Friday, August 9, 2019_PT ISSUE

INDEX Entertainment....pg. 2 Lifestyle.................pg. 3 Sports.....................pg. 6

Check out the welcome message from LJISD Superintendent Dr. Gisela Saenz.

See Pg. 5

Check out the welcome message from SISD Death Notices.....pg. 9 Superintendent Dr. Maria Vidaurri.

See Pg. 7 Classifieds..........pg. 10

Your Hometown Newspaper, Bringing Communities Together.

Vol. 47 - #50

Progress times Friday, August 9, 2019

50¢ cents

• McALLEN

With voter approval, McAllen will slightly increase property taxes to pay for drainage projects

Gather together

See MCALLEN TAXES Pg. 4

• MISSION

Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

17-year volunteer Jim Mantz (center) surrounded by Girl Scout Group 1065 after being presented with the Presidential Service Award on Aug. 5, 2019.

By Dave Hendricks

The city of McAllen plans to increase the property tax rate next year to pay for drainage and traffic projects.

Voters approved the projects in May 2018, when they authorized the city to borrow a maximum of $25 million.

McAllen sold the bonds in January.

To cover the debt payments, McAllen will increase the property tax rate by about 1.6 cents per $100 of taxable assessed valuation — slightly less than anticipated, thanks to low interest rates and the city’s AA+ credit rating.

“We’re proposing a tax increase,” said City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez. “And it is strictly to ensure that we’re able to pay the bond issue that we just passed.”

Initially, the city estimated the debt would require a 2 cent tax increase, Rodriguez said. Thanks to McAllen’s credit rating and low interest rates, the city received a better deal.

“As it turns out, the required increase in debt is 1.6 pennies,” Rodriguez said.

“And that’s what we’re recommending we increase.”

Even with the increase, McAllen’s property tax rate will remain substantially lower than Pharr and Edinburg. Mission, which has comparable rate, is considering a substantial tax hike to fix a myriad of financial problems.

Rodriguez discussed the property tax rate Monday, when the City Commission met for a budget workshop at the Palm View Golf Course.

The city would collect about 49.6 cents per $100 of taxable assessed valuation in 2020, up slightly from the current rate of 47.9 cents, according to a handout provided to members of the City Commission.

Every penny adds $10 to the tax bill for a piece of property worth $100,000.

Rodriguez also briefed the City Commission on the proposed budget.

After reviewing requests submitted by city departments, Rodriguez recommended a $116 million operating budget.

The proposal included a pay increase for city employees and a slightly higher contribution to employee retirement accounts.

“We’re recommending an increase in compensation for employees of 1.75%,” Rodriguez said. “Quite a bit lower than we usually recommend, especially with the fact that our budget looks as good as it is. However, we’re also recommending what we call an ‘updated service credit.’”

The updated service credit, which essentially means the city will contribute more to employee retirement accounts, is equivalent to a 0.85% raise.

Proposals from individual departments also include salary adjustments for select employees. Higher pay may reduce turnover.

In 2016, the city had 11%

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Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.

Families receive free school supplies from the Rio Grande Valley Empowerment Zone during the city of Alton’s National Night Out Tuesday, August 6, 2019.

Girl Scout Troop 1065 honors Mission PD volunteer with Presidential Service Award

By Jamie Treviño A volunteer with the Mission Police Department since 2002, Jim Mantz was honored recently thanks to the efforts of Girl Scout Troop 1065.

This Mon. Aug. 5, 2019, Mantz was presented with the Presidential Service Award after being nominated by the Greater Girl Scouts of

Greater South Texas Mission Service Unit Troop 1065.

Troop 1065, which specializes in community service, heard about Mantz from news coverage earlier this year.

Members of Troop 1065 approached their scout leader Molly Mejia and asked her

See VOLUNTEER Pg. 4

Mission holds tax rate discussion workshop Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

The family, friends and co-workers of fallen Mission PD Corporal Jose “Speedy” Espericueta release white balloons into the air in his memory during National Night Out on Tues. Aug. 6, 2019.

Local events distribute free school supplies and promote a connected community

By Jamie Treviño and Jose De Leon III Thanks to several organizations and law enforcement entities throughout western Hidalgo County, this week students of all ages had access to free school supplies, haircuts and shoes before the start of the new school year.

Three events - the Mission Crime Stoppers National Night Out, the city of Alton’s National Night Out and a giveaway from the Buckner Family Hope Center - took place over the last week. Their goal: to create a connection between local officials and residents, provide free events the entire family could enjoy and give back to less fortunate members of the community.

Mission Crime Stoppers National Night Out Hundreds of people from across Hidalgo County gathered at Leo Peña Placita Park in Mission for the city’s annual National Night Out event.

See GATHER TOGETHER Pg. 7

By Jamie Treviño The city of Mission held a workshop on Wed. Aug. 7 in order for the council and city manager to discuss the tax rate. Mayor Armando O’caña was unable to attend this workshop, as he had another meeting to attend.

Council and Randy Perez, city manager, discussed what changes were to be made to the current tax rate in Mission. After presenting information about a potential rate increase in property taxes, Mayor Pro-Tem Norie Gonzalez Garza said she wanted to have another budget workshop before moving forward on raising the tax rate.

“I kind of feel like we

need to have a budget workshop so that we can kind of see line-by-line items on what the revenues and expenses are, and compare them,” Gonzalez Garza said.

“Really just for last year or the year before we move forward with a tax increase.”

A budget workshop was set to discuss further on Aug. 13, 2019. An additional tax rate workshop is set for Aug. 21.

Gonzalez Garza added that she didn’t feel comfortable moving forward on a tax rate change without O’caña present, which was reiterated by council member Jessica Ortega-Ochoa.

“I don’t want to be in discussion when he’s not here,” Gonzalez Garza said.

• RIO GRANDE CITY

Former Rio Grande City police detective sentenced to 14 years in prison

By Dave Hendricks A former Rio Grande City police detective who protected drug traffickers, sold law enforcement radios to smugglers and helped the Gulf Cartel hide murder weapons will spend 14 years in prison.

U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey sentenced former police Det. Ramon “Ramey” De la Cruz Jr., 39, of Rio Grande City on Wednesday during a hearing in Victoria.

“This should have never happened,” De la Cruz said.

“I knew better.”

After striking a deal with prosecutors, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana.

“You committed this crime while wearing a uniform and a badge — and that is reprehensible,” Rainey said. “I hope that my sentence will adequately and appropriately address what you did.”

Rainey sentenced De la Cruz to 14 years in federal prison followed by five years

Ramon “Ramey” De la Cruz Jr. (Photo courtesy of the City of Rio Grande City)

of supervised release.

“This is a sad day,” Rainey said. “It’s a sad day for you and your family. And it’s a sad day for law enforcement.”

When it became apparent he would receive a significant prison sentence, De la Cruz turned red and appeared stricken. Members of his family, who packed the

gallery, started crying.

De la Cruz, though, had actually received a relatively lenient sentence.

Federal judges typically follow guidelines published by the U.S. Sentencing Commission, which suggests a range of punishment based on the offense level. A report prepared by federal probation officers is a key part of the process.

The amount of marijuana involved left De la Cruz with a staggeringly high offense level. He also received enhancements for abusing a position of public trust, carrying a weapon, holding a supervisory role within the drug trafficking organization and using threats or violence.

Sentencing Commission guidelines placed De la Cruz within just a few offense levels of life in prison, said attorney Fabian Guerrero, who represented him.

While he accepted responsibility by pleading guilty, the guidelines still recommended that De la Cruz serve 235 to 293 months in prison.

Rainey knocked the sen-

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Bunkers filled with marijuana on the Beltran Ranch. tence down to 168 months, noting that De la Cruz waived his right to appeal and had a minor supervisory role within the organization.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Hubert Booth, who prosecuted De la Cruz, had requested a sentence within the guideline range.

She blasted De la Cruz during a heated back-andforth with Guerrero.

“He was never a cop,” Booth said. “He was always

just a crook.”

Ramon “Ramey” De la Cruz Jr. — the son of former Starr County Justice of the Peace Ramon De la Cruz Sr. — joined the Starr County Sheriff’s Office in 1999, according to personnel records.

He resigned in October 2014 to join the Rio Grande City Police Department, where he became a detective.

See RIO GRANDE CITY Pg. 4

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

Coming Attractions

BETWEEN THE BOOKENDS

By Lulu Garcia

2019

Speer Memorial Library is hosting an art exhibit of the work by Mission native Manuel Hinojosa. The exhibit is on display in the library’s community room through Sept. 30 and is available for viewing during regular library hours when the display area is not otherwise closed due to a meeting or class.

While enrolled at the Marcell Elementary School, his fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Peterson, contacted his parents after recognizing his ability to draw.

“Your son has a gift. It would be a shame for us not to acknowledge his talent,” Mrs. Peterson informed them.

Already aware of his artistic talents, his parents admitted their unfamiliarity with anyone that could provide him the professional instruction that he needed. So the thoughtful teacher directed them to a well-known Mission artist, Ann Doffing. The next eight years, the young painter learned how to mix oil paints and apply them to a raw canvas. Year after year, his works received awards at the Mission Citrus Fiesta.

While in Mission High School he enrolled in Dorothy Suter’s art class and received the Balfour medal in art three years in a row. Receiving a scholarship in art to attend Kingsville Texas A&I, he earned his bachelor’s degree in art from Pan American University and then a degree in architecture from the University of Southern Louisiana in Lafayette.

However, it was his sport artistic abilities that have received national recognition.

His paintings have not only attracted the likes of Beckett Sports magazine, who have printed various pieces including Mickey Mantle, David

Manuel Hinojosa Robinson and Dan Marino, but also created an impressive sports museum housing many of his autograph paintings collected over the last four decades.

Hinojosa, alongside his wife and brother, co-owns a sports museum and restaurant named Doubleday’s Sports Bar and Museum in Port Isabel. The museum exhibits the largest sports memorabilia collection in Texas showcasing over 100 of Hinojosa’s paintings autographed by some of the most famous celebrities in sports.

Hinojosa’s most renowned work of art is the Tom Landry Mural in Mission. To honor Landry’s legacy in 1993, Mission residents Bill and Gen Long commissioned Hinojosa to create the massive 95x18-foot mural. It was personally dedicated on Sept. 18, 1995, by Coach Tom Landry himself.

The library plans to expose patrons to art forms and provide exhibition opportunities for the artistic community throughout the year. Artists are encouraged to contact the library for future art exhibit display opportunities.

For any additional information, contact Lulu Garcia at 956-580-8714 or email her at lulu@missiontexas.us.

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

August 17 • The Museum of South Texas History will hold a “Cattle Drive” at 9 a.m. with an outdoor, educational program developed for children ages 8 through 14, accompanied with a parent or guardian, but, all ages are welcomed. At 10 stations visitors will learn about different aspects of the cattle drive era, such as making a brand, rounding up cattle, avoiding rustlers, learning to make a camp fire, eating cowboy grub, lassoing a maverick and more. There will be a single charge of $15 per person accompanied by a parent or guardian. To sign up via credit or debit card, contact Joseph Fox at 956-383-6911. MOSTHistory is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd. in Edinburg.

• Nine-time Grammy-winning Pepe Aguilar is reprising his top selling arena tour “Pepe Aguilar presenta Jaripeo sin Fronteras” tour with a stop at Bert Ogden Arena, 4900 S. I-69C, at 8 p.m. The line-up 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. For information, call 956-562-7362. For tickets, ranging from general admission to VIP packages, go to bertogdenarena.com.

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

August 9, 2019

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

MOSTHistory seeks migrant farmworker artifacts, photographs

EDINBURG – This year, for Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the Museum of South Texas History (MOSTHistory), will feature a display of materials related to the migrant farm workers who play a significant role in agriculture production. The museum is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd.

The museum already has materials from migrant workers in their collection, but is asking the public to consider donating more. This includes items from past or current farm workers who have a connection to South Texas.

Agriculture has played a huge role in shaping South Texas history. Today, Texas leads the nation in cotton production, has more farms than any other state, and sales of agricultural products account for $500 million annually.

The types of items the museum is looking for include, but are not limited to: • Farm tools, equipment, or containers such as baskets, sacks, water jugs, etc.

• Work clothing in any condition

• Photos • Items that traveled with workers or families such as suitcases, document folders, cooking implements, medicine, personal items, household objects, etc.

• Travel-related items such as maps with marked routes, license plates, travel documents, etc.

• Employment documents such as pay stubs or contracts • Report cards or other documents pertaining to migrant education in any state • Diaries, postcards, or letters that mention migrant work or locations • Material pertaining to strikes or labor organization • Material related to migrant worker health or injuries • Material relating to migrant workers from teachers, employers, health care professionals, or others Anyone interested in making a donation should contact museum Archivist Kelly Francis-Love at 956383-6911 or kfrancis-love@ mosthistory.org.

Music, bubbles combine for family fun McALLEN – For the second year in a row, Quinta Mazatlán will host its Bubble Concert that focuses on educational programs geared towards families. It is all part of the Family Summer Nights series. The community is invited to bring their bubbles and enthusiasm on Thursday, Aug. 15, at 7 p.m.

The event features the Rio Grande Valley’s best show band, Latin Vibe, who will kick off the concert with famous kid jams like “Wheels on the Bus,” “Baby Shark,” “La Bamba,” Beatles tributes ,and more hit favorites. Latin Vibe puts on a show for all ages with their dancing ro-

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Celebrate the end of summer at the Kids Bubble Concert at Quinta Mazatlan, Thursday, Aug. 15, at 7 p.m. Families can bring their bubbles for an event that will entertain dancing kids of all ages.

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bot. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes to dance the night away under the stars.

Families can also bring their own snacks, chairs and blankets and make it a family picnic celebration to dance, sing, and blow bubbles on the lawn. There will be a contest giveaway. Arrive early and stay late to enjoy the park, the concert, face painting and a snow cone food truck.

The park admission is $3 per person, which includes the event; no reservation required. For more information, visit quintamazatlan. com or call 956-681-3370.

We have partnered with PSJA ISD to promote school readiness for our 2, 3 and 4 yrs old kids.

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page 2

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lifestyle

August 9, 2019

page 3

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

UTRGV clothing drive to benefit Mujeres Unidas

By Amanda L. Alaniz EDINBURG – A simple, brand-new T-shirt dropped into a decorated donation box can make a big difference for one person.

UTRGV’s Psychology Student Alliance for Research (PSAR), along with Edinburg Counseling Student Association, Psychology Club and Office for Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention, are coming together to collect new clothing to help Mujeres Unidas, a nonprofit organization that helps victims of domestic and sexual assault.

After forensic exams, victims, usually, must leave their clothing behind as evidence and it becomes part of the case.

Mujeres Unidas aids victims of domestic and sexual assault by giving them comfortable clothing to leave the hospital. Currently, the organization is experiencing a shortage of clothing to provide to the people they assist.

A member of PSAR and a sexual assault outreach advocate for Mujeres Unidas, Margot Martinez, a UTRGV clinical psychology grad stu-

dent from Donna, said she approached PSAR president Mauricio Yanez with the idea for the clothing drive.

She explained the victims the organization helps range from babies to teenagers to adults.

“We see so many victims on a daily basis, that the clothes go fast. When we do get a big bulk, it goes incredibly fast, unfortunately,” she said. “So, having any kind of donation would really help us.”

The drive became Martinez’s passion project and she was glad to see others donate and decorate the boxes they needed to collect the clothing.

Yanez, a UTRGV experimental psychology grad student from Brownsville, said he was pleasantly surprised to see other PSAR members were also passionate about the clothing drive’s mission, which started July 12.

“It’s become one of our top priorities since it started. And all of our members have been eager to help out.

They’re spreading the word,” he said.

Martinez said donated clothing items should be

brand new and vary in size.

Types of clothing needed include plain T-shirts; leisurewear – sweatpants and yoga pants; male undergarments, preferably boxers; and female undergarments.

“We want them to leave us something comfortable and something a lot of people can wear, like blank t-shirts.

It can be of any size. We do need a lot of men’s clothing.

That’s the least type of donated clothes we get,” she said.

The donation boxes can be found around the Edinburg campus in the Liberal Arts Building North on all floors and the Education Complex building, first and second floor. Donation boxes are also located at the McAllen Teaching Site.

Clothing donations are also being collected on the Brownsville campus at the OVAVP office.

The clothing drive ends Aug. 18. For information, contact Margot Martinez at margot.martinez01@utrgv. edu and Mauricio Yanez at mauricio.yanez01@utrgv. edu.

STC to offer 15 new courses for fall

MCALLEN – South Texas College is set to add 15 new courses for students by fall 2019, according to the Office of Curriculum and Student Learning.

The college’s new lineup for the fall will introduce new courses in world dance, criminology, culinary arts, and a new personal trainer certificate for kinesiology students.

Kinesiology The kinesiology department will add their much anticipated personal trainer certificate for the fall. The certificate includes an introduction to personal training that will enable students to explore all areas of the personal training occupation including marketing, legal aspects, and psychology while emphasizing one-on-one or group training situations.

Kinesiology will also introduce a course in fitness and exercise testing that will encompass techniques for conducting physical fitness assessments; as well as a theory of exercise program design where students will study the theoretical basis underlying physical fitness.

Visit bit.ly/2M4fX7U for the full course list.

Drama STC’s Drama Department will also add a course in World Dance. Through the course, students will become immersed in different cultures, history, and their influences on contemporary dance society. Students will also have the opportunity to experience the cultural origins, significance, motivations, and techniques from dances spanning the globe.

For more information about Drama courses at STC please visit https://bit.

ly/2LEeHJe. Public Safety Public Safety will add a course in criminology. This course will cover current theories and empirical research pertaining to crime and criminal behavior and its causes, methods of prevention, systems of punishment, and rehabilitation.

The full list of Public Safety Courses can be found at bit.ly/2OcAWIp. Culinary Arts STC’s Culinary Arts Program will also add four new courses including meat preparation and cooking, professional kitchen essentials, cake baking and pro-

duction, and quantity bakeshop production. The full list of courses within STC’s Culinary program can be found at https://bit.ly/2UkSY9X. Students who want to browse all of the course offerings, or begin registering for the fall semester can visit southtexascollege.edu/register/.

Students can also avoid an additional $60 registration fee if they meet the early payment deadline, which is Aug. 16 for fall 2019. Regular payment deadline for fall is Aug. 25, and final payment is due by Sept

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Mixer supports upcoming Empty Bowls McALLEN – Santa Fe Steakhouse & Cantina is hosting an Empty Bowls Mixer from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 13, at 1918 S. 10th St., McAllen. This is a networking event with appetizers, drink specials, live music, door prizes and a chance to preview bowls from Empty Bowls 2019.

Suggested donation is $10.

Then, save the date for the Food Bank RGV’s biggest fundraiser, the 14th Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon and Auction. It will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sept.

17 at the Pharr Events Center, 3000 N. Cage.

One-of-a-kind ceramic bowls are included with

nities for businesses as well.

Companies and individuals are encouraged to donate silent auction items that help promote their products, services or talents.

Tickets are on sale at foodbankrgv.com.

For more information, contact Philip Farias by calling 956-904-4513 or via email at pfarias@foodbankrgv.com.

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August 9, 2019

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Agua SUD addresses construction concerns at E.B. Reyna Elementary With the school year set to begin later this month, the Agua Special Utility District is prioritizing construction near Palmview’s E.B. Reyna Elementary School that could cause traffic congestions for families there.

At their Monday meeting, Agua directors spoke to engineers with the Hous-

ton-based S&B Infrastructure, Ltd construction company-and stressed the urgency of completing the project before the school year begins on Aug. 19.

Currently, OG construction is installing sewer lines in the intersection of La Homa Road and W. Griffin Parkway as part of the $42 million Palmview sewer project. The road has been closed for months due to a

giant pit near the parent drop off area where the sewer lines are being installed with alternate routes being used to drop off and pick up kids at school.

According to Agua board President Lloyd Loya, OG Construction previously said that sewer lines installation in that area are expected to be completed within three to four weeks.

“We have kids coming,

At some point, De la Cruz befriended Ramiro Beltran Sr. They attended a Pentecostal church together, Guerrero said.

With help from his brothers, Ramiro Beltran Sr. managed a drug trafficking organization that smuggled marijuana from the family ranch in Starr County to Dallas, Houston and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The Beltrans transported marijuana for the Gulf Cartel and the Zetas, according to court records.

After they smuggled marijuana across the Rio Grande, the Beltrans stored the bundles in hidden bunkers. They transferred the marijuana to horse trailers with hidden compartments, which regularly crossed through U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints.

Homeland Security Investigations, a division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, estimated the Beltrans transported 60,000 pounds of marijuana from 2007 to 2013, according to court records.

In addition to transporting marijuana, the Beltrans wanted to steal marijuana and drug money from the cartels. To avoid suspicion, they needed help.

Rodolfo Beltran, who described himself as the family’s banker, said De la Cruz provided them with fake police reports.

To make the documents look authentic, De la Cruz sold the Beltrans a Starr County seal. Rodolfo Beltran said they paid $3,000.

Several members of the Beltran family testified Wednesday that fake documents provided by De la Cruz helped them steal money from the Zetas.

Ramiro Beltran knew a woman who transported

money for the Zetas, according to courtroom testimony.

De la Cruz prepared a fake police report, which showed the cash had been seized by law enforcement.

How much they stole and how much they paid De la Cruz remains unclear.

Rodolfo Beltran testified the courier had $250,000 to $300,000. They divided the money and paid $12,000 to De la Cruz for the fake police report.

Another member of the family, Rosbel Beltran, said the courier had $100,000. He said the family paid $10,000 to De la Cruz.

Asked about the discrepancy, Rosbel Beltran said he counted the money himself and remembered the amounts.

De la Cruz also sold the Beltrans a Sheriff’s Office radio, which allowed them to monitor law enforcement activity. Rodolfo Beltran said they paid $4,000.

When they needed additional security, De la Cruz would escort marijuana shipments to stash houses.

On several occasions, De la Cruz asked former Rio Grande City police Det. Noel Pena for assistance.

Pena said he provided security for two or three drug shipments. In exchange, De la Cruz provided him with cash.

Homeland Security Investigations arrested Pena in 2015 after conducting a sting operation. He pleaded guilty and received a seven-year sentence.

Pena cooperated with Homeland Security Investigations, providing information about De la Cruz and the Beltrans.

The criminal complaint against De la Cruz identified Pena as “CS 12,” an acronym

for confidential source.

After he provided the information, Pena received a reduced sentence, according to U.S. Bureau of Prisons records. All records from the resentencing hearing remain sealed.

Witnesses who testified Wednesday said De la Cruz also helped the Beltrans cover up a kidnapping and murder committed by the Gulf Cartel.

In 2011, someone had stolen a large amount of cocaine from a stash house in Alton, according to court records.

The Gulf Cartel dispatched a kidnapping team to find the people responsible.

They abducted the wrong man. The kidnapping team, concerned the man could identify them, took him to Mexico anyway. He was never heard from again.

After the kidnapping, a Gulf Cartel plaza boss asked the Beltrans to cover up the crime.

The Beltrans buried weapons and tactical vests used by the kidnappers on their ranch. When they heard the full story, the Beltrans became nervous and asked De la Cruz to dispose of the weapons.

A man named Roel Garza, who participated in the kidnapping, and Rodolfo Beltran testified that De la Cruz took the guns.

Along with cash, the Beltrans thanked De la Cruz by providing him with gifts.

Rodolfo Beltran said they purchased a quarter horse named Saturday Night Hero for De la Cruz.

“Why would a drug trafficker buy a racehorse for a cop?” asked Booth, the federal prosecutor.

Rodolfo Beltran smiled.

“It was a gift,” Rodolfo Beltran said. “That’s all.”

By Jose De Leon III

from pg. 1

RIO GRANDE CITY

and first day of school is on the 19th, it’s going to be crucial for us to finish this,” Agua board President Lloyd Loya said. “I don’t want any traffic jams or accidents, or parents feeling unsafe.”

Agua directors spoke to engineers with S&B Infrastructure- the firm supervising the project-on the status of the roads.

“Our main priority is the first day of school, to fix it in a timely manner to avoid any accidents,” S&B Engineer Humberto Guerrero said.

“Contractors are making it a priority to get it done, get some traffic control out there and make sure that it goes well.”

Agua SUD General Manager Jose E. “Eddie” Saenz said that there have been meetings with OG construction, the city of Palmview, the La Joya school district’s police and transportation departments and Agua SUD to

from pg. 1

coordinate traffic control in the area with a traffic control map to be presented to and approved by S&B Infrastructure this week.

“That will determine how many officers will be needed to control traffic,” Saenz said. “The school district is predicting that they’re receiving as many as 70 new kids and families coming in who will not be familiar with traffic routes in the area. We need to make sure anyone going to school there knows how to get there and not go to an intersection that will send them to detour to somewhere else.”

Though OG Construction is prioritizing completing their work on the road, Engineer Gabriel Salinas said that won’t mean that traffic will automatically be alleviated in the area.

After OG construction is done, they have to maintain it for two weeks until the city

of Palmview paves it, which will likely cause more traffic in the area, he said.

Then the Texas Department of Transportation will “tear the streets again” as part of their $20 million project to expand Veterans Boulevard between Abram Road to La Homa Road to five lanes next year.

“It’s a delicate intersection,” Salinas noted. “We’re actively working with everyone involved to make it work. We made sure they know how important it is to the district that this is completed.”

The project was delayed due to a myriad of issues ranging from expired permits and faulty equipment, Salinas said. He noted that parents may have to take alternate routes such as coming into the school through the entrance of a power substation in the area.

around and watch TV.” “I certainly appreciate the honor,” Mantz said. “I’ve spent a lot of time working here at the police department, trying to do the very best wherever they need me.”

Prior to his retirement and move to Mission, Mantz worked for the Department of Defense. He currently volunteers with the city’s criminal investigations bureau and when he doesn’t drive to the station for this daily duties, he can be found walking there.

“I hope to continue for a few more years before I’m unable to physically function,” Mantz said.

Girl Scout Lola Mejia spoke before the troop presented Mantz with the Presidential Service Award, and noted that Mantz is a great role model for young people in the community.

“A lot of people don’t do service work any more, and it’s a really good thing to do,” Lola Mejia said. “Our Troop is mostly centered around service work and we do it whenever we can: we help with the police, firefighters, animal shelters, the food bank, our church, anything

we can do, so we thought this [Mantz’s volunteerism] was a good thing.”

Lola Mejia said the Presidential Service Award (Gold) can be earned by someone who dedicates at least 100 hours of service toward the community. Troop 1065 presented Mantz with the award as a way of honoring his time and commitment to the area.

Police Chief Robert Dominguez said that Mantz is one of the most dedicated volunteers to arrive at the Mission Police Department.

“It’s a great day,” Dominguez said. “He’s been a great asset to us at the Mission Police Department for a number of years.”

Dominguez added that Mantz’s dedication was apparent in the volunteer’s continued service year after year. The chief joked that because of the 17-year volunteer’s frequent presence, they wonder if “he’s going to out-live all of us.”

“It speaks volumes of him,” Dominguez said.

“Sometimes he’s here at 2, 3 in the morning already doing paperwork and so forth, and we’re very proud to call him a member of our organization.”

VOLUNTEER

if they could honor 87-yearold Mantz in some way in order to thank him for his continued public service in the community.

“Our girls decided a long time ago that they wanted to focus their scouting on service,” Molly Mejia said.

“This is the perfect opportunity to honor a member of our community who is being selfless and is doing it not for the recognition, but to do something, to keep busy, to give back.”

The Presidential Service Award was given through Points of Light, which is the largest organization dedicated to volunteer service in the world and was inspired by the events of 9/11. Molly Mejia said that each of the scouts in the troop have received the award for their own acts of service, and once they were familiar with the honor they wanted to pass it on to Mantz.

The Presidential Service Award includes a Certificate of Service, a Presidential Medal and a letter signed by the president personally thanking Mantz for his service. Mantz said that when he moved to the area, he knew he couldn’t “just sit

from pg. 1

MCALLEN TAXES

turnover. In 2017, the city had 12.6% turnover. And in 2018, the city had 15.5% turnover.

“We should be concerned about that number,” Rodriguez said. “We need to try to figure out what is going on.”

The budget adds 19 new positions, including five new groundskeepers, three new police officers and a firefighter.

Rodriguez said the proposed budget, which included conservative property tax and sales tax projections, would leave the city with a nearly $2.4 million surplus.

“I feel really good about this budget,” Rodriguez said.

“It’s certainly a lot easier when you’ve got a little bit of money left than when you don’t.”

For the latest news and updates

August 9, 2019

LJISD Superintendent Welcome Message

Dr. Gisela Saenz La Joya ISD Superintendent

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2019-2020 La Joya ISD School Supply List

It is an honor and privilege to welcome you back to the 2019-2020 school year!

This promises to be an exciting new year as together; we will start a new chapter at La Joya ISD! As your new Superintendent of Schools, I am ready to lead our community of students, parents, teachers, staff, and administration into a future of infinite possibilities and a year of growth and achievement as we embark on new goals for our district.

As we prepare to begin this new year, I am truly thankful for the dedication from everyone to our mission and vision of educational excellence. I look forward to working with our employees, parents and community members as we commit ourselves to provide our students with the highest quality education so that they are prepared to graduate college, career, and workforce ready! This year we will Shine Bright and Show our La Joya ISD Pride!

Exciting News for the 2019-2020 School Year!

La Joya ISD will be offering CHOICES at the ELEMENTARY level for parent and students who wish to attend a FINE ARTS, STEM, or STEAM Designated Elementary

Elementary John F. Kennedy Elementary: Camarena Elementary

Designation STEAM Designation

Elementary Clinton Elementary: Evangelina Garza Elementary Bensten Elementary Escandon Elementary

STEM STEM STEM STEM

Middle School Garcia Middle School Dr. Saenz Middle School

STEM STEM

Elementary Zapata Elementary Leo J. Leo Elementary

Fine Arts Designation Fine Arts Designation

Leadership Leadership

Middle School De Zavala Leadership Richards Leadership Middle School Chavez Middle School

Leadership & Fine Arts

Elementary Chapa Elementary

Technology

Middle School Salinas Middle School

Technology

Middle School Memorial Middle School Trevino Middle School:

Grade 1 and 2 2 boxes of pencils 1 box of crayons 1 box colored pencils 1 pair safety scissors (blunt/round) 1 pkg glue sticks 2 (8oz) bottles of glue 5 composition notebooks 1 (2-in) 3-ring binder 4 (3 prong) pocket folders 2 pkgs loose leaf notebook paper (wide-ruled) 1 box Kleenex 1 hand sanitizer

Grade 3 and 5 2 boxes pencils 2 pkgs loose leaf paper (wide ruled) 1 box of colored pencils 1 pair safety scissors (blunt/round) 1 (8oz) bottle of glue 2 glue sticks 8 composition notebooks 4 (3 prong) pocket folders 2 (2in.) 3 ring binders 1 box crayons 1 box Kleenex 1 hand sanitizer 1 pkg highlighters 1 pkg dividers

Your Friendly Neighborhood Pharmacy * Free Valley Wide Delivery

Designation Designation Designating Designation

Elementary Palmira Mendiola Elementary Media & Communication Designation Elementary Tabasco Elementary Paderes Elementary

PK and Kinder boxes pencils box jumbo markers boxes crayons pair safety scissors (blunt/round) 2 (16oz) bottles of glue 4 composition notebooks 1 (1-in) 3-ring binder 4 (3 prong) pocket folders 1 box Kleenex 1 hand sanitizer 1 quart-size ziplock baggies 1 gallon-size ziplock baggies 1 pkg glue sticks 2 1 2 1

Biliteracy / Bicultural & Health Science Professions Biliteracy /Bicultural

We are an Open Enrollment District of CHOICES and invite everyone to be a part of our La Joya ISD Family!

• Immunizations available year round No appointment needed • 10 Minute Prescription Refills By phone or in person • Specialty Compounding Available!

• Full Line DME supplies and wheelchairs • Free Delivery Valley Wide Now serving Rio Grande City and Roma) • All insurance Welcome (Medicaid/medicare/workman’s comp/chips/private pay) • 90 day prescriptions available!

Rio Script Pharmacy

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Hours: 6:30am - 6pm • Mon.-Fri.

page 6

August 9, 2019

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THE

Sports week

Luciano Guerra Sports Editor

BIG7 SCHOOLS

www.ptrgv.com/sports

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

Coyotes hungry for playoffs

By Luciano Guerra With wins over teams like the Sharyland Rattlers and the McAllen Memorial Mustangs, and with a start to the season that included a 6-1 overall record, the 2018 La Joya Coyotes football team seemed to be on their way to having one of the most successful seasons any Coyotes team has ever had.

However it was not meant to be as three consecutive losses to end the regular season caused the wheels to fall off the Coyotes’ wagon and Coach Reuben Farias’ team quickly went from being a District 30-6A championship contender to missing out on

the playoffs altogether.

So what went wrong? According to Farias, one key injury played a major role in his team’s downfall.

“To start with we lost our starting middle linebacker, Trey Perez, to appendicitis,” Farias said. “He was a threeyear letterman and a twoyear starter, so it was a big loss for the squad. The young man that came in to take his place, Josue Bermea, was a junior and the only good thing about that is that it has given him an opportunity to prepare for this season. So while we’re excited that he has those games under him, we knew that it was going to be tough to replace Trey.”

While losing a key player like Perez can hurt a team, one injury is usually not enough to cause such a dramatic downfall in a team’s season. So what else went wrong? Apparently, it was a sudden case of turnover-itis.

“Also, we shot ourselves in the foot last year with turnovers,” Farias added. “In our last three games I believe we had eight to 10 turnovers.

Contrast that with our previous seven games in which we only had two turnovers, and it’s not difficult to see how the turnover ratio became a big factor in the way

See COYOTES HUNGRY Pg. 9

Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra.

The La Joya Coyotes will be counting on seniors Roy Flores Jr (QB), Eddie Villarreal (RB), Alex Rodriguez (OL), Adam Pena (DE) and Josue Bermea (MLB) to help them bounce back from a disappointing season and qualify for the playoffs.

Pioneer football looking for more

By John Hamann

Progress Times photo by John Hamann.

Pioneer football players from left to right: Ryan Bulthuis (Jr.) DB, Sandalio Garcia (Sr.) OL, Lavar Lindo (Sr.) REC, Chis’mere Mallard (Sr.) DB, Eddie Lee Marburger (Jr.) QB.

Three big letters adorn the back of the practice shirts worn by the players of Sharyland Pioneer as they opened their 2019 season this past Monday morning.

D-U-B “That’s our motto,” says Pioneer Coach Tom Lee. “Diamondback - Unfinished - Business.”

A look back to last year might best explain the phrase.

The Diamondbacks finished second in District 165A Div. II last season with a 5-1 record. The one loss was a one point affair to Sharyland that decided the district championship. Another one point loss ended the season for Pioneer in the first round of the playoffs against Port

r e t s i g e R ! w o N

Lavaca Calhoun. The Diamondbacks finished the season with an overall record of 7-4.

“That playoff loss left a lot of these kids with a bad taste in their mouths, “said Lee, “and we are hoping that carries us into our season (this year)”.

Whether or not the experiences of last year will play a role this year is too early to determine but one thing is certain as the Diamondbacks took the field Monday . . . a lot of last year’s team is back for 2019. Pioneer returns seven starters for this year on both offense and defense.

Many of them return having earned honors from last year too.

Tight end Lavar Lindo (Sr.) and tackle Sandalio Garcia (Sr.) made first team

All-District and running back Tristan Castillo (Jr.) made the second team. In addition, quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger (Jr.) was the district Offensive Newcomer of the Year.

On defense, Ryan Bulthuis (Jr.) was a unanimous selection to the All – District first team as a safety. Corner Marco Oviedo (Jr.) made the second team as did defensive tackle Erik Torres (Sr.). Senior safety Chis’mere Mallard was a District 30-6A second team selection who joins the team as a transfer from McAllen High.

Garcia says the team is ready to make amends for last year. “We’re hungry. We want a district championship. We want to win the first round; we want to go deep

See PIONEER FOOTBALL Pg. 9

Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 7:00pm Friday 8:00am - 6:00pm

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Please Call 956-585-3606 or 956-212-5012 209 W. 18th, Street • Mission, TX

*Must Have Birth Certificate Upon Registration. Boys & Girls Club Membership is Required - $10

August 9, 2019 from pg. 1

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GATHER TOGETHER

Featuring live entertainment from Missionites, carnival rides and moon jumps for children, food sold by local vendors, informational booths and Elida Reyna y Avante, National Night Out is organized by the Mission Crime Stoppers and city officials. The yearly celebration encourages residents and families to create connections with law enforcement officials and officers throughout the country.

Mission Crime Stoppers Coordinator Corporal Robert Rodriguez said their overarching goal is to destigmatize the uniform and presence of a police officer in the community.

“We’re here to help the public, to provide a service and to keep them safe,” Rodriguez said. “We want them to call us, to not be afraid to use us - because that’s what we’re here for.”

Funding for National Night Out comes from a few fundraising events put on by the Mission Crime Stoppers every year.

Students from schools throughout the area received school supplies purchased by these funds, and walked away with new backpacks.

Other kids had the opportunity to receive free haircuts, which were also available during National Night Out in Mission.

Law enforcement entities from across the Rio Grande Valley were represented at Mission’s National Night Out. Mayor Armando O’caña said they were there to support those who put their lives on the line for the community every day.

“We’re here because of our first responders, we’re here because of the firefighters, we’re here because the military takes care of the United States of America,” O’caña said. “It gives us an opportunity to gather together as a community and be able to share things before school [starts].”

Mission police Chief Robert Dominguez said that in the last year, Mission has experienced a 20 percent decrease of crime in the community. He thanked residents for being the department’s eyes and ears throughout the year, and said it was because of them that Mission earned the All-America City Award earlier this year.

“We care about our community, and we’re here to support you: our residents,” Dominguez said. “That’s the most important part of today:

Progress Times photo by Troy Chapa

Alton police Chief Jonathan B. Flores (center) with other law enforcement officers at Alton’s National Night Out. the cooperation we have.

Those 9-11 calls that we get when you see something suspicious in your neighborhood - you have no idea how those calls help us.”

A tribute was held during National Night Out for fallen Police Corporal Jose “Speedy” Espericueta, Jr. who was killed in the line of duty June 20, 2019. The 13year Mission PD veteran’s family was present on stage with city of Mission officials and police officers, and after a moment of silence white balloons were released into the air in his honor.

“It was a devastating loss for our community, for our organization,” Dominguez said. “We’ll never forget him.”

Officials also asked for a moment of silence for the victims of two recent mass shootings in El Paso, TX and Dayton, Ohio, which took the lives of 22 and 9 people, respectively.

City of Alton National Night Out Despite temperatures reaching nearly 100 degrees, approximately 1,000 people showed up to Alton’s second annual National Night Out Tuesday.

National Night Out, a nationwide event that promotes relationships between communities and law enforcement officers that protect them, was celebrated in many Valley cities on Tuesday, including in Alton.

The event celebrates the community and gives attendees the chance to meet the local law enforcement officers sworn to protect them.

“We are partners in keeping the community of Alton

safe,” Alton police Chief Jonathon B. Flores said.

“When we work together, we accomplish much more.

It’s through this that we can continue to keep Alton safe.”

As part of the event, food and live music were provided to attendees as well as dozens of businesses and organizations such as the Progress Times newspaper, city of Palmhurst, Precinct 3, Mission school district and the RGV Empowerment Zone were on hand to distribute free school supplies for families.

The supplies included backpacks, notebooks and pencils. Most vendors finished distributing items within an hour.

Law enforcement agencies such as the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Texas Department of Public Safety and first responders from the city of Palmview joined the city of Alton’s police department at the event.

The free back to school supplies are a way to alleviate the stress of back to school shopping for families in the area, city Manager Jeff Underwood said.

“We’re trying to get the kids and the community ready to go back to school while getting them familiar with the faces of the police department and law enforcement agencies so they have a friendly and familiar face they can talk to if they need to,” Underwood said. “While we’re getting the community together to have a good time, people can meet these law enforcement officials and feel more comfortable

in knowing who to go to for help.”

The free back to school supplies are a relief to many families including Sandra Sustaita. She attended the event with her four children who attend Kika de la Garza Elementary School.

With the items she picked up, Sustaita said she estimates she saved as much as $70 in the school supplies she picked up.

“Otherwise I would’ve had to buy things for my kids a few items at a time because I wouldn’t be able to afford anything else,” Sustaita said.

“It’s very helpful to families and the fact that you’re meeting all these officers is kind of a relief. You know who is protecting you and can feel safe.”

Alton police Chief Flores said that the success of National Night Out will ultimately be determined by the kind of relationship the community has with its law enforcement officers, and vice versa.

“When we work together, we accomplish more in keeping the community safe,” Flores said. “Tonight is about our community going about and saying we’ll be unified and continue to have

peaceful events and won’t be deterred from doing that.”

Buckner Family Hope Center at Peñitas An annual event through the Buckner Family Hope Center at Peñitas helped with the financial drain of nearly $700 for a family to send children back to school.

Last Saturday Aug. 3, 2019, Buckner Rio Grande Valley helped 800 local children prepare to go back to school with new backpacks, school supplies and shoes.

The families are involved with the Buckner Family Hope Center at Peñitas, a ministry of nonprofit Buckner International.

For a family struggling financially, the gift of a backpack, school supplies and new shoes is a huge relief considering the average American family plans to spend $696.70 on back to school shopping this year, according to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation. Additional back to school costs typically include health check-ups, immunization and haircuts.

“School starts on the 26th of August here in Peñitas and the La Joya Independent School District, and in order

to help families who may be struggling financially, our community has come together to provide 800 children with new backpacks, school supplies and shoes,” said Diego Silva, director of the Buckner Family Hope Center at Peñitas.

The event, which took place at Dr. Javier Saenz Middle School, included tables with community vendors sharing information with parents regarding local services like financial management and healthcare.

Vendors included BBVA Compass, MHP Salud, Texas A&M Healthy South Texas’ Diabetes Education Program, Elstar Dental, Smile Magic and University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Preventative Medicine.

“We are extremely thankful for our community partners coming out today to help provide families with more information about their services related to health and finance, which they can also access at the Buckner Family Hope Center,” said Silva.

The shoes were provided by Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls, the largest humanitarian aid project of Buckner International and distributed to students. Families attending also had the opportunity to learn more about Buckner Children and Family Services’ available programs and services in the Rio Grande Valley, including STARS, the Business Entrepreneurship Incubator class for small businesses, economic strengthening classes, ESL and GED classes and access to Buckner Family Coaches.

“This event serves as an engagement opportunity, as we see not just the 800 children but about a total of 1,200 people including the parents,” added Silva. “Usually about 50% of those registered for our backpack distributions are new to Buckner, so we are able to introduce them to all of our available programs and services in place to help strengthen families.”

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August 9, 2019

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Sharyland ISD Dress Code for Students Boys 1. Hair length must pass a three way test. The test involves the length of hair not extending below the eyebrows when lightly pulled down, below the earlobes and must not extend below the top of a buttoned down dress shirt collar.

2. Sideburns must be kept trimmed and should not extend below the earlobe. Sideburns should not exceed 1/2 inch in width.

3. Mustaches and beards are not permitted.

4. Extreme, outlandish, or distracting hairstyles or coloration is not permitted. Some examples of such styles are Mohawks, spikes, tails, razor lines, white walls with long hair in back, or completely shaven head.

When in question, determination of hair-style violations is at the discretion of the campus administrators.

It is obvious that hair cannot grow overnight; therefore, if the hair style is not acceptable at the secondary level, the student will be placed in ISS until the hair grows to an adequate length or until the hair style is made acceptable.

5. Sleeveless shirts are not permitted.

6. No earrings, nose studs, or body parts piercing are to be worn or displayed on school premises or at school-sponsored events. This includes string, plastic studs, etc. which are used to keep the pierced hole open.

7. Chains attached to the waistline are not permitted.

8. All shirts must be fully tucked in.

9. Shoes which are noisy or present a safety concern are not allowed. Steel-toed footwear and shoes with wheels are not allowed.

10. Hats, caps, hoods, sweatbands, headbands, or bandannas are not permitted.

11. Sunglasses are not permitted in buildings.

12. No student shall wear any garment or piece of clothing which advertises, promotes, or depicts the following: alcoholicbev-

erages, tobacco products, illegal drugs, obscenities or anything of a sexual nature, violence, heavy metal groups, cults, gangs, or anything which may be found objectionable in character or depicts a negative connotation.

13. No shorts of any type are allowed in grades 7-12.

PK-6 may wear walking shorts and sport shorts, length must be no shorter than two inches above the knee. However, no boxers, or short-shorts are allowed.

14. Torn or tattered clothing or torn or tattered jeans that show skin or undergarments are not allowed.

15. Straps on overalls must be properly fastened.

16. No visible tattoos or make-up is allowed.

17. Pants must be worn at the waistline. No skin or undergarments should be visible.

18. Warm-up pants with fasteners down the legs are not permitted.

19. All clothing must be worn in a proper, customary manner.

20. Oversized, ill-fitting pants and other similar articles of clothing are not allowed.

21. No military style clothing is allowed.

22. Trench coats, dusters, and overcoats are not allowed.

23. Outlandish or distracting jewelry or accessories are not allowed.

24. Proper undergarments must be worn. No pajama typeclothing is allowed.

25. Pants or other garments of any type with words or letters written across the seat are not permitted.

Girls 1. The length of any skirt or dress cannot be more than two inches above the top of the kneecap, nor may slits in clothing extend two inches above the knee.

2. Skorts are not permitted in grades 7-12.

3. Leggings, jeggings and form-fi tting athletic wear are not allowed in grades 3-6 unless worn with a top, blouse, skirt, or dress that

extends to the tips of their fi ngertips.

4. Leggings, jeggings and form-fi tting athletic wear are not allowed in grades 7-12.

5. Sleeveless blouses or teeshirts are permitted as long as entire shoulder is covered and undergarments are not visible. Halter tops, tank tops, or revealing or form-fitting tops are not allowed.

6. No bare midriffs are allowed (whether student is in sitting or standing position or with raised arm) even if covered by another piece of clothing such as a sweater or a jacket.

7. Backless dresses, halter tops, tank tops, revealing or formfitting tops, or dresses with spaghetti straps are not allowed.

8. Proper undergarments must be worn. No pajama type clothing is allowed.

9. Chains attached to the waistline are not permitted.

10. All shirt tails (even on shirts [such as flannel shirts with or without lining] worn over other shirts) will be fully tucked in. Only blouses that complement skirt or pants may be worn untucked. Oversized, ill-fi tting, or revealing shirts/ tops are not permitted.

11. Shoes which are noisy or present a safety concern are not permitted. Steeltoed footwear and shoes with wheels are not allowed.

12. Hats, caps, hoods, sweat bands, or bandannas are not permitted.

13. Sunglasses are not permitted in buildings.

14. No students shall wear any garment or piece of clothing which advertises, promotes, or depicts the following: alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, illegal drugs,obscenities or anything of a sexual nature, violence, heavy metal groups, cults, gangs, or anything which may be found objectionable in character.

15. No shorts of any type are allowed in grades 7-12. PK-6 may wear walking shorts or sport shorts, length must be

GENERAL DENTISTRY - EXCEPTIONAL CARE

no shorter than two inches above the knee. However, no boxers, or short-shorts are allowed.

16. Torn or tattered clothing or torn or tattered jeans that show skin or undergarments are not permitted.

17. Straps on overalls must be properly fastened.

18. No visible tattoos are allowed.

19. Pants must be worn at the waistline, so that no skin or undergarments are exposed.

20. Warm-up pants with fasteners down the sides are not permitted.

21. All clothing must be worn in a proper, customary manner.

22. Oversized, ill-fi tting pants and other similar articles of clothing are not permitted.

23. No military style of clothing is allowed.

24. Trench coats, dusters, and overcoats not allowed.

25. Outlandish or distracting jewelry or accessories are not allowed.

26. At the secondary level, make-up (including nail polish) shall not be outlandish, distracting, or gang or cult related.

At the elementary level, neither make-up (including outlandish nail polish) is allowed.

27. At the elementary level artificial nails (i.e. acrylic, sculptured, silk, linen and fiber wraps, or gel nails) are not allowed.

28. No body piercing, except for ears (must not be distracting), is permitted.

29. Extreme, outlandish, or distracting styles or hair coloration is not permitted. Some examples of such styles are Mohawks, spikes, tails, razor lines, white walls with long hair in back. When in question, determination of hair-style violations is at the discretion of the campus administrators.

30. Pants or other garments of any type with words, letters or symbols written across the seat are not permitted.

31. Pants in grades 7-12 must extend to mid-calf or below.

No shorts of any type are allowed in grades 7-12. It is obvious that hair cannot grow overnight; therefore, if

the hair style is not acceptable, at the secondary level, the student will be placed in ISS until the hair grows to an adequate length or until the hair style is made acceptable.

Policy FNCA(LOCAL) Discipline shall be designed to improve conduct and to encourage students to adhere to their responsibilities as members of the school community. Disciplinary action shall draw on the professional judgment of teachers and administrators and on a range of discipline management techniques, including restorative discipline practices. Discipline shall be correlated to the seriousness of the offense, the student’s age and grade level, the frequency of misbehavior, the student’s attitude, the effect of the misconduct on the school environment, and statutory requirements.

Because of these factors, discipline for a particular offense, including misconduct in a district vehicle owned or operated by the district, (unless otherwise specifi ed by law) may bring into consideration varying techniques and responses.

Students with Disabiliies The discipline of students with disabilities is subject to applicable state and federal law in addition to the Student Code of Conduct. To the extent any confl ict exists, state and/ or federal law shall prevail.

In accordance with the Education Code, a student who receivesin a special education services may not be disciplined for conduct meeting the definition of bullying, harassment, or making hit lists (see glossary) until an ARD committee meeting has been held to review the conduct.

In deciding whether to order suspension, DAEP placement, or expulsion, regardless of whether the action is mandatory or discretionary, the district shall take into consideration a disability that substantially impairs the student’s capacity to appreciate the wrongfulness of the student’s conduct.

Techniques The following discipline management techniques may

Sharyland ISD Superintendent Welcome Message ty,

Justin Felkner D.D.S.

Timothy W. Brann D.D.S.

Richard A. Young D.D.S.

2407 E. Griffin Pkwy. (FM 495 & Shary Rd.) • Mission

956-581-2773

be used—alone, in combination , or as part of progressive interventions—for behavior prohibited by the Student Code of Conduct or by campus or classroom rules: • Verbal correction, oral or written.

• Cooling-off time or timeout.

• Seating changes within the classroom or vehicles owned or operated by the district.

• Temporary confi scation of items that disrupt the educational process.

• Rewards or demerits.

• Behavioral contracts.

• Counseling by teachers, school counselors, or administrative personnel.

• Parent-teacher conferences.

• Grade reductions for cheating, plagiarism, and as otherwise permitted by policy.

• Detention, including outside regular school hours.

For minor infractions of the Code of Conduct, teachers or administrators may require students to attend detention either in a common detention hall or in a teacher’s classroom. Before assigning a student to detention, the teacher shall inform the student of the conduct thatallegedly constitutes the violation and give the student the opportunity to explain his version (not at the time the detention is issued by the teacher). When detention is used, sufficient time is allowed for students and parents to arrange transportation, if necessary. It is the responsibility of the student to conduct himself according to school rules,and he must therefore accept consequences despite missing regular transportation home or previous commitments.

Students who miss detention without an excuse are assigned ISS. • Sending the student to the offi ce or other assigned area, or to in-school suspension.

In-School Suspension (ISS) is a disciplinary technique permitted for misconduct found in the Student Code of Conduct. Although different from out-ofschool suspension and placement in a DAEP, ISS removes the student from the regular classroom.

Dr. Maria M. Vidaurri

Sharyland ISD Superintendent

Dear Sharyland Independent School District Communi-

Welcome students, staff, and families to the start of the 2019-2020 school year! It is with great excitement that we begin a new school year focused on continuing to provide outstanding educational opportunities for our students.

Sharyland Independent School District sets very high expectations for our students, and we are honored that this is a tradition our parents have come to expect. Our entire staff looks forward with pleasure to fulfilling that expectation in our daily work.

The district will welcome back our students on August 19, 2019. Our staff has been preparing for the 2019-2020 school year in the areas of curriculum, instruction, student development, and leadership. Last year proved to be a very successful year, and we are so very proud of our students and their accomplishments. We know that this school year will be no exception as we strive to pursue our vision: Excellence is our Tradition!

On behalf of our Board of Trustees and myself, we would like to thank you for choosing and supporting Sharyland ISD. We stand committed to partnering with our community and continuing our reputation of being a premier school district.

Have a great year!!

August 9, 2019 from pg. 6

COYOTES HUNGRY

we finished last year.”

With the disappointing 2018 season behind them, Farias and his 2019 Coyotes are looking to emulate what the 2017 Coyotes accomplished, qualifying for the playoffs. And unlike last year when it was the defense that carried the team, Farias will be counting on his offense to control the ball and keep his young defensive unit off the field as much as possible.

“Offensively we’re going to have a good nucleus coming back,” Farias said.

“Defensively we’re going to

Notices Ramon Garza MISSION – Ramon Garza, 55, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019, at his home in Mission.

Mercedes Gonzalez PEÑITAS – Mercedes Gonzalez, 64, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2019, at McAllen Medical Center.

Romulo Hinojosa MISSION – Romulo “Guero” Hinojosa, 96, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019, at Mission Valley Nursing and Transitional Care.

Daniel Peña MISSION – Daniel H. Peña, 72, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019, at his home in Mission.

Nohemi Rodriguez MISSION – Nohemi Rodriguez, 56, passed away on Friday, Aug. 2, 2019, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg.

Enrique Sifuentes MISSION – Enrique Sifuentes, 83, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2019, at his home in Mission.

Aurora Villarreal MISSION – Aurora Villarreal, 74, passed away on Monday, Aug. 5, 2019, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg.

Baby Girl Zapata MISSION – Baby girl Zapata, 1 day old, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

page 9

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com be young. We have a lot of young men that are going to be playing at key positions on defense. That includes a lot of young men that were on the varsity last year but were not every down players. I know that they have that bitter taste in their mouths of the way our season ended last year, as do I, but I always tell our boys that you can start out great, but it’s the teams that win in October and November that make the playoffs.”

This year the Coyotes have six starters returning on offense and four starters returning on defense. One of those returning offensive starters is 5-foot-9-inch, 225-pound senior running back Eddie Villarreal.

As a two time co-offensive MVP in District 30-6A, Villarreal will be counted on to carry the bulk of the load for the Coyotes offensively this season. When asked

from pg. 6

what it is he likes the most about being a running back, Villarreal said, “I like hitting the holes and taking advantage of every opportunity I have to run through the defense. As a running back that’s what it’s all about.”

Another returning starter for the Coyotes is 6-foot, 350-pound senior offensive lineman Alex Rodriguez. In his third year on the varsity squad, Rodriguez remembers very well the Coyotes’ 2017 season which ended with a trip to the playoffs. It was an experience he is not about to forget.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Rodriguez said. “I met a lot of good people and we’re going to try repeating that success this year.”

As for what it means for him to be a member of the La Joya Coyotes’ football team, Rodriguez said. “It’s a really great honor. I have been

coming to Coyotes football games since I was three years old and a lot of members of my family have played here, so I have to take that part of me and show it on the field.”

Senior defensive end Adam Pena is in his second year on the Coyotes’ varsity squad. At 5-foot-9 and 195 pounds, he may be on the smaller side for a defensive end, but his size has not stopped him from doing what he likes best on the football field, sacking quarterbacks and hitting running backs.

If the Coyotes are going to make a return trip to the playoffs, Pena will have to not only sack a lot of quarterbacks and hit a lot of running backs, but he will have to become a leader on the Coyotes’ young defensive unit.

So what would it mean for Pena to help lead the 2019 Coyotes to the playoffs?

“Making the playoffs would give me a lot of pride

in my team,” Pena said. “It would show that we as a team have a lot of heart, and that as a unit, we are strong.”

“However, for us to make the playoffs it will take a lot of practice, a lot of perfection in everything we do and a lot of good team chemistry,” added Pena.

Senior middle linebacker Josue Bermea is coming off a season in which he had the unenviable task of filling in for starter Trey Perez. As a result, he is coming into this season with some varsity experience under his belt and as a defensive captain.

When asked what he saw as his responsibilities as a captain, Bermea said, “Keeping everyone in check and keeping everybody focused on practice because we have to get as much practice as we can this year.”

One position that is still up for grabs on the Coyotes’ squad is the starting quar-

terback. Senior Roy Flores, Jr. is one of the candidates in the running to fill this crucial position. At 5-foot9 and 135 pounds, Flores is not your prototypical high school quarterback. But he has never been one to let his size stop him from achieving his goals.

“There’s always a size factor when you are a quarterback,” Flores said. “I’ve had people tell me that I don’t look like an average quarterback. But it takes more than size to play quarterback. It takes heart and the right mindset. You’ve got to be smart but you also have to be smart on the field. And I believe that those are assets I have that will help me get the starting spot.”

The Coyotes will be opening their 2019 season with a non-district game against the Palmview Lobos Friday, August 30.

tions.”

Bulthuis echoed Lindo’s feelings. ”That year of experience makes things easier.

You know what is coming.

You see things and can read them quicker.”

Even Mallard, a newcomer to the program, sensed the environment as he adjusted to his new teammates. “You see their chemistry,” he said.

“It helps a lot.”

Diamondbacks fans won’t have to wait long to see how this year’s squad stacks up.

Pioneer will host a scrimmage against PSJA Memorial next Friday, August 16

and another against Mission Veterans on Friday, August 23. Both scrimmages are scheduled for 7 pm starts at Pioneer High School.

The regular season opens with the Diamondbacks hosting perennial Valley powerhouse Harlingen at Richard Thompson Stadium on Friday, August 30 at 7:30 pm.

Overall the Diamondbacks play four non-district games to get ready for their first district game.

Pioneer went 2-2 in those games last year against some good teams, (Harlingen,

Juarez-Lincoln, Mission, Brownsville Rivera) and Lee stressed their importance.

“We feel each (non-district) opponent will give us something a little different that will help us going into district,” he said. “We want to win those games but our main goal is to get our kids prepared and get a lot of them the opportunity to play.

That is going to benefit us going into district.”

Pioneer opens district play on Friday, October 4 at Mercedes.

PIONEER FOOTBALL

(in the playoffs).

The sixth year program has never advanced past the first round of the playoffs in their previous three trips and Garcia added that was something he and the other seniors on the team hoped to be the first to do.

Lee thinks he has the team to do that and more.

“That’s (a playoff victory) a small goal for us,” said Lee. “We want to win more than one playoff game. We feel we have a good enough team to make a good run if we stay healthy.”

The Diamondbacks should benefit with the return of Marburger. The junior saw plenty of time on the field last year despite playing behind 2018 district MVP Jacob Rosales. Rosales graduated and Marburger is ready for the role.

“It’s very humbling,” said

Marburger. “I think it (last year) will carry over well.

I’m more prepared. I feel very confident with the team we have.”

Lee spoke very highly of his quarterback. “He (Marburger) threw for about 1,100 yards and ran for about 300 yards last year. He played in eight of our eleven games. He even played corner one game. He won’t feel the pressure a brand new quarterback might feel. It’s really going to benefit us.”

A number of other players talked about how having so many familiar faces around to start the season would also be a plus.

Lindo spoke on that returning experience. “That will help us. We’re already used to the atmosphere. We already know what is expected. We already know how to deal with situa-

For the latest news and updates

page 10 CITY OF ALTON ORDINANCE 2019-11-0723

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALTON, TEXAS, (“CITY”) APPROVING A NEGOTIATED RESOLUTION BETWEEN THE CITY AND TEXAS GAS SERVICE (“TGS” OR “THE COMPANY”) REGARDING THE COMPANY’S APRIL 30, 2019 COST OF SERVICE ADJUSTMENT (“COSA”) FILING; DECLARING EXISTING RATES TO BE UNREASONABLE; ADOPTING NEW TARIFFS THAT REFLECT RATE ADJUSTMENTS CONSISTENT WITH THE NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT AND FINDING THE RATES TO BE SET BY THE ATTACHED TARIFFS TO BE JUST AND REASONABLE; PROVIDING FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE CITY’S AND TGS’ REASONABLE AND NECESSARY RATE CASE EXPENSES; ADOPTING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; DETERMINING THAT THIS ORDINANCE WAS PASSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS ACT; DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; REPEALING ANY PRIOR ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT WITH THIS ORDINANCE AND REQUIRING DELIVERY OF THIS ORDINANCE TO THE COMPANY’S AND THE CITY’S LEGAL COUNSEL. READ, APPROVED, AND PASSED on this the 23rd day of July, 2019.

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

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For the latest news and updates

Plus Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) available are:

• Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources • Texas Association of Future Educators • Architecture and Construction (TAFE) • Arts, A/V Technology and Communications • Business Professionals of America (BPA) • Business, Management and Administration • Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) • Education and Training • Family, Career & Community Leaders of • Finance America (FCCLA) • Health Science • Future Farmers of America (FFA) • Hospitality and Tourism • Health Occupations Students of America • Human Services (HOSA) • Information Technology • SkillsUSA • Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security • Technology Student Association (TSA) • Manufacturing • Distributive Education Clubs of America • Marketing (DECA) • Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics • Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Admission to these programs is based on interest, grade level of student and program availability.

It is the policy of La Joya ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap in its vocational programs, services, or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

It is the policy of La Joya ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

La Joya I.S.D. will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.

For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Ricardo M. Villarreal at 200 W. Expressway 83, La Joya, Texas 78560, (956) 3232609, and/or the Section 504/ Dyslexia/ RtI Director, Rosey M. Romo at 200 W. Expressway 83, La Joya, TX 78560, (956) 323-2653.

Notificación Publica Antidiscriminatoria en Programas Vocacionales Agencia de Educación de Texas División de la Educación Profesional y Técnica (CTE) El distrito escolar de La Joya ofrece programas vocacionales en:

• Agricultura alimento y recursos naturales • Arquitectura y construcción • Artes, technologià de video audio y

comunicaciones • Negocios y administración de empresas • Educación y entrenamiento • Finanzas • Ciencias de la salud • Hospitalidad y turismo • Servicios humanos • Technología informática • Ley, seguridad pública y correctiva • Industria • Mercadeo • Ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería y matemàticas • Distribución de transporte y logística

Local vigil calls for unity following deadly mass shootings

By Jose De Leon III

Public Notification of Nondiscrimination in Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs Texas Education Agency Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) La Joya ISD offers Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs in:

August 9, 2019

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También se ofrece la oportunidad para ser miembro de organizaciones para estudiantes (CTSOs) como lo indican las siglas en inglés.

Las organizaciones vocacionales son: • Asociación de Texas para futuros educadores (TAFE) • Profesionales en negocios de América (BPA) • Líderes del futuro de negocios de América (FBLA) • Líderes de profesiones, familia y comunidades de América (FCCLA) • Futuros agriculturos y ganaderos de América (FFA) • Estudiantes de ocupaciones de la salud de América (HOSA) • Destrezas estados unidos de América (SkillsUSA) • Asociación de estudiantes en tecnologiá (TSA) • Club de educación distributivos de América (DECA)

La admisión a estos programas se basa en el interés, grado que cursa el estudiante y la disponibilidad del programa.

Es norma del distrito escolar de La Joya la de no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, o impedimento físico o mental, en sus programas, servicios o actividades vocacionales, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de derechos civiles establecida en el año 1964, según la enmienda; El Título IX de las enmiendas en la educación de 1972 y la Sección 504 de la Ley de rehabilitación de 1973, según la enmienda.

Es norma del distrito escolar de La Joya la de no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, impedimento físico o mental, o edad, en sus procedimientos de empleo, tal como lo requiere el Título VI de la Ley de derechos civiles del año 1964, según enmienda; el Título IX de las enmiendas en la educación, del año 1972, la ley de discriminación por edad de 1975, según las enmiendas y la Sección 504 de la ley de rehabilitación de 1973, según la enmienda.

El distrito escolar de La Joya tomará las medidas necesarias para asegurar que la falta de habilidad en el uso del inglés no sea un obstáculo para la admisión y participación en todos los programas educativos y vocacionales.

Para más información sobre sus derechos o procedimientos para establecer quejas, favor de comunícarse con el Asistente de Superintendente para los Servicios Estudiantiles, el Sr. Ricardo M. Villarreal en la dirección, 200 W. Expressway 83, de la ciudad de La Joya, Texas 78560, (956) 3232609, y/o la Directora de la Sección 504/ Dyslexia/ RtI, la Sra. Rosey M. Romo en la dirección, 200 W. Expressway 83, de la ciudad de La Joya, Texas 78560, (956) 323-2653.

When Mission resident Laura Gonzalez first heard of the deadly mass shooting in El Paso that killed more than 20 people last weekend, her heart felt heavy.

“I had to pull over the side of the road to compose myself before calling family and friends who still live in the area,” Gonzalez, a native of El Paso said. “Even though they were safe, on the drive home I was crying anyway.

My heart felt heavy at what happened.

Last Saturday, more than 30 people were killed in two different shootings in El Paso and Dayton, Ohio over a 24 hour period. In response to the shooting Gonzalez-who runs the Lorretto at Mission bistro-attended a vigil in McAllen alongside her husband, employees and nearly 50 other people from around the Valley.

“I was born in Juarez and raised in El Paso and have always identified as an El Pasoan my whole life,” Gonzalez said. “When I heard about the tragedies, it was surreal. I thought it could never happen to my community. This senseless massacre could’ve happened here, we are the same demographic as El Paso.”

The interfaith vigil, which was hosted by La Union del Pueblo Entero, had several religious leaders speaking to the community while counselors from Hope Family Center and Mariposa Wellness were on standby for any family members who needed counseling.

“It’s an important moment for us to connect what we feel around these tragedies that continue to happen and find ways to take action to make our country a more inclusive, loving and welcoming society,” LUPE spokesperson John Michael Torres explained.

Gonzalez, who carried a sign with the hashtag “#ElPasoStrong,” said the vigil served as a call to action for the community to ensure another tragedy doesn’t take place.

“I completely believe prayers and thoughts are appreciated, but we need to put that into action,” Gonzalez said. “Otherwise it’s just a bandaid on the wound. We

need to think about how we want our local leaders, senators and even the president, to act following something like this. We can do that. Everyone plays a part in how our communities are run.”

IDEOLOGY The El Paso shooting is being investigated as a hate crime after the shooter published a manifesto against immigrants before the attack, according to the nonpartisan political newspaper The Hill.

The attack against immigrants is one that LUPE officials say makes the community feel like they have a target on their backs.

“The vile ideology of white supremacy is behind these tragic deaths and we must recognize the moment we are in and cannot allow hate to spread,” Torres said.

“We know love is stronger than hate. We have to put that love into action to spread love, inclusion and acceptance to our society in large or small ways.”

To get attendees more involved in the community, LUPE had a signing booth at the vigil to register residents to vote. The Valley, according to LUPE Coordinator Tania Chavez, has historically low voter turnout.

“We need to take action for the community and voting is the best way to do that,” Chavez said. “Only four out of ten people vote in a general election and only half of that vote in a regular election. So when only 20 to 40 percent of people registered to vote turnout, not everyone’s voice is being heard.”

According to Paulette Gindler, a Lay Leader at the Edinburg Temple Emanuel, many people turn to religion following a tragedy. The vigil provided the community an outlet to find spiritual comfort, she said.

“It’s hard to understand why horrible things happen and I don’t know if it’s for us to understand,” Gindler said. “But in times like this, many people do turn to their faith. It brings comfort. It reminds them why unity is so important. It’s like Noah’s Ark. We’re all in the same boat together and we might as well get along to work toward peace.”

Shakeup at La Joya City Hall spawns rumors about political retaliation

By Dave Hendricks The city of La Joya fired Finance Director Gregoria Jackson and forced Fire Chief Frankie Joe Salinas to resign last week.

La Joya abruptly fired Gregoria Jackson on July 29, when the city eliminated her position. A policewoman escorted her from the building.

“As far as we’re concerned, she was a loyal employee for six years,” said her brother, former City Attorney Roberto Jackson. “Stellar job performance. No demerits.

No complaints in her file. And the basis for her termination?

It doesn’t hold any weight.

Basically, they stated that her position was being eliminated.”

City Manager Jacqueline Bazan also forced Fire Chief Frankie Joe Salinas to resign after just nine months on the job.

Bazan apparently became concerned that Frankie Joe Salinas couldn’t juggle the La Joya fire chief position and his full-time job with the Edinburg Volunteer Fire Department.

The La Joya City Commission, however, knew that Frankie Joe Salinas worked in Edinburg when he took the job. La Joya can’t afford to pay a full-time fire chief and doesn’t offer benefits.

Faced with the prospect of termination, Frankie Joe Salinas agreed to resign. He’ll remain on the job until Aug. 15.

Bazan didn’t respond to requests for comment. Mayor Jose A. “Fito” Salinas didn’t return phone calls requesting comment.

Another key city administrator, Public Works Director Elizandro De La Rosa, also quit last week. After rethinking the decision, he returned to work.

The management shakeup may supercharge the November 2018 mayoral campaign.

Gregoria Jackson’s brother, Roberto Jackson, is a prominent supporter of former police Chief Isidro Casanova, who is running against Mayor Salinas.

Rumors spread that Gregoria Jackson lost her job because of politics.

“There’s something going on that just isn’t right,” Casanova said, adding that morale is low at City Hall. “And, of course, all that affects the services provided to the citizens of La Joya.”

Casanova questioned how the city of La Joya could function without a finance director.

“I mean, who is going to be handling the books now?”

Casanova said.

Jaime Gaitan, a former state trooper who is also running for mayor, agreed with Casanova.

“So they don’t need a finance director anymore? How is that possible?” Gaitan said.

“That’s a lame excuse, if you ask me. They need a finance director. There’s no way the city can run without one.”

City employees shouldn’t be hired or fired based on who they support politically, Gaitan said, adding that he hoped the decision wasn’t made for political reasons.

“It’s pretty sad if it is, because that’s not the right thing to do,” Gaitan said. “And they don’t have basis, legally, to do that.”

The resignation of Frankie Joe Salinas also spawned rumors.

Casanova said he heard a rumor that Frankie Joe Salinas had been forced to resign because he fired the mayor’s grandson from the La Joya Volunteer Fire Department.

Gaitan said that wouldn’t surprise him.

“Do I put it past them? No, I don’t,” Gaitan said. “Because that’s the type of people that I know that they are.”

August 9, 2019

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Active shooter protocols discussed at latest DHR conference

By Jose De Leon III With school shootings happening every month in the United States, school administrators and local law enforcement officials need to work together to reduce the risk of another deadly shooting.

That’s according to Philip J. Resnick, a psychiatrist who served as the keynote speaker at a conference last week meant to encourage dialogue on school shootings.

Resnick has served as a consultant on many high profile cases including serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, the Unabomber Theodore Kaczyncski, Casey Anthony and James Holmes.

“In terms of risk of death, school shootings are a minor part of people being killed,” Resnick said. “When they

occur, however, they are dramatic. They induce fear as totally innocent children are killed. When I was in school we only had fire drills to worry about. Now 95 percent of schools across the country have active shooter drills in case something happens.”

Resnick spoke at the conference “Active Threat, Active Shooter: When Despair Turns to Anger, on the Path to Violence Symposium” at the Edinburg Conference Center Wednesday, July 31.

During Resnick’s 70-minute long presentation, the psychiatrist presented to attendees-mostly made up of local law enforcement officials and school administratorswith facts and statistics on school shooters.

The conference took place in the middle of week bookended by deadly mass

shootings that killed 34 people in El Paso and Dayton, Ohio within a 24 hour period days after the conference and in a northern California festival on Sunday, July 28.

Sunday’s shooting in Dayton is the 22nd mass killing of 2019 in the U.S., according to the Associated Press.

Following Resnick’s speech, a panel composed of four other local professionals participated in a Q&A discussion to go over his presentation. Other presentations that occurred that day included a discussion on teens and cyber crimes, bullying and the importance of bystanders to know basic first aid to assist in a bleeding emergency before first responders arrive.

According to Resnick, though no useful profile on

a school shooter exists, all school shootings have been committed by boys enrolled in the school with 75 percent of them saying they were victims of bullying.

Most have no criminal record and don’t “snap,” which Resnick says is a misconception that springs up by media outlets to describe shooters.

Instead, shooters often plan their attacks as far as a year in advance and display an interest in school attacks, suicidal impulses and a “wish to solve an unbearable problem.”

Because of the increase in school shootings, the Texas Legislature approved House Bill 2195 and House Bill 496. HB 2195 which requires school districts to create emergency policies to an active shooter and a threat assessment team to investi-

gate potential threats. The other bill requires bleeding control stations to be established in all public schools, with students in the seventh grade and higher trained annually in the use of tourniquets, chest seals, compression bandages and gauze dressings.

These bills are set to go into effect September 1.

“Most first responders arrive at the scene in five minutes. A school shooting usually lasts three minutes,” Resnick said. “It is important to be as proactive as possible because sometimes, the actions of bystanders stepping in can prevent another death.”

Echoing Resnick’s point was Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Deputy Ricardo Garcia, who routinely trains school administrators on safety pro-

tocols.

“We need to step it up and understand these incidents have been happening for a long time,” Garcia said. “People are in need of medical attention and we can’t as a society rely solely on first responders. We will get there, but you’re already there. We need you to prepare for our arrival.”

Other panelists included county District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez, Hidalgo County Judge Renee Betancourt and Mercedes ISD Superintendent Carolyn Mendiola. All five panel members stressed the importance of a working relationship between the community and law enforcement.

“This is the reality, we can’t turn a blind eye to it,” Mendiola said. “It’s important for us to pay attention

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PUBLIC NOTICE

The City of Alton will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at the City Hall Legislative Chambers located at 509 S. Alton Boulevard to consider the following request: Si desea información en español, llame al departamento de Planeación de la Ciudad de Alton, (956) 432-0760.

CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT: Sylvia Cruz, d.b.a. La Tienda, is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to obtain a Wine and Beer Retailer’s Off-Premise Permit at 2201 W. Main Avenue, also legally described as Lot 5, Hill-Top Subdivision, Alton, Hidalgo County, Texas.

The public is invited to attend or file written support for or opposition to this application by 12:00 noon on August 27, 2019, for the Planning and Zoning and the City Commission.

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For questions please call Janie Flores, City of Alton Planning Department at (956) 432-0760.

2 Weeks = $10 4 Weeks = $14

SHERIFF’S SALE REAL PROPERTY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That by virtue of a certain Writ of Execution/ Order of Sale Cause No. C-4604-17-F issued out of the Honorable 332nd District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas on the 11th day of July 2019, and styled HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION OF CIMARRON, INC., Plaintiff(s) VS Jorge Alarcon, Defendant(s) for the sum of Four Thousand One Hundred Seventy Four Dollars Seventy Nine Cents ($4,174.79), before a credit of One Thousand Five Hundred Seventy Seven Dollars Eighteen Cents ($1,577.18) for payments made (actual damages of Seven Hundred Sixty Seven Dollars Seventy Two Cents ($767.72); Attorney’s fees in the amount of Two Thousand Sixty Seven Dollars Ninety Eight Cents ($2,067.98); Court cost of Three Hundred Fifteen Dollars Eighty Seven Cents ($315.87); service fees of One Hundred Ninety Dollars No Cents ($190.00); for post judgment interest from December 4, 2018, through the anticipated foreclosure date of September 3, 2019, in the amount of Eighty Three Dollars Twenty Two Cents ($83.22); and Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars No Cents ($750.00) in Attorney fees for the projected cost of handling the foreclosure, together with the Sheriff’s fees, under Judgment in favor of HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION OF CIMARRON, INC. and placed in my hands for service on JULY 18, 2019, I, J.E. “Eddie” Guerra, as Sheriff of Hidalgo County, Texas, did on the 29th day of July 2019, levy on certain Real Property, situated in Hidalgo County, Texas, described as follows, to-wit: 2124 SABINAL STREET, MISSION, TEXAS 78572, AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED AS LOT 20, BLOCK 6, CIMARRON COUNTRY CLUB SUBDIVISION, SECTION-2, PHASE-1, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS. And levied upon as the property of JORGE ALARCON and that on the first Tuesday in the month of September 2019, the same being the 3rd day of said month, at 2802 South Business Highway 281, Hidalgo County Administrative Building, Edinburg, Texas, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by virtue of said levy and said Writ of Execution/ Order of sale, I will sell said above real estate at public venue, for cash, to the highest bidder, as the property of JORGE ALARCON, and in compliance with the law, I give this notice by publication, in the English Language, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks immediately proceeding said day of sale, in The Progress Times a Newspaper in Hidalgo County, Texas.

Witness my hand on this 30th day of July 2019

page 12

August 9, 2019

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Man who pleaded guilty in La Plaza Mall Hidalgo County commissioner, 4 mayors robbery sentenced to 25 years in prison demand apology for ‘unethical and libelous comments’ he gets deported regardless

By Dave Hendricks A man who robbed the Deutsch & Deutsch jewelry store at La Plaza Mall last year, a poorly planned heist that made national news, received a 25-year prison sentence Thursday.

State District Judge Israel Ramon Jr. sentenced Brayan Oliver Melchor, 24, of Mexico City to 25 years in prison.

Melchor and six other men — all Mexican citizens — smashed the Deutsch & Deutsch display cases with sledge hammers. Police arrested them moments later.

Many shoppers mistook the sound of breaking glass for gunshots.

“There was mass panic when this robbery occurred,” said Assistant District Attorney Lauren Sepulveda, who addressed the court at sentencing.

After they shattered the display cases, the robbers filled six white pillowcases with Rolex watches, diamonds and jewelry. McAllen Police Department investigators valued the items at about $2.6 million, according to a report filed with the Hidalgo County District Clerk’s Office.

The robbery also caused about $900,000 in damage to Deutsch & Deutsch, according to Sepulveda. Insurance covered all but $10,000.

Brayan Melchor (Photo courtesy of the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office)

Melchor and another man indicted after the La Plaza Mall robbery, Abner Zepeda Posos, committed a similar heist in Los Angeles during June 2015.

Concerned that Melchor posed a threat to public safety, Sepulveda requested a 35year prison sentence.

Melchor had pleaded guilty to five counts of aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony. He faced 5 to 99 years in prison.

Attorney Lennard Whittaker, who represented Melchor, suggested a 15year sentence. He argued that Melchor didn’t pose a threat to public safety.

“And the end of this story,

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of whatever the sentence is,” Whittaker said, questioning whether or not taxpayers should pay to keep Melchor in prison.

After the Los Angeles robbery, the government deported him, Sepulveda said.

Melchor had the opportunity to stay in Mexico, where he wasn’t a danger to anyone in the United States.

“And yet he returned illegally and committed the exact same crime over again,” Sepulveda said.

Melchor claimed that someone, who he didn’t identify, had coerced him to participate in the robbery.

“I did it because I was threatened,” Melchor said through a translator. He asked for another opportunity.

Ramon, the judge who is presiding over all seven cases that resulted from the La Plaza Mall robbery, admonished him.

Melchor received a second chance after the Los Angeles robbery, Ramon said, which resulted in a short prison sentence and relatively quick deportation.

Ramon handed down a 25-year prison sentence.

He also assessed a $5,000 fine and ordered Melchor, together with the other defendants, to pay $10,000 in restitution.

Another defendant in the case, Miguel Cardenas Quintanilla, received a 14-year prison sentence Thursday.

By Dave Hendricks

When flames ripped through five buildings in western Hidalgo County last month, a member of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection posted about the blaze on Facebook.

“This should not have happened, why did you ignore the neighbors plea to save the children? Why weren’t the tanks filled with water?” wrote Arminda “Mindy” Garza, 26, of Mission, a member of the state Commission on Fire Protection. “& To The Fire Department of Penitas, I’m more than disappointed in you!

Where the hell were you?”

Rumors about the July 21 blaze, which killed an 11-year-old girl in a rural neighborhood near Palmview, spread rapidly on Facebook.

Faced with questions from the community and criticism from a member of the Commission on Fire Protection, local firefighters called a news conference to set the record straight.

They had water. They attempted to save the girl. And firefighters from Peñitas, who covered for neighboring departments while they responded to the blaze, were involved in a car crash that day.

Officials also contacted

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Gov. Greg Abbott on July 31, asking him to review Garza’s conduct.

“We respectfully ask that an inquiry be made, and Commissioner Garza be held accountable for her actions,” according to the letter, which is signed

by Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Commissioner Joe Flores, Mission Mayor Armando “Doc” O’caña, Palmview Mayor Rick Villarreal, Alton Mayor Salvador Vela and Peñitas Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Lopez. “We also ask for a public apology for the unethical and libelous comments made by Commissioner Garza, whom people perceive as a public servant.

The apology should be to the agencies involved and to the families who were affected, especially those who are still grieving the loss of a loved one.”

The governor appointed Garza, a local businesswoman, to serve on the 13-member Commission on Fire Protection in January.

Garza had campaigned for justice of the peace as a Republican in November 2018 but lost to Juan Jose “J.J.” Peña, a member of the La Joya school board. In a news release, the governor described Garza as a “tax preparer for A&A Electronic Tax Services and guest speaker at The University

of Texas of the Rio Grande Valley.”

Garza frequently posts on Facebook, sharing photos of herself with local firefighters.

“As your State Commissioner of Fire Protection, it is my responsibility to ask hard questions, to help ensure and encourage future fire safety across the State, especially in my own backyard. My priority is to serve the people and not the interest of local politicians,” Garza wrote in a Facebook post. “I’m a public servant not a politician, I’m concerned about our people not political chisme. State oversight can sometimes seem intimidating to people in our local government or people who are afraid of responsibility. Especially the local politicians fearing that bad press will prevent them from being reelected.”

Told about the letter, Garza stood by her comments.

“I’m not going to apologize for what I said,” Garza said. “They need to apologize to the people.”

Garza, who is supporting businessman Everardo “Ever” Villarreal against Flores in the March 2020 primary, also said she believes the letter may be politically motivated.

“It’s not going to change who I am supporting,” Garza said. “Especially now.”

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