Friday, June 28, 2019_PT ISSUE

In Honor of Mission Police

CPL. JOSE LUIS “SPEEDY” ESPERICUETA

SPEEDY

Your Hometown Newspaper, Bringing Communities Together.

Progress times

Friday, June 28, 2019 Vol. 47 - #44 50¢ cents

End of Watch 06-20-19

Photos courtesy of city of Mission.

The Mission Police Department Honor Guard folds an American flag during the memorial service for Corporal Espericueta on Tues. June 25, 2019.

• MISSION

A Grateful Community Mourns

Funeral service for fallen police corporal draws droves of people

By Jamie Treviño The Espericueta family, Missionites and people from across the country mourned the loss of Police Corporal Jose Luis Espericueta this week.

Espericueta, who served the Mission Police Department for 13 years, was killed in the line of duty while chasing an armed suspect on Thursday, June 20, 2019. Affectionately known as “Speedy” to many, Espericueta leaves behind his wife of 21 years, Roberta “Bobbie” De Leon Espericueta and their two children: 19-year-old Brianna and 13-year-old Joaquin.

Visitation for the public was held this Mon., June 24 and the funeral mass took place Tues. June 25 at Palm Valley Church in Mission. The Police Department parked Espericueta’s vehicle outside the department as a kind of shrine in their fallen brother’s memory. It did not take long for red, white and blue flowers, American flags and balloons to adorn the memorial.

The services were led by Pastor Jerrell Jobe, who said the day was about remem-

Special to the Progress Times

bering the life, honor and sacrifice of Corporal Espericueta.

Espericueta’s eulogy was given by Victor De Leon, Bobbie’s brother and Espericueta’s brother-in-law.

De Leon said that Bobbie asked him not to be too serious during the eulogy, because that’s how Espericueta would have wanted it.

“As I was preparing these remarks I asked myself, ‘how would Joey like to be remembered?’” De Leon said. “While it’s true he dedicated his life to his career as a police officer, he also enjoyed his side hustle as our resident TV star.”

Espericueta appeared on A&E’s “Live PD” and National Geographic’s “BorderWars.” De Leon went on to speak on Espericueta’s passion for barbequing and the Dallas Cowboys.

“Joey was a man of many, many talents,” De Leon said.

“He was the only person I knew that could make wearing Crocs cool, and faithfully wore cargo shorts everywhere he went, no matter the occasion.”

De Leon said when it

Cpl. Jose Luis “Speedy” Espericueta

See END OF WATCH Pg. 9

Thousands lined the roadside as a seemingly endless procession of police and first responder units passed and thousands more filled a memorial service to honor a fallen hero.

Corporal Jose Luis “Speedy” Espericueta was killed in the line of duty on Thursday, June 20th in Mission, Tx. Speedy, as he was called by his coworkers, was the very definition of a public servant.

Whether you knew him personally or just knew of him, he was the embodiment of what this wonderful community stands for: always lending a helping hand and doing it with a smile. This was evident in the outpouring of support that has been shown since that fateful day. The city of Mission and its citizens will forever be in his debt.

Our community is indebted to Speedy and every other officer that puts on their vest, uniform, and badge before every shift. You see, each and everyone of these selfless individuals follows this routine with the knowledge that they may not make it home after that shift.

Every call can carry an inherent danger that is not always apparent, and yet, these officers take the safety of their community and citizens and put it at the forefront. Their own safety takes a secondary role as they rush to their duty.

That is what Corporal Espericueta did that day. He rushed to ensure that he was keeping our citizens safe while his own safety was at risk. He did it without a second thought because if you knew him, you’d know that this is what he was built for.

His willingness to serve his fellow citizen was unrivaled and will not be forgotten. He will be remembered as a hero to our community who put on the badge and uniform daily.

See FALLEN HERO Pg. 9

INSIDE

INDEX

La Joya News

All-America City Award

Entertainment....pg. 2

We have all the latest information about what is happening with the La Joya Housing Authority, a dispute over which bank the city will be using and a $20 million contract approved by the La Joya ISD.

The city of Mission was one of ten cities in the nation that won the All-America City Award from the National Civic League. For more details about the journey to the competition and pictures from the event, see inside.

Lifestyle...................pg. 3

See Pg. 4

See Pg. 10 & 14

Sports.......................pg. 8 Death Notices...pg. 11 Classifieds.............pg.13

page 2

UTRGV Mariachi Aztlán on the road for summer appearances EDINBURG – The UTRGV Mariachi Aztlán has an exciting summer planned with performances in Chicago Ill., Denver, Colo., and Santa Barbara, Calif.

“The award-winning ensemble will promote UTRGV, celebrate cultural heritage, showcase our talented students across the nation, and recruit students nationwide to our mariachi program, “said Dr. Dahlia Guerra, assistant vice president for Public Art and founder of the mariachi program.

The first performance on Mariachi Aztlán’s summer concert schedule is a concert at the Fifth Annual Chicago Mariachi Festival at Millennium Park, Pritzker Pavilion, on Sunday, June 30. This is the largest mariachi event in the nation, attracting more than 25,000 patrons.

On July 14, Mariachi Aztlán returns to the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley by popular demand, for the third consecutive year. This concert will also feature members of the Ballet Folklorico UTRGV. A second performance in Colorado is scheduled at the Lone Tree Art Center in Denver.

Mariachi Aztlán finishes off the summer with a performance at the Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival at the Santa Barbara Bowl on Aug. 3. They will accompany

June 28, 2019

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Aida Cuevas, internationally Grammy-award winning Mexican singer and actress.

Mariachi Aztlán are also scheduled to perform with Aida Cuevas on her upcoming fall concerts in continuation of her “Totalmente Juan Gabriel” tour in North America.

Members of the Mariachi Aztlán hail from all over the U.S. and represent a variety of disciplines. Clyde Guerra, violinist, has been a member of the mariachi program for almost five years. He graduated in May with a bachelor’s in music and completed prerequisite courses for medical school, all with a 4.0 grade point average. He was recently awarded the Presidential Graduate Research Assistantship for graduate study.

“As member of Mariachi Aztlán, I have traveled throughout the United States.

These experiences performing at amazing venues have been a great opportunity for me and for the other students to grow musically, academically, and personally.”

Mariachi Aztlán is working on a new CD to be released at FESTIBA 2020 in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the program.

For more information on Mariachi Aztlán, call 956665-2353.

PCT offers teens’ script writing workshop

The colobus monkey family at Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville now has a new and bigger space to call their own.

GPZ opens new colobus monkey exhibit

BROWNSVILLE – The Eastern Angolan colobus monkeys at the Gladys Porter Zoo are jumping with joy for their new outdoor exhibit.

Colobus Crossing, located behind Small World, features a skywalk that allows the colobus to traverse over the heads of Zoo guests. It leads from their current indoor exhibit to an expansive outdoor habitat. The exhibit also features a replica of an Eastern Angolan hut, which is kept about 15 degrees cooler than the outdoor temperature. The exhibit will give the monkeys the option to remain indoors or explore outside.

Colobus Crossing opened to the public on June 21.

“Our expanding colobus troop, which is part of a Species Survival Plan (SSP) for the species, needed additional space to roam, jump and

play so we devised a plan to connect their indoor space with an area that housed a garden and some ponds,” said Dr. Patrick Burchfield, GPZ director. “Now, they have a beautiful area to be outside that meets the physical and behavioral needs of our troop.”

The Gladys Porter Zoo’s colobus monkey troop currently consists of one dominant male, four adult females and four babies.

Eastern Angolan colobus monkeys are native to the mountainous regions of Central Africa, and the biggest threats to their population in the wild include loss of habitat and hunting. Their black and white fur make them a target for poachers who sell it to be made into rugs, coats and more.

Coming Attractions

The UTRGV Mariachi Aztlán has an eventful summer planned with performances in Chicago, Denver and Santa Barbara, Calif. Shown here are members of the group during a rehearsal preparing for the upcoming events. (Courtesy Photo)

For the latest news and updates

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.

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

PHARR – Creative writing comes naturally to millions around the world, but to millions more instruction and ideas helps put them over the top. Some of the world’s best writers affirm that good stories are often a rewrite after a rewrite.

To aid in that process for potential writers, a script writing course will be offered from July 9 through 26 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. each date at the Pharr Community Theater (PCT), 213 W. Newcombe Ave., Pharr. The cost is $100 per student.

Bentancourt, originally from Edinburg, is a second year graduate student at Boston University where he is studying screenwriting and will be teaching a scriptwriting workshop for teens at the Pharr Community Theater July 9 to 26.

Bentancourt was awarded the Merit Scholarship and has dabbled in everything from short fiction to fulllength scripts with two short stories published in Gallery and Interstice. He has also

Mathew Betancourt

written an interview on Red Shuttleworth for Riveredge.

Currently, he is working on a collection of shorties, “ Reasons for Her to Leave.”

“The workshop promises to be a good experience and learning tool for the young writer,” said Pedro Garcia, PCT artistic director and Screen Actor Guild member.

To register and receive a class syllabus, text or call 956-655-9308. Class size is limited to the first 10 students to enroll.

UTRGV documentary earns Bronze Telly award

By Amanda L. Alaniz EDINBURG – UTRGV’s Community Historical Archaeology Project with Schools (CHAPS) program has two main goals – tell stories, and share the rich history of the Rio Grande Valley. Both have been accomplished with a documentary about Fort Ringgold in Rio Grande City.

“And Then the Soldiers Were Gone,” already stacked with nominations from previous international film festivals and awards, can add another to the list, a Bronze Telly award.

The Telly Awards annually showcase the best work created within television and across video, for all screens and from around the world.

“And Then the Soldiers Were Gone” focuses on the history of Fort Ringgold, the former military base in Rio Grande City turned school, through stories from the residents.

The documentary film crew included Roseann Bacha-Garza, Mario Deleón, Valerie Guerra, Dr. Christopher Miller, Melissa Ochoa, Dr. Russell Skowronek, Dr. Nick Taylor, Jamie Treviño and Ivette Vargas.

Taylor submitted the

documentary to the Telly Awards, but he didn’t inform anyone about it because he was fully prepared for it to not be accepted. He said he was in shock when he received the email that the film had won.

“This documentary turned out the way we envisioned it,” Taylor said. “The first time I saw the people of Rio Grande City watch it – they said, ‘This is us. This is who we are’ – I knew we had something special. I knew it was something that needed to be promoted and pushed.”

Skowronek said documentaries like this one really do showcase the Valley’s uniqueness and how much unknown history there is.

“We realize that film can focus the attention of a population to say, ‘I want to know more about it.’ When we have a film like ‘And Then the Soldiers Were Gone,’ to have people say, ‘Wow, there was an army base in Rio Grande City for 100 years?

Why don’t I know about it?’ Even though you drive by and see the words ‘Fort Ringgold,’ we want them to know about it. We want people to be intrigued enough to

See TELLY AWARD Pg. 3

June 28, 2019 Speer Memorial Library 12th & Kika Loop Mission • 580-8750

BETWEEN THE BOOKENDS

By William Renner Join us at Speer Memorial Library in Mission on Tuesday, July 30, for a discussion of one of the great literary works of the 20th century, Murder on the Orient Express. The discussion takes place in the library’s Community Room at 5:30 p.m. in Spanish and at 6:30 p.m. in English, and the general public is invited.

On a winter’s morning in the early 1930s, private detective Hercule Poirot, having come from London to Syria, has just finished an investigation there, and boards a train in Aleppo. Reaching Istanbul, Turkey, the following evening, he hopes to spend a few days sightseeing in that ancient city.

But, on arriving at his hotel, he receives a telegram instructing him to return to London immediately. That same evening, he leaves Istanbul on the legendary Orient Express, bound for Paris, and on to Calais on the English Channel.

Encountering heavy snowfall in northern Yugo-

slavia on the following night, the train is forced to stop because of a large snowdrift blocking the tracks. The next morning finds the train still stopped and a passenger lying dead in his sleeping compartment from a dozen stab wounds. Adding to the mystery, the compartment door had been locked from the inside.

With the Orient Express stranded in heavy snow, and a murderer on board, Poirot is called in to solve the crime before anyone else is killed.

Written by world-renowned author Agatha Christie, and first published in 1934, Murder on the Orient Express is a classic, who-done-it mystery crime thriller, and one of the bestknown of her many detective novels.

The library will have some copies of the book available for check out to those who sign up for the book discussion. Stop by the library or call at 580-8754 to obtain or reserve a copy or for more information.

Speer Memorial Library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission.

Study abroad opportunities expand for UTRGV students EDINBURG – Eighteen UTRGV students from across the Rio Grande Valley have been awarded Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships to fund studies abroad this summer, including two from Mission.

Derick Reyna, history major, will be studying in Japan, and Alexandra Salinas, mechanical engineering major, will be heading to Ireland.

Other destinations include China, Peru, South Korea, France, Italy and Spain, where students will study arts and sciences in a handson environment that provides submersion into the language and culture.

This year marks the highest number of Gilman Scholarships awarded to UTRGV students since the first UTRGV applications were submitted in 2017. This is the second consecutive year UTRGV has held that position in the UT System for most Gilman Scholarships.

Completes USAF basics SAN ANTONIO – U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kassandra Garza graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, after her initial eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Garza is the daughter of Juan and Maria Garza of Palmhurst. She is a 2012 graduate of Mission High School.

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The Gilman Scholarship Program is a part of the state’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and enables students to gain knowledge in languages and customs when limited finances otherwise would prevent these educational opportunities.

For more information about the Gilman Scholarship, contact Lizette Leal in the Office of International Programs & Partnerships at 956-665-3572 or email lizette.leal01@utrgv.edu.

EVENTS

from pg. 2

CALENDAR

June 30 – Frontera Audubon members will hold their annual membership meeting from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Skaggs House, 1101 S. Texas Blvd., Weslaco. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, or to become a Frontera member, call 956-968-3275.

July 1-5 – South Texas College is offering drone pilot training fundamentals for ages 18 and older with the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM). The camp utilizes current techniques and principles to pilot a recreational or industrial drones following the FAA regulations and air space limitations with instruction by aviation experts. Participants will design, build, and fly their own custom drones. It takes place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at STC’s Technology Campus. Cost is $135. For information, call 956-872-6148. For a complete schedule, visit southtexascollege.edu/summer-camps/index. html.

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

Selected for aspiring teacher scholarship program

EDINBURG – Rosalinda Flores, of Mission was one of 11 UTRGV students selected for the second cohort of Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers under the Raise Your Hand Texas Foundation.

More than 370 candidates submitted written applications, and finalists participated in interviews, group activities and demonstrations of teaching lessons. The candidates are attending, or planning to attend, one of 10 partner universities in Texas.

A total of 134 new scholars were selected and are committed to teaching in majority economically dis-

advantaged Texas public schools or in hard-to-fill subject areas. Each will receive an $8,000 scholarship annually for up to four years, as well as ongoing training, mentorship and networking opportunities provided by the foundation.

To fulfill the scholarship requirements, the students are to enroll in the UTRGV Student Teacher Educator Preparation University Partnership (STEP UP), the program selected by the Raise Your Hand Foundation as a partner for its Raising Texas Teachers Initiative.

4K for the 4th to benefit vets McALLEN – The City of McAllen has partnered with Team Red, White and Blue – a national veterans’ organization – by hosting a 4K for the 4th of July. Organizers plan on making this the first of what will become an annual Independence Day event.

The race is just under 2.5 miles in length and is open to anyone age 7 and older. It will be held at the McAllen Municipal Park with registration beginning at 6 p.m. and the race kicking off at 7 p.m.

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

Team Red White and Blue is a national organization with a goal to involve veterans to keep them socially and physically and an active part of their community.

The registration fee is $20. The first 300 runners will receive a shirt and medal. All proceeds benefit the local Team Red White and Blue chapter.

To register, visit webtrac. mcallen.net or call 956-6813333.

TELLY AWARD

know more,” he said.

Bacha-Garza said awards for the documentary have increased community pride and inspired the CHAPS team to further explore Valley stories that need to be told.

“This award means a great deal to us. It means that even though we are down here in the far stretches of the U.S.-Mexico borderlands, our stories have captured the attention of more folks than we can imagine,” she said. “Not only does this award validate our passion for Rio Grande Valley history, but Dr. Taylor and his film production team are talented film producers and we are very fortunate to be working with them.”

Two other documentaries from CHAPS, “Just a Ferry

Ride to Freedom” and “A Letter to Roma,” were accepted to the Fort Worth Indie Film Showcase.

The CHAPS team agrees these awards and recognitions help garner positive attention for UTRGV and the CHAPS program, as well as a chance to continue to preserve regional history.

“We’ve got stories to tell and, up to this point, not too many people have told them.

Well, we’re changing that,” Skowronek said.

“And Then the Soldiers Were Gone” is being shown to Rio Grande City high school students. To learn about CHAPS and future projects visit utrgv.edu/chaps or contact Bacha-Garza at roseann.bachagarza@utrgv. edu.

For the latest news and updates

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June 28, 2019

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La Joya ISD school board approves roughly $20 million ‘energy savings’ contract

By Dave Hendricks Without any meaningful public discussion, the La Joya school board Monday approved a plan to borrow millions for several major construction projects.

Performance Services Inc. approached the La Joya Independent School District with a proposal to borrow $32.5 million — and spend the money on heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades, radios, solar pan-

els, security gates, artificial turf for two football fields and running tracks for 23 elementary schools, among other projects.

“We also secured a phenomenal financing package for the district as well,” said Jonathan Blackwell, a business development manager for the company.

At the last minute, though, the school board removed several projects from the proposal and reduced the amount to roughly $20 mil-

Editor: The Rio Grande Valley is in dire straits.

It is in this current occasion of heat advisories and scorching weather that media rescue groups, and pages all across social media involving pets and animals, have come into a surplus of posts exposing negligent pet owners and the consequences of their cruelty. More often than not, the outcome usually ending with death. This is an occurrence seen year-round, but the recent days of scorching temperatures coupled with numerous cases of pet deaths due to dehydrations is the “last straw”. Something must be donea light must finally shine on an issue that is scarcely publicly illuminated, yet a t the core of reoccurring animal abuse cases: the Rio Grande Valley is collectively and individually under the jurisdiction of police and sheriff departments who DO NOT enforce animal cruelty laws (such as those listed under “Texas Penal Code- PENAL § 42.0921:Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals” and “Texas Penal Code- PENAL § 42.09: Cruelty to Livestock Animals”).

Time and time again, year after year, concerned strangers, pet owners, rescue volunteers, fellow “animal lovers”, and I have come together on social media rescue groups, pet groups, and “lost and found” groups, to report photos and descriptions of pets and animals in need due to their owners violating one or more of the (sub) sections of the aforementioned Texas Penal Code. We have been forced to desperately seek advice from each other in our online community of concerned and caring citizens when animal cruelty cases have been reported to law enforcement and are denied a proper investigation or any attention at all. We are told that “nothing can be done” by dispatchers, and made to feel discouraged or as though we have been failed, in turn failing the lives we’ve tried to help and save. Our sense of hope is ignited if our reports end with “we will send an officer” or “a sheriff will be informed”, only to be extinguished when we discover nothing has

lion.

Performance Services, which is headquartered in Indianapolis, provides clients with “Guaranteed Energy Savings” contracts.

In May 2017, the company persuaded the school board to buy LED lights and install new heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

The school district borrowed nearly $13 million for the project and must repay the money by 2033. With

been done and the situations go unchanged.

We are rendered helpless and despondent when those we are supposed to depend on- in morals and in law- do not fulfill the duties of their occupation and do not seriously enforce animal abuse laws as they would any other law. How are we to have hope in law enforcement authority after repeated disappointments? How can we, as citizens, take law enforcement efforts seriously, or give officers and sheriffs our trust and respect, if they choose to enforce only SOME laws, but not ALL laws? Who are we, then, to seek for assistance? Without enforcement, there is no structure in our societies; without structure, there is no progress or change.

We are rescuers, fosters, shelter employees, volunteers, veterinary technicians, ordinary pet owners, and animal lovers, but above all we are citizens who are asking for change in the solemnity and proper enforcement of animal cruelty laws. We call upon all police officers and sheriffs (of every city and county in the Rio Grande Valley) to think of “Justice”, both the term and the emaciated severely neglected dog who received his own rescue and justice ONLY after his condition went viral on social media and in the local news. (The news media should not be seen as our desperate last resort for action, nor have to be called and become involved to ensure that justice will be served in cases the police and sheriff departments purposefully ignore and dismiss. We should NOT have to resort to shaming law enforcement into doing their duties by reporting these cases to the local news!) We call upon all police chiefs and district attorneys of all Rio Grande Valley cities and counties to ensure that animal cruelty reports will be responded to and received proper investigations and their corresponding repercussions: District Attorney Luis V. Saenz (Cameron), District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez Jr. (Hidalgo), District Attorney Omar Escobar Jr. (Starr), and District Attorney Hon. Annette C. Hinojosa (Willacy).

interest, the project will cost about $16.8 million.

Blackwell said that project will pay for itself through a combination of lower utility bills and operational costs.

“To date, since we’ve had substantial completion, we’ve been tracking the savings,” Blackwell said. “Just utility savings alone, the district is saving over $125,000 per month.”

Performance Services returned with a new proposal Monday.

Documents reviewed by the school board suggested the district buy a new radio system from Rio Comm LLC. Trustees would borrow $3.4 million at 2.49% interest and pay back the money within seven years. With interest, the radio system

would cost nearly $3.8 million.

The district would borrow about $29.1 million for the remaining projects. Trustees reviewed two repayment plans: a 20-year plan with 3.62% interest and a 22-year plan with 3.69% interest.

Blackwell assured trustees they could afford the $32.5 million proposal.

“With this project, we’re not asking the district to contribute any capital. And the fact of that matter is that we were able to secure funding which would give La Joya ISD three years of deferred payments. Even capitalize interest,” Blackwell said.

“So the district would not be out a single dime for any of the items that are part of this project. Nothing up front.”

Trustee Oscar “Coach” Salinas quickly motioned to approve the proposal, which the agenda listed as “Performance Services Contract Amendment.”

Basic questions about the proposal remained unanswered.

The board didn’t publicly discuss the exact amounts, the interest rates or the repayment schedule Monday.

Trustees didn’t identify the individual campuses and district buildings scheduled for upgrades. And they didn’t explain why an “energy savings” contract included radios, security gates and running tracks.

Trustee Espie Ochoa said she wanted to hold a board

See ENERGY SAVINGS Pg. 11

La Joya Housing Authority board blasts executive director

By Dave Hendricks The La Joya Housing Authority board lambasted Executive Director Cristi LaJeunesse on Wednesday night, excoriating her for missing board meetings and failing to follow instructions.

Commissioner Jorge Bazan accused LaJeunesse of refusing to post meeting agendas, ignoring requests for information, missing board meetings and spending just a few days a month in La Joya.

After discussing a laundry list of complaints, the housing authority board unanimously voted to “demand” that LaJeunesse attend the

next board meeting.

“We’re going to give her the right opportunity to go ahead and present herself and explain all these things,” Bazan said. “There’s a lot of things I want to know from her. But she’s not here.”

Board Chairman John Pena, Vice Chairwoman Sylvia Garces Valdez and Commissioner Jose Armando Salinas also had concerns about how LaJeunesse managed the housing authority. Commissioner German Reyna didn’t attend the meeting.

Pena said she didn’t properly post meeting agendas.

Garces Valdez said she didn’t explain housing authority spending. And Jose Arman-

do Salinas said she wasted money on attorneys.

“My personal opinion is that, hopefully, we’ll get somebody else as soon as possible,” Jose Armando Salinas said.

The housing authority hired LaJeunesse — the executive director of the Kenedy Housing Authority, which manages public housing programs for small towns across South Texas — in November.

When the board hired LaJeunesse, members knew she wouldn’t always be available.

“The LJHA is aware that Consultant is employed by

See LA JOYA HOUSING Pg. 11

Bank threatened to close city of La Joya accounts

By Dave Hendricks Bankers presented the city of La Joya with an ultimatum last month: Either stop City Administrator Mike Alaniz, Mayor Jose A. “Fito” Salinas and his wife, City Commissioner Mary Salinas, from signing checks or find a new bank.

Birmingham, Alabama-based bank BBVA sent “signatory removal action” letters to La Joya on May 3, according to documents released under the Texas Public Information Act. Mayor Salinas said BBVA the bank previously known as BBVA Compass, which is part of Spanish banking conglomerate Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria wouldn’t explain why bankers suddenly had concerns about him signing checks.

“They said that there was nothing wrong except that the corporate offices in Alabama had told them that,” Mayor Salinas said. “It really worried us. And we could not get an answer from them.”

Asked what prompted the signatory removal letters, a bank spokesman declined to comment.

“BBVA USA is aware of the accounts in question,” according to a statement released by the bank. “However, we cannot discuss specific details regarding client accounts or internal processes,

and as such, we are unable to comment further.”

Banks close accounts and dump customers for a myriad of business reasons. They may also shutter accounts linked to suspicious activity or people flagged by the federal government.

The FBI is investigating a series of suspicious land deals in La Joya that involve the city, Alaniz and his sister, Blanca Valdez. It’s unclear whether or not the federal investigation prompted BBVA to send the signatory removal letters.

In a flagrant violation of the Texas Public Information Act, the city failed to release the letters addressed to Mayor Salinas and Mary Salinas.

After the Progress Times filed a complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s Office, the city released eight letters addressed to Mike Alaniz. The city acknowledged that BBVA sent letters addressed to Mayor Salinas and Mary Salinas but didn’t release them.

La Joya quickly started the process of switching banks.

The city solicited proposals from banks on May 18.

Two days later, Alaniz sent a letter to BBVA. “As per our phone conversation, please let this letter serve as a request to remove signature names of Jose A. “Fito” Salinas, Mary

Salinas and Mike Alaniz on all city accounts,” according to the letter, which is dated May 20. “Please advice (sic) on the procedure to follow, if any, on revising signature authorization on those specified city accounts.”

Alaniz reversed himself the next day.

“Unfortunately the request I sent to you yesterday was not the correct approach addressing the signature removal,” Alaniz wrote to BBVA on May 21. “Please disregard until we submit correspondence sometime today.”

After reviewing two proposals, La Joya switched from BBVA to Lone Star National Bank of Edinburg.

The City Commission unanimously approved a resolution on June 6 to “change all its bank accounts to an institution that will provide a better level of service at a lower overall cost to the city and its employees.” It didn’t mention the signatory removal letters.

Questions remained about who, exactly, would sign city checks.

The City Commission approved the switch but didn’t identify the individuals authorized to sign checks.

Rather than list the names of authorized signers, the City Commission approved the resolution “contingent upon providing the names later.”

June 28, 2019

page 5

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Some volunteers for the Catholic Youth Renovation Project and Bishop Daniel E. Flores (center) pointing to a volunteer on the roof on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at a build site in Peñitas.

St. Paul’s Catholic Church 10th annual CYRP brings hope to families

By Jamie Treviño High school kids, young adults and seniors alike have continued to embark on a particular week-long service project for ten years now, though its roots go back much further.

St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mission (1119 N Francisco Ave.) has been hosting their Catholic Youth Renovation Project (CYRP) this week, working to renovate six different homes in the RGV. The project is a culmination of hard work

organized by volunteers and youth leaders from the parish.

Kids ranging from incoming freshmen in high school to graduating seniors commune for one week every summer in order to perform these acts of service for people in need. Volunteers who are in college and adults also join in during process as well, teaching the youth how to properly install insulation, roofing and other home projects that are usually taken for granted by the general public.

Michael Thompson, an 18-year-old who attended Sharyland High School, participated in CYRP last year and came back in 2019.

“I thought it was really fun to be able to come out here and help out families that are in need of it,” Thompson said. “It has helped me learn to appreciate what I have, and what I’ve taken for granted my whole life.”

It’s no easy task choosing to undertake the project.

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a.m., eats breakfast provided by the Knights of Columbus, packs their lunch for the day, attends daily mass at 7 a.m. and then heads out to the build sites to get to work in the summer heat. When they return in the evening, local businesses and restaurants band together annually to provide dinner for everyone.

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See ST. PAUL’S CHURCH Pg. 6

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June 28, 2019

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ST. PAUL’S CHURCH

from pg. 5

week, guided by contractors and adult leaders with experience.

People wishing to participate in CYRP do not have to be parishioners at St. Paul’s, and several youth representing other Catholic churches in the RGV participate every year.

“The main motive was just to be able to help people,” Caesar Hinojosa, a

16-year-old youth volunteer who attends IB Lamar Academy, said. “And we’ve realized how fortunate we all are.”

Luke Padilla, a 17-yearold youth volunteer who attends Pioneer High School, agreed with Hinojosa. Both volunteers have been part of CYRP for three years.

“Seeing the reactions of the families when we’re done

progress times Wishes you a Happy Fourth of July

with their house [keeps me coming back],” Padilla said.

“It humbles you with what you have, we need to be grateful.”

Juan Daniel Trujillo, a 17-year-old from IDEA Academy in McAllen, joined CYRP for the first time this year. An avid volunteer, he heard about this endeavor and was excited to be part of it.

“I heard about this through my youth group [in Holy Spirit Catholic Church], and I got excited about it,” Trujillo said. “People go through enough, and I feel like we’re able to do something better for them like modify their house or rebuilding one if we have to.”

Volunteers often get to talk to and interact with homeowners during the process. Homeowners have to apply for assistance based on need.

“I’ve noticed that in these past three days, one of the kids was running by and I was playing with them,” Trujillo said. “And I noticed that

they were really happy with what they had, and that hit me hard.”

“It’s such a blessing to be here,” Trujillo added. “I’m glad I made this decision.”

Kristie Lee and Melissa Salazar, two of the organizers of CYRP, spoke highly of the results the project has yielded over the years. Lee, who got the inspiration to continue similar service projects in the Valley when she was a volunteer in high school, described how CYRP was born at St. Paul’s.

“This was a project that was started back in the 80’s, and it was called ‘Mission Service Project,’” Lee said.

“Through the years it was the First United Methodist Church and Our Catholic Church that would do it every year. Churches would come in from across the state to join the project.”

Ten years ago, the group from St. Paul’s was providing several sites for the project, and the priest at the time, Father Greg Kuzmanski, encouraged the youth leaders

to branch off on their own and focus on a new project which became CYRP. “It’s stayed very much the same through the years,” Lee said, adding that seeing the youth gather annually warms her heart. “It is the thing I look forward to every single year. It’s the toughest week you’ll ever love, that’s what I say.”

Lee said that projects like CYRP had such an impact on her as a teenager that she continued to do it and does it for her own children to learn.

“Everybody has it in them to do good, and people want to do good,” Lee said. “It’s just about giving them the opportunity to do it. It’s good to have an outlet for the charity in their hearts, and that’s what the project provides.”

Seeing so many youth volunteers gather annually in service of others is inspiring for Lee and Salazar, who look forward to CYRP throughout the year.

“A lot of people think they need to go down to the depths of Mexico or they

need to take a trip to Africa to be able to serve the neediest, and they live amongst us, they go to school with us,” Lee said. “Be kind, because everybody’s fighting a hard battle.”

Daniel E. Flores, the Bishop of Brownsville, visits CYRP sites every year. On Wednesday, he was taken to all the locations, got to learn a bit about what they were working on, and prayed over the groups, anointing them with holy water.

“It’s a source of encouragement,” Bishop Flores said. “They really put their hearts and their souls into it.”

Getting to know the families being impacted and learning practical handson skills allows them to be aware of the people around us and how people can help, Flores added.

“It’s a sign that we’re following Jesus,” Flores said.

“A very essential part of that is being mindful of how we can be of service to those around us, that’s part of the message of the gospel.”

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MCISD approves 2019-2020 budget and compensation with pay increases

By Jamie Treviño The Mission Consolidated Independent School District board of trustees approved the 2019-2020 budget tax rate following a public hearing on Wed. June 26.

They also approved this school year’s compensation plan, which will provide “some of the largest raises and compensation adjustments in several years” according to a press release from the district.

This district had already posted the revised tax rate on their website in accordance with the mandate in House Bill 3, and it informs the taxpayers that the district will adopt a tax rate as mandated by law.

“The revised tax rate will be $1.2396 per $100 valuation, with the maintenance and operations decreas-

ing from $1.17 to $1.0684, which is the highest rate that the district can have [in compliance with HB3],” Rumalda Ruiz, MCISD Assistant Superintendent for Finance said. “In this budget, the Hidalgo County Appraisal District estimated property values within our district boundaries to increase by about 3.19 percent, and most of those property value increases are mainly appraisals.”

Based on the district’s average daily attendance and the proposed tax rate, the revenues in the MCISD budget total estimated at $174,080,204. The expenditures for 2019-2020 are estimated to total at $174,135,204.

“The funds are balancing each other with revenues and expenditures,” Ruiz said.

“And I do want to bring to

your attention that we haven’t had a balanced budget where revenues and expenditures offset each other - since 2015-2016.”

Ruiz said there were a lot of efforts from administration that took place in order to make the balanced budget possible. During her presentation, she spoke on the impact that the rate will have on property taxes on the average residence.

Before the revised tax rate, taxpayers would have seen greater increases per month, but thanks to the revised tax rate they will save more (ranging from $6 to $10 on average per month).

“The staff worked as a team taking the various studies that were conducted this year,” Superintendent Carol G. Perez said. “We were able to save over $4 million, which will go back to salary

increases.”

Perez said that having a deficit in the budget was not an option, so the district had to “cinch the belt” and look at needs versus wants.

“However, once House Bill 3 finances become available, the focus will definitely be curriculum and instruction,” Perez said. “And we’ll be providing updates to the board through our committee meetings.”

Board President Charlie Garcia III congratulated the administration on behalf of the board.

“Dr. Perez, I know this is your first year, with the district, and I just want to congratulate you from the board,” Garcia said. “You’re doing a great job with bringing our finances within budget.”

Earlier this year, district administrators created a

plan that provided for equity adjustments, a teacher pay increase of $1,100, a two percent of mid-point salary increase for all other employees, improvements in supplements, and a seven percent increase in the district’s contribution for employees to the health insurance plan. Dr. Perez said this was accomplished through $4 million in reductions in payroll costs attained through attrition and improved staffing efficiency.

After passage of House Bill 3, the district was able to make further improvements to the employee compensation plans as compared to what had been presented to the school board earlier in the budgeting process.

District employees on the School Program Professional Salary Schedule (teacher salary schedule) will see the following raises:

- Entry level salary increase of $3,000. Starting pay for new teachers to the district with no experience is $51,250. The maximum starting pay for new teachers to the district with 20+ years experience is $61,300.

- 1-5 years of experience: $3,500 or about 6.3 percent of the market median.

- 6+ years of experience: $4,000 or about 7.2 percent of the market median.

All other employees will now receive at least a 3 percent of mid-point salary increase. Pay will be improved with additional equity adjustments for teachers, nurses, and other staff on the School Program Professional Salary Schedule between 7 and 20 years of experience to reduce the pay gap compared to market pay and support recruitment of experienced teachers and nurses.

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June 28, 2019

Sports week

Luciano Guerra Sports Editor

BIG7 SCHOOLS

page 8

www.ptrgv.com/sports

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

Big 7 baseball players receive district and state honors

Progress Times photo by Mario Magallon.

Pioneer Diamondbacks’ senior shortstop and pitcher, Jacob Rosales, is one of only two Valley baseball players named to the All-State Elite team. Rosales played a major role in leading the Diamondbacks to the State Semifinals this season.

By Luciano Guerra With the unprecedented success Valley baseball teams, and in particular District 31-5A teams, experienced this year, the number of post-season honors individual Big 7 players and coaches are receiving are unprecedented as well. With Valley teams having a history of falling short once they go up against teams from the Corpus Christi area and beyond, local athletes receiving All-State honors have been few and far between – historically speaking. However, this year it’s almost as if the rest of the state suddenly realized that the Rio Grande Valley has high school baseball teams. And to that I say, “It’s about time!”

With eight Big 7 baseball players receiving All State recognition, and 35 receiving first or second team All-District honors, it’s safe to say that it’s not only the 2019 baseball season that will long be remembered. The postseason honors bestowed upon the players who took their respective teams to new heights by performing, and in many cases overachieving, on the baseball diamonds will be remembered as well.

Here we will take a look at those Big 7 athletes, and one of their coaches, who were deemed worthy of being recognized for their achievements, beginning with the All-District honorees.

In District 30-6A, Mission High’s Jose Soto was named Newcomer of the Year. Other

Eagles receiving All District honors were Andy Martinez (first team pitcher and outfielder), Steve Villarreal (first team shortstop) and Yayo Cardoza (second team catcher).

La Joya Coyotes receiving All District honors were J.C. Gutierrez (first team pitcher), Anthony Pena (first team shortstop), Elias Morales (first team outfielder) and Jake Moreno (second team outfielder).

The only other 30-6A baseball player to receive All-District honors was Juarez-Lincoln’s Juan Castaneda who was named to the second team as a pitcher.

In District 31-5A, Sharyland Pioneer’s Jacob Rosales was named MVP, Sharyland High’s Martin Vazquez was

named Offensive Player of the Year, Palmview’s Jonathan Martinez was named Pitcher of the Year and Sharyland Rattlers’ head coach Barton Bickerton was named Coach of the Year.

First team All-District honors went to Pioneer’s Evan Maldonado (pitcher and outfielder), Johnny Lugo (outfielder) and Pedro Tovias (utility), Sharyland High’s Ivan Alvarez (pitcher), Abraham Alvarez (catcher), Randy Garcia (second baseman), Juan Lopez (third baseman) and Pepe Contreras (outfielder) and Mission Veterans’ Alexis Trevino (first baseman).

Second team honors went to Pioneer’s Trey Gonzalez (first baseman) and Juan Rivera (second baseman), Sharyland High’s Andy Lozano (pitcher, shortstop and third baseman) and Chase Gerlach (outfielder), Mission Veterans’ Alex Guajardo (pitcher), Josue Segovia (outfielder), Ricardo Reyna (outfielder) and Joseph Salazar (designated hitter).

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runs, drove in 21 runs and stole 13 stolen bases.

Three Sharyland High players earned All-State honors as well. Junior first baseman Martin Vazquez, who batted .418 had 39 RBIs and hit seven home runs, was named to the first team.

Senior pitcher Ivan Alvarez, who went 10-0 with an ERA of 1.38, was named to the second team and junior catcher Abraham Alvarez, who batted .383 and drove in 30 runs, was named to the third team.

In only his junior year, Palmview’s Jonathan Martinez was named to the 5A All-State first team as a pitcher. Martinez went 9-1 in 14 starts with a 0.62 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 78 2/3 innings.

The only other Big 7 baseball player to be named to the All-State team was Mission High senior second baseman Andy Martinez who was placed on the second team.

Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra.

Sharyland Pioneer coaches receive the Sub 6A Program of the Year award at the 2019 All Valley Sports Awards Banquet.

A Big Year for Pioneer

By John Hamann

JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES

Now let’s take a look at the Big 7 athletes named to the All-State teams. Pioneer senior shortstop/pitcher Jacob Rosales, who batted .400, stole 43 bases on 43 attempts and compiled a 9-4 record on the mound with an impressive ERA of 1.87 ERA with 105 strikeouts in 78 2/3 innings, was one of only two Valley baseball players named to the 5A-6A South All-State Elite team.

As such, he earned the right to participate in the 46th annual THSBCA All-Star game which was played at Dell Diamond in Round Rock a week ago Saturday.

Three of Rosales’ teammates also received 5A AllState honors. Junior shortstop Evan Maldonado and senior pitcher Johnny Lugo were selected second team All-State while freshman second baseman Juan Rivera was named to the third team.

Maldonado hit .402 with 45 RBI and 36 runs scored.

Lugo went 10-0 on the mound with an ERA of 1.54.

Rivera batted .457, scored 23

When you have a successful year recognition usually follows. That was certainly the case for Sharyland Pioneer High School two weeks ago at the All Valley Sports Awards Banquet. Their big year translated into a big night as the Diamondbacks were recognized as the 201819 Sub 6A Program of the Year.

Even though they shared the award with Brownsville Veterans High it would be hard to find any school, anywhere, that could match what Sharyland Pioneer did this past season.

The five year old high school achieved a rarity in athletics: all 21 of its UIL athletic teams qualified for the post season in 201819. Ten of those teams won district championships and eight finished as runner ups.

Five teams won bi—district titles, three won area titles and one reached the state semifinals. In addition a total of 17 athletes qualified for state competitions.

This is how each team fared for the year: The District Champs The boys cross country

team got the year for Sharyland Pioneer off to a running start in the fall by claiming the first of those ten district titles. They went on to place tenth place at the Regional meet.

Two more district titles came through the efforts of the girls and boys wrestling teams. In addition, the girls finished third at the regional meet and qualified three individuals for the state meet.

The boys finished fifth at regionals with two state qualifiers.

The girls and boys basketball teams also won their respective district races. The girls season ended with a loss to Brownsville Pace in the first round of the playoffs while the boys beat Pace before losing to Corpus Christi Miller in the second round.

Both the girls and boys track and field teams won district and area championships. The girls had a state qualifier and the boys had two.

The boys swimming and diving team won a district title, placed fourth at regionals and sent five individuals to the state meet.

The girls soccer team won district and bi-district titles, defeating Brownsville Por-

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ter before falling to Victoria East.

The boys tennis team won the school’s tenth district championship for the year in the spring.

The Runner-Ups The baseball team dominated the headlines for several weeks with their run through the state playoffs.

After a second place finish in district the Diamondbacks won bi-district, area and regional titles on their way to a berth in the state tournament. Their season ended with a state semifinal loss to Georgetown.

The girls cross country team placed second in district and finished 13th at Regionals.

The combined boys and girls tennis team placed second in district in the fall and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. They defeated Brownsville Porter in the first round before falling to Corpus Christi Veterans.

The Diamondback football team finished second in district play. They fell to Port Lavaca Calhoun in the first round of the playoffs.

The boys golf team finished second in district as did the girls. The boys finished fifth at regionals and had one individual state qualifier. The girls finished ninth at the regional meet.

The softball team also finished second in district. They earned a bi-district title by defeating Edcouch-Elsa before losing to Corpus Christi Carroll in the area round.

The girls tennis team finished second in district this past spring.

Other Postseason Qualifiers The volleyball team qualified for the postseason with a third place finish in district.

They were eliminated by Brownsville Veterans in the first round of the playoffs.

The girls swimming and diving team placed third at district and finished 10th at the regional meet.

The boys soccer team

See A BIG YEAR Pg. 9

June 28, 2019 from pg. 1

END OF WATCH

came to barbecuing, Espericueta would spend the whole day preparing and cooking meat for everyone to enjoy.

“We all knew we were in for a treat when after a full day of tending to the meat, he would sample the first bite and we would hear him proclaim ‘esta pretty good,’” De Leon said. “That was Joey.”

Espericueta was awarded several honors throughout his career in law enforcement, including when he was honored for outstanding achievement for accounting for 668 arrests and 2,008 citations in one year. De Leon said that despite these accolades, Espericueta’s proudest achievement was being a husband and father.

“As some of you already know, aiming high runs in his family,” De Leon said.

“His daughter Brianna is transferring to UT Health Science Center to become a nurse practitioner later this year. His son Joaquin will be trying out for football in middle school this year, and is well on his way to becoming a fine young man. And his high school sweetheart, his wife of 21 years and my sister Bobbie recently completed her master’s degree and is just two or three classes shy of getting her principal’s certification.”

“Brianna, Joaquin, your father loved you dearly, and we know you will continue to make him and all of us proud,” De Leon added.

“Bobbie, if Joey were here right now, he’d say it’s going to be okay.”

Corporal Hiram Flores, Officer Tomas Garces and Officer Javier Lara from the Mission Police Department (also known as the “Smoking Mafia” when they got together to barbecue) spoke as close friends and colleagues of Espericueta. Lara also noted that Bobbie asked them not to be too serious with their sharing, so he made sure of that.

Lara told a story about when Espericueta passed his test to become corporal and their reaction to the news, joking that they were con-

from pg. 1

sidered “junior corporals” thanks to Espericueta’s new position.

“We talked to Speedy and we told him ‘bro, congratulations dude. We feel the power already,’” Lara said.

“And he goes ‘dude,’ in other terms, ‘this isn’t the mob bro, I’m not getting made. You do not have corporal powers.’ We were like ‘whatever man. Yeah we do.’ I tried to ask him to write somebody up, but he didn’t follow through.”

Lara said that a week before the funeral, Espericueta had texted their group that if something happened to one of them, they all had to be there for the family. He ended their speech by making promises to Joaquin, Brianna and Bobbie to be there for them always.

“Every step of the way, we’re going to be there,” Lara said to the family. “The one thing I need you to remember is that you are loved and cared for. You may have lost Joey the other day, but you gained a whole police department.”

Mission Police Chief Robert Dominguez along with the Mission PD Honor Guard led the police memorial service for Espericueta, folding up a flag in his honor before presenting it to his wife.

“I have always told everyone that I have two children at home and 206 at work,” Dominguez said. “Speedy was a great son, and I will miss him dearly. When God created him, he blended in the right mixture of humility and compassion. These qualities molded him into a true public servant.”

In closing, Pastor Jobe prayed over all the officers in attendance and their families.

“We give thanks for men and women who have dedicated their lives for the betterment of the city in which we live and live around,” Jobe said. “We pray a blessing on their lives and their families.”

Dispatch:’Mission PD to all units, 350 is 10-42.’

Dispatch: ‘Mission PD to all units, 350 is 10-42.’

Photos courtesy of city of Mission.

FALLEN HERO

He was the type of hero that his fellow officers knew they could count on, and the hero that friends and family were honored to have in their life. Corporal Espericueta was a hero that the community he served was blessed to have.

To each and every officer that puts themselves at their community’s service: a sincere and heartfelt thank you. Your sacrifice does not

from pg. 8

page 9

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A BIG YEAR

placed third in the district standings and were eliminated by Brownsville Veterans in the first round of the playoffs.

The powerlifting teams qualified one female and two male athletes to the Texas High School Powerlifting Association’s state meet.

Help from the Sidelines Throughout the season the Sharyland Pioneer program was supported by an award winning cheer squad.

In 2019 the team finished as the UIL 5A Div. II state runner-up and placed fourth in a UCA national competition.

Behind the Success So just what accounted for the incredible accomplishments of this year’s Pioneer teams?

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 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

go unnoticed. To Corporal Espericueta’s family: no words can ever replace the loved one you lost or make the pain subside, but please know that his community is eternally grateful.

Corporal Jose Luis “Speedy” Espericueta will forever be a hero to the city of Mission. Rest easy, sir.

Thank you for loving your community as much as it loved you.

thing but in as many things as they can to promote our sports program.”

David Munson coaches cross country, golf and track for the Diamondbacks. He talked about the co-operative atmosphere that goes on within the program.

“We share our athletes,” he said. “It’s a lot of teamwork with the coaches to make sure if we have a good kid that can play multiple sports we make it possible for them to do that.”

Several of those athletes spoke about playing in the Pioneer program.

Lavar Lindo plays football, basketball and runs track for Pioneer. “The environment is very competitive,” he said. “I know my spot (on the team) is not set in stone so I’ve got to fight for it.”

As for sometimes starting one sport late because of how the seasons may overlap, Lindo commented on going from basketball to track. “It kind of transitions because in basketball we run a lot of liners and that helps me transfer over to track.”

Natalie Reyes played volleyball, basketball and ran track too. “All the coaches work well together,” she said. “It’s (moving between sports) smooth, but at the same time overwhelming.

You have to understand what you need to put in and how to divide everything equal-

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

ly.”

Carly Hornaday went from basketball to track last year and offered this. “You have to be ready to adjust quick.”

Good advice. It’s almost August and another year of competition is just around the corner.

AREA'S BEST BUSINESS REVIEW

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page 10

June 28, 2019

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‘A new beginning’

Mission celebrates All-America City Award win

By Jamie Treviño The National Civic League voted the city of Mission as one of ten All-America City Award winners last weekend in Denver, Colorado. A delegation from Mission, including civic leaders and local residents, represented the city during the trip and presented several aspects of the city that highlight innovative practices happening in the area.

The award celebrates and recognizes neighborhoods, villages, towns, cities, counties, tribes and regions that engage residents in innovative, inclusive and effective efforts to tackle critical challenges. The 2019 focus for the All-America City Award is efforts focused on inclusive engagement practices that create healthy communities for all.

Mission began the application process in April, and submitted information detailing the work being done in the city including economic development, health initiatives, and the building

of stronger neighborhoods.

Cristina Garza, the Director of Social Impact at the Mission Economic Development Corporation, was part of the delegation that went to Colorado. During the final 10-minute presentation judged by the National Civic League Garza portrayed Ruby the Grapefruit, a Mission mascot owned by the Chamber of Commerce reserved only for special events and occasions.

“The moment that grapefruit rolled into the rehearsal room and I saw it, I knew that we were destined to be together,” Garza said, noting that when she removed Ruby’s cowboy hat to speak during the competition, the crowd started cheering. “I hope it’s not the last time I am Ruby, I love it. People were taking photos with me afterwards, especially the kids.”

Leading up to the competition, the delegation diligently rehearsed their choreographed skit for two weeks, sacrificing time and energy to represent Mission

well.

“There was obviously a lot of choreographing to do, a lot of speeches to be memorized,” Garza said. “This really speaks to how committed our delegation was to making this a success.”

That Thursday night, the delegation heard about the loss of Mission Police Corporal Jose “Speedy” Espericueta, who was killed in the line of duty in Mission that evening. Garza said it changed the mood of the trip overall and led to the group being even more determined to bring home the win for Mission.

“A lot of the folks that were part of the delegation are also high-ranking city employees, and I know they were very personally distressed about not being able to be in Mission during the weekend,” Garza said. “We knew that now more than ever, it was more important for people to understand the value of our city and the strength of our community.”

The finalists in Colorado all held a moment of si-

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lence for Espericueta during the event, highlighting the camaraderie that formed throughout the workshops, presentations and mingling with finalist cities across the country. Garza said they were able to learn a lot of new information about how other parts of the country run, and were in turn able to teach others about positive programs happening in Mission.

Garza said that the award was well deserved, and that Mission is moving innovative practices forward not only in the Rio Grande Valley, but the country.

“We’re coming up with economic development practices that are being replicated in other towns that no one else in the country is doing, especially when it comes to our commitment to computer science education, entrepreneurship and gender equity,” Garza said. “Furthermore, the city has programs that benefit people with disabilities such as tennis for the blind, what Mission Pawsible has done in terms

of becoming almost a no-kill shelter is also astounding as well as the Food Pantry putting forward the Blessing Boxes.”

Garza added that in a short few years, Mission has completely turned around and is now the leader in innovation in the RGV. She called it “a new beginning for us,” after working hard for the last few years to change the way people in the area see their community.

“We want to ensure that people don’t wake up thinking ‘ugh, the Valley is a place that doesn’t have opportunity,’ or ‘ugh, I can’t wait to get out of here,’” Garza said.

“The reality is that Mission is a great place to be - no pun intended (in reference to a slogan on the city website)and now getting this award just solidifies that.”

“Our programs truly address our community needs,” Garza added. “We’re not just putting empty words out there - rather our actions and our programs are reflective of our values as a community.”

Leaders in Mission want to ensure that children born in the city have the resources to achieve financial mobility. Mission was the last city announced as a winner of the All-America City Award, and Garza said the delegation was completely overwhelmed at that point.

“As the awards kept getting handed out, the more nervous I started getting,” Garza said. “But Pilar Gonzalez was next to me saying ‘absolutely not, I know we have this in the bag.’ I started worrying for a second, but once they did [announce Mission], it was like electricity going through all of our bodies. People were crying, people were jumping up and down, and honestly it didn’t register with me until we got up on that stage, but it could not have been a more exciting moment.”

Dr. Armando Ocaña MAYOR

Norie Garza MAYOR PRO-TEM

Jessica Ortega-Ochoa COUNCILWOMAN

Ruben Plata COUNCILMAN

Beto Vela COUNCILMAN

Randy Perez CITY MANAGER

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

Happy 4th of July!

Salvador Vela Mayor

City of Alton

Ricardo Garza COMMISSIONER

www.cityofpalmhursttx.com

Arturo R. Galvan Jr. MAYOR PRO-TEM

Richard Arevalo COMMISSIONER

Emilio Cantu Jr.

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

Jaime Aranda Councilman

Ruben De Leon Councilman

Israel Silva Councilman

Ofelia Peña-Perez Councilwoman

COMMISSIONER

facebook.com/ cityofpenitas

Ricardo Villarreal Mayor

Joel Garcia Mayor Pro Tem

Javier Ramirez Councilman

Jose Luis Perez Councilman

Linda Sarabia Councilwoman

Anthony Uresti Councilman

www.CityOfPenitas.com

Michael Leo City Manager www.cityofpalmview.com

MAYOR

RIGO LOPEZ

MAYOR PRO-TEM

COUNCILMAN

COUNCILMAN

COUNCILMAN

RAMIRO LOYA FELIPE QUINTANILLA ALEX GUAJARDO JOSE ROEL FLORES

June 28, 2019

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Mission man pleads guilty in ‘Broken Blue Line’ case

By Dave Hendricks A Mission man pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering charges last week.

Luis “Pancho” Ortiz III, 39, of Mission appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge B. Janice Ellington on June 21 in Corpus Christi.

Faced with the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence, Ortiz struck a deal with federal prosecutors.

Ortiz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and more than 5 kilograms of cocaine.

Wearing a yellow smock from the Aransas County Detention Center, where he spent the past few weeks, Ortiz stood quietly throughout the hearing. His attorney, Rick Salinas of Mission, did the talking.

Notices

Leopoldo Garza MISSION – Leopoldo Garza, 82, passed away on Sunday, June 24, 2019, at McAllen Medical Center.

Jesus Gonzalez MISSION – Jesus Gonzalez, 83, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2019, at his home in Mission.

Lucio Guerra MISSION – Lucio S. Guerra, 83, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Digna Huddleston MISSION – Digna C. Huddleston, 85, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2019, at her home in Mission.

Fabian Leal MISSION – Fabian Leal, 72, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2019, at his home in Mission.

Ramon Lucio ALTON – Ramon Zapata Lucio, 60, passed away on

Luis “Pancho” Ortiz III After he pleaded guilty, the judge set bond at $75,000 with a $7,500 deposit. Ortiz must wear a GPS monitoring device and remain on house arrest.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration arrested Ortiz in April during an investigation called “Broken Blue Line.”

Investigators linked Ortiz to Rodolfo “Rudy” Hernandez, the owner of an Edinburg-based company called Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Epitacio Magdaleno PEÑITAS – Epitacio Magdaleno, 78, passed away on Friday, June 21, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Catalina Morales SULLIVAN CITY – Catalina Morales, 75, passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Alicia Munoz SULLIVAN CITY – Alicia Minerva Munoz, 73, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2019, at her home in Sullivan City.

Roberto Navarro PALMVIEW – Roberto Navarro, 75, passed away on Friday, June 21, 2019, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg.

Manuela Parra MISSION – Manuela Parra, 96, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Rolynn’s Transportation.

Along with regular mail, DEA agents believe Rolynn’s Transportation, a contractor for FedEx, shipped marijuana and cocaine to buyers nationwide. They mailed back cash.

“It’s a very extensive organization with a wide reach across the United States,” said DEA Special Agent Suzanne Minnick, who testified last month during a hearing in McAllen.

Agents identified five FedEx accounts linked to drug trafficking, Minnick said.

More than 70,000 pounds of packages had been shipped through the accounts, although investigators couldn’t determine what all the packages contained.

After conducting a lengthy investigation, agents arrested company owner Rodolfo “Rudy” Hernandez, Ortiz and four other people.

Another man remains a fugitive.

Helen Pearson PALMVIEW – Helen Mae Pearson, 99, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Venancio Resendez MISSION – Venancio Resendez, 88, passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at Pax Villa Hospice in McAllen.

Cipriano Salinas MISSION – Cipriano Salinas, 62, passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2019, at Edinburg Regional Medical Center.

Minerva Sanchez MISSION – Minerva V. Sanchez, 56, passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Rolando Torres SULLIVAN CITY – Rolando “Roly” Torres, 33, passed away on Monday, June 17, 2019, at his home in Sullivan City.

Public records don’t provide any details about what role Ortiz played within the organization. Prosecutors, however, prepared a lengthy factual basis for the plea, which ran at least nine pages long.

Investigators apparently believe Ortiz held a leadership role within the drug

from pg. 4

If he provides what prosecutors deem “substantial assistance,” the government may file a motion for a downward departure. A federal judge will determine whether or not to grant the motion.

Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 5.

ENERGY SAVINGS

workshop and discuss the proposal before making a decision.

Performance Services provided the board with about 200 pages of documents on June 20, just three days before the meeting, Ochoa said, adding that she had questions about the project.

“I’m not saying ‘No,’” Ochoa said. “I’m just saying ‘Let’s talk more about it.’”

After the discussion, attorney Ben Castillo met with the board in executive session. When the board re-

from pg. 4

trafficking organization. His attorney disputed that characterization, which could complicate Ortiz’s attempt to receive a reduced prison sentence.

To avoid a 10-year mandatory minimum on the drug trafficking charge, Ortiz plans to cooperate with prosecutors.

turned, Salinas motioned to approve the contract with several caveats.

“I’ll go ahead and change my motion,” Salinas said.

“As I said, I’ll so move on approving a new contract with Performance Services for ‘Phase 2 project’ subject to superintendent negotiating, not to include the elementary tracks, security fences and radios. Additionally, I also move to request the superintendent determine the best procurement option for the projects not included.”

After the board approved the project, Salinas motioned to approve the financial plan.

“I so move to approve financing as presented contingent on the inclusion of the security gates, tracks at the elementary schools and radios,” Salinas said.

The board approved the financial plan without any discussion.

Castillo, the attorney who represents the board, said the motion reduced the project cost to roughly $20 million.

LA JOYA HOUSING

several other Texas public municipal housing authorities and that her other employers have consented to Consultant working for the LJHA,” according to her employment contract. “Thus, the LJHA acknowledges that Consultant has other employment commitments that may occasionally affect her availability.”

LaJeunesse planned to spend about five days a month in La Joya. That arrangement seemed to work last year.

After the housing authority filed a lawsuit against Mayor Jose A. “Fito” Salinas, though, the relationship between LaJeunesse and the board soured.

LaJeunesse accepted the job after the housing authority board fired Interim Executive Director Frances A. Salinas, the mayor’s daughter.

The board terminated Frances Salinas in part because LaJeunesse provided members with public records that revealed thousands in suspicious ATM withdrawals and unauthorized spending.

When the mayor appointed Bazan and Jose Armando Salinas to the board, they formed a new majority and started questioning how LaJeunesse managed the housing authority.

“It’s their decision not to work with me,” LaJeunesse said. “Not my decision not to work with them.”

LaJeunesse said the board scheduled meetings when she wasn’t available. Members also made last-minute requests for information, which she couldn’t immediately provide.

For example, LaJeunesse said she had a training in Arlington on Wednesday.

She informed the housing authority about the training in April, but the board scheduled a meeting for Wednesday anyway.

The housing authority also took action Wednesday on a lawsuit filed by Frances Salinas.

Hidalgo County Courtat-Law Judge Albert Garcia dismissed the lawsuit and directed Frances Salinas to pay the housing authority $20,000 in legal fees. The housing authority board, however, may not attempt to collect the money.

“I move that the board of commissioners direct our legal counsel to investigate the status of Frances Salinas against housing authority (sic) to consider releasing the judgment,” Jose Armando Salinas said.

The motion passed unanimously.

page 12

June 28, 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 Rent RENTO CASA 2 recámaras/ 2 baños, sala, cocina, comedor, aire central, estufa, refrigerador, conección para secadora y lavadora, Keralum #1023 en Mission, para mas detalles llame 956-4004293.

SE RENTA APARTAMENTOS/ aceptamos Housing, 2 recamaras, 1.5 banos, 3304 Moorefield Rd. in Mission, $650 renta/ $375 deposito, limpio y seguro, llame 956-410-

2581.

For Sale 2 CEMETERY PLOTS at Valley Memorial Gardens, adjacent corner plots, Section S, Lot 82, plots A4 & B1, call 956-956-

335-3555 for more details.

USE SKIN BALM to treat dogs & cats for “hot spots” & skin allergies without steroids, Southwest Hay & Feed, 956-58011717(www.fleabeacon.com).

LEGAL NOTICE Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for BQ Wine and Beer Retailer’s Off- Premise Permit by La Cabaña Drive Thru, to be located at 1519 White Rock St., Peñitas, Texas 78576, Hidalgo County. Officer of said Corporation is Maria Guerra, owner.

PUBLIC NOTICE The Palmhurst Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at 5:30 pm at City Hall, 4417 North Shary Road, Palmhurst, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezone: 37.5 Acres being one tract of land from Residential to Commercial.

Tract One: Lot 32-5, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, containing 37.5 acres located at the S/E Corner of W. 3 Mile Rd. and Trosper Rd. Located at 601 W. Mile 3 Road.

Anyone interested is invited to attend.

Richard Garcia, City Secretary

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.

USE KENNEL DIP to treat fleas, ticks, mange, stable flies & mosquitoes where they breed, El Pase Feed Store, (956) 581-0591(www.flea-

beacon.com).

USE DD-33 TO control fleas & ticks on dogs & cats, at Tractor Supply (www.kennelvax.com)

Services RED VALLEY COINS, we buy and sell coins and coin collections, gold and silver, please

CITY OF ALTON ORDINANCE 2019-10-0605

Amending Ordinance 2018-02, 2016-02, 2013-09 An ordinance amending and adopting various standard codes relating to inspection of construction within the City of Alton, Hidalgo County, Texas; and providing for the enforcement of provisions provided in said codes; adopting various fees relating to inspections, zoning, plan review, and administrative oversight within the City of Alton, Hidalgo County, Texas; waiving second and third reading and providing for a severability and an effective date.

READ, APPROVED, AND PASSED on this the 5th day of June, 2019.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE The Palmhurst Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at 5:30 pm at City Hall, 4417 North Shary Road, Palmhurst, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezone: 3.83 Acres out of Lot 323, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, located at the S/E Corner of W. 3 Mile Rd. and Los Ebanos Rd. from Residential to Commercial.

Anyone interested is invited to attend.

Richard Garcia, City Secretary

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.

call Rene De La Garza at 956-780-8411 for an appointment and for more details.

CITY OF ALTON ORDINANCE 2019-09-0605 APPOINTING 6 MEMBERS TO THE PREVIOUSLY ESTABLISHED BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER ONE, CITY OF ALTON REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT, WAIVING SECOND AND THIRD READING. READ, APPROVED, AND PASSED on this the 5th day of June, 2019.

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

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June 28, 2019

MISSION, TEXAS

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE

Since 1949, the National Civic League has recognized and celebrated the best in American civic innovation with the prestigious All-America City Award. This year, Mission showed how a determined community can tackle tough issues and create real change. On June 24, 2019 Mission was recognized as one of 10 All-America City award winners around the nation. The National Civic League presented this honor to recognize Mission’s work in inclusive civic engagement to address critical issues and create stronger connections among residents, businesses and government leaders.

1201 E. 8th St., Mission, Texas 78572 • (956) 580-8650 • www.missiontexas.us