EARLY VOTING Starts April 23rd • ELECTION DAY May 5th PUTTING OUR COMMUNITY F1RST
VOTE FOR CHANGE
vlctor1a cantu
Dr. Armando O’caña For Mayor
Jessica Ortega - Ochoa For Mission City Council - Place 1
Gus Martinez
For Mission City Council - Place 4
LLOYD LOYA
For Director, Ciy of Peñitas
CESAR RODRIGUEZ, JR. For Director, Ciy of Mission
ADOLFO ARRIAGA
For Director, Ciy of La Joya
IVAN SANDOVAL
For Director, Sullivan City
NEW MISSION!
VICTORIA CANTU
Political Advertisement Paid For by Candidates.
For STC - District 2
Friday, April 20, 2018
www.ptrgv.com | 50 Cents
Vol. 46 No. 36
Crime victims honored at Mission event By Jose De Leon III Martha Flores Rangel’s world was forever changed five years ago when she was notified her daughter had been murdered. “It seems like yesterday, like I’m still dreaming that it didn’t happen,” she said. “I don’t wish this on nobody.” Rangel’s daughter - Jolissa - was gunned down at her Edinburg apartment after arriving home from work October 25, 2013, she said. Jolissa was murdered five days before her 21st birthday and left behind a two-yearold son. Her murder remains unsolved. “The community tells me
and other family members of murder victims ‘It’s OK, your child is in a better place, let her rest in peace. Move on,’” Rangel said. “My daughter existed, why can’t I cry for my child?” Rangel recounted the details of her daughter’s murder at the city of Mission’s 11th annual Walk for Victim Rights April 12. Held at the Mission Police Department, the event was in observance of the nationwide event National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, an initiative that promotes victims’ rights and honors crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. The event was co-hosted
by the local non-profit Rio Grande Valley Family & Friends of Murdered Children, which Rangel volunteers at. “We don’t just speak for murder victims, we speak for victims of other crimes and their survivors,” Rangel said. “We’re here to support more families in the future. Because crime is not going to stop and we work to ensure our loved ones won’t be forgotten.” Several families showed up to the event in honor of a loved one as part of the event, which consisted of live music and a walk around
See CRIME VICTIMS Pg. 14
A dove is released into the air at a vigil concluding the city’s 11th annual Walk for Victim Rights at the Mission Police Station. Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III
Former La Joya school board trustee Palmview negotiating separation sentenced to 37 months agreement with police chief for wire fraud conspiracy by Dave Hendricks
by Dave Hendricks A federal judge sentenced former La Joya school board Trustee J.J. Garza to 37 months in federal prison Wednesday for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Ricardo Hinojosa sentenced Juan Jose “J.J.” Garza, 50, of La Joya — who headed the La Joya Housing Authority and served on the La Joya school board — during a hearing Wednesday morning. Garza worked with Armando Jimenez, a cook at Stilettos Cabaret, to rig construction bids at the Alamo Housing Authority and the Donna Housing Authority,
J.J. Garza according to the indictment. They won contracts worth nearly $45,000. “My apologies to everyone: People that trust me, the public. None of my intentions were to hurt anybody,”
Garza said when he left the federal courthouse. “I just want to say I’m sorry.” Federal agents arrested Garza and Jimenez in September 2016, when a grand jury indicted them on wire fraud charges. Jimenez worked in the kitchen at Stilettos Cabaret, the strip club on North Sugar Road. After meeting Garza, they cooked up a scheme to rig construction bids. Garza, who headed the La Joya Housing Authority and owned a construction company, knew how the process worked. With assistance from lazy
See GARZA SENTENCED Pg. 13
The Palmview City Council wants to negotiate a separation agreement with police Chief Chris Barrera. City Attorney Gus Acevedo met with attorney Javier Peña, who represents Barrera, on Wednesday. "They're both wanting to part ways and we're trying to figure out how to do it in the most amicable way possible," Peña said. During the Wednesday afternoon meeting, the attorneys discussed how much sick and vacation time Palmview owed Barrera. "We're trying to figure out what he's owed in terms of his vacation and sick days according to city policy," Acevedo said, adding that he
The separation agreement would resolve an ugly, month-long showdown between Barrera and Interim City Manager Leo Olivares. "On March 16, Olivares and Barrera met to have an informal discussion regard-
See PALMVIEW AGREEMENT Pg. 14
Chris Barrera
Leo Olivares
Palmview Police Chief
Interim City Manager
INSIDE City of Mission Mayoral Forum
Softball Playoffs
A forum for candidates running for Mayor of the City of Mission was held recently at the Speer Memorial Library. Jamie Treviño has more information, inside.
The La Joya Lady Coyotes have won the district championship. Bryan Ramos has more information about the Big 7 teams heading to playoffs, inside.
See Pg. 7
INDEX
exchanged information with Peña about the issue. Barrera joined the Palmview Police Department in July 1994 and earns $68,500 annually, according to the city budget. Compensating him for all remaining sick and vacation time could cost the city thousands.
Entertainment | pg.2
See Pg. 10
Lifestyle | pg.5
Sports | pg. 6
Team L1bertry outspends Team Agua
Donors supporting Team L1berty have spent twice as much on signs as Team Agua has spent during the entire campaign. Dave Hendricks has more, inside.
See Pg. 12
Obituaries | pg. 13
Classifieds | pg. 15
entertainment
April 20, 2018
page 2
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
STC Theatre presents ‘The Elephant Man’ April 26-29
Rafael Elizondo
Ramonet Rodriguez
Judicaël Perroy
Guitar festival features renowned classical, flamenco artists
EDINBURG – Workshops, clinics and performances by four renowned guitarists from France, Mexico, Costa Rica and Venezuela will highlight the 2018 UTRGV Guitar Festival, which runs April 20 to 23 on the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg Campus. The event opens at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 20, at the Performing Arts Complex in Edinburg, with a concert featuring two leading figures of the guitar – Rafael Elizondo of Mexico and Ramonet Rodriguez of Costa Rica – performing classical and flamenco guitar. Elizondo, a classical guitarist, is recognized as an important figure in Mexico´s musical scene whose artistry has earned him more than 10 international awards in Europe and Mexico. With an extensive repertoire as a soloist and chamber musician, he has developed an active career in performance. He is a leading teacher of classical guitar, and often is invited to major universities and guitar festivals in the United States and Mexico. Rodriguez, a Flamenco guitarist, has performed numerous recitals in the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela, Ecuador and Nicaragua, and in the main venues of Costa Rica. He
has three record productions, two of them under the Sony label, and is a professor at the School of Musical Arts at The University of Costa Rica. On Saturday, April 21, guitarists from all levels can participate in free workshops and clinics from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Performing Arts Complex. Participants are welcome to bring their guitars to play. At 7 p.m. that night at the Performing Arts Complex, there will be a special performance by one of the world’s most respected classical guitarists, Judicaël Perroy of France. Perroy is widely known as an extraordinary virtuoso classical guitarist and musician, with several international prizes to his credit. In 1997, he captured the prestigious first prize of the 15th Guitar Foundation of America International Competition and Convention, which awarded him a tour of the United States and Canada with more than 60 concerts and master classes. Currently a professor at the Ecole Nationale de Musique d’Aulnay-sousBois, Perroy is in demand as a teacher and has many award-winning students to his credit. The final concert of the
McALLEN – The South Texas College Theatre presents their production of Bernard Pomerance’s “The Elephant Man” from April 26 to 28 at 8 p.m., and will conclude a matinee at 2 p.m. on April 29. Performances will take place at STC’s Copper Center Black Box Studio Theatre located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. The Elephant Man is based on the life of John Merrick who lived in London during the latter part of the 19th century. A deformed young man, Merrick is a victim of a rare skin and bone disease, and has become the star freak attraction in travel-
ling sideshows. Found abandoned, he is admitted to London’s Whitechapel hospital. Under the care of physician Frederick Treves, Merrick is introduced to London society. He evolves from an object of pity to an urbane and favorite of the aristocracy and literati only to be denied his ultimate dream, to become a man. The Elephant Man portrays Merrick’s life as he navigates through the cruelty and insincerity he encounters in his brief life,” says director Joel Jason Rodriguez. “Pomerance wrote a play that places a mirror in front of ourselves and ask us the
questions, ‘Who do you believe you are in this world? How do your actions prove that to be true?’” General admission tickets are $5. Ticket sales from the April 26 production will benefit the Dr. John F. Carroll Drama Scholarship. The April 29 matinee production will be interpreted in American Sign Language. Ticket cash or check purchases can be done one hour before the performance at the box office. For additional information about the show, call 956-872-2301 or email drodri72@southtexascollege.edu or jrodriguez@ southtexascollege.edu.
LJISD freshman is Big Squeeze state finalist
Luis Quintero UTRGV Guitar Festival will be presented at 7 p.m. Monday, April 23, at the Student Union Theatre on the Edinburg Campus. Classical guitarist Luis Quintero, of Venezuela, will perform a Latin American guitar repertoire. He was a child prodigy who, at the age of 11, performed in the World Guitar Festival in Martinique, where he shared the stage with John Williams, Alirio Díaz, Leo Brouwer and other world-class guitarists. When he was just 14, he debuted at Carnegie Hall in New York with the Soloists Orchestra of Venezuela. He has toured throughout the United States, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa. He holds a graduate degree in guitar from The Juilliard School of Music. All UTRGV Guitar Festival events are free and open For more to the public. information on the festival, call 956-665-3471.
AUSTIN – Juan Jose Gutierrez, age 15 from Mission and a La Joya Palmview High School freshman, has been named one of 12 state finalists in the Texas Folk Life 2018 Big Squeeze Accordion Contest. Admission is free for the contest finals and concert to be held this Saturday, April 21, from 1 to
5 p.m. at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. It will be held inside on the first floor under the Grand Rotunda. The contest judges also gave honorable mentions in Conjunto to La Joya ISD students Eduardo Garza Jr. and Raul Resendez, both age 17 from Mission.
Coming Attractions
April 20-29 • “The Tragic Corrido of Romeo and Lupe,” an adaptation of Shakespear’s Romeo & Juliet, plays at the Pharr Community Theater, 213 W. Newcombe. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays and at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $8 general admission and $6 for students, veterans and seniors. The play is equivalent to a PG-13 movie. For advance tickets or more information call 956-239-0412 or 956655-9308. April 21 • The Palmview Community Fest will host the Guadalupe “Sonny” Hernandez Third Annual Cook-Off, along with live music with La Costumbre, a car and semi-truck show, games, tree planting and food. For more information, call Gilbert Casanova at 956-655-0036 or Gloria Casanova Acevedo at 956330-6689. April 26-28 • The spring season of UTRGV’s Department of Theatre concludes with the Theatre for Young Audiences production of “The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales,” by John Glore. It will run April 26 to 28 at 7 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on April 29. School matinees will also be available. Performances are held in the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre and the Studio Theatre in the Edinburg Liberal Arts Building South (ELABS) at the corner of University Drive and Sugar Road. For subscription information or tickets, school matinees, groups and special accommodations, contact Elva Galvan, University Productions Box Office, at 956-665-3581, or email her at elva.galvan@utrgv.edu. April 26-29 • The 2017-18 South Texas College Theatre season wraps up with Bernard Pomerance’s moving drama “The Elephant Man.” It will be staged at the Cooper Center located on the Pecan Campus, 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. All Sunday matinee productions are ASL interpreted by student interns. Individual ticket prices for Main Stage productions are $5 for students/faculty/senior citizens/military and $10 general admission. Studio productions are $5 general admission. Tickets can be purchased online at kioskportal.southtexascollege.edu/ marketplace.aspx. (For more Coming Attractions, go to ptrgv.com)
Juan Jose Gutierrez
State finalists will perform before a panel of judges and the public, accompanied by Austin Music Hall of Fame’s Conjunto Los Pinkys. The free afternoon concert will feature performances by Grammy-nominated musician, producer, and polka ambassador Alex Meixner, and Los Fresnos High School’s Conjunto Halcón, founded and directed by Texas Folklife’s first Big Squeeze Champ Juan Longoria Jr. In addition, there will be a Big Squeeze brunch and after party and accordion workshop with Meixner on Sunday, April 22, from 11 a.m.to 12:30 p.m. at the Texas Folklife Gallery. Finalists are competing for four grand prizes in four categories with an overall grand prize winner in Polka (age 25 and under), Cajun & Zydeco (age 21 and under), Conjunto (age 17 and under), and the Anthony Ortiz Jr. Conjunto category (age 18-21). Additionally, the grand prize winners will perform onstage with legendary Texas musicians at Texas Folklife’s Accordion Kings & Queens Concert held at Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theatre on June 2.
April 20, 2018
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
page 3
Let’s Keep Mission In Good Hands RE-ELECT MAYOR
Bet
Salinas
As a citizen of the City of Mission and a longstanding friend and supporter of Norberto Salinas, I would like to recommend the RE-ELECTION of NORBERTO to the community for the position that he currently holds as Mayor. My recommendation of our mayor goes beyond friendship. As you know, I have lived in Mission for a very long time. I have the utmost respect for this community, so I have given my recommendation a lot of thought. I respect everyone’s right to vote for the candidate of their choice just as I have made mine. Please know that I base my support of Mayor Salinas not on political promises but instead on the job that he has done for many years. I am convinced that it is because of his leadership that our GREAT CITY of MISSION continues to grow, and prosper with services, programs and policies that have served us well.
Re-Elect Norberto Salinas for Mayor! Con Todo Respeto y Sinceridad, Savas Sandoval Jr.
I support Mayor Beto Salinas for re-election. I have known Mr. Salinas for over 30 years and appreciate his support for me as a Mission business woman. He is always accessible and ready to help others.
Please vote for Beto. Thank you,
Sandra Leo Zamora, owner Sandra Zamora Insurance Agency POLITICAL AD PAID FOR BY CANDIDATE - 500 E. 9TH ST. MSSION TEXAS
page 4
April 20, 2018
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS Officials see room for improvement in criminal history reporting AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton on April 11 sent a joint letter to eight state criminal justice agencies and associations, urging them to review their processes for reporting criminal history to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or “NICS.” The NICS checks available records on persons who may be disqualified from receiving firearms. Abbott and Paxton said a recent study found that only 68 percent of arrests in state criminal history files nationwide were reported to the NICS. But Texas’ overall rate is 84 percent, with a 95 percent reporting rate for arrests within the past five years. Recipients of the letter included the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, Office of Court Administration, Sheriff’s Association of Texas, Texas Police Association, Texas Court Clerks Association, Texas County and District Clerks’ Association and Texas District and County Attorneys Association. “We congratulate you on this success, but there continues to be room for improvement,” Abbott and Paxton wrote. “Our goal is 100 percent reporting of final dispositions statewide. We encourage you to review your processes to ensure that all relevant information is being reported.” Federal law, the officials said, disallows the transfer of firearms to any person who is: — A fugitive from justice; — Uses or is addicted to
controlled substances; — Has been adjudicated “mentally defective” or committed to mental institutions; — Subject to a domestic violence restraining order; or — Convicted of a misdemeanor or felony domestic violence charge crime or is under indictment for such a charge. All criminal justice agencies in Texas, including court clerks, are required to report information that identifies people ineligible to possess firearms to the Department of Public Safety through the Criminal Justice Information System. The rules are outlined in state Code of Criminal Procedure. The information then is provided to the NICS database. “NICS is vital to making sure guns stay out of the dangerous hands of individuals with a high risk of committing violence,” Paxton said. “By doing everything we can to ensure that all relevant information is being reported timely and accurately to NICS, Texas can help prevent shootings before they happen and save lives.” Death count is amended The Texas Department of State Health Services on April 9 announced that a new study by its own researchers found the number of maternal deaths in Texas in 2012 was less than half the number previously reported. Published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, the study determined there were 56 maternal deaths among Texas residents, compared with 147 reported in national statistics. The study shows dozens of women were identified
on their death certificates as being pregnant at the time of their deaths, when they were not, the DSHS said. “This more accurate, verified data is an important part of our ongoing work to improve maternal health in Texas,” said Dr. Manda Hall, DSHS associate commissioner for Community Health Improvement. “Better data will improve our ability to implement and assess ways to reduce maternal deaths and other severe pregnancy complications.” DSHS said it is implementing legislation aimed at improving the quality of death data by developing best practices for investigating and reporting maternal deaths. Also, the department said it is creating new training for medical certifiers such as doctors, justices of the peace and medical examiners. Finally, the department is developing a new registration system to prompt certifiers to confirm the pregnancy status before allowing a death record to be submitted. Funding is announced Gov. Abbott on April 10 announced that Texas had been awarded some $5 billion from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for disaster recovery from Hurricane Harvey and previous flood events. “The additional Community Development Block Grant funds announced today will inject billions of dollars that are desperately needed to help restore our communities,” said Abbott. HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program for
CALL (956) 318-2570 For General Information (Llame para Información General)
May 5, 2018 (5 de mayo del 2018) MISSION CISD ELECTION (Elección del Distrito Escolar de Mission)
the rebuilding of housing, businesses and infrastructure is the source of the funding. It comes from supplemental funding recently passed by Congress. Allocations are sent State Comptroller Glenn
Hegar on April 11 announced he would send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts $651 million in local sales tax allocations for April. The amount is 5 percent more than was distributed in
April 2017. Local sales tax allocations are based on sales made in February by businesses that report tax monthly.
Rep. Cuellar Announces Over $120 Million to Help Citrus Growers
WASHINGTON— Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced the delivery of over $120 million in federal funds to help U.S. citrus growers, including those in the Rio Grande Valley. The funds, which have been included in the 2018 Omnibus Appropriations bill, will offer support to citrus farmers in numerous ways. To help Rio Grande Valley farmers battle the scourge of Citrus Greening Disease, Congressman Cuellar advocated for and secured over $65 million for citrus health and the Huanglongbing Multi-Agency Coordination Group operated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). He was also able to help secure over $59 million for fruit fly exclusion and detection. The U.S. citrus industry has an economic footprint of $11 billion; however, due to Citrus Greening Disease and fruit flies, the industry has faced steep damages and economic losses. All of the citrus growing counties in Texas are under quarantine, and the State of Florida has seen a reduction in citrus production of over 60% since 2007. In addition, the Asian Citrus Psyllid, the vector of the Greening Disease, has been found in California. “I would like to thank my fellow Appropriators,
Appropriations Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Subcommittee Chairman Aderholt and Ranking Member Bishop, and colleagues from Texas for their leadership and help in acquiring this essential funding,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Our citrus growers contribute greatly to the economy of the Rio Grande Valley, and they deserve our assistance in the face of threats to their vitality,” Congressman Cuellar said. “The $59.5 million worth of funding I have helped secure for citrus growers through fruit fly eradication efforts will be a great help to our farmers. We are making good progress toward correcting the damage done by threats like the incurable citrus greening disease, which has caused drastic reductions in citrus production in recent years.” Dale Murden of Texas Citrus Mutual, a nonprofit trade association representing Texas citrus growers, owns a citrus grove in the Rio Grande Valley and has personally seen the effects of citrus diseases like citrus greening since it was first positively identified in the Valley in 2008. “Congressman Cuellar has long supported agriculture and the United States and Texas Citrus Industries,” Mr. Murden said. “Can you imagine the Rio Grande Valley without citrus trees? Because, that is what could
happen if we do not stay on top of this issue. We cannot thank Congressman Cuellar enough for his support and his bipartisan approach to problem-solving.” More information regarding Fruit Flies The Fruit Fly Exclusion and Detection Programs protect the health and value of American agricultural resources threatened by the establishment of exotic fruit fly populations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS is concerned with the risk of the northward spread of exotic fruit fly species into the United States via Mexico. Mexico is an especially high-risk pathway due to the shared border and the large numbers of people migrating from fruit fly infested areas of Central America and Mexico to the United States. Fruit flies spend their larval stages feeding and growing in over 400 host plants. Introduction of these pest species into the United States causes economic losses from destruction and spoiling of host commodities by larvae, costs associated with implementing control measures, and loss of market share due to restrictions on shipment of host commodities. The extensive damage and wide host range of fruit flies become obstacles to agricultural diversification and trade when pest fruit fly species become established.
UNBELIEVABLE!
EARLY VOTING SCHEDULE (Horario para el Voto Adelantado) Days/ Dias
Dates/ Fechas
Hours/ Horas
Monday/ lunes Tuesday/ martes Wednesday/ miércoles Thursday/ jueves Friday/ viernes Saturday/ sábado Sunday/ domingo Monday/ lunes Tuesday/ martes
April 23, 2018 April 24, 2018 April 25, 2018 April 26, 2018 April 27, 2018 April 28, 2018 April 29, 2018 April 30, 2018 May 1, 2018
7:00 AM -- 7:00 PM 8:00 AM -- 6:00 PM 8:00 AM -- 6:00 PM 8:00 AM -- 6:00 PM 8:00 AM -- 6:00 PM 8:00 AM -- 5:00 PM CLOSED/ CERRADO 8:00 AM -- 6:00 PM 7:00 AM -- 7:00 PM
Early Voting Polling Locations (Casillas Electorales para el Voto Adelantado) Mission City Hall 1201 E. 8th St. Mission, TX
(Casillas Electorales en el día de elección para todo el Distrito Escolar abren de 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
The following precincts may vote at any locations listed. (Los siguientes precintos pueden votar en cualquiera de las locaciones enlistadas.) Precincts: 9, 10, 28, 63, 82, 86, 88, 93, 94, 98, 102, 103, 125, 183, 204, 205, 218, 220, 243, 244, 247 & 248 Castro Elem. 200 S. Mayberry St. Mission, TX Alton Elem. 205 N. Chicago St. Alton, TX
Hidalgo County
6 mos. $10
12 mos. $20
Alton Elementary 205 N. Chicago Alton, TX
Election Day School District Wide Polling Locations 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Bryan Elem. 1300 Elm Dr. Mission, TX Pearson Elem. 315 N. Holland Ave. Mission, TX
Even this kitten can’t believe you’re not a subscriber to the newspaper already!
Mission High School 1802 Cleo Dawson St. (18th St.) Mission, TX
Out of County
6 mos. $15
12 mos. $30
www.ptrgv.com 1217 N. Conway • P.O. Box 399 • Mission, Texas 78572 (956) 585-4893 - Fax (956) 585-2304
www.ptrgv.com
1217 N. Conway • Mission, TX (956) 585-4893 MEMBER 2018
TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION
The Progress Times (USPS 971-420; ISSN 0890-2666) is published each Friday by Savy Publishing, LLC, 1217 N. Conway, Mission, Texas 78572, (956) 585-4893. Subscriptions $20 annual in Hidalgo County; $30 outside of Hidalgo County. Second class postage paid in Mission, Texas 78572. ©2018 Savy Publishing, LLC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the PROGRESS TIMES, P.O. Box 399, Mission Texas 78573.
LETTER GUIDELINES
Letters to the Editor are welcome but must conform to certain guidelines. All letters must be original, dated, signed and bear the complete name, address and phone number of the writer/signer. No photo copied letters will be printed. No letters addressed to others will be printed. Letter content must be relevant to concerns and interests of Mission and the surrounding area. Relevance is determined by the editor. Anonymous cards or letters are neither read nor printed. Letters may be submitted by e-mail to letters@progresstimes.net, but must include the author’s name and daytime phone number.
lifestyle
Still time to sign up for Lions mud volleyball, BBQ cook-off
It’s not too late to sign up for the Sixth Annual Lions Mud Volleyball Tournament and Texas Lions Camp BBQ Cook-off coming up on Friday and Saturday, April 27-28, in Alton. The tournament benefits the Mission Lions Club charitable programs, while all net proceeds from the cook-off benefit the Texas Lions Camp for Crippled Children. The mud volleyball tournament on Saturday runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are still more spots for teams and team sponsors. Registration forms and additional tournament information are available at progresstimes.net or on the Mission Lions Club Mud Volleyball Facebook page. For sponsor and team information, Adela Ortega, tournament chair, at 956-4589066. The Texas Lions Camp BBQ Cook-off will be held Friday and Saturday. The IBCA sanctioned event offers prize money for first, second and third places in brisket, spare ribs and chicken categories, as well as grand champion overall, reserve grand champion, Best Campsite and Kid’s BBQ prizes. For complete IBCA rules, go to ibcabbq.org. To register a cook-off team, contact Esmer Flores at 956-212-5485 or via email at esmer.bernal26@ yahoo.com.
April 20, 2018
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
ACS annual ‘Relay For Life’ is April 21
On April 21, over 1,000 participants will join together at the annual Relay For Life of Upper-Valley at Tom Landry Stadium in Mission to benefit the American Cancer Society. The event starts at 6 p.m. and runs to 12 a.m. The relay theme this year is the 1980s. Funds raised help the American Cancer Society attack cancer – from developing breakthrough therapies to building supportive communities, from providing empowering resources to deploying activists to raise awareness. “I see first-hand how our fundraising makes a different to a survivor who gets a free wig and scarves from our McAllen Office. We offer free rides to patients to their treatments and offer many other free services to our community because of Relay For Life,” said April Chapa, Senior Community Development Manager. To join in or to donate to the Relay For Life of Upper-Valley. Visit RelayForLife.org or relayforlife.org/ uppervalleytx.
MOSTHistory to celebrate Preservation Week
EDINBURG – The Museum of South Texas History (MOSTHistory) will celebrate Preservation Week April 22 to 28 with a variety of activities at the museum and online. In its fifth year observing the event, the theme this year will focus on photograph preservation. “Over the last century, photography had become one of the most powerful tools for humans to record and remember what they value as important,” said Shan Rankin, executive director. “But Preservation Week is not only about what the museum holds, but what we as an entire community hold, our collective identity. Together we can protect that visual legacy, whether the photographs are in acid-free boxes in the museum, in
family albums, or in business file cabinets,” Rankin added. Museum archivist Kelly Francis-Love is asking for the public’s help. “In years past, the museum received large collections of photographs, and not all of the people, events, or buildings were identified. During Preservation Week, we’re asking the public to look at some of our ‘mystery’ photographs online and at the museum to see if they can give us more information about them,” she said. During Preservation Week the museum staff will share with the public their best professional practices to care for photographs. Each day of Preservation Week, the museum will post online content at mosthistory.org and its social media
accounts. Beginning Sunday, April 22, and throughout the week, the museum will post online “mystery” photographs from its collection for help with identification. On Monday, the archives staff will share a video about how to analyze, date and identify historic photographs. On Tuesday, they will share information about the museum’s photographic holdings. Staff will present information about how to care for, organize and display photographs on Wednesday and Thursday, and on. Friday, additional resources will be posted about preserving and identifying photographs, and taking meaningful photographs. On site at the museum, the public can help identify additional photographs in the
SAN ANTONIO – U.S. Air Force Airman Christopher V. Calvillo graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio after an intensive, eight-week program that included training ranging from military discipline and values to physical fitness and warfare skills. He is a 2017 graduate of Palmview High School in Mission.
CALENDAR
April 21 – Dentists Who Care will host the 18th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Tierra Santa Golf Club in Weslaco. The tournament will be a three-person scramble best ball format. Tournament day check-in begins at 7 a.m. with a shotgun start is at 8:30 a.m. Entrance fees are $150 per player, and include breakfast, green fees, cart fees and lunch. All proceeds support the dental needs of the children in the Rio Grande Valley. To register an individual, a team, or to become a tournament sponsor, enauk jim@dentistswhocare. us and ask for the official entry forms. For more information, contact Tony Gomboa at 956-454-9728, Dr. Miguel Castillo at 956-584-1554, or Debra Valenzuela or Jim Solis at 956-318-3383. April 21 – Celebrate Earth Day in the dirt at Quinta Mazatlan. Volunteers can give back to nature in a community service event from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Groups must register in advance. Quinta Mazatlan is at 600 Sunset in McAllen. Call 956-681-3370 for information. April 21 – The Edinburg World Birding Center is offering the iNaturalist and eBird platform workshop 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. April 21 – The public is invited to Gladys Porter Zoo’s annual Party for the Planet on from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s focus will be on the importance of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, birds and more. Activities throughout the zoo will educate the public on what they can do to support pollinators. Girl Scouts will be able to accomplish 90 to 100 percent of their badge requirements for the Daisy Outdoor Art Badge, Brownie Bug Badge and Junior Gardener Badge. Party for the Planet is free with paid admission or Zoo membership. For more information, visit gpz.org or call 956-546-7187. April 22 – Learn more about the history of porciones at 2 p.m. at the Museum of South Texas History in a program by Yolanda Zara, titled “History and Validity of 433 Spanish and Mexican Land Grants in Texas.” The program is included in the regular museum admission. MOSTHistory is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd. in Edinburg. Call 956-383-6911 for information. April 26 – At 6 p.m., Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center hosts a presentation on “Many Uses of Native Plants” by Mike Heep. The program is included with regular admission. Quinta Mazatlan is located 600 Sunset in McAllen. For more information, call 956-681-3370. April 28 – The next Saturday Safari at Gladys Porter Zoo is “What’s Bugging You?” from 1 to 3 p.m. Learn what separates an insect from other creatures. A zoo tour, arts & crafts, animal encounter and snacks are included. Cost is $15 per child or adult. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call 956-548-9453 or e-mail educ@ gpz.org. (For more Events, go to ptrgv.com.)
APRIL ONLY 14 SEER
16 SEER
ton
ton
Bad C r No Creedit? dit? NO PROB LEM!
inside & outside unit - includes tax & installation 10 yr. warranty
LJISD student photo wins second at nationals
Completes USAF basics
Mystery Gallery in the museum’s classroom. Concluding the week on Saturday, April 28, the public can meet the curatorial staff at Coffee with the Curators at the museum between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., view the Mystery Gallery, ask questions about preservation. They can also learn more how the museum’s collection can be used for personal, business and research purposes. The Mystery Gallery will remain on view at the museum until May 20. Coffee with the Curators is included in the fee for regular museum admission. The museum is located at 200 N. Closner, Edinburg. For more information, call 956-3836911.
EVENTS
2 $2,795 2 $2,950 3 $3,095 3 $3,455 5 $3,750 5 $4,445
Eduardo Rivas
LA JOYA – Eduardo Rivas, a student at La Joya I.S.D.’S Thelma R. Salinas STEM Early College High School, was recently announced as a silver key, second place, winner for the 2018 Scholastic Awards in the photography category where he competed in a pool of contestants from across the United States. “I wanted to show humbleness and happiness – even with the lack of hood health,” said Rivas of his photograph. “… and I was also inspired by Edith Paf’s “La Vida De La Rosa” Taken with a professional Nikon D5600 camera, Eduardo titled his photograph “Red Sky” because of the indistinguishable and unique way the sky was illuminated red in the background. “Initially when I found out about the success of my photo, I was shocked and in disbelief because I wasn’t even going to submit it to begin with. I felt zero confidence,” Rivas added. He was motivated by his instructor Esli Galvan to submit the photo for the contest.
page 5
All Tech Heating & Cooling 956.519.3308 “Red Sky” by Eduardo Rivas
TACLB26552C
We humbly ask for your support for Mission CISD Board of Trustees. In Education, everyone matters. No Hidden Agendas. A voice for All!
April 20, 2018
Sports week
THE
BIG7 SCHOOLS
page 6
www.ptrgv.com/sports
Covering Mission, Veterans Memorial, Sharyland, Pioneer, La Joya, Palmview & Juarez-Lincoln Sports
District 31-5A hoops – Two freshmen receive top honors By Luciano Guerra When it comes to high school basketball, freshmen rarely get the opportunity to “play with the big boys” (or “girls”). Even the best freshmen players are usually delegated to the junior varsity (JV) where they get more court time than they would on varsity. From time to time however, a freshman comes along that is just too good to stick on the JV team. This type of player is ready to contribute and compete at the varsity level right away so there is no need to put him or her on the JV squad. While having a freshman play at the varsity level is rare, what is even rarer is having a freshman play so well at the varsity level that he or she receives post season honors. This ultra-rarity was on display at not one but two District 31-5A basketball teams this year, the Mission Veterans boys and the Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks. As the son of Patriots head basketball coach Romeo de la Garza, Jr., Elijah de la Garza was practically born dribbling a basketball. He’s been playing competitively since he was four years old so the fact that in his freshman year he was fourth in the district in scoring and first on the Patriots in assists should come as a surprise to no one. The fact that he was recently named First Team All-Area however is somewhat surprising. Not because he didn’t earn it, but be-
cause he was up against sophomores, juniors and seniors from all across the area and still received one of the five highly coveted First Team spots. Besides being named First Team All-Area, de la Garza was named District 315A and RGV Basketball Coaches’ Association’s Newcomer of the Year and was named to the District 31Audry Hornaday 5A All-AcPhoto by Luciano Guerra ademic and love basketball.” the RGV Vipers All-ValFinally getting to take ley Showcase West teams. the court as a member of the He was also named to the Patriots varsity team was a All-Tournament teams at the very special moment for de Mission Thanksgiving Clas- la Garza. Not only because sic and the San Perlita Clas- he was finally getting to play sic basketball tournaments. for his father, but because When asked what receiv- getting to take the court as a ing this kind of recogni- member of the Mission Vettion and all these accolades erans Patriots was a life-long means to him, de la Garza dream come true. said, “It feels great because “It was amazing,” the I’ve put in a lot of work all 5-foot-9 point guard said. the time and the fact that it’s “I’ve been looking forward paying off now feels good.” to being a Patriot ever since And why is he so good? I was small. I’d always go “I feel as if I’m good at to the games and I’ve been basketball because I love the looking forward to playing game. I don’t play any other for my father and when it sports and I don’t have very finally happened, it was simmany hobbies because I just
a lot more in common than being stand-out freshmen basketball players. That’s because they grew up playing basketball together. They also attended Coach de la Garza’s summer basketball camps together and they now play on the same travelling team. Hornaday is not only the first Lady DiaElijah de la Garza mondback Photo by Adrian Ibarra basketball ply amazing.” player to be named NewDe la Garza is not letting comer of the year she’s the the fact that he still has three first Lady Diamondback to more years to go as a Patriot receive any All-Area honor stop him from thinking even further ahead into his basket- period. So what does receiving this kind of post-season ball future. “My dream has always recognition mean to her? “I feel so honored and been to play at the profesblessed to be named as Newsional level,” de la Garza said. “Right now that’s what comer of the Year,” HorI’m working for. But if that naday said. “It’s such an doesn’t work out I’ll proba- honor that I’m speechless. I’m so privileged to work bly go into coaching.” The Lady Diamondbacks’ with some great coaches and freshman phenom that was great teammates. They’ve named All-Area Newcomer all helped me to become the of the Year and District 31- player that I am and to re5A’s Co-Newcomer of the ceive this honor.” Like de la Garza, HornaYear is Audry Hornaday. She and de la Garza have day has been playing basketball since she was four years
old. And like de la Garza, it’s her love for the sport that has kept her coming back for more. “I love everything about the sport,” the 5-foot-8 point guard and shooting guard said. “But what I love the most is knowing that I have so much more room to improve. People have always told me that I’m a great player but I’m never really satisfied with that. I know that I have so much more ahead of me and I know that I’m only going to get better. That’s what really excites me the most.” While Hornaday is thrilled to receive post-season recognition, she would’ve gladly traded each and every honor she received in if she could have given the Lady Diamondbacks a playoff berth. “We as a whole team really wanted to make the playoffs,” Hornaday said. “As for me personally, I really wanted to help the seniors on the team get their first taste of the playoffs. Sadly we didn’t do it but I’m hoping that we will be able to do it this next season for the first time in school history.” “What really matters to me is the team,” Hornaday added. “All this individual stuff is great but none of it would’ve happened had it not been for my teammates and my coaches. I know that the seniors would’ve loved to have made the playoffs in their last year on the team and that is why making the playoffs would’ve meant more than anything.”
VMHS sends qualifiers to regional tournament
Veterans Memorial High School had three tennis team members qualify for the upcoming regional tournament in San Antonio this month. They include Michael Howell, District 31-5A Boy Singles Champ and regional qualifier; Marcos Galvan and Sebastian Galvan, second place Boys Doubles and Regional Qualifiers; and Linzy Castillo and Kassy Lerma, third place Girls Doubles and Regional Alternates. The Patriot team qualified for three out of the five final Matches at the district tournament. Pictured are Kassy Lerma, Linzy Castillo, Sebastian Galvan, Marcos Galvan and Michael Howell.
Transforming Lives...
La Joya ISD
Transforming Communities!
Summer Specials Begin Memorial Weekend May 25th Monday - Sunday
$20 18 holes includes 1/2 cart $15 9 holes includes 1/2 cart
Join us for our Sundowners Beginning April 17th 1910 Hole-In-One Dr. Mission, TX 78582
7am - 6pm 956-585-6330
April 20, 2018
page 7
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
Big 7 teams atop softball standings La Joya locks up 30-6A title, Pioneer-Mission Veterans chasing 31-5A crown By Bryan Ramos
The softball season is winding down and the playoff picture is taking shape. The La Joya Lady Coyotes have already locked up the District 30-6A championship, while the Mission Veterans Memorial Lady Patriots and Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks are tied atop District 31-5A with just one game remaining. With the playoffs approaching, these Big 7 teams are hoping to carry over the high-level of play from the regular season and turn it into a deep postseason run. La Joya looking for perfect first place finish The La Joya Lady Coyotes have been dominant all year in district 30-6A and
their 11-0 record proves it. The Lady Coyotes picked up district win number 11 Tuesday night in a 3-0 shutout of Nikki Rowe, and can close out the season a perfect 12-0 with a win over Palmview on Friday night, set for 7 p.m. at Palmview High School. The Lady Coyotes clinched the 30-6A championship in a 14-0 win over Juarez-Lincoln on April 13, as the second place Memorial Lady Mustangs sit three games behind La Joya in the district standings. Head Coach Charlie Rodriguez and his senior-laden squad have cruised through district for the most part, outscoring opponents 123 to 21 in 11 games, five of which were shutouts. Led by a trio of seniors
in pitcher Sabrina Salinas, shortstop Monica Garcia and third baseman Alexandria Alaniz, when La Joya gets rolling at the plate and on the mound, it’s hard to stop them. The Lady Coyotes have 10-run ruled three opponents and 15-run ruled two others, displaying the dominance the District 306A champion possesses on the diamond. District 31-5A championship race down toMission Veterans, Sharyland Pioneer The hunt for the District 31-5A championship has been a closely contested, three-team race all season, that has been narrowed down to two teams who share the same city. The Mission Veterans
Memorial Lady Patriots and Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks are tied for the top spot in 315A as both boast impressive 12-3 records, and with just one district game remaining, the Big 7 will have either one or both teams crowned district champions after tonight. For the first time in three seasons, the Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks dropped a district game as they currently sit at 12-3 in 31-5A play. The losses haven’t stopped Pioneer, the two-time defending district champion, from contending for another title in 2018. Head Coach Orlando Garcia and his group have bounced back from defeat to find themselves in a tie for first place, in position for a third straight district
championship. The Lady Diamondbacks destroyed Laredo Martin 26-0 on Tuesday night, and can clinch at least a share of the District 31-5A championship with a win against Roma tonight at 7 p.m. at Pioneer High School. The Mission Veterans Memorial Patriots have been a pleasant surprise in 31-5A, but it’s no shock to them. The Lady Patriots, coached by Vivian Ray, needed a big win over Rio Grande City on April 13, as RGC, VMHS, and Pioneer all held 10-3 records entering the day. The Lady Patriots went on to overpower Rio Grande City with a 20-10 win in five innings. The Lady Patriots continued their winning ways beating Sharyland 15-4 on
Tuesday, sending the Lady Rattlers down the standings into sixth place while the Lady Patriots stood firm tied for the district lead with Pioneer, even though the Lady Patriots swept the series against Pioneer with wins of 7-5 on March 2 and 13-12 on April 3. If the Lady Patriots can manage to hold off Valley View in tonight’s season finale, they can clinch at least a share of the 31-5A District Championship. The game between the Lady Patriots and Valley View is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Mission Veterans Memorial High School.
Court records: Sullivan City arrests smuggler At this rate you who fled from police but left his phone behind can afford to start by Dave Hendricks When he ran from a Sullivan City policeman in February, Ricardo Vargas left behind something important: his phone. The policeman didn’t get a good look at Vargas — just a glimpse of somebody wearing a blue polo shirt and blue pants, according to the criminal complaint. Border Patrol agents and state troopers searched the area, but he slipped away. Vargas, though, left behind a phone linked to his Facebook profile, which told police just about everything they wanted to know. Two months later, the forgotten phone would land him in jail. Attorney Rubio Salinas, who represents Vargas, said he hadn’t read the criminal complaint and couldn’t comment on the case. At about 6 p.m. on Feb. 7, a Sullivan City policeman
stopped a black Dodge Challenger for making an unsafe lane change on El Faro Road near U.S. 83. The driver ran away, leaving behind four people who weren’t legally present in the United States, according to the criminal complaint. Police called Border Patrol, which took custody of the migrants. While the driver ran away, he left behind a phone. Police browsed through the phone and found a Facebook profile for Ricardo “Ricky” Vargas, 19, of Palmview. Officers obtained an arrest warrant. The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office arrested Vargas in March, when deputies caught him with a small amount of marijuana. He pleaded guilty and County Court at Law Judge Sergio J. Valdez sentenced Vargas to time served. With the marijuana case
renovations today!
Ricardo Vargas Image courtesy of the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office
behind him, Vargas now faces two more serious charges from Sullivan City: smuggling of persons for monetary gain, a third-degree felony, and evading arrest or detention, a Class A misdemeanor.
La Joya to have dispatcher centralized in Palmview
by Jose De Leon III Palmview will soon be helping the city of La Joya with dispatching officers in the city. On May 1, La Joya will enter in an interlocal agreement with the city of Palmview to have a dispatcher centralized in the city of Palmview. La Joya joins the city of Peñitas who has a dispatcher already centralized there. “It’s a shared pool of resources between all three cities,” Arnold Sepulveda, the Crime Stoppers coordinator with the city’s public safety department said. “It saves a lot of time in dispatches as 911 calls can come to us and we’re able to dispatch immediately instead of having to
ELECT
pick up the phone, get down the information and relay it back to the city of where that call originated from.” As part of the E-comm dispatch program, Palmview is preparing to add a third workstation in their dispatch office to have three dispatchers available at all times, Sepulveda said. In the Valley, the Weslaco Public Works building has a similar program where it houses dispatchers for the east side of the Valley, making the Palmview E-comm program the first of its kind for western Hidalgo County. “With La Joya coming on board, they don’t have to purchase their own computer aided dispatch solution for their police department since they can use ours,” Sepul-
veda added. “It’s a matter of adding and changing the direction of where antennas point so the calls can come here. All of that takes a little bit of planning.” Under the program, Sepulveda said the cities can take advantage of programs usually denied to small cities such as grants and make up for not having a dedicated call taker and dispatcher on staff. “With everyone pooling resources and using technology, it’s helped us a lot,” Sepulveda said. “We’re able to better distribute the workload and do things that major cities can do in a combined effort in good faith to help the citizens of the area.”
HOME EQUITY LOANS
Available
*
Don’t let money get in the way of home improvements To find out how you can apply for a home equity loan today, call to speak with one of our friendly financial associates.
LOCATIONS IN: LA JOYA • PALMVIEW
CALL OR CLICK TODAY!
(956) 585-6207 www.lajoyafcu.com
*Some conditions may apply. Subject to underwriting criteria. Insured by NCUA. Equal housing lender.
EARLY VOTING BEGINS APRIL 23
Political advertisement paid for by the Julian Gonzalez Campaign 1704 east two mile line Mission ,Texas 78574
EX P ERI EN C E M AT T ERS F O R M I S S I O N
page 8
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
April 20, 2018
Mayor Beto Salinas
"We have a new library, new bridge, new roads, much better drainage, repaved streets, new parks, rebuilt parks, recreation areas, water lines, new sewer lines, new city hall, new police station, new fire stations, new sidewalks, a hike and bike trail, and so many more things. We've made the city more livable, more attractive. That's why Mission is growing by leaps and bounds.” -Mayor Beto Salinas
MAYOR BETO SALINAS • Norberto “Beto” Salinas has been a resident of Mission for the last 40 years, a cattle rancher, and successful small business owner. • Beto Salinas has more than 38 years of experience in serving the community at the local, county and state levels. • In 1980 Beto Salinas was elected Hidalgo County Commissioner – Precinct 3 where he served for 12 years. • In 1991, Texas Governor Ann Richards appointed him to the Texas Funeral Commission and was later reappointed by Governor George W. Bush. • In 1998, he was elected Mayor of the City of Mission • In 2001, Texas Governor Rick Perry appointed him to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. • Mayor Beto Salinas has proven to be able to work with both Democrats and Republicans and has an excellent relationship with county, state and federal officials, which has enabled him to secure much funding for the City of Mission. • Since Day 1, Mayor Salinas has always believed in an open door policy and has always made his mobile phone, email and personal business office address publicly available to the citizens of Mission. There is no doubt that he is a full time Mayor! • Mayor Salinas believes in the power of Social Media as an important communication tool, which allows him to stay in contact with the citizens of Mission. In 2014, he opened his Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, where he receives and addresses concerns from the public on a daily basis. • Mayor Salinas has managed to secure more than $450 million in county, state and federal funds for public safety, transportation, housing, infrastructure improvements, and parks. • It is due to this experience, leadership and devotion to public service that the City of Mission has experienced exponential growth and has been recognized as one of the best communities to live, work, and play in the Rio Grande Valley.
HOUSING AND PROPERTY TAXES • Mayor Salinas is fiscally responsible for providing more services at the lowest possible cost…always putting the taxpayer’s interest first. Mayor Salinas believes that low taxes create business friendly environment, which help drive growth and prosperity in the community. Since taking office, property taxes have dropped by 21%. From 1998 to 2017 he has managed to lower the property tax rate from .63 cents to .48 cents per $100 assessed valuation of property. • Over the last 20 years, Mission has become a hot spot for shopping and a magnet for new residents in the city’s residential areas. From 1998 to 2017, the total value of new residential, commercial and apartment buildings increased by 472% from $871 million to $4.1 billion; a record number which indicates that Mission is always growing. • More than 352 houses have been constructed through the CDBG Housing program, which provides housing for low-income families...totaling an investment of $11.3 million over the last several years.
PUBLIC SAFETY • In 1998, the Mission Police Department had only 80 officers and 48 units. Today, the City is one of the safest cities with 158 officers and 115 units. • Additionally, a new central police station and a new sub-station were built in the southern part of Mission to continue keeping residents safe. • Also, over the last 10 years the Mission Police Department has received over $9 million in state and federal grants. • Under his administration, Mayor Salinas built the new Central Fire Station and has also built 3 new fire stations. • For the last 20 years, the Fire Department has grown from 22 to 67 firefighters and increased its units from 20 in 1998 to 60 in 2018. He has consistently fought for better equipment, salaries and benefits!
QUALITY OF LIFE • In 2004, Mayor Salinas was also an advocate for the renovation of the Speer Memorial Library which increased the size of the library from 18,660 square feet to 48,760 square feet. • The library now provides over 250 computers for public use, free Wi-Fi, and mobile hotspot checkout, allowing the citizens of Mission access to the internet from their homes. • In 2013, with an investment of $260,000 Mayor Salinas completed the renovation of the Mission Historical Museum to further expand the exhibits and events that promote local culture and art. • Mayor Salinas has been working hard to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Mission and has added new facilities such as soccer fields, gyms and swimming pools to the City’s Parks Program. • In 2003, Mayor Salinas attracted state funds for the construction of the Mission
Hike and Bike Trail. The final cost of the 4.9 mile project was approximately $1million of which the City of Mission contributed 20%. • From 2013 to 2017, Mayor Salinas led the effort to invest over $7.5 million to the “Mission Better Parks Improvement Plan”. • In 2016, Mayor Salinas, a full time Mayor, visited and assessed the conditions of all the city parks before establishing a team to assure that the “Mission Better Parks Improvement Plan” was properly executed. • Mayor Salinas opened the City’s long overdue 40,000 square foot Mission Event Center in March 2018 to help support the many community and family events in the City of Mission…all of which was done at no expense to the citizens of Mission. • Mayor Salinas was an advocate for incorporating the Boys and Girls Club of Mission into the City’s operations.
DOWNTOWN • In 2013, as member of the board of directors of the Mission EDC, Mayor Salinas strongly supported the creation of the “Downtown Facade Improvement Program”, a fund that helps downtown businesses on improving and upgrading their commercial buildings. To date, more than 37 businesses have received downtown grants totaling an investment of $320,000. • Further, Mayor Salinas supported the creation of Mission EDC’s Downtown Rent Subsidy program to help property owners attract Upscale restaurants/ Bistros, Coffee Shops, specialty grocery stores, book stores and art studios. • In 2015 the City of Mission held the Ribbon Cutting for the $2.6 million Downtown Streetscape renovation that included the redesign of the downtown sidewalk on Conway from First to 14th Street to add pavers, planters, trees, trash bins, benches, bicycle stands and decorative lighting. • In order to solve the parking problem we have in our downtown area, the City has invested in the construction of new 3 parking lots located on the corner of Rafael Ramirez and Conway, 11th Street and Conway and Doherty Ave and another on the corner of 6th street and Conway. • With the objective of improving even more the quality of life in that area, Beto Salinas’ administration has been working in upgrading the park system in downtown. In November 2015, the renovation of the Arnulfo “Tatan” Rodriguez, Jr. Park was completed with walking trails, playground area, splash pad and much more. And this year, in order to provide a better venue for future community events the City of Mission held a groundbreaking for the $1.3 million Leo Peña Placita Park’s Mobility Improvement Project. Crews are now working in the renovating of this City’s 2.5 acre park. The project will be completed with the investment of $700,000 in federal funds and $600,000 in local funds. • In March 2016, Mayor Salinas signed ordinance No. 4329 with the objective of stopping the additional establishment of future loan/pay day companies in the downtown.
ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT • The Chamber of Commerce and the Mission Economic Development Corporation have received full support over the last 16 years from Mayor Beto Salinas as important partnerships to the City of Mission as they lead the efforts in promoting tourism and commerce. • Mayor Salinas works diligently with the Mission Economic Development Corporation on creating new jobs. Over the last 4 years, 3 major companies have established their operations in the City. Royal Technologies, Southwest Steel and Stanley Black and Decker together invested over $100 million to expand their operations and create approx. 1000 new jobs. • Mission is recognized today as a great place to do business by the major rating agencies and business trade magazines, which is why we have one of the lowest rates of unemployment in Hidalgo County. Between 2008 and 2017 employment in Mission grew 27% and today the unemployment rate is 6.0%, down 1.7% from 1 year ago. More than 34,433 people work in the city.
PUBLIC UTILITIES AND SANITATION • Over the last years Mayor Salinas’ administration has allocated funds to provide better utilities, drainage and sewer services in the Mission area. • During 2004 and 2017 with an investment of $20 million Mayor Salinas has upgraded the city’s water system with the addition of 4 water towers and the expansion of the south and north water treatment plants. To date, the City has the ability to process 25.5 million daily gallons. • The City of Mission have invested over $30 million in the upgrade of our south waste water treatment plant expansion, that will pass from the process of 9 million daily gallons to 13.5 million daily gallons. • In 2014, with an investment of $5 million the City invested funds in buying 14 trash trucks and created its own Sanitation Department that gives service to 21,700 houses.
N La Lomita Rd
FM 1016
ALTON
Old Military Hwy
Buchanan St
S FM 4 49
$3,190,214.00
35.4%
$125,385.00
0.7%
---
Legend Mile 2 North 2007-2010
(Taylor to SH 107)
3 Miles
MADERO INT'L BRIDGE5.6&Miles R.R.$17,400,000.00 2 Miles US 83 Overpass @ Inspiration Road / BUS 83 $35,990,000.00 CURRENT PROJECTS 1.5 Miles $5,400,000.00 Mile 2 North (SH 107 to Inspiration) (UNDER DEVELOPMENT)
$2,198,190.00
6.1%
$1,357,229.00
25.1%
2013-2016
CONSTRUCTION FMUNDER 494 (Shary Road) OR COMPLETED Taylor Road (US83 to Mile 2)
2017-2018
2008 2010-2014 2011-2015 2012-2015 2013
2018
BUS 83 PROP.
3 Miles
$15,755,489.00
$4,291,795.00
27.2%
1 Mile 2.88 Miles
$870,000.00 $25,511,213.61
$142,600.00 $2,608,892.98
16.4% 10.2%
Inspiration Rd / Military Parkway Loop
6.2 Miles
$31,405,300.33
$6,837,653.89
21.8%
Future Madero International GSA/Rail/Bridge Facility
3.5 Miles
TBD
TBD
TBD
Inspiration Road (From US 83 to Mile 3)
Total * Estimated�Cost
$356,722,363.64 $27,622,805.01 Under Design - Development / Funded for Construction Completed / Under Construction
7.7%
N 29th St S 28th St S 29th St
HIDALGO
• As a result of Mayor Salinas’ leadership and strong relationships with local, state TAMAULIPAS, MEXICO and federal officials, the Anzalduas International Bridge opened to the public in 2009 allowing travelers from Mexico direct access to Mission’s business district.
y2 81
$9,001,675.00
$4,300,000.00 $860,000.00 20.0% FM 494TRANSPORTATION SHARY RD. (US83 to FM1016) * MAJOR Mission Hike & Bike Trail * $1,056,685.70 $211,337.14 20.0% VILLA FLORIDA PROJECTS IN THE CITY MILITARY BRIDGE * $375,000.00 $75,000.00 20.0% PLAN DE REYNOSA-DESARROLLO URBANO OF MISSION Anzalduas Highway $179,078,500.00 $3,549,508.00 2.0%
Hw
20.0%
US
$300,000.00
3.7 Miles
365 SEGMENT 1 • Mayor Salinas secured over SH $350 million BY HCRMA in funds for infrastructure and transportation projects, such as: Shary Road, Business 83, the Anzalduas Highway, Trinity and Bryan overpass, expansion of Mile 2 North from Taylor to Inspiration, Inspiration Anzalduas Road and US 83 Overpass. International Bridge
R
$1,500,000.00
2004
S Bentsen Rd
GRANJENO
VE RI
1.0 Miles
2004, 2010-2013
"
E
Approximate Local Expenditure vs. Total Project Cost (% of Total)
4.9 Miles
"
"
Total Estimated City of Mission Cost
2.8 Miles
Taylor Rd
Old Military Hwy
ND
Total Estimated Project Cost
2003
Ware Rd
FM 396
FM 1016
RA
Length of Project
2003
FM 2220
FM494
N Glasscock Rd S Glasscock Rd
Mile 3 Rd S
SHARY RD SOUTH
G
FM 494 SHARY RD. (Bus83 to US83) *
MCALLEN
O RI
City of Mission Roadway Infrastructure Expenditures 2004 - 2018 in coordination with TxDOT, Hidalgo County and the City of McAllen
SHARY RD NORTH
S Bentsen Rd
PROP. RAILROAD
Roadway St
Bryan Rd
MILITARY BRIDGE
SH 495
TAYLOR RD
SHARY RD
SHARY ROAD
FM1016
Trinity St
2 , -
2001
HIDALGO
MADERO MADERO INT'L INT'L ROADWAY ROADWAY SYSTEM SYSTEM CONNECTION CONNECTION BETWEEN BETWEEN CARRETERA CARRETERA FEDERAL FEDERAL 22 & & IH-2 IH-2
APPROX. LOCATION OF THE PROP. MADERO INT'L BRIDGE AS PERMITTED
PROJECT
Daffodil Ave
Iwo Jima Blvd
§ ¦2 ¨
Shuerbach Rd
N Shary Rd
S Stewart Rd
FM396
MISSION
ANZALDUAS HWY
SH 365 SEGMENT 4 BY HCRMA
PROP. MILITARY PKWY LOOP
FY
Taylor Rd
Glasscock Rd
N Bryan Rd
LIBERTY BLVD FY 2019
S Bryan Rd
Mile 1 SOUTH Rd
E Griffin Pkwy
N Mayberry St
N Holland Ave S Holland Ave
US 83
N Los Ebanos Rd
N Moorefield Rd
BreyFogle Rd
INSPIRATION RD OVERPASS
Scott Lane Rd
Anzalduas International Bridge
N Rooth Rd
SH107
SH495
Griffin Pkwy
"
3
W Nolana Loop
INSPIRATION RD
d Military R
4 PR
Dove Ave
TAMAULIPAS, MEXICO
S Mayberry St
FM2062
FM 2062
Watson Rd
State Hwy 107
Inspiration Rd
Schuerbach Rd
La Homa Rd.
Minnesota Rd
Greene Rd
Goodwin Rd
Mile 2 North
Lark Ave
FM2220
Lahoma Dr
364
E Goodwin Rd
FM 492
Trosper Rd
N Bentsen Palm Dr
Minnesota Road
FM 492
Davis Ln
N Abram Rd
Abram Rd
FM1427 FM 1426
R Blue Rock Rd
PLAN DE REYNOSA-DESARROLLO URBANO
INSPIRATION RD. PROJECT
MISSION HIKE & BIKE TRAIL
VE RI
VILLA FLORIDA
Mile 1 Rd N
APPROX. LOCATION OF PROP. MADERO INT'L GSA FACILITY
"
E
Ceme tery R d
4 49
"
HIDALGO COUNTY LOOP Mike SECTION Barrera StA BY HCRMA
FM
BU83
ND
BUS 83
RA
Cantu Rd
G
BUS 83
FM 1924
Morales Dr
"
SH 365 SEGMENT 1 BY HCRMA
PALMHURST
MILE 2 NORTH
PROP. MADERO INT'L BRIDGE & R.R. CURRENT PROJECTS (UNDER DEVELOPMENT) PALMVIEW UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR COMPLETED
O RI
MAJOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS IN THE CITY OF MISSION
1/2 N
Mile 4 Rd N
FM1924
Mile 3 Rd N
Legend
S
4 Mile Rd
APPROX. LOCATION OF THE PROP. MADERO INT'L BRIDGE AS PERMITTED
Ware Rd
"When I came in 1998, the city had been neglected so much. We had so many needs, and we just started working on them one by one. We didn't have to spend time making plans and doing GRANJENO studies. All you 2 , had to do was drive around town to see what was needed." -MBS Franklin St
• In order to keep our streets in good conditions, Mayor Salinas’ has invested in the last 4 years over $7.5 million in street overlay and repair projects.
All these huge projects have been made possible with Mayor Salinas having the support of the City Council members, the City Staff and all of our citizens that serve on various boards created for the betterment of our city. All this without increasing the city’s debt and his ability to secure grants and funding from the county, state, and federal levels.
LET’S KEEP MISSION IN GOOD HANDS Contact your full time Mayor: Mobile: (956) 240.5656 • mayorbetosalinas@gmail.com Mayor Beto Salinas
@mbetosalinas
Mayor Beto Salinas
Beto RE-ELECT
MAYOR
Salinas Leadership + Results
US
Fillmore
FM 396
SH364
FM492
Western Ave
FM676
Guaymas
La Lomita Rd
Ware Rd
TRANSPORTATION PROP. MILITARY PKWY LOOP
Mile 3 Rd S
page 9
Mile 7 Line
SHARY RD SOUTH
Taylor Rd
Roadway St
W Mile 7 Rd
N Bentsen Rd
PROP. RAILROAD
SH 365 SEGMENT 4 BY HCRMA
Bryan Rd
MILITARY BRIDGE
MCALLEN
Mayberry Rd
3
Los Ebanos Rd
4 PR
Moorefield Rd
d Military R
6 Mile Line Rd
CARRETERA CARRETERA FEDERAL FEDERAL 22 & & IH-2 IH-2
FM10
Shuerbac
MISSION HIKE & BIKE TRAIL
"
Brushline Rd
Ce
FM681 FM| 681 www.ptrgv.com www.strgv.com
SHARY ROAD
ËINFRASTRUCTURE AND FM2221
FM 2221 April 20, 2018
page 10
April 20, 2018
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
Mayoral candidates discuss plans at forum By Jamie Treviño In the midst of election season, two mayoral candidates attended a forum held in order to answer questions about their intentions for the City of Mission. Dr. Armando O’caña and Jaime Gutierrez, both hoping to take over as Mayor of Mission, attended an event held by the Progress Times newspaper at the Speer Memorial Library on Mon. Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas, the incumbent, was ill and not in attendance. The forum drew 100 people to the library’s Community Room, and was streamed on Facebook live as the event went on. Candidates spoke on policy, city planning, and how they intend to lead Mission forward. Moderators asked them various questions formulated by the Progress Times staff, as well as some questions gathered from the public via a Facebook post. Each candidate was given one minute and 30 seconds to answer various questions, and had the opportunity to give opening and closing remarks about themselves and their campaigns. Both Gutierrez and O’caña are running on a platform of change in Mission.
“For the last 20 years, we’ve been under the same ideas and the same way of thinking,” Gutierrez said. “I can see the reflection in the eyes of our citizens the need for a change. When you see all those reports on how great we are, and then when you go out there to your community and you start talking to your citizens, you realize that you get way different answers.” When asked about the top three issues they aim to address as mayor, both mentioned similar objectives. O’caña mentioned public safety, the downtown Mission area and youth development. “Mission is growing,” O’caña said. “When I was the Fire Chief of Mission, I had to protect 8,100 individuals, and now we’re over 88,000. If you take a drive up and down downtown, it won’t take a rocket genius to figure out that we’re struggling there.” For the youth, O’caña advocated for better swimming pools, a Boys and Girls Club, satellite stations and more libraries, including repairs to the Speer Memorial Library. Gutierrez addressed the younger population of Mission as well, and the downtown area needing to be revitalized, but also men-
tioned expanding economic development in the West side of the city. City Council meetings in Mission are currently held at 4:30 p.m., and various residents on Facebook asked if the candidates would be willing to change the time in order to better accommodate working citizens who leave work later than that. Gutierrez and O’caña agreed with this being an issue, and stated that if elected, they would change the meeting time to 6 p.m. Both candidates discussed their plans for the revitalization of downtown Mission, and hope to bring more growth and raise the quality of life in the area. O’caña said that he would reinstate the Downtown Coalition and recommend the city hire someone to run the association in order to further represent that area of the city. He also mentioned doing more weekly events at Leo Placita Park when it is reopened, and hold more market days, as well as do new overlays of the sidewalks and crosswalks. Gutierrez stated that he would conduct a study in order to determine what can be done with the infrastructure downtown. “After the study, we go
Dr. Armando O’caña and Jaime Gutierrez listen to a question addressed to them at the Mayoral Forum. Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III. out there and market,” Gutierrez said. “We have to market it like it was a business. We have to attract the youth. I would give it a touch of antique, but modern. We have to have the youth come in.” When asked about the role of younger residents in Mission, namely the millennial and younger adult generation, both Gutierrez and O’caña stressed their importance and covered different ways to reach these citizens. “We have to acknowledge that what keeps us alive and keeps us on a today basis is the youth,” Gutierrez said. “The youth are always going to be in the present. We have to open up scenarios where three generations can work at the same time.” The candidates present also stated that if elected, both would recommend a two-year term limit for the position of Mayor of Mis-
sion, capping the time spent in office at eight years. The second part of the forum included audience participation, where various residents present were able to ask O’caña and Gutierrez questions not covered by the moderators. They asked the candidates about their stance on single-member districts, which both feel strongly about in order to more fully represent more citizens in the city. As the evening came to an end, each candidate gave impassioned closing statements and asked people to go out and vote. O’caña spoke about his faith in God, his family and the skills that he has gleaned from his experience as a public servant and educator as to reasons why people should vote for him. “Mission has always been great in my heart,” O’caña
said. “I will breathe, work and I am retiring from the La Joya Independent School District June 26, 2019, so I will be available for the City of Mission full-time.” Gutierrez said that this election is a moment that can change the City of Mission for the better, and the change toward a new Mission would be beneficial to the lives of citizens. “The moment is change,” Gutierrez said. “A change for a new Mission that includes everyone. A Mission that has equal opportunities for everybody. A Mission that is modern. A new Mission that can stand up to McAllen, to Edinburg, to any platform. There hasn’t been a better opportunity.” Early voting begins Mon., April 23 and runs until Tues. May 1. Election day is Sat. May 5.
The Marketplace Business and services Directory
ONE COMPANY. ONE AGENT. Top Soil, Caliche, Sand, Mulch, Gravel River Rocks & Boulders, We Deliver www.riotechyard.com Utility, Enclosed, Tow Dollies & Hot Shot Trailers 16ft Angel Top – (2) 3500lbs Axles - $1,39900 Plus Tax and Registration www.riotechtrailers.com Mini Roll-Off Containers Delivery & Pickup to local landfill $29900 / 7 day rental www.rgvminirolloff.com
956-287-0800 2113 West State Hwy. 107 McAllen, TX 78504
Hours: Mon-Fri:8am - 5:30pm • Saturday: 9am - 3pm Sunday: Closed
MANY WAYS TO SAVE.
Let me help you save time and money.
Protecting more of your world with Allstate makes your life easier. And it can put more money in your pocket. Bundle your policies and you can save een more. Why wait? Call me today.
Ana Alvarado 2000 E. Business 83 Ste. G • Mission, TX
956.205.2850 email: anaalvardo@allstate.com
Auto Home Life Retirement
Insurance and coverage subject to terms, qualifications and availability. Allstate Vehicle Property Insurance Co., Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. Northbrook, Illinions © 2018 Allstate Insurance Co.
TO ADVERTISE IN THE MARKETPLACE BUSINESS AND SERVICES DIRECTORY CALL 956-585-4893 FOR MORE INFORMATION
April 20, 2018
page 11
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
Mayor Salinas holds Meet and Greet campaign event By Jamie Treviño Hoping to secure the position of Mayor of the City of Mission, Norberto “Beto” Salinas laid out his 2018 platform and what he intends to do if re-elected. Salinas held a Meet and Greet event last Thurs., April 12 at the Mission Event Center. During the campaign function, supporters of the mayor gathered to listen to his intentions for Mission. Mayor Salinas greeted people and posed for pictures as they entered the Ruby Red Room. Julian J. Gonzalez, Henry Rodriguez, Minnie Rodgers and Petra Ramirez were also in attendance, giving their support to Salinas and also their own campaigns. Carina Garza-De Luna gave the introductory speech for the evening, and served as the Master of Ceremonies. She spoke in detail about the accomplishments Salinas made during his political career, and urged residents of Mission to vote for him. “Because of the leadership of Mayor Beto Salinas, we have enjoyed long-term prosperity in the City of Mission,” Garza-De Luna said. “Our city is beautiful, our city is clean, our city is safe, and we enjoy an excellent quality of life.” When Salinas took the podium, he spoke about his experience as a civil servant and his tenure as Mayor of Mission, the position he has held for 20 years. He went into further detail regarding his successful projects as mayor. Salinas spoke about his work on the Anzalduas Bridge and the current Madero Bridge project, and the importance of continuing the work on these passages. He also brought up the Mission Event Center, and his initial hesitance in approving its construction. One of Salinas’ main talking points was the tax rate, and how during his time as mayor, the city was able to lower taxes from 62 cents to 48 cents. He explained that his reasoning for lowering taxes has to do with the school system. “The less we drop our tax rate with the city, the more the school district can use it for the kids,” Salinas said. “I want the schools to know that that’s why we lowered the taxes, because they can raise their taxes up a little bit.” Mayor Salinas said during the event that his goal will be to lower taxes even more if re-elected. “I guarantee you one thing,” Salinas said. “If I stay in office, that tax rate is going to be 39 cents in four years.” The other candidates running for mayor, Dr. Armando O’caña and Jaime Gutierrez, were also mentioned several times throughout the course of the evening, but never by name. “Mayor’s opponents are running on the platform of change,” Garza-De Luna said. “Change just for the
sake of change isn’t good for our city, and is not what our city needs.” Salinas himself spoke about them during his speech. He said they “mean well,” but according to him could not carry out the duties of the mayor as well as he can. Without saying O’caña’s name specifically, the mayor alluded to his opponent’s time as a civil servant in the city. “One of them has been with me for the last 15 years,” Salinas said. “And he has not contributed one ounce to our commission. He has not contributed anything, period. He goes to school at 8 o’clock, comes back at 6 o’clock in the afternoon, and that’s it.” After Salinas said this, an unidentified person in attendance shouted from the audience, “Where does he live?” in reference to the recent claims made by Tomas Tijerina about O’caña’s residency. “I’m not going to tell you where he lives,” Salinas said from the podium. The crowd laughed and applauded as the mayor continued his speech. According to Salinas, in October the police department in Mission will be getting a raise from $45,000 as a starting salary, to a $50,000 starting salary. He also said they hope to hire nine more firemen for the city. “They’re not getting it because I’m running for office,” Salinas said. “They always get a raise. When I came into office [in 1998], they were making $17,000. Let me tell you one thing, they deserve it.” The mayor also revealed that the City of Mission has been looking into the development and building of a new Boys and Girls Club. “Let me tell you what we’re going to do if we win,” Salinas said. “We’re going to build a brand new Boys and Girls Club building that is going to cost us $5 million. We are ready to spend that much money on the kids.” Throughout the speech, Salinas also highlighted his work on the roads in the City of Mission, and the five new city employees hired that will be dedicated to working on street improvements. Marcelino De La Fuente, a lifelong resident of Mission, spoke during the function after the mayor. He said he has never publicly supported candidates in the past, but felt the importance of this particular election, as well as the Mission Consolidated Independent School District elections. “Mayor Salinas has done much for the city that I have seen in the time he has served as mayor,” De La Fuente said. “Some of us have forgotten to be grateful about things that the city provides. Let’s be grateful that the leadership provided in the past can continue in the future.” Early voting begins this Mon., April 23 and runs until May 1. Election day is Sat., May 5.
Mayor Beto Salinas speaks to voters at his Meet and Greet held at the Mission Event Center. Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.
2018 MISSION / ITOR S B I H X E S! IVITI E T C A KI D
AVE H E M CO FU N! SOM E
April 21, 2018 10am - 2pm
LIVE M US IC !
FR E E EVE NT !
City Hall Courtyard - 1201 E. 8th St. • Mission, TX
In Celebration of
Activities: Tree Planting Event Fire Safety House by Mission Fire Department
Mascots!
Several Mascots From Businesses & Departments
Fingerprint ID
for Kids
by Mission Police Department
Toy Giveaway
(winners by raffle drawing)
• Bikes • Toys
Butterfly Garden Recycling Birdfeeders
Sponsored by: Mission Historical Museum
Entertainment
• Serjio & Ropin’ the Wind • Tony Longoria - Local Singer • Folklorico & Mariachi
Book Raffle!!
Adopt a Pet!
Free books provided by: Speer Memorial Library
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL:
(956) 580-8670
page 12
April 20, 2018
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
Sunday Service Times: Adult Sunday School 9:30 AM Sunday Worship 10:30 AM Wednesday Services: Adults, Teens, Kids 7:00 PM
Located at 3 Mile & Shary Rd.
Team L1berty outspends Team Agua SUD 2-to-1 in utility district election by Dave Hendricks Donors who support Team L1berty spent $10,000 on signs for Agua Special Utility Board candidates last month — twice what Team Agua SUD spent during the whole campaign. Four people affiliated with the city of Peñitas purchased campaign signs for the Team L1berty candidates, according to campaign finance reports filed on April 5. Peñitas City Manager Omar Romero, who owns a consulting company called Government Asset Services; Peñitas Chief of Staff Andy Morales, who owns a consulting company called RGV Redlight; Peñitas Volunteer Fire Chief Jonathan Sakulenzki, an insurance broker; and Chris Wilson, who works for Romero at Government Asset Services, paid $2,500 apiece. “We’re a team,” Morales said. “We stick together.” The campaign pits Team L1berty, which holds a majority on the seven-member utility board, against Team Agua SUD, which recruited candidates to run against them. With four seats on the ballot, the winning team could take control of the utility district, which provides water and sewer service to more than 15,000 customers in western Hidalgo County. Thanks to support from
Peñitas, the Team L1berty candidates — math teacher Ivan Sandoval, La Joya police Chief Adolfo Arriaga, school district Energy Management Director Lloyd A. Loya and school district Discipline Compliance Officer Cesar Rodriguez Jr. — blanketed U.S. 83 with signs. They also accepted money from L&G Investments, which donated $1,000 to Sandoval; and MG Xtreme Electronics, which donated $400 to Rodriguez and $400 to Lloya. Arriaga borrowed $5,000 from the La Joya Area Federal Credit Union, but hadn’t spent any of the money by March 31, according to his campaign finance report. La Joya Mayor Jose A. “Fito” Salinas said he cosigned the loan. Meanwhile, the candidates backed by Team Agua SUD spent nearly $5,000 from January to April. Team Agua SUD — businessman Julian Peña, union organizer J.J. Luna, Pharr police Sgt. Juan Gonzalez and businessman Eric Sanchez — depended on friends and family for donations. Gonzalez accepted about $1,500 from his sister-inlaw, Ruby Ontiveros; and Peña accepted nearly $1,600 from his brother, Osvaldo Peña Jr., who works for Hidalgo County Precinct 3. Meanwhile, Sanchez self-funded his campaign,
spending about $1,500 on signs, T-shirts and food. Reports filed by both Team L1berty and Team Agua SUD, though, raised questions about campaign spending. Team L1berty candidates for the utility board and South Texas College held a campaign event at the La Joya Youth Center on March 27. They paid $250 to rent the building for three hours, according to city records, which include a copy of the receipt and rental form signed by Arriaga. Neither Arriaga nor any other candidate listed the rental fee on campaign finance reports. Morales said the Liberty Executive Committee, a general-purpose political action committee, paid the rental fee. All four utility board candidates disclosed $170 in-kind contributions from the Liberty Executive Committee on March 25, lumping all expenses from the event together under the description “meals.” Two candidates on the Team Agua SUD ticket filed campaign finance reports showing support from specific-purpose political action committees called the “Juan F. Gonzalez Campaign Fund” and the “Juan J. Luna Jr. Campaign Fund.” No such political action committees registered with the utility district. Asked about the political action committees, Gonzalez said he followed Luna’s instructions. Luna said he filled out the form incorrectly and meant to disclose regular spending from the campaign account. Independent candidate Noe Garza of Peñitas failed to file a campaign finance report by the deadline and didn’t respond to requests for comment. Early voting starts April 23. Election day is May 5.
Agua SUD replacing all of its water meters by Jose De Leon III
With a predicted annual savings of up to $900,000 per year, the Agua Special Utility District have entered in a 15 year long agreement with an Illinois-based engineering company to replace every one of their water meters with smart meters. The Agua board of directors unanimously approved this action at a special called meeting Tuesday. Agua interim General Manager Eddie Saenz told the board that the company Professional Service Industries Inc. will replace all of Agua’s water meters with smart meters and maintain them for $660,000 per year. According to Saenz, the smart meters will be able to accurately calculate water usage for Agua customers. “In an audit done by PSI, they found that we were only billing for 80 percent of water that we treat, meaning that we had 20 percent of water that we treat that goes into the system and isn’t being billed,” Saenz said after the meeting. According to Saenz, PSI will be responsible for replacing all the meters, a process that will begin in the summer and last for at least eight months, he said. Even though the agreement with PSI is for 15 years, Saenz said the meters have a lifelong expectancy of 20 years. “The savings in operational costs and additional revenues from accurate meter readings will pay for this agreement,” Saenz said. “We’ll have to advise the public we’re doing this so they can expect this.”
April 20, 2018
obituaries Benito Casarez MISSION –A funeral mass was held on Monday, April 16, 2018, for Benito “Benny” Casarez, 90, who passed away on June 11, 2017. The mass was held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission, and burial followed at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. Mr. Casarez was owner of El Rancho Cafe in Mission. He is survived by his sister, Estela Ochoa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pedro and Juanita Casarez, and siblings, Manuel, Roberto and Eduardo Casarez, Delia Rocha, Omega Perez, Ester Beltran and Maria de Jesus Beltran. Virginia Luna MISSION – Virginia Luna, 94, passed away on Saturday, April 14, 2018, at Comfort House in McAllen. Ms. Luna was born on Oct. 31, 1923, in Yorktown to Margarito and Senovia Luna. Survivors include her son, Martin Beltran of Mission, and three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson. She is preceded in death by her parents, Margarito and Senovia Luna, and granddaughter, Julie Beltran. A funeral mass was held on April 16 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission. Jose Martinez LA JOYA – Jose David Martinez, 52, passed away on Thursday, April 12, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center. Mr. Martinez was born on Nov. 14, 1965, in La Joya to Jose Guadalupe and Sara E. Martinez. Survivors include his wife, Blanca Lamar Gonzalez-Martinez; children, Raymond Orta, Joe Martinez Jr. and Chelsea Martinez; sister, Norma I. Martinez; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother,
Jose Martinez Jr. A funeral mass was held on April 16 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in La Joya. Burial followed at King David Family Cemetery in La Joya. Malcom Moses BELVIDERE, Ill. - Malcom Carey Moses, 66, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at home, after a year-long battle with cancer. Malcom was born on Oct. 29, 1951, in Levelland, Hockley, Texas, and was raised following the cotton industry in Texas and New Mexico with his parents and siblings. His family eventually settled in Mission, Texas, where his parents took over the cotton gin that was located at Three Mile Line and Conway Avenue. He graduated from Mission High School in 1970. At the age of 18, Malcom became a volunteer firefighter for the City of Mission. He worked as a Union electrician in Texas and Illinois, as well as a multitude of other jobs throughout his life. His position as a dispatcher/ school bus driver was his last job before leaving the work force due to health issues. The job Malcom was most proud of was passing on his skills as a cook and family fix-it man to his children and their spouses. Known for his sense of humor and storytelling, Malcom was a generous, loving family man, always thinking of others before himself. As his last, but certainly not least, selfless act, he chose to donate his body to science so that others might benefit. He is survived by his loving partner of 18 years, Maurine Funk Lucas of Belvidere; five children, Anne McCann (Jake), Carey (Jennifer), Charles (Megan), Philip and Stephen Moses; her two children, Beth Schultz Drennen (Justin) and Timothy Schultz (Krissy); siblings, Wanda Sue Long (George), Mary Joy Barnes (Bob) and Johnice Ann Wy-
John Noyola Jr. MISSION – John Noyola Jr., 24, passed away on Friday, April 13, 2018, in Mission. Mr. Noyola was born on Sept. 20, 1993 in Mission, to John and Irene Noyola. A lifelong resident of Mission, he graduated from Lincoln Juarez High School in 2012. Survivors include his parents; sister, Jaclyn Noyola; maternal grandmother, Yolanda Bermudez; and paternal grandparents, San Juanita and Juan Noyola. A funeral mass was held on April 18 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Catholic Cemetery in Mission. Funeral arrangements were under the care of Rivera Funeral Home in Mission. Conrad Prukop Sr. MISSION – Conrad W. Prukop Sr., 96, passed away on Monday, April 16, 2018, at his home in Mission. Mr. Prukop was born on Feb. 9, 1922, at home in Kosciusko. The family moved to the McCook area in 1928. He
was a WWII veteran serving in the US Marine Corps. After his service, he returned to McCook for a lifelong career in farming and married Christine Helen Keller, on Feb. 12, 1946. Survivors include his wife, of 72 years, Christine Keller Prukop of Mission; children, Wallace Prukop of San Benito, Gabriel Prukop of Port Aransas, Veronica Schievelbein of Katy, Benedict Prukop of Austin and Conrad Prukop of Mission; siblings, Emil Prukop, Irene Lyssy and Hedwig Kotara; and 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Gertrude Prukop, and siblings, Frank Prukop, Phillip Prukop and Sophie Foley. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 20, from 5 to 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, April 21, at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in McCook. Burial follows at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in McCook. Delia Rodriguez MISSION – Delia “Nena” G. Rodriguez, 80, passed away on April 15, 2018, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s and Lupus. Mrs. Rodriguez was born on Feb. 15, 1938, in Poth. She was a licensed beautician for over 20 years, and, after retirement, began a new business, Nena’s Decor. She was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where she served as a Eucharist minister, cursillista and rollista. Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Agustin Rodriguez; children, Juan Agustin Rodriguez and Sally Casares and 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her son, Gerardo Rodriguez, and parents, seven brothers and one sister. A funeral mass was held on April 19 at Our Lady of Guadalupe. Burial followed at Granjeno Cemetery.
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.
page 13
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
ant (Stanley); and their eight, beautiful grandchildren, Madison, Benjamin, Daniel, Katelyn, Gabriel, Emmeline, Finleigh and Madelyn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carey Allen Moses and Mary Hattie McQueen. A memorial will be held in the near future in Illinois for family and friends to celebrate his life. Special thanks to Northern Illinois Hospice and to family members and friends that have reached out during this time. Donations in Malcom’s honor can be made to Swedish American Cancer Center, 4215 Newburg Rd., Rockford, IL 61108.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1101 Doherty • 585-1665 FREEDOM LIFE CHURCH 2214 W. Griffin Pkwy. • 519-7000 Mission GRACIA DIVINA MINISTRY 11809 N. Shary Rd. • 584-3112 GREAT OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH 2722 N. Conway • 451-5500 Mission HERITAGE BAPTIST MCALLEN 2549 Lindbergh Ave. McAllen • 451-6358 IGLESIA ADVENTISTA DEL SEPTIMO DIA 1725 W. Griffin Parkway 581-9008 IGLESIA BAUTISTA BETANIA 851 S. Breyfogle Rd. • 585-5688 IGLESIA BAUTISTA CRISTO EL REY 1600 E. Bus. 83 - Mission IGLESIA BAUTISTA COLONIAL 3713 N. La Homa Rd. • 585-5332 IGLESIA BAUTISTA DEL VALLE 217 W. Mile 3 Rd. • 424-1602 Palmhurst IGLESIA DEL PUEBLO 7500 West Expressway 83 581-1900 IGLESIA DEL DIVINO REDENTOR 1020 North Los Ebanos Rd 585-5898
IGLESIA PENTECOSTES NUEVA VIDA A/G 211 W. Mile 3 Road Palmhurst • 956-342-9711 Rev. Candelario Banda
LA RESPUESTA CHURCH 405 W. 12th Street • 585-0787 MISSION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 1 mi. E. 495 • 585-6683 NEW HOPE AT THE BORDER 905 N. Conway • 369-3603 NORTH MISSION CHURCH OF CHRIST 1410 E. Mile 3 Rd. • 585-0146 Palmhurst NORTH PALMVIEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH 7612 W. 6 Mile Ln. ONLY THRU JESUS 1511 E. Mile 2 Rd. Mission • 918-760-1625 OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS One-half mile South Leo Avenue La Joya • 585-5223 OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH 6634 El Camino Real • Granjeno OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH 2.5 miles S. Conway (FM 1016) Mission OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH 620 Dunlap • 585-2623 OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY CHURCH 923 Matamoros St. • 581-2193 PALM VALLEY CHURCH 1720 E. Griffin Pkwy. 585-3203 PEÑITAS BAPTIST CHURCH 1/3 Mile S. of Exp.83 on FM 1427 583-6236 PRIMERA BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of 6th & Oblate 585-4711
PROMISE LAND CHURCH 2300 E. Palm Circle (Corner of 495) Mission, TX 78572 • 624-9307 RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH 901 S. Shary Rd. (Located in the Holiday Inn Express Conference Room) 451-4838 SAN CRISTOBAL MAGALLANES & COMPANIONS PARISH
3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5
Mission • 580-4551
SAN MARTIN DE PORRES 5 mi. N. Conway, 1/2 Mile West Alton • 585-8001 & 585-8002 SPIRIT OF PEACE EV. LUTHERAN CHUCH 3104 Los Milagros Mission • 581-1822 ST. JOHN OF THE FIELDS CATHOLIC CHURCH 1052 Washington Ave. • 585-2325 ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1119 Francisco • 585-2701 ST. PETER & ST. PAUL EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2310 N. Stewart Rd. 585-5005 SHINING LIGHT BAPTIST CHURCH 6 1/8 N. Doffing Rd. (FM 492) 580-4078 TEMPLO BIBLICO 5 Mile/Conway 581-4981or 585-3831 TEMPLO EVANGELICO, M.B. CHURCH La Joya TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 3905 W. 3 Mile Line • 585-3261 VALLEY FELLOWSHIP 1708 E. Griffin Parkway Mission • 424-7200
PRIMERA IGLESIA DEL VALLE APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY 210 N. St. Marie. • 585-8651
KING, GUERRA, DAVIS & GARCIA ATTORNEYS AT LAW
DAVID H. GUERRA
DARRELL DAVIS
301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622
MISSION AUTO ELECTRIC, INC. DBA
ER MAE EPQOU IW PMENT
Commercial Lawn Equipment “Since 1954”
915 West Bus. 83 • Mission, tX 78572 • (956) 581-7433
Notices Felipe Gomez MISSION – Felipe Garcia Gomez, 91, passed away on Friday, April 13, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center. Gloria Montes SULLIVAN CITY – Gloria Elsa Montes, 74, passed away on Sunday, April 15,
GARZA SENTENCED and corrupt executive directors, they rigged the competitive bidding process for construction contracts awarded by the Alamo Housing Authority and the Donna Housing Authority, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Rees, who summarized the indictment during the sentencing hearing. Garza submitted multiple bids under different company names, which created the appearance of competition. Along with submitting fraudulent bids, Rees said Garza bribed the executive director of the Donna Housing Authority for a construction contract. The Donna Housing Authority didn’t respond to requests for comment. Alamo Housing Authority Executive Director Mary Vela said she allowed Garza to solicit bids on her behalf for a small construction project. Garza submitted three fraudulent bids, including a bid from Crane Construction, which he owned, according to the indictment. The Alamo Housing Authority accepted the bids, apparently unconcerned Garza had both solicited the bids and submitted a bid himself. “I was naive and trusting,” Vela said, adding that she had never solicited construction bids before. “I feel awful being in this situation.” Jimenez, who didn’t own a legitimate construction company, won both contracts. Garza hired subcontractors to handle the work. U.S. Housing and Urban Development paid them nearly $45,000. “Mr. Jimenez, if anything, was nothing more than a glorified gopher for Mr. Garza,”
2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Howard Rosson MISSION – Howard Keith Rosson, 47, passed away on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center Earl Royal MISSION – Earl P. Royal, 82, passed away on Monday, April 10, 2018, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg.
from pg 1
said attorney Marco A. De Luna of McAllen, who represented Jimenez. Garza stumbled through the sentencing hearing, contradicting himself and struggling to answer questions from the judge. While he pleaded guilty, Garza said many statements by the government were incorrect. He submitted a sixpage, single-spaced letter that addressed everything from western Hidalgo County politics to supposed problems with the case against him. The letter apparently prompted attorney Roberto J. “Bobby Joe” Yzaguirre, who represented Garza, to withdraw from the case last year. Concerned about contradictions between the letter and what Garza said during the plea hearing, Hinojosa repeatedly asked him whether or not he wanted to withdraw the guilty plea. Garza said he wanted to proceed and promptly reversed himself, admitting to things he hadn’t remembered moments earlier. The judge admonished Garza for breaking the law and violating the trust placed in him by members of the public. “Mr. Garza, I’m sorry you placed yourself in this situation,” Hinojosa said. Jimenez quickly admitted guilt and apologized to the judge, adding that he hadn’t understood the consequences of rigging construction bids. Hinojosa sentenced him to 18 months. Garza and Jimenez must surrender to the U.S. Marshals Service by June 1 to start serving their prison sentences.
page 14
April 20, 2018
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
CRIME VICTIMS
the block to raise awareness for victims’ rights. The event concluded with a vigil where a single dove was released which represented a sense of peace for the families in attendance, according to Robert Garcia. Garcia is the founder of Rio Grande Valley Family & Friends of Murdered Children, which was started by Harlingen resident Robert Garcia after his brother - Rogelio “Roger” Garcia - was killed in a murder-suicide by his wife in 2011. He founded the organization after he and his family experienced a lack of understanding in navigating the criminal justice system and in the kinds of rights he and his family had. “When my brother was murdered, I had to clean up the crime scene at his place but had no idea my family and I could’ve requested the local police department to do that for us,” he said. “Cleaning that crime scene was the most traumatic thing I’ve ever experienced and the smell of him and his blood was one that didn’t leave me for months. If I went through something like this as a result of a violent crime, how many other families are going through something similar?” According to Garcia, his organization has helped more than 1,100 families across the Valley and have 200 cold cases from the past 30 years on their database. “Some families get justice, some unfortunately don’t,” he said. The organization offers weekly support groups, local advocacy, crisis intervention and accompaniment to
from pg 1
court for victims and their family members, Garcia said. Events like the Walk for Victims’ rights walk are important for the community because, much like his RGV-FFMC, it promotes a sense of unity to crime victims to let them know they are not alone in surviving or being part of a violent crime. “For many of us, we lost a loved one who is dear to us so this event is our way of being respected in a dignified way,” Garcia said. “We are in a survivor’s club we didn’t want to be part of, but it binds us together.” For Dina Macias, the crime victims advocate for the city police department, among the reasons why the event is special for the community is because it acknowledges those who have lost a loved one and must pick up the pieces. “Everyone here has lost a loved one but have come to be part of this gathering that honors those victims and their families going through turmoil,” Macias said. “This won’t make up for what they lost, but it can still give them a bit of comfort which is the least we can do.” Mission Police Chief Robert Dominguez praised the event for promoting unity between the community and local law enforcement. “It’s always unfortunate whenever someone loses a loved one, but we have to stay connected to those victims to remain committed to their families so we can bring justice for them,” he said. “This event is a step in that direction.”
Personal
Classifieds
In Print & Online
FREE
ing his performance, disciplinary issues, and his possible resignation," according to a report prepared by Acevedo. Three days later, Barrera filed a sexual harassment complaint against Olivares. Barrera accused Olivares of sending him suggestive text messages. Olivares said he sent two innocuous texts by mistake and believed Barrera misinterpreted the third text message. None of the text messages included explicit language or material. Barrera, though, apparently interpreted the messages as sexual harassment. Palmview conducted an investigation, which determined the text messages and an in-person incident Barrera complained about didn't constitute sexual harassment. "Olivares is advised to demonstrate more care with his text (sic) to employees. He should apologize to Barrera for any misunderstandings," according to the report. "Finally, the City should update its sexual harassment policies, and all employees can benefit from additional training regarding
sexual harassment." After the investigation concluded, Olivares addressed the allegations on Twitter. "City found allegations without merit. Chief's abuse of system disrespects victims w/ legitimate claims. Although a feeble attempt to obfuscate a personnel matter, I bare (sic) no animus," Olivares tweeted. "However, I do reserve my rights against discrimination & defamation." After Barrera filed the sexual harassment complaint, Olivares finalized a five-page memo detailing management problems at the police department. The memo included accusations that Barrera failed to properly supervise the spending of asset forfeiture money, promoted his private security business with city resources and had "a laissez-faire management style" that "resulted in sustained instances of mis, mal, and non-feasance." After filing the complaint, Barrera took vacation and sick time. Palmview appointed Lt. Gilbert Zamora to the position of "interim police chief" during his absence.
from pg 1
Barrera returned to work on April 9, but didn't stay long. Palmview placed him on administrative leave Monday morning. Human Resources Director Gerardo Villarreal didn't explain why Barrera had been placed on administrative leave or provide him with any paperwork documenting the decision. "So I just got up and walked out," Barrera said. The decision to place Barrera on administrative leave rankled Peña. “It’s interesting that a man who may or may not be under investigation for his possible involvement with illegal activity regarding a water plant in Weslaco and got the city to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on an illegal sewer system in the already cash-strapped city of Palmview is now breaking every law and procedure in a seemingly desperate quest to waste as much of the city
Send us your
Submit online: www.ptrgv.com
PALMVIEW AGREEMENT
classified today!
Bring it in: 1217 N Conway Mission Fax it in: 585-2304
Or Scan This Code With Your Smar tphone
up to 20 words Limited Time Offer
GREATER ALTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Rubies& Diamonds Gala In recognition and appreciation to our sponsors we would like to say
40th
Thank you For a Spectacular Event!
CORPORATE SPONSOR:
• Lone Star National Bank • City of Alton Development Corporation GOLD SPONSOR:
1978 -2018
• Mission Consolidated Independent School District • Halff Associates Inc • City of Alton • IBC • WiFi R Us LLC SILVER SPONSOR:
• Raba Kistner Consultants Inc. • Linebarger Goggan Blair Sampson LLC • City of Palmhurst • Ricardo Gonzalez, PC BRONZE SPONSOR:
• Affordable Signs • Noel Garza CPA
509 S. Alton Blvd. • Alton, Texas 78573 p(956) 432-0760 f (956) 432-0766
www.alton-tx.gov/chamber
Anniversary
taxpayers’ money as possible,” Peña said. Olivares said he considered Peña’s comments unwarranted and inappropriate. “I honored Javier Peña’s request to refrain from social media, yet he chose to comment on a personnel matter with obfuscation, invective and malice,” Olivares said. “I won’t resort to ad hominem attacks but rather wish him well. Again, I reserve my rights against discrimination and defamation.” Both sides hope to cement the separation agreement by next week.
Progress Times Like Us on Facebook
scan this code with your smartphone
theclassifieds April 20, 2018
buy • sell • trade • rent • hire
this page is your oyster opening up to a world of opportunity
For Rent 3002 N. CONWAY, 1 bedroom, A/C, unfurnished, quiet area, washer/dryer hook up, water and gas supplied, $525 plus deposit, call 956-580-0377 for more information. NEW HOME 3 bedroom/2Bath for rent, tom Gill Rd in Penitas, TX, central AC/H, housing approved, call 956-
page 15
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
878-5040 for more information. For Sale BEACH FRONT TIME share for sale, 2 unit condo at South Padre Island, Royale Beach Resort, large pools, fully furnished, washer & dryer, central A/C & heat, asking $5,000 cash, call 707-631-2775 or 707-398-8539. USE HAPPY JACK
mange medicine to treat horse mane dandruff & lice, at Tractor Supply. (www.kennelvax. com) 36FT. SALEM DESTINATION, purchased new in 3/2012, two slides, standard refrigerator, queen bed, 12x60 aluminum awning, skirting, 12x10 shed w/ washing machine $16,000, call
Classified Rate: 1 Week = $7.00 2 Weeks = $10.00 4 Weeks = $14.00
479-936-1743 or email 1313corin@ gmail. com, located in Mission. HAPPY JACK FLEXENHANCE plus: relieves arthritic joint & muscle pain in older dogs without prescription. Mission Feed & Hardware, 956-5812153, (kennelvax. com).
THE STATE OF TEXAS NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: “You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do (does) not file a written answer with the clerk who issued to this citation by 10:00 A.M. on the Monday next after the expiration of forty-two (42) days after the date of issuance of this citation, a default Judgment may be taken against you.” TO: THE TRUSTEES OF THE WEIDNER TRUST AGREEMENT DATED OCTOBER 5, 1994, WILBERT D. HOOD, CARMEN R. BAILEY, PAULA MARIE SEAMAN, DENISE ANN HOOD, WILBERT DAWSON HOOD, JR., LISA KAY KOPPEL AND TIMOTHY LEE HOOD, CYNTHIA ANNE McPHEE AND TERESA COOPER, AND THE HEIRS AND UNKNOWN HEIRS AND SUCCESSORS-ININTEREST OF ALL OF THE FOREGOING NAMED DEFENDANTS, Defendants Greeting: You are hereby commanded to appear by filing a written answer to the Plaintiff’s petition at or before 10:00 o’clock a.m. of the first Monday after the expiration of forty-two (42) days from the date of issuance of this citation, the same being Monday April 30, 2018 at or before 10 o’clock a.m., before the 332nd District Court of Hidalgo County, at the Courthouse in Edinburg, Texas. Said Plaintiff’s Petition was filed on February 13, 2018 in this case, numbered C-00575-18-F on the docket of said court. An Amended Original Petition was filed February 15, 2018. A Second Amended Petition was filed March 16, 2018. The names of the parties to the cause are as follows: CRYSTAL LYN FENCIL, Plaintiff and THE TRUSTEES OF THE WEIDNER TRUST AGREEMENT DATED OCTOBER 5, 1994, WILBERT D. HOOD, CARMEN R. BAILEY, PAULA MARIE SEAMAN, DENISE ANN HOOD, WILBERT DAWSON HOOD, JR., LISA KAY KOPPEL, and TIMOTHY LEE HOOD, and CYNTHIA ANNE McPHEE AND TERESA COOPER, AND THE HEIRS AND UNKNOWN HEIRS AND SUCCESSORSIN-INTEREST OF ALL OF THE FOREGOING NAMED DEFENDANTS. AND GORDON RUDD, Defendants. A brief statement of the nature of the suit is as follows, to-wit: The suit seeks to have clear title to Lot 6, Block 2, MARTIN ENTERPRISES SUBDIVISION,Hidalgo County, Texas on grounds of limitations and recovery damages as requested in the Plaintiff’s Petition. If this citation is not served within ninety days after the date of its issuance, it shall be returned unserved. The officer executing this writ shall promptly served the same according to requirements of law, and the mandates thereof, and make due return as the law directs. ISSUED AND GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL of said Court office in Edinburg, Hidalgo County, Texas on this March 16, 2018.
Services EARN CASH MONEY daily, find friends/ neighbors that want to save
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.
money on home bills, call 956-6249470 today. RIVERO ROOFING, ROOF leak repairs,
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION- STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA- PITT COUNTY In the District CourtDIVORCE PROCEEDING AGAINST: NORMA TERESA TORRES SANTOYO Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: 1) Dissolution of the bonds of matrimony between OMAR PEREZ GARCIA and NORMA TERESA TORRES SANTOYO 2) That OMAR PEREZ GARCIA be granted an absolute divorce. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than May 7, 2018, and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. This, the 9th day of April, 2018. Cassidy Johnson Day Law Firm, PLLC 209 South Evans St. Greenville, NC 27834. You have to love your children unselfishly. That is hard. But it is the only way. - Barbara Bush
PUBLIC NOTICE Annual Report of SEVEN CITIES FOUNDATION is filed at 205 W. Houston Ave. McAllen, Texas for review during business hours w/in 180 days from date. C.E. Thompson Jr. Pres. & Manager (Publ. April 20, 2018)
roof replacement, both residential and commercial roofs, reparacion de techos o
remplasar techos, presupuestos gratis, free estimates, call Jesse at 956458-8555.
ORDINANCE 2018-01-0327 CITY OF ALTON AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALTON, TEXAS, (“CITY”) APPROVING A NEGOTIATED RESOLUTION BETWEEN CITY AND TEXAS GAS SERVICE (“TGS” OR “THE COMPANY”) REGARDING THE COMPANY’S COST OF SERVICE ADJUSTMENT (“COSA”) TARIFF FILING; ADOPTING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; DETERMINING THAT THIS ORDINANCE WAS PASSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS ACT; DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; REPEALING ANY PRIOR ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT WITH THIS ORDINANCE; AND REQUIRING DELIVERY OF THIS ORDINANCE TO THE COMPANY AND THE CITY’S LEGAL COUNSEL, WAIVING SECOND AND THIRD READING. READ, APPROVED, AND PASSED on this the 27th day of March, 2018. Salvador Vela, Mayor, City of Alton, Texas ATTEST: Baudelia Rojas CPM, TRMC CMC, City Secretary
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL/ENGINEERING SERVICES & GRANT/LOAN APPLICATION PREPARATION City of Sullivan City is seeking Statements of Qualifications for Planning, Design, and Construction Phase Professional Architectural/Engineering Services & Grant/Loan Application Preparation for various programs including the USDA – Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program, Texas Department of Agriculture’s Community Development Block Grant and the Economic Development Administration’s Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs. The City intends to enter into one contract with a professional service provider, pursuant to Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter A. The period of performance for this contract is for three years (36 months) from the date of contract execution. Interested parties shall submit three (3) copies of their qualifications no later than May 10, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. to City of Sullivan City offices at 500 S. Cenizo Dr., Sullivan City, TX 78595. To obtain a copy of the Request for Qualifications and instructions, please contact Interim City Manager, Attn: Richard Ozuna at rozuna@sullivancity.org.
page 16
April 20, 2018
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
13th Court of Appeals revives criminal case against former Sullivan City police chief by Dave Hendricks The 13th Court of Appeals revived the criminal case against former Sullivan City police Chief Miguel Martinez last week. Justices reversed state District Judge Mario E. Ramirez Jr. — who quashed the indictment against Martinez in November 2016 — and sent the case back to district court. The 13th Court of Appeals, though, also identified problems with the indictment, which will require prosecutors to revise two charges against Martinez. “We don’t agree with, but we respect, the court of appeals’ decision,” said attorney Victoria Guerra of McAllen, who represented Martinez during the appellate process. “Mr. Martinez feels confident he will ultimately prevail in this case.”
Miguel Martinez The Texas Rangers started investigating the Sullivan City Police Department during June 2015, when a whistleblower accused Officer Angel de la Mora of stealing stray bits of marijuana from the evidence room. Surveillance video showed de la Mora stuffing handfuls of marijuana inside
bottles of rubbing alcohol. Martinez watched de la Mora take the marijuana but didn’t stop him. During an interview with the Texas Rangers, de la Mora said he asked Martinez for permission to take the marijuana. “Officer de la Mora reported he took the two bottles home,” according to the Texas Rangers report, which added that de la Mora considered the mixture a home remedy for arthritis. Martinez told a different story. “Chief Martinez stated he never gave him permission to take marijuana and instead told Officer de la Mora (in Spanish) ‘leave it there, don’t take it because it looks bad and there’s cameras,’” according to the Texas Rangers report. Prosecutors took the case to a grand jury, which indict-
CITY OF
MISSION The City of Mission has
The City of Mission has placed large containers at placed large containers the following locations forat thethe following public tolocations throw awayfor the any public to throw away large bulky items any large bulky items I.E. I.E. mattresses mattresses and furniture and furniture (no tires & no refrigerators (no tires and no because of the freon) refrigerators because FREE to the citizens of the freon) NO CONTRACTORS!! Free to Citizens NO CONTRACTORS!!
Jaycee Park - Los Ebanos Rd. & Barnes St. Birdwell Park - Stewart Rd. & 24th Starting April 6, 2018 through May 4, 2018 a total of 9 roll-off City Warehouse - 609 Canal containers will be placed at the locations below: Water Tower Entrance - N Lucksinger & Buslisted 83 South of Fire Substation - 2 1/2 Mile & Inspiration Toll ParkConway - South Parking Area • Melba Carter Nell between & Mayberry at drain ditch Francisco St. & 2 Mile Line North of Drain Ditch • JC Park – Los Ebanos & Barnes Los Indios & Beatty St.-&Madero - atSWater Tower • Old Parks Rec –Park 609 Canal Melba• Center Between Conway & Mayberry at Drain Ditch Nell Tolle Park – South Parking Area
• Los Indios & Beatty St at Water Tower R.O.W. (Containers Available thru May 2nd) • Birdwell Park – 24th & Stewart For more information • N. Lucksinger & Bus 83 – Water Tower Entrance contact the CityofofFire Mission • 2 ½ mile & Inspiration (South Station) • Francisco St & 2 Mile Line North of drain ditch
956-580-8780
For more information please contact the City of Mission Public Works Department at 956-580-8780.
ed de la Mora and Martinez on public corruption charges. The District Attorney’s Office struck a deal with de la Mora, who pleaded guilty and received deferred adjudication. He agreed to pay $1,500, spend two years on probation and never work in law enforcement again. Martinez rejected a plea deal and fought the indictment, which charged him with theft by a public servant, a state jail felony, and two counts of abuse of official capacity, a Class A misdemeanor. Attorney David Higdon of Edinburg, who represented him in district court, presented a two-pronged argument: Martinez didn’t benefit from what happened, so the abuse of official capacity charges were baseless;
and the marijuana that de la Mora pocketed wasn’t worth anything, so the theft charge didn’t make sense either. After a two-day hearing, the judge quashed the indictment. The District Attorney’s Office appealed, arguing the judge made a mistake. “By its first issue on appeal, the State contends that the trial court erred in quashing all three counts of the indictment because the arguments underpinning the motion to quash related to ‘factual determinations’ rather than the ‘legal standards required of an indictment,’” according to the opinion published by the 13th Court of Appeals. “We agree.” However, the 13th Court of Appeals determined Martinez had a valid argument about the abuse of official
capacity charges. “Nevertheless, as noted, Martinez’s motion also argued in the alternative that the State should be ordered to ‘more specifically plead’ Counts II and III to specify the alleged value of the marijuana and the ‘law relating to [his] office or employment’ which he allegedly violated, respectively,” according to the opinion. “We find that the trial court should have granted this alternative relief.” Martinez will make the next move. “Mr. Martinez has the option of appealing the court’s decision overturn the district court on the motion to quash,” Guerra said. “We are exploring our options right now in that regard.”
by Dave Hendricks
for the purpose of laying out any subdivision or any tract of land or any addition to any town or city, or for laying out suburban lots or building lots, or any lots, streets, alleys, or parks or other portions intended for public use, or the use of purchasers or owners of lots fronting thereon or adjacent thereto.” Whether or not Peña meets the legal definition of a developer or someone employed by a developer remains unclear. Peña adamantly denied the allegation and accused Sandoval of playing dirty. “This doesn’t mean nothing,” Peña said. “I don’t know what this complaint is about.” Peña said he works as a supervisor for OP Construction, a company owned by his father, Osvaldo Peña Sr. of Sullivan City. They handle framing work for Alvarez Construction of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The company doesn’t develop land within the utility district, Peña said, adding that they regularly travel to Louisiana for work. “Literally, I know more Baton Rouge than the Valley, you know what I mean?” Peña said. On Facebook, though, Peña identifies himself as the owner of a company called JP Developers LLC. The Progress Times couldn’t find any company called JP Developers LLC registered in Texas or Louisiana. However, a company called JP Developers LLC is
registered with the Delaware Secretary of State’s Office. It’s unclear who owns JP Developers LLC. Delaware doesn’t disclose corporation ownership records. During the utility board meeting, Garza said a Facebook post by Team Agua SUD — the political organization that supports Peña — also suggested he develops property or works for a developer. “His team, whoever manages that page, listed him as a general contractor,” Garza said. “That’s a problem.” On April 8, the Facebook page for Team Agua SUD posted a short biography of Peña that stated: “Since 2002, Peña helps manage the family business as a general contractor.” Team Agua SUD updated the Facebook post on after the meeting on Tuesday. It now reads: “Since 2002, Peña helps manage the family business as sub contractors doing frame work for homes.” After reviewing the complaint, Garza said he would investigate the allegations and prepare a report for the utility board. “Time will tell,” Garza said, adding that he would forward the complaint to the Texas Secretary of State’s Office Elections Division, the Texas Attorney General’s Office and the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office. Early voting starts April 23. Election day is May 5.
Agua SUD incumbent wants his opponent knocked off the ballot
The incumbent who represents Sullivan City on the Agua Special Utility District board wants his opponent knocked off the ballot. Incumbent utility board Director Ivan Sandoval filed a complaint against challenger Julian Peña last week, accusing him of working as a developer within the utility district — which would disqualify Peña from serving on the board. Sandoval requested the utility district remove Peña from the ballot. “I don’t have the authority to remove him from the ballot,” said attorney Frank Garza, who represents the utility district. “And I wouldn’t recommend that.” Garza briefed the utility board during a special meeting Tuesday. Sandoval, who declined to comment on the complaint, didn’t speak during the discussion. The Texas Water Code prohibits anyone who develops property within the Agua Special Utility District from serving on the utility board. Anyone related to a developer or employed by a developer is similarly disqualified. State law defines a developer of property within the district as “any person who owns land located within a district covered under this section and who has divided or proposes to divide the land into two or more parts
The public is cordially invited to attend our
EARLY VOTING RALLY
Contract extension awarded for Palmview interim city manager by Jose De Leon III The Palmview city council approved a six-month extension for their interim city manager Tuesday, nearly one year after he was initially appointed into office. “I think we’ve done a lot of positive things in the community and I want to continue to be part of that,” Olivares said Tuesday. “The council unanimously extended the contract so I’m grateful to them and I hope to continue the same level of service I’ve been providing for the last year.” Olivares’ initial appointment came after the previous city manager, Ramon Segovia, was placed on administrative leave and subsequently fired. Segovia’s leave was the result of a management review by a private consultant who concluded the city lacked proper policies and procedures. The consultant cited several departmental deficiencies such as a lack of proper human resource policies, job descriptions and hiring procedures. The report concluded the deficiencies were due to Segovia’s inexperience and recommended he, as well as Assistant City Manager David Nacianceno and City Secretary Bertha Garza, be fired. Nacianceno resigned from his position shortly afterward and Garza and Segovia were fired after the review.
Since Olivares’ appointment, the city council has approved several resolutions and ordinances to ensure they are in compliance with the city charter, Olivares said. The city has also hired a new finance director and human resource director, annexed nearly 900 acres into the city, started an in-house Emergency Response Service and approved a 2.5 cent property tax increase. Up next for the city is presenting its newly updated policies and procedure manual to the council at the upcoming May 1 meeting, a street lighting project to light up the city’s south side and updating the city’s capital improvement plan, among other things. “We’ve been changing the culture here and being responsive and transparent on dealing with city issues,” Olivares said. “We’re dealing with limited resources but we need to take some time to look at the big picture and long-term goals of the city.” City councilman Joel Garcia said the city council unanimously approved Olivares’ extension. “It’s a good idea to keep him and finish these projects we’ve started with him,” Garcia said. He’s done a very good job in this city and we’ve experienced a lot of growth, but he’s still needed.”