Friday, August 10, 2018 - PT ISSUE

2018

Look for our 2018 Back to School Special Edition inside

Friday, August 10, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | 50 Cents

Vol. 46 No. 52

MCISD teacher one of six finalists for 2019 Texas Teacher of the Year award

By Jamie Treviño

For Rhonda Peña, teaching isn’t a profession, it’s a calling.

Peña was recently honored as the Region One Elementary Teacher of the Year.

She has now been named one of six finalists for 2019 Texas Teacher of the Year.

She will be called for an interview on Sept. 13 in Austin, and the final selection will be made on Sept.

14. The awards program is facilitated by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA).

A 5th grade math teacher at Bryan Elementary School, Peña has been with the Mission Consolidated Independent School District for 25 years, and has been teaching for 28. She credits God and her family for her achievements so far.

“The most important thing to me is that it gives recognition to our profession and also to our district and Bryan Elementary,” Peña said. “This is my home, and this is where I’ll stay until I retire.”

Peña was awarded the H-E-B Excellence in Education Lifetime Achievement Award last year. She said the announcements are still shocking and exciting.

“It means the world to be recognized,” Peña said. “It’s not just my recognition, it’s recognition for our district, and for our school.”

Peña originally moved to the Rio Grande Valley from her home state of Minnesota, in order to pursue teaching. Her original plan was to move back after one year.

“I grew up in a big family, so they were always encouraging me to learn new things,” Peña said. “As far as getting into math, I credit that to my brothers. My family… they were my first teachers. They gave me the love of learning.”

Peña credits her mother for her love of reading. Having big family reunions led to her enjoying babysitting and being around children.

“All of those things kind of attributed to my choice,” Peña said. “I always say that teaching is not a profession, it’s a calling.”

Alton holds first National Night Out

By Jose De Leon III With an estimated 38 million citizens in 16,000 communities participating in National Night Out, one small city in the area celebrated this event for the first time.

Tuesday marked the 35th annual National Night Out, a nationwide event that promotes relationships between communities and the law enforcement officers that protect them. For the first time ever, the city of Alton participated in this event by holding this community-building event at the Sylvia Vela Park.

“This event is for the community, it’s for you guys to come out and enjoy all the good things going on in our community,” Jonathan Flores, Alton’s police chief said to the crowd attending the event. “We want you guys to meet our local department that serves you and also want to develop a strong partnership with the commu-

nity we serve. It’s because of the hard working men and women of law enforcement that we are able to gather and enjoy these activities. I thank you for coming here.”

According to Samm Mercado, the city’s recreation director, an estimated 800 people were at the event. Attendees were treated to live music, 38 different vendors who were giving out free snacks and school supplies and 17 local law enforcement agencies from across the Valley.

Speakers at the event included Flores, State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, State Rep. Bobbie Guerra, Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra and Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez.

“This is where you get to know officers, you’re not going to show up to the police department and say ‘Oh hi, my name is...’” Theresa Padilla said. She and her-

See ALTON NIGHT OUT Pg. 12

Theresa and Marilya Padilla (left) at Alton’s first ever-National Night Out Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018.

Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.

“I know that God called me to be a teacher,” Peña added. “He granted me with a lot of patience, and just a genuine love of children and

wanting the best for them.”

After meeting her husband, who is from Mission, she decided to stay. Peña found an opening at Bryan

Elementary and settled in the Valley.

According to Peña, the support from the Mission CISD is what keeps her in

Region One Elementary Teacher of the Year Rhonda Peña (right) and MCISD Superintendent Dr. Carol Perez, after Perez announced that Peña has been selected as one of six finalists for 2019 Texas Teacher of the Year.

the area.

“From campus, to administration, the teachers themselves here at Bryan, we are very close,” Peña said.

“Whenever you need anything in the district, the coordinators and central office support you, you just need to ask. We are all one team.”

New technology and developments in curriculum have kept Peña motivated as a teacher over the years.

“I’m very interested in new things with technology,” Peña said. “I never get tired of learning, I never get in a rut.”

Peña tries to change things up every year and adjust her style so she can be the best teacher for Bryan Elementary students and keep them excited to learn.

“I never do the same thing every year,” Peña said. “I try to make my lessons different just so I don’t get bored with it, because if I get bored with it, then the kids will.”

Seeing the “aha moments” in students is, for Peña, the most rewarding thing about her calling.

See MCISD TEACHER Pg. 10

Photo courtesy of MCISD Public Relations and Marketing.

Agua SUD may increase School and community water rates leaders walk over 21 miles

By Dave Hendricks

The Agua Special Utility District board is considering a five-year plan to increase water rates.

During a workshop at Schlitterbahn on Aug. 4, the utility board met with Jeff G. Snowden, the president of Frisco-based Capex Consulting Group.

The utility board hired Snowden in September 2017 to conduct a comprehensive analysis of operating costs,

tomer would pay about $1.44 more per month, Snowden said.

Snowden also suggested the utility district change how the sewer rate is calculated, which would increase sewer bills.

The utility district currently calculates residential sewer bills by averaging the three lowest months of water usage from the previous year. Snowden said many utilities use the “winter average” — December, January and February.

to pray at LJISD

Participants in the first walk held from St. Jude’s Catholic Church to the LJISD Central Office in order to pray for students, staff and administrators in the district for the upcoming school year after the completed journey. Photo courtesy of Facebook.

By Jamie Treviño

Agua SUD Board during a workshop at Schlitterbahn. Progress Times photo by Dave Hendricks. debt obligations and the current rate system.

After reviewing the numbers, Snowden recommended the utility board increase water rates every year for the next five years.

“Systems that don’t do small, gradual, annual increases, they’re the ones that make the paper in five years,” Snowden said, adding that they suffer financial crises when revenue doesn’t cover expenses. “You don’t want to be there.”

The average water cus-

Calculating sewer charges based on the winter average would increase customer bills by $1 to $1.25 per month, Snowden said.

“Not a huge burden on your ratepayers, but it helps tremendously with your revenue,” Snowden said.

The change would also apply to commercial customers, who receive a substantial break on sewer bills under the current system.

Some commercial customers

See AGUA SUD Pg. 10

Last week several community members walked from St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Pharr to the La Joya Independent School District central office to hold a prayer service.

Led by La Joya ISD Board Member Alejandro “Alex” Cantu, the group began walking at 4 a.m. last Friday morning and finished at the offices close to 12 p.m.

This was the first prayer walk to take place for the district, and the group walked about 21.32 miles. “[There is] so much stuff going on around the world right now, especially with our kids,” Alex Cantu said. “I figured since politics and religion don’t mix in the schools, and we’re not going to put this [prayer] in our schools, I

thought we needed God in our schools somehow.”

Victoria “Vicky” Cantu, a board member at South Texas College and Alex’s wife, said there was no better way to bring in the new school year.

“My husband felt the calling in his heart to fulfill this promise and decided to open the invitation to all community members,” Vicky Cantu said. “My simple motivation was to seek refuge in our Lord Jesus Christ to fulfill a promise to our students, teachers, staff and administration so they know they are not alone and we as community members support them.”

According to Alex Cantu, the trek was a way to exercise humility and incorporate prayer for the upcoming school year.

See PRAYER WALK Pg. 10

INSIDE LJISD Election Update Team L1berty has split over the upcoming La Joya ISD school board elections, leading to the creation of a coalition called Un1ted. For the latest, check out the article by Dave Hendricks.

See Pg. 4

INDEX

Entertainment | pg. 2

Memorial held for SISD teacher

MCISD Back to School Bash

Memorial services were held for Sharyland ISD Criminal Justice Professor Rey Molina, who unexpectedly passed last week. Jose De Leon III has the details on the tribute.

The Mission CISD held their 5th annual Back to School Bash last week, drawing large crowds from the three cities served by the district. Jamie Treviño has the coverage, inside.

See Pg. 7

Lifestyle | pg. 3

Obituaries | pg. 9

See Pg. 12

Classifieds | pg. 10

entertainment

VSO season subscriptions now open to public

McALLEN – Sales of season subscriptions to the Valley Symphony Orchestra 201819 concert season is now open to the general public.

“Symphony: That’s Entertainment,” offers a five-concert series package. Each year season subscribers receive first option of renewal before the option goes on sale to the general public.

This year’s first concert in the series is just around the corner with the performance on Sept. 28 for Concert I – “A Night In Paris. It will be followed Oct. 26 with Concert II – “A Harry Potter Halloween”; Dec. 7, Concert III – “A Touch of Frost”; March 1, 2019, Concert IV – “Hooray for Hollywood”; and finishing April 5, 2019, with Concert V – “The 3B’s: Beatles, Brahms And Beethoven.” All five concerts will be held at the McAllen Performing Arts Center located at 801 Convention Center Blvd on Friday eve-

nings from 8 to 10 p.m.

For the best savings, tickets range in price for the full season from $190 for back of the house, front of the house at $240 and orchestra at $290 per subscription. This is a savings of up to 37 percent vs. the single ticket online.

Besides the benefits as a season subscriber to include a guaranteed annual seat reservation period ahead of the general public, subscriptions offer first notice on all upgrades, guest artist info, no-hassle ticket replacements for lost or misplaced tickets, monthly e-newsletter announcements and more.

Patrons may purchase their season tickets directly from the McAllen Convention Center Box Office, online to valleyorchestra.org or ticketmaster.com.

For specific questions about seating locations and availability, call the VSO Box Office to 956-661-1615.

EDINBURG – Two Liga MX teams will face off at the H-E-B Park on Saturday, Sept 8. The six-time Liga MX champions, Club de Fútbol Tigres de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo Leon, will take on the Atlas of Guadalajara when these two come into town. The match will take place on Saturday, Sept. 8, at the H-E-B Park.

The game is a “doubleheader” followed by the Toros FC playing against the Real Monarchs from Utah.

Tickets for the match will go on sale Friday, Aug. 10, at 10 a.m., with prices ranging from $40 to $70. To purchase tickets, visit HEBParkRGV. com or visit the box office at H-E-B Park, which is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Most recently, Tigres UANL won the Campeón de Campeones cup, which was

played against Santos Laguna, the other 2018 Liga MX champion. The final marker was 4-0 for a victory that won Tigres UANL a chance to battle the first edition of Campeones Cup with Toronto FC, a match that will be disputed on Sept. 19 for the first time. Internationally, Tigres UANL has won the Superliga in 2009 and finished runner-up in the Copa Libertadores and the CONCACAF Champions League.

The club boasts star-studded roster, including the French striker, Andre-Pierre Gignac, and Mexican stars Javier Aquino and Hugo Ayala.

Atlas de Guadalajara, founded more than 100 years ago, make their home in Estadio Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico. The team is one of Mexico’s oldest and most traditional, with a strong fan base.

Soccer match features Tigres UANL, Atlas Guadalajara

Coming Attractions

August 20-21 • The Valley Symphony Chorale will hold auditions in the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex choir room at 1201 W. University Drive in Edinburg from 4 to 6 p.m., by appointment only. Requirements include the ability to sing “Gloria to God” from Handel’s Messiah; sing the first phrase of “America the Beautiful” unaccompanied in different keys; and a simple sight-reading with an example. Go to valleyorchestra.org/chorale-auditions to download the audition music. For an appointment, email Dr. David Means, chorale conductor at david.means@utrgv.edu. Rehearsals are Monday evenings in the UTRGV choir room from 7 to 9:30 p.m. beginning in September.

August 30 • Registration ends Aug. 30 for a special three-day Painterly Portrait Workshop led by award-winning artist Alain J. Picard that is hosted by the Upper Valley Art League (UVAL). The workshop will be held Oct. 11 to 13. The workshop runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day at the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th St. in Mission. Working in either pastels or oils, workshop participants will learn how to develop lifelike paintings from live models or photographs. The workshop is $210 for UVAL members and $230 for nonmembers.

A supply list will be available to all participants after registration. To sign up, contact Maxilou Link at maxiloulink88@ gmail.com or Mandy Wilson at mandylwilson@gmail.com to register and pay for the workshop.

September 14 • WWE Live! comes to Bert Ogden Arena, 4900 South I-69 in Edinburg at 7 p.m. featuring WWE superstars Ronda Rousey, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Braun Strowman and more.

Tickets can be purchased at bertogdenarena.com and at the H-E-B Park box office. Call 956-562-7362 for information.

September 15 • The Cultural Indiana Pow Wow features live cultural performances by the Diamond Creek Crown Dancers and the Sahawe Dancers, with Gourd Dancing and the Pow Wow Dancers, at Veterans Memorial Academy, 2115 N. Oscar Williams Rd., San Benito. The event is sponsored by the Texas Historic Independence Celebration Association and runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with drawings, cakewalks and food and drink vendors featured. For more information, call Ruben Cordova at 956-793-2357.

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

August 10, 2018

page 2

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Hosting Empty Bowls mixer

McALLEN – Santa Fe Steakhouse & Cantina is hosting an Empty Bowls Mixer, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 14, at 1918 S. 10th St., McAllen.

The Aug. 14 networking event, with appetizers, drink specials, live music and door prizes, offers a chance to preview bowls for the Empty Bowls 2018. One-of-a-kind ceramic bowls are included with each ticket at the Food Bank RGV’s biggest fundraiser. The bowls stand as a reminder for the hunger faced by many throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Although the mixer is a free event, a $10 donation is appreciated.

The 13th Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon and Auc-

tion is confirmed for Sept.

18 and will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 18 at the Pharr Events Center, 3000 N. Cage. Local restaurants provide samples of their gourmet food for ticket holders while music, silent auctions and mystery boxes keep the festivities going.

Local restaurants are invited to sign up and sponsorship opportunities for available for businesses. Companies and individuals are encouraged to donate unique bowls and silent auction items that help promote their products, services or talents.

For more information, contact Philip Farias at 956904-4513 or pfarias@foodbankrgv.com.

McALLEN – Crawl over to Quinta Mazatlán World Birding Center on Thursday, Aug. 16, at 7 p.m. to explore the world of spiders with guest expert David Moellendorf to learn spider facts everyone should know. He has appeared on the Discovery Channel and National Geographic and has been host of his own series, “Phobias.”

Moellendorf’s expertise in all things arachnid comes through reading and studying of books, as well as field work to gather and catalogue DNA from various spiders.

He has accumulated over 30 years of experience working with spiders. At one time he

had 600 spiders living in his apartment.

The program is included in the $3 park admission.

Quinta Mazatlán is located at 600 Sunset in McAllen.

For more information, call 956-681-3370.

Vargas and receive statewide recognition. Texas State Artists also have the opportunity to participate in TCA events and promotions, including participation on TCA’s Texas Touring Roster and other state initiatives in relation to their respective arts discipline.

Gary Gibbs, TCA executive director, said, “Being named a Texas State Artist is the Texas Legislature’s highest honor for an artist, and it brings new career opportunities and recognition from the arts community and the general public.”

TCA oversees the selection process for the four positions, in accordance with Chapter 3104 of the Texas Government Code.

TCA issues the call for nominations, oversees an evaluation review process, and provides a list of finalists to the selection committee. The committee, composed of members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor and Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, makes the final selections. The 86th Texas Legislature will make the appointments next spring.

Weaving fun with live spiders

David Moellendorf

Nominations open for 2019 State Poet, Musician and Artists

AUSTIN – The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) is seeking nominations for the positions of 2019 and 2020 State Poet Laureate, State Musician, State Artist two-dimensional media (i.e., painting, photography), and State Artist three-dimensional media (i.e., sculpture).

All Texas citizens are encouraged to make nominations, and self-nominations are accepted.

Citizens can nominate more than one artist. The nomination form and complete information are available online at arts.texas.gov/

initiatives/texas-state-artist. The deadline for Texas State Artists nominations is Oct. 15.

All qualified nominees must be native Texans or five-year residents of the state. Candidates must have received recognition for high levels of excellence and success in their respective disciplines. They also must have received critical reviews in state, regional or national publications.

Chosen artists will join the company of previous state artists such as Willie Nelson, Dario Robleto, Dean Young, and Kathy

lifestyle

August 10, 2018

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

MCISD begins pre-kinder program

EVENTS

CALENDAR August 11-12 – The National Butterfly Center invites the public to join in for a “beach party” on the banks of the Rio Grande River on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in peaceful protest to the lifeless “enforcement zone” behind the Border Wall. Bring a picnic lunch, beach chairs and bikes. There will be Segway test drives, sand castle building with Sandyfeet, fishing, bird walks and guided hikes, hayride, Project Wild Aquatic at the wetland, guerrilla gardening, native wildlife petting zoo, games and more. Families interested in camping out the night before, Aug. 11, can do a sleepover under the stars with NBC staff on hand. For more information, call 956-583-5400.

August 14 – The next Rio Grande Valley Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist meeting features Lianne Koczur presenting a program on following waterbirds with a global positioning system. It will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Cameron County Annex Building, 1390 W. Expressway 83. The meeting is open to the public free of charge. For more information, go to rgvctmn.org.

(For more Events, go to ptrgv.com.)

Tickets are on sale and the organizing committee is preparing for the Mission Historical Museum’s 12th Annual Awards Banquet. Committee members are, front row, left to right, Linda Castañeda, JoAnn Ortiz and Yvonne Perez; middle, Teri Plata and Sylvia Vick; and back, Gracie Flores, Eunice Sanchez and Minnie Rodgers, committee chair and MHM board member.

Mission Historical Museum awards banquet is Sept. 20

It is that time of the year and preparations are underway for the Mission Historical Museum’s 12th Annual Awards Banquet. It will be held on Thursday, Sept. 20, at the new Mission Event Center, 200 S. Shary Rd. It will run from 6:30 to 11 p.m.

The highlight for the evening will be the recognition of the 2018 “Wall of Fame” honorees which includes Coach Roy Garcia, Dr. Filomena Leo, Dr. Don Reinhardt, Jann W. Schroeder and former mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas.

The annual fundraiser includes a cash bar, the banquet dinner, a silent auction of unique items, a drawing for prizes, music and entertainment.

Dinner will be served at 7:15 p.m. followed by the program and presentations.

In 2009 the “Wall of Fame” Award was developed to recognize individuals who have lived in Mission and the surrounding area for over 30 years or more and have been instrumental in the development of the community in the fields of education, medicine, as a business owner, or commitment to organizations.

These individuals were se-

lected by a committee composed of museum members.

The Mission Historical Museum is in its 18th year, and funds raised help to preserve and present the history and heritage of the City of Mission and Western Hidalgo County through education programs, enhancement of exhibits and future development.

There are three sponsorship levels, with various levels of benefits, available to members, businesses and organizations to help support the museum: Platinum at $2,500; Gold, $2,000; and Silver, $1,500.

Tickets and table reservations will be available at the museum office. A reserved table for eight guests is $400 for members and $500 for non-members.

Individual tickets for open seating are $30 for members and $40 for nonmembers.

The museum is a nonprofit 501 (c3) organization and donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.

For tickets and reservations, sponsorships, details or information,contact Linda Castañeda, banquet coordinator at 580-8646 or visit the museum at 900 Doherty.

By Melissa Vasquez

that they follow their dream inspired in part by their Korean experiences and made possible by their basic Korean language skills.”

A native Korean, Oh-Villarreal said it was rewarding to know her students opened their eyes to accept a world so different from their own.

“It was exciting to see and hear my students reflect on their cultural experiences every day. My students and I loved Korea,” she said.

The course was taught in cities like Seoul, Yongin, Suwon, Jinju, and several other places where students were able to use what they had learned and apply it in an immersive environment, she said.

Oh-Villarreal said she wanted her students to acquire a variety of expressions to use in any given situation, and to build confidence in their listening and speaking skills.

Students worked in pairs or with language buddies to motivate one another to practice speaking and listening in authentic, natural settings.

“Reading and speaking useful phrases in Korean with native speakers provides more memorable ex-

UTRGV starts entrepreneurship program

EDINBURG – The newly-created Academy for Entrepreneurs, an initiative by UTRGV Continuing Education, will serve as the springboard for innovation and entrepreneurship activities in the Rio Grande Valley.

One of the first offerings to launch from this academy is the UTRGV Entrepreneurship Certificate Program (ECP), designed to build a community of innovative entrepreneurs who will learn what it takes to establish successful startups.

This eight-week program will provide the coaching and support necessary to help entrepreneurs find success within their first year, incorporating a blended learning format of online and in-class sessions.

The program includes an initial application process has a selective admission process designed to identify the best early-stage entrepreneurs. The application fee is $45, paid in advance, and includes a three-step process before acceptance into the program.

page 3

Jayshree Bhat, director of Continuing Education, co-developed the curriculum with Michael Barnes, the lead instructor and CEO of Teacher Talent, a venture-backed startup.

The program will guide participants on how to take products and services to the market quickly and efficiently, while relying on the existing supportive ecosystem for such startup ventures.

Barnes said that by the end of the course, participants will have engaged customers, refined their problem/solution fit, and could be generating revenue if they follow through with the curriculum and homework assignments.

The program fee is $2,400/person, to be paid in full before the start date of Sept. 3 if accepted into the program. Visit utrgv.edu/ ce/programs for additional details and deadlines for application. Contact the Office of Continuing Education at 956-665-2071 or email continuinged@utrgv.edu.

The Mission Consolidated Independent School District will provide a full-day pre-kindergarten program for children who are four years of age on or before Sept. 1, 2018, and who meet all regular MCISD registration requirements.

Students must register at the campus they are scheduled to attend. The student must also be accompanied by a parent, or legal guardian to be eligible to register.

The following items will be requested when registering a child for the program: parent must present a valid form of identification; child’s birth certificate; Social Security card (if available); up-todate immunization record; and proof of residence within the district’s boundaries.

For more information, contact the elementary campus the child would most likely be attending.

By Amanda A. Taylor

Counseling had previously offered a degree in rehabilitation counseling with a concentration in addiction studies option. With the inception of the newdegree track, the previous degree will be phased out immediately, but the existing minor in addiction studies will continue to be offered.

Students currently declared as majors in previous program will have the option to complete their current degree plan or switch to the new one.

According to Reed, this is only the second bachelor in addiction studies offered in the state of Texas. The other degree track is out of the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

Students with questions or concerns should contact program advisors Eluterio Blanco at eluterio.blanco01@utrgv.edu or Fidencio Mercado at fidencio.mercado@utrgv.edu.

UTRGV launches online addiction studies degree

EDINBURG – Starting this fall, the UTRGV School of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling will offer a new online bachelor’s degree in addiction studies. The degree program has been developed to satisfy education requirements for becoming a licensed chemical dependency counselor in Texas.

“For professionals already working in the substance abuse field, this provides a flexible way to earn a degree and advance in careers,” said Dr. Bruce Reed, UTRGV professor of rehabilitation services and counseling and director of the School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling. “As a fully online bachelor’s program, this is an exciting and convenient opportunity to become a licensed counselor.”

The UTRGV School of Rehabilitation Services and

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South Korea trip provides immersive experience

Six Mission residents were among 16 students who took part in a South Korea study abroad program organized by Mijin Oh-Villarreal, lecturer in the University of Texas-RGV Department of Writing and Language Studies.

The trip offered a Beginning Korean Studies II mini-semester course.

Mission residents participating included Ana Munoz Arambula, Ashley Gonzalez and Elvia Arambula, international business majors; Carolina Moreno, biology; Evelyn Lomas, English; and Kassandra Rodriguez, theater design.

From learning to cook traditional Korean dishes to practicing Taekwondo, the students got the experience of a lifetime wrapped into a two-week course. It proved to be a trip that changed the course of future plans for more than 16 students, all from the Rio Grande Valley, said Oh-Villarreal.

“Some of my students are planning on relocating for future jobs, teaching English abroad, for example, or continuing their education abroad,” she said. “I hope

periences required for true learning,” Oh-Villarreal said.

Cultural experiences included wearing a hanbok (traditional Korean dress), making rice cakes, preparing and drinking tea properly, and chowing down on Korean cuisine.

Each day commenced by 7 a.m. with a jam-packed itinerary that included traveling by subway or bus to get to their destinations. They visited a university, a community school, palaces, a Korean folk village, markets, and events and performances that highlighted Korean traditions, such as a wedding ceremony, traditional music, tightrope walking and horse-riding tricks.

Oh-Villarreal encourages UTRGV students to take the plunge and study abroad, as it will not only be an eye-opening experience, but also has the potential to change their lives.

“In visiting Korea and most other foreign countries, we gain a greater respect for cultural diversity,” she said.

“There are no regrets from this type of trip, it will be amazingly memorable and it has the potential to inspire the world.”

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August 10, 2018

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By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Hurricane Harvey-affected campuses receive special evaluations

AUSTIN — Some 109 independent school districts and charters directly affected by Hurricane Harvey are eligible for special evaluation in this year’s state accountability system, the Texas Education Agency announced Aug. 1.

Based on data reported to the agency during the past school year, the affected districts and charters encompass some 1,188 eligible campuses.

Among the submitted data are the numbers of displaced students and teachers and the impact on local school facilities and instructional time.

Hurricane Harvey criteria announced in June represents a change to storm-related accountability adjustments when compared to prior storms in Texas due to the extraordinary magnitude and unique impact of the storm.

The adjustments provide the necessary reprieve from accountability while also ensuring that student outcomes continue to be the focus in Texas, the TEA said.

Districts and charters were given several opportunities to submit information regarding students, teachers and facilities throughout the school year, the TEA said.

Gallego, Flores to face off Former U.S. Rep. Pete Gallego of San Antonio and retired game warden Pete Flores of Pleasanton will face each other in a runoff for Senate District 19. A date for the runoff had not been set as of press time.

Gallego, a Democrat, beat state Rep. Roland Gutierrez of San Antonio for the right to face Flores, who easily outdistanced two other Republicans in the SD-19 special election on July 31.

Gallego, a lawyer, was first elected to the Texas

House of Representatives in 1990. He served 11 consecutive terms in the House until he was elected to Congress in 2012. He served one two-year term in Congress and in 2014 lost to Republican challenger Will Hurd, a Helotes lawyer, who is now running for his third straight two-year term as the representative for Texas Congressional District 23.

The winner of the Gallego-Flores runoff will fill the seat formerly held by Sen. Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio, who resigned from office after he was convicted by a federal district court on 11 felony counts of fraud.

Uresti was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Miller stops spraying Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller on July 30 shut down a cattle fever tick spray box operation at a South Texas ranch.

The spray boxes apply a high-powered insecticide to combat ticks that may infect livestock with deadly Texas cattle fever. Miller said lack of ventilation in the confined spray box violates federally approved label requirements for the insecticide and that licensed applicators were not present at the inspection, as required by state and federal law.

The Cattle-Fever Tick Eradication Program is managed by the USDA and the Texas Animal Health Commission. The use of pesticides is regulated by the Texas Department of Agriculture, over which Miller presides.

The goal of the program is to limit the cattle fever tick to the eight-county quarantine zone along the border with Mexico, and ultimately to

eradicate the pest from Texas entirely.

On Aug. 1, the Fort Worth-based Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association issued a statement critical of Miller’s action.

“We are very disappointed that Commissioner Miller made such a rash decision to take away this vital tool from Texas cattleraisers,” wrote the organization’s president, Robert McKnight Jr. “His decision has a direct and immediate impact on cattle health, Texas ranchers and the entire U.S. cattle industry.

His action could seriously endanger cattle welfare and prevent Texas ranchers from participating in commerce at a time when our industry is already facing hardships due to drought and other issues.

We hope Commissioner Miller will reconsider his position that harms Texas cattle and cattle raisers.”

Revenue total increases Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Aug. 2 announced that state sales tax revenue totaled $2.74 billion in July, 6.9 percent more than in July 2017.

“Sales tax receipts from almost all major economic sectors were up compared with last year,” Hegar said.

“The most notable increases were from oil and gas mining and manufacturing sectors, followed by wholesale trade, restaurants and services. Recent tax collections have also been boosted by a tax amnesty, including more than $39 million in delinquent state sales tax revenue, most of which was processed in July.”

Also, total sales tax revenue for the three months ending in July 2018 was up 10.2 percent compared to the same period a year ago.

Agua SUD tables decision on final phase of Palmview wastewater project-again

By Jose De Leon III The Agua Special Utility District is still waiting to hear back from the Texas Water Development Board on whether or not they can move forward with a cost-saving plan for the final phase of their Palmview wastewater project.

The final phase of the project-the construction of a lift station-was set to have a bid awarded during the July 23 meeting month but after the lowest bid came in at $700,000 over budget, that decision was tabled for the board’s Monday meeting.

According to Agua SUD interim General Manager Jose “Eddie” Saenz, the budget for the fourth phase of the project was $6.5 million but the lowest bid, from the Mission-based RP Constructors Inc., came in at $7.2 million. The Agua board tabled the decision to award the bid

in order to negotiate a lower price with the contractors based off a redesign of the lift station The submitted bids were for construction of a lift station with a capacity of 1.25 million gallons per day, with the possibility to expand to 2.5 mgd, according to Saenz.

With the redesign, a single 1.25 mgd lift station would be constructed as the service area won’t need the full 2.5 mgd station for another 17 years.

However, the board is waiting to hear back from from the Texas Water Development Board-who is funding the wastewater project-on whether or not they can move forward with the redesign.

“We need to act as soon as possible,” Saenz said.

“There’s no deadline for this decision but we want to do it within this month and pressing upon the water development board to give us the op-

tions of what we need to do.”

Reddy Kajuluri, a project engineer with S&B Infrastructure LTD., told the board he is discussing with the TWDB on how the redesign will be accomplished “But they haven’t told us which of these contractors to proceed with,” he said, adding that Agua will send TWDB their plans on the redesign by the end of the week.

“They’ve gone to their legal team to decide what can be done,” Saenz said of TWDB. “My understanding is, within the next week or so, TWDB will give us an answer and then we’ll have a special meeting to act on this item. We really just don’t want to go out for rebids, we want to be able to get it awarded through negotiations or competitive bidding to the ones that qualified. It’s the final phase, we’re looking forward to it and be done by first quarter of 2019.”

Team L1berty splits over school board candidates, ‘Un1ted’ faction emerges stronger

By Dave Hendricks

After months of uncertainty, western Hidalgo County power brokers selected candidates for school board last week — and split Team L1berty.

More than a dozen politicos met at Casa Del Taco in Mission on Aug. 1. The crowd included school board trustees, the mayor of Peńitas, members of the Palmview City Council, power brokers from Sullivan City, a representative of Hidalgo County Commissioner Joe Flores and former state Rep. Sergio Muńoz Sr. With the filing deadline fast approaching, they needed to coalesce behind candidates for the La Joya school board or risk a messy — and expensive — fight for control.

“The whole idea is that we may not agree with everything, but we want to make our peace,” said school board Trustee Oscar “Coach” Salinas, who attended the meeting.

They had a major decision to make.

More than 4,500 people work for the La Joya Independent School District, which employs roughly 50 percent of western Hidalgo County, according to the latest Comprehensive Annual Financial Report published by the district. Along with setting education policy, the school board makes hiring decisions and awards major contracts.

During the meeting at Casa Del Taco, the power brokers considered four candidates: > Trustee Johnn Alaniz, 42, of Palmview, the CEO of the La Joya Area Federal Credit Union. > Nereyda Cantu, 40, of Palmview, who co-owns a daycare with her husband, Ismael “Smiley” Cantu Jr., the brother of school board Trustee Alex Cantu. > former school board Trustee Espie Ochoa, 48, of Palmview, an educator who served eight years on the school board. > Hidalgo County Economic Development Director Michael Leo, 43, of Palmview, the son of former

La Joya Mayor Billy Leo. Before the crowd voted, school board Trustee J.J. Peńa, who won the Democratic Party nomination for justice of the peace and decided not to run for re-election, said he emphasized the stakes.

“Whoever it was going to be,” Peńa said. “We need to make sure their heart is in the right place.”

Three candidates made the cut: Alaniz, Nereyda Cantu and Ochoa.

“I look forward to being the voice for not only the children, but the entire LJISD community,” Nereyda Cantu said in a text message. “I am a La Joya ISD graduate and former employee of the district. Being involved in the community is very important to me; I am passionate about education and a big advocate for children. I look forward to serving the district that is so dear to my heart.”

It’s unclear whether or not everyone who attended the meeting will actually support the candidates.

Members of the Palmview City Council aren’t keen on Alaniz, who worked for the city before joining the credit union. They blame him for the city’s financial problems.

According to sources who requested anonymity to discuss private conversations, elected officials from Peńitas attempted to cut a deal. They wanted members of the Palmview City Council to support all three school board candidates. In exchange, they promised not to run someone against Palmview City Councilman Rick Villarreal, who is widely expected to run for mayor in November.

Members of the Palmview City Council were noncommittal.

While the meeting brought people from rival factions together, several key players were conspicuously absent.

La Joya Mayor Jose A. “Fito” Salinas and his daughter, school board Trustee Frances A. Salinas, weren’t welcome.

The Salinas family had been a key part of Team L1berty, the dominant political party in western Hidalgo County. Power brokers in

Peńitas, though, decided to mend fences with Flores and unceremoniously dumped them.“The one that started the whole thing was Johnn Alaniz. That he wasn’t going to run with Frances,” Fito Salinas said, adding that the Peńitas power brokers never told him why. “Frances is going to run. There’s no doubt.”

Frances Salinas didn’t respond to requests for comment. Asked why he didn’t run with her, Johnn Alaniz wouldn’t say.

“At this time, I’m not going to comment on that,” Alaniz said.

Sullivan City Mayor Leo Garcia, who started distancing himself from local politics last year, also stayed away. School board Trustee Claudia Ochoa and her husband, former school board President Arnold Ochoa, were no-shows too.

The divide finally split Team L1berty, which had started collapsing after the Agua Special Utility District election in May. “You can’t trust those young, little kids, you know,” Fito Salinas said, adding that he would start a new political party. “It’s not like it used to be in the old days.”

After the meeting, members of the new coalition announced a new name: Un1ted, with the “1” paying homage to Team L1berty and “United” trumpeting the new, fragile political alliance they created.

The meeting at Casa Del Taco provided a first glimpse of the new political order.

Oscar Salinas said he spent part of the night talking with Joel “Congo” Benavides, who didn’t support him during the last school board campaign.

They’re both big players in Sullivan City. Joel Benavides’ son, Rosendo “Cheno” Benavides, is the former mayor. And Oscar Salinas’ brother in law, Gabriel Salinas, serves on the City Commission.

Word about Oscar Salinas and Joel Benavides mending fences prompted more than a few puzzled expressions.

“It’s politics, I guess,” Peńa said. “Strange things happen.”

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August 10, 2018

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Officers accuse former Mission mayor of drinking and driving

By Dave Hendricks During an arbitration hearing on Tuesday, two police officers said they stopped former Mission Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas for driving erratically but were afraid to arrest him — even though they could smell alcohol.

Inv. Juan Flores and Officer Javier Lara testified Tuesday at the Shary Municipal Golf Course, where the city held an arbitration hearing for Officer Veronica Cedillo.

The Mission Police Department fired Cedillo for spreading a rumor that Salinas had drunkenly crashed a truck on May 5.

Officers who conducted a cursory investigation of the crash said they didn’t observe any signs of intoxication when they spoke with Salinas.

Minutes after he left the scene, though, they found a cold beer. That fueled a rumor Salinas had been drinking and driving before the crash.

As part of her defense, Flores and Lara testified about old traffic stops involving Salinas.

“They’re lying,” Salinas said, adding that he stopped drinking alcohol about 10 years ago. “They know they’re lying and they should be ashamed of themselves.”

However, both Flores

and Lara said they stopped Salinas for traffic offenses during the past decade and smelled alcohol on him.

Flores said he stopped a Ford truck for driving erratically in 2010 or 2011.

When Flores approached the truck, he recognized Salinas behind the wheel.

“And I smelled alcohol,” Flores said.

Concerned about retaliation, Flores said he called a supervisor to handle the traffic stop.

“We’d been told the mayor was untouchable,” Flores said, adding that he didn’t know what happened after he left the scene.

Lara told a similar story.

About five years ago,

Lara said he attempted to stop a truck, but the driver didn’t pull over.

Lara said he attempted to stop the truck on the 900 block of East Business 83 near the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant. The truck ignored several stop signs, disregarded a traffic light and finally stopped at Salinas’ office.

“He had been drinking,” Lara said, adding that Salinas didn’t appear intoxicated.

At the time, Lara was a probationary employee without civil service protection.

He decided not to write the mayor a traffic ticket.

Salinas said he remembered the traffic stop but categorically denied he’d

been drinking.

“Don’t give me that BS that they were afraid of me,” Salinas said, peppering his comments with expletives.

“Why can’t they be man enough to tell the truth?”

Asked why they would lie, Salinas said he didn’t know.

“What I can tell you is that two officers were lying,” Salinas said. “And they shouldn’t be working for the police department if they’re making those accusations under oath — and they’re not true.”

Flores also testified that police Chief Robert Dominguez pushed him to change the crash report from the May 5 incident involving

the former mayor.

Officers who responded to the crash determined Salinas had veered off the road and struck a utility pole. After reviewing the crash report, Flores said he listed “Failed to Drive in Single Lane” as a contributing factor.

Dominguez said he removed the contributing factor because it wasn’t clear what caused the crash.

“Why do they insist that I drink?” Salinas mused when told about the testimony, clearly annoyed by the speculation. “They’re going to create a problem for me and I’m going to have to start drinking again.”

With grant in limbo, La Joya may accept donations to fund police overtime

By Dave Hendricks If the city of La Joya rejects border security funding, donors may cover police overtime costs.

Officers at the La Joya Police Department, who earn just $14.50 per hour, depend on border security funding for overtime.

Mayor Jose A. “Fito” Salinas, though, recently became concerned the grant programs — Operation Stonegarden and Operation Border Star, which awarded the city $55,000 apiece during the current funding cycles — require La Joya to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs En-

forcement.

The La Joya City Commission attempted to solve the conundrum Aug. 3, when members authorized City Attorney Michael Pruneda to create a local government corporation.

“We did have some individuals — private individuals — that want to donate money to this corporation so we can make up the $55,000,” Salinas said. “If we refuse the grant, they’re willing to match that money and maybe more.”

La Joya participated in Operation Stonegarden and Operation Border Star for years.

Administered by the Gov-

ernor’s Office, the programs pay for local police to target drug traffickers and migrant smugglers. Both programs require La Joya to comply with federal immigration detainers.

Salinas became concerned about that requirement after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security started separating migrant children from their parents.

He took a stand 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.”

The announcement caught

Police catch sex offender running stash house in Sullivan City

By Dave Hendricks Officers arrested a sex offender last week, when they caught him running a stash house in Sullivan City, according to court records.

At 5:02 p.m. on July 31, a Sullivan City police officer attempted to stop a blue Chevrolet Trailblazer on Farm-to-Market Road 886 near Los Ebanos, according to Sullivan City Municipal Court records.

The Trailblazer, though, slipped away.

After searching the area, the officer found the Trailblazer parked on the 200 block of Fifth Street. He caught Jose Damian Sandoval, 23, of McAllen, exiting the car.

“Mr. Sandoval was advised that his vehicle was improperly parked,” according to the criminal complaint against him, which added that Sandoval appeared angry about the ticket. “While questioning Mr. Sandoval, he later confessed that he was in the area smuggling people and that they were hiding inside said residence.”

The Sullivan City Police Department dispatched backup to assist with the search.

Officer Rafael Robles, Officer Herman Quintanilla,

Inv. Juan Pruneda and Sgt. Joseph Cordova searched the home together.

They detained the homeowner, 48-year-old Pedro De La Rosa Jr. of Sullivan City, and three people who admitted to illegally crossing the Rio Grande.

They found a woman hiding in the bathroom and a man locked in a bedroom.

Officers found another man in the yard.

“Mr. De La Rosa was questioned to which he confessed that he helps the illegal aliens in exchange of food (sic) and that they pay him 10 to 30 dollars per subject,” according to the criminal complaint.

Officers also questioned Sandoval, who claimed De La Rosa and another smuggler approached him at the Walmart Supercenter in Peñitas.

Sandoval said De La Rosa and the other man threatened him, according to the criminal complaint. Fearing the smugglers would kill him, Sandoval agreed to work with them.

Both men already had criminal records.

De La Rosa is a low-risk sex offender registered with the Texas Department of Public Safety. According to

the state registry, De La Rosa was convicted of two counts of attempting to commit indecency with a child and sentenced to six years probation.

Sandoval also had a prior felony conviction, according to Hidalgo County court records.

In December 2014, Sandoval pleaded guilty to burglary of habitation, a second-degree felony.

After 155 days in jail, state District Judge Rudy Delgado sentenced Sandoval to four years in prison — but suspended the sentence and placed Sandoval on probation.

The arrest in Sullivan City sent them back to jail.

Officers charged both De La Rosa and Sandoval with smuggling of persons, a third-degree felony.

The third-degree felony charge is punishable by a maximum 10 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Municipal Judge Alex Cantu set bond at $20,000 for De La Rosa and $15,000 for Sandoval.

Court records don’t list attorneys for De La Rosa and Sandoval, who remain at the Hidalgo County jail and couldn’t be reached for comment.

police Chief Adolfo Arriaga and City Administrator Mike Alaniz flat-footed.

What, exactly, the Facebook post meant also caused confusion.

La Joya honors federal immigration detainers, which require the city to temporarily hold people who aren’t legally present in the United States. However, the city never housed detainees on a long-term basis.

The City Commission tabled a resolution to accept Operation Border Star funding, leaving the grant in limbo.

Salinas said he discussed options with Pruneda and they settled on a local gov-

ernment corporation.

“I named it the ‘Greater Western Hidalgo County Local Government Corporation’ because I don’t think the purpose is to limit it just to our city limits. La Joya, I would think, is the leader of the west, and you all want to be able to contract with other cities that surround you, as well as the county and other organizations,” Pruneda said.

After accepting donations, the corporation could negotiate a contract with the city to pay for police overtime.

“The law allows this entity to contract with any government entity or private

entity,” Pruneda said. “So it can receive monies from anywhere. It can apply for grants. It can aid the city by receiving private funds.”

The City Commission appointed a three-member board to manage the corporation.

City Commissioner Anna Lisa Ruiz, Public Works Director Elizandro de la Rosa and city public relations consultant Sylvia Garces Valdez will form the initial board of directors.

“So it is in the best interest of the city to have this corporation,” Salinas said. “And if we do pay this overtime to our police officers, it’s going to be governed by us.”

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August 10, 2018

Sports week

BIG7 SCHOOLS

page 6

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

Patriots ready to raise the bar, again

By Luciano Guerra The Mission Veterans Patriots football team has experienced more than its share of success over the years. Case in point, under the leadership of head coach David Gilpin, the Patriots have qualified for the UIL state playoffs eight of the past nine years.

That includes playoff appearances the past six years in a row and advancing into at least the second round of postseason play the past four years. That is the kind of success few high school football programs ever achieve and most head football coaches can only dream of.

While most coaches would be satisfied with that kind of success, Gilpin is not most coaches. That’s because he enters each season looking to raise the bar his past teams have already set high, even higher.

If Gilpin and his Patriots are going to raise their playoffs bar this season, they will first have to take care of business in the newly formed District 16-5A-1. That is the district the Patriots will be members of the next two seasons as a result of the UIL’s most recent realignment.

This ten team district, which includes all the Valley’s 5A big schools, is made up of Brownsville’s Lopez, Veterans Memorial, Pace and Porter, PSJA’s Memorial and Southwest, Donna High, Rio Grande City, La Joya Palmview and of course the Patriots. As part of a ten team district, the Patriots, along with the other16-5A-1 teams, will all be limited to one non-district game. That is just one of

the changes that Gilpin and his Patriots will have to deal with this season.

“We’re pretty much in a brand new district,” Gilpin said. “The only familiar foe we have is Rio Grande City.

The other big thing with realignment is that we now have 10 teams in our district.

That’s a huge district, and as a result, you play only one non-district game and you’re into the fire. So you’ve got to be game ready really fast in this district and we feel confident that we will be.”

Something else Gilpin is confident about is his Patriots’ chances of doing what only a handful of Valley football teams have ever done, advancing into at least the fourth round of the state playoffs.

“We’ve advanced into the second round of the playoffs four years in a row.” Gilpin said. “That includes a third round appearance two years ago. And our goal is to shatter that this year. People in the Rio Grande Valley don’t talk about what we’re talking about doing. I don’t care what anybody thinks about what I believe we can do this year. I’m talking fifth round this year. I’m talking final four and regional champions.”

“I believe that we have the kind of team that can accomplish this and I’m not scared of being laughed at for saying that,” added Gilpin. “I believe that we’ll be 14-0 and playing for a regional championship this year. So get on the bandwagon now and if things go right, and we’re able to keep our key pieces on the field, I can see us being 10-0 as we go

Several of the 2018 Mission Veterans’ football players that will be counted on to lead the Patriots to the UIL state playoffs. Pictured from left to right are, AJ Gonzaque, Leo Cantu, Adrian Meza, John Aguilar, Adrian Salinas, Landry Gilpin, Artie Flores, Elias Delgado, Gus Garza, Jazz Vallejo and Joey Garcia. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra. into the playoffs and being 14-0 playing the Region III champions.”

A big reason for Gilpin’s confidence is the fact that he has the Valley’s top player leading his offense.

Named the Valley’s football player of the year at the 2018 All Valley Sports Awards Banquet, Landry Gilpin is entering his second season as the Patriots’ quarterback. Just how good is the younger Gilpin? Good enough to put up 3,172 yards through the air, 1,718 on the ground, and good enough to account for 48 combined touchdowns last season. He completed 56 percent of his passes and threw just five interceptions on 375 attempts.

In addition, Gilpin received two All-State selections (TSWA and AP), was named Player of the Year by both The Monitor (All-Area) and High School Sports Magazine (All-South Texas) and he was named District 315A’s Most Valuable Player.

As impressive as those stats and all those well-de-

served post season honors are, Gilpin could not have done it without a great supporting cast. And that is something he is well aware of.

“I think that our success as an offense is due to the talent of the receivers that I’ve grown up with in my class and the class below us,” Gilpin said. “The people that have been put in position to be with us on the offense have been a blessing. Our receivers don’t drop a lot of balls. They are very athletic, very capable of playing in big games and they don’t shy away from big moments.

Putting all of that together, we’re capable of doing a lot as a team.”

The fact that Gilpin is a dual-threat quarterback, makes him perfect for running what many are now calling RPOs (run/pass option plays). When asked if he prefers running RPO type plays over the more traditional run or pass plays, the 5-foot-11-inch, 160-pound, senior quarterback said, “I

like the fact that a lot of defenses see me as a running quarterback. That’s because whenever I get downhill and I get them to bite down on me, that opens up the receivers a lot more. And as they have proven over and over again, you give my receivers space and they’re going to make something happen.”

One of the receivers that Gilpin has will be targeting the most this season is fellow senior John Aguilar.

Last year, Gilpin and Aguilar connected on 38 receptions for 659 yards and four touchdowns.

The fact that of the Patriots nine district games only three will be at home does not concern Aguilar too much. That’s because he knows that no matter where they play, Patriots fans will be there.

“Of course everybody thinks that at home you have all your fans with you but we look at road games as business trips and we have work to do,” Aguilar said. “Besides, our fans

follow us on the road very well.”

When asked what goals he has set for himself in this his final season as a Patriot, the 5-foot-7-inch, 155-pound wide receiver said, “To go out and have the best season I’ve ever had.”

With Gilpin, Aguilar and several of the Mission Veterans’ skill players being seniors this season, this could be the year that Coach Gilpin leads his Patriots to the place no Patriots team has gone before; the fourth round of the state playoffs. However, first up for Mission Veterans will be the Mission Eagles who they play in their only non-district game of the season, Friday, August 31 at Tom Landry Stadium. Then they’ll kick off District 165A-1 play at PSJA Memorial, Thursday, September 6. Will that be the start of something big for the Patriots? Only time will tell for sure, but Coach Gilpin for one, certainly thinks it will.

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Diamondbacks determined to continue winning ways

By Bryan Ramos Change is inevitable, but the Pioneer Diamondbacks are out to prove an offseason of moves won’t stop the team’s winning ways.

Tommy Lee, Pioneer’s athletic coordinator and new head coach, was tabbed to lead the program back in January after former head coach Jason Wheeler was reassigned at the conclusion of last season. With head coaching experience at Mission High from 2003 to 2008, followed by years as an assistant at Sharyland High under his belt, Lee said he’s excited to take over a young, talented Pioneer team with high expectations in 2018.

“I’m excited about the opportunity that was presented to me,” Lee said.

“I’m excited about the kids we have; we’re going to be a young team, but it’s going to be a fun team to coach. We have high expectations here in Sharyland, we expect big

things to happen.”

The Diamondbacks have qualified for the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, even earning a share of the district title in 2016. A large part of that success was due to the play of All-District quarterback Jacob Rosales, who has since transferred to spend his senior year at Robert Vela High in Edinburg.

On the outside, some may be skeptical of the Diamondbacks replacing that production, but inside the Pioneer locker room, they’re confident they have the talent at the skill positions to make life easier for their new starting quarterback, sophomore Eddie Lee Marburger.

“He’s got lots of potential, he has a great arm,” said senior slot receiver Diego Perez. “I’m sure he’ll be a little bit nervous in his first few reps, but he’ll catch on and he’ll be a great varsity quarterback and I’m sure we’ll be able to help him with the weapons we have.”

L to R: Senior wide receiver Roel Cajero, senior outside linebacker Parker Barrett and senior slot receiver Diego Perez are expected to play key roles for the 2018 Pioneer Diamondbacks.

The Diamondbacks will continue to run the spread offense, but Lee hopes to air the ball out more than in recent years. Marburger emerged as the guy in spring ball and will enter the season under center for Pioneer.

With senior weapons on the outside like Perez, Roel Cajero and Diego Benavides, Lee believes his veteran receiving corps will be valuable on-and-off the field.

“I think those seniors we

have playing receiver are going to be big for us and for our young receivers, just giving us some experience, some maturity, and I think just being coaches on the field because they’ve been doing it so long,” Lee said.

“Those guys are going to be valuable for our quarterback and young receiving core.”

The Diamondbacks are changing things up on the other side of the ball as the defense will run a 3-4

scheme in 2018. With three returning starters on the defensive line in seniors Alonso Ibarra, Obed Hernandez and Darek Lopez, Lee says the guys up front will have to be the team’s anchor.

Senior outside linebacker Parker Barrett said he’s expecting good things from the 3-4 scheme and is ready to hunt down opposing quarterbacks.

“The 3-4 is going to be pretty good, run-wise and pass-wise,” Barrett said. “I think we’ll have a good pass rush with everyone’s experience in there.”

Another change is the new district Pioneer is a part of, District 16-5A Division II. The seven-team district includes the Diamondbacks, along with traditional Valley powerhouses like Edcouch-Elsa, Mercedes, and of course, the rival Sharyland Rattlers.

“We know they’re all about winning, and they’re

great ball clubs,” said Cajero, who posted 730 receiving yards in 2017 to go with 10 touchdown catches. “Playing them is only going to get us better, so I’m looking forward to playing them.”

Even after all the changes, the Diamondbacks remain focused on one thing: winning.

“Coach Lee is all about winning, so we want to keep up the winning ways,” Cajero continued. “We’re just going to give it everything we got and do some great things here at Pioneer.”

The Pioneer Diamondbacks are scheduled to kickoff the 2018 regular season on the road Friday, August 31, against the Harlingen Cardinals at Boggus Stadium.

“It’s going to be exciting, that first game back,” Lee said. “I’ve been out for four years, it’ll be nice to step foot back on that field on a Friday night and see what the Diamondbacks can do.”

Sharyland ISD, Rio Grande City, mourn the loss of one of their own

By Jose De Leon III For Daryella Gutierrez, having Criminal Justice Professor Reynaldo “Rey” Molina III as her instructor was one of the things she was looking forward to the most in her upcoming senior year at Sharyland High School.

Unfortunately, that won’t come true for her and other students after Molina passed away Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018 following a motorcycle accident last month in his hometown of Rio Grande City that affected two others.

“Mr. Molina impacted me a lot this past year,” Gutierrez said. “As an adviser for the criminal justice club, he always supported and believed in me, it was very reassuring for me to see someone in criminal justice-a field I want to participate in-be like that with me.”

Gutierrez said this Wednesday, August 8, 2018 following a balloon release at Sharyland High School in honor of Molina.

About 30 people, mostly students of Molina participated in the event where they wrote messages addressed to Molina and released them afterward.

“It shows that his memory might float away, but we will always remember him,” Gutierrez said. “He may not be here physically with us, but we’re always going to remember him.”

The crash Molina was hospitalized

following a motorcycle crash in Rio Grande City that occured Thursday, July 26, 2018.

According to RGC Assistant Police Chief Jose Solis, officers were called to the 4500 block of U.S. Highway 83 at about 10:35 p.m. in reference to an auto-pedestrian accident involving three individuals.

When police arrived at the scene, they found Jose Cervantes, 68, who was pronounced dead at the scene, and Molina and his friend, Victor Saenz, in critical condition.

While the investigation is ongoing, police believe the accident was caused after Cervantes was crossing the street where he failed to yield for Molina and Saenz, causing Saenz to crash into him. This created a domino effect where Saenz was thrown off from his motorcycle and Molina crashed into Saenz’s motorcycle, causing him to be thrown off from his motorcycle as well, Solis said.

Both men were transported to McAllen Medical Center in critical condition. Molina died over a week later and Saenz remains hospitalized.

Cervantes was well known in the community as he usually stood off the side of the highway selling cornbread, Solis said.

“I’d always see him every afternoon, selling cornbread, but I never knew his name until this case.” Solis reflected. “From what we figured out, he was actually

walking home after shopping at Walmart, after buying supplies to make cornbread for the next day.”

Solis noted that the entire city was in mourning after the crash based off of posts he’s seen on Facebook offering prayers and condolences to the three families affected by this crash, which he called a “bad accident.”

“All three are from Rio Grande City and a lot of people knew them all,” Solis said, adding that he and Molina’s paths would cross when Molina served as an investigator for the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.

“All three of these individuals were very loved by the community and, in the blink of an eye, all of their families were affected by this unfortunate accident. We’re hoping Victor can pull through.

The community is taking this accident pretty hard.”

The tribute Molina graduated in 2007 from Rio Grande City High School and received his Peace Officer License from Laredo Police Academy in 2010. He received an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice from South Texas College in 2015 and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Lamar University in 2017. He became employed with Sharyland High School as a Criminal Justice teacher for the previous school year.

At Wednesday’s balloon release, Frank Elizondo, a criminal justice professor,

A crowd watches as balloons released in honor of Sharyland High School Criminal Justice Professor Reynaldo “Rey” Molina III are released, Wednesday, August 8, 18. Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III. spoke highly of Molina.

“He was amazing, all the students looked up to him,” Elizondo recalled. “He was enthusiastic and caring, you could tell right off the bat he was excited to join the teaching profession. I miss him, he was like family to me, my little brother.”

Elizondo, who wrote on his balloon “Love you kid, take care of us,” said the balloon release showed how the community was able to band together following this tragic accident.

“This goes to show how united our community here is, everyone here is family,” Elizondo said.

Sharyland School Board President expressed condolences for Molina’s family and the loss they and others affected by the accident are experiencing.

“We’re devastated by the tragic news and the fact that his family is dealing with this,” Smith said in a Tuesday phone interview. “It’s so unfortunate and tragic that a young, beautiful life was lost and Sharyland will feel his absence, our prayer goes to his family and those suffering.”

Though she wasn’t able to attend the balloon release, Smith said she was proud of the students organizing the event.

“It’s a beautiful tribute that makes the community proud, “she said.

Gutierrez, Gabby Martinez and Marifer Saldivar, all three who were familiar with Molina, organized the event.

“We decided to do this because Mr. Molina was very important to us.” Saldivar said. “Although he was only

here for a short amount of time, the impact he made was unexplainable and this is a small way to show his family how much we appreciated him. He was such a welcoming man with a pure heart who loved everyone, his positivity just filled the room, that’s something he taught us to do, always be positive.”

Saldivar, who wrote on her balloon “You’ll always have a place in my heart,” said that ultimately, she and her friends plan to honor Molina by pursuing their studies in the area of criminal justice.

“We really miss him and he will always hold a place in our hearts,” Saldivar said.

“Though he won’t get to see us graduate, we’re going to make sure to make him proud.”

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August 10, 2018

DHR opens transplant center

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS BUDGET AND PROPOSED TAX RATE

The LA JOYA ISD will hold a public meeting at 5:30 PM, August 22, 2018 in Central Administration at Nellie Schunior Staff Development Center. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the school district’s budget that will determine the tax rate that will be adopted. Public participation in the discussion is invited.

The tax rate that is ultimately adopted at this meeting or at a separate meeting at a later date may not exceed the proposed rate shown below unless the district publishes a revised notice containing the same information and comparisons set out below and holds another public meeting to discuss the revised notice.

Maintenance Tax

$1.1700/$100 (proposed rate for maintenance and operations)

School Debt Service Tax Approved by Local Voters

$0.1410/$100 (proposed rate to pay bonded indebtedness)

Comparison of Proposed Budget with Last Year’s Budget The applicable percentage increase or decrease (or difference) in the amount budgeted in the preceding fiscal year and the amount budgeted for the fiscal year that begins during the current tax year is indicated for each of the following expenditure categories.

Maintenance and operations -1.51 % decrease Debt Service -9.16 % decrease Total expenditures -2.08 % decrease

Total Appraised Value and Total Taxable Value (as calculated under Section 26.04, Tax Code) Preceding Tax Year Current Tax Year Total appraised value* of all property $3,128,177,777 $3,411,510,674 Total appraised value* of new property** $39,143,115 $131,952,978 Total taxable value*** of all property $2,311,816,193 $2,558,622,080 Total taxable value*** of new property** $36,749,635 $112,736,772 *Appraised value is the amount shown on the appraisal roll and defined by Section 1.04(8), Tax Code. ** “New property” is defined by Section 26.012(17), Tax Code. *** “Taxable value” is defined by Section 1.04(10), Tax Code.

Bonded Indebtedness

Total amount of outstanding and unpaid bonded indebtedness* $223,190,945 *Outstanding principal.

Comparison of Proposed Rates with Last Year’s Rates Maintenance & Operations $1.1700

Last year’s Rate Rate to Maintain Same Level of Maintenance & $1.1874 Operations Revenue & Pay Debt Service Proposed Rate

$1.1700

Interest & Sinking Fund* Total $0.1410* $1.3110

Local Revenue Per Student $1,111

State Revenue Per Student $8,981

$0.4609*

$1.6483

$1,804

$8,983

$0.1410*

$1.3110

$1,204

$9,092

*The Interest & Sinking Fund tax revenue is used to pay for bonded indebtedness on construction, equipment, or both.

The bonds, and the tax rate necessary to pay those bonds, were approved by the voters of this disctrict.

Comparison of Proposed Levy with Last Year’s Levy on Average Residence

Last Year This Year Average Market Value of Residences $76,222 $84,097 Average Taxable Value of Residences $51,222 $59,097 Last Year’s Rate Versus Proposed Rate per $100 Value $1.3110 $1.3110 Taxes Due on Average Residence $671.52 $774.76 Increase (Decrease) in Taxes $103.24 Under state law, the dollar amount of school taxes imposed on the residence homestead of a person 65 years of age or older or of the surviving spouse of such a person, if the surviving spouse was 55 years of age or older when the person died, may not be increased above the amount paid in the first year after the person turned 65, regardless of changes in tax rate or property value.

Notice of Rollback Rate: The highest tax rate the district can adopt before requiring voter approval at an election is $1.3134. This election will be automatically held if the district adopts a rate in excess of the rollback rate of $1.3134.

Fund Balances The following estimated balances will remain at the end of the current fiscal year and are not encumbered with or by a corresponding debt obligation, less estimated funds necessary for operating the district before receipt of the first state aid payment.

Maintenance and Operations Fund Balance(s) Interest & Sinking Fund Balance(s)

$93,135,843 $0

The opening of the DHR Health Transplant institute Wednesday, July 25, 2018. Courtesy photo. for the institute, the facility

By Jose De Leon III is unique to the Rio Grande When Mercedes Rivas’ Valley. body began rejecting the di“These clinics are only alysis she had been receiving found here in the Valley, at for years, she and her doctors DHR,” Disque said. “Toknew she needed a new kid- gether they are providing ney as soon as possible. much needed care to the paIn late 2011, Rivas was tients of the Rio Grande Valdiagnosed with Wegener’s ley. The location is ideal for Granulomatosis, a rare dis- the future of transplant and ease that damages organs. research here in the area.”

Within a few years, Rivas’ Carie Kadric, director kidneys shut down which of external operations for put her on dialysis that in the Texas Organ Sharing late 2017, her body began Alliance, spoke of the imrejecting. portance of being an organ “It didn’t look good,” donor and having a facility Rivas recalled. “There was like the transplant institute fluid in my lungs and I could so close to home. not do dialysis anymore.”

“With the opening of this Her sister, Maricela At- facility individuals and their water, then got tested to see families will be able to seek if her kidneys were compat- treatment here, locally, and ible with Rivas, resulting in have their life changing surAtwater donating her kidney gery a few miles from their to her sister last January in home instead of going to ana transplant surgery com- other area,” Kadric said. “Topleted at Doctors Hospital at gether, we can help patients Renaissance, one of the few receive a second chance at transplants done in the Rio life through donating.”

Grande Valley.

To create the facility, “All the staff was good DHR hospital recruited phyto me,” Rivas told a crowd sicians from across the counof people Wednesday, July try, focusing on kidney, pan25. “I couldn’t have picked a creas and liver specialties. better place to do my transJose Almeda-the instiplant, so here I am today...I tute’s transplant director-said thank God everyday.” the institute was created with Rivas recounted this story the idea of accommodating during the grand opening of patients in the Valley. the DHR Health Transplant “We wanted to provide Institute. The medical office transplant services, cancer building, located at 1100 East services, liver services, evDove Avenue in Mcallen, is erything you need under one a comprehensive, multidisci- roof so the patients won’t plinary disease management have to leave the Valley,” center specializing in kidney, Almeda said. “We have all liver and pancreatic disor- these departments to take ders. It will house DHR’s care of amazing patients we Kidney Transplant Center, have here in the Valley alLiver Specialty Center and ready. There’s absolutely no the Hepatobiliary, Pancreas reason why anyone should and Organ Transplantation have to leave elsewhere to Surgery Center. receive these services; this The institute is the first of amazing building we’re in its kind offering these ser- today is a testament to the vices south of San Antonio. commitment from the hospiAccording to Laura Dis- tal to the care of patients they que, transplant administrator will receive.”

August 10, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

obituaries Elpidia Cantu MISSION – Elpidia M. Cantu, 80, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018, at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen.

A native of Havana, Mrs. Cantu was a lifelong resident of Mission.

Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Manuel Cantu Jr.; daughters, Rosalinda Cantu, Senaida Zamora, Amalia Villarreal, Consuelo Munoz, Elpidia Herrera and Hermelinda Meza; sister, Beatriz Saenz; and 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Desiderio and Hermelinda Moreno; siblings, Mauro and Nieves Moreno and Maria Ramirez; grandchildren, Manuel and Matthew Zamora; and great-grandchild, Madelyn Cantu.

A funeral mass was held on Aug. 9 at St. Mary Magadalene Catholic Church in Abram. Burial followed San Jose Cemetery in Abram.

Patricia Margaret DeBlieck, CSJ ST. PAUL, MINN. – This courageously persistent woman of immense generosity and faith was born on March 17, 1938 and passed away peacefully on Monday, July 30, 2018.

A daughter of Belgian immigrants, Harry and Margaret (Beeusaert) DeBlieck, Sister Margaret Rose (Patricia) grew up on a farm in Murray County, Shetek Township, Minnesota.

During her first year at the College of St. Catherine, she heard a sermon that changed her life and prompted her to enter the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph. In 1964, Sister Patricia earned a B.S. in Nursing and Psychology from St. Catherine University and later an M.S. in Maternal Infant Nursing from the University of Utah.

In 1972, from the American College of Nurse Midwifes in Washington, D.C., she became a Certified Nurse Midwife.

Her early years of nursing were spent at St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul, St. Mary’s Hospital in Minneapolis, and St. Michael’s Hospital in Grand Forks, N.D. Believing her work was an extension of her ministry as a Sister of St. Joseph and knowing the greatest need for her skill would take her to some of the poorest areas of the U.S., Patricia headed to Holmes County, Miss., and later to Hidalgo County, along the US-Mexico border in Texas. It was there that she would spend the next 41 years greeting and treating 60 to 80 pregnant women nearly every day.

In recognition of Patricia’s outstanding work for the health of these indigent mothers and their children, the March of Dimes named her Maternal and Infant Nurse of the Year in 1986.

Of her work she wrote: “Working with these (as young as 12) mothers and their babies has helped me to help the mother realize their importance as an individual.

And that ties in with my religious beliefs that each person is important in the eyes of God.” Patricia is preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by brother, Richard DeBlieck; uncle, Norman DeBlieck; aunt, Patricia DeBlieck; godson, Bruce DeBlieck; numerous cousins; many devoted friends; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m., Monday, August 6, 2018, at Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1884 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, Minn., with visitation at 10 a.m. preceding the Mass. Burial fol-

lowed at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights, Minn., and was followed by a luncheon at the Carondelet Center in St. Paul. Arrangements were under the direction of Willwerscheid Funeral Home in St. Paul.

Memorials are preferred by the family to be donated to the Sisters of St. Joseph Ministries Foundation.

Sister Patricia, rest in love and peace.

Maria Gallegos MISSION – Maria Isabel Gallegos, 76, passed away on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

Mrs. Gallegos was the owner and director of Carino Child Care.

Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Alfonso Gallegos; children Alfonso Gallegos Jr. and Irene Gallegos; sister, Maria Romero; and four grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Juventino and Antonio Olivarez, and siblings, Juventino Olivarez Jr. and Blanca Probasco.

A prayer service was held on Aug. 4 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission.

Cremation followed.

Juanita Garza MISSION – Juanita M. Garza, 81, passed away on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg.

A native of La Joya, Mrs. Garza was a lifelong resident of Mission. She was employed for over 25 years by the Hidalgo County Head Start in Mission.

Survivors include her husband, Pablo Garza of Mission, children, Pablo Garza Jr. of Mission, Palmira Martinez of McAllen, Javier Garza of Edinburg, Maribel Piñon of Mission, Anabel Escamilla of Laredo and Gabriel Garza of Mission; and 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sinforosa and Pedro Martinez Sr., and 10 siblings.

A funeral mass was held on Aug. 4 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed

at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission.

Severo Saenz MISSION – Severo Rios Saenz, 66, passed away on Sunday, July 29, 2018, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg. Mr. Sanez was employed at McAllen Medical Center for 37 years.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Delfina Saenz of Mission; children, Marina Saenz, Sandra Saenz, Severo Saenz and Francisco Saenz; siblings, Antonio Saenz, Jose Saenz, Alicia Robles, Maria Velasquez and Elizabeth Gomez.

He was preceded in death by parents, Crisanto and Gabriela Saenz; step-mother, Vicenta Saenz; and brothers, Angel Saenz and Otoniel Saenz.

A prayer service was held on Aug. 3 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission.

Notices Eduardo Alvarez Jr. MISSION – Eduardo Alvarez Jr., age 4, passed away on Monday, Aug. 6, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Josefa Arvizo MISSION – Josefa Arvizo, 81, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018, at her home in Mission.

Maria Contreras MISSION – Maria Estela Contreras, 75, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, at Mission Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Eufracia Costilla LOS EBANOS – Eufracia (Guerrero Morales) Costilla, 86, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at her home in Los Ebanos.

Adan Espitia MISSION – Adan Espitia, 82, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018, at Pax Villa Hospice in McAllen.

Urbano Garza PALMVIEW – Urbano Garza, 21, passed away on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Alvaro Guerrero Jr. MISSION – Alvaro Julio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5

Mission • 580-4551

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

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

KING, GUERRA, DAVIS & GARCIA ATTORNEYS AT LAW

DAVID H. GUERRA

DARRELL DAVIS

301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622

MISSION AUTO ELECTRIC, INC. DBA

ER MAE EPQOU IW PMENT

Commercial Lawn Equipment “Since 1954”

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

Guerrero Jr., 71, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center.

Fred Hunter Jr. MISSION – Fred S. Hunter Jr., 88, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2018, at his home in Mission.

Antonio Rico MISSION – Antonio Rico,

page 9

59, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018, at Edinburg Regional Medical Center.

Maria Segura MISSION – Maria Segura, 63, passed away on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, at her home in Mission.

STC designates permit-free parking area

McALLEN – South Texas College is offering permit-free parking at its Park and Ride facility at the start of the fall semester on Aug. 27.

The Park and Ride facility, 4100 Pecan Blvd. in McAllen, operates continuous shuttle service to and from the Cooper Center on the Pecan Campus from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Parking permits will still be enforced at all other Pecan Campus lots, at all times.

“South Texas College is committed to helping students achieve their educational goals through countless no-cost and affordability options,” said STC Police Chief Paul Varville. “While other institutions in the Valley have charged as much as $100

for a permit, the cost for parking at STC is reasonably modest – $25 for students, staff, and faculty.

“More than 290 new spaces were created on Pecan Campus as a result of the 2013 bond, and the Park and Ride facility alone has over 600 parking spaces available for students,” Varville said.

South Texas College also utilizes its mobile app “JagMobile” available on iOS and Android enabled devices where students can view the location of buses en route via Double Map. For more information about parking options along with campus maps or information about the college’s shuttle service between campuses, the JagExpress go to southtexascollege. edu/stcdps/parking.

ALAMO – The Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge will open the refuge for seasonal biking Aug. 23 through Dec. 22. This is part of a pilot program to evaluate visitor usage, interactions between diverse activities at the refuge, and the potential impacts (both positive and negative) of bicycling at Santa Ana. In order to provide a positive experience to visitors at Santa Ana, new regulations have been instituted to allow bicycling, such as a bicycling permit, days of operation, speed

limits, flow of traffic, etc.

Three public meetings will take place during the week of Aug. 20 to increase the public’s awareness of these regulations and expectations around this new use at Santa Ana. The public will also have an opportunity to ask questions.

Public meetings will take place at the following locations and schedule: Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Texas A&M Health Science Center, 2101 S. McColl Rd., McAllen; and Aug. 22, 6 p.m., Pharr Memorial Library, 121 E Cherokee Ave.

SANWR to begin bicycling pilot program

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AGUA SUD

are billed for roughly half of the sewer service they actually use.

“That’s a lot of money left on the table,” Snowden said.

Along with adjusting rates, the utility district plans to replace existing mechanical water meters with magnetic

PRAYER WALK “Why don’t we make a sacrifice?” Alex Cantu said.

“We’re blessed to be here, we’re blessed to have our rights, let’s try to put God into our schools somehow.”

He clarified that they were going to follow the rules of the law when it comes to religion in public schools, but hopes this walk was a way for people of all faiths to come together for the betterment of the community.

“It doesn’t matter what religion you fall within or not,” Alex Cantu said. “As long as we all try to do what’s right and we all try to put God first, that’s what motivated me.”

This was the first walk of this nature held by public officials.

“Let’s pray for our kids, let’s pray for our employees, let’s pray for our community, and start off the year on a good note,” Alex Cantu said.

“God knows we need a lot of prayer at this time.”

Some of the people who participated in the walk were Victor Garza, J.J. Peña, Jose Roel Flores, Vicky Cantu, Raul Gonzalez and Raymond Segovia. According to the Cantus, their overall goal was to bring blessings to LJISD. “Afterward (the prayer) I got emotional, because it was a hard walk,” Alex Cantu said. “But it was for a good cause. I was humbled because of that.”

He continued by saying that he is still feeling the blisters on his feet days later, but is grateful for the oppor-

MCISD TEACHER “When they walk into the classroom, a lot of them are afraid of math,” Peña said.

“You can see the fear in them, but then when they get it and start beaming, that just warms my heart.”

Because she teaches 5th graders, Peña also has to prepare them for the next level in their educational journey: middle school. This involves instruction and emotional development.

“We’re always trying to build their self-esteem,” Peña said. “Especially with the 5th graders going into junior high, they need to have that strong confidence.”

Although she enjoys her career, Peña says it isn’t always simple or easy.

“You can’t just be a teacher from 7:30 to 3:30, it goes beyond that,” Peña said. “So you have to be dedicated and willing to do things outside of the normal working hours.”

“I’ve managed to handle it [the time frame] as best as I can,” Peña continued. “Even though my husband says I go to sleep too late each night.”

Peña’s teaching style is self-described as hands-on and engaging. Her class-

August 10, 2018

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“smart meters,” which provide more accurate readings during periods of low water flow. As a result, customers may notice higher bills.

Taken together, the smart meters, higher water rates and new method of calculating sewer charges could modestly

from pg 1 tunity to do it and said it was all worth it.

“When I reached out to the community, to the district, to the Police Department in Peñitas, it all came together,” Alex Cantu said.

“It was something motivational for them too. Everybody was very receptive to the idea.”

Vicky mentioned that the group united to bring hope to the school district.

“With violence at an all-time high in our public schools and bullying becoming part of the landscape, our children are being left to unforeseen tragedies,” Vicky Cantu said.

Alex said he was sentimental about it, because it was such a big accomplishment for all those involved, and it was special to him.

“We’re doing this for a good cause,” Alex Cantu said. “We’re not doing this for any political party, this is not for politics. This is just doing what’s right and putting God before all of us.”

Alex and Vicky Cantu both hope the walk grows as the years go by and more people become involved.

“We try to do what’s right,” Alex Cantu said.

“That’s what we try to accomplish. If that means having to walk more miles on a yearly basis to give a blessing to our employees and our community and our kids, you know what? It’s worth it.”

“This is only the beginning of an amazing tradition,” Vicky Cantu said.

from pg 1 room desks are organized into centers so students don’t become uninterested in the lesson, and she implements student-led lessons and activities.

“The children need to see the concepts in math concretely,” Peña said. “They can’t just go to the abstract.”

Building relationships with her students is what Peña considers vital to being a successful teacher and motivator.

“That’s how you can earn their respect, they can see that you care about them not just as a student but as a person,” Peña said. “Building a relationship is very important for teachers, and never giving up.”

Peña said keeping students motivated and ready for class is something all teachers strive toward, and that the MCISD motto of “changing the world” is what they are doing daily.

“It’s more than just the test scores and all of that that we hear on the news,” Peña said. “We genuinely care about our students and we want them to have a happy successful life.”

increase utility bills.

While the utility board appeared receptive to the changes, how customers will react remains unknown.

Many already struggle to make ends meet.

The average utility district customer currently pays nearly $57 per month.

In June, the utility district

sent late notices to about 34 percent of customers — nearly 5,400 people — who didn't pay on time, according to data reviewed during the workshop. Nearly 550 customers were disconnected.

“I know it’s tough,” said utility board President Roger Hernandez. “But we have to look at the overall picture.”

Hernandez said the utility district works with customers who request payment plans or qualify for the lifeline program, which provides a discount to low-income customers.

Director Homer Tijerina said the utility board must find a way to keep rates affordable while covering op-

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erating costs.

“We have to get an in-between,” Tijerina said.

General Manager Jose E. “Eddie” Saenz asked Snowden to prepare a draft of the new rate schedule, which the utility board may review at an upcoming meeting.

Classified Rate:

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

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Wine and Beer On Premises Retailers Permit

by Tekilas Drive Thru LLC, to be located at 704 N. Bentsen Palm Dr. Ste. B, Palmview, Hidalgo County, Texas. Owner of said corporation is Jessica Villegas Marroquin.

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Wine and Beer Retailers Permit by El Relajo Restaurante Bar and Grill, to be located at 7123 N. Bentsen Palm Dr. Suite # 1 & 2, Mission, Hidalgo County, Texas.

Owner of said corporation is Ricardo Sauceda Jr.

Notificación Publica Antidiscriminatoria en Programas Vocacionales Agencia de Educación de Texas División de la Educación Profesional y Técnica (CTE) El distrito escolar de La Joya ofrece programas vocacionales en:

• Agricultura alimento y recursos naturales • Arquitectura y construcción • Artes, technologià de video audio y

comunicaciones • Negocios y administración de empresas • Educación y entrenamiento • Finanzas • Ciencias de la salud • Hospitalidad y turismo • Servicios humanos • Technología informática • Ley, seguridad pública y correctiva • Industria • Mercadeo • Ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería y matemàticas • Distribución de transporte y logística

También se ofrece la oportunidad para ser miembro de organizaciones para estudiantes (CTSOs) como lo indican las siglas en inglés.

Las organizaciones vocacionales son: • Asociación de Texas para futuros educadores (TAFE) • Profesionales en negocios de América (BPA) • Líderes del futuro de negocios de América (FBLA) • Líderes de profesiones, familia y comunidades de América (FCCLA) • Futuros agriculturos y ganaderos de América (FFA) • Estudiantes de ocupaciones de la salud de América (HOSA) • Destrezas estados unidos de América (SkillsUSA) • Asociación de estudiantes en tecnologiá (TSA) • Club de educación distributivos de América (DECA)

La admisión a estos programas se basa en el interés, grado que cursa el estudiante y la disponibilidad del programa.

Es norma del distrito escolar de La Joya la de no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, o impedimento físico o mental, en sus programas, servicios o actividades vocacionales, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de derechos civiles establecida en el año 1964, según la enmienda; El Título IX de las enmiendas en la educación de 1972 y la Sección 504 de la Ley de rehabilitación de 1973, según la enmienda.

Es norma del distrito escolar de La Joya la de no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, impedimento físico o mental, o edad, en sus procedimientos de empleo, tal como lo requiere el Título VI de la Ley de derechos civiles del año 1964, según enmienda; el Título IX de las enmiendas en la educación, del año 1972, la ley de discriminación por edad de 1975, según las enmiendas y la Sección 504 de la ley de rehabilitación de 1973, según la enmienda.

El distrito escolar de La Joya tomará las medidas necesarias para asegurar que la falta de habilidad en el uso del inglés no sea un obstáculo para la admisión y participación en todos los programas educativos y vocacionales.

Para más información sobre sus derechos o procedimientos para establecer quejas, favor de comunícarse con el Asistente de Superintendente para los Servicios Estudiantiles, el Sr. Ricardo M. Villarreal en la dirección, 200 W. Expressway 83, de la ciudad de La Joya, Texas 78560, (956) 3232609, y/o la Directora de la Sección 504/ Dyslexia/ RtI, la Sra. Rosey M. Romo en la dirección, 200 W. Expressway 83, de la ciudad de La Joya, Texas 78560, (956) 323-2653.

Public Notification of Nondiscrimination in Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs Texas Education Agency Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) La Joya ISD offers Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs in:

Plus Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) available are:

• Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources • Texas Association of Future Educators • Architecture and Construction (TAFE) • Arts, A/V Technology and Communications • Business Professionals of America (BPA) • Business, Management and Administration • Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) • Education and Training • Family, Career & Community Leaders of • Finance America (FCCLA) • Health Science • Future Farmers of America (FFA) • Hospitality and Tourism • Health Occupations Students of America • Human Services (HOSA) • Information Technology • SkillsUSA • Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security • Technology Student Association (TSA) • Manufacturing • Distributive Education Clubs of America • Marketing (DECA) • Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics • Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Admission to these programs is based on interest, grade level of student and program availability.

It is the policy of La Joya ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap in its vocational programs, services, or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

It is the policy of La Joya ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

La Joya I.S.D. will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.

For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Ricardo M. Villarreal at 200 W. Expressway 83, La Joya, Texas 78560, (956) 3232609, and/or the Section 504/ Dyslexia/ RtI Director, Rosey M. Romo at 200 W. Expressway 83, La Joya, TX 78560, (956) 323-2653.

theclassifieds August 10, 2018

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For Sale HOHNER PANTHER BUTTON Accordion with case, $400, call Tom at Sundance RV Village, 956-561-9691.

THE PERFECT FISHING boat, 21 ft. Cajun center console boat with

page 11

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by Bayside Marine with all records, clean titles on all 3, very safe, health demands sale, appraised $18,950, first $10,500 takes everything, always garaged, new gel coat this year, call Tom at Sundance RV Village, 956-561-9691.

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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, contro

PROBATE NO. P-38,912 CITATION BY PUBLICATION ************* THE STATE OF TEXAS THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ESTATE OF ROSA MARIA ELKINS, DECEASED: On the 26th day of July, 2018, HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION OF CIMARRON INC. filed an application for Determination of Heirship in a proceeding styled the ESTATE OF ROSA MARIA ELKINS, DECEASED, and bearing Probate Case Number P-38,912 in the Probate Court of Hidalgo County, Texas.

The Court may hear the said Application for the Determination of Heirship at 10:00 A.M. on the first Monday after the expiration of ten (10) days from the date this citation is published, at the County Courthouse in Edinburg, Texas.

All persons interested in the aforesaid estate are commanded to appear at or before the time set for said hearing by filing a written contest or answer to the Application for the Determination of Heirship should they desire to oppose or contest it. Said written contest or answer shall be filed in the office of the County Clerk of Hidalgo County, Texas, in Edinburg, Texas.

The officer serving this citation shall, in compliance with the law, serve it by publication once in a newspaper of general circulation in this, the county in which such proceeding is pending, for not less than ten (10) days before the return day hereof, exclusive of the day of publication and the date of publication said newspaper bears shall be the day of publication.

If this citation is not served withing 90 days after the date of issuance, it shall be returned unserved.

ISSUED UNDER MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF SAID COURT at office in Edinburg, Texas, this the 1st day of August 2018.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT: The City of Palmview City Council will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at Palmview City Hall, located at 400 W. Veterans Blvd., Palmview, Texas, to consider the following: City of Palmview Municipal Budget for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Members of the public are encouraged to provide input through any means available including by mail at the address above and/ or by attending the public hearing. A copy of the proposed budget is available for inspection in the City Secretary’s Office located at City Hall.

Estimated Revenues Total estimated revenues from all sources for FY 2019 are $6.1 million, an increase from $5.7 million budgeted in FY 2018. This revenue estimate is based on conservative property tax, sales tax and economic activity projections.

Proposed Expenditures The proposed expenditures for all Departments for FY are $5.7 million, an increase from $5.4 million budgeted in FY 2018. These proposed expenditures are based on conservative personnel, operating, and capital costs.

Proposed Capital Expenditures On June 5, 2018, the Council approved the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

However, this is subject to change before the end of the FY 2018. As the Council amends the CIP, the Method of Financing and corresponding Debt Service must be calculated and included in the FY 2019 Budget.

Net Surplus The Palmview Municipal Budget for FY 2019 has a surplus of $420,000.

However, after accounting for a General Fund reserve of $306,000, a net surplus of $114,000 remains.

Sheriff’s Sale Writ of Execution/ Order of Sale

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That by virtue of a certain Writ of Execution/ Order of Sale Cause No. C-5686-16-B file on the 16th day of May 2017, and issued out of the Honorable 93rd District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas on the 15th day of June 2018 and styled Bentley Estates Homeowners Association, Inc., Plaintiff VS Edith Lopez, Defendant for the sum of Four Thousand Nine Hundred Eight Dollars, and Eighty Five Cents ($4,908.85); actual damages of One Thousand Six Hundred Ninety Four Dollars, and Thirty Four Cents ($1,694.34); Attorney’s fees in the amount of Two Thousand Five Hundred Forty Seven Dollars, and Fifty Cents ($2,547.50); court costs of Three Hundred Ten Dollars, and Seventy Three Cents ($310.73); service of process in the amount of One Hundred Five Dollars, and No Cents ($105.00), and for post judgment interest from May 16, 2017, through the anticipated foreclosure date of August 7, 2018, in the amount of Two Hundred Fifty One Dollars, and Twenty Eight Cents ($251.28) together with a foreclosure of a lien, together with the Sheriff fees, under Judgment in favor of Bentley Estates Homeowner Association, Inc. and placed in my hands for service on June 26, 2018, I, J.E. “Eddie” Guerra, as Sheriff of Hidalgo County, Texas, did on the 28th day of June 2018, levy on certain Real Property, situated in Hidalgo County, Texas, described as follows, to-wit: 2512 Churchill Avenue, Edinburg, Texas 78539-8276, as more fully described as Lot 89, Bentley Estates Subdivision, Hidalgo County, Texas.

And levied upon as the property of Edith Lopez and that on the first Tuesday in the month of September 2018, the same being the 4th day of said month at 317 North Closner Blvd., Hidalgo County Clerk Records Management Facility, Edinburg, Texas between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by virtue of said levy and said Writ of Execution/ Order of Sale, I will sell said above real estate at public venue, for cash, to the highest bidder as the property of Edith Lopez, 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 in Hidalgo County Texas.

Witness my hand on this 2nd day of July 2018

mosquitoes where they breed, Southwest Hay & Feed, 956-580-1717, (www.kennelvax.com) Homes For Sale

Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m.

If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573 Submit by email to info@progresstimes.net or pay by phone 956-585-4893.

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

ubique en su solar, 800 sq. ft., 2 Bdr/ 1 Ba, cash deals only or good down payment, $30,500, for more information call 956-458-4778.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

The Mission Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on August 22, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: All of Lot 30 and the East 1/2 of Lot 29, Ala Blanca Subdivision Unit No. 2, from (R-1) Single Family Residential to (C-3) General Business Rezoning: Being a 0.16 acre tract of land, more or less, out of Lot 42, Bell-Wood Co’s Subdivision “C” from (C-2) Neighborhood Commercial to (R-2) Duplex-Fourplex Residential Discussion and Action Amending the Mission Code of Ordinances Appendix A- Zoning Ordinance Article VIII, Sections 1.41(2), 1.42(2), and 1.43(2),

by Amending the Requirement of the R-3 uses as Permitted Uses Within the C-1, C-2 and C-3 Use Districts Located Within the Original Townsite, as Defined If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement.

Anyone interested is invited to attend.

Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

AVISO DE AUDENCIA PUBLICA La Comisión de Planificación y Zonificación de la Ciudad de Mission llevará acabo una Reunión Ordinaria el 22 de Agosto del 2018 a las 5:30 p.m. en la Sala del Consejo del Ayuntamiento ubicada en el 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas para considerar lo siguiente: La Rezonificación de: All of Lot 30 and the East 1/2 of Lot 29, Ala Blanca Subdivision Unit No. 2, desde (R-1) Casa Residencial y su cambio a (C-3) Negocio en General La Rezonificación de: Being a 0.16 acre tract of land, more or less, out of Lot 42, Bell-Wood Co’s Subdivision “C”, desde (C-2) Negocios para la Vecindad y su cambio a (R-2) 2 a 4 Apartamentos Discusión y Acción para enmendar el Código de Ordenanzas de Mission Apéndice A: Ordenanza de Zonificación Artículo VIII, Secciones 1.41(2), 1.42(2) y 1.43(2), al enmendar el requisito de los usos del R-3 como usos permitidos dentro de la zonas C-1, C-2 y C-3 ubicados dentro de Original Townsite, como se define Si se modifica una zonificación durante la audiencia pública, se realizará de conformidad con la Declaración de política de zona amonestadora de la Ciudad de la Mission. Cualquier persona interesada está invitada a asistir.

Atentamente, Anna Carrillo, Secretaria de la Ciudad

PUBLIC NOTICE The Mission City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on August 27, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: All of Lot 30 and the East 1/2 of Lot 29, Ala Blanca Subdivision Unit No. 2, from (R-1) Single Family Residential to (C-3) General Business Rezoning: Being a 0.760 acre tract of land, more or less, out of Lot 42, BellWood Co’s Subdivision “C” from (R-2) Duplex-Fourplex Residential to (C-2) Neighborhood Commercial Rezoning: Being a 0.16 acre tract of land, more or less, out of Lot 42, BellWood Co’s Subdivision “C” from (C-2) Neighborhood Commercial to (R-2) Duplex-Fourplex Residential Discussion and Action Amending the Mission Code of Ordinances Appendix A- Zoning Ordinance Article VIII, Sections 1.41(2), 1.42(2), and 1.43(2),

by Amending the Requirement of the R-3 uses as Permitted Uses Within the C-1, C-2 and C-3 Use Districts Located Within the Original Townsite, as Defined If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement.

Anyone interested is invited to attend.

Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

AVISO DE AUDENCIA PUBLICA El Consejo Municipal de la Ciudad de Mission llevará acabo una Reunión Ordinaria el 27 de Agosto del 2018 a las 5:30 p.m. en la Sala del Consejo del Ayuntamiento ubicada en el 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas para considerar lo siguiente: La Rezonificación de: All of Lot 30 and the East 1/2 of Lot 29, Ala Blanca Subdivision Unit No. 2, desde (R-1) Casa Residencial y su cambio a (C-3) Negocio en General La Rezonificación de: Being a 0.760 acre tract of land, more or less, out of Lot 42, Bell-Wood Co’s Subdivision “C”, desde (R-2) 2 a 4 Apartamentos y su cambio a (C-2) Negocios para la Vecindad La Rezonificación de: Being a 0.16 acre tract of land, more or less, out of Lot 42, Bell-Wood Co’s Subdivision “C”, desde (C-2) Negocios para la Vecindad y su cambio a (R-2) 2 a 4 Apartamentos Discusión y Acción para enmendar el Código de Ordenanzas de Mission Apéndice A: Ordenanza de Zonificación Artículo VIII, Secciones 1.41(2), 1.42(2) y 1.43(2), al enmendar el requisito de los usos del R-3 como usos permitidos dentro de la zonas C-1, C-2 y C-3 ubicados dentro de Original Townsite, como se define Si se modifica una zonificación durante la audiencia pública, se realizará de conformidad con la Declaración de política de zona amonestadora de la Ciudad de la Mission. Cualquier persona interesada está invitada a asistir.

Atentamente, Anna Carrillo, Secretaria de la Ciudad

SHERIFF’S SALE ORDER OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That by virtue of a certain Order of Sale in Cause No. C-3257-16-B issued out of the DISTRICT COURT OF THE 93RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS on the 26th day of September 2017, and styled Homeowners’ Association of Cimarron, Inc. (Plaintiff) VS Maria Del Refugio Gracia Gracia (defendant) and whereas plaintiff recovered a judgment for the sum of : Four Thousand Six Hundred Seventy Nine Dollars and Seventy Four Cents ($4,679.74); actual damages of One Thousand Five Hundred and Fifty Five Dollars and Twenty Two Cents ($1,555.22); attorney’s fees in the amount of Two Thousand Five Hundred and Two Dollars and Fifty Cents ($2,502.50); court cost of Three Hundred and Seven Dollars and Thirteen Cents ($307.13); service fees of One Hundred and Fifteen Dollars and Zero Cents ($115.00); and for post judgment interest from September 26, 2017, through the anticipated foreclosure date of September 4, 2018, in the amount of One Hundred Ninety Nine Dollars and Eighty Nine Cents ($199.89) together with a foreclosure of a lien on the following described property, together with the cost of executing this writ with all costs of suit as of record is manifest, in favor of Homeowners’ Association of Cimarron, 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 24th day of July 2018, levy on certain Real Estate in Hidalgo County, Texas, described as follows, to-wit: *208 San Saba Street, Mission, TX 78572, as more fully described as Lot 5, Block 24, Cimarron Country Club Subdivision, Section- 4, Phase- 1, Hidalgo County, Texas; And levied upon as the property of Maria Del Refugio Gracia Gracia and that on the first Tuesday in September 2018, the same being the 4th 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 Maria Del Refugio Gracia Gracia 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 24th day of July 2018

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August 10, 2018

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LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS PLANNING TO ‘RECLAIM THE RIVER’

By Jose De Leon III With Bentsen State Park possibly facing closure if President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall is built, many local organizations are planning to host an event this coming Sunday to educate the community on the Rio Grande River.

“Reclaim the River: Beach Party at the Banks of the Rio Grande” is a planned protest that will be hosted at the National Butterfly Center this coming Sunday. Located at 3333 Butterfly Park in Mission, the event will mark one year since local communities did similar protests to save the Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge in Alamo and Mission’s La Lomita Chapel.

“This is a great way to

commemorate that event by enjoying the river and outdoors and everything that remains as long as we still have it, NBC Director Marianna Trevino Wright said. “We’re hoping people will come out and see all the amenities in the property.”

The event has gained a lot of traction on social media following news that should the border wall be built the state may forfeit the park back to the federal government.

This comes after Trump signed a spending bill last month that included $1.6 billion for fencing and other border security measures.

Since then, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has notified landowners of plans to build 33 miles of barrier

in Hidalgo County and Starr County. The 25 miles it plans to build in Hidalgo will consist of 18-foot-tall fencing atop vertical concrete river levees — similar to an existing levee-wall structure the federal government built a decade ago. Plans also call for a 150-foot-wide "enforcement zone" on the river-facing side of the barrier with a road for law enforcement and private property owners, 24-7 lighting, cameras and sensors.

Part of that wall would go through the Bentsen State Park and the National Butterfly Center, effectively shutting down the former, Wright said.

“If the wall is built, as proposed by Border Patrol, it will bisect NBC and we

representing every MCISD campus, where parents can receive important details about the upcoming school year and then be directed to the other available services at the bash.

“This is truly a team effort,” Craig Verley, MCISD Director of Public Relations and Marketing, said. “It takes a huge volume of volunteers to make this event happen every single year.”

Offering $5 immunizations for students, registration, sports physicals and haircuts, people began lining up hours before the event

started at 6 p.m. last Thursday.

Additionally, 2,500 backpacks filled with basic school supplies were distributed at a first come, first served basis

by MCISD faculty and city officials. None of the backpacks were paid for with district money, it all came from community support.”

“One of the beautiful things about this is the fact that it is community-driven,” Verley said. “It’s our businesses, our organizations, the three cities that Mission CISD serves coming together to make this event happen.

Without their help, and all the support of our volunteers and everyone who made some sort of donation, this would never happen.”

Dr. Carol G. Perez, the MCISD Superintendent, spoke before the doors officially opened and thanked those attending the event for giving back to MCISD children.

“Tonight is all for our kids, and we are just so very excited to see so many of you here,” Perez said. “Many hands made this work.”

Mission Mayor Armando O’caña and City Manager Martin Garza, Jr. were present as officials from one of the three cities represented in the Mission CISD. “It’s an awesome feeling,” O’caña said. “There are no words that can describe the magnitude of the feeling when you start giving these backpacks.”

O’caña said one of his goals during his time as may-

will lose 70 percent of our property, “Wright said. “If Bentsen State Park closes, that will significantly harm tourism in the area. We’re talking about 30-40,000 people a year coming to the center and state park.”

Though this was first reported last month, Mission Mayor Armando O'Cańa said the city wasn’t officially notified of the proposed border wall going through the state park until last week when a representative from the Texas Parks and Wildlife met with the city.

“The impact of that park closing would be devastating to our community,” O'Cańa said, adding that one-eight of the city’s funding comes from tourism dollars spent at the park and butterfly center.

“We’re continuing with the former administration’s resolution to be against the wall and work on fighting it.”

The mayor also urged the community to attend the reclaim the river protest.

“We have to take some kind of action to show at the national level that we’re very serious about not having the border wall in Mission,” he said. “Our citizens have to individually support this and if all 80,000 residents do the same, Washington will listen.

One of the things we pride on in Mission is we build bridges, not walls.”

At the beach party, guests will get to enjoy a variety of activities including sand sculpting by the award-winning local artist Sandyfeet of South Padre Island, guid-

ed nature hikes, angler education and fishing, a petting zoo and a pet adoption drive courtesy of the Mission Pawsible Program.

All of these activities will take place on the center’s property south of the levee, where cyclists and joggers are welcome. Families are encouraged to bring their bikes, beach chairs and a picnic, Wright said.

The event will run from 9 a.m. through 2 p.m. and visitors are allowed to camp out at the center the night before, Wright said. For more information, contact the National butterfly Center at 956-5835400 or visit their website at nationalbutterflycenter.org.

MCISD holds 5th annual Back to School Bash

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Mission CISD parents and students wait in line to get into the 5th Annual Back to School Bash held last week at Veterans Memorial High School. or is youth development.

“The only way to develop youth is to integrate with the school districts, La Joya ISD, Mission CISD, Sharyland ISD,” O’caña said. “It’s sad to say that we do have poor people in our city. But they’re not voiceless.”

O’caña added that he wanted to advocate for the less fortunate members of the district, and that these events are important for children’s education.

“If you get all the supplies and things that you need now, you’re going to be ready by day one,” O’caña said. “On day one, instructional time is very precious. We want our children to be engaged so they can learn and begin to develop themselves.”

The district serves students in Mission, Palmhurst

Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

and Alton. Palmhurst Police Chief Michael Vela was also at the bash, and said it was good to see the communities come together for a common cause.

“We help each other out,” Vela said. “Children, whether they live in our city or another city, we’re here to help everyone out, especially in the schools. Everybody’s a team, everybody works together, it’s a team effort.”

For two hours VMHS hosted free vision screenings by the Mission Lions Club, free student haircuts provided by MCISD cosmetology students, late online registration, general school information for each MCISD campus, immunizations by the Hidalgo County Department of Health and Human Services, sport physicals for

$20 by the Ashley Pediatric Mobile Clinic, high school fine arts student performances and information from the community and corporate sponsors.

The sponsors of the event were the Education Foundation of Mission CISD, Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, Greater Alton Chamber of Commerce, City of Palmhurst, City of Mission, City of Alton Mission Lions Club, Heroes Dental Clinic, Agua Dental, Boys and Girls Club of Mission, Mission Classroom Teachers Association and the Mission Crime Stoppers.

“We’re glad to welcome the children back,” Perez said. “They are ready to come back, I think by now they’re a little bit bored at home.”

ALTON NIGHT OUT

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sister-in-law, Marilya Padilla, attended the National Night Out with their combined five children.

“The free school supplies help a lot and the kids are having fun and it feels good meeting these officers and knowing who they are,” Theresa said.

Flores, who was sworn in as police chief last spring, said among the changes he wanted to bring was more visibility in the community.

This event helps form a relationship between the police and community, he said Tuesday.

“It bridges the gap between the community and the officers that serve them and shows them we are here, we’re approachable and they should come to us with any problems they have,” Flores said. “We’re here to help them in any way we can.”

During his speech at the beginning of the event, State Rep. Bobby Guerra urged attendees to do one simple task for their police department.

“When you see these officers, go up to them and shake their hand and tell them ‘thank you,’” Guerra said. “All they want is the best thing for you and your safety.”

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Bringing community members from three cities, the Mission Consolidated Independent School District held an event to get kids ready to start the new school year.

The 5th annual Back to School Bash was held at Veterans Memorial High School.

Approximately 5,000 parents and students passed through the gyms and some hallways set up to provide information and additional services for little to no cost.

The event included booths

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By Jamie Treviño