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Progress times Vol. 47 - #39

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9-year-old Alton honorary police captain dies after battle with cancer

Mission City Council appoints local pharmacist to replace City Councilman Gus Martinez

By Dave Hendricks The Mission City Council accepted City Councilman Gus Martinez’s resignation Monday and appointed a popular local pharmacist to replace him.

Martinez joined the City Council in June 2018.

Less than a year later, though, Martinez applied for the city attorney po- Alberto Vela sition.

See ALBERTO VELA Pg. 11

Pioneer High School senior earns Girl Scout Gold Award

Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.

Sharyland High’s Jimmy Lee wins state championship The fourth time at the UIL Golf State Tournament was the charm for Sharyland Rattlers’ golfer Jummin “Jimmy” Lee who claimed the first ever golf state championship in Sharyland High School history Tuesday. Lee shot a three under 69 in the first round to finish the day in a two-way tie for first place with Turner Hosch of Highland Park Blue.

In the second round, Lee shot a four under 68 to pull away from Hosch, and the rest of the field, and finish four strokes ahead of his nearest opponent, Kevin Watts of Colleyville Heritage, with a two day, seven under, total of 137. Lee’s previous finishes at the state tournament were 10th place his freshman year, fifth place his sophomore year and third place last year, when he was a junior.

Lee, a South Korea native, is a four time district champion, a two time regional champion, a four time state qualifier, a three-time winner of the All-Valley boys golfer of the year award and now he is a state champion.

Congratulations to Jimmy, Rattlers’ head golf coach Ashley Garza and the entire Sharyland High golf program for a job well done!

Audit: Agua SUD paid general manager $1.1 million

By Dave Hendricks

Jasmine Leal

By Jamie Treviño Jasmine Leal was recently awarded the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve.

Leal, a senior at Sharyland Pioneer High School, was one of the recipients of the 2019 Gold Award. According to press release from the Girl Scouts of Greater South Texas, the award recognizes the “extraordinary efforts of extraordinary girls” who have “undertaken projects to help their communities” and “truly distinguished themselves as prominent leaders in their communities and as true change-makers.”

Leal will be attending

See JASMINE LEAL Pg. 9

The Agua Special Utility District paid General Manager Jose E. “Eddie” Saenz nearly $1.1 million last year.

Saenz and CSJ Group, the Edinburg-based company he controls, billed the utility district nearly $923,000 for engineering work. The utility district also paid $151,000 to Saenz for supervising day-today operations.

“He does pretty much everything for Agua,” said utility board Director Roger Hernandez.

Saenz and CSJ Group, which employs five people, handled several major projects.

CSJ Group supervised the Palmview sewer project, monitoring contractors and engineers; handled the La Joya bypass project, which required the utility district to relocate infrastructure affected by the new highway; and completed a slew of smaller projects, ranging from subdivision reviews to construction of a new bathroom.

Saenz started working for the utility district in October 2016, when the board hired CSJ Group to provide engineering services.

Saenz reported to Executive Director Oscar Cancino, who resigned in September 2017, and his replacement, Interim General Manager Richard LeFevre, who resigned two months later.

After the management shakeup, the utility board asked Saenz to serve as interim general manager.

Saenz kept handling engineering work.

The situation created a potential conflict of interest.

Under normal circumstances, the general manager supervises the district engineer. Saenz, however, temporarily held both positions.

“We’re almost done with the Palmview project and it’s very important that it gets finalized,” Hernandez said, adding that he didn’t want to jeopardize the project by abruptly switching engineers.

After appointing Saenz to the interim general manager position, the utility board hired Emigdio “Milo” Salinas, the president of McAllen-based M2 Engineering, to serve as district engineer.

Former utility board President Mario Chapa said he remains concerned about

See AGUA SUD Pg. 4

Brandon Tadeo Alvarez (left) receives a gift from the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Department at his swearing-in ceremony to become an honorary police captain for the city of Alton Friday, May 3, 2019.

By Jose De Leon III After accomplishing his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer, 9-year-old Brandon Tadeo Alvarez passed away Wednesday.

“It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of our Honorary Police Captain Brandon Tadeo Alvarez,” Alton Police Chief Jonathan B. Flores said in a statement. “Brandon was a very special member of our Police force, and in his short time as our Captain he inspired many through his bravery and desire to serve his community.”

Alvarez was sworn in as Alton’s newest honorary captain Friday, May 3 in a ceremony attended by relatives, city officials and law enforcement officers from departments all over the county.

Alvarez is a former student at Raquel Cavazos Elementary school who withdrew last January due to his cancer diagnosis.

See BRANDON TADEO ALVAREZ Pg. 4

Sex offender who preyed on Hidalgo County teenagers pleads guilty

By Dave Hendricks A sex offender who targeted Hidalgo County teenagers on Facebook pleaded guilty Wednesday.

Michael Tienping Tang, 30, of Alexandria, Virginia, pleaded guilty Wednesday afternoon, when he appeared before U.S. District Judge Ricardo Hinojosa at the federal courthouse in McAllen.

After nearly two years in jail, Tang struck a deal with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to four counts of sexually exploiting children.

In exchange, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas agreed to drop two other charges against him.

“Yes, sir,” Tang said, when asked whether or not he understood the charges and wanted to plead guilty.

Attorney Charles A. Banker III, who represents Tang, declined to comment after the hearing.

Federal agents started investigating Tang in May 2017, when an administrator at Juarez-Lincoln High School contacted them with troubling information.

Someone had created a Facebook account under the

name “Roxanna Scarlett” and started contacting teenagers.

Two teenagers — a 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl — accepted a friend request from Roxanna Scarlett, according to federal court records. After they accepted the friend request, Roxanna Scarlett asked them for sexually explicit photos and videos.

The teenagers sent the photos and videos to Roxanna Scarlett.

“Shortly after, Minor Victims 1 and 2 blocked ‘Roxanna Scarlett’ from their Facebook accounts and ‘Roxanna Scarlett’ began reaching out to the Facebook friends of Minor Victims 1 and 2 in an attempt to get unblocked,” according to federal court records. “Minor Victim 2 stated that another Facebook user named ‘Mike Boss’ claimed to have received photos of her from ‘Roxanna Scarlett.’”

Afraid that Roxanna Scarlett would share the sexually explicit photos and videos, the teenagers unblocked the account.

Roxanna Scarlett demanded the teenagers send more sexually explicit vid-

INSIDE Mission News

The city of Mission adopted a new policy on utility fund transfers during a meeting on Monday, and a popular butterfly statue painted in Dallas Cowboy colors is back on display after it was knocked over last May.

See Pg. 8

Hidalgo County News The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office arrested seven people after a kidnapping with links to the Gulf Cartel, and 46 people have been diagnosed with the mumps in the county since the end of March.

See Pg. 10

eos. If the teenagers refused, Roxanna Scarlett threatened to contact their friends Michael and family Tienping Tang members.

“In response to the threats made by ‘Roxanna Scarlett’, Minor Victim 1 and Minor Victim 2 engaged in various sexual acts with each other,” according to federal court records. “These acts of sexually explicit conduct were video recorded and delivered to ‘Roxanna Scarlett’ via Facebook.”

Roxanna Scarlett also contacted a 13-year-old boy and asked the boy to sexually assault his 10-year-old sister.

Federal agents requested information from Facebook, which revealed that Tang controlled the Roxanna Scarlett and Mike Boss accounts.

“The results of the Facebook warrant also reveal that the ‘Roxanna Scarlett’ profile reached out to over fifty

See OFFENDER Pg. 4

INDEX Entertainment....pg. 2 Lifestyle...................pg. 3 Sports.......................pg. 6 Death Notices......pg. 9 Classifieds.............pg.11

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Mission resident is winner in 2019 Big Squeeze contest

AUSTIN – Texas Folklife has crowned four 2019 Big Squeeze youth accordion champions in the traditional Texas accordion music genres: polka, conjunto and Cajun and zydeco. Eduardo Garza of Mission walked away with top honors in the conjunto age 18 to 21 division for the Anthony Ortiz Jr. prize.

The gifted young musicians were chosen at a lively concert and showcase at the Bullock State History Museum on May 11 where hundreds of fans gathered to support the accordionists and celebrate one of Texas’ most culturally diverse musical traditions.

Other 2019 Big Squeeze Youth Accordion champions included Perla Hernandez of Roma in the conjunto age 17 and under; Elijah Clements from Little Elm in the polka genre; and Chloe Johnson of Moscow in the Cajun and zydeco category.

Each of the four winners received a prize package val-

Eduardo Garza ued at more than $4,000, including a Hohner accordion, cash prize, performance opportunities with Texas Folklife, publicity, professional development and other professional opportunities.

Additionally, the Big Squeeze champions will perform onstage with legendary Texas musicians at Texas Folklife’s 30th Annual Accordion Kings & Queens Concert to be held at Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theatre on June 1.

IMAS gears up for summer camps McALLEN – The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) is hosting weekly summer camps about science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM).

Camps take place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 10 through Aug. 16. For the benefit of busy families, child care services are included for registered campers, with early drop-off running from 8 to 9 a.m. and late pickup running from 3 to 4 p.m. IMAS will be closed on July 4, and camp that week will run July 1 to 3 and July 5 at a reduced rate.

Campers can attend for a single day or for the week.

Cost is $45 per day, or $175 per week for non-members and $140 per week for IMAS members. Reservations are required as spaces are limited. Call 956-681-2800 to register or visit the IMAS

May 24, 2019

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website at theimasonline.org to sign up online. IMAS is located at 1900 W. Nolana.

The IMAS Operation Imagination Summer Camps offer young scientists and artists the opportunity to pick up STEAM knowledge as they explore ecosystems, learn the science of sound, practice sculpting and printmaking, make a Martian garden, build a computer, dive into theatre arts or create an aquifer.

Besides the hands-on activities, campers will take a closer look at the museum with guided gallery tours, animal talks and science demonstrations.

Camp themes change weekly. Camp fees include a camp T-shirt, before and after care, and exploration time in the museum exhibits. Additionally, nutritional lunches and afternoon snacks are provided in partnership with

Coming Attractions

EWBC kicks off summer fun tomorrow

May 24-25 • McAllen High School will give two encore performances of “Newsies,” this weekend at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets can be purchased online at eventbrite.com. Proceeds from the ticket sales will help fund scholarships for McHi Theatre students pursuing the arts in college.

May 29-30 & June 2 • The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Opera Theater will present “Carmen” in Spanish with English captions. The festival production features music and spoken dialogue in Spanish translation by Eduardo de Bray, with surtitles in English. The performances will be at 7 p.m. on May 29 and 30 at the Camille Playhouse in Brownsville and on June 2 at 2 p.m.at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg Campus. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $5 for UTRGV faculty, students and youth.

For more information, contact the UTRGV School of Music at 956-665-3471 or email music@utrgv.edu.

June 8 • The next Sunset Live outdoor concert will be held at the McAllen Convention Center Oval Park, 700 Convention Center Boulevard. The free, family- and pet-friendly event opens at 5 p.m. and continues until 9 p.m. Music ranges in style from Indie to Blues and the event includes outdoor activities, food trucks, beverages, and local artisans. For more information, visit mcallenconventioncenter.net.

June 10 • The McAllen Society for the Performing Arts (MSPA) program Broadway in McAllen presents Kinky Boots at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. For general information, pricing and special membership features, go to LiveinMcAllenClub.com. For questions, contact the ticket hotline at 888200-4035, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

June 12-13 • Broadway in McAllen presents “Chicago: The Musical” at 7:30 p.m. both nights. Tickets are available at the MPAC box office, 801 Convention Center Blvd., and on ticketmaster.com. The box office is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(For more Coming Attractions, go to ptrgv.com) the McAllen Independent School District Seamless Summer Feeding Program.

Camps are divided into two age groups of Kindergarten through 2nd grade and 3rd through 6th grade.

For Grades K-2, the following schedule is planned: June 10-14 – Safari Adventure; June 17-21 – Movin’ and Groovin’; June 24-28 – Around the World; July 1, 2, 3 & 5 – Theatre Arts; July 8-12 – Brick Builders; July 15-19 – Creepy Crawlers; July 22-26 – Mine Mania; July 29 – Aug. 2 – Aqua Adventure; Aug. 5-9 – Poké

Trainers; and Aug. 12-16 – Jr. Astronauts.

For Grades 3-6, campers can choose from the following: June 10-14 – Art Stars; June 17-21 – Science of Music; June 24-28 – Forensic Science; July 1, 2, 3 & 5 – Young Innovators; July 8-12 – Brain Games; July 15-19 – Blooming Botanists; July 22-26 – Tech Squad; July 29 – August 2 – Water Worlds; August 5-9 – Wizards-in-Training; and August 12-16 – Space Explorers.

EDINBURG – The Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center (EWBC) is kicking off the summer season on Saturday, May 25, with a family-friendly program that stretches throughout the summer.

Anyone looking for something different to do with their family for the summer can take on the Family Summer Adventure Challenge (FSAC). The FSAC kicks off on Saturday, May 25. During the challenge, visit different nature centers and parks in the Rio Grande Valley to complete various challenges with the family. Upon completion of the challenges and a journal submission, each family name will be placed in a drawing for the opportunity to win prizes; one prize per winning family.

Nature centers and parks across the Rio Grande Valley will be offering special programs or events throughout the day as part of the Valley-wide kick-off. Call a nature center or park for

EWBC offers summer nature camps EDINBURG – To help children make summer memories, the Edinburg World Birding Center (EWBC) is offering specialized nature day camps designed to awaken a child’s awe of the natural world. Participants will dive into the wonders of nature and learn about animals, plants, and the outdoor world through hands-on activities, explorations, arts and crafts and more.

Tots Nature Camp is designed for toddlers 18 months to four years old and their parents where they can spend time together learning about nature in a secure and safe environment. The camp runs from May 29 to 31 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. each day. The camp fee is $10 for EWBC members and $14 for non-members.

BAR & GRILL AND SPECIAL EVENT CENTER

Try our

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information on programs or events that will be offered on this day.

To celebrate the FSAC kick-off, the Edinburg World Birding Center will host Family Day Picnic from 4 to 7 p.m. Bring the family and a picnic basket out for a day of family fun. Join in on games such as a water balloon toss, tug of war, three-legged race and more, and then register for the Family Summer Adventure Challenge and start competing.

The Family Summer Adventure Challenge is for families with children ages 18 and under. The deadline to complete challenges and turn in journals is Saturday, Aug. 31. The FSAC journal can be picked up at the EWBC and other nature centers across the RGV, or print a copy by visiting edinburgwbc.org.

The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. For more information, call 956-381-9922 or visit www.

EdinburgWBC.org.

RIVERSIDE DREAMER RIVER TOURS

Fri. 7:30pm Sat. 12pm 1-Hr. Boat Ride

Call for Reservations 956-581-1033

Open: 11am-8pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday Serving Food from Menu

LIVE MUSIC Riverside Band - Sun. 2-6pm

Naturally Creative Camp is for children ages 5-8.

From building forts to painting with mud, this camp is all about creativity and fun through interactive play.

The camp runs July 16 to 19 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. each day. The fee is $28 for EWBC members and $32 for non-members.

Children ages 9 to 13 can join the Nature Photo Camp.

This camp will be led by professional nature photographer Ruth Hoyt. Campers will learn the basics of cameras and photography, including focusing, lighting and composition. The camp runs July 22 to 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Cameras will be provided for use during the camp. The fee for is $150.

Aquanauts camp is for children ages 8 to 12. Participants will get wet while learning about wetland critters and coastal ecology.

This camp includes a day trip to South Padre Island to visit the Coastal Studies Lab and Sea Turtle, Inc. The camp runs July 30 to Aug. 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day. The fee is $70 for EWBC members and $78 for non-members.

Registration for all camps is required; space is limited. Tegistration deadline for each camp is one week prior to commencement, and full payment is due two days prior to the camp.

The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. For more information call 956-381-9922.

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LJISD program, music administrator receive national recognitions

LA JOYA – For the second consecutive year, La Joya ISD has earned the Best Communities for Music Education designation by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation. The recognition identifies La Joya ISD as 1 of over 500 school districts across the nation as a leader in learning opportunities and for demonstrating outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education for all students.

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,400 members around the world.

In addition, La Joya Independent School District’s Head Fine Arts Administrator, Jose Ruben Adame, was also named the 2019 Outstanding Music Educator of the Year for his exemplary service to interscholastic music programs. Adame was selected to represent a fivestate area that encompasses Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Arizona.

Adame has been with La Joya ISD for over 27 years in various roles such as assistant band director, head band director for La Joya High School, and currently head Fine Arts Administrator for

Jose Adame

the district. He is also the executive secretary for UIL for Region 15, which comprises all music programs from the city of Roma to Alamo. Additionally, Adame is on the state committee for the UIL State Mariachi Festival.

“Over the past decade or so, very few recipients have come from Texas, and so I feel very very proud to represent La Joya ISD, the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, and a portion of the country,” Adame said. “I’ve been blessed to be a part of a lot of things that have contributed to music education in the state, and I’ve always told myself and my wife that I don’t consider my position a job at all. I consider it an opportunity to serve my district, that molded me into what I am, and allowed me to become what I have become.

I’m providing a service back to the district that provided me with so much.”

‘Wildflowers of Texas’ author to speak at NPP meeting

WESLACO – Michael Eason, author of “Wildflowers of Texas,” will speak at the Native Plant Project (NPP) monthly meeting next Tuesday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m., at the Valley Nature Center, 301 South Border Street in Weslaco. The public is invited to attend. Admission is free.

Eason’s talk will focus on his newest project, “Flora of the Chihuahuan Desert,” and a discussion on plants found in the region of West Texas from Val Verde County to El Paso, including species seed dispersal mechanisms and pollination biology, as well as the topography, geology and climatic influences. He

also will share some of his more recent plant photography. His book will be available for purchase and author signing.

Eason is a freelance botanist who performs plant surveys and inventories on both private and public lands throughout Texas. He is on staff at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens where he heads the Rare Plant Research and Conservation Program. From 2003-2012, he worked for the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, as the conservation program manager.

For more about the Native Plant Project, visit nativeplantproject.org.

EVENTS

CALENDAR

June 11-13 – Our Savior Lutheran Church (OSLC) in McAllen is hosting a Christian Summer Camp from 6 to 8:15 p.m. each night from June 11 to 13. OSLC is located at 1105 West Fern Avenue in McAllen. Youths ages 5 to 12 are invited to sign up. Each evening will begin with a meal, singing and prayer, followed by the day’s scheduled group events, including games, mission/service projects and movie night.

For more information and to register, call OSLC at 956-6316121 or visit oursaviormcallen.org.

June 15 – The next Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center toddler play date for children ages 18 months to four years old will be a “Splash Party” 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 956381-9922 or visit edinburgwbc.org.

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

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

By William Renner The public is invited to join the staff of Speer Memorial Library in Mission on Tuesday, June 25, for a discussion of the book Apollo 13, to take place in the library’s Community Room at 6:30 p.m.

On April 11, 1970, Apollo 13 blasts off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying astronauts Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise on what is planned as NASA’s third moon landing mission.

Two days later, after a live television broadcast from the spacecraft (which the networks refused to air), Mission Control in Houston asks Jack Swigert to switch on the stirring fans for the hydrogen and oxygen tanks, a routine procedure. But what happens next is anything but routine as a loud explosion rocks the spacecraft.

As Jim Lovell’s famous words are broadcast from space—“Houston, we’ve had a problem”—the astronauts

Arleny Guerrero

Chasing a dream requires effort, passion and hard work. Keep it up and continue to strive.

Congratulations on your Graduation!

May the Lord’s favor be with you always, Anita De La Garza

(956) 584-1432 525 E Exp. 83 • La Joya, TX 78560

BETWEEN THE BOOKENDS are 200,000 miles from Earth, their oxygen supply venting out into space and their spacecraft losing electrical power. Their much-anticipated lunar landing is out of the question. Now, the question is, can they get back home?

Written by Lovell and Jeffrey Kluger, and first published in 1994 under the title “Lost Moon, Apollo 13,” it tells the incredible but true story of the three endangered astronauts and their dedicated ground crew at Mission Control as they struggle around the clock and against the odds, facing problem after problem—while the world watches the unfolding drama and the astronauts’ families pray for their safe return.

Copies of the book available for check out. Stop by the reference desk, email reference@missiontexas.us, or call at 580-8754 to obtain a copy or for more information. Speer Memorial is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission

Pictured is Nora Cavazos (left) accepting the Mission school district Staff Member of the Year Award from Dr. Carol G. Perez, superintendent (right).

Mission CISD announces Staff Member of the Year

Mission Consolidated Independent School District (MCISD) has announced Nora Cavazos a lab proctor at Leal Elementary School as District Staff Member of the Year. The announcement was made during a special luncheon held May 17 honoring the Staff Members of the Year from each of the district’s campuses and main buildings/departments.

Cavazos has been with the district for 33 years.

In the pre-selection process, 2019 Campus/Building Staff Members of the Year selected by campus, building and department include Claudia Salinas, Alton Elementary; Janie Puente, Bryan Elementary; Marc Dimas, Cantu Elementary; Michael Rocha, Castro Elementary; Maricela Charles, Cavazos Elementary; Ruben Garcia, Escobar/Rios Elementary; Nora Cavazos, Leal Elementary; Gina Marie Garcia, Marcell Elementary; Santos

Gonzalez, Midkiff Elementary; Narcedalia Rios, Mims Elementary; Michelle Garza, O’Grady Elementary; Juan Carlos Garcia, Pearson Elementary; DeKendrick Jeffery, Salinas Elementary; and Ana Perez, Waitz Elementary.

Also, Rosa Solis, Alton Memorial Jr. High; Cynthia Garcia, K. White Jr. High; Miguel Briseno, Mission Jr. High; Berta A. Requenez, R. Cantu Jr. High; Julio Lopez, Mission High; Anna P. Garcia, Veterans Memorial High; Mayra Hernandez, Mission Collegiate High; Lidia Medina, Mission Options Academy; Isaura Anzaldua, Roosevelt Alternative; Elizabeth Villarreal, administrative office; Juan Llanas, Child Nutrition Program; Joel Villalobos, maintenance department; Adan Rivera, transportation department; and Irineo Piñon, Fixed Assets/Warehouse department.

Ridley Rush Run/Walk benefits sea turtle project

BROWNSVILLE – Registration is open for the Gladys Porter Zoo Ridley Rush 1 Mile Walk/Run on Saturday, June 8. It will be held at 9 a.m. on the zoo grounds located at 500 Ringgold in Brownsville.

Snaking through the zoo grounds, guests will go on a journey through the life of a sea turtle, encountering obstacles like marine debris, predators and more. All pro-

ceeds of this family-friendly walk/run will benefit the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Project.

The cost to participate is $15 for adults and children and covers GPZ entrance, a race bib, medal and entrance to the post-race festival celebrating World Oceans Day. For more information or to register, call 956-548-9453 or e-mail educ@gpz.org.

Josseline Martinez

Congratulations on your Graduation!

It is time to go forth into the world and pursue all your dreams; this is a milestone in your life and on this very important occasion I wish you the very best of all life has to offer.

Blessings, Anita De La Garza

(956) 584-1432 525 E Exp. 83 • La Joya, TX 78560

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By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Much remains on table as Legislature begins final week AUSTIN — As the Texas Legislature entered the final week of its 140day 86th regular session, Texans continued to wait for lawmakers to wrap up priority issues: the 20202021 state budget, property tax reform and school finance reform.

Of the more than 7,000 bills Senate and House members have filed proposing to create, amend or repeal a law, only 56 had passed and been forwarded to the governor’s desk for final approval as of Sunday, May 19. This is a low number of bills to have survived the threshing floors at both ends of the Capitol at this point in the session.

Lawmakers with bones to pick with each other have used and may continue to use parliamentary maneuvers to speed or slow the movement of bills between now and May 27, the last day of the session.

Meanwhile, last week, the House and Senate passed and forwarded to the governor the following bills: —HB 253 by Rep. Jessica Farrar, D-Houston, provides for development and implementation of a five-year strategic plan to improve access support services for postpartum depression.

—HB 621 by Rep. Victoria Neave, D-Dallas, prohibits an employer from taking any adverse employment action against a child-care or education professional who reports possible child abuse or neglect.

—HB 869 by Rep. Cole Hefner, R-Mount Pleasant, provides for the prosecution of the interception, use or disclosure of certain communications, notably credit card skimming, as organized crime.

—HB 1218 by Rep. Stephanie Klick, R-Fort Worth, requires the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission to establish a

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schedule for the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as “SNAP” benefits, that ensures the even distribution of the benefits each month over a 28-day period.

—HB 1631 by Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford, prohibits a local authority from implementing or operating a red light traffic signal enforcement system, but a local authority may continue to operate a system under the terms of a contract until the contract expires.

The law allowing cities to install and operate red light enforcement systems became law in 2007.

—SB 442 by Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, requires that insurance companies warn residential and commercial property policyholders if their policy does not cover flood damage so they may better prepare for future natural disasters.

—SB 649 by Sen. Zaffirini, D-Laredo, seeks to reduce the volume of waste deposited in landfills by requiring the creation of a plan to stimulate the use of recyclable materials as feedstock in processing and manufacturing.

—SB 962 by Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, extends provisions in current law through 2034 requiring that the state’s economic stabilization fund maintain a sufficient minimum balance before constitutionally approved transfers to the state highway fund may be executed.

Jobless rate drops again Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased another tenth of a point to 3.7 percent for the month of April, the Texas Workforce Commission reported May 17.

Growth in the Texas economy continued in April, with 28,900 seasonally adjusted non-farm positions added over the month. April was the 108th consecutive

month of annual growth for total non-farm employment.

“Our state’s ongoing success is linked to the innovation and competitiveness of employers in a range of industries providing Texans more opportunities to demonstrate their worldclass skills,” said TWC Chair and Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs. “In fact, Chief Executive Magazine has named Texas the Best State for Business for the 15th year in a row.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded April’s lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a nonseasonally adjusted rate of 1.7 percent, followed by the Odessa MSA at 2.0 percent.

The Amarillo MSA recorded the third-lowest rate: 2.1 percent.

Sales tax holidays are set Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on May 15 announced state sales tax holidays would be conducted across the Lone Star State May 2527.

According to comptroller’s office, shoppers will save about more than $12 million in state and local sales tax during the Memorial Day weekend sales tax holidays.

Products displaying a “WaterSense” label or logo may be purchased tax-free for personal or business use.

These include shower heads, bathroom sink faucets and accessories, toilets, urinals and landscape irrigation controls.

Certain products displaying the “ENERGY STAR” logo can be purchased tax-free, including air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less, refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less, ceiling fans, fluorescent light bulbs, dishwashers, dehumidifiers and clothes washers.

duced images and/or videos of themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct and then sent these depictions to ‘Roxanna Scarlett.’”

Tang had a history of preying on children.

In October 2012, he pleaded guilty to possession

of child pornography, according to Virginia State Police records, which list him as a violent sex offender.

Tang faces 25 to 50 years in federal prison on each of the four charges. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 1.

OFFENDER

minor victims on Facebook in an attempt to persuade them into sending child pornographic photos and/or videos of themselves,” according to federal court records.

“Several of these minor victims succumbed to ‘Roxanna Scarlett’s’ requests and pro-

Veterans organizations to hold several remembrances throughout Mission for Memorial Day

By Jamie Treviño Several local veterans organizations will be holding Memorial Day services this Monday, May 27.

The Catholic War Veterans Post 1065, American Legion Post 93 and the RGV State Veterans Cemetery will be participating in public services for those who wish to memorialize and celebrate veterans who have passed away. David Silva, the State of Texas Department Commander for the Catholic War Veterans, said these events are vital for keeping the memories of veterans alive.

“This day is for commemorating all the men and women who have died during or after their military service,” Silva said. “A lot of people visit cemeteries or memorials to commemorate those who have died.”

Silva said that while there are often other things going on Memorial Day weekend, like store sales and barbeques and parties, we should never forget the real reason for the day: veterans.

“I see no problem with any of it, as long as you remember our military men and women that gave us the freedom that we have right now,” Silva said. “Keep them in your prayers and teach it to the younger generation coming up.”

Silva noted that as time passes, Memorial Day traditions are becoming less common. He was glad that several veteran organizations in the RGV have held services consistently.

“The younger generation doesn’t teach our kids about stuff [traditions] like this, and it starts off with the parents,” Silva said. “A lot of parents don’t realize or don’t know what Memorial Day is exactly, and they start celebrating for whatever reason. It’s actually about keeping our prayers with our members who have fought for our freedom here.”

from pg. 1

Catholic War Veterans Post 1065 (901 N Slabaugh Ave) 21 Gun Salute at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission (8 a.m.)

Mass at CWV Post 1065 in Mission (9 a.m.)

21 Gun Salute at San Jose Catholic Cemetery (10:30 a.m.)

21 Gun Salute at Peñitas Cemetery (11 a.m.)

21 Gun Salute at San Jose Cemetery in Abram (11:30 a.m.)

21 Gun Salute at Leo Peña Placita Park in Mission (6 p.m.)

American Legion Post (910 W Expy 83) Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission (8 a.m.)

San Jose Catholic Cemetery (9 a.m.)

Granjeno Cemetery (10 a.m.)

State Veterans Cemetery (11 a.m.)

Street Dedication for Vietnam Veteran Noe Magallan (in coordination with the city of Mission and Magallan family) in Mission on 8th Street and Mayberry (2 p.m.)

RGV State Veterans Cemetery (2520 Inspiration Rd) Memorial Day Ceremony service conducted by VFW Rio Grande Valley Memorial Post 8788 (9 a.m.)

BRANDON TADEO ALVAREZ

At his swearing in ceremony, Brandon’s mother, Tanya, said Brandon’s dream was to be a police officer.

As previously reported, Brandon was first diagnosed with liver cancer in March of last year and after treatment was declared cancer-free last September. However, last January his cancer returned.

“The doctors have said it has advanced to the point

from pg. 1

American Legion Post 93 Commander Rudy Flores noted that these services are necessary for veterans in the Rio Grande Valley.

“It’s in memory of all the veterans that have died in the line of duty or passed away after they served,” Flores said. “It’s only proper to have honors for them on Memorial Day, it’s only proper to pay our respects for those who made the ultimate sacrifice and have passed after they served our country.”

The schedule of events on Memorial Day includes:

that there are no treatment options left for him,” Tanya said during the swearing-in ceremony. “He doesn’t know to what extent his disease is. Brandon likes protecting, he’s always liked protecting people and all his younger cousins feel safe around him.

Now that he’s gotten sick and is at this stage, he’s said ‘I need protection.’”

According to the press

release, Brandon will be missed tremendously as his family, the Alton Police Department and the entire law enforcement community are mourning.

The Alton Police Department requests that the community respect the Alvarez family’s privacy and let them grieve the loss of their son.

implementation of policy and procedures,” according to the audit. “During the year ended December 31, 2018, the District paid $151,000 for services rendered as general manager and $921,712 for engineering services as the District’s engineer.”

Saenz said the payments to CSJ Group reflect engineering services provided by the five-person company.

The nearly $923,000 total for engineering services included a roughly $300,000 contract awarded by the board.

Saenz said that project — water lines and a booster tank designed to increase water pressure — included engineering costs, construction work and materials.

“Out of the contract for design-build, I’m probably getting 10 percent of the whole thing,” Saenz said. “That’s for some of the engineering and management.”

Along with payments to Saenz, the audit report listed payments to people deemed “consultants.”

They included attorney Frank Garza, who received nearly $246,000; district engineer Emigdio “Milo” Salinas, who received about $230,000; and Burton, McCumber & Longoria, the auditing firm, which received $55,000.

Payments to Garza and

other attorneys, including $35,000 to McAllen-based law firm Roerig, Oliveira & Fisher, reflect the cost of a lawsuit and Public Utility Commission proceeding filed by the city of Palmview.

The utility district crushed the city in court, where Palmview received a stern rebuke from the judge.

Auditors also determined the utility district had an approximately $1.7 million operating loss in 2018.

Customers paid nearly $9.4 million for water, sewer and related charges last year, according to the audit.

Expenses totaled about $11.1 million.

The expenses, though, included $3.8 million in depreciation, which reflects the declining value of infrastructure, equipment and other assets over time.

As a result of depreciation, the utility district recorded operating losses for the past six years.

The utility district maintains a $4.2 million unrestricted fund balance.

The utility district’s overall assets also increased as a result of new construction.

“You take out that amount, we had a positive year on operating,” Saenz said, referring to the estimated depreciation, adding later: “When it comes out to actual cash, we had a $2 million operating profit.”

AGUA SUD

the arrangement between Saenz and the utility district.

The utility board approved a contract with CSJ Group, which Saenz owns and operates. Under the contract, CSJ Group provided Saenz to serve as general manager.

Chapa would prefer that Saenz work directly for the utility district.

“Do I think that Eddie’s salary is too high? Yes. Do I think there’s a serious conflict of interest? Even more so,” Chapa said. “Because Eddie, when he took over the general manager job, continued to function as district engineer.”

Questions about the arrangement didn’t appear to bother the utility board, which trusted Saenz and considered the situation temporary.

“The conflict of interest there, to me, is overwhelming,” Chapa said.

“But nobody seems to care.”

Auditors noted the payments when they prepared the 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which the board approved May 14.

“The District entered into a contract with the Principal of an engineering firm to function as the District’s general manager and provide engineering services as the District’s engineer. The scope of the services provided as general manager are outlined in the contract and includes but is not limited to the

May 24, 2019

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Bill that targeted La Joya ISD ‘water park’ stalls in the Texas House, will not become law

La Joya ISD Water Park Complex.

By Dave Hendricks Despite support from seven state senators, a bill to prohibit school districts from buying golf courses and water parks stalled in the Texas House.

Senate Bill 1133 targeted the La Joya Independent School District, which spent $20 million building a Sports and Learning Complex that included water slides, splash pads and a lazy river. The school district also owns and operates the Howling Trails Golf Course.

News about the Sports and Learning Complex infuriated several Republican lawmakers, who accused the school district of squandering taxpayer money. They authored Senate Bill 1133 to solve the problem.

The bill sailed through the Texas Senate but stalled in the Texas House Committee on Public Education.

Why the bill stalled remains unclear.

“It died in committee in the House because some people from the DFW area,

Courtesy photo.

especially the Richardson area, were concerned about the ownership of some various properties,” said state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Republican from Houston who backed the bill, referring to the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Bettencourt said he heard the Richardson Independent School District had concerns about the bill.

A spokesman for the Richardson school district, which is located northeast of Dallas, said the district hadn’t discussed the bill with state lawmakers.

“We didn’t oppose it,” said Chris Moore, chief communications officer for the Richardson school district.

“And it didn’t have any impact on us.”

Bettencourt worked with six other state senators, including state Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa of McAllen and state Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. of Brownsville, on the legislation.

The Texas Senate unanimously passed the bill May 1. Bettencourt distributed a scathing news release the

same day, blasting the La Joya school district.

“This issue rose to prominence when La Joya ISD used money out of their general revenues to build and operate a water park, golf course, and other items not related to their mission of education,” according to the news release. “By using their general fund revenues these expenditures were never put before the voters for approval.”

After clearing the Texas Senate, the bill stalled. It missed key deadlines and remained stuck in the Committee on Public Education.

Bettencourt acknowledged the bill is dead but said the message reached La Joya.

“Clearly there’s been a complete board change at La Joya. And they’re committed to divesting the water park and even the golf course facility,” Bettencourt said. “So we think the message has gotten through at this point in time about what not to do.”

The school board, how-

ever, hasn’t publicly discussed any plans to sell the golf course or the water park, which is an integral part of the Sports and Learning Complex.

Trustees mounted a quiet campaign against the bill, meeting with lawmakers and explaining why the school district built the complex.

“Thanks to great effort, team work and prayer, our students at La Joya I.S.D. can continue taking advantage of all the learning opportunities our Sports and Learning Complex has to offer,” school board President Claudia Ochoa said in

a statement. “We are very grateful to Senator Chuy Hinojosa along with Representatives Oscar Longoria, Sergio Muñoz Jr. and our local team for walking us through this process. I, along with other La Joya I.S.D. School Board Members, Interim Superintendent, our Finance Director and our Sports and Learning Complex Director visited Austin and met with numerous leaders to address the concerns identified this session. This is an ongoing project and we will be working with our state leaders to continue making prudent efforts to move the district

forward.”

Along with the much-maligned water park, the complex includes a planetarium, an indoor pool and tennis courts.

“It’s a good learning environment there,” said school board Trustee Alex Cantu, who made several trips to Austin.

With assistance from district administrators and support from Rio Grande Valley lawmakers, they assuaged many concerns about the water park.

“It was a team effort,” Cantu said. “And it was a win for our district.”

Winners of Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission student contest announced

By Jose De Leon III An Austin-based competition that recognizes students who best visualized the experience of genocide survivors named three local teens as winners in their respective categories.

The Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission named Sharyland High School’s Miguel Hernandez, Jimmy Carter Early College High School’s Leann Lopez and Maya Carrizalez winners in the categories of best genocide poetry, best Holocaust poetry and best genocide visual arts.

According to a press release from the commission, the three were one of four high school students across the state who won the award in the competition that was open to middle school and high school students. Each of the four winners won $500 as part of the prize.

According to its website, the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission is a state agency that was established to bring awareness of the Holocaust and other genocides to Texas students, educators, and the general public to inspire them in the prevention of future atrocities.

This year’s theme of the student contest was “Texas Survivors” and had students research survivors to create their project on.

Lopez did not respond to a request to be interviewed.

Hernandez was encouraged to participate by history teacher Robert Barbosa, Hernandez said. His poem, titled “Rwandan Genocide,” was based on the 1994 mass slaughter of the Tutsi and Hutu people in the country of Rwanda that killed 1 million people.

For his project, Hernandez researched Gilbert Tuhabonye, who was the only member of his family who survived the genocide.

“Most of the people participating in class were focusing on the Holocaust and the event itself, but I was curious about the aftermath of a genocide,” Hernandez explained. “I like writing and I wanted to use that to ask how it felt to be the only one left.

It’s like the soldiers coming back home who become traumatized with what they

went through.”

He admitted to being surprised at his award, explaining that he submitted his poem last February and winners were notified earlier this month.

“So by the time I heard that I won, I forgot I had participated” Hernandez said.

For her artwork titled “Into the Slaughter,” Carrizalez researched Mirzeta Colic, who survived genocide in Bosnia and came to the United States in 1998.

As part of her research into Colic, Carrizalez was

shocked by a story Colic told in interviews of her pregnant, Muslim sister giving birth in a Syrian hospital only for the baby to be executed by soldiers shortly after its birth.

“I have a cousin around the same age as Colic’s sister who is also pregnant, so I was scared when I realized this could’ve been her story,” Carrizalez explained. “I wanted to capture that pain and horror through art since I draw all the time.”

Carrizalez’s drawing depicts Colic’s sister giving birth while a group of armed soldiers wait in the nursery.

Carrizalez credited the organization for giving her a chance to learn about other genocides in detail.

“I’m aware of the Holocaust but it feels like that’s the only act of genocide being taught in detail,” Carrizalez said. “There’s so many others in history.”

Wild West Summer Camp June 10-July 26, 2019 • Crafty Corral Kids • Rodeo Reading Room • Stagecoach Theater • Happy Trails Special Needs Activities

• This year’s camp will also feature an Overnight Campout on Friday July 5th!

Registration REGISTRATION Where: Alton Recreation Center Where: Alton Recreation Center When: Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 4:30 pm When: Mon.-Fri. 8am - 4:30pm Ages: 5-12 A birth certificate is required Ages: 5-12 yrs (Birth Certificate Required) Cost: $100.00 per child

Cost:

$100 per child

Summer Camp Hours SUMMER CAMP HOURS

Mon-Fri 8:008am am toto4:30 pm Mon.-Fri. 4:30pm Alton Center at the AltonRecreation Recreation Center Kids will enjoy a variety of camp activities!

Breakfast and lunch provided by MCISD

Breakfast and lunch provided by MCISD

Parent night : Meet the Camp Staff June 6th from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

page 6

May 24, 2019

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GOOD LUCK IN THE STATE REG SHARYLAND RATTLERS

#2 Pepe Contreras, #3 Ivan Alvarez, #4 Randy Garcia, #5 Diego Peña, #6 Chase Gerlach,#7 Jesus Alarcon, #8 Lalo Salinas, #9 Andy Lozano, #10 Michael Thomas, #11 Abraham Alvarez, #12 Kike Cienfuegos, #13 Trae Cadena, #18 Abraham Garcia, #20 Jose Garcia, #21 Diego Zuniga, #22 Juan Lopez, #23 Isaac Torres, #25 Saul Soto, #32 Martin Vasquez, #33 Alvaro Islas.

Rattlers Reach Regional Semifinals

By John Hamann The Sharyland Rattlers continued their run through the UIL baseball playoffs last week in a hard fought, tension filled matchup with fellow Big 7 and District 31-5A rival La Joya Palmview. The Rattlers prevailed over the Lobos 2-1 in a best-of-three regional quarterfinal series to advance to this week’s Region IV semifinals.

Next up for Sharyland is Kerrville Tivy from District 26-5A. The Antlers are currently 29-11 on the season having defeated Austin Johnson, San Antonio Alamo Heights and Dripping

Springs so far in the postseason. Tivy reached the regional finals last year and the regional semifinals in 2017.

The series is scheduled as a best-of-three slated to begin tonight at 7:30 pm at Riverside Park in Victoria. Game 2 will be Saturday at Cabaniss Field in Corpus Christi at 3pm. If necessary, Game 3 will also be at Cabaniss; 30 minutes after the completion of Game 2.

Sharyland will be making their first appearance in the regional semis since 2012.

So far this postseason the Rattlers have recorded victories over Edcouch-Elsa and Corpus Christi King before

subduing the Lobos. The Rattlers are currently 32-5.

Both Sharyland and Palmview entered the series with momentum. The Rattlers had won their previous 12 games while the Lobos had opened the playoffs by defeating two district champions (Brownsville Veterans, Calallen) in the first two rounds. Led by the pitching of Johnathan Martinez and Paulo Landeros, the Lobos shut down the Rattlers 1-0 in a nine inning Game 1 victory last Thursday.

The Rattlers battled back with a hard fought 5-3 win in Game 2 on Friday at Palmview High School. Desig-

Way To Go Diamondbacks & Rattlers!

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nated hitter Diego Pena’s second inning single brought in two runs and Sharyland added two more in the fourth on a sacrifice fly from shortstop Andy Lozano and a double from centerfielder Pepe Contreras. Palmview responded with two runs in the bottom of the fourth and another in the bottom of the fifth with run producing hits from Manuel Flores, Landeros and Martinez. They kept the score close with some stellar defense that included throwing out Rattlers runners attempting to score in both the fourth and fifth innings. First baseman Martin Vasquez’s solo homerun in the seventh gave the Rattlers some breathing room before Chase Gerlach shut down a final Lobos rally in relief of starting pitcher Ivan Alvarez.

Gerlach was called upon again for the series finale Saturday. The junior responded with a complete game performance, limiting the Lobos to one run on four hits while striking out three in the 2-1 victory. A big double play in the fourth inning and slick fielding from Lozano and third baseman Juan Lopez helped snuff out a number of potential Palm-

view threats.

Gerlach was quick to credit his teammates.

“Our defense is tremendous. They just know how to step up to what’s going on and make plays when it counts.” For his role in helping get the Rattlers through two elimination games Gerlach added, “Going into those situations, I know my team needs me and I just try to put my thoughts behind me and go out there and throw. Try to put it (the ball) in the zone and have my defense make plays.”

Coach Bart Bickerton was equally supportive of his team’s defense.

“It’s unreal. We expect the ball to be hit, so defensively we’ve been there all year. We’ve had a bunch of shutouts and things like that and it’s the defense that’s done it.”

Bickerton gave credit to his pitcher too.

“The thing with him (Gerlach) is I know he is not going to get nervous. He wanted the ball last night and (today) he did a phenomenal job for a guy who has only pitched 15 innings this year.

He’s only had one start (this year) other than today. It was

incredible.”

Still, the Rattlers had to score to win and with Palmview pitcher Paulo Landeros matching Gerlach’s effort for most of the game, that was not an easy task. Sharyland took a 1-0 lead in the first with a two-out single from catcher Abraham Alvarez that scored Pepe Contreras.

The lead held up until the top of the sixth when Lobos third baseman Eduardo Rios beat out an infield hit that got Albino Villarreal home to tie the game.

The Rattlers took the lead for good in the bottom of the sixth after Martin Vasquez’s single to left center was misplayed, allowing him to reach third with no outs.

Two outs later, Gerlach hit a chopper that was also misplayed, bringing in the deciding run. Gerlach worked a perfect seventh to seal the deal, getting a spectacular diving stop and throw from Lozano at short for an out and recording a strikeout to end it.

Palmview closed out their season with a record of 2412 and have good reason to look forward to next year with five starters and three other players returning.

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page 7

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GIONAL SEMIFINAL PLAYOFFS!

SHARYLAND PIONEER DIAMONDBACKS

#1 Alex Morales, #2 Fabio Valdivia, #3 Johnny Lugo, #4 Pepe Cervantes, #5 Jacob Rosales, #6 Darik Briseño, #7 David Lopez, #8 Oscar Serna, #9 Trey Gonzalez, #11 Evan Maldonado, #12 Angel Nuñez, #13 Ryan Garza, #15 Matthew Reyna, #21 Sandalio Garcia, #24 Juan Rivera, #27 Graham LaGrande, #29 Pedro Tovias, #32 Caleb Fuentes, #33 Rafa Garza, #34 Abel Anzaldua, #42 Isaiah Gomez, #44 Ray Hernandez, #99 Fernie Morales

Diamondbacks experience sweet success

By Luciano Guerra For the first time in school history, the Pioneer Diamondbacks’ baseball team is in the state’s Sweet 16. Officially known as the UIL Region IV Semifinals, the fourth round of the state playoffs is affectionately referred to as the Sweet 16 due to the fact that there are only 16 5A teams from across the state of Texas alive in the playoffs. That is down from the 128 teams that originally qualified for the playoffs.

As impressive as the Diamondbacks’ unprecedented success so far this season is, it’s even more impressive when you take into account the fact that prior to Coach Casey Smith’s hiring at Pioneer High just two years ago, the Diamondbacks’ combined three year record was 7-33. While it may be entirely coincidental, the Diamondbacks’ overall record so far this season is 33-7.

And that in itself is proof of how Smith has turned the baseball program at Pioneer around 180 degrees.

So what is it about the 2019 Diamondbacks that has allowed them to not only win Bi-district, Area and Regional Quarterfinals championships already this

postseason, but has also seen them win all five elimination games they have played enroute to becoming a Sweet 16 team? Smith believes he has the answer.

“I think that we’re pretty resilient,” Smith said. “We’re also a lot tougher than people give us credit for.”

How tough and resilient are the Diamondbacks?

Tough and resilient enough to bounce back from an 11-1 loss in game No. 1 of their area round best-of-three series against the then No. 2 ranked Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial team, and then take games No. 2 and No. 3 to win the series. And this was after being just one out away of being eliminated in game No. 2.

“I told the boys how proud I was of them after we won that series,” Smith said.

“I was proud of the way they continued to fight, because staying in the fight is part of life and part of baseball. And I saw that come to fruition not only in that series, but also in our more recent series against Rio Grande City.”

Pioneer freshman third baseman Oscar Serna shared his thought on the secret to the Diamondbacks’ success this season when he said, “Our pitching is outstanding.

They pound the strike zone

all night and that’s what gets us the wins.”

In what had to of been an unprecedented series of events, the four District 315A teams that qualified for the playoffs were all still alive going into the regional quarterfinal round. That is why the Diamondbacks played Rio Grande and the Sharyland Rattlers played the Palmview Lobos, all district opponents, in that round.

When asked what having the four 31-5A playoff teams still be alive going into the third round said about the level of competition within the district, Smith said, “It was an extremely competitive district that could’ve easily gone either way on a lot of different nights. I think that sharpened us all up a little bit and as a result of that, we had those four teams left standing.”

Next up for the Diamondbacks is the team that replaced C.C. Veterans as the state’s No. 2 ranked team, the 34-5 Boerne Champion Chargers. The Chargers not only went 16-0 to claim the District 26-5A championship, but they swept Austin Crockett by a combined score of 31-0 in the bi-district round, they swept Eagle Pass Winn by a combined score of 15-0 in the area

round and they swept Medina Valley by a combined score of 17-3 in the regional quarterfinal round to earn the right to play the Diamondbacks. That’s a combined playoffs score of 63-3 for the Chargers, who have not lost a game since March, 9.

As impressive as all those numbers are, Smith says that he and his team are not at all intimidated.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge,” Smith said. “You put a number next to somebody and you put a target on them. We’ve got our eyes on that target but we know that they’re a good team and we respect what they do. But we’ve got a lot of confidence in ourselves

as well. We feel like we’ve got a good team as well, and we’re going to Laredo with a mindset of competing and winning that series.”

When asked what he thought it was going to take for the Diamondbacks to emerge victorious against a hot team like Boerne Champion, Pioneer senior shortstop and pitcher Jacob Rosales said, “It’s going to take us continuing to play the way we have been playing the past few games. And that is coming out with a lot of energy, seeing the ball, hitting the ball and not making that many errors on defense.

The Diamondbacks and the Chargers will be playing a best-of-three series at

Unitrade Stadium in Laredo with game No. 1 scheduled to be played today at 7 pm, game No. 2 scheduled to be played tomorrow at 1 pm and, if necessary, game No. 3 is scheduled to be begin 30 minutes after the completion of game No. 2.

When asked if it would be nice to see his Diamondbacks do something against Boerne Champion that they have yet to do thus far in the playoffs, and that is to win the first game of a best-ofthree series, Smith laughed and said, “I’d say yes, but I’d rather win game three.”

Great answer, Coach Smith.

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page 8

May 24, 2019

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Dallas Cowboys butterfly statue makes a comeback

MetalHawks Robotics team advances to nationals The K. White MetalHawks Robotics Alpha team competed in this year’s SeaPerch Challenge, an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) program sponsored by the Department of the Navy. This year’s competition included two, in-pool components: Rescue & Recovery and the 2018 SeaPerch National Challenge. The Alpha team tied for first place in the 2019 challenge with 39 points and placed third in 2018 with 31 points. The combined score of 70 placed them first overall and qualified them for the national competition. The Bravo team combined score of 58 qualified them as alternate qualifiers. Alpha team will now travel to the University of Maryland located in College Park, Md., to compete on June 1 and 2.

K. White Jr. High MetalHawks team members include, back, left to right, Felipe Zarate, Jonathan Salinas, Ismael Alvarado and Hugo Mireles; and front, left to right, Juliana Ortiz, Kiera Garza, Daphney Pena and Jordan Hernandez.

Progress times photo by Jose De Leon III.

Kevin Sparks (left) and Maxilou Link (right) with the newly installed Dallas Cowboy butterfly statue on Tom Landry Boulevard.

By Jose De Leon III More than a year after it was destroyed during a police chase, a statue sporting the Dallas Cowboys’ signature blue and white is back on Tom Landry Boulevard.

The statue, located on the intersection of Tom Landry Boulevard and Miller-Avenue-up the street from the city’s historical mural depicting the career of Mission native and original head coach of the Dallas Cowboys Tom Landry, was reinstalled Tuesday.

“When the first one was destroyed, people kept coming to me to ask me when it would be put back,” Maxilou Link, president of the Upper Valley Arts League-the organization that creates the butterfly statues-said. “Now we can tell people the butterfly is back.”

The statue is located right outside a building owned by local chiropractor Kevin Sparks. He said the statue was destroyed during a police chase last year that, according to a May 2018 Progress Times article, ended when the driver struck another vehicle on that street.

Sparks said that vehicle crashed against his butterfly statute, sending it flying several feet and landing near the entrance of the building.

“I was really dejected when it happened since I spent three months painting that statue,” Sparks recalled.

“I remember deciding to install it here since everyone loves the Dallas Cowboys and was thinking of not making a second one, until Maxilou convinced me otherwise.”

The UVAL was responsible for creating butterfly

E

FOR SAL

statues in 2016 that were installed in more than a dozen locations all over the city.

According to Link, people can either purchase a blank butterfly statue for $550 that they can decorate, or request that the UVAL paints it and installs it for $1,000.

The statues are mostly fiberglass with steel wings that Sparks said took him three months to paint per butterfly statue.

“I was saddened when the first statue was destroyed, “ Link said. “I was happy no one was hurt and that it didn’t hit his building, but it was sad for our butterfly. It’s not easy making one.”

According to Link, the amount of butterfly statues throughout the city is growing.

“There are different butterflies all over the city so it’s nice that there’s a variety of them to see,” Link said.

“It’s representative of all the different butterflies you can see in Mission. There’s a lot of different ideas people can use to create one.”

After warning from the state, Mission adopts policy on utility fund transfers

By Dave Hendricks After a warning from the Texas Water Development Board, the Mission City Council adopted a policy Monday restricting transfers from the utility fund to the general fund.

The policy allows Mission to collect an “Administrative Fee” from the utility fund equal to 10 percent of the general fund budget.

“This is to be in compliance with the Water Development Board,” said City Councilman Gus Martinez.

“It’s a very positive step.”

Mission transferred more than $30 million from the utility fund to the general fund during the past decade, according to audit reports approved by the City Council.

The transfers moved cash from the utility fund, which supports water and sewer services, to the general fund, which supports a wider array of city services.

Mission started small.

In the 2008-2009 fiscal year, Mission transferred $1.5 million from the utili-

ty fund to the general fund, according to the annual audit report. In the 2017-2018 fiscal year, the city transferred $4.4 million.

The state Water Development Board, which provided nearly $25 million to Mission through the Economically Distressed Areas Program, flagged the transactions last year.

After reviewing the 2018 audit, the Water Development Board determined that Mission failed to follow regulations for grant recipients.

“Please submit a proposed detailed plan with an implementation timeline and responsible party under which the City would attain current compliance with the above-mentioned statutory requirement,” the Water Development Board wrote to Mission on Nov. 30. “Until the City can demonstrate compliance with the statutory provisions of TWC Section 16.356, we cannot consider the City for funding under any of our financing programs.”

The letter placed Mis-

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Mission proposed reducing the transfers until the amount reached 15 percent of the utility fund’s annual operating revenue, according to a draft City Council resolution Mission provided to Water Development Board administrators.

The resolution approved by the City Council on Monday included a different amount: 10 percent of the general fund budget.

Mission justified the amount by documenting the utility-related services provided by various departments.

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page 9

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JASMINE LEAL

the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in the fall with the intent to transfer to Texas A&M University Kingsville.

She plans on studying animal science with the hope of one day becoming a veterinarian.

While she loves working with animals, her endeavor for the Girl Scouts as well as the community had more to do with providing children overseen by Child Protective Services access to literature.

Leal saw a need for a library at a local CPS branch and spent over 86 hours organizing, painting and gathering book and supply donations for the Rainbow Room Library for Forsaken Angels.

“It was an amazing feeling at the end, to finish everything and see the faces of the people and kids,” Jasmine Leal said. “You have to have the passion for it.”

Leal wanted to help fill a gap for children of all ages who are involved with CPS.

She said she sought to create a space for kids to read while waiting for placement after realizing many of them do not have regular access to reading material.

“The kids in our school don’t appreciate a lot of the things we have, like libraries for example and books,” Jasmine Leal said. “These kids [at CPS] don’t have stuff like that, and I just wanted to put a smile on their faces and let them have that opportunity.”

A varsity softball player who was born with impaired hearing, Leal hopes the library will provide inspiration to foster kids going through CPS and give them an escape through literature.

“I didn’t want to forget why I was doing this,” Jasmine Leal said. “It was hard not giving up because of how busy I am, but I like to push myself.”

Leal’s mother, Maribel Leal, has been her scout lead-

obituaries

Sylvia Wolf MISSION – Sylvia Wolf was born in Mission, Texas, on April 25, 1951, the oldest child born to Jose S. and Eulalia “Lala” Longoria. Sylvia was called to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 21, 2019.

Sylvia was born, raised and spent most of her life in Mission. She recently moved to the Houston area to be closer to her daughter, sonin-law and her new-found pride and joy, Claire (grand-

daughter).

She married her love of 39 years, Marvin Wolf, on November 30, 1979, and they welcomed their only child, Penny Wolf Houy, into the world the next year. Sylvia worked at Mission-Duncan Insurance Agency for almost 35 years, leaving for a short time to pursue owning her own insurance agency. She retired in 2018 shortly before moving to Houston.

Sylvia was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. As her and her younger brothers grew up, stories abound of collective troublemaking and spoiling her younger brothers. From her early years and into adulthood, it was clear family came first to Sylvia.

She spent countless hours at recitals, concerts and school functions with Penny, tending to her aging parents and being a very devoted sister and aunt. Penny and her mom

er (Troop 4114) since Leal joined the organization in the second grade.

“We would always take our Girl Scouts to volunteer at the CPS office,” Maribel Leal said. “One of their comments to me was that whenever they go in there, all they see is broken toys, clothes and shoes, but they had not seen one book in the facility.”

Maribel Leal is a licensed practical nurse at Restorative Health Care, and she often works with children who have been removed from their homes by CPS. Her background with those children gave her and Jasmine insight to how the kids are living.

Leal had to sketch the library layout, paint and do the legwork under the supervision of Maribel, who was not allowed to help Leal during the process.

“It took a total of six months for her to complete,” Maribel Leal said. “It was

86 hours in total. In between that, she’s playing travel ball, high school ball, she would come home late evenings after school practices and work on her project.”

In addition to painting the library, Leal built the shelves and held a book fair at the Speer Memorial Library in order to gather books.

“The community came together,” Maribel Leal said.

“Barnes and Noble was awesome, they donated boxes and boxes of books.”

The library policy allows the kids at CPS to actually take books with them to keep for free. Leal has kept the library stocked since its opening with the large number of books that are stored for it.

“People can still donate to me and I will drop them off any time,” Jasmine Leal said.

“This project is not done.”

Leal also donated school supplies, dictionaries, coloring and activity books and

furniture to the library.

“It really opened my eyes to appreciating things more,” Jasmine Leal said. “A lot of kids will be on their phones a lot, and I’ve actually started reading a lot.”

For her mother, words cannot describe how proud she is of her daughter making a difference.

“We should never take for granted what we are given,” Maribel Leal said. “There are less fortunate kids that don’t have what we have. Her doing this is an awesome feeling.”

Jasmine hopes the library gets even bigger and continues to grow.

“I hope it gets more recognition,” Jasmine Leal said.

“I hope it gets to other places, not only the McAllen office.

I hope other offices do the same thing as well.”

The Rainbow Room Library for Forsaken Angels was named for Jasmine’s

grandmother, who recently passed away.

“I personally feel that these kids are being left behind,” Maribel Leal said. “I do work with these kids, and I just want our community and everyone to know that these are all our kids, and we should look out for them no matter what situation they are going through.”

Earning the Gold Award does not happen very often according to Maribel Leal, because most Girl Scouts tend to stop participating when they get older and do not pursue volunteer projects.

Jasmine said she was shocked to find out she was actually receiving the honor.

“It was a really good experience,” Jasmine Leal said.

“I never expected to be there, and just being there was an amazing feeling. A lot of people see Girl Scouts

were the best of friends.

Sylvia’s life was dedicated to helping others, not just her family, but friends and those in need. She was the first female Mission Chamber of Commerce President, served as the Regent of the local Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court for two separate terms, member in good standing of the Damas Católicas and was the Lector Coordinator at St. Paul’s Church for over 25 years and prepared many children for confirmation over her years of service to the church. She was very involved in the Texas Citrus Fiesta and was named First Lady of Mission. She had a true servant’s heart.

Sylvia is preceded in death by her father, Jose S. Longoria; her mother, Eulalia “Lala” Longoria; and her nephew, Jaime A. Longoria.

She is survived by her husband, Marvin Wolf; her daughter, Penny (Daniel) Houy; her granddaughter, Claire Houy; her brothers, Javier (Tracy) Longoria, Roland (Leila) Longoria, and Jaime (Linda) Longoria; and many nieces, nephews, god-

children and cousins.

Visitation will be at Virgil Wilson Funeral Home on Friday, May 24th, beginning at 3:00 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 25, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church located at 1119 N. Francisco Avenue, Mission, Texas 78572. Interment will follow at San Jose Cemetery in Mission. You are invited to sign the guest book at virgilwilsonmortuary.com.

Lucila Cantu MISSION – Lucila Cantu, 72, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg.

Irene Fonseca MISSION – Irene Garza Fonseca, 58, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Abisai Heras MISSION – Abisai Heras, 82, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at his home in Mission.

Aniceta Martinez MISSION – Aniceta Martinez, 85, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2019, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg.

David Molina MISSION – David Molina, 72, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at Village Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in McAllen.

Santos Montelongo MISSION – Santos P. Montelongo, 88, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Elida Ordaz SULLIVAN CITY – Elida Ordaz, 77, passed away on

Sunday, May 19, 2019, at her home in Sullivan City.

Clemente Oyervides Jr. ALTON – Clemente Oyervides Jr., 54, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Agustina Rivas MISSION – Agustina A. Rivas, 85, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2019 at her home in Mission. Virgil Wilson Mortuary of Mission is in charge of arrangements.

Ruben Silva MISSION – Ruben Dario Silva, 87, passed away on May 17, 2019 at his home in Mission.

Humberto Torres LA JOYA – Humberto G. Torres, 75, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Baldemar Zamora PEÑITAS – Baldemar Zamora, 84, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg.

Notices Perla Ayala MISSION – Perla Milagros Suzzanne Ayala, infant, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

Betty Bennett MISSION – Betty Lou Bennett, 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg.

Rosalinda Canchola MISSION – Rosalinda Canchola, 65, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at McAllen Medical Center.

page 10

May 24, 2019

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office arrests 7 after kidnapping with links to Gulf Cartel

By Dave Hendricks Minutes before midnight on May 6, a woman called the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.

Luis “Ferrari” Jimenez, 28, of McAllen — a drug trafficker with Gulf Cartel connections — had kidnapped her husband and an acquaintance.

“Our victims are also involved with the drug trafficking organization,” said Hidalgo County Sheriff J.E. “Eddie” Guerra. “They went down and they picked up what we believe is about 750 pounds of marijuana off the river. They brought it to a stash house and then, later on that day, some men came by and stole it. And so that led to the kidnapping.”

The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office spent the past three weeks investigating the case.

“We haven’t seen this in quite a while,” Guerra said, adding that kidnappings remain relatively rare in Hidalgo County.

Drug traffickers frequently demand proof when a shipment is stolen or seized by law enforcement. They occasionally abduct, torture or kill smugglers suspected of stealing from the organization.

During the past few years,

though, many drug trafficking organizations switched from marijuana to migrants.

“It’s a lot easier and more profitable, right now, smuggling humans than it is smuggling drugs,” Guerra said.

Key details about the kidnapping, which happened near the intersection of 5 Mile Line and La Homa Road, remain unclear.

Concerned about compromising the investigation, Guerra declined to reveal when, exactly, the kidnapping happened. How long the men remained captive and much of what they told investigators is similarly murky.

The series of events that sparked the kidnapping started on Cinco de Mayo weekend.

Smugglers moved about 750 pounds of marijuana across the Rio Grande south of Pharr, said Guerra, who summarized information provided by investigators.

They slipped past U.S. Border Patrol agents and transported the bundles of marijuana to a stash house near Palmview.

Several men apparently robbed the stash house, leaving the smugglers empty-handed.

Members of the drug trafficking organization summoned two smugglers

responsible for the marijuana to a meeting. When they arrived, other members of the organization kidnapped them.

“Several armed men with handguns and rifles arrived in three separate vehicles and forced them into the vehicles,” according to an affidavit filed by an investigator.

The kidnappers took both men to Palmview, where they were beaten and interrogated.

While public records identify both men, the Progress Times is withholding their names and other information about them. Publicizing their names could place the men and witnesses related to them in danger.

Investigators identified Jimenez, a 28-year-old McAllen resident nicknamed “Ferrari,” as the ringleader.

“We know that he made one phone call and was able to bring in all these people,” Guerra said.

Deputies tracked down Jimenez just hours after they received a call about the kidnapping, according to court records. They also raided a home near Raul H. Yzaguirre Middle School in San Juan, where deputies found body armor, ballistic helmets, masks and rifle magazines.

The Mission Police Department, the Palmview Po-

lice Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Border Patrol, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Air and Marine, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives provided assistance during the investigation.

Over the next few weeks, they arrested seven other members of the criminal organization, Guerra said. Four remain at large.

Investigators arrested Jimenez; Jose Alfredo “Chivo” Chavez, 21, of Palmview, who also made money by dancing at quinceañeras; Jorge Elias Martinez, 22, of Mission; Rocio Hernandez Barajas, 32, of San Juan, who provided weapons to members of the organization; two 16-year-old boys and a 16-year-old girl.

Charges against them include aggravated kidnapping and engaging in organized criminal activity.

An attorney for Jimenez didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Investigators obtained arrest warrants for Enrique Aguirre Jr., who they believe orchestrated the kidnapping; Oved Alejandro Ponce, Victor Luna and Marco Antonio Elizondo.

“These suspects remain at large and should be consid-

Jorge Elias Martinez

Jose Alfredo Chavez

Photo courtesy of Hidalgo County.

Photo courtesy of Hidalgo County.

Luis Angel Jimenez

Rocio Hernandez Barajas

Photo courtesy of Hidalgo County.

ered armed and dangerous,” Guerra said. “We encourage witnesses with any informa-

Photo courtesy of Hidalgo County.

tion regarding this case to come forward.”

Mumps cases found in every major Hidalgo County city

By Jamie Treviño A massive education campaign led by the county health department aims to increase awareness and prevention of mumps, a contagious disease caused by a virus that is currently present in the Rio Grande Valley.

Last week, a case of mumps was found at Bryan Elementary School, which is part of the Mission Consolidated Independent School District. When the discovery was made at the campus, stu-

dents were sent home with a letter detailing how the district was handling the sanitation of the school and phone calls were made that same evening.

In the letter, information on how the virus is spread, symptoms of the mumps and vaccination details were all highlighted. It also encouraged families to keep sick children out of school.

According to Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Director Eduardo Olivarez, keeping the public

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informed in this way is one of the ways to keep the virus contained.

“Of all the cases [in the county], over half of them are between 20 and 30 years old, which is odd,” Olivarez said.

“We’re talking with the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] and the Department of State Health Services, and we can’t figure it out. It’s not a new strain or a wild strain, it’s genotype ‘G’ for general mumps. Across the country it’s all the same age group, so we don’t think it was a bad lot of vaccines because it’s so spread out.”

As of 10 a.m. Monday morning, 46 confirmed cases of the mumps have been diagnosed in Hidalgo County since the end of March/beginning of April.

“Confirmation is done by a combination of laboratory testing and physical symptoms identified by a physician,” Olivarez said. “We have reported cases in pretty much every major community in Hidalgo County, so this is no longer in just a concentrated area.”

According to a recent press release from the department, “mumps is a contagious virus that causes fever, muscle aches, headache, loss of appetite and swelling of the salivary glands, which can include the jaw and neck area.” Other glands in adults can be swollen or tender, and adult males “may experience swollen or tender testicles.”

“It is not a deadly disease,” Olivarez said. “It’s a nuisance and an economic illness because you may be out of work or school for as much as a week. Can anyone afford to be out of school or

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work for a week?”

There are cases in Mission, McAllen, Pharr, Weslaco, San Juan and Edinburg.

The mumps virus is spread mostly through airborne spittle between people in close social contact.

“The good thing is of those 46 cases, probably less than 8 as of printing may still be contagious, but all the other cases are no longer contagious,” Olivarez said.

“But they’re isolated, they are staying home from work or school.”

Olivarez said that currently, there are ten pending cases that the county is still waiting to hear results from.

He brought up the R0 (pronounced “R naught”) measurement, which is the number of people one sick people will infect.

The R0 for mumps states that for every one person who contracts the virus, 10 more will be infected. The values for Hepatitis C and Ebola is 2, for HIV and SARS is 4, and measles is 18.

“Everything started at the end of March/first of April,” Olivarez said. “Incubation is from 14 to 21 days, so if a person came in contact with an infected person, but their immune system was weakened, even if they are vaccinated the virus still attaches to them. It will take 14 to 21 days to show symptoms.”

Once a person starts showing symptoms, they become infectious to others.

Symptoms will show for a week or less, and when a person is no longer symptomatic they are no longer infectious.

“I’m expecting a third wave, which is probably going to be right about now,”

Olivarez said. “Towards the end of this month, I’m expecting more cases to come up just because of exposure.

I’m expecting another one at the end of June.”

Olivarez said the high vaccination rate in the county has prevented the virus from spreading faster and kept it more contained. 46 cases out of over an estimated 1 million people is less than .01 percent.

“We have an average vaccination rate [ages 6 to 19 in Hidalgo County] of 85 to 90 percent vaccinated,” Olivarez said. “That’s a high number, and it’s been like that for several years.”

If born after 1982, a person should have been vaccinated twice. If born prior to that year, they were only administered one mumps vaccination, and may want to look into getting a booster.

“People who work in the medical field and first responders need to consider getting a booster,” Olivarez said. “They need to speak with their physicians to determine if they are eligible.”

Olivarez said that people with a weakened immune system or women who are pregnant should not get the booster because it may complicate things.

“They need to consult their doctor because there’s a group of those people who can benefit from getting some protection,” Olivarez said. “But there’s a group of those people that cannot get it. Only your physician can guide you.”

People who cannot get the vaccine due to their weakened immune system rely on the community to re-

main vaccinated so the virus can remain contained. The current outbreak of mumps and measles in the country has been attributed to the anti-vaccination movement.

“Vaccination is key,” Olivarez said. “A lot of the anti-vaxxers’ movement is stemmed from misinformation. Vaccinations have kept it from getting worse. If there were no vaccinations, more people would be getting it.”

The department also stressed that the current spread of the virus has not come from any immigration issues in Hidalgo County.

They have been in weekly contact with Customs and Border Patrol, who have seen one outbreak in a Cameron County detention facility but none in Hidalgo.

“I average two to three mumps cases every year, usually found in children,” Olivarez said. “This is the first time we have a public outbreak in many years, probably over 15, 20 years.”

Olivarez said the medical and school communities have been extremely focused on the issue, and several reported cases have come back negative thanks to the awareness of these entities.

“They have been so good at assessing it,” Olivarez said. “We’ve gotten more negative results than positive, but that’s a good thing.

I’ve got to thank the medical community, UTRGV, STC, and the school districts for being so diligent.”

The mumps outbreak will be considered finished after the county goes 42 days without a case.

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May 24, 2019 from pg. 1 ALBERTO VELA The City Council offered Martinez the job on May 1, which prompted him to resign.

“It’s been only a year, but I’ve learned a lot,” Martinez said Monday afternoon, moments after the City Council accepted his resignation.

“I’ve made a lot of friends and also realized who are — and who are not — my friends, a lot of times. But I look forward to serving the city in what I think will be an equally serious capacity.”

page 11

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

The City Council appointed pharmacist Alberto “Beto” Vela, 43, of Mission to replace him.

City Councilman Ruben Plata motioned to appoint Vela. City Councilwoman Jessica Ortega-Ochoa seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Both know Vela well.

Ortega-Ochoa and Vela graduated from Mission High School together in 1992.

When he worked for First National Bank of Edinburg,

Plata served as Vela’s banker.

“He’s a very business-oriented individual,” Plata said.

“I’ve always said the city needs to be run like a business, so he’ll do a good job.”

Vela started at the bottom of the pharmacy business, working as a driver for Medicap Pharmacy in McAllen. He became a pharmacy technician and, eventually, a pharmacist.

Along with TLC Pharmacy & Medical Equipment in Mission, he owns six Apple

Pharmacy locations. Vela also manages apartments, owns a construction company and serves on the board of Freedom Bank, which is headquartered in Duval County.

“Not only is he a pharmacist, but he’s a businessman,” Ortega-Ochoa said. “And he’s born and raised here in Mission.”

The appointment will almost certainly change the dynamics on the City Council, where Martinez had occasionally served as the swing

vote.

To avoid a messy fight for control, the City Council wanted to appoint someone without any political ambitions. Members wanted to find a consensus candidate who wouldn’t run for re-election in May 2020.

“I think that he’s a non-political person,” Ortega-Ochoa said. “So he will have his heart in the right place and make decisions not based on what some people tell him but based on the facts.”

People had approached him before, but Vela wasn’t interested in politics.

“I focus on my kids and work,” Vela said.

The opportunity to serve on the City Council for a year, however, intrigued him.

“And from there, someone else can take over the role,” Vela said. “I’m really not that interested in running. I can’t say I won’t, but at this point I think I have my hands full already.”

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Call: (956) 399-3469

CONSTABLE’S SALE

Notice is Hereby Given that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued out of the HONORABLE 93rd District Court HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS, on the 7th of February, 2019, for the sum of $12,927.34 along with reasonable attorney’s fees in the amount of $4,308.90 with interest thereon and costs of suit in the amount of $323.00 at the rate of 5% per annum from the 7th day of February, 2019, under a judgment in favor of Las Vinas Subdivision Homeowner’s Association, Inc. in certain cause in said court, No. C-3362-18-B and styled Las Vinas Subdivision Homeowner’s Association, Inc. vs. MCJ Builders, Inc. and placed in my hands for service on the 30th day of April, 2019. I, Lazaro Gallardo Jr., as Constable Pct.3 Hidalgo County, Texas, did on the 30th of April, 2019, levy on real property in Hidalgo County, Texas, described as follows, to-wit ALL OF LOTS 26 AND 27, LAS VINAS SUBDIVISION, AN ADDITIONAL TO THE CITY OF MCALLEN, HIDALGO COUNTY TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP RECORDED IN VOLUME 44, PAGE 13, MAP RECORDS IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK OF HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS, REFERENCE TO WHICH IS HERE MADE ALL PURPOSES: And levied upon as property of MCJ Builders, Inc. and that on the first Tuesday in June 2019, the same being the 4th day of said month, at the court house door of Hidalgo County, TEXAS in the City of Edinburg, Texas, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (sale will begin at 10:00a.m.). By virtue of said levy and said writ of execution, I will sell said above described real property at public venue for cash, to the highest bidder, as the property of said MCJ Builders, Inc. and in compliance with the law, I give this notice by publication, in the English language, once a week for three consecutive weeks immediately proceeding said day of sale, in The Progress Times a newspaper published in Hidalgo County.

Witness my hand, this 30th day of April, 2019

Lazaro Gallardo, Jr. CONSTABLE PCT.3 Hidalgo County, Texas

boards, signs, trophies and much more, call 956-369-

8140 for more details.

PUBLIC NOTICE The Mission City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, June 10, 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: Tract No. 38, of an unrecorded plat of Melba Carter Subdivision of the Resubdivision of the South ½ of Lots 15-7, and 15-8, West Addition to Sharyland, and Tract No. 40 being the East 1 acre of the West 11.28 acres out of 35.71 acres out of the South ½ of Lots 15-7, and 15-8, West Addition to Sharyland, containing 35.71 acres, from (R-1) Single Family Residential to (C-3) General Business 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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CITY OF ALTON ORDINANCE 2019-08-0514

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ALTON ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO UNDERAGE DRINKING; AN ORDINANCE IMPOSING CRIMINAL AND CIVIL PENALTIES AND RESPONSE COSTS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. READ, APPROVED, AND PASSED on this the 14th day of May, 2019.

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Palmview Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at Palmview City Hall Council Chambers, 400 West Veterans Blvd, Palmview, Texas to consider the following: • Consideration and possible action to rezone from its present designated land use zoning General Busines (C-3) To Sinlge Family Residential (R-1): 1.56 acres tract out of lot 88 New Caledonia Subdivision No. 1.

Additionally, notice is hereby given that a hearing before the Palmview City Council will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at 6:00 pm at the Palmview City Hall Council Chambers to consider the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission on this matter.

If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Palmview’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement.

For additional information, please call the Planning Department at (956)432-0300.

Planning Director: Rodolfo Flores III

page 12

May 24, 2019

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THIS IS THE DAY THAT’S SET ASIDE TO REMEMBER WITH GRATITUDE AND PRIDE ALL THOSE WHO SERVED AND DIED FOR OUR COUNTRY AND OUR FREEDOM. MAY YOUR DAY BE FILLED WITH MEMORIES AND PEACE. GOD BLESS AMERICA.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET

Helen Bird Navy

Juan Buentello Sr. Army

Teodoro Cantu Army

Edward R. Cottrell Air Force

Margarito Garza Navy

Rene Gonzalez Marine Corps

Encarnacion Lopez Army

Santos Lopez Army

Noe Magallan Army

Salome Marroquin Air Force

Luis Rey Mata Army

Don Reinhardt Navy

Eduardo Salinas Jr. Air Force

Eduardo Salinas Sr. Army

Jaime Salinas Air Force

Guadalupe Segundo Sr. Army Air Corps

Pedro Segundo Jr. Army

Tomas Segundo Army

Toribio Segundo Air Force

Arnulfo Tatan Jr. Navy

Ernest Howard Tracy Navy

Schedule of Events RGV State Veterans Cemetery

Catholic War Veterans Post 1065

May 27 • 9:00 A.M. - Memorial Day Service 2520 South Inspiration Rd. Mission Tx. 78572

Veterans War Memorial of Texas May 27 • 11:00 A.M. 29th St. & Col. Plummer Dr. East of Convention Center

8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 6:00 PM

21 Gun Salute at Laurel Hill Cemetery Memorial Mass at C.W.V. Post 1065 21 Gun Salute at San Jose-Catholic Cemetery 21 Gun Salute at Penitas Cemetery 21 Gun Salute at San Jose Cemetery 21 Gun Salute at La Placita Park

With Honor & Gratitude We Remember

REMEMBERING AND HONORING ALL THAT SERVED

City of Alton Ricardo Garza COMMISSIONER

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MAYOR PRO-TEM

We honor the memory of service members and their families who have sacrified to protect the freedom we enjoy.

Ruben Plata COUNCILMAN

Richard Arevalo COMMISSIONER

Emilio Cantu Jr. COMMISSIONER

www.CityOfPenitas.com

COUNCILMAN

MAYOR

COUNCILMAN

COUNCILMAN

ALEX GUAJARDO JOSE ROEL FLORES RIGO LOPEZ FELIPEQUINTANILLA RAMIRO LOYA

Ad paid by Joe Flores

Dr. Armando O’caña MAYOR

MAYOR PRO-TEM

Mayor

Larry Gallardo

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

Salvador Vela Arturo R. Galvan Jr.

Norie Garza MAYOR PRO-TEM

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

Jessica Ortega-Ochoa COUNCILWOMAN

Gus Martinez COUNCILMAN

Randy Perez CITY MANAGER

www.cityofpalmhursttx.com

Ruben De Leon Councilman

Israel Silva Councilman

Jaime Aranda Councilman

Ofelia Peña-Perez Councilwoman

Insured by NCUA. Equal housing lender.

LOCATIONS IN

LA JOYA • PALMVIEW

CALL OR CLICK TODAY!

(956) 585-6207 www.lajoyafcu.com

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

Pharmacy & Medical Equipment

Fred Moron, R. Ph. 581-5499 2120 E. Griffin Pkwy.

Mission, TX