Friday, March 29, 2019_PT ISSUES

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Progress times Vol. 47 - #31

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Friday, March 29, 2019

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Mission CISD honors top students in class of 2019

Courtesy photo.

The Top Five percent students from all MCISD High Schools Thursday, March 21, 2019.

By Jose De Leon III A rose, much like a student’s education, can blossom depending on its environment.

That’s according to Mission High School senior Alejandro Hernandez, who spoke to his fellow seniors last week during the 2019 Mission Academic Award

Excellence Banquet. Held March 22, the event brought together a total of 57 students, the top five percent of each of Mission CISD’s graduating class.

“Being excellent isn’t just about banquet and awards.

It brings that feeling we all get when we finish a long and tedious project for class, that feeling of getting a 100

Mission holds groundbreaking ceremony for Bannworth Gym expansion project

By Jamie Treviño Kids in the Sharyland area will be getting an updated gym that includes classrooms after the expansion project is complete.

Last Friday morning, the city of Mission held a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Boys & Girls Club gym at Bannworth Park. The project was approved by city council in order to better serve the growing population of children participating at the Mission Boys & Girls Club.

See GROUNDBREAKING Pg. 10

Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

Mission city leaders commemorating the expansion of the Boys & Girls Club Bannworth Gym groundbreaking last Friday morning.

Seven of the eight MISD board candidates got the opportunity to respond to questions from the students themselves.

Last Thursday evening The RGV Matters, a local organization that is “dedicated to empowering community members through education, collaboration and communication,” held a candidate

forum for those running for the McAllen Independent School District Board of Trustees. Held at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, several McAllen community members filled the room.

Sydney Ramon, the founder of The RGV Matters and a senior at McAllen Memorial High School, was one of the panelists at the forum.

She spoke about the work it

took to make the forum possible.

“It feels really great to know that this student-led organization is really capable of doing something at this caliber,” Ramon said. “I think students are sometimes underestimated, and people assume there’s a lot that we don’t know.”

Ramon, who has participated in debates and forums in the past with the McAllen

City Commission and mayoral races, wondered why the McAllen ISD board race wasn’t taken “as seriously” as other elections.

“We really want people to pay attention,” Ramon said.

“We shouldn’t just work off of assumptions or Facebook pages, or signs. Just pay attention to their platforms.”

See MISD FORUM Pg. 10

each student brought along the educator who served as their mentor. The educators

See MISSION CISD Pg. 5

Mission CISD teacher accused of having sexual relationship with student

By Dave Hendricks

The RGV Matters holds election forum for McAllen ISD candidates

By Jamie Treviño

on the test we strived so hard for,” Hernandez said. “It brings us pride, knowing that we can accomplish what we set our mind to.”

As part of the banquet,

A teacher at Veterans Memorial High School in Mission surrendered to police Thursday after investigators determined she had a sexual relationship with a student.

The Mission Police Department charged Edna M. Longoria, 39, of McAllen with improper relationship between educator and student, a second-degree felony.

The Mission Consolidated Independent School District — where Longoria worked as a health science teacher — had already placed her on administrative leave.

Principal Fidel Garza Jr. addressed the situation Wednesday, when the district sent a letter to Veterans Memorial parents.

“We recently received a report concerning the alleged behavior of one of our employees.

Upon receiving the report, we took all steps required by law and by policy to address the situation and to ensure the safety and well-being of our students,” Garza wrote, according to a copy of the letter provided by the district. “While it is not appro-

priate for, nor does Mission CISD comment about any allegations or investigations relating to personnel and student matters, I felt it was important to let you know that we, and the district administration take all reports of inappropriate actions seriously, and take immediate actions to address any allegations.”

Administrators at Veterans Memorial contacted police on March 21, according to a news release from the Mission Police Department.

“It was alleged that one of their teachers, identified as Edna Mabel Longoria, was possibly engaging in a sexual relationship with a student.

In a statement, the victim indicated that the relationship had been occurring since February 22, 2019,” according to the news release. “The victim further provided evidence in the form of messages exchanged between him and Ms. Longoria that were inappropriate and contained material of sexual nature.”

Attorney Terry Palacios, who represents Longoria, declined to comment.

See MCISD TEACHER Pg. 4

CORRECTIONS

The article “Documents reveal La Joya ISD secretly approved $467,000 severance package for superintendent,” published in the Friday, March 22 issue, incorrectly stated who signed the agreement.

While former La Joya school board President Armin Garza’s name is printed on the signature line of the agreement, current school board President Claudia Ochoa actually signed the agreement.

The article “Underwhelmed by city attorney candidates, city councilman submits application,” published in the Friday, March 22 issue, incorrectly stated Cathy Alvarado’s current job.

Alvarado works for the Hidalgo County Public Defender’s Office; she does not work for the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office.

Hidalgo ISD Election

INSIDE

Mentor Cantu, one of the candidates for the Hidalgo ISD board of trustees, filed a lawsuit against his opponent, Ben Arjona.

The trial has been set for May 13.

Dave Hendricks has the latest, inside.

See Pg. 4

Agua SUD Update

The special utility district board may be changing to single-member districts if approved by the Texas Legislature. State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa is attempting to make the switch. See our story for more information.

See Pg. 5

INDEX Entertainment....pg. 2 Lifestyle...................pg. 3 Sports.......................pg. 7 Obituaries..............pg. 9 Classifieds.............pg.11

page 2

March 29, 2019

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

JDA plans Spring Festival April 6

UTRGV Patron series presents Trio Palos y Cuerdas EDINBURG – The UTRGV School of Music Patron of the Arts continues to bring world-class performances to the university and the community with internationally applauded musical artists Trio Palos y Cuerdas.

The Patron of the Arts’ Distinguished Artist Series will host the performance at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 31, at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg Campus.

With more than 20 years in the business, Trio Palos y Cuerdas is considered the most experienced instrumental andino (Andean) trio in Colombia to date, and the

Saboya brothers who make up the trio have developed an impressive career in a music format that represents their country.

Trio Palos y Cuerdas frequently tours internationally to England, Germany, Luxembourg, France, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Ecuador and Venezuela. They also perform as soloists with orchestras like the City of London Symphony, the Filarmónica de Bógota and the National Sinfónica of Colombia.

Dr. Kurt Martinez, director of the UTRGV School of Music, noted that the Distinguished Artists Series strives

Coming Attractions March 29 • The McAllen Wind Ensemble’s season finale, “A Gatsby Gala,” will be a celebration of music from the Roaring ‘20s.

The concert will take place at the McAllen Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. The band will perform the music of Gershwin, Holst, Grainger, Cole Porter, and more, and features pianist Francisco Rocafuerte who will also lead the band as guest conductor. Tickets start at $10 and are available at the McAllen Convention Center Box Office, ticketmaster.com, and at the door the evening of the concert. For more information, visit mcallenwindensemble.org or call 682-227-2101.

March 29-30 • The UTRGV Ballet Company will present two performances at 7:30 p.m. on both nights at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex (PAC), 1201 W. University Dr. in Edinburg. The concert features 17 dancers performing classical ballet and contemporary works, a musical jazz performance

by Texas educator and Fulbright Scholar Libby Rhodes, and performances by the UTRGV School of Music. General admission is $8 for adults and seniors and $5 for students and children. Tickets will be available at the PAC box office one hour prior to the events. For more information, call 956-6652230, or email danceprogram@utrgv.edu.

• The UTRGV Guitar Festival will be held at the TSC Performing Arts Center, 90 Taylor Ave. in Brownsville. Guest artists include Isaac Bustos, classical guitar, performing at 7 p.m. on Friday, and Jeronimo Maya, flamenco guitar, performing Saturday at 7 p.m. Admission is $10, at $5 for students. Go to utrgv.patron.edu for tickets.

March 29-31 • The Harlingen Community Theatre will present the long-running, off-Broadway hit Greater Tuna at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Harlingen Performing Arts Theatre, 1209 Fair Park Blvd., Harlingen. Admission is $10 and $5 for students under age 18.

Go to harlingencommunitytheatre.org for box office info to

Trio Palos y Cuerdas to bring the finest international musicians in the world to the university’s campuses in Edinburg and Brownsville.

“The Distinguished Artists Series serves to promote our excellent UTRGV pro-

grams in the community and recruit students to our excellent Fine Arts programs,” he said.

Tickets are $5 and $10 and are available online at patron.utrgv.edu and at the door.

purchase tickets. Email playhousefairpark97@gmail.com for questions.

March 31 • The River City Arts Ensemble performs at 3 p.m. at the TSC Performing Arts Center, 90 Taylor Ave. in Brownsville.

Admission is free.

April 1 • The UTRGV Trombone and Low Brass Choirs perform at 7 p.m. at the TSC Performing Arts Center, 90 Taylor Ave., Brownsville. Admission is free. For special accommodations, call 956-665-3881.

April 1 & 3 • The UTRGV Faculty Artist Series presents “A Classical Celebration” on two nights. Performances will be held Monday at 7 p.m. at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, 1201 W. University Dr. in Edinburg, and on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the TSC Performing Arts Center, 90 Taylor Ave. in Brownsville. Admission is free for both performances.

April 4 • The Upper Valley Art League will host a paint-along art night led by Gabriel Alexander from 7 to 9 p.m. Cost is $16 for UVAL members and $20 for nonmembers. It will be held in the UVAL Art Link, 921 E. 12th St. in Mission. Call 956583-2787 for information, or stop by the UVAL art gallery.

April 4-6 • The Upper Valley Art League (UVAL) will host a sculpture workshop with Douglas Clark 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.

Cost is $150 to members and $180 to nonmembers; class size is limited to 15 students. Payment is required at registration.

Sign up at the UVAL gallery in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th St., Mission.

April 5 • The Valley Symphony Orchestra presents “The 3B’s: Beatles, Brahms and Beethoven” at the McAllen Performing Arts Center, 801 Convention Center Blvd. from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $40, $50 and $60 per person and may be purchased at the McAllen Convention Center Box Office, online at valleyorchestra.org or at ticketmaster.com. For questions, call the VSO Box Office to 956-661-1615.

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

Juan Diego Academy Catholic Regional High School’s annual Spring Festival is set for Saturday, April 6, on the campus at 5208 S. FM 494 in Mission.

The festival begins with the La Lomita 5K Run/Walk at 8 a.m. Every runner gets a finisher medal, and the overall winner, plus winners by age group, will be recognized. Registration for the LaLomita 5K Run/Walk is $25 can be made online at endurancesplits.webconnex. com/lalomita5k.

The day also includes barbecue chicken plates sold and served up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The $8 plates are eat in or take out and will have chicken, beans, potato salad, bread and trimmings.

Those who eat in can purchase drinks and desserts.

There will be a Grand Chalupa bingo game with prizes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a final drawing at 2:15 p.m.

For more information, call 956-583-2752 or visit juandiegoacademy.com.

Speer Memorial plans Health & Fitness Expo Speer Memorial Library in Mission will host a Health and Fitness Expo 2019 this Saturday, March 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The library is located at East 12th St. and Kika de la Garza Loop.

The public is invited to improve their health with information from local gym memberships, about boxing, learning about healthy eating and even getting a massage.

Information will be available on various health insurance options and there will be opportunity to meet with representatives of local hospitals and sports teams. Door prize drawings will be held throughout the event.

For more information, call Denise Cuellar at 5808750 or Lulu Garcia at 5808714 or at library’s Circulation Desk.

Next Lions Club Market Days is April 13

The next Mission Lions Club Market Days event is set for Saturday, April 13.

It is held on the second Saturday of the month, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the newly renovated Leo Pena Placita Park in downtown Mission.

Mission Lions Market Days is a new outlet for artisans, craftsmen, artists and small businesses to sell their products with small overhead.

The event will feature food, vendors, free bingo games, door prizes and music. Three bingo games will be held hourly with prizes for the winners. The Mission Parks & Recreation Ballet Folklorico will perform at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Everything is free and open to the public.

Non-profit organizations

can also use the event to help raise funds for their group, receiving a special non-profit rate for a booth. Commercial booths are available for local businesses.

The Mission Lions Club provides a wide range of services for the community, such as free eye glasses and vision screenings for school children, building wheel chair ramps for those who need one, and the club supports the Texas Lions Camp for children with disabilities, the RGV Diabetes Association, the Mission Food Pantry and other community causes.

For more information, to register as a vendor, or to reserve a commercial booth, contact Adela Ortega at 956458-9066.

Congratulate Your Graduate to reserve your space in this year’s Campus Chronicle Graduation Edition

Call Now 956-585-4893

Deadline: May 1st, 2019

Deadline: May 20th, 2019

A Supplement to:

Progress times

Sharyland times

March 29, 2019

U.S. Air Force Airman Richard Mata graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio following an eight-week program. Mata is the son of Leonell and Elizabeth Lbarra of McAllen. He is a 2017 graduate of Sharyland Pioneer High School.

U.S. Air Force Airman Marc A. Garcia recently graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, after an eight-week program.

Garcia earned a distinction as an honor graduate. He is the son of Victoria J. and Ramiro Garcia Jr. of Palmhurst and is a 2016 graduate of Mission High School.

Selected for Kellogg fellowship

K. White Jr. High School (KWJH) is sending Ricardo Ochoa to the state MathCounts competition after the seventh grader qualified at the recent Rio Grande Valley Chapter competition. To qualify, students must be one of the top two scoring competitors regardless of their grade level. The MathCounts competition series is a national program that provides students in grades 6 to 8 the opportunity to compete in four rounds: sprint, target, team, and countdown.

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LA JOYA – La Joya ISD financial aid specialist Daniel Diaz was recently selected for fellowship by the W.K Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network.

Diaz was one of 80 selected out of more than 800 applicants to the fellowship program.

Through hands-on training, mentoring and practical experience, the program offers opportunities to understand embedded racism in systems and to learn practical approaches for solutions.

The 18-month fellowship program brings together 80 leaders from across the United States and sovereign tribes. The class is organized into cohorts based in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans, along with one national cohort.

Members include elected officials, youth advocates, educators, businesspeople, attorneys, civil rights activist, tribal leaders, conservationist, and faith leaders.

U.S. Air Force Airman Cesar Cordova graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, in a program that included training in military discipline, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. He is the son of Rhaudell and Grace Cordova of Mission and a 2017 graduate of Mission High School.

(Austin Studio)

Jacob Daniel Juarez was honored by his parents Jaime and Gabriela Juarez in celebration of his 15th birthday with a reception on Jan. 5 at Casa Del Taco. The honoree is a 9th grade student at Mission High School.

EVENTS

CALENDAR 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.

April 6 – Join in the Party for the Planet at the Gladys Porter Zoo’s celebration of Earth Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities will spotlight conservation with games and activities for children, and organizations will be present to share information on to help preserve the Earth’s resources. The event is included with regular admission. For information, call 956-5467187. The zoo is located at 500 Ringgold St. in Brownsville.

April 6 – The Saturday Safari, “ Bee Friends,” at Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold St. in Brownsville, helps children learn about plant and animal relationships. A zoo tour, arts and crafts, animal encounter and snacks are included in the class that runs from 1 to 3 p.m. Classes are $15 per child or adult with a $5 discount for zoo members. Children must be 4 years or older to participate. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call 956-548-9453 or e-mail educ@gpz.org.

April 9 – Speer Memorial Library in Mission will host a book discussion of 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. Stop by the library or call at 580-8754 to reserve a copy of the book or find it as an eBook at hidalgocotx.oneclickdigital.com. For more information, call 5808754 or email reference@missiontexas.us. The library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission.

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

(Austin Studio)

Jainie Arlett Lopez was honored by her parents, Lizbeth Reyes and Francisco Ortiz of Mission in celebration of her 15th birthday. A reception was held March 3 at Fiesta Ballroom in Mission. The honoree is a ninth grade student at Sharyland Pioneer High School.

Teodoro and Karla Garza of Mission honored their daughter, Stacy, on the occasion of her 15th birthday. A mass was held March 16 at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Alton. A reception followed at Dubai Palace in Mission.

She was escorted by Ricky Perez of McAllen and Los Ikonik Dancers.

She is a ninth grade student at Thelma Salinas STEM Early College High School in La Joya.

STC to host human trafficking symposium

MCALLEN – The Women’s Studies Committee of South Texas College presents The Nexus of Exploitation: The Global Economy, Human Trafficking, and the Marginalized, for this year’s human trafficking symposium taking place March 31- April 2. The symposium will take place at South Texas College’s Cooper Center at 3201 W. Pecan Ave. in McAllen.

A forum for networking and training opportunities for professionals and practitioners within related fields, the annual event is dedicated to raising community awareness about the pervasiveness of the labor and sex trafficking trades.

This year’s conference will begin with a screening of Academy Award-winning film Roma on Sunday, March 31, at 5 p.m. followed by a panel discussion with the National Domestic Worker Alliance. The event will then kick off with a full slate of topics and presentations from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on

April 1 and will conclude on April 2.

The symposium begins with opening remarks by Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley and keynote speaker Dr. Seàn Columb, lecturer in law from the University of Liverpool, who will speak on the organ trade. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) is also expected to offer opening remarks at the symposium, remotely from Washington, D.C. Topics will include technological developments, grassroots and community organization, intergovernmental initiatives as well as the social, regional, economic and political trends that represent obstacles to combatting human trafficking.

The event is free and open to the public. For more details about the event, contact Clark at jclark@southtexascollege.edu.

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

By Ed Sterling

Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Air pollution from tank fire sparks lawsuit

AUSTIN — Images of a stream of billowing dark smoke drew the nation’s attention last week to a fire that engulfed 11 petrochemical storage tanks at the Intercontinental Terminals Company about 15 miles southeast of Houston in Deer Park.

On March 17, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered that all state resources be made available to local and industry officials and urged residents to heed the warnings of local officials. Governmental bodies in nearby affected areas ordered residents to shelter in place because of concerns about unhealthy air quality. Deer Park Independent School District and other districts canceled classes for several days.

The fire was extinguished on March 20. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on March 22 announced that his office, acting on behalf of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, had filed a lawsuit naming the tank storage company as the defendant. The lawsuit alleges that the fire caused air pollution from benzene, xylene, toluene and other contaminants, in violation of the Texas Clean Air Act. In a statement accompanying the lawsuit, Paxton said, “No company can be allowed to disrupt lives and put public health and safety at risk.”

The Chemical Safety Board, an independent federal agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents, announced March 21 that an investigation into the fire would be opened.

Jobless rate stays low Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 3.8 percent in February, according a March 22 news release by the Texas Workforce Commission.

The Midland Metro-

politan Statistical Area recorded February’s lowest unemployment rate with a non-seasonally adjusted rate of 2.2 percent, followed by the Odessa at 2.7 percent and Amarillo at 2.9 percent.

Growth in the Texas economy continued in February, with 17,700 seasonally adjusted non-farm positions added over the month.

TWC Chair and Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs said her agency “is committed to engaging with all employers across Texas to strengthen our economy and to create and expand opportunities for all.”

TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez added, “To ensure positive growth, we must continue to invest in necessary training and education for subsequent generations.”

Ticketing system targeted Photographic traffic signal enforcement systems would be banned under Senate Bill 653 by Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edgewood.

Hall seeks to prohibit municipalities and other local jurisdictions from using redlight cameras as a means of issuing traffic tickets.

In laying out his bill before the Senate Transportation Committee, Hall said that under the red light camera enforcement, “the innocent owner has then the burden of proof and often great expense of proving that they did not commit the alleged violation. This turns our judicial system completely and utterly upside down by requiring the accused to prove their innocence.”

More than two dozen people testified for or against the bill in a March 20 Senate Transportation Committee hearing.

Regents to examine policies Gov. Abbott on March 18 sent a letter to all Texas

The district refused to answer questions about Longoria, including when she was placed on administrative leave, why she was placed on administrative leave and

public university boards of regents following the U.S. Department of Justice’s investigation into an alleged college admissions bribery scheme.

In his letter, Abbott called for governing boards of Texas’ institutions of higher education “to examine and investigate admissions policies and procedures to ensure that no university employee engages in fraudulent schemes, quid pro quo arrangements or improprieties of any sort.”

He added that Texas parents and students “must have confidence that the system is not rigged.”

Busby joins high court Brett Busby of Houston on March 20 was confirmed by the Texas Senate and sworn in as the newest member of the Supreme Court of Texas for a term set to expire on Dec. 31, 2020.

Gov. Abbott nominated Busby on Feb. 21 to fill the opening left by Justice Phil Johnson of Amarillo, who retired at the end of December.

Busby is a former justice of the Fourteenth Court of Appeals, having served from June 2012 through December 2018. He previously was a partner at Bracewell & Giuliani LLP, an adjunct professor at The University of Texas School of Law and a U.S. Supreme Court law clerk.

New lawmaker sworn in State. Rep. Christina Morales, D-Houston, was administered the oath of office on March 17.

Morales won a March 5 special election runoff to fill the vacancy created when former longtime Texas House District 145 Rep. Carol Alvarado was elected to the Texas Senate to succeed Sen. Sylvia Garcia, who was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November.

By Dave Hendricks A candidate who claims politiqueras manipulated mail-in ballots during the Hidalgo Independent School District election will take his case to trial May 13.

Mentor Cantu, a Pharr firefighter, filed the lawsuit against his opponent, San Juan City Manager Ben Arjona, last year. Both men campaigned for the Hidalgo school board in November 2018, vying to represent Place 5.

Cantu received a razor-thin majority of ballots cast on Election Day and during early voting. Arjona, however, won big among people who cast mail-in ballots, which allowed him to claim a narrow 43-vote victory.

“What we saw was — which is par for the course for city of Hidalgo elections, whether it is the school board or the city or the adjacent school district, Valley View — it’s the same pattern,” said attorney Gilberto Hinojosa, who represents Cantu.

“Which is a lot of mail-in ballots that were submitted by people who don’t live where they say they live.

Ballots were picked up and turned in by someone that did not sign the carrier envelope.”

State District Judge Federico “Fred” Hinojosa Jr.

After nearly seven years with Hidalgo County EMS, the city of Alton voted Tuesday to receive emergency medical services from the city of Palmview beginning next week.

Prior to unanimously would not exist without a thriving business community voting on this decision, repand their advertising support. If you desire a totally resentatives from Hidalgo County EMS questioned the local, independent newspaper to continue to serve validity of the agreement, and if Palmview would be the community, please study carefully the advertisers able to serve both cities. who support our paper and, when possible, thank and Under this interlocal agreement, Alton will house support them. a Palmview EMS vehicle in their fire station that will be staffed by a minimum of two crew members every day.

“We’re very comfortable with this arrangement,” City Manager Jeff Underwood A Family-Owned Business Since said 1954 after the meeting. “Our current agreement with HiIn Our 66th Year of Service dalgo County EMS is expiring in the next few days OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE MISSION Sporting Goods Beauty Shop Certified Onanso R/V we wanted to see our opGenerator Service Mission Regional Medical Center tions. We feel with Palmview Announces New Physician we can do better.”

Specialist is latest addition to team of doctors Underwood added that both cities would equally share the revenues made ARK Fiesta Lube Express from the EMS services.

PlainsCapital Bank Welcomes Full Service Oil Change STORAGE HEATING & COOLING With this agreement, this ChurCh DireCtory will be the first time Palmview’s EMS provides service Jerry Saenz - Agent to a neighboring city.

The decision to switch services with Palmview, which has in-house services that began January of last year, was met with skeptiTERRY cism Tuesday from representatives with Hidalgo County EMS who attended the meetChurCh DireCtory Rio Script ing.

Pharmacy

Progress times

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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

2.5 miles S. Conway (FM 1016) 15 miles W. of Mission on Exp. LA 83 RESPUESTA CHURCH IGLESIA BAUTISTA PROMISE LANDMission Sullivan City, TX • 585-5617 FIRST UNITED 405 W. 12th Street • 585-0787 SHINING LIGHT BAPTIST CHURCH COLONIAL CHURCH METHODIST CHURCH OURCircle LADY(Corner OF GUADALUPE 2300 E. Palm of 495) 3713 N. La Homa Rd. • 585-5332 EL MESIAS UNITED 6 1/8 N. Doffing Rd. (FM 492) CHURCH 1101 Doherty • 585-1665 CHURCH OF THE Mission, TXCATHOLIC 78572 • 624-9307 580-4078 METHODIST 620 Dunlap • 585-2623 MISSION CHURCH OFBAUTISTA THE GOOD SHEPHERD IGLESIA 209 E. 6th • 585-2334 NAZARENE 2322 N. McColl. - McAllen TEMPLO BIBLICO RIVER OUR OF LIFE COF HURCH LADY THE HOLY DEL VALLE 5 Mile/Conway FREEDOM LIFE CHURCH 682-2092 • 585-6683 901 S.ROSARY Shary Rd. CHURCH 217 W. Mile 3 Rd. • 424-1602 FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH1 mi. E. 495 581-4981or 585-3831 923 Matamoros St. • 581-2193 (Located in the Holiday Inn 2214 W. Griffin Pkwy.

• 519-7000 Palmhurst 3 miles N. Shary Rd. • 581-1465 Express Conference Room) Mission CHURCH OF NEW HOPE AT THE BORDER TEMPLO EVANGELICO, M.B. PALM VALLEY CHURCH 451-4838 IGLESIA DEL PUEBLO FAITH FELLOWSHIP905 N. Conway • 369-3603 JESUS CHRIST OF CHURCH 1720 E. Griffin Pkwy.

7500 West Expressway 83 BIBLE CHURCH La Joya GRACIA DIVINA MINISTRY LATTER-DAY SAINTS 585-3203 SAN CRISTOBAL 581-1900 1 mile Exp. 83 on Tom Gill Rd. 11809 N. Shary Rd. •N.584-3112 5609 S 29th St. - McAllen MAGALLANES & CHURCH TRINITY LUTHERAN 519-6311 PEÑITAS BAPTIST 682-4881 NORTH MISSION COMPANIONS CHURCH 1/3 Mile S. of PARISH Exp.83 on FM 1427 IGLESIA DEL DIVINO GREAT OAKS CHURCH OF CHRIST 3905 W. 3 Mile Line • 585-3261 3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5 583-6236 REDENTOR FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH COMMUNITY CHURCH 1410 E. Mile 3 Rd.North • 585-0146 CHURCH OF Mission • 580-4551 1020 Los Ebanos Rd 1302 Doherty • 585-1442 VALLEY FELLOWSHIP PRIMERA BAPTIST CHURCH 2722 N. Conway • 451-5500 Palmhurst 585-5898 JESUS CHRIST OF 1708 E. Griffin Parkway Corner ofPORRES 6th & Oblate SAN MARTIN DE Mission LATTER-DAY SAINTS FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH Mission • 424-7200 585-4711 mi. Street N. Conway, 1/2 Mile West PALMVIEW PENTECOSTES 500 E.59th 2Mile & Bryan Rd Mission.

12th and Miller - Mission NORTH IGLESIA Alton • 585-8001 & 585-8002 APOSTOLIC NUEVA CHURCH VIDA A/G HERITAGE BAPTIST Mission, Texas 585-7281 PRIMERA IGLESIA 7612 W. 6 Mile Ln. 211 W. Mile 3 Road MCALLEN CHURCH OF SPIRIT OFDEL PEACE Palmhurst •584-0262 956-342-9711 & 584-5555 VALLE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 2549 Lindbergh Ave. JESUS CHRIST OF EV. LUTHERAN CHUCH ONLY THRU Rev.JESUS Candelario Banda APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY CHURCH McAllen • 451-6358 LATTER-DAY SAINTS

by Uncle Frank 3104 Los Milagros 1511 E. Mile 2 Rd. 1102 Ash St. • 585-4829 210 N. St. Marie. • 585-8651 Missonaries • 580-2570 Mission • 581-1822 Mission • 918-760-1625 for worship schedule.

IGLESIA ADVENTISTA ™ ST. JOHN OF THE FIELDS OUR LADY QUEEN DEL SEPTIMO DIA CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CATHOLIC CHURCH PlainsCapital Bank is pleased to welcome George Myers to our1725 business OF ANGELS W. Griffin Parkway CHURCH KING, DAVIS & GARCIA Pharmacy & Medical Equipment 1052 Washington Ave. GUERRA, • 585-2325 One-half mile South Leo Avenue 581-9008 911 N. Main - McAllen ATTORNEYS AT LAW La Joya • 585-5223 An Exciting for Folks Who Are “50 Years Young” 686-4241 development team.

Prior Club to joining PlainsCapital, he served as president and ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC IGLESIA BAUTISTA BETANIA CHURCH OUR LADY OF FATIMA DAVID H. GUERRA DARRELL DAVIS CONWAY AVENUE 851 S. Breyfogle Rd. • 585-5688 1119 Francisco • 585-2701 Visit any one of our Lone Star National Bank locations throughout South Texas and CHURCH CEO of the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce.

George holds an MBA in BAPTIST open your Lone Star Legacy Club™ checking account todayCHURCH to start enjoying the 6634 El Camino Real • Granjeno E.PAUL Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622 ST. PETER301 & ST. IGLESIA BAUTISTA 2215 N. Conway • 585-2413 benefits of being a member.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OUR LADY OF LOURDES CRISTO EL REY Marketing and has several yearsEL of FARO experience in the real estate industry.

Help 2310 N. Stewart Rd. CHURCH MISSION AUTO ELECTRIC, INC. DBA 1600 E. Bus. 83 - Mission BIBLE CHURCH Club Features: 585-5005 2.5 miles S. Conway (FM 1016) 15 miles Mission on As a Lone Star Legacy Club™ member you will W. enjoyof many features such as: Exp. 83 Family HealtH Mission us welcome George at an after-hours mixer and meet-and-greet at our IGLESIA BAUTISTA Sullivan • 585-5617 • Legacy Express e-newsletter designed especiallyCity, for LoneTX Star Legacy Club™ SHINING LIGHT BAPTIST COLONIAL members.

CHURCH CENTER OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE 3713 N. La Homa Rd. • 585-5332 ELof MESIAS UNITED 6 1/8 N. Doffing Rd. (FM 492) meetings special topics interest.

CATHOLIC CHURCH PlainsCapital Bank• Membership branch inwithMission.

O620 F mDunlap issiOn• 585-2623 580-4078 METHODIST Commercial Lawn Equipment “Since 1954” • Adventurous and exciting trips, tours and cruises are accessible to all Lone Star IGLESIA BAUTISTA 209 E. 6th • 585-2334 915 West Bus. 83 • Mission, tX 78572 • (956) 581-7433 Legacy Club™ members. To start planning your next getaway call TEMPLO BIBLICO OUR LADY OF THE HOLY DEL VALLE 5 Mile/Conway Mission Chamber1-800-568-9890.

After-Hours FAITH MixerBAPTIST at PlainsCapital Bank ROSARY CHURCH 217 in W. Mission Mile 3 Rd. • 424-1602 CHURCH 581-4981or 585-3831 923 Matamoros St. • 581-2193 Palmhurst 3 miles N. Shary Rd. • 581-1465 Thursday, April 21 TEMPLO EVANGELICO, M.B. PALM VALLEY CHURCH IGLESIA DEL PUEBLO FAITH FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 1720 E. Griffin Pkwy.

7500 West Expressway 83 BIBLE CHURCH La Joya 585-3203 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

581-1900 1 mile N. Exp. 83 on Tom Gill Rd. TRINITY LUTHERAN 519-6311 PEÑITAS BAPTIST CHURCH CHURCH 1/3 Mile S. of Exp.83 on FM 1427 IGLESIA DEL DIVINO 1709 N. Conway Ave. 3905 W. 3 Mile Line • 585-3261 583-6236 REDENTOR FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1020 North Los Ebanos Rd 1302 Doherty • 585-1442 1-800-580-0322 VALLEY FELLOWSHIP PRIMERA BAPTIST CHURCH 585-5898 branch www.lonestarnationalbank.com direct 1708 E. Griffin Parkway Corner of 6th & Oblate FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH Mission • 424-7200 585-4711 IGLESIA PENTECOSTES 12th and Miller - Mission NUEVA VIDA A/G 585-7281 PRIMERA IGLESIA 211 W. Mile 3 Road PlainsCapital.com Palmhurst • 956-342-9711 DEL VALLE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN Rev. Candelario Banda APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY CHURCH 2016 PlainsCapital Bank Equal Housing Lender Member FDIC 1102 Ash St. • 585-4829 210 N. St. Marie. • 585-8651 for worship schedule.

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will preside over the trial.

Gilberto Hinojosa said he plans to call 75 to 100 witnesses. Testimony will last three or four days, depending on how many people actually respond to subpoenas.

The trial will pit Gilberto Hinojosa against attorney Ric Gonzalez, who represents Arjona. They’ve already litigated two Hidalgo election contests since 2016.

Both attorneys frequently hear testimony about voters who request assistance at the polls but don’t actually need any help.

“People with college degrees who were assisted,” Hinojosa said. “People who have employments that require you to read and write in the English language were assisted.”

They also hear about people who cast ballots in Hidalgo but don’t actually live within city limits.

“For example, there were a lot of people who live in certain apartments owned by certain people,” Gilberto Hinojosa said. “They don’t live there, they’re registered to vote there.”

The most recent lawsuit involves the same problems.

Cantu campaigned with Carlos Cardoza and Yesenia Ayala, the daughter of Norteño legend Ramon Ayala. They won the majority of ballots cast on Election Day and during early voting.

Arjona campaigned with Mentor Alejandro Cavazos and Rodolfo F. Franz, the son of City Councilman Rudy Franz. They won big among voters who cast mail-in ballots.

The numbers made Cantu suspicious.

Prosecutors had charged Arjona’s wife, Sylvia, with providing unlawful assistance to voters during the June 2016 Hidalgo City Council runoff election.

Cantu talked with Mildred Escobedo Flores, who founded Election Integrity Advocates, a non-partisan organization that fights voter fraud. She helped him sift through documents from the county Elections Department, searching for suspicious activity.

Gonzalez, the attorney who represents Arjona, said the allegations aren’t anything new.

“There are probably an equal number of people on their end that were assisted,” Gonzalez said. “That’s one of the biggest complaints you get in the Valley: that people get assisted when they shouldn’t have. Usually they’re Spanish-speakers.

Usually they’re old, elderly people. Or usually they’re first-time voters. But the allegation is that they’re instructed to vote for a certain faction.”

Despite protests, Alton signs agreement with Palmview for emergency medical services

Your Hometown Newspaper, Bringing Communities Together.

Mission Regional Medical Center is pleased to welcome Gloria Ortiz, MD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE to the hospital medical staff. Dr. Ortiz specializes in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism.

Dr. Gloria Ortiz was born in the Dominican Republic and received her medical degree from Universidad Católica Madre Y Maestra. Afterwards she obtained a post-doctoral fellowship involving microbiology and biostatistics.

She completed her Internal Medicine residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine - Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center in New York City and was appointed Dr. Gloria Ortiz, MD is the latest Chief Resident. She subsequently physician to join the Mission obtained a fellowship in patient safety and Regional Medical Center Staff. satisfaction. Dr. Ortiz led the hospital’s “My approach to medicine is successful effort to increase HCAHPS to provide the best care possible, educate my patients, and survey scores throughout the organization. prevent future illness and disThis experience helped develop her ease,” said Dr. Ortiz. compassionate, yet analytical approach to healthcare. This led to Dr. Ortiz pursuing her Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine & MD Anderson Cancer where she was CO. appointed as their first Chief Endocrinology Fellow. & Center, MEDICAL EQUIPMENT Dr. Ortiz has been a physician for over 15 years, and now focuses on the treatment of endocrine related diseases such as diabetes, obesity and thyroid dysfunction, including nodules and thyroid cancer.

She is a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism as well as Internal Medicine. She is also a member of the following organizations; American Diabetes Association, Physical Therapy American Thyroid Association and the Endocrine Society.

“We are pleased that Dr. Ortiz decided to develop her practice in our community,” said Kane, Dawson, Chief Executive Officer, Mission Regional Medical Center. “Her clinical expertise will enhance patient care and our ability to serve and treat our patients.”

at Veterans Memorial High School. She earned $48,750.

If convicted on the second-degree felony charge, Longoria faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.

Hidalgo ISD election contest scheduled for trial on May 13

By Jose De Leon III

1954-2019

whether or not she will be paid while on administrative leave.

In January, district salary records listed Longoria as a health science teacher

March 29, 2019

Paul Vazaldua spoke out during the public comments portion of the meeting and pointed out how Palmview only has two EMS vehicles and regularly partners with a private company to serve the community as backup.

“Joining with Palmview, an EMS provider with little experience and resources, should be a concern with this council,” Vazaldua said.

“Service will be provided

by Scripture EMS services, a private company who we know little about in a backdoor deal with a company who has never engaged in a 911 EMS service contract before.”

Vazaldua also pointed out that the city of Alton never submitted a Request for Proposal to receive competitive bid offers from other EMS services for the city to vote on and discuss.

“It’s a sneaky way for Palmview to get into business without competitively bidding for it,” Vazaldua said after the meeting. “Though there is an attorney general ruling saying that cities can be exempt from the procurement process, it should be used only in emergencies and this is the only city I’ve seen using that exemption. It cheats the residents of Alton even though it is legal.”

Michael Leo, Palmview City Manager, said that since Alton is entering into an interlocal agreement with Palmview, there was no need for an RFP since the procurement process is not required

between cities.

“We started the in-house EMS to provide the highest level of quality care to our constituents and Alton recognized that,” Leo said. “That’s why these discussions to enter an agreement started.”

Kenneth Monte, an employee with Hidalgo County EMS pointed out that as Alton’s current provider, Hidalgo County EMS has the manpower to serve the city and will soon start to provide helicopter services for ease of transportation.”

“The nearest hospital is 25 minutes from here, that would be something that will assist the area,” Monte said.

“You should consider what you’re doing...please take that into consideration.”

Though Underwood said he didn’t take these concerns lightly, he still recommended the city council approve the agreement.

“We’re not skirting procurement rules, we made sure we’re in compliance with the law,” Underwood said. “That’s why we moved forward tonight, to make sure service is better than what we’re getting and continue to be in compliance.”

Services will begin at midnight, April 7. Currently, the city still has a contract with the county for Hidalgo County EMS to serve the area outside Alton city limits.

“There’s no animosity, we just felt for our city this was the best move,” Underwood said.

March 29, 2019

State lawmaker may switch Agua SUD board to singlemember districts

By Dave Hendricks

State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa may switch the Agua Special Utility District board to single-member districts.

The switch would require approval from the Texas Legislature — and shift control of the utility board from city customers to rural residents.

Hinojosa said he discussed the issue with the utility district, which tentatively supported the proposal. The switch to single-member districts may become part of a bill designed to address potential conflicts of interest.

“It’s no longer ‘Chuy vs.

Agua,’” Hinojosa said, referencing the nasty, no-holdsbarred fight between western Hidalgo County and state lawmakers over Senate Bill 814, which targeted school board trustees who worked for the utility district. “We’re all on the same page.”

State law sets aside five seats on the seven-member utility board for representatives from Mission, Palmview, Peñitas, La Joya and Sullivan City. The remaining two seats represent customers from rural Hidalgo County and a small part of Starr County.

It’s a system that allows a minority of utility custom-

from pg. 1

ers to elect a majority on the board.

In May 2018, when the utility district held an election, 279 registered voters lived within the small part of Mission served by the utility district. Sullivan City had 1,912 registered voters.

Mission and Sullivan City, though, receive equal representation on the utility board.

The system is especially lopsided for rural customers, who receive just two seats on the board.

In 2017, when the utility district attempted to block Senate Bill 814, then-Executive Director Oscar Cancino argued that replacing a county seat with a La Joya seat would disenfranchise rural customers.

“The City of La Joya currently only holds 2% of the Agua SUD service connections,” Cancino wrote to state lawmakers, according to records released under the Texas Public Information Act. “Removing an at large seat would leave over 9,000 connections with 2 representatives instead of 3.”

Lawmakers passed the bill anyway.

As a result, roughly 9,100 rural customers had just two representatives on the utility board, according to records Cancino provided to state

lawmakers. Meanwhile, the approximately 6,200 customers who lived within city limits had five representatives.

Concerns about unequal representation aren’t new, said utility Board President Esequiel “Zeke” Ortiz Jr., who represents Palmview.

The utility board wants to work closely with Hinojosa on any changes, including the proposed switch to single-member districts.

Under the proposal, each of the single-member districts would represent an equal number of people. Districts would increase representation for rural residents and Palmview, the city with the largest number of customers.

“As long as we work together, we’ll be good on that,” Ortiz said, adding that utility district staff is talking with Hinojosa about the issue.

The utility board probably will support the switch, Ortiz said. Some details, including how the transition would work, may require additional discussion.

“I believe we’re onboard,” Ortiz said. “We’re on the same page as the senator right now. We’re working together.”

MISSION CISD

were individually gifted a red rose from their student.

“Over the course of our education we have been nurtured, prepared for by educators,” Hernandez said. “Our roses are perfect, each one made unique by you Thank you educators for allowing us to blossom.”

The event brought the 57 best from Mission CISD’s three high schools-24 from Veterans Memorial High School, five from Mission Collegiate High School and 28 from Mission High School-all under one roof.

Mission CISD school board President Petra B. Ramirez noted that the event marked the beginning of the end for the seniors in high school. The banquet was the first of several events celebrating the accomplishments of the seniors who will be graduating Monday, June 3.

“Now, you’re going into the world, and I’m sure that every single one of you is ready to face it,” Ramirez told the students. “Our educators and your parents have all worked hard to get you all ready to go out there and fly high. Always remember, you

came from Mission CISD. Be proud, leave your brand everywhere you go.”

Other people who spoke during the event included Mission collegiate high School senior Carina Martinez and Veterans Memorial High School senior Michael Angelo Iglesias.

Both graduating students reminisced about their 14 years in school starting from kindergarten all the way to the end of high school.

“The friends we made who were in grades above us and gave us perspective on our upcoming classes and teachers who we encountered and the advice they gave, they made us the leaders of tomorrow with their investment in us,” Martinez said. “You have pushed and persisted us into reaching our full potential. When you see we are not doing that, you all have kept us on track to the success you knew in your hearts we could achieve. You inspire us to exceed limits beyond our own doubts.”

Iglesias expressed thanks to educators and parents in the room for guiding the students in the room on the path

of success they are currently in.

“This couldn't have been possible without the love and support we received from everyone,” Iglesias said.

“Without our parents, none of us would’ve been here.

You taught us how to speak, walk, and showed us right from wrong, you’re our first teachers. To the educators here today, thank you. You made it your goal to tap into the education of multiple students. As a result of our hard work and dedication. We’ve been able to achieve our goals beyond expectations.”

In her closing remarks, Mission CISD Superintendent Carol G. Perez bid farewell to her students. The Mission CISD classes of 2019 will be her first graduating class as superintendent for the district.

“The class will set off to journey on their own, but they will not be alone,” Perez said. “They will continue to have the love and support of their families and be able to call upon their special educators and upon the Mission CISD family at any time.”

Courtesy photo

The presenting of the $1,000 check from the Youth Financial Literacy Foundation to the Excellence in Leadership Academy Thursday, March 21, 2019.

Local charter school receives $1K from national non-profit

By Jose De Leon III

A Michigan-based nonprofit recognized a Mission charter school for their contribution in financial literacy aimed at elementary school students.

Excellence in Leadership Academy received a $1,000 check from the Youth Financial Literacy Foundation after 70 students from the Mission charter school completed a series of assignments from a workbook meant to teach the students how to begin balancing their finances.

The students, 5th through 8th graders, were recognized at a ceremony at the school Thursday, March 24 where they each received a certifi-

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cate of completion and a pizza party in their honor by the YFLF. “We have students who take a workbook of assignments and are encouraged to engage with their parents to complete it,” Roberto Sadivar, executive sales director of the YFLF said. “The workbooks have lessons on how to write a check, how to balance a checkbook, how savings work and other skills they will need.”

As part of the exercise, the school was awarded $500 for every 35 students who completed the workbook, which started last November.

“By providing financial literacy we are ensuring their financial future to be respon-

sible by the time they’re 18,” Saldivar said, noting that excellence in Leadership Academy is the first Valley school to be recognized by the foundation.

Lizet Saenz, assistant principal at the Academy, praised her student’s accomplishments and expressed an interest in having more of their students, 240 in total, participating in the exercise next year.

“They’re learning how to save money, it’s part of the vision of our school so we’re thankful this opportunity is going on,” Saenz said. “Our curriculum covers personal financial literacy so we required them to learn this anyway. We’re honored we have this program here.”

Prosecutor says 2 members of the Weslaco City Commission accepted bribes

By Dave Hendricks Two members of the Weslaco City Commission accepted bribes during the construction of the Weslaco water treatment plant.

Leonel J. Lopez Jr., 52, of Rio Grande City — who served Rio Grande City as municipal judge and worked part-time for state Rep. Ryan Guillen — apparently masterminded the bribery scheme, which involved corrupt engineers, attorneys and businessmen.

“It is always disappointing when people are trying to influence elected officials,” Weslaco Mayor David Suarez said in a statement.

“When I ran for office, my biggest concern was the water plant and the excessive money that was spent on that project. And I hope that in the near future we will have a conclusion to what, exactly, happened during that process.”

After a lengthy investigation, which involved the FBI and the IRS, prosecutors charged Leonel Lopez Jr. with federal programs bribery. He pleaded guilty Friday.

During the plea hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Roberto “Bobby” Lopez Jr. described a sprawling conspiracy to steer $50 million worth of infrastructure contracts.

The scheme brought together “Individual A,” a resident of Hidalgo County who is the part-owner of a concrete company; “Individual B,” a businessman who lived and worked in Weslaco; and “Individual C,” an attorney from Rio Grande City.

They worked with “Company A,” an international engineering and construction company; “Company B,” an engineering company based

in San Antonio; and “Company C,” an engineering company based in McAllen.

Leonel Lopez Jr. accepted more than $4 million from Company A, Company B and Company C, according to information discussed at the plea hearing. Leonel Lopez Jr. kept about $2.5 million.

He passed the remaining money to Individual A, Individual B and Individual C, who made payments to Weslaco City “Commissioner A” and Weslaco City “Commissioner B.” Commissioner A is an attorney who served on the Weslaco City Commission from about 1995 to 2014, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Roberto Lopez.

Commissioner B is a current member of the Weslaco City Commission who was elected in 2009.

Both accepted bribes.

Leonel Lopez Jr. paid Commissioner A through Individual A, the Hidalgo County resident described as the part-owner of a concrete company.

“To pay Commissioner A, the defendant provided checks totaling approximately $1,405,000 to Individual A, who then laundered approximately $405,000 in check payments to Commissioner A through Company D,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Roberto Lopez said. “The bribe payments made by Individual A to Commissioner A were disguised as payments for legitimate business that Commissioner A never performed.”

Leonel Lopez Jr. also paid Commissioner A through Individual C, the attorney based in Rio Grande City.

“The defendant provided bribe payments to Individual C, who used an IOLTA bank account for Individual

C’s law practice to launder approximately $90,000 in bribe payments and provide them to Commissioner A,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Roberto Lopez said. “To conceal these bribe payments, Individual C attempted to establish a false attorney-client relationship among the defendant, Individual C and Commissioner A.” An IOLTA bank account is a type of account used by attorneys.

Leonel Lopez Jr. paid Commissioner B through Individual B, the businessman who lived and worked in Weslaco.

“The defendant paid Individual B approximately $92,950 by checks and Individual B would cash the checks and split the cash with Commissioner B,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Roberto Lopez said. “The purpose of making the payments in this way was to further conceal and promote the ongoing bribery scheme.”

Leonel Lopez Jr. kept about $2.5 million for himself. As a condition of the plea, he agreed to forfeit that money.

“In exchange for the bribes, commissioners A and B voted in favor of infrastructure projects related to Weslaco’s water processing facilities and steered over $50 million in contracts to companies A, B and C,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Roberto Lopez said. “Companies A and B then granted subcontracts to Company C.” Asked whether or not the prosecutor had provided accurate information, Leonel Lopez Jr. confessed to everything.

Leonel Lopez Jr. is scheduled for sentencing July 15.

He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison.

page 6

THE

March 29, 2019

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2019 SOCCER CONGRATULATIO

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Palmview Lobos

La Joya Coyotes

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March 29, 2019

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PLAYOFF BOUND ONS! GOOD LUCK!

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page 8

By Luciano Guerra Two of the best soccer teams in the Rio Grande Valley call Juarez-Lincoln High School home. With a combined 27-1 District 30-6A record, the Huskies boys and the Lady Huskies came as close to achieving perfection without actually achieving it as you can get. And with the UIL’s (University Interscholastic League’s) state playoffs kicking off this weekend, there’s no telling how far these two teams will go.

While the Huskies are in the habit of making deep runs into the playoffs, including one trip into the state final four, the Lady Huskies will be looking to make it past the bi-district round for the first time. Will this year mark the Huskies’ return to the state tournament and the Lady Huskies’ first playoff

March 29, 2019

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win? Only time will tell but based on their success so far this season, both of these are very achievable goals.

Let’s take a look back at both teams’ 2018-2019 regular seasons and a look forward at their upcoming bi-district playoff games.

Lady Huskies Led by head coach Rick Garza, the Lady Huskies had the most successful season in team history. Not only did they fall just one win short of putting together a perfect District 30-6A season, but that one loss also cost them a perfect overall record.

“Our overall record right now, including district and non-district play, is 34 wins and one loss,” Garza said.

“We were 21-0 in non-district play and 13-1 in district play. Our one loss was to McAllen High who we ended up splitting with. In points, we fell one point short of the Lady Bulldogs.

I believe we had 35 points while they had 36.”

That one point difference was a result of a game against PSJA North in which

Juarez-Lincoln soccer near perfect the Lady Huskies needed penalty kicks to emerge victorious. That resulted in the Lady Huskies earning only two points for the win instead of three. Had they won that game outright, the Lady Huskies and the Lady Bulldogs would’ve been co-district champions.

Last year the Lady Huskies placed fourth in the district. This year they fell one point short of a district championship. So what accounts for this vast improvement? According to Garza, it was his team’s turnaround against three of the district’s top teams.

“In comparison from last year to this year, we had a huge difference in our records against the McAllen teams,” Garza said. “Last year we lost both games against McAllen High, both games against McAllen Memorial and I believe we lost one game, if not both, against Rowe. This year we won five out of six games against those same three teams. Those are very good teams, so doing so well against them is not only very impressive but is also a good momentum builder for us.”

The Lady Huskies’ sole loss this season was a first round, 3-0 defeat at the hands

of the Lady Bulldogs. In their second round rematch however, the Lady Huskies proved that they are a team to be reckoned with when they handed the Lady Bulldogs their first district loss since March 2015; a span of 50 games. As Garza explained, defeating the Lady Bulldogs was a huge confidence builder for his team.

“Being able to compete against a team like McAllen High, a team that has had a very successful program for many, many, many years with Coach Arney, and not only that, but being able to earn a win against a program like that, speaks volumes about the quality of our athletes,” Garza said. “We clearly understood what was at stake in the rematch against McAllen High, and at the same time we knew that we had an opportunity to test ourselves against a state finalist type of team, and the girls were able to prove that anything is possible with teamwork.”

The Lady Huskies will be facing off against Del Rio tonight at 6 in the bi-district round of the playoffs.

The game is scheduled to be played at Shirley Field in Laredo.

Huskies Coach Victor Ramos’

Huskies are no stranger to the playoffs. As a matter of fact, they have qualified for the playoffs in each of the 11 seasons since the opening of Juarez-Lincoln High School. More recently, the 2018-2019 season marks the third in a row that the Huskies have earned a district championship. In total, the Huskies have won seven district championships, have reached the regional semifinal (Sweet 16) five times, the regional final three times and the state tournament (final four) once.

This year the Huskies not only finished District 30-6A play with a perfect 14-0 record, but they completely dominated their district opponents both offensively and defensively.

“We finished the season with the best offense and the best defense in the district,” Ramos said. “We scored 63 goals and they only scored seven goals against us. We have a very balanced team.

We have a forward named Sergio Escareno who was the district’s leading scorer with 25 goals this year. And while we have three goalkeepers, senior Christopher Banda is the starter. He’s been there since he was a sophomore and he was our goalkeeper

when we advanced to the state tournament in 2017.”

It should come as a surprise to nobody that the Huskies finished district play as the top ranked team in the Valley. While that is a worthy accomplishment, Ramos has a much more worthy accomplishment in mind for his team, a state championship.

“Every year we know that we’re going to work towards an ultimate goal of a state championship,” Ramos said.

“But we have other goals as well and we have to take them step-by-step. Our first goal is to make the playoffs.

Second is to win district.

Third is to continue playing well in the playoffs because if you play one bad game and that’s it. And finally, our ultimate goal is to be able to go to state and to win it. Hopefully this will be the year.”

The Huskies will begin what they hope to be their best playoff run ever by hosting Laredo United South tonight at 7:30 in the bi-district round of the playoffs.

This game is scheduled to be played at La Joya ISD Stadium.

Diamondbacks come from behind to beat Rattlers

By Luciano Guerra It took extra innings but the Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks defeated the Sharyland Rattlers by a score of 7-6 Tuesday evening. After falling behind by a score of 6-4 in the top of the ninth, the Diamondbacks scored three runs in the bottom of the inning to pull out the come-from-behind victory.

The Diamondbacks opened the scoring in the bottom of the third when shortstop Jacob Rosales drove in one run with a single and right fielder Johnny Lugo drove in two with a triple. The Rattlers tied the score in the top of the fourth with RBIs by shortstop Andy Lozano and center fielder Saul Soto.

Sharyland Pioneer regained the lead in the bottom of the fourth when first baseman Ray Hernandez drove in a run with a double making the score 4-3 in favor of the Diamondbacks. The Rattlers tied the score again in the top of the fifth when catcher Abraham Alvarez scored on an errant throw.

The score remained tied at four each until the top of the ninth when Sharyland scored two runs on a two out single down the left field line by left fielder Diego Pena. However, in the bottom of the ninth, the Diamondbacks’ Angel Nunez was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to drive in one run, third baseman Evan Maldonado scored the tying run on an error at home and second baseman Pedro Tovi-

as drove in the winning run with a sharply hit grounder up the middle.

Tovias clutch hit to win the game was especially gratifying for him after a rough game he had last week.

“Last week I didn’t have my best game defensively,” Tovias shared immediately after Tuesday night’s game.

“I made a bunch of errors but that’s in the past now.”

As for his game winning hit, the Diamondback senior second baseman said, “I knew that we had less than two outs so I went up to the plate just wanting to put the ball in play. I wanted to see if I could make them commit

another error; either that or I wanted to hit a deep fly ball that would score the runner from third. When I got two strikes I swung at the curve ball away and I was able to drive it up the middle. Once it got past the diving second baseman, I knew it was a hit.”

Former Mission Veterans head baseball coach, but now in his second year in the same position with the Diamondbacks, Casey Smith shared his thoughts on his team’s come-from-behind victory when he said, “Our kids did a very good job of continuing to fight despite the fact that we had some things happen

that didn’t go our way. Our kids kept battling and I’m really, really proud of the effort they put in.”

Prior to his becoming a head coach, Smith was an assistant under Sharyland Rattlers’ head baseball coach Bart Bickerton. As a result, he had mixed feelings about going up against Bickerton and his Rattlers Tuesday night.

“I think everybody else probably looks forward to our games against the Rattlers, but I don’t really like playing Bart because Bart and I are pretty good friends and we’ve got a lot of respect for each other,” Smith

said. “So it’s one of those cases where we have to play against each other because we’re in the same district and I do know that the kids were fired up. But anytime you go up against a team coached by Coach Bickerton you know that you’re going to be in for a frickin’ dog fight every time.”

Smith pulled his starting pitcher, Angel Nunez, out of the game in the top of the fourth inning after giving up only two runs. As he explained, doing so was not a result of a lack of faith in Nunez, it was much more a matter of his faith in his pitching staff as a whole.

Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra.

Sharyland right fielder Chase Gerlach is about to be tagged out at home by Pioneer catcher Trey Gonzalez in the top of the seventh inning of the Diamondbacks’ 7-6 win against the Rattlers Tuesday evnening.

“We’ve got four guys that have been throwing well for us so we’re not really afraid to use any of them,” Smith said. “The idea was to see how far Angel could get us, and then as soon as he got into trouble, we’d bring in one of our other guys. As it turns out, we went with Evan Maldonado tonight.”

While the loss was a tough one for the Rattlers, Bickerton took the loss in stride.

“We really hit the ball well, we just didn’t hit the ball when we needed to,” Bickerton said. “I don’t know how many times we left the bases loaded or how many times we left men on second and third but we just didn’t do the little things right.

Twice we bunted the ball straight at them and those were both killers. But you’ve got to give them credit. Their hits were all monster hits and ours were the opposite.”

“We’ve just got to come back on Friday,” Bickerton added. “All we can do is to take it for what it is. We’ve still got a long way to go in district and we’ve got to try and split with the best teams in the district, like Pioneer and Rio Grande.”

Going into this game, the Diamondbacks were ranked third in the Valley while the Rattlers were ranked eighth.

With the win, the Diamondbacks improved to 4-1 in District 31-5A play (20-3 overall) while the Rattlers dropped to 3-2 (18-4 overall) with the loss.

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March 29, 2019

page 9

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Progress Times Photo by Jose De Leon III

A Sharyland High School senior will become the first Sharyland athlete to attend the prestigious Division III Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio.

Gabriel Martinez signed a letter of intent Thursday to participate in Men’s Wrestling at Heidelberg University. Gabriel is a 4-year letter winner in varsity wrestling and football at Sharyland High School. He is a threetime regional qualifier, a two-time district champion and qualified to the state wrestling tournament his senior year. Gabriel has also excelled in the classroom, is one of our top ranked students and has earned Academic All-State honors in wrestling and football while a student at SHS. “He is certainly a great example for what a student athlete is,” SHS Athletic coordinator Ron Adame said. “He’s very modest and will contribute to the success his university has had lately.” According to Adame, Martinez is the first student at Sharyland High School to be accepted into the university. Martinez, who was joined by his coaches and parents at the signing, says he plans to study forensic science.

“Everyone here is a part of what I’ve accomplished,” Martinez said of his supporters. “I couldn’t have done it without them. It’s amazing being here knowing anyone can do this, not just me.

obituaries William Burr MISSION – William Ethridge Burr, 78, passed away on Monday, March 18, 2019, in Mission.

Mr. Burr was born Jan. 13, 1941, in Baltimore, Md., to Ernest and Mary Burr. He was a 44-year member of the Elks Lodge in Galveston and a United States Army veteran. He graduated from East Tennessee University and worked as a computer programmer.

Survivors include his wife, Sylvia Casselman; children, Dr. William Burr Jr. and Judith Hughes; and three grandchildren.

A service was held on March 28 at St. George Orthodox Church in Pharr.

Norman Garza PEÑITAS – Norman Noe Garza, 65, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2019, at Comfort House in McAllen.

Mr. Garza was born on Dec. 8, 1953, in Vincennes, Ind. He graduated from La Joya High School in 1972 and from the University of Texas in Arlington.

Survivors include a son, Norma Garza Jr.; step-daughter Krystal Ovalle of Port LaVaca; mother, Ana Olga Garza; siblings, Nestor Garza IV of Alton, Nelson Garza of Kingswood, Neal Garza of Peñitas, Noel Garza of Meza, Ariz., Nick Garza of Edinburg, San Juanita Ramirez of Sullivan City, Mary Alaniz of Mission and Nancy Salinas of Edinburg.

He was preceded in death by his father, Nestor Garza Jr. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at 5 p.m. at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission.

Salvador Peña Jr. MISSION – Salvador “Chavalo” Pena Jr., 72, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2019, at Edinburg Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Peña was born on Feb. 13, 1947, in Mission.

Survivors include his sisters, Librada Garza, Hortencia Ramirez and Nilda Segura, all of Edinburg.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Salvador Sr. and Maria L. Pena, and a brother, Rogelio Pena.

A funeral service was held on March 28 at Primera Iglesia Bautista in Edinburg.

Burial followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission.

Progress Times Photo by Jamie Treviño

Veterans Memorial High School senior Jazz Vallejo was recently signed to play college football with Southwestern University in Georgetown.

Vallejo, who lettered three years, was a linebacker for the Patriots. Coach Tom Gilpin said that Vallejo was an integral part to making the VMHS football program a success. “He’s a huge part of what our program has accomplished in the last three years,” Gilpin said. “I can safely say that we would not have done what we did in the last three years without Jazz.”

Gilpin said that while Vallejo wasn’t originally zoned to attend VMHS, his parents making the decision to move so he could attend the school was a good one. “I’m grateful as the head football coach that [he] was here,” Gilpin said. “It’s a tremendous achievement.” Vallejo was surrounded by family and friends when he signed on Wednesday afternoon. “I just want to let everyone know that it’s possible,” Vallejo said. “Just remember to get your grades right, and everything else will follow.”

Sandra Salinas MISSION – Sandra Salinas, 58, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

Survivors include her husband, Manuel Salinas Jr.; children, Yesenia Carrales, Yvette Salinas and Michelle Salinas; siblings, Luis Garza, Gustavo Garza, Nora Perez, Aurelia Robledo, Gracie Salinas and Sylvia Wilson; and two grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Maria de Jesus Cavazos and Camilo Garza, Jr. A prayer service was held on March 22 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission.

Cremation followed.

Notices

Bunny Burns MISSION – Bunny Maxine Burns (Gilbert), 83, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at Amara Hospice in

CHURCH DIRECTORY BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH 2820 N. Conway Ave. 581-1411

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1101 Doherty • 585-1665

CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 2322 N. McColl. - McAllen 682-2092

FREEDOM LIFE CHURCH 2214 W. Griffin Pkwy. • 519-7000 Mission

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

GRACIA DIVINA MINISTRY 11809 N. Shary Rd. • 584-3112 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

CONWAY AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 2215 N. Conway • 585-2413

IGLESIA BAUTISTA COLONIAL 3713 N. La Homa Rd. • 585-5332

EL FARO BIBLE CHURCH 15 miles W. of Mission on Exp. 83 Sullivan City, TX • 585-5617

IGLESIA BAUTISTA DEL VALLE 217 W. Mile 3 Rd. • 424-1602 Palmhurst

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

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

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

SAN MARTIN DE PORRES 5 mi. N. Conway, 1/2 Mile West Alton • 585-8001 & 585-8002

OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS One-half mile South Leo Avenue La Joya • 585-5223

SPIRIT OF PEACE EV. LUTHERAN CHUCH 3104 Los Milagros Mission • 581-1822

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

LA RESPUESTA CHURCH 405 W. 12th Street • 585-0787

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

MISSION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 1 mi. E. 495 • 585-6683

PROMISE LAND CHURCH 2300 E. Palm Circle (Corner of 495) Mission, TX 78572 • 624-9307

DY OF GUADALUPE OUR LA

MISSION, TEXAS

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

PADRES OBLATOS THE FATHERS: †FR. JIM, FR. PHILION & FR. ROY (†MAGNA, †SENTINEL, †MAGNO, †AUGIE, †DIDYMUS, †CHUNKLY, †GIRLY, CANTINA, VALENTINE, †NEWLY, BENDITO, CHARLOTTE, CENIZA & WIGLET) MISIONERAS CATHEQUISTAS, SR. LUPITA, † DEACON AYALA, DEACON CASTANEDA

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

GOD’S GREAT LOVE AND COMPASSION ARE AT WORK EVEN WHEN WE’VE LET HIM DOWN AND WE THINK HE’S “HOPELESSLY OUT OF REACH!” EVEN WHEN WE THINK HE SHOULD BE DISGUSTED WITH US, HE’S WAITING FOR US TO COME HOME SO HE CAN HUG AND KISS US!

MASS SCHEDULE “Texas Friendly” spoken at all masses (and confessions) Saturday (English) ........................................... 4:00 P.M. Saturday (Spanish) .......................................... 7:00 P.M. Sunday (Spanish) ........................................... 7:30 A.M. Sunday (English)............................................. 9:00 A.M. Sunday (English)........................................... 10:30 A.M. Sunday (Tex-Mex) Mariachi Mass ......... (Noon)12:30 P.M. Sunday (Tex-Mex)............................................ 5:30 P.M. Monday - Wednesday & Friday (Tex-Mex) ....... 6:55 A.M. Thursday (Tex-Mex) ......................................... 7:00 P.M. Friday (at La Lomita) .......................................6:55 A.M.

MISSION AUTO ELECTRIC, INC. DBA First Presbyterian ChurCh Commercial Lawn Equipment Since 1954 60th 915 West Anniversary Business 83 • Mission (956) 581-7433 Sunday School 9:30AM

Worship Service 8:30AM 10:30AM

1102 Ash Mission, TX (956) 585-4829 www.fpcmission.com

KING, GUERRA, DAVIS & GARCIA ATTORNEYS AT LAW DAVID H. GUERRA DARRELL DAVIS 301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622

Kostman, 76, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at McAllen Medical Center.

Hipolito Martinez MISSION – Hipolito Martinez, 71, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2019, at his home.

Robert Neagle MISSION – Robert Neagle, 81, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at Mission Valley Nursing Home.

Maria Ramirez MISSION – Maria de Jesus Ramirez, 89, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2019, at her home in Mission.

Tito Robles PEÑITAS – Tito Salvador Robles, 88, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2019, at his home in Peñitas.

Salvador Sahagun MISSION – Salvador Sahagun, 95, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2019, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH 901 S. Shary Rd. (Located in the Holiday Inn Express Conference Room) 451-4838 SAN CRISTOBAL WMAGALLANES & COMPANIONS PARISH 3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5 Mission • 580-4551

OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH 6634 El Camino Real • Granjeno

Edinburg.

Natividad Castillo LA JOYA – Natividad Castillo, 79, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2019, at Solara Hospital in McAllen.

Edwardo Cisneros MISSION – Edwardo Cisneros, 32, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at Solara Hospital in McAllen.

John Erickson MISSION – John H. Erickson, 80, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Baltazar Fuentes MISSION – Baltazar Joseph Fuentes, 66, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2019, at McAllen Medical Center.

Bobby Hawkins MISSION – Bobby Del Hawkins, 87, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at All State Hospice in Mission.

Marie Kostman MISSION – Marie Henrietta

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Thursday ....................................................... 6:00 P.M. Saturday......................................................... 3:00 P.M.

620 DUNLAP, MISSION, TX • 585-2623

ONE BLOCK WEST OF CONWAY ON MAGNA DRIVE (6TH ST.)

page 10

March 29, 2019

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Procedural problem blocks La Joya ISD board from hiring new attorneys

By Dave Hendricks A problem with the meeting agenda blocked the La Joya school board from making a major decision Wednesday.

The district apparently didn’t notify Board President Claudia Ochoa of an addendum to the meeting agenda — “Discussion and Possible Action to Retain Flores, Muñoz & Flores for General Counsel” — which prevented the board from discussing

from pg. 1

the item.

“We’re trying to work on transparency,” said board Vice President Alex Cantu. “That everybody knows what items are in there, what’s going on.”

The district posted the meeting agenda at 9 a.m. on March 22. Administrators posted the addendum at 4:30 p.m. that day.

It quickly became the talk of western Hidalgo County politicos.

Attorney Jaime “Jerry”

Muñoz, who also serves as justice of the peace for Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Place 2, advises the board during meetings.

The addendum appeared to indicate that Jerry Muñoz would be replaced by Flores, Muñoz & Flores, a law firm composed of three young attorneys with political connections.

Flores, Muñoz & Flores includes attorney Victoria Flores and her husband, Palmview City Attorney Eric

MISD FORUM

Flores, the son of former state Rep. Ismael “Kino” Flores Sr.; and state Rep. Sergio Muñoz Jr., the son of former state Rep. Sergio Muñoz Sr. Victoria Flores, Eric Flores and Sergio Muñoz Sr. attended the board meeting.

Sergio Muñoz Jr., who is in the midst of the legislative session, wasn’t present.

Trustee Mary T. Hernandez said that Flores, Muñoz & Flores wouldn’t necessarily replace Jerry Muñoz as general counsel.

“It’s something up for

discussion,” Hernandez said, adding that trustees would determine the legal work assigned to each law firm.

Trustee Espie Ochoa had a similar opinion.

Flores, Muñoz & Flores may not necessarily replace Jerry Muñoz. Trustees would assign work to attorneys as appropriate, Ochoa said.

The district also employs attorneys to handle specific areas of the law.

Austin-based law firm O’Hanlon, Demerath & Castillo handles public information requests, education

law and other matters for the district. Attorney Ben Castillo attended the meeting Wednesday.

The district also employs Amarillo-based law firm Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins and Mott to collect delinquent property taxes.

Attorney Hiram Gutierrez also stopped by the board meeting Wednesday.

Trustees may hold a special meeting next week to discuss hiring Flores, Muñoz & Flores.

Sullivan City to hold International Cook Off and Festival tomorrow

By Jose De Leon III

Photo courtesy of Twitter.

Candidates for the McAllen ISD Board of Trustees during the forum hosted

by The RGV Matters organization last week.

MISD has held forums for school board elections in the past, but Ramon did not think as many candidates have shown up in the past.

The forum consisted of questions gleaned from students at all three McAllen ISD high schools.

Each panelist represented the school they attend: Ramon for McAllen Memorial, Briana Pedraza for Nikki Rowe High School and Jonah Riojas from McAllen High School. The forum was moderated by Alyssa Yarritu from the International Baccalaureate Programme at Lamar Academy.

“These are questions we thought people really wanted to know, and we wanted to know the answers for,” Ramon said. “We also asked teachers questions too, to see what their problems are with the district, or what they like about it.”

Four rounds of questions were held, giving each participating candidate the chance to speak on the issues brought up one by one (for one minute each). Candidates who were not directly asked the question could request 30 seconds to speak

on the subject matter in question.

Place 1 candidates Juan “Johnny” Cano and Marco Suarez (currently on the board) were asked questions about the decline in student enrollment, the MISD standing as a district of choice, the integration of vendors in the school system and use of technology in the classroom.

Place 2 candidates Lynse Guerra and Conrado “Ito” Alvarado (currently on the board) were asked about the quality of the special education program at MISD, the competition from charter and private schools in the area, how the candidates felt about an increase in student input for policies and procedures and the biggest challenges faced by the district today.

Place 4 candidates Gina Karam Millin and Tony Forina (currently on the board) were questioned on the greatest area of need in the district, the roles of the school board and superintendent, partnerships with institutes of higher education and the current teacher/student ratio in the district.

Place 5 candidate Daniel D. Vela (currently on the

board) was asked about what the district was doing right and what he would do differently, his stance on Senate Bill 3, combating mental health issues in the student population and state funding at MISD. His opponent for Place 5, Don Delaney, could not attend the forum.

The topic each candidate requested extra time to speak on, however, was mental health at MISD. Because of the seriousness of the matter, they all spoke on the importance of mental health awareness and suicide prevention in the district.

During the forum, a team from the Texas Freedom Network set up a table in the back that gave the public present the opportunity to register to vote. The RGV Matters was started by Ramon in 2016 during the presidential election, and is not affiliated with McAllen ISD. “There were a lot of misconceptions, I think, being thrown around about the Valley,” Ramon said. “I wanted to offer a place so people could clear some of that up and really share their story about what the Valley has been to them.”

Early voting begins April 22 to April 30. Election day is Saturday, May 4.

To celebrate their first sister city agreement, Sullivan City will hold their first ever International Cook Off and Festival tomorrow.

Sullivan City administrators announced a relationship with the Tamaulipas municipality Gustavo Diaz Ordaz last month to mark their first ever sister city agreement, agreements between cities in geographically and political-

Courtesy photo

from pg. 1

GROUNDBREAKING

“We’re extremely excited with everything going on,” Juan Arevalo, the Boys & Girls Club of Mission Director, said. “We have four gyms, we’re servicing four different after-school sites, we have the educational enrichment programs.”

The expansion will include four classrooms, an office, a computer lab for students who wish to utilize the after-school programs offered and restrooms.

Currently, the after school program is available at the Mission Boys & Girls Club location off of Conway, and the Bannworth Gym only houses indoor courts.

This project will cost $409,000. $125,000 to $150,000 is being paid for

HEATING & COOLING TACLB26552C

Pet of the Week Precious is a Chihuahua mix, believed to be about 3 or 4 months old, and is a very playful, happy puppy! If you would like to make Precious a part of your family, contact the Mission Pawsible Program at 956-5808741, M-F, 8AM-5PM. The City of Mission Animal Shelter is located at 227 Abelino Farias, and is open throughout the week and on Saturdays - 9AM to 4PM. The cost to adopt is $50, which includes: Spay/ Neuter, Rabies Shot, 1st Vaccine, Microchip and Deworming. To view more animals in the Mission Pawsible Program, visit missiontexas.us.

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1211 Conway Ave • Mission TX Jerry Saenz 956-585-2715

1211 N. Conway Ave. • Mission, TX 78572

As a kick-off to the festivities, Sullivan City held their first beauty pageant last week that honored three local teenagers. Alexa Alanis, Nathaly Flores and Sandra Ramirez were crowned as Duchess of Sunshine, Duchess of Zinnia and Duchess of Ebony, respectively. The pageant featured officials with Sullivan City receiving the key to the city of Gustavo Diaz Ordaz.

Sullivan City Mayor Leo Garcia (center) flanked by (from left) Duchess of Zinnia Nathaly Flores, Duchess of Ebony Sandra Ramirez and Duchess of Sunshine Alexa Alanis.

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ly distinct areas to promote cultural and commercial ties.

To celebrate this agreement, the city will hold an all-day festival tomorrow starting at 9 a.m. The event, which will be held at 720 E Expressway 83 across from the Stripes gas station, will include live music, cash prizes for the cook-off and more.

The event will also feature a presentation of the key to the city to officials with Gustavo Diaz Ordaz.

from fundraising efforts from the Boys & Girls Club, and the remaining cost is coming from a bond issuance from last year.

The Boys & Girls Club of Mission serves about 6,000 children. This expansion will mean the city will have two full-service units for the club.

“With this expansion, we’re hoping to increase with another 2,000 kids,” Arevalo said. “There’s just a lot of excitement within the schools to be able to provide an after-school facility that will tutor and mentor their kids so they can become productive citizens in our community.”

Mayor Armando O’caña said the project came to fruition after a fifth-grade student in Sharyland, Corey, asked him why students living in the SISD had to be bussed to the Boys & Girls Club across town to the Conway location for after-school classroom services.

“He triggered the light bulb,” O’caña said. “And from there, the rest is history.”

O’caña added that children can serve the community well if people listen to them.

“Listening to children is the future of Mission,” O’caña said, adding that he started with the Boys & Girls Club in 1973. “Together with the school districts, we can jointly educate our children.”

Fay Beard, representing the Boys & Girls Club of America Southwest Region Board, also attended the groundbreaking. According to her, there has been an exponential surge in Mission students from all districts attending the local branch.

“You’ve really taken on the challenge, and I’m pleased to see they’re expanding the services to kids,” Beard said. “When

AREA'S BEST BUSINESS R1-918-234-7768 EVIEW R

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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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you look at kids every day, they need a safe place to go after school.”

She said that the Boys & Girls Club of America has three priority areas for kids: academic success, good character/citizenship and healthy lifestyles.

“We’re doing after-school homework help, and we’re providing a meal for many kids,” Beard said. “We’re providing those services to give them an opportunity to grow.”

Mission City Manager Randy Perez, a product of the Mission Boys & Girls Club, said this expansion will be good for the community.

“This project is part of the continuing progress that the city of Mission is currently experiencing,” Perez said.

“It’s truly an indication that Mission is growing.”

Carolyn Mendiola, the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services & Community Relations at SISD, spoke at the ceremony about how excited the district was to see Mission moving forward with the project.

“I’ve lived in this community for 15 years, literally two blocks away from Bannworth Park,” Mendiola said. “You have provided our children with a place to come and build friendships, to learn good sportsmanship, to become responsible citizens of their community; but most importantly, you provided a place where our children will always have a sense of belonging.”

Albert Peña, the Chairman of the Boys & Girls Club of Mission board, said they had been working hard for the project.

“This unit needed some upgrades for this side of town,” Peña said. “We saw the need to build the classrooms and provide the services that we currently have in our main unit, and we took off from there.”

The expansion will take approximately four to six months to be complete, and students will be taken to the other location if construction barrs people from entering the Bannworth Gym when the project is underway.

“It’s a positive place for kids, it’s a great environment,” Arevalo said. “The number one goal for the organization is to make sure that kids feel safe, they feel loved and they feel cared for.”

March 29, 2019

page 11

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LEGAL NOTICE

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Beer and Wine Retailer’s off-premise permit change of location by Circle K Licensing Company, Inc. dba Circle K Store # 274591, to be located at 1900 W 3 Mile Rd., Mission, Hidalgo County, TX 78573. Officers are Larry A Stockton- President/Secretary.

PREMIER & CENTRAL WRECKER SERVICE

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You are hereby notified that pursuant to state or city ordinace we are in possession of the described vehicles. Please reclaim the vehicle by paying charges which continue to accrue and produce satisfactory evidence of ownership. If the vehicle is not reclaimed, we will take necessary steps to obtain ownership under the appropriate provision as per Texas law Rule 85.703 Supchapter F, from Chapter 85, Part 4 of Title 16 in the Texas Administrative Code.

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Garage Sale

FIVE FAMILY GARAGE Sale, 206 Mina de Oros,

Tierra Dorada in Mission, April 3rd5th from 9am2pm.

LEGAL NOTICE Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for an On Premise Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit by Jaime Montes dba 39 Taqueria, to be located at 2813 Griffin Parkway, Mission, TX 78572, Hidalgo County.

Officers of said Limited Liability Company is Jaime Montes, owner.

CITY OF ALTON ORDINANCE 2019-04-0326

ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF ALTON; PROHIBITING CONCEALED HANDGUNS ON CITY OWNED PREMISES, AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER REGULATIONS, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AN EFFECTIVE DATE. READ, APPROVED, AND PASSED on this the 26th day of March, 2019.

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Independent Administration for the Estate of William Robert Leo, Deceased, were issued on March 12, 2019, in Cause No. P-38,935, pending in the Probate Court of Hidalgo County, Texas, to: MARIA FILOMENA LEO The legal residence of the Independent Administratrix is Hidalgo County, Texas is: c/o: THE J. RAMIREZ LAW FIRM Attorney at Law Ebony Park, Suite B 700 N. Veterans Blvd.

San Juan, Texas 78589 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.

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JESUS RAMIREZ Attorney for Maria Filomena Leo State Bar No. 16501950 The J. Ramirez Law Firm Ebony Park, Suite B 700 N. Veterans Blvd.

San Juan, Texas 78589 Telephone: (956) 502-5424 Facsimile: (956) 502-5007 Email: ramirezbook@gmail.com

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

La Ciudad de Mission, conducirá una audiencia pública el Martes, Abril 9, 2019 en Mission Social & Support Center (Mission Food Pantry) en 115 S. Mayberry, Mission TX 78572 a las 5:30 p.m. para solicitar comentarios de los residentes y agencias interesadas en el programa para el Desarrollo de la Comunidad (CDBG, por sus siglas en inglés). La Ciudad espera recibir la notificación anticipando los fondos de un total de $960,474 para el año fiscal 2019. Los comentarios que se reciban serán considerados para la preparación del Plan de Acción Anual para el periodo 2019-2020. Los interesados se les aconsejan asistir a esta audiencia y exponer su punto de vista. Estos fondos podrán ser utilizados para actividades que beneficien a zonas y/o personas de bajos recursos y debe cumplir con alguna actividad que logre uno de los siguientes objetivos como este programa que beneficia principalmente a personas de bajos recursos; ayudar en la prevención o eliminación de barrios marginales y zonas deterioradas; responden a una necesidad de urgencia particular.

The City of Mission will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at Mission Social & Support Center (Mission Food Pantry) on 115 S. Mayberry, Mission TX 78572 at 5:30 p.m. to solicit comments from interested residents and agencies for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.

The City is expecting to receive notification of the proposed fiscal year 2019 CDBG allocation, which is anticipated to be $960,474. Comments received will be considered for preparation of the City of Mission’s Annual Action Plan FY 20192020. Interested parties are encouraged to attend and make their views known.

These funds can be utilized for activities benefiting low/moderate income areas and/or persons and must meet one of the following national objectives such as, principally benefiting low and moderate income persons; aid in the prevention or elimination of slum and blighted areas; or meet a need having a particular urgency.

Para personas con discapacidades/discapacitados, personas que no hablan inglés, conocimientos limitados de inglés (LEP) y que requieran intérpretes, se les solicitará llamando al (956) 580-8670 por lo menos tres días antes de la reunión. Las personas con problemas auditivos, ciegos, sordos o discapacitados del habla pueden usar Relay Texas al 1-800-735-2989, un usuario de teléfono de texto (TTY) o 711 (VOZ).

Accommodations for persons with disabilities/handicapped, non-english speaking, or limited English proficiency (LEP) who may require interpreters shall be provided upon request by calling (956) 580-8670 at least three days in advance of meeting.

Persons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled may use Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2989, a text telephone (TTY) user or 711 (VOICE).

Para más información pase a la oficina de Desarrollo de la Comunidad localizada en 1301 E. 8th Street Ste. 102, Mission Texas o llamar al (956)580-8670.

For further information, visit the Community Development Office at 1301 E 8th Street Ste. 102, Mission Texas or call (956) 580-8670.

page 12

March 29, 2019

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La Joya ISD: 1 of 5 Organizations in State to be awarded grant from Greater Texas Foundation The Greater Texas Foundation awarded La Joya ISD’s College and Career Center a JFF (Jobs for the Future) grant of $895,000 to help more students be on a path to postsecondary education. JFF will bring its evidence-based Back on Track to College model to five programs across Texas who serve youths who have veered off track from the road to high school graduation.

Each program will receive funds and intensive training to build bridges to

postsecondary credentials – ensuring that students will not only complete their high school diploma or GED, but will CONTINUE their education to prepare for fulfilling careers.

“As a student who is also a mother, I am grateful for the new opportunities that I am receiving at College & Career Center. The fact that I will be able to graduate from high school, obtain a career certification as a medical assistant, and become college ready is amazing,” stated College & Career Center stu-

dent, Blanca Recendez.

Greater Texas Foundation’s vision is for all Texas students to have equal opportunity to access and succeed in postsecondary education.

That includes students who do not follow the traditional timeline to complete their high school diploma credits.

It is known that a clear path forward and a strong support system are critical for students to complete a postsecondary credential with market value, and La Joya ISD is 100% on board with this mission.

“We are extremely excited to partner with Jobs for the Future. This merging of educational tools will play a vital role in guiding our students to successful postsecondary education and careers,” added Ms. Maria Leal, LJISD Grant Coordinator.

Colleges from across the US benefit from the assistance that JFF provides through their national network, which covers proven practices that help more students earn credentials that lead to good jobs.

“The Jobs for the Future and Greater Texas Foundation grant will allow College and Career Center to develop NEW postsecondary-or career- success opportunities, improve the college and career readiness curriculum and instruction, and create a system of first-year college support for College & Career Center graduates,” said Mr. Ronny Cabrera, Principal of the College & Career Center.

“JFF is thrilled to be working with schools and programs that are committed to building pathways to

postsecondary credentials for their students and we see great potential to improve the life prospects of these young people through the Back on Track to College model.” Lili Allen, Associate Vice President, JFF Participating organizations that received this grant include American Youth Works in Austin, Fort Worth CAN Academy, Westcreek Restore Education in San Antonio, Goodwill Excel Center in Austin and La Joya ISD College and Career Center in the Rio Grande Valley.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection wants to survey land near La Joya sewer plant for border wall

By Dave Hendricks When the federal government asked permission to survey land near the La Joya sewer plant, an initial step required to build the border wall, Mayor Jose A. “Fito” Salinas wasn’t impressed.

“Commissioners, look at Page 1 of the Right-ofEntry,” Mayor Salinas said, referencing a four-page document U.S. Customs and Border Protection provided to the city.

Salinas — who is well known at City Hall for his

attention to detail — pointed to Item 6.

“It says ‘The property that is subject to this right-ofentry is located in the State of Texas, County of Starr County,’” Salinas said with a laugh. “This is not Starr County.”

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For the federal government, which didn’t send anyone to walk Salinas through the request, the La Joya City Commission meeting on March 12 didn’t produce results.

Salinas wanted to know why the federal government

asked to survey the 16-acre property, which is located near the intersection of Garza Avenue and Military Road.

La Joya neglected the land for years.

The city allowed people to dump trash, brush and debris on the property, which

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triggered an investigation by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

While the commission assessed a $15,000 penalty, it allowed La Joya to complete a so-called “supplemental environmental project” rather than pay the fine.

After cleaning up the mess, La Joya let the land sit idle.

Salinas asked what, exactly, Customs and Border Protection had planned for the property. City Administrator Mike Alaniz said he didn’t know.

A few years back, the federal government wanted to build a communication tower near the sewer plant, Alaniz said, recalling conversations with Border Patrol.

“It was granted back then but, eventually, nothing happened,” Alaniz said.

What prompted the federal government to request a survey remains unclear, Alaniz said, adding that he didn’t know what Customs and Border Protection wanted.

The document, however, clearly indicates that Customs and Border Protection may build a wall through the property.

“CBP anticipates that the FY19 appropriation will fund border wall system in this location,” according to a statement released by Customs and Border Protection, which references the 2019 fiscal year. “The border wall system is planned to include steel bollard wall, patrol road, and associated technology. Planning is currently underway. CBP will consult with the impacted stakeholders on the final alignment and design.”

Customs and Border Protection asked permission to conduct surveys, environmental assessments and other activity necessary for “Border Infrastructure Projects,” according to the document, which is titled “Rightof-Entry For Survey and Site Assessment.”

The document also includes a signature line for Loren Flossman, who is described as the “Wall Program Portfolio Manager” for the U.S. Border Patrol Program Management Office Directorate.

A map attached to the document labels part of the property “RGV-MCS-1302,” which is apparently a 2.42acre portion of the overall tract. That portion runs parallel to Military Road.

Concerned the Customs and Border Protection project would prevent La Joya from expanding the sewer plant, Salinas and Alaniz suggested the City Commission table the request.

“I recommend, maybe, we possibly meet with U.S. Customs or Border Patrol and actually find out exactly why is it that they need this survey,” Alaniz said. “Because when I asked, they said it could be utilized for various reasons. And that kind of concerned me a bit.”

The motion passed unanimously. Salinas and the City Commission may discuss the request again on April 9.