter schools to participate in the extracurricular activities of the La Joya school district. The motion was passed after a discussion during the meeting by the district Superintendent, Dr. Alda Benavides, and Athletic Director Alex Guajardo. Two members of the board also spoke about the matter. “Both Coach Guajardo, our athletic director, and myself have gotten questions about if we will allow students who reside in our district but are attending other schools to participate in extracurricular activities,” Benavides said. “And we’ve discussed it at length. We have our reasons why they will not be allowed to participate.” Guajardo elaborated on the subject, and also said that he has been approached by parents of kids who want to play in La Joya’s athletic programs. “The students live within our attendance zone, but they choose to go to charter schools,” Guajardo said.

“With that I called UIL [the University Interscholastic League] and I requested some information.” Guajardo continued and said that UIL allows students from charter schools to participate in extracurricular activities as long as the students live within the district’s attendance zone. “IDEA schools are not allowed since they are distinguished as part of the 3A classification,” Guajardo said. “I have also called other school districts in the region, and most of them say no to this practice, the reason being that they don’t want to carry the liability that comes with that.” If IDEA or charter schools were allowed to participate and play for La Joya ISD, they will not be covered by insurance because they would not be the district’s students, and therefore transportation and liability becomes an issue. “My professional opinion is that if they want to play sports with us, they can always come back to our district,” Guajardo said. “They can play with us. We have a great school district.” Benavides said that although they would like all students within the community to participate in La Joya’s activities, and that they understand the importance of these activities, an IDEA or other charter school student would potentially

take the position from an actual student of the school district of La Joya. “Last night, watching the Huskies play basketball, it’s only five members that get to play at one time,” Benavides said. “That would mean if we allow one of those students that is not in our schools, it’s going to be taking the spot from our kids.” Recently, at a recruiting event promoting the district as a choice for students, “Why La Joya ISD,” a recruiting bus from IDEA schools was seen parked in the parking lot of the LJISD event. The vice president of the school board, Armin Garza, also spoke on the subject. “I feel if they’re entrusting us in their education, the parents and students in La Joya ISD, they shouldn’t take a backseat to anyone,” Garza said. “If people want to be able to participate in our athletic programs, they should, as Coach Guajardo said, they should take part of everything we have to offer at La Joya ISD.” School board President Oscar Salinas also agreed with Benavides, Guajardo, and Garza. “I think at the end we want the best for all kids,” Salinas said. “But, you know, right now, with the liability of travelling, and taking space from our kids, like you said, if they want to play sports with us they can come back to our schools.”

UTRGV offers graduate school fairs

EDINBURG – Anyone thinking about attending graduate school at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley should visit one of the upcoming Graduate Fairs from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays, March 1 and 8, at the Edinburg campus fieldhouse. Hosted by UTRGV’s Graduate College, the fairs will include information about graduate admission requirements, financial aid

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and scholarship availability. Faculty representing all graduate programs, who will be available to answer questions about career outlook, class schedules, assistantships, degree completion time, and more. Concurrent presentations on the following topics will be offered: how to submit a competitive application, GRE and GMAT entrance exam tips, financial aid pos-

sibilities and scholarships. UTRGV Graduate Fairs are free and open to the public. To help start your application, staff and laptops will be available. Door prizes will be given away, including two scholarships, at both fairs. To register, visit utrgv.edu/grad. For more information, email gradcollege@utrgv.edu, call 833-887-4842.

Congratulations to 2018

RGV Walk of Fame

City of Palmhurst inductee

JAIME ARANDA

Ramiro J. Rodriguez, Jr. Mayor

Robert A Salinas Mayor Pro-Tem

Ruben De Leon Councilman

Jaime Aranda Councilman

Israel Silva Councilman

Ofelia Peña-Perez Councilwoman

4417 North Shary Rd. • Palmhurst, TX • (956) 583-8697 • www.cityofpalmhursttx.com

Public comment at MCISD meeting sparks conversation By Jamie Treviño During the Mission CISD board meeting on Feb. 13, a public comment was made by attorney Ricardo Salinas on behalf of Nathan Gower Schwarz in regards to open records requests that had not been met. According to Salinas, Schwarz put in the requests on Jan. 5 and Jan. 19, but received no response from the district on any of the requests other than “we’ll get you the information as soon as possible.” The lack of communication led to Salinas making the comment during the Feb. 13 meeting. “The school district has received the request,” Salinas said. “And it’s specific information regarding specific vendors and other documents pertinent to the public. The request has nothing to do with an employee of the school district, it has nothing to with, for example, a superintendent, a teacher, a principal, nothing of that nature.” Salinas said the request had to do with certain vendors regarding public funds. “That is an absolute constitutional right for anyone to ask for this information,” Salinas said. “The request has not been honored.” Salinas said that Schwarz is certified in and taken specific courses on the procedures on how to request documents, and the school had the obligation to return the documents in ten days. Prior to his comment, MCISD Board of Trustees President Patty O’Caña-Olivarez spoke about the rules in regards to public comment. Before a comment made at the previous MCISD board meeting on Jan. 24, neither she or anyone on the board made a statement about said guidelines or rules. “This portion of the meeting is set aside for parents, students, and commu-

nity members to speak to the board about any matter of interest to them pertaining to the school program,” O’Caña-Olivarez said. “During this part of the meeting, the board will listen, but it will not engage in dialogue or debate with the speaker.” Salinas spoke for the entire allotted time given for public comments, five minutes, and did not specify which requests he was referring to. As he spoke, and occasionally gestured to the audience in the Bryan Elementary School cafeteria, the board listened. After his comment, Salinas and four people there with him walked promptly out of the building. The meeting continued. When asked about the incident in question, O’Caña-Olivarez declined to make a comment. According to her, the MCISD Director of Public Relations and Marketing, Craig Verley, is the person to talk to about this. Verley said that Schwarz put in six to seven requests, and a few of those requests had to be sent to the Attorney General, which may be part of the reason for the delay. “He requested a number of things,” Verley said. “Different documents, one involving three bids. Six to seven items were requested. Mission is following all the appropriate procedures according to Texas open records laws.” Salinas said that the district owed Mission residents an explanation for their lack of transparency, and everyone has the right to be asking questions. “It went without objection to begin with, and now it’s stalling,” Salinas said. “I have every reason to believe, based on comments made by outside people, that they have discussed it amongst themselves. That there’s at least one or two school board

members that know about the requests we are making.” Salinas brought up the recent renovation of Tom Landry Stadium, and said that according to Schwarz it was an $8 million project. Salinas could not see much difference in the stadium, and wondered who was the person who modified it. “If Mission truly lives in this aura of transparency, then why is it that there isn’t any?” Salinas said. “It’s like I told them yesterday, put your money where your mouth is.” Salinas also said that the initial request for information dealt with one specific vendor, “who coincidentally happens to be a school board member out of the Delta area.” “My client is not saying that these people are doing something wrong,” Salinas said. “But people have the right to ask. People have the right to know. That’s just checks and balances, it helps keep everybody honest.” “Why is it so difficult to get these documents if there is this transparency?” Salinas said. “As far as I’m concerned, the people that vote for these folks, they’re asleep, asleep at the wheel, so to speak. I think what Mr. Schwarz is trying to do is wake them up. And I’m trying to help him.” Salinas spoke about the need for more transparent people in the MCISD School Board and Mission City Council, citing a few people, namely his father Mayor Beto Salinas, as still being “transparent” in the city. “I know that we have good people in Mission still. These folks, I’m begging, they’ve got to wake up. Wake up and make a difference. For God’s sake, because if they don’t who the hell will?”

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February 23, 2018

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Special Olympians

showcase skills on the court

Pioneer High School hosts annual basketball competition

By Bryan Ramos More than 1,000 Special Olympians gathered at Sharyland Pioneer High School last Saturday to display their skills on the court as Pioneer hosted the annual Rio Grande Valley Special Olympics basketball competition for the third consecutive year. RGV Special Olympics Area 1 Director Lauro Garza said the competition has grown every year and Pioneer High’s five basketball courts gives the athletes plenty of room to have fun while showcasing their dribbling, passing and shooting skills. As the world’s largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities, the Special Olympics transforms the lives of 4.5 million athletes in 170 countries through its sports competitions. The day started with the Special Olympics athlete’s oath ready by James Mosley from IDEA San Juan to a packed house of athletes, families and fans during the opening ceremony. The oath, which was introduced 50 years ago by Eunice Kennedy Shriver at the Inaugural Special Olympics international games in Chicago, reads, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” The competitions featured individual dribbling skills, shooting on 8 ft. and 10 ft. rims, passing skills and concluded with 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 games. Garza said the main goal of the Special Olympics competitions is participation and inclusion. “We don’t focus on their disabilities, we focus on their abilities,” he said. “By participating in the different athletic competitions we offer, the students not only have fun and get to be around their friends, but they also develop self-esteem and they have an opportunity to benefit from all the positive things participation in sports gives you.”

No participant leaves empty-handed as medals, ribbons and certificates were awarded to the top finishers and each competitor who took part. The basketball competition used to be held at Weslaco High School, but for the third year in a row, Pioneer has hosted the growing games. RGV Special Olympics Area 1 Coordinator Marylou Trinidad said the reason the Special Olympics basketball competition continues to become bigger each year. “Every year it just grows,” said Trinidad. “It’s by word of mouth and by the excitement that the volunteers show and the athletes that go home, showing their enthusiasm.”

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February 23, 2018

Sports week

THE

BIG7 SCHOOLS

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

Seventeen Big 7 wrestlers state-bound By Luciano Guerra

The seven high schools from the Mission, Sharyland and La Joya school districts, otherwise known as the Big 7, will be sending 17 wrestlers to the UIL State Wrestling Tournament being held next weekend at the Berry Center in Cypress, Texas. With 17 state qualifiers this year and 16 qualifiers in each of the previous two years, the Big 7 schools’ wrestling programs have proven that they are doing a good job of keeping up with the competition, at least at the district and regional levels. While keeping up with the competition, when the competition continues to improve, is hard enough, there is one Big 7 school whose wrestling programs are actually leaving the competition in their dust; the Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks and Lady Diamondbacks wrestling programs. Case in point, of the 17 Big 7 schools’ wrestlers that qualified for the state tournament, and of the 10 5A wrestlers that qualified, five are Diamondbacks and four are Lady Diamondbacks for a total of nine qualifiers. That is up from Pioneer’s four state qualifiers last year and three the year before. La Joya High is second among the Big 7 schools with four state qualifiers, Mission High is third with two, while Juarez-Lincoln and Sharyland High each have one wrestler going to state. What accounts for a program that is only in its fourth year of existence having such success at the district

wanted to lose weight because I heard that it was a hard sport. And it worked. I started at 240 and I’ve gone to 210 lbs.” Sophomore Mia Padilla is the only Lady Diamondback that has been to the state tournament before. While her first experience at state did not go as well as she hoped, Padilla believes she will benefit from that experience this year. “I only won one match at state last year, but I learned a lot from it,” Padilla said. “I really didn’t know what I was doing but just getting to see how much I’ve grown since then and how much the rest of the team has grown to help me, has me excited to see what comes out of state.” The Pioneer boys that qualified for state are, junior Diego Serna (106 lbs.), senior Brandon Pritchard (145 lbs.), junior Manuel Almanza (170 lbs.), senior Dominique Rodriguez (182 lbs.) and senior Emanuel Huerta (192 lbs.). The only other 5A wrestler from a Big 7 school to qualify for state is Sharyland senior Juan Colegio (126 lbs.). Big 7 6A wrestlers to qualify for state are, senior Eight of the nine members of the Sharyland Pioneer boys and girls wrestling teams that qualified for the Jan Vela (160 lbs.), junior Natalee Guzman (102 lbs), UIL State Tournament next weekend. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra junior Lesly Ramirez (119 lbs.) and senior Haylee Guzman (128 lbs.) all from La As one of three Pioneer ified for state by placing comfortable with the sur- tling team. “I was told that in middle Joya High, senior Alberto freshmen that qualified for fourth at the regional tour- roundings and I did a lot betstate, Trevino had no expec- nament. She did so despite ter in my remaining match- school I could’ve come over Juarez (113 lbs.) and senior here to wrestle but I didn’t Brianna Gomez (215 lbs.) tations of ending her inaugu- letting nerves get the better es.” Despite being a freshman know that,” Flores said. both from Mission High, and ral season as a wrestler at the of her in her opening match as well, Briere-Segovia of that tournament. state tournament. “But when I was putting my Juarez-Lincoln senior Vanes“The regional tournament is by no means a newcomer freshman schedule together, sa Doria (102 lbs.). “Qualifying for state surprised me a lot,” Trevino was extremely nerve-wrack- to the sport of wresting. As I saw wrestling as an option said. “I’ve only done this for ing for me,” Trevino said. a matter of fact, she’s been and it interested me. I also and regional levels? Pioneer head wrestling coach Richard Eckley believes he has the answer. “The kids love to wrestle,” Eckley said. “They love their teammates, they love the sport and they show up and work hard. It’s been the easiest year of coaching I’ve had because the kids are committed and they hold each other accountable. Also, the parents and the administration are supportive. As a result, everybody’s pulling in the same direction and that’s what I attribute our success to.” The four Lady Diamondbacks that qualified for the state tournament are freshman Alejandra Briere-Segovia (102 lbs.), freshman Emily Trevino (119 lbs.), sophomore Mia Padilla (138 lbs.) and freshman Camila Flores (215 lbs.).

Pioneer tops Mission as teams gear up for district Lady Diamondbacks, Lady Eagles focused on meeting goals in 2018

Pioneer pitcher Madison Sparks winds up to throw a pitch during the third inning of the Lady Diamondbacks’ 10-9 win over the Mission Lady Eagles Tuesday night. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

By Bryan Ramos Winter is wrapping up just as things are getting heated on the diamond. Softball teams across the Valley are putting the final pieces together as they prepare for

the grind of district play. The Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks and the Mission Lady Eagles have set high goals in district this year. The Lady Diamondbacks are locked-in on their chase of a third consecutive perfect dis-

one year and I’m already at state so it’s really exciting to me. And it is a surprise to me.” Trevino qual-

trict run, while the Lady Eagles, who underwent change in the offseason, are focused on claiming back-to-back playoff berths with a firstyear head coach at the helm. Pioneer Head Coach Orlando Garcia said although his team lost five seniors from a year ago, he has girls who have experienced winning district championships and hopes this year’s Lady Diamondbacks can keep the tradition going. “It’s going to be tough, we lost five seniors,” said Garcia. “We’re the defending district champions two years in a row, we’ve gone undefeated in district the last two years. That’s something that I tell the girls, we need to continue and try to do the best every time we come out and continue what the girls before them have started. Some of the girls on this team have been part of that team so hopefully they can do that.”

See PIONEER TOPS MISSION Pg. 12

“I was super nervous going into my first match. As a result, I was hesitant and I lost my first match. But then I got more

wrestling since she was 9 years old. When asked what it was about wrestling that attracted her in the first place, Briere-Segovia said, “My brother did Jujitsu and I missed out on that chance. Then when I saw my brother getting into wrestling, I didn’t want to miss out on that chance, so I took it and I’ve made the best of it.” Briere-Segovia, who has an overall record of 337, is looking forward to her first shot at the state tournament. “I’m looking forward to the whole experience but especially to seeing how I do against these girls I haven’t seen before and the girls that I have seen before; to see where I’m at and where I can go.” As the third freshman Lady Diamondback to qualify for the state meet, Flores had a rather unique reason for joining the wres-

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Jessica Ortega-Ochoa seeks re-election to Mission City Council Special for Progress Times

Jessica Ortega-Ochoa, born and raised in Mission, has filed for re-election for Mission City Council, Place 1 for the May election. Councilwoman Ortega-Ochoa was elected to a four year term in 2014 and would like to continue to promote safety, school district partnerships and economic development. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will continue to do what is in the best interest of our beautiful city of Mission. I will listen to the needs of my constituents and fight for what is fair for our employees and their families,â&#x20AC;? Ochoa said. Councilwoman Ortega-Ochoa is the daughter of Luis and Adela Ortega of Mission. She has been married to Rafael Ochoa Jr. for 17 years, and they have two children Ralph and Lauren. Ortega-Ochoa attended Pearson Elementary, Mission Junior High School and graduated from Mission High School in 1992. She attended the University of Texasâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Pan American where she received a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; degree in Communication-Journalism in 1997. She later entered a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program and received a Master of Science in Social Work in 2005. Councilwoman Ochoa is employed as the Life Skills Coach at La Joya I.S.D. Juarez-Lincoln High School. She helps students to increase daily attendance, decrease the dropout rate and ultimately receive a high school diploma. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have enjoyed providing support interventions to families and students by providing them skills to help be

February 23, 2018

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a successful member of our society,â&#x20AC;? said Ortega-Ochoa. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a rewarding vocation.â&#x20AC;? Councilwoman Ortega-Ochoa is also the Secretary of the Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association. The mission of RGVDA is to promote a health community by minimizing the impact of diabetes in Hidalgo County. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being a part of an organization like this, that helps

Jessica Ortega-Ochoa to enhance the quality of life for people impacted by diabetes through education is extremely gratifying and worthwhile,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to make a difference and encourage people to stay healthy.â&#x20AC;? Over the years, Ortega-Ochoa has received numerous recognition awards for her service to her community. She was named 2007 Mission Woman of the Year for her service with victim advocacy. In 2016, she received the Public Official of the Year Award from the National Association of Social Workers Texas LRGV Branch.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of my goals is to bring social services and area agencies into Mission to help our citizens with their needs,â&#x20AC;? Ortega-Ochoa said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With over 90,000 citizens in our city, we should not have to refer to surrounding cities for assistance. I would like to establish a Neighborhood Center to provide a variety of social services to low- and moderate-income families in need here at home.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have the Mission Food Pantry that helps those in need with food and clothing. I would like to see seasonal program services and crisis intervention incorporated to help assist all those families,â&#x20AC;? she added. Ortega-Ochoa said she wants to continue her work as a public servant, to be the voice of the community and its constituents. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mission has been the community that has made me the proud woman that I am today. I believe that every opinion counts and all voices should be heard, which is why I am seeking re-election,â&#x20AC;? said Ortega-Ochoa. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to continue to be your voice. I want to combine my experience, dedication, leadership and life experience to work together in uniting Mission.â&#x20AC;? Councilwoman Ortega-Ochoa said her proudest accomplishment is finding homes for cats and dogs that the Mission Animal Control Department picks up daily. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I vividly remember the day I visited our animal shelter. I left that day saying that I had to act to make sure all the furry animals found homes. I immediately called our City Manager Martin Garza and shared

my ideas with him. Then the city began a campaign called Mission Pawsible,â&#x20AC;? Ortega-Ochoa said. Mission Pawsible is a website that lists animals available for adoption or that may be lost. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so proud of all the committee members who helped make this project so successful,â&#x20AC;? Councilwoman Ortega-Ochoa said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our employees work so hard in the care of these animals. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to have our actual adoption center. For now we host adoption days so the community can come and see the animals that are

available and help them find forever homes.â&#x20AC;? Ortega-Ochoa also strongly believes in continuing to revitalize the heart of the Mission downtown area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is so much culture in our city. The increase of activity in our downtown area will give us the opportunity to attract new business,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to our new 2.5-acre Leo Pena Placita Park Mobility Improvement Project. This will bring families together in a traditional outdoor stage setting for numerous community events.â&#x20AC;? Ortega-Ochoa said her

family has a long legacy of public service. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My family has always instilled in me that it is so important to give back to our community. I have followed in the footsteps of the many inspirational leaders in my family. Giving back is something I love. I will continue to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the office with the utmost competency, integrity and dignity,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will be my honor to receive your vote to continue to be your voice on May 5, 2018.â&#x20AC;?

Henry Rodriguez seeks seat on Mission City Council Special for Progress Times

â&#x20AC;&#x153;People over Politics.â&#x20AC;? This phrase has led me, Henry Rodriguez, to humbly ask for your vote and support in my campaign for Mission City Council Place 1. I am the son of the late councilman Arnulfo â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tatanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Rodriguez and Irma Rodriguez. My eight siblings and I were born and raised in the City of Mission. I have two children, Scott Daniel Rodriguez and Sujei Klariss Rodriguez. Like my father before me, I am also a small business owner and operator of Tatanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Barber Shop in the heart of Mission. I am dedicated to run in this election after years of listening to the citizens of Mission, listening to their concerns, and their hopes for the continued betterment and growth for the city we call home, and love. I was raised to believe

that those enlisted with the trust of these citizens were to be held accountable for those same citizens, regardless of the current political atmosphere or personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demographic, or economic situation. I will strive to give

Henry Rodriguez each individual a voice and representation. I humbly ask all citizens of Mission for their vote, and support of my campaign.

When elected I pledge to be your public servant and representation. Accountability and availability will be the driving principles so that I may be of service. Please vote for Henry Rodriguez Mission City Council Place 1, May 5, 2018.

â&#x20AC;˘ Attended Our Lady of Guadalupe School â&#x20AC;˘ Graduate of Mission High School 1976 â&#x20AC;˘ Graduate of McAllen Barber College â&#x20AC;˘ Attended Pan American University â&#x20AC;˘ Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor â&#x20AC;˘ Certified Faith Based Counselor â&#x20AC;˘ Former Board Member South Texas Economic Development Corporation â&#x20AC;˘ Current Board Member Hidalgo County Housing Authority â&#x20AC;˘ Current Board Member Boys & Girls Club of Mission, Texas

1st Year Anniversary

Alexandria R. Olivarez â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alex â&#x20AC;? December 5, 1994 â&#x20AC; February 27, 2017

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me besides the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His nameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Rest in Peace, we miss you dearly. Mom- Norma Bourbois Rodriguez; Brother- Jose (Jay) A. Cavazos & family; Sister- Michelle L. Cavazos & family; Family & Friends

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February 23, 2018

obituaries Sylvia Buentello MISSION – Sylvia Buentello, 42, passed away on Monday, Feb. 12, 2018, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg. Ms. Buentello was born on Nov. 4, 1975, in Mission to the late Florentino and Elisa (Mayorga) Buentello. Survivors include her daughter, Jessica Buentello, and siblings, Topacio Buentello and Samuel Buentello. A memorial service was held on Feb. 17at Rivera Funeral Home in Mission. Cremation followed.

Javier Calvillo MISSION – Javier Calvillo, 68, passed away on Thursday, Feb.15, 2018 at Mission Regional Medical Center. Mr. Calvillo was born on May 10, 1949, in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico to the late Horacio and Dolores (Flores) Calvillo. Survivors include his children, Joshua Calvillo, Jessie Calvillo, April Calvillo and Erin Calvillo; siblings, Elsa, Yolanda, Ella, Horacio and Lily; and seven grandchildren. A funeral service was held Feb.20 at Rivera Funer-

page 9

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al Home in Mission. Burial followed at Lord & I Cemetery in Palmview.

Alma Cantu MISSION – Alma Nellie Cantu, 67, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018. Mrs. Cantu was born on Feb. 25, 1950, to the late Fabian and Maria de Jesus Gonzalez. Survivors include her husband, Noe Cantu; children, Ricardo Canales Jr., Claudia Cantu-Flores and Amanda Cantu; siblings, Alicia Carrillo, Fabian Gonzalez, Albeza Clark, Amelia Trevino, Maria de Jesus Treviño, Bertha Gonzalez and Ventura Gonzalez; and three grandchildren. A funeral mass was held on Feb. 17 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Arrangements were handled by Rivera Funeral Home in Mission. Juana Hoyuela ALTON – Juana S. Hoyuela, 71, passed away Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018, at her home. Mrs. Hoyuela was born in Reynosa, Tamps., Mexico on March 27, 1946, to Catarino Salinas and Jacinta Rodri-

guez. Survivors include her children, Cesar Hoyuela, Diana Guzman, Jesus Oyuela, Juan Hoyuela, Gabriela Hoyuela Rodriguez, Erik Hoyuela and Eddie Hoyuela; siblings, Agueda, Macedonia, Catarino, Griselda, Arnoldo, Belia; and 13 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Humberto Hoyuela; her parents; and brother, Horacio Salinas. A funeral mass was held on Feb. 17 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Maria Requenez MISSION – Maria Elena (Chapa) Requenez, 64, passed away on Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg. Survivors include her husband of 42 years, Margarito Requenez; children, Margarito Requenez Jr. and Michael Requenez of Mission; siblings, Homer Chapa of Sullivan City and Dalia Perez of Perezville; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; Adan and Zulema Chapa; grandchild, Victoria Requenez; and siblings, Adan Chapa, Rodolfo Rodriguez, Diana Cerda and Yolanda Perez. A funeral mass was held on Feb. 19 at Our Lady of St. John of the Fields Catholic Church in Mission. Rev. Castillo officiated. Burial followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Mission.

Notices Guadalupe Balderas ALTON – Guadalupe Balderas, 71, passed away on Sun-

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day, Feb. 17, 2018, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen. Jose Cortez MISSION – Jose D. Cortez, 51, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2017, at his home in Mission. Maria Elizondo PALMVIEW – Maria Ana Elizondo, 87, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018, at her home in Palmview. Estela Garcia MISSION – Estela (Flores) Garcia, 88, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018, at Mission Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. Neva Hascall MISSION – Neva Hascall, 82, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Armando Hinojosa Sr. MISSION – Armando Hinojosa Sr., 79, passed away on Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Jesus Iglesias MISSION – Jesus Iglesias, 38, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, at his home in Mission. Calistro Martinez MISSION - Calistro Martinez, 84, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen. Esmeralda Mendoza MISSION – Esmeralda Mendoza, 45, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018, at University Health System in San Antonio. Richard Perez MISSION – Richard R. Perez, 52, passed away on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center. Desiderio Puente MISSION – Desiderio Puente, 41, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston. Gary Taylor MISSION – Gary Taylor, 80, passed away on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Truck driver charged after fatal crash on Shary Road

After investigating a fatal car crash on Shary Road, the Mission Police Department charged a truck driver with criminally negligent homicide last week. Mario Anthony Medrano, 27, of McAllen is charged with criminally negligent homicide, a state jail felony. Officers booked Medrano at the Hidalgo County jail last week, according to Sheriff’s Office records. Jailers quickly released him on bond. “He has the presumption of innocence and the right to due process,” said attorney Andre Maldonado of Edinburg, who represents Medrano, adding later: “He’ll have his day in court like everyone else.” The investigation started on Jan. 29, when the Mission Police Department responded to a fatal crash near the intersection of Business 83 and Shary Road. Officers found Kevin Chavana, 20, of Mission dead at the scene — just a few feet away from his 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle. After conducting a crash investigation, the Mission Police Department concluded that Medrano, who was driving a white 2006 Isuzu box truck, made an improp-

Mario Medrano’s jail booking photo. (Photo credit: Courtesy of the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.)

er turn and failed to yield the right of way. Chavana couldn’t stop quickly enough to avoid the collision. His motorcycle, which had been traveling at approximately 48 mph moments before the crash, struck the truck. “Medrano then added that once he entered the roadway he noticed northbound traffic and had to stop in the middle of the road,” according to the criminal complaint. “Medrano stated that as he entered the center turn lane he felt the impact.” If convicted of criminally negligent homicide, Medrano faces a maximum of two years in jail and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

LANWR opens hunts for exotic species

LOS FRESNOS – Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (LANWR) will offer two additional public hunts for exotic species including nilgai antelope, feral hogs and fallow deer. These public hunts are scheduled for April 7, 8, 14 and 15. Forty permits will be issued for each hunt and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Refuge Office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 5 through 9, or until all permits are sold, whichever comes first. Permits will be $60 each, pay-

able by cash only. Hunters will be limited to purchasing one permit per person. The refuge is interested in reducing the number of exotic species as they cause damage to refuge infrastructure and habitats, use resources such as food and water that are then not available for native wildlife, and some carry cattle fever ticks, which can spread disease. The LANWR office is located at 22817 Ocelot Rd, Los Fresnos, and can be reached at 956-748-3607.

ChurCh DireCtory BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH 2820 N. Conway Ave. • 581-1411 CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 2322 N. McColl. - McAllen 682-2092 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 5609 S 29th St. - McAllen 682-4881 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 2Mile & Bryan Rd Mission. CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Missonaries • 580-2570 CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH 911 N. Main - McAllen 686-4241 CONWAY AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 2215 N. Conway • 585-2413 EL FARO BIBLE CHURCH 15 miles W. of Mission on Exp. 83 Sullivan City, TX • 585-5617 EL MESIAS UNITED METHODIST 209 E. 6th • 585-2334 FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 3 miles N. Shary Rd. • 581-1465 FAITH FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH 1 mile N. Exp. 83 on Tom Gill Rd. 519-6311 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1302 Doherty • 585-1442 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 12th and Miller - Mission 585-7281 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1102 Ash St. • 585-4829 for worship schedule.

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

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

LA RESPUESTA CHURCH 405 W. 12th Street • 585-0787 MISSION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 1 mi. E. 495 • 585-6683 NEW HOPE AT THE BORDER 905 N. Conway • 369-3603 NORTH MISSION CHURCH OF CHRIST 1410 E. Mile 3 Rd. • 585-0146 Palmhurst NORTH PALMVIEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH 7612 W. 6 Mile Ln. ONLY THRU JESUS 1511 E. Mile 2 Rd. Mission • 918-760-1625 OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS One-half mile South Leo Avenue La Joya • 585-5223 OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH 6634 El Camino Real • Granjeno OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH 2.5 miles S. Conway (FM 1016) Mission OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH 620 Dunlap • 585-2623 OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY CHURCH 923 Matamoros St. • 581-2193 PALM VALLEY CHURCH 1720 E. Griffin Pkwy. 585-3203 PEÑITAS BAPTIST CHURCH 1/3 Mile S. of Exp.83 on FM 1427 583-6236 PRIMERA BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of 6th & Oblate 585-4711

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

3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5

Mission • 580-4551

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

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

KING, GUERRA, DAVIS & GARCIA ATTORNEYS AT LAW

DAVID H. GUERRA

DARRELL DAVIS

301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622

MISSION AUTO ELECTRIC, INC. DBA

ER MAE EPQOU IW PMENT

Commercial Lawn Equipment “Since 1954”

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

OLG

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RUBY RED AWARDS

this app herself,” Cristina Garza said. “She later decided that she was going to hire other people to help her do it, but she is someone who has come into this idea from the inside out and has thought of every aspect of it.” The bbeauty app will be a mix between Instagram and Google, but exclusively for makeup. “We’re really lucky to have such a large market,” Pamela Garza said. “And I’m really excited about it. I feel like this is a really great beginning. I’m really excited and incredibly thankful.” She also said that her motivation for making bbeauty

AGUA SUD

the seven-member utility board. A majority of the utility board works at the school district. State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, became concerned the reciprocal employment relationship posed a potential conflict of interest. He pushed a bill through the Texas Legislature, blocking school board trustees from working for the utility district. While the bill remained pending, though, the utility district signed Salinas and Garza to five-year employment contracts — an unprecedented move for the utility district, which didn’t approve contracts for any other employees. The utility district authorized Cancino, the executive

had to do with her love for makeup and technology. “I felt that I was passionate about the subject,” Pamela Garza said. “There’s not a lot of women in tech, so I want to be someone who can inspire others and be an example and come out of a community and show that you don’t need to go to Silicon Valley to create a big company. You can build it here, in the CEED Building.” Taking second place was Fit Drive Delivery, a food delivery service that provides healthy lunches to businesses and schools that order them. The company is run by Emmanuel Garcia and director, to negotiate severance agreements with Salinas and Garza. Salinas received $221,000, according to utility district records. Garza got $268,000. The utility district kept the severance payments secret for months, refusing to release the documents and copies of the checks. KGBT-TV broke the news on Nov. 3. Critics immediately accused the utility district of corruption and demanded an investigation. Supporters blamed the state senator, who forced Salinas and Garza to choose between the school board and their jobs. Prosecutors quietly sent the utility district a subpoena six days later. The subpoena

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com sity in schools and provide from pg. 1

his partner, Jessica Maldonado, and they won $15,000. “He has a lot of delivery experience because he used to be our pizza delivery boy,” Cristina Garza said. “He found out about Ruby Red because he used to deliver the pizza for Ruby Red, and he asked about the building and what it was about, and it was because of that curiosity that he found out about the program, and he told me that he was a business student and has a business idea, and asked if he could apply, and ended up doing a fantastic job with this idea.” Fit Drive Delivery hopes to next tackle childhood obe-

from pg. 1

included a boilerplate warning: “Do not disclose the existence of this request. Any such disclosure could impede the investigation being conducted and thereby interfere with the enforcement of the law.” The Progress Times, though, requested the subpoenas under the Texas Public Information Act. After reviewing com-

more alternatives for people in Mission and the Rio Grande Valley. “I get to finally fulfill a dream that I’ve had for so long,” Garcia said. “It started from the bottom, pretty much. I get to target a class of people that I feel I was once with, obesity for example. I saw that it is a problem and I finally can make a change.” In third place was Geeks & Jocks, a store that brings collectibles and comics to Mission. The business was started by David Avila, and it won $10,000. Avila also won a Ruby Red Venture Award for Geeks & Jocks last year. “Last time, he won ments submitted by the District Attorney’s Office and the utility district, the Texas Attorney General’s Office determined the documents must be released. The Nov. 9 subpoena requested: All items relating to the employment and discharge of the following employees: Oscar Salinas and Armin Garza, including but not limited to: severance settlement packages and release doc-

State Rep. Bobby Guerra (right) poses with Alton City Mayor Salvador Vela during the Feb. 16 special meeting of the Alton city Council. At that meeting, Guerra presented to the Alton City Council a resolution celebrating the city’s first ever library which opened last month at Mission Collegiate High School. Guerra also gifted Vela a new gavel. Courtesy image.

PRIMARY ELECTION (Elección Primaria)

March 6, 2018 (6 de Marzo de 2018)

CALL (956) 318-2570 For General Info. (Llame para Información General)

EARLY VOTING SCHEDULE (Horario para el Voto Adelantado) Days/ Dias Thursday/ Jueves Friday/ Viernes Saturday/ Sabado Sunday/ Domingo Monday/ Lunes Tuesday/ Martes Wednesday/ Miércoles Thursday/ Jueves Friday/ Viernes

Dates/ Fechas Feb. 22, 2018 Feb. 23, 2018 Feb. 24, 2018 Feb. 25, 2018 Feb. 26, 2018 Feb. 27, 2018 Feb. 28, 2018 Mar. 1, 2018 Mar. 2, 2018

Hours/ Horas 7:00 A.M. -- 7:00 P.M. 7:00 A.M. -- 7:00 P.M. 7:00 A.M. -- 7:00 P.M. 10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. 7:00 A.M. -- 7:00 P.M. 7:00 A.M. -- 7:00 P.M. 7:00 A.M. -- 7:00 P.M. 7:00 A.M. -- 7:00 P.M. 7:00 A.M. -- 7:00 P.M

EARLY VOTING SUBSTATION LOCATIONS (Casillas Electorales para el Voto Adelantado)

1. ALAMO SUB (Class Room) Sgt. Fernando De La Rosa Library 416 N. Tower Rd. Alamo, TX

2. ALTON SUB (Comm. Chambers) Alton City Hall 509 S. Alton Blvd. Alton, TX

7. EDINBURG SUB

8. ELSA SUB

13. MCALLEN SUB

14. MCALLEN SUB

(Main Entrance) San Carlos Endowment Ctr. 107 N. Sunflower Edinburg, TX

(Exercise Room) Lark Comm. Ctr. 2601 Lark Ave. McAllen, TX

19. MISSION SUB

(Community Room) Mission City Hall 1201 E. 8th St. Mission, TX

(Chambers) Fire Station 216 E. 4th St. Elsa, TX

3. DONNA SUB (Main Entrance) Donna Recreation Center 307 Miller Ave. Donna, TX

9. GRANJENO SUB

(Ruby Room) Sharyland Admin. Bldg 1200 N Shary Rd. Mission, TX

25. PHARR SUB (Meeting Room) Development & Research Center 850 W. Dicker Rd. Pharr, TX

5. EDINBURG SUB

6. EDINBURG SUB

10. HIDALGO SUB

11. LA JOYA SUB

12. LA VILLA SUB

(Main Entrance) (Warehouse Room) (Student Union Bldg.) Fire Station Elections Annex Bldg. UTRGV 200 W. Santa Rosa Ave. 317 N. Closner “Rear” 1201 W. University Edcouch, TX Edinburg, TX Edinburg, TX

(Main Entrance) Granjeno City Hall 6603 S. FM 494 Granjeno, TX

(Chambers) Hidalgo City Hall 704 E. Ramón Ayala Hidalgo, TX

(Main Entrance) Municipal Library 201 Palm Shores Dr. La Joya, TX

(Main Entrance) Multi-Purpose Bldg. 500 E. 9th St. La Villa, TX

15. MCALLEN SUB

16. MCALLEN SUB

17. MCALLEN SUB

18. MERCEDES SUB

23. PENITAS SUB

24. PHARR SUB

(Meeting Room) (Exercise Room) Fireman’s Pump House Palmview Comm. Ctr. 201 N. 1st St. 3401 Jordan Ave. McAllen, TX McAllen, TX

20. MISSION SUB

4. EDCOUCH SUB

(Main Entrance) STC Pecan Campus 3201 Pecan Blvd. McAllen, TX

21. PALMHURST 22. PALMVIEW SUB SUB

(Main Entrance) STC Nursing Campus 1101 E. Vermont Ave. McAllen, TX

(Fellowship Hall) (Back Entrance) (Conference Room) Faith Baptist Church Pct. #3 “The Mansion” Penitas Public Library 4301 N. Shary Rd 2401 N. Moorefield Rd. 1111 S. Main St. Palmhurst, TX Palmview, TX Penitas, TX

26. PROGRESO SUB

27. SAN JUAN SUB

(Main Entrance) (Commissioner’s Rm.) Progreso Comm. Ctr. Fire Station #2 510 FM 1015 2301 N. Raul Longoria Progreso, TX San Juan, TX

28. SULLIVAN SUB

(Main Entrance) Sullivan Fire Station 500 Cenizo Sullivan City, TX

Hidalgo County Elections Department, 101 South 10th Ave. Edinburg, TX

(Main Entrance) Mercedes Civic Center 520 E. 2nd St. Mercedes, TX

(Main Entrance) Pharr Events Center 3000 N. Cage Pharr, TX

29. WESLACO SUB

(Conference Room) Business V & E Ctr. 275 S. Kansas Weslaco, TX

February 23, 2018

$14,000,” Cristina Garza said. “And since then he’s been able to quadruple his profits. And I know this money is going to go to good use, since he has proven to be an incredibly driven small business owner and entrepreneur, and we’re so excited to have him here in downtown Mission.” Avila said they plan on remodeling some of the store to make it more standardized, and also hopes to start making their own products in order to supply other stores like his and get their name out there. Geeks & Jocks has also created partnerships with two school districts and has expanded events for their

anime clubs. “It’s really exciting, because I can grow my business even more,” Avila said. “I was more nervous this time than the first time, because I was busier last time, I guess.” After the awards, Mission EDC Board President S. David Deanda spoke to the business leaders who won the Ruby Red Ventures Awards. “I just want to applaud all the winners for all their commitment, hard work, for ideas and for your vision,” Deanda said. “It’s small businesses that made this country great. People like you inspire people like us.”

uments and records, notes, papers, audio, video or digitally maintained records, agendas notes and documents of closed sessions of the Agua Special Utility District board, legal memoranda and documents, bylaws and employee personnel policy manual, and board policy manual. The Jan. 22 subpoenas requested: Copies of all emails and/ or text messages between Oscar Cancino and Rogelio Hernandez III during Oscar Cancino’s employment with Agua SUD, copies of all emails and/or text messages between Oscar Cancino and Lloyd Loya during Oscar Cancino’s employment with Agua SUD, copies of all emails and/or text messages between Oscar Cancino and Esquivel “Zeke” Ortiz Jr. (sic) during Oscar Cancino’s employment with Agua SUD and copies of all emails and/ or text messages between Oscar Cancino and Homer Tijerina during Oscar Cancino’s employment with Agua SUD. A complete copy of the employment file of Oscar Cancino. A complete copy of Armin Garza’s employee file, a complete copy of all time sheets submitted by Armin Garza, a complete copy of all timesheets signed by Armin

Garza, a copy of any and all documents reflecting number of hours worked by Armin Garza during his employment with Agua SUD and a copy of all checks issued to Armin Garza by Agua SUD. A complete copy of Oscar Salinas’ employee file, a complete copy of all time sheets submitted by Oscar Salinas, a complete copy of all timesheets signed by Oscar Salinas, a copy of any and all documents reflecting number of hours worked by Oscar Salinas during his employment with Agua SUD, a copy of all checks issued to Oscar Salinas by Agua SUD and a copy of all employment contracts entered into between Agua SUD, and any employee of Agua SUD on or after April 27, 2017. Attorney Frank Garza, who represents the utility district, said the board cooperated with the subpoenas. “As has been publicized, the district attorney is conducting a review of Agua’s policies and procedures regarding employees and how they were affected by Senate Bill 814,” Garza said. “Due to the fact that the review, as we understand from the District Attorney’s Office, is still ongoing, we’re limited on what more we can respond on behalf of Agua SUD.”

LAWSUIT officials and our firefighters,” Garza said.” It’s something we’re ready to move forward hopefully within the next week.” Salinas was diagnosed with kidney cancer last December, according to a GofundMe page set up by his family. While Salinas was not available to comment, the GoFundMe page says Salinas is currently undergoing treatment at M.D. Anderson in Houston and the drive from Mission to Houston are causing a financial strain on the family, especially since Salinas is on a leave of absence. The Gofundme account has raised more than $2,700. A request for comment from TML was unreturned as of press time. Among those in attendance at the press conference were State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, and State Rep. Sergio Munoz, D-Mission, who were among the state legislators who worked on a presumptive law which ensures treatment of job-related illnesses, Garza said. Garza said he, along with City Attorney Jaime Tijerina and Mission Mayor Norbeto “Beto” Salinas, met with TML earlier this month at their Austin headquarters to discuss the coverage. It did not go as planned, Garza said. “TML was basing their decision to deny coverage on a study on the likelihood of contracting the illness if a person is exposed to certain things” Garza explained. “That study has nothing to do with the intent of law. The law is clear that if a firefighter was exposed to hazardous materials through his employment, he’s entitled to benefits according to statutory law. We feel there’s a breach of contract, one of several reasons why this lawsuit is being filed.” John Riddle, president of Texas State Association of Firefighters, was at the event. According to Riddle, most firefighters his organization has helped fight their denial of coverage have TML as the insurance carrier.

from pg. 1 “The sad part is in most cases, our firefighters die before they get their claim covered,” Riddle said. “Depending on treatment, firefighters can incur medical bills of up to half a million dollars and Texas law is clear, Lt. Salinas has earned the right to have his cancer treatment covered by worker’s comp insurance or by the City of Mission. He should not be fighting this cancer and this claim at the same time.” Riddle ultimately argued that the state law, under Chapter 607 of the Texas Government Code, was clear that Salinas’ treatment should be covered. “Like firefighters throughout the state, Salinas has been exposed to toxic smoke, chemicals and other dangerous materials on the job,” Riddle said. “We know now, and science backs this up, that firefighters are at elevated risks to contract several kinds of cancer, among them, the kidney cancer Lt. Salinas is fighting. More than 30 international studies link firefighting to cancer. What the scientific company knows, the insurance company-particularly workers comp insurers-often do not.” As the city prepares to file the lawsuit, Garza said they will look into what they can do to ensure an incident like this doesn’t happen again, such as working with the Texas Legislature to ensure the burden of proof falls on the insurance carrier. At the press conference, he said the city may even drop TML-who they’ve had since 2000- as their insurance carrier. “If TML is not going to have the best interest of our employees, then it’s very obvious we’re going to look at different carriers and what options we have,” he said. “There is no doubt the city of Mission supports not only this firefighter but the firefighters in the past and hopefully those in the future so they won’t have a situation like this.” Salinas’ GoFundMe page can be found at https://www. gofundme.com/fightforHomarSalinas.

February 23, 2018

GRADUATION

services. I’m in hopes that one day we do build a facility for our females in Hidalgo County.” The First Time Offender Program serves boys and girls who qualify. Chief Robert Dominguez spoke during the graduation. “We do have second chances here in Mission,” Dominguez said. “And one of the things that I wanted to talk to these young kids about today, and their parents, is the fact that there’s people that care.” The three who completed the program were in at-

making great strides forward, but a lack of girls programs mean a lack of help for juvenile girls who may also benefit. “I have a lot of placements for the boys,” Betancourt said. “I can send them to boot camp, I can send them here, Duval County, but my girls, I lack a lot of services for them. Usually when I do talk to community leaders, if you know of any service, anything you know that will service children as far as mental health, drug rehabilitation, anything like that, I’m welcome to their

from pg. 1

tendance with their parents. Dominguez said they he hopes the lessons learned will be carried with the graduates. “Hopefully this is the first and last time that we’ll see you,” Dominguez said. “And this is what the program is all about. I want you to realize that our mayor and our city council, Dr. Armando O’Caña here, the board that you see here today, Judge Betancourt and all the judges for the county of Hidalgo were all instrumental in making this First Time Offender Program a reality here in the

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City of Mission. Please take what you learn and move forward with it.” The First Time Offender Program is new to the Mission, and started in October 2017 with 13 kids. The three who graduated on Feb. 15 are the first to complete the program. Nora Lozano, the head of the program, explained. “I already was working under a different grant for the past three years for juveniles that commit minor offenses, like Class C misdemeanors,” Lozano said. “Basically we’re doing the same thing now, except now we’re going with harder crimes I guess you could say, like these are

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the ones that will actually be on your record. The Class Bs, Class As and state felonies that are in the group of ages 10 to 16 are the kids we are working with.” Lozano said that they have to meet the criteria set for the program, like firsttime offences only, they can’t have committed a crime in any other city or county, or have any other pending cases to qualify. The parent and child have to agree, and the parent has to attend classes with the child in order for the program to work. “They attend 2 hour classes for six week, once a week, two hours,” Lozano said.

“And then they start their 90day probationary period. On their 90th day I make sure they haven’t picked up any new cases and follow up. We always make sure they’re attending school regularly and they haven’t re-offended, and if they meet all the criteria, they get to graduate.” This was the first ceremony and first set of graduates for the City of Mission. One by one they got up and shredded their records, wiping the slate clean, ready to walk out of the City Hall with a new beginning.

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THE STATE OF TEXAS NOTICE TO RESPONDENT: “You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday next following the expiration of forty two days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you.” To: RAYMOND MANNING, MICHAEL MANNING, and THE HEIRS AND UNKNOWN HEIRS OF RAYMOND MANNING, and THE HEIRS AND UNKNOWN HEIRS OF MICHAEL MANNING, Defendants Greeting: You are hereby commanded to appear by filing a written answer to the Plaintiff’s petition at or before 10:00 o’clock a.m. of the first Monday after the expiration of 42 days from the date of issuance of this citation, the same being Monday the 26th day of March, 2018 at or before 10 o’clock a.m., before the 275th District Court of Hidalgo County, at the Courthouse in Edinburg, Texas. Said Plaintiff’s Petition was filed on January 23, 2018 in this case, numbered C-0258-18-E on the docket of said court. An amended original petition was filed January 29, 2018. The names of the parties to the cause are as follows: HERITAGE SQUARE RECREATION, INC., Plaintiff and RAYMOND MANNING, MICHAEL MANNING, and THE HEIRS AND UNKNOWN HEIRS OF RAYMOND MANNING, and THE HEIRS AND UNKNOWN HEIRS OF MICHAEL MANNING, Defendants. A brief statement of the nature of the suit is as follows, to-wit: The suit seeks to have judgment against the Defendants and to foreclose on the lien held by the Plaintiff for unpaid and delinquent assessments assessed against the property that belongs to or may belong to the Defendant, being Lot 7, Block 1, Heritage Square Subdivision Unit 2, and addition to the City of Mission, Hidalgo County, Texas. An order of sale of the property is requested in the Plaintiff’s Petition. If this citation is not served within ninety days after the date of its issuance, it shall be returned unserved. The officer executing this writ shall promptly served the same according to requirements of law, and the mandates thereof, and make due return as the law directs. Issued and given under my hand and the Seal of said court at office in Edinburg, Hidalgo County, Texas, on this FEBRUARY 8, 2018.

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PIONEER TOPS MISSION

As for the Mission Lady Eagles, Priscilla Aparicio took over head coaching duties after the exit of Iris Iglesias. Aparicio, who has spent 14 years as an assistant with the Lady Eagles, credits Iglesias for showing her the ins and outs of running the softball program as a first-year head coach.

“I think that working under Coach Iglesias really prepared me to take the role as head coach here,” Aparicio said. “I think with what I’ve learned from her, I think I can continue to take this program where it needs to go.” The two programs who share the city of Mission met Tuesday night in a high-scor-

from pg. 7 ing, back-and-forth affair that came down to the final inning to decide a winner. The Lady Diamondbacks got on board in the top of the first inning, to which the Lady Eagles responded by scoring three first inning runs of their own. Mission’s Yaya Elizondo launched a two-run homer, driving in Evelyn Na-

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varro to give the Lady Eagles a 3-1 lead after one. Scoring ramped up in the third inning as the Lady Diamondbacks bats got going with a 2-RBI triple by Alex Hernandez, followed by an RBI single by Odale which scored Hernandez to put Pioneer up 5-3. The Lady Diamondbacks continued the trend in the fourth as Ilianna Casanova ripped a triple to centerfield that scored Callie Bess and an RBI double Hernandez to give Pioneer a 7-4 lead. The Lady Eagles needed an answer entering the sixth inning 9-6 and they found their answer in the form of an Evelyn Navarro single which brought in Alexis Farias and Lexi Flores. Mission knotted the game at 9-9 after a double from pitcher Jasmine Gamino. In the top of the seventh with runners on first and second, Pioneer’s Bess came through in the clutch for her team and brought in the game-winning run on a sacrifice bunt. Pioneer starting pitcher Madison Sparks took the mound in the bottom of the seventh and picked up three outs to give her the win. Garcia was satisfied with his team’s ability to finish the game against Mission and close out strong after it got tight late. “Today, the biggest thing was to finish,” Garcia said. “Finish the game, they came back and tied it in the sixth inning, so I told them you got to learn to finish. They did that so they proved a little bit. We got some young girls that are learning to mesh together and today they showed they can finish and that’s just a learning process.” The win moves the Lady Diamondbacks to 3-3 overall

and 1-0 in district. Pioneer picked up a 15-0 win over Laredo Cigarroa on Feb. 13 as the nine-team 31-5A district action started early. Next up for the Lady Diamondbacks is the La Grange Tournament taking place Thursday through Saturday. Pioneer’s hunt for a third consecutive perfect district run resumes Tuesday Feb. 27 as they travel to take on Laredo Nixon at 7 p.m. Fourth-year varsity member Fabiola Gonzalez, one of the team’s leaders in the locker room and on the field, said she believes this team has the talent to keep Pioneer’s unbeaten in district streak alive. “It’s been a really great ride; we lost some good players but we filled them in with great new players too,” Gonzalez said. “I hope we can keep it going, make it to the third round, undefeated

district champs. I think we have a good chance at it.” Mission (2-5) claimed the fourth seed last year to qualify for the playoffs and Aparicio has set a team goal of putting the Lady Eagles back in the postseason once again. “I think what we need to work on is our team unity and believing in each other,” she said. “We got a young group in the infield and we’ve got a senior group in the outfield, so it’s just coming together and believing in each other. I see us making a run for the playoffs.” The Lady Eagles are currently battling in the Laredo Border Olympics Tournament, which runs from Thursday through Saturday. The first district test for the Lady Eagles is a home matchup against the La Joya Lady Coyotes at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Mission High School.

Mission EDC awarded nearly $500K By Jose De Leon III After a successful first year for their cybersecurity boot camp, The Mission Economic Development Corporation announced Wednesday they are continuing their boot camps after receiving a grant from the Texas Workforce Commission Wednesday. During a press conference held at the Mission Center for Education and Economic Development Wednesday, the MEDC accepted a $496,120 grant to continue providing cyber security training to Rio Grande Valley residents. Launched last June, the 12-week program has three different cohorts throughout the year consisting of 40 students undergoing a cyber

security training program and have a chance to become certified as cyber security analysts, Meade said. According to the website for the international vendor CompTIA – which is partnering up with the MEDC in this training – people with cyber security training are in demand because they can prevent, detect and combat cyber security threats. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that information security analysts will be the fastest growing job by 2022 with a 37 percent overall growth. The grant will be used to pay for books, certification and class expenses as the latest round of classes began last month, according to Meade. “Cybersecurity will help us go after high demand occupations, there aren’t many IT jobs in the Valley, however, the skills you learn while you’re taking IT courses are in very high demand,” Meade said. “Critical thinking, problem solving, things of that nature transcend to any career or industry you go to and we see value in that area.” During the press conference, Meade reflected on the partnership between the MEDC and the Texas Workforce Commission since the CEED Building opened nearly two years ago. Meade said in total, the Commission has awarded the MEDC $700,000 in grants within that amount of time. The first grant, Meade said, was for the MEDC to focus on the corporation’s evolving computer program. The second grant was the $100,000 grant awarded last June to begin the cybersecurity boot camp. “These things we’ve done, the building we’re in today and all these grants and accolades would not be possible were it not for the partnerships we had that supported us along the way,” Meade said. “The building we’re in used to be a K-Mart and before that, a ropa usada warehouse so to see it become what it is now, and how the facility is being used, we are the envy of the rest of the Valley. We hope we set the standard in economic development.” Among the public officials at the event was State Rep. Bobby Guerra, who praised the initiative taken by the MEDC to ensure the community is well versed in technology. “The Texas Workforce Commission and Mission EDC understand that technology will only grow within the next few years and we’ll be in the forefront of it,” Guerra said. “These boot camps offer IT training and certification upon completion which will allow the RGV to compete with the rest of the state for tech industry jobs.” Julian Alvarez, TWC commissioner, agreed with Guerra. “The future is taking place right here as we sit,” he said. “We’re counting our steps on watches, we’re ordering our food online and we’re renting movies through a box. Those are conversations happening everyday on how we’re evolving. Kids along the border are now able to take these kinds of courses involved in those innovations and be placed in jobs that they never imagined. Technology is changing, and we are what the solution in Texas will look like in 20 years.”