Friday, March 16, 2018 - PT ISSUE

Friday, March 16, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | 50 Cents

Vol. 46 No. 31

Judge dismisses public intoxication case against Mission police corporal

By Dave Hendricks A judge dismissed the public intoxication case against a Mission police corporal last week — nearly five months after fellow officers found him asleep behind the wheel, blocking the drive-thru lane at Jack in the Box. Cpl. Adan Beltran, 40, of Pharr pleaded no contest to public intoxication, according to court records. After he completed a deferred adjudication program, Mission Municipal Judge Jonathan Wehrmeister dismissed the case on March 5.

“It’s called ‘home cooking,’” said former Hidalgo County District Attorney Rene Guerra. “Give him a break, pobrecito.”

Reached through an attorney, Beltran declined to comment.

Officers arrested Beltran at 1:46 a.m. on Oct. 16, when they responded to a call about a black Toyota Tundra blocking the drive-thru lane at Jack in the Box, 1401 E. Expressway 83.

“When I approached the vehicle, I observed the vehicle to be in park with the driver completely asleep at the wheel,” according to the police report. “I detected a strong odor of alcohol emitting from the vehicle.”

Officers woke Beltran, who appeared confused and asked them what happened.

“I advised Beltran that he fell asleep in the drive-thru of the Jack in the Box,” according to the police report.

“Beltran replied ‘No, I’m at Whataburger.’”

Beltran exited the truck, but couldn’t keep his balance, according to the police report. He failed the standard field sobriety test.

Officers arrested Beltran and charged him with public intoxication.

“If he was driving, it shouldn’t have been a PI,” Guerra said, adding that the facts supported a driving while intoxicated charge.

“There’s no doubt he got special treatment because he was an officer.”

Driving while intoxicated is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of six months in jail. Public intoxication, though, is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $500.

“The charge they get is at the discretion of the police officer,” said Al Alvarez, a prominent criminal defense attorney.

Officers weigh the facts when they find an intoxicated person in a vehicle, but the vehicle isn’t on a public street, Alvarez said. Important factors include who owns the car, whether or not the keys were in the ignition and where the person is sitting.

In his experience, the time of day matters too, Alvarez said. Officers seem more likely to charge someone with public intoxication during the day.

“If it’s after midnight, the witching hour, it’s a DWI,” Alvarez said.

See DISMISSES PI Pg. 8

Cancer-stricken Mission firefighter granted paid leave

By Jose De Leon III Nearly one month after promising to defend a cancer-stricken firefighter who was denied coverage for his cancer treatment by the city’s health insurance carrier, the Mission City Council granted Lt. Homer Salinas temporary paid leave.

During Monday’s city council meeting, the city approved the paid leave for Salinas after creating a new policy last month that grants paid leave for firefighters presumed to receive an illness or injury in the line of duty, according to Mission City Manager Martin Garza.

“This policy is a great benefit to firefighters,” Garza said. “The mayor and the council are committed to our first responders and we want to make sure the firefighter is taken care of while he’s going through his treatment so he and his family don’t worry about his paycheck.”

Garza said the new policy was approved by the city council Feb. 26 and was an administrative step to financially help Salinas while the city fights to overturn the denial of the insurance carrier.

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 undergo-

Students at K. White Jr. High sign a banner accepting Rachel Scott’s Challenge during lunch.

Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

MCISD brings Rachel’s Story and Rachel’s Challenge to junior high schools

By Jamie Treviño Through a presentation and way of life that encourages a more positive school environment and culture, Rachel Scott is still inspiring students across the country.

The Friday before Spring Break, the MCISD United in Safety Task Force brought Rachel’s Story and Rachel’s Challenge to all four junior highs in the district. After the morning presentations, about 100 students participated in a training to start a Friends of Rachel club at their school.

Rachel Scott was the first victim in the Columbine High School massacre that occurred in 1999. After the horrific event, her family and friends found Rachel’s journal, as well as an essay about her ethics and codes of life. With these items, along

with Rachel’s courage and warmth, a movement was started across the nation.

The United in Safety Task Force has been discussing bringing Rachel’s Story and Rachel’s Challenge to the district and found the funding to make it happen this year. All four middle schools experienced both presentations.

Each presentation was geared toward specific age groups. At Kenneth White Junior High School, Rachel’s Story was presented to sixth and seventh grade students, and Rachel’s Challenge was presented to the eighth grade students.

DeeDee Cooper, from Tennessee, was the presenter for this year’s events. Speaking about Rachel’s life, her impact, and her philosophy made such an impact that

there was hardly a dry eye in the gymnasium.

“Today, over 25 million people have heard Rachel Scott’s story, in settings just like this,” Cooper said. “Rachel challenged all of us to dare to dream. Don’t put limits on the stuff you think you can do. Rachel Scott didn’t do that, and because of that, today we’re still talking about her legacy.”

Cooper presents Rachel’s Story and Rachel’s Challenge across the country, sometimes weeks at a time.

“I spend weeks on the road, I don’t see my own family, I miss important events,” Cooper said. “Because what we’re doing out here is that important to me.”

During the Rachel’s Challenge presentation, Cooper spoke about five ways students can improve life at

their school.

“I challenge you to look for the best in other people,” Cooper said. “I’m challenging you to dream big, to choose positive influences, to speak with kindness, but most importantly, to start your own chain reaction of kindness in your family and in your friends and in people you care about.”

According to Craig Verley, a member of the United in Safety Task Force, as well as MCISD Director of Public Relations and Marketing, the plans were made well before recent incidents of school violence across the country.

During lunch after the talk, students were asked to sign a banner if they were willing to accept Rachel’s Challenge and promote kindness and compassion in their school.

See CHALLENGE Pg. 8

First Hidalgo County High School Theatre Awards to take place in April

By Jamie Treviño

Lt. Homer Salinas,

courtesy image ing 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.

Under the policy, Salinas will be granted a paid leave of 18 months and can request an extension of another 12 months at the end of his initial time of leave. As for the 12 month extension, Garza said the city council will decide if Salinas will receive full or partial pay.

“In other words, he’ll be continuing having a paycheck and not having to use a sick or vacation leave while the city continues fighting TML and his salary is not being affected,” Garza said, adding that the new policy will hopefully help other firefighters in the future.

See MISSION FIREFIGTHER Pg. 7

Often competing only once a year, local high school theatre programs have geared up for a competition no one is likely to forget.

This fall, 18 schools competed with productions of famous musicals and stage plays, the results of which will be announced at the first ever Hidalgo County High School Theatre Awards Show: The Palms.

Michael Alebis, who organized most of the event, described the process of bringing everyone together and generating interest in the community.

“It was brought up that Austin does this Tony Awards-type thing,” Alebis said. “And nobody seemed to know anything about it.

We said maybe we’ll do that in a couple of years.”

Alebis contacted high school theatre directors across the Valley in July of last year.

“I called about 20 directors, just asking their opinions,” Alebis said. “And I did not get one negative opinion about this, they all said ‘Hey,

go for it.’ That’s when we started thinking, ‘Well, directors say okay to this, they said they’d probably enter.’”

It took a couple of months to organize. Alebis got the calendars and put everything together for the judges. He was able to find nine to attend all the shows entered.

“They were all qualified to do this,” Alebis said.

“They all have degrees in theatre and film, all actively participating or directing in STC or other places. They’re actively doing this work.”

Gilberto Zepeda also helped organize The Palms Awards with Alebis. The pair used to direct theatre at PSJA North in the nineties, and now, retired, found a new venue to promote theatre and theatre education in the Rio Grande Valley.

“We feel very strongly, and so do all the other directors, that people from the Valley could do it,” Zepeda said. “The kids that we have here are just as good as the kids from Austin, or Houston or Dallas. The pool of talent is just as strong here. These students deserve the kind of recognition that other kids

are getting.”

As this is the first year of The Palms, Alebis and Zepeda had to maneuver through a new territory. Alebis, who does contest managing for the University Interscholastic League’s annual One Act Play competition, is somewhat familiar with the process.

Sponsored by the McAllen Performing Arts Center, the awards will be held on April 21, at 7 p.m.

“If we don’t have a place to have it, we can’t do it,” Alebis said. “They liked the idea a lot, and wanted to become the sponsor of it all.”

With these awards, however, comes a new development. A former student of Alebis and Zepeda, Marissa Carranza Hernandez, is now an attorney, and she helped them set up a non-profit organization called The Palms Scholarship Fund.

“We want to make this different from UIL, where they just get medals or little trophies,” Alebis said.

“We want to actually give financial assistance. And the only way to do this is to raise money. This year, who

knows if we’ll give money away at all.”

These financial awards aim to encourage and promote fine arts education for RGV students. When the non-profit gains enough sponsors, students competing in The Palms could potentially win money for their college education. Alebis and Zepeda are hopeful.

The Palms will not just be a simple awards ceremony.

The six schools nominated for Best Production of a Musical will all be performing musical numbers from their show, and the event is to be hosted by RGV native Oscar Munoz, a renowned magician.

“It’s about time that we show the rest of the world that South Texas has a great bunch of theatrical, artistic people,” Munoz said. “We want to show people that there is talent here. The industry can work here in the Valley, and we need to show them that there are a lot of kids who would love to be part of the arts, theatre and movies.”

See THEATRE AWARDS Pg. 8

INSIDE

See Pg. 4

Entertainment | pg.2

The Pioneer Diamondbacks baseball team has see vast improvement in this year’s season. Read what the coach and some of the players have to say about it, as well as a recap of the game, inside.

The Mission Historical Museum held its second behind the scenes tour of the old PD Station in the basement of the Annex building.

This is only the second time anyone from the public has seen this tour. More details inside.

At this week’s meeting, the City Council approved the purchase of bulletproof vests for the Police Department. Kathy Olivarez has information about the Mission City Council inside.

INDEX

Diamondbacks beat Patriots

Historical Museum Offers New Tour

Mission City Council Meeting

See Pg. 5

Lifestyle | pg.3

Sports | pg. 6

See Pg. 6

Obituaries | pg. 7

Classifieds | pg. 9

entertainment Renowned music artists to perform in March at UTRGV

Come out to the Monarch Festival at Quinta Mazatlán in McAllen on Saturday, March 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a day filled with educational activities, music and games.

Monarch Festival is March 17 at Quinta Mazatlan

McALLEN –Quinta Mazatlan will host the second annual McAllen Monarch Festival this Saturday, March 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The festival offers education about monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) through family friendly activities – arts and crafts, music and dancing, face painting, garden walks, informative speakers and activities for Girl and Boy Scouts to earn badges. The festival will also have food and native plant vendors.

Monarch butterflies were adopted as the official state insect of Texas in 1995.

These butterflies migrate through Texas on their way to Mexico, however, their population has dwindled by more than 80 percent in the last 20 years. This is an incredible loss to the species and can be attributed to the degradation and loss of summer breeding habitat in the United States and wintering habitat in Mexico.

The festival offers a series of sessions with nature speakers, including “The Magnificant Monarch” at 11 a.m., “Butterflies of the Rio Grande Valley at 12 p.m., “Caterpillar Care” by Barry Knoll at 1 p.m. and “Butterfly Garden Design for Homes” by Sylvia Barr at 2

p.m.

Over 20 vendors will be offering nature and culture items at the festival, including specialty health desserts.

There will also be a native plant sale and “Chit Chat with and Expert,” featuring Mike Heep of Heep Nursery; James Lovegreen of L&L Growers; and Betty Perez of Perez Ranch Nursery.

Butterfly Garden Tours will leave every 30 minutes, led by urban ecologist John Brush and botanist Silvia Barr.

In addition, the entertainment and program calendar includes an 11:15 a.m.

Bug Parade with children dressed as their favorite insect; Dance of the Butterflies by Deborah Case Dance Academy at 11:30 a.m. and 12 and 12: 30 p.m.; Native American Butterfly Dance by the Bear Clan, 1 p.m.; Recycled Walking Art Show by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 1:30 p.m.; and magic show by Oscar Muñoz, 2 p.m..

The festival entrance fee is $5 per person (ages 2 and under free). Quinta Mazatlán is located at 600 Sunset Drive in McAllen. For more information, call 956-6813370 or visit quintamazatlan. com.

EDINBURG – Internationally renowned music artists, in separate concerts, are scheduled to perform March 23 and 24 at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Both concerts will be at the Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg Campus. The performances are part of the UTRGV Patron of the Arts Distinguished Performers Series.

Cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han, among the most dynamic and influential forces in classical music today, will perform at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 23.

Hailed for their virtuosity and insightful musicianship, their artistic versatility finds them in demand as recitalists, chamber musicians and orchestral soloists.

In another musical interlude, Journey West – an ed-

ucational music program that chronicles the migration of melody through an interactive multimedia performance – will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 24.

Journey West tracks melodies and changing instrumentation beginning in the Middle East, traveling through Eastern to Western Europe and, ultimately, arriving in the United States.

The program illustrates the primary factors in carrying melodies to distant lands: wars, imperialism, nomadic dispersion, mass emigrations due to political oppression, and musical crazes around the globe.

Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for seniors and $5 for students. To purchase tickets, go to patron. utrgv.edu/tickets.

Nature drawing program offered

Jessica Monroe McALLEN – Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center hosts “Jessica Monroe: Nature Drawing” on Thursday, March 22, at 6 p.m.

Monroe will lecture on

the concept and principles of drawing and demonstrate drawing techniques. Participants will then have an opportunity to try drawing and painting based on Monroe’s instruction.

An Edinburg resident, Monroe gets her inspiration from her time in the outdoors. Although her art is based in realism, she focuses on abstractions and interaction present within the subject matter, whether it’s a bird wading through water or a still-life of a nest with eggs.

The program fee is $3 per person; no advance reservation required. Quinta Mazatlan is located 600 Sunset in McAllen. For more information, call 956-681-3370.

Woodwind ensemble to perform March 27 The McAllen Winds Chamber Ensemble presents a concert of chamber music for woodwind octet from

the classical era. The concert will take place Tuesday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m. at the South Texas College Cooper Center auditorium, 3200 Pecan Blvd., in McAllen.

The concert will include music by Franz Joseph Haydn, Franz Krommer, Ludwig van Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

The McAllen Winds Chamber Ensemble is made up of members of the McAllen Wind Ensemble.

The free concert is open to the public.

March 16, 2018

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Coming Attractions

March 19 • The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley faculty artist series features Dr. Krista Jobson, flute, in performance with Dr. Pedro Martinez, trombone; Dr. Oliver Jia, piano; and with the UTRGV Latin Band. The free performance, open to the public, begins at 7 p.m. in the Edinburg campus Performing Arts Complex.

March 20 • The Upper Valley Art League hosts Fred and Elaine Stenman presenting a workshop in “Introduction to Low Relief Carving” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each date. Cost is $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. All materials will be provided. It 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.

March 21 • The McAllen Wind Ensemble’s season finale, “A Musical Celebration,” will feature the standards of band music repertoire at 7:30 p.m. at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. Tickets are on sale at the McAllen Convention Center box office starting at $8. Call 956-681-3800 or visit mcallenconventioncenter.net for more information.

March 24 • The Mission Firefighters Association will host a benefit concert for Homer Salinas from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Ice House located at 815 N. Francisco Ave. Mission. A $5 cover will be charged at the gate, with all proceeds going to Homer Salinas. Performing for the evening’s musical entertainment will be Kikker Daddy Legacy, Midnight Run, Lonesome Rio and Charlie Garcia.

• Accordian players can register to audition in the next Texas Folklife 2018 Big Squeeze Accordion Contest in Palmview. It will be held in the Palmview High School mariachi hall from 1 to 2 p.m. Prizes will be awarded in conjunto, polka, Cajun and Zydeco genres. Prizes include cash, recording studio time and more. The showcase is free and open to the public. Palmview High is located at 3901 N. La Homa Rd. Go to texasfolklife. org/bigsqueeze2018 for an entry form, contest rules and to reserve a spot in the performance line-up, or call 512-441-9255.

March 24-25 • Based on a true story, the Harlingen Community Theatre presents Always…Patsy Cline. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. 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 956-4127529 for information or email playhousefairpark97@gmail. com.

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

Needs needed for Purple Martin Watch

EDINBURG – The Edinburg World Birding Center (EWBC) has installed its first Purple Martin house. A kick-off event is scheduled for Saturday, March 24, and volunteers are needed for the weekly monitoring beginning in April.

The installation of the house was done in conjunction with Purple Martin Watch, a continent-wide scientific project where volunteers monitor Martin nests from the beginning of nest construction until the last fledgling has left. The data collected by the Project Martin Task Force will help scientists determine the population’s reproductive success throughout its habitat range.

EWBC is inviting interested individuals ages 16 and up to attend an “Introduction to Project Martin Watch” on Saturday, March 24, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

The program will include a presentation on Purple Martins, volunteer information, and training on collecting data and installing/ maintaining a Purple Martin house. Project Martin Task Force members will meet on Tuesdays and Saturdays, from April through July.

The fee for the introduction is $2. The fee is waived for those with a EWBC family membership.

To register, call 956-3819922 or visit edinburgwbc. org.

Sunday Service Times: Adult Sunday School 9:30 AM Sunday Worship 10:30 AM Wednesday Services: Adults, Teens, Kids 7:00 PM

lifestyle

March 16, 2018

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

MHM presents ‘Lone Star Citrus Growers’ program

Trent Bishop

Palmview folklorico, mariachi groups seek sponsors

Early January, the La Joya I.S.D. Palmview High School mariachi director received notice of a special invitation to participate in this year’s National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. Grupo Folklorico Ozomatli and Mariachi Los Lobos were nominated

by Congressman Vicente Gonzalez and the American Veterans Center to perform at the May 28 event and be the official representatives for the State of Texas. “It’s unbelievable that for the second time, our students get selected to perform at the national level,” stated Mayra Garcia, Palmview music director. Since the announcement they have been working to raise funds to cover trip expenses and are accepting donations from local businesses and the community. To become a sponsor and make a donation, call 956-323-2880 or send an email to phsmariachi@gmail.com.

Program highlights new ‘Genesis of the Texas Cowboy’ exhibit

EDINBURG – From March 13 through April 29, the “Vaquero: Genesis of the Texas Cowboy” exhibition will be available for viewing at the Museum of South Texas History in Edinburg.

To highlight the topic, the museum will host Caroline Miles, an associate professor at the University of Texas RGV, who will present “From Vaquero to Cowboy, Free-Grazer to Barbed Wire: Contested Borders” on Sunday, March 18, at 2 p.m.

Miles will discuss how the vaquero is part of a largely forgotten history of contested relationships between the U.S. and Mexico.

She will also examine the controversy surrounding the UTRGV mascot, the vaquero. The exhibit will be avail-

able for viewing after the presentation.

Miles is an associate professor of English and the Coordinator of Border Studies at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. She received a bachelor of arts in American Studies from the University of Wales in the U.K., and master and doctorate degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi. She has published numerous articles on global capitalism and the South as well as on dime novels and Latin American feminism.

Her current research examines how global borders quarantine and distract from racial, economic and national problems. She is also the recipient of the prestigious UT System Regents’ Teach-

Paving the way to history

The Mission Historical Museum invites the public to participate in the Commemorative Brick Pavers Campaign 2018 and become a part of MHM history by purchasing a personalized engraved brick paver.

The purchase will provide visibility and a continuous ownership of a piece of our community.

Pavers can be inscribed in honor or in memory of a loved one, a donor’s name, a family name, birthdays, weddings, graduations, anniversaries and business or organization name. There are two brick sizes available – 4x8” and an 8x8”.

The brick pavers will be installed in the Museum Gardens which are the pathways that connect the Museum and the Annex building (Mission’s first Post Office).

The installation will occur in the fall of 2018. The goal of this fundraiser campaign is to reach 100 pavers to be ordered by May 31, 2018.

The pavers support the museum, a nonprofit organization, and are making

it affordable for everyone with a payment plan and a discounted price to museum members.

For complete details and information, stop by the museum to visit or call Linda Castañeda at the museum office at 956-580-8646 before the deadline. The Museum office is located at 900 Doherty Ave.

ing Excellence Award.

The program is included in the regular museum admission.

M O S THistory is located in downtown Edinburg at 200 N. Closner. Call 956-383-6911 for information.

The Mission Historical Museum presents Trent Bishop speaking on “Lone Star Citrus Growers: Farm to Market” this Saturday, March 17, at 11 a.m. at the museum. Admission is free and open to the public.

The Lone Star Citrus Growers plant is located right in Mission and was founded by three industry veterans who combined their experience, knowledge and talents to put passion about citrus industry into action.

Bishop will show behind the scenes pictures to explain how fruit goes from the farm grove to the market – harvesting, packing and tracking shipments.

BETWEEN THE BOOKENDS

Speer Memorial Library 12th & Kika Loop Mission • 580-8750

By Lisa Rivera

It’s springtime and that means bunny time! Bring the kids and visit the Easter Bunny at Speer Memorial Library, and don’t miss the opportunity to take a free picture with the Easter bunny on Thursday, March 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Parents are welcome to bring their own cameras.

The Easter Rabbit will also be coming to the library on March 29 with a basket full of Easter eggs and other springtime goodies. The public is invited to grab their Easter baskets and get ready for Speer Memorial Library’s Easter celebration with an old fashion egg hunt

filled with candy and surprises. Kids from toddlers through 5th grade are invited to participate in the search of eggs starting at 6 p.m. on the library grounds. Check with the children’s department as times are subject to change.

All activities are free and the public is invited to attend. For more information, contact the children’s department at 956-580-8753. The library is located at the corner of 12th Street and Kika de la Garza Loop in Mission.

The Texas Citrus Fiesta recently honored Bishop with the title of King Citrus LXXXI (81st). He is a 1994 graduate of Texas A&M University, where he earned a degree in agricultural economics with an emphasis on agri-business. He worked at Golden Valley Distributers and A. Duda & Sons—Valley Onions before branching

off with business partners T.J. and Jud Flowers to open Lone Star Citrus Growers.

He is currently the vice president of sales.

The Mission Historical Museum is located at 900 Doherty Avenue. For more information, call the museum office at 956-580-8646 or go to missionmuseum.org.

EVENTS

CALENDAR March 13-16 – Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset in McAllen, has lined up Spring Break activities from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m. Admission is free, and all ages are welcomed. Tuesday: family challenge to find 10 treasures in the woods; Wednesday – create a nature painting with watercolor; Thursday: early culture skills of rope making, fire starting and animal trapping; and Friday: develop lifelong hobbies of birdwatching, learning calls and more. Call 956681-3370 for information.

March 23 – Sign up is underway for the Tom Landry Golf Classic hosted by the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce. It will be held 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. Back-toSchool 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.

March 24 – Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold in Brownsville, hosts Saturday Safari with “Flying Mammals,” from 1 to 3 p.m. Kids will explore the world of bats and visit the zoo’s Bat Cave. A tour, arts & crafts, animal encounter and snacks are included. Cost is $15 per child or adult with a $5 discount for members. Pre-registration is required. For information or to register, call 956-548-9453 or e-mail educ@ gpz.org.

March 31 – Mission Crime Stoppers will host a fundraising Mardi Gras Bowling Tournament from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Incredibowl, 2140 E. Business 83 in Mission. Proceeds benefit the Amanda Longoria Scholarship Fund. Sponsorship levels range from two- to six-member teams with entry fees ranging from $300 to $1,000. Prizes will be awarded with trophies for the top three scoring teams. For more information or to sign up, contact Officer Robert Rodriguez at 956648-9326 for information.

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

Welcome Aboard

Manuel Morin!

Mr. Manuel Morin has joined Rio Script Pharmacy and the Apple Pharmacy Family. Manuel brings a vast knowledge and experience from over 43 years of service in Hidalgo County. We are fortunate to have such an experienced pharmacist on board.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Pharmacy

* Free Valley Wide Delivery

Learn outdoor survival basics for families

+

• Immunizations available year round – no appointment needed • 10 Minute Prescription Refills – By phone or in person • Specialty Compounding Available!

• Full Line DME supplies and wheelchairs • Free Delivery Valley Wide ( now serving Rio Grande City and Roma) • All insurance welcome (Medicaid/medicare/workman’s comp/chips/private pay) • 90 day prescriptions available!

=

BIG SAVINGS

Rio Script Pharmacy

Ana Alvarado 2000 E. Business 83 Ste. G • Mission, TX

956.205.2850 email: anaalvardo@allstate.com

Auto Home Life Retirement Insurance and coverage subject to terms, qualifications and availability.

Allstate Vehicle Property Insurance Co., Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. Northbrook, Illinions © 2018 Allstate Insurance Co.

Apple Pharmacy #1 2501 N 23rd St B, McAllen 956-627-6652

Apple Pharmacy #2 810 E Veterans Dr. Palmview 956-352-6485

Apple Pharmacy #3

RioScript Pharmacy 2308 Expressway 83, Penitas • 956-271-1064

(formerly Paloma’s Pharmacy)

98486

EDINBURG – From hurricane flooding to being stranded due to car trouble, being prepared and knowing what to do in emergency situations is vital. Visit the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center (EWBC) in March and April for a series of family-friendly survival sessions presented by Texas Master Naturalist and survival expert Neil Cassady.

This program is a simple and practical guide to dealing with probable emergencies. Dates and topics are: March 24 – communications; March 31 – cutting tools and techniques; April 7 – containers and combustion; and April 14 – cover and cordage. Each session includes a hands-on component.

The program runs from 10 – 11 a.m. on each date.

The fee for each session is $2 for nonmembers and EWBC members is free. Due to limited seating, registration is required.

The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Road. For information, call 956-381-9922 or visit edinburgwbc.org.

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909 Buss. Park Dr, Mission 956-424-6268

Mon.-Fri. 8am-8pm • Sat. 9am-1pm

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March 16, 2018

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By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

More Texans than usual cast ballots in primary elections AUSTIN — In early voting, Texans participated in greater numbers in the state Democratic primary than the Republican primary, but on Election Day, March 6, the Republican turnout exceeded the Democratic turnout by half a million votes.

Primaries historically have been light-turnout affairs. This time, about 10 percent of the state’s 15 million registered voters cast ballots in the Republican primary and about 7 percent in the Democratic primary.

In contrast, in March 2014, 7 percent of the state’s 13 million registered voters cast ballots in the GOP primary and 3 percent cast ballots in the Democratic primary.

Republican voters expressed satisfaction with top incumbents: 90 percent marked their ballots for Gov. Greg Abbott and 76 percent for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

GOP incumbents Attorney General Ken Paxton and Comptroller Glenn Hegar ran unopposed. Land Commissioner George P. Bush got 58 percent of the vote and his closest challenger, former state senator and Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, got 29 percent of the vote.

Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller received 55 percent of the vote, while challengers Jim Hogan and Trey Blocker received about 23 percent and 21 percent, respectively. Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick received 76 percent of the vote to challenger Weston Martinez’s 24 percent.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz received 85 percent of the vote, while none of his four challengers received more than 7 percent.

Advancing to a May 22 runoff in the Democratic primary are the party’s top two vote-getters in the race for governor, former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez with 43 percent and Andrew White, son of late former

Texas Gov. Mark White, with 27 percent.

Mike Collier, with 52 percent of the vote to Michael Cooper’s 48 percent, will face Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in the Nov. 6 election. Also, Justin Nelson will face Attorney General Paxton; Joi Chevalier will face Comptroller Hegar; Miguel Suazo will face Land Commissioner Bush; Kim Olson, who ran opposed, will face Agriculture Commissioner Miller; and Roman McAllen will face Railroad Commissioner Craddick.

U.S. Rep. “Beto” O’Rourke, D-El Paso, received nearly 62 percent of the vote, winning the right to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in the Nov. 6 election.

Sales rebates increase State Comptroller Glenn Hegar on March 7 announced he would send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts some $671 million in local sales tax allocations for March.

The amount is 8.3 percent more than allocated in March 2017. Allocations are based on sales made in January by businesses that report tax monthly.

Of the overall amount, cities received $431 million; counties, $42 million; transit systems, $150.5 million; and special purpose taxing districts, $47 million.

More details can be found on the comptroller’s website under Monthly Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports.

Assistance is extended Gov. Abbott on March 6 announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency granted his request to extend until April 23 the deadline for transitional sheltering assistance for victims of Hurricane Harvey, which struck Aug. 25-31.

The assistance helps those unable to return to their

homes pay for short-term shelter in hotels or other temporary housing. Some 5,500 households meet the criteria for eligibility.

Abbott said Texans with questions regarding their eligibility or status may contact the FEMA Helpline at 800621-3362.

In other news, Abbott met with U.S. Small Business Administration Chief Linda McMahon on March 9 in Austin. Abbott thanked McMahon for the federal agency’s work in assisting small business owners affected by Hurricane Harvey and for the SBA’s monitoring of the storm as it made landfall, enabling the agency to mobilize and prepare staff quickly to address the needs of the victims.

Abbott said 41,412 SBA low-interest disaster loans totaling more than $3 billion have been granted for Texans impacted by Harvey.

Unemployment stays low The Texas Workforce Commission on March 9 reported that the Lone Star State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.0 percent the month of January, just below the U.S. unemployment rate of 4.1 percent.

The Texas economy added 16,000 jobs in January.

Industries adding jobs that month included Mining and Logging, 3,300 jobs; Education and Health Services, 2,800 jobs; and Manufacturing, 2,400 positions.

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded the month of January’s lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a non-seasonally adjusted rate of 2.4 percent. It was followed by the Amarillo MSA with a rate of 2.8 percent and Austin-Round Rock MSA with the third-lowest rate of 3.0 percent.

La Joya ISD administrator charged with DWI, evading arrest

By Dave Hendricks Officers arrested a La Joya school district administrator last week after he started driving erratically and refused to stop, according to court records.

The Palmview Police Department arrested school district administrator Adalberto Javier “A.J.” Chapa, 38, of Mission on March 7. Chapa is charged with evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, a third-degree felony, and driving while intoxicated, a Class B misdemeanor.

Court records don’t list an attorney for Chapa, who didn’t respond to requests for comment.

A spokeswoman for the La Joya Independent School District declined to comment on Chapa and refused to provide basic details, including his job title.

After the polls closed on March 6, supporters of Juan Jose “J.J.” Peña — a

La Joya school board trustee who ran for justice of the peace — held a victory party at Buchanans Bar and Grill in Palmview. Chapa left the party after midnight.

At 12:49 a.m., Palmview police Officer Gerardo Guerrero attempted to stop Chapa near the intersection of Bentsen Palm Drive and Commercial Plaza Drive, just a few yards from Buchanans.

“The driver who was lat-

During the Mission City Council meeting held this week, purchase of 93 rifle-resistant bulletproof vests was approved for the Mission Police Department.

The vests will be purchased from Galls LLC Company, a state contract vendor in the amount of $39,381.

The vests will be used as additional protection worn over uniforms in critical shooting situations and will be issued to patrol, SWAT, bridge and traffic officers. Funding for these vests comes through a grant.

A second purchase of bulletproof vests from Galls LLC Company was approved to replace 25 bulletproof vests already in use for five years. The cost of these vests is $28,764 and would

be funded through the Bulletproof Vest Grant Program.

Mission Police Department was also authorized to amend the interlocal agreement with Rio Grande Valley Communications Group for replacement of P25 radio antenna at Military Highway and Bryan Road. The new agreement not only allows access to the tower, but authorization of repair services for radio repeaters and related problems in case of system failure where RGVCG cannot respond in a timely manner.

A presentation of public service recognition was presented to Assistant Chief of Police Jose Antonio Garcia on his retirement after 36 years of service with the City of Mission.

Adalberto Javier “A.J.” Chapa

er identified as Adalberto Javier Chapa refused to stop and drove all the way home,” according to the criminal complaint. “Officer Guerrero states that during the pursuit the vehicle committed several traffic offenses and almost caused a collision.”

Chapa stopped on the 4000 block of Pena Blanca North, which is roughly a mile away from Buchanans.

“Adalberto Chapa displayed several symptoms of intoxication,” but refused to perform the standard sobriety tests or provide a breath sample, according to the criminal complaint.

Officers transferred Chapa from Palmview to the Hidalgo County jail at 2:54 p.m. on March 7, according to Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office records. Jailers released him at 4:17 p.m.

If convicted on the felony charge, Chapa faces a maximum of 10 years in prison.

New purchases of bulletproof vests for Mission PD

A similar presentation of public service was also given to deputy Fire Chief Ricardo Balderas who retired after 35 years of service to the city.

Temporary paid leave for a period up to 18 months due to an illness has been approved for a Mission Fire Department Lieutenant duty to illness presumed to be related to line of duty services.

Authorization was granted to L&G Engineering to conduct a speed zone study for Mile 3 Road and Inspiration Road.

The city approved a donation of funds in the amount of $1,372 to the Parks and Recreation Department from the Mission Winter Texan Activities Association, which has decided to cease activities after 30 years of operation.

Five Destination Imagination Teams head for state Mission CISD students from 20 campuses represented the district at the South Border Bridge Destination Imagination (SBBDI) Regional Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 17, and five teams now advance to the Texas State Destination Imagina-

tion Tournament on April 6 and 7 in Mansfield.

Teams moving on include Mystery Solvers under Roxanne Barraza from Escobar-Rios Elementary; Dinamites under Yvonne Ayala from Midkiff Elementary; The Masters of Imagination

under Gracie Rodriguez from Escobar-Rios Elementary; The A-Team under Mabeline Rodriguez from Veterans Memorial High School; and The Neon Panthers under Richard Obligar from K. White Junior High School.

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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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March 16, 2018

page 5

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Museum welcomes people behind the scenes

By Jamie Treviño

Alberto Altamirano during the March 9 Buenas tardes Luncheon hosted by the Mission Economic Development Corporation and the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce. Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III

‘A city of success’

Mission EDC to launch Cityflag-powered app

By Jose De Leon III The Mission Economic Development Corporation will release its first civic engagement app next month.

Mission native Alberto Altamirano, chief executive officer and co-founder of the San Antonio-based company Cityflag, made this announcement as a guest speaker of the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce’s Buenas Tardes luncheon Friday, March 9.

As previously reported, Cityflag developed an app that allows citizens to upload photos of municipal problems such as a pothole or graffiti as a 311 hotline to report the issues to the city.

The app has been tested in Mexico City and San Antonio and will roll out in the city of Mission next month, Mission EDC CEO Alex Meade said.

“It won’t be your typical 311 app,” Meade said.

“This is going to be an economically focused app with some features that will complement the work the city is doing.”

Altamirano, a graduate of Sharyland High School, co-founded the company after nursing an interest in smart cities, politics and civic engagement. Previously, he served as the MEDC’s “Expert-in-residence” as part of a local mentorship initiative that rotates in-house distinguished professionals and companies, and was named one of Forbes’ 30 under 30 in their list of social entrepreneurs last November.

In creating Cityflag, Altamirano said he wanted a way for the public to com-

municate directly with their local government besides social media.

“You can report anything with it and it also makes it a more efficient way to create a dialogue between the public and their government,” Altamirano said of the company. “The feedback we received was incredible. The feedback we received was positive, we started this company from an $8,000 grant from the MacArthur Foundation and it was unbelievable a kid from Mission was able to compete at the national level to receive that grant.”

As part of the Buenas Tardes Luncheon, Altamirano and Meade stressed the importance of nurturing local innovation to foster economic growth in the city.

According to Meade, the MEDC is doing just that with local programs such as the Ruby Red Ventures which funds local startup companies and training the workforce in computer science to prepare them with jobs in that field.

“Local communities don’t have to be big cities like Austin to be innovative,” Meade said. “The Valley has the potential to be great just like every other region; we have what every community wants: a young population and I think we need to nurture that. We’re limited in how we can invest with money, so we get creative with small businesses and workforce development. However, we still want to continue nurturing new ideas. We’re the entity to run those ideas by.”

During his nearly 20-minute long speech at the lun-

cheon, Altamirano said Cityflag is a proof of how successful a local business can be if it is supported by the city as the city of San Antonio was their first customer.

“And after that, we got a contract with Mexico City and the company started growing,” Altamirano said.

“One of my professors once told me you have to talk to cities about why it’s important to innovate. Cities must act like systems but they need to perform like entrepreneurs. That’s when you truly achieve that success as a community.”

Altamirano also praised the city of Mission for how it was currently cultivating innovation, such as hosting a Civic Innovation Summit last month at their CEED building and preparing to launch the Cityflag app.

“Is it audacious to do it?

Of course, but this is a city ready for innovation, and we shouldn’t stop it by thinking too conservatively and not releasing technology that other big cities are doing,” he said. “We’re a city of success and we’re gonna do it.”

Ultimately, Altamirano said he hopes his hometown will be as successful.

“The Valley offers a unique experience,” he said.

“It’s a bicultural setting...a beautiful experience. Growing up here, I enjoyed what the Valley represents, and I learned a lot about who I am.

The Valley has a culture for nurturing economic development. Economic success is about community building.

And that’s what I see today.”

For a small fee, people have an opportunity to see some areas of the Mission Historical Museum that are not open to the public.

This Wednesday, at 2 p.m., the museum held its second-ever fundraising tour. The tour involved going through the main building as well as travelling to the next door Annex Building, which has undergone several transformations over the years.

The Annex was originally a post office in 1940, when the building was built. After 44 years, it was bought by the Mission Consolidated Independent School District in order to house several departments, after which were moved to the old hospital.

When Mission CISD left, the building was used by the Mission Police Department as a police station until 1998.

The station is located in the basement, where old cells and rooms from the past still remain, now without people.

After the tour of the main building, we were led into the Annex building by Public Programs Coordinator Lisa Price, who gave insight to how the building was used and what it has become.

As the bulk of the historical PD was located in the basement, the issues when heavy rains would strike were great. The rooms would flood, so the upkeep of the location would be difficult and expensive.

That is why this part of

the museum is not open to the public. Walking through the dimly-lit rooms, paint is chipping off all the walls, and there is a slight dampness in the air. Because of the liability and how hard it would be to maintain, it is not usually available to see by anyone.

Price showed us the old prison cells, still containing graffiti from prisoners of the past, and told guests about the prisoner who attempted to escape through a window near his cell.

The basement is used yearly as a haunted house, so the leftover splattering of fake blood on the walls gave an eerie effect. The history emanating from the walls was palpable, and guests asked Price several questions as the tour went on.

Museum Director Cynthia Stojanovic spoke about the Annex and its role in the Mission Historical Museum.

“The buildings themselves serve as an exhibit,” Stojanovic said. “There are so many curiosities involved in them. The basement for a long time was basically a catch-all storage area of just a hodge-podge of things.

We’ve been blessed to have a good group of volunteers lately that have cleaned up the basement for us, Parks and Recreation have used it for a haunted house, so there’s a lot of curiosity.”

She also talked about how it has transformed recently as a fundraising opportunity for the museum.

“We felt that aspect, the story of this building was lacking,” Stojanovic said.

“And what better way to show that than to actually show them the jail cells?”

Stojanovic said the public has a fascination with the basement, as it is rarely open to them.

“Because of the generated interest, we decided to, with the permission and support of the City of Mission, turn it into a tour,” Stojanovic said.

The first tour of the old PD basement was held in December, so this was only the second time it was available to the public. The museum scheduled it for the Wednesday during Spring Break so as many people as possible had the availability and opportunity to sign up.

“We’re doing this for exposure and knowledge,” Stojanovic said. “I know that as a child I was brought here, downstairs, to tour the police department, and it seemed scary. Now I have a whole different perspective on it.”

She said that the museum has plans for the Annex, as well as the main building, that would open it up for many more opportunities like this tour.

“We want to grow it,” Stojanovic said. “We want to continue to show it in different lights and different stories without straying from the truth. We hope to make it more interactive and more engaging for the community.”

Lisa Price giving Behind the Scenes tour of Mission Historical Museum.

Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño

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March 16, 2018

Sports week

BIG7 SCHOOLS

page 6

www.ptrgv.com/sports

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

Diamondbacks strike down Patriots

By Luciano Guerra After his eight year tenure as the head coach of the Mission Veterans Patriots baseball team, Casey Smith decided it was time for a change. That was why he applied for and was given the head baseball coaching position at Sharyland Pioneer High School in June of last year.

Citing the proximity of his home and of his three kids’ schools to Pioneer High School as the main reasons for the move, Smith seems to have fit right into his new job. And while it is still much too early to tell if he will be able to do at Pioneer what he did at Mission Veterans, turn a fairly young and struggling baseball program into a perennial winner, judging by the Diamondbacks’ success so far this season, it could very well be deja vu all over again for Smith, only this time at Pioneer High.

Case in point, the Diamondbacks’ combined

Mission Veterans’ Giovanni Grimaldo slides back safely to first base during the first inning of the Patriots’ 4-1 loss to The Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks Monday. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

District 31-5A record the previous three seasons was 7-33-0. So far this season, the Diamondbacks have a 13-4-1 overall and a 2-1 District 31-5A record. That is quite a dramatic improvement in winning percentage

even if the sampling size so far this season is still quite small.

And what does Smith attribute his new team’s success to so far this season?

“We’ve just been growing,” Smith said. “That’s

what we keep talking about as a group, as a team and individually; just growing and getting better. Our guys are starting to understand concepts that we’re teaching and just understanding that there’s a standard to be

played to every time you step on the field.”

One of the Diamondbacks’ two district wins so far this season, was over Smith’s former team, the Patriots, Tuesday afternoon.

In that game, the Patriots

Abilene.

Of the 44 schools that competed at regionals, Sharyland Pioneer finished in fourth place as a team, while Palmview powerlifting finished tenth overall.

Leading the way for the Pioneer powerlifting team was the duo of Obed Hernandez and Robert Saenz.

Hernandez brought home first place in the 198-pound weight class by lifting a total of 1,595 pounds, 10 pounds higher than the second place finisher in the weight class.

Hernandez set personal records in squat with 650 lbs.,

bench with 365 lbs. and deadlift 600 lbs. Saenz finished second place in the 123-pound division with 1,200 total pounds, just five pounds behind first place Joel Sanchez of Brownsville Veterans Memorial. Saenz put up 445 lbs. on squat, 480 on deadlift, and a high in the weight class on bench press with 275 pounds.

The Palmview Lobos powerlifting program, coached by Renzo Tamez, is sending two athletes to state, led by newly crowned regional champion Abraham Hernandez who finished

first place in the 148-pound weight class with a total of 1,465 pounds. Hernandez set a new regional record by deadlifting 600 lbs., 65 more than the second place deadlifter, and squatted 565 lbs. and benched 300 lbs. Joining him at state is fellow Lobo Juan Rivas, the fifth place finisher in the 275-pound weight class. Rivas put up 1,605 total pounds, squatting 660 lbs., benching 405 lbs., and deadlifting 540 lbs.

Juarez-Lincoln led all

Big 7 programs with three qualifiers for the state championships in Eddie Hernandez, Juan Martinez and Aliver Chapa. Chapa finished fourth place in the 275-pound weight class, lifting a whopping 1,640 total pounds, including a bench press of 430 lbs., the highest in the class. He also squatted 645 lbs. and deadlifted 560 lbs. Hernandez and Martinez both finished seventh in their respective weight classes of 220 pounds and 242 pounds.

jumped out to 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning only to have the Diamondbacks knot the score at 1-1 in the bottom of the frame. The Patriots scored their run on an error, a single, a passed ball and a fielder’s choice while the Diamondbacks scored their first inning run on a walk, a stolen base and two throwing errors. The Diamondbacks then took the lead to stay in the bottom of the third inning when they scored three runs to take a 4-1 lead.

As for what it was like to coach against his former team, Smith said, “It’s always hard to play against your former kids because you care about them and you’ve gotten to know them for a long time. But like I told our kids, it’s a baseball game and it doesn’t matter who you’re playing, when you step between the lines you’ve got to play hard and do things the right way.”

Junior Jacob Rosales pitched a complete game for Pioneer to earn the win

See STRIKE DOWN PATS Pg. 8

Big 7 boys’ powerlifters ready for state

By Bryan Ramos Last weekend may have marked the beginning of Spring Break for many, but boys’ powerlifters across Texas were gearing up for their shot at qualifying for the state championships.

After a successful showing in the Region Five Division One Championships at Weslaco East High School last weekend, the Big 7 is sending 11 powerlifters to compete at the Texas High School Powerlifting Association State Championships Saturday, March 24 in

See POWERLIFTERS Pg. 8

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Hernandez lifted a total of 1,450 pounds, squatting 580 lbs., benching 350 lbs., and deadlifting 520 lbs. Martinez totaled 1,510 pounds, squatting 590 lbs., benching 345 lbs., and deadlifting 575 lbs.

The La Joya Coyotes are sending two athletes to Abilene after Daniel Villarreal and Alex Rodriguez qualified for the state championships. Villarreal qualified by lifting a total 1,400 pounds,

Obed Hernadez and Robert Saenz

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March 16, 2018

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page 7

Students place at Special Olympics basketball competition

49th Flower Show set for March 24-25 HARLINGEN – The Har- Native Plants.

Mission C.I.S.D. (MCISD) competed and placed in the Area 1-Special Olympics Texas Basketball Competition on Feb. 17 at Sharyland Pioneer High School. A total of 47 athletes competed, interacted, and cheered along with 21 other schools and agencies from around the region.

The competition was broken down into two events: Basketball Individuals Skills and Team Competition. For the individual skills compe-

tition the athletes performed a timed 10-meter dribble, a target pass drill, and a spot shooting drill. Eight teams competed in a round robin tournament for the team competition.

Individuals Skills Competition results are as follows: Mission High (MHS): First place – Vianney Campos, Carlos Gutierrez, Ramiro Olivarez, Noah Flores and Ana Villarreal; Second place – Brandon Garza and Raylene Vela; and

Third place – Marcus Eguia, Jaqueline Porcayo and Adrian Rodriguez.

Veteran’s Memorial High (VMHS: First place – Cesario Peña and Kevin Cab; Second place - Emily Gonzalez; and Third place – Sally Treviño, Jazmin Villanueva, Deah Marmolejo and Alfonso Sanchez.

Mission Jr. High: First place – Jamilee Hernandez and Shila Gomez; Second place – Yulitza Mendoza and Stephanie Gomez; and Third

Forty-seven Mission C.I.S.D. students fared well in individual and team competitions at the Area 1-Special Olympics Texas Basketball Competition held in February.

obituaries Osvaldo Ochoa Sr. ABRAM – Osvaldo Ochoa Sr., 92, passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at Pax Villa Hospice in McAllen.

Mr. Ochoa was born in Abram on Oct. 23, 1925 to Nazario Ochoa and Rosalia Serna Ochoa.

Survivors include his wife, Nora Irma Ochoa of Palmview; sons, Osvaldo Ochoa Jr. and Jose Luis Ochoa of Mission; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Nazario Ochoa; his parents; and siblings, Octavio Hernandez, Oscar, Alejandro and Francisco Ochoa and Ofelia Cantu.

A funeral mass was held on March 12 at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Abram. Burial, with military honors, was officiated

by Catholic War Veterans Post #1065 of Mission at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.

Serving as pallbearers were Eric, Andrew and Christian Ochoa, Angel Garcia, Joe Munoz, Orville Ochoa, Gus Cantu and Jose Luis Ochoa Jr.

Notices Alejandro Aguas MISSION – Alejandro Aguas, 40, passed away on Monday, March 12, 2018, at

Mission Regional Medical Center.

Richard Bevins MISSION – Richard Bevins, 89, passed away on Friday, March 9, 2018, at Amara Hospice.

Eustacio Del Angel SULLIVAN CITY – Eustacio “Tacho” Del Angel, 85, passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center.

Ingrid Delgado MISSION – Ingrid Delgado, 11, passed away on Monday, March 12, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Sara Flores SULLIVAN CITY – Sara S. Flores, 81, passed away on Friday, March 9, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Jesus Garcia SULLIVAN CITY – Jesus Garcia, 89, passed away on Friday, March 9, 2018, at Village Healthcare & Reha-

place – Arely Lopez, Mark Carrasco and Angel Rivera.

Ralph Cantu Jr. High: Second place – Leonardo Marroquin, Emiliano Ramos, Gerardo Obregon and Valerie Longoria; and Third place – Jose Luis Dominguez.

Kenneth White Jr. High (K-White): First place – Jose De Jesus Dominguez; and Second place – Jacklyn Bernal and Blas Rodriguez.

In the team competition, a 5-on-5 Tournament, the MCISD team placed third in their bracket and consisted of players from MHS, VMHS and K-White.

Players included Julian Rodriguez from K-White Jr. High: VMHS – Sebastian Llamas, Hector Sanchez, Bryan Arrellano, Jesus Torres, Hayleen Peña, Nicolas Juarez, Pedro Treviño and Ethan Linares; MHS – Armando Sanchez, Frankie Villalobos, Javier Patino, Joel Bravo, Ashley De La Rosa and, out due to injury, Emanuel Casas and Clifford Wheat.

bilitation in McAllen.

Maria Hernandez MISSION – Maria Hernandez, 55, passed away on Friday, March 9, 2018, at Rio Grande Regional Medical Center.

Rafaela Hernandez MISSION – Rafaela Hernandez, 95, passed away on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at her home in Mission.

Kit Pelfrey MISSION – Kit M. Pelfrey, 68, passed away on Tuesday, March 6, 2018, in McAllen.

Marta Salinas MISSION – Marta Alicia Castro Salinas, 60, passed away on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

Sharon Villarreal MISSION – Sharon Villarreal, 72, passed away on Friday, March 9, 2018, at Pax Villa Hospice in McAllen.

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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

lingen Garden Clubs present the 49th Flower Show March 24 and 25 at the Cultural Arts Center, 576 ’76 Drive – next door to the Harlingen Public Library. Show hours are 1 to 4:30 p.m. both days.

Admission and lectures are free and the public is invited to attend. Lecture space is limited, though, based on first come, first served seating.

Deep South Texas is this year’s theme. Talks by local experts are scheduled for both days during the show.

Anita Westervelt, Texas Master Naturalist and nature columnist, will speak at 2 p.m. on Saturday on Attracting Birds & Butterflies with

On Sunday at 2 p.m., Mike Heep, of Heep’s Native Plant Nursery in Harlingen, will speak on Native Trees of Deep South Texas.

There will be competition in 17 horticultural classes including container grown plants, shrubs either for foliage or blossom, cacti and succulents, roses, hibiscus, and other indoor and outdoor specimens both native and non-native to the Rio Grande Valley.

Floral designs, arts and crafts, and educational exhibits created by members of the Harnito and Town and Country garden clubs will be on display.

BROWNSVILLE – Staff at the Gladys Porter Zoo invites the public to “hop” on over to the annual Bunny Corral and Easter Bazaar Friday through Sunday, March 30 to April 1.

All three days, visit the Easter Bazaar in the special events building where vendors will be displaying and selling their Easter crafts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plus, on Easter Sunday, the first 50 children to visit the zoo will receive a free foam bunny

mask.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Bunny Corral, a handson experience, will be open across from the Small World exhibit. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the bunnies will be available to pet, and docents will be on hand to answer questions about them.

All activities are free to visitors with paid admission or GPZ membership. For more information call the Gladys Porter Zoo at 956546-7187.

GPZ to host Easter events

MISSION FIREFIGHTER

At the Feb. 16 press conference where city officials discussed the denial of Salinas’ coverage, Garza said the city was looking into hiring outside legal counsel to assist the city in filing a lawsuit against TML. Garza said Wednesday the city will meet with TML next month to appeal the health insurance carrier’s initial decision.

“If the appeal does not go well for the city and firefighter, the lawsuit will move forward,” Garza said.

Other organizations are teaming up to help Salinas and his family.

On Saturday, March 24, the Mission Firefighter’s Association will hold a benefit concert in honor of Salinas at

from pg 1

Spaugy’s Ice House located at 815 N. Francisco Ave. The concert will feature live music from local bands and have a $5 cover, sell chicken plates for $8 and beer cozies for $5, with all proceeds from those sales going toward Salinas.

“We’re brothers all around, it’s a sign of unity,” Robert Lopez, president of the Mission Firefighter’s Association said. “We have firefighters coming from Laredo and even our local state representatives and politicians will stop by, it’ll be a good event.”

The concert starts at 5 p.m. and will end at 1 a.m. the following day.

page 8

Mission Regional Medical Center Announces New Physician

The Mission Regional Medical Center announced the hiring of a new specialist to their hospital medical staff.

Gloria Ortiz, a specialist in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, has been a physician for over 15 years, the hospital stated in a press release. Ortiz now focuses on the treatment of endocrine related diseases such as diabetes, obesity and thyroid dysfunction, including nodules and thyroid cancer.

“We are pleased that Dr. Ortiz decided to develop her practice in our community,” said Kane Dawson, chief executive officer of MRMC. “Her clinical expertise will enhance patient care and our ability to serve and treat our patients.”

Ortiz will operate the RGV Endocrine Center specialty health clinic, the release stated.

Ortiz was born in the Dominican Republic and received her medical degree from Universidad Católi-

Dr. Gloria Ortiz courtesy image

ca Madre Y Maestra. Afterwards she obtained a post-doctoral fellowship involving microbiology and biostatistics. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine - Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center in New York City and was appointed Chief Resident, the release stated.

Ortiz is a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and is board certified by the American Board of Internal

Medicine in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism as well as Internal Medicine, the release stated. She is also a member of the American Diabetes Association, American Thyroid Association and the Endocrine Society.

Dr. Gloria. She subsequently obtained a fellowship in patient safety and satisfaction. Dr. Ortiz led the hospital’s successful effort to increase HCAHPS survey scores throughout the organization. This experience helped develop her compassionate, yet analytical approach to healthcare.

This led to Dr. Ortiz pursuing her Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine & MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she was appointed as their first Chief Endocrinology Fellow.

For more information on RGV Endocrine Center, visit www.RGVEndocrine.com or call (956)340-4222.

LJISD teacher named Texas Music Educator of the Year

LA JOYA – Jose Ruben Adame, La Joya Independent School District’s (LJISD) Head Fine Arts administrator, was named the 2018 Texas Outstanding Music Educator of the Year. Adame received the award during the last evening of this year’s UIL State Mariachi Festival.

Since 1920, the National Federation of State High School Association (NFHS) awards this honor. One nominee per state is accepted for the award and must be endorsed by the state association office. The criteria consists of: an evaluation by their organization, continuance of an activity program, significant and ongoing contributions to the fine arts, years of both curricular and co-curricular service, and contributions to the fine arts in and out of state.

Jose Ruben Adame Dr. Bradley Kent, UIL Executive Director, nominated Adame to represent the state of Texas. Once all state representatives submit the nominations, nominees are evaluated by a national committee who ultimately determine an honoree.

“I’m overwhelmed, excit-

THEATRE AWARDS Schools could enter musicals, plays, or both. Three high schools entered both a fall play and musical into the race. In total, 21 shows competed.

Nominees were announced at a special breakfast held on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at the MPAC. All of the Big 7 schools received nominations: Veterans Memorial High School - Fiddler on the Roof Best Ensemble Best Sound Design Best Actor in a Musical (Samuel Gonzalez) Mission High School - The Lion King Best Scenic Design Best Lighting Design Best Costume Design Palmview High School -

Hairspray Best Ensemble Best Scenic Design Best Costume Design Best Lighting Design Best Technical Crew Best Sound Design Best Choreography Best Production Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Naileen Perez) Best Actress in a Leading Role (Denali Garza) Juarez-Lincoln High School - Beauty and the Beast Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Rolando Campos) La Joya High School - Assassins Best Sound Design Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Alan Salinas) Best Actor in a Leading Role (Rosbel Morales)

Sharyland High School High School Musical Best Costume Design Best Choreography Sharyland Pioneer High School - The 39 Steps Best Featured Performer (Madison Sparks) The Palms Scholarship Fund’s P.O. Box is 4121 N. 10th St. #170, McAllen, Texas, 78504. They can also be contacted through email, palmsscholarshipfund@ gmail.com.

The Palms Hidalgo County High School Theatre Awards will be held April 21, 2018, at the McAllen Performing Arts Center located at 801 Convention Center Blvd. The link to buy tickets is online, at the event’s Facebook page. from pg 1

ences every day. Once started, the club will be open to all students at the school and begin working on projects that are meant to encourage good behavior and acceptance of all people.

“We’re just trying to create an atmosphere of kindness,” Cooper said. “It is so easy to do that, you just have to make a decision to do it. That’s all it takes, it’s you making a decision about what you’re going to do and how you’re going to treat people. It’s that simple.

There’s not a wrong way to do it, not a right way to do it, it just needs to be done.”

At the end of the training, the kids were split into groups and asked to brainstorm ideas for potential projects they could start in their school. Some ideas

DISMISSES PI Drunken driving arrests carry serious consequences for law enforcement officers.

State law requires police departments to notify the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement whenever an officer is charged with a Class B misdemeanor.

Mission and other Rio Grande Valley police departments with civil service protections typically place officers on indefinite suspension after a drunken driving arrest. Officers may appeal, but often wait until the criminal case is over.

ed, and very humbled. When I first received notification of the award, what came to mind was all the people that have been involved with me and have helped me along the way – my staff, students and family. The honor is shared with many - it takes a village, and this award certainly embraces that,” Adame said.

Adame has been with LJISD for over 26 years in various roles such as assistant band director, head band director for La Joya High School, and currently the head of fine ars for the district. He is also the UIL executive secretary for Region 15, which comprises all music programs from the city of Roma to Alamo. Additionally, Adame is on the UIL State Mariachi Festival state committee. from pg 1

CHALLENGE “They made sure to tell the kids not to sign up unless they were serious about it,” Verley said.

“Signing that banner means that, you know what, I’m not perfect,” Cooper said. “But I’m going to do the best I can to incorporate her challenge in my life.”

After the presentations, 40 sixth graders, 40 seventh graders and 20 eighth graders met at the library to learn about starting a Friends of Rachel club at their school.

The Friends of Rachel club is a student-run organization meant to foster positive energy in school.

The Friends of Rachel club’s aim is to change the culture in learning environments, and make a supportive structure that allows all students to have great experi-

March 16, 2018

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from K. White were a compliment wall where students can add or take compliments as they need them, a weekly bag project where students can write encouraging and positive notes or compliments about each other, confidence-building athletic activities, and a fundraiser for students who may need a little help financially.

Verley said that next year, MCISD hopes to bring Rachel’s Challenge to the high school level and continue fostering a safe and supportive learning environment across Mission.

“It’s been interesting to watch the students’ reactions to it,” Verley said. “You can see, boys and girls, you can see that it’s reaching them in a good way, and it’s also going to be empowering them.” from pg 1

Police Chief Robert Dominguez suspended Beltran without pay for 12 days, admonishing him for unbecoming conduct and other policy violations.

“In the old days, those people would lose their jobs without pay instantly,” Guerra said. “Because they would be an embarrassment to the community.”

Dominguez didn’t respond to repeated requests for comment. It’s unclear whether or not the arrest will change Beltran’s behavior.

When Beltran applied to

the Mission Police Department, he disclosed that Pharr police arrested him in “Approx 1993” for public intoxication, according to personnel records. He paid a fine.

The Pharr Municipal Court couldn’t find any records from the 1993 arrest, but did find a public intoxication arrest from December 2009. Beltran pleaded no contest.

Asked about the prior arrests, Beltran declined to comment.

VMHS FFA students excel at STAR Show

The Veterans Memorial FFA Chapter participated at the recent South Texas Agricultural Roundup (STAR Show) where a number of students walked away with a bevy of ribbons, banners and belt buckles.

Twelve students exhibited market hogs, lambs and goats, and some of the students are now exhibiting at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show during Spring Break this week.

Placing at the show were Michael Sanchez, Reserve Grand Champion Lamb; Jake Ruiz, Reserve Champion Dark Cross Hog and Reserve Champion Jr. Showman; Jorge Salinas, Champion Sr. Market Goat Showman and Reserve Champion Middle Wt. Goat; and Marcus Cordova, Reserve Champion Sr. Market Lamb Showman and first place Light Heavy Wt. Market Lamb.

Also, Meagan Turrubi-

ates, Reserve Champion Intermediate Goat Showman and first place Middle Wt. Market Goat; Alfonso Perez, second place Light Wt. Light Cross Market Hog; Kaitlyn Ramirez, third place Heavy Wt. Dark Cross Market Hog; Alyssa Rodriquez, third place Light Heavy Wt. OPB Market Hog; and Rafael Vela, third place Light Wt. Dark Cross Market Hog.

Students with the Veterans Memorial High School FFA Chapter earned a number of awards at the recent South Texas Agricultural Roundup.

La Joya I.S.D. initiates Parent Police Academy

The La Joya ISD Department of Family and Community Engagement, in conjunction with the La Joya ISD Police Department, the Hidalgo County sherriff’s office, the district attorney’s HIDA Task Force, and the U.S Customs and Border Patrol, have come together to organize the first LJISD Parent Police Academy (PPA). Interested parents have committed to an eight-week academy course geared to educate parents on the basics of police policy and standard procedures that affect the children in the school district. They will learn the rigorous duties and responsibilities that district police officers undergo to keep students safe in the school setting. It will also serve as an information resource on available services and tactics implemented at to ensure student safety.

STRIKE DOWN PATS against the Patriots. He gave up five hits, two walks and chalked up one strike-out.

Rosales also had two hits and scored one run as he helped his own cause at the plate enroute to improving his record to 2-1 with the win.

When asked what goals he and his teammates have for this season, Rosales said.

“Improving every game and becoming a complete baseball team. Also, learning how to handle different situations, including dealing with adversity.”

As for what he attributes the Diamondbacks’ apparent turnaround to, Rosales said, “I believe it has to do with the energy on this team.

Every practice is up-tempo.

That has a lot to do with us getting better.”

While he did not play against the Patriots, senior

POWERLIFTERS

squatting 560 lbs., benching a personal high of 305 lbs. and deadlifting 535 lbs. Rodriguez finished seventh in the Super Heavyweight class with a total of 1,600 pounds.

Rodriguez squatted 675 lbs., bench pressed 405 lbs. and deadlifted 520 lbs.

Both Sharyland High and Mission High qualified one powerlifter each for the state championships to round out the group. For the Rattlers, Joshua Williams qualified by finishing eighth in the 275-pound weight class, lifting a total of 1,550 pounds, squatting 630 lbs., bench pressing 370 lbs. and deadlifting 550 lbs. Mission’s Javier Farias finished sixth in the 114-pound weight class with a total of 915 pounds, squatting 340 lbs., benching 165 lbs., and deadlifting 410 lbs.

The 11 boys powerlifters going to state gives the Big 7 a total of 28 total qualifiers after 11 ladies qualified for the girls’ state championships, which is going on this weekend in Waco.

The THSPA State Championships weigh-ins are scheduled for Friday with competition beginning Saturday at 8:45 a.m. The com-

from pg 6 pitcher and first baseman Robert Montoya is a returning member of the Diamondbacks’ varsity squad. His team’s early season success has him thinking of the possibility of a playoff-run for the first time in Pioneer High School history.

“We have to keep our heads up and keep on winning if we’re going to have a shot at the playoffs,” Montoya said. “We’ve been working on the fundamentals every day in practice and Coach Smith knows how to coach, so those will both work in our favor.”

As Smith’s successor at Mission Veterans, Ben Gonzales is finding the early going to be rougher for his Patriots than Smith is finding it at Pioneer. That is due in part to the fact that he only has two players on petition will be held at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene, Texas, located at

his roster with any varsity experience and only one of those has any experience hitting against varsity pitchers.

Even so, Gonzales believes that the Patriots have as good a chance as any team in the district of making the playoffs.

“We’ve seen most every team in the district and as far as I’m concerned, it’s a tossup in regards to which teams will make the playoffs,” Gonzales said. “If we show up to play like we’re capable of playing, I think we’re going to be right there in the hunt for one of those spots.”

Next up for the Patriots is a road game at Rio Grande City next Tuesday while the Diamondbacks’ next game is at 2 pm today (Friday) at home against the Sharyland Rattlers. from pg 6 1700 Hwy. 36, 79602. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m.

theclassifieds March 16, 2018

buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

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

Classified Rate:

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

ORDINANCE NO. 4612

ORDINANCE NO. 4614

Autos

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING LOTS 1 & 2, BLOCK 61, MISSION ORIGINAL TOWNSITE SUBDIVISION, FROM R-1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO C-2 (NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THISTHE 12TH DAYOF MARCH, 2018.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE OF GASOLINE – STRIPES STORE 40639H, 909 N. BRYAN ROAD, BEING THE EAST 165’ OF LOT F, PECAN HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 12TH DAYOF MARCH, 2018.

2007 JEEP COMMANDER 4WD, 108K miles, salvaged title, $5,500, call 956-803-6924.

2012 JETTA, LEATHER interior, automatic, 81K

ORDINANCE NO. 4613

ORDINANCE NO. 4615

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE OF GASOLINE – STRIPES STORE 40605H, 2900 W. MILE 3 ROAD, LOT 1, TEX-MART NO. 43 SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THISTHE 12TH DAYOF MARCH, 2018.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE OF GASOLINE – STRIPES STORE 40638H, 2400 E. HIGHWAY 83, LOT 1, JULIAN GONZALEZ SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 12TH DAYOF MARCH, 2018.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Mission Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on March 28, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: 0.825 acres out of Lot 265, John H. Shary Subdivision, from R-1 (Single Family Residential) to C-3 (General Business); and Rezoning: The South 7.58 acres of Lot 13, Goodwin Tract Subdivision No. 3, from AO-I (Agricultural Open Interim) to R-3 (Multi-Family Residential); and Rezoning: Lot 6, Block 195, Mission Original Townsite Subdivision, from R-1 (Single Family Residential) to C-3 (General Business) If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement.

Anyone interested is invited to attend.

Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

page 09

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Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE The Mission City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on March 26, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: 3.0 acres out of Lot 28-6, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from AO-I (Agricultural Open Interim) to C-3 (General Business) If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement.

Anyone interested is invited to attend.

Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m.

If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573

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The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 5 p.m. miles, salvaged title, $6,750, call 956803-6924.

formation call 956844-8168 or 956432-2437.

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2009 KYMCO 250cc motorcycle,

ORDINANCE NO. 4616 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE OF GASOLINE – STRIPES STORE 40635H, 1523 N. CONWAY AVENUE, LOTS 11 & 12, BLOCK 243, MISSION ORIGINAL TOWNSITE SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THISTHE 12TH DAYOF MARCH, 2018.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4617 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE OF GASOLINE – STRIPES STORE 40628H, 2107 W. EXPRESSWAY 83, LOT 1, TAMEZ SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THISTHE 12TH DAYOF MARCH, 2018.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4618 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO KEEP A PORTABLE BUILDING FOR OFFICE USE – M’S AUTO SALES, 1523 E. EXPRESSWAY 83, BEING LOT 6, HENRY SAENZ SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THISTHE 12TH DAYOF MARCH, 2018.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

$1,500, call 956259-9611 for more information.

956-357-3724 for more information.

ORDINANCE NO. 4611 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING OF 0.72 ACRE MORE OR LESS, OUT OF LOTS 15-7 AND 15-8, WEST ADDITION TO SHARYLAND SUBDIVISION (AKA BEING TRACT 30, MELBA CARTER U/R SUBDIVISION & LOT 30, EARNHARD U/R SUBDIVISION), FROM R-1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO C-3 (GENERAL BUSINESS) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 12TH DAYOF MARCH, 2018.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

*EXTENDED DEADLINE NOTICE TO SELECT CITY DEPOSITORY FOR THE CITY OF PENITAS The City of Penitas is extending the deadline for accepting sealed applications for the selection of a City depository to no later than 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 due to the high volume of incoming questions and comments received regarding said bids. As advertised, please mark your bid “BANK DEPOSITORY BID.” Contact the City Secretary’s Office, 1111 S Main, Penitas, Texas 78576, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling 956-581-3345, or email: citysecretary@cityofpenitas.com if you have any further questions and/ or comments. The City of Penitas reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to accept that deemed most advantageous to the City.

Ana M. Valdez, City Secretary

page 10

March 16, 2018

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Creating children’s books is a family affair!

By Kathy Olivarez “Ocie, why are you hiding?” asked Charlie, the Great-horned Owl.” Thus, begins the first of four books about the endangered animals of the Rio Grande Valley, written by Jane Garza.

Several years ago, when retired Mission CISD educator, Garza, recovered from a six-valve replacement open heart surgery, she felt she had been given extra time and wanted use it wisely and to do something special with it. She had always wanted to try her hand at writing so she decided to write children’s books for her grandchildren.

“My mother and my grandmother both wrote poetry,” stated Garza. “So writing was a natural thing for me to want to try. I’ve always had an interest in the animals of the Rio Grande Valley and

especially the endangered once. I combined my desire to write with my interest in animals, and chose to write children’s books about endangered animals living in the Rio Grande Valley.”

To write the books, Garza visited several wildlife habitats in the Rio Grande Valley and attended special events on endangered wildlife such as the annual Ocelot Festival sponsored by the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville.

She has also done a good bit of research to make sure her books are not only fun for children to read, but they are factual and depict the reasons they are considered endangered species.

In addition to the book about ocelots, Garza has also written books about Ridley Sea Turtles and Green Sea Turtles. She got much of her information about them from

Sea Turtle, Inc. on South Padre Island.

Her book, “Wilbur, the Oily Brown Pelican” came about after reading how many pelicans were lost after the British Petroleum oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that affected habitat from Florida to South Texas.

Garza said many of the Brown Pelicans that survived the ordeal were taken to a wildlife center in Florida where the oil was washed off and they were cared for until they were well enough to return to the wild. She researched their care while writing the book.

While Garza is a writer, she is not an artist. But three of her grandchildren, Corbin, Linsey and Jordynn Garza, are all talented artists.

So, she enlisted their help to illustrate the books.

The first book about Ocie

Local author writes children’s books

Local author Jane Garza displays the children’s books she has written. The books feature endangered animals of the Rio Grande Valley. Author Jane Garza writes the stories while her grandchildren illustrate them.

Enter to win a family 4pk

of tickets!

presents a

drawing contest!

APRIL 18 -22

Children in Pre-K 4 thru 5th grades are invited to enter their original, themed artwork for

Moana & Princess Characters

on a WHITE, 81/2 X 11 piece of paper

to Progress Times

1217 N. Conway Ave. • Mission, TX

Clearly print the child’s first name, grade, school, parent’s name and phone number on the back of the drawing so we can notify the winners. Several 4-packs of tickets will be awarded.

Deadline for submissions: Monday, March 26, 2018 • 5pm

No purchase necessary. Parent/Legal Gardian must pick up tickets and must be over 18. If tickets not picked up within 24 hours of notification tickets will be awarded to runner-up. Employees of Progress Times and their families are not eligible.

was actually written about ten years ago and her oldest grandson, Corbin, who was then 13, did the illustrations.

She had not done anything about publishing it, but after her surgery, Garza decided to pursue her dream as a legacy for her grandchildren.

The three latest books have been illustrated by her two granddaughters. Linsey is a painter who is a junior at Pioneer High School in Sharyland ISD. “I think this is a really unique experience,” said Linsey. “No one else I know is writing and creating books as a family like we are. It really helps bind the family together.”

Grandmother Jane is proud of her paintings and displayed one Linsey did for her annual “Day of the Dead” display in her home.

In addition to being a talented painter, Linsey is also a great golfer, and hopes to get a college scholarship to play golf somewhere.

Jordynn, who is a photographer, is a senior at Nikki Row High School in McAllen.

“I want to be an author in the future. Grammie has really inspired me,” said Jordynn. In addition to being a photographer, Jordynn has also earned her certification from Adobe as a graphic designer through her high school. She is qualified to design logos and digital designs through the program.

Jordynn plans to attend the University of Texas in Austin, where they offer a creative writing program where she hopes to learn more about writing books like her grandmother.

The writing is really a family affair, Garza states.

“My son, Brian, does some of the technical work on the computer while my son, Brent, has taken me to different places in the Valley to research the books. I also like to include family names in the books when I name my characters. The characters Nora and Lena in the books were named after her two grandmothers. Theron was a brother. And Theodore was a great uncle.”

Garza’s next project will deal with Monarch butterflies. She is also considering researching the jaguarondi for the next book.

Jane has participated in the Region I Speed Dating with Local Authors conference, and has been invited back for the next conference.

Palmview councilwoman recognized

by Texas Municipal League

The Texas Municipal League recognized a Palmview councilwoman for her commitment to professional development on behalf of the city of Palmview.

According to a news release from the city of Palmview, Linda Sarabia was recognized at the TML Elected Officials Conference in San Antonio Friday, March 9. She is the first ever Councilmember from Palmview to receive this designation by TML .

To become a Certified Municipal Official Sarabia had to completed 72 hours or more of continuing education credits, including open government trainings, within one calendar year through the Texas Municipal League Institute.

“This training has allowed me to understand how cities work and how we elected officials and city employees need to be accountable to our resident,” Sarabia stated in the news release.

“We are reinventing our city

Linda Sarabia

government to become more transparent, accountable, and competitive.”

TMLI offers voluntary certifications that are open to elected officials who are also members of the Texas Municipal League. These certifications recognize and reward elected officials who commit to continuing their professional development to better serve their local governments.

“It is always good to see elected officials taking that extra step to learn about local government,” said interim City Manager Leonardo Olivares.

“This raises the bar for our Council and community. It empowers our officials to take a firm grip on the reigns of our City to deliver results.”