Friday, July 20, 2018 - PT ISSUE

Friday, July 20, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | 50 Cents

Vol. 46 No. 49

Former Mayor Beto Salinas files lawsuit, claims bribery and voter fraud marred Mission election

by Dave Hendricks Former Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas filed a lawsuit Wednesday, claiming that bribery and voter fraud tainted the Mission mayoral runoff — and requesting a new election.

Beto Salinas filed the lawsuit against current Mayor Armando “Doc” O’caña on Wednesday afternoon.

The lawsuit accuses O’caña’s campaign workers of bribing voters, manipulating mail-in ballots and recruiting non-residents to register in Mission.

“The question is: Is it big enough to change the outcome of this race?” said attorney Rick Salinas, the former mayor’s son. “Is it big enough to trigger a new election?”

Beto Salinas said his attorneys advised him not to comment on the case.

Reached by the Progress Times on Wednesday afternoon, O’caña said he hadn’t been served with the lawsuit and couldn’t immediately comment on the litany of allegations.

However, O’caña said he wasn’t aware of any illegal activity during the campaign and didn’t pay anyone to vote.

Beto Salinas won 49.96 percent of 6,175 ballots cast during the May 5 mayoral election — three votes short of a majority. O’caña placed second.

Mission scheduled a runoff election for June 9.

“It seems three very unlikely things happened within 34 days: 1) more than one hundred voters decided that they had become residents of Mission, Texas and changed their voter registration just to take part in this election, 2) a run-off election in the dire heat of a Texas summer suddenly experiences earth-shattering turnout, and 3) a candidate that had barely broken 40% in the previous election won,” according to the lawsuit. “There are dozens of possible explanations for this outcome. Some may be legal. Some are unequivocally not.”

O’caña won 51.16 percent of 6,793 ballots cast during the runoff election, defeating Beto Salinas by 157 votes.

After the runoff, voters approached Beto Salinas with stories about bribery and illegal voting, according to the lawsuit. Rick Salinas and the former mayor’s supporters started investigating.

“There are people that have given affidavits,” Rick Salinas said. “And there are people that have been recorded.”

They identified dozens of people with suspicious voter

Norberto “Beto” Salinas registrations, Rick Salinas said. Dozens more claimed O’caña campaign workers paid them to vote or tampered with their mail-in ballots.

“What was uncovered was a systemic and flagrant scheme to cast illegal votes to elect Mayor Ocana. Dozens of voters have admitted to being paid for their votes.

Scores of voters fraudulently changed their registrations to the City of Mission and voted by mail. And, still others never touched their mailin ballot and had their vote harvested and stolen from them,” according to the lawsuit. “These allegations are salacious. They are devastating. And, they will be proven true.”

The lawsuit also accused O’caña himself of illegal voting.

“Just like many of his voters, Dr. Ocana and his wife, Maria De Jesus Ocana, do not reside in Mission, Texas,” according to the lawsuit. “They are registered to vote at 927 Greenlawn in Mission, which is a home measuring 1,302 square feet, with six people registered to the home: Armando Ocana, Jr., Armando Ocana, Maria De Jesus Ocana, Spring Ocana, Mathew Ocana, and Margarita Ocana. All these people claim to reside in the Greenlawn home, plus their children. The true residence of Dr. Ocana and his wife is outside the city limits of Mission, Texas, on Schuerback (sic) Rd.” During the campaign, Beto Salinas made similar claims about where O’caña lived. Attorneys familiar with Texas election law, though, said they didn’t think Beto Salinas could successfully challenge O’caña's residency.

With the Texas Attorney General’s Office aggressively investigating voter fraud, Rick Salinas said he believes the civil lawsuit will result in criminal prosecutions.

“I think it’s about time that somebody says something” about voter fraud, Rick Salinas said. “And that instead of ignoring it that we do something about it.”

5x5 Brewing Co. officially opens doors to public

By Jamie Treviño For the Sumner family, supporting a local veteran-owned and operated brewery was a great way to spend a Saturday.

Drawing crowds from all over the Rio Grande Valley last Saturday, the 5x5 Brewing Company held a ribbon cutting ceremony at their location, which is connected to the Mission Center for Education and Economic Development at 801 N Bryan Rd. The event featured five kinds of craft beers made at 5x5, and people had the option to purchase a beer card for $25, and use it for five beers. There was also a $40 option, which included a special 5x5 pint glass.

Live music played throughout the afternoon and evening, and food trucks were also present. The opening included a flyover of two vintage military planes

in celebration of the veteran-owned business.

Gregory and Belinda Sumner and their son Greg

were drinking 5x5 Brunette Bombshell beers outside as the event began. Gregory and Belinda, who live in

Mission, are U.S. Marine Corps veterans. They expressed their support for the

See 5x5 OPENING Pg. 8

Two vintage military planes circled the Mission CEED Building as a featured flyover during the official opening of the 5x5 Brewing Company to the public last Saturday. Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

Mission PD holds pinning ceremony for promoted officers

By Jamie Treviño

Last Friday, the Mission Police Department held a

pinning ceremony for four newly promoted officers at

(from left) Mission Police Department Chief Robert Dominguez, Police Corporal Mario Monforte, Police Sergeant Orlando Cedillo, Police Lieutenant Javier Ramon and Assistant Police Chief Jody Tittle after the pinning ceremony held at the Mission City Hall last Friday. Photo courtesy of the City of Mission.

the Mission City Hall.

The police officers who were promoted were new Assistant Police Chief Jody Tittle, Police Lieutenant Javier Ramon, Police Sergeant Orlando Cedillo and Police Corporal Mario Monforte.

Surrounded by family and friends, the men were thanked and congratulated

by Chief Robert Dominguez, who spoke about their accomplishments and service for the city.

“I know how special it is after all the hard work and dedication,” Dominguez said. “These young men and women that we have in our organization work hard and have dedicated years and have struggled to climb the ladder of success, it’s not

See PINNING CEREMONY Pg. 12

“Not your grandfather’s Rotary”

By Jamie Treviño

For two of the active members of The Rotary Club of Mission, Guadalupe “Lupita” Ramirez and April Chapa, the international organization allows them to give back and have fun at the same time.

Both women have been active in rotary for about three years each. Ramirez, who was the active president of the club last year, reflected on the many projects the group undertakes throughout the year.

“The most important thing is that people who have a lot of passion can give back to the community,” Ramirez said. “It has to come from the heart.”

The rotary helps children, veterans, families and the elderly. The volunteer organization regularly collaborates

with the Mission Consolidated Independent School District and the Sharyland Independent School District and is currently working on a project to get shoes for children in need.

“It’s not your grandfather’s rotary anymore, it’s fun,” Chapa said. “It’s doing service while having fun, while meeting people and leaders in your community.”

Annually, they donate Thanksgiving meals to veterans and families, and during Christmas they collect bags of gifts for the Casa Hogar San Vicente de Paul, an orphanage in Reynosa, Tamaulipas.

In Mission, the rotary has booths at the National Night Out and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Chapa, the current president, is aiming to continue

See ROTARY CLUB Pg. 8

Former Rotary President Guadalupe “Lupita” Ramirez (left) and current Rotary President April Chapa (right) hold the Rotary International wheel, said to symbolize “civilization, movement and service work in action.” Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

INSIDE La Joya holds on grant

Palmview Election Preview

Team L1berty Split over school board

The City of La Joya recently tabled a resolution to accept the Operation Lone Star security grant program.

For more details about why the city is in limbo, see our story by Dave Hendricks.

City councilman Rick Villarreal may run for the mayoral seat in the upcoming November elections for the City of Palmview. Dave Hendricks has the most recent news about the election.

The political party remains divided over the three seats up for grabs in the La Joya ISD Board of Trustees.

Dave Hendricks brings the latest information, inside.

See Pg. 5

See Pg. 4

INDEX

Entertainment | pg. 2

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Lifestyle | pg. 3

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Obituaries | pg. 9

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entertainment

Program explores forgotten Coahuiltecan language

EDINBURG – Coahuiltecans were hunter-gatherers who roamed South Texas and northeastern Mexico, groups of native peoples whose language was all but lost were it not for the efforts of 18th century Franciscan missionaries to record elements of their unwritten language.

Discover these words during “Poetry from the Forgotten Words of Coahuiltecans” featuring Lisa Kay Adam, author of “xuāi: mission, house, village, town,” on Sunday, July 22, at 2 p.m. at the Museum of South Texas History.

Adam’s book is a series of poems using Coahuiltecan words and phrases, offering a window into the experiences of indigenous peoples during the Spanish colonial era. The book includes illustrations from a historical map of the region during that era.

Along with the reading of select poems, Adam will invite the audience to join her in speaking some of these words not heard for hun-

she works at the Museum of South Texas History.

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

Coming Attractions

Lisa Kay Adam dreds of years. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing by the author following the presentation.

Adam grew up in Bishop and earned an undergraduate degree in anthropology and English from The University of Texas at Austin.

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July 21-22 • Registration is open 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 a.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 fourman team. First through third place will be awarded for the heaviest slot red, trout and flounder categories. 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 956-8214731 for further information.

July 26 • Bring out the whole colony of family and friends to watch “A Bug’s Life” on an inflatable movie screen at Quinta Mazatlán World Birding Center at 7 p.m. Admission is $3 per person. Quinta Mazatlán is located at 600 Sunset in McAllen.

For more information, call 956-681-3370.

August 4 • 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 Aug. 4 at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 per person. For information, contact Joey Olmjeda, festival director, at 956-292-6033.

• The Second Annual Resaca City Casino Night will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. at the San Benito Community Building, 210 E. Heywood St. for an evening of casino games, adult beverages, food and more. Sponsorship Opportunities are available. Call 956-361-9111 for ticket information.

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

Next Family Night Movie is July 26

The Mission Historical Museum (MHM), in conjunction with the City of Mission, presents the second movie of the summer, “The Lego Ninjago Movie,” on Thursday, July 26, at Jaycee Park on N. Los Ebanos Rd. and Barnes St. in Mission.

Admission is free.

Festivities start at 6:30

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p.m. with crafts, face painting and door prizes. The movie begins at dusk. Snacks from food vendors will be sold, featuring Spiro papas, funnel cakes, Mexican hotdogs, popcorn and more. Bring a blanket or lawn chair.

For more information, call MHM at 956-580-8646.

July 20, 2018

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Smithsonian ‘Hometown Teams’ exhibit comes to UTRGV

EDINBURG – Baseball.

Soccer. Hockey. Bowling.

Kickball. Surfing.

People around the country are drawn to compete in these sports and many others. Still more gather on the sidelines to cheer for their favorite athletes and teams.

But nowhere do Americans more intimately connect to sports than in hometowns.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Library, in cooperation with the Texas State Historical Association, will celebrate this connection as it hosts “Hometown Teams: How Sports Shape America,” a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program.

“Hometown Teams” will be on view at the UTRGV Library on the Edinburg Campus from July 23 through Aug. 25.

Free events include a local companion exhibition, “Hometown Teams: Football in the Upper Valley”; a digital exhibition, “Rio Grande Valley Hometown Teams,” which can be viewed at hometownteamsrgv.omeka.net/; and an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, in Room 2.114, UTRGV Library on the Edinburg campus. The opening reception features talks by local baseball historian Rene Torres and sports journalist Gregory Selber.

The UTRGV Library and the surrounding community was chosen by the Texas State Historical Association to host “Hometown Teams” as part of the Museum on Main Street program — a national/state/local partnership to bring exhibitions and programs to rural cultural organizations.

The exhibition is touring seven communities in Texas through Dec. 21. View a short video about it at http://s.si.edu/1bSRDZd. “Hometown Teams” captures the stories that unfold on a neighborhood’s fields and courts, and the underdog heroics, larger-than-life legends, fierce rivalries and gut-wrenching defeats.

“We are very pleased to be able to bring ‘Hometown Teams’ to the Valley,” said Sean Visintainer, head of Special Collections and University Archives at the

UTRGV Library. “It allows us the opportunity to explore this fascinating aspect of our own region’s sports history, and we hope that it will inspire many to become even more involved in the cultural life of our community.”

“Allowing all of our state’s residents to have access to the cultural resources of our nation’s premiere museum is a priority of the Texas State Historical Association,” said Mary Katherine Marshall, director of Education Services. “With this special tour, we are pleased to be working with the UTRGV Library and Edinburg to help develop local exhibitions and public programs to compliment the Smithsonian exhibition.”

Museum on Main Street invites the public to share their local sports stories through the “Stories from Main Street” website at storiesfrommainstreet.org, or through the free mobile app available from the Mac App Store or the Google Play Store. Both platforms record and map the location reflected in the submission and will accept written and audio stories, as well as videos and photos.

Selected submitted stories to “Stories from Main Street” will be featured on the website and app. The archived stories will serve as a searchable record of the unique experiences of life in American small towns. Each story can be searched via location or by topic.

The UTRGV Library also is accepting submissions from the public of their stories, images and memories regarding sporting in the Valley. Submissions will be stored in the University Library’s digital archives, and with permission from the submitter, can be published in the Library’s digital exhibition and digital collections.

Members of the community can share their stories with the Library at utrgv.edu/ library/collections/archives/ share-your-story/index.htm.

Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the U.S. Congress, Mission C.I.S.D. and other school districts across the Rio Grande Valley, as well as Speer Memorial Library.

lifestyle

MCISD football ticket sales begin Aug. 1

Beginning Aug. 1, the Mission Consolidated Independent School District (MCISD) is offering all 2017 season football ticket holders the opportunity to renew the same seats, or change their seats, for the 2018 football season.

Season ticket holders from last year may go by the MCISD Athletic Department office located in the Central Office Building, 1201 Bryce Drive in Mission, to purchase season tickets beginning Wednesday, Aug. 1, and going through Friday, Aug. 10. Season tickets not renewed by August 10 will become available to the general public to purchase.

The general public will be able to purchase season tickets beginning on Monday, Aug. 13, through Aug. 24.

Season tickets will be available for purchase by the general public through Friday, Aug. 24.

Home reserve tickets are

$7 per seat for each game.

Mission High School will have six home games at $42 for the season. Veterans Memorial High School will have four home games at $28 for the season. Hours for these ticket sales are from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4:45 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Once the football season begins, tickets will be sold using the following schedule: Tuesdays 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for season ticket holders only and then 1 to 4:45 p.m. for the general public and season ticket holders; Wednesdays 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the general public; Thursdays 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4:45 p.m. for the general public; and Fridays (game days), 8 a.m.to 12 p.m. for the general public.

There will be no exchanges or refunds once the tickets have been purchased.

For more information, call Sandy Palacios at 956323-5683.

July 20, 2018

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Dive into world of sharks

EVENTS

CALENDAR July 21 – 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 “Splash Party.” Bring a swimsuit, towel and change of clothes. 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 956-381-9922.

July 24 – The public is invited to Speer Memorial Library in Mission for a discussion of the novel “Emma,” to take place in the library’s Community Room at 5:30 p.m. in Spanish and at 6:30 p.m. in English. To check out a copy of the book, or for more information, stop by the library or call William Renner or Rose Alvarez at 580-8754 or 580-8750, or email reference@missiontexas.us. The book is also available as an eBook at hidalgocotx.oneclickdigital.com. Speer Memorial Library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission July 28 – Take the kids out and enter the Edinburg World Birding Center’s magic of Fairy Fest to enter the realm of fantasy, myth, and adventure. Build fairy homes, search for elven treasure, visit with woodland sprites, and more. Dress up in enchanted themes for a chance to win prizes in the children’s costume contest. Admission is free, but there is a $5 fee to participate in building a fairy home, which includes materials. Additional materials may be purchased for $2.

Supplies are limited. Call 956-381-9922 to reserve a bundle.

The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. (For more Events, go to ptrgv.com.)

NBC plans peaceful protest beach party

Named to All-USA Texas Baseball Team

USA Today recently announced the American Family Insurance ALL-USA Texas Baseball Team, and making the list for Second Team, based on the 2017-18 season, is Andy Martinez from Mission High School (MHS). Martinez played second base and also pitched for the Eagles this past season. He will be a senior for the 2018-19 school year. Martinez had the highest batting average of all 6A players in the state and is also the only player from the Rio Grande Valley included on the Texas team. The complete list is available online at usatodayhss.com/2018/2017-18all-usa-texas-baseball-team.

The National Butterfly Center invites the public to join in for a “beach party” on the banks of the Rio Grande River on Sunday, Aug. 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. as a peaceful protest to plans by the Department of Homeland Security to establish a lifeless “enforcement zone” behind the Border Wall. The event is commemorating the one-year anniversary of the “March to Save Mission.”

Families and individuals are encouraged to pack a picnic lunch and beach chairs and bring bikes for outdoor exploration and to participate in a variety of activities.

There will be Segway test

drives, sand castle building with Sandyfeet, fishing, bird walks and guided hikes, a hayride, Project Wild Aquatic at the wetland, guerrilla gardening, a native wildlife petting zoo, tug o’ war over an open mud pit, and more.

There will also be a blessing of the river, once a vibrant recreational area, and where access for all Hidalgo County residents and visitors will be eliminated.

Families interested in camping out the night before are also invited to sleep over under the stars with NBC staff on hand.

For more information, call 956-583-5400.

McALLEN – The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) is presenting its second annual Shark Week Celebration from July 24 to 29. Inspired by the popular Shark Week programming on television, the program is geared for family participation.

Learn about the ancient aquatic creatures with handson art and science activities in conjunction with “Science on a Sphere” exhibit presentations. Visitors will explore the anatomy of a shark by building a 4D shark model,

have shark fossils on view for touching, and make their own shark tooth impression to take home.

The museum’s education department will also present a Shark Dissection Workshop in which pre-enrolled registrants can dissect a spiny dogfish shark.

The workshop is suitable for children ages 12 and up and requires pre-enrollment. It takes place on Saturday, July 28, from 1 to 3 p.m. Registration is $25 per person.

For more information, or to register, call 956-681-2800.

Earn TEEAC credit at EWBC workshop

EDINBURG – Teachers can earn TEEAC credit while learning about programs offered by the Edinburg World Birding Center (EWBC) during the Educator Workshop Day and Educator Family Day on Aug. 3 and 4.

The free workshops run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for K-6th grade teachers and 2 to 5 p.m. for 7th-12th grade teachers on Friday, Aug. 3.

Call 956-381-9922 to register.

Then on Saturday, Aug. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. educators can take their family to the EWBC from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with free admission with a school I.D. For more information or to register for the teacher workshop, call 956-3819922. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd.

Nominations extended for Texas history awards

AUSTIN – The nomination deadline has been extended to July 31, 2018, for awards recognizing the efforts and contributions of a group or individual involved in preserving Texas’ cultural and historic resources. Anyone may submit a nomination in accordance with the guidelines listed at thc.texas.gov/ awards.

Submissions can be made for the following 2018 Texas Historical Commission Preservation Awards: • Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation, John L. Nau, III Award of Excellence in Museums, • Ruth Lester Lifetime Achievement Award, • John Ben Shepperd County Historical Commission Leadership Award, • George Christian Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award, • Curtis D. Tunnell Lifetime Achievement Award in Archeology, • Anice B. Read Award of

Excellence in Community Heritage Development, • THC Award of Excellence in Preserving History, • THC Award of Excellence in Historic Architecture, and • THC Award of Excellence in Media Achievement.

Most of the awards will be presented at the THC’s Real Places conference January 16–18, 2019. The THC’s most prestigious award, the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation, is presented at a special ceremony arranged with the staff of the Governor’s Office. A wide variety of projects and volunteer efforts may be recognized through the Governor’s Award.

The THC also offers the Award of Merit. Nominations for this award may be submitted anytime throughout the year. For more information, contact the THC’s History Programs Division at 512-463-5853.

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July 20, 2018

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Palmview expecting 2020 completion for wastewater project

By Jose De Leon III Despite assurance from a representative working on the Palmview wastewater project that the project is moving smoothly, the city of Palmview is looking at an early 2020 year of completion for the project that will bring sewer services to the city.

“There already has been delays,” interim city manager Leo Olivares said Wednesday. “We’ve been told by the Agua Special Utility District that the project would be operational mid-2019 and then it got pushed to the last quarter of 2019 and that was before last month’s flood. The city has expectations that this will be realistically operational in 2020.”

A 2020 completion would be three years after the $42 million project broke ground in the city. The project, which was a decade in the making, will connect 1,600 homes in the city to four lift stations that are currently under construction that will ultimately be connected to the wastewater treatment plant in the city of Mission.

Palmview remains the biggest city in the county

without sewer services, Olivares said.

Reddy Kajuluri, project engineer for S&B Infrastructure, spoke to the Palmview City Council Tuesday during their latest meeting to prove an update on the project.

“As of now we have three different contractors at different points of completion in their contract,” Kajuluri said.

The first two phases of the project will connect homes to sewer lines on the city’s west and east side, respectively. Phase three will construct four lift station the homes will be connected to and phase four will connect the lift stations to Mission’s treatment plant.

Kajuluri said Tuesday phase one and two are at 80 and 40 percent complete, respectively. He also said Agua SUD will soon go out for bids on phase four of the project.

“We anticipate some delays but in terms of the first contract that shouldn’t affect the whole project,” Kajuluri told the council. “They each have their own schedule and as long as the three other projects are completed we should be fine.”

Even with Kajuluri’s guarantee, Olivares said the recent flood in the city may have caused some delays.

Last May, the Peñitas-based construction company 2gs LLC began the process of repaving the 20 miles of streets that were dug up by Agua SUD to lay down sewer lines all over the city.

During last month’s rain that flooded most of the county, sinkholes formed along Farm-to-Market Road 495 between Bentsen and Minnesota Roads-streets that had recently been paved.

Olivares said seven cars ended up being stuck in those sinkholes that were created when Agua’s contractor-L&G Infrastructures-did not properly compact the streets before turning them over to 2gs LLC to be paved.

“We’re now doing extensive soil testing to make sure these streets and now all the newly turned over streets are properly compacted to prevent this from happening again,” Olivares said.

Kajuluri also told the council that any questions or concerns regarding construction of the project can be directed to Agua SUD instead of the city.

La Joya delays decision on Operation Border Star grant

By Dave Hendricks The La Joya City Commission left Operation Border Star in limbo Monday.

After meeting in executive session, the City Commission tabled a resolution authorizing City Manager Mike Alaniz to accept the border security grant.

Asked why the City Commission didn’t make a decision, Mayor Jose A. “Fito” Salinas and police Chief Adolfo Arriaga referred requests for comment to City Attorney Michael Pruneda.

“As you know, there was no public discussion on the resolution,” Pruneda said in a statement. “As a result, I cannot discuss any deliberation that occurred in the closed session as it is attorney-client privileged.”

La Joya requested $108,000 through Operation Border Star, a state border security program. The Governor’s Office awarded the city $55,000.

Before accepting the money, La Joya must promise to comply with immigration detainers issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

La Joya must submit a statement promising to “1) notify DHS of all information requested by DHS related to illegal aliens in the custody of the Grantee; and

(2) detain such aliens in accordance with requests by DHS,” according to the Governor’s Office.

That may conflict with an announcement Salinas made on June 23.

“BREAKING NEWS” Salinas posted on the city Facebook page. “EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY The CITY of La JOYA P.D. Jail/ Detention Center will NOT House ICE Detainees.”

La Joya, though, never actually housed people for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The city jail consists of just two cells. Inmates typically spend less than 24 hours at the city jail before they’re transferred to Hidalgo County or released.

However, the city does comply with federal immigration detainers. Adopting a policy that prohibited La Joya police from complying with immigration detainers would violate Texas law.

Former police Chief Ramon Gonzalez said he didn’t think Salinas understood the difference.

“Honestly, I laughed when I read that statement,” said Gonzalez, who spent 11 years with the department before the city fired him in December. “I was like ‘He doesn’t know what he just said.’”

Former police Chief

Isidro Casanova agreed.

“When I heard about it, I was like ‘What are you doing?’” said Casanova, who spent five years with the department before serving on the City Commission. “You just don’t go off and make a decision like that based on personal feelings without thinking it through.”

Casanova, who unsuccessfully challenged Salinas during the November 2015 mayoral election, said he thought La Joya would attempt to find a way for the mayor to save face.

The city can’t afford to reject border security grant money, Casanova said, adding that the program pays for police overtime.

Along with preventing the city from accepting new border security grants, the announcement may also prompt state and federal review of past grant spending.

La Joya could be asked to repay any money spent improperly, said Gus Acevedo, a municipal attorney who represents Palmview and Elsa.

“It just seems to me that if you don’t follow the rules and regulations and procedures as it pertains to the grant, you risk forfeiting the grant,” Acevedo said. “And having to repay funds you’ve already received.”

Commission.

The PAC, however, had already donated nearly $13,700 to Sullivan City Mayor Leo Garcia during the May 2017 election cycle.

Garcia reported the donations. The PAC didn’t.

During the November 2017 election cycle, the PAC donated nearly $9,600 to Mayor Salinas’ wife, La Joya City Commissioner Mary Salinas.

She filed incomplete campaign finance reports, which don’t disclose individual donations. The PAC didn’t disclose anything at all.

After a warning from the Ethics Commission, the PAC filed an annual campaign finance report in April 2018 — three months late.

That report, though, didn’t include $44,000 in donations and more than $52,000 in spending.

During a prior interview, Morales said the Ethics Commission computer system wouldn’t allow him to report donations and spending before the PAC appointed a campaign treasurer. The PAC submitted a paper copy of the campaign finance report, which included all donations and expenses, as an exhibit when Morales asked the Ethics Commission not to penalize him for filing late.

The Ethics Commission, apparently unconcerned by discrepancy, accepted the incomplete report.

“Enforcement is very sketchy over there because it’s almost all complaint-driven,” said Craig McDonald, executive director of Texans for Public Justice, an Austin-based watchdog organization.

The Ethics Commission dutifully files documents but rarely takes the initiative to investigate whether or not they’re accurate.

“They’re usually a better librarian than a cop,” McDonald said.

The Liberty Executive Committee also failed to file campaign finance reports during the March 2018 Democratic Party primary and the

May 2018 Agua Special Utility District election.

Norma Ramirez, who ran for Democratic Party chairwoman, donated $5,000 to “Team Liberty Executive” on Jan. 26, according to her campaign finance report, which describes the payment as a polling expense.

The address for “Team Liberty Executive” on Ramirez’s campaign finance report matches the address on Liberty Executive Committee records.

La Joya school board Trustee J.J. Peña, who ran for justice of the peace, donated $10,000 to “L1berty,” according to his campaign finance report. Peña made a $5,000 payment on Jan. 30 and another $5,000 payment on Feb. 13.

Both payments went to the PAC, but Peña said he couldn’t remember who collected the checks.

The PAC didn’t file any campaign finance reports during the primary.

During the May 2018 election cycle, four candidates for the Agua Special Utility District board reported $170 donations from the PAC for “meals,” according to their campaign finance reports. The PAC didn’t disclose the donations.

Monday marked the deadline for PACs to file semi-annual reports with the Ethics Commission.

“Even if a political committee accepts no contributions and makes no expenditures during the reporting period for a semiannual report, the campaign treasurer is still required to file a contribution and expenditure report to cover that period,” according to the Ethics Commission guide for PACs. The Liberty Executive Committee missed that deadline too.

“What really needs to happen,” Lewis said. “Is somebody needs to file a complaint with the Ethics Commission.”

Team L1berty PAC fails to file campaign finance report — again

By Dave Hendricks

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The dominant political party in western Hidalgo County missed the state deadline to file campaign finance reports on Monday.

Members of Team L1berty created a general-purpose political action committee called the Liberty Executive Committee last year.

Candidates paid the PAC at least $15,000 for polling and campaign workers during the Democratic Party primary. The PAC also spent at least $680 supporting candidates during the Agua Special Utility District election.

The Liberty Executive Committee didn’t file any campaign finance reports during the primary or the utility district election — and missed another deadline Monday, when the PAC failed to file a semi-annual report.

“A lot of people at the local level just blow it off,” said Austin-based attorney Fred Lewis, a longtime critic of the Texas Ethics Commission and an expert on election law. “And the problem is you have no idea what’s going on. Who’s behind it? Who’s funding it? Is there corruption? You don’t know.”

Peñitas Chief of Staff Andy Morales, La Joya school board Trustee Johnn Alaniz and La Joya Mayor Jose A. “Fito” Salinas control the PAC, according to Ethics Commission records.

Morales didn’t respond to requests for comment. Alaniz said he’s no longer involved.

And Mayor Salinas said he’s still the committee chairman, but referred questions about the campaign finance reports to Morales.

“Usually, when it comes to local violations, the Ethics Commission isn’t going to do anything unless someone files a complaint,” Lewis said. “It’s not proactive. It’s reactive.”

Team L1berty created the PAC in July 2017, when the organization filed an appointment of campaign treasurer form with the Ethics

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

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

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

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July 20, 2018

page 5

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Palmview City Councilman Rick Villarreal may challenge Mayor Jerry Perez in November

By Dave Hendricks Mayor Jerry Perez said he doesn’t know whether or not he’ll run for re-election. Villarreal, though, isn’t waiting for the mayor to make a decision — he’s seriously considering a challenge.

Along with the mayor, the November ballot will include two City Council seats.

Villarreal would run with City Councilman Joselito “Hoss” Hernandez. They’ve already spoken with four potential candidates for the remaining City Council seat, Villarreal said, adding that they’ll make a decision within the next few days. Asked who he would campaign with, Perez said he doesn’t know yet.

“Well, it’s really something I need to think about and assess,” Perez said.

Filing starts Monday.

Perez joined the City Council in 1996. He served 18 years before running for mayor in November 2014.

“I’ve seen the city come a long way,” Perez said, add-

ing that Palmview is poised with prospective businesses. for rapid growth.

During the past 18 months, When the Agua Special however, the City Council Utility District starts pro- often focused on exposing viding sewer service, restau- problems at City Hall. rants and retailers will finally City Councilman Joel start flocking to the Express- Garcia and City Counway 83 frontage, Perez said. They’ll pay sales and property tax, allowing the city to provide better services.

“In terms of economic development, in terms of business, I think the next four years will be very, very crucial,” Perez said. “In terms of the direction the city is going to take.”

Perez said he wants to present a positive image Jerry Perez of Palmview (Photo courtesy of the city of Palmview) when meeting

cilwoman Linda Sarabia pushed to investigate city spending under prior administrations.

They found a slew of financial problems, ranging from delinquent economic

development loans to unpaid IRS bills. Amid the internal investigations, the City Council fired City Manager Ramon Segovia and police Chief Chris Barrera.

Palmview also tangled with the utility district.

Concerned that developers wouldn’t wait for the sewer project, Palmview started building a separate sewer system to serve commercial customers on the Expressway 83 frontage.

The utility district complained.

Palmview responded with a lawsuit. After hearing the facts, state District Judge Rick Villarreal Letty Lopez (Photo courtesy of La Joya ISD) demanded the

city halt construction.

“So my questions to you and to them is: Where have they gotten to?” Perez said, adding that he worried all the negativity would scare away developers.

Palmview isn’t perfect, Perez said, adding that he would prefer to fix problems with minimal fuss and move forward.

“Their batting average is not as great as they think,” Perez said, referring to Garcia and Sarabia.

How turmoil at City Hall will play at the polls remains unclear.

Villarreal, who joined the City Council in 2010, said he’s not ready to talk about a potential mayoral run. He expects to make a decision within the next few days.

“We need to put Palmview on the positive map — in the county and the state,” Villarreal said. “And that’s what I plan on continuing to do: serving the people of Palmview and surrounding communities.”

FEMA opens Disaster Recovery Center in Mission

By Jamie Treviño The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened three Disaster Recovery Centers in Hidalgo County.

FEMA is responding to the June 19 flood that happened last month in the Rio Grande Valley. The three locations of recovery centers are in Mission, McAllen and Weslaco.

The center in Mission is the Mission Social Event Center, located at 115 South Mayberry Rd. It opened yesterday, and the hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

Representatives from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, FEMA, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), volunteer groups and other agencies will be available at the centers to answer any questions people may have about how to receive assistance.

The City of Mission, FEMA and SBA held a press briefing at the Mission location on Wed., and said that it was important that people who incurred damages to their property and possessions to utilize the facility.

“For the next few months, the City of Mission in conjunction with other municipalities will be using it [the Mission Social Event Center] to be able to assist the general public in Precinct 3 regarding the storm that hit us back in June,” Mission City Manager Martin Garza, Jr. said. “It’s important that we have a recovery center so people can actually talk face-to-face with individuals representing FEMA and the proper authorities to they can provide them with the proper information.”

FEMA Public Information Officer Robin Smith spoke about the steps people need to take in order to receive assistance from the agency. She said that these centers are the places to get any questions people have answered, and that if people receive letters from FEMA they may be difficult to read because of the vocabulary.

“Many people will end up with letters from FEMA,” Smith said. “This is the ideal place for anyone who gets one of those letters to come on down and bring the letter so they can sit with someone and ask them what it means or what you can do to move further.”

Cory Williams, from the SBA, spoke about the ben-

efits of businesses reporting any damages to the Small Business Administration.

“We actually help out businesses, homeowners, renters and non-profits throughout the recovery period,” Williams said. “Recovery periods may vary, so we want to make sure as an agency we’re providing that working capital to sustain that business throughout the recovery period.”

City leaders from Mission, Alton, Palmview, Peñitas and Granjeno were in attendance at the conference, and thanked the City of Mission as well as FEMA and SBA for providing assistance in the aftermath of the storm.

Wed. afternoon Mission held a public forum at the

Mission Event Center so people could get more questions addressed and begin preparing to visit the recovery center.

The disaster declaration for Hidalgo County was made official July 6, so residents have until September 6 to apply for disaster assistance.

According to a FEMA news release, residents and business owners who sustained losses can “apply for assistance in person at one of the Disaster Recovery Centers, online at www.Disas-

terAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

Operators are multilingual and calls are answered seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT. People can also download the FEMA app, available at the Apple and Google Play stores.”

Those registering for assistance will need their Social Security number, address of the damaged primary residence, description of the damage, information

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July 20, 2018

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5x5 OPENING company and what they are doing for the city.

“We like to support veteran-owned organizations, so that’s why we made sure to come out here,” Gregory Sumner said. “We like to support local stuff in Mission too, and try to keep more stuff this way instead of everybody going to McAllen.”

Belinda said that any time people can support the veteran community after “everything they’ve done for us,” they should.

“They put in a lot of hard work,” Belinda Sumner said.

“And I think it’s helpful for the whole community to turn out. This is a great turnout.”

from pg 1 For their son, who is a fan of craft beer, the opening was a chance to try some new brews and back a veteran business.

“We’re big lovers of beer, I’m really into drinking beer,” Greg Sumner said. “I go to all the new brewery openings now.”

United States Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa attended the event, and said he was happy to support new business in the area.

“They’re very family-oriented,” Hinojosa said. “It’s another business that will create economic activity.”

Hinojosa said that the most important thing for

him is that the owners of 5x5 Brewing Co. are a group of mostly veterans.

“It’s very important as a community that we serve, protect and help our veterans integrate back into communities when they’ve been at war,” Hinojosa said. “Veterans are our families. It’s important that we support this type of business and help them succeed.”

Mission Mayor Armando O’caña was glad to see businesses in Mission growing.

He said that hopefully other business owners would see the benefits of choosing Mission for new locations and operations.

“When the research started coming out that beer is good for the heart, we felt that maybe it was time,” O’caña said. “They came up with a brilliant idea, and they chose Mission too.”

O’caña said that the city government chose to be supportive of the pilot program.

“We’re hoping that they expand and stay in Mission,” O’caña said. “It’s unique, it’s different, and the bottom line is this is the City of Mission, and we’re growing.”

Jessica Ortega-Ochoa, a council member for the City of Mission, was also interested to see how new enterprises and companies in the city contribute to the overall quality of life and energy in Mission.

“I think it’s great for Mission, look at how packed it is today,” Ortega-Ochoa said.

“Mission is growing. The vision is going to be different from now on, and we need to give those companies that opportunity to come to Mission.”

Sean Downey, a partner of 5x5 and the company’s

FCA OPEN HOUSE JULY 31, 7-9 PM

brand manager, grew up in the Mission area, and was pleased to see the turnout for the opening.

“We’re really super excited that we finally got to this day,” Downey said. “It’s been a two-year process, we’ve had a lot of knockdowns, but just like when we were in the military, we get knocked down, we get back up, we just keep swinging.”

Downey said 5x5 is happy to be in the Mission community, and wanted to support local veterans and their families, law enforcement, first responders, Border Patrol and everyone in service to their communities and country.

Jason Flores, a resident of the Mission area, came to the event with some of his friends.

“Being that this is the first big brewery event in the Mission area, and how they were able to combine the community with local vendors, it’s something really cool, something different,” Flores said.

Flores hoped the company encourages more locally-owned breweries and businesses to expand their market, and also that people begin to lose the stigma typically held toward companies who focus on crafting and selling alcohol.

“Craft beer is really different from bars or other major venues,” Flores said.

“I’m hoping that a lot of people will be able to see how the craft beer community is very much involved with the general community. It’s not just about going out and drinking, it’s about going out, making new friends and getting to know new people while trying local products and supporting local business.”

the longstanding traditions of the club while incorporating new ideas in the mix.

“My goal for this year is that I really want to do a community garden here in Mission,” Chapa said. “So I’m looking for a place for that.”

With these new ventures comes a need for more rotary members. Currently, The Rotary Club of Mission has about 24 members, but ideally would prefer at least 50 to accomplish all they hope to this year - and they don’t want to set a limit on new members.

“We don’t really want to say a particular number,” Ramirez said. “Our goal is to have as many people as we can, if we can have 100 to 150, that would be awesome.”

The Rotary Club of Mission was chartered in 1920, and has almost 100 years of service under its belt. It began losing traction a few years ago, but Ramirez and Chapa aim to revamp the energy and keep it going.

“We’re doing a lot, like I say, we’re small but we’re mighty,” Chapa said. “Our membership is small, and the active [members] is smaller, but I’m trying to get more people to join.”

Chapa has “big ideas” for the rotary, and aspires to incorporate more opportunities for volunteers and young people. She wants to give leadership opportunities for young girls in the area, but said that more volunteers would be needed to get that done.

“To me it’s a great way to make an impact in our community, because we’re so small,” Chapa said.

2018 Winner of the Shop Local Contest

Antonio Ocaña III

from pg 1

Both Ramirez and Chapa believe it is important that the Mission community is aware of their existence and can benefit from contributing to the cause.

“A lot of people want to do something, but they just don’t know what’s out there,” Ramirez said. “A lot of business owners don’t know what to do with their money, sometimes they have extra money, and they can give it to an organization. They can donate that money.”

Chapa said that people can have great feelings in return for volunteering and doing works of service for the city.

“Rotary is a good place to put your energy into, because you see the difference,” Chapa said. You see the impact that you make with the children, you see that impact right away.”

The organization is international, and overall strives toward eradicating polio.

While that is the overarching effort, the rotary is involved with several acts of service throughout the year, and have many different focuses.

“It comes down to service projects,” Ramirez said. “We focus a lot on our children, but we have different focuses.”

Any adult who works or lives in Mission and can pay the dues is eligible to join, and those interested in finding out more about The Rotary Club of Mission can contact Chapa at (956) 3219709, or Ramirez at (956) 867-0015. The Rotary Club of Mission meets during lunchtime (at noon) the first two Thursdays of every month.

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obituaries

Alma Aguilar MISSION – Alma Graciela Aguilar, 31, passed away on Monday, July 9, 2018, in Mission.

A resident of Mission, she was born on July 4, 1987, in Mexico to Juan Pablo Montelongo and Antonia Aguilar.

Survivors include her husband, Maximiliano Contreras; children: Jasmine, Alejandro and Osbaldo Contreras; her parents; and siblings, Sara Aguilar, Griselda Aguilar and Juan Miguel Aguilar.

A funeral service was held on July 13 at Rivera Funeral Home in Mission.

Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery in Mission.

Isabel Flores SULLIVAN CITY – Isabel Flores, 81, passed away on Friday, July 13, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center.

Mr. Flores was born on Nov. 19, 1936, in Starr County, to Cecilio and Agapita (Ibañez) Flores.

Survivors include his wife, Maria Otila Flores; children, Orfelinda Hernan-

dez, Rosaura Quezada, Armando Flores, Isabel Flores Jr. and Yvette Cornejo; siblings, Maria Cristina Villalon and Esmeralda Solis; and nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Santiago Flores, Cecilio Flores Jr., Aurora Flores Lopez, Severa Lopez, Luisa Rios, Flor Herrera and Guadalupe Flores.

A funeral mass was held on July 19 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Sullivan City. Burial followed at Cuevitas Cemetery under the care of Rivera Funeral Home of Mission.

Serving as pallbearers were Omar Hernandez, Laura Ayala, Lorena Quezada, Rudy Cavazos Jr., Randy Flores, Ana Hernandez, Juan Hernandez and Amanda Flores. Honorary pallbearers were Gensis Cornejo and Roel Cornejo.

Zaragosa Flores SULLIVAN CITY – Zaragosa Flores, 88, passed away on Sunday, July 15, 2018, at McAllen Nursing Center.

Mr. Flores was a native of Mission and served 22 years in the U.S. Army during the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Survivors include his wife, Maria Andrea Flores; children, Florelida Flores of Palmview, Angelica Flores of Edinburg, Fernando Flores of Sullivan City and Emiliano Flores of Austin; sister, Evelina Ramon of Houston; and nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A funeral mass was held on July 19 Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at the RGV State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. Military honors were provided by VFW Post 8788 of McAllen.

Paula Garza MISSION – Paula “Paulita” Garza, 88, passed away on

Friday, July 13, 2018, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

She was a native of Camargo, Tamps., Mexico, and had worked for Levi Strauss in McAllen.

Survivors include her children, Maria Gutierrez, Delia Berlanga, Amanda Benavidez, Gloria Cerda and Francisca Gonzalez, all of Mission; siblings, Ofelia Villanueva, Aurelia Garza and Eutiquio Garza; and 20 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughters, Mirta Gutierrez and Anabel Cerda, and brothers, Agapito Garza, Sijifredo Garza and Baldemar Garza.

A funeral mass was held on July 17 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in McAllen.

Albino Mendoza Jr. MISSION – Albino Mendoza Jr., 55, passed away on Friday, July 13, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Blanca Mendoza; children, Blanca Cantu, Vanessa Mendoza, Andy Mendoza, Amy Mendoza and Alex Mendoza; siblings, Luis Mendoza, Fidencio Mendoza, Oscar Mendoza and Margarita Olvera; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albino and Oralia Mendoza, and siblings, Manuela and Minerva Mendoza.

A funeral mass was held on July 16 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Granjeno Cemetery

Notices

Rodolfo Aguilar MISSION – Rodolfo Jimenez Aguilar, 76, passed away on Wednesday, July 11, 2018, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Paul Bush MISSION – Paul Joseph Bush, 75, passed away on Sunday, July 15, 2018, at McAllen Nursing Center.

Vicente Castañeda MISSION – Vicente Castañeda, 84, passed away on Thursday, July 12, 2018, at his home in Mission.

Aurelio Espitia PEÑITAS – Aurelio Gonzalez Espitia, 74, passed away on Thursday, July 12, 2018, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

Gloria Galvan MISSION – Gloria A. Galvan, 67, passed away on Friday, July 13, 2018, at Solara Hospital in McAllen.

Alfredo Guzman ALTON – Alfredo Guzman, 54, passed away on Wednesday, July 11, 2018, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg.

Isela Huerta PALMVIEW – Isela Huerta, 85, passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at her home.

Maria Jasso MISSION – Maria A. Jasso, 88, passed away on Wednesday, July 11, 2018, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg.

Billy Miller MISSION – Billy Miller, 90, passed away on Tuesday, July 10, 2018, at Pax Villa Hospice in McAllen.

Maria Moore ALTON – Maria Leticia Moore, 65, passed away on Monday, July 16, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center.

Gregorio Reyna LA JOYA – Gregorio Reyna, 81, passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at his home in La Joya.

Mauricio Salinas MISSION – Mauricio De La Cruz Salinas, 93, passed away on Tuesday, July 10, 2018, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

Marissa Sandoval MISSION – Marissa Sandoval, 47, passed away on Monday, July 9, 2018, at her home in Mission.

Joan Soverns MISSION – Joan Soverns, 78, passed away on Thursday, July 12, 2018, at Waterford Gardens 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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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

MCISD to begin negotiating contract with superintendent lone finalist

By Jamie Treviño At a special called meeting held Monday, the Mission Consolidated Independent School District authorized entry of a district representative to begin negotiations for the contract of the lone finalist in their superintendent search.

The lone finalist selected unanimously by the board is Dr. Carolina “Carol” G. Perez, who was the superintendent at the Kingsville Independent School District since 2014. Perez grew up in the Rio Grande Valley, graduated from La Joya High School and the University of Texas Pan-American, as well as Texas A&M University Kingsville.

Once the contract is finalized and her hiring is approved, Perez will be the first female superintendent for the district. She has 31 years of educational experience.

The board approved the action of starting the contract negotiations, which will include the board attorney and George McShan from the McShan Consulting Firm, who was hired for the superintendent search.

The discussion about the contract negotiations was taken into executive session.

The negotiations are expected to be complete by Monday, July 23, after which the

board will hold another special meeting to finalize the contract and hire Perez.

During the meeting, the board also approved a resolution to authorize employee compensation for one day of emergency closure. This was in regards to the flooding that occured last month, which caused the district to close their summer schools for the day.

“The superintendent of schools is authorized by board policy EB(LOCAL) to order an emergency closure of schools,” said Rumalda Ruiz, MCISD Assistant Superintendent for Finance.

“Additionally, board policy DEA (LOCAL) states that if the board chooses to pay employees during emergency closure, for which the work days are not scheduled to be made up on a later date, then that authorization shall be by resolution or other board action and shall reflect the purpose served by the expenditure.”

Because Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation on June 21 declaring Hidalgo County as one of the disaster areas affected by the severe weather on June 19, and all district operations were closed, the board approved the item, and staff will be paid for that day.

Staff will not be required to make up the work day that they missed.

For the latest news and updates check us

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La Joya to terminate waste services with Waste Connections of Texas

By Jose De Leon III Later this year, the city of La Joya may have a new company to handle its waste management services.

City commissioners voted last week to give a 90day notice of termination to Waste Connections of Texas for waste management services in the city, ending their relationship with them.

According to City Administrator Mike Alaniz, Waste Connections of Texas has handled La Joya’s waste services since 2012.

“We’ve had their services for five years and we’ve had a great relationship with them but there’s been other waste companies who have requested opportunities to service the city,” Alaniz said.

“We’re allowing these companies to come in so we can see what they can offer to the city.”

Waste Connections entered in a five-year agree-

ment with the city that was made effective December 1, 2012 and was renewed for another year afterward.

As part of the notice of termination, La Joya has sent out a letter and an email to Waste Connections notifying them their services won’t be renewed. The city will begin advertising notices requesting bids for a new waste service company next week to be picked by this coming fall.

“But should they want to, they can resubmit a bid to continue working with us,” Alaniz said of Waste Connections.

Under the contract, Waste Connections has a franchise agreement with the city that leaves it the only company in charge of waste pickup through the city. Alaniz said the city plans to have a similar agreement with the new company which would also service the community of La Havanna- the recently an-

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Mission police respond to downtown car crash

nexed property located right outside Sullivan City Limits.

The contract also stipulates the city must pay Waste Connections $7.49 per every 95-gallon trash cart used by residents per month plus $3.46 for brush collection services.

Waste Connections has locations throughout the state and service the cities of Mercedes, Falfurrias and Progresso in the Rio Grande Valley.

Roberto Canales, Waste Connection’s district manager, said his company would be interested in rebidding.

“We’ve worked with them for five years and we want to continue having that relationship,” Canales said. “The city is doing what is best for them, they just want to see how much money they can save and if rebidding is the best option for them instead of renewing with us then it’s totally understandable.”

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July 20, 2018

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An SUV rear-ended a Chevrolet Malibu in downtown Mission Wednesday, causing traffic to slow down and sending a family of four to the hospital.

Mayra Hernandez, driver of the Chevy Malibu, was heading northbound on Conway Avenue and attempted to turn east at the intersection of Conway and 13th Street before a GMC Yukon struck her.

“I had stopped and had signaled to turn and suddenly I was struck,” Hernandez, who was traveling with her three daughters all under the age of six, said. “I guess (the driver) didn’t see me.”

The SUV rear-ended Hernandez’s car, pushing it forward by almost half a block before stopping in front of the MCM Sporting Goods store where Hernandez and her family waited for the police to arrive.

The bumper of Hernandez’s car was still stuck on the grille of SUV when police arrived minutes after the crash.

Besides feeling dazed after the crash, Hernandez

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

The City of Palmview Planning and Zoning Board will hold a Special Meeting on Thursday, August 9, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers at 400 W. Veterans Blvd in Palmview, Texas to consider the following: Rezoning: ST Louis Groves N144’-W518.74’ Lot 34 & S276’-W518.74 Lot 35.4, from Agricultural Open Interim (AO-I) to Multi-Family Residential (R-3) Rezoning: ST Louis Groves W520.7’-S281’ Lot 34 3.35 Acre Net, from Agricultural Open Interim (AO-I) to Multi-Family Residential (R-3) Rezoning: Bentsen Groves N 150’-E 192.6’- Lot 58 .068 AC Gross – 0.55 AC Net, from Single Family Residential (R-I) to Central Business District (C-1) Rezoning: Mission Groves Estate 0.19 AC Lot 8, 2.46 AC Lot 9 & 0.08 AC Lot 10 Lying W HWY Blk 2 2.73 AC 2.73 AC Net GR from Agricultural Open Interim (AO-I) to Heavy Commercial (C-4) Rezoning: Bentsen Groves Lot 50 10.0 AC from Agricultural Open Interim (AO-I) to Heavy Commercial (C-4) Rezoning: Wise Lot 2 from Duplex-Four Plex Residential (AO-I) to General Business (C-3)

The Public is invited to attend.

Annette Villarreal, City Secretary, City of Palmview, Texas

reported no injuries but she and her daughters were sent to the hospital as a precaution, Randy Davila, an officer at the scene said.

Danny Cruz, husband of Hernandez, rushed to the scene after receiving a call from Hernandez.

“We live within walking distance of the accident,” Cruz said. “This car is the only one we have and I need it to get to work. I already called my boss to let them

know I probably won’t make my shift tonight.”

The driver of the SUV, who declined to give her name to the Progress Times, said the accident occurred because she didn’t see Hernandez’s car had stopped.

Davila, however, said she admitted to being on her cell phone and was giving a citation.

“It’s just a pure accident,” he said.

A Chevrolet Malibu with a family of four inside was rear-ended.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION, SERIES 2018 TAKE NOTICE that the City Council (the City Council) of the City of Mission, Texas (the City), shall tentatively convene at 5:30 p.m. on the 27th day of August, 2018, at its regular meeting place in the City Council Chambers at 1201 E. 8th Street, Mission, Texas 78572 and during such meeting, the City Council will consider the passage of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of certificates of obligation in an amount not to exceed $12,500,000 to pay for contractual obligations for the following purposes: the purchase of commercial sanitation vehicles and commercial garbage bins; construction, repair, rehabilitation and renovation of municipal buildings; to engage engineers for the purpose of planning and designing public utilities and improvements in the southwestern part of the City; and payment of the costs of issuance of the certificates of obligation. The Certificates of Obligation will be payable from a combination of the City’s ad valorem tax within the limits authorized by law on all taxable property of the City, and a limited pledge of $1,000 from the net revenues from the operation of the City’s water and sewer system. The Certificates of Obligation are to be issued, and this notice is given, under and pursuant to the provisions of the Certificates of Obligation Act of 1971, as amended, Local Government Code Section 271.041 through Section 271.063.

Dr. Armando Ocana, Mayor City of Mission, Texas

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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 5854893. The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 5 p.m.

For Sale USE HAPPY JACK flea powder to control fire ants as well as fleas & ticks on dogs & cats, Border Enterprises, 956487-2570, (www. kennelvax.com) USE KENNEL DIP to control fleas, ticks, mange mites & stable flies, control mosquitoes where they breed, Southwest Hay & Feed, 956-5801717, (www.kennelvax.com) 1 SMALL COUNTER top refrigerator$50, 1 burgundy heavy duty power lift chair/ recliner, 1 brown leather 2 cushion couch and a matching double recliner with console in center, for more information call 956 -585-1461.

2013 HARLEY FLHX Street G motorcycle , clean title,

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4,900 miles, one owner, $15,500 OBO, call Mr. Duran at 956-240-4869.

2014 KEYSTONE 32’ with 3 slideouts, 3 TV’s, only used 3 times, garaged since new, only one owner, $25K, call 956-279-3043.

Park Model 1999 TROPHY PARK model located on Lot #5 in Circle T MH / RV Park in Mission, with a 12x14 Texas Room and a 10x12 shed, call 956-585-1461.

Services RGV LOCKOUTS GETS to you fast so you can get back on the road, friendly service with good reasonable prices, call us today if you get locked out of your vehicle, 956878-3997.

Classified Rate:

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.

Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office Writ of Execution and Order of Sale NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That by virtue of a certain Writ of Execution and Order of Sale in Cause No. C-1150-17-C issued out of the Honorable 139th District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas on the 22nd day of May 2018 and styled Tuscany Village Homeowner’s Association, Inc., Plaintiff(s), whereas on the 8th day of November 2017 recovered a judgment, against AER Construction, LLC, Defendant(s) for the sum of Three Thousand Five Hundred Forty Three Dollar, Twenty Seven Cents ($3,543.27) together with the Sheriff’s fees, under Judgment in favor of Tuscany Village Homeowner’s Association, Inc. and placed in my hand for service on the 5th day of June 2018. I, J.E. “Eddie” Guerra, as Sheriff of Hidalgo County, Texas, did on the 7th day of June 2018, did levy pursuant to the Writ of Execution and Order of Sale on an agreed judgment on certain Real Property, situated in Hidalgo County, Texas, described as follows, to-wit: 1502 ARANSAS STREET, MISSION, TEXAS 78573, AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED AS LOT 12, TUSCANY VILLAGE SUBDIVISION, UNIT- 1, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS. And on the first Tuesday in the month of August 2018 the same being the 7th day of said month at the front door steps of the Hidalgo County Clerk Records Management Facility, 317 North Closner, Edinburg, Hidalgo County, Texas between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by virtue of said levy and said Writ of Execution and Order of Sale, I will sell said above real estate at public venue, for cash, to the highest bidder as the property of AER Construction, LLC, and in compliance with the law, I give this notice by publication, in the English Language, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks immediately proceeding said day of sale, in The Progress Times a Newspaper in Hidalgo County, Texas.

Witness my hand on this 15th day of June 2018

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 275th District Court HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS, on the 17th of May, 2018, for the sum of $22,419.07 with interest thereon at the rate of 14.9% per annum from the 17th of April, 2018 and cost of suit, under a judgment in favor of TEXAS TAX SOLUTION LLC in a certain cause in said court, No. C-4830-16-E and styled Texas Tax Solution LLC vs. Karina De Hoyos, Trustee and Custodian for (1) the Carlos De Hoyos Trust, (2) The Maximo De Hoyos, Jr. Trust, (3) The Francisco De Hoyos Trust, and (4) the Dios Angel De Hoyos Trust and placed in my hands for service on the 2nd day of July, 2018, I, Lazaro Gallardo Jr., as Constable Pct. 3 Hidalgo County, Texas, did on the 2nd of July, 2018, levy on real property in Hidalgo County, Texas, described as follows, to-wit Texan Gardens S 1/2 Lot 15 Blk 12 5.56AC, Hidalgo County, Texas. And levied upon as property of Karina De Hoyos, Trustee and Custodian for (1) the Carlos De Hoyos Trust, (2) The Maximo De Hoyos, Jr. Trust, (3) The Francisco De Hoyos Trust, and (4) the Dios Angel De Hoyos Trust and that on the first Tuesday in August 2018, the same being the 7th 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 Karina De Hoyos, Trustee and Custodian for (1) the Carlos De Hoyos Trust, (2) The Maximo De Hoyos, Jr. Trust, (3) The Francisco De Hoyos Trust, and (4) the Dios Angel De Hoyos Trust 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 5th day of July, 2018

Lazaro Gallardo, Jr. CONSTABLE PCT.3 Hidalgo County, Texas

ST. JUDE

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 days, 9 times a day. On the 8th day, your prayer will be answered.

It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. My prayers have been answered.

B.A.S.

Mistakes might not give you answers, but they give you questions for a greater answer.

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.

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: Pablo Lopez, 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 29th 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-0239-18-J on the docket of said court and styled CITY OF MISSION VS. PABLO LOPEZ 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 905 REYNOSA ST., 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 29th day of June, 2018.

SHERIFF’S SALE ORDER OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That by virtue of a certain Order of Sale in Cause No. C-2935-17-I issued out of the Honorable 398th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT OF HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS on the 28th day of November 2017, whereas Tuscany Village Homeowners Association, Inc. as plaintiffs, recovered a judgment against: Jesus Peña Jr. (defendants) in the amount of Fourty Eight Thousand, One Hundred Fourty One Dollars and Twenty Two Cents ($3,846.85) together with the cost of executing this writ with all costs of suit as of record is manifest, in favor of Tuscany Village Homeowners Association, Inc. and placed in my hands for service on June 18, 2018, I, J.E. “Eddie” Guerra, as Sheriff of Hidalgo County, Texas, did on the 26h day of June 2018, levy on certain Real Estate in Hidalgo County, Texas, described as follows, to-wit: *3716 LINCOLN AVENUE, MISSION, TX 78573-4507, AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED AS LOT 56, TUSCANY VILLAGE SUBDIVISION, UNIT-1, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS. And levied upon as the property of Jesus Peña Jr. and that on the first Tuesday in August 2018, the same being the 7th day of said month, at 317 N. Closner County Clerk Records Management facility of Hidalgo County, in the City of Edinburg, Texas, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by virtue of said levy and said Order of Sale, I will sell said above described Real Estate at public venue for cash, to the highest bidder, as the property of said Jesus Peña Jr. in compliance with the law, I give this notice by publication, in the English Language, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks immediately proceeding said day of sale, in The Progress Times a Newspaper in Hidalgo County, Texas.

Witness my hand on this 26th day of June 2018

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Team L1berty divided over school board candidates

CITY OF MISSION

PARKS & RECREATION By: Brad Bentsen Hello and Welcome back to Week 4 of why life is so much better outdoors. Our main highlight of the Summer months is our Gus and Goldie Program and the events associated with Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF). If these programs don’t draw the best out of our kids and youth, I really don’t know what to tell you!!! These programs are definitely reason enough to bring your kids outside for teamed exercise, fresh air and a definite dose of Vitamin D! As the previous weeks’ articles have taken you around to Hollis Rutledge Sr. Park, Mission Hike & Bike Trail, Mayberry Pool, Bannworth Pool and the Splash Pad at Arnulfo “Tatan” Rodriguez Jr.; all with excellent reasons for the sporting youth in all of us. We’ll visit again Mayberry and Bannworth Pools; but stretch your imagination a bit as we also join in at the Tracks at Mission Veteran Memorial and Sharyland High Schools along with Sharyland Tennis Courts and Shary Municipal Golf Course. Here is where all of the morning and evening action has been taking place as toddlers are learning how to swim in the Gus

July 20, 2018

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and Goldie Program while the older brothers and sisters are toning their muscles in the pools, on the track, on the courts or on the course.

Though Gus and Goldie has come to an end, the culmination of Summer TAAF is nearing the end as many of our talented youth are heading up to College Station to visit Texas A & M (the University of Texas) to compete with the state’s top notch of the different regions across the state.

Here the kids will put their executive functions to the test. These are the skills that help them plan, prioritize, troubleshoot, negotiate and multitask. All of these skills coupled with creativity and imagination will take them to the edge of what they have learned during these past weeks and help them realize their limits as they aim for the goal. This is where they will learn the true value of winning and losing and those that do make it to the top, how to humble

By Dave Hendricks

themselves with those that may not have done quite so well.

These are skills that must be learned and practiced. In order to do this, children and youth alike, need unstructured time. Though these events are definitely structured, there is a fair amount of unstructured time between events where they can keep their fingers off of their key pads and watch and take note and how to make improvements while taking the right amount of time to meet new friends. On the field between events, they will need time alone while spending time with other children as well and to be allowed (perhaps forced) to make new friends, figure things out and amuse themselves.

Whether they are on the field, off of the field, in the pool, on the court or on the course; they are outside and this will give them opportunity to practice these important life skills!

Split over who to support for school board, Team L1berty may splinter during the next few weeks.

Filing starts Monday for three seats on the La Joya Independent School District board, but members of Team L1berty — the dominant political party in western Hidalgo County — are divided over who to support.

While the situation remains in flux, school board Trustee Frances A. Salinas and school board Trustee Johnn Alaniz probably will run for re-election on separate tickets.

“Like any other group, there’s going to be some disconnect sometimes,” said Alaniz, who downplayed talk of a schism. “But to the point of splitting and breaking up? I don’t see it.”

Alaniz said he thought Frances Salinas did an excellent job on the school board, but didn’t know whether or not they would run together in November.

“I don’t know yet,” Alaniz said. “We’re trying to see what’s our best option.”

The Progress Times spoke with six western Hidalgo County politicos about tensions within Team L1berty. All requested anonymity to discuss private conversations.

They said Team L1berty

didn’t experience a major disagreement or spectacular fight. Members simply drifted apart, formed cliques and fought amongst themselves over relatively minor issues.

La Joya Mayor Jose A. “Fito” Salinas and his wife, City Commissioner Mary Salinas, will support their daughter, Frances Salinas, when she files for re-election. Frances Salinas may run with Nereyda Cantu, the sister-in-law of school board Trustee Alex Cantu.

Frances Salinas, 50, of La Joya serves as executive director of the La Joya Housing Authority. Nereyda Cantu, 40, of Palmview co-owns a daycare with her husband.

Neither Frances Salinas nor Nereyda Cantu responded to requests for comment.

Alex Cantu said he didn’t know if his sister-in-law would run — or who she might run with.

“We don’t know yet,” Alex Cantu said. “We’re still in talks.”

Alaniz, 42, of Palmview, is the CEO of the La Joya Area Federal Credit Union.

He may run for re-election with David Nacianceno, 37, of Palmview, who currently works for the school district.

“I know that’s a name that’s been thrown out there,” Alaniz said.

Attempts to schedule an interview with Nacianceno, who would be forced to

choose between working for the district and serving on the school board, weren’t successful.

Power brokers in Peñitas, including school board President Armin Garza and Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Lopez, probably will support Alaniz, along with school board Trustee Oscar “Coach” Salinas of Sullivan City. They’ll be joined by Peñitas City Manager Omar Romero and Peñitas Chief of Staff Andy Morales, who play a key role in funding campaigns.

Meanwhile, businesswoman Mary T. Hernandez and Hidalgo County Economic Development Director Michael Leo, 43, of Palmview may mount independent campaigns for school board.

“I’m kind of in the exploratory phase, so to speak,” Leo said. “But I have not made an official decision.”

With three seats on the ballot, every team will need a third candidate.

There’s also the chance that, however unlikely, Team L1berty could reach a compromise before the filing deadline on Aug. 20.

“I guess at the end we’ll see what happens,” Alaniz said. “Who comes (to file) and what deals will be cut.

Things like that.”

Veterans Memorial grad signs with Central Methodist University

By Jose De Leon III One year after graduating high school, a Mission Veterans Memorial High School alumnus is getting a second chance at an athletic career after signing on to play football at Missouri’s Central Methodist University.

“I’m blessed to have this opportunity,” Jacob Guerrero, 19, said at his signing ceremony. “Not many kids one year out of high school get looked at again and get this opportunity to play college football. Football doesn’t last all your life so I really wanted to jump on this opportunity and make the most out of it.”

For Guerrero, this second chance comes after he had signed on to play baseball at Beeville’s Coastal Bend College more than one year ago. When he ended up not making the team at the end of his first semester there, however, Guerrero transferred to South Texas College where he has been at for the last few months.

According to David Gil-

pin, Veterans’ athletic coordinator, Guerrero played both baseball and football throughout high school but truly excelled in football.

“He was an all state wide receiver and caught more touchdown passes in a single season than anyone in the entire history of our school,” Gilpin explained. “During his senior year, we went to the third round of playoffs for the first time in the history of our school and a lot of it was because of him. He’s one of those guys you’re happy to see succeed because he’s a great person and athlete.”

Gilpin admitted to hoping to see Guerrero play college football but continued to support him when he decided to play baseball at Coastal Bend.

“Then he changed his mind and said he wanted to go back into football and things just fell into place for him,” Gilpin said. “He’s going to Missouri now to get that done.”

According to Isaac Guerrero, Jacob’s father and a coach at Veterans, Guerre-

PINNING CEREMONY easy.”

Dominguez said that earning these positions is a lengthy and difficult process.

“I’m very proud of what they’ve done,” Dominguez said. “Obviously, they’re

ro’s transfer from STC to CMU came last fall when he ran into Ben Lopez, a recruiter for CMU who had seen his son play football at Veterans’. Lopez asked Isaac about Guerrero which led to him jumping at the opportunity to apply to CMU to start his career in college football.

At CMU, Guerrero said he plans to major in physical therapy and hopes to bring a lot to the table as a football player. “[CMU] was kind of my only option to get back into football and I’ve already talked to the coaches, they like my size, my height, my weight, you name it,” Guerrero said. “The coaches have told me I’ll be a big impact when I get there and I’ll definitely gain a lot of discipline from college football. It’s a lot different from high school, definitely more challenging but I have confidence I can take it.”

Guerrero’s signing ceremony was attended by his friends and family, including six-year-old Joshua Uvalle, who has gone to every Vet-

from pg 1 still young, and I think even more determined to move up the ladder, this is just another important step in that process.”

Dominguez also thanked the family members present

for their support of Mission PD and their loved ones.

“From the very beginning, family is always there to support,” Dominguez said.

Jody Tittle, who has been an officer for 18 years, was

erans’ football game for the last three years.

“After every game, Joshua would take a picture with the players and would look up to all of them including Jacob,” Isaac Guerrero, Jacob’s father, said at the sign-

ing. “For Jacob, this is a big deal for him because even when he was back home, he was still training and conditioning himself just as hard as he was doing when he was in high school. Whenever he visited us last fall he’d al-

ways go watch the football games and you could see it in his eyes that he missed football so it’s an accomplishment that he’s getting back into it.”

Jacob Guerrero (bottom center) surrounded by friends and family at his signing ceremony to play football at Missouri’s Central Methodist University Thursday, July 12, 2018. Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III. named the new assistant police chief. Dominguez appointed Tittle and said he was the best candidate for the position.

“It was a hard decision for me,” Dominguez said. “We have great people in our or-

ganization.”

As tradition serves in Mission, the officers were pinned by members of their family. Each spoke after their pinning. Tittle was excited to see the three other officers be promoted with him, as he has worked closely with each of them throughout his career.

“I have a tie with them,” Tittle said. “It’s very exciting for me to see these senior guys get promoted by my side.”

Ramon said he had taken the test required to be promoted three times, and “the third time’s the charm.”

“I’m excited for the challenges that lie ahead,” Ramon said.

Cedillo thanked everyone for continuing to motivate him and be there for him throughout his time as an officer of the law.

“I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my career,” Cedillo said.

Monforte also thanked the people who helped him along the way.

“I want to thank you all for giving this opportunity, not just to me, but to them, to our families,” Monforte said.

“Thanks to the Chief for giving me the opportunity back in 1999. I hope I will serve you well as I have.”

Mayor Armando O’caña was also present at the event, and spoke about the impor-

tance of police officers. He said that he has seen them in action, and encouraged them to take it to the next level with their promotions.

“I would like to challenge the four of you,” O’caña said. “When you take the rank, do it in the best interest of our citizens in Mission.”

Mission council member Jessica Ortega-Ochoa, who has worked with the four promoted officers when she was with the Crime Victims unit, was also present at the pinning ceremony, and thanked the officers and their families for their dedication to the job.

“They’re great,” Ortega-Ochoa said. “I think they’re what we need for the future of Mission. Their dedication and loyalty to our city says a lot.”

City Manager Martin Garza, Jr. said it was a great day in the City of Mission to see promotions of police officers.

“It’s something that brings a lot of pride and joy not only to the department heads, but also to the Mayor and city council, because we see growth in the city,” Garza said. “I’ve worked with these four gentlemen, and we’re in great hands. The City of Mission is in great hands.”