Friday, August 24, 2018_PT ISSUE

A special thanks to our readers:

I would like to express my appreciation to our readers and community at large for the warm welcome and resounding support of all the changes we are implementing.

Thank you for the feedback so many of you have provided. Sometimes newspapers can get a bit out of touch with the communities they serve, and thus lose touch with what readers want to see on our pages. We are diligently working to deliver a valuable product to you on a weekly basis.

Your support, along with that of our valuable advertisers, truly matters. It is the reason we can continue to be the voice for our region, and it allows us to evolve in a fast-changing environment.

Dee Rendon Thank you again for your involvement and for caring about your local newspaper. God Bless You All! Publisher

Progress www.ptrgv.com

Friday, August 24, 2018

2018

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46 2 197

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Vol. 47 - #1

Your Hometown Newspaper Serving Mission and Hidalgo County Since 1972

La Lomita Chapel Mission, Texas

OurFirst o g a s Edition - 46 Yea Upper Valley Volume 1, Number 1

PROGRESS Mission, Texas, Thursday, Aug. 24, 1972

First edition

This is the first edition of the Upper Valley Progress, a weekly newspaper dedicated to helping build and promote the Upper Rio Grande Valley of Texas. The Progress is published in Mission, “Home of the Grapefruit,” and covers the entire Mission residential and trade area.

It is our ambition to help the Upper Valley grow and prosper. Of course, the Progress hopes to grow and prosper hand-in-hand with the area. What is good for the Upper Valley will be good for this newspaper, so we plan to become an integral part of the community.

Each individual and each business, no matter how small or large, is important for progress- and to the Progress. We plan to serve these individuals by reporting on their activities, their comings and goings, their achievements, their city, school, farm, church, club and social events. We plan to serve these Upper Valley businesses by offering them advertisements at a reasonable rate in a regular newspaper with the biggest weekly circulation in the area—this week 8,000 copies.

The Progress has no ax to grind with anyone. This paper was not born through any conspiracy. We have not even hinted that any other paper be boycotted to favor us. From the Progress’ inception, we have voiced a single intent –to five the Upper Valley a good, unbiased newspaper representative of the area’s fine residents and business firms. The idea met with favorable reception from the beginning.

Enthusiastic support got us off the ground.

To accomplish these ambitious goals, we have assembled and experienced and qualified staff which we consider second to none. We have the very latest and most modern offset newspaper equipment on the market. We think our printer does a better job than anyone else in South Texas. And our prices are reasonable and competitive.

No strings are attached to the Progress. We are not allied with any political faction, sect or creed. We give no blanket endorsement or opposition to any cause other than promoting the Upper Valley. We intend to stay out of politics as much as possible. We owe no favors to city hall, the county courthouse, Austin or Washington. We hope to have good relations with theses entities, but they shall not dictate any policy to us.

We plan to make the Progress a comfortable, relaxed hometown paper, easy to read with lots of pictures. Our reporting shall be objective and unbiased with the chips falling where they may. We solicit tips on stories and pictures, and ask your support in all our endeavors.

We hope this is the first of many, many editions of the Upper Valley Progress, written and edited with only the well-being of the Upper Valley in mind. With a little help from our friends, it shall be.---Tom Fatherree.

La Joya getting new high school

LA JOYA---Leopoldo Valdez, an experienced classroom teacher, administrator and migrant director, begins his first full year as La Joya school superintendent next month.

Valdez has been on the since late May when he was named superintendent to succeed Luther Pearson who served for the past two years.

He will begin with a new school plant, which has been under construction for a year. The school opening was delayed until Sept. 5 to permit construction to be completed.

Valdez comes to La Joya from Pharr- San Juan-Alamo where he served for ten years. He worked his way up from classroom teacher to migrant director.

The La Joya School Board has voted to close the outlying

schools located in Abram, Los Ebanos and Penitas. Students from those communities will attend elementary school at La Joya in an effort to centralize the district.

Valdez said the centralizing move will give pupils better access to materials and more individual attention. He said the workload of teachers will be more evenly distributed and the number of student sin classrooms will be more equal.

The old high school building has been named Nellie Schunior Junior High. Sixth, seventh and eight grade students will attend this school. Fourth and fifth graders will attend John F. Kennedy Elementary School, and kindergarten through third graders will attend Memorial Elementary School.

ALTON---Clyde Lyons, a native of Arkansas and a veteran educator, is Alton’s new school superintendent. He was named to succeed W.H. Spinks who retired after more than 20 years with the Alton School District.

Lyons has a bachelor’s degree from Henderson State. He has teaching and administrative experience in Arkansas, West Texas, Raymondville, Pearsall and Port Isabel. For the past four years he has been assistant superintendent at Port Isabel.

He previously spent ten years at Raymondville as an elementary school principal.

Lyons’ wife will teach the first grade at Alton. Their son,

Clyde Jr., is an administrative assistant in the Edinburg school system. They have a daughter who will be a freshman at Mission High School this year.

Clyde Lyons new at Alton

INDEX Entertainment...... pg. 2 Lifestyle................... pg. 3 Sports....................... pg. 6 Obituaries.............. pg. 9 Classifieds..............pg.10

Published In Mission...“The Home Of The Grapefruit”

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School bells end vacation Classes beckon

pupils, teachers

With the opening of a new school year only a few days away, student, parents, teachers and administrators are hurrying about getting ready for the classroom summons.

Parents are busy buying backto-school clothes and supplies while students take a last fling at summer. Teachers are attending workshops and school officials are filling last-minute staff vacancies--and double-checking budgets.

For the most part, the first official day of school will be Monday Aug. 28. This holds true at Mission, Sharyland and Alton. La Joya’s opening has been postponed until Sept. 5 due to delays in finishing the new high school plant.

Mission junior high students registered last week and the high school is in the midst of a weeklong registration. Mission elementary pupils will register Monday, the first day of classes.

All Sharyland and Alton students will register Friday morning.

No cafeterias will be open Friday, but students will be processed in time to be home for lunch, officials said.

In Sharyland, Mission and Alton, Monday will be a full day of school. Buses will run, lunch will be served and a regular day on instruction is planned.

Superintendants Kenneth White of Mission, B.L. Gray of Sharyland and Clyde Lyons of Alton expect nominal increases in enrollment this year.

They stressed the need for all students to have up-to-date immunization records with them when they register.

La Joya’s school opening was delayed two weeks to permit a move to the new air conditioned plant being completed. Supt. Leopoldo Valdez has announced a faculty-employee meeting for Tuesday and workshops the remainder of the week.

All schools in the area will observe Labor Day with a holiday on Monday, Sept. 4.

Wilsher succeeds Martinez

R.D. Martinez, Sharyland High School principal, has resigned to accept a position with Pan American University.

He has been succeeded by Wayne Wilsher, a former head coach at Sharyland.

Martinez was with the Sharyland system 16 years, the last eight as principal. During his tenure Sharyland students excelled scholastically, winning numerous district, regional and state interscholastic events.

“It was a hard decision,” Martinez said Tuesday. “Sharyland has a great student body, teachers, superintendent, school board and parents. Sharyland is a wonderful community. It was a hard decision, even though we’re still living in Sharyland.”

Wilsher was hired earlier this summer as junior high principal.

In his new position, he will serve as junior and senior high principal.

He comes back to Sharyland from a ClassAAAA high school in Lubbock where he was head coach.

“Wayne was here about 12 years ago,” Supt. B.L. Gray recalled Tuesday. “He has the education and the personal qualifications for the job and says he has ‘got coaching out of his system.’ “

Mission Citizens Awards

Upper Valley Progress’ Ribbon Snipped

Mayor James F. Miller cuts a ribbon Friday afternoon, officially opening the Upper Valley Progress for business. Taking part in the ceremony, left to right, were Tom Fatherree, Progress editor and general manager; Gilbert Ellis, chamber of commerce president; Mayor Miller; and Henry D. “Hank” Barrett, Progress advertising manager. Miller and Ellis congratulated the new paper’s personnel and wished them good luck in their endeavor.---Photo by McClain Studio.

Progress has top staff, equipment

An experienced, well-qualified staff of newspaper personnel heads the Upper Valley Progress which makes its debut today with 8,000 copies being distributed throughout the Mission area.

Guiding the operation is Tom Fatherree, veteran editor and general manager who has about 20 years in the profession. He has edited other weekly newspapers here and in Liberty, and has general reporting and sportswriting experience in Kilgore, Beaumont and Jackson, Miss.

A resident of Mission for the past five years, Fatherree is a director of the Mission Chamber of Commerce, the Mission Municipal Hospital and the South Texas Press Assn. Through the years he has won numerous awards in various fields of journalism.

“We reached out far and near to get what I consider the best weekly staff in South Texas,” Fatherree said about the Progress personnel. “It’s been a little hectic at times getting out this first edition, but it was a real challenge— and fun, too. We still have a few details to work out, but everything is falling into place as well as can be expected.”

Henry Davidson (Hank) Barrett, a native of Atlanta, Ga., is the Progress advertising manager. He comes to Mission from Statesboro, Ga., where he was advertising manager of the Southern Beacon, a young offset weekly newspaper with operations very similar to the Progress.

“Hank is well trained in different phases of the graphic arts and is an expert at laying out ads and servicing accounts,” Fatherree said. “The Progress is fortunate to find a young man of Hank’s caliber and know-how who is anxious to work and grow along with the paper. A true Southern gentleman, he will be an asset not only to the Progress but to the community as well.”

Ann Rackley, an experienced newspaperwoman, is the paper’s “Girl Friday.” A former society editor on another Mission paper, Ann is office manager, society editor and official coffee maker at the Progress. Last year she was secretary for the famous Texas Citrus Fiesta in Mission.

“Ann is well acquainted throughout the Mission area and has many ready-made contacts,” Fatherree said. “She has a nose for news and is an adept writer and a hard worker. Every newspaper needs someone like Ann on its staff.”

Norma Linda Sandoval is production supervisor. A 1971 graduate of Mission High School, she attended business college and worked for a McAllen firm before joining the Progress. Norma is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vicente Sandoval of Mission.

“Norma was our selection among several applicants for the job,” Fatherree said. “She is already far better than the average typesetter, is leaning to operate the equipment real fast and take a keen interest in her work.”

The Progress has correspondents handling “personals” for the Sharyland, La Joya and McCook area. Other people are working parttime in such phases of the operation as paste-up, bookkeeping and circulation.

To give the Upper Valley the easily read, comfortable newspaper the people want, the Progress has gone first class with mechanical equipment. The very latest in photo-typesetting computers have been installed and are in operation.

Body type--such as this story—is set on a CompuWriter which incorporates a direct entry keyboard and a control panel al-

lowing the operator (Miss Sandoval) to keep track of all typographic activity. The CompuWriter moved the Progress into quality photo-typesetting from the beginning. (For the record, the CompuWriter can set 7,200 words per minute.)

Bigger type and headlines are set on a Compugraphic 7200 display phototypesetter. The CG 7200 offers a combination of features no other display typesetter can match; photo-fast speed, type face versatility and a proven track record.

“We have the personnel and the equipment to put out a weekly newspaper second to none,” Fatherree said. “We owe a lot to many, many people who have encouraged us in this endeavor during the past three months. Literally hundreds of people have helped, directly and indirectly, and we are grateful to each and every one of them.

“Without the encouragement and prayers of these people, the Progress might not have been. But with their continued support, we’ll be around for a long time.”

Tom Fatheree

Henry D. Barrett

Ann Rackley

Norma Sandoval

Editor - General Manager

Office Manager

Josefa Garcia Memorial Park Expansion

Nominations for the annual citizens awards for Mr. Mission and First Lady of Mission are now open to be accepted by the Progress Times. See the story for details about the qualifications for nominees and how nominations can be submitted.

The City of Alton has recently gotten more funding for their $1.5 million expansion of Josefa Garcia Memorial Park.

A non-profit organization has awarded the city with almost half a million for the project.

Jose De Leon III has the latest.

Advertising Manager

Production Supervisor

WEATHER 5 DAYS FORESCAST

Aug. 24 Aug. 25 Aug. 26 Aug. 27

See Pg. 4

See Pg. 12

Aug. 28

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entertainment

STC Theatre season passes available Sept. 1

McALLEN – South Texas College Theatre opens the new season Oct. 18 and individual tickets and season passes are now available.

Individual ticket prices for main stage productions are $5 for students/faculty/ senior citizens/military and $10 general admission. Studio productions cost $5 general admission.

Season passes are also available, allowing patrons to attend all the productions and choose between general or reserved seating.

General season passes are $15 for students/faculty/senior citizens/military and $25 for the community. Reserved seating season subscriptions are $25 for students/faculty/ senior citizens/military and $35 for the community. Season passes can be purchased

online at https://bit.ly/2nXiJ1M and click on the “Online Box Office.”

This year’s line-up includes the Black Box Studio production of “Miss Holmes” on Oct. 18-21; Main Stage performance of “Sylvia,” Nov. 15-18; Main Stage, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” Feb. 21-24, 2019; and Black Box, “A Dream Play,” May 2-5, 2019.

All productions will be held at STC’s Cooper Center for Communication Arts on the Pecan campus in McAllen. Sunday matinees are ASL interpreted by student interns from STC’s Interpreters Training Program.

For more information about the STC Theatre, call 956-872-2301.

STC Theatre opens the 2018-19 performing season on Oct. 18. Individual tickets and season passes are now available for purchase. Pictured is a scene from last season’s performance of “Oedipus.”

Coming Attractions

August 24-26 • Performances of “Tales of the Hidalgo Pumphouse” will be held at the Elva and Kieth Michal Performing Arts Center, 213 W. Newcombe Ave., Pharr. at at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and Sunday at 3 p.m. The story is bilingual, predominately told in English/ Tickets are $6 for kids under 12; $8 for seniors, veterans and students; and $10 general admission. Seating is limited to 60 persons per show. For advanced tickets call 956-239-0412. Tickets will also be sold at the door, starting one hour before curtain, upon availability.

The show has a viewer rating equivalent to a PG movie.

August 28 • The all-female big band, DIVA Jazz Orchestra, will perform in Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s Jones Auditorium at 7 p.m. for a free public performance. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.

The group will perform music from their 25th Anniversary Project, an album that spent more than 24 weeks on the jazz charts, peaking at number one. DIVA has played some of the most prestigious venues for jazz in the world—Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Apollo Theater and more. For more information, call 361-593-2760.

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.

Special Event Series and Distinguished Artist Series.

Prices for season tickets are Student, one ticket for each concert, $20; Individual, one ticket per concert, $75; Duo, two tickets per concert, $125; and Family, four tickets per concert, $200.

Tickets can be redeemed online, over the phone, or at either campus box office before an event.

Go to patron.utrgv.edu/ events for information or to purchase tickets.

The box office at the Edinburg campus is located at 1201 W. University Dr. Call 956-665-3881 for more information.

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UVAL Fabric Arts Group seeks new members

Members of the Fabric Art Group with the Upper Valley Art League (UVAL) in Mission are seeking to increase the size of the group.

They are inviting interested persons to join UVAL and become a part of the group.

With more museums and galleries becoming interested in presenting fiber art to the public, the current members have a goal is to share and educate each other in all forms of the medium.

Starting on Sept. 10, the

group will meet in the UVAL Art Link on the second and four Mondays of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Annual memberships, which run on the calendar year, are $50 for family; adults, $30; students, $12.50; and children are free.

To join UVAL, or for more information, call the gallery at 956-583-2787.

UVAL is located in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th St., Mission.

EDINBURG – The new Bert Ogden Arena, 4216 U.S. 281 in Edinburg, is set to open its doors on Aug. 31 with an already sold-out concert headlined by Mexican “icon” Luis Miguel and his Mexico Por Siempre Tour. The arena, which is the newest and largest of its kind in South Texas, will be the new home of the local NBA G league affiliate of the Houston Rockets basketball team, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

In the week leading up to the inaugural Aug. 31 concert, Bert Ogden Arena officials are hosting private and public opening ceremonies.

The private viewing for season ticket holders and

city dignitaries will be held on Saturday, Aug. 25, at the arena to give an exclusive viewing.

Following the private viewing, on Aug. 26, the entire Rio Grande Valley community is invited to attend the open house event, which kicks off at 1 p.m. and runs until 5 p.m.

The official Ribbon Cutting ceremony will be held on Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. at the front entrance. The general public is invited to attend along with the surrounding city chambers, red coat ambassadors, city dignitaries and department heads who have been invited.

McALLEN – The McAllen Society for the Performing Arts (MSPA) has announced the return of “Live in McAllen,” which consists of two series of top flight, live stage entertainment programs based at the McAllen Performing Arts Center.

The 2018-19 Broadway in McAllen line-up includes The Sound of Music on Nov. 16; and in 2019, Legally Blonde – The Musical, Jan. 30; Chicago: The Musical, Feb. 19; Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, April 9; and Kinky Boots, June 10.

The 2018-2019 McAllen Live! line-up presents seven-time Grammy winner, Buddy Guy: Live in Concert on Oct. 14; Stephen Stills & Judy Collins: Live in Concert, Nov. 2; and Cirque Musica Holiday, Dec. 23. In 2019, B - The Underwater Bubble Show is March 12.

The first series, Broadway in McAllen, will bring the best of touring Broadway shows direct from New York. The McAllen Live!

Series will bring headliners, family shows, and star at-

tractions of all types, including for this year seven-time Grammy award winner Buddy Guy: The Legend, Live in Concert.

Last year’s season ticket holders are currently locking in their seats. Based on last year’s sales, season tickets are expected to be sold out.

Anyone interested in purchasing a season ticket can still submit their name on the wait list for any seats that may open by signing up at McAllenBroadwayWaitList. com.

Broadway in McAllen staff will begin contacting those on the wait list to fulfill orders beginning Monday, Sept. 17. If any seats remain after the list orders are fulfilled, season tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, Sept. 21.

For general information, pricing and special membership features, go to LiveinMcAllenClub.com.

For questions, contact the ticket hotline at 888-2004035, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MSPA announces 2018-19 show line-up

Season tickets best value for UTRGV Patron series

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For the latest news and updates

page 2

New Bert Ogden Arena to open with week-long events

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

EDINBURG – Season tickets provide the best value for the upcoming 2018-19 Patron of the Arts events with the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. Season membership gives access to dozens of concerts at the TSC Performing Arts Center in Brownsville and the UTRGV Performing Arts auditorium in Edinburg, featuring performances by UTRGV School of Music students and faculty and nationally and internationally-renowned guest performers.

All of the concert series are included in the season membership include the following: Faculty Artist Series, Student Ensemble Series, Guest Artist Series,

August 24, 2018

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TO ADVERTISE IN THE MARKETPLACE BUSINESS AND SERVICES DIRECTORY CALL 956-585-4893 FOR MORE INFORMATION

lifestyle

Dat Nguyen to speak at Buenas Tardes luncheon

Dat Nguyen, former Dallas Cowboy, is the guest speaker for the next Buenas Tardes luncheon sponsored by the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) on Friday, Sept. 14.

It will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mission Event Center, 200 N. Shary Rd. Ngyuen started as a linebacker with Texas A&M, where he won an array of awards and was inducted into the College Football and

State of Texas Sports Hall of Fames. He was picked up

by Dallas in 199 and played with the team for seven season before retiring in 2006.

Tickets are $25 per person on a first come, first serve basis and available on eventbrite.com. Seats are limited, so early purchase is encouraged. For more information, call the GMCC at 956-585-2727 or email events@missionchamber. com.

Mission EMT graduate aspires to become doctor

McALLEN – Entering medical school has always been a dream for Aaron Silva, a 2014 graduate of Mission High School.

“I had a strong interest since I was eight or nine years to enter a career in medicine.

I knew I wanted to be a doctor, I just really didn’t know how I would go about becoming a doctor,” Silva said.

“Once I got to high school, I communicated with my mom that I felt like I needed to do something other than just go through the hoops and complete my undergrad, so she suggested that I do the whole ambulance thing.”

“The whole ambulance thing” would open a door to possibilities Silva had always wanted to achieve.

As a senior at Mission High School, Silva completed the first portion of the paramedic program while taking night classes at South Texas College (STC) and obtained his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certificate. After graduation, he took a year off to work and gain experience in the field.

His initial job as an EMT was conducting inter-facility transfers among hospitals, clinics and residences.

“I was just kind of getting a feel for what it is to interact with a patient, and gathering information on history and things like that, and really putting my new skills to the test,” he said. “The exposure I had was fantastic, and it just encouraged me to keep on going.”

When Silva returned to STC in 2015, he entered into the advanced EMT portion of the program formally known as the EMT Intermediate Certificate where he learned to perform intravenous access, advanced airway techniques and specific medication administration.

Silva received his certification after one semester and then began working for a 911

August 24, 2018

page 3

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GMCC annual banquet brings Miami to Mission

EVENTS

CALENDAR

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce is bringing a “Fiesta Miami!” feeling, in all its layers, to this year’s annual banquet and Chamber Choice awards. The evening of music, dinner and dancing will have that Miami flair is set for Friday, Oct. 5, at the Mission Eventer Center, 200 N. Shary, from 6 p.m. to midnight.

The GMCC annual Chamber Choice awards, and the annual Mr. Mission and First Lady of Mission awards sponsored by the Progress Times, will highlight the evening.

The evening begins with a cocktail hour, followed by the dinner, awards presentations and dancing from 7 to 11 p.m. For the linger-longer crowd of banquet sponsors, an After Party will run from 11 p.m. to midnight.

Individual tickets are $100 per person. For $175

August 25 – The Edinburg World Birding Center, 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd., is hosting a Nature Exchange, a swap shop for nature, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring personal collections of natural items to earn points to trade them for other nature items. The event is free. For more information, call 956-381-9922.

August 28 – Speer Memorial Library in Mission will host a discussion of The Girl on the Train in the library’s Community Room at 5:30 p.m. in Spanish, and at 6:30 p.m. in English.

Copies of the book are available to check out. Stop by the library or call at 580-8754. The title is also available as an eBook at hidalgocotx.oneclickdigital.com. For more information, or to sign up, call 580-8754 or 580-8750 or by email at reference@missiontexas.us. Speer Memorial Library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission.

August 31–September 1 – The Mission High School High (MHS) Flyers Dance and Drill Team will hold a High Flyers 40th Reunion for alumni. All former and current drill team members, directors, and principals from 1978-2018 are invited to attend. It begins with an Alumni Tea at the MHS library on Aug. 31 at 2 p.m. followed by the MHS pep rally at 3:45 p.m. The day ends with the Mission Eagles vs.

Veterans Memorial Patriots football game which includes participating in a collaborative half-time show. On Sept. 1, an alumni luncheon will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Location details will be announced later. Alumni are invited to join the Facebook group “High Flyers 40th Reunion,” and/or contact Josie Flores at josieflores@att.net for more details.

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

per person, guests receive an All Access ticket which includes dinner and unlimited beer, wine and margaritas all evening, along with free valet parking. To receive the valet parking, the All Access must be purchased

by Sept. 21. Tables to seat eight guests together can be reserved for $1,000.

Sponsorships offer a wide range of benefits and are set up as $1,500 for a Supporting sponsor; $2,500, Entertainment sponsor; $3,500, VIP sponsor; and $5,000 as a Presenting sponsor. All include the valet parking, but only if purchased by the Sept. 21 deadline.

Go to gmccfiestamiami. eventbrite.com to purchase tickets and to download the sponsorship package for a complete list of benefits. For more info, call the chamber at 956-585-2727 or email events@missionchamber. com.

Marketing students gain global sustainability perspective Aaron Silva

By Steven Masso

provider out of Alamo in the summer of 2015.

Driven by his desire to continue helping others, Silva obtained his EMT Paramedic Certificate one year later by in the summer of 2016 and is currently working as a paramedic in the Hidalgo County EMS. Silva is currently completing his pre-med degree at the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley and is preparing to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) before applying for medical school.

The STC Emergency Medical Technology program at South Texas College prepares students not only for entry-level work as EMTs, but also provides Advanced EMT, Emergency, and First Responder level instruction.

“I really encourage anybody to go through the program. The staff and faculty are phenomenal. I’ve had nothing but great experiences in interacting with them, being their student and eventually co-workers with them,” Silva said. “I have no regrets.

I’m just really satisfied with the person I’ve become and the skills I’ve gained through the EMT program.”

Students who are interested in the STC EMT program can visit nah.southtexascollege.edu or call 956- 8723178 for more information.

EDINBURG – Four area residents were among 11 students from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley who gained a global view on sustainability when they traveled to Germany this summer during a two-week study abroad course in marketing.

They included Alexandra Garcia, marketing major, and Orlando Garcia majoring in biomedical sciences, both from Mission; Edward Markowsky, management major, Palmhurst; and Alexandra Torres, nursing major, Palmview.

Dr. Reto Felix, assistant marketing professor in the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship, taught the course, “Topics in Marketing.”

The students studied at Leuphana University in Lüneburg, located in the northern portion of Germany.

The course itself is a general business class with a strong cultural component, Felix said, and is designed to introduce students to the facets of a global marketplace. The students had traditional classroom learning at Leuphana University, but also gained the first-hand cultural immersion experience through field trips and excursions.

“The students’ slogan here has been, ‘It’s not better or worse; it’s different,’” Felix said. “Studying abroad is very impactful. You may not remember being in the classroom in five or 10 years, but you will remember studying abroad.”

The group went on several field trips, pedal boating in Schröders Garten, shopping in Berlin, visiting the Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial Site, and touring the Autostadt in Wolfsburg, a visitor attraction focused on automobiles.

Alexandra Torres, a UTRGV nursing major from Palmview, said the trip to the Autostadt had a big impact on her.

“They had an exhibit there on sustainability of the environment, where they demonstrated the amount of waste each country produces and the amount of water wasted,” she said. “It was shocking to see it visually, how drastically we are negatively impacting the planet.”

Torres was not the only student moved by the trip to Germany. Carlo Flores, a senior International Business major from McAllen, said it made him rethink his major.

“This trip more or less changed my trajectory, influencing me to pursue an advanced degree in International Relations and Global Affairs,” he said.

Being able to have debates with German students, in their environment, expanded his view on several world issues.

“Having a thorough discussion with master’s students at Leuphana University regarding the tariffs the Trump Administration has placed on EU exports to the United States created a lively discussion,” Flores said.

“Having that experience, and listening to the different perspectives, was really quite amazing.”

Felix emphasized for students that Germany is one of the leading countries for environmental responsibility. For that reason, he said, the culture in Lüneburg was very different from what the students were accustomed to.

“A lot of the buildings don’t have air conditioning, so the students were sweating more than they do in Texas,” he said. “Many people use bicycles and don’t depend on cars. They recycle. They’re willing to walk five minutes to recycle.”

Torres said Germany’s varied approaches to environmental concerns has been an eye opener, and she hopes she can bring some of it back to the Valley.

“Studying abroad gave me an increased awareness of not only our own person health, but also the well-being of our environment on a global scale,” Torres said.

“Exercising, eating healthy, as well as recycling and water conservation are part of Germany’s lifestyle, and I strive to adopt that lifestyle and encourage others to do so as well.”

U.S. Air Force Airman Michael A. Ybarra recently graduated from basic training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. As an Airman, he completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Ybarra is the son of Carlos Contretras and Lavinia Perez of Mission and John Ybarra of Victoria. He is a 2017 graduate of Mission High School.

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page 4

By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS Texas Education Agency releases two sets of ratings AUSTIN — The Texas Education Agency on Aug. 15 released 2018 campus accountability ratings and, for the first time ever, A-F district accountability ratings.

More than 8,700 independent school campuses received a rating of Met Standard, Met Alternative Standard or Improvement Required. Some 7,260 pub-

lic school campuses and 558 charters were rated Met Standard or Met Alternative Standard, while 293 public school campuses and 56 charters were rated Improvement Required. Some 86 campuses would have received an Improvement Required rating but were affected by Hurricane Harvey to an extent that they were

labeled Not Rated: Harvey Provision. Also, 506 campuses received a Not Rated label for reasons other than Hurricane Harvey.

Top performers lauded Some 153 Texas school districts and district charters received an “A” rating under the A-F state accountability system, Education Commissioner Mike Morath an-

Mission citizens awards nominations now open

The Progress Times announced today that nominations are now open for the annual citizens awards for Mr. Mission and First Lady of Mission. Dee Rendon, publisher of the Progress Times, announced that nominations for the awards will be accepted until 5 p.m., Sept. 5 at the newspaper office.

The annual awards will be presented at the Mission Chamber of Commerce banquet on Friday, October 5 at the Mission Event Center.

Clubs, organizations and individuals are encouraged to submit nominations for the citizens awards. These awards are designed to recognize and honor those who have devoted their time and effort to help others and to make Mission a better place to live, raise our families and to provide opportunity for our residents. Send in your nominations and recognize those who have served so well.

While a resume for the nominee is helpful, it is not required. Just provide a description of the ways the nominee has served the community, along with your name and phone number.

Nominations may be submitted in person at the Progress Times office at 1217 N.

August 24, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Conway or by mail to Citizens Awards, Progress Times, P.O. Box 399, Mission, Texas 78573. Nominations may also be submitted by email to awards@progresstimes.net or by fax to 956-585-2304.

A pdf version of the nomination form, selection criteria, and a list of past recipients are available online at www. progresstimes.net.

Mr. Mission and First Lady Selection criteria for Mr. Mission and First Lady of Mission are the following: Must have provided long term service to Mission through a civic or church group or endeavor, or through charitable or benevolent service to the community, or a combination of these factors.

Service most be ongoing and cover a minimum of 11 years.

Length of service, character and integrity will be among considerations.

Value of service to the community in general is the primary factor.

Must live, work or have significant business interests in Mission.

Nomination Procedure Nominations must include the nominee’s name, address and phone number as well as

the qualifications of the individual. Qualifications may include positions and offices held, number of years of service and a description of the service the individual has given. Also, list any honors the individual has received, whether civic, church, or professional. Include a description of what is particularly outstanding about this individual. Also, include the name and telephone number of the person submitting the nomination. Any person who works or resides in Mission can submit a nomination.

In addition to being available online, the nomination forms and criteria may also be picked up at the Progress Times office located at 1217 N. Conway. To request forms to be faxed or emailed, call 956-585-4893. Email requests should be sent to awards@progresstimes.net.

Last year’s award recipients were Dolores Cantu, First Lady of Mission; Ruben Moreno, Mr. Mission.

Tickets for the chamber banquet may be purchased at the Mission Chamber of Commerce, located at 202 W. Tom Landry, phone 5852727.

nounced.

“Achieving an A rating reflects the hard work and commitment of everyone within a school district, starting with our classroom teachers,” Morath said. “We should all celebrate the outstanding work of these dedicated educators. Districts with high levels of poverty who attain this high level of performance are proof positive that poverty is not destiny. With strong instruction and curriculum, all students can succeed.”

The A-F ratings are based numerical grades in three areas: — Student Achievement, showing how much students know and are able to do at the end of the school year; — School Progress, showing how students perform over time and how that growth compares to similar schools; and — Closing the Gaps, showing how well different student groups within a school are performing.

School and school district report cards can be viewed at TXschools.org.

Paxton praises 5th Circuit Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Aug. 16 commended a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit for upholding a lower court’s dismissal of a lawsuit by three University of Texas at Austin faculty members.

The UT professors challenged Senate Bill 11, the campus carry law, claiming that the legislation passed by the Texas Legislature in

2015 would have a “chilling effect” and stifle discussion in their classrooms. SB 11 took effect Aug. 1, 2016.

“The right to keep and bear arms is guaranteed for all Americans,- including college students, and the 5th Circuit’s decision prevents that right from being stripped away by three individuals who oppose the law enacted by the Legislature,” Paxton said.

In July 2017, a U.S. District Court dismissed the professors’ complaints on the grounds that they were baseless and without legal standing.

‘Watch app’ recommended The Texas Department of Public Safety and Gov. Greg Abbott on Aug. 16 encouraged school staff, parents, students and community members to download the new “iWatchTexas” mobile application “to help law enforcement protect Texans.”

At the direction of Gov. Abbott, DPS launched the mobile application in June to make it easier for the public to report suspicious activity, including criminal, terroristic or school safety-related threats.

Safe driving is promoted The Texas Department of Transportation has renewed its annual effort to prevent drunken driving during the Labor Day holiday weekend.

TxDOT Executive Director James Bass on Aug. 16 said, “It’s completely irresponsible and absolutely inexcusable to drink and drive.

Finding a sober ride is easy,

and it can save you from being arrested or from injuring or killing yourself or others.

Make an effort to plan ahead for a sober ride this Labor Day weekend. You owe it to yourself and everyone else on the road.”

Bass promoted the agency’s anti-drinking and driving “Plan While You Can” campaign and recommended the website SoberRides.org as a source of alternatives to drinking and driving, such as: — Designating a sober driver or calling someone for a sober ride home; — Contacting a taxi or ride-share service; — Using mass transit; and —Spending the night.

Bond rating is highest Texas has received the highest credit ratings for this year’s Texas Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes, allowing the state to manage its cash flow needs for fiscal 2019.

State Comptroller Glenn Hegar made the announcement on Aug. 10, saying the ratings issued by the financial services companies Standard & Poor’s, Fitch, Moody’s and Kroll are the result of “conservative economic leadership and sound policies.”

The notes are sold to help fund school payments and manage cash flow between the start of the fiscal year and the arrival of tax revenue later in the year. This year’s $7.2 billion TRAN sale is set for Aug. 22.

By Dave Hendricks

Border Patrol and the La Joya Volunteer Fire Department searched the irrigation canal south of Walker Lake, but couldn’t find them. Firefighters conducted another search after sunrise and recovered two bodies.

During the past few weeks, large numbers of migrants started crossing the border south of La Joya, said police Chief Adolfo Arriaga.

While police don’t enforce immigration law, they assist Border Patrol upon request. Officers working Operation Stonegarden also target migrant smugglers.

“We’ve been getting swamped,” Arriaga said.

While local firefighters routinely pull bodies from the Rio Grande, it’s relative-

ly uncommon for migrants to drown in the Hidalgo County Irrigation District #6 canal, said General Manager Joe Aguilar, who cautioned that he didn’t know any details about what happened Sunday.

Border Patrol had another close call at the canal on Wednesday morning.

“As agents made contact with the group, two subjects jumped into a canal and immediately began to struggle to stay afloat,” according to a news release from Customs and Border Protection. “An agent noticed the two distressed illegal aliens and rescued them by pulling them out of the canal.”

2 people drown south of La Joya

Two people drowned near La Joya on Sunday, when they apparently jumped into an irrigation canal to escape Border Patrol.

Agents assigned to the McAllen Border Patrol Station encountered a large number of migrants south of La Joya early Sunday morning, according to a news release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

“Upon making contact with the group, several of the subjects jumped into a canal in an attempt to evade apprehension,” according to the news release. “Agents observed two subjects that had not made it to the opposite side of the canal.”

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

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

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

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

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

August 24, 2018

page 5

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Palmview councilman will run unopposed for mayor

By Dave Hendricks City Councilman Rick Villarreal is poised to become the next mayor of Palmview.

Villarreal submitted a ballot application on Aug. 16.

Nobody filed against him, leaving Villarreal the oddson favorite.

“I’m humbled,” said Villarreal, 48, an assistant superintendent at the La Joya Independent School District.

Villarreal will replace Mayor Jerry Perez, who plans to retire from politics after two decades on the City Council.

The candidates aligned with Villarreal, though, weren’t as lucky.

Villarreal supports City Councilman Joselito “Hoss” Hernandez, 55, who’s running for re-election to Place 2, and political newcomer Arturo “Art” Alaniz, 54, a retired teacher who’s running for Place 4.

Endorsed by the City Council, they plan to campaign together as “Progress for Palmview.”

On Monday, the last day to submit a ballot application, candidates filed against them.

Jose Luis Perez, 54, who heads the math department at Salinas Middle School, filed for Place 2, and Anthony Uresti, 26, a social studies teacher at Garcia Middle School, filed for Place 4.

Both come from political backgrounds.

Perez is the son-in-law of former state District Judge

Rick Villarreal Photo Courtesy of La Joya ISD.

Aida Salinas Flores. He ran for City Council in November 2016 but lost by nearly 300 votes.

After talking with his wife, Perez decided to try again.

“We don’t want to give up so easy just because we lost one time,” Perez said.

He’s running with Anthony Uresti, the son of former City Councilman Antonio Uresti and former La Joya school board President Rita Garza-Uresti.

“I’ve known him probably since he was born,” Perez said.

Anthony Uresti graduated from La Joya High School, studied at South Texas College and earned a master’s degree from the University of Texas A&M-Kingsville.

He teaches seventh grade social studies and coaches football.

“I’ve always been a citizen of Palmview and I feel that Palmview needs to grow to its full potential,” Antho-

ny Uresti said. “I really want to see Palmview succeed as a city.”

He plans to run with Perez as “Palmv1ew Proud.”

They’re loosely affiliated with Team Un1ted, a political coalition that supports three Palmview candidates for school board.

Who the City Council candidates support for school board could become a major issue during the campaign.

Members of the City Council, including Villarreal, blame school board Trustee Johnn Alaniz — the former city manager — for financial problems that befell Palmview during the past decade.

They’re supporting his opponent, Mary T. Hernandez, for school board.

Asked which City Council candidates he would support, Johnn Alaniz answered bluntly.

“I will be supporting the people who are willing to support me,” Johnn Alaniz said, declining to identify individual candidates.

While he didn’t draw an opponent, Villarreal said he still plans to campaign “100 miles per hour” with Hernandez and Alaniz. He anticipates they’ll face tough but friendly challenges from the Palmv1ew Proud candidates.

“Anthony and Jose Luis are good friends,” Villarreal said. “Jose Luis and I played ball together back in the late 80s.”

Early voting starts Oct. 22. Election Day is Nov. 6.

6 candidates file for 3 seats on La Joya school board

By Dave Hendricks

Six candidates for La Joya school board will appear on the November ballot, but the matchup between Trustee Johnn Alaniz and businesswoman Mary T. Hernandez is quickly becoming the marquee contest in western Hidalgo County.

Bad blood between Alaniz and Hernandez stretches back to October 2014, when her daughter — a cheerleader at Palmview High School — filed a lawsuit against him. Hernandez also blasted Alaniz last year, accusing him of steering a contract to a compadre. And when Alaniz announced he would run for re-election, Hernandez passed on the open seat vacated by Trustee J.J. Peña.

She didn’t just want to serve; she wanted to knock Alaniz off the school board.

“I’m going to run my campaign like I’ve always run it before: Based on my qualifications, my experience, my passion for the district and the children of this area,” said Alaniz, who’s running for a fourth term. “I really don’t care who my opponent is.”

Monday marked the dead-

John Alaniz

Mary T. Hernandez

Photo Courtesy of La Joya ISD.

Photo Courtesy of Facebook.

line for candidates to submit ballot applications.

Businesswoman Nereyda Cantu, 40, of Palmview — the sister-in-law of school board Trustee Alex Cantu — will run unopposed for Place 1.

Trustee Frances A. Salinas, 50, of La Joya, will run for re-election against former school board Trustee Espie Ochoa, 48, of Palmview and teacher Pamela Flores, 49, of Palmview.

Place 3 will pit Alaniz, the CEO of the La Joya Area Federal Credit Union, against Hernandez, a wellknown businesswoman.

“A lot of people have asked me what my inten-

tions are,” Hernandez said.

“And like I tell them, my focus would be, right now, the students, the teachers and the staff.”

The La Joya Independent School District, the largest employer in western Hidalgo County, shouldn’t be a full-employment scheme for people with political connections, Hernandez said.

During conversations with employees, she heard countless stories of people being judged based on political considerations rather than qualifications.

“It’s mostly with people

Diego Silva, the new director for the Buckner Family Hope Center in Peñitas, outside the location. Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

Buckner Family Hope Center in Peñitas names new director

By Jamie Treviño Operating out of a small space with a staff of six, Diego Silva has recently been named the director of a local branch of an international non-profit organization.

Silva has been the director of the Buckner Family Hope Center in Peñitas, located at 39614 Mile 7 Rd. Suite 3, by La Nutria Rd, since Aug. 13.

As he is learning a lot from the staff at the center, he also brings his experience working for Buckner International for five years as a Missions Group Coordinator and Missions Team Lead with the Domestic Missions Team in Mission.

Buckner International is a non-profit ministry serving the United States and internationally. Started by a Baptist preacher in Dallas 139 years ago who saw the needs of orphaned children after the American Civil War, the organization has expanded.

It has had a presence in the Valley since 1971.

The Family Hope Center in Peñitas is one of the programs offered by Buckner Rio Grande Valley, an extension of Buckner International. The Hope Center, open Mon. through Fri. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., services those within a 20-mile radius of the location, helping 3,000 to 4,000 people annually.

“It’s a very high number of people to serve in a center this small with a small staff,” Silva said. “It’s a small center, but a lot happens here.”

Silva is originally from Brazil, and moved to Texas with his family when he was

14 years old. After getting a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical/ Theological Studies from Baptist University of the Americas, he and his wife Gabriela, a court reporter, began moving more and more south in Texas.

They settled here because Silva said they found a family-oriented place that held the values they wanted to raise their sons with. He now holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

“We saw that the Valley has very high family values,” Silva said. “It really just transcends ideologies and political positions. Even though [the Valley] has this high need, we’re experiencing rapid growth, which is an amazing opportunity for our family.”

Silva, a self-proclaimed people person who felt a calling to help as many individuals as he can, found that Buckner International gives people the opportunity to empower themselves and strengthen their family lives.

“We’re pouring in a lot of resources and a lot of time in family strengthening programs and family preservation programs,” Silva said.

“We do that through a set of protective factors: strengthening the family, social connections, parental resilience and providing support in times of need.”

The Hope Center offers English as a Second Language courses taught by Region One Education Service Center, parenting classes, entrepreneurial courses, job

interview training and many other classes throughout the year. When the Progress Times stopped by, the center was filled with people registering themselves for these courses and getting information about what the center offers parents every year.

Buckner Rio Grande Valley also includes foster care and adoption services, the STAR (Services to At-Risk Youth) program which is a short-term counseling program for at-risk children, the Missions team which works at developing specific programs to help Buckner RGV and bring in volunteer resources and funding.

“We’re responding to a very specific need,” Silva said. “The Family Hope Center is a preventative program.

The reason we exist is to help the family be strong so that children won’t end up in the foster care system.”

Recently, the Family Hope Center in Peñitas held a shoe and school supply distribution. They gave needed shoes and supplies to about 400 families.

“Our core, and the most important thing we do, is elevating families through family coaching, this is also what’s known as case management,” Silva said. “We have a case manager, or family coach, working with the family unit, identifying areas of need, issues and strengths in order to create a transformational plan.”

According to Silva and Development Officer Monica Skrzpinski, the main goal

See BUCKNER FAMILY Pg.10

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August 24, 2018

Sports week

THE

BIG7 SCHOOLS

page 6

www.ptrgv.com/sports

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

Sharyland’s strength in numbers sets up a big 2018

By Bryan Ramos The season may just be getting started for the Sharyland Rattlers but their goal is clear: Finish.

The Rattlers are loaded with experience as they return 12 starters and 38 seniors, all of whom are looking to finish the job last year’s 9-3 playoff team nearly accomplished in their heartbreaking 42-39 triple overtime playoff loss to Alice in the second round.

“They saw how close we were to advancing, and for those seniors on that team they did a remarkable job of leading us, but there were a lot of kids on our team that are returners that experienced the feeling of two playoff games and being successful in the playoffs,” said Head Coach Ron Adame.

“When we talk about our goals this year, it’s finishing games, knowing in spite of what the game starts like, you got to play four quarters and sometimes you may have to go to overtime to get the job done.”

This year’s Sharyland Rattlers are equipped to do just that.

The offense is primed to put up points on any opponent with the return of dual-threat quarterback Edgar Longoria (2,291 total yards, 32 touchdowns) and three of his most dangerous receiving options from a season ago in Ruben Davila (49 catches, 6 touchdowns), Gabriel Tamez (35 catches, 8 touchdowns)

and Adrian Solis (3 touchdowns).

“I think Edgar, you can compare him to Michael Vick because he can run the ball and he can throw the ball,” said Davila, last year’s District 31-5A Co-Offensive Newcomer of the Year. “He can do whatever he needs to do, and us as receivers we can run and it’s only a matter of catching the ball because he always puts the ball where it needs to be. I feel we have

a really good offense passing and running-wise.”

And running-wise, the Rattlers will be no push over.

In fact, they’ll be doing the pushing over, led up front by third-year lettermen Josh Williams and Gabriel Martinez who will be clearing lanes for running back Danny Escalera.

On the other side of the ball, Sharyland is focused on tightening things up after surrendering 382 points a year

ago. The Rattlers defense will be tested right out of the gate as they are scheduled to face four playoff teams from 2017 in non-district play.

“Tightening up our run defense, which is going to be tested early in the season when we play Pace, Memorial, La Joya and Hanna,” Adame said. “That’s a gauntlet to go through so we’re just looking for ways to improve every week.”

The Rattlers return

All-District defensive honorees in linebackers Javo Lopez and Emiliano Becerril and defensive end Brandon Mireles, three seniors who Sharyland will be banking on to spearhead the defense.

“I think we’re going to do a much better job than last year,” said Lopez, who led Sharyland in tackles in 2017 with 109 stops. “We’re going to have a solid defense; we can stop the run, stop the pass and we’re focused

The Sharyland Rattlers 2018 team captains from left to right: (standing) senior receiver Ruben Davila, senior tackle Josh Williams, senior receiver Gabriel Tamez, senior quarterback Edgar Longoria, senior defensive end Brandon Mireles, (kneeling) senior fullback Fernie Cardenas, senior linebacker Javo Lopez, and senior guard Gabriel Martinez. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra.

on not giving up as many points. I know we’ve got great leaders all around and we’re going to have a good run this year.”

As for the season-long goals for the Rattlers, Adame sets out every year to be better than the last. After winning a share of the District 31-5A title a year ago, the Rattlers find themselves in a new home in District 16-5A Division II, which Adame says will be a dog-fight.

“In our opinion, our district is going to be just as tough,” he said. “When you add Edcouch and Mercedes into the mix along with Pioneer and Valley View, it’s going to be tough. Mercedes and Edcouch alone are bringing two schools that have a lot of pride. Those towns are football towns. We’re playing them at home this year and we’re hoping that will work in our favor, but we have to prove we can win on the road too.”

The Rattlers are set to open preseason action tonight against the Harlingen Cardinals at Boggus Stadium. The scrimmage is scheduled to start at about 6:30 p.m. and will feature four quarters of live-game situations with special teams not live.

Sharyland will kick off non-district play at home in Week One against Brownsville Pace in a rematch of last year’s bi-district playoff matchup, which the Rattlers won 59-43.

Huskies motivated to return to playoffs

By Luciano Guerra

After qualifying for the UIL State Playoffs in back-to-back seasons, the Juarez-Lincoln Huskies found themselves on the outside looking in of post-season play last year. The fact that they bettered their 2017 District 30-6A record by one game and they posted their best overall record ever last year, made missing out on the playoffs an extremely tough pill to swallow; especially after opening their district schedule at 3-1. That was when they fell to the La Joya Coyotes and the McAllen Memorial Mustangs in back-to-back weeks to finish the regular season at 3-3 (6-4 overall) and in a three-way tie for third place with only two playoff spots remaining.

Unfortunately for Garcia and his Huskies, the tie-breakers did not go their way, so the Coyotes and the McAllen

2018 Juarez-Lincoln Huskies Football Team

High Bulldogs were given the opportunity to extend their seasons into the playoffs, while the Huskies were not.

Having qualified for the

playoffs the year before with a 2-4 record, the 3-3 Huskies needed for either the Palmview Lobos to defeat the Coyotes or the Mission Eagles to defeat the Bulldogs

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in Week 11, their bye week, to qualify for the playoffs for the third year in a row.

However, neither of those things happened and that brought the Huskies’ season to a sudden end, at least one week sooner than Garcia had hoped.

“Coming off back-toback playoff seasons and having our best record ever in the history of Juarez-Lincoln High School at 6-4, we were the odd men out of the playoffs last year with our 3-3 district record,” Garcia said. “It was really tough to be in that position but the kids are hungry and they understand that we had a good team last year and that we’ve lost some very good seniors.

But they know that they need to work a little harder or we could end up in the same situation again this year.

“If things had gone our way in the Mission, McAllen High game, we would’ve made the playoffs,” Garcia added. “But we could’ve taken care of it ourselves. That’s the main focus this year.

We need to take care of the games we need to win so that we can get into the playoffs and not have to rely on somebody else.”

With the UIL’s most recent realignment, District 30-6A has undergone some

changes, most notably the departure of the Palmview Lobos and the addition of the PSJA Bears and the PSJA North Raiders.

When asked which teams he expects to be the teams to beat, Garcia said, “Until somebody beats Memorial, who has gone undefeated in the district for five years, they’re the team to beat. But the PSJA Bears are coming off a playoff season and they have a very good team coming back. It’s going to be a very tough district but I think that our non-district schedule is going to help us get ready for our district opponents.

We have Rio Hondo who has 6A numbers, we have Pioneer that is an up-and-coming program and we have the Edinburg Bobcats, who are coming off a playoff year.”

Once again this season, the Huskies will be relying on the Martinez brothers, quarterback Efren and running back Albert, to lead their offense.

“It’s a special relationship that they have,” Garcia said.

“They’re the ones that get on each other. Sometimes we need to calm them down by reminding them that we’re the coaches, and while we understand that they’re brothers, we’re in charge.

Albert is very quiet while

Efren takes control and commands respect. They’re very good kids and are both very coachable.”

While the Martinez brothers are both seniors, Efren is older than Albert. When asked what it’s like to not only have his younger brother in the same backfield as him, Efren said, “It’s pretty special and it’s amazing.

Handling the ball off to my brother is special. There’s no other way to describe it.”

As much as the 5-foot-6inch, 185-pound quarterback enjoys handing the ball off to his younger brother, he will need to be able to pass the ball down the field if the Huskies offense is going to put points on the scoreboard, And which receivers is he expecting to be his main targets this season?

“We have a returning starter at wide receiver in Luis Rodriguez,” the elder Martinez brother said. “We are expecting a lot from him this year. We have another young guy who is a junior.

They are both 6-feet tall so they’re going to be big targets and that is a definite advantage.”

Both Martinez brothers’ success this season will be dependent on how well the Huskies’ offensive line blocks and opens up running lanes. While Coach Garcia referred to his offensive linemen as young and inexperienced, Albert believes the offensive line will do what it has to do to allow him to have a successful season.

“The offensive line is less experienced this year than it was last year but I think we have three returning linemen that played varsity last year, and they did good,” the younger Martinez brother said.

The Huskies will open their 2018 season at home when they take on Rio Hondo in a non-district match-up August 31. They will open their 30-6A regular season with a home game against PSJA North, September 28.

August 24, 2018

page 7

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2018 2018

FOOTBALL FOOTBALL

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DISTRICT 16-5A1 DISTRICT 16-5A1

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Booster Club For Your School’s $$ Booster Club For Your School’s Grand Prize Athletic Booster Club Grand Prize Athletic Booster Club Check Check your school or favorite team below. The team with the most entries at the end of the season will win $200 for Check the the box box next next to to the the team team you you think think will will win win from from each each of of the the games games below below Check your school or favorite team below.

The team with the most entries at the end of the season will win $200 for the school’s Athletic Booster Club. the school’s Athletic Booster Club. ❑ Sharyland Rattlers ❑ Rattlers ❑ Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks ❑ Pioneer Diamondbacks

❑ Juarez-Lincoln Huskies ❑ ❑ Juarez-Lincoln La Joya CoyotesHuskies ❑ La Joya Coyotes

❑ Mission Eagles ❑ ❑ Mission VeteransEagles Memorial Patriots ❑ Veterans Memorial Patriots

❑ Palmview Lobos ❑ Palmview Lobos

Name: _____________________________________________________________ Name: _____________________________________________________________ City: City: _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Phone Phone & & Alt Alt Phone:_______________________ Phone:_______________________ Email: Email:__________________________ __________________________ am age age 18 18 or or older. older.

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High School School Football Football Contest Contest Rules Rules High A A $50 $50 cash cash prize prize will will be be awarded awarded each each week week for for the the winning winning entry. entry. The The entry entry coming coming closest closest to to calling calling all all the the games games correctly correctly wins. wins. In In event event of of aa tie, tie, the the tying tying entry entry that that comes comes closest closest to to the the score score of of Tie Tie Breaker Breaker #1 #1 wins. wins. If If aa tie tie remains, remains, the the tying tying entry entry that that comes comes closest closest to to the the score score of of Tie Tie Breaker Breaker #2 #2 wins. wins. If If aa tie tie still still remains, remains, the the $50 $50 prize prize will will be be divided divided evenly evenly among among the the winning winning entries. entries.

Booster Club Club Grand Grand Prize: Prize: At At the the end end of of the the regular regular football football season, season, the the total total number number of of complete, complete, qualified qualified entries entries will will be be tallied tallied for for each each team team with with the the team’s team’s check check box box marked. marked.

Booster The $200 $200 Grand Grand Prize Prize will will be be awarded awarded to to the the Athletic Athletic Booster Booster Club Club of of the the team team with with the the most most entries entries submitted. submitted.

The No Purchase Purchase necessary. necessary. Limit Limit one one entry entry per per household household each each week week of of the the contest contest period. period. Must Must be be age age 18 18 or or older older to to enter enter the the contest. contest.

No HOW HOW TO TO ENTER: ENTER: Check Check the the box box next next to to the the team’s team’s name name that that you you predict predict to to win win each each high high school school game. game. Next, Next, for for the the tie tie breakers, breakers, predict predict the the total total points points scored scored by by the the winning winning team team in the Tie Breaker #1 game, and the total points scored by the winning team in the Tie Breaker #2 game. in the Tie Breaker #1 game, and the total points scored by the winning team in the Tie Breaker #2 game. Fill Fill in in your your name, name, address, address, phone phone number number (This (This is is how how we we notify notify the the winners!), winners!), Progress Times Times weekly weekly newsletter newsletter and and mail mail or or drop drop off off your your entry entry form form at at Progress Progress Times Times,, 1217 1217 N. N. Conway Conway Ave., Ave., Mission, Mission, TX TX 78572.

78572. Or Or and email email address. address. Check Check the the box box to to receive receive the the FREE FREE Progress and submit your your entry entry online online at at www.progresstimes.net. www.progresstimes.net. All All entries entries must must be be received received by by the the Progress Progress Times Times no no later later than than 22 p.m., p.m., Thursday Thursday preceding preceding the the listed listed games. games. submit Progress Times Times or or Sharyland Sharyland Times Times,, aa photocopy photocopy of of the the entry entry form, form, or or submitted submitted electronically electronically from from our our official official All entries entries must must be be submitted submitted on on the the Official Official Entry Entry Form Form printed printed in in the the Progress All website submission submission form. form. Only Only one one entry entry per per household household per per week. week. Previous Previous winners winners and and all all members members of of the the same same household household are are ineligible ineligible for for subsequent subsequent weeks weeks of of the the contest. contest. Prizes Prizes website must be claimed within 7 days of notification or announcement in the Progress Times. Decisions made by the Progress Times staff are final. The winners agree to allow the Progress Times to use their names and photographs to announce the winners and for promotional purposes online and in print. Employees of the Progress Times and their immediate family members are not eligible to win.

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Alton creates first amnesty program for unpaid citations Anyone with unpaid citations in the city of Alton is invited to go to the Alton Municipal Court to pay off their citations without facing arrest.

On Monday, the city of Alton launched its first amnesty program, for those with pending arrest warrants tied to outstanding traffic citations.

As part of the two-week program, which runs through Sept. 3, the Alton Municipal Court will waive both warrant and failure to appear fees for anyone who received a traffic citation, such as speeding or driving without a license, from the Alton Police Department.

A warrant fee is $50 and the failure to appear fee is approximately $208, accord-

August 24, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

ing to Alton Police Chief Jonathan Flores.

“We’re working to provide the community an opportunity for them to arrive and take care of these fees without fear of being arrested,” Flores said. “We’re working the best we can to help them pay their fines.”

According to Flores, there is a “significant” amount of unpaid citations the city is going through that need to be resolved.

The Alton Municipal Court, located at 509 S. Alton Blvd., is open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Those wanting to know whether they have an outstanding ticket can call (956) 432-0760.

LJISD sets tax rate and budget for 2018-2019

By Jamie Treviño The La Joya Independent School District held a public hearing this Wednesday in which the board of trustees discussed and approved the 2018-2019 budget and 2018 proposed tax rate.

The item was presented

by Assistant Superintendent of Administration and Finance Alfredo Vela. He outlined the requirements set by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) in terms of budget preparations and stated the final budget.

“Our certified property values is $2,558,622,000,” Vela said. “Our tax levy is $32,923,000. Our proposed tax rate is going to be $1.31, of which $1.17 is for maintenance and operations, and $0.14 is for debt services.”

The tax rate was approved during a board meeting following the public hearing.

Vela said the budget is based on the anticipated tax collection rate of 98 percent, which is estimated to generate $32,265,000. $28.7 million of those funds will be for maintenance and operations and $3.4 million will be allocated for debt services. The district is expecting the daily attendance rate of students to be 26,790.

“The budget that we present will include raises of $1,050 for teachers, librarians and nurses,” Vela said. “And 3 percent [raise] of the job rate midpoint for auxiliary, classified and other non-teaching professionals.”

Vela said that the budget also contributes to the district’s health insurance premium of $5,100 per year per employee. According to him, the unemployment fund and worker’s compensation fund

are both “well-funded,” so no money will be put into either of those funds this year.

“We do have a balanced budget,” Vela said. “Our total budget for the year will be $351.8 million.”

Vela said that is compared with $348.6 million in revenues, and the general fund will be using $4 million out of its fund balance to balance the budget.

“We are very pleased with the way we started the budgeting process, and the way we finished it,” Vela said.

Vela also said that over 90 percent of the budget revenues comes from either state or federal programs.

“51.6 percent of our budget is for instruction or is instruction-related, $181.5 million,” Vela said. “6.8 percent is instructional leadership or $23.9 million. 19 percent is for student support services,

$66.9 million. 3.2 percent is administrative support services, $11.1 million. Support services for non-students is 11.9 percent, $41.7 million.

Ancillary is $1.2 million, 0.3 percent. Debt service is $24.2 million, 7 percent.

Capital outlay $500,000, 0.1 percent and intergovernmental charges is $354,000. That is going down by function.”

The board of trustees had no questions about the budget or tax rate, and no one from the public input any questions.

“We do want to thank the board of trustees, we met several times this summer,” Vela said. “Dr. Benavides, the assistant superintendents and their staffs, the principals and the business offices this year put it together. It was really a total team effort.”

Smuggler charged with sexual assault

By Dave Hendricks When he finished a twoyear stint in federal prison, deputy marshals were waiting for Hermelindo De Los Reyes-Maldonado.

The U.S. Marshals Service whisked De Los Reyes back to Mission — where he’s charged with sexual assaulting a migrant woman.

Border Patrol arrested De Los Reyes, a 39-yearold Mexican citizen, on Oct. 3, 2016, after he illegally crossed the Anzalduas bridge, according to federal court records. They also arrested four people traveling with him.

Agents with Homeland Security Investigations, a division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, interviewed them after the arrest. Several people said De Los Reyes guided the group across the border.

During the interview, a Salvadoran woman also accused De Los Reyes of sexually assaulting her while they crossed the bridge.

The woman said she left

El Salvador in mid-September and reached Reynosa two weeks later. Her ex-husband paid smugglers to sneak her across the border.

On the night of Oct. 2, smugglers packed her in a car with several other migrants. When they reached the bridge, the car stopped.

De Los Reyes and the migrants started walking across the bridge. While they walked, De Los Reyes accosted the woman.

“The guide told her to take off her pants or he was going to leave her stranded,” according to Mission Municipal Court records.

She refused.

De Los Reyes grabbed her by the neck and tossed her to the ground. The woman told a Mission Police Department investigator that she fought back, according to court records, but De Los Reyes overpowered her.

Other migrants witnessed the sexual assault.

A Guatemalan man said he watched De Los Reyes attack the woman, according to municipal court records.

When De Los Reyes noticed the man watching, he demanded the man look away.

De Los Reyes later guided the group over a fence near Granjeno, where they were arrested by Border Patrol.

When federal agents questioned him about what happened, De Los Reyes claimed the sexual encounter was consensual, according to municipal court records.

Prosecutors secured a three-count indictment against De Los Reyes. He pleaded guilty to transporting an alien within the United States for financial gain.

U.S. District Judge Robert G. James sentenced De Los Reyes to two years in federal prison.

“The sexual assault matter did come up, and it was addressed by the court,” said attorney Juan Francisco Tinoco of McAllen, who represented De Los Reyes.

While De Los Reyes wasn’t actually charged with the sexual assault in federal court, the judge considered the allegation during sentencing.

“He did get more time because of that,” Tinoco said, adding that he couldn’t provide more details because the presentence investigation report is confidential.

The U.S. Bureau of Prisons released De Los Reyes on Aug. 9. He’s now facing the sexual assault charge, a second-degree felony punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.

Mission Municipal Judge Jonathan Wehrmeister set bail at $250,000.

Court records don’t list an attorney for De Los Reyes, who remains at the Hidalgo County jail and couldn’t be reached for comment.

Hermelindo De Los Reyes-Maldonado Photo courtesy of the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.

August 24, 2018

obituaries Pedro Barrera Jr. MISSION – Pedro Barrera Jr., 70, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center.

Mr. Barrera served in the United States Army and was a Vietnam veteran. He received the Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge Sharpshooter (rifle).

He was a life insurance broker for many years.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Josie L. Barrera, and siblings, Ray Barrera, Juan Barrera, Carmen Ruiz, Angelita Chandler and Petra Zamora.

He was preceded in death by his son, Adrian; parents, Pedro and Tomasa Barrera; and brother, Frank Barrera.

A funeral service was held on Aug. 20 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission.

Pallbearers were his nephews, Pete, Gene and Pablo Flores; and Omar Villarreal, Jose Gonzalez Jr. and Jose Gonzalez III. Armando Ojeda MISSION – Armando Ojeda, 74, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center.

Mr. Ojeda served in the United States Army for several years.

Survivors include his wife, Christina Ojeda; daughter, Laura Ojeda; two sisters and five brothers; and a grandson.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jorge Joaquin Ojeda; parents, Roman and Sara Ojeda; and three sisters and two brothers.

A funeral mass was held on Aug. 22 at Our Lady of

Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at RGV State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.

Mary Jo Pierce CORPUS CHRISTI – Mary Jo Kidd Pierce, 93, of Corpus Christi, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018.

Mrs. Pierce was born on Dec. 14, 1924, in Iowa Park to R. B. and Nonnie Mae Kidd and was raised in Freer. She and her husband, R. D. Pierce, lived in Mission where they raised their children. She worked for Sears in McAllen for 25 years before her retirement and moved to Calallen and Corpus Christi in 1998 where she was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church for 30 years.

Survivors include her children, Michael Pierce, Ricky Pierce and Jody Eason; sister, Dorothy Montgomery; and 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, R.D. Pierce.

A funeral service was held on Aug. 22 at Grace United Methodist Church in Corpus Christi with Rev. Jason Fry officiating. Graveside services were conducted later that day at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission with Bro. Ralph Green III officiating.

The family has requested memorial donations be made in support of the Alzheimer’s Association, 3649 Leopard Street, Suite 403, Corpus Christi, TX 78408.

Irene Salinas MISSION – Irene Salinas, 48, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018 at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg.

A lifelong Mission resident, Ms. Salinas was born

on July 17, 1970, in Pharr to Domingo Jr. and Raquel (Garza) Salinas.

Survivors include her children, Nora Camacho, Mary Ochoa and Arnoldo Ochoa III; her parents; siblings, Domingo Salinas III, Noemi Forsythe, Gregorio Salinas, Perla Salinas, Jesse Salinas, Erica Salinas, Jose Salinas, Artemio Salinas and Liomar Salinas; and four grandchildren.

A funeral mass was held on Aug. 18 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Mission. Arrangements were under the care of Rivera Funeral Home in Mission.

Gregorio Treviño MISSION – Gregorio “Gollo” Treviño, 74, passed away on Aug. 16, 2018, at his home.

Mr. Treviño was born on Sept. 17, 1943, in Mission.

He was employed as a truck driver.

Survivors include his wife, Maria Gloria Treviño; children, Oscar Treviño, Raul Treviño, Ramiro Treviño and Elizabeth Treviño; five siblings; and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ramon V. and Petra Treviño.

A funeral was held on Aug. 21 at Funeraria Del Angel in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens.

Notices Ramon Barrera MISSION – Ramon Barrera,

75, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, at his home in Mission.

Herbert Allen Bryant MISSION – Herbert Allen Bryant, 72, passed away on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018, at his home in Mission.

Valentin Garcia MISSION – Valentin Garcia, 60, passed away on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018, at Citizens Medical Center in Victoria.

Maricela Gonzalez MISSION – Maricela Gonzalez, 61, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Celia Jaramillo MISSION – Celia Jaramillo, 43, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, at Woodland Hospice in Mt. Pleasant, Mich.

Maria Lopez PEÑITAS – Maria Lopez, 78, passed away on Monday, Aug. 20, 2018, at her home in Peñitas.

Julio Matamoros ALTON – Julio Cesar Matamoros, 43, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018, at his home in Alton.

Irene Meeks MISSION – Irene Meeks, 48, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg.

Maryls Olson MISSION – Maryls Olson, 88, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018, at Retama Manor Nursing Home in Edinburg.

Faustino Peña PEÑITAS – Faustino Peña, 72, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, at his home in Peñitas.

Enedina Treviño MISSION – Enedina Treviño, 83, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018, at Pax Villa Hospice in McAllen.

Agustin Zepeda MISSION – Agustin Zepeda, 66, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5

Mission • 580-4551

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

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

KING, GUERRA, DAVIS & GARCIA ATTORNEYS AT LAW

DAVID H. GUERRA

DARRELL DAVIS

301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622

MISSION AUTO ELECTRIC, INC. DBA

ER MAE EPQOU IW PMENT

Commercial Lawn Equipment “Since 1954”

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

City of Mission reviews consulting services contracts

By Jamie Treviño In an effort to try and fulfill a campaign promise of raising city employee minimum wages to $15 an hour, Mayor Armando O’caña, Mission city council and the city attorney are in the process of reviewing consulting service contracts with Mission.

During a workshop held this week, the mayor and council looked over the contracts currently held in the City of Mission with various consulting firms. According to O’caña and City Manager Martin Garza, Jr., Mission currently holds contracts with “10 to 20” consulting services.

“They wanted to know who we have on payroll, and what services they do,” O’caña said. “The other side of the coin was, are there any concurrent services, and can we save money?”

Council found some areas that can be consolidated, and they hope to figure out how to combine services in order to save money and eventually get the minimum wage for city employees to $15.

“We did find some areas [that are concurrent],” O’caña said. “Our direction as a whole was to follow the procurement process of the city, whatever it takes to advertise, whatever it takes for qualifications, we’re going to follow that process.

Contracts that have been valid for three years or more will be reviewed, and a determination of their viability will be made by September.

If necessary, the services three years or older will be re-bid.

“We did have a great variety of services,” O’caña said. “Several of them we’re going to consolidate into one contract. We’re not looking at performance. By November 1, we should have all our

contracts updated.”

O’caña said that the city plans to classify certain consultants as primary and others as alternate pools consultants, in case the primary consultant has other contracts with other cities that are preventing them from assisting Mission immediately.

“If we have a primary bidder, and he has 18 projects that he has to test all over the Valley, and we’re number 18 and it’s holding up our project, then the secondary pool will be called up,” O’caña said. “It’s so we can expedite the project - instead of waiting five weeks for the other contractor, we can do it in two to three days, in a timely and professional manner.”

Garza and O’caña stressed that all the consulting services in contract with the city have been providing excellent work for Mission, this is just in an effort to keep taxes low and hopefully increase efficiency and financial responsibility.

“The spirit of the council in their discussion was that the performances of all of them were very high,” O’caña said. “All of them have provided quality services to the city, but at the end of the day, if we can consolidate and save money for the city without raising taxes, that’s what we get elected for.”

The workshop also included approval to increase the bandwidth of internet services at the Mission Event Center. Internet is currently being provided by AT&T, and both mayor and the city manager said if more bandwidth is needed in the future, they would increase again.

“This purchase was not in our budget process, but we do have money in the fund balance to cover that,” O’caña said, “Without raising taxes, again.”

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BUCKNER FAMILY

is to help families achieve what they need to achieve to stay together and become successful.

“We are a portal to help,” Skrzpinski said. “We bring different agencies and collaborate, we are pulling together to strengthen this community and shine hope on the Peñitas area.”

“We want to make sure that dad is a good dad and that mom is a good mom and together they’re a good husband and wife,” Silva added.

“We want to make sure that they are financially stable, we really want to pull people out of poverty.”

The Buckner Family Hope Center in Peñitas opened its doors in April 2011, and Silva said he has

seen a positive impact on the community since then, including a decrease in the levels of depression in mothers and an overall visible improvement to the aesthetics of the area, which was accomplished through the community and not Buckner itself.

“We really want to see transformation, we want to see families strengthening,” Silva said. “We know we can’t do that because we don’t live here [in the Peñitas area]. Our families are the ones that live here, and they’re the ones who have to transform their community. We can help identify how they can transform their own families.”

While Buckner Interna-

tional is a non-denominational faith-based organization, Silva said that faith is the framework for the moral mission of the center.

“We are not a church, that is the key,” Silva said.

“Sometimes we do have bible studies, but the idea is that we want people to connect with God and our Creator, and we’re unapologetic about our faith. We’re not here to indoctrinate anyone, we’re here to love.”

Skrzpinski said they couldn’t do what they do in the RGV without the help of the community, volunteers and donations. She can be reached at 956-585-4847 (x227) or mskrzypinski@ buckner.org.

theclassifieds buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

this page is your oyster opening up to a world of oppor tunity

Minute Story – Night Light

by Rix Quinn The most important light in our house is the smallest one. Like many families, we keep a tiny nightlight in a dark hallway.

That bulb’s kept me safe for years. When our child was little, it illuminated a path to her room, so we wouldn’t stumble if she called us. Later, it kept us from tripping over our large and fre-

PT

progresstimes

progresstimes

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progresstimes

For the latest news and updates

August 24, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com from pg 5 LA JOYA CANDIDATES

quently sleeping dog.

Not long ago, before guests came over, I pulled the light out so I could plug in a vacuum cleaner. Then, I forgot where I put it.

Bad idea! We couldn’t find the nightlight for several days, and I stumbled around in the dark.

The nightlight’s simple mission is clear. It brightens one specific area that needs it most.

My goal is to be more

like my little nightlight. I don’t offer much illumination, but at least I can help a little bit.

SAVE on Medicare Supplement Insurance! Get a FAST and FREE Rate Quote from Medicare.com.

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Compare Quotes from Major Insurance Cos. Operators Standing By. CALL 1-844-3195378.

LEGAL NOTICE Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Mixed Beverage Permit by Steven Alaniz dba Brick Fire Pizza & More, to be located at 704 E. Griffing Parkway, Suite 130, Mission, Hidalgo County, Texas.

Officers of said Limited Liability Company are Steven Alaniz, owner and Joseph Guerra, owner.

that don’t even have an education,” Hernandez said.

“And I don’t feel the teachers are being respected the way they should.”

Teachers told her the district created positions for people who weren’t qualified or couldn’t meet state standards. Asked for examples, Hernandez said she didn’t want to mention names.

“I’m trying to actually run a campaign where I’m not going to be so negative about what they’re doing,” Hernandez said. “I want to focus on the future.”

The history between Alaniz and Hernandez, though, is key to understanding her candidacy.

Her daughter, Zayde Hernandez, filed a lawsuit against Alaniz in October 2014.

Classified Rate:

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

Notice of Public Hearing Mission Economic Development Corporation Notice is hereby given that the Mission Economic Development Corporation will conduct a public hearing on September 18, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. at the Center for Education and Economic Development building, 801 N. Bryan Road, Mission, Texas to consider the following project or projects during the proposed fiscal year 2018-2019: The purchase of real property and improvements described as Lot One (1) Tamkin Subdivision, an Addition to the City of Mission, Hidalgo County, Texas, as per map recorded in Volume 29, Page 187 B, Map Records of Hidalgo County, Texas. The purchase price will be financed through a loan in a principal amount not to exceed $7,919,131. The property will be owned and maintained by the Mission Economic Development Corporation.

Anyone interested is invited to attend and present their comments.

Date of publication: August 24, 2018 Anna Carrillo City Secretary

The lawsuit accused Alaniz of indirectly influencing the district cheerleading program and steering business to a gym owned by his sister-inlaw.

Alaniz never responded to the lawsuit, which quickly stalled.

“I don’t get involved with the day-to-day operations of the school district,” Alaniz said. “To be honest with you, I think that’s pretty petty on her part, if that’s why she’s running against me.”

Hernandez and Alaniz tangled again during September 2017, when the board awarded a six-figure contract to Dezvia LLC to maintain and replace air filters.

Former Palmview City Manager Ramon Segovia, who worked with Alaniz for

years, co-owned the company. Hernandez confronted the school board during public comment, calling the contract a prime example of compadrismo.

To bolster her argument, Hernandez referenced documents from the school board meeting packet. The school district responded by conducting an aggressive leak investigation and restricting access to public records.

Alaniz said he plans to focus on the issues, not personal disputes.

“Change is not always good,” Alaniz said. “I think people need to be very careful as far as what is out there and what people are saying.

I would say to people: Look at results, because that’s what matters.”

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@progress-

times.net or pay by phone 956-585-4893.

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

MISSION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION NOTICE OF INTENTION BUDGET AMENDMENT TO FY 2018-2019 BUDGET TAKE NOTICE that the Mission Economic Development Corporation of the City of Mission, (the “MEDC”), shall convene not earlier than 60 days after first publishing this notice and shall consider authorizing a Budget Amendment to the fiscal year 2018-2019 Budget, as hereinafter described, pursuant to the provisions of V.T.C.A. Local Government Code Sections 505.001 et seq. The MEDC is authorized on behalf of the City of Mission, Texas to undertake the Project or Projects by paying the cost of the Project or Projects with sales tax revenues authorized under said Local Government Code sections.

The Board of Directors of the MEDC will determine whether the Project or Projects will be undertaken and whether it will finance the cost of the Project or Projects with proceeds from sales tax revenues.

The Project or Projects shall consist of the purchase of real property and improvements described as Lot One (1) Tamkin Subdivision, an Addition to the City of Mission, Hidalgo County, Texas, as per map recorded in Volume 29, Page 187 B, Map Records of Hidalgo County, Texas. The purchase price will be financed through a loan in a principal amount not to exceed $7,919,131. The property will be owned and maintained by the Mission Economic Development Corporation.

Date of publication: August 24, 2018 Anna Carrillo City Secretary

NOTICE OF 2018 TAX YEAR PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR CITY OF ALTON

NOTICE OF 2018 TAX YEAR PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR CITY OF PALMVIEW

A tax rate of $0.4600 per $100 valuation has been proposed by the governing body of CITY OF ALTON.

A tax rate of $0.5001 per $100 valuation has been proposed for adoption by the governing body of City of Palmview. This rate exceeds the lower of the effective or rollback tax rate, and state law requires that two public hearings be held by the governing body before adopting the proposed tax rate.

PROPOSED TAX RATE $0.4600 per $100 PRECEDING YEAR’S TAX RATE $0.4440 per $100 EFFECTIVE TAX RATE $0.4600 per $100

The effective tax rate is the total tax rate needed to raise the same amount of property tax revenue for CITY OF ALTON from the same properties in both the 2017 tax year and the 2018 tax year.

YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE ABOVE RATES CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS:

property tax amount = (rate) x (taxable value of your property)/100 For assistance or detailed information about tax calculations, please contact: Pablo (Paul) Villareal Jr. Hidalgo County Tax Assessor-Collector 2804 S. Business Hwy 281 Edinburg, TX 78539 (956) 318-2157 propertytax@hidalgocountytax.org http://www.hidalgocountytax.org

The governing body of City of Palmview proposes to use revenue attributable to the tax rate increase for the purpose of provide funds for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and expand the level of services and general welfare of all residents.

PROPOSED TAX RATE PRECEDING YEAR’S TAX RATE EFFECTIVE TAX RATE ROLLBACK TAX RATE

$0.5001 per $100 $0.5001 per $100 $0.4795 per $100 $0.6163 per $100

The effective tax rate is the total tax rate needed to raise the same amount of property tax revenue for City of Palmview from the same properties in both the 2017 tax year and the 2018 tax year.

The rollback tax rate is the highest tax rate that City of Palmview may adopt before voters are entitled to petition for an election to limit the rate that may be approved to the rollback rate.

YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE ABOVE RATES CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS: property tax amount = (rate) x (taxable value of your property)/100 For assistance or detailed information about tax calculations, please contact: Pablo (Paul) Villareal Jr. Hidalgo County Tax Assessor-Collector 2804 S. Business Hwy 281 Edinburg, TX 78539 (956) 318-2157 propertytax@hidalgocountytax.org http://www.hidalgocountytax.org You are urged to attend and express your views at the following public hearings on the proposed tax rate: First Hearing: September 4, 2018 at 6:00 PM at Palmview City Hall, 400 W. Veterans Blvd., Palmview, Texas 78572.

Second Hearing: September 11, 2018 at 6:00 PM at Palmview City Hall, 400 W. Veterans Blvd., Palmview, Texas 78572.

theclassifieds

August 24, 2018

buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

this page is your oyster opening up to a world of oppor tunity

For Rent 2 BDR/ 1 1/2 BATH unfurnished, washer, dryer, and refrigerator included, Golfview Manor a 55+ quiet golview community, $625 per month, call 956844-8168 for more details.

For Sale BEACHFRONT TIMESHARE FOR

sale, 2 unit condo, fully furnished, $5,000, for more details call 707-631 -2775 or 707-398 -8539.

HOHNER PANTHER BUTTON Accordion with case, $400, call Tom at Sundance RV Village, 956-5619691.

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

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fect150hp Johnson Oceanrunner salt water motor, custom built tandem axle trailer with all new tires and spare, has electric anchor and lots of accessories, all pumps and equipment work perfectly, boat & motor always serviced

by Bayside Marine with all records, clean titles on all 3, very safe, health demands sale, ap-

Classified Rate:

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

praised $18,950, first $10,500 takes everything, always garaged, new gel coat this year, call Tom at Sundance RV Village, 956-561 -9691.

Garage Sale ONE DAY ONLY,Saturday at 904 E. 2nd St., in Mission, cleaning house, way to many items to list, some furniture,

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

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.

Oracion Al Espiritu Santo

TV’s, clothing, home decor,etc., etc.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Homes For Sale

Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless) is proposing to build a 160-foot monopole Telecommunications Tower in the vicinity of 9701 N Stewart Road, Mission, Hidalgo County, TX. Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30days from the date of this publication to: Project 6118006450 - SF c/o EBI Consulting, 6876 Susquehanna Trail South, York, PA 17403, sforrest@ ebiconsulting.com, or via telephone at (781) 273-2500.

FRAME HOME, CASA de madera, ready to be moved, 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.

Espiritu Santo, tu que me aclaras todo, que iluminas todos los caminos para que yo alcance mi ideal, tu que me das el don divino de perdonar y olvidar el mal que me hacen y que en todos los instantes de mi vida estas conmigo, yo quiero en este corto dialogo agradecerte por todo y confirmar una vez mas que nunca quiero separarme de ti por mayor que sea la ilusion material.

Deseo estar contigo y todos mis seres queridos en la gracia perpetua. Gracias por tu misericordia para conmigo y los mios.

La persona debera rezar esta oracion 3 dias sequidos sin decir el pedido. dentro de tres dias sera alcanzada la gracia por mas deficil que sea. (Publicar en cuanto se recibia la gracia).

Agradece gracia alcanzada.

T.R.

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

NOTICE OF 2018 TAX YEAR PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR CITY OF LA JOYA

NOTICE OF 2018 TAX YEAR PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR CITY OF SULLIVAN CITY

A tax rate of $0.5668 per $100 valuation has been proposed for adoption by the governing body of City of La Joya. This rate exceeds the lower of the effective or rollback tax rate, and state law requires that two public hearings be held by the governing body before adopting the proposed tax rate.

A tax rate of $0.5000 per $100 valuation has been proposed for adoption by the governing body of City of Sullivan City. This rate exceeds the lower of the effective or rollback tax rate, and state law requires that two public hearings be held by the governing body before adopting the proposed tax rate.

The governing body of City of La Joya proposes to use revenue attributable to the tax rate increase for the purpose of infrastructure development on new construction and Extra Territory Jurisdiction.

The governing body of City of Sullivan City proposes to use revenue attributable to the tax rate increase for the purpose of street repairs and equipment.

PROPOSED TAX RATE PRECEDING YEAR’S TAX RATE EFFECTIVE TAX RATE ROLLBACK TAX RATE

$0.5668 per $100 $0.5251 per $100 $0.5249 per $100 $0.5668 per $100

The effective tax rate is the total tax rate needed to raise the same amount of property tax revenue for City of La Joya from the same properties in both the 2017 tax year and the 2018 tax year.

The rollback tax rate is the highest tax rate that City of La Joya may adopt before voters are entitled to petition for an election to limit the rate that may be approved to the rollback rate.

YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE ABOVE RATES CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS: property tax amount = (rate) x (taxable value of your property)/100 For assistance or detailed information about tax calculations, please contact: Pablo (Paul) Villareal Jr. City of La Joya Tax Assessor-Collector 2804 S. Business Hwy 281 Edinburg, TX 78539 (956) 318-2157 propertytax@hidalgocountytax.org http://www.hidalgocountytax.org You are urged to attend and express your views at the following public hearings on the proposed tax rate: First Hearing: September 11, 2018 at 6:00 PM at La Joya City Hall (New), 701 E. Expressway 83, La Joya, Texas 78560.

Second Hearing: September 18, 2018 at 6:00 PM at La Joya City Hall (New), 701 E. Expressway 83, La Joya, Texas 78560.

PROPOSED TAX RATE PRECEDING YEAR’S TAX RATE EFFECTIVE TAX RATE ROLLBACK TAX RATE

$0.5000 per $100 $0.5000 per $100 $0.4631 per $100 $0.4981 per $100

The effective tax rate is the total tax rate needed to raise the same amount of property tax revenue for City of Sullivan City from the same properties in both the 2017 tax year and the 2018 tax year.

The rollback tax rate is the highest tax rate that City of Sullivan City may adopt before voters are entitled to petition for an election to limit the rate that may be approved to the rollback rate.

YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE ABOVE RATES CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS: property tax amount = (rate) x (taxable value of your property)/100 For assistance or detailed information about tax calculations, please contact: Pablo (Paul) Villareal Jr. City of Sullivan City Tax Assessor-Collector 2804 S. Business Hwy 281 Edinburg, TX 78539 (956) 318-2157 propertytax@hidalgocountytax.org http://www.hidalgocountytax.org You are urged to attend and express your views at the following public hearings on the proposed tax rate: First Hearing: September 4, 2018 at 6:30 PM at Sullivan City Municipal Building, 500 Cenizo Dr., Sullivan City, TX 78595.

Second Hearing: September 11, 2018 at 6:30 PM at Sullivan City Municipal Building, 500 Cenizo Dr., Sullivan City, TX 78595.

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August 24, 2018

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Palmview may extend EMS to Rio Grande City

By Dave Hendricks

Rendering of the Josefa Garcia Memorial Park expansion. Courtesy image.

Alton receives more funding for $1.5 million park expansion

By Jose De Leon III A Harlinge base non-profit organization has awarded nearly half a million to the city of Alton to expand their most popular park.

During last week’s city commission meeting, Alton assistant City Manager Jeff Underwood announced that the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation awarded the city of Alton a $499,796 grant to assist the city in expanding the Josefa Garcia Memorial Park from five acres to 55 acres.

“It makes it easier on everyone frankly, it lets us stretch our money a little bit more,” Underwood said.

The Legacy Foundation works with cities and organizations to promote healthy lifestyles, Underwood said.

He added that the grant money from the foundation can

be used to purchase outdoor workout equipment and playground equipment.

As reported last fall, the city is looking into expanding the park to address an expected growth in population on the city’s east side and a lack of space at Sylvia Vela Park.

Located on the corner of Bryan and Mile 5 Road, the Josefa Garcia Memorial Park is well known in the community. It is adorned with 21 crosses and a statue of Jesus to commemorate the 21 victims on a Mission school district bus who were killed in 1989 after the bus was struck by a delivery truck, sending it over to a flooded caliche pit.

With the expansion, the city is interested in highlighting the natural landscape of the park which will have a splash pad, soccer fields, ex-

ercise stations, natural hike and bike trails and overlooks for bird watching and native shade trees, Underwood said.

When the city first announced the expansion, they had budgeted the project at $1.5 million, which would be split between the funds raised from the city and the City of Alton Development Corporation and a grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

“We’re talking about a project that’s now a little bit bigger than we originally thought it’d be,” Alton City Manager Jorge Arcaute said.

“We haven’t approached the CADC board to make a final contribution so the final budget of the project could be closer to $1.75 million.”

“We expect to be in construction by the beginning of 2019,” Arcaute said.

Frustrated with the Starr County ambulance system, Rio Grande City may partner with Palmview to provide better emergency medical services.

When they call 911, residents frequently wait 15 to 30 minutes for an ambulance to arrive, said Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal, who called the response times unacceptable.

“Bottom line is: Our residents deserve better service,” Villarreal said. “Period.”

Rio Grande City is considering several options to reduce response times, including contracts with private ambulance providers and an agreement with the Palmview Fire Department.

While the details remain subject to negotiation, Palmview proposed a three-phase partnership with Rio Grande City.

During the first phase, the Palmview Fire Department would provide ambulance service in Rio Grande City.

During the second phase, the Rio Grande City Fire Department would create an emergency medical services division, buy ambulances and start hiring paramedics.

And during the third phase, the Rio Grande City Fire Department would launch a full-fledged ambulance service.

“If you want accountability and control, in my opinion, that should be a public function,” said Palmview Interim City Manager Leo Olivares. “Go to the major

Courtesy of the City of Palmview

metro areas. See what you find there. You’re going to find publicly owned and operated EMS.” Personal connections helped bring Palmview and Rio Grande City together.

Olivares is originally from Rio Grande City. Palmview City Councilman Joel Garcia also has Starr County ties.

Major questions about the partnership remain.

After years of planning, the Palmview Fire Department’s first ambulance started responding to 911 calls in February. The city plans to deploy a second ambulance during October or November, but that ambulance will only operate during peak hours.

Palmview is also still waiting on a Medicaid billing number and attempting to reach agreements with private insurance providers.

It’s not clear how quickly Palmview could purchase new ambulances and hire additional paramedics to serve Rio Grande City — or how

quickly the Rio Grande City Fire Department could build an emergency medical services division from scratch.

The Starr County Hospital District, which owns Starr County Memorial Hospital, currently serves the county with six ambulances and about 20 emergency medical technicians.

Along with handling 911 calls, the hospital district ambulances frequently transport patients from Starr County to Hidalgo County.

The trip takes ambulances out of service for at least 90 minutes.

The hospital district ambulances respond to 911 calls as quickly as possible, but response times vary.

“We really try our best,” said hospital CEO Thalia H. Munoz.

When she heard Rio Grande City had talked with Palmview about providing emergency medical services, Munoz said she wondered how Palmview would break even. Starr County depends on property taxes to subsidize ambulance service because many patients can’t afford medical insurance.

“And the reimbursement rate isn’t that big,” Munoz said.

While Palmview intends to cover the cost of providing service, profit isn’t the primary goal, said Olivares, the Palmview city manager.

“We’re not profit-driven,” Olivares said. “We’re service-driven.”

Palmview tax rate to remain unchanged After increasing the tax rate in the city last year by 2.5 cents, Palmview’s interim city manager recommended to the city council that tax rate remained unchanged.

Last September, the city approved the new tax rate that increased the rate to .5001 cents per $100 of assessed to generate approximately $100,000. That money was designated go toward making installment payments on the city’s $1.5 million street paving project, a new ambulance for the fire department and a police cruiser as well nearly $2 million in debt the city is facing from unpaid loans.

“Right now we’re not recommending you increase the taxes, we’re recommending we leave it at same rate,” interim City Manager Leo Olivares told the council Tuesday. “That will gener-

ate some additional revenue-about $200,000 because the total amount of assessed values in the city went up, it’s something that’s positive for the city.”

According to Rachel Chapa, the city’s financial director, Palmview’s finances are “stable.”

“We’re still a little tight but we’re slowly seeing the light but we still have to continue with our conservative policies and tightening our belts,” Chapa said. “The city still owes a lot.”

Chapa said after the meeting that the city has made payments of $180,000-the minimum annual paymentsfor the unpaid loans the city owes.

A setback in paying off this debt is the fact that the city is still finding new debt, Chapa said. The city is still finding several unpaid bills and are being contacted every month by a different

business to let them know of money owed to them from the city.

“Our situation right now is we don’t know what we don’t know. We don’t know what bills are out there,” Chapa said. “Every month we have a new discovery and those items are not accounted for in our budget, so that’s how they burn our budget because we don’t account for them.”

The city is expected to approve the city’s budget and unchanged property tax rate for the next fiscal year at the Tuesday, September 14 meeting.

“Right now we’re stable, Chapa said of the city’s financials, which is expecting $6.1 million next year in revenues according to the proposed budget. “We’re moving forward at a slow pace.”

Mancias said it is important that people go out and vote this year in particular.

“Education is at stake, social security is at stake, a lot of benefits that people have enjoyed and earned over their lifetimes are all at stake,” Mancias said.”

Cristela Alonzo, a Valley native who is the first Latina to write, produce and star in a primetime TV show on a major American television network, was the special guest speaker for the event.

She also drove Beto to all the stops he made in the RGV. “I had to go on the road with Beto because I need to explain to people what people here [in the Valley] are like,” Alonzo said. “When you see my face and you don’t know me, you think that the only thing I care about might be immigration.

But there’s so much more to it.”

Alonzo said that Beto is the candidate who cares

about people no matter who they are or where they come from.

“The future is about moving forward, and so should we,” Alonzo said. “We need to vote for someone that depends on the majority of the people to tell them what to do. We need to support a candidate who believes that we should all be equal.”

Leading a grassroots campaign paid for entirely by donations, Beto O’Rourke has grown in popularity. He hopes to take the senatorial position from Ted Cruz, the Republican candidate who has been in office since 2013.

O’Rourke urged people to contribute to the country through their vote.

“The intense, fierce pride that I feel in this community today is going to make the difference not just in this election, but in making sure that we deliver on the very high expectations that we have set for one another,”

O’Rourke said.

O’Rourke related his upbringing in El Paso to living in the Rio Grande Valley. He mentioned the similar cultural makeup of the communities, and how the blending of countries made them stronger and more diverse.

“The border was a place for the ambitious, not for the faint of heart but for those that wanted to take a chance and bet everything on bigness and greatness,” O’Rourke said. “That was our defining characteristic.”

He also went into detail on education, health care, the war on drugs, climate change and immigration, particularly how immigrant families are treated.

“We, the people of the border leading the way, and those that followed our lead throughout Texas and the country, made sure that we brought the public pressure that forms the political will necessary to get this administration to stop taking kids from their parents, at least temporarily,” O’Rourke said.

“We’ve got to keep that up so that every single one of those children is reunited with every single parent who risked it all to bring them here. We can do this.”

Beto O’Rourke has traveled to all 254 counties in Texas, and said that he hopes to represent people of all political parties and affiliations.

“Whoever they voted for in the last election, they’re every bit as Texan, every bit as American, every bit as human as anyone else in this room,” O’Rourke said. “And they deserve to be listened to, to be heard, to be respected, to be served and to be represented. So we’re showing up for everyone.”

By Jose De Leon III

Musica con Beto en McAllen draws Texas Democrats in the RGV

By Jamie Treviño Hoping to sweep the blue wave across Texas, several candidates including Beto O’Rourke spent the last weekend making stops in McAllen, Brownsville and Laredo leading up to November elections.

Filling the historic Cine El Rey theater in McAllen with people from across Hidalgo County, last Saturday’s Musica con Beto event included live music and the opportunity to hear Democratic nominees for key positions in state government speak about their plans if elected.

Along with O’Rourke, who is running for Senator, Democratic candidates present included Kathy Cheng for Texas Supreme Court Place 6, Roman McAllen for Texas Railroad Commissioner, Miguel Suazo for Texas Land Commissioner, Joi

Chevalier for Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Justin Nelson for Texas Attorney General, Judge Maria T. Jackson for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Mike Collier for Lieutenant Governor and Lupe Valdez for Governor.

Each spoke about the position they intend to claim and why they are qualified to hold them. They touched on issues of health care, education, budgets and immigration.

While the issues they addressed varied, the central topic they all touched on was changing Texas to a more blue, Democratic-leaning, state.

“It’s crowds like you and places like this that we’re seeing all across the state of Texas that lets us candidates know that 2018 is a great year to be a Democrat in Texas,” Suazo said. “We

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have 80 days to seal the deal in Texas. We have 80 days to turn Texas blue.”

“The blue wave starts with you,” Suazo added.

Fernando Mancias, the current Democratic candidate for 93rd state District Judge in Hidalgo County, was at the event. He said Beto is a leader who can connect to people all over Texas, and especially in the Valley.

“He’s bringing a lot of enthusiasm, he’s going to bring a lot of people out to vote,” Mancias said. “The Valley is going to have a big turnout for the Democrats, it’s going to change the landscape.”

Mancias was there to support all Democratic candidates present, and believes the political climate in Texas is moving in a different direction.

“There’s a big change coming our way,” Mancias said. “I think we’re going to see a big change in November.”

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Beto O’Rourke, Democratic candidate for United States Senate for Texas, speaking at a Musica con Beto event at the historic Cine El Rey theater in McAllen last Saturday. Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.