Friday, May 4, 2018_PT ISSUE

Election Day - May 5, 2018 • 7am - 7pm

VOTE FOR CHANGE Dr. Armando O’caña For Mayor

Jessica Ortega - Ochoa For Mission City Council - Place 1

Gus Martinez

For Mission City Council - Place 4

NEW MISSION!

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Friday, May 4, 2018

Vol. 46 No. 38

Mission Lions Club holds 6th annual mud volleyball tournament

By Jose De Leon III For many, rain can be a nuisance that cancels an event. However, last Saturday, the sudden thunderstorms the valley faced ended up helping the Mission Lions Club.

The Mission Lions Club held their 6th annual mud volleyball tournament Saturday, April 28. The rain from the previous night helped produce more mud for the event, which saw 29 volleyball teams from across the Valley getting dirty for some clean fun.

“It’s a great event that helps us with a fundraiser we do to provide the services necessary to the community while everyone has some fun”, Jim Brunson, second vice president of the Mission Lions Club and cochair of the tournament said.

“It’s awesome that so many people want to participate and help us further the service and works we try to do through the Lions Club.”

By Jamie Treviño

Members of the Del Rancho Volleyball team competing at the Lions club 6th Annual Mud Volleyball Tournament Saturday, April 28. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra.

The Mission Lions Club is a local nonprofit organization made up of volunteers involved in the local community, Brunson said. Through the Mission Lions Foundation, the club provides free eye exams and eyeglasses for needy students and schol-

arships for local high school graduates.

The club also supports local charities and organizations such as the Mission Food Pantry, the RGV Special Olympics and the Leo Clubs-the high school chapter of the Lions Club.

Concerned about cartel drones, Texas DPS asks for information on countermeasures

by Dave Hendricks Concerned about cartel drones, the Texas Department of Public Safety is soliciting information on potential countermeasures.

The Department of Public Safety published a formal request for information during March, soliciting suggestions on technology capable of neutralizing drones. May 4 is the deadline for potential vendors to respond.

“Since this is an active RFI, there are limitations on what we can discuss,” said Tom Vinger, a spokesman for the Department of Public Safety. “This is only a request for information to get feedback on a countermeasure system to address a possible emerging threat that could be used by criminal organizations.”

While concern about the potential threat posed by

INDEX

Mission PD implements Behavioral Health Awareness Initiative

The grand championship team was Del Rancho followed by team On Luck and Knight Strikers placing third.

The teams won plaques and trophies and discounted registration fees for next year’s

See LIONS CLUB Pg. 13

The Mission Police Department has begun a new program that aims to provide officers with more details prior to responding to situations involving mentally ill residents.

The Behavioral Health Awareness Initiative, introduced at the last city council meeting, is a voluntary questionnaire that Mission citizens can fill out with factual information about behavioral health-related issues a person in their household is dealing with in the event that the police are called to the scene.

The questionnaire is available online at the police department website, and can be filled out in person at the Mission PD with Crime Victims Liaison Diana Macias. It includes space where a person can identify their family member’s gender, age, and if they are current-

ly being treated for a mental illness such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and alcohol or drug abuse.

Information about a person’s doctor and if they are prescribed a specific medication can also be given.

According to City Manager Martin Garza, Jr., as well as Police Chief Robert Dominguez, all information will be kept confidential.

“The purpose of this initiative is really to prepare the police officers with the best information available to them to be able to handle and respond to calls for service,” Garza said. “Information is crucial for any police officer or first responder.”

The city manager said they were taking the details and using them as tools to better prepare officers who respond to these types of calls. According to Chief

See MISSION PD Pg. 14

La Joya ISD donates land to Sullivan City for new library and park

by Dave Hendricks With help from the La Joya school district, Sullivan City plans to build a library, park and public safety complex on Paloma Street.

The school district donated nearly 9.5 acres near

the intersection of Paloma Street and Fourth Street — behind Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church — to Sullivan City during February. Trustees kept another 20 acres nearby, where the district may build a school.

Sullivan City plans to

build a new city hall, public safety complex, library and park on the property.

“We want to have a way of giving back to the community,” said school board Trustee Johnn Alaniz. “So

See DONATES LAND Pg. 14

Border Patrol agents in San Ysidro, California, caught a drone smuggling methamphetamine during August 2017. Photo courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. drones is growing, documented incidents involving drones remain few and far between.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection recorded the agency’s first-ever "drone drug incursion" in November 2015, when a drone dropped nearly 31 pounds

of marijuana near San Luis, Arizona.

Agents equipped with night-vision goggles spotted the drone and confiscated the marijuana.

Border Patrol intercepted another drug-smuggling drone in August 2017 near

See CARTEL DRONES Pg. 14

INSIDE Playoff Action

LJISD Elementary Schools

DOJ Suspends Palmview Program

SHS Rattlers, Pioneer Diamondbacks, Mission Eagles and La Joya Coyotes are gearing up for baseball playoffs. Luciano Guerra has more information, inside.

La Joya ISD will begin new focused curriculum at five elementary schools starting next school year.

Jamie Treviño has more details, inside.

The U.S. Department of Justice has recently suspended the City of Palmview from the asset forfeiture program. Dave Hendricks has the latest.

See Pg. 7

See Pg. 10

See Pg. 11

Entertainment | pg.2

Lifestyle | pg.5

Sports | pg. 7

Obituaries | pg. 13

Classifieds | pg. 15

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Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with MHM Join the staff at the Mission Historical Museum for their annual Tardeada Zapateada Festival celebrating Cinco de Mayo Festival on Friday, May 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Mission Market Square, 202 W. Tom Landry. There will be folklorico and mariachi performances by local talent, an array of food vendors cooking up traditional treats, including funnel cakes, empanadas, tacos, tortas, churros and more. The artisan market will feature unique gifts and novelties and a children’s area with moon jumps, games and crafts. Admission is free. For more information, call 956-580-8646 or go to missionmuseum.org.

Drawing workshop coincides with Fritz exhibition opening at UVAL

The Upper Valley Art League (UVAL) will host the opening reception of a new exhibit, “Birds, Beasts and the Saint Who Loved Them—Drawings by Berry Fritz,” on Saturday, May 12, from 7 to 9 p.m . The exhibit will be on display in the UVAL gallery through June 2. UVAL is located at 921 E. 12th St., next to Speer Memorial Library, in Mission.

In conjunction with her exhibition at UVAL in May, Fritiz is offering a drawing workshop, “Draw Like the Old Masters.” It will be held on May 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a break for lunch.

Class members will be drawing with graphite pencil with a focus on the technique of Sfumato. The morning will be spent drawing on white paper and the afternoon on toned paper.

“The technique creates a fine shading meant to produce a soft transition between colors and tones, in order to achieve a more believable image. It is most often used by making subtle gradations

May 4, 2017

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that do not include lines or borders, from areas of light to areas of dark,” Fritz said.

“The technique was used not only to give an elusive and illusionistic rendering of the human face but also to create rich atmospheric effects.

Leonardo da Vinci described the technique as blending colours, without the use of lines or borders ‘in the manner of smoke.’” (Wikipedia) Fritz will bring subject objects and photos for participants to draw, or they can bring their own items of personal interest, such as pet photos, flowers, etc.

Class members will bring their own supplies and should request a supply list at the time of registering for the workshop. Some drawing experience is preferred for participation.

Work clothes The workshop is $60 for members and $70 for nonmembers, payable to UVAL. To register, stop by the UVAL gallery. Payment is required at the time of signing up. Call 956-583-2787 for information.

KWJH choir members to perform May 5 Eight members of the K. White Jr. High School (KWJH) choir recently earned spots to perform in the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Region XV Middle School Choir with Alexia Novel earning a first chair position in the alto section. These students will perform on Saturday, May 5, at 5 p.m. at the McAllen High School auditorium as a part.

Pictured on the top row, from left to right, are Keyla Pulido, Angie Clemente and Karen Mendoza; middle row, Ivan Reynaga, Abigail Rivera and Stephanie Farias; and bottom row, Damian Rodriguez and Alexia Novelo.

Coming Attractions

May 4 • The McAllen Arts Council will host an opening reception from 7 to 9 p.m. during Art Walk for an exhibition, “3-D Art/ Mixed Media Exhibit by RGV Artists.” It will be on display throughout May at the McAllen Creative Incubator, 601 N. Main.

• Join the UTRGV Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble as they celebrate International Tuba Day and Cinco de Mayo, or, as they call it, “Tuba de Mayo,” at 7 p.m. in the library auditorium of UTRGV in Edinburg. This annual concert will feature the UTRGV Tuba/Euphonium Studio and Ensemble as soloists, chamber groups, and the full ensemble. The concert is free of charge.

May 7 The UTRGV Jazz Ensembles Showcase begins at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg campus. The jazz collaboration hails ensembles from both the UTRGV Brownsville and Edinburg campuses for a night of heavy swinging big band music under the direction of Dr. Bill Haugeberg. Admission is free.

May 9 • Hear the McAllen String Quartet and Dr. Bill Haugeberg perform new works for trombone and strings at 7:30 p.m. at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg campus. Quartet members are Sam Heredia and Sara Torres, violin; Miguel Gutierrez, viola; and Natalie Haugeberg, cello.

In addition, Dr. Haugeberg will play the famously difficult Trombone Concerto, Opus 114 by Derek Bourgeois with the assistance of pianist Linda Chavez. Admission is free and open to the public. For questions, call 956-882-7025.

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

Tamaulipas professor to speak on ‘Book of Marriages’

EDINBURG – People who are descendants of from families of Burgos, Tamaulipas, are encouraged to learn more about their family history in a program on “The Book of Marriages of the Church of Our Lady from Loreto de Burgos: 1750 – 1860.” Featuring Carlos Martin Herrera de la Garza, a Tamaulipas, Mexico, university professor, the program will be hosted by the Museum of South Texas History, on Sunday, May 6, at 2 p.m.

In this presentation, to be given in Spanish, de la Garza will talk about the following last names: Adame, Balli, Cano, Flores, Garza, Gonzalez, Guillén, Gutierrez, Palacios, Trevino and Zuniga. He will also provide information about methods and construction of the family trees of those names. Much of his research included reviewing registered marriage licenses in Burgos.

De la Garza is a faculty member at Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas (Autonomous University of Tamaulipas) in Ciudad

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Carlos Martin Herrera de la Garza

Victoria. His courses cover scientific investigations and political theories. Since 1997, de la Garza has been researching the origins of family last names, which encompass Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas and South Texas.

The program is included in regular museum admission and is open to the public. MOSTHistory is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd. Call 956-383-6911 for information.

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Let’s Keep Mission In Good Hands RE-ELECT MAYOR

Bet

Salinas

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May 4, 2018

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By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Abbott urges local officials to apply for Harvey funds

AUSTIN — Mayors, county judges and emergency management officials in communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey received letters last week from Gov. Greg Abbott, urging them to take advantage of available funding.

Some $500 million in funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program are available now, Abbott said. These funds are in addition to the more than $10 billion in Community Development Block Grant funds approved by Congress and awarded to Texas earlier this year.

“The hazard mitigation funds available today can provide immediate relief and resiliency to your community,” Abbott wrote.

“As of today, the Texas Department of Emergency Management has received only seven complete applications from the entire region impacted by Hurricane Harvey. That means hundreds of millions of dollars that are available to Texas communities today are not being put to use.”

Abbott reminded the officials that local governments would not be obligated to pay the typical 25 percent local cost share for hazard mitigation grants and that $600 million of additional hazard mitigation funds will become available in four months.

Hazard mitigation funds can be used for purposes such as: — Buyouts and elevations of flood-prone properties; — Drainage and reservoir projects that eliminate future flooding; — Projects to lessen the frequency or severity of flooding; — Flood risk reduction projects such as dams, retention basins, levees and flood walls; and — Large-scale channeling of waterways.

Chiefs support proposal The Texas Railroad Commission on April 26 joined the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Public Utility Commission of Texas in submitting comments on a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposal to repeal the Clean Power Plan adopted under the Obama administration in 2015.

A letter signed by the executive directors of the three state agencies supports the EPA’s proposed repeal of “Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Electric Utility Generating Units,” known as the Clean Power Plan.

On April 27, Gov. Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a joint letter to the EPA, praising its plan to repeal the plan. They said it “failed to produce evidence of greenhouse gases dangerous enough to necessitate federal regula-

tion.”

Abbott says pay for it Gov. Abbott on April 25 sent a letter to former U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold of Corpus Christi, demanding that he cover costs for an upcoming emergency special election for the 27th Congressional District of Texas.

Abbott ordered the election to fill the seat made vacant by Farenthold’s recent resignation.

“While you have publicly offered to reimburse the $84,000 in taxpayer funds you wrongly used to settle a sexual harassment claim, there is no legal recourse requiring you to give that money back to Congress,” Abbott wrote. “I am urging you to give those funds back to the counties in your district to cover the costs of the June 30, 2018, special election. This seat must be filled, and the counties and taxpayers in the 27th Congressional District should not again pay the price for your actions,” Abbott added.

Farenthold, whose tenure in U.S. House began in January 2011, resigned from office effective April 6.

Paxton welcomes ruling Attorney General Paxton on April 27 applauded a 2-1 ruling by a three-judge panel of the New Orleans-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit that upholds Senate Bill 5, Texas’ voter ID law.

“The court rightly recognized that when the Legislature passed Senate Bill 5 last session, it complied with every change the 5th Circuit ordered to the original voter ID law,” Attorney General Paxton said. “Safeguarding the integrity of our elections is essential to preserving our democracy. The revised voter ID law removes any burden on voters who cannot obtain a photo ID.” SB 5 allows registered voters without one of the seven state-approved forms of photo identification to cast an in-person ballot by signing a sworn declaration of reasonable impediment stating why they could not obtain photo ID. May is awareness month The Texas Department of Transportation’s “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign is urging drivers to watch for motorcycles, as crashes killed 501 and seriously injured another 2,101 motorcyclists in Texas last year.

TxDOT’s campaign is part of National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May. “Nobody wants to take a life in a crash or lose a loved one,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “Motorcycles are small, they’re hard to see, and it can be difficult to judge their speed and distance. That’s why it’s critical that drivers take extra precautions to look twice for motorcycles, especially at intersections.”

Sharyland ISD taxpayers: I read an article in the Friday April 20th issue of Sharyland Times, it referenced a workshop, and a decision about the possibility of naming either a football field at Richard Thompson Stadium, or the stadium at Pioneer High School after a sitting member of the present Sharyland Independent School District Board of Trustees.

I asked WHY? I questioned a LEGACY? Defined as 12 years on the board……

On Monday, I went before the board and asked that they reevaluate this decision because of the precedent they are setting in naming Sharyland properties for sitting board members or members of their extended families.

Every named structure in this school district has a reason and historical significance, for being named as such. Names that have endured for more than “12 years of legacy” and have left an UNERASABLE imprint within this school district.

Let’s investigate, and learn the value of these names and what they mean to Sharyland Independent School District. I am speaking of: Jessie Jensen Elementary – Family donated land on behalf of a daughter and longtime school teacher at what was at that time called north elementary school, Oh, by the way she rode to school on a one horse powered mule.

John H. Shary Elementary – Named for the father of the Sharyland School District.

Olivero Garza Sr. Elementary - Named for a long time trusted employee of the original Shary estate.

Lloyd and Dolly Bentsen Elementary – Hometown son, named after former 4 term United State Senator and his bride. Nominee for vice-president in 1988 on the Michael Dukakis ticket, and United States Secretary of the Treasury in 1993- 1994.

Romulo D. Martinez Elementary - Former long time Superintendent of Sharyland ISD. Ruben Hinojosa Elementary – Former United States Representative for the 15th Congressional District of the great state of Texas. A United States Congressman from 1997 thru 2017.

Donna Wernecke Elementary – a teacher who started her career in this district in 1944 and remained a teacher for over 50 years. She was responsible for all UIL activities from Junior High to High School and under her direction the district secured 4 UIL State championships.

Harry Shimotsu Elementary – was the first WW2 American solider of Japanese decent to purchase land in this area. His pur-

Concerned citizens of Mission: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”- Martin Luther King We are a group of educators, both retired and active, who feel that our children in the MCISD seem to have become lost in the politics that has invaded our community like a cancer and we will not be silent!

As we drive around this community, we are appalled to see the amount of money that is spent on elaborate signs and mail outs from those running for city offices as well as school board candidates. Someone must have struck gold to be able to afford the thousands of dollars being poured into their campaigns, and we begin to wonder among ourselves and ask the questions.. “Who is providing the funds and what are they getting for the money?”

The following concerns should be a priority for the present candidates for the Mission CISD school board: 1. The candidates have not initiated an open forum to discuss issues that have exist-

chase of 72 acres grew to 3500 acres where he grew winter vegetables for shipment out of the valley. This area is now known as Sharyland Plantation. He donated the land where the school named in his honor now sits.

Do you kind of get the drift of where I am going with this….

As a board member, you do not seek a place on the board so that you can some day be rewarded by having a building, football field, or project area named after yourself or any member of your extended family. It sets a dangerous precedent for future boards. You sit on this board to serve the students of this school district; you sit on this board to serve the administration, teachers and employees of this district. And most importantly you sit on this board to serve the property owners of this district. You as a board are here for them, they are not here for you.

I asked if they desired to name a football field or stadium after a Sharyland person they might consider two men that poured out blood, sweat and tears for over 40 years on the field.

The names would be Coach Stark, a coach that was famous for decrying the use of racism in our school District, also Coach Marcelino De La Fuente, a man that gave so much of himself for the student athletes of Sharyland Independent School District.

If they want names for projects, consider Mr. Jim Jarret, Mr. Nacho Pena, Mr. Monte Aubrey, and let’s not forget Mr. Joe Carter.

If you want a name for a class wing or building you might consider, Bill McClure, Dr. John David Heflin, John Klement, Pat and Virginia Townsend, and our home son Kika De La Garza.

These are the families that are the essence, of what is now Sharyland ISD. The word, “legacy” cannot even be used in the same sentence when describing the sweat equity, blood and tears given by the individuals and their families in building the original infrastructure and foundation for success that is Sharyland Independent School District.

I humbly asked, that Pioneer High School establish its own identity before naming any structure for anyone. There are heroes in this school and surrounding community that have not walked the halls of that campus yet.

In closing, I asked that the board of trustees reconsider any action that evening regarding the naming of any structure within the Sharyland Independent School District, but they did not.

WE ARE SHARYLAND! Oton J. “Tony” Guerrero

ed in our school district for many years.

2. There needs to be a plan of action addressing bullying at all levels- student and professionals.

3. More involvement between Central office staff and the campuses is direly needed for effective communication in resolving issues.

4. All expenditures need to be carefully monitored for effective distribution.

Mission was a highly respected district in South Texas; as of late our district no longer emulates the morals and ethics of past leaderships. We are concerned educators who speak for those who cannot speak for themselves- the silent, majority being our children and dedicated teacher.

LET’S MAKE MISSION GREAT AGAIN! Signed, “Educators For Children”

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

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

The Progress Times (USPS 971-420; ISSN 0890-2666) is published each Friday by Savy Publishing, LLC, 1217 N. Conway, Mission, Texas 78572, (956) 585-4893. Subscriptions $20 annual in Hidalgo County; $30 outside of Hidalgo County. Second class postage paid in Mission, Texas 78572. ©2018 Savy Publishing, LLC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the PROGRESS TIMES, P.O. Box 399, Mission Texas 78573.

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Letters to the Editor are welcome but must conform to certain guidelines. All letters must be original, dated, signed and bear the complete name, address and phone number of the writer/signer. No photo copied letters will be printed. No letters addressed to others will be printed. Letter content must be relevant to concerns and interests of Mission and the surrounding area. Relevance is determined by the editor.

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

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NFL star Vince Young to speak at Buenas Tardes luncheon

Vince Young, former NFL Quarterback and UT alumni, will be the keynote speaker at the quarterly Buenas Tardes luncheon hosted by the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) on Thursday, May 10. It will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the new Mission Event Center, 200 South Shary Road in Mission.

The event is an opportunity for city leaders and business community members to network with hundreds of local professionals.

Young was not only a record breaker on the field and award winner, he has been Madden NFL cover-man, restaurateur and businessman.

“We are excited to have a nationally recognized talent speak at our Buenas Tardes Luncheon. We aim to inspire community leaders and business owners and hope they will take home a positive message,” said Robert Rosell, GMCC president.

Young played in the National Football League (NFL) for six seasons, drafted by the Tennessee Titans with the third overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, playing five seasons. Young led the University of Texas Longhorns as a junior quarterback, where he won the Davey O’Brien

Vince Young

Award, awarded annually to the best college quarterback in the nation. Young has been hired by University of Texas to work for its Division of Diversity and Community Engagement as a development officer for program alumni relations and raising money for programs that assist first-generation and low-income college students.

Sponsorships are available as well as reserved tables of eight seats starting at $250. Tickets are $25 per person, and seating is limited. Walk-up luncheon registrations are limited and may not be available, so early registration is encouraged. To make reservations, call 956585-2727, email events@ missionchamber.com or register via Eventbrite.

TOTOS hosts internationally recognized orchid grower WESLACO –Bill Thoms, internationally recognized speaker, orchid hunter, breeder and grower, will present “Bulbophyllum Culture” at the Tip of Texas Orchid Society (TOTOS) meeting on Sunday, May 6, at 2 p.m. It will be held at the Valley Nature Center, 301 S. Border in Weslaco.

The program covers information needed to grow and bloom orchids, including easy-to-grow species and the latest hybrids.

Thoms has been growing orchids around central Flor-

ida for more than 45 years and has received almost every award granted by the American Orchid Society (AOS), and more awards for culture than anyone else in the world. The AOS recently added a yearly award named for him for the best Bulbophyllum exhibited.

Admission is $5 for nonmembers and free for members of TOTOS. The yearly membership fee is $20.

There will be orchids for sale at the meeting and a variety of orchid supplies available for purchase.

VMHS Jazz Band makes impact at RGV Jazz Festival This year, the Veterans Memorial High School Jazz Band, under the direction of band director Gabriel Molina, competed for the first time at the 18th Annual RGV Jazz Festival held at the Harlingen C.I.S.D. Performing Arts Center on April 28. They walked away with second place in the 5A division and received straight Superior ratings from all three judges.

Furthering the honors, sophomore trombonist Damian Gonzalez was selected as Outstanding Soloist among all students participating in the contest.

Join MHM and ‘Pave the way’ The Mission Historical Museum board of directors and museum staff invite area residents to help preserve local history by becoming a member and renewing memberships during their May 14 to 25 campaign, and through the commemorative brick paver drive. The current brick paver drive ends May 31, and the pavers will be laid later this year in the fall.

The Mission Historical Museum is a nonprofit organization supported by the membership drive, donations, grants and the work of volunteers dedicated to preserving the history of Mission and surrounding communities. Admittance to the museum, the exhibits and programs is free and open to the general public.

Annual membership categories include students, $10; individual, $25; family, $50 for two adults and three children; or become a Museum Partner at $100 a year, this includes organizations or businesses; and $500, corporate. A new category is a lifetime membership for $500, but for age 65 and over, it is $250.

In conjunction, MHM

invites the public to participate in a commemorative opportunity by purchasing a personalized engraved brick paver. Pavers can be inscribed in honor or in memory of a loved one, a donor’s name, a family name, birthdays, weddings, graduations, anniversaries and business or organization name.

There are two brick sizes available: 4x8-inch, priced at $75 for non-members and $70 for museum members, or the 8x8-inch paver at $150 for nonmembers and $140 for members.

The brick pavers will be installed in the museum gardens which are the pathways that connect the John H. Shary building and the Museum Annex building (Mission’s first Post Office). The goal of this fundraiser campaign is to reach 100 new pavers and more by May 31.

For complete details, and order forms, stop by the museum or call Linda Castañeda at 956-580-8646 during the membership drive and before the paver deadline.

Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

FBLA members head to national competition The Mission High School Future Business Leaders of America sent 15 members to compete at the FBLA State Leadership Conference in Dallas on March 8 - 10. Now moving on and advancing as national qualifiers are Kenya Salinas who placed fourth in word processing and Juan Reyna who placed third in computer problem solving.

They will compete June 26 to July 2 at the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Baltimore, Md. Waiting in the wings, by placing fifth as alternates, were Ashmin Torres in database design and application and Ruben Cantu in Accounting II. Pictured, left to right, are Ashmin Torres, Ruben Cantu, Kenya Salinas and Juan Reyna.

Healthy living cooking demo announced

McALLEN – Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center hosts Lebby Salinas in a cooking demo, “Life is Naturally Sweet,” at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 10. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset.

It is estimated that roughly 15 million Americans suffer from food allergies, according to Salinas. Her topic will provide information on how to prepare food with the natural ingredients, how to use healthy alternative ingre-

dients and ways to cope with food allergies. Nutritious samples will be made available after the presentation.

Salinas is a certified health coach, board certified holistic health practitioner by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, an ADHD coach and has a degree in home economics with a minor in marketing.

Admission is $3 per person. For information, call 956-681-3370.

The Mission CISD Board of Trustees, administration and staff extend their sincere thanks to our teachers. We think that all of you are picture perfect.

Cici Perales Alton Elementary School

Rhonda Peña Bryan Elementary School

Mari Galloso Cantu Elementary School

Beatriz Garza Castro Elementary School

Marissa Chavez Cavazos Elementary School

Robert Baldazo Escobar/Rios Elementary School

Mariel Hernandez Leal Elementary School

Victor Alonzo Marcell Elementary School

Sandra Cantu Rios Midkiff Elementary School

Maricarmen Saycocie Mims Elementary School

Lorena Morales O’Grady Elementary School

Gabriela Rada Pearson Elementary School

Crystalin Flores Salinas Elementary School

Veronica Lopez Waitz Elementary School

Beatriz Garcia Alton Memorial Jr. High School

Matthew Whittington Adams K. White Jr. High School

Nellie Garcia Mission Jr. High School

Daniel Reyna III R. Cantu Jr. High School

Salvador Ovalle Mission High School

Mabeline Rodriguez Veterans Memorial High School

Cheryl Floodine Mission Collegiate High School

Ramiro Reyes Jr. Mission Options Academy

Dahriel Serrano Roosevelt Alternative School

Support provided by:

Good Luck In The Playoffs!

Mission High School

#16 Julian Castillo #23 Adan Garcia #25 Joshua Sevavedra #27 Fernando Hernandez #34 Ryan Lopez #85 Jonathan Martinez Alan Pruneda

Congratulations

#1 Elias Morales #2 Anthony Pena #3 Carlos De Leon #4 Edward Moreno #7 JR Rodriguez #11 Jose Rincon #14 Elian Flores #15 Ray Alaniz

#11 Abraham Alvarez #12 Omar Martinez #13 Trae Cadena #18 Abraham Garcia #22 Juan Lopez #23 Isaac Torres #24 Abiel Garza #32 Martin Vazquez #33 Alvaro Islas #54 Rafa Perales

Thank you Sharyland ISD School Board for supporting our athletes!

GOOD LUCK AT THE PLAYOFFS!

CONGRATULATIONS Sharyland Rattlers & Pioneer Diamondbacks!

#1 Jose Garcia #2 Pepe Contreras #3 Ivan Alvarez #4 Randy Garcia #5 Diego Pena #6 Chase Gerlach #7 Jesus Alarcon #8 Eduardo Salinas #9 Andy Lozano #10 Tony Hernandez

31-5A DISTRICT - 2nd Place

Sharyland High School

Richard A. Young D.D.S.

2407 E. Griffin Pkwy. (FM 495 & Shary Rd. Mission • 956-581-2773

Timothy W. Brann D.D.S.

GENERAL DENTISTRY EXCEPTIONAL CARE

To All Our Valley Teams!

#24 Octavio Morales #27 Robert Montoya III #29 Pedro Tovias #32 Albert Garza #33 Elian Bazan #34 Diego Ortiz #42 Isaiah Gomez #44 Ray Hernandez Adam Alaniz

Best of Luck

#1 Kike Valdivia #2 Fabio Valdivia #3 Johnny Lugo #5 Jacob Rosales #6 Darik Briseno #8 Parker Barrett #9 Trey Gonzalez #11 Evan Maldonado #12 Angel Nunez #21 Lupe Montoya

31-5A DISTRICT - 4th Place

Pioneer High School

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CONTINUE TO MAKE LJISD PROUD!!

La Joya ISD congratulates the Coyotes on a fantastic season and wishes them continued success throughout the playoffs.

Playoff Bound!

#12 Zoy Hernandez #15 Eddie Rodriguez #20 Jr. Cortez #21 Danny Ponce #22 Adolfo Almazan #27 Adrian Puente #45 Steve Villarreal #52 Juan Garza

30-6A DISTRICT - 3rd Place

30-6A DISTRICT - 2nd Place

#1 Yavo Cardoza #3 Alan Moreno #4 Diego Tamez #6 Jacob Salinas #7 Julian Ramos #8 Ricky Elizondo #9 Luis Delgado #10 Ines Mendiola #11 Andy Martinez

La Joya High School

Mission High School

Good Luck In The PLAYOFFS! page 6 May 4, 2018

May 4, 2018

Sports week

THE

BIG7 SCHOOLS

page 7

www.ptrgv.com/sports

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

It ain’t over for four Big 7 baseball teams the Dragons was played last night at Corpus Christi Calallen High School. Game numbers two and three (if necessary) are both scheduled to be played today, also at Calallen High School; game two at 4:30 pm and game three at 7 pm.

La Joya Coyotes For the second year in a row, the La Joya Coyotes baseball team posted an 8-4 record and finished the regular season tied for second place in District 30-6A. Last year the Coyotes were tied

Mission junior second baseman Andy Martinez scores the Eagles’ first run during the first inning of the their 9-3 loss to the McAllen High Bulldogs last week. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

By Luciano Guerra Legendary major league baseball player, coach and manager Yogi Berra once said, “It ain’t over till it’s over.” While Berra was referring to the 1973 National League pennant race at the time he uttered this quote, it applies extremely well to the seasons of four Big 7 baseball teams today. That’s because while the majority of high school baseball teams across the state of Texas have seen their seasons come to an end, teams like the La Joya Coyotes, the Mission Eagles, the Sharyland Rattlers and the Pioneer Diamondbacks have earned the right to keep playing on.

That’s because despite the fact that two of those teams are playing under first-year coaches and one of those teams had never posted a winning record prior to this season, the Coyotes, Eagles, Rattlers and Diamondbacks have all qualified for post-season play.

With the first round of the UIL state playoffs being played this weekend, let’s take a look at how these four teams got where they’re at as well as whom, when and where they’re each playing in the bi-district round.

Sharyland Rattlers It’s been three years since the once dominant Sharyland Rattlers made the playoffs.

The return of head coach Bart Bickerton last year seems to have helped the Rattlers, who at one point had three consecutive undefeated seasons under Bickerton, return to their winning ways.

Their 12-4 record this season earned the Rattlers

second place in District 315A behind the 14-2 Valley View Tigers. Winners of five of their last six games, the Rattlers are on a roll as they go up against the 9-5 Edcouch Elsa Yellowjackets in the bi-district round of the playoffs this weekend.

Game one of this best-ofthree series was played last night in Edcouch. Game two is scheduled to be played tonight at 7 at Sharyland High School. If necessary, game three will be played at Edcouch tomorrow at 12:30 pm. The winner of this series will play the winner of the Corpus Christi Calallen vs Floresville series in the Area round of the state playoffs.

Pioneer Diamondbacks In their first three years of existence, 2015-2017, the Pioneer Diamondbacks baseball team had a combined record of 7-33-0. With 5-11 being their best season during that three year span, the Diamondbacks, and their new head coach Casey Smith, entered this season looking not only to improve on that record but also to do what no other Pioneer High baseball team has ever done, make the playoffs.

While it did not come easy, Pioneer managed to put together a 9-7 District 315A record this season which earned them fourth place, just one game ahead of Laredo Cigarroa and Martin. As a result, the Diamondbacks clinched the fourth and final playoff spot in the district and as a result, they will be participating in post-season play for the first time in school history.

That’s the good news.

The bad news is that as the

district’s fourth seed, Pioneer will be going up against District 32-5A’s top seed, the 14-0 Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers in this weekend’s bi-district round of the playoffs. This best-ofthree series kicked off last night with game one being played at Brownsville Veterans Memorial High School.

Game two is scheduled to be played tonight at 7 at Pioneer High School and game three (if necessary) will be played tomorrow at a time and location to be determined later.

The winner of this series will play the winner of the San Antonio Harlandale vs Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial series in the Area round of the state playoffs.

Mission Eagles Last year the 5-7 Mission Eagles baseball team missed out on the playoffs by one game in the standings. This year the Eagles put together an 8-4 record which was good enough for a second place tie with the La Joya Coyotes in District 30-6A. That record included a stretch in which the Eagles won eight out of nine games.

While five of those wins were by only one run, good teams find ways to win close games and that’s what the Eagles did to earn their way into the playoffs.

Regardless of how well the Eagles did in close games during the regular season, if they don’t bring their A game against their bi-district round opponents, the 10-4 San Antonio Southwest Dragons, chances are that they won’t be advancing into the second round of the playoffs. Game one of this best-of-three series between the Eagles and

with the Palmview Lobos.

This year they’re tied with the Mission Eagles.

Even with a first-year coach, Mario Flores, at the helm, the Coyotes are the only Big 7 baseball team to make back-to-back playoff appearances this year. Will the 2018 version of the Coyotes be able to avoid the first round playoff loss that the 2017 version suffered last year? Only time will tell.

But if La Joya is going to advance into the second round of the playoffs this year, it

will be at the expense of the 10-4 Eagle Pass Eagles.

Game one of the best-ofthree playoff series between the Coyotes and the Eagles is scheduled to be played at 7 pm tonight. Game two is scheduled to be played tomorrow at 2:30 pm and game three (if necessary) is scheduled to be played 30 minutes after the completion of game two. All the games in this series will be played at the Laredo SAC.

page 8

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May 4, 2018

May 4, 2018

page 9

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Lady Patriots playoff journey continues

Mission Veterans onto area round after bi-district championship

By Bryan Ramos The Mission Veterans Memorial Lady Patriots journey to co-district and bi-district championships in 2018 may be a surprise to the outside eye, but not to those wearing blue, white and red.

With eight seniors on the roster, five of them starters, the Lady Patriots are exactly where they thought they’d be at the beginning of the year and they aren’t ready for their journey to end just yet.

“This is their journey, I’m just along for the ride,” said VMHS Head Softball Coach Vivian Ray. “They have to want to play and I really feel like they have. There’s just an excitement with them and they don’t want to see their season end. They’re getting more focused by the day getting ready for Friday’s competition.”

One season after being removed from sneaking into the playoffs with a fourth place finish, the 315A Co-district Champions punched their ticket to the

second round with an opening round sweep of their opponents.

The Lady Patriots needed just two games to dispatch of the Brownsville Lopez Lady Lobos in the opening round of the playoffs. In a 12-3 Game 1 victory on the road, Mission Veterans received a big performance from pitcher Iliana Contreras as the senior threw a complete game and surrendered only five hits while posting three RBIs at the plate.

Justine Galvan and Stephanie Torres combined to bring in three RBIs, while Makenzie Gerlach was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with four RBIs. Mission Veterans closed the series out in front of their home crowd at VMHS in Game 2 with a 6-5 win, scoring the game-winning run in the sixth inning to break a 5-5 tie and claim the bi-district championship.

Ray credited her team’s opening round performance after displaying the

ability to win big and to win a close one.

“We struggled a little bit in the second game but I think they settled themselves down to play ball; of course there’s always things to improve on and to become better but I thought we did very well,” she said. “It’s very electrifying. They’re happy to be going on to the next round, a lot of it now is going to harness that and getting

their focus on the field where everything belongs and moving forward from there.”

Now onto the second round, the Mission Veterans Memorial Lady Patriots are set for a showdown against the Corpus Christi Carroll Tigers.

Carroll (22-12-1) is coming off a first round sweep of their own after 9-4 and 5-0 road wins over Winn High School on April 27 and 28.

Mission Veterans Memorial Lady Patriots

ELECT OTON J

The Lady Tigers earned a share of the District 30-5A title with two others, sharing an 8-2 record with Calallen and Gregory Portland.

The area round clash between district champions is set for Friday, and the Lady Patriots are eager for the chance to carry on their journey in the 5A state softball playoffs.

Senior Iliana Contreras will be on the mound for the Lady Patriots in the series opener while Saturday’s pitcher in Game 2 will be determined by Coach Ray. Ray believes the Lady Patriots and the Lady Tigers are evenly matched, but after playing in 315A, one of the Valley’s toughest districts, the Lady Patriots are more than prepared for another high pressure situation.

“I think the more you’re competitive and you face good teams, it will prepare you in the long run; it teaches you how to deal with pressure

situations,” she said. “We had some very fine teams in our district and we had some close games, so I think that helps us when the games get tight, who’s going to perform under pressure and we did very well this year.”

The first pitch of the bestof-three series between the Lady Patriots and the Carroll Lady Tigers is set for tonight at 6 p.m. at Cabaniss Field in Corpus Christi. Game 2 is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 at Mission Veterans Memorial High School, with Game 3 (if necessary) to be played 30 minutes after Game 2.

The winner of the area round matchup between Mission Veterans Memorial and Corpus Christi Carroll will face the winner of Gregory-Portland and Brownsville Veterans Memorial best-ofthree series.

For score updates on the Lady Patriots area matchup against Corpus Christi Carroll, follow @ProgressTimes on Facebook.

TONY GUERRERO

SHARYLAND ISD PLACE 4 • Residing in the Sharyland/Mission area for over 27 years, south of Griffin Parkway • 1972 Mission High School Graduate • Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Texas at San Antonio 1982 • Mission Parks 8 Recreation Advisory Board 12 years, Chairman 5 years • NFL • National Football League Official Observer scout, 12 years • Texas Association of Sports Officials, Football referee for 28 years • Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame, member for 17 years, currently sitting President • Member Knights of Columbus, St. Paul’s Catholic Church Council 2698, former Grand Knight • Married to Zelda Guerrero for20 years • Two daughters: Judith Marie, Doctor of Physical Therapy, San Antonio, TX; Emily Nicole (Junior at Pioneer High School)

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page 10

May 4, 2018

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LJISD to convert 5 elementary schools into designated schools of choice

By Jamie Treviño For Enedina Saenz and her daughter, the upcoming school year brings new opportunity and appreciation for La Joya Independent School District.

LJISD is making some changes to five elementary schools starting in the 20182019 school year.

Five of the 23 elementary schools in the district will now be classified as designated schools of choice. As previously reported by the Progress Times, two schools will be focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), two will be focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) and one will be focused on Fine Arts.

According to the LJISD Public Relations Office, these choices for elementary schools will encourage students to explore specific areas of study and “allows for a greater opportunity for children to discover a new interest, or to build on an existing dream.” Each school will revamp their teaching strategies to be linked to their specific designation.

William J. Clinton Elementary and Evangelina Garza Elementary will be the STEM designated schools.

They will offer programs like Lego Labs, Maker Space, robotics clubs and the creation of digital products using technology applications.

Garza Elementary principal, Maria Flores-Guerra, believes the change will be a great benefit to students.

“We’re really excited,” Flores-Guerra said. “Because at our campus we have 98 percent economically disadvantaged students, so to have them learn about STEM at an early age gives us the opportunity to start setting the stage for their success as adults.”

The curriculum will come with new projects that will give students more hands-on experience and knowledge at the elementary level.

Saenz’s 7-year-old daughter wants to be a zoologist when she grows up, and the projects will encourage her passion for animals and provide more chances to learn in the STEM field.

“She loves science, she loves animals, and I want her to continue in that,” Saenz

said. “This is empowering her to say, ‘Well, I can do this. I can study something like this, I can be this.’”

Saenz’s daughter is an avid reader, and has read most of the animal books in the school’s library.

“She wants more,” Saenz said. “She’s just looking for more information. So all this is helping her.”

Saenz believes these designations will be beneficial to her daughter and the whole community.

“We have a lot of kids [in our community] that won’t get to go to college,” Saenz said. “And this will help them in the long run. They’ll have this background, and even if they don’t get into college, they’ll still have everything in their back pocket.”

Flores-Guerra is excited for the designation, and says the early development and fostering of these interests will lead students on a path to higher education. While the subject matter will be focused, students will still be able to explore their interests in other fields as well, and be able to determine what they enjoy from an earlier age.

“I want our kids to wonder, to have their curiosities peaked,” Flores-Guerra said.

“And they can possibly go on their own research track.

Maybe you’re not into science yet, but maybe as you learn more, you may find out that you are.”

The principal said that the STEM designation is empowering both students and teachers, and that some of her teachers are already looking into going back to schools themselves to get graduate degrees in science.

“Showing them all the different opportunities out there is very exciting,” Flores-Guerra said. “The staff and I have already been researching and planning different things we want to do.”

According to Flores-Guerra, educating in STEM from an early age is beneficial, especially for girls. Teaching with the focused curriculum will also promote collaboration and teamwork.

“When we start the STEM education in middle school and high school, they have hormonal issues going on too,” Flores-Guerra said.

“When they start working on it at an early age those kinds of issues are non-existent

because they’ve been working on it together the entire time.”

Enrique Camarena Elementary and John F. Kennedy Elementary will be the STEAM designated schools.

These schools will combine STEM and Fine Arts programs for students.

Mary Guerra, the principal at JFK Elementary, said that the combination of STEM and Fine Arts will produce well-rounded students.

“At JFK Elementary, the setting will definitely expose our students not only to higher levels of academia in all areas of STEAM, but will enhance leadership skills that actively engage in 21st century learning,” Guerra said.

“Parents and staff together are embarking on this new journey that truly is exciting for everyone.”

Emiliano Zapata Elementary School will be the Fine Arts designated school.

It plans to immerse theatre arts, music and visual arts into daily instruction, and increase in-school and community performances, choir ensembles, art clubs, dance groups, video production clubs, theatre groups and instrument ensembles.

Rosa Elia Gonzalez, Zapata Elementary principal, is excited about what an early introduction of fine arts can do for children at the elementary level.

“It’s thrilling to know that students will unveil new talents and skills and get the opportunity to interact with other children with common interests and goals in the arts,” said Gonzalez. “Upon exiting Zapata Elementary, they will be ready to succeed in middle and high school performing groups and equipped to conquer the world of fine arts.”

The LJISD Public Relations Office said that a curriculum with arts integrated provides a relief from the standardized test culture and will result in higher test scores. The school hopes to partner with the McAllen Performing Arts Center, and collaborate with middle and high school performing arts students. LJISD intends to incorporate local symphony orchestras, museums and art foundations.

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page 11

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La Joya Youth Center director looks to the future

By Jose De Leon III When J.D. Salinas was a student, he always struggled with spelling and math.

“I struggled as a student,” the La Joya native recalled.

“Sports helped me a lot in school because the coaches would help me study to make sure I was doing well. I know for sure I would’ve benefitted from an after school program.”

Now as an adult, Salinas is ensuring kids in similar situations as him get the help they need as the director of the La Joya Youth Center.

Located at 604 Solomon Chapa St., the La Joya Youth Center provides several after school opportunities for students such as studying, several sports leagues and a dance team.

Salinas became the director of the center last August, marking a return for him as he volunteered at the center when he graduated from La Joya High School in 2005.

“I asked the city to see if I could volunteer and coach a team and started a contact football league here and we even competed at Corpus Christi in our first year,” Salinas said. “We won the championship then, that coaching experience has stuck with me even after I left the city to find work.”

Salinas would end up workings several odd jobs in different cities, but eventual-

ly knew he’d come back to La Joya.

“It’s my hometown,” he said. “I’ve lived here my whole life and know I don’t want to leave again. I was lucky to be chosen to be the director to help here.”

The center currently has 33 kids enrolled and has received applications from 29 children. Salinas said there were about 20 kids enrolled in the center and his main goal was to triple that number by the end of his first year.

“And now we’re almost there,” Salinas said. “It’s a blessing to have these kids.”

Salinas credits the success of the enrollment on his staff, who regularly go out into the community to do presentations on the center, the city for funding the center and the La Joya Housing Authority who directed their tenants to the center.

“It’s all a group effort, we stick together to do what’s best for our kids,” Salinas said.

Salinas also said he is in discussions with the city council to convert the closed swimming pool at the center into a tennis court.

During the summer, the center will have sports leagues for basketball, flag football and volleyball. Students will also get to enjoy the center’s workout area, arts and crafts room and computer lab for studying,

Salinas said.

The center will also hold a banquet Sunday, May 20 to celebrate its students.

“I’m basing this on stuff I would have benefited from when I was their age to make them better,” Salinas said of his program ideas. “I just want them to be at a higher level, one step ahead rather than like me who was always one step behind. I’m doing it to the best of my abilities.”

The benefits for kids in the center, Salinas said, include building their social skills.

“You get kids who aren’t social at schools, or feel like they don’t fit in and want somewhere to go, this is an option for them,” Salinas said. “We help out these kids do things they normally don’t do and help them with their homework and it’s clear they like it, they wouldn’t be coming back if they didn’t.”

Salinas said he is also working with the La Joya Independent School District to bring the La Joya ISD Mobile Tech Lab to the center so students can learn robotics in the summer. He is also negotiating with the University of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences to provide free haircuts to the students during the summer.

“I have a lot of ideas, so far they’ve come through,” Salinas said. “I just hope the momentum continues.”

Palmview, though, broke multiple rules, Chapa said.

The city mixed state forfeiture money, which comes with different rules and reporting requirements, with federal forfeiture money.

Palmview also deposited towing registration fees and grant money in the federal forfeiture account.

Budget records show Palmview regularly transferred money between the federal forfeiture account and the general fund, Chapa said, adding that some transfers appear to be reimbursements.

“You’re not supposed to transfer funds from forfeiture to general or from general to forfeiture,” Olivares said. “There’s no revolving doors here.”

The transfers include questionable descriptions, including “Officers Gift Cards” for $400 on Feb. 11, 2013, and “Christmas Party” on Dec. 23, 2015, for $1,100, according to financial records provided by the city.

Justice Department rules specifically prohibit local partners from spending forfeiture money on food or gift cards.

Whether or not the expenditures broke the rules, though, remains unclear. The descriptions may not be accurate or complete. Chapa said she’s searching for documentation that may provide more details.

Primary responsibility for managing the program fell on former police Chief Chris Barrera, but the city manager and City Council approved expenditures. Accountants and auditors also reviewed spending over the years.

Attorney Javier Peña, who represents Barrea, couldn’t immediately comment on the asset forfeiture problems.

Concerned about the situation, the City Council authorized Chapa to conduct an audit. Palmview also created a new, separate account for

state asset forfeiture money.

The Justice Department may conduct a desk review or send personnel to Palmview for an on-site review, Olivares said.

“They also wanted to know if there were any criminal violations,” Olivares said, adding that he couldn’t discuss any potential concerns about misappropriation of funds.

Officials already asked Palmview to freeze the account, which contains nearly $51,000, and send the Justice Department an inventory of assets purchased with forfeiture money.

“We told them we would be happy to cooperate,” Olivares said.

Justice Department suspends Palmview from asset forfeiture program

by Dave Hendricks The U.S. Department of Justice suspended Palmview from a federal asset forfeiture program last week amid concerns about accounting problems and potentially improper spending.

Interim City Manager Leo Olivares said the Justice Department suspended Palmview from the program on April 24.

Palmview had already started the process of self-reporting several major accounting problems, including improper transfers and mixing state funds with federal money. Finance Director Rachel Chapa said the problems may include improper spending, which remains under investigation.

“They basically said they’re suspending the program, which means we need to freeze any activity on it,” Olivares said.

The Justice Department declined to comment.

Through the asset forfeiture program, the Justice Department confiscates money and property linked to criminal activity. The Justice Department shares the funds with local partners, including the Palmview Police Department.

Palmview received more than $2.2 million through the program during the past seven years, according to financial records provided by the city.

The Justice Department requires local partners to spend the money on law enforcement and follow commonsense rules.

Local partners can’t simply spend less on law enforcement and replace city funding with forfeiture money. Local partners can’t make financial commitments before they receive the forfeiture money, a violation called “anticipation.” And they can’t borrow forfeiture money for regular city expenses.

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Donna Wernecke Elementary School Coach Jose Carranza (left) shows 4th grader Troy Chapa how to cast a line Wednesday. Carranza was leading the students in a weeklong activity made possible through a grant from the Sharyland ISD Education Foundation to teach the elementary students the basics of angler fishing. The activities promote outdoor activities and conservationism and will certify 450 students in advanced angler fishing. Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.

VMHS student walks away with first at state The Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) Harlequins Theatrical Design Team sent two students, Caryssa Ozuna and Nadia Reyna, to the UIL state finals this year and one of came home with the state championship.

Ozuna, out of 30 other participants in her event, was awarded the top standing in the 2018 Hair and Make-up Design category. This is a first for the VMHS Harlequins.

The Theatrical Design Competition is part of the UIL Theatre Competitions which include One-Act Play and Young Filmmakers and Theatrical Design.

Reyna advanced to the state competition in the area of Set Design.

Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) Harlequins Theatrical Design student Caryssa Ozuna is pictured with James Hodgson, VMHS theater director.

2,000 UTRGV students slated to graduate EDINBURG/BROWNSVILLE – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley will graduate more than 2,000 students during the spring 2018 semester ceremonies.

The first commencement will be in Brownsville, at the UTRGV Brownsville Student Union Lawn. The ceremony starts 6 p.m. on Friday, May 11, for all colleges.

In the event of inclement weather in Brownsville, the ceremony will be moved to

the McAllen Convention Center at 6 p.m. that day.

Notifications will be sent to students via email 24 to 48 hours prior to any change.

It will also be placed on the university’s website and through UTRGV social media accounts.

Three other ceremonies will be held Saturday, May 12, at the McAllen Convention Center.

The first ceremony begins at 9 a.m. for Colleges of

Health Affairs and Education & P16 Integration.

The next begins at 1 p.m. for Colleges of Sciences, Engineering & Computer Science and the Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship. The final one begins at 5 p.m. for the Colleges of Fine Arts and Liberal Arts.

For more information, contact the Office of the Registrar at graduation@ utrgv.edu or visit utrgv.edu/ commencement.

page 12

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City of Mission contacted about border wall

By Jose De Leon III

Officials with the City of Mission, the Diocese of Brownsville and U.S. Cus-

toms and Border Protection met last week to discuss a geographical survey that is planned near La Lomita Chapel, signaling construc-

tion of the proposed border wall in that area.

“We met to hear this information and how the project would take place,” Mission City Manager Martin Garza said after the meeting held Thursday April 26. “My understanding is [CBP] is looking to move forward in doing a survey of the property which will consist of determining where property lines are. They already have a right of way, so they can construct there. They wanted to reach out to owners in the area.”

This comes after CBP announced last month that, under the direction of the Secretary of Homeland Security, they have sent letters out to stakeholders and landowners for rights of entry to begin

See BORDER WALL Pg. 16

May 4, 2018

The historical La Lomita Mission Chapel. Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III

Records show Palmview police chief sent vulgar, homophobic text messages

By Dave Hendricks The Palmview City Council abruptly fired police Chief Chris Barrera last week after he sent a series of vulgar text messages to another city administrator.

Barrera started berating Fire Chief Jerry Alaniz on April 20, sending him nearly two dozen text messages between 11:25 p.m. and midnight, according to screenshots released by the city.

The messages — ho-

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mophobic remarks and profanity not fit for publication — prompted Jerry Alaniz to file a formal complaint. After reviewing the text messages during a special meeting on April 24, the City Council fired Barrera.

“It’s not only unprofessional, it’s profane, and it could not go unnoticed by my client,” said attorney Selina Alaniz, who represents her brother.

Attorney Javier Peña, who represents Barrera, couldn’t immediately comment on the text messages.

Barrera sent the messages to a group chat that included Jerry Alaniz and two mutu-

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al friends, according to the complaint. He started insulting Jerry Alaniz with profanity and homophobic remarks.

Along with the insults, Barrera made a cryptic comment.

“The person who saw is taking (sic). FYI. Not me.

It out. I myself was socked (sic). But good luck. And pay what your (sic) owe. Or it coming out next,” Barrera wrote, according to screenshots provided by the city.

When asked if she knew what Barrera meant, Selina Alaniz declined to comment.

She also declined to identify the two mutual friends.

Jerry Alaniz filed a formal complaint against Barrera three days later.

“Chief Barrera sent me via the group chat humiliating and very offensive texts suggesting that I was homosexual,” according to the complaint, which Jerry Alaniz submitted on April 23. “I find his language in his text messages very offensive as to how I am perceived or can be perceived in the public eye.”

TACLB26552C

May 4, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

obituaries Maria Anzaldua MADERO - Maria Rendon Anzaldua, 98, passed away on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at Village Care Nursing Home in McAllen.

Mrs. Anzaldua was raised in Granjeno and moved to Madero at the time of her marriage.

Survivors include her children, Rogelio, Mauro, Virgilio, Bernardo, Zoila, Gloria and Christina, and 27 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Felipe Anzaldua, and son, Ramiro Anzaldua.

A funeral mass was held on April 30 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Granjeno Cemetery.

Gregorio Cantu MISSION – Gregorio “Goy” Cantu passed away on Thursday, April 26, 2018.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Maria Arcelia Cantu; children, Alberto Cantu, Griselda Garza, Adrianna Duberney; mother, Elvia Cantu; siblings, Odilia Cantu, Adelina Rios, Yolanda Cantu, Dora Cantu, Norma Wise and Eliseo Cantu; and 10 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his, father Miguel Cantu.

A funeral service was held on May 1 at Funeraria Del Angel. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Mercedes Cantu MISSION – Mercedes “Meche” Cantu, 71, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Carmela Cantu; children, Rodrigo, Ricardo, Rene and Alberto Cantu and Sylvia Balderas and Semi Rodriguez; siblings, Antonio Cantu, Mariano Alaniz, Enedina Cantu, Martina Mata, Angela Cantu, Guadalupe Cantu, Maria Eliza Rocha, Norma Hernandez and Sandra Peralez; and eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Belen Cantu, and siblings,

Octaviano and Rodrigo Cantu and Lydia Rendon.

A funeral mass was held on April 27 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in McAllen.

Irene Flores MISSION – Irene Sandoval Flores, 41, passed away on Friday, April 27, 2018, at her home in Mission.

Mrs. Flores was born in Mission on June 20, 1976, to Eleuterio and Ruth Sandoval.

She was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission.

Survivors include her husband of 16 years, Ruben Flores; children, Alyssa Flores, Jacob Flores and Adriana Ramirez; parents, Eleuterio and Ruth Sandoval; sister; Ibeth Sandoval; maternal grandparents, Maria Gonzalez and Ruben Alejos; and three grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Francisco and Josefa Sandoval.

A funeral mass was held on May 1 at Our Lady of Guadalupe, and cremation followed.

Alberto Garcia Jr. MISSION – Specialist Alberto Garcia Jr., 28, passed away on Friday, April 27, 2018, at Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio.

Specialist Garcia was born in Mission on Dec. 7, 1989, to Alberto Garcia Sr. and Abigail Garcia. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2012 as a track vehicle repairer (91H).

During his service, he was stationed at Camp Casey in South Korea and Fort Riley, Kansas. He received the Army Commendation Medal, several Army Achievement Medals, Joint Meritorious Award and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Survivors include his wife, Gabriela Garcia; parents, Alberto Garcia Sr. and Abigail Vela Garcia; and siblings, Yahaida Ruiz and Jessica Solis.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 4, at 9:30 a.m. at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission.

Burial follows at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.

Jorge Garza MISSION/PHARR – Jorge Garza, 94, passed away on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 in Edinburg.

Mr. Garza was born on Nov. 3, 1923 at Santa Cruz Ranch in Delmita to Amado and Maria Garza. He served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946. He grew up at the Santa Cruz Ranch, and resided in Mission before moving to Pharr. He and his wife, Otila, were owners of The Round Up Restaurant in Pharr for many years.

Survivors include his wife, Elia Garza of Pharr; children, Iselda Garza of Mission and Romualdo Garza of Edinburg; siblings, Gilberto Garza of Edinburg, Lupita Galvan, Ernestina Reyna and Aurora Vega, all of Mission; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Romualdo Garza.

A funeral mass was held on April 30 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial with military honors followed at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. Funeral arrangements were under the care of Rivera Funeral Home of Mission.

Miguel Garza PALMHURST – Miguel Julian Garza, 64, passed away on Monday, April 30, 2018, at Edinburg Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Garza was born on

Sunday, Jan. 10, 1954, in Edinburg. Mr. Garza was a graduate of Edinburg High School, Class of 1974, and was an employee for the City of Edinburg for more than 25 years.

Survivors include his wife, Anna Garza; children, Michelle Rivera, Christina Fernandez and Ashley Garza; sibling, Ana Bernadette Garza; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Alicia Garza, and mother, Rosaura Garza.

A funeral mass was held on May 2 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery in Abram.

Funeral arrangements were under the care of Rivera Funeral Home in Mission.

Ann Hopkins PALMVIEW – Ann Hopkins, 100, passed away on Monday, April 23, 2018, in McAllen.

Mrs. Hopkins was born and raised in Wichita, Kan. She was a volunteer worker at Rio Grande Bible Institute in Edinburg and a member of Conway Avenue Baptist Church in Mission. She was homemaker and bookkeeper.

Survivors include her daughter, Bobbie Ann Gooch, and three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Delbert Hopkins.

Services were held April 30 at Conway Avenue Baptist.

The family requested that memorial donations be made to Comfort House in McAllen.

Elizabeth Nelson MISSION – Elizabeth Nelson, 94, passed away on Sunday, April 29, 2018.

Survivors include her children, Ann Beamsley, Dennis Nelson and Debby Keller, and 10 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, P.L. Nelson Jr. A graveside services was held on May 2 at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Notices Thelma Zamora MISSION – Thelma C. Zamora, 54, passed away on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at McAllen Heart Hospital.

Survivors include her chil-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5

Mission • 580-4551

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

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

KING, GUERRA, DAVIS & GARCIA ATTORNEYS AT LAW

DAVID H. GUERRA

DARRELL DAVIS

301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622

MISSION AUTO ELECTRIC, INC. DBA

ER MAE EPQOU IW PMENT

Commercial Lawn Equipment “Since 1954”

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

dren, Rosendo Zamora Jr. and Thelma Yvonne Zamora, and three grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ambiro Sr. and Maria De Jesus Cavazos, and brother, Ambiro Cavazos Jr. A funeral mass was held on April 28 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Abram.

Telesfora Anzaldua MISSION – Telesfora (Garza) Anzaldua, 76, passed away on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Maria Botello MISSION – Aubrey Lucia Arias, one-year-old, passed away on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Maria Botello MISSION – Maria D. Botello, 89, passed away on Friday, April 27, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Isidoro De La Cruz MISSION – Isidoro Moreno De La Cruz, 78, passed away on Monday, April 30, 2018, at Pax Villa Hospice in McAllen.

Maria De La Cruz Maria PALMHURST – Epitacia De La Cruz, 55, passed away on Friday, April 27, 2018, at McAllen Heart Hospital.

LIONS CLUB

year’s tournament.

New this year was a Kids Zone, a pit for children to play in the mud and a seperate pit for tug of war. The City of Alton helped the Lions Club with the tournament by providing the location the event was held at- right across from Alton City Hall at 4 1/3 Mile N. Conway Ave., and digging up the mud pits plus filling them with water.

The event also had the 3rd annual cook off where proceeds from that challenge went to the Texas Lions Club in Kerrville. Much like the volleyball tournament, funds are raised from the registration fees teams pay and concessions sold at the event.

According to Adela Ortega-vice president of the Lion Club and chair of the mud volleyball tournament-the event is expected to raise $7,000. The first tournament, however, brought in nearly twice that, she said.

page 13

Severina Deleon MISSION – Severina Deleon, 96, passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2018, at Mission Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center.

Maria De Garcia MISSION – Maria Ivonne Rodriguez De Garcia, 72, passed away on Thursday, April 26, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Maria de Rios MISSION – Maria Bracamontes de Rios, 66, passed away on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg.

Michael Gomez MISSION – Michael Gomez, 54, passed away on Sunday, April 29, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

James Hughes Jr. MISSION – James F Hughes Jr., 70, passed away on Friday, April 27, 2018, at Comfort House in McAllen.

Carlos Rodriguez MISSION – Carlos Rodriguez, 81, passed away on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

CarlosTreviño ALTON – Carlos Moises “C.J.” Treviño, 34, passed away on Monday, April 30, 2018, at his home in Alton.

William Wood HOUSTON – William “Brad” Wood, 68, of Mission, passed away on Saturday, April 28, 2018, in Houston.

from pg 1

“The tournament should be growing but it’s not,” Ortega said. “WE [the Lions Club] currently have 62 members and we need more so they can help us set up the event and reach out to more teams and sponsors for the event and help us with the community.”

According to Brunson, the event is promoted as a family-friendly activity that people can enjoy without being competitive.

“At the Lions Club, you see all the friendships we’ve built and how we get to do community service and come together,” Brunson said. “On some level you see that reflected on the teams coming here to compete. We’re all in service of other people.”

To join the Lions Cub, prospective members must pay a fee and have a sponsor from a current Lions Club member.

page 14

MISSION PD

Dominguez, the police department receives five to ten of these kinds of calls every week.

“I think it’s important to our officers and to our supervisors that are responding to these types of calls,” Dominguez said. “And I think that the families in the long run will look at the positive benefits of us having that information. Overall I think it will benefit a lot of our citizens.”

Garza, stressed that the information will be received by the PD on a volunteer basis. Garza said that when creating the form, the city was careful to ensure no HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) laws will be violated, and no private information will be shared.

“It is sensitive,” Garza said. “But at the same time we believe that it’s informa-

tion that could save lives.”

As previously reported by the Progress Times, on Feb. 22 this year a wrongful death lawsuit was filed against the city after the death of David M. Green II. Green was shot by officers after his father had relayed details about his son’s mental illness to the dispatcher, who allegedly did not give the details to the officers.

“These are scenarios and situations that happen throughout the nation,” Garza said. “This is an initiative to prevent, but at the same time we just believe that when you have a well-informed officer and a wellequipped and well-trained officer, you’re going to better service the community.”

Dominguez believes this initiative will provide officers and dispatchers the opportunity to be proactive

CARTEL DRONES

San Ysidro, California.

Agents followed the drone, which flew over the border fence and delivered 13 pounds of methamphetamine.

They caught the smuggler and seized the drugs.

When agents questioned him, the smuggler confessed “to having successfully smuggled drugs five or six times since March of 2017, as frequent as approximately once a month, utilizing UAVs,” according to the criminal complaint.

UAV is an acronym for unmanned aerial vehicle, a term that encompasses everything from consumer gyrocopters to military drones.

A federal judge sentenced the smuggler to more than 12 years in prison, according to court records.

Congress took note.

U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville, mentioned the potential threat posed by drones during a House hearing in January.

Asked whether or not the Department of Public Safety knew of any incidents involving drones on the Tex-

May 4, 2018

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rather than reactive.

“Unfortunately you hear about all these cases where there’s a confrontation with the mentally ill, some are being tased, some are being shot, and you get in a situation where somebody is hurt or somebody is killed,” Dominguez said.

“And sometimes you think of the different ways where we could have avoided such confrontation. Every situation is different, and we try our best to look at what we can do, but obviously I think having this information ahead of time will help make the appropriate decisions in these types of cases.”

Once the forms are completed, Mission dispatchers will have access to these questionnaires in a database system. In the event they receive a call and are informed by the caller that they have from pg. 1

as-Mexico border, Vinger suggested the Progress Times contact Border Patrol.

A spokeswoman for the Rio Grande Valley Sector didn’t respond to a request for comment.

The Tamaulipas state police force isn’t aware of any cross-border incidents involving drones, according to a government spokesman.

Technology companies and military contractors already offer a wide array of anti-drone devices, which range from attack drones designed to capture their smaller counterparts to firearm-style devices that disrupt drone communication systems.

Fears about smugglers and drug cartels deploying drones apparently prompted the Department of Public Safety request for information.

“The Texas Rangers Division (TRD) is currently engaged in border security operations with numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies,” according to the request for information. “The use of

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) by hostile actors is of increasing concern — these systems have been used in combat theaters to attack American soldiers and installations, and there is increasing concern that they could be used by transnational criminal organizations to attack or surveil TRD and other law enforcement personnel operating along the Texas-Mexico border.”

To counter the potential threat, the Department of Public Safety wants information about rifle-style devices with a minimum range of 765 yards. The devices may neutralize drones by taking control from the operator, forcing the drone to land or disrupting communication systems.

Several local police chiefs said they hadn’t encountered any serious problems with drones — yet.

“Just the kids that are playing on their yards,” said Sullivan City police Chief Richard Ozuna. “That’s about it.”

filed a Behavioral Health Awareness Initiative questionnaire, the dispatcher will then be able to relay the details to officers prior to entering the scene.

The Police Chief also added that the department has gone through specific training geared toward handling scenarios involving the mentally ill.

“Based on the prevailing problems that exist in our growing community, we adjust our training to address our officers and to make sure that they’re given instruction on how to respond to these calls for service,” Dominguez said.

DONATES LAND

this was a way that we could help out.”

Sullivan City collects less than $420,000 from property taxes every year. The city couldn’t afford to buy the property and cover construction costs.

With the property inhand, though, Sullivan City will apply for funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development program and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant program.

“We understand how cities are strapped,” said Alaniz, the former Palmview city manager. “I, myself, knowing city government as well as I do — I know how it is.”

The 29.48-acre property is worth about $103,000, according to Hidalgo County Appraisal District records.

Trustees donated 9.48 acres to Sullivan City with several conditions.

Sullivan City may only use the property for a park, library, learning center, city hall or fire department, ac-

This particular initiative is the first of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley, according to both the Chief and City Manager. They both hope it will encourage other cities and municipalities to follow suit.

The Behavioral Health Awareness Initiative involved the City of Mission, the Mission Police Department, the Behavioral Center, Risk Manager Robert D. Hinojosa and the Human Resources Department. It took a few months to finalize before being made available to the public, and Garza also said there has been an increase in these types of calls cording to a letter from Superintendent Alda Benavides to Interim City Manager Richard Ozuna.

The city must submit quarterly progress reports and start using the property within a year, according to the letter. If the projects fall through, Sullivan City must return the property.

Sullivan City also agreed to cover ancillary costs, including surveying work and the property transfer.

Mayor Leo Garcia said he’s excited about the plans for a new public safety complex and city hall.

“But more than anything, I’m pushing for the library,” Garcia said.

Many children in Sullivan City, especially students from the north side of town, need a place to study, Garcia said. Building a library would provide them with a safe, quiet place to conduct research and complete homework assignments.

The library would offer free internet access and reference books, along with other standard services.

“It’ll be beneficial for ev-

to the police department.

“The City of Mission is growing,” Garza said. “The Rio Grande Valley is growing. With that, the population with different types of needs is also growing. And we want to make sure that our officers are properly prepared and have that information with them to be able to be of better service.”

Any questions about the initiative or filling out the paperwork can be answered

by Diana Macias, the Crime Victims Liaison, at (956) 584-5052.

from pg. 1 eryone,” Garcia said. “For the school district and the city of Sullivan.”

Sullivan City plans to build a library similar to the library in La Joya, but with a more modern design, Garcia said. The public safety complex may be modeled on the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office substation near Weslaco.

Moving the police department to Paloma Street would also make the city park on Cenizo Street safer and improve response time, Garcia said. The current location requires police cars to drive through the busy parking lot when they respond to emergency calls.

“It’s too much of a liability,” Garcia said, adding that he’s concerned someone could be hurt while walking through the parking lot.

The new public safety complex will include space for the La Joya school district police department, a small gesture of thanks for the land donation.

“We couldn’t have done it without the school district,” Garcia said.

Romeo Ochoa, Jr. (pictured) was arraigned on Wed. May 2 for aggravated robbery at five locations. Three of the counts, with the Sheriff’s Department, took place in Mission at Snow Wiz (2900 N. La Homa Rd), La Fruteria Fruit Stand (6118 W. Mile 5 Rd), and La Reynera Bakery (6115 Mile 3 Rd).

One other count took place in La Joya, and one more happened in Alton.

Each city’s police chief was present at the arraignment. Judge Marcos Ochoa set each charge at $250,000, making total bail set at $1,250,000.

A court-appointed attorney will represent Romeo Ochoa, Jr.

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United Irrigation District of Hidalgo County is accepting sealed bids for the following Surplus equipment: 2004 JOHN DEERE 6210 TRACTOR

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Bid forms may be requested at the United Irrigation district Office located at 1006 W. Mile 2 Road, Mission, Texas 78574. Sealed bids will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. May 8, 2018 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday or may be mailed to: UNITED IRRIGATION DISTRICT PO BOX 877 MISSION, TX 78573 THE SEALED BIDS MUST BE ADDRESSED TO Mike Warshak (General Manager) and the envelope must be marked “Bids for Equipment”.

United Irrigation District reserves the right to refuse and reject any and all bids. Bids submitted past the date and time mentioned above will not be accepted. Bids may not be altered or amended after the Submission Deadline. All Vehicles and equipment are sold “AS IS”.

Garage Sales FAMILY GARAGE SALE Friday & Saturday, May 4-5 from 7am4pm, 2905 N. Conway, Wagon City North in Mission, name brand clothes all sizes, gowns, housewares, tools, and many miscellaneous.

MOVING SALE, ALADDIN Villas, 1614 Aries in Mission Friday May 4th from 8am- 1pm, dishes, lamps, coffee table, frames, carpets, clothes, and misc.

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THE STATE OF TEXAS NOTICE TO THE 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 and Petition, a default Judgment may be taken against you.”

TO: Luis A. Cruz, DEFENDANT(S) GREETINGS: You are herby commanded to appear by filing a written answer to the Plaintiff’s Original Petition at or before 10:00 o’clock A.M. of the Monday next after the expiration of fortytwo (42) days after the date of issuance of this citation the same being the on this the 13th day of April, 2018 before the Honorable L. “Keno” Vasquez, 398th District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas at the Courthouse of said county in Edinburg, Texas. Said CITY OF MISSION’S ORIGINAL PETITION, REQUEST FOR PERMANENT INJUNCTION, AND REQUESTS FOR DISCLOSURE filed in said court on the on this the 6th day of July, 2017 in this case numbered C-3023-17-I on the docket of said court and styled CITY OF MISSION VS. LUIS A. CRUZ, TRACEE L. CARBAJAL Said petition was filed in said court by Attorney JAIME TIJERINA, 1201 E. 8th ST., Mission, TX 78572.

A brief nature of the suit is as follows: PLAINTIFF(S) PRAY FOR TEMPORARY AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF RELATED TO A RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 1002 REYNOSA ST., MISSION, TEXAS, CIVIL PENALTIES COURT COSTS, POST JUDGMENT INTEREST AND ALL OTHER RELIEF PLAINTIFF MAY BE ENTITLED TO AT LAW. The officer executing this writ shall promptly serve 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 at Edinburg, Texas on the on this the 13th day of April, 2018.

THE STATE OF TEXAS NOTICE TO THE 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 and Petition, a default Judgment may be taken against you.”

TO: Tracee L. Carbajal, DEFENDANT(S) GREETINGS: You are herby commanded to appear by filing a written answer to the Plaintiff’s Original Petition at or before 10:00 o’clock A.M. of the Monday next after the expiration of fortytwo (42) days after the date of issuance of this citation the same being the on this the 13th day of April, 2018 before the Honorable L. “Keno” Vasquez, 398th District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas at the Courthouse of said county in Edinburg, Texas. Said CITY OF MISSION’S ORIGINAL PETITION, REQUEST FOR PERMANENT INJUNCTION, AND REQUESTS FOR DISCLOSURE filed in said court on the on this the 6th day of July, 2017 in this case numbered C-3023-17-I on the docket of said court and styled CITY OF MISSION VS. LUIS A. CRUZ, TRACEE L. CARBAJAL Said petition was filed in said court by Attorney JAIME TIJERINA, 1201 E. 8th ST., Mission, TX 78572.

A brief nature of the suit is as follows: PLAINTIFF(S) PRAY FOR TEMPORARY AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF RELATED TO A RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 1002 REYNOSA ST., MISSION, TEXAS, CIVIL PENALTIES COURT COSTS, POST JUDGMENT INTEREST AND ALL OTHER RELIEF PLAINTIFF MAY BE ENTITLED TO AT LAW. The officer executing this writ shall promptly serve 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 at Edinburg, Texas on the on this the 13th day of April, 2018.

page 16

May 4, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Donations from Commissioner Joe Flores fuel Team Agua SUD campaign spending

By Dave Hendricks Hidalgo County Commissioner Joe Flores donated $6,500 to Team Agua SUD last month, providing a badly needed boost for several cash-strapped candidates.

Flores donated nearly 80 percent of the money Team Agua SUD reported during April, according to campaign finance records. Asked about the donations, he didn’t mince words.

“What do you mean: ‘Why am I supporting them?’

They’re my team,” Flores said. “I’m supporting them because they’re my team and I need to get them elected.”

Without any city or school district campaigns vying for attention, the Agua Special Utility District election is the marquee contest in western Hidalgo County.

It’s also a proxy fight between between Team L1berty, the dominant political party in western Hidalgo County, and everyone else — an alliance that includes Flores, utility board Director Homer Tijerina and former Peñitas Mayor Marcos Ochoa.

With four of seven utility board seats on the ballot, the winning candidates could form a new majority.

Flores donated $2,500

to construction contractor Julian Peña, who’s running to represent Sullivan City; $2,000 to union organizer J.J. Luna, who’s running to represent La Joya; and $2,000 to Pharr police Sgt. Juan Gonzalez, who’s running to represent Peñitas.

Businessman Eric Sanchez, who’s running to represent Mission, received a $1,000 donation from Workplace Benefits Advisors of Pharr, the company owned by insurance broker Bob Treviño.

Despite big donations from Flores, Team L1berty raised more money.

Peñitas City Manager Omar Romero, Peñitas Chief of Staff Andy Morales and Peñitas Volunteer Fire Chief Jonathan Sakulenzki made big donations to Team L1berty candidates.

“I have in the past and continue to support the incumbents who are running for re-election at Agua SUD, along with the new seat that’s been created in La Joya, because I believe as a city manager that they are the best for the growth of our area,” Romero said. “My job is to ensure that my city grows.

And those four are going to be the best for my city’s growth.”

Romero donated $2,500 to math teacher Ivan San-

doval, who’s running for re-election in Sullivan City.

Morales donated $2,000 to La Joya police Chief Adolfo Arriaga, who’s running for the new La Joya seat. And Sakulenzki covered $3,000 worth of contract labor for La Joya school district Discipline Compliance Officer Cesar Rodriguez Jr., who’s running for re-election in Mission.

“I helped Ivan and I asked others to help the other candidates,” Romero said.

La Joya school district Energy Management Director Lloyd Loya, who’s running for re-election in Peñitas, reported smaller donations from former state Rep. Jim Pitts, former utility district General Manager Richard LeFevre and attorney Javier Peña, who represents the utility district.

The Team L1berty candidates reported monetary and in-kind donations worth $12,500 during April, according to campaign finance reports. Team Agua SUD reported about $8,200.

Independent candidate Noe Garza, who’s running to represent Peñitas, didn’t file any campaign finance reports last month — missing both the 30-day and 8-day deadlines to report donations and spending.

Election day is May 5.

PUBLIC NOTICE AMENESTY PROGRAM CITY OF LA JOYA MUNICIPAL COURT FROM APRIL 6, 2018 TO MAY 31, 2018

City of La Joya Municipal Court is offering a change to get on the right side of the law during the months of April and May 2018. The court is beginning an amnesty program on Friday, April 6, 2018 and continuing through May 31, 2018 for people who want to clear up old fines and avoid possible trip to jail for failure to pay. This offer of amnesty is for old fines only-those owed prior to April 1, 2018. The person owing the fine is required to voluntarily come in person to the municipal court. You will NOT be arrested during April and May to address delinquent fines and outstanding warrants.

Come and take advantage of this most generous opportunity!

Faced with federal bribery charges, state district judge resigns

By Dave Hendricks Faced with federal bribery charges, state District Judge Rudy Delgado abruptly resigned on Monday.

Delgado announced the decision Monday afternoon during a news conference at the Hidalgo County Courthouse.

“Some people may consider this announcement as some type of admission of culpability with respect to the pending charges,” Delgado said, reading from a prepared statement. “They would be wrong in doing so.

It is simply the right thing to do.”

After reading the statement, Delgado left without taking any questions.

Rodolfo “Rudy” Delgado, 65, of Edinburg spent nearly three decades on the bench.

Delgado started at Hidalgo County Court at Law #1, where he served during the 1990s. When 93rd state District Judge Fernando Mancias retired, Delgado ran for the seat — and won.

Controversy dogged him from the start.

Delgado tangled with the Edinburg Police Department, which charged him with driving while intoxicated. When the first case fell apart, then-District Attorney

BORDER WALL real estate, environmental, and design planning to install gates along the existing border wall, construct new access roads, and to construct a new border wall, according to a CBP press release dated April 16.

“During the 2017 fiscal year CBP was appropriated funding to execute real estate and environmental planning for the design and construction of 35 gates, and to construct new patrol and/ or access roads in the RGV,” the release stated. “The 2018 fiscal year appropriation included $445 million to construct up to 25 miles of new border wall in Hidalgo County and $196 million to construct new border wall in Starr County.”

The letters request the landowner sign a Right of Entry for Survey and Site Assessment, authorizing the Government’s entry onto their property, Carlos A.

PALMVIEW BULLYING

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT LA JOYA MUNICIPAL COURT AT (956) 581-7095 OR COME BY AT 101 NORTH LEO AVENUE LA JOYA, TEXAS 78560

To the citizens of Mission:

After reviewing the text messages, the City Council unanimously voted to terminate Barrera, who had already been placed on administrative leave.

The saga that ended

My Father, Henry Rodriguez, is running for Mission City Council Place 1 and I feel compelled to speak directly to voters about my upbringing and experiences. As a child, I would spend summers shining shoes in my grandfather Tatan’s barbershop in Mission, Texas. To this day, those memories are among some of my most cherished moments. I would spend the day sweeping up and listening to my grandfather talk of his military service and life. I did my best to follow the local politics of the day and there was never a dull moment or absence of laughter and love.

One summer, my Dad taught me how to properly shine shoes and this in turn taught me the true value of a dollar and what hard work really is. We would get to the barbershop before sunrise and often leave well after sundown. Like most kids, I would have preferred to stay in bed and snooze but years later I realized those moments formed the strong work ethic that I have today.

During those summers, I would often see my Dad finish up at the shop and then immediately go help counsel someone who was struggling. As a kid, I would get frustrated that he spent so much time concerned about the well-being of “strangers”. My sister Sujei K. Rodriguez and I would often get one or two less gifts under the tree during Christmas, so the families of those he was counseling would have something to open. During Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners with the family, you could always count on my Dad bringing someone in to join us. Often these folks were in a downward spiral and had lost the comfort and compassion of their own families. My father always treated them with respect and would make sure they never felt alone.

I have seen firsthand, my father mentor someone at their very worst and help guide them to a meaningful and fulfilling life. He has helped so many people rebound and families reconcile, after the scourge of alcoholism and addiction had run its course. Over time, these “strangers” have become part of the family and I am very thankful they are a part of my life. When I got back from my deployment to Iraq in 2004, I was greeted at the airport by a huge group of family and friends. Among those in the crowd were many of the same folks that my Dad had helped throughout the years.

Now as an adult, I look back at those moments with a great sense of pride about who my father is. I encourage everyone that would like someone like my father to help lead the future of Mission, to go cast their vote for him and motivate others to do the same.

Regardless of how this election may turn out, I know one thing, my father has given his heart and soul to the City of Mission and this will forever be his legacy.

S.D.R.

VOTE

4

Mission City Council Place 1

Election Date: May 5, 2018 Political ad paid for by the candidate.

Rene Guerra attempted to prosecute Delgado on new charges.

Judges dismissed both cases and Delgado, who spent two years suspended with pay, returned to work.

Delgado also survived liver cancer and lost two sons while serving on the bench.

“He’s been a real good judge. He worked hard. He was fair,” said Mancias, who became a prominent criminal defense attorney and briefly represented Delgado. “He listened with an open heart and an open mind.”

After serving three terms, Delgado started campaigning for the 13th Court of Appeals last year. He ran unopposed in the Democratic Party primary.

Apparently unbeknownst to Delgado, though, the FBI had been investigating him for years.

After an attorney confessed to paying Delgado for court favors, FBI agents recorded several meetings between them, according to the criminal complaint against him. After taking two small bribes, Delgado accepted a white envelope stuffed with $5,500 cash.

FBI agents arrested Delgado in February during a traffic stop in Jim Wells County.

Prosecutors presented the evidence to a grand jury, which indicted Delgado on three counts of federal program bribery and three counts of violating the federal Travel Act. He pleaded not guilty.

“Although the media has reported the allegations, please know that there is much more to the story of what happened than is being disclosed by the government,” Delgado said, adding later: “I will not discuss anything about the allegations in the pending indictment against me other than to maintain my innocence.”

Mancias, who represented Delgado after the arrest, said the charges blindsided him.

“I can’t disclose conversations that I had with him, because I was representing him at one point, but I can tell you from my perspective he was as shocked as anybody else,” Mancias said. “I don’t believe he knew it was coming.”

Delgado hired a prominent San Antonio defense attorney, Michael McCrum, to represent him. He’s scheduled for trial in September.

“I think he’s going to prevail in his criminal case,” Mancias said. “I really do.” from pg. 12

Díaz CBP spokesman said in an email Thursday, adding that CBP plans to meet with individual landowners to provide information on the planned border infrastructure project.

“CBP will continue to work closely with landowners and other impacted stakeholders throughout the entire project,” Diaz said.

Brenda Riojas, a spokeswoman for the diocese, said CBP contacted the diocese last month to regarding the Right of Entry for Survey and Site Assessment on property within the diocese, which encompasses the La Lomita Chapel in Mission and nearby private school Juan Diego Academy.

These requests to do survey work were sent from the Border Patrol and Air and Marine Program Management Office from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Riojas said.

“Our attorney is currently reviewing the request so we can determine how best to proceed,” Riojas said in a statement.

The historic La Lomita Chapel-owned by the diocese and leased by the cityis Mission’s namesake and is located near the Rio Grande River. Many fear the proposed border wall would cut through the area and leave the chapel south of the wall, and the city responded by filing a resolution opposing the wall last August.

“We still stand behind that resolution, I don’t want to say they are building something through that property, but something is being done in that area,” Garza said. “I am assuming they [are contacting] all the property owners along the river to start accommodating whatever process they need to do to move the project forward.” from pg. 12

Barrera’s career started in March, when he filed a sexual harassment complaint against Interim City Manager Leo Olivares.

Barrera accused Olivares of sending him suggestive text messages and making him feel uncomfortable during an in-person incident.

Olivares admitted sending the text messages, but said he sent two messages inadvertently. He denied the in-person incident happened.

After investigating the allegations, Palmview City Attorney Gus Acevedo determined the text messages didn’t constitute sexual harassment.

“Olivares is advised to demonstrate more care with his text to employees,” according to the city investigation report. “He should apologize to Barrera for any

misunderstandings. Finally, the city should update its sexual harassment policies, and all employees can benefit from additional training regarding sexual harassment.”

Concerns about Barrera’s job performance, which had been brewing for months, crystallized after the sexual harassment investigation.

Olivares sent the City Council a five-page memo, which detailed management problems at the police department.

Attorneys for Barrera and the city were attempting to negotiate a separation agreement when the text messages surfaced.

“There’s just some things that you can absolutely not tolerate,” said Councilwoman Linda Sarabia. “And we got to that point.”