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INSIDE
Lawsuit against Homer Jasso, Sr.
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La Lomita Chapel Mission, Texas
Mission discusses firefighter pay and benefits at workshop
Five former employees of the Justice of the Peace have filed a lawsuit against him for firing them due to politics. Dave Hendricks brings more information about the filing.
See Pg. 2
City of Alton Update
A photo of the Aug. 30 crash.
Off-duty Mission firefighters listen at the civil service workshop held Tuesday at the city hall. Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.
By Jamie Treviño Unsure about the feasibility of giving raises and increasing benefits for the Mission Police and Fire Departments, the mayor, city
New updates from the City of Alton, including the preparations to open a regional training center for law enforcement, can be found in this issue. Jose De Leon III has the latest, inside.
See Pg. 12
SPORTS
Diamondbacks vs. Huskies
GAME WEEK The game of the week is Pioneer Diamondbacks against Juarez-Lincoln Huskies, both hoping to recover from seaon-opening losses. Bryan Ramos highlights the two teams and how they prepared.
See Pg. 6
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INDEX Entertainment...... pg. 5 Sports....................... pg. 6 Lifestyle................... pg. 9 Obituaries............pg. 11 Classifieds..............pg.13
(Courtesy of the Palm-
view Police Department)
manager and city council held a public workshop on Tuesday. The workshop drew several off-duty firefighters from the City of Mission. While firefighter and police
cadets make the same salary annually, when looking at other comparable positions firefighters are making less in Mission than those in the
See FIREFIGHTER PAY Pg.10
Chief: No discipline for Palmview detective after accidental shooting
By Dave Hendricks After drinking a few beers with his brother, Palmview police Det. Jorge Padron handed him a pistol shortly before 10 p.m. on July 23. What started as a quiet night playing video games quickly went bad. Jorge said he unloaded the FNX-45 pistol — a personal weapon the Palmview Police Department allowed him to carry on duty — before letting his brother, Daniel, handle it. After Jorge reloaded the weapon, though, Daniel grabbed the gun again. “He wanted to try out the
A screenshot from a body camera video of Jorge Padron. (Courtesy of the City of Palmview) trigger pull on it. See how it and landed in the next-door felt,” Jorge said. “He thought neighbor’s closet, according the weapon wasn’t loaded.” See SHOOTING The bullet went through Pg.11 the TV, through the wall
Despite concerns about ICE, La Joya participates in federal border security program By Dave Hendricks
La Joya police Chief Adolfo Arriaga had a funny feeling about the Nissan Altima. Thousands of cars pass by the La Joya Police Department every day, but something about the Altima made Arriaga suspicious. He quickly found probable cause for a stop: the Altima had been following another car too closely and had an inoperable brake lamp. At 4:02 p.m. on Aug. 30, Arriaga pulled behind the Altima and activated his redand-blue lights. “The driver refused to stop,” Arriaga said, sparking a brief but harrowing car chase. Arriaga quickly fell behind the Altima, which accelerated toward Peñitas. The driver veered right, cut-
Kevin Salinas (Photo courtesy of the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office)
ting across two lanes to pass slow-moving cars on the shoulder, and raced back to the left lane, zipping past a UPS truck. While the Altima dodged traffic, Arriaga followed at a safe distance. Moments later, he saw a massive cloud of
See LA JOYA AND ICE Pg.11
LJISD only district in RGV to get 4 year grant from TEA
By Jamie Treviño The La Joya Independent School District has been named a recipient of the Texas 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant, funding for which has begun for the 2018-2019 school year. LJISD is the only district in the Rio Grande Valley to receive this grant for four years. Five other districts in the Valley received the grant, but only for a two-year period. “We all feel fortunate that our students are being given this opportunity,” said Maria Leal, LJISD Grant Development Coordinator. “We already provide them with a lot of academic support, but this is going to take it to the next level for those ten campuses.” The grant, offered by
the Texas Education Agency (TEA), will provide the district with $1.5 million annually, contingent on availability of funds and the campuses meeting the estab-
lished performance requirements each year. The money will go toward the creation of Afterschool Centers of Education (ACE) programs. The ACE programs “will
provide after-school programs for more than 2,000 students, which will be a mix of extracurricular and academic clubs such as mariachi, theater, and robotics,
La Joya ISD elementary students participating in the first day of ACE activities funded by the TEA Texas 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant. Photo courtesy of Janeth Leal, LJISD Texas ACE Program Director.
amongst others. They will also make tutoring available in core subjects including reading, mathematics, science and social studies,” according to a press release sent out by the district. The TEA grant was secured by Maria Leal and the Educational Research Institute, the district’s external grant writing and management firm. According to Maria Leal, the writing process of the grant “included collaboration of campus administrators and the staff at participating campuses.” As per TEA guidelines, the ACE activities began this Tuesday, Sept. 4. Janeth Leal, ACE Director for LJISD, will be working together with 10 ACE campus coordinators (one at each campus) to ensure the per-
See LJISD GRANT Pg.11
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5 former employees file lawsuit against Justice of the Peace Homer Jasso Sr. By Dave Hendricks Five former employees filed a lawsuit against Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace Homer Jasso Sr. last month, claiming the judge fired them during a bout of political paranoia. Jasso abruptly fired all five employees in August 2016, when rumors circulated that former Justice of the Peace Mary Alice Palacios would run against him. Before he took the bench, the five employees — Court Coordinator Roberto Leal, Assistant Court Coordinator Arturo Alvarado, Clerk Jaime Gamboa, Clerk Janie Riojas and Clerk Patricia Garza — worked for Palacios. Apparently concerned they would support her in next Democratic Party primary, Jasso purged the courtroom of potential Palacios loyalists. “The First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of speech, which includes the right to engage in political activities, to campaign and run for public office, and to associate with an individual exercising that individual’s right to freedom of speech,” according to the federal lawsuit, which the former employees filed against Jasso and Hidalgo County on Aug. 21. “When each of these plaintiffs was fired by the defendants, the law was clear that terminating a public employee because the employer believes that individual will support another individual running for elected office violated a clearly-established constitutional right.” With the lawsuit pending, Edinburg-based attorney M. Sameer Ahmed, who represents the former employees, declined to comment.
Homer Jasso Sr. Photo courtesy of Hidalgo County
Court records don’t list an attorney for Jasso, who couldn’t be reached for comment. Hidalgo County politicians routinely hire supporters as top aides, but federal law prohibits making low-level personnel decisions based purely on politics. Claims about political retaliation, though, remain common. A former maintenance worker filed a lawsuit against former Hidalgo County Commissioner A.C. Cuellar in October 2015, claiming Precinct 1 terminated him for political reasons. Six other employees lodged similar claims against Cuellar. Less than a year later, seven former members of the Hidalgo County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force filed a lawsuit against District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez, claiming they were fired for political reasons. Ahmed is also litigating the task force case. Tension between Jasso and his staff started in August 2016, when rumors circulated that Palacios would run against him. Palacios presided over the court from 1999 to 2011, when a jury convicted her of official oppression. While the case wound through the court system, Hidalgo County Judge Ra-
mon Garcia appointed Jasso to handle her cases. Jasso ran for re-election and won a four-year term in 2014. The 13th Court of Appeals reversed Palacios’ conviction the same year, concluding “the evidence is insufficient to support the jury’s finding.” With her conviction overturned, the possibility that Palacios would challenge him in the March 2018 Democratic Party primary apparently spooked Jasso. “Immediately following that announcement, Jasso became incensed in the presence of Leal and Janie Riojas,” according to the lawsuit. “He then called Leal into his chambers and spent several minutes ranting in anger over Palacios’ announcement and over his employees who once worked for her.” Over the next few weeks, Jasso openly discussed firing potential Palacios supporters, according to the lawsuit. “One morning in the last full week of August, he came to work in a very foul mood and called Leal into his office to talk,” according to the lawsuit. “He told Leal that Leal, Riojas, Alvarado, Gamboa and Garza were all to be gone as of the coming Monday, August 29, 2016.” After talking with Leal about the situation, Jasso changed their last day to Sept. 2. Several employees took sick or vacation time during their final days. Hidalgo County sent them letters dated Sept. 1, accusing the employees of “walking off the job.” “We consider this a resignation without notice,” the letters read. “The leave that you obtained for the remainder of the week was improperly approved/secured and it
is null and void.” The layoffs temporarily crippled the courtroom, leaving Jasso with just two employees. Jasso mentioned the layoffs on April 5, 2018, when he testified before the State Commission on Judicial Conduct about a sexual ha-
MCISD assesses improvement plans for district accountability ratings By Jamie Treviño After being rated a B by TEA, the Mission Consolidated Independent School District is hoping to facilitate further growth and improve scores district-wide. The Texas Education Agency recently released accountability ratings for districts across the state. Districts are scored on student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps, and are given grades for these three categories. They are then given an overall letter grade. MCISD received an 89.2 score, just missing the 89.5 that would give them an A. “It’s actually a very high B, and at this time what we’re trying to do is to appeal to go for that A, because there’s some potential there,” said Francisca Sanchez, MCISD Executive Director of Elementary Education. Superintendent Carol Perez said they had looked into appealing, but they were told that as of right now there are no grounds for appeal. “We did look at 21 assessments,” Perez said. “But we were not able to find any of the children that had passed an alternate assessment. We are still very proud of the fact that it is an 89.2.” When presented to the board of trustees during a Curriculum Committee meeting held Wednesday, Sanchez and Perez spoke about how the district hopes to improve the score for next year. Region One also released unofficial averages of how
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ing election,” according to a public reprimand issued on April 18. Despite the political machinations, Palacios didn’t actually run against Jasso. He narrowly won the Democratic Party primary and doesn’t face a Republican challenger in November.
districts fared compared to the state and Region One. “Mission CISD surpassed the state average and the Region One average for each one of the three domains and overall,” Sanchez said. “We’re very proud of this work, and it’s very evident that the district did well.” According to Sanchez, MCISD has shown growth in each of the three categories rated by TEA. The overall score went from an average of 85 to 89. “For 2018, there were 58 distinctions available [in addition to the three main domains rated], we earned 44 percent of those, which is up from last year at 39 percent,” Sanchez said. When asked about how the district intends to improve and how it improved from last year, Sanchez said it is a continuous effort. “We actually started getting on this before the year ended back in May or June, as we were getting preliminary information and meeting with the principals for the end of the year in identifying the areas in need,” Sanchez said. “We put various plans in place with each individual principal.” Technically, eight MCISD campuses scored in the A level by TEA standards, though the agency doesn’t rank individual schools. Sanchez said the campus principals who got that A will be teaming up and mentoring other principals who did not score as high overall. “They’re sharing and they’re meeting with them,” Sanchez said. “We have a
buddy system where they’re sharing information and just coaching each other. We also do coaching on our end.” Sanchez added that Mission CISD is also looking at the potential of bringing an outside source into the district in order to provide further support for struggling campuses. Perez said they also quickly purchased an Accountability Connect service from lead4ward, which aims to help districts further understand state accountability systems, focus improvement planning and fulfill improvement requirements. “The district has received professional development on strategies, on data, but now once a month we are going to be having those [Accountability Connect] webinars,” Perez said. “As a matter of fact, we just had our first one this week where we were able to invite all principals and all central office staff.” Perez said that the webinars can be recorded so sessions can be held with assistant principals, academic coaches and deans of instruction. “It’s not only about the curriculum, it’s also about knowing how to play the numbers game,” Perez said. “We’ve got to know what the numbers tell us.” “Now, it’s about growth,” Perez added. “Even those A and B campuses, they’re going to have to work extra hard, because it’s about growth. It’s taking it to the next level, it’s not only maintaining but going higher.”
Agua SUD, Peñitas to begin talks on transferring water rights
23rd Annual
Frost Bank Taco Ole Ocean Gate Hospitality CAPA Texas National Bank Wings N Rings TMPA RBT Trading Mission Heroes Inc. Raymond Longoria Ins. CDBG Keystone Construction Mission Auto Truck Sales Plains Capital Bank
rassment complaint and allegations he mishandled a small-claims case. “During his appearance before the Commission, the judge testified he terminated the five employees for ‘political reasons,’ after they had expressed support for his opponent in the upcom-
La Joya Police Department La Joya ISD P.D. Target Kool Smiles Woodman Life Insurance Mission Consolidated School District Sharyland Independent School District Raising Canes Chick-fil-A Peter Piper Pizza Hidalgo P.D. Hidalgo Co. Sheriff’s Office Weslaco P.D. LRGV 911 Mission Butterfly Park Mission Rotary Club Hidalgo Co. District Attorney’s Office Mujeres Unidas Clay Ministries El Divino Redentor CPS
Home Depot CASA Agency on Aging RGV Council Amigos del Valle Food Bank RGV Mission Health Dept. Mission Food Pantry Wal-Mart American Cancer Society American Diabetes Assoc. Advocacy Resources Rodeo Dental Unidad Coalition MADD IDEA Public Schools Dairy Queen Leadership Mission Mission Historical Museum
The Agua Special Utility District and the city of Peñitas are moving forward with the opening stages of possibly selling back water rights to the city of Peñitas. On Tuesday’s meeting with the Agua SUD directors, the board approved creating a committee to have these talks with the city. The committee will be made up of Peñitas Director Lloyd Loya, Agua President Rogelio Hernandez and Vice President Cesar Rodriguez Jr.
These talks are a follow-up to a 2014 interlocal agreement signed by both entities where Peñitas would receive a Water Certificate of Convenience and Necessity, meaning Peñitas would have the ability to have exclusive rights to provide water and sewer services to area residents. Last February, the Peñitas city council discussed the possibility of having a water plant in their city but agreed to table the item until after the CCN discussions, which are set to begin by next
month. “We’ll create a committee by our October city council meeting this is just to begin the conversation of receiving a CCN,” Peñitas City Manager Omar Romero said after the meeting. Both committees will determine the cost of the CCN, Romero added. “It fluctuates due to value of assets in place, depreciated assets and how much money has to go into approving the infrastructure,” Romero said. “It’s a lot of complicated questions.”
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Former La Joya ISD Campus Crime Stoppers coordinator charged with theft By Dave Hendricks The La Joya Independent School District created a Campus Crime Stoppers program to catch crooks. Last year, though, police officers found one running the program, according to court records. Officer Carlos Javier Garcia, 57, of Brownsville — the Campus Crime Stoppers coordinator — stole nearly $16,500 from the program, according to the criminal complaint against him. Garcia resigned in September 2017, when police Chief Raul Gonzalez confronted him about the missing money. “As soon as we found out about it, the former coordinator was immediately removed,” Gonzalez said. Officers arrested Garcia in May. He’s charged with theft by a public servant, a third-degree felony. While affiliated with the school district, the program is managed by an nonprofit corporation called La Joya ISD Campus Crime Stoppers Inc. The program allows students to anonymously report crime, including drug activity and weapons on campus. If the information results in arrests, the students may become eligible for cash rewards. “This program plays a very important role in the safety of our kids,” Gonzalez said. “It helps us and it helps the kids report, anonymously, activity that should not be happening in our schools. And it helps us solve a lot of cases.”
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Carlos Javier Garcia (Courtesy of the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.)
Gonzalez serves on the Campus Crime Stoppers board along with students and school district employees. The board works with a coordinator provided by the school district police department. Garcia, who joined the school district police department in November 2001, served as the Campus Crime Stoppers coordinator for years. He earned about $45,500 annually, plus a $1,000 stipend for the Campus Crime Stoppers assignment, according to district personnel records. When problems with the program surfaced last year, the police department requested bank statements from January 2015 to September 2017. The bank statements showed strange credit card expenses and unexplained cash withdrawals.
Gonzalez and police Capt. Christopher Perez summoned Garcia to a meeting, where they confronted him about missing money. “Officer Garcia confessed to have taken monies from the Crime Stoppers accounts for personal gains (sic) utilizing those monies to pay for rent, car payments, restaurants, and other places,” according to the criminal complaint. Investigators determined Garcia siphoned nearly $16,500 from the Campus Crime Stoppers program starting in October 2015. Garcia withdrew cash from the program bank accounts and charged personal expenses on the program credit card, Gonzalez said. Filing charges may allow the Campus Crime Stoppers program to recover the money. While all theft is serious, Gonzalez stressed that Garcia didn’t steal money from school district taxpayers. The funds Garcia embezzled came from court fines. Texas law allows judges to assess a special $50 fine when a person is convicted of a felony. That money allows the program to pay cash rewards. “It’s very important that people understand that this was not taxpayer money,” Gonzalez said. “This was money that was coming from people on probation.” Court records don’t list an attorney for Garcia, who couldn’t be reached for comment. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 10 years in prison.
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WASHINGTON— The Border Trade Alliance (BTA) recently honored Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX28) with the “Friend of the Americas” Award during their conference “Building A Competitive U.S.- Mexico Border,” on August 30th in Mexico City. Working with entities throughout Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the BTA advocates on behalf of policies and initiatives designed to bolster border affairs and trade relations among the three trade partners. The BTA presents the award to those individuals who demonstrate exemplary leadership on issues that span borders and promote commerce and cooperation. During his time in the Texas State Legislature and in Congress, Rep. Cuellar has worked to improve the efficiency of and reduce congestion at our ports of entry while securing our borders. He has also made it a prior-
September 7, 2018
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ity to foster free trade and promote NAFTA, along with other free trade policies that benefit border communities. Currently, Laredo, Texas is the only place in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Mexican Customs, have joint inspection operations for all modes of transportation: the World Trade Bridge (land), Laredo International Airport (air), and the joint Unified Cargo Processing facility at the Laredo, Texas railroad border crossing (rail). Through the passage of the Cross Border Trade Enhancement Act of 2016, Congressman Cuellar in a joint effort with Senator Cornyn ensured CBP, the private sector, and state and local governments have the ability to find innovative solutions for capital improvement requirements at our nation’s ports of entry. He also helped include $223 million in the FY19 Department of Homeland
Security spending bill to accelerate CBP’s efforts to deploy multi-lane non-intrusive inspection platforms that can safely automate the inspection process at primary inspection lanes, making processing of cargo more efficient. “The relationship between the United States and Mexico runs deep and bridges commercial, cultural, and educational divides,” said Congressman Cuellar. “As a lifelong member of the border community, it is an honor to receive this award. I am committed to elevate our cross-border relationships and strengthen business and cultural ties. Cross-border cooperation and collaboration has proved to be an ingredient for success, and it is all the more important that we continue to engage and partner with our neighbors to the south.” Congressman Cuellar added, “I want to thank BTA
Congressman Cuellar during the Border Trade Alliance “Building A Competitive U.S.- Mexico Border” conference in Mexico City. BTA works with entities throughout Canada, Mexico, and the United States, including states like Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico, to advocate on behalf of policies and initiatives designed to bolster border affairs and trade relations among the three trade partners. Pictured from left to right: CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee Congressman Kevin Yoder
Board Chair and Vice President Paola Avila, U.S. BTA President Britton Clarke, Mexico BTA President Martin Anzaldua Garza, Past BTA Chairman and Founder Sam Vale, and the BTA Board of Directors and members for their hard work and dedication to foster bilateral relations and promote trade between the U.S. and Mexico.” “This annual event is so important as business and local government leaders, who must navigate a shifting legal and regulatory landscape governing cross-border commerce, seek to share their views and insight with the elected and administration officials who have oversight of trade and security
issues,” BTA President Britton Clarke said. “This year’s edition once again featured valuable, candid discussions that left all of the participants better informed.” Martin Anzaldua, President of BTA Mexico said, “The border region between Mexico and the United States has a completely different dynamic from the rest of the population of both countries, which is why having representatives in congress who understand this way of life is vital. Such is the case of Congressman Henry Cuellar who, in his speech at the last meeting of BTA Mexico, demonstrated a very clear vision of the necessary actions that must be taken to face the challenges that are presented
to us today.” BTA Board Chair Paola Avila said, “Congressman Cuellar is incredibly deserving of this award. On complicated and sometimes contentious issues facing stakeholders who live and work along the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders, Rep. Cuellar offers a continuous desire to make our border regions better and enhance the quality of life around them.” Past recipients include former Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge and Dr. Herminio Blanco, Mexico’s chief negotiator of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Show us the money, let us see how tax dollars are spent By Kelley Shannon Executive Director Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas It’s quite simple, really. We Texans have a right to know how our taxpayer dollars are spent. It’s our money. We, the people, choose our government. Our elected public officials represent us. They manage and spend our tax money. But we, the people, get to decide whether they are doing it well. To do that, we need light shining on the workings of our government. But that essential element of our democracy is in jeopardy in Texas. Taxpayers are being denied information about government contracts with private companies and about tax dollars flowing into large non-profit organizations. Why? Two Texas Supreme Court rulings in 2015 weakened the Texas Public Information Act and allowed this blocking of information. It’s conceivable that the court’s justices did not envision how wide the swath of secrecy would grow in the wake of their decisions. Now, in response, more than a dozen diverse organizations have come together to form the non-partisan Texas Sunshine Coalition to ensure our government doesn’t operate in the dark. “The Texas Sunshine Coalition is dedicated to restoring the Texas Public Information Act to serve its intended purpose,” the coalition explains on its website at www.txsunshine.org. The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas is a coalition member. Today, not only are the guts of public contracts with private firms often kept se-
cret, but sometimes the final contract amount is, too, because companies argue it could put them in a disadvantage in a future bidding situation. Contracts for a public power plant, police body camera equipment, college sports marketing deals, a holiday parade entertainer and many more spending agreements are off limits to the public. Sometimes there are attempts to hide licensing and regulatory data or information about hiring decisions. In Austin, city officials argued they should be allowed to hide the identities of finalists in their city manager search because it would put them at a competitive disadvantage with other cities. Thankfully, that argument to the Texas Attorney General’s Office failed. But some 2,600 attempts to block information using the court’s recent secrecy rulings have been permitted by the Attorney General’s Office because of how broadly the court’s decisions were written. That’s where we, the people, and our elected state representatives come in. Legislators created the Texas Public Information Act. It’s time for them to take charge and ensure that the law once again benefits the people of our state by rewriting some language in the law to address the court’s actions. To be fair, not all private businesses, which now have far more ability to keep government records private, come down on the side of secrecy. Many recognize that if they are paid by taxpayer money, a certain level of transparency is warranted. Openness in government
bidding also helps small and mid-sized businesses compete with big business for public contracts because the smaller companies can view the past winning bids. Let’s also be clear on this: There’s no effort afoot to force a private company to reveal the formula for its secret sauce. There has always been a trade secrets exemption in the Public Information Act to keep that kind of information private, and that should remain. Common ground for solving this secrecy struggle is surely achievable. This and other government transparency issues are on the agenda at the FOI Foundation of Texas state conference Sept. 21 in Austin. The conference will also focus on whether dates of birth should be available on certain public records, such as candidate applications for public office and criminal justice records; how governments can go about obtaining public records stored on private electronic devices; and whether there should be limits to free speech on college campuses. Opinions vary on many of these questions, but working together we can figure out how to balance competing interests. We can do this. Perhaps along the way we will remember the wise words of the Texas Public Information Act declaring that the people insist on remaining informed and “that government is the servant and not the master of the people.”
Kelley Shannon is executive director of the non-profit Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, which advocates for open government and First Amendment rights. For information on the Sept. 21 state conference go to www.foift.org.
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entertainment
UTRGV Patron season opens with faculty performances
EDINBURG – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Patron of the Arts seasons opens with three performances on various dates from the Faculty Artist Series beginning this weekend. All will be held at the Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg campus. Admission is free for all three concerts. Hector Rodriguez, on guitar, performs Sunday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. He will perform music by Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Ponce, Antonio José, Eduardo Martín, Guillermo Diego and Sergio Assad. On Sept. 14, Dr. Brendan Kinsella, piano, will be featured on Friday, Sept. 14, at 7
p.m. Dr. Kinsella presents a yearlong performance study of J.S. Bach’s seminal keyboard work, The Well-Tempered Clavier (Volume I). Often referred to as the Old Testament of the keyboard literature, Bach’s magnum opus features styles ranging from Baroque dances to intensely moving cantilenas to jubilant, joyous fugues. Finally, Dr. Shoko Kinsella’s piano recital is set for Sunday, Sept. 23, at 3 p.m. Dr. Kinsella features solo piano works by J. S. Bach, Beethoven and Takemitsu. For information or special accommodations, call 956665-3881.
UTRGV student places first at Texas Music Festival By Amanda A. Taylor EDINBURG – Andres Vela, a UTRGV Music Performance major, won first prize in the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Young Artist Competition in Houston recently at the Texas Music Festival. He is the first UTRGV student to win this prestigious competition, as well as the first double bassist to win since the inception of the festival 28 years ago. As part of his win, which included a cash prize and a medal, Vela has been invited to perform as a soloist with the Akademisches Orchester under Maestro Carlos Spierer at the Gewandhaus concert hall in October in Leipzig, Germany. Vela said he could not believe it when his name was announced because he wasn’t happy with his performance, and the judges had said they had never had such a close race between first and second places. “When they said my name, I was in shock,” Vela said. “I didn’t get to hear the other musicians perform since I was backstage most of the time. I was just judging my own performance and didn’t think I did well. After they called my name, about 100 people in the lobby were congratulating me. I had never had that feeling before; it was great.” Vela had to apply for a fellowship. The fellowship was open to about 80 musicians,
Andres Vela which included concerts and weekly orchestra programs. The fellows were invited to apply to the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Young Artist Competition, which would allow the winner to perform with the Texas Music Festival orchestra. Vela was one of 30 applicants chosen to participate in the competition, ultimately winning and receiving the invitation to perform in Germany. George Amorim, associate professor of double bass in the UTRGV School of Music, said he has had Vela as a student since high school. “The rules of the competition state that the winning soloist may be invited to perform with the orchestra, but it’s not very often they are featured as a soloist,” Amorim said. Vela has garnered many accolades throughout his student music career. He is a part of the National Youth Orchestra of the USA and has performed at Carnegie Hall, as well at the Festival
page 5
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Cultures blend for Fiesta de Palmas
Coming Attractions
McALLEN – Two cultures blend when the City of McAllen and the Mexican Consulate of McAllen present Fiesta de Palmas, originally known as PalmFest. Fiesta de Palmas takes place Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 22 and 23, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. both days at the McAllen Convention Center. It begins with a Grito celebration, the traditional event that celebrates Mexico’s Independence Day. There is free admission before 5 p.m. and $5 for anyone ages 12 and up after 5 p.m. It is an international cultural celebration featuring the Asian, European, Middle Eastern and Latin American cultural influences, including highlighting the regional Mexican and other historical roots of the area, with live music and entertainment, food and activities. There will be live music from local and international acts, vibrant dance performances, a variety of international cuisine, and an eclectic array of cultural activities. Different stages and booths give festival guests a wide variety of authentic foods and shopping from vendors offering international delights and souvenirs to choose from. Entertainment on Sunday will include: Ramon Ayala y Sus Bravos del Norte with a special appearance by Christopher Ayala and Ramon Ayala Jr.; La Sonora Arrasa-
Month of September • The Mission Historical Museum (MHM) exhibition, “Mexico: Splendors of Thirty Centuries,” will be open to the public through Sept. 29. The exhibition presents 3,000 years of Mexican culture and history. Photographs highlight stone sculptures from prehistoric times, liturgical artifacts from Colonial days, 19th-century portraits and landscapes and works on canvas and paper by 20th-century muralists. For more information, or to arrange group visits, call 956-5808646. September 8 • Sign up for the Oct. 11-13 Alain Picard Portrait Workshop has been extended until Sept. 8. A few spots are still open. Led by award-winning artist Alain J. Picard and hosted by the Upper Valley Art League (UVAL), the workshop will be held 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 after registration. To sign up, call 956-655-3153 or contact Maxilou Link at maxiloulink88@gmail.com or Mandy Wilson at mandylwilson@gmail.com. • The six-time Liga MX champions, Club de Fútbol Tigres de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo Leon, will take on the Atlas of Guadalajara at the H-E-B Park. The game is a “doubleheader” followed by the Toros FC playing against the Real Monarchs from Utah. Tickets range from $40 to $70. To purchase tickets, visit HEBParkRGV.com or visit the box office at H-E-B Park, which is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 12-16 • The Broadway hit Les Misérables will be live at McAllen Performing Arts Center. There will be seven performances of the Tony award-winning production, coming direct off a two-and-a-half year run on Broadway. Performances are 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 12-13 and 16; 8 p.m. on Sept. 14-15; and 2 p.m. on Sept. 15-16. The McAllen Performing Arts Center is at 801 Convention Center Blvd. Tickets range from $68 to $392. For tickets, go to boxofficeticket.center or call 844753-8364. September 14 • WWE Live! comes to Bert Ogden Arena, 4900 South I-69 in Edinburg at 7 p.m. featuring WWE superstars Ronda Rousey, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Braun Strowman and more. Tickets can be purchased at bertogdenarena.com and at the H-E-B Park box office. Call 956-562-7362 for information. September 15 • The Cultural Indiana Pow Wow features live cultural performances by the Diamond Creek Crown Dancers and the Sahawe Dancers, with Gourd Dancing and the Pow Wow Dancers, at Veterans Memorial Academy, 2115 N. Oscar Williams Rd., San Benito. The event is sponsored by the Texas Historic Independence Celebration Association and runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with drawings, cakewalks and food and drink vendors featured. For more information, call Ruben Cordova at 956-793-2357.
dora; and Los Cadetes de Linares de Rosendo Cantu and Estruendo. Additionally, enjoy the musical presentation of Uptown Funk, a Bruno Mars tribute band. Also new this year will be the inclusion of the Budweiser Texas Bike Fest, kicking off on the evening of Friday, Sept. 21, night with a Tacos & Tequila celebration. The next morning, motorcyclists will participate in a ride to Progresso, returning for a Poker Run and other activities and culminating with a rock band that night. The cost to participate in the entire package of bike events is only $25. For more information, visit texasbikefest.com. On Sunday, as a special presentation performing at the McAllen Performing Arts Center for a special price, will be the Ballet Folklórico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez, the premier Mexican folkloric dance group. Founded in 1952 by dancer Amalia Hernández, Ballet Folklórico conveys the music, dance and attire of Mexican folklore from pre-Colombian civilizations through the modern era. With its permanent home at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, one of Mexico City’s most prestigious venues, the Ballet Folklórico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez is composed of over 75 folk dancers who have performed in over 80 countries.
SUMMER SPECIALS
(For more Coming Attractions, go to ptrgv.com) Institute at Round Top, the Classical Music Institute in San Antonio, and the Aruba Symphony Festival. In 2015, he received Honorable Mention in the American String Teachers Association Solo Competition, and won the UTRGV Concerto Competition. Currently a senior at UTRGV, Vela said he plans
September 7, 2018
to get a master’s degree in music, to ultimately perform with a major symphony orchestra. “I really enjoy meeting other musicians from other cultures who speak different languages, yet we express ourselves together through the music,” he said. “That language, in itself, is beautiful.”
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THE
September 7, 2018
Sports week
BIG7 SCHOOLS
September 7, 2018 page 6
www.ptrgv.com/sports
Covering Mission, Veterans Memorial, Sharyland, Pioneer, La Joya, Palmview & Juarez-Lincoln Sports
Eagles, Coyotes and Rattlers open with wins By Luciano Guerra
Week One of Valley High School football is in the books and of the seven teams from the Mission, Sharyland and La Joya school districts, the Big 7, only three emerged victorious; the Mission Eagles, the Sharyland Rattlers and the La Joya Coyotes. That of course means that the remaining four teams now find themselves with 0-1 records heading into their Week Two games. Fortunately for the coach-
es, the players and the fans of those four teams, all Week One games were non-district. As a result, having one game in the loss column at this point of the season will in no way affect their chances of winning a district championship, or of qualifying for the playoffs. That however is about to change for two of those teams. That’s because as members of the 10 team District 16-5A-1, the Patriots and the Lobos are opening their district schedules this week.
While the Patriots played at PSJA Memorial last night, the Lobos, and the other five Big 7 teams, will be playing their Week Two games under the Friday night lights. Let’s take a look at four of those games. Donna North at Mission Eagles On paper, last week’s game between the Mission Veterans Patriots and the Mission Eagles looked like nothing more than a non-district game. However, as both teams, and every high school football fan in Mission,
Ian Delgado, #3 of La Joya, attempting to strip the ball from Palmview’s QB in Palmview’s own end zone. Progress Times photo by Mario Magallon.
know all too well, the Battle of Conway, as this annual match-up between the two sister schools has come to be known, is much more than that. That’s because there are a whole year’s worth of bragging rights on the line and for the first time since the 2013 season, the bragging rights belong to the Eagles as they defeated the Patriots by a score of 24-12. Now that the Eagles have gotten the Mission Veterans monkey off their back, they will be looking to go 2-0 tonight as they host the Donna North Chiefs. Winners of only four games total since the 2014 season, the Chiefs are coming off a 58-6 loss to their sister school, the Donna High Redskins. Under third year head coach Koy Detmer, the Eagles have yet to post a .500 or better record. Will this be the season that the Detmer led Eagles will post a winning record and possibly even qualify for the playoffs? Only time will tell. But barring a huge upset loss to the Chiefs tonight, the Eagles will be off to the best start they’ve ever had under Coach Detmer at 2-0. Sharyland Rattlers at McAllen Memorial Mustangs Of the three Big 7 teams that won their Week One game, the Sharyland Rattlers are the only team to do so against a non-Big 7 opponent. That’s because they defeated the Brownsville Pace Vikings in overtime, by a score of 20-17. In that game, senior quarterback Edgar Longoria completed 10 of 24 pass attempts for 80 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions for the Rattlers. Fellow senior quarterback Oscar Valdez completed four
of nine pass attempts for 22 yards, with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Senior wide receiver Ruben Davila was the top pass catcher on the night for the Rattlers with six receptions for 46 yards and one touchdown. Tonight the Rattlers will be taking a short bus ride to McAllen’s Veterans Memorial Stadium where they will be taking on 6A powerhouse, the McAllen Memorial Mustangs. The Mustangs, who have gone undefeated against their District 30-6A opponents the past five seasons, opened their 2018 campaign last week with a 49-28 win over the Brownsville Hanna Eagles. The last time the Rattlers and the Mustangs went headto-head against each other, was Week One of the 2015 season. The Mustangs bettered the Rattlers by a score of 42-18 in that game. However, just one year earlier, the Rattlers got the better of the Mustangs as they defeated them by a score of 59-28. Palmview Lobos at Rio Grande City Rattlers Last week the Lobos fell to the La Joya Coyotes by a score of 39-19. If they are going to even up their record at 1-1 and open their District 16-5A-1 schedule with a win tonight, they will not only have to do so against the Rio Grande City Rattlers, but they’ll have to do it on the Rattlers home turf. After qualifying for the playoffs three years in a row, the 2017 Lobos not only fell short of achieving that goal, but they failed to win a single district game. Palmview head football coach Mage Requenez attributed his team’s winless district record to a failure to execute and too many turnovers.
As for the Rattlers, they’re coming off a 32-31 Week One loss to the Roma Gladiators. Unlike the Lobos, the 2017 Rattlers were in the thick of the playoff race all season long. They actually opened their District 31-5A schedule with four straight wins only to drop their final four games and miss out on the playoffs. Roma Gladiators at La Joya Coyotes The Coyotes’ 2018 season didn’t exactly start off the way they had planned as the Palmview Lobos took the opening kick-off of their season-opener and ran it all the way back for a touchdown. Once the shock of that play wore off however, the Coyotes got down to business and with the help of junior running back Eddie Villarreal, who scored three touchdowns on the night, they went on to defeat the Lobos by a score of 39-19. Slow starts are nothing new to the Coyotes. Just last season, they lost their first three District 30-6A games and seemed destined to miss out on the playoffs. That was when they strung three wins together by defeating the Juarez-Lincoln Huskies (2410), the Nikki Rowe Warriors (17-14) and the Palmview Lobos (49-14) to earn their first playoff berth under second-year Coach Rueben Farias. If the Coyotes are going to continue their winning ways tonight, they will have to do so against the 1-0 Roma Gladiators who defeated Rio Grande City last week by a score of 32-31. The Gladiators are coming off a disappointing season in which they posted a 1-7 District 31-5A record and were 1-9 overall.
THE BIG 7 PLAYERS OF THE WE OFFENSE
JUAREZ-LINCOLN HUSKIES DEFENSE SPECIAL TEAMS
LA JOYA COYOTES DEFENSE SPECIAL TEAMS
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September 7, 2018
September 7, 2018 page 7
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GAME WEEK Juarez-Lincoln, Pioneer hunting for first win Diamondbacks, Huskies looking to bounce back in Week 2
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2018
CONTEST
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2018 Football Scoreboard This Week’s Games - Week #1
District Game
MISSION VET. AT
THURSDAY
PSJA MEM.
District Game
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JUAREZ LINC. AT
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R. G. C.
SHARYLAND
PIONEER
MISSION
Last Week Games Week #0
La Joya
Mission Vet. Mission
12 24
Sharyland Bronw. Pace
20 17
Sharyland
Palmview La Joya
19 39
Palmview
Juarez-Lincoln 21 Rio Hondo 41 Pioneer Harlingen
17 64
Mission
Veterans Pioneer J. Lincoln
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LA JOYA
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AT DONNA NORTH
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FOOTBALL
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OFFENSE
WEEK 0
“We gotta use that energy from that loss and redeem ourselves. Everybody is doubting us, so we just gotta use that as motivation and keep going forward.”
range passing game. “If we can get our midrange passing game on point then we should be good to go,” Padilla said. “We need to come out on the line more explosive, play hard the entire game and don’t give up.” The Pioneer offense will be challenged when the square off against the Huskies who are led by a duo of defensive ends who spent last week living in the opposing backfield. Seniors Xavier Monreal and Jacob Lara wreaked havoc on the Bobcats as they combined for four stops behind the line, two sacks and one forced fumble and fumble recovery. “One runs and one throws more, it doesn’t matter who it is we just need to get after the quarterback,” said Lara, who was named Juarez-Lincoln’s defensive player of the week. And the Diamondback defense is ready for the Husky offense. Junior noseguard Erik Torres knows if they can stop the Juarez-Lincoln run-game, they can have a successful night. “They’re run-heavy so if we can stop the run, we stop most of their offense, and that’s the goal,” Torres said.
sharylandtimes
EEK
to roll Friday night against the Huskies. “They’re resilient,” Lee said. “We went back to work on Monday, we got to forget about what happened last week. That was a good team that took it to us and we got to get better each week; our kids made a concerted effort this week. We’re getting ready for Juarez-Lincoln, we’re not looking ahead, not looking behind.” Despite the 47-point Week 1 loss, Lee saw some bright spots from the Diamondbacks. Quarterbacks Eddie Lee Marburger and Jacob Rosales both threw touchdown passes for Pioneer, but the two combined to throw three interceptions, one which was returned for six. Lee said Marburger showed promise in hostile territory in his first real game and Pioneer will continue to utilize both him and Rosales, who saw time at receiver against the Cardinals. “He did a good job and for it being his first real game in Harlingen at Boggus Stadium, that’s not an easy task,” he said. “Obviously, he’s got some improving to do, just like our entire team does, but that’s the good thing about these kids here, they know what they did wrong and they’re going to fix it. We’re going to continue doing what we’re doing with those two guys.” Pioneer junior receiver Luke Padilla, who hauled in one of the Diamondback scores against Harlingen, feels his team can have success against Juarez-Lincoln if they can become more explosive and find their mid-
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With high school football officially underway across the state of Texas, teams are hoping to get off to a good start in 2018. After a tough Week 1, two Big 7 teams looking to bounce back from season-opening losses are the Juarez-Lincoln Huskies and the Pioneer Diamondbacks, who are set to clash Friday night at Richard Thompson Stadium in Mission. Pioneer Head Coach Tom Lee knows the Huskies will be entering the game just as hungry as the Diamondbacks to put that first W of the season on the board. “They’re a good football team,” Lee said. “We know they’re going to be hungry too. They started the season off 0-1 as well, so it’s going to be a dogfight on Friday.” Juarez-Lincoln Head Coach Tomas Garcia and his group know what it’s like to face adversity, so the Huskies are gearing up for the Friday night challenge the Diamondbacks present in Week 2. “It’s not the first time we’ve faced adversity here at Juarez-Lincoln,” Garcia said. “The attitude is great here. They understand how hard it is to win in our district, and our non-district games, that’s why we’re playing these very tough opponents. These kids will rise to the challenge and hopefully come out with a victory Friday night.” The Huskies are coming off a 41-21 loss to the Rio Hondo Bobcats last Thursday, a game in which Juarez-Lincoln held a sev-
en-point lead entering the final quarter. Senior brothers Efren and Albert Martinez, the team’s quarterback and running back, connected three times against Rio Hondo for the Huskies’ three scores, but it wasn’t enough to overcome critical special teams errors in key moments. The Juarez-Lincoln punt unit mishandled two snaps, one which was returned for six in the second quarter, and the other late in the fourth quarter that was recovered by the Bobcats deep in Husky territory. “We’ve been putting a lot of emphasis on special teams because those momentum swings hurt us big time,” Garcia said. “We’re going to correct it, that’s what these non-district games are for, to get us ready for district.” Albert Martinez, who finished the game with 214 total yards and three touchdowns, leads the Juarez-Lincoln offense into a game against a speedy Pioneer defense. The Huskies’ offense knows they have to pick things up after going scoreless in the second half of Week 1. “The first half was definitely our half, we did a lot of great things on offense like distributing the ball to all our receivers and a good run game,” said junior receiver Issac Villanueva. “The second half, we had some missed opportunities but I think we’ll bounce back from that.” The Pioneer Diamondbacks have put last week’s 64-17 loss to Harlingen behind them. After opening the season on the road in Boggus Stadium, Lee feels his team is resilient and will be ready
sharylandtimess
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page 8
September 7, 2018
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2018
FOOTBALL
THE
BIG7
CONTEST
DISTRICT 30-6A
DISTRICT 16-5A DIV.I
SCHOO LS
DISTRICT 16-5A DIV. II
$50 WEEKLY PRIZE & $200 BOOSTER CLUB GRAND PRIZE
Football Contest Official Entry Form
WIN $200
Booster Club Grand Prize
WEEK #2 - SEPT. 13 - SEPT. 15, 2018
For Your School’s Athletic Booster Club
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. ❑ Sharyland Rattlers ❑ Pioneer Diamondbacks
❑ Juarez-Lincoln Huskies ❑ La Joya Coyotes
❑ Mission Eagles ❑ Veterans Memorial Patriots
Check the box next to the team you think will win from each of the games below
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ Palmview Lobos
Name: _____________________________________________________________ City: _______________________________________________________________ Phone & Alt Phone:_______________________ Email:__________________________ I am age 18 or older. Yes, I would like to receive the newsletter and promotional emails from the Progress Times. We will NEVER share your email address with anyone else.
High School Football Contest Rules A $50 cash prize will be awarded each week for the winning entry. The entry coming closest to calling all the games correctly wins. In event of a tie, the tying entry that comes closest to the score of Tie Breaker #1 wins. If a tie remains, the tying entry that comes closest to the score of Tie Breaker #2 wins. If a tie still remains, the $50 prize will be divided evenly among the winning entries. Booster Club Grand Prize: At the end of the regular football season, the total number of complete, qualified entries will be tallied for each team with the team’s check box marked. The $200 Grand Prize will be awarded to the Athletic Booster Club of the team with the most entries submitted. No Purchase necessary. Limit one entry per household each week of the contest period. Must be age 18 or older to enter the contest. HOW TO ENTER: Check the box next to the team’s name that you predict to win each high school game. Next, for the tie breakers, predict the total points scored by the winning team in the Tie Breaker #1 game, and the total points scored by the winning team in the Tie Breaker #2 game. Fill in your name, address, phone number (This is how we notify the winners!), and email address. Check the box to receive the FREE Progress Times weekly newsletter and mail or drop off your entry form at Progress Times, 1217 N. Conway Ave., Mission, TX 78572. Or submit your entry online at www.progresstimes.net. All entries must be received by the Progress Times no later than 2 p.m., Thursday preceding the listed games. All entries must be submitted on the Official Entry Form printed in the Progress Times or Sharyland Times, a photocopy of the entry form, or submitted electronically from our official website submission form. Only one entry per household per week. Previous winners and all members of the same household are ineligible for subsequent weeks of the contest. Prizes 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.
PIONEER PALMVIEW JUAREZ- LINCOLN LA JOYA VETERANS MEMORIAL MCALLEN ROWE LAREDO NIXON Tie Breaker 1
Enter the number of points scored by the winning team of the following game:
La Joya vs. Sharyland
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lifestyle Quinta Mazatlan to host Hummingbird Morning
McALLEN – This Saturday, Sept. 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center will host their annual Hummingbird Morning, a day dedicated to celebrating the world of hummingbirds. There will be activities for all ages. Join an expert birdwatcher in search of hummingbirds, and learn how to attract and feed hummingbirds in backyards. Guests will create hummingbird arts and crafts with the Quinta Mazatlan education team and take home what has been created. Native plants that attract the hummingbirds will be sold, and Quinta Mazatlan’s nature store has feeders and
Buff-bellied Hummingbird
books to complete the needs to attract the tiny birds. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset in McAllen. Call 956-681-3370 for information.
STC designates free parking for students McALLEN – To assist students with limited funds after paying tuition and other expenses, South Texas College (STC) has removed its parking permit requirement at its Park and Ride facility during operating hours. The Park and Ride lot is located at 4100 Pecan Blvd., west of the Sonic Drive-In, and has over 600 parking spaces available for students, Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Students will still be required to have a permit for all other parking lots on campus. The Park and Ride facility is only available at STC’s Pecan Campus. To accommodate the dis-
tance from the main campus, which is about one-half mile, the college has set up a shuttle service free of charge for students and employees getting to class. South Texas College also utilizes its mobile app “JagMobile” available on iOS and Android enabled devices where students can view the location of buses en-route via Double Map. For more information about parking options along with campus maps or information about the college’s shuttle service between campuses, the JagExpress please visit southtexascollege.edu/ stcdps/parking.html for information.
Volunteers needed for beach cleanup AUSTIN -Volunteers are signing up now for the nation’s biggest coastal cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 15.The 2018 Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach Fall Cleanup takes place at 30 sites along the Texas coast. There will be three sites in the Rio Grande Valley: South Padre Island/Andy Bowie Park, Cameron County, Boca Chica and South Padre Island City Beach Access #3. Cleanup is held rain or shine. Volunteers can sign up online at TexasAdoptABeach. org or show up on-site Saturday morning to take part. Detailed site and contact information can be found on the website when registering online. On-site registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and cleanup will be from 9 a.m. to noon Everyone who signs up
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online and checks in at their cleanup site will be entered to win a RTIC soft pack 20can cooler or one of five, 20-ounce stainless steel water bottles. The drawing will take place after the cleanup. Winners will be contacted directly. Anyone who cannot attend can help by making a tax-deductible donation at TexasAdoptABeach.org. Sponsorship levels range from $25 to $25,000. Purchasing the official Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach specialty license plate also supports the effort. The plate is $30 in addition to regular vehicle fees, with $22 used to support the Texas coastline. Personalized plates are also available for an extra $40. It is considered a tax-deductible donation.
September 7, 2018
page 9
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Lartz to discuss wetland historical decline
EVENTS
CALENDAR September 8 - Take the family to the Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold St. in Brownsville, for a Saturday afternoon at Discovery Island to learn about the science found on an island. It includes hands-on activities, exhibits and displays for the family. Find out why sharks don’t sink, why people get a sunburn, how to make a volcano erupt, and make at custom rain stick to take home. Admission is $1 per child or adult. For more information, call 956-546-7187. September 8 – Meet some of the Gladys Porter Zoo’s birds of prey up close and personal during the Saturday Safari, “Incredible Hawk,” from 1 to 3 p.m. The zoo is located at 500 Ringgold St. in Brownsville. A tour, arts and crafts, animal encounter and snacks are included. Cost is $15 per child or adult with a $5 discount for GPZ members. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Call 956-548-9453 to register or for more information, or e-mail educ@gpz.org. September 9 – The McAllen Stair Climb, a nonprofit organization, will hold the fifth annual Stair Climb from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., to commemorate the lives of the 343 firefighters who perished following the 9/11 terrorist attacks on World Trade Center Towers. Anyone 18 years of age and older can register. Registration fee is $40. Individuals or teams can sign up. Participants carry a tag with a photo, name and unit assigned of a firefighter that died that day. They climb a total of 110 stories total, the height of the towers. At the end, they ring a bell in remembrance of the fallen hero of their tag. The memorial ceremony kicks off the event at 7:45 a.m. and is open to the public to attend. Proceeds benefit the Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force and the Rio Grande Valley Firefighters and Fire Marshal’s Association. September 11 – The City of Mission’s 23rd Annual National Night Out, hosted by the Mission Crime Stoppers, will begin at 6 p.m. at Leo Peña Placita Park, corner of Conway and Business 83. There will be food and entertainment for the entire family, including free school supplies, a kid’s carnival with free rides and free haircuts for the kids. Local school groups will perform, along with an “Enchanted Show” performance with Disney characters. Food vendors will be on site selling a variety of offerings. For more information, contact Cpl. Rodriguez at 956- 648-9326 or via email at rrodriguez0270@missionpolice.org. September 14 – Dat Nguyen, former Dallas Cowboy, is the guest speaker for the next Buenas Tardes luncheon sponsored by the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mission Event Center, 200 N. Shary Rd. Tickets are $25 per person and available on eventbrite.com. For more information, call the GMCC at 956-585-2727 or email events@missionchamber. com. September 15 – Our Lady of Perpetual Help will host their Caritas Annual Loteria fundraiser in the parish hall at 2209 Kendlewood Ave. in McAllen. Three cards for 20 games is $20. Doors open at 2 p.m. Games run 3 to 5 p.m. All proceeds purchase shoes for children in need. Prizes include patio furniture, designer sunglasses, barbecue pit, luggage, picnic table, electronics, gift cards and more, and will be valued at $100 and over. The event features mariachi music, a grito contest, and a concession will be available. September 15 – The Saturday Safari, “Tortuga Tails,” begins at 1 p.m. at Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold, Brownsville. Learn about the seven species of sea turtles in the world and the ones that visit the Texas coast. A tour, arts and crafts, animal encounter and snacks are included. Cost is $15 per child or adult. Pre-registration is required. Call 956-548-9453 to register or for more information or e-mail educ@gpz.org. September 18 – The 13th Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon and Auction, the biggest fundraiser of the year benefitting the Food Bank RGV, will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Pharr Events Center, 3000 N. Cage. Companies and individuals are invited to donate unique bowls and silent auction items that help promote their products, services or talents. One-of-a-kind ceramic bowls are included with each ticket. Local restaurants provide samples of their food while music, silent auctions and mystery boxes keep the festivities going. For more information, contact Philip Farias by calling 956-904-4513 or via email at pfarias@foodbankrgv.com. (For more Events, go to ptrgv.com.)
McALLEN – Learn what makes a wetland special on Thursday, Sept. 13, at 6 p.m. in the program, “Wetlands and Resaca’s: History and Ecology.” Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center hosts Sabrina Lartz as she discusses wetland history, permitting and ecology and why the majority of wetlands have been eradicated from the landscape. Lartz worked as a wildlife biologist and environmental consultant in southwest Florida where she conducted habitat restoration, performed wildlife and environmental surveys and permitted wet-
lands. She also worked along the coastlines of New Jersey and Oregon. Lartz served as a board member for the American Water Resource Association and the Southwest Florida Association of Environmental Professionals. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management/Ecology and Captive Wildlife from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point in 2008. The program is included in the $3 admission. Quinta Mazatlan is located 600 Sunset in McAllen. Call 956681-3370 for information.
South Texas College celebrates 25 years as enrollment reaches 34,000 By Jose Gomez McALLEN – As a young teen, Rose Benavidez, current STC trustee, recalls traveling with her father, the late Manuel Benavidez, across Starr County looking for support for what was then known as South Texas Community College (STCC) from the community. Her father had just been appointed as a trustee for the college, and in the summer of 1995, public acceptance for STCC had snowballed in an election that saw voters approve three propositions essential for the college. “When I was a kid driving around with my father I remember they were having classes in laundromats or they were allowed by school districts to have classes in old libraries,” Benavidez said. “I can recall my very first experience with the college was when I was maybe 15 years old. My father had just been appointed as a trustee at the college and they were going out for their first bond. “Funny enough, the first bond that passed was when my father was the chairperson of the Board of Trustees, and this last bond (2013) occurred when I was the chairperson…,” Benavidez said. “It was pretty amazing to see people come out and support that initiative, but far beyond the brick and mortar is the impact and the change in the people of our community, and the whole Valley for that matter.” The creation of STC sprung from the compelling need to improve access to higher education in Hidalgo and Starr Counties. In the spring of 1993, as legislation was being draft-
ed to create what was then known as South Texas Community College (STCC), the college began distributing flyers for the new institution urging students to “test their wings” and apply as early as possible. In June 1993, then Texas Gov. Ann Richards signed legislation creating South Texas Community College. At the time, STCC was the 50th community college in Texas and the first in the Upper Valley. The college was created by the Texas Legislature, converting the former Texas State Technical College campus in McAllen into a locally-governed community college serving Hidalgo and Starr Counties. “I had the passion, the commitment, and the tenacity to say ‘by God, we’re going to do this,” said STC President Dr. Shirley A Reed. “That passion and commitment haven’t changed. When you look at the level of poverty in the Valley, and the number of individuals who haven’t even had an opportunity to finish high school, much less go to college, and then you think about the quality of their lives, it becomes clear there is no end to the work that needs to be done in the Valley.” South Texas College was created on Sept. 1, 1993, by Texas Senate Bill 251 to serve Hidalgo and Starr Counties. Gov. Richards signed legislation creating South Texas College and was the only community college in Texas to have been established by the Texas Legislature because of the compelling need to improve access to higher education in the
See STC CELEBRATES Pg.13
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WEDDING, QUINCEAñERAS & SWEET 16 ANNOUNCEMENTS Call (956) 585-4893 for details, or email Community News at: ptcomnews@gmail.com
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September 7, 2018
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
FIREFIGHTER PAY
police department. Council members Norie Gonzalez Garza and Gus Martinez were under the impression that the workshop was being held in order to discuss wage increases for the two departments, particularly the fire department. City Manager Martin Garza said they prepared for the workshop to be about where the city is at currently with personnel, staffing, pay, benefits and incentives offered compared to other cities similar in size to Mission. “It’s informative to know where we stand, but also I’d like to know a little bit more about what can we do for our civil service,” Martinez said. “We know how the civil service operates, a refresher would be great, but more pressing is certain areas in pay.” Martinez said they should discuss whether or not the money is able to be found for raises. “It needs to be expressed to the public that our civil servants are protectors of
our community,” Martinez said. “They need to be duly compensated for their hard work.” Gonzalez Garza echoed Martinez’s opinion on potentially increasing wages for the FD. She said that at previous budget workshops, council addressed all issues except for civil service salaries and wages. “I’ve seen the comparisons for our city and comparable cities, and we’re lacking,” Gonzalez Garza said. “I think we need to step it up and get competitive with the other cities. The fire department has received an increase in three years.” Council member Jessica Ortega-Ochoa walked into the workshop a few minutes late, and Ruben Plata was not present. When the council members were discussing the potential salary and benefits increases, Mayor Armando O’caña asked Ortega-Ochoa for her opinion. “I’m glad that Mr. Martinez wanted this, I think it’s a long time coming,” Or-
tega-Ochoa said. “I really appreciate all the hard work both the police and fire do for us, and we really need to keep them in mind, and their needs and wants, that way we can meet in the middle.” It appeared the off-duty firefighters present believed the mayor and council were going to confirm some form of wage increase or benefit changes as well. Robert Lopez, a Lieutenant with the Mission Fire Department and the president of their union, spoke on their behalf during the workshop. “It seems overwhelming, it’s just many years of being put on the backburner,” Lopez said. “We understand that we’re not going to get everything. We’re not here for that. If we could just chip away at a few items, that’s progress.” “I know when I asked for the minimum wage to be raised from $8.50 to $15, I was told fiscally it was not possible, I was told by staff and by council,” O’caña responded. “So I know any-
thing that has to do with salaries and so forth may not be fiscally responsible for us to do right now.” According to Lopez, the fire department is asking to close the separation gaps of salaries and benefits between not only the fire and police departments in Mission, but other municipalities. The Mission Fire Department is asking for a raise in their education pay and longevity which would cost about $18,461, auxiliary vehicles totalling at $164,004, yearly cancer exams and doctors visits for $23.025 and Texas Municipal Retirement System estimates from 6 percent to 7 percent (resulting in an increase of $688,447). Because about 60 percent of calls to the FD are for Emergency Medical Services, they also hope to make all firefighters EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) certified, which would cost approximately $46,000. All these requests are in addition to salary increases, which would result in an increased cost of $244,781. Ortega-Ochoa pointed out that with the raises, the Mission department would then be making more than other municipalities. “Four out of those six
cities also have collective bargaining contracts,” Lopez replied. “It is already written out that each year they will be getting increases. The numbers now state this fiscal year, if this were to pass, next year we’d be the same while they’re going to increase. Their base salaries will still be increasing due to their contracts.” Garza couldn’t confirm that, because he did not have access to their collective bargaining contracts. Mayor O’caña then brought up how in the initial budget workshops, they couldn’t find the funds to raise the minimum wage for all city employees to $15 immediately, so he did not know how they were going to find money for these salary increases. O’caña also noted that the city has a ten year plan in place, and that by the end of it all the requests from the firefighters union will be met. Ortega-Ochoa said that at previous budget workshops, they couldn’t find enough funds for pay increases before, and if she saw a plan where that was laid out, “of course” the FD should be considered. Martinez and Gonzalez Garza pointed out that with the increase in utility fees be-
ing moved to Oct. 1 instead of Feb., the city will then have an estimated $800,000 of additional income. They would like that to go toward some of the fire department’s requests. “I think that we can find the $244,000,” Gonzalez Garza said. “And again, if it’s not all there, I would be okay with dipping into the general fund for this year.” Martinez and Gonzalez Garza both agreed that they wanted to find funds in the budget somewhere for the police and fire departments. “If we do this, and get them [the FD] into some kind of parity with the PD, we really won’t have to address this for another two, three years,” Martinez said, adding that it should be brought up as an agenda item at the next city council meeting. When that was suggested, O’caña brought up the minimum wage issue again. “Would you also entertain an agenda item to move the minimum wage from $9.50 to $10.50?” O’caña asked. The preliminary budget for the City of Mission will be finalized on Monday, Sept. 10, so Martinez and Gonzalez Garza wanted to meet before then to find a solution to potentially raising wages for the fire department before then. O’caña and Garza are going out of town for work on Friday, and the mayor said that a meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Monday (one hour before the city council meeting) wouldn’t work because he and the city council had decided sessions or workshops held at 4:30 p.m. before official council meetings should only be about “future issues.” O’caña agreed that the civil servants are necessary to the city, but wanted to discuss this at the next city council meeting. It was decided that each council member would meet individually with city staff to get more information on possibilities, and it would be presented again to the public at the next meeting on Monday, Sept. 10.
September 7, 2018 from pg 1
SHOOTING
to police records. Nobody reported any injuries. Jorge contacted the police department, which dispatched a fellow detective to investigate. A body camera captured their conversation in the kitchen. “You think I’m going to get in trouble?” Jorge asked Det. Jose Lopez, who conducted the initial investigation. “I don’t know, bro,” Lopez said recalling the instructions he received over the phone. “Pos, he just told me to come take pictures and that was it.” Neither Jorge nor Daniel had much to worry about during the subsequent inves-
tigation. After talking with them, police concluded the Padron brothers had been drinking but weren’t intoxicated. Officers left the scene without entering the adjacent apartment, which they were told wasn’t occupied that night. A sergeant reviewed the information-only police report the following day. “I recommend that no type of any charges be filed against Daniel Padron at this time as this incident is ruled an accidental discharge of a firearm,” according to the incident report prepared by Sgt. David Salinas. “I recommend Detective Jorge Padron at the minimum be
obituaries Oziel Alaniz LA JOYA – Oziel Moreno Alaniz, 49, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 2, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Mr. Alaniz was born on Nov. 11, 1968, in Monterey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, to Lucila and Modesto Moreno. Survivors include his parent and brothers, Mario Moreno and Eric Moreno. He was preceded in death by his sister, Lucila Moreno. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, Sept. 7, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady, Queen of Angels, Catholic Church in La Joya. Burial follows La Joya City Cemetery.
Notices
Dariel Anaya PEÑITAS – Dariel Anaya, infant, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, at Women’s Hospital in Edinburg. Josefina Bocanegra MISSION – Josefina Bocanegra, 61, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, at her home in Mission. Verna Douglas MISSION – Verna Lou Douglas, 80, passed away
on Monday, Aug. 27, 2018, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg. Juan Hernandez MISSION – Juan Jose Hernandez, 73, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center. Donald Kihl MISSION – Donald Kihl, 81, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 2, 2018, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Delfino Lopez Jr. MISSION – Delfino Lopez Jr., 78, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018, at Brooke Army Medical Center at Ft. Sam Houston. Irma Valdez MISSION – Irma Valdez, 53, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, at her home in Mission. Jose Villanueva PALVMVIEW – Jose Jesus Villanueva, 64, passed away on Monday, Sept. 3, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center. Elaine Wiese MISSION – Elaine Mildred Wiese, 77, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center.
counseled on this incident.” Interim Police Chief Gilberto Zamora said he thought the department handled the situation appropriately. “It wasn’t just like ‘Ah, it’s just Padron. Let it go,’” Zamora said, adding that the department conducted a thorough investigation. The case file included photos, affidavits, reports written by investigators and body camera video. Howev-
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LJISD GRANT
formance requirements are met. “It was a success,” Maria Leal said. “The performance requirements TEA mentions to continue funding are basically making sure that we meet what we said we were going to do with the grant.” The ACE centers are also required to be running 169 days per year, including summers. The ten campuses in LJISD who are receiving funds from the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant are Juarez-Lincoln High School, Ann Richards Middle School, Dr. Javi-
from pg 1
er, several questions remain unanswered. For example, although the Padron brothers said they were drinking, the police detective couldn’t find any signs of alcohol. “During the entire time at location I did not see any alcoholic beverage containers on the counter or a table anywhere in the residence,” Lopez wrote in the report, adding later: “I then disposed of some debris and got to look in the trash receptacle er Saenz Middle School, J.D. Salinas Middle School, Domingo Treviño Middle School, Benavides Elementary, Sam Fordyce Elementary, Seguin Elementary, Tabasco Elementary and Zapata Elementary, all of which now have ACE programs. In the official press release from LJISD, the goal of the grant program is to “support the implementation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for students, particularly those who attend high-poverty and
LA JOYA AND ICE
dust. The Altima had careened off U.S. 83 and landed upside-down in a ditch — with the driver and four passengers inside. Ambulances rushed the passengers to McAllen Medical Center and Rio Grande Regional Hospital. The driver, 18-year-old Kevin Salinas of Donna, refused medical attention. Officers arrested Salinas and transported him back to La Joya for questioning. “Chief Arriaga asked him why he had sped off and disregarded his presence,” according to the criminal complaint. “Mr. Salinas stated that the four passengers were undocumented person (sic) and he was transporting them to an unknown location and was going to get paid $150.00 per each person he transported.” Salinas is charged with
smuggling of persons younger than 18 years old, a second-degree felony, and evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, a third-degree felony. Court records don’t list an attorney for Salinas, who remains at the Hidalgo County jail and couldn’t be reached for comment. The incident injured four people, including a teenager, and snarled rush-hour traffic on U.S. 83. It also made clear that La Joya is still participating in a federal border security program, despite concerns about cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Arriaga, who supervises a dozen officers, doesn’t normally conduct traffic stops. On Aug. 30, though, he worked overtime through Operation Stonegarden, a border security grant program that targets drug traf-
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
and I did not see any empty containers in the receptacle as well.” After reviewing the file, Zamora agreed with the recommendation and decided not to punish Jorge. “He didn’t receive any discipline,” Zamora said. “He received counseling on the safekeeping of firearms.” Lt. Carlos Zamarron met with Jorge about the accidental shooting on Aug. 1. The department also provided Jorge with basic information low-performing schools.” “We analyzed the data to see which campuses needed the most assistance academically, and focused with the end in mind,” Maria Leal said. “The students are eventually going to end up in high school, and we want to make sure they’re successful in high school.” Based on internal data gathered by LJISD, they selected the high school they found had the most need, then from there picked four middle schools that feed into that high school. After that, they selected five elementary ficking and migrant smuggling. The Texas Governor’s Office, which administers several border security grant programs, requires participants to submit written statements promising to cooperate with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. That requirement caused consternation in June, when La Joya Mayor Jose A. “Fito” Salinas announced the city jail wouldn’t “house” detainees for ICE. What that announcement actually means remains unclear. La Joya honored shortterm immigration detainers, but the city jail never “housed” people for ICE on a long-term basis. After making the announcement, the city didn’t accept Operation Border Star funding from the Governor’s Office, concerned the pro-
about safe handling and storage of weapons. “Especially drinking alcohol,” Zamora said. “I barbecue. And I also have my weapon with me. And it’s never happened to me. But I’m not out there showing it off to anybody: ‘Hey. You want to see my weapon? Look at it from far away. You’re not going to touch this.’”
schools that feed into those middle schools to receive grant funding. “We’re hoping to make an impact at the high school level, eventually, as these kids move up,” Maria Leal said. “We have students who need academic assistance, and they receive tutoring, but this program is going to give enrichment opportunities in addition to the tutoring. We’re going to be able to offer academic assistance like homework assistance, but also activities that are fun that are also types of curriculum that will help them become successful in school.”
gram wasn’t compatible with the mayor’s announcement. Operation Border Star, which targets criminal activity on the Texas-Mexico border, requires participants to submit a statement promising to: “(1) notify DHS of all information requested by DHS related to illegal aliens in the custody of the Grantee; and (2) detain such aliens in accordance with requests by DHS,” according to the Governor’s Office. However, the police department remained part of Operation Stonegarden — even though it required the city to submit an identical statement. “It just seems that somebody there doesn’t know what they’re talking about,” said former La Joya police Chief Ramon Gonzalez, adding later: “It’s hypocritical.”
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Alton preparing to open regional training center By Jose De Leon III Initially conceived as the location for its fire academy, the city of Alton has big plans for its Regional Training Center. Located at 416 S. Alton Blvd., the city of Alton has spent a year converting its recycling warehouse into a state of the art facility that houses the offices of the RGV Empowerment Zone, La Unión del Pueblo Entero and will have office and classroom space for law enforcement training. “We’re excited, Alton is going to become a destination point for this kind of activity,” City Manager Jorge Arcaute said. Alton spent more than $600,000 to renovate the building. The wing where the regional training will be at has three classrooms and a conference room for lectures. Arcaute said the city began renovating the building June of last year and had en-
visioned it as a place to host their fire academy. For years the fire academy had gained popularity in the Valley for being the only one in the area with online learning, Arcaute said. Up until a few weeks ago, the academy was held at the city’s fire station. “It was very inconvenient.” Alton Fire Chief Javier Garcia said of the old location. “It was one crammed classroom in the middle of the fire station for as many as 12 students, we needed something better.” Despite starting as an academy, city leaders saw the building as a way to improve the city as a whole. “We are stressing a lot of tech initiatives like our digitech library and citywide wi-fi that we want the city to be known for and this can be one of those initiatives,” Arcuate said. “We want people to see Alton this way and be known for that. Even folks at public works can use it, we’re looking forward to
hosting a number of classes.” Last month the training center hosted a leadership institute as part of a partnership with the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association-a non-profit organization. They are committed to host two other courses with LEEDA next year. On Wednesday, the training center was the site of an exam for 10 firefighters seeking to become certified. According to Fire Captain Johnny Alvizo, the city was able to bring a proctor down to the center to supervise the test, a first for the city. “The training is the purpose of this center and is increasing traffic to the area by bringing people who wouldn’t normally come here,” Alvizo said. “That’s a good economic benefit but I want people to come here and see what’s happening. That in itself is a story to tell, we want this center to be the hub for training in this area.”
Students taking an exam Wednesday to become certified firefighters at the Alton Regional Training Center. Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.
Patriot Day Remembering 911
September 11, 2011 — 9-11 — is a day forever etched in the memory of Americans. It is the day the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda launched attacks on four important U.S. targets, killing nearly 3,000 people and injuring over 6,000 others. The attacks also caused over $10 billion in property damages, including damages to numerous buildings in the vicinity of the Twin Towers that were destroyed.
Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four passenger airline jets to conduct the attacks. Two of the planes crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York. A third plane was crashed into the Pentagon, causing a partial collapse of a portion of that building which houses the U.S. Department of Defense headquarters. The fourth plane was apparently heading for Washington D.C., but when passengers valiantly
tried to overcome the hijackers the plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. Both of the World Trade Center Towers targeted in the attacks collapsed less than two hours after the first plane crashed into one of the buildings. The brave response by thousands of firefighters and law enforcement officers is heralded today as we remember the 415 first responders who gave their lives trying to protect and
rescue the victims of the attacks. The U.S. House of Representatives on October 25, 2001 passed a bill declaring September 11 a national day of mourning, requesting the President to designate that day as Patriot Day. President George W. Bush declared September 11, 2002 as the first Patriot Day. This week, we join with communities all across our great nation to observe Patriot Day, Sep-
tember 11, 2017. As we mark the 16th anniversary of this tragic day that impacted many thousands of lives, we honor the heroes who gave their lives trying to protect others. This includes the firefighters and law enforcement officers who were killed during their rescue efforts. We also remember with honor those brave passengers of the fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, who thwarted the plans of their hijackers, crashing
the plane in a field rather than allowing it to be used to attack another al-Qaeda target. Please join with us and millions of Americans all across this land as we pause to give thanks for our first responders — those who lost their lives, and those who live on today to bravely protect our citizens, our nation, and our freedom from tyranny. God bless our First Responders and Defenders. of Freedom.
Ramiro J. Rodrigurez, Jr. Mayor
www.cityofpalmhursttx.com
Dr. Armando Ocaña MAYOR
1201 E. 8th St. (956) 580-8650 www.missiontexas.us
Norie Garza MAYOR PRO-TEM
Roberto A. Salinas Mayor Pro-Tem
Jaime Aranda Councilman
Jessica Ortega-Ochoa COUNCILWOMAN
Ruben De Leon Councilman
Israel Silva Councilman
Salvador Vela Mayor
Ofelia Peña-Perez Councilwoman
Arturo R. Galvan Jr. MAYOR PRO-TEM
City of Alton Ruben Plata COUNCILMAN
Gus Martinez COUNCILMAN
Martin Garza, Jr. CITY MANAGER
Ricardo Garza COMMISSIONER
Richard Arevalo COMMISSIONER
Emilio Cantu Jr. COMMISSIONER
www.CityOfPenitas.com
facebook.com/ cityofpenitas
09-11-01
Insured by NCUA. Equal housing lender.
CALL OR CLICK TODAY!
(956) 585-6207 www.lajoyafcu.com
MAYOR PRO-TEM
COUNCILMAN
ALEX GUAJARDO JOSE ROEL FLORES
MAYOR
RIGO LOPEZ
COUNCILMAN
COUNCILMAN
FELIPE QUINTANILLA RAMIRO LOYA
We will never forget.
LOCATIONS IN
LA JOYA • PALMVIEW
September 7, 2018 from pg. 9
STC CELEBRATES
two counties. STCC opened its doors that September and classes began with 1,058 students. The McAllen Memorial High School band provided music for the opening for the college. Since that time, STC has seen steady growth in its student enrollment starting in 1993 to more than 34,000 students by fall 2017. “We have seen a tremendous growth,” said Dr. Alejo Salinas, trustee, who joined the board in 1996. “To see friends, family and ex-students come through our programs and to see them graduate has been a very satisfying experience” Dr. Salinas said. “To hear the feedback from those who have come here, and how full of pride they are with the education they have received, that’s a very rewarding experience for me.” According to the Tex-
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www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com as Workforce Commission, since the College’s creation in 1993, unemployment in Hidalgo County has reduced from 24.1 percent to 11.3 percent and from 40.3 percent to 15.6 percent in Starr County. “It has been tremendously gratifying to see the outstanding workforce development programs support local industry, and our local workforce in being better trained in areas like manufacturing and technologically advanced fields,” said Paul Rodriguez, trustee. “Employees are reaching higher pay scales and employers are providing better jobs. I believe the future will see more college degrees, more critical partnerships with other colleges and universities and a center for manufacturing and industrial development for the entire border region.” STC offers more than 120 degree and certificate pro-
gram options including associate degrees in art, science, technology and allied health fields. The college also offers 18 online associate degrees and certificate options through South Texas College Online enabling students to earn their degrees without setting foot on campus.
Today, the college ranks second in the nation for total enrollment of Hispanics among two- and four-year schools in 2015, according to Hispanic Outlook (HO) on Education Magazine. The magazine published its “Top 100 Colleges and Universities for Hispanics” with
data collected from the 2015 school year. In that issue, numerous programs at STC placed among the top 10 in schools across the nation for degrees awarded to Hispanics. STC is also one of only three community colleges in Texas accredited to offer ap-
plied baccalaureate degrees. A Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) degree in Technology Management, Computer and Information Technologies, Medical and Health Services Management and a degree in Organizational Leadership may all be attained at STC.
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LEGAL NOTICE
this page is your oyster opening up to a world of oppor tunity 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.
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 2 CEMETERY PLOTS at Valley Memorial Gardens, adjacent corner plots, Section S, Lot 82, plots A4 & B1, call 956-519-3055 for more information. BEACHFRONT TIMESHARE FOR sale, 2 unit condo, fully furnished, $5,000, for more details call 707-631 -2775 or 707-398 -8539. 3 CEMETERY PLOTS located at
Valley Memorial Gardens, $2,000 each, for more details call 956-279-8969 PATENTED FLEABEACON CONTROLS fleas in the home without toxic chemicals or costly exterminators, results overnight, Mission Feed & Hardware, 956-581-
2153, (www.fleabeacon.com). USE HAPPY JACK Kennel Dip II to control fleas, ticks, mange mites, stable flies, & mosquitos where they breed, at Tractor Supply, ( w w w. k e n n e l v a x . com).
NOTICE OF PRIVATE SALE
The following property will be sold by written bid by 9:00 a.m. MST on September 18, 2018: 2016 International Prostar 3HSDJAPR7GN278184 2016 International Prostar 3HSDJAPR3GN278182 2016 International Prostar 3HSDJAPR9GN180984 2016 International Prostar 3HSDJAPR0GN180985 To inquire about this item please call Kaylynn Kotter at 801-624-5938 Transportation Alliance Bank 4185 Harrison Blvd Ogden, UT 84403
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. PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF ALTON BUDGET The City of Alton will conduct a public hearing on the 11th day of September 2018, at 7:30 p.m., at Alton City Hall Commission Chambers located at 509 S Alton Blvd., Alton, Texas. The purpose of the public hearing is for the general public to be present and participate in the Hearing relating to the adoption of the Fiscal Year 20182019 City of Alton Budget. A copy of the proposed budget may be viewed at the Office of the City Secretary on regular business days from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. If any person needs special accommodations as specified under the Americans with Special Disabilities Act, please contact the Office of the City Secretary at (956) 432-0760 at least 72 hours prior to the date of the meeting. Publication Date: September 7, 2018 Baudelia Rojas CPM, TRMC CMC, City Secretary
Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office Order of Sale NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That by virtue of a certain Order of Sale in Cause No. CL-15-0012-A issued out of the Honorable County Court at Law #1 of Hidalgo County, Texas on the 17th day of July 2018 and styled PALAZZO HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff(s), whereas on the 27th day of July 2016 recovered a foreclosure judgment, against ROSE MARIE VALDEZ AND LUIS H. CANTU ZARATE, Defendant(s) for the sum of NINE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED FIFTEEN DOLLARS, THIRTY TWO CENTS ($9,915.32) with interest from the date at the rate of five percent per year (5%) until paid, and futher amount of EIGHT THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS, NO CENTS ($8,550.00) cost of suit, together with the Sheriff’s fees, under Judgment in favor of PALAZZO HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. and placed in my hand for service on July 30, 2018. I, J.E. “Eddie” Guerra, as Sheriff of Hidalgo County, Texas, did on the 2nd day of August 2018, did levy pursuant to the Order of Sale on a default judgment on certain Real Property, situated in Hidalgo County, Texas, described as follows, to-wit: LOT 16, PALAZZO AT CIMARRON, AN ADDITION TO THE CITY OF MISSION, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP AND PLAT RECORDED IN VOLUME 33, PAGE 40 IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK FOR HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS AND MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 1703 PALAZZO, MISSION, TEXAS 78572. And on the first Tuesday in the month of October 2018 the same being the 2nd day of said month at the front door steps of the Hidalgo County Clerk Records Management Facility, 317 North Closner, Edinburg, Hidalgo County, Texas between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by virtue of said levy and said Order of Sale, I will sell said above real estate at public venue, for cash, to the highest bidder as the property of MARIE VALDEZ AND LUIS H. CANTU ZARATE, and in compliance with the law, I give this notice by publication, in the English Language, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks immediately proceeding said day of sale, in The Progress Times a Newspaper in Hidalgo County, Texas. Witness my hand on this 27th day of August 2018
1 Week = $7.00 2 Weeks= $10.00 4 Weeks= $14.00
NOTICE TO PUBLIC SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT FOR FIVE YEAR CONSOLIDATED PLAN & STRATEGY 2013-17 AND ANNUAL ACTION PLAN 2017-2018 In accordance with the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the City of Mission hereby announces a public hearing regarding substantial amendment for the Five Year Consolidated Plan & Strategy 2013-17 and Annual Action Plan 2017-2018 is available for citizens’ review and comment. The Public hearing will be held on Monday, September 10, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at the Mission City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 E. 8th Street, Mission, Texas. The proposed substantial amendment consists of the revisions of several goals, priorities, and/or projects of the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan. All interested agencies and citizens are encouraged to attend and participate in the public hearing. This public hearing is part of the Community Development Block Grant Program Citizen Participation process and complies with program requirements. For more information, please contact the Community Development Office at (956) 580-8670. AVISO AL PÚBLICO ENMIENDA SUSTANCIAL AL PLAN CONSOLIDADO DE CINCO AÑOS 2013-17 Y PLAN DE ACCIÓN ANNUAL 2017-2018 De acuerdo con el Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de Estados Unidos, de la Ciudad de Mission anuncia por la presente una audiencia pública con respecto a la enmienda para el Plan Consolidado de Cinco Años 2013-17 y el Plan de Acción Annual de 2017-18 está disponible para la revisión y comentarios de los ciudadanos. La audiencia pública se llevará a cabo el lunes 10 de Septiembre, 2018 a las 5:30 p.m. en la Comisión Consultiva de los Ciudadanos de Mission, 1201 E. 8th Street, Mission, Texas. La enmienda sustancial propuesta consiste en la revisión de varios objetivos, prioridades, y/o proyectos del Plan Consolidado y el Plan de Acción Annual. Se convocan a todos los organismos y los ciudadanos interesados para asistir y participar en la audiencia pública. Esta audiencia pública es parte del proceso de participación del programa Ciudadano y Desarrollo de la Comunidad y cumple con los requisitos del programa. Para obtener más información, póngase en contacto con la Oficina de Desarrollo de la Comunidad al (956) 580-8670.
Attention
Auction of Vehicles
According to the provision in the Transportation Code 683, Sub-section B, 683.012, Texas Department of Transportation informs you that the below mentioned cars have been taken into custody by the Penitas Police Department and will be sold at auction. For information on vehicles you can communicate with the Penitas Police Department at (956) 999- 8310. The auction will be held at 2001 E. 3 Mile Rd. Penitas, Texas, 78576 (Penitas Police Substation) on September 22, 2018. Starting auction will be at 1:00 PM, and will be held according to the law. Payment will be in cash (US currency) or Credit/ Debit Cards with a processing fee. The vehicles are auctioned under their conditions which there are no guarantees and/or refunds. Color Make Model VIN 1. Silver Honda Accord 1HGCG5643YA138719 2. Maroon Nissan Altima 1N4AL11D83C230865 3. White/Blk Toyota Scion JTKDE177250033268 4. Black Nissan Sentra 3N1CB51D46L631175 5. Black Chevrolet Suburban 3GNFK16TX1G109825 6. Blue Jeep Cherokee 1J4GX48S01C729083 7. White Chrysler Sebring 1C3LC46K68N250284 8. Gray Dodge Ram 3B7HC13Y71M578774 9. Green Ford Taurus 1FAFP53U96A134015 10. White Chevrolet Silverado 2GCEC19V1Y1304181 11. Silver Pontiac Grand Prix 2G2WR554561201600 12. White Ford F-150 2FTRX17W1XCA42280 13. Red Mazda 6 1YVHP84D355M19748 14. Black Lincoln Mark VIII 1LNLM91V2VY716077 15. Silver Honda Accord 1HGCM56313A055797 16. Blk/ Green Polaris ATV-11 4XAMH76A8BA043217 17. Blk/ Green Polaris ATV-11 4XAMH76A4BA043215
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