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Progress times Vol. 47 - #43
Friday, June 21, 2019
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INSIDE
• LA JOYA
• MISSION
Board at odds
• PEÑITAS
Peñitas Parks & Recreation
The newly formed department with the city has kicked off the summer months with several athletic programs for young people in the area. Jamie Treviño has the latest on the programs, inside.
See Pg. 4
• PHARR
PAWS Center Highlighted
Mission Housing Authority board members clash with executive director
Progress Times photos by Jamie Treviño.
Kids with special needs and their families beat the summer heat at the Aquatic Center in the LJISD Sports & Learning Complex during the 2nd annual Special Needs Family Night on June 18.
Summer fun
LJISD Aquatic Center holds inclusive family night for children with special needs By Jamie Treviño
A local business mixer donated proceeds to the PAWS Center and provided adoption opportunities while honoring a notable county surgeon. Jose De Leon III writes on the event in this week’s issue.
See Pg. 7
• MISSION
Mission News
www.ptrgv.com
Custom wheelchairs were traded in for inner tubes as children with special needs and their families splashed around in a true water park experience this Tuesday. On June 18 this week, the La Joya Independent School District held their 2nd annual Special Needs Family Night at the Aquatic Center in the Sports & Learning Complex. The event drew families from across the Rio Grande Valley and provided special needs and handicap-accessible amenities. Following the success of last year’s Special Needs Family Night, LJISD Athletic Director Victor Garza said several groups from across
See AQUATIC CENTER Pg. 6
Progress Times photos by Jamie Treviño.
A student with special needs embraces family while swimming at the Aquatic Center during the event.
• RIO GRANDE VALLEY
Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.
Mission Housing Authority Executive Director Joel A. Gonzalez, Deputy Director Jaime X. Ayala and Board member Irma Flores at the Wednesday, June 19, 2019 meeting.
By Jose De Leon III The Wednesday board meeting of the Mission Housing Authority highlighted the tense relationship between the organization’s newest board members, and its executive director. When board member Connie Garza moved to approve the $1.7 million housing authority budget for the upcoming fiscal year, she did so with one stipulation. “Section six of employment contract for the executive director says ‘This contract shall be extended for an additional one-year period upon approval of the yearly budget unless the budget is approved with specific reference to the executive director’s contract,’” Garza said. “So my motion is to approve the budget...and in no way does this approval indicate that we are extending the contract of the executive director for another year. That is my motion.” Executive Director Joel A. Gonzalez responded to Garza’s motion by thanking her
“I have a contract through December, I don’t expect to go beyond that,” Gonzalez said. “This I’ve made clear to staff, board members, everyone.” Board member Irma Flores, who was sworn in with Garza last February, seconded the motion. “We find it interesting you’ve been here three years and serving on a part time basis,” Flores said to Gonzalez. “I’ve never heard of any agency having a part time director and a deputy director. I’m glad this is coming to a close.” The board had spent approximately 50 minutes discussing the budget due to Flores and Garza requesting more information on several budgeted items such as the housing authority’s decision to extend their contract with insurance carrier Texas Municipal League and what they referred to as the housing authority’s inconsistent method of determining which employees get a raise without
See MISSION HOUSING Pg. 4
• MISSION
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott approves RGV MPO The city commemorated Flag Day last week, and a recent announcement was made about the Mission Regional Medical Center partnering with the American Cancer Society for the 10th annual Mission Pink walk in Oct.
Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.
City leaders and community members at the Mission Event Center while rehearsing their 10-minute presentation for the All-America City Award competition before tomorrow’s main event in Denver, Colorado.
All-America City bound
Courtesy photo. See Pg. 10 Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (center) and local lead-
INDEX
Entertainment....pg. 2
Lifestyle...................pg. 3
Sports.......................pg. 5
Obits.........................pg. 8
Classifieds...............pg.9
ers at a signing ceremony for the RGV MPO merger agreement Friday, June 14, 2019. agreement Friday, June 14 at By Jose De Leon III an event attended by various In a move that local offi- Rio Grande Valley leaders cials say will boost the econ- such as Senator Juan “Chuy” omy and strengthen trans- Hinojosa and Representaportation in the region, Texas tives Bobby Guerra and TerGov. Greg Abbott signed a ry Canales. redesignation agreement to "Thanks to the hard work merge the three Valley Met- of many leaders and stakeropolitan Planning Organiza- holders here today, we are tions. See RGV MPO Abbott signed the merger Pg. 4
Mission prepares to compete as an All-America City Award finalist this weekend
City leaders are proud to announce Mission has been selected as a finalist for the 2019 All-America City Award (AAC). The city of Mission is one of only five Texas towns chosen for this prestigious honor. “We could not be more proud to be hand-picked as a finalist. These are thriving American communities from the largest cities to the small-
est towns, and it is an honor to be selected,” Mayor Dr. Armando O’caña said. “We represent the best this nation has to offer, and I congratulate our community for making it this far.” The award, given to 10 communities each year, celebrates and recognizes neighborhoods, villages, towns, cities, counties, tribes and regions that engage residents
in innovative, inclusive and effective efforts to tackle critical challenges. Council member Jessica Ortega-Ochoa said that the idea to apply for the All-America City Award came from Mayor O’caña, who made this one of his campaign goals. This is the
See ALL-AMERICA Pg. 10
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June 21, 2019
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Coming Attractions
Pepe Aguilar
Pepe Aguilar 2019 tour has it all
EDINBURG – Nine-time Grammy-winning Pepe Aguilar is reprising his top selling arena tour this year. He brings the “Pepe Aguilar presenta Jaripeo sin Fronteras” tour to Bert Ogden Arena, 4900 S. I-69C, on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 8 p.m. The entertainment lineup includes family members Angela Aguilar, Leonardo Aguilar and Antonio Aguilar Jr., along with Banda Sinaloense, the Mariachi Zacatecano, rodeo acts, charreria and other special guests. Pepe’s vision was to adapt the legendary Aguilar family’s touring tradition of Jaripeo for a new generation, an equestrian-musical extravaganza combined with rodeo. The nearly three-hour show brings together bull riders, trick riders, 15 horses, rope tricks on horseback, tech and pyro effects, plus musical performances from Pepe, his daughter Angela and son Leonardo, both of which have been nominated for Grammys and Latin Grammys. It’s a multi-generation show for all ages. During his equestrian performance, Pepe will ride his Andalusian horses Tornado, Botas, Poncho and Hércules. The Andalusian horses are the Pure Spanish Horse or PRE (pura raza española), a breed from the Iberian Pen-
insula, where its ancestors have lived for thousands of years. The 2018 edition of the tour Jaripeo in Fronteras was named one of the top tours of the year. Selling out to large arenas like Dallas (12,000) and San Jose, Calif., (11,000) in the U.S., and others in México. He made his debut at Madison Square Garden at the age of three performing on horseback with his father Antonio Aguilar who, with his family, toured the entire American continent with the Espectáculo Ecuestre Internacional and Rodeo Show. It was the first equestrian show in the history of Latin show business, built around various live stock disciplines with horses, bulls, buffalos, monkey’s, and more. Aguilar went on to become one of the most important performers/producers/ songwriters in Latin music, selling more than 12 million albums, earning 15 No. 1 records and numerous awards including four Grammys and five Latin Grammys and a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next to his father. For information, call 956562-7362. For tickets, ranging from general admission to VIP packages, go to bertogdenarena.com.
June 22 • The Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame & Museum will hold the 18th Annual Induction Awards at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 826 E. Stenger in San Benito. Doors open at 6 p.m., followed by the ceremony from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Entertainment from 8:30 p.m. to midnight is by Frutty Villarreal y Los Mavericks. The 2019 inductees are Higinio Guzman, Martin Zapata, Joe Sanchez and Lupe Saenz. Tickets, $10 presale and $12 at the door, are available at the San Benito Chamber, 223 S. Sam Houston Blvd., or by calling 956-361-9111. For table reservations, call Rey at 956245-1666; Patricia, 956-245-5005; or Blanca, 956-970-1077. • 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 22-23 • The Confederate Air Force Airshow 2019 takes place at the Port Isabel, Cameron County, airport. Gates open at 9 a.m. Flying begins at 12 noon. Get tickets online at rgvcaf. org. 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. July 6 • Grill masters at the 14th Annual Texas Cook’Em: High Steaks will battle to cook the best rib-eye steak, pork spare ribs, chicken and brisket to take home one of the largest purses in Texas – $30,000. It takes place at HEB Park, 1616 S. Raul Longoria Rd., in Edinburg. Teams pay only $250 for all four categories in the competition. There will be free entertainment, vendors and a children’s play area. Fireworks will kick of a free concert by Los Lonely Boys. To request a team registration form, email marketing@edinburg.com. To learn more, go to edinburg.com or call 956-383-4974.
Summer quilt exhibits feature Nadelstern retrospective
LA GRANGE – For those taking a tour around Texas for summer vacation this year, travelers might want to add a stop at the Texas Quilt Museum on their agenda. The museum is merging the fantastical with the traditional in its summer exhibits, featuring a free appearance and guest lecture by one of the art form’s most noted names, Paula Nadelstern. The works of Nadelstern will be celebrated in “Symmetry and Surprise: Kaleidoscopic Quilts by Paula Nadelstern.” Opening last week, the retrospective with 15 quilts of the artist’s unique work are on display, and Nadelstern will also make an appearance at the museum and give a free lecture about her work and the exhibit on Saturday, June 29, at 3 p.m. Museum admission is free beginning at 2 pm. Also on display is an exhibit that features contemporary interpretations of some of quilting’s most traditional patterns, blocks, styles, and techniques. Opening on June 27, “In the American Tradi-
tion” features 31 works of breadth and diversity. “Our exhibition includes works in traditional style, some with an original twist, such as a charming hankie appliqué quilted with hearts, an autumn-themed quilt with pumpkins on the bordering vine, a basket design with different flowers in each basket, and a Double Wedding Ring in brilliant neon hues,” museum curator Dr. Sandra Sider says. “Several showstoppers feature spectacular hand quilting, the technique dominating this exhibition. It also has an appealing pictorial quilt depicting four 18th-century women stitching the original American flag, along with a graphically modern Yo-Yo quilt.” The Texas Quilt Museum is located at 140 W. Colorado St., La Grange. It is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sun. from Noon to 4 p.m. Learn more at TexasQuiltMuseum.org.
(For more Coming Attractions, go to ptrgv.com)
PCT announces acting workshop for kids
PHARR – The Pharr Community Theater will offer a 12-hour acting workshop for kids designed to have fun while learning about acting and stage direction. The class runs from Monday, June, 24 through Saturday, June, 29, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at 213 W. Newcombe Ave. in Pharr. The workshop will utilize games that teach them how to speak clearly and imagine situations for performing. Students will also practice skits, improvisations and auditioning. Some students may want to participate with singing and dancing.
At this rate you can afford to start renovations today!
Class will be conducted by University of Texas sophomore, Oscar Salinas, who is not only majoring in performance, but has been involved with theatre since elementary school. Along with acting on stage, Salinas has also participated in summer camps, UIL meets and workshops. The cost of enrollment is only $75 per student. To register and receive a class syllabus and a short instructor bio, call or text 956-6559308. The class size is limited to 10 students on a first come first, serve basis.
U.S. Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Joseph Arthur M. Obnial graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, recently. His ranged from military discipline to basic warfare principles and skills. Obnial is the son of Mila M. and Gerardo R. Obnial of Edinburg. He is a 2011 graduate of Palmview High School and earned an associate’s degree in 2019 from South Texas College, McAllen.
U.S. Air Force Airman Branden Salinas graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, following a program that included training in military discipline and studies, USAF core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Salinas is the son of Mary D. Hurst of Mission and a 2016 graduate of Robert Vela High School, Edinburg.
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U.S. Air Force Airman Anthony D. Perez graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Perez is the son of Daniel Perez of McAllen and a 2019 graduate of McAllen High School, McAllen.
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.
Register On-Site at our LJISD Aquatic Center During Operation Hours For more information contact Virginia Rodriguez, Aquatic Center Manager
1801 Western Rd • Mission, TX 78572
(956) 323-2162
June 21, 2019
EVENTS
What to do about urban wildlife encounters
CALENDAR
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. July 16-19 – The Edinburg World Birding Center (EWBC) will hold the Naturally Creative Camp for children ages 5-8 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. each day. From building forts to painting with mud, this camp is all about creativity and fun through interactive play. The fee is $28 for EWBC members and $32 for non-members. Registration is required; space is limited. Registration deadline is one week prior and full payment is due two days prior. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. For more information call 956-381-9922. July 22-26 – Children ages 9 to 13 can join the Edinburg World Birding Center (EWBC) Nature Photo Camp led by professional nature photographer Ruth Hoyt. Campers will learn the basics of cameras and photography, including focusing, lighting and composition. It runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Cameras will be provided for use during the camp. The fee is $150. Registration is required; space is limited. Registration deadline is one week prior and full payment is due two days prior. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. For more information call 956-381-9922. July 30-Aug. 2 – The Edinburg World Birding Center (EWBC) will hold Aquanauts camp for children ages 8 to 12. Participants will get wet while learning about wetland critters and coastal ecology. This camp includes a day trip to South Padre Island to visit the Coastal Studies Lab and Sea Turtle, Inc. It runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day. The fee is $70 for EWBC members and $78 for non-members. Registration is required; space is limited. Registration deadline is one week prior and full payment is due two days prior. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. For more information call 956-381-9922. (For more Events, go to ptrgv.com.)
Now requiring visible address numbers McALLEN – The McAllen City Commission recently approved Ordinance No. 2019-32 that will now require clearly visible addresses to be on all new construction, as well as existing residential, commercial and industrial establishments. City leaders believe the clearly visible addresses will increase efficiency in police and fire response time and that it will help with address canvassing and enumerators leading up to and during the 2020 Census. The addresses must include clearly legible numbers, 0 to 9 (not Roman nu-
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merals), no less than four inches in height. The ordinance goes into effect 30 days from now. A $50 fine for non-compliance will be assigned for first-time offenders; however, if a homeowner complies before a first appearance before the McAllen Municipal Court, the penalty will be dismissed. Enforcement of the ordinance will be done by the City of McAllen Health & Code Enforcement, as well as the Building & Inspections Department. For more information regarding the new ordinance, call 956-681-1300.
By John Brush, Urban Ecologist As urban areas expand, more and more people will find themselves face to face with a wild animal. Two of the most common encounters are finding one hurt or orphaned. The question is what to do when it happens? First, it’s important to know if the animal is actually injured or orphaned. Signs that an animal is injured include bleeding, obviously broken limbs, or if it was brought in by a pet dog or cat, making it very likely that there are injuries. If the animal has any of those signs, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. The Texas Parks and Wildlife has a list of rehabilitators by county on their website. It is never advisable to try to personally rehabilitate a wild animal. Many animals are protected by law from possession, including all native bird species, and may bite or cause harm if handled. Knowing whether an animal is orphaned is critical.
Unfortunately, many young animals are inadvertently kidnapped from their parents every year by well-intentioned passersby. In reality, an animal that seems orphaned is often still being cared for, but it just isn’t that apparent or obvious. Animal parents are stealthy by nature, taking care not to attract predators – including humans – to their vulnerable young. The parents may also stay away for long periods of time, depending on the species and the offspring’s age. Fledglings– young birds that have grown enough to leave the nest – are usually well-feathered, albeit with shorter tails and wings, but aren’t skilled fliers. They do not require assistance. In the case where one has to move them, such as if they are in the street, only move them to the nearest bush or tree. Nestlings are young birds that are not yet capable of leaving the nest. They usually have developing feathers, or pin feathers, and exposed patches of bare skin. If one encounters them in a fallen
STC now training adult drone pilots
MCALLEN – South Texas College will begin offering drone piloting fundamentals for adult students, enabling them to have the understanding and skills to fly drones safely and legally. STC’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) introduces drone pilot training for adults ages 18 and older in weeklong courses throughout the month of July. This camp utilizes the current techniques and principles to pilot a recreational or industrial drone in a safe manner following the FAA regulations and air space limitations. While being instructed by aviation experts, participants in the course will design, build, and fly their own custom drones. “We are trying to find various in-demand activities that the public and school districts either want or need,” said Dr. Carlos Margo, Associate Dean of Industry Training and Economic De-
velopment. “We considered this drone program because it’s trending right now, and we feel it benefits the public in two important ways – it’s recreational and it’s also important for commercial use. “One of the best things about this camp is they will actually be trained in designing, assembling, programming, and finally piloting a drone they actually built,” Dr. Margo said. The first week of adult drone instruction begins July 1 through 5 and takes place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. STC will then have morning and afternoon courses the second and third weeks July 8 to 12 and 15 to 19, at 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Cost for the drone camp is $135 and will take place at STC’s Technology Campus. For more information, call 956-872-6148. For a complete schedule of all camps, visit southtexascollege.edu/ summer-camps/index.html.
nest, simply put the nest in the closest tree. Similarly, an individual baby bird should be returned to its nest, if possible. If not, contact the local wildlife rehabilitator. More than just being incredibly difficult to raise a baby bird, which needs to be fed two to three times an hour, it is also illegal to possess native migratory or resident birds. Another regular encounter is finding a turtle crossing a road. If it seems like the turtle can make it on its own, let it. If one has to move it, gently pick it up by the back of the shell – never its extremities – and move
it across the road in the direction it was going. Do not move it any further than that. Most important, never pick up an animal if one doesn’t know what it is; it may be a protected species, like the threatened Texas Tortoise, or a species that could cause harm. When in doubt, leave the animal alone and call the local nature center or wildlife organization for advice. Visit Quinta Mazatlán at 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen, call 956-681-3370, or visit quintamazatlan.com for more information.
Mission Consolidated Independent School District (MCISD) officials have been notified that four district schools have been named to the 2018-19 Honor Roll for their high achievement in student success. The program, presented by Educational Results Partnership (ERP), is part of a national effort to identify higher-performing schools and districts that are improving student outcomes. The MCISD schools named include Alton Elementary, Midkiff Elementary, Salinas Elementary Fine Arts Academy, and Mission Collegiate High School. They are among 855 public schools in Texas to be recognized. Schools that receive the distinction have demonstrated consistently high
levels of student academic achievement, improvement in achievement levels over time, and a reduction in achievement gags among student populations. For high schools, the recognition also includes measures of college readiness. “We are proud of efforts that are resulting in real-world results at these schools,” said Dr. Carol G. Perez, superintendent. “We are continually striving to increase academic achievement and improve educational outcomes at all our Mission CISD schools. Our students deserve nothing but our best in the classrooms. To know that our schools are being held up as among those to be looked at as examples of what works says a great deal about the hard work going on in our schools.”
RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has received approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to create a Master of Science (MS) degree program in biochemistry and molecular biology. The new program will be offered beginning this fall and will allow students to pursue an advanced degree that can prepare them for jobs that can include biomedical, pharmaceutical and
agricultural biotechnology, and health and environmental sciences. It will also assist with entry into doctoral programs. The program will be housed in the UTRGV College of Sciences, and will utilize faculty from the biology and chemistry departments. University officials say the first year of the program will produce 10 majors, with growth projected at 10 annually thereafter.
MCISD schools named to honor roll
UTRGV adds biochemistry, molecular biology master’s
page 4
Dear Mission Taxpayers: There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, political, nor popular, but because ones conscience says it is the right thing to do. This letter is directed at all current MCISD school board members. No one in particular is being singled out. A growing majority of Mission citizens feel that the moral values that were once held so dear by the school district have somehow fallen by the wayside in exchange for personal gratification. There was a time in the RGV (Region 1) when MCISD was admired and respected as one of the leading educational institutions in South Texas. What happened? Many community members have witnessed a general erosion of those moral values that were once held in high esteem in exchange for a less than the best education for the children of MCISD. The MCISD school board will soon be setting the budget for 2019-2020 school year. Money is tight as it is every year. The MCISD school board has a fiduciary responsibility to ensure that all students at all levels (AP or regular) receive a quality education including appropriate academic supplies that the teachers can offer. One of the major concerns that the Mission community has is the various “trips” MCISD board members take on behalf of the
June 21, 2019
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school district. What kind of follow through has been considered, if any, with the knowledge gained at the conferences? Has this information been put to good use? Another thing, why do some board members take their entire family (as many as 7 or 8 family members) to said conference? Why must MCISD pick up the tab for this expense? Or do vendors pick up the tab in exchange for “contracts”? The Mission community has a right to ask these questions as taxpayers. If this really bothers some board members, then there is a simple solution- DON’T RUN FOR RE-ELECTION. The community is aware of what is going on. Many community members are appalled at what occurs “under the table”. As board members, you too would be if it were your money that was recklessly spent. Let us, as the Mission community, restore MCISD to the exceptional district it once was. It can be done! And if it isn’t, we can effect change- it’s called “voting”. The silent majority is watching what the board is doing. The silent majority will no longer be silent. Examine your conscience carefully. Free will allows you to do the right thing or notthen resign now. The public knows who you are. Do we need to name names? The Concerned Mission Taxpayers
Peñitas rolls out summer athletic programs for youth By Jamie Treviño Aiming to promote wellness and positive active habits in young people in the city, the Peñitas Parks and Recreation department has been busy with their summer athletic programs. Summer activities are in full swing within the Peñitas track and field, golf and cheer and dance programs. Registration for track and field is still open through July, with 89 children already registered and competing for the city so far. Parks & Recreation Director Omar Perales, who served Rio Grande City for over 20 years, has been in charge of the department since it was officially created in January. “It’s never had it before,” Perales said. “It’s the first time that the city of Peñitas mayor and commissioners gave the approval to implement a youth program for the community.” The majority of young people participating are enrolled in the La Joya Independent School District, with
from pg. 1
program even more. In the spring, 73 kids registered for their basketball program, 100 kids registered for their soccer program and they are gearing up to launch flag football and volleyball programs in the fall. “We were also going to have a swimming program, but it was too late for that,” Perales said. “We hope to have it next year.” The city of Peñitas does not currently have a building to house their Parks & Recreation department, but Perales said that they were hoping to eventually get one to streamline accessibility for the area. “Right now we’re utilizing the La Joya Independent School District for their facilities,” Perales said. “In the future we’ll hopefully have a location, a building with soccer fields and baseball fields.” Perales loves his work, and was happy to start Peñitas’ fledgling program so more kids can have the opportunity to participate in the summer and throughout the year.
“You see the kids develop a lot by the end of the summer,” Perales said. “I’m just glad to be part of an organization that has these youth programs for kids in the community. I love what I do.” Before the city officially designated a Parks & Recreation program, track was all that was offered. Perales said they were eager to implement a more diverse variety of sports opportunities in Peñitas. “It’s nice to see some of these kids learn as they grow, especially when they visit you and say ‘hey coach, remember when you taught me this?’ It’s pretty neat,” Perales said. “It gets them to stop playing video games, and the more they’re out there it helps with their wellness and developing healthy habits.” Enrollment is $65 for the summer season, with meets held throughout the months. For more information about the track and field program in Peñitas, the department can be reached at (956) 6009021 or (956) 222-6362.
As deputy director, Ayala is a full-time employee responsible for the day-to-day activities of the housing authority when Gonzalez isn’t in the office. Gonzalez’s history clearly did not impress Flores. “So [Ayala]’s been training for two and a half years because [Salinas] didn’t have confidence in him?” she asked. “No, he didn’t say he lacked confidence, he said he didn’t know him well enough,” Gonzalez replied. “So are you almost done training him,” Flores asked. As executive director of the Mission Housing Authority, Gonzalez oversees 32 employees and more than 749 families in the program. He said after the meeting that in his first year as executive director he worked full time on an approximately $128,000 budget before agreeing to work part time in his second year with slashed salary. He said the contract stipulation regarding the budget was only added last
year to consolidate his salary as part of the budget. “Connie brought it up in a fashion that sounded like it was something that was being snuck in,” Gonzalez said after the meeting. “It’s not a matter of that. If they don’t want me, then I don't want to stay around. I don’t need this job, I’m 73 years old, I don’t need to work anymore.” Though Gonzalez said he thinks the stipulation should be removed for future contracts, he mentioned that he has had a rocky relationship with Garza. “She has been trying to evaluate me since day one when she started. She and I have basically not gotten along and I don’t know why,” he said. “I’ve never done anything to her, her husband’s a good friend of mine and I thought she was too.” Asked about their relationship with the executive director, Flores and Garza said anything resembling an amicable relationship is nonexistent.
“He has blocked every opportunity for us to have dialogue,” Garza said of Gonzalez. “We as a board and executive director play an important role in leading and guiding the housing authority with a vision, but how can we do it if he refuses to meet with us? What kind of relationship is that?” Garza and Flores discussed how they spend as much as 20 minutes on a single agenda item asking pointed questions about it. This is due to Gonzalez and the rest of the housing authority refusing to hold workshops to discuss the items in the agenda, despite requesting them since they were sworn in, they said. “How can we approve a major budget that takes a lot of money and decision making without a workshop,” Flores said. “They just expect it to be approved without discussions. Their meetings used to be an hour long. With us, it’s longer. We’re gonna dissect these items.”
Texas economy and strengthening our international trade partnerships. I look forward to the tremendous new opportunities this agreement will create for the people of the Rio Grande Valley." A metropolitan planning organization is a local decision-making body that is responsible for overseeing the metropolitan transportation planning process. Federal law requires an MPO for each urbanized area with a population of more than 50,000 people. Prior to this agreement, the Rio Grande Valley was home to three separate MPOs — Brownsville, Harlingen-San Benito, and Hidalgo County. The RGV MPO agreement will merge all three MPOs into one, encouraging economic development and strengthening transportation systems throughout the region. The agreement will also improve the Rio Grande Valley's ability to compete for greater funding opportunities for infrastructure projects.
With this agreement, the incoming Rio Grande Valley MPO will be able to compete with Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio for funds from the Texas Department of Transportation. “We were fighting for the same cheese when it's better to get a bigger piece of it,” Pharr Mayor and Hidalgo County MPO Chairman Ambrosio Hernandez previously said. “It was time for us to work as a region to mobilize our resources together more effectively, maybe get bigger amount of funds for our region to cover all aspects of our needs. And what better way to do it...then doing it together rather than doing it in pieces.” The merger had been in the works for years, Hernandez said. According to Hernandez, 80 percent of MPO funds are distributed to the MPO’s for the areas of Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio due to their population size. Once the
merger is finalized, the RGV MPO will be able to receive a portion of that 80 percent. The goal is to have the new MPO set up by before the start of the upcoming fiscal year, Hernandez said. He added that the new MPO board will have 13 members representing the cities of Pharr, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Brownsville, Harlingen and San Benito, along with Hidalgo and Cameron County, for a combined 31 votes. With this merger, Hernandez said potential future projects that could happen due to the increase in funding include the construction of a second causeway to South Padre Island and a highway loop that connects all of Hidalgo County. “Our South Texas region will now have access to millions in funding for transportation infrastructure projects, which will lead to better economic opportunities for our entire region to enjoy,” Hernandez said in a statement.
MISSION HOUSING
providing a required yearly evaluation to them. “I’m not sure if the other board members knew that was in his contract had I not reviewed his contract and seen it,” Garza said. “It’s very dysfunctional for an organization to be operating the way it’s been operating for as long as it has been.” Gonzalez was given a chance to speak about his three years as executive director, where he receives a salary of $56,000 despite working on a part time basis. “I was moving to retire two years ago when (former Mission Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas) asked me to stay for an additional two years,” Gonzalez explained. “At the time I wanted my assistant, Deputy Executive Director Jaime Ayala to take over for me but [Salinas] felt at that point he did not know him well enough to name him executive director so he asked me to stay on a part time basis to train him. That’s what’s been going on.”
from pg. 1
some outliers from McAllen and Edcouch. Participants practice daily on practice fields provided by LJISD in the mornings. “We’re registered with the TAAF [Texas Amateur Athletic Federation] organization,” Perales said. “And they go compete locally in communities. Recently we were in Rio Grande City, this week we’re going to be in Weslaco.” In his experience, Perales has seen students improve by continuing athletic activities in the summer months. “I’ve seen an improvement in the fundamentals and participation in the middle schools,” Perales said. According to Perales, providing programs like these keeps kids active and healthy, which is a benefit to themselves and their parents as well. “First and foremost, it helps the kids do something instead of being out on the street,” Perales said. “It’s good to have these programs for our kids.” Peñitas is hoping to grow the Parks & Recreation
RGV MPO
ushering in a new era of economic development and collaboration for the Rio Grande Valley," Abbott said at the signing ceremony. "This region plays such an important role in growing the
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All Valley Sports Awards Recap Gilpin, Lee, Pioneer Recognized By John Hamann The 2019 All Valley Sports Awards Banquet was held last week to honor the efforts and achievements of high school athletes from across the Rio Grande Valley. Six of the Big 7 schools had at least one nominee for an award. The list included five female athletes up for six awards and four male athletes up for five awards. In addition, three Big 7 teams were in the running for Team of the Year in their respective sport and one school was nominated for Program of the Year. By the end of the night two Big 7 athletes, one of the three teams and the one school were chosen as winners for a total of five awards overall. Landry Gilpin from Mission Veterans was a double winner. The senior quarterback won his second straight Football Player of the Year award for his part in getting the Patriots to the fourth round of the playoffs last fall and an overall record of 142. The team was also nominated for the Sub-6A Boys
Team of the year. Gilpin reflected on the season and his role in it. “It wasn’t just a one year process. If anything it’s kind of been over the past few years. We’ve had some ups and downs but the way everything kind of developed and came together this year came from the building of chemistry with my teammates; being there every day for them and making them want to be that way . . . (to) show up every day and be a team player. That’s what we needed on a team like this and we got it out of those guys. We had a perfect mix of everything . . . to get us where we were.” Gilpin also was tabbed as the Sub-6A Male Athlete of the Year. In addition to his gridiron feats, Gilpin was a three time regional qualifier for his role running relays on the Veterans track team. Gilpin credited a number of people for his team’s and his own success. “Definitely my team, my team mates in every sport that I’ve done. Without those guys being by my side it would have been impossible. And without my coaches it would have been
impossible. Those guys have been great the way they work with us and the way they have us training, They make us do everything the right way not only on the field but off the field.” The head coach of the Patriots football team is Landry’s father David Gilpin and the younger Gilpin also thanked his parents and family. “Those guys are vital to the success we’ve had as a program and the success I’ve had as an individual. I’d like to thank all those.” Landry will continue his football career this fall at Southwestern University in Georgetown. Sharyland High’s Jimmy Lee won the Boys Golfer of the Year award for the fourth straight year. Lee added the title “State Champion” to his long list of accomplishments when he won the UIL- 5A State Tournament back in May. It was the culmination of four straight trips to the tournament in which Lee improved his place in the standings each year. Lee was participating in a tournament and unable to attend the banquet. He
is expected to play for Texas A&M in College Station next year. It was a big night for Sharyland Pioneer too. The school had two of its athletes nominated along with their baseball team and overall athletic program. The Sharyland Pioneer baseball team had an historic year, winning 37 games and advancing all the way to the state tournament in Round Rock. The Diamondbacks eventually fell to Georgetown in a state semifinal game. The success of that baseball team earned Sharyland Pioneer the Sub 6-A Boys Team of the Year. Coach Casey Smith put the award in perspective to the numerous other accomplishments of his team this season. “Obviously it’s an honor; there were some really good teams that were up for the award. Just to be considered among those teams is an honor.” Perhaps the biggest win of the night was the recognition of Sharyland Pioneer as Sub 6-A program of the Year. In addition to the success of the baseball team
Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra.
Mission Veterans Patriots’ quarterback Landry Gilpin receives the Sub 6A Male Athlete of the Year award at the 2019 All Valley Sports Awards Banquet held last week. the five year old high school achieved a rarity in athletics: all 21 of its teams qualified for the post season in 201819. Ten of those teams won district championships. The Diamondbacks shared the award with Brownsville Veterans. Sharyland Pioneer Athletic Coordinator/Football coach Tom Lee spoke on the reasons for that success. “It starts with hiring good coaches and we did a good job with that five years ago. Then we added some coaches in the last couple of years
that have really created some good programs that you saw this year.” The student athletes of Sharyland Pioneer played a role too. “Besides coaches I think it comes down to the kids believing in what the system is and what we’re trying to preach at Pioneer,” Lee added. “We’re trying to get kids to play multiple sports; to be successful not just in one thing but in as many things as they can to promote our sports program.”
See SPORTS AWARDS Pg. 8
Smith and Bickerton – In their words, Part 2
Progress Times photo by Mario Magallon.
Pioneer head baseball coach Casey Smith, and his staff made up of Austin Bickerton, Eddie Galindo, Shawn Moes and Fernie Rodriguez Jr., led the Diamondbacks all the way to the state tournament in Round Rock this year.
By Luciano Guerra In only his second year as the Diamondbacks’ head baseball coach, Casey Smith took a team that was consistently at or near the bottom of the district standings and turned them into a team that not only defeated two of the three top ranked teams in the state, but that also qualified for the state tournament. Here we’ll take a look back at the Diamondbacks’ historic season, from their non-district schedule to their state semifinal game against the No. 1 ranked team in the state, all from Coach Smith’s perspective. Non-district Schedule Coming off their first season under Coach Smith, and their first ever playoff
appearance, the Diamondbacks put together a very impressive 15-2-0 non-district record. What made that record even more impressive was the quality of teams they went up against during non-district play. “We always try to schedule some tough opponents during our scrimmage season,” Smith said. “We went up to Calallen to play our first non-district game with the idea that if we play tough competition that it would make us better. We were very fortunate to see some good teams in our tournament schedule. We went up against quite a few playoff teams, several of which were 6A teams.” District 31-5A Schedule With the four District
31-5A teams that eventually made the playoffs all advancing into the Area round, 31-5A proved itself to be one of the toughest 5A districts in the state. What Smith remembers the most about his team’s district schedule, is how tough each of the twogame series against the other three eventual playoff teams were. “Our two games against Sharyland were especially tough,” Smith said. “They were both one run games that were won with walkoffs. We each won one of
those games. The same thing with Rio, both games were close and we won one and they won one. And against Palmview they won one 2-1 and we won one 2-1. So what sticks out to me the most is the level of competition throughout our district schedule. It was tough.” Bi-district Round In the opening round of the playoffs, the Diamondbacks went up against Brownsville Lopez in a one-game, winner-takeall match-up. While Smith would’ve preferred to play a
best-of-three series, the onegame match-up worked out extremely well for Pioneer as they scored early and often against the Lobos. “It was a 10-0, five inning win for us,” Smith said. “Our kids came out with a good mentality and we jumped on them early. I think we scored four or five in the first inning.
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AQUATIC CENTER
from pg. 1
the area were making the trip to the Aquatic Center. “Last year we had about 278 people, this year our goal is 300 to 350, and we hope to continue to grow,” Victor Garza said. “We have a group from Brownsville that reached out to us, and a group from San Benito and there are a few families that got together from Roma that are coming here tonight, so it’s become a little popular.” Bebo’s Angels, a non-profit organization created to provide education and support to families with loved ones with Autism Spectrum Disorders, sponsored door prizes for the Special Needs Family Night and provided information to parents about resources available for their children. Victor Garza said the district aims to provide their community and surrounding communities an opportunity to come out and let go at events like these. “Everybody that’s here
is in the same condition,” Victor Garza said. “They get stared at, they get those extra looks - tonight it’s about us giving them the opportunity to just let them scream and yell and have fun, to us that is very important.” The LJISD Sports & Learning Complex was designed so those with handicaps and special needs could also take advantage of the facilities. Garza noted that one of the district’s top priorities is letting people with special needs know that they care for them. “For those children and adults that might have a wheelchair that is electrical that might not be able to get into the water, we purchased specialized wheelchairs so we can take them into certain depths in the water,” Victor Garza said. “And more importantly, they can get under the big bucket and get splashed just like everybody else. We have mesh tubes if they wanted to ride down the
lazy river, and we have the lift for that as well.” It was a full evening as young people with special needs got to listen to the music, get in the water, drift down the lazy river and even go down a few water slides. The Sports & Learning Complex concession stand was open (with regular snacks for purchase and free pizzas provided by Board Secretary Espie Ochoa and board member Armin Garza), but it wasn’t really the point of the evening. “I guarantee you, they’re not about the food tonight, the y’re about the water and the slides and the fun, ” Victor Garza said. “Last year we finished at 9 p.m. and they danced until 10 p.m., they didn’t want to leave, they had a blast and the guards had a blast with them.” LJISD Special Education Director Andrea Garza said that this event is the one she looks most forward to since its start.
“You can see the kids and their parents and the joy that it brings to them,” Andrea Garza said. “Our kids don’t get those opportunities very often. When they do, you can just see it. You can see the happiness in their faces, and it’s just a good feeling to see them being excited, being happy, being accepted and having a good time.” She said that it was very important because the kids are able to come out, enjoy themselves and be accepted. “This particular event that La Joya hosts, I haven’t seen anywhere in the Valley,” Andrea Garza said. “It’s something that is great for our kids.” Andrea Garza added that parents in the district look forward to all the activities for children with special needs to participate in at LJISD, including a recent event where they were able to show animals and compete partnered with general education children.
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“They can come out and meet other parents and enjoy themselves,” Andrea Garza said. “They can meet new people that are walking in the same shoes that they are.” Several members of the board of trustees, along with Representative Sergio Muñoz, Jr., Representative Oscar Longoria and city of Peñitas Commissioner Felipe Quintanilla made it out to the Sports and Learning Complex to see the kids and families cool off in the water. Board President Claudia Ochoa spoke highly of the district’s ability to cater to all children. “I always say it’s important to make all our children feel welcome, make all our children feel that they’re special and know that they can participate in anything and everything that La Joya has to offer,” Ochoa said. “Today is a great event, and it speaks a lot on what La Joya ISD is: all-inclusive, we love all our
kids and we want to make sure that all our children are able to participate in all our events.” Texas House Member Sergio Muñoz, Jr. (Representative for District 36) was glad to see that these events and amenities were available to children with special needs and their families. “I think at the end of the day, it’s about opportunity, and it’s about including everyone in all the activities that the school and community can provide,” Muñoz said. “The more we can do to encourage that and have people participate to make that a reality, the better the community is going to be as a whole.” Victor Garza said that thanks to the success of this year and last year, the district will be holding another Special Needs Family Night on July 30.
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Local mixer highlights Laurie P. Andrews PAWS Center puppies, people get a chance to be introduced to something new, wonderful people and organizations,” Angelica M. Dinh, the event manager for RGVision Media said. “It brings awareness so people can see what these organizations are and how they contribute to the community.” Previous mixers benefitted the Teach for America organization and American Cancer Society. The Laurie P. Andrews PAWS Center is an Edinburg-based no kill animal shelter that according to center Director Rebecca Villanueva, sees 39,000 animals go through their door per year. At the event, she announced that until July 3, the center was waiving all adoption fees to encourage more adoptions in the center. The adoption fees range from $50-$100 and covers a month of health insurance, spaying and neutering, mi-
By Jose De Leon III The community was recently invited to donate to a worthy cause, and possibly meet their new furry best friend. On Thursday, June 13, as part of a collaboration with the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce and RGVision Media, the Laurie P. Andrews PAWS Center were honored at an event that also recognized a notable county surgeon. As part of a bi-monthly business mixer held by both businesses, the public was invited to attend a networking social event at the Lexus dealership in Pharr where proceeds through a $20 donation at the door went to the Edinburg animal shelter that serves the entire county. As part of the mixer, the center brought three dogs in need of adoption to the event. “You can’t go wrong with
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Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.
Dogs from the Laurie P. Andrews PAWS Center during a mixer benefitting the organization Thursday, June 13, 2019.
adoption.” The dogs that were at the mixer included Sawyer, a Chihuahua mix who was adopted before the event started, Pierce, a Shepherd mix and Buddy, a Terrier mix. “The Paws Center is an adoption facility for the Palm Valley Animal Center which has been serving the community for 40 years,” Villanueva said. “It’s a great facility to come in as a family, learn more about pet adoption and the challenges our community are facing with pet overpopulation.” Brenda Enriquez, president for the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, praised the actions of the Paws Center. “They’re out there in the community taking care of all our furry friends for the community,” Enriquez said. “It’s not fair for them to take care of them all alone so we do what we can to help those
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SPORTS AWARDS
The Diamondbacks also had two wrestlers nominated. Sophomore Alejandra Briere and senior Diego Serna were up for Girls and Boys Wrestler of the Year respectively. Numerous other Big 7 athletes were nominated for their achievements as well. Senior Jackie Howell of Mission Veterans was nominated in two categories; Sub 6-A Female Athlete of the Year and Volleyball Player of the Year. The Patriots volleyball team was also nominated for Sub 6-A Girls Team of the Year. Senior Bailey Villalon
from La Joya Palmview was nominated for Girls Cross Country Athlete of the Year and her classmate, Briana Silero was up for Girls Golfer of the Year. Senior Mia Lerma from Mission High was also nominated for Girls Golfer of the Year. The La Joya Juarez-Lincoln girls soccer team was nominated for the Girls 6A Team of the Year and the Huskies had junior soccer standout Sergio Escareno up for Boys Soccer Player of the Year as well.
obituaries
Aurora Diaz Austin MISSION – Aurora Diaz Austin, age 93, passed to a new life and entered eternal rest with the Lord on Saturday, June 15, 2019, at 3:54 p.m. at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen. She was born on October 11, 1925, in Rio Grande City, Texas, to Pedro Diaz, Sr. and Aurora Valverde Diaz. Aurora was always full of energy and helped her parents at the Starr Grocery Store which later developed into Valley Mart Stores Empire. Active in high school, she served as Drum Major for Rio Grande City High School. Aurora loved to play the piano and would dance and sing to help raise money for charities. In 1949 Aurora was Princess of
the American Legion Leary Post 382 and raised $20,000 to build the existing hall in Rio Grande City on Waters Street. Tragedy struck the Diaz family when, on August 20, 1951, fire engulfed their grocery store and living quarters. Persistent, the Diaz family built a new store just across the street to the West. Aurora worked for the family business till the age of 33 to assist her family. She also owned and operated Aurora’s Dry Goods in Rio Grande City. She met the love of her life, Carlos Alejandro Austin, and they married on July 2, 1950, at the First United Methodist Church of Rio Grande City. Together they had five children and in 1958
from pg. 5
SMITH & BICKERTON
team in the state, the Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial Eagles. And despite the fact that Sharyland Pioneer lost the first game of that best-ofthree series by a rather lopsided score, Smith knew that his team had what it took to bounce back and take the series. “We got down early in the first game so I pulled my starting pitcher knowing that I could bring him back the next day,” Smith said. “The 11-1 loss looked bad on paper, but it wasn’t that bad of a game for us.”
In game 2 of that series, the Diamondbacks were one strike in the seventh inning from being eliminated. However, they found a way to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat to not only win game 2, but also game 3. “Our kids just kept believing and kept fighting and that’s one of the things that has stayed consistent for us not only in the playoffs but throughout the season.” Smith said. “They never feel that they’re out of anything or that anything’s over. They just continue to keep coming
back, keep fighting and keep playing until it’s over.” Regional Quarterfinal Round The Diamondbacks found themselves matched up against a district opponent, the Rio Grande City Rattlers, in the regional quarterfinal round. As was the case against Corpus Christi Vets, the Diamondbacks came up short against the Rattlers in the first game of their bestof-three series but bounced back to take games 2 and 3. “That first game went extra innings which was
no different from the Corpus Christi Vets series,” Smith said. “Our kids never blinked. They believed that we were going to go to Rio Grande City the next day and win game 2 and then get back to Mission to win game 3. I don’t think our kids ever waivered or ever had a doubt. The confidence has always been there.” Regional Semifinal Round In the regional semifinal round, the Diamondbacks
the Austin family moved to Mission, Texas, where Aurora resided for the remainder of her life. While raising five children she found time to attend Pan American University and got involved in her community. Although unsuccessful, she threw her hat in the ring and ran for the Mission School Board in the 60s. Aurora’s energetic personality and business background allowed her the opportunity to build and run a kindergarten that many of today’s movers and shakers of the Mission community attended. Aurora, later sold World Book Encyclopedias, managed Market Makers, a retail call center, worked at The Uniform Center and Terry Farris in McAllen. She also managed a Fabrific Fabric Center in downtown Mission. Aurora loved writing articles for the Sun Valley News under the caption of “Out Our Way.” She also worked as a substitute teacher for the Mission, McAllen and La Joya school districts. She was actively involved in many civic organizations including the Mission Hospital Auxiliary, Mission Hobby Club, Mission Citrus Fiesta, the Garden Club, Mission Lions Club, the Pan American Book Club, Order of Eastern Star, the Mission Band Boosters Club and the Mission Historical Museum. Aurora enjoyed writing poetry in English and Span-
ish about her life and was included in Who’s Who and also Personalities of the South. On December 16, 2002, Aurora was commissioned a “Yellow Rose of Texas” by Governor Rick Perry. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carlos Alejandro Austin; two brothers, Noe Diaz and Pete Diaz, Jr.; and by two sisters, Noemi Longoria and Ninfa Lopez. Left to cherish her memories is her five children, Dr. Charles Ike (Raquenel) Austin, Steven Frank (Elida) Austin, Alexander Walter Austin, Robert Pete (Norma) Austin, and Aurora Judith Austin Fernandez. Aurora is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Jacquelyn (Luis) Gonzalez, Alyssa Austin, Andrea Austin, Katherine (David) Deanda, Steven (Dr. Geshia) Austin, Amanda Austin (Dr. Lauro Davalos), Kevin Austin, Eric (Rita) Austin, Priscilla Austin (Enrique Martinez, Jr.), Ashley Austin, Joel Angel (Erica) Garcia, Aurora Krystal (Luis) Mendez and Michael Garcia’ and by 18 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Dr. Luis Arango, Dr. Alcides Amador and Dr. Juan Asuaje. Visitation was held on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at Flores Funeral Home Chapel in Mission with a Prayer Service conducted 7:00 p.m. Funeral services were held at 10:00 am, on Thursday
morning, June 20, 2019, at the First United Methodist Church in Mission with interment following at San Jose Cemetery in Mission. Funeral services were entrusted to the care of Flores Funeral Home of Mission.
Aneta Hinton MISSION – Aneta D. Hinton, 87, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2019, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg. Guadalupe Ledezma MISSION – Guadalupe Ledezma, 62, passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2019, at her home in Mission. Eleuterio Mayorga LA JOYA – Eleuterio Mayorga, 74, passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2019, at his home in La Joya. Celso Ramirez PEÑITAS – Celso Ramirez, 91, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2019, at his home in Peñitas. Olga Reyna MISSION – Olga L. Reyna, 50, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen. Rosa Robles-Velasquez MISSION – Rosa Robles-Velasquez, 73, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at her home in Mission. Virginia Salazar MISSION – Virginia M. Salazar, 94, passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2019, in Chicago, Ill. Maria de Tamez SULLIVAN CITY – Maria Antonia Gonzalez de Tamez, 78, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Salatiel Vera MISSION – Salatiel Barrios Vera, 85, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.
Notices
Arsenio Avendano LA JOYA – Arsenio P. Avendano, 91, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Hermelinda Cabañas PEÑITAS – Hermelinda Cabañas, 76, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen. Gerardo Cantu MISSION – Gerardo Cantu, 64, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Evangelina Farias MISSION – Evangelina O. Farias, 90, passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2019, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Francisco Gamez Jr. PEÑITAS – Francisco Gamez Jr., 41, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2019, at Edinburg Regional Medical Center. Jesus Gomez MISSION – Jesus Gomez, 29, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.
See SMITH & BICKERTON Pg. 10
June 21, 2019
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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 2 CEMETERY PLOTS at Valley Memorial Gardens, adjacent corner plots, Section S, Lot 82, plots A4 & B1, call 956-956335-3555 for more details. GREAT CONDITION KENMORE washer & dryer, plus complete queen size bed and complete twin size bed, also selling sofa bed, for more details call 956-
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NOTICE OF PRIVATE NONPROFIT SCHOOL MEETING June 25, 2019 1:30-2:00 p.m. Central Office Building Mission, TX 78572 Notice is hereby given that a private nonprofit school meeting will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, in the Mission CISD Central Office Building, located at 1201 Bryce Drive, Mission, Texas. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the possibility of participation in Mission CISD’s Federal Funding. Interested Private Non-Profit Schools must hold a current 501 (c) (3) status and serve eligible Mission CISD students. For additional information, please contact Kim Risica at 956-3235550 or at kmrisica@mcisd.org
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Notice to Lender Notice to: Yolanda Sanchez, 1100 West Kika de la Garza, Mission, Texas, 78572. The records of the Mission Historical Museum reflect that you have property on loan to it. The property was received by the museum on March 20, 2003. The museum wishes to terminate the loan. You must contact the museum, provide proof of your ownership, and make arrangements to collect the property. Please contact Vernon Weckbacher, Archivist/Curator, at the Mission Historical Museum, 900 Doherty Ave., Mission, Texas, 78572 (telephone 956580-8646). If you fail to do so within 65 days after the date of this notice, you will be deemed to have donated the property to the museum. See Chapter 80, Texas Property Code.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the Palmview Planning and Zoning Board will hold a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, July 09, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at Palmview City Hall Council Chambers, 400 West Veterans Blvd, Palmview, Texas to consider the following: • Consideration and possible action to rezone from its present designated land use zoning General Business (C- 3) To Heavy Commercial District (C-4): Greeneland Acres Lot L Additionally, notice is hereby given that a hearing before the Palmview City Council will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at 6:00 pm at the Palmview City Hall Council Chambers to consider the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board on this matter and the item below. • Consideration and possible action to rezone from its present designated land use zoning General Business (C- 3) To Single Family Residential (R-1):1.56 acres tract out of lot 88 New Caledonia Subdivision No.1. If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Palmview’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. For additional information, please call the Planning Department at (956)432-0300. Planning Director: Rodolfo Flores III
Do What Makes You Happy, Be With Those Who Make You Smile, And Laugh As Much As You Breathe. Notice to Lender Notice to: Curtis Morgan, address unknown. The records of the Mission Historical Museum reflect that you have property on loan to it. The property was received by the museum on May 23, 2003. The museum wishes to terminate the loan. You must contact the museum, provide proof of your ownership, and make arrangements to collect the property. Please contact Vernon Weckbacher, Archivist/Curator, at the Mission Historical Museum, 900 Doherty Ave., Mission, Texas, 78572 (telephone 956580-8646). If you fail to do so within 65 days after the date of this notice, you will be deemed to have donated the property to the museum. See Chapter 80, Texas Property Code.
PUBLIC NOTICE The Mission City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on Monday, July 8, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at the Mission City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: 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; and Rezoning: Lot 6, Abrego Estates Subdivision, from (R1) Single Family Residential to (R-2) Duplex-Fourplex Residential If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. Anyone interested is invited to attend. Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
THE STATE OF TEXAS NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT: “You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do (does)not file a written answer with the clerk who issued to this citation by 10:00 A.M. on the Monday next after the expiration of forty-two (42) days after the date of issuance of this citation, a default Judgment may be taken against you.” TO: ESTATE OF KENNETH R. BOONE, DECEASED AND HIS UNKNOWN HEIRS, Defendants GREETINGS: You are hereby commanded to appear by filing a written answer to the Plaintiff’s Petition at or before 10:00 o’clock a.m. of the first Monday next after the expiration of forty-two (42) days from the date of issuance of this citation, the same being Monday, July 22, 2019 at or before 10:00 o’clock a.m. before the 206th District Court of Hidalgo County, at the Courthouse in Edinburg, Texas. Said Plaintiff’s Petition was filed on June 3, 2019 in this case, numbered C-2428-19-D on the docket of said court. The names of the parties to the cause are as follows: WAGON CITY RECREATION BOARD, INC., Plaintiff and ESTATE OF KENNETH R. BOONE, DECEASED AND HIS UNKNOWN HEIRS, Defendants. A brief statement of the nature of the suit is as follows, to-wit: The suit seeks to have judgment against the Defendants and to foreclose on the lien held by the Plaintiff for unpaid and delinquent assessments assessed against the property that belongs to or may belong to the Defendants, being Lot 26, Block D, Wagon City Subdivision Unit 1, and addition to the City of Mission, Hidalgo County, Texas, according to map or plat thereof recorded in Volume 20, Page 161, Map Records of Hidalgo County, Texas. Judgment and an order of sale of the property is requested in the Plaintiff’s Petition. If this citation is not served within ninety days after the date of its issuance, it shall be returned unserved. The officer executing this writ shall promptly serve the same according to requirements of law, and the mandates thereof, and make due return as the law directs. ISSUED AND GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL of said Court, at office in Edinburg, Hidalgo County, Texas, on this date. 6/04/2019. LAURA HINOJOSA, DISTRICT CLERK HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS 100 N. CLOSNER BLVD #E EDINBURG, TX 78539
page 10
Mission holds Flag Day commemoration ceremony By Jamie Treviño Police officers, firefighters and city officials gathered to honor the nation’s adoption of the United States flag in 1777. In honor of National Flag Day, Mission held its first commemoration ceremony with WoodmenLife at the city hall on Friday, June 14. Representatives from the insurance company presented Mission with a United States flag and a special flag for the police department. Roxanne Lerma, the head of the city’s Media Relations department, said that this was the first commemoration ceremony Mission has put on. “On this day in 1777, if you didn’t know, the stars and stripes were actually adopted by Congress as the official flag of the United States,” Lerma said. “The American flag is important because the stars stand for the states in the United States, and the 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies that came together to oppose the British.” Lerma called the flag a statement of freedom and symbol of American values. Originally called the “Stars and Stripes,” the colors of the flag originally held no significance. “Charles Thompson of the Continental Congress suggested that white symbolized innocence, blue meant perseverance and red represented valor,” Lerma said. Service officers from the Mission Police Department and the Fire Department presented the colors at the start of the ceremony. Assistant Fire Chief Rene Alvarez led the invocation and pledge of allegiance. “Heavenly Father, we thank you for this nation and for the men and women who had the courage to form this nation,” Alvarez said. “We thank you for the flag that flies over our nation and gives us hope.” City Manager Randy Perez gave the welcome for the event, and thanked people in attendance for coming to recognize flag day. “Each year as Americans, we set aside four special days specifically to honor our veterans and those bravely serving in our military,” Perez said. “Sometimes we overlook these opportunities to
from pg. 8
June 21, 2019
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
By Jamie Treviño
Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.
Police Chief Robert Dominguez and Fire Chief Gilbert Sanchez hold The Honor and Sacrifice Flag during the city’s first Flag Day Commemoration Ceremony last Friday, June 14 at city hall. pay our respects to recognize their sacrifice and service.” Perez spoke on the importance of the creation of the flag and its role in representing the United States of America. “And so, to commemorate the birth of our flag, we also rededicate ourselves to the ideals of which it stands,” Perez said. “Our flag is a symbol that flies above all our people as a sign of freedom, no matter what race we all are. So today let’s remember that, let’s honor our American flag.” WoodmenLife Weslaco Chapter 2619 presented the U.S. Flag to the city, as well as The Honor and Sacrifice Flag for the police and fire departments. Nancy Collier represented the not-for-profit insurance company and said the flag was an emblem of the country’s heritage, bravery and liberty. “We promote good citizenship and carry out extensive community service programs which include presenting the American flag,” Collier said. “WoodmenLife ranks second only to the U.S. government in the purchase of the U.S. flag, which we present to non-profit institutes and organizations.” In addition to the flag, WoodmenLife provides equipment to fire departments, rescue squads and communities they represent, according to Collier. Raquel Marquez, an agent at the Weslaco Chapter, spoke on the meaning of The Honor and Sacrifice Flag that was presented to the Mission Police Department and Mission
Fire Department. “The Honor and Sacrifice Flag was developed specifically to recognize the fallen in all fields of public safety,” Marquez said. “It enables Americans to express their gratitude for men and women who heroically give their lives and pay tribute to the family and friends who grieve their loss.” Marquez went on to explain what each color and emblem on this particular flag represents. The blue field symbolizes the law enforcement community, the purple field stands for mourning for losses in the firefighter community and the white field represents the “purity of heart” within each individual who serves and protects and is “willing to face each day’s challenges regardless of risk.” “The black star represents those who wear the distinct badge including sheriff and marshal services,” Marquez said. “The red maltese cross recognizes all individuals in the emergency response community, the gold shield recognizes all public safety representatives who wear the shield and have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.” “The folded flag signifies the final tribute to an individual life that a family has lost for the sake of others and the flame is an eternal reminder of the spirit that departed this life yet burns in the memory of all who knew and loved that individual,” Marquez added. “We honor their selfless services and remember their individual sacrifice.”
ALL-AMERICA
first time Mission has applied to the competition. “It’s a great honor,” Ortega-Ochoa said. “Staff has worked really hard with coming up with the theme, practice and finding community members to come and give up their time so they can travel with us.” Finalist communities include the 4th largest city in America (Houston, TX) to a city of only 3,500 people (Gothenburg, NE). The 20 finalists share a common bond of working to create healthy communities through inclusive civic engagement. "These finalist communities are building healthy communities through collaboration with residents, businesses and other stakeholders,” said National Civic League President Doug Linkhart. “While many people are concerned about the ability of our nation to improve lives, these communities are showing that great things can happen at the local level.” The City of Mission submitted a lengthy application that addressed such issues as economic development, health initiatives and building stronger neighborhoods. “This is a huge accomplishment for the city of Mission,” said City Manager Randy Perez. “It is a fitting recognition of the work being done by our mayor, city council and the residents of our great community.” The 20 finalist communities will compete tomorrow in Denver, Colorado to be recognized as one of ten All-America Cities for 2019. Each community will bring a team of residents, nonprofit leaders, business representatives, government officials and young people to participate in presentations and workshops for three days. The 70th annual All-America City Awards will be held at the Hilton Denver City Center this weekend, and Mission will
American Cancer Society and Mission Regional Medical Center partner up for 10th annual Mission Pink event
be competing with a 10-minute presentation tomorrow at 3:50 p.m. According to Ortega-Ochoa, city staff feel positive. “We have a great energy amongst us,” Ortega-Ochoa said. “I think that we have put many hours of hard work and practice. The enthusiasm from the community is really good too.” Ortega-Ochoa said that after they return (hopefully with a win) they plan to hold a festival in Mission. “We have community members who are putting that together,” Ortega-Ochoa said. “I think we’re all really pumped up and excited to come back with a win.” She added that the presentation, coordinated by Deputy City Manager Aida Lerma and the head of the Media Relations Department Roxanne Lerma, took a lot of effort to put together in an amazing way. The council member noted that the organizations highlighted in the city of Mission speak for
themselves. “We have a lot of great projects that we do in the city of Mission that involve and engage to help families and unite us,” Ortega-Ochoa said. “I personally would just like to show our beautiful city off to all the neighboring communities that are competing with us, because we’re something very unique and we’re going to take a piece of Mission over there.” The 2019 spotlight for the award is efforts focused on inclusive engagement practices that create healthy communities for all. The 20 finalist cities include Mission, TX, Battle Creek, MI, Clinton, NC, Cornelius, OR, Doral, FL, Dubuque, Iowa, Edinburg, TX, El Paso, TX, Gothenburg, NE, Hallandale Beach, FL, Houston, TX, Livingston County, NY, Millcreek, UT, Ontario, CA, Pasco, WA, Rancho Cordova, CA, Rock Hill, SC, San Antonio, TX, West Hollywood, CA and Wichita, KS.
Pet of the Week Sparky
is a Heeler mix, believed to be about one year old. He is very active and social. If you would like to make Sparky a part of your family, contact the Mission Pawsible Program at 956-580-8741, M-F, 8AM5PM. The City of Mission Animal Shelter is located at 227 Abelino Farias, and is open throughout the week and on Saturdays - 9AM to 4PM. The cost to adopt is $50, which includes: Spay/ Neuter, Rabies Shot, 1st Vaccine, Microchip and Deworming. To view more animals in the Mission Pawsible Program, visit missiontexas.us.
This year, two major groups advocating for breast cancer awareness are joining forces with one local event. The Mission Regional Medical Center (MRMC) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) are combining planning and resources to coordinate a breast cancer walk on Oct. 12, 2019. The 10th annual Mission Pink Walk/Run will benefit ACS’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” cause. Last year the groups held separate but equally effective walks for the cause. This year, they hope their partnership will draw the biggest crowd of participants, patients and survivors to the Rio Grande Valley yet. April Chapa, Senior Community Development Manager with the South Region of the American Cancer Society, said that the idea of partnering for this event came about last year, but as MRMC was being acquired by Prime Healthcare Services they had to wait until this year. “Everything was about seeing what the strategy would be and the work and planning [for the event],” said MRMC Business Development and Marketing Director Paola Lopez. “And once everything settled down, we were able to partner with the American Cancer Society.” Mission Pink will take place on the Mission Regional Medical Center grounds (900 S. Bryan Rd.) and will include the main event, interactive and informative booths and resources. Pets are welcome to attend as well. Registration for the walk/ run will be $25 for general and $20 for survivors, and funds will be donated to “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” cause. Participants can fundraise more for the cause as well. “Mission Pink is definite-
from pg. 8
ly a very important event for the hospital,” Lopez said. “It’s for the community.” The goal of Mission Pink, which always takes place in October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is to further educate the community and fundraise for ACS resources in the Rio Grande Valley. “As a non-profit organization, Mission Regional Medical Center is always proactive about engaging in activities that will benefit the health of the community,” said CEO of Mission Regional Medical Center, Kane Dawson, in a press release. “Mission Pink does exactly that – it reminds women to get themselves checked and schedule their annual mammograms.” Chapa and Lopez echoed those sentiments, saying early detection and awareness has led to lives being saved across the country. “We have very innovative research going on right now at ACS that can help save lives,” Chapa said. “And now women are being diagnosed at Stage 0, and they have such a high chance of survival because of that. The survival rate is increasing.” “As the hospital that we are, our main goal is to have a healthy community,” Lopez said. “So for us, it’s very important that these events happen because that raises awareness.” Through fundraising efforts like these, ACS specifically provides several services to cancer patients in the Rio Grande Valley. “With ACS, we serve the whole Valley, so partnering with the hospital just seemed like a really good idea for us to hit a bigger demographic,” Chapa said. “We consider a survivor anybody that’s been diagnosed with cancer, so if they’re diagnosed and they need to get treatment we [ACS] offer free rides and free wigs all because of the fundraising we do here locally, it stays here.”
Lopez and Chapa’s events drew over 3,000 people, so they are aiming to increase the number of participants in 2019. Chapa noted that there was confusion from residents last year over the two events, so eliminating that through one singular event will clear things up so everyone can come out. “People came not only from the Valley, but from Monterrey, from Austin, Houston, Dallas and San Antonio,” Lopez said. “We have very loyal followers.” Chapa has her hands full with several ACS events coming up, including the Cattle Baron’s Ball, Saddle Up Under the Moonlight Fashion Show (being held next Thursday, June 27 at The Reserve in Edinburg) and Cattle Baron’s Ball on Sept. 21, but they are already getting ready for Mission Pink. “We wanted to join pink forces to have one big, successful event,” Chapa added. “I feel like some of the survivors were torn between the two events, or some of them were confused, and that’s why we started this, because people want a pink event in the community.” The organizations are still looking for more sponsors and participants. More information about the cause and event can be found at www.makingstrideswalk. org/riograndetx or by contacting April Chapa at (956) 682-8329. “I feel like some of the survivors were torn between the two events, or some of them were confused, and that’s why we started this, because people want a pink event in the community.” The organizations are still looking for more sponsors and participants. More information about the cause and event can be found at www.makingstrideswalk. org/riograndetx or by contacting April Chapa at (956) 682-8329.
SMITH & BICKERTON
were not only matched up against the team that assumed the No. 2 ranking in the state after Sharyland Pioneer eliminated Corpus Christi Vets, but also one of the hottest teams in the state, the Boerne Champion Chargers. How hot were the Chargers? So hot that they had not lost a game since March 9, and so hot that they swept their three previous playoff opponents, six games to none, while outscoring them 63-3 over those six games. As impressive as the Chargers’ winning streak and playoff run had been, Smith and his Diamondbacks were not at all intimidated. “Yes they were a good team and they were well coached, but we felt good about our team too,” Smith said. “Going into that series we had a lot of confidence and we were ready to go in and do what we do. In ad-
dition, we felt that playing them in Laredo was going to be a benefit for us because we were used to the heat and they weren’t.” As it turns out, the Diamondbacks had good reason to be so confident. They took the best-of-three series against the Chargers by winning games one and three by scores of 6-3 and 11-0. Regional Final Round In the Regional Final round, the Diamondbacks defeated the Sharyland Rattlers in two games by scores of 7-6 and 11-1. With five championships under their belts, the Diamondbacks punched their tickets to the state tournament in Round Rock. When asked what being one of the state’s final four teams meant to him, Smith said, “I can’t describe it (heading to Round Rock) to be honest with you. It was one of our goals to get
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there from the beginning of the year and to see it come to fruition with this group of kids is just unbelievable.” State Semifinals In their state semifinal game, the Diamondbacks saw their epic 2019 season come to an end when they fell to the No. 1 ranked team in the state, the Georgetown Eagles, by a score of 8-2. While Smith and his Diamondbacks did come up two wins short of being the first Valley baseball team to win a state championship, they went where only a handful of Valley teams have ever gone, the state tournament. In doing so, the Diamondbacks overcame all the odds to put together a season unlike any Sharyland ISD baseball team has ever had, and a season that will long be remembered in the annals of Valley high school baseball.
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