Friday, November 23, 2018 - PT ISSUE

Progress www.ptrgv.com

10% Precip.

Friday, November 23, 2018

INSIDE

City of Palmview Updates

2018

YEARS NI

Y

times

VERSA

City of Mission and Mission Crime Stoppers distribute Thanksgiving meals

By Jamie Treviño

The city and Mission Crime Stoppers gathered outside of the Parks and Recreation building last Fri-

day morning, offering full Thanksgiving meals including turkey, bread, canned vegetables, potatoes and pasta to families in need.

The efforts were paid for

by several community business sponsors, and cars lined up around the corner waiting to be served.

Mayor Armando O’caña thanked the sponsors and

Dave Hendricks has more updates on the ongoing trial where a former police dispatcher from the city was accused of murder, as well as a piece on their transition from the interim city manager to the newly hired city manager.

See Pg. 5

Los Ebanos, Texas

R

50¢ cents

International Ferry Los Ebanos

46 2 197

AN

Vol. 47 - #14 H 77 L54

Your Hometown Newspaper, Bringing Communities Together.

City officials and members of the Mission Crime Stoppers hold food items, ready to distribute Thanksgiving meals to families in need. Progress Times pho-

city staff who organized the event, saying that the Crime Stoppers have created a program that has become a city-wide tradition for many years. In total, they distributed over 200 meals.

“We are estimating that about 1200 of our citizens will benefit from today’s event,” O’caña said.

Police Chief Robert Dominguez said that the families were selected by different organizations in the city such as the Mission Consolidated Independent School District, the Mission

See THANKSGIVING MEALS Pg. 14

to by Jamie Treviño.

Special Olympics

‘Final respects’ - Community gathers for burial of unaccompanied veteran

By Jose De Leon III

A recent bowling tournament held at Incredibowl was held, including over 100 students from the La Joya, Sharyland and Mission school districts. Bryan Ramos has the story on how the annual bowling competition went, inside.

See Pg. 7

Even though his family could not be found, nearly 100 people showed up to ensure he would not be alone at his funeral.

Private First Class Ronald Barker was buried on Monday, Nov. 19 at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. As his next of kin could not be found, the public was invited to attend his burial to ensure the veteran was not left behind.

Barker, 83, was born on

See FINAL RESPECTS Pg. 5

SPORTS

Football playoffs continue, and our sports section this week has updates on the latest from Mission Veterans Memorials High School Patriots and the Sharyland High School Rattlers.

See Pg. 9 & 10

INDEX Entertainment...... pg. 2 Lifestyle................... pg. 3 Sports....................... pg. 9 Obituaries............pg. 11 Classifieds..............pg.12

WEATHER 5 DAYS FORECAST Nov. 24 H 81 L63

0% Precip.

Nov. 25

H 79 L52

Nov. 26

H0% 69Precip.

L50

Nov. 27 Residents gather to pay their respects to Private First Class Ronald Barker during his military burial Monday, Nov. 19, 2016. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra.

Nov. 28

20% Precip.

H69 L51 20% Precip.

H10% 74Precip.

L57

Mission Chamber of Commerce welcomes new CEO

By Jamie Treviño Brenda Enriquez is excited to get started, and is already meeting with members of the chamber.

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce recently appointed their new Chief Executive Officer and President, Brenda Enriquez.

An event welcoming her to the area was held last Friday at the 5x5 Brewing Company in the Mission Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED) Building.

Enriquez has 13 years of experience working with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley as Director of Development for the UTRGV College of Engineering and Computer Science, as well as Special Events Manager of Advancement Special Events at UTRGV and Coordinator of Recruitment and Orientation including the Visitors Center at the university.

She is also a graduate of the RGV Partnership Leadership program and is a member of the Organization of Women Executives of the Rio Grande Valley.

Enriquez became involved with the area through Robert Rosell, former CEO and president of the chamber. They are both alumni of the MPA program at UTRGV. “When he took over, I started feeding off of his highlights on the city of Mission,” Enriquez said. “And I was very impressed. Mission is blooming, it’s growing.

I saw an opportunity to do more and positively impact the community.”

During the event, Enriquez said she hopes to help Mission continue growing, and sees a lot of economic activity and potential already being utilized in the city.

“I want to be very strategic with our planning and our efforts, and how we complement the community, the city, the area,” Enriquez said. “We are keeping a

The new Palmview city council with the new Police Chief Gilberto Zamora (center) flanked by councilmembers Jose Luis Perez, Joel Garcia, Linda Sarabia, Ricardo Villarreal, Javier Ramirez and Anthony Uresti. Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.

Palmview swears in new members, appoints new officials

By Jose De Leon III

Brenda Enriquez (Photo courtesy of the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce)

growth mindset on the organization, because technology is now in place.”

She said that how the chamber was operated fifty years ago was different in that businesses looked to the chamber to meet other business leaders and stay up to speed on local happenings.

“It was the organization to be a part of, because that’s how you’re integrated into the community,” Enriquez said. “Now, as technology has been evolving, that’s when it gets tough, because you have to make that transition, too.”

According to Enriquez, the top two leading economic sectors in Mission have been health care and the retail food industry.

“That’s what we have going for us,” Enriquez said.

“At the same time, I think it’s important for us to take a look through the lens of identifying what the quality

of life for residents in Mission is.”

“If we need health care, we have it here, you don’t have to go anywhere for it,” Enriquez added. “The food industry - we have a lot of wonderful places to eat.

Top-end restaurants, maybe that’s an area we can continue building on.”

Enriquez began her position on Nov. 1, and already has a few plans for the chamber and what they can offer their members, as well as the existing workforce in Mission.

“I love Mission, I love the community, the businesses are fantastic,” Enriquez said.

“But I also think we need to look at other factors that make a person’s life very valuable.”

Access to education should be one of the main

See MISSION CHAMBER Pg. 5

After swearing in their two new members and mayor elect, the Palmview city council made changes to their current administration Tuesday by appointing a new police chief, city attorney and city manager.

Tuesday’s city council meeting saw the swearing in of the city Mayor-elect, Ricardo “Ricky” Villarreal and the new council members Anthony Uresti and Jose Luis Perez. Uresti and Perez were both elected to the council during the Nov. 6 general election where they received 50 and 53 percent of the votes, respectively.

Following their swearing in, the city council held a regular meeting where they approved the hiring of the new City Attorney, Eric Flores, City Manager Michael Leo and police Chief Gilberto Zamora. Zamora had been serving as the interim police chief since April.

“This is a big day for Palmview with all the new appointments happening today,” interim City Manager Leo Olivares said during the meeting.

Olivares, who has been serving as interim city manager since April of last year, reminded the council that his position was always temporary. He was appointed interim city manager following the suspension of his predecessor, Ramon Segovia, who was eventually fired from his position in June 2017.

Since his appointment, Olivares has overseen two annexations and ensured that the city has complied with

the city charter as well as handled the city’s budget and reports for the council.

His successor, Leo, will take over as city manager January 1 and Olivares will assist him in the transition until then.

“I’ve been having conversation with the council since October about having someone in this position who would be in a permanent role, it’s important to the community,” Olivares said.

“I look forward to work with you in what will be a transition period.

Leo serves as the director of economic development for Hidalgo County and on the board with the Palmview Municipal Development District. He said he is familiar with the city through the PMDD board and his role for the county has prepared him to be the city’s next city manager.

“Economic development stretches farther than just job creation and attracting business, infrastructure, road developments, public safety, it’s all tied to it,” Leo said.

“As a Palmview resident, it’s inspiring to be part of the local government and have an impact that will improve the lives of residents.”

The city’s new police chief, Gilberto Zamora, has been with the city for 15 non-consecutive years. He has also served on the police force for the La Joya school district and the city of Peñitas.

Zamora was named interim police chief last April after his predecessor, Chris Barrera, was fired due to mismanagement issues that

ultimately led the U.S. Department of Justice to suspend the city from a federal asset forfeiture program.

As police chief, Zamora will oversee the department staffed with 23 peace officers and eight dispatchers at a $2 million budget.

“This is where I started, it makes sense for me to be here,” Zamora said Tuesday.

“We’re working on getting our budget straightened out and are hoping to be reinstated with the Department of Justice by the end of the year. Once we get that settled the department will focus on community partnerships to be out there with our citizens.”

The city also appointed Palmview native Eric Flores to as the new city attorney.

He replaces Gus Acevedo, who tendered his resignation to the city after serving as city attorney for almost a year, Olivares said.

Acevedo was present for the swearing in of the council members but left shortly before the city council meeting began. He was not immediately available for a comment.

Flores graduated from the Houston-based Thurgood Marshall School of Law on December 2017 and has a law office with his wife, Veronica, in Mission. He served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army.

“I was born and raised here, and now I have the chance to serve my community with the same dedication I’ve served my country,” Flores said.

entertainment

Mission Christmas tree lighting ceremony is Nov. 30

The City of Mission will host the Mayor’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 30, in the newly-renovated Leo Peña Placita Park located at Conway and Business 83. It runs from 5:45 to 9 p.m. Admission is free, and the public is invited.

In addition to the official tree lighting, the “Holiday Lights & Delights” event features a living nativity ,

a busy line-up of entertainment for the evening, a special visit from Santa Claus, food and craft vendors and a bike drawing.

Mia Ayala will start off the Christmas spirit with her vocal performance of “O Holy Night.” Other performances will be given by Mission’s Veterans Memorial Mariachi, Mission High School choir, Baptist Temple Worship Band with Tony

Coming Attractions

November 27 • Joe Moore, percussionist, will perform at 7 p.m. at the TSC Performing Arts Center, 90 Taylor Ave. in Brownsville. Admission is free. For special accommodations, call 956-8827025.

November 28 • The UTRGV Jazz Orchestra will present a concert at 7 p.m. at the TSC Performing Arts Center, 90 Taylor Ave. in Brownsville. General admission is $5 and tickets are available at tickets.vendini.com.

November 29-December 1, December 6 & 8 • Robert Vela High School, 801 E. Canton Rd. in Edinburg, presents “Chicago the Musical.” General admission is $10 and $5 for seniors. Showtimes vary. Call 956-289-2650 for a complete schedule and tickets.

November 30-December 1 • McAllen’s annual Christmas in the Park will be held on Friday from 3 to 11 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight at the McAllen Municipal Park swimming pool parking lot located at the corner of Bicentennial and Tamarack. There will be vendors selling a variety of food and artisan handmade items, a carnival, entertainment on two stages and more. Call 956-682-2871 for details or to reserve a vendor space.

November 30 & December 11 • The UTRGV Master Chorale and Brownsville Festival Chorus, Orchestra and guest soloists will perform the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah. Conducted by Dr. Sean Taylor, the concert will also feature choirs from Pace, Rivera, Lopez, Veterans, Porter, Los Fresnos, San Benito and Harlingen South High School. It will be held Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. at the TSC Performing Arts Center, 90 Taylor Ave. in Brownsville and Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, 1201 W. University Dr. in Edinburg. General admission is $10 and $5 for seniors and students. For tickets, go to tickets.vendini.com. For special accommodations, call 956-882-7025.

December 1-2 • The Laguna Madre Art League’s SPI Art Show & Sale will be held at the SPI Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free and open to the public.

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

Longoria, Mission Junior High Dance and Cheer, and Mission Parks and Recreation Folklorico.

Families can take photos with Santa, but should bring their own camera to capture the moment.

Various beverages from vendors, ranging from $1 to

$2.50, will be sold, and food vendors will offer a wide variety of snacks and combos to choose from, ranging up to $6 for combo packages.

Choose from Spiro papas, funnel cakes, gorditas, tamales, fried empanada and brisket combos, nachos, tacos, burgers and more.

MISSION – The Veterans Memorial High School Harlequin Drama Club has chosen to take on the Broadway and movie favorite musical “Mamma Mia” for their big production this year.

This lighthearted musical and dance showcase promises to be one of the biggest area high school productions of the season as the Harlequins continue their 18-year tradition of bringing largerthan-life productions to the Rio Grande Valley and Mission area. Some of their other well-reviewed, and outstanding productions have included “Chicago,” “Sweeney Todd,” “The Great Gatsby” and “Hairspray.”

The 40-member cast and crew have been working hard for three months on the singing, choreography, and

set design to have a production to captivate audiences.

Show dates are Nov. 29 and 30 and December 1, 6, 7 and 8. Show times are 7 p.m. at the VMHS Performing Arts Center, 700 East Two Mile Road in Mission. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets will be $10 for adults and $5 for students.

Tickets go on sale on Nov. 26. Tickets may be purchased at the door on show nights or at the VMHS front office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Mamma Mia” is produced with special permission from Music Theatre International. It is written by Catherine Johnson with music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and björn Ulvaeus.

For more information, call 956-323-3000.

VMHS Harlequins brings ‘Mamma Mia’ to stage

The Veterans Memorial High School Harlequin Drama Club is coming down to the wire for their upcoming production of the hit musical “Mamma Mia.” Opening night is Nov. 29.

Students are pictured during a recent rehearsal.

November 23, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

‘Tejano Christmas Carol’ plays again at PTC

For the third consecutive year, Pharr Community Theater (PCT) will present the classic Christmas play, “A Tejano Christmas Carol.”

The production runs Nov. 28 through Dec. 2 at Pharr Community Theater at 213 W. Newcombe Ave. It will be performed on Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Note that the Saturday, Dec. 1, show coincides with the City Of Pharr Christmas Posada. It is advised to come earlier that day to find parking in the surrounding vicinity of the theater. The PCT shows are bilingual.

Tickets for the play are $6 for students, military and senior citizens and $8 general admission. They will be sold on a first come, first served basis starting one hour prior to show time at the theater, or in advance by calling 956239-0412.

It will also play to the Pharr Events Center, 3000 N. Cage Blvd. on Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to this show are $3 per person or two for $5 and will only be sold at the door, starting one hour prior to show time.

This Charles Dickens adaptation is set in the RGV where the mean-spirited, shyster Ezequiel Codos serves as a powerful attorney and greedy water broker. He owns vast property on both sides of the Rio Grande, including tons of water rights, and when he decides to sell all those rights the river dries up to grave consequences in the future.

In the process he’s visited by three ghosts that include a soldier woman from the Mexican Revolution, played

by Armandina Sesin, who has acted the part for the last three years.

“I love playing ‘La Soldadera’/The Ghost of Christmas Past because she reminds me of Mexico and it’s incredible history, including the romantic side of the revolution,; Armandina said.

Fourteen-year-old Andres Flores from San Juan attends Austin Middle School as an 8th grader. This is his second play with PCT where he now performs in the role of the Ghost of Christmas present, as a young “Zoot Suiter” alongside 20 other characters and townsfolk who eventually help Codos find a better way, a kinder spirit.

“I love being an actor in a play, it has every basic element, I get a cool feeling when out there on stage and you have so much fun saying your lines in front of a crowd; the energy makes me feel great. I connect well to this character,” chuckled the young actor.

Veteran actor and company director Pedro Garcia plays Codos.

“I seldom cast myself in our plays but this is a part I feel I was cut to play, especially now that I’ve gotten older,” said Garcia. “Codos is a fun character because he’s mean…jeje. I allow myself to try different intonations with him, and this time I’m happy to be offered direction by our new director, Seres Jaime Magaña”.

Twenty-seven year old Magaña first took acting classes with Garcia when he was 14 years old and was brought back into the theater a year and half ago to write and direct the play, The Tragic Corrido of Romeo & Lupe, loosely based on Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet.

12th Year Anniversary

Celia Muñoz Badiozzamani May 23, 1952

page 2

† November 21, 2006

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.

Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed and very dear.

Mamá, hace un tiempo que no te veo con mis ojos, pero en mi mente y corazón estás tan hermosa como siempre.

Loved Always, Sadly Missed…

Your Family

lifestyle

Cooking RGV style with Melissa Guerra McALLEN – The book, “Dishes from the Wild Horse Desert: Norteño Cuisine of South Texas,” by Melissa Guerra, was a finalist for a James Beard Award in the category of Foods of the Americas. Guerra will be at Quinta Mazatlán World Birding Center on Thursday, Nov. 29, at 6 p.m. as demonstrating her master culinary skills in her presentation, “Cooking Rio Grande Valley Style,” as she discusses the diverse cultural cuisine of the Valley. It’s a must see!

Guerra is an eighth generation Texan, born and raised on a working cattle ranch in South Texas. She is currently blogging for The Latin Kitchen (thelatinkitchen. com), a premiere online destination for Latin food, cooking, and entertaining, providing unique and authentic content to anyone with an interest and appreciation for Latin food and culture.

Her cooking show, “The Texas Provincial Kitchen,” was produced in San An-

Melissa Guerra

tonio at KLRN, and aired on PBS affiliates across the U.S. Guerra has worked as a bilingual spokesperson for Kraft, Coca-Cola, Goya and Mazola. She has also served as a consultant, and was featured as a culinary expert on the PBS reality show “Texas Ranch House.”

The program is included in the regular admission of $3 per person. For more information, call 956-6813370.

Highlighting 1968 Edcouch-Elsa High walkout

EDINBURG – In 1968, more than 100 students walked out of a high school run by the Edcouch-Elsa School District. The events leading up to the walkout and its impact will be discussed in the presentation, “A Dialogue on the 50-year Retrospective of the Edcouch-Elsa High School Walkout,” featuring Francisco Guajardo. It begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 25, at the Museum of South Texas History, 200 N. Closner Blvd.

Guajardo, an Edcouch-Elsa native, founded the Llano Grande Center for Research and Development, a school and community nonprofit.

The program was created to empower students from the Edcouch-Elsa School District to further their educa-

tion after high school.

With the help of the organization he founded and its students, Guajardo has preserved the perspectives of the walkout by conducting research and oral histories.

Following the presentation, community members who were involved in or impacted by the walkout will have the opportunity to tell their side of the story.

Guajardo earned his doctorate degree at UT-Austin, is the executive director of the B3 Institute and is a founding member of the Center for Bilingual Studies at UTRGV. The program is included in the regular museum admission. For more information, call 956-383-6911.

November 23, 2018

page 3

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

VMHS student first to earn EMT certification

A senior at Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) has combined what he loves, with the support of campus and district staff in addition to educational programs.

Mixed that with determination and extra effort to attain a national professional certification, he has accomplished something no other Mission Consolidated Independent School District (MCISD) student has done before.

Alexis Aranda has officially received his certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. The determination and extra effort for the certification came over this past summer, when Aranda was able to complete the EMT training courses at South Texas College (STC). This consisted of 16 hours of col-

Alexis Aranda

lege credit course work. After successful completion of the courses came the certification exam.

“I took the entire summer coursework,” Aranda said.

Sometimes classes went from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and then weekends of studying. It was a long journey, and I will

say that classes at Veterans, at the high school level, did prepare me.”

Aranda said he has always been interested in emergency services but not really in the medical aspect when he joined the Edinburg Fire Department as a volunteer at the age of 14. He said that after he joined the Mission Fire Department as a volunteer during his freshman year of high school he enjoyed seeing the paramedics working on patients and that drew his interest.

He added that the training he received as a student athletic trainer really helped as well.

“They taught me everything from basic first aid and CPR to dealing with more life threatening injuries that

See ALEXIS ARANDA Pg. 12

Miguel and Maribel Lopez of Peñitas celebrated the 15th birthday of their daughter, Belinda. A service was held on Nov. 7 at Centro de Cristiano Restauracion in Mission. A reception followed at the family residence. The honoree was escorted by Luis Lopez of Sullivan City. She is a 10th grade student at La Joya High School. (Austin Studio)

EVENTS

CALENDAR

November 27 – The next meeting of Amigos de Los Niños de Mexico organization begins at 1:30 p.m. at the First Methodist Church, 228 S. Main St. in Donna. The group gives children a better Christmas each year, and the public is invited to become a member, sign up for a committees, make a donation, gather needed items, join the Christmas Caravan and/or party with Los Niños on Christmas Day. Items needed to share with the children: Crayons, 24 to a box; ruled notebooks, one-subject style; #2 pencils, not sharpened; stuffed toys, not over 12 inches tall; toys for boys and girls suitable up to age 12.

Items can be brought to the meeting. For questions, contact Ted Schnase at 956-900-7720; Jane Phillips, 816-797-3735; or Carol Schnase, 956-332-8855.

November 27 – Law Enforcement and Fire Science programs at South Texas College will be hosting its Sixth Annual Public Safety and First Responders Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence (RCPSE), 3901 S. Cage Blvd. in Pharr The event is free and open to the public. The event seeks to provide students and the public with valuable information about the college’s public safety programs including fire science, law enforcement program, emergency medical technician (EMT) and criminal justice. Booths will be sponsored by various federal, state and local agencies including McAllen P.D., Hidalgo Co. Sheriff’s Office, Hidalgo Co. Constable’s Office Precinct 4 and U.S. Fish and Wildlife.

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

welcome back winter texan

howling bash December 1st, 2018

Natatorioum

Water Aerobics Classes

(limited space available 20 per class) 8:00am-8:45am • 9:00am-9:45am 10:00am-10:45am

Planetarium Shows

Tennis Court

Pickleball Tournament (limited space available) Park Vs Park

Lap Swimming

Co-ed One Day Single Elimination tournament.

8:00am check - 8:30am tournament

Pre-Register Nov. 28th-30th with Virginia Rodriguez at 955-323-2162

Pre-Register November 28th-30th or to volunteer contact Nelly Garcia at 955-323-2148

(open as available) 8:00am - 11:00am

Howling Trails Golf Course

(limited space available 25 teams of 4) Park Vs Park

4 Person Scramble Co-ed tournament.

8:00am check in - 8:30am shotgun start

Pre-Register Available call Raul Gutierrez at 955-323-2165 We will be giving medals and trophies to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place at golf and pickleball tournament.

We will also have door prizes.

9:00am

(Limited space available 48 seats)

To reserve contact Nelly at 955-323-2148

Please Pre- reister.

Registration for all events will be accepted on December 1st, space permitting.

10:00am

1801 Western Rd • Mission, TX 78572

(956) 323-2148

page 4

November 23, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Field of candidates for House speaker narrows to one

AUSTIN — Eight members of the Texas Legislature filed papers with the Texas Ethics Commission to declare themselves candidates for speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, and as of last week, only one remained.

The candidacy of state Rep. Dennis Bonnen, R-An-

gleton, gained momentum in October, and Bonnen on Nov. 13 announced he had the support of 109 members of the 150-member House. At minimum, it takes 76 votes to elect a speaker, which is 50 percent, plus one, of the 150 members of the House.

The other candidates for the speakership who withdrew from the race include:

Travis Clardy, R-Nacogdoches, vice chairman of the House Committee on Local and Consent Calendars; Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo, chairman of the House Energy Resources Committee; Rep. Eric Johnson, D-Dallas, vice chair of the House Redistricting Committee; Rep. Phil King, R-Weather-

BLACK FRIDAY SUBSCRIPTION

SPECIAL Now $ Only

10

Black Friday Friday Special Special Black is thruDec. Dec.7, 1,2018 2017 is good good thru

reg. $20 per year (in-county)

Fill in form and mail back with a check to: 1217 N Conway, Mission TX 78572

SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM Name: Address: Phone:

Start Date: State:

Zip Code:

Email: Yes. I would like to receive newsletter and promotional emails from Progress Times.

No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years of age or older

We also accept debit/ credit cards.

956.585.4893 • www.ptrgv.com

ford, chairman of the House Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee; Tan Parker, R-Flower Mound, chairman of the House Investments and Financial Services Committee; Rep. Walter “Four” Price, R-Amarillo, chairman of the House Public Health Committee; and Rep. John Zerwas, R-Richmond, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

Bonnen, 46, first was elected to represent House District 25 in 1997. The district includes Matagorda County and part of Brazoria County. Bonnen currently is chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee and serves as speaker pro tempore of the House.

The first order of business for the House when the 86th Texas Legislature convenes on Jan. 8 is the election of the speaker, who will succeed Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio. Straus chose not to seek re-election and is finishing a record fifth consecutive term as speaker.

McCall to lead transition Bonnen on Nov. 13 announced that he had named former longtime Texas House member Brian McCall, who has been chancellor of the Texas State University System since 2010, to serve as chairman of his transition team. Bonnen said McCall would assist him in recruiting senior staff, planning the swearing-in ceremony and working with outgoing Speaker Straus and his staff to facilitate a smooth transition.

“I’ve known Rep. Bonnen since his first day as a

House member and quickly recognized his leadership ability,” McCall said. “He possesses all of the qualities to be a successful speaker; he is a straight shooter, compassionate, principled and determined to unify the House and work constructively with the Senate and governor.”

“Chancellor McCall knows the Capitol and the people who make it work.

More importantly, he has a reputation as both a legislator and a higher education leader for his fairness, decency and ability to bring people together,” Bonnen said.

Bonnen gets thumbs up Gov. Greg Abbott on Nov. 12 congratulated Bonnen, saying, “no one works harder or more passionately for Texas” than Bonnen.

“There are a number of important and pressing issues facing Texas as we head into this next legislative session, including reforming school finance and elevating our education system and I look forward to working with the new speaker and the entire House of Representatives to address these topics and much more,” Abbott added.

Also, in a joint statement released Nov. 14, Bonnen and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the state Senate, said they had a phone conversation in which they agreed to work together “to move Texas forward” in the upcoming legislative session.

“The lieutenant governor and I share a strong commitment to do the people’s business,” Bonnen said.

DPS expands social media The Texas Department of Public Safety on Nov. 12 announced the launch of seven regional social media accounts, covering every corner of the state and all seven DPS regions, including North Texas, Southeast Texas, South Texas, West Texas, Northwest Texas, Central Texas and the Capitol Region.

“Each DPS region is unique, and we look forward to using these regional social media accounts to highlight the work of the department in those areas and bolster our ties with communities throughout Texas,” DPS Director Steven McCraw said.

TEA releases district ratings The Texas Education Agency on Nov. 15 released final financial accountability ratings for the 1,200 school districts and charters across the state.

Each school district or open-enrollment charter received one of four possible letter grades — A, B, C or F — and a financial management rating of Superior, Above Standard Achievement, Meets Standard or Substandard Achievement.

Ninety-nine percent of the districts and charters earned a successful final rating, as measured by the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas, a system designed to encourage public schools to better manage financial resources to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes, the TEA said.

November 23, 2018

FINAL RESPECTS Hernandez said. “It broke our hearts that he served our country and was probably alone when he died. But he’s not alone today.”

As part of the protocol for burials of an unaccompanied veteran, an onsite representative with the VLB is presented with the United States flag and must hold it for 60 days until the flag is retired or the veteran’s family arrives to claim it.

Mission native George Rice served as the onsite representative for Barker’s burial.

“It’s difficult doing this,” Rice said after the ceremony.

“It’s not about me at all but personally but, I’ve had a lot of friends I’ve had to put in the ground that I was never able to attend their services.

The entire time I’m up there that’s all I’m thinking about, them. It’s not easy but it’s an honor that has to be done.”

Rice, who has served in the U.S. Army, said the large crowd attending Barker’s funeral was a sign of strength from the community.

“We’re all tight-knit com-

Jury sentences former Palmview Police Department dispatcher to 15 years in prison

By Dave Hendricks A jury convicted a former Palmview Police Department dispatcher of manslaughter last week but acquitted him on a more serious felony murder charge.

On Nov. 16, the jury convicted Jacobo Daniel Rivera, 24, of Palmview — a former police dispatcher and volunteer firefighter — on charges of manslaughter and evading arrest or detention causing death, according to Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez.

The jury sentenced Rive-

ra to 15 years in prison. After sentencing, sheriff’s deputies transported him to the Hidalgo County jail for booking.

Attorney O. Rene Flores, who represented Rivera, didn’t respond to a request for comment after the verdict.

Rivera sped away from a state trooper on Aug. 17, 2016, and crashed a red Ford Mustang. The crash killed his girlfriend, 21-year-old Kryztal Luna, and injured Palmview police Officer Juan Martinez, who sat in the back seat.

Both charges are sec-

munity with a large veteran population,” Rice said. “All these people from several groups are coming here to pay their respects for someone they didn’t know, it says a lot about our how appreciative they are of the veterans that serve them.”

David S. Silva, a member of the Catholic War Veterans, attended the burial with members of his group. He says that typically, his group attends as many as five military burials a week to show support to fallen veterans.

Like Rice, Silva said the crowd attending Barker’s burial was inspiring.

“It’s an honor for veterans to see the participation from the community to give their final respects to a veteran,” Silva said. “It’s an honor whenever you see a large group giving back to the community in this way.

Like how we give so much for them, they are paying it back and showing their appreciation here.”

focuses toward directing growth, Enriquez said. She is ready to study all the sectors that encompass Mission, including current demographics, household incomes and job availability.

“Our local health care is one of the largest employers of Mission residents,” Enriquez said. “We need to keep supporting that industry.”

Enriquez hopes to give Missionites the proper tools to keep the flow of business thriving. She intends to kickstart some new events in the area, including a celebration for Mission Regional Medical Center, which will be celebrating 65 years in operation, providing access to health care and jobs.

“In our efforts, we make sure people don’t work in silos,” Enriquez said. “We want to make sure that we can help each other and share the access to the wealth of knowledge that we have.”

“In order to really help Mission build and become a prosperous city, more than it is, because it’s already prosperous, we want to be able to complement our city and community priorities,” Enriquez added. “Because once we have that, we have people getting educated, we can keep the pipeline of our workforce going. If people eat healthy, go to school, get a job, they’re going to contribute back to the economy.”

PT

progresstimes

progresstimes

the area.

Barker’s military burial was the 93rd unaccompanied military burial since 2015, when the Veterans Land Board implemented a program to bury veterans with no next of kin with military honors or ceremonies.

Before the program was implemented, unaccompanied veterans were either cremated or placed in storage until they could be properly buried, Erickson said.

The public was invited to attend his burial, leading to nearly 100 attendees to show up at his burial. After the burial the public was invited to a Thanksgiving luncheon at the Mission Social Center in honor of Barker and hosted by the Mission Rotary Club.

Lisa Hernandez arrived at the burial with two of her friends. Hernandez, said she was moved to attend after finding out about Barker’s lack of known of kin through social media.

“It’s sad that if it wasn’t for that post, he wouldn’t have anyone here for him,”

MISSION CHAMBER

For the latest news and updates

ond-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison.

The jury, though, acquitted Rivera on the more serious charge of felony murder, a first-degree felony.

The manslaughter charge required the jury to find that Rivera recklessly caused Luna’s death. The felony murder charge had a higher bar, requiring that the jury find that Rivera “intentionally and knowingly” attempted to avoid arrest and caused Luna’s death in the process.

After two tumultuous years, interim Palmview city manager reflects on changes

By Dave Hendricks Interim City Manager Leo Olivares will leave Palmview City Hall in January after 20 months on the job.

The Palmview City Council hired Hidalgo County Economic Development Director Michael Leo on Tuesday. He will start Jan. 1.

“My intention was never to stay here long-term,” Olivares said, adding that he originally planned to stay six months.

After the initial six-month contract, the City Council asked Olivares to stay another six months — and then another.

Palmview started planning the transition during October, when Olivares said he planned to explore other opportunities.

“It’s not sadness. It’s not regret. It’s not disappointment,” Olivares said. “It’s just: All things have an end. I think the time has come.”

When he walks out the door, Olivares will leave city hall a very different place.

The shakeup started in November 2016, when the Progress for Palmview candidates — Joel Garcia, Linda Sarabia and Javier Ramirez — joined the City Council.

Assistant City Manager David Nacianceno left for the La Joya Independent School District. City Attorney Rick Perez quit. The City Council fired City Manager Ramon Segovia and City Secretary Bertha Garza.

The Palmview Police Department also went through a major transition.

Palmview termined police Chief Chris Barrera. Police Cmdr. Lenny Sanchez left for the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office. The city also fired police Capt.

Saul Uvalle to save money.

Olivares, who accepted the job in April 2017, worked with the City Council to rebuild from scratch.

“It’s not just ‘Oh, what are the departments doing better?’ It’s also the council.

What can they do better?”

Olivares said. “It’s been a wholesale type of change here.”

Palmview hired Finance Director Rachel Chapa, who had worked with the city of Hidalgo, to keep a closer eye on the city budget. Annette Villarreal, the former McAllen city secretary, accepted the same job in Palmview. And police Lt. Gilberto Zamora became the new chief, inheriting a much

smaller command staff.

The city also hired Rodolfo Flores III, the former billing manager for the Agua Special Utility District, to supervise public works, planning and code enforcement.

“You want to have those difficult conversations and make those calls. I think everyone has been receptive to the message,” Olivares said.

“It’s not perfect, but there’s a sense of family and community here. And teamwork.”

The biggest challenge remains the city budget, Olivares said, adding that Palmview needs to build a healthy fund balance and put away money for emergencies.

“We’ve kind of turned the corner, but we need to pick up speed now,” Olivares said.

Olivares said he’ll work closely with Leo during December, making the transition as smooth as possible.

When January arrives, Olivares said he’ll start exploring new opportunities.

“I’m going to still look at city management but I might do something private sector now,” Olivares said. “I’m exploring a few things but nothing definite yet. So I’ll be around.”

On Sale This Fall Flu Shots

- With or without an appointment - Covered by most insurance plans

Free Valley Wide Delivery

10-Minute

Prescription Refills

- By phone or in person - Specialty Compounding Available!

Pharmacy & Medical Equipment

The Only Pharmacy You Need Fred Moron, R.Ph. 2120 E. Griffin Pkwy.

Mission • 581-5499

Alberto Vela, R.Ph. 1242 E. Bus 83, Ste. #7 Mission • 583-2700

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 9am-7pm • Saturday 9am-1pm

progresstimes

May 27, 1935 in port Isabel and passed away on Sunday, Nov. 4 in Harlingen.

“We’re not here to say goodbye,” Ruben Peña who gave the opening remarks at the burial, said Monday.

“Goodbye means we forget, we don’t forget people we love or people who have served and helped us. I thank each and every one of you for being here today.”

Barker was a United States Marine Corps Veteran who served his country during the Korean War for three years starting in 1954, according to information provided by Karina Erickson, a spokesperson with the Texas Veterans Land Board.

He was born in Nebraska and was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps at the end of his service. At the time of enlistment, his occupation was listed as a truck driver.

Though information on Barker was slim according to Erickson, Barker was buried in in the Valley after a representative informed the board Barker might have family in

from pg. 1

progresstimes

from pg. 1

page 5

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Sunday Service Times: Adult Sunday School 9:30 AM Sunday Worship 10:30 AM Wednesday Services: Adults, Teens, Kids 7:00 PM

page 6

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Girls Only

CALL EMMA AT 369-0249 OR CARLOS AT 862-5673

Ages 6 to 12 No Entry Fees or Registration Register at SGT Bradley Espinosa Park Monday thru Friday 7pm to 8pm

PT

progresstimes

progresstimes

Free Sandlot Softball in Alton

progresstimes

progresstimes

9-12 ASA Presents:

November 23, 2018

For the latest news and updates check us

OR USE OUR LINK

http://playpass.com/ go/a8di

No Softball Experience Necesary

FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW CAUSE NO. C-2637-18-B

NORBERTO “BETO” SALINAS COURT OF Contestant VS. TEXAS

§ § §

§

IN THE DISTRICT

§

HIDALGO COUNTY,

ARMANDO O’CAÑA

§ § Contestee, § 93rd JUDICIAL DISTRICT ______________________________________________________________ _ FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW ______________________________________________________________ _

From September 24, 2018 to October 5, 2018, the Court held a trial in the above referenced cause. The Court hereby issues the following findings of fact and conclusions of law. Any finding of fact more appropriately deemed a conclusion of law should be treated as such, and vice versa. All findings and conclusions are based on the proper, applicable evidentiary standard.

FINDINGS OF FACT A. General Facts About the 2018 Mission Mayoral Election 1. The City of Mission held the general election for the office of Mayor on May 5, 2018. There were three candidates: the incumbent Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas, Dr. Armando O’Caña, and Jaime Gutierrez.

2. The results of the May general election for the office of Mayor were as follows: Candidate Jaime Gutierrez Armando O’Caña

Vote 519 2571

Norberto “Beto” Salinas

3085

Percentage 8.40% 41.64% 49.96%

3. The incumbent Mayor, Norberto “Beto” Salinas, came within three actual votes of winning the election without a run-off election.

4. A run-off election was held on June 9, 2018 between Dr. Armando O’Caña and Norberto “Beto” Salinas.

5. The results of the run-off election were as follows: Candidate Armando O’Caña

Vote 3475

Norberto “Beto” Salinas

3318

Percentage 51.16% 48.84%

6. The run-off election was canvassed on June 18, 2018, and it was undisputed at the trial that Dr, Armando O’Caña won the run-off election by 157 votes.

B. Jurisdictional Findings and Procedural History 7. Norberto “Beto” Salinas is a resident of Hidalgo County, Texas and is the Contestant in this case.

8. Contestant filed suit on July 18, 2018, within the statutory 30-day contest period. TEX.ELEC.CODE § 232.008(b).

9. Dr. Armando O’Caña is a resident of Hidalgo County, Texas and is the Contestee in this case.

10. Trial commenced on September 24, 2018. There were eight days of trial testimony and one final day of argument. For the first eight days of trial, the Contestant put on thirty-four witnesses, including his chosen expert, George Korbel. Contestant rested on October 4, 2018.

11. On October 5, 2018, the Contestee chose not to put on any testimony and rested.

12. Both parties closed and presented closing arguments.

13. After closing arguments, the Court announced its judgment that the June 9, 2018, run-off election was void, as more than 158 illegal votes were counted. It also announced that the true outcome of that election could not be ascertained.

14. On October 8, 2018, the Contestee filed his notice of appeal, request for the clerk’s record, and the request for the reporter’s record.

C. The Anomaly of the June 9, 2018 Run-Off Election 15. The June 9, 2018 run-off election had a higher turnout than its antecedent general election. There were 6,175 total votes cast in the May 5, 2018 general election. There were 6,793 total votes cast in the run-off election—a difference of 618. In fact, the 2018 Mission run-off election had the largest turnout in the City since, at least, 2004.

16. In no other Mission run-off election had turn-out increased after the general election. For example, in the 2014 run-off election, the turnout in the run-off election totaled several hundred votes fewer than the general election.

17. The 2018 Mission run-off election also had the largest number of mail-in ballots in the history of Mission, Texas. There were 665 mail-in ballots in the run-off election—136 more than in the general election.

18. Dr. Armando O’Caña increased his votes in every phase of the run-off campaign: the absentee/mail-in ballots, the early vote, and votes cast on Election Day. 19. Dr. O’Caña increase in mail-in ballot votes for the run-off campaign is most notable and unusual, given the short time between the general and run-off elections. In the May general election, Dr. O’Caña received 269 mail-in ballot votes. In the run-off election, however, Dr. O’Caña received 393 mail-in ballot votes.

20. In contrast, Norberto “Beto” Salinas received 234 mail-in ballots during the general election and 272 mail-in ballots during the run-off election. The 121-vote difference in mail-in votes for O’Caña constituted most of his 157 vote margin in the run-off election.

21. Dr. Armando O’Caña also improved his electoral performance in the early vote. In the May general election, Norberto “Beto” Salinas won the early vote by nearly 500 votes. In the run-off election, Dr. O’Caña vastly improved his performance in the early vote, pulling within eight votes of Norberto “Beto” Salinas.

22. The 2018 Mission run-off election was the biggest election in the recent history of Mission. It had the highest turnout and the most mail-in ballots in the recent history of Mission, Texas. Yet, there were only thirty-four days between the general election and run-off election. In those thirty-four days, the O’Caña campaign reversed the outcome of the general election and was victorious.

D. Expert Testimony. George Korbel.

23. George Korbel testified as an expert witness. Mr. Korbel has worked in election analysis for forty-eight years, largely in the voting-rights area. He has participated as an attorney or expert witness in nearly every major voting-rights case in Teas since `973. During that time, the U.S. Supreme Court, the Fifth Circuit, and various U.S. District Courts have relied on his expert testimony.

Mr. Korbel has also testified before the Texas legislature, the U.S. Congress, ad the Department of Justice in defense of voting rights.

24. Mr. Korbel has published monographs on election laws used by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Most recently, Mr. Korbel has been certified as an expert in seven cases in the last four years related to election systems and voting rights. He was an expert in the Voter I.D. case, the Texas redistricting case, and in several at-large challenges in the past decade. Mr. Korbel has taught classes on election analysis and voting laws. And, he has testified as a witness and participated in several election challenges in the past forty years.

Mr. Korbel also has considerable experience working with elderly and disabled voters and clients by virtue of his work at Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid. 25. Based on Mr. Korbel’s curriculum vitae, and his testimony, the Court finds Mr. Korbel was qualified by his knowledge, training, and experience to render the opinions he presented in this case, and the Court found his opinions helpful, relevant, and reliable.

26. Mr. Korbel surveyed election history in Hidalgo county. He determined that the turnout in run-off elections exceeded the turnout in the immediately preceding general election in only two other municipal elections in Hidalgo County since 2011. Those two elections were the City of Mercedes’s election in 2011 and the City of Hidalgo’s election in 2016. Mr. Korbel testified that there had been recent arrests for voter fraud in the City of Hidalgo election, which may explain the increased turnout.

27. Mr. Korbel also testified that it was extraordinary for an incumbent who secured 49.96% of the vote in the general election to later lose a run-off election.

In his 48 years as an election analyst, Mr. Korbel could not6 recall an election in which an incumbent had come so close to winning without a run-off, but had gone on to lose the run-off election.

28. Mr. Korbel testified that several factors might explain an increased turnout in a run-off election: natural disaster, scandal, a popular or unpopular bond issue, referenda, or other election-event held on the same day as the election.

But, there were no such election-events that would explain the increased the turnout in the June 9, 2018 run-off election. And, both campaigns had sufficient campaign funds, so a disparity in finding could not explain the increased turnout.

E. O’Caña Campaign Bribing Voters.

29. The O’Caña campaign engaged in an orchestrated conspiracy to pursue illegal votes through bribing voters and harvesting mail-in ballots. The vote buying and other illegal activities on behalf of the O’Caña campaign were not the actions of overly enthusiastic campaign workers acting individually, but was a concerted effort by the leaders of the campaign to win regardless of legality.

29. In March 2018 Dr. O’Caña hired VO Consulting Services to handle his logistics and operations for his mayoral campaign. VO Consulting Services was a newly-fashioned political operative firm run by Dr. O’Caña’s niece, Veronica O’Caña, which she formed on March 14, 2018. VO Consulting Services was in charge of public and digital outreach for the O’Caña campaign.

PAID BY BET

November 23, 2018

page 7

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Knocking ‘em down

Local Special Olympic athletes compete in bowling at Incredibowl

By Bryan Ramos Strikes, spares and smiles filled Incredibowl in Mission last Thursday as local Special Olympic athletes competed in their annual bowling competition.

More than 100 students from the La Joya, Mission and Sharyland Independent School Districts gathered and hit the lanes at Incredibowl to show off their bowling skills, just one of the athletic competitions Special Olympics Texas - Rio Grande Valley hosts throughout the year.

Lauro Garza, Special Olympics Texas area director for the Rio Grande Valley, said the best thing said hosting athletic competitions across the RGV has opened doors for the athletes as it gives them the opportunity to play sports just like all the other kids in their school.

“What it does is it makes them feel happy, they have fun, they hang out with their friends and make friends,” Garza said. “When they see the other kids talk about their sporting events, what they did this weekend, they do the same thing.”

It’s more than just showing up and sending the ball down the lane in hopes of knocking down a pin or two, these Special Olympic athletes practice and train for game day, just like any other athlete.

Leobardo Ramirez, Head of the Delegation and Head Coach for La Joya ISD for the past 40 years, said his athletes train three times a week, bowling three games each time like they’ll face at the state competition in Austin.

“They take it serious in practice and in competition,

you can see their focus,” Ramirez said. “It’s a wonderful feeling because they’re socializing with other kids in the community. It’s a very powerful feeling to see that among them, and now that they’re competing against other schools, it’s even better because they’re learning to compete against other kids, not just the ones that are there with them in school, so that’s a great feeling to have.”

Ayssa Acosta, a Special Olympic athlete from La Joya ISD, kicked off the event by reciting the Special Olympics credo, words that all Special Olympic athletes live by: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Coach Guillermo Guzman, the Adaptive P.E. and Special Olympics Coach for District of Sharyland ISD for the past 12 years, said

while winning is nice, it’s more about the fun learning experience for everyone involved.

“My favorite thing is to see them out here having fun, participating and doing

the best they can,” Guzman said. “It’s not about winning, I think they’ve learned that from me, the keyword is have fun.”

With the bowling competition in the rearview, Special

Olympic athletes will now begin their preparation for three December competitions, including tennis, powerlifting and golf.

Special Olympic athletes gathered at Incredibowl in Mission on Thursday, Nov. 15 to show off their skills at the annual bowling competition. More than 100 athletes took to the lanes to knock pins down as smiles, strikes and spares filled the alley. Progress Times Photo by Bryan Ramos.

W FOR THE 2018 MISSION MAYORAL ELECTION 30. Dr. O’Caña raised in excess of $38,000 for his mayoral race. He estimated that he spent 80% of that money on VO Consulting Services. Yet, Dr. O’Caña admitted that he had no receipts, expenditure reports, or any other record or document that would evidence the work that VO Consulting Services performed for his campaign.

31. Dr. O’Caña also admitted he deleted his records before during, and after this lawsuit was filed, including his communications with VO Consulting Services. He testified he had no receipts or other records showing what VO Consulting Services spend money on for his campaign. The owner of VO Consulting, Veronica O’Caña, could not be subpoenaed to testify at trial or via deposition, although 12 or more attempts were made.

32. Veronica O’Caña rented a luxurious white Mercedes Benz van to use during the campaign for $500 cash. It was used to solicit prospective voters to be bribed to vote for O’Caña. Six voters testified they were solicited by O’Caña workers to vote for their candidate for $20 each, with an added bonus if they could bring more voters in to be bribed. They all testified they were picked up by a white Mercedes van and taken to the voting place, where a worker came on board and got permission to assist them in their voting. After they had voted with assistance, they were paid $20 each and taken home. One bribed voter testified that while in the van, he heard a campaign worker asking others on his cell phone to vote for a $20 bribe.

33. The direct testimony of fact witnesses was that the O’Caña campaign bribed at least 18 voters.

34. George Korbel, the contestant’s expert viewed the list of assisted voters finding the names of the bribed voters who testified to such. He found at least 48 voters who had most likely been bribed, comparing the closeness of times of voting and the names of those giving assistance to those who had testified as being bribed that day.

35. Mr. Korbel, as part of his election analysis, reviewed the testimony, the affidavits, the election materials, and his interviews to formulate his opinion on the vote bribery at issue in this cause. He was present during the entirety of the trial hearing all testimony.

36. The Court finds Mr. Korbel’s expert opinions to be relevant, reliable, and based on sufficient fact and data. The methodology Mr. Korbel used to form his opinions, including reviewing historical election data, conducting interviews, and statistical analysis, is testable and backed by sound methods used by election analysts in judicial and non-judicial inquiries. The Court finds that at least 48 voters were bribed to vote for Dr. Armando O’Caña during the June run-off election, but many more voters were likely bribed.

F. Mail in Ballot Illegality.

37. Mail in ballots are designed for only the voter to handle to the ballot after it has been completed except under limited circumstances. One may not possess another’s completed ballot or carrier envelope unless the name of the possessor is printed on the envelope and signed with his address. Similarly, if the voter is assisted in completing the ballot, the assister’s oath must be taken and a section must be completed on the envelope. If one is assisting the voter in depositing the envelope in the mail, the appropriate section must be completed.

38. Many voters testified they received a mail in ballot although they had not requested one, and some testified that the signature on the request was not theirs although it was their name and address. Workers of the O’Caña campaign would call voters asking if they had yet received their ballot, and, if not, to call them when they do, and they would come by and pick it up. Indeed, this happened on many occasions.

39. The O’Caña campaign systematically violated the Texas Election Code by taking mail-in ballots from voters and depositing them in the mail, without signing the form on the back side of the carrier envelope to indicate assistance was rendered, making the ballots and votes illegal.

40. After receiving the call from a voter that the allot had arrived, an O’Caña campaign worker would go to their house, often assist the voter in completing the ballot, and take the completed ballot. No indication of this assistance would generally appear on the ballot or carrier envelope.

41. On two occasions witnesses testified to seeing two particular O’Caña workers with many mail in ballots each. One witness testifying to a stack of ballots six inches high and another a “large bag full.”

Korbel’s Expert Testimony Related to Mail-In Ballots 42. George Korbel testified that he reviewed all of the carrier envelopes submitted in the June 9, 2018 run-off election. He also reviewed the carrier envelopes for the May general election.

43. Mr. Korbel examined the kinds of stamps used on the envelopes. Out of the 689 mail-in ballots cast in the June 9, 2018 run-off election, 357 carrier envelopes were stamped with a 2018 Forever stamp that has a folded American Flag on its face.

44. Mr. Korbel testified that these stamps come in rolls or coils, which contain 100 stamps and retail for $50.00. He testified that these stamps are also sold in books of twenty stamps for $10.00 45. If a stamp is sold in a bo0ok, it will have perforations on the top or bottom of the stamp and on either of the sides of the stamp. If a stamp is used from a roll or coil, the stamp will only have side perforations.

TO SALINAS

46. In the June 9, 2018 run-off elections, 322 mail-in ballots were stamped with a 2018 Forever stamp with a folded American flag on its face, which came from a roll or coil as evidenced by the side perforations.

47. Only 19 of these ballots had been marked as being voted with assistance, while 303 of these ballots had no markings for assistance but yet had used an identical stamp that was purchased from a roll or coil.

48. Mr. Korbel testified that he had a great deal of experience of working with seniors and the disabled through his work at Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid. He testified that most seniors and disabled people live on fixed incomes of less than $800 per month. He did not believe that it was likely that seniors would have purchased a $50 roll of stamps.

49. In preparation for his expert testimony, Mr. Korbel had reviewed all of the affidavits of voters who had their mail-in ballots harvested. He interviewed several affected voters. He also reviewed the election materials. In addition, Mr. Korbel reviewed the testimony that was presented at trial. In every case in which a ballot was harvested, the ballot in question was stamped with 2018 Forever stamp that had side perforations, meaning they had come from an expensive coil or roll of stamps.

50. Mr. Korbel testified that it was likely that there was an orchestrated effort to increase the amount of mail-in ballots in the June 9, 2018 run-off election.

The basis of his elief was that the number of mail-in ballots had increased dramatically from the general election to the run-off election.

51. Also, the amount of carrier envelopes using postage with a stamp from a roll had dramatically increased. In the general election in May, there were only 120 envelopes using the 2018 Forever stamp, 79 (or 65%) of which came from a roll. In the run-off election, 322 stamps came from a roll in an election that was only thirty-four days after the previous election.

52. In addition, all of the voters who had had their mail-in ballots harvested had shared commonalities. Most were harvested by a woman named Elizabeth Hernandez. All of them used the same stamp, and all the stamps came from a roll. Each of the voters told a similar story that, given the commonalities, was unlikely to be false.

53. Mr. Korbel testified that state law prevented the counting of mail-in ballots that were in the possession of another person. The policy rationale of this law was to ensure the chain-of-custody of the ballot. Mr. Korbel stated that the chain-of-custody of a ballot that was illegally in the possession of another person could not be relied upon as having been voted in the way that the voter had preferred.

54. Mr. Korbel testified that based on his review of the testimony, the affidavits, election materials, and the testimony at trial, at least 27 voters had their votes harvested by members of the O’Caña campaign. Mr. Korbel testified that the range of harvested voters was likely 27-303 voters.

55. I find clear and convincing evidence that the number of illegally handled mail in ballots by members of the O’Caña campaign is in excess of 150 although it is impossible to know the exact number.

D. The True Outcome of the Election is Unknown 56. The final canvass reflected a margin of 157 votes between the victor, Dr. Armando O’Caña, and the incumbent Mayor, Norberto “Beto” Salinas.

57. The Court finds the O’Caña campaign illegally bribed voters, took mail in ballots, and assisted voters in voting in excess of 158 votes.

CONCLUSIONS OF LAW 58. All the votes attributable to Armando O’Caña that were obtained illegally through bribery, mis-handing of mail in ballots or unattributable voter assistance are illegal votes and cannot be counted.

59. The Court finds by clear and convincing evidence that at least 48 illegal votes were cast in the election as a result of bribery and improper assistance by the O’Caña campaign.

60. The Court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the O’Caña campaign harvested 200 votes through its illegal possession and mailing of ballots.

61. The precise number of illegal votes cast for Armando O’Caña for mayor in the run off election of June 9, 2018, cannot be ascertained but it is in excess of 158 votes.

62. In addition to the facts found, the court engages in an adverse inference against the contestee, Dr. Armando O’Caña, because of his destruction of presumptively adverse evidence in his control, akin to spoliation. He has a duty to preserve evidence when he knows, or reasonably should know, that there is a substantial chance that a claim will be filed, and (b) that evidence in its possession or control will be potentially relevant to that claim. The Court finds Dr. O’Caña and/or his agents intentionally destroyed the correspondence between Dr. O’Caña and his campaign workers in order to conceal relevant evidence.

The Court presumes this destroyed evidence supports a finding that at least 158 votes were illegally cast.

63. The true outcome of the run off election of June 9, 2018, cannot be determined because of the illegal votes cast.

page page 88

November 23, 2018

www.ptrgv.com || www.strgv.com www.strgv.com www.ptrgv.com

Holiday Shopping Spree

Register to win at any or all of the businesses on these pages.

You can also register to win by signing up for the GoMission Discount Card, or for current cardholders show us your card, at Progress Times. Remember, you increase your chances of winning by visiting more of these businesses and registering at each location.

Register For $200

Fiesta Lube Express Full Service Oil Change

Find Santa’s sleigh.

Name the business ad where it is located: ________________________________ Store Where Registering: _____________________________________________

$

Name: ____________________________________________________________

3599 $10 OFF $5 OFF

Oil Change with FREE 15 point Inspection

Address: __________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________________________________

Expires: December 31, 2018

Email: ____________________________________________________________

any service with your TLC Pharmacy bottle

A/C or Brake Service

Expires: December 31, 2018

Expires: December 31, 2018

5 QTS. OIL • REPLACE OIL FILTER • CHECK FLUIDS CHECK TIRE PRESSURE • VACCUM • TRANSMISSION FLUID

585-0115

q Yes, I would like to receive newsletter and promotional emails from Progress Times.

No Purchase Necessary. Must be age 18 or older

Limit one entry per person per business location. Employees and immediate family members of the participating businesses, or Progress Times are ineligible. Entry deadline: 12 p.m. Dec. 28. No purchase necessary.

1418 E. Bus. 83 • Mission, TX (Between Bryan Rd. & Stewart Rd.)

35

WE SPECIALIZING IN:

• Diabetic Shoes • Nebulizers • Prescription Drugs • Wheelchairs • Adult & Children’s Diapers • Diabetic Supplies • Full Line DME Supplies • Specialty Compounding Available • We Carry Relano Diabetic Shoes • Free Pickup & Delivery of Prescriptions Justin Felkner D.D.S.

Timothy W. Brann D.D.S.

COMPUTERIZED PRESCRIPTIONS HOSPITAL BEDS • I.V. NUTRITION WHEELCHAIRS • OXYGEN & RESPIRATORY THERAPY EQUIPMENT • DIABETIC SHOES

Pharmacy & Medical Equipment

Fred Moron, R.Ph. 2120 E. Griffin Pkwy.

Mission • 581-5499

2407 E. Griffin Pkwy. (FM 495 & Shary Rd.) • Mission

956-581-2773

On North 10th Street

630-2367

Richard A. Young D.D.S.

GENERAL DENTISTRY EXCEPTIONAL CARE

Visit The Soda Fountain this winter

Open7am 7am to to12 12am am Open Monday--Saturday Saturday Monday

Alberto Vela, R.Ph. 1242 E. Bus 83, Ste. #7 Mission • 583-2700

-1901 S. 1st • McAllen 7 am - Midnight • Every day

Hours of Operation: Mon.-Fri. 9am-7pm • Sat. 9am-1pm

686-3716

5120 N. 10th St. • McAllen Mon. - Sat. • 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.

630-5500

Vehicle loans as low as

3.65

%

apr

New • Used • Refinanced

Membership Available to anyone who lives, works or has an immediate family member in Hidalgo County. Call Us For Details.

CALL OR CLICK TODAY!

*

(956) 585-6207

Insured by NCUA. Equal housing lender.

LOCATIONS IN: LA JOYA • PALMVIEW

www.lajoyafcu.com

*Some conditions may apply. APR: Annual Percentage Rate.

Insured by NCUA. Equal housing lender.

Transforming Lives...

La Joya ISD

Transforming Communities!

Holiday Specials

For The Month of December

• 10% OFF MEMBERSHIPS FOR ALL NEW MEMBERS

• $5 OFF WEEKDAY GREEN FEES • $20 GREEN FEES FOR LARGE GROUPS HAVING 20 OR MORE PAYING PLAYERS • 15% OFF PRO SHOP MERCHANDISE Hours of Operation: Mon.-Sun. 7am - 6:30pm

7400 W. Expressway 83 • Mission, TX • 956-585-6330

THE

November 23, 2018

Sports week

BIG7 SCHOOLS

page 9

www.ptrgv.com/sports

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

Mission Veterans rolling into Area

Patriots drop program playoff record 69 points in first round

By Bryan Ramos Playoff runs, setting program records and practicing during Thanksgiving--it’s just what Mission Veterans does.

The Patriots have been crowned bi-district champions for the 5th consecutive year after a 69-21 beatdown of the Victoria East Titans last Friday night at Tom Landry Stadium, adding another gold ball to sit next to their District 16-5A Division I Championship trophy.

The 69 points scored by the Patriots in the opening round is an all-time playoff high at Mission Veterans. Landry Gilpin finished with 385 passing yards, 270 rushing yards and eight total touchdowns against Victoria East, connecting with Leo Cantu for two, Ralph Ochoa for two, and junior receiver Mikey Garcia made his return from injury in a big way as he hauled in two touchdowns of his own on six receptions for 114 yards.

Head Coach David Gilpin was proud of his team’s complete effort in the onslaught.

“One of the best games that I’ve ever been a part of, and I’ve been coaching 29 years,” Coach Gilpin said.

“For us to come out and be able to beat a Victoria school with the type of athletes and type of size and speed that they have, it was really a good thing for our program.”

While the Patriot offense usually gets all the attention, it was the Mission Veterans defense who set the tone early in their opening round playoff game.

Linebacker Joey Garcia, one of the team’s senior captains who missed time with a shoulder injury earlier in the year, made his impact felt right away as he had a tackle for loss on the first snap, a preview of what was to come.

Garcia finished the game with 16 total tackles and three for a loss to lead the Mission Veterans defense in what Coach Gilpin said was the unit’s best

performance all season.

“We just got tired of people not talking about us,” Garcia said. “They think our defense is alright, but we just wanted to go out there and prove everybody wrong and that’s what we did.”

Leading up to the game, Coach Gilpin was in his line-

backer’s ear.

“Gotta have it, that’s the term I use with him, we gotta have it,” Coach Gilpin said of his linebacker’s play. “Joey’s got such a big heart and he took what we had to say and applied it from the first snap until we pulled him mid-third quarter. He was phenome-

Patriots Quarterback, Landry Gilpin #12, hurdles over a defending player to run ball in to the end zone, leading the Patriots to a 69 to 21 win over the Titans. Progress Times Photo by: Mario Magallon.

nal, he was a man possessed, playing with his hair on fire, the defense was just lights out.”

The Patriots tradition of practicing during Thanksgiving means they have something to play for, something this year’s group doesn’t take lightly.

“It’s do-or-die now, and it’s do-or-die forever,” said senior quarterback Landry Gilpin. “We want to do the best of can because we don’t want it over for all of us.

We’re a group of brothers and it’s hard to see each other down, so we’re trying to do our best to stay up right now.”

Next up for Mission Veterans? The Battle of the Patriots.

VMHS’ area round opponent, the San Antonio Veterans Memorial Patriots, were the second place finisher in District 13-5A as they posted a 7-1 league record while going 8-3 overall.

The other Patriots are coming off a 35-33 playoff

victory against Laredo Martin where their ground attack got the job done as quarterback Jaden Sommers and running back Imari Motley combined to score four touchdowns.

Now, the two schools from different cities who share the same name are set to clash Friday night in the second round of the playoffs.

“We’ve seen our playoff path since February; that path has been laid out for us, now the job is for us to get there,” said Coach Gilpin . “We took step one, you’ve heard me talk about five gold balls and we just got number two.”

The Class 16-5A Division I Area Round matchup between the Mission Veterans Memorial Patriots and the San Antonio Veterans Memorial Patriots is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23 at Cabaniss Stadium in Corpus Christi.

For live updates of tonight’s game, follow the Progress Times on Facebook.

THE BIG 7 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK VETERANS MEMORIAL PATRIOTS OFFENSE DEFENSE SPECIAL TEAMS

#12 Landry Gilpin

#23 Joey Garcia

SHARYLAND RATTLERS DEFENSE SPECIAL TEAMS

OFFENSE

#4 Edgar Longoria

#3 Gus Garza

2407 E. Griffin Pkwy.

Mission 956-581-2773

The Palmhurst Pack Visit us at 3 mile and Conway 956-580-9991 $

#1 Sebastian Hinojosa

9t9 ax

23

+

PIONEER DIAMONDBACKS

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

#8 Jacob Rosales

#90 Alonso Ibarra

24 7

Timothy W. Brann Richard A. Young D.D.S. D.D.S.

SPECIAL TEAMS

OFFENSE

Justin Felkner D.D.S.

#11 Adrian Solis

Good Luck to All Sharyland Teams!

PALMVIEW LOBOS DEFENSE SPECIAL TEAMS

PHOTO NOT AVAILABLE

#31 Joe Garcia

#24 Mario Chapa

#32 Armando Garza

#21 Carlos Peña

La Joya ISD Pack Athletics OFFENSE

MISSION EAGLESSPECIAL TEAMS DEFENSE

2018 Playoffs Scoreboard Fiesta Express 69 21 Lube 21 56 28 31 Playoffs Round 1 • November 16 - November 17, 2018

Full Service Oil Change

#4 Al Tijerina

#5 Justin Soto

27 INSPECTIONS 55 56 21 STATE

#11 Sebastian Gonzalez

$ OFF 35 10 5 Fiesta Lube A/C or Express $

99

Oil Change with FREE 15 point Inspection

Expires: July 31, 2017

SPONSORED BY $ OFF

FullBrake Service Service

any service with your Oil TLCChange Pharmacy bottle

STATE INSPECTIONS Expires: July 31, 2017

Expires: July 31, 2017

5 QTS. OIL • REPLACE OIL FILTER • CHECK FLUIDS CHECK TIRE PRESSURE • VACCUM • TRANSMISSION FLUID

$

585-0115 99 $ OFF $ OFF 35 10 5 1418 E. Buss. 83 • Mission

Oil Change any service (Between Bryan Rd. or & Stewart Rd.) A/C with FREE with your

page 10

November 23, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Sharyland strikes late to earn bi-district championship Rattlers advance to Area Round in dramatic fashion

Rattlers Wide Reciever, #6 Ruben Davila, makes a short run along sidelines for a first down right before two defenders stop him. Progress Times Photo by:

two-point conversion. Tamez was the team’s leading receiver as the senior hauled in seven receptions for 94 yards and two scores.

Sharyland has faced plenty of adversity throughout the year and Head Coach Ron Adame said he thought it paid off Friday night in the form of the comeback playoff victory.

“We saw some resiliency, we saw our boys not giving up,” Adame said. “I think at some point during our previous 10 games, we’d been behind, we’d been through adversity, we talked about being cool, being calm and staying poised, and they did that in the second half. Hats off to Somerset, they tested us tonight and this game

From low-scoring defensive slugfests to high-scoring shootouts, the Sharyland Rattlers have faced it all in 2018.

When it came down to a do-or-die situation in the 4th quarter of their bi-district playoff game Saturday against the Somerset Bulldogs, they knew exactly what they had to do: respond.

With the scoreboard reading 21-19 in favor of Somerset and 2:20 left to play, the Sharyland defense stepped up to force a punt and give the ball back to the Rattler offense.

That’s when Sharyland senior slotback Adrian Solis made the game’s biggest play. Solis let the punt bounce deep into Rattler territory and decided to pick it up at his own 7-yard line in hopes of making something happen--and he did just that. Solis found the wall his

teammates created and returned the punt 76 yards to the Somerset 17 to set the offense up in the red zone.

“Honestly, I didn’t think I was going to do it,” Solis said of his momentum swinging punt return. “I didn’t want to not grab it and let them down it inside the 10. I said screw it and let’s see what I can get.

Thank God, it happened.”

On the very next play, senior quarterback Edgar Longoria found senior receiver Gabriel Tamez open on a post across the middle to put Sharyland in front for good 27-21 after a successful twopoint conversion.

“We knew we’ve been in tough situations at the end of games before,” Longoria said. “Adrian had some cajones and he picked it up and did his job and got us in good field position. I told the offense let’s take it one play at a time, and that one play ended up being a touchdown and we had to believe in the

defense. There was no doubt the defense was going to do their job.”

Trying to mount a last-minute comeback, the run-heavy attack of Somerset was forced to throw the ball and the Sharyland defense took advantage. Senior middle linebacker Javo Lopez made back-to-back plays as he came up with a sack on third down and pressured the Somerset quarterback on fourth down to force an incompletion and seal the 27-21 win for the Sharyland Rattlers.

“I was telling myself, I was telling the team ‘we go back out there we have to ball out, if not, it’s over, we just have to go out there and make a play,’” Lopez said.

“It was just a team effort, we knew we had to make a play and we knew if we didn’t ball out, it’s over.”

Longoria finished with 267 total yards, four touchdowns and one successful

La Joya Juarez Lincoln High School presents

close they were to advancing,” Adame said earlier this year. “There were a lot of kids that are on our team this year as returners that experienced that and know what that feeling is of two playoff games and being successful in the playoffs. We use that as a motivator and teaching tool for these guys that make up this year’s team.”

Kickoff of the Class 5A Division II Area Playoff matchup between the Sharyland Rattlers and Brenham Cubs is set for 1 p.m. Friday at Cabaniss Stadium in Corpus Christi.

For live updates of today’s game, follow The Sharyland Times on Facebook.

Fiesta Lube Express

Mario Magallon.

By Bryan Ramos

could have gone either way.”

The Sharyland Rattlers now move on to the area round for the second straight season where they’ll face the Brenham Cubs on Friday, Nov. 23.

The Brenham Cubs (7-4, 5-2) finished second in District 13-5A DII and punched their second round ticket with a 23-20 win over Boerne-Champion.

Sharyland’s senior class remembers being one play away from advancing to the third round after losing to Alice in a triple overtime heartbreaker 42-39, something Coach Adame has used as a motivator.

“They saw what types of teams you play in the second round and they saw how

Full Service Oil Change

5 QTS. OIL • REPLACE OIL FILTER • CHECK FLUIDS CHECK TIRE PRESSURE • VACCUM • TRANSMISSION FLUID

585-0115 1418 E. Bus. 83 Mission, TX

(Between Bryan Rd. & Stewart Rd.)

$

35

10

99 $

Oil Change with FREE 15 point Inspection

Expires: December 31, 2018

OFF

A/C or Brake Service

Expires: December 31, 2018

5

$

OFF

any service with your TLC Pharmacy bottle Expires: December 31, 2018

At this rate you can afford to start renovations today!

HOME EQUITY LOANS

Available

*

Don’t let money get in the way of home improvements November 30, 7pm December 1, 2 & 7pm December 2, 2pm

Ticket Information:

To find out how you can apply for a home equity loan today, call to speak with one of our friendly financial associates.

$7 General Admission Pre-sale Tickets Online Only http://lajoyaisdtr.eventbrite.com/

Alejandro “Alex” H. Sáenz Performing Arts Center FOR MORE INFORMATION

(956) 323-2898

604 N. Coyote Drive La Joya, Texas 78560

LOCATIONS IN: LA JOYA • PALMVIEW

CALL OR CLICK TODAY!

(956) 585-6207 www.lajoyafcu.com

*Some conditions may apply. Subject to underwriting criteria. Insured by NCUA. Equal housing lender.

November 23, 2018

page 11

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Mission holds 4th annual ALS awareness event

By Jose De Leon III

Dressed in a grey sweatshirt, Araceli Bonilla braved the cold temperatures that plagued the Valley earlier this month in honor of her mother, Olga.

Bonilla was one of nearly 200 people at Bannworth Park Saturday, Nov. 10 who participated in Mission’s 4th annual Walk to End ALS. “We’re here because we want to give awareness of the illness my mother had, awareness in hopes that it leads to people finding a cure or to better prepare families when a loved one is diagnosed with ALS,” Bonilla said.

Olga was diagnosed with ALS-Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis- in 2007. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, rendering most patients totally paralyzed and with a life expectancy of three to five years following a diagnosis, according to the ALS Association.

As many as 30,000 Americans are affected by the disease, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

The walk was among several held nationwide to commemorate those affected by ALS and to raise awareness of it.

Bonilla, whose sweatshirt

read in pink “In loving Memory of Mom-Olga L. Bonilla,” was accompanied by her husband and her sister. All three wore matching sweatshirts.

Despite living in New Braunfels, Bonilla and her husband say it makes sense to attend the walks in Mission.

“This is where she was diagnosed, and this is where she died.” Bonilla said. “She was misdiagnosed with other diseases before it was narrowed down to ALS. We had to travel to see a specialist in San Antonio since there wasn’t one down here back then.”

Olga eventually died in

direction of Rivera Funeral Home in Mission.

obituaries Maria Aceves MISSION – Maria De La Luz Aceves, 85, passed away on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in McAllen.

Mrs. Aceves was born on Nov. 20, 1932, in Estacion Ochoa, Tamps., Mexico to Virgino Lopez and Norberta Gracia.

Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Reyes Aceves; children, Rosa Maria Forester, Mary Quintero, Ricardo Aceves, Rosalinda Aceves, Rosabel Aceves and Connie Aceves; siblings, Angelica Alaffa, Marcos Lopez and Caridad Solis; and three grandchildren.

The funeral mass was held on Nov. 19 at San Martin De Porres Catholic Church in Alton. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission Jose de la Fuente MISSION - Jose “Pepe” de la Fuente, 94, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Las Palmas Healthcare Center.

Mr. de la Fuente was born on Feb. 28, 1924, to the late Marcelino de la Fuente and Otila Perez de la Fuente at La Tortuga Ranch by the Rio

Grande River.

Pepe’s early life was spent helping his father with the family farm. After developing skills in planting and harvesting crops and in managing field workers, agricultural companies in the area sought him out and hired him to be their field supervisors.

He also made time to help his father-in-law, Refugio Alejos Sr., to open the Citrus Cafe restaurant. He later designed and built Pepe’s Boat Ramp by himself, and eventually Pepe’s on the River at the same location.

Survivors include his children, Sandra Gaulke, Jose de la Fuente and Michael de la Fuente; sister, Gloria Martinez; and six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Maria Irene Alejos de la Fuente; daughter, Norma Davis; parents; siblings, Clemente de la Fuente and Dora Corpus; and grandson, Joseph Frank Davis.

A funeral mass was held on Nov. 16 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. A private burial was held at a later date.

2009 as a result of the disease, the sisters said.

“My mom was a great person and a great mom,” Araceli recalled at the walk.

“She maintained her positive attitude throughout the whole thing even though it was extremely difficult for her. She didn’t want us to worry about her.”

The story of Olga Bonilla and her family is similar to other people attending the walk, according to Linda Quiroz, care service coordinator for the ALS Association.

Despite being surrounded by loss, members of the walk are reminded of the closeknit community that can be

Notices

Juan Reyes MISSION – Juan Francisco Reyes, 65, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018, at his home.

Mr. Reyes was born in Mission on March 21, 1953 to Juan and Leonor (Ramirez) Reyes. He was a lifelong Mission resident.

Survivors include his wife, Irenia Zuniga de Reyes; children, Maria Sanchez, Mayra Reyes, Yadira Reyes, Liliana Reyes, Elizabeth Reyes and Angel Reyes; siblings, Manuela Reyes and Guillermo Reyes; and 20 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Juan Antonio Reyes.

A funeral mass was held on Nov. 16 at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Alton. Burial followed at Santa Fe Celestial Garden Cemetery in Mission. Arrangements were under the

Maria Garcia PALMVIEW – Maria De La Paz Garcia, 90, passed away on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, at her home in Palmview.

Maria Bertha Gonzalez MISSION – Maria Bertha Gonzalez, 74, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018, at Arbor View Nursing Center in Edinburg.

Pedro Hernandez MISSION – Pedro Hernandez, 84, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, at Comfort House in McAllen.

Ofelia Moreno MISSION – Ofelia G. Moreno, 76, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, at her home in Mission.

Juan Saucedo MISSION – Juan Daniel Saucedo, 20, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg.

James Stearns MISSION – James Stearns, 74, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center.

Valentina Vargas MISSION – Valentina Vargas, 93, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, at her home in Mission.

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

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

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

formed from ALS, Quiroz said.

“This walk and others in the state have one thing in common: support,” Quiroz said. “All day we have people doing cheers and supporting one another and coming from all over the state. It’s a close-knit community being formed here to raise awareness.”

Norma Saenz from Donna was attending the walk with her family. She was walking for her husband, Gilbert, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2013.

“We were in denial when he was first diagnosed,” Saenz recalled. “We kept going to different hospitals and seeing different specialists around the country, but we kept getting the same answer and we had no choice but to confront it.”

Gilbert, who worked as an accountant prior to his diagnosis, was confined to a wheelchair and hooked up to an oxygen machine as a result of the disease. Saenz pushed him around during the walk.

“We’re going through this as a family and even with his diagnosis, we’ve been blessed,” Saenz said. “We keep coming to these walks every year because it’s so uplifting and encouraging to see other people like us facing this disease but taking it one day at a time. It makes us strong enough to continue to face it.”

For more information or to donate to ALS support and research, visit www.alsa.org.

GPZ staff introduces new rhino to the public

BROWNSVILLE – After months of hard work, it the Gladys Porter Zoo staff has introduced its newest member, Bebop, a five-year-old male Southern white rhino, to the crash, which is what a group of rhinos is called, and all three are now on display for the pubic to view.

“Integrating a new rhino to an established crash can be rough and tumble and not for the faint at heart, especially because of their size. There is a fine line between typical “get to know you behavior” and “aggressive behavior” that can lead to a serious outcome; therefore, a great deal of work and supervision on behalf of our knowledgeable rhino crew is required” says Dr. Patrick Burchfield.

Bebop arrived at the Gladys Porter Zoo on March 18 from The Center for Conservation of Tropical Ungulates in Punta Gorda, Florida. As with any other animal that comes to the zoo, Bebop underwent a 30-day quarantine period before being introduced into his exhibit.

After the quarantine period, keepers began adjusting him to his new exhibit and to the resident females, Julie and Abby, by placing them in side-by-side enclosures to get acquainted. This allowed them to be able to see and smell each other with the safety of a barrier between them.

On August 21, introductions began with the youngest female, Abby. A few weeks later, on October, 24, keepers introduced Bebop to the oldest female, Julie. All three rhinos were placed on exhibit together for the first time on October 30, and as zoo staff hoped, they all got along.

Zoo staff now hopes Bebop will successfully breed with the females. White rhinos are listed as near threatened by the IUCN List of Endangered Species. Their biggest threats come from habitat loss and poaching.

For more information, call 956-546-7187.

page 12 from pg. 3

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

ALEXIS ARANDA

can cause a lot of internal bleeding,” Aranda explained.

“It exposed me to a different area of medicine.”

During high school so far, Aranda has also been active in HOSA, DECA and SkillsUSA competitions and has advanced to state several times. “My teachers were the real inspiration...,” Aranda said. “...and seeing the impact that it had in the field while working with the fire

department was really that final push.”

Aranda says he hopes to attend The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley for nursing school, and then use the bachelor’s degree in nursing to apply for medical school.

As for his work with the Mission Fire Department, he said he plans to keep serving as a volunteer firefighter as it allows for schedule flexibil-

ity.

Aranda said getting his EMT certification so early was a difficult path and it may not be for everyone.

As advice he offers to other students, he said, “There will be times when you may think it is not for you, but to just give it that little final push, and if you are doing it for the right reasons, you’ll end up enjoying what you do and you’ll make it.”

theclassifieds buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

this page is your oyster opening up to a world of opportunity

Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m. If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573. Submit by email or pay by phone 585-4893.The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 5 p.m.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Mission Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on December 12, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: A 60.850 acre tract of land out of Lot 14-1, 14-2, 15-1, 15-2 and 162, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from PUD (AO-P) Permanent Open Space District to PUD (R-1) Single Family Residential District; and Rezoning: A 26.335 acre tract out of land out of Lot 16-1, and Lot 15-1, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from PUD (AO-P) Permanent Open Space District to PUD (R-1) Single Family Residential District Discussion and Action to Amend the Drainage Section of the City of Mission Standards Manual Adopted by Ordinance 1409 Discussion and Action to Rescind Ordinance No. 3396 to delete Section 42-38 (d) Discussion and Action to Adopt Ordinance #____ Amending Article VIII, Section 1.42, and Section 1.43- Use District and Conditional Uses Discussion and Action to Amend Ordinances Nos. 4662, 4663 and 4664 to revert public hearing notice radius from 500’ to 200’ Discussion and Action to Amend Ordinance No. 2587; Sec. 16-22 (b) by deleting certified, return receipt request Discussion and Action Amending Planning Fees, Building Permit Fees, and Park Fees If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. Anyone interested is invited to attend.

Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE The Mission City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on December 17, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: A 60.850 acre tract of land out of Lot 14-1, 14-2, 15-1, 15-2 and 162, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from PUD (AO-P) Permanent Open Space District to PUD (R-1) Single Family Residential District; and Rezoning: A 26.335 acre tract out of land out of Lot 16-1, and Lot 15-1, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from PUD (AO-P) Permanent Open Space District to PUD (R-1) Single Family Residential District Discussion and Action to Amend the Drainage Section of the City of Mission Standards Manual Adopted by Ordinance 1409 Discussion and Action to Rescind Ordinance No. 3396 to delete Section 42-38 (d) Discussion and Action to Adopt Ordinance #____ Amending Article VIII, Section 1.42, and Section 1.43- Use District and Conditional Uses Discussion and Action to Amend Ordinances Nos. 4662, 4663 and 4664 to revert public hearing notice radius from 500’ to 200’ Discussion and Action to Amend Ordinance No. 2587; Sec. 16-22 (b) by deleting certified, return receipt request Discussion and Action Amending Planning Fees, Building Permit Fees, and Park Fees If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. Anyone interested is invited to attend.

Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

Sheriff’s Sale- Order of Sale

The State of Texas, County of Hidalgo October 24, 2018 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That by virtue of a certain Order of Sale Cause

No. T-0906-17-E issued out of the Honorable DISTRICT COURT OF THE 275th JUDICIAL DISTRICT, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS on the 24th day of August 2018, and styled Hunter-Kelsey II, LLC (plaintiffs) VS Hector Noe Flores and Norma Alicia Flores (defendant) and whereas plaintiff and intervenors recovered a judgment of foreclosure of the lien for taxes against the Subject Property in the amount of Thirty Thousand Five Hundred Thirty Six Dollars and Eighty Two cents ($30,536.82), plus other amounts, fees and cost awarded and the further cost of suit together with the cost of executing this writ with all costs of suit as of record is manifest, in favor of Hunter-Kelsey II, LLC, Delta Lake Irrigation District, Edinburg Consolidated ISD, and Hidalgo County, and placed in my hands for service on August 27, 2018, I, J.E. “Eddie” Guerra, as Sheriff of Hidalgo County, Texas, did on the 3rd day of October 2018, levy on certain Real Estate in Hidalgo County, Texas, described as follows, to-wit:

Tax Account Number: D380007000021700 & DL020-000-217-000-00

*Moises Flores Road, Edcouch, Texas 78538; DELTA ORCHARDS #7 LOT 217 1.00 AC; and being more particularly described as Being all of Lot 217, Delta Orchards #7, an addition to Hidalgo County, Texas, as per plat thereof recorded in the Plat Records of Hidalgo County, Texas.

And levied upon as the property of Hector Noe Flores and Norma Alicia Flores and that on the first Tuesday in December 2018, the same being the 4th day of said month, at 2802 S. Business Hwy 281, The Hidalgo County Administrative Building, Edinburg, Texas, hereby designated by The Hidalgo County Commissioners Court, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by virtue of said levy and said Order of Sale, I will sell said above described Real Estate at public venue for cash, to the highest bidder, as the property of said Hector Noe Flores and Norma Alicia Flores in compliance with the law, I give this notice by publication, in the English language, once a week for three consecutive weeks immediately proceeding said day of sale, in THE PROGRESS TIMES in Hidalgo County Texas.

November 23, 2018 NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE

CITY OF ALTON, TEXAS CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION

TAKE NOTICE that the City Commission (the City Commission) of the City of Alton, Texas (the City), shall tentatively convene at 7:30 p.m. on the 8th day of January, 2019, at its regular meeting place in the City Commission Chambers at 509 S. Alton Blvd., Alton, Texas 78573 and during such meeting, the City Commission will consider the passage of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of certificates of obligation in an amount not to exceed $4,200,000 for the following purposes: purchase of land and construct improvements for parks; construct street and drainage improvements; construct water and wastewater system improvements; pay for professional services in connection with foregoing projects; acquire and update office equipment and technology, and to pay the costs of issuance of the certificates of obligation. The certificates of obligation will be payable from a combination of the City’s ad valorem tax within the limits authorized by law on all taxable property of the City, and a limited pledge of $1,000 from the net revenues from the operation of the City’s water and sewer system. The ertificates of obligation are to be issued, and this notice is given, under and pursuant to the provisions of the Certificates of Obligation Act of 1971, as amended, Local Government Code Section 271.041 through Section 271.063.

Salvador Vela, Mayor City of Alton, Texas

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS LA JOYA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT’S Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) LA JOYA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT will hold a public meeting at 5:30 P.M., November 28, 2018 in the Central Administration at Nellie Schunior Staff Development Center 200 West Expressway 83, La Joya,Texas The purpose of this meeting is to discuss La Joya Independent School District’s rating on the state’s Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST).

PROBATE NO. P-39,094 CITATION BY PUBLICATION ************* THE STATE OF TEXAS THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ESTATE OF MARIA LETICIA MOORE, DECEASED: On the 9th day of November, 2018, JEFFREY J. MOORE filed an application for Determination of Heirship in a proceeding styled the ESTATE OF MARIA LETICIA MOORE, DECEASED, and bearing Probate Case Number P-39,094 in the Probate Court of Hidalgo County, Texas.

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

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

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

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

ISSUED UNDER MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF SAID COURT at office in Edinburg, Texas, this the 14th day of November 2018.

theclassifieds November 23, 2018

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE

CITY OF ALTON, TEXAS CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION

buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

this page is your oyster opening up to a world of opportunity

Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m. If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573 Submit by email or pay by phone 585-4893.The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 5 p.m.

For Rent 1 BDRM/1BA for rent at 216 N. Mayberry in Mission, call (956) 585-1287 for more details.

B E A U T I F U L APARTMENT HOME for rent/ se renta 2 bed, 1/5 baths, $650 Rent/ $375 Deposit, cocina integral con estufa, refrigerador y alacena, ventiladores de techo, persianas y conecciones para lavadora y seacadoa, 3206 N Moore-

Now

page 13

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

filed in Mission, call 956-410-2581.

For Sale

HAPPY JACK FLEXENHANCE plus relieves arthritic pain and repels fleas without a prescription, Mission Feed & Hardware, 956-581-2153, (www.fleabeacon. com).

2 CEMETERY LOTS in Valley Memorial , asking $2,000 each, for more details call 956-271-5658.

HIRING Mr. G’s Fireworks

is looking for responsible persons to operate fireworks stand. Must stay on premises & be over 21 years of age.

Call: (956) 399-3469

Now Hiring Off Site Coordinator (Mission Texas)

Schreiner University seeks an Off-Site Coordinator in Mission Texas, responsible for recruiting, advising, creating co-curricular learning experiences and teaching one IDST course each semester.

For full position details and online application please visit our website www.schreiner.edu.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of JAMES EDWIN LOWTHER Deceased, were issued on November 14, 2018, in Probate Court under Cause No. P-38841, Hidalgo County, Texas, to CURTIS B. JOHNSON. The residence of the Independent Executor is 8570 Russell, Shelby Townsite, MI 48317. All claims should be mailed to: CURTIS B. JOHNSON c/o: Louis C. Brown Attorney at Law 1207 N. Conway Mission, TX 78572 All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

PATENTED FLEABEACON CONTROLS fleas in the home without toxic chemicals or costly exterminators, results overnight, Border Enterprises, 956-487-2570, (www.fleabeacon. com).

Help Wanted

SERVERS AND KITCHEN help needed, part & full time, open 11am8pm, Riverside Club,

214 East Chimney Rd. in Mission, call 956-581-1033, ask for Jennifer.

Mobile Homes

MOBILE HOME FOR sale, 2bdrm/ 2ba, 1340 sq. ft., carport, shed, fully furnished, new appliances, new central a/c, furnace, metal roof, gated 55+ community located in Mission, call 956249-0046.

TAKE NOTICE that the City Commission (the City Commission) of the City of Alton, Texas (the City), shall tentatively convene at 7:30 p.m. on the 8th day of January, 2019, at its regular meeting place in the City Commission Chambers at 509 S. Alton Blvd., Alton, Texas 78573 and during such meeting, the City Commission will consider the passage of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of certificates of obligation in an amount not to exceed $4,200,000 for the following purposes: purchase of land and construct improvements for parks; construct street and drainage improvements; construct water and wastewater system improvements; pay for professional services in connection with foregoing projects; acquire and update office equipment and technology, and to pay the costs of issuance of the certificates of obligation. The certificates of obligation will be payable from a combination of the City’s ad valorem tax within the limits authorized by law on all taxable property of the City, and a limited pledge of $1,000 from the net revenues from the operation of the City’s water and sewer system. The ertificates of obligation are to be issued, and this notice is given, under and pursuant to the provisions of the Certificates of Obligation Act of 1971, as amended, Local Government Code Section 271.041 through Section 271.063.

Salvador Vela, Mayor City of Alton, Texas

MISSION CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

EXHIBIT C-2

STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES, AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCES - GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

Data Control Codes

10

98 Total Governmental Funds

General Fund

Other Governmental Funds

$25,173,626 116,644,043 14,232,125 156,049,794

$4,747,995 5,892,638 11,882,452 22,523,085

$29,921,621 122,536,681 26,114,577 178,572,879

81,016,975 2,697,098 3,583,392 1,972,753 8,766,038 5,474,835 456,446 1,470,637 4,045,340 12,110,746 6,814,286 4,680,101 17,399,613 2,303,441 2,150,228 233,559 200,000 467,971 450 9,638,002

6,411,240 15,167 1,756,585 218,079 175,039 2,843,937 60,246 373,583 1,039,217 1,076,365 9,833 41,419 7,045 802,110 5,000,000 5,417,787 11,295 12,153,782

87,428,215 2,712,265 5,339,977 2,190,832 8,941,077 8,318,772 516,692 1,844,220 5,084,557 12,110,746 7,890,651 4,689,934 17,441,032 2,310,486 2,150,228 1,035,669 5,200,000 5,885,758 11,745 21,791,784

20,000 261,885 165,763,796

37,412,729

20,000 261,885 203,176,525

5700 5800 5900 5020

REVENUES: Local and Intermediate Sources State Program Revenues Federal Program Revenues Total Revenues

0011 0012 0013 0021 0023 0031 0032 0033 0034 0035 0036 0041 0051 0052 0053 0061 0071 0072 0073 0081 0095 0095 0099 6030

EXPENDITURES: Current: Instruction Instructional Resources and Media Services Curriculum and Staff Development Instructional Leadership School Leadership Guidance, Counseling, & Evaluation Services Social Work Services Health Services Student Transportation Food Service Cocurricular/Extracurricular Activities General Administration Plant Maintenance and Operations Security and Monitoring Services Data Processing Services Community Services Principal on Long-term Debt Interest on Long-term Debt Bond Issuance Costs and Fees Capital Outlay Payments to Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Programs Other Intergovernmental Charges Total Expenditures

1100 1100

Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues Over (Under) Expenditures

(9,714,002)

(14,889,644)

(24,603,646)

7912 8911 7080 1200

Other Financing Sources and (Uses): Sale of Real or Personal Property Transfers Out Total Other Financing Sources and (Uses) Net Change in Fund Balances

72,725 (149,766) (77,041) (9,791,043)

(14,889,644)

72,725 (149,766) (77,041) (24,680,687)

0100 3000

Fund Balances - Beginning Fund Balances - Ending

72,720,095 $62,929,052

24,331,318 $9,441,674

97,051,413 $72,370,726

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.

DATED the 14th day of November, 2018.

REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

The City of Alton is soliciting sealed Statement of Qualifications; hereinafter referred to as SOQ, to be received by Jorge Arcaute, City Manager, at 509 S. Dawes, Alton, Texas 78573. City of Alton normal business days are Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and shall be closed on recognized holidays.

SOQ’S will be received until 10:00 a.m. Central Time, on Friday December 7, 2018, shortly thereafter all submitted SOQ’S will be gathered and taken to the City’s Conference Room, to be publicly opened and read aloud. Any SOQ received after the closing time will not be accepted and will be returned to the submitter unopened. It is the responsibility of the submitter to see that any SOQ submitted shall have sufficient time to be received by the City prior to the SOQ opening date and time. The receiving time at the City Hall Front Desk will be the governing time for acceptability of the SOQ’s. SOQ’s will not be accepted by telephone or facsimile machine. All SOQ’S must bear original signatures and figures. The SOQ shall be for: SOQ # 2018-02 CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES

The City of Alton is soliciting sealed Statement of Qualifications; hereinafter referred to as SOQ, to be received by Jorge Arcaute, City Manager, at 509 S. Dawes, Alton, Texas 78573. City of Alton normal business days are Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and shall be closed on recognized holidays.

SOQ’S will be received until 10:00 a.m. Central Time, on Friday December 7, 2018, shortly thereafter all submitted SOQ’S will be gathered and taken to the City’s Conference Room, to be publicly opened and read aloud. Any SOQ received after the closing time will not be accepted and will be returned to the submitter unopened. It is the responsibility of the submitter to see that any SOQ submitted shall have sufficient time to be received by the City prior to the SOQ opening date and time. The receiving time at the City Hall Front Desk will be the governing time for acceptability of the SOQ’s. SOQ’s will not be accepted by telephone or facsimile machine. All SOQ’S must bear original signatures and figures. The SOQ shall be for: SOQ # 2018-03 LAND SURVEYING SERVICES Respondents receiving a “NOTICE TO RESPONDENTS” and/or “REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS” notice in the mail or reading same in the newspaper are advised that the solicitation documents can be downloaded from the City of Alton web page address: www.alton-tx.gov, or may obtain copies of same by contacting the office of: JEFF UNDERWOOD, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER, LOCATED AT 509 S. ALTON BOULEVARD, ALTON, TX 78573 by calling (956) 432-0760 or by e-mailing your request to the following e-mail address: jeff.underwood@alton-tx.gov

Respondents receiving a “NOTICE TO RESPONDENTS” and/or “REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS” notice in the mail or reading same in the newspaper are advised that the solicitation documents can be downloaded from the City of Alton web page address: www.alton-tx.gov, or may obtain copies of same by contacting the office of: JEFF UNDERWOOD, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER, LOCATED AT 509 S. ALTON BOULEVARD, ALTON, TX 78573 by calling (956) 432-0760 or by e-mailing your request to the following e-mail address: jeff.underwood@alton-tx.gov Hand Delivered SOQ’S: 509 S. Alton Boulevard C/o Jorge Arcaute

If using Land Courier (i.e. FedEx, UPS): City of Alton C/o Jorge Arcaute 509 S. Alton Boulevard Alton, Texas 78573

If Mailing Proposals: City of Alton C/o Jorge Arcaute 509 S. Alton Boulevard Alton, Texas 78573

Hand Delivered SOQ’S: 509 S. Alton Boulevard C/o Jorge Arcaute

If using Land Courier (i.e. FedEx, UPS): City of Alton C/o Jorge Arcaute 509 S. Alton Boulevard Alton, Texas 78573

If Mailing Proposals: City of Alton C/o Jorge Arcaute 509 S. Alton Boulevard Alton, Texas 78573

page 14

November 23, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

City of Mission Mayor and City Council Cordially invite you attend this year’s

Holiday Lights & Delights Where: Leo Peña Placita Park Mission, TX 78572 When: Friday, Nov. 30, 2018 5:45pm - 9pm Santa Pictures

Featuring a Living Nativity

Toy Raffle

Entertainment

Bike Drawing

Food & Craft Vendors

City of Mission

For more information contact the Mission Parks & Recreation at 956-580-8760

Everyone is Welcome to attend this festive holiday event

from pg. 1

THANKSGIVING MEALS

Housing Authority, Rosario Homes and the Community Block Development Grant (CDBG) program, and were issued a voucher to pick up their meals.

Dominguez was pleased with how everyone came together to give back to Mission residents who could use the help this holiday season.

“As the holiday season starts, it’s great and humbling to partake in this great effort,” Dominguez said.

“There’s a lot of families in our community that need that extra help.”

Dominguez said many people in Mission are blessed to have the gift of family and friends along with a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

“Unfortunately there’s a lot of families in our community that need the help,” Dominguez said. “We’re just glad to be here today. On

behalf of the Mission Police Department, and on behalf of the city of Mission, we want to wish everyone here throughout our community and the Rio Grande Valley a happy holiday season.”

Dominguez introduced Andy Rodriguez, who is part of the Mission Crime Stoppers, saying that none of it would be possible without the organization.

“The Crime Stoppers is made up of community volunteers that put in their time, their efforts and sometimes their resources to make events like this happen,” Rodriguez said. “It’s the time to give, it’s the season of giving, and we feel blessed to do this for people who otherwise wouldn’t have something to eat. It’s just one of many events that we have throughout the year.”

Rodriguez said that while

the Crime Stoppers would like to serve everybody, there is only so much they can do with the resources they have.

“I think that’s important, that we do what we can do,” Rodriguez said. “That’s what gives us joy in the season, that we can. Hopefully in the future, we’ll be able to serve even more of our citizens in the Mission area.”

Acting City Manager Randy Perez said the meal distribution is necessary because Thanksgiving is a day for sharing.

“We appreciate all the partnerships that we currently have to make this event a success,” Perez said. “It’s very instrumental for the citizens to know that the city of Mission does every effort to give back to the community.”

Thanksgiving buffet raises funds for STC food pantry McALLEN – Culinary Arts Department at South Texas College held its first Thanksgiving buffet to raise funds for the school’s food pantry on Nov. 13, recognizing the one-year anniversary of its creation. At the Thanksgiving buffet, students served 350 faculty, staff and students and raised over $2,284.

The pantry assists students in need by providing meals and connecting them to available community resources.

“We did this buffet to raise funds but also raise awareness that the food pantry is here and exists as a service for our students,” said Jennifer Guerra, chair of the STC Culinary Arts Department.

“This was a big event and it has been fun to see the students’ reactions, and they all seem to appreciate the fact that it’s for something good and for their fellow students who might be in need.”

The food pantry was established with the support of the Food Bank RGV, which initially agreed to provide all food for free, including transportation to STC’s pantry for a full year. That contract with the Food Bank is slated to end January 2019.

The next step, according to coordinators of the pantry is to make it self-sustaining and eventually open two more pantries at STC’s Mid Valley and Starr County campuses.

Located on the second floor in Building H at the campus, the pantry is stocked with non-perishable food items, but services to students extend beyond food donations. By connecting them with counselors as well as staff at the college, students can have potential access to a wide range of assistance that can enable them to succeed while attending

school.

“There has been a lot of preparation and a lot of time that has gone into this but it has been a true team effort,” said culinary student, Roxanne Aguilar. “I am glad I could be here to help students.”

Students can contact any representative from Student Activities or counselor to begin the anonymous process to request assistance.

For more information, contact Elibariki Nguma, director of Student Activities and Wellness at 956-872-2515 or bariki@southtexascollege. edu.

To make a one-time monetary contribution to the Food Pantry please visit STC’s Marketplace at secure.touchnet.com/C20193_ ustores/web/classic/store_ main.jsp?STOREID=41.