MHS Softball Complex
During MCISD’s committee meetings this week it was decided that the district’s softball complex will be named after Coach Iris Igelsias.
See Pg. 5
INSIDE Local Business Spotlight
INDEX LJISD Crime Stoppers
Entertainment....pg. 2
A police officer who confessed to stealing from the Campus Crime Stoppers in the district has been sentenced to probation.
State Farm insurance agent Jerry Saenz is our local business spotlight this week, providing insurance for the community since 1974.
See Pg. 5
See Pg. 8
Lifestyle...................pg. 3 Sports.......................pg. 6 Death Notices......pg. 9 Classifieds.............pg.11
Your Hometown Newspaper, Bringing Communities Together.
Progress times Vol. 47 - #41
Friday, June 7, 2019
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‘Once an Eagle, always an Eagle’ Mission High School graduates class of 2019 By Jamie Treviño Over 500 Mission High School Eagles graduated this week, making the class of 2019 one of the largest in a while. The MHS class of 2019 celebrated their accomplishments and the end of this part of their educational journey at the State Farm Arena on Monday, June 3. Their families and friends lined the walls of the venue, holding up posters congratulating them for their achievements. The top ten students sat on the stage with the Mission Consolidated Independent School District superintendent and board of trustees, and participated throughout the ceremony by leading the pledge of allegiance, invocation, benediction, Alma Mater and more. “The Mission High School class of 2019 is proud to stand before you to
accept their diploma, which recognizes the completion of 14 years of education,”
Enrique Elizondo IV (Top 10 Student) said during the welcome speech. “Today, we
Faced with a federal investigation, La Joya City Administrator Mike Alaniz submitted a resignation letter last week. The FBI is investigating a series of suspicious land deals that involve Alaniz, his sister and the city of La Joya — clear conflicts of interest that may involve criminal activity. Questions about the land deals prompted Alaniz to resign after nearly 20 years at City Hall. June 30 will mark
Mission High School Principal Edilberto Flores congratulated the class of
Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.
Mission High School class of 2019 graduates look around as their parents and family members hold up signs and posters cheering them on.
Faced with FBI investigation, La Joya city administrator announces retirement By Dave Hendricks
get to celebrate an important milestone in our lives together as one.”
his last day. “Obviously I’m making every effort, along with my client, to get to the bottom
Mike Alaniz (Photo courtesy of Facebook)
of this,” said attorney Rick Salinas of Mission, who represents Alaniz. “And whatever the investigation uncovers, that’s what it uncovers.” Asked about the investigation, the FBI responded with a statement. “The FBI can neither confirm nor deny the existence of an investigation,” said Special Agent Michelle Lee, a spokeswoman for the FBI. The Progress Times spoke with three people who
See RETIREMENT Pg. 4
‘Carrying tradition’ Four years of high school came to an end Sunday for nearly 400 Sharyland High School students. Hundreds of families filled the seats at the State Farm Arena Sunday, June 2, as they watched their loved one take the stage to receive their diploma, their final act as high school students. Sharyland High School Principal Lori Ann Garza served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the event and spoke of how proud she was of her students. “Today, I present to you, our 2019 graduating class of Sharyland High School.,” Garza said. “Allow that to sink in for a moment. These words carry weight. They carry tradition. And they represent all that is good about our community. It’s not ev-
ery day we can say we were part of shaping lives and futures.” Garza credited Sharyland
teachers, staff members and parents for their part in shaping the young students into the graduates they became.
See MHS GRADUATION Pg. 9
Concerned about unethical conduct by the board, La Joya Housing Authority attorney resigns By Dave Hendricks An attorney who represented the La Joya Housing Authority in lawsuits against Mayor Jose A. “Fito” Salinas and his daughter, former housing authority Interim Executive Director Frances A. Salinas, abruptly resigned on Sunday after expressing concerns the board had major ethical problems. Tim Daniels, a partner at San Antonio-based law firm Daniels & Daniels, submitted a brief resignation letter to Executive Director Cristi LaJeunesse on Sunday, hours before the housing authority
board planned to discuss the law firm’s contract. “We have enjoyed working with the Housing Authority Executive Director and Staff,” Tim Daniels wrote. “We enjoyed advising the Housing Authority Commissioners who we were in contact with.” Tim Daniels submitted the resignation letter after concluding the housing authority board planned to terminate Daniels & Daniels. He also expressed concerns the board hadn’t acted ethically. “Based on the applicable law and the current pattern
Sharyland High School graduates class of 2019 By Jose De Leon III
2019, saying he was proud of the students for their hard work and dedication. “We have always strived to give our students the best curriculum and foundation to succeed in life,” Flores said. “The diplomas these graduates receive represent years of determination, commitment and achievement.” Flores said that graduation marks a turning point in their lives as they prepare for the challenges of a changing world. “Surely the class of 2019 will be greatly missed, and most of us here this afternoon can testify to their incredible academic achievements, passionate performances in the arts and athletic memories in their respective fields of competition,” Flores said. “The class of 2019 exemplifies ingenuity and per-
“Students, it is without a doubt that this class, the class of 2019, exemplifies the ultimate in ethical and moral
behavior, character and values expected by those before us who have long instilled Sharyland tradition,” Garza
Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.
Graduates from the Sharyland High School class of 2019 at their graduation ceremony Sunday June, 2, 2019.
of behavior of Commissioners Bazan and Pena, in my opinion, an ethical Texas attorney could be challenged by his or her obligations and effectively represent the La Joya Housing Authority as to the Frances Salinas case or the lawsuit in which the La Joya Housing Authority was compelled to sue three or four Commissioners and the Mayor for numerous violations of the Texas Housing Authorities Law and/or the Texas Open Meetings Act and/or the La Joya Housing Authority’s By-Laws.”
See ATTORNEY RESIGNS Pg. 10
said. “I have no doubt your positive impact on the world will be evident, and always remembered.” The sentiment of thanking those who guided students throughout high school was echoed by Salutatorian Fernanda Guerra Ramírez de Alba. “It goes without question that without this guidance and leadership from counselors and administrators and staff, we would lack the tools necessary to succeed not only in high school, but in our first professions,” Alba said. “You are our heroes, saving us time and time again from failures, and even sometimes from our own choices. But with all due respect, it is now time for us to save ourselves. After 18 years of watching us
See SHS GRADUATION Pg. 10
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June 7, 2019
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Program outlines beer, Progressive Country mystique
VMHS cheerleaders to cheer for Incarnate Word Veterans Memorial High School cheerleaders Alyssa Rodriguez and Aileen Ybarra have signed their letter of commitment to cheer for the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. This is the first cheer signing for VMHS under the direction of Melissa Guerrero and Mimi Cano, coaches. The ladies tried out on May 4 and were offered a spot on the cheer team along with a scholarship. They have been cheer squad members for four years at VMHS. Rodriguez is the daughter of Marissa Femat, and Ybarra is the daughter of Carlos and Ludivina Contreras and John Ybarra.
EDINBURG – Museum of South Texas History (MOSTHistory) staff member Joseph Fox will present “Lone Star Brewing: Beer and Progressive Country in the Texas Mystique” on Sunday, June 9, at 2 p.m. during Sunday Speaker Series at the Museum of South Texas History. In the early 1970s, a large number of young Texans moved from rural areas and small towns to much larger cities. In Austin, this migration sparked an energetic music scene dubbed “Progressive Country” where traditional country, folk and western swing music blended with electric instruments and urban attitudes. Looking to capitalize on this music scene, Lone Star beer regional manager Jerry Retzloff established friendships with local musicians and venue owners who voluntarily promoted Lone Star beer to their fans. Over the course of this marketing campaign, Lone Star’s efforts extended beyond Anglo markets by enlisting Tejano musicians like
Joseph Fox Freddy Fender and Sunny and the Sunliners as well as African-American musicians like Freddie King, The Pointer Sisters and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. As a result, Lone Star beer became synonymous with the Progressive Country scene and propagated a new urban, metropolitan form of the “Texas Mystique” that was not just celebrated by the Austin counter-culture but also by traditional country music fans across the state of Texas. Fox earned a master’s degree in history from Texas State University in San Marcos. He has written articles for the Handbook of Tejano History, book reviews for Texas Books in Review, a historical marker for the Texas Historical Commission. The program is included in the regular admission. MOSTHistory is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd. in Edinburg. Call 956-383-6911 for information.
Joel Mitchell Ward & Linette Castañeda
Castañeda-Ward engagement announced SAN JUAN – Jorge and Anita Castañeda of San Juan announce the engagement of their daughter, Linette, to Joel Mitchell Ward. He is the son of Malcolm James and Donna Lee Ward of Lisarow, New South Wales, Australia. The couple will exchange their wedding vows on Saturday, July 13, at First United Methodist Church in Donna. Rick Espinosa will officiate. The bride-elect is a 2011 graduate of PSJA High
McAllen Parks & Rec opens second summer session McALLEN – The City of McAllen Parks & Recreation Department Summer Season
EVENTS
CALENDAR June 8 – Register for the Gladys Porter Zoo Ridley Rush 1 Mile Walk/Run. It begins at 9 a.m. on the zoo grounds, 500 Ringgold in Brownsville. All proceeds 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 zoo 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. 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. June 25 – The public is invited to Speer Memorial Library in Mission at 6:30 p.m. for a discussion of the book Apollo 13, to take place in the library’s Community Room. 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. (For more Events, go to ptrgv.com.) (For more Events, go to ptrgv.com.)
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
School. She received her bachelor’s degree in fine arts and a master’s in higher education administration. She graduated from Angelo State University in 2015. She is employed by Scholastic Australia in Lisarow. Her fiancé is a 2013 graduate of Narara Valley High School in Narara, New South Wales. He received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Charles Sturt University in Bathurst, New South Wales.
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
Programs are filling up fast. The first summer sessions of programs are already closed and registration is now open for the second session. The 2019 season includes camps at the city’s three community centers; learn-to-swim classes; athletic programming, such as lessons in a variety of activities; and outdoor recreation activities. In collaboration with the McAllen I.S.D. Summertime Food Program, all three community centers offer breakfast and lunch for children up to age18. Parents should note there are different fees associated with the various camps and programs. To learn more about the camps or special events, or to register for any of the camps, visit mcallenparks. net or call 956-681-3333.
LJISD offers sites for summer meal program LA JOYA – This summer, La Joya ISD will connect children 18 years old and younger with the healthy Seamless Summer Option (SSO) food service program meals at no cost to the child. La Joya ISD is partnering with Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to serve breakfast and lunch across the school district and began serving the meals on June 3 at several campuses. Breakfast and lunch are being served at the following schools: High school – La Joya, Palmview, Juarez Lincoln and CTA & STEM; Middle School – Cesar Chavez, Domingo Treviño and Memorial; and Elementary – JFK, Camarena, Chapa and E. Garza. Times vary at each campus; parents should check with the closest campus to verify serving hours. Families are also encouraged to use these three tools to find a meal site anywhere in the state: Call 211 to speak to a live operator; visit SummerFood.org for an interactive site locator map; or text FOODTX to 877-877. Organizations partner with TDA to serve meals in areas where more than 50 percent of children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program. Eligible sponsoring organizations include schools, faith-based groups, nonprofit summer camps, government agencies and other tax-exempt organizations. All meal sites must be sponsored by an organization that has a contract with TDA.
June 7, 2019
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IMAS announces Family Night line-up
MCALLEN – Summer at the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) is sizing up to be one of deep space exploration, arts and culture, imagination, and quality family time. Special Stars & Skies nights, summer camps, quality exhibits, and free Sundays offer a cool refuge for the guests to explore science, art, and culture. The first Thursday of each month has been coined “Family Fun Night” and includes extended hours filled
with themed activities from 3 to 8 p.m. The summer months continue with “Stars & Skies” nights at IMAS. The lineup of astronomical exploration includes Water in Space – June 6; Space Rocks – August 1; and Space Travel – Sept. 5 The museum will be closed on July 4 in observation of Independence Day. IMAS is located at 1900 W. Nolana Ave. in McAllen. Call 956-681-2800 for more information.
MCALLEN – The International Museum of Art & Science board of directors has appointed Ann Fortescue to be the museum’s next president and executive director, replacing Serena Pandos. Fortescue will start her position at IMAS in mid-July and will relocate from Springfield, Ohio, where she is currently serving as executive director of the Springfield Museum of Art since 2011. At the Springfield Museum of Art she led the financial turnaround of the Museum, the acquisition of the Museum facility through a capital campaign, and secured reaccreditation from the Alliance of American Museums (AAM).
Prior to that position, she was the director of Education and Visitor Services at the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, Pa. She is a native of New York City. An experienced fundraiser and grant writer, Fortescue also brings national-level museum connections and serves as a field reviewer for the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences national grant program, and is an accreditation reviewer for AAM. She is a Getty Leadership Institute Fellow. IMAS is located at 1900 W. Nolana Ave. in McAllen. Call 956-681-2800 for more information.
IMAS appoints new director
Champions of Magic tour tickets available
HIDALGO – With five world-class illusionists that make up a mind-bending theatrical production, the Champions of Magic are back on tour in 2019, following sell out shows across the globe, rave reviews and a run in London’s West End. Catch all of the family-friendly mystery of illusion and action at State Farm Hidalgo Arena on July 28. Tickets, on sale now, start from just $25 and can be purchased online at hidalgoarena.com. With more than 30 million online views between them, this cast of top magicians includes international award-winners presenting incredible mind reading, stunning close-up magic and daring large-scale illusions. The show features illusionists Young & Strange (Richard Young and Sam Strange), mind reader Alex McAleer,
escapologist Fernando Velasco and close-up magician Kayla Drescher. Champions of Magic opened in the UK in October 2013 at Reading Hexagon Theatre and has since completed six UK tours and a run in London. The show completed a US tour in 2017 and 2018. Their skills have been seen on screen around the world with appearances on “Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” NBC’s “Caught on Camera with Nick Cannon,” “The Today Show” and “Access Hollywood Live.: The Champions of Magic team performs illusions with supercars, an escape from Houdini’s water torture cell, a mind-blowing prediction that has to be seen to be believed, levitation high above the stage and a finale beyond explanation.
PCT announces acting classes for adults
Coming Attractions 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 888-200-4035, 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. June 22 • Jennifer Lopez comes to the Rio Grande Valley with her “It’s My Party Tour” at the Bert Ogden Arena at 8 p.m. for one show only. On stage that night, the show includes opening acts with World of Dance performers Swing Latino, The Lab and Brian Nolet. A wide range of ticket prices are available at livenation.com and ticketmaster.com. June 30 • Luis Miguel comes to Bert Ogden Arena at 4900 S. I-69C. Tickets are available at LiveNation.com. Call 956-562-7362 for information. (For more Coming Attractions, go to ptrgv.com)
Sunset Live concert features female line-up
McALLEN – Kick off summer with girl power at the City of McAllen’s Sunset Live concert this Saturday, June 8. The monthly event begins at 6 p.m. at the McAllen Convention Center Oval Park, 700 Convention Center Blvd., for its final performance for the spring season. The free, family and pet-friendly concert will be featuring leading local female artists coming together the 40th concert for Sunset Live, making it the leader in outdoor live music in the Rio Grande Valley. The concert series combines music, outdoor activities, food trucks, beverages and local artisans. The June 8 line-up features Beatriz Gonzalez of Donna, Felicia Rivera of Weslaco, Gabriela ARI of McAllen, Viviana Villalon of Palmview, Alexa Michelle Posas of Rio Grande City and Emma Grace Escobar of Rio Grande City. Now with hundreds of thousands of YouTube views, and plans for new upcoming
releases, Gonzalez is poised to make a significant impact. Rivera graduated from UTRGV and is now focusing on her music career. ARI currently resides and studies music in Nashville at Belmont University where she is working on her undergraduate degree. Villalon made it onto American Idol Season XIII where she used her success to break out onto the local music scene. She has been touring as a soloist for Carnival Cruise for the past three years. Posas, has won numerous awards throughout high school and college as a mariachi vocalist and violinist. She is touring across the U.S. year round. Escobar is an 11year old upcoming artist full of potential. The Fall Season dates when Sunset Live concerts return will be Oct. 12, Nov. 9 and Dec. 14. For more information, visit mcallenconventioncenter.net.
PHARR – Acting classes for adults, instructed by Luis Moreno, are being offered at Pharr Community Theater, 213 W. Newcombe Ave., starting June 12 and running through July 20. Two 90-minute classes per week will be held Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. In the six-week introductory acting course the student will learn the basic and essential skills an actor must develop. The development will stem from understanding script interpretation and analysis and using the power of imagination in order to reach a full range of truthful character motivations. Students will run intensives on
monologues and scenes ranging from classical to contemporary while understanding the history, politics and socio-economic climate of the particular era. Moreno is a student at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and has been acting for nearly 20 years around the Rio Grande Valley. From comedy to drama, Aeschylus to Miller, he has portrayed a wide range of characters. Tuition is $125 for the workshop. To register up to one hour before the first class, text or call 956-6559308. Class size is limited to 10 students on a first come, first serve basis. Classes for kids and teens will be announced soon.
McALLEN – The deadline is today, June 7, for entries to be submitted for the City of McAllen’s annual Independence Day parade. The annual Independence Day Celebration will take place on Thursday, July 4, with an early morning patriotic program, immediately followed by The 4th of July Main Street Parade and Freedom Festival, a family-friendly festival held at Archer Park. Music, food, games and artisans will be some of the highlights of the event. The City of McAllen
Parks and Recreation Department is currently accepting entries for this year’s festivities. All entries are invited to participate in the parade, especially civic and youth groups, nonprofit organizations, groups on horseback, biker groups, walking groups and veterans and veterans’ groups. All entries should feature a patriotic theme. Entry forms are available by request by emailing pardmarketing@mcallen.net or stopping by the McAllen Parks & Recreation Office, 1000 S. Ware Rd.
Today is deadline for Independence Day entries
Air Supply tickets go on sale today EDINBURG – Legendary 70’s soft-rock band Air Supply will perform all of their greatest hits when they take the stage at the Bert Ogden Arena on Saturday, July 20. Tickets go on sale for the limited seats available for this theater-style show. The Australian band composed of Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock debuted in 1976 with the album, Air Supply, and went on to record such worldwide hits as The Power of Love (You
are My Lady), Without You, Every Woman in the World, Lost in Love, and more. VIP packages for this show are available for purchase as well, and include one premium seat in the first 12 rows, access to an exclusive sound check followed by a meet-n-greet, and a VIP swag bag. More information can be found at bertogdenarena.com and by phone at 956-5627362.
For the latest news and updates
Mission First United Methodist Church 1101 Doherty Ave.
Mission TX 78572 (956) 585-1665 Sunday Services:
8:00 a.m. Informal 9:00 a.m. Contemporary 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Traditional 11:00 a.m. Childrens Church 5:00 p.m. Spanish Worship
VBS 2019 is coming!! “Miraculous Mission” June 24th – 28th, 4:00 -7:00 pm. K-5th Grades. Snacks provided.
Join us for communion the First Sunday of every month.
Dinner with Friends every Friday @ 5:30pm
Everyone is Welcome!
www.missionfumc.com
(Check your Sponsorship Selection) Make checks payable to Education Foundation of Mission CISD ☐ Please charge a total of $ ______________ to my ☐ Visa ☐MasterCard ☐American Express Credit Card # _______________________________Expiration Date _______________ CVV# ____________ ☐ My company, _______________________________________, will match this gift. Print Name on Card __________________________________________________________ Authorized Signature ______________________________
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Address _______________________________City _________________ State____ Zip___________________ Donation: My tax deductible gift is enclosed in the amount of $___________________________ We are accepting Inkind Donation (description & value): $___________________________ For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please feel free to contact Phone: Candy Martinez 956-240-2059 or Hector Olivarez 956-445-4255 Email: didacourt@icloud.net (Candy Martinez)Education Foundation of Mission CISD – 1201 Bryce Drive, Mission, TX 78572.
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June 7, 2019
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS Legislature passes property tax, school finance reform AUSTIN — While the Memorial Day holiday was observed across Texas, lawmakers stayed busy at the state Capitol, voting on key bills in the final three days of the 86th Texas Legislature’s 140-day regular session. Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen did what they jointly set out to do at the beginning of the session in January. They exercised their leadership skills well enough for the Senate and House to pass property tax reform (Senate Bill 2) and school finance reform (House Bill 3), and to pass a state budget for fiscal years 2020-2021 (House Bill 1). The Legislature is constitutionally mandated to pass a state budget every two years. HB 1, the state budget written by House Appropriations Committee Chair John Zerwas, R-Richmond, and sponsored by Senate Finance Committee Chair Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, contains $250.6 billion in spending. The two-year budget is subject to certification by the state comptroller. The governor has until June 16 to sign or veto any bill or veto any line item within HB 1. SB 2, titled the “Texas Property Tax Reform and Transparency Act of 2019,” amends the property tax appraisal and rate-setting processes. Lt. Gov. Patrick called it the first property tax reform in 40 years. “It will provide an average of $200 in property tax relief this year on a $250,000 home,” Patrick said. SB 2’s main author was Senate Property Tax Committee Chair Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston. House Ways and Means Committee Chair Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, sponsored the bill in the House. Bettencourt called SB 2 and HB 3 “astonishing tax relief.” SB 2 limits most municipal tax rate increases to 3.5 percent on the $100 valuation. The current limit is 8.0 percent without a rollback election. However, it will continue to be incumbent upon county appraisal districts and local oversight to control property values. HB 3, authored by House Public Education Committee Chair Dan Huberty, R-Houston, and sponsored by Senate Education Committee Chair Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, provides about $2 billion for pay raises for teachers and other public school employees and reduces local school property tax rates by an estimated 13 cents per $100 valuation by 2021. The reduction, according to the Senate News Service, will provide more than $5 billion in property tax relief within two years. Taylor said HB 3 would put $4.5 billion more into the classroom and direct more funds to-
ward students with economic disadvantages, those still learning English and those with dyslexia. HB 3 also would create an optional July term for eligible students and full-day, pre-kindergarten programs for students from low-income backgrounds. Senate elects pro tempore Senate State Affairs Committee Chair Joan Huffman, R-Houston, on May 27 was sworn in as the body’s president pro tempore for the remainder of the 86th Legislature, which continues until January of 2021. As president pro tem, Huffman serves as the state’s chief executive when both the governor and lieutenant governor are out of the state. She succeeds Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo. Whitley resigns from office Texas Secretary of State David Whitley, the state’s chief elections officer, announced his resignation from office on May 27. Gov. Abbott last December appointed Whitley, but the appointment was subject to confirmation by the Senate. The Senate adjourned sine die on May 27 without voting to confirm him. In January Whitley issued an advisory on voter registration list maintenance to election officials across Texas. The advisory potentially would have invalidated the voting rights of Texans who were naturalized as citizens and lawfully registered to vote. The Texas League of United Latin American Citizens and others sued Whitley to stop the voter purge. The parties settled in late April when the state agreed to revise its practices. One bill out of five passes How busy were our lawmakers from Jan. 8 to May 27? The 150 members of the Texas House and 31 members of the Texas Senate combined filed 7,324 bills proposing, amending or repealing laws in the 140-day legislative session that ended last week. Of the total number of bills, 1,429 passed, resulting in a passage rate of 19.5 percent. The 2019 Legislature’s output of bills seems high, and it was. The last time more bills were filed in a regular legislative session happened was 10 years ago, during the 81st Texas Legislature in 2009. Then, the House and Senate filed a combined total of 7,419 bills and passed 1,459 or 19.7 percent. To learn how a bill becomes a law, visit: https://tlc.texas.gov/docs/legref/legislativeprocess.pdf
from pg. 1
RETIREMENT
said FBI agents interviewed them about land deals that involved Alaniz, his sister and the city of La Joya. They provided information to the Progress Times on the condition of anonymity. Mayor Jose A. “Fito” Salinas said he heard rumors about the investigation but hadn’t discussed the matter with Alaniz. “I really don’t know,” Mayor Salinas said. “I’ve heard the rumors.” AUCTION PROMPTS QUESTIONS According to three people with knowledge of the investigation, FBI agents asked questions about property purchased during a tax auction in August 2012. Alaniz and his sister acquired five lots in the Palmshores Subdivision, according to Hidalgo County property records. Alaniz transferred two lots to La Joya in 2015. His sister, Blanca Valdez, sold a third lot to La Joya in 2017. “I think that the big inquiry for La Joya, and for any other city, is when you’re either elected or employed by any municipality, you have no business dealing with yourself,” said Rick Salinas, the attorney who represents Alaniz. “And I’m not saying that’s what Mike Alaniz did.” Attorney Rolando David Cantu of McAllen, who represents Valdez, declined to comment. About two weeks before the auction, the La Joya Economic Development Corp. board authorized Alaniz to bid on property in the Palmshores Subdivision, which is located northwest of Walker Lake. When the board met on July 27, 2012, the agenda included “Discussion and action, if any, regarding LJEDC bidding on Tax Foreclosed Property Lots located within Palmshores Subdivision,” according to a copy of the meeting minutes, which indicate: “A motion to go to second auction for possible purchase of lots was made by Ricardo Perez, Juan J. Garza second the motion, all in favor, motion was carried unanimously.” The minutes, which aren’t signed, purport to document the meeting on Thursday, July 27, 2012. That date is actually a Friday. The minutes also fail to identify the specific lots that board members authorized Alaniz to purchase. Garza, who is serving a 37-month prison sentence for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, said in an email that he didn’t remember the meeting. He suggested the minutes may be fraudulent. Austin-based law firm Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson and the Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office handled the auction, which took place at the Hidalgo County Courthouse. Auctioneers attempted to sell 77 pieces of property during a tax sale that morning, but just a single property sold. Hidalgo County purchased about 4 acres near Mile 7 Road for $31,540, according to records kept by the Precinct 3 Constable’s Office. Auctioneers sold the remaining property that afternoon during a tax re-sale auction, where the bidding started at rock-bottom prices. Jesus “Chuy” Guerrero, the father of former Hidalgo County District Clerk Omar Guerrero, dominated the resale auction. He purchased
52 lots in the Palmshores Subdivision. Another bidder, which is listed on Precinct 3 Constable’s Office records as the La Joya EDC, purchased five lots in the Palmshores Subdivision. Eli Hernandez, who headed the Walker Lake Homeowners Association, attended the auction. “And Mike Alaniz did bid on some lots and won,” Hernandez said, adding that he remembered seeing Mayor Salinas at the auction too. “Fito Salinas was there, but he did not bid on anything. At least not that I remember.” The La Joya EDC, however, never received the lots. WHO PAID? CITY WILL NOT SAY Alaniz took possession of Lot 217, which sold for $5,500; Lot 218, which sold for $8,500; and Lot 203, which sold for $9,600, according to deed records filed with the Hidalgo County Clerk’s Office. His sister took possession of Lot 112, which sold for $9,700, and Lot 219, which sold for $6,700. Who paid for the lots remains unclear. The Progress Times requested the documents on March 4, but La Joya refused to release the records. City Attorney Kennedy Salinas contacted Alaniz about the situation on April 4. “The checks, bank statements and other financial records related to the above land purchases by the city must be produced. Also, any minutes, meeting agendas related to these sale purchases of property. In the event there are no minutes or meeting agenda, please state so in the City’s response,” according to an email Kennedy Salinas sent to Alaniz at 8:26 a.m. on April 4. “Please be advised that these documents requested are public municipal documents of record and are subject to Public Information disclosure.” Kennedy Salinas provided a copy of the email to the Progress Times. The city, though, never released the records. The Progress Times filed a complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s Office, which sent the city a sternly worded letter on May 21. Mayor Salinas and the City Commission discussed the complaint in executive session on May 30. Alaniz submitted a resignation letter the next day. “I don’t know if that was the reason he resigned,” Mayor Salinas said. “But he had been talking to me about retiring.” CITY BUYS SISTER’S PROPERTY The documents may explain why Alaniz transferred two lots to La Joya in 2015 and why La Joya purchased a third lot from his sister in 2017. Alaniz transferred Lot 217 and Lot 203 to La Joya in August 2015, according to corrected deeds filed with the County Clerk’s Office. He kept Lot 218. “There were some weird changes in the ownership of those lots,” said Hernandez, who headed the homeowners association. “And by that I mean they were under Mike and under the city.” Asked about the property transactions, Alaniz referred the Progress Times to his attorney. La Joya purchased a third property from his sister, Blanca Valdez, in 2017. City Engineer Dario V.
Guerra, who owns Big D Engineering, wrote a letter to Alaniz on Feb. 15, 2017, recommending that La Joya acquire Lot 112. “The city currently has a sanitary sewer lift station on Lot 113, but it is also the location of the Homeowners association’s building,” according to the letter, which La Joya released under the Public Information Act. “It is Big ‘D’ Engineering’s recommendation that the City can look into acquiring a property located adjacent to the lift station to install a future water upgrade to the lift station.” Valdez had acquired an adjacent property, Lot 112, at the August 2012 tax auction. Alaniz suggested La Joya might be interested in acquiring the property, Guerra said, adding that Alaniz didn’t mention that his sister owned Lot 112. La Joya purchased Lot 112 and filed the deed with the County Clerk’s Office on April 10, 2017. How much the city paid isn’t listed on the deed. The city refused to release the payment records and any related documents, including conflict-of-interest disclosure forms. Whether or not Alaniz had a partial ownership interest in Lot 112 is similarly unclear. Valdez paid the property tax bill for Lot 112 from 2013 to 2015, according to Hidalgo County Tax Office records. Alaniz paid the 2016 bill. Mayor Salinas said he asked Alaniz about the purchase of Lot 112 but didn’t receive any answers. “I’m concerned also,” Mayor Salinas said. “I want to know who signed that check.” EARLY RETIREMENT Alaniz submitted his resignation letter on May 31, walking away from a nearly 20 year career with La Joya. “It is with deep regret that effective June 31, 2019, I am retiring as City Administration from the City of La Joya,” Alaniz wrote, according to a copy of the letter provided by Mayor Salinas. “I would like to thank City Council for the opportunity in serving our great City. Most importantly my staff.” Alaniz apparently meant June 30. The city scheduled a special meeting Thursday to accept the resignation letter and start advertising for a new administrator. “We’re going to lose a good man,” Mayor Salinas said. “Very experienced and very familiar with what’s going on.” Alaniz taught math at the La Joya Independent School District before accepting the city administrator position in July 2000, according to personnel records. Along with supervising day-to-day city operations, he occasionally served as a municipal judge. “It was a challenging job where you’re there to serve the community,” Alaniz said. “And I did my best at doing so.” Alaniz, who is 55 years old, had planned to announce his retirement in July but submitted the letter early “due to circumstances.” He didn’t elaborate. “I want to take a rest, hopefully,” Alaniz said, adding that he might attempt to complete his master’s degree. “And, God willing, I take it one day at a time and keep the faith.”
June 7, 2019
page 5
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MCISD to name softball field after former coach By Jamie Treviño The MHS softball field will be named after wellknown former coach Nelda “Iris” Iglesias following the finance committee meeting held on Wednesday. The Mission Consolidated Independent School District held three committee meetings and one special meeting this week on June 5. Several presentations were given to the board of trustees prior to next week’s regular meeting. “We did go through the nominating committee process [to decide on the name to be presented to the board],” Craig Verley, MCISD Director of Public Relations and Marketing said on the naming of the field. “We met once early last month, we got together and discussed how the process would proceed, and we proceeded also with getting the word out to the public that we were accepting nominations for consideration of the naming of the softball field.” Verley said that over two weeks 36 nominations were received, all for Iglesias. “We brought the committee back again to look those over and also presented them with a draft of the executive summary for the board meeting,” Verley said. “Some of
them received initially were from letters presented by Jessica Iglesias [her daughter], and we got in quite a few more from email and through some Facebook messaging as well.” The proposed name presented to the board of trustees was the “Nelda ‘Iris’ Iglesias Softball Complex,” which was questioned by board member Veronica “Betty” Mendoza. “I would like it to be named ‘Coach Iris Iglesias,’” Mendoza said. Typically, the district has not included an employee’s title when naming a facility after them. Half the nominations were to name the field “Coach Iris Iglesias Softball Complex,” while the other half were given in her full name. “If the board chooses otherwise, that change can be included [in the agenda],” Verley said, noting that the ultimate decision would be with the board next week. The board members present (Petra Ramirez, Charlie Garcia III, Jerry Zamora, Dr. Sonia Treviño and Mendoza) agreed that the field should be named after Iglesias with the title of coach. “If that’s what the family would want, I think we should honor it,” Ramirez said. “I don’t think anybody
really knows her as Nelda, everybody knows her as Coach Iglesias. I never knew she was Nelda until I saw the page [in the agenda].” During the finance committee meeting, the district was presented with the renewal of administrative services only (ASO) with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas insurance. A consultant for the district from Carlisle Insurance said the companies are set to renew on Oct. 1. The district has an offer to renew their contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield for an additional year of coverage. Administrative services handle the claims for employees, and part of these services cover the administrative charge that is charged per employee per month. The rate will fluctuate with enrollment. It provides employees with their identification cards, online registration and portal access and more. According to the consultant Blue Cross Blue Shield’s ASO plan includes other services such as an annual wellness allowance of $10,000, to be used for wellness programs and partnerships within the district. All members enrolled in the plan will also have access to telephone or conference access to board-certified physicians
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24 hours a day, seven days per week. Blue Cross Blue Shield also said if they use district funds in a mistake, they are liable to pay back the district. This will be MCISD’s sixth year with the insurance provider, and the consultant expects a 10 percent decrease in administrative costs, translating to about $80,000 in savings for the district. Carlisle Insurance recommended to approve the renewal at the next board meeting. During the special meeting, the board of trustees evaluated Superintendent Carol G. Perez and went over her contract and compensation. They had their entire discussion in executive session, and approved the contract they went over during the session once the meeting reconvened. No comments were made
as to the nature of the contract or what Perez’s compensation will be, and until it is signed the board of trustees is keeping all information on the contract private.
Nelda “Iris” Iglesias (Photo courtesy of MCISD)
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By Jose De Leon III For State Farm insurance Agent Jerry Saenz, his business is a way of giving back to the community. Saenz, a Mission native, has provided insurance for the Mission community since 1974. Since 1978, his office has been at 1211 N. Conway Avenue. “Insurance is a way of giving back. I’ve been very fortunate to live in my hometown, so I believe in giving back to the community,” Saenz said. Saenz takes the idea of giving back to his community to heart. Right after graduating from Mission High School in 1960, he served in the U.S. Air Force for four years before attending college at what was then Pan American University to study business management. As a Mission native, Saenz has served on the Mission Planning and Zoning Board, the Hidalgo County Welfare Board, the Mission school board of trustees and the Mission Civil Service Committee. “Why wouldn’t I want to serve the community like this,” Saenz said. “We are here to serve in whatever capacity we can and in our lifetime, we’re all supposed to serve one another.” In his 45 years working, Saenz said the business has been changing, but he’s been adapting to it. “There’s more players out there, it’s more competitive, but I have clients that have been with me for 45 years,” Saenz said. “Others that have come and gone, and that’s the nature of the business. They come and go sometimes but I’ll always provide good, attentive service; it’s what people expect. When there’s a need, we will respond.” As an insurance agent, Saenz provides auto, life, home and health insurance, some-
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THE
June 7, 2019
Sports week
Luciano Guerra Sports Editor
BIG7 SCHOOLS
page 6
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Covering Mission, Veterans Memorial, Sharyland, Pioneer, La Joya, Palmview & Juarez-Lincoln Sports
Diamondbacks
to play in state tournament By Luciano Guerra “We didn’t come this far to only come this far.” That is the message on display on the electronic marquee at Sharyland Pioneer High School. And while those timely words of encouragement could have been meant for graduating seniors, they are extremely well suited for the Diamondbacks baseball team. That’s because no Sharyland ISD baseball team has ever gone as far into the playoffs as the 2019 Diamondbacks have, and while qualifying for the UIL State Tournament is an extremely impressive accomplishment in-and-of itself, every single member of the team have their sights set on a much more impressive accomplishment; winning a state championship. While their two games to none regional finals series win over the Sharyland Rattlers last week was the final step in the Diamondbacks’ long journey to the state tournament,
one way or another their historic run is about to end. It actually could’ve ended as soon as last night when the Diamondbacks took on the Georgetown Eagles in their one game, winner-takeall, state semifinal game. If however it did not end last night, then it will end tomorrow afternoon when the Diamondbacks take on the winner of the other state semifinal game between Colleyville Heritage and Corsicana for the UIL 5A state championship. The Diamondbacks’ roster is made up of eight freshmen, two sophomores, eight juniors and five seniors. The fact that in only his second year at Pioneer, head coach Casey Smith has taken that mix of youth and experience and built a team that has not only won bi-district, area, regional quarterfinal, regional semifinal and regional final championships, but also defeated two No. 2 ranked teams in the state along the way, has to be one of the all-time great coaching jobs
in Valley, if not Texas, high school baseball history. However, as great a coaching job as Smith and his assistants have done, it is up to the players to execute the plays. And that is why we will be focusing on four members of the Diamondbacks’ baseball team as they share their thoughts on what has become a historic season for the Sharyland Pioneer baseball program that could very well end in the Rio Grande Valley’s first ever UIL baseball state championship. Senior pitcher Jacob Rosales is scheduled to be the starter against Georgetown Thursday night. He was the winning pitcher against Sharyland High in game No. 1 of that series last Thursday and he shared what that sweep of the Rattlers meant to him when he said, “It felt great. It’s something that we’ve talked about all year. A lot of people were saying that they were going to sweep us in two games, but sweeping them felt pretty good.”
While the Diamondbacks’ five championships thus far this season have turned most of their skeptics into believers, it was their area round championship over a No. 2 ranked team that made Rosales realize that a trip to the state tournament could become a reality. “As soon as we beat Corpus Christi Vets I knew that if we could beat one of the best teams in the state, we could pretty much make it all the way,” Rosales said. “We’ve kept that mindset since then and here we are in the state tournament.” When asked what the fact that he and his teammates have not only made Pioneer High School history by advancing so far into the playoffs, but are now only two wins away from a state championship says about his team, Rosales said, “It says that we have a lot of fight in us and that we never give up. We were one strike away from being eliminated against Corpus Christi Vets but we stayed focused and we kept fighting. But at the
same time, the fact that we’re always relaxed and having fun is what helps us to win games when we need to.” Junior pitcher Evan Maldonado was the starting and winning pitcher against the Sharyland Rattlers in game No. 2 of their regional final series. He is also scheduled to start the state championship game tomorrow should the Diamondbacks get past Georgetown. While being on the mound in a one game, winner-take-all state championship game may be too much pressure for some pitchers, Maldonado is looking forward to it. “It means a lot to me to have that opportunity,” Maldonado said. “It’s going to be crazy, to be able to pitch in a state championship game, but I’m ready for it.” When asked what he is looking forward to the most about the state tournament, Maldonado said, “Winning it. That’s what we all want to do, win the whole damn thing.” Judging by the standing-
room only crowds at UTRGV baseball stadium for both of the Sharyland Pioneer vs Sharyland High regional finals games, it is quite possible that the Diamondbacks will have more fans at Dell Diamond for Thursday night’s game than Georgetown, which is not far at all from Round Rock, will have. Should that be the case, Maldonado for one will be sure to notice. “That would mean a lot,” Maldonado said. “There were over 5,000 people at both games against Sharyland. If they go all the way to Round Rock, that would mean a lot. Our fans are real supporters.” Like Rosales, senior right fielder Johnny Lugo is in his fourth year on the Sharyland Pioneer varsity roster. Unlike Rosales however, Lugo was a believer in the Diamondbacks’ potential to make this deep run into the playoffs from the very start. “I saw all the potential See DIAMONDBACKS Pg. 8
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By Luciano Guerra The Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks are in the UIL state baseball tournament. As such they are one of only four 5A baseball teams still in the running to win a state championship. Whether or not they are still alive at press time depends on whether or not they defeated the Georgetown Eagles in their state semifinal game last night. If they did, they will be playing in the UIL state championship game tomorrow at noon against the winner of the other state semifinal game, Corsicana vs Colleyville Heritage. So let’s take a look at the four 5A teams that qualified for the state tournament and how they each earned the opportunity to compete for a state championship at Dell
Diamond on this, the first week in June. Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks The Diamondbacks’ 11-3 District 31-5A record earned them a second place finish behind the Sharyland Rattlers. Their overall record heading into their state semifinal game is 35-8-0. Last year Pioneer posted a 2413-1 overall record, placed fourth in the district and won a bi-district championship. The Diamondbacks are coached by Casey Smith who formerly coached the Mission Veterans Patriots. Smith has accumulated 201 career wins. Sharyland Pioneer’s assistant coaches are Austin Bickerton, Shawn Moes, Eddie Galindo and Fernie Rodriguez. The Diamondbacks have six returning starters from
last season. This includes senior outfielder and first baseman Jonathan Lugo, who was named second team All-State and the District 315A Offensive MVP last year, and senior shortstop and pitcher Jacob Rosales, who was named first team AllDistrict last year as well. In the UIL state playoffs this year the Diamondbacks defeated Brownsville Lopez in the bi-district round (1-0), No. 2 ranked Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial in the area round (2-1), Rio Grande City in the regional quarterfinal round (2-1), No. 2 ranked Boerne Champion in the regional semifinal round (21) and the Sharyland Rattlers in the regional final round (20). See GUIDE TO 5A FINAL Pg. 7
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June 7, 2019
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Regional Final Recap – We All Won By John Hamann If you haven’t heard by now, the Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks swept past rival Sharyland Rattlers last weekend in the UIL 5A Region IV Final of the 2019 baseball playoffs. The victories last Thursday and Friday at the UTRGV baseball stadium propelled Sharyland Pioneer to a spot in the 5A state tournament in Round Rock. They were scheduled to play Georgetown last night so by the time you read this their season may be over or they could be playing tomorrow for a state championship. Either way the Diamondbacks have had a magical season. Of course it could have been very easy to switch everything from my opening paragraph to read Sharyland High instead of Sharyland Pioneer because last week’s regional final series marked a rare occurrence. Two teams from the same UIL district and the same school district, neighbor meeting neighbor for a spot in the state tournament. It was a matchup we should remember for many reasons, the least of which being who beat who. First of all is the fact that so many of us got to watch the games. Remember it
from pg. 6
was perfectly within their rights for both Sharyland and Sharyland Pioneer to request and fight for the games to be played on their respective campuses. It would be easy to see why. With a state berth on the line who wouldn’t want the advantage of playing on one’s own field? The fans won this one. The decision to play at UTRGV made the series more than a district rivalry. It became an event that brought in thousands each night, turning the ballpark into a sea of red. Fans started lining up more than two hours before the first pitch each night to claim their seats, arriving even before the teams. When they did, those fans cheered wildly as the players walked down to their respective dugouts. The media was out in force too. I got to the press box an hour before the start of Game 1 only to find every seat in every booth taken by other writers and a group readying their equipment to broadcast the game via the internet. I texted my wife, “This is big time.” The games themselves were not exactly masterpieces of baseball. Some of the long held truisms of the game were put to the test.
Putting runners on base via a walk or hit by pitch will often come back to haunt you. So will giving the opponent extra outs. Getting the last out is always toughest. Each of these came into play throughout the series and each still holds true. But then think about the pressure and scrutiny these games were played under. How would you like to have thousands of people watching you do your job? What about knowing others would watch it from their computers? Websites, social media posts and newspapers would critique every action and decision you made. Then remember you were watching teenagers. Does it matter now if someone from your team struck out, failed to field a fly ball or made an errant throw? Celebrate the fact that through hard work and hours, weeks and probably years of preparation they were putting themselves out there for their family, friends, school and your entertainment. This is not to say that the games were bad. Each had their moments. Twice in Game 1 when it looked like the Diamondbacks had put the game away the Rattlers fought back. Two hits for
two runs in the bottom of the sixth. Three more runs in the bottom of the seventh from four hits. Both the tying and winning runs on base before the Diamondbacks closed it out for a 7-6 win. Good stuff; and that was just the first game. Despite the loss, the Rattlers came back ready for Game 2. They loaded the bases in the first inning and took an early lead before the Diamondback bats came alive. The 11-1 victory clinched the series for Sharyland Pioneer and set off the obligatory throwing off the gloves and jumping into a pile celebration that most of us have seen many times. It was after that maybe the true significance of the series began coming into focus. Sharyland Pioneer coach Casey Smith talked about how reaching Round Rock was a goal from before the season started. “I can’t describe it (heading to Round Rock) to be honest with you,” Smith said. “It was one of our goals to get there from the beginning of the year and to see it come to fruition with this group of kids is just unbelievable.” Thank you for showing us all that reaching big goals is possible.
Sharyland coach Bart Bickerton didn’t let the outcome of the two games change his perspective of what his team accomplished. “As you come into the season you always hope your team overachieves and does things that nobody else thought they would do and this group overachieved probably more than any other team that I’ve had at Sharyland,” Bickerton said. Thank you too. Isn’t going above and beyond something we would all want to do? When the Sharyland Pioneer celebration ended something else took place. The two teams shook hands and walked back to their respec-
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from last year, three of which were named All State; Nick Balsano (catcher), Jacob Berger (pitcher, outfielder) and Bobby Witt, Jr (infielder and pitcher). In the UIL state playoffs this season, the Panthers defeated the Denton Ryan Raiders in the bi-district round (1-0), the Burleson Elks in the area round (20), the Mansfield Legacy Broncos in the regional quarterfinals (2-1), the Amarillo Golden Sandies in the regional semifinals (2-0) and the Lubbock Monterey Plainsmen in the regional finals (2-0). Corsicana Tigers Like the Diamondbacks, the Corsicana Tigers did not win their own district championship. Their 8-4 District 14-5A record earned them a second place finish behind the 9-3 Cleburne Yellow Jackets. The Tigers overall record going into the state tournament is 30-10-0. Corsicana is coached by Heath Autrey who has 282 career wins over eight seasons. Last year Corsicana posted a 20-9 overall record, and a 9-1 district record to claim the district championship. However, the Tigers fell in the bi-district round to A & M Consolidated two games to one. In the UIL state playoffs this season, the Tigers defeated the North Forney Falcons in the bi-district round (2-0), the Lindale Eagles in the area round (2-0), the Joshua Owls in
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the regional quarterfinal round (2-1), the Frisco Lone Star Rangers in the reginal semifinal round (2-1) and the Midlothian Panthers in the regional final round (2-0). Tickets and day tournament passes for the state tournament can be purchased directly from the Round Rock Express ticket office. Adult tickets
will be $12, while student tickets will be $7. All tickets are general admission. All tournament passes will be $35/person. For more information call the ticket office at (512) 255-2255 ext. 1, or visit the Express’ 2019 UIL Baseball Tournament website at: https://www. milb.com/round-rock/fans/ uil-baseball-tournament.
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Georgetown Eagles The Georgetown Eagles are coming off a 12-0 District 18-5A record to claim the district championship. Their overall record heading into the state tournament is 39-4-1. Last year Georgetown claimed the district championship as well with a 14-0 record and advanced into the regional semifinals. They have been coached the past seven years by Adam Foster who has 151 career wins. The Eagles have seven returning starters from last year, including senior shortstop Cole Posey who was named All-District Defensive MVP. In the state playoffs this year the Eagles defeated the Pflugerville Weiss Wolves in the bi-district round (1-0), the College Station Cougars in the area round (2-0), the Porter Spartans in the regional quarterfinal round (2-0), the Santa Fe Indians in the regional semifinal round (2-1) and the Magnolia West Mustangs in the regional final round (2-0). Colleyville Heritage Panthers Heading into the state tournament, the Colleyville Heritage Panthers posted a 38-3-0 overall record. As undefeated District 7-5A champions for the second year in a row, the Panthers are coached by Alan McDougal who has 336 career wins over 13 seasons. Last year the Panthers reached the regional semifinals. The Panthers have six starters returning
tive sides of the field. After huddling with their coaches for a few last words some of them took the time to seek out their opponents. Remember them? That rival from across town. Coach Smith came over to talk with Coach Bickerton. Players came too. The message was clear. We may be adversaries on the field but we are still friends. Being a good neighbor is more important than beating you in a game. Just because we are rivals doesn’t mean there can’t be respect. If these are the things we can take from this series than we truly all did win.
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Name____________________________ Parents Name ___________________________ Incoming Grade Level____ Phone Number ____________________ Name of Insurance Company _____________________________________ T-Shirt Size (circle size) Adult S M L XL Youth S M L XL
I certify that _________________________ has my permission to participate in the Sharyland H.S Softball Camp. I authorize the coaching staff to act on my behalf and use their best judgment in case of an emergency. I hereby waive and release Sharyland ISD and its employees from liability of any possible injury. I know of no physical or mental problems that may affect my childs ability to participate safely in this camp. _______________________________________ Parents Signature
*Make checks payable to BL Gray Girls Athletics
page 8
June 7, 2019
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Cop who confessed to stealing from La Joya ISD Campus Crime Stoppers sentenced to probation By Dave Hendricks
Carlos Javier Garcia The police officer who stole $16,000 from the La Joya ISD Campus Crime Stoppers program will not spend a single day in prison. A judge sentenced former La Joya school district police Officer Carlos Javier Garcia, 58, of Brownsville to four years probation during a brief hearing Monday morning.
Garcia confessed to stealing $16,000 from Crime Stoppers. Moments before sentencing, he presented the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office with a check for the missing money. “I regret doing it,” Garcia said. After nearly 16 years with the La Joya Independent School District Police Department, where he managed the Crime Stoppers program, Garcia abruptly resigned in September 2017. Garcia had spent years siphoning money from Crime Stoppers, withdrawing cash to pay for groceries, rent and gas. Administrators provided details about the transactions in a report submitted to the Governor’s Office. The report documented how Garcia transferred money from the probation account to the activity account and withdrew the cash at ATMs. “The La Joya ISD Campus Crime Stoppers Program has learned a very harsh, yet
DIAMONDBACKS
from pg. 6
we had from the very beginning,” Lugo said. “Our pitchers and our hitters were all solid. Our defense was
all solid during practice and that’s when I thought we had a chance.” As for what it will mean
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important lesson this year; and that lesson learned is to be transparent,” according to the report. “Transparency and open communication is the key to any successful crime stopper program.” A grand jury indicted Garcia for theft by a public servant, a third-degree felony. He pleaded guilty and state District Judge Noe Gonzalez scheduled sentencing for May 30. Garcia, though, couldn’t repay the money on May 30. Judge Gonzalez delayed sentencing until Monday, when Garcia arrived with a cashier’s check for the full amount. “I’m requiring him to pay the restitution back to Crime Stoppers. And if he pays the restitution back to Crime Stoppers, then we consider a probated sentence,” Judge Gonzalez said Monday. “If he does not pay it back, then, obviously, it’s not a probated sentence. I mean, he’s stealing from this organization and he’s going to go do pristo him to return from Round Rock as state champions, Lugo said with a laugh, “I don’t know but I do know that I will be touching my ring every day.” Junior outfielder Alex Morales gets most of his playing time as a courtesy runner whenever the catcher gets on base. When asked what winning the state championship would mean to him, Morales said, “It’s what we’ve worked for all year. If we could do it, it would be great.” “We’ve been playing playoff baseball for over a month,” Morales added. “It’s really unbelievable. It’s crazy how many rounds we’ve played.” For those fans planning on attending the Diamondbacks’ game, or games, at Dell Diamond this weekend, tickets can be purchased directly from the Round Rock Express ticket office. Adult tickets are $12, while student tickets are $7. To call the ticket office, call (512) 255-2255 ext. 1.
Summer Learn to Swim Camp Cost: $40 per Student for 8 class days. Class Dates Week 1: Monday-Thursday Week 2: Monday-Thursday Sessions Session 1 June 3 – June 13 Session 2 June 17 – June 27 Session 3 July 1 – July 11 Session 4 July 15 – July 25 Session 5 July 29 – August 8 Our July 29 Session will limit spaces to less students in order to accommodate more Special Needs Students. Class times Adult Learn to Swim 8:00am – 8:45am Classes available during 9:00am – 9:45am the 6pm class!!! 10:00 am – 10:45am Registration will remain open 6:00pm – 6:45 pm until all spots are filled.
on time.” Judge Gonzalez told Assistant District Attorney Mauricio “Maury” Martinez to walk Garcia to Auxiliary Court A, where senior state District Judge Fidencio Guerra Jr. would handle sentencing. Attorney David R. Gorena, who represented Garcia, asked Guerra to consider two years deferred probation. “He has no prior criminal history, judge,” Gorena said. “This is the only incident he’s ever been involved in and the restitution has been paid in full.” When a defendant receives a sentence of deferred probation, the defendant pleads guilty but the judge defers making a finding of guilt — and the defendant isn’t actually convicted of a crime. Martinez requested straight probation. The Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office also wanted
Garcia to surrender his law enforcement license. “While he was there, he took advantage of the situation,” Martinez said. “Over the course of about twoand-a-half years is where this theft occurred. It was in small increments.” Guerra sentenced Garcia to four years deferred probation. “It is the opinion at this time of the court, pursuant to the negotiations that went on between the judge and the defense counsel and state’s attorney, that the finding of guilty and all further proceedings in this matter are, at this time, hereby deferred,” Guerra said. Along with four years probation, he required Garcia to pay a $750 fine, cover the court costs, perform 100 hours of community service and attend classes for people convicted of theft offenses. Garcia is also prohibited from seeking employment
with any school district while on probation. “We wanted a conviction,” said Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez. “We wanted a straight conviction and we wanted his license.” What punishment to assess is a question for the judicial system, said La Joya school district police Chief Raul Gonzalez. “My whole concern here had always been recovering the money that belongs to the program,” Chief Gonzalez said. Gorena, the attorney who represented Garcia, said restitution played a major role in the decision-making process. “Our concern was the victim. The victim’s been made whole. The total restitution was paid,” Gorena said. “And we’re happy with the outcome.”
With bond counsel onboard, Palmview proceeds with plans to refinance debt By Dave Hendricks The Palmview City Council authorized attorneys to “initiate the process of issuing bonds” Tuesday, part of a plan to refinance debt at a lower interest rate. Muñoz and Frankel, a law firm that consists of state Rep. Sergio Muñoz Jr. and Martin Frankel, an attorney licensed in California, will serve as bond counsel. “Basically, we’re just trying to see if we can save them money by getting them a lower interest rate,” Muñoz said. City Finance Director Rachel Chapa said the plan to refinance old debt at lower interest rates — a process called “refunding” — remains preliminary. Chapa said Wednesday she didn’t know how much money, exactly, Palmview planned to borrow. Whether or not Palmview retained a financial adviser is similarly unclear. The City Council, however, discussed the proposal with Estrada Hinojosa, a Dallas-based financial services firm, during a workshop in March. Bobby Villarreal, a vice president with Estrada Hinojosa, suggested that Palmview borrow $2.25 million
at a maximum interest rate of 3.5% and pay back the money by 2031. That would allow Palmview to pay off three old loans with higher interest rates. Interest rates on the city’s existing loans range from 5.25% to 7.25%. Villarreal estimated that Palmview would save at least $211,000 by consolidating the debt at a lower interest rate. Whether or not that proposal remains on the table isn’t clear. The City Council hired Muñoz and Frankel on May 28. “The City of Palmview has had a working relationship with Muñoz & Frankel for years, as they facilitated successful bond issuances for the City in the past,” according to a statement released by City Attorney Eric Flores. Muñoz and Frankel previously served as bond counsel for the La Joya Independent School District. While the law firm served as bond counsel, a company called Barcelona Strategies LLC served as financial adviser. Mario Hinojosa, a paralegal who worked for Muñoz and Frankel, owned the company. “In June 2012, at Frankel’s suggestion, Hinojosa
formed Barcelona and registered it as a municipal advisor with the Commission. Hinojosa had no advisory experience—municipal or otherwise—when he formed Barcelona,” according to a Securities and Exchange Commission order published on May 9, 2018. “Throughout the relevant time period, Barcelona shared office space with the Firm and Munoz & Associates. Additionally, Barcelona’s registered address with both the Commission and the Texas Secretary of State is the same address as the Firm and Munoz & Associates.” The Securities and Exchange Commission concluded that Hinojosa defrauded the school district and slapped him with a $180,000 civil penalty. Muñoz said the Securities and Exchange Commission order, which didn’t accuse him of wrongdoing, wasn’t relevant to the law firm’s work for Palmview. Mayor Ricardo “Rick” Villarreal said he trusts Muñoz, who represents Palmview in the Texas House, to handle the bond work. “We’re helping him,” Villarreal said. “And, hopefully, he can help us help the city.”
UTRGV students share disaster preparedness research By Jose De Leon III
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There are almost 180,000 people in the Rio Grande Valley living with a disability, and most are not prepared to deal with a disaster like a hurricane. That’s according to research from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley students taking a disasters studies course. The students presented their findings to area officials Tuesday, May 7 and the university released them last week at the eve of hurricane season. In their research, according to a news release from the university, there was a “disturbing” trend of unwillingness among area residents
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with disabilities to abandon their homes in favor of personal safety. “It would seem those with disabilities do not want to further expand their knowledge or worry about disasters in their counties,” the report stated. “In addition, it would seem that because of this mindset, individuals do not believe that there is a possibility of a severe disaster occurring, and they will not be affected by it.” The panel was done nearly a year after the June 2018 flooding that affected several counties and created hundreds of evacuations and millions of dollars in damages. UTRGV senior Lisa Tresnicky was one of a group of UTRGV students who presented their research findings to local emergency management officials during the panel forum. “We were surprised that so many respondents were unwilling to evacuate,” Tresnicky stated in the press release “That just showed how important it is that we share this information and that we spread the awareness of how critical it is that they do prepare and take a proactive approach to disaster preparedness.” The study found that the disabled community were not adequately prepared for a disaster. The study theorized that “may be due to a number of possible reasons from financial difficulties, lack of access to disaster preparedness information and unaware of available resources in their communities.” The report concluded
that local authorities should work in improving the disaster preparedness of those with disabilities. This can be done by building handicap accessible shelters and host disaster safety events for the disabled population and by mailing them maps of routes to safe, handicap accessible shelters. “Caring for the vulnerable individuals who are disabled in the Valley could lead to building disaster resilience,” the report stated. Antonio Lopez, Weslaco emergency management coordinator, was one of the panelists attending. He said he is optimistic about future disaster communications in the Valley. “By getting this research – and hopefully in the future continuing the collaboration with the UTRGV disaster studies program – this will give us all the data we need to continue improving,” he said. “We are a lot of times tasked with the response, the mitigation and the recovery of things,” he said. “We don’t have a lot of time to do that research. So, when we partner up with the university to bring that data to us, it’s going to make our response a lot better.” Dean Kyne, a UTRGV assistant professor in the disaster studies program, said disaster preparation can be a very complicated process. “Now the students know there are a lot of challenges for the preparedness, especially for the disabled population,” he said. “The complexity is there.”
June 7, 2019 from pg. 1
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MHS GRADUATION
sistence.” Flores noted that the class of 2019 was the first class from MHS to eat at the Mission Café, walk the halls of the newly renovated buildings and classrooms and utilize the athletic facilities in the Tom Landry Hall of Fame Stadium. “Their endurance, perseverance, positive attitude and ability to adjust will be the catalyst for their upcoming success,” Flores said. “I wish you the greatest of all pleasant things that life has
to offer.” “Now a new chapter in your lives is about to commence - this chapter is called ‘the real world,’” Flores added. “I must warn you that it will not be easy as you think. The real world will force you to immediately become productive citizens in the ever-changing world. However, do not fear, because Mission High School will always be with you, because once an Eagle, always an Eagle.” Superintendent Carol G.
Perez also spoke during the commencement ceremony, saying that their graduation day is all about them. “Congratulations, you did it,” Perez said. “You have reached this very meaningful milestone, and you are about to embark on the next journey of your life.” Perez asked the students to remember their “A, B, C’s” - to acknowledge the people in their lives that have been there with them, and for them in support all of their efforts, to be bold risk-takers
that are confident and courageous in their chosen paths and to care for one another, themselves, their families and the environment. “Be true to yourself and make the right choices, even if you go against the grain,” Perez said. “Graduates, go out and make your mark in this world.” Salutatorian Vanessa Zavala thanked everyone there in support of the graduates, and said that the journey to graduation was not easy. “Just as we faced troubles
in high school, we are now going to face many obstacles as we join the real world and start our journey into adulthood,” Zavala said. “Despite the many obstacles that we face, class of 2019, do not give up. It may seem hard at first, but do know that everyone is capable of overcoming any obstacle that comes their way.” Valedictorian Alejandro Hernandez spoke on how the road to graduation tested everyone as human beings. “From the countless
sleepless nights spent trying to study for an exam to the weekends spent on working on projects, high school was a great test in life that every student here today has passed,” Hernandez said. “We should all be proud.” The graduates were officially certified and awarded their diplomas. The ceremony finished with the MHS choir singing the senior song and Alma Mater and the traditional tassel ceremony and Eagle pinning ceremony.
Notices
guez Banuelos, 50, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2019, at his home in Palmview. Annette Cardenas MISSION – Annette Mary Cardenas, 69, passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2019, at Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital in San Antonio.
Angelica Cazares MISSION – Angelica Maria Cazares, 46, passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg. Jose Contreras MISSION – Jose L. “Cayo” Contreras, 85, passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at Doctors Hospital in Edin-
burg.
Lucio Perez MISSION – Lucio M. Perez, 82, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg. Israel Rivera Jr. MISSION – Israel Rivera, Jr. 52, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at McAllen Medical Center. Elia Rodriguez MISSION – Elia S. Rodriguez, 85, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at her home in Mission. Martin Sanchez Jr. MISSION – Martin Sanchez Jr., 57, passed away on Fri-
day, May 31, 2019, at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen. Delia Tijerina MISSION – Delia R. Tijerina, 93, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at Evening Sun Care Home in San Antonio. Jose Velazquez MISSION – Jose Refugio Garcia Velazquez, 72, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at Village Healthcare and Rehabilitation in McAllen.
Sylvia Avendaño MISSION – Sylvia Marie Avendaño, 54, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2019 at the Pax Villa Hospice in McAllen. Jesus Banuelos PALMVIEW – Jesus Rodri-
Raul Garcia Jr. MISSION – Raul Garcia Jr., 58, passed away on Monday, June 3, 2019, at Pax Villa Hospice in McAllen. Robert Hedstrom MISSION – Robert Lee Hedstrom, 75, passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2019, at his home in Mission.
page 10
June 7, 2019
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SHS GRADUATION
from pg. 1
grow up, from our first steps to final day of high school, it might hurt to see us go. But it is time for us, the class of
2019, to become our own heroes.” Alba also spoke of how the commencement ceremo-
ny marked a turning point for her and her fellow classmates as they prepare for college, and everything that
comes with it. The graduation ceremony, she said, marked not just the final chapter of their life in
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS BUDGET AND PROPOSED TAX RATE
The SHARYLAND ISD will hold a public meeting at 5:30 PM, June 17, 2019 in Sharyland High School Auditorium 1216 N. Shary Rd. Mission, TX. 78572. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the school district’s budget that will determine the tax rate that will be adopted. Public participation in the discussion is invited. The tax rate that is ultimately adopted at this meeting or at a separate meeting at a later date may not exceed the proposed rate shown below unless the district publishes a revised notice containing the same information and comparisons set out below and holds another public meeting to discuss the revised notice. Maintenance Tax
$1.1700/$100 (proposed rate for maintenance and operations)
School Debt Service Tax Approved by Local Voters
$0.2055/$100 (proposed rate to pay bonded indebtedness)
Comparison of Proposed Budget with Last Year’s Budget The applicable percentage increase or decrease (or difference) in the amount budgeted in the preceding fiscal year and the amount budgeted for the fiscal year that begins during the current tax year is indicated for each of the following expenditure categories. Maintenance and operations 2.67 % increase Debt Service 0.26% decrease Total expenditures 2.47 % increase
Total Appraised Value and Total Taxable Value
from pg. 1
(as calculated under Section 26.04, Tax Code) Preceding Tax Year Current Tax Year Total appraised value* of all property $3,979,339,167 $3,399,096,387 Total appraised value* of new property** $97,363,308 $90,183,283 Total taxable value*** of all property $3,399,457,683 $2,844,700,086 Total taxable value*** of new property** $79,581,986 $87,128,055 *Appraised value is the amount shown on the appraisal roll and defined by Section 1.04(8), Tax Code. ** “New property” is defined by Section 26.012(17), Tax Code. *** “Taxable value” is defined by Section 1.04(10), Tax Code.
Bonded Indebtedness
Total amount of outstanding and unpaid bonded indebtedness* $97,249,999 *Outstanding principal.
Comparison of Proposed Rates with Last Year’s Rates Last year’s Rate
Maintenance & Operations $1.1700
Rate to Maintain Same Level of Maintenance & $1.1223 Operations Revenue & Pay Debt Service
Interest & Local Revenue Sinking Fund* Total Per Student $0.2055* $1.3755 $4,490
State Revenue Per Student $4,884
$0.22366*
$4,752
$1.3589
$4,784
Proposed Rate $1.1700 $0.2055* $1.3755 $1,195 $4,752 *The Interest & Sinking Fund tax revenue is used to pay for bonded indebtedness on construction, equipment, or both. The bonds, and the tax rate necessary to pay those bonds, were approved by the voters of this disctrict.
Comparison of Proposed Levy with Last Year’s Levy on Average Residence
Last Year This Year Average Market Value of Residences $190,994 $197,465 Average Taxable Value of Residences $165,994 $172,465 Last Year’s Rate Versus Proposed Rate per $100 Value $1.3755 $1.3755 Taxes Due on Average Residence $2,283.25 $2,372.26 Increase (Decrease) in Taxes $89.01 Under state law, the dollar amount of school taxes imposed on the residence homestead of a person 65 years of age or older or of the surviving spouse of such a person, if the surviving spouse was 55 years of age or older when the person died, may not be increased above the amount paid in the first year after the person turned 65, regardless of changes in tax rate or property value. Notice of Rollback Rate: The highest tax rate the district can adopt before requiring voter approval at an election is $1.3755. This election will be automatically held if the district adopts a rate in excess of the rollback rate of $1.3755. Fund Balances The following estimated balances will remain at the end of the current fiscal year and are not encumbered with or by a corresponding debt obligation, less estimated funds necessary for operating the district before receipt of the first state aid payment. Maintenance and Operations Fund Balance(s) Interest & Sinking Fund Balance(s)
$30,000,000 $500,000
high school, but also the beginning of a brand new one. “Today, we come together, from different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs and celebrate the diversity and achievements of this year’s graduating class,” she said. “We are the Sharyland High School class of 2019 and the world isn’t ready for us; we are the next generation of doctors, teachers, engineers, activists and influencers. whatever you choose to do, make sure you become the hero you needed when you were younger.” Valedictorian Jihu Bae, echoed previous statements to thank Sharyland teachers, counselors, staff members and parents for their work to usher in the students to the start of their post high school journey. “Before we take our first real steps out into the world, we must never forget the
people who have allowed us to come this far,” Bae said. “Teachers, parents, my brother, counselors, board members, I appreciate your dedication in fostering the best environment to provide the best education for the students. You have formed us into the best versions of ourselves sitting here in caps and gowns. We made it.” Bae also imparted a message to her fellow graduates she said she learned throughout her 18 years of life. “There is no set definition of what success is, or a tested formula for achieving your dreams,” Bae said. “Having the highest GPA point definitely does not make me any wiser or more knowledgeable about how to live life. At the end of the day, you have the power, the passion, perseverance to push for your own purpose in life.”
ATTORNEY RESIGNS
Daniels & Daniels had represented the housing authority for nearly eight years. Former Executive Director Juan Jose “J.J.” Garza hired Daniels & Daniels in June 2011, when the mayor attempted to remove members of the housing authority board. Daniels & Daniels also handled two high-profile lawsuits for the housing authority last year, when the board faced similar problems. Tim Daniels represented the housing authority in October, when Frances Salinas filed a lawsuit against her former employer. Frances Salinas claimed the housing authority board violated the Texas Open Meetings Act and breached her contract. Hidalgo County Court-at-Law Judge Albert Garcia dismissed the lawsuit and ordered Frances Salinas to pay $20,000 in attorney’s fees. Tim Daniels represented the housing authority again in December, when the housing authority filed a lawsuit against Mayor Salinas and four people he appointed to the board. Attorneys for the housing authority, the mayor and people he appointed to the board filed a joint motion to dismiss the lawsuit on May 31. As a result of the lawsuits, Daniels & Daniels billed the housing authority about $77,700 from November to May.
“I thought their services were expensive,” said housing authority board President John Pena. Pena also questioned why an attorney hired by the housing authority filed a lawsuit against members of the board, including him, without authorization from board members. Vice Chairwoman Sylvia Garces Valdez said the housing authority filed the lawsuit because, as a result of board appointments made by Mayor Salinas, the housing authority lacked a legal board to make decisions. “Because of the situation we were in, I went with the best recommendation from our executive director and our lawyer at the time,” Garces Valdez said. “Do I believe Daniels and Daniels is a good firm? I believe they’re a really good firm. I will always be in great gratitude to the fact that they helped the housing authority gain those $20,000 back.” Another San Antonio-based law firm, Sanchez & Wilson, may advise the housing authority at future meetings. It’s no stranger to La Joya. Sanchez & Wilson handled day-to-day legal work for the housing authority when Frances Salinas served as interim executive director and represented her father, Mayor Salinas, in the latest lawsuit.
June 7, 2019
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BUY • SELL • TRADE • RENT • HIRE
THE CLASSIFIEDS
CLASSIFIED RATE: 1 Week = $7 Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are 2 Weeks = $10 Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m. If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573. Submit by email or pay 4 Weeks = $14 by phone 585-4893. The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 5 p.m. For Sale GREAT CONDITION KENMORE washer & dryer, plus complete queen size bed and complete twin size bed, also selling sofa bed, for more details call 956566-1702, leave message if there is
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Garage Sale GREAT ITEMS, GREAT PRICE, Friday thru Monday (June 7-10) from 9am-6pm at 1521
LEGAL NOTICE Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Wine and Beer Retailer’s off-premise permit by Circle K Licensing Company, Inc. dba Circle K Store # 2704591, to be located at 1900 W 3 Mile Rd., Mission, Hidalgo County, TX 78573. Officers are Larry A StocktonPresident/Secretary.
LA MANSION DE LA JOYA APARTMENTS
611 S. Leo Ave La Joya, TX 78560 OFFICE HOURS: Mon., Tues, Fri. 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wed.- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rates based on income CENTRAL HEAT & AIR ENERGY EFFICIENT LAUNDRY ROOM WATER, SEWER & GARBAGE PAID HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE UNITS Individuals with a disability wishing to request a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should contact the apartment manager at 956-580-1493. Para solicitar un apartamento favor llamar a manager al siguiente numero 956-580-1493. Para solicitar una adaptacion o modificacion razonable, favor llamar manager al siguiente numero 956-580-1493. Personas que hablan espanol y requieren un interprete, favor llamar a manager al siguiente numero 956-5801493. “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”
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is looking for responsible persons to operate fireworks stand. Must stay on premises & be over 21 years of age.
Call: (956) 399-3469
PUBLIC NOTICE The Mission Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, June 26, 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: The North 194.79’ out of the South 854.79’ out of the East 223.63’ of Lot 186, John H. Shary Subdivision, from (AO-I) Agricultural Open Interim to (R-1T) Townhouse Residential; Rezoning: Lot 6, Abrego Estates Subdivision, from (R-1) Single Family Residential to (R-2) DuplexFourplex Residential; Rezoning: Being a 7.686 acres tract of land out of Parcel X, as per document No. 2686858 O.R.H.C. said parcel forming part of Lot 16-1, and 15-1, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from PUD (R-1T) Townhouse Residential District to PUD (AO-P) Permanent Open Space District; Rezoning: Being a 7.060 acre tract of land out of Parcel X, as per Document No. 2686858 O.R.H.C. said parcel forming part of Lot 16-1, and 15-1, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from PUD (R-1) Single Family Residential District to PUD (AO-P) Permanent Open Space District; Rezoning: Being a 26.724 acre tract of land out of Parcel VI, as per Doc. No. 2686858 O.R.H.C. said parcel forming part of Lot 14-1, 14-2, 15-1, 15-2 and 16-2, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from PUD (R-1) Single Family Residential District to PUD (AO-P) Permanent Open Space District; and Rezoning: A 1.682 acre tract of land out of Parcel VI, as per Doc. No. 2686858 O.R.H.C. said parcel forming part of Lot 14-1, 14-2, 15-1, 15-2, and 162, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from PUD (R-1T) Townhouse Residential District to PUD (AO-P) Permanent Open Space District 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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get locked out of your vehicle, 956878-3997.
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ORDINANCE NO. 4795
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING A 2.371 ACRE TRACT OF LAND SITUATED ON LOT 256, JOHN H. SHARY SUBDIVISION, FROM (R-1) SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL TO (R-1T) TOWNHOUSE RESIDENTIAL
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RENEWAL TO KEEP A PORTABLE BUILDING FOR SALES OFFICE USE – M’S AUTO SALES, 1523 E. INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 2, LOT 6, HENRY SAENZ SUBDIVISION
READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 29th DAY OF May, 2019. Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 29th DAY OF May, 2019. Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
ORDINANCE NO. 4794
ORDINANCE NO. 4796
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – ATOMIX WINGS & GRILL, 302 W. GRIFFIN PARKWAY, SUITE A-B, LOT 2, STORAGE DEPOT SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 29th DAY OF May, 2019. Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
TAKE NOTICE that the Mission Economic Development Corporation of the City of Mission, (the “MEDC”), shall convene not earlier than 60 days after first publishing this notice and shall consider authorizing and undertaking a Project or Projects, as hereinafter described, pursuant to the provisions of V.T.C.A. Local Government Code Sections 505.001 et seq. The MEDC is authorized on behalf of the City of Mission, Texas to undertake the Project or Projects by paying the cost of the Project or Projects with sales tax revenues authorized under said Local Government Code sections. The Board of Directors of the MEDC will determine whether the Project or Projects will be undertaken and whether it will finance the cost of the Project or Projects with proceeds from sales tax revenues.
The Project or Projects shall consist of the following: A) City of Mission in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000; B) Small Business Fund Programs in an amount not to exceed $230,000; C) Downtown Façade Improvement Program in an amount not to exceed $50,000; D) Rent Subsidy Program in an amount not to exceed $25,000; and E) Texas Citrus Fiesta in an amount not to exceed $35,000. Date of publication: June 07, 2019 Anna Carrillo City Secretary
VIN#3FTNF20L41MA44219 VIN#1FTMF1CM3BFA15029 VIN#1FTMF1CMXBFA15030 VIN#1FTMF1CF7CFB16142
Bid forms may be requested at the United Irrigation District Office located at 1006 W. Mile 2 Road, Mission, Texas 78574. Sealed bids will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. June 25, 2019 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday or may be mailed to: UNITED IRRIGATION DISTRICT PO BOX 877 MISSION, TX 78573
THE SEALED BIDS MUST BE ADDRESSED TO Mike Warshak (General Manager) and the envelope must be marked “Bids for Vehicles”. United Irrigation District reserves the right to refuse and reject any and all bids. Bids submitted past the date and time mentioned above will not be accepted. Bids may not be altered or amended after the Submission Deadline. All Vehicles are sold “AS IS”.
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ORDINANCE NO. 4793
MISSION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION NOTICE OF INTENTION TO UNDERTAKE A PROJECT OR PROJECTS
United Irrigation District of Hidalgo County is accepting sealed bids for the following Surplus vehicles: 1. 2. 3. 4.
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AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS AMENDING ORDINANCE NO.780 DESIGNATING PLACES WHERE BEER AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY BE SOLD WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF MISSION TO INCLUDE THE PREMISES LOCATED AT 1900 W. 3 MILE RD., EZ CLEAN SUBD., L-1, CIRCLE K #2704591 READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 29th DAY OF May, 2019. Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
Notice of Public Hearing Mission Economic Development Corporation
Notice is hereby given that the Mission Economic Development Corporation will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at the Center for Education and Economic Development building, 801 N. Bryan Road, Mission, Texas to consider the following project or projects during the proposed fiscal year 2019-2020: A) City of Mission in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000; B) Small Business Fund Programs in an amount not to exceed $230,000; C) Downtown Façade Improvement Program in an amount not to exceed $50,000; D) Rent Subsidy Program in an amount not to exceed $25,000; and Texas Citrus Fiesta in an amount not to exceed $35,000 Anyone interested is invited to attend and present their comments. Date of publication: June 07, 2019 Anna Carrillo City Secretary
Attention
Auction of Vehicles/ Equipment According to the provision in the Transportation Code 683, Sub-section B, 683.012, Texas Department of Transportation informs you that the below mentioned cars have been taken into custody by the Peñitas Police Department and will be sold at auction. For information on vehicles you can communicate with the Peñitas Police Department at (956) 999- 8310. The auction will be held at 2001 E. 3 Mile Rd. Peñitas, Texas, 78576 (Peñitas Police Substation) on June 22, 2019. Starting auction will be at 1:00 PM and will be held according to the law. Payment will be in cash (US currency) or Credit/ Debit Cards with a processing fee. The vehicles are auctioned under their conditions which there are no guarantees and/or refunds. YEAR 1. 2001 2. 1997 3. 1998 4. 1999 5. 2006 6. 2000 7. 2003 8. 2002 9. 2004 10. 2010 11. N/A 12. N/A 13. N/A
COLOR White Green Green Tan Maroon Blue Black Black Black Maroon Black Black Black
MAKE Dodge Ford Pontiac Chevrolet Chevrolet Dodge Ford GMC Honda Chrysler West Bend Westinhouse Memorex
MODEL VIN Caravan 2B8GP44321R220586 Expedition 1FMEU17L5VLB53118 Grand Prix 1G2WP52KXWF236117 Suburban 1GNEC16R9XJ463792 Equinox 2CNDL23F066049280 Caravan 1B4GP44G3YB610920 Explorer 1FMDU73K93ZB39941 Yukon 1GKFK66U02J321040 Civic 1HGEM22554L048890 Sebring 1C3CC4FB5AN148285 Microwave S/N:EB00472520214613116552 32” TV S/N:6380M21100070 Compact Disc S/N: 481150141926 Audio
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June 7, 2019