Friday, July 6, 2018
www.ptrgv.com | 50 Cents
Vol. 46 No. 47
Leo Peña Park renovations continue despite recent weather By Jamie Treviño Even after the city experienced floods two weeks ago, the Leo Peña Park was actually one of the drier local venues in Mission during the storm. Despite the centerpiece of the park being an amphitheater, the park retained little to no water. The construction and renovations have continued without a hitch because of the drainage system in place, according to Mayor Armando O’caña and City Manager Martin Garza, Jr. “When you’re dealing with that type of construction, where you have an amphitheater that goes down, the drainage is the first part of the phase when you start the construction,” Garza said. “It’s kind of like your foundation.” The $1.4 million renovations are part of Phase II of the Streetscape project, which aims to help revitalize the downtown Mission area and draw more people to the city. About $800,000 of the budget is coming from federal funding, and $600,000 is
coming locally. “It’s a project that’s really going to give a second upgrade to the downtown area,” Garza said. The first big event to be held at Leo Peña Park will be the National Night Out in September, as renovations should be completed by the end of August. The city hopes to host at least one big event in the park, located at the corner of Business 83 and Conway Avenue, every quarter. According to Garza, the project is 65 percent complete overall. “The drainage and the electrical conduit for the whole project is 100 percent complete,” Garza said. “The backstage walls and the walls along the side are at 90 percent, we’re 50 percent complete on the sidewalks and the stage and the ramps are complete.” Both the audience seating and access to the amphitheater stage are going to meet the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
See PARK RENOVATIONS Pg. 11
Faced with overcrowding, sheriff may build barracks behind the county jail by Dave Hendricks When the Hidalgo County jail nearly hit capacity last month, Sheriff Eddie Guerra had nowhere to turn. Hidalgo County normally pays GEO Group — the private prison company based in Boca Raton, Florida — to hold inmates when the county jail runs out of room. GEO Group, though, refused to accept more county inmates, Guerra said. The company apparently wanted to hold federal inmates, which pay better. “It’s all about dollars and cents to them,” Guerra said, adding that the Sheriff’s Office scrambled to find beds at county jails across South Texas. A spokesman for GEO Group didn’t respond to requests for comment. GEO Group holds Hidalgo County inmates at the Brooks County Detention Center in Falfurrias and the Karnes County Correctional Center in Karnes City. Hidalgo County pays $54 per inmate every day, significantly less than the U.S. Marshals Service. The Marshals Service paid $64.53 per day to hold
Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra inmates in Brooks County and $68.09 per day to hold inmates in Karnes County during the 2017 fiscal year, according to data published by the agency. “So they’d rather have those fed prisoners than my prisoners,” Guerra said. Asked how much the Marshals Service currently pays per inmate, an agency spokeswoman wouldn’t answer the question and told the Progress Times to file a Freedom of Information Act request. GEO Group apparently accepted an influx of federal inmates in April, when the U.S. Justice Department an-
See OVERCROWDING Pg. 8
RGV counties meet FEMA threshold
O’caña said. “It’ll also give us public assistance for our municipalities.” President Donald Trump must declare the area as a federal disaster, as requested by Governor Greg Abbott who signed a proclamation after learning about the floods and what effect they had in the area. The City of Mission has been working on getting a ten-year comprehensive drainage plan after requesting proposals from engineering firms. Once proposals have been evaluated, the city can hire an engineer as well as three to four residents to look at possible improvements and come up with a comprehensive assessment of the area. “We already had a consultation meeting with the Hidalgo County Drainage District,” O’caña said. “We want to do a two-year joint effort to expand our drainage system.” According to the city manager, department heads in Mission have been working closely with the city’s Emergency Management Coordinator James Cardoza to ensure public damages were also reported. “I also want to give a thank you to first responders in the County of Hidalgo and the State of Texas for their immediate response to our needs,” O’caña said.
By Jamie Treviño
After gathering information from people all over the Rio Grande Valley affected by the floods two weeks ago, the counties of Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy, Starr and Zapata have officially passed the $38 million threshold required for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to send aid. According to Mission Mayor Armando O’caña and City Manager Martin Garza, Jr., the five counties have reported $39 million in damages due to the severe rainfall in the Valley. The flooding that resulted from the rain displaced families from their homes and caused thousands of dollars in property damages to homes, businesses and public spaces. “We want to applaud the efforts of the people that submitted the applications to the City of Mission,” Garza said. “We received a lot of their information, the damages, the estimates, which plays a big role in making sure that we met that threshold.” No word has been heard from FEMA as to when assistance may be sent, but families could receive up to $33,000 depending on the extent of the reported destruction. The counties had to meet a threshold of $38 million to receive aid. “It’ll provide individual assistance to our citizens,”
See FEMA THRESHOLD Pg. 8
San Benito church assists Mission flood victims By Jose De Leon III When all was said and done, the San Benito-based Cross Church distributed 2,600 bags of packaged goods in Mission to 500 families hoping to recover from last month’s flood. In a partnership with the City of Mission, Cross Church came down to the Grower Select Produce warehouse Saturday, June 30 at 824 U.S. Business 83 to help residents in the area. “All we want to do is give,” volunteer Ruben Ramirez said at the event. “And God provided for us and we want to provide to people too.” The donation came after a flood that affected the
entire county June 20 and June 21 hit the area. Hidalgo County is reporting there is an estimate of $100 million in damages due to the flood that brought the City of Mission to a standstill and was declared a disaster area. Ramirez said his church teamed up with the international organization Operation Blessing, a non-profit that assists during humanitarian crisis around the world. “Operation Blessing donated a semi-truck full of goods ranging from water, perishable goods such as soup and snacks and hygiene products,” Ramirez said. “We’ve helped other cities in the Valley but this is the first time we’ve partnered up
See CHURCH ASSISTS Pg. 8
Volunteers with Cross Church assist in delivering bags of goods Saturday, June 30, 2018 to residents around Mission impacted by the June 21 flooding in the area. Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.
INSIDE Mission Parks and Recreation
Agua SUD sets sewer rates
INDEX
The utility district is preapring to set sewer rates for residents of the City of Palmview, and plans to begin billing Palmview customers next year. Dave Hendricks has the story, inside.
In the second installment of a series by the City of Mission Parks and Recreation department, Brad Bentsen explores the many ways you can have some summer fun in the sun!
See Pg. 5
See Pg. 5
Entertainment | pg. 2
Lifestyle | pg. 3
Sports | pg. 5
La Joya hires PR Consultant The City of La Joya hired a Public Relations consultant last month, and paid her a $12,000 retainer. Dave Hendricks has the latest on the new hire and what it means for the city.
See Pg. 10
Obituaries | pg. 9
Classifieds | pg. 11
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entertainment Coming Attractions
Lucero Rodriguez, president of the UTRGV Latino Theatre Initiatives, stands on a chair to pose with the UTRGV mojigangas, enormous puppets the student organization made this spring. (Photo by Maria Elena Hernandez)
Giant puppets wow children at performances
By Maria Elena Hernandez
EDINBURG – It’s hard not to notice the latest additions to the UTRGV theater department. They are 11 feet tall. The towering figures are puppets called “mojigangas,” giant figures that originated in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. People place the puppets on their shoulders, making them much larger than life. “They built these puppets to parade them around the streets, and they dance around,” said Lucero Rodriguez, a UTRGV senior from Reynosa with a double major in theater and applied mathematics. Rodriguez is president of the UTRGV Latino Theatre Initiatives, a student organization working to include more Latino culture into theater in the Rio Grande Valley. The university’s Transforming Our World Strategic Plan awarded funds to the organization for the puppets. Building them involved a bit of a learning curve. Rodriguez had never actually seen the mojigangas used in Mexico. The group watched videos on the internet to learn how to make them. “They were using bamboo wood, and they were using machetes,” she said. Because of safety concerns, the students took a different approach. “We tried to think of a more practical way to do it, but still have the concept and bring the culture in,” Rodriguez said. The early prototypes are scattered near the completed mojigangas – like fallen soldiers – reminders of the feverish work to complete the puppets before LTI’s April 25 deadline, so the organization could feature them in a show at an elementary school. Dr. Eric Wiley, a theatre professor in the UTRGV
College of Fine Arts whose spring acting class helped construct the mojigangas, said there were times when they debated whether to cancel the show. “But we just stayed up late,” he said. “We came in earlier and we just persevered. Some people who were in LTI before and have graduated, they came and helped us. My wife came in and helped us. Everyone was pitching in. The costume people stayed up late and we got it together.” The hard work was well worth it, when the group performed for students in Donna and Brownsville, he said. “Oh, it was thrilling,” Wiley said. “It was so much fun for the kids and for us to finally get these puppets out there.” Including the mojigangas in a play is outside their traditional use. “Normally, you would find these giant puppets in street parades. And we hope to do that also,” Wiley said. “What’s different about these puppets is that they are actually made for a play that I wrote for them.” Rodriguez said the mojigangas definitely made an impression on the young audience. “They were super excited. They were smiling and every time the puppets would come in, they were like, ‘Look, look at that one,’” she said. “It’s something magical for them.” Performances of the play, complete with mojigangas, are planned in October at the UTRGV Performing Arts Center in Edinburg and at the TSC Performing Arts Center in Brownsville. The puppets also are expected to make an appearance in a Day of the Dead event, and the theater group hopes to collaborate with the university’s mariachi and folklórico groups in the future.
July 7 • ResacaFest 2018, Celebrating the Spirit of America, will be held in San Benito from 4 to 11 p.m. with live music, refreshments and performances on the Resaca at Heavin Memorial Park, 705 N. Bowie Street, and capped by a fireworks display over the resaca. Arts, crafts, corporate and food vendors can apply for a spot. Call Martha McClain at 956-361-3800 for information. July 12 • The final event in the Summer Nights at the Museum series, hosted by the Museum of South Texas History, features the River Crossroads exhibition highlighting the technological feats of the 20th century. Visitors can dress like a Mexican revolutionary, learn the impact of the railroad lines, and use a decoder to decipher secret military telegraphs and then be transported into the WWII era by learning to spot enemy planes, working on a recycled goods drive, and looking through a German U-boat periscope. The event is included in the regular admission price. Active duty military personnel and up to five family members receive free admission. MOSTHistory is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd. in Edinburg. Call 956-383-6911 for more information. (For more Coming Attractions, go to ptrgv.com)
July 6, 2018
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Seeking short films for festival
J.A.R. Films is seeking and accepting submissions of short films for the Lightning in a J.A.R. Film Festival to be held at the Border Theater in Mission. All genres of film will be accepted, and deadline to enter is Aug. 1.
The featured films will have their public debut on Saturday, Aug. 4. It begins at 7 p.m., and admission is $10 per person. For information, contact Joey Olmjeda, festival director, at 956-292-6033.
McALLEN – A menagerie of live, nocturnal animals will be center stage at Quinta Mazatlán World Birding Center on Thursday, July 12, at 7 p.m. for an interactive and bilingual demonstration by Contacto Animal USA. The natural history of the animals will be discussed along with their unique traits and natural abilities by Alejandro Millan. Millan was born in Mexico City and discovered his passion towards animals while working at a theme park. After moving to Mon-
terrey, N.L., where he graduated with bachelors in biology and started working with animals in various city parks, he initiated his own business, and is now the director and founder of Contacto Animal USA. Contacto Animal also provides presentations on topics regarding conservation, management and environmental education. Admission is $3 per person. Quinta Mazatlán is located at 600 Sunset in McAllen. For information, call 956-681-3370.
Quinta Mazatlán hosts Contacto Animal show
Local student to perform at Sydney Opera House
The UTRGV Mariachi Aztlán and the Ballet Folklórico kick off their summer tour with a concert at home on July 7.
UTRGV Mariachi, Folklórico concert begins summer tour By Letty Fernandez EDINBURG – The UTRGV Mariachi Aztlán and the Ballet Folklórico are planning a summer tour to showcase their award-winning ensembles across Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. Before their departure, both ensembles will perform in a Summer Tour Kickoff Concert at 3 p.m. this Saturday, July 7, at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex. The concert will feature the new all-female Mariachi Azálea, with Mariachi Aztlán and the Ballet Folklórico. Tickets for the July 7 concert are $5 and are available at patron.utrgv.edu. The UTRGV Mariachi Aztlán and the Ballet Folklórico will conduct workshops and performances from July 8 to 16 in Floresville; Albuquerque, N.M.; and Greely and Lone Tree, Colo. “These performances and workshops, presented by both ensembles, will promote UTRGV, celebrate cultural heritage, showcase our
talented students across three states and several cities, and recruit students nationwide to our Fine Arts programs, “ said Dr. Dahlia Guerra, assistant vice president for Public Art. Guerra said many of the students who attend the workshops and performances are first-generation Americans of Hispanic descent and are inspired by the UTRGV Mariachi Aztlán and Ballet Folklórico to be empowered by their culture and to seek higher education. UTRGV student Nathan Garcia, of Odessa, first experienced a workshop by Mariachi Aztán in Albuquerque in 2011 when he was a high school student. “Since I first saw Mariachi Aztlán perform in Albuquerque, I knew then that I wanted to go to a university where I could study and also perform the music that I love,” he said. “I will be the first in my family to graduate from college, and I also had the opportunity to perform with the best mariachi ensemble in the nation.”
Logan Dovalina, a student at Veterans Memorial High School has been selected for the 2018 High School Honors Performance Series at the Sydney Opera House. He will perform as a Tenor 1 July 21 with the Honors Choir. Participation is limited to the highest-rated high school performers from across the world. Logan is the son of Luis and Iris Dovalina. Finalists will come together in Sydney for six days in July. They will have the opportunity to learn from world-renowned conductors, work with other finalists and get a taste of Sydney. The Honors Performance will take place Saturday, July 21. Earlier this year, Logan auditioned for the Honors Performance Series and was accepted after a review by the Honors Selection Board based on talent and achievements demonstrated in his application and audition recording. He will join other performers from 43 states in the United States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Qatar, and South Korea for a special performance at world-famous Sydney Opera House, a venue that marks the pinnacle of musical achievement. According to Nancy Richardson, program director, “Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing. We pro-
Logan Dovalina
cessed more than 18,000 nominations this year and have selected nearly 250 of the most talented student performers from around the world.” Logan has studied music for seven years and is a member of the Southwest American Choral Directors Association Honor Choir and after auditioning, he was one out of the seven Southwestern states to be selected to perform at the Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City last March, in addition to the Honors Performance Series Honor Choir in New York City at Carnegie Hall in February and the Texas Music Educators Association Tenor-Bass Choir in 2016. In response to his selection as a finalist, Logan said, “I am extremely excited to be a part of this once-in-alifetime experience and I am very grateful for this opportunity to sing in one of the most famous performance venues in the world. It will be a truly unforgettable experience.”
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lifestyle
Hotline links flood victims with volunteers
PHARR – From now until July 20, several relief agencies are staffing a free hotline home cleanup after the recent severe weather. Call 1-800-451-1954, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, to request help with cleanup for homes affected by recent flooding in the Rio Grande Valley. This service is available for homes only. The hotline will connect flooding survivors with reputable and vetted relief agencies that will assist in home cleanup and mucking out, as they are able. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed due to the over-
whelming need. The hotline is available in English and Spanish. More information is available via the hotline or by dialing 2-1-1. In conjunction with the efforts, clean up volunteers are needed immediately to help. Anyone who can pitch in with the home clean up, mucking and gutting, to provide physical labor for flood survivors whose homes have incurred damage, are asked to sign up in person between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 724 N. Cage Blvd. in Pharr, or call 956-242-4773.
EWBC hosts youth photo camp
EDINBURG – The Edinburg World Birding Center (EWBC) is host to host a Nature Photo Camp for children ages 9 to 13 led by professional nature photographer Ruth Hoyt. The camp runs July 16 to 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The fee is $150 per person. Registration is required by July 9, and full payment is due by July 11. In the five-day camp, participants can expect to learn the basics about cameras and digital photography, including focusing, lighting, composition, telling a story with photos, making a print and more. For those who don’t have a camera, one will be
NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
RGV-TMN offers training class
EVENTS
CALENDAR
July 14 – The National Butterfly Center (NBC), 3333 Butterfly Park in Mission, will host a “Community Camp Out” with tent camping in an overnight sleepover from 6 p.m. on Saturday to 8 a.m. on Sunday. Cost is $40 per tent. There will be planned outdoor activities led by NBC staff. Pre-registration is required. Sign up at nationalbutterflycenter.org. Call 956-583-5400 for more information. July 16-20 – McAllen Creative Incubator, 601 N. Main St., is hosting a Girls Code Camp, An Intro to Computer Programming, in the second floor classroom from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call 956-687-2787 for information. July 16-19, 23-26 – Session 4 of the Mission CISD Learn-toSwim program begins at the district’s Aquatic Center located at 1500 Nicholson Ave. on the Mission High School campus. It consists of eight, 45-minute classes for children from 5 to 11 years of age, and they must pass a pre-swim test. Class sizes are limited to eight students to each instructor depending on swim level and age. Fee for is $40 with two morning classes and two afternoon classes. Registration at the Aquatic Center is available Monday through Thursday from 8 to 10 a.m. and 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 956-323-5830. (For more Events, go to ptrgv.com.)
Ruth Hoyt
provided to use during the camp. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. For more information or to register, call 956-381-9922.
gories. The heaviest string grand champion is awarded for two trout, two red and one flounder. Entrants may use their winning species for the grand champion award. In the kid’s division, fishing takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. off the dock at Jim’s Pier. Trophies will be awarded at 3 p.m. for the biggest piggy perch and biggest catfish. Contact Johnny Rodriguez at 956-821-4731 for further information.
EDINBURG – The Museum of South Texas History hosts Jesus “Chuy” Correa’s presentation about his book, “The Real Stories of Starr County,” on Sunday, July 8, at 2 p.m. Correa was born in Ciudad Miguel Alemán, Tamps., Mexico, and developed a curiosity about the history of the area surrounding Starr County. The book is a compilation of the written stories and histories of the area. Correa’s works have been previously published in the “History of Ciudad Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas” (2002), “A History of Christopher Columbus” (2005) and “The History of Roma,
Jesus Correa
Texas” (2009). The program is included in the regular admission. MOSTHistory is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd. Call 956-383-6911 for information.
Named to Clemson List
CLEMSON, SC – Sydney Marie Milian of Mission has been named to the Dean’s List at Clemson University for the spring 2018 semester.
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Program highlights Starr County history
SPI Fishing Tournament is July 22
SOUTH PADRE – Registration is underway for the SPI Fishing Tournament, with final registration and a mixer planned for July 21 at Jim’s Pier on South Padre Island. The tournament begins July 22 at 6 p.m. with weigh-in ending at 2 p.m. There will be guide and non-guided divisions with $200 entry fee per boat for a four-man team. First through third place will be awarded for the heaviest slot red, trout and flounder cate-
July 6, 2018
To be named to the Dean’s List, a student achieved a grade-point average between 3.50 and 3.99.
SAN BENITO – The Rio Grande Valley Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists is hosting a special training session for those interested in becoming a certified Texas Master Naturalist. Registration is open through July 31. “This will be an abbreviated session and still contain all the state-required classes,” said Steve Lanoux, chapter president. Class size is limited to 25 and is for Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy county residents. Candidates must be at least 18 years old. Instead of a three-month training period with weekly sessions, the class will meet Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings during a 10week timeframe beginning Aug. 28 and ending mid-October. Texas Master Naturalist is a volunteer educational program sponsored by Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Sea Grant and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. It is designed for people who want to learn about, and help sustain native resources. Training is region-specific and taught by local university professors, field experts from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other local professionals. Curriculum includes overviews of urban and ecosystems of plants and insects, biodiversity ecology, hydrology, herpetology, ornithology, entomology, wetland ecology, ichthyology, forest
and riparian ecology and other disciplines that explain and define the unique habitat that is the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Exclusive Saturday afternoon guided programs are scheduled at area wildlife centers including Resaca de la Palma State Park, Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park, South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, Sea Turtle Inc., Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Estero Llano Grande State Park, and Valley Nature Center. Throughout the year, volunteers are offered a network of workshops, lectures and advanced training opportunities not generally open to the public. Rio Grande Valley Chapter, Texas Master Naturalists also offer a free speakers bureau with presentations to local groups on a variety of native subjects; they train as docents and nature guides at local wildlife preserves. The cost is $150 and includes text book, fees and one-year membership. Full scholarships are available. Students will attend most classes in San Benito in the Cameron County Annex Building conference room at Williams Road & Hwy. 83/77 with some weekend classes taking place at field trip locations. Online registration and information about scholarship categories are on the chapter’s website at rgvctmn. org.
KINGSVILLE – Texas A&M University-Kingsville has released the names of the students who made the President’s and Dean’s Lists for the spring 2018 semester. To qualify for the President’s List, a student must be enrolled in at least 15 semester hours and have a perfect 4.0 grade point average for the semester. Dean’s List students must earn a grade point average of 3.65 with a minimum of 13 semester hours completed.
President’s List students from Mission include Aziz Abdullah, Angel Castillo, Megan Davis, Rosamaria Moreno, Sofia Reyes and Marco Urive, and from Palmhurst, Lauren Esqueda. Dean’s List students from Mission are Michael Casanova, Richard Cervantes, Tiffany Espericueta, Robert Leyja and Barbara Segura; Palmview – Jose Alaniz; and Sullivan City – Emilia Chavero.
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July 6, 2018
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of Texas redistricting maps AUSTIN — The United States Supreme Court voted 5-4 on June 25 to approve 10 of 11 disputed Texas House and congressional redistricting maps used in the state’s 2014 and 2016 elections. The court ruled that only Texas House District 90 in Fort Worth was gerrymandered along racial lines and therefore must be redrawn. Except for the case of HD-90, the high court reversed findings issued by a three-judge panel of a San Antonio U.S. District Court in two cases known as Abbott v. Perez. Plaintiffs argued that Texas legislators intentionally gerrymandered certain districts to dilute the voting power of Hispanics and blacks, and in doing so violated the federal Voting Rights Act. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who represented Texas in its appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court, called the ruling "a huge win for the Constitution, Texas and the democratic process." "Once again, Texans have the power to govern themselves," Paxton said after the high court ruling. Various redistricting boundaries have been in litigation since 2011, when the Legislature used the 2010 decennial U.S. Census to revise district maps. Hegar addresses tax case Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on June 27 issued what he called "initial guidance on the implications" of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Wayfair v. South Dakota, a case concerning the taxation of sales by companies that have no base of operation in Texas. Gains from the ruling are likely to be lower than previous estimates of taxes uncollected by remote sellers, Hegar said. “In the past year, for example, some remote sellers have volunteered to collect in anticipation of the
Wayfair decision or for other reasons. Wayfair, the named plaintiff in this case, already collects Texas sales and use taxes. "Also, in order to avoid imposing an undue burden on interstate commerce, the state will likely relieve some out-of-state sellers from collection responsibilities. More specific estimates will be available as the implementation and legislative process continues,” Hegar said. Under its existing legal authority, the Office of the Comptroller has started reviewing rules that may need updating, but this would not include any retroactive application of the new law to remote sellers that have no physical presence in Texas, Hegar said. Early 2019 is Hegar’s target for rule amendments to take effect. Housing funds are OK’d Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush on June 25 announced the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s approval of some $5 billion in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds to help areas of Texas recover from Hurricane Harvey. Under the State Action Plan, $2.7 billion of the recovery funds will be delivered to areas impacted by the hurricane outside of the city of Houston and Harris County. The remaining $2.3 billion direct allocation to Harris County and the city of Houston will soon be submitted as future amendments to the State Action Plan pending submission of each entity's Local Action Plans, Bush said. While the allocation of funds is moving more quickly than previous major disaster packages, it can never be fast enough, Bush said. “The recovery from a storm the size of Harvey has required a Texas-sized coordinated
response. For those who are still struggling, we will continue to work with our federal partners to streamline regulations and deploy recovery dollars to our affected Texas communities,” Bush added. ‘Drunken Driving’ is focus The Texas Department of Transportation recently launched its summer “Plan While You Can” campaign using heart-wrenching stories to convince drivers to think twice before consuming alcoholic beverages and driving a motor vehicle. TxDOT is pointing Texans to the website SoberRides.org for information, and suggests alternatives to drinking and driving, such as: — Designating a sober driver or calling someone for a sober ride home; — Contacting a cab or ride-share service; — Using mass transit; and — Spending the night. Energy cooperation urged Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Christi Craddick and Public Utility Commission Chairman DeAnn Walker on June 26 urged natural gas pipeline operators and electric generation plant operators to work together to ensure availability of pipeline transmission capacity to meet electric generation needs at times of peak demand during the hot Texas summer. “With our state’s robust economy and growing population, demand is higher than ever. Therefore, teamwork is the key to a successful summer for all Texans,” Walker said. “We must all work together to make sure the citizens of Texas are able to keep their air conditioning running, fans blowing and lights on during the hot Texas summer,” Craddick said.
Weekend Blotter: U.S. Border Patrol agents continue to disrupt criminal operations EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents continue to apply pressure on transnational criminal organizations operating in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Sector. Below is the RGV Sector weekend blotter. Friday, June 29 through Sunday, July 1, 2018 Agents throughout the RGV disrupted 39 alien smuggling attempts resulting in the apprehension of 134 illegal aliens. Additionally, nine narcotic smuggling cases were encountered which resulted in the seizure of nearly 2,000 pounds of marijuana and over 14 pounds of methamphetamine. Friday, June 29, 2018 – Agents apprehend eight illegal aliens at a stash house in Brownsville, Texas. Friday, June 29, 2018 - A
Border Patrol agent received treatment at a hospital for injuries sustained after two Salvadoran nationals assaulted him. Friday, June 29, 2018 Agents responded to a 911 call and rescued two illegal aliens after their smuggler abandoned them. Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30, 2018 - Agents arrested five gang members (two MS-13 and three 18th Street). Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1, 2018 - Two separate failures to yield ensued after agents attempted to perform vehicle stops. The Rio Grande Valley Sector currently has multiple campaigns focused on rescues and danger awareness, such as “Operation Big Rig” and “No Se Arriesgue” to
combat smuggling and ultimately save lives. Call 911 to report suspicious activity; “They’re humans, not cargo!” Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV. ~CBP~
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
Recovery efforts continue as county waits on Federal Disaster Declaration “On a local and state level, we have met the threshold for damages, however, the state is still confirming the numbers reported,” said Saldaña. “FEMA teams were here last week and we were able to accumulate damages from the storm, and submitted the report last Friday for review to receive approval for financial assistance to individual families.” Saldaña also advised the court of ongoing recovery efforts throughout the county. This week, Precinct 1 began curbside pick-up of debris from homes. Saldaña reminded the public of the importance of cleaning out water damaged debris and removing mold prevent further health concerns. “If you need assistance in removing items or mold from your home, please do not hesitate to call the hotline so that you may receive the help that you need,” said Saldaña. For assistance with mold and debris removal, residents are asked to call 1-800-4511954.
In addition, the precinct has partnered with school districts to distribute cleaning kits for residents within the affected area. Nearly 5,000 individuals have received support from groups such as the Food Bank of the RGV, Rubicon, HEB and the Health & Human Services Department. There are various volunteer groups helping with the recovery and are already at homes assisting residents with removal of damaged belongings. Health and Human Services Chief Administrative Officer Eduardo “Eddie” Olivarez also provided the Court with an update on current Vector Control efforts his office is conducting. “We have sprayed over 870 miles across the county,” said Olivarez. “We have also asked the state for assistance with aerial spray.” In a report given to the state, there were over 883 square miles, which equals 565,120 acres, across Hidalgo County that were affected by standing water. “These areas are mostly
in dense population areas, further adding to the severity and need for vector control,” added Olivarez. Olivarez also re-iterated the importance of only spraying when the weather conditions were favorable. “We have to make sure the winds are less than 10 miles per hour, and humidity is less than 80%, otherwise your efforts will be ineffective.” His department has made contact with over 500 households, going door-to-door, to provide education on Zika and mosquito borne illness prevention, as well as the importance of maintaining yards and removing all standing water. Saldaña ended his presentation with a message of unity and teamwork on behalf of all the precincts, county departments and employees. “It has taken a team effort, and I thank everyone who has assisted. Let’s keep Hidalgo County strong,” said Saldaña.
Newly appointed District Court Judge introduced to Commissioners Court Recently sworn in 93rd District Court Judge Jaime E. Tijerina said he hopes to help clear the docket during his tenure. He was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to take over the daily operations of the court from visiting Judge Robert Garza and serve until a new judge is elected in November. “I feel blessed that the governor entrusted me to hold this position once again,” said Tijerina. “I feel honored and privileged to once again serve the citizens of Hidalgo County.” This is the second time Tijerina has been appointed by a Texas Governor to preside over a District Court. In November 2013,
Tijerina was appointed by former Governor Rick Perry to serve in the 92nd District Court after then Judge Ricardo Rodriguez left the bench to run for Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney. Previously, Tijerina served as the city attorney for the City of Mission and was the county attorney of Kennedy County for 12 years. He remains a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves.
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TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION
The Progress Times (USPS 971-420; ISSN 0890-2666) is published each Friday by Savy Publishing, LLC, 1217 N. Conway, Mission, Texas 78572, (956) 585-4893. Subscriptions $20 annual in Hidalgo County; $30 outside of Hidalgo County. Second class postage paid in Mission, Texas 78572. ©2018 Savy Publishing, LLC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the PROGRESS TIMES, P.O. Box 399, Mission Texas 78573.
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CHURCH ASSISTS
with the City of Mission for an event like this.” Ramirez said Cross Church contacted Mission Councilman Ruben Plata to partner with the city for this event. As part of the donation distribution, residents were given two bags of goods per household and were only required to give volunteers their name and city. According to Eric Garcia, operations manager at the church, residents all over the Valley could show up to receive donations. “People coming here can’t believe there’s no red tape and there’s no more information we want from those asking for these bags,” Garcia said. “We want them to come away with a keen sense of awareness that Cross Church is here and
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we’re providing some relief to families that need it. Our church is open, we’re not focused on our own congregation, we just want to be out there and provide relief whenever we can.” Among the head of households who showed up to the event was Ramon Marquez of the City of Granjeno, whose roof was damaged by the rain and his house received a lot of flooding, he said. “This is a big relief for my family,” he said in Spanish. “We don’t get a lot of financial assistance so we take any help we can get.” For more information on Cross Church, visit their website at crosschurchonline.com.
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com from pg 1 FEMA THRESHOLD
While it has not been announced or formally confirmed, the city sent a letter to County Judge Ramon Garcia requesting that Mission be a hub for FEMA when they arrive to the RGV. “We want to provide assistance not only to Mission residents, but to any other communities reporting damages west of Mission,” Garza said. Mayor O’caña said that he has been receiving calls, text messages and emails with pictures and videos detailing what various residents went through during the storm.
“Every text, every picture, every video that was sent to me will be used in the comprehensive assessment of the drainage plan that we’re going to develop,” O’caña said. “They need to stand by for future information.” People who were affected by the flood and have had any damage in their home or property should take pictures and save them. Residents should also repair what they can so any mold or insects in the premises will not spread, and save all receipts having to do with the costs that resulted from the flood.
nounced a “zero tolerance” policy for people who illegally cross the border, Guerra said. With the Marshals Service paying a higher daily rate, the company accepted
fewer inmates from Hidalgo County. That placed Guerra in a bind. Overcrowding is a persistent problem at the Hi-
OVERCROWDING
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July 6, 2018 dalgo County jail, which holds a maximum of 1,232 inmates, according to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. With a set number of beds reserved for women and inmates with medical problems, the jail often runs out of room for men before reaching capacity. The Sheriff’s Office asked Starr County and Jim Hogg County to hold inmates, which temporarily averted a crisis. Meanwhile, the Sheriff’s Office started working on a permanent solution. Guerra said the Sheriff’s Office may build five barracks behind the existing jail, which would hold 48 people each. That would increase the total number of beds by nearly 20 percent. How much the barracks would cost remains unclear, Guerra said, adding that the Sheriff’s Office hasn’t hired
an engineer yet. “So we’re starting on that,” Guerra said. “See if it’s feasible.” A lobbyist for GEO Group recently called him, attempting to find a solution, Guerra said. However, with a growing population and an already crowded jail, Hidalgo County will need more beds regardless. The Sheriff’s Office also contacted the state Commission on Jail Standards, which may need to approve a variance for the barracks. “We have discussed various options with Hidalgo County officials,” said Executive Director Brandon Wood, who heads the state agency. “And I believe they’re currently exploring the option that best suits their needs, both short term and long term.”
July 6, 2018
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National Butterfly Center to hold 5th annual “Critter Camp” By Jose De Leon III Kids (and their parents) seeking relief from the summer doldrums can seek that out at the National Butterfly Center next week. The Center, located at 3333 Butterfly Park in Mission, will be holding their 5th annual outdoor summer camp starting Monday, July 9.
This year’s camp, titled “Critter Camp,” is an educational outdoor activity camp where for three weeks, children get to explore and learn about the wildlife in the Valley. “Besides the ocelot and animals that live on the coast, we practically have all the wildlife available in the Valley right here in the center,” NBC volunteer Luciano
obituaries
Jorge Galaviz MISSION – Jorge Galaviz, 55, passed away on Saturday, June 30, 2018, at his home in Mission. Mr. Galaviz was born on Oct. 3, 1962, in Mexico to Jose Maria Galaviz and Maria Teresa (Rodriguez) Galaviz. A former resident of Dallas, he resided in the Mission and Palmview area for the past 10 years and was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Survivors include his wife, Maria Pedroza Galaviz; children, Marisela Castruita, Ruby Galaviz, Nino Galaviz, Cynthia Peña-Sendejo and Natalie Peña-Gonzalez; his mother; siblings, Teresita, Jovita, Manuela, Dora Leticia, Sergio, Armando, Jose Maria, Oscar and Javier; and 11 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father; son, Jorge Galaviz; and siblings, Martha Galaviz, Lucia Galaviz,
Marisela Galaviz and Arturo Galaviz. A funeral mass was held on July 3 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission under the direction of Rivera Funeral Home in Mission. Guadalupe Mendoza MISSION – Guadalupe S. Mendoza, 79, passed away on June 27, 2018 at Pax Villa Hospice in McAllen. Survivors include her children, Cipriano Mendoza, Magdaleno Mendoza, Alicia Dover, Guillermo Mendoza, Juan Mendoza, David Mendoza, Margie Campos and Leticia Silva; and 20 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and one great-greatgrandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Santos Mendoza, and sons, Damaso Mendoza and Santos Mendoza Jr. A funeral service was held on June 30 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in McAllen. Burial followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Abram. Alvin Patiña MISSION – Alvin Sanchez Patiña, 67, passed away Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen. A resident of Mission, Mr. Patiña was born on Feb. 27, 1967, to Jesus Maria Pa-
Guerra said. The center currently houses over 100 different species of butterflies and several endangered animals and plants in the 100 acres that surround the property. For Guerra, the Critter Camp is a way for the community to become engaged with the outdoors. “Kids nowadays don’t spend time outdoors, they
spend their free time indoors and on their own and their little world instead of coming outside with nature,” Guerra said. “This is about education conservation and making connections with the area surrounding them.” According to Guerra, the camp will take a hands-on approach and provide several educational and fun opportunities for campers to learn
tiña and Amelia Sanchez in Wickenburg, Ariz. Survivors include his wife, Idolina G. Patiña; children; Alvin Patiña, Joe Patiña, San Juanita Lopez and Emily Susan Bosque; siblings, Frank Patiña, Maria Patiña and Joe Patiña; and eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. A funeral mass was held on June 29 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Cremation followed.
A funeral mass was held on July 2 at San Martin De Porres Catholic Church in Alton. Burial followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Mission under the direction of Rivera Funeral Home in Mission.
Eduardo Recio ALTON – Eduardo Enrique Recio, 45, passed away on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center. Mr. Recio was born on May 9, 1973, in Reynosa, Tamps., Mexico, to Gamaliel and Elijia (Estrada) Recio. Survivors include his son, Eduardo Enrique Recio Jr.; his father; siblings, Lupita Rodriguez, Ricardo Recio, Dolores Recio, Santa Recio, Araceli Recio, Imelda Espinoza and Maricela Recio. He was preceded in death by his mother.
Notices
Juanita Avila MISSION – Juanita Avila, 76, passed away on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, at her home in Mission. William Davis MISSION – William Norman Davis, 76, passed away on Thursday, June 28, 2018, at Pax Villa Hospice in McAllen. Servando Escobar MISSION – Servando Escobar, 70, passed away on Thursday, June 28, 2018, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg. Francis Myatt III MISSION – Francis Lamar Myatt III, 74, passed away on Saturday, June 30, 2018, at Solara Hospital in McAllen. Homer Scott MISSION – Homer Scott, 77, passed away on Thursday, June 28, 2018, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg. Maria Soto LA JOYA – Maria Rebecca Soto, 88, passed away on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 2322 N. McColl. - McAllen 682-2092 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 5609 S 29th St. - McAllen 682-4881 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 2Mile & Bryan Rd Mission. CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Missonaries • 580-2570 CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH 911 N. Main - McAllen 686-4241 CONWAY AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 2215 N. Conway • 585-2413 EL FARO BIBLE CHURCH 15 miles W. of Mission on Exp. 83 Sullivan City, TX • 585-5617 EL MESIAS UNITED METHODIST 209 E. 6th • 585-2334 FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 3 miles N. Shary Rd. • 581-1465 FAITH FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH 1 mile N. Exp. 83 on Tom Gill Rd. 519-6311 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1302 Doherty • 585-1442 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 12th and Miller - Mission 585-7281 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1102 Ash St. • 585-4829 for worship schedule.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1101 Doherty • 585-1665 FREEDOM LIFE CHURCH 2214 W. Griffin Pkwy. • 519-7000 Mission GRACIA DIVINA MINISTRY 11809 N. Shary Rd. • 584-3112 GREAT OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH 2722 N. Conway • 451-5500 Mission HERITAGE BAPTIST MCALLEN 2549 Lindbergh Ave. McAllen • 451-6358 IGLESIA ADVENTISTA DEL SEPTIMO DIA 1725 W. Griffin Parkway 581-9008 IGLESIA BAUTISTA BETANIA 851 S. Breyfogle Rd. • 585-5688 IGLESIA BAUTISTA CRISTO EL REY 1600 E. Bus. 83 - Mission IGLESIA BAUTISTA COLONIAL 3713 N. La Homa Rd. • 585-5332 IGLESIA BAUTISTA DEL VALLE 217 W. Mile 3 Rd. • 424-1602 Palmhurst IGLESIA DEL PUEBLO 7500 West Expressway 83 581-1900 IGLESIA DEL DIVINO REDENTOR 1020 North Los Ebanos Rd 585-5898
IGLESIA PENTECOSTES NUEVA VIDA A/G 211 W. Mile 3 Road Palmhurst • 956-342-9711 Rev. Candelario Banda
LA RESPUESTA CHURCH 405 W. 12th Street • 585-0787 MISSION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 1 mi. E. 495 • 585-6683 NEW HOPE AT THE BORDER 905 N. Conway • 369-3603 NORTH MISSION CHURCH OF CHRIST 1410 E. Mile 3 Rd. • 585-0146 Palmhurst NORTH PALMVIEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH 7612 W. 6 Mile Ln. ONLY THRU JESUS 1511 E. Mile 2 Rd. Mission • 918-760-1625 OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS One-half mile South Leo Avenue La Joya • 585-5223 OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH 6634 El Camino Real • Granjeno OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH 2.5 miles S. Conway (FM 1016) Mission OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH 620 Dunlap • 585-2623 OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY CHURCH 923 Matamoros St. • 581-2193 PALM VALLEY CHURCH 1720 E. Griffin Pkwy. 585-3203 PEÑITAS BAPTIST CHURCH 1/3 Mile S. of Exp.83 on FM 1427 583-6236 PRIMERA BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of 6th & Oblate 585-4711
PROMISE LAND CHURCH 2300 E. Palm Circle (Corner of 495) Mission, TX 78572 • 624-9307 RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH 901 S. Shary Rd. (Located in the Holiday Inn Express Conference Room) 451-4838 SAN CRISTOBAL MAGALLANES & COMPANIONS PARISH
3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5
Mission • 580-4551
SAN MARTIN DE PORRES 5 mi. N. Conway, 1/2 Mile West Alton • 585-8001 & 585-8002 SPIRIT OF PEACE EV. LUTHERAN CHUCH 3104 Los Milagros Mission • 581-1822 ST. JOHN OF THE FIELDS CATHOLIC CHURCH 1052 Washington Ave. • 585-2325 ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1119 Francisco • 585-2701 ST. PETER & ST. PAUL EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2310 N. Stewart Rd. 585-5005 SHINING LIGHT BAPTIST CHURCH 6 1/8 N. Doffing Rd. (FM 492) 580-4078 TEMPLO BIBLICO 5 Mile/Conway 581-4981or 585-3831 TEMPLO EVANGELICO, M.B. CHURCH La Joya TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 3905 W. 3 Mile Line • 585-3261 VALLEY FELLOWSHIP 1708 E. Griffin Parkway Mission • 424-7200
PRIMERA IGLESIA DEL VALLE APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY 210 N. St. Marie. • 585-8651
KING, GUERRA, DAVIS & GARCIA ATTORNEYS AT LAW
DAVID H. GUERRA
Guerra said. “Wild Fridays are usually more activity oriented than educational oriented. Kids can enjoy arts and crafts or even go over another lesson.” Week two will focus on the predators and prey in the area and week three has not been set yet, Guerra said. Admission is $40 per week but Guerra said kids can pick which week they want to attend and it’s not mandatory to at the camp for all three weeks. Other activities the center will be holding this summer are Community Camps that will be held July 14 and August 11, Guerra said. The overnight camp invites families to spend a night camping at the Center. For more information, see the social and community page of this issue. Anyone interested in the Critter Camp can go to the NBC website for more information and to sign up at www.nationalbutterflycenter.org.
Courtesy photo
ChurCh DireCtory
BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH 2820 N. Conway Ave. • 581-1411
about nature. This love, he said, will hopefully inspire a new generation to gain an interest in conservation. “People protect what they love, if we want them to love the outdoors and they have to connect with it they can’t do that indoors,” Guerra said. “This camp sparks an interest in conservation, it’s critical for kids to make a connection outside. All the kids in previous years have loved it. We make it so fun for them that they don’t realize they’re learning.” The camp will run for three weeks at the center Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. through noon. Each week will have a different theme, Guerra said. Day one of the camp, for example, will focus on plants in the area and why it’s so important to conserve them as many animals use them fr shelter, Guerra said. Day two, three and four will focus on insects, bugs and birds, respectively. “Fridays will be a ‘wild Friday’ day where kids can have a fun day at the camp,”
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MISSION AUTO ELECTRIC, INC. DBA
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July 6, 2018
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La Joya hires public relations consultant, pays her $12,000
by Dave Hendricks
The city of La Joya hired a public relations consultant last month — and promptly paid her $12,000. Sylvia Garces Valdez, 37, of La Joya, will maintain the city website, write news releases and manage social media accounts. The city paid her $12,000 on June 13, the same day Garces signed the public relations contract. La Joya also agreed to pay her $2,000 per month until June 2019. “Smart lady. She’s a local person,” said La Joya Mayor Jose A. “Fito” Salinas, adding that Garces is very involved in the community. “We looked at a couple of other people, but she’s head and shoulders above everybody else.” Garces couldn’t be reached for comment. La Joya wanted a consultant who could update the website and keep residents informed about city business, Fito Salinas said. The city website, which hasn’t been updated in years, includes inaccurate information about the City Commission and links to a non-existant Twitter account. La Joya is also the only city in western Hidalgo County that doesn’t post meeting agendas online. “We’ve had some very positive meetings and nobody attended because nobody knows there’s a meeting,” Fito Salinas said. “So we want to make sure the
Sylvia Garces Valdez whole city knows about it.” The La Joya Independent School District website lists Garces as a science teacher at La Joya North Academy. She earned nearly $56,000 during the 2017-2018 school year, according to district salary records. Garces is also a big supporter of the Salinas family, which dominates La Joya politics. The City Commission appointed her to the La Joya Housing Authority board last year. She frequently posts photos on Facebook with La Joya school board Trustee Frances A. Salinas, the mayor’s daughter, and City Commissioner Mary Salinas, the mayor’s wife. Garces also supported Victoria “Vicky” Cantu, the wife of La Joya school board Trustee Alex Cantu, when she ran for the South Texas College board. La Joya hired Garces to handle a wide range of public relations work. Along with maintaining
the website and managing social media accounts, Garces will attend city meetings, prepare reports on local events and provide updates to the City Commission, according to her contract, which the city provided to the Progress Times under the Texas Public Information Act. The contract includes a confidentiality clause, which prohibits Garces from discussing her work without approval from the city. “All information and reports, data, findings or information in any form prepared, assembled or encountered by or provided by Consultant under this Agreement shall not be disclosed to or discussed with third parties without the prior written approval of La Joya,” according to the contract. La Joya paid Garces a $12,000 retainer when she signed the contract. The city also agreed to pay her $2,000 per month, cover any expenses and provide Garces with an office. “We got a very good deal,” Fito Salinas said, adding that $24,000 per year is relatively cheap for a public relations consultant. “Compared to other cities.” The nearby Agua Special Utility District pays KM International, a company owned by former Hidalgo County spokeswoman Karina Cardoza and political consultant Mike Robledo, nearly $7,000 per month for public relations work.
Sullivan City gives commissioner a second chance by Dave Hendricks Sullivan City gave Commissioner Gabriel Salinas a second chance last week. Salinas skipped City Commission meetings in January, February and March while studying for an engineering exam — and unwittingly placed his political career in jeopardy. The Sullivan City charter allows the City Commission to excuse members who miss meetings. However, any member who misses three consecutive, regular meetings without an excuse forfeits the position. During a meeting on June 29, the City Commission voted to excuse the absences and allow Salinas to stay. “For me, it’s important to excuse him because I believe in second opportunities,” said City Commissioner Adriana Rodriguez. Salinas missed four meetings while studying for the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam, an eighthour test administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. Texas requires professional engineers to pass the exam before handling public projects. Salinas missed a regular meeting on Jan. 18, when the city hired an auditor; a special meeting on Jan. 30, when the city hired a contractor for the El Pinto Road project; a regular meeting on Feb. 13, when the City Commission approved a border security grant application; and a regular meeting on March 20, when the city approved new smoking regulations. That violated the city charter, which states: “A Councilmember, or Mayor, shall forfeit that office if the Councilmember or Mayor: Fails to attend, three (3) consecutive regular meetings of the City Council without be-
Commissioner Gabriel Salinas ing excused by the Council.” The charter, though, doesn’t specify when or how the City Commission may excuse absences. After reviewing the situation, City Attorney Armando Marroquin said he believed the City Commission could excuse absences after the fact. The City Commission briefly discussed the matter on May 24, but tabled the item. When the City Commission met again on June 29, members unanimously voted to excuse Salinas. That allowed Salinas to stay on the City Commission and avoid a special election. “We all have responsibilities,” Rodriguez said, adding that she didn’t want to punish Salinas for seeking a professional certification. “With our jobs. Our families."
As a result of the controversy, Mayor Leo Garcia said the City Commission may change the way it handles excused absences. Sullivan City could amend the city charter, specifying when and how absences must be excused, but that would require voter approval. The City Commission could also take attendance at the beginning of every meeting and excuse any absent members. Regardless, studying for an engineering exam is a valid excuse, Garcia said, adding that the professional certification will make Salinas an asset to the city. "Education comes first,” Garcia said. Voters elected Salinas to the City Commission in May 2017, when he ran with Garcia and City Commissioner Sylvia Castillo on Team Sull1van. He’s also the brother-in-law of former City Commissioner Oscar “Coach” Salinas, who owns a local drive-thru and serves on the La Joya school board. Salinas thanked the City Commission for excusing him, adding that he didn’t know about the charter provision when he skipped the meetings. “I’m glad they saw it that way and they’re supportive of education,” Salinas said.
La Joya High School teachers and members of the La Joya High School Class of 1986 admire the new benches and plaque Wednesday at the school’s entrance dedicated to teachers. Progress times photo by Jose De Leon III.
‘Thank you, Teacher’ La Joya HS class of 1986 commemorates teachers derstand how it’s like to deal with students and several different personalities,” Gonzalez said. “I want to thank the teachers I had for having that same kind of patience they had for me that I now have for my students and their parents. They took their time and gave me good lessons not just in school but in life. Now I am a teacher and invest in the lives of my students just like they did.” A portion of the remaining $3,000 raised to fund the project was used to distribute four $400 scholarships to La Joya High School graduating seniors, a fundraiser Gonzalez says the Class of 1986 hopes to continue doing. Among the teachers in attendance at the event was English instructor Pat Garza, who has been teaching at the school for more than three decades. “I just want to make sure
By Jose De Leon III Teachers are the people who, beside parents, mold children into the people they will grow up to be. The La Joya High School class of 1986 understands this and got together to commemorate their teachers at an event Wednesday where they unveiled two benches and a plaque at the high school’s entrance in honor of their teachers “This is for the teachers, those are the people who invest in our lives the most besides our parents,” Andy Gonzalez, president of the La Joya High School Class of 1986 Committee said at the event. “They’re the ones we spend most of our day with.” Gonzalez, a social studies teacher at Lorenzo de Zavala Middle School, said the idea to honor the teachers came after the class’ 30th high school reunion in 2016, when the former classmates began hanging out more often and saw the La Joya Class of 1966 do a similar project for their classmates at the district’s central administration office. This project, which has two benches and a plaque dedicated to the teachers and lists the classmates who donated to the project, reads the following: “You taught us to believe in the beauty of our dreams. With grateful hearts, we thank you for investing your life to transform ours. We dedicate these benches as a token of appreciation to you, teacher. Rest your weary feet and let us take up the torch.” The La Joya alumni raised $7,000 for the project, of which $4,000 was used for the benches and plaque. Among the members of the graduating class were Roel Bermea, chief of police for the city of Peñitas and Anysia Treviño, La Joya ISD’s assistant superintendent for human resources. “As a teacher, I now un-
no one comes up to me and say ‘Miss Garza, you were my grandma’s teacher” because then it’ll really be time to retire,” Garza joked to her former students. “You guys kept us young and motivated maybe that’s the reason why I still haven’t retired. Classes like yours, especially this class, made me know I was never going to leave La Joya. Now we’re getting your legacies. Your children are coming to us and we appreciate how our La Joya kids are sticking around and making sure your kids come here.” Garza also praised her students for the benches and plaque. “This is an outstanding group of kids so it shouldn’t be surprising they’d come up with something outstanding to give back to the school,” she said. “It’s wonderful.”
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*Prices are per person based on double occupancy plus up to 299 taxes & fees. Cruise pricing based on lowest cabin category after 2for1 savings; upgrades available. Single supplement and seasonal surcharges may apply. Add-on airfare available. Free Beverage Package or Internet requires purchase of Ocean View Cabin or Balcony Cabin (and applies to 1st and 2nd guests occupying a cabin, for the cruise portion of the tour only). Free Beverage Package or Internet requires additional service charges and is subject to NCL terms & conditions and are subject to change. For full Set Sail terms and conditions ask your Travel Consultant. Offers apply to new bookings only, made by 7/31/18. Other terms and conditions may apply. Ask your Travel Consultant for details. $
July 6, 2018
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PARK RENOVATIONS
“That’s important, because the Leo Peña Placita Park amphitheater has always been a performance stage for our local talent,” Garza said. “We have always opened it up for local people, and that has been instrumental for us to showcase our talent here.” Garza also said that the columns for canopies are already complete, and canopies are currently being man-
ufactured for the park. The city is currently prepping for the irrigation portion of construction. “I can tell you, when we’re talking about the colors of the canopies, the atmosphere, we’re keeping the citrus-y look and feel,” Garza said. “That grapefruit sculpture that we have in the front, that’s also going to be refurbishied and repainted.” Both the mayor and city manager said that Winter
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Texans have also been looking forward to coming back to the area and having access to a revamped park. With the amphitheater stage now located in the west side of the park, rather than the center of the rotunda, audiences will no longer have to miss out on shows due to seating behind the stage front. “They used to complain, because some of them were looking at the back part of the performers because it
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For Sale USE KENNEL DIP to control fleas, ticks, mange mites & stable flies, control mosquitoes where they breed, Mission Feed & Hardware, 956-5812153 (www. kennelvax.com). Garage Sale INDOOR ESTATE SALE: call 956-4008929 for appointment to see, interested parties only, no children allowed, address will be provided, items will be mentioned before appointment.
There are no limits to what you can accomplish, except the limits you place on your own thinking. Oracion Al Espiritu Santo
Espiritu Santo, tu que me aclaras todo, que iluminas todos los caminos para que yo alcance mi ideal, tu que me das el don divino de perdonar y olvidar el mal que me hacen y que en todos los instantes de mi vida estas conmigo, yo quiero en este corto dialogo agradecerte por todo y confirmar una vez mas que nunca quiero separarme de ti por mayor que sea la ilusion material. Deseo estar contigo y todos mis seres queridos en la gracia perpetua. Gracias por tu misericordia para conmigo y los mios. La persona debera rezar esta oracion 3 dias sequidos sin decir el pedido. dentro de tres dias sera alcanzada la gracia por mas deficil que sea. (Publicar en cuanto se recibia la gracia). Agradece gracia alcanzada. T.R.
LEGAL NOTICE
Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Wine and Beer Retailer’s Off-Premise Permit by Las Palmas Meat Market Inc. dba Alton Drive Thru, to be located at 2115 E. Main Ave. Suite 6, Alton, Hidalgo County, Texas. Officers of said corporation Las Palmas Meat Market Inc., are Norma De La Rosa as President and Secretary.
would get packed,” O’caña said. Garza agreed, saying the functionality of having the stage in the center of the amphitheater was not as appealing. “The functionality was certainly something the council looked at when we designed it,” Garza said. “Every person who is going to attend will have great access to see the performance.” The Leo Peña Park will now also feature decorative
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1 Week = $7.00 2 Weeks = $10.00 4 Weeks = $14.00
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: Casimiro Guerra, 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 28th day of June, 2018 before the Honorable Israel Ramon, Jr., 430th 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 AND EXHIBITS filed in said court on the on this the 22nd day of January, 2018 in this case numbered C-0253-18-J on the docket of said court and styled CITY OF MISSION VS. CASIMIRO GUERRA Said petition was filed in said court by Attorney JAIME E. 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 3712 LOPEZ STREET, MISSION, TEXAS, CIVIL PENALTIES COURT COSTS, POST JUDGEMENT 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 28th day of June, 2018.
lighting that matches the rest of the lighting in the downtown Mission area. Mayor O’caña was excited about the current state of the project, and is ready to see how much more the city can do for the downtown area. “Keep in mind, this is Phase II,” O’caña said. “We have a Phase III that we already planned to do, and I want to add a Phase IV for the long-term.” The city manager said the city is trying to maintain an
outdoor feel in the park and provide different types of attractions for Mission residents and people all over the Rio Grande Valley. “Even though we have a new event center, it’s important that we have a location that’s going to attract people downtown,” Garza said. “We’re making sure to continue having performances there, having events there will only bring more people to walk around the downtown area.”
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 or pay by phone 585-4893.The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 5 p.m. 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: Ray Ramon, 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 31st day of May, 2018 before the Honorable Rodolfo “Rudy” Delgado, 93rd 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 22nd day of January, 2018 in this case numbered C-0250-18-B on the docket of said court and styled CITY OF MISSION VS. RAY RAMON 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 DAMAGES IN AN AMOUNT TO BE PROVEN AT TRIAL, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ACTUAL DAMAGES, DIRECT AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, ATTORNEY FEES AND TAXABLE COURT COSTS. 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 31st day of May, 2018.
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