RUNOFF EARLY VOTING: MAY 14-18 • ELECTION DAY: MAY 22 “Billy and I are proud to have raised a compassionate daughter with a deep respect for public service. From pursuing opportunities at the state, national and international level to returning to her community roots and family business – Lita has proven herself a natural leader. The citizens of Hidalgo County deserve no less.”
Dr. Filomena Leo Interim / Superintendent of Schools
Count on for County Treasurer Over 20 Years of Public Service!
(Donna, Weslaco, Sharyland and La Joya)
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Friday, May 18, 2018
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Vol. 46 No. 40
City of Mission holds Police and Fire Memorial Ceremony
MCISD Board of Trustees sworn in at special meeting By Jamie Treviño The Mission Consolidated Independent School District held a special meeting on Wednesday in order to canvass the votes and swear in members of the new board of trustees for the 2018-2019 school year. Sylvia Cruz, an officer of the local canvassing authority, read the votes each candidate received, and announced the winners of the election. For School Trustee, Place 1, Veronica “Betty” R. Mendoza received a total of 2,397 votes. The incumbent, Roy Vela, received 2,094 votes. Mendoza was sworn in by Ricardo Rodriguez, Jr. “I want to thank the community for supporting me and placing their trust in me,” Mendoza said. “I pledge to you that I will work as hard as I can to make Mission Consolidated Independent School District a better district.” For School Trustee, Place 6, incumbent member Petra B. Ramirez received a total
By Jamie Treviño Honoring the service and sacrifice of officers and firefighters in the City of Mission, a memorial ceremony
of 2,307 votes. Xavier Longoria received 2,140 votes. Ramirez was sworn in by Nereida Lopez-Singleterry. “I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the voters,” Ramirez said. “I am honored and humbled that you have placed your trust in me one more term. With your trust, I will work tirelessly for what’s in the best interest of our students and employees.” For School Trustee, Place 7, Lucía Leo-Díaz received 2,147 total votes. Minnie R. Rodgers, the incumbent, received a total of 2,323 votes. Rodgers was sworn in by Fernando Mancias.
“I am honored and humbled to stand before you and thank the community that saw me as someone to reelect for another term,” Rodgers said. “I will continue to work with pride and dignity to improve concerns from educators, students, janitors, bus drivers, maintenance workers and all employees of our district. I will also work as a team.” The MCISD Board of Trustees was reorganized. Petra Ramirez will serve as board president, Charlie Garcia as vice president and Minnie Rodgers will act as secretary.
After sexual harassment complaint, Alton offers police officer a second chance By Dave Hendricks An investigator who resigned from the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office amid a sexual harassment investigation found a new job with the Alton Police Department last month. Inv. Heriberto “Eddie” Sanchez resigned from the Sheriff’s Office in July 2016 after a female deputy accused him of sexual harassment. After discussing the sexual harassment allegations during the interview process, Alton police Chief Jonathan B. Flores said he thought Sanchez deserved a second chance. “People in their law enforcement careers are going to make mistakes and I believe that they deserve a second chance to redeem themselves,” Flores said. “And this is Eddie’s opportunity to
rectify some of the mistakes that he’s made in his career.” Sanchez resigned from the Sheriff’s Office on July 27, 2016 — the same day a female deputy filed a sexual harassment complaint
against him. Records released by the Sheriff’s Office don’t include the female deputy’s name or any identifying de-
See SECOND CHANCE Pg. 9
Alton police Officer Heriberto "Eddie" Sanchez (left) accepts his badge from police Chief Jonathan B. Flores. Photo courtesy of the Alton Police Department via Facebook.
was held at the beginning of National Police Week. Held at the Mission Police Department Monday morning, police officers, firefighters, constables, chiefs and local politicians
and representatives gathered for the service. Members of the city council were also in attendance, and several people spoke in order to com-
See MEMORIAL SERVICE Pg. 8
Mission Police Chief Robert Dominguez handing engraved coins to the family of Officer Humberto Javier Avila during the city’s Police and Fire Department Memorial Ceremony. Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.
Writing workshop held at Peñitas Public Library draws crowd from all over RGV By Jamie Treviño Attracting people who live all over the Rio Grande Valley, the Texas Writes Program gave local writers the opportunity to grow. The Writers’ League of Texas organizes free workshops in local libraries across the state. Funded by the Tocker Foundation, the Texas Writes Program is a way for writers of every age to gain free insight from published writers across Texas. The Peñitas Public Library held the first Texas Writes Program in the Valley Saturday, May 12. The program included two writers from the state who are active in the Writers’ League, Charlotte Gullick and Antonio Ruiz-Camacho. Gullick, the Chair of the Creative Writing department at Austin Community College, has been a speaker at multi-
ple Texas Writes Programs. “I grew up in a town of 200 people,” Gullick said. “My graduating class from high school had six. So they had a library that was about the size of the children’s area [in the Peñitas Public Li-
brary], and I just love libraries so much.” Gullick’s first novel, By Way of Water, was the grand prize winner of the Santa Fe Writers Project, and she has
See TEXAS WRITES Pg. 12
Writers Charlotte Gullick (left) and Antonio Ruiz-Camacho (right) with City of Peñitas Library Director Yenni Espinoza (center) at the Peñitas Public Library during the Texas Writes Program. Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.
INSIDE
INDEX
Campus Chronicles
Agua SUD Updates
Palmview Asset Forfeiture
See the accomplishments of the Class of 2018! Special features from our Mission CISD and Sharyland ISD graduation editions can be found inside this week’s issue.
New information has been discovered about the Agua SUD audit, as well as the current lawsuit against the district. Dave Hendricks has the latest.
City Council recently approved an audit that says that the city spent asset forfeiture funds on “extravagant purchases.” More details about the asset forfeiture can be found inside.
Entertainment | pg.2
EARLY VOTING MAY 29 - JUNE 5
ELECTION DAY JUNE 9
See Pg. 5
Lifestyle | pg.3
Sports | pg. 6
See Pg. 7
Obituaries | pg. 9
Classifieds | pg. 11
Experience Matters for Mission
Political advertisement paid for by the Julian Gonzalez Campaign 1704 east two mile line Mission ,Texas 78574
page 2
May 18, 2017
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Coming Attractions
Strutting their stuff to ‘Rock this Town’ The Mission High School (MHS) Eagle Choir Spring Show, “Rock this Town,” will be held tomorrow, May 19, at 7:30 p.m. in the school auditorium on campus. The choir members will be showing they are more than voices and music as they show off their dancing and acting chops at this year’s annual show. The show was written by choir director Kat Callaway and features music from the 1950s through some of the most popular tunes of today. Tickets for the show are $3 and are available from any Eagle Choir member. Tickets can also be reserved by calling 956-323-8715. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door. All seating is general admission.
‘Images of Valor’ to open at Mission Historical Museum
The Mission Historical Museum’s newest exhibition, “Images of Valor: U.S. Latinos and Latinas in World War II,” goes on display Monday, May 21, at 10 a.m. Images of Valor will be open to the public through June 30. The exhibition was created by the School of Journalism and Center for Mexican American Studies at The University of Texas at Austin and was produced by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Through images and stories, the 12-panel exhibition provides a historical overview of U.S. Latino participation in World War II. In addition to photographs from the project’s archives, it incorporates contemporary photographs of men and women of the WWII generation by photojournalist Valentino Mauricio. The central theme focuses on individual stories that reveal individual themes such as citizenship and civil rights. It features excerpts from the more than 500 oral history
interviews that were part of the project. For more information or to arrange group visits, call the museum at 956-5808646.
A photo of Joe Bernal, at age 17 in Salinas, Calif., on Sept. 1, 1945, is part of the “Images of Valor” exhibition opening next week at the Mission Historical Museum. (Courtesy
Photo: U.S. Latino & Latina WWII Oral History Project)
May 18 • Join with the award winning University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Mariachi Aztlán and the Mariachi Juvenil Aztlán for the “End of the School Year Celebration!” at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg campus. Tickets are $5 general admission and available at tickets.vendini.com. For questions, call 956-665-3881. May 19 • Berry Fritz will lead a drawing workshop, “Draw like the Old Masters,” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Upper Valley Art League, 921 E. 12th St. in Mission, with a break for lunch. Class members will bring their own supplies and should request a supply list at the time of registration. Some drawing experience is preferred. Work clothes are recommended. Cost is $60 for members and $70 for nonmembers, payable to UVAL. To register, stop by the UVAL gallery. Payment is required at sign up. Call 956-583-2787 for information. (For more Coming Attractions, go to ptrgv.com)
Juarez-Lincoln junior heading to New York LA JOYA – La Joya Juarez-Lincoln High School junior William Martin-Arriaga has been accepted into Vassar College’s Powerhouse Theater Training Program in New York this summer. Vassar College, a liberal arts institution, and New York Stage and Film, an award-winning New York City based-professional theater company, have worked together since 1985 to create the Powerhouse Theater Training Program. The program is designed to guide artists to challenge their point of view about theater, to create a community of like-minded artists and to discover their voice as an actor, director or writer. When beginning the program, participants choose a discipline from acting, directing or writing. For five weeks they will work alongside some of the country’s leading theater professionals. A day in the program includes morning and early
afternoon classes. Morning classes include technical training while the afternoon classes consist of feature rehearsals, performances, crew calls to assist in the shops and more. Master classes are also held based on the availability of visiting artists and professionals who are on campus working on productions. Martin-Arriaga expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, and also a desire to
William Martin-Arriaga
bring what he learns from the program back to Juarez-Lincoln and share it with his peers. “I want to be a professional actor and composer. This is a once in a lifetime chance for me to learn and make connections with people in the profession,” he said. Gabriel Arriaga, Juarez-Lincoln theater director, is not only his direc-
tor, but also his father. He expressed his hopes that his son absorbs as much as he can to make connections that will advance his career as an actor. “Words cannot express how proud we are of Will. He is dedicated to his craft and will greatly benefit from this collegiate experience,” said Arriaga.
UVAL offers kids’ summer art classes Registration is now open for the Upper Valley Art League’s (UVAL) summer art classes geared just for kids. Sessions will be held every Tuesday during the month in June in the UVAL annex with Karla De La Fuente as the instructor. Two sessions per day are planned and will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 to 3 p.m. with the following schedule for art mediums: June 5: ceramics for morning and afternoon; June 12: collage, morning/
painting, afternoon; and June 19: drawing, morning/ photography, afternoon. Girl Scouts also have a chance to earn a badge with the workshops. Ask how at the time of registration. Each session is $25, payable by check or cash, and early registration is recommended due to limited space. Call UVAL at 956583-2787 to sign up. UVAL is located at 921 E. 12th St. in Mission, next to Speer Memorial Library.
Shary Municipal GOLF COURSE
THURSDAY SUNDOWNERS
Start at 5:30pm. A-B-C team format. Cost $25 per player - includes team super skins. Call the Pro Shop to sign up.
SATURDAY, SUNDAY & HOLIDAYS:
12:00PM • 18 HOLE SPECIAL - GREEN FEE & CART: $25.00 12:00PM • 9 HOLE SPECIAL - GREEN FEE & CART: $15.00
2201 Mayberry Rd. • Mission, Texas Tee Time Reservations: (956) 580-8770
May 18, 2018
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MHS High Flyers organizing alumni reunion
Members of the Mission High School High (MHS) Flyers Dance and Drill Team are organizing an alumni reunion. All former and current drill team members, directors, and principals from 1978-2018 are invited to attend the High Flyers 40th Reunion. The celebration will begin with an Alumni Tea at the MHS library on Friday, Aug. 31, at 2 p.m. followed by the MHS pep rally at 3:45 p.m. The day will end by attending the Mission Eagles vs. Veterans Memorial Pa-
triots football game which includes participating in a collaborative half-time show. The following afternoon on Saturday, Sept. 1, the celebration will continue by honoring the members during an alumni luncheon from 2 to 5 p.m. Location details will be announced at a later date. Anyone who has ever been a member is asked to pass the details onto other alumni, join the Facebook group “High Flyers 40th Reunion,” and/or contact Josie Flores at josieflores@att.net for more details.
MCHS rated among top two percent in country
EVENTS
CALENDAR
May 19 – The Edinburg World Birding Center (EWBC) will host a Toddler Play Date for families with children ages 18 months to four years old from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. This month the theme is “Seeds.” Toddlers can discover nature through interactive play with puppet shows, story-telling, puzzle time, free play, coloring, crafts and guided walks throughout the grounds. The fee per toddler is $2, with one free guardian. Additional visiting family members must pay regular EWBC admission. Space is limited, so registration is required. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Road. For more information, or to register, call 956-3819922. May 24 – At 6 p.m., Jorge Trujillo will give a program on aquatic invertebrates and their role in the Rio Grande Valley. Learn about rare, endangered invertebrates and their biodiversity. The program is included with the $3 admission. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset in McAllen. For more information, contact Quinta Mazatlan at 956-6813370. (For more Events, go to ptrgv.com.)
‘Voice from the grave’ brings Texas history to life
The 2018-19 officers of the Mission High School High Flyers Dance and Drill Team are making plans for the High Flyers 40th Reunion. Shown, left to right, are 1st Lieutenant Alondra Garcia, 1st Captain Krystal Carrera, Major Ally Salinas, 2nd Captain Jetzely Coronado and 2nd Lieutenant Haley Reyes.
STJDA ‘Camp Freedom’ helps youth with diabetes
Sign up is underway for Camp Freedom, an overnight camping experience for Rio Grande Valley youth ages 7 to 14 who have Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The camp is scheduled June 27 to July 1 at the Valley Baptist Retreat and Conference Center – Camps on the Rio – in Mission. Registration deadline is June 13. Sponsored by the South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association and the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley Department of Pediatrics, it gives youth an opportunity
to participate in a camping experience they might not otherwise have due to the obstacles diabetes can place in their path. Youth, under the supervision of trained camp counselors and medical staff, will participate in arts and crafts, water games, walks and other physical outdoor activities. They will learn diabetes management techniques to help them live more active lives after the camping experience. For more information and to apply for a spot, visit ST-
Beto RE-ELECT
MAYOR
Salinas Leadership + Results
EDINBURG – The Museum of South Texas History (MOSTHistory) hosts Dr. Joseph E. Chance for a presentation on “The Journal of Dewitt Clinton Thomas: A Voice from the Grave,” this Sunday, May 20, at 2 p.m. at the Museum of South Texas History. This short presentation presents the viewpoints and observations of a man dead for more than 100 years. Thomas offers advice to his children on topics that range from morals and dancing to the handling of money. In his lifetime he notes the changes that he sees in “the paradise” he finds in Texas as an 1845 immigrant to the disappointing condition of the land in 1870. Thomas chronicles the extinction of the buffalo in
Texas and predicts the ecological disaster that would later be brought on by the advent of the railroads to west Texas, creating the genesis of the dust bowls of the 1930s. Thomas, a lifetime Democrat, battled the Progressive Party and its free silver coinage platform as proposed by William Jennings Bryan which Thomas. Chance is an author of several published books on history, newspaper columns and essays. A fifth generation Texan, Chance was raised in Austin before making the Rio Grande Valley his home. The program is included in the MOSTHistory admission. The museum is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd. in Edinburg. Call 956-3836911 for information.
Mission CISD Special Olympics athletes recently competed and walked away with 96 medals from the Area 1-Special Olympics Spring Games (Track & Field Meet held April 27 at Bob Lackey Stadium in Weslaco. Over 33 delegations across Hidal-
go and Starr county participated in the event. The MCISD athletes brought home 49 gold, 22 silver and 25 bronze medals. The results are as follows: Alton Elementary Eduardo Bocanegra –
MCISD Special Olympics athletes bring home 96 Medals
See SPECIAL OLYMPICS Pg. 6
Mission Collegiate High School (MCHS) has earned a Gold Award from the U.S. News & World Report in its annual ranking of high schools in the country. This puts the campus in the top 500 schools in the country, based on highest college readiness. According to U.S. News & World Report, only two percent of high schools earn the gold. MCHS has been ranked among the best in the country by U.S. News, earned a Bronze Award from the publication the past three years. This year MCHS jumped up to be ranked 336 in the country, earning them the gold award. In addition to its place among the best in the country, the publication ranks MCHS at number 55 out of the 1,785 high schools in Texas. “We are extremely proud of the students and staff at Mission Collegiate High School,” said Cris Valdez, interim superintendent. “This ranking was using data from the 2015-2016 school year, the first year they had grades 9 to 12 at the campus. It is a wonderful reflection of what is possible for students at any of our high schools.” The national publication uses a four-step process in
determining the Best High Schools lists. The first three are designed to ensure that the schools serve all students well. Step one looks at students exceeding expectations in their stats on reading and mathematics assessments. Step two looks at data on underserved student performance. Step three looks at student graduation rates. If schools pass the first three steps, they then calculate a college readiness index based on the percentages of each school’s students who took and passed Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams. As a state-designated early college high school, MCHS students are allowed to take college courses as early as their freshmen year in high school. Students also receive a rigorous curriculum through dual credit and advanced placement courses. Students who apply themselves can graduate from MCHS with both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree from South Texas College. Currently, 67 percent of MCHS’s class of 2018 are on target to graduate with an associate’s this month.
Marine Corps League extends invitation
HARLINGEN – The Rio Grande Valley Detachment of the Marine Corps League invites honorably discharged Marine veterans – active duty, retired and reservists, as well as FMF corpsmen and FMF chaplains – to join the detachment. Meetings are held the first Monday of every month, except holidays when it will be held the second Monday, at the Marine Military Academy, 320 Iwo Jima Blvd, Harlingen. New members are asked to bring proof of service. For more information, contact Sean Downey at 956-752-6980 or sdowney@ mclrgv.org.
Reynaldo and Carolina Granados of Mission honored their son, Reynaldo Jr., in celebration of his 15th birthday on May 9. He is a student at Mission High School. (Austin Studio)
3085 V OT E S 49.97% OF THE VOTERS CAN’T BE WRONG
Thank you for your vote! From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank the 3,085 (49.97%) residents that took the time to go out and vote in our May 5th election. We got the majority of the vote, but were short by 3 votes. We are officially in a Runoff for June the 9th. I would also like to give a special thank you to my campaign staff for all their hard work and dedication. Early voting will be from May 29 to June 5.
Mayor Beto Salinas R U N O F F W I L L B E O N J U N E 9, 2 0 1 8
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May 18, 2018
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
Paxton requests federal funding for women’s health program AUSTIN — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton last week asked two federal agencies to move quickly to fund the state’s Healthy Texas Women program. The program was cut off from Medicaid funding by the Obama administration in 2012 after the Texas Legislature enacted a law preventing taxpayer money from going to abortion providers. In a May 7 letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Paxton said the addition of some $30 million a year in federal dollars would increase access to family planning and preventative health services for low-income women across the state who are not covered by traditional Medicaid in Texas. Paxton sent the letter at the request of Gov. Greg Abbott and on behalf of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. He wrote that allowing states to exclude providers who perform or promote abortion is consistent with federal policy. Texas spends $29 billion a year on Medicaid — more than one-fourth of the state’s annual budget — to serve some 4.3 million people. The state allocates another $95 million annually to fund the Healthy Texas Women program, which has a current enrollment of 240,798 women, Paxton noted. “States have discretion in implementing the Medicaid Act, including in setting qualifications for providers,” Paxton wrote. “Texas and the Healthy Texas Women program should not be penalized through the continued withholding of federal funds merely because Texas has exercised the authority
that federal law has granted to it — namely, the authority to refuse to be a conduit for channeling taxpayer funds to abortion providers pursuant to state law.” Forum honors women Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on May 7 highlighted Texas women in the workforce by hosting a roundtable discussion with a dozen women leaders who comprise the Texas Governor’s Commission for Women. The panel was part of a briefing with the Governor’s Commission for Women to review Gov. Abbott’s priorities for the commission and to develop strategies to make Texas “the best state for women-owned businesses.” The discussion addressed topics such as hardships women face in the workplace, women with families who pursue careers, ways to move more women into higher-paying jobs and women as entrepreneurs. The discussion is part of Hegar’s multistop “Good for Texas Tour: Women in the Workforce.” More than 6 million women held jobs in Texas in 2017 and 938,000 women-owned businesses generated about $134.2 million in sales, but further efforts are needed to eliminate barriers to women’s entrepreneurship and improve access to top-level positions, Hegar said. May allocations are sent Comptroller Hegar on May 9 announced his office would send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts $861.8 million in local sales tax allocations for the month of May. The amount is 9.4 percent more than was distributed for the month of May 2017. Allocations are based on sales made in March by businesses that report tax monthly and
sales made in January, February and March by quarterly filers. Hurricane season coming With the hurricane season less than one month away, Gov. Abbott and the Texas Department of Public Safety on May 7 urged Texans to use Hurricane Preparedness Week to learn how to protect themselves and their families from hurricanes and tropical storms. Hurricane season starts June 1 and continues through Nov. 30. The DPS posted of list of actions to take, such as: — Assemble an emergency kit that includes essential documents, supplies and provisions; — Review hurricane evacuation maps and select a route; — Plan how family members and pets will evacuate safely; — Consider special needs for individuals with disabilities and the elderly; and — Stay informed about changing weather conditions. Abbott honors the fallen Gov. Greg Abbott on May 7 joined law enforcement officers from across the state for the 2018 Texas Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony to honor fallen Texas peace officers and their families. During the ceremony, Abbott met with and presented medals to the families of officers who died in the line of duty. The ceremony included the laying of a memorial wreath and a 21-gun salute. Last year, during the 85th session of the Texas Legislature, Abbott signed House Bill 3647, legislation that established the Texas Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony as an annual event. This year’s ceremony was the first to be conducted since the law was passed.
Agua SUD sues former lobbyist By Dave Hendricks The Agua Special Utility District filed a lawsuit against an Austin-based lobbying firm last month, claiming former Executive Director Oscar Cancino hired the firm without board approval. Cancino inked the contract with Strategic Public Affairs during May 2017, when the utility district wanted to derail a bill filed by state Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa. The utility district claims Cancino signed the contract without board approval — and wants a refund. “It’s currently in litigation,” said attorney Armando Marroquin, who represents the utility district. “And that’s all I’m really authorized to say at this point.” Strategic Public Affairs didn’t respond to requests for comment. Cancino resigned in September, roughly four months after approving the contract. “Everything that Cancino did while he was executive director was either at the directive of or with the consent of the board,” said attorney Richard D. Gonzales, who represents him. “At all times he acted within the scope of his duties as executive director and within the confines of the law and the authority given to him in the bylaws of the district.” Local governments routinely pay lobbyists to represent them in Austin, where they push bills and keep tabs on state agencies.
The utility board kept Pathfinder Public Affairs — headed by Rene A. Ramirez, the state senator’s former chief of staff — on retainer for years. Pathfinder Public Affairs charged $7,500 per month for “high-level strategic advice” and lobbying work, according to utility district records. The relationship between Ramirez and the utility district soured during December 2016, just days before the Texas Legislature convened. Hinojosa filed Senate Bill 814, which prevented elected officials from hiring each other. The bill posed a major problem for the utility district. Four of the seven utility board members worked for the school district, which is the largest employer in western Hidalgo County. Meanwhile, two school board trustees worked for the utility district. The utility board sent Ramirez a sternly worded letter, demanding to know why he hadn’t provided a heads-up about the bill. Ramirez advised the board to work with Hinojosa, suggesting an amendment might soften the blow. After the utility board went nuclear, passing a resolution against the bill, Ramirez resigned. “My suggestions and advice have been ignored and I can no longer represent you in your efforts,” Ramirez wrote on April 24, 2017, according to emails provided
by the utility district. Cancino quickly hired a new lobbying firm: Strategic Public Affairs, which also charged $7,500 per month. Lobbyist Ricardo Lopez-Guerra, who worked for former state Rep. Veronica Gonzales, started representing the utility district, according to Texas Ethics Commission records. Cancino signed the lobbying agreement on May 12, according to a copy of the contract provided by the utility district. Senate Bill 814 passed the Texas Legislature two weeks later. According to the lawsuit, the utility board discovered the Strategic Public Affairs contract during an internal audit in January 2018. “On January 16, 2018, notice was given to Strategic Public Affairs that the agreement was void as a matter of law,” according to the lawsuit. Utility district records, though, tell a different story. Check registers reviewed by the utility board in August 2017 and October 2017 list payments to Strategic Public Affairs. An attorney for the utility district also provided Hinojosa with a copy of the Strategic Public Affairs contract and a check register in October 2017. Asked about the discrepancy, Marroquin said he couldn’t comment on pending litigation.
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The Progress Times (USPS 971-420; ISSN 0890-2666) is published each Friday by Savy Publishing, LLC, 1217 N. Conway, Mission, Texas 78572, (956) 585-4893. Subscriptions $20 annual in Hidalgo County; $30 outside of Hidalgo County. Second class postage paid in Mission, Texas 78572. ©2018 Savy Publishing, LLC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the PROGRESS TIMES, P.O. Box 399, Mission Texas 78573.
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May 18, 2018
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Auditor says Agua SUD employment contracts were ‘unreasonable and unnecessary’
By Dave Hendricks The Agua Special Utility District approved “unreasonable and unnecessary” employment contracts with two administrators last year, according to an independent audit — setting the stage for six-figure payouts. Former Executive Director Oscar Cancino approved five-year employment contracts with Community Relations Coordinator Oscar “Coach” Salinas, the president of the La Joya school board, and utility Project Manager Armin Garza, the vice president of the La Joya school board, on May 1, 2017. Two months later, the utility district approved settlement agreements with Salinas and Garza that included six-figure payouts. “Government Auditing Standards define ‘abuse’ as ‘behavior that is deficient or improper when compared with behavior that a prudent person would consider reasonable and necessary business practice given the facts and circumstances,’” according to the comprehensive annual financial report prepared by McAllen-based accounting firm Burton, McCumber and Longoria. “The District paid a settlement payment
of $489,000 to two employees with whom the District entered into employment contracts. The act of entering into these employment contracts appears to fall within the definition of abuse.” When the employment contracts were signed, the utility district knew a bill pending before the Texas Legislature might force Salinas and Garza to choose between working for the utility district and serving on the school board. Designed to block elected officials from hiring each other, Senate Bill 814 posed a major problem for the utility district. Four of the seven utility board members worked for the La Joya Independent School District. They employed Salinas and Garza, who served on the school board. Senate Bill 814 passed the Texas Legislature on May 28, 2017 — less than a month after the utility district approved the employment contracts. Salinas and Garza hired an attorney. “Please be advised that my clients fully intend to enforce their current employment contracts with Agua SUD,” attorney Ben Castillo wrote to the utility district on June
19. “If there is any attempt by Agua SUD to interfere with my clients’ contractual rights, they are both prepared to file suit to ensure that Agua SUD fulfills its contractual obligations.” The utility district settled the potential claims, paying $221,000 to Salinas and $268,000 to Garza. Auditors questioned why the utility district approved long-term contracts with Salinas and Garza while the bill remained pending. “The execution of these contracts and the terms contained therein are considered unreasonable and unnecessary, thus falling within the definition of abuse,” according to the report. Concerns about the payouts also prompted an investigation by the Texas Rangers and the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office. “I would agree with the auditor,” said utility board Director Homer Tijerina, who represents rural Hidalgo County customers. “He did a thorough job — a great job — with the audit.” Tijerina said he planned to ask for more information about the findings. “This is how we find out what’s going on,” Tijerina said, adding that utility district management and fellow
board members keep him in the dark. “And the ratepayers, the customers have a right to know what’s happening within the district — and with their money.” Auditors also flagged other problems, including a lack of documentation for the procurement of professional services and hiring irregularities. “Procurement for professional services require a qualification based selection,” according to the report. “We noted 13 instances where documentation could not be provided as evidence procedures were followed.” Professional services may include consultants, architects and engineers. The report doesn’t provide details about the professional services or name the people involved. The utility district called
a board meeting to approve the report on April 30, but canceled the meeting for lack of quorum. Only board President Roger Hernandez III bothered to attend. They held another meeting on May 7, when the board approved the report without asking any questions. However, the utility district didn’t actually release the report until May 15, following a formal request from state Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa. After reading the report, Hinojosa sent the utility district a scathing letter. “It has been clear to me, which is why I filed SB 814 last session and now with the findings of this Audit, that the actions or lack thereof of the Agua SUD Board of Directors are beyond gross negligence,” Hinojosa wrote to Hernandez. “I demand immediate attention and action
page 5
to resolve the issues identified in the 2017 Fiscal Audit.” Asked about the letter, Hernandez released a statement. “As a board, we have accepted the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Year Ended December 31, 2017. During the audit process, Agua SUD management developed a Corrective Plan of Action and proposed timeline for completion in response to the findings related to the financial statements,” according to the statement. “As you may be aware, Agua SUD has now hired a General Manager who will lead the efforts, under the direction of the board, to do due diligence to ensure that the District addresses the issues and implements the recommendations as outlined in the Audit.”
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May 18, 2018
Sports week
BIG7 Big 7 athletes compete at state SCHOOLS
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www.ptrgv.com/sports
By Luciano Guerra Ten track and field athletes from the seven Mission, Sharyland and La Joya ISD high schools, the Big 7, qualified for the University Interscholastic League’s (UIL’s) State Track and Field 2018 Championships that took place this past weekend at the University of Texas Austin’s Mike A. Myers Stadium. Of those 10 athletes, six competed in individual events while four competed as part of a relay team. The competition was fierce as the best-of-the-best track and field athletes from across the Lone Star State went head-to-head against each other in running, jumping and throwing events such as the 400 meter dash, the triple jump and the shot put. And while the Big 7 athletes that made the trip to Austin all did their best, and made their schools, parents and coaches proud, unfortunately, not one of them succeeded in bringing one of the highly coveted state medals back to the Valley with them. Even so, qualifying for the state meet is a worthy accomplishment in-and-of itself so let’s take a look at how these athletes fared in their respective events starting with the only one to qualify in two different events, La Joya Palmview’s Brianna Robles. Robles, last year’s All Valley Girls Cross Country Athlete of the Year, qualified for state in both the 1,600 and 3,200 meter runs just as she did last year. While her sixth place finishes in both events this year were an improvement over her
two eighth place finishes last year, Robles couldn’t help being disappointed in the fact that she fell short of her goal of adding two state medals to her extensive collection of District, Area and Regional medals. “I was mostly disappointed by the fact that I ran the same times as I did last year,” Robles said. “I really wanted to PR (set a new personal record) but when I didn’t I was disappointed.” Robles’ time of 10:54.68 in the 3,200 meter run was five seconds slower than her PR of 10:49, and her time of 5:00.01 in the 1,600 meter run was two seconds slower than her PR of 4:58. However, even if Robles had matched her PRs in both events, she would not have medaled. She would’ve had to have run a 10:35.84 or better in the 3,200 meter run and a 4:54.45 or better in the 1,600 meter run to have medaled. Measuring in at 5 feet tall and weighing only 89 pounds, Robles is not your typical looking athlete. However, the fact that she is one of the top high school distance runners in the state has made it possible for her to receive a scholarship to Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado where she plans on studying communication in hopes of becoming a sports journalist. With her high school running career now behind her, Robles reflected back on what her favorite moment as a Lady Lobo was when she said, “Making it to state in cross-country with all of my team. We did that this school year.” As for what it’s meant to
her to be a member of the Lady Lobos cross-country and track and field teams for the past four years and to be able to represent Palmview High school at the state meet like she has, Robles said, “It means a lot to me. It also goes to prove that if you put in the effort, it will pay off in the end.” As the only Big 7 athlete that went into the state meet as a gold medal favorite, Sharyland Pioneer shot putter Johnny Howell was considered to be as close to a sure-thing in regards to bringing home a state medal as any of the Big 7 schools have seen since Palmview’s two-time state champion shot putter Felipe Valencia was going into the 2013 and 2014 state meets. That’s because his best regional meet throw of 57-09.00 was nearly two feet further than his nearest state meet competitor’s best throw. And when it comes to a sport in which the top finishers are usually separated by mere inches, two feet is huge. In addition, Howell threw 62-04.00 during practice just two days before the state meet according to his coach David Munson. Unfortunately, Howell sprained his ankle during warm-ups the morning of the state meet so he was not able to compete. As it turned out, the gold medal winning throw of 56-03.75 was well within Howell’s capabilities so he very well could’ve brought home the gold medal, or at least the silver or bronze medal, had he not suffered the injury. With his fifth place finish in the triple jump, Sharyland High’s Blake Klein was the top finishing Big 7 athlete at
this year’s state meet. The Lady Rattlers’ Valeria Diaz placed eighth in the 1,600 meter run while the Lady Diamondbacks’ Daizy Monie placed ninth in the discus throw. Mission High’s Alex Cordova was the only MCISD athlete to qualify for the state meet. He represented his home town very well by placing seventh in the 400 meter dash. As for the only 6A boys’ relay team from the Valley to qualify for the state meet, Juarez-Lincoln’s 4 x 400 meter relay team, made up of Kenneth Gonzalez, Harley Vargas, Jose Maldonado and Elias Gutierrez placed ninth with a time of 3:23.90.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS 25M race, third place; Christopher Cantu – 25 meter, third, and softball throw, third; Raul Cervantes – 25M, second, and softball, second; Daniel Desiga – 25 meter, third; Juan Flores – 25 meter, second, and softball, first; Maximo Garcia – softball, third; and Angel Torres, softball, second. Bryan Elementary Gilbert Perez – 25M, first, and softball first. Cantu Elementary Osiel Araiza – 25M, first, and softball, second; Edgar Hernandez – 25M, third, and softball first; Guillermo Maldonado – 25M, second; Cristina Marroquin – 25M, first, and softball, third; and Jonathan Ramirez – 25M, second. Cavazos Elementary Angel Gaytan – softball, first; and Brandon Garcia – softball, first. Escobar Rios Elementary Javier Lopez – 25M, first, and softball, first; and Jesus Monroy – 25M, first, and softball, first. Leal Elementary Angel Barriere – 25M, third, and softball, first; and Joseph Rodriguez – softball, third. Mims Elementary Katelyn Ramirez – 25M, first, and softball, second. Pearson Elementary Samuel Garza – 25M, first, and softball, second; Esmeralda Hernandez – 25
Brianna Robles
Covering Mission, Veterans Memorial, Sharyland, Pioneer, La Joya, Palmview & Juarez-Lincoln Sports
from pg. 3 meter, second, and softball, first; Lucero Ledesma – softball, first; Aiden Navarrao – 25M, third, and softball, first; Cristian Olvera – 25M, first, and softball, first; Miquela Ramos – 25M, third, and softball, first; and Jose Vasquez – 25M, first, and softball, third. Alton Memorial Jr. High Nathaniel Rodriguez – 25M assisted walk, first. K. White Jr. High Bianelly Rodriguez – softball, second; and Julian Rodriguez – 4x100 meter relay, first. Mission Jr. High Michael Tinoco – 25M motorized wheelchair obstacle, first; 50M motorized wheelchair slalom, first; and tennis ball throw, first. Ralph Cantu Jr. High Ivan Adame – 25M, third, and softball, first; Jose Dominguez, 25M, third; Alexis Garza – 25M, first; Gerardo Obregon – 25M, second; Valerie Longoria – 25M, third, and softball, second; and Geremmy Trejo – softball, second. Mission High School Joel Bravo - 4x100 relay, first; Marittima Cassiano – 10M wheelchair race, first, and softball, second; Ashley de La Rosa – 4x100 relay, third; Jacob Delgadillo – softball, second; Marcus Eguia – softball, first; John Garza – 25M, first, and
softball, first; Carlos Gutierrez – first in 10M and 25M wheelchair and softball; Adrian Lopez – 25M, second and softball, first; Roberto Lopez – 25M, third, and softball, second; Jesus Munguia – 25M, third, and softball, second; Rachel Navarro – 25M walk, first, and softball, third; Jacqueline Porcayo – 4x100 relay, third; Jesus Trejo – 25M, second, and softball, second; Frankie Villalobos – 4x100 relay, second; and Clifford Wheat – 4x100 relay, third. Veterans Memorial High School Alexis Ayala – 10M and 25M wheelchair, first, and softball, second; Priscilla Anguiano – 2M, first, and softball, first; Arrellano Bryan – 4x100 relay, first; Jazzmin Diaz – 25M walk, third, and softball, second; Nicolas Juarez – 4x100 relay, second; Deah Marmolejo – 25M, first, and softball, second; Jacquelina Mata – 25M, second; Melinda Mata – 25M first, and softball, first; Javier Patino – 4x100 relay, first; Hector Sanchez – 4x100 relay, first; Hector Sanchez – 4x100 relay, second; Jesus Torres – 4x100 relay, second; Pedro Treviño – 4x100 relay, third; Jazmin Villanueva – 25M and softball, third; and Kerry Keller – 25M, first, and softball, third.
May 18, 2018
page 7
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
Pair of Mission Veterans juniors up for All-Valley Awards Gilpin, Howell nominated for Football, Volleyball Players of the Year
round postseason exit after losing to Flour Bluff. Head Coach David Gilpin said the quarterback’s success is due to him putting in the work on a daily basis and the support around him, from teammates to coaching staff. “Landry is the guy that has to come and bring it on a daily basis, in practice, in the weight room, in summer conditioning, and Landry embraced that,” he said. “He understands that as he goes, that’s a lot of the way our team goes, and he has to lead
to the audit show Palmview paid $1,100 on Dec. 23, 2015, for “Christmas Party.” What, exactly, Palmview purchased remains unclear. The audit report doesn’t include receipts or invoices for the expenses. Chapa said Palmview is still searching for additional documentation. Neither former City Manager Johnn Alaniz nor former City Manager Ramon Segovia, who filed a lawsuit against the city for breach of contract, would comment on the audit report. Former police Chief Chris Barrera, who shared responsibility for the asset forfeiture account, referred a request for comment to attorney Javier Peña. “It seems to me like they’re trying to pass the buck for their own mismanagement,” Peña said, adding
that Barrera didn’t sign any checks or control the account. Barrera could recommend expenses, but the city manager and the City Council ultimately approved how Palmview spent the money. The City Council fired Barrera last month after he sent vulgar text messages to Fire Chief Jerry Alaniz. “Right now Barrera is a target for them to push the blame onto,” Peña said. Sarabia acknowledged the City Council ultimately approved spending, but said members relied on advice from management. “And I’m not blaming previous councils,” Sarabia said. “I can see where if they don’t have a financial background or asset forfeiture experience they’re going to rely on what this professional, trained person is telling them.”
Jacki e How ell
Putting up numbers is nice, but what’s better is winning. Two athletes from Mission Veterans High School were able to do both this year, leading their teams statistically en route to district and bi-district championships, and are now up for player of the year awards. Junior quarterback Landry Gilpin and sophomore outside hitter Jackie Howell were nominated as Football and Volleyball Players of the Year at the 2018 All-Valley Sports Awards Banquet on June 19 at Mario’s Banquet & Conference Center in Mission. The nominees for Volleyball Player of the Year and Football Player of the Year were chosen because they share one common trait: team success with either a strong regular season or playoff run for one of the Valley’s premier programs. Landry Gilpin Before the season’s start last Summer, Landry and David Gilpin had a conversation. The quarterback told his father and Patriots’ Head Coach they needed to bring a district championship to Veterans Memorial. In Gilpin’s first full year as a starter, the dual-threat quarterback delivered and posted video game-like statistics while leading the Pa-
triots to a 10-win season that ended with bi-district championship and a share of the District 31-5A Championship. The junior garnered All-Area Player of the Year and All-State Honorable Mention awards as the junior put up 3,172 yards through the air, 1,718 on the ground, and accounted for 48 combined touchdowns. He also completed 56 percent of his passes and threw just five interceptions on 375 attempts. Gilpin’s signature performance came in the Patriots’ first game of the season, a meeting against the powerhouse Harlingen Cardinals. He burst onto the scene as a quarterback just seven minutes into the first quarter with a 91-yard touchdown on the ground, spinning off two defenders and outrunning the nine others for game’s first points. The Patriots would go on to win the game 3126, the start of their streak of eight straight victories. The Patriots picked up a bi-district championship with a 25-17 first round playoff win over Brownsville Lopez but made a second
Land r Gilpi y n
By Bryan Ramos
by example. He understands completely that nothing he does can be accomplished without his teammates, without his coaching staff, and he’s very appreciative for the effort they’ve put in that’s enabled him to have the kind of success he’s had. He’s a special high school player.” The two nominees Gilpin
is up against for for Football Player of the Year are Kai Money from St. Joseph Academy and Erick Retta from San Benito. Jacqueline Howell It’s been five seasons since the Lady Patriots have dropped a district game. A large part of the team’s success in picking up another district championship in 2017-2018 was the play of junior outside hitter Jacqueline Howell, who was voted 31-5A’s coMVP by the league’s coaches. Howell helped lead the Lady Patriots to a perfect 16-0 district record, 31-4 on the year, and totaled 515 kills, 345 digs and 77 aces. She has been an All-Area selection in both of the last two years, making the jump from second team to first team in her sophomore and junior seasons. The Lady Patriots didn’t even lose a set in 31-5A play, winning 51 straight, including a 3-0 first round playoff win over Brownsville Lopez
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Audit reveals Palmview made ‘extravagant purchases’ with asset forfeiture money By Dave Hendricks
Palmview spent federal asset forfeiture funds on “extravagant purchases,” including three high-end trucks, parties and sports tickets, according to an audit approved by the City Council last week. Prepared by city Finance Director Rachel Chapa, the nearly 470-page report documents major accounting problems and potentially improper spending during the past seven years. “It’s embarrassing,” said City Councilwoman Linda Sarabia, who urged Palmview to investigate spending under the prior administration. Federal law allows the Justice Department to confiscate money and property linked to criminal activity. The Justice Department frequently shares the money with local police departments that provide assistance on federal cases. 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 for law enforcement purposes. Palmview, though, routinely broke the rules, according to the audit report. “It’s not an opinion,” Sarabia said. “It’s black and white. They’re facts.” Palmview didn’t maintain separate accounts for federal asset forfeiture funds and state asset forfeiture funds, according to the audit report. Palmview deposited the money into a single bank account, along with grant money and towing fees. The City Council created a separate bank account for state asset forfeiture funds, which come with different reporting and regulatory requirements, last week. Palmview also balanced the city budget with asset forfeiture money in 2014 and 2015, according to the audit report. The Justice Department explicitly prohibits spending asset forfeiture money on general government expenses. Travel and food expenses raised questions too, according to the audit report, which identified a slew of potentially improper expenditures. “Extravagant purchases include two 2011 Ford Raptors and one 2012 Ford Raptor valued at over $50,000.00 each,” according to the audit report. Palmview also paid for a Christmas party, gift cards and hockey tickets with the money. Financial records attached
to claim a bi-district championship. Howell was also nominated at last year’s All-Valley Awards Banquet for the Sub6A Athlete of the Year for her multi-sport performance on the volleyball and basketball courts. The winners of the Volleyball and Football Player of the Year awards will be announced at the 2018 All-Valley Sports Awards Banquet on June 19 at Mario’s Banquet & Conference Center in Mission. The banquet is hosted by RGVSports.com and AIM Media Texas in conjunction with the RGV Sports Hall of Fame, and will present 33 awards to athletes, coaches and teams across all 12 UIL sports. The prestigious Tom Landry Award of Excellence will honor a student-athlete for outstanding achievements on and off the field. Sean Elliott, the former NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs and the team’s color commentator, will be the keynote speaker at the event, which will run from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets for the banquet are $40 per person.
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MEMORIAL SERVICE
memorate those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. President John F. Kennedy named May 15 Peace Officers Memorial Day in 1962, and it has been celebrated annually ever since. Mission dedicated the ceremony to officers in the PD as well as the Fire Department, and aimed to respect their legacy. Aida Lerma, Mission Deputy City Manager, was the master of ceremonies for the memorial service, and spoke about the impact of officers in the community and what they were hoping to do with the ceremony. “We are paying tribute to the memory of those police officers and firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty, and to honor those that still protect and serve us each day,” Lerma said. “This observance honors those law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate price by losing their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.” Lerma spoke about the job of a police officer, and the mission of law enforcement being to protect and serve. “For anyone involved in that mission, there is always the potential that protecting and serving can lead to sacrifice,” Lerma said. “The potential is part of the code honored not only by every law enforcement officer, but also by every spouse, child and family member. It is a special burden they bear to give the rest of us the safety and peace we sometimes
May 18, 2018
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com from pg 1
take for granted.” The city honored three families: the family of Officer Humberto Javier Avila, the family of Officer Fulgencio Velasco III and the family of Deputy Constable Rick Lewis. Mayor Norberto Salinas was unable to attend the ceremony, so Mayor Pro-Tem Norie Gonzalez Garza spoke on behalf of the city. She read a poem written by Robert Longley titled “A Hero’s Welcome,” and thanked the families present for the sacrifice of their loved ones. Present at the memorial ceremony were Texas Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez, along with representatives from the Mission Housing Authority, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Rangers, Border Patrol, the office of Congressman Henry Cuellar, the office of State Representative Sergio Munoz, Jr., the Hidalgo County Sheriff and police chiefs from the City of Alton, Edinburg ISD, the City of La Joya, La Joya ISD, the City of Palmhurst and the City of Pharr. The Veterans Memorial High School Choir sang the national anthem, and the Police and Fire Departments’ color guard did the presentation of colors. City Manager Martin Garza, Jr. read the proclamation passed at the April 23 city council meeting naming this week National
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND PARTIES
Police Week. “I want to take the opportunity to first of all thank all the families for being here with us today, for making sure that we don’t forget the sacrifices our police officers and our firefighters do on a daily basis,” Garza said. “It’s a great importance for us as public servants to be able to have the support not only of our counterparts, but also the community itself.” Robert Dominguez, the Chief of Police for the City of Mission, spoke at the ceremony, and honored the families of the two officers and deputy constable who were given special honors. “Throughout this week, we join countless colleagues in paying tribute to our fallen police officers throughout our nation,” Dominguez said. “Today, the City of Mission and its great citizens honor our fallen heroes.” He presented the Avila family and Velasco family with coins specially made in their memory. The coins have photographs of the officers on one side, and the Mission Police Department pads they wore on their uniform, along with their end of watch date. “The coins are provided
to those left behind as a constant and enduring reminder of their sacrifice,” Dominguez said. “I hope that the Avila and Velasco families know that our community and our police department have not forgotten these brave officers and their sacrifice.” Recognitions of fallen public service members were read by Dominguez, Mission Fire Chief Gilbert Sanchez, Constable Lazaro Gallardo, After the placing of the wreaths by Dominguez and Sanchez, the Mission Police Honor Guard gave the Twenty-One Gun Salute, followed by a performance of “Taps” by VMHS Mariachi Director Francisco Vela, Jr. Pastors Eliud and Cathy Garcia from Freedom Life Church gave the invocation and benediction for the memorial ceremony, and prayed for blessings over all the officers who have fallen and all those present. “Father, I thank you for the promise of the Holy Spirit,” Cathy Garcia said. “You said that he would be our comforter and our guide. And I thank you that that is exactly who he is to the families today. Bring them sweet comfort.”
LA JOYA ISD
from pg 1
Commission order. The La Joya school district hired Barcelona Strategies in November 2012, just five months after Hinojosa formed the company. Current and former members of the La Joya school board said they didn’t recall meeting Hinojosa and had never heard of Barcelona Strategies. During the next two years, Barcelona Strategies advised the school district on several bond issuances. Documents published by the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board list Barcelona Strategies as a financial adviser on three bond issuances. Muñoz and Frankel served as bond counsel for all three issuances. Hinojosa never disclosed that he also worked for Muñoz and Frankel, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission order. “By misrepresenting their municipal finance experience and failing to disclose the conflict of interest with bond counsel, Barcelona and Hinojosa violated the federal securities laws and the rules
of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board,” according to the Securities and Exchange Commission order. Neither Muñoz nor Frankel would comment on the Securities and Exchange Commission order, which doesn’t accuse them of any wrongdoing. “None of that pertains to me,” Muñoz said, adding that the Securities and Exchange Commission action against Hinojosa didn’t involve any work Hinojosa handled for him. Muñoz also declined to comment on whether or not Hinojosa still worked for him. The Securities and Exchange Commission ordered Hinojosa to pay a $20,000 civil penalty. Barcelona Strategies must pay another $160,000. Along with the civil penalty, Hinojosa and Barcelona Strategies must repay more than $363,000 plus interest, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission order.
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May 18, 2018
obituaries Moises Anzaldua GRANJENO – Moises Anzaldua, 86, passed away Saturday, May 12, 2018 at his home in Granjeno. He was a native and lifelong resident of Granjeno and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1947. He was a paratrooper with the 82nd, 101st and 187th Airborne Rangers and served in the Korean War. He worked for Moorefield Air Base in McCook for over 30 years. Survivors include his children, Ruben Anzaldua of Houston, Moises Anzaldua Jr. of Granjeno, Domingo Anzaldua of Edinburg, Debra Anzaldua of McAllen and Margaret Gutierrez of Edinburg; siblings, Maria De Leon of Austin and Pedro Anzaldua of San Angelo; and 20 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Genoveva Anzaldua, and grandson, Ruben Anzaldua Jr. A funeral service was held on May 16 at Flores Funeral Home in Mission. Burial with military honors followed at the RGV State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.
Gregorio Beltran MISSION – Gregorio Beltran, 60, passed away on Thursday, May 10, 2018, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen. Mr. Beltran was born on May 9, 1958, in Mexico,
to Bartolo and Esperanza Beltran. He resided in Florida before making Mission his home for the past 15 years. Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Eudelia M. Beltran; children, Prisma Beltran, Erika Beltran, Priscilla Beltran, Alma Beltran and Gregorio Beltran Jr.; his father; siblings, Homero, Santos, Francisco, Jesus, Rodolfo, Antonia and Tita; and two grandchildren. A funeral service was held on May 14 at Rivera Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview. Adelita Fuentes MISSION – Adelita Garza Fuentes, 70, passed away on Sunday, May 13, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jaime Fuentes; parents, Juan and Maria Garza; and brother, Gilberto Garza. A funeral mass was held on May 17 at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Alton. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in McAllen. Juan Hernandez MISSION –Juan R. Hernandez passed away Friday, May 11, 2018, at his home in Mission. Mr. Hernandez was born on Dec. 26, 1928, to Juan Hernandez and Maria Rodriguez in Dale and lived in the Valley most of his life. Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Manuela O. Hernandez; children, Lupe Rosales, Juan Hernandez, Julia Luna, Ricardo Hernandez, Linda Vasquez, Delia Trevino, Estevan Hernandez, Maria Salinas, Carlos Hernandez, Martina Paiz, Lily Lopez and Ana Luna; and 47 grandchildren, 98 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Erasmo Hernandez.
Frank Rodriguez MISSION –Frank Rodriguez, 60, passed away on Monday, May 7, 2018, in Houston. Mr. Rodriguez was a 1976 graduate of Mission High School. After graduation he worked in the family business, Rod’s Brick and Tile, and later became the owner. Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Dalia Rodriguez; sons, Frank Rodriguez and Edward Rodriguez of Mission; siblings Adelina Arendondo, Mary Cantu, Ramiro Rodriguez Jr., Gloria Sequiera, Eliseo Rodriguez, Illiana Torres and Evita Verbuzco; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ramiro and Elvia Rodriguez Sr., and sister, Carol Villasenor. A funeral mass was held on May 1 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Cremation followed.
Notices Raquel Bazaldua MISSION–Raquel Bazaldua, 77, passed away on Monday, May 14, 2018, at her home. Felicitas Flores SULLIVAN CITY – Felicitas Flores, 90, passed away on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at her home in Sullivan City. Santos Garza MISSION –Santos Garza, 89, passed away on Monday, May 14, 2018, at his home in Mission. Frumencio Perez Jr. MISSION – Frumencio Perez Jr., 73, passed away on Monday, May 14, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Louis Rodriguez MISSION – Louis Rodriguez, 55, passed away on Friday, May 11, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Morris Sheitelmann MISSION – Morris Sheitelmann, 91, passed away on Monday, May 14, 2018, at his home in Mission.
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.
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A funeral service was held on May 15 at Del Angel Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Ida Keller MISSION – Ida Mae Keller, 90, of McCook, passed away on May 8, 2018. Mrs. Keller was born Feb. 2, 1928, in Flatonia, to Theodore and Lillie Machac. She graduated from Edinburg High School in 1944 and worked as a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell. She married Dominick E. Keller on April 9, 1947, and was married for 50 years before his death. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in McCook and served on the church board and Altar Society. She was a long-time member of the K.J.T. and K.J.Z.T. Societies. Survivors include her children, Daniel Keller of Mission, George Keller of Elm Mott, Margaret Smith of Waco, Joyce Macias of Austin and Cheryl Keys of McCook; sisters, Evelyn Kotara and Rosie Lee Hommel; and 18 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents, and brothers, Richard and Frank Machac. A funeral mass was held on May 12 at Immaculate Conception. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Pallbearers were Frankie Machac Jr., William Keller, Paul Neugebauer, Paul Keller, Mike Kotzur and Kenneth Hommel. Memorial donations may be made to the Immaculate Conception Church in McCook or the charity of one’s choice. Abel Rodriguez Jr. MISSION –Abel Rodriguez Jr., 70, passed away Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at his home. Survivors include his wife, Connie, and sons, Michael, Samuel and Benjamin Rodriguez. A memorial service was held on May 12 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Pharr.
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
SECOND CHANCE 27, 2016 — the same day a female deputy filed a sexual harassment complaint against him. Records released by the Sheriff’s Office don’t include the female deputy’s name or any identifying details about her. The female deputy accused Sanchez of constantly making sexual advances and suggestive comments, according to records released under the Texas Public Information Act. She also accused Sanchez of placing her hand over his crotch. During an interview with an internal affairs investigator, Sanchez admitted to misconduct. “Investigator Sanchez stated that he was aware that his actions while on duty were inappropriate, but that he believed what he did was consensual,” according to the investigation report. The internal affairs investigation also uncovered evidence of a personal relationship between Sanchez and the female deputy, which complicated the sexual harassment complaint. During her initial interview, the female deputy denied she had any kind of non-professional relationship with Sanchez, according to the internal affairs investigation. In a subsequent interview, though, she acknowledged sending a sexually explicit photo to Sanchez. The Sheriff’s Office concluded Sanchez created a “negative work atmosphere” and violated county rules against sexual harassment. “It was something — a mutual relationship that later became a complaint,” Sanchez said, adding that he cooperated with the internal affairs investigation and answered all the questions honestly. “I showed proof to where it was not what she claimed, to the full extent. She did omit some facts. And to basically take care of the problem, I chose to resign.” Sanchez said he took all the blame for what happened
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and attempted to move on. “And I took it like a man,” Sanchez said. After leaving the Sheriff’s Office, he worked at a refinery in Oklahoma. Sanchez later returned to the Rio Grande Valley and took a job with Alton on April 10, according to Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Records. “I am a firm believer in second chances,” Sanchez said, adding later: “It’s been two years. I’ve earned the right to come back to law enforcement.” While the city conducted a background check, which included contacting the Sheriff’s Office, the police department didn’t request a copy of the internal affairs investigation. Flores said he trusted the Sheriff’s Office, where he worked for more than six years, to provide accurate information during the reference check. He also knew Sanchez by reputation. “We weren't friends,” Flores said, adding that they worked different shifts. “We were acquaintances at best.” Sanchez’s reputation for hard work convinced Flores that he deserved a second chance. “He always displayed a tremendous work ethic that he has brought with him here to Alton,” Flores said. “So that’s why it wasn’t difficult to afford him a second chance, even though he did make a mistake — was because of that work ethic and the level of professionalism that he displays, not only with his peers but with the community.”
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buy • sell • trade • rent • hire
this page is your oyster opening up to a world of opportunity
Classified Rate: 1 Week = $7.00 2 Weeks = $10.00 4 Weeks = $14.00
Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m. If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573
Submit by email to info@progresstimes.net or pay by phone 956-585-4893.
The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 5 p.m.
ORDINANCE NO. 4631
ORDINANCE NO. 4634
ORDINANCE NO. 4626
ORDINANCE NO. 4625
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – ARELY’S EVENT CENTER, 1809 W. GRIFFIN PARKWAY, LOTS 9-11, SOUTHERN OAKS PH. 1 SUBDIVISION
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS RE-OPENING THE OBLATE STREET RAILROAD TRACK CROSSING BETWEEN 8TH STREET AND 9TH STREET AND CLOSING THE RAILROAD TRACK CROSSING ALONG BUSINESS 83 AND LEONOR STREET, 2300 LINEAR FEET EAST OF SCHUERBACH RD. READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14th DAY OF MAY, 2018. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A DRIVE-THRU SERVICE WINDOW – SNOWBALL EXPRESS, 1712 W. GRIFFIN PARKWAY, LOT 22, BLOCK 4, OAKWOOD ESTATES SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14th DAY OF MAY, 2018. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – HAN’S KATSUYA RESTAURANT, 600 N. SHARY ROAD, STE. D, LOT 1, ESDRAS VEGA SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14th DAY OF MAY, 2018. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
ORDINANCE NO. 4629
ORDINANCE NO. 4627
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – KALO’S SALON DE EVENTOS, 1516 E. EXPRESSWAY 83, STE K, LOTS 5, 5J, 5K, 5L, STEWART PLAZA SUBDIVISION
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A DRIVE-THRU SERVICE WINDOW – SNOWBALL EXPRESS #2, 3124 N. MAYBERRY ROAD, BEING 1.27 ACRES OF LAND OUT OF THE WEST 310’ OF THE NORTH 224’ OF LOT 28-9, WEST ADDITION TO SHARYLAND SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14th DAY OF MAY, 2018. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14th DAY OF MAY, 2018. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
ORDINANCE NO. 4632 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS, AMENDING ORDINANCE 4576, AMENDING VARIOUS PORTIONS OF CHAPTER 86, SEC.86-42(d)(2); SEC.86153(5)(e); AND SEC.86-154(5)(e) – SIGNS – OF THE MISSION CODE OF ORDINANCES, CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING A PUBLICATION DATE READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14th DAY OF MAY, 2018. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
ORDINANCE NO. 4630 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A RESTAURANT (DRUNKEN CHICKEN) IN A PROPERTY ZONED (C-2) NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL, 104 N. MAYBERRY ROAD, STE. A, LOT 52, MAYBERRY PLAZA UNIT #2 READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14th DAY OF MAY, 2018. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
ORDENANZA NO. 4633 APROBACIÓN DE LA ORDENANZA DE LA CONVOCATORIA PARA LA SEGUNDA VUELTA DE ELECCIONES DE DESEMPATE PARA EL PUESTO DE ALCALDE Y CONSEJAL NUMERO 4 DE LA CIUDAD DE MISSION TEXAS LOS SITIOS DE VOTACIÓN Y OTRAS CUESTIONES RELATIVAS A ESA ELECCIÓN READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14th DAY OF MAY, 2018. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
ORDINANCE NO. 4624 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING OF A 68.55 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF LOTS 9-5, 9-6, AND 10-5, WEST ADDITION TO SHARYLAND; A 12.47 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF LOTS 9-4, 10-3, AND 10-4, WEST ADDITION TO SHARYLAND; A 306.62 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF LOTS 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, 106, 11-3, 11-4, 11-5, 11-6, 12-4, 125, AND 12-6, WEST ADDITION TO SHARYLAND; AND A 24.96 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF LOTS 11-3, AND 11-4, WEST ADDITION TO SHARYLAND SUBDIVISION, FROM PUD (PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT) TO I-1 (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14th DAY OF MAY, 2018. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
ORDINANCE NO. 4633 AN ORDINANCE CALLING A RUNOFF ELECTION IN MISSION, TEXAS PROVIDING FOR THE ELECTION OF MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL PLACE 4; PROVIDING FOR POLLING PLACES AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO SAID ELECTION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14th DAY OF MAY, 2018. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14th DAY OF MAY, 2018. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
NOTICE OF APPLICATION AND PRELIMINARY DECISION FOR AN AIR QUALITY PERMIT PROPOSED PERMIT NUMBER 148267 APPLICATION AND PRELIMINARY DECISION. City of Mission, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, TX 78572-5812, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for issuance of Proposed Air Quality Permit Number 148267, which would authorize installation of a Public Works Construction Debris and Brush Handling Site located at 914 South Conway Avenue, Mission, Hidalgo County, Texas 78572. This application was submitted to the TCEQ on August 22, 2017. The proposed facility will emit the following contaminants: carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, organic compounds, particulate matter including particulate matter with diameters of 10 microns or less and 2.5 microns or less and sulfur dioxide. The executive director has completed the technical review of the application and prepared a draft permit which, if approved, would establish the conditions under which the facility must operate. The executive director has made a preliminary decision to issue the permit because it meets all rules and regulations. The permit application, executive director’s preliminary decision, and draft permit will be available for viewing and copying at the TCEQ central office, the TCEQ Harlingen regional office, and at the Speer Memorial Library, 801 East 12th Street, Mission, Hidalgo County, Texas beginning the first day of publication of this notice. The facility’s compliance file, if any exists, is available for public review at the TCEQ Harlingen Regional Office, 1804 West Jefferson Avenue, Harlingen, Texas. PUBLIC COMMENT/PUBLIC MEETING. You may submit public comments or request a public meeting about this application. The purpose of a public meeting is to provide the opportunity to submit comment or to ask questions about the application. The TCEQ will hold a public meeting if the executive director determines that there is a significant degree of public interest in the application or if requested by a local legislator. A public meeting is not a contested case hearing. You may submit additional written public comments within 30 days of the date of newspaper publication of this notice in the manner set forth in the AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION paragraph below. RESPONSE TO COMMENTS AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ACTION. After the deadline for public comments, the executive director will consider the comments and prepare a response to all relevant and material or significant public comments. Because no timely hearing requests have been received, after preparing the response to comments, the executive director may then issue final approval of the application. The response to comments, along with the executive director’s decision on the application will be mailed to everyone who submitted public comments or is on a mailing list for this application, and will be posted electronically to the Commissioners’ Integrated Database (CID). INFORMATION AVAILABLE ONLINE. When they become available, the executive director’s response to comments and the final decision on this application will be accessible through the Commission’s Web site at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/cid. Once you have access to the CID using the above link, enter the permit number for this application which is provided at the top of this notice. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility’s general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For exact location, refer to application. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/hb610/index.html?lat=26.194166&lng=-98.331666&zoom=13&type=r. MAILING LIST. You may ask to be placed on a mailing list to obtain additional information on this application by sending a request to the Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below. AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION. Public comments and requests must be submitted either electronically at www. tceq.texas.gov/about/comments.html, or in writing to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Please be aware that any contact information you provide, including your name, phone number, email address and physical address will become part of the agency’s public record. For more information about this permit application or the permitting process, please call the Public Education Program toll free at 1 800 687 4040. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040. Further information may also be obtained from City of Mission at the address stated above or by calling Mr. Christopher Coignet, Environmental Consultant at (713) 621-4474. Notice Issuance Date: May 16, 2018
theclassifieds May 18, 2018
Classified Rate: 1 Week = $7.00 2 Weeks = $10.00 4 Weeks = $14.00
CITY OF PALMHURST TO HOLD SURPLUS AUCTION
buy • sell • trade • rent • hire
this page is your oyster opening up to a world of opportunity
Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m. If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573. Submit by email to info@progresstimes.net or pay by phone with your credit/ debit card 956-585-4893. The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 5 p.m.
For Rent ONE BEDROOM APT. for rent at $400.00, we pay the water bill, located at 1312 N. Dunlap in Mission, TX 78572, for more information call Dalinda Garza at 956-821-4699. For Sale LIVING ROOM (2 sofas) plus 2 end tables, 1 cocktail table & 1 sofa table $850 OBO; dining set plus china, 2 arm chairs plus 4 regular chairs, $850 OBO; 2 accessory chairs $140 for both OBO, call 956-445-7562, leave message/ text if no answer. RESTORE LUXURIOUS COAT and treat fleas & ticks on dogs & cats with Paracide shampoo, Border Enterprises, 956-487-2570, (fleabeacon.com) NEW ANTLER HANDEL stainless steel steak knife set of 6 by Bagaban House, $150, call
956-423-7391 for more information. BEACH FRONT TIME share for sale, 2 unit condo at South Padre Island, Royale Beach Resort, large pools, fully furnished, washer & dryer, central A/C & heat, asking $5,000 cash, call 707-631-2775 or 707-398-8539. Help Wanted NOW HIRING A/C & Refrigeration Technicians, minimum of 3 years experience, call All Tech Heating and Cooling, 956-5193308
Espiritu Santo, tu que me aclaras todo, que iluminas todos los caminos para que yo alcance mi ideal, tu que me das el don divino de perdonar y olvidar el mal que me hacen y que en todos los instantes de mi vida estas conmigo, yo quiero en este corto dialogo agradecerte por todo y confirmar una vez mas que nunca quiero separarme de ti por mayor que sea la ilusion material. Deseo estar contigo y todos mis seres queridos en la gracia perpetua. Gracias por tu misericordia para conmigo y los mios. La persona debera rezar esta oracion 3 dias sequidos sin decir el pedido. dentro de tres dias sera alcanzada la gracia por mas deficil que sea. (Publicar en cuanto se recibia la gracia). Agradece gracia alcanzada. T.R.
The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.
ORDINANCE NO. 4628 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – LA MANSION BALLROOM & CATERING, 507 N. CONWAY AVENUE, LOT 8, BLOCK 92, MISSION ORIGINAL TOWNSITE SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 14th DAY OF MAY, 2018. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
ALTON POLICE DEPARTMENT Office of Chief of Police The City of Alton will be having a public auction on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at the Alton Police Department located at 509 S. Alton Blvd from 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. If you have any questions contact (956) 432-0700.
CHIEF OF POLICE Jonathan Flores
Oracion Al Espiritu Santo
PUBLIC NOTICE
The La Joya ISD Federal Programs Department will be hosting its annual consultation required by P.L. 107110, Section 1120, with Private Non-Profit Schools that are within the district’s attendance area. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at Central Administration @ Nellie Schunior / Ebony Conference Room, 200 West Expressway 83, La Joya, Texas 78560. Consultations after this date will be ongoing and/or as needed. Topics to be discussed: • • • •
Which services will be provided? Which children can receive services under the different programs? How will services be provided? How will the services be evaluated?
Please contact Jose Roel Flores, Director of Federal Programs at (956) 323-2660 if additional information is needed regarding the referenced scheduled consultation and/or future consultations.
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.
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City of Palmhurst will hold an online surplus auction from Tuesday, May 29 thru Friday, June 8, 2018. The auction is open to the general public and will include the sale of seized vehicles and general tools and equipment. To view the items for auction, please visit the GovDeals Website at www.govdeals. com. The auctioned items are sold “as is” - No warranty. All sales are final. Payment in full is due no later than five (5) business days from the time and date of the Buyer’s Certificate. Payment must be made electronically through the GovDeals Website.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Palmhurst Surplus Auction WHEN: Tuesday, May 29, 2018 thru Friday, June 8, 2018 WHERE: GovDeals Website: www.govdeals.com
CONTACTS
Seized Vehicles – Police Department Delma Ozuna at (956) 519-3800 Chief Michael Vela at (956) 519-3800 General Tools and Equipment – Public Works Supervisor Mark Lopez at (956) 583-8697
INSPECTION: Friday, June 1, 2018 from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm Seized Vehicles – Police Department City Hall 4417 N. Shary Road Palmhurst, Texas 78573 General Tools and Equipment – Public Works City Hall 4417 N. Shary Road Palmhurst, Texas 78573 Richard Garcia, City Secretary City of Palmhurst
The State of Texas County of Hidalgo
CONSTABLE’S SALE
Notice is Hereby Given that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale For Delinquent Taxes issued out of the HONORABLE 430th District Court HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS, on the 20th of April, 2018, for the sum of $10,216.39 with interest thereon at the rate of 11.9% per annum from the 21st of March, 2016 and cost of suit, under a judgment in favor of TEXAS TAX SOLUTION II, LLC in a certain cause in said court, No. C-2101-15-J and styled Texas Tax Solution II, LLC vs. Erasmo Vargas, Olga A. Vargas; and CITIFINANCIAL, INC. (IN REM ONLY) and placed in my hands for service on the 3rd day of May, 2018, I, Lazaro Gallardo Jr., as Constable Pct.3 Hidalgo County, Texas, did on the 3rd of May, 2018, levy on real property in Hidalgo County, Texas, described as follows, to-wit Lot nine (9), Prairie View Heights, Phase I, Hidalgo County, Texas, as per Map or Plat thereof recorded in volume 29, Page 55, Map Records, Hidalgo County, Texas. And levied upon as property of Erasmo Vargas, Olga A. Vargas; and CITIFINANCIAL, INC. (In Rem Only) and that on the first Tuesday in June 2018, the same being the 5th day of said month, at the court house door of Hidalgo County, TEXAS in the City of Edinburg, Texas, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (sale starts at 10:00 a.m.) by virtue of said levy and said writ of execution, I will sell said above described real property at public venue for cash, to the highest bidder, as the property of said Erasmo Vargas, Olga A. Vargas; and CITIFINANCIAL, INC. (IN REM ONLY) and in compliance with the law, I give this notice by publication, in the English language, once a week for three consecutive weeks immediately proceeding said day of sale, in The Progress Times a newspaper published in Hidalgo County.
Witness my hand, this 7th day of May, 2018 Lazaro Gallardo, Jr. CONSTABLE PCT.3 Hidalgo County, Texas
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.
Now
HIRING Mr. G’s Fireworks
is looking for responsible persons to operate fireworks stand. Must stay on premises & be over 21 years of age.
Call: (956) 399-3469 PUBLIC NOTICE
The City of Alton will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. at the City Hall Legislative Chambers located at 509 S. Alton Boulevard to consider the following request: Si desea información en español, llame al departamento de Planeación de la Ciudad de Alton, (956) 432-0760. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT: Norma De La Rosa, d.b.a., Alton Drive Thru is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to obtain a Wine and Beer Retailer’s Off-Premise Permit at 2115 E. Main Avenue, Suite 6, also legally described as Palmasola, Lot 31, Alton, Hidalgo County, Texas. The public is invited to attend and express support for or opposition to this application. You may also file written support or opposition to by 12:00 noon on June 12, 2018, for the Planning and Zoning and the City Commission. For questions please call Jeff Underwood, Assistant City Manager at (956) 432-0760.
page 12
Federal regulator says paralegal defrauded La Joya ISD By Dave Hendricks The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission slapped a paralegal who worked for state Rep. Sergio Muñoz Jr. with a $180,000 civil penalty last week for defrauding the La Joya Independent School District. Mario Hinojosa, 58, of Mission created a company called Barcelona Strategies LLC, which he promoted with a misleading brochure. The brochure claimed “professionals” at Barcelona Strategies had worked on bond issuances, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission order published on May 9. Apparently impressed, the school district hired Barcelona Strategies as the financial adviser for bond issuances during 2013 and 2014. The company collected nearly $387,000. “Hinojosa was Barcelona’s only employee and had never served as advisor — municipal or otherwise — on any bond issuances,” according to the Securities and Exchange Commission order. Neither Barcelona Strategies nor Hinojosa admitted any wrongdoing.
TEXAS WRITES
May 18, 2018
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
been published in Brevity, LA Review, Hippocampus and Pithead Chapel. Her presentation was about incorporating the four seasons in your writing as a method of bringing more life to any piece. “One of the ways we can write effectively is to think about the five senses,” Gullick said. “It’s how we carry our stories, it’s through our five senses. It’s how we get specific, it’s how we get creative.” Ruiz-Camacho, originally from Toluca, Mexico, has been published in The New York Times, Texas Monthly and Salon, amongst other things. His short story collection Barefoot Dogs, the winner of the Jesse H. Jones Award for Best Book of Fiction, was highly praised in the Kirkus Reviews, San Francisco Chronicle and Texas Observer. “The Valley is a region that has always fascinated me,” Ruiz-Camacho said. “I worked as a journalist for many years, and I have always tried to have some access to this part of the
Hinojosa created Barcelona Strategies on June 1, 2012, according to records filed with the Texas Secretary of State’s Office. When he created the company, Hinojosa worked for Muñoz and Frankel, an Edinburg-based law firm, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission order. The firm brought together Muñoz, a politically connected attorney, and Martin Frankel, an attorney licensed in California. “In June 2012, at Frankel’s suggestion, Hinojosa formed Barcelona,” according to the Securities and Exchange Commission order. Both the state and federal forms required an address for Barcelona Strategies. Hinojosa listed Muñoz’s law office. To attract clients, Hinojosa created a brochure touting Barcelona Strategies. “The brochure was false and misleading in multiple respects,” according to the Securities and Exchange Commission order. Hinojosa claimed he had four years of municipal finance experience, but he’d never actually served as an adviser on a bond issuance.
The brochure also touted experienced “professionals” at Barcelona Strategies, but Hinojosa had no coworkers. Barcelona Strategies sent the brochure to “various municipalities,” according to the Securities and Exchange Commission order. The La Joya school district hired Barcelona Strategies in November 2012, just five months after Hinojosa formed the company. Current and former members of the La Joya school board said they didn’t recall meeting Hinojosa and had never heard of Barcelona Strategies. During the next two years, Barcelona Strategies advised the school district on several bond issuances. Documents published by the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board list Barcelona Strategies as a financial adviser on three bond issuances. Muñoz and Frankel served as bond counsel for all three issuances. Hinojosa never disclosed that he also worked for Muñoz and Frankel, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission order. “By misrepresenting their municipal finance experi-
world.” This is also the first Texas Writes Program Ruiz-Camacho has been a speaker for, and he spoke about taking factual parts of everyday life and twisting them into fictional work in order to make it more personal. He said that inspiration can be drawn from everywhere. “Writing can be a very isolating, solitary activity, powered by self-doubt,” Ruiz-Camacho said. “That’s what being a writer is. So I think it’s very important to have a community, to have other writers who can offer you support and encouragement.” Yenni Espinoza, the Library Director for the City of Peñitas, was excited for what the workshop would do for the community. “I’ve seen a lot of people who, they either love to read or write, and sometimes you need that extra information just to know if your process is right,” Espinoza said. “So when I heard about the program, I was like, oh perfect, to have somebody who actually knows how the process
from pg. 1 works and give them that information so they know if they are on the right path with what they want to do, it was wonderful.” Becka Oliver, a coordinator from the Writers’ League of Texas, hopes that other libraries in the area may take an interest in bringing more opportunities down. “My hope is that we establish a connection with a library,” Oliver said. “I love the connection and thinking that it’s not just this one event, that we’re establishing something that might be beneficial for the future.” The events are completely free for the library and those who wish to attend, and are catered to what librarians believe residents in the area are writing about. In Peñitas, the common topic that Espinoza gave the league was family history. “That’s the most important part of the program to us, that it comes at no cost to the library,” Oliver said. “It makes us feel that much more excited to know that we’re being supported by the library and knowing that
ence and failing to disclose the conflict of interest with bond counsel, Barcelona and Hinojosa violated the federal securities laws and the rules of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board,” according to the Securities and Exchange Commission order. Neither Muñoz nor Frankel would comment on the Securities and Exchange Commission order, which doesn’t accuse them of any wrongdoing. “None of that pertains to me,” Muñoz said, adding that the Securities and Exchange Commission action against Hinojosa didn’t involve any work Hinojosa handled for him. Muñoz also declined to comment on whether or not Hinojosa still worked for him. The Securities and Exchange Commission ordered Hinojosa to pay a $20,000 civil penalty. Barcelona Strategies must pay another $160,000. Along with the civil penalty, Hinojosa and Barcelona Strategies must repay more than $363,000 plus interest, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission order. they are already reaching out to the community.” Eileen Mattei, Anita Westervelt and Deborah Ashley were some of the people in attendance at the Texas Writes Program, and were happy with what they were getting out of the event. “I’m a workshop junkie,” Westervelt, a member of the Writers’ League from San Benito, said. “And I’m a writer. I just don’t get enough writing lectures and workshops for inspiration, not that I need it. It’s always fun to go.” Ashley, originally from Athens, Alabama and now living in Edinburg, attended the event in order to establish new connections. “I came to find new friends who write, and to also learn how to improve my own writing,” Ashley said. “But the friends are really why I came.” Mattei, a resident of Harlingen who works as a freelance writer, is also a member of the Writers’ League of Texas. “I thought I would learn something here,” Mattei said. “And, I am learning.”
I’m humbled to receive the endorsements from Mr. Jaime Gutierrez, Dr. John Guerra and Councilwoman Jessica Ortega-Ochoa. This is a perfect example of my “WE” leadership style.
Grants expand MCISD computer science training
With grants from Google and the Mission Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Mission Consolidated Independent School District (MCISD) will be able to expand on a partnership that is training teachers to integrate coding and computer science in more curriculums. The district is receiving $20,000 in assistance from Google and $50,000 from MEDC. The district, MEDC and Code/Interactive piloted the unique training partnership this past fall to provide training for technology applications to teachers at each of the district’s four junior high schools and three high schools. Success with the pilot helped spur the development to expand the training to include 118 teachers from all elementary schools and more of the junior high school teachers and integrate it across all core content areas. “We are very excited about this new effort,” said
Cris Valdez, interim superintendent. “The support we have been receiving from Mission EDC in helping prepare our teachers to prepare their students for their future has been instrumental in our STEM curriculum development.” Teachers will be trained in Scratch Jr. and Scratch, MIT-created visual blockbased programming languages used to build animations, stories and games. Junior high schools will also receive memberships for Mouse Create, an online learning platform used to build the skills to apply design and technology creatively.
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Alex Xavier Cordova
Mission Eagles Class of 2018
I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known.
- Love, Mom & Dad
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