Friday, March 15, 2019_PT ISSUE

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Progress times Vol. 47 - #29

Friday, March 15, 2019

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Mission native to play with Harlem Globetrotters

By Jamie Treviño The chance to play for the Harlem Globetrotters will provide an unexpected reunion for Channel 4 Sports Anchor Alex Del Barrio.

Del Barrio was invited to suit up and play with the Harlem Globetrotters tomorrow, March 16 at the Bert Ogden Arena at 3 p.m.

A graduate of Mission High School in 2001, Del Barrio said he is excited to reunite with the exhibition basketball team.

The Harlem Globetrot-

ters combine basketball with theater and comedy, producing exhibition games over 26,000 times in 123 countries and territories.

From 2011 to 2013, Del Barrio actually toured with the Globetrotters as an announcer, travelling to 26 countries and 46 states during his time with them.

“It was one of the greatest job experiences of my life,” Del Barrio said. “I enjoyed every moment of it.”

See GLOBETROTTERS Pg. 10

Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

Veterans line up to salute U.S. Navy Veteran AN Ralph Ardith Fowler one last time.

Unaccompanied veteran buried surrounded by community and fellow vets

By Jamie Treviño One by one, United States veterans silently lined up to salute U.S. Navy Veteran AN Ralph Ardith Fowler one last time.

Over 100 veterans and local residents were present at the burial of the unaccompanied veteran on Tuesday, March 12 at the Rio Grande Valley Texas State Veterans Cemetery. The Veterans Land Board invited the public to join in the service, “ensuring no veteran is ever left behind.”

Fowler’s family could not be found or contacted before the funeral, so people gathered to support him and his Photo courtesy of Alex Del Barrio.

Sports Anchor Alex Del Barrio (left) with Orlando “El Gato” Meléndez (right) of the Harlem Globetrotters.

Peñitas City Council may purchase land for water treatment plant

By Dave Hendricks

The Peñitas City Council may buy land to build a water treatment plant.

Peñitas already provides residents with sewer service.

Water, however, is handled by the Agua Special Utility District.

To attract new businesses, Peñitas wants to simplify the development process, said Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Lopez. Requiring businesses to request sewer service from Peñitas and water service from the utility district hinders development.

“When you control a lot of your services, you’re able to facilitate for the developer,” Lopez said.

The City Council planned to discuss buying land for a water treatment plant on Monday. Members, though, adjourned the meeting without taking any action.

Acquiring the water infrastructure and what Texas calls the “Certificate of Convenience and Necessity” — which would allow Peñitas to provide water service to a specified area — will require approval from state regulators.

To acquire the certificate, build the treatment plant and provide water to Peñitas residents, the city would need permission from the Texas Public Utility Commission,

See PEÑITAS WATER Pg. 10

Alton City Manager

legacy as a veteran in the U.S. Among the groups present were the Hidalgo County Veterans Services and the Combat Veterans Association.

Two of Fowler’s caregivers were also present.

Sean Downey, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who was present at the burial, said it was good that there were people who knew Fowler present at the burial.

“At least he had some people that cared for him,” Downey said. “They may not have been family, but they were there.”

This was not the first unaccompanied veteran burial at the RGV Texas State Vet-

erans Cemetery - on Nov. 19 Private First Class Ronald Barker was buried, the 93rd unaccompanied burial since the Veterans Land Board was started in 2015. It was implemented in order to give those without next of kin a proper military burial honors and ceremony.

Barker was homeless at the time of his death, one of 1,935 veterans in the state of Texas currently facing indigency currently according to the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness. The U.S. Department of Veteran affairs states that in 2018 overall, approximately 37,800 veterans were homeless in the country.

“Unfortunately we’re having a lot more unaccompanied veterans, some because of their age, but a lot of it is because of the economic issues veterans have,” Downey said. “In the past ten to 20 years, we’ve had a lot more homeless veterans.”

Fowler was not homeless, but next of kin could not be found following his passing.

The response from the public, however, ensured that he was buried with public and military support.

“They’ve had a huge outpouring [of support] from the civilian population and

See VETERAN Pg. 10

Palmview High School play memorializes victims of deadly smuggling incident

By Jose De Leon III It’s still considered the deadliest smuggling incident in the country. And now, Palmview High School students are turning that tragedy into a call to action.

On May 14, 2003, 19 immigrants were found dead after being left inside a hot truck trailer near Victoria.

The victims were traveling with more than 70 other undocumented immigrants toward Houston from Harlingen in an unventilated trailer whose temperatures climbed to 177 degrees, killing those 19 as they succumbed to dehydration, overheating and suffocation according to a 2017 article from The Washington Post.

On Saturday, March 9, students from the Palmview High School Theatre Troupe memorialized those 19 victims with a performance of

INSIDE

The city of Alton recently named Jeff Underwood as city manager, following his two weeks as the interim. See the story by Jose De Leon III on Underwood’s current projects and plans for Alton, inside.

See Pg. 5

Courtesy photo.

The Palmview High School Theatre Troupe rehearsing a scene from the one-act play “Tracks.” the play “Tracks,” a retelling of the incident.

In the nearly 40-minute-long one-act play, the story follows nearly a dozen of the victims as it explores

their reasons for making the fatal trek into the country.

Senior Briena Vela plays Aurora Garcia, the mother of Joselito, a 5-year-old boy who was the first to die

RGV Read and Feed

City council delayed a decision about changing the distributor that provides meals to children for the Mission Boys & Girls Club. Dave Hendricks has the latest on RGV Read and Feed, a local nonprofit corporation, and its owners.

See Pg. 5

on this journey. He and his father Miguel died after deciding to come to America

See PALMVIEW HS Pg. 10

INDEX Entertainment....pg. 2 Lifestyle...................pg. 3 Sports.......................pg. 6 Obituaries..............pg. 8 Classifieds...............pg.9

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March 15, 2019

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Skipper Ranch is host site for Heritage Ranch Gala EDINBURG – The board of the Museum of South Texas History has selected Skipper Ranch as the site for the 2019 Heritage Ranch Gala. Skipper Ranch owners Mike and Angela Farias have opened their property to the museum and its guests for the evening of Saturday, March 23, at 6:30 p.m.

An up-scale version of a traditional ranch celebration, the Gala is inspired by a time and setting when neighbors came from far and wide to gather around theirs host’s headquarters or main house to commemorate a special occasion by sharing food, enjoying music and engaging in lively conversation.

This event not only honors the past, it also honors those who help preserve it annually—Heritage Associate FRIENDS (MOSTHistory museum members). Since 1984, the Heritage Ranch Gala has been held at different ranches in Hidalgo, Starr, Willacy, Cameron and Kenedy Counties. This will be the first in Brooks County.

Guests can enjoy a historic house tour, cocktails and appetizers lakeside, gourmet “grazing” in the meadow, live music, and dancing under the stars.

Advance reservations are now available for current members for $175 per person

or $200 for new members, which includes membership for one year.

Reservations can be made by calling Cedar Teal at 956-383-6911 and should be made by today, March 15..

Skipper Ranch can trace its roots back to La Encantada Land Grant when, in 1834, the Mexican government awarded 22,400 acres of land to Jose Manuel de Chapa of Camargo, Mexico. In Chapa’s own words, he sold the grant in 1837 to Antonio Martinez of Matamoros due to “damages done by daily incursions of savage tribes.” Martinez then sold to French Strother, a Matamoros merchant, who soon sold to Frederick Belden in 1838. Belden was part of a prestigious Matamoros family who played a role in developing the town site of Brownsville. Moving to Corpus Christi, Belden sold to Gregorio Villarreal in 1872.

Jumping forward to 1936, B. A. Skipper Sr. of Longview purchased 9,500 acres from G. R. and Lois Scott of the Scott & Hopper Cattle Company and named his South Texas hunting retreat Skipper Ranch. Barney Skipper was dubbed “the Longview Oil Prophet” by the press as he was a driving force behind the discovery of oil in Gregg County in East

Angela and Mike Farias, owners of Skipper Ranch, will host the Museum of South Texas History’s annual Heritage Ranch Gala.

Texas. He was steadfast in his belief there was oil there based on consistently seeing oily water in a lake. He ultimately secured investors who brought in the F. K. Lathrop A-1 well. In 1930, two other wells had gushed “black gold” within 10 to 15 miles from the Lathrop well.

Not thought to be linked at first, it was later discovered that all three wells were from one gigantic oil field—the East Texas Oil Field—the largest in the world at that time. With his sudden wealth, Skipper could well afford his South Texas retreat at a time when most of the country was still foundering in the Great Depression.

In 1940, the ranch was deeded to his son B. A. Skip-

per Jr. Among several other businesses and past times, Skipper Jr. was a judge and exhibitor of horses. Perhaps the most famous resident at Skipper Ranch was his quarter horse, Poco Lena. This mare was a national champion and a favorite among horse enthusiasts during the 1950s and early 1960s. She was the first horse to be inducted into the National Cutting Horse Association Hall of Fame and the first mare to be inducted into the American Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame. Returning to Texas from a competition

in Arizona, Poco Lena traveled by trailer while Skipper Jr. piloted his own plane.

Both met with tragedy. Skipper Jr. crashed his plane and was killed while Poco Lena was left in a horse trailer alongside the road for four days without food or water.

She lived a few more years and produced two foals, but remained severely crippled the rest of her life. There was a ballad written and video made about her that Gala guests can watch during the house tour.

Douglas Clark to lead sculpture workshop The Upper Valley Art League (UVAL) will host a three-day sculpture workshop with Douglas Clark, sculptor and UTRGV professor. Clark is a prominent artist and his works can be seen around McAllen, with one of the most notable at the Veterans Memorial.

The classes will be held April 4 to 6 in the UVAL Art Link building; from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

The workshop features a live model and a relaxed atmosphere. Clay and tools will be provided for the students.

Cost is $150 to members and $180 to nonmembers; the class size is limited to 15 students. Payment is required at the time of registration and individuals can sign up at the UVAL gallery in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th St., Mission.

Coming Attractions

March 15 • The Mission Education Foundation’s fundraising concert tonight at 7 p.m. features Tejano superstar Marcos Orozco the Mission Event Center, 200 N. Shary Rd., Mission. Special guest artist is Jose Angel Villarreal. Tickets are $15 per person and $25 for two, available at the Mission CISD central office, 1201Bryce Dr., Mission. The concert venue is open seating. Call 956-323-5500 for ticket information.

March 16 • Quinta Mazatlan hosts the third annual Monarch FEST celebrating the northward migration of the iconic butterfly from Mexico through the U.S. into Canada. The Saturday event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. features a marketplace, food trucks, art installations, live music and dance performances, and handson learning stations throughout the park. The main stage will feature live entertainment including the Singing Zoologist, Lucas Miller, from San Antonio. Festival-goers are encouraged to wear orange and wings for the Bug Parade at 10 a.m. lead by McAllen Mayor Jim Darling and the McHi Drum Line & Color Guard. For more information about the line-up of activities, go to quintamazatlan.com or call 956-681-3370.

Tickets can be purchased on line at ticketmaster.com.

March 17 • Guitarist Hector Rodriguez performs at 7 p.m. at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, 1201 W. University Dr. in Edinburg. Admission is free for the recital as Rodriguez performs the music of Bach, Barrios, Gismonti, Dyens and Assad. For special accommodations, call 956-665-3881.

March 18 • Maldito Tango Duo, comprised of Charles Gorczynski (bandoneon) and Scott O’Day (guitar) out of Oakland, Calif., perform at 7 p.m. at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, 1201 W. University Dr. in Edinburg. Their sound is inspired by the recordings of guitar/bandoneon masters, and their focus lies deeply in tango rhythm and its harmony. No children under age 7. General admission is $10 and $5 for seniors and students. Go to patron.utrgv.edu for tickets. For more information or special accommodations, call 956-665-3581.

March 20 • Make plans to attend a concert featuring UTRGV flute professor Dr. Krista Jobson featuring works in the 19th-21st century flute repertoire. Performing with Dr. Jobson will be Dr. Oliver Jia on piano, Dr. Mark Ramirez on marimba and vibraphone, and Hector Rodriguez on guitar. The performance is at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, 1201 W. University Dr. in Edinburg. Admission is free. For special accommodations, call 956-665-3881.

March 23 • The UTRGV Jazz Combo, under the direction of Dr. Bill Haugeberg, will perform student arrangements of jazz standards at 7 p.m. at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, 1201 W. University Dr. in Edinburg. Admission is $5. Tickets are available at patron.utrgv.edu. Call 956-665-3881 for information or special accommodations.

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

Texas Onion Fest celebrates 30 years WESLACO – The 30th Annual Texas Onion Fest is scheduled for Saturday, March 23, at Mayor Pablo Peña City Park, celebrating a milestone year as Weslaco’s trademark event.

Texas Onion Fest celebrates the development of the world famous Sweet Texas Onion which was developed in Weslaco at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Originally called the 1015 onion, the name came from the suggested planting date of Oct. 15. The festival brings the community together for a day of live music, dancing horses, free kiddie rides, onion eating contest, cooking demonstrations and more.

Texas Onion Fest’s milestone anniversary lands on another milestone year for the community, the city’s 100th birthday. The Weslaco 100 Committee has been busy planning the festivities that take place all year, leading up to the big celebration in December. This year, Texas Onion Fest will have a guest speaker talking about Dr. Leonard Pike and his contribution to the agriculture industry.

On Saturday, live entertainment is scheduled all day. Attendees will enjoy the sounds of country, oldies, and salsa music during the day. In the evening, attendees can enjoy crowd favorite Bo Garza and Texas Dezire and tribute band Siempre Selena.

Admission for adults is $6 and $4 for children. Ages 3 and under get in free. For more information, contact the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce at 956-968-2102 or visit weslaco/onionfest.

Tickets sales begin for Luis Miguel tour

EDINBURG – Recently winning both his sixth Latin Grammy and the Latin American Music Award for “Best Tour of 2018,” Mexican singer, icon, and one of the most successful artists in Latin American history, Luis Miguel, has announced 2019 North American tour dates.

He comes to Bert Ogden Arena on June 30, and tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning today, March 15, at 10 a.m. local time at LiveNation.com. The arena is located at 4900 S. I-69C. Call 956-562-7362 for information.

Throughout his 37-year career, Luis Miguel has released 33 albums, many of which have reached gold, platinum and diamond. He has sold over 100 million albums all over the world, has a star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, and is a sixtime Grammy winner and six-time Latin Grammy winner. The International Press Association in Las Vegas has honored him with their most prestigious award—The Galardón Diamante.

After completing an extensive three and a half yearlong tour, he holds the record of highest tour revenue in the history of any Latin artist.

He has broken attendance records in each of his world tours.

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March 15, 2019

MHM to host ‘War and Peace’ program Join the staff at the Mission Historical Museum as they host Roseann Bacha-Garza presenting a lecture on “War and Peace on the Rio Grande: 1861-1876,” a traveling museum exhibit that showcases events, battles and characters present along the Rio Grande during the Civil War era. It will be held tomorrow, March 16, at 11 a.m. at the museum. Admission is free to the public.

Refreshments will be served.

Bacha-Garza will discuss the various aspects and displays found in the exhibit such as Tejanos who served in Union and Confederate units, parallel events that occurred in Mexico, U.S. Colored Troops who served along Rio Grande, trade and commerce in the region during that time, and the last land battle of the US Civil War at Palmito Ranch in Brownsville.

Bacha-Garza has been

Roseann Bach-Garza the program manager of the Community Historical Archaeology Project with Schools (CHAPS) program at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley since 2009. She has been instrumental in developing the Rio Grande Valley Civil War Trail that includes a bilingual website, a traveling trunk for K-12 education and a museum exhibit. She has co-edited the books Blue and Gray on the Border, The Civil

EVENTS

Speer Memorial Library 12th & Kika Loop Mission • 580-8750

CALENDAR March 18 – Melissa Jones, Ph. D., habitat conservation biologist for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, State Parks Division, will speak at the next meeting of the Texas Master Naturalist South Texas Border Chapter. Jones’ presentation is on Valley herpetology (amphibians and reptiles), entitled, “Herpetofauna of the Lower Rio Grande Valley.” The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited, free, to the 6 p.m. social prior, and to the general meeting after, at St. George Orthodox Church Hall, 704 W. Sam Houston, in Pharr. For more information, visit stbctmn.org.

March 30 – The RGV Aggie Mom’s annual Gig ‘Em Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held at Los Lagos Golf Course in Edinburg. Sign up with a three-man golf team is $500 per team. Hole sponsorship is $100 to help raise scholarship monies for local kids attending school at one of the Texas A&M campus. The tournament will include a breakfast, snack, goody bag, tournament shirt, beverage, door prizes and lunch.

For information or to sign up, call Michelle Timmer at 956358-0673 or Cynthia M. Sakulenzki at 956-451-5255.

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

War on the Rio Grande, The Native American Peoples of South Texas and From Porciones to Colonias: The Power of Place and Community-Based Learning in K-12

Education.

MHM is located at 900 Doherty Avenue. For more information, call 956-5808646, visit missionmuseum. org.

MCHS students’ course leads to published book What began as a research project associated with an Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Research course, students at Mission Collegiate High School (MCHS) turned their original research papers into a published book that is available for order on Amazon.com or at bookstores.

The book. titled Journal of Secondary Interdisciplinary Studies, V.1, represents the efforts MCHS students put into the last two years with MCHS Social Studies teacher Jesus Montemayor.

“The end result is remarkable,” said Montemayor. “This academic journal is a testament to all of their hard work in contributing to academia.”

Montemayor explained that the journal is based on interdisciplinary studies and focuses on a diverse set of topics. The students engaged in extensive research practices, such as creating surveys,

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inputting data on spreadsheets, submitting public request forms for information, annotating their literature reviews and conducting interviews. Additionally, they had to peer-review and edit their work on a consistent basis, while also continuing to read and update their bibliography when needed. The end result was remarkable.

The journal contains the academic research papers of the following MCHS graduates: Brenda Rangel, Development of Psychopathy Evaluation; Harry Siegel, The effects of Residual Crystallization on the Resistivity of TPU-CNF Blend; Xitlaly Villanueva, Efficiency Estimate for the EB-5 Program Based on Job Creation and GDP; Chelsie Barrientos, Hidalgo County’s Narco-Culture; Debbie Rodriguez, Wonder Woman Reappraised; Stella Rios, Ludology and Narratology Debate of the Silent Hill

Franchise; Victoria Rodriguez, Misinterpretations of Immigration Laws in regards to Ethnic Identification and “Unaccompanied Immigrant Children.”

The art pieces selected in the published journal were also created by students at MCHS. Under the guidance of Lourdes Acuna, these particular art pieces were selected to showcase the talent of MCHS art students. The works were portrayed by Yaired Osornio, My Proletarian Life; Citlali Martinez Vallejo, Deer Girl; Mariana Molina, Teenagers Overcoming Fear; and Jovita Juarez, Beauty of Nature.

Montemayor admits that the journey in producing the academic journal was the most challenging of his career. He mentions many of those who supported the effort in the “Acknowledgments” of the journal which includes the AP Capstone class involved during the

AREA'S BEST BUSINESS REVIEW

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HOME DEPOT, located at 120 S Shary Rd in Mission, phone (956) 583-4194, has become known as the do-it-yourself headquarters in this community. Whatever your hardware requirement may be, you’ll find it here. They feature hand tools, electrical and plumbing fixtures, power tools, lawn and garden supplies and much more, all at very reasonable prices. At HOME DEPOT, the service is always courteous and you can count on their help in selecting the appropriate items for any application. Whether you’re building a cabinet or staining the backyard fence, their experienced personnel will assist you in selecting the proper tools and supplies. The management of this well- respected store likes to feel that its good reputation is based on person service as well as durable hardware items. Quality name brand products, sensible working man’s prices and superior service are three great reasons to rely on HOME DEPOT for all your hardware needs.

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time.

The Journal of Secondary Interdisciplinary Studies, V. 1 was published through A&M Publishing and is available on Amazon.com.

Local bookstores can also order the book using the ISBN: 978-0-578-43746-0.

BETWEEN THE BOOKENDS

Join us at Speer Memorial Library in Mission on Tuesday, April 9, for a discussion of the book Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café. It takes place in the library’s Community Room at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend the discussion.

As the story opens, it is 1985, and Evelyn Couch, 48 years old and suffering through mid-life depression, goes every Sunday with her husband Ed to the Rose Terrace Nursing Home in Birmingham, Ala., to visit Ed’s mother.

On one Sunday visit, Evelyn slips away to the visitors’ lounge for a few moments of solitude. There, she meets 86-year-old Virginia “Ninny” Threadgoode, a resident of the nursing home.

Over the course of many weekly visits, Evelyn listens as Ninny recounts stories of her life in the small Alabama town of Whistle Stop, from the 1920s through the 1950s.

She tells of the Whistle Stop Cafe, and of her sister-inlaw, Idgie, and Idgie’s friend, Ruth, who together ran the cafe. She talks about the good food they served, the customers they welcomed,

and the small town events that centered around the cafe.

Ninny’s reminiscences of the people in her past, and of their perseverence through problems and hard times, inspire Evelyn with the courage to confront her own fears and problems, and forge between them the bonds of a new friendship that will preserve the experiences of past friendships for a new generation.

Written by Fannie Flagg, and first published in 1987, the book is a warm, humorous, and touching novel about the power of love, laughter, and friendships to give courage and perspective to our daily lives.

Copies of the book are available for check out to those who sign up for the book discussion. Stop by the library or call at 580-8754 to obtain a copy. The title is also available as an eBook at hidalgocotx.oneclickdigital. com.

For more information, call William Renner at 5808754 or email him at reference@missiontexas.us.

Speer Memorial is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission.

Learn to ‘Garden for Caterpillars’

McALLEN – Starr county native and butterfly enthusiast, Berry Nall, will present “Gardening for Caterpillars in the LRGV” on Thursday, March 14, at Quinta Mazatlan, at 6 p.m.

Nall will share some of his successes – and failures – in gardening for caterpillars to suggest ways others can help provide habitat for future butterflies. Nall is a pastor and teacher who has lived in Starr County for more than 30 years and grew up gardening and chasing butterflies in Maryland and Virginia; those hobbies followed him to south Tex-

Berry Nall as. For a number of years, he has been seeking to rear as many butterfly species as possible from egg to adult; at the same time, he has been

collecting moth caterpillars to assist the research of Dr. David Wagner, the country’s foremost caterpillar expert.

His gardening efforts became more focused on adding native host plants to his yard which resulted in his yard list for “immature” butterflies now exceeding 90 species. His butterfly photos and life history studies can be seen on his website leps. thenalls.net.

Admission is $3. For more information, call 956681-3370. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset in McAllen.

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Agua SUD: Contractors will not receive additional time for Palmview sewer project

By Dave Hendricks Contractors approached the Agua Special Utility District last week with a familiar request.

Problems with groundwater, which started last summer, had delayed the Palmview sewer project — again.

The contractors, L&G Construction and OG Construction, asked for additional time to complete the work.

“We’ve been having water table issues,” said Omar Garcia, the president of Edinburg-based OG Construction, who addressed the utility board on March 4. “And so, basically, our production rate has gone from 5 to 7 pipes a day to 1 to 3 pipes a day. And so that’s the reason for our request for extension of time. We’re de-watering daily, 24 hours a day, but it’s an ongoing fight.”

Workers hit water 11 feet below the surface, Garcia

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said, adding that parts of the project require depths of 26 feet.

“We’re doing all that we can,” Garcia said. “We’re trying to get it done faster than ya’ll want it done.”

After months of delays, though, the utility board didn’t appear sympathetic.

Mercedes-based L&G Construction started work on March 13, 2017, according to documents prepared by S&B Infrastructure, which the utility district hired to supervise the Palmview sewer project.

Under the contract, L&G Construction had until Feb. 5, 2018, to complete the work. The utility board approved 390 days of additional time.

L&G Construction still couldn’t meet the deadline, which passed on March 3.

The company requested another 120 days, but the utility board rejected the request.

Nobody from L&G Construction attended the meeting. During a workshop last month, the company blamed the delays on groundwater.

OG Construction, which started work on Sept. 27, 2017, had similar problems.

It originally had until Aug. 22, 2018, to complete the work.

The utility board approved two change orders, which added 174 days to the

contract period. OG Construction still couldn’t meet the deadline, which passed on Feb. 15.

When he spoke with the utility board, Garcia requested another 60 days. Without any way to predict the weather, however, Garcia said he couldn’t guarantee the work would actually be completed.

“If we get a hurricane in May, beginning of June, and we haven’t finished, we’re going to be hit up with, again, another delay,” Garcia said. “That’s something we can’t control.”

The utility board rejected the request. Board members also rejected a change order from Mercedes-based Jimmy Closner & Sons Construction, which wanted 60 additional days.

When the contract period expires, the contractors face penalties for every day the work remains unfinished.

The utility district will address any financial penalties after the Palmview sewer project is completed, said General Manager Jose E. “Eddie” Saenz, adding that the board doesn’t plan to demand payment from contractors immediately.

“We understand that there’s issues out there,” Saenz said. “But I think we should address those at the end of the project.”

Mission adopts pool of architectural firms for on-call services

By Jamie Treviño During this week’s city council meeting, a group of architectural firms was adopted by Mission for project specific on-call services.

12 proposals to be part of this pool were received by the city prior to the meeting, and following a few questions from the council, the item was passed unanimously. When projects come up in Mission, City Manager Randy Perez will negotiate terms and services on a project basis before bringing the project to the council.

“Proposals received were referred to an evaluation committee appointed to review and evaluate on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications,” Purchasing Director Eduardo Belmarez said. “The evaluation committee was comprised of the public works director, the parks and recreation director and the city engineer.”

The evaluation committee deemed all the firms acceptable and qualified to perform the services required on an as-needed basis.

Council member Gus Martinez asked Perez what the advantage of having a pool of firms available was for Mission.

“Each of them [the firms] have certain qualifications on a certain area,” Perez said.

“Depending on the project that the mayor and council approve in the future, we’ll assign [a firm from the pool] on an as-needed basis.”

Mayor Armando O’caña brought up a scenario from “a few months back” where a pool of firms would have been useful for Mission.

When the structural en-

gineering project was approved for the Speer Memorial Library, O’caña said an available pool of firms would have expedited the process and removed the need to go out for bids.

O’caña added the pool will allow the city to proceed with various projects on a more streamlined basis. The firms included in the pool consist of GIGNAC Architects, ZDA Architecture, R.O.F.A. Architects, ERO Architects, WestEast Design Group, The Warren Group Architects, PBK Architects, Alvarado Architects & Associates, Mustard Design & Architects, Milnet Architectural Services, EGV Architects and ARKiiFORM. “Also when we’re applying for grants, they’re asking for conceptualization ideas,” O’caña said. “And these architects are going to be available for city employees that are applying [for grants].”

Belmarez said the city will be able to ask the pool of architects to assist in developing the preliminary specs, designs or renderings for Mission to be able to compete for grant funding.

Council member Ruben Plata asked what the process for selection would be in the event that multiple firms fall within the same criteria and specifications needed for future projects.

“We would request proposals from each architect based on that specific project, and we would define it based on the scope of the work,” Belmarez said, adding that they would be brought to the mayor and council for final approval.

Council voted unanimously to develop the pool.

During the approvals

and authorizations, the final plat approval for The Palms (formerly Taikin Subdivision) at the Meadow Creek subdivision was passed by the council. The subdivision was private, constructed at the southwest corner of One Mile South between Los Ebanos and Scenic Way. The zoning prior to the meeting was R-1T, and the developer of the land is Taikin Group, LLC, with MAS Engineering, LLC acting as the engineering services. According to Planning and Zoning Director Jaime Acevedo, the subdivision contains 69 townhome lots that all meet or exceed the area requirements for an R-1T lot.

“There is also one common area for a swimming pool and other recreation amenities that is being proposed,” Acevedo said. “This subdivision will have Mission water and sewer services, and drainage will be via 24-inch storm lines connected to a system along One Mile South.”

Acevedo said the developers are proposing to widen One Mile South.

“The developer is either going to give the city the money for the widening, or they’re going to hold off and do it in the next 90 days,” Acevedo said. “There’s a current project in the area where [the people from the Agua Special Utility District] are going to be expanding a water line.”

Acevedo said, however, that after meeting with the developer, it would be best to hold off on the widening of the street at this time.

Council passed the approval without discussion.

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Local author recognized by New York book club

By Jose De Leon III A local author whose books promotes bilingualism has been recognized by the New York Latina Book Club-again.

Frank Brewster III, Mission native and the owner of Brewster’s Guacamaya Enterprises, had his poetry book “Del Corazon” ranked

as one of the 50 best books of 2018 in their 6th annual best of the year list.

The book club seeks to promote Latino authors and literacy by reading at least one Latino book a month so that readers can embrace their Hispanic heritage, according to its website.

“Frank Brewster III shares his deepest passions

& fiercest poetry in Del Corazon and better yet he added music,” Maria C. Ferrer, founder of Latina Book Club said in a statement.

“We love how they reflect his life and—how Frank encourages readers & listeners to write their own poetry, to release the passion within.”

Brewster was previously recognized by the book

Alton names new city manager

By Jose De Leon III Two weeks since they named him the interim city manager, the city of Alton moved to name Jeff Underwood their new city manager.

Underwood’s new position was announced Tuesday by city commissioners at their latest meeting and comes nearly two weeks after former City Manager Jorge Arcaute retired after 12 years with the city.

“We’re happy we got Jeff in. He’s been here for five years and knows the city in and out so we’re grateful he took the job,” Alton Mayor Salvador Vela said. “He’s been trained well.”

Underwood served as the assistant city manager for five years under Arcaute and also acts as the city’s planning and zoning director.

Underwood signed a threeyear contract with the city with a salary of $110,000, $10,000 more than Arcaute’s salary, Underwood said.

The contract comes with a possibility of a raise after the first year pending a yearly evaluation.

“I’m honored to continue what’s going on here, there’s a lot of good people here who help make this a very easy job so I’m glad to con-

Jeff Underwood Alton City Manager

Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.

tinue being part of that,” Underwood said. “We have a lot of projects lined up involving infrastructure, technology projects and quality of life improvements that I am familiar with. There’s a lot of things happening for the next few years and I am excited to be there for that.”

Among the projects Underwood will continue to monitor is the expansion of the Josefa Garcia Memorial Park and the widening of Mile 5 in Alton. The city is also moving on schedule with their project to bring free wi-fi to the city that should be completed within four months, Underwood

said.

Another project the city is developing is bringing more sewer service to the city.

Underwood announced during Tuesday’s commissioners meeting that the city would look into expanding their current sewer services to outside the city limits.

The city currently has a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity to exclusively provide sewer service to the city and now the city plans to apply to the Public Utility Commission of Texas for an expansion.

“Developers have expressed an interest in developing property outside our area in an area that is currently unserved right now,” Underwood explains. “We’re the closest to provide sewer in the area, that is why we are petitioning to provide it. By expanding out base, we can mitigate increases over time without having to increase sewer rates.”

The area the city is looking to expand their sewer services too are north of Mile 6 road, Underwood said. The project will ultimately move forward based on the decision of the state’s PUC and could take a few years to complete the project if approved, Underwood said.

Mr. & Mrs. Luciano E. Guerra from Mission celebrate their

th 75 W E D D I N G A N N I V E R S A RY

Luciano E. and Maria de Jesus Guerra of Mission celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary Wednesday, March 6. Chano and Chuy, as they are known to their family and friends, have lived in Mission since 1956. Shown here are the happy couple along with their five children. From left to right they are, Juan Guerra (of Mission), Crisanta Guerra Lozano (of Austin), Hilda Guerra Edwards (of McAllen), Bertha Guerra Puig (of McAllen) and Luciano Guerra Jr. (of Mission).

club in 2015 for his first poetry book “Declarations of a Life.” Despite that earlier accomplishment, he was still shocked at his placement in this year’s list.

“I was stunned the first time I was there, but twice?

That’s crazy,” he said. “‘Del Corazon is about life and love in general. I like to take things that are bigger than life itself and put it into words that people can relate to so readers can interact with it.

I publish so that readers can look at my writings through their own eyes.”

Brewster is currently a Region 1 ESL teacher at Sharyland High School where he teaches English to adults at his former high school.

“I wanted to give something back to the Sharyland community the way they gave me an education,” Brewster explained. “Writing just flows through me, especially in Spanish. It’s a much more romantic language to write and as someone who grew up bilingual, I had the best of both worlds.

My generation was fortunate, we got to learn two languages simultaneously. It’s a tremendous asset for people to have.”

As a 1978 Sharyland graduate, Brewster is pushing to promote literacy through children’s books he has written with inspiration from his everyday life. He received his bachelor’s in music from the University of Texas-Pan American and has nearly 30

Frank Brewster III, courtesy photo. years of experience teaching music across the Valley at districts like Sharyland Independent School District, Mission CISD, Hidalgo ISD and Donna ISD. Brewster has authored six children’s books that have been printed in both English and Spanish as well: “Yellow Butterfly,” “The Lady Bug, the Little Ant and the Little Worm,” “The Lost Little Kitten,” “The Blackboard,” “Little Champions” and “Getting Ready Before School.”

Each of Brewster’s books has a teacher’s edition, explaining which Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness points are covered and how they should be taught.

The book copies vary in size and language, depending on the grade level of the student. They also have a disk

attached with readings recorded for audio lessons The former music teacher has included musical soundtracks with his books where he performs the tenor saxophone, along with an acoustic guitar played by Hector Rodriguez.

“Writing is a passion. I love to do this, but I am not doing this for me,” Brewster said. “It is so kids can learn, education is the best weapon against poverty and violence.”

Brewster’s books are being taught in 20 different school around the state. Locally, the books are available in the McAllen, Valley View, Donna, PSJA and other school districts.

“I’m not just an author, I am an educator, “Brewster said.

Mission leaves Boys & Girls Club food agreement in limbo

By Dave Hendricks The Mission City Council delayed a decision Monday on whether or not a western Hidalgo County nonprofit may provide meals to the local Boys & Girls Club.

RGV Read and Feed — a nonprofit corporation owned by South Texas College board Trustee Victoria “Vicky” Cantu, Peñitas City Councilman Alex Guajardo and his wife, Roxanna — wanted to provide the Mission Boys & Girls Club with meals through a Texas Department of Agriculture program.

The Boys & Girls Club board, however, apparently had concerns about the company. Mayor Armando “Doc” O’caña said board President Albert Pena asked him to remove the agreement from the City Council agenda.

“That’s the reason why I pulled it out,” O’caña said, adding that he believed the nonprofit offered an outstanding service but wanted to respect the Boys & Girls Club board. “I had no reservations whatsoever.”

O’caña said he didn’t know why the Boys & Girls Club wanted the agreement removed from the City Council agenda. An attempt to arrange an interview with Pena was unsuccessful.

A company called “All Children’s Nutrition” worked with the Boys & Girls Club for years, providing meals to kids through a state Department of Agriculture initiative called the Child and Adult Care Food Program, said club Director Juan Arevalo.

The Boys & Girls Club provides about 100 to 150 meals every day during the school year and 600 to 800 meals every day during the summer.

When the owner decided to retire, the state Department of Agriculture sent the Boys & Girls Club a letter, Arevalo said. The letter included a list of potential partners, including RGV Read and Feed.

“And, at this point, RGV Read and Feed is the one that really has everything that we need,” Arevalo said.

The Boys & Girls Club also wanted to move quickly.

Without a sponsor, the club paid for meals out-of-pocket.

In January, the board earmarked $2,000 to purchase meals, according to meeting minutes approved by the City Council.

“And that’s the reason we reached out to Mission Boys & Girls Club,” Guajardo said, adding that RGV Read and Feed would completely cover the cost.

RGV Read and Feed already partners with the La

Joya Independent School District, the La Joya Housing Authority and local churches.

Guajardo attended the City Council meeting Monday, prepared to discuss the program. Nobody asked him any questions.

“I don’t know why the city of Mission would put ‘No action,’” Guajardo said, referring to the decision.

What, if any, concerns the Boys & Girls Club board had about RGV Read and Feed remain unclear.

Rumors about the company circulated in November 2017, when a deputy constable stopped RGV Read and Feed employees with cartons of milk.

The employees said they worked for school board Trustee Alex Cantu, the husband of Vicky Cantu, according to law enforcement records, which summarize the incident.

Concerned about the appearance of impropriety, the Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office contacted the Texas Rangers, which conducted a cursory investigation. They didn’t find anything amiss and closed the case without any charges.

Mission may reconsider the RGV Read and Feed agreement at a future meeting.

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March 15, 2019

Sports week

BIG7 SCHOOLS

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

2018-2019 Sharyland Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks Soccer Team

District races coming down to the wire

By Luciano Guerra The District 30-6A and 31-5A races are coming down to the wire for boys and girls soccer teams and with nine of the 14 teams from the seven Mission, La Joya and Sharyland high schools in the thick of their respective races, which teams will extend their seasons into the UIL state playoffs and which will be left on the outside looking in, will soon be determined. So let’s take a look at each of the four districts, through Monday’s games, involving Big 7 teams and which of the 14 teams have either clinched a district title

or a playoff berth, or are still in the running as only one week remains in regular season play.

District 30-6A Boys It should come as no surprise to any local high school soccer fan that the Juarez-Lincoln Huskies are once again atop the District 30-6A standings. The Huskies have been the team to beat in this district for some time now and with their 12-0 record and 36 points, Coach Victor Ramos’ squad has already clinched yet another district championship.

The La Joya Coyotes are currently holding on to second place in the district with

an 8-4 record and 23 points.

As the only other 30-6A boys’ team to have already clinched a playoff berth, the Coyotes will be looking to finish the regular season off strong and clinch the district’s second seed.

As for the Mission Eagles, their 5-7 record and 14 points may not be anything to write home about, but should they win-out and should the teams ahead of them falter, they could still qualify for the playoffs.

District 30-6A Girls This is the only district of the four involving Big 7 teams in which a Big 7 team is not currently in first

place. That is because with a 12-0 record and 36 points, it is the McAllen High Lady Bulldogs that currently occupy the top spot in the district. However, with an 11-1 record and 32 points, the Juarez-Lincoln Lady Huskies are nipping at the Lady Bulldogs’ heels and with their second head-to-head matchup of the season coming up Tuesday, the Lady Huskies could very well find themselves at the top of the standings come next week.

As for the La Joya Lady Coyotes and the Mission Lady Eagles, their single digit points totals of eight and three respectively, has them both much closer to the bottom of the district standings than the top and has them both mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.

District 31-5A Boys With an 12-1 record and 36 points, the Sharyland Rattlers are not only sitting pretty atop the District 315A standings but their 13 point lead over their nearest competition with only two games remaining on the regular season schedule assures Coach Reveriano Hernandez’s Rattlers of their first district championship since the 2015-2016 season.

With five teams vying for the district’s remaining three playoff spots, and with only one game left in the regular season, it’s all going to come down to the results of Tuesday night’s games in District 31-5A. Through Monday night’s games, the Palmview Lobos’ 23 points, the Pioneer Diamondbacks’ 22 points, the Roma Gladiators’ 21 points and PSJA Memo-

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rial’s and PSJA Southwest’s 20 points make this district race way too close to call.

The fact that Palmview and PSJA Southwest close out the regular season against each other, makes that a door-die game for both teams.

As for the Diamondbacks, they close out their district schedule against the 1-11 Rio Grande City Rattlers at home Tuesday.

District 31-5A Girls Unlike the boys’ 31-5A district race, which is still wide open with only one game to go, the 31-5A girls’ playoff spots are already all wrapped up. This includes the first ever district championship for the Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks who have compiled an impressive 11-1 record and 34 points.

With the Lady Diamondbacks having qualified for the playoffs every year of their existence, having won bi-district championships each of those years and having qualified for the state’s Sweet 16 twice, it may come as a surprise to some to know that this indeed is their first district title, but it is.

As for the Sharyland Lady Rattlers, their 9-3 record and 28 points are good enough to clinch Coach Mario Rivera’s squad one of the remaining three playoff spots. The other two playoff spots in the district belong to Roma and PSJA Memorial. Next up for the Lady Diamondbacks is Rio Grande City while the Lady Rattlers will finish up their regular season against PSJA Memorial. Both of these games are being played Tuesday and both are home games for the Sharyland teams.

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March 15, 2019

page 7

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Sharyland High School athlete signs letter of intent for Trinity University A Sharyland High School senior, who is as gifted on the field as she is in the classroom according to her coach, will be playing for Trinity University.

Estefania Hinojosa signed a letter of intent at a ceremony last Thursday, March 7, to play volleyball and study engineering science. The university is a major Division III university in San Antonio and the volleyball team-The Lady Tigers compete in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. Last year, they finished their conference as the regular season co-champions with a 15-1 record and an overall record 25-7, ranking #17 in the nation in the NCAA Division III poll.

“Estefania always wanted to do more for her team

during her freshman year.

And that’s what she did for the next four years,” Head Volleyball Coach Raul Castillo said. “All she knows is how to put in 100 percent in everything she does. But what makes her special is that she is able to pass it on to her athletes. She’s encouraging them, she’s fearless, that is a true student athlete.”

Off the field, Hinojosa is ranked 18th in her class out of 391 students with a 3.78 GPA. On the volleyball court, her accomplishments include making state playoff through all her four years of high school, was part of the 2017 Bi-District Championship team and Area Finalist and has a career milestone of 1,000 kills.

Hinojosa said she was drawn to Trinity University after a recent visit to the uni-

By Luciano Guerra

If there’s one name that is synonymous with La Joya Lady Coyotes’ softball, that name is Coach Charlie Rodriguez. That’s because Rodriguez, or Coach Rod as he is known to his assistant coaches and players, is the only coach the Lady Coyotes have ever had. And while he is now in his 25th season at the helm of the Lady Coyotes’ squad, Coach Rod is showing no signs of even thinking about calling it quits.

A 1978 graduate of Mission High School, Coach Rod played baseball for the Eagles under Coach Dave Richey. He credits Richey for showing him how to respect the game and for teaching him the details of the game.

In addition, it was during those high school years that he developed a love for the game.

After graduating from Pan American University in 1985, Coach Rod took a teaching position at Nellie Schunior Junior High School in La Joya. That was where he began his coaching career.

“I was coaching all the middle school sports as we all do when we first come out,” Rodriguez said. “And then a position opened up on the junior varsity baseball team so I took that. I also took a position with the freshman football team.”

After three or four years of coaching the JV baseball team under coaches Leo Garza and Bobby Guerra, Rodriguez was presented with the opportunity to start the softball program at La Joya High.

“In 1994 a position opened up for a softball coach to start the program,” Rodriguez said. “I was fortunate enough that my athletic director, Coach Mario Pena, selected me to be the one to start the program. “

“While I did take the job, it wasn’t an easy decision for me to make,” added Rodriguez. “I actually had to think about it for about a month before I decided to take the job.

The deciding factor for me was the fact that by taking the job, I might someday get to coach my two daughters, who were four and six or six and eight at the time. And guess what, it happened.”

Rodriguez not only got the opportunity to coach his two daughters, Melissa and Monica, but there were two years in which they were both on the Lady Coyotes team at the same time.

At the time that Rodriguez began the Lady Coyotes softball program, other Valley schools were doing the same.

“I think we were in the second stage of schools starting softball programs in the Valley,” Rodriguez said. “I think that Harlingen, Brownsville and Sharyland high schools began their programs the year before we started ours here at La Joya.

However, Mission High School and we started at the same time.”

With softball being a new sport at the high school level, you might think that girls would be hesitant to go out for the team. However as Rodriguez explains, that was not at all the case at La Joya.

“Even though it was something new, players came out for the team,” Rodriguez said. “We started working with them and it didn’t take us long to figure out the girls are coachable.

They want to learn and at the time the girls didn’t have the little league background like the boys did. And since they hadn’t had the opportunity of developing bad habits, we really enjoyed bringing them up to the level that we wanted them to be at.”

When asked how long it took him to turn the Lady

By Jose De Leon III

versity.

“I was drawn to its academic program and it was always my goal to become a college athlete,” Hinojosa said. “When I leave, I hope my teammates understand that no matter what obstacles they have, they can always overcome it.”

Castillo said the Trinity University Lady Tigers are gaining a great student athlete in Hinojosa.

“All universities want a true student athlete like her, she’s the full package,” Castillo said. “Academically they don’t have to worry about her. Athletically, she will take care of business.

We look forward to her completing her final year of high school and anxiously await to hear about her success at the next level.”

Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.

Sharyland High School Senior Estefania Hinojosa (center) surrounded by her family and supporters at her letter of intent signing to play volleyball at Trinity University in San Antonio Thursday, March 7, 2019.

25 years and counting for Coach Rod

ed 25 years ago that I’d still be the head softball coach at La Joya,” Rodriguez said.

“But you know what? I still get up every morning and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity of working with such great people, from the athletic department all the way down. They’ve all been very supportive. But most of all I am thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to work with a lot of great assistant coaches over the years.”

When asked if there is any particular game or team that he remembers the most, Rodriguez said, “We’ve had quite a few good teams but in 2007 we put together a 24 game winning streak. We also went four rounds deep into the playoffs.”

As for what it has meant to him to be the Lady Coyotes’ softball team’s head

PT

progresstimes

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Coyotes into a winning team, Rodriguez said, “While some might think it was a little selfish for us to do this, but the first year we only played underclassmen as a way of looking to the future.

We were looking out for the program and by doing so we were able to win a title and a playoff game in just our second year. I still remember that we beat San Benito in the first round and then we lost to either Corpus Christi Carroll or King in the second round.”

With coaching being a, “What have you done for me lately?” profession, it is rare to have a coach remain at the same position for ten years, much less 25. That is why Rodriguez never expected to still be coaching the Lady Coyotes at this point in time.

“I would not have suspect-

former players return to La Joya High School as coaches.

“They’ve been players and now they understand the coaching aspect of the game,” Rodriguez shared.

“That is something that we are proud of as an organization.”

As for whether or not he has any plans to retire anytime soon, Rodriguez said, “It’s been a great ride, but it isn’t over. Not by a long shot.”

progresstimes

Coach Charlie Rodriguez

coach for the past 25 years, Rodriguez said, “For one I am thankful to the administration that has allowed me to reach this milestone.

I’ve always said that I’m the luckiest man in the world.

Who else got to drive their kids to school and share with them anything they wanted to share with them like I did for six years with my two daughters? We’d practice, go to school, practice, go home and share things having nothing to do with softball.”

While Rodriguez has had many assistant coaches over the years, there is one in particular that has been with him over the majority of his 25 years.

“I have an assistant coach that was on my varsity squad as a player for four years and has now coached with me for 16 years,” Rodriguez said.

“So she’s on her 21st year with me out of the 25. Her name is Brenda Garcia.”

One of the things that Rodriguez is most proud of is the fact that he has had seven

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obituaries

Aurora G. Cavazos PEÑITAS – Aurora G. Cavazos, 106, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2019 at Briarcliff Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in McAllen, Texas. She was born in Tabasco, Texas, on July 18, 1912, to Melecio Gonzalez and Andrea Silva.

Aurora is survived by her children, Maria Helena (Emmett) Heimsoth, Sonia Aurora (Joe) Leal and Belinda Marie (Leo) Thatcher; she also leaves behind 10 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren and a sister, Angelica “Kela” Garcia.

Aurora was the oldest living graduate of Nellie Schunior High School (now La Joya High School) class of 1931. After graduating, Aurora worked as a dedicated seamstress in downtown McAllen making wedding dresses for her sisters and other friends. In the 1930s, Aurora was instrumental in raising funds to build La Joya’s first church, San Nicolas, currently known as Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church. While fundraising, Aurora met Blas Cavazos, a local sales man who would later become her husband in 1935. Their union lasted for 66 years. He passed away in 2001.

Visitation took place on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. rosary at Virgil Wilson Memorial Chapel in Mission, Texas. Funeral mass was celebrated at 10:00

March 15, 2019

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a.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Peñitas.

Interment followed at La Joya City Cemetery.

The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to Delma, Orlando and Elena at Briarcliff Nursing and Rehabilitation in McAllen for their outstanding care.

Funeral Services were been entrusted to the care of Virgil Wilson Mortuary in Mission.

Guadalupe Contreras PALMHURST – Guadalupe Contreras, 72, passed away on Monday, March 4, 2019, at McAllen Medical Center.

Mr. Contreras was married to Juanita Gonzalez on June 23, 1972, and served in the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam veteran. He was employed by Walmart where he retired after 18 years. He also coached team sports in baseball, softball, soccer, football and basketball for over 30 years.

Survivors include his wife; children, Sabina Contreras, Rosalva Sanchez, Manuel Contreras, Guadalupe Contreras Jr.; sister, Maria Canales; and nine grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Antonia and Manuel Contreras.

A funeral mass was held on March 8 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.

Limin Do MISSION – Limin Do, 57, passed away on Friday, March 8, 2019, at her home in Mission.

Limin Do was born in Saigon, Vietnam, in 1962 to Shiou Fang Do and Luan Wang and lived in Taiwan from 1984 to 1987 before immigrating to the United States in 1988.

A Rio Grande Valley resident for 30 years, she and her

husband, Tommy Lee, established various restaurants along the RGV, including Tai-Tung and Dai Tung in Sharyland-Mission and Papa Lee in Pharr.

Survivors include her husband; children, Sherry Hsu and Ton Tu; her mother; and siblings, Li Chen Tu, Lini Tu, Nhu Gia Do, Ted Wong, Chia Wei Tu, Tommy Vuong and Michael Do. Visitation was held on March 13 at Rivera Funeral Home in McAllen.

Jose Lomeli ALTON – Jose Luis Lomeli, 64, passed away on Friday, March 8, 2019, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg.

Mr. Lomeli was born on April 6, 1954, in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, to Jose Lomeli and Francisca Tovar Lopez. He worked as warehouse foreman with ECISD and retired after 35 years.

Survivors include his wife, Maria Ofelia Lomeli; children, Jose Luis Lomeli Jr., Evelyn Lomeli, Yvette Perez and Azalia Lomeli; sister, Sandra Sanchez; and 11 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Hector Lomeli.

A funeral mass was held on March 13 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church

in Mission. Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery in Mission. Arrangements were under the direction of Rivera Funeral Home in Mission.

Gregorio Lopez MISSION – Gregorio “Shorty” Lopez, 86, passed peacefully on Wednesday, March 6, 2019.

Mr. Lopez was born on Nov. 17, 1932, in Garciasville to Gregoria Davila and Alberto Lopez. Hemarried Juanita Moreno on Aug. 27, 1953, in Edinburg, where they lived in the 1960s and moved their family to the Sharyland school district area. He worked for Region One ESC until his 1997 retirement.

Survivors include his children, Nicolas Lopez, Gregoria Lopez and Lupita Mora, all from the Sharyland area, and Rene Lopez of Alma, Ark.; six sisters and two brothers; and seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife and parents.

A funeral service was held on March 9 at First Lutheran Church in Edinburg.

Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Edinburg.

Isidra Lopez MISSION – Isidra Lopez, 84, passed away on Friday, March 1, 2019, at Solara Hospital in McAllen.

Survivors include her children, Jacinto Espinoza, Jose Espinoza, Maria Isabel Garza, Maria ElenaLopez, Agustin Lopez Jr., Encarnacion Lopez and Rosie Reyes; and 15 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Agustin Lopez.

A funeral mass was held on March 8 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission.

Donald Miner Reinhardt MISSION – Donald Miner Reinhardt, 92, passed away peacefully at Pax Villa Hospice Care Center in McAllen on Thursday, March 7, 2019.

Donald was born July 18, 1926, in Bazine, Kansas, to

Ben and Neta Reinhardt. He was the middle of five children, having an older brother Franklin, and sister Dorothy, plus a younger sister Margaret, and brother, Richard.

Don completed his first five grades of school in Bazine Grade School in the middle of the depression. In 1937 the family moved to Great Bend, Kansas, where Don completed his schooling, graduating in 1944. At school Don was involved in gymnastics, band and choir as well as being active in Scouting.

Don joined the Navy and was off to Boot Camp after he graduated from high school, serving as an Aerial Gunner on a torpedo bomber. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946 and then attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, graduating with his B.S. in Biological Science and Predental in 1950. In August 1949, Don married Bonna Maxfield, his sweetheart at KU. Don went on to Dental School in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1950, graduating in 1954.

He opened his dental office in his home town of Great Bend, Kansas.

Don retired from his dental practice in 1995, and he and Bonna moved to Mission, Texas, where they bought a home in Enchanted Valley Ranch. Six months after he retired, Bonna had a severe stroke so he spent the next seven years caring for her until her death in 2004.

Don transferred his membership to the Mission Lions Club in 1996 and has been an active Lion for some 70 years. He was active in all Masonic Bodies and is

a Shriner, life Elks Lodge member, American Legion (past Post Commander) and VFW. Also, a Barbershopper for over 40 years, sang in a quartet, the Senior Ambassadors and Men of A-Chord; a Gideon for over 10 years, a charter member of the Mission Historical Museum. He helped to start and is still on the Board of the Central Scout Museum in Larned, KS. He is still involved with the Barton County Historical Museum in Great Bend, KS. He has been a lifelong member of the Methodist Church and has become active in the Mission First United Methodist Church. After serving on many committees, Don served as Chairman of the Church Council. He has worked many hours in the church Prayer Garden and helps with E.S.L. In 2005, with God’s help, Don got together with another lady, Helen Bentsen.

Helen had lost her husband, Tommy, just 3 days before he lost Bonna. They had known each other through the Sunday School class at church as well as seeing each other at Museum meetings.

They had each been married 55 years prior to the meeting. They were married on September 24, 2005, with all the family’s blessings. They both enjoyed traveling as well as singing, both singing in the church choir. Both are active on the McAllen Community Concert Board.

Don is survived by his wife, Helen; his five children, Russell (Theresa) Reinhardt, Washington, Utah; Cathy (Norm St. Laurent) Reinhardt, Lawrence, KS; Carol Reinhardt, Manhattan, KS; Jon Reinhardt, Jenks, OK; Cynthia (Kirk) Rettig, Cincinnati, OH. His step-children, Gary (Tanya) Bentsen, San Antonio, TX; Brad (Janet) Bentsen, Mission, TX. Brother, Franklin of Great Bend, KS, Richard (Nadith) of Manhattan, KS and sister, Margaret Hahn of Los Altos, CA. Grandchildren, Jessica, Cassandra and Justin Rettig,

See OBITS Pg. 9

March 15, 2019 from pg. 8

OBITS

Aaron (Kaylyn) Reinhardt, Laura (Josh) Hixson, Matt Reinhardt, Erica Castillo, Alexis (Michael) Moyer, Joshua (Tiffany) Bentsen, Liberty Bentsen, Caleb (Jessica) Bentsen, Nathan Bentsen, Matthew (Jackie) Bentsen, Christian Bentsen, Travis (Kimberly) Bentsen, plus great-grands and nieces and nephews as well.

Don has tried to live by his Scout Oath and Law and the Lions Motto “We Serve.”

Memorial services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 1101 Doherty, Mission, Texas, on Saturday, March 16, 2019, at 2 p.m.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to First United Methodist Church.

Services are under the direction of Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission.

James Schrader MISSION – James Everett Schrader, 77 of Mission, passed away on Monday,

page 9

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com March 4, 2019, at Waterford Gardens in Mission.

Mr. Schrader was born in Bernie, Mo., to Thelma and Everett Schrader and graduated from Bernie High School. He served for 20 years in the U.S. Air Force.

He moved to McAllen and became the general manager for 19 years at the McAllen Country Club. He moved to Mission following his retirement.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn; son, Curtis Schrader of Houston; siblings, Gary of San Antonio and Shirley of Oregon; one grandchild and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma and Everett, and a sister, Pat. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, March 23, at 10 a.m. at Palm Valley Church in Mission. Interment of ashes will be held in Caldwell, Kan. In lieu of flowers, the

family has requested donations be made to the Waterford Gardens, 1522 E. Griffin Parkway, Mission, TX 78572, in his name for purchase and maintenance of the facility’s flower gardens.

Notices Isidra Arellano MISSION – Isidra Arellano, 100, passed away on Friday, March 8, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Geronimo Castaneda MISSION – Geronimo Araguz Castaneda, 80, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2019, at his home in Mission.

Juan Figueroa MISSION – Juan Carlos Inorosa Figueroa, 55, passed away on Monday, March 11, 2019, at his home in Mission.

Maria Gonzalez ALTON – Maria Guadalupe Gonzalez, 81, passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2019,

at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Ruby Ingram MISSION – Ruby Ingram, 92, passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at her home in Mission.

Magdaleno De Lira PALMVIEW – Magdaleno “Maleno” De Lira, 82, passed away on Friday, March 8, 2019, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

Norma Rios LA JOYA – Norma Nelly Menchaca De Rios, 53, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2019, at McAllen Medical Center.

Jose Torres MISSION – Jose L. Torres, 71, passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at McAllen Heart Hospital.

Jaime Villarreal ALTON – Jaime Villarreal, 60, passed away on Monday, March 11, 2019, at Christus Spohn Hospital in Beeville.

BUY • SELL • TRADE • RENT • HIRE

T H E C L A S SI F I E D S

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.

LIFEGUARDS WANTED

La Joya ISD is now hiring SEASONAL lifeguards. Please Contact Virginia for Lifeguard certification. Call 956-323-2162 or 956-309-6866.

Must be 16 or older.

ORDINANCE NO. 4777 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING A TRACT OF LAND CONTAINING 26.99 ACRES SITUATED IN HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS, BEING ALL OF LOTS 27 AND 28, NEW CALEDONIA UNIT NO. 1, FROM AO-I (AGRICULTURAL OPEN INTERIM) TO P (PUBLIC) READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 11th DAY OF MARCH, 2019.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

CITY OF ALTON ORDINANCE 2019-06-0226 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ALTON THOROUGHFARE PLAN; REPEALING CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. READ, APPROVED, AND PASSED on this the 26th day of February, 2019.

Salvador Vela, Mayor, City of Alton, Texas ATTEST: Baudelia Rojas CPM,TRMC CMC, City Secretary

CITY OF ALTON ORDINANCE 2019-07-0226 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ALTON, TEXAS, CANCELLING THE MAY 4, 2019 GENERAL ELECTION AND DECLARING THE UNOPPOSED CANDIDATE FOR THE OFFICE OF MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION MEMBER PLACE 1, AS ELECTED; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW; WAIVING SECOND AND THIRD READING AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. READ, APPROVED, AND PASSED on this the 26th day of February, 2019.

Salvador Vela, Mayor, City of Alton, Texas ATTEST: Baudelia Rojas CPM,TRMC CMC, City Secretary

For Rent

TIRED OF APARTMENT Living- 2 bedroom in quiet area, 2914 N. Conway, $700 plus deposit, for more details call 956-580-0377.

C O T T A G E HOUSE, 1 bedroom in quiet area, 2916 N. Conway, $400 plus deposit, for more details call

956-580-0377.

For Sale

USE FLEXENHANCE TO treat arthritic symptoms in dogs without a prescription, Southwest Hay & Feed,(www.kennelvax.com).

USE VITA-TABS daily to prevent allegies, promote good health & longevity, Border Enterprises, 956-

ORDINANCE NO. 4778 AN ORDINANCE CREATING A DRAINAGE COMMITTEE; SPECIFYING THE TERMS OF OFFICE; SPECIFYING THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP; AND ORDAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT MATTER THEREOF. READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 11th DAY OF MARCH, 2019.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

CLASSIFIED RATE: 1 Week = $7 2 Weeks = $10 4 Weeks = $14

487-2570 (www. kennelvax.com) USE SEAL ‘N Heal liquid bandage to close wounds with bitter taste to prevent gnawing & promote healing, Mission Feed & Hardware, 956581-2153 (www. kennelvax.com) Help Wanted

SE SOLICITA JOYERO/A, hiring bench jeweler, 304 N. Conway Ave. Ste.B, Mission,TX 78572, 956-584-6622.

Wanted

LOOKING FOR PIANO instructor to teach basics, instructor will need own transportation, for more details please call 830-496-2750.

Attention: Auction of Vehicles

According to the provision in the Transportation Code 683, Sub-section B, 683.012, Texas Department of Transportation informs you that the below mentioned cars have been taken into custody by the La Joya Police Department and will be sold at auction. The auction will be held at 500 W. Expressway 83, La Joya, TX 78560 (right next to La Joya Lake entrance, West FM 2221) on March 30, 2019.

Auction will start at 10:00 AM and preview will be at 8:00 A.M. The vehicles listed are or will be the property of La Joya Police Department and or The City of La Joya on or before auction day. Payment will be in cash (US currency) or certified checks. La Joya Police Department reserves the right to accept the best and the most advantageous offers.

The vehicles are auctioned under their conditions which there are no guarantees and/or refunds.

YEAR

1. 1997 2. 1997 3. 1999 4. 1999 5. 1999 6. 2000 7. 2000 8. 2001 9. 2002 10. 2002 11. 2003 12. 2004 13. 2004 14. 2004 15. 2006 16. 2008 17. 2011 18. 2015 19. 2005 20. 2011 21. 2009 22. N/A

MAKE MODEL

FORD- EXPEDITION HONDA- ACCORD FORD-WINDSTAR TOYOTA-COROLLA CHEVROLET-2500 FORD-F-150 MAZDA-U6X HYUNDAI-SONATA CHEVY-TRAILBLAZER CHEVROLET-VENTURE FORD-EXPLORER CADILLAC-SRX CHEVROLET-MALIBU DODGE-STRATUS CHEVROLET-IMPALA CHEVROLET-SILVERADO NISSAN-VERSA CHEVROLET-HHR CHEVROLET-TAHOE CHEVROLET-TAHOE CHEVROLET-TAHOE ARTIC-CAT (ATV)

VIN

1FMEU1L1VLA86694 1HGCD5636VA049934 2FMZA5249XBC27838 1NXBR12E6XZ266456 1GCGC29R8XF081758 1FTRX17L7YKA94516 1YVGF22C8Y5161009 KMHWF35V81A413192 1GNDT13S622342742 1GNDX03E12D121157 1FMYU60E73UB64926 1GYDE63A440139719 1G1ZU54884F211810 4B3AG42G74E090645 2G1WT58K569247185 3GCEC13J98G170419 3N1BC1CPXBL372789 3GNBAADB0AS616323 1GNEC13Z95R250926 1GNLC2E00BR149460 1GNEC03059R201370 4UF04ATV14T228913

ADVERTISEMENT/INVITATION FOR BIDS REQUEST FOR SEALED PROPOSALS PROJECT: City of Alton – USDA Sanitary Sewer Yard Line Project DESCRIPTION: Work of the Project consists of decommissioning of existing residential septic tanks and the installation of a plumbing inside residential properties and connecting to the existing wastewater collection system.

PROPOSAL DUE DATE: Thursday, March 28, 2019 TIME: 3:00 P.M. C.S.T. The City of Alton will receive sealed bids for the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Sanitary Sewer Yard Line Project until 3:00 p.m. on Thursday March 28, 2019 addressed to the City of Alton in the office of the city manager, Alton City Hall, 509 S. Alton Blvd. Suite F, Alton, Texas 78573. The bids will be publicly opened and read aloud as near as practical after 3:00 p.m. on the date of submittal at the Alton City Hall. Bids received after closing time will be returned unopened.

Bid/Contract Documents, including Drawings and Technical Specifications are available from LEMC, LLC. located at 208 S. Alton Blvd. Alton, Texas 78574 the phone number is 956-687-5362, upon request and payment of $150.00. The payment is non-refundable. Electronic drawings will be provided at no cost.

A pre-bid conference will be conducted by the Owner on Thursday March 21, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. The pre-bid conference shall be conducted at the City of Alton City Hall office located at, 509 S. Alton Boulevard, Alton, Texas 78573. Sub-contractors, suppliers, and equipment suppliers may attend.

A bid bond in the amount of 5 percent of the bid issued by an acceptable surety shall be submitted with each bid. A certified check or bank draft payable to the City of Alton or negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (as par value) may be submitted in lieu of the Bid Bond.

This contract is subject to the requirements of the Davis Bacon Wage Act and all reporting requirements. Wages paid on this project will be governed by USDA requirements and the Department of Labor (DOL) Wage General Decision or Decisions included within the bid documents for this project. The contract will also be subject to monitoring and reporting requirements described in the bid documents.

Attention is called to the fact that the successful Bidder will be required to make good faith efforts to achieve Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)/Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) “fair share” goals. Also not less than the federally determined prevailing (Davis-Bacon and Related Acts) wage rate, as issued by the Texas Department of Rural Affairs and contained in the contract documents, must be paid on this project. In addition, the successful bidder must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex age or national origin.

Any contract or contracts awarded under this invitation for bids are expected to be funded in part by a loan from the USDA. Neither the State of Texas nor any of its departments, agencies, or employees are or will be a party to this Invitation for Bids or any resulting contract.

Equal Opportunity in Employment – All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap or national origin. Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order No. 11246, as amended by Executive Order 11275, and as supplemented in Department of Labor regulations 41 CFR Part 60.

The City of Alton is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

The City of Alton reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informality in the bidding. In case of ambiguity or lack of clearness in stating prices in any bid, the Owner reserves the right to consider the most advantageous construction thereof or to reject the bid. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.

Bids may be held by the City of Alton for a period not to exceed 90 days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidder’s qualifications prior to the contract award.

All contractors/subcontractors that are debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation on federal assistance programs may not undertake any activity in part or in full under this project.

Contract is contingent upon release of funds from the USDA. City of Alton

Salvador Vela, Mayor

Date Published: March 15, 2019

page 10 from pg. 1

PEÑITAS WATER

the Texas Water Development Board and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Perhaps most importantly, the City Council needs to strike a deal with the utility board.

Members of the utility board and City Council discussed the matter numerous times during the past five years without reaching an agreement.

In 2014, then-utility board President Ricardo Ochoa wrote a letter to then-Peñitas Mayor Antonio “Tony” Flores Jr. about the issue.

Ochoa said the utility board had agreed to negotiate with Peñitas. Whether or not any substantive negotiations occurred as a result of the letter remains unclear.

In 2017, then-utility board President Roger Hernandez apparently signed an agreement with Peñitas by mistake.

“The primary purpose of this agreement between both parties is to decertification of CCN (sic) and transfer from Agua SUD to the City

from pg. 1

March 15, 2019

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com from pg. 1

of Peñitas in good faith, efficiently and in a timely manner,” according to the five-page agreement, which is dated October 2017.

Along with creating a transition committee, the agreement referenced a fiveyear plan to build a water treatment plant in Peñitas.

When the water development board asked about the agreement in May 2018, an attorney for the utility district said that “no agreement has been approved or finalized,” according to emails released under the Texas Public Information Act. The utility board formally approved an agreement with Peñitas in September, creating a committee to discuss the transition.

“In the short term, we’re still looking to start negotiations with Agua SUD in reference to purchasing our CCN,” said City Manager Omar Romero. “Obviously, at some point, the city will look at getting a water plant.”

Peñitas wants to reduce water rates, which may spur development, and provide

GLOBETROTTERS

Usually, the Globetrotters have a guest spot in the show for a local television or radio personality. They reached out to Del Barrio to participate, in part because of his history with the organization, and his current position as a sports anchor for CBS 4 (KGBT-TV).

“They just felt it was a good combination to put us together,” Del Barrio said.

“When they come down, I’ll be playing with them for a few minutes as part of the show. It’ll be cool.”

Del Barrio never announced a Harlem Globetrot-

ters game in the RGV when he was working with them.

“I got the chance to travel all over Texas and the world, but my tour group was never one that performed here,” Del Barrio said. “So what’s really cool is that while I never got to announce here for the Globetrotters, but I get to play with them for a few minutes in my home area.”

Del Barrio has spoken with and met representatives with the Globetrotters, but other than that has had no preparation for his on-court debut tomorrow afternoon.

better service by installing higher-quality pipes that would support fire hydrants.

The utility district charges Peñitas a per-customer fee to handle sewer bills. Peñitas may be able to save money by creating an in-house billing department that would handle both water and sewer bills for residents. Peñitas could pass the lower costs along to customers.

“We don’t know how much we’ll lower rates, but we do know that we’ll be able to lower them,” Romero said.

The city also wants to replace old water pipes, which the utility district installed when Peñitas remained a rural area, with new pipes capable of supporting fire hydrants. Along with providing better fire protection, the new pipes would eventually reduce insurance bills for Peñitas residents.

“Not only is water essential for growth,” Lopez said, “but it also produces revenue for our city.”

to reunite with Aurora after she successfully crossed the border prior to the start of the play.

For Vela, the message of the play is a simple one.

“People who want to come to America for a better life go through so much hardships and risk their lives to have a better one,” Vela said. “Everyone should know that the stories of immigrants crossing the border is not pleasant at all. It’s very tragic. Some lose their families, children die in the process, it’s very concerning.”

Vela, who said the play was the first time she was aware of the deadly 2003 incident, said the tragedy is still relevant nearly 16 years later.

“I’m pretty sure that there’s audience members seeing this play who can relate to this because maybe they or someone they know made a similar journey when they came to the country,” Vela said. “Everyone can relate to the loss of a child or a family member, so they

“They had one of the players come on Monday that does all the PR stuff, and we did a little workout session where he was showing me some tricks and things like that,” Del Barrio said. “It’s really just kind of a show, so I wouldn’t say there’s any preparation other than the day of the game when they walk me through what I’m going to do.”

Del Barrio is most looking forward to seeing some of his old friends from his run as an announcer.

“The Showman for the Globetrotters now is Anthony

“Ant” Atkinson, he’s someone I toured all throughout Europe with when I was with the team,” Del Barrio said.

“So he’s the guy I’m pretty close to, along with several of the other players that are in this particular unit.”

“We don’t get a chance to interact very often,” Del Barrio added. “Being able to see those guys again is going to be really cool.”

The Mission native will be performing at the Bert Ogden Arena tomorrow, March 16 at 3 p.m.

TAKE A

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PALMVIEW HS can relate to this, especially with what’s going on at the border. People are being shamed for wanting to come here for a better life despite everyone talking about how Mexico is dangerous and that America is safe and a dream to be in, but Americans here aren’t accepting them. The world should be more open and welcoming of those who want to come here for a better opportunity to live.”

Ruben Adame, head fine arts administrator, said the play is still relevant today with similar events still going on.

On Monday, the U.S. customs and Border Protection announced they apprehended 289 undocumented immigrants near Granjeno.

In January of last year, nearly 80 immigrants were found crammed in a truck near Laredo. The previous summer, At least 39 people were found packed into a sweltering tractor-trailer in a Walmart parking lot in San Antonio according to the Washington Post. Eight men died inside, and a ninth died later at the hospital while others were critically overheated.

“It’s something that’s still happening and it’s tough to swallow, but our kids understand and portrayed well what a lot of the people are struggling with to come over to the country. It’s just a sad story, “Adame said. “I have family from Mexico they came over legally, but I can’t imagine the struggles for the families who want to live on this side and have a journey similar to these characters.”

Due to similar smuggling

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incidents that are still going on along the border, Adame said that “Tracks” promotes empathy to a group of people who are struggling to have a better life for themselves and their family in a new country.

“It’s a story that is telling the truth, and that this is happening right under our noses. It’s not a made-up story, it’s still happening,” Adame said. “These people overall just want a better way of life.

‘Tracks’ opens up audiences eyes a little wider as they see these high school students telling a story and telling it well.”

Burt Hernandez, director of “Tracks” praised his students for bringing this story to life. After the performance, he remarked how the play is changing anti-immigration attitudes from people he knows.

“My parents, who have a big anti-immigration stance, started changing their minds after seeing this play in a performance the week before,” Hernandez recalled. “It’s a story that makes the audience see how these people are just victims trapped between two worlds. It’s changing perception of undocumented immigrants.”

The Palmview High School Theatre Troupe were performing “Tracks” during the 5A One-Act play district competition. Though they did not advance to the bi-district competition, Hernandez said the school is looking into possibly holding a performance of the play at their campus later this season. “‘Tracks’ says that we’re all the same, if we are all truly Christians we should care for our fellow man,” Hernandez said.” Somehow or another we should let these people in, that’s what America stands for.”

from pg. 1

VETERAN

Golf Tournament

Saturday, April 27, 2019 Sharyland Municipal Golf Course

2201 Mayberry Rd. • Mission, Texas Entry Deadline April 19th, 2019 Teams must be paid in advance.

Class

For questions contact : Aissa Garza

Cell 210-532-4772

Email : aissa@aissalaw.com Dee Rendon

XXXVI

Cell 956-600-4800 Email: dee@ptrgv.com Daniel Alvarez

Cell 956-844-6822

Team Sign Up: $300 per team 18 Hole Golf Tournament – 8 A.M. Shotgun Start Format: 3 Person Team Scramble

Breakfast, Drinks & Meal after Tournament will be provided.

ABC Handicap Team – Lowest team NET score

leadershipmissiontx.org

the general public,” Downey said. “It’s just great to see so many patriotic and supportive civilians in this day and age.”

In the proposed 2020 budget, President Donald Trump proposed an increase of $19 billion (up to $216 billion in total, 9.5 percent more than 2019) in Veterans Affairs spending. Downey says that VA benefits and accessibility has gotten better, but still has some issues.

“The bureaucracy still exists when it comes to Veterans Affairs and getting the care that veterans have earned and deserve,” Downey said.

“A lot has been done in the last ten years to better serve the veterans, even the fact that they are listening more, I feel.”

Veterans councils have been started in both the Harlingen and McAllen VA clinics. Downey added that despite the divisiveness in the country right now, it was good to see over 100 people come together to stand for a passed veteran.

“At the end of the day as citizens, we need to remember that we need to support the people doing the job that they signed up to do,” Downey said. “Even though we don’t agree with the politics, people do still stand up and say ‘I don’t care what the politics are, I’m just here to do my job and to support and defend the constitution in the United States.”

Frank R. Garza, the Assistant Veteran Service Officer for the Hidalgo County Veterans Services, accepted the United States Flag in lieu of Fowler’s next of kin.

Once the flag was folded, it was presented to Garza, who then stood to salute his fallen brother.

The Hidalgo County Veterans Service office is an “advocate agency established to assist veterans, their dependents and survivors in obtaining entitled benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and the state of Texas.”

“When it comes to unaccompanied veterans, they always have family, because the veteran community is always rallied around them,” Downey said. “We make sure that they are never left alone.”