Friday, March 23, 2018

Friday, March 23, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | 50 Cents

Vol. 46 No. 32

Mission Event Center Opening Soon

By Jamie Treviño

Hoping to accelerate city growth and create a new event venue for the RGV, City Manager Martin Garza, Jr. is ready for everything to come.

The City of Mission will be opening the doors of the Mission Event Center starting in April. About 20 events have been booked already in the first few months, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held next Tues., March 27th at 5 p.m.

“The city’s actually using it the day after the ribbon

cutting,” Garza said. “An assistant police chief and a deputy fire chief that have retired, both of them have given 35 years of service, and we’re going to be doing a ceremony for them.”

The project, which was started in Jan. 2017, involved hard work from several city entities. It will be run by city staff.

“The event center basically created a new department,” Garza said. “This new department is not only going to be in charge of the rental and operations of the event center, but this department is

also going to be responsible for other community events.

They’re going to be responsible for bringing new events to the city with the assistance of the resources we already have.”

The venue has multiple meeting rooms, an on-site kitchen and catering company, and a shaded outdoor patio with a walking trail. Garza spoke about the facilities.

“The niche here is if you open up all the ballrooms, you have a 17,000 sq. ft. ballroom,” Garza said.

“Which none of our private sector business owners have.

It’s also not close to what McAllen has either, so it’s very in-between.”

The event center is part of a plot of land bought by the Mission EDC. They plan to use it to build more buildings for businesses like hotels and restaurants. Garza is excited about what this location will do for the city.

“The city purchased about ten acres, and in those ten acres, we went ahead and built this 40,000 sq. ft. facility,” Garza said. “But at the same time, we also saved money on a water tower project that needed to be

constructed in the area to replace the Lucksinger tower, so we saved money on having to purchase new land for the actual water tower.”

The Mission Economic Development Corporation purchased 19 acres just south of the event center.

“The idea is to bring hotels, retail, and restaurants,” Garza said. “And with the profits of those 19 acres, those profits are going to go to paying off the debt service of the event center. And once it’s developed, the taxes collected will go into that debt service.”

The Mission Event Center project cost about $15 million, but the cost was covered without raising taxes on the community.

“We put all this together to be able to make some profit off the sales of the land from the EDC to pay off the debt service,” Garza said.

“And at the same time, the TRS [TRS Facility Services, LLC] and the EDC’s participating in the actual debt service, therefore we did not have to touch the general fund nor have to increase taxes for our taxpayers.”

See OPENING SOON Pg. 10

Billy Leo remembered as a ‘public treasure’

By Jose De Leon III LA JOYA – Family members, friends and civic leaders have been reflective this week on the passing of William “Billy” Leo, longtime La Joya and Hidalgo County political figure and the city’s former mayor. He passed away unexpectedly in La Joya on Saturday, March 17, at the age of 70.

His daughter, Lita Leo, recalled feeling that her family had to share her father with the rest of the community.

“Sometimes, my family and I would be on our way to go out but then someone would stop by either at home or at his store so we’d have to wait for him to finish helping that individual,” Lita recalled. “He had an open door policy and never turned

anyone away. It was a part of life, and sometimes it was frustrating, but it grew on us and we’d understand that’s his way of life. It was who he was.”

Lita spoke about her father this past Wednesday, the day of his funeral. The mass was held at La Joya’s Our Lady Queen of Angels, the same church her parents were married at in 1971. His

When the mayor asked him to serve on the Agua Special Utility District board, Ivan Sandoval initially balked.

“I know the way politics is,” said Sandoval, 33, a teacher at the La Joya Independent School District.

With a wife and four kids, Sandoval said he wasn’t

interested in politics. He enjoyed teaching math at HOPE Academy, a high school for troubled teenagers, and spending time with family.

“I’ve never been in politics. I’ve just helped around,” Sandoval said. “But I know the way they are: you spit over here and they want to talk about that.”

Sullivan City, though,

Ivan Sandoval

Julian Peña

Age: 33 Occupation: Math Teacher

Age: 32 Occupation: Construction Contractor

When his father passed away in 1981, Leo began his rise in the Democrat Party by first serving on the board of the La Joya Independent School District from 1974 to 1981 with two terms as board president in 1975 and 1979. His next steps in the political fabric of La Joya and county politics sent him

See BILLY LEO Pg. 10

Former La Joya Mayor William “Billy” Leo.

MCISD hears presentations for potential superintendent search firms

Sullivan City candidates campaign for Agua SUD board

By Dave Hendricks

final resting place is at Mission’s Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery.

Born in Laredo on May 24, 1947, Leo was known by many in the La Joya area as “Mr. Democrat.” His political roots were established by his father before him, Leo J. Leo, who served as the first mayor in La Joya and began the family tradition of political service.

needed a voice on the board.

Director Francisco “Pancho” Flores, who represented the city, hadn’t attended board meetings for months. Fellow directors finally removed him in November, leaving the seat vacant.

Mayor Leo Garcia, who had known Sandoval since elementary school, asked him to accept the position.

After mulling the request for more than a week, Sandoval accepted.

Four months later, he’s now running for a full fouryear term.

“Why run for re-election?

It’s a good question,” Sandoval said. “I really want to help people out.”

The campaign pits Sandoval against Julian Peña, a 32-year-old construction contractor. They’re both lifelong residents of Sullivan City.

Sandoval is supported by Team L1berty, the dominant

See AGUA SUD Pg. 10

By Jamie Treviño Gearing up for new leadership, MCISD is looking to hire a new superintendent who can help the district.

At the Mission Consolidated Independent School District’s board of trustees meeting this week, board members listened, considered, and scored two presentations for potential firms that would conduct a superintendent search process for MCISD. Each presentation was ten minutes long, so the presenters were slightly pressed for time.

The first presenter, who also got the highest overall score from the board, was George McShan from the McShan Consulting Firm.

An independent, who also is currently serving on the Harlingen School Board, McShan spoke about what kind of superintendent MCISD needs.

“When I look at school districts, we think about the

three ‘A’s,’ the academics, the arts, and the athletics,” McShan said. “That’s what we need to be looking at for our students, because that’s what is going to prepare them to be successful and balanced in life. We want someone to be a visionary leader who is able to allow students to achieve success in a safe, nurturing learning environment.”

The second presenters, from JG Consulting, were James Guerra and Dr. Patricia Linares. Guerra is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the executive firm, and Linares is a former superintendent and Guerra’s business partner. They also spoke about the importance of the superintendent’s role in a school district, and their methods of recruitment.

A third presentation from Springstead Waters Executive Recruitment was also in the running, but a scheduling conflict made them unable to speak for the board of trust-

ees. No word has been made on which firm will be selected for the superintendent search.

The board heard a presentation about the district’s self-funded group health insurance, pharmacy benefits management, and stop-loss insurance plans. The presenter, Zach Gingrich, from Carlisle Insurance, laid out comparisons of spending and changes with the insurance from the averages of the past three years.

Gingrich had three recommendations for the district in order to maintain the current insurance method as well as decrease spending. He said the district should “consider conducting a stop loss Request For Proposal during the May and July months of this year, explore formulatory and network changes with the current pharmacy benefit manager that could lead to increased savings and re-

See MCISD Pg. 10

INSIDE Peñitas Spring Fest 2018 107.5 La Patrona and the City of Peñitas are holding the first Spring Fest from March 29 - April 1. The event will include a carnival, various vendors, and live music. More details inside.

Soccer Playoffs

THE

BIG7 SCHOOLS

Big 7 teams are gearing up for soccer playoffs next week. Both boys and girls teams are competing, a total of eight teams. Bryan Ramos has more details about all the competitors, inside.

A Palmview man has been arrested for dumping a dead woman’s body at Mission Regional Medical Center. Dave Hendricks brings more information, inside.

See Pg. 5

See Pg. 8

See Pg. 2

INDEX

Entertainment | pg.2

Lifestyle | pg.3

Woman left at Hospital

Sports | pg. 5

Obituaries | pg. 9

Classifieds | pg. 11

entertainment

First Peñitas Spring Fest set for Easter weekend

PEÑITAS – The City of Peñitas is hosting the first Spring Fest in a four-day event Easter weekend. It begins Thursday, March 29, and runs through Sunday, April 1.

The family-friendly festival will be held at Expressway 83 and Liberty Blvd. in Peñitas, the same location as the annual Peñitas White Wing Festival.

Spring Fest 2018 features live music concerts on Saturday and Sunday nights, the Heart of America Carnival for four nights, a clown show and Easter egg hunt for the kids on Sunday, and food vendors.

KQBO 107.5 FM La Patrona brought the idea for the festival to the city, according to Peñitas City Manager Omar Romero.

“We were approached by 107.5,” Romero said.

“They’ve been a long-time partner with us for the White Wing Festival.”

Romero said the city agreed to it, but on a trial business.

“We’re doing it as a test program to see how it goes,” Romero said. “Obviously from a city standpoint, we... told them that we’re not going to allocate the kind of money the city does when the Wing Wing Festival comes into play….”

He said the city will provide limited security and help to coordinate vendor booths, one which will be manned by the Peñitas Volunteer Fire Department to sell beverages as a fundraiser for department projects.

For the public’s musical entertainment, artists for the Saturday, March 31, concert features headliner Rigo Marroquin, along with La Mosca y su Cartel, Los Mas Romanticos, Atrapado and Christina – The Squeeze Box Girl. The

concert runs from 4 to 11 p.m.

Fievre Looqa headlines the Sunday concert, which runs from 4 to 10 p.m. On stage that day will be Norteño Banda 30-30, Valde Guerra, Grupo Estruendo and La Fortaleza.

Kids will be treated to a special clown show from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. It includes an Easter egg hunt with prizes.

Heart of America Carnival arrives in town for all four days and will pull out the big guns, bringing more rides than usual. Wristbands are $20 for unlimited riding, but Thursday is Teen Night with half-price wristbands for $10. The carnival hours are 6 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday and 4 to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Romero expects the Spring Fest to go well as people look for things to do on break for Easter weekend. “ T h e y ’ l l be looking for something to do – things as a family – and that’s something we are going to be able to provide for them,” Romero said.

He hopes people in the Valley are able to benefit from these events, and he sees it as a positive draw to bring people to the Peñitas area to personally observe where the city is heading.

“People get exposed to the area,” Romero said. “They see the streets, they see the increased construction, they see the investment the city is making into the growth, and hopefully they might decide to…come look around….

We have a lot of growth coming this way. Anything we can do to promote the city is positive.”

Anyone interested in becoming a vendor should call 956-581-3345.

The Handbell Choirs from the First Presbyterian Church of Mission (FPC) will present a concert this Sunday, March 25, at 4 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Entitled “When in Our Music God Is Glorified,” this concert will feature music based on familiar hymns.

Featured will be the FPC Bells of Faith and Bells of

Hope, directed by Pat Hudsonpillar, as well as organists Alta Uhrmacher and Crystal Wallace; Mary Jane Truster, piano; Nico De La Garza, vocalist; Beverly Nicholas, flute; and the FPC Chancel Choir.

The church is located at 1102 Ash Drive, Mission.

The concert is open to the public and admission is free.

Mission TX 78572 (956) 585-1665

Sunrise Service will be at Mission FUMC at 6:30 a.m. in the front of the church on the sidewalk area with fellowship (cofee & cookies) following Children’s Easter Egg Hunt will be during Sunday School (10 a.m. - 11 a.m.) with the kids meeting in the Chapel. Prizes and candy for all.

Sunday Services: 8:00 a.m. Informal 9:00 a.m. Contemporary 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Traditional 11:00 a.m. Childrens Church 5:00 p.m. Spanish Worship Join us for communion the First Sunday of every month.

Dinner with Friends every Friday @ 5:30pm

Everyone is Welcome!

www.missionfumc.com

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Coming Attractions

March 23 • The next performance in the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Distinguished Performers Series features cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg campus. Finckel and Han rank among the most dynamic and influential forces in classical music today. Not included in season membership, tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for seniors and $5 for students.

For questions, call 956-665-3881.

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.

March 25 • The UTRGV Cello Festival Concert begins at 4:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg campus. Six cello ensembles – from novices to professionals – will perform classics and new arrangements. Over 200 cellists are coming together for the concert. Admission is free and open to the public.

For information, call 956-665-3881.

March 27 • The McAllen Winds Chamber Ensemble presents a concert of chamber music for woodwind octet from the classical era.

The concert, free and open to the public, begins at 7:30 p.m. at the South Texas College Cooper Center auditorium, 3200 Pecan Blvd., in McAllen. The McAllen Winds Chamber Ensemble is made up of members of the McAllen Wind Ensemble.

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

First Presbyterian concert is March 25

Mission First United Methodist Church 1101 Doherty Ave.

March 23, 2018

The final concert of the Valley Symphony Orchestra season, Concert Six, features, left to right, soloists soprano Heather Phillips, tenor Brian Yeakley and bass Lee Poulis performing from Carl Orff’s Forbidden Pleasures of Carmina Burana on April 6.

VSO Concert Six explores Forbidden Pleasures of Carmina Burana MCALLEN – The final concert of the Valley Symphony Orchestra’s Symphonic Visions season, Forbidden Pleasures of Carmina Burana, begins at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 6, at the McAllen Performing Arts Center at 801 Convention Center Blvd.

The concert will feature the Valley Symphony Chorale, choral members from across the Rio Grande Valley, and guest vocalists Heather Phillips, soprano; Brian Yeakley, tenor; and Lee Poulis, bass. Under the direction of Dr. Peter Dabrowski, the concert showcases the talents of 92 professionally trained local musicians and 150-plus choral members.

Carmina Burana is a masterpiece and one of Carl Orff’s most recognizable pieces that has become a vital part of our cultural sound-

scape. The first movement, O Fortuna, has underscored countless movies, TV shows, advertisements, and video games since the 1950s.

It’s monumental opening and ever-building intensity celebrates the passing of seasons, praises drinking and song, and describes the pain and pleasures of love. Each guest artist has performed Carmina Burana, along with other masterworks with orchestras and operas across the country, and excited to bring their talents to the Rio Grande Valley.

Single tickets are orchestra level, $58; front of the house, $48; and back of the house, $38. Go to ticketmaster.com or visit the McAllen Convention Center box office weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2018 “People’s Choice” winner Allan McDonald was awarded the Upper Valley Art League People’s Choice Award at the UVAL 2018 Photographic Art Show held in February. McDonald is shown with his artwork “Mayan God.”

TAMUK Jazz Festival celebrates 51st year

KINGSVILLE – High school and middle school jazz bands from across Texas will converge to help celebrate the 51st Annual Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) Jazz Festival this weekend, Friday and Saturday, March 23 to 24.

Jazz trombonist Michael Dease is this year’s featured guest artists and will be performing with the TAMUK Jazz Band I during the 7 p.m. concert on Saturday in Jones Auditorium. Tickets are $7 each and are available by calling the music department at 361-593-2803.

Performing at the Friday night concert in Jones Auditorium are Jazz Band IV, Latin Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Band III, and admission is free. An awards presentation will be held that evening, also.

Dease was born in Augusta, Ga., and played the saxophone and trumpet before choosing the trombone when he was 17. In 2001, he moved to New York City to become part of the historic first class of jazz students at The Julliard School, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He also established a reputation as a brilliant soloist, sideperson and leader.

His newest release, Reaching Out, connects his past with his future while honoring his idols and teachers. This is Dease’s fifth album as a band leader and the 11th of his career.

Dease currently teaches jazz trombone with the renowned Michigan State University jazz program and also has been on the faculty at Queens College-CUNY, The New York School and Northeastern University. Many of his current and former students have successful careers in the music world. In addition to his regular teaching job, Dease has done master classes and residencies at the University of North Texas, Scranton University, University of Iowa, Florida State College, Broward College and many institutions abroad.

He is a two-time Grammy award winner, winner of Downbeat magazine’s Critic’s Poll for Rising Star Jazz Trombonist, and is a sought-after lead, section and bass trombonist with today’s leading jazz orchestras.

Dease’s experience with bands includes those led

by Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, Nicholas Payton, Charles Tolliver, Rufus Reid, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band.

In the competition phases this weekend, middle and high school jazz bands compete from 3 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday in Jones Auditorium, and high school band competition continues on Saturday, March 24, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Jones Auditorium and 8:30 to 10 a.m. in the recital hall. Admission is free.

Texas Onion Fest set for March 24

WESLACO –The 29th Annual Texas Onion Fest is scheduled for Saturday, March 24, at the Mayor Pablo Peña City Park with live entertainment, food and attractions.

Texas Onion Fest celebrates the development of the world famous Texas 1015 Onion which was developed in Weslaco at the Texas A&M University Extension Service. The name of the 1015 onion came from the suggested planting date, Oct. 15.

Live entertainment is scheduled all day with musical performances covering a wide range – oldies, country, mariachi, and Tejano. The Main Stage will feature acts including Mariachi Mariposa, Chris Marshall, Beatriz Gonzalez and headliners Lucky Joe and Buck n Crazy.

Rancho Caballo de Puro Raza Azteca will perform in two shows at the Charro Arena, featuring dancing horses.

The famous Onion Eating contest takes place at noon, featuring the Weslaco and Texas Onion Fest pageant courts. Live cooking demonstrations will be held at the Culinary Center, and children can enjoy free kiddie rides beginning at noon.

The 1015 Market will feature local vendors selling a variety of products and offering information, while car enthusiasts will be able to check out vintage and modern vehicles at the Car Show.

Gates open at 9 am. Admission for adults is $6 and $4 for children. Ages 3 and under get in free. Tickets are available online at weslaco. com. Free parking will be available along Airport Drive and Dolores Huerta Ave. Vehicles with a handicap permit will be allowed to park inside the Airport Drive entrance For more information, contact the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce at 956-968-2102.

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EVENTS

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

CALENDAR March 24 – The Edinburg World Birding Center (EWBC) has installed its first Purple Martin house, and interested volunteers, ages 16 and up, are invited to attend “Introduction to Project Martin Watch” training from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The Project Martin Task Force members will meet on Tuesdays and Saturdays, from April through July. The fee for the introduction is $2. To register, call 956-381-9922 or visit edinburgwbc.org. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Road in Edinburg.

March 24 & April 21 – The Edinburg World Birding Center is offering iNaturalist and eBird platform workshops at 3 p.m. Learn how to use wildlife observations platforms, eBird and iNaturalist, for spotting, identifying and receiving help from others involved with the platform. For more information, call 956-381-9922 or visit edinburgwbc.org. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. March 24-25 – The Harlingen Garden Clubs present the 49th Annual Flower Show 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.

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

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 30-April 1 – The Gladys Porter Zoo will hold the annual Bunny Corral and Easter Bazaar Easter weekend with an Easter Bazaar, vendors selling Easter Crafts, a hands-on Bunny Corral. All activities are included with regular admission. For more information, call 956-546-7187. The zoo is located at 500 Ringgold in Brownsville.

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.

March 31 – Celebrate Easter with the EGG-stravaganza at Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset in McAllen, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bring Easter baskets and visit 10 prize egg stations, including a petting zoo, nature place, face painting, nest building and photos with the Easter bunny. Admission is $5 per person with children 2 and under admitted for free. Call 956-681-3370 for information.

March 31 – Learn how to make eco and bird friendly Easter eggs, or cascarones, at the Edinburg World Birding Center (EWBC) from 2 to 3 p.m. Don’t leave behind all the confetti mess by making Easter eggs while benefitting wildlife. Cost is $2 per dozen eggs for EWBC members and $4 per dozen eggs for non-members. Quantities are limited; registration is required. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Road in Edinburg Texas. Call 956-381-9922 for registration or information.

March 31 – In the next Saturday Safari at Gladys Porter Zoo, kids can learn what it would be like “If I Ran the Zoo.” From 1 to 3 p.m., go behind the scenes to learn about zoo operations. 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.

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

BETWEEN THE BOOKENDS the other neighbors—really know about Ove? What is his life story, and just why does he behave the way he does?

Written by Fredrik Backman, and first published in 2012, it is an enlightening, heartwarming story about friendships, understanding and reassessing judgments of others.

Copies of the book will be available to check out for those who sign up for the book discussion. Stop by the library’s Reference Desk, or call at 580-8754 to reserve a copy.

For more information, call William Renner or Rose Alvarez at 580-8754 or 5808750, or by email at reference@missiontexas.us.

Speer Memorial Library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission.

Program focuses on pioneer challenges

EDINBURG – Neil Cassady, a volunteer with the South Texas Border Chapter of the Texas Naturalist Program, will present “It’s a Hard Luck Life: Making a Living in Deep South Texas – Coahuiltecans to Cowboys” on Sunday, March 25, at 2 p.m. at the Museum of South Texas History.

This presentation is a short examination of the special challenges faced by Co-

ahuiltecan Indians, Spanish Colonists, Mexican Rancheros and American Cowboys as they tried to wrest a livelihood from the harsh land of the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

The program is included with regular admission.

MOSTHistory is located at 200 North Closner Blvd.

Call 956-383-6911 for information.

Quinta Mazatlan plans Poetry Night

McALLEN – The staff at Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center will host “Erren Seale – Poetry Night” on Thursday, March 29, for an evening of poetry reading.

McAllen native Erren Seale will recite poetry from “Flame and Melody”

by Jason Mathews – Quinta Mazatlan’s original owner – plus some of Seale’s own

Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability.

DisneyOnIce.com

NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

The general public is invited to join in the discussion of A Man Called Ove at Speer Memorial Library in Mission on Tuesday, April 10, in the library’s Community Room at 6:30 p.m.

Ove is a grumpy 59-yearold man, a perfectionist who strictly complies with the rules, and expects the same of everyone else as well.

In his view, there is a right way and a wrong way to do things, and he just can’t stand people who don’t get things right.

So when a young couple and their two daughters move in next door, a mishap leads to their first encounter with Ove, who lets them know in no uncertain terms what he thinks of their ways.

But how much do they—and

Erren Seale

APR 18 – 22

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By William Renner

Opening Night Tickets Start at $15!

STATE FARM ARENA

March 23, 2018

work. Members of the audience will be invited to share personal stories or annotates about the Matthews and/ or Shultz families. Refreshments will be served.

The program is included in the $3 per person admission to Quinta Mazatlan, located at 600 Sunset. Call 956-681-3370 for more information.

Alton gala celebrates 40th anniversary

ALTON – The Greater Alton Chamber of Commerce, City of Alton and the Alton Development Corporation have joined together to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the city’s incorporation with a Rubies and Diamonds Gala.

The semi-formal, celebratory event is an evening of music, dining, awards, casino games and door prizes

and will be held Saturday, April 7, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Cosmpolitan Banquet Center, 10605 N. Conway in Mission.

Tickets, now on sale, are $50 per person or $475 for a table for 10. To purchase tickets and make reservations, call 956-432-0760 or 956-432-0790

In an effort to talk more about the admittance and congressional nomination processes for the United States service academies, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) will hold a Military Service Academy Night on Monday, March 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mission Center for Education and Economic Development (MEDC) Room 115, 801 N. Bryan Road in Mission.

Four-year service academies include the U.S. Military (Army), Air Force, Naval, Merchant Marine Academy and Coast Guard Academies. These institutions prepare college-age Americans to be commissioned as officers in the active or reserve components of the United States armed

services for a minimum of five years upon graduation.

Congressman Cuellar will consider appointments for candidates from the 28th Congressional District of Texas. Cuellar’s Academy Nominations Selection Committee will determine nominations based on scholastic achievements, leadership performance, athletic participation, community service and motivation.

Parents, teachers and counselors whose children or students are interested in attending a military academy are encouraged to attend.

For more information, contact Pete Arguello with Congressman Cuellar’s office at 210-271-2851 or 877-7800028.

Cuellar hosts military academy night

VMHS students qualify for State SkillsUSA Veterans Memorial High School Cosmetology participated in the SkillsUSA Contest held Feb. 12 at the Mission Community Center.

Competition in the leadership categories was held at TSTC in Harlingen on Feb. 23.

All first place recipients are state qualifiers and will compete in the 2018 SkillsUSA Competition in Corpus Christi on April 5 to 9.

The results of the recent competitions, and those first place students moving on, are as follows: Career Pathways – Dariana De Leon, Lizbeth Meza and Julianna Torres; Entrepreneurship – Chelsey

Gracia, Marcela Rodriguez and Analiza Vega; Customer Service –Jose Espinoza; Community Service – Nicole Flores, Averie Mendez and Alessandra Razo; and Cosmetology Skills – Dariana De Leon.

Finally, in the Job Exhibit category, first place went to the team of Jorge Villarreal, Stephanie Diaz, Adamari Lara, Selina Barrientos, Aniela Mendez, Natalie Cavazos, Deborah De La Garza, Karen Madrigal, Salma Olivo, Francisca Villanueva, Roselly Lopez, Jonas Rocha, Analiza Vega, Briana Luna, Kassandra Pino, Yazmeli, Zuniga, Pilar Treviño and Stephanie Lozoya.

page 4

March 23, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Appellate court’s ruling on immigration law draws reactions AUSTIN — Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on March 13 praised a ruling by a panel of the 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals upholding a new state law that bans sanctuary cities.

The Legislature enacted Senate Bill 4 in 2017 to set a statewide policy of cooperation with federal immigration authorities’ enforcement of the nation’s immigration laws.

“I’m pleased the 5th Circuit recognized that Senate Bill 4 is lawful, constitutional and protects the safety of law enforcement officers and all Texans,” Paxton said.

“Enforcing immigration law prevents the release of individuals from custody who have been charged with serious crimes. Dangerous criminals shouldn’t be allowed back into our communities to possibly commit more crimes.”

The ruling also drew reactions from several lawmakers, including state Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, who serves as chair of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus.

“SB 4 will continue to jeopardize the safety of Texas communities by forcing our local police officers to enforce federal immigration laws instead of keeping families safe. From day one, this law was racially motivated for political gain against the will of local law enforcement and to the detriment of thousands of immigrants who work, live and call Texas home,” Anchia said. “The decision today doesn’t mean that SB 4 won’t lead to abuse of power against Latinos and immigrants. In fact, it likely means citizens’ civil rights will be violated before we

can stop this unjust law in the courts.”

A U.S. District Court in San Antonio granted a preliminary injunction of SB 4 on Aug. 30, two days before the law was scheduled to take effect. On Sept. 25, a three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit ruled that Texas could enforce key provisions of SB 4 while it appealed the lower court ruling. On Nov. 7, Paxton’s office presented its oral argument before a panel of the 5th Circuit in defense of SB 4. Paxton’s office is the key enforcement agency for SB 4 and is accepting complaints regarding entities that violate the law.

Governor asks for tips At least two deaths resulted from the detonation of explosive devices in packages placed at Austin residences recently.

Investigations by law enforcement have been in progress since citizens unwittingly picked up or opened the packages, causing the deadly detonations.

Gov. Greg Abbott on March 12 issued a statement following what he termed “multiple package bombings,” saying, “As the investigation continues, the State of Texas will provide any resources necessary to ensure the safety of our citizens and quickly bring those guilty to justice.”

Abbott also said his Criminal Justice Division is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of anyone involved in the deadly blasts. To be eligible for a cash reward of up to $15,000, tips must be submitted to Texas Crime Stoppers using one of the following methods: — Call the Texas Crime

Stoppers hotline at 1-800252-TIPS; or — Text the letters “DPS” followed by any tip information to 274637.

County lacks jurisdiction Attorney General Paxton on March 16 applauded the First Court of Appeals of Texas after it ruled that Waller County lacks jurisdiction to sue a private citizen who complained that the county unlawfully banned firearms from its government building.

Paxton’s office filed a brief in the case, arguing that it should be dismissed.

In reversing a Waller County district court’s ruling, the Court of Appeals held that Terry Holcomb Sr. had a constitutional right to send a letter to Waller County asking it to comply with Texas’ open carry laws without fear of a retaliatory and meritless lawsuit.

Zika cases are reported The Texas Department of State Health Services on March 13 received reports of the first Texas Zika cases of 2018, two cases involving residents of Williamson County who got sick while abroad.

People should remember to protect themselves from mosquito bites this spring as they travel, particularly to warmer climates where Zika is more prevalent, such as Central and South America and the Caribbean, the DSHS said.

Zika is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause fever, rash, muscle and joint aches and red eyes. Zika has also been linked to microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with the virus while pregnant.

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Anzalduas, McAllen-Hidalgo Bridges to Invest in Additional CBP Man Hours in Anticipation of Heavy Holiday Traffic

MCALLEN, TX - In anticipation of increased holiday traffic for the upcoming Easter holiday, the Anzalduas International Bridge and McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge are once again taking part in a unique federal program that allows public or private entities to pay for overtime hours for officers from U.S. Customs & Border Protection in order to assist CBP with having additional lanes open and management officers on hand. Beginning on Friday, March 23 and continuing on Sunday, March 25 and then again on Thursday, March 29, the Anzalduas International Bridge and McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge will have additional supervisors managing the lanes to expedite their processes.

Anzalduas International Bridge will have two traffic management lanes from 8:00 a.m. thru 4:00 p.m. on March 23; March 25; and March 29, 2018.

McAllen Hidalgo International Bridge will have two additional lanes from 8:00 a.m. thru 4:00 p.m. on March 25 and March 29, 2018.

This coincides with the influx of visitors that descend upon the city of McAllen during Holy Week leading up to Easter, which is a special holiday for Mexico. The additional overtime hours will begin this Friday; on Palm Sunday, March 25 and Holy Thursday, March 29).

“For the entire Rio Grande Valley which relies heavily on the impact of Mexican shoppers to our retail and hospitality driven economy, being able to minimize their bridge wait times and get them into our community is a worthwhile and valuable investment,” said City of McAllen Mayor Jim Darling. “Aside from the economic consideration to our city, being able to reduce the time families, with young children and elderly spend on the bridge, will hopefully convey to our Mexican friends that their comfort and well-being is important to us.”

The program is known as the 560 and refers to the reimbursable fee agreement program from CBP in order to request overtime services from the federal agency. The

program was put into place in 2014 after repeated requests from border communities for additional officers during Mexican and U.S. holidays which bring an increase in bridge traffic with prolonged wait times from the increased shoppers as well as commerce and goods during these times.”

According to Rigoberto Villarreal, City of McAllen Superintendent of Bridges, on average, the Anzalduas Bridge sees 3,000 daily crossers, with an average wait time of 60 minutes.

During “holidays, traffic increases approximately 65%, with the bridge seeing approximately 5,000 crossers with wait times between two to three hours, without the additional overtime help.

The Anzalduas International Bridge will invest a total of $23,040 into the program, to help cover the overtime services for CBP, said McAllen City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E. Since the program’s inception, the City of McAllen has participated in the 560 program many times.”

Agua SUD, Palmview interlocal agreement moving forward

By Jose De Leon III After signing an interlocal agreement earlier this month with the city of Palmview that absolved the Agua Special Utility District of any responsibility in repaving several city streets, both entities are still working on that interlocal agreement.

During an Agua SUD board meeting held Monday, the board discussed an amendment to that interlocal agreement where the city will be working with the county to completely repave up to 20 miles of roadway that have been dug up as a result of the Palmview wastewater project, leaving them damaged.

However, contractors are only getting paid to replace the part of the road that is dug up and the Texas Water Development Board won’t pay for the re-paving of the entire roadway, leaving the city to put in $1.6 million to ensure the streets are fully paved at the responsibility of the city and the county.

At Monday’s Agua meeting, Palmview interim City Manager Leonardo Oliveres

said the county was requesting 90 days for paving the streets as well as rainy days, double the days they had originally requested when the agreement was originally signed.

“It’s just a precaution,” Victor Gallardo, a representative from Hidalgo County Precinct 3 said Wednesday. “ I’ve seen situations where the paving machine breaks, leading to a delay of two weeks as that machine gets fixed so we’re making sure we have a window to get this done properly.”

In the agreement, Agua would have to turn the streets over to the city after they’ve installed connections to nearly 330 vacant lots in the city that council is hoping will end up connecting to the wastewater system. The city is investing $950,000 for the project.

Gallardo, however, could not attend Monday’s meeting where the Agua board voted instead to keep the 45 days of paving subject to legal review.

“With 90 days of paving, we’re looking at seeing the paving completed by the

middle of the year, that’s a long wait,” Agua SUD Board President Rogelio Hernandez III said. “I don’t want Agua to be held liable in case anything happens because of the length of the project.”

According to Gallardo, the interlocal agreement will be between the county and the city, but the agreement has to be approved in the county commissioner’s court.

“It’s going to get approved, but we have to present it first,” Gallardo said, adding that after a legal review the agreement should be presented to the commissioner’s court within the first two weeks of April.

“Hopefully there’s no hiccups and we can get it over to the city and once they approve it then we’ll bring it over to the commissioner’s court,” he said. “I understand Agua doesn’t want any complaints in this issue and I believe the TWDB also said they wanted 45 days on this project so we’re going to ensure we get this done fast.

Hopefully we don’t get any major rain that causes a delay in the project.”

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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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Anonymous cards or letters are neither read nor printed. Letters may be submitted by e-mail to letters@progresstimes.net, but must include the author’s name and daytime phone number.

March 23, 2018

Sports week

page 5

THE

BIG7

www.ptrgv.com/sports

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

Big 7 soccer gearing up for playoff run - State playoffs kickoff next week

By Bryan Ramos The chase for a state championship kicks off next week as soccer teams across Texas prepare for the playoffs. The Big 7 is well represented in this year’s postseason on both the boys and girls side with eight qualifiers, including two district champions.

Boys Soccer Juarez-Lincoln Huskies The Juarez-Lincoln Huskies and Head Coach Victor Ramos earned another district title in 2018 after cruising to an 11-1 record in 30-6A play. With one goal already accomplished, the Huskies are focused on making a run at the state title after falling one game short of a championship appearance last year. Led by the dynamic play of seniors Manuel Cas-

trejon, Gerardo Reyes and Leonardo Pruneda, the Huskies finished the regular season with a 27-5-1 record and ranked 7th in the state among 6A programs. The Huskies enter the playoffs riding a nine-game winning streak and hope to extend that win streak to double-digits when they face Del Rio in the first round. Time, date and location are to be announced.

Mission Eagles Mission High is the only team that holds a win over the district champion Huskies, proving that the Eagles can play with top talent. The Eagles are locked into the second seed in 30-6A with a 7-4 record and the team’s final district contest coming tonight against the last place McHi Bulldogs. The Eagles first round playoff matchup is slated for Thursday, March

29 against Laredo Lyndon B. Johnson High School at 7 p.m. in the Tom Landry Stadium in Mission.

La Joya Coyotes The La Joya Coyotes have clinched a playoff spot with a 6-5 record and have one game left in the regular season--a rivalry meeting against the Palmview Lobos, who are on the outside looking in on the postseason. In the first round of the playoffs, the La Joya Coyotes drew San Antonio Southwest.

Sharyland Rattlers The Sharyland Rattlers finished second in District 31-5A for the second consecutive year, three games behind the unbeaten Valley View Tigers. The Rattlers have proven to be perennial playoff contenders and look to make some noise in this year’s first round as they are

slated to face the Brownsville Porter Cowboys at 6 p.m. Friday, March 30 at Weslaco East High School.

Pioneer Diamondbacks The Diamondbacks are back in the playoffs for the first time since the 20142015 season, the first year Pioneer opened its doors. Now, Head Coach Alex Lopez and the Diamondbacks are ready to make a run at the playoffs in 2018 as Pioneer finished third in District 31-5A, setting up a first round matchup with Brownsville Veterans Memorial at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 29 at Mercedes High School Stadium.

Girls Soccer Sharyland Lady Rattlers The Sharyland Lady Rattlers claimed another district title in 31-5A, this time with Head Coach Mario Ribera at the helm, his first year with

the program. Boasting a 255-1 record on the year and an impressive 15-1 in district play, the Lady Rattlers are rolling into postseason action. Senior forward Kaitie Watson prepares for her final shot at the playoffs and is hoping to leave her mark on the program she’s helped dominate for the past four years. The Lady Rattlers are set to take on Brownsville Veterans Memorial at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 30 at Sharyland High School.

Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks The race for the District 31-5A championship came down to a race between rivals, the Lady Diamondbacks and Lady Rattlers.

Although Pioneer is the only team to beat Sharyland in district action this year, the Lady Diamondbacks fin-

ished just short of 31-5A title, but have enough talent to make a run in this year’s postseason. Led by the play of senior midfielder Andrea Reyes, the Lady Diamondbacks will face Brownsville Porter at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 29 at Pioneer High School.

Juarez-Lincoln Lady Huskies The Lady Huskies clinched the fourth and final playoff spot in District 30-6A after playing to a 6-6 record on the year. Juarez-Lincoln did just enough to qualify for the postseason, going 6-0 against La Joya, Palmview, Mission, but lost each outing against McHi, Memorial and Nikki Rowe, the district’s other three playoff qualifiers.

Details of the Juarez-Lincoln Lady Huskies’ first round matchup is to be announced.

Bats booming for the Lady Coyotes - La Joya unbeaten in 30-6A, chasing a district title Confidence is key for the Lady Coyotes. Every time the group steps onto the field, they believe they’re going to win.

The winning mindset Head Coach Charlie Rodriguez has instilled in his team has La Joya off to a 4-0 start in District 30-6A and 16-8 on the year. Even more impressive, they’re outscoring district opponents 62-5 in those four games.

“They play with a lot of confidence,” said Rodriguez. “They come out and they believe they’re going to win every game. Has it happened? No, we haven’t won every game, but the effort is always there and they believe they’re going to win. We have an aggressive approach to the at-bats and we’ve done well, so far. I’m happy with where we’re at.”

The Lady Coyotes’ aggressive approach was on display in the team’s latest outing, a dominant 16-0 victory over Juarez-Lincoln Tuesday night at La Joya High School. The Lady Coyotes pounced on the Lady Huskies early and didn’t relent until the game was called after three innings due to the 15-run rule.

In La Joya’s first at-bat, leadoff hitter and senior shortstop Monica Garcia set the tone with a booming homerun that skied over the centerfield wall. The Lady Coyotes’ went on to score nine more first inning runs, followed by six in the second inning to give La Joya a commanding 16-0 lead.

Garcia has four home runs on the year and said her mentality has been to grind from day one. The grind has paid off with positive results as Garcia, a Coastal Bend College softball commit, is

batting leadoff for the Lady Coyotes for the first time in her career.

“My mentality was to come in, do work, get the grind going with the girls and win district,” she said. “I would say the work ethic is the key to our start. We work hard, practice hard and always get it done.”

Garcia finished the game with one home run and four RBIs, while fellow senior Alexandra Alaniz went 3-for-3 with three RBIs and two runs.

The pair of Alaniz and Garcia provide the Lady Coyotes with power, leadership and experience in the lineup which has rubbed off on their teammates.

“The biggest key has mostly been leadership,” Alaniz said. “It’s not just seniors leading, it’s the juniors, the sophomores, the freshmen stepping up and doing their jobs. It’s also discipline, we’re determined to go for that district championship. We really want to make a come back this year and it’s really our motivation right now.”

One of those teammates who has stepped right in to a significant role is Leslie Ochoa, a sophomore utility player with sound defensive ability and another threat at the plate for La Joya.

Ochoa went 2-for-2 against Juarez-Lincoln with a pair of doubles and one RBI. “We work so hard for this,” Ochoa said. “Last year, we were pushing ourselves to do as best as we can and even though we didn’t get district, we pushed ourselves all summer, all offseason to be number one this year.

Fight every team, treat every team the same way and it’s been working out good for us.”

La Joya senior pitcher Sabrina Salinas’ is leading the way on the mound for the Lady Coyotes. A 30-6A All-District 1st Teamer a year ago, Salinas racked up six strikeouts in just three innings and has been out to prove she deserves to be in the conversation for this year’s district Most Valuable Player award.

“On the mound, I know that as long as I put the ball there and do my job, I have no problem with the bats coming up to play,” she said.

“It really makes me more confident because I can put any pitch wherever I want to, because I know we can come back and I know we can get ahead, so it’s really confi- La Joya third baseman, Alex Alaniz, slides home safely during the second inning of the Lady Coyotes’ 16-0 win over the Juarez-Lincoln Lady Huskies dence-boosting.

I just want to take my Tuesday evening. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra team far and dominate as much as I can,” she said.

“I have a lot of people who doubt me and I’m competing for MVP this year. My mentality is just proving people wrong.”

Next up for the Lady Coyotes is Nikki Rowe (12-8-1, 3-1), another 30-6A team who has district title aspirations of their own. La Joya swept the Lady Warriors by a combined score of 19-5 in their two meetings a season ago and is looking for more of the same as the Lady Coyotes hope to tighten their hold on the district lead.

“We have to go out and compete like we do and we’ll be fine,” Rodriguez said.

“The team goal has been to Integrity, Hardworking, win a district title, they reTransparency, Honesty, ally have worked hard and worked together towards it.”

Collaboration The Lady Coyotes and Lady Warriors are set to meet tonight, Friday, March 23 at 7 p.m. at Nikki Rowe High School, as both teams fight their way through district play.

Dr. Armando O’caña “Mission is My Vision” New Voice, Your Voice, Your Choice

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The public is invited to cheer on the athletes at the Special Olympics soccer competition this Saturday at Reveriano Hernandez Soccer Fields in Mission.

Special Olympics soccer competition is March 24 Approximately 160 Special Olympics Texas athletes from across the Rio Grande Valley will show off their soccer skills and go toe-totoe on the pitch at Reveriano Hernandez Soccer Fields in Mission on Saturday, March 24. The competition is open to the public and free to attend.

Events get underway

with the opening ceremony a 9 a.m., followed by a skills competition and five-aside play, which will run until approximately 1 p.m. To qualify for the competition, teams have trained for a minimum of eight weeks.

Action will also include Unified Soccer, featuring athletes with and without intellectual and developmental

disabilities playing 5-on-5 soccer.

Teams comprised of athletes 12 years and older will also be playing to qualify for the state competition summer games set for May 25 to 27 at UT-Arlington.

For more information, contact Lauro Garza at lgarza@sotx.org or 956-6303434.

“

By Bryan Ramos

- Focus on downtown Revitalization - Focus on public safety - Focus on economic growth for all areas of Mission - Focus on youth development today for a better tomorrow

If you would like more details, feel free to call me 956-222-5739

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Dr. Armando O’caña For Mission Mayor EARLY VOTING APRIL 23 - MAY 1 Political Ad Paid for By Candidate

page 6

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March 23, 2018

2018 PLAYO

“Success is no accident.

It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.”

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CONGRATULATIO

boys 30-6A District Champs

Best of luck from the Board of Trustees!

Juarez-Lincoln Huskies

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March 23, 2018

page 7

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8 SOCCER OFF BOUND

ONS! GOOD LUCK!

“I am a member of a team and I rely on the team. I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion.” ~ Mia Hamm

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The CiTy of Palmview

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ya es

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Ricardo Villarreal Councilman

Javier Ramirez Councilman

Joel Garcia Councilman

Linda Sarabia Councilwoman

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La Joya ISD congratulates the Huskies & Coyotes on a successful season and wishes them the very best in the Playoffs.

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page 8

March 23, 2018

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Man dumped his dead girlfriend at Mission hospital, drove away

By Dave Hendricks Investigators arrested a Palmview man last week after he dumped a dead woman at Mission Regional Medical Center and drove away — leaving her naked body behind, according to police.

Cydnie Lauren Herrera, 28, of Palmview died on March 16.

Herrera struggled with substance abuse problems, including crack cocaine, according to court records.

Investigators believe she suffered a drug overdose at the Palmview Inn Motel.

Her boyfriend, Jaime Sandoval Treviño Jr., 39, of Palmview, left Herrera at the hospital a few minutes before midnight Friday, Barrera said. Officers arrested him on Saturday morning.

The toxicology report will take approximately 10 days,

Barrera said. After police review the results, they’ll determine the appropriate charges.

Barrera said investigators may charge Treviño with tampering with evidence.

Depending on the circumstances, tampering with evidence involving a human corpse may be a second-degree felony or a Class A misdemeanor.

Officers collected evidence from Room 3 at the motel on Saturday. They also plan to execute a search warrant on Treviño’s car.

For now, Treviño is jailed on a criminal trespass charge from August 2017.

County Court at Law Judge Sergio Valdez ordered Treviño held without bond on Wednesday morning.

He remains at the Hidalgo County jail and couldn’t be reached for comment.

Jaime Treviño.

Cydnie Herrera

(Photo credit: Courtesy of the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office)

(Photo credit: Courtesy of the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office)

Informant sentenced to 20 years after feds seize fake cocaine

By Dave Hendricks A drug trafficker who cooperated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — providing key assistance for “four major seizures and numerous spinoff cases” — will spend 20 years in prison after lab tests revealed federal agents had actually seized fake cocaine during two of the drug busts.

U.S. District Judge Ricardo Hinojosa sentenced Carlos Guerrero, 45, of San Juan on March 15.

“Well, I would just like to offer an apology to you, your honor, to the United States, to the prosecution and to ask for your mercy,” Guerrero said, speaking through an interpreter during the sentencing hearing.

Hinojosa sentenced Guerrero to the mandatory minimum, 20 years in federal prison followed by 10 years supervised release.

Agents with Homeland Security Investigations, a division of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, arrested Guerrero on May 25, 2015, according to court records.

When they searched Guerrero’s garage, agents found 36 bundles of cocaine. They also seized about $36,000 cash.

Guerrero had already served a prison sentence for drug trafficking. If convicted on the new charges, he faced 20 years in federal prison.

Three months later, Guerrero pleaded guilty and started cooperating with the gov-

ernment, according to court records.

“Defendant then entered into a cooperation agreement with the Government in that case, and subsequently during the following time period of July/August 2015 until late 2016, provided the Government with substantial assistance that resulted in four major seizures and numerous spin-off cases in various jurisdictions — both out of state, and locally,” according to a motion filed by Guerrero’s attorney.

Two cases where Guerrero provided “substantial assistance,” though, fell apart when federal agents realized they had seized fake cocaine.

In September 2015, federal agents monitored Guerrero while he negotiated with a supplier, according to the criminal complaint against him. They agreed to transport cocaine from McAllen to Philadelphia.

Federal agents seized 30 bundles of cocaine during the operation.

“Following the seizure, agents inspected the bundles and observed many of the bundles were not consistent with bundles of cocaine commonly seized from drug traffickers,” according to the criminal complaint.

Lab tests revealed five bundles were fake: They contained just 3.8 percent cocaine.. Only one bundle contained high-purity cocaine.

Kilogram-sized bundles of cocaine seized in the Rio Grande Valley typically test

75 to 80 percent pure, according to Paul Adams, a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration forensic chemist who testified during a December trial involving fake cocaine.

Federal agents found similar problems in February 2016, when Guerrero negotiated with the same supplier to transport cocaine from McAllen to Atlanta, according to the criminal complaint. They seized another 30 bundles, but the bundles looked odd.

The cocaine had been “altered substantially,” according to a motion filed by Guerrero’s attorney.

Court records don’t include details about the purity of bundles seized during the February 2016 operation.

Why the bundles contained only trace amounts of cocaine remains unclear.

Homeland Security Investigations declined to comment on the case. Guerrero’s attorney also declined to comment.

Bundles with trace amounts of cocaine usually indicate someone staged a cocaine bust to conceal a theft.

“Agents are aware that individuals involved in the transportation of narcotics will often attempt to steal cocaine with a high purity level which has been provided to them and replace it with diluted (“sham”) cocaine,” according to the criminal complaint. “These individuals often want the diluted cocaine to be seized by law

Carlos Guerrero (Photo credit: Courtesy of the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office)

enforcement to cover the theft.”

During an interview with federal agents, the supplier said Guerrero took possession of the cocaine several days before the September 2015 and February 2016 drug busts, according to the criminal complaint. After interviewing the supplier, federal agents arrested Guerrero on new drug trafficking charges.

Prosecutors also proceeded with the long-delayed sentencing for Guerrero’s original drug trafficking case from May 2015.

“This case has been very problematic. And we’ve been back-and-forth, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and myself. It’s been touch-andgo for quite some time,” said Attorney Arnulfo Guerra, who represented Guerrero during the sentencing hearing. “Didn’t turn out the way my client and I had anticipated some time back.”

Peñitas man who drank Four Lokos before crash faces 4 felony charges

By Dave Hendricks

A photo of the Palmview Inn Motel.

(Photo by Dave Hendricks)

A Peñitas man who drank Four Loko before driving now faces four felony charges, according to court records.

Raul Teran, 18, of Peñitas is charged with four counts

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of intoxication assault with a vehicle, a third-degree felony.

State troopers arrested Teran last week after investigating a car crash northwest of Palmview.

At 7:23 p.m. on March 12, state troopers respond-

ed to the scene of a major wreck near the intersection of Abram Road and 4 Mile Line, where a Chevrolet Silverado collided with a commercial truck.

Paramedics identified Teran as the driver of the Silverado.

The state trooper who approached Teran “immediately smelled a strong odor of alcoholic beverage,” according to the criminal complaint. He admitted drinking “Four Lokos,” a type of malt beverage.

Teran failed the standard field sobriety test, according to the criminal complaint. He also failed a breath test.

Troopers transported Teran to McAllen Medical Center for evaluation. After doctors cleared him, troopers drove Teran to the Hidalgo County jail for booking.

Justice of the Peace Jaime “Jerry” Muñoz set bond at $3,000 for each felony charge. If convicted, Teran faces a maximum of 10 years in prison on each count.

Court records don’t list an attorney for Teran, who couldn’t be reached for comment.

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March 23, 2018

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obituaries Elma Cisneros MISSION – Elma G. Cisneros, 77, passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2018.

Mrs. Cisneros was born in Rio Grande City on July 23, 1940, to Isidro and Anastacia Guerrero.

Survivors include her children, Elodia Bazán; Romeo Guerrero Sr., Raúl Guerrero Sr., Verónica De Los Ríos, Santiago Cisneros and Anastacia Cisneros; siblings, María Garza, Arcaría Rodríguez, Delia Guerrero, Martha Olivas, Isidro Guerrero Jr. and Juan Guerrero; and 24 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Telesforo Cisneros; siblings, Sylvia Guerrero, Rene Guerrero and Jose Guerrero; and great-grandson, Brandon Bazan.

A funeral service was held on March 17 Funeraria Del Angel in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens.

Eduardo Garza Jr. MISSION – Eduardo “Ed” Garza Jr., 69, passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Garza was born in McAllen on Oct. 28, 1948, to Eddie and Dora Garza of Mission. A United States Navy veteran, he served two terms. He married Eloisa Contreras on May 31, 1986, in Mission. He was an original member of the Innkeepers band and retired as an electronic technician.

Survivors include his wife; daughters, Ongela Abudawoud and Katrina Garza; sister, Anna Jones; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie B. Garza Sr. and Dora V. Garza, and sister, Rebecca McCrea.

Burial was held on March 22 at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.

Stanley McMahon Jr. LONGVIEW – Stanley Leroy McMahon Jr., 86, passed away on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at Treviso Transitional Care in Longview.

Mr. McMahon was born on Jan. 6, 1932 in Meadville, Pa., to the late Stanley Leroy Sr. and Helene Winters McMahon. After graduating from Meadville High School, he moved to Mission to help construct his parents’ home.

He married Celestine Rose Doffing on Dec. 21, 1952, in Mission.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in May 1952. During his service, he was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Norman, Okla., and served aboard the USS Kearsarge, an aircraft carrier in the Korean War before being honorably discharged in 1956.

Upon his return to Mission, he was employed for 38 years by the United States Postal Service in the Mission office before retiring in 1994.

He moved to Longview in 2015 to be closer to family.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years; children, Michael McMahon of Longview, Ann Johnson of Wimberley and William McMahon of Covington, Tenn.; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, David Marshall McMahon and Gloria McMahon Seitz.

A funeral mass was held on March 16 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mission with Rev. Patrick Seitz officiating. A graveside service followed at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.

Efrin Miranda Jr. MISSION – Efren Miranda Jr., 69, passed away on Monday, March 18, 2018, at his home in Mission.

Mr. Miranda was an active member of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mission.

Survivors include his wife, Irma Miranda of Mission; children, Angelica Miranda, Dr. Efren Miranda III, Erika Miranda-Carter, Claudia Miranda, Crystal Miranda and Diego Miranda; siblings, Yolanda, Gilbert, Maria, Alejandro, Ricardo, Bertha, David and Stevie; and 13 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Efren Sr. and Guadalupe Miranda, and brother, Jesus Miranda A funeral mass will be held on Friday, March 23, at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Holy Rosary. Burial follows at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission with full military honors.

Jane Vaughan Shary Morris ROCKWALL – Jane Vaughan (Shary) Morris was born on December 14, 1953, in San Antonio, Texas, to John Harry Shary II and Nancy Vaughan Jones.

She passed away on Friday, March 16, 2018, in Rockwall, Texas.

She was one of several siblings who grew up in the Rio Grande Valley area.

Vaughan attended Sharyland High School and graduated Class of ‘72. She then went on to college at Texas A&M

University and earned several Bachelor Degrees in Science and Education.

While at TAMU Vaughan met David Lewis Morris and they were married on May 20, 1978. They raised two beautiful children together, David and Katie.

As a mother she always put her children before herself. She spent many late nights helping create inventive school projects, running carpools and telling ghost stories that would keep everyone up all night. Vaughan was always there to educate, laugh with, cry with and discover new things. She was an amazing inspiration with her dedication to her faith and family.

As a wife she was a loving, caring, supportive partner, bringing her beautiful spirit for life to the union that made the marital journey exciting and adventurous. Spontaneous and energetic, she and her husband shared and grew together in their spiritual life, lifting each other and enjoying the wonderful friendship and relationships developed with her church friends who she loved so much.

Vaughan always had a creative side to her. She was talented in many ways, but one area of her creativity that she was passionate about was gardening. She enjoyed channeling her creative landscape and plant knowledge into creating a beautiful space for her family and friends to enjoy. Soon this hobby became a fulltime career when she began a small landscape design business in Rockwall called “Vaughanie’s Backyard.”

She was a Rockwall County Master Gardener for over 20 years, formally and informally teaching and educating friends, family and total strangers about what “would and would not grow” in the local area. Horticulture was truly her passion!

Vaughan was also a per-

ChurCh DireCtory BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH 2820 N. Conway Ave. • 581-1411 CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 2322 N. McColl. - McAllen 682-2092 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 5609 S 29th St. - McAllen 682-4881 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 2Mile & Bryan Rd Mission.

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Missonaries • 580-2570 CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH 911 N. Main - McAllen 686-4241 CONWAY AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 2215 N. Conway • 585-2413 EL FARO BIBLE CHURCH 15 miles W. of Mission on Exp. 83 Sullivan City, TX • 585-5617 EL MESIAS UNITED METHODIST 209 E. 6th • 585-2334 FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 3 miles N. Shary Rd. • 581-1465 FAITH FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH 1 mile N. Exp. 83 on Tom Gill Rd. 519-6311 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1302 Doherty • 585-1442 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 12th and Miller - Mission 585-7281 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1102 Ash St. • 585-4829 for worship schedule.

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

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

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

585-3203 PEÑITAS BAPTIST CHURCH 1/3 Mile S. of Exp.83 on FM 1427 583-6236 PRIMERA BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of 6th & Oblate 585-4711

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

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

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fectionist, as most creative people are, and so there was always more to do on a project until it was just right.

She and Dave loved to garden, travel, scuba dive, vacation with family, hike and tour every single nursery and botanical garden along her life journey. Most of all, she loved being with her family.

Vaughan enjoyed gathering with her family for a meal or traveling back to San Antonio to spend time with her mother, with whom she is very close.

Vaughan was a selfless, generous, caring, loving woman who will truly be missed beyond measure. She was a woman of faith, and it was this faith that has carried her through her life. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Rockwall.

Vaughan’s life will continue to be remembered and celebrated by her wonderful husband of 40 years, Dave Morris; children, David Morris and wife Lauren and Katie Huff and husband Chris; mother, Nancy Cheever and husband Charlie; and siblings, John Shary, Bob Shary and wife Shannon, Mike Shary and wife Gretchen, Liz Ann Orr and husband Bill and Mici Graham and husband Brad; along with many more relatives and close friends.

Vaughan was greeted in Heaven by her father, John Shary, II. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at First United Methodist Church, 1200 E. Yellow Jacket Lane, Rockwall, 75087, with Dr. Joe Pool officiating. A gathering for family and friends will be held at the church prior to the service beginning at 1 p.m. Inurnment will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, March 26, 2018, at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, 5000 W. Harrison Rd., Longview, in 75604. Memorials Vaughan’s honor can be made to Aleluya Ministries, Bob and Donna Griffin, PO Box 4107, McAllen, TX 78502.

In honor of Vaughan’s lively personality, please wear bright colors to the service.

Juan Peña MISSION – Juan A. Peña, 60, passed away on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg.

Mr. Peña was born May 14, 1957, to Rodolfo Peña Sr. and Juana Garza in Milpas, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

He was a lifelong resident of Mission and was employed with Briggs Equipment in Pharr.

Survivors include his wife, Maria Garza Peña; children; LeRoy Peña and Deborah Peña; siblings, Rodolfo Pena Jr., Alvaro Peña, Miguel Peña, Velia Hernandez, Maribel Padron and Blanca Peña; and a grandson.

A funeral mass was held on March 17 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Abram.

Joyce Revock MISSION – Joyce Lee Revock, 91, passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2018, at McAllen Heart Hospital.

Mrs. Revock was born on Aug. 5, 1926, in Galveston to Leo Giusti and Dorothy May Fletcher. She was an active member at St. Paul’s Altar Society and served a number of years as a member of the Mission Regional Medical Center Auxiliary.

Survivors include her children, Brenda Garcia of McAllen, Gail Revock and Janet Kosina of Middleburg, Fla., Laura Maples of Katy and Karen Wipf of Midland; and seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Revock.

A funeral mass was held on March 20 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mission.

Burial will be held at New Calvary Cemetery in Flint,

page 9

Mich., at a later date.

Edelmiro Treviño Sr. MISSION – Edelmiro R. Treviño Sr., 84, passed away on March 17, 2018 at Methodist Hospital in Houston.

Survivors include his children, Elvira Caballero, Elma Treviño, Ermilo Treviño and Fernando Treviño, and 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Andrea S. Treviño; son, Edelmiro Treviño Jr.; and parents, Pedro and Elvira Treviño.

A funeral mass was held on March 22 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mission.

Hector Valadez MISSION – Hector Reynaldo “La Zorra” Valadez, 85, passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center.

Mr. Valadez was born on March 14, 1933, in Mission.

He graduated from Mission High School in 1952 and attended Pan American College. He served in the Korean War and retired from the United States Postal Service after 36 years.

He played high school, college and semi-pro baseball: Pan American Broncs, U.S. Army, Los Bandidos, Benji’s Corner of McAllen and the 30/30 semi pro team. He was mentored by Leo Najo, the first Mexican American to play professional ball. He coached Pony and Colt League teams in Mission for many years and was the head coach for the Hidalgo County Colt League World Series Champions in 1962. He was inducted into Leo Najo Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Irene Valadez; sons Rey Valadez Jr., Joe Valadez, Rick Valadez, Bobby Valdez, Roy Valadez; and 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Santana and Juanita Valadez, and brothers, Roberto Valadez, Jose Valadez, Antonio Tijerina and Ramiro Tijerina.

A funeral was held on March 22 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were his five sons and nephew, Rey Garcia Jr., and, as honorary pallbearer, Hector Garcia.

Sylvia Yanes MISSION – Sylvia Ann Yanes, 56, passed away on Friday, March 16, 2018, at Pax Villa Hospice in McAllen.

Survivors include her mother, Severa Yanes, and sister, Rosemary Villegas.

She was preceded in death by her father Adam Yanes.

A funeral mass was on March 21 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Lord & I Cemetery in Palmview.

Notices Opal Billman MISSION – Opal Louise Billman, 85, passed away on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at her home.

Roberto Gomez MISSION – Roberto Gomez, 66, passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Susana Guerrero ALTON – Susana Baez Guerrero, 60, passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2018, at her home in Alton.

Maximo Hinojosa MISSION – Maximo Solis Hinojosa, 73, passed away on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center.

Victor Reyes MISSION – Victor Reyes, 76, passed away on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

page 10

OPENING SOON Garza is enthusiastic about how the Mission Event Center will impact the community.

“Truly, it’s going to be a help for quality of life,” Garza said. “The event center will be replacing, at one point or another, the Mission Community Center.”

Garza said he understood the memories and experiences had at the Mission Community Center were cherished by many residents of Mission.

“The event center is not only going to continue bringing in those family social events together, but at the same time we’re going to have the opportunity to showcase other types of community events.”

from pg. 1 According to the city manager, the City of Mission is hoping to promote this venue for a variety of events, trade shows, conferences, and seminars.

“We’re going to have car shows, boat shows, musical events, and art events,” Garza said. “And so, it’s an area that’s going to be very diverse, and continuing what we’ve been doing at the community center, but also bringing in new venues to the City of Mission.”

Garza also said that school districts will be having ceremonies there, churches will be renting the venue, and businesses can hold trainings. He expects positive reactions from the public.

“One of the things that

we wanted to make sure of, is that we are not competing with the private industry of the business owners here in Mission,” Garza said. “Like Mario’s Ballroom, and the other ballrooms that are out there.”

According to the city manager, the city wanted to make sure they focused on a different market with a different size. They did not want to take business from local merchants and business owners.

“The project has been very welcomed by the general public,” Garza said.

“They’re very excited. We keep getting calls asking when we’re going to open, and there’s a lot of bookings already.”

AGUA SUD

political party in western Hidalgo County. Peña is running with a rival slate called Team Agua SUD, supported

by Director Homer Tijerina and former Peñitas Mayor Marcos Ochoa.

With four seats on the ballot — representing Sullivan City, La Joya, Peñitas and Mission — the winning team may form a majority on the seven-member board.

The election follows two years of turmoil, which left the utility district without a permanent general manager and mired in a public fight with state lawmakers.

After Executive Director Julio Cerda resigned in September 2016, the board appointed Oscar Cancino to replace him. Cancino lasted less than a year. His replacement, General Manager Richard LeFevre, quit after just a few months on the job.

The utility district also feuded with state Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen.

Hinojosa said he became concerned about a reciprocal employment relationship between the utility district

March 23, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

from pg. 1 board and the school board.

Two school board trustees — President Oscar “Coach” Salinas and Vice President Armin Garza — worked for the utility district. Meanwhile, a majority of the utility board members worked at the school district.

Hinojosa authored Senate Bill 814, which banned the arrangement. After lawmakers passed the bill, the utility district approved six-figure severance packages for the school board trustees.

Garza got $268,000, according to utility district records. Salinas received $221,000.

Concern about the severance payments prompted Peña, a construction contractor with no political background, to run for the board.

“I’m just doing it for the people,” Peña said during a candidate meet-and-greet hosted by former La Joya school board Trustee J.J. Garza, who’s awaiting sentencing for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Sandoval wasn’t on the utility board when the severance packages were ap-

proved.

“I understand that people are mad because of that. It’s understandable,” Sandoval said. “But I’m not there to do anything like that. I’m just there trying to represent Sullivan City. To help the people.”

Peña also questioned why the utility district paid Sullivan City about $134,000 to fix El Pinto Road, but didn’t require the city to hire a professional contractor. To save money, the mayor and city workers decided to rebuild the road themselves.

If the work isn’t completed correctly, the money will be wasted, Peña said.

Sandoval said he counted the El Pinto Road project among the board’s major accomplishments, along with lowering meter fees to spur development.

“That’s a big plus right there,” Sandoval said about the lower meter fees, which had become a major obstacle to commercial development in western Hidalgo County.

“But people don’t see that.”

Early voting starts April 23. Election day is May 5.

Mission Regional Medical Center Announces New Physician Specialist is latest addition to team of doctors

Mission Regional Medical Center is pleased to welcome Gloria Ortiz, MD to the hospital medical staff. Dr. Ortiz specializes in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism.

Dr. Gloria Ortiz was born in the Dominican Republic and received her medical degree from Universidad Católica 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 Dr. Gloria Ortiz, MD is the latest Chief Resident. She subsequently physician to join the Mission obtained a fellowship in patient safety and Regional Medical Center Staff. satisfaction. Dr. Ortiz led the hospital’s “My approach to medicine is successful effort to increase HCAHPS to provide the best care possible, educate my patients, and survey scores throughout the organization. prevent future illness and disThis experience helped develop her ease,” said Dr. Ortiz. 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.

Dr. Ortiz has been a physician for over 15 years, and now focuses on the treatment of endocrine related diseases such as diabetes, obesity and thyroid dysfunction, including nodules and thyroid cancer.

She 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. She is also a member of the following organizations; American Diabetes Association, American Thyroid Association and the Endocrine Society.

“We are pleased that Dr. Ortiz decided to develop her practice in our community,” said Kane, Dawson, Chief Executive Officer, Mission Regional Medical Center. “Her clinical expertise will enhance patient care and our ability to serve and treat our patients.”

Mission Regional Medical Center | 900 S. Bryan Road, Mission, TX 78572 | Tel (956) 323-9000 |

BILLY LEO to the office of mayor for La Joya from 1981 to 1986, with a repeat in that position from 2003-2011.

Between those two stints, Leo took on a broader role and was elected to the office of Hidalgo County Clerk from 1986 to 1994 and served as a delegate to the Democratic National Committee from 1988 to 1996.

He was the owner of multiple Leo’s Food Mart convenience stores in the greater La Joya area. His store was a home base for Democratic Party meetings and became a campaign stumping point for state and national candidates such as Robert Kennedy Jr., Bill Clinton and Ann Richards.

“He had a strong passion for politics but above all, he was a public servant,” Lita said. “He’d always teach us to have an open mind, an open heart and compassion for the community. He’d always tell us that everyone has a story, we need to understand it and if you can’t, do your best to help them

from pg. 1 anyway.”

Mike Alaniz, La Joya’s city administrator, worked under Leo, he said. He called the opportunity to serve the former mayor as a blessing.

“He mentored me well and the fact that I’m still here under a new administration tells me that hopefully I must be doing something right because of what I learned from him,” Alaniz said. “I was very blessed to have the opportunity to work for him and it was truly sad to see him go.

He will be missed, the council and mayor express their deepest condolences to the community and his family.”

For Lita’s sister, and Leo’s oldest daughter, Noralisa, stories and anecdotes about her father from people like Alaniz have comforted her family as they grieve.

“As a family, we will forever have our personal stories we will cherish but we can share other parts of my father with the community,” she said. “He’s been a public treasure, so when you have someone else relay to you a

MCISD bates received by the district, and increase funding from the district and employees by 7.06% and/or to the 2018-19 stop loss attachment point to ensure adequate funding for increased costs of healthcare.”

To kick off the meeting, Craig Verley, MCISD’s director of public relations and marketing, announced the honorees of the evening.

163 students were awarded and photographed for their accomplishments in athletics, performing arts, visual arts, academics, and the career technical education programs.

“Believe it or not, that’s not one of our longest lists,” Verley said. “But the list tonight is probably more diverse. We have a really well-rounded group this eve-

personal interaction with him – anything from breakfast with him or a conversation in the street - and hearing how he listened and helped others was so powerful. It’s a testament to how he built and created a legacy that was much bigger than we could’ve imagined. The 70 years he had were fulfilling years, it could be felt at the state, local and national levels.”

At Leo’s funeral mass, Rev. Jesse Garza said Leo’s life was one worth celebrating, and cited the standing room only crowd at the church as proof.

“It looks like these are the fruits that all the years of kindness, generosity and hard work has laid out for him,” Garza said of the crowd. “We knew [Leo] as a professional, and a friend. In life, we must ask ourselves what kind of seeds are we planting as a legacy because, eventually, those seeds will bear fruit. It looks like he planted a lot, throughout his 70 years of living.” from pg. 1

ning.”

A public comment was made by Julio Fuente, who has been a social studies teacher at Mission Collegiate High School for three years.

Fuente wanted to thank the district for all that he learned while working at MCISD, and explain why he was leaving.

“The reason why I’m here today is to express my emotions and my feelings towards all the right things this district has been doing,” Fuente said. “I wanted to thank you all for trusting the infrastructure that Mr. Farias has put in place.”

Fuente spoke about the principal’s dedication to students and how he greets every student every morning with a handshake.

“The support I get from

my principal, Orlando Farias, is enormous,” Fuente said. “He is a great leader, a leader that teaches not by demanding, but by action.”

Fuente recently got a new job as a psychology teacher in Costa Rica, at an international school that is one of the top three schools in the continent. He credits MCISD for preparing him for that job and giving him the opportunity to grow and excel.

“It’s not a goodbye, it’s an ‘I’ll see you soon,’” Fuente said. “I do believe that all of the stuff that I learned in Mission provided me the required intelligence and knowledge to be qualified for the new job. I’m going to truly change the world, and I will come back to Mission

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Oracion Al Espiritu Santo

Espiritu Santo, tu que me aclaras todo, que iluminas todos los caminos para que yo alcance mi ideal, tu que me das el don divino de perdonar y olvidar el mal que me hacen y que en todos los instantes de mi vida estas conmigo, yo quiero en este corto dialogo agradecerte por todo y confirmar una vez mas que nunca quiero separarme de ti por mayor que sea la ilusion material.

Deseo estar contigo y todos mis seres queridos en la gracia perpetua. Gracias por tu misericordia para conmigo y los mios.

La persona debera rezar esta oracion 3 dias sequidos sin decir el pedido. dentro de tres dias sera alcanzada la gracia por mas deficil que sea. (Publicar en cuanto se recibia la gracia).

Agradece gracia alcanzada.

T.R.

Be a pineapple; Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside!

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Or Scan This Code With Your Smartphone

Neal’s Bikes at 956379-5423 in Mission, TX. SHED FOR SALE, 10X14 shed with vinyl siding, three windows, asking $1,700, make offer, call 218-780-6366.

EXTRA CLEAN 1996 travel trailer 31’, 1 slide, awning, queen bed, ready to live in, first $5,000 in cash, clear title, call Tom at 956561-9691.

Motorcycles 2009 KYMCO 250cc motorcycle, $1,500, please call 956-259-9611 for more information.

Submit online: www.ptrgv.com Bring it in: 1217 N Conway Mission

Fax it in: 585-2304

Classified Rate:

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

2002 KAWASA- and in good condiKI VULCAN 1500 tion, $2,500, call c.c, low miles, shaft 956-357-2056 for drive, very clean, more information.

Notice of Public Hearing Mission Economic Development Corporation Notice is hereby given that the Mission Economic Development Corporation will conduct a public hearing on April 17, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. at the Center for Education and Economic Development, 801 N. Bryan Road, Mission, Texas to consider the following project or projects during the proposed fiscal year 2017-2018: Infrastructure Improvements for a facility to be located on the North side of Mile 3 North Road (FM 1924), approximately 777.0 feet East from the Intersection of Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission, Texas, in an amount not to exceed $75,000.

Anyone interested is invited to attend and present their comments.

Date of publication: March 23, 2018 Anna Carrillo City Secretary

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NOTICE The City of Palmview, Texas is requesting proposals for a Banking Services Contract to begin June 1, 2018 and extend through September 30, 2020. Proposals will be received until 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 13, 2018. The City Council will award the contract on April 17, 2018. Proposals must be delivered by mail, express mail, or in person to: Rachel C. Chapa, Director of Finance City of Palmview 400 W. Veterans Blvd.

Palmview, TX 78572 (956) 432-0300 Specifications can be obtained by calling the Department of Finance at (956) 432-0300 and/or may be picked up at City Hall located at 400 W. Veterans Blvd., Palmview, Texas 78572.

The City reserves the right to discuss contents of such initial proposals received in order to obtain offers which best meet the City’s needs. The Palmview City Council reserves the right to reject any and/or all proposals, to award contracts for individual products or services as may appear advantageous, and to negotiate separately in any manner necessary to serve the best interest of the City. No proposal may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days subsequent to the deadline for receipt of proposals without the prior written consent of the Palmview City Council.

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

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

Submit by email to info@progresstimes.net or pay by phone 956-585-4893.

The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 5 p.m.

MISSION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION NOTICE OF INTENTION BUDGET AMENDMENT TO FY 2017-2018 BUDGET TAKE NOTICE that the Mission Economic Development Corporation of the City of Mission, (the “MEDC”), shall convene not earlier than 60 days after first publishing this notice and shall consider authorizing a Budget Amendment to the fiscal year 2017-2018 Budget, as hereinafter described, pursuant to the provisions of V.T.C.A. Local Government Code Sections 505.001 et seq. The MEDC is authorized on behalf of the City of Mission, Texas to undertake the Project or Projects by paying the cost of the Project or Projects with sales tax revenues authorized under said Local Government Code sections.

The Board of Directors of the MEDC will determine whether the Project or Projects will be undertaken and whether it will finance the cost of the Project or Projects with proceeds from sales tax revenues.

The Project or Projects shall consist of the following: Infrastructure Improvements for a facility to be located on the North side of Mile 3 North Road (FM 1924), approximately 777.0 feet East from the Intersection of Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission, Texas, in an amount not to exceed $75,000.

Date of publication: March 23, 2018 Anna Carrillo City Secretary

Attention

Auction of Vehicles

According to the provision in the Transportation Code 683, Sub-section B, 683.012, Texas Department of Transportation informs you that the below mentioned cars have been taken into custody by the Penitas Police Department and will be sold at auction. For information on vehicles you can communicate with the Penitas Police Department at (956) 999- 8310. The auction will be held at 2001 E. 3 Mile Rd. Penitas, Texas, 78576 (Penitas Police Substation) on April 07, 2018. Starting auction will be at 1:00 PM, and will be held according to the law. Payment will be in cash (US currency) or Credit/ Debit Cards with a processing fee. The vehicles are auctioned under their conditions which there are no guarantees and/or refunds.

Color Make 1. White Honda 2. White Nissan 3. Black Honda 4. White Dodge 5. Black/ Silver Ford 6. Blue Mitsubishi 7. Gold Nissan 8. Red Saturn 9. Green GMC 10. Gray Mazda 11. Silver Chevrolet 12. Black Chrysler 13. White Chevrolet 14. Black/ Silver Ford

Model Civic Altima Accord Caravan Mustang Mirage Maxima SL1 Sierra 6 Cavalier Sebring Pickup F-150

VIN 1HGEJ8640VL016721 1N4B11D54C162904 1HGCG2259WA028588 2B8GP44321R220586 1FAFP40451F105380 JA3AY26A8XU050137 JN1CA21D5TN405472 1H8ZP128X1Z323507 1GTEC19V7XE543960 1YVFP80D945N28310 1G1JC5242271843998 4C3AG52H54E045253 1GCEC19X97Z190194 1FTRX17W91KA10342

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March 23, 2018

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MetalHawks robotics team to compete in FTC World Championships

The Kenneth White Jr. High MetalHawks FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is blazing trails. They are the first FTC team from the Rio Grande Valley to compete in the FTC World Championships. MetalHawks will be competing amongst teams from the United States and 23 other countries.

The team will represent Mission C.I.S.D. (MCISD) and the Rio Grande Valley

at the FTC World Championship on April 18 to 21 in Houston.

The students representing KWJH and Mission CISD at the World Championships are Andy Rodriguez, Eric Calderon, Hugo Mireles, Gabriel Cordova, Jorge Salinas, Ismael Alvarado, Steven Ramirez, Miguel Velazquez, Carlos Wong, Jordan Hernandez, Danilee Alaniz, Maritza Moreno, Alma Go-

mez, Jaclyn Ornelas, and Alexya Garza. The MetalHawks advancing team is coached by J. Sanchez, S. Silva, and Adrian Chapa.

The MetalHawks earned their spot after traveling to Athens, Ga., on March 7 and participating in the FTC South Super-Regional Championship Tournament.

The MetalHawks competed among 35 other teams from 14 other states in the

southeastern United States within their division. One of only three middle schools participating in this tournament, regardless of the age difference, they performed well, ending the tournament ranked 17th in their division and an opportunity to go to the world tournament.

As part of the FTC competition, students work in teams to design, build, program and operate a robot that

can complete a given task in less than 2.5 minutes. The teams match off in an alliance format, to see which robots can better complete the objectives and earn the most points for its alliance.

The teams must also document their journey in the teams’ engineering notebook as they worked through the design and building process.

It must include detailed descriptions of the rationales

for their robot design and game strategy, as well as an evident reflection of their designs, successes, and any opportunities for improvement.

This process is then evaluated when the students present their engineering notebook in front of a panel of judges. This is the first year the MetalHawks participated in the FTC Competitions.

Fiesta Lube Express Full Service Oil Change

5 QTS. OIL • REPLACE OIL FILTER • CHECK FLUIDS CHECK TIRE PRESSURE • VACCUM • TRANSMISSION FLUID

585-0115

Pictured are MetalHawks Members at the FTC South Super Regionals Championship Tournament. After a successful competition, they will head to Houston in April for the FTC World Championships.

1418 E. Bus. 83 Mission, TX

(Between Bryan Rd. & Stewart Rd.)

$

3599 $10 OFF $5 OFF

Oil Change with FREE 15 point Inspection

Expires: Mar. 31, 2018

A/C or Brake Service

Expires: Mar. 31, 2018

any service with your TLC Pharmacy bottle Expires: Mar. 31, 2018

Placed first – again – at SkillsUSA Mission High School Criminal Justice students participated in the SkillsUSA competition at TSTC in Harlingen in February and placed first in the Criminal Justice Quiz Bowl. This is the second year the Criminal Justice Quiz Bowl team has taken first place. The students now advanced to the State level competition in Corpus Christi in April. Criminal Justice Quiz Bowl team members, left to right, are Noevelyn Garza, Angel Flores, Ryan Vick, Yaretzi Gonzalez, Jesse Molina, Alyson Murillo and Angel Montoya. They are under the direction of Bernie Acosta, MHS Law Enforcement teacher.