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Palmview puts the “unity” in community with 2019 festival

By Jamie Treviño

Residents of the RGV gathered last Saturday to listen to big bands, watch local children perform and sample some food and drinks from the many vendors at the 2019 Palmview CommUNITY Festival.

The city of Palmview

event, which was started in order to promote civic engagement and highlight regional fares, began at 2 p.m.

Sat. April 13 and lasted well into the evening. The typical Valley heat was in full force, but that didn’t stop people from arriving to explore the carnival rides, sip lemonade and try some Texas barbe-

que.

Newly-appointed City Manager Michael Leo was happy to see the event draw people from Palmview and neighboring cities alike.

“We see neighboring cities coming here together, from the west and further out,” Leo said. “For the entertainment, we have a di-

verse lineup with different demographics that bring people from different areas in the county, so we’re excited about that as well. So it’s appropriate that it’s a “CommUNITY” festival.”

The city’s relationship

Federal judge says prominent McAllen attorney is ‘being investigated’

See PALMVIEW FESTIVAL Pg. 12

Progress Times photo by Dave Hendricks.

Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

Folklorico dancers from Leo J. Leo Elementary School perform at the 2019 Palmview CommUNITY festival last Saturday.

Sullivan City police bust Lyft smuggler

By Dave Hendricks At $250 per person, smuggling migrants past Border Patrol and Sullivan City police seemed like easy money.

Jose C. Vigil, 17, of Mission, though, had a problem.

He didn’t own a car and couldn’t pick up the migrants.

So he did what many teenagers do: He borrowed mom’s credit card and called

a Lyft.

Sullivan City police, however, stopped the Lyft — a white Volkswagen Jetta without a front license plate — on the morning of April 5.

“Let me ask you a question,” said Sullivan City police Officer Joshua Rodriguez. “Who are the guys in the back?”

The driver, who appeared nervous, stepped away from the car and told him.

“I don’t know. I work

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development slaps Mission Housing Authority with subpoena

By Dave Hendricks The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development sent the Mission Housing Authority a subpoena last month, requesting information about a business deal between the executive

director and the board.

Executive Director Joel A. Gonzalez sold the housing authority a 2010 Ford truck. With board approval, the housing authority paid him about $8,600.

for Lyft,” said the driver, a 22-year-old Mission resident who works at Peter Piper Pizza and drives for Lyft on the side. “I just picked them up in a house.”

The Progress Times is withholding the driver’s name because he wasn’t charged with a crime.

At first, the Sullivan City police officers seemed skep-

See LYFT SMUGGLER Pg. 12

Jose C. Vigil Photo courtesy of the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.

Former state District Judge Rudy Delgado, center, and attorney Al Alvarez, right, speak with reporters on Feb. 5, 2018, at the federal courthouse in McAllen. amo school district bribery

By Dave Hendricks scheme to the Panama Unit Louis Luyten had a major corruption scandal. decision to make.

On Jan. 7, though, U.S. Federal agents caught District Judge Micaela AlLuyten, an 81-year-old pilot varez, who isn’t related to from Belgium, attempting to Al Alvarez, warned Luyten fly immigrants from Wesla- about his hotshot lawyer. co to Houston in November “He is, in fact, being in2018. Faced with 10 years in vestigated by the same prosfederal prison — a potential ecuting office that is proselife sentence for an octoge- cuting you,” Judge Alvarez narian, especially one with said, according to an audio a prior conviction for smug- recording of the hearing. gling — Luyten needed a “That is, by the U.S. Attorgood lawyer. ney’s Office.”

He picked a prominent Federal judges started Rio Grande Valley attorney, warning defendants about Adolfo “Al” Alvarez, 60, of Al Alvarez after FBI agents McAllen, to represent him. arrested former state District Al Alvarez had represent- Judge Rudy Delgado, who is ed defendants in dozens of See INVESTIGATED high-profile cases, ranging Pg. 4 from the Pharr-San Juan-Al-

Palmhurst celebrates 55th anniversary

By Jose De Leon III It was a night of glamour last week as the city of Palmhurst celebrated 55 years of incorporation.

Held at the newly opened Bingo Ranch, the city threw a celebration Friday, April 12, to thank its residents and local officials who helped

Palmhurst grow in its five decades of existence.

“This is a sign of appreciation for everyone here who contributed to the growth of Palmhurst,” city Mayor Ramiro J. Rodriguez Jr. said. “We’re excited that the community is meeting with us to see the progress we’ve done.”

Officials invited included commissioners from the neighboring city of Alton, Palmview and Mission and County Commissioner Joe Flores.

During the event, Rodriguez Jr. reflected on the history of the city, which was officially incorporated April 16, 1964 when the city had a

See MISSION HOUSING Pg. 13

population of 200 according to the Texas State Historical Association.

Results from the 2010 United States Census showed the city grew to more than 2,600 residents.

“We’re a relatively young city, but we’re not done

See PALMHURST 55TH Pg. 13

Progress Times photo by Dave Hendricks.

From left to right: Mission Housing Authority Executive Director Joel A. Gonzalez, Commissioner Irma Flores-Lopez and Commissioner Guadalupe “Lupe” Ozuna.

EARLY VOTING

Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.

Palmhurst City Councilmembers during the 55th anniversary celebration of the city Friday, April 12, 2019.

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April 19, 2019

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Mission remembers victims of crimes and their families with 12th annual walk and vigil

Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

Family members of crime victims hold white carnations in honor of their loved ones during the 12th annual Crime Victims Rights Walk and Vigil last Thursday, April 11.

By Jamie Treviño For Rosa Aguirre and Gloria Hernandez, hearing the stories from victims is the most difficult part of their jobs.

Last Thursday, April 11, the Mission Police Department held their annual open house, walk and vigil for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The theme for this year was “Honoring Our Past and Creating Hope for the Future,” and the families of victims of crimes in Mission gathered to memorialize their loved ones.

The 12th annual event was organized by the police department and the Mission Crime Stoppers, and included several informational booths within the PD that people could explore and get more information about organizations working with crime victims and their families.

Aguirre, the forensic nurse manager representing Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, deals with the medical aspects of crime and abuse cases. Hernandez is the community education representative for the Children’s

Advocacy Center, and travels to different cities to promote the prevention of child abuse.

Both agreed that events like this one communicates useful information to people in the city.

“When the community comes out and gets to know people, or hear about actual resources that they have available to them, they start reaching out a bit more,” Aguirre said. “My organization does sexual assault exams for victims, as well as child abuse cases.”

Aguirre said they cover all forms of abuse, including elder abuse, domestic violence, and other traumatic crimes such as gunshot wounds and stabbings.

“We do the evidence collection for law enforcement,” Aguirre said. “So we work really closely [with them] and we refer our patients to them for counseling and stuff.”

The Children’s Advocacy Center focuses on the educational aspects of preventing child abuse, but involves Child Protective Services workers, nurses, police departments and law enforce-

ment agencies across the Rio Grande Valley.

“It’s pretty much about spreading the word on prevention or signs and symptoms,” Hernandez said.

“We’re kind of just giving them that power of knowledge, so the kids aren’t scared to say something, or if they see something, they say something.”

Hernandez and Aguirre noted that delayed outcries are common in the area due to the difficult nature of the crimes, but that should never stop someone from coming forward.

“The majority of the people I see are victims of sexual crimes,” Aguirre said. “And the delayed outcry is really really high with children, and they have that fear that they might get in trouble, or the person that does that to them are related to them or know them in some way or another.”

The stories heard from victims of crimes, or in other circumstances, from their families, make their jobs hard. “[It’s difficult] listening to every different story that children, men and women

come in with,” Aguirre said.

“It’s never a repetition of one certain thing. Just when you think you’ve heard it all, something else comes in.”

“Individuals know there’s a big elephant in the room and they don’t always want to hear it,” Hernandez added.

“Because it is a really hard subject to hear about, and it’s part of our culture sometimes that we don’t want to say anything, but we’re starting to see those doors open.”

Aguirre was one of the many speakers during the vigil held after the walk at the start of the event. Along with her, Mayor Armando O’caña, Police Chief Robert Dominguez, Father Roy Snipes, Public Information Director Roxanne Lerma, Crime Victim Liaison Diana Macias Hidalgo County Assistant District Attorney Juan

Villescas, Sexual Assault Program Coordinator Hilda Gracia from Mujeres Unidas and Martha Rangel representing RGV Family and Friends of Murdered Children, spoke about the effects crimes can have on a person, their life, and the lives of their families.

Dominguez said that while Mission is one of the safer cities in the area, he is still dismayed to see crime victims in the community.

The Mission Crime Victims program was implemented in 2002 in order to further educate residents.

“We’re here to be that support [for them] at all times,” Dominguez said.

“The most important part of the program is trying to get that information out to the public that we serve. As we started providing that infor-

mation to our community, our criminal investigation bureau saw a lot of cases coming in from victims, and they started coming forward and asking for assistance.”

Following the vigil families gathered as Amber Nicole Cabrera sang in their loved ones’ honor. The families held white carnations and each other, as a dove was released in memory of their victims’.

“I know this is very difficult for you all,” Crime Victim Liaison Macias said. “It’s really hard, but if we don’t have these types of events, how can we come together and celebrate the memory of your loved ones and not forget what happened to them?

It’s important not to forget.”

Benefit concert to be held for Trooper Moises Sanchez

By Jamie Treviño Following the harrowing incident that left Trooper Sanchez in critical condition on Saturday, April 6, local companies, organizations and the public across the RGV are coming together once again to raise funds for him and his family.

Tomorrow, April 20, a benefit concert (STXSD Music Festival) for Department of Public Safety Trooper Moises Sanchez will be held at 5x5 Brewing Company, located at 801 N. Bryan Rd. in Mission. All funds raised at the event, including donations, proceeds from concessions, food trucks, beer and auctions will go directly to Sanchez and his family.

While responding to a car crash in McAllen on April 6, Sanchez was allegedly shot in the head and shoulder by Victor Alejandro Godinez of Edinburg, who fled the scene but was taken by Edinburg Police early the next morn-

ing. Sanchez is currently stable, but in critical condition.

The STXSD Music Festival is free to attend, but a suggested $10 donation can be given at the door, along with other private donations.

According to the event page on Facebook, representation from a 501c3 will be present to assist and receipt donors with the appropriate paperwork.

Cities have banded together in support of Sanchez, and the concert will be sponsored by L&F Distributors (McAllen), the city of Mission, A&I Productions Sound & Lighting, Tehuacan Mineral Water and Lone Star National Bank. Bands performing at the benefit include Mars Overdrive with Charlie Garcia, Spikes on the Road, Solitaire, Wreckless Texas, Buck ‘n Crazy, Midnight Run, Drew and the Dancehall Dreamers and Draft.

Sean Downey, the general manager and a co-owner of 5x5 Brewing Co., spoke at

the last Mission city council meeting about the concert and said that while it was put together quickly, they would appreciate if the city would understand.

“We were approached by the Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association to host a benefit concert at our location,” Downey said. “It’s just for the seriousness of the issue for the family and the medical bills.”

Downey added that several volunteer organizations have stepped forward in order to support Sanchez and his family during the event.

“The community has really come behind it [the cause],” Downey said.

“We’re veteran-owned and operated, and we support all uniformed individuals.”

The benefit concert will begin at 5x5 Brewing Co. tomorrow, April 20 at 2 p.m. and will go until 12 a.m.

April 19, 2019

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Councilman Ruben De Leon, Mayor Pro-Tem Robert A. Salinas, Councilwoman Ofelia Peña-Perez, Mayor Ramiro J. Rodriguez, Councilman Jaime Aranda, Councilman Israel Silva

Mr. Gary Hobbs

Jose Angel Villarreal

Councilman Israel Silva, Councilman James Aranda, Mayor Dr. Armando O’Caña, Councilman Ruben De Leon

Councilman Israel Silva, Mrs. Lupita Silva & Mr. Servando Silva

City Attorney Darrell Davis, Owner of Bingo Ranch Nigel Carter

Mr. Lupe Garcia, Officer David Mireles, Mr. Richard Garcia

Mrs. Mary De Leon, Councilman Ruben De Leon, Rebecca De Leon

City Manager Lori A. Lopez, Sharyland Water Supply General Manager Sherilyn Dahlberg

Mrs. Mary De Leon, Rebecca De Leon, City Manager Lori A. Lopez, General Manager Sherilyn Dahlberg, Mrs. Elda Rodriguez, Mrs. Beatriz Aranda, Councilwoman Ofelia PeñaPerez, Mrs. Letty Salinas, Mrs. Amy Vela

Constable Larry Gallardo, Marissa Flores, Mrs. Melissa Peña & Judge JJ Peña, Mrs. Francelli Gallardo, Mrs. Sergio Muñoz & Mrs. Maria Elena Muñoz

Judge JJ Peña & Mrs. Melissa Peña, Mrs. Estella Flores & Mr. Mike Flores

Leroy Cadena, Edna Peña, Vasquez Family, Ms. Margarita Vasquez

Lupe Garcia, Gino Cruz, Richard Garcia, Officer David Mireles, Chief Michael A. Vela, Darrell Davis, Lori A. Lopez, Adriana Castro, Delia Diaz, Annette Zavala, Noelia Ramon

Mr. & Mrs. Jose “Pepe” Garcia

page 4

3 politicians, 1 businessman plead not guilty in Weslaco water treatment plant bribery case

By Dave Hendricks A businessman and three Rio Grande Valley politicians indicted in the Weslaco water treatment plant bribery scandal pleaded not guilty Thursday.

Businessman Ricardo “Rick” Quintanilla, 51, of Weslaco, former Hidalgo County Precinct 1 Commissioner Arturo “A.C.” Cuellar Jr., 65, of Progreso Lakes, former Weslaco City Commissioner John F. Cuellar, 56, of Weslaco and Rio Grande City school board Trustee Daniel J. Garcia, 40, of Rio Grande City pleaded not guilty to bribery, money laundering and wire fraud charges Thursday afternoon.

They participated in a scheme to steer more than $50 million worth of infrastructure contracts — including the Weslaco water treatment plant, which saddled residents with huge water bills — to specific engineers, according to the indictment.

In exchange for the contracts, the engineers paid more than $4 million in bribes.

FBI agents and the Criminal Investigation division of the IRS spent years investigating the bribery scheme.

“The investigative reports and documents collected in the course of the investigation total more than 100,000 pages,” according to a mo-

April 19, 2019

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tion filed Wednesday. “The documentary evidence is comprised of reports of interviews, complicated bank transactions, records of the Weslaco City Commission, and complex construction contract files. There are also more than 120 recordings of the defendants and other witnesses, totaling hundreds of hours of audio.”

Two politicians pleaded guilty and may cooperate with prosecutors.

Leonel Lopez Jr., 52, of Rio Grande City — who served as Rio Grande City municipal judge and worked for state Rep. Ryan Guillen — pleaded guilty to federal program bribery on March 22. Two weeks later, Weslaco City Commissioner Gerardo “Jerry” Tafolla, 52, of Weslaco pleaded guilty to the same charge.

After he pleaded guilty, Tafolla resigned from the City Commission.

“Although, I am not proud of my actions, I am not ashamed of the progress and accomplishments that you (the citizens of Weslaco) and I as your city commissioner have brought to the City of Weslaco in the past nine and a half years,” Tafolla wrote, according to a copy of the resignation letter released under the Texas Public Information Act. “Do not let my actions affect the growth of

this great City of Weslaco and keep demanding more from your city commissioners.”

Neither the indictment nor the number of pages collected by the government is evidence of guilt, said attorney Carlos A. Garcia of Mission, who represents A.C. Cuellar.

“The fact that you have volumes of paper does not equate guilt in any sense,” Carlos A. Garcia said. “And it’s our position, and it always will be, that the facts, once they’re borne out in front of a jury, are going to show that any payments that were made between Mr. Cuellar and John Cuellar, and from Mr. Lopez to A.C. Cuellar were not for illegal purposes.”

To secure convictions, prosecutors must prove a conspiracy to steer contracts and corruptly influence the Weslaco water treatment plant project.

“There was no agreement for Mr. John Cuellar to act on behalf of anyone or vote in a certain way,” Carlos A. Garcia said. “It’s the government’s burden to prove otherwise. And they’re going to rest their case on two people that are convicted felons and have every incentive to make up whatever story the government wants to hear.”

from pg. 1

INVESTIGATED

accused of accepting bribes from an attorney. Al Alvarez briefly represented Delgado, who pleaded not guilty.

“First of all, there is no conflict with my representation of Mr. Luyten in this case with the case involving Judge Rudy Delgado,” Al Alvarez said at the Jan. 7 hearing. “Absolutely none.

Unrelated in time and in space.”

In an interview, Al Alvarez said any suggestion that he’s under federal investigation is incorrect.

“I am not the target of an investigation,” Al Alvarez said. “I don’t have anything to do with any of that bribery that they’re talking about.”

What prompted the judges to start warning defendants about Al Alvarez remains unclear.

Prosecutors filed key documents under seal. Judges addressed the situation during bench conferences.

And letters that Al Alvarez’s clients wrote to judges about the situation were sealed or stricken from the court record.

The Progress Times reviewed all federal cases Al Alvarez handled from January 2016 to April 2019 and requested hours of audio recordings. Taken together, the documents leave little doubt that federal judges started treating Al Alvarez differently last year.

Prosecutors sent a letter to Al Alvarez on Feb. 15, 2018, apparently informing him about the inquiry. Prosecutors sent another letter on March 20, 2018, which apparently addressed the same situation.

U.S. District Judge Ricardo Hinojosa discussed both letters during a hearing on April 5, 2018.

Al Alvarez said the second letter “mooted out” the first letter. Hinojosa disagreed.

“It’s clear to me that the situation that was mentioned in the first letter as a potential issue is still in the second letter,” Hinojosa said. “And so as far as that, that continues to be an issue that I have to raise with any client that you may have in my court and make sure that they’re aware of it.”

Neither Al Alvarez nor attorney Heriberto “Eddie” Medrano of Harlingen, who represents him, would provide the Progress Times with the letters.

Medrano said that Al Alvarez received a subpoena in the Delgado case but isn’t under investigation.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Houston, which is handling the case against Delgado, didn’t respond to questions about Al Alvarez.

Hinojosa mentioned the letters in April 2018, when Al Alvarez represented a client named Jose de Jesus Martinez.

“Mr. Martinez. We had a hearing in your case with regards to whether you wanted to continue with Mr. Al Alvarez as your lawyer, knowing full well the disclosures that have been made to you with regards to letters that have been sent to him,” Hinojosa said on April 13, 2018, according to an audio recording of the hearing. “Two letters.

Have you had an opportunity to review those?”

Al Alvarez voluntarily withdrew from the case before Martinez made a decision.

At least two other clients dropped Al Alvarez after judges warned them about the potential conflict of interest, according to court records.

In one instance, confusion emerged about whether or not a man named Raul Villegas Villanueva wanted Al Alvarez to represent him.

Al Alvarez said his client wanted to proceed. Hinojosa, who had received a letter from Villegas Villanueva, said he wasn’t convinced. He read the letter aloud.

“I want to remove attorney Al Alvarez from my case,” Hinojosa said, reading from the letter, according to an audio recording of the hearing. “And also for attorney Al Alvarez to pay me back in full amount the money that my family has given him. I do believe it’s not my fault for what happened and I was not aware of his situation.”

Hinojosa called the Office of the Federal Public Defender, which provided Villegas Villanueva with legal advice. After meeting with a public defender, Villegas Villanueva requested a different attorney.

Perhaps the most detailed public discussion of the situation occurred Jan. 7, when Luyten, the 81-year-old pilot, appeared before Judge Alvarez.

“As I understand it from the government, the issue

we’ve dealt with on-and-off for some time now regarding Mr. Alvarez is still an issue, correct?” Judge Alvarez said, according to an audio recording of the hearing.

Informed the situation remained an “open issue,” Judge Alvarez walked Luyten through the potential conflict of interest.

“Mr. Alvarez, as I understand it — and, again, every time I go through this somebody corrects me on something — but as I understand it, Mr. Alvarez, your attorney here, is himself — I don’t know if ‘the subject’ is the proper term — but basically in some regard is part of an investigation that the government is pursuing related to criminal activity,” Judge Alvarez said. “Now, I’m not saying that your lawyer has committed a crime. And I have no idea, again, about the details of the investigation, but obviously if a lawyer is the subject of an investigation where the government is pursuing some investigation about criminal activity, and a lawyer is one of the people being investigated, that could put that lawyer in a conflict-of-interest situation with his client. So, first of all, Mr. Luyten, do you understand what I’ve just told you: that is, that your attorney is at least part of an investigation being conducted by the government regarding criminal activity?”

Luyten said he understood, but he couldn’t explain why the situation posed a potential conflict of interest. Judge Alvarez provided an example.

“In a situation where the attorney is the subject of the investigation, conceivably, possibly, at some point in time, if the attorney was going to be charged or if there was information that he had engaged in criminal activity, the attorney, to help himself, might say ‘Hey, I have information about other criminal activity. I’m willing to cooperate with you, government, to help myself in this situation,’” Judge Alvarez said. “So that’s why in any one of these cases where Mr. Alvarez is representing a defendant, I’m letting the defendant know that he is, as I said, the subject of or involved in an investigation.”

Sentencing is scheduled for Thursday. Al Alvarez remains his attorney.

April 19, 2019

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WalletHub study calls McAllen, Mission and Edinburg the “fattest cities in America” woods, we’re mostly in Dallas and Fort Worth,” Trotter said. “We’ve had some of our guys at Dallas/Fort Worth wanting to expand, and they’ve pretty much run out of space in those markets.”

Through their assessment of Hidalgo County, McAllen, San Juan, Pharr and Mercedes would be some of the best locations for the first expansion of Workout Anytime in the area. They hope to open two locations near grocery stores within the end of year.

“We want to provide our members with a great environment and a clean place to work out, and convenience,” Trotter said. “We’re looking at locations all over your county.”

Workout Anytime also offers tanning, hydro massages and personal training. They’ve also started a “hometown hero” program, and potential owners of a Workout Anytime who qualify in the area will receive a $10,000 franchise fee discount.

“With our memberships, it does open it up to more of the population because of the affordability,” Trotter said. “When we have someone that does want to go into business with us, we will ab-

solutely help them find real estate, help them negotiate a lease, get them really good training here at our Atlanta office, help them open their own business and hopefully help out the community.”

A list of programs and contact for the Hidalgo County Health Department can be found at this address: https://www.hidalgocounty. us/1032/Health-and-HumanServices.

PT

progresstimes

progresstimes

12 new facilities across the area in the next three to four years.

“We look for what we call the underserved market,” Workout Anytime Senior VP of Development Randy Trotter said. “We offer a high-value, low-price gym.”

Trotter said the basic plan at Workout Anytime ($19 per month) is more ideal for people who want access to a gym but don’t want to shell out a lot of money to get it.

“They don’t want to pay a lot of money to work out, and they don’t want to pay a lot of money for amenities they don’t use, such as swimming pools and racquetball courts, and juice bars and all kinds of stuff,” Trotter said. “It’s a month-to-month contract.”

Trotter added that longterm contracts are usually a deterrent for people getting gym memberships, so the month-by-month contract allows people to discontinue use at any time. The basic contract gets a person into any Workout Anytime gym in the country, at 175 locations so far.

“In your neck of the

progresstimes

Statistically, the United States has one of the largest obese populations in the world, and Workout Anytime is hoping to make healthy living more accessible.

WalletHub, an online financial advisor, recently conducted a study in order to analyze how obesity-related medical costs are rising in the country.

Gathering data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, County Health Rankings, United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service, Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative, Gallup-Sharecare, Trust for America’s Health and WalletHub research, the study was conducted by comparing “100 of the most populated U.S. metro areas across 19 key indicators of weight-related problems.”

In this study, the Hidalgo County area, specifically Edinburg, McAllen and Mission, were ranked as the

fattest cities in the country.

It cites the availability of fast food and cheap but unhealthy grocery alternatives as a couple of factors working against the health of the area.

McAllen, Mission and Edinburg have the highest percentage of obese and physically inactive adults, and the third-highest percentage of diabetic adults in the nation according to WalletHub. Hidalgo County has taken measures to address these issues.

Several programs, funded by the county, state and federal levels, are currently available at the Hidalgo County Health Department for those seeking help with improving their health. The issues stemming from high obesity rates have been targeted by the department for years.

After the discovery of the study by WalletHub Workout Anytime, a gym franchise that aims to provide a 24hour seven-day-a-week fitness concept, has set a goal to keep the county’s “future wellness in mind” and open

progresstimes

By Jamie Treviño

For the latest news and updates

page 6

April 19, 2019

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EVENTS

CALENDAR April 19 – A Patriot Day program will be held at the Veterans War Memorial of Texas in McAllen at 10 a.m.

This date marks the day the first battle of the Revolutionary War was fought between the colonists and British forces. This will be a program suitable for the entire family, featuring elementary school student Patriot re-enactors.

For further information, call Frank Plummer at 956-6312511 or 956-687-4720 or Jan Hartzog at 956-605-3486.

April 19-21 – The public is invited to “hop” on over to the Gladys Porter Zoo’s annual Bunny Corral and Easter Bazaar. The Bunny Corral is open April 20-21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. where bunnies will be available to

pet and docents will answer questions. The Easter Bazaar runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 19-21 in the special events building where vendors will sell their Easter crafts. All activities are included in the admission. For more information call 956546-7187. The zoo is at 500 Ringgold St. in Brownsville.

April 20 – The next Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center toddler play date for children ages 18 months to four years old will be “Nature’s Colors” and held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by optional free play. The fee per toddler is $2 (with one free guardian).

Additional visiting family members must pay regular EWBC admission.

Registration is required. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. For more information or to register, call 956-381-9922 or visit edinburgwbc.org.

April 20 – At the next Gladys Porter Zoo Saturday Safari, “Measuring Up,” children will help zookeepers record the weights and lengths of some of the GPZ animals.

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. The zoo is at 500 Ringgold St. in Brownsville.

April 21 – From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold St. in Brownsville, visitors can watch animals search for Easter

eggs hidden by zookeepers around the animals’ exhibits for Animal Play Day. Animal enrichment provides novel food and play items to stimulate and entertain zoo inhabitants. For more information, visit www.gpz.org or call 956-546-7187.

April 27 – Beginning at 1 p.m., Texas Southmost College (TSC) students enrolled in the Teacher Education program will host a “Children’s Play Day” at the Gladys Porter Zoo in honor of the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Week of the Young Child™ will set up about 40 different play stations around the grounds.

The event is included in the admission. The zoo is located at 500 Ringgold St., Brownsville.

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

FREE !

T N E V E

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

BETWEEN THE BOOKENDS

By William Renner The public is invited to join the staff at Speer Memorial Library in Mission on Tuesday, May 14, for a discussion of Before We Were Yours to take place in the library’s Community Room at 5:30 p.m. in Spanish and at 6:30 p.m. in English. Speer Memorial is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission In 1939, an impoverished family lives on a Mississippi River shantyboat in Memphis. One night, when the mother is about to give birth and develops complications, the father rushes her to a hospital, leaving 12-year-old Rill to care for her younger siblings.

While the parents are at the hospital, policemen come and take the children to an orphanage. At first, the children expect to be taken to their parents, but they soon realize that they may never see their mother and father again.

In 2016, in Aiken, S.C., young federal prosecutor Avery Stafford has returned to her home state to help her father, Senator Wells Stafford, who is being treated

for cancer and is running for re-election.

Accompanying her father to a political event at a local nursing home, Avery has a chance encounter with an elderly woman who insists that Avery is someone named Fern, and that she knows Avery’s grandmother. Curious, Avery looks into her grandmother’s past and, finding some ambigous leads, decides to investigate.

Written by Lisa Wingate, and first published in 2017, Before We Were Yours is a historical novel based on the almost unbelievable but true story of an adoption organization in Memphis that kidnapped children from poor families and sold them to wealthy ones. Although most birth families never learned the fate of their missing children, some families were reunited after many years.

Copies of the book available for check out to those who sign up for the book discussion. Stop by the library, call at 580-8754 or email reference@missiontexas.us to secure a copy. The title is also available as an eBook and eAudiobook at hidalgocotx.oneclickdigital.com.

Nature EGG-Stravaganza at Quinta Mazatlán McALLEN – Families can hop over to Quinta Mazatlán’s Nature EGG-Stravaganza on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a variety of nature educational activities for all ages.

The event features a variety of live animals from Phil’s Petting Zoo, Animal Contacto, live reptiles and insects and baby chicks.

Scouts and youth are encouraged to participate in the nature scavenger hunt to learn about the different kinds of eggs that creatures nest at Quinta Mazatlan.

Under the oak tree tod-

dlers can view of Quinta’ colors under the wind, enjoy a parachute game, living the life of a caterpillar in a tunnel and more. Check out the show times for the children’s play “Are you My Mother.”

For ease of check-in, organizers recommend bringing cash for park entry and to purchase items from the food trucks on site. Also, to bring baskets to win egg prizes at the different activities.

Admission is $5 and free for children age 2 and under.

For more information, call 956-681-3370 or visit quintamazatlan.com.

Families can join in a wide variety of activities at Quinta Mazatlán’s Nature EGG-Stravaganza on Saturday April 20, from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be a live petting zoo, hands-on activities and over 5,000 egg prizes.

MHM to host whooping crane program

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Join the staff at the Mission Historical Museum (MHM) as they host Wayne Williams presenting a lecture on “A Brief History of Whooping Cranes” this Saturday, April 20, at 11 a.m. at the museum. Admission is free to the public. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

Williams, the TexNEP program director, will discuss the history of whooping cranes in North America, the causes of their near extinction, conservation efforts to restore the species

to their current numbers and the ongoing management.

Video and recent images of Whooping Cranes from the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge will all be a part of the evening.

Williams, a member of TexNEP for a number of years, photographs birds and wildlife of all kinds in Texas, the Pacific Northwest and the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia.

For more information, call MHM at 956-580- 8646.

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April 19, 2019

page 7

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com and currently is celebrated in the Rio Grande Valley” and what it was like growing up during the 1960s and 1970s as a Mexican-American amidst discriminatory undertones. She will be available after the presentation to sign her book, which can be purchased at the Museum Store.

The event will end with a cascarón hunt in the museum’s Gran Paseo at 1:30 p.m., outside the Grand Entrance. Sodas, lemonade, water and bags of chips will be sold by Girl Scout Troop #391 to raise money for the museum’s Education Department.

Aside from the free admission for those who arrive early, the event is included in regular museum admission: $8, adults; $6 seniors and students; $5 for children; and free for children ages 3 and younger.

Call MOSTHistory is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd. Call 956-383-6911 for information.

PHARR –Pharr Community Theater’s newest play, Estoy en el Rincón, prompts many to sing a famous Mexican song by Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Tu Recuerdo y Yo. In the opening scene the character Narrator-Calavera, performed by Marco Morales, belts out the tune as he introduces other characters in the story and serves as the lingering, narrator helping unfold the tale accompanied by a guitar and numerous Jimenez songs.

With a cast of nine local actors, Estoy en el Rincón plays at Pharr Community Theater, 213 W. Newcombe Ave., from April 25 through May 5, Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.

Three generations of the Manzanares family from Albuquerque, N.M., where the story is set, have a long history of dealing with alcoholism and substance abuse.

The family patriarch Eddie, played by Mario Leal from Mission, never had good luck, growing up in poverty and in a society and era he believes will not support his kind. His solution is to turn to heavy drinking that ultimately provokes domestic abuse.

His wife, Beatrice, played

by Ruby Garcia, prays daily for him to change his ways, but once his oldest son dies in a car crash to consequences of drinking, his habit worsens. His younger children, especially Flaco, played by

UTRGV graduate Danilo Zepeda, are taking after him.

Tragedy after tragedy occurs, prompting the questions: Is there any hope? Is there a glimpse of a new beginning, or will death do its part again before time time runs out?

The show is bilingual although predominately in English, and equivalent to a PG-13 movie for brief, harsh, language, situations and violence.

Tickets are $8 for students, veterans and senior citizens and $10 general admission. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling 956-239-0412 and will be sold at the door starting one hour before curtain.

MCALLEN – An exhibit of colorful Mexican and Latin American folk art will open at the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) this Saturday, April 20. IMAS is located at 1900 Nolana Ave. The Mexican and Latin American Folk Art gallery will feature pottery – including Talavera and Mata Ortiz pottery – masks, paper arts and papier-mâché, Oaxacan ceramics, Wixárika yarn paintings, textiles, and Gua-

temalan weavings.

Folk art is about one-of-akind hand-made objects, produced on a relatively small scale. The objects produced are infinitely varied and reflect the creative imagination of the individual maker.

While pieces may closely resemble each other, few are ever alike, as artists add their own unique touches to each piece.

Folk art is a vibrant industry in Mexico and Latin

America. With the growth of the travel industry, crafts have become an important source of income for the country, especially as the rural population becomes economically marginalized. The relatively simple technology and low capitalization needed for craft production encourages its development as an alternative source of employment.

Call 956-681-2800 for information.

‘Estoy en el Rincón’ to play at PCT

Folk art exhibit opens at IMAS tomorrow

Film about border barrier screens on Earth Day McALLEN – The public is invited to participate in the first community screening of Ay Mariposa, a new film that portrays life on the border and potential threats of completing the border barrier. Join film director, Krista Schlyer, on Earth Day, this Monday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m. at Cine el Rey in McAllen for the free, first screening.

Ay Mariposa tells a story of three subjects in the Rio Grande Valley whose lives may be affected by the potential impact of the US-Mexico border barrier. They include

Zulema Hernandez, a Mexican immigrant and migrant farmworker; Marianna Trevino Wright, director of the National Butterfly Center; and the butterflies, whose habitat lies directly in the path of the barrier.

Ay Mariposa is a collaboration between three storytellers – Jenny Nichols, Morgan Heim and Krista Schlyer – who have followed the events unfolding in South Texas since President Donald Trump vowed to complete the border barrier that has been under intermittent construction since the 1990s.

Schlyer, the film’s director and author of the 2012 book Continental Divide: Wildlife, People and the Border Wall, has documented the rise of walls on the United States’ border for the past decade.

Doors will open at 6 p.m.

Popcorn will be available at no charge and the bar will be open for beverage purchases.

Organizers recommend arriving early for seating and downtown parking, which is free starting at 6 p.m.

The film screening will be followed by a pa

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There will be a book presentation featuring UTRGV’s Book Buzz at 11 a.m. in the Courtyard Gallery. Book Buzz’s objective is to promote literacy across the Rio Grande Valley by organizing book donations and volunteering within the community.

While the decorated eggs are drying, visitors can attend a presentation by Sylvia Sanchez Garza about her first novel, Cascarones at 12:30 p.m. From her website, Garza explains the novel is a young adult coming-of-age story and “revolves around a Mexican American family living in the Rio Grande Valley. The main character, Suzy, as well as her family and friends are enriched by rich traditions and culture of the region, shaping who she becomes. The narrative shifts from present to the past to connect readers with cultural traditions that changed through the years.

It exposes how Easter was

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EDINBURG – If time has run out to decorate Easter eggs, there is still time to participate in the Museum of South Texas History’s (MOSTHistory) ¡Cascarón! event to be held at the museum tomorrow, April 20, at 10 a.m. Bring family and friends to decorate cascarones, or egg shells, with decorating materials provided by the museum. Guests are encouraged to bring their own baskets.

Museum admission is free from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and early arrival is encouraged.

Starting at 10 a.m., blank and pre-painted cascarones will be available for purchase for $2 per dozen, while supplies last. Organizers recommend bringing cash for the purchase.

Stations will be set up in the MOSTHistory Grand Lobby, behind the stairs, for families to paint their blank egg shells. All supplies will be provided with the purchase of blank egg shells.

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April 19, 2019

THE

page 8

Sports week

BIG7 SCHOOLS

Luciano Guerra Sports Editor www.ptrgv.com/sports

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

Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra.

Angel Portillo (So.), Javier Martinez (So.), Kevin Garcia (Fr.), hurdling - Alberto Batres (Jr.), standing - Jose Calvillo (Jr.), kneeling - Fernando Morales (So.), standing - Ernesto Salinas (Sr.) kneeling - Kenneth Gonzalez (So.), hurdling - Luis Rodriguez (Sr.), Luis Flores (Jr.), Adan Torres (So.), Santos Garza (So.).

Not pictured: Jose Marquez (So.), Orlando Perez (Jr.), Israel Monsivais (Jr.)

Huskies lead the pack in 30-6A track

By Luciano Guerra It was a race that came down to the wire, but the Juarez-Lincoln Huskies boys track team emerged victorious last week as they claimed their second 30-6A championship in four years. Their team score of 130 points

was 12 points better than the district runner-ups, McAllen Memorial Mustangs’, score of 118 points. The McAllen High Bulldogs finished in third place with a score of 87 points and the Mission Eagles placed fourth with 85 points. As for the La Joya Coyotes, they placed eighth

with a score of 35 points.

With district championships in six individual events, the Huskies ran, jumped and threw their way to the top of the 30-6A heap and never looked back. It was a day that Huskies’ boys track and field coach Horacio Garza won’t soon forget.

“Up until the 4 x 200 relay, it was very, very close between Memorial, ourselves and Mission,” Garza said. “As the races continued to go towards the mile and mile relay, it started to spread itself out a little bit between ourselves and Memorial.

Memorial did go ahead of us

Big 7 Baseball Playoff Picture Coming Into Focus

By John Hamann Two District 31 – 5A baseball playoff contenders squared off Tuesday night at La Joya Palmview High School with the visiting Rio Grande City Rattlers stopping the Palmview Lobos 14 – 2. Despite the loss Palmview (6 – 5 in district) still controls their own post

season hopes with just a few games remaining in the regular season. The victory helped the RGC Rattlers keep pace with Sharyland High and Sharyland Pioneer for the District’s top spot.

All three have 9 – 2 district records.

Rio Grande City sent all nine batters to the plate in both the first and second

innings to build a seven to nothing lead and was never really threatened. Robbie Ayala’s two out RBI triple in the bottom of the second got the Lobos on the board but four hits in the top of the third plated three more runs for RGC. Palmview got a solo home run from Jonathan Martinez in the bottom of the fourth to account for the final

Progress Times photo by: Mario Magallon.

Palmview Lobos #5, Albino Villarreal goes up to bat versus Rio Grande City Rattlers.

Lobos run before Rio scored three more times in the fifth to end it. The loss halted a three game inning streak for Palmview.

Palmview coach Ricky Garcia lamented the early deficit which he described as “free runs” for the Rattlers that “gave them confidence” the rest of the night. He still, however, remains optimistic about the remainder of the season. “People didn’t expect us to be in this position at the beginning of the season,” said Garcia. That position is currently fourth in the standings with two to play next week against PSJA Southwest. (The Lobos played Rio again last night.)

Mission Veterans is the team giving chase to Palmview for the fourth and final 31 -5A playoff spot. A 14 to nine victory over PSJA Memorial improved their district record to 4 – 7 helping them close the gap with the Lobos and end a five game

See PLAYOFF PICTURE Pg. 11

by a score of 118-110 after the mile. But then we had the mile relay coming up and we were fortunate enough to win it. That earned us 20 points and gave us our 130118 win.”

As Garza explained, the winners of three relay races, the 4 x 100, the 4 x 200 and the 4 x 400, earn 20 points each while the winners of all the other events only earn 10 points. With the 4 x 400, or the mile relay as it is often called, traditionally being the final event of UIL (University Interscholastic League) track meets, it oftentimes comes down to this event to decide the overall team win-

ner.

When asked if his team was expected to win or if they pulled off an upset, Garza said, “We like to attack every race and every meet to try to win, however considering the fact that we have a very young squad and not a lot of kids in our program, we went into this meet hoping to finish somewhere near the top.

But we did some unexpected things with some of our kids that hit some super personal records. We had Ernie Salinas winning the 800m after being ranked fourth or fifth.

We have Kenneth Gonzalez

See JLHS TRACK TEAM Pg. 11

Pet of the Week Molly is a Shepherd mix, believed to be about three years old. She is friendly and great with other dogs. If you would like to make Molly a part of your family, contact the Mission Pawsible Program at 956580-8741, 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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Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

Parker Barrett, a track and football athlete from Sharyland Pioneer High School, recently signed to compete with and study at Incarnate Word University in San Antonio on a track scholarship. A 2-year letterman in both sports, Barrett is the first athlete from Pioneer to sign a track scholarship as a decathlete, and will have the opportunity to participate in ten events at the collegiate level this coming fall. Barrett was surrounded by his family, peers and coaches as he signed with Incarnate Word. “I want to thank my parents and sisters for doing everything for me through my high school years,” Barrett said. “I love my mom, my dad, my sisters all very much, and I thank them for the opportunity to come down here and participate in sports.” Lee mentioned that Barrett transferred to Pioneer two years ago from a small town in East Texas. Barrett thanked his current coaches for motivating him to further his athletic capabilities, and his future coaches at Incarnate Word for the opportunity to continue competing and go to school. According to PHS, Barrett is the best high jumper in District 31-5A and the entire RGV. PHS Athletic Coordinator Thomas Lee spoke highly of Barrett, and noted that his contribution to the program at the school made a great impact. “What he’s done for us this year at Pioneer has been nothing but exceptional,” Lee said. “We’re real excited about what he’s going to bring to the table and what he’s going to do.”

Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

Sharyland High School athletes Mauro Fernandez (center left) and Andres Rubio (center right) each signed a letter of intent to play collegiate level basketball with the University of Valley Forge in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, April 17. The teammates earned several accolades for themselves and SHS, and were present with family, friends and fellow student athletes when they signed. They both thanked God for the opportunity to continue playing basketball at the next level, and their families and coaches for always being there for them. Fernandez is a 4-year starter in varsity basketball, a 4-time all-district honoree, a 3-year All-Area honoree, a 2-time All Valley honoree and a 3-time Academic All-District Award Winner. Rubio is a 1-year letter winner and varsity basketball starter, and was named the District 31-5A Newcomer of the Year in 2019. According to SHS Athletic Coordinator Ron Adame, both athletes also “excelled in the classroom and are great examples of what a student athlete is.” SHS Head Basketball Coach Danny Moran said both Fernandez and Moreno greatly contributed to the success of the SHS basketball program. “Valley Forge is fortunate enough to get two hard working individuals in Mauro and Andy,” Moran said. “These two guys left their mark on our program, and I thank them and their families for just being supportive and doing everything they can to help these boys grow into the young men that they are.”

Mission offering Pickleball sport to residents

By Jose De Leon III

Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.

A group of Pickleball players at the Mission Parks & Rrecreation Center.

As an ambassador for pickleball-a sport that combines ping pong, tennis and badminton, Joyce Mitchell has seen players benefit from the sport. One of her players, for example, received the full use of her arm again after she had been in a car accident.

“Her arm was practically severed off and had to be reattached,” Mitchell recalled.

“Since she essentially had no muscles in her arm she had to hold the arm that was holding the pickleball paddle as she played.”

Despite this impediment, Mitchell remembers that the player, Susan Hillbury, had a lot of fun playing it and was laughing throughout a pickleball game.

“Four months after her accident she began to move her arm again,” Mitchell

said. “Susan’s doctor was amazed at her recovery and even more so when she told the doctor it was because of regularly playing pickleball.

It’s a sport but when you play it, it doesn’t feel like exercise because you’re having so much fun.”

As an ambassador for the sport, Mitchell oversees Pickleball in the cities of Pharr and Mission, the latter of which hosts Pickleball games weekdays in the city’s Parks and Recreation Center.

In the game, groups of people hit a Wiffle ball over a net. Mission residents can enjoy the game in the center’s six pickleball courts Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 am through noon and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. though 4 p.m. yearround.

Now, the Mission Parks and Recreations department is hoping to increase attention in the sport this summer with a camp for kids and a pickleball demonstration for adults this summer.

The program for kids will be held every Tuesday and Thursday mornings beginning June 4 and ending July 15. Kids aged 10 through 15 are invited to attend the six-week program for $20 as they play the sport from 9 a.m. through noon.

The demonstration, set for Saturday, May 4, is free and will introduce residents to the sport that Mitchell says is the fastest growing one in the country.

“As this is a sport that was created in the north, we always have Winter Texans during their season playing this but there aren’t a lot of locals who are aware pickleball exists,” Mitchell said.

“We’re hoping to attract new players with this free demonstration next month where people can learn about the sport and try it out. All you need is a good pair of tennis shoes to play. We’ll provide the paddles.”

Among one of the regular pickleball players in the city is Lillian Palmer, an 83-yearold Mission resident. She was among a dozen senior citizens enjoying a game of pickleball Monday. She said she plays the sport at least four times a week.

“I remember I hated this sport until I started getting good at it,” Palmer said. “After playing it for a while I’ve had my doctors tell me they wish all their patients were like me. It keeps me young and active, what else would I be doing all day? Watching TV?” As a certified personal trainer, Mitchell said the sport offers many benefits, and can be played by all.

“People don’t realize they’re working out as they play and then the next thing you know, they’re moving faster, doing things they weren’t able to do just a couple of months prior to that while laughing and having a good time,” Mitchell said.

“It’s very social, they get to get out and meet people and have lots of fun. With all the obesity and diabetes in the valley, this is something we are promoting as a lifetime sport that can help you stay active with very little investment.”.

For more information on the sport and the demonstration and children’s camp, contact Joyce Mitchell at 683-556-4738.

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page 10

April 19, 2019

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Records: Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office fired deputy for asking 17-year-old girl to undress during ‘welfare check’

By Dave Hendricks

After roughly three years of legal wrangling, the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office released documents last week that reveal why the department fired a deputy.

The Sheriff’s Office fired Deputy Rolando Rodriguez after he asked a 17-year-old girl to undress “so that he could check her for signs of physical abuse,” according to disciplinary records.

Her mother filed a complaint about the incident, which occurred on Dec. 7, 2015. The Sheriff’s Office conducted an internal investigation, fired Rodriguez in March 2016 and asked the FBI to review whether or not

the incident warranted criminal charges.

“What the report states is he forced the 17-year-old to disrobe to check for any signs of physical abuse,” said Chief Deputy Mario Lopez.

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services requested the welfare check.

“I think it was more of a custody deal between her dad and her mom. And she had stayed here. She didn’t report back to Brazoria County,” where her father lived, Lopez said. “They requested us to see if there was any physical abuse and drug abuse.”

When a male deputy is presented with a situation

where he needs to search a woman, the male deputy is required to request assistance from a female deputy.

Rodriguez conducted the search himself.

The Sheriff’s Office accused Rodriguez of poor job performance and unbecoming conduct.

“To me, it was unfair what happened,” said Rodriguez, who added: “I do not agree with the dismissal, to be honest with you.”

Why, exactly, the Sheriff’s Office fired Rodriguez remained a mystery for roughly three years.

A reporter for the Progress Times requested the documents in April 2016, but the Sheriff’s Office request-

ed a decision from the Texas Attorney General’s Office.

Hidalgo County argued the documents contained “graphic information regarding the potential abuse of a child that, through deduction, may identify the minor victim,” according to a letter the District Attorney’s Office submitted to the Attorney General’s Office. The county also argued the documents were part of an “investigation of the possible abuse of a minor.”

When the Attorney General’s Office ruled the records must be released, the Sheriff’s Office filed a lawsuit against the Attorney General’s Office.

“The Sheriff’s Office

would have been required to release the notice of complaint that was filed by the mother of the minor, along with the statement of the mother and the minor,” said Assistant District Attorney Josephine Ramirez Solis, who heads the civil division of the District Attorney’s Office.

Attorneys who reviewed the documents believed that releasing them would run afoul of the Texas Family Code, which protects records about child abuse from public disclosure.

“And so the concern was that if they had followed that ruling, they would have been in violation of the law,” Ramirez Solis said.

In an attempt to keep the records confidential, the District Attorney’s Office filed a lawsuit against the Attorney General’s Office.

After a brief back-andforth between the District Attorney’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office in 2016, the lawsuit started collecting dust.

The District Attorney’s Office reached an agreement with the reporter last week and released Rodriguez’s disciplinary notice, which explained why the Sheriff’s Office fired him. Complaints filed by the mother and daughter will remain confidential.

ference rings, and Jackie is just as hard a worker as her mom,” Lerma said of Howell.

“She is the type of athlete that comes every so often. She has set a school record and has more undefeated titles than other student athletes here.

She will continue this high standard in college. She’s a leader and a hard worker.”

Howell has been a standout athlete and has earned many accolades throughout her athletic career, according to the district. Her recognitions include TWSA 2018 All-State First Team, VYPE 2018 All-State First Team, MaxPreps Player of the Week, 5A All-State Hitting Percentage Leaders, 4 Year Letterman-2-year Captain, 4x Bi-District Champion, 3x

Area Champion, 2016 Defensive Specialist of the Year, 2x MVP of the Year and 3x First Team All-Area Player of the Year. At Tyler Community College, Howell said she plans to study business, and go to a four-year college after completing her studies at Tyler.

“Tyler felt like the place for me,” Howell said. “My mom is my inspiration and she did a similar path in college so I am doing the same thing. I couldn’t have asked for a better high school experience. We have one of the greatest coaches in the valley, are able to compete and come on top, we push each other.

Everyone bleeds blue and I am ready to go to Tyler and bleed yellow.”

VMHS athlete signs with Tyler Community College

By Jose De Leon III

One of Mission Veterans Memorial High School’s finest is trading her patriot blue for Apaches yellow after signing a letter of intent to play volleyball at Tyler Community College.

Senior Jackie Howell signed the letter Monday during a ceremony at her school gym, surrounded by her friends, coaches, and mother, Sonia Trevino, a local chiropractor and former student athlete whose path Howell is following, according to head Volleyball Coach Diana Lerma.

“Her mother was a nationally ranked volleyball player Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III. Jackie Howell (center) surrounded by friends and family as she signs a let- who played at Florida State ter of intent to play volleyball at Tyler Community College Monday, April 15, University and has four con2019.

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April 19, 2019 from pg 8

JLHS TRACK TEAM

who won the 100m dash, our 4 x 200 relay team won their race, we had hurdlers place well in the 110m hurdles and the 300m hurdles and we had Luis Flores who came in second in the 200m race. So we had some really outstanding performances by a lot of the kids and that’s what allowed us to win.”

“Also, everybody came out fired up and focused and did their thing,” added Garza.

“We were able to stay close and once the kids found out how close they were to winning it and with only a few races left, they just kept their foot on the pedal and kept on working. It was awesome to see.”

With the top four finishes in each event advancing to Area, Garza is planning on taking 15 of his boys to Laredo for the Area meet. Twelve will be competing and three will be alternates.

As a back-to-back high jump district champion and as a member of the Huskies’ gold medal winning 4

Notices Baudelia Aguilar MISSION – Baudelia (Aguilar) Aguilar, 80, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at her home.

Alberto Alvarez MISSION – Alberto R. Alvarez, 64, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at McAllen Medical Center.

Maria Barrera PALMVIEW – Maria H. Barrera, 96, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at her home in Palmview Dr. Eduardo Borjon MISSION – Dr. Eduardo Fausto Borjon, 71, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at his home in Mission.

Maria Carrales PEÑITAS – Maria Rita Carrales, 83, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

Matthew Chavero MISSION – Matthew Reyes Chavero, infant, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

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PLAYOFF PICTURE

x 200m and 4 x 400m relay teams, Juarez-Lincoln junior Luis Flores was instrumental in the Huskies’ district title.

When asked how it felt to be part of the district championship team, Flores said, “I was really, really happy. The whole team was jumping up and down, It was great!”

While Flores’ high jump PR (personal record) is 6-foot-4-inches, he took the district championship with a jump of 6-foot-2-inches.

Heading into the Area meet, he is hoping to better his PR by four inches to 6-foot-8inches.

Ernesto Salinas is one of only two seniors on the Huskies’ track team. He placed third in the 400m, he won the 800m and he ran the anchor leg on the first place mile relay team. Despite the fact that he is a senior, this is the first year he has run track for the Huskies.

“I’m on the soccer team so I haven’t been able to run track because the past three years we’ve been in the play-

offs,” Salinas said. “But this year we lost in the first round so here I am. While I’m not happy that we lost so soon in soccer, I am very happy about being able to run in track. Now I want to make my teammates proud,” Sophomore Kenneth Gonzalez was a member of the Huskies’ second place 4 x 100m and the first place 4 x 400m relay teams and he took the district championship in the 100m dash with a PR of 10.97.

When asked what it’s going to take for the Huskies to succeed against the kind of stiff competition they are sure to face at Area, Gonzalez said, “We have to compete as a team and we need to make sure we never give up.

Winning district made me very happy but now we have Area and then Regional. But we’re ready.”

The District 29-30 Area meet was scheduled to take place yesterday at Laredo United High School.

losing streak. Coach Ben Gonzalez said the key to finishing the season would be to play “every inning; every game”. Like the Lobos, the Patriots played again last night (PSJA Memorial) and have two games against Roma next week to finish the regular season.

Much more secure in their post season plans are the Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks and the Sharyland Rattlers. Both entered play last night in a three-way tie for first with Rio Grande.

Tuesday night saw the Diamondbacks blank Roma 13 to 0 to complete their sixth straight victory. (The two played again last night.)

Coach Casey Smith cited his teams “more consistent effort and focus” as one of the keys to their current place in the standings. In addition, Pioneer has a pitching staff that has “given us a chance to win every game. “The Diamondbacks close out the regular season with two games

Edilio De Leon MISSION – Edilio De Leon, 59, passed away on Friday, April 12, 2019, at McAllen Medical Center. Virgil Wilson Mortuary of Mission was in charge of arrangements.

Jessica Garcia MISSION – Jessica Alicia Garcia, 27, passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2019, at Houston Healthcare South East in Houston. Virgil Wilson Mortuary of Mission was in charge of arrangements.

Noe Garcia MISSION – Noe Garcia, 68, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at McAllen Medical Center.

Maria Garcia PALMVIEW – Maria De La Luz “Lucy” Rangel Garcia, 63, passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2019, at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital in Houston.

Gregorio Garza MISSION – Gregorio Garza, 48, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Gerardo Guajardo MISSION – Gerardo Guajardo, 91, passed away on Fri-

day, April 12, 2019, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg.

Hector Lopez MISSION – Hector Oziel Lopez, 70, passed away on Friday, April 5, 2019, at his home in Mission.

Maria Martinez MISSION – Maria Esperanza Martinez, 67, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg.

Socorro Mendoza MISSION – Socorro Herrera Mendoza, 99, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Conrad Prukop MISSION – Conrad W. Prukop Jr., 62, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2019, at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston.

Juan Rodriguez MISSION – Juan Rodriguez, 66, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at Edinburg Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Erica Salinas PALMVIEW – Erica Patricia Salinas, 52, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2019, in Palmview.

Marciana Salinas MISSION – Marciana Salinas, 89, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Edwin Shane MISSION – Edwin H. Shane, 91, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2019, at McAllen Medical Center.

Jose Torres Sr. MISSION – Jose Luis Torres Sr., 69, passed away on Friday, April 12, 2019, at his home.

Ernestina Treviño MISSION – Ernestina Treviño, 59, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2019, at Pax Villa Hospice in McAllen.

Melecia Treviño MISSION – Melecia Villarreal Treviño, 92, passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2019, at her home in Mission.

Robert Wicks MISSION – Robert H. “Bob” Wicks, 93, passed away on Friday, April 12, 2019, at McAllen Medical Center.

against Rio next week.

Sharyland High has stayed in the race for first with their own six game winning streak after defeating PSJA Southwest 8 -0 on Tuesday. The Rattlers played last night (PSJA Southwest) and close out the regular season playing PSJA Memorial twice next week.

District 30 – 6A Things are much tighter in the District 30 – 6A playoff picture for Big 7 schools La Joya and Mission. A 6-4 loss on Tuesday to PSJA North dropped the Coyotes to 7 – 5 in district and out of a third place tie with the Raiders.

The loss reduced their cushion for the fourth and final playoff spot to just one game over Mission (6 – 6). Both teams were scheduled to play last night and conclude the regular season next Tuesday.

La Joya coach Mario Flores credits three freshman starters that have “played like veterans” and “treating every game the past two

weeks like a play- off game” as the reasons for staying in the hunt to make the post season. The Tuesday loss ended a three game winning streak. The Coyotes were scheduled to play McAllen Rowe last night and, in what could be a game for a playoff spot, close out their regular season hosting Mission next Tuesday.

Mission High extended their own winning streak to three with an 8-4 victory over McAllen Rowe on Tuesday.

They were scheduled to play PSJA last night and close out their regular season next Tuesday at La Joya.

While no longer in contention the La Joya Juarez – Lincoln Huskies got a Tuesday night victory over McAllen Memorial by a score of 11-4. Coach Chuck Garza hopes to end the season by seeing his team “continue to learn”. He is excited about the prospects of bringing back most of his team for next season.

page 12

April 19, 2019

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

CITY OF

MISSION The City of Mission has

The Citylarge of Mission has placed containers at placed large containers the following locations forat thethe following public tolocations throw awayfor the any public to throw away large bulky items any large bulky items I.E. I.E. mattresses mattresses and furniture and furniture (no tires & no refrigerators (no tires and no because of the freon) refrigerators because FREE to the citizens of the freon) NO CONTRACTORS!!

tical. Vigil, however, confessed to everything.

“Mr. Vigil advised that he had hired the Lyft from his mother’s credit card and use (sic) his sister’s cellphone Lyft app to request the transport,” according to the criminal complaint against him.

“Mr. Vigil also advised that the Lyft driver had nothing to do with the smuggling.”

When the Lyft reached Los Ebanos, the driver stopped at a house. Two men jumped in the back seat with Vigil, who claimed they were his cousins.

“I’m not lying to you,” the Lyft driver said. “I swear to God.” Officers admonished him to pay more attention when

from pg. 1

Free to Citizens NO CONTRACTORS!!

Jaycee Park - Los Ebanos Rd. & Barnes St. Birdwell Park - Stewart Rd. & 24th Starting April 5, 2019 through May 5, 2019 a total of 9 roll-off City Warehouse - 609 Canal containers will be placed at the locations below: Water Tower Entrance - N Lucksinger & Buslisted 83 South of Fire Substation - 2 1/2 Mile & Inspiration Toll ParkConway - South Parking Area • Melba Carter Nell between & Mayberry at drain ditch Francisco St. & 2 Mile Line North of Drain Ditch • JC Park – Los Ebanos & Barnes Los Indios & Beatty St.-&Madero - atSWater Tower • Old Parks Rec –Park 609 Canal Melba• Center Between Conway & Mayberry at Drain Ditch Nell Tolle Park – South Parking Area

• Los Indios & Beatty St at Water Tower R.O.W. (Containers Available thru May 2nd) • Birdwell Park – 24th & Stewart For more information • N. Lucksinger & Bus 83 – Water Tower Entrance contact the CityofofFire Mission • 2 ½ mile & Inspiration (South Station) • Francisco St & 2 Mile Line North of drain ditch

956-580-8780

For more information please contact the City of Mission Public Works Department at 956-580-8780.

LYFT SMUGGLER picking people up, especially in Los Ebanos.

“OK, first of all, didn’t it seem kind of off to you that they’re wet from the clothes?” Rodriguez said.

“That they’re muddy from the shoes. Anything like that?”

The Lyft driver said he didn’t notice. He promised to pay more attention.

“My suggestion to you, man, is if you’re going to be doing this Lyft, at least be mindful of who you’re going to pick up” Rodriguez said.

Sullivan City called Border Patrol, which dispatched agents to detain the migrants.

Municipal Court records identify both migrants as citizens of Guatemala.

Border Patrol agents were similarly skeptical but eventually accepted the story. An agent asked to see the driver’s Lyft decals, which he provided.

“This is called a ‘new techniques, tactics and procedures,’” said a Border Patrol agent who responded to the incident. “By the end of the day, intel is going to say they ‘just discovered’ a new technique, tactic or procedure.”

Vigil is charged with smuggling of persons, a third-degree felony. He couldn’t be reached for comment at the phone number listed on Hidalgo County jail records.

back to the local economy.

“What has helped is that we have a market day every 1st [Saturday] of the month,” Hernandez said. “And a lot of these vendors are the ones that come to our event once a month.”

Garcia said that councilwoman Linda Sarabia coined the name of the event the Palmview “CommUNITY” Festival to stress the importance of celebrating each other.

“It’s so we can unify the community,” Garcia said.

“It’s a lot of work and a lot of planning, but we’ve got great staff.”

Councilman Javier Ramirez explained that their ultimate goal is to bring everyone in the community together, not just Palmview.

“We just want to give

something to the community, so they can come by and enjoy a nice day like today,” Ramirez said. “These are events that promote our city and our chamber, and invites a lot of local business that want to advertise.”

The festival included several live performances from local and out of town musicians and bands, carnival rides, local vendors selling food and other wares, a car show, children’s performances and a cook-off.

“Our goal is to make the best quality of life and atmosphere here in the city of Palmview,” Ramirez said.

“It looks like it’s getting bigger every year, so it brings a sense of pride here in our city.”

PALMVIEW FESTIVAL

with local vendors made the event easier to put together.

“This is our first major event of the year, and it’s exciting to see everyone come together,” Leo said, adding that the city, chamber of commerce and Palmview Municipal Development District contributed to this event, which was coordinated by the city’s events committee that includes members of the public. “A lot of planning and a lot of effort went into what we’re seeing today.”

Palmview Municipal Court Judge Noe Hernandez and Palmview Chamber of Commerce President Diana Garcia noted that events like these not only encourage people to explore the city, but allow for local business to flourish and contribute

Celebrate Easter Here’s hoping your Easter holiday is filled with wonderful moments.

May you enjoy all of His blessings in abundance at this holy time of year.

LOCATIONS IN

1201 E. 8th St. (956) 580-8650 www.missiontexas.us

LA JOYA • PALMVIEW

Dr. Armando Ocaña MAYOR

Norie Garza MAYOR PRO-TEM

Jessica Ortega-Ochoa COUNCILWOMAN

Ruben Plata COUNCILMAN

Gus Martinez COUNCILMAN

Randy Perez CITY MANAGER

(956) 585-6207 www.lajoyafcu.com

Insured by NCUA. Equal housing lender.

Jose A. “Fito” Salinas Mayor Mary Salinas Mayor Pro-Tem

Ramiro J. Rodrigurez, Jr. Roberto A. Salinas Mayor Mayor Pro-Tem

Jaime Aranda Councilman

Maria E. “Geny” Salinas Rey Acosta Commissioner Commissioner Anna Lisa Ruiz Commissioner

Julianita Sabala Mike Alaniz Michael Pruneda City Administrator City Attorney Administrative Secretary

Ruben De Leon Councilman

Israel Silva Councilman

Ofelia Peña-Perez Councilwoman

www.cityofpalmhursttx.com

facebook.com/ cityofpenitas www.cityofpalmview.com

Ricardo Villarreal Mayor

Joel Garcia Mayor Pro Tem

Javier Ramirez Councilman

Jose Luis Perez Councilman

Michael Leo - City Manager

Linda Sarabia Councilwoman

Anthony Uresti Councilman

MAYOR PRO-TEM

COUNCILMAN

ALEX GUAJARDO JOSE ROEL FLORES

MAYOR

RIGO LOPEZ

COUNCILMAN

COUNCILMAN

FELIPE QUINTANILLA RAMIRO LOYA

April 19, 2019 from pg. 1

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MISSION HOUSING

“I bought a truck from the state. And they sell to the public. And when I brought it over, the staff — my maintenance staff — started saying ‘Hey, we like the truck. We want the truck. Can we buy it from you?’” Gonzalez said.

“I said ‘That’s fine, if the board says it’s OK.’ Took it before the board. And I told the board ‘I do not want to earn one single penny in the transaction.’ So I sold it for exactly how much I had invested in it. Which was $8,000 that I paid for it, to the state, and the sales tax, registering plates and whatever.”

Special Agent Walter Zapata of San Antonio apparently requested the subpoena.

Zapata, who works for the Office of Inspector General, handled the investigation that sent former La Joya Housing Authority Executive Director Juan Jose “J.J.” Garza to federal prison.

As a matter of policy, the Office of Inspector General doesn’t comment on investigations.

Questions about the truck surfaced on March 27, when the Office of Inspector General issued the subpoena, according to a copy reviewed by the Progress Times.

The subpoena requested “Board minutes associated with the purchase of Joel Gonzalez’s truck” and “All records including, cost analysis, invoice(s), payment source and any other record associated with the purchase of the truck.”

from pg. 1

Along with the truck, the subpoena requests information about Gonzalez’s employment contract and how the housing authority spent “petty cash” during the past five years.

“I have absolutely nothing to hide,” Gonzalez said, adding later: “This is not an investigation. It’s an audit.

But it’s still concerning to me, the way they brought it about. If they would have asked for the information, we would have given it to them.”

Gonzalez blamed the inquiry on disgruntled housing authority employees and the “change in administration.”

While funded by the federal government, the housing authority is governed by a five-member board. The mayor appoints the board, which sets policy and supervises the executive director.

Gonzalez accepted the job in April 1994. For the past two decades, he reported to board members appointed

by Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas.

Several members of the board, including Chairman Romeo de la Garza and Commissioner Guadalupe “Lupe” Ozuna, regularly had dinner with Gonzalez before monthly board meetings.

Gonzalez also works closely with Commissioner Ricardo Garcia, who represents tenants.

In January, however, Gonzalez started to clash with Commissioner Connie Garza and Commissioner Irma Flores Lopez, mem-

bers of the board appointed

by Mayor Armando “Doc” O’caña.

They didn’t attend the dinners, concerned that any discussion of housing authority business would violate the Texas Open Meetings Act. They asked pointed questions, including why Gonzalez collected an approximately $50,000 annual salary for part-time work.

And when the meeting agenda didn’t include a place for them to voice concerns, they signed up for public comment.

Asked about the subpoena, Connie Garza and Flores Lopez deferred to de la Garza, the board chairman.

“It’s unfortunate that somebody had to do it anonymously, you know what I’m saying. If they have backup, great, bring it up,” de la Garza said, adding that he’s known Gonzalez for more than 30 years and trusts him.

“He has always been very upfront with us. Very truthful with us. Between you and I, the worst that can happen is he needs to return the money.”

PALMHURST 55TH

growing,” Rodriguez said.

HISTORY When Palmhurst was first incorporated, its first mayor Helen Rossow had a simple vision: to let her new city be independent.

“She and her successors didn’t believe in property taxes, I think that’s our biggest draw for people when they move here,” Rodriguez said. “She and the mayors who came after her didn’t want to be taken in by the neighboring cities of McAllen, Alton and Mission and believed that imposing a property tax on our residents would be too much governing. It’s a promise I kept when I first became mayor in 1999 because I believe he who governs the least governs the best.”

When Rodriguez first became mayor, the city did not have a police department and had to rely on the county sheriff’s department to respond to calls for them, a process he said took “hours” for help to arrive.

The city’s main source of income was $5,000 in franchise fees back then.

However, that all changed when the city began negotiating with the grocery chain Walmart to come to the area.

“To prepare for Walmart, we negotiated with the city of Mission to extend their sewer lines to the area and with the Sharyland Water Supply Corporation to extend their water lines to provide water in that shopping district,” City Manager Lori Lopez recalled. “Once that Walmart opened, development in the city increased.

They helped us build an infrastructure that made a difference for the community” After the grand opening in Walmart in April 2005, other franchises like Whataburger, Walgreens and eventually, HEB, opened in the city. The city also started its first police department in that same year.

“Back then, we only had four officers and two police cars and no dispatch system,” Palmhurst police Chief Michael Vela said.

“Currently we have 19 employees, 8 cars and modern technology to help us. The department has grown with

the city.”

Lopez, who attended the 55th anniversary celebration, said the event wasn’t just a commemoration for the city’s past.

“It’s not just about the history of the city, it’s about the present,” Lopez said.

“Many of the people here, ranging from city leaders to state Representative Sergio Munoz and Bobby Guerra, Constable Larry Gallardo and Hidalgo County Commissioner Joe Flores, have given us continued support over the years and are still doing so. These relationships help Palmhurst get to where we currently are.”

Currently, the city is undergoing an expansion project for the Shary Municipal Park and sidewalk improvement project, Mayor Rodriguez said. These projects, he said help fulfill Rossow’s vision for the city.

“She wanted the city to eventually grow to what it is now,” Rodriguez said. “If she was here, she’d probably say the dream is continuing.

The vision is the same.”

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PUBLIC NOTICE The Mission Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at the Mission City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: A 2.371 acre tract of land situated on Lot 256, John H. Shary Subdivision, from (R-1) Single Family Residential to (R-1T) Townhouse Residential If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. Anyone interested is invited to attend.

Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

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April 19, 2019